Immunotherapy in cancer patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection

Disease management in challenging patient population with cancer and concomitant serious conditions presents an unmet clinical need. The major gap is the lack of data from properly designed trials that could support clinical decisions. Despite many advances in the fields of oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases, chronic viral infections in cancer patients remain to some extent terra incognita. Therefore, many patients lose the opportunity to receive the most advanced therapy, and physicians are compelled to make treatment decisions without sufficient evidence. In this review, we discuss the utility of immunotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection. Limited data from several studies and case reports support the hypothesis that immune checkpoint inhibitors can be used safely and effectively in this patient population. Available results warrant further investigation of immunotherapy in infected patients. Taking into account the current state of our knowledge, expanding clinical trial eligibility should be considered by investigators and sponsors to allow patient access to novel therapies and better matching of clinical research to the real-world population.

Clinical Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 and Hematologic Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with hematologic diseases are at higher risk of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and more severe clinical outcomes of the coronavirus disease. CHRONOS19 is an observational prospective cohort study with the aim to determine the short and longer-term clinical outcomes, risk factors for disease severity and mortality, and rates of postinfectious immunity in patients with malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases and COVID-19.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Overall, 666 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 626 were included in the final data analysis. The primary endpoint was 30-days all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included COVID-19 complications, rates of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation, outcomes of a hematologic disease in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, overall survival, and risk factors for disease severity and mortality. Data from 15 centers were collected at 30, 90, and 180 days after COVID-19 was diagnosed and were managed using a web-based e-data capture platform. All evaluations were performed in the pre-omicron period of COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Thirty-days all-cause mortality was 18.9%. The predominant cause of death (in 80% of cases) were COVID-19 complications. At 180 days, the majority (70%) of additional deaths were due to hematologic disease progression. At a median follow-up of 5.7 [0.03-19.04] months, 6-months overall survival was 72% [95% CI: 0.69-0.76]. One-third of patients had severe SARS-CoV-2 disease. The rate of ICU admission was 22% with 77% of these patients requiring mechanical ventilation, with poor survival rate. A univariate analysis revealed that older age (≥ 60 years), male sex, malignant hematologic disease, myelotoxic agranulocytosis, transfusion dependence, refractory disease or relapse, diabetes among comorbidities, any complications, especially ARDS alone or in combination with CRS, admission to an ICU, and mechanical ventilation were associated with higher risks of mortality. Treatment of the hematologic disease was changed, postponed, or canceled in 63% of patients. At a longer follow-up (90 and 180 days), the status of the hematologic disease changed in 7.5% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with hematologic disease and COVID-19 have high mortality rates, predominantly due to COVID-19 complications. At a longer-term follow-up, no significant impact of COVID-19 on the course of a hematologic disease was revealed.

COVID-19 and hematologic diseases: Risk factors and long-term follow-up of CHRONOS19 Registry

e18715

Background: Pts with hem diseases are at high risk of COVID-19 severe course and mortality. Emerging data on risk factors and outcomes in this patient population is of great value for developing strategies of medical care. Methods: CHRONOS19 is an ongoing nationwide observational cohort study of adult (≥18 y) pts with hem disease (both malignant and non-malignant) and lab-confirmed or suspected (clinical symptoms and/or CT) COVID-19. Primary objective was to evaluate treatment outcomes. Primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Long-term follow-up was performed at 90 and 180 days. Data from 14 centers was collected on a web platform and managed in a deidentified manner. Results: As of data cutoff on January 27, 2021, 575 pts were included in the registry, 486 of them eligible for primary endpoint assessment, n(%): M/F 243(50%)/243(50%), median age 56 [18-90], malignant disease in 452(93%) pts, induction phase/R/R/remission 160(33%)/120(25%)/206(42%). MTA in 93(19%) pts, 158(33%) were transfusion dependent, comorbidities in 278(57%) pts. Complications in 335(69%) pts: pneumonia (67%), CRS (8%), ARDS (7%), sepsis (6%). One-third of pts had severe COVID-19, 25% were admitted to ICU, 20% required mechanical ventilation. All-cause mortality at 30 days – 17%; 80% due to COVID-19 complications. At 90 days, there were 14 new deaths: 6 (43%) due to hem disease progression. Risk factors significantly associated with OS are listed in Tab 1. In multivariate analysis – ICU+mechanical ventilation, HR, 53.3 (29.1-97.8). Acute leukemias were associated with higher risk of death, HR, 2.40 (1.28-4.51), less aggressive diseases (CML, CLL, MM, non-malignant) – with lower risk of death, HR, 0.54 (0.37-0.80). No association between time of COVID-19 diagnosis (Apr-Aug vs. Sep-Jan) and risk of death. COVID-19 affected treatment of hem disease in 65% of pts, 58% experienced treatment delay for a median of 4[1-10] weeks. Relapse rate on Day 30 and 90 – 4%, disease progression on Day 90 detected in 13(7%) pts; 180-day data was not mature at the time of analysis. Several cases of COVID-19 re-infection were described. Conclusions: Thirty-day all-cause mortality in pts with hem disease was higher than in general population with COVID-19. Longer-term follow-up (180 days) for hem disease outcomes and OS will be presented. [Table: see text]

