The KRAS-Variant and Cetuximab in HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer in NRG/RTOG 1016

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

NRG/RTOG 1016 was a non-inferiority phase III trial comparing radiation with cisplatin versus cetuximab monotherapy for patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The trial did not meet the non-inferiority criteria for overall survival (OS) and had significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) and locoregional failure (LRF) in patients treated with cetuximab. Based on prior evidence that HNSCC patients with a germ-line mutation in KRAS (the KRAS-variant) had a positive response to radiation with cisplatin plus cetuximab without increased toxicity, samples from RTOG 1016 were used to test the protocol-specified hypothesis that KRAS-variant patients will have better outcomes when receiving IMRT + cetuximab monotherapy compared to IMRT + cisplatin.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The KRAS-variant was tested in 562 samples at MiraDx, a CLIA-certified laboratory. OS, PFS, LRF, and distant metastases (DM) were as defined per the RTOG 1016 protocol, and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by (cause-specific) Cox models. Negative binomial regression was used to model the number of treatment-related acute and late (≤ and > 180 days from end of treatment, respectively) grade 3-5 adverse events. To assess the predictive role of the KRAS-variant, all models included KRAS, assigned treatment, and their interaction, with the interaction tested at two-sided 0.05. HRs and toxicity ratios are expressed as IMRT + cetuximab / IMRT + cisplatin.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the KRAS-variant was 16% with similar patient and tumor characteristics and well-balanced treatment arms for variant and non-variant patients. Median follow-up was 8.6 years. There was no significant interaction between KRAS and treatment for OS (p = 0.99), PFS (p = 0.56), LRF (p = 0.09), or DM (p = 0.19) (Table 1). In KRAS-variant patients the mean acute and late toxicity ratios were 0.53 (95% CI 0.36, 0.80) and 1.62 (95% CI 0.57, 4.62). In non-variant patients, the mean acute and late toxicity ratios were 0.80 (95% CI 0.67, 0.95) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.35, 0.87), respectively. The interaction of KRAS and treatment was not significant for acute (p = 0.07) or late toxicity (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

While this study does not directly refute prior evidence that KRAS-variant patients benefit from radiation + cisplatin and cetuximab, this study does not support the hypothesis that the KRAS-variant is a predictive biomarker of improved outcome in HPV+ oropharyngeal SCC patients treated with IMRT + cetuximab alone, and suggests that for KRAS-variant patients, potential benefits in LRF and acute toxicity with cetuximab may be offset by worse DM and worse late toxicity.

A multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase II study of cediranib with or without lenalidomide in iodine 131-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) pathway have activity in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Lenalidomide demonstrated preliminary efficacy in DTC, but its safety and efficacy in combination with VEGFR-targeted TKIs is unknown. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of cediranib, a VEGFR-targeted TKI, with or without lenalidomide, in the treatment of iodine 131-refractory DTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase II clinical trial, 110 patients were enrolled and randomized to cediranib alone or cediranib with lenalidomide. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included response rate, duration of response, toxicity, and overall survival (OS). Patients (≥18 years of age) with DTC who were refractory to further surgical or radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy as reviewed at a multispecialty tumor board conference, and evidence of disease progression within the previous 12 months and no more than one prior line of systemic therapy were eligible.

RESULTS

Of the 110 patients, 108 started therapy and were assessable for efficacy. The median PFS was 14.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.5-23.8 months] in the cediranib arm and 11.3 months (95% CI 8.7-18.9 months) in the cediranib with lenalidomide arm (P = 0.36). The 2-year OS was 64.8% (95% CI 43.3% to 86.4%) and 75.3% (95% CI 59.4% to 91.0%), respectively (P = 0.80). The serious adverse event rate was 41% in the cediranib arm and 46% in the cediranib with lenalidomide arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-agent therapy with cediranib showed promising efficacy in RAI-refractory DTC similar to other VEGFR-targeted TKIs, while the addition of lenalidomide did not result in clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes.

Identification and validation of novel microenvironment-based immune molecular subgroups of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: implications for immunotherapy

Background

Targeting the immune checkpoint pathway has demonstrated antitumor cytotoxicity in treatment-refractory head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). To understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning its antitumor response, we characterized the immune landscape of HNSC by their tumor and stromal compartments to identify novel immune molecular subgroups.

