Prognostic and predictive analyses of circulating plasma biomarkers in men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel/prednisone with or without bevacizumab

BACKGROUND

CALGB 90401 (Alliance) was a phase III trial of 1050 patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) comparing docetaxel, prednisone, bevacizumab (DP+B) versus DP alone. While this trial did not show an improvement in overall survival (OS), there were improved intermediate outcomes suggesting that subsets of men may derive benefit from this combination. The purpose of this analysis was to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers associated with OS and progression-free survival (PFS) benefit from DP+B.

METHODS

Baseline EDTA plasma samples from 650 consenting patients were analyzed for 24 biomarkers. The proportional hazards model was utilized to test for the prognostic and predictive importance of the biomarkers for OS. The statistically significant biomarkers of OS were further investigated for prognostic and predictive importance for other secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

15 markers [ICAM-1, VEGF-R3, TIMP-1, TSP-2, Ang-2, Her-3, Osteopontin (OPN), PlGF, VCAM-1, HGF, VEGF, Chromogranin A, IL-6, VEGF-R1, BMP-9] were prognostic of OS, while 9 markers (ICAM-1, VEGF-R3, Her-3, TIMP-1, Ang-2, OPN, PlGF, HGF, and VEGF) were also prognostic of PFS. All markers were statistically significant in univariate analyses after adjustment for multiplicity (FDR < 0.1). In multivariable analyses of OS adjusting for risk score, seven markers had FDR < 0.1, including ICAM-1, VEGF-R3, TIMP-1, Ang-2, VEGF, TSP-2 and HGF. In unadjusted analysis, OPN was predictive of PFS improvement with DP+B, in both univariate and multivariable analysis. However, none of the biomarkers tested were predictive of clinical outcomes after adjusting for multiple comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple biomarkers were identified in CALGB 90401 as prognostic of clinical outcomes but not predictive of OS. While OPN may have promise as a potential biomarker for anti-angiogenic therapies, further mechanistic and clinical studies are needed to determine the underlying biology and potential clinical application.

Predictive Biomarkers of Overall Survival in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with IFNα ± Bevacizumab: Results from CALGB 90206 (Alliance)

PURPOSE

CALGB 90206 was a phase III trial of 732 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) comparing bevacizumab plus IFNα (BEV + IFN) with IFNα alone (IFN). No difference in overall survival (OS) was observed. Baseline samples were analyzed to identify predictive biomarkers for survival benefit.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 32 biomarkers were assessed in 498 consenting patients randomly assigned into training (n = 279) and testing (n = 219) sets. The proportional hazards model was used to test for treatment arm and biomarker interactions of OS. The estimated coefficients from the training set were used to compute a risk score for each patient and to classify patients by risk in the testing set. The resulting model was assessed for predictive accuracy using the time-dependent area under the ROC curve (tAUROC).

RESULTS

A statistically significant three-way interaction between IL6, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and bevacizumab treatment was observed in the training set and confirmed in the testing set (P < 0.0001). The model based on IL6, HGF, and bevacizumab treatment was predictive of OS (P < 0.001), with the high- and low-risk groups having a median OS of 10.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.0-13.8] and 34.3 (95% CI, 28.5-40.5) months, respectively. The average tAUROC for the final model of OS based on 100 randomly split testing sets was 0.78 (first, third quartiles = 0.77, 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

IL6 and HGF are potential predictive biomarkers of OS benefit from BEV + IFN in patients with mRCC. The model based on key biological and clinical factors demonstrated predictive efficacy for OS. These markers warrant further validation in future anti-VEGF and immunotherapy in mRCC trials. See related commentaries by Mishkin and Kohn, p. 2722 and George and Bertagnolli, p. 2725.

Plasma Protein Biomarkers in Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy With Bevacizumab or Cetuximab: Results from CALGB 80405 (Alliance)

PURPOSE

CALGB 80405 compared the combination of first-line chemotherapy with cetuximab or bevacizumab in the treatment of advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Although similar clinical outcomes were observed in the cetuximab-chemotherapy group and the bevacizumab-chemotherapy group, biomarkers could identify patients deriving more benefit from either biologic agent.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this exploratory analysis, the Angiome, a panel of 24 soluble protein biomarkers were measured in baseline plasma samples in CALGB 80405. Prognostic biomarkers were determined using univariate Cox proportional hazards models. Predictive biomarkers were identified using multivariable Cox regression models including interaction between biomarker level and treatment.

