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Adashek JJ, Brodsky M, Levis MJ. Complete morphologic response to gilteritinib in ALK-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:197. [PMID: 39256524 PMCID: PMC11387604 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00701-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytogenetic abnormality inv(2)(p23q13) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) results in a fusion of RANBP2 with ALK. This fusion makes ALK constitutively active and acts as a driver for the proliferation of AML cell lines. Gilteritinib, a FLT3 inhibitor approved in AML, also can inhibit ALK among other receptor tyrosine kinases. A 75-year-old-woman with a history of essential thrombocythemia (ET) and a presumed germline DDX41 mutation developed ALK-fusion positive AML and despite standard therapies was transfusion-dependent and globally declining. The patient has been on gilteritinib with an ongoing response of more than one year with near normal blood counts and no evidence of AML. The fact that she was found to harbor a presumed germline DDX41 alteration may account for why she developed, and yet survived, two myeloid neoplasms (ET and AML). Additionally, this demonstrates that gilteritinib is clinically active as an ALK inhibitor, and could be considered for use in any AML patient presenting with an inv(2(p23q13)) translocation. Finally, it is an example of using a disease-agnostic, precision medicine approach to arrive at a beneficial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Adashek
- START Center for Cancer Research - San Antonio, San Antonio, USA.
| | - Max Brodsky
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark J Levis
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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2
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Elhariri A, Patel J, Mahadevia H, Albelal D, Ahmed AK, Jones JC, Borad MJ, Babiker H. Identifying Actionable Alterations in KRAS Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2024; 19:679-689. [PMID: 39123077 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-024-01088-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer is currently the lowest among all cancer types with a dismal 13%. A Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) gene mutation is present in approximately 90% of patients with pancreatic cancer; however, KRAS-specific drugs are not yet widely used in clinical practice for pancreatic cancer, specifically the KRASG12D variant. Advances in genomic testing revealed an opportunity to detect genetic alterations in a subset of patients with no KRAS mutation termed KRAS wild-type. Patients with KRAS wild-type tumors have a propensity to express driver alterations, hence paving the way for utilizing a targeted therapy approach either via clinical trials or standard-of-care drugs. These alterations include fusions, amplifications, translocations, rearrangements and microsatellite instability-high tumors and can be as high as 11% in some studies. Here, we discuss some of the most notable alterations in KRAS wild-type and highlight promising clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elhariri
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Jaydeepbhai Patel
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Himil Mahadevia
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Douaa Albelal
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ahmed K Ahmed
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Jeremy C Jones
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Mitesh J Borad
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hani Babiker
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Utsumi Y, Nakaguro M, Tada Y, Nagao T. High-grade salivary carcinomas: A current insight on diagnostic pathology and the key to clinical decision making. Semin Diagn Pathol 2024; 41:197-206. [PMID: 38658249 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
High-grade carcinomas of the salivary glands are a group of several tumor entities with highly malignant histologic appearances, and have an aggressive biological behavior accompanied by poor a prognosis. In general, they require more intensive treatment than low- or intermediate-grade carcinomas. High-grade salivary carcinomas are rare and the microscopic features often overlap between different tumor types, making an appropriate diagnosis challenging in daily practice settings. However, with recent rapid advances in molecular pathology and molecular-targeted therapy in this field, there is a growing need to properly classify tumors, rather than just diagnosing the cases as "high-grade carcinomas". This leads to specific treatment strategies. In this article, we review representative high-grade salivary gland carcinomas, including salivary duct carcinoma and its histologic subtypes, high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, solid-type adenoid cystic carcinoma, and high-grade transformation of low- or intermediate-grade carcinomas, and discuss their differential diagnoses and clinical implications. Other rare entities, such as neuroendocrine carcinoma, NUT carcinoma, and metastatic carcinoma, should also be considered before diagnosing high-grade carcinoma, NOS. Of these tumors, salivary duct carcinoma has received the most attention because of its strong association with androgen deprivation and anti-HER2 therapies. Other tumor-type-specific treatments include anti-TRK therapy for high-grade transformation of secretory carcinoma, but further therapeutic options are expected to be developed in the future. It should be emphasized that detailed histological evaluation with adequate sampling, in addition to the effective use of molecular ancillary tests, is of the utmost importance for a suitable diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Utsumi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Nakaguro
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Tada
- Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nagao
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Hernando-Calvo A, Rossi A, Vieito M, Voest E, Garralda E. Agnostic drug development revisited. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 128:102747. [PMID: 38763053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The advent of molecular profiling and the generalization of next generation sequencing in oncology has enabled the identification of patients who could benefit from targeted agents. Since the tumor-agnostic approval of pembrolizumab for patients with MSI-High tumors in 2017, different molecularly-guided therapeutics have been awarded approvals and progressively incorporated in the treatment landscape across multiple tumor types. As the number of tumor-agnostic targets considered druggable expands in the clinic, novel challenges will reshape the drug development field involving all the stakeholders in oncology. In this review, we provide an overview of current tumor-agnostic approvals and discuss promising candidate therapeutics for tumor-agnostic designation and challenges for their broad implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Hernando-Calvo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d́Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Vall d́Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alice Rossi
- Vall d́Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Vieito
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d́Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Vall d́Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emile Voest
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elena Garralda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d́Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Vall d́Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain.
