Differentiated activity profile for the PD-1 inhibitor balstilimab

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Background: The development and clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors has transformed the therapeutic landscape for cancer treatment in recent years. Balstilimab (AGEN2034) is a fully human, monoclonal IgG4 antibody that binds with high affinity to programmed death 1 (PD-1), thus preventing the interaction between this receptor and its ligands programmed death ligand 1 and 2 (PD-L1, PD-L2). Emerging evidence suggests that balstilimab exhibits a differentiated activity profile compared to currently approved anti-PD-1 agents, including pembrolizumab and nivolumab. Methods: Balstilimab as monotherapy was evaluated in a large phase 2 study in patients (pts) with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer who had relapsed after a platinum-based treatment regimen for advanced disease. Pts were dosed at 3 mg/kg once every 2 weeks for up to 24 months and antitumor activity was assessed using RECIST v1.1. The tumor cell killing activity of balstilimab was evaluated preclinically in a human co-culture system of (1) primary T cells engineered to recognize NY-ESO-1 and (2) NY-ESO-1+ cancer cell lines, including PD-L1 and/or PD-L2-deficient engineered lines. The co-culture system was maintained for ̃ two weeks to drive partial T cell exhaustion; a state where cytotoxicity is compromised but recoverable with PD-1 blockade. Cytotoxicity of these partially exhausted T cells was quantified against PD-L1/L2 double positive, single positive, or double negative cancer cells in the presence or absence of PD-(L)1 antibodies. Results: In the second-line treatment setting for pts with advanced cervical cancer, balstilimab showed a numerically higher objective response rate (ORR) in subjects with PD-L1+, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumors (21%, 95% CI, 12.7-32.6%) than those reported for pembrolizumab. Unlike pembrolizumab, balstilimab showed activity in PD-L1(-) pts, and irrespective of tumor histology (ORR 7.9%, 95% CI, 2.7-20.8%). Despite lower overall PD-L1 positivity compared to SCC (41.7 v 72.9%), an ORR of 12.5% (95% CI, 5.9-24.7%) was observed in the subset of pts with a poorer prognosis, those with cervical adenocarcinoma. Concordant with clinical observations, balstilimab demonstrated superior rescue of antigen-specific T cell cytotoxicity in vitro relative to pembrolizumab, nivolumab, or atezolizumab. Balstilimab also induced cytotoxicity against PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 deficient target cancer cells. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest functional differentiation of balstilimab from other PD-1 inhibitors with potentially important implications for extending the therapeutic reach of anti-PD-1 therapy. Investigation of the underlying mechanistic basis for these findings is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03104699.

Mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with bevacizumab in patients (pts) with platinum-agnostic ovarian cancer: Final analysis

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Background: Mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV) is an ADC comprising a FRα-binding antibody, cleavable linker, and the maytansinoid DM4, a potent tubulin-targeting agent. As part of the Phase 1b FORWARD II trial (NCT02606305), the combination of MIRV with bevacizumab (BEV) was evaluated in pts with FRα-positive (medium/high expression; ≥50%/ ≥75% of cells with PS2+ staining intensity), platinum agnostic ovarian cancer, defined as pts with either platinum resistant (PROC) (recurrence within 6 months after last platinum dose) or platinum sensitive (PSOC)responded to the last platinum therapy and did not progress within 6 months) for whom a non-platinum based doublet would be appropriate. Methods: Pts received MIRV (6 mg/kg; adjusted ideal body weight) and BEV (15 mg/kg) on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Responses were assessed by investigator according to RECIST 1.1 and adverse events (AEs) evaluated by CTCAE v4.03. Results: In total, 60 pts received the combination, with a median age of 60 years, a median of 2 prior lines of systemic therapy (range 1-4) and a median follow-up of 17.5 months. The cohort included 32 pts (53%) with PROC disease and 28 (47%) with PSOC disease. Objective responses were seen in 28 of 60 pts for a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 47% (95% CI, 34, 60), median duration of response (mDOR) of 9.7 months (95% CI 6.7, 12.9), and median progression free survival (mPFS) of 8.3 months (95% CI 5.6, 10.6). In pts with high FRα expression (n=33), the confirmed ORR was 64% (95% CI 45, 80), mDOR of 11.8 months (95% CI 6.7, 13.7), and mPFS of 10.6 months (95% CI 8.3, 13.3); efficacy results in PROC and PSOC subsets of pts with high FRα expression are shown in the table below. The most common treatment related AEs (all grade, grade 3+) were diarrhea (68%, 2%), blurred vision (63%, 2%), fatigue (58%, 7%), and nausea (57%, 0%). The most common treatment related grade 3 and 4 AEs were neutropenia and hypertension, (12%, 3% and 13%, 0%, respectively); all other grade 3+ events occurred in ≤ 10% of pts. Conclusions: The combination of MIRV with BEV demonstrates impressive anti-tumor activity with durable responses and favorable tolerability in high FRα recurrent ovarian cancer. These results build on data previously reported for MIRV/BEV in PROC patients ( Gyn Oncology O’Malley, et al 2020), suggesting that MIRV has the potential to be a preferred partner for BEV in patients with high FRα recurrent ovarian cancer regardless of platinum sensitivity. Clinical trial information: NCT02606305. [Table: see text]

ENGOT-ov60/GOG3052/RAMP 201: A phase 2 study of VS-6766 (dual RAF/MEK inhibitor) alone and in combination with defactinib (FAK inhibitor) in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC)