RESULTS

In the total population, high plasma levels of Ang-2, CD73, HGF, ICAM-1, IL6, OPN, TIMP-1, TSP-2, VCAM-1, and VEGF-R3 were identified as prognostic of worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). PlGF was identified as predictive of lack of PFS benefit from bevacizumab [bevacizumab HR, 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-2.06; cetuximab HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.71-1.25; Pinteraction = 0.0298] in the combined FOLFIRI/FOLFOX regimens. High levels of VEGF-D were predictive of lack of PFS benefit from bevacizumab in patients receiving FOLFOX regimen only (FOLFOX/bevacizumab HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.19-2.42; FOLFOX/cetuximab HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.68-1.24; Pinteraction = 0.0097).

CONCLUSIONS

In this exploratory, hypothesis-generating analysis, the Angiome identified multiple prognostic biomarkers and two potential predictive biomarkers for patients with mCRC enrolled in CALGB 80405. PlGF and VEGF-D predicted lack of benefit from bevacizumab in a chemo-dependent manner. See related commentaries by Mishkin and Kohn, p. 2722 and George and Bertagnolli, p. 2725.

Cabozantinib with or without Panitumumab for RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: impact of MET amplification on clinical outcomes and circulating biomarkers

PURPOSE

Acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a hurdle for effective treatment. MET amplification has been indicated as a driver of acquired resistance. Clinical activity has been demonstrated for the combination of EGFR and MET inhibitors in mCRC. But the impact of this regimen on angiogenesis and inflammation remains largely unknown.

METHODS

In this non-randomized, open-label phase Ib/II study, four patients were treated with cabozantinib alone and 25 patients received the combination of cabozantinib and panitumumab. MET amplification was detected in blood in all four patients treated with cabozantinib monotherapy and 5/25 patients treated with cabozantinib and panitumumab combination therapy. Plasma samples from 28 patients were available for biomarker analysis.

RESULTS

A panel of circulating protein biomarkers was assessed in patient plasma at baseline and on-treatment. Baseline marker levels were analyzed for prognostic value for clinical outcomes, including MET amplification as a covariate. HGF and OPN were prognostic for both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while six markers (IL-6, VCAM-1, VEGF-R1, TSP-2, TIMP-1, ICAM-1) were prognostic only for OS. In patients with MET amplification, baseline PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, and VEGF-C levels were significantly higher, whereas baseline TGFβ-R3 levels were significantly lower than MET non-amplified patients. On-treatment change of four markers (CD73, PlGF, PDGF-BB, VEGF) were significantly different between MET amplified and non-amplified subpopulations.

CONCLUSION

This study identified circulating HGF and several inflammatory and angiogenic proteins as prognostic biomarkers. Furthermore, MET amplification status is associated with both baseline expression and on-treatment modulation of members of angiogenesis and TGF-β pathway proteins.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02008383.

Identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with docetaxel, prednisone (DP) +/- bevacizumab (B) in CALGB 90401 (Alliance)

154

Background: CALGB 90401 was a phase III trial of 1050 pts with mCRPC comparing DP+B versus DP alone. While this trial did not show an improvement in OS in the overall population, there were improved PSA response, objective responses and delays in progression suggesting that subsets of men may derive benefit from this combination The purpose of this analysis was to identify and validate plasma angiokines (PAs) that are prognostic or predictive of OS and PFS benefit from bevacizumab in men with mCRPC. Methods: Baseline EDTA plasma samples from 679 consenting pts were analyzed using an optimized multiplex ELISA platform for 25 PAs related to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and inflammation. The data were randomly split into training (n = 462) and testing (n = 217) sets. The proportional hazards model was utilized to test for the prognostic and predictive importance of the PAs in predicting OS and PFS, with and without adjustment for clinical risk score. Analyses were adjusted for multiplicity using false discovery rate (FDR). Results: For the prognostic analysis, 14 PAs (angiopoeitin-2, BMP9, Chromogranin A, HER3, HGF, ICAM-1, IL6, OPN, PIGF, TIMP, TSP2, VEGFA, VEGFR1, and VEGF-R3) were prognostic of OS and 8 PAs (angiopoietin-2, HER3, ICAM-1, IL6, OPN, TIMP, VEGFA and VEGF-R3) were prognostic of PFS in the training set (FDR < 0.05). None of the PAs were statistically significant for OS or PFS when adjusting by the clinical risk score, suggesting that angiokine levels associate with clinical prognostic factors. OPN was predictive of OS in the training set but no other PAs were found to be predictive of PFS improvement with DP+B. Using the testing set, we were unable to validate that OPN is predictive of OS/PFS or any of the PAs are predictive biomarkers of the OS or PFS benefits of DP+B over DP alone in men with mCRPC. Conclusions: While PAs are prognostic for OS and PFS in univariate analysis, we were unable to validate the results in the testing set. Furthermore, we did not identify any PAs that are predictive of benefit from the addition of bevacizumab to docetaxel/prednisone with ADT in this setting. Nevertheless, these remain worthy of further evaluation as potential therapeutic targets.

Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Receiving Regorafenib

Regorafenib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Regorafenib inhibits signaling through multiple receptors associated with angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumor immunity. Here, we report biomarker results from LCCC1029, a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II trial of chemotherapy ± regorafenib in patients with second-line mCRC. A panel of 20 soluble protein biomarkers (termed the Angiome) was assessed in the plasma of 149 patients from the LCCC1029 trial both at baseline and along the treatment continuum. Baseline protein levels were analyzed for prognostic and predictive value for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Changes in protein levels during treatment were analyzed for potential pharmacodynamic effects. Six markers (HGF, IL6, PlGF, VEGF-R1, OPN, and IL6R) were found to be prognostic for PFS. Nine markers (IL6, TIMP-1, PlGF, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, OPN, TSP-2, HGF, and VEGF-R1) were prognostic for OS. Higher baseline levels of OPN (P _intx = 0.0167), VCAM-1 (P _intx = 0.0216), and PDGF-AA (P _intx = 0.0435) appeared to predict for PFS benefit from regorafenib compared with placebo. VCAM-1 was also potentially predictive of OS benefit from regorafenib compared with placebo (P _intx = 0.0124). On-treatment changes of six markers reflected potential on-target effect of regorafenib. Consistent results were observed in an Italian cohort where 105 patients with late-stage mCRC received regorafenib monotherapy. The key findings of this study suggest that VCAM-1 may be a predictive biomarker for regorafenib benefit, while multiple protein markers may be prognostic of outcome in patients with mCRC.

On-treatment changes of plasma protein biomarkers in CALGB/SWOG 80405 (Alliance)

588

Background: CALGB/SWOG 80405 found no difference in overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in 1137 patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with either the anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab (Bev) or the anti-EGFR agent cetuximab (Cet) in combination with chemotherapy (FOLFOX or FOLFIRI) as first-line therapy. Additional molecular biomarkers are required for the optimization of treatment choices for patients with mCRC. Methods: Levels of 24 proteins were assayed in EDTA-plasma samples using multiplex ELISA techniques. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and cycle 2 day 1 (C2D1). Analyses of baseline markers have been presented previously. Changes from baseline to C2D1 were expressed as an L-ratio (LR, log2 of C2D1 divided by baseline measure). LRs dichotomized at 0 were analyzed for potential prognostic and predictive effects on OS and PFS using Cox models while adjusting for confounders (post-hoc optimized cutpoints were used for PLGF, TIMP1, VCAM1, and VEGFR3 due to skew in the distributions of these markers). P-values are not corrected for multiple testing. Results: Baseline and matched C2D1 samples from 446 patients (212 Bev/234 Cet) were available for analysis. Thirteen markers were differentially modulated between arms (p < 0.05). Early increases in CD73 (p = 0.001), ICAM1 (p = 0.022), TIMP1 (p = 0.001), TSP2 (p = 0.024), and VEGFR3 (p = 0.006) were prognostic for shorter OS. Increases in ICAM1 (p = 0.008), TIMP1 (p = 0.042), and TGFB1 (p = 0.039) were prognostic for shorter PFS. Changes in VEGFR3 (pint = 0.097) and TGFBR3 (pint = 0.052) were predictive for OS and PFS, respectively. No other markers were predictive for OS or PFS (p < 0.1). Conclusions: Changes in circulating plasma protein biomarkers observed in patients enrolled in CALGB/SWOG 80405 were both prognostic and predictive for OS and PFS and warrant further study. Such changes could provide valuable information and help guide treatment decisions. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U10CA180888, U10CA180830; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00265850. [Table: see text]

