Patient-Reported Outcomes in OlympiA: A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Adjuvant Olaparib in gBRCA1/2 Mutations and High-Risk Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Early Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

The OlympiA randomized phase III trial compared 1 year of olaparib (OL) or placebo (PL) as adjuvant therapy in patients with germline BRCA1/2, high-risk human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative early breast cancer after completing (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy ([N]ACT), surgery, and radiotherapy. The patient-reported outcome primary hypothesis was that OL-treated patients may experience greater fatigue during treatment.

METHODS

Data were collected before random assignment, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary end point was fatigue, measured with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale. Secondary end points, assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Core 30 item, included nausea and vomiting (NV), diarrhea, and multiple functional domains. Scores were compared between treatment groups using mixed model for repeated measures. Two-sided P values <.05 were statistically significant for the primary end point. All secondary end points were descriptive.

RESULTS

One thousand five hundred and thirty-eight patients (NACT: 746, ACT: 792) contributed to the analysis. Fatigue severity was statistically significantly greater for OL versus PL, but not clinically meaningfully different by prespecified criteria (≥3 points) at 6 months (diff OL v PL: NACT: -1.3 [95% CI, -2.4 to -0.2]; P = .022; ACT: -1.3 [95% CI, -2.3 to -0.2]; P = .017) and 12 months (NACT: -1.6 [95% CI, -2.8 to -0.3]; P = .017; ACT: -1.3 [95% CI, -2.4 to -0.2]; P = .025). There were no significant differences in fatigue severity between treatment groups at 18 and 24 months. NV severity was worse in patients treated with OL compared with PL at 6 months (NACT: 6.0 [95% CI, 4.1 to 8.0]; ACT: 5.3 [95% CI, 3.4 to 7.2]) and 12 months (NACT: 6.4 [95% CI, 4.4 to 8.3]; ACT: 4.5 [95% CI, 2.8 to 6.1]). During treatment, there were some clinically meaningful differences between groups for other symptoms but not for function subscales or global health status.

CONCLUSION

Treatment-emergent symptoms from OL were limited, generally resolving after treatment ended. OL- and PL-treated patients had similar functional scores, slowly improving during the 24 months after (N)ACT and there was no clinically meaningful persistence of fatigue severity in OL-treated patients.

Combined Immunotherapy Improves Outcome for Replication-Repair-Deficient (RRD) High-Grade Glioma Failing Anti-PD-1 Monotherapy: A Report from the International RRD Consortium

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is effective for replication-repair-deficient, high-grade gliomas (RRD-HGG). The clinical/biological impact of immune-directed approaches after failing ICI monotherapy is unknown. We performed an international study on 75 patients treated with anti-PD-1; 20 are progression free (median follow-up, 3.7 years). After second progression/recurrence (n = 55), continuing ICI-based salvage prolonged survival to 11.6 months (n = 38; P < 0.001), particularly for those with extreme mutation burden (P = 0.03). Delayed, sustained responses were observed, associated with changes in mutational spectra and the immune microenvironment. Response to reirradiation was explained by an absence of deleterious postradiation indel signatures (ID8). CTLA4 expression increased over time, and subsequent CTLA4 inhibition resulted in response/stable disease in 75%. RAS-MAPK-pathway inhibition led to the reinvigoration of peripheral immune and radiologic responses. Local (flare) and systemic immune adverse events were frequent (biallelic mismatch-repair deficiency > Lynch syndrome). We provide a mechanistic rationale for the sustained benefit in RRD-HGG from immune-directed/synergistic salvage therapies. Future approaches need to be tailored to patient and tumor biology.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hypermutant RRD-HGG are susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors beyond initial progression, leading to improved survival when reirradiation and synergistic immune/targeted agents are added. This is driven by their unique biological and immune properties, which evolve over time. Future research should focus on combinatorial regimens that increase patient survival while limiting immune toxicity. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201.

Cardiac Safety and Efficacy of SB3 Trastuzumab Biosimilar for ERBB2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Trastuzumab has been the standard of care for the treatment of patients with ERBB2-positive breast cancer; however, cardiac events have been reported. This long-term follow-up study provides clinical evidence supporting the similarity of a trastuzumab biosimilar (SB3) to reference trastuzumab (TRZ).

Objective

To compare cardiac safety and efficacy between SB3 and TRZ for patients with ERBB2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer after up to 6 years of follow-up.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prespecified secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, conducted from April 2016 to January 2021, included patients with ERBB2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer from a multicenter double-blind, parallel-group, equivalence phase 3 randomized clinical trial of SB3 vs TRZ with concomitant neoadjuvant chemotherapy who completed neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment.

Interventions

In the original trial, patients were randomized to either SB3 or TRZ with concomitant neoadjuvant chemotherapy for 8 cycles (4 cycles of docetaxel followed by 4 cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide). After surgery, patients continued SB3 or TRZ monotherapy for 10 cycles of adjuvant treatment per previous treatment allocation. Following neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, patients were monitored for up to 5 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were the incidence of symptomatic congestive heart failure and asymptomatic, significant decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The secondary outcomes were event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 538 female patients were included (median age, 51 years [range, 22-65 years]). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the SB3 and TRZ groups. Cardiac safety was monitored for 367 patients (SB3, n = 186; TRZ, n = 181). Median follow-up was 68 months (range, 8.5-78.1 months). Asymptomatic, clinically significant LVEF decreases were rarely reported (SB3, 1 patient [0.4%]; TRZ, 2 [0.7%]). No patient experienced symptomatic cardiac failure or death due to a cardiovascular event. Survival was evaluated for the 367 patients in the cardiac safety cohort and an additional 171 patients enrolled after a protocol amendment (538 patients [SB3, n = 267; TRZ, n = 271]). No difference was observed in EFS or OS between treatment groups (EFS: hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.58-1.20; P = .34; OS: HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.36-1.05; P = .07). Five-year EFS rates were 79.8% (95% CI, 74.8%-84.9%) in the SB3 group and 75.0% (95% CI, 69.7%-80.3%) in the TRZ group, and OS rates were 92.5% (95% CI, 89.2%-95.7%) in the SB3 group and 85.4% (95% CI, 81.0%-89.7%) in the TRZ group.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, SB3 demonstrated cardiac safety and survival comparable to those of TRZ after up to 6 years of follow-up in patients with ERBB2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02771795.

Constitutional Microsatellite Instability, Genotype, and Phenotype Correlations in Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare recessive childhood cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mismatch repair variants. Constitutional microsatellite instability (cMSI) is a CMMRD diagnostic hallmark and may associate with cancer risk. We quantified cMSI in a large CMMRD patient cohort to explore genotype-phenotype correlations using novel MSI markers selected for instability in blood.

METHODS

Three CMMRD, 1 Lynch syndrome, and 2 control blood samples were genome sequenced to >120× depth. A pilot cohort of 8 CMMRD and 38 control blood samples and a blinded cohort of 56 CMMRD, 8 suspected CMMRD, 40 Lynch syndrome, and 43 control blood samples were amplicon sequenced to 5000× depth. Sample cMSI score was calculated using a published method comparing microsatellite reference allele frequencies with 80 controls.

RESULTS

Thirty-two mononucleotide repeats were selected from blood genome and pilot amplicon sequencing data. cMSI scoring using these MSI markers achieved 100% sensitivity (95% CI, 93.6%-100.0%) and specificity (95% CI 97.9%-100.0%), was reproducible, and was superior to an established tumor MSI marker panel. Lower cMSI scores were found in patients with CMMRD with MSH6 deficiency and patients with at least 1 mismatch repair missense variant, and patients with biallelic truncating/copy number variants had higher scores. cMSI score did not correlate with age at first tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

We present an inexpensive and scalable cMSI assay that enhances CMMRD detection relative to existing methods. cMSI score is associated with mismatch repair genotype but not phenotype, suggesting it is not a useful predictor of cancer risk.

