Prognostic role of the duration of response to androgen deprivation therapy in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide or abiraterone acetate

BACKGROUND

Our retrospective study aims to evaluate the prognostic role of duration of response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with enzalutamide (E) or abiraterone acetate (AA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data about ADT start and duration were available in 255 (82%) of 311 patients treated with AA or E. Patients were divided in three groups according to ADT response (group 1 [G1]: <12 months; group 2 [G2]: 12-36 months; group 3 [G3]: >36 months). Outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Patients with longer ADT response had better OS (median 17.3 months G1, 19.9 months G2, 31.6 months G3; HR G3 vs G1 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.64; p = 0.001) and better PFS (median 5.9 months G1, 8.8 months G2, 11.7 months G3; HR G3 vs G1 0.41, 95% CI 0.41-0.27; p < 0001). In docetaxel-naive patients, median OS was 18.8 in G1, 35.2 in G2, and not reached in G3 (HR G3 vs G1 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.78; p = 0.038), median PFS was 7 months G1, 9.3 months G2, and 20 months G3 (HR G3 vs G1 0.31, 95% CI 0.15-0.62; p = 0.003). In postdocetaxel patients, median OS was 13.1 months in G1, 17.2 months in G2, and 21.4 months in G3 (HR G3 vs G1 0.52, 95% CI 0.29-0.94; p = 0.082), while median PFS was 5.2 months in G1, 6.8 months in G2, and 8.3 months in G3 (HR G3 vs G1 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.91; p = 0.067).

CONCLUSIONS

Duration of ADT response is an independent prognostic factor of outcome with AA or E.

Talazoparib monotherapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with DNA repair alterations (TALAPRO-1): an open-label, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have antitumour activity against metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers with DNA damage response (DDR) alterations in genes involved directly or indirectly in homologous recombination repair (HRR). In this study, we assessed the PARP inhibitor talazoparib in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers with DDR-HRR alterations.

METHODS

In this open-label, phase 2 trial (TALAPRO-1), participants were recruited from 43 hospitals, cancer centres, and medical centres in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, South Korea, the UK, and the USA. Patients were eligible if they were men aged 18 years or older with progressive, metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancers of adenocarcinoma histology, measurable soft-tissue disease (per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 [RECIST 1.1]), an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, DDR-HRR gene alterations reported to sensitise to PARP inhibitors (ie, ATM, ATR, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, FANCA, MLH1, MRE11A, NBN, PALB2, RAD51C), had received one or two taxane-based chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease, and progressed on enzalutamide or abiraterone, or both, for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers. Eligible patients were given oral talazoparib (1 mg per day; or 0·75 mg per day in patients with moderate renal impairment) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, investigator decision, withdrawal of consent, or death. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate, defined as best overall soft-tissue response of complete or partial response per RECIST 1.1, by blinded independent central review. The primary endpoint was assessed in patients who received study drug, had measurable soft-tissue disease, and had a gene alteration in one of the predefined DDR-HRR genes. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03148795, and is ongoing.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 18, 2017, and March 20, 2020, 128 patients were enrolled, of whom 127 received at least one dose of talazoparib (safety population) and 104 had measurable soft-tissue disease (antitumour activity population). Data cutoff for this analysis was Sept 4, 2020. After a median follow-up of 16·4 months (IQR 11·1-22·1), the objective response rate was 29·8% (31 of 104 patients; 95% CI 21·2-39·6). The most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events were anaemia (39 [31%] of 127 patients), thrombocytopenia (11 [9%]), and neutropenia (ten [8%]). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 43 (34%) patients. There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

Talazoparib showed durable antitumour activity in men with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers with DDR-HRR gene alterations who had been heavily pretreated. The favourable benefit-risk profile supports the study of talazoparib in larger, randomised clinical trials, including in patients with non-BRCA alterations.

FUNDING

Pfizer/Medivation.

The evolving paradigm of precision medicine in lung cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we report a complete and updated summary of the most recent treatment advances in the fields of oncogene-addicted disease and provide expert perspectives on the evolving paradigm of precision medicine in lung cancer patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

The advent of innovative genome sequencing technologies is rapidly increasing the number of targetable molecular alterations in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), leading to the introduction of novel selective inhibitors into the clinical arena, showing unprecedent tumor responses against rare and elusive NSCLC targets. The results of the ADAURA trial suggested that targeting EGFR pathway in the adjuvant setting is a feasible and effective strategy. The routine use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) is currently recommended as new standard approach to profile advanced NSCLC samples while recent findings suggest the potential application of a plasma-based first approach for tumor genotyping. Innovative umbrella trials provide the right infrastructure to investigate the role of precision medicine in advanced NSCLC, but failed to show clinical benefit.

