A New Prognostic Model in Patients with Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with First-line Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved in the first-line (1L) setting for cisplatin-unfit patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-high tumors or for platinum (cisplatin/carboplatin)-unfit patients, response rates remain modest and outcomes vary with no clinically useful biomarkers (except for PD-L1).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a prognostic model for overall survival (OS) in patients receiving 1L ICIs for advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) in a multicenter cohort study.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients treated with 1L ICIs for aUC across 24 institutions and five countries (in the USA and Europe) outside clinical trials were included in this study.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We used a stepwise, hypothesis-driven approach using clinician-selected covariates to develop a new risk score for patients receiving ICIs in the 1L setting. Demographics, clinicopathologic data, treatment patterns, and OS were collected uniformly. Univariate Cox regression was performed on 18 covariates hypothesized to be associated with OS based on published data. Variables were retained for multivariate analysis (MVA) if they correlated with OS (p < 0.2) and were included in the final model if p < 0.05 on MVA. Retained covariates were assigned points based on the beta coefficient to create a risk score. Stratified median OS and C-statistic were calculated.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Among 984 patients, 357 with a mean age of 71 yr were included in the analysis, 27% were female, 68% had pure UC, and 13% had upper tract UC. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2, albumin <3.5 g/dl, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio >5, and liver metastases were significant prognostic factors on MVA and were included in the risk score. C index for new 1L risk score was 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.65-0.71). Limitations include retrospective nature and lack of external validation.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a new 1L ICI risk score for OS based on data from patients with aUC treated with ICIs in the USA and Europe outside of clinical trials. The score components highlight readily available factors related to tumor biology and treatment response. External validation is being pursued.

PATIENT SUMMARY

With multiple new treatments under development and approved for advanced urothelial carcinoma, it can be difficult to identify the best treatment sequence for each patient. The risk score may help inform treatment discussions and estimate outcomes in patients treated with first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors, while it can also impact clinical trial design and endpoints. TAKE  HOME MESSAGE: A new risk score was developed for advanced urothelial carcinoma treated with first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors. The score assigned Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2, albumin <3.5 g/dl, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio >5, and liver metastases each one point, with a higher score being associated with worse overall survival.

Code status and outcomes in patients with cancer and COVID-19: A COVID-19 and cancer consortium (CCC19) registry analysis

12035

Background: In-hospital mortality among patients with cancer (pts) and COVID-19 infection is high. The frequency of, and factors associated with, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) or do-not-intubate (DNI) orders at hospital admission (HA), and their correlation with care, has not been well studied. In November 2020, we began collecting this information for pts who were hospitalized at initial presentation in the CCC19 registry (NCT04354701). Methods: We investigated: 1. the frequency of, and factors associated with, DNR/DNI orders at HA; 2. change in code status during HA; and 3. the correlation between DNR/DNI orders and palliative care consultation (PC), mortality or length of stay (LOS). We included hospitalized, adult pts with cancer and COVID-19 from 57 participating sites. Reported characteristics include age, ECOG performance status (PS), and cancer status. Comparative statistics include 2-sided Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: 744 pts had known baseline and/or changed code status (CS); most (79%) maintained their baseline CS (Table). Those with DNR±DNI orders at HA were older (median age 79 vs 69 yrs, p<0.001) and more likely to have: ECOG PS 2+ vs 0-1 (45% vs 22%, OR 3.95, p<0.001), metastatic disease (45% vs 35%, OR 1.72, p=0.005) and progressing cancer (32% vs 16%, OR 2.69, p<0.001), but equally likely to have received systemic anticancer therapy in the prior 3 months (38% vs 45%, p=0.15). N=192 pts with a change in CS from full to DNR±DNI were younger (median age 73), had better PS (37% ECOG PS 2+), and were less likely to have progressing cancer (23%) than those with DNR±DNI orders at baseline. However, their LOS was significantly longer, median 9 vs 6 days, p<0.001. Compared to those with DNR±DNI orders at HA, pts whose CS changed to DNR±DNI were more likely to die, OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.76-4.97, p<0.001. PC was obtained in 106 (14%) pts and associated with transition to DNR±DNI in 47 (44%), affirmation of admission CS in 58 (55%), and reversal in 1 (1%). Median LOS for pts receiving PC was 11 vs 6 days, p<0.001. Conclusions: In our sample, the majority of patients with cancer and COVID-19 were full code at hospital admission. DNR±DNI status, whether at baseline or assigned during the hospital course, was associated with worse prognosis. Longer length of stay for patients changing code status and/or receiving palliative care consultation was observed likely suggesting earlier palliative care consultation is an important, but likely underutilized component in the care of patients with cancer and COVID-19.[Table: see text]

EA8185: Phase 2 study of bladder-sparing chemoradiation (chemoRT) with durvalumab in clinical stage III, node positive urothelial carcinoma (INSPIRE)—An ECOG-ACRIN and NRG Collaboration

