Reviewer Comment on Chahal et al. "Analysis of Bevacizumab Treatment Practices, Survival and Quality of Life Outcomes in Recurrent Glioblastoma Patients".

Bevacizumab is often used for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), yet there is no consensus on the best methods for its administration and timing. This retrospective study provides the largest Canadian cohort analysis of the experience and outcomes of patients with rGBM treated with bevacizumab. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18 or older with rGBM treated in 6 tertiary care level cancer centers in British Columbia (BC) between 2011 and 2019. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment course, disease outcome and quality of life measures were collected. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were used as clinical outcomes. In our cohort of 272 patients, initiation of bevacizumab within 6 months of radiation treatment improved OS after bevacizumab initiation. Analysis of patients treated in high versus low-volume centers in BC suggested that patients in higher-volume centers were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy with bevacizumab treatment, and more likely to have improved survival after bevacizumab initiation. Bevacizumab was shown in this study to appear to improve symptoms, preserve quality of life and reduce corticosteroid requirements. This Canadian cohort analysis characterizes bevacizumab treatment practices, survival and quality of life outcomes in rGBM patients in BC. Further investigations are needed to identify the demographic and biomarker characteristics of rGBM patients who would most benefit from bevacizumab treatment.

Background: Alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are common in glioblastoma (GBM) and play a key role in its pathogenesis. This Phase 0/1 study assesses the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and clinical outcomes of BDTX-1535, an ATP-competitive, irreversible 4th generation brain penetrant EGFR inhibitor, in recurrent GBM patients with EGFR alterations. Materials/Methods: Recurrent GBM patients with EGFR alterations received BDTX-1535 for 5 days at 200 mg daily (cohort 1) or 400 mg every other day x 3 doses (cohort 2) prior to planned resection 2-4 hours after the final dose. In the Phase 0 study component, total and unbound drug concentrations were measured in tumor tissue (gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing and non-enhancing regions), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma using validated LC-MS/MS methods. A PK threshold, defined as unbound drug concentrations above 1 nM or 4.1 nM in Gd non-enhancing tumor for patients with EGFR mutations or amplification, respectively, determined eligibility for Phase 1 therapeutic dosing. PD response was evaluated by comparing the percentage of pEGFR, pERK, and MIB-1 positive cells in surgical tumor tissue to baseline pre-treatment tissue. Patients with tumors exceeding the PK threshold for unbound drug concentration were eligible for Phase 1 therapeutic dosing (200 mg QD) of BDTX-1535 until progression. Results: A total of 22 recurrent GBM patients were enrolled across cohorts 1 and 2 in the Phase 0 component of the study. 4 patients were excluded from PK analysis due to pseudoprogression. Mean unbound concentrations of BDTX-1535 in Gd non-enhancing tumor regions were 18.8 nM and 16.7 nM in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Seventeen of eighteen (94.4%) evaluable patients exceeded the PK threshold and qualified for Phase 1. Suppression of pEGFR and MIB1 was observed in 65% and 47% of patients, respectively. No serious adverse events related to BDTX-1535 were observed in any patient; 26.7% (4/15) patients experienced grade ≤3 toxicities resulting in dose interruptions. At data cutoff, the median survival was 4.9 months. Conclusions: For recurrent GBM patients, BDTX-1535 achieves pharmacologically relevant concentrations in Gd-nonenhancing tumor tissue and is associated with suppression of EGFR phosphorylation. Study expansion into MGMT-unmethylated, newly-diagnosed GBM patients is planned. Citation Format: Nader Sanai, Yoshie Umemura, Vahuni Karapetyan, Tigran Margaryan, Dylan Huttenlocher, Brian Pham, Jocelyn Harmon, Amy Hong, Wonsuk Yoo, An-Chi Tien, Artak Tovmasyan, Shwetal Mehta. A phase 0/1 ‘trigger’ trial of BDTX-1535 in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients with EGFR alterations or fusions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_2):Abstract nr CT023.

