Abstract P2-13-42: Effect of young age at diagnosis on clinical outcomes and efficacy of anti-HER2 targeted therapy in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer: Results from the APHINITY trial

Background: The poor prognostic value of young age at diagnosis appears to vary according to breast cancer (BC) subtype, although this has been studied mainly in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease, with limited data in HER2-positive BC and short follow-up. Limited evidence exists on the benefit of anti-HER2 therapy in young women with BC. Considering that age has historically been a rationale for overtreatment, further research efforts to better investigate the prognostic and predictive value of age are needed. This exploratory analysis conducted within the APHINITY trial aimed to investigate the prognostic and predictive value of young age in patients with HER2-positive early BC treated with modern chemotherapy and concurrent anti-HER2 targeted treatment. Methods: APHINITY (NCT01358877) is an international, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized phase III trial in patients with HER2-positive early BC investigating the benefit of adding pertuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab. For the purpose of the present analysis, 40 years of age at enrolment was used as the cut-off to distinguish between young (≤40 years) and older (>40 years) cohorts. Invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) was the primary endpoint. IDFS irrespective of treatment arm and the benefit of adding pertuzumab were evaluated in all patients by comparing the young and older cohorts and then according to centrally-assessed hormone receptor status. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the prognostic and predictive value of age on IDFS as a continuous and dichotomous variable (≤40 years and >40 years). A STEPP analysis was also conducted to illustrate possible treatment-effect heterogeneity based on age as a continuous factor. Results: Out of 4,804 patients in the ITT population, 768 (16.0%) were ≤40 years at enrollment. Patients in the young cohort were less overweight/obese (29.3% vs. 50.4%), underwent mastectomy more frequently (63.2% vs. 52.6%), had higher rates of node positive (66.4% vs. 61.8%) and HR+ (71.7% vs. 64.9%) BC as compared to those in the older cohort (all p<0.05). Among patients with HR+ BC that received adjuvant endocrine therapy in the young cohort (n=498), 132 (26.5%) underwent ovarian function suppression while 324 (65.1%) received tamoxifen alone. Overall median follow-up was 74 months (IQR 62-75 months). 6-year IDFS was 88% and 89% in the young and older cohorts, respectively. In univariate and multivariable analyses, young age was not prognostic as dichotomous (unadjusted HR 1.06; 95% CI 0.84-1.33; adjusted HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.84-1.35) nor as continuous (unadjusted HR 1.00; 95% CI 1.00-1.01) variables. The lack of prognostic effect of age was observed irrespective of hormone receptor status and treatment arm. No significant interaction was observed between age and treatment effect (Pinteraction=0.605). The addition of pertuzumab improved IDFS for both patients in the young (6-year IDFS 89% vs. 87%; adjusted HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.56-1.32) and older (6-year IDFS 91% vs. 88%; adjusted HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62-0.92) cohorts. By analyzing the potential predictive value of age according to hormone receptor status, similar results were observed. The STEPP analysis confirmed the benefit of pertuzumab in 6-year IDFS across age subpopulations. Conclusions: In patients with HER2-positive early BC treated with modern anticancer therapies, young age did not demonstrate prognostic or predictive value in long-term follow-up, irrespective of hormone receptor status and anti-HER2 treatment modalities. These results may help to improve the care of young women with BC, highlighting that, in the current era of precision medicine, age alone is not a reason to expect a different disease outcome or treatment benefit.

Citation Format: Matteo Lambertini, Shona Fielding, Sibylle Loibl, Wolfgang Janni, Emma Clark, Maria Alice Franzoi, Debora Fumagalli, Carmela Caballero, Luca Arecco, Sharon Salomoni, Noam F Ponde, Francesca Poggio, Hee Jeong Kim, Cynthia Villarreal-Garza, Olivia Pagani, Shani Paluch-Shimon, Alberto Ballestrero, Lucia Del Mastro, Martine Piccart, Jose Bines, Ann H. Partridge, Evandro de Azambuja. Effect of young age at diagnosis on clinical outcomes and efficacy of anti-HER2 targeted therapy in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer: Results from the APHINITY trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-42.

Duodenal volvulus: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction

Small bowel volvulus is a rare but life-threatening emergency. Volvulus of the duodenum is even rarer without the presence of predisposing factors. The clinical presentation is vague, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, prompt diagnosis of volvulus therefore relies heavily on radiographs. The treatment options lie between conservative or surgical management, where the decision is influenced by the patient and their presentation. This case is of a 100-year-old female with an extensive surgical and medical background presenting with signs of small bowel obstruction. With the help of imaging, a rare case of duodenal volvulus was diagnosed but managed conservatively due to the patient's background, age and personal wishes.