TPS4590

Background: Patients [pts] withlymph node positive (LN+), non-metastatic bladder cancer (BC) have a better prognosis than those with metastatic (M1) disease. However, this population is under-represented in advanced bladder trials and ineligible for bladder-sparing trials. Therefore, there have been no larger prospective trials establishing the standard of care in LN+ BC. Given the promise of immunotherapy in advanced BC and potential synergy between immunotherapy and radiation, INSPIRE was designed to determine the role of concurrent and adjuvant durvalumab (durva) in this patient population when treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoRT. Methods: This is a randomized phase II study that is enrolling BC pts with stage III [N1-2 M0], pure or mixed urothelial cancer. Pts must have received ≥3 cycles of IC [either before or after registration, prior to randomization] without progression. LN+ is defined as radiologically LN ≥1.0 cm in short axis, with or without biopsy prior to IC. As long as pts do not progress on induction chemotherapy, they will be randomized to chemoRT+/- durva using 5 stratification factors (Simon Pocock minimization method) a) IC prior vs. post registration b) cisplatin vs non-cisplatin regimen during RT c) LN size d) response to IC e) extent of TURBT. Pts on the chemoRT+durva arm will get chemotherapy per physician choice + IMRT + 3 x doses of Q3wk durva for 6.5-8 wks, whereas those on the control arm will get chemoRT alone. The primary end point is clinical complete response [CR], defined as no radiologically measurable disease in the LNs and negative cystoscopy and bladder biopsy 8-10 weeks post-chemoRT +/- durva. Pts on the chemoRT + durva arm who have a CR or clinical benefit ( > T0 and ≤T2 in bladder per cystoscopy, biopsy + CR/PR/SD in LN by imaging) will get adjuvant Q4wk durva for 9 doses, while those on the chemoRT arm will undergo observation. Secondary end points include OS, PFS, bladder-intact event-free survival, rate of toxicity and salvage cystectomy. This study is designed to detect an improvement of 25% in clinical CR between both arms (37.5% to 62.5%). A total accrual of 114 pts (in order to enroll 92 evaluable pts) will provide 81% power to detect this difference using a Fisher’s exact test (assuming 10% drop out + anticipating that 20% chemotherapy-naïve pts will progress post IC). We are banking blood and primary tumor tissue pre- and post-chemoRT in both groups. The study was activated in August 2020 and accrual is ongoing. INSPIRE is the first prospective study designed for only LN+ BC and will define both short-term and long-term outcomes for bladder sparing in this patient population and has the potential to define a new treatment strategy for stage III BC. Clinical trial information: NCT04216290.

Avelumab in Combination with Eribulin Mesylate in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: BTCRC GU-051, a Phase 1b Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) have poor prognosis, so further development of novel combinations for these patients is needed.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of eribulin mesylate (eribulin) with avelumab in mUC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was an open-label, phase 1b study in which patients with mUC who were cisplatin-ineligible and treatment-naïve or platinum-resistant were treated with eribulin and avelumab. A 3 + 3 design was used. The study was prematurely terminated because the free study drug became unavailable, but we performed extended follow-up for patients enrolled in the study.

INTERVENTION

Patients received eribulin 1.1 mg/m² plus avelumab 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 in every 28-d cycle in cohort 0, or eribulin 1.4 mg/m² plus avelumab 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 in every 28-d cycle in cohort +1.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of eribulin with avelumab and assess the objective response rate. A key secondary endpoint was to assess efficacy by evaluating the disease control rate. Exploratory endpoints included PD-1 expression on T cells in peripheral blood and in tumor cells, and tumor DNA sequencing.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of six patients were enrolled in the MTD group (n = 3 in cohort 0 and n = 3 in cohort +1). No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed in cohort 0, whereas two DLT events were observed in cohort +1. Two patients in cohort 0 had a partial response that was durable, with one patient having a durable response for 7.8 mo. Disease control was observed in 4/6 patients (66.7%). Owing to the early termination, MTD could not be determined.

CONCLUSIONS

While early termination of this trial precludes any definitive conclusions, the combination of eribulin and avelumab shows promise in mUC. We observed that treatment was better tolerated and efficacious at lower doses of eribulin. Further research is warranted for this combination in mUC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We evaluated different doses of eribulin (a chemotherapy drug) in combination with a fixed dose of avelumab (an antibody used to treat several different cancers) in a small group of patients with metastatic cancer of the urinary tract. The lower dose of eribulin was easier to tolerate and the combination had an anti-cancer effect. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03502681.

Phase Ib/II study of durvalumab and guadecitabine in advanced kidney cancer Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium BTCRC GU16-043

