Updated efficacy and safety of entrectinib in NTRK fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

NTRK fusions result in constitutively active oncogenic TRK proteins responsible for ∼ 0.2 % of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. Approximately 40 % of patients with advanced NSCLC develop CNS metastases; therefore, treatments with intracranial (IC) efficacy are needed. In an integrated analysis of three phase I/II studies (ALKA-372-001: EudraCT 2012-000148-88; STARTRK-1: NCT02097810; STARTRK-2: NCT02568267), entrectinib, a potent, CNS-active, TRK inhibitor, demonstrated efficacy in patients with NTRK fusion-positive (fp) NSCLC (objective response rate [ORR]: 64.5 %; 2 August 2021 data cut-off). We present updated data for this cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years with locally advanced/metastatic, NTRK-fp NSCLC with ≥ 12 months of follow-up. Tumor responses were assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) per RECIST v1.1 at Week 4 and every eight weeks thereafter. Co-primary endpoints: ORR; duration of response (DoR). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS); overall survival (OS); IC efficacy; safety. Enrolment cut-off: 2 July 2021; data cut-off: 2 August 2022.

RESULTS

The efficacy-evaluable population included 51 patients with NTRK-fp NSCLC. Median age was 60.0 years (range 22-88); 20 patients (39.2 %) had investigator-assessed baseline CNS metastases. Median survival follow-up was 26.3 months (95 % CI 21.0-34.1). ORR was 62.7 % (95 % CI 48.1-75.9), with six complete and 26 partial responses. Median DoR and PFS were 27.3 months (95 % CI 19.9-30.9) and 28.0 months (95 % CI 15.7-30.4), respectively. Median OS was 41.5 months. In patients with BICR-assessed baseline CNS metastases, IC-ORR was 64.3 % (n = 9/14; 95 % CI 35.1-87.2), including seven complete responders, and IC-DoR was 55.7 months. In the safety-evaluable population (n = 55), most treatment-related adverse events were grade 1/2; no treatment-related deaths were reported.

CONCLUSION

Entrectinib has continued to demonstrate deep and durable systemic and IC responses in patients with NTRK-fp NSCLC.

Predictors of lower exercise capacity in patients with cancer

Maintaining cancer patients' exercise capacity and therefore patients' ability to live a self-determined life is of huge importance, but little is known about major determinants. We sought to identify determinants of exercise capacity in patients with a broad spectrum of cancer types, who were already receiving cancer treatment or about to commence such therapy. Exercise capacity was assessed in 253 consecutive patients mostly suffering from advanced cancer using the 6-min walk test (6-MWT). All patients underwent echocardiography, physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, hand grip strength (HGS) measurement, and laboratory assessments. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median distance in the 6-MWT (459 m). Patients with lower exercise capacity were older, had significantly lower HGS and haemoglobin and higher values of high sensitive (hs) Troponin T and NT-proBNP (all p < 0.05). Whilst the co-morbidity burden was significantly higher in this group, no differences were detected for sex, body mass index, tumor type, or cachexia (all p > 0.2). Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that the presence of anaemia (odds ratio (OR) 6.172, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.401-27.201, p = 0.016) as well as an increase in hs Troponin T (OR 3.077, 95% CI 1.202-5.301, p = 0.019) remained independent predictors of impaired exercise capacity. Increasing HGS was associated with a reduced risk of a lower exercise capacity (OR 0.896, 95% CI 0.813-0.987, p = 0.026). Screening patients for elevated hs troponin levels as well as reduced HGS may help to identify patients at risk of lower exercise capacity during cancer treatment.

Social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic in persons with a high risk for a severe course of COVID-19 - results of a longitudinal, multi-center observational study in Germany

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how people go about their daily lives, often in various and substantial ways. This study aims to prospectively evaluate the changes in social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic in persons with a high risk for a severe COVID-19 course in Germany.

Methods

A paper-pencil-based survey was conducted starting at March 2021. Participants filled out questionnaires at four time points based on their COVID-19 vaccination status: before COVID-19 vaccination, one month, six months and twelve months after COVID-19 vaccination. Social participation measures included the Pandemic Social Participation Questionnaire (PSP-Q) and the Index for measuring participation restrictions (IMET). Repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test were used to test for changes between time-points. Repeated measures correlation was used to assess the relationship between social participation and local COVID-19 incidences.

