Outcomes of patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) treated with multi-kinase inhibitors other than imatinib as first-line treatment

Background

Imatinib is the standard first-line therapy in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). Investigational multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs) such as nilotinib, dasatinib or masitinib have been tested as first-line therapies in phase II/III studies. This might theoretically result either in increased survival or in early emergence of resistance to approved MKIs.

Methods

To assess whether using MKIs other than imatinib in first line decreases imatinib efficacy in second line for patients with GIST, a retrospective chart review was performed from 2005 to 2011 in two French tertiary centres of patients with GIST who received investigational MKIs (in phase II/III trials) as first-line treatment, followed by imatinib as second line.

Results

Of 46 patients, (55% women, median age 55 years (range 24–81)), 22 (47%) had a KIT exon 11 mutation, 1 a KIT exon 9 mutation (2%), 1 a PDGFRA D842V mutation (2%). Out of 46 patients, 21 (46%) received masitinib, 17 (37%) received dasatinib and 8 (17%) received nilotinib as first-line treatment with a median progression-free survival of 18.0 months (95% CI: 8.5 to 25.5). Median time to imatinib failure was 19.7 months (95% CI: 13.5 to 29.0). Median time to second relapse was 48.7 months (95% CI: 31.2 to 72.0). Median overall survival from time of initial metastasis diagnosis was 5.7 years (95% CI: 4.5 to 7.4).

Conclusions

Patients with GIST who received investigational MKIs as first-line treatment and imatinib as second line had a time to second relapse longer than that observed historically with imatinib in first line, suggesting that using MKIs other than imatinib in first line does not decrease the efficacy of subsequent treatment lines.

Detailed overview on rare malignant ovarian tumors

The group of rare malignant ovarian tumors includes the group of germ cell tumors, sex cords stromal ovarian tumors, small cell carcinoma, malignant Brenner tumors, rare epithelial tumors such as mucinous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, or low-grade serous carcinoma, as well as ovarian carcinosarcoma. Together they comprise about 10% of all ovarian tumors. Due to their low prevalence and their heterogeneity, data and treatment recommendations are limited. Even though all ovarian tumors are staged according to the FIGO staging of epithelial ovarian tumors, treatment differs especially in germ cell tumors and sex cords stromal ovarian tumors. Non-epithelial ovarian tumors can arise from a variety of ovarian precursor cells such as germ cells, granulosa cells, theca cells, or stromal fibroblasts. As can be expected already due to their divergent precursor lesions, these malignancies are substantially different but united by their rarity. This overview article gives a comprehensive summary on the pathology and clinical presentation, as well as therapy recommendations of a selection of those rare ovarian tumors, based on the latest national guidelines and related important publications.

Crizotinib in c-MET- or ROS1-positive NSCLC: results of the AcSé phase II trial

BACKGROUND

In 2013, the French National Cancer Institute initiated the AcSé program to provide patients with secure access to targeted therapies outside of their marketed approvals. Efficacy and safety was then assessed using a two-stage Simon phase II trial design. When the study design was designed, crizotinib was approved only as monotherapy for adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase plus non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Advanced NSCLC patients with c-MET ≥6 copies, c-MET-mutated, or ROS-1-translocated tumours were enrolled in one of the three cohorts. Patients were treated with crizotinib 250 mg twice daily. Efficacy was assessed using the objective response rate (ORR) after two cycles of crizotinib as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included disease control rate at four cycles, best ORR, progression-free survival, overall survival, and drug tolerance.

RESULTS

From August 2013 to March 2018, 5606 patients had their tumour tested for crizotinib targeted molecular alterations: 252 patients had c-MET ≥6 copies, 74 c-MET-mutation, and 78 ROS-1-translocated tumour. Finally, 25 patients in the c-MET ≥6 copies cohort, 28 in the c-MET-mutation cohort, and 37 in the ROS-1-translocation cohort were treated in the phase II trial. The ORR was 16% in the c-MET ≥6 copies cohort, 10.7% in the mutated, and 47.2% in the ROS-1 cohort. The best ORR during treatment was 32% in the c-MET-≥6 copies cohort, 36% in the c-MET-mutated, and 69.4% in the ROS-1-translocation cohort. Safety data were consistent with that previously reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Crizotinib activity in patients with ROS1-translocated tumours was confirmed. In the c-MET-mutation and c-MET ≥6 copies cohorts, despite insufficient ORR after two cycles of crizotinib, there are signs of late response not sufficient to justify the development of crizotinib in this indication. The continued targeting of c-MET with innovative therapies appears justified.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT02034981.