328

Background: Anti-PD1/PDL1 immune checkpoint inhibition (CPI) is active in advanced clear cell RCC, but not all patients benefit. Preclinical studies with the combination of hypomethylating agents and CPI resulted in reversal of immune evasion and tumor regression. We examined the combination of the hypomethylating agent guadecitabine (subcutaneously on Days 1-5), with the anti-PDL1 antibody durvalumab (intravenously at flat dose of 1500 mg on Day 8) in 28 day cycles in advanced RCC in a single arm trial. Methods: In the phase Ib portion (n=6; presented previously), guadecitabine dosing of 45 mg/m2/day was selected as maximum tolerated dose. For the phase II portion of Cohort 1 (36 pts with no prior CPIs), eligible patients had metastatic RCC with clear cell component, ECOG PS of 0-1, and measurable disease by RECIST 1.1. We present pooled efficacy and toxicity data for the 42 CPI-naive pts from the phase Ib and phase II portions. An exploratory Cohort 2 (N=16) consisting of CPI-refractory pts is enrolling. Results: Of the 42 pts, 71% were men, median age was 67 years, ECOG PS was 0 in 57%, IMDC risk group was intermediate in 83% and poor in 17%, and histology was mixed in 21%. At a median follow-up of 20.1 m, best RECIST 1.1 response was PR in 9 pts (22%); SD in 25 pts (61%); PD in 7 pts (17%); and non-evaluable in 1 pt. Response categories were identical by irRECIST. Clinical benefit defined as either PR or SD ≥6 months was seen in 66%. Median OS had not been reached and median PFS was 17 m. Treatment was generally well tolerated with asymptomatic neutropenia the most frequent AE attributed to guadecitabine (38.1%), and asymptomatic lipase elevation the most common AE from durvalumab (11.9%). Grade 4 AEs were noted in 50.0% pts, grade 3 59.5%. Immune-mediated AEs were generally mild (all ≤ grade 3), included pruritus (14.3%), rash (14.3%), asymptomatic amylase or lipase elevations (16.7%), hypothyroidism (11.9%), diarrhea (16.7%), dyspnea (16.7%), pneumonitis (4.8%), myalgia (4.8%), and transaminitis (9.6%). Laboratory peripheral blood profiling (done at baseline, C1D8, C2D8) was associated on univariate unadjusted analysis at baseline with response in two major PBMC subsets - MDSCs (negative) and ILCs (positive). Further functional analysis revealed that increased expression of IL-22 in both CD4 and CD8 positive T cells positively correlated with response. Associations were noted for toxicity with IL-22 expressed by CD8-CD4- T cells, and CTLs T-bet level. Baseline archival tumor tissue next generation sequencing results will be presented. Conclusions: Guadecitabine in combination with durvalumab was well tolerated and had reasonable activity in first-line advanced ccRCC. MDSCs and regulatory T lymphocytes decreased in responders, increased Th17 subpopulations of T cells were associated with immune-mediated toxicities. Further study of this combination in CPI-refractory RCC pts is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03308396 .

Phase II clinical study of concurrent durvalumab and radiation therapy (DUART) followed by adjuvant durvalumab in patients with localized urothelial cancer of bladder: Results for primary analyses and survival. BTCRC-GU15-023

398

Background: Bladder cancer (BC) patients (pts) who are cisplatin ineligible/unfit for surgery, or locally advanced and unresectable have limited treatment options. DUART investigates if the combination of radiation therapy (RT) and checkpoint inhibitor, durvalumab (durva) is safe and effective in these pts. We recently reported that the combination was safe, tolerable and disease control rate (DCR) was 92% post durvaRT. Here we present interim efficacy data of our phase II study. Methods: Pts with pure or mixed urothelial bladder cancer (T2-4 N0-2 M0) were enrolled if their tumor was unresectable (35%), were unfit for surgery (50%) and/or cisplatin ineligible (89%). Primary endpoints: a) PFS at 1-yr b) DCR post adjuvant durva; Secondary endpoints: a) CR post durvaRT b) median PFS c) median OS. Pts were treated with durva (1500mg) Q4 wks x2 doses along with definitive RT (64.8Gy, 36 fractions over 7 wks) to the bladder and involved nodes followed by adjuvant durva Q4 wks x 1 yr. Response was evaluated with CT scan and cystoscopy+biopsy. Sample size was based on assumption that this regimen would increase 1 yr PFS by 25% compared to RT alone (50% to 75%); we assumed DCR of 75%. A total of 26 pts were needed to reach a statistical power of at least 80% at one-sided alpha of 5% and to allow for 10% drop out rate. Results: Twenty-six pts (19 males, 7 females) were enrolled, median age 74 yr (51-94). Sixty two percent of pts had >T2 disease, 31% had positive lymph nodes; 62% with unresectable tumor or were unfit for surgery due to comorbidities. At data cut off (9/30/2020) 20/26 pts were evaluable for DCR post adjuvant durva (3 pts with CR post durvaRT, did not get adjuvant therapy; 1 pt withdrew after 3 cycles for adjuvant durva and was on f/u with unconfirmed CR; 2 pts are still on adjuvant durva) and 25/26 for PFS and all 26 pts for OS. Post completion of adjuvant durva, DCR was seen in 70 % (14/20 with 10 CR; 3 PR; 1 SD; 6 PD). One-year probability of PFS was 73% (95% CI 56.4%, 94.4%), median PFS was 18.5 months. One-year OS probability was 83.8% (95% CI 70.4%, 99.7%) with two-year OS probability of 76.8 (95% CI 60.2%, 98%). Median OS has not been reached. We did not observe any correlation between clinical outcome and baseline tumor PD-L1 expression. Conclusions: DurvaRT followed by adjuvant durva demonstrated promising efficacy with 1-year PFS probability of 73%, 1- year OS probability of 83.8% and DCR of 70% in MIBC and locally advanced BC pts with comorbidities. Results will be updated prior to the final presentation. Efficacy was also seen in node (+) pts which led to the design of prospective randomized NCTN study. Induction chemo followed by chemo+durvaRT+ adjuvant durva vs. chemoRT combination is being evaluated in the ongoing EA8185 clinical trial (ECOG-ACRIN/NRG study) for node (+) BC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT02891161.