Results

Data from 245 participants was analyzed before and one month after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, data from 156 participants was analyzed at time points one, six and twelve months after COVID-19. PSP-Q and IMET scores changed significantly after participants received a COVID-19 vaccination. Between one month and twelve months after vaccination, social participation improved significantly measured by PSP-Q. Social participation was negatively correlated with regional COVID-19 incidences before and after COVID-19 vaccination. Social participation was positively correlated with COVID-19 incidences between one month and twelve months after COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions

Social participation improved in persons with a high risk for a severe COVID-19 course during the pandemic. The local COVID-19 incidence showed a negative association with social participation only until the fall of 2021 when it was used as the sole metric to regulate COVID-19 protective measures. Although our data describes the trends in social participation, further studies are needed to identify the influencing factors for the observed increase in social participation.

Management of Aortoesophageal Fistula in a Palliative Patient with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Aortoesophageal fistulas are a rare but life-threatening complication in patients with thoracic malignancies.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a case of a 55-year-old female patient with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Due to esophageal tumor compression, a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (fcSEMS) had been deployed in the esophagus several months before. The patient was subsequently admitted to the emergency department with massive hematemesis. Endoscopy suggested a fistula between the aorta and the esophagus proximal of the fcSEMS, which was confirmed by computed tomography and led to hemodynamical relevant upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed to stop the hemorrhage. After the successful intervention, the patient needed long-term antibiotic treatment, and the fcSEMS remained in place. Afterward, the patient continued palliative tumor therapy using pembrolizumab for further 5 months. The patient died 8 months after the initial admission to the emergency department.

CONCLUSION

This is to the best of our knowledge the first case of a technically successful interventional therapy of an aortoesophageal fistula which did not only achieve hemostasis but also enabled the patient to continue tumor therapy to regain quality of life.

Optimizing the structure of interdisciplinary tumor boards for effective cancer care

Introduction

Multi-professional interdisciplinary tumor boards (ITB) are essential institutions to discuss all newly diagnosed, relapsed or complex cancer patients in a team of specialists to find an optimal cancer care plan for each individual patient with regard to national and international clinical practice guidelines, patient´s preference and comorbidities. In a high-volume cancer center, entity-specific ITBs take place at least once a week discussing a large number of patients. To a high level of expertise and dedication, this also requires an enormous amount of time for physicians, cancer specialists and administrative support colleagues, especially for radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, who must attend all cancer-specific boards according to certification requirements.

Methods

In this 15-month prospective German single-center analysis, we examined the established structures of 12 different cancer-specific ITBs at the certified Oncology Center and demonstrate tools helping to optimize processes before, during and after the boards for optimal, time-saving procedures.

Results

By changing pathways, introducing revised registration protocols and new digital supports we could show that the workload of preparation by radiologists and pathologists could be reduced significantly by 22.9% (p=<0.0001) and 52.7% (p=<0.0001), respectively. Furthermore, two questions were added to all registration forms about the patient´s need for specialized palliative care support that should lead to more awareness and early integration of specialized help.

Discussion

There are several ways to reduce the workload of all ITB team members while maintaining high quality recommendations and adherence to national and international guidelines.

NSCLC with uncommon EGFR mutations treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

For refractory NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations, recent studies have demonstrated a favorable response to the combination of anti-angiogenic therapy and checkpoint inhibition but included only very few patients with uncommon EGFR mutations for which treatment options are still limited despite new targeted treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen stage IV NSCLC patients with uncommon EGFR mutations from 9 different German centers were treated in first or further line with Atezolizumab, Bevacizumab, Carboplatin and (nab-)Paclitaxel (ABCP). PFS was evaluated from start of ABCP and OS from time of initial diagnosis of stage IV.

RESULTS

Patients with either an Exon 20 insertion (n = 9) or other uncommon EGFR mutations (n = 7) received ABCP in first, second or further line. Nine patients had received a TKI therapy in first line with an ORR of 66.7 % and a median time-to-next-treatment of 6.7 months. After a median number of 4 ABCP cycles, 4 patients (25.0 %) required a dose reduction of chemotherapy and 5 patients (31.3 %) suffered from grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Overall response rate was 81.3 % and disease control rate 87.5 %. 14 patients (87.5 %) received a maintenance with AB and the median follow-up after initial diagnosis was 24.3 months. Median PFS was 13.6 months for both the entire cohort and for Exon 20 insertions. Corresponding median OS was either not reached or 30.7 months. Landmark analysis at 12 months gave a PFS of 42.8 % and an OS of 93.3 %. Four patients were rechallenged with ABCP while progressing under maintenance and responded again. In further line therapy, clinical benefit was achieved in all of 3 patients receiving Amivantamab, but in only one of four patients receiving mobocertinib.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective analysis, ABCP achieves an encouraging outcome for patients with uncommon EGFR mutations and is a valuable option in the early treatment course.

