CD99 Expression and Prognostic Impact in Glioblastoma: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Glioblastoma is the most frequent and aggressive brain tumor in adults. This study aims to evaluate the expression and prognostic impact of CD99, a membrane glycoprotein involved in cellular migration and invasion. In a cohort of patients with glioblastoma treated with surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide, we retrospectively analyzed tumor expression of CD99 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for both the wild type (CD99wt) and the truncated (CD99sh) isoforms. The impact on overall survival (OS) was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test and by multivariable Cox regression. Forty-six patients with glioblastoma entered this study. Immunohistochemical expression of CD99 was present in 83%. Only the CD99wt isoform was detected by qRT-PCR and was significantly correlated with CD99 expression evaluated by IHC (rho = 0.309, p = 0.037). CD99 expression was not associated with OS, regardless of the assessment methodology used (p = 0.61 for qRT-PCR and p = 0.73 for IHC). In an exploratory analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas, casuistry of glioblastomas CD99 expression was not associated with OS nor with progression-free survival. This study confirms a high expression of CD99 in glioblastoma but does not show any significant impact on survival. Further preclinical studies are needed to define its role as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma.

Targeting HER2-mutant metastatic cervical cancer with neratinib: Final results from the phase 2 SUMMIT basket trial

OBJECTIVE

HER2 mutations are associated with poor prognosis and are detected in 3-6% of cervical cancers. Neratinib, an irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, had activity in several HER2-mutant cancer types in the phase 2 SUMMIT basket study. We present updated and final results from the cervical cancer cohort of SUMMIT.

METHODS

Eligible patients had HER2-mutant, metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer progressing after platinum-based treatment for advanced/recurrent disease. Patients received neratinib 240 mg/day; loperamide was mandatory during cycle 1. Confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint. Duration of response (DoR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were enrolled; 18 (81.8%) had endocervical adenocarcinoma; median two prior systemic chemotherapy regimens (range 1-4). The most common HER2 variant was S310F/Y mutation (n = 13; 59.1%). Four patients had confirmed partial responses (ORR 18.2%; 95% CI 5.2-40.3); 6 had stable disease ≥16 weeks (CBR 45.5%; 95% CI 24.4-67.8). Median DoR was 7.6 months (95% CI 5.6-12.3). Median PFS was 5.1 months (95% CI 1.7-7.2). All-grade diarrhea (90.9%), nausea (54.5%), and constipation (54.5%) were the most common adverse events. Five patients (22.7%) reported grade 3 diarrhea. There were no grade 4 adverse events, no diarrhea-related treatment discontinuations, and two grade 5 adverse events, unrelated to neratinib: dyspnea (n = 1) and embolism (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Neratinib resulted in durable responses and disease control in patients with HER2-mutant metastatic/recurrent cervical cancer in SUMMIT. These findings support next-generation sequencing and tailored therapy for select patients with advanced cervical cancer. All responses occurred in patients with endocervical adenocarcinoma. Further assessment of neratinib in this setting is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01953926 (ClinicalTrials.gov), 2013-002872-42 (EudraCT).

Atezolizumab monotherapy versus chemotherapy in untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (IMvigor130): final overall survival analysis from a randomised, controlled, phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

The primary analysis of IMvigor130 showed a significant progression-free survival benefit with first-line atezolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy (group A) versus placebo plus platinum-based chemotherapy (group C) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. However, this finding did not translate into significant overall survival benefit for group A versus group C at the final analysis, precluding formal statistical testing of outcomes with atezolizumab monotherapy (group B) versus group C. Here we report the final overall survival results for group B versus group C; this report is descriptive and should be considered exploratory due to the study's statistical design.

METHODS

In this global, partially blinded, randomised, controlled, phase 3 study, patients (aged ≥18 years) who had locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer previously untreated in the metastatic setting and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2 were enrolled at 221 hospitals and oncology centres in 35 countries. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1), using a permuted block method (block size of six) and an interactive voice and web response system, stratified by PD-L1 status, Bajorin score, and investigator's choice of platinum-based chemotherapy, to receive either atezolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy (group A), atezolizumab alone (group B), or placebo plus platinum-based chemotherapy (group C). Sponsors, investigators, and patients were masked to assignment to atezolizumab or placebo in group A and group C; atezolizumab monotherapy in group B was open label. For groups B and C, atezolizumab (1200 mg) or placebo was administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Chemotherapy involved 21-day cycles of gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 body surface area on day 1 and day 8 of each cycle) plus the investigator's choice of carboplatin (area under the curve 4·5 mg/mL per min or 5 mg/mL per min) or cisplatin (70 mg/m2 body surface area), administered intravenously. Co-primary endpoints were progression-free survival and overall survival in group A versus group C, and overall survival in group B versus group C, tested hierarchically, in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, and then the populations with high PD-L1 tumour expression (immune cell [IC] expression score of IC2/3) if the results from group A versus group C were significant. Here, we report the co-primary endpoint of overall survival for group B versus group C in the ITT and IC2/3 populations. The ITT population for this analysis comprised concurrently enrolled patients in groups B and C who were randomly assigned to treatment. For the safety analysis, all patients enrolled in group B and group C who received any study treatment were included. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02807636, and is active but no longer recruiting.

FINDINGS

Between July 15, 2016, and July 20, 2018, 1213 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to treatment, of whom 362 patients were assigned to group B and 400 to group C, of whom 360 and 359, respectively, were enrolled concurrently (ITT population). 543 (76%) of 719 patients were male, 176 (24%) were female, and 534 (74%) were White. As of data cutoff (Aug 31, 2022), after a median follow-up of 13·4 months (IQR 6·2-30·8), median overall survival was 15·2 months (95% CI 13·1-17·7; 271 deaths) in group B and 13·3 months (11·9-15·6; 275 deaths) in group C (stratified hazard ratio 0·98 [95% CI 0·82-1·16]). The most common grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were anaemia (two [1%] in patients who received atezolizumab monotherapy vs 133 [34%] in those who received placebo plus chemotherapy), neutropenia (one [<1%] vs 115 [30%]), decreased neutrophil count (0 vs 95 [24%]), and decreased platelet count (one [<1%] vs 92 [24%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 163 (46%) patients versus 196 (50%). Treatment-related deaths occurred in three (1%; n=1 each, pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, large intestinal obstruction) patients who received atezolizumab monotherapy and four (1%; n=1 each, diarrhoea, febrile neutropenia, unexplained death, toxic hepatitis) who received placebo plus chemotherapy.

INTERPRETATION

The final analysis from IMvigor130 did not show a significant improvement in overall survival with first-line atezolizumab monotherapy compared with platinum-based chemotherapy in the intention-to-treat population. The safety profile of atezolizumab monotherapy remained acceptable after extended follow-up, with no new safety signals.

FUNDING

F Hoffmann-La Roche.

Analysis of PD-L1 and CD3 Expression in Glioblastoma Patients and Correlation with Outcome: A Single Center Report

With the advent of immunotherapies, the field of cancer therapy has been revived with new hope, especially for cancers with dismal prognoses, such as the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Currently, immunotherapies should potentiate the host's own antitumor immune response against cancer cells, but it has been documented that they are effective only in small subsets of patients. Therefore, accurate predictors of response are urgently needed to identify who will benefit from immune-modulatory therapies. Brain tumors are challenging in terms of treatments. The immune response in the brain is highly regulated, and the immune microenvironment in brain metastases is active with a high density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs, CD3+ T cells) in certain patients and, therefore, may serve as a potential treatment target. In our study, we performed immunohistochemistry for CD3 and PD-L1 along the routine assessment of the O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status and the IDH1 and 2 status in a single center cohort of 69 patients with GBM (58 primary tumors and 11 recurrences) who underwent standard multimodal therapies (surgery/radiotherapy/adjuvant temozolamide). We analyzed the association of PD-L1 tumor expression and TILs with overall survival (OS). The PD-L1 expression was observed in 25 of 58 (43%) newly diagnosed primary glioblastoma specimens. The sparse-to-moderate density of TILs, identified with CD3+ expression, was found in 48 of 58 (83%) specimens. Neither PD-L1 expression nor TILs were associated with overall survival. In conclusion, TILs and/or PD-L1 expression are detectable in the majority of glioblastoma samples, and even if they slightly relate to the outcome, they do not show a statistically significant correlation.