TPS5603

Background: VS-6766 is a unique small molecule inhibitor that blocks MEK kinase activity and RAF phosphorylation of MEK. This mechanism of blockade has been shown to limit compensatory MEK activation, thereby potentially enhancing efficacy of MEK inhibition. Defactinib, (VS-6063), an orally active small molecule, is a potent adenosine 5'- triphosphate (ATP) competitive, reversible inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Defactinib has shown synergistic activity with BRAF and MEK inhibitors in both in vitro and in vivo solid tumor models. Prior molecularly unselected studies with single agent MEK inhibitors have shown response rates up to 26% in recurrent LGSOC. A third of patients with recurrent LGSOC harbor somatic KRAS mutations. FAK inhibition has been shown to induce tumor regression when combined with RAF, MEK or RAF/MEK inhibitors in in vivo models of KRAS mutant ovarian cancer. The combination of VS-6766 and defactinib is currently being evaluated in the ongoing Investigator Sponsored FRAME study (NCT03875820). In this proof of concept study, durable objective responses have been reported in recurrent LGSOC patients, particularly those with KRAS mutations including patients who have had a prior MEK inhibitor (Banerji et al AACR 2020). Based on preclinical studies demonstrating efficacy of both VS-6766 and the VS-6766/defactinib combination and preliminary results of the FRAME study, the phase II ENGOT-ov60/GOG3052 has been developed in recurrent LGSOC. Methods: This is a Phase II, adaptive, two-part, multicenter, parallel cohort, randomized, open label study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VS-6766 versus VS-6766 in combination with defactinib (NCT04625270). The study will be conducted in two parts. Part A will determine the optimal regimen based on confirmed overall response rate (independent radiology review) in KRAS-mutated LGSOC. Part B will determine the efficacy of the optimal regimen identified in Part A in KRAS-mutated and KRAS wild-type LGSOC. The minimum expected enrollment is 52 subjects with KRAS-mutated tumors (32 subjects in Part A and 20 in Part B) and 36 with KRAS wild-type tumors in Part B. Patients will be randomized to receive VS-6766 (4.0 mg PO, twice weekly 3 weeks on, 1 week off) or VS6766 with defactinib (VS-6766 3.2 mg PO, twice weekly + defactinib 200 mg PO BID 3 weeks on, 1 week off) till progression. Key inclusion criteria include histologically confirmed LGSOC, presence of KRAS mutation (Part A), prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease and up to 1 prior line of MEK/RAF inhibitor therapy permitted. This international study is open to enrollment. Clinical trial information: NCT04625270.

Molecular and clinical determinants of response and resistance to rucaparib for recurrent ovarian cancer treatment in ARIEL2 (Parts 1 and 2)

ARIEL2 (NCT01891344) is a single-arm, open-label phase 2 study of the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) rucaparib in relapsed high-grade ovarian carcinoma. In this post hoc exploratory biomarker analysis of pre- and post-platinum ARIEL2 samples, RAD51C and RAD51D mutations and high-level BRCA1 promoter methylation predict response to rucaparib, similar to BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. BRCA1 methylation loss may be a major cross-resistance mechanism to platinum and PARPi. Genomic scars associated with homologous recombination deficiency are irreversible, persisting even as platinum resistance develops, and therefore are predictive of rucaparib response only in platinum-sensitive disease. The RAS, AKT, and cell cycle pathways may be additional modulators of PARPi sensitivity.

The GOG partners: A program for industry sponsored clinical trials in gynecologic oncology within the GOG foundation

The GOG Foundation, Inc. (GOG-F) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the purpose of promoting excellence in the quality and integrity of clinical and basic scientific research in the field of gynecologic malignancies. GOG Partners (GOG-P) is a program of the GOG-F and is positioned alongside NRG Oncology under the GOG-F organizational umbrella. GOG-P operates outside of the federally funded NCI NRG Oncology, a key distinguishing feature. By functioning as a site management organization (SMO), GOG-P provides an additional platform for clinical trial development, mentorship opportunities, patient accrual, and site infrastructure support yielding an expanded gynecologic oncology clinical trials infrastructure in the US. GOG-P has a consistent track record of conducting high quality clinical trials that lead to bringing novel FDA approved treatments for gynecologic cancer. This manuscript summarizes the history and organizational structure of the GOG-P. In addition, we outline the other key supportive programs within the GOG-F that help support the GOG-P effort to perform transformative gynecologic cancer research.

Correlation of imaging and plasma based biomarkers to predict response to bevacizumab in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)

PURPOSE

Increasing measures of adiposity have been correlated with poor oncologic outcomes and a lack of response to anti-angiogenic therapies. Limited data exists on the impact of subcutaneous fat density (SFD) and visceral fat density (VFD) on oncologic outcomes. This ancillary analysis of GOG-218, evaluates whether imaging markers of adiposity were predictive biomarkers for bevacizumab (bev) use in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

There were 1249 patients (67%) from GOG-218 with imaging measurements. SFD and VFD were calculated utilizing Hounsfield units (HU). Proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between SFD and VFD with overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Increased SFD and VFD showed an increased HR for death (HR per 1-SD increase 1.12, 95% CI:1.05-1.19 p = 0.0009 and 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.20 p = 0.0006 respectively). In the predictive analysis for response to bev, high VFD showed an increased hazard for death in the placebo group (HR per 1-SD increase 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09-1.37; p = 0.025). However, in the bev group there was no effect seen (HR per 1-SD increase: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.90-1.14) Median OS was 45 vs 47 months in the VFD low groups and 36 vs 42 months in the VFD high groups on placebo versus bev, respectively.