Background: This Phase 0/2 clinical trial evaluates the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and clinical response of newly-diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients to the PARP1/2 selective inhibitors, pamiparib and olaparib, in combination with radiotherapy. Materials/Methods: In this study, newly-diagnosed (Arm A) and recurrent GBM (Arm B) patients received 4 days of pamiparib (60 mg BID) prior to planned resection at 2-4 or 8-12 hours following the final dose. Arm C included recurrent GBM patients who received 4 days of olaparib (200 mg BID) prior to resection. In the Phase 0 component of the study total and unbound drug concentrations were measured using validated LC-MS/MS methods. A PK ‘trigger’, defined as unbound drug > 5-fold biochemical IC50 in Gd-nonenhancing tumor, determined eligibility for Phase 2. PARP inhibition was assessed via ex vivo tumor tissue radiation and quantification of PAR levels compared to non-irradiated control. When demonstrating a PK response, newly-diagnosed, MGMT-unmethylated GBM or recurrent GBM patients were eligible for Phase 2 dosing of pamiparib (Arms A and B) or olaparib (Arm C) with concurrent RT followed by maintenance pamiparib or olaparib. Results: A total of 41 patients (Arm A, n=16; Arm B, n=19; Arm C, n=6) were enrolled in the Phase 0 component of the study. In Arms A and B, mean unbound concentrations of pamiparib in Gd-nonenhancing tumor were 167.3 nM and 104.3 nM respectively, and in Arm C the mean unbound concentration of olaparib was 5.2 nM. All patients in the pamiparib arms (n=35) but only 1 of 6 patients in the olaparib Arm C exceeded the PK threshold. Radiation-induced PAR expression was 2.44-fold in untreated control vs 1.16 in Arm A (p<0.05), 0.82 in Arm B (p<0.01) and 1.11 in Arm C patients. In Arm A, 7 of 11 MGMT-unmethylated GBM patients advanced to Phase 2. Two patients were ineligible due to clinical status, 1 patient was ineligible per physician decision, and 1 patient declined to participate. In Arm B, 11 of 19 patients advanced to Phase 2. Eight patients were ineligible due to clinical status. At a mean follow-up of 5.8 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.8, 6.0, and 3.8 months for Arms A (n=7), B (n=11), and C (n=1), respectively. Grade 3+ toxicities related to pamiparib occurred in 4 patients, with 2 adverse events resulted in treatment discontinuation. No grade 3+ toxicities were documented in the olaparib arm. Conclusions: Pamiparib achieved pharmacologically-relevant concentrations in Gd-nonenhancing GBM tissue and suppressed induction of PAR levels ex vivo post-radiation. The majority of newly-diagnosed patients with MGMT-unmethylated GBM and recurrent GBM patients advanced to therapeutic dosing in this trial, and pamiparib was generally well-tolerated in these patients. Citation Format: Nader Sanai, Yu-Wei Chang, Jun Jiang, Jennifer Molloy, Chelsea Pennington-Krygier, Jocelyn Harmon, Amy Hong, John Wanebo, William Kennedy, Michael Garcia, Igor Barani, Wonsuk Yoo, Artak Tovmasyan, An-Chi Tien, Jing Li, Shwetal Mehta. A phase 0/2 ‘trigger’ trial of pamiparib or olaparib plus radiotherapy in patients with newly-diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT125.