IMMU-13. Dual CTLA4/ PD-1 blockade improves survival for replication-repair deficient high-grade gliomas failing single agent PD-1 inhibition: An IRRDC study

BACKGROUND: High-grade gliomas (HGG) with replication-repair deficiency (RRD) harbour high mutation burden (TMB) and are rapidly fatal following chemo-radiation approaches. Although hypermutation results in objective responses and prolonged survival in >30% of patients undergoing PD1-blockade, salvage following failure of PD1-inhibition remains a challenge. METHODS: We performed a real-world study of Ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4) in combination with Nivolumab/Pembrolizumab for patients failing single-agent PD1-inhibition. RESULTS: Among 68 consortium patients with relapsed HGG treated with single-agent PD1-inhibitors, progression was observed in 43 (63%). Ipilimumab was added to 20/43 (46.5%), 14 (32.5%) received best supportive care (BSC), and 9 (21%) received miscellaneous therapies. For patients receiving CTLA4/PD1-inhibition, median age at progression was 12.3-years (IQR: 9; 15.6). Time from anti-PD1 initiation to progression was 8-months (IQR: 3.8; 18.5). Germline predisposition was observed in all patients (CMMRD: 70%, Lynch: 25%, polymerase-proofreading deficiency: 5%). All HGG were hypermutant (median TMB: 182 mutations/Mb; IQR: 15.6; 369.4). Centralized radiology review revealed objective responses in 3/20 (15%, all ultra-hypermutant: 320, 496, 834 mutations/Mb), stable disease in 5 (25%), and 12 (60%) eventually progressed (iRANO). Following failure of PD1-blockade, estimated progression-free and overall survival at 18-months for patients receiving CTLA4/PD1-inhibition were 11% and 25%, respectively. Importantly, survival was superior to patients receiving BSC (median OS <1-month versus 12-months on CTLA4/PD1-inhibition; p<0.001). All patients receiving BSC died within 3.5-months, while 4/8 survivors were alive for >1-year on the anti-CTLA4/PD1combination (range:1-48 months). The combinational immunotherapy resulted in significant autoimmune toxicity in 11/20 (55%), warranting immunosuppressive therapy in all, and treatment abandonment in 6 patients. CONCLUSION: Combined CTLA4/PD1-blockade after failure of single-agent PD1-inhibition revealed objective responses and prolonged survival in an otherwise rapidly-fatal disease. This needs to be assessed in the context of significant autoimmunity, supporting the need for the current prospective trial (NCT04500548), and novel strategies to limit treatment-related toxicity.

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.

Abstract P2-13-04: Final survival analysis of a phase 3 study comparing SB3 (trastuzumab biosimilar) and reference trastuzumab in HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer

Background: SB3 (trastuzumab-dttb) is a biosimilar approved globally based on its similarity with reference trastuzumab (TRZ) demonstrated by thorough comparability exercises in analytical, biological, and clinical studies. In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter Phase 3 study of 875 patients with HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting, equivalent efficacy, similar safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity between SB3 and TRZ were shown. However, when quality attributes of TRZ were examined, downward drifts in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity activities (ADCC) were observed in the TRZ lots with expiry dates ranging from Aug 2018 to Dec 2019. Some of these lots of the reference product were found to be used in the Phase 3 study. After completing the Phase 3 study, patients from select countries were included in a follow-up observational study to monitor cardiac safety and survival. Here, we report the final survival results, including post-hoc subgroup analysis based on ADCC status, at a median follow-up of 68 months. Methods: During the follow-up observational study, the protocol was amended to include additional patients who originally were enrolled in the Phase 3 study but had not been followed in the observational study, in order to collect a larger sample of survival data. For these additional patients, medical records from the last assessment in the Phase 3 study through the date of enrollment in the follow-up study were collected retrospectively. As post-hoc analysis, patients in the TRZ arm were stratified into two subgroups: patients who received during neoadjuvant treatment at least one vial of TRZ with downward drift in ADCC as “Drifted TRZ”, and the others as “Non-drifted TRZ”. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results: Of 875 patients randomized in the Phase 3 study, 538 patients (SB3, N=267; TRZ, N=271) were enrolled in the follow-up observational study: 367 patients were initially enrolled in the follow-up study, and 171 patients were additionally enrolled following the protocol amendment. The median follow-up duration was 68 months from randomization in the Phase 3 study. 54 events (20.2%) in the SB3 arm, and 67 events (24.7%) in the TRZ arm were reported (HR 0.84 [0.58, 1.20], p=0.335). 22 deaths (8.2%) and 38 deaths (14%) were reported in SB3 and TRZ arms, respectively (HR 0.61 [0.36, 1.05], p=0.073). In post-hoc analysis, of 271 patients in TRZ arm, 107 patients were grouped as “Non-drifted TRZ”, and 164 patients as “Drifted TRZ”. 19 events (17.8%) in the Non-drifted TRZ group and 48 (29.3%) events in the Drifted TRZ group occurred (HR 2.57 [1.28, 5.14], p=0.008). 9 deaths (8.4%) in the Non-drifted TRZ group and 29 deaths (17.7%) in the Drifted TRZ group were reported (HR 3.87 [1.37, 10.93], p=0.011). No difference was observed between SB3 arm and Non-drifted TRZ group in terms of EFS (HR 1.28 [0.73, 2.22], p=0.391) and OS (HR 0.99 [0.42, 2.31], p=0.975). Conclusions: Comparable long-term efficacy results in EFS and OS were shown at 68 months of follow-up, further supporting biosimilarity of SB3 to the reference product. Currently, these follow-up results represent the longest monitoring data of patients treated with a trastuzumab biosimilar for HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer.

Citation Format: Xavier Pivot, Mark D Pegram, Javier Cortes, Diana Lüftner, Gary H Lyman, Giuseppe Curigliano, Igor M Bondarenko, Mikhail Dvorkin, Jin Hee Ahn, Seock-Ah Im, Maria Litwiniuk, Yaroslav V Shparyk, Gwo Fuang Ho, Nikolay V Kislov, Marek Wojtukiewicz, Tomasz Sarosiek, Yee Soo Chae, Jin Seok Ahn, Hyerin Jang, Sujung Kim, Jiwon Lee, Soo Young Lee, Ye Chan Yoon. Final survival analysis of a phase 3 study comparing SB3 (trastuzumab biosimilar) and reference trastuzumab in HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-04.

Abstract GS4-09: Quality of life results from OlympiA: A phase III, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adjuvant olaparib after (neo)-adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations and high-risk HER-2 negative early breast cancer

Background: The primary results from the OlympiA trial were recently reported (NEJM, 2021) after an interim analysis demonstrated statistically significant invasive disease-free survival (DFS) benefit from 1 year of olaparib (OL) vs. placebo (PL) after 2.5 yrs median follow-up. Although there were fewer deaths with OL than PL, overall survival (OS) did not reach the statistical significance threshold prespecified for interim analysis. The initial publication also reported on the adverse event profile, which was similar to that previously reported, as well as Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHQ), a secondary endpoint for the Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) sub-study. The full protocol-specified PRO analyses are presented here. Methods: The OlympiA randomized phase III trial (NCT02032823, BIG 6-13, NSABP B-55) tested the role of 1 year of adjuvant OL after completion of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and definitive local therapy on invasive DFS, distant DFS and OS, and sought to collect PRO data from all eligible patients (pts) prior to randomization, on treatment (trt) (6 and 12 months [mos]), and after trt (18 and 24 mos) using validated questionnaires available in multiple languages. Fatigue, the primary PRO endpoint, was measured with the FACIT-Fatigue Scale in which a clinically meaningful (CM) difference is ≥3 points. Secondary PRO endpoints included gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (nausea and vomiting [NV], diarrhea) and multiple quality of life (QOL) domains assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C-30 questionnaire (CM differences: small 5-10 points, moderate 10-20 points [Osoba, 1998]). The primary protocol-specified PRO hypothesis was that during trt pts treated with OL may experience greater fatigue severity at 6 and 12 mos. Secondary PRO hypotheses included: a) pts receiving OL may experience greater severity of GI symptoms at 6 and 12 mos with no difference by 24 mos; b) no difference in fatigue severity post-trt at 18 and 24 mos; and c) no difference in QOL over duration of the PRO sub-study between OL and PL as measured by the GHQ score and other EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales. A mixed model for repeated measures analysis compared the primary and secondary endpoints scores. Separate analyses were performed for neoadjuvant (NAC) and adjuvant (AC) chemotherapy subgroups due to differences in interval from NAC and AC to randomization. Two-sided p-values &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of 1,836 randomized pts, 1,751 (NAC: 875 [OL:440, PL: 435], AC: 876 [OL:436, PL:440]) were included in the PRO sub-study. Baseline QOL and symptom scores did not differ between OL and PL. Fatigue severity was statistically significantly greater in pts treated with OL than with PL at 6 mos (diff OL vs. PL: NAC -1.3 [95%CI -2.4, -0.2], p=0.024; AC -1.3 [-2.3,-0.2], p=0.017) and 12 mos (NAC -1.5 [-2.8,-0.2] p=0.025; AC -1.3 [-2.4,-0.1] p=0.027); however, the differences did not meet the pre-specified criterion for CM with the FACIT-Fatigue Scale. There were no meaningful differences in fatigue severity at 18 and 24 mos. NV symptom severity was worse in pts treated with OL than with PL with small differences at 6 mos (NAC: 6.0 [4.0, 8.0], p&lt;0.001, AC: 5.3 [3.4,7.2], p&lt;0.001) and 12 mos (NAC: 6.3 [4.4, 8.2], p&lt;0.001, AC: 4.5 [2.8,6.2], p&lt;0.001), and no differences at 18 and 24 mos. In general, there were no CM differences between OL and PL in terms of other symptoms and QOL subscales with improvements in functioning over time. Conclusions: Increased trt-emergent symptoms with OL were small and resolved after trt. QOL scores were similar and slowly improved during the 24 mos after (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy. Support: U10CA180868, -180822, UG1CA189867, AstraZeneca, Merck and Co, Inc. NCT02032823