SUMMARY

Implementing NGS-based molecular screening, increasing patients' access to biomarker driven-clinical trials, ensuring equal access to molecular testing and innovative treatments, overcoming disparities and preserve health systems' financial sustainability represents the main challenges of precision medicine worldwide.

Talazoparib (TALA), an oral poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and DNA damage response (DDR) alterations: Detailed safety analyses from TALAPRO-1 trial

5047

Background: PARP inhibitors have recently been approved for the treatment of mCRPC. In this Phase 2 study, we explore the safety profile of TALA in men with mCRPC with the aim of understanding how patients (pts) with adverse events (AEs) were managed during the trial. Methods: TALAPRO-1 (NCT03148795) is a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 study of TALA in pts with progressive mCRPC, measurable soft tissue disease, and DDRm likely to sensitize to PARPi ( ATM, ATR, BRCA1/2, CHEK2, FANCA, MLH1, MRE11A, NBN, PALB2, RAD51C), who received ≥1 taxane-based chemotherapy and progressed on ≥1 novel hormonal therapy (enzalutamide/abiraterone). The primary objective was confirmed objective response by central independent review; the assessment of safety included AEs, incidence of dose modifications and of permanent treatment discontinuation due to AEs, and clinical laboratory tests. Results: In the TALA-treated population (1 mg/daily; n=127), 95.3% (121/127) experienced all-causality AEs. The most common (≥15%) hematologic AEs were anemia (any grade, 48.8%; G3, 30.7% [no G4 events]), thrombocytopenia (all grade, 18.9%; G3/4, 8.7%), and neutropenia (all grade, 16.5%, G3, 7.9% [no G4]). Median time from first dose of TALA to onset of first episode of G≥3 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia was 56, 48, and 17 days, respectively. G3 anemia lasted a median of 7 days, G3 neutropenia lasted a median of 12 days, G3 and G4 thrombocytopenia lasted a median of 8 and 11 days, respectively. Hematologic AEs typically occurred during the first 4–5 months of TALA treatment and were managed by dose modifications and supportive care. 34.6% of pts received a blood transfusion product, and most transfusions occurred when hemoglobin was between 7.0–10.0 g/dL. Overlapping G3/4 hematologic AEs were infrequent on TALA (anemia + neutropenia 4.7%; anemia + thrombocytopenia 5.5%; neutropenia + thrombocytopenia 1.6%). In pts who had anemia, 12.6% also had fatigue; in those with thrombocytopenia, 4.7% had a subsequent bleeding event; in those with neutropenia, 1.6% had an overlapping infection. The most common non-hematologic AEs (≥15%) were nausea (any grade, 33.1%; G3/4, 2.4%), decreased appetite (any grade, 28.3%; G3/4, 3.1%), and asthenia/fatigue (any grade, 23.6%/19.7%; G3/4, 3.9%/1.6%). In the treated population, dose reduction of TALA due to all-causality AE occurred in 33 pts (26.0%). Treatment discontinuation due to all-causality AEs was low and occurred in 15 pts (11.8%); the most frequent (≥2 pts) AEs leading to discontinuation of TALA were back pain and platelet count decrease (each, 1.6% [2/127 pts]). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: A manageable safety profile and durable antitumor effects were observed with TALA in men with heavily pretreated mCRPC in this phase 2 study. Clinical trial information: NCT03148795.

Prognostic role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer treated with Abiraterone or Enzalutamide

BACKGROUND

Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are markers of systemic inflammation associated with poor outcome in several solid tumours. We retrospectively investigated the prognostic role of PLR and, secondly, NLR in mCRPC patients treated with Abiraterone Acetate (AA) or Enzalutamide (E), both in pre- and post-docetaxel setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

225 mCRPC patients treated with AA or E with basal blood count were divided in three groups according to PLR (PLR1 <128; PLR2 128-190; PLR >190) and in two groups according to NLR (<3 vs ≥3). Outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall-survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

