Associations between mutations and histologic patterns of mucin in lung adenocarcinoma: invasive mucinous pattern and extracellular mucin are associated with KRAS mutation

Multiple reports indicate that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are associated with lepidic-pattern lung adenocarcinoma and that KRAS mutations are associated with invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. We sought to investigate the association between EGFR and KRAS mutations and specific morphologic characteristics, such as predominant histologic subtype and mucinous features. Clinical data for 864 patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma that underwent molecular testing for EGFR and KRAS mutations were collected. Histologic subtyping was performed according to the IASLC/ATS/ERS lung adenocarcinoma classification, with attention given to signet-ring cell feature and extracellular mucin. EGFR mutations were detected using a polymerase chain reaction-based sizing assay, KRAS mutations were detected using Sanger sequencing, and ALK expression was detected using immunohistochemistry. Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma was associated with KRAS mutation (P<0.001). Among invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas with KRAS mutation, a pure mucinous pattern was more common than a mixed mucinous/nonmucinous pattern (P=0.002). Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma was associated with KRAS transition mutations (G→A) but not transversion mutations (G→T or G→C) compared with nonmucinous tumors (P=0.009). The lepidic-predominant group was associated with EGFR mutation compared with nonlepidic-predominant tumors (P=0.011). Extracellular mucin was associated with KRAS mutation (P<0.001), whereas signet-ring cell feature was not associated with EGFR or KRAS mutation (P=0.517). ALK expression was associated with signet-ring cell feature (P=0.001) but not with extracellular mucin (P=0.089). Our study shows that histologic patterns of mucin in lung adenocarcinoma-including invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma and extracellular mucin-are associated with KRAS mutation.

Phase II study of the GI-4000 KRAS vaccine after curative therapy in patients with stage I-III lung adenocarcinoma harboring a KRAS G12C, G12D, or G12V mutation

INTRODUCTION

Patients with early-stage lung cancer have a high risk of recurrence despite multimodality therapy. KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinomas are the largest genetically defined subgroup, representing 25% of patients. GI-4000 is a heat-killed recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-derived vaccine expressing mutant KRAS proteins. The present phase II study assessed the feasibility, immunogenicity, and safety of the GI-4000 vaccine in patients with early-stage, KRAS-mutant lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with stage I-III KRAS-mutant lung cancer who completed curative therapy were enrolled. The patients received the genotype matched GI-4000 vaccine for ≤ 3 years or until intolerance, disease recurrence, or death. The KRAS antigen T-cell response was assessed using the interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study was powered to detect an immune response in ≥ 25% of patients.

RESULTS

A total of 24 patients were enrolled over 28 months. No vaccine-related serious adverse events occurred. One patient withdrew consent because of pain at the injection site. The study met its primary endpoint, with 50% of patients developing an immune response to mutant KRAS. The median number of vaccinations received was 15 (range, 1-19). Ten patients experienced disease recurrence, and 6 died. Compared with the genotypically matched historical controls, the recurrence rates were equivalent but overall survival showed a favorable trend.

CONCLUSION

GI-4000 was well tolerated and immunogenic when used as consolidation therapy in patients with stage I-III KRAS-mutant lung cancer. The patterns of recurrence and death observed in the present study can be used to design a randomized study of GI-4000 with overall survival as the primary endpoint.

High-risk features in radiation-associated breast angiosarcomas

BACKGROUND

Radiation-associated breast angiosarcoma (RT-AS) is an uncommon malignancy with an incidence of less than 1 % of all soft tissue sarcomas. The overall prognosis is quite dismal with high rates of recurrences and poor overall survival. There is an obvious paucity of data regarding clinical outcomes of patients with breast RT-AS.

METHODS

We identified all patients with RT-AS treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1982-2011 and collected their correlative clinical information.

RESULTS

We identified 79 women with RT-AS with a median age of 68 (range 36-87). The median interval between radiation and development of RT-AS was 7 years (range 3-19). The median time to local and distant recurrence was 1.29 years (95 % CI 0.72-NA) and 2.48 years (95 % CI 1.29-NA), respectively. The median disease-specific survival was 2.97 years (95 % CI 2.21-NA). Independent predictors of worse disease-specific survival included age 68 years (HR 3.11, 95 % CI 1.20-8.08, P=0.020) and deep tumors (HR 3.23, 95 % CI 1.02-10.21, P=0.046.)