The prognostic value of the previous nephrectomy in pretreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving immunotherapy: a sub-analysis of the Meet-URO 15 study

BACKGROUND

Nephrectomy is considered the backbone of managing patients with localized and selected metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The prognostic role of nephrectomy has been widely investigated with cytokines and targeted therapy, but it is still unclear in the immunotherapy era.

METHODS

We investigated the Meet-URO-15 study dataset of 571 pretreated mRCC patients receiving nivolumab as second or further lines about the prognostic role of the previous nephrectomy (received in either the localized or metastatic setting) in the overall population and according to the Meet-URO score groups.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent nephrectomy showed a significantly reduced risk of death (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.60, p < 0.001) with a longer median overall survival (OS) (35.9 months vs 12.1 months), 1-year OS of 71.6% vs 50.5% and 2-years OS of 56.5% vs 22.0% compared to those who did not. No significant interaction between nephrectomy and the overall five Meet-URO score risk groups was observed (p = 0.17). It was statistically significant when merging group 1 with 2 and 3 and group 4 with 5 (p = 0.038) and associated with a longer OS for the first three prognostic groups (p < 0.001), but not for groups 4 and 5 (p = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests an overall positive impact of the previous nephrectomy on the outcome of pretreated mRCC patients receiving immunotherapy. The clinical relevance of cytoreductive nephrectomy, optimal timing and patient selection deserves further investigation, especially for patients with Meet-URO scores of 1 to 3, who are the once deriving benefit in our analyses. However, that benefit is not evident for IMDC poor-risk patients (including the Meet-URO score groups 4 and 5) and a subgroup of IMDC intermediate-risk patients defined as group 4 by the Meet-URO score.

The prognostic value of baseline and early variations of peripheral blood inflammatory ratios and their cellular components in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab: The Δ-Meet-URO analysis

Background

Treatment choice for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients is still based on baseline clinical and laboratory factors.

Methods

By a pre-specified analysis of the Meet-URO 15 multicentric retrospective study enrolling 571 pretreated mRCC patients receiving nivolumab, baseline and early dynamic variations (Δ) of neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet absolute cell counts (ACC) and their inflammatory ratios (IR) were evaluated alongside their association with the best disease response and overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariable analyses on OS and PFS between baseline and Δ ACC and IR values were investigated with receiving operating curves-based cut-offs.

Results

The analysis included 422 mRCC patients. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) increased over time due to consistent neutrophil increase (p < 0.001). Higher baseline platelets (p = 0.044) and lower lymphocytes (p = 0.018), increasing neutrophil Δ (p for time-group interaction <0.001), higher baseline IR values (NLR: p = 0.012, SII: p = 0.003, PLR: p = 0.003), increasing NLR and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) (i.e., NLR x platelets) Δ (p for interaction time-group = 0.0053 and 0.0435, respectively) were associated with disease progression. OS and PFS were significantly shorter in patients with baseline lower lymphocytes (p < 0.001 for both) and higher platelets (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively) alongside early neutrophils Δ (p = 0.046 and p = 0.033, respectively). Early neutrophils and NLR Δ were independent prognostic factors for both OS (p = 0.014 and p = 0.011, respectively) and PFS (p = 0.023 and p = 0.001, respectively), alongside baseline NLR (p < 0.001 for both) and other known prognostic variables.

Conclusions

Early neutrophils and NLR Δ may represent new dynamic prognostic factors with clinical utility for on-treatment decisions.

The prognostic role of nephrectomy in patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with immunotherapy according to the novel prognostic Meet-URO score: Subanalysis of the Meet-URO 15 study

4535

Background: Most of mRCC pts with favorable and intermediate prognosis, according to the IMDC classification, are offered a nephrectomy. However, in the immunotherapy era, the role of nephrectomy is still unclear. In the Meet-URO 15 study we reported the higher prognostic accuracy of the Meet-URO score compared to the IMDC score, by the addition of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the presence of bone metastases to the IMDC score, identifying five categories with progressively worse prognosis. For this reason, we aimed to explore the prognostic impact of the previous nephrectomy (PN) on mRCC pts receiving immunotherapy and according to the Meet-URO score groups. Methods: The Meet-URO 15 study was a multicentric retrospective analysis on 571 pretreated mRCC pts receiving nivolumab. Univariable analysis of the correlation between PN and overall survival (OS) and multivariate analysis adjusted for IMDC score, therapy line, NLR and metastatic sites were performed. The interaction of PN with the Meet-URO prognostic groups was then evaluated. Results: 503/571 pts (88%) underwent PN. A reduced risk of death (HR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.32-0.60; p< 0.001) and higher mOS and OS rate were observed in pts with PN than without (mOS: 36 vs 13 monhts; 1-year-OS 72% vs 52% and 2-year-OS 57% vs 24%, respectively). The reduced risk of death for pts who underwent PN was confirmed at the multivariate analysis (HR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49-0.97; p= 0.032). The percentage of pts receiving PN progressively reduced through the five Meet-URO prognostic groups (PN: group 1: 98%, group 2: 95%, group 3: 84%, group 4: 79%, group 5: 59%). No significant interaction was observed between the PN and Meet-URO score when all the five groups were considered ( p= 0.17). A significant interaction was observed when the Meet-URO groups 1,2 and 3 were taken together (HR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.25-0.63; p< 0.001), highlighting the significant protective role of the PN on OS for these three groups. For the Meet-URO groups 4 and 5, the interaction was indeed not significant (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.51-1.30; p= 0.39). Conclusions: PN has a favourable prognostic impact on pretreated mRCC pts receiving immunotherapy. This benefit may be limited to mRCC pts with more favorable diseases as belonging to Meet-URO prognostic groups 1, 2 and 3. Further analysis of the type of PN (i.e., radical vs cytoreductive) is ongoing and confirmatory prospective evaluations are warranted.

Inflammatory indices and clinical factors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with nivolumab: the development of a novel prognostic score (Meet-URO 15 study)

Background:

Despite the survival advantage, not all metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients achieve a long-term benefit from immunotherapy. Moreover, the identification of prognostic biomarkers is still an unmet clinical need.

Methods:

This multicenter retrospective study investigated the prognostic role of peripheral-blood inflammatory indices and clinical factors to develop a novel prognostic score in mRCC patients receiving at least second-line nivolumab. The complete blood count before the first cycle of therapy was assessed by calculating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI). Clinical factors included pre-treatment International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score, line of therapy, and metastatic sites.

Results:

From October 2015 to November 2019, 571 mRCC patients received nivolumab as second- and further-line treatment in 69% and 31% of cases. In univariable and multivariable analyses all inflammatory indices, IMDC score, and bone metastases significantly correlated with overall survival (OS). The multivariable model with NLR, IMDC score, and bone metastases had the highest c-index (0.697) and was chosen for the developing of the score (Schneeweiss scoring system). After internal validation (bootstrap re-sampling), the final index (Meet-URO score) composed by NLR, IMDC score, and bone metastases had a c-index of 0.691. It identified five categories with distinctive OSs: group 1 (median OS – mOS = not reached), group 2 (mOS = 43.9 months), group 3 (mOS = 22.4 months), group 4 (mOS = 10.3 months), and group 5 (mOS = 3.2 months). Moreover, the Meet-URO score allowed for a fine risk-stratification across all three IMDC groups.