BACKGROUND the clinical significance of TERT promoter mutations, telomere length and their interactions with MGMT promoter methylation status in patients with IDH-wildtype GBM patients remain unclear. We performed a large monoinstitutional study to better investigate their impact and their interaction on clinical outcomes MATERIAL AND METHODS TERT promoter mutations (C228T and C250T), relative telomere length (RTL) and MGMT methylation status were assessed in 278 newly diagnosed and in 65 recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM PTS which were treated at Veneto Institute of Oncology (Padua, Italy) from Dec 2016 to Jan 2020. We have retrospectively explored association between gene characteristics and neuroradiological response (RANO criteria), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS). Telomere length was measured by monochrome multiplex PCR and RTL values were calculated as a telomere/single-copy gene ratio RESULTS characteristics of newly diagnosed GBM PTS were: median age 63 ys, ECOG PS 0–1 in 71% of PTS, radical surgery in 38%, 78% received radiation therapy plus TMZ, MGMT was methylated in 53%, TERT promoter was mutated in 80% (75% C228T, 25% C250T), median RTL was 1.57 (range 0.4–11.37). Objective response rate was reported in 15% of PTS, median OS was 15ms (95% CI 13-18ms), median PFS was 8ms (95% CI 7-9ms). At multivariable analysis, TERT promoter mutations and RTL were not associated with clinical outcomes; about OS, TERT promoter mutations and RTL reported a HR of 1.05 (95% CI 0.64–1.64) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.89–1.10), respectively; MGMT methylated tumors showed significant improved PFS and OS with a HR of 0.54 (95% CI 0.40–0.71) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.34–0.64), respectively. All interactions among MGMT status, TERT mutation status and RTL were not statistically significant. Characteristics of recurrent GBM PTS were: median age 55 ys, ECOG PS 0–1 in 60% of PTS, MGMTmet in 37%, TERT promoter mutations in 75% (75% C228T, 25% C250T), RTL was 1.67 (range 0.68–8.87). At multivariable analysis, only MGMT methylated tumors resulted significantly associated to prolonged OS (HR 0.16; 95% CI 0.07–0.40). No gene interaction was significant CONCLUSION for the first time worldwide, we analyzed the impact of TERT promoter mutations, RTL and MGMT methylation status in both newly diagnosed and recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM PTS. TERT promoter status and RTL were not associated with clinical outcomes at both diagnosis and relapse. MGMT promoter methylation status was the only prognostic factor in both cases. No significant interaction was demonstrated between TERT promoter mutations, RTL and MGMT methylation status

BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection in the blood of glioblastoma (GBM) patients can facilitate the assessment of tumoral information without the need for invasive approaches. Our aim is to use GBM CTCs to obtain knowledge about the tumor and improve the current GBM diagnosis and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected primary, matched recurrent GBM and healthy controls blood samples. CTCs were enriched from whole blood controls with Parsortix Cell Separation System and analysed on DEPArray system. CTCs were recognized by immunofluorescence with GFAP.The CTCs have been counted for all the samples. Copy Number Aberrations (CNAs) analysis was performed on CTCs. To compare CTCs genetic background with the same patient’s primary and recurrence tissues, whole exome sequencing (WES) was realized on tumor tissues. Recurrence of GBM was diagnosed according to the RANO criteria +/-path proven second surgery +/- FET PET imaging proven. We assessed tumor volume of contrast enhanced (CE) (as a surrogate marker of BBB damage) and nCE at the time of the CTCs collection by seminautomatic segmentation on ITKsnap software. RESULTS We found CTCs in GBM patients newly diagnosed at the time of first surgery (86%) but also at recurrence (100 %). Cell counting demonstrated in both primary and recurrent GBM patients’ blood a statistically significantly higher number of CTCs compared to healthy controls (average of cells number 15.8 vs 2.3). Interestingly, recurrent GBM patients showed more CTCs than primary GBM patients (average 9 vs 22.7). CNAs analysis confirmed the tumor status of the selected CTCs. Some of GBM classical mutations (in HTERT promoter, BRAF, PTEN, PI3KCA and EGFR genes) have been searched both in the tumor tissues and in the CTCs. HTERT was found mutated in CTCs of one patient’s tumor carrying mutant HTERT and wild type IDH1/2. We also included three IDH1 mutant glioma patients and one BRAFV600E mutant GBM patient in order to track these in CTCs. We did not find BRAF mutations in CTCs isolated from one recurrent BRAFV600E GBM patient with a very low allele frequency in the recurrent tumor (<1%). CONCLUSION We found CTCs in GBM patients newly diagnosed and at recurrence. Several factors may affect CTCs release such as tumor volume, CE and the CTCs genetic BACKGROUND , which seems to be heterogeneous. CTCs detection by our methodology could be helpful in the clinical setting for diagnostic, prognostic and theranostic purposes and for patients monitoring. Prospective study is ongoing in order to assess CTCs variations on and after therapy. This study, first investigated the genetic heterogeneity of CTCs released in the blood flow from the parental tumor.

