26
|
Augustin RC, Newman S, Li A, Joy M, Lyons M, Pham M, Lucas PC, Smith K, Sander C, Isett B, Davar D, Najjar YG, Zarour HM, Kirkwood JM, Luke JJ, Bao R. Identification of tumor-intrinsic drivers of immune exclusion in acral melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.554717. [PMID: 37662409 PMCID: PMC10473736 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.554717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Acral melanoma (AM) has distinct characteristics as compared to cutaneous melanoma and exhibits poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of immune exclusion have been identified in many cancers but less studied in AM. Methods We characterized clinically annotated tumors from patients diagnosed with AM at our institution in correlation with ICI response using whole transcriptome RNAseq, whole exome sequencing, CD8 immunohistochemistry, and multispectral immunofluorescence imaging. A defined interferon-γ-associated T cell-inflamed gene signature was used to categorize tumors into non-T cell-inflamed and T cell-inflamed phenotypes. In combination with AM tumors from two published studies, we systematically assessed the immune landscape of AM and detected differential gene expression and pathway activation in a non-T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME). Two single-cell(sc) RNAseq AM cohorts and 11 bulk RNAseq cohorts of various tumor types were used for independent validation on pathways associated with lack of ICI response. In total, 892 specimens were included in this study. Results 72.5% of AM tumors showed low expression of the T cell-inflamed gene signature, with 23.9% of total tumors categorized as the non-T cell-inflamed phenotype. Patients of low CD3 + CD8 + PD1 + intratumoral T cell density showed poor prognosis. We identified 11 oncogenic pathways significantly upregulated in non-T cell-inflamed relative to T cell-inflamed TME shared across all three acral cohorts (MYC, HGF, MITF, VEGF, EGFR, SP1, ERBB2, TFEB, SREBF1, SOX2, and CCND1). scRNAseq analysis revealed that tumor cell-expressing pathway scores were significantly higher in low vs high T cell-infiltrated AM tumors. We further demonstrated that the 11 pathways were enriched in ICI non-responders compared to responders across cancers, including acral melanoma, cutaneous melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Pathway activation was associated with low expression of interferon stimulated genes, suggesting suppression of antigen presentation. Across the 11 pathways, fatty acid synthase and CXCL8 were unifying downstream target molecules suggesting potential nodes for therapeutic intervention. Conclusions A unique set of pathways is associated with immune exclusion and ICI resistance in AM. These data may inform immunotherapy combinations for immediate clinical translation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Luke JJ, Dadey RE, Augustin RC, Newman S, Singh KB, Doerfler R, Behr S, Lee P, Isett B, Deitrick C, Li A, Joy M, Reeder C, Smith K, Urban J, Sellitto L, Jelinek M, Christner SM, Beumer JH, Villaruz LC, Kulkarni A, Davar D, Poklepovic AS, Najjar Y, Zandberg DP, Soloff AC, Bruno TC, Vujanović L, Skinner HD, Ferris RL, Bao R. Tumor cell p38 inhibition to overcome immunotherapy resistance. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3183496. [PMID: 37645831 PMCID: PMC10462255 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3183496/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Patients with tumors that do not respond to immune-checkpoint inhibition often harbor a non-T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment, characterized by the absence of IFN-γ-associated CD8+ T cell and dendritic cell activation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying immune exclusion in non-responding patients may enable the development of novel combination therapies. p38 MAPK is a known regulator of dendritic and myeloid cells however a tumor-intrinsic immunomodulatory role has not been previously described. Here we identify tumor cell p38 signaling as a therapeutic target to potentiate anti-tumor immunity and overcome resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Molecular analysis of tumor tissues from patients with human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous carcinoma reveals a p38-centered network enriched in non-T cell-inflamed tumors. Pan-cancer single-cell RNA analysis suggests that p38 activation may be an immune-exclusion mechanism across multiple tumor types. P38 knockdown in cancer cell lines increases T cell migration, and p38 inhibition plus ICI in preclinical models shows greater efficacy compared to monotherapies. In a clinical trial of patients refractory to PD1/L1 therapy, pexmetinib, a p38 inhibitor, plus nivolumab demonstrated deep and durable clinical responses. Targeting of p38 with anti-PD1 has the potential to induce the T cell-inflamed phenotype and overcome immunotherapy resistance.