Pilot Evaluation of Angiogenesis Signaling Factor Response after Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose To identify changes in a broad panel of circulating angiogenesis factors after bland transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), a purely ischemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods This prospective HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the institutional review board. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants prior to entry into the study. Twenty-five patients (21 men; mean age, 61 years; range, 30-81 years) with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category 5 or biopsy-proven HCC and who were undergoing TAE were enrolled from October 15, 2014, through December 2, 2015. Nineteen plasma angiogenesis factors (angiopoietin 2; hepatocyte growth factor; platelet-derived growth factor AA and BB; placental growth factor; vascular endothelial growth factor A and D; vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, 2, and 3; osteopontin; transforming growth factor β1 and β2; thrombospondin 2; intercellular adhesion molecule 1; interleukin 6 [IL-6]; stromal cell-derived factor 1; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1; and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM-1]) were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 5 weeks after TAE and were compared with baseline levels by using paired Wilcoxon tests. Tumor response was assessed according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Angiogenesis factor levels were compared between responders and nonresponders by mRECIST criteria by using unpaired Wilcoxon tests. Results All procedures were technically successful with no complications. Fourteen angiogenesis factors showed statistically significant changes following TAE, but most changes were transient. IL-6 was upregulated only 1 day after the procedure, but showed the largest increases of any factor. Osteopontin and VCAM-1 demonstrated sustained upregulation at all time points following TAE. At 3-month follow-up imaging, 11 patients had responses to TAE (complete response, n = 6; partial response, n = 5) and 11 patients were nonresponders (stable disease, n = 9; progressive disease, n = 2). In nonresponders, the percent change in IL-6 on the day after TAE (P = .033) and the mean percent change in osteopontin after TAE (P = .024) were significantly greater compared with those of responders. Conclusion Multiple angiogenesis factors demonstrated significant upregulation after TAE. VCAM-1 and osteopontin demonstrated sustained upregulation, whereas the rest were transient. IL-6 and osteopontin correlated significantly with radiologic response after TAE. ^© RSNA, 2017.

Association of on-treatment plasma HGF levels with overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with interferon alpha (INF) +/- bevacizumab (BEV): Results from CALGB 90206 (Alliance)

4522

Background: Elevated baseline HGF levels were associated with shorter OS in pts treated with BEV+INF. We evaluated on-treatment HGF levels to describe treatment-related changes and associations with outcome. Methods: We analyzed baseline EDTA plasma samples from 310 pts (148 INF; 162 BEV+INF) using an optimized multiplex ELISA platform for HGF at baseline and after 4-weeks (wks) on treatment. Primary endpoint of this analysis was OS. The Kaplan-Meier estimated the OS distribution and the proportional hazards model tested the prognostic importance of change at 4-wks from baseline in HGF levels in predicting OS, adjusting for treatment arm, bone metastases and stratification variables. Results: The median baseline HGF level in 310 pts was 161.4 pg/ml. Elevated HGF at 4-wks (>median) was associated with a worse OS (median OS = 14 vs 27 months; adjusted hazard ratio (HR)= 1.75, p< 0.0001). Only 9/155 pts (5.8%) with baseline HGF levels ≤ median developed elevated HGF (>median) at 4-wks; 66/155 pts (43%) with baseline HGF levels >median lowered HGF (<median) at 4-wks from baseline. Compared to pts with persistently elevated HGF levels, a decline in HGF levels at 4-wks (< median) was associated with improved OS (19 vs 13 months, adjusted HR=1.41, p=0.043). Conclusions: In RCC pts with low baseline HGF levels (< median), levels remain consistently low and are associated with improved OS. Conversely, in pts with high baseline HGF levels results are split; some patients continue to have high levels on treatment and are associated with a worse OS, suggesting that, HGF predicts for therapeutic benefit and represents a potential mechanism of resistance. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882. Clinical trial information: NCT00072046 .

