Alectinib Therapy Research Articles

Analysis of Baseline Molecular Factors Associated With the Risk of Central Nervous System Progression Among Alectinib-Treated Patients With ALK–Positive NSCLC

IntroductionDespite receiving alectinib therapy, patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC remain at risk of central nervous system (CNS) progression. Our retrospective study aimed to identify baseline clinical and molecular factors associated with the risk of CNS progression in this patient subset. MethodsWe analyzed the clinical, molecular, and imaging data of 318 patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC who received alectinib as first-line (1L-alectinib) or second-line (2L-alectinib) therapy at baseline (1L, n = 183; 2L, n = 135) and at disease progression (1L, n = 57; 2L, n = 75). ResultsThe incidence rates of CNS progression were 12.3% after 1L-alectinib treatment and 30.7% after 2L-alectinib treatment. Compared with patients who received 1L-alectinib, CNS progression was significantly higher in patients who received 2L-alectinib (p = 0.04), particularly those who had oligoprogression (p = 0.01). Oligoprogression was detected in 55.0% (44 of 80) of patients who progressed after first-line alectinib, with the remaining 45.0% (36 of 80) having nonoligoprogression. Univariate and multivariate analyses and stepwise regression analyses consistently identified a higher likelihood of CNS progression among (1) patients who received 2L-alectinib than 1L-alectinib, (2) patients with non-3a/b variant ALK fusion than those with echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4–ALK variant 3a/b, and (3) patients with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score (TPS) of 50% or higher than PD-L1 TPS of less than 50%. ConclusionsOur study provided real-world evidence that patients who harbored PD-L1 TPS of 50% or higher were more likely to experience CNS progression during alectinib therapy. The association between CNS progression and breakpoint variants warrants further investigation. Our findings suggest that close monitoring and prompt intervention are crucial in prolonging the quality of life of this patient subset.

Abstract 2024: Deep and durable responses to ALK-targeted therapy require CD8+ T cells

Abstract Despite major advances in therapies for lung cancer, it remains the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) designed to inhibit oncogenic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusions have transformed the treatment of patients with ALK+ NSCLC and many survive for several years on TKIs. While most patients experience a decrease in tumor burden on initial alectinib therapy, for many, tumor shrinkage is incomplete and persistent, residual disease remains. Critically, the degree of tumor shrinkage and amount of residual disease that persists despite TKI associates with overall survival. Multiple cancer-cell intrinsic mechanisms of persistence despite TKI therapy have been reported, but they do not fully account for the heterogeneity of this initial tumor response, suggesting other determinants are present beyond inhibiting the primary oncogene. However, extrinsic mediators of persistent disease, such as immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), have not been rigorously studied in ALK+ NSCLC as they are considered immunologically “cold” tumors. Using EA-1 and EA-2, two distinct murine ALK+ adenocarcinoma cells lines derived from immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice, we have demonstrated that ALK+ NSCLC response to alectinib requires the adaptive immune system. C57BL/6J mice bearing orthotopic EA-1 tumors experience tumor shrinkage but have persistent, residual disease on CT imaging; those bearing EA-2 tumors have no residual disease. In this model system, when alectinib treatment stops, no EA-2 tumors recur but all animals bearing EA-1 tumors experience tumor outgrowth. TME interrogations by multispectral tissue imaging demonstrated more CD8+ T cells in the EA-2 TME compared to EA-1 and no difference in CD4+ T cells. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in activated CD8+ T cells and CD86+ CD103+ dendritic cells within the TME of EA-2 tumors compared to EA-1. When implanted into nude mice, EA-1 and EA-2 both experience initial disease shrinkage on alectinib, but EA-2 tumors now exhibit residual disease on imaging. Notably for both cell lines, tumor outgrowth occurs in the nude mice despite continued TKI therapy. Using knock out animal models, we established that CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells, were required for response to alectinib. In animals lacking CD8+ T cells, EA-2 tumors shrink with alectinib therapy but are not eliminated as in the wild type controls. Notably, despite continued alectinib therapy, tumors grew out in the CD8+ knock out animals. In the EA-2 model, CD4+ T cells we not required for response to alectinib, and CD4+ knock out animals did not experience tumor outgrowth when alectinib was held. Taken together, these data suggest that the adaptive immune system, specifically CD8+ T cells, are required for a deep and durable response to molecularly targeted therapy for ALK+ NSCLC. Citation Format: Greg Reis, Stevie Phelabaum, Andre Navarro, Emily Kleczko, Lynn Heasley, Raphael Nemenoff, Erin L. Schenk. Deep and durable responses to ALK-targeted therapy require CD8+ T cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2024.

