Osimertinib for pretreated EGFR Thr790Met-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (AURA2): a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study

Liquid biopsy in non-small cell lung cancer-current status and future outlook-a narrative review

Lung cancer ranks first as the cause of cancer-associated deaths gobally. The American Cancer Society estimates for 228,820 new cases and 135,720 deaths from lung cancer in the United States for the year 2020. Targeted treatment options have rapidly emerged for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) within the past decade. Screening for molecular aberrations is mainly done by tissue biopsy. However, in some cases a biopsy is not possible, or patients do not consent to it. Hence, liquid biopsy remains the only option. Relevant data about the topic of liquid biopsy, with a special focus on NSCLC, was obtained via a PubMed search. We included mainly literature published from 2010 onwards, omitting older studies whenever possible. With this review of the literature, we give an overview of different liquid biopsy approaches, as well as their respective advantages and disadvantages. We have reviewed the assessment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in particular, and go into detail with current use of liquid biopsy in everyday clinical practice. Today, liquid biopsy is still infrequently used, depending on the treatment center, but popularity is steadily increasing. Various different approaches are already available, but costs and level of sensitivity significantly differ between techniques. By using liquid biopsy more widely in selected patients, complication rates can be reduced, and constant disease monitoring is made considerably easier.

Risk stratification model for patients with stage I invasive lung adenocarcinoma based on clinical and pathological predictors

Background

The aim of this study was to propose a new kind of pathological classification and further establish a prognostic model for resected stage I invasive adenocarcinoma (IADC).

Methods

Clinicopathological data were collected from 2 hospitals. The new proposed pathological reclassification was defined according to certain subtype instead of a predominant one. Survival curves were plotted by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regressions were analyzed for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), through which prognostic scores and stratification models were established. The comparison between risk models and the eighth edition of tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification was conducted through receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), as identified by the area under the curve (AUC) and z test.

Results

In all, 1,196 patients were enrolled. At multivariable analysis, solid and micropapillary of the new pathological reclassification, along with stage IA3 and IB were independent predictors for poorer RFS. Stage IB and smoking status significantly indicated worse OS. After normalization and standardization of log-hazard ratio (HR), personalized scores were calculated and the risk stratifications with 3 risk groups were generated. Compared with TNM classification, the risk model of RFS showed advantage over early-recurrence prediction (1-year: 0.653 vs. 0.556, P=0.033; 3-year: 0.663 vs. 0.076, P=0.008). No marked difference was observed in long-term RFS or OS.

Conclusions

Considering the harboring of certain patterns may be a new concept in adenocarcinoma classification. The risk stratification model based on this pathological classification and the eighth TNM classification showed remarkable superiority over TNM alone in predicting early recurrence of stage I adenocarcinoma. However, TNM classification remained valuable for long-term recurrence and survival prediction.

Quantification of BIM mRNA in circulating tumor cells of osimertinib-treated patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The response rate for osimertinib is high among patients with untreated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there exist no biomarkers to predict the efficacy of the same. This study investigated whether BIM-γ mRNA expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) predicts poor outcomes for osimertinib treatment in patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

METHODS

Patients with advanced EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor-untreated NSCLC or post-operative recurrence with EGFR-sensitive mutations (exon 19 deletion or L858R mutation) were included. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The candidate biomarker BIM-γ was measured in CTCs after blood collection (10 mL of whole blood) at baseline. CTCs were collected with the ClearCell FX system, and quantitative real-time PCR was performed. Relative expression of BIM-γ mRNA from CTCs, as normalized to the reference gene (GAPDH mRNA), was calculated using the KCL22 cell line for calibration.

RESULTS

We enrolled 30 EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC patients treated with osimertinib during the period from April 2018 through December 2019. All the patients had an EGFR mutation at the primary site: exon 19 deletion in 15 cases and L858R in 15 cases. Median CTC count at baseline was 12 (range 3-127)/7.5 mL, and median BIM-γ mRNA expression was 0.073 (range 0-1.37). Furthermore, the response rate to osimertinib was worse in patients with high than in those with low BIM-γ mRNA expression (n = 15 each) (26.6% vs. 73.3%, respectively; p = 0.011). Progression-free survival did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

BIM-γ mRNA overexpression in CTCs from EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC patients is a potential a biomarker for poor response to osimertinib.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN:00032055.

SH-1028, An Irreversible Third-Generation EGFR TKI, Overcomes T790M-Mediated Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

SH-1028 is an irreversible third-generation EGFR TKI. Both SH-1028 and osimertinib have a pyrimidine structure (a typical mutant-selective EGFR TKI structure). Compared with osimertinib, SH-1028 is modified on the indole ring, thus resulting in a more stable 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-pyrrolo [1, 2-a] indol structure. In this study, we explored the anti-tumor effect of SH-1028 in vitro and in vivo, the inhibition of cell signal, such as EGFR and ERK phosphorylation, and verified the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic responses. Firstly, SH-1028 selectively inhibited EGFR sensitive and resistant mutations, with up to 198-fold more effective compared with wild-type EGFR cells. Then, in mouse xenograft models, oral administration of SH-1028 at a daily dose of 5 mg/kg significantly inhibited proliferation of tumor cells with EGFR sensitive mutation (exon 19 del) and resistant mutation (T790 M) for consecutive 14 days, with no TKI-induced weight loss. Moreover, SH-1028 exhibited good bioavailability, and was distributed extensively from the plasma to the tissues. The main metabolite of SH-1028, Imp3, was tested and showed no wild-type EGFR inhibition or off-target effects. In conclusion, SH-1028 is a new third-generation EGFR inhibitor that exhibits potent activity against EGFR sensitive and resistant (T790 M) mutations.

Emerging Lab-on-a-Chip Approaches for Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer: Status in CTCs and ctDNA Research and Clinical Validation

Simple Summary

Lung cancer (LCa) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with late diagnosis and limited therapeutic approaches still constraining patient’s outcome. In recent years, liquid biopsies have significantly improved the disease characterization and brought new insights into LCa diagnosis and management. The integration of microfluidic devices in liquid biopsies have shown promising results regarding circulating biomarkers isolation and analysis and these tools are expected to establish automatized and standardized results for liquid biopsies in the near future. Herein, we review the status of lab-on-a-chip approaches for liquid biopsies in LCa and highlight their current applications for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) research and clinical validation studies.

Abstract

Despite the intensive efforts dedicated to cancer diagnosis and treatment, lung cancer (LCa) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, worldwide. The poor survival rate among lung cancer patients commonly results from diagnosis at late-stage, limitations in characterizing tumor heterogeneity and the lack of non-invasive tools for detection of residual disease and early recurrence. Henceforth, research on liquid biopsies has been increasingly devoted to overcoming these major limitations and improving management of LCa patients. Liquid biopsy is an emerging field that has evolved significantly in recent years due its minimally invasive nature and potential to assess various disease biomarkers. Several strategies for characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have been developed. With the aim of standardizing diagnostic and follow-up practices, microfluidic devices have been introduced to improve biomarkers isolation efficiency and specificity. Nonetheless, implementation of lab-on-a-chip platforms in clinical practice may face some challenges, considering its recent application to liquid biopsies. In this review, recent advances and strategies for the use of liquid biopsies in LCa management are discussed, focusing on high-throughput microfluidic devices applied for CTCs and ctDNA isolation and detection, current clinical validation studies and potential clinical utility.

