Overview of the Development and Use of Akt Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer

Deregulation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway plays a critical role in the development and progression of many cancers. In prostate cancer, evidence suggests that it is mainly driven by PTEN loss of function. For many years, the development of selective Akt inhibitors has been challenging. In recent phase II and III clinical trials, Ipatasertib and Capivasertib associated with androgen deprivation therapies showed promising outcomes in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and PTEN-loss. Ongoing trials are currently assessing several Akt inhibitors in prostate cancer with different combinations, at different stages of the disease.

Oncologic Impact and Safety of Pre-Operative Radiotherapy in Localized Prostate and Bladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Review from the Cancerology Committee of the Association Française d'Urologie

Simple Summary

Radiotherapy may have an interesting role of reinforcing the loco-regional control of cancer, in addition to surgery, when used as a preoperative treatment. This sequence has demonstrated its efficacy and safety in various malignancies, but no strong data exist in the era of uro-oncology. In this review article, we aim to highlight the potential usefulness of preoperative radiotherapy in prostate and muscle-invasive bladder cancer, aiming to enhance pathological response and local control and to prevent intraoperative tumor seeding. We also emphasize the need for further clinical studies assessing the functional safety of subsequent surgical procedures in a competitive context of new systemic agents that have proven to demonstrate a survival benefit in locally advanced urologic cancers.

Abstract

Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used for the treatment of various malignancies, including sarcomas, rectal, and gynaecological cancers, but it is preferentially used as a competitive treatment to radical surgery in uro-oncology or as a salvage procedure in cases of local recurrence. Nevertheless, preoperative RT represents an attractive strategy to prevent from intraoperative tumor seeding in the operative field, to sterilize microscopic extension outside the organ, and to enhance the pathological and/or imaging tumor response rate. Several clinical works support this research field in uro-oncology. In this review article, we summarized the oncologic impact and safety of preoperative RT in localized prostate and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Preliminary studies suggest that both modalities can be complementary as initial primary tumor treatments and that a pre-operative radiotherapy strategy could be beneficial in a well-defined population of patients who are at a very high-risk of local relapse. Future prospective trials are warranted to evaluate the oncologic benefit of such a combination of local treatments in addition to new life-prolonging systemic therapies, such as immunotherapy, and new generation hormone therapies. Moreover, the safety and the feasibility of salvage surgical procedures due to non-response or local recurrence after pelvic RT remain poorly evaluated in that context.

Annual nationwide analysis of costs and post-operative outcomes after radical prostatectomy according to the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, and robotic)

OBJECTIVE

Annual countrywide data are scarce when comparing surgical approaches in terms of hospital stay outcomes and costs for radical prostatectomy (RP). We aimed to assess the impact of surgical approach on post-operative outcomes and costs after RP by comparing open (ORP), laparoscopic (LRP), and robot-assisted (RARP) RP in the French healthcare system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from all patients undergoing RP in France in 2020 were extracted from the central database of the national healthcare system. Primary endpoints were length of hospital stay (LOS including intensive care unit (ICU) stay if present), complications (estimated by severity index), hospital readmission rates (at 30 and 90 days), and direct costs of initial stay.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 19,018 RPs were performed consisting in ORP in 21.1%, LRP in 27.6%, and RARP in 51.3% of cases. RARP was associated with higher center volume (p < 0.001), lower complication rates (p < 0.001), shorter LOS (p < 0.001), and lower readmission rates (p = 0.004). RARP was associated with reduced direct stay costs (2286 euros) compared with ORP (4298 euros) and LRP (3101 euros). The main cost driver was length of stay. The main limitations were the lack of mid-term data, readmission details, and cost variations due to surgery system.

CONCLUSIONS

This nationwide analysis demonstrates the benefits of RARP in terms of post-operative short-term outcomes. Higher costs related to the robotic system appear to be balanced by patient care improvements and reduced direct costs due to shorter LOS.

A 5-Year Contemporary Nationwide Evolution of the Radical Prostatectomy Landscape

The evolution in the past decade of recommendations for prostate cancer (PCa) management, from screening to surgical treatment, may have affected the radical prostatectomy (RP) landscape. However, comprehensive data at a national level remain scarce. We extracted 5-yr data for RP patients in France from the central database of the national health care system. The primary endpoints were surgical approach (open [ORP], laparoscopic [LRP], and robot-assisted RP [RARP]), length of stay (LOS), and complication and readmission rates. The annual number of RPs was stable during the study period. The proportion of RARPs increased from 39.8% in 2015 to 52.6% in 2019, whereas the proportion of ORPs decreased from 34.4% to 24.5%. LOS continuously decreased over time irrespective of the surgical approach. The proportion of centres in the highest quartile of hospital volume increased from 22.0% to 28.3% (p = 0.006). LOS and complication and readmission rates were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the LRP cohort at each time point. National trends confirmed that RARP progressively replaced ORP, with a stable number of annual RPs over time. Greater centralisation and better early postoperative outcomes were observed with laparoscopy.

Patient summary

We reviewed French data for patients undergoing removal of the prostate for prostate cancer between 2015 and 2019. We found that robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery has increased over time and the length of hospital stays has decreased. Rates of complications and readmission were lower with minimally invasive surgery.

Cabazitaxel activity in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with and without DNA damage repair defects

BACKGROUND

Cabazitaxel was shown to improve overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after abiraterone/enzalutamine and docetaxel failure, though benefit by the presence of DNA damage repair (DDR) defects is unknown. With the advent of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in partially overlapping indications with cabazitaxel, we aimed to determine cabazitaxel activity in men with mCRPC according to their DDR status.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multicenter study that enrolled patients with mCRPC treated with cabazitaxel who had undergone DDR tumour tissue profiling. Patients with at least one deleterious germline or somatic alterations were considered DDR positive (DDR+). Each DDR + patient has been matched with a DDR negative (DDR-) from the same institution who underwent the same test. An exploratory cohort of patients found to be DDR + by liquid biopsy was also included. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) decline≥50% (PSA50), PSA progression-free survival (PFS, PSA-PFS), radiographic PFS (rPFS), clinical PFS or radiographic PFS (c/rPFS) and OS were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 190 men (95 DDR+, 95 DDR-) with tissue sequencing, PSA50 was achieved with cabazitaxel in 29/92 (32%) and 33/92 (36%) in patients with DDR+ and DDR- (P = 0.64). The median rPFS was 5.33 months [95%CI 4.34-7.04] versus 5.75 months [95%CI 4.67-7.27] (P = 0.55). The median OS was 15.4 months [95%CI 12.16-26.6] and 11.5 months [95%CI 9.76-14.4] (P = 0.036), respectively. No PSA50 responses on cabazitaxel were observed in BRCA1/2 patients previously treated with PARPi (n = 10). Similar outcomes with cabazitaxel were observed in the liquid biopsy cohort (n = 63 DDR+).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that cabazitaxel is active in patients with mCRPC regardless of their DDR status, although its activity in men pretreated with a PARPi may be lower.