Conclusion:

The Meet-URO score allowed for the accurate stratification of pretreated mRCC patients receiving nivolumab and is easily applicable for clinical practice at no additional cost. Future steps include its external validation, the assessment of its predictivity, and its application to first-line combinations.

Impact of influenza syndrome and flu vaccine on survival of cancer patients during immunotherapy in the INVIDIa study

Aim: INVIDIa was a retrospective, multicenter study, exploring the clinical efficacy of influenza vaccine in 300 cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. Overall survival (OS) was immature at the initial report. Methods: We reported the final OS analysis from the original study population and within subgroups. Results: Both at the univariate and multivariate analysis, the occurrence of influenza syndrome (IS) was significantly related to better OS in the overall population (OR: 0.53 [95% CI: 0.32-0.88]; p = 0.01). In the lung cancer subgroup, receiving flu vaccine and/or developing IS was related to better OS (p = 0.04). Within elderly patients, the flu vaccine was the main variable for the relative OS advantage (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Receiving the flu vaccine and/or developing IS was related to better OS within the INVIDIa population.

MDM2 gene amplification as selection tool for innovative targeted approaches in PD-L1 positive or negative muscle-invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma

AIMS

According to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), around 9% of bladder carcinomas usually show abnormalities of the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene, but a few studies have been investigated them. We profiled MDM2 gene amplification in a series of urothelial carcinomas (UC) considering the molecular subtypes and expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1).

METHODS

117 patients with muscle-invasive UC (pT2-3) without (N0) or with (N+) lymph-node metastases were revised. Only cases with availability of in toto specimens and follow-up were studied. Tissue microarray was built. p53, ER, RB1, GATA-3, CK20, CK5/6, CD44 and PD-L1 (clone sp263) immunoexpression was evaluated. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation was assessed by using the HER-2/neu, FGFR-3, CDKN2A and MDM2 probes. True (ratio 12q/CEP12 >2) MDM2 gene amplification was distinguished from polyploidy/gains (ratio <2, absolute copy number of MDM-2 >2). MDM2 and PD-L1 values were correlated to the TCGA molecular phenotypes. Statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

6/50 (12%) cases (5 N0 and 1 N+) were amplified for MDM2 without matching to molecular phenotypes. Of 50, 14 (37%) cases expressed PD-L1 at 1% cut-off; 3/50 (9%) at >50% cut-off; of these, 2 cases on side of neoplasia among inflammatory cells. Only one out of six (17%) cases amplified for MDM2 showed expression (>50% cut-off) of PD-L1. MDM2 amplification was independent to all documented profiles (k test=0.3) and was prevalent in recurrent UC.

CONCLUSION

MDM2 amplification has been seen in both PD-L1 positive and negative muscle-invasive bladder UC independently from the TCGA molecular phenotypes. MDM2 and PD-L1 might be assessed in order to predict a better response to combo/single targeted therapies.

The IMEx Coronavirus interactome: an evolving map of Coronaviridae-Host molecular interactions

The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spurred a wave of research of nearly unprecedented scale. Among the different strategies that are being used to understand the disease and develop effective treatments, the study of physical molecular interactions enables studying fine-grained resolution of the mechanisms behind the virus biology and the human organism response. Here we present a curated dataset of physical molecular interactions, manually extracted by IMEx Consortium curators focused on proteins from SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and other members of the Coronaviridae family. Currently, the dataset comprises over 2,200 binarized interactions extracted from 86 publications. The dataset can be accessed in the standard formats recommended by the Proteomics Standards Initiative (HUPO-PSI) at the IntAct database website ( www.ebi.ac.uk/intact ), and will be continuously updated as research on COVID-19 progresses.

Atezolizumab with or without chemotherapy in metastatic urothelial cancer (IMvigor130): a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Atezolizumab can induce sustained responses in metastatic urothelial carcinoma. We report the results of IMvigor130, a phase 3 trial that compared atezolizumab with or without platinum-based chemotherapy versus placebo plus platinum-based chemotherapy in first-line metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS

In this multicentre, phase 3, randomised trial, untreated patients aged 18 years or older with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, from 221 sites in 35 countries, were randomly assigned to receive atezolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy (group A), atezolizumab monotherapy (group B), or placebo plus platinum-based chemotherapy (group C). Patients received 21-day cycles of gemcitabine (1000 mg/m² body surface area, administered intravenously on days 1 and 8 of each cycle), plus either carboplatin (area under the curve of 4·5 mg/mL per min administered intravenously) or cisplatin (70 mg/m² body surface area administered intravenously) on day 1 of each cycle with either atezolizumab (1200 mg administered intravenously on day 1 of each cycle) or placebo. Group B patients received 1200 mg atezolizumab, administered intravenously on day 1 of each 21-day cycle. The co-primary efficacy endpoints for the intention-to-treat population were investigator-assessed Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours 1.1 progression-free survival and overall survival (group A vs group C) and overall survival (group B vs group C), which was to be formally tested only if overall survival was positive for group A versus group C. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02807636.

FINDINGS

Between July 15, 2016, and July 20, 2018, we enrolled 1213 patients. 451 (37%) were randomly assigned to group A, 362 (30%) to group B, and 400 (33%) to group C. Median follow-up for survival was 11·8 months (IQR 6·1-17·2) for all patients. At the time of final progression-free survival analysis and interim overall survival analysis (May 31, 2019), median progression-free survival in the intention-to-treat population was 8·2 months (95% CI 6·5-8·3) in group A and 6·3 months (6·2-7·0) in group C (stratified hazard ratio [HR] 0·82, 95% CI 0·70-0·96; one-sided p=0·007). Median overall survival was 16·0 months (13·9-18·9) in group A and 13·4 months (12·0-15·2) in group C (0·83, 0·69-1·00; one-sided p=0·027). Median overall survival was 15·7 months (13·1-17·8) for group B and 13·1 months (11·7-15·1) for group C (1·02, 0·83-1·24). Adverse events that led to withdrawal of any agent occurred in 156 (34%) patients in group A, 22 (6%) patients in group B, and 132 (34%) patients in group C. 50 (11%) patients in group A, 21 (6%) patients in group B, and 27 (7%) patients in group C had adverse events that led to discontinuation of atezolizumab or placebo.

INTERPRETATION

Addition of atezolizumab to platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment prolonged progression-free survival in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The safety profile of the combination was consistent with that observed with the individual agents. These results support the use of atezolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy as a potential first-line treatment option for metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

FUNDING

F Hoffmann-La Roche and Genentech.

