Adjuvant nivolumab versus ipilimumab in resected stage IIIB-C and stage IV melanoma (CheckMate 238): 4-year results from a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Previously, findings from CheckMate 238, a double-blind, phase 3 adjuvant trial in patients with resected stage IIIB-C or stage IV melanoma, showed significant improvements in recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival with nivolumab versus ipilimumab. This report provides updated 4-year efficacy, initial overall survival, and late-emergent safety results.

METHODS

This multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial was done in 130 academic centres, community hospitals, and cancer centres across 25 countries. Patients aged 15 years or older with resected stage IIIB-C or IV melanoma and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive nivolumab or ipilimumab via an interactive voice response system and stratified according to disease stage and baseline PD-L1 status of tumour cells. Patients received intravenous nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks or intravenous ipilimumab 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks for four doses, and then every 12 weeks until 1 year of treatment, disease recurrence, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival by investigator assessment, and overall survival was a key secondary endpoint. Efficacy analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population (all randomly assigned patients). All patients who received at least one dose of study treatment were included in the safety analysis. The results presented in this report reflect the 4-year update of the ongoing study with a database lock date of Jan 30, 2020. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02388906.

FINDINGS

Between March 30 and Nov 30, 2015, 906 patients were assigned to nivolumab (n=453) or ipilimumab (n=453). Median follow-up was 51·1 months (IQR 41·6-52·7) with nivolumab and 50·9 months (36·2-52·3) with ipilimumab; 4-year recurrence-free survival was 51·7% (95% CI 46·8-56·3) in the nivolumab group and 41·2% (36·4-45·9) in the ipilimumab group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·71 [95% CI 0·60-0·86]; p=0·0003). With 211 (100 [22%] of 453 patients in the nivolumab group and 111 [25%] of 453 patients in the ipilimumab group) of 302 anticipated deaths observed (about 73% of the originally planned 88% power needed for significance), 4-year overall survival was 77·9% (95% CI 73·7-81·5) with nivolumab and 76·6% (72·2-80·3) with ipilimumab (HR 0·87 [95% CI 0·66-1·14]; p=0·31). Late-emergent grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were reported in three (1%) of 452 and seven (2%) of 453 patients. The most common late-emergent treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events reported were diarrhoea, diabetic ketoacidosis, and pneumonitis (one patient each) in the nivolumab group, and colitis (two patients) in the ipilimumab group. Two previously reported treatment-related deaths in the ipilimumab group were attributed to study drug toxicity (marrow aplasia in one patient and colitis in one patient); no further treatment-related deaths were reported.

INTERPRETATION

At a minimum of 4 years' follow-up, nivolumab demonstrated sustained recurrence-free survival benefit versus ipilimumab in resected stage IIIB-C or IV melanoma indicating a long-term treatment benefit with nivolumab. With fewer deaths than anticipated, overall survival was similar in both groups. Nivolumab remains an efficacious adjuvant treatment for patients with resected high-risk melanoma, with a safety profile that is more tolerable than that of ipilimumab.

FUNDING

Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical.

Abstract CT198: Efficacy of metfOrmin in PrevenTIng glucocorticoid-induced diabetes in Melanoma, breAst or Lung Cancer patients with brain metastases: The phase II OPTIMAL study

Background: Brain metastases frequently occur in patients with late-stage cancers. Treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) is usually started to prevent or reduce tumor-related edema and its deadly complications. However, treatment with high-dose GCs is associated with serious side effects, including diabetes and immunosuppression, which could promote tumor growth or reduce the effectiveness of antitumor therapies. Based on its potential antitumor properties and on its ability to prevent GC-induced diabetes, the antidiabetic compound Metformin could reduce short-term mortality in patients with brain metastases taking high-dose GCs. Methods: The OPTIMAL study is a monocentric, open label, randomized Phase II trial in patients with brain metastases from melanoma, lung or breast cancer, who require treatment with high-dose dexamethasone, as defined as a minimum of 8 mg daily based on the clinician judgment, for at least three consecutive weeks. At enrollment, patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive high-dose dexamethasone +/- metformin 2550 mg/day for 30 days. At randomization, patients are stratified according to: tumor origin, dose of dexamethasone (8-12 vs. > 12 mg/day) and baseline fasting glycemia (< 100 vs. 100-125 mg/dl). Patients may receive concomitant radiotherapy based on the judgment of the physician. The primary study endpoint is the rate of precocious (14 days) dexamethasone-induced diabetes, as defined as fasting plasma glucose levels ≥ 126 mg/dl. Discussion: The OPTIMAL study aims to evaluate the efficacy of upfront use of metformin in preventing the onset of GCs-induced diabetes and other metabolic perturbations in patients with brain metastases from melanoma, lung or breast cancer. Other clinical objectives consist in investigating the impact of metformin on precocious mortality, deterioration of ECOG PS and local (brain) disease control rate at one month after dexamethasone initiation. The effect of dexamethasone +/- metformin on other metabolites or growth factors, including amino acids, fatty acids, ketone bodies, IGF-1, as well as on the number, activation status and metabolism of peripheral blood immune cell populations will be evaluated as well. Trial registration: The OPTIMAL trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04001725, June 28, 2019) and EudraCT (2019-000105-73, January 8, 2019).