Collapse
|
28
|
Ferguson R, Chat V, Morales L, Simpson D, Monson KR, Cohen E, Zusin S, Madonna G, Capone M, Simeone E, Pavlick A, Luke JJ, Gajewski TF, Osman I, Ascierto P, Weber J, Kirchhoff T. Germline immunomodulatory expression quantitative trait loci (ieQTLs) associated with immune-related toxicity from checkpoint inhibition. Eur J Cancer 2023; 189:112923. [PMID: 37301715 PMCID: PMC11000635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has improved clinical outcomes for metastatic melanoma patients; however, 65-80% of patients treated with ICI experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Given the plausible link of irAEs with underlying host immunity, we explored whether germline genetic variants controlling the expression of 42 immunomodulatory genes were associated with the risk of irAEs in melanoma patients treated with the single-agent anti-CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab (IPI). METHODS We identified 42 immunomodulatory expression quantitative trait loci (ieQTLs) most significantly associated with the expression of 382 immune-related genes. These germline variants were genotyped in IPI-treated melanoma patients, collected as part of a multi-institutional collaboration. We tested the association of ieQTLs with irAEs in a discovery cohort of 95 patients, followed by validation in an additional 97 patients. RESULTS We found that the alternate allele of rs7036417, a variant linked to increased expression of SYK, was strongly associated with an increased risk of grade 3-4 toxicity [odds ratio (OR) = 7.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.65-21.03; p = 1.43E-04]. This variant was not associated with response (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.37-2.21; p = 0.82). CONCLUSION We report that rs7036417 is associated with increased risk of severe irAEs, independent of IPI efficacy. SYK plays an important role in B-cell/T-cell expansion, and increased pSYK has been reported in patients with autoimmune disease. The association between rs7036417 and IPI irAEs in our data suggests a role of SYK overexpression in irAE development. These findings support the hypothesis that inherited variation in immune-related pathways modulates ICI toxicity and suggests SYK as a possible future target for therapies to reduce irAEs.
Collapse
|
29
|
Luke JJ, Piha-Paul SA, Medina T, Verschraegen CF, Varterasian M, Brennan AM, Riese RJ, Sokolovska A, Strauss J, Hava DL, Janku F. Phase I Study of SYNB1891, an Engineered E. coli Nissle Strain Expressing STING Agonist, with and without Atezolizumab in Advanced Malignancies. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2435-2444. [PMID: 37227176 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE SYNB1891 is a live, modified strain of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) engineered to produce cyclic dinucleotides under hypoxia, leading to STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) activation in phagocytic antigen-presenting cells in tumors and activating complementary innate immune pathways. PATIENTS AND METHODS This first-in-human study (NCT04167137) enrolled participants with refractory advanced cancers to receive repeat intratumoral injections of SYNB1891 either alone or in combination with atezolizumab, with the primary objective of evaluating the safety and tolerability of both regimens. RESULTS Twenty-four participants received monotherapy across six cohorts, and 8 participants received combination therapy in two cohorts. Five cytokine release syndrome events occurred with monotherapy, including one that met the criteria for dose-limiting toxicity at the highest dose; no other SYNB1891-related serious adverse events occurred, and no SYNB1891-related infections were observed. SYNB1891 was not detected in the blood at 6 or 24 hours after the first intratumoral dose or in tumor tissue 7 days following the first dose. Treatment with SYNB1891 resulted in activation of the STING pathway and target engagement as assessed by upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes, chemokines/cytokines, and T-cell response genes in core biopsies obtained predose and 7 days following the third weekly dose. In addition, a dose-related increase in serum cytokines was observed, as well as stable disease in 4 participants refractory to prior PD-1/L1 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Repeat intratumoral injection of SYNB1891 as monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab was safe and well tolerated, and evidence of STING pathway target engagement was observed.
Collapse
|
30
|
Smithy JW, Luke JJ. CD16+ Macrophages: An Emerging Biomarker for Combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 Blockade. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2345-2347. [PMID: 37097465 PMCID: PMC10330271 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
In a retrospective analysis of patients with unresectable melanoma, higher pretreatment tissue densities of CD16+ macrophages were associated with clinical benefit from combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade. With further validation, this biomarker could serve as a tool in selecting between immune checkpoint inhibitor regimens. See related article by Lee et al., p. 2513.
