A global phase II randomized trial comparing oral taxane ModraDoc006/r to intravenous docetaxel in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer

STUDY AIM

ModraDoc006, an oral formulation of docetaxel, is co-administered with the cytochrome P450-3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitor, ritonavir (r): ModraDoc006/r. The preliminary efficacy and safety of oral ModraDoc006/r was evaluated in a global randomized phase II trial and compared to the current standard chemotherapy regimen of intravenous (i.v.) docetaxel and prednisone.

METHODS

103 mCRPC patients, chemotherapy-naïve with/without abiraterone and/or enzalutamide pretreated, with adequate organ function and evaluable disease per RECIST v1.1 and PCWG3 guidelines were randomized 1:1 into two cohorts. In Cohort 1, 49 patients received docetaxel 75 mg/m2 i.v. every 3 weeks (Q3W). In Cohort 2, 52 patients received ModraDoc006/r; 21 patients with a starting dose of ModraDoc006 30 mg with ritonavir 200 mg in the morning and ModraDoc006 20 mg with ritonavir 100 mg in the evening (30-20/200-100 mg) bi-daily-once-weekly (BIDW) on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 21-day cycle. To alleviate tolerability, the starting dose was amended to ModraDoc006/r 20-20/200-100 mg in another 31 patients. All patients received prednisone 10 mg daily. Primary endpoint was rPFS.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in rPFS between the 2 arms (p = 0.1465). Median rPFS was 9.5 months and 11.1 months (95% CI) for ModraDoc006/r and i.v. docetaxel, respectively. Partial response was noted in 44.1% and 38.7% measurable disease patients, and 50% decline of PSA was seen in 23 (50%) and 26 (56.5%) evaluable cases treated with ModraDoc006/r and i.v. docetaxel, respectively. The safety profile of ModraDoc006/r 20-20/200-100 mg dose was significantly better than i.v. docetaxel, with mild (mostly Grade 1) gastrointestinal toxicities, no hematologic adverse events, and neuropathy and alopecia incidence of 11.5% and 25%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ModraDoc006/r potentially represents a widely applicable, convenient, effective, and better tolerated oral taxane therapy option for mCRPC. Further investigation of ModraDoc006/r in a large randomized trial is warranted.

Sperm mitochondria dysfunction in response to testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men of reproductive age and its incidence is increasing globally. With the currently successful treatment and 95% survival rate, there is a need for deeper understanding of testicular cancer-related infertility. Most patients with testicular cancer experience semen abnormalities prior to cancer therapy. However, the exact mechanism of the effect of testicular cancer on sperm anomalies is not known. Mitochondria are organelles that play a crucial role in both tumorigenesis and spermatogenesis and their malfunction may be an important factor resulting in sperm abnormalities in testicular cancer patients. Within the scope of this review, we will discuss current knowledge of testicular cancer-related alterations in the ATP production pathway, a possible pathophysiological switch from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, as well as the role of oxidative stress promoting sperm dysfunction. In this regard, the review provides a summary of the impact of testicular cancer on sperm quality as a possible consequence of impaired mitochondrial function including the energy metabolic pathways that are known to be altered in the sperm of testicular cancer patients.

Distinct leukocyte populations and cytokine secretion profiles define tumoral and peritumoral areas in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignancy frequently diagnosed at the metastatic stage. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in RCC patients, including the peritumoral tissue microenvironment, to characterize the phenotypic patterns and functional characteristics of infiltrating immune cells. T cells from various compartments (peripheral blood, tumor, peritumoral area, and adjacent healthy renal tissue) were assessed using flow cytometry and Luminex analyses, both before and after T cell-specific stimulation, to evaluate activation status and migratory potential. Our findings demonstrated that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) exhibited heightened cytokine production compared to peritumoral T cells (pTILs), acting as the primary source of cytotoxic markers (IFN-γ, granzyme B, and FasL). CD8+ T cells primarily employed Fas Ligand for cytotoxicity, while CD4+ T cells relied on CD107a. In addition, a statistically significant negative correlation between patient mortality and the presence of CD4+CD107+ pTILs was demonstrated. The engagement with the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway was also more evident in CD4+ and CD8+ pTILs as opposed to TILs. PD-L1 expression in the non-leukocyte fraction of the tumor tissue was relatively lower than in their leukocytic counterparts and upon stimulation, peripheral blood T cells displayed much stronger responses to stimulation than TILs and pTILs. Our results suggest that tumor and peritumoral T cells exhibit limited responsiveness to additional activation signals, while peripheral T cells retain their capacity to respond to stimulatory signals.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Patients Treated With First-Line Immune Combinations for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Insights From the ARON-1 Study

BACKGROUND

Systemic treatment with immune combinations is the gold standard for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) worldwide. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a prognostic marker for several types of malignant neoplasms, including mRCC, in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Data regarding the prognostic value of the SII in patients with mRCC treated with immunotherapy are scarce and controversial.  METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data of patients with mRCC from 56 centers in 18 countries. SII (Platelet × Neutrophil/Lymphocyte count) was calculated prior to the first systemic treatment and cut-off was defined by a survival receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The primary objective of our retrospective study was to assess the outcomes of patients treated with first-line immunotherapy.  RESULTS: Data from 1034 mRCC patients was collected and included in this analysis. The SII cut-off value was 1265. After a follow-up of 26.7 months, and the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 39.8 and 15.7 months, respectively. According to SII (low vs. high), patients with low-SII had longer OS (55.7 vs. 22.2 months, P < .001), better PFS (20.8 vs. 8.5 months, P < .001), and higher overall response rate (52 vs. 37%, P = .033).

CONCLUSION

A high SII is associated with poor oncological outcomes in patients with mRCC. SII could be an easily accessible prognostic indicator for use in clinical practice.

A comprehensive analysis of CD47 expression in various histological subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma: exploring novel opportunities for macrophage-directed treatments

PURPOSE

The CD47 molecule, often referred to as the "do not eat me" signal, is frequently overexpressed in tumor cells. This signaling pathway limits phagocytosis by macrophages. Our objective was to determine CD47 abundance in various soft tissue sarcomas (STS) to investigate whether it could serve as a potential evasion mechanism for tumor cells. Additionally, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of CD47 expression by examining its association with different clinicopathological factors. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of CD47 in the context of emerging anti-tumor targeting approaches.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, formalin-fixed paraffine-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues of 55 treatment-naïve patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the abundance of CD47 molecule on tumor cells. The categorization of CD47 positivity was as follows: 0 (no staining of tumor cells), 1 + (less than 1/3 of tumor area positive), 2 + (between 1/3 and 2/3 of tumor area positive), and 3 + (more than 2/3 of tumor area positive for CD47). Next, we compared CD47 abundance between different tumor grades (G1-3). We used Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank test to analyze the differences in survival between patients with different CD47 expression. Moreover, we performed Cox proportional hazards regression model to evaluate the clinical significance of CD47.

RESULTS

CD47 is widely prevalent across distinct STS subtypes. More than 80% of high grade undifferentiated pleiomorphic sarcoma (UPS), 70% of myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) and more than 60% of liposarcoma (LPS) samples displayed a pattern of moderate-to-diffuse positivity. This phenomenon remains consistent regardless of the tumor grade. However, there was a tendency for higher CD47 expression levels in the G3 group compared to the combined G1 + G2 groups when all LPS, MFS, and UPS were analyzed together. No significant associations were observed between CD47 abundance, death, and metastatic status. Additionally, high CD47 expression was associated with a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival in the studied cohort of patients.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the potential of the CD47 molecule as a promising immunotherapeutic target in STS, particularly given its elevated expression levels in diverse sarcoma types. Our data showed a notable trend linking CD47 expression to tumor grade, while also suggesting an interesting correlation between enhanced abundance of CD47 expression and a reduced hazard risk of disease progression. Although these findings shed light on different roles of CD47 in STS, further research is crucial to assess its potential in clinical settings.

Planned Discontinuation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Lessons for the Era of Immunotherapy

Several regimens combining immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have recently been validated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). While immunotherapy is typically discontinued after 2 years in patients who neither progress nor experience limiting toxicity, according to the protocols of most recent phase III clinical trials, TKIs are to be continued until disease progression or the emergence of limiting toxicity. However, the prolonged use of TKIs is associated with significant toxicity and financial costs. This has sparked considerable debate about whether TKIs can be safely discontinued, particularly in mRCC patients who have achieved a verified complete response. This concise review examines the available evidence on TKI discontinuation in the context of mRCC management.

