Efficacy of antiandrogens in androgen receptor-positive triple-negative metastatic breast cancer: Real-life data

Antiandrogens (AA) have been tested in clinical trials in androgen receptor (AR) + triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We aim to assess the clinical benefit rate (CBR) of AA in real life. The primary end-point was CBR at 6 months. Twenty-four patients were assessable and received: abiraterone acetate (62 %), enzalutamide (8 %) and bicalutamide (30 %). CBR at 6 months was 29 % (7/24) with 2 CR, 3 PR and 2 SD. Four patients had a clinical benefit >12 months. Real-life efficacy of AA use in metastatic AR + TNBC are in line with data from published trials.

Upregulation of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 in Tumor Cells and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures is a Hallmark of Inflamed Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Overexpression of the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) has been reported in several tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and has been shown to promote tumor-immune evasion and inhibit T-cell activation through increased tryptophan degradation and the production of several immunosuppressive metabolites collectively known as kynurenines. However, it remains unclear whether IDO1 expression by tumor cells is detrimental specifically in the context of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis blockade.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We analyzed the transcriptome of 891 NSCLC tumor samples from patients enrolled in two large randomized clinical trials investigating the safety and activity of atezolizumab, a humanized IgG1 mAb that targets PD-L1, versus docetaxel in patients with advanced NSCLC. We complemented these transcriptomics results at the protein level by using multiplex immunofluorescence and at the functional level with in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The increased expression of the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme IDO1 was significantly associated with improved objective response, progression-free survival, and overall survival in patients treated with PD-L1 inhibitors, but not in those treated with chemotherapy. Strikingly, inflamed tumors had higher levels of IDO1, and IDO1 was also expressed in tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) by mature follicular dendritic cells. L-kynurenine impaired the differentiation of antibody-producing B cells induced by follicular helper T (Tfh)/B-cell interactions, a hallmark process within TLS.

CONCLUSIONS

IDO1 pathway in NSCLC is driven by the immune system rather than by tumor cells. Targeting IDO1 in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 might be beneficial only in patients with inflamed tumors and particularly in those bearing TLS.

Full analysis from AVENANCE: A real-world study of avelumab first-line (1L) maintenance treatment in patients (pts) with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC)

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Background: In the phase 3 JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial, avelumab 1L maintenance + best supportive care (BSC) significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) vs BSC alone in pts with aUC that had not progressed with 1L platinum-based chemotherapy (CTx). The JAVELIN Bladder regimen is now standard of care with level 1 evidence in international treatment guidelines. The AVENANCE study (NCT04822350), is investigating the efficacy and safety of avelumab 1L maintenance in a real-world population of pts with aUC in France. Data from the full analysis set are reported for the first time. Methods: In this ongoing, noninterventional, ambispective study, eligible pts have locally advanced or metastatic UC that has not progressed with 1L platinum-based CTx and previous, ongoing, or planned avelumab 1L maintenance treatment. The primary endpoint is OS from start of avelumab; secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), duration of treatment (DOT), and safety. Results: 591 pts received avelumab. At data cutoff (July 31, 2022), median follow-up was 12.0 mo (95% CI, 10.9-12.9). Median age was 73.1 y (IQR, 67.0-78.1). At start of 1L CTx (excluding pts with missing data), disease stage was metastatic in 524 pts (90.5%; visceral metastases in 426 [81.5%]) and locally advanced in 54 (9.3%). ECOG PS was 0-1 in 407 pts (85.3%) and 2-3 in 69 (14.5%). Tumor histology was pure UC in 528 pts (91.8%) and UC with variant or pure variant in 47 (8.2%). 1L CTx was gemcitabine + carboplatin (GemCarbo), gemcitabine + cisplatin (GemCis), dose-dense methotrexate + vinblastine + adriamycin + cisplatin (DD-MVAC), and other in 353 (61.0%), 170 (29.4%), 28 (4.8%), and 28 (4.8%) pts, respectively. Median number of cycles was 5 (range, 1-10). Median DOT with avelumab was 5.8 mo (95% CI, 5.2-7.0); 241 pts (40.8%) remained on treatment at data cutoff. The most common reasons for treatment discontinuation were disease progression (74.1% [n=258]), death (11.5% [n=40]), and adverse events ([AEs] 10.3% [n=36]). Median OS from start of avelumab was 18.4 mo (95% CI, 15.4-not estimable [NE]), the 12-month OS rate was 64.8% (95% CI, 60.0%-69.1%), and median PFS was 5.7 mo (95% CI, 5.3-7.0). In pts who had received GemCarbo, GemCis, or DD-MVAC, median OS (95% CI) was 16.2 mo (13.4-NE), not reached (NR; 18.1-NE), and NR (15.2-NE), respectively. Subgroups analyses will be presented. 218 pts received subsequent 2L, including CTx, antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy, and other in 186 (85.3%), 22 (10.1%), 6 (2.8%), and 4 (1.8%) pts, respectively. Any-grade treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) occurred in 217 pts (36.7%), including serious TRAEs in 29 (4.9%). Conclusions: Real-world data for avelumab 1L maintenance in pts with aUC from AVENANCE support the findings of JAVELIN Bladder 100 and confirm the clinical activity and acceptable safety profile of avelumab in a heterogeneous population. Clinical trial information: NCT04822350 .

Identification of super-exhausted T cells: A novel population predictive of response to immunotherapy

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Background: Given that most of cancer patients treated with anti-PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) do not derive benefit, there is a crucial need to identify reliable predictive biomarker of response. Besides PD-1, several key immune checkpoints, such as CTLA4, LAG3, TIM3 and TIGIT, are associated with a T cell exhausted phenotype and play a crucial role in leading to cancer immune evasion. The impact of simultaneous expression by T cells of distinct inhibitory receptors on outcome of patients treated with ICB is still unknown. Methods: We analyzed the tissue samples, collected before ICB initiation, from patients with solid tumors and included in an institutional molecular profiling program (NCT02534649). We used multiplexed-immunohistofluorescence with the following panel CD3/PD1/TIM3/LAG3/TIGIT/CTLA4, and performed immune cell characterization using multispectral images analysis. We then investigated the correlation between coexpression of T cell-associated exhaustion markers, clinical response rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Four hundred thirty five patients were included in the analysis (NSCLC: n=207, 47.6%; sarcoma: n=42, 9.7%; urothelial: n=30, 6.9%; others: n=156, 35.9%). Digital pathology analysis allowed us to identify a population of “super-exhausted” T cells characterized by the co-expression of PD1, LAG3, TIGIT and TIM3 which was enriched in 125 cases (28.7%), and was significantly associated with better PFS (HR 1.60, CI95 1.26-2.04, p<0.001) and OS (HR 1.42, CI95 1.07-1.89, p=0.016) in the whole cohort. Patients with super-exhausted high tumors had higher objective response rate (38.4%) compared to super-exhausted low tumors (19.7%, p<0.001). The presence of super-exhausted T cells was significantly higher in responders (10%) versus non responders (4%, p<0.001). Correlation with better outcome was observed whatever the subgroup considered (NSCLC vs other tumors, CD8 T cells density and presence of tertiary lymphoid structure [TLS]). In multivariate analysis (n=372, 85.5%), increased tumor infiltration by super-exhausted T cells (>1 %) was significantly associated with better PFS (HR 0.61, CI95 0.46-0.81, p<0.001, Table) and OS (HR 0.68, CI95 0.48-0.97, p=0.033, Table). Conclusions: The presence of super-exhausted T cells may represent a new predictive biomarker of response to ICB and pave the way for the development of effective ICB combinations. Data from an independent validation cohort will be presented at the meeting. [Table: see text]

Real-life data of antiandrogens (AA) use in metastatic androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer (AR+ TNBC): The ATOVAT retrospective French cohort