Citation Format: Claudio Vernieri, Federico Nichetti, Francesca Ligorio, Emma Zattarin, Teresa Beninato, Riccardo Lobefaro, Giulia Bianchi, Giuseppe Capri, Marina Garassino, Giuseppe Lo Russo, Michele Del Vecchio, Paola Corsetto, Licia Rivoltini, Chiara Castelli, Filippo de Braud. Efficacy of metfOrmin in PrevenTIng glucocorticoid-induced diabetes in Melanoma, breAst or Lung Cancer patients with brain metastases: The phase II OPTIMAL study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr CT198.

Investigating the role of immunotherapy in advanced/recurrent female genital tract melanoma: a preliminary experience

Objective

immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has become one of the standard therapeutic modalities for patients with advanced melanoma. Melanoma of the female lower genital tract is a rare and aggressive disease, with poor long-term clinical outcomes. To date, no study evaluated the role of immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma of the lower genital tract.

Methods

Data of women with metastatic melanoma of the lower genital tract were prospectively collected. Survival outcomes over time was assessed using Kaplan-Meier model.

Results

Seven cases of metastatic melanoma of the lower genital tract (vulva [n=2], vagina [n=4], and uterine cervix [n=1]) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are reviewed. Two patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis, while 5 patients developed metastatic disease at a mean (standard deviation) time of 9.9 (±3.0) months from primary diagnosis. Four patients received an anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) (ipilimumab) and 3 received an anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) (pembrolizumab [n=2], nivolumab [n=1]) therapy. The response rate to immunotherapy was 28.5%. Patients receiving an anti-PD-1 experienced a better progression-free survival than patients treated with anti-CTLA4 (p=0.01, log-rank test). Although not reaching statistical significance, overall survival was better in patients having an anti-PD-1 therapy in comparison to anti-CTLA4 (p=0.15, log-rank test).

Conclusion

Results from our series confirm the poor prognosis of women with metastatic melanoma of the lower genital tract, thus supporting the need of exploring new treatment modalities. Further studies are warranted to improve knowledge on the role of immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma of the lower genital tract.

Risk of disease progression (PD) following discontinuation of BRAF±MEK targeted therapies for reasons other than PD in patients (pts) with metastatic or unresectable melanoma

10053

Background: In pts with metastatic melanoma bearing BRAF V600E/K mutations BRAF V600±MEK inhibitors are administered until PD/unacceptable toxicity. In patients achieving durable responses, outcomes following discontinuation for reasons other than PD are largely unknown. Methods: We identified all patients who interrupted BRAF±MEK inhibitors for reasons other than PD after complete (CR) or partial response (PR) from a clinical dataset of patients with BRAF mutated metastatic/unresectable melanoma treated with targeted therapy at a single Institution. Results: We included 24 pts. Fifteen (62.5%) and 9 (37.5%) pts were treated respectively with BRAF inhibitor monotherapy and BRAF+MEK inhibitor combination. All pts had normal baseline LDH and ECOG PS0, 2 (8%) pts had brain metastases and 15 (62.5%) had multi-organ metastatic involvement. Dose reduction was required for 12 (50%) pts. Median treatment duration was 59 (12-88) months. Causes of discontinuation were unacceptable toxicity (19 pts-79%) and consent withdrawal (5 pts-21%). At the time of discontinuation, 17 (71%) and 7 (29%) pts had achieved respectively CR and PR. At a median follow up of 31 (8-59) months after treatment discontinuation, 9 (37.5%) pts had experienced PD. Median time to PD after treatment discontinuation was 9 (3-16) months. At time of PD, 2 (22%) pts displayed involvement of new organ sites. Risk of PD following discontinuation was respectively 31% and 45% at 12 and 24 months. Neither baseline characteristics nor treatment duration and time to best response influenced risk of PD; we found a non-significant trend towards higher risk of relapse for patients interrupting treatment with residual disease compared to those who interrupted treatment after achieving CR [HR 3.3; 95%CI (0.8–14.1); log-rank p = 0.081]. After PD, 6 pts received BRAF+MEK inhibitors with a response rate of 100% and 3/6 pts achieving CR. Conclusions: In a subset of patients with favorable prognostic characteristics and retained sensitivity to BRAF±MEK inhibitors, treatment discontinuation was associated with relevant risk of relapse with about one third of pts experiencing PD within one year. Biomarker studies are needed to identify pts who might safely discontinue therapy due to sustained toxicity, especially after achieving CR.