Corrigendum: Phase 3 CLEAR study in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: outcomes in subgroups for the lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab and sunitinib arms

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1223282.].

Association of the combined parameters including the frequency of primary cilia, PD-L1, Smoothened protein, membranous β-catenin and cytoplasmic β-catenin expression with the outcome of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

AIMS

The objective of this study was to investigate the association and combined prognostic significance of the PD-L1, Smoothened protein and β-catenin expressions in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

METHODS

The PD-L1, Smoothened protein and β-catenin expression were evaluated in 104 ccRCC patients. All studied tumor samples were acquired from nephrectomy specimens of primary tumors and not from biopsies or metastases. An indirect immunohistochemistry using polyclonal rabbit anti-Smoothened antibody, monoclonal mouse anti-human β-catenin-1 antibody, immunohistochemical assay PD-L1 28-8 pharmDx using monoclonal rabbit anti-PD-L1 antibody and anti-VHL (C- terminal) rabbit antibody was used. Immunohistochemistry was scored semiquantitavely.

RESULTS

Median overall survival (OS) was significantly better in patients with lower PD-L1 expression (≤5%), Smoothened protein (SMO) expression (<5%) or cytoplasmic β-catenin expression (≤75%) than in patients with higher expressions of these biomarkers (P<0.001, P=0.047, and P<0.001, respectively). Membranous β-catenin showed an opposite effect with its lower expression (≤75%) being associated with longer OS (P=0.020). There was significant association between PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (P=0.007) and significant association of tumor grade (WHO 2016) with membranous β-catenin (P<0.001), cytoplasmic β-catenin (P=0.005), pVHL (P=0.042), PD-L1 (P=0.049) and PD-1 (P=0.028) expression.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides the first data on the potential association and combined prognostic significance of frequency of primary cilia, PD-L1, Smoothened protein and β-catenin expression with the outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Favorable prognostic significance of membranous β-catenin expression and negative prognostic significance of cytoplasmic β-catenin expression in pancreatic cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of membranous β-catenin and cytoplasmic β-catenin expression in pancreatic cancer patients (pts). One hundred pts with histologically verified exocrine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively studied. The membranous β-catenin, cytoplasmic β-catenin, and cell nucleus β-catenin expression were immunohistochemically evaluated. The expression of membranous β-catenin was <5% in none of the pts, 5-25% in one patient, 26-50% in 2 pts, 51-75% in 14 pts, and >75% in 81 pts. The expression of cytoplasmic β-catenin was <5% in 34 pts, 5-25% in 42 pts, 26-50% in 18 pts, 51-75% in 3 pts, and >75% in one patient. The expression of β-catenin in the cell nucleus was negative in all pts. At the time of the last follow-up, 21 pts were alive and 79 pts had died. Median OS was 1.3 (0.4-2.3) years in pts with membranous β-catenin expression ≤75% and 1.7 (1.3-2.1) years in pts with membranous β-catenin expression >75% (p=0.045). Median OS was (1.3-2.0) 1.6 years in pts with cytoplasmic β-catenin expression ≤25% and 0.9 (0.5-1.2) years in pts with cytoplasmic β-catenin expression >25% (p=0.040). In the univariate Cox proportional hazard models HR (95% CI) was 0.556 (0.311-0.995) in pts with membranous β-catenin expression >75% (p=0.048) and 2.200 (1.216-3.980) in pts with cytoplasmic β-catenin expression >25% (p=0.009). The present results indicate a favorable prognostic significance of membranous β-catenin expression in pancreatic cancer.

Impact of Immunotherapy on Real-World Survival Outcomes in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are rapidly expanding, and immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors is a first- or second-line option for most patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present retrospective analysis was to explore the real-world impact of checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy compared with therapy using other types of targeted therapies using a large real-world database.

METHODS

RenIS, a registry of patients with mRCC was used as a data source. Outcomes were compared for cohorts treated with TKIs or mTOR inhibitors only [targeted therapy (TT) cohort] versus patients who received immunotherapy (IO) using a checkpoint inhibitor in any line of treatment (IO cohort). Data from a total of 1981 patients were extracted from the registry, including 1767 patients in the TT cohort and 214 patients in the IO cohort.

RESULTS

The median overall survival from the initiation of first-line treatment was 24.5 months versus not reached (p < 0.001) in the TT cohort versus the IO cohort, respectively [HR 0.23, 95% CI (0.17-0.31), p < 0.001]. The probability of 5-year survival was 24.2 versus 67.9% in the TT cohort versus the IO cohort, respectively. Immunotherapy in any line of treatment was associated with a lower risk of death. Overall survival was superior for patients receiving immunotherapy as the first or second treatment line compared with patients treated with non-immunological targeted therapy.

CONCLUSION

In real-world patients with mRCC, immunotherapy is associated with significant survival benefit. The present retrospective analysis shows the real-world benefit of second-line immunotherapy in patients previously treated with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors.

Phase 3 CLEAR study in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: outcomes in subgroups for the lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab and sunitinib arms

Introduction

The phase 3 CLEAR study demonstrated that lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved efficacy versus sunitinib as first-line treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Prognostic features including presence and/or site of baseline metastases, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid features have been associated with disease and treatment success. This subsequent analysis explores outcomes in patients with or without specific prognostic features.

Methods

In CLEAR, patients with clear cell RCC were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive either lenvatinib (20 mg/day) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg every 3 weeks), lenvatinib (18 mg/day) plus everolimus (5 mg/day), or sunitinib alone (50 mg/day, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). In this report, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were all assessed in the lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab and the sunitinib arms, based on baseline features: lung metastases, bone metastases, liver metastases, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid histology.

Results

In all the assessed subgroups, median PFS was longer with lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab than with sunitinib treatment, notably among patients with baseline bone metastases (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.52) and patients with sarcomatoid features (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.84). Median OS favored lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab over sunitinib irrespective of metastatic lesions at baseline, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid features. Of interest, among patients with baseline bone metastases the HR for survival was 0.50 (95% CI 0.30-0.83) and among patients with sarcomatoid features the HR for survival was 0.91 (95% CI 0.32-2.58); though for many groups, median OS was not reached. ORR also favored lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab over sunitinib across all subgroups; similarly, complete responses also followed this pattern.

Conclusion

Efficacy outcomes improved following treatment with lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab versus sunitinib in patients with RCC-irrespective of the presence or absence of baseline lung metastases, baseline bone metastases, baseline liver metastases, prior nephrectomy, or sarcomatoid features. These findings corroborate those of the primary CLEAR study analysis in the overall population and support lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a standard of care in 1L treatment for patients with advanced RCC.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02811861.

Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib in the East Asian subset of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma from the CLEAR trial

In the CLEAR trial, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab met study endpoints of superiority vs sunitinib in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. We report the efficacy and safety results of the East Asian subset (ie, patients in Japan and the Republic of Korea) from the CLEAR trial. Of 1069 patients randomly assigned to receive either lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab, lenvatinib plus everolimus or sunitinib, 213 (20.0%) were from East Asia. Baseline characteristics of patients in the East Asian subset were generally comparable with those of the global trial population. In the East Asian subset, progression-free survival was considerably longer with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib (median 22.1 vs 11.1 months; HR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.23-0.62). The HR for overall survival comparing lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib was 0.71; 95% CI: 0.30-1.71. The objective response rate was higher with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib (65.3% vs 49.2%; odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI: 1.07-4.28). Dose reductions due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) commonly associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors occurred more frequently than in the global population. Hand-foot syndrome was the most frequent any-grade TEAE with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (66.7%) and sunitinib (57.8%), a higher incidence compared to the global population (28.7% and 37.4%, respectively). The most common grade 3 to 5 TEAEs were hypertension with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (20%) and decreased platelet count with sunitinib (21.9%). Efficacy and safety for patients in the East Asian subset were generally similar to those of the global population, except as noted.

