Phase 1b study of mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in combination with carboplatin and bevacizumab in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the antitumor activity and safety profile of the triplet combination of mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV), carboplatin, and bevacizumab in recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Participants with recurrent, platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (1-2 prior lines of therapy) received MIRV (6 mg/kg adjusted ideal body weight), carboplatin (AUC5), and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks. Carboplatin could be discontinued after 6 cycles per investigator discretion; continuation of MIRV+bevacizumab as maintenance therapy was permitted. Eligibility included folate receptor alpha (FRα) expression by immunohistochemistry (≥50% of cells with ≥2+ intensity; PS2+ scoring); prior bevacizumab was allowed. Tumor response, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-one participants received triplet therapy, with a median of 6, 12, and 13 cycles of carboplatin, MIRV, and bevacizumab, respectively. The confirmed objective response rate was 83% (9 complete and 25 partial responses). The median DOR was 10.9 months; median PFS was 13.5 months. AEs (any grade) occurred as expected, based on each agent's safety profile; most common were diarrhea (83%), nausea (76%), fatigue (73%), thrombocytopenia (71%), and blurred vision (68%). Most cases were mild to moderate (grade ≤2), except for thrombocytopenia, for which most drug-related discontinuations occurred, and neutropenia.

CONCLUSIONS

This triplet regimen (MIRV+carboplatin+bevacizumab) was highly active, with a tolerable AE profile in participants with recurrent, platinum-sensitive, FRα-expressing ovarian cancer. Thrombocytopenia was the primary cause of dose modifications. These outcomes compare favorably to historical data reported for platinum-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab regimens in similar patient populations.

A Relative Bioavailability, Bioequivalence, and Food Effect Study of Niraparib Tablets in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

PURPOSE

The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor niraparib is indicated as maintenance treatment in patients with certain subtypes of advanced ovarian cancer, and is being investigated in patients with other solid tumors. Niraparib is available in 100-mg capsules with a starting dosage of 200 or 300 mg/d. This study assessed the relative bioavailability (BA) and bioequivalence (BE) between a 1 × 300-mg tablet relative to 3 × 100-mg niraparib capsules. In addition, the food effect (FE) of a high-fat meal on the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of tablet-formulated niraparib was investigated.

METHODS

This was a US-based, 3-stage, open-label, multicenter, single-crossover, randomized-sequence study. Enrolled patients were 18 years and older, with histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced solid tumors (metastatic or local) and disease progression despite standard therapy. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive niraparib 1 × 300-mg tablet or 3 × 100-mg capsules in the BA and BE stages or 1 × 300-mg tablet in a fasted or fed (high-fat meal) state in the FE stage. Across all study stages, PK parameters were assessed for 7 days after each dose (tablet or capsule) or prandial state (fasted or fed). In the BA stage, patients crossed over to the other treatment after a 7-day washout period, which was extended to 14 days in the BE and FE stages. Tolerability was assessed for patients who received any amount of niraparib.

FINDINGS

The BA-, BE-, and FE-evaluable populations comprised 23, 108, and 19 patients, respectively, who completed both treatment periods in each study stage, had sufficient concentration data to accurately estimate PK parameters without niraparib carryover, and did not experience disqualifying events. PK parameters were similar after dosing with tablet or capsule formulations; the 90% CIs of the geometric least square means for Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were within the 0.80 to 1.25 BE limits. In the FE stage, Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were 11%, 32%, and 28% higher, respectively, in the fed versus fasted state. The safety population included 29, 168, and 28 patients in the BA, BE, and FE stages, respectively, who received niraparib. No new safety signals were identified.

IMPLICATIONS

Niraparib tablets were found to be bioequivalent to capsules. A modest (≤32%) FE was observed with a high-fat meal, but was not considered to be clinically meaningful, given niraparib's PK variability.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT03329001. (Clin Ther. 2024;46:XXX-XXX) © 2024 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.

Oral Selinexor as Maintenance Therapy After First-Line Chemotherapy for Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer

PURPOSE

Selinexor inhibits exportin-1 (XPO1) resulting in nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins including p53 and has clinical activity in endometrial cancer (EC). The primary end point was to assess progression-free survival (PFS) with once-weekly oral selinexor in patients with advanced or recurrent EC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

ENGOT-EN5/GOG-3055/SIENDO was a randomized, prospective, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study at 107 sites in 10 countries. Patients 18 years or older with histologically confirmed EC were enrolled. All had completed a single line of at least 12 weeks of taxane-platinum combination chemotherapy and achieved partial or complete response. Patients were assigned to receive 80 mg oral selinexor once weekly or placebo with 2:1 random assignment (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03555422).

RESULTS

Between January 2018 and December 2021, 263 patients were randomly assigned, with 174 allocated to selinexor and 89 to placebo. The median PFS was 5.7 months (95% CI, 3.81 to 9.20) with selinexor versus 3.8 months (95% CI, 3.68 to 7.39) with placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.54 to 1.08]; two-sided P = .126), which did not meet the criteria for statistical significance in the intent-to-treat population. Incorrect chemotherapy response stratification data for 7 (2.7%) patients were identified. In a prespecified exploratory analysis of PFS in audited stratification data, PFS for selinexor met the threshold for statistical significance (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.499 to 0.996; two-sided P = .049). Furthermore, patients with the TP53 wild-type (wt) EC had a median PFS of 13.7 and 3.7 months with selinexor and placebo. The most common grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were nausea (9%), neutropenia (9%), and thrombocytopenia (7%).

CONCLUSION

The significance level for PFS was only met in the audited analysis. However, a preliminary analysis of a prespecified exploratory subgroup of patients with TP53wt EC showed promising results with selinexor maintenance therapy.

Phase IIa Study of PLX2853 in Gynecologic Cancers With Known ARID1A Mutation and Phase Ib/IIa Study of PLX2853/Carboplatin in Platinum-Resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE

The Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) domain proteins facilitate the development of many human cancers via epigenetic regulation. BET inhibitors may be effective in reversing platinum resistance in ovarian cancer (OC) and may generate synthetic lethality with ARID1A loss. PLX2853 is an orally active, small-molecule inhibitor of BET bromodomain-mediated interactions that exhibits low nanomolar potency in blocking all four BET family members.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter and open-label study with two parallel arms: a phase IIa study of PLX2853 monotherapy in patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies with an ARID1A mutation and a phase Ib/IIa combination study of PLX2853 plus carboplatin in women with platinum-resistant OC. The primary objectives were safety and tolerability for phase Ib and efficacy for both phase IIa portions. Thirty-four of 37 enrolled patients completed at least one post-baseline response assessment.

RESULTS

Of the 14 evaluable patients on the monotherapy arm, 1 (7.1%) achieved a best overall response of partial response (PR), 5 (35.7%) had stable disease (SD), and 8 (57.1%) had progressive disease (PD). Of the 20 evaluable patients on the combination arm, 1 (5.0%) had PR, 9 (45.0%) had SD, and 10 (50%) had PD.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the safety profile of PLX2853 and demonstrated the feasibility of combination with carboplatin. Although these results did not meet the prespecified response criteria, evidence of clinical activity highlights the rationale for further exploration of BET inhibitors in patients with ARID1A-mutated gynecologic malignancies, possibly in combination with agents targeting potential feedback mechanisms such as the PI3K pathway.

Advances in Ovarian Cancer Care and Unmet Treatment Needs for Patients With Platinum Resistance: A Narrative Review

Importance

Platinum-based chemotherapy has been the standard of care for ovarian cancer for the past 3 decades. Although most patients respond to platinum-based treatment, emergence of platinum resistance in recurrent ovarian cancer is inevitable during the disease course. Outcomes for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are poor, and options remain limited, highlighting a substantial unmet need for new treatment options.

Observations

This review summarizes the current and evolving treatment landscape for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer with a focus on the development of novel compounds. Biologic and targeted therapies such as bevacizumab and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors-originally approved in the platinum-resistant setting but since withdrawn-are now used in the up-front or platinum-sensitive setting, prolonging the duration of platinum sensitivity and delaying the use of nonplatinum options. The greater use of maintenance therapy and the emphasis on using platinum beyond first-line treatment has most likely been associated with a greater number of lines of platinum therapy before a patient is designated as having platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. In this contemporary setting, recent trials in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have mostly had negative outcomes, with none having a clinically significant effect on progression-free or overall survival since the approval of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy. Nonetheless, a multitude of new therapies are under evaluation; preliminary results are encouraging. A focus on biomarker-directed treatment and patient selection may provide greater success in identifying novel therapies for treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Conclusions and Relevance

Although many clinical trials in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have had negative outcomes, these failures provide insights into how clinical trial design, biomarker-directed therapy, and patient selection could facilitate future successes in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treatment.

Effect of Pevonedistat, an Investigational NEDD8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor, on the QTc Interval in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of pevonedistat, a neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8)-activating enzyme inhibitor, on the heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval in cancer patients. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive pevonedistat 25 or 50 mg/m² on day 1 and the alternate dose on day 8. Triplicate electrocardiograms were collected at intervals over 0-11 hours and at 24 hours via Holter recorders on days -1 (baseline), 1, and 8. Changes from time-matched baseline values were calculated for QTc by Fridericia (QTcF), PR, and QRS intervals. Serial time-matched blood samples for analysis of pevonedistat plasma pharmacokinetics were collected and a concentration-QTc analysis conducted. Safety was assessed by monitoring vital signs, physical examinations, and clinical laboratory tests. Forty-four patients were included in the QTc analysis. Maximum least square (LS) mean increase from time-matched baseline in QTcF was 3.2 milliseconds at 1 hour postdose for pevonedistat at 25 mg/m² , while the LSs mean change from baseline in QTcF was -1.7 milliseconds 1 hour postdose at 50 mg/m² . The maximum 2-sided 90% upper confidence bound was 6.7 and 2.9 milliseconds for pevonedistat at 25 and 50 mg/m² , respectively. Pevonedistat did not result in clinically relevant effects on heart rate, nor on PR or QRS intervals. Results from pevonedistat concentration-QTc analysis were consistent with these findings. Administration of pevonedistat to cancer patients at a dose of up to 50 mg/m² showed no evidence of QT prolongation, indicative of the lack of clinically meaningful effects on cardiac repolarization. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03330106 (first registered on November 6, 2017).