Biomarker modulation in patients treated with TRC105 in combination with anti-VEGF therapy

11546

Background: TRC105, an endoglin-targeting monoclonal antibody with anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activity, is being evaluated in multiple diseases. Here we report on pharmacodynamic and prognostic biomarkers in patients (pts) treated with both TRC105 and anti-VEGF agents. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from pts on three phase 2 trials combining TRC105 with an anti-VEGF agent: axitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), pazopanib in advanced soft tissue sarcoma, and bevacizumab in glioblastoma (GBM). Baseline and on-treatment levels of 22 soluble protein biomarkers were assessed. Results: Soluble endoglin markedly increased after TRC105 treatment in all pts ( p< 0.001) as previously reported. BMP9 (a ligand for endoglin) and TGFβR3 (a type III TGFβ receptor) decreased in sarcoma pts at Cycle 2 Day 1 (C2D1) and generally remained below baseline throughout the course of treatment (BMP9, p= 0.004; TGFβR3, p= 0.003). Although TGFβR3 was decreased at C2D1 in mRCC (p = 0.030), no clear patterns were observed over time. Overall BMP9 levels did not change in response to therapy in either mRCC or GBM. Osteopontin (OPN) levels, a downstream effector of TGFβ signaling, were increased in sarcoma pts [ p= 0.002 at C2D15, p< 0.001 at C4D1 and end of study (EOS)]; however, in mRCC ( p= 0.010) and GBM ( p= 0.003), OPN was only elevated at EOS. Increases in PlGF and VEGFD, and decreases in VEGFR2 were observed across all studies, as previously noted for VEGF inhibitors. In the mRCC trial, 5 of 18 pts exhibited a ≥30% tumor reduction. Lower OPN ( p= 0.026) and higher TGFβR3 ( p= 0.003) levels at baseline correlated with radiographic response to treatment. In the sarcoma trial, 6 of 19 pts responded (CHOI criteria) in which lower baseline levels of ICAM1 ( p= 0.018) and TSP2 ( p= 0.042) correlated with stable disease. Conclusions: In these trials, increases of soluble endoglin in response to TRC105 were observed, independent of the presence of any specific VEGF inhibitor. Differential regulation of BMP9, TGFβR3, and OPN suggests potential disease-specific modulation of key TGFβ signaling molecules in response to dual therapy. Baseline levels of OPN and TGFβR3 showed potential prognostic value in mRCC. Confirmation in larger trials is needed.

Biomarker signatures correlate with clinical outcome in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving bevacizumab and everolimus

A novel combination of bevacizumab and everolimus was evaluated in refractory colorectal cancer patients in a phase II trial. In this retrospective analysis, plasma samples from 49 patients were tested for over 40 biomarkers at baseline and after one or two cycles of drug administration. Analyte levels at baseline and change on-treatment were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) using univariate Cox proportional hazard modeling. Multivariable analyses were conducted using Cox modeling. Significant changes in multiple markers were observed following bevacizumab and everolimus treatment. Baseline levels of six markers significantly correlated with PFS and OS, including CRP, Gro-α, IGFBP-1, TF, ICAM-1, and TSP-2 (P < 0.05). At C2D1, changes of IGFBP-3, TGFβ-R3, and IGFBP-2 correlated with PFS and OS. Prognostic models were developed for OS and PFS (P = 0.0002 and 0.004, respectively). The baseline model for OS consisted of CRP, Gro-α, and TF, while the on-treatment model at C2D1 included IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, and TGFβ-R3. These data demonstrated that multiple biomarkers were significantly modulated in response to bevacizumab and everolimus. Several markers correlated with both PFS and OS. Interestingly, these markers are known to be associated with inflammation and IGF signaling, key modulators of mTOR biology.

Phase I study of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, and everolimus in advanced solid tumors

PURPOSE

To define maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicities, and pharmacodynamics of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, and everolimus in advanced solid tumor patients.

DESIGN

This was a standard "3 + 3" dose-escalation trial. All subjects received bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg on day 1 of each cycle. Doses for capecitabine, oxaliplatin and everolimus were modified per dose limiting toxicity (DLT). Baseline and on-treatment plasma biomarkers were analyzed. Archived tumor mRNA levels were evaluated for NRP1, NRP2 and VEGF-A isoforms.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were evaluable for toxicity and 30 for efficacy. Two DLTs were observed in cohort 1 and one DLT each was observed in cohort -1 and -1b. Grade ≥3 toxicities included neutropenia, hypertension, perforation/fistula/hemorrhage, hypertriglyceridemia, diarrhea, and thromboembolism. Twelve subjects experienced partial response (PR); 12 had stable disease as best response. Three of seven chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) subjects experienced PR; 8 of 15 chemonaive mCRC subjects experienced PR. Plasma TβRIII and IL-6 increased on treatment but without correlation to outcome. Increased VEGF165 levels significantly correlated with longer progression free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Everolimus with full dose capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab had unacceptable toxicity. MTD was: everolimus 5 mg daily; capecitabine 680 mg/m(2) BID days 1-14; oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2) and bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg, day 1. Activity was noted in mCRC.