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus sunitinib as first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (CLEAR): extended follow-up from the phase 3, randomised, open-label study

BACKGROUND

In the primary analysis of the CLEAR study, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival versus sunitinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (data cutoff Aug 28, 2020). We aimed to assess overall survival based on 7 months of additional follow-up.

METHODS

This is a protocol-prespecified updated overall survival analysis (data cutoff March 31, 2021) of the open-label, phase 3, randomised CLEAR trial. Patients with clear-cell advanced renal cell carcinoma who had not received any systemic anticancer therapy for renal cell carcinoma, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, or any systemic investigational anticancer drug, were eligible for inclusion from 200 sites (hospitals and cancer centres) across 20 countries. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive lenvatinib (20 mg per day orally in 21-day cycles) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously every 21 days; lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab group), lenvatinib (18 mg per day orally) plus everolimus (5 mg per day orally; lenvatinib plus everolimus group [not reported in this updated analysis]) in 21-day cycles, or sunitinib (50 mg per day orally, 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off; sunitinib group). Eligible patients were at least 18 years old with a Karnofsky performance status of 70 or higher. A computer-generated randomisation scheme was used, and stratification factors were geographical region and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic groups. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival assessed by independent imaging review according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). In this Article, extended follow-up analyses for progression-free survival and protocol-specified updated overall survival data are reported for the intention-to-treat population. No safety analyses were done at this follow-up. This study is closed to new participants and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02811861.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 13, 2016, and July 24, 2019, 1417 patients were screened for inclusion in the CLEAR trial, of whom 1069 (75%; 273 [26%] female, 796 [74%] male; median age 62 years [IQR 55-69]) were randomly assigned: 355 (33%) patients (255 [72%] male and 100 [28%] female) to the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab group, 357 (33%) patients (275 [77%] male and 82 [23%] female) to the sunitinib group, and 357 (33%) patients to the lenvatinib plus everolimus group (not reported in this updated analysis). Median follow-up for progression-free survival was 27·8 months (IQR 20·3-33·8) in the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab group and 19·4 months (5·5-32·5) in the sunitinib group. Median progression-free survival was 23·3 months (95% CI 20·8-27·7) in the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab group and 9·2 months (6·0-11·0) in the sunitinib group (stratified hazard ratio [HR] 0·42 [95% CI 0·34-0·52]). Median overall survival follow-up was 33·7 months (IQR 27·4-36·9) in the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab group and 33·4 months (26·7-36·8) in the sunitinib group. Overall survival was improved with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (median not reached [95% CI 41·5-not estimable]) versus sunitinib (median not reached [38·4-not estimable]; HR 0·72 [95% CI 0·55-0·93]).

INTERPRETATION

Efficacy benefits of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab over sunitinib were durable and clinically meaningful with extended follow-up. These results support the use of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a first-line therapy for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

FUNDING

Eisai and Merck Sharp & Dohme.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

FINDINGS

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

INTERPRETATION

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

FUNDING

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

Insomnia in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors for cancer: A meta-analysis

Purpose

Insomnia in cancer patients is a common symptom contributing to poor quality of life and poor functioning. Sleep disturbances have been associated with inflammatory activity, and systemic cancer therapies chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy may cause insomnia. We have carried out a meta-analysis to estimate the occurrence of insomnia in patients with solid cancer treated with immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors (CPI).

Methods

PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for phase 3 studies in solid tumours where treatment included a checkpoint inhibitor in the experimental arm. Data on the incidence of insomnia were acquired from the adverse events tables available from clinicaltrials.gov and/or from the full texts. Random effect logistic model was used to compare pooled data. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochrane Q statistics and I2 statistics.

Results

A total of 54 studies (including six three-arm studies) involving 37,352 patients were included in the analysis. Insomnia was reported in 8.3% of subjects (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.0%-8.7%) treated with immunotherapy. Insomnia was significantly more common in patients receiving immunotherapy compared to those enrolled in study arms with inactive treatment (odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% CI 1.13-1.96). The odds for insomnia were similar between the arms for studies comparing CPI versus chemotherapy and CPI versus non-immunologic targeted therapies (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.94-1.22 and OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.90-2.18, respectively). The OR for insomnia was higher for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) receptor inhibitors compared to the inhibitors of programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 – 1.74).

Conclusion

Cancer immunotherapy using CPI is associated with insomnia but the odds of developing the symptom are not greater with immunotherapy than with other systemic modalities including chemotherapy and non-immunologic targeted therapies.

TElomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA): Physiological functions and relevance in cancer

Telomeres are complex protective structures located at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes. Their purpose is to prevent genomic instability. Research progress in telomere biology during the past decades has identified a network of telomeric transcripts of which the best-studied is TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). TERRA was shown to be important not only for the preservation of telomere homeostasis and genomic stability but also for the expression of hundreds of genes across the human genome. These findings added a new level of complexity to telomere biology. Herein we provide insights on the telomere transcriptome, its relevance for proper telomere function, and its implications in human pathology. We also discuss possible clinical opportunities of exosomal telomere transcripts detection as a biomarker in cancer precision medicine.

Incidence of fatigue associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancer: a meta-analysis

Background

Fatigue is one of the most common adverse effects associated with cancer immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Because treatment-related fatigue also frequently occurs in patients treated with non-immunological therapies, our study aimed to compare the incidence of fatigue in CPI-treated patients with that associated with non-immune therapies in randomised trials.

Methods

PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for phase III studies using a CPI alone or in combination with chemotherapy or non-immunologic targeted therapy in the experimental arm and control arm using inactive therapies such as placebo or observation, chemotherapy, or non-immunologic targeted therapy. Adverse events listed in the full texts as well as those available from clinicaltrials.gov were reviewed for all identified studies.

Results

A total of 60 studies involving 41 435 patients were included in the analysis. All-grade fatigue was reported in 30.4% of patients [95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9% to 31.0%] in the immunotherapy arms of the analysed studies. Using anti-programmed cell death protein 1 agents as reference, the odds ratio (OR) for fatigue was significantly higher both for anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 agents (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04-2.04) and the combination of anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 and anti-programmed cell death protein agents (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.12-1.83). Fatigue was significantly less likely to occur in patients treated with CPI compared with patients receiving chemotherapy (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.73-0.85), but significantly was more common in patients receiving the combination of CPI/chemotherapy compared with patients receiving chemotherapy alone (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22).

Conclusions

Although immunotherapy using CPIs was associated with treatment-related fatigue, the occurrence of all-grade fatigue was significantly higher in patients treated with chemotherapy compared with patients receiving CPIs. The risk of fatigue was higher for CPI/chemotherapy combinations than for chemotherapy alone. These results suggest that although the effects of CPIs and chemotherapy are additive, chemotherapy was the dominant cause of treatment-related fatigue in the analysed trials.

•

Fatigue is a common adverse event associated with cancer immunotherapy but also with other therapies and with cancer itself.

•

This meta-analysis analysed the incidence of fatigue reported in phase III trials of checkpoint inhibitors.

•

Fatigue was more common in patients treated with chemotherapy compared with patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors.

•

Chemotherapy was the dominant cause of fatigue in combinations of chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors.

