100 years of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy: from cattle to COVID-19

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the most widely used vaccine worldwide and has been used to prevent tuberculosis for a century. BCG also stimulates an anti-tumour immune response, which urologists have harnessed for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. A growing body of evidence indicates that BCG offers protection against various non-mycobacterial and viral infections. The non-specific effects of BCG occur via the induction of trained immunity and form the basis for the hypothesis that BCG vaccination could be used to protect against the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This Perspective article highlights key milestones in the 100-year history of BCG and projects its potential role in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lung Metastases Versus Second Primary Lung Cancers in Patients with Primary Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: A National Population-Based Assessment

BACKGROUND: The work-up and diagnosis of indeterminate lung nodules at time of bladder cancer diagnosis may delay or change treatment. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the incidence of synchronous and metachronous lung cancers in adults with bladder cancer and compare these rates to the incidence of bladder cancer metastases in the lung. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all adults diagnosed with bladder cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry (2010– 2015) and identified second primary lung cancers defined as being either synchronous (diagnosed within 6 months of bladder cancer diagnosis) or metachronous (more than 6 months following index bladder cancer diagnosis). The risk of second primary lung cancers were reported as a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) reflecting observed and expected case ratios. RESULTS: A total of 88,335 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer were included. Among adults with NMIBC (n = 66,071) and MIBC (n = 18,879), 0.3% and 3.9% had bladder cancer metastatic to the lungs at diagnosis. Synchronous second primary lung cancers were diagnosed in 0.4% and 0.7% of patients with NMIBC and MIBC, respectively. Compared to the general population, the SIR for synchronous lung cancers among adults with NMIBC was 2.5 (95% CI 2.3– 2.9) and was 4.7 (95% CI 4.0– 5.6) for adults with MIBC. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder cancer metastatic to the lung is more common in adults with MIBC compared to NMIBC. There are similar frequencies of synchronous second primary lung cancers regardless of initial bladder cancer stage.

Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of urothelial cancer

A number of immunotherapies have been developed and adopted for the treatment of urothelial cancer (encompassing cancers arising from the bladder, urethra, or renal pelvis). For these immunotherapies to positively impact patient outcomes, optimal selection of agents and treatment scheduling, especially in conjunction with existing treatment paradigms, is paramount. Immunotherapies also warrant specific and unique considerations regarding patient management, emphasizing both the prompt identification and treatment of potential toxicities. In order to address these issues, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a panel of experts in the field of immunotherapy for urothelial cancer. The expert panel developed this clinical practice guideline (CPG) to inform healthcare professionals on important aspects of immunotherapeutic treatment for urothelial cancer, including diagnostic testing, treatment planning, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and patient quality of life (QOL) considerations. The evidence- and consensus-based recommendations in this CPG are intended to give guidance to cancer care providers treating patients with urothelial cancer.

Association of smoking status and recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer among patients managed with blue light cystoscopy

PURPOSE

Smoking has a strong causal association with bladder cancer but the relationship with recurrence is not well established. We sought to assess the association of smoking status on recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in a contemporary cohort of patients with predominantly high-risk, recurrent NMIBC managed with photodynamic enhanced cystoscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with NMIBC included in a multi-institutional registry. Our primary exposure of interest was smoking status. Our primary outcome was first recurrence of NMIBC. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate recurrence free probabilities and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the impact of smoking status on recurrence free survival.

RESULTS

Our analytic cohort included 723 adults with bladder cancer, 11.5% with primary NMIBC and 88.5% with recurrent NMIBC. The majority of patients were white, male, and had high-risk NMIBC (72.6%). 52.6% of included patients were former smokers and 12.7% were current smokers. During the three-year study period, there was a NMIBC recurrence in 259 of the 723 patients (35.8%). The 1- and 3-year probability of recurrence was 19% and 44%, respectively. The grade and stage of recurrences were 28.9% LG Ta, 34.4% HG Ta, 15.8% pure CIS, 0.3% LG T1, 15.4% HG T1, and 5.4% unknown. After adjustment for a priori clinical and demographic factors, smoking status had no significant association with recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Smoking status was not significantly association with recurrence in a study of patients with predominantly high-risk recurrent NMIBC managed with photodynamic enhanced cystoscopy.