Atezolizumab (atezo) therapy for upper tract (UT) urothelial carcinoma (UC): Subgroup analysis of the single-arm international SAUL study in pretreated locally advanced/metastatic urinary tract carcinoma

488

Background: UTUC is rarer than bladder UC and typically responds poorly to standard chemotherapy. Analysis of 220 biomarker-evaluable atezo-treated patients (pts) in phase II/III trials suggested worse outcomes in UT vs lower tract UC [Galsky, ESMO 2018]. We explored clinical outcomes in pts with UTUC (renal pelvis or ureter) treated with atezo in the SAUL study. Methods: The single-arm SAUL study (NCT02928406) [Sternberg, Eur Urol 2019] enrolled a broader pt population, including pts with poor clinical characteristics and/or immune-mediated conditions, more representative of real-world practice than typically enrolled in randomized phase III immunotherapy trials. Pts with urinary tract carcinoma received atezo 1200 mg q3w until disease progression/unacceptable toxicity. Baseline characteristics, safety and efficacy were analyzed in subgroups of pts with UTUC (subdivided into renal pelvis or ureter UC) vs bladder UC. Results: Baseline characteristics in the 4 subgroups were generally similar, except for a numerically lower proportion of pts with 0 prior lines of therapy for metastatic disease in the UTUC vs bladder UC subgroup (30% vs 41%). Treatment exposure, safety and efficacy are shown below. Conclusions: These exploratory analyses of SAUL showed very similar efficacy and safety in UT vs bladder UC. This provides reassurance that atezo is active and has an acceptable safety profile in pts with UTUC, who are generally expected to have worse outcomes than bladder UC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT02928406 . [Table: see text]

Abstract P1-19-08: Neratinib + trastuzumab + fulvestrant for HER2-mutant, hormone receptor-positive, metastatic breast cancer: Updated results from the phase 2 SUMMIT ‘basket’ trial

Background: HER2 mutations define a subset of metastatic breast cancers (MBCs) with a unique mechanism of oncogenic addiction to HER2 signaling. Neratinib, an irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been shown to have encouraging clinical activity when combined with fulvestrant in HER2-mutant, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) MBC [Smyth et al. SABCS 2018]. Genomic analyses suggest that acquired resistance to neratinib may occur by the acquisition of additional HER2 alterations, which may amplify HER2 pathway signaling [Won et al. AACR 2019]. We therefore explored whether dual HER2-targeted therapy may improve clinical benefit in this setting. Here we describe initial results from a cohort of patients with HER2-mutant, HR+ MBC treated with neratinib + trastuzumab + fulvestrant (N+T+F) from the phase 2 SUMMIT ‘basket’ trial (NCT01953926). Methods: Patients with HR+ MBC and known oncogenic driver HER2 mutations identified by genomic sequencing were eligible to receive combination treatment with oral neratinib 240 mg daily, intravenous trastuzumab 8 mg/kg initially followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks, and intramuscular fulvestrant 500 mg on days 1 and 15 of month 1, then on day 1 every 4 weeks (N+T+F). Loperamide prophylaxis was mandatory during cycle 1. There was no restriction on the number of prior lines of systemic treatment for MBC. Efficacy endpoints included: confirmed objective response rate and clinical benefit rate - all defined according to RECIST v1.1 - as well as duration of response and progression-free survival. Genomic profiling from fresh/archival tumor tissues and/or plasma cfDNA was performed retrospectively by next-generation sequencing (MSK-IMPACT). Results: As of 01-May-2019, 19 patients were enrolled into the N+T+F cohort and received study treatment (safety population). 20 HER2 mutations were identified in the 19 patients: 14 kinase domain missense mutations, 3 extracellular domain missense mutations, and 3 exon-20 insertion mutations. Median number of prior systemic regimens for metastatic disease was 4 (range 0-10) and histologies were evenly split between lobular and ductal carcinomas. While the majority of patients remain on study treatment (n=15), only 13 of the 19 enrolled patients are efficacy evaluable at this time (having had ≥1 post-baseline tumor assessment). Clinical activity is summarized in the Table. Diarrhea was the most commonly reported adverse event (84.2% any grade) with 5 patients reporting Grade 3 diarrhea (there were no Grade 4 diarrhea events). Three patients (15.8%) reduced neratinib dose due to diarrhea but no patient discontinued treatment due to diarrhea. Conclusions: The combination of N+T+F resulted in an encouraging response rate and was a well-tolerated regimen in predominantly heavily pretreated HER2-mutant HR+ breast cancers. Based on a pre-planned interim analysis, the cohort has been expanded to enroll a total of 50 patients. Updated efficacy and safety data will be presented.

Neratinib + trastuzumab + fulvestrant(n=13)Confirmed objective response rate, % (95% CI)39 (13.9-68.4)Complete response0Partial response5 (39)Duration of responses range, months4.2*-10.4*Median progression-free survivala,b, months (95% CI)NA (1.9-NA)*Response ongoing; aKaplan-Meier analysis; bincludes all patients enrolled (n=19); NA, not applicable.

Citation Format: Hans Wildiers, Valentina Boni, Cristina Saura, Mafalda Oliveira, Komal Jhaveri, Helen Won, François-Clément Bidard, Adam M Brufsky, Mark E Burkard, Andrés Cervantes, Carlos Fernández-Martos, Barbara Haley, Sherene Loi, Iben Spanggaard, Stefano Panni, Janice Lu, Melanie E Dujka, Feng Xu, Sonia Macia, Lisa D Eli, Alshad S Lalani, Sarina Piha-Paul, Funda Meric-Bernstam, David B Solit, David M Hyman. Neratinib + trastuzumab + fulvestrant for HER2-mutant, hormone receptor-positive, metastatic breast cancer: Updated results from the phase 2 SUMMIT ‘basket’ trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-19-08.

The IMEx coronavirus interactome: an evolving map of Coronaviridae-host molecular interactions

The current coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, has spurred a wave of research of nearly unprecedented scale. Among the different strategies that are being used to understand the disease and develop effective treatments, the study of physical molecular interactions can provide fine-grained resolution of the mechanisms behind the virus biology and the human organism response. We present a curated dataset of physical molecular interactions focused on proteins from SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and other members of the Coronaviridae family that has been manually extracted by International Molecular Exchange (IMEx) Consortium curators. Currently, the dataset comprises over 4400 binarized interactions extracted from 151 publications. The dataset can be accessed in the standard formats recommended by the Proteomics Standards Initiative (HUPO-PSI) at the IntAct database website (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/intact) and will be continuously updated as research on COVID-19 progresses.

INfluenza Vaccine Indication During therapy with Immune checkpoint inhibitors: a transversal challenge. The INVIDIa study

AIM

Considering the unmet need for the counseling of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (CKI) about influenza vaccination, an explorative study was planned to assess flu vaccine efficacy in this population.

METHODS

INVIDIa was a retrospective, multicenter study, enrolling consecutive advanced cancer outpatients receiving CKI during the influenza season 2016-2017.

RESULTS

Of 300 patients, 79 received flu vaccine. The incidence of influenza syndrome was 24.1% among vaccinated, versus 11.8% of controls; odds ratio: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.23-4.59; p = 0.009. The clinical ineffectiveness of vaccine was more pronounced among elderly: 37.8% among vaccinated patients, versus 6.1% of unvaccinated, odds ratio: 9.28; 95% CI: 2.77-31.14; p < 0.0001.

CONCLUSION

Although influenza vaccine may be clinically ineffective in advanced cancer patients receiving CKI, it seems not to negatively impact the efficacy of anticancer therapy.

Two sequential dose-dense regimens of CGP, followed by MVAC in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC): A single institution, explorative trial

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Background: Currently, cisplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel (CGP) and MVAC are the most active chemotherapy regimens in mUC. We tested the hypothesis that two sequential non-cross-resistant, dose-dense (DD) regimens may target different cancer cells, avoid drug resistance, and improve response rate. Methods: This is a single institution, explorative trial. The aim is to evaluate the incremental benefit of the two regimens in terms of complete response and long term survival. We treat all consecutive, chemo-naïve mUC patients with 4 cycles of CGP dose-dense every 14 days followed by 4 cycles of MVAC every 14 days. In all cycles we used Pegfilgrastim 6 mg on day 3. Pts were evaluated with CT scan at the baseline, after 4 cycles, at the end of chemotherapy and then every 3 months for 2 years and 6 months thereafter. Results: From 2007 to 2018, 67 consecutive pts were included. Male were 82%; median age 66 years (33-83); Bajorin risk factors was 0 in 31%, 1 in 52%, 2 in 16%. The majority of pts were hospitalized for three days during chemotherapy and received hydration and supportive therapy. After the first 4 cycles of CGP, we observed 7% CR, 46% PR, 31% SD, and 12% PD. After the 4 sequential cycles of MVAC DD we observed a global 25% of CR, 33% PR, 10% SD, and 24% PD. Median TTP was 8.2 months (95% CI, 7.3-10.1) and median OS was 18 months (95% CI, 10.8-26.1). 5 pts are still alive after more than 30 months and maintaining complete response. Main grade 3–4 toxicity included anemia 27%, asthenia 23%, neutropenia 19% (febrile 7%), thrombocytopenia 13%. Conclusions: The sequential use of these two DD regimens is active and leads to an increased number of complete response and possible longer survival. A randomized trial is needed to confirm our results.