Oncogenic driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer: Past, present and future

Lung cancer, of which non-small lung cancer is the most common subtype, represents the leading cause of cancer related-death worldwide. It is now recognized that a significant proportion of these patients present alterations in certain genes that drive oncogenesis. In recent years, more of these so-called oncogenic drivers have been identified, and a better understanding of their biology has allowed the development new targeted agents. This review aims to provide an update about the current landscape of driver mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer. Alterations in Kirsten rat sarcoma, epidermal growth factor receptor, MET, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, c-ROS oncogene 1, v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B, neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase, human epidermal growth factor 2, neuregulin-1 and rearranged during transfection are discussed, as well as agents targeting these alterations. Current standards of treatment as well as promising future strategies are presented. Currently, more than fifteen targeted agents are food and Drug administration-approved for seven oncogenic drivers in non-small-cell lung cancer, highlighting the importance of actively searching for these mutations. Continuous and future efforts made in defining the biology of each of these alterations will help to elucidate their respective resistance mechanisms, and to define the best treatment strategy and therapeutic sequence.

Somatic Copy-Number Alterations in Plasma Circulating Tumor DNA from Advanced EGFR-Mutated Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

Background: To assess the clinical relevance of genome-wide somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs) in plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients. Methods: We included 43 patients with advanced EGFR T790M-positive lung adenocarcinoma who were treated with osimertinib after progression under previous EGFR-TKI therapy. We performed genomic profiling of ctDNA in plasma samples from each patient obtained pre-osimertinib and after patients developed resistance to osimertinib. SCNAs were detected by shallow whole-genome plasma sequencing and EGFR mutations were assessed by droplet digital PCR. Results: SCNAs in resistance-related genes (rrSCNAs) were detected in 10 out of 31 (32%) evaluable patients before start of osimertinib. The presence of rrSCNAs in plasma before the initiation of osimertinib therapy was associated with a lower response rate to osimertinib (50% versus 81%, p = 0.08) and was an independent predictor for shorter progression-free survival (adjusted HR 3.33, 95% CI 1.37–8.10, p = 0.008) and overall survival (adjusted HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.09–5.92, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Genomic profiling of plasma ctDNA is clinically relevant and affects the efficacy and clinical outcome of osimertinib. Our approach enables the comprehensive assessment of SCNAs in plasma samples of lung adenocarcinoma patients and may help to guide genotype-specific therapeutic strategies in the future.

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: New Rare Targets-New Targeted Therapies-State of The Art and Future Directions

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the prognosis for stage IV remains poor. The presence of genetic alterations in tumor cells, such as EGFR and BRAF gene mutations, as well as ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements, are indications for targeted therapies. Many such treatments are already registered and used on a wide scale. In comparison to standard chemotherapy, they can prolong not only progression-free survival but also overall survival. Moreover, they are able to provide excellent quality of life and rapid improvement of cancer-related symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and pain. Recent years have witnessed great advances in both molecular diagnostics and new molecular therapies for non-small-cell lung cancer. This review presents new therapeutic targets in NSCLC, as well as drugs of which the activity against NTRK, RET, MET or HER2 gene alterations (including EGFR exon 20 insertions) has either been confirmed or is currently being evaluated. Although these particular genetic alterations in NSCLC are generally rare, each accounting for 1-2% of patients, in total about half of all patients have molecular alterations and may ultimately receive targeted therapies.

Overcoming therapy resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have dramatically changed the clinical prospects of patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-activating mutations. Despite prolonged disease control and high tumor response rates, all patients eventually progress on EGFR TKI treatment. Here, we review the mechanisms of acquired EGFR TKI resistance, the methods for monitoring its appearance, as well as current and future efforts to define treatment strategies to overcome resistance.

Anlotinib combined with gefitinib can significantly improve the proliferation of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo

Background

The effect of anlotinib combined with epidermal growth factor receptor TKIs (EGFR-TKIs) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and the possible molecular mechanisms are still unclear.

Methods

From April 2018 to June 2020, 20 patients with advanced NSCLC who had developed potential acquired drug resistance after receiving gefitinib or icotinib were enrolled. Anlotinib (12 mg orally, once a day) was added to the targeted drug at the original dose. Patients underwent computed tomography every 8 weeks, and the curative effect and related side effects were observed. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were performed to study the effect of anlotinib alone or in combination with gefitinib on the proliferation and clone-forming ability of NSCLC cells (A549 cells: EGFR wild-type; H1975 cells: with L858R and T790M mutations). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of related proteins (Ki-67, CD31, EGFR, P-EGFR, VEGFR2, and p-VEGFR2).

Results

After the administration of anlotinib, 8 patients were in a stable condition and continued to receive treatment, and the best efficacy disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. The median follow-up time was 6.6 months (4.08-8.28 months). The median progression-free survival was 15.7 months (10.19-18.87 months). The levels of the tumor marker (carcinoembryonic antigen) were found to be significantly decreased in seven patients. The main adverse reactions reported after anlotinib administration were hypertension, hand-foot-skin reaction, diarrhea, fatigue, oral ulcers, and anorexia.In the in vitro experiment, anlotinib combined with gefitinib significantly inhibited the proliferation and cloning ability of lung cancer cells. In the nude mouse model, this combination treatment significantly inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells. Immunohistochemical results showed that anlotinib combined with gefitinib significantly inhibited the expression of Ki-67, CD31, EGFR, P-EGFR, VEGFR2, and p-VEGFR2 in tumor tissues.

Conclusions

Anlotinib combined with gefitinib inhibited the proliferation of EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC cells in vitro and tumor angiogenesis in vivo. It also significantly improved the treatment efficacy for some patients, delaying disease progression and improving survival, with only mild side effects. This drug combination is therefore a promising treatment for patients with EGFR-TKI-resistant and potentially secondary drug-resistant advanced NSCLC.

ATF3 Suppresses Growth and Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Deactivating EGFR/AKT/GSK3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers in East Asia, with high incidence and mortality. Accumulating evidence has shown that ATF3 is associated with tumor progression.

Methods

Using qPCR, the expression of ATF3 was detected in 93 patients with ccRCC, including 24 paired normal and tumor tissues, which were used to further compare ATF3 expression through western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Lentivirus was used for the overexpression or knockdown of ATF3, and the consequent alteration in function was analyzed through CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, invasion assay, and flow cytometry. The potential mechanism affected by ATF3 was analyzed through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and verified using western blotting, invasion assay, or immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model was used to assess the function of ATF3 in vivo.

Results

ATF3 expression was significantly decreased in ccRCC compared to that in adjacent normal tissues. Through gain- and loss-of-function experiments performed in an in vitro assay, we found that ATF3 could regulate ccRCC cell proliferation, cycle progression, migration, and invasion. In the in vivo study, the xenograft mouse model revealed that ATF3 overexpression can inhibit the growth of ccRCC. Moreover, the mechanism analysis showed that suppression of ATF3 could lead to an increase the expression of β-catenin and promote β-catenin transfer to the nucleus, and might be affected by EGFR/AKT/GSK3β signaling.

Conclusion

ATF3 could be utilized as an independent protective factor to inhibit the progression of ccRCC. Potential treatment strategies for ccRCC include targeting the ATF3/EGFR/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Exploring the resistance mechanisms of second-line osimertinib and their prognostic implications using next-generation sequencing in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Although osimertinib overcomes the T790M mutation acquired after traditional epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, resistance to osimertinib eventually occurs. We explored resistance mechanisms of second-line osimertinib and their clinical implications by comparing next-generation sequencing (NGS) results before and after resistance acquisition.

METHODS

We enrolled 34 patients with advanced EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma whose biopsied tumour tissues were subjected to targeted NGS at the time of progression on osimertinib. For comparison, NGS was also performed on archived tumour tissues from each patient excised before osimertinib initiation.