Alectinib therapy: an important differential for spheroacanthocytosis

Alectinib therapy: an important differential for spheroacanthocytosis

Efficacy and safety of dose-escalated alectinib in patients with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC and CNS relapse on standard dose alectinib.

e21079 Background: Central nervous system (CNS) metastases represent a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients (pts) with ALK-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with limited therapeutic options. We previously reported re-induction of CNS responses using dose intensification of alectinib in two pts with metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who had experienced CNS progression on standard dose alectinib. However, this strategy has not been assessed in larger cohorts. Methods: In this retrospective study, pts were eligible if they had advanced ALK+ NSCLC with CNS relapse on standard dose alectinib (600 mg twice daily) and subsequently received dose-escalated alectinib (900 mg twice daily). Medical records and radiographic imaging were reviewed to determine treatment outcomes. CNS efficacy was assessed per the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) were graded per the CTCAE version 5.0. Results: 27 pts were eligible [male, 67%; median age at diagnosis, 53 (range, 31-69)]. Pts had previously received median 3 lines of systemic therapy (range, 1-12) and median 2 ALK TKIs (range, 1-4); all had received standard dose alectinib with CNS progression. 19 pts (70%) had received prior CNS-directed radiotherapy (RT) [median time from most recent RT to dose-escalated alectinib, 13.9 months (mos) (range, 0.2-52.3)]. The median duration of dose-escalated alectinib therapy in this cohort was 7.7 mos (95% CI, 4.8-10.9), with median overall progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.8 mos (95% CI, 4.9-13.7). Among 25 response-evaluable pts with baseline measurable or non-measurable CNS metastases, the CNS objective response rate (ORR) was 8.0% (95% CI, 1.0-26.0), with 2 pts having intracranial complete responses. CNS disease control rate (DCR) was 92.0% (95% CI, 74.0-99.0), with median CNS duration of response (DoR) of 5.3 mos (95% CI, 3.4-8.3) and median CNS PFS of 7.1 mos (95% CI, 4.4-13.7). Of 3 patients with baseline measurable CNS disease, all 3 had best intracranial response of SD, and median CNS PFS was 6.7 mos (95% CI, 6.2-not reached). Dose-escalated alectinib was well tolerated with no drug discontinuation due to trAE and no grade 3 or higher trAEs. One pt required dose reduction to 750 mg twice daily due to intolerable grade 2 fatigue. 23 pts (85%) experienced grade 1-2 trAEs. Grade 1-2 trAEs that occurred in 10% of pts were anemia (52%), fatigue (37%), constipation (26%), bilirubin increase (15%), alkaline phosphatase increase (15%), and peripheral neuropathy (11%). Conclusions: Dose intensification of alectinib demonstrated meaningful efficacy and tolerability in pts with metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who had experienced CNS disease relapse on standard dose alectinib, and may represent a viable therapeutic option for re-establishing CNS disease control.

Alectinib - induced acute renal failure.

Introduction: Alectinib is a potent and selective orally active tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer, which has a better safety profile than other inhibitors of anaplastic lymphoma kinase. We report a case of a mixed pattern of acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis proven by renal biopsy upon starting alectinib therapy. Case report: A 68-year-old man with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, diagnosed with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer stage IV, had 27 days previously started alectinib 600 mg twice daily. He presented at the emergency room due to vomiting, nausea, and more dyspnoea than usual. A high creatinine level and metabolic imbalances were detected in laboratory tests. Management and outcomes: After a diagnosis of acute renal failure, the patient was admitted to hospital. Nephrotoxic drugs were suspended, and haemodialysis was required. After dismissing other causes, a probable diagnosis of acute interstitial nephritis due to alectinib was established. Corticotherapy was initiated and renal function returned to baseline levels. Renal biopsy showed a mixed pattern of acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis. The patient was discharged, and alectinib therapy was modified to lorlatinib. No polymorphisms were found in a pharmacogenetic test. After 10 months with lorlatinib, renal function remains stable. Discussion: The relationship between acute renal failure and alectinib initiation is considered probable in this patient. Although it is an adverse effect reported in less than 1% of cases, it would be advisable to monitor renal function in this kind of patient.

Durable responses to alectinib in murine models of EML4-ALK lung cancer requires adaptive immunity