Informing policy on school and daycare operations during COVID-19 with a living rapid evidence review

Background

To support evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) for safe re-opening and operation of schools and daycares, the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) has maintained since May 2020 a living rapid review answering the following question: “What is the role of schools and daycares in COVID-19 transmission”. Traditional rapid review methodology was modified for the COVID-19 context. This presentation will describe the global reach and usefulness of this living rapid review.

Methods

Following completion of each update of the living rapid review, findings were disseminated broadly with the aim of informing policy and public health practice. Key dissemination strategies include e-mails to key contacts and a subscriber list; highlight in a monthly newsletter; media outreach; and social media. The review's reach was analyzed using Google Analytics, citation tracking, and qualitative feedback.

Results

Between May 2020 and April 2021, the living review has been updated 14 times. The posted review has been viewed over 5000 times across 46 countries. The review has been cited and indexed in over 40 sources, including key governmental and non-governmental reports and guidelines. The NCCMT has received positive qualitative feedback on the review's value in informing the public health response related to schools and daycares in various jurisdictions across Canada. Key stakeholders have expanded the review's reach organically as they use the evidence in practice and share the review with their networks.

Lessons

Using a living rapid review to continuously provide high-quality synthesized evidence amidst the evolving COVID-19 research literature demonstrates a responsive approach to decision makers' requests for evidence. An emerging challenge is reaching the proper stakeholders responsible for EIDM, particularly during public health emergencies with many competing high-priority questions and decisions to be made.

Key messages

As the evidence landscape changes due to a surge in literature, evidence-informed decision making can be supported by rapid but rigorous syntheses that evaluate quality and emerging recommendations. A long-standing, trusting relationship with decision makers is key to optimizing living rapid review methodology to meet the evidence needs of decision makers despite the changing literature.

The use of first-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, cefalexin and cefradine, is not associated with induction of simulated Clostridioides difficile infection

Objectives

The use of broad-spectrum cephalosporins is associated with induction of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Recent knowledge on the importance of the healthy microbiota in preventing pathogen colonization/outgrowth highlights the caution needed when prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics. The use of historical narrow-spectrum antibiotics, such as first-generation cephalosporins, is gaining increased attention once more as they have a reduced impact on the microbiota whilst treating infections. Here, the effects of two first-generation cephalosporins, compared with a third-generation cephalosporin, on the human microbiota were investigated and their propensity to induce simulated CDI.

Methods

Three in vitro chemostat models, which simulate the physiochemical conditions of the human colon, were seeded with a human faecal slurry and instilled with either narrow-spectrum cephalosporins, cefalexin and cefradine, or a broad-spectrum cephalosporin, ceftriaxone, at concentrations reflective of colonic levels.

Results

Instillation of cefalexin was associated with reduced recoveries of Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae; however, Clostridium spp. recoveries remained unaffected. Cefradine exposure was associated with decreased recoveries of Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides spp. and Enterobacteriaceae. These changes were not associated with induction of CDI, as we observed a lack of C. difficile spore germination/proliferation, thus no toxin was detected. This is in contrast to a model exposed to ceftriaxone, where CDI was observed.

Conclusions

These model data suggest that the minimal impact of first-generation cephalosporins, namely cefalexin and cefradine, on the intestinal microbiota results in a low propensity to induce CDI.

Improving uptake of Fracture Prevention drug treatments: a protocol for Development of a consultation intervention (iFraP-D)

INTRODUCTION

Prevention of fragility fractures, a source of significant economic and personal burden, is hindered by poor uptake of fracture prevention medicines. Enhancing communication of scientific evidence and elicitation of patient medication-related beliefs has the potential to increase patient commitment to treatment. The Improving uptake of Fracture Prevention drug treatments (iFraP) programme aims to develop and evaluate a theoretically informed, complex intervention consisting of a computerised web-based decision support tool, training package and information resources, to facilitate informed decision-making about fracture prevention treatment, with a long-term aim of improving informed treatment adherence. This protocol focuses on the iFraP Development (iFraP-D) work.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The approach to iFraP-D is informed by the Medical Research Council complex intervention development and evaluation framework and the three-step implementation of change model. The context for the study is UK fracture liaison services (FLS), which enact secondary fracture prevention. An evidence synthesis of clinical guidelines and Delphi exercise will be conducted to identify content for the intervention. Focus groups with patients, FLS clinicians and general practitioners and a usual care survey will facilitate understanding of current practice, and investigate barriers and facilitators to change. Design of the iFraP intervention will be informed by decision aid development standards and theories of implementation, behaviour change, acceptability and medicines adherence. The principles of co-design will underpin all elements of the study through a dedicated iFraP community of practice including key stakeholders and patient advisory groups. In-practice testing of the prototype intervention will inform revisions ready for further testing in a subsequent pilot and feasibility randomised trial.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from North West-Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee (19/NW/0559). Dissemination and knowledge mobilisation will be facilitated through national bodies and networks, publications and presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

researchregistry5041.

