3-week Cycle Research Articles

Toripalimab (anti-PD-1) plus recombinant human endostatin as adjuvant therapy in patients with resected stage III melanoma: Interim analysis of an open-label phase II trial.

e21557 Background: Patients with completely resected stage III melanoma are under high risk of disease recurrence. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) remains unsatisfactory despite there is adjuvant anti-PD-1 monotherapy following surgery, with the 1-year RFS about 70% and 2-year RFS about 49% in our country. It's urgent to explore combined regimens with anti-PD-1 to further improve the RFS. Here we report the interim efficacy and safety results of toripalimab (a PD-1 inhibitor) plus recombinant human endostatin (an angiogenesis inhibitor) as combined adjuvant therapy for patients with resected stage III melanoma. Methods: This prospective single-center, single-arm, open-label phase II trial screened adult patients with stage III melanoma who had undergone complete tumor resection within the previous 13 weeks for eligibility. Toripalimab was administrated in intravenous drip to patients at 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in a 4-week cycle (day 1 and day 15 of each cycle), for up to 13 cycles or until disease recurrence, unacceptable toxicity or decease. Recombinant human endostatin was administrated in a continuous intravenous infusion at a dose of 210 mg from day 1 to day 3 for each 4-week cycle, for up to 6 cycles or until disease recurrence, unacceptable toxicity or decease. The primary endpoints were the 1-year and 2-year RFS. Results: By the data cut-off on Jan 25, 2024, 43 eligible patients with resected stage III melanoma between October 2021 and December 2023 were enrolled. In ITT population (n = 43), patients' median age was 56 (IQR 52~69) years. There were 25 (58%) male and 18 (42%) female; 27 (63%) with acral melanoma and 16 (37%) with cutaneous melanoma. With a median follow-up of 14 months, the 1-year and 2-year RFS rates were 83% and 71%, respectively. For security, 33 (77%) patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE), including 27 grade 1-2 AEs and 6 grade 3~4 AEs. One patient discontinued the combined therapy due to immunotherapy-associated myocarditis. Conclusions: Toripalimab in combination with recombinant human endostatin as adjuvant therapy could further improve disease-free survival in Chinese patients with completely resected stage III melanoma, with a manageable toxicity profile. Clinical trial information: 05907512 .

First-in-human study of RLY-2608, a pan-mutant and isoform selective PI3Kα inhibitor, as a single agent in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors and in combination with fulvestrant in pts with advanced breast cancer.

TPS1128 Background: Oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA occur in ~35% of HR+, HER2– breast cancer (BC) and are frequent in multiple solid tumors. The approval of alpelisib, a non-mutant selective PI3Kα inhibitor, validates PI3Kα as a therapeutic target. However, inhibition of wild-type PI3Kα leads to significant toxicity, including hyperglycemia and rash. RLY-2608, a novel, oral allosteric PI3Kα inhibitor, is designed to overcome these limitations via mutant- and isoform-selective PI3Kα inhibition for greater target coverage, improved tolerability, and anti-tumor activity. ReDiscover (NCT05216432) is the ongoing, first-in-human study to investigate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase 2 doses (RP2Ds), safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and anti-tumor activity of RLY-2608 monotherapy in pts with PIK3CA-mutant advanced solid tumors; and of RLY-2608 plus fulvestrant with or without ribociclib in pts with PIK3CA-mutant, HR+, HER2– BC. To date RLY-2608 plus fulvestrant has completed dose escalation; 400 and 600 mg BID is being investigated in the combination regimens, based on safety, PK, PD, and anti-tumor activity. Methods: This global, multi-center, dose escalation/expansion study of RLY-2608 monotherapy includes adult pts with advanced solid tumors who are refractory or intolerant to, or have declined, standard therapy. RLY-2608 is also being investigated in combination with fulvestrant and in combination with fulvestrant and ribociclib, each in previously treated pts with HR+, HER2– advanced/metastatic BC. Eligibility criteria include presence of a PIK3CA mutation (blood or tumor) per local assessment, ECOG performance status 0–1, evaluable disease per RECIST 1.1, and no prior treatment with a PI3K pathway inhibitor. RLY-2608 is administered daily in 4-week cycles. Adverse events (AEs) per CTCAE v5, PK, biomarkers (pAKT, mutant ctDNA and insulin pathway markers) and anti-tumor activity are assessed serially. Dose escalation employs a Bayesian Optimal Interval design to identify the MTD. Following dose escalation, expansion cohorts are enrolling patients with select PIK3CA-mutated solid tumors for treatment with RLY-2608 monotherapy and patients with HR+, HER2– metastatic BC for treatment with RLY-2608 plus fulvestrant with or without ribociclib. Primary endpoints are MTD/RP2D and AE profile; key secondary endpoints are PIK3CA genotype in blood and tumor, PK, biomarkers, and overall response rate. All dose expansion cohorts in ReDiscover are now enrolling in the United States and Europe. Clinical trial information: NCT05216432 .

A phase II clinical evaluation of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with regorafenib and toripalimab in patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastases.