Cardiovascular and metabolic determinants of quality of life in patients with cancer

AIMS

Maintaining quality of life (QoL) in patients with cancer has gathered significant interest, but little is known about its major determinants. We sought to identify determinants of QoL in patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as in treatment-naïve patients about to commence such therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

QoL was assessed in 283 patients with cancer using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 questionnaire. All patients underwent a battery of tests including physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, hand grip strength, and biochemistry assessment. Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that age [odds ratio (OR) 0.954, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.916-0.994], resting heart rate (OR 1.036, 95% CI 1.004-1.068), hand grip strength (OR 0.932, 95% CI 0.878-0.990), and the presence of cachexia (OR 4.334, 95% CI 1.767-10.631) and dyspnoea (OR 3.725, 95% CI 1.540-9.010; all P < 0.05) remained independently predictive of reduced QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it may be reasonable to address circumstances that are affecting muscle mass, body weight, and heart rate to maintaining QoL; however, prospective studies to test these endpoints are required.

"SpezPat"- common advance directives versus disease-centred advance directives: a randomised controlled pilot study on the impact on physicians' understanding of non-small cell lung cancer patients' end-of-life decisions

BACKGROUND

The advance directive represents patients' health care choices and fosters patients' autonomy. Nevertheless, understanding patients' wishes based on the information provided in advance directives remains a challenge for health care providers. Based on the ethical premises of positive obligation to autonomy, an advanced directive that is disease-centred and details potential problems and complications of the disease should help health care providers correctly understand patients' wishes. To test this hypothesis, a pilot-study was conducted to investigate whether physicians could make the correct end-of-life decision for their patients when patients used a disease-centred advance directive compared to a common advance directive.  MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomised, controlled, prospective pilot study was designed that included patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage VI from the Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre, Goettingen. Patients were randomised into intervention and control groups. The control group received a common advance directive, and the intervention group received a disease-centred advance directive. Both groups filled out their advance directives and returned them. Subsequently, patients were asked to complete nine medical scenarios with different treatment decisions. For each scenario the patients had to decide whether they wanted to receive treatment on a 5-point Likert scale. Four physicians were given the same scenarios and asked to decide on the treatment according to the patients' wishes as stated in their advance directives. The answers by patients and physicians were then compared to establish whether physicians had made the correct assumptions.

RESULTS

Recruitment was stopped prior to reaching anticipated sample target. 15 patients with stage IV NSCLC completed the study, 9 patients were randomised into the control group and 6 patients in the intervention group. A total of 135 decisions were evaluated. The concordance between physicians' and patients' answers, was 0.83 (95%-CI 0.71-0.91) in the intervention group, compared to 0.60 (95%-CI 0.48-0.70) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study shows that disease-centred advance directives help physicians understand their NSCLC patients' wishes more precisely and make treatment choices according to these wishes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (no. DRKS00017580, registration date 27/08/2019).

NSCLC with uncommon EGFR mutations treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy

e21076

Background: Results of IMpower-150 and Orient-31 have demonstrated a favorable effect of combining anti-angiogenic therapy and checkpoint inhibition for refractory NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations. However, both studies included only very few patients with uncommon EGFR mutations, not allowing further analysis. For those patients, representing about 10% of EGFR mutant NSCLCs, treatment options are still limited. Methods: Analysis included 16 stage IV NSCLC patients with uncommon EGFR mutations from 9 different German centers which started treatment in first or further line with Atezolizumab, Bevacizumab, Carboplatin and (nab-)Paclitaxel (ABCP) between October 2018 and January 2022. EGFR mutations were detected by NGS (n = 15) or COBAS-PCR (n = 1). PFS was evaluated from start of ABCP and OS from time of initial diagnosis of stage IV. Results: 5 men and 11 women received ABCP therapy in first (n = 4), second (n = 9) or further line (n = 3). Mean age was 56 (36-77) years. Patients had either an Exon 20 insertion (n = 9) or point mutation (n = 2, S768I), an Exon 18 mutation (n = 3, G719X or E709A), an Exon 21 mutation (L861Q) or a compound mutation (G719C/S768I). 9 patients received a TKI therapy in first line (4x Afatinib; 5x Osimertinib) with an ORR of 66.7% (CR = 1; PR = 5; SD = 1; PD = 2) and a median time-to-next-treatment of 6.7 months (range: 2.1-39.1 months). Median number of full ABCP cycles were 4 (1-6), with 3 patients (23.1%) requiring a dose reduction of chemotherapy and 4 patients (30.8%) suffering from grade 3 or 4 toxicity (one immune related pneumonitis). 13 patients (84.6%) received a maintenance with AB and the median follow-up after initial diagnosis was 19.6 months (2.3-38.4). ORR was 81.3% with 2 CR, 11 PR, 1 SD and 1 PD (not available = 1). Median PFS by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 13.0 months for both the entire cohort (95%-CI: 8.4-17.6) and for Exon 20 insertions (95%-CI: 9.3-16.7). Corresponding median OS was either not reached or 30.7 months (95%-CI: 13.8-47.6). Landmark analysis at 12 months gave a PFS of 42.8% and an OS of 93.3%. Univariate Cox regression showed no association of PFS or OS with patient or treatment parameters, including PD-L1 expression, type of mutation or prior TKI treatment. 4 patients were rechallenged with ABCP while progressing under AB maintenance and responded again. 4 patients received mobocertinib as further treatment, but only one showed a clinical benefit. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis, ABCP achieves an encouraging outcome for patients with uncommon EGFR mutations, comparable to results for common EGFR mutations in IMpower150 (ORR 71%, mPFS: 9.7 months, mOS 29.4 months). This in contrast to immunotherapy alone which shows poor ORR and PFS. Together with new targeted treatment options for Exon 20 insertions like amivantamab (ORR 40%, mPFS 8.3 months) or mobocertinib (ORR 28%, mPFS 7.3 months), ABCP is a valuable option in the early course of treatment for this patient cohort.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Social Participation of High Risk-Adults in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background:

Restrictions to contain the COVID-19 pandemic affect the social participation of people worldwide. Especially those at high risk for a severe disease tend to abstain from social gatherings. While there are a few questionnaires to measure social participation in elderly or chronic patients, a valid survey instrument that includes pandemic-related social participation is needed.

Methods

We developed a social participation questionnaire that aims to assess pandemic-related restrictions in social participation. Items were developed using a theory and literature-based approach and then compiled in a discursive process involving experts and lay people. This was followed by the validation of the questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey on 431 individuals. Items with low item-total correlations and low factor loadings using exploratory factor analysis [EFA] were excluded. Using EFA on the remaining items, the factor structure was retrieved and tested with a confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]. Internal consistency was assessed with Chronbachs α.

Results

Initially, 27 items were developed which were used for validation. 13 items were excluded due to low item-total correlations and factors loadings. EFA of the remaining 14 items revealed three factors which were identified as domains “active social participation,” “wellbeing,” and “restrictions”. CFA showed an acceptable model fit using the three-dimensional structure. Chronbachs α of 0.81 and McDonalds Ω of 0.87 indicate good internal consistency. Correlation analysis showed an association between the developed questionnaire and previously-established participation and mental health scales.

Conclusion

This study suggests that our 14 item questionnaire is of high reliability and validity and can be used to measure social participation during a pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses in elderly and immunosuppressed participants and patients with hematologic disease or checkpoint inhibition in solid tumors: study protocol of the prospective, observational CoCo immune study

Background

Immunocompromised people (ICP) and elderly individuals (older than 80 years) are at increased risk for severe coronavirus infections. To protect against serious infection with SARS-CoV-2, ICP are taking precautions that may include a reduction of social contacts and participation in activities which they normally enjoy. Furthermore, for these people, there is an uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the vaccination. The COVID-19 Contact (CoCo) Immune study strives to characterize the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in immunocompromised, elderly people, and patients with hematological or oncological diseases. The study uses blood-based screenings to monitor the humoral and cellular immune response in these groups after vaccination. Questionnaires and qualitative interviews are used to describe the level of social participation.

Methods

The CoCo Immune Study is a mixed methods prospective, longitudinal, observational study at two large university hospitals in Northern Germany. Starting in March 2021, it monitors anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses and collects information on social participation in more than 600 participants, at least 18 years old. Inclusion criteria and subcohorts: Participants with (1) regularly intake of immunosuppressive medication (ICP-cohort) or (2) age ≥ 80 years (80 + -cohort). Additionally, patients with current or former (3) myeloid, (4) lymphatic disease or (5) solid tumor under checkpoint inhibition (3–5: HO-cohort). Exclusion criteria: (1) refusal to give informed consent, (2) contraindication to blood testing, (3) inability to declare consent. Participants complete a questionnaire at four different time points: prior to full vaccination, and 1, 6 and 12 months after completed vaccination. In addition, participants draw blood samples themselves or through a local health care provider and send them with their questionnaires per post at the respective time points after vaccination. Patients of the HO cohort dispense additional blood samples at week 3 to 12 and at month 6 to 9 after 2nd vaccination to gain additional knowledge in B and T cell responses. Selected participants are invited to qualitative interviews about social participation.

Discussion

This observational study is designed to gain insight into the immune response of people with weakened immune systems and to find out how social participation is affected after COVID-19 vaccination.

Trial registration: This study was registered with German Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: DRKS00023972) on 30th December 2020.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07347-w.

