Single-agent anti-PD-1 or combined with ipilimumab in patients with mucosal melanoma: an international, retrospective, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare melanoma subtype with distinct biology and poor prognosis. Data on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is limited. We determined the efficacy of ICIs in MM, analysed by primary site and ethnicity/race.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study from 25 cancer centres in Australia, Europe, USA and Asia. Patients with histologically confirmed MM were treated with anti-PD1+/-ipilimumab. Primary endpoints were response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) by primary site (naso-oral, urogenital, anorectal, other), ethnicity/race (Caucasian, Asian, Other) and treatment. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

In total, 545 patients were included: 331 (63%) Caucasian, 176 (33%) Asian and 20 (4%) Other. Primary sites included 113 (21%) anorectal, 178 (32%) urogenital, 206 (38%) naso-oral and 45 (8%) other. 348 (64%) received anti-PD1 and 197 (36%) anti-PD1/ipilimumab. RR, PFS and OS did not differ by primary site, ethnicity/race or treatment. RR for naso-oral was numerically higher for anti-PD1/ipilimumab (40%, 95% CI 29-54%) compared with anti-PD1 (29%, 95% CI 21-37%). 35% of patients that initially responded progressed. Median duration of response (mDOR) was 26 months (95% CI 18-NR [Not Reached]). Factors associated with short PFS were ECOG PS ≥3 (p<0.01), LDH >ULN (p=0.01), lung metastases (p<0.01) and ≥1 previous treatments (p<0.01). Factors associated with short OS were ECOG PS ≥1 (p<0.01), LDH >ULN (p=0.03), lung metastases (p<0.01) and ≥1 previous treatments (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

MM has poor prognosis. Treatment efficacy of anti-PD1+/-ipilimumab was similar and did not differ by ethnicity/race. Naso-oral primaries had numerically higher response to anti-PD1/ipilimumab, without difference in survival. The addition of ipilimumab did not show greater benefit over anti-PD1 for other primary sites. In responders, mDOR was short and acquired resistance was common. Other factors, including site and number of metastases were associated with survival.

Acral lentiginous melanoma histotype predicts outcome in clinical stage I-II melanoma patients: an International multicenter study

BACKGROUND

In the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification, acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) histotype ALM is not included as an independent prognostic factor; in small series its negative prognostic impact on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) has been linked to the greater Breslow thickness (BT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was carried out at four referral melanoma centers (three Italian and one Polish). Clinical consecutive patients with stage I-II melanoma, who were diagnosed, treated, and followed up between January 1998 and March 2018 in annotated specific databases were included.

RESULTS

Overall, 6734 were evaluable, 4349 with superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), 2132 with nodular melanoma (NM), and 253 with ALM. At univariable analysis, a statistically significant worse DFS [hazard ratio (HR) 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.24-3.30; P < 0.001] and OS (HR 2.67, 95% CI 2.15-3.32; P < 0.001) were found in patients with ALM compared with SSM. Similarly, the NM histotype was associated with a worse prognosis compared with the SSM histotype (DFS: HR 2.29, 95% CI 2.08-2.52; P < 0.001 and OS: HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.99-2.46; P < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, BT, ulceration, and the sentinel lymph node status, a statistically significant worse DFS [adjusted HR (aHR; ALM versus SSM) 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.52; P = 0.028] was confirmed for patients with ALM. For patients with NM, instead, no impact of histology was found in terms of DFS [aHR (NM versus SSM) 1.04, 95% CI 0.93-1.15; P = 0.513] and OS [aHR (NM versus SSM) 0.96, 95% CI 0.86-1.08; P = 0.548].

CONCLUSIONS

ALM is associated with a worse long-term DFS. Our results could have important clinical implications for patients' stratification in future clinical trials and the incorporation of ALM histotype in the new AJCC classification as an independent prognostic factor.