110 patients were in PLR1, 58 in PLR2 and 57 in PLR3. Median OS was 22.0, 20.6 and 21.2 months in PLR1, PLR2 and PLR3 (PLR2 vs PLR1: HR 0.97, 95%CI 0.62-1.52, p=0.90; PLR3 vs PLR1: HR 1.37, 95%CI 0.90-2.08, p=0.14). Median PFS was 9.2, 12.7 and 8.5 months in PLR1, PLR2 and PLR3 (PLR2 vs PLR1: HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.59-1.27, p=0.47; PLR3 vs PLR1: HR 1.15, 95%CI 0.80-1.66, p=0.45). 142 patients were in NLR<3 and 83 in NLR≥3. Median OS was 26.5 months in NLR<3 and 17.0 months in NLR≥3 (HR 1.75, 95%CI 1.22-2.51, p=0.02). Median PFS was 10.1 months in NLR<3 and 7.6 months in NLR≥3 (HR 1.37, 95%CI 1.00-1.88, p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective analysis of mCRPC patients treated with AA or E we did not identify a prognostic role of baseline PLR, while we found a significant prognostic role of baseline NLR.

Resistance to anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors: knowing the enemy is half the battle won

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocations are responsible of neoplastic transformation in a limited subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In recent years outcomes of these patients improved due to the development and clinical availability of specific and extremely active targeted therapies [i.e., next-generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI)]: ALK+ patients are now reaching impressive results when treated with more potent inhibitors upfront with an average median progression-free survival (mPFS) around 35 months. However, under drug pressure, cancer cells develop resistance and patients eventually progress. Multiple mechanisms of intrinsic or acquired resistance have been extensively characterized. Less potent ALK inhibitors (ALKi)—like crizotinib—usually tend to induce a large spectrum of secondary intra-kinase mutations; however, these alterations may be observed also after sequential administration of multiple ALKi. Noteworthy, neoplastic cells may evade ALK targeting through a myriad of different mechanisms involving cell-stroma interaction, activation of parallel signaling pathways, intracellular downstream adaptation and histological reshaping, as relevant molecular events. Often these phenomena are restricted to a limited number of cases or even can be patient-specific, thus hindering the development of therapeutic strategies largely applicable. Consequently, the recognition of specific resistance mechanisms seldom translates in clinical opportunities. Management of ALK+ patients is drastically changed and deciphering the molecular biology underlying this disease during treatment is of paramount relevance. The bedrock of resistance to TKI is that, after the diagnosis, we face with a different disease that needs to be re-characterized through tissue or/and liquid biopsies. Understanding molecular pathways driving the resistant phenotype will give us the chance to know what we are dealing with and, rather than choose an empirical approach, will help us to properly define the best targeted treatment for these patients.

Neuroendocrine breast carcinoma: a rare but challenging entity

Breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation, also known as neuroendocrine breast carcinoma (NEBC), includes a heterogeneous group of rare tumors, which account for 2–5% of all invasive breast carcinomas. Because of their low incidence, most of the current limited knowledge of these tumors derives from anecdotal case reports or small retrospective series. The diagnosis of NEBC is based on the presence of morphological features similar to gastrointestinal and lung NETs and neuroendocrine markers. NEBCs are usually hormone receptors positive and HER2 negative, but despite this luminal phenotype, most recent studies suggested that NEBC could be associated with worse prognosis compared to invasive breast cancer without neuroendocrine differentiation. Due to its rarity and lack of randomized data, there is little evidence to guide the choice of treatment, so NEBC is currently treated as any invasive breast carcinoma not-otherwise specified. Recently, attempts to molecularly characterize NEBC have been made, in order to provide new targets for a more personalized treatment of this uncommon entity.

Treatment Guidance for Patients With Lung Cancer During the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

The global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues to escalate at a rapid pace inundating medical facilities and creating substantial challenges globally. The risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients with cancer seems to be higher, especially as they are more likely to present with an immunocompromised condition, either from cancer itself or from the treatments they receive. A major consideration in the delivery of cancer care during the pandemic is to balance the risk of patient exposure and infection with the need to provide effective cancer treatment. Many aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection currently remain poorly characterized and even less is known about the course of infection in the context of a patient with cancer. As SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious, the risk of infection directly affects the cancer patient being treated, other cancer patients in close proximity, and health care providers. Infection at any level for patients or providers can cause considerable disruption to even the most effective treatment plans. Lung cancer patients, especially those with reduced lung function and cardiopulmonary comorbidities are more likely to have increased risk and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 as one of its common manifestations is as an acute respiratory illness. The purpose of this manuscript is to present a practical multidisciplinary and international overview to assist in treatment for lung cancer patients during this pandemic, with the caveat that evidence is lacking in many areas. It is expected that firmer recommendations can be developed as more evidence becomes available.