3566 Background: In several clinical studies, the combination of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) antibodies with targeted antiangiogenic agents has demonstrated clinical benefits for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, individuals with liver metastases have shown suboptimal responses. Prior preclinical study indicates a synergistic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) when employed in conjunction with immunotherapy. The study aimed to explore whether RFA combined with regorafenib and toripalimab (an anti-PD-1 antibody) could provide better outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases. Methods: Using Simon's two-stage design, a total of 32 subjects were required for enrollment, with10 subjects included in stage 1. If there were no or less patients having response, the study would be terminated; otherwise, it would proceed to stage 2, enrolling an additional 22 subjects. The cohort consisted of 10 microsatellite stable (MSS) mCRC patients with multiple liver metastases who had previously failed fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, with or without targeted therapy. RFA was performed on a single hepatic lesion, with others designated as target lesions. Treatment with regorafenib and toripalimab commenced one week post-RFA, following a 4-week cycle. Toripalimab was administered intravenously biweekly, and regorafenib was given orally at daily dose of 80 mg (three weeks on, one week off, in a 4-week period). The primary endpoint was response rate. Results: Ten patients (3 women) were enrolled in this study, with ages ranging from 26 to 76 years (median: 52 years), and 60% being 52 years or older.Seventy percent had ECOG performance status (PS) of 0; 60% had primary colon tumors; 90% presented with synchronous liver metastases, and 80% had both intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. Half of the participants achieved stable disease; however, none exhibited confirmed partial or complete responses. The median progression-free survival was 3.3 months, and the median overall survival reached 11.3 months. The median number of cycles was two (range: 0.5 to 3), with 60% undergoing at least two cycles. Adverse events (AEs) included hand-foot syndrome, liver dysfunction, fatigue, abdominal distension, and thrombocytopenia. The most frequently reported AE was hand-foot syndrome, occurring in 50% of patients. Serious AEs (grade≥3) potentially related to treatment included hand-foot syndrome and hyperbilirubinemia, each with an incidence of 10%. Notably, one patient experienced hyperprogression during immunotherapy. Conclusions: The combination of RFA, regorafenib, and toripalimab has not shown encouraging efficacy in patients with CRC liver metastases. However, the observed safety profile is acceptable. Clinical trial information: NCT05485909 .

A phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of minnelide given alone or in combination with paclitaxel in advanced gastric cancer.

4033 Background: Minnelide is a water-soluble disodium salt variant of triptolide, an HSP70 inhibitor. Studies using pancreatic cancer cell lines and human xenograft transplants demonstrated that Minnelide prevents tumor progression, increases survival, and causes tumor regression. This study aims to evaluate the safety and antitumor activity of Minnelide and its combination with paclitaxel in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Methods: This open-label, single-center, dose-escalation phase I study recruited adult patients with previously treated advanced gastric cancer. Patients received Minnelide per oral (PO) daily starting with 1.0 mg for 3weeks and 1week rest schedule, escalating to 1.25mg, and 1.5mg. In combination Regimen, patients received Minnelide starting at a dose of 0.25 mg and escalating by 0.25mg to 1.25mg plus paclitaxel 60-80 mg/m2 intravenously on Day 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle, administered in 4-week cycles. The primary objective was to assess the safety and determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Secondary objectives included preliminary efficacy using RECIST v1.1, and survival analysis. Results: Among Regimen A (n = 11), two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLTs) (Minnelide 1.5 mg: Grade 3 abdominal pain). No DLTs occurred in combination treatment, Regimen B & C (n=25). The MTD was Minnelide 1.25 mg once daily for 21days Q4 weeks as monotherapy. The most common Grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (19.4%) and abdominal pain (11.1%). In Regimen C, 71.5% achieved either a partial response or a stable disease with the median PFS of 4.5 months, and the median OS of 10.7 months. Notably, patients without previous exposure to paclitaxel (n = 4) in the last 2 cohorts of Regimen C, had a confirmed ORR of 50.0%, DCR of 75.0%, the median PFS was 5.3 months (95% CI NE-NE) and the median OS has not reached as some of the patients are still receiving treatment. Conclusions: The combination of Minnelide plus paclitaxel as salvage treatment in AGC patients showed meaningful clinical activity with a manageable safety profile. Based on this Phase I experience a Phase II will be initiated in AGC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT05566834 .

AIPAC-003: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial testing eftilagimod alpha (soluble LAG-3) in patients with HER2-neg/low metastatic breast cancer receiving paclitaxel, following an open-label dose optimization.

TPS1125 Background: Eftilagimod alpha (efti), a soluble LAG-3 protein, acts as an MHC class II agonist that enhances immunity by mediating antigen presenting cell and CD8 T-cell activation. Data from a randomized, phase 2b trial of efti plus paclitaxel compared to placebo plus paclitaxel in patients (pts) with HR+ HER2– metastatic breast cancer (MBC) (AIPAC; NCT02614833) showed sustained pharmacodynamic activity that was linked to improved overall survival (OS) in the efti arm. AIPAC-003 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial testing efti plus paclitaxel in HER2-neg/low MBC pts, following an initial open-label dose optimization lead-in (DOL) component to determine the optimal biological dose (OBD) of efti in this combination. Methods: The DOL phase will determine the OBD of efti prior to start of the P3 part of the study. Enrolment for the DOL began in November 2023 with the aim to recruit 66 pts. Primary objectives in the DOL are: safety and tolerability of 90 mg vs 30 mg efti and defining the OBD of efti in combination with weekly paclitaxel. Determination of the OBD will be based on the totality of safety and tolerability data together with overall response rate (ORR) and pharmacodynamic marker (CD8+ T cells, absolute lymphocyte count) data. Secondary objectives in the DOL include efficacy, QoL and PK profile always of 30 mg efti vs. 90 mg on top of weekly paclitaxel. In the Phase 3 component pts will be randomized to receive either paclitaxel + efti or paclitaxel + placebo in a double-blinded fashion. The primary endpoint (EP) for the proposed Phase 3 is OS and the exact patient population will be defined after determination of the OBD. Key secondary EPs include progression free survival and ORR by RECIST 1.1, quality of life and safety. Pts will receive paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 I.V. on D1, 8 and 15 in a 4-week cycle), followed by efti or placebo (DOL: 30 or 90 mg efti; Phase 3: OBD of efti or placebo) S.C. on D1 and 15 in a 4-week cycle for up to 12 months. Imaging is done every 8 weeks and assessed by the investigator. in the DOL blood samples are taken from 0 to 96 hours in cycle 1 and 4 to determine PK / PD profiles. PK / PD parameters are assessed by a central lab. Key inclusion criteria: Pts with either a) HR+ and HER2-neg/low and endocrine therapy-resistant MBC or b) TNBC not eligible for anti-PD-1-based therapy. Pts must have measurable disease, ECOG PS 0-1 and no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Key exclusion criteria: Pts if HR+ who are not considered endocrine resistant and/or have received < 1 line of therapy in the metastatic setting. Pts who are considered TNBC and are eligible for anti-PD-(L)1 containing therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT05747794 .