Citation Format: Patricia A Ganz, Hanna Bandos, Tanja Spanic, Sue Friedman, Volkmar Müller, Sherko Kümmel, Suzette Delaloge, Etienne Brain, Masakazu Toi, Hideko Yamauchi, Eduardo-Martínez de Dueñas, Anne Armstrong, Seock-Ah Im, Chuangui Song, Hong Zheng, Tomasz Sarosiek, Priyanka Sharma, Giovanna Rossi, Priya Rastogi, Anitra Fielding, Richard D Gelber, Christine Campbell, Judy E Garber, Charles E Geyer, Jr, Andrew NJ Tutt, On behalf of the OlympiA Trial Steering Committeeand Investigators. Quality of life results from OlympiA: A phase III, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adjuvant olaparib after (neo)-adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations and high-risk HER-2 negative early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS4-09.

Genomic predictors of response to PD-1 inhibition in children with germline DNA replication repair deficiency

Cancers arising from germline DNA mismatch repair deficiency or polymerase proofreading deficiency (MMRD and PPD) in children harbour the highest mutational and microsatellite insertion–deletion (MS-indel) burden in humans. MMRD and PPD cancers are commonly lethal due to the inherent resistance to chemo-irradiation. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have failed to benefit children in previous studies, we hypothesized that hypermutation caused by MMRD and PPD will improve outcomes following ICI treatment in these patients. Using an international consortium registry study, we report on the ICI treatment of 45 progressive or recurrent tumors from 38 patients. Durable objective responses were observed in most patients, culminating in a 3 year survival of 41.4%. High mutation burden predicted response for ultra-hypermutant cancers (>100 mutations per Mb) enriched for combined MMRD + PPD, while MS-indels predicted response in MMRD tumors with lower mutation burden (10–100 mutations per Mb). Furthermore, both mechanisms were associated with increased immune infiltration even in ‘immunologically cold’ tumors such as gliomas, contributing to the favorable response. Pseudo-progression (flare) was common and was associated with immune activation in the tumor microenvironment and systemically. Furthermore, patients with flare who continued ICI treatment achieved durable responses. This study demonstrates improved survival for patients with tumors not previously known to respond to ICI treatment, including central nervous system and synchronous cancers, and identifies the dual roles of mutation burden and MS-indels in predicting sustained response to immunotherapy.

Hypermutation and microsatellite burden determine responses and long-term survival following PD-1 blockade in children and young adults with refractory cancers resulting from germline DNA replication repair deficiency.

Constitutional POLE variants causing a phenotype reminiscent of constitutional mismatch repair deficiency

Heterozygous POLE or POLD1 germline pathogenic variants (PVs) cause polymerase proofreading associated polyposis (PPAP), a constitutional polymerase proofreading deficiency that typically presents with colorectal adenomas and carcinomas in adulthood. Constitutional mismatch-repair deficiency (CMMRD), caused by germline bi-allelic PVs affecting one of four MMR genes, results in a high propensity for the hematological, brain, intestinal tract, and other malignancies in childhood. Nonmalignant clinical features, such as skin pigmentation alterations, are found in nearly all CMMRD patients and are important diagnostic markers. Here, we excluded CMMRD in three cancer patients with highly suspect clinical phenotypes but identified in each a constitutional heterozygous POLE PV. These, and two additional POLE PVs identified in published CMMRD-like patients, have not previously been reported as germline PVs despite all being well-known somatic mutations in hyper-mutated tumors. Together, these five cases show that specific POLE PVs may have a stronger "mutator" effect than known PPAP-associated POLE PVs and may cause a CMMRD-like phenotype distinct from PPAP. The common underlying mechanism, that is, a constitutional replication error repair defect, and a similar tumor spectrum provide a good rationale for monitoring these patients with a severe constitutional polymerase proofreading deficiency according to protocols proposed for CMMRD.

Cancers from Novel Pole-Mutant Mouse Models Provide Insights into Polymerase-Mediated Hypermutagenesis and Immune Checkpoint Blockade

POLE mutations are a major cause of hypermutant cancers, yet questions remain regarding mechanisms of tumorigenesis, genotype-phenotype correlation, and therapeutic considerations. In this study, we establish mouse models harboring cancer-associated POLE mutations P286R and S459F, which cause rapid albeit distinct time to cancer initiation in vivo, independent of their exonuclease activity. Mouse and human correlates enabled novel stratification of POLE mutations into three groups based on clinical phenotype and mutagenicity. Cancers driven by these mutations displayed striking resemblance to the human ultrahypermutation and specific signatures. Furthermore, Pole-driven cancers exhibited a continuous and stochastic mutagenesis mechanism, resulting in intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity. Checkpoint blockade did not prevent Pole lymphomas, but rather likely promoted lymphomagenesis as observed in humans. These observations provide insights into the carcinogenesis of POLE-driven tumors and valuable information for genetic counseling, surveillance, and immunotherapy for patients. SIGNIFICANCE: Two mouse models of polymerase exonuclease deficiency shed light on mechanisms of mutation accumulation and considerations for immunotherapy.See related commentary by Wisdom and Kirsch p. 5459.

Ramucirumab with cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic gastric or junctional adenocarcinoma (RAINFALL): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

VEGF and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2)-mediated signalling and angiogenesis can contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of gastric cancer. We aimed to assess whether the addition of ramucirumab, a VEGFR-2 antagonist monoclonal antibody, to first-line chemotherapy improves outcomes in patients with metastatic gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