Phase I study of dasatinib in combination with capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab followed by an expanded cohort in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Dasatinib inhibits src family kinases and has anti-angiogenic properties. We conducted a phase I study of dasatinib, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab (CapeOx/bevacizumab), with an expansion cohort in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Patients were enrolled in a dose escalation cohort to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Using a "3 + 3" design, twelve patients with advanced solid tumors received dasatinib (50 mg twice daily or 70 mg daily), capecitabine (850 mg/m(2) twice daily, days 1-14), oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2) on day 1) and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg on day1), every 3 weeks. Ten patients with previously untreated metastatic CRC were then enrolled in an expansion cohort. Activated src (src(act)) expression was measured by immunohistochemistry, using an antibody that selectively recognizes the active conformation of src (clone 28).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were enrolled between June 2009 and May 2011. Two DLTs were observed in the 50 mg bid dasatinib cohort, and one DLT was observed in the 70 mg daily dasatinib cohort. The MTD and RP2D for dasatinib was 70 mg daily. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (20; 91 %) and diarrhea (18; 82 %). Biomarker analysis of src(act) expression demonstrated that the overall response rate (ORR) was 75 % (6/8) for patients with high src(act) expression (IHC ≥ 2), compared to 0 % (0/8) for patients with low srcact expression (IHC 0 or 1); (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The RP2D of dasatinib is 70 mg daily in combination with CapeOx/bevacizumab. High levels of srcact expression may predict those patients most likely to benefit from dasatinib.

Modulation of circulating protein biomarkers following TRC105 (anti-endoglin antibody) treatment in patients with advanced cancer

TRC105 is an endoglin-targeting drug that possesses anti-angiogenic and antitumor potential. Analysis of the initial phase I trial of TRC105 demonstrated good tolerability and efficacy in cancer patients. In this report, we analyzed multiple circulating biomarkers at baseline, cycle 2 day 1 (C2D1), and end of study (EOS) for each patient. The baseline level and the fold change from baseline to both C2D1 and EOS for each marker were statistically analyzed. At C2D1, seven markers were significantly downregulated (angiopoietin-2 [Ang-2], insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 [IGFBP-3], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] total, platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]-AA, PDGF-BB, thrombospondin-1 [TSP-1], and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]-D). Meanwhile, seven markers were upregulated by C2D1 (E-Cadherin, soluble Endoglin [sEnd], E-Selectin, interleukin-6 [IL-6], osteopontin [OPN], TSP-2, and von Willebrand factor [vWF]). At EOS, seven markers were upregulated including Ang-2, C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), IGFBP-1, IL-6, TSP-2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). A statistical trend was also seen for increases of VEGF-A and placenta growth factor (PlGF) at EOS. Throughout treatment, sEnd levels significantly increased, an observation that was recapitulated in cultured endothelial cells. This is the first report of plasma-based biomarkers in patients receiving TRC105. TRC105 treatment by C2D1 was associated with decreases in several angiogenic factors, including Ang-2, PDGF isoforms, and VEGF isoforms, offering insight into the mechanisms underlying TRC105's anti-angiogenic, antitumor function. Increases in sEnd were the most significant of all observed biomarker changes and may reflect direct drug effects. Additionally, biomarker changes in response to TRC105 are distinct from those seen in patients treated with VEGF-targeting drugs, suggesting the possible utility of combining these two classes of angiogenesis inhibitors in patients.

Prognostic and predictive blood-based biomarkers of overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with cetuximab (C): Results from CALGB 80203 (Alliance)