Patients and methods

A training cohort of 522 HNSC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas profiled by RNA sequencing was analyzed. We separated gene expression patterns from tumor, stromal, and immune cell gene using a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm. We correlated the expression patterns with a set of immune-related gene signatures, potential immune biomarkers, and clinicopathological features. Six independent datasets containing 838 HNSC samples were used for validation.

Results

Approximately 40% of HNSCs in the cohort (211/522) were identified to show enriched inflammatory response, enhanced cytolytic activity, and active interferon-γ signaling (all, P < 0.001). We named this new molecular class of tumors the Immune Class. Then we found it contained two distinct microenvironment-based subtypes, characterized by markers of active or exhausted immune response. The Exhausted Immune Class was characterized by enrichment of activated stroma and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage signatures, WNT/transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway activation and poor survival (all, P < 0.05). An enriched proinflammatory M1 macrophage signature, enhanced cytolytic activity, abundant tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, high human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and favorable prognosis were associated with Active Immune Class (all, P < 0.05). The robustness of these immune molecular subgroups was verified in the validation cohorts, and Active Immune Class showed potential response to programmed cell death-1 blockade (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

This study revealed a novel Immune Class in HNSC; two subclasses characterized by active or exhausted immune responses were also identified. These findings provide new insights into tailoring immunotherapeutic strategies for different HNSC subgroups.

Abstract P1-05-20: Comparing the frequency and types of genetic aberrations between older and younger women with metastatic breast cancer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Background: Targeted therapies have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment in older adults as they are often oral, convenient, may be better tolerated than cytotoxic chemotherapy, and can be tailored to an individual's biomarker profile. We explore the frequency and distribution of potentially actionable genomic alterations among older (≥65) and younger (&lt;65) patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Method: Next generation genetic sequencing (UNCseq™) of a dynamic panel of target genes was prospectively offered to pts with MBC treated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). DNA libraries were prepared separately from a retrieved archival FFPE tumor sample and a matched normal sample from each pt. Relevant targets were enriched by custom Agilent SureSelect hybrid capture baits using standard protocols. Samples were sequenced on Illumina HiSeq 2000/2500 platforms. Mutational findings were reviewed by a molecular tumor board; variants identified to be potentially actionable underwent confirmatory testing in a CLIA approved laboratory. Confirmed findings were inserted into the pt's EMR accessible by both the pt and the treating oncologist. Two-sided Fisher's exact test was used to compare percentages between age-specific groups.

Results: As of 3/31/16, results were available for 140 pts. 19% were 65 years or older. Breast cancer clinical subtypes were: HR+/HER2- 49%, HER2+ (HR any) 17%, TN 34% and metastatic location was: bone only 5%, visceral only 44%, bone & visceral 51%; no significant differences were observed between older and younger age groups. Older pts were more likely to be Caucasian compared to younger patients (92% v 75%, p=0.06). Overall, older patients had a higher total number of mutations compared to younger patients (see Table) (p=0.04). Mutation types were similar between age groups, although a trend for more PIK3CA mutations among older patients was seen (37% v 20%, p=0.07).

Observed Mutations by Age. ≥ 65 years (%) N=27&lt; 65 years (%) N=113pNumber of Mutations   01127.0414849.0423320.04374.04Type of mutation   PIK3CA3720.07CCND179.99NF-1115.37FGFR144.99PTEN49.69EGFR04.99

Conclusion: Genomic alterations may allow therapeutic tailoring in both older and younger patients with breast cancer. In this cohort with metastatic disease, older patients had significantly more mutations, but no clear difference in mutational types was seen by age. The relative small number of older pts in this cohort limits generalization, but supports the need for more extensive characterization of molecular aberrations among older pts with metastatic breast cancer in the new era of targeted therapy.