CONCLUSION

High VFD and SFD have a negative prognostic impact on patients with EOC. High VFD appears to be a predictive marker of bev response and patients with high VFD may be more likely to benefit from initial treatment with bev.

Ovarian Cancer, Version 2.2020, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in the United States and is the country's fifth most common cause of cancer mortality in women. A major challenge in treating ovarian cancer is that most patients have advanced disease at initial diagnosis. These NCCN Guidelines discuss cancers originating in the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum, as these are all managed in a similar manner. Most of the recommendations are based on data from patients with the most common subtypes─high-grade serous and grade 2/3 endometrioid. The NCCN Guidelines also include recommendations specifically for patients with less common ovarian cancers, which in the guidelines include the following: carcinosarcoma, clear cell carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, low-grade serous, grade 1 endometrioid, borderline epithelial, malignant sex cord-stromal, and malignant germ cell tumors. This manuscript focuses on certain aspects of primary treatment, including primary surgery, adjuvant therapy, and maintenance therapy options (including PARP inhibitors) after completion of first-line chemotherapy.

A clinical classification system for grading platinum hypersensitivity reactions

OBJECTIVES

Current grading systems for platinum hypersensitivities (pHSR) rely on subjective features rather than objective clinical signs leading to inconsistencies in grading. To standardize classification of pHSR, a clinical grading system was developed at our institution. We report the clinical outcomes our classification system and evaluate its correlation with the classification systems currently published and used in practice.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of patients with pHSR from 2011 to 2017. Demographics, chemotherapeutic histories (CT), and details of their initial HSR were collected. Mild reactions were defined as local skin manifestations only. Moderate-low reactions included widespread skin, respiratory or GI findings. Moderate-standard reactions were defined as transient cardiovascular compromise (CVC), hypoxia or neurologic changes whereas sustained changes (>10 min) were used to define severe reaction. Fischer Exact Tests (p < .05) and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Spearman correlation were used to assess relationships between our grading system and the NCCN and CTCAEv4.0 criteria.

RESULTS

87 patients were identified with most having ovarian cancer (n = 55, 63.2%), receiving carboplatin (n = 62, 71.3%), and on second-line CT (n = 34, 42.5%). Chest pain was associated with transient CVC (OR 10.0, 95% CI 1.148-87.133) while nausea/vomiting (OR 8.420, 95% CI 1.263-55.275) was associated with transient hypoxia albeit less closely than transient hypotension (OR 17.010, 95% CI 2.026-142.825). Only presyncope/syncope remained associated with sustained CVC (OR 38.0, 95% CI 2.815-512.912) on logistic regression. The classification system was most strongly correlated with the NCCN grading system (ρ 0.761, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This classification system offers an objective means of grading pHSR severity and correlates with currently-used grading systems.

The effect of age on efficacy, safety and patient-centered outcomes with rucaparib: A post hoc exploratory analysis of ARIEL3, a phase 3, randomized, maintenance study in patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND

In the phase 3 trial ARIEL3, maintenance treatment with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor rucaparib provided clinical benefit versus placebo for patients with recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Here, we evaluate the impact of age on the clinical utility of rucaparib in ARIEL3.

METHODS

Patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian carcinoma with ≥2 prior platinum-based chemotherapies who responded to their last platinum-based therapy were enrolled in ARIEL3 and randomized 2:1 to rucaparib 600 mg twice daily or placebo. Exploratory, post hoc analyses of progression-free survival (PFS), patient-centered outcomes (quality-adjusted PFS [QA-PFS] and quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity [Q-TWiST]), and safety were conducted in three age subgroups (<65 years, 65-74 years, and ≥75 years).

RESULTS

Investigator-assessed PFS was significantly longer with rucaparib than placebo in patients aged <65 years (rucaparib n = 237 vs placebo n = 117; median, 11.1 vs 5.4 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.33 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.25-0.43]; P < 0.0001) and 65-74 years (n = 113 vs n = 64; median, 8.3 vs 5.3 months; HR 0.43 [95% CI 0.29-0.63]; P < 0.0001) and numerically longer in patients aged ≥75 years (n = 25 vs n = 8; median, 9.2 vs 5.5 months; HR 0.47 [95% CI 0.16-1.35]; P = 0.1593). QA-PFS and Q-TWiST were significantly longer with rucaparib than placebo across all age subgroups. Safety of rucaparib was generally similar across the age subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy, patient-centered outcomes, and safety of rucaparib were similar between age subgroups, indicating that all eligible women with recurrent ovarian cancer should be offered this therapeutic option, irrespective of age. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01968213.

Patient-Centered Outcomes in ARIEL3, a Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Rucaparib Maintenance Treatment in Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To investigate quality-adjusted progression-free survival (QA-PFS) and quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity (Q-TWiST) in a post hoc exploratory analysis of the phase III ARIEL3 study of rucaparib maintenance treatment versus placebo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian carcinoma were randomly assigned to rucaparib (600 mg twice per day) or placebo. QA-PFS was calculated as progression-free survival function × the 3-level version of the EQ-5D questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) index score function. Q-TWiST analyses were performed defining TOX as the mean duration in which a patient experienced grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) or the mean duration in which a patient experienced grade ≥ 2 TEAEs of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and asthenia. Q-TWiST was calculated as μTOX × TOX + TWiST, with μTOX calculated using EQ-5D-3L data.