Trehalose-Induced Remodelling of the Human Microbiota Affects Clostridioides difficile Infection Outcome in an In Vitro Colonic Model: A Pilot Study

Within the human intestinal tract, dietary, microbial- and host-derived compounds are used as signals by many pathogenic organisms, including Clostridioides difficile. Trehalose has been reported to enhance virulence of certain C. difficile ribotypes; however, such variants are widespread and not correlated with clinical outcomes for patients suffering from C. difficile infection (CDI). Here, we make preliminary observations on how trehalose supplementation affects the microbiota in an in vitro model and show that trehalose-induced changes can reduce the outgrowth of C. difficile, preventing simulated CDI. Three clinically reflective human gut models simulated the effects of sugar (trehalose or glucose) or saline ingestion on the microbiota. Models were instilled with sugar or saline and further exposed to C. difficile spores. The recovery of the microbiota following antibiotic treatment and CDI induction was monitored in each model. The human microbiota remodelled to utilise the bioavailable trehalose. Clindamycin induction caused simulated CDI in models supplemented with either glucose or saline; however, trehalose supplementation did not result in CDI, although limited spore germination did occur. The absence of CDI in trehalose model was associated with enhanced abundances of Finegoldia, Faecalibacterium and Oscillospira, and reduced abundances of Klebsiella and Clostridium spp., compared with the other models. Functional analysis of the microbiota in the trehalose model revealed differences in the metabolic pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, which could be attributed to prevention of CDI. Our data show that trehalose supplementation remodelled the microbiota, which prevented simulated CDI, potentially due to enhanced recovery of nutritionally competitive microbiota against C. difficile.

Haem is crucial for medium-dependent metronidazole resistance in clinical isolates of Clostridioides difficile

Background

Until recently, metronidazole was the first-line treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection and it is still commonly used. Though resistance has been reported due to the plasmid pCD-METRO, this does not explain all cases.

Objectives

To identify factors that contribute to plasmid-independent metronidazole resistance of C. difficile.

Methods

Here, we investigate resistance to metronidazole in a collection of clinical isolates of C. difficile using a combination of antimicrobial susceptibility testing on different solid agar media and WGS of selected isolates.

Results

We find that nearly all isolates demonstrate a haem-dependent increase in the MIC of metronidazole, which in some cases leads to isolates qualifying as resistant (MIC >2 mg/L). Moreover, we find an SNP in the haem-responsive gene hsmA, which defines a metronidazole-resistant lineage of PCR ribotype 010/MLST ST15 isolates that also includes pCD-METRO-containing strains.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that haem is crucial for medium-dependent metronidazole resistance in C. difficile.

Glofitamab step-up dosing (SUD): Complete response rates in updated efficacy data in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory (R/R) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients (pts)

7519

Background: Glofitamab (RG6026), a T-cell-engaging, bispecific, full-length antibody, allows bivalent binding to CD20 (B-cells), and monovalent binding to CD3 (T-cells). In NP30179 (NCT03075696), an ongoing multicenter, Phase I dose-escalation and expansion study, 0.6–25mg glofitamab fixed-dosing with obinutuzumab pretreatment (Gpt), showed high, durable complete responses and manageable safety in heavily pretreated R/R NHL (Dickinson, et al. EHA 2020). Glofitamab SUD, in addition to Gpt, allowed dose escalation up to 30mg to maximize efficacy, while mitigating cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (Hutchings, et al. JCO 2021). We present updated efficacy data from glofitamab monotherapy SUD cohorts. Methods: Gpt (1000mg) was given to pts 7 days pre-glofitamab initial dose. Intravenous SUD of glofitamab was given on Day (D) 1 and 8 of Cycle (C) 1 and then at the target dose from C2D1 (2.5/10/16mg or 2.5/10/30mg); treatment continued for up to 12 cycles, every 21 days. Response rates were based on the Lugano criteria (Cheson, et al. JCO 2014). Results: Fifty-two pts received glofitamab SUD; 17 and 35 pts received 2.5/10/16mg and 2.5/10/30mg, respectively. Twenty-eight pts (53.8%) had aggressive NHL (aNHL) and 24 pts had indolent NHL (iNHL). Pts had a median age of 68 (44–85) years and received a median of 3 (1–12) prior lines of therapy. Forty (76.9%) and 38 (73.1%) pts were refractory to their most recent and any prior CD20 therapy, respectively. After a median follow-up of 6.3 months, an updated efficacy analysis was conducted on December 1, 2020. For pts with aNHL (N = 28), the best overall response (OR) and complete metabolic response (CMR) rates were 64.3% and 57.1%, respectively; a trend of improved response was observed with increased target dose, with a CMR rate of 71.4% at 2.5/10/30mg (N = 14). Notably, 4/5 pts (80%) with mantle cell lymphoma (2.5/10/16mg, n = 2; 2.5/10/30mg, n = 2) had CMR. For aNHL, 13/16 CMRs are ongoing, with 8 CMRs lasting > 3 months. For pts with iNHL (N = 24), OR and CMR rates were 79.2% and 70.8%, respectively; 14/17 CMRs are ongoing, with 10 CMRs lasting > 3 months. As of August 3, 2020, common adverse events (52 pts) were CRS (63.5%), neutropenia (38.5%), and pyrexia (32.7%). CRS was mostly confined to C1: 24/50 pts had CRS after 2.5mg; 20/49 pts after 10mg; 2/16 and 8/32 pts had CRS after 16 and 30mg (C2D1), respectively. Grade [Gr] 1 and 2 CRS was reported in 18 (34.6%) and 12 (23%) pts, respectively; 3 pts had Gr 3 CRS; none had Gr 4/5 events (ASTCT 2019). Updated data, including biomarker data on baseline CD20 expression and CD8 levels in the tumor, will be presented. Conclusions: Updated data for glofitamab monotherapy SUD show higher preliminary response rates than previously reported in pts with R/R NHL who have failed multiple lines of therapy. CRS was mostly manageable, of low grade, and confined to the first cycle of treatment. Clinical trial information: NCT03075696.