Is there a role for secondary debulking in ovarian cancer? A review of the current literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Until recently, no data was available from randomized, controlled trials (RCT) to assess the role of secondary cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in the management of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. This review highlights results from the three completed RCTs, and other recent literature on this topic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both the AGO and iMODEL criteria predict high rates of complete gross resection at the time of secondary CRS. Overall survival (OS) was improved in the surgical arms in both DESKTOP 3 and SOC-1. In contrast, surgery did not improve OS in GOG 213, but greater than 80% of patients received bevacizumab with chemotherapy in GOG 213.

SUMMARY

Secondary cytoreduction for recurrent ovarian cancer can be considered in patients who meet specific criteria. Available data supports improvement in OS for patients not receiving bevacizumab, who achieve complete gross resection. Surgery is harmful to patients with gross residual disease.

Ocular Toxicity and Mitigation Strategies for Antibody Drug Conjugates in Gynecologic Oncology

Recently, two antibody drug conjugates were FDA approved for the treatment of recurrent gynecologic malignancies. Both of these new agents are associated with ocular toxicity. Ocular toxicity can be prevented and mitigated by utilizing recommended eye care strategies.

Advances in antibody-drug conjugates for gynecologic malignancies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a new class of drugs that combine a surface receptor-targeting antibody linked to a cytotoxic molecule delivering the potent cytotoxic payload directly to tumor cells. This review summarizes the current literature demonstrating their use in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Tisotumab vedotin is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ADC for the treatment of gynecologic cancers. While in the phase 3 randomized controlled trial in platinum resistant ovarian cancer patients, FORWARD 1, mirvetuximab did not meet its primary endpoint of progression-free survival. But we await more recent data from the two ongoing phase 3 trials of mirvetuximab in recurrent ovarian cancer patients. HER2/neu, Napi2b, mesothelin, and human trophoblast cell-surface marker (Trop-2) overexpression have also been exploited as excellent targets by novel ADCs in multiple tumors including ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.

SUMMARY

Current evidence strongly supports the use of ADCs and ongoing clinical trials will provide further information into the potential of making these drugs part of current standard practice allowing patients to be treated with a higher level of personalized cancer care.

Targeting NaPi2b in ovarian cancer

Novel biomarkers are needed to direct new treatments for ovarian cancer, a disease for which the standard of care remains heavily focused on platinum-based chemotherapy. Despite the success of PARP inhibitors, treatment options are limited, particularly in the platinum-resistant setting. NaPi2b is a cell surface sodium-dependent phosphate transporter that regulates phosphate homeostasis under normal physiological conditions and is a lineage marker that is expressed in select cancers, including ovarian, lung, thyroid, and breast cancers, with limited expression in normal tissues. Based on its increased expression in ovarian tumors, NaPi2b is a promising candidate to be studied as a biomarker for treatment and patient selection in ovarian cancer. In preclinical studies, the use of antibodies against NaPi2b showed that this protein can be exploited for tumor mapping and therapeutic targeting. Emerging data from phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in ovarian cancer have suggested that NaPi2b can be successfully detected in patient biopsy samples using immunohistochemistry, and the NaPi2b-targeting antibody-drug conjugate under evaluation appeared to elicit therapeutic responses. The aim of this review is to examine literature supporting NaPi2b as a novel biomarker for potential treatment and patient selection in ovarian cancer and to discuss the critical next steps and future analyses necessary to drive the study of this biomarker and therapeutic targeting forward.

A phase II trial of bevacizumab and rucaparib in recurrent carcinoma of the cervix or endometrium

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the tolerability and efficacy of combination bevacizumab rucaparib therapy in patients with recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Thirty-three patients with recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer were enrolled. Patients were required to have tumor progression after first line treatment for metastatic, or recurrent disease. Rucaparib was given at 600 mg BID twice daily for each 21-day cycle. Bevacizumab was given at 15 mg/kg on day 1 of each 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was efficacy as determined by objective response rate or 6-month progression free survival.

RESULTS

Of the 33 patients enrolled, 28 were evaluable. Patients with endometrial cancer had a response rate of 17% while patients with cervical cancer had a response rate of 14%. Median progression free survival was 3.8 months (95% C·I 2.5 to 5.7 months), and median overall survival was 10.1 months (95% C·I 7.0 to 15.1 months). Patients with ARID1A mutations displayed a better response rate (33%) and 6-month progression free survival (PFS6) rate (67%) than the entire study population. Observed toxicity was similar to that of previous studies with bevacizumab and rucaparib.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of bevacizumab with rucaparib did not show significantly increased anti-tumor activity in all patients with recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer. However, patients with ARID1A mutations had a higher response rate and PFS6 suggesting this subgroup may benefit from the combination of bevacizumab and rucaparib. Further study is needed to confirm this observation. No new safety signals were seen.

OVARIO phase II trial of combination niraparib plus bevacizumab maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy with bevacizumab

OBJECTIVE

To assess safety and efficacy of niraparib + bevacizumab as a first-line maintenance therapy for patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

This multicenter, phase II, single-arm, open-label study enrolled adult patients with stage IIIB to IV ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (NCT03326193). Patients were required to have an attempt at debulking surgery and have a complete response, partial response, or no evidence of disease following first-line, platinum-based chemotherapy with ≥3 cycles of bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was the progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 18 months. Secondary endpoints included PFS, overall survival, and safety.

RESULTS

Among the 105 evaluable patients, the PFS rate at 18 months was 62% (95% CI 52-71%) in the overall population and 76% (95% CI 61-87) in the homologous recombination deficient (HRd), 47% (95% CI 31-64%) in the HR proficient (HRp), and 56% (95% CI 31-79%) in the HR not determined (HRnd) subgroups (December 24, 2020, cutoff). After a median follow-up time of 28.7 months (IQR, 23.9-32.5 months), median PFS was 19.6 months (95% CI 16.5-25.1) in the overall population (N = 105) and 28.3 months (95% CI 19.9-NE), 14.2 months (95% CI 8.6-16.8), and 12.1 months (95% CI 8.0-NE) in the HRd, HRp, and HRnd subgroups, respectively (June 16, 2021, cutoff). The most common any-grade treatment-related adverse events (related to niraparib and/or bevacizumab) were thrombocytopenia (74/105), fatigue (60/105), and anemia (55/105; December 24, 2020, cutoff).

CONCLUSION

Niraparib + bevacizumab first-line maintenance therapy displayed promising PFS results. Safety was consistent with the known safety profiles of niraparib and bevacizumab as monotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of lucitanib + nivolumab in patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies: Phase 2 results from the LIO-1 study (NCT04042116; ENGOT-GYN3/AGO/LIO)

5517

Background: LIO-1 is assessing the oral antiangiogenic, multikinase inhibitor lucitanib in combination with the programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor nivolumab. Individualized lucitanib dose titration is being explored to maximize lucitanib exposure and potential clinical benefit of the combination. Here, we present data from stage 1 of a Simon 2-stage design across 4 different types of advanced gynecologic cancers from the phase 2 part of LIO-1. Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic endometrial cancer (EC, who received ≥1 prior platinum-based chemotherapy); cervical cancer (CC, who received ≥1 prior platinum-based chemotherapy ± bevacizumab); high-grade ovarian cancer (OC, who received ≥2 prior chemotherapies); or EC/OC with clear-cell histology (EOCC, who received ≥1 prior platinum-based chemotherapy + taxane) were enrolled. Prior PD-1 or programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor treatment was excluded, except for up to 10 pts in the EC cohort. Pts received lucitanib at a starting dose of 6 mg once daily (QD), escalating to 8 mg QD and then 10 mg QD if safety-based titration criteria were met, plus intravenous nivolumab 480 mg every 28 days. The data cutoff was Jan 10, 2022. Results: Across cohorts, 100 pts were enrolled to stage 1; 27 (27%) remain on treatment. To date, 28 (28%) have escalated to lucitanib 8 mg, and 17 (17%) have escalated to the maximum dose of 10 mg. Confirmed responses per RECIST v1.1 have been reported in 5/22 (22.7%; 5 partial responses [PRs]) EC pts, 7/22 (31.8%; 2 complete responses [CRs], 5 PRs) CC pts, 4/33 (12.1%; 4 PRs) OC pts, and 5/23 (21.7%; 1 CR, 4 PRs) EOCC pts. Response duration ranges from 1.9+ to 13.1+ months. Of 5 pts with EC who received prior PD-1 inhibitor, there were 2 PRs, and 1 pt with ongoing stable disease of 7+ months. Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) considered related to study treatment were reported in 43 (43%) pts, with hypertension the most frequent (n = 25 [25%]). Forty-six (46%) pts had a lucitanib-related TEAE that led to lucitanib interruption and 12 (12%) had one that led to lucitanib dose reduction. Eleven (11%) and 8 (8%) pts discontinued lucitanib and nivolumab, respectively, due to a treatment-related TEAE. Safety results were generally consistent across tumor cohorts. Conclusions: The combination of lucitanib + nivolumab is active in the treatment of advanced gynecological malignancies and has a manageable safety profile through effective dose titration. Stage 2 enrollment has continued in the CC cohort. Biomarker analysis is ongoing, and more mature efficacy and safety data will be presented at the meeting. Clinical trial information: NCT04042116.

Recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of HB-200 arenavirus-based cancer immunotherapies in patients with HPV16+ cancers

2517

Background: Treatment options are limited for patients with recurrent or metastatic human papillomavirus 16 positive (HPV16+) cancers. Generation and maintenance of HPV16+ cancers requires stable expression of HPV16-specific E7 and E6 oncoproteins, which are also a source of tumor-specific immunogenic neoantigens. HB-201 and HB-202 are replicating live-attenuated vectors based on lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Pichinde virus, respectively, which express the same non-oncogenic HPV16 E7E6 fusion protein and infect antigen presenting cells to induce tumor-specific T cell responses. The Phase 1 part of this study of HB-200 therapy (HB-201 single-vector therapy and HB-202/HB-201 two-vector alternating therapy) was conducted to determine RP2D for further exploration alone or in combination with pembrolizumab. Methods: The Phase 1 part used a 3+3 dose escalation design with up to 3 dose levels (DLs) of HB-201 and 4 DLs of HB-202/HB-201 explored. Patients with HPV16+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or with other HPV16+ cancers were evaluated. Safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, and preliminary antitumor activity by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 or immune RECIST were assessed to determine RP2D. Results: As of January 2022, 65 patients with a median of 3 prior anticancer treatments have been enrolled in the Phase 1 part of the study. All had HPV16+ confirmed genotype; the most common primary site was oropharynx, followed by anal and cervix. Adverse events were generally mild or moderate. For HB-201, 3 DLs, 2 dosing schedules and 2 administration routes were assessed across 40 patients. At DL3 of HB-201 administered intravenously (IV), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred in 1/6 patients in the HNSCC group (Grade 4 encephalopathy, fully recovered) and 1/2 patients in the non-HNSCC group (Grade 3 rash, fully recovered). Preliminary safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity data support IV injection of DL3 (5 × 107 units) every 3 weeks (Q3W) as the RP2D for HB-201 single-vector therapy. For HB-202/HB-201, 4 DLs and 2 administration routes were assessed across 25 patients. At DL4 of HB-202/HB-201 IV, 1/5 subjects in the HNSCC group reported a DLT (Grade 4 hepatitis, recovering at time of discontinuation). RP2D for HB-202/HB-201 will be determined in the very near future. Tumor control, including partial response, have been observed in subjects treated with either HB-201 or HB-202/HB-201 as monotherapy. Conclusions: HB-201 and HB-202/HB-201 were generally well tolerated and showed preliminary antitumor activity in heavily pre-treated patients with HPV16+ solid tumors. DL3 was selected as RP2D for HB-201 monotherapy. In the Phase 2 part of the study a combination of HB-201 at 5 × 106 units IV Q3W with pembrolizumab is being tested in HPV16+ HNSCC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT04180215.

First report of the safety/tolerability and preliminary antitumor activity of HB-201 and HB-202, an arenavirus-based cancer immunotherapy, in patients with HPV16+ cancers

2502

Background: Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is linked to several cancer types. Treatment options are limited for patients with HPV16 positive (HPV16+) recurrent or metastatic cancers. Generation and maintenance of HPV16+ malignant state require stable expression of HPV16-specific E7 and E6 oncoproteins, also a source of immunogenic neoantigens. HB-201 and HB-202 are replicating live-attenuated vectors based on lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Pichinde virus, respectively, which express the same non-oncogenic HPV16 E7E6 fusion protein to induce tumor-specific T-cell responses. This is a first-in-human phase 1/2 study of HB-201 monotherapy and HB-201 & HB-202 alternating 2-vector therapy. Dose escalation is ongoing with a 3+3 design. Methods: Phase 1 is assessing different regimens and dose levels of HB-201 monotherapy and HB-201 & HB-202 alternating 2-vector therapy given intravenously (IV) with or without an initial intratumoral administration. The patient population includes HPV16+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and other HPV16+ cancers. Safety, tolerability, and preliminary antitumor activity by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 or immune RECIST are assessed. Results: As of Jan 2021, 25 patients with a median of 3 prior anticancer treatments have been enrolled. All had HPV16+ confirmed genotype; the most common primary site was oropharynx (72%). No dose-limiting toxicities were reported. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 21 patients (84%), were generally mild or moderate, with events related to study drug reported in 14 patients (56%). TEAEs reported in >10% of patients regardless of causality included fatigue, pyrexia, nausea, decreased appetite, anemia, arthralgia, chills, constipation, diarrhea, hypertension, influenza-like illness, pneumonia, and vomiting. Serious TEAEs developed in 6 patients (24%), including 1 with grade 5 hemorrhagic shock deemed unrelated to study drug. Grade 3 fatigue was the only serious or grade ≥3 TEAE assessed as related to study drug. TEAEs caused no treatment discontinuation. There were 18 patients evaluable for efficacy. For the 16 patients on HB-201 monotherapy, assessment of target lesions showed 2 partial responses (including 1 patient with an unconfirmed immune CR) and 6 patients had stable disease (SD). For the 2 patients on HB-201 & HB-202 alternating therapy, both had SD. So far, the longest duration of response was 4.8 months (144 days) and the maximum decrease in tumor diameter was 60%, both seen in HNSCC patients receiving HB-201 IV. Conclusions: HB-201 monotherapy and HB-201 & HB-202 2-vector alternating therapy were generally well-tolerated and showed preliminary antitumor activity as monotherapy in heavily pre-treated patients with HPV16+ HNSCC and other solid tumors. Clinical trial information: NCT04180215.

A phase II trial of bevacizumab and rucaparib in recurrent carcinoma of the cervix or endometrium

5527

Background: Treatment options for patients with recurrent cervical and endometrial cancer remain limited. Even with optimum care, median survival has stalled at 12-17 months. The PARP inhibitor rucaparib has demonstrated activity in both BRCA wild-type and mutant cancers. Furthermore, preclinical studies suggest a synergistic effect of PARP inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents. We hypothesized that the combination of rucaparib and the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab would yield a clinically-significant anti-cancer effect in patients with persistent or recurrent cervical or endometrial carcinoma. Methods: NCT03476798 is a phase II trial of adults with histologically-documented carcinoma of the cervix or endometrium. Patients with evaluable lesions who had undergone at least one prior line of systemic therapy, had adequate performance status and organ function, with a life expectancy of at least three months were eligible. Biopsies were obtained prior to treatment initiation for assessment of baseline tumor biomarkers, including ARID1A mutation status. Each cycle comprised 21 days. Rucaparib was administered orally at 600 mg, twice daily. Bevacizumab was administered by IV at 15 mg/kg on day 1 of each cycle. The primary objective was to estimate the proportion of patients with persistent or recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer who survive progression-free for at least six months (PFS6). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate progression-free survival. Results: There were 28 evaluable patients; six had cervical and 22 had endometrial cancer. Median age was 60.5 years (range, 30-74). Self-reported patient races were White (82.1%), Black (10.7%), and Native American (7.1%). Self-identified Hispanic or Latina patients comprised 3.6% of the cohort. Twenty-two of 28 patients had progressive disease by six months [survival distribution function estimate = 0.214 (lower CI, 0.087; upper CI, 0.378)]. Of the six patients who achieved PFS6, one had cervical and five had endometrial cancer. Six patients had a mutation in the ARID1A gene and those patients achieved PFS6 at a rate of 66.7%. Conclusions: The study hypothesis was evaluated in a two-stage design, and the interim analysis occurred once 28 evaluable patients were enrolled. In order to move on to the second stage, at least seven patients needed to remain progression-free at six months, but only six did. Thus, the study was ended after the interim analysis. The combination of rucaparib and bevacizumab did not provide the expected clinical benefit in this cohort of patients, but may warrant further exploration in patients with ARID1A mutations. Clinical trial information: NCT03476798.

Open-label, multicenter, phase 1b/2 study of rebastinib in combination with paclitaxel to assess safety and efficacy in patients with advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer

5576

Background: Rebastinib is a first-in-class investigational, orally administered, potent and selective switch-control kinase inhibitor of tunica interna endothelial cell kinase (TIE2). This is a 2-part open-label, multicenter Phase 1b/2 study of rebastinib in combination with paclitaxel. Here we provide updated results (ASCO 2020) from the fully enrolled endometrial cancer (EC) cohort of the study. Methods: Part 2 of the study has five disease-specific cohorts (EC, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, gynecological carcinosarcoma, TNBC and inflammatory breast cancer). Patients were treated at the RP2D and evaluated for efficacy (RECIST v1.1) and safety (CTCAE v5.0). Results: As of Jan 8, 2021, 38 EC patients were enrolled (median age of 66 years); 42% were of grade 2/3 endometroid histological subtype. All patients received at least 1 prior line of paclitaxel in combination with carboplatin and 79% of patients received ≥3 prior anti-cancer regimens. Sixteen of 38 patients were initially treated with a starting dose of rebastinib 100 mg BID, 11 of which dose reduced to 50 mg BID, and 22 patients were treated with a starting dose of rebastinib 50 mg BID, in combination with paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 IV weekly (days 1, 8, 15 of 28-day cycle). In 33 evaluable patients with median follow-up of 5.9 months, the ORR was 33% and clinical benefit rate at 8 and 16 weeks was 70% and 55%, respectively, including 11 PRs (8 confirmed) and 12 SDs. Treatment-emergent adverse events ( > 20% of patients; mostly ≤ grade 2) included fatigue (n = 18), constipation, peripheral edema (each at n = 16), peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea (each at n = 15), dyspnea (n = 13), alopecia, hypokalemia (each at n = 11), diarrhea, hypomagnesemia (each at n = 10), dry mouth, dysgeusia (each at n = 9), arthralgia, hypertension, dehydration, GERD and muscular weakness (each at n = 8). Serious adverse events (SAE) at least possibly related to rebastinib included muscular weakness (n = 2 at 100 mg BID, n = 1 at 50 mg BID), nausea (n = 2), acute myocardial infarction, atrial flutter, dehydration, non-infective encephalitis, peritonsillitis, and stress cardiomyopathy (each at n = 1) and were resolved after dose interruption. Conclusions: The updated results of rebastinib at 50 mg BID in combination with paclitaxel showed encouraging preliminary anti-tumor activity and an acceptable safety profile in heavily pretreated EC patients, and supports further development in patients with EC (NCT03601897). Clinical trial information: NCT03601897.