RESULTS

The tumours of three patients' were observed to have transformed to small-cell carcinoma and those of two patients to squamous cell carcinoma. Among the remaining 29 patients, T790M mutations were maintained in seven patients (24.1%), including four patients (13.8%) acquiring C797S mutations and one with MET amplification. Among the 22 patients (75.9%) with T790M loss, a variety of novel mutations were identified, including KRAS mutations, PIK3CA mutations, and RET fusion, but MET amplifications (n = 4, 18.2%) were most frequently identified variations. Progression-free survival (PFS) on osimertinib was shorter among patients with T790M loss than among those who maintained T790M (5.36 versus 13.81 months, p = 0.009), and MET-amplified patients were found to have much worse PFS among patients with T790M loss (2.10 versus 6.35 months, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of the T790M mutation was associated with early resistance to osimertinib, and this was exacerbated by MET amplification. Further work is needed to fully understand the implications of each resistance mechanism.

Successful Management of Refractory Torsades De Pointes Due to Drug-Induced Long QT Syndrome Guided by Point-of-Care Monitoring of Ionized Magnesium

Ionized magnesium (iMg) is the physiologically active fraction, although total magnesium (tMg) is often used clinically because a dedicated electrode is required to measure the iMg concentration. The tMg concentration is not correlated with the iMg concentration, especially in severely ill patients. In this report, a case of refractory torsades de pointes (TdP) due to drug-induced long QT syndrome was successfully treated with high-dose magnesium sulfate guided by point-of-care monitoring of the iMg concentration. A woman in her 60s had taken osimertinib for two months to treat lung cancer. TdP occurred after the operation of a thoracic compression fracture under general anesthesia. She was diagnosed with drug-induced long QT syndrome. TdP continued, despite treatment with 6 g magnesium sulfate. The iMg value on the admission to the intensive care unit was 0.92 mmol/L, but TdP occurred intermittently and circulatory dynamics were unstable. After an additional intravenous administration of 1 g magnesium sulfate, continuous intravenous administration was initiated at 1 g/h. TdP terminated when the iMg concentration reached 1.31 mmol/L. Then, the target iMg was set to 1.3 mmol/L. The iMg concentration was measured every two hours to adjust the continuous dose of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium administration was tapered, and she was transferred to a general ward on the third day. She was discharged without complications on the 11th day. Point-of-care monitoring of the iMg concentration and observation of the patient's clinical symptoms were important for the effective and safe treatment of TdP due to drug-induced long QT syndrome.

Enkurin domain containing 1 (ENKD1) regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. NSCLC has an aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis, and is quite heterogeneous without effective and specific targeted therapies. Therefore, exploring new tumor markers and drug targets for NSCLC is crucial towards individualized treatment. Here, we demonstrate that enkurin domain containing 1 (ENKD1), a protein with unknown structure and function, is significantly downregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues compared with their non-tumor counterparts. We also show that ENKD1 expression is decreased in NSCLC cells compared to normal human lung epithelial cells. EdU incorporation, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays reveal that ENKD1 regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. Collectively, these results suggest that ENKD1 plays an important role in NSCLC progression and that ENKD1 is a tumor marker and a potential molecular drug target for the treatment of NSCLC patients.

EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma associated with antisynthetase syndrome successfully treated with osimertinib

Here, we report a rare case involving a 66-year-old man with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung adenocarcinoma and antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) treated with osimertinib. The patient presented with respiratory failure and bilateral pulmonary opacities; he was diagnosed with ASS accompanied by interstitial lung disease (ILD), consistent with paraneoplastic syndrome. After steroid pulse therapy, osimertinib was administered for lung adenocarcinoma without ILD exacerbation. Osimertinib could therefore be a treatment option for EGFR-mutant lung cancer with paraneoplastic ILD.

Patterns and Treatment Strategies of Osimertinib Resistance in T790M-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Pooled Analysis

Introduction

Osimertinib resistance is inevitable. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of pretreatment clinical characteristics in T790M-positive non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC patients for the resistance pattern of osimertinib during tumor progression as well as the treatment strategy.

Methods

We performed a literature search in the NCBI PubMed database to identify relevant articles and completed a pooled analysis based on 29 related published studies. The relationship between clinical characteristics, EGFR mutation type, previous treatment history and the gene mutation pattern at resistance to osimertinib was analyzed.

Results

A total of 38 patients were included in the pooled analysis. Patients with an initial epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR mutation status of 19 deletions were more likely to have T790M loss (HR: 12.187, 95% CI: 2.186–67.945, p = 0.004). Patients with an initial EGFR mutation of L858R were more likely to have C797S mutations (HR: 0.063, 95% CI: 0.011–0.377, p = 0.002). The other factors (age, gender, ethnicity, smoking history, previous EGFR-TKI targeted therapy history, history of radiotherapy and chemotherapy) were not associated with the resistance pattern of osimertinib (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The type of EFGR mutation in T790M-positive NSCLC patients prior to treatment can predict the resistance pattern to osimertinib. This finding plays a vital role and theoretical basis in guiding clinicians to formulate treatment strategies at the early stage of treatment and rationally combine drugs to overcome EGFR-TKI resistance.

Real-World Data on Osimertinib in Chinese Patients with Pretreated, EGFR T790M Mutation Positive, Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

As a third-generation EGFR TKI has been taken orally, Osimertinib effectively inhibits mutant EGFR, including T790M EGFR resistance mutations. Here, we examined real-world efficacy and tolerability of Osimertinib among Chinese patients with advanced EGFR T790M-mutant NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 106 advanced NSCLC patients who were taking Osimertinib following disease progression after EGFR-TKIs or other treatments were retrospectively recruited in this study. The PFS and OS after Osimertinib treatment were analyzed as the primary endpoints.

RESULTS

Osimertinib was used as a second line and ≥3rd line treatment in 22.6% and 77.4% of the patients, respectively. DCR and ORR were 93.4% and 57.5%, respectively. Median PFS was 12.4 12 (95% CI, 10.5-13.5) months. The PFS was 11 (8.0, 14.0) and 12 (10.3,13.7) months (p = 0.373), in patients with and without CNS metastasis, respectively. PFS in 2nd and ≥3rd line treatment was 11 (9.0, 13.0) and 12.4 12 (8.9, 15.1) months (p = 0.799), respectively. In patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858 mutation, the median PFS was 11 (9.2, 12.8) and 12 (9.2, 14.8) months, respectively (p = 0.833). Median PFS in the monotherapy group and combined anti-angiogenesis group was 11 (9.9,12.1) and 14 (11.2,16.8) months, respectively. Median OS after Osimertinib initiation was 27 (19.6, 34.4) months: 15 (6.9, 23.1) and 27 (22, 32) months in patients with and without CNS metastasis (p=0.027), 27 (20.3,33.7) months and (undefined) as second line or ≥3rd line of treatment (p = 0.421), respectively. In patients with exon 19 deletion, the median OS was not reached, and in patients with exon 21 L858 mutations, the median OS was 23 (19.1,29.9) months (p=0.027). Median OS in the monotherapy group was 27 (21.7,32.3) months, and in combined anti-angiogenesis group was not reached (p=0.68).

CONCLUSION

Osimertinib can effectively treat advanced NSCLC with T790M mutations independently of previous treatment lines.

Advanced NSCLC Patients With EGFR T790M Harboring TP53 R273C or KRAS G12V Cannot Benefit From Osimertinib Based on a Clinical Multicentre Study by Tissue and Liquid Biopsy

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) almost always acquire resistance, and the development of novel techniques analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have made it possible for liquid biopsy to detect genetic alterations from limited amount of DNA with less invasiveness. While a large amount of patients with EGFR exon 21 p.Thr790 Met (T790M) benefited from osimertinib treatment, acquired resistance to osimertinb has subsequently become a growing challenge.

Methods

We performed tissue and liquid rebiopsy on 50 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC who acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR-TKIs. Plasma samples underwent droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) examinations. Corresponding tissue samples underwent NGS and Cobas^® EGFR Mutation Test v2 (Cobas) examinations.