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Background: AR+ TNBC account for around 25% of all TNBC. Identification of those patients is difficult since AR expression (IHC) testing is not routinely recommended. Published data of 3 trials using different antiandrogens (AA) found clinical benefit rates (CBR) at 6 months ranging from 19 to 29% with excellent toxicity profiles. The aim of this retrospective trial was to assess the clinical benefit of AA in real life. Methods: Patients with metastatic AR+ (IHC staining > 10% assessed by local laboratories) TNBC treated with an antiandrogen in metastatic setting were eligible. Patients should have received at least one dose of the following AA: abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide or bicalutamide. Antiandrogens had to be given after documented progression and must not be carried out as part of a clinical trial. Patients could be chemotherapy naïve for their metastatic disease or have received any number of previous line. 30 oncology centers involved in clinical research in France were screened by questionnaire and data were collected in each patient files. The aim was to describe the 6-months CBR and safety in real-life patients. Assessable patients received at least 4 weeks of AA and present at least one disease assessment. Results: 26 patients from 5 French sites were deemed eligible and 24 patients were assessable. Treatment were conducted between January 2002 and January 2021. Median age at initiation of AA was 70 years (range 50-90). 50 % (N = 13) presented liver and/or lung mets and 27% (N = 7) non progressing and non-symptomatic cerebral mets. Median number of previous line of chemotherapy was 3 (range 0-10). AA used were: abiraterone acetate (62%), enzalutamide (8%) and bicalutamide (30%). Median time from mets diagnosis to AA treatment initiation was 18 months (range 0-168). 6-months CBR were 29% (N = 7) with 5 objective responses (2 CR, 3 PR) and 2 SD. 4-months CBR were 33% (N = 8). PFS and OS were 3.2 months (0.8- 36.1) and 9.5 (1.3-63.8) months, respectively. 2 pts further received second line AA with 1 with SD as a best response. 57% (4/7) of patients presenting 6-months clinical benefit received AA in first line versus 18% (3/17).There were no grade 3 or more side effects reported. Conclusions: Real-life data of antiandrogens use in metastatic AR+ TNBC are in line with data from published clinical trials using the same drugs. There were no new safety signal in this retrospective cohort supporting the use of antiandrogens in AR+ (> 10%) TNBC in the absence of other therapeutic opportunity or available clinical trials.

Spatial transcriptomics of macrophage infiltration in non-small cell lung cancer reveals determinants of sensitivity and resistance to anti-PD1/PD-L1 antibodies

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) having immunosuppressive properties are one of the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Preclinical studies have highlighted the potential role of TAMs in resistance to immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). Here, we investigated the predictive value of TAM infiltration in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICBs and characterized their transcriptomic profiles.

METHODS

Tumor samples were collected from 152 patients with NSCLC before ICB treatment onset. After immunohistochemical staining and image analysis, the correlation between CD163+ cell infiltration and survival was analyzed. Spatial transcriptomic analyses were performed using the NanoString GeoMx Immune Pathways assay to compare the gene expression profile of tumors with high or low levels of CD163+ cell infiltration and to identify determinants of response to ICBs in tumors with high CD163+ infiltration.

RESULTS

Low intratumoral CD163+ cell infiltration was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS; HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.94, p=0.023) and overall survival (OS; HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.80, p=0.004) under ICB treatment. Spatial transcriptomic profiles of 16 tumors revealed the upregulation of ITGAM, CD27, and CCL5 in tumors with high CD163+ cell infiltration. Moreover, in tumors with high macrophage infiltration, the upregulation of genes associated with the interferon-γ signaling pathway and the M1 phenotype was associated with better responses under immunotherapy. Surprisingly, we found also a significantly higher expression of CSF1R in the tumors of responders. Analysis of three independent data sets confirmed that high CSF1R expression was associated with an increased durable clinical benefit rate (47% vs 6%, p=0.004), PFS (median 10.89 months vs 1.67 months, p=0.001), and OS (median 23.11 months vs 2.66 months, p<0.001) under ICB treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Enrichment of TAMs in the TME of NSCLC is associated with resistance to immunotherapy regardless of the programmed death ligand 1 status and is driven by upregulation of CD27, ITGAM, and CCL5 gene expression within the tumor compartment. Our transcriptomic analyses identify new potential targets to alter TAM recruitment/polarization and highlight the complexity of the CSF1R pathway, which may not be a suitable target to improve ICB efficacy.

Mature tertiary lymphoid structures predict immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in solid tumors independently of PD-L1 expression

Only a minority of patients derive long-term clinical benefit from anti-PD1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. The presence of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) has been associated with improved survival in several tumor types. Here, using a large-scale retrospective analysis of three independent cohorts of cancer patients treated with anti-PD1/PD-L1 antibodies, we showed that the presence of mature TLS was associated with improved objective response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival independently of PD-L1 expression status and CD8+ T-cell density. These results pave the way for using TLS detection to select patients who are more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint blockade.

Intra-database validation of case-identifying algorithms using reconstituted electronic health records from healthcare claims data

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis performances of case-identifying algorithms developed in healthcare database are usually assessed by comparing identified cases with an external data source. When this is not feasible, intra-database validation can present an appropriate alternative.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate through two practical examples how to perform intra-database validations of case-identifying algorithms using reconstituted Electronic Health Records (rEHRs).

METHODS

Patients with 1) multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses and 2) metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) were identified in the French nationwide healthcare database (SNDS) using two case-identifying algorithms. A validation study was then conducted to estimate diagnostic performances of these algorithms through the calculation of their positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). To that end, anonymized rEHRs were generated based on the overall information captured in the SNDS over time (e.g. procedure, hospital stays, drug dispensing, medical visits) for a random selection of patients identified as cases or non-cases according to the predefined algorithms. For each disease, an independent validation committee reviewed the rEHRs of 100 cases and 100 non-cases in order to adjudicate on the status of the selected patients (true case/ true non-case), blinded with respect to the result of the corresponding algorithm.

RESULTS

Algorithm for relapses identification in MS showed a 95% PPV and 100% NPV. Algorithm for mCRPC identification showed a 97% PPV and 99% NPV.

CONCLUSION

The use of rEHRs to conduct an intra-database validation appears to be a valuable tool to estimate the performances of a case-identifying algorithm and assess its validity, in the absence of alternative.

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte density is associated with favourable outcome in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

The established role of morphological evaluation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. We aimed to determine TIL association with the outcome for ICIs and for chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective study of a nivolumab cohort of 221 patients treated between November 2012 and February 2017 and a chemotherapy cohort of 189 patients treated between June 2009 and October 2016. Patients with available tissue for stromal TIL evaluation were analysed. The presence of a high TIL count (high-TIL) was defined as ≥10% density. The primary end-point was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Among the nivolumab cohort, 64% were male, with median age of 63 years, 82.3% were smokers, 77% had performance status ≤1 and 63% had adenocarcinoma histology. High-TIL was observed in 22% patients and associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.28-0.81) and progression-free survival [PFS] (HR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.25-0.64). Median PFS was 13.0 months (95% CI: 5.0-not reached) with high-TIL versus 2.2 months (95% CI: 1.7-3.0) with the presence of a low TIL count (low-TIL). Median OS for high-TIL was not reached (95% CI: 12.2-not reached) versus 8.4 months (95% CI: 5.0-11.6) in the low-TIL group. High-TIL was associated with the overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) (both, P < .0001). Among the chemotherapy cohort, 69% were male, 89% were smokers, 86% had performance status ≤1 and 90% had adenocarcinoma histology. High-TIL was seen in 37%. Median PFS and OS were 5.7 months (95% CI: 4.9-6.7) and 11.7 months (95% CI: 9.3-13.0), respectively, with no association with TILs.

CONCLUSIONS

High-TIL was associated with favourable outcomes in a real-world immunotherapy cohort of patients with NSCLC, but not with chemotherapy, suggesting that TILs may be useful in selecting patients for immunotherapy.

Durvalumab With or Without Tremelimumab vs Standard Chemotherapy in First-line Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The MYSTIC Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Question

Does first-line durvalumab treatment with or without tremelimumab improve survival outcomes vs chemotherapy in patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer?

Findings

In this phase 3 randomized clinical trial including 1118 patients with non–small cell lung cancer, although the trial did not meet its primary end points, treatment with durvalumab resulted in a numerically reduced risk of death vs chemotherapy in patients with programmed cell death ligand 1 expression on at least 25% of tumor cells. In exploratory analyses, a blood tumor mutational burden threshold of at least 20 mutations per megabase was identified for optimal clinical benefit with durvalumab plus tremelimumab vs chemotherapy.