Double immune checkpoint blockade in advanced NSCLC

Immunotherapy-based options for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are increasing at an unprecedented pace, carrying the promise to prolong survival of this deadly disease. To maximize responses and extend benefit to a larger portion of patients, immunotherapy combination strategies are currently under investigation, with chemo-immunotherapy already in use. Combinations of programmed death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes antigen-4 (CTLA-4) were developed with the rationale of targeting complementary pathways involved in T cell activation, and already showed to be highly active in other malignancies. Recently, the phase III Checkmate 227 trial showed that combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab provided survival benefit in untreated advanced NSCLC patients. However, accurate patients' selection and appropriate sequencing of different immunotherapy-based approaches remain unsolved. In this review, we provide an overview of the currently available evidence on double immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for NSCLC treatment and discuss current issues and future perspectives.

Prognostic role of early PSA drop in castration resistant prostate cancer patients treated with abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide

BACKGROUND

Previous studies demonstrated a predictive value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics for treatment outcome. Our retrospective study evaluates the prognostic role of early PSA drop in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients receiving abiraterone acetate (AA) or enzalutamide (E).

METHODS

All mCRPC patients treated with AA or E at the San Luigi Hospital in Orbassano between 2010 and 2018 and at the Ordine Mauriziano Hospital in Turin between 2014 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Only patients with an early PSA (measured 28-60 days after the beginning of the treatment) were included in the analysis. Patients were divided in early responders and non-early responders according to early PSA response (drop≥50% from baseline). Univariate and multivariate analyses for progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed.

RESULTS

Of 144 patients with early PSA value, 61 (42.4%) patients received E (docetaxel-naïve 42, post-docetaxel 19) and 83 (57.6%) received AA (docetaxel-naïve 44, post-docetaxel 39). Seventy-five (52.1%) patients achieved early PSA drop. In docetaxel-naïve setting (N.=86), median PFS was 14.9 (with early PSA drop) vs. 8.8 months (without early PSA drop, P=0.001). In post-docetaxel setting (N.=58) median PFS was 11.9 vs. 4.5 months (P<0.001). Globally, median PFS was 14.9 vs. 6.3 months in patients with and without early PSA drop, respectively (P<0.001). In docetaxel-naïve setting, patients with early PSA drop had a median OS of 39.5 vs. 18.8 months (P=0.12). In post-docetaxel setting median OS was 29.6 vs. 10.7 months (P=0.01). Comprehensively, median OS was 31.9 vs. 16.3 (P=0.002) in patients with and without early PSA drop, respectively. At multivariate analysis, early PSA drop confirmed an independent association with PFS (HR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.12-0.38, P<0.001) and OS (HR 0.25; 95% CI: 0.12-0.50, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

mCRPC patients treated with AA or E, in docetaxel-naïve or post-docetaxel setting, with early PSA drop had significantly better OS and PFS.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Thoracic Malignancies: Review of the Existing Evidence by an IASLC Expert Panel and Recommendations

In the past 10 years, a deeper understanding of the immune landscape of cancers, including immune evasion processes, has allowed the development of a new class of agents. The reactivation of host antitumor immune response offers the potential for long-term survival benefit in a portion of patients with thoracic malignancies. The advent of programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death ligand-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), both as single agents and in combination with chemotherapy, and more recently, the combination of ICI, anti-programmed cell death protein 1, and anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 antibody, have led to breakthrough therapeutic advances for patients with advanced NSCLC, and to a lesser extent, patients with SCLC. Encouraging activity has recently emerged in pretreated patients with thymic carcinoma (TC). Conversely, in malignant pleural mesothelioma, pivotal positive signs of activity have not been fully confirmed in randomized trials. The additive effects of chemoradiation and immunotherapy suggested intriguing potential for therapeutic synergy with combination strategies. This has led to the introduction of ICI consolidation therapy in stage III NSCLC, creating a platform for future therapeutic developments in earlier-stage disease. Despite the definitive clinical benefit observed with ICI, primary and acquired resistance represent well-known biological phenomena, which may affect the therapeutic efficacy of these agents. The development of innovative strategies to overcome ICI resistance, standardization of new patterns of ICI progression, identification of predictive biomarkers of response, optimal treatment duration, and characterization of ICI efficacy in special populations, represent crucial issues to be adequately addressed, with the aim of improving the therapeutic benefit of ICI in patients with thoracic malignancies. In this article, an international panel of experts in the field of thoracic malignancies discussed these topics, evaluating currently available scientific evidence, with the final aim of providing clinical recommendations, which may guide oncologists in their current practice and elucidate future treatment strategies and research priorities.