Pembrolizumab (pembro) in combination with gemcitabine (Gem) and concurrent hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) as bladder sparing treatment for muscle-invasive urothelial cancer of the bladder (MIBC): A multicenter phase 2 trial

4504

Background: Trimodality bladder preservation therapy (TMT) is a standard treatment option for clinically localized MIBC with curative intent. Pembro has shown activity in MIBC in the neoadjuvant setting and may combine well with TMT to improve outcomes. This trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of pembro added to TMT in MIBC. Methods: This multicenter phase 2 trial included pts with cT2 – T4aN0M0 MIBC who declined or were ineligible for cystectomy (RC), ECOG PS 0/1, eGFR > 30 cc/min, and no contraindications to pelvic RT or pembro. No perioperative chemotx for MIBC was permitted. Pts received pembro 200 mg x 1 followed 2-3 weeks by maximal TURBT and then whole bladder RT (52 Gy/20 fx; IMRT preferred) with twice wkly gem 27 mg/m2 and pembro Q3 wks x 3 treatments. 12 wks post-RT, CT/MR AP, TUR of tumor bed and cytology were performed to document response. Up to 6 pts were enrolled to a safety cohort (SC) followed by 48 pts in efficacy cohort (EC). The primary endpt is 2-yr bladder-intact disease-free survival (BIDFS: first of MIBC or regional nodal recurrence, distant metastases, or death) assessed by serial cysto/cytology and CT/MRI. EC had 85% power to detect a 20% absolute improvement in 2-yr BIDFS rate over 60% historical rate (RTOG Pooled analysis; Mak JCO 2014). Key secondary endpts were safety, 12 wks CR rate, metastases-free survival and overall survival. Tumor tissue was collected at study entry, maximal TURBT and post-treatment TUR of tumor bed with serial PBMCs for correlative analyses. Results: From 5/2016 to 10/2020, 54 pts (6 SC, 48 EC; 72% M) enrolled at 5 centers; Median age 67 (65-89) for SC and 74 (51-97) for EC. C-stage (74% cT2, 22% cT3, and 4% cT4). 39 (72%) declined RC. All 6 pts in SC and 42/48 (88%) of EC pts completed all study therapy; 1/48 (2%), 2/48 (4%), and 4/48 (8%) discontinued RT/Gem, Gem or Pembro, respectively, most often due to toxicity. As of 1/2021 (median F/U 40.9 mos (38.6-50.8) SC and 11.7 mos (0.6 – 32.2) EC), no recurrences in SC, and 12/48 EC pts had any recurrence (6 NMIBC, 0 MIBC, 2 regional and 4 distant). The estimated 1 yr BIDFS rate is 77% (95% CI: 0.60-0.87). 12 wks CR rate was 100% in SC and 83% for EC (1 PR, 3 NR, 1 Progression, 11 NE; 2 still on active study). In the EC, 35% of pts had a Gr ≥3 TEAE (Gr 3 events included UTI 8%, diarrhea 4%, colitis 4%, bladder pain/obstruction 4%, neutropenia 2%, thrombocytopenia 2%). Notable Pembro Gr ≥3 TRAE included 3 pts (6%) Gr 3 GI toxicity and 1 pt Gr 4 colonic perforation. 1 patient died due to fungemia, unrelated to study therapy. Conclusions: Pembro added to hypofractionated RT and twice weekly gem was well-tolerated with promising efficacy in this early analysis. Pembro-related toxicity was consistent with prior monotherapy trials. Selected correlative analyses from serially collected blood and tissue specimens will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT02621151.

Patient, caregiver, and provider reported risk-benefit acceptance thresholds in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) trial designs