CONCLUSION

RT-AS has high local/distant recurrence rates, limited duration on standard chemotherapy and poor disease-specific survival.

Phase II trial of the CDK4 inhibitor PD0332991 in patients with advanced CDK4-amplified well-differentiated or dedifferentiated liposarcoma

PURPOSE

CDK4 is amplified in > 90% of well-differentiated (WDLS) and dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDLS). The selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)/CDK6 inhibitor PD0332991 inhibits growth and induces senescence in cell lines and xenografts. In a phase I trial of PD0332991, several patients with WDLS or DDLS experienced prolonged stable disease. We performed an open-label phase II study to determine the safety and efficacy of PD0332991 in patients with advanced WDLS/DDLS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients age ≥ 18 years experiencing disease progression while receiving systemic therapy before enrollment received PD0332991 200 mg orally once per day for 14 consecutive days in 21-day cycles. All were required to have CDK4 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization and retinoblastoma protein (RB) expression by immunohistochemistry (≥ 1+). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) at 12 weeks, with 12-week PFS of ≥ 40% considered promising and ≤ 20% not promising. If ≥ nine of 28 patients were progression free at 12 weeks, PD0332991 would be considered active.

RESULTS

We screened 48 patients (44 of 48 had CDK4 amplification; 41 of 44 were RB positive). Of those, 30 were enrolled, and 29 were evaluable for the primary end point. Grade 3 to 4 events included anemia (17%), thrombocytopenia (30%), neutropenia (50%), and febrile neutropenia (3%). At 12 weeks, PFS was 66% (90% CI, 51% to 100%), significantly exceeding the primary end point. The median PFS was 18 weeks. There was one partial response.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with the CDK4 inhibitor PD0332991 was associated with a favorable progression-free rate in patients with CDK4-amplified and RB-expressing WDLS/DDLS who had progressive disease despite systemic therapy.

Ipilimumab for patients with advanced mucosal melanoma

The outcome of patients with mucosal melanoma treated with ipilimumab is not defined. To assess the efficacy and safety of ipilimumab in this melanoma subset, we performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of 33 patients with unresectable or metastatic mucosal melanoma treated with ipilimumab. The clinical characteristics, treatments, toxicities, radiographic assessment of disease burden by central radiology review at each site, and mutational profiles of the patients' tumors were recorded. Available peripheral blood samples were used to assess humoral immunity against a panel of cancer-testis antigens and other antigens. By the immune-related response criteria of the 30 patients who underwent radiographic assessment after ipilimumab at approximately week 12, there were 1 immune-related complete response, 1 immune-related partial response, 6 immune-related stable disease, and 22 immune-related progressive disease. By the modified World Health Organization criteria, there were 1 immune-related complete response, 1 immune-related partial response, 5 immune-related stable disease, and 23 immune-related progressive disease. Immune-related adverse events (as graded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0) consisted of six patients with rash (four grade 1, two grade 2), three patients with diarrhea (one grade 1, two grade 3), one patient with grade 1 thyroiditis, one patient with grade 3 hepatitis, and 1 patient with grade 2 hypophysitis. The median overall survival from the time of the first dose of ipilimumab was 6.4 months (range: 1.8-26.7 months). Several patients demonstrated serologic responses to cancer-testis antigens and other antigens. Durable responses to ipilimumab were observed, but the overall response rate was low. Additional investigation is necessary to clarify the role of ipilimumab in patients with mucosal melanoma.

A phase Ib/II study of imatinab and everolimus in patients with PDGFRA+ synovial sarcoma

