Validation of the Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI) as a prognostic biomarker in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI) is associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) outcomes across different solid tumors, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer. Data regarding the prognostic and/or predictive role of LIPI in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether LIPI could be predictive of survival in mRCC patients.

METHODS

We used patient level data from three different prospective studies (NIVOREN trial: nivolumab; TORAVA trial: VEGF/VEGFR-targeted therapy (TT); CheckMate 214: nivolumab-ipilimumab vs sunitinib). LIPI was calculated based on a derived neutrophils/(leukocyte-neutrophil) ratio > 3 and lactate-dehydrogenase >upper limit of normal, classifying patients into three groups (LIPI good, 0 factors;LIPI intermediate (int), 1 factor;LIPI poor, 2 factors) and/or into two groups (LIPI good, 0 factors;LIPI int/poor, 1-2 factors) according to trial sample size. Primary and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

In the Nivolumab dataset (n = 619), LIPI was significantly associated with OS (LIPI-good 30.1 vs 13.8 months in the LIPI int/poor; HR= 0.47) and PFS (HR=0.74). In the VEGF/VEGFR-TT dataset (n = 159), only a correlation with PFS was observed. In the CheckMate214 dataset (n = 1084), LIPI was significantly associated with OS (nivolumab-ipilimumab OS LIPI good vs int/poor: HR=0.55, p < 0.0001; sunitinib: OS LIPI good vs int/poor: 0.38, p < 0.0001) in both treatment groups in univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment-LIPI correlated with worse survival outcomes in mRCC treated with either ICI or antiangiogenic therapy, confirming LIPI's prognostic role in mRCC irrespective of systemic treatment used.

Safety and efficacy of nivolumab in elderly patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Analysis of the NIVOREN GETUG-AFU 26 study

INTRODUCTION

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are standard of care in metastatic renal cell carcinoma but their activity and safety in elderly patients is insufficiently explored. We evaluated outcomes of elderly patients with mRCC treated with nivolumab in the GETUG-AFU 26 NIVOREN phase 2 trial (NCT03013335) and conducted exploratory circulating biomarker analyses.

METHODS

Patients with mRCC were treated with nivolumab after at least one antiangiogenic therapy. The main endpoint of this analysis was safety in patients ≥ 70 years old (y.o), as per the rate of treatment-related grade 3-5 events (TRAE). Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival. Exploration of candidate biomarkers associated with aging included baseline circulating cytokines involved in inflammation, adhesion, immune checkpoints, angiogenesis (IL6, IL7, IL8, BAFF, CXCL13, VCAM-1, 4-1BB, VEGF).

RESULTS

Of 720 patients, 515 were < 70 y.o and 205 ≥ 70 y.o. Patients ≥ 70 y.o exhibited numerically less IMDC poor risk disease (21.0% vs 26.9%), sarcomatoid component (4.9% vs 9.8%) or brain metastases (5.9% vs. 14.7%), but more previous treatment lines (≥ 2 in 54.1% vs 48.5%). TRAE were higher in patients ≥ 70 y.o (24.9% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.033). Respective ORR (19.2% vs. 22.1%) and median PFS (4.5 versus 3.0 months, HR 0.97 [95%CI 0.81-1.15]) were similar. Overall survival was shorter in patients ≥ 70 y.o (19.3 versus 26.9 months, HR 1.26 [95%CI 1.04-1.51]), but not significantly in a competitive risk model. Only V-CAM1 and 4-1BB were found to be increased in patients ≥ 70 y.o.

CONCLUSIONS

Nivolumab displayed higher grade 3/4 TRAE but manageable toxicity in elderly patients, with sustained activity. Elderly patients did not display specific inflammatory or angiogenic circulating profiles.

Unveiling CXCR2 as a promising therapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma: exploring the immunotherapeutic paradigm shift through its inhibition by RCT001

BACKGROUND

In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), first-line treatment combines nivolumab (anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4), yielding long-term remissions but with only a 40% success rate. Our study explored the potential of enhancing ccRCC treatment by concurrently using CXCR2 inhibitors alongside immunotherapies.

METHODS

We analyzed ELR + CXCL levels and their correlation with patient survival during immunotherapy. RCT001, a unique CXCR2 inhibitor, was examined for its mechanism of action, particularly its effects on human primary macrophages. We tested the synergistic impact of RCT001 in combination with immunotherapies in both mouse models of ccRCC and human ccRCC in the presence of human PBMC.

RESUTS

Elevated ELR + CXCL cytokine levels were found to correlate with reduced overall survival during immunotherapy. RCT001, our optimized compound, acted as an inverse agonist, effectively inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing viability of primary ccRCC cells. It redirected M2-like macrophages without affecting M1-like macrophage polarization directed against the tumor. In mouse models, RCT001 enhanced the efficacy of anti-CTLA4 + anti-PD1 by inhibiting tumor-associated M2 macrophages and tumor-associated neutrophils. It also impacted the activation of CD4 T lymphocytes, reducing immune-tolerant lymphocytes while increasing activated natural killer and dendritic cells. Similar effectiveness was observed in human RCC tumors when RCT001 was combined with anti-PD-1 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

RCT001, by inhibiting CXCR2 through its unique mechanism, effectively suppresses ccRCC cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and M2 macrophage polarization. This optimization potentiates the efficacy of immunotherapy and holds promise for significantly improving the survival prospects of metastatic ccRCC patients.

A Randomized, Open-label, Cross-over Phase 2 Trial of Darolutamide and Enzalutamide in Men with Asymptomatic or Mildly Symptomatic Metastatic Castrate-resistant Prostate Cancer: Patient Preference and Cognitive Function in ODENZA

BACKGROUND

Darolutamide and enzalutamide are second-generation androgen receptor inhibitors with activity in men with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and different toxicity profiles.

OBJECTIVE

ODENZA is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, cross-over, phase 2 trial designed to assess preference between darolutamide and enzalutamide in men with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic CRPC (mCRPC).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either darolutamide 1200 mg/d for 12 wk followed by enzalutamide 160 mg/d for 12 wk or enzalutamide followed by darolutamide. In both arms, the second treatment was given in absence of cancer progression.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint was patient preference between the two drugs, as assessed by a preference questionnaire (p value calculated with the Prescott test). After week 24, patients entered an extension period during which they received their preferred treatment until progression or toxicity. The main secondary objectives included reasons for patient preference, response at week 12, tolerance of each drug, and measurement compared with baseline of cognitive outcomes assessed using tablet questionnaires.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 249 patients, with a median age of 72 yr, were randomized. Among the 200 patients who fulfilled the preplanned criteria for the evaluation of the primary endpoint of preference, 97 (49% [41; 56]), 80 (40% [33; 47]), and 23 (12% [7; 16]) chose darolutamide, chose enzalutamide, and had no preference, respectively (p = 0.92). Reduced fatigue, easier administration, and better quality of life were the main criteria that influenced patient choice. A moderate benefit in episodic memory from darolutamide was observed for the acquisition of new information (least square [LS] means difference = 2.2, effect size = 0.5) and for the recall of that information after a brief delay (LS means difference = 0.7, effect size = 0.3). Using the Brief Fatigue Inventory questionnaire, patients reported greater fatigue with enzalutamide (3.3 [3.0; 3.6]) than with darolutamide (2.7 [2.4; 3.0]). There was no difference in terms of depression, seizures, and falls.

CONCLUSIONS

The study did not show a difference in preference between the two treatments. In men with mCRPC, darolutamide was associated with a clinically meaningful benefit in episodic memory and less fatigue compared with enzalutamide.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Preference between darolutamide and enzalutamide was well balanced in men with castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Darolutamide was associated with a significant benefit in verbal learning and less fatigue compared with enzalutamide.

Impact of First Line Antiangiogenic Therapy Duration on Nivolumab Outcome in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated in the GETUG-AFU 26 NIVOREN

BACKGROUND

In metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and immune checkpoint are 2 main therapeutic targets. We investigated the impact of duration exposure to antiangiogenic on immunotherapy clinical outcomes in metastatic ccRCC.