The density and spatial tissue distribution of CD8+ and CD163+ immune cells predict response and outcome in melanoma patients receiving MAPK inhibitors

Background

Clinical response to MAPK inhibitors in metastatic melanoma patients is heterogeneous for reasons still needing to be elucidated. As the patient immune activity contributes to treatment clinical benefit, the pre-existing level of immunity at tumor site may provide biomarkers of disease outcome to therapy. Here we investigated whether assessing the density and spatial tissue distribution of key immune cells in the tumor microenvironment could identify patients predisposed to respond to MAPK inhibitors.

Methods

Pretreatment tumor biopsies from a total of 213 patients (158 for the training set and 55 for the validation set) treated with BRAF or BRAF/MEK inhibitors within the Italian Melanoma Intergroup were stained with selected immune markers (CD8, CD163, β-catenin, PD-L1, PD-L2). Results, obtained by blinded immunohistochemical scoring and digital image analysis, were correlated with clinical response and outcome by multivariate logistic models on response to treatment and clinical outcome, adjusted for American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, performance status, lactate dehydrogenase and treatment received.

Results

Patients with high intratumoral, but not peritumoral, CD8⁺ T cells and concomitantly low CD163⁺ myeloid cells displayed higher probability of response (OR 9.91, 95% CI 2.23–44.0, p = 0.003) and longer overall survival (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16–0.72, p = 0.005) compared to those with intratumoral low CD8⁺ T cells and high CD163⁺ myeloid cells. The latter phenotype was instead associated with a shorter progression free survival (p = 0.010). In contrast, PD-L1 and PD-L2 did not correlate with clinical outcome while tumor β-catenin overexpression showed association with lower probability of response (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.21–1.06, p = 0.068).

Conclusions

Analysis of the spatially constrained distribution of CD8⁺ and CD163⁺ cells, representative of the opposite circuits of antitumor vs protumor immunity, respectively, may assist in identifying melanoma patients with improved response and better outcome upon treatment with MAPK inhibitors. These data underline the role of endogenous immune microenvironment in predisposing metastatic melanoma patients to benefit from therapies targeting driver-oncogenic pathways.

Developing a score system to predict therapeutic outcomes to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

Prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma has improved due to the advent of antibodies targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). However, therapeutic outcomes from anti-PD-1 therapy widely differ among patients. Biomarkers for outcome are needed as these may influence patient selection and treatment decision.

METHODS

Data of patients with metastatic melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline biochemical (serum lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] levels, complete blood count) and clinical characteristics were evaluated to identify predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). PFS and OS were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox models. The comparison of predictive power of independent predictors for response to anti-PD-1 was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Overall, 173 patients were included. Low metastases burden, normal baseline LDH levels, and high relative lymphocyte count (RLC) were associated with favorable outcomes (p < 0.01). According to ROC curves, RLC >17.5% improved survival outcomes. PFS was 3.7 and 15.8 months for patients with RLC <17.5% and >17.5%, respectively (p = 0.004); OS was 5.0 and 33.6 months for patients with RLC <17.5% and >17.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Stratification of patients according to these variables showed that survival outcomes strongly differ in patients with 3 of 3 compared to those with 2, 1, and none of these 3 factors present (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Metastases burden, LDH levels, and RLC are independent baseline characteristics associated with outcome in patients with melanoma receiving anti-PD-1. Further investigations are needed to clarify if evaluation of these parameters can translate into clinical strategy and apply to patient selection.

An analysis of nivolumab-mediated adverse events and association with clinical efficacy in resected stage III or IV melanoma (CheckMate 238)