For this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial done at 126 centres in 20 countries, we recruited patients aged 18 years or older with metastatic, HER2-negative gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, and adequate organ function. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) with an interactive web response system to receive cisplatin (80 mg/m2, on the first day) plus capecitabine (1000 mg/m2, twice daily for 14 days), every 21 days, and either ramucirumab (8 mg/kg) or placebo on days 1 and 8, every 21 days. 5-Fluorouracil (800 mg/m2 intravenous infusion on days 1-5) was permitted in patients unable to take capecitabine. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival, analysed by intention to treat in the first 508 patients. We did a sensitivity analysis of the primary endpoint, including a central review of CT scans. Overall survival was a key secondary endpoint. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02314117.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 28, 2015, and Sept 16, 2016, 645 patients were randomly assigned to receive ramucirumab plus fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin (n=326) or placebo plus fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin (n=319). Investigator-assessed progression-free survival was significantly longer in the ramucirumab group than the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·753, 95% CI 0·607-0·935, p=0·0106; median progression-free survival 5·7 months [5·5-6·5] vs 5·4 months [4·5-5·7]). A sensitivity analysis based on central independent review of the radiological images did not corroborate the investigator-assessed difference in progression-free survival (HR 0·961, 95% CI 0·768-1·203, p=0·74). There was no difference in overall survival between groups (0·962, 0·801-1·156, p=0·6757; median overall survival 11·2 months [9·9-11·9] in the ramucirumab group vs 10·7 months [9·5-11·9] in the placebo group). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia (85 [26%] of 323 patients in the ramucirumab group vs 85 [27%] of 315 in the placebo group), anaemia (39 [12%] vs 44 [14%]), and hypertension (32 [10%] vs 5 [2%]). The incidence of any-grade serious adverse events was 160 (50%) of 323 patients in the ramucirumab group and 149 (47%) of 315 patients in the placebo group. The most common serious adverse events were vomiting (14 [4%] in the ramucirumab group vs 21 [7%] in the placebo group) and diarrhoea (11 [3%] vs 19 [6%]). There were seven deaths in each group, either during study treatment or within 30 days of discontinuing study treatment, which were the result of treatment-related adverse events. In the ramucirumab group, these adverse events were acute kidney injury, cardiac arrest, gastric haemorrhage, peritonitis, pneumothorax, septic shock, and sudden death (n=1 of each). In the placebo group, these adverse events were cerebrovascular accident (n=1), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (n=2), pulmonary embolism (n=2), sepsis (n=1), and small intestine perforation (n=1).

INTERPRETATION

Although the primary analysis for progression-free survival was statistically significant, this outcome was not confirmed in a sensitivity analysis of progression-free survival by central independent review, and did not improve overall survival. Therefore, the addition of ramucirumab to cisplatin plus fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy is not recommended as first-line treatment for this patient population.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

[Trastuzumab and its biosimilars]

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used as a standard treatment for breast and metastatic gastric cancer when the cancer cells overexpress HER2, a membrane-bound receptor activated by EGF family of ligands. Due to the high cost of the therapy and no refund of the drug in many countries, there is still a large group of patients who do not have the opportunity to receive trastuzumab. A biosimilar is a medical product highly similar to another already approved biological medicine. Biosimilars are approved according to the same standards of pharmaceutical quality, safety and efficacy that apply to all biological medicines. Clinically effective biosimilars may expand patient access to trastuzumab therapy. In the coming months, European Medicines Agency (EMA) continues to increase the number of biosimilar approvals for trastuzumab, helping to promote competition that can lower therapy costs.

Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind Study Comparing the Efficacy, Safety, and Immunogenicity of SB3 (Trastuzumab Biosimilar) and Reference Trastuzumab in Patients Treated With Neoadjuvant Therapy for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Early Breast Cancer

Purpose

This phase III study compared SB3, a trastuzumab (TRZ) biosimilar, with reference TRZ in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive early breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02149524).

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive neoadjuvant SB3 or TRZ for eight cycles concurrently with chemotherapy (four cycles of docetaxel followed by four cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide) followed by surgery, and then 10 cycles of adjuvant SB3 or TRZ. The primary objective was comparison of breast pathologic complete response (bpCR) rate in the per-protocol set; equivalence was declared if the 95% CI of the ratio was within 0.785 to 1.546 or the 95% CI of the difference was within ± 13%. Secondary end points included comparisons of total pathologic complete response rate, overall response rate, event-free survival, overall survival, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.

Results

Eight hundred patients were included in the per-protocol set (SB3, n = 402; TRZ, n = 398). The bpCR rates were 51.7% and 42.0% with SB3 and TRZ, respectively. The adjusted ratio of bpCR was 1.259 (95% CI, 1.085 to 1.460), which was within the predefined equivalence margins. The adjusted difference was 10.70% (95% CI, 4.13% to 17.26%), with the lower limit contained within and the upper limit outside the equivalence margin. The total pathologic complete response rates were 45.8% and 35.8% and the overall response rates were 96.3% and 91.2% with SB3 and TRZ, respectively. Overall, 96.6% and 95.2% of patients experienced one or more adverse event, 10.5% and 10.7% had a serious adverse event, and 0.7% and 0.0% had antidrug antibodies (up to cycle 9) with SB3 and TRZ, respectively.

Conclusion

Equivalence for efficacy was demonstrated between SB3 and TRZ on the basis of the ratio of bpCR rates. Safety and immunogenicity were comparable.

[Duodenal adenocarcinoma - a case report]

The diagnosis of duodenal adenocarcinoma is still a complex gastrological and oncological problem. The described case illustrates the unusual character of the course, the reasonableness of the diagnostic procedures and the scope of the therapy undertaken. The causes of anemia, which was the first symptom of the disease, were not revealed in the tests carried out at this stage - gastroscopy, colonoscopy, with normal other basic laboratory tests. At the next episode, after 6 months from the first, the presence of a bleeding lesion within the duodenum was revealed. Further imaging and endoscopic examinations as well as the results of histopathological examinations from duodenum collected material were enabled the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. In urgent mode, the operation was performed using the Whipplle method, removing the duodenum, the pyloric part of the stomach, the part of the pancreas head and the gallbladder. After 6 weeks, chemotherapy was applied in accordance with accepted standards, obtaining stabilization and gradual improvement of the general condition of the patient, which was confirmed in the performed tests.

Ramucirumab treatment in patients with gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: Secondary analysis of efficacy and safety results of 4 dosing regimens in the phase II trial I4T-MC-JVDB

117

Background: Ramucirumab (RAM) is approved for treatment of advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma with disease progression after prior platinum and/or fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy at 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W). Previous phase 3 trials indicated that efficacy of RAM correlated with exposure. While the primary objectives of the open-label RAM monotherapy JVDB study were pharmacokinetics and safety, a secondary analysis was conducted on efficacy and safety of the 3 higher exposure regimens vs. the standard regimen. Methods: Patients ( n = 164) were randomized 1:1:1:1 to 4 treatment arms: 8 mg/kg Q2W (Arm 1), 12 mg/kg Q2W (Arm 2), 6 mg/kg every week (Arm 3), and 8 mg/kg Days 1 and 8 (D1D8) every 3 weeks (Q3W) (Arm 4). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were graded by NCI CTCAE v4.0. Tumor response was assessed by RECIST 1.1. Results: Median (months) progression-free survival (PFS) of the 3 arms and overall survival (OS) of 2 arms was increased compared to the standard regimen (Table). Best overall response was partial response (Arm 2, n = 4; Arm 3, n = 2). The majority of patients experienced ≥1 TEAE (81.4%); 39.1% had ≥1 Grade ≥3 event and 26.7% had ≥1 serious event. The most frequent Grade ≥3 events were fatigue (5.6%), abdominal pain (5.05%), hypertension (5.0%), anemia (4.3%), and vomiting (3.7%). Conclusions: Although the study was not powered for statistical comparisons, some trends toward improved efficacy vs. the standard regimen were observed; the greatest median PFS months and OS improvement was 1 month (Arm 2 vs. Arm 1; PFS = 2.50 vs. 1.45; OS = 6.74 vs. 5.68). Despite higher RAM exposures with the experimental regimens, the safety profile is similar to the standard dose regimen, and no unexpected safety findings were observed. Clinical trial information: NCT02443883. [Table: see text]

[Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) - a new group of medicines in therapy of advanced breast cancer]

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of enzyme proteins present in cell nuclei that regulate the various stages of the cell cycle. They act as proto-oncogens, and increased expression of some of these proteins (CDK4 and CDK6) is observed in breast cancer cells and associated with decreased sensitivity to anti-estrogen therapy. CDK inhibitors are chemicals that inhibit the enzymatic activity of specific CDKs. Currently three drugs in this group are available on the market and are registered for the treatment of advanced HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Two drugs in this class (palbociclib and ribociclib) are registered for first-line treatment in combination with letrozole, two (palbociclib and abemaciclib) are approved for second line therapy in combination with fulvestrant. In both indications, the addition of a CDK inhibitor to standard hormone therapy doubled the median progression-free survival (PFS).