Biomarker in Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

Active surveillance (AS) in prostate cancer (PCa) represents a curative alternative for men with localised low-risk PCa. Continuous improvement of AS patient's selection and surveillance modalities aims at reducing misclassification, simplifying modalities of surveillance and decreasing need for invasive procedures such repeated biopsies. Biomarkers represent interesting tools to evaluate PCa diagnosis and prognosis, of which many are readily available or under evaluation. The aim of this review is to investigate the biomarker performance for AS selection and patient outcome prediction. Blood, urinary and tissue biomarkers were studied and a brief description of use was proposed along with a summary of major findings. Biomarkers represent promising tools which could be part of a more tailored risk AS strategy aiming to offer personalized medicine and to individualize the treatment and monitoring of each patient. The usefulness of biomarkers has mainly been suggested for AS selection, whereas few studies have investigated their role during the monitoring phase. Randomized prospective studies dealing with imaging are needed as well as larger prospective studies with long-term follow-up and strong oncologic endpoints.

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.

Single-Center Experience of Focal Thermo-Ablative Therapy After Pelvic Radiotherapy for In-Field Prostate Cancer Oligo-Recurrence

PURPOSE

In-field prostate cancer (PCa) oligo-recurrence after pelvic radiotherapy is a challenging situation for which metastasis-directed treatments may be beneficial, but options for focal therapies are scarce.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data for patients with three or less in-field oligo-recurrent nodal, bone and/or locally recurrent (prostate, seminal vesicles, or prostatic bed) PCa lesions after radiation therapy, identified with molecular imaging (PET and/or MRI) and treated by focal ablative therapy (cryotherapy or radiofrequency) at the Institut Bergonié between 2012 and 2020. Chosen endpoints were the post-procedure PSA response (partially defined as a >50% reduction, complete as a PSA <0.05 ng/ml), progression-free survival (PFS) defined as either a biochemical relapse (defined as a rise >25% of the Nadir and above 2 ng/ml), radiological relapse (on any imaging technique), decision of treatment modification (hormonotherapy initiation or line change) or death, and tolerance.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients were included. Diagnostic imaging was mostly 18F-Choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) (75.0%), prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT (9.1%) or a combination of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT, and 99 mTc-bone scintigraphy (11.4%). PSA response was observed in 41.9% patients (partial in 30.3%, complete in 11.6%). In the hormone-sensitive exclusive focal ablation group (n = 31), partial and complete PSA responses were 32.3 and 12.9% respectively. Early local control (absence of visible residual active target) on the post-procedure imaging was achieved with 87.5% success. After a median follow-up of 30 months (IQR 13.3-56.8), the median PFS was 9 months overall (95% CI, 6-17), and 17 months (95% CI, 11-NA) for PSA responders. Complications occurred in 11.4% patients, with only one grade IIIb Dindo-Clavien event (uretral stenosis requiring endoscopic uretrotomy).

CONCLUSION

In PCa patients showing in-field oligo-recurrence after pelvic radiotherapy, focal ablative treatment is a feasible option, possibly delaying a systemic treatment initiation or modification. These invasive strategies should preferably be performed in expert centers and discussed along other available focal strategies in multi-disciplinary meetings.

Nephrectomy after response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): A surgical challenge allowing favorable oncological outcomes

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Background: In the current era of Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), the role and timing of nephrectomy is still unknown. We aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) managed with nephrectomy for residual disease after complete response (CR) or major partial response (mPR defined as > 80%) on metastatic sites following ICI. Methods: Patients who underwent nephrectomy after prior ICI between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively included and clinicopathological data were reviewed. Perioperative data, postoperative complications, toxicities related to ICI, continuation or discontinuation of systemic treatment following surgery, and 1-year oncological outcomes were recorded. Results: Twenty-five patients without initial cytoreductive nephrectomy at diagnosis underwent delayed nephrectomy after long ICI administration because of CR (or mPR) on metastatic sites. Median age was 62 years [38-79]. 88% of patients had clear cell RCC on the initial biopsy. IMDC prognostic group was intermediate (80%) or poor (20%). ICI was administered as first-line therapy in 56.0% of cases and as second-line option after TKI in 44.0% of cases. Treatments regimens were: nivolumab + ipilimumab (n = 12), nivolumab + tivozanib (n = 2) or nivolumab alone (n = 11). The mean duration of ICI treatment was 11.8 months (range: 3-38 months) and the mean number of cycles was 19 (range: 6-75). Twelve patients had a CR on metastatic sites while 13 patients had a mPR ( > 80%). Overall, 64% of patients experienced toxicities related to ICI treatment. Median operative time was 210 minutes [90-345] and mean blood loss was 558 cc [40-4000]. In 80.0% of cases, surgeons experienced difficulties in finding dissection plans due to adhesions and/or inflammatory infiltration. The 30-day Clavien-Dindo postoperative complication rate was 36.0%, including 1 surgery-related death. Pathological report showed lymphocyte and/or macrophage infiltration in 60% of cases and complete pathological response (pT0) in 3 cases (12%). After a mean follow-up of 19.4 months, 79.2% of the patients were free from progression and 70.8% free from systemic treatment. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) at 1 year were 79.5% and 89.8% respectively. CR on metastatic sites was significantly associated with good RFS compared to mPR (1-year RFS = 100% vs. 56.8%, median RFS = 21.6 vs. 4.25 months, p = 0.006) while the duration of IO treatment exposure was not. Conclusions: Nephrectomy following ICI for mRCC can be a difficult procedure. However, it may provide good long-term RFS, with systemic treatment discontinuation following surgery in most cases. This strategy may be offered in well-selected patients, especially in case of CR on metastatic sites before surgery.

A phase 3 trial with a 2x2 factorial design of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and/or local radiotherapy in men with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC): First results of PEACE-1