Management of fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor (FGFRi) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of interest in patients (Pts) with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC)

426

Background: Erdafitinib (ERDA), a pan-FGFR kinase inhibitor, was US FDA approved for adults with mUC with susceptible FGFR3/2 alterations ( FGFRa) who progressed on ≥ 1 line of prior platinum-based chemotherapy based on primary results of the BLC2001 trial (NCT02365597). At final analysis (median 2-y follow-up), ERDA showed median OS of 11.3 mo and a manageable safety profile. Some FGFRi toxicities are distinct from those of other small-molecule TKIs. Proactive AE management can avoid treatment discontinuation, ensuring maximum benefit. We report the frequency and management of TEAEs of interest (central serous retinopathy [CSR], hyperphosphatemia [“on-target” FGFRi class effect], stomatitis, and skin and nail toxicities) for the optimal schedule of ERDA from the final analysis of BLC2001. Methods: The open-label, phase II BLC2001 study enrolled pts with measurable mUC, prespecified FGFRa, and progression during/after ≥ 1 line of prior chemotherapy or ≤ 12 mos of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy or who were cisplatin ineligible, chemo naive. Optimal dose schedule in the study was 8 mg/d continuous ERDA in 28-d cycles with uptitration to 9 mg/d (ERDA 8 mg/d UpT) if prespecified serum phosphate level was not reached and no significant TEAEs occurred. ERDA 8 mg/d UpT safety results as of Aug 9, 2019 (final analysis) are summarized here. AEs were graded using NCI CTCAE v4.0. Results: Median follow-up for 101 pts treated with ERDA 8 mg/d UpT was 24.0 mos; median treatment duration was 5.4 mos. All pts had ≥ 1 TEAE. Hyperphosphatemia, stomatitis, nail disorders, skin disorders, and CSR TEAEs occurred in 78%, 59%, 59%, 55%, and 27% of pts, respectively (few were grade [gr] 3; none were gr ≥ 4; Table). TEAEs were mostly managed with concomitant treatment and dose modifications. As of data cutoff, hyperphosphatemia had resolved in 74/79 (94%) pts; stomatitis in 44/60 (73%); nail and skin TEAEs in 26/60 (43%) and 25/55 (45%), respectively; and CSR in 17/27 (63%). Most unresolved TEAEs were gr 1–2. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: ERDA had measurable benefit in pts with advanced UC with FGFRa. As with other targeted therapies, exposure to ERDA is associated with a pattern of AEs. The most common and FGFRi class effect TEAEs were generally reversible and managed by supportive care and dose modification. Clinical trial information: NCT02365597 . Research Sponsor: Janssen Research & Development, LLC[Table: see text]

Association between sites of metastases (mets) and outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC)

445

Background: Different metastatic sites have variable prognostic implications in aUC. However, details on response and outcomes with ICI for particular mets is still unknown. We hypothesized that bone and liver mets would have poor response and outcomes with ICIs. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in patients (pts) with aUC who received ICI. We compared overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) between pts with different mets at ICI initiation. We developed 4 different models: 1) lymph node (LN) only vs other; 2) visceral mets (bone, lung, liver) vs other; 3) bone + liver mets vs bone without liver vs liver without bone vs neither and 4) 6 factor model: a. LN +/- soft tissue/locoregional recurrence b. lung +/- (a) c. bone +/- (b) d. liver +/- (c) e. central nervous system (CNS) +/- (d) and f. other. ORR and OS were compared among groups using multivariable (adjusting for ECOG PS and hemoglobin<10g/dl) logistic regression and cox regression, respectively. Results: We identified 984 pts (24 institutions); 703 and 696 were included in OS and ORR analyses, respectively. Median age at ICI start was 71 (range 32-93), 77% white race, 74% men, 67% ever smokers, 72% pure UC, 18% upper tract UC, 55% extirpative surgery. Prevalence of LN, lung, bone and liver mets at ICI start was 74%, 32%, 27% and 21%, respectively. LN-only mets had significantly higher ORR (44% vs 22%, OR 2.6, p<0.05) and longer mOS (22 vs 8 months, HR 0.5, p<0.05) vs other mets. Visceral mets had significantly lower ORR (21% vs 35%, OR 0.5, p<0.05) and shorter mOS (7 vs 17 months, HR 1.8, p<0.05) vs non-visceral mets. Pts with bone and liver mets had significantly lower ORR and shorter OS vs those with bone or liver mets, which both had significantly lower ORR and shorter OS vs those with neither and with LN +/- local recurrence (Table). Conclusions: In the context of ICI treatment, bone, liver, lung or CNS mets were associated with lower ORR and/or shorter OS, and bone and liver mets were particularly associated with low ORR and short OS. LN-only mets were associated with higher ORR and longer OS. Further work is needed to interrogate site-specific tumor-host immune interactions and identify biomarkers. Research Sponsor: None[Table: see text]

Severe-COVID-19 and mortality among patients (pts) with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)