Research support by the University Cancer Research Fund, NCI Breast Cancer SPORE grant (CA58223), John A. Hartford Foundation and Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Citation Format: Jolly TA, Grilley-Olson JE, Deal AM, Ivanova A, Hayward MC, Benbow JM, Parker JS, Patel NM, Eberhard DA, Weck KE, Mieczkowski P, Dees EC, Muss HD, Reeder-Hayes KE, Earp HS, Sharpless NE, Carey LA, Hayes DN, Anders CK. Comparing the frequency and types of genetic aberrations between older and younger women with metastatic breast cancer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-05-20.

Abstract PD6-07: Genomic sequencing in metastatic breast cancer patients to inform clinical practice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Background: An increasing number of molecularly-targeted therapies for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are clinically-available (approved and investigational). These anti-cancer agents target specific molecular abnormalities such as mutated, amplified, deleted, or rearranged genes. Reporting of unique tumor genetic alterations is not included in routine clinical/diagnostic panels. In MBC, knowledge of mutational status may foster efficient transitions in clinical care and trial enrollment at disease progression. We describe the development and implementation of a clinically-integrated genomic sequencing program and report how information regarding targetable genomic aberrations in MBC patients (pts) is used to improve clinical practice in an academic setting.

Methods: Genomic sequencing of investigative biomarkers was prospectively offered to pts with MBC. DNA libraries were prepared separately from a retrieved archival FFPE tumor sample and a matched normal sample from each pt. Relevant targets were enriched by custom Agilent SureSelect hybrid capture baits using standard protocols. Samples were sequenced on Illumina HiSeq 2000/2500 platforms. Mutational findings were reviewed by a molecular tumor board (MTB); variants identified to be potentially actionable underwent confirmatory testing in a CLIA-approved laboratory. Confirmed findings were inserted into the pt's EMR accessible by both the pt and the treating oncologist.

Results: Of the 725 MBC pts seen at UNC since 1/1/2012, 194 (27%) contributed samples for genomic sequencing. Of those whose tumors were sequenced, average age at MBC diagnosis was 54 (25 - 91); 73% were Caucasian, 16% African American. De novo MBC accounted for 39 (20%) sequenced pts. Of sequenced patients, sites of metastatic disease included bone only (7%), visceral only (46%), and both bone and visceral (47%). Approximately 1/3 of pts were consented for sequencing at time of initial MBC diagnosis, 1/4 after 1st line therapy for MBC, and the remaining at or beyond their 2nd line. In total, 131 (68%) pts have sequencing results available of which 43% of pts had reportable mutations deemed actionable by the MTB. Specific mutations and observed frequency by subtype are shown below. Pts (19%) whose tumors were sequenced were more commonly enrolled in a therapeutic clinical trial for MBC, a higher rate than seen in the non-sequenced group (7%) (p&lt;0.001). To date, 27% of pts' tumors harbored an alteration that is an eligibility requirement for a molecularly-targeted therapeutic trial accruing pts at UNC.

Observed Mutation by Clinical Subype Genes Total # (56 pts)HR+/HER2- (25 pts)HER2+ (13 pts)TNBC (18pts)PIK3CA15933TP5315456CCND19531NF-14103FGFR13300PTEN3012KRAS2011MDM22110PIK3R12002ROS12011TSC12011Other*14518TOTAL73281728*Mutations observed only once

Conclusion: Preemptive genomic sequencing can be integrated into the clinical and operational practice of a comprehensive cancer center. Currently this research tool and program provides valuable information that has the potential to foster both clinical trial eligibility and/or enrollment. With longer follow-up, we hope such an approach ultimately will improve patient outcomes.

Citation Format: Grilley-Olsen J, Keith KC, Hayward M, Dees EC, Deal A, Ivanova A, Benbow JM, Parker J, Patel NM, Eberhard D, Mieczkowski P, Weck KE, Hayes DN, Muss H, Jolly T, Reeder-Hayes K, Earp HS, Sharpless N, Carey L, Anders CK. Genomic sequencing in metastatic breast cancer patients to inform clinical practice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD6-07.