Compliance to regional recommendations for molecular analyses and management of advanced lung cancer patients

Aim: We performed a clinical audit of the management of patients with EGFR mutations, 1 year after the introduction of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor ( EGFR-TKI) in first-line treatment. Methods: Compliance was defined by tumor molecular profiling for stage IIIB and IV non-small-cell lung cancer and first-line treatment as recommended by the French guidelines. Results: Among the 169 EGFR-mutated patients, compliance was 76.4%. The most common noncompliance criterion was chemotherapy given in first-line treatment instead of EGFR-TKI. No dedicated multidisciplinary meeting and type of institutions were independent unfavorable predictors for compliance. Compliance to guidelines was significantly correlated with time-to-first subsequent treatment improvement (2.5 vs 9.1 months; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Implementation of new standards of care is challenging. Our results reinforce the role of multidisciplinary meetings to provide a better access to innovating therapeutics.

β-Catenin nuclear expression discriminates deep penetrating nevi from other cutaneous melanocytic tumors

Recent advances in genomics have improved the molecular classification of cutaneous melanocytic tumors. Among them, deep penetrating nevi (DPN) and plexiform nevi have been linked to joint activation of the MAP kinase and dysregulation of the β-catenin pathways. Immunohistochemical studies have confirmed cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of β-catenin and its downstream effector cyclin D1 in these tumors. We assessed nuclear β-catenin immunohistochemical expression in a large group of DPN as well as in the four most frequent differential diagnoses of DPN: "blue" melanocytic tumors, Spitz tumors, nevoid and SSM melanomas, and pigmented epithelioid melanocytomas (PEM). Nuclear β-catenin expression was positive in 98/100 DPN and 2/16 of melanomas (one SSM and one nevoid melanoma with a plexiform clone) and was negative in all 30 Spitz, 26 blue, and 6 PEM lesions. In 41% DPN, β-catenin expression was positive in more than 30% nuclei. No differences were observed in cytoplasmic and nuclear cyclin D1 expression between these tumor groups, suggesting alternate, β-catenin-independent, activation pathways. We have subsequently studied nuclear β-catenin expression in a set of 13 tumors with an ambiguous diagnosis, for which DPN was part of the differential diagnosis. The three out of four patients showing canonical DPN mutation profiles were the only β-catenin-positive cases. We conclude that nuclear β-catenin expression, independently from CCND1 expression, in a dermal melanocytic tumor is an argument for its classification as DPN. In ambiguous cases and in early combined DPN lesions, this antibody can be helpful as a screening tool. β-Catenin is also potentially expressed in a subset of malignant melanomas with CTNNB1 mutations.

Abstract PD8-07: Does resection of cavity shave margins result in lower positive margin and re-excision rates in patients with stage 0-III breast cancer? Results from a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Routine resection of cavity shave margins has been shown in single center studies to result in a significant reduction in positive margin and re-excision rates. In this prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial, we sought to validate these findings across practice settings.

METHODS: Nine centers across the United States, varying in practice setting and patient population, participated in this clinical trial of 398 stage 0-III breast cancer patients undergoing partial mastectomy (with or without resection of selective cavity margins). Participants were stratified by clinical stage and randomized 1:1 to either have routine cavity shave margins resected (“shave”) or not (“no shave”). Randomization group was revealed to the surgeon intraoperatively, after they had completed their standard partial mastectomy and were ready to close. Positive margins were defined as “tumor at ink” for invasive cancer or within 2 mm for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Adverse events were defined as seromas requiring percutaneous drainage, and/or hematomas or abscesses requiring operative intervention.

RESULTS: Median patient age was 65 (range; 29-94). 116 patients had invasive disease, 74 had DCIS, 179 had both, and 29 had no residual cancer at the time of partial mastectomy. The median invasive cancer size was 1.2 cm (range; 0.05-8.00 cm); the median extent of DCIS was 0.9 cm (range; 0.05-6.40 cm). The “shave” and “no shave” groups were well matched at baseline for clinicopathologic and demographic factors.

FactorShave (n=197)No Shave (n=201)p-valueAge (years); median (range)67 (36-94)64 (29-89)0.585Race  0.062-- White173 (87.8%)164 (81.6%) -- Black20 (10.2%)33 (16.4%) -- Asian2 (1.0%)2 (1.0%) -- Native American0 (0%)2 (1.0%) -- Unknown/Declined2 (1.0%)0 (0%) Hispanic ethnicity28 (14.2%)32 (15.9%)0.806Invasive tumor size (cm); median (range)1.30 (0.09-8.00)1.20 (0.05-7.50)0.282DCIS extent (cm); median (range)0.80 (0.10-6.40)1.00 (0.05-5.50)0.906Invasive histology  0.556-- Ductal177 (89.8%)186 (92.5%) -- Lobular16 (8.1%)13 (6.5%) -- Mucinous3 (1.5%)2 (1.0%) -- Other1 (0.5%)0 (0%) Neoadjuvant therapy15 (7.6%)19 (9.5%)0.592Palpable tumor57 (28.9%)56 (27.9%)0.825Node positive*24 (16.3%)16 (10.6%)0.175*Of the 298 patients who had lymph nodes evaluated