[Systemic treatment of early breast cancer - current state of knowledge after the conference St Gallen 2017]

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women around the globe. It is also the world's first cause of female deaths from cancer. With the introduction of screening programs in most developed countries, more and more cases of this cancer are diagnosed at local or localized stages, enabling radical treatment to be successful. At the same time, systemic treatment of early breast cancer is one of the most complex issues in clinical oncology. Because of the many prognostic factors that need to be taken into account when considering eligibility for treatment such as age, reproductive status (before or after menopause), type of cancer and severity of the disease, it is impossible to establish clear standards of conduct for many clinical situations. The international biennial St Gallen conference, the world's most prominent breast cancer specialists, who are struggling to address major clinical problems in the treatment of early breast cancer. St Gallen's recommendations address all issues related to the treatment of early breast cancer (in particular surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment) and are set by a group of 52 experts by voting. This method allows us to establish consensus on issues that can not be clearly identified in the results of randomized clinical trials. In this way, more than 200 clinical issues were answered. The most important changes in day-to-day practice are the duration of ajuvant hormone therapy (10 instead of 5 years), the possibility of using aromatase inhibitors (in combination with ovarian function suppresion) in premenopausal women with high risk of recurrence and the timing of sentinel node biopsy after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. There are also recommendations, which patients should undergo genetic testing to assess the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.

A randomized, double-blind, phase III study comparing SB3 (trastuzumab biosimilar) with originator trastuzumab in patients treated by neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive early breast cancer

509

Background: SB3, a proposed biosimilar to the originator trastuzumab (TRZ), demonstrated similarity to its originator in terms of biological activities and pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence. This study compared SB3 to TRZ in terms of efficacy, safety, PK, and immunogenicity in patients treated by neoadjuvant therapy for HER2 positive early breast cancer (NCT02149524). Methods: Phase III, randomized, double blind, multicenter study compared neoadjuvant SB3 or TRZ for 8 cycles concurrently given with chemotherapy (docetaxel followed by 5-fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide). Then patients underwent surgery followed by 10 cycles of SB3 or TRZ. The primary endpoint was breast pathologic complete response (bpCR) rate. Equivalence was declared if the 90% confidence interval (CI) of the ratio or the 95% CI of the difference of the bpCR rates in the per-protocol set (PPS) were contained within the pre-defined equivalence margins (0.785, 1.546) and (-13%, 13%), respectively. Secondary endpoints were total pathologic complete response (tpCR), overall response rate (ORR), event-free survival, PK, immunogenicity, and safety. Results: 800 patients were included in PPS. The bpCR rates were 51.7% for SB3 and 42.0% for TRZ. The ratio of bpCR rate was 1.259 and its 90% CI was 1.112-1.426, within the pre-defined equivalence margin. The difference of bpCR rate was 10.70% and its 95% CI was 4.13-17.26; the lower margin was contained within, the upper margin was outside the pre-defined equivalence margin. Secondary endpoints were comparable between SB3 vs TRZ: tpCR rate (45.8% vs 35.8%); ORR (96.3% vs 91.2%). Safety was comparable between SB3 vs TRZ during neoadjuvant period: incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (96.6% vs 95.2%), most commonly neutropenia, alopecia, and nausea; incidence of serious adverse events (10.5% vs 10.7%). PK equivalence was demonstrated and immunogenicity between SB3 vs TRZ was comparable (0.7% vs 0.0%). Conclusions: Equivalence was demonstrated between SB3 and TRZ based on the ratio of bpCR rates. Safety, PK, and immunogenicity were similar. Complete safety and survival data will follow. Clinical trial information: NCT02149524.

MABp1 to improve clinical outcomes of patients with symptomatic refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients: Per-protocol population analysis of phase III study (PT026)

3530

Background: Refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients derive minimal benefit from further exposure to toxic agents. MABp1 is an anti-interleukin 1 alpha antibody that is shown to prolong survival (NCT01767857) and improves outcomes when assessed with a primary endpoint based on a constellation of objective and patient self-reported measures (NCT02138422) (Hickish T. et al Lancet Oncology 2017). In the latter study, clinically advanced patients were enrolled (symptomatic, ECOG 1,2), and 18% of patients progressed prior to reaching the endpoint assessments. Here we present the outcomes in per-protocol population (PP), those patients completing week 8 assessments. Methods: 309 patients randomized 2:1 to receive MABp1 versus placebo. Patients were ECOG 1-2, with mCRC refractory to chemotherapy, any degree of weight loss, and cancer-associated symptoms. The composite primary endpoint assessed the rate of patients achieving stabilization or improvement in lean body mass (LBM) and two of three symptom measures (pain, fatigue, appetite loss) from screening to the week 8 assessment. The study was designed for placebo cross-over, thus OS analysis for MABp1 vs placebo was not possible. Results: 57 patients (38 MABp1 [18%] and 19 placebo [19%]) discontinued study prior to the week 8 assessment due to disease progression, including 17 (8%) and 11 (11%) deaths in MABp1 and placebo respectively. 62% of placebo patients received MABp1 after 8 weeks. 252 patients, 40% in MABp1 (68/169) vs 23% in placebo (19/83) met the primary endpoint (p = 0.003). 139 patients were available for PP survival analysis (90 MABp1 vs 49 Placebo). Median OS of those achieving the primary endpoint was 11.7 months vs 5.7 months for those that did not (HR 0.39; p < 0.0001). Radiographic stable disease was improved (42% vs 12%; p < 0.001) and incidence of SAEs (6% vs 15%; p = 0.11) reduced in those achieving the primary endpoint. Conclusions: Achieving the primary endpoint was associated with improvement in outcomes, RECIST stabilization, SAEs and survival. Further study should confirm the effect of MABp1 on survival in this population. Clinical trial information: NCT02138422.

MABp1 as a novel antibody treatment for advanced colorectal cancer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

MABp1, an antibody that targets interleukin 1α, has been associated with antitumour activity and relief of debilitating symptoms in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. We sought to establish the effect of MABp1 with a new primary endpoint in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Eligible patients for the double-blind phase of this ongoing, placebo-controlled, randomised, phase 3 trial, had metastatic or unresectable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score 1 or 2, systemic inflammation, weight loss, and other disease-related morbidities associated with poor prognosis, and were refractory to oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive either MABp1 or placebo. Randomisation codes were obtained from a centrally held list via an interactive web response system. Patients received an intravenous infusion of 7·5 mg/kg MABp1 or placebo given every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was assessed in patients who received at least one dose of MABp1 or placebo (modified intention-to-treat population), and was a composite of stable or increased lean body mass and stability or improvement in two of three symptoms (pain, fatigue, or anorexia) at week 8 compared with baseline measurements. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02138422.

FINDINGS

Patients were enrolled between May 20, 2014, and Sept 2, 2015. The double-blind phase of the study was completed on Nov 3, 2015. Of 333 patients randomly assigned treatment, 207 received at least one dose of MABp1 and 102 at least one dose of placebo. 68 (33%) and 19 (19%) patients, respectively, achieved the primary endpoint (relative risk 1·76, 95% CI 1·12-2·77, p=0·0045). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events in the MABp1 group compared with in the placebo group were anaemia (eight [4%] of 207 vs five [5%] of 102 patients), increased concentration of alkaline phosphatase (nine [4%] vs two [2%]), fatigue (six [3%] vs seven [7%]), and increased concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (six [3%] vs two [2%]). After 8 weeks, 17 (8%) patients in the MABp1 group and 11 (11%) in the placebo group had died, but no death was judged to be related to treatment. The incidence of serious adverse events was not significantly different in the MABp1 group and placebo groups (47 [23%] vs 33 [32%], p=0·07).

INTERPRETATION

The primary endpoint was a useful means of measuring clinical performance in patients. MABp1 might represent a new standard in the management of advanced colorectal cancer.

FUNDING

XBiotech.

NEPA, a fixed oral combination of netupitant and palonosetron, improves control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) over multiple cycles of chemotherapy: results of a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial versus oral palonosetron

Purpose

Antiemetic guidelines recommend co-administration of targeted prophylactic medications inhibiting molecular pathways involved in emesis. NEPA is a fixed oral combination of a new NK₁ receptor antagonist (RA), netupitant (NETU 300 mg), and palonosetron (PALO 0.50 mg), a pharmacologically distinct 5-HT₃ RA. NEPA showed superior prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) compared with oral PALO in a single chemotherapy cycle; maintenance of efficacy/safety over continuing cycles is the objective of this study.