Multimodal Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults-Extended Follow-Up of the NPC-2003-GPOH Study Cohort and Patients of the Interim Cohort

Simple Summary

Multimodal treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children and young adults with induction chemotherapy, followed by radiochemotherapy and interferon-β (IFN-β) maintenance, has been successfully applied in studies NPC-91 and NPC-2003 of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH). We, here, present updated survival rates of the NPC-2003 study cohort after longer follow-up and include 21 additional patients recruited after closure of the study and treated as per the NPC-2003 study protocol (interim cohort) in our survival analysis. Survival rates remain high after extended follow-up and in the larger cohort with EFS and OS of 94% and 97%, respectively, reinforcing the high antitumor efficacy of this multimodal treatment concept. Seven patients with CR after induction therapy received a reduced radiation dose of 54 Gy, and none of them relapsed. Thus, the reduction of radiation dose seems feasible and has the potential to reduce treatment-related late effects in this vulnerable population.

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children and young adults has been treated within two consecutive prospective trials in Germany, the NPC-91 and the NPC-2003 study of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH). In these studies, multimodal treatment with induction chemotherapy, followed by radio (chemo)therapy and interferon-beta maintenance, yielded promising survival rates even after adapting total radiation doses to tumor response. The outcome of 45 patients in the NPC-2003 study was reassessed after a median follow-up of 85 months. In addition, we analyzed 21 further patients after closure of the NPC-2003 study, recruited between 2011 and 2017, and treated as per the NPC-2003 study protocol. The EFS and OS of 66 patients with locoregionally advanced NPC were 93.6% and 96.7%, respectively, after a median follow-up of 73 months. Seven patients with CR after induction therapy received a reduced radiation dose of 54 Gy; none relapsed. In young patients with advanced locoregional NPC, excellent long-term survival rates can be achieved by multimodal treatment, including interferon-beta. Radiation doses may be reduced in patients with complete remission after induction chemotherapy and may limit radiogenic late effects.

Pathologic responses in oligometastatic NSCLC patients treated with neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade with and without chemotherapy followed by surgery

OBJECTIVES

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved outcome of patients with advanced NSCLC and recently also showed benefit in early-stage disease. Patients with oligometastatic disease (OMD) harbor limited metastases, resectable primary tumors and derive benefit from treatment with multimodal locally ablative and systemic therapy approaches. Nothing is known about feasibility and efficacy of neoadjuvant ICI in this setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We here provide data from a multicenter retrospective study comprising 13 patients with NSCLC and OMD (≤3 distant metastases) from 5 university medical centers in Germany who have been treated with neoadjuvant ICI alone (n = 4) or in combination with chemotherapy (CT) (n = 9) prior to resection of the primary tumor. We analyzed complete (pCR) and major pathological remission (MPR) rates.

RESULTS

These data show that neoadjuvant immunotherapy applied mostly in combination with CT results in high rates of pCR and MPR (54 and 69%, respectively). Up to now, 85% of patients are free of progression with a median follow-up of 9 months (3-28 months). Single cell RNASeq analysis of tumor tissue from one patient treated with CT-ICI indicates a strong predominance of adaptive immune cell populations over a small minority of epithelial (tumor) cells.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant ICI with or without CT is a promising therapeutic concept in patients with OMD.

Thoracic radiotherapy PLUS durvalumab in elderly and/or frail NSCLC stage III patients unfit for chemotherapy: Employing optimized (hypofractionated) radiotherapy to foster durvalumab efficacy—The TRADE-hypo trial

TPS8585

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide highlighting the importance of improving current therapeutic options. In particular, elderly and frail patients are not only underrepresented in clinical trials, but also frequently do not receive standard treatment regimens due to comorbidities. For example, patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC who are unfit for chemotherapy (CHT) do not benefit from the recent seminal therapy algorithm change for this disease, i.e. consolidation therapy with the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) durvalumab after combined radiochemotherapy (RChT). Instead, these patients are treated with radiotherapy only, raising the serious concern of undertreatment. This issue is addressed by the TRADE-hypo clinical trial that investigates a novel therapy option for NSCLC stage III patients not capable of receiving CHT. To this end, thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) is administered together with durvalumab, employing the synergism created by the combination of restoring anti-tumor immune response by the ICI with the induction of immunogenicity by irradiation. The latter effect has been suggested to be further boosted by hypofractionated radiotherapy, which could also be more practicable for the patient. Taken these considerations into account, the TRADE-hypo trial addresses safety and efficacy of durvalumab therapy combined with either conventional or hypofractionated TRT. Methods: The TRADE-hypo trial is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicentric phase II trial. Eligible patients are diagnosed with unresectable stage III NSCLC and not capable of receiving sequential RChT due to high vulnerability as reflected by a poor performance status (ECOG 2 or ECOG1 and CCI≥ 1) and/or high age (≥ 70)]. Two treatment groups are evaluated: Both receive durvalumab (1,5000 mg, Q4W) for up to 12 months. In the CON-group this is combined with conventionally fractionated TRT (30 x 2 Gy), while in the HYPO-group patients are treated with hypofractionated TRT (20 x 2.75 Gy). In the HYPO-arm, a safety stop-and-go lead-in phase precedes full enrollment. Here, patients are closely monitored with regard to toxicity (i.e., pneumonitis grade ≥ 3 within 8 weeks after TRT) in small cohorts of 6. The primary objective of the trial is safety and tolerability. As a primary efficacy endpoint, the objective response rate after 3 months will be evaluated. Further endpoints are additional parameters of safety and efficacy, as well as the comprehensive collection of biomaterials to be analyzed regarding treatment-induced changes and potential novel biomarkers. As of February 10, 2021, 9 patients of planned 88 patients have been enrolled in the TRADE-hypo trial. Clinical trial information: NCT04351256.