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and survival in solid tumors treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs): A systematic review and meta-analysis

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Background: irAEs are autoimmune-toxic effects associated with ICIs used for treatment of advanced solid tumors. The correlation of these irAEs with survival is presently unknown. The objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the outcome of cancer patients treated with ICIs who develop irAEs. Methods: Two independent reviewers selected prospective or retrospective studies from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library database from their inception to November 2018. Studies were selected if: 1) they reported correlation of irAEs (any) with outcome, 2) they included patients with solid tumors; 3) they included treatment with anti-PD-(L)1 or anti-CTLA-4 agents, 4) patients had no previous history of autoimmune disorders, 5) they were published in English language, and 6) they provided availability of adequate data to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data were pooled using HRs for overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) or ORs for overall response rate (ORR) of irAEs vs no irAEs according to fixed or random effect model. HRs for OS (the primary outcome measure) were pooled to provide an aggregate value. Hazard ratio for PFS and ORs for ORR were secondary endpoints. Results: A total of 29 studies for a total of 4242 patients treated with ICIs were selected. Patients who developed irAEs presented a reduced risk of death (HR = 0.52, p < .001). Similarly, the occurrence of irAEs was associated with a reduced risk of progression (HR = 0.51, p < .001). The combined odds of response was 4.87 (p < .001). Conclusions: In patients treated with ICIs, irAEs predict survival and response. Although this correlation cannot be fully explained, it may be related to the strongest T cell activation. Patients showing any form of irAEs can be informed about the positive prognostic effect, and physicians can detect patients with favorable outcome to ICIs.

Real-world efficacy and safety of nivolumab in previously-treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and association between immune-related adverse events and survival: the Italian expanded access program

Background

The Italian Renal Cell Cancer Early Access Program was an expanded access program that allowed access to nivolumab, for patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) prior to regulatory approval.

Methods

Pts with previously treated advanced or mRCC were eligible to receive nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Pts included in the analysis had received ≥1 dose of nivolumab and were monitored for drug-related adverse events (drAEs) using CTCAE v.4.0. Immune-related (ir) AEs were defined as AEs displaying a certain, likely or possible correlation with immunotherapy (cutaneous, endocrine, hepatic, gastro-intestinal and pulmonary). The association between overall survival (OS) and irAEs was assessed, and associations between variables were evaluated with a logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 389 pts were enrolled between July 2015 and April 2016. Overall, the objective response rate was 23.1%. At a median follow-up of 12 months, the median progression-free survival was 4.5 months (95% CI 3.7–6.2) and the 12-month overall survival rate was 63%. Any grade and grade 3–4 drAEs were reported in 124 (32%) and 27 (7%) of pts, respectively, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Any grade irAEs occurred in 76 (20%) of patients, 8% cutaneous, 4% endocrine, 2% hepatic, 5% gastro-intestinal and 1% pulmonary. Of the 22 drAEs inducing treatment discontinuation, 10 (45%) were irAEs. Pts with drAEs had a significantly longer survival than those without drAEs (median OS 22.5 versus 16.4 months, p = 0.01). Pts with irAEs versus without irAEs had a more significant survival benefit (median OS not reached versus 16.8 months, p = 0.002), confirmed at the landmark analysis at 6 weeks. The occurrence of irAEs displayed a strong association with OS in univariable (HR 0.48, p = 0.003) and multivariable (HR 0.57, p = 0.02) analysis.

Conclusions

The appearance of irAEs strongly correlates with survival benefit in a real-life population of mRCC pts treated with nivolumab.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-019-0579-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Encompassing new use cases - level 3.0 of the HUPO-PSI format for molecular interactions

BACKGROUND

Systems biologists study interaction data to understand the behaviour of whole cell systems, and their environment, at a molecular level. In order to effectively achieve this goal, it is critical that researchers have high quality interaction datasets available to them, in a standard data format, and also a suite of tools with which to analyse such data and form experimentally testable hypotheses from them. The PSI-MI XML standard interchange format was initially published in 2004, and expanded in 2007 to enable the download and interchange of molecular interaction data. PSI-XML2.5 was designed to describe experimental data and to date has fulfilled this basic requirement. However, new use cases have arisen that the format cannot properly accommodate. These include data abstracted from more than one publication such as allosteric/cooperative interactions and protein complexes, dynamic interactions and the need to link kinetic and affinity data to specific mutational changes.

RESULTS

The Molecular Interaction workgroup of the HUPO-PSI has extended the existing, well-used XML interchange format for molecular interaction data to meet new use cases and enable the capture of new data types, following extensive community consultation. PSI-MI XML3.0 expands the capabilities of the format beyond simple experimental data, with a concomitant update of the tool suite which serves this format. The format has been implemented by key data producers such as the International Molecular Exchange (IMEx) Consortium of protein interaction databases and the Complex Portal.

CONCLUSIONS

PSI-MI XML3.0 has been developed by the data producers, data users, tool developers and database providers who constitute the PSI-MI workgroup. This group now actively supports PSI-MI XML2.5 as the main interchange format for experimental data, PSI-MI XML3.0 which additionally handles more complex data types, and the simpler, tab-delimited MITAB2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 for rapid parsing and download.

First-line dose-dense chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, folinic acid and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) plus panitumumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction: final results and biomarker analysis from an Italian oncology group for clinical research (GOIRC) phase II study

BACKGROUND

Survival for patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer (AGC) using standard treatment regimens is poor. EGFR overexpression is common in AGC and associated with poor prognosis. We hypothesized that increasing the dose intensity of chemotherapy and adding panitumumab could improve efficacy.

METHODS

HER2 negative, PS 0-1 patients, received up to 4 cycles of panitumumab 6 mg/kg d 1, docetaxel 60 mg/m2 d 1, cisplatin 50 mg/m2 d 1, l-folinic acid 100 mg/m2 d 1-2, followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus d 1-2, and then 600 mg/m2 as a 22 h c.i. on d 1-2, q15 d, plus pegfilgrastim 6 mg on d 3. Patients with disease control after 4 cycles received panitumumab until progression.

RESULTS

From 05/2010 to 01/2014, 52 patients (75% male; median age 64.5 y; metastatic 90%, locally advanced 10%; 96% adenocarcinoma; 25% GEJ) were recruited. Three CR, 29 PR, 10 SD and 8 PD were observed, for an ORR by ITT (primary endpoint) of 62% (95% CI, 48%-75%) and a DCR of 81%. Median TTP was 4.9 months (95% CI, 4.2-7.0) and mOS 10 months (95% CI, 8.2- 13.5). Most frequent G3-4 toxicities: leucopenia (29%), asthenia (27%), skin rash (25%), neutropenia (19%), anorexia (17%), febrile neutropenia (13%), and diarrhea (15%). EGFR expression tested both with dd-PCR and FISH was not associated with any significant clinical benefit from treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose-dense DCF plus panitumumab is an active regimen. However, the toxicity profile of this limits further development. Further research on predictive biomarkers for treatment efficacy in AGC is required.Clinical trial information: 2009-016962-10.