Testosterone for Managing Treatment-related Fatigue in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Phase 2 Randomized Study FARETES

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is one of the most common adverse events of systemic therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of multicenter randomized phase 2 study was to determine the efficacy and safety of testosterone in patients with fatigue developed during targeted therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Male patients with metastatic clear-cell RCC, normal prostate-specific antigen level, low testosterone level, and no evidence of hypothyroidism receiving first-line sunitinib or pazopanib with fatigue were randomly assigned (1:1) to either testosterone undecanoate (1000 mg) and targeted therapy or targeted therapy alone. The primary endpoint was the mean change of fatigue from baseline to 28 days according to the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale. Secondary endpoints were safety, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Kidney Symptom Index 19, testosterone serum concentrations, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin level.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were assigned to receive testosterone and targeted therapy (N=30) or targeted therapy alone (N=30). As of the data cutoff on December 30, 2019, median follow-up was 18.2 months. The study achieved its primary endpoint based on the significant differences at day 28 favoring testosterone over targeted therapy alone regarding the decreased level of fatigue (difference between groups, 22.5 points; 95% confidence interval, 18.4-26.6; P=0.012). Significant changes in scores demonstrating the enhanced quality of life with testosterone compared with targeted therapy were also observed for Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Kidney Symptom Index 19 disease-related symptoms (P=0.01). There were nonsignificant differences in red blood cell count and hemoglobin level between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Male patients with metastatic RCC and hypogonadism receiving testosterone had less fatigue and better symptom control during targeted therapy.

Results of a completed first-in-human phase Ib dose-escalation study of oral CBL0137 in patients with advanced solid tumors

3607

Background: Curaxin CBL0137 is a novel compound with broad anticancer activity in animal models. The drug is a non-genotoxic DNA intercalator that interferes with histone/DNA binding causing decondensation of chromatin in tumor cells, functional inactivation of histone chaperone FACT, activation of p53 and IFN responses, and inhibition of pro-cancer transcriptional factors, MYC, NF-kB, HSF1, and HIF1a. Methods: The study enrolled adults with advanced chemorefractory solid tumors, ECOG PS ≤2, and adequate organ function. The primary objective was to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dosing regimen (RDR). Secondary objectives were to evaluate CBL0137 safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy. CBL1037 was given orally once daily (QD) for the first 14 days of repeated 28-day cycles. A 3+3 dose escalation determined the MTD, defined as the highest dose at which ≤1 of 6 pts had Cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Pharmacokinetics were assessed on Days 1 and 13. Efficacy was evaluated every 8 weeks. Results: 60 pts were enrolled (females/males [n]: 42/18; median [range] age 56 [25-76] years; ECOG PS [n] 0/1/2: 8/49/3); cancer types [n]: ovarian cancer [15], colorectal cancer [14], breast cancer [11], others [20]) over 16 dose levels ranging from 4 mg to 200 mg QD. Durations of therapy ranged from 6 to 342 days. Three DLTs were observed: prolongation of QTc Gr 3 (88 mg QD), neutropenia/thrombocytopenia Gr 4 (200 mg QD), and LV dysfunction Gr 3 (200 mg QD). Dose-dependent nausea/vomiting was observed and was Gr 2-4 at 200 mg QD. Gr 1/2 photosensitization occurred in 11 subjects across doses from 48 to 200 mg QD but was successfully managed with sun protection and resulted in no dose modifications or discontinuations. On Day 1, mean (range) plasma CBL0137 Tmax values were 5.1 (1-10) hrs. Generally linear increases in AUC occurred with increasing CBL0137 dose. Mean (range) t1/2 values were 25.6 (0.3-166) hrs, with minor dose dependency. Mean (range) Day 13/Day 1 Ctrough ratios showed 3.6 (1.7-7.2)-fold accumulations. Disease control was registered in 11 pts who had stable disease (SD). Target lesion regressions up to 21% were documented in 4 patients with breast cancer (2), sarcoma (1), and ovarian cancer (1). Pts with breast cancer (1) and sarcoma (1) had SD for > 36 weeks. Conclusions: The Phase 2 RDR for oral CBL0137 was established as 180 mg QD x 14 days in 28-day cycles based on bone marrow and gastrointestinal DLTs at 200 mg QD. CBL0137 showed a manageable safety profile with efficacy signals. Further study as a component of combinations is planned. Clinical trial information: 847 .