9584

Background: In both previous 18- and 24-month follow-up reports from CheckMate 238, NIVO demonstrated significantly longer recurrence-free survival (RFS) than ipilimumab (IPI) in patients (pts) with resected stage IIIB/C or stage IV melanoma. Here we provide a more comprehensive analysis of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) for NIVO over discrete follow-up intervals and an investigation of the association of these AEs with efficacy (RFS). Methods: Eligible pts were aged ≥15 years and underwent complete resection of stage IIIB/C or IV melanoma. A total of 453 pts were treated with NIVO 3 mg/kg Q2W for up to 1 year. The primary endpoint was RFS. Pts were followed for safety for up to 100 days following their last dose; as of the previous 18-month database lock, all pts had been off study drug for > 100 days. Here safety data were analyzed within discrete time intervals: months 0–3 of treatment (0–3), months 3–12 of treatment (3–12), and from last dose to 100 days after last dose (+100). In addition, the association of TRAEs with RFS was investigated using the 24-month efficacy dataset, accounting for time-delay bias within the first 12 weeks after randomization. Results: The incidence of the first onset of TRAEs reported in ≥5% of pts was highest in the 0–3 time frame; the most common TRAEs with NIVO were fatigue (28% for 0–3 vs 6% for 3–12 vs 2% for +100), pruritus (16% vs 7% vs 1%), and diarrhea (15% vs 7% vs 2%). Most TRAEs with NIVO resolved within 3 months of occurrence, except for endocrine AEs, which could have required hormone supplementation, and skin AEs (median overall resolution time of 48 and 22 weeks, respectively). Similar results were observed in an analysis taking into account repeat occurrences of TRAEs over time. Analyses investigating the association of TRAEs with RFS are ongoing and will be presented. Conclusions: These results in pts with resected stage IIIB/C or IV melanoma are consistent with the established safety profile of NIVO. Based on the time periods analyzed, the majority of TRAEs with adjuvant NIVO occurred early during treatment, and patients had a reduced frequency of TRAEs after the treatment course. The majority of select TRAEs resolved within 3 months. Clinical trial information: NCT02388906.

Immune-related adverse events correlate with improved survival in patients undergoing anti-PD1 immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic chances for metastatic melanoma have consistently changed over the last years with the advent of antibodies targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). Onset of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during treatment can be a source of concern, and the association with survival outcome is yet to be defined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of consecutive patients treated with anti-PD1 (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) for metastatic melanoma between July 2013 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline factors, together with onset of irAEs and vitiligo during treatment, were evaluated to identify predictors of progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival. PFS and OS were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox models.

RESULTS

Overall, 173 patients were included in the present analysis, and 102 patients (59%) experienced irAEs. Disease control rate was 51%. Median (interquartile range) PFS and OS were 4.9 (2.6-13.3) and 8.6 (3.5-18.3) months, respectively. At multivariate analysis, irAEs occurrence was independently associated with improved PFS [HR 0.47 (95% CI 0.26, 0.86); p = 0.016], and correlated with better OS [HR 0.39 (95% CI 0.18, 0.81); p = 0.007]. Among various irAEs, the occurrence of vitiligo was associated with a trend toward a non-significant improved OS in comparison with other irAEs (p = 0.061). Median OS was undefined for patients experiencing vitiligo vs. 21.9 months for patients with other irAEs vs. 9.7 months for patients who had no irAEs (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study underlines the association between irAEs and survival outcomes from anti-PD1 therapy. Careful management of treatment-related toxicity can lead to achieve maximum clinical benefit from this therapy.

Cutaneous melanoma in adolescents and young adults

Cutaneous melanoma is rare in children, but has greater incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Diagnosis may be challenging due to its rarity in these age groups. Few studies have specifically addressed the topic of AYA melanoma. Though young-age melanoma may have particular biological characteristics, available data suggest that its clinical history is similar to that of adults. However, advances in treatment of adult melanoma have not been reflected in the treatment of AYAs. There is no standard treatment, and access to clinical trials is difficult for AYAs. Further efforts are needed to overcome these issues by improving cooperation with experts on adult melanoma.

[AACR update on 5-year survival rates, efficacy and long-term safety in previously treated advanced/metastatic melanoma patients receiving mono-immunotherapy with nivolumab]

The treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors has changed the entire natural history of advanced melanoma. In a recent study presented at the AACR Congress (New Orleans, April 16-20, 2016), immunotherapy with nivolumab was associated with overall survival rates of 41-42% at 3 years and with an overall survival rate of 35% at 4 and 5 years, suggesting a stable plateau over time and a significant proportion of advanced melanoma patients potentially cured.

Renal Cancer Treatment: A Review of the Literature

Renal carcinoma represents about 3% of all adult tumors, with an estimate of 31,900 new cases diagnosed in 2003 in the United States. In the early phase of its natural history, renal cancer is potentially curable by surgery, but if the disease presents any signs of metastasis, the chances of survival are remote, even though anecdotal cases characterized by long survival have been reported. In fact, the treatment of metastatic renal cancer remains unsatisfactory. Systemic treatment with single agents and with polychemotherapy, with or without cytokine-based immunotherapy, has not been successful, obtaining very low response rates without a significant benefit in overall survival. This review highlights the most interesting issues regarding conventional therapeutic strategies, in localized and in advanced disease. New approaches such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, gene therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors and allogeneic cell transplantation and their possible clinical applications are also discussed.