10558

Background: Our group previously reported that PDGFRA is the most highly overexpressed kinase gene in synovial sarcoma. Our preclinical studies also demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor activity by inhibiting both PDGFRA and mTOR signaling with imatinib and rapamycin respectively in PDGFRA + synovial sarcoma cell lines. Based on these data, a phase Ib/II study to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of imatinib and everolimus was undertaken. Methods: The primary endpoint of the phase 1b portion of the study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of everolimus administered with imatinib. Starting dose of everolimus and imatinib was 5 mg/day and 400 mg/day respectively. Response rate (RR) by RECIST was the primary end-point of the Phase II study. The phase II study used a Simon two stage design. 9 patients (pts) were to be accrued initially. If there were no responses, further accrual would be stopped and treatment declared ineffective. If there was at least 1 response, an additional 15 pts would be accrued for a total of 24. Key eligibility: metastatic disease, any number of priors. Pre and post treatment tumor biopsies were mandated. Results: 12 pts were treated.5 M and 7 F, median age 44 (range: 22-71), median priors 4 (range: 0 - 6). Two DLTs were observed at dose level 2 (10 mg everolimus /400 mg imatinib) with grade 3 transaminases and hypophosphatemia. Everolimus 5 mg/ imatinib 400 mg was the MTD in the phase II study. 10 pts evaluable for response, included 4 pts treated at the MTD in the Phase 1b study. There were no RECIST responses. Stable disease was observed in 3 pts (7, 7, 19 mos.). Western blot and IHC analysis of matched pair tumor biopsies indicate inhibition of p-AKT, p-S6 and decreases in Ki 67. Conclusions: Imatinib and everolimus failed to achieve its primary response endpoint. However, prolonged stable disease in 3 pts in association with inhibition of PDGFRA and mTOR suggest clinical benefit and biological effect for this drug combination. Clinical trial information: CTEP 8603.

Alliance A091103: Multicenter phase II study of the angiopoietin-1 and -2 peptibody trebananib for the treatment of angiosarcoma

TPS10592

Background: Angiosarcomas (ASs) are rare, aggressive, malignant endothelial cell tumors that constitute 1% to 2% of all soft tissue sarcomas with 5-year survival of 35%. Cytotoxic agents have demonstrated response rates of about 15%. Gene-array data from MSKCC has revealed up-regulation of endothelial associated genes, including active members of the angiopoietin system e.g., Tie2 and Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Trebananib (AMG386) is a novel agent that targets Ang1 and Ang2. We hypothesize that inhibition of angiopoietin 2 with trebananib will be an effective therapy in patients (pts) with AS. Methods: This CTEP sponsored, investigator initiated, multi-center phase II study uses trebananib, in pts with AS having metastatic/unresectable AS and conducted through the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance A091103). Pts must have adequate performance status, organ function, and measurable disease (RECIST v1.1). Patients are treated with trebananib 30mg/kg d1, 8, 15, and 22 every 28 days until either progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint is objective overall response rate (ORR) via RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Translational objectives include correlation of ORR, PFS and OS with i. baseline and post-treatment expression of Ang2 and Tie2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), ii. serum levels of Ang1 and Ang2, iii. baseline and post-treatment phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase (p-RTK) status of Tie2, VEGFR-2, PI3K, MEK and MAPK, and iv. mutational status of VEGFR-2 and amplification of MYC/FLT4. A Simon Optimal two-stage phase II study design is used and one confirmed response in the first 12 pts expands enrollment to 25. Pre- and post-treatment biopsies will be performed in up to 10 pts treated at MSKCC. Enrollment began in July 2012. As of January 2013, 7 pts have been recruited. Clinicaltrials.gov#: NCT01623869. Funded by the Alliance Clinical Trials in Oncology. NIH Grant CA-25224. Clinical trial information: NCT01623869.

Vemurafenib (VEM) in patients (pts) with BRAF-mutant melanoma and brain metastases (mets)

9060

Background: Emerging data suggest that RAF inhibitors are an effective therapy for pts with BRAF-mutant melanoma and brain mets. Although reported efficacy is encouraging, these data are derived from case reports or early stage trials enriched with physiologically fit pts. It is therefore of interest to assess the “real world” experience of VEM in this population. Methods: Records of all BRAF-mutant melanoma pts treated with RAF inhibitors at our center from 2007 to 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. We determined the best overall response rate (BORR) and, when applicable, the overrall intracranial response rate (OIRR) by RECIST v1.1, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) to RAF inhibition. Pretreatment formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor was assessed using an exon capture assay able to sequence coding exons of 279 cancer-associated genes. Results: 21 (18%) of 119 pts with BRAF-mutant melanoma treated with VEM had active brain mets (age range: 25-86, sex: 52% men, median ECOG PS: 1, proportion with extracranial mets: 90%, BRAF mutation: 86% V600E and 14% V600K). 10/21 pts had no prior intracranial (IC) therapy; 11/21 pts received whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT, 7/21), stereotactic radiosurgery (1/21), metastasectomy (2/21) or multimodality therapy (1/21) prior to VEM. 12/21 pts received ipilimumab sometime during their disease course. For radiographically evaluable pts (N=17), the BORR was 65% (95% CI: 43-88) and the OIRR was 40% (95% CI: 15-65). For 4 pts, the BORR and OIRR were discordant−3 pts had IC progression but visceral tumor shrinkage, 1 pt had IC disease control but visceral progression. VEM was effective in pts whether or not they had received prior local brain therapy. The estimated median PFS and OS for all brain mets pts (N=21) were 4 and 8 months, respectively. Pretreatment tumor is available for exon sequencing in approximately half of these patients. This analysis is ongoing. Conclusions: In routine clinical practice, the OIRR to VEM was 40% which is higher than historical response rates to WBRT. VEM may be preferable to WBRT as a first-line therapy for pts with BRAF-mutant melanoma and brain mets. Whether RAF inhibitor treatment improves OS in this population will require further study.