Collapse
|
31
|
Karapetyan L, AbuShukair HM, Li A, Knight A, Al Bzour AN, MacFawn IP, Thompson ZJ, Chen A, Yang X, Dadey R, Karunamurthy A, De Stefano DV, Sander C, Kunning SR, Najjar YG, Davar D, Luke JJ, Gooding W, Bruno TC, Kirkwood JM, Storkus WJ. Expression of lymphoid structure-associated cytokine/chemokine gene transcripts in tumor and protein in serum are prognostic of melanoma patient outcomes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1171978. [PMID: 37435077 PMCID: PMC10332263 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1171978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines support development and maturation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the current study, we sought to investigate the prognostic value of TLS-associated chemokines/cytokines (TLS-kines) expression levels in melanoma patients by performing serum protein and tissue transcriptomic analyses, and to then correlate these data with patients clinicopathological and TME characteristics. Methods Levels of TLS-kines in patients' sera were quantitated using a custom Luminex Multiplex Assay. The Cancer Genomic Atlas melanoma cohort (TCGA-SKCM) and a Moffitt Melanoma cohort were used for tissue transcriptomic analyses. Associations between target analytes and survival outcomes, clinicopathological variables, and correlations between TLS-kines were statistically analyzed. Results Serum of 95 patients with melanoma were evaluated; 48 (50%) female, median age of 63, IQR 51-70 years. Serum levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 were positively correlated with levels of both CXCL10 and CXCL13. In multivariate analyses, high levels of serum APRIL/TNFSF13 were associated with improved event-free survival after adjusting for age and stage (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.95; p = 0.03). High expression of APRIL/TNFSF13 tumor transcripts was significantly associated with improved OS in TCGA-SKCM (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.93; p = 0.01) and in Moffitt Melanoma patients (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.32-0.82; p = 0.006). Further incorporation of CXCL13 and CXCL10 tumor transcript levels in a 3-gene index revealed that high APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 expression was associated with improved OS in the TCGA SKCM cohort (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.94; p = 0.035). Melanoma differentially expressed genes positively associated with high APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 tumor expression were linked to tumor infiltration by a diverse array of proinflammatory immune cell types. Conclusion Serum protein and tumor transcript levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 are associated with improved survival outcomes. Patients exhibiting high coordinate expression of APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 transcripts in their tumors displayed superior OS. Further investigation of TLS-kine expression profiles related to clinical outcomes in larger cohort studies is warranted.
Collapse
|
32
|
Meric-Bernstam F, Sweis RF, Hodi FS, Messersmith WA, Andtbacka RHI, Ingham M, Lewis N, Chen X, Pelletier M, Chen X, Wu J, Dubensky TW, McWhirter SM, Müller T, Nair N, Luke JJ. Correction: Phase I Dose-Escalation Trial of MIW815 (ADU-S100), an Intratumoral STING Agonist, in Patients with Advanced/Metastatic Solid Tumors or Lymphomas. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2336. [PMID: 37309603 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
|
33
|
Lee RJ, Luke JJ. Potential of circulating tumor DNA to refine immunotherapy. Cancer 2023; 129:1646-1648. [PMID: 36869645 PMCID: PMC11034982 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a noninvasive strategy to disease assessment of minimal residual disease and treatment response for advanced cancer. ctDNA is emerging as a tool for use in clinical practice and informing novel clinical trial designs in melanoma.
Collapse
|
34
|
Luke JJ, Fakih M, Schneider C, Chiorean EG, Bendell J, Kristeleit R, Kurzrock R, Blagden SP, Brana I, Goff LW, O'Hayer K, Geschwindt R, Smith M, Zhou F, Naing A. Phase I/II sequencing study of azacitidine, epacadostat, and pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:2227-2235. [PMID: 37087488 PMCID: PMC10241827 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), an interferon-inducible enzyme, contributes to tumor immune intolerance. Immune checkpoint inhibition may increase interferon levels; combining IDO1 inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade represents an attractive strategy. Epigenetic agents trigger interferon responses and may serve as an immunotherapy priming method. We evaluated whether epigenetic therapy plus IDO1 inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade confers clinical benefit to patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS ECHO-206 was a Phase I/II study where treatment-experienced patients with advanced solid tumors (N = 70) received azacitidine plus an immunotherapy doublet (epacadostat [IDO1 inhibitor] and pembrolizumab). Sequencing of treatment was also assessed. Primary endpoints were safety/tolerability (Phase I), maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or pharmacologically active dose (PAD; Phase I), and investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR; Phase II). RESULTS In Phase I, no dose-limiting toxicities were reported, the MTD was not reached; a PAD was not determined. ORR was 5.7%, with four partial responses. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (42.9%) and nausea (42.9%). Twelve (17.1%) patients experienced ≥1 fatal AE, one of which (asthenia) was treatment-related. CONCLUSIONS Although the azacitidine-epacadostat-pembrolizumab regimen was well tolerated, it was not associated with substantial clinical response in patients with advanced solid tumors previously exposed to immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