Adjuvant Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab in Early HER2-Positive Breast Cancer in the APHINITY Trial: 6 Years' Follow-Up

PURPOSE

APHINITY, at 45 months median follow-up, showed that pertuzumab added to adjuvant trastuzumab and chemotherapy significantly improved invasive disease–free survival (IDFS) (hazard ratio 0.81 [95% CI, 0.66 to 1.00], P = .045) for patients with early human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive breast cancer (BC), specifically those with node-positive or hormone receptor (HR)–negative disease. We now report the preplanned second interim overall survival (OS) and descriptive updated IDFS analysis with 74 months median follow-up.

METHODS

After surgery and central HER2-positive confirmation, 4,805 patients with node-positive or high-risk node-negative BC were randomly assigned (1:1) to either 1-year pertuzumab or placebo added to standard adjuvant chemotherapy and 1-year trastuzumab.

RESULTS

This interim OS analysis comparing pertuzumab versus placebo did not reach the P = .0012 level required for statistical significance ( P = .17, hazard ratio 0.85). Six-year OS were 95% versus 94% with 125 deaths (5.2%) versus 147 (6.1%), respectively. IDFS analysis based on 508 events (intent-to-treat population) showed a hazard ratio of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.91) and 6-year IDFS of 91% and 88% for pertuzumab and placebo groups, respectively. The node-positive cohort continues to derive clear IDFS benefit from pertuzumab (hazard ratio 0.72 [95% CI, 0.59 to 0.87]), 6-year IDFS being 88% and 83%, respectively. Benefit was not seen in the node-negative cohort. In a subset analysis, IDFS benefit from pertuzumab showed a hazard ratio of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.92) for HR-positive disease and a hazard ratio of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.63 to 1.10) for HR-negative disease. Primary cardiac events remain < 1% in both the treatment groups. No new safety signals were seen.

CONCLUSION

This analysis confirms the IDFS benefit from adding pertuzumab to standard adjuvant therapy for patients with node-positive HER2-positive early BC. Longer follow-up is needed to fully assess OS benefit.

The effect of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis on growth and detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales within an in vitro gut model

BACKGROUND

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) can colonize the gut and are of major clinical concern. Identification of CPE colonization is problematic; there is no gold-standard detection method, and the effects of antibiotic exposure and microbiota dysbiosis on detection are unknown.

AIM

Based on a national survey we selected four CPE screening assays in common use. We used a clinically reflective in vitro model of human gut microbiota to investigate the performance of each test to detect three different CPE strains under different, clinically relevant antibiotic exposures.

METHODS

Twelve gut models were seeded with a pooled faecal slurry and exposed to CPE either before, after, concomitant with, or in the absence of piperacillin-tazobactam (358 mg/L, 3 × daily, seven days). Total Enterobacterales and CPE populations were enumerated daily. Regular screening for CPE was performed using Cepheid Xpert® Carba-R molecular test, and with Brilliance™ CRE, Colorex™ mSuperCARBA and CHROMID® CARBA SMART agars.

FINDINGS

Detection of CPE when the microbiota are intact is problematic. Antibiotic exposure disrupts microbiota populations and allows CPE proliferation, increasing detection. The performances of assays varied, particularly with respect to different CPE strains. The Cepheid assay performed better than the three agar methods for detecting a low level of CPE within an intact microbiota, although performance of all screening methods was comparable when CPE populations increased in a disrupted microbiota.

CONCLUSION

CPE strains differed in their dynamics of colonization in an in vitro gut model and in their subsequent response to antibiotic exposure. This affected detection by molecular and screening methods, which has implications for the sensitivity of CPE screening in healthcare settings.