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Background: Historically, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was the standard of care (SOC) for men with mCSPC. Since 2015, combining ADT with either docetaxel, novel hormonal therapies, or radiotherapy to the primary tumor (RXT) (for those with low burden metastases) was shown to improve overall survival (OS) and thus has become the new SOC. It is unknown whether combining these new treatments on top of ADT further increments outcomes. Methods: Men with de novo mCSPC were randomized to SOC, SOC + abiraterone acetate-prednisone (abiraterone), SOC + RXT, or SOC + abiraterone + RXT. SOC was initially ADT alone, then from Oct 2015 onwards the use of docetaxel was authorized as part of SOC (at the investigator’s discretion until 2017, then, following the publication of the LATITUDE and STAMPEDE trials, accrual was restricted to men receiving ADT+docetaxel). The trial has two co-primary endpoints of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and OS with type I error of 0.1% and 4.9%, respectively. The required number of rPFS events to achieve 80% power has been reached for the abiraterone question (not yet for the RXT question). The interaction between abiraterone and RXT was first tested using a Cox model adjusted for stratification factors (performance status, type of castration, metastatic burden, and when applicable, docetaxel). A hierarchical testing was used to test the effect of abiraterone: overall population, then ADT+docetaxel population. Results: From Nov 2013 to Dec 2018, 1173 men were enrolled (SOC was ADT+docetaxel in 710 pts and ADT alone in 463 pts), median age 67y (IQR: 60-72), high volume 57%, low volume 43%. The median follow-up is 3.5y. No interaction was detected between the effect of abiraterone and that of RXT (p = 0.64), allowing to pool abiraterone arms for comparisons. rPFS was significantly improved in the abiraterone arm in the overall population (HR: 0.54 (0.46-0.64), p < 0.0001; medians: 2.2 vs 4.5 years) and in the ADT+docetaxel population: (HR: 0.50 (0.40-0.62), p < 0.0001; medians: 2.0 vs 4.5 years). bPFS (PFS including PSA progression as an event) also significantly favored abiraterone in the overall population (HR: 0.40 (0.35-0.47), p < 0.0001; medians: 1.5 vs 3.8 years) and in the ADT+docetaxel population (HR: 0.38 (0.31-0.47), p < 0.0001; medians: 1.5 vs 3.2 years). OS is maturing. Grade 3-4 adverse events reported in > 5% of pts within the first 6 months in the ADT+docetaxel population included neutropenic fever (4.5% vs 5.4%), liver toxicity (19.7% vs 13%), and hypertension (12.2% vs 8.6%) in the abiraterone and control arms, respectively. Conclusion: Adding abiraterone to ADT + docetaxel significantly improves rPFS in men with de novo metastatic prostate cancer, with about 2.5 years of absolute benefit in medians, and no meaningful additional short-term toxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT01957436.

ODENZA: A French prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, cross-over phase II trial of preference between darolutamide and enzalutamide in men with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)

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Background: Darolutamide (Daro) and enzamutamide (Enza) are both next generation androgen receptor inhibitors with demonstrated activity in men with CRPC. Although both agents are associated with survival improvement, their toxicity profiles are different. To help decipher whether this may impact on patient preference, we designed the ODENZA trial. Methods: ODENZA is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, cross-over, phase II trial of preference between Daro and Enza in men with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic CRPC. Patients were randomized 1/1 to receive Daro 1200 mg/d for 12 weeks followed by Enza 160 mg/d for 12 weeks (Daro-Enza arm) or the reverse sequence (Enza-Daro arm). In both arms, the second treatment was given in absence of evidence of cancer progression at week 12. The primary endpoint was patient preference between the two drugs, as assessed by a questionnaire at week 24. The Prescott's test was used to determine treatment preference in patients fullfilling pre planned criteria (exposure to both treatments, no progression at week 12, and completion of the preference questionnaire). A p-value greater than 0.05 indicates that there is no difference in preference between treatments. Stratification factors were performance status and prior taxane for mCSPC. After week 24, patients went on to an extension period during which they received the chosen treatment until progression or toxicity. The main secondary objectives included reasons for preference, response at week 12, cognitive assessment, and toxicity. Results: Overall 249 pts were randomized, median age 72y (68; 79), ECOG PS 0 (56%), prior taxanes (22%). Two hundred pts fulfilled the pre-planned criteria for evaluation of the preference primary endpoint : 97 (48.5% [41.3;55.7]), 80 (40.0% [33.0;47.0]), and 23 (11.5% [6.8;16.2]) chose Daro, Enza, and had no preference, respectively (unilateral p-value of 0.92). After preference assessment, 186 patients entered the extension period: 103 (55.4%) and 83 (44.6%) received Daro and Enza respectively. The most common factors influencing patient preference all numerically favored Daro over Enza, without significant differences were: less fatigue (44% vs 29%), ease of taking the medication (37% vs 31%), better quality of life (36% vs 28%), ability to be more active (26% vs 15%), ability to concentrate (22% vs 15%) and less falls (6% vs 3%). A PSA50 response was achieved in 76.2% and 83.9% at week 12 with Daro and Enza respectively (p = 0.13). Fatigue was the most frequently reported all grade adverse event at week 12, in 21% and 36% with Daro and Enza, respectively. Conclusions: More patients with early mCRPC preferred Daro over Enza, although the difference did not reach significance, with fatigue as the key influencing factor. Clinical trial information: NCT03314324.

Prostate cancer and PARP inhibitors: progress and challenges

Despite survival improvements achieved over the last two decades, prostate cancer remains lethal at the metastatic castration-resistant stage (mCRPC) and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Germinal and/or somatic alterations of DNA-damage response pathway genes are found in a substantial number of patients with advanced prostate cancers, mainly of poor prognosis. Such alterations induce a dependency for single strand break reparation through the poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) system, providing the rationale to develop PARP inhibitors. In solid tumors, the first demonstration of an improvement in overall survival was provided by olaparib in patients with mCRPC harboring homologous recombination repair deficiencies. Although this represents a major milestone, a number of issues relating to PARP inhibitors remain. This timely review synthesizes and discusses the rationale and development of PARP inhibitors, biomarker-based approaches associated and the future challenges related to their prescription as well as patient pathways.

Adaptation of chemotherapy to the decline tumor markers in patients with poor prognosis nonseminomatous germ cell tumors:Real-world French experience

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Background: Personalized chemotherapy based on tumor marker decline is the new standard in poor prognosis germ-cell tumor in Europe since 2014 (GETUG 13, Lancet, Fizazi et al). The purpose of this study was to analyze the reproducibility of the princeps study in patients not selected in clinical routine between 2014 and 2018. Methods: Patients (pts) were eligible if they had at least one criteria of IGCCCG classification for poor prognosis group. They had to be treated according the study terms of GETUG 13 study and did not received prior treatment. They had to received 1 BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin). Tumor markers (HCG and AFP) were dosed between day 18 and 21. Then, they received 3 additional BEP if they had favorable tumor marker decline or intensive chemotherapy if they had unfavorable decline. Results: This retrospective study included 104 patients in 14 french centers treated between 2013 and 2018: 22,1 % (n = 23) in the favorable group (Fav), 77,9 % (n = 81) in the unfavorable group (Unfav). Thirty-two pts had PS ≥ 2. In Unfav, there were more pts with HCG > 50 000 UI/L (44,2 % vs 13 %, p = 0,0067), neutrophil-to-lymphocyt ratio was also higher (median 6,4 vs 4,5, p = 0,0199). At cycle 1, all pts received BEP in Fav and 87,5 % (n = 70) in Unfav. After chemotherapy and surgery, 65,2 % in Fav and 41,3 % in Unfav obtained complete response. At 30 months (median follow-up), Fav-OS was 80,5 % (IC95% 55,8 – 92,2) and Unfav-OS was 64,4 % (IC95% 52 – 74,4). At 30 months, rates were 69,6 % (IC95% 46,6 -84,2) and 63.5 % (IC95% 51,9 – 73) respectively. In GETUG 13 study, 3-years OS was 84 % in Fav and 73 % on Unfav; 3-years PFS was 70 % and 59 % respectively. Seven pts died because of toxicity in Unfav (No one in Fav). Neuropathy, anemia and thrombopenia were more frequent in Unfav. Salvage high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell transplant was required in 4 (66,7 %) pts in Fav and 8 (36,4 %) pts in Unfav. Conclusions: This study showed a reproducibility of the princeps study in terms of PFS and OS. Toxicity seemed more important in real world. For the congress, results will be reported with 50 additional pts.