Uplift (ENGOT-ov67): A pivotal cohort to evaluate XMT-1536 (upifitamab rilsodotin), a NaPi2b-directed antibody drug conjugate for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

TPS5607

Background: XMT-1536 (upifitamab rilsodotin), is a first-in-class Dolaflexin ADC targeting NaPi2b, a sodium-dependent phosphate transport protein, broadly expressed in solid tumors such as serous epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) and non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma. XMT-1536 uses the Dolaflexin platform to deliver approximately 10 DolaLock auristatin payload molecules per antibody and is being evaluated in a Phase I study (NCT03319628). Observation of preliminary antitumor activity was reported in the ovarian cancer expansion cohort, including in patients previously treated with bevacizumab and PARPi (Tolcher et al, ASCO 2019; Richardson et al, ASCO 2019; Hamilton et al, ESMO 2020). Updated data on the OC cohort included 31 patients with higher NaPi2b expression as of December 2020 (Mersana Therapeutics, 2021). In these patients, the ORR was 32% and the DCR was 74%. Complete responses were observed in 2 patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, both of whom had received prior treatment with bevacizumab and PARP inhibitors. Platinum resistant ovarian cancer remains a serious unmet medical need as treatment options are limited and response rates to these treatments are low. Based on the favorable safety and efficacy profile of XMT-1536, UPLIFT was designed as a Phase 2 single-arm registrational cohort of patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer as part of the ongoing Phase I FIH dose escalation and expansion study to accelerate development and provide a streamlined pathway to regulatory review. Methods: The UPLIFT cohort is enrolling patients with platinum resistant high grade serous ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer with up to 4 prior lines of therapy. The RP2D of XMT-1536 was determined to be 43 mg/m2 administered intravenously every 4 weeks (q4w) and will be the dose evaluated in the UPLIFT cohort. UPLIFT will enroll approximately 180 patients with platinum-resistant advanced ovarian cancer to obtain approximately 100 patients with higher NaPi2b expression. Prior bevacizumab is required for those patients with 1 or 2 prior lines of therapy. Tumor samples (fresh or archived) will be collected prior to enrollment for retrospective tumor tissue evaluation of NaPi2b expression. The primary objective is assessment of confirmed objective response rate to XMT-1536 as assessed by Investigator in patients with higher NaPi2b expression. Secondary endpoints include confirmed objective response rate regardless of NaPi2b expression, duration of response, and adverse events. Correlative aims include assessing blood and tissue biomarkers for association with clinical benefit. This study is being conducted in collaboration with ENGOT and GOG. Patients will be enrolled globally. Clinical trial information: NCT03319628.

Phase I expansion study of P-cadherin-targeted 90Y-FF-21101 antibody in advanced chemorefractory colorectal and pancreatic-biliary cancers

78

Background: Overexpression of the cell-cell adhesion protein P-cadherin has been associated with a more aggressive cancer cell phenotype, cancer stem cell properties, tumor invasion and metastasis. We determined the safety and recommended Phase II dose of the yttrium-labeled P-cadherin-targeted 90Y-FF-21101 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in patients (pts) with advanced tumors, and focused our expansion study in advanced colorectal (CRC) and pancreatic-biliary cancers (non-CRC tumors). We report the safety, efficacy, and correlative pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) in this cohort. Methods: Pts enrolled must have progressed on all standard therapies. 25 mCi/m2 (8 mCi/mg mAb) 90Y-FF-21101 was administered intravenously every 12 weeks (wks) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Disease response was assessed based on RECIST v1.1 every 8 wks (1 cycle = 28 days). Serum mAb PK, existence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and tumor P-cadherin expression were also evaluated. Results: 31 pts [mean age 63 (range, 39-89); 14F/17M; median number of prior therapies, 3 (range, 1-11)] with CRC (18) and non-CRC tumors [pancreatic (8), cholangiocarcinoma (3), duodenal (2)] received a median of 1 (range, 1-2) dose of 90Y-FF-21101. Median duration on study was 8.1 (3.9 – 27) wks (CRC) and 8 (1.1-17.1) wks (pancreatic-biliary). Myelosuppression was the most common treatment-related adverse event [thrombocytopenia (87%; Grade (Gr) 3/4 in 45%), lymphopenia (74%; Gr 3/4 in 61%), anemia (52%; Gr 3/4 in 13%), leukopenia (32%; Gr 3/4 in 16%)], in addition to fatigue (68%, 1 Gr 3) and nausea (39%, 1 Gr 3). Three pts required dose reduction to 20 mCi/m2 with subsequent infusion after Gr 3/4 thrombocytopenia [(pancreatic (2), CRC (1)]. The clinical benefit rate in pts with CRC based on stable disease (SD) for ≥8 wks is 43.8% (7/16 pts), with a median PFS of 8.1 wks and OS of 27 wks [median PFS, 7.9 wks; OS, 17.1 wks in non-CRC]. Longer-term SD was maintained in 2 pts with CRC for 17-24 wks; one continues on treatment. Enrollment is ongoing in the non-CRC cohort. FF-21101 has a mean t1/2 of approximately 65 hours, and post-treatment ADA titers have been observed in < 5% of pts. Tumor P-cadherin expression analysis by IHC demonstrated H-scores > 150 in 88% (14/16) of CRC pts, 75% (9/12) for non-CRC; 2 CRC pts with SD ≥17 wks had H-scores ≥190. Conclusions: 90Y-FF-21101 administered every 12 wks demonstrated expected toxicities and has been generally well-tolerated, with preliminary evidence of benefit demonstrated in heavily pre-treated pts with advanced CRC. The optimal dose and schedule for this radioimmunotherapeutic will continue to be explored, along with pre-treatment P-cadherin expression as a predictive biomarker for disease response. Clinical trial information: NCT02454010.

Association of financial assistance programs and time to completion of therapy in women receiving chemoradiation for cervical cancer

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Social services utilization may highlight patients at risk of prolonged time to completion of chemoradiation.

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With support from the treating institution, more patients may be able to complete therapy in an appropriate time.

•

Time to completion of chemoradiation >56 days remains a predictor of shorter PFS and OS.

We aimed to evaluate how the need for social services programs is associated with outcomes amongst patients with cervical cancer undergoing chemoradiation with a single institution, retrospective analysis of patients from January 1, 2015-July 31, 2018. Demographic, clinical, and social services utilization data were collected. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests were performed. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Among 117 eligible patients, median household income was $45,782 ($19,771 – $96,222). There was no difference in stage among income cohorts. Uninsured/publically insured patients had a higher stage at diagnosis than those privately insured (p = 0.003). Patients used 0–5 assistance programs during treatment. 77.6% of low income versus 54.2% of high income patients utilized ≥1 program. Assistance with lodging was utilized more often in low than high income patients.

(36.2% vs 15.7%, p = 0.013). 58.3% of patients completed therapy in less than 56 days. Patients who completed therapy in >56 days utilized 1.44 social services while patients completing in ≤56 days used 1.06 (p = 0.102). Social security disability utilization trended towards completion times >56 days (p = 0.064). There was no difference in PFS or OS based on income or social services utilized.

Financial toxicities associated with therapy are not limited to uninsured/publically insured or low income patients as over 50% of high income patients utilized at least one service. Additionally, the trend towards significance between enrollment in disability and completion of chemoradiation >56 days may highlight a group of at risk patients who need additional support.

Circulating Tumor Cells In Advanced Cervical Cancer: NRG Oncology-Gynecologic Oncology Group Study 240 (NCT 00803062)

To isolate circulating tumor cells (CTC) from women with advanced cervical cancer and estimate the impact of CTCs and treatment on overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 7.5 mL of whole blood was drawn pre-cycle 1 and 36 days post-cycle 1 from patients enrolled on Gynecologic Oncology Group 0240, the phase III randomized trial that led directly to regulatory approval of the antiangiogenesis drug, bevacizumab, in women with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer. CTCs (defined as anti-cytokeratin⁺/anti-CD45^- cells) were isolated from the buffy coat layer using an anti-EpCAM antibody-conjugated ferrofluid and rare earth magnet, and counted using a semiautomated fluorescence microscope. The median pre-cycle 1 CTC count was 7 CTCs/7.5 mL whole blood (range, 0-18) and, at 36 days posttreatment, was 4 (range, 0-17). The greater the declination in CTCs between time points studied, the lower the risk of death [HR, 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79-0.95)]. Among patients with high (≥ median) pretreatment CTCs, bevacizumab treatment was associated with a reduction in the hazard of death (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.32-1.03) and PFS (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.96). This effect was not observed with low (< median) CTCs. CTCs can be isolated from women with advanced cervical cancer and may have prognostic significance. A survival benefit conferred by bevacizumab among patients with high pretreatment CTCs may reflect increased tumor neovascularization and concomitant vulnerability to VEGF inhibition. These data support studying CTC capture as a potential predictive biomarker.