Meaning

These findings highlight the need for further investigation and prospective validation of blood tumor mutational burden as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy.

Importance

Checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death 1 or its ligand (PD-L1) as monotherapies or in combination with anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 have shown clinical activity in patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer.

Objective

To compare durvalumab, with or without tremelimumab, with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This open-label, phase 3 randomized clinical trial (MYSTIC) was conducted at 203 cancer treatment centers in 17 countries. Patients with treatment-naive, metastatic non–small cell lung cancer who had no sensitizing EGFR or ALK genetic alterations were randomized to receive treatment with durvalumab, durvalumab plus tremelimumab, or chemotherapy. Data were collected from July 21, 2015, to October 30, 2018.

Interventions

Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to receive treatment with durvalumab (20 mg/kg every 4 weeks), durvalumab (20 mg/kg every 4 weeks) plus tremelimumab (1 mg/kg every 4 weeks, up to 4 doses), or platinum-based doublet chemotherapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end points, assessed in patients with ≥25% of tumor cells expressing PD-L1, were overall survival (OS) for durvalumab vs chemotherapy, and OS and progression-free survival (PFS) for durvalumab plus tremelimumab vs chemotherapy. Analysis of blood tumor mutational burden (bTMB) was exploratory.

Results

Between July 21, 2015, and June 8, 2016, 1118 patients were randomized. Baseline demographic and disease characteristics were balanced between treatment groups. Among 488 patients with ≥25% of tumor cells expressing PD-L1, median OS was 16.3 months (95% CI, 12.2-20.8) with durvalumab vs 12.9 months (95% CI, 10.5-15.0) with chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 97.54% CI, 0.56-1.02; P = .04 [nonsignificant]). Median OS was 11.9 months (95% CI, 9.0-17.7) with durvalumab plus tremelimumab (HR vs chemotherapy, 0.85; 98.77% CI, 0.61-1.17; P = .20). Median PFS was 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.8-5.0) with durvalumab plus tremelimumab vs 5.4 months (95% CI, 4.6-5.8) with chemotherapy (HR, 1.05; 99.5% CI, 0.72-1.53; P = .71). Among 809 patients with evaluable bTMB, those with a bTMB ≥20 mutations per megabase showed improved OS for durvalumab plus tremelimumab vs chemotherapy (median OS, 21.9 months [95% CI, 11.4-32.8] vs 10.0 months [95% CI, 8.1-11.7]; HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32-0.74). Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 55 (14.9%) of 369 patients who received treatment with durvalumab, 85 (22.9%) of 371 patients who received treatment with durvalumab plus tremelimumab, and 119 (33.8%) of 352 patients who received treatment with chemotherapy. These adverse events led to death in 2 (0.5%), 6 (1.6%), and 3 (0.9%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

The phase 3 MYSTIC study did not meet its primary end points of improved OS with durvalumab vs chemotherapy or improved OS or PFS with durvalumab plus tremelimumab vs chemotherapy in patients with ≥25% of tumor cells expressing PD-L1. Exploratory analyses identified a bTMB threshold of ≥20 mutations per megabase for optimal OS benefit with durvalumab plus tremelimumab.

Trial Registration

ClinicalT rials.gov Identifier: NCT02453282

Comparison of Fast-Progression, Hyperprogressive Disease, and Early Deaths in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated With PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors or Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD), fast progression (FP), and early death (ED) have been described in 13.8%, 4.7%, and 5.6% and in 5.1%, 2.8%, and 6.8%, respectively, of patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with single-agent programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors (ICI) or chemotherapy, respectively. Whether FP/ED and HPD represent overlapping patterns is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

FP, ED, and HPD were retrospectively assessed in patients with NSCLC treated with single-agent ICI or chemotherapy. Eligibility required 2 computed tomography (CT) scans before and 1 CT scan during treatment. (1) HPD, (2) FP, (3) ED were defined as (1) RECIST version 1.1 progression at first CT scan and tumor growth rate variation per month > 50%, (2) ≥ 50% increase in the sum of the longest diameters of target lesions within 6 weeks from baseline, and (3) death as a result of radiologic progression within 12 weeks from baseline CT scan, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 406 ICI-treated NSCLC, 56 patients (13.8%), 9 patients (2.2%), and 36 patients (8.8%) were HPD, FP, and ED, respectively. Eight (14.2%) and 20 (35.7%) of 56 patients with HPD were also FP and ED. ED significantly correlated with baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 2 compared with HPD (33% v 13%, P = .02). Overall survival was significantly longer for HPD (3.4 months [95% CI, 2.7 to 4.0 months]) compared with FP (0.7 months [95% CI, 0.6 to 0.8 months]); HR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.08 to 0.42]; P < .0001) and ED (1.4 months [95% CI, 1.3 to 1.6 months]); HR, 0.19 [95% CI, 0.11 to 0.34]); P < .0001), whereas it did not differ between FP and ED (HR, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.56 to 3.0]; P = .55). Of 59 patients with NSCLC treated with single-agent chemotherapy, the HPD, FP, and ED rates were 5.1%, 1.7%, and 6.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

FP, ED, and HPD represent distinct progression patterns with limited overlap and different survival outcomes.

Epidemiology of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A first estimate of incidence and prevalence using the French nationwide healthcare database

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of information about the burden of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The present work aims to estimate the incidence and prevalence of mCRPC in 2014 using the French nationwide healthcare database (SNDS).

METHODS

Prevalence and incidence were estimated based on an SNDS extraction of men covered by the general healthcare insurance (86 % of the French population), and aged ≥40. Patients with mCRPC were identified amongst prostate cancer cases using an algorithm estimating a date of first metastasis management and a date of castration resistance. This algorithm was validated by clinical experts through a blind review of 200 anonymized medical charts from SNDS data. Prevalence and incidence were standardized on the European Standard Population (2013 edition).

RESULTS

Prevalence and incidence of mCRPC were estimated as, respectively, 62 and 21 cases per 100 000 men in 2014. Less than one mCRPC case per 100 000 was observed in men aged 40-49. Maximum mCRPC incidence was in men aged 80-89 (175 per 100 000). The algorithm used for mCRPC identification had 97 % positive and 99 % negative predictive values.

CONCLUSION

The good performances of the algorithm for mCRPC identification and the consistency of the generated results with the existing data highlight the robustness of these first estimates of mCRPC prevalence and incidence. Future updates will call for algorithm adjustment as practices evolve over time. These first real-life data will serve for future follow-up of the impact of changes in the management of prostate cancer.

Safety and efficacy of tazemetostat, an enhancer of zeste-homolog 2 inhibitor, in patients with relapsed or refractory malignant mesothelioma

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Background: Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1)-associated protein 1 (BAP1), a nuclear deubiquitinase, is commonly inactivated in malignant mesothelioma. Preclinical data showed that BAP1 inactivation sensitizes mesothelial cells to inhibition of enhancer of zeste-homolog 2 (EZH2), a methyltransferase implicated as an oncogenic driver in this tumor. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of tazemetostat (TAZ), a potent and selective EZH2 inhibitor, in relapsed/refractory (R/R) malignant mesothelioma with BAP1-inactivation. Methods: EZH-203 (NCT02860286) was a 2-part, open-label, phase 2 study that assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and efficacy of TAZ in pts with R/R malignant mesothelioma. In part 1, pts received TAZ 800 mg QD on day 1 (D1) and 800 mg BID, beginning day 2 of cycle 1 (C1). In part 2, pts received 800 mg of TAZ BID on D1 of C1. A two-stage Green-Dahlberg design was used for part 2. Primary endpoints were PK profiling of TAZ in all pts (part 1), and disease control rate (DCR) at week 12 in pts with BAP1-deficient R/R malignant mesothelioma (part 2). Secondary endpoints included safety, overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival, overall survival, and duration of response (DOR). Results: The study enrolled 74 pts with R/R malignant mesothelioma, 70 pts (95%) were centrally confirmed to be BAP1-deficient. Median prior lines of therapy were 2 (range, 1-9). Observed clinical data in the presence of CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers suggest a low DDI potential of TAZ. The 12 week DCR was 47% (n = 35). The ORR per RECIST version 1.1 was 3% [complete response: 0%; partial response (PR): 3% (n = 2)]. Of the 2 patients with PR, 1 had a DOR of 21 weeks and the other is ongoing (15.3 weeks at data cut off). 47 pts (64%) and 21 pts (28%) had stable disease (SD) and progressive disease, respectively. Overall, 91% pts discontinued, either due to disease progression (n = 65), death (n = 5), or treatment discontinuation (n = 1). Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in ≤5% of patients, most commonly anemia (5%) and dyspnea (4%). No pts discontinued due to TEAEs. There were no treatment related deaths. Conclusions: Based on disease control rate and stable disease, TAZ showed antitumor activity in pts with BAP1-deficient R/R malignant mesothelioma. TAZ monotherapy was generally well-tolerated. The current data support further clinical evaluation of TAZ in these pts. Furthermore, this trial presents an optimal paradigm for drug development in molecularly-enriched cohorts in mesothelioma. Clinical trial information: NCT02860286.