Phase II trial of dasatinib for recurrent or metastatic c-KIT expressing adenoid cystic carcinoma and for nonadenoid cystic malignant salivary tumors

BACKGROUND

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a subtype of malignant salivary gland tumors (MSGT), in which 90% of cases express cKIT. Dasatinib is a potent and selective inhibitor of five oncogenic protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs)/kinase families including cKIT. We conducted a phase II study to determine the antitumor activity of dasatinib in ACC and non-ACC MSGT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a two-stage design, patients with progressive, recurrent/metastatic ACC (+cKIT) and non-ACC MSGT (separate cohort) were treated with dasatinib 70 mg p.o. b.i.d. Response was assessed every 8 weeks using RECIST.

RESULTS

Of 54 patients: 40 ACC, 14 non-ACC (1, ineligible excluded); M:F = 28 : 26, median age 56 years (range 20-82 years), ECOG performance status 0 : 1 : 2 = 24 : 28 : 2, prior radiation: 44, prior chemotherapy: 21. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) (as % of patients, worst grade 2 or higher) were: fatigue (28%), nausea (19%), headache (15%), lymphopenia (7%), dyspnea (11%), alanine aminotransferase increased (7%), anorexia (7%), vomiting (7%), alkaline phosphatase increased (6%), diarrhea (6%), neutropenia (6%), and noncardiac chest pain (6%). No grade 4 AE occurred, 15 patients experienced a grade 3 AE, primarily dyspnea (5) and fatigue (4), and cardiac toxicity (1 prolonged QTc). Among ACC patients, best response to dasatinib: 1 patient (2.5%) had partial response, 20 patients (50%) had stable disease (SD) (3-14 months), 12 patients (30%) had PD, 2 withdrew, 3 discontinued therapy due to AE, and 2 died before cycle 2. Median progression-free survival was 4.8 months. Median overall survival was 14.5 months. For 14 assessable non-ACC patients, none had objective response, triggering early stopping rule. Seven had SD (range 1-7 months), 4 PD, 2 discontinued therapy due to AE, and 1 died before cycle 2.

CONCLUSION

Although there was only one objective response, dasatinib is well tolerated, with tumor stabilization achieved by 50% of ACC patients. Dasatinib demonstrated no activity in non-ACC MSGT.

Gene expression profiling of gliomas: merging genomic and histopathological classification for personalised therapy

The development of DNA microarray technologies over the past decade has revolutionised translational cancer research. These technologies were originally hailed as more objective, comprehensive replacements for traditional histopathological cancer classification systems, based on microscopic morphology. Although DNA microarray-based gene expression profiling (GEP) remains unlikely in the near term to completely replace morphological classification of primary brain tumours, specifically the diffuse gliomas, GEP has confirmed that significant molecular heterogeneity exists within the various morphologically defined gliomas, particularly glioblastoma (GBM). Herein, we provide a 10-year progress report on human glioma GEP, with focus on development of clinical diagnostic tests to identify molecular subtypes, uniquely responsive to adjuvant therapies. Such progress may lead to a more precise classification system that accurately reflects the cellular, genetic, and molecular basis of gliomagenesis, a prerequisite for identifying subsets uniquely responsive to specific adjuvant therapies, and ultimately in achieving individualised clinical care of glioma patients.

Diagnostic reproducibility of squamous cell carcinoma (SC) in the era of histology-directed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) chemotherapy: A large prospective study

8008

Background: Morphology remains the best biomarker for chemotherapy selection in NSCLC. Both bevacizumab and pemetrexed (in first line) are FDA indicated for non-SC histology only, making precise diagnosis key, although data are few on the reproducibility of their categorization. The standard of care, consensus-based World Health Organization diagnostic classification system, Ed. 4 (WHOC) includes 44 diagnostic categories (DC), does not include immunohistochemical (IHC) data, and is not independently validated. In this study, we estimate the reproducibility of SC versus non-SC classification to be only moderately precise. Methods: Pathologists (P) assigned WHOC diagnoses to virtual H&E slides from an incident surgical cohort of 96 primary lung tumors. At a power of 80% we estimated 24 P reviewing 48 slides each would allow for a reproducibility measure in the clinically useful range kappa=0.7, standard error=0.09. In addition to the 44 DC, we also considered the reproducibility of a simplified 10 category system and a chemotherapy-directed 2 class system. Results: 12 self-identified “lung experts” (E) and 12 community (C) P scored slides based on the 44 possible WHOC DC totaling 222 pathologist-pairs and 7130 slides-pairs. P rated confidence in their choices as: high 53%, somewhat 38%, and not confident 8%. 92% of slides were rated as having sufficient quality. Distribution of DC included SC 30% and adenocarcinoma 36%. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the largest study ever performed of the WHOC, the only one to consider all 44 DC and to distinguish E vs C P. Although this model tests the reproducibility of the WHOC, not clinical lung cancer diagnoses, it shows that reproducible diagnosis of SC based on H&E morphology alone is inadequate. In the era of histology guided therapy, it highlights the need for strict diagnostic criteria and confirmatory IHC stains in the diagnosis of SC.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I trial of escalating doses of ABI-007 (nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel) and gemcitabine in patients (pts) with thoracic malignancies