Adjuvant treatment improves overall survival in women with high-intermediate risk early-stage endometrial cancer with lymphovascular space invasion

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant therapy in early-stage endometrial cancer has not shown a clear overall survival benefit, and hence, patient selection remains crucial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether women with high-intermediate risk, early-stage endometrial cancer with lymphovascular space invasion particularly benefit from adjuvant treatment in improving oncologic outcomes.

METHODS

A multi-center retrospective study was conducted in women with stage IA, IB, and II endometrial cancer with lymphovascular space invasion who met criteria for high-intermediate risk by Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) 99. Patients were stratified by the type of adjuvant treatment received. Clinical and pathologic features were abstracted. Progression-free and overall survival were evaluated using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

405 patients were included with the median age of 67 years (range 27-92, IQR 59-73). 75.0% of the patients had full staging with lymphadenectomy, and 8.6% had sentinel lymph node biopsy (total 83.6%). After surgery, 24.9% of the patients underwent observation and 75.1% received adjuvant therapy, which included external beam radiation therapy (15.1%), vaginal brachytherapy (45.4%), and combined brachytherapy + chemotherapy (19.1%). Overall, adjuvant treatment resulted in improved oncologic outcomes for both 5-year progression-free survival (77.2% vs 69.6%, HR 0.55, p=0.01) and overall survival (81.5% vs 60.2%, HR 0.42, p<0.001). After adjusting for stage, grade 2/3, and age, improved progression-free survival and overall survival were observed for the following adjuvant subgroups compared with observation: external beam radiation (overall survival HR 0.47, p=0.047, progression-free survival not significant), vaginal brachytherapy (overall survival HR 0.35, p<0.001; progression-free survival HR 0.42, p=0.003), and brachytherapy + chemotherapy (overall survival HR 0.30 p=0.002; progression-free survival HR 0.35, p=0.006). Compared with vaginal brachytherapy alone, external beam radiation or the addition of chemotherapy did not further improve progression-free survival (p=0.80, p=0.65, respectively) or overall survival (p=0.47, p=0.74, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant therapy improves both progression-free survival and overall survival in women with early-stage endometrial cancer meeting high-intermediate risk criteria with lymphovascular space invasion. External beam radiation or adding chemotherapy did not confer additional survival advantage compared with vaginal brachytherapy alone.

A phase I/II study of HB-201, an arenavirus-based cancer immunotherapy, alone, or in combination with anti-PD-1 in patients with HPV16+ cancers

TPS3171

Background: Human Papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is linked to several cancer types; treatment options are limited for patients with HPV16+ recurrent or metastatic cancers. The generation and maintenance of the HPV16+ malignant state requires the stable expression of HPV16-specific E7 and E6 oncogenes, which can also serve as immunogenic tumor-associated antigens. HB-201 is a replication-competent live-attenuated vector based on the arenavirus LCMV encoding a non-oncogenic E7 and E6 fusion protein. In preclinical models, both intravenously (IV) and intratumorally (IT) administered HB-201 demonstrate potent immunogenicity by induction of HPV16-specific cytotoxic T cells and associated efficacy. Methods: This is a first in human, Phase I/II study of HB-201 monotherapy or in combination with PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1) in HPV16+ confirmed recurrent/metastatic cancers. Phase I consists of 2 treatment groups, each conducted with a 3+3 dose escalation design. Group 1 is enrolling patients with HPV16+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who will receive HB-201 IV only. Group 2 is enrolling HPV16+ cancer patients with a safely accessible tumor site who will receive HB-201 IT for the first dose, followed by HB-201 IV for subsequent doses (IT-IV). HB-201 will be administered every 21 days. The Phase II component will be conducted with the recommended Phase II doses (RP2Ds) defined in Phase I and will consist of 3 groups: Group A (HB-201 IV only), Group B (HB-201 IV plus anti-PD-1), and Group C (HB-201 IT-IV). Key eligibility criteria include age > 18, ECOG performance status 0-1, confirmed HPV16+ recurrent or metastatic cancer, disease progression from at least 1 systemic standard of care therapy, and measurable disease per RECIST v1.1. The Phase I primary objective is to determine RP2Ds for IV and IT HB-201. The Phase II primary objective is to assess antitumor activity. Secondary endpoints for both phases include safety, tolerability, overall survival, progression-free survival, and duration of response. Exploratory objectives include characterization of immunogenicity of HB-201 and biomarkers associated with immune or antitumor response. Enrollment to Groups 1 and 2 began in December 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT04180215 .

An open-label, multicenter, phase Ib/II study of rebastinib in combination with paclitaxel in a dose-expansion cohort to assess safety and preliminary efficacy in patients with advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer

6085

Background: Rebastinib is a switch control inhibitor targeting tunica interna endothelial cell kinase (TIE2). TIE2 is primarily expressed in endothelial cells playing a role in angiogenesis. TIE2 is also expressed in a subset of macrophages with pro-metastatic and immunosuppressive properties and linked to chemo-resistance. This study is a 2-part open-label, phase Ib/II, multicenter study of rebastinib orally administered, in combination with paclitaxel. In Part 1, we observed encouraging antitumor activity of rebastinib with 5 PRs in 24 patients (pts) at 50 mg BID and 3 PRs in 19 pts at 100 mg BID from a heavily pretreated heterogeneous patient population. Here we summarize preliminary results from the endometrial cancer (EC) cohort of Part 2. Methods: Part 2 of this study has four disease-specific cohorts (TNBC, inflammatory breast cancer, ovarian cancer and EC). Pts were evaluated for safety (CTCAE v5.0) and efficacy (RECIST v1.1). According to the Simon 2-stage design of this study, for each cohort, 15 additional pts will be enrolled if more than 4 PRs are observed. Results: As of Jan 21, 2020, 19 EC pts were enrolled with a median age of 66 years. All pts received at least one prior line of paclitaxel and 12 (63%) pts received >3 prior anti-cancer therapies. Sixteen pts were treated with rebastinib starting dose 100 mg BID (reduced to 50 mg BID due to a higher frequency of muscular weakness) and 3 pts with 50 mg BID, in combination with 80 mg/m2 weekly paclitaxel with a median duration of treatment 85 days (6, 225). In 15 evaluable pts, there were 5 PRs (4 confirmed) and 6 SD8 weeks for an ORR of 33% and clinical benefit rate of 73%. Treatment-emergent AEs (>20%) were mostly ≤ grade 2: constipation, fatigue (each n=9); alopecia, peripheral edema (each n=8); dysgeusia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, arthralgia (each n=6); diarrhea, hypomagnesaemia, vomiting, dry mouth (each n=5); anemia, decreased appetite, dyspnea, nausea, and muscular weakness (each n=4). Serious AEs possibly related or related to rebastinib included muscular weakness (n=2, at 100 mg BID), head discomfort (n=1) and increase troponin (n=1) which resolved after dose interruption. Conclusions: Preliminary activity of rebastinib in combination with paclitaxel was encouraging in heavily pretreated EC pts, all of whom received prior paclitaxel. The safety profile of rebastinib at 50 mg BID was generally well tolerated. The EC cohort is enrolling at 50 mg BID in stage 2 of the study. Clinical trial information: NCT03601897.

BT5528-100 phase I/II study of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary clinical activity of BT5528 in patients with advanced malignancies associated with EphA2 expression

TPS3655

Background: BT5528 is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate (BTC), comprising a bicyclic peptide targeting the tumor antigen EphA2, linked to a cytotoxin (monomethyl auristatin E [MMAE]) via a tumor microenvironment cleavable linker. Bicycles are a novel class of chemically synthesized constrained peptides, developed by Bicycle Therapeutics. EphA2 is reported to be overexpressed in a range of solid tumors, contributes to oncogenesis, tumor-associated angiogenesis and metastasis. Intracellular EphA2 signaling converges on pathways that are integral to cell growth, proliferation, migration and invasion. Increased EphA2 expression has been identified as a resistance mechanism to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor based therapy. BT5528 mechanism of action is dependent on tumor penetration, target binding and release of MMAE toxin payload. BTCs offer advantages over antibody-toxin conjugates exhibiting rapid penetration of dense tumors and decreased extra-tumor exposure. BT5528 exhibited a favorable preclinical profile supporting the initiation of a first-in-human study to investigate safety and efficacy of BT5528 in indications with evidence of EphA2 expression including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), gastric/upper gastrointestinal (GI), pancreatic and urothelial cancers. Methods: BT5528-100 (NCT04180371) is a Ph I/II study to evaluate safety and tolerability of weekly BT5528 alone and in combination with Q4W nivolumab. Each dose escalation utilizes a 3+3 design which converts to a Bayesian design to determine MTD or MAD and RP2D for BT5528 with and without nivolumab. Eligible patients must have advanced solid tumors associated with EphA2 expression which have recurred after exhausting standard treatment options. Patients must have available tumor tissue and acceptable hematologic and organ function, with exclusions for uncontrolled brain metastases, thromboembolic events, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers or, for the nivolumab cohorts, autoimmune disease. On-study tumor and blood samples will be collected for biomarker evaluations including tumor EphA2 expression, ADA, and candidate response biomarkers for BT5528 alone and combination with nivolumab. Pharmacokinetic data will be reported for C1D1 and D15 for BT5528 and MMAE. The expansion phase will enroll specific tumor types to evaluate clinical activity of BT5528. Enrollment is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT04180371 .