Results

Of the 50 patients evaluated, the mutation detection rates of liquid biopsy group and tissue biopsy group demonstrated no significant differences (41/48, 85.4% vs. 44/48, 91.7%; OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.15 to 1.95). Overall concordance, defined as the proportion of patients for whom at least one identical genomic alteration was identified in both tissue and plasma, was 78.3% (36/46, 95% CI=0.39 to 2.69). Moreover, our results showed that almost half of the patients (46%, 23/50) resistant to first-generation EGFR-TKI harbored p.Thr790 Met (T790M) mutation. 82.6% (19/23) of the T790M positive patients were analyzed by liquid biopsy and 60.9% (14/23) by tumor tissue sequencing. Meanwhile, a wide range of uncommon mutations was detected, and novel mechanisms of osimertinib resistance were discovered. In addition, 16.7% (2/12) of the T790M positive patients with either TP53 R237C or KRAS G12V failed to benefit from the subsequent osimertinib treatment.

Conclusion

Our results emphasized that liquid biopsy is applicable to analyze the drug resistance mechanisms of NSCLC patients treated with EGFR-TKIs. Moreover, we discovered two uncommon mutations, TP53 R273C and KRAS G12V, which attenuates the effectiveness of osimertinib.

Phase I Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Ramucirumab in Combination with Osimertinib in Advanced T790M-positive EGFR-mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

We report the final analysis of JVDL (NCT02789345), which examined the combination of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) osimertinib plus the VEGFR2-directed antibody ramucirumab in patients with T790M-positive EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This open-label, single-arm phase I study enrolled patients with EGFR T790M-positive NSCLC, who had progressed following EGFR TKI but were third-generation EGFR TKI-naïve. A dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) period with as-needed dose deescalation was followed by an expansion cohort. Patients received daily oral osimertinib and intravenous ramucirumab every 2 weeks until progression or discontinuation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were enrolled. No DLTs were observed. Median follow-up time was 25.0 months. Common grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were hypertension (8%) and platelet count decreased (16%); grade 5 TRAE (subdural hemorrhage) occurred in 1 patient. Patients with (N = 10) and without central nervous system (CNS) metastasis (N = 15) had similar safety outcomes. Five patients remain on treatment. Objective response rate (ORR) was 76%. Median duration of response was 13.4 months [90% confidence interval (CI): 9.6-21.2]. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.0 months (90% CI: 5.5-19.3). Efficacy was observed in patients with and without CNS metastasis (ORR 60% and 87%; median PFS 10.9 and 14.7 months, respectively). Exploratory biomarker analyses in circulating tumor DNA suggested that on-treatment loss of EGFR Exon 19 deletion or L858R mutations, detectable at baseline, correlated with longer PFS, but on-treatment loss of T790M did not. Emergent genetic alterations postprogression included C797S, MET amplification, and EGFR amplification.

CONCLUSIONS

Ramucirumab plus osimertinib demonstrated encouraging safety and antitumor activity in T790M-positive EGFR-mutant NSCLC.See related commentary by Garon, p. 905.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different sequences of osimertinib administration for epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer

Osimertinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) that is clinically effective in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the use of this treatment is limited by its high cost. A cost-effectiveness analysis of different sequences of osimertinib administration in China and the United States was conducted in the present study. Markov models were established based on data from the FLAURA and AURA3 trials. First-line osimertinib was compared with both first-generation EGFR-TKIs and second-line osimertinib after the failure of first-generation EGFR-TKIs. The analysis also considered different payment modalities available in China. Additionally, one-way and probability sensitivity analyses, with a willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP) of three times the per capita gross domestic product [$27,783/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for China and $100,000/QALY for the United States], were performed. The first-line osimertinib group displayed higher QALYs and costs than those of the first-generation EGFR-TKI group. The first generation EGFR-TKI group displayed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $212,252/QALY in China and $151,922/QALY in the United States. In addition, the ICERs were negative in the second-line osimertinib group, with higher QALYs and lower costs compared with those in the first-line osimertinib group. Furthermore, osimertinib company donation was of benefit in China, with an average cost-effectiveness of $836/QALY. The one-way sensitivity analysis highlighted the influence of utilities in different states. First-line osimertinib could be cost-effective either with higher WTP or a price reduction of 68% in China and 9% in the United States. Although first-line osimertinib therapy could have health benefits, it was not cost-effective compared with first-line first-generation EGFR-TKIs and second-line osimertinib therapy. However, paying via company donation may be a good choice in China.

Design, synthesis, and cytotoxic activity of novel 2H-imidazo[1,2-c]pyrazolo[3,4-e]pyrimidine derivatives

In this study, a series of novel 2H-imidazo [1, 2-c] pyrazolo [3, 4-e] pyrimidine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. The in vitro cell growth inhibition assay of the target compounds indicated their selectivity in inhibiting the proliferation of blood tumor cells (K562, U937) and solid tumor cells (HCT116, HT-29). Compound 9b exhibited the highest antiproliferative activities against K562 (IC₅₀ = 5.597 µM) and U937 (IC₅₀ = 3.512 µM). Based on the flow cytometry assays, compound 9b caused obvious induction of cell apoptosis and cell arrest at the S phase. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that compound 9b upregulated the expression of Bax, downregulated the levels of Bcl-2, and further activated caspase-3 in K562 cells. Therefore, compound 9b may be a potential anticancer agent that deserves further investigation.

Response Rates and Durations of Response for Biomarker-Based Cancer Drugs in Nonrandomized Versus Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

Many new targeted cancer drugs have received FDA approval based on durable responses in nonrandomized controlled trials (non-RCTs). The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the response rates (RRs) and durations of response (DoRs) of targeted cancer drugs observed in non-RCTs are consistent when these drugs are tested in RCTs.

METHODS

We used the FDA's Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling to identify cancer drugs that were approved based on changes in biomarker endpoints through December 2017. We then identified the non-RCTs and RCTs for these drugs for the given indications and extracted the RRs and DoRs. We compared the RRs and median DoR in non-RCTs versus RCTs using the ratio of RRs and the ratio of DoRs, defined as the RRs (or DoRs) in non-RCTs divided by the RRs (or DoRs) in RCTs. The ratio of RRs or DoRs was pooled across the trial pairs using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 21 drug-indication pairs selected, both non-RCTs and RCTs were available for 19. The RRs and DoRs in non-RCTs were greater than those in RCTs in 63% and 87% of cases, respectively. The pooled ratio of RRs was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.95-1.20), and the pooled ratio of DoRs was 1.17 (95% CI, 1.03-1.33). RRs and DoRs derived from non-RCTs were also poor surrogates for overall survival derived from RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

The RRs were not different between non-RCTs and RCTs of cancer drugs approved based on changes to a biomarker, but the DoRs in non-RCTs were significantly higher than in RCTs. Caution must be exercised when approving or prescribing targeted drugs based on data on durable responses derived from non-RCTs, because the responses could be overestimates and poor predictors of survival benefit.

Cardiac Safety of Osimertinib: A Review of Data

PURPOSE

Osimertinib is a third-generation, CNS-active, irreversible, oral epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) that potently and selectively inhibits both EGFR-TKI-sensitizing and T790M resistance mutations. We assess the cardiac failure risk in patients receiving osimertinib by evaluating the available data.

METHODS

Post hoc analyses of cardiac data from (1) studies in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, FLAURA (osimertinib, n = 279; comparator EGFR-TKI, n = 277) and AURA3 (osimertinib, n = 279; chemotherapy, n = 140), and (2) a pooled data set of patients treated with osimertinib 80 mg from across the clinical trial program (n = 1,142), including cardiac failure-related adverse events and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reductions. An LVEF pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic analysis of the pooled data set was performed. The sponsor's global safety database was analyzed for cardiac failure-related adverse events, and a literature search was conducted.