Real-life clinical practice results with vinflunine in patients with relapsed platinum-treated metastatic urothelial carcinoma: an Italian multicenter study (MOVIE-GOIRC 01-2014)

Background

Vinflunine is the only chemotherapeutic agent shown to improve survival in platinum-refractory patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (TCCU) in a phase III clinical trial, which led to product registration for this indication in Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of vinflunine and to evaluate the prognostic significance of risk factors in a large, unselected cohort of patients with metastatic TCCU treated according to routine clinical practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study. Italian cancer centers were selected if, according to the Registry of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), at least four patients had been treated with vinflunine between February 2011 and June 2014, after first- or second-line platinum-based chemotherapy. The primary objective was to test whether the efficacy measured by overall survival (OS) in the registration study could be confirmed in routine clinical practice. Multivariate analysis was carried out using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 217 patients were treated in 28 Italian centers. Median age was 69 years (IQR 62–76) and 84% were male; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) was ≥ 1 in 53% of patients. The median number of cycles was 4 (IQR 2–6); 29%, 35%, and 36% received an initial dose of 320 mg/m², 280 mg/m² or a lower dose, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and OS for the entire population was 3.2 months (2.6–3.7) and 8.1 months (6.3–8.9). A complete response was observed in six patients, partial response in 21, stable disease in 60, progressive disease in 108, with a disease control rate of 40%. Multivariate analysis showed that ECOG PS, number of metastatic sites and liver involvement were unfavorable prognostic factors for OS. Toxicity was mild, and grade 3–4 adverse effects were mainly: neutropenia (9%), anemia (6%), asthenia/fatigue (7%) and constipation (5%).

Conclusions

In routine clinical practice the results obtained with VFL seem to be better than the results of the registration trial and reinforce evidence supporting its use after failure of a platinum-based chemotherapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3466-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

High baseline lymphocyte count is a predictive biomarker of prolonged time to progression in patients with advanced solid tumors receiving checkpoint inhibitors

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Background: Biomarkers predicting response to checkpoint inhibitor are needed to better select patients most likely to benefit from treatment. We observed that baseline absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) can predict durable responses to anti-PD-1 antibodies in various malignancies. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with advanced solid tumors treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies. Pembrolizumab was given at 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks, Nivolumab at 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Peripheral ALC and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) from routine safety labs were collected at baseline, cycle 4 and cycle 8. Evaluation of response was based on irRECIST. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio [NLR = ANC/ALC] was stratified by ≤4 or > 4. The lymphocyte count cutoff was 1000/mm3. Time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences between groups were estimated with the log rank test. Results: We have retrospectively evaluated 40 patients with unresectable stage III/IV Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (squamous n. 17; 42.5%, adenocarcinoma n. 7; 17.5%), Malignant Melanoma (n.11; 27.5%), Renal Cell Carcinoma (n.5; 12.5%) treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies. 6 pts (15%) received treatment as 1st line, 14 pts (35%) as 2nd line, 20 pts (15%) as ≥ 3rd line. We observed a 29% partial response (PR), 31% stable disease (SD) and 40% progressive disease (PD). The overall response rate (ORR) was 29% [I.C. 95% 13-42]. Median TTP was 5.5 months [IC 95% 3.3-NR]. Median OS was not reached. Pts with baseline ALC ≥1000/mm3 had significantly longer TTP (median value not reached), compared with those who had ALC < 1000/mm3 (median TTP 2.8 months), p = 0.01. There was also a trend for longer TTP in patients with NLR < 4 vs ≥4 (4.9 vs 10.5 months, p 0.44). Conclusions: In our observation baseline ALC ≥1000/mm3 is a predictive biomarker of prolonged TTP in patients treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies. The potential predictive value of this test should be prospectively validated.

Presence of bone metastases(BM) at diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis and coagulation disorders (CD) in patients (pts) with advanced gastric cancer (AGC)

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Background: The presence of BM in AGC is a relatively uncommon finding and has a poor prognosis [Leporini C. 2015]. At diagnosis the presence of BM occurs in approximately 10-15% of pts with AGC.[Park 2011; Silvestris 2013]. Aim of this study is to describe the main features of pts with AGC and BM at diagnosis and the prognostic implications. Methods: A consecutive series of AGC followed at Cremona Oncology Division from November 2004 to Dicember 2016 and included in three consecutive prospective trials [Dalla Chiesa M. 2011; Tomasello G. 2013], were analyzed. All pts were treated with a modified DCF (docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil) given as a dose-dense regimen, every 14 days. We analyzed pts with BM at diagnosis (BMaD) and pts without BMaD. We evaluated baseline clinical and pathological parameters, the presence of coagulation disorders (CD) together with efficacy measures in the two groups. Results:218 pts with AGC were identified (38 with BMaD and 180 without BMaD).Main pts characteristics and results are reported in the Table below. Conclusions: The presence of BM at diagnosis in pts with AGC is not a rare event (21%) and identifies a population with a significantly poorer outcome and a higher incidence of CD, that need a clinical monitoring of coagulation parameters. More efforts are required to understand the reasons of the different prognosis and to find specific treatments to improve the survival. [Table: see text]

New developments in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: focus on balugrastim

Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia are two major complications of chemotherapy. Dose reductions, delays in treatment administration, and the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors are equally recommended options to preserve absolute neutrophil count in case of chemotherapy regimens bringing a risk of febrile neutropenia of 20% or higher. Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, such as filgrastim and lenograstim, have a short elimination half-life (t_1/2) and need to be used daily, while others, like pegfilgrastim and lipegfilgrastim, are characterized by a long t_1/2 requiring only a single administration per cycle. Balugrastim is a novel long-acting recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor obtained by means of a genetic fusion between recombinant human serum albumin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Albumin binding increases the molecular weight and determines a high plasmatic stability leading to a t_1/2 of ~19 days. Balugrastim’s efficacy, safety, and tolerability have been assessed in four different clinical trials involving breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin and docetaxel. Pegfilgrastim was chosen as a comparator. Balugrastim was noninferior to pegfilgrastim with regard to the reduction of mean duration of severe neutropenia during cycle 1. Moreover, both treatments were comparable in terms of efficacy and safety profile. Balugrastim was well tolerated, with the only related adverse event being mild to moderate bone pain. The aim of this review is to summarize the currently available literature data on balugrastim.

Optimizing chemotherapy in patients with metastatic transitional-cell carcinoma: High rate of complete response with two sequential dose-dense regimens of cisplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, followed by MVAC

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Background: Currently, cisplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel (CGP) and MVAC are the most active regimens in transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC). We tested the hypothesis that two sequential non-cross-resistant, dose-dense (DD) regimens may target different cancer cells, avoid drug resistance, and improve response rate. Methods: This is a phase II, single institutional trial, including patients (pts) with bladder, renal pelvis, or ureteral TCC. Primary end point was the rate of complete response (CR) after two sequential DD regimens. Primary analysis was carried out in the intention to treat (ITT) population.Patients with histological diagnosis of TCC, PS 0–2 (ECOG), adequate organ function and no previous systemic regimens were treated with 4 cycles of CGP DD followed by 4 cycles of M-VAC DD. All received peg-filgrastim after chemotherapy. Pts were evaluated with CT scan at the baseline, after 4 cycles, at the end of chemotherapy and then every 3 months for 2 years and 6 months thereafter. Results: 44 consecutive pts followed in the same oncology institution were included. Males were 73%; median age was 66 years; median PS ECOG was 1; Bajorin risk factors was 0 in 36%, 1 in 48%, 2 in 16%. After the first 4 cycles of CGP DD, we observed 6.8% CR, 43.2% PR, 38.6% SD, and 11.4% PD. After the 4 sequential cycles of M-VAC DD, we observed a global 27.3% of CR, 15.9% of PR, 18.2% of SD, and 13.6% of PD. Median TTP was 9.66 months (95% CI, 6.7-13) and median OS was 18.6 months (95% CI, 12-30). Main grade 3–4 toxicity included asthenia (26%), anemia (26%), neutropenia (9.5%), febrile (7%), thrombocytopenia (12%), and neurological toxicity (5%). No toxic deaths were seen. After a median follow up of 50 months, 4 of 12 patients who obtained a complete response are free of disease since more than 3 years. Conclusions: This sequential use of these two DD regimens leads to a 4-fold increase in CR, an increase in survival, and a possible cure for some patients. A phase III trial is warranted.