Prior to randomization, positive margin rates were similar in the “shave” and “no shave” groups (38.1% vs. 37.3%, respectively, p=0.918). After randomization, however, those in the “shave” group were significantly less likely than those in the “no shave” group to have positive margins (8.6% vs. 37.3%, respectively, p&lt;0.001). They were also less likely to require re-excision or mastectomy for margin clearance (8.6% vs. 23.9%, p&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of adverse events (p=0.280). Rates of seroma (1.5% vs. 0.5%, p=0.368), hematoma (0.5% vs. 0.5%, p=1.000) and abscess (0.3% vs. 0%, p=0.495) were similar between the “shave” and “no shave” groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Resection of cavity shave margins significantly reduces positive margin and re-excision rates in patients with stage 0-III breast cancer undergoing partial mastectomy.

Citation Format: Chagpar AB, Tsangaris T, Garcia-Cantu C, Howard-McNatt M, Chiba A, Berger AC, Levine E, Gass JS, Gallagher K, Lum SS, Martinez RD, Willis AI, Pandya SV, Brown EA, Fenton A, Mendiola A, Murray M, Haddad V, Solomon NL, Senthil M, Bansil H, Ollila D, Snyder SK, Edmonson D, Lazar M, Namm JP, Li F, Butler M, McGowan NE, Herrera ME, Avitan YP, Yoder B, Dupont E. Does resection of cavity shave margins result in lower positive margin and re-excision rates in patients with stage 0-III breast cancer? Results from a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD8-07.

Activity of cabozantinib in radioresistant brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma: two case reports

Background

Renal cell carcinoma represents 3–5% of adult malignant tumors. Metastases are found in 30–40% of patients and brain metastases occurred in more than 10% of them. Despite significant progress in medical treatment, patients with brain metastases still have a limited survival. Cabozantinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor directed against vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, was recently registered for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Almost no data are, however, available on patients with brain metastases.

Case presentation

Case 1 is a 51-year-old man of North African origin; Case 2 is a 55-year-old European man. Case 1 and Case 2 had metastases of renal carcinoma at initial diagnosis and were treated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptors tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Case 1 had clear cell renal carcinoma and underwent nephrectomy; he then received several lines of tyrosine kinase inhibitor directed against vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and the mTor complex. During the second treatment a brain metastasis was diagnosed and treated with radiosurgery with rapid efficacy. Two years later he received nivolumab, an antibody directed against the programmed death-1 and programmed death-ligand 1 complex, but disease progression was observed with the reappearance of the brain metastasis together with neurologic symptoms. Cabozantinib was administered and induced a rapid clinical improvement as well as tumor regression in all sites including his brain. Sequencing of his tumor evidenced a mutation of the MET gene. Case 2 had a papillary renal carcinoma with brain metastases at time of diagnosis. After radiation of the brain tumors, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor was administered for 3 years. The disease was under control in all sites except in his brain; several new brain metastases requiring new radiation treatments developed. The disease finally progressed at all metastatic sites including his brain and he had several neurological symptoms. Cabozantinib was administered and rapidly induced a clinical improvement; a further computed tomography scan and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed significant tumor regressions. No MET gene mutation or amplification was observed in the tumor analysis.

Conclusions

These case reports indicate that cabozantinib was able, first, to reach brain tumors and second, to induce significant regressions in renal carcinoma brain metastases that were resistant to radiation as well as to previous systemic vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Delayed allergic dermatitis presenting as a keloid-like reaction caused by sting from an Indo-Pacific Portuguese man-o'-war (Physalia utriculus)

Cnidarian envenomations are common occurrences in the tropics that can affect holidaymakers. The cutaneous reactions are classified as immediate or delayed types. Delayed allergic reactions are persistently recurring dermatitis, which can occur within 1-4 weeks from the initial sting, and may last for several months. Hypertrophic scar-like or keloid-like reactions are rare, and are believed to be a type IV hypersensitivity reaction to sequestered antigens from stinging filaments. We report an unusual case of delayed allergic dermatitis with keloid-like presentation caused by Physalia utriculus.