Comparison of prognostic reliability of TNM staging systems version 7/8 and SARCULATOR in primary localized liposarcomas of the extremity or trunk wall

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Background: The oncological staging system should provide meaningful information regarding the patients’ prognosis. For soft tissue sarcomas, available staging systems include AJCC version 8, AJCC version 7, and nomogram-based approaches such as SARCULATOR (which additionally includes age and subtype). This work compares these systems using a group of extremity/trunk wall cases of liposarcoma (LPS). Methods: We have included all (N = 147) consecutive, newly diagnosed LPS patients treated in our institution between 2010 and 2021. We have excluded atypical lipomatous tumors. Patients’ and tumor characteristics were collected, and AJCC staging and SARCULATOR risk assessment were performed. Appropriate Cox proportional hazard models were fitted. The results were compared using the concordance index, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and partial likelihood ratio (PLR) test for non-nested Cox models. Results: In this group, 81 (55.1%) patients were male; the mean age in the group was 54 years (SD:16). Most tumors (83%) were localized on the lower extremity, with 8.8% on the upper extremity and 8.2% on the trunk. 66% of cases were myxoid LPS, 17.7% - dedifferentiated and 16.3% - pleomorphic. The median tumor size was 12 cm (IQR 9 – 18). Patients’ prognostic groups are summarized in Table. The median follow-up was 43 months (95%CI:38-51). The median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The 5-year survival rate was 68% (95%CI:62-75). The concordance for AJCC version 7, AJCC version 8, and SARCULATOR were respectively 0.625, 0.705, and 0.778. The AIC in the same order were: 311, 301, 274. The PLR test showed that AJCC version 8 fits better than AJCC version 7 (p for superiority = 0.036) while SARCULATOR fits better than AJCC version 8 (p for superiority = 0.028). Conclusions: New staging systems improve in better predicting patients outcome. In rare diseases such as sarcomas, it is crucial to have access to more personalized nomograms such as SARCULATOR.[Table: see text]

Body mass index (BMI) and outcome of metastatic melanoma patients receiving targeted therapy and immunotherapy: a multicenter international retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a risk factor for malignancy; however, its prognostic role in patients with metastatic melanoma is controversial. We aim to investigate the prognostic role of body mass index (BMI) in patients with metastatic melanoma receiving mitogen-activated pathway kinase inhibitors (MAPKi), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone or their sequence.

METHODS

Data on patients with metastatic melanoma receiving ≥1 line of systemic treatment were retrieved from prospectively collected databases. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by means of multivariable stratified Cox regression models; disease control rate (DCR) was analyzed by multivariable stratified logistic regression models. Subgroup analyzes according to the type of treatments received, and in BRAF-mutated patients were pre-planned. All multivariable models included BMI, age, gender, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, performance status, lactate dehydrogenase and treatment sequencing strategy as covariates.

RESULTS

Between November 2010 and November 2018, 688 patients from three Italian and two Polish centers were enrolled. 379 (57%) patients had M1c/d disease, 273 (41%) were female and the mean BMI was 27.1 (SD=4.9). Considering first-line treatment, 446 patients (66.8%) received ICIs and 222 MAPKi. No impact of BMI on OS was detected either considering the first line of ICIs, or ICIs sequencing (HR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.05, p=0.202, and HR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.04, p=0.237, respectively). A late effect of BMI on OS was found in patients treated with MAPKi: for five units increment, a 51% of risk reduction at 18 months and a 76% of risk reduction at 30 months were observed. No significant effect of BMI on PFS and DCR was found in any of the subgroup analyzes.

CONCLUSION

In patients with metastatic melanoma receiving ICIs, there is no impact of BMI on DCR, PFS and OS. The late prognostic effect of BMI in patients treated with MAPKi should be considered hypothesis generating and needs to be further investigated.

Treatment beyond progression with immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma

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Background: Immunotherapy (ITH) holds the possibility of tumor burden decrease after initial RECIST defined progression (PD). Clinical concept of treating of selected patients (pts) beyond PD is supported by this pseudoprogression phenomenon. The aim of this study was to evaluate real-life practice and outcomes related to treatment beyond progression (TBP) in melanoma patients. Methods: We evaluated advanced melanoma pts who started anti-PD1 treatment between 12/2015 and 12/2018 and identified pts who received TBP and had subsequent imaging to evaluate the tumor burden. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, Log-rank, chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for comparison between groups. Data cut-off was 02/2021. Results: Of 399 subsequent melanoma pts treated, 57 (14%) patients received TBP. Anti-PD1 was 1st line treatment in 61.4% and 2nd line - in 38.6% of patients. 71.9% patients were diagnosed with skin, 7.0% - mucosal and 21.1% with FPI melanoma and 47.4% were BRAF mutated, 56.1% were male and 12.3% had 3 or more metastatic sites at treatment initiation. In this cohort median time to 1st PD (TTFP) was 4.43 months(m), while to 2nd PD (TTSP) – 8.01 m. On TBP 26.3% pts achieved objective response (OR), and next 42.1% - SD. 1st PD was reported most often as increase in 3 or more targets or one new lesion – both 22.8%; and in 24.6% cases involved central nervous system. In 56.8% second PD was observed in the same targets as 1st PD. 61.4% patients received multimodal treatment of ITH combined with radiation therapy – in 49.1%, surgery - 5.3% and both - 7.0%. There was no correlation of TTSP with gender, ECOG, initial disease stage or TNM, BRAF mutation, number of metastatic sites or pattern of progression. Multimodal treatment resulted in 13.6 m TTSP, while ITH alone - 8.0 m (p = 0.056). 1st line OR correlated with DCR on TBP while TTFP > 6 m correlated with TTSP (HR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.28-0.99). Patients with 1st line CR – had median TTSP 16.4 m, with PR – 23.5 m, while those with PD – 5.1 m. Median OS after 1st PD was 26 months and correlated with OR on TBP. Conclusions: Selected clinically fit melanoma patients despite evidence of first radiographic progression may benefit from continued treatment with PD-1 inhibitors. Multidisciplinary treatment should be offered to these patients including radiosurgery or stereotactic radiotherapy of progressing loci. Molecular biomarkers of TTSP should be analyzed in prospective studies.

Systemic therapies in advanced epithelioid haemangioendothelioma: A retrospective international case series from the World Sarcoma Network and a review of literature

Background

This observational, retrospective effort across Europe, US, Australia, and Asia aimed to assess the activity of systemic therapies in EHE, an ultra‐rare sarcoma, marked by WWTR1‐CAMTA1 or YAP1‐TFE3 fusions.

Methods

Twenty sarcoma reference centres contributed data. Patients with advanced EHE diagnosed from 2000 onwards and treated with systemic therapies, were selected. Local pathologic review and molecular confirmation were required. Radiological response was retrospectively assessed by local investigators according to RECIST. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

Overall, 73 patients were included; 21 had more than one treatment. Thirty‐three patients received anthracyclines regimens, achieving 1 (3%) partial response (PR), 25 (76%) stable disease (SD), 7 (21%) progressive disease (PD). The median (m‐) PFS and m‐OS were 5.5 and 14.3 months respectively. Eleven patients received paclitaxel, achieving 1 (9%) PR, 6 (55%) SD, 4 (36%) PD. The m‐PFS and m‐OS were 2.9 and 18.6 months, respectively. Twelve patients received pazopanib, achieving 3 (25%) SD, 9 (75%) PD. The m‐PFS and m‐OS were.2.9 and 8.5 months, respectively. Fifteen patients received INF‐α 2b, achieving 1 (7%) PR, 11 (73%) SD, 3 (20%) PD. The m‐PFS and m‐OS were 8.9 months and 64.3, respectively. Among 27 patients treated with other regimens, 1 PR (ifosfamide) and 9 SD (5 gemcitabine +docetaxel, 2 oral cyclophosphamide, 2 others) were reported.

Conclusion

Systemic therapies available for advanced sarcomas have limited activity in EHE. The identification of new active compounds, especially for rapidly progressive cases, is acutely needed.

Multimodal Treatment of Advanced Mucosal Melanoma in the Era of Modern Immunotherapy

Simple Summary

Immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of cutaneous melanoma and greatly improved treatment outcomes in this group of patients. Mucosal melanoma is a rare disease, biologically distinct from the cutaneous subtype. There is little real-world data on immunotherapy efficacy in mucosal melanoma. Therefore, we aimed to analyze and describe experiences in mucosal melanoma treatment in five high volume oncology centers in Europe. Furthermore, we evaluated if concomitant radiotherapy may improve the outcomes of these patients. We conclude that immunotherapy with anti-PD1 antibodies is a safe and effective treatment of mucosal melanoma. Concomitant radiotherapy may be beneficial in a selected subgroup of patients with advanced mucosal melanoma.