Quality of life assessment and reporting in colorectal cancer: A systematic review of phase III trials published between 2012 and 2018

BACKGROUND

In this study, our aim was to describe quality of life (QoL) prevalence and heterogeneity in QoL reporting in colorectal cancer phase III trials.

METHODS

We included all phase III trials evaluating anticancer drugs in colorectal cancer patients published between 2012 and 2018 by 11 major journals.

RESULTS

Out of the 67 publications identified, in 41 (61.2 %) QoL was not listed among endpoints. Out of 26 primary publications of trials including QoL among endpoints, QoL results were not reported in 10 (38.5 %). Overall, no QoL data were available in 51/67 (76.1 %) primary publications. In particular, in the metastatic setting, QoL data were not available in 12/18 (66.7 %) trials with primary endpoint overall survival, and in 20/29 (69.0 %) trials with other primary endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

QoL was absent in a high proportion of recently published phase III trials in colorectal cancer, even in trials of second or further lines, where attention to QoL should be particularly high.

Final Overall Survival and Other Efficacy and Safety Results From ASCEND-3: Phase II Study of Ceritinib in ALKi-Naive Patients With ALK-Rearranged NSCLC

INTRODUCTION

The phase II, single-arm ASCEND-3 study assessed the efficacy and safety of ceritinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor (ALKi)-naive patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC who had received at least three previous lines of chemotherapy. Here, we report the final efficacy and safety results.

METHODS

Eligible patients (including those with asymptomatic or neurologically stable brain metastases) received oral ceritinib (750 mg/day, fasted). The primary end point was investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR). Secondary end points were Blinded Independent Review Committee-assessed ORR; investigator- and Blinded Independent Review Committee-assessed overall intracranial response rate, duration of response, time to response, disease control rate, and progression-free survival (PFS); overall survival (OS); and safety. Exploratory end points included patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 124 patients enrolled, 122 (98.4%) had received previous antineoplastic medications (31 patients [25.0%] received at least three regimens), and 49 (39.5%) had baseline brain metastases. The median follow-up time (data cutoff: January 22, 2018) was 52.1 (range, 48.4-60.1) months. The investigator-assessed ORR was 67.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.8-75.9), and the median PFS was 16.6 months (95% CI: 11.0-23.2). The median OS was 51.3 months (95% CI: 42.7-55.3). Most common adverse events (all grades, ≥60% of patients, all-causality) were diarrhea (85.5%), nausea (78.2%), and vomiting (71.8%). Overall, 18 patients (14.5%) had an adverse event leading to treatment discontinuation. Health-related quality of life was maintained during ceritinib treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Ceritinib exhibited prolonged and clinically meaningful OS, PFS, and duration of response in chemotherapy-pretreated (at least three lines), ALKi-naive patients with ALK+ NSCLC. The safety profile was consistent with that reported in previous studies.

Deficiencies in health-related quality-of-life assessment and reporting: a systematic review of oncology randomized phase III trials published between 2012 and 2016