Weekly paclitaxel plus bevacizumab versus docetaxel as second- or third-line treatment in advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer: Results of the IFCT-1103 ULTIMATE study

PURPOSE

Second-line chemotherapy regimens have demonstrated poor benefit after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC).

METHODS

In this multicentre, open-label phase III trial, patients with advanced nsNSCLC treated with one or two prior lines, including one platinum-based doublet, were centrally randomised to receive 90 mg/m² of paclitaxel (D1, D8, D15) plus 10 mg/kg of bevacizumab (D1, D15) every 28 days or docetaxel (75 mg/m²) every 21 days; crossover was allowed after disease progression. Primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS). ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01763671.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty six patients were randomised (paclitaxel plus bevacizumab: 111, docetaxel: 55). The median PFS was longer in patients receiving paclitaxel plus bevacizumab than in patients receveing docetaxel [5·4 months versus 3·9 months, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0·61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·44-0·86); p = 0·005]. Objective response rates (ORRs) were 22·5% (95% CI: 14·8-30·3) and 5·5% (95% CI: 0·0-11·5) (p = 0·006), respectively. Median overall survivals were similar (adjusted HR 1·17; p = 0·50). Crossover occurred in 21 of 55 (38·2%) docetaxel-treated patients. Grade III-IV adverse events (AEs) were reported in 45·9% and 54·5% of patients treated with paclitaxel and bevacizumab or docetaxel, respectively (p = NS), including neutropenia (19·3% versus 45·4%), neuropathy (8·3% versus 0·0%) and hypertension (7·3% versus 0·0%). Three patients died due to treatment-related AEs (1·8% in each group).

CONCLUSION

Weekly paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as second- or third-line improves PFS and ORR compared with docetaxel in patients with nsNSCLC, with an acceptable safety profile. These results place weekly paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as a valid option in this population.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01763671.

Hyperprogressive Disease in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors or With Single-Agent Chemotherapy

Importance

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a new pattern of progression recently described in patients with cancer treated with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. The rate and outcome of HPD in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are unknown.

Objectives

To investigate whether HPD is observed in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors compared with single-agent chemotherapy and whether there is an association between treatment and HPD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this multicenter retrospective study that included patients treated between August 4, 2011, and April 5, 2017, the setting was pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC who received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (8 institutions) or single-agent chemotherapy (4 institutions) in France. Measurable disease defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST version 1.1) on at least 2 computed tomographic scans before treatment and 1 computed tomographic scan during treatment was required.

Interventions

The tumor growth rate (TGR) before and during treatment and variation per month (ΔTGR) were calculated. Hyperprogressive disease was defined as disease progression at the first evaluation with ΔTGR exceeding 50%.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was assessment of the HPD rate in patients treated with IO or chemotherapy.

Results

Among 406 eligible patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (63.8% male), 46.3% (n = 188) were 65 years or older, 72.4% (n = 294) had nonsquamous histology, and 92.9% (n = 377) received a PD-1 inhibitor as monotherapy in second-line therapy or later. The median follow-up was 12.1 months (95% CI, 10.1-13.8 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was 13.4 months (95% CI, 10.2-17.0 months). Fifty-six patients (13.8%) were classified as having HPD. Pseudoprogression was observed in 4.7% (n = 19) of the population. Hyperprogressive disease was significantly associated with more than 2 metastatic sites before PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors compared with non-HPD (62.5% [35 of 56] vs 42.6% [149 of 350]; P = .006). Patients experiencing HPD within the first 6 weeks of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment had significantly lower OS compared with patients with progressive disease (median OS, 3.4 months [95% CI, 2.8-7.5 months] vs 6.2 months [95% CI, 5.3-7.9 months]; hazard ratio, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.29-3.69]; P = .003). Among 59 eligible patients treated with chemotherapy, 3 (5.1%) were classified as having HPD.

Conclusions and Relevance

Our study suggests that HPD is more common with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors compared with chemotherapy in pretreated patients with NSCLC and is also associated with high metastatic burden and poor prognosis in patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Additional studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in HPD.

Efficacy and Safety of Rovalpituzumab Tesirine in Third-Line and Beyond Patients with DLL3-Expressing, Relapsed/Refractory Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results From the Phase II TRINITY Study

PURPOSE

Although extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is highly responsive to first-line therapy, virtually all patients develop resistance with short survival. Rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T) is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting delta-like 3 protein (DLL3). This open-label, single-arm, phase II study (TRINITY) assessed safety and efficacy of Rova-T in patients with DLL3-expressing SCLC in the third-line and beyond (3L+) setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with DLL3-expressing SCLC (determined by mouse antibody immunohistochemistry [IHC] assay), and ≥2 prior regimens, received 0.3 mg/kg Rova-T once every 6 weeks for two cycles. During study, a rabbit antibody IHC assay was developed and used for the final analysis, with DLL3-positive and DLL3-high defined as ≥25% and ≥75% of tumor cells positive for DLL3, respectively. The primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Among 339 patients enrolled, 261 (77%) had two prior lines of therapy and 78 (23%) had ≥3. DLL3-high and DLL3-positive tumors by rabbit IHC were seen in 238 (70%) and 287 (85%) patients, respectively. The remaining 52 (15%) were DLL3-negative only by rabbit IHC or had missing results. ORR was 12.4%, 14.3%, and 13.2% in all, DLL3-high, and DLL3-positive patients, respectively. Median OS was 5.6 months in all patients and 5.7 months in DLL3-high patients. The most common adverse events (AE) were fatigue, photosensitivity reaction, and pleural effusion. Grade 3-5 AEs were seen in 213 (63%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Rova-T is the first targeted agent in SCLC to use DLL3, a novel biomarker. However, results demonstrate modest clinical activity in 3L+ SCLC, with associated toxicities.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with first-line durvalumab (D) ± tremelimumab (T) versus chemotherapy (CT) in metastatic NSCLC: Results from MYSTIC

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Background: MYSTIC, an open-label, Phase 3 trial of first-line D (anti-PD-L1) ± T (anti-CTLA-4) vs platinum CT in mNSCLC, showed an improvement in overall survival (OS) with D vs CT in pts with tumor cell PD-L1 expression ≥25% (TC ≥25% [primary analysis population]; D vs CT, HR 0.76 [97.54% CI 0.56–1.02], p = 0.036; D+T vs CT, HR 0.85 [98.77% CI 0.61–1.17], p = 0.202). Here we summarize PROs from MYSTIC. Methods: Immunotherapy/CT-naïve mNSCLC pts were randomized (1:1:1) to D, D+T, or CT. Symptoms, function, and global health status/quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 v3 questionnaire and its lung cancer module, QLQ-LC13. A change in score from baseline ≥10 points was predefined as clinically meaningful (CM). Mean changes from baseline (over 12 mos) for prespecified symptoms were analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM). Time from randomization to the first CM deterioration (TTD) was analyzed. Results: Among pts with PD-L1 TC ≥25% (n = 488), there were no differences between arms in symptoms, function, or global health status/QoL at baseline. Compliance with completing the questionnaires was ≥60% to wk 120 in the D±T arms, and to wk 40 (C30) and wk 44 (LC13) in the CT arm. MMRM analysis showed significant between-arm differences in changes from baseline in favor of D for fatigue (difference vs CT −9.5) and appetite loss (−11.9; CM), and D+T for fatigue (−11.7; CM). Significantly longer TTD (median, mos) was seen with D and D+T vs CT for appetite loss (12.8 and 5.6 vs 4.5), constipation (14.6 and 9.0 vs 5.5), nausea/vomiting (16.7 and 9.7 vs 4.5), and dyspnea (10.6 and 7.4 vs 5.6); D vs CT for diarrhea (16.3 vs 9.0), insomnia (9.3 vs 6.2), and hemoptysis (not reached vs 10.3); and D+T vs CT for fatigue (5.6 vs 2.0). Significantly longer TTD (median, mos) was also seen with D and D+T vs CT for function (cognitive [9.1 and 6.6 vs 5.2], physical [9.0 and 7.4 vs 4.2], role [D vs CT only; 7.3 vs 3.7], social [12.9 and 5.4 vs 5.2]), and global health status/QoL (5.9 and 6.8 vs 5.5). Conclusions: Pts with PD-L1 TC ≥25% treated with D±T had a reduced symptom burden over time and longer TTD for symptoms, function, and global health status/QoL compared to pts receiving CT. Clinical trial information: NCT02453282.