RESULTS

The visit cutoff was Apr 15, 2017. Mean QA-PFS was significantly longer with rucaparib versus placebo in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (375 randomly assigned to rucaparib v 189 randomly assigned to placebo; difference, 6.28 months [95% CI, 4.85 to 7.47 months]); BRCA-mutant cohort (130 rucaparib v 66 placebo; 9.37 months [95% CI, 6.65 to 11.85 months]); homologous recombination deficient (HRD) cohort (236 rucaparib v 118 placebo; 7.93 months [95% CI, 5.93 to 9.53 months]); and BRCA wild-type/loss of heterozygosity (LOH) low patient subgroup (107 rucaparib v 54 placebo; 2.71 months [95% CI, 0.31 to 4.44 months]). With TOX defined using grade ≥ 3 TEAEs, the difference in mean Q-TWiST (rucaparib v placebo) was 6.88 months (95% CI, 5.71 to 8.23 months), 9.73 months (95% CI, 7.10 to 11.94 months), 8.11 months (95% CI, 6.36 to 9.49 months), and 3.35 months (95% CI, 1.66 to 5.40 months) in the ITT population, BRCA-mutant cohort, HRD cohort, and BRCA wild-type/LOH low patient subgroup, respectively. Q-TWiST with TOX defined using select grade ≥ 2 TEAEs also consistently favored rucaparib.

CONCLUSION

The significant differences in QA-PFS and Q-TWiST confirm the benefit of rucaparib versus placebo in all predefined cohorts.

MILO/ENGOT-ov11: Binimetinib Versus Physician's Choice Chemotherapy in Recurrent or Persistent Low-Grade Serous Carcinomas of the Ovary, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneum

PURPOSE

Low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (LGSOCs) have historically low chemotherapy responses. Alterations affecting the MAPK pathway, most commonly KRAS/BRAF, are present in 30%-60% of LGSOCs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate binimetinib, a potent MEK1/2 inhibitor with demonstrated activity across multiple cancers, in LGSOC.

METHODS

This was a 2:1 randomized study of binimetinib (45 mg twice daily) versus physician's choice chemotherapy (PCC). Eligible patients had recurrent measurable LGSOC after ≥ 1 prior platinum-based chemotherapy but ≤ 3 prior chemotherapy lines. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded independent central review (BICR); additional assessments included overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), clinical-benefit rate, biomarkers, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 303 patients were randomly assigned to an arm of the study at the time of interim analysis (January 20, 2016). Median PFS by BICR was 9.1 months (95% CI, 7.3 to 11.3) for binimetinib and 10.6 months (95% CI, 9.2 to 14.5) for PCC (hazard ratio,1.21; 95%CI, 0.79 to 1.86), resulting in early study closure according to a prespecified futility boundary after 341 patients had enrolled. Secondary efficacy end points were similar in the two groups: ORR 16% (complete response [CR]/partial responses[PRs], 32) versus 13% (CR/PRs, 13); median DOR, 8.1 months (range, 0.03 to ≥ 12.0 months) versus 6.7 months (0.03 to ≥ 9.7 months); and median OS, 25.3 versus 20.8 months for binimetinib and PCC, respectively. Safety results were consistent with the known safety profile of binimetinib; the most common grade ≥ 3 event was increased blood creatine kinase level (26%). Post hoc analysis suggests a possible association between KRAS mutation and response to binimetinib. Results from an updated analysis (n = 341; January 2019) were consistent.

CONCLUSION

Although the MEK Inhibitor in Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Study did not meet its primary end point, binimetinib showed activity in LGSOC across the efficacy end points evaluated. A higher response to chemotherapy than expected was observed and KRAS mutation might predict response to binimetinib.

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Ovarian Cancer, Version 1.2019

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in the United States, with less than half of patients living >5 years from diagnosis. A major challenge in treating ovarian cancer is that most patients have advanced disease at initial diagnosis. The best outcomes are observed in patients whose primary treatment includes complete resection of all visible disease plus combination platinum-based chemotherapy. Research efforts are focused on primary neoadjuvant treatments that may improve resectability, as well as systemic therapies providing improved long-term survival. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy recommendations, including the addition of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and the role of PARP inhibitors and bevacizumab as maintenance therapy options in select patients who have completed primary chemotherapy.

Abstract CT125: STRO-002-GM1, a first in human, phase 1 study of STRO-002, an anti-folate receptor alpha (FRα) antibody drug conjugate (ADC), in patients with advanced platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer (OC), including fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers

Introduction: FRα is overexpressed in 80% of OC with minimal expression in normal tissues. STRO-002 is a novel FRα-targeting ADC designed to circumvent limitations of current ADCs. STRO-002 was generated with a cell-free antibody production system (XpressCF™) and site-specific conjugation (XpressCF+™) platform. STRO-002 has a DAR of 4 and contains the tubulin-targeting 3-aminophenyl hemiasterlin warhead SC209, a potent cytotoxin that is rapidly cleared and a weak substrate for P-gp efflux pumps. STRO-002 demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity in multiple FRα-positive tumor cell lines and significant efficacy in OC xenograft models. Herein we report the results of our dose escalation study of STRO-002 in patients (pts) with OC. Methods: STRO-002-GM1 is a Phase I, open-label, multicenter, dose escalation study with dose expansion to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) in pts with advanced, platinum resistant or refractory OC. There is no patient selection based on FRα expression. STRO-002 is given IV on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle (C) until disease progression. Ocular exams are performed at baseline and every other cycle. No prophylactic corticosteroid eye drops are used. Results: 20 pts have been dosed & 18 pts have completed at least 1 cycle of STRO-002 at 7 dose levels: 0.5, 1.0, 1.8, 2.9, 4.3, 5.2 and 6.0 mg/kg. Median age is 60.5 (r, 48-70). Median ECOG status is 0 (r, 0-1). Median # of prior therapies is 6 (r, 2-10). 55% of pts have prior PARP inhibitors, 85% have prior bevacizumab. Median # of STRO-002 cycles is 3 (r, 1-15). One DLT of grade 3 neuropathy was reported at the 6.0 mg/kg dose level. Two patients have experienced grade 4 neutropenia, an expected and reversible side effect of STRO-002 treatment. 92% of AEs are grade 1 or 2. The most common TEAEs in ≥ 30 % of pts includes fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite and dizziness. No ocular findings have been observed. Emerging PK profile: after 1 hour infusion, total antibody concentrations declined in a log-linear manner with a 22-84 h half-life, dose-exposure relationship appeared linear without accumulation after repeat administration. Six pts have discontinued due to disease progression. 14 pts remain on treatment and dose escalation is ongoing. One patient has achieved a confirmed partial response (PR); 2 patients have confirmed stable disease (cSD) at C5, 2 pts have cSD at C7 and 1 pt has cSD at C13; 3 patients have achieved a confirmed CA-125 response. Conclusions: STRO-002 is the first hemiasterlin-containing ADC generated with cell-free protein synthesis technology to be tested in pts with solid tumors. The preliminary safety profile and evidence of efficacy and clinical benefit in the first 20 OC pts treated with STRO-002 is encouraging, particularly in this heavily pre-treated, platinum resistant/refractory patient population. No ocular toxicity signals have been observed. MTD has not been reached. Updated results and the recommended phase 2 dose will be presented. This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03748186.

Citation Format: R. Wendel Naumann, Denise Uyar, John W. Moroney, Fadi S. Braiteh, Russell J. Schilder, John P. Diaz, Erika Hamilton, Sami Diab, Lainie P. Martin, David M. O'Malley, Richard T. Penson, Clifford DiLea, Michael Palumbo, Venita DeAlmeida, Shannon Matheny, Arturo Molina. STRO-002-GM1, a first in human, phase 1 study of STRO-002, an anti-folate receptor alpha (FRα) antibody drug conjugate (ADC), in patients with advanced platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer (OC), including fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr CT125.

New Therapies for Ovarian Cancer

After 3 to 4 decades of stagnation, several new options are available for the treatment of ovarian cancer, some of which produce longer survival compared with historical controls. Additionally, 3 new PARP inhibitors (olaparib, rucaparib, niraparib) have been approved for use in ovarian cancer, with different indications as maintenance therapy or treatment of recurrence. Indications for bevacizumab have been extended, and there are now multiple combination chemotherapy regimens that include bevacizumab as part of initial treatment and as an option for maintenance therapy in select patients, both for first-line primary/adjuvant chemotherapy and for treatment of recurrent or refractory disease.

Positive sentinel lymph node in a patient with clinical stage I vaginal cancer

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Sentinel lymph node mapping is feasible in patients with vaginal cancer.

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Here we report a positive sentinel lymph node in a patient with clinically early-stage vaginal cancer.

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Sentinel lymph node mapping and dissection may guide primary treatment decisions.

Antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian cancer typically presents at an advanced stage and while initial chemotherapy response rates are favorable, a majority of patients experience recurrence with the subsequent development of chemoresistance. Recurrent, platinum-resistant disease is associated with a very poor prognosis as treatment in this setting is often limited by systemic toxicity. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel therapeutic agents designed to target antigens specific to ovarian tumor cells with direct delivery of cytotoxic agents to combat recurrent, platinum-resistant disease while limiting systemic toxicity.

AREAS COVERED

The basic structure and function of ADCs will be reviewed as well as the current data on ADCs under investigation in ovarian cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

ADCs represent a promising class of targeted therapy in recurrent ovarian cancer with excellent response rates particularly when utilized as combination therapy. While mirvetuximab soravtansine is the only ADC that has been evaluated in a phase 3 trial, many other ADCs and trials are on the horizon. As the field of targeted therapy continues to evolve, continued development of target antigens and ADCs are likely to represent a key development in treatment of recurrent, platinum-resistant disease.

Tamrintamab pamozirine (SC-003) in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer: Findings of a phase 1 study

OBJECTIVE

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is diagnosed at advanced stage in the majority of women and, despite being initially chemosensitive, eventually recurs and develops resistance to known therapies. SC-003 is a pyrrolobenzodiazepine-based antibody-drug conjugate targeting dipeptidase 3 (DPEP3), a membrane-bound dipeptidase associated with tumor-initiating cells in patient-derived EOC xenograft models. This first-in-human phase 1a/1b study evaluated the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of SC-003 alone or in combination with budigalimab (formerly ABBV-181), an antibody targeting PD-1, in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory EOC (NCT02539719).

METHODS

Patients received SC-003 at 1 of 6 dose levels (0.025-0.4 mg/kg) every 3 weeks (Q3W), utilizing a standard 3 + 3 design (dose-limiting toxicity [DLT] period: 21 days). Patients with DPEP3-positive tumors were enrolled in the dose-expansion phase of the study and treated with SC-003 monotherapy or in combination with budigalimab.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients (n = 29, dose escalation; n = 45, dose expansion; n = 3 budigalimab combination) were enrolled and received ≥1 dose of study drug. One DLT occurred (grade 3 ileus) but was considered unrelated to study drug. The MTD for the Q3W schedule was 0.3 mg/kg and the SC-003 doses selected for the dose-expansion phase of the study were 0.3 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, pleural effusion, abdominal pain, and peripheral edema. The overall response rate was low (4%), and responses were not durable. Post-hoc examination of antitumor activity suggested a higher response rate in patients with higher DPEP3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

SC-003 lacked the requisite safety profile and antitumor activity to warrant further development.