Quality of life (QoL) is a relevant end point and a topic of growing interest by both scientific community and regulatory authorities. Our aim was to review QoL prevalence as an end point in cancer phase III trials published in major journals and to evaluate QoL reporting deficiencies in terms of under-reporting and delay of publication. All issues published between 2012 and 2016 by 11 major journals were hand-searched for primary publications of phase III trials in adult patients with solid tumors. Information about end points was derived from paper and study protocol, when available. Secondary QoL publications were searched in PubMed. In total, 446 publications were eligible. In 210 (47.1%), QoL was not included among end points. QoL was not an end point in 40.1% of trials in the advanced/metastatic setting, 39.7% of profit trials and 53.6% of non-profit trials. Out of 231 primary publications of trials with QoL as secondary or exploratory end point, QoL results were available in 143 (61.9%). QoL results were absent in 37.6% of publications in the advanced/metastatic setting, in 37.1% of profit trials and 39.3% of non-profit trials. Proportion of trials not including QoL as end point or with missing QoL results was relevant in all tumor types and for all treatment types. Overall, 70 secondary QoL publications were found: for trials without QoL results in the primary publication, probability of secondary publication was 12.5%, 30.9% and 40.3% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Proportion of trials not reporting QoL results was similar in trials with positive results (36.5%) and with negative results (39.4%), but the probability of secondary publication was higher in positive trials. QoL is not included among end points in a relevant proportion of recently published phase III trials in solid tumors. In addition, QoL results are subject to significant under-reporting and delay in publication.

Quality of life analysis in lung cancer: A systematic review of phase III trials published between 2012 and 2018

OBJECTIVES

We previously reported that quality of life (QoL) is not included among trial endpoints and QoL results are underreported in a significant proportion of phase III oncology trials. Here we describe QoL adoption, reporting and methodology of QoL analysis in lung cancer trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We selected all primary publications of lung cancer phase III trials assessing anticancer drugs published between 2012 and 2018 by 11 major journals.

RESULTS

122 publications were included. In 39 (32.0%) publications, QoL was not listed among endpoints: in 10/17 (58.8%) early stage/locally advanced NSCLC, in 15/54 (27.8%) first-line of advanced NSCLC; in 10/41 (24.4%) second and further lines of advanced NSCLC, in 4/10 (40.0%) SCLC. Proportion of trials not including QoL was similar over time: 32.9% publications in 2012-2015 vs. 30.6% in 2016-2018. Out of 83 trials including QoL among endpoints, QoL results were absent in 36 primary publications (43.4%). Proportion of trials without QoL results in primary publication increased over time (30.6% 2012-2015 vs. 61.8% 2016-2018, p = 0.005). Overall, QoL data were not available in 75/122 (61.5%) primary publications, due to the absent endpoint or unpublished results. QoL data were lacking in 48/68 (70.6%) publications of trials with overall survival as primary endpoint, 27/54 (50.0%) with other primary endpoints and 28/54 (51.9%) publications with a positive result. For trials including QoL among endpoints but lacking QoL results in primary publication, probability of secondary publication was 6.3%, 30.1% and 49.8% after 1, 2 and 3 years respectively, without evidence of improvement comparing 2012-2015 vs. 2016-2018.

CONCLUSION

QoL is not assessed or published in many phase III lung cancer trials, a setting where QoL value should be highly considered, due to high symptom burden and generally limited life expectancy. Timely inclusion of results in primary publications is worsening in recent years.

Quality-of-Life Assessment and Reporting in Prostate Cancer: Systematic Review of Phase 3 Trials Testing Anticancer Drugs Published Between 2012 and 2018

Quality of life (QoL) is not included among the end points in many studies, and QoL results are underreported in many phase 3 oncology trials. We performed a systematic review to describe QoL prevalence and heterogeneity in QoL reporting in recently published prostate cancer phase 3 trials. A PubMed search was performed to identify primary publications of randomized phase 3 trials testing anticancer drugs in prostate cancer, issued between 2012 and 2018. We analyzed QoL inclusion among end points, presence of QoL results, and methodology of QoL analysis. Seventy-two publications were identified (15 early-stage, 20 advanced hormone-sensitive, and 37 castration-resistant prostate cancer [CRPC]). QoL was not listed among study end points in 23 studies (31.9%) (40.0% early stage, 40.0% advanced hormone sensitive, and 24.3% CRPC). QoL results were absent in 15 (30.6%) of 49 primary publications of trials that included QoL among end points. Overall, as a result of absent end point or unpublished results, QoL data were lacking in 38 (52.8%) primary publications (53.3% early stage, 55.0% in advanced hormone sensitive, and 51.4% in CRPC). The most commonly used QoL tools were Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) (21, 53.8%) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) (14, 35.9%); most common methods of analysis were mean changes or mean scores (28, 71.8%), time to deterioration (14, 35.9%), and proportion of patients with response (10, 25.6%). In conclusion, QoL data are lacking in a not negligible proportion of recently published phase 3 trials in prostate cancer, although the presence of QoL results is better in positive trials, especially in CRPC. The methodology of QoL analysis is heterogeneous for type of instruments, analysis, and presentation of results.