A phase 2 randomized study of oral docetaxel plus ritonavir (ModraDoc006/r) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

5016

Background: Intravenous (IV) docetaxel and oral prednisone is a standard of care regimen in patients (pts) with mCRPC. ModraDoc006 is an oral formulation of docetaxel. To enhance bioavailability of ModraDoc006, it is co-administered with ritonavir (/r). The ModraDoc006 and ritonavir combination is active in multiple docetaxel and cabazitaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell-lines The oral combination (ModraDoc006/r) was compared to IV docetaxel in a randomized phase 2b study in pts with mCRPC evaluating two doses of ModraDoc006/r (30-20/200-100 mg and 20-20/200-100 mg). Data on outcomes in the larger cohort, receiving the lower dose, are being presented. Methods: Eligible pts had mCRPC, performance status of 0-1 and no prior chemotherapy for mCRPC. Sixty-two pts were enrolled in open label 1:1 randomized study comparing ModraDoc006/r 20-20 mg combined with 200-100 mg ritonavir in a bi-daily weekly schedule (“20-20/200-100 mg”), with IV docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in 21-day cycles. All pts received 5 mg oral prednisone twice daily. Primary endpoint was radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) per PCWG-3 criteria. Secondary objectives included ORR, PSA-PFS, time to skeletal related events, disease control rate, duration of response, and safety assessments. Results: 31 pts were enrolled on IV docetaxel 75 mg/m2 and 31 on ModraDoc006/r 20-20/200-100 mg. Of these, 57 were included in the analysis for rPFS, and 32 pts with measurable disease were included in the ORR analysis. Median PSA was 46 (range 1 to 1460 ng/ml). Prior therapy with enzalutamide in 8 pts, abiraterone in 10 pts. ModraDoc006/r was better tolerated with 0% all grades neutropenia and anemia, as compared to 26% (19% ≥G3) and 16% respectively on IV docetaxel. Neuropathy was significantly reduced at 9.7% G1 only on ModraDoc006/r vs 9.7% G1 and 19.4% G2 on IV docetaxel, whereas alopecia was reduced to 16.1% G1 and 6.5% G2 on ModraDoc006/r vs. 22.6% G1 and 19.4% G2 on IV docetaxel. GI toxicities were broadly comparable with diarrhea 32% (3% ≥G3) vs 29%, nausea 29% vs 13% and stomatitis 3% (G3) vs 13% (3% ≥G3), respectively. Conclusions: ModraDoc006/r demonstrated a favorable safety profile and comparable efficacy to IV docetaxel in pts with mCRPC, thus providing a compelling rationale for conduct of an expanded pivotal program. A key clinical program focus is the comparison of ModraDoc006/r to best available therapy in refractory mCRPC. Studies of ModraDoc006/r in other malignancies are also in active development. Clinical trial information: NCT04028388. [Table: see text]

Microsatellite Instability and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer - A Clinical Perspective

Approximately 4-5% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumours. These tumours present challenges in the clinical practice due to variant response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy and, perhaps, also non-immunologic targeted therapies. Recently, a breakthrough in the treatment of dMMR/MSI-H mCRC has been achieved with several clinical trials showing dramatic long-term benefit of immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors. Nevertheless, several questions remain regarding the optimisation of immunotherapy regimens and the use of biomarkers to identify populations set to derive the greatest benefit from immunotherapy. Combination regimens and/or the use of immunotherapy as a maintenance after induction non-immunologic systemic therapy may be the way forward to improve outcomes.

Single-course bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (1xBEP) as adjuvant treatment in testicular nonseminoma clinical stage 1: outcome, safety, and risk factors for relapse in a population-based study

Introduction:

Clinical stage 1 (CS1) nonseminomatous (NS) germ cell tumors involve a 30% probability of relapse upon surveillance. Adjuvant chemotherapy with one course of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (1xBEP) can reduce this risk to <5%. However, 1xBEP results are based solely on five controlled trials from high-volume centers. We analyzed the outcome in a real-life population.

Patients and Methods:

In a multicentric international study, 423 NS CS1 patients receiving 1xBEP were retrospectively evaluated. Median follow-up was 37 (range, 6–89) months. Primary end points were relapse-free and overall survival evaluated after 5 years. We also looked at associations of relapse with clinico-pathological factors using stratified Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression models. Treatment modality and outcome of recurrences were analyzed descriptively.

Results:

The 5-year relapse-free survival rate was 96.2%. Thirteen patients (3.1%; 95% confidence interval, 1.65–5.04%) relapsed after a median time of 13 months, of which 10 were salvaged (77%). Relapses were mostly confined to retroperitoneal nodes. Three patients succumbed, two to disease progression and one to toxicity of chemotherapy. Pathological stage >pT2 was significantly associated with relapse rate.

Conclusion:

The relapse rate of 3.1% found in this population of NS CS1 patients treated with 1xBEP at the routine care level was not inferior to the median rate of 2.3% reported from a meta-analysis of controlled trials. Also, the cure rate of relapses of 77% is consistent with the previously reported rate of 80%. This study clearly shows that the 1xBEP regimen represents a safe treatment for NS CS1 patients.

Impact of Delaying the Addition of Anti-EGFR in First Line of RAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Propensity-Weighted Pooled Data Analysis

Simple Summary

The first-line therapy of patients with RAS wild-type (WT) non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is usually 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy with either bevacizumab or an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The introduction of anti-epidermal growth factor antibodies is commonly delayed because of late RAS testing results. Our objective was to evaluate the impact on the overall survival of delayed anti-EGFR introduction strategy. This study compared 305 patients with delayed anti-EGFR introductions, 401 with immediate anti-EGFRs, and 129 with immediate anti-VEGFs. The study suggests that delayed introduction has no deleterious impact on survival compared to the immediate introduction of an anti-EGFR or of an anti-VEGF.

Abstract

The first-line therapy of patients with RAS wild-type (WT) non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is usually 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy with either bevacizumab or an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The addition of anti-EGFR antibodies is commonly delayed in clinical practice because of late RAS testing results. Our objective was to evaluate the impact on overall survival (OS) of a delayed anti-EGFR introduction strategy. This study pooled the data of two large retrospective studies. Patients with RAS WT non-resectable mCRC, treated in first line by a doublet chemotherapy with an anti-EGFR introduced with a delay of 2 to 4 cycles, were compared to an anti-EGFR and to an anti-VEGF that was introduced immediately. Patients numbering 305 in the delayed anti-EGFR group, 401 in the immediate anti-EGFR group, and 129 in the immediate anti-VEGF group were analyzed. After propensity scoring, there was no difference between the characteristics of the three groups. Median OS was 28.6 months (95% CI: 23.5–34.1) in the immediate anti-EGFR group, 35.1 (95% CI: 29.9–43.5) in the delayed anti-EGFR group, and 32.4 (95% CI: 25.4–44.8) in the immediate anti-VEGF group. There was no significant difference concerning median OS (p = 0.24) or progression-free survival (p = 0.56). This study suggests that delaying the introduction of an anti-EGFR has no deleterious impact on survival compared to the immediate introduction of an anti-VEGF or of an anti-EGFR.

Evaluating Alternative Ramucirumab Doses as a Single Agent or with Paclitaxel in Second-Line Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: Results from Two Randomized, Open-Label, Phase II Studies

Simple Summary

Ramucirumab is indicated at a dosage of 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks as monotherapy or in combination with paclitaxel for second-line advanced/metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. A post hoc analysis of the phase III trials REGARD and RAINBOW suggested a positive correlation between ramucirumab exposure and efficacy. Studies JVDB and JVCZ explored different ramucirumab dosing regimens as monotherapy and in combination with paclitaxel, respectively. Here we report results from these studies, in which JVDB evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of the currently registered dosing regimen for ramucirumab monotherapy and three exploratory dosing regimens, and JVCZ evaluated the efficacy and safety of a higher dosing regimen of ramucirumab in combination with paclitaxel in second-line gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma. Overall, the safety profiles were similar between the registered dose and the exploratory dosing regimens. However, a lack of a dose/exposure-response relationship supports the standard dose of ramucirumab as second-line treatment for patients with advanced/metastatic gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Abstract

Studies JVDB and JVCZ examined alternative ramucirumab dosing regimens as monotherapy or combined with paclitaxel, respectively, in patients with advanced/metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. For JVDB, randomized patients (N = 164) received ramucirumab monotherapy at four doses: 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W) (registered dose), 12 mg/kg Q2W, 6 mg/kg weekly (QW), or 8 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 (D1D8) every 3 weeks (Q3W). The primary objectives were the safety and pharmacokinetics of ramucirumab monotherapy. For JVCZ, randomized patients (N = 245) received paclitaxel (80 mg/m²-D1D8D15) plus ramucirumab (8 mg/kg- or 12 mg/kg-Q2W). The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS) of 12 mg/kg-Q2W arm versus placebo from RAINBOW using meta-analysis. Relative to the registered dose, exploratory dosing regimens (EDRs) led to higher ramucirumab serum concentrations in both studies. EDR safety profiles were consistent with previous studies. In JVDB, serious adverse events occurred more frequently in the 8 mg/kg-D1D8-Q3W arm versus the registered dose; 6 mg/kg-QW EDR had a higher incidence of bleeding/hemorrhage. In JVCZ, PFS was improved with the 12 mg/kg plus paclitaxel combination versus placebo in RAINBOW; however, no significant PFS improvement was observed between the 12 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg arms. The lack of a dose/exposure-response relationship in these studies supports the standard dose of ramucirumab 8 mg/kg-Q2W as monotherapy or in combination with paclitaxel as second-line treatment for advanced/metastatic gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib (LEN) plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) versus sunitinib (SUN) in the East Asian subset of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) from the phase 3 CLEAR trial