2053 Background: the clinical significance of TERT promoter mutations, telomere length and their interactions with MGMT promoter methylation status in patients with IDH-wildtype GBM patients remain unclear. We performed a large mono-institutional study to better investigate their impact and their interaction on clinical outcomes Methods: TERT promoter mutations (C228T and C250T), relative telomere length (RTL) and MGMT methylation status were assessed in 278 newly diagnosed and in 65 recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM PTS which were treated at Veneto Institute of Oncology (Padua, Italy) from Dec 2016 to Jan 2020. We have retrospectively explored association between gene characteristics and neuroradiological response (RANO criteria), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS). Telomere length was measured by monochrome multiplex PCR and RTL values were calculated as a telomere/single-copy gene ratio Results: characteristics of newly diagnosed GBM PTS were: median age 63 ys, ECOG PS 0-1 in 71% of PTS, radical surgery in 38%, 78% received radiation therapy plus TMZ, MGMT was methylated in 53%, TERT promoter was mutated in 80% (75% C228T, 25% C250T), median RTL was 1.57 (range 0.4-11.37). Objective response rate was reported in 15% of PTS, median OS was 15ms (95% CI 13-18ms), median PFS was 8ms (95% CI 7-9ms). At multivariable analysis, TERT promoter mutations and RTL were not associated with clinical outcomes; about OS, TERT promoter mutations and RTL reported a HR of 1.05 (95% CI 0.64-1.64) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.89-1.10), respectively; MGMT methylated tumors showed significant improved PFS and OS with a HR of 0.54 (95% CI 0.40-0.71) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.34-0.64), respectively. All interactions among MGMT status, TERT mutation status and RTL were not statistically significant. Characteristics of recurrent GBM PTS were: median age 55 ys, ECOG PS 0-1 in 60% of PTS, MGMTmet in 37%, TERT promoter mutations in 75% (75% C228T, 25% C250T), RTL was 1.67 (range 0.68-8.87). At multivariable analysis, only MGMT methylated tumors resulted significantly associated to prolonged OS (HR 0.16; 95% CI 0.07-0.40). No gene interaction was significant. Conclusions: for the first time worldwide, we analyzed the impact of TERT promoter mutations, RTL and MGMT methylation status in both newly diagnosed and recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM PTS. TERT promoter status and RTL were not associated with clinical outcomes at both diagnosis and relapse. MGMT promoter methylation status was the only prognostic factor in both cases. No significant interaction was demonstrated between TERT promoter mutations, RTL and MGMT methylation status.

Improved Quality of Life (QOL) Outcomes in Patients With Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Treated With Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Compared to 3-dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT): Evidence From a Prospective Randomized Study