Abstract 2320: CD70 immune checkpoint ligand is associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) account for 85% of lung cancers and are mostly diagnosed at advanced stage. Drugs interrupting immune checkpoints, such as anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, have proven to unleash anti-tumor immunity and mediate durable cancer regressions in a portion of patients with NSCLC. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process that enables reprogramming of polarized epithelial cells towards a mesenchymal phenotype with migratory and invasive properties. EMT has been involved in escape from oncogenic-induced senescence, resistance to chemotherapy and development of metastatic disease. Moreover, EMT promotes cancer cell plasticity and favors their adaptability to selective pressures. Here we made use of in silico approaches and further in vivo validation to evaluate the potential role of EMT as a major escape mechanism to tumor immunosurveillance in NSCLC. We performed an initial in silico analysis to assess the expression of immune checkpoint ligands (ICPLs) in 129 NSCLC cell lines (CCLE), in relation to their EMT status defined by a 72-gene EMT signature that was previously reported in NSCLC. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that the expression of selected ICPLs was associated with the mesenchymal or epithelial phenotype. In particular, CD70, a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, was significantly associated with the mesenchymal status (p &lt; 0.001). We identified an E-box sequence (CANNTG) in CD70 gene promoter thus suggesting the possible regulation of CD70 by ZEB1 and/or SNAI. We extended the in silico analysis to a set of 488 adenocarcinomas (ADC) and 501 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) from the TCGA and confirmed that CD70 expression was associated with a mesenchymal status (q-value &lt;0.001). In a set of E-like (H441 and H1650) and M-like (H23 and HCC44) NSCLC cell lines we validated the association between an increased level of CD70 by flow cytometry and the mesenchymal status. Expression of CD70 by immunohistochemistry was observed in 5/51 lung ADC (10%), 6/45 (13%) lung SCC, 16/26 (63%) pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinomas and 2/10 (20%) small cell lung carcinomas. Interestingly, in pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinomas, CD70 expression was closely associated with the mesenchymal component. Our results suggest an association between the expression of CD70 and the mesenchymal phenotype, thus shedding light on the potential role of CD70 in immune escape of a subset of NSCLC.

Citation Format: Sandra Ortiz-Cuaran, Aurélie Swalduz, Maria A. Albaret, Christine Menetrier-Caux, Véronique Haddad, Arnaud Paré, Geneviève De Souza, Anne P. Morel, Maurice Pérol, Christophe Caux, Sylvie Lantuejoul, Alain Puisieux, Pierre Saintigny. CD70 immune checkpoint ligand is associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2320.

DICER1 and FOXL2 mutations in ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours: a GINECO Group study

AIMS

FOXL2 mutation has been consistently identified in adult granulosa cell tumours (A-GCTs). DICER1 mutations have been described predominantly in Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours (SLCTs). The prognostic implication of these mutations remains uncertain, as moderately sized studies have yielded variable outcomes. Our aim was to determine the implications of DICER1 and FOXL2 mutations in 156 ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours (SCSTs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

FOXL2 mutations were found in 94% of pathologically confirmed A-GCTs (95/101), in one of eight juvenile granulosa cell tumours (J-GCTs), and in two of 19 SLCTs. DICER1 mutations in the RNase IIIb domain were found in six of 19 SLCTs, two of eight J-GCTs, and one of 12 undifferentiated SCSTs (Und-SCSTs). Comparison of DICER1-mutated SLCTs with DICER1-non-mutated SLCTs showed that patient age at diagnosis was lower and oestrogen receptor expression was more frequent in DICER1-mutated tumours. With a median follow-up of 22 months, two of five DICER1-mutated SLCTs relapsed, in contrast to none of eight DICER1-non-mutated tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, in contrast to FOXL2 mutations in A-GCT, DICER1 mutations in SLCT might be more useful for prognosis than for diagnosis. However, study of a larger cohort of patients is necessary to establish this. Identification of genetic alterations in SCST offers promising therapeutic options.

Refinement of genotype-phenotype correlation in 18 patients carrying a 1q24q25 deletion

Interstitial deletion 1q24q25 is a rare rearrangement associated with intellectual disability, growth retardation, abnormal extremities and facial dysmorphism. In this study, we describe the largest series reported to date, including 18 patients (4M/14F) aged from 2 days to 67 years and comprising two familial cases. The patients presented with a characteristic phenotype including mild to moderate intellectual disability (100%), intrauterine (92%) and postnatal (94%) growth retardation, microcephaly (77%), short hands and feet (83%), brachydactyly (70%), fifth finger clinodactyly (78%) and facial dysmorphism with a bulbous nose (72%), abnormal ears (67%) and micrognathia (56%). Other findings were abnormal palate (50%), single transverse palmar crease (53%), renal (38%), cardiac (38%), and genital (23%) malformations. The deletions were characterized by chromosome microarray. They were of different sizes (490 kb to 20.95 Mb) localized within chromosome bands 1q23.3-q31.2 (chr1:160797550-192912120, hg19). The 490 kb deletion is the smallest deletion reported to date associated with this phenotype. We delineated three regions that may contribute to the phenotype: a proximal one (chr1:164,501,003-167,022,133), associated with cardiac and renal anomalies, a distal one (chr1:178,514,910-181,269,712) and an intermediate 490 kb region (chr1:171970575-172460683, hg19), deleted in the most of the patients, and containing DNM3, MIR3120 and MIR214 that may play an important role in the phenotype. However, this genetic region seems complex with multiple regions giving rise to the same phenotype.

A phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ganitumab or placebo in combination with gemcitabine as first-line therapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: the GAMMA trial

BACKGROUND

This double-blind, phase 3 study assessed the efficacy and safety of ganitumab combined with gemcitabine as first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned 2 : 2 : 1 to receive intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) (days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle) plus placebo, ganitumab 12 mg/kg, or ganitumab 20 mg/kg (days 1 and 15 of each cycle). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), safety, and efficacy by levels of circulating biomarkers.

RESULTS

Overall, 322 patients were randomly assigned to placebo, 318 to ganitumab 12 mg/kg, and 160 to ganitumab 20 mg/kg. The study was stopped based on results from a preplanned futility analysis; the final results are reported. Median OS was 7.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.3-8.2] in the placebo arm, 7.0 months (95% CI, 6.2-8.5) in the ganitumab 12-mg/kg arm [hazard ratio (HR), 1.00; 95% CI, 0.82-1.21; P = 0.494], and 7.1 months (95% CI, 6.4-8.5) in the ganitumab 20-mg/kg arm (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76-1.23; P = 0.397). Median PFS was 3.7, 3.6 (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.84-1.20; P = 0.520), and 3.7 months (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.77-1.22; P = 0.403), respectively. No unexpected toxicity was observed with ganitumab plus gemcitabine. The circulating biomarkers assessed [insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein-2, and -3] were not associated with a treatment effect on OS or PFS by ganitumab.

CONCLUSION

Ganitumab combined with gemcitabine had manageable toxicity but did not improve OS, compared with gemcitabine alone in unselected patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01231347.

Tumor homogeneity between primary and metastatic sites for BRAF status in metastatic melanoma determined by immunohistochemical and molecular testing

BRAF inhibitors have demonstrated improvement of overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma and BRAF^V600 mutations. In order to evaluate BRAF tumor heterogeneity between primary and metastatic site, we have evaluated the performance of immunohistochemistry (IHC) with an anti-BRAF^V600E antibody in both localization by comparison with high resolution melting analysis followed by Sanger sequencing in a parallel blinded study. A total of 230 samples distributed as primary melanoma (n = 88) and different types of metastatic samples (n = 142) were studied in 99 patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma (stage III or IV). The prevalence of each BRAF mutation was c.1799T>A, BRAF^V600E (45.2%), c.1799_1800TG>AA, BRAF^V600E2 (3.0%), c.1798_1799GT>AA, BRAF^V600K (3.0%), c.1801 A>G, BRAF^K601E (1.3%), c.1789_1790CT>TC, BRAF^L597S (0.4%), c.1780G>A, BRAF^D594N (0.9%) respectively. IHC was positive in 109/112 samples harboring BRAF^V600E/E2 mutations and negative in other cases. The cytoplasmic staining was either strongly positive in tumor cells of BRAF^V600E mutated cases. It appeared strong brown, different from the vesicular grey cytoplasmic pigmentation of melanophages. Concordance between the two techniques was 96.4%. Sensitivity of IHC for detecting the BRAF^V600E/E2 mutations was 97.3%, while specificity was 100%. Both our IHC and molecular study demonstrated homogeneity between primary and metastatic sites for BRAF status in melanoma. This study also provides evidence that IHC may be a cost-effective first-line method for BRAF^V600E detection. Thereafter, molecular techniques should be used in negative, ambiguous or non-contributive cases.

Detection and characterization of NF1 microdeletions by custom high resolution array CGH

In 5% to 10% of cases, neurofibromatosis type 1 is caused by microdeletions scattered across the entire NF1 gene and various neighboring genes. The phenotype appears to be more severe in patients with NF1 microdeletions than in patients with NF1 single point mutations. We have developed a new method for detecting and characterizing NF1 microdeletions based on a custom high-resolution oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization by using the custom 8x15K Agilent array format. The array comprised a total of 14,207 oligonucleotide probes spanning the whole of chromosome 17, including 12,314 probes spanning an approximately 8 Mb interval surrounding the NF1 locus. We validated this approach by testing NF1 microdeleted DNA samples previously characterized by means of microsatellites and real-time PCR methods. Our array comparative genomic hybridization provided enough information for subsequent long-range PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the microdeletion endpoints. Unlike previously described methods, our array comparative genomic hybridization was able to unambiguously differentiate between the three types of microdeletions (type I, type II, and atypical) and to characterize atypical microdeletions. Further comparative studies of patients with well-characterized genotypes and phenotypes and different microdeletions sizes and breakpoints will help determine whether haploinsufficiency of deleted genes and/or genes rearrangements influence clinical outcomes.