Phase I expansion study of XMT-1536, a novel NaPi2b-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC): Preliminary efficacy, safety, and biomarker results in patients with previously treated metastatic ovarian cancer (OC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

3549

Background: XMT-1536 is a first-in-class ADC targeting the sodium-dependent phosphate transport protein NaPi2b, broadly expressed in NSCLC and ovarian cancer. XMT-1536 utilizes the Dolaflexin platform to deliver 10-12 DolaLock auristatin payload molecules per antibody. In the dose-escalation portion of the Phase I study (NCT03319628), XMT-1536 showed clinical activity at doses >20mg/m2 with confirmed responses and prolonged stable disease in heavily pretreated OC and NSCLC patients, without preselection for NaPi2b expression. XMT-1536 was generally well-tolerated without the severe toxicities observed with other ADC platforms such as neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, or ocular toxicity (Tolcher et al., ASCO 2019; Richardson et al., SGO 2020). Here, we report on the expansion (EXP) cohort, which included patients with fewer prior lines of therapy, in the ongoing Phase I study. Methods: Doses administered intravenously every 4 weeks (q4w) of 36 and 43 mg/m2 were evaluated in two cohorts (1) high grade serous ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (OC) with up to 4 prior lines of therapy and (2) NSCLC adenocarcinoma; prior treatment with a platinum-based therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor, and TKI, if indicated. Archival tumor tissue and tissue from a new tumor biopsy were required for retrospective evaluation of NaPi2b expression. Results: As of 10 February 2020, 23 patients (19 OC and 4 NSCLC) were enrolled in the EXP cohort: 16 dosed at 36 mg/m2 and 7 dosed at 43 mg/m2. Adverse events were generally similar to those previously reported, including transient AST elevation, fatigue, nausea, and pyrexia. Clinical responses and stable diseases have been observed. Efficacy data (objective response rate) and initial correlation of NaPi2b score with clinical response will be reported. Available data from all patients with data cutoff in May 2020 will be included. Conclusions: Overall, XMT-1536 treatment demonstrated clinical activity in high grade serous ovarian cancer and NSCLC adenocarcinoma and was generally well-tolerated with no new safety signal trends identified in the EXP. Clinical efficacy and the relevance of NaPi2b expression for treatment with XMT-1536 will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03319628 .

First-in-human phase I study of SY-5609, an oral, potent, and selective noncovalent CDK7 inhibitor, in adult patients with select advanced solid tumors

TPS3662

Background: SY-5609 is an oral, noncovalent, highly selective and potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), a key regulator of 2 biological processes that play critical roles in driving tumor development: transcription and cell cycle control. Evaluation of SY-5609 as a single agent in PDX models from a range of solid tumors, including breast, ovarian, lung and colorectal tumors, revealed robust antitumor activity including complete regressions, and activity in models known to be resistant to standard of care therapy. Models with genetic alterations in RB pathway genes demonstrated deep ( > 90% TGI) and sustained SY-5609-induced tumor regressions following treatment discontinuation, in contrast to models without genetic alteration in RB pathway genes, suggesting that tumor cells with aberrant cell-cycle control may be particularly sensitive to SY-5609 treatment. The study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of SY-5609, to characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and preliminary antitumor activity of SY-5609, and to explore candidate biomarkers predictive of response to SY-5609. Methods: This is a multi-center, open-label Phase 1 trial expected to enroll approximately 60 adult patients with select advanced solid tumors for which standard treatment is no longer effective. The dose escalation phase of the trial is open to adult patients with ovarian, breast, colorectal, or lung cancer, and patients with any solid tumor histology with molecular evidence of deregulated RB cell cycle control. SY-5609 is being administered orally once daily, for each 4-week cycle. Initially, patients will be enrolled into single-patient accelerated titration cohorts; subsequent cohorts will transition to a 3 + 3 design. Following completion of DLT evaluation at a given dose level, additional patients may be enrolled at that dose to further characterize safety, PK, PD, and early clinical activity. Data from this trial will support dose selection for planned evaluations of antitumor activity of SY-5609 as a single agent and in combination. Clinical trial information: NCT04247126 .

Adjuvant therapy for early stage, endometrial cancer with lymphovascular space invasion: Is there a role for chemotherapy?

OBJECTIVES

Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is an independent risk factor for recurrence and poor survival in early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC), but optimal adjuvant treatment is unknown. We aimed to compare the survival of women with early-stage EEC with LVSI treated postoperatively with observation (OBS), radiation (RAD, external beam and/or vaginal brachytherapy), or chemotherapy (CHEMO)+/-RAD.

METHODS

This was a multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study of women with stage I or II EEC with LVSI who underwent hysterectomy+/-lymphadenectomy from 2005 to 2015 and received OBS, RAD, or CHEMO+/-RAD postoperatively. Progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

In total, 478 women were included; median age was 64 years, median follow-up was 50.3 months. After surgery, 143 (30%) underwent OBS, 232 (48.5%) received RAD, and 103(21.5%) received CHEMO+/-RAD (95% of whom received RAD). Demographics were similar among groups, but those undergoing OBS had lower stage and grade. A total of 101 (21%) women recurred. Progression-free survival (PFS) was improved in both CHEMO+/-RAD (HR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.39) and RAD (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.54) groups compared to OBS, though neither adjuvant therapy was superior to the other. However, in grade 3 tumors, the CHEMO+/-RAD group had superior PFS compared to both RAD (HR 0.25; 95% CI: 0.12-0.52) and OBS cohorts (HR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03-0.32). Overall survival did not differ by treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In early-stage EEC with LVSI, adjuvant therapy improved PFS compared to observation alone. In those with grade 3 EEC, adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiation improved PFS compared to observation or radiation alone.

Paclitaxel With and Without Pazopanib for Persistent or Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths in the United States. Pazopanib is an oral, multitarget kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3; platelet-derived growth factor receptors α and β; and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (c-KIT).

Objective

To estimate the progression-free survival (PFS) hazard ratio (HR) of weekly paclitaxel and pazopanib compared with weekly paclitaxel and placebo in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Secondary objectives included frequency and severity of adverse events, proportion responding, and overall survival (OS) in each arm. Translational research objectives included exploring the association between possible biomarkers and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in vascular endothelial growth factor A, interleukin 8, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α; and PFS, OS, and proportion responding.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2 study was conducted at 26 participating institutions. Patients were enrolled between December 12, 2011, and April 22, 2013. Data were frozen on August 11, 2014. Participants were patients with persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma with 1 to 3 prior regimens and performance status of 0 to 2. One hundred six patients enrolled; 100 were evaluable for toxic effects.

Interventions

All patients received paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days and were randomized 1:1 to pazopanib 800 mg orally daily or placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was PFS. The study was designed to detect a 37.5% reduction in the hazard with 80% power (α = 10%).

Results

A total of 106 women (median age [range], 61 [35-87] years; 88 [83%] white) were enrolled. Study arms were well balanced for age, performance status, measurable disease, and prior bevacizumab. Proportion responding was 14 of 44 (31.8%) vs 10 of 44 (22.7%) for pazopanib plus paclitaxel vs paclitaxel alone. Median PFS was 7.5 vs 6.2 months for pazopanib plus paclitaxel vs paclitaxel alone, respectively (HR, 0.84; 90% CI, 0.57-1.22; P = .20). Median OS was 20.7 vs 23.3 months for pazopanib plus paclitaxel vs paclitaxel alone (HR, 1.04; 90% CI, 0.60-1.79; P = .90). Severe hypertension was more common on the pazopanib plus paclitaxel arm (relative risk, 12.0; 95% CI, 1.62-88.84). More patients discontinued treatment on the paclitaxel arm for disease progression (34 of 52 [65.4%] vs 17 of 54 [31.5%]), and more on the pazopanib plus paclitaxel arm for adverse events (20 of 54 [37%] vs 5 of 52 [9.6%]). No association was found between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (interleukin 8 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) and OS and proportion responding. Patients with VEGFA CC genotype may be more resistant to weekly paclitaxel than those with the AC or AA genotype, with 1 of 14 (7%), 3 of 15 (20%), and 4 of 8 (50%) responding, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

The combination of pazopanib plus paclitaxel is not superior to paclitaxel in women with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01468909.

Olaparib in the treatment of ovarian cancer

The poly ADP ribose polymerase olaparib is currently approved in front line BRCA-associated epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), platinum-sensitive recurrence agnostic to BRCA status and for gBRCA as treatment in the fourth line and beyond. Women who are diagnosed with advanced stage EOC face a formidable challenge in overcoming their disease and achieving long-term, disease-free survival. The qualifier here is disease free. EOC is largely exquisitely chemosensitive, especially in the treatment naive (first line) setting and the expectation is that the vast majority of women will complete front line platinum-based chemotherapy with a response. When unselected (not selected by BRCA) women are enrolled on clinical trials, the response rate among those who have measurable disease at the time of chemotherapy initiation is 48% for carboplatin/paclitaxel and 67% for carboplatin/paclitaxel plus bevacizumab. When one considers the addition of women who start chemotherapy without measurable disease, they will likely also end chemotherapy without measurable disease and the overall rate of no evidence of disease at conclusion of chemotherapy approaches 80%. Despite this, the majority of women will suffer relapse of their disease, typically within the first 3 years following completion of therapy. Once recurrent, the disease is highly treatable for many years but no longer considered curable. This review will cover indications for olaparib in ovarian cancer as well as ongoing combination trials and rationale for these combinations.

