Clinical characterization of adult medulloblastoma and the effect of first-line therapies on outcome; The MD Anderson Cancer Center experience

Background

Adult medulloblastoma (MB) is rare, and management guidelines are largely based on pediatric clinical trials and retrospective series. Limited data exist with respect to clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes based on first-line treatments.

Methods

Two hundred adults with MB seen at a single institution from January 1978 to April 2017 were identified and followed for a median of 8.4 y (7.1, 10.3).

Results

Patient’s median age at diagnosis was 29 y (18, 63). One hundred eleven (55.5%) were standard-risk, 59 (29.5%) were high-risk, and 30 (15.0%) were indeterminate. Most received post-operative radiation (RT) (184 [92.0%]), and 105 (52.5%) received first-line chemotherapy. Median overall survival (OS) was 8.8 y (7.2, 12.2) and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.6 y (4.9, 11.2). High-risk patients had inferior OS (Hazard ratio [HR] = 2.5 [1.5, 4.2], P = .0006) and PFS (HR = 2.3 [1.3, 3.9], P = .002) compared to standard-risk patients. Age, sex, and metastatic disease were not associated with survival. After adjusting for risk status, those who received RT plus adjuvant chemotherapy had superior PFS compared to RT plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy [HR = 0.46 (0.22, 0.95), P = .0357]. Within a subgroup for whom detailed clinical data were available, those who received RT plus adjuvant chemotherapy had improved PFS compared to RT only [HR = 0.24 (0.074–0.76), P = .016]. The substitution of cisplatin for carboplatin and the elimination of vincristine did not negatively affect outcomes.

Conclusion

This is the largest single-institution retrospective study of adult MB to our knowledge and identifies standard-risk status, first-line RT and adjuvant chemotherapy as factors associated with improved outcomes.

Metformin: Is it Still the First Line in Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has an ever-growing prevalence worldwide, affecting 1 in 11 adults. It continues to significantly impact patients in terms of morbidity and mortality, in addition to impairing quality of life while adding to the spiralling healthcare costs. Metformin was first used over half a century ago, and for the past two decades, it has been considered first-line oral therapy to treat patients with T2DM, in whom lifestyle measures failed to improve glycaemic control. Early landmark studies supported a glycaemic benefit with metformin use with a relatively safe adverse effect profile, particularly with avoidance of hypoglycaemia. Moreover, studies have indicated other potential beneficial role for metformin on organs typically affected by diabetes complications. However, more recently, with the discovery of newer hypoglycaemic agents and the wealth of data provided by large-scale cardiovascular safety studies, algorithms for the treatment of patients with T2DM have become increasingly complex. Indeed, recent guidelines challenge current thinking and advocate the use of agents other than metformin as first-line agents in those with higher cardiovascular risk, potentially unseating metformin from its long-held throne. This narrative review aims to summarize the background and origins of metformin, assess its role in the current management of patients with T2DM, highlighting the clinical efficacy and safety profile of this agent. Also, the position of metformin in the clinical algorithms is discussed in light of the most recent evidence in the field, helping with an ever-increasing shift towards individualized patient care to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Equivalent Efficacy but Different Safety Profiles of Gemcitabine Plus Nab-Paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (GN) are the most common chemotherapy regimens in first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). They have not been compared each other in a prospective trial, but only in retrospective studies, which can thus be affected by several biases. In order to overcome these biases, we took advantage of matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC), that allows an indirect comparison by reducing cross-trial differences, and compared data from 268 patients treated with GN in a real-world setting with data from the 171 patients included in the FFX arm of the PRODIGE trial. Survival outcomes did not differ between the two populations. Overall survival was 11.1 months for both treatments (hazard ratio (HR) of FFX 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–1.49; p = 0.527). Progression-free survival was 6.0 months with GN and 6.4 months with FFX (HR of FFX 1.11, 95% CI 0.82–1.50; p = 0.520). On the other hand, we observed a difference in the toxicity profiles: grade 3/4 anemia was more frequent with GN, whereas a higher occurrence of grade 3/4 vomiting and diarrhea was reported with FFX. FFX and GN show an equivalent efficacy but different safety profiles in the first-line therapy of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Searching for reliable predictive biomarkers is advised in order to improve therapeutic strategy in metastatic PC.