Clinical progression at initiation of a life-extending therapy (LET) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is associated with a poor prognosis, whatever the treatment-line: Results of the CATS retrospective registry

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Background: We previously reported that cancer pain was associated with a poor prognosis in mCRPC patients (pts) treated with docetaxel (D) ( Oudard, BJU Int 2009). Asymptomatic chemo-naive pts treated with novel androgen receptor targeted agent (H) have a greater overall survival (OS) than those with mild symptoms ( Miller, Eur Urol 2018). We thus investigated the impact on OS of progression type at initiation of first-, second- and third-line of LET in a large cohort of mCRPC pts (CATS registry) treated with D, cabazitaxel (C) and H. Methods: 669 consecutive mCRPC pts treated with 3 LETs (DCH, n= 158; DHC, n=456; HDC, n=55) were retrospectively reviewed. Type of progression: PSA alone, radiographic ± PSA, clinical ± PSA ± radiographic at initiation of each LET was evaluable in 661 pts. Clinical progression was defined by worsening of cancer-related pain or symptoms as per physician judgment. Results: Clinical progression at initiation of LET increased with the number of treatment lines and was consistently associated with a worse outcome. Clinical progression was associated with a significantly shorter duration of treatment with H but had no influence on duration of taxanes. Conclusions: In pts treated with 3 LTEs (D, C and H) clinical progression at sequence initiation is associated with a poor OS and a shorter duration of hormonal treatment. These data may help guide treatment decisions.[Table: see text]

Outcome of Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Brain Metastases Treated with Checkpoint Inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Although frequent in NSCLC, patients with brain metastases (BMs) are often excluded from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) trials. We evaluated BM outcome in a less-selected NSCLC cohort.

METHODS

Data from consecutive patients with advanced ICI-treated NSCLC were collected. Active BMs were defined as new and/or growing lesions without any subsequent local treatment before the start of ICI treatment. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Multivariate analyses were performed by using a Cox proportional hazards model and logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1025 patients were included; the median follow-up time from start of ICI treatment was 15.8 months. Of these patients, 255 (24.9%) had BMs (39.2% active, 14.3% symptomatic, and 27.4% being treated with steroids). Disease-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (ds-GPA) score was known for 94.5% of patients (35.7% with a score of 0-1, 58.5% with a score of 1.5-2.5, and 5.8% with a score of 3). The ORRs with BM versus without BM were similar: 20.6% (with BM) versus 22.7% (without BM) (p = 0.484). The intracranial ORR (active BM with follow-up brain imaging [n = 73]) was 27.3%. The median progression-free survival times were 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-2.1) and 2.1 (95% CI: 1.9-2.5) months, respectively (p = 0.009). Of the patients with BMs, 12.7% had a dissociated cranial-extracranial response and two (0.8%) had brain pseudoprogression. Brain progression occurred more in active BM than in stable BM (54.2% versus 30% [p < 0.001]). The median OS times were 8.6 months (95% CI: 6.8-12.0) with BM and 11.4 months (95% CI: 8.6-13.8) months with no BM (p = 0.035). In the BM subgroup multivariate analysis, corticosteroid use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.37) was associated with poorer OS, whereas stable BMs (HR = 0.62) and higher ds-GPA classification (HR = 0.48-0.52) were associated with improved OS.

CONCLUSION

In multivariate analysis BMs are not associated with a poorer survival in patients with ICI-treated NSCLC. Stable patients with BM without baseline corticosteroids and a good ds-GPA classification have the best prognosis.

Real-life efficacy of osimertinib in pretreated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring EGFR T790M mutation

Objectives The efficacy of osimertinib in pretreated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR T790 M resistance mutation was demonstrated in clinical trials. However, data on efficacy of osimertinib in real world remain rare. Materials and methods This retrospective multicentric study analyzed T790M-positive advanced NSCLC patients enrolled in French early access program for osimertinib. Patients were pretreated with first- or second-generation EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor and for a majority with chemotherapy. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from osimertinib initiation. Results 205 patients (mean age, 69.5 years; female, 68.8%; adenocarcinoma, 97.5%, never-smokers, 71.5%) were analyzed. Osimertinib was used in second and third line in 18.0% and 82.0% of patients, respectively. Median PFS was 12.4 (95% CI, 10.1-15.1) months. In patients with and without cerebral metastasis, PFS was 9.7 (7.7-13.5) and 15.1 (12.0-17.1) months (p = 0.21), respectively. PFS in second and third line or more was 12.6 (6.7-17.5) and 12.4 (9.7-15.3) months, respectively. Median PFS in patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion and exon 21 mutation was 13.5 (10.1-16.0) and 9.7 (7.4-13.2) months, respectively (p = 0.049). Median OS since osimertinib initiation was 20.5 (16.9-24.3) months: 23.1 (18.6-27.8) and 18.0 (12.2-22.2) months in patients without and with cerebral metastasis (p = 0.11); 17.5 (11.6-27.8) and 21.7 (17.3-24.3) months as second or third line of treatment or more (p = 0.46), respectively. Median OS in patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion and exon 21 mutation was 23.1 (18.6-25.7) and 15.3 (11.6-21.7) months, respectively (p = 0.03). Osimertinib dosage was modified in 8.0% of patients and definitively discontinued for adverse events in 5.9%. Fifty patients benefited from rebiopsy (persistence of T790 M mutation, 44.7%; C797S mutation, 21.1%; cMET amplification, 8.0%). Conclusion In pretreated patients with T790M-mutated advanced NSCLC, the efficacy of osimertinib appears similar in real-world setting to that of clinical trials.

Hyperprogressive Disease in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors or With Single-Agent Chemotherapy

Importance

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a new pattern of progression recently described in patients with cancer treated with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. The rate and outcome of HPD in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are unknown.

Objectives

To investigate whether HPD is observed in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors compared with single-agent chemotherapy and whether there is an association between treatment and HPD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this multicenter retrospective study that included patients treated between August 4, 2011, and April 5, 2017, the setting was pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC who received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (8 institutions) or single-agent chemotherapy (4 institutions) in France. Measurable disease defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST version 1.1) on at least 2 computed tomographic scans before treatment and 1 computed tomographic scan during treatment was required.

Interventions

The tumor growth rate (TGR) before and during treatment and variation per month (ΔTGR) were calculated. Hyperprogressive disease was defined as disease progression at the first evaluation with ΔTGR exceeding 50%.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was assessment of the HPD rate in patients treated with IO or chemotherapy.

Results

Among 406 eligible patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (63.8% male), 46.3% (n = 188) were 65 years or older, 72.4% (n = 294) had nonsquamous histology, and 92.9% (n = 377) received a PD-1 inhibitor as monotherapy in second-line therapy or later. The median follow-up was 12.1 months (95% CI, 10.1-13.8 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was 13.4 months (95% CI, 10.2-17.0 months). Fifty-six patients (13.8%) were classified as having HPD. Pseudoprogression was observed in 4.7% (n = 19) of the population. Hyperprogressive disease was significantly associated with more than 2 metastatic sites before PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors compared with non-HPD (62.5% [35 of 56] vs 42.6% [149 of 350]; P = .006). Patients experiencing HPD within the first 6 weeks of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment had significantly lower OS compared with patients with progressive disease (median OS, 3.4 months [95% CI, 2.8-7.5 months] vs 6.2 months [95% CI, 5.3-7.9 months]; hazard ratio, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.29-3.69]; P = .003). Among 59 eligible patients treated with chemotherapy, 3 (5.1%) were classified as having HPD.