A phase III open-label study of nivolumab (anti-PD-1; BMS-936558; ONO-4538) versus investigator’s choice in advanced melanoma patients progressing post anti-CTLA-4 therapy

TPS9105^

Background: Despite the recent approval of ipilimumab and vemurafenib for advanced melanoma, there is still a large unmet need for patients (pts) who have progressed on anti-CTLA-4 therapy and a BRAF inhibitor (depending on BRAF status). Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is a co-stimulation inhibitory receptor that negatively regulates T-cell activation and is upregulated in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Upregulation of PD-1 is also associated with advanced disease in melanoma. Nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 receptor blocking monoclonal antibody, demonstrated durable antitumor activity in a phase 1 study in 106 pts with advanced melanoma with objective responses (OR) observed in 31% and stable disease ≥24 weeks in 6% with a manageable safety profile (Topalian SL et al; ESMO 2012 [Abstr 453P]). Here we describe a phase III study designed to compare the clinical benefit of nivolumab to chemotherapy of investigator’s choice in previously treated pts with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Methods: In this two arm open-label study, approximately 390 pts will be randomized 2:1 to receive either nivolumab 3 mg/kg IV every two weeks (Arm A) or either dacarbazine 1000 mg/m2 IV or carboplatin AUC6/paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 IV every 3 weeks (Arm B) until disease progression or treatment discontinuation. Pts included are those with ≤2 regimens for advanced melanoma who have progressed on anti-CTLA-4 therapy as well as a BRAF inhibitor if BRAF V600-mutation positive. Pts without active brain metastases are eligible. All pts require baseline fresh biopsy to determine PD-L1 expression. Pts will be stratified by tumor PD-L1 expression, BRAF status, and prior anti-CTLA-4 best response. Tumor response per RECIST 1.1 will be assessed 9 weeks following randomization and every 6 weeks thereafter for the first year. After the first year, response will be assessed every 12 weeks until disease progression or treatment discontinuation. The co-primary endpoints are overall survival (OS) and OR rate. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, correlation of PD-L1 expression with clinical outcome, and health-related quality of life. Clinical trial information: NCT01721746.

Phase II trial of the CDK4 inhibitor PD0332991 in patients with advanced CDK4-amplified liposarcoma

10512

Background: Approximately 90% of well-differentiated / de-differentiated liposarcomas (WD/DDLS) have CDK4 amplification. The selective CDK4/CDK6 inhibitor PD0332991 inhibits growth and induces senescence in liposarcoma cell lines and xenografts. Our prior phase II study demonstrated that treatment with PD0332991 (200mg daily x 14d every 21d) results in clinical benefit in WD/DDLS but moderate hematologic toxicity (48% Grade 3/4 neutropenia; dose reduction in 24%). Aiming to reduce toxicity, we conducted a phase II study to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity with PD0332991 at a new dose and schedule, 125mg daily x 21d every 28d. Methods: Participants were patients with advanced WD/DDLS. Eligibility criteria were age ≥ 18 years, measurable WD/DDLS (RECIST 1.1), documented progression on at least one systemic therapy directly before enrollment, CDK4 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization and retinoblastoma protein expression by immunohistochemistry (≥1+). Pts received oral PD0332991 at 125mg daily for 21 days in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was PFS at 12 weeks. Based on historical data, a promising result was defined as a 12-week PFS of ≥40% and not promising as ≤20%. The sample size was up to 28 evaluable patients. If 9 patients were progression free at 12 weeks, then PD0332991 would be considered to have activity in WD/DDLS. Results: 29 pts were enrolled and 25 were evaluable for the primary endpoint. Median age was 62 (range 42-85); 55% were male; median ECOG score was 0 (range 0-1). PFS at 12 weeks was 56% (14/25 patients; 90% CI 41-100%), and thus the study significantly exceeded its primary endpoint. Median PFS was 23.6 weeks (95% CI: 11.6 to Not Reached). There was 1 confirmed partial response lasting > 1 year. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events included anemia (grade 3, 21%), thrombocytopenia (grade 3, 7%; grade 4, 3%), and neutropenia (grade 3, 34%). Dose reduction was required in only 1 patient. Conclusions: In patients with WD/DDLS with CDK4 amplification, PD0332991 treatment was associated with a favorable PFS and objective tumor response. This dose and schedule appears active and may have less toxicity than 200mg x 14d. The 125mg x 21d schedule warrants evaluation in a phase 3 study. Clinical trial information: NCT01209598.