424

Background: FDA guidelines for NMIBC clinical trial design have stimulated a marked increase in NMIBC trial conduct. However, NMIBC patient (PT) input to define acceptable treatment toxicity thresholds and clinical measures most meaningful to NMIBC PTS has been lacking. We conducted a survey to investigate treatment side effect tolerance levels, respondent-ranked clinical relevance of various trial efficacy measures, and differences in responses between PTS, caregivers (CG), and healthcare providers. Methods: In 8/2018, an NMIBC Patient-Driven Endpoints working group was formed at the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) Think Tank meeting. Through iterative focus groups, a 21-question survey composed of 4 domains (demographics, treatment history, acceptable toxicity thresholds, and clinical benefit metrics) was designed. The BCAN Patient Survey Network and other social media platforms were utilized to distribute and publicize the survey. A unique IP address was required to eliminate duplicate respondents. Categorical and ordinal variables were reported as frequencies with 95% confidence intervals. Continuous variables were reported as medians with ranges. Frequency differences in specific variables of interest according to respondent roles were assessed by Chi-square testing with significance set at p < .05. Results: From 7/18-8/30/20, 845 survey responses were recorded. Key demographics included: 647 (76.7%) PTS, 77 CG (9.1%), 67 urologists (UROL) (7.9%), 35 medical oncologists (ONC) (4.1%), 59.8% male, 85.0% Caucasian non-Hispanic, median age 64.0 years, and 62.7% with NMIBC at diagnosis. Any reversible toxicity was deemed acceptable in 68.8% of PT, 61.0% of CG, 62.7% of UROL, and 54.3% of ONC respondents p = 0.09. Any permanent toxicity was deemed acceptable by 15.6% of PT, 11.7% of CG, 16.4% of UROL, and 20.0% of ONC respondents p = 0.54. Differences in acceptance of individual treatment related toxicities according to roles were observed p < .05 and will be presented. Mean rank order of potential clinical trial endpoints with a rank of 1 for most clinically meaningful benefit to 5 for least meaningful were 1.96 for avoidance of cystectomy, 2.13 for prevention of muscle invasion, 2.87 for 24-month recurrence free survival (RFS), 3.55 for 12-month RFS, and 3.97 for complete response rate with little variation according to respondent roles. Conclusions: Threshold levels for global reversible and permanent treatment toxicity rates were similar across respondent roles. Complete response was consistently ranked lowest in clinical relevance among all respondent roles. These survey results provide important patient and provider benchmarks for acceptable toxicity thresholds within future NMIBC trial designs and suggest an increased emphasis on bladder preservation and durability of response in evaluating the merits of new NMIBC therapies.

The association of salvage intravesical therapy following BCG with pathologic outcomes and survival after radical cystectomy for patients with high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: A multi-institution analysis

INTRODUCTION

While numerous current clinical trials are testing novel salvage therapies (ST) for patients with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the natural history of this disease state has been poorly defined to date. Herein, we evaluated oncologic outcomes in patients previously treated with BCG and ST who subsequently underwent radical cystectomy (RC).

METHODS

We identified 378 patients with high-grade NMIBC who received at least one complete induction course of BCG (n = 378) with (n = 62) or without (n = 316) additional ST and who then underwent RC between 2000 and 2018. Oncologic outcomes were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. Sensitivity analyses were conducted stratifying by presenting tumor stage, matched 1:3 for receipt vs. no receipt of ST.

RESULTS

Patients receiving ST were more likely to initially present with CIS (26% vs. 17%) and less likely with T1 disease (34% vs. 50%, P = 0.06) compared to patients not treated with ST. Receipt of ST was not associated with increased risk of adverse pathology (≥pT2 or pN+) at RC (31% vs. 41%, P = 0.14). Likewise, 5-year cancer-specific survival did not significantly differ between groups on univariable Kaplan-Meier analysis (73% for ST and 74% for no ST, P = 0.7). Moreover, on multivariable analysis, receipt of ST was not significantly associated the risk of death from bladder cancer (HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.60-2.09, P = 0.7). Results were unchanged on sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that, in carefully selected patients, ST following BCG for high grade NMIBC does not compromise oncologic outcomes for patients who ultimately undergo RC.

Intravesical nadofaragene firadenovec gene therapy for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a single-arm, open-label, repeat-dose clinical trial

BACKGROUND

BCG is the most effective therapy for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nadofaragene firadenovec (also known as rAd-IFNa/Syn3) is a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus that delivers human interferon alfa-2b cDNA into the bladder epithelium, and a novel intravesical therapy for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We aimed to evaluate its efficacy in patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

METHODS

In this phase 3, multicentre, open-label, repeat-dose study done in 33 centres (hospitals and clinics) in the USA, we recruited patients aged 18 years or older, with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status of 2 or less. Patients were excluded if they had upper urinary tract disease, urothelial carcinoma within the prostatic urethra, lymphovascular invasion, micropapillary disease, or hydronephrosis. Eligible patients received a single intravesical 75 mL dose of nadofaragene firadenovec (3 × 1011 viral particles per mL). Repeat dosing at months 3, 6, and 9 was done in the absence of high-grade recurrence. The primary endpoint was complete response at any time in patients with carcinoma in situ (with or without a high-grade Ta or T1 tumour). The null hypothesis specified a complete response rate of less than 27% in this cohort. Efficacy analyses were done on the per-protocol population, to include only patients strictly meeting the BCG-unresponsive definition. Safety analyses were done in all patients who received at least one dose of treatment. The study is ongoing, with a planned 4-year treatment and monitoring phase. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02773849.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 19, 2016, and May 24, 2019, 198 patients were assessed for eligibility. 41 patients were excluded, and 157 were enrolled and received at least one dose of the study drug. Six patients did not meet the definition of BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and were therefore excluded from efficacy analyses; the remaining 151 patients were included in the per-protocol efficacy analyses. 55 (53·4%) of 103 patients with carcinoma in situ (with or without a high-grade Ta or T1 tumour) had a complete response within 3 months of the first dose and this response was maintained in 25 (45·5%) of 55 patients at 12 months. Micturition urgency was the most common grade 3-4 study drug-related adverse event (two [1%] of 157 patients, both grade 3), and there were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