e14028 Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor with a 5-year survival rate of 5%. There is no standard and effective treatment for recurrent GBM. Angiogenesis is recognized as a key event in the progression of GBM. Bevacizumab as an anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody has been recommended by NCCN guidelines for recurrent GBM. Anlotinib is a small-molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) which has different function mechanisms and targets with bevacizumab. Therefore, we investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with bevacizumab in patients with recurrent IDH-wide type (wt) GBM on the basis of TMZ treatment. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 18 patients with IDH-wt GBM in Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute from 2019 to 2022. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for combination treatment. The secondary endpoint was 6-months PFS rate, 1-year OS rate, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), OS and safety and toxicity profile. Results: All patients were diagnosed as WHO grade IV IDH-wt GBM and the median age of all patients was 55 years (range 39-76). Patients with recurrent GBM were first treated with anlotinib, followed by bevacizumab when patients developed progression or cerebral edema. In the overall population, the median OS for overall patients is 27 months, and the median survival time after first recurrence is 13.3 months. The median survival time of anlotinib treatment and combination treatment is 15.6 months and 12 months, respectively and the median PFS is 14.3 months and 9.1 months, respectively. The ORR for combination treatment was 27.8%, and 6-months DCR was 77.8%. The last follow-up date was October 15, 2022. By the last follow-up date, 3 patients were continuing anlotinib combined with bevacizumab treatment with no disease progression. The 6-months PFS rate was 78.9%, and the 1-year OS rate was 44.4%. The treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were shown in Table 3. The main AEs was bone marrow suppression (83.3%, 15/18), most of which were grade I and II (50%, 9). The AEs were relieved by adjusting the drug dose and symptomatic treatment. There were no treatment related deaths. Conclusions: Our study reported the clinical effect of anlotinib combined with bevacizumab treatment in recurrent GBM patients on the basis of TMZ treatment in a real-world setting. This is the first attempt to conduct dual antiangiogenic treatment in GBM patients. We demonstrate a promising result and suggest that this combination treatment may be a novel and safety treatment option for recurrent IDH-wt GBM patients.

PurposeRegorafenib demonstrated encouraging results in recurrent glioblastoma patients. Some studies showed that changes in circulating thyroid hormones (fT3, fT4, fT3/fT4 ratio) can be considered as prognostic factors in patients with various types of tumors. We designed this study to investigate the relationship between baseline thyroid variables and outcome in IDH-wild type GBM patients who were treated with regorafenib.MethodsThis multicenter retrospective study included recurrent IDH-wild-type glioblastoma patients treated with regorafenib. Only patients with baseline thyroid function values (TSH, fT3, fT4, fT3/fT4 ratio) available were evaluated. RANO criteria were used to analyze neuroradiological response. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The relationships between baseline thyroid variables (TSH, fT3, fT4, fT3/fT4) and survival (PFS, OS) were investigated with Cox regression models.ResultsFrom November 2015 to April 2022, 134 recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM patients were treated with regorafenib and 128 of these had information on baseline thyroid function value. Median follow-up was 8 months (IQR 4.7–14.0). Objective Response Rate was 9% and Disease Control Rate was 40.9%. Median PFS was 2.7 months (95%CI 2.2–3.6) and median OS was 10.0 months (95%CI 7.0–13.0). Lower baseline TSH value in the blood was correlated with a higher rate of disease progression to regorafenib (p = 0.04). Multivariable analyses suggested a non-linear relationship between PFS (p = 0.01) and OS (p = 0.03) with baseline fT3/fT4 ratio.ConclusionIn recurrent wild-type IDH glioblastoma patients, baseline fT3/fT4 ratio showed a non-linear relationship with survival, with different impacts across the spectrum of fT3/fT4 ratio. Moreover, baseline TSH may be a predictor of regorafenib activity.

BACKGROUND in the randomized phase 2 REGOMA trial, regorafenib (REG) showed promising activity in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients (PTS); subsequently, in Italy the National Health System has permitted the reimbursement of the REG as second-line therapy. We performed a large multicenter, prospective and observational study to confirm REGOMA data in a real-world setting. Materials and METHODS major inclusion criteria were: histologically confirmed diagnosis of GBM according to WHO 2016 and relapse after Stupp treatment, good performance status (ECOG PS 0-1), good liver function. REG was administered at standard dose of 160mg/die for 3 weeks on/1 week off. Brain MRI was performed within 14 days before starting REG and every 8-12 weeks, subsequently. Primary endpoint was overall survival. RANO criteria were used for response evaluation, CTACAE v. 5 for adverse events. RESULTS from Sept 2020 to Oct 2022, 192 recurrent GBM PTS were enrolled from 29 Cancer Centres in Italy: median age was 58ys (IQR 52.8-67.0), 68% male, ECOG PS was 0 in 85 (44%), 115 PTS (60%) undertook steroids at baseline. MGMT was methylated in 43%, IDHwt in 92%. Median follow-up was 16.6 months (IQR 12.6-19.6). Median OS was 8.2ms (95% CI 6.5-9.6), 12ms-OS 34.7% (95%CI 27.2-42.4); median PFS was 2.6ms (95%CI 2.3-2.9), 6ms-PFS 14.3%. Radiological response was PR and SD in 12 (8%) and 25 (16%) PTS. 77 (44%) PTS received third-line therapy. The median of REG cycles per patient was 3 (IQR 2.0-4.0). Grade 3-4 adverse events (AE) were reported in 53 (28%) PTS; reduction/delay and permanent discontinuation due to AE in 36% and 8% of PTS. No death was considered as treatment-related AE. CONCLUSIONS compared to the REGOMA trial, this large Italian multicenter, prospective and observational trial confirmed the results in terms of overall survival with a good toxicity profile of REG in recurrent GBM PTS.