Poor prognostic features in angiosarcoma: A single institution retrospective study of 324 patients

10580

Background: Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare, malignant endothelial cell tumor of vascular origin with a five year overall survival (OS) of approximately 35%. It is a heterogenous disease whose natural history is poorly defined. We sought to identify clinical and treatment outcomes to better define this disease. Methods: In a retrospective study using an institutional sarcoma database, we identified all patients(pts) with AS treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1992-2011 and collected their correlative clinical information.Kaplan-Meier method and Cox’s proportional-hazard models were used to determine OS and prognostic factors. Hazard ratios (HR) are listed with their 95%confidence intervals (CI). Results: We identified 324 pts, median age was 63 (range 15-94), 127(39%) were men. At presentation, 188 (58%), 19 (6%) and 117(36%) had localized disease (L), local recurrences (LR) or distant metastases (M), respectively. L sites included: RT breast 43 (23%,) head&neck 33 (18%,) scalp 30 (16%,) breast 26 (14%,) extremity 23 (12%,) abdomen/pelvis 14 (7%,) thorax 10 (5%) and trunk 9 (5%). The median OS is 3.3 years (2.44-4.33) for pts w L disease and 0.89 years (0.74-1.11) for pts with M disease. Among pts that presented with L disease, 29% had a LR and the median local relapse free survival (RFS) time was not reached (8.71-NA); 31% had distant recurrences with a median distant RFS of 12.8 yrs (4.13-NA.) Among L disease patients, older age (HR 1.04, 1.03-1.06, p <0.0001) and site were independent predictors of decreased OS. Visceral tumors arising in the abdominal/pelvis (AP) (HR 2.89, 1.27-6.61, p = 0.012) had worse OS compared to those arising the breast. Conclusions: AS remains an aggressive, heterogenous malignancy with poor OS and high rates of local and distant recurrences. Patients with M disease do poorly. Adverse prognostic factors include AP visceral tumors and older age. These factors could be helpful for stratification in future clinical trials. The identification of genomic differences is necessary to define therapeutic targets in AS.

Pharmacodynamic activity of selumetinib to predict radiographic response in advanced uveal melanoma

8598

Background: Functionally activating mutations (mut) in Gnaq or Gna11, genes that encode for widely expressed G-protein alpha subunits, are early oncogenic events in uveal melanoma (UM) development and result in activation of the MAPK pathway. We previously demonstrated effective pathway inhibition with selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142866) in UM cell lines, with decreased viability associated with pERK and cyclinD1 suppression (Ambrosini, AACR 2010). Methods: Using paired metastatic tumor biopsies from patients (pts) with radiographically progressing UM treated with selumetinib 75 mg BID on a phase II trial (NCT01143402), we correlated MAPK pathway inhibition with radiographic tumor regression and clinical benefit. Biopsies were performed at baseline and after 14 +/-1 days of treatment. Western blotting was performed for pERK and cyclinD1, and quantitated by densitometry. Response (RECIST 1.1) was assessed at baseline, week (wk) 4, wk 8, and q8wks subsequently. Radiographic regression was defined as greatest percentage shrinkage from baseline. Clinical benefit was defined as RECIST response or stable disease ≥16wks. Results: Paired tumor biopsies were assayed from 18 pts: median age 60 (range 47-81), M:F 11:7, median 1 prior therapy (range 0-2), 17 with liver involvement, Gnaq mut:Gna11 mut:wild-type 8:9:1. Radiographic regression was observed in 5 pts, with 2 achieving partial responses. 4 pts were on study ≥16wks (16+, 20, 25, 31 wks), with one currently on study at 11+ wks. Median pERK and cyclinD1 as measured by densitometry decreased by 48% (p=.03) and 76% (p=.03), respectively. Radiographic regression correlated with suppression of pERK (Spearmen’s rank correlation; p=0.04) but not cyclinD1 (p=0.38). A trend towards pERK suppression correlating with clinical benefit was observed (p=.07) with each of the 5 pts achieving PR or SD ≥16wks having a decrease of ≥30% in pERK from baseline. Conclusions: Selumetinib can inhibit pERK and cyclinD1 in UM and can result in tumor shrinkage. Sustained inhibition of pERK inhibition at day 14 may be predictive of benefit. Further evaluation of MEK inhibition in this disease is warranted.