448

Background: Previously, we identified potential predictive biomarkers of C sensitivity related to EGFR signaling from archived tumor tissue from CALGB 80203. Due to the fact that blood-based markers are more convenient and can be monitored over the course of treatment, baseline plasma samples were also collected and five (EGF, HB-EGF, sEGFR, sHER2, sHER3) of the 14 markers previously analyzed in archived tumor were evaluated in plasma. Methods: CALGB 80203 was a randomized (1:1) phase II trial of 238 pts with locally advanced or metastatic CRC comparing FOLFOX or FOLFIRI (chemo) vs. chemo combined with C. Baseline EDTA plasma samples from 154 pts were analyzed for the 5 candidate markers. The levels of each analyte were correlated with the primary endpoint of OS using univariate Cox proportional hazards models. Potential predictive markers were identified using a treatment by marker interaction term in the Cox model and the markers with significant p-values are reported. Hazard ratios between treatment groups are reported for low or high marker levels dichotomized at the median. Results: Univariate analyses indicated that plasma levels of EGF and sHER3 were negative prognostic markers (p<0.05) that correlated with OS for the overall pt population. Across all pts (KRAS mutant and wild-type), sHER3 was identified as a potential predictive biomarker for C. Pts with higher sHER3 levels had significant OS benefit from C treatment (interaction p=0.03; HR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.92). Low levels of EGF predicted for OS benefit from C in KRAS WT tumors (interaction p<0.01; HR=0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.87) and lack of benefit in the KRAS mutant pts (interaction p=0.03; HR=3.03, 95% CI 1.13-8.16), but were not predictive for C across all pts combined. Conclusions: Blood-based profiling of EGFR axis members identified sHER3 and EGF as candidate predictors for benefit from C. These data are consistent with our findings using mRNA expression from archived tumor samples and suggest a role for receptor shedding in HER3 biology. If further validated, these markers may help guide the development and use of anti-EGFR therapies and combination regimens.

Identification of predictive biomarkers of overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with interferon alpha (I) with or without bevacizumab (B): Results from CALGB 90206 (Alliance)

4520

Background: CALGB 90206 was a phase III trial of 732 pts with RCC comparing B+I versus I alone demonstrating no difference in OS. To date, there are no validated predictive biomarkers for B in RCC. For this reason, baseline plasma samples from CALGB 90206 pts were analyzed to identify and test predictive markers for B+I in RCC pts. Methods: Baseline EDTA plasma samples from 424 consenting pts were analyzed using an optimized multiplex ELISA platform for 32 candidate factors related to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and inflammation. The data were randomly split into training (n=286) and validation (n=138) sets. The proportional hazards model was used to test for treatment-marker interactions of OS. The estimated coefficients from the training set were used to compute a risk score (RS) for each pt in the validation set. The RS classified pts by risk in the validation set. The model was assessed for its predictive accuracy using area under the curve (AUC). Results: A statistically significant 3-way interaction between interleukin-6 (IL-6), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and treatment was observed in the training set (p<0.0001). The median levels of IL-6 and HGF in the training set were 8.4 pg/ml and 89 pg/ml, respectively. In the validation set, the RS was predictive of OS (p<0.001) with the high and low risk groups having a median OS of 10 months and 32 months, respectively. The AUC in the validation set was 0.82 (95% CI=0.77-0.88). The median OS (in months) by median levels of IL-6 and HGF stratified by treatment arm in the validation set is presented in the table with associated 95% CI (NR=not reached). Conclusions: IL-6 and HGF are predictive for OS in RCC patients treated with B+I and a RS based on these factors identified patients who benefitted most from B. If independently validated, this novel RS could guide clinical decisions and pt selection in future RCC trials. [Table: see text]

A phase II study of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab in the treatment of metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND

Esophageal and gastric cancers often present at an advanced stage. Systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, but survival with current regimens remains poor. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the combination capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab in the treatment of metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with metastatic or unresectable gastric/gastroesophageal junction tumors were enrolled and treated with capecitabine 850 mg/m(2) BID on days 1-14, and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) with bevacizumab 15 mg/kg on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included response rate (RR) and overall survival (OS). Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and -2 (NRP2) mRNA expression was evaluated in archived tumor.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were evaluable for efficacy. Median PFS was 7.2 months; median OS was 10.8 months. RR was estimated at 51.4%. The regimen was tolerable with expected drug class-related toxicities. NRP2 mRNA levels significantly correlated with PFS (p = 0.042) and showed a trend toward significance with OS (p = 0.051). Nonsignificant trends for NRP1 were noted for higher expression levels and worse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab can be given safely with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinomas. The combination of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, plus bevacizumab has activity comparable to other bevacizumab-containing regimens in metastatic gastroesophageal cancer.