39

Background: The presence of progressing cancer, male sex and advanced age have been shown to increase the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given that the androgen regulated gene TMPRSS2 has been implicated in SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, we hypothesized that ADT may improve COVID-19 outcomes. This analysis evaluated clinical outcomes of pts with PCa with concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection and investigated the impact of ADT on occurrence of severe-COVID-19 and mortality. Methods: Data was obtained via the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19), a multicenter registry including >120 cancer centers with de-identified data from pts with COVID-19 and cancer. Men with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and a primary diagnosis of prostate cancer were included: data cutoff of July 31, 2020. The primary endpoint was the development of severe-COVID-19 (death, ICU admission, or mechanical ventilation) among pts on ADT vs. those not on ADT at time of COVID-19 infection. Secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality based on ADT use. Mortality and development of severe-COVID-19 were assessed in Pts grouped by therapy: 1st generation androgen receptor inhibitor (ARI-1), 2nd generation ARI (darolutamide, enzalutamide, apalutamide, ARI-2), abiraterone/prednisone, and chemotherapy. Propensity score matching was utilized. Logistic regression was utilized to adjust for age, ECOG PS, comorbidities, and race. Results: 589 pts were included; median follow-up was 42 days (IQR 25-90) and 62% (363/589) were hospitalized. Severe-COVID-19 developed in 28% of pts and the all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 19%. There was no significant difference in the development of severe-COVID-19 or 30-day mortality between Pts on ADT vs not on ADT, whether using descriptive statistics with the entire population or using the propensity score matched population (Table). Among the descriptive population, the numerical rates of severe-COVID-19 and mortality were lowest in Pts receiving ARI-2, but sample size was low. Conclusions: The overall 30-day mortality rate and percentage developing severe-COVID-19 were high. There was no statistical difference in the development of severe-COVID-19 or mortality based on receipt of ADT; however, this analysis is limited by the retrospective nature and small N after propensity-matching. [Table: see text]

EA8185: Phase II study of bladder-sparing chemoradiation (chemoRT) with durvalumab in clinical stage III, node-positive urothelial carcinoma (INSPIRE), ECOG-ACRIN/nrg collaboration

TPS500

Background: Patients [pts] withlymph node positive (LN+), non-metastatic bladder cancer (BC) have a better prognosis than those with metastatic (M1) disease. However, this population is under-represented in advanced bladder trials and ineligible for bladder-sparing trials. Therefore, there have been no larger prospective trials establishing the standard of care in LN+ BC. Given the promise of immunotherapy in advanced BC and potential synergy between immunotherapy and radiation, INSPIRE was designed to determine the role of concurrent and adjuvant durvalumab (durva) in this patient population when treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoRT. Methods: This is a randomized phase II study that is enrolling BC pts with stage III (N1-2 M0), pure or mixed urothelial cancer. Pts must have received ≥3 cycles of IC [either before or after registration, prior to randomization] without progression. LN+ is defined as radiologically LN ≥1.0 cm in short axis, with or without biopsy prior to IC. As long as pts do not progress on induction chemotherapy, they will be randomized to chemoRT+/- durva using 5 stratification factors (Simon Pocock minimization method) a) IC prior vs. post registration b) cisplatin vs non-cisplatin regimen during RT c) LN size d) response to IC e) extent of TURBT. Pts on the chemoRT+durva arm will get chemotherapy per physician choice + IMRT + 3 x doses of Q3wk durva for 6.5-8 wks, whereas those on the control arm will get chemoRT alone. The primary end point is clinical complete response [CR], defined as no radiologically measurable disease in the LNs and negative cystoscopy and bladder biopsy 8-10 weeks post-chemoRT +/- durva. Pts on the chemoRT + durva arm who have a CR or clinical benefit (>T0 and ≤T2 in bladder per cystoscopy, biopsy + CR/PR/SD in LN by imaging) will get adjuvant Q4wk durva for 9 doses, while those on the chemoRT arm will undergo observation. Secondary end points include OS, PFS, bladder-intact event-free survival, rate of toxicity and salvage cystectomy. This study is designed to detect an improvement of 25% in clinical CR between both arms (37.5% to 62.5%). A total accrual of 114 pts (in order to enroll 92 evaluable pts) will provide 81% power to detect this difference using a Fisher’s exact test (assuming 10% drop out + anticipating that 20% chemotherapy-naïve pts will progress post IC). We are banking blood and primary tumor tissue pre- and post-chemoRT in both groups. The study was activated in August 2020 and accrual is ongoing. INSPIRE is the first prospective study designed for only LN+ BC and will define both short-term and long-term outcomes for bladder sparing in this patient population and has the potential to define a new treatment strategy for stage III BC. Clinical trial information: NCT04216290.

Effectiveness and safety of dolutegravir two-drug regimens in virologically suppressed people living with HIV: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of real-world evidence

Objectives

Dolutegravir (DTG) is widely recommended within three‐drug regimens. However, similar efficacy and tolerability have also been achieved with DTG within two‐drug regimens in clinical trials. This study evaluated the real‐world effectiveness and discontinuations in people living with HIV‐1 (PLHIV) switching to DTG with lamivudine (3TC) or rilpivirine (RPV).