Perceptual reasoning skills mediate the relationship between attention and math proficiency in individuals with a neurodevelopmental condition

BACKGROUND

An important component of academic success in typically developing students is the development of math skills, which is associated with attention and perceptual reasoning (PR) skills. For children with a neurodevelopmental condition (NDC), the relationship is confounded by diagnostic-specific cognitive characteristics. Specifically, enhanced PR is specific to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to test: (i) a mediation model where PR skills would mediate the relationship between attention and math proficiency for students with an NCD, and (ii) whether this mediation model is moderated by a diagnostic profile.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

One hundred and thirty-seven students with an NDC participated in a school-based study examining the effectiveness of using a standardized measure of attention in predicting math capabilities.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

PR mediated the relationship between attention and math proficiency for students diagnosed with an NDC. However, the model was not moderated by diagnostic profile.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The results of this study provide a better understanding of the roles of higher-level cognitive ability specific to students with NDCs. Additionally, the superior PR skills demonstrated by the ASD sample further supports the research suggesting this population possesses cognitive strengths in this domain.

The effects of physical activity, fast-mimicking diet and psychological interventions on cancer survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Health professionals are often asked if non-pharmacological interventions prolong life. This review aims to evaluate the effects of physical activity, fast-mimicking diet (FMD) and psychological interventions on survival in all cancers.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Only RCTs of physical activity, FMD and psychological interventions (including counselling, cognitive and other psychotherapies) in cancer patients that reported survival outcomes were included.

DATA SOURCES

CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to January 2020 were searched without language restrictions. The protocol was prospectively registered at PROSPERO (CRD42019160944).

RESULTS

Thirty-one RCTs (9 on physical activity and 22 on psychological interventions) were included in the final analysis after evaluation of 60,207 records from our initial search. No eligible RCT on FMD was reported. RCTs on group psychological interventions (41.9 %) and in patients with breast cancer (38.7 %) were the most common. Most evaluated short-term interventions and in primary or adjuvant settings. Only one of 9 (11 %) RCTs on physical activity and 8 of 22 (36 %) RCTs on psychological interventions were associated with improved overall survival. Only group psychological interventions in breast cancer had adequate number of RCTs to allow a meta-analysis to be performed. It demonstrated a trend towards improved overall survival (HR -0.20, 95 %CI -0.49 to 0.10), particularly in RCTs that evaluated long-term (>6 months) therapies (HR -0.29, 95 %CI -0.59 to 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Longer term interventions starting early in the patients' care journey in primary and adjuvant settings have shown the most promise for improving survival. Better designed RCTs including survival outcomes are particularly needed in non-breast cancers.

Abstract PS10-01: 6-year absolute invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) benefit of adding adjuvant pertuzumab to trastuzumab and chemotherapy for patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer: A STEPP analysis of the APHINITY (BIG 4-11) trial

Background: The primary analysis of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled APHINITY trial, published in 2017, including 4804 patients (pts) with HER2-positive, early breast cancer with 45.4 months' median follow-up, demonstrated that adjuvant pertuzumab (P) added to trastuzumab and chemotherapy, statistically significantly improved invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) compared with placebo (Pla) added to trastuzumab and chemotherapy overall and for pts with node-positive (N+) disease. In 2019, updated descriptive analyses of IDFS with 74.1 months' median follow-up, demonstrated sustained benefit of adding P both overall (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91), and for N+ disease (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59-0.87), while confidence intervals remained wide for the node-negative (N-) cohort (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.69-1.53). There is great interest to explore how these significant overall results translate into absolute treatment benefits for different patient subpopulations.

Methods: Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot (STEPP) is an exploratory, graphical method that plots estimates of treatment effect for overlapping patient subpopulations defined by a covariate of interest. Four continuous covariates of interest are considered for defining subpopulations in this report: i) a clinical composite risk score (see below), ii) TILs percentage, iii) HER2 FISH copy number, and iv) a clinical-biological composite risk score combining the previous three factors. Pts with lowest values for the covariate comprise the extreme left STEPP subpopulation, and pts with highest values comprise the extreme right subpopulation. The clinical composite risk score for IDFS based on the overall cohort was calculated using a Cox regression model including the following prespecified clinical characteristics: number of positive nodes, tumor size, age, and centrally-reviewed hormone receptor status. Composite risk scores were scaled between 0 and 100 with higher scores reflecting higher risk of an IDFS event. An example of low clinical risk factors would be T1N0 and aged 40-64; while high risk would be T3N2 or higher and ages &lt;40 or ≥65. At 74.1 months' median follow-up, the composite risk of an IDFS event did not depend on hormone receptor status. Differences in Kaplan-Meier estimates of 6-year IDFS percents (P minus Pla) were used as estimates of treatment effect for each subpopulation. The overall analyses (N=4804) used 9 overlapping subpopulations with ~1000 pts in each, the N- analyses (N=1799) used 5 subpopulations with ~500 pts in each, and the N+ analyses (N=3005) used 7 subpopulations with ~750 pts in each. Intermediate (middle) subpopulations were the 5th, 3rd, and 4th, respectively.