Extra-abdominal primary fibromatosis: Aggressive management could be avoided in a subgroup of patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of surgery as first-line treatment on event-free survival (EFS) of primary aggressive fibromatosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Treatments were categorized into: surgery with or without radiotherapy and nonsurgical strategies with systemic treatment alone or wait and see policy. Eighty-nine patients had initial resection of their primary tumour followed by postoperative radiotherapy in 13 cases. Twenty-three did not undergo surgery but received systemic treatment or watch and wait policy.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 76 months. Overall 3 years EFS was 49%. In the univariate analysis, patients with microscopically complete surgery had a similar outcome to patients in the no-surgery group (3 years EFS of 65% and 68%, respectively). Gender, age, tumour size, treatment period and strategy (surgery versus no-surgery) were not statistically significant. Quality of resection according to margins and the tumour site were the only prognostic factors. There was a significant correlation between tumour site and quality of surgery (p=0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

A subset of patients with extra-abdominal fibromatosis could be managed with a nonaggressive policy, as growth arrest concerned 2/3 of nonoperated patients. When surgery is finally necessary, it should be performed with the aim of achieving negative margins.

A phase II trial of docetaxel and samarium in patients with bone metastases from castration-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC)

5122

Background: Most patients (pts) with disseminated CRPC have bone metastases. Docetaxel is the current standard of care in CRPC. We assessed the association of docetaxel and samarium, a radio-pharmaceutical with a high affinity to bone, as consolidation treatment after docetaxel-estramustine. Methods: This is a prospective, bi-center phase II trial. Pts with bone metastases from CRPC received docetaxel 70 mg/m2 day 2 + estramustine 10 mg/Kg/day, day 1–5 (1 cycle/ 3 weeks). Pts with a response or stabilization after 4 cycles were given consolidation therapy: docetaxel 20 mg/m2/week × 6 weeks + samarium 37 MBq/Kg during week 1. Zoledronic acid was routinely used and was stopped 1 month before samarium infusion. A Simon design was used with a target of 39 pts receiving consolidation treatment. Response was defined according to the working group criteria (Bubley, J Clin Oncol 1999). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: From 01/04 to 12/05, 43 pts were included in the trial: 31 (72%), 11 (26%) and 1 (3%) achieved a PSA response, stabilization, and progression, respectively. After induction therapy, a pain response (defined as a decrease in pain intensity by at least 2/10 on a pain visual analog scale (VAS) in pts with a baseline pain level = 2/10) was achieved in 60% (18/30) and was confirmed in 69% (20/29) after consolidation therapy. Consolidation docetaxel-samarium was feasible with most pts experiencing a mild (grade 1–2) and rapidly reversible thrombocytopenia at week 5. The 7 months PSA-PFS rate was 48% (33–62%). While PSA relapse eventually occurred in all cases, this strategy resulted in an excellent long-term control of pain, with a median pain level on the VAS of 4/10, 1/10, and 0.5/10 at baseline, 12, and 18 months, respectively. With a median follow-up of 14 months, the median survival has not been reached and the 1-year survival rate is 71% (55–84%). Conclusions: Combining docetaxel and samarium is feasible and well-tolerated. It yields a major pain improvement that lasts long after consolidation therapy in pts with bone metastases from CRPC. Survival data are promising in this population of symptomatic metastatic CRPC. This approach should be tested in phase III trials.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Increased incidence of brain metastases in ERCC1-negative NSCLC patients treated with adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy

7581

Background: We have recently demonstrated that ERCC1 is a predictor of the benefit of cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-squamous carcinomas have an increased risk of brain metastases (BM). Since brain is considered as a sanctuary site for chemotherapy, we hypothesised that there was an increased incidence of BM in ERCC1- negative non-squamous NSCLC patients treated with adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Methods: Incidence of BM and histo- clinical parameters were analyzed in a population of 783 patients enrolled in the IALT trial. A subgroup analysis was performed in ERCC1 negative non-squamous NSCLC patients. Results: One hundred and one patients out of 783 (13%) developed BM alone or in association with other metastatic sites. In multivariate analysis, the clinical parameters associated with the occurrence of BM were nodal status (p=0.02), histological type (p=0.001) and pleural invasion (p=0.02). There is no effect of chemotherapy on BM (HR 1.38 [0.91–2.07], p=0.13). In patients with non-squamous histology (n=335) adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with an increased risk of BM (HR=2.10, [1.01–4.32], p=0.04) for ERCC1-negative tumours whereas there was no evidence of an effect on brain metastasis for ERCC1-positive tumours (HR=1.07 [0.38–2.99] p=0.90). These 2 effects are nevertheless not different (p for interaction=0.30) possibly by lack of power in this subsample. Conclusions: This study would suggest that cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with an increased risk of BM in resected NSCLC patients with chemosensitive tumors. This data, if confirmed, could provide a rationale to evaluate prophylactic strategies in this subset of patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Extra-abdominal fibromatosis: Can aggressive management be avoided in a subgroup of patients?

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Background: The objective was to evaluate the impact of surgery as first-line treatment on event -free survival (EFS) of primary aggressive fibromatosis. Methods: Treatments were categorized into: surgery with or without radiotherapy and non surgical strategies with systemic treatment alone or wait and see policy. Event-free survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The sex ratio was 39 males/73 females. The median age at the time of the first diagnosis was 30 years. The median size of the primary was 60 mm. Eighty-nine patients (79.5%) had initial resection of their primary tumor followed by postoperative radiotherapy in 13 cases. Twenty-three patients (20.5%) did not undergo surgery but received systemic treatment or watch and wait policy. Median follow-up was 76 months. Three years EFS was 49%. In the univariate analysis, patients with microscopically complete surgery had a similar outcome to that of patients in the non-surgery group (65% vs 68% for 3-yr EFS respectively). Gender, age, tumor size, treatment period and strategy (surgery versus no surgery) were not statistically significant. Quality of resection according to margins and the tumor site were the only prognostic factors. There was a significant correlation between the tumor site and the quality of surgery (p= 0.0002). Tumor site was the only prognostic factor that remained in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Surgical removal as initial treatment was not found to influence the outcome. A subset of patients could be managed with a non aggressive policy. When surgery is finally necessary, it should be performed with the aim of achieving negative margins. Predictive biological factors influencing tumor evolution have to be defined

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II trial of docetaxel and samarium in patients with bone metastases from castration-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC) and a response or stabilization after induction docetaxel-estramustine

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Background: Most patients (pts) with disseminated CRPC have bone metastases. Samarium is a radio-isotope with a high affinity to bone. Docetaxel is currently the standard of care in CRPC. We assess the efficacy of combining docetaxel and samarium as consolidation treatment after docetaxel-estramustine in pts with CRPC. Methods: This is a prospective, bi-center phase II trial. Pts with bone metastases from CRPC received docetaxel 70 mg/m2 day 2 + estramustine 10 mg/Kg/day, day 1–5 (1 cycle every 3 weeks). Pts with a response or stabilization after 4 cycles were given consolidation therapy: docetaxel 20 mg/m2/week x 6 weeks + samarium 1 injection during week 1 (37 MBq/Kg). Zoledronic acid was routinely used and was stopped 1 month before samarium infusion. This study used a Simon two-step design with a final target of 39 pts receiving the consolidation treatment. Biological responses were defined according to the working group criteria (Bubley, J Clin Oncol 1999). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: From 01/2004 to 12/2005, 43 pts were included in the trial and the accrual is over. Of the 39 pts currently fully evaluable after induction treatment, 28 (72%), 10 (26%) and 1 (3%) achieved a PSA response, stabilization, and progression, respectively. Of 30 pts currently evaluable after consolidation treatment, 20 (65%), 5 (16%) and 5 (16%) achieved a PSA response, stabilization, and progression, respectively. A pain response (defined as a decrease in pain intensity by at least 2/10 on a pain analog visual scale in pts with a baseline pain level ≥ 2/10) was achieved in 89% (16/18) after consolidation treatment. The consolidation docetaxel-samarium regimen was feasible with most pts experiencing a mild (grade 1–2) and rapidly reversible thrombocytopenia at week 5. Data on PFS and overall survival are pending. Conclusions: Combining docetaxel and samarium is feasible and well-tolerated. It yields a high PSA response rate and a major pain improvement in pts with bone metastases from CRPC.