338

Background: In the phase 3 CLEAR trial that included patients with aRCC, LEN + PEMBRO demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio [HR] 0.39; 95% CI 0.32, 0.49; P < 0.001), overall survival (OS; HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49, 0.88; P = 0.005) and objective response rate (ORR; odds ratio 4.35; 95% CI 3.16, 5.97) vs SUN. Here we report the efficacy and safety results of the East Asian population subset of the CLEAR trial. Methods: Patients with aRCC and no prior systemic therapy were randomized (1:1:1) to receive 1 of 3 treatments including LEN 20 mg PO QD + PEMBRO 200 mg IV Q3W and SUN 50 mg PO QD (4 weeks on/2 weeks off). Randomization was stratified by geographic region and MSKCC prognostic groups. This analysis compares the efficacy and safety of LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN in the East Asian subset of the CLEAR trial including patients from Japan and the Republic of Korea. The primary endpoint was PFS; secondary endpoints included OS, ORR and safety. An independent review committee assessed tumors per RECIST v1.1. Median PFS and OS were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method; HR and 95% CI were estimated by a stratified Cox model. Odds ratios were estimated by a stratified Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Results: Of the 1069 patients randomized, 75 patients in the LEN + PEMBRO group and 65 patients in the SUN group were from East Asia. PFS was improved with LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN (median 22.1 vs 11.1 mo; HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23, 0.62). Median OS was not reached for both arms; the HR for OS comparing LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN was 0.71, 95% CI 0.30, 1.71. ORR was improved with LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN (65.3% vs 49.2%; odds ratio 2.14, 95% CI 1.07, 4.28). Grade ≥3 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 88.0% of patients in the LEN + PEMBRO group and in 79.7% of patients in the SUN group. The incidences and types of TEAEs were generally similar to the overall CLEAR population and were manageable with dose adjustments and appropriate concomitant therapies. Conclusions: Efficacy results for patients in the East Asian subset of the CLEAR trial were consistent with the results of the overall population. The safety profile of LEN + PEMBRO in the East Asian subset was also generally consistent with that of the overall population. Clinical trial information: NCT02811861. [Table: see text]

Phase 2 randomized trial of ModraDoc006/r, oral docetaxel plus ritonavir, versus intravenous docetaxel in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

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Background: Intravenous (IV) docetaxel and oral prednisone is a standard of care regimen in mCRPC. ModraDoc006 is a novel, oral tablet formulation of docetaxel. To enhance bioavailability, it is co-administered with ritonavir (/r), an inhibitor of cytochrome p450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein metabolic enzymes. The oral combination, denoted as ModraDoc006/r, may be superior to IV docetaxel in terms of safety profile, avoiding infusions, patient quality of life (QoL) and overall resource utilization. Safety of ModraDoc006/r in mCRPC was established in a previous phase Ib trial. Methods: We conducted an open label 1:1 randomized study of ModraDoc006/r bi-daily weekly dosing (BIDW) regimen versus IV docetaxel 75 mg/m2 in 21-day cycles. Initially, BIDW 30-20 mg ModraDoc006 combined with 200-100 mg ritonavir was administered on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 21-day cycle. After 39 patients the starting dose was reduced to 20-20 mg BIDW with ritonavir 200 mg in the morning and 100 mg with the evening dose to improve tolerability. All patients received 5 mg oral prednisone twice daily. Primary endpoint was radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) per PCWG-3 criteria. Secondary objectives were ORR, PSA-PFS, time to skeletal related events, disease control rate, duration of response, and safety assessments. Patient reported outcomes and health-related QoL was assessed with treatment satisfaction and FACT-P questionnaires at baseline and after cycles 3, 6 and 10. Results: Enrollment is complete with 101 patients accrued; 49 on IV docetaxel, 52 on ModraDoc006/r (21 on 30-20 mg and 31 on ModraDoc006/r 20-20 mg). 69 patients had measurable disease and median PSA was 67ng/ml (range 0,2 to 1697 ng/ml). IV docetaxel vs ModraDoc006/r 30-20 mg and 20-20 mg demonstrated ORR of 39% vs 50% and 33%, and PSA responses of 57% vs 53% and 48%. All grades neutropenia and neuropathy was noted in 0% and 6% with ModraDoc006/r 20-20 mg therapy and was better than the incidence of 14% (5% ≥G3) and 14% with ModraDoc006/r 30-20 mg, and 27% (20% ≥G3) and 31% respectively on IV docetaxel. Alopecia was also reduced at 23% on ModraDoc006/r 20-20 mg and 29% on ModraDoc006/r 30-20 mg vs 43% on IV docetaxel. GI toxicities were slightly more frequent, but predominantly mild, in the ModraDoc006/r arm: at 20-20 mg dose, all grades diarrhea 32% (3% ≥G3), nausea 29% and stomatitis 3% (G3); at 30-20 mg dose 62% diarrhea (19% ≥G3), 38% nausea and 14% stomatitis (5% ≥G3); and in IV docetaxel, 24% diarrhea, 16% nausea and 10% stomatitis (4% ≥G3). Conclusions: Hematological toxicities and adverse events neuropathy and alopecia were lower with ModraDoc006/r than with IV docetaxel. ModraDoc006/r represents a convenient, oral, tolerable option for patients with mCRPC. ModraDoc006/r has comparable efficacy and a favorable tolerability profile as compared to IV docetaxel and merits further development in patients with mCRPC. Clinical trial information: NCT04028388.

Mutational analysis of driver genes defines the colorectal adenoma: in situ carcinoma transition

A large proportion of colorectal carcinomas (CRC) evolve from colorectal adenomas. However, not all individuals with colonic adenomas have a risk of CRC substantially higher than those of the general population. The aim of the study was to determine the differences or similarities of mutation profile among low- and high-grade adenomas and in situ carcinoma with detailed follow up. We have investigated the mutation spectrum of well-known genes involved in CRC (such as APC, BRAF, EGFR, NRAS, KRAS, PIK3CA, POLE, POLD1, SMAD4, PTEN, and TP53) in a large, well-defined series of 96 adenomas and in situ carcinomas using a high-throughput genotyping technique. Besides, the microsatellite instability and APC and MLH1 promoter methylation were studied as well. We observed a high frequency of pathogenic variants in the studied genes. The APC, KRAS and TP53 mutation frequencies were slightly lower in adenoma samples than in in situ carcinoma samples. Further, when we stratified mutation frequency based on the grade, the frequency distribution was as follows: low-grade adenoma—high-grade adenomas—in situ carcinoma: APC gene 42.9–56.0–54.5%; KRAS gene 32.7–32.0–45.5%; TP53 gene 8.2–20.0–18.2%. The occurrence of KRAS mutation was associated with the presence of villous histology and methylation of the APC promoter was significantly associated with the presence of POLE genetic variations. However, no association was noticed with the presence of any singular mutation and occurrence of subsequent adenoma or CRC. Our data supports the multistep model of gradual accumulation of mutations, especially in the driver genes, such as APC, TP53 and KRAS.

Analysis of MicroRNA Expression Changes During the Course of Therapy In Rectal Cancer Patients

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in a tissue-specific manner. However, little is known about the miRNA expression changes induced by the therapy in rectal cancer (RC) patients. We evaluated miRNA expression levels before and after therapy and identified specific miRNA signatures reflecting disease course and treatment responses of RC patients. First, miRNA expression levels were assessed by next-generation sequencing in two plasma samplings (at the time of diagnosis and a year after) from 20 RC patients. MiR-122-5p and miR-142-5p were classified for subsequent validation in plasma and plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) on an independent group of RC patients (n=107). Due to the intrinsic high differences in miRNA expression levels between samplings, cancer-free individuals (n=51) were included in the validation phase to determine the baseline expression levels of the selected miRNAs. Expression levels of these miRNAs were significantly different between RC patients and controls (for all p <0.001). A year after diagnosis, miRNA expression profiles were significantly modified in patients responding to treatment and were no longer different from those measured in cancer-free individuals. On the other hand, patients not responding to therapy maintained low expression levels in their second sampling (miR-122-5p: plasma: p=0.05, EVs: p=0.007; miR-142-5p: plasma: p=0.008). Besides, overexpression of miR-122-5p and miR-142-5p in RC cell lines inhibited cell growth and survival. This study provides novel evidence that circulating miR-122-5p and miR-142-5p have a high potential for RC screening and early detection as well as for the assessment of patients' outcomes and the effectiveness of treatment schedule.