Capmatinib in MET Exon 14-Mutated or MET-Amplified Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), MET exon 14 skipping mutations occur in 3 to 4% and MET amplifications occur in 1 to 6%. Capmatinib, a selective inhibitor of the MET receptor, has shown activity in cancer models with various types of MET activation.

METHODS

We conducted a multiple-cohort, phase 2 study evaluating capmatinib in patients with MET-dysregulated advanced NSCLC. Patients were assigned to cohorts on the basis of previous lines of therapy and MET status (MET exon 14 skipping mutation or MET amplification according to gene copy number in tumor tissue). Patients received capmatinib (400-mg tablet) twice daily. The primary end point was overall response (complete or partial response), and the key secondary end point was response duration; both end points were assessed by an independent review committee whose members were unaware of the cohort assignments.

RESULTS

A total of 364 patients were assigned to the cohorts. Among patients with NSCLC with a MET exon 14 skipping mutation, overall response was observed in 41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29 to 53) of 69 patients who had received one or two lines of therapy previously and in 68% (95% CI, 48 to 84) of 28 patients who had not received treatment previously; the median duration of response was 9.7 months (95% CI, 5.6 to 13.0) and 12.6 months (95% CI, 5.6 to could not be estimated), respectively. Limited efficacy was observed in previously treated patients with MET amplification who had a gene copy number of less than 10 (overall response in 7 to 12% of patients). Among patients with MET amplification and a gene copy number of 10 or higher, overall response was observed in 29% (95% CI, 19 to 41) of previously treated patients and in 40% (95% CI, 16 to 68) of those who had not received treatment previously. The most frequently reported adverse events were peripheral edema (in 51%) and nausea (in 45%); these events were mostly of grade 1 or 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Capmatinib showed substantial antitumor activity in patients with advanced NSCLC with a MET exon 14 skipping mutation, particularly in those not treated previously. The efficacy in MET-amplified advanced NSCLC was higher in tumors with a high gene copy number than in those with a low gene copy number. Low-grade peripheral edema and nausea were the main toxic effects. (Funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals; GEOMETRY mono-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02414139.).

Capmatinib in patients with high-level MET-amplified advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): results from the phase 2 GEOMETRY mono-1 study

9509

Background: In the ongoing, multicohort, phase 2 GEOMETRY mono-1 study, capmatinib (INC280) has shown efficacy in METex14–mutated NSCLC patients (pts) who were pretreated (cohort 4) or treatment (tx)-naïve (cohort 5b). Here, we report the efficacy and safety of capmatinib in pts with high-level MET-amplified (gene copy number [GCN] ≥10) advanced NSCLC who were either pretreated with 1 or 2 prior lines of systemic therapy (cohort 1a) or tx-naïve (cohort 5a). Methods: Adult pts (≥18 years), ECOG PS 0–1 who had ALK and EGFR wt, stage IIIB/IV (any histology) MET-amplified NSCLC with GCN≥10 received capmatinib 400 mg twice daily (fasting). Primary and key secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR), respectively, by blinded independent review committee (BIRC) assessment per RECIST v1.1. Other secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed ORR, DOR, disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS, BIRC and investigator assessment), overall survival, and safety. Results: As of Jan 06, 2020, 84 pts were evaluable for efficacy (cohort 1a [2nd/3rd line], 69 pts; Cohort 5a [1st line], 15 pts). Tx was ongoing for 3 pts in cohort 1a, none in cohort 5a. Per BIRC assessment in cohorts 1a and 5a, respectively, ORR was 29% and 40%, median DOR was 8.31 months (mo, 20 responders, 95% CI: 4.17–15.44) and 7.54 mo (6 responders, 95% CI: 2.56–14.26), and median PFS was 4.07 (95% CI: 2.86–4.83) and 4.17 (95% CI: 1.45–6.87) mo. Investigator assessment was in line with BIRC assessment (Table). The most common adverse events across all cohorts (≥25%, all grades, N = 364) were peripheral edema (51.1%), nausea (44.8%) and vomiting (28.0%). Data for biomarker analysis and pts with brain metastasis will be presented at the ASCO 2020 meeting. Conclusion: Capmatinib has demonstrated activity in the subset of pts with high-level MET-amplified (GCN≥10) NSCLC, with a higher response rate in tx-naïve pts. Safety profile remains favorable and similar to previous reports of capmatinib. Clinical trial information: NCT02414139 . [Table: see text]

