Outcomes by IMDC risk in the COSMIC-313 phase 3 trial evaluating cabozantinib (C) plus nivolumab (N) and ipilimumab (I) in first-line advanced RCC (aRCC) of IMDC intermediate or poor risk

605

Background: In COSMIC-313 (NCT03937219), C+N+I significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with N+I in first-line aRCC of IMDC intermediate or poor risk (Choueiri ESMO 2022). Here, outcomes are analyzed by IMDC risk group. Methods: A total of 855 patients (pts) with clear cell aRCC of IMDC intermediate or poor risk were randomized to receive C 40 mg QD or matched placebo (P), stratified by region and IMDC risk. Both treatment groups received N (3 mg/kg IV Q3W) + I (1 mg/kg IV Q3W) for 4 cycles followed by N (480 mg IV Q4W); N was administered for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint was PFS by blinded independent radiology review (BIRC) per RECIST 1.1 in the first 550 randomized pts (PITT population). The secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS) in all randomized pts; objective response rate (ORR) and safety were additional endpoints. Results: Overall, 75% of pts were IMDC intermediate and 25% were poor risk. Meaningful differences in baseline characteristics for intermediate vs poor risk in the PITT population were observed for KPS ≥90 (67% vs 47%), prior nephrectomy (71% vs 44%), and ≥2 target/non-target lesions per BIRC (68% vs 83%); characteristics were balanced across treatment arms for intermediate risk but some imbalances were seen for poor risk (42% for C+N+I vs 52% for P+N+I had KPS ≥90 and 37% vs 50% had prior nephrectomy). In intermediate risk pts, PFS was improved with C+N+I (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.47–0.85), and ORR and DCR (PITT population) were numerically higher (Table). For poor risk pts, no difference in PFS and ORR was apparent, but DCR was numerically higher with C+N+I. PD as best response was lower with C+N+I vs P+N+I in both risk groups. Duration of response was not reached (NR) in each treatment group. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 74% with C+N+I vs 42% with P+N+I for intermediate risk and 67% vs 38% for poor risk. TRAEs led to discontinuation of all treatment components in 14% vs 5% for intermediate risk and 5% vs 4% for poor risk. Additional analyses relevant to IMDC risk group will be presented. Conclusions: In COSMIC-313, C+N+I improved PFS vs P+N+I in first-line aRCC of IMDC intermediate or poor risk; subgroup analysis suggested that the benefit was primarily in intermediate risk pts. Follow-up for OS is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03937219 . [Table: see text]

Survival analysis of the randomized phase II trial to investigate androgen signaling inhibitors with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for castration-sensitive prostate cancer: LACOG 0415

5076

Background: LACOG 0415 is a phase II, open-label, clinical trial evaluating ADT-free alternatives for advanced castration sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). Methods: Patients with locally advanced, high-risk biochemical recurrence or metastatic CSPC were randomized (1:1:1) to receive ADT with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (ADT+AAP), apalutamide alone (APA), or apalutamide with AAP (APA+AAP). The primary endpoint of the trial was the proportion of patients who achieved PSA≤0.2 ng/mL level at week 25. Patients without disease-progression and with clinical benefit after week 25 were allowed to maintain treatment at the discretion of physicians. Herein, we presented the outcomes of 2 year-overall survival (2y-OS) and time-to-treatment failure (TTF). The time-to-event endpoint was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by stratified log-rank test. Results: 128 patients were randomized to the ADT+AAP (n = 42), APA (n = 42), and APA+AAP (n = 44) arms. At week 25, PSA≤0.2 ng/mL was observed in 75.6% (95%CI 59.7%-87.6%), 60.0% (95%CI 43.3%-75.1%), and 79.5% (95%CI 63.5%-90.7%) of patients in the ADT+AAP, APA, and APA+AAP arms, respectively. 110 patients continued treatment after week 25. At the 2-year visit, 80 (62.5%) patients remained on the study medication. Median TTF was 24.0 months (95%CI 23.3 - 24.0) with ADT+AAP, 24.0 months (95%CI not estimated) with APA, and 24.0 months (95%CI 13.0-24.0) with APA+AAP. The main reasons for treatment discontinuation were disease progression (n = 8, 6.3%), toxicity (n = 10, 7.8%), death (n = 6, 4.7%), withdrawal (n = 4, 3.1%), and other (n = 19, 14.8%). The estimated proportion of patients who were alive at 2 years (2y-OS rate) was 92.5% (95%CI 84.3-100) with ADT+AAP, 87.9% (95%CI 77.9-97.8) with APA, and 92.7% (95%CI 84.8-100) with APA+AAP (p = 0.5926). 2y-OS was 92.9% (95% CI 85.3 - 96.2) in patients with PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL at week 25, while 2y-OS was 85.0% (95% CI 72.9-97.1) in patients with PSA > 0.2 ng/mL at week 25 (p = 0.1250). Conclusions: Patients with advanced CSPC treated with ADT+AAP, APA, or APA+AAP had high rates of PSA response and favorable 2y-OS. PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL at week 25 seems to be a surrogate prognostic predictor of OS in advanced CSPC. In the overall sample, patients with PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL at week 25 had higher 2y-OS rate than those with PSA > 0.2 ng/mL at week 25 (92.9% vs. 85.0%), however without statistical significance. Clinical trial information: NCT02867020.

Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) analysis from a randomized phase II trial of androgen signaling inhibitors with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for castration-sensitive prostate cancer: LACOG 0415

64

Background: LACOG0415 is a 3-arm randomized trial evaluating ADT with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (ADT+AAP), apalutamide alone (APA) or apalutamide with AAP (APA+AAP) for patients with locally-advanced, high-risk biochemical recurrence or metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (ASCO 2020). In this trial, ADT+AAP and APA+AAP achieved the primary endpoint of percentage of patients with PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL at week 25. Apalutamide alone showed a high PSA decline > 50% rate, but did not achieve the pre-specified PSA threshold. Here we report patient-reported outcome data using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P). Methods: HRQoL was measured in the overall population using the FACT-P questionnaire, comprising 5 subscales: physical wellbeing (PWB), functional wellbeing (FWB), emotional wellbeing (EWB), social/family wellbeing (SFWB), and prostate cancer subscale (PCS). Scores for each patient were measured at baseline and every four weeks until week 25. Questionnaire completion was defined as ≥ 1 question answered at an assessment time point. Analysis of HRQoL change from baseline and deterioration included only patients with baseline and ≥ 1 postbaseline score. Differences greater than 10-points in FACT-P total score and differences greater than 3-points in PWB, FWB, EWB, SFWB, and PCS scores were considered clinically significant. The time-to-event endpoint was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by stratified log-rank test. Results: 128 patients were included in LACOG0415 trial and 122 of them completed the HRQoL assessments (ranging from 95.3% at baseline to 79.7% at week 25). FACT-P and all subscales scores were similar for all three arms at baseline. There were no meaningful differences in FACT-P scores at baseline and at week 25 between the 3 arms. The subscales scores also showed no statistically differences at baseline and at week 25. Time to FACT-P deterioration did not show any statistically difference between three arms ( P=0.3371). Conclusions: ADT free alternatives with APA alone or APA+AAP did not show meaningful differences in HRQoL in patients with advanced castration-sensitive prostate cancer compared to ADT+AAP. The short follow-up period limited the ability to explore differences in HRQoL after 25 weeks. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to further evaluate HRQoL with ADT-free strategies. Clinical trial information: NCT02867020. [Table: see text]

Phase II randomized study of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) added to ADT versus apalutamide alone (APA) versus AAP+APA in patients with advanced prostate cancer with noncastrate testosterone levels: (LACOG 0415)

5505

Background: ADT combined with AAP, APA, enzalutamide or docetaxel are among the standard treatment options to patients (pts) with hormone sensitive advanced/metastatic prostate cancer (PC). However, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) due to ADT impact negatively on the quality of life of these patients. Effective options with fewer TRAEs are required. Methods: LACOG 0415 is a phase II, randomized trial (1:1:1) evaluating the use of AA 1000mg po + prednisone 5mg po BID + ADT versus APA 240mg po alone versus AA 1000mg po + prednisone 5mg po BID + APA 240mg po in patients with advanced PC with non-castrate testosterone levels and indication of ADT (N+ or M+ or biochemical relapse combined with PSA ≥ 20 ng/ml or with PSA≥4 ng/ml and PSA doubling-time < 10 months). Stratification factors: metastatic disease (+/-). Primary endpoint was the percentage of pts who achieved PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL at Week 25, we estimated a PSA response rate of 65% in each of the three arms with a null hypothesis of 45%, power of 80% and alfa 5%, using Fleming one-stage method. Secondary endpoints were percentage of pts with ≥ 80% and ≥ 50% decline in PSA at week 25, radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and safety. Results: 128 patients were randomized between Oct 2017 and Apr 2019, and 122 pts were evaluable for PSA response. Median age was 69y (range, 53-88); most pts had ECOG PS0-1(99%). 17% of pts had biochemical relapse only, 9% N+ and 74% M+ disease. At week 25 the PSA was ≤ 0.2 ng/mL in 76% of pts in AAP+ADT arm, 59% in APA, and 80% in APA+AAP. All pts had a decline of ≥ 50% in PSA at week 25. 97% had a decline of ≥ 80% in PSA at week 25: 100% of pts in AAP+ADT arm, 95% in APA and 98% in APA+AAP. A total of 3 pts had clinical progressive disease, one in each arm. Two of them also had radiological progression at week 25, 1 pt in AAP+ADT arm and 1 pt in APA. TRAEs rates of any grade were 71% in AAP+ADT arm, 64% in APA, and 65% in APA+AAP. TRAEs rates of Grade≥3 were 12% in AAP+ADT arm, 9% in APA and 16% in APA+AAP. 9 pts (7%) discontinued the treatment before the week 25, 5(4%) of them due to toxicity: 1 pt from AAP+ADT, 2 pts from APA, and 6 pts from APA+AAP. Conclusions: The AAP+ADT and APA+AAP groups showed high effectiveness in terms of PSA response. Radiologic disease control and the decline of ≥ 80% in PSA at week 25 were similar among all treatment arms. APA alone had less toxicity. APA+AAP and APA alone are promising regimens in this setting. No new safety signal was detected in the study. Clinical trial information: NCT02867020 .

Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT) for the adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (VEGFR TKIs)

4579

Background: Although surgery is the cornerstone in the treatment of most cases of localized kidney cancer, up to 30% of patients will experience disease recurrence at three years of follow-up. Three RCTs with VEGFR TKIs (ASSURE, PROTECT and ATLAS) failed to demonstrate improvement in disease-free survival (DFS). Only S-TRAC trial showed a significant improvement in DFS, and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the matter remains controversial among genitourinary oncologists. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to better evaluate the potential benefit of adjuvant VEGFR TKIs after curative intent nephrectomy. Methods: Eligible studies were searched in PubMed databases and limited to phase 3 RCT published from January 1996 to December 2018 of US FDA-approved VEGFR TKIs reporting on patients with RCC treated in the adjuvant setting. A summary hazard-ratio (HR) of disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated using 95% CIs by random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies. Results: Four RCT (ASSURE, S-TRAC, PROTECT and ATLAS trials) were selected for analysis, including a total of 4,820 patients. A VEGFR TKI (sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib or axitinib) was administered in 2,737 patients, and 2,083 received placebo. The summary DFS HR for the overall population was 0.89 (95% CI 0.79-1.00; p = 0.06). When including the report of the ASSURE with the sub-group analysis with high-risk patient population (n = 3,946), the summary HR for DFS was 0.84 (95% CI 0.75-0.95, p = 0,0044). No evidence of publication bias was found. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis including the four RCTs in RCC adjuvant setting. This meta-analysis failed to demonstrate improvement in DFS for patients receiving a VEGFR TKI after curative intent nephrectomy. A modest benefit in DFS was observed in a selected sub-group of patients with higher risk for recurrence. There is no data regarding overall survival.

Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT) for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk clear cell renal carcinoma (RCC) with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (VEGFR TKIs)

660

Background: A significant proportion of RCC patients with localized disease will eventually recur after a curative intent nephrectomy. VEGFR TKIs have significantly improved the outcomes of patients with advanced disease. RCT are ongoing to evaluate the impact of adjuvant VEGFR TKI on clinical outcome of patients with RCC after definitive treatment . Results from 3 RCT have been already published, but data is controversial. Methods: PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1996 to October 2017. Eligible studies were limited to phase 3 RCT of US Food and Drug Administration-approved VEGFR TKIs that reported on patients with RCC treated in the adjuvant setting. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary hazard-ratio (HR) of disease-free survival (DFS), using 95% CIs by random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies. Results: A total of 4,096 patients from 3 RCT (ASSURE, S-TRAC and PROTECT trials) were included. 2374 patients were randomized to receive sorafenib, sunitinib or pazopanib, and 1722 to receive placebo. The summary HR of DFS for the overall population was 0.88 (95%CI 0.77-1.01; p = 0.0605). When evaluating the report of the ASSURE trial that included only clear cell RCC (n = 3222), the summary HR was 0.85 (95%CI 0.77-0.94; p = 0.0018) favoring adjuvant treatment. No evidence of publication bias was found. Conclusions: This meta-analysis failed to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in DFS of RCC patients treated with adjuvant VEGFR TKI. However, a statistically significant improvement in DFS was observed when only patients with clear cell histology were evaluated. Longer follow-up of the ongoing trials is necessary in order to better evaluate the impact on overall survival.

Phase II randomized study of abiraterone acetate plus ADT versus apalutamide versus abiraterone and apalutamide in patients with advanced prostate cancer with non-castrate testosterone levels. (LACOG 0415)

TPS404

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with abiraterone (AA) or docetaxel are considered the standard of care (SOC) for patients with hormone sensitive (HS) advanced/ metastatic prostate cancer (PC) (STAMPEDE, LATITUDE, CHAARTED). Treatment that could delay disease progression with less toxicities and better quality of life is warrant. Recently, enzalutamide monotherapy showed a 92% PSA response in patients with advanced/ mestatatic prostate cancer without previous hormone therapy. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of apalutamide, a second-generation AR inhibitor, monotherapy or in combination with AA vs. SOC in advanced/metastatic HSPC. Methods: This is a phase II, open label, randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of AA 1000mg po qd plus prednisone 5mg po bid and ADT vs. Apalutamide 240mg po alone vs. AA and Apalutamide in patients with advanced or metastatic PC with non-castrate testosterone levels. Main eligible criteria are: 1. Histologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma; 2. Hormone naïve patients with indication to ADT in the following settings: Advanced loco-regional disease not amenable to curative local therapy (T3/4 or node positive); Biochemical relapse after primary treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) with PSA >= 4 ng/ml and rising with doubling time less than 10 months or PSA >= 20 ng/ml or N+ or M+; 3. Newly diagnosed metastatic disease; 4. Patient is symptomatic or moderately symptomatic; 5. Non-castration level of testosterone >= 230 ng/dL. The primary endpoint is undetectable PSA levels (below 0.2ng/mL) at week 25. The study aims for 65% of undetectable PSA at week 25 (power of 80% and alfa of 5%) and a total sample size of 126 patients. Secondary endpoints are PSA progression and PSA response (50% and 80%) at week 25, radiographic progression-free survival, safety, health quality of life (FACT-P) and correlation of serum androgen levels with response. As of October 17th, 2017 the study enrolled 1 patient and the recruitment is planned for 12 months in a total of 10 sites in Brazil. This trial is registered at Clinical trial information: NCT02867020.