35
|
Korpics MC, Onderdonk BE, Dadey RE, Hara JH, Karapetyan L, Zha Y, Karrison TG, Olson AC, Fleming GF, Weichselbaum RR, Bao R, Chmura SJ, Luke JJ. Partial tumor irradiation plus pembrolizumab in treating large advanced solid tumor metastases. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:162260. [PMID: 37183819 PMCID: PMC10178837 DOI: 10.1172/jci162260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDWe previously demonstrated the safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy followed by pembrolizumab (SBRT+P) in patients with advanced solid tumors. This phase I clinical trial was expanded to study the safety of partial tumor irradiation (partial-Rx). We assessed irradiated local failure (LF) and clinical outcomes with correlations to biomarkers including CD8+ T cell radiomics score (RS) and circulating cytokines.METHODSPatients received SBRT to 2-4 metastases and pembrolizumab for up to 7 days after SBRT. Tumors measuring up to 65 cc received the full radiation dose (complete-Rx), whereas tumors measuring more than 65 cc received partial-Rx. Landmark analysis was used to assess the relationship between tumor response and overall survival (OS). Multivariable analysis was performed for RS and circulating cytokines.RESULTSIn the combined (expansion plus original) cohort, 97 patients (219 metastases) were analyzed and received SBRT+P. Forty-six (47%) patients received at least 1 partial-Rx treatment. There were 7 (7.2%)dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). 1-year LF was 7.6% overall, and 13.3% and 5.4% for partial-Rx and complete-Rx tumors, respectively (HR 2.32, 95% CI 0.90-5.97, P = 0.08). The overall, unirradiated, and irradiated objective response rates were 22%, 12%, and 34%, respectively. Irradiated tumor response to SBRT+P was associated with prolonged OS; 1-year OS was 71% (responders), 42% (mixed-responders), and 0% (nonresponders) (P < 0.01). High-RS was significantly associated with improved LF, progression-free survival (PFS), and OS. Elevated circulating IL-8 was independently associated with inferior PFS and OS.CONCLUSIONSBRT+P is safe in patients with large, advanced solid tumors. Additional studies are warranted to assess noninferiority of complete versus partial irradiation of tumors in the setting of immunotherapy.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicaltrials.gov NCT02608385FUNDINGMerck Investigator Studies Program; Hillman Fellows for Innovative Cancer Research Program; NIH grants UM1CA186690-06, P50CA254865-01A1, P30CA047904-32, and R01DE031729-01A1.
Collapse
|
36
|
Ascierto PA, Blank C, Eggermont AM, Garbe C, Gershenwald JE, Hamid O, Hauschild A, Luke JJ, Mehnert JM, Sosman JA, Tawbi HA, Mandalà M, Testori A, Caracò C, Osman I, Puzanov I. The "Great Debate" at Melanoma Bridge 2022, Naples, December 1st-3rd, 2022. J Transl Med 2023; 21:265. [PMID: 37072748 PMCID: PMC10114457 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04100-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Great Debate session at the 2022 Melanoma Bridge congress (December 1-3) featured counterpoint views from leading experts on five contemporary topics of debate in the management of melanoma. The debates considered the choice of anti-lymphocyte-activation gene (LAG)-3 therapy or ipilimumab in combination with anti-programmed death (PD)-1 therapy, whether anti-PD-1 monotherapy is still acceptable as a comparator arm in clinical trials, whether adjuvant treatment of melanoma is still a useful treatment option, the role of adjuvant therapy in stage II melanoma, what role surgery will continue to have in the treatment of melanoma. As is customary in the Melanoma Bridge Great Debates, the speakers are invited by the meeting Chairs to express one side of the assigned debate and the opinions given may not fully reflect personal views. Audiences voted in favour of either side of the argument both before and after each debate.
Collapse
|
37
|
Olson DJ, Luke JJ. Myeloid Maturity: ATRA to Enhance Anti-PD-1? Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1167-1169. [PMID: 36656164 PMCID: PMC10073251 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 therapies. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) may induce maturation of MDSCs and alter their immunosuppressive effects. Adding ATRA to pembrolizumab may target this resistance mechanism to enhance the overall impact of anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy. See related article by Tobin et al., p. 1209.