Determinants of first-line biological treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Results from an observational study

Guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recommend the use of conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cs-DMARDs) at the onset of the disease and only in the case of therapeutic failure, the addition of a biological drug (b-DMARD) is suggested.The study aimed to evaluate determinants for first-line biological treatment in patients with RA in clinical practice.A cohort of patients with RA, resident in Lazio, a central Italian Region, where Rome is located, and with at least one disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) prescription between 2010 and 2016 was selected using health information systems linkable with each other by an individual unique anonymous identifier. In particular RA cohort was defined retrieving all patients with at least a RA disease code in regional data claims (hospital discharge, exemption code, emergency department access, or therapeutic plan). Only new users were included and the first-line treatment was identified: cs-DMARD or b-DMARD.Descriptive analysis according to type of DMARD treatment was performed. Through multivariate logistic regression models (odds ratio [OR]; confidence interval [CI95%]) determinants of therapy such as age, comorbidity, and comedication were investigated.Finally, switching during the first year of treatment from cs-DAMARDs to b-DMARDs was analyzed.DMARD-new users with RA were 5641; 7.1% of them with b-DMARD as first-line treatment. Considering the year of dispensing, this percentage ranged from 4.9% (2011) to 8.2% (2015). Among cs-DMARD the most prescribed active agent was methotrexate (59.3%), while among b-DMARD it was etarnecept (37.0%), followed by adalimumab (21.2%). The average age of the cohort was 54 years with 77% of women. Determinants of first-line b-DMARD use were: age (OR<30vs>65 = 3.7; 2.6-5.2, OR[30-45)vs>65 = 1.7; 1.2-2.4, OR[45-55)vs>65 = 1.6; 1.1-2.4, OR[55-65)vs>65 = 1.2; 0.8-1.7), cancers (OR = 2.3; 1.3-4.2), cardio-cerebrovascular disease (OR = 1.4; 1.0-1.9), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR = 0.6; 0.4-0.7) and corticosteroids (OR = 0.6; 0.5-0.7) in the 6 months preceding diagnosis.In the first year of treatment, we observed a percentage of switch from cs-DMARDs to b-DMARDs of 7.9%.In clinical practice, about 7% of patients with RA are prescribed with a b-DMARD as first-line treatment. This therapeutic option, even if not supported by guide lines, is mostly link to younger age and clinical profile of the patients.

Upfront admixing antibodies and EGFR inhibitors preempts sequential treatments in lung cancer models

Some antibacterial therapies entail sequential treatments with different antibiotics, but whether this approach is optimal for anti-cancer tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remains open. EGFR mutations identify lung cancer patients who can derive benefit from TKIs, but most patients develop resistance to the first-, second-, and third-generation drugs. To explore alternatives to such whack-a-mole strategies, we simulated in patient-derived xenograft models the situation of patients receiving first-line TKIs. Monotherapies comprising approved first-line TKIs were compared to combinations with antibodies specific to EGFR and HER2. We observed uniform and strong superiority of all drug combinations over the respective monotherapies. Prolonged treatments, high TKI dose, and specificity were essential for drug-drug cooperation. Blocking pathways essential for mitosis (e.g., FOXM1), along with downregulation of resistance-conferring receptors (e.g., AXL), might underlie drug cooperation. Thus, upfront treatments using combinations of TKIs and antibodies can prevent emergence of resistance and hence might replace the widely applied sequential treatments utilizing next-generation TKIs.

An Italian, multicenter, real-world, retrospective study of first-line pazopanib in unselected metastatic renal-cell carcinoma patients: the 'Pamerit' study

OBJECTIVE

Despite the current immunotherapy era, VEGFR inhibitors maintain effectiveness in metastatic renal cell cancer. Real-world data concerning pazopanib are limited. The aim of this study is to add information about efficacy and safety of pazopanib as first-line treatment in metastatic renal cell cancer patients not enrolled into clinical trials.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis (the PAMERIT study) of first-line pazopanib in real-world metastatic renal cell cancer patients among 39 Centers in Italy. Outcomes were progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate and treatment-related adverse events. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test and multivariable Cox's models were used and adjusted for age, histology, previous renal surgery, International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium score and pazopanib initial dose.

RESULTS

Among 474 patients, 87.3% had clear cell metastatic renal cell cancer histology. Most of them (84.6%) had upfront renal surgery. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 15.8 and 34.4 months, respectively, significantly correlating with International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium's good prognosis (P < 0.001), ECOG PS 0 (P < 0.001), age (<75 years, P = 0.005), surgery (P < 0.001) and response to pazopanib (P < 0.001). After 3 months of pazopanib, overall disease control rate have been observed in 76.6% patients. Among International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium's favorable group patients, 57/121 (47%) showed complete/partial response. No unexpected AEs emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world study, metastatic renal cell cancer patients treated with first-line pazopanib reached greater progression-free survival and overall survival than in pivotal studies and had high response rates when belonging to International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium's favorable group, without new toxicities. Pazopanib has been confirmed a valid first-line option for International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium's good prognosis metastatic renal cell cancer patients who cannot be submitted to immunotherapy.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of first-line treatments for advanced epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients

Objectives

Recent studies showed prolonged survival for advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with both monotherapies and combined therapies. However, high costs limit clinical applications. Thus, we conducted this cost‐effectiveness analysis to explore an optimal first‐line treatment for advanced EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients.