Entrectinib in patients with advanced or metastatic NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours: integrated analysis of three phase 1-2 trials

BACKGROUND

Entrectinib is a potent inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) A, B, and C, which has been shown to have anti-tumour activity against NTRK gene fusion-positive solid tumours, including CNS activity due to its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. We present an integrated efficacy and safety analysis of patients with metastatic or locally advanced solid tumours harbouring oncogenic NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 gene fusions treated in three ongoing, early-phase trials.

METHODS

An integrated database comprised the pivotal datasets of three, ongoing phase 1 or 2 clinical trials (ALKA-372-001, STARTRK-1, and STARTRK-2), which enrolled patients aged 18 years or older with metastatic or locally advanced NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours who received entrectinib orally at a dose of at least 600 mg once per day in a capsule. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2 and could have received previous anti-cancer therapy (except previous TRK inhibitors). The primary endpoints, the proportion of patients with an objective response and median duration of response, were evaluated by blinded independent central review in the efficacy-evaluable population (ie, patients with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours who were TRK inhibitor-naive and had received at least one dose of entrectinib). Overall safety evaluable population included patients from STARTRK-1, STARTRK-2, ALKA-372-001, and STARTRK-NG (NCT02650401; treating young adult and paediatric patients [aged ≤21 years]), who received at least one dose of entrectinib, regardless of tumour type or gene rearrangement. NTRK fusion-positive safety evaluable population comprised all patients who have received at least one dose of entrectinib regardless of dose or follow-up. These ongoing studies are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02097810 (STARTRK-1) and NCT02568267 (STARTRK-2), and EudraCT, 2012-000148-88 (ALKA-372-001).

FINDINGS

Patients were enrolled in ALKA-372-001 from Oct 26, 2012, to March 27, 2018; in STARTRK-1 from Aug 7, 2014, to May 10, 2018; and in STARTRK-2 from Nov 19, 2015 (enrolment is ongoing). At the data cutoff date for this analysis (May 31, 2018) the efficacy-evaluable population comprised 54 adults with advanced or metastatic NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours comprising ten different tumour types and 19 different histologies. Median follow-up was 12.9 months (IQR 8·77-18·76). 31 (57%; 95% CI 43·2-70·8) of 54 patients had an objective response, of which four (7%) were complete responses and 27 (50%) partial reponses. Median duration of response was 10 months (95% CI 7·1 to not estimable). The most common grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events in both safety populations were increased weight (seven [10%] of 68 patients in the NTRK fusion-positive safety population and in 18 [5%] of 355 patients in the overall safety-evaluable population) and anaemia (8 [12%] and 16 [5%]). The most common serious treatment-related adverse events were nervous system disorders (three [4%] of 68 patients and ten [3%] of 355 patients). No treatment-related deaths occurred.

INTERPRETATION

Entrectinib induced durable and clinically meaningful responses in patients with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours, and was well tolerated with a manageable safety profile. These results show that entrectinib is a safe and active treatment option for patients with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours. These data highlight the need to routinely test for NTRK fusions to broaden the therapeutic options available for patients with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours.

FUNDING

Ignyta/F Hoffmann-La Roche.

A study of rovalpituzumab tesirine in frontline treatment of patients with DLL3 expressing extensive small cell lung cancer