Total neoadjuvant therapy with split-course hypofraction radiotherapy combined with CAPOX and envafolimab followed by local excision for locally advanced very low rectal cancer (TRACE-LE): An open-label, single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial.

TPS3647 Background: In the treatment of patients with locally advanced very low rectal cancer, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) is considered a standard therapeutic approach. Short-course hypofractionated radiotherapy, in combination with subsequent chemotherapy, has been shown to be comparable to long-term chemoradiotherapy in terms of neoadjuvant therapy effects in rectal cancer. Additionally, it has been observed that hypofractionated radiotherapy, when combined with programmed death L-1 (PD-L1) blockade, can enhance the immune response. This study aims to investigate efficacy and safety of organ preservation in patients with locally advanced very low rectal cancer by utilizing total neoadjuvant therapy involving split-course hypofraction radiotherapy in conjunction with CAPOX and Envafolimab (a humanized single-domain anti-PD-L1 antibody fused to an Fc fragment). Methods: TheTRACE-LE trail is an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial. The target sample is 72 participants. Key eligibility criteria include individuals aged 18-75, confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma, cT3-4N0/cT1-4N1-2 with lower margin ≤ 2cm from anorectal ring's upper edge (MRI) and ECOG performance status of 0-2. The treatment protocol include preoperative split-course hypofractionated radiotherapy (5×7Gy), in conjunction with 6 cycles of CAPOX chemotherapy and Enverolimab (300 mg subcutaneous injections) administered in a 3-week treatment cycle. The primary outcome measure is organ preservation, specifically the rectum intact, owing to no radical total mesorectal excision (TME), no locoregional regrowth unless amenable to limited, curative (R0) salvage surgery by local excision (LE) and no permanent stoma (including a never reversed protective stoma, or a stoma owing to toxicities and/or poor functional outcomes). The secondary outcome measures encompass ypT0-1 rate, pathological complete response (pCR) rate, acute and late toxicity as per NCICTCAE V.5.0, local recurrence rate, local regional recurrence rate, disease-free survival, quality of life, and anorectal function. Clinical trial information: NCT05970900 .

Phase II study of neoadjuvant durvalumab and tremelimumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that is borderline resectable or resectable with high risk for recurrence.

TPS4198 Background: Finding effective and tolerable neoadjuvant treatment to downstage borderline resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) could increase the rate of R0 resections and significantly improve patient outcomes. The combination of gemcitabine, cisplatin, and durvalumab based on the TOPAZ-1 trial is now the preferred first-line regimen for advanced, unresectable biliary tract cancer (1). The objective response rate (ORR) was 26.7% for the 3-drug regimen. Gemcitabine, cisplatin, durvalumab, and tremelimumab (an anti-CTLA4 antibody) in advanced, unresectable biliary tract cancer had an objective response rate of 70% in a phase II study (2). Given this response to immunotherapy plus chemotherapy, the 4-drug combination of gemcitabine, cisplatin, durvalumab, plus tremelimumab in the neoadjuvant setting may be able to improve the conversion rate of borderline resectable ICC to resectable ICC and improve R0 resection rates. Methods: This is an open-label, single-arm, multicenter phase II safety and feasibility study of neoadjuvant gemcitabine + cisplatin + durvalumab + tremelimumab in patients with ICC that is borderline resectable or resectable with a high risk of recurrence. 24 patients will receive 3-week cycles of durvalumab 1500 mg on D1, tremelimumab 300 mg only on C1D1, gemcitabine 1000mg/m2 on D1 and D8, and cisplatin 25mg/m2 on D1 and D8. Treatment will be stopped after C4 if a patient is able to proceed with surgery, otherwise they will complete 8 cycles and be re-evaluated for surgery at that point. Key eligibility criteria include no prior systemic therapy, histologically proved ICC, ECOG 0-1, and disease that is not readily suitable for resection with curative intent based on discussion with multidisciplinary committee including a hepatobiliary surgeon. Primary endpoints are feasibility and safety with secondary endpoints of overall survival, progression free survival, ORR, R0 resection rate, and pathologic complete response. Molecular biomarkers from blood to predict outcomes and organoid development from circulating tumor cells are exploratory endpoints. The study will be carried out in 2 stages. In stage 1, 11 patients will be accrued and the study will be stopped if 2 or fewer patients undergo resection based on a null hypothesis of a resection rate after neoadjuvant treatment of about 24%. Otherwise, 17 more patients will be accrued in stage 2 (assuming 15% dropout rate to hit target of 24) and if 9 or more of the 24 patients undergo resection, we will claim the treatment is feasible. The design has a type 1 error rate of 0.1 and power 0.8. Patient follow-up will be up to 3 years. The study is currently enrolling participants. 1. Oh et al. NEJM Evid 2022. 2. Oh et al. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT06017297 .

Enfortumab vedotin (EV) with pembrolizumab (P) versus chemotherapy (chemo) in previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC): Analysis of cisplatin (cis)-eligible population from EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39.