RESULTS

Decreases in LVEF from a baseline of ≥ 10 percentage points to an absolute value of < 50% following osimertinib treatment were observed in 8 (3.1%) and 14 (5.5%) patients in FLAURA and AURA3, respectively, and in 35 (3.9%) patients in the pooled population. Most events were asymptomatic and resolved without treatment of the event or osimertinib discontinuation. The pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic analysis did not indicate a relationship between exposure to osimertinib and decreases in LVEF from baseline. The database and literature search showed no specific trend or pattern that was suggestive of a safety issue in patients receiving osimertinib.

CONCLUSION

These data do not suggest a causal relationship between osimertinib and cardiac failure. However, because of LVEF decreases that were observed in patients with cardiac risk factors before osimertinib treatment, cardiac monitoring, including an assessment of LVEF at baseline and during osimertinib treatment, is advised.

Gene expression in circulating tumor cells reveals a dynamic role of EMT and PD-L1 during osimertinib treatment in NSCLC patients

Liquid biopsy is a tool to unveil resistance mechanisms in NSCLC. We studied changes in gene expression in CTC-enriched fractions of EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients under osimertinib. Peripheral blood from 30 NSCLC patients before, after 1 cycle of osimertinib and at progression of disease (PD) was analyzed by size-based CTC enrichment combined with RT-qPCR for gene expression of epithelial (CK-8, CK-18, CK-19), mesenchymal/EMT (VIM, TWIST-1, AXL), stem cell (ALDH-1) markers, PD-L1 and PIM-1. CTCs were also analyzed by triple immunofluorescence for 45 identical blood samples. Epithelial and stem cell profile (p = 0.043) and mesenchymal/EMT and stem cell profile (p = 0.014) at PD were correlated. There was a strong positive correlation of VIM expression with PIM-1 expression at baseline and increased PD-L1 expression levels at PD. AXL overexpression varied among patients and high levels of PIM-1 transcripts were detected. PD-L1 expression was significantly increased at PD compared to baseline (p = 0.016). The high prevalence of VIM positive CTCs suggest a dynamic role of EMT during osimertinib treatment, while increased expression of PD-L1 at PD suggests a theoretical background for immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients that develop resistance to osimertinib. This observation merits to be further evaluated in a prospective immunotherapy trial.

Treatment of Brain Metastases of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms. As a result of the disease's progression, patients may develop metastases to the central nervous system. The prognosis in this location is unfavorable; untreated metastatic lesions may lead to death within one to two months. Existing therapies-neurosurgery and radiation therapy-do not improve the prognosis for every patient. The discovery of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-activating mutations and Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) rearrangements in patients with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma has allowed for the introduction of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors to the treatment of advanced-stage patients. The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane protein with tyrosine kinase-dependent activity. EGFR is present in membranes of all epithelial cells. In physiological conditions, it plays an important role in the process of cell growth and proliferation. Binding the ligand to the EGFR causes its dimerization and the activation of the intracellular signaling cascade. Signal transduction involves the activation of MAPK, AKT, and JNK, resulting in DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. In cancer cells, binding the ligand to the EGFR also leads to its dimerization and transduction of the signal to the cell interior. It has been demonstrated that activating mutations in the gene for EGFR-exon19 (deletion), L858R point mutation in exon 21, and mutation in exon 20 results in cancer cell proliferation. Continuous stimulation of the receptor inhibits apoptosis, stimulates invasion, intensifies angiogenesis, and facilitates the formation of distant metastases. As a consequence, the cancer progresses. These activating gene mutations for the EGFR are present in 10-20% of lung adenocarcinomas. Approximately 3-7% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma have the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)/ALK fusion gene. The fusion of the two genes EML4 and ALK results in a fusion gene that activates the intracellular signaling pathway, stimulates the proliferation of tumor cells, and inhibits apoptosis. A new group of drugs-small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors-has been developed; the first generation includes gefitinib and erlotinib and the ALK inhibitor crizotinib. These drugs reversibly block the EGFR by stopping the signal transmission to the cell. The second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) afatinib or ALK inhibitor alectinib block the receptor irreversibly. Clinical trials with TKI in patients with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma with central nervous system (CNS) metastases have shown prolonged, progression-free survival, a high percentage of objective responses, and improved quality of life. Resistance to treatment with this group of drugs emerging during TKI therapy is the basis for the detection of resistance mutations. The T790M mutation, present in exon 20 of the EGFR gene, is detected in patients treated with first- and second-generation TKI and is overcome by Osimertinib, a third-generation TKI. The I117N resistance mutation in patients with the ALK mutation treated with alectinib is overcome by ceritinib. In this way, sequential therapy ensures the continuity of treatment. In patients with CNS metastases, attempts are made to simultaneously administer radiation therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Patients with lung adenocarcinoma with CNS metastases, without activating EGFR mutation and without ALK rearrangement, benefit from immunotherapy. This therapeutic option blocks the PD-1 receptor on the surface of T or B lymphocytes or PD-L1 located on cancer cells with an applicable antibody. Based on clinical trials, pembrolizumab and all antibodies are included in the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma with CNS metastases.

EGFR inhibitors switch keratinocytes from a proliferative to a differentiative phenotype affecting epidermal development and barrier function

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR) associated with oncology therapy involve 45-100% of patients receiving kinase inhibitors. Such adverse reactions may include skin inflammation, infection, pruritus and dryness, symptoms that can significantly affect the patient's quality of life. To prevent severe skin damages dose adjustment or drug discontinuation is often required, interfering with the prescribed oncology treatment protocol. This is particularly the case of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor inhibitors (EGFRi) targeting carcinomas. Since the EGFR pathway is pivotal for epidermal keratinocytes, it is reasonable to hypothesize that EGFRi also affect these cells and therefore interfere with the epidermal structure formation and skin barrier function.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, the effects of EGFRi and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor inhibitors (VEGFRi) at therapeutically relevant concentrations (3, 10, 30, 100 nM) were assessed on proliferation and differentiation markers of human keratinocytes in a novel 3D micro-epidermis tissue culture model.

RESULTS

EGFRi directly affect basal keratinocyte growth, leading to tissue size reduction and switching keratinocytes from a proliferative to a differentiative phenotype, as evidenced by decreased Ki67 staining and increased filaggrin, desmoglein-1 and involucrin expression compared to control. These effects lead to skin barrier impairment, which can be observed in a reconstructed human epidermis model showing a decrease in trans-epidermal water loss rates. On the other hand, pan-kinase inhibitors mainly targeting VEGFR barely affect keratinocyte differentiation and rather promote a proliferative phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to the mechanistic understanding of the clinically observed CADR during therapy with EGFRi. These in vitro results suggest a specific mode of action of EGFRi by directly affecting keratinocyte growth and barrier function.

Real-World T790M Mutation Frequency and Impact of Rebiopsy in Patients With EGFR-Mutated Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction

The T790M resistance mutation is present in about one-half of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at disease progression. We aimed to assess the prevalence of this mutation in a real-world setting and the clinical impact of repeated biopsies in its detection.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with EGFR-positive advanced NSCLC diagnosed between 2016 and 2018, who experienced radiographic disease progression during first-line treatment with first- or second-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). The frequency of T790M detection and the number of rebiopsies were determined.