Antibody Drug Conjugates in the Treatment of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Antibody drug conjugates are novel mechanisms for delivering chemotherapy. They vary based on the targeted antigen, conjugated cytotoxic, and the type of linker used. These differences determine what cells are targeted. There are 2 antibody drug conjugates approved for use in cancer. For epithelial ovarian cancer, more than 15 antibody drug conjugates are under study. Using antibody drug conjugates in epithelial ovarian cancer makes sense. This review discusses promising trial results demonstrating efficacy. Reported toxicities include visual disturbance. There is an absence of significant hematologic toxicity. Overlapping toxicity between standard cytotoxics and antibody drug conjugates includes neuropathy and constitutional symptoms.

Paclitaxel With and Without Pazopanib for Persistent or Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths in the United States. Pazopanib is an oral, multitarget kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3; platelet-derived growth factor receptors α and β; and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (c-KIT).

Objective

To estimate the progression-free survival (PFS) hazard ratio (HR) of weekly paclitaxel and pazopanib compared with weekly paclitaxel and placebo in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Secondary objectives included frequency and severity of adverse events, proportion responding, and overall survival (OS) in each arm. Translational research objectives included exploring the association between possible biomarkers and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in vascular endothelial growth factor A, interleukin 8, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α; and PFS, OS, and proportion responding.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2 study was conducted at 26 participating institutions. Patients were enrolled between December 12, 2011, and April 22, 2013. Data were frozen on August 11, 2014. Participants were patients with persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma with 1 to 3 prior regimens and performance status of 0 to 2. One hundred six patients enrolled; 100 were evaluable for toxic effects.

Interventions

All patients received paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days and were randomized 1:1 to pazopanib 800 mg orally daily or placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was PFS. The study was designed to detect a 37.5% reduction in the hazard with 80% power (α = 10%).

Results

A total of 106 women (median age [range], 61 [35-87] years; 88 [83%] white) were enrolled. Study arms were well balanced for age, performance status, measurable disease, and prior bevacizumab. Proportion responding was 14 of 44 (31.8%) vs 10 of 44 (22.7%) for pazopanib plus paclitaxel vs paclitaxel alone. Median PFS was 7.5 vs 6.2 months for pazopanib plus paclitaxel vs paclitaxel alone, respectively (HR, 0.84; 90% CI, 0.57-1.22; P = .20). Median OS was 20.7 vs 23.3 months for pazopanib plus paclitaxel vs paclitaxel alone (HR, 1.04; 90% CI, 0.60-1.79; P = .90). Severe hypertension was more common on the pazopanib plus paclitaxel arm (relative risk, 12.0; 95% CI, 1.62-88.84). More patients discontinued treatment on the paclitaxel arm for disease progression (34 of 52 [65.4%] vs 17 of 54 [31.5%]), and more on the pazopanib plus paclitaxel arm for adverse events (20 of 54 [37%] vs 5 of 52 [9.6%]). No association was found between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (interleukin 8 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) and OS and proportion responding. Patients with VEGFA CC genotype may be more resistant to weekly paclitaxel than those with the AC or AA genotype, with 1 of 14 (7%), 3 of 15 (20%), and 4 of 8 (50%) responding, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

The combination of pazopanib plus paclitaxel is not superior to paclitaxel in women with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01468909.

Randomized phase IIB evaluation of weekly paclitaxel versus weekly paclitaxel with oncolytic reovirus (Reolysin®) in recurrent ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the addition of oncolytic reovirus (Reolysin®) to weekly paclitaxel prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in the treatment of women with recurrent or persistent ovarian, tubal or primary peritoneal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal carcinoma, measurable or detectable disease, and three or fewer prior regimens were randomly assigned to paclitaxel (80mg/m² intravenously days 1, 8, and 15 every 4weeks) or the combination of paclitaxel (80mg/m² intravenously days 1, 8, and 15) plus reovirus 3×10¹⁰TCID₅₀/day intravenously on days 1-5, both every 4weeks until disease progression or toxicity. The primary end point was PFS. The study was designed with 80% power for a one-sided alternative at a 10% level of significance to detect a reduction in the hazard by 37.5%.

RESULTS

The study accrued 108 patients, 100 of whom were evaluable for toxicity. Median PFS was 4.3months for paclitaxel and 4.4months for paclitaxel plus reovirus (hazard ratio, 1.11; 90% two-sided CI, 0.78 to 1.59; one-sided P=0.687). The proportion responding (overall response rate) to paclitaxel was 20% among 45 patients with measurable disease receiving paclitaxel alone, and 17.4% among the 46 patients treated with the combination. The asymptotic relative probability of responding was 0.87 (90% CI, 0.42 to 1.79). Severe adverse events were more common in the combination regimen than in paclitaxel arm for severe neutropenia (grade≥4, 12% versus 0%), and severe respiratory adverse events (grade≥3, 25% versus 2%). No deaths were considered treatment related.

CONCLUSION

The addition of reovirus to weekly paclitaxel in the treatment of women with recurrent or persistent ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer did not sufficiently reduce the hazard of progression or death to warrant further investigation.

Factors influencing primary treatment of midline vulvar cancers

OBJECTIVES

Advanced vulvar cancers involving midline structures pose a therapeutic challenge. Our objectives were to review the management and outcomes, and identify factors influencing primary treatment modality.

METHODS

Patients with midline vulvar cancers diagnosed from 1985 to 2012 were included in the analysis. Medical records were abstracted for demographics, clinico-pathological findings, treatment, and outcomes. Groin node status was defined by clinical findings or pathology. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and differences by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Factors influencing treatment modality were evaluated using stepwise logistic regression.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were identified. Twenty-one underwent primary radical vulvectomy and 21 underwent primary radiation. Median tumor diameter was 3.4cm (range 2-9cm) for primary radical vulvectomy and 5cm (range 2.3-15cm) for primary radiation. Primary radiation was significantly associated with a tumor diameter ≥5cm (p=0.02), or when 2 or more midline (p=0.008) or 1 or more mucosal structures (p=0.03) were involved. On multivariate analysis, age and tumor diameter were predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.02 and p=0.0004, respectively) and overall survival (OS) (p=0.03 and p=0.0005, respectively). Thirty-month OS for primary surgery and primary radiation was 74% and 71% (p=0.78), respectively. There were no differences in PFS or recurrence rates between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical tumor diameter and the number of midline or mucosal structures involved influence selection of primary treatment modality. Survival outcomes and recurrence rates did not differ between treatment groups. Age and tumor diameter are important prognostic factors for survival.

Risk of Occult Uterine Sarcoma in Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign Indications

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the frequency of unsuspected sarcoma identified postoperatively in women undergoing surgery for benign gynecologic indications at our institution.

METHODS

Patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecologic indications from 2000 to 2014 at our institution were identified. Patients who did not have a preoperative suspicion for malignancy and were found to have uterine sarcoma on pathology postoperatively were considered to have an occult uterine sarcoma. Relevant clinical and pathologic data were collected for this retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

A total of 10,119 hysterectomies for benign gynecologic indications were performed between 2000 and 2014. Among these, nine patients were found to have uterine sarcoma, with an overall rate 1 in 1,124 (95% confidence interval 1/592-1/2,457). These malignancies included five leiomyosarcomas, two endometrial stromal sarcomas, and two uterine adenosarcomas. Median age was 39 years (range 25-53 years). Among women found to have occult sarcoma, hysterectomy was performed as a primary indication for abnormal bleeding (77.8%) and leiomyomas (22.2%). Cases included six total abdominal hysterectomies, two total vaginal hysterectomies, and one supracervical hysterectomy. One case required manual morcellation during abdominal hysterectomy. Power morcellation was not used in any of the cases.

CONCLUSION

In summary, occult uterine sarcoma occurs in 0.089% or 1 in 1,124 hysterectomies for benign indications in our population. The frequency is lower than the rate derived in earlier reports and by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in their pooled analysis.

Ovarian involvement in endometrioid adenocarcinoma of uterus

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian preservation is an option for some premenopausal patients with early stage endometrial cancer. Studies have shown that ovarian preservation in selected patients does not negatively impact survival outcomes. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency and characteristics of ovarian involvement when endometrial cancer is clinically confined to the uterus.

METHODS

Patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of uterus treated at our institution between 2000 and 2013 were identified. Patients with ovarian metastasis or synchronous primary ovarian cancer were included. Patients were excluded if there was gross extrapelvic disease on examination or imaging.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and fifty-nine patients were found to have endometrial cancer with the disease confined to the pelvis (stages I, II, and III). Fifteen patients (2%) had ovarian metastasis. Twenty-three patients (3%) had synchronous uterine and ovarian cancer. Most ovarian lesions (32 out of 38) were either enlarged or had abnormal appearing surface involvement. Six patients had microscopic ovarian involvement, accounting for 0.8% of the endometrial cancer patients with pelvis-confined disease. All of the patients were greater than 50 years of age. For those patients with microscopic ovarian metastasis, all had FIGO grade 3 disease, deep myometrial invasion, and extrauterine involvement of either cervix or lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Microscopic ovarian involvement occurred in 0.8% of patients with endometrial cancer. For premenopausal patients with endometrial cancer, normal appearing ovaries may be considered for preservation in the absence of extrauterine spread, grade 3 disease and deep myometrial invasion.