Conclusions and Relevance

Our study suggests that HPD is more common with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors compared with chemotherapy in pretreated patients with NSCLC and is also associated with high metastatic burden and poor prognosis in patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Additional studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in HPD.

Sunitinib Prior to Planned Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Angiogenesis Biomarkers Predict Clinical Outcome in the Prospective Phase II PREINSUT Trial

Purpose: The PREINSUT study characterized factors predictive of response to sunitinib given before planned nephrectomy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).Patients and Methods: This French multicenter, prospective, open-label, phase II trial (NCT00930345) included treatment-naïve patients with clear-cell mRCC. Patients received two cycles of sunitinib before nephrectomy. The primary objective was to evaluate the potential of circulating angiogenesis-related biomarkers measured before and on treatment for identifying responders based on primary renal tumor (PRT) size change. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the ability of biomarkers to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled. The median PFS was 4.5 months, and the median OS was 12.4 months. OS was significantly longer in responding patients (28.8 vs. 11.1 months; P = 0.03). Of 27 patients evaluable for PRT response, nine (33.3%) had a ≥10% decrease in PRT size. Baseline biomarkers significantly associated with outcome were endothelial progenitor cells (PRT response); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), soluble VEGF receptors (sVEGFR)1 and 2 (PFS); and SDF-1 and sVEGFR1 (OS). During treatment, changes in biomarkers associated with outcome were SDF-1 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB (PRT response), sVEGFR2 (PFS), and SDF-1 and sVEGFR1 (OS). There was no correlation between plasma sunitinib or its active metabolite steady-state trough concentrations and clinical outcome.Conclusions: Angiogenesis-related parameters that could reflect hypoxia seem to be associated with worse outcome in mRCC. As blood biomarkers are not subjected to tumor heterogeneity and allow longitudinal follow-up, circulating angiogenesis profile has a promising place in antiangiogenic therapy guidance. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5534-42. ©2018 AACR.

Targeting ERBB2 mutations in solid tumors: biological and clinical implications

Preclinical data have shown that ERBB2 activating mutations are responsive to HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The aim of this study is to characterize the landscape of ERBB2 mutations in solid tumors and the potential efficacy of ERBB2 targeting.We analyzed the next-generation sequencing results from 17,878 patients with solid tumors and reported the outcome of 4 patients with advanced ERBB2-mutated tumors treated with a combination of trastuzumab and lapatinib.ERBB2 mutations occurred in 510 patients (2.85%). The tumor types with the highest incidence of ERBB2 mutations were the following: bladder (16.6%), small bowel (8.6%), ampullar (6.5%), skin non-melanoma (6.1%), and cervical cancer (5.5%). 49.4% (n = 282) were known as activating mutations. ERBB2 mutation was not mutually exclusive of ERBB2 amplification which occurred in up to 10% of cases. PI3KCA activating mutations were associated with ERBB2 mutations in 12.4% of cases mainly in breast and lung cancer. Four patients (endometrial, colorectal, cholangiocarcinoma, and adenosarcoma of the uterus) were treated with a combination of trastuzumab and lapatinib. All of them experienced tumor shrinkage resulting in stable disease in three cases and partial response in one case. One patient developed secondary resistance. Sequencing of the progressing metastasis allowed the identification of the ERBB2 L869R mutation previously associated with resistance to lapatinib in vitro.These results support further clinical investigation aiming to demonstrate that ERBB2-mutational driven therapy can improve patient care irrespective of histology.

Sequencing of Taxanes and New Androgen-targeted Therapies in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: Results of the International Multicentre Retrospective CATS Database

BACKGROUND

The optimal sequence of life-extending therapies in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes among mCRPC patients treated with docetaxel (DOC), cabazitaxel (CABA), and a novel androgen receptor-targeted agent (ART; abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide) according to three different sequences.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 669 consecutive mCRPC patients were retrospectively collected between November 2012 and October 2016.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint was the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (decrease ≥50% from baseline) to each therapy. Secondary endpoints included best clinical benefit, time to PSA progression, radiological progression-free survival (rPFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 158 patients received DOC→CABA→ART (group 1), 456 received DOC→ART→CABA (group 2), and 55 received ART→DOC→CABA (group 3). At baseline, PSA progression only and Gleason <8 were more common in group 3. PSA response on DOC was lower in group 3 than in other groups (p=0.02) and PSA response on CABA was higher in the second than in the third line (p=0.001). In Group 3, rPFS on ART (6.6 mo) and DOC (9.2 mo) was also shorter than in the other groups. OS calculated from the first life-extending therapy reached 34.8, 35.8, and 28.9 mo in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p=0.007). Toxicity was comparable between the arms. The main limitations of the trial are its retrospective design and the low number of patients in group 3.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective trial, sequencing of DOC, CABA, and one ART, was associated with median OS of up to 35.8 mo. CABA seemed to retain its activity regardless of treatment sequence. DOC activity after ART appeared to be reduced, but the data are insufficient to conclude that cross-resistance occurs.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The order of drugs administered to patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer could impact their efficacy, with cabazitaxel appearing to retain its activity whatever the therapeutic sequence.

Efficacy of cabazitaxel (CABA) rechallenge in heavily-treated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

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Background: Only 2 chemotherapies have shown an overall survival (OS) benefit in mCRPC: docetaxel (DOC) and CABA. In patients (pts) previously treated with a new hormonal therapy (NHT: enzalutamide or abiraterone), DOC and CABA, therapeutic options are limited. We previously reported some activity of DOC rechallenge in good responders to first-line DOC. We present here the results of a retrospective study evaluating the efficacy and safety of CABA rechallenge. Methods: Records of 70 mCRPC pts rechallenged with CABA were collected in 17 centers (France, Italy, UK, Austria). To be included, pts should have previously received DOC, NHT and CABA with a good response to CABA. Results: Of these 70 pts, 52 received DOC-NHT-CABA, 15 DOC-CABA-NHT and 3 NHT-DOC-CABA. At rechallenge, 83% had a high-volume disease (CHAARTED definition), 10% had visceral mets, 66% consumed narcotic analgesics, 68 % were ECOG 0-1 and median neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was 3.1. CABA was rechallenged for a median of 6 cycles (25 mg/m2 q3w, 59%; 20 mg/m2, 27%; 16 mg/m2q3w 11%) with prophylactic G-CSF in 47%. Median time from last CABA cycle was 8.6 months (mo). CABA rechallenge had an acceptable tolerability: 7 pts (10%) had grade 3-4 toxicity (neutropenia). Data on efficacy are reported in Table 1. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.3 mo with DOC, 12 mo with NHT, 11.9 mo with first CABA (median 8 cycles), and 7.8 mo with CABA rechallenge. Median OS calculated from the first life-extending therapy was 59.9 mo (95% CI 47.8; 66.4). Conclusions: This retrospective cohort of heavily treated mCRPC pts suggests that CABA rechallenge has a good activity with a manageable toxicity. CABA rechallenge might be an option in heavily treated pts still fit to receive chemotherapy. [Table: see text]

[Cabozantinib: Mechanism of action, efficacy and indications]

Cabozantinib is an oral multiple tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor (ITK): VEGFR2, c-MET and RET. Inhibition of VEGFR and c-MET decrease resistance of VEGFR inhibitor via c-MET axis. Cabozantinib improve progression-free survival (PFS) in progressive metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC): 4 months in the placebo group and 11.2 months in the cabozantinib group (P<0.001) in all patient subgroups including those with or without prior ITK and RET mutation status. Cabozantinib increased overall survival (OS) compared with everolimus in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who progressed after previous VEGFR ITK treatment: 21.4 months in cabozantinib group and 16.5 months in everolimus group (P<0.0003). Cabozantinib obtained the AMM for the treatment of progressive metastatic MTC and advanced renal cell carcinoma. Cabozantinib is a new option in the treatment of MTC by inclusion in therapeutic trials (no payment in this indication) and advanced renal cell carcinoma (hospital delivery). Its tolerance is similar to anti-angiogenic therapies and justifies an optimal management of the secondary effect.