Results of a completed phase I trial of CBL0137 administered intravenously (IV) to patients (Pts) with advanced solid tumors

3583

Background: The novel curaxin CBL0137 intercalates into DNA, interfering with histone/DNA binding. Consequent trapping of histone chaperone FACT leads to MYC, NF-kB, and HSF1 inhibition, p53 activation, and an IFN response. CBL0137 shows broad nonclinical antitumor activity (Gasparian et al. Sci Transl Med. 2011; 3(95):95ra74). Methods: This dose-ranging study assessed the CBL0137 maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) and CBL0137 safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy in adults with advanced treatment-refractory solid tumors. CBL0137 was administered IV on Days 1, 8, and 15 of repeated 28-day cycles until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity. Doses were escalated using a 3+3 design based on Cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). PK was assessed through 168 hours after Day 1. Efficacy was evaluated every 8 weeks. Results: The study enrolled 83 pts (M/F [n] = 49/34; median [range] age = 64 [33-85] years; ECOG status [n] = 1/2 [32/51]), with cancer types (n) of colorectal (23), prostate (7), glioblastoma (6), liver (6), non-small-cell (5), and others (36) across 17 dose levels from 10 to 700 mg/m2/infusion. Durations of therapy ranged to 24 months. Cycle 1 DLTs (n type) were observed at 240 mg/m2 (1 Gr 3 photosensitivity), 400 mg/m2 (1 Gr 3 anemia), 700 mg/m2 (1 Gr 4 thrombocytopenia, 1 Gr 4 neutropenia/Gr 4 thrombocytopenia), and 650 mg/m2 (1 Gr 3 thrombocytopenia, 1 Gr 4 neutropenia/Gr 3 thrombocytopenia). Nausea and vomiting were successfully prevented with dexamethasone/serotonin antagonists. Photosensitization was effectively managed with sun protection. Peripheral venous thrombosis required central vein infusion in subjects with glioblastoma. PK showed dose-proportional increases in plasma CBL0137 area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), a high mean (range) volume of distribution (Vd) of 1,030 (655-1460) L/m2 consistent with extensive tissue distribution and DNA intercalation, and an average mean (range) half-life (t1/2) of 24.7 (10.3-40.7) hours without dose dependence. The best response was stable disease: 2 pts with liver cancer had tumor control for 9 and 24 months and a maximum tumor regression of 10%; 2 pts with prostate cancer had tumor regressions by 11% and 22%; 1 pt with uterine cancer had a 20% tumor regression. Conclusions: CBL0137 administered IV was generally well tolerated with manageable toxicities The MTD and RP2D were estimated at 540 mg/m2 due to myelosuppressive DLTs. PK were predictable. Preliminary evidence of antitumor activity supports Phase 2 testing. Clinical trial information: NCT01905228 .

Abstract A1: Clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) after treatment with nivolumab

Clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors have historically excluded patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. The safety and efficacy profile of nivolumab is unknown in this under-represented population. Data were collected in a retrospective fashion on 36 patients with metastatic clear-cell mRCC. Patients were required to have a chronic HCV infection, no evidence of other malignancy or cirrhosis, and to have received nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks) as second- or third-line therapy. Clinical outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR). Safety was evaluated. Median follow-up was 17.5 months. Nivolumab was well tolerated in all HCV-infected patients (grade 3-4 toxicity was found in 6 of 36 cases [17%]). No unexpected toxicity was observed. Exposure to nivolumab was not associated with increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis (N=0). Medians OS and PFS were 23.9 (95% CI 20.7-26.5) and 6.8 (95% CI 4.9-8.7) months, respectively. 23% of patients had partial responses. The efficacy and safety profile observed in this study supports the administration of nivolumab in mRCC patients infected with HCV and warrants further investigation.

Citation Format: Ilya Tsimafeyeu, Rustem Gafanov, Anna Semenova, Ani Oganesyan, Anastasia Bondarenko, Sufia Safina, Kristina Zakurdaeva, Svetlana Protsenko. Clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) after treatment with nivolumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A1.

Targeting PFKFB3 alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

The glycolytic rate in neurons is low in order to allow glucose to be metabolized through the pentose-phosphate pathway (PPP), which regenerates NADPH to preserve the glutathione redox status and survival. This is controlled by 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase-3 (PFKFB3), the pro-glycolytic enzyme that forms fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, a powerful allosteric activator of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase. In neurons, PFKFB3 protein is physiologically inactive due to its proteasomal degradation. However, upon an excitotoxic stimuli, PFKFB3 becomes stabilized to activate glycolysis, thus hampering PPP mediated protection of redox status leading to neurodegeneration. Here, we show that selective inhibition of PFKFB3 activity by the small molecule AZ67 prevents the NADPH oxidation, redox stress and apoptotic cell death caused by the activation of glycolysis triggered upon excitotoxic and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation models in mouse primary neurons. Furthermore, in vivo administration of AZ67 to mice significantly alleviated the motor discoordination and brain infarct injury in the middle carotid artery occlusion ischemia/reperfusion model. These results show that pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB3 is a suitable neuroprotective therapeutic strategy in excitotoxic-related disorders such as stroke.