Abstract

Mucosal melanoma is a rare disease epidemiologically and molecularly distinct from cutaneous melanoma developing from melanocytes located in mucosal membranes. Little is known about its therapy. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the results of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in a group of patients with advanced mucosal melanoma, based on the experience of five high-volume centers in Poland and Italy. There were 82 patients (53 female, 29 male) included in this retrospective study. The median age in this group was 67.5 (IQR: 57.25–75.75). All patients received anti-PD1 or anti-CTLA4 antibodies in the first or second line of treatment. Twenty-three patients received radiotherapy during anti-PD1 treatment. In the first-line treatment, the median progression-free survival (PFS) reached six months in the anti-PD1 group, which was statistically better than 3.1 months in the other modalities group (p = 0.004). The median overall survival (OS) was 16.3 months (CI: 12.1–22.3) in the whole cohort. Patients who received radiotherapy (RT) during the anti-PD1 treatment had a median PFS of 8.9 months (CI: 7.4–NA), whereas patients treated with single-modality anti-PD1 therapy had a median PFS of 4.2 months (CI: 3.0–7.8); this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.047). Anti-PD1 antibodies are an effective treatment option in advanced mucosal melanoma (MM). The addition of RT may have been beneficial in the selected subgroup of mucosal melanoma patients.

Correlation of immunity-related adverse events with survival and response to anti-PD-1 treatment in patients with metastatic melanoma

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Background: Immunotherapy has become a standard treatment option for metastatic melanoma patients, and the use of anti-programmed cell death-1 monoclonal antibodies (anti-PD-1) has significantly improved the outcomes of this group of patients. Immune related adverse events (irAEs) during anti-PD-1 treatment may present a significant problem. However, irAEs' relationship with overall survival although suggested in single studies was not confirmed in real world data. Methods: Consecutive patients starting treatment between March 2016 and April 2019 with fist line anti-PD-1 (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) for unresectable or metastatic melanoma in 6 comprehensive cancer centers in Poland were enrolled in the study. Baseline patients characteristics and irAEs development during treatment were evaluated to identify predictors of progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival in Cox model. PFS and OS were assessed using Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Overall, 410 patients were included in the present analysis and 107 patients experienced irAEs. Response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 36% (148 pts) and 65% (267 pts) respectively. Median PFS and OS were 7.6 (2.8–21.6) and 21.6 (6.7–38.2) months, respectively. In univariate analysis normal LDH level, no brain metastases, ECOG 0 or 1, ≤ 2 number of metastases locations were positive prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. At the same time irAEs occurrence was correlated with longer PFS, OS, RR and DCR (all p < 0.001); moreover high LDH level correlated with irAEs (p = 0.027) development. There was no correlation between irAEs and the number of cycles of anti-PD-1 patients received. Conclusions: Our study showed an association between irAEs and longer survival on anti-PD1 therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma. An association with irAEs and response to therapy has also been demonstrated.

Efficacy and safety of hypofractionated preoperative radiotherapy in treatment of patient with primary locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma of limbs/trunk wall

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Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare often malignant tumors. The primary treatment of most STS is radical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy. Our previous study showed that the use of preoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy is safe and efficient in the treatment of unselected group of patients with STS. Aim of this study was to assess the use of the treatment scheme in patients with primary STS treated in one institution. Methods: 311 patients (52% female) with primary locally advanced STS participated in this prospective trial conducted from 2010 till 2017. Median age was 55 years (range: 17-91). Median follow up is 57 months (95%CI 55-61). The most common subtypes were pleomorphic sarcoma, liposarcoma and synovial sarcoma. Median tumor size was 11cm. 258 patients (83%) had high grade tumors. The most common tumor localization were lower limbs (72%). 30% of patients received preoperative chemotherapy. For five consecutive days radiotherapy in 5 x 5Gy fraction was applied, with immediate (2-4 days) resection of the tumor. Results: In 260 patients (83.6%) clear surgical margins (R0) were obtained. 107 patients were dead at the time of the analysis.5-year overall survival is 63%. 156 (50%) had a recurrence of the disease. Local recurrence (LR) was found in 13.8% of the patients. Median time from surgery to LR was 14.7 months. In 56% of patients with LR another limb spearing radical surgery could be performed. Factors that had a significant adverse impact on LR were histological subtype (p = 0.017) and surgical margin status (p = 0.013). Factors that had a significant adverse impact on overall survival were tumor size (p < 0.0001), grade (p = 0.0047) and surgical margin status (p = 0.013). 96 patients (30.8%) had any kind of treatment toxicity, factor having negative impact on the toxicity was lower limb location of the tumor (p = 0.0012). 20 patients (6.4%) required surgery for treatment of the complications. 14.6% patients had prolonged healing of the wound ( > 1 month), 8.3% had wound dehiscence, 1.4% required prolonged punctures of the lymph fluid, 2.3% had severe fibrosis leading to contracture of limb, 11% patients prolonged edema of the operated limb. 0.9% of patients had a fracture of the treated limb. Conclusions: In this group, with a big percentage of patients with large, high grade STS use of hypofractionated preoperative radiotherapy was associated with similar local control when compared to published studies. The early toxicity is tolerable, with a small amount of late complications.