Sequencing in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Updated results of the FLAC International Database

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Background: Optimal sequencing of new androgen-receptor targeted agents (ART) abiraterone and enzalutamide with docetaxel (DOC) and cabazitaxel (CABA) is unknown. In this large retrospective cohort of mCRPC patients (pts) treated with CABA after docetaxel (DOC), we evaluated the impact of 3 different sequences: DOC → CABA (group 1, n = 267) Or DOC → ART → CABA (group 2, n = 183) Or DOC → CABA → ART (group 3, n = 124). Methods: Records of 574 consecutive mCRPC patients were retrospectively collected in 44 centres in 6 European countries (France, Spain, UK, Greece, Poland, Turkey) from August 2012 to July 2016. Disease history and clinical characteristics at initiation of DOC therapy and outcomes were collected. Factors influencing OS were evaluated using multivariate stepwise logistic regression. Results: At DOC initiation, median age was 67 years, 83% of pts were ECOG 0-1, 45.1% had pain and 10.8% had visceral metastases. Median number of DOC cycles was 7 (6 in group 2, 7 in groups 1 and 3). Median number of CABA cycles was 6 (6 in groups 1 and 2, 7 in group 3). Median duration of ART treatment was 5.9 and 4.4 mths in groups 2 and 3, retrospectively. Median OS from first DOC cycle were 30.1, 37.1 and 40.1 mths in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Factors influencing OS are summarized in the table below. Conclusions: Results of this retrospective cohort suggest that patients receiving DOC → CAB → ART show the greatest OS. High baseline PSA, short response to first-ADT and clinical progression of pts are major prognostic factors of OS at DOC initiation. The window of opportunity for chemotherapy should not be missed. [Table: see text]

Clinical impact of extensive molecular profiling in advanced cancer patients

Previous precision medicine studies have investigated conventional molecular techniques and/or limited sets of gene alterations. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of the next-generation sequencing of the largest panel of genes used to date in tumour tissue and blood in the context of institutional molecular screening programmes. DNA analysis was performed by next-generation sequencing using a panel of 426 cancer-related genes and by comparative genomic hybridization from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded archived tumour samples when available or from fresh tumour samples. Five hundred sixty-eight patients were enrolled. The median number of prior lines of treatment was 2 (range 0–9). The most common primary tumour types were lung (16.9%), colorectal (14.4%), breast (10.6%), ovarian (10.2%) and sarcoma (10.2%). The median patient age was 63 years (range 19–88). A total of 292 patients (51.4%) presented with at least one actionable genetic alteration. The 20 genes most frequently altered were TP53, CDKN2A, KRAS, PTEN, PI3KCA, RB1, APC, ERBB2, MYC, EGFR, CDKN2B, ARID1A, SMAD4, FGFR1, MDM2, BRAF, ATM, CCNE1, FGFR3 and FRS2. One hundred fifty-nine patients (28%) were included in early phase trials. The treatment was matched with a tumour profile in 86 cases (15%). The two main reasons for non-inclusion were non-progressive disease (31.5%) and general status deterioration (25%). Twenty-eight percent of patients presented with a growth modulation index (time to progression under the early phase trial treatment/time to progression of the previous line of treatment) >1.3.

Extensive molecular profiling using high-throughput techniques allows for the identification of actionable mutations in the majority of cases and is associated with substantial clinical benefit in up to one in four patients.

Phase III Study of Cabozantinib in Previously Treated Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: COMET-1

Purpose

Cabozantinib is an inhibitor of kinases, including MET and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, and has shown activity in men with previously treated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This blinded phase III trial compared cabozantinib with prednisone in patients with mCRPC.

Patients and Methods

Men with progressive mCRPC after docetaxel and abiraterone and/or enzalutamide were randomly assigned at a two-to-one ratio to cabozantinib 60 mg once per day or prednisone 5 mg twice per day. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Bone scan response (BSR) at week 12 as assessed by independent review committee was the secondary end point; radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and effects on circulating tumor cells (CTCs), bone biomarkers, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and symptomatic skeletal events (SSEs) were exploratory assessments.

Results

A total of 1,028 patients were randomly assigned to cabozantinib (n = 682) or prednisone (n = 346). Median OS was 11.0 months with cabozantinib and 9.8 months with prednisone (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.06; stratified log-rank P = .213). BSR at week 12 favored cabozantinib (42% v 3%; stratified Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel P < .001). rPFS was improved in the cabozantinib group (median, 5.6 v 2.8 months; hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.57; stratified log-rank P < .001). Cabozantinib was associated with improvements in CTC conversion, bone biomarkers, and post–random assignment incidence of SSEs but not PSA outcomes. Grade 3 to 4 adverse events and discontinuations because of adverse events were higher with cabozantinib than with prednisone (71% v 56% and 33% v 12%, respectively).

Conclusion

Cabozantinib did not significantly improve OS compared with prednisone in heavily treated patients with mCRPC and progressive disease after docetaxel and abiraterone and/or enzalutamide. Cabozantinib had some activity in improving BSR, rPFS, SSEs, CTC conversions, and bone biomarkers but not PSA outcomes.

Phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of tumor tissue and circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A report from the PETRUS prospective study

Molecular characterization of cancer samples is hampered by tumor tissue availability in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. We reported the results of prospective PETRUS study of biomarker assessment in paired primary prostatic tumors, metastatic biopsies and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Among 54 mCRPC patients enrolled, 38 (70%) had biopsies containing more than 50% tumour cells. 28 (52%) patients were analyzed for both tissue samples and CTCs. FISH for AR-amplification and TMPRSS2-ERG translocation were successful in 54% and 32% in metastatic biopsies and primary tumors, respectively. By comparing CellSearch and filtration (ISET)-enrichment combined to four color immunofluorescent staining, we showed that CellSearch and ISET isolated distinct subpopulations of CTCs: CTCs undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, CTC clusters and large CTCs with cytomorphological characteristics but no detectable markers were isolated using ISET. Epithelial CTCs detected by the CellSearch were mostly lost during the ISET-filtration. AR-amplification was detected in CellSearch-captured CTCs, but not in ISET-enriched CTCs which harbor exclusively AR gain of copies. Eighty-eight percent concordance for ERG-rearrangement was observed between metastatic biopsies and CTCs even if additional ERG-alteration patterns were detected in ISET-enriched CTCs indicating a higher heterogeneity in CTCs.Molecular screening of metastatic biopsies is achievable in a multicenter context. Our data indicate that CTCs detected by the CellSearch and the ISET-filtration systems are not only phenotypically but also genetically different. Close attention must be paid to CTC characterization since neither approach tested here fully reflects the tremendous phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity present in CTCs from mCRPC patients.

[Prognosis prediction of febrile neutropenia by MASCC score: A retrospective study]

INTRODUCTION

The score of the MASCC, by means of clinical criteria, estimates the risk of serious complications in patients with neutropenic fever induced by chemotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied a cohort of patients hospitalized for a neutropenic fever and analyzed complications according to the criteria defined by the MASCC.

RESULTS

Eighty-one neutropenic fevers in 71 patients were identified. Microbiological documentation was obtained in 33% of cases only. Fifty-eight patients (72%) presented with a MASCC score≥21 and were considered as low risk of complications. In the total population, 10 patients died during their hospitalizations for neutropenic fever, 7 in the high-risk group versus 3 in the low risk group, including 2 patients suffering from significant comorbidities not taken into account by MASCC score. Within the low risk group, presence of a metastatic disease and existence of 2 or more comorbidities were associated with a longer duration of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

This analysis suggests that the criteria of the MASCC are not always enough to thoroughly identify which patients were at risk of complications or could be treated through outpatient management. By better taking into account the comorbidities and tumoral stage, a better selection of the patients who are likely to receive an ambulatory treatment could be made. To date, hospitalization remains frequently necessary in neutropenic fevers, at least in its initial steps, and the place of the general practitioner remains to be better defined.