SUN-LB043 Phase 2 Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Testosterone in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients with Hypogonadism

Introduction: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) can cause hypogonadism as an adverse effect in male patients. Hypogonadism can also result from adverse effects of targeted therapy of mRCC, such as fatigue, pain, anorexia, asthenia or hypothyroidism. The objective of this multicenter randomized phase 2 study was to determine efficacy and safety of testosterone undecanoate (T) in mRCC patients with hypogonadism. Methods: Eighty-two male patients with clear cell mRCC were screened. Patients with low testosterone level and normal PSA level receiving first-line sunitinib or pazopanib were randomly assigned (1:1) to either T (Nebido®, 1,000 mg) and targeted therapy or targeted therapy alone (control group). T was injected intramuscular deeply on Day 1 of a new treatment cycle. Symptom index (FKSI-19), fatigue score (FACIT-Fatigue), erectile function (IIEF-5), testosterone serum concentrations, red blood cells (RBC) count and hemoglobin level were evaluated. The assessments were performed at baseline and Day 28 of a treatment cycle. Results: Sixty (75.6%) patients had hypogonadism. Mean age was 52 years (range 33-71) in the T group (N=30) and 55 years (42-69) in the control group (N=30). 45 (75%) patients reported a negative change in their sexual life, and 16 (27%) patients had no sexual activity since the start of the targeted therapy. T was well tolerated in mRCC patients. No unexpected toxicity was observed. The health-related quality-of-life scores in the T group were better than those in the control group, respectively (mean (SD) - FKSI-19: baseline, 46.5 (12.2) vs. 44.2 (9.4), Day 28, 27.5 (12.5) vs. 39.9 (9.8); FACIT-Fatigue: baseline, 37 (4.7) vs. 35.3 (3.1), Day 28, 20.3 (8.1) vs. 42.5 (8.4), all P≤0.01). Therapy with T improved significantly sexual function (IIEF-5: baseline, 16 (3.3) vs. 19 (2.6), Day 28, 21 (1.5) vs. 8 (1.9), P=0.003). There was non-significant positive trend in hemoglobin level between 2 groups (baseline, 124.5 (11.7) g/l vs. 119 (10.4), Day 28, 133 (13.5) vs. 108 (17). Testosterone level increased significantly in T group (baseline, 6.21 (1.78) nmol/l, Day 28, 33.2 (14.3). Conclusions: Male patients with mRCC receiving targeted therapy had significantly less fatigue, better symptom control, and better erectile function with T. T therapy was safe. Unless otherwise noted, all abstracts presented at ENDO are embargoed until the date and time of presentation. For oral presentations, the abstracts are embargoed until the session begins. Abstracts presented at a news conference are embargoed until the date and time of the news conference. The Endocrine Society reserves the right to lift the embargo on specific abstracts that are selected for promotion prior to or during ENDO.

Exploratory endpoints in a FARETES study of the efficacy of testosterone in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients

574

Background: In multicenter randomized phase 2 study (FARETES) we showed that male patients with mRCC receiving targeted therapy had significantly less fatigue and better symptom control with testosterone undecanoate (T) (MASCC 2018, LBA004). Here we described exploratory endpoints in FARETES study. Methods: Sixty male patients with clear cell mRCC, normal PSA level, low testosterone level and no evidence of hypothyroidism receiving first-line sunitinib or pazopanib with fatigue were randomly assigned (1:1) to either T (Nebido, 1,000 mg) and targeted therapy or targeted therapy alone (control group). T was injected intramuscular deeply on Day 1 of a new treatment cycle. Exploratory endpoints included rate of adverse events (AE) of targeted therapy, duration of targeted therapy, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: As of the data cutoff on October 17, 2018, median (range) follow-up was 15.2 (9.9 -16.5) months. No unexpected toxicity of T was observed. Grade 3-4 targeted therapy-related AE occurred in 11 (37%) and 3 (10%) patients in the control group and T group, respectively. Discontinuation due to AE was observed in 3% (1/30) of patients in the T group and in 17% (5/30) of patients in the control group. ORR and PFS were significantly better in the T group (all P < 0.05, Table). Median OS was not reached in either group. Clinical trial information: NCT03379012. Conclusions: T therapy could decrease rate of serious AE of targeted therapy. Male mRCC patients receiving T had longer duration of targeted therapy, better PFS and ORR. Larger trials are needed to evaluate efficacy of T in this group of patients.[Table: see text]