Integrative analysis of 1q23.3 copy-number gain in metastatic urothelial carcinoma

PURPOSE

Metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder is associated with multiple somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs). We evaluated SCNAs to identify predictors of poor survival in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We obtained overall survival (OS) and array DNA copy-number data from patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma in two cohorts. Associations between recurrent SCNAs and OS were determined by a Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for performance status and visceral disease. mRNA expression was evaluated for potential candidate genes by NanoString nCounter to identify transcripts from the region that are associated with copy-number gain. In addition, expression data from an independent cohort were used to identify candidate genes.

RESULTS

Multiple areas of recurrent significant gains and losses were identified. Gain of 1q23.3 was independently associated with a shortened OS in both cohorts [adjusted HR, 2.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35-6.48; P = 0.01 and adjusted HR, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.43-17.73; P < 0.001]. The F11R, PFDN2, PPOX, USP21, and DEDD genes, all located on 1q23.3, were closely associated with poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

1q23.3 copy-number gain displayed association with poor survival in two cohorts of metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The identification of the target of this copy-number gain is ongoing, and exploration of this finding in other disease states may be useful for the early identification of patients with poor-risk urothelial carcinoma. Prospective validation of the survival association is necessary to demonstrate clinical relevance.

The impact of low serum sodium on treatment outcome of targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: results from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Database Consortium

BACKGROUND

Hyponatremia has been associated with poor survival in many solid tumors and more recently found to be of prognostic and predictive value in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) patients treated with immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of baseline hyponatremia in mRCC patients treated with targeted therapy in the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data on 1661 patients treated with first-line vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) targeted therapy for mRCC were available from 18 cancer centers to study the impact of hyponatremia (serum sodium level <135 mmol/l) on clinical outcomes.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary objective was overall survival (OS) and secondary end points included time to treatment failure (TTF) and the disease control rate (DCR). The chi-square test was used to compare the DCR in patients with and without hyponatremia. OS and TTF were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and differences between groups were examined by the log-rank test. Multivariable logistic regression (for DCR) and Cox regression (for OS and TTF) were undertaken adjusted for prognostic risk factors.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median OS after treatment initiation was 18.5 mo (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.5-19.8 mo), with 552 (33.2%) of patients remaining alive on a median follow-up of 22.1 mo. Median baseline serum sodium was 138 mmol/l (range: 122-159 mmol/l), and hyponatremia was found in 14.6% of patients. On univariate analysis, hyponatremia was associated with shorter OS (7.0 vs 20.9 mo), shorter TTF (2.9 vs 7.4 mo), and lower DCR rate (54.9% vs 78.8%) (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). In multivariate analysis, these effects remain significant (hazard ratios: 1.51 [95% CI, 1.26-1.80] for OS, and 1.57 [95% CI, 1.34-1.83] for TTF; odds ratio: 0.50 [95% CI, 34-0.72] for DCR; adjusted p<0.001). Results were similar if sodium was analyzed as a continuous variable (adjusted p<0.0001 for OS, TTF, and DCR).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest multi-institutional report to show that hyponatremia is independently associated with a worse outcome in mRCC patients treated with VEGF- and mTOR-targeted agents.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and risk of recurrence of renal-cell carcinoma: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Germline genetic polymorphisms might affect the risk of recurrence in patients with localised renal-cell carcinoma. We investigated the association between genetic polymorphisms and recurrence of renal-cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We analysed germline DNA samples extracted from patients with localised renal-cell carcinoma treated at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (Boston, MA, USA). We selected a discovery cohort from a prospective database at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and selected a validation cohort from department records at the Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA, USA). We validated the findings from the discovery cohort in the validation cohort. We genotyped 70 genes involved in the pathogenesis of renal-cell carcinoma (including the VHL/HIF/VEGF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, and genes involved in immune regulation and metabolism) for single nucleotide polymorphisms. We assessed the association between genotype and recurrence-free survival, adjusted for baseline characteristics, with the Cox proportional hazards model, the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test. We used a false discovery rate q value to adjust for multiple comparisons.

FINDINGS

We included 554 patients (403 in the discovery cohort and 151 in the validation cohort). We successfully genotyped 290 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the discovery cohort, but excluded five because they did not have a variant group for comparison. The polymorphism rs11762213, which causes a synonymous aminoacid change in MET (144G→A, located in exon 2), was associated with recurrence-free survival. Patients with one or two copies of the minor (risk) allele had an increased risk of recurrence or death (hazard ratio [HR] 1·86, 95% CI 1·17-2·95; p=0·0084) in multivariate analysis. Median recurrence-free survival for carriers of the risk allele was 19 months (95% CI 9-not reached) versus 50 months (95% CI 37-75) for patients without the risk allele. In the validation cohort the HR was 2·45 (95% CI 1·01-5·95; p=0·048).

INTERPRETATION

Patients with localised renal-cell carcinoma and the MET polymorphism rs11762213 might have an increased risk of recurrence after nephrectomy. If these results are further validated in a similar population, they could be incorporated into future prognostic instruments, potentially aiding the design of adjuvant clinical trials of MET inhibitors and management of renal-cell carcinoma.

FUNDING

Conquer Cancer Foundation and American Society of Clinical Oncology (Career Development Award); The Trust Family Research Fund for Kidney Cancer; US National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute Kidney Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence.

Multidimensional investigation of HER2 in advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC)

4580

Background: Incidence of Her2 positivity and association with overall survival (OS) are controversial in advanced UC. Activating Her2 mutations have been identified in other cancers, but they have not been previously reported in UC. We determined Her2 status by immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and copy number gain (CNG) via array CGH of primary UC tumors from patients (pts) with metastatic disease. Targeted Her2 sequencing was performed at known mutation hotspots, and mutation effect was investigated in vitro. Methods: Tissue microarrays of formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tumor from 98 UC pts treated with platinum-based combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease were evaluated for Her2 protein and for Her2 gene amplification by using standard clinical protocols. Positive staining was defined as an IHC score of 3+ or a FISH ratio of ≥2 using scoring criteria established for evaluation of breast cancer. Her2 CNG was evaluated by aCGH with cutoff log base 2 ratio > 0.9. Mutation status was validated by hME sequencing. OS was measured from start of treatment for metastatic disease. Association of OS and Her2 status was assessed by a Cox regression model. NIH-3T3 cells with Her2 V777L were assessed for growth, invasion, and Her2 kinase activation. Results: 22% of pts had 3+ Her2 staining by IHC. 21% of pts had FISH amplification. These were concordant in 78% of pts. CNG was identified in 16% and was concordant with FISH and IHC 85% and 88% of the time, respectively. Her2 status by any modality showed no significant association with OS in either univariate [HR=0.94, 95% CI: (0.52, 1.70), p=0.83] or multivariate [HR=1.12, 95% CI: (0.61, 2.06), p=0.72] analysis. Her2 mutations (V777L and L755S) were identified in 2 pts (2%). In vitro analysis of V777L results in transformation of NIH-3T3 cells, leading to increased growth, invasion on soft agar, and Her2 kinase constitutive activation. Conclusions: Her2 overexpression or amplification in the primary tumor does not predict OS in pts with metastatic UC. Other research has suggested that V777L sensitizes cells to lapatinib, while L755S leads to lapatinib resistance. These rare oncogenic Her2 mutations occur and may be therapeutic targets in selected pts.

FGFR3 protein expression and gene mutation in primary and metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) tumors

4577

Background: FGFR3 protein expression may represent a valid therapeutic target in metastatic UC. The prevalence of both mutation and overexpression is unknown in metastatic UC. Methods: Tissue microarrays of formalin fixed paraffin-embedded urothelial carcinomas (UC) were stained for FGFR3 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) [primary (n=250); metastatic (n=31); of which (n=14) were paired]. FGFR3 immunostaining was scored as negative or positive based on previously reported scoring systems. FGFR3 mutation in primary tumors was assessed by iPlex and confirmed by hME sequencing (n=141) or Affymetrix OncoScan FFPE Express 2.0 (primary: n=17; metastases n=31). Results: FGFR3 IHC positivity was present in 48% of metastases (95% CI=32-65%) and 26% of primary tumors, (95%=CI 21-32%), though strong staining was rare (<1%). Paired primary and metastatic tumors were both negative in 50% of cases, with 14% positive only in the metastasis, 14% positive only in the primary tumor, and 21% positive in both. If the primary tumor showed staining, 71% of the metastases showed staining. FGFR3 IHC staining did not impact overall survival (p=0.8). FGFR3 mutations were observed in 9.6% of metastatic tumors (95% CI=3.3-25%), compared to 3.5% of primary tumors (95% CI=1.5%-8%). Co-occurrence of mutation and FGFR3 DNA copy number gain was observed in one specimen. Conclusions: FGFR3 IHC staining is present 26 % of primary tumors of patients who go on to develop metastatic disease, and nearly half of metastatic tumor sites. FGFR3 mutation frequency in primary and metastatic tumor specimens is low. Further investigation of the frequency of FGFR3 protein expression in metastases is needed. The presence of FGFR3 protein by IHC staining in primary and metastatic specimens suggests that FGFR3 may represent a therapeutic target even in the absence of mutation. Further functional studies are needed.

Pneumonitis associated with mTOR inhibitors therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: incidence, radiographic findings and correlation with clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are approved for use in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and are under investigation in several other malignancies. We assessed the incidence, clinical presentation and computed tomography (CT) findings of pneumonitis associated with mTOR inhibitors in mRCC. Correlation between radiological findings of pneumonitis and clinical outcome was also determined.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and serial CT scans from patients with mRCC treated with either temsirolimus or everolimus. Serial chest CT scans were reviewed in consensus, read by two independent radiologists for the presence of pneumonitis, and corresponding clinical data were reviewed for symptoms and clinical outcome. The baseline and follow up CTs were reviewed to assess outcome to therapy.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 46 pts, 21 treated with temsirolimus and 25 with everolimus (M:F 2.5:1; median 63 years, range 31-79 years). CT evidence of pneumonitis was seen in 14/46 pts (30%), at a median of 56days on mTOR inhibitor treatment (range 31-214 days). Respiratory symptoms at the time of radiographically detected pneumonitis, were observed in 7pts. Stable disease (SD) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) was achieved in 12/14 pts (86%) who developed radiographic pneumonitis compared to 14/32 (44%) without pneumonitis (p=0.01) The mean change of tumour long axis size for target lesions by RECIST, normalised for 30 days on therapy was -2.9% in the pneumonitis group and +4.3% in the non-pneumonitis group (p=.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary data suggest that pneumonitis may be a marker of stable disease by RECIST and therefore, of therapeutic benefit. Careful patient assessment should be undertaken before the drug is discontinued.

Meta-analysis of randomized control trials for the incidence and risk of treatment-related mortality in patients with cancer treated with vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors

349

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of several malignancies. These drugs have also been associated with an increase in the risk of potentially life-threatening adverse events, such as arterial thrombotic events, bleeding, congestive heart failure, and others. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of fatal adverse events (FAEs) in patients with cancer treated with VEGFR TKIs.

Methods: MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1966 to February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to trials of US Food and Drug Administration– approved VEGFR TKIs (pazopanib, sunitinib, and sorafenib) that reported on patients with cancer with any primary tumor type, randomized design, and adequate safety profile. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% CIs by using random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies.

Results: In all, 4,679 patients from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with 2,856 from sorafenib, 1,388 from sunitinib, and 435 from pazopanib trials. The incidence of FAEs related to VEGFR TKIs was 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 2.4%) with an RR of 2.23 (95% CI, 1.12 to 4.44; P .023) compared with control patients. On subgroup analysis, no difference in the rate of FAEs was found between different VEGFR TKIs or tumor types. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusions: In a meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of VEGFR TKIs was associated with an increased risk of FAEs compared with control patients.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for the incidence and risk of treatment-related mortality in patients with cancer treated with vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors

PURPOSE

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of several malignancies. These drugs have also been associated with an increase in the risk of potentially life-threatening adverse events, such as arterial thrombotic events, bleeding, congestive heart failure, and others. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of fatal adverse events (FAEs) in patients with cancer treated with VEGFR TKIs.

METHODS

MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1966 to February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to trials of US Food and Drug Administration-approved VEGFR TKIs (pazopanib, sunitinib, and sorafenib) that reported on patients with cancer with any primary tumor type, randomized design, and adequate safety profile. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% CIs by using random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

In all, 4,679 patients from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with 2,856 from sorafenib, 1,388 from sunitinib, and 435 from pazopanib trials. The incidence of FAEs related to VEGFR TKIs was 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 2.4%) with an RR of 2.23 (95% CI, 1.12 to 4.44; P = .023) compared with control patients. On subgroup analysis, no difference in the rate of FAEs was found between different VEGFR TKIs or tumor types. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

In a meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of VEGFR TKIs was associated with an increased risk of FAEs compared with control patients.

Association of androgen deprivation therapy with cardiovascular death in patients with prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

CONTEXT

Whether androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) causes excess cardiovascular deaths in men with prostate cancer is highly controversial and was the subject of a joint statement by multiple medical societies and a US Food and Drug Administration safety warning.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials to determine whether ADT is associated with cardiovascular mortality, prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), and all-cause mortality in men with unfavorable-risk, nonmetastatic prostate cancer.

DATA SOURCES

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant randomized controlled trials in English between January 1, 1966, and April 11, 2011.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion required nonmetastatic disease, intervention group with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-based ADT, control group with no immediate ADT, complete information on cardiovascular deaths, and median follow-up of more than 1 year.

DATA EXTRACTION

Extraction was by 2 independent reviewers. Summary incidence, relative risk (RR), and CIs were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Among 4141 patients from 8 randomized trials, cardiovascular death in patients receiving ADT vs control was not significantly different (255/2200 vs 252/1941 events; incidence, 11.0%; 95% CI, 8.3%-14.5%; vs 11.2%; 95% CI, 8.3%-15.0%; RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79-1.10; P = .41). ADT was not associated with excess cardiovascular death in trials of at least 3 years (long duration) of ADT (11.5%; 95% CI, 8.1%-16.0%; vs 11.5%; 95% CI, 7.5%-17.3%; RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.75-1.10; P = .34) or in trials of 6 months or less (short duration) of ADT (10.5%; 95% CI, 6.3%-17.0%; vs 10.3%; 95% CI, 8.2%-13.0%; RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.73-1.37; P = .99). Among 4805 patients from 11 trials with overall death data, ADT was associated with lower PCSM (443/2527 vs 552/2278 events; 13.5%; 95% CI, 8.8%-20.3%; vs 22.1%; 95% CI, 15.1%-31.1%; RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56-0.84; P < .001) and lower all-cause mortality (1140/2527 vs 1213/2278 events; 37.7%; 95% CI, 27.3%-49.4%; vs 44.4%; 95% CI, 32.5%-57.0%; RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.93; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In a pooled analysis of randomized trials in unfavorable-risk prostate cancer, ADT use was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death but was associated with a lower risk of PCSM and all-cause mortality.

Incidence and risk of congestive heart failure in patients with renal and nonrenal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib

PURPOSE

Sunitinib is a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and GI stromal tumor. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an important adverse effect that has been reported with sunitinib, but overall incidence and relative risk (RR) remain undefined. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of developing CHF in patients with both RCC and non-RCC tumors treated with sunitinib.

METHODS

Medline databases were searched for articles published between January 1966 and February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to phase II and III trials of sunitinib with adequate safety reporting in patients with cancer of any tumor type. Summary incidence, RR, and 95% CIs were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 6,935 patients were included. Overall incidence for all- and high-grade CHF in sunitinib-treated patients was 4.1% (95% CI, 1.5% to 10.6%) and 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 3.0%), respectively. RR of all- and high-grade CHF in sunitinib-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients was 1.81 (95% CI, 1.30 to 2.50; P < .001) and 3.30 (95% CI, 1.29 to 8.45; P = .01), respectively. On subgroup analysis, there was no difference observed in CHF incidence for patients with RCC versus non-RCC or in trials with or without cardiac monitoring. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

Sunitinib use is associated with increased risk of CHF in patients with cancer.

Comparison of four early posttherapy imaging changes (EPTIC; RECIST 1.0, tumor shrinkage, computed tomography tumor density, Choi criteria) in assessing outcome to vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy has become standard treatment for patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Since these therapies can induce tumor necrosis and minimal tumor shrinkage, Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) may not be optimal for predicting clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically determine the optimal early posttherapy imaging changes (EPTIC) to separate responders and nonresponders at the first posttreatment follow-up computed tomography (CT).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Seventy mRCC patients with 155 target lesions treated with first-line sunitinib, sorafenib, or bevacizumab at academic medical centers underwent contrast-enhanced thoracic and abdominal CT at baseline and first follow-up after therapy initiation (median: 78 d after therapy initiation; range: 31-223 d).

MEASUREMENTS

Evaluations were performed according to (1) RECIST 1.0; (2) Choi criteria; (3) tumor shrinkage (TS) of ≥10% decrease in sum of the longest unidimensional diameter (SLD); and (4) 15% or 20% decrease in mean CT tumor density. Correlation with time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) were compared and stratified by response to each of the radiologic criteria.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Eleven patients were considered responders by RECIST 1.0; 49 based on Choi criteria; 31 patients had ≥10% decrease in the SLD; and 36 and 32 patients had ≥15% and ≥20% decrease, respectively, in mean tumor density on CT. Only the threshold of 10% decrease in the SLD was statistically significant in predicting TTF (10.4 vs 5.1 mo; p=0.02) and OS (32.5 vs 15.8 mo; p=0.002). Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded a 10% decrease in SLD as the optimal size change threshold for responders. The retrospective nature of the study and measurements by a single oncoradiologist are inherent limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

In the retrospectively analyzed study population of mRCC patients receiving VEGF-targeted agents, a 10% reduction in the SLD on the first follow-up CT was an optimal early predictor of outcome.

Congestive heart failure risk in patients with breast cancer treated with bevacizumab

PURPOSE

Bevacizumab is a treatment option in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Congestive heart failure (CHF) has been reported, although the overall incidence and relative risk (RR) of this complication remains unclear. We performed an up-to-date, comprehensive meta-analysis to determine the risk of serious CHF in patients with breast cancer receiving bevacizumab.

METHODS

The databases of Medline were searched for articles from 1966 to March 2010. Abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium meetings were also searched for relevant clinical trials. Eligible studies include randomized trials with bevacizumab in patients with breast cancer. Adequate reporting of safety profile data was required for inclusion. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, RR, and 95% CIs by using random-effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 3,784 patients were included. Overall incidence results for high-grade CHF in bevacizumab- and placebo-treated patients were 1.6% (95% CI, 1.0% to 2.6%) and 0.4% (95% CI, 0.2% to 1.0%), respectively. The RR of CHF in bevacizumab-treated patients was 4.74 (95% CI, 1.66 to 11.18; P = .001) compared with placebo-treated ones. In subgroup analyses, there were no significant differences in CHF incidence or risk between patients treated with low-dose (2.5 mg/kg) versus high-dose (5 mg/kg) bevacizumab or among patients treated with different chemotherapy regimens. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

This is the first comprehensive report to show that bevacizumab is associated with an increased risk of significant heart failure in patients with breast cancer.

Bevacizumab increases the risk of arterial ischemia: a large study in cancer patients with a focus on different subgroup outcomes

BACKGROUND

Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor, is a therapeutic agent used in a variety of neoplasms. We did a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to fully characterize the arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) risk with bevacizumab in certain patients' subgroups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a literature search on Medline for randomized trial reported from January 1966 to December 2009. Abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology held between 2004 and 2009 were also searched for relevant clinical trials. Summary incidence, relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 13,026 patients from 20 randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis. Overall RR for ATE with bevacizumab-based therapy versus controls was 1.46 (95% CI 1.11-1.93, P = 0.007). On subgroup analysis, no significant risk differences were found based on the type of malignancy, type of clinical trial (phase II or III trials), type of publication (full papers versus presentations), high- versus low-dose bevacizumab and early versus advanced disease trials. When stratified by concomitant therapies, we found that gemcitabine-based regimens had a significant lower ATE risk compared with non-gemcitabine regimens (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab treatment is associated with a significant increase in the risk of arterial thrombosis. Our results seem to be generalizable to the vast majority of patients receiving bevacizumab in multiple settings.

Pazopanib: Clinical development of a potent anti-angiogenic drug

Pazopanib is an oral, multi-targeted, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that binds to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and several other key proteins responsible for angiogenesis, tumor growth and cell survival. Pazopanib exhibited in vivo and in vitro activity against tumor growth and, in early clinical trials, was well tolerated with the main side effects being hypertension, fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders. Pazopanib showed clinical activity in several tumors including renal cell cancer (RCC), breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, thyroid cancer, hepatocellular cancer and cervical cancer. A phase III clinical trial in metastatic RCC patients showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival, leading to its approval in the US. In metastatic breast cancer, the combination of pazopanib with lapatinib was more effective than lapatinib alone. At the time of the current publication, pazopanib is being evaluated in more than 35 phase II and III trials.

Risk of arterial thromboembolic events with sunitinib and sorafenib: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

PURPOSE

Sunitinib and sorafenib are oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used in a vast range of cancers. Arterial thromboembolic events (ATE) have been described with these agents, although the overall risk remains unclear. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the incidence and the relative risk (RR) associated with the use of sunitinib and sorafenib.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1966 to July 2009, and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) meetings held between 2004 and 2009 were searched for relevant clinical trials. Eligible studies included phase II and III trials and expanded access programs. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, RRs, and 95% CIs, using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 10,255 patients were selected for this meta-analysis. The incidence for ATE was 1.4% (95% CI, 1.2% to 1.6%). The RR of ATEs associated with sorafenib and sunitinib was 3.03 (95% CI, 1.25 to 7.37; P = .015) compared with control patients. The analysis was also stratified for the underlying malignancy (renal cell cancer v non-renal cell cancer) and TKI (sunitinib v sorafenib), but no significant differences in incidence or RR were observed.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with VEGFR TKIs sunitinib and sorafenib is associated with a significant increase in the risk of ATEs.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death. Advances in surgical therapies have paralleled advances in radiation therapy and chemotherapy for metastatic disease. There is a great interest in neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies for patients at intermediate and high risk of recurrence and prostate cancer-specific death. Because high-risk prostate cancer patients can be readily identified by clinical criteria, many studies have attempted to use local and systemic adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. This review discusses neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies in prostate cancer, including hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and postoperative radiotherapy.

Prognostic factors in patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract experiencing treatment failure with platinum-containing regimens

PURPOSE The present study sought to identify pretreatment prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract (TCCU) who experienced treatment failure with the first-line, platinum-based regimen included in the phase III vinflunine trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS In total, 370 patients with platinum-refractory TCCU were included in this analysis. Potential prognostic factors were recorded prospectively. Univariate analysis was used to identify clinical and laboratory factors that significantly impact survival. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors, and bootstrap analysis was performed for internal validation, forming a prognostic model. External validation was performed on the phase II vinflunine study CA183001. RESULTS Multivariate analysis and the internal validation identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) more than 0, hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL, and the presence of liver metastasis as the main adverse prognostic factors for OS. External validation confirmed these prognostic factors. Four subgroups were formed based on the presence of zero, one, two, or three prognostic factors; the median OS times for these groups were 14.2, 7.3, 3.8, and 1.7 months (P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSION We identified and both internally and externally validated three adverse risk factors (PS, hemoglobin level, and liver metastasis) that predict for OS and developed a scoring system that classifies patients with platinum-refractory disease on second-line chemotherapy into four risk groups with different outcome. Similar to the first-line setting, the presence of visceral metastases and poor PS predict a worse prognosis. These factors, together with low hemoglobin, can be used for prognostication and future patient stratification in clinical trials.