Outcomes of Treatment of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia in a Primarily Indigent Urban Population

OBJECTIVE

To review outcomes of women with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) who presented to an inner-city hospital system, given that the rigorous treatment and follow-up for GTN is often problematic for certain women of low socioeconomic status with limited resources and social support.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review was performed with IRB approval of patients diagnosed with GTN based on the revised WHO scoring system from 1999-2010 at our institution. SPSS Statistics software was used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were treated for GTN: 32 low-risk and 17 high-risk. Low-risk patients received an average of 5 cycles of initial single-agent chemotherapy. Six patients had persistent disease and were switched to a second single-agent regimen. One patient required multiagent chemotherapy for normalization of human chorionic gonadotropin levels. No patient had recurrence of disease. All high-risk patients were initially treated with multiagent chemotherapy, averaging 8 cycles. Two of the 17 patients persisted; 1 recurred. All 3 currently have no evidence of disease. No patient died of disease.

CONCLUSION

Excellent treatment outcomes in patients with GTN may be achieved in disadvantaged populations when compliance to regimens is optimized.

Relighting behaviour among cigarette smokers seeking treatment: implications for tobacco treatment and policy

AIMS

During the recent economic downturn, trends towards fewer cigarettes smoked per day have emerged along with the practice of extinguishing and relighting cigarettes. Few studies have characterised factors related to relighting cigarettes and none have explored this behaviour in those seeking tobacco treatment. This study describes treatment-seeking patients who relight cigarettes and examines implications on tobacco policy and treatment.

METHODS

Data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 496 patients at a specialty tobacco treatment programme in New Jersey from 2010 to 2012.

RESULTS

Forty-six per cent of the sample reported relighting, and those subjects smoked significantly fewer cigarettes per day (CPD), despite similar levels of dependence and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) values. In unadjusted analyses, significantly higher rates of relighting were found among females, African-Americans, smokers who had a high school diploma or less, and were unemployed, sick or disabled. Relighting was more prevalent among smokers with higher markers of dependence, menthol smoking and night smoking. In multivariate analyses, markers of dependence and economic factors (employment and education) remained significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics linked to economic factors were related to increased relighting. Implications for tobacco treatment include the impact on pharmacotherapy dosing and counselling interventions. The tobacco control community needs to be aware of this phenomenon. Collecting data on 'smoking sessions per day' might be a more accurate depiction of smoking exposure than CPD.

Society of Gynecologic Oncology statement on risk assessment for inherited gynecologic cancer predispositions

Women with germline mutations in the cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, associated with Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer syndrome, have up to an 85% lifetime risk of breast cancer and up to a 46% lifetime risk of ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancers. Similarly, women with mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2, associated with the Lynch/Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) syndrome, have up to a 40-60% lifetime risk of both endometrial and colorectal cancers as well as a 9-12% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Mutations in other genes including TP53, PTEN, and STK11 are responsible for hereditary syndromes associated with gynecologic, breast, and other cancers. Evaluation of the likelihood of a patient having one of these gynecologic cancer predisposition syndromes enables physicians to provide individualized assessments of cancer risk, as well as the opportunity to provide tailored screening and prevention strategies such as surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgery that may reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these syndromes. Evaluation for the presence of a hereditary cancer syndrome is a process that includes assessment of clinical and tumor characteristics, education and counseling conducted by a provider with expertise in cancer genetics, and may include genetic testing after appropriate consent is obtained. This commentary provides guidance on identification of patients who may benefit from assessment for the presence of a hereditary breast and/or gynecologic cancer syndrome.

Adnexal masses requiring surgical intervention in women with advanced cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

Surgical evaluation of adnexal masses in patients with cervical cancer can be considered in order to optimize treatment outcomes and rule out a second pathologic process. Our objective was to review treatment patterns and outcomes in women with advanced cervical cancer (ACC) and an adnexal mass.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed with IRB approval of patients treated for advanced cervical cancer at our institution between 1990 and 2011. Patients were identified using institutional databases and tumor registries. Descriptive statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel 2011 and Instat was used to perform Fisher's exact test and student T-tests.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty eight patients with stage IIB-IVB cervical cancer were identified, 50 (22%) of whom had an adnexal mass on initial imaging studies (31 stage IIB, 15 stage IIIB, 3 stage IVA, 3 stage IVB). The mean follow up time of patients with adnexal masses was 22 months (range 3-128 months). Thirteen of 50 (26%) patients underwent surgical evaluation of the adnexal mass. Six were found to have cervical cancer metastatic to the adnexae, while seven had benign adnexal lesions. Thirty-seven of 50 (74%) patients were conservatively managed. All 37 women had cystic masses <8 cm or complex masses <5 cm in size. Thirty-four of the 37 (92%) patients had resolution of their adnexal mass and 3 were deemed stable on follow up imaging. Twenty three percent of surgically managed patients and 57% of conservatively managed patients had disease recurrence (p=0.05). There were no recurrences in the adnexa.

CONCLUSION

Twelve percent of women with ACC and an adnexal mass have ovarian metastases. Patients with cystic masses less than 8 cm and complex masses less than 5 cm in size can be expectantly managed.

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumor - role of surgical staging and gonadal dysgenesis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of comprehensive surgical staging and gonadal dysgenesis on the outcomes of patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumor.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with ovarian germ cell tumors who were treated at our institution between 1976 and 2012.

RESULTS

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) were identified in 50 females. The median age was 24 years (range 13 to 49). Of all MOGCT patients, 42% had dysgerminoma, 20% immature teratoma, 16% endodermal sinus tumor, and 22% mixed germ cell tumor. Univariate analyses revealed that the lack of surgical staging (p=0.048) and endodermal sinus tumor (p=0.0085) were associated with disease recurrence, while age at diagnosis, ethnicity, and stage of the disease were not. Multivariate analyses revealed that the lack of surgical staging (p=0.029) and endodermal sinus tumor (p=0.016) were independently associated with disease recurrence. In addition, 7 patients (14%) had 46 XY karyotype, including 6 with pure dysgerminoma and 1 with mixed germ cell tumor. Five had Swyer syndrome and 2 had complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. Concurrent gonadoblastoma was found in 5 of the patients. No difference was found in the mean age at presentation, stage distribution, or recurrence rate for MOGCT patients with or without XY phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive surgical staging was associated with a lower rate of recurrence. Fourteen percent of phenotypic females with MOGCT and 29% of those with dysgerminoma had XY karyotype. The clinical outcome of these patients is similar to that of MOGCT patients with XX karyotype.

Does elastography reduce the need for thyroid FNAs?

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound elastography (USE) assesses lesion stiffness by evaluating tissue distortion in response to stress; it is emerging as a potentially useful tool to augment the ultrasound characterisation of thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of USE examination of thyroid nodules compared with pathological outcome, especially to determine whether USE could reliably detect benign nodules and reduce the numbers of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (USgFNAC).

DESIGN

Over a three-year period, thyroid nodules were initially characterised by B-mode ultrasound (US) findings. Where USgFNAC was indicated by clinical concern and/or the sonographic appearances, the lesion was then subjected to USE by an experienced operator prior to the USgFNAC.

PATIENTS

147 thyroid nodules were examined by USE and USgFNAC in 146 patients.

MEASUREMENTS

The elastographic appearance was subjectively categorized at the time of the examination (soft, intermediate or hard) and subsequently compared with the cytological/histological outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 122 nodules were non-neoplastic, 5 nodules were benign neoplasms, 10 nodules had indeterminate cytology and 10 were malignant neoplasms. The sensitivity of USE for malignancy was 90.0%, specificity was 79.6%, PPV was 24.3%, NPV was 99.1% and accuracy was 80.3%.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid nodules that are soft at USE have a high likelihood of being non-neoplastic and subjective USE assessment of thyroid nodules by an experienced operator can be a useful means of avoiding USgFNAC for benign nodules. In contrast, we suggest that all nodules that are intermediate or hard on USE undergo USgFNAC.

Recurrence patterns in patients with stage IIIC1 versus IIIC2 endometrial adenocarcinoma

e15501

Background: To identify differences in recurrence patterns between stage IIIC1 and IIIC2 endometrial adenocarcinomas. Methods: A retrospective review was performed with IRB approval of all patients treated for stage IIIC1 and IIIC2 endometrial adenocarcinoma at our institution from 1989-2011. Patients were required to have comprehensive surgical staging including total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy, pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection. Descriptive statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel 2011 and Fischer’s exact test, Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to compare disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Eighty-seven patients with stage IIIC endometrial adenocarcinoma were identified, of which 69 were evaluable. The mean age was 59 years and the mean follow up was 32 months. There were 31 patients with stage IIIC1 and 38 patients with stage IIIC2 disease. There was no statistical difference in histology between the two groups: 47 endometrioid, 11 papillary serous, and 11 with other types of adenocarcinoma. Patients with stage IIIC1 disease were more likely to receive pelvic radiation (p=0.0004) and patients with IIIC2 disease were more likely to receive chemotherapy (p=0.014). Median DFS was 28.9 months (range 0-112) and 15.0 months (range 0-166) (p=0.017) and median OS was 31.9 months (range 0-134) and 18.0 months (range 0-166) (p=0.061) for the IIIC1 and IIIC2 groups respectively. Seven of 31 (23%) patients with stage IIIC1 disease recurred: 1 (14%) at the vaginal cuff and 6 (86%) distant. The patient who recurred locally was initially treated with chemotherapy alone. Of the 6 patients with distant recurrences only 1 received chemotherapy. Twelve of the 38 (32%) patients with stage IIIC2 experienced a recurrence: 6 (50%) vaginal/pelvic and 6 (50%) distant. There was a difference between the rates of local versus distant recurrence in patients with IIIC1 and IIIC2 endometrial cancer. Conclusions: IIIC1 patients were less likely to receive systemic chemotherapy and more likely to recur distantly. Our findings suggest a role for adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation in the frontline treatment of both IIIC1 and IIIC2 endometrial cancer.