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Adashek JJ, Pandya C, Maragakis NJ, De P, Cohen PR, Kato S, Kurzrock R. Neuregulin-1 and ALS19 (ERBB4): at the crossroads of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cancer. BMC Med 2024; 22:74. [PMID: 38369520 PMCID: PMC10875826 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03293-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) is implicated in both cancer and neurologic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, to date, there has been little cross-field discussion between neurology and oncology in regard to these genes and their functions. MAIN BODY Approximately 0.15-0.5% of cancers harbor NRG1 fusions that upregulate NRG1 activity and hence that of the cognate ERBB3/ERBB4 (HER3/HER4) receptors; abrogating this activity with small molecule inhibitors/antibodies shows preliminary tissue-agnostic anti-cancer activity. Notably, ERBB/HER pharmacologic suppression is devoid of neurologic toxicity. Even so, in ALS, attenuated ERBB4/HER4 receptor activity (due to loss-of-function germline mutations or other mechanisms in sporadic disease) is implicated; indeed, ERBB4/HER4 is designated ALS19. Further, secreted-type NRG1 isoforms may be upregulated (perhaps via a feedback loop) and could contribute to ALS pathogenesis through aberrant glial cell stimulation via enhanced activity of other (e.g., ERBB1-3/HER1-3) receptors and downstream pathways. Hence, pan-ERBB inhibitors, already in use for cancer, may be agents worthy of testing in ALS. CONCLUSION Common signaling cascades between cancer and ALS may represent novel therapeutic targets for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Chinmayi Pandya
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Pradip De
- Cancer Genomics, Avera Cancer Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Philip R Cohen
- Department of Dermatology, Davis Medical Center, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- WIN Consortium, Paris, France.
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Kondrashov A, Sapkota S, Sharma A, Riano I, Kurzrock R, Adashek JJ. Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Solid Tumor Oncology: An Effectiveness Payday with a Targeted Payload. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2160. [PMID: 37631374 PMCID: PMC10459723 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are at the forefront of the drug development revolution occurring in oncology. Formed from three main components-an antibody, a linker molecule, and a cytotoxic agent ("payload"), ADCs have the unique ability to deliver cytotoxic agents to cells expressing a specific antigen, a great leap forward from traditional chemotherapeutic approaches that cause widespread effects without specificity. A variety of payloads can be used, including most frequently microtubular inhibitors (auristatins and maytansinoids), as well as topoisomerase inhibitors and alkylating agents. Finally, linkers play a critical role in the ADCs' effect, as cleavable moieties that serve as linkers impact site-specific activation as well as bystander killing effects, an upshot that is especially important in solid tumors that often express a variety of antigens. While ADCs were initially used in hematologic malignancies, their utility has been demonstrated in multiple solid tumor malignancies, including breast, gastrointestinal, lung, cervical, ovarian, and urothelial cancers. Currently, six ADCs are FDA-approved for the treatment of solid tumors: ado-trastuzumab emtansine and trastuzumab deruxtecan, both anti-HER2; enfortumab-vedotin, targeting nectin-4; sacituzuzmab govitecan, targeting Trop2; tisotumab vedotin, targeting tissue factor; and mirvetuximab soravtansine, targeting folate receptor-alpha. Although they demonstrate utility and tolerable safety profiles, ADCs may become ineffective as tumor cells undergo evolution to avoid expressing the specific antigen being targeted. Furthermore, the current cost of ADCs can be limiting their reach. Here, we review the structure and functions of ADCs, as well as ongoing clinical investigations into novel ADCs and their potential as treatments of solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Kondrashov
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA; (A.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Surendra Sapkota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA; (A.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Aditya Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; (A.S.); (I.R.)
| | - Ivy Riano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; (A.S.); (I.R.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- WIN Consortium, 94550 Paris, France;
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jacob J. Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Tateo V, Marchese PV, Mollica V, Massari F, Kurzrock R, Adashek JJ. Agnostic Approvals in Oncology: Getting the Right Drug to the Right Patient with the Right Genomics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040614. [PMID: 37111371 PMCID: PMC10144220 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The oncology field has drastically changed with the advent of precision medicine, led by the discovery of druggable genes or immune targets assessed through next-generation sequencing. Biomarker-based treatments are increasingly emerging, and currently, six tissue-agnostic therapies are FDA-approved. (2) Methods: We performed a review of the literature and reported the trials that led to the approval of tissue-agnostic treatments and ongoing clinical trials currently investigating novel biomarker-based approaches. (3) Results: We discussed the approval of agnostic treatments: pembrolizumab and dostarlimab for MMRd/MSI-H, pembrolizumab for TMB-H, larotrectinib and entrectinib for NTRK-fusions, dabrafenib plus trametinib for BRAF V600E mutation, and selpercatinib for RET fusions. In addition, we reported novel clinical trials of biomarker-based approaches, including ALK, HER2, FGFR, and NRG1. (4) Conclusions: Precision medicine is constantly evolving, and with the improvement of diagnostic tools that allow a wider genomic definition of the tumor, tissue-agnostic targeted therapies are a promising treatment strategy tailored to the specific tumor genomic profile, leading to improved survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tateo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Valeria Marchese
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- WIN Consortium, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Oncology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jacob J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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