Activity of sorafenib in radiation-associated breast angiosarcomas harboring MYC and FLT4 amplifications

10019

Background: Angiosarcomas (ASs) are rare, aggressive vascular malignancies of endothelial cell differentiation which arise de novo or secondary to radiation therapy (RAS.) A subset of patients(pts) with AS harbor mutations in KDR (VEGFR-2) or overexpression of MYC and/or FLT4(VEGFR-3). MYC & FLT4 gene amplifications occur almost exclusively in RAS. These alterations provide a rationale for investigating agents that target angiogenesis in RAS. In a phase II trial of sorafenib, AS pts had a partial response (PR) of 14%; targeting the appropriate pt population may be essential. We hypothesize that co-amplification of MYC & FLT4 may be predictive of response to sorafenib. Methods: Using our institutional sarcoma database & data query system, we identified AS patients treated with sorafenib at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1992-2011. Molecular analysis performed on available tissue. With IRB approval, clinical information was collected. Results: We identified 10 women with RAS that received sorafenib. Average age 68 (range 51-84.) 7 pts had distant metastatic disease. Median lines of systemic therapy prior to sorafenib: 2 (range 1-4.) Sorafenib was first line in 60% of pts, administered at 400mg daily and adjusted for toxicity. Best responses included: complete response (CR) 2/9(22%), PR 1/9(11%), stable disease (SD) 5/9(56%) range 5-23m, progressive disease 1/9(11%) for a clinical benefit rate of (CR+PR+SD) 89%. Responses were seen in patients with lung metastases (n=2) and locally advanced disease (n=1) and were durable for 17, 42 and 26 months. Median duration on therapy was 15 months (range 0-42 months.) 7 pts underwent molecular analysis: co-amplification of MYC & FLT4 3 pts (30%); MYC amplification 4 pts (40%); KDR mutation 0 patients. Of the 3 responders, MYC & FLT4 co-amplification were observed in 2 patients and not evaluated in one. Conclusions: Sorafenib is active against RAS of the breast. In this small series, complete and partial responses were seen in patients with co-amplification of MYC & FLT4. This observation requires further study. Performing molecular studies on all AS pts will help define the pathophysiology of this deadly disease to guide rationale clinical trials.

Ipilimumab in the treatment of uveal melanoma: The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience

8549

Background: Ipilimumab (ipi) is an antibody that blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and improves overall survival in patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma. Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare and biologically unique disease subtype with no known effective systemic therapy. Ipi has proven efficacy in cutaneous melanoma (CM), but limited data exists regarding its activity in UM. We reviewed our single-institutional experience with ipi in advanced UM. Methods: After IRB approval, the MSKCC melanoma database was queried for patients with metastatic UM treated with ipi between 03/08-01/12. Radiographic response by RECIST and immune-related response criteria (irRC) was assessed by a single radiologist blinded to clinical outcomes. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs), survival and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) were also evaluated. Results: 20 pts were identified: the median age was 61yrs (range 46-83), 55% were male, 85% had liver metastases, 60% had elevated LDH, and pts reported a median of 1 prior therapies (range 0-5). Pts received a median of 4 doses (range 1-16) of ipi. Response rates (RR) by irRC at 12 and 24 wks are listed below. Among pts with stable disease (SD) at 12 wks, the median time to progression was 30.6 wks (range 19.6-83), with one partial response (PR) occurring after 24 wks (overall RR 10%). Responses were observed in lung, liver and peritoneal metastases. Pts with an ALC ≥ 1.0 at 7 wks had a trend toward a higher clinical benefit (CB= CR + PR + SD) than pts with ALC < 1.0 (5/12 [42%] vs 0/5 [0%]; p= .09), consistent with prior studies in CM. To date, median survival for the group is 8.6 mos (95% CI, 3.5-NR), with two ongoing PRs (3+ yrs and 24+ wks). Reported irAEs include rash/pruritis (10/20), hepatitis (1/20), colitis (1/20), pancreatitis (1/20) and uveitis (1/20). Conclusions: Ipi has potential for benefit in pts with advanced UM; RR and irAE rates are similar to those observed in pts with advanced CM. Further evaluation of ipi in the treatment of UM, including identification of potential biomarkers of CB, is warranted. [Table: see text]

Evaluation of the absolute lymphocyte count as a biomarker for melanoma patients treated with the commercially available dose of ipilimumab (3mg/kg)

8575

Background: Ipilimumab (ipi) has demonstrated an overall survival (OS) benefit in 2 phase III trials. Only ~30% of patients (pts) achieve clinical benefit, and factors that determine which pts benefit are unclear. For pts treated with 10mg/kg of ipi, we previously reported that an absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) ≥1000/μL prior to dose 3 [week (wk) 7] was associated with improved OS. Since the mean increase in ALC during ipi treatment correlates with dose, we investigated if ALC is also associated with improved OS at 3mg/kg, the currently FDA approved, commercially available dose. Methods: In an IRB-approved analysis, we evaluated landmark survival data from 137 pts treated with 3mg/kg of ipi at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. 67 pts were treated on an expanded access protocol (CA 184-045). 70 pts were treated per FDA approval (commercial ipi) with 4 standard induction doses. These 2 groups were analyzed separately because some pts in CA 184-045 received re-induction ipi. ALC was determined at first ipi dose (baseline, wk 1) and at subsequent doses (wks 4, 7, and 10). Results: Pts treated with 3mg/kg on CA 184-045 with a wk 7 (prior to dose 3) ALC ≥1000/µL had significantly improved OS compared to pts with an ALC at wk 7 <1000/μL (Median OS: not reached vs. 4.24 mos, p<0.001). This OS difference was also seen for pts treated with commercial ipi (Median OS: not reached vs. 4.44 mos, p<0.01). This difference remained significant in a multivariable model accounting for Karnofsky performance score, LDH, M-stage, and number of prior therapies for pts in the CA 184-045 group and commercial ipi group (p=0.01 and p=0.05, respectively). Baseline ALC ≥1000/µL was associated with improved OS (p=0.02) for pts in the commercial ipi group, though follow-up is limited. Conclusions: At the FDA approved dose of ipi, 3mg/kg, ALC at wk 7 remains significantly associated with improved OS. Our preliminary finding of improved OS for pts treated with commercial ipi whose pre-treatment baseline ALC ≥1000/µL deserves confirmation with longer follow-up and prospective validation. Baseline or on treatment ALC may be a marker of overall prognosis, regardless of therapy.

A first-in-human, phase Ib combination study to assess safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a hedgehog inhibitor, GDC-0449, with a Notch inhibitor, RO4929097, in patients with advanced sarcoma