P2.04-65 Peptide-Based Cancer Vaccine Shortened the Overall Survival of a Large Portion, but Not All, of Advanced Cancer Patients

137P - Biomarkers predictive of overall survival in advanced cancer patients treated with a peptide-based cancer vaccine

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis is poor with a median overall survival (OS) of 16 months. Bevacizumab combination therapy has shown response in approximately 25% of recurrent GBM patients. However, due to its effect on the tumor vasculature and contrast distribution, it is challenging to assess response using a conventional contrast-enhanced MRI. The goal of this study was to assess the value of [18F]-FET PET imaging for response evaluation in recurrent GBM patients treated with bevacizumab combination therapy. We aim to use these findings to more effectively select patients who would benefit from this treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS All recurrent GBM (IDHwt) patients treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan at Rigshospitalet (Denmark) and evaluated with paired [18F]-FET PET imaging from April 2018 to February 2022 were included. MRI and [18F]-FET PET imaging was performed at baseline and after 2 cycles of treatment. [18F]-FET PET imaging was performed as a 20 min scan starting approximately 20 min after 200 MBq [18F]-FET was injected intravenously, and the metabolic tumor volumes (MTV) and maximum tumor/brain ratios (TBR) were measured. Data will be analyzed using the receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis to determine thresholds for response. Subsequently, the predictive capability of [18F]-FET PET thresholds in assessing treatment efficacy will be evaluated using uni- and multivariate Cox regression analysis modelling OS, defined here as time from start of treatment to death. RESULTS A total of 86 patients with recurrent GBM (IDHwt) who were treated with bevacizumab/irinotecan were included. The median age in the population was 58 years (range: 21-77) with males comprising 58% of the group. There was an MGMT methylation rate of 32% and 15% of the cohort had multifocal disease. Most patients were in good ECOG performance status 0-1 (88%) and 46% of the cohort received steroid treatment at baseline. The median OS in the cohort was 9 months (95% CI: 7.7-10.3 months). At the time of recurrence, all patients received baseline [18F]-FET PET imaging up to 4 weeks prior to receiving combined bevacizumab treatment. Follow-up [18F]-FET PET imaging was conducted within 16 weeks of start of treatment in 81 patients after receiving 2 cycles of treatment. Using the data from the scans, the patients will be classified as responders and non-responders and the predictive capability of [18F]-FET PET thresholds will be compared. CONCLUSION The final results will be presented at the conference. We aim to use our findings about the predictive capability of [18F]-FET PET imaging to more precisely identify responders and non-responders among recurrent GBM patients treated with bevacizumab combination therapy. Thus, enabling us to more effectively select patients who would benefit from this treatment.