4562 Background: EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 (NCT04223856) is a phase 3, randomized, open-label, global study comparing EV+P with platinum-based chemo (PBC) for first-line (1L) treatment (tx) of patients (pts) with la/mUC regardless of cis eligibility. In EV-302, EV+P demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit compared with PBC for the dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.45; P<0.00001) and overall survival (OS) (HR: 0.47; P<0.00001) in the overall pt population (Powles ESMO 2023), reducing the risk of progression and/or death by more than 50%. EV+P was FDA-approved in Dec 2023 for tx of adults with la/mUC. As cis eligibility status has long defined 1L tx, here we present results for pts who were eligible for cis at randomization. Methods: Pts with previously untreated la/mUC were randomized 1:1 to receive 3-week cycles of EV (1.25 mg/kg IV; Days 1 and 8) and P (200 mg IV; Day 1) or PBC (gemcitabine with cis or carboplatin). Select secondary endpoints included confirmed objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and safety. Pts were deemed eligible/ineligible for cis by protocol-defined criteria and were stratified accordingly. Results: 478 pts (EV+P: 244, PBC: 234) were cis-eligible at randomization. 220 (94.0%) pts in the PBC arm received cis at Cycle 1. mPFS was 14.6 mo for EV+P; 6.5 mo for PBC (HR: 0.48, 95% CI, 0.38, 0.62). mOS was 31.5 mo for EV+P; 18.4 mo for PBC (HR: 0.53, 95% CI, 0.39, 0.72). ORR for EV+P was 70.8% with 32.5% complete response (CR) rate; mDOR (95% CI) was not reached (18.2 mo, NR). ORR for PBC was 53.0% with 15.5% CR rate; mDOR (95% CI) was 8.3 mo (5.9, 10.9). In EV+P arm, 82 pts (33.6%) remained on tx at data cutoff (DCO). 85 pts (34.8%) received subsequent therapy. 72 pts (29.5%) received any platinum-based therapy as first subsequent therapy; 43 pts (17.6%) received cis. In PBC arm, all pts were off study tx at DCO. 146 pts (62.4%) received any PD-1/L1 therapy following PBC. 83 pts received maintenance avelumab; 59 pts received PD-1/L1 therapy as 2L tx. Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 53.9% of pts with EV+P and 62.7% of pts with PBC. Most common grade ≥3 TRAEs of special interest for EV were skin reactions (14.8%), hyperglycemia (7.8%), and peripheral neuropathy (5.8%). Most common grade ≥3 tx-emergent AEs of special interest for P were severe skin reactions (9.5%), pneumonitis (4.9%), and colitis (2.9%). Conclusions: EV+P improved clinical outcomes in pts who were eligible for cis with previously untreated la/mUC, reducing the risk of death by 47% compared with PBC. Results were consistent with the overall population. The AE profile of EV+P was generally manageable with no new safety signals. The results of EV-302 support EV+P as a new SOC for la/mUC, including pts who are eligible for cis. Clinical trial information: NCT04223856 .

Phase 3 study of disitamab vedotin with pembrolizumab vs chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that expresses HER2 (DV-001).

TPS4616 Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy (chemo) has been the standard first-line (1L) therapy for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC). Recently, enfortumab vedotin, a nectin-4-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with a monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) payload, plus pembrolizumab (pembro) showed improved survival over chemo. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 1+-3+) has been reported in approximately half of all patients (pts) across tumor types, including UC, and is a biomarker that may be associated with poor outcomes. Disitamab vedotin (DV; RC48-ADC) is an investigational ADC comprising a fully humanized HER2-directed monoclonal antibody, disitamab, conjugated to MMAE via a protease-cleavable mc-vc linker. DV elicits antitumor activity through multimodal mechanisms of action, including MMAE-mediated direct cytotoxicity, bystander effect, and immunogenic cell death. DV has shown encouraging activity with a manageable safety profile in pts with la/mUC—as a single agent in a HER2-expressing post-platinum setting (IHC 3+/2+; ORR, 50.5%; median [m]PFS, 5.9 months; mOS, 14.2 months) and in combination with a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor in all comers (ORR, 76.0% in treatment-naive pts; 83.3%, 64.3%, and 33.3% in HER2 IHC 3+/2+, IHC 1+, and IHC 0 subgroups, respectively). Improved outcomes observed with an MMAE payload plus PD-1 inhibition across the ADC landscape, along with DV data, provide a robust rationale for this phase 3 trial of DV with pembro in the 1L setting for HER2-expressing la/mUC. Methods: DV-001 (NCT05911295) is an open-label, randomized, multicenter, controlled phase 3 trial evaluating DV with pembro vs chemo in pts with previously untreated HER2-expressing la/mUC. Pts will be randomized 1:1 to Arm A or B. Pts in Arm A will receive DV IV every 2 weeks and pembro IV every 6 weeks. Treatment will continue until disease progression or intolerable toxicity; pembro will be administered for a maximum of 18 6-weekly infusions (approximately 2 years). Pts in Arm B will receive platinum-based chemo with gemcitabine IV on Days 1 and 8 of every 3-week cycle, and either cisplatin or carboplatin on Day 1 of every 3-week cycle for 4-6 cycles. Maintenance therapy with avelumab after completion of chemo may be given to eligible pts where approved and available. Pts must have previously untreated la/mUC, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0-2 and must be eligible for platinum-based chemo. HER2 expression must be determined using the VENTANA 4B5 HER2 IHC Assay centrally and using the most recent archival or fresh tumor sample. Primary endpoints include PFS per blinded independent central review and OS. Enrollment is ongoing in the US, Canada, and Australia and is planned globally. Clinical trial information: NCT05911295 .

Utidelone plus bevacizumab for the treatment of HER2-negative breast cancer brain metastases (U-BOMB): A multicenter, single-arm phase II study.

1081 Background: The primary treatment for brain metastases in patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer is predominantly local therapies like radiotherapy, owing to the limited efficacy of systemic therapies. Prior research has demonstrated utidelone's significant permeability across the blood-brain barrier and the preliminary effectiveness of bevacizumab for breast cancer brain metastases. Consequently, this study investigated the efficacy and safety of utidelone combined with bevacizumab in the treatment of advanced breast cancer brain metastases. Methods: This study was a single-arm, multi-center phase II clinical trial (NCT05357417). Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with either radiotherapy-naive or progressive brain metastases post-radiotherapy, presented with asymptomatic or symptomatic brain metastases associated with HER2-negative breast cancer.Patients received intravenous bevacizumab (15 mg/kg on day 1 of each 3-week cycle) and utidelone (30 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5 of each cycle) until intolerance or disease progression. The primary endpoint was central nervous system objective response rate (CNS-ORR), as assessed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1. Results: Between May 5, 2022, and October 25, 2023, a total of 46 patients were recruited, with a median age of 52.5 years (range, 33 to 69). Among them, 35 patients had untreated CNS lesions, while 11 had progressive brain metastases after local radiotherapy. The CNS-ORR was 43.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.9%-58.9%). As of January 8, 2024, the median duration of follow-up was 14.6 months, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.7 months (95% CI: 5.5-10.8) as shown in Table. The 12-month overall survival (OS) rate reached 74.4% (95% CI: 60.0%-92.3%). The most common grade 1-2 adverse events (AEs) were peripheral neuropathy (87.5%), decreased neutrophil count (62.5%), anemia (47.5%), diarrhea (37.5%), and increased alanine aminotransferase (25%). No grade 3 or higher treatment-related AEs occurred. Conclusions: This study preliminarily shows promising efficacy and manageable safety of the combination of utidelone and bevacizumab in the treatment of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients with brain metastases. Clinical trial information: NCT05357417 . [Table: see text]

Perioperative PD-1 antibody tislelizumab plus chemotherapy for locally advanced gastro-oesophageal junction cancer: A prospective, nonrandomized, open-label, phase II trial.