Intravesical nadofaragene firadenovec was efficacious, with a favourable benefit:risk ratio, in patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This represents a novel treatment option in a therapeutically challenging disease state.

FUNDING

FKD Therapies Oy.

Morphological correlation of urinary bladder cancer molecular subtypes in radical cystectomies

Several molecular subtypes of bladder cancer were identified with differing clinical behavior and responses to platinum-based chemotherapy. But so far, their urothelial histomorphologic features, besides association with some variant histologies, have remained fully undefined. We sought to characterize the histological features of genomically classified bladder cancers more extensively to tumor in radical cystectomy (RC) specimens. Forty-eight bladder cancers submitted to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were classified using the BASE47 genomic classifier into luminal subtype (LS) (14 cases), basal subtype (BS) (18 cases), and claudin-low subtype (CLS) (16 cases), and TCGA samples and the corresponding RC specimens were histologically assessed. Marked pleomorphism was more extensive in CLS tumors (87.5% had >15% extent) than in LS tumors (21.4%) (p = 0.0006), whereas the extent in BS tumors was in between LS and CLS tumors. Pleomorphism in distant carcinoma in situ appeared to correlate with that in the main tumor. Ki-67 proliferation was higher in CLS tumors (mean = 61%) than in LS tumors (mean = 29%) or BS (mean = 30%) (p < 0.001). Squamous differentiation was more extensive in BS and CLS tumors (38.2% of BS and CLS tumors versus 7.1% of LS tumors had >30% squamous, p = 0.040). Sarcomatoid change was present in BS and CLS tumors only. The micropapillary variant was identified in LS (3/14) and BS (4/18) tumors only. Histologic features associated with aggressiveness (eg, marked pleomorphism, high proliferation, and sarcomatoid change) are enriched in CLS tumors, correlating with its known poorer outcome that may provide hints in their microscopic distinction. Features more associated with BS than with LS tumors (eg, squamous, marked pleomorphism, and sarcomatoid change) are also identified or enhanced in CLS tumors, supporting the genomic findings suggesting CLS tumor as a hyperbasal form of BS tumor.

Development and evaluation of a bladder Cancer specific survivorship care plan by patients and clinical care providers: a multi-methods approach

BACKGROUND, CONTEXT AND PURPOSE

In spite of the mixed evidence for their impact, survivorship Care Plans (SCPs) are recommended to enhance quality of care for cancer survivors. Data on the feasibility of SCPs in bladder cancer (BC) is sparse. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study describes the iterative development, acceptability and feasibility of BC specific SCP (BC-SCP) in clinical settings.

METHODS

In Phase I, we developed the BC-SCP. In Phase II, we conducted four focus groups with 19 patients and 15 providers to examine its acceptability and usability challenges. Data analyses using the Atlas.ti program, informed refinement of the BC-SCP. In Phase III, we conducted feasibility testing of the refined BC-SCP with 18 providers from 12 health-centers. An encounter survey was completed after each assessment to examine the feasibility of the BC-SCP. Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests were used for comparative analyses.

RESULTS

During phase I, we observed high patient and provider acceptability of the BC-SCP and substantial engagement in improving its content, design, and structure. In Phase II, providers completed 59 BC-SCPs. Mean time for BC-SCP completion was 12.3 min. Providers reported that BC-SCP content was clear, did not hamper clinic flow and was readily completed with easy-to-access information. Comparative analyses to examine differences in SCP completion time by patient clinico-demographic characteristics and provider type revealed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our BC-SCP has clinical relevance, and can be used in an active practice setting. However, considerable progress will be necessary to achieve implementation of and sharing the BC-SCP with patients and care providers, particularly within the electronic medical record. In summary, BC-SCPs are essential to improve the follow up care of BC survivors. Clinical resources are required to ensure appropriate implementation of BC-SCPs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Study HUM00056082.