Results

A total of 88 patients were included, with a median age of 65 years (range: 38-84 years). The majority of the participants were females (63 (72%)) and non-smokers (70 (81%)). Upon disease progression, 80 (91%) patients were tested for T790M mutation, and the resistance mutation was detected in 57 (71%) cases (58% in plasma samples and 42% in tissue/cytology samples). In 14 (25%) cases, T790M mutation was only detected after rebiopsy (57% by liquid biopsy), which increased the rate of mutation detection in 17%. Subsequent treatment with third-generation EGFR-TKI was possible in 42 (74%) of T790M-positive cases. Detection of T790M mutation was more likely in patients who were less than 65 years old, with EGFR exon 19 deletions and duration of first-line treatment of more than 12 months (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The frequency of T790M mutation in this study was higher than previously reported, suggesting that repeated biopsies after a negative result are beneficial. This allowed a greater percentage of patients to receive sequential osimertinib in our clinical practice.

Osimertinib for Front-Line Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patients: Efficacy, Acquired Resistance and Perspectives for Subsequent Treatments

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most efficient models for precision medicine in oncology. The most appropriate therapeutic for the patient is chosen according to the molecular characteristics of the tumor, schematically distributed between immunogenicity and oncogenic addiction. For this last concept, advanced NSCLC with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is one of the most illustrative models. EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the therapeutic backbone for this type of tumor. The recent development of a third-generation TKI, osimertinib, has been a new step forward in the treatment of NSCLC patients. In this article, we first review the clinical development of osimertinib and highlight its efficacy results. We then present the most frequent tumor escape mechanisms when osimertinib is prescribed in first line: off-target (MET amplification, HER2 amplification, BRAF mutation, gene fusions, histologic transformation) and on-target mechanisms (EGFR mutation). Finally, we discuss subsequent biomarker-driven treatment strategies.

Myositis - A common but underreported adverse effect of osimertinib: Case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The development of novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represented a paradigm shift in the management of lung cancer and has resulted in markedly prolonged survival. Osimertinib is a TKI that was fast-tracked by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2015 and subsequently approved for the treatment of metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer. However, despite the generally favorable outcomes associated with osimertinib, rapid development and deployment of any new drug increases the risk of unforeseen adverse effects. Post-marketing surveillance studies therefore play an important role in further elucidating the risks and benefits of novel anti-neoplastic agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We describe four patients with non-small cell lung cancer who developed myositis after beginning treatment with osimertinib. In addition, we review the literature on osimertinib-associated myositis. Using PubMed, the following terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: creatine phosphokinase, myositis, osimertinib, rhabdomyolysis, osimertinib, and Tagrisso.

CASE PRESENTATION

Thirty-eight patients were treated with osimertinib in our community clinic. Four with non-small cell lung cancer developed myositis after beginning treatment. The onset of symptoms and/or elevation of creatine phosphokinase occurred between two weeks and eleven months after osimertinib was initiated. Alternative causes for myositis were not identified. In two patients, myositis resolved within one month of withdrawing treatment. Two other patients continued osimertinib treatment with close monitoring.

CONCLUSION

Myositis is a serious and potentially underreported adverse effect of osimertinib. Previous studies suggest that osimertinib-associated myositis is rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients. However, myositis occurred in over 10% of patients treated with osimertinib in our clinic population. We suggest regular monitoring for myositis among patients being treated with osimertinib and dose-reduction or cessation of treatment if clinically indicated.

The Role of the Liquid Biopsy in Decision-Making for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Liquid biopsy is a rapidly emerging tool of precision oncology enabling minimally invasive molecular diagnostics and longitudinal monitoring of treatment response. For the clinical management of advanced stage lung cancer patients, detection and quantification of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is now widely adopted into clinical practice. Still, interpretation of results and validation of ctDNA-based treatment decisions remain challenging. We report here our experience implementing liquid biopsies into the clinical management of lung cancer. We discuss advantages and limitations of distinct ctDNA assay techniques and highlight our approach to the analysis of recurrent molecular alterations found in lung cancer. Moreover, we report three exemplary clinical cases illustrating the complexity of interpreting liquid biopsy results in clinical practice. These cases underscore the potential and current limitations of liquid biopsy, focusing on the difficulty of interpreting discordant findings. In our view, despite all current limitations, the analysis of ctDNA in lung cancer patients is an essential and highly versatile complementary diagnostic tool for the clinical management of lung cancer patients in the era of precision oncology.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2,4-diaryl pyrimidine derivatives as selective EGFRL858R/T790M inhibitors

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. It has been demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) are efficacious in patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this work, a new series of 2,4-diaryl pyrimidine derivatives containing cyclopropyl moiety were designed, synthesized and evaluated as novel selective EGFR^L858R/T790M inhibitors. The most promising compound, 8l demonstrated excellent kinase inhibitory activity against EGFR double mutation with IC₅₀ value of 0.26 nM. Moreover, 8l provided strong activity against H1975 cells with IC₅₀ value of 0.008 μM and exhibited little toxicity toward four non-tumorigenic cell lines. Furthermore, 8l showed potent anti-tumor efficacy in a murine EGFR^L858R/T790M-driven H1975 xenograft model. These results indicated that 8l may be a promising drug candidate for further study.

Multikinase inhibitor-induced liver injury in patients with cancer: A review for clinicians

BACKGROUND

Multikinase inhibitors (MKI) are targeted molecular agents that have revolutionized cancer management. However, there is a paucity of data concerning MKI-related liver injury risk and clinical guidelines for the management of liver toxicity in patients receiving MKI for cancer are scarce.

DESIGN

We conducted a PubMed search of articles in English published from January 2000 to December 2018 related to hepatotoxicity of the 29 FDA-approved MKIs at doses used in clinical practice. The search terms were the international non-proprietary name of each agent cross-referenced with «hepatotoxicity», «hepatitis», «hepatic adverse event», or «liver failure», and «phase II clinical trial», «phase III clinical trial», or «case report».

RESULTS

Following this search, 140 relevant studies and 99 case reports were considered. Although asymptomatic elevation of aminotransferase levels has been frequently observed in MKI clinical trials, clinically significant hepatotoxicity is a rare event. In most cases, the interval between treatment initiation and the onset of liver injury is between one week and two months. Liver toxicity is often hepatocellular and less frequently mixed. Life-threatening MKI-induced hepatic injury has been described, involving fulminant liver failure or death. Starting from existing data, a description of MKI-related liver events, grading of hepatotoxicity risk, and recommendations for management are also given for various MKI molecules.

CONCLUSION

All MKIs can potentially cause liver injury, which is sometimes irreversible. As there is still no strategy available to prevent MKI-related hepatotoxicity, early detection remains crucial. The surveillance of liver function during treatment may help in the early detection of hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the exclusion of potential causes of hepatic injury is essential to avoid unnecessary MKI withdrawal.

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: treatment paradigm, current evidence, and challenges

Therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been shown to have superior outcomes when compared to chemotherapy. First-generation EGFR TKI, including gefitinib and erlotinib, and second-generation EGFR TKI, including afatinib and dacomitinib, proved to be effective in patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR-sensitizing mutation. Later, resistance mutations were identified. Consequently, osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR TKI, was studied and demonstrated activity against EGFR-sensitizing and resistant mutations. Osimertinib moved recently to the first-line setting with the positive results of the FLAURA (AZD9291 Versus Gefitinib or Erlotinib in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer) trial. The use of these drugs is limited by their cost and availability mainly in middle- to low-income countries.

Lung adenocarcinoma in a patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome bearing a novel germ-line mutation, TP53R333Vfs*12

Germline mutations of TP53 are responsible for Li-Fraumeni syndrome in its 60-80%. We found a novel germline mutation, TP53: c.997del:p.R333Vfs*12 (NM_000546.6, GRCh, 17:7670713..7670713). The proband is a 40-year-old female, who was suffered from osteosarcoma in her right forearm at her age of 11. She was also suffered from lung adenocarcinoma in her right upper lobe and bone metastasis in her right scapula at her age of 37. She was treated with gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) because of EGFR mutation (L747-S752 del). Her bone metastasis became resistant after 1-year treatment. Bone metastasis had an additional EGFR mutation (T790M). The secondary treatment with osimertinib, an another EGFR-TKI, can successfully control the tumors for over 2 years. This TP53 mutation (R333Vfs*12) was first found in lung adenocarcinomas. The therapeutic effect of osimertinib for this triple mutant lung adenocarcinoma is better than the previous report.