Administration of Nivolumab in Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Following Treatment With mTOR Inhibitors

BACKGROUND/AIM

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is currently considered a cornerstone of metastatic renal clear cell cancer (mRCC) therapy. Despite the general improvement in the survival of patients with mRCC, there are some clinical situations that have not been specifically evaluated in clinical trials, such as the use of everolimus before nivolumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis evaluating the efficacy of nivolumab in the real-world setting, including a subset of patients with previous mTOR inhibitor therapy.

RESULTS

From a total of 56 patients, 25 were pre-treated with everolimus before receiving nivolumab. The overall progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate were 10.3, 21.3 months, and 34%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in patients who were or were not pre-treated with everolimus.

CONCLUSION

mRCC patients should be treated with checkpoint inhibitors and prior use of mTOR inhibitors should not be a definitive exclusion criterium.

Mutational landscape of plasma cell-free DNA identifies molecular features associated with therapeutic response in patients with colon cancer. A pilot study

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has recently been used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting tumor-specific mutations. cfDNA may also be used for monitoring disease progression and treatment response, but so far researchers focused on one or few genes only. A genomic profile may provide better information on patient prognosis compared to single specific mutations. In this hypothesis-generating study, we profiled by whole exome sequencing serial plasma samples from 10 colon cancer (CC) patients collected before and after 5-fluorouracil-based therapy, and one year after diagnosis to determine alterations associated with treatment response. In parallel, genome profiling was also performed in patients' corresponding tumor tissue to ascertain the molecular landscape of resistant tumors. The mutation concordance between cfDNA and tumor tissue DNA was higher in more advanced tumor stages than in the early stages of the disease. In non-responders, a specific mutation profile was observed in tumor tissues (TPSD1 p.Ala92Thr, CPAMD8 p.Arg341Gln, OBP2A p.ArgTyr123CysHis). A pathogenic APC mutation (p.Ser1315Ter) was detected only in cfDNA of one poor responder one year after the diagnosis and after therapy termination. Another poor responder presented a likely pathogenic TP53 mutation (p.Arg110Pro) in cfDNA of all plasma samplings and in tumor tissue. In conclusion, cfDNA could be used for genetic characterization of CC patients and might be clinically useful for non-invasive therapy response monitoring.

Genetic variations in microRNA-binding sites of solute carrier transporter genes as predictors of clinical outcome in colorectal cancer

One of the principal mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in highly frequent solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), is the decreased activity of drug transport into tumor cells due to low expression of important membrane proteins, such as solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Sequence complementarity is a major determinant for target gene recognition by microRNAs (miRNAs). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in target sequences transcribed into messenger RNA may therefore alter miRNA binding to these regions by either creating a new site or destroying an existing one. miRSNPs may explain the modulation of expression levels in association with increased/decreased susceptibility to common diseases as well as in chemoresistance and the consequent inter-individual variability in drug response. In the present study, we investigated whether miRSNPs in SLC transporter genes may modulate CRC susceptibility and patient's survival. Using an in silico approach for functional predictions, we analyzed 26 miRSNPs in 9 SLC genes in a cohort of 1368 CRC cases and 698 controls from the Czech Republic. After correcting for multiple tests, we found several miRSNPs significantly associated with patient's survival. SNPs in SLCO3A1, SLC22A2 and SLC22A3 genes were defined as prognostic factors in the classification and regression tree analysis. In contrast, we did not observe any significant association between miRSNPs and CRC risk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating miRSNPs potentially affecting miRNA binding to SLC transporter genes and their impact on CRC susceptibility or patient's prognosis.

Phase IIb trial of oral ModraDoc006/r as a tolerable and effective option in comparison with intravenous docetaxel in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

132

Background: ModraDoc006 is a novel, oral tablet formulation of docetaxel. To enhance bioavailability, it is co-administered with ritonavir (r), an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein. The oral combination, denoted ModraDoc006/r, has potential advantages in terms of patient convenience, elimination of infusion-related reactions and avoiding prophylactic steroid administration, as well as safety benefits. Safety and preliminary efficacy of ModraDoc006/r in mCRPC were established in a prior phase Ib trial. Methods: This is an open label 1:1 randomized phase IIb trial of ModraDoc006/r bi-daily once weekly (BIDW) regimen versus IV docetaxel 75 mg/m2 q day 21. Initially, BIDW 30-20 mg ModraDoc006 combined with 200-100 mg ritonavir was administered on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 21-day cycle. After 39 patients, the dose of ModraDoc006 was reduced to 20-20 mg BIDW to improve GI tolerability. All patients received 5 mg oral prednisone BID. Imaging is obtained every 8-9 weeks for the first 24 weeks, every 12 weeks thereafter. Initially mCRPC patients with RECIST 1.1 measurable disease were eligible; this was amended to evaluable disease per Prostate Cancer Working Group 3 (PCWG3) to allow for wider recruitment. No prior taxane therapy is allowed. The primary efficacy endpoint is radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) per PCWG3 criteria. Secondary objectives include objective response rate, PSA-PFS, time to skeletal related events, disease control rate, duration of response and safety. Patient reported outcomes, QoL and FACT-P questionnaires are assessed. It is expected that ModraDoc006/r will be as effective as IV docetaxel. A sample size of approximately 50 evaluable patients per arm will provide a point estimate of the primary endpoint of rPFS for this study. Results: At the data cut-off of 30 Nov 2020, 90 patients were enrolled in US and EU: 44 patients had been randomized to IV docetaxel and 46 to ModraDoc006/r, with 58 patients currently on treatment. Preliminary PSA response rates and rPFS were noted to be comparable in both treatment arms. ModraDoc006/r was mainly associated with mild and reversible GI-toxicity, of which grade and incidence were reduced at 20-20 mg compared to the initial dose-level of 30-20 mg ModraDoc006. Myelosuppression and neurotoxicity were low to negligible in the ModraDoc006/r arm, with low accompanying levels of alopecia. Conclusions: Adverse events of cytopenias and alopecia were lower with ModraDoc006/r, and preliminary efficacy appears comparable in both arms. Oral chemotherapy option has become critically important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data reveals that ModraDoc006/r is an attractive oral option in mCRPC with favorable toxicity profile and comparable efficacy. Clinical trial information: NCT04028388.

Body composition changes during and after curative chemotherapy in patients with testicular cancer

BACKGROUND

Testicular cancer is associated with excellent prognosis and cure is achieved in most patients with advanced cancer treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, testicular cancer survivors are at increased risk of accelerated atherosclerosis, which significantly contributes to their late morbidity and mortality. Atherosclerosis is associated with a higher proportion of fat mass and especially with increased amount of visceral fat. We explored the effects of cisplatin-based chemotherapy on body composition during and after the treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 30 testicular cancer patients before chemotherapy, after the second cycle of chemotherapy and three months after the end of chemotherapy. Body composition parameters were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

RESULTS

Three months after the end of chemotherapy the fat mass had increased from 22.04±7.15% to 23.92±7.33% (P=0.026) and visceral fat volume had increased by 17% from 2.36±1.75l to 2.77±1.94l (P=0.013). In the whole sample there was a decrease in muscle mass after the second cycle of chemotherapy (-1.33 ± 2 kg on average; P=0.005). The changes in body composition varied according to distinct baseline fat mass.

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was associated with increase of fat mass, visceral fat, and body mass index. We also observed decrease in muscle mass and total body water. Our results suggest that BIA could help to target preventative measures to avert the acceleration of atherosclerosis in patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with cabozantinib in the Czech Republic: analysis of four cancer centers

AIM

The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze treatment outcomes and tolerance in patients in whom cabozantinib was used after previous targeted therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cabozantinib was administered in dose 60 mg/day, a subset of patients received initial dose of 40 mg/day. The treatment was administered until to progression or unacceptable toxicity. CT scans were assessed according to the RECIST 1.1 and toxicity of treatment was assessed based on the CTCAE (version 4). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a multivariate analysis of risk factors for treatment outcomes (PFS, OS) by Cox regression analysis. All statistics were evaluated at the significance level alpha = 0.05.