Rate of durable complete remission (CR) using two sequential, dose-dense regimens of cisplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel (CGP) followed by m-VAC in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC)

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Background: mUC is a chemotherapy sensitive tumor. Currently, CGP and MVAC are the most active regimens in this setting. According to Norton and Simon hypothesis, the administration of two sequential non cross-resistant, dose-dense chemotherapy regimens may target different cancer cells, avoid drug resistance, improve response rate and CR. Methods: Patients with histological diagnosis of mUC, PS 0–2 (ECOG), adequate organ function and no previous systemic regimens were treated with 4 cycles of CGP dose-dense (Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 d 1, Paclitaxel 140 mg/m2 d 1, Cisplatin 70 mg/m2 d 2 plus PegFilgrastim 6 mg on day 3, every 2 weeks) followed by 4 cycles of M-VAC (Methotrexate 30 mg/m2 d 1,Vinblastine 3 mg/m2 d 2, Doxorubicin 30 mg/m2 d 2, Cisplatin 70 mg/m2 d 2 plus Pegfilgrastim 6 mg on day 3 every 2 weeks). All were evaluated with CT scan at the baseline, after 4 cycles, at the end of chemotherapy and then every 3 months for two years and 6 months thereafter. Metastatic sites included retroperitoneal nodes, lung, liver and bone. Results: From January 2007, 35 consecutive pts followed in the same oncology institution were included. Male were 74%; median age 65 years; median PS ECOG was 1; Bajorin risk factors was 0 in 37%, 1 in 43%, 2 in 20%. All pts were hospitalized for three days and received chemotherapy with hydration and supportive therapy. After the first 4 cycles of CGP we observed 14.3% CR, 48.6% PR, 22.9% SD and 14.3% PD. After the 4 sequential cycles of M-VAC we observed a global 37.1% of CR, 25.7% of PR, 8.6% of SD and 28.6% of PD. Median TTP was 9.9 months ( 95 % CI, 7.53-14.83) and median OS was 24.27 months ( 95 % CI, 10.03-38.43). Main grade 3–4 toxicity included asthenia ( 27%), anemia (21%), neutropenia (12 %), febrile (9%), thrombocytopenia (9%) and peripheral neuropathy (6 %). After a median follow up of 33 months, 6 of 13 patients who obtained a complete response are free of disease. Conclusions: These data confirm that the sequential use of this two dose-dense regimens is very active and 17 % of patients maintained a CR status.

Final analysis of efficacy and safety of dose-dense chemotherapy with modified TCF regimen (TCF-dd) in elderly patients (pts) with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC)

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Background: Gastric cancer is more common in elderly pts with its highest incidence around the seventh decade of life. Most oncologists are reluctant to treat this population with the most active polichemotherapy combinations because of safety concerns. Subgroup analyses of elderly pts enrolled in European studies show limited and conflicting data.We previously reported on the feasibility and high activity of a dose-dense TCF regimen (Tomasello 2010). This is a retrospective analysis of efficacy and safety of this schema in the elderly pts subgroup (≥ 65 years). Methods: From Nov 2004 to Jan 2013, 119 consecutivepts with MGC, PS 0-2, not previously treated, received Docetaxel 70 mg/m2 d1, Cisplatin 60 mg/m2 d1, l-Folinic Acid 100 mg/m2 d1-2, followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus d1-2, and then 600 mg/m222 h c.i. d1-2, every 2 weeks, plus Pegfilgrastim 6 mg on day 3. Pts aged ≥ 65 years (60) received the same schedule with doses reducted by 30%. Results: Overall pts characteristics: 76% male, 24% female; median age: 65, range 31-81. A median of 4 cycles was administered. 102 pts were evaluable for response (86%) and all for toxicity. In pts aged ≥ 65 y, we observed 5 CR (8%), 26 PR (43%), 10 SD (17%) and 7 PD (12%); in younger pts: 3 CR (5%), 32 PR (54%), 9 SD (15%) and 10 PD (17%); ORR by ITT was 56% (95% CI 45-64). Median OS was 11,2 months (95% CI 9,4-14,1); in elderly and younger pts was 11,2 (95% CI 7,3-15,1) and 11,8 (95% CI 9,2-16,2), respectively. Out of 48 evaluable pts aged ≥ 65 years, 24 (50%) were treated at full doses without any delay. In the elderly most frequent grade 3-4 toxicities were: neutropenia (13%, p<0.0001), leucopenia (7%), thrombocytopenia (18%), anemia (3%, p=0.02), febrile neutropenia (8%), asthenia (27%), diarrhea (10%), nausea/vomiting (10%) and hypokalemia (17%); in the younger: neutropenia (56%), leucopenia (31%), thrombocytopenia (22%), anemia (15%), febrile neutropenia (15%), asthenia (41%), diarrhea (15%), nausea/vomiting (22%) and hypokalemia (20%). Conclusions: This study shows that elderly pts can be safely treated with a TCF-dd regimen with a 30% dose reduction achieving similar efficacy results as younger pts with lesser toxicity.

Efficacy and safety of dose-dense modified TCF regimen (TCF-dd) in metastatic or locally advanced gastroesophageal cancer (GEC)

4112

Background: TCF is a standard first line option for GEC. The Norton-Simon hypothesis suggests that chemotherapy efficacy can be enhanced by decreasing intervals between cycles. We previously reported on the high activity of TCF-dd in GEC (Tomasello 2010). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of this intensified dose-dense regimen in a single-center large cohort of patients (pts). Methods: 150 pts with measurable or evaluable GEC, PS 0-2, with adequate organ function, treated in our center from 2004 to 2012 received TCF-dd: Docetaxel (60-85 mg/m2 d 1), Cisplatin (50-75 mg/m2 d 1), l-Folinic Acid (100 mg/m2 d 1-2), 5-FU (400 mg/m2 bolus d 1-2, and 600 mg/m2 as a 22 h continuous infusion d 1-2), plus Pegfilgrastim 6 mg d 3, every 14 days. Pts aged ≥ 65 years received the same schedule with a dose reduction by 30%. Analysis was based on the intention to treat population. Results: At a median follow-up of 44 months, 128 pts were evaluable for response, all for survival. Median age 65 (range 31-81), M:F 112:38. 17 pts (11%) with locally advanced inoperable GEC, 133 pts (89%) with metastatic GEC. Metastatic sites: liver 40%, peritoneum 31%, bone 14%, lung 12%. A median of 4 cycles (range 1-7) per patient was administered. 33% required a dose reduction. 33% were treated without any delay. 10 CR, 74 PR, 24 SD and 20 PD were observed, for an ORR of 66% (95% CI 57-74). Median OS was 13 months (95% CI 9.7-14.2). Most frequent grade 3/4 toxicities: neutropenia (34%), asthenia (28%), thrombocytopenia (17%), hypokalemia (16%), diarrhea (11%), febrile neutropenia (10%), anemia (9%), and stomatitis (4%). 11 pts (7%) [7 metastatic, 4 locally advanced] became operable after TCF-dd and underwent surgery. We identified 12 metastatic pts (8%) with overall survival > 3 years and 7 (5%) still maintaining a long lasting CR at the time of the current analysis. Conclusions: TCF-dd in GEC is very active and may be an option for conversion therapy. Toxicity can be relevant and requires a careful monitoring.