18094

Background: ABI-007, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel, has a different toxicity profile than solvent-based paclitaxel including a lower rate of severe neutropenia. This trial was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ABI-007 in combination with gemcitabine (G) in patients with thoracic malignancies. Methods: Patients were required to have a performance status of 0–1, =3 cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, and preserved renal, hepatic, and bone marrow function. Patients received G 1,000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 in all cohorts and ABI-007 on day 1 at doses of 260, 300, 340 mg/m2 depending on the treatment cohort every 21 days (1 cycle = 21 days). Day 8 G dose modifications were: G held for ANC < 500 x 109/L or platelets (plts) < 50,000 x 109/L, and 75% of the G dose was given if the ANC 500–999 x 109/L or plts 50,000–99,000 x 109/L. Dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were assessed after the first cycle and were defined as: grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity, febrile neutropenia, grade 4 anemia or thrombocytopenia, ANC = 500 for = 7 days, 2-week delay in initiating the second cycle, or omission of the day 8 G. Doses were escalated in cohorts of 3–6 pts. Results: Thirteen patients were consented and 12 pts were treated (median age 62.5 years (range 35–75); median number of prior treatments 2.5 (range 1–4); tumor types: 6 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 5 small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and 1 esophageal. At an ABI-007 dose of 300 mg/m2, 1 of 6 pts experienced a DLT (omission of day 8 G due to ANC < 500), and at an ABI-007 dose of 340 mg/m2 2 of 3 patients experienced a DLT (1 pt grade 3 rash and pruritus; 1 pt grade 3 fatigue and anorexia). Additional grade 3 or 4 toxicities observed over all cycles were: neutropenia (n=2), sensory neuropathy (n=1), febrile neutropenia (n=1). G was given at full dose in 38 of the 39 cycles. Eight pts were evaluable for response by RECIST: 4 partial responses (SCLC, n=2; NSCLC, n=2), 4 stable disease (NSCLC, n=3; esophageal, n=1). Conclusions: The MTD of ABI-007 is 300 mg/m2 day 1 in combination with G 1,000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 every 21 days. This combination was well tolerated and demonstrated activity in previously treated NSCLC and SCLC patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Predictive model for mediastinal lymph node status at the time of mediastinoscopy

18004

Background: Mediastinal lymph node (N2) positivity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is suspected based on imaging such as CT or PET scan, with confirmation by mediastinoscopy. However, the most accurate clinical information in predicting N2 status is controversial. Methods: We reviewed 147 candidates for NSCLC resection (2000–2005) who had clinical database information available and had undergone mediastinoscopy. Using suspected clinical predictors of mediastinal metastasis available prior to mediastinoscopy, we constructed a predictive model of N2 status. Results: The largest N2 node short-axis diameter on CT was by far the most influential factor in the model. Three other predictors for N2 node positivity were significant (p<0.05) in univariate analysis: indistinct tumor borders and mediastinal invasion on CT, and mediastinal PET scan positivity. However, all were less influential than N2 size on CT. Using logistic regression, these factors can be used to predict probability of positive N2 biopsy in an individual patient. The resulting diagnostic test had a ROC (receiver operator characteristic) area of 0.80 and optimal sensitivity-specificity pairing of 75% and 73%. 35% (51/147) of patients analyzed had at least one N2 node positive at mediastinoscopy. 39% (57/147) of patients had PET scan data available, and 82% (120/147) had CT data available. Conclusions: Of available data in early-stage NSCLC patients, mediastinal lymph node size on CT scan was more important than PET scan or other CT scan findings in predicting probability of positive mediastinoscopy. A predictive model is useful in more accurately determining need for invasive staging by mediastinoscopy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Paraffin-based molecular diagnosis of lung cancer reproduces morphologic and molecular subtypes of lung cancer