Characterization of patients (pts) with long-term responses to rucaparib in recurrent ovarian cancer (OC)

6015

Background: Pts who derive durable benefit from PARP inhibitor treatment may provide insights into improving outcomes. Here we describe long-term responders from Study 10 (NCT01482715) and ARIEL2 (NCT01891344), studies of the PARP inhibitor rucaparib for the treatment of high-grade recurrent OC. Methods: This analysis included pts enrolled in Study 10 (Part 2A: BRCA1 or BRCA2 [ BRCA]-mutant OC, platinum sensitive, 2–4 prior chemotherapies; Part 2B: any platinum status, 3–4 prior chemotherapies) and ARIEL2 (Part 1: BRCA-mutant or wild-type OC, platinum sensitive; Part 2: any platinum status, 3–4 prior chemotherapies). Final results from Study 10 (n = 54) and ARIEL2 (n = 491) were pooled. Long-term responders were defined as pts with duration of response (DOR) > 1 y, and short-term responders as pts with DOR ≤ 20 weeks; responses were evaluated using RECIST. Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to detect deleterious mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in tumors. BRCA1 methylation was quantified by digital droplet PCR. Results: Overall, 25% (138/545) of enrolled pts were responders. Of these, 29% (40/138) had long-term responses, including 16/138 (12%) with DOR > 2 y; 21% (29/138) were short-term responders. Both groups received a median of 3 prior anticancer therapies. Among patients with BRCA mutations, BRCA homozygous deletion or rearrangement was detected in 15% (4/27) of long-term responders vs 0% (0/15) of short-term responders. In an expanded analysis of the 95 pts with BRCA mutations and confirmed response, pts with BRCA homozygous deletion or rearrangement had significantly longer DOR than pts with other mutation types (median 3.5 vs 0.6 y; HR = 0.30; p = 0.024). There was no apparent difference in BRCA gene or mutation location for long- vs short-term responders. Ten of the 13 long-term responders with BRCA wild-type OC had high genome-wide LOH (≥16% LOH), a genomic scar indicative of homologous recombination deficiency, including OC associated with BRCA1 hypermethylation (n = 2) and RAD51C/D mutations (n = 2). Conclusions: Long-term responders to rucaparib include OC with BRCA mutation, particularly homozygous deletion or rearrangements, which would not be susceptible to somatic reversion mutations, as well as BRCA1 hypermethylation, and RAD51C/D mutations. Clinical trial information: NCT01482715; NCT01891344.

Mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with bevacizumab in patients (pts) with platinum-agnostic ovarian cancer

6004

Background: Mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV) is an ADC comprising a FRα-binding antibody, cleavable linker, and the maytansinoid DM4, a potent tubulin-targeting agent. As part of the Phase 1b FORWARD II trial (NCT02606305), the combination of MIRV with bevacizumab (BEV) was evaluated in pts with FRα-positive (medium/high expression; ≥ 50%/ ≥75% of cells with PS2+ staining intensity), platinum agnostic ovarian cancer, defined as pts with either platinum resistant (PR) (recurrence within 6 months after last platinum dose) or platinum sensitive (PS) responded to the last platinum therapy received before study entry and did not progress within 6 months) disease for whom a non-platinum based doublet would be appropriate. Methods: Pts received MIRV (6 mg/kg; adjusted ideal body weight) and BEV (15 mg/kg) on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Responses were assessed by investigator according to RECIST 1.1 and adverse events (AEs) evaluated by CTCAE v4.03. Results: In total, 60 pts received the combination, with a median age of 60 years, and a median of 2 prior lines of systemic therapy (range 1-4). Platinum status was determined for 56 pts, with 30 (50%) considered PR and 26 (43%) considered PS; platinum status data were incomplete for 4 pts. The most common treatment related AEs (percent all grade/grade 3+) were diarrhea (65/2), blurred vision (62/3), nausea (55/0), and fatigue (55/5). The most common treatment related grade 3+ AEs were hypertension and neutropenia, (10% each); all other grade 3+ events occurred in ≤ 5% of pts. Serious AEs regardless of relationship to study drug were infrequent, with the most common events being small intestinal obstruction in 3 pts, 5% (grade 3) and pneumonitis in 3 pts, 5% (2 grade 1; 1 grade 2). Objective responses were seen in 26 pts for a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 43% (95% CI, 31, 57). In a subset analysis of pts with high FRα expressing tumors (n = 33), the confirmed ORR was 61% (95% CI, 42, 77), with an ORR of at least 50% in each of the PR and PS subsets. With a median follow-up of 5.5 months, the duration of response and progression free survival data are immature. Conclusions: The combination of MIRV with BEV demonstrates an encouraging ORR with a favorable tolerability profile in pts with recurrent ovarian cancer regardless of platinum sensitivity, particularly in those with tumors that express high levels of FRα. Clinical trial information: NCT02606305.