METHODS

Patients from NIVOREN trial who received nivolumab after only 1 prior antiangiogenic therapy were included. Response rate, clinical benefit, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were prospectively analyzed depending on the duration of the first line (< 6 months, ≥6 months) and exploratory in patients with long first line exposure (≥18 months). The circulating levels of 8 plasma proteins and cytokines at baseline were collected and compared according to first line antiangiogenic duration.

RESULTS

Among 354 patients, 127 (36%) and 227 (64%) patients had received first line antiangiogenic for < 6months and ≥ 6months respectively. Respective duration of first line therapy was not associated with objective response to nivolumab (20.5% vs. 23.9%, P = .50), or PFS (HR 0.92; P = .421). Median OS was respectively 16.6 and 31.3 months in the <6 and ≥6 months subgroups respectively. Adjusted on international metastatic renal cell carcinoma database consortium risk, age and metastatic site, OS was longer in patients with longer treatment duration in the first line setting (HR 0.73; P = .017). Duration of first line VEGFR TKI was independent from circulating levels of 8 proteins and cytokines at nivolumab baseline.

CONCLUSION

Nivolumab activity in second line is independent from first-line duration of VEGFR TKI. However, first line VEGFR TKI duration ≥ 6 months is associated with longer OS.

Pembrolizumab Plus Axitinib Versus Sunitinib as First-line Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: 43-month Follow-up of the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 Study

Previous analyses of KEYNOTE-426, an open-label, phase 3 randomized study, showed superior efficacy of first-line pembrolizumab plus axitinib to sunitinib in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We report results of the final protocol-prespecified analysis of KEYNOTE-426. Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 wk plus axitinib 5 mg orally twice daily or sunitinib 50 mg orally once daily (4 wk per 6-wk cycle). The dual primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as per RECIST v1.1 by a blinded independent central review. The secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). The median study follow-up was 43 (range, 36-51) mo. Benefit with pembrolizumab plus axitinib versus sunitinib was maintained for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.60-0.88]), PFS (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.58-0.80]), and ORR (60% vs 40%). The median DOR was 24 (range, 1.4+ to 43+) versus 15 (range, 2.3-43+) mo in the pembrolizumab plus axitinib versus the sunitinib arm. No new safety signals emerged. These results support pembrolizumab plus axitinib as a standard of care for patients with previously untreated advanced ccRCC. PATIENT SUMMARY: Extended results of KEYNOTE-426 support pembrolizumab plus axitinib as the standard of care for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Efficacy and safety of cabozantinib rechallenge in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A retrospective multicentric study

BACKGROUND

Despite metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) expanded treatment options, disease progression ultimately occurs for most patients. Rechallenge may be a compelling strategy in a refractory setting. Cabozantinib is the standard of care in first and later lines of therapy, but its activity in rechallenge is unknown.

METHODS

This retrospective study assessed the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib rechallenge, as defined by a second exposure after an interval of ≥3 months without treatment or ≥1 other treatment line, in patients with mRCC. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (PFS) at rechallenge. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, objective response rate, and safety at rechallenge.

RESULTS

We included 51 mRCC patients who received cabozantinib in a rechallenge setting between 2017 and 2022. Median age at diagnosis was 54 years, 78% were male, 90% had clear cell mRCC, and 92% had prior nephrectomy. 15 patients (29%) were rechallenged after a pause in treatment, whereas 36 (70.6%) had ≥1 other treatment lines between first cabozantinib exposure (CABO-1) and rechallenge (CABO-2). Median PFS was 15.1 months (mo, 95% Confidence interval 11.2-22.1) at CABO-1 and 14.4mo (95%CI 9.8-NR) at CABO-2. Median overall survival was 67.6mo for CABO-1 (95% CI 52.2-NR) and 27.4mo for CABO-2 (95%CI 17.2-NR); objective response rate was 70.6% for CABO-1 and 60% for CABO-2. CABO-2 PFS was higher for patients with CABO-1 PFS > 12 months, and for those who discontinued CABO-1 because of toxicity, without statistical significance. There were no unexpected adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Cabozantinib rechallenge is a feasible treatment option with potential clinical benefit for mRCC patients.

Adrenal Metastases Are Associated with Poor Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Nivolumab in the GETUG-AFU-26 NIVOREN Phase 2 Trial

BACKGROUND

Glandular metastases (GMs; adrenal gland, pancreas, thyroid, ovary, breast, or prostate) are rare in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC). Previous studies have indicated that GM patients treated with antiangiogenic therapy experience significantly longer overall survival (OS).

OBJECTIVES

To assess outcomes for mccRCC with or without GMs treated with nivolumab.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The GETUG-AFU-26 NIVOREN phase 2 trial evaluated the activity and safety of nivolumab in patients with mccRCC who experienced failure of antiangiogenic therapies (NCT03013335). In this ancillary study, patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of at least one GM.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary outcome was OS; secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and the objective response rate (ORR). Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models are used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for survival outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with pancreatic metastases and patients with adrenal metastases.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Among 720 patients treated with nivolumab between February 2016 and July 2017, 217 had GMs, of whom 151/217 had adrenal metastases and 86/217 had pancreatic metastasis. Patients with adrenal metastases had worse 12-mo OS (64% vs 71.1%) and 6-mo PFS (27.2% vs 36.6%) and a lower objective response rate (12.5%, 95% CI 7.6%-19.0%, vs 23.2%, 95% CI 19.8-27.0%; p = 0.005) than patients without adrenal metastases. Conversely, univariate analysis showed that patients with pancreatic metastases had significantly better 12-mo OS (82.3% vs 67.9%; HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40-0.85) in comparison to patients with nonpancreatic GMs. On multivariable analysis, only adrenal metastasis remained associated with adverse prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenal metastasis is an independent prognostic factor for poor response and survival in the GETUG-AFU-26 NIVOREN trial. Limited activity with nivolumab was observed for patients with mccRCC with adrenal metastases. These results warrant an evaluation of the prognostic value of adrenal metastases in patients treated with immunotherapy combinations with ipilimumab or tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our study showed that metastasis in the adrenal glands could be an independent factor associated with poor response to immunotherapy and survival for patients with metastatic kidney cancer. It would be useful to evaluate the prognostic value of adrenal gland metastasis in patients treated with immunotherapy combinations or immunotherapy agents combined with drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Enfortumab Vedotin With or Without Pembrolizumab in Cisplatin-Ineligible Patients With Previously Untreated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

PURPOSE

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-based therapy have limited first-line (1L) treatment options and significant need for improved therapies. Enfortumab vedotin (EV) and pembrolizumab (Pembro) individually have shown a survival benefit in urothelial cancer in second-line + la/mUC settings. Here, we present data from the pivotal trial of EV plus Pembro (EV + Pembro) in the 1L setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In Cohort K of the EV-103 phase Ib/II study, cisplatin-ineligible patients with previously untreated la/mUC were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive EV as monotherapy or in combination with Pembro. The primary end point was confirmed objective response rate (cORR) per blinded independent central review. Secondary end points included duration of response (DOR) and safety. There were no formal statistical comparisons between treatment arms.

RESULTS

The cORR was 64.5% (95% CI, 52.7 to 75.1) and 45.2% (95% CI, 33.5 to 57.3) for patients treated with EV + Pembro (N = 76) and EV monotherapy (N = 73), respectively. The median DOR was not reached for the combination and was 13.2 months for monotherapy; 65.4% and 56.3% of patients who responded to the combination and monotherapy, respectively, maintained a response at 12 months. The most common grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in patients treated with the combination were maculopapular rash (17.1%), fatigue (9.2%), and neutropenia (9.2%). EV TRAEs of special interest (any grade) in the combination arm included skin reactions (67.1%) and peripheral neuropathy (60.5%).

CONCLUSION

EV + Pembro showed a high cORR with durable responses as 1L treatment in cisplatin-ineligible patients with la/mUC. Patients who received EV monotherapy had a response and safety profile consistent with previous studies. Adverse events for EV + Pembro were manageable, with no new safety signals observed.