Central Nervous System Cancers, Version 3.2020, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

The NCCN Guidelines for Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancers focus on management of adult CNS cancers ranging from noninvasive and surgically curable pilocytic astrocytomas to metastatic brain disease. The involvement of an interdisciplinary team, including neurosurgeons, radiation therapists, oncologists, neurologists, and neuroradiologists, is a key factor in the appropriate management of CNS cancers. Integrated histopathologic and molecular characterization of brain tumors such as gliomas should be standard practice. This article describes NCCN Guidelines recommendations for WHO grade I, II, III, and IV gliomas. Treatment of brain metastases, the most common intracranial tumors in adults, is also described.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of osimertinib for first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutation positive non-small cell lung cancer in Singapore

OBJECTIVE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80-90% of all lung cancer cases and is usually associated with a poor prognosis. However, targeted therapy with first and second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has so far improved progression-free survival of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant NSCLC patients. Osimertinib, a third generation EGFR TKI has recently shown improved overall survival of 6.8 months in previously untreated EGFR mutant NSCLC patients. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of osimertinib versus standard EGFR TKIs (gefitinib or erlotinib) as first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic EGFR mutant NSCLC patients in Singapore.

METHODS

A partitioned survival model with three health states (progression-free, progressive disease, and death) was developed from the Singapore healthcare payer perspective. Survival curves based on the overall trial population from the FLAURA trial were extrapolated beyond trial period over a 10-year time horizon to estimate the underlying progression-free survival and overall survival parametric distributions. Health state utilities were derived from the literature and direct costs were sourced from public healthcare institutions in Singapore. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the impact of uncertainties and assumptions on cost-effectiveness results.

RESULTS

Compared with first or second generation TKI, osimertinib had a base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of SG$418,839 (US$304,277) per quality-adjusted life year gained. One-way sensitivity analysis showed the ICER was most sensitive to time horizon and variations in progression-free utility values. Scenario analyses showed that a 50% reduction in the cost of osimertinib was still associated with a high ICER that was unlikely to be deemed cost effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Osimertinib is not cost effective as a first-line treatment compared to standard EGFR TKIs in advanced EGFR mutant NSCLC patients in Singapore. The findings from our evaluation, alongside other considerations including the lack of survival benefit in the Asian subgroup of the FLAURA trial, will be useful to inform policy makers on funding decisions for NSCLC treatments in Singapore.

Integrated histological and molecular analyses of rebiopsy samples at osimertinib progression improve post-progression survivals: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This single-center retrospective cohort study sought to investigate the impact of rebiopsy analysis after osimertinib progression in improving the survival outcomes.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with EGFR T790M-positive advanced NSCLC who received second- or further-line osimertinib between January 2017 and July 2019 were included in this study. The co-primary study endpoints were post-progression progression-free survival (pPFS), defined as the time from osimertinib progression until progression from further-line treatment, and post-progression overall survival (pOS), defined as the time from osimertinib progression until death or the last follow-up date.

RESULTS

Pairwise analysis revealed that receiving targeted therapy as further-line treatment after osimertinib progression did not statistically improve the pPFS (P = 0.285) or the pOS (P = 0.903) compared to chemotherapy. However, patients who submitted rebiopsy samples at osimertinib progression for histological and molecular analyses, particularly those who had actionable markers and received highly matched therapy, had significantly longer pPFS and pOS as compared to those who received low-level matched therapy (pPFS = 10.0 m vs. 4.1 m, P = 0.005; pOS = 19.4 m vs. 10.0 m, P = 0.023), unmatched therapy (pPFS = 10.0 m vs. 4.7 m, P = 0.009; pOS = 19.4 m vs. 7.0 m, P = 0.001), and those without rebiopsy data (Rebiopsy vs Non-rebiopsy; pPFS = 6.1 m vs. 3.3 m, P = 0.014; pOS = 11.7 m vs. 6.8 m, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Our real-world cohort study demonstrates that integrated histological and molecular analyses of rebiopsy specimens after osimertinib progression could provide more opportunities for individualized treatments to improve the post-progression survival of patients with advanced NSCLC. Our findings provide clinical evidence that supports the inclusion of NGS-based analysis of rebiopsy specimens as standard-of-care after osimertinib progression and warrants further prospective evaluation.

Hepatotoxicity with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer patients: A network meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in patients diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been confirmed by a large number of studies. However, hepatotoxicity caused by EGFR-TKIs has not been widely investigated. This review compares the hepatotoxicity of different EGFR-TKIs through a network meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from their individual inceptions to 20 May 2020 with the goal of identifying randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting hepatotoxicity in NSCLC patients receiving EGFR-TKIs. A random-effects pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed within a frequentist framework. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Twelve eligible RCTs, including data from 6,280 patients diagnosed with NSCLC, were analysed. In our network meta-analysis, gefitinib was associated with a higher risk for hepatotoxicity compared to placebo (RR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.32-4.89) and dacomitinib (RR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.30-5.20) in terms of all-grades alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation. As for all-grades aspartate transaminase (AST) elevation, gefitinib and erlotinib showed a significantly increased risk for hepatotoxicity compared to afatinib, dacomitinib and placebo (erlotinib vs. afatinib: RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.05-3.24; erlotinib vs. dacomitinib: RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.19-2.36; erlotinib vs. placebo: RR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.69-6.73; gefitinib vs. afatinib: RR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.32-3.79; gefitinib vs. dacomitinib: RR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.51-2.73; gefitinib vs. placebo: RR, 4.08; 95% CI, 2.11-7.91). There was a high risk of high-grade ALT elevation in patients treated with gefitinib compared to patients treated with erlotinib (RR, 4.31; 95% CI, 2.15-8.66), dacomitinib (RR, 6.95; 95% CI, 1.85-26.05) or placebo (RR, 8.38; 95% CI, 1.56-45.01). No statistically significant differences were identified among the five agents analysed in terms of all-grades TB elevation and high-grade AST elevation. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) revealed that gefitinib showed a potentially higher risk for ALT and AST elevation compared to other EGFR-TKIs regardless of grade.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Current evidence indicates that the association between afatinib or dacomitinib and risk of liver enzyme elevation remains uncertain in patients diagnosed with NSCLC. Some evidence suggests that gefitinib and erlotinib may be associated with a significantly increased risk for hepatotoxicity in patients with NSCLC. However, given that the elevation of liver enzymes was not definitely associated with EGFR-TKIs and publication bias, further studies are required to confirm these results.

ctDNA as a cancer biomarker: A broad overview

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in fluids has gained attention because ctDNA seems to identify tumor-specific abnormalities, which could be used for diagnosis, follow-up of treatment, and prognosis: the so-called liquid biopsy. Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive approach and presents the sum of ctDNA from primary and secondary tumor sites. It has been possible not only to quantify the amount of ctDNA but also to identify (epi)genetic changes. Specific mutations in genes have been identified in the plasma of patients with several types of cancer, which highlights ctDNA as a possible cancer biomarker. However, achieving detectable concentrations of ctDNA in body fluids is not an easy task. ctDNA fragments present a short half-life, and there are no cut-off values to discriminate high and low ctDNA concentrations. Here, we discuss the use of ctDNA as a cancer biomarker, the main methodologies, the inherent difficulties, and the clinical predictive value of ctDNA.