Results: Table of 6-year IDFS percents (%) from Aphinity STEPPs, Overall and for N- and N+ cohorts. For each analysis, results are shown for the two subpopulations at either extreme of the STEPP (i.e. lowest and highest risk or values) as well as the intermediate STEPP subpopulation.

Conclusions: Based on the two extreme and one intermediate subpopulations of the STEPP analyses shown in the table, the intermediate clinical composite risk subpopulation and the highest TILs percentages had the largest absolute improvements in 6-year IDFS percents for P compared with Pla.

Table of 6-year IDFS percents (%) from Aphinity STEPPs, Overall and for N- and N+ cohorts.6-year IDFS %Overall (N=4804)Node-Negative (N=1799)Node-Positive (N=3005)PPlaΔ±SEPPlaΔ±SEPPlaΔ±SEOverall Average Results90.687.82.8±0.995.094.90.1±1.187.983.44.5±1.2Clinical composite riskLowest risk (0 - 21)95.396.2-0.9±1.396.196.5-0.4±1.5---Intermediate (39 - 63)92.687.35.3±1.995.091.04.0±3.093.686.76.9±2.3Highest risk (81 - 100)80.575.84.7±2.8---79.475.44.0±3.2TILs percentageLowest values (0-9)90.487.82.6±2.094.795.2-0.5±2.087.282.64.6±2.7Intermediate (13-21)89.487.71.7±2.194.294.10.1±2.285.484.80.6±2.7Highest values (≥31)95.689.36.3±1.798.194.93.2±1.792.384.97.4±2.4HER2 copy numberLowest values (1-8)87.186.40.7±2.292.794.8-2.1±2.284.182.12.0±2.8Intermediate (9.5-11)91.889.02.8±1.994.996.1-1.3±1.990.783.37.4±2.5Highest values (13-32)90.588.91.6±2.096.095.10.9±2.087.785.32.4±2.6Clinical-biological composite riskLowest risk (0-21)96.796.40.3±1.298.295.72.5±1.6---Intermediate (40-60)93.489.53.9±1.991.792.7-1.0±2.594.288.85.4±2.2Highest risk (79-100)80.175.94.2±2.7---79.575.24.3±3.2

Citation Format: Richard D. Gelber, Xin Victoria Wang, Bernard F. Cole, David Cameron, Fatima Cardoso, Vivianne Tjan-Heijnen, Ian Krop, Sherene Loi, Roberto Salgado, Astrid Kiermaier, Elizabeth Frank, Debora Fumagalli, Carmela Caballero, Evandro de Azambuja, Marion Procter, Emma Clark, Eleonora Restuccia, Sarah Heeson, Jose Bines, Sibylle Loibl, Martine Piccart-Gebhardt. 6-year absolute invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) benefit of adding adjuvant pertuzumab to trastuzumab and chemotherapy for patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer: A STEPP analysis of the APHINITY (BIG 4-11) trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS10-01.

Abstract PS7-21: Timelines to initiate an adjuvant phase III trial across the globe: A sub-analysis of the APHINITY trial

Background:Previous analysis of an adjuvant breast cancer trial (NCT00490139) suggested that geographical location and income affected the time required to set up a clinical trial, being significantly longer in South American and upper-middle income economies, potentially affecting access of innovative therapies in these locations. Understanding that this can be a dynamic process, we performed a similar analysis for the recent global phase III APHINITY trial (NCT01358877), which investigated the addition of pertuzumab to chemotherapy and trastuzumab as adjuvant therapy for patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer.

Methods:Time to regulatory authority (RA) submission to approval, time to ethics committee/institutional review board (EC/IRB) approval, time from study approval by EC/IRB to first randomized patient, and time from first to last randomized patient were collected prospectively. Analyses were conducted by grouping countries either by geographical region or economic income classification as per 2019 World Bank criteria. Descriptive statistics of medians and ranges were calculated for the different timelines evaluated. Differences between geographical regions and economic income classification groups were calculated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) following data normalization on square roots of the time to local RA. Geographical regions represented by only one participating country were not included in the ANOVA calculations.

Results:APHINITY randomized 4805 patients between November 2011 and August 2013. Of the 42 participating countries, 41 had data available regarding all relevant timelines. Of those, 21 (51.2%) were located in Europe, 9 (21.9%) in the East Asia-Pacific region, 8 (19.5%) in Latin America and Caribbean, 2 (4.8%) in North America, and 1 (2.4%) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Twenty-seven (65.8%) of the participating countries had high, 11 (26.8%) upper-middle, and 3 (7.3%) had lower-middle income economies.