Methods

This was a one‐arm meta‐analysis utilizing data from a systematic literature review. Data from real‐world evidence studies of DTG + RPV and DTG + 3TC were extracted, pooled and analysed. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with viral failure (VF; ≥ 50 copies/mL in two consecutive measurements and/or ≥ 1000 copies/mL in a single measurement) at week 48 (W48) and week 96 (W96). Other outcomes included virological suppression (VS; < 50 copies/mL) and discontinuations (W48 and W96). Estimates were calculated for VF, VS as per snapshot (VSS) and on treatment analysis (VSOT), and discontinuations.

Results

Pooled mean estimates of VF for DTG + 3TC and DTG + RPV were 0.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4–1.3] and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.0–1.6), respectively, at W48. VSS rate at W48 was 85.0% (95% CI: 82.3–87.5) for DTG + 3TC regimen and 92.4% (95% CI: 85.0–97.7) in the DTG + RPV regimen. The DTG + 3TC and DTG + RPV regimens led to discontinuations in 13.6% (95% CI: 11.1–16.2) and 7.2% (95% CI: 2.1–14.4) of patients, respectively, at W48. Similar results were observed at W96.

Conclusions

Treatment with DTG + 3TC or DTG + RPV in clinical practice provides a low rate of VF and a high rate of VS when initiated in virologically suppressed PLHIV with diverse backgrounds.

Group-led creative writing and behavioural health in cancer: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Cancer diagnosis can adversely affect mental well-being and overall clinical outcome. We evaluated the efficacy of a group-led creative writing workshop (CWW) on mood in patients with cancer prospectively.

METHODS

We conducted a single-institution phase II study. Sixty adult patients with cancer (any type or stage) were randomised 2:1 to CWW (4×CWW sessions, bimonthly over 8 weeks) versus active control (AC) (independent writing at home with the help of a book, four sessions, bimonthly over 8 weeks). The total study duration was 6 months with a follow-up of up to 3 months.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

changes in overall mood, depression and anxiety symptoms before and after intervention in both arms. Emotional Thermometer Scale (ETS) was used to assess changes in patients' mood. Additionally, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD)-7 were used to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS

Of 50 evaluable patients (CWW 34, AC 17), 26 patients in the CWW arm attended at least one class and 19 attended at least four classes. Patients in CWW had significant immediate improvement in the overall ETS (post vs preclass scores; p<0.0001, 95% CI -4.31 to -2.47). Four of the five subscale ETS scores were significantly lower for the CWW arm: distress (p=0.0346, 95% CI -2.6 to -0.1), anxiety (p=0.0366, 95% CI -4.1 to -0.2), depression (p=0.0441, 95% CI -3.9 to -0.1) and anger (p=0.0494, 95% CI -3.3 to 0). No significant differences were seen in the AC arm. No significant differences were observed in the PHQ-9 or the GAD-7 scores.

CONCLUSION

CWW had a positive effect on mood based on ETS scores, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit among patients with cancer.

130 Expression of selected biomarker candidate genes to confer invitro maturation in Indian buffaloes

Invitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is a crucial step and is directly related to better embryo production in buffaloes. Therefore, we planned to study gene expression of GDF9, HAS2, SPRY1, ARHGAP22, COL18A1, and GPC4 genes in IVM and immature cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). The COCs were recovered from follicles of slaughter origin ovaries of native buffaloes. COCs were observed under stereo zoom microscope and categorized in four grades according to morphology. Of the four grades, the first three grade COCs were considered and randomly allotted in two groups: immature treatment group (n=263) and IVM treatment group (n=272). IVM of COCs was carried out in 100-μL drops of BO-IVM medium overlaying embryo tested oil in a 35-mm petri dish under 5% CO2 in a 39.0°C incubator for 24h. Cumulus of COCs of both groups were removed by treating with 0.25% trypsin, and oocytes were stored in RNALater for future use. The expression of genes was evaluated using quantitative PCR, and the relative expression of each gene was calculated using the ΔΔCt method with efficiency correction. The logarithmic transformation of fold change (log2FC) of each candidate gene in the IVM oocyte group was computed against the immature oocyte group based on the observed cycle threshold values. Appropriate standard deviations were determined based on the observed deviations among the triplicates. The expression in the IVM treatment group of previously reported upregulated genes (GDF9, HAS2, SPRY1) was higher (up to 10-fold) compared with the immature treatment group (reference group). In the present study, relatively lower expression was observed for the other candidate genes (ARHGAP22, COL18A1, GPC4) in the bovine transcripts of oocyte, which were previously also reported as being downregulated.

Alterations of DNA damage response genes correlate with response and overall survival in anti-PD-1/PD-L1-treated advanced urothelial cancer

DNA damage response (DDR) gene alterations in cancer are associated with a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) and may impact clinical outcomes of urothelial cancer (UC). Here, we explore the prognostic role of DDR alterations in advanced UC treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. The study included 53 patients who had FoundationOne genomic sequencing and received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Fisher exact test and trend test were used to assess differences in objective response rate (ORR). Overall survival (OS) was measured from the time of initial UC diagnosis and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The cohort had a median age of 66 with 64% receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. DDR alterations (including ATM) were associated with a non-significantly higher ORR to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade (41% vs. 21%, p = 0.136). Patients with DDR alterations (excluding ATM) had non-significantly longer OS, likely due to a small sample size (HR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.20-1.38, p = 0.19). ATM alterations were associated with a non-significantly higher ORR (40% vs. 29%, p = 0.6), but also with significantly shorter OS (HR = 5.7, 95% CI 1.65-19.74, p = 0.006). Patients with ≥ 3 DDR alterations (including ATM) had substantially higher TMB (p = 0.01) and higher ORR (80%) with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade versus 24% ORR in patients with <3 DDR alterations. In summary, DDR alterations were associated with non-significantly higher ORR and longer OS for patients with advanced UC receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. ATM alterations were associated with shorter OS.