Indirect analysis of first-line therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with activating mutations in a Japanese population

Background: Five EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) are currently available in the first-line setting for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan. The aim here was to compare the relative efficacy of EGFR TKIs in the Japanese population. Materials & methods: A systematic review identified randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of first-line EGFR TKIs. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to assess these EGFR TKI comparisons for progression-free survival (PFS). Results: A total of seven randomized controlled trials were identified and considered for network meta-analysis. Dacomitinib showed a trend toward improved PFS versus all comparators. Conclusion: Dacomitinib demonstrated a trend toward improved PFS and therefore, should be considered one of the standard first-line therapies for Japanese patients diagnosed with EGFR+ non-small-cell lung cancer.

Characteristics of surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer patients with post-recurrence cure

Background

The prognosis of postoperative recurrence in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor. However, depending on the recurrence patterns and treatment options, some patients can achieve long‐term survival following recurrence. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients with curable disease who developed postoperative recurrence.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 535 patients who had developed recurrence from among 1760 consecutive patients with NSCLC who underwent curative resection from 1990 to 2008.

Post‐recurrence cure was defined as being cancer‐free for at least five years after treatment for recurrence in patients who had undergone radical local treatment or chemotherapy. The clinicopathological characteristics associated with post‐recurrence cure were analyzed.

Results

Among 535 patients who developed recurrence, 24 (4.5%) achieved post‐recurrence cure. The median post‐recurrence follow‐up duration was 151 (85–275) months for those who achieved post‐recurrence cure. The solitary recurrent lesions and local treatment for the initial recurrence site were significantly more for patients who could be cured after they developed recurrence. All patients with post‐recurrence cure received only radical local treatment for the recurrent lesions.

Conclusions

Some patients with solitary recurrent NSCLC lesions can be cured with only radical local treatment.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

The post‐recurrence cure patients maintained a cancer‐free status for five years after treatment for recurrence without a second recurrence. All patients with post‐recurrence cure received only radical local treatment for recurrence and had significantly higher number of solitary recurrent lesions.

What this study adds

Some patients with solitary recurrent NSCLC lesions after resection can be cured with only radical local treatment.

Real-world use of osimertinib for epidermal growth factor receptor T790M-positive non-small cell lung cancer in Japan

Objective

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) during real-world osimertinib use were investigated in Japan.

Methods

Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M-positive non-small cell lung cancer treated with second-line or later oral osimertinib per the Japanese package insert (80 mg once daily) were included. Data were collected between 28 March 2016 and 31 August 2018.

Results

The median observation period in the safety analysis population (n = 3578) was 343.0 days. ADRs (defined as adverse events whose causality to osimertinib could not be denied by the attending physicians or manufacturer) were reported in 58.1% (2079/3578) of patients. ADRs of interstitial lung disease events were reported in 6.8% (245/3578; Grade ≥ 3, 2.9% [104/3578]) of patients, of whom 29 (11.8%) died (0.8% of patients overall). ADRs of QT interval prolonged, liver disorder and haematotoxicity were reported in 1.3% (45/3578; Grade ≥ 3, 0.1% [5/3578]), 5.9% (212/3578; Grade ≥ 3, 1.0% [35/3578]) and 11.4% (409/3578; Grade ≥ 3, 2.9% [104/3578]) of patients, respectively. In the efficacy analysis population (n = 3563), 119 (3.3%) patients had complete responses, 2373 (66.6%) had partial responses and 598 (16.8%) had stable disease. The objective response rate was 69.9%; disease control rate was 86.7%; and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.3 months. At 6 and 12 months, PFS rates were 77.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75.9–78.9) and 53.2% (95% CI, 51.3–55.1) and overall survival rates were 88.3% (95% CI, 87.2–89.4) and 75.4% (95% CI, 73.8–77.0), respectively.

Conclusions

These data support the currently established benefit-risk assessment of osimertinib in this patient population.

Real-World Evaluation of Factors for Interstitial Lung Disease Incidence and Radiologic Characteristics in Patients With EGFR T790M-positive NSCLC Treated With Osimertinib in Japan

INTRODUCTION

Using real-world Japanese postmarketing data, we characterized interstitial lung disease (ILD) development during the second- or later-line osimertinib treatment for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Retrospective radiologic image evaluation of patients developing ILD was also performed.

METHODS

Patients who had ILD events reported as an adverse drug reaction by their physicians and who were assessed as having developed ILD as assessed by an ILD expert committee in Japan were included.

RESULTS

Among 3578 patients, 252 ILD events were reported in 245 patients (6.8%) by their attending physicians. The median (range) time to the first onset of ILD after osimertinib treatment initiation was 63.0 (5-410) days, and 29 patients with a fatal outcome were reported. The ILD expert committee assessed 231 of 3578 patients (6.5%) as having ILD. A previous history of nivolumab therapy (adjusted OR: 2.84; 95% confidence interval: 1.98-4.07) and a history or concurrence of ILD (3.51; 2.10-5.87) were identified as factors potentially associated with ILD onset during osimertinib treatment. In patients who had received a previous nivolumab treatment, the number and proportion of patients developing ILD were highest for patients who discontinued nivolumab treatment within the first month before initiating osimertinib; trends for decreasing incidence and proportion were observed, with an increasing duration between the end of nivolumab treatment and the initiation of osimertinib treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of ILD was consistent with the known osimertinib safety profile in the Japanese population. A history or concurrence of ILD and history of previous nivolumab therapy are factors potentially associated with ILD onset during osimertinib treatment.

Feasibility and first reports of the MATCH-R repeated biopsy trial at Gustave Roussy

Unravelling the biological processes driving tumour resistance is necessary to support the development of innovative treatment strategies. We report the design and feasibility of the MATCH-R prospective trial led by Gustave Roussy with the primary objective of characterizing the molecular mechanisms of resistance to cancer treatments. The primary clinical endpoints consist of analyzing the type and frequency of molecular alterations in resistant tumours and compare these to samples prior to treatment. Patients experiencing disease progression after an initial partial response or stable disease for at least 24 weeks underwent a tumour biopsy guided by CT or ultrasound. Molecular profiling of tumours was performed using whole exome sequencing, RNA sequencing and panel sequencing. At data cut-off for feasibility analysis, out of 333 inclusions, tumour biopsies were obtained in 303 cases (91%). From these biopsies, 278 (83%) had sufficient quality for analysis by high-throughput next generation sequencing (NGS). All 278 samples underwent targeted NGS, 215 (70.9%) RNA sequencing and 222 (73.2%) whole exome sequencing. In total, 163 tumours were implanted in NOD scid gamma (NSG) or nude mice and 54 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were established, with a success rate of 33%. Adverse events secondary to invasive tumour sampling occurred in 24 patients (7.6%). Study recruitment is still ongoing. Systematic molecular profiling of tumours and the development of patient-derived models of acquired resistance to targeted agents and immunotherapy is feasible and can drive the selection of the next therapeutic strategy.

Successful Desensitization Treatment with Osimertinib after the Development of Osimertinib-induced Urticaria in a Patient Undergoing Treatment for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring the EGFR T790M Mutation

Some patients discontinue receiving osimertinib for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Thr790Met (T790M) mutation due to adverse its effects. We report a case of successful desensitization therapy after osimertinib-induced urticaria. An 85-year-old Japanese woman received osimertinib as third-line therapy for NSCLC with the EGFR T790M mutation. After two days, she developed urticaria of the lower extremities. We started osimertinib desensitization therapy at 0.1 mg/day, which was gradually increased to 40 mg/day. She continued osimertinib for >12 months without adverse effects. Desensitization therapy with osimertinib could be useful for patients experiencing osimertinib-induced urticaria.