Efficacy and safety of nivolumab in bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma: Results of the GETUG-AFU26-NIVOREN multicentre phase II study

INTRODUCTION

Bone metastases (BM) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are associated with a poor prognosis based on retrospective studies evaluating antiangiogenic agents. Few data are available regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with bone metastatic RCC. NIVOREN is a multicentre prospective study in which patients were treated with nivolumab after the failure of antiangiogenic agents. We aim to assess the impact of BM on prognosis, and the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in patients enrolled in the NIVOREN trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with BM at inclusion were included in our study. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), safety, and skeletal-related events (SRE).

RESULTS

Among 720 patients treated with nivolumab, 194 presented BM at inclusion. The median follow-up was 23.9 months. Median OS was 17.9 months in patients with BM versus 26.1 months in patients without BM (p = 0.0023). The difference was not statistically significant after adjustment (p = 0.0707). The median PFS was shorter in patients with BM even after adjustment (2.8 versus 4.6 months, p = 0.0045), as well as the ORR (14.8% versus 23.3%). SRE occurred for 36% of patients with BM. A post-hoc analysis evaluating the impact of bone-targeting agents (BTA) on SRE incidence showed a significant benefit of BTA on the incidence of SRE (OR = 0.367, CI95% [0.151-0.895]).

CONCLUSION

Nivolumab is associated with shorter PFS, and lower ORR in RCC patients with BM. Our study suggests that BTA in association with immunotherapy decreases the incidence of SRE.

A group of novel VEGF splice variants as alternative therapeutic targets in renal cell carcinoma

The efficacy of anti-angiogenic treatment by targeting VEGF/VEGF receptors in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) varies from patient to patient. Discovering the reasons behind this variability could lead to the identification of relevant therapeutic targets. Thus, we investigated novel splice variants of VEGF that are less efficiently inhibited by anti-VEGF/VEGFR targeting than the conventional isoforms. By in silico analysis we identified a novel splice acceptor in the last intron of the VEGF gene resulting in an insertion of 23 bp in VEGF mRNA. Such an insertion can shift the open reading frame in previously described splice variants of VEGF (VEGFXXX), leading to a change in the C-terminal part of the VEGF protein. Next, we analyzed the expression of these alternatively spliced VEGF new isoforms (VEGFXXX/NF.) in normal tissues and in RCC cell lines by qPCR and ELISA, and investigated the role of VEGF222/NF (equivalent to VEGF165) in physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Our in-vitro data demonstrated that recombinant VEGF222/NF stimulated endothelial cell proliferation and vascular permeability by activating VEGFR2. In addition, VEGF222/NF overexpression enhanced proliferation and metastatic properties of RCC cells, whereas downregulation of VEGF222/NF resulted in cell death. We also generated an in-vivo model of RCC by implanting RCC cells overexpressing VEGF222/NF in mice, which we treated with polyclonal anti-VEGFXXX/NF antibodies. VEGF222/NF overexpression enhanced tumor formation with aggressive properties and a fully functional vasculature , while treatment with anti-VEGFXXX/NF antibodies slowed tumor growth by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In a patient cohort from the NCT00943839 clinical trial we investigated the relationship between plasmatic VEGFXXX/NF levels, resistance to anti-VEGFR therapy and survival. High plasmatic VEGFXXX/NF levels correlated with shorter survival and lower efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs. Our data confirmed the existence of new VEGF isoforms that could serve as novel therapeutic targets in patients with RCC that are resistant to anti-VEGFR therapy.

Natural history of patients with muscle metastases from renal cell carcinoma: Results of the French national ARTEMIS study

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Background: Muscle metastases (MM) are among rare secondary locations in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Current guidelines do not provide specific advice on the management of these patients. There is a lack of scientific literature on the subject, mainly based on case reports or small retrospective monocentric cohorts. To date, therefore, there remains uncertainty about the clinical history, prognosis, and appropriate management of patients with MM. Methods: ARTEMIS is an ambispective national French multicenter, non-interventional study. It was opened to patients with metastatic RCC who had MM. The study was designed to assess overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), describe diagnostic and treatment modalities, and treatment-related serious adverse events in case of local treatments (TR-SAEs). Results: Median follow-up was 74.4 months IC95% [38.7-84.1]. The 146 enrolled patients were 73.6% male, with a median age of 57.6 years at diagnosis. They were initially diagnosed with stage IV RCC for 40.4% of them and had a favorable (36.2%), intermediate (45.7%), or poor (18.1%) IMDC risk score at the onset of metastases. Initially, metastases were mainly located in the lungs (55.5%), lymph nodes (26.7%), and bones (24.0%). Patients had a history of partial or total nephrectomy in 78.8% of cases. There were 30.0% of patients with synchronous MM. The median times from initial diagnosis or metastatic status to MM discovery were 25.5 [16.8-35.7] months and 8.4 [5.0-13.5] months, respectively. The majority (69.0%) of MM were discovered on conventional injected CT scans, whereas 8.3% were diagnosed clinically. Survival data are displayed on the table. Thirty-seven (25.3%) patients received local treatment of their MM which consisted of: external radiotherapy (48.6%), surgery (27.0%), cryotherapy (27.0%), stereotactic radiotherapy (5.4%), embolization (2.7%). Among them, local treatments prevented local relapse of MM in 28 patients (75.7%). Local TR-SAEs were seen in two patients (5.4%). Conclusions: ARTEMIS is the largest published cohort describing the disease history of patients with RCC suffering from MM. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the diagnostic and treatment modalities, also survival data. Despite its low incidence, the issue of these patients is not so rare in physicians’ practice. This work thus allows a greater understanding of clinical features and treatment of this pathology. [Table: see text]

Activity and tolerability of maintenance avelumab (AVE) immunotherapy after first-line platinum-based polychemotherapy in patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell penile carcinoma: Initial results of PULSE study

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Background: Metastatic squamous cell penile carcinoma (mSCPC) is an orphan disease with a virally induced oncogenesis. PD-L1 expression rate is around 60% with a strong correlation between PD-L1 in the primary tumour and metastases. The first line systemic treatment relies on platinum-based chemotherapies with a median progression free survival and overall survival around 7.5 and 16 months (mo), respectively. Immunotherapies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 axis are effective in other squamous cell or HPV related cancers. Methods: PULSE is a national prospective multicenter open label single arm phase II trial. Thirty-two pts will be enrolled after a radiological assessment showing a non-progressive disease after 3 to 6 cycles of a first line platinum-based polychemotherapy. Pts will receive AVE injections 10mg/kg every two weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint will be the progression free survival (PFS) from AVE initiation according to RECIST v1.1 criteria. Key secondary endpoints will include, overall survival, safety. Here we report the results of the first interim analysis (IA). Results: From September 2019 to October 2022, 14 pts has been enrolled. Within the 9 first patients involved for the IA the median age was 69.9 years; 89% of pts had an ECOG 0-1. Of them, 1 patient and 8 pts had stage 3 and 4 disease at chemotherapy initiation, respectively. Median follow-up was 5.8 [2.3-17.2] mo. Chemotherapy regimens were triplets for 5 pts (56%), containing cisplatin for 56% and a taxane for all pts. Median duration of chemotherapy was 3.7 mo [1.2; 11.7]. At AVE initiation, 5 pts (56%) had partial or complete response and 4 pts (44%) had stable disease. Median duration of AVE was 3.7 mo with a majority (83%) of discontinuation linked to disease progression. Survival data are shown in the table. No new safety signal was identified. Conclusions: PULSE is the first prospective trial exploring avelumab maintenance activity in mSCPC. After the IA the DSMB have recommended to pursue the study based on these promising results. Updated results with additional patients, longer follow-up and ancillary explorations with biomarkers analysis will be presented at the meeting. Clinical trial information: NCT03774901 . [Table: see text]

Overall survival (OS) and efficacy results of second-line treatment in patients (pts) with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated in the randomized phase II BIONIKK trial