Except for time from first patient to last patient randomized, there was wide variation in timelines within geographical region and across economic income classification. For example, the median time from EC/IRB approval to first recruited patient across all geographical regions was 118 days, but the range was wide (13– 463 days). There was, however, no statistical difference between the time to RA according to geographical region (p=0.47) although there was a trend to longer time to RA in upper-middle income economies compared to the others (p=0.07).

Conclusion

Our results did not demonstrate a significantly longer time for trial activation in Latin American & Caribbean countries and upper-middle income economies compared to other groups in the APHINITY trial. When compared to a previous report, this may reflect collective work from collaborative research groups, pharmaceutical industry sponsors and regulatory authorities across the globe and is to be welcomed. Variability in timelines within geographical regions and income classifications may exist and should be further investigated.

Table 1: Timelines in the activation process of APHINITY across geographical region and economic income classification.Time to RA (days)*Time to EC/IRB (days)Time from EC/IRB approval to first patient (days)Time from first patient to last patient randomized (months)Europe and Central Asia56 (4-135)67 (22-164)109 (13-257)17.6 (13.2-21.7)North America31 (30-32)73 (19-126)126 (86-165)17.6 (13.8-21.5)East Asia and Pacific53 (15-372)67 (31-421)108 (56-147)18 (8.7-19.9)Latin America and Caribbean51 (15-276)43 (19-273)232 (98-463)14.6 (6.5-17.5)Middle East and North Africa-141 (141-141)92 (92-92)13.9 (13.9-13.9)Sub-Saharan Africa103 (103-103)14 (14-14)185 (185-185)18.2 (18.2-18.2)Overall53 (4-372)56 (14-421)118 (13-463)17 (6.5-21.7)High income45 (4-276)60 (19-273)98 (13-257)18.2 (11.9-21.7)Upper middle income92 (15-372)54 (14-421)185 (73-463)14.2 (6.5-18.2)Lower middle income55 (32-111)33 (32-78)201 (147-209)15.1 (13.5-17.4)Overall53 (4-372)56 (14-421)118 (13-463)17 (6.5-21.7)Data are medians (range)*The protocol was not submitted to a country regulatory authority for Israel. The corresponding timelines for Israel cannot be calculated.EC/IRB = ethics committee/institutional review board; RA = regulatory approval

Citation Format: Maria Alice Franzoi, Marion Procter, Orianne Emond, Damien Parlier, Noam Pondé, Daniel Eiger, Sebastien Guillaume, Linda Reaby, Christopher Twelves, Emma Clark, Evandro de Azambuja, Jose Bines. Timelines to initiate an adjuvant phase III trial across the globe: A sub-analysis of the APHINITY trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS7-21.

A phase 2 study of venetoclax plus R-CHOP as first-line treatment for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The phase 2 CAVALLI (NCT02055820) study assessed efficacy and safety of venetoclax, a selective B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) inhibitor, with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) in first-line (1L) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including patients demonstrating Bcl-2 protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry (Bcl-2 IHC+). Eligible patients were ≥18 years of age and had previously untreated DLBCL, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2, and International Prognostic Index 2 to 5. Venetoclax 800 mg (days 4-10, cycle 1; days 1-10, cycles 2-8) was administered with rituximab (8 cycles) and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (6-8 cycles) in 21-day cycles. Primary end points were safety, tolerability, and research_plete response (CR) at end of treatment (EOT). Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival. Comparative analyses used covariate-adjusted R-CHOP controls from the GOYA/BO21005 study, an appropriate contemporary benchmark for safety and efficacy. Safety and efficacy analyses included 206 patients. CR rate at EOT was 69% in the overall population and was maintained across Bcl-2 IHC+ subgroups. With a median follow-up of 32.2 months, trends were observed for improved investigator-assessed PFS for venetoclax plus R-CHOP in the overall population (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.87) and Bcl-2 IHC+ subgroups (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34-0.89) vs R-CHOP. Despite a higher incidence of grade 3/4 hematologic adverse events (86%), related mortality was not increased (2%). Chemotherapy dose intensity was similar in CAVALLI vs GOYA. The addition of venetoclax to R-CHOP in 1L DLBCL demonstrates increased, but manageable, myelosuppression and the potential of improved efficacy, particularly in high-risk Bcl-2 IHC+ patient subgroups.

A non-randomised pilot study of the Solutions for Medication Adherence Problems (S-MAP) intervention in community pharmacies to support older adults adhere to multiple medications

BACKGROUND

Older patients prescribed multiple medications commonly experience difficulties with adherence. High-quality evidence on interventions targeting older patients is lacking. Theory is rarely used to tailor adherence solutions. This study aimed to pilot test a novel intervention, developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework, which guides community pharmacists in identifying adherence barriers and delivering tailored solutions (behaviour change techniques). Key study procedures (e.g. recruitment, data collection) for a future randomised controlled trial (cRCT) were also assessed.