Modulation of angiogenic biomarkers in patients receiving high-dose TRC105

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Background: TRC105, an anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody, has completed phase 1 testing and is being studied in multiple phase 2 trials. We previously reported that low dose TRC105 (0.01-1.0 mg/kg) modulated the expression of soluble angiogenic biomarkers in patients [J Clin Oncol 29: 2011 (suppl; abstr 10565)]. In this report, we evaluated angiogenic biomarkers in patients receiving higher doses of TRC105 including the recommended phase 2 dose. Methods: Patients with advanced refractory solid tumors were treated with escalating doses of TRC105 until disease progression. Serial plasma samples were analyzed via an optimized multiplex ELISA platform. 36 biomarkers related to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and inflammation were assayed at baseline (BL), after 1 month (C2D1), concurrent with radiological restaging near the end of cycle 2 (C2D22), and at end of study (EOS). Results: 32 patients treated with TRC105 at doses of 0.3 to 15 mg/kg were evaluated for biomarker expression. Wilcoxon signed rank tests indicated that the following analytes were significantly different at C2D1 when compared with baseline (p<0.05): Ang-2, IGFBP-3, total PAI-1, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, TSP-1, VEGF-D were all down-regulated; and E-Cadherin, soluble CD105, E-Selectin, IL-6, OPN, TSP-2, vWF were all up-regulated. At EOS, significant increases from C2D1 were observed for the following analytes: Ang-2, CRP, ICAM-1, IGFBP-1, IL-6, TSP-2, and VCAM-1 (p<0.05). Additionally, dose-dependent increases in soluble CD105 at C2D1 were observed (p<0.0001, r=0.9), suggesting direct target modulation by TRC105. Conclusions: TRC105 therapy is associated with early down-regulation of certain key angiogenic biomarkers and a dose-dependent increase in sCD105. Increases in many initially down-regulated angiogenic factors were observed at the time of progression, suggesting possible mechanisms for acquired resistance to TRC105. Further analysis of TRC105 in specified patient populations is underway and may provide more insight into the biological effects of this drug.

Synthesis of arene-soluble mixed-metal Zr/Ce, Zr/Y, and related [[Zr2(OiPr)9]LnX2]n complexes using the dizirconium nonaisopropoxide ligand

The utility of polydentate monoanionic [Zr2(OiPr)9]- in generating arene-soluble, unsolvated, mixed-metal Zr/Ce and Zr/Y complexes is described. The synthesis of other mixed-metal zirconium lanthanide complexes was also studied to explore the relationship of metal size to structure. Lanthanide trihalides react in THF with KZr2(OiPr)9 to form unsolvated dimers, [[Zr2(OiPr)9]LnCl2]2, with the larger metals, Ln = Ce (1), Ho (2), Y (3), and unsolvated monomers, [Zr2(OiPr)9]LnCl2, with the smaller elements, Ln = Er (4), Yb (5). The synthesis of a monomeric iodide analogue, [Zr2(OiPr)9]TmI2, 6, by reduction of Zr2(OiPr)8(iPrOH)2 with TmI2(DME)3 is also reported. In all of these complexes, the [Zr2(OiPr)9]- subunit is tetradentate. 1-6 are compared with related cyclopentadienyl halide complexes to evaluate the special features of the dizirconium nonaisopropoxide ligand versus cyclopentadienide.

The mechanism of peroxidase-mediated cytotoxicity. II. Role of the heme moiety

Various peroxidases in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and a halide ion have been shown to exert a cytolytic activity against erythrocytes and other cells. However, few studies have been done to elucidate the active site on the enzymes that is responsible for the cytotoxic activity. In addressing this question we found that boiling of horseradish peroxidase only partially abolishes its cytotoxic activity, suggesting that an intact tertiary structure of the protein may not be essential for the cytotoxic activity. This conclusion was confirmed by demonstrating that microperoxidase, hemin, and hematoheme also exert cytotoxic activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and iodide, the kinetics of which were identical to those obtained with the peroxidases. Fluoride, bromide, and thiocyanate could not replace iodide in any of these systems. These results indicate that the active site for the cytotoxic activity of the peroxidases is located within the heme moiety, whereas the protein portions of the enzymes affect the cytotoxic activity of the enzymes only in an indirect manner. We also tested a variety of compounds for their ability to inhibit the cytolytic reaction toward erythrocytes. We found that compounds such as thiourea, thionicotinamide, and uric acid are much more potent inhibitors of the cytolytic reaction than tyrosine and histidine. These observations support the concept that oxidative reactions rather than halogenation reactions are the primary cause of the peroxidase-mediated lysis of erythrocytes.