Materials and Methods

Survival data were extracted from six clinical trials, including ARCHER1050 (dacomitinib vs. gefitinib); FLAURA (osimertinib vs. gefitinib/erlotinib); JO25567 and NEJ026 (bevacizumab +erlotinib vs. erlotinib); NEJ009 (gefitinib +chemotherapy vs. gefitinib); and NCT02148380 (gefitinib +chemotherapy vs. gefitinib vs. chemotherapy) trials. Cost‐related data were obtained from hospitals and published literature. The effect parameter (quality‐adjusted life year [QALY]) was the reflection of both survival and utility. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), average cost‐effectiveness ratio (ACER), and net benefit were calculated, and the willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold was set at $30828/QALY from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the stability of results.

Results

We compared treatment groups with control groups in each trial. ICERs were $1897750.74/QALY (ARCHER1050), $416560.02/QALY (FLAURA), ‐$477607.48/QALY (JO25567), ‐$464326.66/QALY (NEJ026), ‐$277121.22/QALY (NEJ009), ‐$399360.94/QALY (gefitinib as comparison, NCT02148380), and ‐$170733.05/QALY (chemotherapy as comparison, NCT02148380). Moreover, ACER and net benefit showed that the combination of EGFR‐TKI with chemotherapy and osimertinib was of more economic benefit following first‐generation EGFR‐TKIs. Sensitivity analyses showed that the impact of utilities and monotherapy could be cost‐effective with a 50% cost reduction.

Conclusion

First‐generation EGFR‐TKI therapy remained the most cost‐effective treatment option for advanced EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients. Our results could serve as both a reference for both clinical practice and the formulation of medical insurance reimbursement.

First-line Therapy With Donor-derived Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-specific T Cells Reduces Persistent HCMV Infection by Promoting Antiviral Immunity After Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, especially persistent HCMV infection, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Antiviral agents remain the first-line therapy but are limited by side effects and acquired resistance.

METHODS

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of donor-derived HCMV-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) as a first-line therapy for HCMV infection after allo-SCT and investigated the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

In humanized HCMV-infected mice, first-line therapy with CTLs effectively combated systemic HCMV infection by promoting the restoration of graft-derived endogenous HCMV-specific immunity in vivo. In a clinical trial, compared with the pair-matched, high-risk control cohort, first-line therapy with CTLs significantly reduced the rate of persistent (2.9% vs 20.0%, P = .018) and late (5.7% vs 20.0%, P = .01) HCMV infection and cumulative incidence of persistent HCMV infection (hazard ratio [HR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.82; P = .02), lowered 1-year treatment-related mortality (HR, 0.15. 95% CI, 0.11-0.90. P = .03), and improved 1-year overall survival (HR, 6.35; 95% CI, 1.05-9.00; P = .04). Moreover, first-line therapy with CTLs promoted the quantitative and functional recovery of CTLs in patients, which was associated with HCMV clearance.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide robust support for the benefits of CTLs combined with antiviral drugs as a first-line therapy for treating HCMV infection and suggest that adoptively infused CTLs may stimulate the recovery of endogenous HCMV-specific immunity.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02985775.

Clinical and Radiological Predictors of Biochemical Response to First-Line Treatment With Somatostatin Receptor Ligands in Acromegaly: A Real-Life Perspective

BACKGROUND

First-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) represent the first-line medical treatment for acromegaly, recommended in patients with persistent disease after neurosurgery, or when surgical approach is not feasible. Despite the lack of strong recommendations from guidelines and consensus statements, data from national Registries report an increasing use of medical therapy as first-line treatment in acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE

We retrospectively evaluated the potential role of a large number of clinical and radiological parameters in predicting the biochemical response to 6-month treatment with fg-SRLs, in a cohort of naïve acromegaly patients referred to a single tertiary center for pituitary diseases.

METHODS

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and linear regression analyses were performed. Biochemical response was defined based on IGF-1 levels, represented as both categorical (tight control, control, >50% reduction) and continuous (linear % reduction) variables.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (33 females, median age 57 years) were included in the study. At univariable logistic regression analysis, we found that younger age (≤ 40 years; OR 0.04, p=0.045) and higher BMI (OR 0.866, p=0.034) were associated with a lower chance of achieving >50% IGF-1 reduction. On the contrary, higher IGF-1 xULN values at diagnosis (OR 2.304, p=0.007) and a T2-hypointense tumor (OR 18, p=0.017) were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of achieving >50% IGF-1 reduction after SRL therapy. Of note, dichotomized age, IGF1 xULN at diagnosis, and T2-hypointense signal of the tumor were retained as significant predictors by our multivariable logistic regression model. Furthermore, investigating the presence of predictors to the linear % IGF-1 reduction, we found a negative association with younger age (≤ 40 years; β -0.533, p<0.0001), while a positive association was observed with both IGF-1 xULN levels at diagnosis (β 0.330, p=0.018) and the presence of a T2-hypointense pituitary tumor (β 0.466, p=0.019). All these variables were still significant predictors at multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Dichotomized age, IGF-1 levels at diagnosis, and tumor T2-weighted signal are reliable predictors of both >50% IGF-1 reduction and linear % IGF-1 reduction after 6 month fg-SRL treatment in naïve acromegaly patients. These parameters should be considered in the light of an individualized treatment for acromegaly patients.