A phase II, randomized study of nivolumab (NIVO), NIVO plus linrodostat mesylate, or NIVO plus intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in BCG-unresponsive, high-risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC): CheckMate 9UT

TPS5090

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including NIVO (anti–PD-1), have demonstrated favorable tolerability and efficacy profiles, ushering in a new treatment (tx) paradigm for advanced bladder cancer (advBC). However, an unmet need exists for new effective tx options in earlier stages of disease, specifically for patients (pts) with BCG-unresponsive, high-risk NMIBC. Increased IDO and PD-L1 expression in NMIBC tumors (Inman, et al. Cancer 2007; Hudolin, et al. Anticancer Res 2017), support the combination of anti–PD-1 and IDO1 inhibition in NMIBC. Linrodostat mesylate, a selective, potent, once-daily IDO1 inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical activity in combination with NIVO in pts with immunotherapy-naive advBC who received ≥ 1 prior line of therapy (objective response rate, 37%; Tabernero, et al. J Clin Oncol 2018;36(suppl) [abstr 4512]). Furthermore, high levels of PD-L1 expression have been reported in patients not responding to BCG tx. These findings provide a rationale for investigation of NIVO ± linrodostat ± intravesical BCG therapy in BCG-unresponsive high-risk NMIBC. Here we describe a phase 2, randomized, open-label study assessing the safety and efficacy of NIVO ± linrodostat ± intravesical BCG in pts with BCG-unresponsive, high-risk NMIBC (NCT03519256). Methods: Pts aged ≥ 18 years with BCG-unresponsive (per February 2018 FDA guidance), high-risk NMIBC, defined as carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) with or without papillary component, any T1, or Ta high-grade lesions, will be enrolled. Pts must have urothelial carcinoma as the predominant histological component ( > 50%). Key exclusion criteria include locally advanced or metastatic BC, upper urinary tract disease within 2 years, prostatic urethral disease within 1 year, and prior immunotherapy. Using a novel adaptive-type design, pts will be randomized to 1 of 4 tx arms with NIVO ± linrodostat ± BCG. Primary endpoints include proportion of pts with CIS with complete response (CR) and duration of CR in pts with CIS. Secondary endpoints are progression-free survival and safety. This global study in 14 countries is underway, with a target enrollment of 436 pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03519256 .

A phase III randomized study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) alone or in combination with nivolumab (NIVO) ± linrodostat mesylate, followed by adjuvant postsurgical NIVO ± linrodostat, in cisplatin-eligible muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)

TPS5091

Background: Immuno-oncology (IO) therapies have revolutionized the treatment (tx) of pts with advanced bladder cancer (advBC). For pts with cisplatin-eligible, muscle invasive BC (MIBC), the recommended tx is cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to radical cystectomy (RC). However, since only ≈ 30% of pts achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) translating to improved long-term outcomes with approved regimens, new therapies are needed. PD-L1 expression is associated with aggressive BC and has been shown to increase in BC after NAC, supporting the therapeutic pursuit of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Additionally, expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is higher in BC than in normal bladder tissue and is associated with advanced disease and poor clinical outcome. Linrodostat mesylate, a selective, potent, once-daily oral IDO1 inhibitor that works to reduce kynurenine production, has demonstrated clinical activity in combination with NIVO (anti–PD-1) in pts with IO tx–naive advBC who had ≥ 1 prior line of therapy (ORR, 37%). Taken together, these data provide a rationale for investigating NAC + NIVO + linrodostat in MIBC. Here we describe a randomized, partially blinded, phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of NAC ± NIVO ± linrodostat followed by RC and continued IO tx in pts with MIBC (NCT03661320). Methods: Pts aged ≥ 18 years with previously untreated MIBC (clinical stage T2-T4a, N0, M0), creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min, and predominant UC histology who are eligible for cisplatin-based NAC and RC will be enrolled. Pts with evidence of positive lymph node; metastatic BC; or prior systemic therapy, radiotherapy, or surgery for BC other than TURBT are not eligible. Pts will be randomized to receive NAC (gemcitabine/cisplatin; arm A), NAC + NIVO + oral placebo (arm B), or NAC + NIVO + linrodostat (arm C) followed by RC (all arms); arms B and C will receive continued IO tx. Primary endpoints include pCR after neoadjuvant tx and event-free survival (arms C vs A; arms B vs A). Secondary endpoints are overall survival and safety. This global study in 28 countries began accrual in Nov 2018 and has a target enrollment of 1200 pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03661320 .