Sequential chemotherapy with dose-dense docetaxel, cisplatin, folinic acid and 5-fluorouracil (TCF-dd) followed by oxaliplatin, folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan (COFFI) in locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (MGC)

4097

Background: MGC is a chemosensitive tumour. According to the Norton-Simon hypothesis, a reduction of tumor burden could best be achieved by shortening the interval between the cycles, and the resistance might be overcome by switching from initial chemotherapy to a new, non cross-resistant one. We previously reported on the high efficacy of a new strategy using 2 sequential, non cross-resistant chemotherapy regimens in MGC (Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 11 Jan; 67 (1): 41-8). Aim of this study is to evaluate this therapeutic approach in a larger case series. Methods: 43 patients (pts) treated at our centre from November 04 to April 11 were included. All pts were chemo-naïve and received 4 cycles of TCF-dd (see reference above for doses) every 2 weeks. Subsequently and irrespective of their response, they received 4 cycles of COFFI (see reference above ) every 2 weeks. In both regimens pegfilgrastim 6 mg sc on day 3 was included. Results: Median age: 63; 74% male. PS 0-1. After the first regimen (TCF-dd) 43 pts were evaluable for response.We registered 3 CR, 27 PR, 7 SD, 5 PD and 1 not evaluable for an ORR at ITT of 70% (95% CI, 58-85). All pts proceeded to the second regimen (COFFI) and 40 pts were evaluable for response. The 3 CR observed after TCF-dd were maintained. Among the 27 pts with PR after TCF-dd, 2 achieved CR, 14 improved the response, 6 maintained PR, 3 progressed. Among the 7 pts with SD after TCF-dd, 1 achieved CR, 3 achieved PR, 2 progressed and 1 is not valuable. Among the 5 pts with PD after TCF-dd, 1 achieved CR, 4 achieved RP. After COFFI we observed 5 CR, 21 PR, 9 SD and 5 PD. The ORR in the 40 pts was 60% (95% CI, 50-80). Considering both regimen ORR was 93%. mTTP was 12.1 months (95% CI, 8,1-16,2). mOS was 16.1 months (95% CI, 12.7-21.6). At Dec '11, 4 out of 8 pts who achieved CR are alive and disease free. Most frequent G3-4 toxicities were: astenia (32%), neutropenia (35%), anemia (14%), neurotoxicity (21%). Conclusions: The study confirms that a sequential dose-dense strategy using TCF-dd followed by COFFI is feasible and highly effective and deserves to be tested in a randomized study which is on going.

Multiple modification and protein interaction signals drive the Ring finger protein 11 (RNF11) E3 ligase to the endosomal compartment

Ring finger protein 11 (RNF11) is a small RING E3-ligase overexpressed in numerous human prostate, colon and invasive breast cancers. Although functional studies have implicated RNF11 in a variety of biological processes, including signal transduction and apoptosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying its function are still poorly understood. In this study we show that RNF11 is a membrane-associated E3 ligase co-localizing with markers of both the early and the recycling endosomes. Several modification and protein interaction signals in the RNF11 sequence are shown to affect its compartmentalization. Membrane binding requires two acylation motifs driving the myristoylation of Gly2 and the S-palmitoylation of Cys4. Accordingly, genetic removal of the myristoylating signal results in diffuse staining, whereas an RNF11 protein mutated in the palmitoylation signal is retained in compartments of the early secretory pathway. However, amino-terminal fusion to green fluorescent protein of a 10-residue peptide containing both acylation signals re-localizes the chimera to the plasma membrane, but it is not sufficient to direct it to the recycling compartment suggesting that additional signals contribute to the correct localization. In addition, we show that membrane anchoring through acylation is necessary for RNF11 to be post-translationally modified by the addition of several ubiquitin moieties and that loss of acylation severely impairs the in vivo ubiquitination mediated by the HECT E3-ligases Itch and Nedd4. Finally, in cells transfected with RNF11 we observe a correlation between high RNF11 expression, as in tumor cells, and a swelling of the endosomal compartment suggesting a possible role of the dysregulation of the endosome compartment in tumorigenesis.

Mapping the C terminal epitope of the Alzheimer's disease specific antibody MN423

The mapping of monoclonal antibody epitopes is now predominantly carried out using molecular diversity techniques, phage display in particular. However, until very recently, phage display methods have been inappropriate for the analysis of epitopes that require a free carboxy terminus. Here we describe the use of two different techniques to analyze the known C terminal epitope specificity of MN423, a monoclonal antibody specifically staining truncated tau in Alzheimer's brain. Using a lambda phage based C-terminal random peptide library, and an intracellular expression library based on truncated tau, we show that this antibody has an absolute requirement for a glycine at position -3 with respect to the C terminus. Both methods give similar results, and identify other important residues in the binding site. However, affinity analysis of synthetic peptides revealed that the affinity of the antibody for identified tripeptides was far lower than the pentapeptide sequence in the native target, and that this in turn was considerably below the affinity for the native target itself. This suggests that molecular diversity methods may define minimum, but not necessarily complete epitopes. The methods described here have a general application to the analysis of antibody epitopes suspected to be found at the C terminus.

Alternative bacteriophage display systems

Filamentous phage has been extensively used to implement various aspects of phage display technology. The success of these organisms as vectors to present foreign peptides and to link them to their coding sequences is a consequence of their structural and biological characteristics. Some of these properties, however, represent a limitation when one attempts to display proteins that cannot be efficiently exported through the bacterial membrane or do not fold properly in the periplasm. Thus, the desirability of developing alternative display systems was recognised recently and led to the development of a different class of display vectors that assemble their capsid in the cytoplasm and are released via cell lysis. This review describes and compares the properties of these alternative display systems.

Domain repertoires as a tool to derive protein recognition rules

Several approaches, some of which are described in this issue, have been proposed to assemble a complete protein interaction map. These are often based on high throughput methods that explore the ability of each gene product to bind any other element of the proteome of the organism. Here we propose that a large number of interactions can be inferred by revealing the rules underlying recognition specificity of a small number (a few hundreds) of families of protein recognition modules. This can be achieved through the construction and characterization of domain repertoires. A domain repertoire is assembled in a combinatorial fashion by allowing each amino acid position in the binding site of a given protein recognition domain to vary to include all the residues allowed at that position in the domain family. The repertoire is then searched by phage display techniques with any target of interest and from the primary structure of the binding site of the selected domains one derives rules that are used to infer the formation of complexes between natural proteins in the cell.

A novel peptide-SH3 interaction

SH3 domains constitute a family of protein-protein interaction modules that bind to peptides displaying an X-proline-X-X-proline (XPXXP) consensus. We report that the SH3 domain of Eps8, a substrate of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases, displays a novel and unique binding preference. By a combination of approaches including (i) screening of phage-displayed random peptide libraries, (ii) mapping of the binding regions on three physiological interactors of Eps8, (iii) alanine scanning of binding peptides and (iv) in vitro cross-linking, we demonstrate that a proline-X-X-aspartate-tyrosine (PXXDY) consensus is indispensable for binding to the SH3 domain of Eps8. Screening of the Expressed Sequence Tags database allowed the identification of three Eps8-related genes, whose SH3s also display unusual binding preferences and constitute a phylogenetically distinct subfamily within the SH3 family. Thus, Eps8 identifies a novel family of SH3-containing proteins that do not bind to canonical XPXXP-containing peptides, and that establish distinct interactions in the signaling network.