Adjuvant Nivolumab versus Ipilimumab in Resected Stage III or IV Melanoma

BACKGROUND

Nivolumab and ipilimumab are immune checkpoint inhibitors that have been approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma. In the United States, ipilimumab has also been approved as adjuvant therapy for melanoma on the basis of recurrence-free and overall survival rates that were higher than those with placebo in a phase 3 trial. We wanted to determine the efficacy of nivolumab versus ipilimumab for adjuvant therapy in patients with resected advanced melanoma.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned 906 patients (≥15 years of age) who were undergoing complete resection of stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV melanoma to receive an intravenous infusion of either nivolumab at a dose of 3 mg per kilogram of body weight every 2 weeks (453 patients) or ipilimumab at a dose of 10 mg per kilogram every 3 weeks for four doses and then every 12 weeks (453 patients). The patients were treated for a period of up to 1 year or until disease recurrence, a report of unacceptable toxic effects, or withdrawal of consent. The primary end point was recurrence-free survival in the intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS

At a minimum follow-up of 18 months, the 12-month rate of recurrence-free survival was 70.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66.1 to 74.5) in the nivolumab group and 60.8% (95% CI, 56.0 to 65.2) in the ipilimumab group (hazard ratio for disease recurrence or death, 0.65; 97.56% CI, 0.51 to 0.83; P<0.001). Treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were reported in 14.4% of the patients in the nivolumab group and in 45.9% of those in the ipilimumab group; treatment was discontinued because of any adverse event in 9.7% and 42.6% of the patients, respectively. Two deaths (0.4%) related to toxic effects were reported in the ipilimumab group more than 100 days after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing resection of stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV melanoma, adjuvant therapy with nivolumab resulted in significantly longer recurrence-free survival and a lower rate of grade 3 or 4 adverse events than adjuvant therapy with ipilimumab. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical; CheckMate 238 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02388906 ; Eudra-CT number, 2014-002351-26 .).

Role of extra cranial stereotactic body radiation therapy in the management of Stage IV melanoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the management of oligometastatic melanoma.

METHODS

Patients affected by Stage IV melanoma, with less than three extracranial metastatic lesions, who received SBRT were included in this analysis. Acute and late toxicity, local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analysed.

RESULTS

31 patients were included in the study. 16 patients (51.6%) were treated for lung meta-stases, 8 patients for liver metastases (25.8%) and 7 (22.6%) for nodal metastases. 38 lesions were irradiated. With a median follow-up time of 13 months, 11 patients (35.4%) were still alive, in four cases (12.9%) with no evidence of disease. Median OS was 10.6 months, and OS at 6, 12 and 24 months was 77, 41 and 21% respectively. LC at 12 and 24 months was 96.6 and 82.8%. 23 patients (74.2%) developed distant metastases. Median PFS was 5.8 months, and PFS at 6, 12 and 24 months was 48.2, 18.5 and 13.9% respectively. Number of irradiated lesions showed a statistically significant correlation only with LC (p = 0.03). Response of the irradiated lesion was related to OS (p = 0.019). Local response showed also a borderline correlation with PFS (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

SBRT for extracranial metastases from melanoma is feasible and well tolerated. Response of the irradiated lesions is predictive of OS. Advances in knowledge: SBRT for melanoma extracranial metastases is feasible and the response of the irradiated lesions is predictive of OS.

Unusual Skin Carcinomas Induced by BRAF Inhibitor for Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report

The most frequently reported skin tumours during treatment with targeted therapies for BRAF (B type Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma kinase) mutated metastatic melanoma are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have been described in such setting, but no cases of multiple and recurring tumours have been reported so far. A patient with a history of chronic sun exposure and more than 10 BCCs removed since 1998 started treatment with vemurafenib for BRAF mutated metastatic melanoma. Therapy was complicated by sporadic episodes of atrial fibrillation and by the development of recurrent, multiple and diffuse BCCs. So, vemurafenib was discontinued and dabrafenib and trametinib were started. Since then, only four BCCs occurred in the patient. Histopathological re-examination showed that most BCCs occurred under vemurafenib presented with squamous features. Such characteristic was significantly less evident before therapy start and in lesions removed under treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib. BRAF inhibition (BRAFi) without MEK inhibition induces mitogen activated kinases overactivation, with consequent skin toxicity and acquired drug resistance. The BCCs removed from our patient showed squamous features, more evident during vemurafenib monotherapy. Both the switch from vemurafenib to dabrafenib and the addition of MEK inhibitor (MEKi) might have reduced the incidence of BCCs and their squamous differentiation.

Dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma brain metastases (COMBI-MB): a multicentre, multicohort, open-label, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Dabrafenib plus trametinib improves clinical outcomes in BRAFV600-mutant metastatic melanoma without brain metastases; however, the activity of dabrafenib plus trametinib has not been studied in active melanoma brain metastases. Here, we report results from the phase 2 COMBI-MB trial. Our aim was to build on the current body of evidence of targeted therapy in melanoma brain metastases through an evaluation of dabrafenib plus trametinib in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma brain metastases.

METHODS

This ongoing, multicentre, multicohort, open-label, phase 2 study evaluated oral dabrafenib (150 mg twice per day) plus oral trametinib (2 mg once per day) in four patient cohorts with melanoma brain metastases enrolled from 32 hospitals and institutions in Europe, North America, and Australia: (A) BRAFV600E-positive, asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with no previous local brain therapy, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1; (B) BRAFV600E-positive, asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with previous local brain therapy, and an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1; (C) BRAFV600D/K/R-positive, asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with or without previous local brain therapy, and an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1; and (D) BRAFV600D/E/K/R-positive, symptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with or without previous local brain therapy, and an ECOG performance status of 0, 1, or 2. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed intracranial response in cohort A in the all-treated-patients population. Secondary endpoints included intracranial response in cohorts B, C, and D. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02039947.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 28, 2014, and Aug 5, 2016, 125 patients were enrolled in the study: 76 patients in cohort A; 16 patients in cohort B; 16 patients in cohort C; and 17 patients in cohort D. At the data cutoff (Nov 28, 2016) after a median follow-up of 8·5 months (IQR 5·5-14·0), 44 (58%; 95% CI 46-69) of 76 patients in cohort A achieved an intracranial response. Intracranial response by investigator assessment was also achieved in nine (56%; 95% CI 30-80) of 16 patients in cohort B, seven (44%; 20-70) of 16 patients in cohort C, and ten (59%; 33-82) of 17 patients in cohort D. The most common serious adverse events related to study treatment were pyrexia for dabrafenib (eight [6%] of 125 patients) and decreased ejection fraction (five [4%]) for trametinib. The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events, regardless of study drug relationship, were pyrexia (four [3%] of 125) and headache (three [2%]).

INTERPRETATION

Dabrafenib plus trametinib was active with a manageable safety profile in this melanoma population that was consistent with previous dabrafenib plus trametinib studies in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma without brain metastases, but the median duration of response was relatively short. These results provide evidence of clinical benefit with dabrafenib plus trametinib and support the need for additional research to further improve outcomes in patients with melanoma brain metastases.

FUNDING

Novartis.

Retrospective analysis of patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma (MM) showing long-term response (LTR) to vemurafenib (Vb)

e21001

Background: Efficacy of Vb in the treatment of mm has been established. We aimed to analyze characteristics of pts achieving LTR to Vb in order to identify potential predictive factors of prolonged benefit. Methods: We collected information about pts affected by BRAF V600 mutated mm treated with Vb at Medical Oncology Unit of Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy, from 09/2010 to 08/2014. LTR was defined as clinical or radiological benefit longer than 14 months (mos). Biological data about circulating lymphocyte subpopulations and CCL2 levels were also determined. Results: 46 pts (26 men, 20 women) were identified. Median age was 58 years. ECOG performance status was 0 in 44 pts. Disease stage was M1a in 14 pts, M1c in 20 pts. 8 pts had high serum LDH levels and 5 brain metastases at baseline. 41 pts harbored BRAF V600E mutation, 5 V600K. Median follow up was 47 mos. 5 pts had received adjuvant interferon; 9 pts had been treated with up to 3 lines for metastatic disease (either chemotx or ipilimumab). According to RECIST 1.1, 22% of pts showed complete response (CR), 50% partial response and 22% stable disease. Notably, all CRs were maintained for more than 2 years. 26 pts progressed, mostly (38%) with brain metastases; 16 of them continued tx beyond progression. Median duration of response was 33 mos, being significantly longer in M1a than in M1c (44 versus 28 mos). Median PFS was 32.5 mos; median OS was not reached. All pts experienced at least 1 adverse event (AE); the AEs were moderate or severe in 22% of cases. 19 pts underwent dose reduction, but no discontinuation due to AEs was observed. After 6 mos of tx, pts with LTRs had less myeloid derived suppressor cells (CD11b+ CD14+) and more memory Th1 cells (CD8+ CXCR3+) if compared with pts not bearing LTRs. The same pts after 1 mo of tx showed lower plasma levels of CCL2, a marker of acquired resistance to Vb. Conclusions: Vb can induce LTRs in a subset of pts with mm also in presence of unfavorable prognostic factors, though M1a pts are more likely to obtain prolonged benefit. Toxicity is frequent, but manageable with limited dose reductions. Exploratory biological analyses suggest an immunomodulatory effect of Vb and the existence of circulating biomarkers of LTR.