7579

Background: Molecular profiling of lung cancer by gene expression analyses has documented potential to guide therapy. However, quality ‘fresh’ tissue for RNA analyses is generally unavailable in clinical practice. We introduce a (q)RT-PCR assay and analytic method for profiling lung cancers from clinically obtained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Methods: Approximately 1,000 DNA microarrays were analyzed to select genes distinguishing the major histological variants (adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, etc) and previously described molecular subtypes of lung cancer. Based on gene expression, a classifier of 62 genes was constructed to assign each sample to its morphologic tumor type, as well as to risk stratify by molecular subtypes. A real-time qRT-PCR assay was developed to evaluate the expression of the 62 genes from paraffin-embedded samples. This assay was used to profile RNA extracted from a cohort of surgically treated lung cancer patients. Samples were procured as fresh frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and were archived between 1–15 years. Results: Fifty-eight of 62 genes passed performance criteria and were used for analyses. Normalized gene expression was used for sample classification. The cohort contained a broad spectrum of tumors in proportions consistent with clinical practice. Gene amplification was successful in 139 of 142 (98%) lung cancer samples. Matched frozen-paraffin and replicate paraffin samples had mean correlations of approximately 80%. Linear discriminant analysis of gene expression data agreed with morphologic classification by light microscopy in >99% of cases. More importantly, the method successfully re-identified molecular subtypes of lung cancer for the first time through the use of a paraffin-based assay. Clinical outcomes previously associated with molecular tumor subtypes, including differential survival and metastatic patterns, were again seen in our cohort. Conclusions: We describe for the first time a clinically meaningful and robust molecular diagnosis of a clinical cohort of lung cancer patients which is complementary to morphologic cancer diagnosis. This assay is easily implemented using specimens routinely collected in current patient care.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Unusually high rates of hypersensitivity to cetuximab in the middle-southern United States: Association with atopic phenotype

9051

Purpose: To confirm the anecdotal observation that pts in North Carolina (NC) and Tennessee (TN) treated with cetuximab (C-mab) experience hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) at a much higher rate than that reported nationally and internationally (= 3%). Methods: Data from pts treated with C-mab on clinical trials (CTs, n = 88) at 3 research sites in TN and NC were analyzed for grade 3 or 4 HSR. Additional information was obtained from medical records under IRB approval at the University of North Carolina (UNC) for 90 pts (including 35 pts on CTs) to determine whether history of other significant allergy was a risk factor for HSR. Prior allergy was defined as history of H1 antagonist use, or notation in the medical record of significant drug allergy (excluding narcotic allergies), bee sting allergy, eczema, allergic reactive airways disease, or food allergy. Pearson's or Fisher's exact tests were used for comparison of proportions. Results: Data for 88 pts on CTs and an additional 55 pts treated outside of CTs was included in this analysis. Pts had a variety of tumor types, the most frequent being colorectal and lung For the CT group (n = 88), the overall rate of grade 3 to 4 HSR was 21.6%, significantly higher than the rate noted in any large published trial (p < 0.0001 for comparison to data from Cunningham et al). All HSRs occurred during the first dose. There was no apparent protection from HSR afforded by premedication with dexamethasone in either the CT cohort or the overall UNC cohort. Upon examination of medical records of 90 pts treated at UNC (14.4% gr 3/4 HSR overall), there was a strong relationship between prior allergy history and chance of HSR; 10/28 pts with any HSR vs. 7/62 without allergy history (p = 0.006), and grade 3/4 HSR occurred in 8/28 versus 5/62, respectively (p = 0.01). Conclusions: At the sites in neighboring Southern US states studied, HSR was far more common than reported in national studies. History of prior allergy is a strong predictor of HSR, although is not specific enough to be used as the sole means of excluding pts from therapy. Further investigation of more specific predictors of HSR in the US Middle South is warranted, and pts being treated with C-mab in the region should be observed particularly closely during their first infusion.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II study of lapatinib in recurrent or metastatic EGFR and/or ErbB2 expressing adenoid cystic (ACC) and non-ACC malignant tumors of the salivary glands (MSGT)