Prognostic and predictive factors for the outcomes of clear cell sarcoma (CCS) multidisciplinary treatment: The role of lymph node involvement

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Background: CCS is a rare aggressive sarcoma with melanocytic differentiation and specific genetic background of EWSR1/ATF1 or EWSR1/CREB1 translocations. It typically localizes in the tendons, fascia, and aponeuroses. The role of lymph node dissection (LND) remains to be elucidated in this sarcoma, although it was indicated to have a high rate of clinically occult regional lymph node (LN) metastases. Methods: 23 consecutive patients (pts) (15 women and 8 men) were referred, diagnosed and underwent multidisciplinary treatment in our Institute between 07/2000 and 12/2019. Kaplan-Meier estimator was used in survival analysis and univariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate prognostic and predictive factors. Cases for whom local relapsed were not noted or those not known to be dead were censored at last visit. OS was compared for nodal involvement, including both: clinically detected and treated with therapeutic LND and microscopic metastases evaluated in sentinel LN biopsy (SLNB). Local relapse and radiotherapy were analyzed. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 32y (range:20-72). The median tumor size was 3.5cm (2-15cm). 15 pts underwent surgery of the primary tumor and 8 - resection of local relapse after non-complete resection outside the reference center. In 11 cases SNLB was performed, while in 7 – therapeutic LND. SLNB was positive in 2 (18%) cases and was followed by completion LND. For pts treated due to primary tumor, R0 resection was achieved in 12 cases and R1 in 3. After median follow-up of 65.6 months (m) (95% confidence interval, CI 55.3–NR) 11 (48%) pts are alive. Median OS was 59m (95%CI: 39-NR). Clinically detectable LN were correlated with shorter DFS (HR: 6.6, 95%CI: 1.5-28.8, p = 0.01). The number of involved LN also correlated with DFS (HR 1.7 per 1 LN; 95%CI:1.1-2.6, p = 0.009). No such correlations were found for OS. 5-year LRFS rate was 72.5% (95%CI: 53.8-97.7). 15 pts underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy and for these pts 5-year LRFS rate was 75.0% (95%CI: 50.3-100). There was no statistical difference for LRFS if radiation therapy was not applied, which may be due to the number of pts. Conclusions: CCS is a highly aggressive sarcoma with poor prognosis. High quality surgery remains the gold standard for these pts, with the increasing role of SLNB and LND. Multimodal treatment should be considered in all cases. There is unmet need for new therapies for advanced CCS pts.

Systemic treatments in MDM2 positive intimal sarcoma: A multicentre experience with anthracycline, gemcitabine, and pazopanib within the World Sarcoma Network

BACKGROUND

Intimal sarcoma (InS) is an exceedingly rare neoplasm with an unfavorable prognosis, for which new potentially active treatments are under development. We report on the activity of anthracycline-based regimens, gemcitabine-based regimens, and pazopanib in patients with InS.

METHODS

Seventeen sarcoma reference centers in Europe, the United States, and Japan contributed data to this retrospective analysis. Patients with MDM2-positive InS who were treated with anthracycline-based regimens, gemcitabine-based regimens, or pazopanib between October 2001 and January 2018 were selected. Local pathological review was performed to confirm diagnosis. Response was assessed by RECIST1.1. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were computed by Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were included (66 anthracycline-based regimens; 26 gemcitabine-based regimens; 12 pazopanib). In the anthracycline-based group, 24 (36%) patients were treated for localized disease, and 42 (64%) patients were treated for advanced disease. The real-world overall response rate (rwORR) was 38%. For patients with localized disease, the median RFS was 14.6 months. For patients with advanced disease, the median PFS was 7.7 months. No anthracycline-related cardiac toxicity was reported in patients with cardiac InS (n = 26). For gemcitabine and pazopanib, the rwORR was 8%, and the median PFS was 3.2 and 3.7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective series shows the activity of anthracycline-based regimens in InS. Of note, anthracyclines were used in patients with cardiac InS with no significant cardiac toxicity. The prognosis in patients with InS remains poor, and new active drugs and treatment strategies are needed.