COMBI-MB: A phase II study of combination dabrafenib (D) and trametinib (T) in patients (pts) with BRAF V600–mutant (mut) melanoma brain metastases (MBM)

9506

Background: CNS metastases are common and associated with very poor prognosis in pts with metastatic melanoma (MM). In the phase II BREAK-MB trial, D had clinical activity in BRAF V600–mut MBM. D + T has shown superiority over D alone in pts with BRAF V600–mut mm without MBM; however, efficacy of this regimen on MBM has not been characterized. Here, we report results from a phase II trial of D + T in BRAFV600–mut MBM (COMBI-MB; NCT02039947). Methods: This open-label, phase II study evaluated D 150 mg BID + T 2 mg QD in 4 MBM cohorts: (A) BRAFV600E, asymptomatic MBM, no prior local treatment (Tx); (B) BRAFV600E, asymptomatic MBM, prior local Tx; (C) BRAFV600D/K/R, asymptomatic MBM, with or without prior local Tx; and (D) BRAFV600D/E/K/R, symptomatic MBM, with or without prior local Tx. The primary objective was intracranial response rate (IRR) in cohort A (null hypothesis, IRR ≤ 35%). Secondary endpoints included IRR in cohorts B, C, and D; extracranial (ERR) and overall (ORR) response rates; intracranial (IDCR), extracranial (EDCR), and overall (ODCR) disease control rates; duration of IR, ER, and OR; PFS; OS; and safety. Results: 125 pts were enrolled (A, n = 76; B, n = 16; C, n = 16; D, n = 17). In cohort A, median age was 52, 53% were male, and 37% had LDH > ULN. At data cutoff (28 Nov 2016; median f/u, 9.0 mo), in cohort A, investigator-assessed IRR was 58% (IDCR, 78%), ERR was 55% (EDCR, 80%), and ORR was 58% (ODCR, 80%). Median duration of IR, ER, and OR was 6.5 mo (95% CI, 4.9-10.3), 10.2 mo (95% CI, 6.5-13.0), and 6.5 mo (95% CI, 4.9-10.3), respectively. Median PFS was 5.6 mo (95% CI, 5.3-7.4). Independent review supported these results. 6-mo OS was 79%; with 31 pts (41%) still in f/u, preliminary median OS was 10.8 mo (95% CI, 8.7-19.6). Efficacy in cohorts B, C, and D will be reported. AEs across cohorts (any, 98%; grade 3/4, 48%) were consistent with prior D + T studies; 10% of pts (8% in cohort A) discontinued due to AEs. Conclusions: In this first report of a phase II trial evaluating a BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination in BRAFV600–mut MBM, the primary endpoint was met. Promising IRR and IDCR were seen with D + T, but responses appear less durable than reported for mm without MBMs. No unexpected safety issues were observed. Clinical trial information: NCT02039947.

Open-label, multicentre safety study of vemurafenib in 3219 patients with BRAFV600 mutation-positive metastatic melanoma: 2-year follow-up data and long-term responders' analysis

BACKGROUND

The orally available BRAF kinase inhibitor vemurafenib is an effective and tolerable treatment option for patients with metastatic melanoma harbouring BRAF^V600 mutations. We assessed the safety of vemurafenib in a large population of patients with few alternative treatment options; we report updated 2-year safety.

METHODS

This was an open-label, multicentre study of vemurafenib (960 mg bid) in patients with previously treated or untreated BRAF mutation-positive metastatic melanoma (cobas^® 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test). The primary end-point was safety; efficacy end-points were secondary. An exploratory analysis was performed to assess safety outcomes in patients with long duration of response (DOR) (≥12 or ≥24 months).

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 32.2 months (95% CI, 31.1-33.2 months), 3079/3219 patients (96%) had discontinued treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were largely consistent with previous reports; the most common all-grade treatment-related AEs were arthralgia (37%), alopecia (25%) and hyperkeratosis (23%); the most common grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs were squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (8%) and keratoacanthoma (8%). In the exploratory analysis, patients with DOR ≥12 months (n = 287) or ≥24 months (n = 133) were more likely to experience grade 3/4 AEs than the overall population. No new specific safety signals were observed with longer vemurafenib exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

After 2 years' follow-up, safety was maintained in this large group of patients with BRAF^V600 mutation-positive metastatic melanoma who are more representative of routine clinical practice than typical clinical trial populations. These data suggest that long-term vemurafenib treatment is effective and tolerable without the development of new safety signals.