Niraparib exposure-response relationship in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer (AOC)

6051

Background: Niraparib improves progression-free survival (PFS) in pts with newly diagnosed AOC after complete or partial response to first-line, platinum-based chemotherapy. In the PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 (PRIMA) trial, pts were treated with a fixed starting dose (FSD) of 300 mg QD until a protocol amendment introduced the individualized starting dose (ISD) regimen: 200 mg QD for pts with baseline bodyweight (BW) < 77 kg and/or platelet count (PC) < 150,000/µL, or 300 mg QD for pts with baseline BW ≥77 kg and PC ≥150,000/µL. Here, we developed a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model for niraparib and evaluated exposure-response relationships for pts receiving niraparib using safety and efficacy data from PRIMA. Methods: The PopPK model for niraparib was developed based on 7418 plasma samples from 1442 pts from 4 studies: PN001, NOVA, QUADRA, and PRIMA. PRIMA PK samples were collected on cycle 1, day 1 (C1D1), C2D1 pre-dose and 2 h post-dose, C4D1, and C8D1 pre-dose (or EOT if patient discontinued before C8D1). The relationship between PopPK model-based prospective exposure (average concentration [ Cave] until progression/death) and efficacy (PFS) were evaluated in pts receiving niraparib in both the homologous-recombination deficient (HRd) and overall population. The relationship between model-predicted exposure metrics and incidence of clinically relevant adverse events (AEs) was analyzed using univariate logistic regression in pts receiving niraparib. Results: Of 484 pts receiving niraparib in PRIMA, 480 had PK data and were included in the efficacy and safety analysis. The safety exposure-response showed significant associations ( p≤0.0128) between increasing niraparib exposure and increasing probability of experiencing any-grade and grade ≥3 AEs, except grade ≥3 hypertension. The incidence of AEs, including thrombocytopenia, was lower in pts who received a 200-mg ISD. Efficacy was not compromised in these pts. Conclusions: Niraparib exposure was associated with increased risk of select AEs. However, the ISD regimen decreased AE risk without compromising efficacy. Clinical trial information: NCT02655016.

Evaluation of an individualized starting-dose of niraparib in the PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 study

6050

Background: Niraparib is approved at a fixed starting dose (FSD) of 300 mg QD for maintenance treatment of patients (pts) with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) achieving a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy based in the ENGOT-OV16/NOVA study. A post-hoc analysis of NOVA showed baseline bodyweight (BW) and platelet count (PC) were predictive for hematologic toxicities and dose reductions. Following this analysis, the PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 study was amended to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an individualized starting dose (ISD) regimen. Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study randomized 733 pts with newly diagnosed advanced OC with a complete or partial response to first-line (1L) platinum-based chemotherapy. The protocol was amended to change the dose from 300 mg FSD for all patients to an ISD regimen: 200 mg QD in pts with BW <77 kg and/or PC <150,000/µL or 300 mg QD in pts with BW ≥77 kg and PC ≥150,000/µL. Exposure, efficacy, and safety data were compared between patients treated with FSD vs ISD. Results: Efficacy in the ISD subgroup was comparable to the FSD subgroup relative to placebo (Table). An interaction test showed no treatment difference between ISD and FSD at the pre-specified 0.10 significance level ( p=0.30). Medians for dose intensity and relative dose intensity in pts who received niraparib were similar. The overall safety profile among pts in the niraparib arm (n=484), including grade ≥3 hematologic toxicities, improved with the ISD. Conclusions: The ISD in the 1L maintenance setting provides comparable efficacy to the FSD while reducing the risk of hematologic toxicities. No new safety signals were identified. Clinical trial information: NCT02655016. [Table: see text]

Phase Ib/II trial of tisotumab vedotin (TV) ± bevacizumab (BEV), pembrolizumab (PEM), or carboplatin (CBP) in recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (innovaTV 205/ENGOT-cx8/GOG-3024)

TPS6095

Background: Patients (pts) with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer (r/mCC) receive paclitaxel/platinum or paclitaxel/topotecan ± BEV as first-line standard-of-care therapy. Tissue factor (TF) expression has been associated with poor prognosis in solid tumors, and TF is highly expressed in r/mCC. TV is an investigational antibody-drug conjugate composed of a fully human, TF-directed monoclonal antibody covalently attached to the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease-cleavable linker. Upon internalization, MMAE is released resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. In pts with previously treated r/mCC, TV monotherapy (IV 2.0 mg/kg Q3W) demonstrated a manageable safety profile and encouraging antitumor activity (investigator-assessed confirmed ORR, 24%; median DOR, 4.2 mo) [Hong DS et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2019. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-19-2962]. The preliminary safety and efficacy data for TV monotherapy suggest a positive benefit/risk profile and warrant further investigation of TV in combination with therapies commonly administered to pts with r/mCC. The global, open-label, phase Ib/II trial innovaTV 205/ENGOT-cx8/GOG-3024 (NCT03786081) evaluates the safety and antitumor activity of TV monotherapy and TV in combination with BEV, PEM, or CBP in pts with untreated or previously treated r/mCC. This abstract presents the new TV monotherapy weekly dosing schedule. Results from this study will inform the further clinical development of TV in the treatment of r/mCC. Methods: Approximately 170 adult pts with recurrent or stage IVB squamous, adenosquamous, or adenocarcinoma of the cervix; measurable disease; and ECOG PS 0-1 will be enrolled. The phase I part of the study will consist of 3 dose-escalation arms for identification of the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of TV administered Q3W with BEV, PEM, or CBP. In this part, previously treated pts will receive escalating doses of TV (IV Q3W) in combination with escalating doses of BEV (IV Q3W), a fixed dose of PEM (IV Q3W), or a fixed dose of CBP (IV Q3W). The phase II part will include 4 expansion arms. In this phase, pts who have not received prior systemic therapy for r/mCC will receive 1) TV RP2D + PEM or 2) TV RP2D + CBP; pts who received 1-2 prior treatments for r/mCC will receive 3) TV RP2D + PEM or 4) TV monotherapy with weekly dosing (IV 3Q4W). The primary endpoint of phase II is ORR by RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include DOR, time to response, PFS, OS, and safety. Clinical trial information: NCT03786081.