Methods

This study is a multinational, double-blind study comparing a single oral dose of NEPA vs oral PALO in chemotherapy-naïve patients receiving anthracycline/cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy along with dexamethasone 12 mg (NEPA) or 20 mg (PALO) on day 1. The primary efficacy endpoint was delayed (25–120 h) complete response (CR: no emesis, no rescue medication) in cycle 1. Sustained efficacy was evaluated during the multicycle extension by calculating the proportion of patients with overall (0–120 h) CR in cycles 2–4 and by assessing the probability of sustained CR over multiple cycles.

Results

Of 1455 patients randomized, 1286 (88 %) participated in the multiple-cycle extension for a total of 5969 cycles; 76 % completed ≥4 cycles. The proportion of patients with an overall CR was significantly greater for NEPA than oral PALO for cycles 1–4 (74.3 vs 66.6 %, 80.3 vs 66.7 %, 83.8 vs 70.3 %, and 83.8 vs 74.6 %, respectively; p ≤ 0.001 each cycle). The cumulative percentage of patients with a sustained CR over all 4 cycles was also greater for NEPA (p < 0.0001). NEPA was well tolerated over cycles.

Conclusions

NEPA, a convenient, guideline-consistent, fixed antiemetic combination is effective and safe over multiple cycles of chemotherapy.

Phase III double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of MABp1 for improving survival in metastatic colorectal cancer

TPS784

Background: Interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1a) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that initiates and propagates sterile inflammatory responses. IL-1a is present on the surface of tumors, and released from necrotic cells within the microenvironment, where it upregulates MMPs, VEGF, chemotactic cytokines, and IL-6 contributing to tumor growth and infiltration of the microenvironment by T-regulatory cells and tumor associated macrophages. IL-1a is also found on the surface of platelets and activates vascular endothelium allowing for circulating tumor cells to establish new areas of metastasis. Specific blockade of IL-1a with the true human IgG1k antibody MABp1, is expected to deprive the tumor of its ability to grow, spread, and evade immune surveillance. A phase I/II study showed radiographic evidence of tumor response in mCRC patients, as well as clinically meaningful improvement in cancer associated symptoms, with no significant toxicity. In the context of this therapy, the improvement in key cancer symptoms, including reversal of lean body mass loss, fatigue, and anorexia, is the direct result of an anti-neoplastic effect and is expected to correlate with an overall survival benefit. Methods: This “Phase III Study of MABp1 in Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer (XCITE)” is a global study of 600 patients, ECOG-PS 0-2, metastatic CRC refractory to oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluoropyrimidine, and EGFR-inhibitors if KRAS wildtype. Patients are randomized 2:1 to receive MABp1 7.5 mg/kg iv every two weeks plus best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo (iv Q2 week) plus BSC. BSC does not include any other therapy with proven anti-cancer activity. The primary endpoint is OS, with secondary endpoints of PFS, ORR, change in lean body mass, and QoL. Patients continue on trial until clinical or radiographic progression as defined by the immune related response criteria (irRC). The study is powered to show a clinically meaningful improvement in OS, evaluated by log-rank test with a one-sided alpha of 0.025. As of September 2015, enrollment is currently underway in the United States and Europe, and results of the first interim analysis are expected in 2016. [NCT01767857]. Clinical trial information: NCT01767857.

A randomized phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of NEPA, a fixed-dose combination of netupitant and palonosetron, for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting following moderately emetogenic chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Antiemetic guidelines recommend co-administration of agents that target multiple molecular pathways involved in emesis to maximize prevention and control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). NEPA is a new oral fixed-dose combination of 300 mg netupitant, a highly selective NK1 receptor antagonist (RA) and 0.50 mg palonosetron (PALO), a pharmacologically and clinically distinct 5-HT3 RA, which targets dual antiemetic pathways.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multinational, randomized, double-blind, parallel group phase III study (NCT01339260) in 1455 chemotherapy-naïve patients receiving moderately emetogenic (anthracycline-cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single oral dose of NEPA versus a single oral dose (0.50 mg) of PALO. All patients also received oral dexamethasone (DEX) on day 1 only (12 mg in the NEPA arm and 20 mg in the PALO arm). The primary efficacy end point was complete response (CR: no emesis, no rescue medication) during the delayed (25-120 h) phase in cycle 1.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with CR during the delayed phase was significantly higher in the NEPA group compared with the PALO group (76.9% versus 69.5%; P = 0.001), as were the percentages in the overall (0-120 h) (74.3% versus 66.6%; P = 0.001) and acute (0-24 h) (88.4% versus 85.0%; P = 0.047) phases. NEPA was also superior to PALO during the delayed and overall phases for all secondary efficacy end points of no emesis, no significant nausea and complete protection (CR plus no significant nausea). NEPA was well tolerated with a similar safety profile as PALO.

CONCLUSIONS

NEPA plus a single dose of DEX was superior to PALO plus DEX in preventing CINV following moderately emetogenic chemotherapy in acute, delayed and overall phases of observation. As a fixed-dose antiemetic drug combination, NEPA along with a single dose of DEX on day 1 offers guideline-based prophylaxis with a convenient, single-day treatment.

Bosutinib in combination with the aromatase inhibitor exemestane: a phase II trial in postmenopausal women with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Bosutinib is an oral, selective Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity in breast cancer (BC). We evaluated bosutinib plus exemestane as second-line therapy in previously treated hormone receptor-positive (HR+) locally advanced or metastatic BC.

METHODS

This was a phase II study with patients enrolled in a single-arm safety lead-in phase. Patients receiving bosutinib at 400 mg or 300 mg/day (based on toxicity) plus exemestane at 25 mg/day were monitored for adverse events (AEs) and dose-limiting toxicities for 28 days, and initial efficacy was assessed. After the lead-in and dose-determination phase, randomized evaluation of combination therapy versus exemestane was planned.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine of 42 patients (93%) experienced treatment-related AEs including diarrhea in 28 (67%) and hepatotoxicity in 11 (26%); overall serious treatment-related AEs were recorded in 4 (10%). No liver toxicity met Hy's law criteria. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 5 of 13 patients receiving 400 mg (38%) and 3 of 26 patients receiving 300 mg (12%) of bosutinib; all resolved on treatment discontinuation. One patient (300 mg/day) achieved confirmed partial response; three (400 mg/day, n = 2; 300 mg/day, n = 1) maintained stable disease for >24 weeks; a best response of progressive disease occurred in 15 of 42 patients (36%). Median progression-free survival was 12.3 weeks (80% confidence interval: 11.0-15.6).

CONCLUSION

The risk-benefit profile of bosutinib at 300 mg/day plus exemestane resulted in early study termination before the randomized portion. Alternative bosutinib regimens merit investigation in BC.

Bosutinib in combination with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole: a phase II trial in postmenopausal women evaluating first-line endocrine therapy in locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Endocrine therapy resistance in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) may involve crosstalk between HRs and growth factor signaling pathways. We evaluated bosutinib, a dual Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has previously demonstrated some antitumor activity in BC, plus letrozole as first-line endocrine therapy in locally advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- BC. METHODS; Sixteen postmenopausal women were enrolled in a phase II study evaluating the safety/efficacy of bosutinib plus letrozole. In the single-arm safety/dose-confirming lead-in (part 1), patients received oral bosutinib at 400 mg/day plus letrozole at 2.5 mg/day; adverse events (AEs) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were monitored, and initial efficacy was assessed. A randomized efficacy/safety phase (part 2) was planned to evaluate the combination versus letrozole monotherapy.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 16 subjects experienced treatment-related AEs, most commonly diarrhea (69%). Treatment-related hepatotoxicity AEs (primarily alanine aminotransferase [ALT] or aspartate aminotransferase [AST] elevations) occurred in 6 of 16 patients (38%). Four of 15 evaluable patients (27%) experienced a DLT (grade 3/4 ALT/AST elevations, n = 2; grade 3 rash, n = 1; grade 3 diarrhea or vomiting, n = 1), including 1 Hy's law hepatotoxicity case. All DLTs resolved following treatment discontinuation. One patient achieved confirmed partial response; one had stable disease for >24 weeks. Study termination occurred before part 2.