4083 Background: The combination of PD-1 antibody and chemotherapy was shown to be effective in advanced gastric cancer, but has not yet been comprehensively investigated in locally advanced patients, especially in the context of adenocarcinoma of gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ). In this study, we conducted a prospective, nonrandomized, open-label phase II trial to evaluate the effectiveness of adding PD-1 antibody to perioperative chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced resectable GEJ cancer. Methods: In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase II study, patients with resectable GEJ adenocarcinoma clinically staged as cT3-4aNanyM0 or cT1-2N+M0 were allocated three preoperative and five postoperative 3-week cycles of PD-1 antibody tislelizumab plus SOX (S-1 and oxaliplatin) regimen. The primary endpoint was major pathological response (MPR) rate. The secondary endpoints were pathological complete response (pCR), pathological complete /moderate regression rate (TRG 0/1), R0 resection rate, recurrence-free survival, event-free survival, overall survival, treatment safety and quality of life. The trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2200058732. Results: Between Oct 2022 and June 2023, 32 patients were enrolled and assessed using intention-to-treat analysis. The median age was 60 years (range: 28-74 years), and 53.1% (17/32) patients were Siewert III type. All patients received at least one cycle of assigned preoperative treatment, and 96.9% (31/32) patients completed three cycles of assigned preoperative tislelizumab and SOX. R0 resection rate was 96.9% (31/32). The MPR rate was 37.5% (12/32, 95% CI: 21.1%-56.3%) and the pCR rate was 28.1% (9/32, 95% CI: 13.7%-46.7%). The surgical morbidity was 12.5% (4/32), and no 30-day mortality was observed. In the preoperative and postoperative treatment period, treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events was 9.4% (3/32). At the date of 6th Feb 2024, three (9.4%) patients occurred recurrence. Conclusions: This is the first prospective study that focus on the perioperative immunotherapy in patients with resectable GEJ adenocarcinoma. Perioperative PD-1 antibody tislelizumab plus chemotherapy demonstrated a significantly improved pathological regression and might be a promising option for patients with locally advanced resectable GEJ adenocarcinoma. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200058732.

Enfortumab vedotin (EV) with pembrolizumab (P) versus chemotherapy (chemo) in previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC): Analysis of the cisplatin (cis)-ineligible population from EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39.

4563 Background: EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 (NCT04223856) is a phase 3, randomized, open-label, global study comparing EV+P with platinum-based chemo (PBC) for first-line (1L) treatment (tx) of patients (pts) with la/mUC regardless of cis eligibility. In EV-302, EV+P demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit compared with PBC for the dual primary endpoints of PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.45; P<0.00001) and OS (HR: 0.47; P<0.00001) in the overall pt population (Powles ESMO 2023), reducing the risk of progression and/or death by more than 50%. EV+P was FDA-approved in Dec 2023 for tx of adults with la/mUC. As cis eligibility status has long defined 1L tx, here we present results of an analysis for pts who were ineligible for cis at randomization. Methods: Pts with previously untreated la/mUC were randomized 1:1 to receive 3-week cycles of EV (1.25 mg/kg IV; Days 1 and 8) and P (200 mg IV; Day 1) or PBC (gemcitabine with cis or carboplatin [carbo]). Select secondary endpoints included confirmed objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and safety. Pts were deemed eligible/ineligible for cis following protocol-defined criteria and stratified accordingly. Results: 408 pts (EV+P: 198, PBC: 210) were cis-ineligible at randomization. 205 (97.6%) pts in the PBC arm received carbo at Cyle 1. mPFS was 10.6 months for EV+P; 6.1 months for PBC (HR: 0.43, 95% CI, 0.33, 0.55). mOS was not reached for EV+P and was 12.7 months for PBC (HR: 0.43, 95% CI, 0.31, 0.59). ORR for EV+P was 63.9% with 24.7% complete response (CR) rate; mDOR (95% CI) was not reached (16.3 months, NR). ORR for PBC was 34.9% with 9.1% CR rate; mDOR (95% CI) was 6.6 months (5.6, 10.2). In EV+P arm, 62 pts (31.3%) remained on tx at data cutoff (DCO). 55 pts (27.8%) received subsequent therapy. 10 pts received cis and 27 pts received carbo as first subsequent therapy. In PBC arm, all were off study tx at DCO. 114 pts (54.3%) received any PD-1/L1 therapy following PBC. 52 pts received maintenance avelumab; 58 pts received PD-1/L1 therapy as second-line tx. Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 58.4% of pts with EV+P and 77.1% of pts with PBC. Most common grade ≥3 TRAEs of special interest for EV were skin reactions (16.2%), peripheral neuropathy (8.1%), and hyperglycemia (4.1%). Most common grade ≥3 tx-emergent AEs of special interest for P were severe skin reaction (14.7%), hepatitis (2.0%), and pneumonitis (2.0%). Conclusions: In this pt population with historically poor prognosis, EV+P improved clinical outcomes in pts who were ineligible for cis; results were consistent with the overall population. The risk of death was reduced by more than 50%. The AE profile of EV+P was generally manageable with no new safety signals. The results of EV-302 support EV+P as a new SOC for la/mUC, including pts who are ineligible for cis. Clinical trial information: NCT04223856 .