Ipilimumab 10 mg/kg versus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

A phase 2 trial suggested increased overall survival and increased incidence of treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg compared with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg in patients with advanced melanoma. We report a phase 3 trial comparing the benefit-risk profile of ipilimumab 10 mg/kg versus 3 mg/kg.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3 trial was done in 87 centres in 21 countries worldwide. Patients with untreated or previously treated unresectable stage III or IV melanoma, without previous treatment with BRAF inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors, were randomly assigned (1:1) with an interactive voice response system by the permuted block method using block size 4 to ipilimumab 10 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg, administered by intravenous infusion for 90 min every 3 weeks for four doses. Patients were stratified by metastasis stage, previous treatment for metastatic melanoma, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. The patients, investigators, and site staff were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was overall survival in the intention-to-treat population and safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. This study is completed and was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01515189.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 29, and July 9, 2012, 727 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to ipilimumab 10 mg/kg (365 patients; 364 treated) or ipilimumab 3 mg/kg (362 patients; all treated). Median follow-up was 14·5 months (IQR 4·6-42·3) for the ipilimumab 10 mg/kg group and 11·2 months (4·9-29·4) for the ipilimumab 3 mg/kg group. Median overall survival was 15·7 months (95% CI 11·6-17·8) for ipilimumab 10 mg/kg compared with 11·5 months (9·9-13·3) for ipilimumab 3 mg/kg (hazard ratio 0·84, 95% CI 0·70-0·99; p=0·04). The most common grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were diarrhoea (37 [10%] of 364 patients in the 10 mg/kg group vs 21 [6%] of 362 patients in the 3 mg/kg group), colitis (19 [5%] vs nine [2%]), increased alanine aminotransferase (12 [3%] vs two [1%]), and hypophysitis (ten [3%] vs seven [2%]). Treatment-related serious adverse events were reported in 133 (37%) patients in the 10 mg/kg group and 66 (18%) patients in the 3 mg/kg group; four (1%) versus two (<1%) patients died from treatment-related adverse events.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with advanced melanoma, ipilimumab 10 mg/kg resulted in significantly longer overall survival than did ipilimumab 3 mg/kg, but with increased treatment-related adverse events. Although the treatment landscape for advanced melanoma has changed since this study was initiated, the clinical use of ipilimumab in refractory patients with unmet medical needs could warrant further assessment.

FUNDING

Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Correlation between dysthyroidism and efficacy in patients treated with anti PD-1 or anti PDL-1 agents

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Background: Immune checkpoints inhibitors have clearly improved patients’outcomes in different tumors, but definitive predictive biomarkers are still missing. Since thyroiditis have been reported, we have evaluated whether clinical responses are more frequent in patients who underwent anti PD-1 or anti PDL-1 agents and experienced dysthyroidism. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 135 metastatic solid tumor patients, treated at our Institute with anti PD-1/PDL-1 antibodies since 2013. Thyroid toxicity was defined according to CTCAE version 4.0 and disease control (DC: CR+PR+SD) was chosen as efficacy endpoint. Correlation between dysthyroidism and DC rate was assessed by Fisher’s exact test. Results: Of 135 patients, 76 (56.3%) were treated by anti PD-1 and 59 (43.7%) by anti PDL-1 agents. Population was heterogeneous, including patients from the 1st to the 9th line of therapy, affected by the following cancers: 57 (42.2%) NSCLC, 18 (13.3%) melanoma, 13 (9.6%) RCC, 7 (5.2%) bladder and urothelial, 6 (4.5%) mesothelioma, 5 (3.7%) SCLC, 5 (3.7%) sarcoma, 5 (3.7%) biliary tract, 5 (3.7%) head and neck, 3 (2.2%) gastric, 3 (2.2%) colon, 2 (1.5%) Merkel cells and one each for thyroid, HCC, ovary, cervix, anal carcinoma and germ cells tumor. Median follow up was 8.6 months. Best responses were: 5 CR, 30 PR, 51 SD and 49 PD; 86 (63.7%) patients achieved DC. Overall, 38 patients developed dysthyroidism (subclinical, G1, G2 hypo/hyperthyroidism): 18/76 (23.7%) in anti PD-1, 20/59 (33.9%) in anti PDL-1 group; 31/38 (81.6%) of them achieved DC. The median time of dysthyroidism appearance was the 6th cycle of therapy (range 1st-22th). Of 97 patients who did not develop thyroid toxicity, 55 (56.7%) achieved DC. Dysthyroidism significantly correlated with DC rate (p=0.009). Conclusions: We found a significant correlation between dysthyroidism and clinical responses in solid tumor metastatic patients treated by anti PD-1 or anti PDL-1 antibodies. Our observation suggests that evaluation of thyroid function should be regularly performed during therapy with these agents. These retrospective findings must be confirmed in a prospective trial powered to see whether thyroid dysfunction is a surrogate marker of response.