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Background: To date, no biomarker of efficacy of nivolumab+/-ipilimumab (N+/-I) or anti-VEGFR TKI has been prospectively validated in mRCC. The BIONIKK trial showed promising objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) with these treatments in first line (L1) after selection by tumour molecular group. We report OS and efficacy results of the second-line (L2) treatment. Methods: BIONIKK is a French multicentre non-comparative phase II trial, randomising 199 mRCC pts to receive N (58), NI (101) or TKI (40) in L1 according to four molecular groups (ccrcc1-4). ORR and PFS were already reported. With an additional follow-up of ≥20 months, we report OS from randomization and from the start of L2, as well as ORR and PFS with a TKI in L2 by molecular group. Results: With a median follow-up of 42.1 months (40.5-45.2), 86 (43%) patients died: 27/58 (46.5%), 39/101 (39%) and 20/40 (50%) in the N, NI, and TKI arm, respectively. Median OS were 43.4 months (95%CI=31.4-NR) with N, 52.7 months (95%CI=46-NR) with NI and 38.1 months (95%CI=33.2-NR) with TKI (table). 175 (88%) patients discontinued first-line treatment, including 20 deaths, and 129 (74%) received a L2, 38/58 (65.5%), 64/101 (63%), and 27/40 (67.5%) after N, NI and TKI, respectively. The most frequent L2 received after N+/-I was a TKI in 96/102 (94%) pts, including cabozantinib in 49, sunitinib/pazopanib in 32, axitinib in 13, and lenvatinib in 2. N was the most frequent L2 after TKI, 20/27 (74%). ORR with TKI in L2 was 28.5% (10/35) after N, 39% (24/61) after NI and 80% (4/5) after TKI, with marked benefit in ccrcc2 pts (table). The mPFS with TKI in L2 was 8.2 (95%CI=6.9-19.3) after N, 11.4 (95%CI= 8.9-16.8) after NI, and 12.1 (95%CI =11.4-NR) months after TKI, with a higher benefit in ccrcc2 pts (vs. ccrcc1+4, p=0.04). Conversely, ORR and mPFS with N after TKI in ccrcc2-pts were 12.5% (2/16) and 5.4 (2.6-NR) months, respectively. Median OS L2 was reported in the table. The updated ORR and PFS in L1 will presented at the Meeting, as well as PFS2 and efficacy by TKI type in L2. Conclusions: We report for the first-time OS and L2 efficacy results by molecular group in a randomized trial. Molecular selection also has an impact on treatment efficacy in L2. These results, together with those reported in L1, can inform clinicians on the best treatment sequence in L1-2. Clinical trial information: NCT02960906 . [Table: see text]

Urachal carcinoma: a large retrospective multicentric study from the French Genito-Urinary Tumor Group

Introduction

Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare, non-urothelial malignancy. Its natural history and management are poorly understood. Although localized to the bladder dome, the most common histological subtype of UrC is adenocarcinoma. UrC develops from an embryonic remnant, and is frequently diagnosed in advanced stage with poor prognosis. The treatment is not standardized, and based only on case reports and small series. This large retrospective multicentric study was conducted by the French Genito-Urinary Tumor Group to gain a better understanding of UrC.

Material and Methods

data has been collected retrospectively on 97 patients treated at 22 French Cancer Centers between 1996 and 2020.

Results

The median follow-up was 59 months (range 44-96). The median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range 20-86), 45% were females and 23% had tobacco exposure. For patients with localized disease (Mayo I-II, n=46) and with lymph-node invasion (Mayo III, n=13) median progression-free-survival (mPFS) was 31 months (95% CI: 20-67) and 7 months (95% CI: 6-not reached (NR)), and median overall survival (mOS) was 73 months (95% CI: 57-NR) and 22 months (95% CI: 21-NR) respectively. For 45 patients with Mayo I-III had secondary metastatic progression, and 20 patients were metastatic at diagnosis. Metastatic localization was peritoneal for 54% of patients. Most patients with localized tumor were treated with partial cystectomy, with mPFS of 20 months (95% CI: 14-49), and only 12 patients received adjuvant therapy. Metastatic patients (Mayo IV) had a mOS of 23 months (95% CI: 19-33) and 69% received a platin-fluorouracil combination treatment.

Conclusion

UrC is a rare tumor of the bladder where patients are younger with a higher number of females, and a lower tobacco exposure than in standard urothelial carcinoma. For localized tumor, partial cystectomy is recommended. The mOS and mPFS were low, notably for patients with lymph node invasion. For metastatic patients the prognosis is poor and standard therapy is not well-defined. Further clinical and biological knowledge are needed.

Efficacy of Cabozantinib in Metastatic MiT Family Translocation Renal Cell Carcinomas

BACKGROUND

MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma (TRCC) is a rare and aggressive subgroup of renal cell carcinoma harboring high expression of c-MET. While TRCC response rates to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors are limited, efficacy of cabozantinib (a VEGFR, MET, and AXL inhibitor) in this subgroup is unclear.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter, retrospective, international cohort study of patients with TRCC treated with cabozantinib. The main objectives were to estimate response rate according to RECIST 1.1 and to analyze progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients with metastatic TRCC treated in the participating centers and evaluable for response were included. Median age at metastatic diagnosis was 40 years (IQR 28.5-53). Patients' IMDC risk groups at diagnosis were favorable (9/52), intermediate (35/52), and poor (8/52). Eleven (21.2%) patients received cabozantinib as frontline therapy, 15 (28.8%) at second line, and 26 (50%) at third line and beyond. The proportion of patients who achieved an objective response was 17.3%, including 2 complete responses and 7 partial responses. For 26 (50%) patients, stable disease was the best response. With a median follow-up of 25.1 months (IQR 12.6-39), median PFS was 6.8 months (95%CI 4.6-16.3) and median OS was 18.3 months (95%CI 17.0-30.6). No difference of response was identified according to fusion transcript features.

CONCLUSION

This real-world study provides evidence of the activity of cabozantinib in TRCC, with more durable responses than those observed historically with other VEGFR-TKIs or ICIs.

Oncological Outcomes of Delayed Nephrectomy After Optimal Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

In the current era of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the role and optimal timing of a nephrectomy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the oncological outcomes of patients who responded to ICI-based treatments and were subsequently treated with a delayed nephrectomy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This national retrospective evaluation included 30 patients with mRCC who underwent a nephrectomy after a complete response (CR) or a major partial response (>80%) to ICI treatment at metastatic sites.

INTERVENTION

Partial or radical nephrectomy after a favorable response to ICI treatment.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and potential discontinuation of systemic treatment were assessed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

ICI-based treatments included ipilimumab-nivolumab (40%), ICI + tyrosine kinase inhibitor (10%), and nivolumab (50%). A delayed nephrectomy was performed after a median ICI treatment duration of 10 mo. In 19 cases (63.3%), surgeons faced difficulties due to adhesions or inflammatory changes. A complete pathological response was observed in 16.7% of patients. After a median follow-up of 19.5 mo after nephrectomy, 76.7% of patients achieved DFS. At 1 yr, 66.7% of patients were free from systemic treatment. The PFS and OS rates were, respectively, 96.7% and 100% at 1 yr, and 78.3% and 86.1% at 2 yr. Patients with a CR at metastatic sites had a better prognosis than those with a major partial response, in terms of DFS (p = 0.022) and PFS (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite potentially challenging surgery, a delayed nephrectomy for patients who responded to ICI treatment provided promising oncological outcomes, and the majority of patients could discontinue systemic treatment.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study, we evaluated the clinical outcome in patients who responded well to immunotherapy, and subsequently underwent kidney ablation surgery. Three-quarters of patients experienced no recurrence, and in most cases, medical treatment could be discontinued.

Pembrolizumab versus placebo as post-nephrectomy adjuvant therapy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (KEYNOTE-564): 30-month follow-up analysis of a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

The first interim analysis of the KEYNOTE-564 study showed improved disease-free survival with adjuvant pembrolizumab compared with placebo after surgery in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma at an increased risk of recurrence. The analysis reported here, with an additional 6 months of follow-up, was designed to assess longer-term efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab versus placebo, as well as additional secondary and exploratory endpoints.