Collapse
|
38
|
Wisinski KB, Flamand Y, Wilson MA, Luke JJ, Tawbi HA, Hong F, Mitchell EP, Zwiebel JA, Chen H, Gray RJ, Li S, McShane LM, Rubinstein LV, Patton D, Williams PM, Hamilton SR, Behrens RJ, Pennington KP, Conley BA, Arteaga CL, Harris LN, O'Dwyer PJ, Chen AP, Flaherty KT. Trametinib in Patients With NF1-, GNAQ-, or GNA11-Mutant Tumors: Results From the NCI-MATCH ECOG-ACRIN Trial (EAY131) Subprotocols S1 and S2. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2200421. [PMID: 37053535 PMCID: PMC10309549 DOI: 10.1200/po.22.00421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE NCI-MATCH is a precision medicine trial using genomic testing to allocate patients with advanced malignancies to targeted treatment subprotocols. This report combines two subprotocols evaluating trametinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, in patients with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1[S1] or GNA11/Q [S2]) altered tumors. METHODS Eligible patients had tumors with deleterious inactivating NF1 or GNA11/Q mutations by the customized Oncomine AmpliSeq panel. Prior MEK inhibitor treatment was excluded. Glioblastomas (GBMs) were permitted, including malignancies associated with germline NF1 mutations (S1 only). Trametinib was administered at 2 mg once daily over 28-day cycles until toxicity or disease progression. Primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months, PFS, and overall survival. Exploratory analyses included co-occurring genomic alterations and PTEN loss. RESULTS Fifty patients were eligible and started therapy: 46 with NF1 mutations (S1) and four with GNA11 mutations (S2). In the NF1 cohort, nonsense single-nucleotide variants were identified in 29 and frameshift deletions in 17 tumors. All in S2 had nonuveal melanoma and GNA11 Q209L variant. Two partial responses (PR) were noted in S1, one patient each with advanced lung cancer and GBM for an ORR of 4.3% (90% CI, 0.8 to 13.1). One patient with melanoma in S2 had a PR (ORR, 25%; 90% CI, 1.3 to 75.1). Prolonged stable disease (SD) was also noted in five patients (four in S1 and one in S2) with additional rare histologies. Adverse events were as previously described with trametinib. Comutations in TP53 and PIK3CA were common. CONCLUSION Although these subprotocols did not meet the primary end point for ORR, significant responses or prolonged SD noted in some disease subtypes warrants further investigation.
Collapse
|
39
|
Augustin RC, Luke JJ. Top advances of the year: Melanoma. Cancer 2023; 129:822-828. [PMID: 36629350 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This commentary highlights the key, recent advances made in the field of melanoma. Although significant gains have been made, particularly for resectable disease, ongoing challenges remain in the PD1‐refractory setting.
Collapse
|
40
|
Karapetyan L, Luke JJ. Interferon Biology and LAG-3 Shedding in PD-(L)1 plus LAG-3 Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:835-837. [PMID: 36534010 PMCID: PMC9992241 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Targeting coinhibitory receptors on dysfunctional T cells may improve response to anti-PD-(L)1 in the IFNγ associated T-cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment. The bispecific lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) and PD-L1 blocking antibody FS118, potentially through LAG-3 shedding, represents a promising strategy to improve immune checkpoint blockade. Soluble LAG-3 is an intriguing biomarker for LAG-3 drug activity. See related article by Yap et al., p. 888.
Collapse
|
41
|
Luke JJ, Sharma M, Chandana SR, Lugowska IA, Szczylik C, Zolnierek J, Cote GM, Mantia C, Dziadziuszko R, Sanborn RE, Casey D, Long L, Ward A, Kaminker P, James AJ, Di Pucchio T, Cybulska-Stopa B. Lorigerlimab, a bispecific PD-1×CTLA-4 DART molecule in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): A phase 1 expansion (exp) cohort. J Clin Oncol 2023. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2023.41.6_suppl.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
155 Background: Lorigerlimab (MGD019) is an investigational, bispecific Fc-bearing (IgG4) DART molecule designed to enhance CTLA-4 blockade on dual expressing, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, while maintaining maximal PD-1 blockade on PD-1 expressing cells. Lorigerlimab has approximate dose proportional PK across 1–10 mg/kg IV dosing Q3W, with sustained PD-1 receptor occupancy evident at doses ≥1 mg/kg Q3W. MGD019-01 is a global first-in-human dose finding and activity estimating study of lorigerlimab in advanced solid tumors (AST). Methods: The exp phase of MGD019-01 evaluates single agent safety, PK, and antitumor effects of lorigerlimab at the recommended dose for exp of 6 mg/kg IV Q3W in 4 tumor specific cohorts. Confirmed responses were noted in each cohort. Preliminary results of the mCRPC cohort are reported here. Response evaluable pts received ≥1 dose and had ≥1 postbaseline imaging evaluation. Measurable lesions were evaluated per RECIST v1.1 and skeletal metastases assessed by bone scan. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) response was defined as a ≥50% (PSA50) or ≥90% (PSA90) PSA decline from baseline with confirmation ≥3 weeks later. Expression of proliferation marker, Ki67, and inducible costimulator (ICOS) by peripheral T cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: At data cutoff (9/10/22), 127 pts with AST received ≥1 dose of lorigerlimab 6 mg/kg. Median exposure was 10 weeks (range, 0.1, 94.4) with median of 4 infusions. 6 pts remain on therapy; 36 discontinued for PD (n=13), AEs (n=17), or patient/physician decision (n=6). Treatment related adverse events (TRAE) occurred in 109/127 (85.8%) pts. TRAEs occurring in ≥15% of pts were fatigue, pruritus, hypothyroidism, pyrexia. Rates of grade ≥3 TRAEs and immune-related AEs were 32.3% and 7.9%, respectively. AEs leading to drug discontinuation occurred in 22.8% of pts. There were no fatal AEs related to lorigerlimab. In the mCRPC exp cohort (n=42), pts had a median of 2 prior lines of therapy for CRPC, >80% received prior ART or taxanes; 88% had visceral (liver, 26%; lung, 26%) or nodal disease and 95% had bone metastases. 42 pts were PSA response evaluable; 35 were RECIST evaluable. ORR was 25.7% (9/35; 9 confirmed PRs). Median duration of response was 16.1 weeks (range 6–25+ weeks). 5 responders remain on study, 4 discontinued for unrelated fatal AEs: COVID-19 (2) cardiac arrest (1) C. difficile infection (1). Confirmed PSA50 and PSA90 response rates were 28.6% (12/42) and 21.4% (9/42), respectively. Increased frequencies of Ki67+ and ICOS+ T cells were observed on day 8 posttreatment compared to pretherapy per the flow cytometry analyses from 35 pts. Conclusions: Lorigerlimab demonstrates a manageable safety profile with evidence of encouraging and durable antitumor activity in a chemotherapy refractory mCRPC population. Randomized evaluation of lorigerlimab in mCRPC is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT03761017 .