Differential Effect on Bone Lesions of Targeting Integrins: Randomized Phase II Trial of Abituzumab in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

Integrins play a critical role in the progression of prostate cancer and its bone metastases. We investigated the use of the pan-αv integrin inhibitor abituzumab in chemotherapy-naïve patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

PERSEUS (NCT01360840) was a randomized, double-blind phase II study. Men with pathologically confirmed prostate cancer and radiologic progression of bone lesions in the 28 days prior to randomization were assigned to receive abituzumab 750 mg or 1,500 mg or placebo (1:1:1) every 3 weeks in combination with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist/antagonist therapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

The intent-to-treat population comprised 180 patients, 60 in each arm. The primary endpoint of PFS was not significantly different with abituzumab-based therapy compared with placebo [abituzumab 750 mg, 3.4 months, HR = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57-1.39; abituzumab 1,500 mg, 4.3 months, HR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.52-1.26; placebo, 3.3 months], but the cumulative incidence of bone lesion progression was lower with abituzumab than with placebo for up to 24 months (cumulative incidence 23.6% vs. 41.1% at 6 months, 26.1% vs. 45.4% at 12 months). Two partial tumor responses were observed (1 abituzumab 1,500 mg and 1 placebo). Approximately 85% to 90% of patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) in the different arms, but the incidences of serious TEAEs and TEAEs with fatal outcome were similar in the three arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PFS was not significantly extended, abituzumab appears to have specific activity in prostate cancer-associated bone lesions that warrants further investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3192-200. ©2016 AACR.

Final analysis of COMET-1: Cabozantinib (Cabo) versus prednisone (Pred) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients (pts) previously treated with docetaxel (D) and abiraterone (A) and/or enzalutamide (E)

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Background: Cabo inhibits tyrosine kinases including MET and VEGFRs. In a phase 2 study in mCRPC pts, Cabo was associated with improvements in bone scans, pain, measurable disease, and circulating tumor cells. COMET-1 compared the effects of Cabo versus Pred on overall survival (OS) in men with progressive mCRPC and prior D and A and/or E. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, controlled phase 3 study (NCT01605227), pts with mCRPC and prior D and A and/or E were randomized 2:1 to receive Cabo (60 mg qd) or Pred (5 mg bid). Pts were stratified by prior treatment with cabazitaxel, ECOG status, and presence of moderate to severe pain. The primary endpoint was OS. The study was designed to observe 578 deaths to provide 90% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75. A secondary endpoint was bone scan response at Week 12 (BSR) determined by central independent radiology committee, defined as a ≥30% decrease in the bone scan lesion area compared to baseline. Exploratory endpoints include PFS and OS subgroup analyses. Results: 1,028 pts were randomized between Jul 2012 and Nov 2013. In the final analysis after 614 deaths, the estimated median OS was 11.0 months for Cabo vs 9.8 months for Pred (HR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.0.76-1.06; P = 0.212). The secondary endpoint of BSR was 41% for Cabo vs 3% for Pred (P <0.001). Median PFS per investigator was 5.5 months for Cabo vs 2.8 months for Pred (HR 0.50; P <0.001). For 191 pts with visceral disease median OS was 7.1 months for Cabo vs 4.8 months for Pred (HR 0.65; P = 0.0215). 371 (54.4%) and 233 (67.3%) pts received salvage therapy in the Cabo and Pred arms, respectively. Subsequent cabazitaxel and/or D was reported in 107 (15.7%) and 104 (30.1%) Cabo and Pred pts, respectively. Serious adverse events of pulmonary embolism, nausea, dehydration and fatigue were more frequent with Cabo. Conclusions: Compared to prednisone, Cabo improved BSR and PFS but did not significantly increase OS. The improvement in OS was greatest in the subset of patients with visceral metastases. The activity and safety profile of Cabo was similar to that observed in phase 2 studies in mCRPC. Clinical trial information: NCT01605227.

Molecular characterization of heterogeneity in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor samples of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients: The multicenter PETRUS program

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Background: In order to optimize molecular screening in advanced prostate cancer patients, we implemented a prospective molecular triage trial PETRUS (NCT01786031), based on molecular characterization of fresh tumor biopsies and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with mCRPC. The primary objective was to investigate the feasibility of prospectively performing molecular profiling of CRPC patients. Methods: A tumor biopsy from a metastatic and tumor primary site, along with blood samples specimen were collected from patients, and both frozen and FFPE samples were obtained. CTCs were detected using two methods, CellSearch and filtration (ISET, isolation by Size of Epithelial Tumor cells) combined to four-color immunofluorescent staining. Results: From December 2012 and March 2014, 51 CRPC patients with metastases accessible for biospy were included in 5 centres in France. Tumor biospy were successful (≥ 50% tumor cells) in 36/51 pts (72%). CTCs with different phenotypes were detected by CellSearch and ISET combined to four-color immunofluorescent staining in 28 (51%) pts. FISH AR and ERG was successful in only 54% and 32% of metastasis biopsies and primitive tumors respectively, most likely due to the absence of tumor cells or overfixation. The ISET platform was able to detect CTCs clusters, CTCs expressing epithelial and vimentin markers. AR amplification and ERG rearrangement analyses showed high level of heterogeneity with evidence of multiple CRPC iCTC subpopulation. A high level of heterogeneity between CTCs, metastasis biopsies and primitive tumors was observed for ERG rearrangement and AR amplification status. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that CTCs could be an alternative source for surrogate molecular marker assessment in mCRPC, but neither approach could truly reflect the extreme heterogeneity observed in CTCs from mCRPC. Our preliminary results suggest also the operational feasibility of metastatic tumor biopsy: high interest for patients, significant yield of tumor biopsies and ad hoc molecular analysis. Clinical trial information: NCT01786031.

Previous enzalutamide therapy and response to subsequent taxane therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

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Background: Cross-resistance between taxanes and androgen receptor axis targeted agents is a matter of debate in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Preclinical data about response to taxanes after prior enzalutamide suggest some level of cross-resistance (van Soest et al, Eur J Cancer 2013) though this was not confirmed in other models (Al Nakouzi N, Eur Urol 2014). The first objective of this study was to assess the impact of previous enzalutamide therapy on the efficacy of subsequent taxane-based chemotherapy. The second objective was to investigate the prognosis of patients when chemotherapy was initiated in enzalutamide-pretreated patients. Methods: Data from 96 enzalutamide- and placebo-treated patients enrolled in the Prevail phase III trial were retrospectively collected from 14 centers in France. Changes in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, progression free survival (PFS) and RECIST criteria v 1.1 were used to determine the activity of docetaxel (n=89) or cabazitaxel (n=7) treatment. The Halabi model was used to predict survival probabilities for the enzalutamide- or placebo-pretreated patients when chemotherapy was initiated (Halabi et al, J Clin Oncol 2014). Results: Overall, 96 patients were included in this analysis (58 in the placebo arm vs. 38 in enzalutamide arm). PSA response to taxanes (defined as a decline of ≥50% from baseline) was marginally lower in enzalutamide-vs. placebo-pretreated patients (34% vs. 53%, p=0.10). PSA response in enzalutamide-pretreated patients was not different from that observed with docetaxel given every 3 weeks in TAX 327 trial (Tannock et al, NEJM 2004) (45%, p=0.20, binomial test). Median PFS and objective response rates were similar between the two groups (4.8m vs 6.7 m;p=0.14 and 45% vs 43%;p=0.83 respectively). Halabi score was well-balanced between the two groups (p=0.30). Conclusions: Taxanes retain efficacy in enzalutamide-pretreated mCRPC. At the time of first-line taxane-based chemotherapy initiation, the prognosis of enzalutamide-treated patients according to the Halabi score was not different from that of enzalutamide-naïve patients.

Leiomyosarcoma of the superior vena cava

Leiomyosarcoma of the superior vena cava is a very rare tumor and only a few cases have been reported, with various techniques of vascular reconstruction. We describe a new case of leiomyosarcoma of the superior vena cava in a 61-year-old woman with extension to the brachiocephalic arterial trunk. Resection and vascular reconstruction were performed using, respectively, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethylene terephtalate vascular grafts.