METHODS

In the multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial, adults aged 18 years or older with clear cell renal cell carcinoma with an increased risk of recurrence were enrolled at 213 hospitals and cancer centres in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Eligible participants had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, had undergone nephrectomy 12 weeks or less before randomisation, and had not received previous systemic therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) via central permuted block randomisation (block size of four) to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 17 cycles. Randomisation was stratified by metastatic disease status (M0 vs M1), and the M0 group was further stratified by ECOG performance status and geographical region. All participants and investigators involved in study treatment administration were masked to the treatment group assignment. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival by investigator assessment in the intention-to-treat population (all participants randomly assigned to a treatment). Safety was assessed in the safety population, comprising all participants who received at least one dose of pembrolizumab or placebo. As the primary endpoint was met at the first interim analysis, updated data are reported without p values. This study is ongoing, but no longer recruiting, and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03142334.

FINDINGS

Between June 30, 2017, and Sept 20, 2019, 994 participants were assigned to receive pembrolizumab (n=496) or placebo (n=498). Median follow-up, defined as the time from randomisation to data cutoff (June 14, 2021), was 30·1 months (IQR 25·7-36·7). Disease-free survival was better with pembrolizumab compared with placebo (HR 0·63 [95% CI 0·50-0·80]). Median disease-free survival was not reached in either group. The most common all-cause grade 3-4 adverse events were hypertension (in 14 [3%] of 496 participants) and increased alanine aminotransferase (in 11 [2%]) in the pembrolizumab group, and hypertension (in 13 [3%] of 498 participants) in the placebo group. Serious adverse events attributed to study treatment occurred in 59 (12%) participants in the pembrolizumab group and one (<1%) participant in the placebo group. No deaths were attributed to pembrolizumab.

INTERPRETATION

Updated results from KEYNOTE-564 support the use of adjuvant pembrolizumab monotherapy as a standard of care for participants with renal cell carcinoma with an increased risk of recurrence after nephrectomy.

FUNDING

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA.

Application of Machine Learning Models to Predict Recurrence After Surgical Resection of Nonmetastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Predictive tools can be useful for adapting surveillance or including patients in adjuvant trials after surgical resection of nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Current models have been built using traditional statistical modelling and prespecified variables, which limits their performance.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the performance of machine learning (ML) framework to predict recurrence after RCC surgery and compare them with current validated models.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this observational study, we derived and tested several ML-based models (Random Survival Forests [RSF], Survival Support Vector Machines [S-SVM], and Extreme Gradient Boosting [XG boost]) to predict recurrence of patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy for a nonmetastatic RCC, between 2013 and 2020, at 21 French medical centres.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary end point was disease-free survival. Model discrimination was assessed using the concordance index (c-index), and calibration was assessed using the Brier score. ML models were compared with four conventional prognostic models, using decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 4067 patients were included in this study (3253 in the development cohort and 814 in the validation cohort). Most tumours (69%) were clear cell RCC, 40% were of high grade (nuclear International Society of Urological Pathology grade 3 or 4), and 24% had necrosis. Of the patients, 4% had nodal involvement. After a median follow-up of 57 mo (interquartile range 29-76), 523 (13%) patients recurred. ML models obtained higher c-index values than conventional models. The RSF yielded the highest c-index values (0.794), followed by S-SVM (c-index 0.784) and XG boost (c-index 0.782). In addition, all models showed good calibration with low integrated Brier scores (all integrated brier scores <0.1). However, we found calibration drift over time for all models, albeit with a smaller magnitude for ML models. Finally, DCA showed an incremental net benefit from all ML models compared with conventional models currently used in practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying ML approaches to predict recurrence following surgical resection of RCC resulted in better prediction than that of current validated models available in clinical practice. However, there is still room for improvement, which may come from the integration of novel biological and/or imaging biomarkers.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We found that artificial intelligence algorithms could better predict the risk of recurrence after surgery for a localised kidney cancer. These algorithms may help better select patients who will benefit from medical treatment after surgery.

Health-related Quality of Life Analysis from KEYNOTE-426: Pembrolizumab plus Axitinib Versus Sunitinib for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

In the phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 (NCT02853331) trial, pembrolizumab + axitinib demonstrated improvement in overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate over sunitinib monotherapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in KEYNOTE-426.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 861 patients were randomly assigned to receive pembrolizumab + axitinib (n = 432) or sunitinib (n = 429). HRQoL data were available for 429 patients treated with pembrolizumab + axitinib and 423 patients treated with sunitinib.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

HRQoL end points were measured using the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Core (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), EQ-5D visual analog rating scale (VAS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Kidney Cancer Symptom Index-Disease-Related Symptoms (FKSI-DRS) questionnaires.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Better or not different overall improvement rates from baseline between pembrolizumab + axitinib and sunitinib were observed for the FKSI-DRS (-0.79% improvement vs sunitinib; 95% confidence interval [CI] -7.2 to 5.6), QLQ-C30 (7.5% improvement vs sunitinib; 95% CI 1.0-14), and EQ-5D VAS (9.9% improvement vs sunitinib; 95% CI 3.2-17). For time to confirmed deterioration (TTcD) and time to first deterioration (TTfD), no differences were observed between arms for the QLQ-C30 (TTcD hazard ratio [HR] 1.0; 95% CI 0.82-1.3; TTfD HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.69-0.97) and EQ-5D VAS (TTcD HR 1.1; 95% CI 0.87-1.3; TTfD HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.83-1.2). TTfD was not different between treatment arms (HR 1.1; 95% CI 0.95-1.3) for the FKSI-DRS, but TTcD favored sunitinib (HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.7). Patients were assessed during the off-treatment period for sunitinib, which may have underestimated the negative impact of sunitinib on HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, patient-reported outcome scales showed that results between the pembrolizumab + axitinib and sunitinib arms were not different, with the exception of TTcD by the FKSI-DRS.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Compared with sunitinib, pembrolizumab + axitinib delays disease progression and extends survival, while HRQoL outcomes were not different between groups.

Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus axitinib (axi) versus sunitinib as first-line therapy for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC): Analysis of progression after first subsequent therapy in KEYNOTE-426

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Background: The randomized, open-label, phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 study (NCT02853331) met its primary and key secondary end points of improved OS, PFS, and ORR with pembro + axi versus sunitinib as first-line treatment for patients with advanced ccRCC. Extended follow-up (42.8-mo median follow-up) continued to show the superior efficacy of pembro + axi versus sunitinib in this patient population. We describe the results of PFS2 for all randomly assigned patients and across IMDC risk categories. Methods: Treatment-naive patients with advanced ccRCC, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale score ≥70% and measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembro 200 mg IV every 3 weeks for up to 35 doses (̃2 y) + axi 5 mg orally twice daily or sunitinib 50 mg orally once daily on a 4-wk on/2-wk off schedule. The end point of this exploratory analysis was PFS2, defined as time from randomization to progression after first subsequent therapy or any-cause death. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate PFS2 and hazard ratios were estimated using a Cox regression model. Results: Of 861 patients, 432 were assigned to receive pembro + axi; 429, to sunitinib. Median time from randomization to the database cutoff date (January 11, 2021) was 42.8 mo (range, 35.6-50.6). Overall, 47.2% of patients (204/432) in the pembro + axi arm and 65.5% of patients (281/429) in the sunitinib arm received ≥1 line of subsequent anticancer therapy. For patients who received subsequent therapy, anti–PD-1/PD-L1 agents were the first subsequent treatment for 11.3% of patients (23/204) in the pembro + axi arm and 54.8% of patients (154/281) in the sunitinib arm. In the pembro + axi arm, 82.8% of patients (169/204) received a VEGF/VEGFR inhibitor as first subsequent therapy, as did 43.4% (122/281) in the sunitinib arm. PFS2 results are displayed in the Table. Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, PFS2 was longer for patients randomized to pembro + axi compared to sunitinib. Results were consistent across IMDC risk groups. These data support use of pembro + axi for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced ccRCC. Clinical trial information: NCT02853331. [Table: see text]

Cabozantinib-nivolumab sequence in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: the CABIR study