Should metformin remain the first-line therapy for treatment of type 2 diabetes?

Metformin is a biguanide that is used as first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is effective as monotherapy and in combination with other glucose-lowering medications. It is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects and is affordable. Although the safety and efficacy of metformin have been well-established, there is discussion regarding whether metformin should continue to be the first choice for therapy as other anti-hyperglycemic medications exhibit additional advantages in certain populations. Despite a long-standing history of metformin use, there are limited cardiovascular outcomes data for metformin. Furthermore, the available studies fail to provide strong evidence due to either small sample size or short duration. Recent data from glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor cardiovascular and renal outcomes trials demonstrated additional protection from diabetes complications for some high-risk patients, which has impacted the guidelines for diabetes management. Post-hoc analyses comparing hazard ratios for participants taking metformin at baseline versus not taking metformin are inconclusive for these two groups. There are no data to suggest that metformin should not be initiated soon after the diagnosis of diabetes. Furthermore, the initiation of newer glycemic-lowering medications with cardiovascular benefits should be considered in high-risk patients regardless of glycemic control or target HbA1c. However, cost remains a major factor in determining appropriate treatment.

Cost-minimization analysis of biweekly dosing of cetuximab and FOLFIRI compared with panitumumab and FOLFOX for first-line treatment of patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer in the United States

AIM

To compare the cost of biweekly regimens of first-line (1L) treatments of cetuximab-folinic acid, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) versus panitumumab-folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) in patients with Kirsten's rat sarcoma wild type (KRAS WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the United States, across varying weights and body surface areas (BSAs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cost-minimization analysis (CMA) was performed to estimate per-patient cost differences of cetuximab-FOLFIRI versus panitumumab-FOLFOX. The CMA estimated the costs of RAS testing, premedication, drug acquisition, treating infusion reactions (IRs), supportive therapy, and biweekly administration of chemotherapy, cetuximab (500 mg/m²), and panitumumab (6 mg/kg) over 43 weeks (median progression-free survival). To calculate dose and cost, weight and height data were gathered from an electronic health record-derived de-identified database (n = 7,669; January 2013-October 2020). Base case analysis utilized mean weight/BSA of the overall cohort (82.04 kg/1.92 m²), and alternate scenarios were based on 88.18 kg/2.03 m² (men, n = 4,477) and 73.43 kg/1.76 m² (women, n = 3,192).

RESULTS

For the base case, total treatment costs were $167,853 for cetuximab-FOLFIRI and $168,254 for panitumumab-FOLFOX; cost savings per patient receiving cetuximab-FOLFIRI was $400. Cost savings in alternate scenarios (men, $15,138; women, $15,004) resulted from lower drug acquisition costs for cetuximab (men, $14,833; women $14,854) and administration cost ($440) versus panitumumab. Cost savings of cetuximab-FOLFIRI in treating IR ($353) were similar across all scenarios.

LIMITATIONS

With no head-to-head clinical trial data in the 1L setting, assumptions of similarity in efficacy and safety of cetuximab versus panitumumab were based on published network meta-analysis and the ASPECCT trial. This model did not consider a lifetime horizon. Costs of managing all adverse events (except IR) were not included.

CONCLUSIONS

Biweekly cetuximab-FOLFIRI offers cost savings compared with panitumumab-FOLFOX for 1L therapy of patients with KRAS WT mCRC in the United States. These cost differences were observed for the overall population and across different BSA and weights for men and women.

MAHOGANY: margetuximab combination in HER2+ unresectable/metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

Standard-of-care, first-line therapy for patients with advanced HER2+ gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma is chemotherapy plus trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting HER2. Margetuximab is an Fc-optimized mAb that binds HER2. Retifanlimab, a humanized IgG4 mAb, binds to PD-1 and blocks its interaction with PD-L1/2. Tebotelimab, an IgG4κ bispecific DART^® molecule, binds PD-1 and lymphocyte activation gene 3 concomitantly, disrupting these nonredundant inhibitory pathways to further restore exhausted T-cell function. Here, we describe the design and rationale of the randomized, open-label, Phase II/III MAHOGANY trial evaluating margetuximab plus retifanlimab with/without chemotherapy and margetuximab plus tebotelimab with chemotherapy in first-line unresectable metastatic/locally advanced gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Primary end points include objective response rate, overall survival and safety/tolerability. Clinical trial registration: NCT04082364 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

First-line therapy, autologous stem-cell transplantation, and post-transplantation maintenance in the management of newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma

Background

In Ontario, no clearly defined standard of care for the management of mantle cell lymphoma (mcl) has been developed, and substantial variability from centre to centre is evident. This guidance document was prompted by the need to harmonize practice in Ontario with respect to first-line, conditioning, and post-transplantation maintenance therapy for patients newly diagnosed with transplantation-eligible mcl.