Abstract 3234: PD-1 is intrinsically expressed by lung cancer cells with stemness features inhibited by PD-1 blockade

Purpose: Aim of this study is to explore the intrinsic expression, functional role and therapeutic modulation of PD-1 receptor in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cells. We previously reported (Sanlorenzo M et al. Clinical Cancer Res 2018) that PD-1+ melanoma cells may sustain disease relapse following treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. We hypothesized that PD-1+ tumor cells may characterize a “stem-like” compartment also in NSCLC, sustaining chemo-resistance and disease relapse with potential therapeutic implications.

Experimental procedures: The expression of PD-1 by NSCLC cells was explored by flow cytometry, western blot (WB) and RT-PCR. Its presence and role in lung cancer stem cells (CSC) was explored by sphere formation essays. CSC were further visualized by tumor-engineering with a lentiviral CSC-detector vector (LV-CSC) encoding eGFP under control of the OCT4 stem gene promoter. Selective PD-1 blockade and PD-1 stimulation with soluble ligand (PD-L1) were used to study the functional role and therapeutic modulation of intrinsic PD-1 in NSCLC.

Results: PD-1 is intrinsically expressed by a small subset of NSCLC cells with stemness features. We found PD-1 consistently expressed on the membrane of a small tumor cell fraction (2% ± 0.3) within 6 NSCLC cell lines (H1975, EBC-1, H23, H820, HCC827), including a primary patient-derived NSCLC culture (SL1). Data were confirmed by RT-PCR and WB. Viable PD-1+ tumor cells were significantly enriched in NSCLC spheres generated in stem conditioned cultures, compared with the monolayer controls (10% [4-36] vs 2% [1-5] P&lt;0,0001, n=6). The levels of PD-1 and stem gene OCT4 RNA comparably increased in NSCLC spheres (4.5 vs 4 fold, n=5). The tumor-intrinsic expression of PD-1 was confirmed by data mining in 67 adenocarcinoma (Affimetryx RNA value 4.348 [3.882-6.361]) and 28 squamous lung carcinoma (RNA value 4.338 [3.995-5.178]) cell lines (CCLE). The formation of NSCLC spheres was significantly inhibited (-30%±2, n=6 P=0.0004) by anti-PD-1 blocking antibody (100μg/μl), while enhanced (25% ± 2, n=3, P= 0.007) by soluble PD-L1 (50 μg/μl). Similar results were confirmed by selective PD-1 RNA-interference that revoked the pro-tumorigenic effect of soluble PD-L1. In vitro treatment with Cisplatin (IC50 dose) led to a relative enrichment of PD-1+ (2.5±0.3 fold, n=4) cells and OCT4+ CSC (3.5±0.3 fold, n=4). The sequential PD-1 inhibition significantly delayed NSCLC cell recovery (-45%±9.8, n=4) and sphere formation after cisplatin.

Conclusions: PD-1 is intrinsically expressed by NSCLC cells with stemness features and mediates pro-tumorigenic activity. PD-1+ NSCLC cells are enriched after chemotherapy and may be inhibited by selective PD-1 blockade. We report a new, intrinsic, expression pattern of PD-1 in NSCLC, providing rationale to explore a lymphocyte-independent activity of anti-PD1 antibodies.

Citation Format: Ramona Rotolo, Valeria Leuci, Chiara Donini, Martina Sanlorenzo, Igor Vujic, Giovanni Medico, Francesca Vita, Loretta Gammaitoni, Luisella Righi, Chiara Riganti, Elisa Vigna, Lorenzo D'Ambrosio, Giovanni Grignani, Giorgio V. Scagliotti, Silvia Novello, Massimo Aglietta, Dario Sangiolo. PD-1 is intrinsically expressed by lung cancer cells with stemness features inhibited by PD-1 blockade [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3234.

Targeting angiogenesis for patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a global health issue, the principal cause of which is exposure to asbestos. The prevalence is anticipated to rise over the next 2 decades, particularly in developing countries, due to the 30-50-year latency period between exposure to asbestos and carcinogenic development. Unresectable MPM has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options and, as such, there is a broad range of therapeutic targets of interest, including angiogenesis, immune checkpoints, mesothelin, as well as chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, the results of several randomized trials in the first-line setting combining antiangiogenic agents with chemotherapy have been reported. This review examines the scientific rationale for targeting angiogenesis in the treatment of unresectable MPM and analyzes recent clinical results with antiangiogenic agents in development (bevacizumab, nintedanib, and cediranib) for the management of MPM.