RESULTS

54 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) were evaluated. Median PFS in all patients treated with cabozantinib was 9.3 months (95% CI 5.3 - 13.3). One-year survival was 85.2% (95% CI 72.9 - 93.4%). Treatment response was observed in 45.9% of cases, including one complete remission. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that presence of subsequent treatment was the only factor with a significant effect on OS (P=0.008). Adverse events occurred in 88.9% of patients, grade 3 - 4 in 46.3%.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of our cohort of patients treated with cabozantinib in the second or higher lines of treatment showed that cabozantinib represents an effective and safe therapy and contributes to longer survival of our mRCC patients.

Impact of Hormone Receptor Status on the Behaviour of HER2+ Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The study aimed to evaluate differences in the overall survival of HER2+ breast cancer patients treated with regard to their hormone receptors negativity or positivity. We evaluated a cohort of patients treated with trastuzumab in the Czech Republic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study is a retrospective analysis of patients whose data were recorded in a nationwide non-interventional, post-authorisation database BREAST. After propensity score matching of data, the cohort included 4,532 patients.

RESULTS

A significant difference in overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was found between patients with and without hormone dependence. The OS was significantly higher in the group of patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) tumours in the following cohorts: patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy, patients with advanced disease, G2 tumours, stage III and IV and in patients with stage II and III of G2 tumours.

CONCLUSION

Increased OS rates were found in several subgroups of patients with HR+/HER2+ tumours compared to those with HR-/HER2+ tumours. Better outcomes of HR+/HER2+ patients were only observed in the first four/five years of follow-up, and the differences disappeared over time.

Sarcopenia in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Cabozantinib

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is common in advanced cancer and correlates with poor performance status, increased risk of treatment-related toxicity, and shortened survival. Inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway have been associated with development or deterioration of sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia on survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with cabozantinib, a novel, highly potent multikinase inhibitor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients treated with cabozantinib for mRCC progressing on other targeted therapies with available computed tomography (CT) scans acquired at the time of initiation of cabozantinib and on the first restaging were evaluated retrospectively. Muscle mass was assessed based on striated muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra.

RESULTS

The median muscle mass index at CT1 and CT2 was 52.2 cm²/m² (range 33.0-69.2 cm²/m²) and 49.1 cm²/m² (range 33.1-68.2 cm²/m²), respectively. Sarcopenia was initially present in 13 (44.8%) patients. The mean muscle mass change between CT1 and CT2 was - 2.2 cm²/m² (range - 10.1 to + 4.8cm²/m²). Six-month progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly shorter in patients with at least 10% muscle loss, reaching 50% (95% CI 9.9-90) versus 79.8% (95% CI 62.1-90.6) in others (p = 0.022). The presence of initial sarcopenia was not associated with grade 3-4 toxicity, which was reported in six (46.2%) and seven (46.7%) patients with and without sarcopenia, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant and early skeletal muscle loss occurs during treatment with cabozantinib in a high proportion of patients and is associated with poor PFS.

Expression quantitative trait loci in ABC transporters are associated with survival in 5-FU treated colorectal cancer patients

The chemotherapeutic efficacy in colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited due to the inter-individual variability in drug response and the development of tumour resistance. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are crucial in the development of resistance by the efflux of anticancer agents from cancer cells. In this study, we identified 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 11 ABC transporter genes acting as an expression of quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), i.e. whose variation influence the expression of many downstream genes. These SNPs were genotyped in a case–control study comprising 1098 cases and 1442 healthy controls and analysed in relation to CRC development risk and patient survival. Considering a strict correction for multiple tests, we did not observe any significant association between SNPs and CRC risk. The rs3819720 polymorphism in the ABCB3/TAP2 gene was statistically significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in the codominant, and dominant models [GA vs. GG, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.48; P = 0.002; AA vs. GG, HR = 1.70; P = 0.004 and GA + AA vs. GG, HR = 1.52; P = 0.0006]. Additionally, GA carriers of the same SNP displayed worse OS after receiving 5-FU based chemotherapy. The variant allele of rs3819720 polymorphism statistically significantly affected the expression of 36 downstream genes. Screening for eQTL polymorphisms in relevant genes such as ABC transporters that can regulate the expression of several other genes may help to identify the genetic background involved in the individual response to the treatment of CRC patients.

Improved survival in patients with FDG-PET/CT-based radiotherapy treatment planning for squamous cell anal cancer

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the impact of FDG-PET/CT-based target volume definition on locoregional control and survival, compared to conventional CT-based target volume definition and dose prescription. One hundred and twenty-two patients with squamous cell anal cancer were treated with curative radiotherapy (RT) alone (27%) or with RT with concurrent chemotherapy (73%) and analyzed. Forty-six percent had the early disease (stage I+II) and 54% were stage III. FDG-PET/CT-based staging was performed in 21% of the patients. The mean follow-up time was 60 months. Other risk factors affecting survival were investigated. According to initial staging in both groups (FDG-PET/CT and conventional CT) were 10% of stage IV disease, and they were excluded from radical radiotherapy and treated with palliative intent. Ninety-two percent of the patients achieved complete remission. Significant favorable factors in univariate analysis associated with disease-free survival (DFS) were PET/CT staging, T1/2 and N0 stage, and clinical stage I and II. Locoregional control (LRC) correlated with the T1/2 stage and initial performance status (PS) 0. There were no significant factors affecting overall survival (neither in univariate nor multivariate analysis). In multivariate analysis, the factor associated with better DFS was PET/CT staging and for LRC, PS 0 and concomitant chemoradiation. Acute toxicity was increased in the concurrent chemo-radiotherapy group. Two-, five- and ten-year overall survival rates were 83%, 69%, and 60%; disease-free survival rates were 76%, 73%, 73%; local control rates were 91%, 90%, and 90% and colostomy-free survival was 89%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. PET/CT staging allowed targeted dose escalation to the primary tumor and nodal metastases while decreasing dose to uninvolved regions, resulting in significantly improved DFS without compromising locoregional control.

Regorafenib for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis of a Registry-Based Cohort of 555 Patients

Purpose

Regorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor approved for the therapy of previously treated metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcomes of treatment with regorafenib in real-world clinical practice based on data from a national registry.

Methods

The CORECT registry, the Czech non-interventional database of patients with mCRC treated with targeted agents, searched for patients with metastatic CRC treated with regorafenib. In total, 555 evaluable patients were identified.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 61.7 years. All patients had disease progression on or after previous systemic treatment. Most patients were treated with an initial dose of 160 mg daily (n = 463; 83.6%). The median duration of treatment was 2.7 months (range 0.0-23.4 months). By the data cut-off date, 472 patients (85%) had completed treatment with regorafenib and were evaluable for treatment response evaluation. Partial response was reported in 13 patients (2.8%) and disease stabilization in 130 patients (27.5%). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2-3.7 months) and 9.3 months (95% CI 8.3-10.3 months), respectively. The 6-month OS rate was 67.7% (95% CI 63.4-72.1%). Multivariable analysis showed that female gender, longer interval from diagnosis of metastatic disease, M0 stage at diagnosis, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0 were associated with longer PFS, while higher body-mass index (BMI), longer interval from diagnosis of metastatic disease, and ECOG PS of 0 were associated with longer OS.

Conclusion

OS of patients treated with regorafenib in the real-world clinical practice in this cohort exceeded that reported in randomized trials. Regorafenib is a safe and active treatment option for a subgroup of patients with mCRC who are progressing after other systemic therapies and maintain good performance status.