Methods

The medline and embase databases were systematically searched from January 2013 to January 2020 for evidence, and the best available evidence was used to draft recommendations relevant to first-line therapy, autologous stem-cell transplantation, and post-transplantation maintenance in the management of transplantation-eligible newly diagnosed mcl. Final approval of this guidance document was obtained from the Stem Cell Transplant Advisory Committee.

Recommendations

These recommendations apply to all cases of transplantation-eligible newly diagnosed mcl:■ Alternating cycles of r-chop (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone) and r-dhap [rituximab plus dexamethasone-high-dose cytarabine-cisplatin] is the recommended first-line treatment for symptomatic patients newly diagnosed with mcl before autologous stem-cell transplantation (asct).■ Rituximab plus hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide-vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone (r-hypercvad), alternating with methotrexate and cytarabine, is not recommended for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed mcl.■ beam (carmustine-etoposide-cytarabine-melphalan), beac (carmustine-etoposide-cytarabine-cyclophosphamide), and total-body irradiation-based regimens are reasonable conditioning options for patients with mcl who have responded to first-line therapy and who are undergoing asct.■ Maintenance therapy with rituximab is recommended for patients with newly diagnosed mcl who have undergone asct.

Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the frontline treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cll) is the most commonly diagnosed adult leukemia in Canada. Biologic heterogeneity of cll between patients results in variable disease trajectories and responses to therapy. Notably, compared with patients lacking high-risk features, those with such features-such as deletions in chromosome 17p, aberrations in the TP53 gene, or unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region genes-experience inferior outcomes and responses to standard chemoimmunotherapy. Novel agents that target the B cell receptor signalling pathway, such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (btk) inhibitors, have demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety in patients with treatment-naïve cll, particularly those with high-risk features. However, given the current lack of head-to-head trials comparing btk inhibitors, selection of the optimal btk inhibitor for patients with cll is unclear and requires consideration of multiple factors. In the present review, we focus on the efficacy, safety, and pharmacologic features of the btk inhibitors that are approved or under clinical development, and we discuss the practical considerations for the use of those agents in the Canadian treatment landscape.

First-line pembrolizumab/placebo plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy in HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer: KEYNOTE-811

Treatment options for patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer are limited, and the prognosis for these patients is poor. Pembrolizumab has demonstrated promising antitumor activity in patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma as monotherapy, in combination with chemotherapy and in combination with trastuzumab. Combining pembrolizumab with trastuzumab and chemotherapy may therefore provide a benefit for patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer. Here we aimed to describe the design of and rationale for the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III KEYNOTE-811 study, which will evaluate the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab or placebo in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

Clinical trial registration: NCT03615326 (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Randomized Phase II Study with Cetuximab in Combination with 5-FU and Cisplatin or Carboplatin vs. Cetuximab in Combination with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (CETMET Trial)

Simple Summary

The purpose of the CET-MET trial was to find a new platinum- based chemotherapy regimen in combination with cetuximab for relapsed or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (RM- SCCHN), that would achieve an equivalent PFS with standard cetuximab and 5-FU/platinum-based chemotherapy (EXTREME regimen), albeit with less toxicity. RM-SCCHN is a disease which affects patients with severe comorbidity and unhealthy life styles, rendering it difficult to treat with toxic regimens such as the EXTREME trial regimen. Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) with/or without the addition of chemotherapy has recently been introduced as a first- line treatment option for RM-SCCHN. However, these new treatment options will not be suitable for all patients. The experimental arm of this trial with Cetuximab and paclitaxel/carboplatin is easier to administer and perhaps more beneficial to combine with ICIs due to its favorable toxicity profile and the potential immunomodulatory effects of taxanes.

Abstract

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy with cetuximab is the standard of care for relapsed or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The aim of this trial was to investigate whether cetuximab and paclitaxel/carboplatin can achieve similar progression-free survival (PFS) with standard cetuximab and 5-FU/platinum-based chemotherapy. Standard chemotherapy treatment for SCCHN is related to severe toxicity and new, less toxic regimens are needed. Methods: In this multicentre, randomized, controlled, phase 2 trial, 85 patients with relapsed or metastatic SCCHN were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to cetuximab and 5-FU/cisplatin or carboplatin (arm A) vs. cetuximab and paclitaxel/carboplatin (arm B). Eligibility criteria included age ≥18 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0–1, and adequate organ functions. The primary endpoint was to investigate whether PFS in arm B is significantly worse than PFS in arm A. Results: Median PFS in arm A was 4.37 months (95% CI: 2.9–5.9 m) and 6.5 months (95% CI: 4.8–8.2 m) in arm B, (p = 0.064). Median overall survival (OS) was 8.4 months (95% CI: 5.3–11.5 m) in arm A and 10.2 months (95% CI: 5.4–15 m) in arm B, (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.43–1.16). PFS HR for arm B was not significantly worse than arm A (HR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.41–1.03). Adverse events ≥ grade 3 were more frequent in arm A than arm B (60% vs. 40%; p = 0.034). Conclusion: Cetuximab and paclitaxel/carboplatin was found to have similar efficacy and less toxicity compared to cetuximab and 5-FU/cisplatin or carboplatin. The experimental arm is easier to administer rendering it a favorable alternative to standard therapy.

Cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab with axitinib as first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Pembrolizumab/axitinib significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and increased objective response rate versus sunitinib in the phase III trial KEYNOTE-426 among previously untreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab/axitinib versus other first-line treatments of advanced RCC from a US public healthcare payer perspective.

METHODS

A partitioned survival model with three states (progression-free, progressed, death) evaluated lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for pembrolizumab/axitinib and other first-line regimens: sunitinib, pazopanib and avelumab/axitinib in the overall population; and sunitinib, cabozantinib and nivolumab/ipilimumab in the subgroup with intermediate/poor prognostic risk. Costs of treatments, adverse events and medical resources were estimated. OS, PFS and treatment duration were extrapolated using parametric models fitted to KEYNOTE-426 data and hazard ratios from network meta-analyses. Utilities were derived through mixed-effects regressions of KEYNOTE-426 EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels data.

RESULTS

In the overall population, pembrolizumab/axitinib was associated with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of $95,725/QALY versus sunitinib and $128,210/QALY versus pazopanib, and was dominant (lower cost, higher effectiveness) versus avelumab/axitinib, with incremental QALY gains of 2.73, 2.40 and 1.80 versus these therapies, respectively. In the intermediate/poor-risk subgroup, base-case ICERs for pembrolizumab/axitinib were $101,030/QALY versus sunitinib, $6989/QALY versus cabozantinib, and $130,934/QALY versus nivolumab/ipilimumab, with incremental QALY gains of 2.62, 1.78 and 1.06 versus these therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

In this economic evaluation, pembrolizumab/axitinib was associated with higher life expectancy and QALYs and, based on typical willingness-to-pay thresholds of $150,000-$180,000/QALY, was found cost-effective versus other first-line treatments for advanced RCC in the US.

Clinical outcomes of patients with breast cancer relapsing after (neo)adjuvant trastuzumab and receiving trastuzumab rechallenge or lapatinib-based therapy: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Background

In the prepertuzumab era, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer who underwent first-line trastuzumab-based or lapatinib-based therapy according to prior exposure to (neo)adjuvant trastuzumab.

Materials and methods

In this multicentre retrospective cohort study conducted in 14 Italian centres of the Gruppo Italiano Mammella, consecutive patients undergoing first-line trastuzumab or lapatinib-based therapy were included. Analyses were performed according to the type of first-line therapy for metastatic disease (trastuzumab or lapatinib). Dichotomous clinical outcomes were analysed using logistic regression and time-to-event outcomes using Cox proportional hazard models controlling for relevant demographic, clinicopathological and therapy characteristics.

Results

Out of 450 patients included in the study, 416 (92%) received trastuzumab and 34 (7.5%) lapatinib. As compared with the trastuzumab cohort, more patients in the lapatinib cohort had a trastuzumab-free interval <1 month (37% vs 13.9%; p=0.017) and brain metastasis as first site of relapse (38.2% vs 9.4%; p<0.001). Among the 128 patients who relapsed after prior (neo)adjuvant trastuzumab, 101 (78.9%) received first-line trastuzumab and 27 (21.1%) first-line lapatinib. The following outcomes were observed with first-line lapatinib or trastuzumab, respectively: overall response rate 45.5% vs 61.3% (p=0.184), clinical benefit rate 68.2% vs 72.5% (p=0.691), median progression-free survival (PFS) 11.4 vs 12.0 months (p=0.814) and median overall survival (OS) 34.7 vs 48.2 months (p=0.722). In patients with brain metastasis as first site of relapse, median PFS was 12.2 vs 9.9 months (p=0.093) and median OS 33.7 vs 28.5 months (p=0.280), respectively.

Conclusions

In patients with HER2-positive breast cancer relapsing after prior (neo)adjuvant trastuzumab, first-line treatment with trastuzumab or lapatinib was not associated with a significant difference in the clinical outcomes. A non-significant trend favouring the use of lapatinib was observed in patients with brain metastasis as the first site of relapse.