Obese patients and robotic colorectal surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major health problem, demonstrated to double the risk of colorectal cancer. The benefits of robotic colorectal surgery in obese patients remain largely unknown. This meta-analysis evaluated the clinical and pathological outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery in obese and non-obese patients.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Healthcare Management Information Consortium (HMIC) and Midwives Information and Resources Service (MIDIRS) databases were searched on 1 August 2018 with no language restriction. Meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Obese patients (BMI 30 kg/m2 or above) undergoing robotic colorectal cancer resections were compared with non-obese patients. Included outcome measures were: operative outcomes (duration of surgery, conversion to laparotomy, blood loss), postoperative complications, hospital length of stay and pathological outcomes (number of retrieved lymph nodes, positive circumferential resection margins and length of distal margin in rectal surgery).

RESULTS

A total of 131 full-text articles were reviewed, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. There were 3166 non-obese and 1420 obese patients. A longer duration of surgery was documented in obese compared with non-obese patients (weighted mean difference -21·99 (95 per cent c.i. -31·52 to -12·46) min; P < 0·001). Obese patients had a higher rate of conversion to laparotomy than non-obese patients (odds ratio 1·99, 95 per cent c.i. 1·54 to 2·56; P < 0·001). Blood loss, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and pathological outcomes were not significantly different in obese and non-obese patients.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgery in obese patients results in a significantly longer duration of surgery and higher conversion rates than in non-obese patients. Further studies should focus on better stratification of the obese population with colorectal disease as candidates for robotic procedures.

Assessment of GO/ZnO nanocomposite for solar-assisted photocatalytic degradation of industrial dye and textile effluent

An ecofriendly and solar light-responsive graphene oxide wrapped zinc oxide nanohybrid has been synthesized hydrothermally using lemon and honey respectively as chelating and complexing agents. By tuning the reaction conditions, a heterostructure between GO and ZnO has been formed during synthesis. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanohybrid was investigated by degradation of hazardous organic textile dye (methylene blue) as well as wastewater under natural solar light. The nanohybrid exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity towards degradation (~ 89%) of methylene blue (MeB). Furthermore, along with decolorization, 71% of mineralization was also achieved. Interestingly, the nanohybrid has been found to be reusable up to 4 cycles without significant loss of photocatalytic activity. Along with this, the physicochemical parameters of the wastewater generated from textile industry have been also monitored before and after exposure to nanohybrid. The results revealed significant reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) (96.33%), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (96.23%), and total dissolved solids (TDS) (20.85%), suggesting its potential applicability in textile wastewater treatment.

Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Upper-tract and Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Characterization of the different genomic alterations (GAs) in urothelial carcinoma (UC), by site of origin, may identify contrasting therapeutic opportunities and inform distinct putative pathogenetic mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the genomic landscape of UC based on the anatomic site of the primary tumor.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In total, 479 upper tract UC (UTUC) and 1984 bladder UC (BUC) patients underwent comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to evaluate all classes of GAs, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) status. Targetable GAs and signatures were assessed according to the European Society for Medical Oncology Scale for Clinical Actionability of molecular Targets (ESCAT).

INTERVENTION

Hybrid-capture-based CGP.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive analyses and differences between anatomic subgroups were reported.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In total, 39% of patients with UC harbored one or more tier 1-2 GAs, suggesting potential benefit from approved or investigational therapies. UTUC cases were enriched in FGFR3 short variant (SV) GA (20% vs 13%) and HRAS SV GA (7.3% vs 3%), the latter attributed specifically to enrichment in renal pelvis UC (9.5%) versus ureteral UC (1.8%, p=0.002). RB1 GAs were more frequent in BUC than in UTUC (21% vs 7.8% p<0.001). Non-FGFR3 kinase fusions were observed in 1% of patients, including BRAF/RAF1 fusions in 0.5%. BRAF mutations/fusions were observed in 2% of cases and were mutually exclusive with FGFR3 GA (p=0.002). There were no differences of TMB high/MSI high for primary tumor and metastatic sites, but UTUC was enriched for MSI high (3.4%) relative to BUC (0.8%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in the genomic landscapes of UTUC and BUC were modest; however, patients with UTUC were enriched for FGFR3 and HRAS SV relative to BUC. Further investigation on UC, stratified by the site of origin, is warranted. In addition, these results suggest an opportunity for the routine incorporation of CGP prior to systemic therapy initiation in metastatic UC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Genomic profiling of advanced urothelial carcinoma can inform several therapeutic opportunities for patients, particularly those with upper tract urothelial carcinoma, an infrequent and generally aggressive tumor entity with nonoverlapping clinical features compared with its bladder counterpart, which is often treated based on the data extrapolated from bladder cancer.