5566

Background: The limited therapeutic index of chemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic MSGT provides a strong rationale for the evaluation of molecularly targeted agents in this disease. Lapatinib is a dual inhibitor of EGFR and ErbB2 tyrosine kinase activity. Expression of ErbB2 and EGFR has been associated with biological aggressiveness and poor prognosis in MSGT, respectively. We conducted a phase II study to determine the antitumor activity of lapatinib in MSGT. Methods: The main study has a two-stage design in which patients (pts) with progressive, recurrent or metastatic ACC, and immunohistochemically expressing at least 1+ EGFR and/or 2+ ErbB2, were treated with lapatinib 1500 mg PO daily. Each cycle consists of 4 weeks of continuous dosing. Pts with non-ACC MSGT of other histologies, meeting identical eligibility criteria, were treated in this trial as a single-stage, separate cohort. Results: Of 57 pts screened for this study, 29/33 (88%) ACC and 22/24 (92%) non-ACC pts expressed EGFR and/or ErbB2. Thirty-eight pts have been accrued to the study to date (20 ACC/18 non-ACC). The remaining 13 pts who were screened positive either declined entry or were ineligible for other reasons. Baseline data on 34 pts are: M:F = 25:9, median age 56 (range 38–80), PS 0:1:2 = 16:17:1, prior radiation:chemotherapy = 30:18. After 92 cycles of therapy, the most frequent adverse events experienced (as % of cycles) were diarrhea (54%), pain (52%), fatigue (52%), lymphopenia (39%), anemia (38%), hyperglycemia (38%) and dyspnea (34%). No grade 4 adverse events have occurred and only 8 pts experienced a grade 3 adverse event, primarily pain and dyspnea. No significant cardiac toxicity has been observed. Among 14 ACC pts evaluable for response so far: 9 have SD (range 2–9 cycles), 3 PD, and 2 died prior to cycle 2. For 12 evaluable non-ACC pts: 8 have SD (range 2–9 cycles), and 4 PD. No pts have had an objective response. Conclusions: Although there are no objective responses to date, lapatinib is well tolerated, with tumor stabilization achieved by 64% of pts and 24/38 pts remain on treatment at present. Trial accrual of ACC pts into the first stage has been completed, the second stage will open if an objective response is seen.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Age-within-school-class and adolescent gun-carrying

BACKGROUND

Intentional injuries (suicide and homicide) are a leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Firearms cause approximately 70% of these fatal intentional injuries. Risk factors associated with gun-carrying in adolescent populations include male gender, smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and number of sexual partners. Current knowledge of these and other risk factors has provided limited benefit because many are no more obvious to the clinician a priori than is the tendency to carry guns. Increasing relative age of a student within school class is an easily measured parameter that has been associated with behavioral problems, absenteeism, negative self-image, and high dropout rates.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the association between relative student age-within-class and tendency to carry firearms.

DESIGN

The Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which collects data on demographic characteristics, risk behaviors, and health outcomes.

PARTICIPANTS

A randomly selected group of 3153 Massachusetts students in grades 9 through 11.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

The odds of firearms-carrying comparing older to average-age and younger students.

RESULTS

Using multivariate logistic regression, seven risk factors predicted gun-carrying with statistically significant results: older age-within-class (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.09-4.12), male gender (OR: 4.95; 95% CI: 3.01-8.15), black race (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.20-5.14), gang membership (OR: 7.22; 95% CI: 4.51-11.56), missing school out of concern for safety (OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.30-4.80), seeking medical treatment after a fight (OR: 4.47; 95% CI: 2.56-7. 78), and fighting without seeking medical treatment (OR: 5.73; 95% CI: 3.09-10.60).

CONCLUSION

Older 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-grade students are more likely than their classmates to carry firearms. This information may prove helpful in identifying high-risk students and targeting prevention strategies.