Comparison of seventh and eighth edition of AJCC staging system in melanomas at locoregional stage

Background

The eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system has been effective since January 2018. It has introduced some major changes in the localized/locoregional melanoma classification. However, it has not been demonstrated how this classification was validated on external, clinical data.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective study, we have included 2474 patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma in localized or locoregional stage. They were treated surgically in our Center between years 1998 and 2014. Melanoma-specific and overall survival were calculated for each stage according to TNM7 and TNM8 using Kaplan-Meier estimator.

Results

The melanoma-specific survival rates in our patients were similar to those reported from original cohort used to build TNM8 classification except for stage IIIC (5-year melanoma-specific survival 44.6% vs 51.8%, respectively for TNM7 vs TNM8).

Conclusion

Our study validated the eighth edition of TNM melanoma staging system as a viable tool in prognosis of the long-term survival of patients with localized or locoregionally advanced melanoma on an independent cohort. The new TNM 8 system has brought important improvements in prognostic assessment for melanoma patients. Deeper understanding of the significance of satellite/in-transit lesions may be required.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-019-1669-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinicopathological prognostic and predictive factors of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) survival and treatment efficacy

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Background: MPNST accounts for about 5% of soft tissue sarcomas. It is known to have high metastatic potential and poor prognosis, but reported long-term outcomes vary widely across published series. Our study aimed to determine factors affecting clinical outcome in a large cohort of patients (pts) with MPNSTs treated at reference sarcoma center. Methods: 289 consecutive pts (144 woman and 145 man) referred, diagnosed and treated between 03/1998 and 04/2018 were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier estimator and the log-rank test were used in survival analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to confirm the correlation. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 50y (15-86). 39 (13.5%) pts were NF1 positive, 12 were primary diagnosed with metastatic disease. After median follow-up of 66.5 months (m) (95% confidence interval, CI 58.1 – 85.2) 151 pts continue treatment or follow-up. Median OS was 55.7m (39.3 - 148.9) in the whole group while 5y survival rate was 48.8% (CI: 42.8-55.7%). 37/167 pts with radical resection in reference center developed local recurrence, and 75/92 pts operated first in regional hospitals. Median DFS was 29.7m (CI: 16.1-58.3) in case of treatment in reference center and 4.1m (CI: 2.4-9.2) in case of regional hospital (p < 0.001).72 pts developed metastatic disease and were treated with chemotherapy. Median PFS on 1st line was 5.6m (CI: 3.3 - 8.1), There were no statistically significant differences in survival rates nor in response rates between doxorubicin- and ifosfamid-based regiments. Tumor size at diagnosis (HR:2.33, CI: 1.50-3.62), high grade (HR:3.31, CI:2.14-5.12) and R0 resection (HR:0.47, CI:0.30-0.72) were the strongest independent predictors of DFS and OS. (neo)adjuvant radiotherapy did not influenced LRFS in case of R0 resection but improved LRFS when complete resection was not feasible (HR: 0.22 CI: 0.08-0.58 p = 0.002). Conclusions: MPSNT is a highly aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. High quality surgery remains the mainstay of management for these patients, but multimodal treatment should be considered in majority of cases in MDT units. There is unmet need for new therapies in advanced/metastatic cases.

Immunological and mutational characterization of non-uterine leiomyosarcoma: A pilot study

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Background: Data from many studies in cancer studies suggest that factors such as expression of PD-L1, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and high mutational burden (TMB) in the tumor cells are connected with better response to immune check-point blockage and may have prognostic value. Little is known about those factors in other neoplasms. Methods: In this retrospective study, we have included 31 patients with leiomyosarcoma (LMS) localized on extremity (21) or in retroperitoneal space (10) treated in our center between 2002-2018 with available biopsy specimens obtained before treatment. Mean age was 58 year (SD: 17). Male:Female ratio was 0.82. 14(45%) lesions were deemed high-grade sarcomas. 3 patients had metastases at the time of diagnosis. Immunohistological assays for TILs, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), PD-1 and PD-L1. TMB was assessed in Tumor Mutational Burden Panel in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. 7 cases were excluded from TMB analysis due to poor specimens quality. Fisher exact test was used to compare discrete variables while Kaplan-Meier estimate and stratified log-rank test were used to examine impact of explored factors on survival. Results: The median overall survival in this cohort was 33.4 months (95% confidence intervals, CI: 32-NA). TMB > = 10 mutations/Mb was present in 33% high-grade (HG) and in 25% cases of low-grade (LG) LMS (p = 0.067). PD-L1 expression was present in 54% of HG lesions and in 31% of LG LMS (p = 0.43). TILs and TAMs were highly correlated and present in 40% and 50% of HG LMS and LG LMS respectively (p = 0.722). Among explored factors only TILs and TAMs had significant influence on survival as deemed by log-rank test stratified by tumor grade (p = 0.004) with 3-year survival rate of 100% in groups without TILs/TAMs regardless of grade and 0% in HG TILs/TAMs(+) group and 60% (95% CI: 31-100%) in LG TILs/TAMs(-) group. Conclusions: Significant percentage of LMS exhibit immunohistological and molecular traits which potentially are connected with good response to check-point blockage agents. The immunological infiltration of primary LMS may be strong negative prognostic factor, what is interesting in sarcoma. Future expansion of this study cohort is warranted.