Nivolumab and cabozantinib are approved agents in mRCC patients after sunitinib/pazopanib (TKI) failure. However, the optimal sequence, cabozantinib then nivolumab (CN) or nivolumab then cabozantinib (NC), is still unknown. The CABIR study aimed to identify the optimal sequence between CN and NC after frontline VEGFR‐TKI. In this multicenter retrospective study, we collected data from mRCC pts receiving CN or NC, after frontline VEGFR‐TKI. A propensity score (PrS) was calculated to manage bias selection, and sequence comparisons were carried out with a cox model on a matched sample 1:1. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) from the start of second line to progression in third line (PFS_2‐3). Key secondary endpoints included overall survival from second line (OS₂). Out of 139 included mRCC patients, 38 (27%) and 101 (73%) received CN and NC, respectively. Overlap in PrS allowed 1:1 matching for each CN pts, with characteristics well balanced. For both PFS_2‐3 and OS₂, NC sequence was superior to CN (PFS_2‐3: HR = 0.58 [0.34‐0.98], P = .043; OS₂: 0.66 [0.42‐1.05], P = .080). Superior PFS_2‐3 was in patients treated between 6 and 18 months with prior VEGFR‐TKI (P = .019) and was driven by a higher PFS_L3 with cabozantinib when given after nivolumab (P < .001). The CABIR study shows a prolonged PFS of the NC sequence compared to CN in mRCC after first line VEGFR‐TKI failure. The data suggest that cabozantinib may be more effective than nivolumab in the third‐line setting, possibly related to an ability of cabozantinib to overcome resistance to PD‐1 blockade.

Impact of the app-based and nurse-led supportive care program AKO@dom on dose intensity of oral-targeted therapies in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer: a multicentric observational retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain a cornerstone of metastatic kidney cancer (mRCC). Adverse events (AEs) may lead to dose downregulation, and optimal management of AEs is needed to maintain an efficient dose intensity (DI). The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of an app-based and nurse-led supportive-care program on DI in mRCC patients.

METHOD

This multicenter (n = 3), retrospective study evaluated all consecutive mRCC patients who participated in the AKO@dom program, which consisted of an app-based and nurse-led weekly patient evaluation at home during the first 3 months of TKI intake. Treatment patterns and modifications were described, and the mean DI (mDI) was calculated at the end of AKO@dom.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients were included: 12 had sunitinib, 18 pazopanib, 12 axitinib, and 47 cabozantinib. Median age was 69 years (60-76). TKIs were mainly initiated at standard doses except for cabozantinib (53% started at 40 mg/day); 71% had prior systemic treatment. Nine patients discontinued permanent treatment during the program. Thirty-two patients required ≥ 1 dose interruption, and 29% experienced ≥ 1 grade 3 AE of any type. The mDI (in mg/day) at 3 months was 34.4 ± 17.7 for sunitinib, 672.8 ± 144 for pazopanib, 8.6 ± 2.6 for axitinib, and 40 (36-48) for cabozantinib. Fifty-five patients [68.75% (95% CI: 57-78%)] had a mDI ≥ than reported in the literature. Overall survival at 12 months was 64.2% (CI 95%: 55-75%).

CONCLUSION

The AKO@dom program allowed 68.75% of patients to maintain a high dose intensity after 3 months of TKI treatment. The impact on survival outcomes needs to be evaluated in randomized clinical trials.

Risk factors associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced acute kidney injury compared to other immune-related adverse events: a case-control study

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) foster anti-cancer immune responses. Their efficacy comes at the cost of immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). The latter affects various organs, including kidneys, mostly as acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, the pathophysiology of which remains unclear. We conducted a multicentre case–control study to compare the characteristics of patients with renal IRAEs (ICI-AKI) with those of patients diagnosed with other IRAEs.

Methods

We queried the French pharmacovigilance database for all adverse events involving ICIs. Reports were classified as ICI-AKI or extrarenal IRAE. For each ICI-AKI report, four reports of extrarenal IRAEs were randomly included (control group, 4:1 ratio). Variables showing an association with a P < 0.05 were included as covariates in a multivariate analysis.

Results

Therefore, 167 ICI-AKI reports were compared with 668 extrarenal IRAEs. At least one concomitant extrarenal IRAE was mentioned in 44.3% of ICI-AKI reports. Patients with ICI-AKI were significantly older than patients with extrarenal IRAEs (69.1 versus 64.6 years; P = 0.0135), and chronic kidney disease was significantly more prevalent (12.0% versus 3.3%; P = 0.0125). Patients with ICI-AKI were significantly more likely to be treated with fluindione [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 6.53, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.21–19.31; P = 0.0007], a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.07–9.4; P = 0.0368) or a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI, OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.42–3.34; P = 0.0004).

Conclusion

This study is limited by a lack of data, preventing confirmation of numerous reports therefore not included in the analysis. We are unable to draw definite pathophysiological conclusions from our data. Nonetheless, we suggest that ICIs may be a ‘second-hit’ that precipitates acute kidney injury caused by another concomitant drug (fluindione, NSAID or PPI).

Association of adrenal metastases with outcomes in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) treated with nivolumab in the GETUG-AFU-26 NIVOREN phase II trial

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Background: Glandular metastases (GMs) (adrenal, pancreas, thyroid, ovary, breast, or prostate) are rare in mccRCC. Several studies have observed significantly longer overall survival (OS) for GM patients treated with anti-angiogenic therapy. This study assesses outcomes from mccRCC treated with nivolumab with or without GMs. Methods: The GETUG-AFU 26 NIVOREN, phase II trial assessed the activity and safety of nivolumab in pts with mccRCC who failed antiangiogenic therapies (NCT03013335). Pts were stratified in two subgroups according to the presence of at least one GM. Specific analyzes were performed for pancreatic and adrenal metastases. Primary endpoint was OS, secondary endpoint were progression free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR). Results: Between February 2016 and July 2017, among 720 patients treated by nivolumab 217 patients had GM (151: adrenal and 86: pancreatic metastases). Clinical characteristics were comparable between the two subgroups except for IMDC poor subgroup (19% vs 28%) and for Furhman grade IV (13.5% vs 23.4%) for GM and non GM respectively. Median time between metastatic disease and nivolumab was 3.2 years (y) vs 2 y for GM and non GM respectively and 2.8 vs 2.1 y with or without adrenal metastasis. There was no statistical difference in outcomes between pts with or without GMs. However, pts with adrenal metastases had worse OS (12-months survival: 64% vs 71.1%; HR 1.51 (1.19-1.92)); shorter PFS (6-months survival: 27.2% vs 36.6%; HR 1.29 (1.07-1.57)) and lower ORR (12.5% [7.6%; 19.0%] vs 23.2% [19.8%; 27.0%]; p = 0.005) than non-adrenal metastases. Conversely, patients with pancreatic metastases had significantly longer overall survival (12-months survival: 82.3% vs 67.9%; HR 0.59 (0.40-0.85)) in univariate analysis compared to non-pancreatic metastases. In multivariate analysis, only adrenal metastasis remained associated with dismal prognosis (Table). Conclusions: Adrenal metastasis is an independent poor prognostic factor for response and survival in the GETUG-AFU 26 NIVOREN phase II trial. Limited activity with nivolumab is observed for patients with adrenal metastases from mccRCC without difference with previous anti angiogenic therapy. Molecular characterization could help to identify the angiogenic profile of adrenal metastases. Clinical trial information: NCT03013335. [Table: see text]

Cabazitaxel activity in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with and without DNA damage repair defects

BACKGROUND

Cabazitaxel was shown to improve overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after abiraterone/enzalutamine and docetaxel failure, though benefit by the presence of DNA damage repair (DDR) defects is unknown. With the advent of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in partially overlapping indications with cabazitaxel, we aimed to determine cabazitaxel activity in men with mCRPC according to their DDR status.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multicenter study that enrolled patients with mCRPC treated with cabazitaxel who had undergone DDR tumour tissue profiling. Patients with at least one deleterious germline or somatic alterations were considered DDR positive (DDR+). Each DDR + patient has been matched with a DDR negative (DDR-) from the same institution who underwent the same test. An exploratory cohort of patients found to be DDR + by liquid biopsy was also included. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) decline≥50% (PSA50), PSA progression-free survival (PFS, PSA-PFS), radiographic PFS (rPFS), clinical PFS or radiographic PFS (c/rPFS) and OS were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 190 men (95 DDR+, 95 DDR-) with tissue sequencing, PSA50 was achieved with cabazitaxel in 29/92 (32%) and 33/92 (36%) in patients with DDR+ and DDR- (P = 0.64). The median rPFS was 5.33 months [95%CI 4.34-7.04] versus 5.75 months [95%CI 4.67-7.27] (P = 0.55). The median OS was 15.4 months [95%CI 12.16-26.6] and 11.5 months [95%CI 9.76-14.4] (P = 0.036), respectively. No PSA50 responses on cabazitaxel were observed in BRCA1/2 patients previously treated with PARPi (n = 10). Similar outcomes with cabazitaxel were observed in the liquid biopsy cohort (n = 63 DDR+).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that cabazitaxel is active in patients with mCRPC regardless of their DDR status, although its activity in men pretreated with a PARPi may be lower.