TPS2598

Background: Treatment and survival of SCLC patients (pts) has remained mostly unchanged over past decades with high response rates to initial therapy (cisplatin/carboplatin + etoposide), but relapse is near universal with median survival < 1 year in extensive disease. Delta-like protein 3 (DLL3) is an inhibitory ligand of the Notch receptor family identified as a novel target in high-grade neuroendocrine tumors, and is highly expressed in SCLC but not in normal tissue. Rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T™) is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting DLL3. A Phase I study of Rova-T monotherapy in 2nd and 3rd line SCLC pts demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity with an ORR of 18% in all pts, and an ORR of 38% in DLL3-high pts (Rudin et al., Lancet Oncol, 2016.). Methods: This is a Phase I, open-label, multicenter study (NCT02819999; no pts enrolled as of 7 February 2017).In Phase Ia (escalation), 15-34 previously untreated DLL3-high pts will be enrolled and randomized to 1 of 4 cohorts. The primary objective of the Phase Ia portion is assessment of safety and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Phase Ib (expansion) will enroll up to 2 cohorts of 30 pts each, and its primary objective is to characterize antitumor activity of the selected cohort(s). Secondary objectives (Phase Ia/b) include assessment of pharmacokinetics and anti-therapeutic antibodies against Rova-T, and characterization of antitumor activity (Phase Ia). Eligible pts: adults with histologically or cytologically confirmed extensive DLL3-high SCLC based on immunohistochemistry; ECOG 0-1; and life expectancy ≥ 12 weeks. Clinical trial information: NCT02819999. [Table: see text]

Partial Response to First-Line Crizotinib in an Elderly Male Patient with ROS1 Translocation-Positive Lung Cancer

We report on a 90-year-old male patient with a ROS1-translocated adenocarcinoma of the lung who was treated with crizotinib as first-line therapy. After 11 months of treatment, we noticed complete metabolic response as measured by ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT scan and a partial response according to RECIST criteria. This patient indicates that ROS1 translocations are not restricted to young age, female gender and low stage. Furthermore, this case illustrates exemplarily that crizotinib therapy is effective and manageable even as first-line treatment in elderly patients with comorbidities. Based on our findings, we recommend to include elderly patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinomas in molecular screening approaches for ROS1 translocations.

Two cases of psoriasis responding to erlotinib: time to revisiting inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor in psoriasis therapy?

Erlotinib inhibits the tyrosine kinase of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is successfully used in lung cancer treatment. EGFR is essential in skin development and function and may have a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Cutaneous side effects are very common in patients treated with erlotinib, and therapeutic use of erlotinib in dermatological disorders has therefore not been considered. We report two cases of patients with lung cancer and concomitant psoriasis treated with erlotinib with complete resolution of the skin problems. We present a review of the current literature on the topic.

Phase II trial of PTK787/ZK 222584 (vatalanib) administered orally once-daily or in two divided daily doses as second-line monotherapy in relapsed or progressing patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

BACKGROUND

The objective of this multicenter, prospective uncontrolled phase II trial was to determine efficacy, safety and tolerability of vatalanib, an oral angiogenesis inhibitor targeting all known vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, in the second-line treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC-proven tumor progression during or after one platinum-based chemotherapy regimen received a fixed dose of 1250 mg vatalanib either once-daily dosing (QD) or two divided daily dosing (TDD: 500 mg a.m. + 750 mg p.m.) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary end point was the disease control rate (DCR) at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Fifty-four and 58 patients were enrolled to the QD and TDD arms. DCR at 12 weeks was 35% in the QD and 37% in the TDD arm. The best overall response included one (2%) patient with confirmed partial response with QD and three (5%) with TDD. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.1/7.3 months in the QD arm and 2.8/9.0 months with TDD arm. This therapy showed a moderate toxicity profile for the majority of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In the chosen patient population, vatalanib QD and TDD dosing demonstrated potential benefits in tumor size reduction, DCR, and survival.

Detection of pulmonary nodules at spiral CT: comparison of maximum intensity projection sliding slabs and single-image reporting

The aim of this study was to compare numbers of pulmonary nodules detected with maximum intensity projections using a slab thickness of 15 mm (MIP 15) and 30 mm (MIP 30) with single image (SI) presentation of chest CT scans. Two readers reviewed MIP 15, MIP 30, and SI presentations of 10-mm (n = 8) and 5-mm collimation (n = 10) helical CT scans and recorded size, location, and diagnostic confidence (definite, probable) of pulmonary nodules. Readers 1 and 2 recorded more nodules with MIP 15 than with SI: 10-mm collimation, 77/64 and 60/56; 5-mm collimation, 64/60 and 40/36; and more "definite" nodules (10-mm collimation: 68/57 and 51/42; 5-mm collimation: 43/36 and 34/30). MIP 15 also detected more nodules than MIP 30 at 10-mm collimation: 77/72 and 60/50; with no major differences at 5-mm collimation: 64/66 and 40/38; and more "definite" nodules (10-mm collimation: 68/58 and 51/36; 5-mm collimation: 43/39 and 34/29). There were only minor differences between SI and MIP 30. Reading time and image number per study were reduced with MIP presentations by a factor of 1.4-5.3. There were no significant differences in the number of nodules detected with SI, MIP 15, and MIP 30, but MIP presentation reduced reporting time and filming cost when compared with SI reporting. For detection of nodules MIP 15 was slightly superior to MIP 30.