Two clinical studies, DENDR1 and DENDR2 including, respectively, the treatment of first diagnosis and recurrent glioblastoma (GB) patients with dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with autologous tumor lysate are currently active at Istituto Neurologico Besta, Milan. Our first results obtained on a group of recurrent GB patients demonstrated that the response of NK cells correlates with significantly prolonged survival. Here we provide results of the interim analysis on 22 patients affected by primary GB. Patients with post-surgery volume ≤10 cc underwent leukapheresis before radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Three intradermal injections of mature DC were done before adjuvant chemotherapy. The subsequent 4 injections were performed 17 ± 3 days after adjuvant TMZ. MRI, clinical and immunological follow-up were performed every 2 months. The median age at surgery was 54.5 years (28-69). RT-TMZ induced significant lymphopenia ( 1000 lymphocytes/microl (5/22) before first vaccination had shorter PFS than others (p < 0.005). Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes (PBLs) were analyzed by flow cytometry to identify CD8+ T cells, NK and NKT cells before and after DC vaccines. The ratio of vaccination/baseline frequencies and counts (V/B ratio) of all of the immunological parameters for each patient was calculated, and the median of all of the observations used as the cut off value to separate patients. V/B ratio was correlated with the progression free survival (PFS) of each patient. Increased V/B ratio for NK cells and in particular NKT cells, but not for CD8 T lymphocytes, was significantly associated with prolonged PFS (median PFS 14 vs 8.0 mo, p = 0.01; 15.0 vs 8.0 mo, respectively). Interferon (IFN)-γ in PBLs was significantly higher in patients with PFS12 (p < 0.02), increasing immediately after the second vaccination as evaluated by real time-PCR. No changes in the expression levels of IFN-γ were observed in the other patients. After a median follow up of 14 months (6-27), the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9 mo, with PFS6 90% (C. I. 0.78-1.029%) and PFS12 42% (C. I: 0.20-0.64) at Kaplan Meier analysis. Median overall survival (OS) was 22 mo with OS 12 70%. (C. I. 0.50-0.9). 2/4 patients with MGMT methylation were in the group of high V/B ratio. Our results show a positive association between increased peripheral NK and NKT cells response and prolonged survival. Further investigations are required on possible interference of radio-chemotherapy on activation of CD8+ T cells.

In counseling patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA), quality of life (QoL) outcomes are important for informed decision making. We evaluated QoL outcomes in patients with and without preventive aneurysm occlusion at multiple time points during the first year after UIA diagnosis and studied predictors of QoL outcomes. We performed a prospective cohort study in patients aged ≥18 years with a newly diagnosed UIA in 2 tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands between 2017 and 2019. Patients were sent QoL questionnaires at 7 (aneurysm occlusion) or 5 (no occlusion) moments during the first year after diagnosis. We collected baseline data on patient and aneurysm characteristics, passive coping style (Utrecht Coping List), occlusion modality, and neurologic complications. We assessed health-related QoL (HRQoL) with the EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D), emotional functioning with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and restrictions in daily activities with the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P). We used a linear mixed-effects model to assess the course of QoL over time and to explore predictors of QoL outcomes. Of 153 eligible patients, 99 (65%) participated, of whom 30/99 (30%) underwent preventive occlusion. Patients undergoing occlusion reported higher baseline levels of passive coping, anxiety and depression, and restrictions than patients without occlusion. During recovery after occlusion, patients reported more restrictions compared with baseline (adjusted USER-P decrease 1 month post occlusion: -12.8 [95% CI -23.8 to -1.9]). HRQoL and emotional functioning gradually improved after occlusion (EQ-5D increase at 1 year: 8.6 [95% CI 0.1-17.0] and HADS decrease at 1 year: -5.4 [95% CI -9.4 to -1.5]). In patients without occlusion, the largest HRQoL improvement occurred directly after visiting the outpatient aneurysm clinic (EQ-5D increase: 9.2 [95% CI 5.5-12.8]). At 1 year, QoL outcomes were comparable in patients with and without occlusion. Factors associated with worse QoL outcomes were a passive coping style in all patients, complications in patients with occlusion, and higher rupture risks in patients without occlusion. After UIA diagnosis, QoL improves gradually after preventive occlusion and directly after counseling at the outpatient clinic in patients without occlusion, resulting in comparable 1-year QoL outcomes. A passive coping style is an important predictor of poor QoL outcomes in all patients with UIA.