TAXOMET: A French Prospective Multicentric Randomized Phase II Study of Docetaxel Plus Metformin Versus Docetaxel Plus Placebo in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel (DOCE) is a standard of care in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Several retrospective studies suggested a decrease in Prostate Cancer incidence and mortality with metformin (MET). MET has also demonstrated anti-tumor activity in Prostate Cancer preclinical models, with increased apoptosis when added to DOCE. We aimed at exploring the role of MET in combination with DOCE in mCRPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Non-diabetic mCRPC patients were randomly assigned to receive DOCE 75 mg/m² every 21 days + prednisone (5 mg. BID) with either MET 850 mg BID (D+M) or placebo (D+P) up to 10 cycles. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) response ≥50% from baseline was the primary end point. Secondary end points included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

Out of 99 patients were randomized (D+M = 50; D+P = 49) in 10 French centers. The median follow-up was 86 (IQR 73-88) months. The PSA-response rate reached 66% in the D+M arm, but was not different from that observed in the D+P arm (63%, P = 0,94). In the D+M and D+P arms, the ORR was 28% and 24%, the median PFS was 7.8 and 6.0 months and the median OS was 27 and 20 months (ns), respectively. Diarrhea grade I to II was more frequent in the MET arm (66% vs. 43%). No impairment of QoL was observed.

CONCLUSION

MET addition failed to improve the standard DOCE regimen in mCRPC. Further research targeting tumor cell metabolism should be performed.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in renal cell carcinoma: implication in prognosis and resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with respect to tumour aggressiveness, metastasis development, and resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors [VEGFR-TKI]).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study involved tissue samples from three distinct and independent cohorts of patients with ccRCC. The presence of CAFs and tumour lymphangiogenesis was investigated, respectively, by transcriptional signatures and then correlated with tumour development and prognosis. The effect of these CAFs on tumour cell migration and VEGFR-TKI resistance was analysed on co-cultures of ccRCC cells with CAFs.

RESULTS

Results from our cohorts and from in silico investigations showed that VEGFR-TKI significantly increase the number of CAFs in tumours. In the same populations of patients with ccRCC, the proportion of intra-tumoral CAFs correlated to shorter disease-free and overall survival. The presence of CAFs was also correlated with lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. CAFs increased the migration and decreased the VEGFR-TKI-dependent cytotoxic effect of tumour cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that VEGFR-TKI promote the development of CAFs, and CAFs favour tumour aggressiveness, metastatic dissemination, and resistance to treatment in ccRCC. CAFs could represent a new therapeutic target to fight resistance to treatment of ccRCC. Targeting CAF and immunotherapies combination are emerging as efficient treatments in many types of solid tumours. Our results highlight their relevance in ccRCC.

Nephrectomy after response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): A surgical challenge allowing favorable oncological outcomes

e16557

Background: In the current era of Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), the role and timing of nephrectomy is still unknown. We aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) managed with nephrectomy for residual disease after complete response (CR) or major partial response (mPR defined as > 80%) on metastatic sites following ICI. Methods: Patients who underwent nephrectomy after prior ICI between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively included and clinicopathological data were reviewed. Perioperative data, postoperative complications, toxicities related to ICI, continuation or discontinuation of systemic treatment following surgery, and 1-year oncological outcomes were recorded. Results: Twenty-five patients without initial cytoreductive nephrectomy at diagnosis underwent delayed nephrectomy after long ICI administration because of CR (or mPR) on metastatic sites. Median age was 62 years [38-79]. 88% of patients had clear cell RCC on the initial biopsy. IMDC prognostic group was intermediate (80%) or poor (20%). ICI was administered as first-line therapy in 56.0% of cases and as second-line option after TKI in 44.0% of cases. Treatments regimens were: nivolumab + ipilimumab (n = 12), nivolumab + tivozanib (n = 2) or nivolumab alone (n = 11). The mean duration of ICI treatment was 11.8 months (range: 3-38 months) and the mean number of cycles was 19 (range: 6-75). Twelve patients had a CR on metastatic sites while 13 patients had a mPR ( > 80%). Overall, 64% of patients experienced toxicities related to ICI treatment. Median operative time was 210 minutes [90-345] and mean blood loss was 558 cc [40-4000]. In 80.0% of cases, surgeons experienced difficulties in finding dissection plans due to adhesions and/or inflammatory infiltration. The 30-day Clavien-Dindo postoperative complication rate was 36.0%, including 1 surgery-related death. Pathological report showed lymphocyte and/or macrophage infiltration in 60% of cases and complete pathological response (pT0) in 3 cases (12%). After a mean follow-up of 19.4 months, 79.2% of the patients were free from progression and 70.8% free from systemic treatment. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) at 1 year were 79.5% and 89.8% respectively. CR on metastatic sites was significantly associated with good RFS compared to mPR (1-year RFS = 100% vs. 56.8%, median RFS = 21.6 vs. 4.25 months, p = 0.006) while the duration of IO treatment exposure was not. Conclusions: Nephrectomy following ICI for mRCC can be a difficult procedure. However, it may provide good long-term RFS, with systemic treatment discontinuation following surgery in most cases. This strategy may be offered in well-selected patients, especially in case of CR on metastatic sites before surgery.

ODENZA: A French prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, cross-over phase II trial of preference between darolutamide and enzalutamide in men with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)

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Background: Darolutamide (Daro) and enzamutamide (Enza) are both next generation androgen receptor inhibitors with demonstrated activity in men with CRPC. Although both agents are associated with survival improvement, their toxicity profiles are different. To help decipher whether this may impact on patient preference, we designed the ODENZA trial. Methods: ODENZA is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, cross-over, phase II trial of preference between Daro and Enza in men with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic CRPC. Patients were randomized 1/1 to receive Daro 1200 mg/d for 12 weeks followed by Enza 160 mg/d for 12 weeks (Daro-Enza arm) or the reverse sequence (Enza-Daro arm). In both arms, the second treatment was given in absence of evidence of cancer progression at week 12. The primary endpoint was patient preference between the two drugs, as assessed by a questionnaire at week 24. The Prescott's test was used to determine treatment preference in patients fullfilling pre planned criteria (exposure to both treatments, no progression at week 12, and completion of the preference questionnaire). A p-value greater than 0.05 indicates that there is no difference in preference between treatments. Stratification factors were performance status and prior taxane for mCSPC. After week 24, patients went on to an extension period during which they received the chosen treatment until progression or toxicity. The main secondary objectives included reasons for preference, response at week 12, cognitive assessment, and toxicity. Results: Overall 249 pts were randomized, median age 72y (68; 79), ECOG PS 0 (56%), prior taxanes (22%). Two hundred pts fulfilled the pre-planned criteria for evaluation of the preference primary endpoint : 97 (48.5% [41.3;55.7]), 80 (40.0% [33.0;47.0]), and 23 (11.5% [6.8;16.2]) chose Daro, Enza, and had no preference, respectively (unilateral p-value of 0.92). After preference assessment, 186 patients entered the extension period: 103 (55.4%) and 83 (44.6%) received Daro and Enza respectively. The most common factors influencing patient preference all numerically favored Daro over Enza, without significant differences were: less fatigue (44% vs 29%), ease of taking the medication (37% vs 31%), better quality of life (36% vs 28%), ability to be more active (26% vs 15%), ability to concentrate (22% vs 15%) and less falls (6% vs 3%). A PSA50 response was achieved in 76.2% and 83.9% at week 12 with Daro and Enza respectively (p = 0.13). Fatigue was the most frequently reported all grade adverse event at week 12, in 21% and 36% with Daro and Enza, respectively. Conclusions: More patients with early mCRPC preferred Daro over Enza, although the difference did not reach significance, with fatigue as the key influencing factor. Clinical trial information: NCT03314324.

Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus axitinib (axi) versus sunitinib as first-line therapy for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC): Results from 42-month follow-up of KEYNOTE-426

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Background: In the first interim analysis of the randomized, multicenter, open-label, phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 study (NCT02853331), treatment with pembro + axi significantly improved OS, PFS, and ORR vs sunitinib monotherapy in treatment-naive advanced ccRCC. Extended follow-up (median, 30.6 mo) continued to demonstrate the superior efficacy of pembro + axi vs sunitinib monotherapy in this patient population. Here, we present the results of the prespecified final analysis with 42.8-mo median follow-up. Methods: Treatment-naive patients (pts) with advanced ccRCC, KPS ≥70%, and measurable disease (RECIST v1.1) were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembro 200 mg IV Q3W for up to 35 doses + axi 5 mg orally BID or sunitinib 50 mg orally QD on a 4-wk on/2-wk off schedule until progression, intolerable toxicity, or withdrawal. Randomization was stratified by IMDC risk (favorable vs intermediate vs poor) and geographic region (North America vs Western Europe vs Rest of World). Dual primary endpoints were OS and PFS. Secondary endpoints were ORR, DOR, and safety. The protocol-specified final analysis was based on a target of 404 OS events. No formal hypothesis testing was performed because all efficacy endpoints were met previously at the first interim analysis; nominal P values are reported. Results: Overall, 861 pts were randomly assigned to receive pembro + axi (n=432) or sunitinib (n=429). Median duration of follow-up, defined as time from randomization to the database cutoff date, was 42.8 mo (range, 35.6-50.6). At data cutoff, 418 pts had died: 193 (44.7%) of 432 pts in the pembro + axi arm vs 225 (52.4%) of 429 pts in the sunitinib arm. Compared with sunitinib, pembro + axi improved OS (median: 45.7 vs 40.1 mo; HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.60-0.88]; P<0.001) and PFS (median: 15.7 vs 11.1 mo; HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.58-0.80]; P<0.0001). The 42-mo OS rate was 57.5% with pembro + axi vs 48.5% with sunitinib; the 42-mo PFS rate was 25.1% with pembro + axi vs 10.6% with sunitinib. For pembro + axi vs sunitinib, ORR was 60.4% vs 39.6% ( P<0.0001); CR rate was 10.0% vs 3.5%; median DOR was 23.6 mo (range 1.4+ to 43.4+) vs 15.3 mo (range, 2.3-42.8+). Subsequent anticancer therapy was administered to 47.2% of pts in pembro + axi arm vs 65.5% of pts in sunitinib arm. Although a similar proportion of pts in each arm received VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors, only 10.2% of pts in the pembro + axi arm received subsequent treatment with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor compared to 48.7% of pts in the sunitinib arm. No new safety signals were observed. Conclusions: With a median follow-up of 42.8 mo, this is the longest follow-up of an anti-PD–1/L1 immunotherapy combined with a VEGF/VEGFR inhibitor for first-line RCC. These results show that pembro + axi continues to demonstrate superior efficacy over sunitinib with respect to OS, PFS, and ORR, with no new safety signals. Clinical trial information: NCT02853331.

Rechallenge of nivolumab in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, an ambispective multicenter study (RENIVO)

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Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in combination with another ICI or an antiangiogenic targeted therapy have been approved for frontline therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, progression disease (PD) often occurs and subsequent therapies are needed. Rechallenge of ICI may then be an option, but there is a lack of data regarding this strategy. Methods: This ambispective multicenter study included patients who received a rechallenge of Nivolumab (ICI-2) between January 2014 and September 2020, after a first-ICI therapy (ICI-1), regardless of the reason of the discontinuation. Patients could have either a non-ICI therapy or have a prolonged free-interval (≥ 12 weeks) between ICI regimens. Those with ongoing rechallenge at inclusion were followed prospectively. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed best ORR. Results: 45 rechallenges were included from 16 centers. Median age was 60 years (range, 42-90), 64% were male. Most of them had clear cell histology (91%) and a Fuhrman or ISUP grade ≥ 3 (80%). Single-agent Nivolumab and Nivolumab-Ipilimumab association were used in 78% and 11% during ICI-1 and in 93% and 7% during ICI-2, respectively. Discontinuation for PD, toxicity or clinical decision occurred in 49%, 27% and 24% for ICI-1 and in 94%, 3% and 3% for ICI-2, respectively. The ORR were 51% (n = 23) at ICI-1 and 16% (n = 7) at ICI-2. One patient had a complete response during both ICI-1 and ICI-2 and two had a partial response at ICI-2 although they had PD as best ICI-1 response. After a median follow-up of 14.9 months (mo), median duration of response for ICI-2 was 5.1 mo (95% CI, 2.7-not reached [NR]). For ICI-1 and ICI-2: median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.4 mo (95% CI, 9.8-23.5) and 3.5 mo (95% CI, 2.8-9.7); median overall survival was NR (95% CI, 37.8-NR) and 24 mo (95% CI, 9.9-NR). Poor prognostic factors for PFS at ICI-2 were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) ≥ 2, presence of liver metastases, inflammatory syndrome and PFS under ICI-1 > 6 months. Grade ≥ 3 immune-related adverse events occurred in 24% (n = 11) during ICI-1 but only in 4% (n = 2) during ICI-2. There was no treatment-related death. Conclusions: Our study suggests that resumption of ICI with Nivolumab has a moderate efficacy in mRCC and acceptable tolerance. Predictive factors of response are needed to propose this strategy to selected mRCC patients. Larger prospective cohorts are needed to confirm these results. [Table: see text]

Safety and efficacy of nivolumab in older patients (pts) with renal cell carcinoma: Results of a sub-group analysis of the GETUG-AFU 26 NIVOREN multicenter phase II study

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Background: NIVOREN GETUG AFU 26 study, is a french multicenter prospective study to evaluate safety and efficacy of Nivolumab (N) in a broad “real world setting” in mRCC after failure of 1 or 2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods: Between February 2016 and July 2017, 729 pts were enrolled across 27 institutions. Primary objective of the trial was safety assessed by grade ≥ 3 treatment related adverse event (TRAE). We report here results of older patients above 70 years old ([70;75[; [75;80[; ≥ 80) compared with their younger counterparts. Results: Overall, 720 patients were treated (median age 64 (22;90)). Among them 205 pts were ≥ 70 (28.5%) divided as follow: [70-75[:107 (14.9%) / [75-80[: 68 (9,4%) / ≥ 80: 30 (4,2%). Patients’ characteristics (Table) were similar in younger and older patients except for IMDC risk groups (IMDC) classification with less poor prognostic in pts ≥ 75 and fewer brain metastasis in pts ≥ 70. Treatment duration was similar across age groups despite a rate of discontinuation for TRAE increasing with age. Regarding efficacy, there was a non-significant trend toward improved response rate and progression free survival and lower specific survival with increasing age. Conclusions: In this large “real world” setting study a significant number of old pts were included. Prognostic profile appears better in older pts included. There is no signal for an excess of toxicity in this population and efficacy is comparable to younger patients. Age alone should not prevent prescribing N in mRCC. Clinical trial information: NCT03013335 . [Table: see text]