CONCLUSION

The unfavorable risk-benefit ratio did not warrant further investigation of bosutinib plus letrozole.

A phase II, randomized, multicenter study evaluating the combination of lapatinib and vinorelbine in women with ErbB2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer

Lapatinib is approved in combination with capecitabine for treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have progressed on prior trastuzumab in the metastatic setting. Vinorelbine is an important chemotherapy option for MBC. We evaluated efficacy and safety of lapatinib plus vinorelbine, compared with lapatinib plus capecitabine, in women with HER2-positive MBC. In this open-label, multicenter, phase II study, eligible patients (N = 112) were randomized 2:1 to lapatinib plus vinorelbine [(N = 75) 1,250 mg orally once daily (QD) continuously plus 20 mg/m(2)/day intravenously] or lapatinib plus capecitabine [(N = 37) 1,250 mg orally QD continuously plus 2,000 mg/m(2)/day orally, 2 doses]. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Other endpoints included overall survival (OS) and safety. Patients progressing within the study were given the option of crossover to the other treatment arm; time to second progression was an exploratory endpoint. Patient demographics, stratification, and prognostic factors were well balanced between treatments. Median PFS in both arms was 6.2 months [95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.2, 8.8 (lapatinib plus vinorelbine); 4.4, 8.3 (lapatinib plus capecitabine)]. Median OS on lapatinib plus vinorelbine was 24.3 months (95 % CI 16.4, NE) and 19.4 months (95 % CI 16.4, 27.2) on lapatinib plus capecitabine. In total, 42 patients opted to cross over; median PFS was 3.2 months (95 % CI 1.7, 5.1) on lapatinib plus vinorelbine and 4.0 months (95 % CI 2.1, 5.8) on lapatinib plus capecitabine. Lapatinib plus vinorelbine offers an effective treatment option for patients with HER2-overexpressing MBC, having displayed comparable efficacy and tolerability rates to lapatinib plus capecitabine.

A phase II randomized trial of lapatinib with either vinorelbine or capecitabine as first- and second-line therapy for HER2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

516

Background: Lapatinib (L) is approved for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive MBC in combination with capecitabine (C) following progression after trastuzumab, anthracyclines and taxanes. Vinorelbine (V) is an important chemotherapy option in MBC. This randomized, open-label, multicenter phase II study (NCT01013740) evaluated the efficacy and safety of L with either V or C in women with HER2+ MBC. The analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) and safety showed comparable rates of efficacy and tolerability between the 2 arms (Janni et al, SABCS 2012). Here we report the results of the overall survival (OS) and crossover analyses. Methods: Patients with MBC who had received ≤1 chemotherapy regimen in the metastatic setting were randomized 2:1 to either L 1250 mg orally once daily (QD) continuously + V 20 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks, or L 1250 mg orally QD continuously + C 2000 mg/m2/day orally in 2 doses, 12 hours apart on days 1-14 every 3 weeks. Patients were stratified by prior receipt of therapy for MBC and site of metastatic disease. The primary endpoint was PFS. Other endpoints included OS, overall response rate and safety. Patients progressing on one treatment arm were given the option of crossover to the other arm. All analyses were conducted with a descriptive intent only. The control arm of L+C was included in the study design to validate the patient population and lend support to the activity of L+V. Results: 112 patients were randomized in the study; 37 to the L+C arm and 75 to the L+V arm. The median OS in the L+C arm was 19.4 months [95% CI: 16.4-27.2] and 24.3 months [95% CI: 16.4-NE] in the L+V arm. At the time of analysis 42 patients had crossed over; 29 patients to L+C and 13 to L+V. Median PFS after crossover was 4 months [95% CI: 2.1-5.8] in the L+C arm and 3.2 months [95% CI: 1.7-5.1] in the L+V arm. Conclusions: L+V has shown consistent median OS with that reported in the pivotal study of L+C. The exploratory analysis of patients retreated with L after progression on L supports the biological rationale for maintaining HER2 suppression in HER2+ patients with progression on prior lines of anti-HER2 agents. Clinical trial information: NCT01013740.

Abstract P5-18-21: A Phase II randomized trial of lapatinib with either vinorelbine or capecitabine as first- and second-line therapy for ErbB2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

Background: Lapatinib (L), a dual kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor and ErbB2, is effective in the treatment of ErbB2+ MBC in combination with capecitabine (C) following progression after trastuzumab, anthracyclines, and taxanes. Vinorelbine (V) is an important chemotherapy option in MBC, and multiple Phase II trials have been conducted in combination with trastuzumab. This randomized, open-label, multicenter, Phase II study (LAP112620, VITAL) evaluated the efficacy and safety of L with either V or C in women with ErbB2+ MBC.

Methods: Patients with MBC who had received ≤1 chemotherapy regimen in the metastatic setting were randomized 2:1 to either L 1250 mg orally once daily (QD) continuously plus V 20 mg/m2 intravenously on Days 1 and 8, every third week, or L 1250 mg orally QD continuously plus C 2000 mg/m2/day orally in 2 doses 12 hours apart on Days 1–14 every third week. Patients were stratified by prior receipt of therapy for MBC (Y/N) and site of metastatic disease (visceral/soft tissue or bone-only). The primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) was assessed once all subjects had been followed for a minimum of 6 months or had otherwise progressed, died or withdrawn, if sooner. The primary focus was to evaluate PFS in the L plus V arm with a descriptive intent only. Other endpoints included overall response rate, overall survival, and safety. Patients progressing on one treatment arm were given the option of crossing over to the other arm.

Results: 112 patients were randomized. The results and conclusions sections will be updated once the primary analysis has been completed in September 2012.

ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT01013740

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-18-21.

OT1-02-09: A Phase II Randomized Trial of Lapatinib with Either Vinorelbine or Capecitabine as First- and Second-Line Therapy for HER2−Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer

Background: Lapatinib, a dual kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2/ErbB2), is approved for the treatment of HER2−overexpressing (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in combination with capecitabine following progression after trastuzumab, anthracyclines, and taxanes. Vinorelbine is an important chemotherapy option in MBC, and multiple phase II trials in combination with trastuzumab have been conducted.

Methods: This randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase II study (VITAL, LAP112620, NCT01013740) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of lapatinib with either vinorelbine or capecitabine in women with HER2+ MBC. A total of 105 stage IV breast cancer patients with disease progression who have received ≤1 chemotherapy regimen in the metastatic setting with an ECOG performance status of ≤1 are randomized 2:1 to either: lapatinib 1250 mg orally once daily (QD) continuously plus vinorelbine 20 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8 every third week; or lapatinib 1250 mg orally QD continuously plus capecitabine 2000 mg/m2/d orally in 2 doses 12 hours apart on days 1 to 14 every third week. Following progression in the randomized phase, patients will be given the option to cross over to the other arm. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival and will be analyzed with a descriptive intent since the study is not powered to detect differences between treatment arms. Secondary endpoints include overall response rate, overall survival, duration of response, time to response, and clinical benefit rate.

The study is currently recruiting in 8 countries in Europe (Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Spain) and 2 in Latin America (Chile, Mexico).

Funding Source: GlaxoSmithKline

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-02-09.

[Nephrotic syndrome in the course of primitive neuroectodermal tumor--case report]

Case of Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) in a 47 years old woman with renal failure and nephrotic syndrome is presented. Few similar cases in adults reported in the literature with a variable, nonspecific clinical presentation and an aggressive course are discussed.

Palifermin for prevention of oral mucositis after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation- single centre experience

PURPOSE

Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most debilitating and common side effects in patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy supported by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We tested the effectiveness of palifermin to avoid oral mucosal injury induced by the conditioning regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with haematological malignancies were treated with palifermin for prevention of OM during HSCT procedures. Nine patients received allogeneic haematopoietic stem cells, and in 11 autologous HSCT was performed. The control group was composed of patients who had been treated with HSCT previously, before the palifermin era. The source of graft was peripheral blood.

RESULTS

Among patients treated with palifermin no grade 2-4 OM was observed. No patient had to receive opioid analgesics or total parenteral nutrition. 30% of the patients developed grade 1 OM of 4-5 days' duration. In the control group OM was observed in all cases, with 50% of the patients developing grade 3-4 OM. Median duration of OM was 10 and 12 days for auto- and allogeneic patients, respectively. In comparison with the control group, treatment with palifermin was associated with significant reduction of grade 2-4 OM, shorter duration of OM, less analgesics intake, and reduced number of days with antibiotic treatment. Additionally, allogeneic patients treated with palifermin had shorter time to platelet engraftment.