The Preliminary Results of Bortezomib Used as A Primary Treatment for An Early Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection after Kidney Transplantation-A Single-Center Case Series

Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has been used in the treatment of refractory cases of acute and chronic antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant recipients. However, its efficacy and safety as a primary treatment for early AMR has been scarcely investigated. We herein present our preliminary experience with bortezomib- and plasmapheresis-based primary treatment for early AMR. Thirteen patients transplanted between October 2015 and September 2019 were treated (starting at median 19th post-transplant day) with bortezomib/plasmapheresis protocol for early biopsy-proven AMR. Twelve out of thirteen patients received 4 doses and one patient recieved 3 doses of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m² per dose). In 11/13 patients, 4–7 concomitant plasmapheresis sessions were performed, with or without intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Of note, rituximab was not used in all study patients. The kidney graft and patient survival were 100%. The mean 3-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 55.3 (95%CI: 44.9–65.8) mL/min/1.73m², 8/13 patients completed 12-month follow-up with mean eGFR 60.4 (45.4–75.4) mL/min/1.73m², and 6/13 patients completed a 24-month follow-up period with mean eGFR 73.9 (56.7–91.1) mL/min/1.73m². Neutropenia < 1 G/L was observed in one patient, third or fourth grade thrombocytopenia in two patients, and eleven patients needed a blood transfusion (median: 2 units/patient). The mid-term results of a primary bortezomib-based treatment for kidney AMR showed its non-inferiority as compared to preceding regimens and acceptable safety. However, our data should be validated in a multicenter randomized trial.

Using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt as the first-line therapy in secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aims to evaluate and compare the survival and other portal hypertension-related complications of patients with portal pressure gradient (PPG) ≥ 25 mmHg using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) as the first-line and second-line therapies in secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage.

METHODS

Fifty patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this retrospective study, with 35 of whom received TIPS as the first-line therapy in secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage and 15 of whom as second-line treatment. We observed and analyzed the survival, occurrence of variceal rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) of patients in the two groups during the follow up.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. In a median follow-up time of 12 (1-37) and 15 (2-27) months, respectively, significant statistical difference was observed between the first-line group and the second-line group concerning cumulative survival rate (94.3% vs 66.7%, log-rank P = 0.01). But that was not the case when it comes to the cumulative rate of variceal rebleeding (8.6% vs 26.7%, log-rank P = 0.164) and HE (22.9% vs 20.0%, log-rank P = 0.793). And multivariate analysis indicated that group assignment (hazard ratio = 8.250, 95% confidence interval = 1.383-49.213, P = 0.021) was the only predictor of survival. Interestingly, we found that spleen diameter (hazard ratio = 0.578, 95% confidence interval = 0.393-0.849, P = 0.005) could be regarded as independent predictor of the occurrence of HE.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with PPG ≥ 25 mmHg who have recovered from an episode of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage, utilizing TIPS as the first-line therapy to prevent rebleeding is demonstrated effective in improving the survival and therefore should be recommended to a wider range of clinical practice.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Lopinavir/Ritonavir- and Efavirenz-Based Initial Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-1-Infected Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Beijing, China

Background: Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) is a major antiretroviral treatment in China, but little is known about the performance of first-line LPV/r-based regimen in treatment-naïve patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. This study aims to assess the efficacy and adverse effect events of LPV/r plus lamivudine and tenofovir or zidovudine as an initial antiretroviral treatment in HIV-1-infected individuals for whom cannot take efavirenz (EFV) or is allergic to EFV.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients registering with the China’s National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program from July 2012 to January 2017, followed at a tertiary care hospital in Beijing, China. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects with HIV-1 RNA ≤40 copies/ml at 6 and 24 months of treatment. We assessed the immunological response and adverse events.

Results: In total, 4,862 patients were enrolled in the study and 237 were eligible for analysis in each study arm. During the first six months, virological suppression was better with the LPV/r-based regimen than with the EFV-based regimen (93.80 vs 87.80% for P < 0.05). Viral suppression rates continued to increase until 12 months, remain steady thereafter until 24 months, for both groups. The multilevel analysis revealed that patients in the LPV/r group were more likely to display improvements in CD4 T-cell count over time than those in the EFV group (P < 0.001). Grade 3 or 4 laboratory adverse events were observed in 14 patients (5.91%) from the LPV/r group and three patients (1.20%) in EFV group.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that LPV/r-containing regimens are effective and well-tolerated in Chinese treatment-naïve patients with HIV-1 infection.

High efficacy and safety of VTD as an induction protocol in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma eligible for high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation: A report of the Polish Myeloma Study Group

The present retrospective analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of the VTD (bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone) regimen in 205 newly-diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM) eligible for high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) in routine clinical practice. With a median of 6 cycles (range, 1–8), at least partial response was achieved in 94.6% and at least very good partial response (VGPR) was achieved in 67.8% of patients. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) grade 2–4 was observed in 28.7% of patients. In 72% of patients undergoing stem cell mobilization one apheresis allowed the number of stem cells sufficient for transplantation to be obtained. Following HDT/ASCT the sCR rate increased from 4.9 to 14.4% and CR from 27.8 to 35.6%. The results demonstrated that VTD as an induction regimen was highly efficient in transplant eligible patients with MM with increased at least VGPR rate following prolonged treatment (≥6 cycles). Therapy exhibited no negative impact on stem cell collection, neutrophils and platelets engraftment following ASCT. Therapy was generally well tolerated and PN was the most common reason of dose reduction or treatment discontinuation.