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Immunohistochemical staining of the Excision Repair Cross-Complementing 1 (ERCC1) protein as predictor for benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) in the International Lung Cancer Trial (IALT)

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Background: Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy improves survival in patients with completely resected non-small-cell lung cancer, but no clinical or biological predictor of the benefit of CT has yet been validated in large trials. ERCC1 is a highly conserved excision nuclease within the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway and is essential for efficient repair of DNA-adducts induced from alkylating agents. Methods: Using a standard protocol of immunohistochemistry, we evaluated ERCC1 expression in 783 resected tumor tissues from patients enrolled in the IALT. For each case, a semi-quantitative histology score (H-score) was calculated on the basis of both the percentage of positive tumor nuclei and staining intensity. The median value of H-scores was a priori chosen as the cut-off point to classify ERCC1 positive and negative tumors. Overall survival was analyzed with a Cox model adjusted on clinical and pathological factors. Results: After immunostaining, 761 out of 783 cases (97%) were of sufficient quality for analysis. For 335 patients (44%), ERCC1 status was positive (H-score exceeding 1.0, i.e. tumors with a staining intensity score of 2 and 50% or more positive nuclei or a staining intensity score of 3 and 10% or more positive nuclei). The benefit of cisplatin-based adjuvant CT was correlated with the ERCC1 status (test for interaction, P<0.009). Patients with ERCC1-negative tumors randomized to CT had significantly prolonged survival compared with patients with ERCC1-negative tumors randomized to observation (adjusted hazard ratio for death, 0.67; 95% confidence interval [0.51–0.89], P<0.006). There was no survival difference with CT among ERCC1 positive patients (adjusted hazard ratio for death, 1.18; [0.87–1.61], P=0.29). When analyzing only patients randomized to observation, the subgroup with ERCC1 positive tumors had a better survival compared to those with ERCC1 negative tumors (0.65; [0.48–0.89], P<0.008). Conclusions: Patients with completely resected NSCLC and ERCC1-negative tumors derive a substantial benefit from adjuvant cisplatin-based CT. Unrestricted grants: Eli-Lilly, PHRC, Cancéropôle Rhône-Alpes, Austrian Science Fund

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Seabather's eruption: report of five cases in southeast region of Brazil

The authors report five cases of seabather's eruption, a typical dermatitis associated predominantly to the jellyfish Linuche unguiculata (Cnidaria), that causes erythematous and pruriginous papules on areas of the skin of bathers covered by swimsuits. The rash is characteristic and the eruption is commom in the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico and Gulf States of USA. The cases are the first reported in Brazil and larvae of the jellyfish are present in the waters where the accidents happened.

[Primary angioplasty associated with systemic coronary stenting in acute myocardial infarction. Results at the end of the hospitalization period and at 24 months]

A series of 149 consecutive patients admitted for myocardial infarction (excluding cardiogenic shock), dilated and systematically stented in the acute phase before the 12th hour and followed up for a period from 30 days to 2 years, was studied. The criteria of follow-up were: number of asymptomatic patients, deaths, reinfarction, residual ischaemia, cardiac failure, angioplasty or bypass surgery. On admission, 40.9% of the infarcts were anterior, 44.3% inferior and 14.8% lateral. One hundred and eighty-three stents with a diameter of over 3 mm were inserted. The angioplasty success rate was 98.6%. During the hospital period, 90.6% of patients were asymptomatic. 4.7% had recurrent infarction, 4% had cardiac failure, 0.7% had residual ischaemia, and there were 0.7% of cardiac deaths. The survival rate was 97.2% at 2 years: 69.8% of patients were totally asymptomatic: the cumulative major cardiac event rate (death, reinfarction, angioplasties or bypass graft) was 25.9% and the reoperation rate on the culprit vessel was 20.1%. These results show the short and long-term value of angioplasty associated with coronary stenting over other techniques in the acute phase of infarction based on the criteria studied. The long-term results of larger randomised studies using glycoprotein inhibitors (Gp IIb IIIa) associated with angioplasty and stenting are expected for validating the use of these products.

Geometric reconstruction in left ventricular aneurysm. Surgical aspects and early results

The early results of 79 patients who underwent left ventricular aneurysmectomy with geometric and circular reconstruction in a seven-year experience are analyzed. The most common indication for operation was congestive heart failure (78.4%), either isolated (25.3%) or with angina (53.1%). Sixty patients (76%) were in NYHA class III and 10 (12.6%) in NYHA class IV at the time of surgery. Fifty-eight (73.4%) underwent coronary artery by-pass graft surgery. Hospital mortality was 5.1%, in patients older than 60 (12%), in NYHA class IV (20%), with poor left ventricular function (EF < 0.30-20% and LVED > 25) (14%), and with extensive coronary artery disease (10%) were under increased risk. Low cardiac output and use of intra-aortic balloon pump were also associated risk factors. Other risk factors mentioned in the literature are discussed. There were no deaths from isolated left ventricular aneurysmectomy. The early results of this study and the early and late results of others using the same technique are better than the results obtained in previous studies of different types of correction, suggesting that this is the procedure of choice for treating left ventricular aneurysm.