CONCLUSION

Palifermin reduces incidence, severity and duration of OM, and decreases the number of days with analgesics and antibiotics. For allogeneic patients it can shorten the time to platelet engraftment, but this observation needs further studies.

Biochemical indices for the assessment of nutritional status during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: are they worth using? A single center experience

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is being used increasingly in an attempt to cure many hematological disorders, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. One of the major challenges in the post-transplant period is nutrition. The purpose of this investigation was to assess changes in the biochemical indices of nutritional status during HSCT and compare them with acute-phase protein levels to find the best parameters for nutritional support qualification. Nutritional status was assessed in 54 patients during autologous (30 cases) and allogeneic (24 cases) transplantation. Fifteen patients had to be treated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN), eight of them needing prolonged hospitalization. All nutritional indices and acute-phase protein levels were evaluated during the day before the beginning of conditioning regimen, after chemotherapy completion and every 7 days until engraftment, at least three times after stem cells infusion. Wilcoxon test and canonical analysis were used for statistical analyses. The measurement of retinol-binding protein and transferrin can be useful for nutritional assessment during autologous and allogeneic HSCT, respectively. Prealbumin level, measured 8 days after the end of conditioning regimen, is helpful in making a decision about starting TPN.

Multimodality treatment of germ cell cancer patients who had progression or relapse after high dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation

PURPOSE

When a patient with germ cell tumor (GCT) fails to be cured with high dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto- BMT) the overall prognosis is very poor and any further treatment has only palliative character. A question requiring answer is how intense should this kind of treatment be, and what can be expected from it.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 44 patients with GCT who were transplanted after HDC in our centre between 1999- 2005, 17 experienced treatment failure. Amongst them 14 had marker-positive relapse or confirmed germ cell histology. Another 3 had second primary neoplasms. Of the 17 patients 14 received further treatment that consisted of surgery alone in 2, chemotherapy in 2, radiotherapy in 1, combined surgery + chemotherapy in 5, chemotherapy +surgery + radiotherapy in 3 and chemotherapy + radiotherapy in 1 patient.

RESULTS

The median survival from the time of relapse was 3 months in all patients, and 6 months in the 14 patients who received further treatment. In 6 patients with relapse confined to a single site the median survival was 11 months. Three patients in this group are alive with overall survival (OS) of 37.4+, 24.3+ and 6.2+ months (all had multimodal treatment: chemotherapy + surgery or radiotherapy, and all achieved durable complete response/CR).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that GCT patients who have relapsed/ progressed after HDC may benefit from further treatment. Best chances for long term survival have those who experience relapse confined to one metastatic site and receive combined treatment (surgery or radiotherapy plus systemic therapy).

Nutritional assessment during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: single centre experience

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in several parameters of nutritional status, acute phase proteins' levels and evaluation of the usefulness of the investigated parameters for qualification for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The nutritional status was assessed in 24 patients. Biochemical and anthropometric indices of nutritional status as well as body fat and resting energy expenditure were assessed. The levels of acute phase proteins were estimated at the same time. All parameters were evaluated during the day before starting a conditioning regimen, after chemotherapy completion and every 7 days until engraftment, at least 3 times after stem cells infusion. Wilcoxon test and canonical analysis were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The measurement of body weight and estimation of transferrin levels can be useful for the nutritional assessment during allogeneic HSCT from sibling donors. Prealbumin level, measured 8 days after the conditioning regimen, can be helpful to make a decision for TPN. Statistically significant differences were found in the levels of biochemical indices of nutritional status and in resting energy expenditure (REE) between patients who received stem cells from the bone marrow and from peripheral blood. Values were lower and decreased earlier after transplantation when bone marrow was the source of HSCT.

CONCLUSION

These findings may indicate that the influence of transplantation procedures over patients' nutritional status is bigger when bone marrow is used as a source of hematopoietic stem cells.

How can we help patients with refractory chronic graft versus host disease- single centre experience

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in long-term survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Ocular involvement as well as dermal sclerosis, joint contractures and pathological changes in oral cavity are often refractory to treatment. This kind of patients require complex aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. We are still waiting for drugs against cGVHD, characterized by decreased infectious complications, encouraging efficacy and rare and reversible side effects. We describe eight patients who developed extensive chronic graft versus host disease with eye involvement after alloHSCT. All had ocular manifestations, which were refractory to the first and second line of systemic immunosuppressive therapy. All patients responded to the topical cyclosporine therapy, but clinical improvement was seen only since the fifth month of starting treatment. Topical cyclosporine was well tolerated. Other four patients with sclerodermoid type of skin changes, refractory to second line systemic immunosuppressive therapy, were treated with clofazimine. Clofazimine is a drug used to treat leprosy. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, clofazimine is used also as a second or third line therapy for various skin disorders including: pyoderma gangrenosum, lupus erythematosus, palmoplantar pustulosis and chronic graft versus host disease. All patients,who received clofazimine due to dermal sclerosis, joint contractures and oral manifestations, achieved partial or complete responses and were able to reduce other immunosuppressive drugs. Clofazimine was generally well tolerated.

Alemtuzumab, fludarabine and melphalan as a conditioning therapy in severe aplastic anemia and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome--single center experience

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice in young patients with severe aplastic anemia. The main causes of failure after this procedure are graft versus host disease, infections and graft failure, often exacerbated by large numbers of transfusions and prolonged disease duration before transplant.

METHODS

We report the results of allografting following conditioning with fludarabine, alemtuzumab and melphalan in: five patients with severe aplastic anemia and one with hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome. All patients had matched sibling donors. Source of hematopoietic stem cell was: bone marrow-2, blood-3, bone marrow and blood-1. The age of recipients was 18-26 years. Four patients received their graft as the first line therapy and two after failure of cyclosporine and antithymocyte globulin treatment. Number of transfused units including red blood cells and platelets before transplantation was 8-100 (median: 22) and 10-32 (median: 11), respectively. All donors and recipients were CMV-seropositive. Conditioning consisted of: alemtuzumab 30 mg/d (day -7 to -5), fludarabine 30 mg/m(2) (days -7 to -3) and melphalan 140 mg/m(2) at the day -2.

RESULTS

The time to granulocytes and platelets recovery was 15 and 25 days, respectively. All patients achieved full donor chimerism on day +60. Only two patients needed ganciclovir as preemptive therapy. Recurrent parvovirus B19 infection with pure red cell aplasia and acute viral B hepatitis was observed in one case. Pure red cell aplasia was successfully treated with immunoglobulins and cyclosporine discontinuation. With a follow-up of 16-39 (median: 29) months all patients are alive, and neither graft failure nor graft versus host disease, or any no other severe complications, was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that transplantation of hematopoietic stem cell using alemtuzumab, fludarabine and melphalan as a conditioning therapy is safe, inexpensive and effective treatment for patients with severe aplastic anemia, including multi-transfused adults having their disease for a long time.

Allogeneic non-myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma -- single center experience

We evaluated the efficacy of allogeneic non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation (NST) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A total of 5 patients received blood stem cells from HLA identical siblings. Conditioning consisted of: cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/d, days -7 to -6 and fludarabine 25 mg/m2/d for consecutive days [days -5, -4, -3, -2, -1]. The median CD34+ cell dose was 3.34 million/kg. Immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine A and methotrexate. Among all, four patients achieved full donor chimerism with a median of 89 days. One patient rejected the graft and received the second transplantation. Grade II-III acute GVHD occured in 3 patients. None of patients achieved complete or partial response and there were only two mixed responses. All patients died due to cancer progression. There were no transplant-related deaths. Summarising, NST regimen allows allogeneic engraftment with low treatment related mortality in this high-risk population of patients. Acute and chronic GVHD are the major morbidities. Progression is common after NST in unselected patients with advanced RCC. However, regression of some metastases suggests that the graft versus tumor effect may occur after this type of treatment. At present such a procedure should be considered as an experimental approach.