Collapse
|
42
|
Augustin RC, Bao R, Luke JJ. Old Dog, New Trick: A Tumor-Intrinsic Role for PD-1 in Chemoresistant Tumor Subclones. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:505-507. [PMID: 36383142 PMCID: PMC9898080 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a well-known driver of immunosuppression and lymphocyte-associated disease progression. Increasing evidence suggests a tumor-intrinsic role for PD-1 in promoting chemoresistance via stem-like features. Moving forward, a recent study implies a novel antitumor mechanism for PD-1 inhibition. See related article by Rotolo et al., p. 621.
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint blockade has improved the outcomes of patients with various malignancies, yet a majority do not benefit or develop resistance. To address this unmet need, efforts across the field are targeting additional coinhibitory receptors, costimulatory proteins, and intracellular mediators that could prevent or bypass anti-PD1 resistance mechanisms. The CD28 costimulatory pathway is necessary for antigen-specific T cell activation, though prior CD28 agonists did not translate successfully to clinic due to toxicity. Casitas B lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) is a downstream, master regulator of both CD28 and CTLA-4 signaling. This E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates both innate and adaptive immune cells, ultimately promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in the absence of CD28 costimulation. Recent advances in pharmaceutical screening and computational biology have enabled the development of novel platforms to target this once 'undruggable' protein. These platforms include DNA encoded library screening, allosteric drug targeting, small-interfering RNA inhibition, CRISPR genome editing, and adoptive cell therapy. Both genetic knock-out models and Cbl-b inhibitors have been shown to reverse immunosuppression in the TME, stimulate cytotoxic T cell activity, and promote tumor regression, findings augmented with PD1 blockade in experimental models. In translating Cbl-b inhibitors to clinic, we propose specific gene expression profiles that may identify patient populations most likely to benefit. Overall, novel Cbl-b inhibitors provide antigen-specific immune stimulation and are a promising therapeutic tool in the field of immuno-oncology.
Collapse
|
44
|
Augustin RC, Luke JJ. Induction Exposure Dose of Ipilimumab and Failure of Adjuvant Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:443-446. [PMID: 36162010 PMCID: PMC9870232 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
|
45
|
Meric-Bernstam F, Sweis RF, Kasper S, Hamid O, Bhatia S, Dummer R, Stradella A, Long GV, Spreafico A, Shimizu T, Steeghs N, Luke JJ, McWhirter SM, Müller T, Nair N, Lewis N, Chen X, Bean A, Kattenhorn L, Pelletier M, Sandhu S. Combination of the STING Agonist MIW815 (ADU-S100) and PD-1 Inhibitor Spartalizumab in Advanced/Metastatic Solid Tumors or Lymphomas: An Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase Ib Study. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:110-121. [PMID: 36282874 PMCID: PMC11188043 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The stimulator of IFN genes (STING) is a transmembrane protein that plays a role in the immune response to tumors. Single-agent STING agonist MIW815 (ADU-S100) has demonstrated immune activation but limited antitumor activity. This phase Ib, multicenter, dose-escalation study assessed the safety and tolerability of MIW815 plus spartalizumab (PDR001), a humanized IgG4 antibody against PD-1, in 106 patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were treated with weekly intratumoral injections of MIW815 (50-3,200 μg) on a 3-weeks-on/1-week-off schedule or once every 4 weeks, plus a fixed dose of spartalizumab (400 mg) intravenously every 4 weeks. RESULTS Common adverse events were pyrexia (n = 23; 22%), injection site pain (n = 21; 20%), and diarrhea (n = 12; 11%). Overall response rate was 10.4%. The MTD was not reached. Pharmacodynamic biomarker analysis demonstrated on-target activity. CONCLUSIONS The combination of MIW815 and spartalizumab was well tolerated in patients with advanced/metastatic cancers, including in patients with anti-PD-1 refractory disease. Minimal antitumor responses were seen.