A phase II exploratory trial of adebrelimab in combination with chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy as a first-line treatment for oligo-metastatic extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer.

TPS8131 Background: Oligometastasis of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) is an intermediate state between local and extensive metastasis, characterized by reduced metastatic potential and a limited number of metastatic sites, which makes local treatment of each lesion possible. Multiple clinical studies have shown that adding local therapy to standard systemic therapy can improve the prognosis of patients with oligometastatic disease. The PD-L1 inhibitor adebrelimab combined with chemotherapy has become one of the standard regimens for first-line treatment of ES-SCLC. Based on these, we hypothesize that in patients with oligometastatic ES-SCLC at risk of early progression, the early addition of chest radiotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) for metastatic lesions to first-line treatment with adebrelimab combined with chemotherapy may be expected to achieve local control, thereby improving survival benefits. Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, phase II exploratory trial. Patients will be eligible if they are 18 to 75 years of age; have histopathologically or cytologically confirmed ES-SCLC with the number of metastatic lesions of ≤ 5 and organ metastasis of ≤ 3 (i.e. oligometastases); have an ECOG PS of 0-1; and have no previous systemic treatment. The treatment period in this trial is subdivided into induction therapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and consolidation and maintenance therapy. In the induction setting, patients will receive two 3-week cycles of adebrelimab (20 mg/kg on day 1), carboplatin (AUC of 5 mg/mL per min on day 1)/cisplatin (75 mg/m2 on day 1), and etoposide (100 mg/m2 on days 1-3). Patients who achieve partial response or stable disease after induction therapy will then receive concurrent chemoradiotherapy, of which chemotherapy regimen is the same as the induction setting. Radical IMRT radiotherapy (2.5-3 Gy/f, total dose 45-55 Gy) will be performed for the primary tumor in the chest and lymph node region, and SBRT radiotherapy will be given to metastatic lesions. Prophylactic cranial irradiation is optional. After the end of chemoradiotherapy, patients will receive 1-2 cycles of consolidation treatment with the same regimen as induction treatment, followed by adebrelimab monotherapy (20 mg/kg on day 1, q3w) as maintenance treatment until disease progression, intolerance toxicity, or up to 2 years of adebrelimab. The total cycle number of chemotherapy is 4-6. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoints are objective response rate, duration of response, overall survival (OS), 6-month and 1-year PFS rates, 1-year and 2-year OS rates, and safety. The trial is under recruitment, and a total of 62 patients are planned to be enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT06177925 .

REPLACE: A phase III, randomized, open-label trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of regorafenib and pembrolizumab versus locoregional therapy (LRT) with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or transarterial radioembolization (TARE), for the first-line treatment of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with beyond up-to-7 criteria.

TPS4200 Background: Intermediate-stage HCC represents a heterogeneous population, posing unique challenges for therapeutic management. With the advent of effective systemic therapies for unresectable HCC, the treatment landscape for intermediate-stage extends beyond LRT, particularly in patients with high tumor burden. The growing evidence about the benefit of systemic therapy in intermediate-stage HCC led to the inclusion in some recent guidelines of systemic therapy as the first choice of treatment in TACE-unsuitable patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Despite these recommendations, no randomized clinical trial has been published comparing LRT with TACE/TARE versus systemic therapy in patients with intermediate-stage HCC and high tumor burden. Methods: REPLACE is a phase III, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial that will compare the efficacy and safety of LRT with TACE/TARE versus systemic therapy, for the first-line treatment of intermediate-stage HCC with beyond up-to-7 criteria. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive regorafenib (90 mg orally q.d. on days 1 to 21 of a 4-week cycle), and pembrolizumab (400 mg i.v. on day 1 of a 6-week cycle) or LRT with TACE or TARE, and will be stratified according to geographic region (Asia vs. non-Asia), ECOG Performance Status (0 vs 1) and Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grade (1 vs 2). Patients must have intermediate-stage HCC with beyond up-to-seven criteria (Up-to-7 criteria = largest tumor diameter (cm) + number of tumors ≤7), measurable disease per RECIST 1.1, disease not amenable to curative treatment but amenable to LRT with TACE or TARE, no prior systemic or LRT for HCC, except for successful resection and/or ablation completed ≥ 6 months prior to randomization. Patients will be treated until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, or other treatment discontinuation criteria is met. The primary endpoint is progression free survival (PFS), assessed locally by the Investigator using mRECIST for HCC. Secondary endpoints include PFS assessed locally by the Investigator using RECIST 1.1; PFS centrally assessed using mRECIST and RECIST 1.1; overall survival; overall response rate according to RECIST v.1.1 and mRECIST based on the Investigator’s and central assessment; time to unTACEable progression; duration of response; safety and tolerability of the trial treatments, and patient reported outcomes for health-related quality of life. The estimated enrollment is 496 patients from approximately 14 countries. Recruitment started in October 2023 and is currently ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT04777851 .

A first-in-human, phase 1/2 trial of FOG-001, a β-catenin:TCF antagonist, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

TPS3175 Background: The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a frequently activated oncogenic pathway and a well-described driver of many cancers. FOG-001 is designed to be a first-in-class direct inhibitor of β-catenin that blocks β-catenin’s interaction with the T-cell factor (TCF) family of transcription factors. Preclinical studies have indicated FOG-001 can cause tumor growth inhibition and regression by disrupting β-catenin-dependent signaling. FOG-001 is unique from previously reported Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulators as it is designed to directly inhibit TCF transcription factor and β-catenin interaction, the most downstream node in the Wnt pathway. It is hypothesized FOG-001 will abrogate the hyperactivation of the Wnt pathway that is driven by most known pathway mutations. Methods: This first-in-human, Phase 1/2, multicenter, open-label, dose escalation (Parts 1a and 1b) and dose-expansion (Part 2) study is evaluating the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and antitumor activity of FOG-001 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Patients with the following tumor types are eligible: microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC) or any solid tumor with documented Wnt pathway activating mutation (WPAM) (Part 1a), MSS CRC only (Part 1b) and MSS CRC, gastric/gastroesophageal (GEJ) cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and any solid tumors with documented WPAM in Part 2. Patients must have received ≥1 prior systemic anticancer therapy(ies) and be ineligible for curative surgery or curative chemoradiation. In Part 1, FOG-001 is administered at escalating doses via intravenous (IV) infusion on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each 4-week cycle; additional dosing regimens may be explored. After selection of the preliminary recommended Phase 2 dose(s) (pRP2D) and regimen(s) in Part 1, the following cohorts will be enrolled to receive FOG-001 at the pRP2D in Part 2: (2a) MSS CRC; (2b) NSCLC with documented WPAM in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) or β-catenin; (2c) gastric/GEJ cancer with documented WPAM in APC or β-catenin; and (2d) solid tumors with ≥1 documented WPAM in any predefined Wnt pathway genes. The primary endpoints are safety/tolerability (Parts 1 and 2), and also preliminary antitumor activity (objective response rate) (Part 2). Secondary endpoints are PK, PD, and additional antitumor activity assessments. Enrollment in Part 1 is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05919264 .