Clinical outcomes and economic burden for bladder cancer patients: An analysis from a Swedish cancer registry

5026

Background: To investigate the clinical and economic disease burden for patients (pts) with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), and metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) using a Swedish bladder cancer registry. Methods: Pts diagnosed with bladder cancer in the Stockholm Gotland region between 2005-2013 were included and followed until May 31, 2015 or until death. MIBC was classified if a T, N, M at diagnosis was T2, T3, T4, N1, N2, N3, or M1, otherwise pts were classified as NMIBC. All diagnostic and therapeutic interventions were captured and differentiated. Inpatient and outpatient healthcare resource utilization (days) and associated costs (US $) were also analyzed. Results: 3587 bladder cancer pts were identified (NMIBC-2728; MIBC-859) with a median observation time of 49.7 (Q1-Q3: 27.8-78.7) versus 17.2 (Q1-Q3: 6.5-39.3) months. 5-year survival for patients with NMIBC at diagnosis was 71.3% (95% CI; 69.5-73.3) and 26.4% (95%CI; 23.4-29.8) for MIBC. By year 1, survival for MIBC-T2, T3, and T4 was 66%, 41.7%, and 28.4%, respectively. Progression from NMIBC to MIBC was estimated in 19.4% (528/2728) of pts. In year 1, 84% (2,275/2,728) of TURBT procedures were performed on NMIBC pts. Over the next 2-10 years of follow-up, 11,035 repeat TURBT procedures were undertaken in this cohort. In the 859 MIBC pts, 607 TURBT procedures and 333 radical cystectomies occurred in year 1. In the same cohort, 28.3% (243/859), 15.5% (78/505), and 8.6% (29/338) received systemic chemotherapy in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Total health resource utilization (HRU) cost for the NMIBC and MIBC cohorts is provided in Table. Median HRU cost per person-year was estimated at $30,470 for MIBC versus $9,228 for NMIBC in year 1. For MIBC-T2, T3, and T4, median cost per person-year was $30,154, $33,917, and $38,959 in year 1, respectively. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis accomplished its primary purpose to provide a real-world understanding for the clinical and economic impact of bladder cancer over a 10-year period when treatment interventions were relatively consistent. Total HRU Costs for Patients with NMIBC and MIBC per Follow-up Year (Years 1 to 5). [Table: see text]

Variability in adherence to guidelines based management of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer among Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) members

PURPOSE

The American Urological Association (AUA) introduced evidence-based guidelines for the management of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in 2016. We sought to assess the implementation of these guidelines among members of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) with an aim to identifying addressable gaps.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

An SUO approved survey was distributed to 747 members from December 28, 2018 to February 2, 2019. This 14-question online survey (Qualtrics, SAP SE, Germany) consisted of 38 individual items addressing specific statements from the AUA NMIBC guidelines within 3 broad categories - initial diagnosis, surveillance, and imaging/biomarkers. Adherence to guidelines was assessed by dichotomizing responses to each item that was related to recommended action statement within the guidelines. Statistical analysis was applied using Pearson's chi-squared test, where a P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 121 (16.2%) members completed the survey. Members reported a mean of 71% guidelines adherence; adherence was higher for the intermediate- and high-risk subgroups (82% and 76%, respectively) compared to low-risk (58%). Specifically, adherence to guideline recommended cystoscopic surveillance intervals for low-risk disease differed based on clinical experience (60.9% [<10 years] vs. 36.8% [≥10 years], P = 0.01) and type of fellowship training (55.2% [urologic oncology] vs. 28.0% [none/other], P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Adherence to guidelines across risk-categories was higher for intermediate- and high-risk patients. Decreased adherence observed for low-risk patients resulted in higher than recommended use of cytology, imaging, and surveillance cystoscopy. These results identify addressable gaps and provide impetus for targeted interventions to support high-value care, especially for low-risk patients.

Systematic Review of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Bladder-preserving Treatments for Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Following Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