Collapse
|
46
|
Long GV, Luke JJ, Fukunaga-Kalabis M, Ascierto PA. Distant metastasis-free survival with adjuvant pembrolizumab for resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma - Authors' reply. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e8. [PMID: 36603931 PMCID: PMC11207184 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(22)00753-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
47
|
Anagnostou V, Luke JJ. Quantitative Spatial Profiling of TILs as the Next Step beyond PD-L1 Testing for Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4835-4837. [PMID: 36103258 PMCID: PMC9669208 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY Analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) functional states, particularly tumor-reactive PD-1T TILs, within specific spatial context, can serve as a biologically informed predictive marker of immunotherapy that may be superior to standard clinical biomarkers. High-plex quantitative immune cell phenotyping within their spatial context has tremendous potential in immuno-oncology. See related article by Hummelink et al., p. 4893.
Collapse
|
48
|
Garbe C, Keim U, Amaral T, Berking C, Eigentler TK, Flatz L, Gesierich A, Leiter U, Stadler R, Sunderkötter C, Tüting T, Utikal J, Wollina U, Zimmer L, Zouboulis CC, Ascierto PA, Eggermont AM, Grob JJ, Hauschild A, Sekulovic LK, Long GV, Luke JJ, Michielin O, Peris K, Schadendorf D, Kirkwood JM, Lorigan PC. Prognosis of Patients With Primary Melanoma Stage I and II According to American Joint Committee on Cancer Version 8 Validated in Two Independent Cohorts: Implications for Adjuvant Treatment. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:3741-3749. [PMID: 35709414 PMCID: PMC9649277 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The first randomized trial of adjuvant treatment with checkpoint inhibitor in stage II melanoma reported a significant reduction in risk of tumor recurrence. This study evaluates two independent data sets to further document survival probabilities for patients with primary stage I and II melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Central Malignant Melanoma Registry (CMMR) in Germany evaluated 17,544 patients with a primary diagnosis of stage I and II melanoma from 2000 to 2015. The exploratory cohort consisted of 6,725 patients from the Center for Dermato-Oncology at the University of Tübingen, and the confirmatory cohort consisted of 10,819 patients from 11 other German centers. Survival outcomes were compared with published American Joint Committee on Cancer version 8 (AJCCv8) stage I and II survival data. RESULTS For the two CMMR cohorts in stage IA compared with the AJCCv8 cohort, melanoma-specific survival rates at 10 years were 95.1%-95.6% versus 98%; 89.7%-90.9% versus 94% in stage IB; 80.7%-83.1% versus 88% in stage IIA; 72.0%-79.9% versus 82% in stage IIB; and 57.6%-64.7% versus 75% in stage IIC, respectively. Recurrence rates were approximately twice as high as melanoma-specific mortality rates in stages IA-IIA. CONCLUSION The melanoma-specific survival rates in the two CMMR cohorts across stages I and II are less favorable than published in AJCCv8. This has important implications for the consideration of adjuvant treatment in this population.