Methylation-Based Therapies for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC) is caused by the gradual long-term accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic changes. Recently, epigenetic alterations have been included in the classification of the CRC molecular subtype, and this points out their prognostic impact. As epigenetic modifications are reversible, they may represent relevant therapeutic targets. DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), regulates gene expression. For many years, the deregulation of DNA methylation has been considered to play a substantial part in CRC etiology and evolution. Despite considerable advances in CRC treatment, patient therapy response persists as limited, and their profit from systemic therapies are often hampered by the introduction of chemoresistance. In addition, inter-individual changes in therapy response in CRC patients can arise from their specific (epi)genetic compositions. In this review article, we summarize the options of CRC treatment based on DNA methylation status for their predictive value. This review also includes the therapy outcomes based on the patient's methylation status in CRC patients. In addition, the current challenge of research is to develop therapeutic inhibitors of DNMT. Based on the essential role of DNA methylation in CRC development, the application of DNMT inhibitors was recently proposed for the treatment of CRC patients, especially in patients with DNA hypermethylation.

The impact of circulating free tumor DNA (cfDNA) in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) management

e17519

Background: The clinical management of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) has not changed much for decades; most importantly, novel prognostic factors indicating the need of adjuvant chemotherapy and factors related to the development of cisplatin resistance would be needed. Circulating free tumor DNA (cfDNA) is an easily available and valuable source of genetic material, which may bring clinically relevant information. Methods: After ethical committee approval and patient informed consent, peripheral blood (PB) samples were taken from TGCT patients at the diagnosis (after orchidectomy), after 2 cycles of chemotherapy, at the end of treatment, and at relapse or disease progression, if applicable. Clinical data of all patients were recorded. The PB samples were processed immediately after collection, plasma was separated by centrifugation, cfDNA was extracted by QIAmp Circulating Nucleic Acid kits (Qiagen), its quality and quantity was assessed by capillary electrophoresis (Agilent) and qPCR for a house-keeping gene. Selected samples were subjected to whole exome sequencing using SureSelectXT HS + Human All Exon v6 kits (Agilent) on NextSeq (Illumina) platform, together with the corresponding primary testicular tumor and peripheral blood mononuclears as a germ-line control. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests. Results: Sixty-three samples of 41 patients have been analyzed. The median amount of detected cfDNA did not significantly differ from non-malignant controls, was similar in seminoma and non-seminoma pts, but was significantly higher (p = 0.01) in pts with disease progression. In pts with elevated cfDNA levels, these decreased after 2 and 4 cycles of chemotherapy. In 5 sequenced pts, molecular aberrations (somatic missense or frameshift mutations) were found in genes CDC27 (2 pts), RBMX (4 pts), TPTE2 (3 pts), and TSPAN16 (1 pt). These aberrations were also detected in primary tumors but with lower frequencies, and were not present in germ-line DNA. CDC27 mutations have been described in TGCT previously. The other genes have not yet been linked to TGCT, although their role in spermatogenesis and cell proliferation is well known. The presence of mitochondrial DNA was not detected in cfDNA. Conclusions: High levels of cfDNA are detectable in pts with disease progression where they reflect the total tumor load; the molecular analysis of cfDNA revealed novel aberrations that may play a role in TGCT development. Supported by grants MH CZ - DRO00064190TN, CDRO00064203FNM and MEYS NPU I LO1604

Factors associated with effectiveness of trifluridine/tipiracil versus regorafenib in patients with pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

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Background: Trifluridine/tipiracil (T) and regorafenib (R) are indicated for patients with refractory mCRC. Currently, no biomarkers are used to select which patient will benefit from which treatment. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 212 patients who received T and/or R. Different factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: T received 132, R 52, both drugs 28 patients. Median age was 64 (range 28-83), male 64%, PS 0 37%, median line of treatment 3, characteristic was similar between treatment groups. Median follow-up was 16.5 months. Median OS for T was 10.2, for R 6.9 months, P = 0.03. Factors significantly associated with OS were: ≥ 24 months from diagnosis of mCRC (0.49, P < 0.001), PS 0 (HR 1.54, P = 0.007), baseline WBC < 8 × 109/L (HR 0.47, P < 0.001), normal baseline CRP (HR 0.47, P < 0.001), ≥ 3 months from last therapy (fluoropyrimidine for T, anti-VEGF for R) (HR 0.66, P = 0.006). We developed a scoring system TASREG from these factors, 1 point for each factor, the overall score was the sum of these points and patients were divided into 3 groups: high risk group with 0 to 1 point, intermediate with 2 to 3, favorable with 4 or more points. OS for all patients according to risk group was 4.6 for high risk, 7.9 intermediate, 11.8 months favorable risk (P < 0.001). Score was also significant for T and R group evaluated separately. Score was also significant for PFS. Factors associated with OS specific for T were neutropenia G≥2 (HR 0.34, P < 0.001); for R normal baseline LDH (HR 0,40. P < 0.001), no liver metastases (HR 0.45, P = 0.002), non-synchronous disease (HR 0,40, P < 0.001). Conclusions: We could find factors associated with better outcomes for both treatment groups and factors specific for T or R. TASREG is simple prognostic tool for patients with refractory mCRC.

MiR-376b-3p Is Associated With Long-term Response to Sunitinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor routinely used as first-line therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) could be suitable biomarkers with predictive potential in mRCC. The aim of this study was to identify miRNA-based predictive biomarkers of therapy response to avoid unnecessary therapy to non-responding patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

High-throughput miRNA microarray profiling was performed on a cohort of 47 patients treated with sunitinib. Validation of candidate miRNAs was carried out on an independent cohort of 132 mRCC patients using qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Out of 158 miRNAs (65 down-regulated, 93 up-regulated), six miRNAs were chosen for independent validation and miR-376b-3p was confirmed to be differentially expressed in tumors of patients with primary resistance versus long-term response (p<0.0002).

CONCLUSION

A predictive miRNA associated with progression-free survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with sunitinib was identified.

Incidental Use of Beta-Blockers Is Associated with Outcome of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Bevacizumab-Based Therapy: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis of 514 Patients

Background: Beta-adrenergic signalling plays an important role in several cancer-related processes, including angiogenesis. The impact of beta-blocker use on prognosis of cancer patients treated with antiangiogenic agents is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the incidental use of beta-blockers and the outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with bevacizumab-based therapy. Methods: Clinical data from 514 mCRC patients treated with bevacizumab between 2005 and 2019 were analysed retrospectively. The association of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with the incidental use of beta-blockers and other common antihypertensive drugs was assessed. Results: The median PFS and OS for patients using beta-blockers was 11.40 (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.10–13.61) months and 26.8 (95% CI 22.2–32.2) months compared with 8.30 (95% CI 7.80–9.57) and 21.0 (95% CI 17.8–23.8) months for patients not using beta-blockers (p = 0.006 and p = 0.009, respectively). In the Cox multivariate analysis, the use of beta-blockers was a significant factor predicting both PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.763 (95% CI 0.606–0.960), p = 0.021) and OS (HR = 0.730 (95% CI 0.560–0.951), p = 0.020). Conclusions: The results of the present retrospective study suggest that there is a significant association between the use of beta-blockers and favourable outcomes of mCRC patients treated with bevacizumab-based therapy.

5-fluorouracil and other fluoropyrimidines in colorectal cancer: Past, present and future

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an essential component of systemic chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the palliative and adjuvant settings. Over the past four decades, several modulation strategies including the implementation of 5-FU-based combination regimens and 5-FU pro-drugs have been developed and tested to increase the anti-tumor activity of 5-FU and to overcome the clinical resistance. Despite the encouraging progress in CRC therapy to date, the patients' response rates to therapy continue to remain low and the patients' benefit from 5-FU-based therapy is frequently compromised by the development of chemoresistance. Inter-individual differences in the treatment response in CRC patients may originate in the unique genetic and epigenetic make-up of each individual. The critical element in the current trend of personalized medicine is the proper comprehension of causes and mechanisms contributing to the low or lack of sensitivity of tumor tissue to 5-FU-based therapy. The identification and validation of predictive biomarkers for existing 5-FU-based and new targeted therapies for CRC treatment will likely improve patients' outcomes in the future. Herein we present a comprehensive review summarizing options of CRC treatment and the mechanisms of 5-FU action at the molecular level, including both anabolic and catabolic ways. The main part of this review comprises the currently known molecular mechanisms underlying the chemoresistance in CRC patients. We also focus on various 5-FU pro-drugs developed to increase the amount of circulating 5-FU and to limit toxicity. Finally, we propose future directions of personalized CRC therapy according to the latest published evidence.