Anthracycline, Gemcitabine, and Pazopanib in Epithelioid Sarcoma: A Multi-institutional Case Series

Importance

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is an exceedingly rare malignant neoplasm with distinctive pathologic, molecular, and clinical features as well as the potential to respond to new targeted drugs. Little is known on the activity of anthracycline-based regimens, gemcitabine-based regimens, and pazopanib in this disease.

Objective

To report on the activity of anthracycline-based regimens, gemcitabine-based regimens, and pazopanib in patients with advanced ES.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Seventeen sarcoma reference centers in Europe, the United States, and Japan contributed data to this retrospective analysis of patients with locally advanced/metastatic ES diagnosed between 1990 and 2016. Local pathological review was performed in all cases to confirm diagnosis according to most recent criteria.

Exposures

All patients included in the study received anthracycline-based regimens, gemcitabine-based regimens, or pazopanib.

Main Outcome and Measures

Response was assessed by RECIST. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were computed by Kaplan-Meier method. Classic and proximal subtypes were defined based on morphology (according to 2013 World Health Organization guidelines).

Results

Overall, 115 patients were included, 80 (70%) were men and 35 (30%) were women, with a median age of 32 years (range, 15-77 years). Of the 115 patients with ES, 85 were treated with anthracycline-based regimens, 41 with gemcitabine-based regimens, and 18 with pazopanib. Twenty-four received more than 1 treatment. Median follow-up was 34 months. Response rate for anthracycline-based regimens was 22%, with a median PFS of 6 months. One complete response (CR) was reported. A trend toward a higher response rate was noticed in morphological proximal type (26%) vs classic type (19%) and in proximal vs distal primary site (26% vs 18%). The response rate for gemcitabine-based regimens was 27%, with 2 CR and a median PFS of 4 months. In this group, a trend toward a higher response rate was reported in classic vs proximal morphological type (30% vs 22%) and in distal vs proximal primary site (40% vs 14%). In the pazopanib group, no objective responses were seen, and median PFS was 3 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

This is the largest retrospective series of systemic therapy in ES. We confirm a moderate activity of anthracycline-based and gemcitabine-based regimens in ES, with a similar response rate and PFS in both groups. The value of pazopanib was low. These data may serve as a benchmark for trials of novel agents in ES.

IDH1/2 Mutations Predict Shorter Survival in Chondrosarcoma

Background. Recent studies have shown that isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2)- activating mutations occur in a variety of cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia, gliomas, and chondrosarcomas (CHS)s. The effect of IDH1/2 mutation on overall survival (OS) has not been reported in CHS. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of known cancer-related gene mutations in CHS, as well as their prognostic role in patient survival.

Methods. DNA from FFPE samples of 80 patients (F:M- 1:1.3; mean age: 58 years; range 27-86) with histologically confirmed CHS (G1:29; G2:34; G3:17) was subjected to library preparation with the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 and sequenced on the PGM Ion Torrent.

Results. Among the clinical features only histological grade influenced OS. Deep sequencing identified 1784 single nucleotide variants. Of them, 426 were considered to be pathogenic or probably pathogenic. Activating IDH1/2 mutations were found in 27 patients (34%) including 17 R132 IDH1 (21%), 10 R172 IDH2 (13%) and 3 R140 IDH2 variants (4%). Three patients had concurrent IDH1 and IDH2 mutations. The R140 IDH2 mutant has not been reported to date in CHS patients. OS for CHS patients with IDH1/2 mutations was significantly lower than in patients without mutations (93% vs 64%; p<0.001). No other genetic feature of the Cancer Hotspot Panel had an impact on OS.