Collapse
|
49
|
Long GV, Luke JJ, Khattak MA, de la Cruz Merino L, Del Vecchio M, Rutkowski P, Spagnolo F, Mackiewicz J, Chiarion-Sileni V, Kirkwood JM, Robert C, Grob JJ, de Galitiis F, Schadendorf D, Carlino MS, Mohr P, Dummer R, Gershenwald JE, Yoon CH, Wu XL, Fukunaga-Kalabis M, Krepler C, Eggermont AMM, Ascierto PA. Pembrolizumab versus placebo as adjuvant therapy in resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma (KEYNOTE-716): distant metastasis-free survival results of a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol 2022; 23:1378-1388. [PMID: 36265502 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(22)00559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma who undergo surgery alone are at a substantial risk for disease recurrence. Adjuvant pembrolizumab significantly improved recurrence-free survival versus placebo in stage IIB or IIC melanoma in the first interim analysis of the KEYNOTE-716 trial. Here, we report results from the secondary endpoint of distant metastasis-free survival (prespecified third interim analysis), and recurrence-free survival with longer follow-up. METHODS KEYNOTE-716 is a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover or rechallenge, randomised, phase 3 trial done at 160 academic medical centres and hospitals across 16 countries. Eligible patients were aged 12 years and older with newly-diagnosed, completely resected, and histologically confirmed stage IIB (T3b or T4a) or IIC (T4b) cutaneous melanoma; negative sentinel lymph node biopsy; and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 200 mg of pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg up to a maximum of 200 mg in paediatric patients) or placebo, both intravenously, every 3 weeks for 17 cycles (part 1) or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity. Eligible patients with disease recurrence could receive further treatment with pembrolizumab in the part 2 crossover or rechallenge phase. Randomisation was done using an interactive response technology system and stratified by T category and paediatric status. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed recurrence-free survival (assessed here with longer follow-up), and we report the prespecified third interim analysis of distant metastasis-free survival (secondary endpoint). Efficacy analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population (all patients who were randomly assigned, according to assigned group) and safety was assessed in all patients who were randomly assigned and received at least one dose of trial treatment, according to the treatment received. KEYNOTE-716 is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03553836, and has completed recruitment. FINDINGS Between Sept 23, 2018, and Nov 4, 2020, 976 patients were randomly assigned to receive pembrolizumab (n=487) or placebo (n=489). At a median follow-up of 27·4 months (IQR 23·1-31·7), median distant metastasis-free survival was not reached (95% CI not reached [NR]-NR) in either group. Pembrolizumab significantly improved distant metastasis-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0·64, 95% CI 0·47-0·88, p=0·0029) versus placebo. Median recurrence-free survival was 37·2 months (95% CI NR-NR) in the pembrolizumab group and not reached in the placebo group (95% CI NR-NR). The risk of recurrence remained lower with pembrolizumab versus placebo (HR 0·64, 95% CI 0·50-0·84). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events were hypertension (16 [3%] of 483 patients in the pembrolizumab group vs 17 [4%] of 486 patients in the placebo group), diarrhoea (eight [2%] vs one [<1%]), rash (seven [1%] vs two [<1%]), autoimmune hepatitis (seven [1%] vs two [<1%]), and increased lipase (six [1%] vs eight [2%]). Treatment-related serious adverse events occurred in 49 (10%) patients in the pembrolizumab group and 11 (2%) patients in the placebo group. No treatment-related deaths were reported. INTERPRETATION Adjuvant pembrolizumab is an efficacious treatment option for resected stage IIB and IIC melanoma, with significant improvement in distant-metastasis free survival versus placebo and continued reduction in the risk of recurrence with an adverse event profile consistent with previous studies of pembrolizumab. The overall benefit-risk of pembrolizumab continues to be positive in the adjuvant setting. FUNDING Merck Sharp & Dohme, a subsidiary of Merck & Co.
Collapse
|
50
|
Khattak MA, Luke JJ, Long GV, Ascierto PA, Rutkowski P, Schadendorf D, Robert C, Grob JJ, de la Cruz Merino L, Del Vecchio M, Spagnolo F, Mackiewicz J, Chiarion-Sileni V, Carlino MS, Mohr P, De Galitiis F, Ross MI, Eroglu Z, Chen K, Jiang R, Fukunaga-Kalabis M, Krepler C, Eggermont AMM, Kirkwood JM. Adjuvant pembrolizumab versus placebo in resected high-risk stage II melanoma: Health-related quality of life from the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 study. Eur J Cancer 2022; 176:207-217. [PMID: 36202690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjuvant pembrolizumab significantly improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) versus placebo in resected stage IIB and IIC melanoma in the phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 study. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) results are reported. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg (2 mg/kg, patients ≥12 to <18 years) Q3W or placebo for ≤17 cycles or until disease recurrence, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. Change from baseline in EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status (GHS)/quality of life (QoL) was a prespecified exploratory end point. Change in EORTC QLQ-C30 functioning, symptom, and single-item scales, and EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale (VAS) were also summarized. Primary analyses were performed at week 48 to ensure adequate completion/compliance. The HRQoL population comprised patients who received ≥1 dose of treatment and completed ≥1 assessment. RESULTS The HRQoL population included 969 patients (pembrolizumab, n = 483; placebo, n = 486). Compliance at week 48 was ≥80% for both instruments. EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL, physical functioning, role functioning, and EQ-5D-5L VAS scores were stable from baseline to week 48 in both arms, with no clinically meaningful decline observed. Scores did not differ significantly between pembrolizumab and placebo. EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL, physical functioning, role functioning, and EQ-5D-5L VAS scores remained stable through week 96 in both arms. CONCLUSIONS HRQoL was stable with adjuvant pembrolizumab, with no clinically meaningful decline observed. Change from baseline in HRQoL was similar between arms. These results, in conjunction with the improved RFS and manageable safety previously reported, support the use of adjuvant pembrolizumab for high-risk stage II melanoma.
Collapse
|