Glasgow PrognosticScore as a Predictor of BevacizumabEfficacy in the First-line Treatment with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Background: Inflammation might play an important role in promoting cancer growth partly by affecting tumor angiogenesis. We explored the role of Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving first-linebevacizumab.

Methods: All consecutive metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line chemotherapy plus or not plus bevacizumab were eligible. Pre-treatment GPS were collected for all cases.

Results: In the chemotherapy group for patients with GPS of 0, 1 and 2, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.67, 8.10, and 8.27months, respectively (P = 0.17). Median overall survival (OS) was 24.87, 23.30, and 17.93months, respectively (P = 0.04). In the bevacizumab group, median PFS was 11.83, 8.10, and 6.87 months, respectively (P = 0.01), and median OS was 30.80, 19.47, and 18.67 months, respectively (P = 0.03).In whole group patients with a GPS of 0, both PFS and OS were in favor of patients treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy compared with who treated with chemotherapy alone (PFS 11.83 vs. 8.67 months, p=0.03; OS 30.80 vs. 24.87 months, p=0.04).

Conclusion: GPS of 0 was correlated with good prognosis. Bevacizumab added a survival advantage only in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with a GPS of 0.

Pylera® plus ranitidine vs Pylera® plus esomeprazole in first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Two pilot studies

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown that Pylera^® (three-in-one capsules containing 140 mg bismuth potassium subcitrate, 125 metronidazole, and tetracycline 125 mg) in association with omeprazole or esomeprazole is a good option in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. In particular, the adjunction of a PPI to Pylera^® may be useful to overcome metronidazole resistance. However, omeprazole and its derivatives can promote greater bismuth absorption and enhance its toxicity. The H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) ranitidine seems to induce less bismuth absorption and as a consequence less systemic toxicity.

AIM

To evaluate whether Pylera^® in combination with esomeprazole or with ranitidine is equally effective in the treatment of H. pylori infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two separate groups of patients were treated simultaneously. One group was treated with Pylera^® three capsules qid plus esomeprazole 40 mg bid for 10 days (group A), and the other group was treated with Pylera^® three capsules qid plus ranitidine 300 mg bid for 10 days (group B). H. pylori eradication was defined as a negative result in ¹³ C urea breath test performed at least 8 weeks after the end of treatment with a delta-over-baseline value less than 5.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were recruited for group A and thirty-three patients in group B. Eradication rates were 93.7% (30/32) and 90.9% (30/33), respectively, at intention-to-treat analysis, and 96.6% (29/30) and 93.3% (28/30), respectively, at per-protocol analysis. Adverse events occurred in 26 patients and led to the suspension of treatment in one patient in group A and in one patient in group B.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that Pylera® plus a PPI or ranitidine were equally effective in the population studied. The high cure rates of bismuth triple therapy (without an antisecretory drug) and the lack of susceptibility testing make it impossible to exclude the possibility that the results would have been similar if neither the PPI nor the ranitidine were given.

Online registry for nationwide database of Helicobacter pylori eradication in Korea: Correlation of antibiotic use density with eradication success

BACKGROUND

The Helicobacter pylori eradication rate has decreased with increasing antibiotic resistance. We conducted a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry study to monitor the real status of H. pylori eradication therapy and to investigate the association between eradication success and antibiotic use density in Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 9318 patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy from 37 hospitals through "on-line database registry" from October 2010 to July 2015. Demographic data, detection methods, treatment indications, regimens, durations, compliance, adverse events, and eradication results were collected. The use of all commercially available eradication antibiotics was analyzed through the Korean National Health Insurance data of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The defined daily dose of antibiotics was used to standardize drug use comparisons.

RESULTS

Finally, 6738 patients were analyzed. The overall eradication rate of first-line therapy was 71.8%. The eradication success rates were 71.7%, 86.9%, and 74.0% for standard triple therapy for 7 days, quadruple therapy, and concomitant therapy, respectively. The eradication success rate in naive patients was higher than that in those who previously underwent H. pylori eradication. Eradication success was significantly associated with younger age, female sex, and high compliance. Regional differences in eradication rates were observed. The yearly use density of clarithromycin increased statistically in seven regions across the country from 2010 to 2015. The yearly use density of amoxicillin in the Gyeongsang and Chungcheong areas was significantly increased (P < .01), whereas that of other macrolides was significantly lower in the Gyeonggi area than in other areas (P = .01). The overall use of eradication antibiotics has increased while the eradication rate steadily decreased for 5 years. However, there was no significant correlation between antibiotic use density and eradication.

CONCLUSION

There was no relationship between the eradication rate and antibiotic use density in Korea.