CONTEXT

There is a critical need for effective bladder-sparing therapies for bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Owing to the current lack of effective agents that can be used as a control, the US Food and Drug Administration began to accept single-arm trials for patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS), using complete response rate (CRR) and duration of response as the primary endpoints to support marketing applications. Despite the ensuing growth of clinical trials in this space, no consensus exists on a clinically relevant benchmark for CRR.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the CRR and recurrence-free rate (RFR) using bladder-sparing agents after BCG failure in order to provide a frame of reference for future clinical trial results.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic review of clinical trials utilizing bladder-sparing therapeutics for NMIBC recurring after intravesical BCG (PROSPERO CRD42019130553). The search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Relevant studies identified from bibliography search and conference abstracts were searched to complement the systematic review. A total of 42 studies utilizing 24 treatment options and consisting of 2254 patients were included for final analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Median CRRs in the treatment of CIS-containing tumors were 26% at 6 mo, 17% at 12 mo, and 8% at 24 mo after treatment. In comparison, median RFRs in the papillary-only studies were 67% at 6 mo, 44% at 12 mo, and 10% at 24 mo. Specifically in the BCG-unresponsive population, 6- and 12-mo CRRs in CIS-containing patients treated with Mycobacterium phlei cell wall-nucleic acid complex were 45% and 27%, respectively, and the median 6-, 12-, and 24-mo disease-free rates in the other studies were 43%, 35%, and 18%, respectively. The median progression-free rate was 91%: 95% in the CIS-containing studies and 89% in studies restricted to papillary-only recurrences. Toxicities of intravesical agents were generally mild, with very few dose limiting toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that, to date, bladder-sparing therapies achieved modest efficacy in patients with NMIBC after BCG. Results from the current study will serve as a frame of reference for emerging trial results in the BCG-unresponsive space.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study, we found that bladder-sparing therapies achieved modest efficacy in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer after bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). These results will serve to inform future clinical trial results for salvage agents used to treat BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer.

A randomized phase II study of erdafitinib (ERDA) versus intravesical chemotherapy (IC) in patients with high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) with FGFR mutations or fusions, who recurred after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy

TPS603

Background: ERDA, an oral pan-FGFR inhibitor, is approved by the US FDA for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) with susceptible FGFR3 or FGFR2 gene alterations and progressed on/ or after at least 1 line of prior platinum-containing chemotherapy (PCC) including within 12 months of neoadjuvant/adjuvant PCC.1 Around 40% of patients with bladder cancer present with HR-NMIBC. First-line BCG therapy fails in 30-40% of patients and subsequent treatment options are limited. This study is designed to evaluate recurrence-free survival (RFS) following treatment with ERDA vs IC in patients with FGFR positive HR-NMIBC who recurred after BCG therapy. Methods: This is an open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase 2, safety and efficacy study of ERDA in adults with histologically confirmed HR-NMIBC and FGFR mutations or fusions. Inclusion criteria: ECOG status ≤1, adequate bone marrow, liver, renal function, and ineligibility for or declining cystectomy, with no history of prior FGFR inhibitors. Patients will be enrolled into 1 of 3 cohorts. Cohort 1 (n=240): high-grade disease Ta/T1 lesion (papillary only) with disease recurrence after BCG therapy will be randomized to ERDA or IC (investigator choice: gemcitabine or mitomycin C); Cohort 2 (n=20): carcinoma in situ (CIS) with/without papillary disease to receive ERDA monotherapy; Cohort 3 (n=20): marker lesion study in patients with intermediate-risk papillary disease only to receive ERDA monotherapy. Dose will be maintained at 8 mg, up-titrated to 9 mg, or withheld based on phosphate levels. Primary endpoint: Cohort 1- RFS; Secondary endpoints: Cohort 1 - time to progression and disease worsening, disease-specific survival (invasive bladder cancer), overall survival, RFS rate at 6, 12, 24 months, and RFS on subsequent anticancer therapy (RFS2). An IDMC will be commissioned for Cohort 1. Exploratory endpoints: Cohort 2- complete response (CR) rate at 6 months; Cohort 3- CR in marker lesion. Patients will be enrolled at sites in ~14 countries. EudraCT: 2019-002449-39. Loriot Y et al. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:338-48. Clinical trial information: 2019-002449-39.

Outcomes of patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who undergo radical cystectomy after BCG and subsequent salvage intravesical therapy

483

Background: We evaluate the impact of salvage intravesical therapy on survival in patients with NMIBC previously treated with BCG who ultimately underwent radical cystectomy (RC). Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with NMIBC who received at least 1 complete induction course of BCG and subsequently underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2000-2018. Patients were stratified by receipt of salvage intravesical therapy following BCG prior to RC. Oncologic outcomes were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: We identified 371 patients who underwent RC after receiving BCG, of whom 55 (15%) received salvage intravesical therapy, most commonly Mitomycin C (n = 26), Valrubicin (n = 8), Gemcitabine (n = 7), and CG0070 (n = 6). Median follow-up among survivors was 1.1 (IQR 0-4.3) years. Patients who received salvage intravesical therapy were more likely to initially present with CIS (27% vs 17%) and less likely to present with T1 disease (33% vs 50%, both p < 0.05). Receipt of salvage intravesical therapy was not associated with increased risk of adverse pathology (≥pT2 or pN+) at RC (33% vs 41%, p = 0.27). Furthermore, on Kaplan-Meier analysis, receipt of salvage intravesical therapy was not associated with cancer-specific or overall survival. On multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, clinical stage prior to RC, but not receipt of salvage intravesical therapy, was associated with inferior cancer-specific survival and overall survival. Conclusions: Our results suggest that RC following carefully managed salvage intravesical therapy after BCG is not associated with inferior oncologic outcomes, which can improve patient counseling. [Table: see text]