A phase I/II study of maplirpacept in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (OC): Phase 1 results.

e17546 Background: CD47, an overexpressed factor correlated with poor clinical characteristics and prognosis in OC, is an innate immune checkpoint that binds signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) and delivers a signal to suppress macrophage phagocytosis. Maplirpacept (PF-07901801) is a fusion protein consisting of the CD47-binding domain of human SIRPα linked to the Fc region of human IgG4, enhancing phagocytosis by blocking CD47. Blockade of CD47, both alone and combined with doxorubicin, has shown anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo in xenograft animal models. PLD 40mg/m2 conveyed poor efficacy (PFS 4 months; ORR 8%), as did bevacizumab + PLD (PFS 5 months; ORR 14%) (AURELIA), highlighting the need for new treatments for platinum-resistant OC. C4971002 [NCT05261490] is an open label, multicenter dose-escalation and expansion study evaluating the safety, preliminary anti-tumor activity, pharmacokinetics and -dynamics of maplirpacept in combination with PLD in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent OC. Methods: The study included adults with platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial OC (PD ≤6 months after platinum-based therapy or unable/unwilling to receive platinum-based therapy). PLD while platinum-resistant or directly prior to study was not permitted. Patients received maplirpacept (12mg/kg Dose Level [DL] 1; 24mg/kg DL2; 48mg/kg DL3) weekly in Cycle 1 and every 2 weeks in Cycle 2+, and PLD (40mg/m2) on Day 1 of each 4-week cycle. Assessments of adverse events (AEs) were based on CTCAE v5.0. Response assessments (RECIST v1.1) were performed every 8 weeks. Results of the Phase I portion, aiming to evaluate the DLTs, the MTD and the RP2D, are presented as of 18 December 2023, after all patients completed the 28-day DLT assessment period. Results: 10 patients were treated (DL1 n=3; DL2 n=3; DL3 n=4) with a median (min, max) age of 69 (53, 77) years, 80% ECOG 1, 60% serous adenocarcinoma. Median (min, max) treatment duration was 14 (8, 32) weeks. Most common adverse events are shown in the table. No DLTs occurred in the assessment period. 1 serious AE (gait disturbance & muscle weakness) related to maplirpacept was reported (DL3). 2 deaths occurred >120 days after 1st dose, both due to disease. 5 (50%) patients had a best response of stable disease, 2 of which were treated into at least Cycle 6. Conclusions: Despite immature anti-tumor activity, maplirpacept + PLD was tolerable at all dose levels, not reaching the MTD. The encouragingly tolerable dose of 48mg/kg thus represents the RP2D which could support further development for this population. Clinical trial information: NCT05261490 . [Table: see text]

Cost-effectiveness of eculizumab and efgartigimod for the treatment of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis.

Eculizumab and efgartigimod were approved to treat anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis (anti-AChR Ab-positive gMG). These relatively new biological treatments provide a more rapid onset of action and improved efficacy compared with conventional immunosuppressive treatments, but at a higher cost. To assess the cost-effectiveness of eculizumab and, separately, efgartigimod, each added to conventional therapy vs conventional therapy alone, among patients with refractory anti-AChR Ab-positive gMG and those with anti-AChR Ab-positive gMG, respectively. A Markov model with 4 health states was developed, evaluating costs and utility with a 4-week cycle length and lifetime time horizon from a health care system perspective and a modified societal perspective including productivity losses from patients and caregiver burden. Model inputs were informed by key clinical trials and relevant publications identified from targeted literature reviews, and drug costs were identified from Micromedex Red Book. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3% per year. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs; cost per quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained) were calculated for each comparison. Among the corresponding populations, lifetime costs and QALYs, respectively, for eculizumab were $5,515,000 and 11.85, and for conventional therapy, $308,000 and 10.29, resulting in an ICER of $3,338,000/QALY gained. For efgartigimod, lifetime costs and QALYs, respectively, were $6,773,000 and 13.22, and for conventional therapy, $322,000 and 9.98, yielding an ICER of $1,987,000/QALY gained. After applying indirect costs in a modified societal perspective, the ICERs were reduced to $3,310,000/QALY gained for eculizumab and $1,959,000/QALY gained for efgartigimod. Eculizumab and efgartigimod are rapidly acting and effective treatments for myasthenia gravis. However, at their current price, both therapies greatly exceeded common cost-effectiveness thresholds, likely limiting patient access to these therapies.

Recent safety and efficacy findings from a phase 1b/2 open-label combination study of ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy with anti-PD-1 therapy in EGFR-expressing advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

6083 Background: In the challenging landscape of advanced HNSCC, patients (pts) have overall low survival and high locoregional (LR) recurrence rates. While LR progression is a key contributor to morbidity and mortality, LR control remains low despite aggressive therapy including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy (PIT) combines EGFR-targeting cetuximab, with a light-activatable dye, IRDye 700DX, and a laser light for localized drug activation. This novel approach has demonstrated rapid and selective tumor necrosis in preclinical studies, and a manageable safety profile in HNSCC early clinical trials. Phase I/II and preclinical data indicate a potential synergy in anti-tumor activity of PIT when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy. Here we present updated interim evaluation findings based on a recent data cut from this study initially presented at the 2023 American Head and Neck Society meeting. Methods: A phase 1b/2 open-label study of pts with recurrent locally advanced (rLA) and/or metastatic (m) HNSCC evaluating the safety and efficacy of ASP-1929 PIT in combination with anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab) therapy (NCT04305795). Pts with measurable disease by modified RECIST 1.1, at least 1 lesion accessible to light illumination, combined positive score (CPS) ≥1, and who were not candidate for LR therapy could be eligible for the study. Treatment included ASP-1929 PIT (infusion day 8, target tumors illuminated 24±4 hours later) plus anti-PD-1 (days 1&22) during a 6-week cycle for up to 24 months. Primary objectives: safety/tolerability; objective response rate (ORR). Secondary objectives: overall survival (OS); progression-free survival (PFS); duration of response (DOR). Planned sample size: 26 HNSCC pts. Results: Of the 19 r/m HNSCC pts enrolled, 18 pts received both study therapies (PIT-evaluable). Data cut-off was August 31, 2023 (previously reported data cut-off: October 4, 2022). Efficacy results updated for the 18 PIT-evaluable pts: ORR of 33.3% (95% CI 13.3-59.0), including 4 CRs (22.2%) and 2 PRs (11.1%). Median OS not reached; 24-month OS rate estimate was 52.4% (95%CI 25.9-73.4). No change in median PFS, 2.9 months (95%CI 1.4-14.6). Median DOR was not reached at data cut-off (range 2.8+ to 18.0+ months). Safety data remained consistent with the data previously presented. Most common serious adverse reactions were dysphagia (10.5%) and tongue edema (10.5%). There were two grade 4 events: laryngeal edema (PIT-related) and tumor hemorrhage due to advanced disease, and no fatal events. Conclusions: ASP-1929 PIT in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy was generally well tolerated. Initial data demonstrate promising overall survival and response rates with this combination therapy in pts with rLA and/or m HNSCC lacking LR treatment options. Clinical trial information: NCT04305795 .

PD-1 blockade enhances the effect of targeted chemotherapy on locally advanced pMMR/MSS colorectal cancer.

Patients with DNA mismatch repair-proficient/microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC), which accounts for 85% of all CRC cases, display a poor respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (i.e., anti-PD-1 antibodies). pMMR/MSS CRC patients with locally advanced cancers need effective combined therapies. In this pilot study, we administered six preoperative doses of each 2-week cycle of the anti-PD-1 antibody sintilimab (at a fixed dose of 200 mg), oxaliplatin, and 5-FU/CF (mFOLFOX6) combined with five doses of bevacizumab (the number of doses was reduced to prevent surgical delays) to patients with cT4NxM0 colon or upper rectal cancers. And radical surgery was performed approximately 2 weeks after the last dose of neoadjuvant therapy. The primary endpoint was a pathologic complete response (pCR). We also evaluated major pathologic response (MPR, ≤10% residual viable tumor), radiological and pathological regression, safety, and tumor mutation burden (TMB), and tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics. By the cutoff date (September 2023), 22 patients with cT4NxM0 pMMR/MSS colon or upper rectal cancers were enrolled and the median follow-up was 24.7 months (IQR: 21.1-26.1). All patients underwent R0 surgical resection without treatment-related surgical delays. pCR occurred in 12 of 22 resected tumors (54.5%) and MPR occurred in 18 of 22 (81.8%) patients. At the cutoff date, all patients were alive, and 21/22 were recurrence-free. Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in of 2/22 (9.1%) patients. Among the pCR tumors, two were found to harbor POLE mutations. The degree of pathological regression was significantly greater than that of radiological regression (p = 1.35 × 10-8). The number of CD3+/CD4+ cells in the tumor and stroma in pretreated biopsied tissues was markedly lower in pCR tumors than in non-pCR tumors (p = 0.038 and p = 0.015, respectively). Neoadjuvant sintilimab combined with bevacizumab and mFOLFOX6 was associated with few side effects, did not delay surgery, and led to pCR and non-pCR in 54.5% and 81.8% of the cases, respectively. Downregulation of CD3/CD4 expression in the tumor and stroma is related to pCR. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PD-1 blockade-enhanced targeted chemotherapy require further investigation.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of tislelizumab vs. camrelizumab for the treatment of second-line locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundEsophageal carcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus. For patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who have either experienced disease progression following first-line standard chemotherapy or are intolerant to it, the prognosis is typically poor. Additionally, these patients often bear a substantial economic burden during the course of their treatment. Tislelizumab is a selective PD-1 inhibitor with efficacy proven in locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab versus camrelizumab as the second-line treatment in locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients in China.MethodsFrom the perspective of China’s healthcare system, the partitioned survival model with three health states was established in a 3-week cycle and a lifetime horizon. Anchored matching adjusted indirect comparison was used for survival analyses based on individual patient data from RATIONALE 302 trial and the published ESCORT study due to the lack of head-to-head clinical trials. Only direct medical costs were included. Costs and utility values were derived from local charges, the published literature, and related databases. Sensitivity analyses and a scenario analysis were also performed to verify the robustness of the model results.ResultsCompared with camrelizumab monotherapy, tislelizumab monotherapy incurred a lower lifetime cost ($8,346 vs. $8,851) and yielded higher quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) (0.87 vs. 0.63), which resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of -$2,051/QALY. Tislelizumab monotherapy is a dominant option over camrelizumab monotherapy in China. The three primary parameters upon which this result was most sensitive were the unit cost of camrelizumab, the unit cost of tislelizumab, and the duration of reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP). According to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), tislelizumab monotherapy was 100% cost-effective when the WTP was 1–3 times GDP per capita in China($11,207/QALY∼$33,621/QALY). Scenario analysis showed that the result was consistent.ConclusionTislelizumab monotherapy is a dominant option compared with camrelizumab monotherapy as the second-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic ESCC in China.