Wnt/IL-1β/IL-8 autocrine circuitries control chemoresistance in mesothelioma initiating cells by inducing ABCB5

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumor with high chemoresistance and poor prognosis. MPM-initiating cells (ICs) are known to be drug resistant, but it is unknown if and how stemness-related pathways determine chemoresistance. Moreover, there are no predictive markers of IC-associated chemoresistance. Aim of this work is to clarify if and by which mechanisms the chemoresistant phenotype of MPM IC was due to specific stemness-related pathways. We generated MPM IC from primary MPM samples and compared the gene expression and chemo-sensitivity profile of IC and differentiated/adherent cells (AC) of the same patient. Compared to AC, IC had upregulated the drug efflux transporter ABCB5 that determined resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed. ABCB5-knocked-out (KO) IC clones were resensitized to the drugs in vitro and in patient-derived xenografts. ABCB5 was transcriptionally activated by the Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin/c-myc axis that also increased IL-8 and IL-1β production. IL-8 and IL-1β-KO IC clones reduced the c-myc-driven transcription of ABCB5 and reacquired chemosensitivity. ABCB5-KO clones had lower IL-8 and IL-1β secretion, and c-myc transcriptional activity, suggesting that either Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin and IL-8/IL-1β signaling drive c-myc-mediated transcription of ABCB5. ABCB5 correlated with lower time-to-progression and overall survival in MPM patients treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed. Our work identified multiple autocrine loops linking stemness pathways and resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed in MPM IC. ABCB5 may represent a new target to chemosensitize MPM IC and a potential biomarker to predict the response to the first-line chemotherapy in MPM patients.

Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of Microenvironment in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

INTRODUCTION

A comprehensive analysis of the immune cell infiltrate collected from pleural fluid and from biopsy specimens of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) may contribute to understanding the immune-evasion mechanisms related to tumor progression, aiding in differential diagnosis and potential prognostic stratification. Until now such approach has not routinely been verified.

METHODS

We enrolled 275 patients with an initial clinical diagnosis of pleural effusion. Specimens of pleural fluids and pleural biopsy samples used for the pathologic diagnosis and the immune phenotype analyses were blindly investigated by multiparametric flow cytometry. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to correlate immune phenotype data with patients' outcome.

RESULTS

The cutoffs of intratumor T-regulatory (>1.1%) cells, M2-macrophages (>36%), granulocytic and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC; >5.1% and 4.2%, respectively), CD4 molecule-positive (CD4⁺) programmed death 1-positive (PD-1⁺) (>5.2%) and CD8⁺PD-1⁺ (6.4%) cells, CD4⁺ lymphocyte activating 3-positive (LAG-3⁺) (>2.8% ) and CD8⁺LAG-3⁺ (>2.8%) cells, CD4⁺ T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3-positive (TIM-3⁺) (>2.5%), and CD8⁺TIM-3⁺ (>2.6%) cells discriminated MPM from pleuritis with 100% sensitivity and 89% specificity. The presence of intratumor MDSC contributed to the anergy of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The immune phenotype of pleural fluid cells had no prognostic significance. By contrast, the intratumor T-regulatory and MDSC levels significantly correlated with progression-free and overall survival, the PD-1⁺/LAG-3⁺/TIM-3⁺ CD4⁺ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes correlated with overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

A clear immune signature of pleural fluids and tissues of MPM patients may contribute to better predict patients' outcome.

Long-term disease control in a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity treated with maintenance metronomic capecitabine

Recurrent or metastatic disease occurs in two-thirds of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and it is associated with poor prognosis. Systemic treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with the epidermal growth factor receptor-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab represents a preferred option for these patients. Upon the achievement of tumor response by combined treatment, maintenance with single-agent cetuximab is usually administered with the aim of prolonging disease control at the price of reasonable toxicity. Although rarely, however, cetuximab needs to be discontinued in the absence of disease progression because of intolerable side effects. Here we describe the case of a 66-year-old man with a metastatic cancer of oral cavity, who had to discontinue maintenance cetuximab and who achieved prolonged disease control with metronomic capecitabine. We suggest that capecitabine could be an effective and safe maintenance option in case of cetuximab intolerance.