Phase III study of perioperative pembrolizumab (pembro) plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (chemo) versus placebo plus neoadjuvant chemo in cisplatin-eligible patients (pts) with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): KEYNOTE-866

TPS599

Background: MIBC prognosis is poor, despite standard neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemo. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibition is an effective first-line option for cisplatin-ineligible pts and a second-line option for platinum-based chemo pretreated pts. Neoadjuvant chemo + pembro, a PD-1 inhibitor, recently showed encouraging pathologic complete response rates, in cisplatin-eligible patients with MIBC (NCT02365766), warranting further investigation. Methods: KEYNOTE-866 (NCT03924856) is a randomized phase 3 study to assess efficacy and safety of chemo+perioperative pembro versus chemo+perioperative placebo for pts with MIBC. An estimated 790 patients will be randomly assigned 1:1 to neoadjuvant pembro+chemo (4 cycles) followed by adjuvant pembro after radical cystectomy+pelvic lymph node dissection (RC+PLND, 13 cycles) or neoadjuvant placebo+chemo (4 cycles) followed by adjuvant placebo after RC+PLND (13 cycles). Pts will receive neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembro 200 mg IV Q3W; neoadjuvant chemo will be gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2+cisplatin 70 mg/m2 IV Q3W. Pts will be stratified by tumor PD-L1 status (combined positive score [CPS] ≥10 vs CPS <10), disease stage (T2 vs T3/4), and region of treatment (Unites States vs Europe vs most of world). Adults (≥18 y) with histologically confirmed MIBC (T2-T4aN0M0) who are cisplatin-eligible, are clinically nonmetastatic (N0M0), and have an ECOG PS 0 or 1 will be enrolled. Pts are required to provide tumor tissue for histology and PD-L1 analysis. Pts will not be permitted to have previously received systemic antineoplastic treatment for MIBC or radiotherapy to the bladder. Imaging by CT/MRI will be performed Q12W for up to 96 wk after cystectomy, at discontinuation, and during follow-up starting at 3 y (Q24W). Primary end points are pathologic complete response and event-free survival in all pts and pts with PD-L1 CPS ≥10. Secondary end points are OS, disease-free survival, and pathologic downstaging rate in all pts and pts with PD-L1 CPS ≥10, and safety. Accrual began June 13, 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT03924856.

ENERGIZE: a Phase III study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone or with nivolumab with/without linrodostat mesylate for muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. In cisplatin-eligible muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before radical cystectomy improves overall survival. Tumor PD-L1 expression increases in MIBC after NAC, suggesting potential synergy in combining PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors with NAC. IDO1 is overexpressed in bladder cancer and is associated with poor outcomes. Linrodostat mesylate (BMS-986205) – a selective, potent, oral IDO1 inhibitor – combined with nivolumab has demonstrated safety and preliminary evidence of clinical activity in metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Here, we discuss the rationale and trial design of the ENERGIZE, a Phase III trial investigating the efficacy of NAC in combination with nivolumab with or without linrodostat followed by postsurgery nivolumab or nivolumab with linrodostat in cisplatin-eligible patients with MIBC. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03661320

Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Overview and Contemporary Treatment Landscape of Neoadjuvant Chemoablative Therapies

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a heterogeneous subclassification of urothelial carcinoma with significant variation in individual risk of recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive disease. Risk stratification by American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines or by using nomograms/risk calculators developed from clinical trial data can help inform patient treatment decisions but may not accurately classify all patients. Risk-adapted adjuvant (post-transurethral resection of bladder tumor [TURBT]) treatment strategies using intravesical therapies are an important means of balancing disease control with potential adverse effects. Adjuvant intravesical instillation with various chemotherapy agents and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is well studied and associated with excellent outcomes for most patients. However, upwards of 40% of patients recur within 2 years and roughly 10% progress to muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Novel approaches and agents that aim to reduce the treatment burden associated with NMIBC are increasingly needed. We review the current landscape of NMIBC as it pertains to the use of and rationale for emerging neoadjuvant chemoablative therapies.