Conclusions. In CHS, IDH1/2-mutation status and the histological aggressiveness of the CHS are important predictors for OS. The R140 IDH2 may also be a novel target for the treatment of CHS patients.

Anthracycline, gemcitabine, and pazopanib in epithelioid sarcoma: Results of a retrospective multi-institutional case series

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Background: To report on a multi-institution retrospective study on the activity of anthracycline-based (Ab) and gemcitabine-based (Gb) regimens as well as pazopanib (P) in patients with advanced epithelioid sarcoma (ES) treated within 16 sarcoma reference centres in Europe, US and Japan. Methods: Patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of locally advanced/metastatic ES were selected. Classic and distal subtypes were defined based on morphology (WHO 2014). INI1 expression is under evaluation.Response was evaluated by RECIST.Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were computed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Ninety ES patients were identified (Table 1). They were treated with Ab (72), Gb (30) and P (20); 25 pts received more than one treatment. The median follow-up for Ab, Gb and P groups was 32, 24 and 22 months, respectively. The response rate (RR) for Ab was 25% (95% CI 16%-37%), with a median PFS and OS of 6 and 17 months. The RR for Gb was 23% (95% CI 10% - 42%), with 1 complete response and a median PFS and OS of 5 and 20 months. In the P group, no objective responses were reported, and median PFS and OS were 3 and 9 months. A non-statistically significant trend towards a greater RR in proximal than classic subtype was seen in both Ab (27% vs 22%) and Gb (30% vs 13%) groups. Conclusions: This retrospective series, the largest currently available, confirms the activity of Ab and Gb in ES, with a similar RR and PFS in both groups. In this population, the value of P seems limited. These data may serve as a benchmark for trials of novel agents in ES. [Table: see text]

[The long-term treatment outcomes of adult osteosarcoma]

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor. Treatment of osteosarcoma patients is based on chemotherapy as well as surgical resection of primary tumor and distant metastases. Lung metastases are the primary cause of death in this group of patients.

AIM

The aim of this study is to summarize the 20 years of osteosarcoma treatment outcomes in the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology in Warsaw.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our analysis included clinical data of 299 osteosarcoma patients aged between 14 and 81 years (median 32) treated in Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center between 1998 and 2016. The standard therapeutic protocol included perioperative anthracycline-based chemotherapy and surgical resection of primary tumor and distant metastases. The statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimator, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

In analyzed group 38 (13%) patients had distant metastases at the diagnosis. The tumor size was greater than 8 cm in 61% of cases. In the histopathological assessment the most prevalent subtype was the conventional one (diagnosed in 76% of cases) and histological grade 3 (79%). The 5-year survival rate for patients with localized disease reached 46%. The negative prognostic factors included: distant metastases at diagnosis, axial location of primary tumor, unresectability of the primary lesion, higher histological grade, and older age of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The best results of the treatment of osteosarcoma patients are achieved with multidisciplinary treatment, and when the reference center supports other healthcare providers in management of diagnostic and treatment procedures of osteosarcoma patients.

Truncating and missense mutations in IGHMBP2 cause Charcot-Marie Tooth disease type 2

Using a combination of exome sequencing and linkage analysis, we investigated an English family with two affected siblings in their 40s with recessive Charcot-Marie Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2). Compound heterozygous mutations in the immunoglobulin-helicase-μ-binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2) gene were identified. Further sequencing revealed a total of 11 CMT2 families with recessively inherited IGHMBP2 gene mutations. IGHMBP2 mutations usually lead to spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1), where most infants die before 1 year of age. The individuals with CMT2 described here, have slowly progressive weakness, wasting and sensory loss, with an axonal neuropathy typical of CMT2, but no significant respiratory compromise. Segregating IGHMBP2 mutations in CMT2 were mainly loss-of-function nonsense in the 5' region of the gene in combination with a truncating frameshift, missense, or homozygous frameshift mutations in the last exon. Mutations in CMT2 were predicted to be less aggressive as compared to those in SMARD1, and fibroblast and lymphoblast studies indicate that the IGHMBP2 protein levels are significantly higher in CMT2 than SMARD1, but lower than controls, suggesting that the clinical phenotype differences are related to the IGHMBP2 protein levels.