10004

Background: Aberrant Hedgehog and Notch signaling is seen in sarcoma and anti-tumor activity is enhanced by inhibiting both pathways. This first in man Phase Ib study evaluated safety and efficacy of the combination of GDC-0449 (G), a smoothened inhibitor with RO4929097 (R), a gamma-secretase/notch inhibitor. Methods: The study evaluated fixed dose G (150 mg qd) for 21 days followed by G + R at either 10 mg (level 1) or 15 mg (level 2) QD. At MTD pts were evaluated with G + R (without “lead in” G) or single agent R. Pre and post treatment tumor biopsies were obtained to assess notch and hedgehog inhibition. PK was assessed for each drug. Key eligibility: advanced sarcoma, ECOG ≤ 2, age ≥ 18 and prior therapies ≤ 4. RECIST response was assessed Q6 wks. Results: 34 pts had a median age of 53 yrs (23-78), median priors 3 and various histologies [liposarcoma (7), chondrosarcoma (7), leiomyosarcoma (4), osteosarcoma (2), GIST (2) and other (12)]. No DLT was seen. Common (≥10 %) grade ≤3 toxicity was hypophosphatemia (18%). Systemic exposure (AUC0-24 and Cmax) of G was similar to established studies (not shown). AUC0-24 and Cmax of R was significantly lower (~70%) when administered with G (Table). However, measurement of unbound, free drug (Cfree) of R showed comparable levels between single agent R and G + R, but not when G was a “lead in” (Table). Target inhibition of the notch pathway (cleaved notch) and pAkt was observed in matched tumor biopsies with both arms. Durable SD was seen in both arms: myxoid chondrosarcoma (56 wks), liposarcoma (24+ wks), clear cell (21+ wks), desmoid (17+ wks), spindle cell (15+ wks) and chondrosarcoma (13+ wks). Conclusions: The combination of G+R is well tolerated and the RP2D is G 150 mg qd and R 15 mg qd without a “lead in” G. Despite reduction in total levels of R in the combination, free drug was similar and inhibits target. Disease stability was seen with R and R + G. Further clinical development of notch and hedgehog inhibitors in sarcomas is warranted. [Table: see text]

Driver mutations determine survival in smokers and never-smokers with stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND

The authors previously demonstrated that never-smokers with stage IIIB/IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lived 50% longer than former/current smokers. This observation persisted after adjusting for age, performance status, and sex. In this study, the authors hypothesized that smoking-dependent differences in the distribution of driver mutations may explain differences in prognosis between these subgroups.

METHODS

In total, 293 never-smokers and 382 former/current smokers with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations and rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) between 2009 and 2010 were investigated. Clinical outcomes and patient characteristics were collected. Survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Group comparison was performed with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards methods.

RESULTS

Although the overall incidence of these mutations was nearly identical (55% never-smokers vs 57% current/former smokers; P = .48), there were significant differences in the distribution of mutations between these groups for EGFR mutations (37% never-smokers vs 14% former/current smokers; P < .0001), KRAS mutations (4% never-smokers vs 43% former/current smokers; P < .0001), and ALK rearrangements (12% never-smokers vs 2% former/current smokers; P < .0001). Among never-smokers and former/current smokers, the prognosis differed significantly by genotype. Patients who had KRAS mutations had the poorest survival. Smoking status, however, had no influence on survival within each genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Never-smokers and former/current smokers with lung adenocarcinomas were not homogeneous subgroups. Each was made up of individuals whose tumors had a unique distribution of driver mutations, which were associated with different prognoses, irrespective of smoking history.

Incidence of EGFR exon 19 deletions and L858R in tumor specimens from men and cigarette smokers with lung adenocarcinomas

PURPOSE

EGFR mutations underlie the sensitivity of lung cancers to erlotinib and gefitinib and can occur in any patient with this illness. Here we examine the frequency of EGFR mutations in smokers and men.

METHODS

We determined the frequency of EGFR mutations and characterized their association with cigarette smoking status and male sex.

RESULTS

We tested 2,142 lung adenocarcinoma specimens for the presence of EGFR exon 19 deletions and L858R. EGFR mutations were found in 15% of tumors from former smokers (181 of 1,218; 95% CI, 13% to 17%), 6% from current smokers (20 of 344; 95% CI, 4% to 9%), and 52% from never smokers (302 of 580; 95% CI, 48% to 56%; P < .001 for ever v never smokers). EGFR mutations in former or current smokers represented 40% of all those detected (201 of 503; 95% CI, 36% to 44%). EGFR mutations were found in 19% (157 of 827; 95% CI, 16% to 22%) of tumors from men and 26% (346 of 1,315; 95% CI, 24% to 29%) of tumors from women (P < .001). EGFR mutations in men represented 31% (157 of 503; 95% CI, 27% to 35%) of all those detected.

CONCLUSION

A large number of EGFR mutations are found in adenocarcinoma tumor specimens from men and people who smoked cigarettes. If only women who were never smokers were tested, 57% of all EGFR mutations would be missed. Testing for EGFR mutations should be considered for all patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung at diagnosis, regardless of clinical characteristics. This strategy can extend the use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors to the greatest number individuals with the potential for substantial benefit.