Structural Paradigms in the Recognition of the Nucleosome Core Particle by Histone Lysine Methyltransferases

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins play essential functions in shaping chromatin environment. Alone or in combination, these PTMs create templates recognized by dedicated proteins or change the chemistry of chromatin, enabling a myriad of nuclear processes to occur. Referred to as cross-talk, the positive or negative impact of a PTM on another PTM has rapidly emerged as a mechanism controlling nuclear transactions. One of those includes the stimulatory functions of histone H2B ubiquitylation on the methylation of histone H3 on K79 and K4 by Dot1L and COMPASS, respectively. While these findings were established early on, the structural determinants underlying the positive impact of H2B ubiquitylation on H3K79 and H3K4 methylation were resolved only recently. We will also review the molecular features controlling these cross-talks and the impact of H3K27 tri-methylation on EZH2 activity when embedded in the PRC2 complex.

Racial and gender disparities in stage at diagnosis for bladder cancer: Results from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) program, 2007 to 2016

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Background: Little is known about the patterns of racial and gender disparities in bladder cancer (BC). This study will use national large database to explore those disparities. Methods: Data from the National Cancer Institute’sSurveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program for cancer registries was used. Patients > = 18 years diagnosed with BC in the years 2007-2016 were identified from SEER 18 database. We used the data year 2007 because that was the year when insurance status was first collected in SEER. Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were used. Results: A total of 78,151 (females: 25.58%) patients were included, with 82.74% being non-Hispanic whites, 5.83% non-Hispanic blacks, 6.69 % Hispanics and 4.74% others. Distribution of stage 0 through stage IV at diagnosis was 51.97%, 23.21%, 12.11%, 4.10% and 8.61% respectively. Blacks (P < 0.0001) and females (P < 0.0001) were diagnosed at later stages as in Table. e.g., 14.54% of blacks were diagnosed at stage IV, compared to 7.97% of whites; and 11.03% of females at stage IV vs. 7.77% of males. Racial disparity exists for any given insurance status. Within every age group, gender disparity exists. For example, for those under 50 years of age, 12.81% of women vs. 8.16% of men were diagnosed at stage IV. After controlling for age, marital status and insurance type, both gender (P < 0.0001) and race (P < 0.0001) were statistically significant in predicting stage at diagnosis. Conclusions: Racial disparity in stage at BC diagnosis was strong, with blacks suffering most from the disparity. Females were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, and this gender disparity exists in all age groups and was not due to women living longer. The existence of both racial and gender disparities in BC makes black women most vulnerable to late diagnosis than any other racial/gender group. Oncologists treating BC patients should be aware of the racial and gender disparity. More research needs to be done to help improve early access to health care amongst female and minority BC patients. [Table: see text]

ERDAFITINIB in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC): Long-term outcomes in BLC2001

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Background: Erdafitinib (JNJ-42756493; ERDA) is the only pan-FGFR kinase inhibitor with US FDA approval for treatment of adults with mUC with susceptible FGFR3/2 alterations (alt) and who progressed on ≥ 1 line of prior platinum-based chemotherapy (chemo). Approval was based on data from the primary analysis of the pivotal BLC2001 trial1. Here we report long-term efficacy and safety data from the 8 mg/d continuous dose regimen in BLC2001. Methods: BLC2001 (NCT02365597) is a global, open-label, phase 2 trial of pts with measurable mUC with prespecified FGFR alt, ECOG 0-2, and progression during/following ≥ 1 line of prior chemo or ≤ 12 mos of (neo)adjuvant chemo, or were cisplatin ineligible, chemo naïve. The optimal schedule of ERDA determined in the initial part of the study was 8 mg/d continuous ERDA in 28-d cycles with uptitration to 9 mg/d (ERD 8 mg UpT) if a protocol-defined target serum phosphate level was not reached and if no significant treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred. Primary end point was the confirmed objective response rate (ORR=% complete response + % partial response). Key secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR) and overall survival (OS). Results: Median follow-up for 101 patients treated with ERDA 8 mg UpT was ~24 months. Confirmed ORR was 40%. Median DOR was 5.98 mos; 31% of responders had DOR ≥ 1 yr. Median PFS was 5.52 mos, median OS was 11.3 mos. 12-mos and 24-mos survival rates were 49% and 31%, respectively. Median treatment duration was 5.4 mos. The ERDA safety profile was consistent with the primary analysis. No new TRAEs were seen with longer follow-up. Central serous retinopathy (CSR) events occurred in 27% (27/101) of patients; 85% (23/27) were Grade 1 or 2; dosage was reduced in 13 pts, interrupted for 8, and discontinued for 3. On the data cut-off date, 63% (17/27) had resolved; 60% (6/10) of ongoing CSR events were Grade 1. There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: With a median follow-up of 2 yrs, ERDA in mUC + FGFR alt showed a manageable safety profile and consistent efficacy, with median OS of 11.3 mos. 31% had a DOR ≥12 mos and 31% were alive at 24 mos. ERDA monotherapy vs. immune checkpoint inhibitor (PD-1) or chemo is being further analyzed in a randomized control study (THOR; NCT03390504).Reference: Loriot Y, et al. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:338-48. Clinical trial information: NCT02365597 .