Rucaparib for patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian carcinoma (ARIEL3): post-progression outcomes and updated safety results from a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

In ARIEL3, rucaparib maintenance treatment significantly improved progression-free survival versus placebo. Here, we report prespecified, investigator-assessed, exploratory post-progression endpoints and updated safety data.

METHODS

In this ongoing (enrolment complete) randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, patients aged 18 years or older who had platinum-sensitive, high-grade serous or endometrioid ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 who had received at least two previous platinum-based chemotherapy regimens and responded to their last platinum-based regimen were randomly assigned (2:1) to oral rucaparib (600 mg twice daily) or placebo in 28-day cycles using a computer-generated sequence (block size of six with stratification based on homologous recombination repair gene mutation status, progression-free interval following penultimate platinum-based regimen, and best response to most recent platinum-based regimen). Patients, investigators, site staff, assessors, and the funder were masked to assignments. The primary endpoint of investigator-assessed progression-free survival has been previously reported. Prespecified, exploratory outcomes of chemotherapy-free interval (CFI), time to start of first subsequent therapy (TFST), time to disease progression on subsequent therapy or death (PFS2), and time to start of second subsequent therapy (TSST) and updated safety were analysed (visit cutoff Dec 31, 2017). Efficacy analyses were done in all patients randomised to three nested cohorts: patients with BRCA mutations, patients with homologous recombination deficiencies, and the intention-to-treat population. Safety analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01968213.

FINDINGS

Between April 7, 2014, and July 19, 2016, 564 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to rucaparib (n=375) or placebo (n=189). Median follow-up was 28·1 months (IQR 22·0-33·6). In the intention-to-treat population, median CFI was 14·3 months (95% CI 13·0-17·4) in the rucaparib group versus 8·8 months (8·0-10·3) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·43 [95% CI 0·35-0·53]; p<0·0001), median TFST was 12·4 months (11·1-15·2) versus 7·2 months (6·4-8·6; HR 0·43 [0·35-0·52]; p<0·0001), median PFS2 was 21·0 months (18·9-23·6) versus 16·5 months (15·2-18·4; HR 0·66 [0·53-0·82]; p=0·0002), and median TSST was 22·4 months (19·1-24·5) versus 17·3 months (14·9-19·4; HR 0·68 [0·54-0·85]; p=0·0007). CFI, TFST, PFS2, and TSST were also significantly longer with rucaparib than placebo in the BRCA-mutant and homologous recombination-deficient cohorts. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse event of grade 3 or higher was anaemia or decreased haemoglobin (80 [22%] patients in the rucaparib group vs one [1%] patient in the placebo group). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 83 (22%) patients in the rucaparib group and 20 (11%) patients in the placebo group. Two treatment-related deaths have been previously reported in this trial; there were no new treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

In these exploratory analyses over a median follow-up of more than 2 years, rucaparib maintenance treatment led to a clinically meaningful delay in starting subsequent therapy and provided lasting clinical benefits versus placebo in all three analysis cohorts. Updated safety data were consistent with previous reports.

FUNDING

Clovis Oncology.

COVID-19 and ovarian cancer: Exploring alternatives to intravenous (IV) therapies

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The pandemic COVID-19 requires alternative methods and thinking to keep healthcare professionals and patients safe.

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In COVID-19 hot spots, oral therapies may be viable alternatives to intravenous therapies for treatment of ovarian cancer.

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Minimizing patient visits to hospitals and cancer clinics may help mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Predictive Blood-Based Biomarkers in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Treated with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel with or without Bevacizumab: Results from GOG-0218

PURPOSE

GOG-0218, a double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial, compared carboplatin and paclitaxel with placebo, bevacizumab followed by placebo, or bevacizumab followed by bevacizumab in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Results demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS), but no overall survival (OS) benefit with bevacizumab. Blood samples were collected for biomarker analyses.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Plasma samples were analyzed via multiplex ELISA technology for seven prespecified biomarkers [IL6, Ang-2, osteopontin (OPN), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), VEGF-D, IL6 receptor (IL6R), and GP130]. The predictive value of each biomarker with respect to PFS and OS was assessed using a protein marker by treatment interaction term within the framework of a Cox proportional hazards model. Prognostic markers were identified using Cox models adjusted for baseline covariates.

RESULTS

Baseline samples were available from 751 patients. According to our prespecified analysis plan, IL6 was predictive of a therapeutic advantage with bevacizumab for PFS (P = 0.007) and OS (P = 0.003). IL6 and OPN were found to be negative prognostic markers for both PFS and OS (P < 0.001). Patients with high median IL6 levels (dichotomized at the median) treated with bevacizumab had longer PFS (14.2 vs. 8.7 months) and OS (39.6 vs. 33.1 months) compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

The inflammatory cytokine IL6 may be predictive of therapeutic benefit from bevacizumab when combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Aligning with results observed in patients with renal cancer treated with antiangiogenic therapies, it appears plasma IL6 may also define those patients with EOC more or less likely to benefit from the addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy.