Vulvar Cancer, Version 3.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Vulvar cancer is annually diagnosed in an estimated 6,470 individuals and the vast majority are histologically squamous cell carcinomas. Vulvar cancer accounts for 5% to 8% of gynecologic malignancies. Known risk factors for vulvar cancer include increasing age, infection with human papillomavirus, cigarette smoking, inflammatory conditions affecting the vulva, and immunodeficiency. Most vulvar neoplasias are diagnosed at early stages. Rarer histologies exist and include melanoma, extramammary Paget's disease, Bartholin gland adenocarcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. This manuscript discusses recommendations outlined in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for treatments, surveillance, systemic therapy options, and gynecologic survivorship.

Durvalumab Plus Carboplatin/Paclitaxel Followed by Maintenance Durvalumab With or Without Olaparib as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Endometrial Cancer: The Phase III DUO-E Trial

PURPOSE

Immunotherapy and chemotherapy combinations have shown activity in endometrial cancer, with greater benefit in mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient (dMMR) than MMR-proficient (pMMR) disease. Adding a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor may improve outcomes, especially in pMMR disease.

METHODS

This phase III, global, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomly assigned eligible patients with newly diagnosed advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer 1:1:1 to: carboplatin/paclitaxel plus durvalumab placebo followed by placebo maintenance (control arm); carboplatin/paclitaxel plus durvalumab followed by maintenance durvalumab plus olaparib placebo (durvalumab arm); or carboplatin/paclitaxel plus durvalumab followed by maintenance durvalumab plus olaparib (durvalumab + olaparib arm). The primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) in the durvalumab arm versus control and the durvalumab + olaparib arm versus control.

RESULTS

Seven hundred eighteen patients were randomly assigned. In the intention-to-treat population, statistically significant PFS benefit was observed in the durvalumab (hazard ratio [HR], 0.71 [95% CI, 0.57 to 0.89]; P = .003) and durvalumab + olaparib arms (HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.43 to 0.69]; P < .0001) versus control. Prespecified, exploratory subgroup analyses showed PFS benefit in dMMR (HR [durvalumab v control], 0.42 [95% CI, 0.22 to 0.80]; HR [durvalumab + olaparib v control], 0.41 [95% CI, 0.21 to 0.75]) and pMMR subgroups (HR [durvalumab v control], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.60 to 0.97]; HR [durvalumab + olaparib v control] 0.57; [95% CI, 0.44 to 0.73]); and in PD-L1-positive subgroups (HR [durvalumab v control], 0.63 [95% CI, 0.48 to 0.83]; HR [durvalumab + olaparib v control], 0.42 [95% CI, 0.31 to 0.57]). Interim overall survival results (maturity approximately 28%) were supportive of the primary outcomes (durvalumab v control: HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.56 to 1.07]; P = .120; durvalumab + olaparib v control: HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.83]; P = .003). The safety profiles of the experimental arms were generally consistent with individual agents.

CONCLUSION

Carboplatin/paclitaxel plus durvalumab followed by maintenance durvalumab with or without olaparib demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful PFS benefit in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Cervical Cancer, Version 1.2024

The NCCN Guidelines for Cervical Cancer provide recommendations for all aspects of management for cervical cancer, including the diagnostic workup, staging, pathology, and treatment. The guidelines also include details on histopathologic classification of cervical cancer regarding diagnostic features, molecular profiles, and clinical outcomes. The treatment landscape of advanced cervical cancer is evolving constantly. These NCCN Guidelines Insights provide a summary of recent updates regarding the systemic therapy recommendations for recurrent or metastatic disease.

Niraparib and dostarlimab for the treatment of recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: results of a Phase II study (MOONSTONE/GOG-3032)

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the efficacy, safety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the treatment regimen of dostarlimab, a programmed death-1 inhibitor, combined with niraparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, in patients with BRCA wild type (BRCAwt) recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) who had previously received bevacizumab treatment.

METHODS

This Phase II, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study, conducted in the USA, enrolled patients with recurrent PROC to receive niraparib and dostarlimab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (up to 3 years). A preplanned interim futility analysis was performed after the first 41 patients had undergone ≥1 radiographic evaluation (approximately 9 weeks from the first treatment).

RESULTS

The prespecified interim futility criterion was met and the study was therefore terminated. For the 41 patients assessed, the objective response rate (ORR) was 7.3% (95% confidence interval: 1.5-19.9); no patients achieved a complete response, 3 patients (7.3%) achieved a partial response (duration of response; 3.0, 3.8, and 9.2 months, respectively), and 9 patients (22.0%) had stable disease. In total, 39 patients (95.1%) experienced a treatment-related adverse event, but no new safety issues were observed. HRQoL, assessed using FOSI, or Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Ovarian Symptom Index scores, worsened over time compared with baseline scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The study was terminated due to the observed ORR at the interim futility analysis. This highlights a need for effective therapies in treating patients with recurrent BRCAwt PROC.

Relationships among Inflammatory Biomarkers and Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Sleep during and after Chemotherapy for Gynecologic Malignancies

Little is known regarding associations between inflammatory biomarkers and objectively measured physical activity and sleep during and after chemotherapy for gynecologic cancer; thus, we conducted a longitudinal study to address this gap. Women with gynecologic cancer (patients) and non-cancer controls (controls) completed assessments before chemotherapy cycles 1, 3, and 6 (controls assessed contemporaneously), as well as at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Physical activity and sleep were measured using wrist-worn actigraphs and sleep diaries, and blood was drawn to quantify circulating levels of inflammatory markers. Linear and quadratic random-effects mixed models and random-effects fluctuation mixed models were used to examine physical activity and sleep over time, as well as the associations with inflammatory biomarkers. On average, patients (n = 97) and controls (n = 104) were 62 and 58 years old, respectively. Compared to controls, patients were less active, more sedentary, had more time awake after sleep onset, and had lower sleep efficiency (p-values < 0.05). Across groups, higher levels of TNF-α were associated with more sedentary time and less efficient sleep (p-values ≤ 0.05). Higher levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were associated with lower levels of light physical activity (p-values < 0.05). Associations between inflammatory biomarkers, physical activity, and sleep did not differ between patients and controls. Given these results, we speculate that inflammation may contribute to less physical activity and more sleep problems that persist even 12 months after completing chemotherapy.

Uterine Neoplasms, Version 1.2023, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (also known as endometrial cancer, or more broadly as uterine cancer or carcinoma of the uterine corpus) is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in the United States. It is estimated that 65,950 new uterine cancer cases will have occurred in 2022, with 12,550 deaths resulting from the disease. Endometrial carcinoma includes pure endometrioid cancer and carcinomas with high-risk endometrial histology (including uterine serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, carcinosarcoma [also known as malignant mixed Müllerian tumor], and undifferentiated/dedifferentiated carcinoma). Stromal or mesenchymal sarcomas are uncommon subtypes accounting for approximately 3% of all uterine cancers. This selection from the NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms focuses on the diagnosis, staging, and management of pure endometrioid carcinoma. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms is available online at NCCN.org.

A Phase III Study of Pafolacianine Injection (OTL38) for Intraoperative Imaging of Folate Receptor-Positive Ovarian Cancer (Study 006)

PURPOSE

The adjunctive use of intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) is gaining acceptance as a potential means to improve outcomes for surgical resection of targetable tumors. This confirmatory study examined the use of pafolacianine for real-time detection of folate receptor-positive ovarian cancer.

METHODS

This phase III, open-label, 11-center study included subjects with known or suspected ovarian cancer, scheduled to undergo cytoreductive surgery. The objectives were to confirm safety and efficacy of pafolacianine (0.025 mg/kg IV), given ≥ 1 hour before intraoperative near-infrared imaging to detect macroscopic lesions not detected by palpation and normal white light.

RESULTS

From March 2018 through April 2020, 150 patients received a single infusion of pafolacianine (safety analysis set); 109 patients with folate receptor-positive ovarian cancer comprised the full analysis set for efficacy. In 33.0% of patients (95% CI, 24.3 to 42.7; P < .001), pafolacianine with near-infrared imaging identified additional cancer on tissue not planned for resection and not detected by white light assessment and palpation, exceeding the prespecified threshold of 10%. Among patients who underwent interval debulking surgery, the rate was 39.7% (95% CI, 27.0 to 53.4; P < .001). The sensitivity to detect ovarian cancer was 83%, and the patient false-positive rate was 24.8%. Investigators reported achieving complete R0 resection in 62.4% (68 of 109) of patients. Drug-related adverse events were reported by 30% of patients (45 of 150) and most commonly included nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. No drug-related serious adverse events or deaths were reported.

CONCLUSION

This phase III study of pafolacianine met its primary efficacy end point, identifying additional cancers not otherwise identified or planned for resection. Pafolacianine may offer an important real-time adjunct to current surgical approaches for ovarian cancer.

Cumulative burden of symptomatology in patients with gynecologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Patients with gynecologic malignancies commonly experience distressing symptoms during chemotherapy. This study sought to evaluate whether symptoms accumulated over the course of several chemotherapy cycles, which could provide essential information for planning supportive interventions.

METHOD

Patients with gynecologic malignancies completed questionnaires about fatigue, depressive symptoms, sleep, and physical activity 1 week before and after chemotherapy cycles 1, 3, and 6. Multilevel models examined the effects of time (pre- and postchemotherapy), treatment cycle (1, 3, 6), and their interaction on symptoms. Logistic regression models examined the effects of time, treatment cycle, and their interaction on the proportion of participants exceeding thresholds for clinically meaningful symptomatology.

RESULTS

Most participants (N = 140; Mage = 60.8 years, SD = 10.4) had ovarian cancer (49%) and Stage III disease (55%). Participants reported worse fatigue, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, and sleep efficiency from pre- to posttreatment at each cycle (ps < .001). With each successive cycle, participants reported worse pretreatment fatigue (p < .001) and depressive symptoms (p < .01) but better sleep efficiency (p = .02). Fatigue increases attenuated across cycles (p = .04). There were no changes in physical activity. Across time points, at least half of participants met clinical thresholds for fatigue, sleep disturbance, and low sleep efficiency and were minimally physically active. Postchemotherapy cycle 6, 23% of participants reported clinically meaningful depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with gynecologic malignancies have high rates of clinically meaningful symptomatology during chemotherapy. Patients may experience a cumulative burden of symptomatology as treatment progresses, which could have therapeutic implications. Early implementation of supportive interventions should be considered to prevent or mitigate cumulative treatment burden. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Ovarian cancer: Age, prognosis, and biologic underpinnings

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Background: The prognosis of ovarian cancer worsens markedly with age. Yet few data are available to explain this phenomenon. Two hypotheses can be made. Changes in pharmacokinetics (PK) and treatment tolerance limit the dosing of chemotherapy, and/or changes in tumor and host-tumor biology limit treatment efficacy. Objective:To identify PK, body composition, and biologic changes with age that may impact prognosis. We reported PK findings in a previous abstract (Extermann et al., ASCO 2021) In this abstract we focus on the biologic findings. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of women with stage III/IV high-grade serous ovarian cancers treated with neoadjuvant intravenous carboplatin (C) AUC 5 every 3 weeks and paclitaxel (P) dosed either weekly at 80 mg/m2 or every 3 weeks at 175 mg/m2. Body composition was assessed using baseline CT scans at the L3 level. Pre- and post-chemotherapy plasma samples were assayed by ELISA for CRP, IL-6, TNF alpha, TNF-receptor 1 and 2, d-dimers, vitamins B12 and D, methylmalonic acid, and cortisol levels. Tissue samples pre- and post-chemotherapy were analyzed for gene expression, gene methylation, and immunohistochemistry for inflammatory markers and senescence. Toxicity was assessed as first cycle nadir ANC and G4 hematologic (H) or grade 3-4 non-hematologic (NH) toxicity by CTCAE 4.0 criteria over a 3 cycles follow-up. The correlation between continuous measures was assessed by Spearman correlation coefficient, and the association with toxicity was evaluated by Wilcoxon rank sum test. The association with relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was calculated by Log-rank and Cox regression analyzes. Results: Seventeen patients, ages 38 to 86 (median 61) were eligible, 14 underwent surgery. Treatment delivery was high with a median relative dose intensity of 100%. The mean percentage of senescent cells (CAV-1 +) was 49.5% in the stroma, vs 12.8% in the tumor (p < 0.001) prechemotherapy, and 15.7% in the stroma vs 21.4% in the tumor post-chemotherapy (pre-post stroma p < 0.01). The percentage of PD-L1 positive cells and CTLA-4 positive cells was very low: mean < 1% both pre-and post-chemotherapy. The results from gene expression and methylation showed an increase in the inflammatory pathways and a decrease in the apoptosis pathways over time. Vitamin D levels decreased with age. Prechemotherapy CD8 percentage in the stroma and post chemotherapy d-dimers were associated with RFS. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant treatment delivery was high in an academic setting. Our results provide insights in the underexplored area of biologic response to chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer. Although our results did not provide clear candidates to explain the worsening of prognosis with age, they offer clues to develop future research on this issue.

DACH1 mutation frequency in endometrial cancer is associated with high tumor mutation burden in a nationwide cohort

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Background: DACH1 is a novel transcriptional repressor and tumor suppressor gene. DACH1 mutations are associated with poor prognostic features and reduced overall survival in endometrial cancer, with an increased prevalence in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. Preliminary studies have suggested an association with an increase in tumor mutation burden. In this follow up study, we utilized the nationwide Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) to determine the frequency of DACH1 mutations in patients with endometrial cancer through a multi-institution analysis and evaluate its impact on RNA expression, clinical correlates, and outcomes. Methods: We obtained clinical and genomic data for 691 patients with endometrial cancer from nine U.S. institutions within the ORIEN collaborative. We examined the clinical attributes of the cancers with DACH1 status by comparing whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA Sequencing (RNASeq), microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Results: Appalachian women with endometrial cancer had an increased frequency of DACH1 mutations (6/41 patients, 15%) compared to the non-Appalachian endometrial cancer population (24/581 patients, 4.1%) with p-value = 0.010, with the non-Appalachian DACH1 mutation frequency mirroring the rate of DACH1 gene mutation seen in TCGA at 3.8%. DACH1 mutated patients have a higher tumor mutation burden compared to DACH1 wild-type (32.2 vs. 4.62, p-value = 0.001) though no differences in microsatellite instability between DACH1 mutated and wild-type were present (p-value = 0.350). DACH1 mutations showed significant gene co-occurrence patterns with POLE, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Conclusions: DACH1 mutations are prevalent in Kentucky patients with endometrial cancer, particularly those from the Appalachian region. These results were again reflected in the TCGA PanCancer Atlas as well as the ORIEN multi-institution cohort. These mutations are associated with high tumor mutational burden and co-occur with genome destabilizing gene mutations. These findings suggest DACH1 as a candidate biomarker for future trials with immunotherapy, particularly in endometrial cancers.

MOONSTONE/GOG-3032: Interim analysis of a phase 2 study of niraparib + dostarlimab in patients (pts) with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC)

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Background: PROC is poorly responsive to anticancer therapy. PARP inhibitors such as niraparib may increase neoantigen load and synergize with anti-PD-1 agents. TOPACIO reported a preliminary objective response rate (ORR: 18%) and disease control rate (DCR: 65%) to niraparib + pembrolizumab in pts with OC of any BRCA status. MOONSTONE sought to determine efficacy in pts without BRCA mutation ( BRCAm). Methods: In this phase 2 open-label, single-arm study, eligible pts received 1–3 prior lines of therapy including platinum, taxane, and bevacizumab, had RECIST v1.1 radiographic progression within 6 mo of last platinum line and had no known germline BRCAm. Pts were treated with niraparib 300/200 mg PO daily (based on weight/platelets) and 500 mg dostarlimab IV Q3W (cycles 1–4) followed by 1000 mg Q6W until disease progression, toxicity or consent withdrawal. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive status was determined by Ventana SP263 assay using visually-estimated combined positive score ≥5%. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed ORR per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), DCR, and safety. Futility was prespecified as ≤5 responses in the first 40 pts. Results: At interim analysis (data cutoff Oct 6, 2021), 41 pts were enrolled; median age was 65.0 y (range 35–77). At baseline, 8 (20%)/22 (54%)/11 (27%) pts had received 1/2/3 prior lines of therapy, respectively; 26 (63%) pts had primary resistance to platinum therapy and 15 (37%) were sensitive to first platinum treatment. Overall, tumors were PD-L1+/PD-L1–/unknown in 13 (32%)/25 (61%)/3 (7%), respectively. Efficacy results are shown in the Table. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 95% of pts, most commonly nausea (56%), fatigue (34%), vomiting (32%), and anemia (29%). Conclusions: PROC remains difficult to treat; the ORR observed with niraparib + dostarlimab did not reach the threshold for 2nd-stage accrual in this cohort of pts with PROC, no known BRCAm, and prior bevacizumab treatment. PD-L1 status did not predict response; HRD testing is in process. Although DCR was 29%, futility was declared based on low ORR. The safety of the combination was similar to the safety profile of each monotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03955471. [Table: see text]

The impact of distance to closest negative margin on survival after pelvic exenteration

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of distance to closest negative margin on survival after pelvic exenteration (PE).

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis of PE at Moffitt Cancer Center from 2000 to 2019, baseline characteristics, clinical details, and outcomes were ascertained. Distance to closest negative margin was measured. Close and distant negative margins were defined as <3 mm and ≥3 mm from malignancy to nearest surgical margin, respectively. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined, and Kaplan-Meier curves were compared. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association of margin status with OS and PFS.

RESULTS

Of 124 PEs with malignancy, 80 (64.5%) had negative margins. Median survival was 62 (95% confidence interval [CI] 27-70) months for negative and 21 (95% CI 15-29) months for positive margins. Of 76 with negative margins and documented margin length, 26 had close and 50 had distant margins. Median survival was 32 (95% CI 14-62) months for close and 111 (95% CI 42-166) months for distant margins. Distant margins were associated with improved OS (p = 0.0054) and PFS (p = 0.0099) compared to close margins. After adjusting for other prognostic factors, patients with distant margins had significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19-0.78; p = 0.008) and progression (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-0.99; p = 0.04) compared to positive margins. No significant differences in OS or PFS were observed between close and positive margins. This survival benefit remained among those with cervical cancer. Median survival in this cohort was 34.1 (95% CI 2.0-69.8) months for close and 165.7 (95% CI 24.5-165.7) for distant margins.

CONCLUSIONS

Distant margins following PE are associated with improved OS and PFS compared to close margins.

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Cervical Cancer, Version 1.2020

The NCCN Guidelines for Cervical Cancer provide recommendations for diagnostic workup, staging, and treatment of patients with the disease. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the guidelines, including changes to first- and second-line systemic therapy recommendations for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, and emerging evidence on a new histopathologic classification system for HPV-related endocervical adenocarcinoma.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Uterine Neoplasms, Version 3.2021

The NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms provide recommendations for diagnostic workup, clinical staging, and treatment options for patients with endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on the recent addition of molecular profiling information to aid in accurate diagnosis, classification, and treatment of uterine sarcomas.

Major vascular injury during gynecologic cancer surgery

OBJECTIVE

Vascular injury during major gynecologic cancer surgery is a rare but potentially fatal complication. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with major vascular injury during gynecologic cancer surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of women undergoing surgery by our gynecologic oncology department from 7/1/99 to 6/30/20 who had a major vascular injury. We identified women who sustained a vascular injury by a combination of CPT code and medical record searches, fellow case logs and a list maintained for an ongoing quality assurance program. Data were expressed as median and range for continuous variables and as frequency and percentage for categorical variables. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze differences in complication rates between groups.

RESULTS

Major vascular injury was identified in 52 patients and procedures. The inferior vena cava was the most common site of injury, 32.7% (17/52), followed by the external iliac vein, 23.1% (12/52). Lymph node dissection was the most common time for a vascular injury to occur 51.9% (27/52). The majority of injuries required suture repair, 80.8% (42/52). Estimated blood loss in cases with vascular injury ranged from 100 mL to massive unquantifiable blood loss in the case of an aortic injury. Patients required a median of 2units of packed red blood cells. Postoperative complications included anemia requiring blood transfusion, 19.6% (9/46) and venous thromboembolism, 19.6% (9/46).

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular injury remains a rare but potentially morbid complication of gynecologic oncologic surgery. Prompt recognition and management are imperative in minimizing persistent bleeding and complications.

SIENDO/ENGOT-EN5/GOG-3055: A randomized phase 3 trial of maintenance selinexor versus placebo after combination platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer

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Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy. Options for advanced or recurrent EC following platinum-based therapy and/or radiotherapy are limited and prognosis remains poor. Selinexor is a novel, oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) which forces nuclear retention and activation of tumor suppressor proteins. Selinexor in combination with low dose dexamethasone is approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. In addition, selinexor monotherapy has demonstrated broad activity in other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. In a phase 2 study, 50 mg/m2 (̃80 mg) selinexor administered twice weekly demonstrated a disease control rate ( SD ≥ 12 weeks or a PR) of 35% with 2 confirmed partial responses among 23 heavily pretreated EC patients); similar results were observed in 60 pts with platinum resistant or refractory ovarian cancer (median 5 prior regimens, ORR 8%, DCR 30%) (Vergote I et al. Gynecol Oncol 2020). In the absence of approved maintenance therapies, we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of selinexor compared with placebo as maintenance therapy in patients with advanced or recurrent EC following platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods: This is a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase 3 study in patients in partial (PR) or complete remission (CR) after completing at least 12 weeks of taxane-platinum combination therapy for primary Stage IV disease and recurrent disease (i.e., relapse after primary therapy for early stage disease including surgery and/or adjuvant therapy). A total of 248 patients will be enrolled at 80 sites in Europe, North America, and Israel. Patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either maintenance therapy with 80 mg oral selinexor once weekly or placebo. Stratification factors include primary Stage IV versus first recurrence at the time of taxane-platinum therapy and disease status after chemotherapy (PR vs CR). Treatment will continue until disease progression. The primary endpoint is progression free survival (PFS) per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include disease-specific survival, overall survival, time to first subsequent therapy, time to second subsequent therapy, PFS on subsequent therapy and safety and tolerability. The study is currently open and enrolling patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03555422.

Phase 3, randomized, single-dose, open-label study to investigate the safety and efficacy of pafolacianine sodium injection (OTL38) for intraoperative imaging of folate receptor positive ovarian cancer

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Background: Pafolacianine sodium is under investigation as an adjunct to visual inspection and palpation by providing intra-operative imaging of folate receptor positive (FR+) ovarian cancer. Since complete resection (R0) is the strongest predictor of overall survival, methods to enhance detection of lesions are expected to benefit patient outcomes. Methods: For this phase 3, randomized, multicenter, single dose, open-label pivotal trial (NCT03180307), patients with ovarian cancer who were scheduled to undergo cytoreductive surgery were recruited from 11 sites in the US and Netherlands from March 2018 through April 2020. The study objectives were to confirm efficacy and safety of pafolacianine sodium (0.025 mg/kg i.v., ≥1 h prior to imaging) in combination with intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging to detect additional lesions not detected by palpation and normal white light alone. Results: Pafolacianine sodium was administered to 150 total patients (safety analysis set); 109 patients comprised the full analysis set for efficacy analyses. Patients had primarily serous adenocarcinoma (n = 72; 68.6%) and advanced stage disease (n = 83; 76.1%). In 33% of patients (36 of 109), NIRF imaging with pafolacianine sodium identified additional lesions that were not planned for resection and were not detected by normal white light and palpation ( P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.243, 0.427]). Among patients who underwent interval debulking surgery, the rate was higher, at 39.7% of patients (23 of 58; 95% CI [0.270, 0.534]). At the individual lesion level, the accuracy of pafolacianine sodium with NIRF to detect ovarian cancer is reflected by sensitivity of 83% (95% CI [73.9, 89.4]) and a false positive rate of 32.7% (95% CI [25.6, 40.7]). Investigators reported achieving complete resection (R0) in 62.4% (68 of 109) of patients. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were reported by 30% of patients (45 out of 150). The most frequently reported drug-related AEs were nausea (18.0%), vomiting (5.3%), and abdominal pain (4.7%). Infusion reactions at the time of the procedure were mostly (96%) mild or moderate in severity; 89% resolved within 24 hours of onset. No drug-related serious AEs or deaths were reported. Conclusions: This phase 3 trial of pafolacianine sodium with NIRF imaging met its primary endpoint, intraoperatively identifying additional cancer not planned for resection in a statistically significant number of patients. Therefore, pafolacianine sodium may offer a novel real-time adjunct to current surgical imaging practice in ovarian cancer surgery. Clinical trial information: NCT03180307.

Is age-related worsening in ovarian cancer prognosis linked to changes in body composition and pharmacokinetics?

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Background: The prognosis of ovarian cancer worsens markedly with age. Yet few data are available to explain this phenomenon. Two hypotheses can be made. Changes in pharmacokinetics and treatment tolerance limit the dosing of chemotherapy. And/or changes in tumor and host-tumor biology limit treatment efficacy. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of women with stage III/IV high-grade serous ovarian cancers treated with neoadjuvant intravenous carboplatin(C) AUC 5 every 3 weeks and paclitaxel(P) dosed either weekly at 80 mg/m2 or every 3 weeks at 175 mg/m2. Body composition was assessed using baseline CT scans at the L3 level. Total muscle mass, total fat mass, skeletal muscle index (SMI) and fat index were computed. Plasma concentrations were collected at pre-established time points for both C1D1 of C and P and concentration-time data was analyzed by non-compartmental methods. Area under the curve (AUC)0-INF, volume of distribution(Vd), clearance (Cl), half-life, and mean residence time were calculated. Free C concentrations were determined in plasma ultrafiltrate and assayed, along with P plasma concentrations, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Toxicity was assessed as first cycle nadir ANC and G4 hematologic(H) or grade 3-4 non-hematologic(NH) toxicity by CTCAE 4.0 criteria over a 3 cycles follow-up. The correlation between continuous measures was assessed by Spearman correlation coefficient, and the association with toxicity was evaluated by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: Seventeen patients, ages 38 to 86 (median 61) were eligible. All patients but one received 3 cycles of chemotherapy and median dose intensity was 100% (range 33.3-100%). Mean 1st cycle nadir ANC was 1.29 (range 0.06-9.0). 10/17 (59%) patients experienced G4 H and/or G3-4 NH toxicity. SMI was associated with C AUC (r -0.50, p < 0.05), and both total muscle (r = 0.61) and total fat (r = 0.53) were associated with C Vd. We did not find a correlation of P pharmacokinetics with body composition. A lower SMI was associated with 1st cycle G4H toxicity (p = 0.02), while C AUC had a borderline trend only (p = 0.15). Age was associated with a lower Vd (r -0.63, p = 0.009) and Cl (r -0.67, p = 0.004) of C. There was no significant age trend in the body composition parameters. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant treatment delivery was high in an academic setting. Toxicity appeared driven by low skeletal muscle index, in part via affecting carboplatin pharmacokinetics, and showed no significant age trend. The explanation for age-related changes in prognosis is more likely to lay with changes in tumor and host-tumor biology, which are being analyzed.

Impact of age, comorbidity, and treatment characteristics on survival in older women with advanced high grade epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

Older women have a worse prognosis with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and comorbidities likely contribute to poor outcomes. We sought to identify comorbid conditions and treatment-related factors in older women.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified 351 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS). 100/351 (28.5%) were ≥ 70 years old. Demographic and clinicopathologic information was collected. Crude progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios and adjustments for confounders.

RESULTS

Study subjects ≥70 years old had significantly: higher Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatric (CIRS-G) score (5.9 vs 4.3; p = 0.0001), less completion of adjuvant chemotherapy (24% vs 15.1%; p = 0.049), less intraperitoneal (IP) therapy (18.2% vs 35.5%; p = 0.002), less clinical trial participation (16% vs 26.3%; p = 0.040), decreased platinum sensitivity (60% vs 73.7%; p = 0.012) and lacked BRCA mutations (0% vs 12%; p = 0.0006). They were less likely to have optimal CRS (75% vs 86.9%; p = 0.007) with same surgical complexity (p = 0.89). Patients ≥70 had significantly worse PFS and OS. In a multivariate analysis, better OS was associated with younger age (<70 years old), any IP therapy, completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, and platinum sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

The older cohort had worse CIRS-G scores (5.9 vs 4.3; p = 0.0001), but no strong associations between comorbidities and treatment characteristics, but less optimal CRS rates (75% vs 86.9%; p = 0.007) with similar surgical complexity and less platinum sensitivity. Our results show comorbid conditions in older patients with advanced EOC may have less impact than tumor biology.

Cervical Cancer, Version 3.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Cervical cancer is a malignant epithelial tumor that forms in the uterine cervix. Most cases of cervical cancer are preventable through human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination, routine screening, and treatment of precancerous lesions. However, due to inadequate screening protocols in many regions of the world, cervical cancer remains the fourth-most common cancer in women globally. The complete NCCN Guidelines for Cervical Cancer provide recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of cervical cancer. This manuscript discusses guiding principles for the workup, staging, and treatment of early stage and locally advanced cervical cancer, as well as evidence for these recommendations. For recommendations regarding treatment of recurrent or metastatic disease, please see the full guidelines on NCCN.org.

Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia, Version 2.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), a subset of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), occurs when tumors develop in the cells that would normally form the placenta during pregnancy. The NCCN Guidelines for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia provides treatment recommendations for various types of GTD including hydatidiform mole, persistent post-molar GTN, low-risk GTN, high-risk GTN, and intermediate trophoblastic tumor.

Randomized Phase II Trial of Triapine-Cisplatin-Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Stage Uterine Cervix or Vaginal Cancers

Uterine cervix or vaginal cancers have inherent overactivity of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), making these cancers rational targets for therapy based on interruption of cisplatin-radiotherapy-induced DNA damage repair. We conducted a pilot, open-label randomized phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cisplatin-radiotherapy with or without triapine, a small molecule with RNR-inhibitory activity, in patients with advanced-stage uterine cervix or vaginal cancers (NCT01835171), as a lead in to a randomized phase III study (NCT02466971). A total of 26 women were randomly assigned to receive 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy (80 Gy) and once-weekly cisplatin (40 mg m⁻²)—with or without three-times weekly intravenous triapine (25 mg m⁻²)—in one 56-days cycle. Primary end points were metabolic complete response by positron emission tomography and safety. Additional end points included the rate of clinical response, rate of methemoglobinemia, and progression-free survival. The addition of triapine to cisplatin-radiotherapy improved the rate of metabolic complete response from 69 to 92% (P = 0.32) and raised the 3-year progression-free survival estimate from 77 to 92% (hazard ratio for progression, 0.30; P = 0.27). The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events in either treatment group included reversible leukopenia, neutropenia, fatigue, or electrolyte abnormalities. No significant differences were seen between the two groups in the rate of adverse events. Symptomatic methemoglobinemia was not encountered after triapine infusion. In conclusion, the addition of triapine to cisplatin-radiotherapy improved the rate of metabolic complete response in patients with advanced-stage uterine cervix or vaginal cancers without significant toxicity. A phase III trial adequately powered to evaluate progression-free and overall survival is underway (NCT02466971).

Uterine Neoplasms, Version 1.2018, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Endometrial carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor that forms in the inner lining, or endometrium, of the uterus. Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy. Approximately two-thirds of endometrial carcinoma cases are diagnosed with disease confined to the uterus. The complete NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms provide recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. This manuscript discusses guiding principles for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of early-stage endometrial carcinoma as well as evidence for these recommendations.

Biologic Mechanisms Linked to Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer that May Be Affected by Aging

The increase of both life expectancy of the Western industrialized population and cancer incidence with aging is expected to result in a rapid expansion of the elderly cancer population, including patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Although the survival of patients with EOC has generally improved over the past three decades, this progress has yet to provide benefits for elderly patients. Compared with young age, advanced age has been reported as an adverse prognostic factor influencing EOC. However, contradicting results have been obtained, and the mechanisms underlying this observation are poorly defined. Few papers have been published on the underlying biological mechanisms that might explain this prognosis trend. We provide an extensive review of mechanisms that have been linked to EOC prognosis and/or aging in the published literature and might underlie this relationship in humans.

Phase 2 trial of tisotumab vedotin in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (innovaTV 208)

TPS5602

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer, accounting for ≈185,000 deaths worldwide in 2018. Most patients (pts) initially respond to platinum-based chemotherapy (chemo), but more than 50% of pts recur. Pts who recur in ≤6 months have platinum-resistant OC (PROC), which is associated with poor prognosis. Standard therapy for PROC includes chemo ± bevacizumab (bev). However, many pts receive single-agent chemo, which demonstrates limited response and survival (≈12% ORR, 3-4 mo PFS, ≈12 mo OS). Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Tissue factor (TF) is a novel oncogenic target expressed in OC. Tisotumab vedotin (TV) is a first-in-class antibody drug conjugate comprising a TF-targeted fully human monoclonal antibody conjugated to the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E. TV has shown encouraging antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile in PROC in the multicohort phase 1/2 innovaTV 201 study. innovaTV 208 is a multicenter, open-label, phase 2 trial with a safety run-in phase for a dose-dense regimen (DDR) evaluating the efficacy and safety of TV in pts with PROC. Methods: innovaTV 208 will enroll ≈142 adult pts with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer; measurable disease by RECIST v1.1; and ECOG score 0-1. Eligible pts must have received bev-containing treatment for OC. Pts with platinum-refractory disease, increased risk of bleeding, active ocular surface disease, or grade > 1 peripheral neuropathy will be excluded. A safety run-in phase for the DDR will be performed in up to 12 pts who received ≤5 prior treatment regimens for PROC. In the DDR, TV will be given at previously decided lower doses IV 3Q4W for the same dose intensity as the standard 1Q3W dose; the primary endpoint is incidence of DLTs. In phase 2, pts who received ≤1 prior cytotoxic chemo regimen for PROC will be randomized to receive TV administered as IV 1Q3W or as IV 3Q4W, if shown to be tolerable. The primary endpoint for phase 2 is confirmed ORR by RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include DOR, time to response, DCR, CA-125 response rate by GCIG criteria, PFS, OS, pharmacokinetics, and safety. Clinical trial information: NCT03657043.

Trial in progress: Phase II study of stereotactic body radiation therapy and atezolizumab in the management of recurrent, persistent, or metastatic cervical cancer

TPS5596

Background: There is no consistent recommendation for management of metastatic cervical cancer beyond first line therapy with chemotherapy and bevacizumab. Pembrolizumab is now approved for PD-L1 positive or MSI-H/dMMR metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. Numerous pre-clinical studies have provided evidence to combine radiation therapy with immune checkpoint inhibition to improve response rates. The evidence is strongest for short course, hypofractionated radiation regimens. We hypothesize treatment with atezolizumab with hypofractionated radiation therapy will improve objective response rate (ORR) compared with atezolizumab alone in patients with recurrent, persistent, or metastatic cervical cancer. Methods: The study is designed as a prospective, single arm, nonrandomized, open-label, phase II trial of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with 24 Gy in 3 fractions to patients with ≥ 2 metastatic sites followed 1 week later by atezolizumab (1200 mg IV every 3 weeks) for patients with recurrent, persistent, or metastatic cervical cancer. Dose reductions will not be allowed. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the ORR by Immune-Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (irRECIST) criteria following SBRT and atezolizumab. Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, overall survival, local control, and adverse events. Correlative aims include assessing blood and tissue biomarkers (i.e. PD-L1, mutation burden, TCR repertoire etc.) for association with clinical benefit. A total of 26 patients will be enrolled. An interim analysis will be performed to assess efficacy after 13 patients become evaluable.This study is open with 2 patients enrolled at the time of submission. Clinical trial information: NCT03614949.

Comparison of definitive cervical cancer management with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation between two centers with variable resources and opportunities for improved treatment delivery

5534

Background: Cervical cancer remains a global health challenge particularly in low to middle income countries with under resourced healthcare systems. We present the experiences of two centers practicing in variable resource environments to determine predictors of improved radiochemotherapy outcomes. Methods: This retrospective review describes baseline demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation between 2014 and 2017 at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center (NRONMC) in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana and Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA. Results: Ghanaian patients presented at an older median age (56 vs. 49 years, p < 0.001), with predominantly stage IIIB disease (43% vs. 16%, p < 0.001) and squamous cell histology (89% vs. 79%, p < 0.001). Median treatment duration was longer for Ghanaian patients (58 vs. 52 days, p < 0.001). Ghanaian patients were less likely to receive concurrent chemotherapy (68% vs. 100%, p < 0.001) and interstitial brachytherapy implants (0 vs 19%, p < 0.001). No Ghanaian patients received a radiation boost to pelvic or paraortic lymph nodes (p < 0.001). Ghanaian patients had lower local control (64% vs. 93%, p < 0.001) and overall survival (82% vs. 95%, p = 0.02) at 24 months, respectively. For stages IB, IIA, IIB, IIIB, 24 month local control rates for NRONMC vs. Moffitt patients were (60% vs. 93%; p = 0.05), (89% vs. 100%; p = 0.35), (91% vs. 91%; p = 0.89), (53% vs. 91%; p = 0.02) and 24 month OS rates were (85% vs. 100%; p = 0.06), (100% vs. 100%; p = 0.48), (85% vs. 96%; p = 0.2), (73% vs. 91%; p = 0.24), respectively. Treatment duration > 55 days predicted poorer overall survival on multivariable analysis (MVA). Stage ≥III disease predicted poorer local control on MVA. Conclusions: Significant differences were noted in treatment and disease characteristics between the two centers. Feasible improvements for patients treated at NRONMC include removing financial barriers to chemotherapy access, improving radiotherapy delivery capacity to reduce treatment delays, and screening programs to reduce advanced disease presentation.

Gene Expression Signature-Based Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a prediction model for lymph node metastasis using a gene expression signature in patients with endometrioid-type endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Newly diagnosed endometrioid-type endometrial cancer cases in which the patients had undergone lymphadenectomy during a surgical staging procedure were identified from a national dataset (N = 330). Clinical and pathologic data were extracted from patient medical records, and gene expression datasets of their tumors were used to create a 12-gene predictive model for lymph node metastasis. We used principal components analysis on a training set (n = 110) to develop multivariate logistic models to predict low-risk patients having a probability of lymph node metastasis of less than 4%. The model with the highest prediction performance was selected for an evaluation set (n = 112), which, in turn, was validated in an independent validation set (n = 108).

RESULTS

The model applied to the evaluation set showed 100% sensitivity (90% confidence interval [CI], 74%-100%) and 42% specificity (90% CI, 34%-51%), which resulted in 100% negative predictive value (90% CI, 89%-100%). In the validation set, we confirmed that the model consistently showed 100% sensitivity (90% CI, 88%-100%), 42% specificity (90% CI, 32%-50%), and 100% negative predictive value (90% CI, 88%-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our 12-gene signature model is a useful tool for the identification of patients with endometrioid-type endometrial cancer at low risk of lymph node metastasis, particularly given that it can be used to analyze histologic tissue before surgery and used to tailor surgical options.

Ovarian microcystic stromal tumor: Radiologic-pathologic correlation

Ovarian microcystic stromal tumor (MST) is characterized by microcysts, solid cellular regions with lobulated growth, and collagenous or fibrous stroma forming hyaline plaques. While several reports have evaluated the unique pathologic and immunohistochemical profile of these tumors, there has been limited description of the radiologic findings of ovarian microcystic stromal tumor in the literature. We present a case of a 66 year old female who presented for evaluation of a new cystic pelvic mass found to have ovarian microcystic stromal tumor. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports to evaluate the radiologic features associated with this tumor. An enhanced understanding of the correlation between imaging appearance and specific histopathologic findings may aid in the early recognition of this rare neoplasm.

Vulvar Cancer, Version 1.2017, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecologic malignancy. Ninety percent of vulvar cancers are predominantly squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), which can arise through human papilloma virus (HPV)-dependent and HPV-independent pathways. The NCCN Vulvar Cancer panel is an interdisciplinary group of representatives from NCCN Member Institutions consisting of specialists in gynecological oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Vulvar Cancer provide an evidence- and consensus-based approach for the management of patients with vulvar SCC. This manuscript discusses the recommendations outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up.

Phase I study of oral ridaforolimus in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with solid tumor cancers

Background

Ridaforolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor that has activity in solid tumors. Paclitaxel and carboplatin have broad antineoplastic activity in many cancers. This phase I trial was conducted to determine the safety profile, maximal tolerated dose, and recommended phase II dose and schedule of oral ridaforolimus combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with solid tumor cancers.

Methods

Eligible patients with advanced solid tumor cancers received oral 10 to 30 mg ridaforolimus daily for 5 consecutive days per week combined with intravenous paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) and carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] 5–6 mg/mL/min) in 3-week cycles. A standard 3 + 3 design was used to escalate doses, with predefined changes to an alternate dosing schedule and/or changes in carboplatin AUC doses based on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Secondary information was collected regarding response and time to progression. Patients were continued on treatment if therapy was tolerated and if stable disease or better was demonstrated.

Results

Thirty-one patients were consented, 28 patients were screened, and 24 patients met eligibility requirements and received treatment. Two patients were replaced for events unrelated to drug-related toxicity, resulting in 22 DLT-evaluable patients. Two grade 4 DLTs due to neutropenia were observed at dose level 1. The next cohort was changed to a predefined alternate dosing schedule (days 1–5 and 8–12). DLTs were neutropenia, sepsis, mucositis, and thrombocytopenia. The most common adverse events were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, alopecia, nausea, pain, and leukopenia. Twenty-four patients received a median of 4 cycles (range, 1–12). Evaluable patients for response (n = 18) demonstrated a median tumor measurement decrease of 25%. The best response in these 18 patients included 9 patients with partial response (50%), 6 with stable disease (33%), and 3 with progressive disease (17%). Thirteen of these patients received treatment for 4 or more cycles.

Conclusions

Treatment with ridaforolimus combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin had no unanticipated toxicities and showed antineoplastic activity. The recommended phase II dose and schedule is ridaforolimus 30 mg (days 1–5 and 8–12) plus day 1 paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) and carboplatin (AUC 5 mg/mL/min) on a 21-day cycle.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01256268 (trial registration date: December 1, 2010).

Impact of age, comorbidity, and treatment on survival in elderly women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

e17072

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical factors, including age and comorbidity, and treatment on outcomes data for women 70 years and older with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 501 patients with advanced EOC cancer at a single institution between January 1, 2001 and April 1, 2014. Exclusion criteria included non-epithelial histology, stage less than IIIC, and incomplete medical records. Clinical data included disease characteristics, performance measures (ECOG Performance Score, Karnofsky Performance Status, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) score), method of treatment and outcome (surgical debulking status, Mayo Surgical Complexity Score, use of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, total lines of therapy), and survival data. Results: One hundred twenty-six study subjects (25.15%) were > 70 years old at the time of advanced EOC diagnosis. In a univariate analysis, study subjects > 70 years old were significantly more likely to have a higher CIRS-G score, fewer total lines of therapy, no IP therapy, less enrollment in clinical trials, decreased platinum sensitivity, and worse progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A multivariate logistic regression analysis, using variables significant to a level of p < 0.1 in the univariate analysis, demonstrated that patients > 70 years old were significantly more likely to have a higher CIRS-G score (OR1.14, p = 0.00037), worse OS (OR0.98, p = 0.00026), and less likely to have IP therapy (OR0.57, p = 0.04973). Factors independently associated with decreased OS in all study subjects in a multivariate cox proportion hazard model were fewer total lines of therapy (HR0.24, p = 0.0035), lack of IP therapy (HR0.64, p = 0.0036), suboptimal debulking status (HR1.38, p = 0.045), lack of platinum sensitivity (HR0.30, p = 0.00001), and older age (HR1.62, p = 0.0016). Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with advanced EOC, elderly patients had worsened OS. This appears to correlate with comorbidity, lack of platinum sensitivity, along with less aggressive treatment options, number of lines of therapy, IP chemotherapy, and clinical trial enrollments.

Sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to acetaminophen reveals biological pathways that affect patient survival

Experimental and epidemiological data support the potential activity of acetaminophen against ovarian cancer (OVCA). In this study, we sought to confirm the activity of acetaminophen in OVCA cell lines and to investigate the molecular basis of response. A total of 16 OVCA cell lines underwent pretreatment (baseline) genome-wide expression measurements and were then treated with and analyzed for acetaminophen sensitivity. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to identify genes that were associated with OVCA acetaminophen response. The identified genes were subjected to pathway analysis, and the expression of each represented pathway was summarized using principal component analysis. OVCA acetaminophen response pathways were analyzed in 4 external clinico-genomic datasets from 820 women for associations with overall survival from OVCA. Acetaminophen exhibited antiproliferative activity against all tested OVCA cell lines, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 63.2 to 403 µM. Pearson's correlation followed by biological pathway analysis identified 13 pathways to be associated with acetaminophen sensitivity (P<0.01). Associations were observed between patient survival from OVCA and expression of the following pathways: Development/angiotensin signaling via β-arrestin (P=0.04), protein folding and maturation/angiotensin system maturation (P=0.02), signal transduction/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway (P=0.03) and androstenedione and testosterone biosynthesis and metabolism (P=0.02). We confirmed that acetaminophen was active against OVCA cells in vitro. Furthermore, we identified 4 molecular signaling pathways associated with acetaminophen response that may also affect overall survival in women with OVCA, including the JNK pathway, which has been previously implicated in the mechanism of action of acetaminophen and is predictive of decreased survival in women with OVCA.

Quality of life and its correlates after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic cancer

93

Background: Pelvic exenteration (PE) has been performed historically in women with gynecologic cancer for palliation of recurrent disease. With advances in operative methods, PE in the well-selected patient can produce 5-year survival rates as high as 60%. Despite a recent increase in rate of PE performed with curative intent, there is a paucity of data on its long-term physical and emotional effects. We sought to characterize women’s long-term quality of life (QOL) and its correlates after PE for recurrent gynecologic cancer. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study combining quantitative measurement of QOL and its demographic, clinical and psychological correlates with concurrent qualitative assessment to probe women’s cognitive and behavioral responses to PE. Results: From 2005 to 2014, 85 women underwent PE at our institution; 44% were still alive at study initiation. Among eligible women, 72% completed their participation. Mean age of the sample at time of study participation was 57.3 (SD = 9.5) years (range = 43 to 75) and median time since surgery was 3.0 years (range = .9 to 8). Women’s self-reported global QOL score was average (54.4 (23); range = 33.3 to 100) and the relationship between QOL and current age or time since surgery was not significant (p > .05). Women reported mild sleep disturbance, mild to moderate pain, moderate fatigue and anxiety and severe depressive symptoms. All of the women exceeded the cut-off for clinically significant depressive symptoms. Qualitatively, women described profound negative changes in their physical and emotional well-being after PE. In nearly all of the women, the extended survival after PE helped to buffer the effects of these changes. Conclusions: Results suggest women’s health-related QOL may return to, or near, pre-surgical levels in long-term survivorship but that symptom control is suboptimal. Findings should facilitate more informed decision making prior to PE and suggest targets for clinical intervention to enhance QOL and improve symptom control after PE. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive assessments pre- and post-PE to examine the effects of disease- and PE-related variables, cultural norms and social support on patient-reported outcomes.

Gene expression data reveal common pathways that characterize the unifocal nature of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the biological validity of ovarian cancer (OVCA) screening and early detection efforts and to characterize signaling pathways associated with human cancer metastasis and patient survival.

STUDY DESIGN

Using genome-wide expression profiling and deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing, we compared pelvic and matched extrapelvic implants from 30 patients with advanced-stage OVCA for expression of molecular signaling pathways and p53 gene mutations. Differentially expressed pathways were further evaluated in a series of primary or early-stage vs metastatic or recurrent cancer samples from 389 ovarian, prostate, and oral cancer patients. Metastasis pathways were also evaluated for associations with survival in 9 independent clinicogenomic datasets from 1691 ovarian, breast, colon, brain, and lung cancer and leukemia patients. The inhibitory effects of 1 pathway (transforming growth factor [TGF]-WNT) on in vitro OVCA cell migration were studied.

RESULTS

Pelvic and extrapelvic OVCA implants demonstrated similar patterns of signaling pathway expression and identical p53 mutations. However, we identified 3 molecular pathways/cellular processes that were differentially expressed between pelvic and extrapelvic OVCA samples and between primary/early-stage and metastatic/advanced or recurrent ovarian, oral, and prostate cancers. Furthermore, their expression was associated with overall survival from ovarian cancer (P = .006), colon cancer (1 pathway at P = .005), and leukemia (P = .05). Artesunate-induced TGF-WNT pathway inhibition impaired OVCA cell migration.

CONCLUSION

Advanced-stage OVCA has a unifocal origin in the pelvis. Molecular pathways associated with extrapelvic OVCA spread are also associated with metastasis from other human cancers and with overall patient survival. Such pathways represent appealing therapeutic targets for patients with metastatic disease.

Human cancer cell line microRNAs associated with in vitro sensitivity to paclitaxel

Paclitaxel is a mainstay of treatment for many solid tumors, and frequently, clinical outcome is influenced by paclitaxel sensitivity. Despite this, our understanding of the molecular basis of paclitaxel response is incomplete. Recently, it has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) influence messenger RNA (mRNA) transcriptional control and can contribute to human carcinogenesis. In the present study, our objective was to identify miRNAs associated with cancer cell line response to paclitaxel and to evaluate these miRNAs as therapeutic targets to increase paclitaxel sensitivity. We measured the expression of 335 unique miRNAs in 40 human cancer cell lines selected from the NCI panel. We then integrated miRNA expression data with publicly available paclitaxel-sensitivity (GI₅₀) data for each of the 40 cell lines to identify miRNAs associated with paclitaxel sensitivity. Ovarian cancer cell lines with differential miRNA expression and paclitaxel sensitivity were transiently transfected with miRNA precursors and inhibitors, and the effects on in vitro cell paclitaxel sensitivity were evaluated. Pearson’s correlation identified 2 miRNAs (miR-367 and miR-30a-5p) associated with the NCI40 cell line in vitro paclitaxel response (P<0.0003). Ovarian cancer cells were selected based on the association between paclitaxel sensitivity and miR-367/miR-30a-5p expression. Overexpression of miR-367 in the paclitaxel-sensitive cells [PA1; IC₅₀, 1.69 nM, high miR-367 (2.997), low miR-30a-5p (−0.323)] further increased paclitaxel sensitivity, whereas miR-367 depletion decreased paclitaxel sensitivity. In contrast, overexpression and depletion of miR-30a-5p in the paclitaxel-resistant cells [OVCAR4; IC₅₀, 17.8 nM, low miR-367 (−0.640), high miR-30a-5p (3.270)] decreased and increased paclitaxel sensitivity, respectively. We identified and successfully targeted miRNAs associated with human cancer cell line response to paclitaxel. Our strategy of integrating in vitro miRNA expression and drug sensitivity data may not only aid in the characterization of determinants of drug response but also in the identification of novel therapeutic targets to increase activity of existing therapeutics.

Perifosine, an AKT inhibitor, modulates ovarian cancer cell line sensitivity to cisplatin-induced growth arrest

OBJECTIVES

AKT, a key regulator of diverse tumor signaling, is associated with progression of many cancers. Here, we investigated 1) the influence of AKT on survival from ovarian cancer (OVCA), 2) the activity of the AKT inhibitor perifosine ± cisplatin, and 3) the molecular determinants of perifosine-response. Phospho-AKT expression values and Affymetrix U133a expression data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

METHODS

Pearson correlation was used to determine associations between overall survival from OVCA and therapy response. Genes and represented signaling pathways associated with perifosine-response were explored in OVCA cells (n=10) and the NCI60 cancer cell panel. Pathway expressions, modeled by PCA, were evaluated for influences on survival using publically available clinico-genomic datasets.

RESULTS

Phospho-AKT (serine473) expression correlated with survival from OVCA (P<0.05) and platinum-response (P=0.004). In vitro, perifosine showed anti-proliferative effects against OVCA cells and potentiated cisplatin-induced growth arrest. Perifosine-response was associated with the expression (FDR<0.05) of 7 signaling pathways in OVCA cells and 64 signaling pathways in the NCI60 cell panel. Three pathways were found in common: 1) Cytoskeleton remodeling/cytoskeleton remodeling (cyto), 2) cell adhesion/chemokines and adhesion (chemokines), and 3) cytoskeleton remodeling/TGF-WNT (TGF-WNT). The TGF-WNT was associated with survival from OVCA (P=0.0055).

CONCLUSIONS

AKT signaling is an important determinant of OVCA response to chemotherapy and overall patient survival. Our data provide insight into the molecular basis to perifosine activity and identifies pathways associated with perifosine sensitivity and patient clinical outcome.

Phase Ia/b study of combination carboplatin, paclitaxel, and ridaforolimus in patients with solid, endometrial, and ovarian cancers

TPS3114

Background: mTOR is a member of the PI3K family. Ridaforolimus (RIDA) is a mTOR inhibitor that has demonstrated tolerability as intravenous (IV) and oral formulations. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling is associated with resistance to taxanes. In cancer (ca) cells, inhibition of mTOR signalling counteracts AKT-mediated resistance to drugs inhibiting tubulin. Paclitaxel and carboplatin (PC) have broad activity including endometrial, ovarian, and many cancers. mTOR inhibition with PC has synergistic and additive effects in solid tumors. A common defect in endometrioid ca is mutation of PTEN, causing activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. RIDA improved PFS over hormonal therapy of metastatic endometrial cancer in a randomized phase II study (Oza AM, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29 [suppl; abstr 5009]). In 35 patients in a phase II study of RIDA, there were 7.7% partial response (PR) and 58% with stable disease with median duration 6.6 months (Mackay H et al. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29 [suppl; abstr 5013]). Ovarian ca ultimately develops a phenotype resistant to taxanes that may be overcome with mTOR inhibition. RIDA may therefore potentiate the response of endometrial, ovarian, and other solid cancers to PC. Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced solid ca and measureable disease and up to 3 prior therapies received P (175mg/m2 IV) and C (AUC 5 to 6 mg/ml/min IV) on day (D)1 of each 3-week cycle. RIDA in escalating cohorts of 10-40 mg is administered orally daily for 5 days per week (D1-5, D 8-12, D 15-19) in phase IA cohorts. Samples for pharmacokinetics of RIDA and P and pharmacodynamics (PD) are collected. More than 1 anticipated DLT of thrombocytopenia or neutropenia in the latter part of the cycle shifts the escalation of RIDA to an alternate schedule (D1-5, D 8-12). Escalation continues in a 3X3 design until 40 mg/day of RIDA or MTD. Seven pts have been enrolled; 5 ovarian, 1 endometrial, 1 urethral ca. The second cohort of an alternate schedule has been filled and evaluation continues. Further characterization of tolerability, efficacy, and PD are planned at the MTD in the phase IB expansion cohorts of 15 ovarian/15 endometrial cancers.

In vitro analysis of ovarian cancer response to cisplatin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel identifies common pathways that are also associated with overall patient survival

Background:

Carboplatin and cisplatin, alone or in combination with paclitaxel, have similar efficacies against ovarian cancer (OVCA) yet exhibit different toxicity profiles. We characterised the common and unique cellular pathways that underlie OVCA response to these drugs and analyse whether they have a role in OVCA survival.

Methods:

Ovarian cancer cell lines (n=36) were treated with carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, or carboplatin–paclitaxel (CPTX). For each cell line, IC₅₀ levels were quantified and pre-treatment gene expression analyses were performed. Genes demonstrating expression/IC₅₀ correlations (measured by Pearson; P<0.01) were subjected to biological pathway analysis. An independent OVCA clinico-genomic data set (n=142) was evaluated for clinical features associated with represented pathways.

Results:

Cell line sensitivity to carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and CPTX was associated with the expression of 77, 68, 64, and 25 biological pathways (P<0.01), respectively. We found three common pathways when drug combinations were compared. Expression of one pathway (‘Transcription/CREB pathway’) was associated with OVCA overall survival.

Conclusion:

The identification of the Transcription/CREB pathway (associated with OVCA cell line platinum sensitivity and overall survival) could improve patient stratification for treatment with current therapies and the rational selection of future OVCA therapy agents targeted to these pathways.

The O-glycan pathway is associated with in vitro sensitivity to gemcitabine and overall survival from ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The high mortality rate associated with this disease is due in large part to the development of resistance to chemotherapy; however, the biological basis of this remains unclear. Gemcitabine is frequently used for the treatment of patients with platinum-resistant OVCA. We report molecular signaling pathways associated with OVCA response to gemcitabine. Forty-one OVCA cell lines were subjected to gene expression analysis; in parallel, IC50 values for gemcitabine were quantified using CellTiter-Blue viability assays. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for gene expression and gemcitabine IC50 values. The genes associated with gemcitabine sensitivity were subjected to pathway analysis. For the identified pathways, principal component analysis was used to derive pathway signatures and corresponding scores, which represent overall measures of pathway expression. Expression levels of the identified pathways were then evaluated in a series of clinico-genomic datasets from 142 patients with stage III/IV serous OVCA. We found that in vitro gemcitabine sensitivity was associated with expression of 131 genes (p<0.001). These genes include significant representation of three molecular signaling pathways (p<0.02): O-glycan biosynthesis, Role of Nek in cell cycle regulation and Antiviral actions of Interferons. In an external clinico-genomic OVCA dataset (n=142), expression of the O-glycan pathway was associated with overall survival, independent of surgical cytoreductive status, grade and age (p<0.001). Expression levels of Role of Nek in cell cycle regulation and Antiviral actions of Interferons were not associated with survival (p=0.31 and p=0.54, respectively). Collectively, expression of the O-glycan biosynthesis pathway, which modifies protein function via post-translational carbohydrate binding, is independently associated with overall survival from OVCA. Our findings shed light on the molecular basis of OVCA responsiveness to gemcitabine and also identify a signaling pathway that may influence patient survival.

The BCL2 antagonist of cell death pathway influences endometrial cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin

OBJECTIVE

To identify pathways that influence endometrial cancer (EC) cell sensitivity to cisplatin and to characterize the BCL2 antagonist of cell death (BAD) pathway as a therapeutic target to increase cisplatin sensitivity.

METHODS

Eight EC cell lines (Ishikawa, MFE296, RL 95-2, AN3CA, KLE, MFE280, MFE319, HEC-1-A) were subjected to Affymetrix Human U133A GeneChip expression analysis of approximately 22,000 probe sets. In parallel, endometrial cell line sensitivity to cisplatin was quantified by MTS assay, and IC(50) values were calculated. Pearson's correlation test was used to identify genes associated with response to cisplatin. Genes associated with cisplatin responsiveness were subjected to pathway analysis. The BAD pathway was identified and subjected to targeted modulation, and the effect on cisplatin sensitivity was evaluated.

RESULTS

Pearson's correlation analysis identified 1443 genes associated with cisplatin resistance (P<0.05), which included representation of the BAD-apoptosis pathway. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of BAD pathway protein phosphatase PP2C expression was associated with increased phosphorylated BAD (serine-155) levels and a parallel increase in cisplatin resistance in Ishikawa (P=0.004) and HEC-1-A (P=0.02) cell lines. In contrast, siRNA knockdown of protein kinase A expression increased cisplatin sensitivity in the Ishikawa (P=0.02) cell line.

CONCLUSION

The BAD pathway influences EC cell sensitivity to cisplatin, likely via modulation of the phosphorylation status of the BAD protein. The BAD pathway represents an appealing therapeutic target to increase EC cell sensitivity to cisplatin.