An open-label, multicenter, phase IIIb study of patients with urinary tract carcinoma (UTC) (STRONG): Final analysis for fixed-dose durvalumab monotherapy (module A)

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Background: Patients (pts) with advanced UTC who fail first-line therapy have poor prognoses. Durvalumab (D; anti-PD-L1) 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks is approved for treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy (CT). Further understanding of long-term safety and efficacy of D in platinum and non-platinum pretreated pts, using a fixed dose every 4 weeks (Q4W), is of value. Methods: Module A of the phase IIIb STRONG study (NCT03084471) investigated the safety of fixed-dose D (1500 mg, Q4W) in pts with urothelial and nonurothelial UTC who progressed on or after platinum/non-platinum CT. The primary endpoint was the number of pts with adverse events of special interest (AESIs) – events with an inflammatory or immune-mediated mechanism that may require interventions (eg, steroids/immunosuppressants), including immune-mediated adverse events (imAE). AEs with onset date on or after the date of first dose and up to 90 days after study discontinuation were included. Secondary endpoints included serious AEs and overall survival (OS). Exploratory endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) (investigator assessed per RECIST 1.1). Results: A total of 867 pts received D monotherapy. Median age was 68.1 yr and 80.0% were male; 87.1% had an ECOG PS 0-1 and 12.7% had ECOG PS 2. Most (96.3%) had urothelial UTC, including urothelial variants. Tumor PD-L1 expression was high (≥25%) in 239/577 (41.4%) pts with available data. Median treatment and follow-up duration were 12.1 wk (range 1-128) and 13.8 mo (range 0.0-28.8), respectively. Safety data are reported in the table. Deaths related to study treatment occurred in 9 pts (1.0%). At data cutoff (March 31, 2020), 30.8% of pts were in survival follow-up. Median OS was 7.0 mo (95% CI: 6.4-8.2); OS rate at 1 and 2 yr was 35.8% (95% CI: 32.5-39.2) and 20.2% (95% CI: 16.5-24.1), respectively. ORR was 17.7% with complete responses in 5.1% of pts. DCR at 6 mo was 33.0%. Median OS of subgroups: PD-L1 high or low: 9.3 mo (95% CI: 6.7-12.7) and 6.5 mo (95% CI: 5.8-8.1); ECOG PS 0-1 or 2: 8.4 mo (95% CI: 7.2–9.8) and 3 mo (95% CI: 2.0-4.1); urothelial and nonurothelial UTC: 7.0 mo (95% CI: 6.4-8.2) and 7.0 mo (95% CI: 2.7-10.2), respectively. Conclusions: Fixed-dose D monotherapy Q4W is convenient with an acceptable safety profile in previously treated pts for UTC. Long-term safety and efficacy data reported are consistent with published studies of D and other IO agents in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03084471 . [Table: see text]

[Plan of the day adaptive radiotherapy for bladder cancer: Dosimetric and clinical results]

PURPOSE

To account of individual intra-pelvic anatomical variations in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) irradiation, adaptive radiotherapy (ART) using a personalized plan library may have dosimetric and clinical benefits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data from ten patients treated for localized MIBC according to the "plan of the day" (P0oD) individualized ART technique were collected and retrospectively analysed. Target volumes and organs at risk (OAR) were delineated at different bladder fill rates, resulting in two or three treatment plans. Daily Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) was used for the selection of PoD at each fraction. Retrospectively, we delineated rectal, intestinal and target volumes on each CBCT, to assess target volume coverage and dose sparing to healthy tissues. A comparison with the conventional radiotherapy technique was performed. The secondary objectives were toxicity and efficacy.

RESULTS

The target coverage was respected with the adaptive treatment: 97.3% for the bladder Clinical Target Volume (CTV) (99.5; [60.1-100]) and 98% for the bladder+lymph nodes CTV (98.6; [85.4-100]). Concerning OAR, the volume of healthy tissue spared was 43.7% on average and the V45Gy for the small bowel was 43,4cc (35; [0-129]) (versus 57,6cc). The rectal D50 was on average 18,7Gy for the adaptive treatment (15.9; [2.4-44.1]) versus 17Gy with the conventional approach. With a median follow-up of 2.94 years (95% CI: [0.92-4.02]), we observed three grade 3 toxicities (30%). No grade 4 toxicity was observed. The 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 65.6% (95% CI: [26-87.6]) and 45.7% (95% CI: [14.3-73]), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The ART technique using a PoD strategy showed a reduction of the irradiated healthy tissue volume while maintaining a similar bladder coverage, with an acceptable rate of toxicity.

Survival with Olaparib in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that olaparib led to significantly longer imaging-based progression-free survival than the physician's choice of enzalutamide or abiraterone among men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who had qualifying alterations in homologous recombination repair genes and whose disease had progressed during previous treatment with a next-generation hormonal agent. The results of the final analysis of overall survival have not yet been reported.

METHODS

In an open-label, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned patients in a 2:1 ratio to receive olaparib (256 patients) or the physician's choice of enzalutamide or abiraterone plus prednisone as the control therapy (131 patients). Cohort A included 245 patients with at least one alteration in BRCA1, BRCA2, or ATM, and cohort B included 142 patients with at least one alteration in any of the other 12 prespecified genes. Crossover to olaparib was allowed after imaging-based disease progression for patients who met certain criteria. Overall survival in cohort A, a key secondary end point, was analyzed with the use of an alpha-controlled, stratified log-rank test at a data maturity of approximately 60%. The primary and other key secondary end points were reported previously.

RESULTS

The median duration of overall survival in cohort A was 19.1 months with olaparib and 14.7 months with control therapy (hazard ratio for death, 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50 to 0.97; P = 0.02). In cohort B, the median duration of overall survival was 14.1 months with olaparib and 11.5 months with control therapy. In the overall population (cohorts A and B), the corresponding durations were 17.3 months and 14.0 months. Overall, 86 of 131 patients (66%) in the control group crossed over to receive olaparib (56 of 83 patients [67%] in cohort A). A sensitivity analysis that adjusted for crossover to olaparib showed hazard ratios for death of 0.42 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.91) in cohort A, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.11 to 5.98) in cohort B, and 0.55 (95% CI, 0.29 to 1.06) in the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

Among men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who had tumors with at least one alteration in BRCA1, BRCA2, or ATM and whose disease had progressed during previous treatment with a next-generation hormonal agent, those who were initially assigned to receive olaparib had a significantly longer duration of overall survival than those who were assigned to receive enzalutamide or abiraterone plus prednisone as the control therapy, despite substantial crossover from control therapy to olaparib. (Funded by AstraZeneca and Merck Sharp and Dohme; PROfound ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02987543.).

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for olaparib versus enzalutamide or abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations: PROfound

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Background: In the randomized Phase III PROfound trial (NCT02987543), olaparib significantly prolonged radiographic progression-free survival compared with physician’s choice of new hormonal agent (pcNHA, enzalutamide or abiraterone) in men with mCRPC and HRR gene alterations, whose disease had progressed on prior NHA. Olaparib significantly improved time to pain progression in Cohort A. We report additional patient reported outcome measures of HRQoL in the overall study population (Cohorts A+B). Methods: HRQoL was assessed in the overall study population using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) questionnaire, comprising 5 subscales: physical wellbeing (PWB), functional wellbeing (FWB), emotional wellbeing, social wellbeing, and prostate cancer subscale (PCS). The Trial Outcome Index (TOI; PWB+FWB+PCS) and FACT Advanced Prostate Symptom Index (FAPSI-6: derived from 6 FACT-P items) were also calculated. Adjusted mean change and time to deterioration in scores were statistically analyzed. Results: Baseline FACT-P total score was similar for both treatment arms. FACT-P total and subscale scores during treatment were all higher for olaparib vs pcNHA, with clinically meaningful differences between treatment arms in the adjusted least square (LS) mean changes from baseline in all but FWB and FAPSI-6 (Table). The time to deterioration in FACT-P total and TOI, FAPSI-6, PWB and PCS scores favored olaparib but were not statistically significant, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.68 to 0.94. Further HRQoL results for cohort A will also be presented. Conclusions: Olaparib delayed deterioration in HRQoL scores vs pcNHA and was associated with better HRQoL functioning over time compared with pcNHA in men with mCRPC and HRR gene alterations. Clinical trial information: NCT02987543 . [Table: see text]

Impact of olaparib vs physician’s choice of new hormonal agent (pcNHA) on burden of pain in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): PROfound

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Background: In the Phase III PROfound study (NCT02987543) olaparib significantly improved radiographic progression-free survival (primary endpoint) vs pcNHA (enzalutamide or abiraterone) in patients (pts) with mCRPC and homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations. In pts with alterations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and/or ATM (cohort A), time to pain progression was also significantly improved by olaparib vs pcNHA. We report additional pain analyses evaluated in the overall study population (cohort A and B). Methods: Pts were randomized to olaparib tablets (300 mg bid; n=256) or pcNHA (n=131). Pts completed the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI–SF) questionnaire (electronic administration) every 4 weeks up to 6 months after progression or treatment crossover. Responses were analysed to determine time to progression to worst pain, pain severity and first opiate use for cancer-related pain (Kaplan-Meier), and also pain interference in daily activity (mixed model for repeated measures). Results: 85% and 76% of olaparib pts were free of pain progression (worst pain item) compared with 75% and 51% in the pcNHA arm, respectively at 6 and 12 months. The proportion of pts without pain progression (overall pain severity) also favoured olaparib (Table). Median time to first opiate use was significantly prolonged in olaparib arm compared with pcNHA arm; 18 months for olaparib vs 9 months for pcNHA (Table). BPI-SF pain interference scores were also more favourable for olaparib than pcNHA; difference in overall adjusted mean change from baseline score −0.75 (95% CI: −1.14, −0.36) P=0.0002. Further pain burden results for cohort A will also be presented. Conclusions: Olaparib reduced the burden of pain and time to first opiate use in pts with mCRPC and HRR gene alterations vs pcNHA, demonstrating a clinical and symptomatic patient benefit. Clinical trial information: NCT02987543 . [Table: see text]

PROfound: Efficacy of olaparib (ola) by prior taxane use in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations

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Background: Optimal sequencing of therapies for mCRPC is not established. In the Phase III PROfound study (NCT02987543), ola significantly prolonged radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) vs physician’s choice of new hormonal agent (pcNHA) in pts with mCRPC and an alteration in genes with a direct or indirect role in HRR. We report exploratory subgroup analyses by prior taxane (yes vs no). Methods: Men with mCRPC that had progressed on prior NHA were randomized to ola (tablets; 300 mg bid) or pcNHA (enzalutamide or abiraterone). Pts had alterations in BRCA1, BRCA2 or ATM (Cohort A) or ≥1 of 12 other prespecified genes with a direct or indirect role in HRR (Cohort B). Stratification factors were prior taxane use and measurable disease. rPFS was assessed by blinded independent central review with RECIST v1.1 + PCWG3. Results: Subgroup analyses of rPFS and overall survival (OS) favored ola vs pcNHA irrespective of prior taxane in Cohort A, Cohorts A+B and pts with a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 or CDK12 alteration (Table). In the ATM subgroup hazard ratio (HR) point estimates for rPFS and OS were lower in pts who had received prior taxane vs pts who had not, but 95% CIs overlapped and pt numbers were small so data should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: The benefit of ola over pcNHA in pts with mCRPC and HRR gene alterations was generally independent of prior taxane status in the overall study population. Clinical trial information: NCT02987543. [Table: see text]

Vefora, GETUG-AFU V06 study: Randomized multicenter phase II/III trial of fractionated cisplatin (CI)/gemcitabine (G) or carboplatin (CA)/g in patients (pts) with advanced urothelial cancer (UC) with impaired renal function (IRF)—Results of a planned interim analysis

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Background: Standard treatment for advanced UC is chemotherapy (CT) combining CI and G. 70% of pts with UC are over 65 and 40% of them are unfit for CI because of IRF or comorbidities. CA replaces frequently CI, when creatinine clearance (Cr Cl) is < 60 ml/min according to Cockroft and Gault formula (CGF). However, CA tends to show a lower efficacy than CI, due to decreased dose intensity of CT. Methods: We performed a multicentre randomized phase II/III study in order to compare the activity and safety of a CT regimen with fractionated CI or CA for advanced UC in 1st line setting among pts unfit for standard CT because of IRF (40 ≤ Cr Cl ≤ 60ml/min) according to CGF. We report here the results of the interim analysis of phase II. Treatment: Arm A: CA AUC4,5 D1+ G 1000 mg/m² D1, [D1 = D21]; Arm B: fractionated CI 35 mg/m² D1D8 + G 1000 mg/m² D1D8, [D1 = D21] The co-primary objectives of the phase II were to evaluate activity (non-progression (RECIST V1.1) at (D21 C6)) and safety defined by the absence during treatment of: IRF: Cr Cl <35 mL/min or deterioration of Cr Cl >20%; delayed CT (≥ 2 weeks); decrease twice G dose on day 1 for: NCI CTC grade III or IV non-hematologic toxicity; hematologic toxicity; A two-stage Bryant and Day design was used. Results: A planned first step analysis was performed after randomization of 25 and 21 pts from April 2015 to January 2018. 23 and 19 of them were evaluable (resp. Arm A/B). 8 failures were reported for safety reason in experimental arm B, 7 for renal toxicity. Conclusions: According to our pre planned first step analysis, the trial met criteria for excessive toxicity in experimental arm (fractionated CI), predominantly renal toxicity. The study was therefore definitely stopped. Survival results will be available at the meeting. Clinical trial information: NCT02240017 . [Table: see text]

Diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the evaluation of hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy mediastinum lower, posterior, and middle, detected by PET-CT with 18F-FDG (PET) (APOGEE Study)

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Background: In the context of a new cancer or relapse, the high sensitivity (Se) (95-100%) of PET-CT with 18F-FDG can lead to the demonstration of hypermetabolic mediastinal adenopathies. Its lower specificity (Sp) (89%) can require histological examination. We report the results of a prospective, single-center study evaluating the diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA in this indication. Methods: Prospective single-center study featuring patients in whom PET had revealed hypermetabolic mediastinal lymphadenopathy requiring diagnostic certainty. All EUS-FNA were performed with a 19-gauge needle (EchoTip, Cook Endoscopy). Main objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance in terms of Se and Sp of EUS-FNA in the characterization of hypermetabolic mediastinal adenopathies in PET in the context of a new cancer or relapse. Secondary objectives: To evaluate the negative predictive value (NPV) of the EUS-FNA and to evaluate the percentage of surgical diagnostic procedures avoided. The standard technique was a thoraco-abdominopelvic CT scan at 6 months and at 12 months. Results: 52 patients were eligible and evaluable for the primary endpoint. The most common primary cancers were mammary (17.3%) and bronchial (13.5%). The lymph nodes were analyzed as malignant in 44.2% of cases, benign in 50% of cases and atypical or suspicious in 3.8% of cases. The malignant lymph nodes were metastatic for breast cancer in 21.7% of cases, bronchial cancer in 17.4% of cases, colorectal cancer in 17.4% of cases and prostate cancer in 13% of cases. The Se of the EUS-FNA was 92% (95% CI 0.74-0.99) and the Sp 100%. NPV was 87% (95% CI: 0.59-0.98). A diagnostic surgical procedure was necessary in 2% of the cases. PET and EUS-FNA often allowed the modification of the therapeutic strategy. Conclusions: When a confirmed diagnosis is required, the diagnostic accuracy of the minimally invasive procedure of EUS-FNA, is sufficiently robust to avoid a surgical diagnosis technique. The combination of PET and EUS-FNA may alter the therapeutic strategy that would have been considered after PET alone. Clinical trial information: NCT01892501.

Renal cell carcinoma lung metastases treated by radiofrequency ablation integrated with systemic treatments: over 10 years of experience

Background

To determine safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for local treatment of lung metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), sequenced or combined with systemic treatments.

Methods

Retrospectively, we studied 53 patients treated by RFA for a maximum of six lung metastases of RCC. The endpoints were local efficacy, overall (OS), disease-free (DFS), pulmonary progression-free (PPFS) and systemic treatment-free (STFS) survivals, complications graded by the CTCAE classification and factors associated with survivals. Potential factors analysed were: clinical and pathological data, tumoral staging of TNM classification, primary tumor histology, Fuhrman’s grade, age, number and size of lung metastases and extra-pulmonary metastases pre-RFA.

Results

One hundred metastases were treated by RFA. Median follow-up time was 61 months (interquartile range 90–34). Five-year OS was 62% (95% confidence interval (CI): 44–75). Median DFS was 9.9 months (95% CI: 6–16). PPFS at 1 and 3 years was 58.9% (95%CI: 44.1–70.9) and 35.2% (95%CI: 21.6–49.1), respectively. We observed 3% major complications (grade 3 and 4 of CTCAE classification). Local efficacy was 91%. Median STFS was 28.3 months. Thirteen patients (25%) with lung recurrence could be treated by another RFA. T3/T4 tumors had significantly worse OS, PPFS and STFS. Having two or more lung metastases increased the risk of pulmonary progression more than threefold.

Conclusion

Integrated to systemic treatment strategy, RFA is safe and effective for the treatment strategy of lung metastasis from RCC with good OS and long systemic treatment-free survival. RFA offers the possibility of repeat procedures, with low morbidity.

Image-Guided Bone Consolidation in Oncology

Occurrence of bone metastases is a common event in oncology. Bone metastases are associated with pain, functional impairment, and fractures, particularly when weight-bearing bones are involved. Management of bone metastases has been improved by the development of various interventional radiology consolidation techniques. Cementoplasty is based on injection of acrylic cement into a weakened bone to reinforce it and to control pain. This minimally invasive technique has proven its efficacy for flat bone submitted to compression forces. However, resistance to torsion forces is limited and, thus, treatment of long bones should be considered with caution. In recent years, variant techniques of percutaneous bone consolidation have emerged, including expansion devices for vertebral augmentation and percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic bone and proximal femur tumors. Research projects are ongoing to develop drug-loaded cements to use them as therapeutic vectors. However, release of drugs is still poorly controlled and conventional polymethylmethacrylate cement remains the gold standard in oncology. Image-guided consolidation techniques enhance the array of treatments in bone oncology. Multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to select the best indications.

Denosumab Toxicity When Combined With Anti-angiogenic Therapies on Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A GETUG Study

BACKGROUND

About one-third of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have detectable metastases at diagnosis. Among them, bone is the second most frequent metastatic site. Treatment of metastatic RCC mostly relies on anti-angiogenic (AA) therapies and, more recently, immunotherapy. Skeletal-related events (SREs) can be prevented with bone-targeted therapies such as denosumab (Dmab), which has demonstrated superiority when compared with zoledronic acid in solid tumors. However, there is limited available data on Dmab toxicity in combination with AA therapies in patients with kidney cancer. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the toxicity profile (mainly osteonecrosis of the jaw [ONJ] and hypocalcemia) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with Dmab and AA therapy combination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study among centers from the French Groupe d'Etudes des Tumeurs Uro Genitales (GETUG). Patients with bone metastases who received concurrently or sequentially AA therapy and Dmab were included in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients with mRCC were enrolled. Although no patient presented with severe hypocalcemia, ONJ occurred in 7 (17%) of 41 patients. Interestingly, all patients with ONJ received the Dmab and AA combination in the first line of treatment; among these patients, 3 patients had no risk factor other than the Dmab and AA combination.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of ONJ was high in this real-life population of patients with mRCC treated with AA therapies combined with Dmab. This toxicity signal should warn physicians about this combination in the mRCC population.

Risk factors for loco-regional recurrence after radical cystectomy of muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A systematic-review and framework for adjuvant radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Radical cystectomy (RC) associated with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the most common local therapy in the management of non-metastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Loco-regional recurrence (LRR), however, remains a common and important therapeutic challenge associated with poor oncologic outcomes. We aimed to systematically review evidence regarding factors associated with LRR and to propose a framework for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in patients with MIBC.

METHODS

We performed this systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched the PubMed database for articles related to MIBC and associated treatments, published between January 1980 and June 2015. Articles identified by searching references from candidate articles were also included. We retrieved 1383 publications from PubMed and 34 from other sources. After an initial screening, a review of titles and abstracts, and a final comprehensive full text analysis of papers assessed for eligibility, a final consensus on 32 studies was obtained.

RESULTS

LRR is associated with specific patient-, tumor-, center- or treatment-related variables. LRR varies widely, occurring in as many as 43% of the cases and is strongly related to survival outcomes. While perioperative treatment does not impact on LRR, pathological factors such as pT, pN, positive margins status, extent of PLND, number of lymph nodes removed and/or invaded are correlated with LRR. Patients with pT3-T4a and/or positive lymph-nodes and/or limited pelvic lymph-node dissection and/or positive surgical margins have been distributed in LRR risk groups with accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

LRR patterns are well-known and for selected patients, adjuvant treatments could target this event. Intrinsic tumor subtype may guide future criteria to define a personalized treatment strategy. Prospective trials evaluating safety and efficacy of adjuvant RT are ongoing in several countries.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP17A1 and SLCO2B1 genes and clinical outcome in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with abiraterone acetate: results of the ABIGENE prospective study

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Background: Abiraterone acetate (AA), a CYP17A1 inhibitor, has been approved in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Germline polymorphisms in genes involved in androgen biosynthesis or transport may influence response and survival in this setting. Methods: ABIGENE is a multicentric prospective non-randomized pharmacogenetic study (NCT01858441). The primary objective was to investigate the association between 13 SNPs in genes related to AA pharmacology (CYP17A1, SLCO2B1 and SLCO2B3) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), according to PCWG2 criteria, in pts with mCRPC treated with first-line AA + prednisone. The main secondary objectives were to evaluate the impact of these SNPs on radiographic and PSA response, overall survival (OS) and toxicity. SNPs were detected in blood samples before starting AA and analyzed by pyrosequencing or PCR-RFLP methods. Kaplan-Meyer’s curves with log-rank tests and cox regression models were used to identify relationships between SNPs and survival. Chi2 tests and student t-tests were used to identify association with response rate and toxicity. Results: 147 pts in 17 french centers were included between 2013 and 2017. Here are presented the results for the first 109 pts. The median follow-up was 28.7 months. Overall response rate (ORR) was 17%, and 74% pts had stable disease as the best response. Median rPFS was 10.9 months (95% CI 9.2-15.3). One SNP (rs10883782) in CYP17A1 was associated with rPFS on AA therapy (Table). Two other SNPs in CYP17A1 (rs4919683) and SLCO2B1 (rs1077858) were significantly associated with radiographic response. Data on PSA response, OS and toxicity will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: This is the first prospective dedicated study to show an association between SNPs related to androgen metabolism and clinical outcome in mCRPC treated with AA. Clinical trial information: NCT01858441. [Table: see text]

Safety and efficacy of temsirolimus as second line treatment for patients with recurrent bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer is the 7th cause of death from cancer in men and 10th in women. Metastatic patients have a poor prognosis with a median overall survival of 14 months. Until recently, vinflunine was the only second-line chemotherapy available for patients who relapse. Deregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was observed in more than 40% of bladder tumors and suggested the use of mTOR as a target for the treatment of urothelial cancers.

METHODS

This trial assessed the efficacy of temsirolimus in a homogenous cohort of patients with recurrent or metastatic bladder cancer following first-line chemotherapy. Efficacy was measured in terms of non-progression at two months according to the RECIST v1.1 criteria. Based on a two-stage optimal Simon's design, 15 non-progressions out of 51 evaluable patients were required to claim efficacy. Patients were treated at a weekly dose of 25 mg IV until progression, unacceptable toxicities or withdrawal.

RESULTS

Among the 54 patients enrolled in the study between November 2009 and July 2014, 45 were assessable for the primary efficacy endpoint. A total of 22 (48.9%) non-progressions were observed at 2 months with 3 partial responses and 19 stable diseases. Remarkably, 4 patients were treated for more than 30 weeks. Fifty patients experienced at least a related grade1/2 (94%) and twenty-eight patients (52.8%) a related grade 3/4 adverse event. Eleven patients had to stop treatment for toxicity. This led to recruitment being halted by an independent data monitoring committee with regard to the risk-benefit balance and the fact that the primary objective was already met.

CONCLUSIONS

While the positivity of this trial indicates a potential benefit of temsirolimus for a subset of bladder cancer patients who are refractory to first line platinum-based chemotherapy, the risk of adverse events associated with the use of this mTOR inhibitor would need to be considered when such an option is envisaged in this frail population of patients. It also remains to identify patients who will benefit the most from this targeted therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01827943 (trial registration date: October 29, 2012); Retrospectively registered.

Staged Radiofrequency Ablation and Surgical Resection for Multiple Lung Metastases of Germ Cell Tumors

Purpose: To evaluate the morbidity and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) performed before surgical resection for multiple residual lung metastases of germ cell tumors with negative tumor markers. Materials and Methods: This Review Board-approved retrospective study was carried out on five consecutive patients (mean age: 31 years, range: 22–41) treated successively with percutaneous RFA and surgery for multiple lung metastases of germ cell tumors. Mean number of lung metastases before treatment was 9.4. Staged procedures were performed on an average of 7.2 months (range: 1–16) after the primitive tumor resection. Results: The median clinical and imaging follow-up was 26 months (range: 24–36). Percutaneous RFA was technically feasible in one session under general anesthesia and CT guidance in all cases. On average, 2.8 tumors were ablated per patient (range: 1–6), and three of five procedures were bilateral. Three patients developed pneumothorax requiring drainage, but no severe complications were reported. Mean time between RFA and surgical resection of residual tumors was 2.5 months (range: 1–5). No local recurrences were noted, but one patient died due to metastatic evolution. Conclusion: Staged percutaneous RFA and surgical resection could be efficient with low morbidity for the management of multiple lung metastases of germ cell tumors.

Strategies to avoid treatment-induced lineage crisis in advanced prostate cancer

The increasing potency of therapies that target the androgen receptor (AR) signalling axis has correlated with a rise in the proportion of patients with prostate cancer harbouring an adaptive phenotype, termed treatment-induced lineage crisis. This phenotype is characterized by features that include soft-tissue metastasis and/or resistance to standard anticancer therapies. Potent anticancer treatments might force cancer cells to evolve and develop alternative cell lineages that are resistant to primary therapies, a mechanism similar to the generation of multidrug- resistant microorganisms after continued antibiotic use. Herein, we assess the hypothesis that treatment-adapted phenotypes harbour reduced AR expression and/or activity, and acquire compensatory strategies for cell survival. We highlight the striking similarities between castration-resistant prostate cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, another poorly differentiated endocrine malignancy. Alternative treatment paradigms are needed to avoid therapy-induced resistance. Herein, we present a new clinical trial strategy designed to evaluate the potential of rapid drug cycling as an approach to delay the onset of resistance and treatment-induced lineage crisis in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Adjuvant radiotherapy after radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A retrospective multicenter study

Objectives

Radical cystectomy (RC) and pelvic lymph-node dissection (LND) is standard treatment for non-metastatic muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer (MIBC). However, loco-regional recurrence (LRR) is a common early event associated with poor prognosis. We evaluate 3-year LRR-free (LRRFS), metastasis-free (MFS) and overall survivals (OS) after adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for pathological high-risk MIBC.

Material and methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients in 3 institutions. Inclusion criteria were MIBC, histologically-proven urothelial carcinoma treated by RC and adjuvant RT. Patients with conservative surgery were excluded. Outcomes were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. Acute toxicities were recorded according to CTCAE V4.0 scale.

Results

Between 2000 and 2013, 57 patients [median age 66.3 years (45–84)] were included. Post-operative pathological staging was ≤pT2, pT3 and pT4 in 16%, 44%, and 39%, respectively. PLND revealed 28% pN0, 26% pN1 and 42% pN2. Median number of lymph-nodes retrieved was 10 (2–33). Forty-eight patients (84%) received platin-based chemotherapy. For RT, clinical target volume 1 (CTV 1) encompassed pelvic lymph nodes for all patients. CTV 1 also included cystectomy bed for 37 patients (65%). CTV 1 median dose was 45 Gy (4–50). A boost of 16 Gy (5–22), corresponding to CTV 2, was administered for 30 patients, depending on pathological features. One third of patients received intensity-modulated RT. With median follow-up of 40.4 months, 8 patients (14%) had LRR. Three-year LRRFS, MFS and OS were 45% (95%CI 30–60), 37% (95%CI 24–51) and 49% (95%CI 33–63), respectively. Five (9%) patients had acute grade ≥3 toxicities (gastro-intestinal, genito-urinary and biological parameters). One patient died with intestinal fistula in a septic context.

Conclusions

Because of poor prognosis, an effective post-operative standard of care is needed for pathological high-risk MIBC. Adjuvant RT is feasible and may have oncological benefits. Prospective trials evaluating this approach with current RT techniques should be undertaken.

[Image-guided bone consolidation in oncology: Cementoplasty and percutaneous screw fixation]

Bone metastases are a common finding in oncology. They often induce pain but also fractures which impair quality of life, especially when involving weight-bearing bones. Percutaneous image-guided consolidation techniques play a major role for the management of bone metastases. Cementoplasty aims to stabilize bone and control pain by injecting acrylic cement into a weakened bone. This minimally invasive technique has proven its efficacy for bones submitted to compression forces: vertebra, acetabular roof, and condyles. However, long bone diaphysis should be treated with caution due to lower resistance of the cement subject to torsional forces. The recent improvements of navigation systems allow percutaneous image-guided screw fixation without requiring open surgery. This fast-track procedure avoids postponing introduction of systemic therapies. If needed, cementoplasty can be combined with screw insertion to ensure better anchoring in major osteolysis. Interventional radiology bone consolidation techniques increase the therapeutic field in oncology. A multidisciplinary approach remains mandatory to select the best indications.

Results of the GETUG-AFU 19 trial: A randomized phase II study of dose dense methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (dd-MVAC) with or without anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) monoclonal antibody panitumumab (PANI) in advanced transitional cell carcinoma (ATCC)

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Background: Frequent overexpression and correlation with stage and survival has been reported with the EGF-R pathway in ATCC. Methods: 93 patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic bladder or upper urinary tract (UUT) transitional cell carcinoma were planned with a 1:2 randomisation ratio. Patients with K-Ras or H-Ras mutations were excluded. dd-MVAC included M 30 mg/m2d1, V 3 mg/m2d2, D 30 mg/m2d2 and cisplatin 70 mg/m2d2 (d1 = d14) with G-CSF support. PANI 6 mg/kg was given on d2. The number of pts was determined from the 9-month median progression-free survival (PFS) rate reported with dd-MVAC. Using a one stage Fleming design, the dd-MVAC+PANI combination will be considered to be active if at least 37 patients among 70 do not show tumor progression at 9 months (p0 = 0.50, p1 = 0.70, alpha = 0.08 and beta = 0.03). As basal-like subtype might be related to Anti-EGFR treatment response, the phenotype was determined using a Keratin 5/6 and GATA3 double immunostaining (8 basal like among 58 cases tested). Results: From September 2010 to November 2015, 96 patients (bladder 68, UUT 21, both 8) received dd-MVAC (33) or dd-MVAC+PANI (63). No significant difference was observed among baseline characteristics and prognostic factors. The median number of cycles was 6 (1-6) in both arms. At least one grade > 2 toxicity was observed in 79% and 76% of patients in the dd-MVAC and PANI arms, respectively. More dermatological adverse events were observed in the PANI arm. Objective responses were reported in 23 (70%) pts in the dd-MVAC arm and 30 pts (48%) in the PANI arm. With a median follow-up of 27 months, PFS was 6.8 months and 5.7 months in the dd-MVAC and PANI arms respectively; OS was 20.2 months and 12.5 months in the dd-MVAC and PANI arms, respectively. No association was observed between PFS and basal-like feature for patients treated by MVAC+PANI. Molecular subtyping is in progress to confirm this observation at mRNA level. Conclusions: When combined with dd-MVAC, PANI does not seem to improve efficacy in pts with ATCC. Clinical trial information: NCT02818725.

[Adjuvant radiotherapy for bladder cancer in patients with risk of locoregional recurrence: Who, what and how?]

Radical cystectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection remains the standard of care for non-metastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Locoregional control is a key factor in the outcome of patients since it is related to overall survival, metastasis-free survival and specific survival. Locoregional recurrence rate is directly correlated to pathological results and the quality of lymphadenectomy. In addition, while pre- or postoperative chemotherapy improved overall survival, it showed no impact on locoregional recurrence-free survival. Several recent publications have led to the development of a nomogram that predicts the risk of locoregional recurrence, in order to identify patients for which adjuvant radiotherapy could be beneficial. International cooperative groups have then come together to provide the rational for adjuvant radiotherapy, reinforced by recent technical developments limiting toxicity, and to develop prospective studies to reduce the risk of relapse. The aim of this critical literature review is to provide an overview of the elements in favor of adjuvant radiation for patients treated for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.