METHODS

Using purposive sampling, this non-randomised pilot study aimed to recruit 12 community pharmacies (six in Northern Ireland; six in London, England). Pharmacists were trained to deliver the intervention to non-adherent older patients (maximum 10 per pharmacy; target n = 60-120) aged ≥ 65 years (reduced to 50 years due to recruitment challenges) and prescribed ≥ 4 regular medicines. The intervention, guided by an iPad web-application, was delivered over 3-4 face-to-face or telephone sessions, tailored to specific barriers to adherence. We assessed the feasibility of collecting adherence data (primary outcome: self-report and dispensing records), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and unplanned hospitalisations (secondary outcomes) at baseline and 6-months. The final decision on progressing to a cRCT, using pre-defined 'stop-amend-go' criteria, is presented.

RESULTS

Fifteen pharmacists from 12 pharmacies were recruited and trained. One pharmacy subsequently dropped out. Sixty patients were recruited (meeting the 'Amend' progression criteria), with 56 receiving the intervention. Adherence barriers were identified for 55 patients (98%) and a wide range of behaviour change solutions delivered (median: 5 per patient). Self-report and dispensing adherence data were available for 37 (61.7%) and 44 (73.3%) patients, respectively. HRQOL data were available for 35 (58.3%) patients. GP-reported and self-reported hospitalisations data were available for 47 (78.3%) and 23 (38.3%) patients, respectively. All progression concepts were met (nine 'Go' and three 'Amend' criteria).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of key study procedures (e.g. pharmacy recruitment) and delivery of a tailored adherence intervention in community pharmacies. However, modifications are required to enhance issues identified with patient recruitment, retention and missing data. A future definitive cRCT will explore the effectiveness of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN, ISRCTN73831533 , Registered 12 January 2018.

Eravacycline, a novel tetracycline derivative, does not induce Clostridioides difficile infection in an in vitro human gut model

OBJECTIVES

The approval of new antibiotics is essential to combat infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens; however, such agents should be tested to determine their effect on the resident microbiota and propensity to select for opportunistic pathogens, such as Clostridioides difficile. Eravacycline is a new antibiotic for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections. Here, we determined the effects of eravacycline compared with moxifloxacin on the microbiota and if these were conducive to induction of C. difficile infection (CDI).

METHODS

We seeded in vitro chemostat models, which simulate the physiological conditions of the human colon, with a human faecal slurry and instilled gut-reflective concentrations of either eravacycline or moxifloxacin.

RESULTS

Eravacycline instillation was associated with decreased Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Clostridium species, which recovered 1 week after exposure. However, Bacteroides spp. levels decreased to below the limit of detection and did not recover prior to the end of the experiment. Post-eravacycline, a bloom of aerobic bacterial species occurred, including Enterobacteriaceae, compared with pre-antibiotic, which remained high for the duration of the experiment. These changes in microbiota were not associated with induction of CDI, as we observed a lack of C. difficile spore germination and thus no toxin was detected. Moxifloxacin exposure sufficiently disrupted the microbiota to induce simulated CDI, where C. difficile spore germination, outgrowth and toxin production were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

These model data suggest that, despite the initial impact of eravacycline on the intestinal microbiota, similar to clinical trial data, this novel tetracycline has a low propensity to induce CDI.

Reduced long-lasting insecticidal net efficacy and pyrethroid insecticide resistance are associated with over-expression of CYP6P4, CYP6P3 and CYP6Z1 in populations of Anopheles coluzzii from South-East Côte d'Ivoire

Background

Resistance to major public health insecticides in Côte d’Ivoire has intensified and now threatens the long-term effectiveness of malaria vector control interventions.

Methods

This study evaluated the bioefficacy of conventional and next-generation long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), determined resistance profiles, and characterized molecular and metabolic mechanisms in wild Anopheles coluzzii from Southeast Côte d’Ivoire in 2019.

Results

Phenotypic resistance was intense: >25% of mosquitoes survived exposure to 10 times the doses of pyrethroids required to kill susceptible populations. Similarly, the 24-hour mortality rate with deltamethrin-only LLINs was very low and not significantly different from that with an untreated net. Sublethal pyrethroid exposure did not induce significant delayed vector mortality effects 72 hours later. In contrast, LLINs containing the synergist piperonyl butoxide, or new insecticides clothianidin and chlorfenapyr, were highly toxic to A. coluzzii. Pyrethroid-susceptible A. coluzzii were significantly more likely to be infected with malaria, compared with those that survived insecticidal exposure. Pyrethroid resistance was associated with significant overexpression of CYP6P4, CYP6P3, and CYP6Z1.

Conclusions

Study findings raise concerns regarding the operational failure of standard LLINs and support the urgent deployment of vector control interventions incorporating piperonyl butoxide, chlorfenapyr, or clothianidin in areas of high resistance intensity in Côte d’Ivoire.