Lung cancers bearing oncogenic EML4-ALK fusions respond to targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; e.g., alectinib), with variation in the degree of shrinkage and duration of treatment (DOT). However, factors that control this response are not well understood. While the contribution of the immune system in mediating the response to immunotherapy has been extensively investigated, less is known regarding the contribution of immunity to TKI therapeutic responses. We previously demonstrated a positive association of a TKI-induced interferon gamma (IFNγ) transcriptional response with DOT in EGFR-mutant lung cancers. Herein, we used three murine models of EML4-ALK lung cancer to test the role for host immunity in the alectinib therapeutic response. The cell lines (EA1, EA2, EA3) were propagated orthotopically in the lungs of immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and treated with alectinib. Tumor volumes were serially measured by μCT and immune cell content was measured by flow cytometry and multispectral immunofluorescence. Transcriptional responses to alectinib were assessed by RNAseq and secreted chemokines were measured by ELISA. All cell lines were similarly sensitive to alectinib in vitro and as orthotopic tumors in immunocompetent mice, exhibited durable shrinkage. However, in immunodeficient mice, all tumor models rapidly progressed on TKI therapy. In immunocompetent mice, EA2 tumors exhibited a complete response, whereas EA1 and EA3 tumors retained residual disease that rapidly progressed upon termination of TKI treatment. Prior to treatment, EA2 tumors had greater numbers of CD8+ T cells and fewer neutrophils compared to EA1 tumors. Also, RNAseq of cancer cells recovered from untreated tumors revealed elevated levels of CXCL9 and 10 in EA2 tumors, and higher levels of CXCL1 and 2 in EA1 tumors. Analysis of pre-treatment patient biopsies from ALK+ tumors revealed an association of neutrophil content with shorter time to progression. Combined, these data support a role for adaptive immunity in durability of TKI responses and demonstrate that the immune cell composition of the tumor microenvironment is predictive of response to alectinib therapy.

Acquired L1196M ALK mutation in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma during alectinib administration.

Acquired L1196M ALK mutation in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma during alectinib administration.

P45.01 Therapeutic effectiveness of Lorlatinib After Alectinib in Japanese Patients With ALK-Positive NSCLC in Real-World

Three anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-TKIs (crizotinib, alectinib and ceritinib) are available as 1st line setting in clinical practice in Japan. In the 2020 clinical practice guideline for lung cancer in Japan, lorlatinib is recommended as a subsequent therapy option for the patients with ALK-positive (ALK+) NSCLC whose disease has progressed after any ALK-TKI treatment. Alectinib, brigatinib and ceritinib are also recommended in the guideline. In addition, chemotherapy may be used after alectinib. However, there are no data to demonstrate the ALK TKI sequence treatment of loratinib as 2nd/3rd line after alectinib in clinical practice in Japan. Therefore, it is important to understand the post-marketing use of lorlatinib in Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC in real-world clinical practice to evaluate clinical effectiveness of lorlatinib. Main objective for this study was to reveal the real-world clinical effectiveness of lorlatinib in second /later line setting as ALK TKI sequence treatment after failure of alectinib in Japanese ALK+ NSCLC patients. The claims data from diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) hospitals provided by Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. (MDV) were used for this study. Patients in this MDV had been identified from the following criteria; (1) ICD10 diagnosis of lung cancer (C34) and (2) patients who received alectinib and with prescription order for lorlatinib directly after alectinib therapy. In this review, patients with loraltinib in 2nd line or 3rd + line were defined based on the absence or presence of prescription of other drugs before the start of alectinib prescription. Baseline characteristics were summarized as descriptive analysis. The median DOT was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier (KM) method and individual DOT and treatment patterns were visualized as swimmer’s plot for DOT including lorlatinib. From the MDV data, 319 patients were identified as who received alectinib and with prescription order for an ALK-TKI (lorlatinib or ceritinib) or chemotherapy (pemetrexed(PEM) or PEM+ cisplatin(CDDP) or bevacizumab(BEV)+PEM+CDDP) directly after alectinib treatment. The gender (female; 59.9 %) was similar to that in clinical trials, however, the mean age of patients prescribed with alectinb was 61years and higher than that of previous report in clinical trials. 174 patients were prescribed lorlatinib after alectinib. Of the 174 patients who were prescribed lorlatinib after alectinib, median DOT estimated from KM was 149 days (95% CI; 109-200). 136 and 38 patients were prescribed lorlatinib in 2nd line and 3rd + line setting, respectively. ALK-TKIs including lorlatinib and chemotherapy treatment sequences after alectinib were observed nationwide in Japan. About half of the patients who were prescribed alectinib were prescribed lorlatinib as the next treatment following alectinib. The median duration of lorlatinib treatment in patients with ALK+NSCLC as the next treatment for alectinib was around 5 months.

Abstract 1098: Activation of YAP1 confers ROS1 inhibitor resistance in ROS1-rearranged lung cancer

Abstract ROS1 gene arrangements occur in approximately 1% to 2% of non-small cell lung cancers. Crizotinib, the ROS1-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been approved for ROS1-rearranged lung cancer based on its dramatic therapeutic effect, but cures are usually not achieved. We have been focused on relationships between Yes associated protein1 (YAP1) and resistance to molecular target drugs. YAP1, a main mediator of the Hippo pathway, promotes cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and is associated with drug resistance in some cancer types. We previously demonstrated that YAP1 mediates survival against alectinib therapy in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged lung cancer cells. Then, in this study, we evaluated the role of YAP1 as an initial survival mechanism from lorlatinib in ROS1-rearranged lung cancer. We established a patient-derived EZR-ROS1-rearranged lung cancer cell line (KTOR71) from pleural effusion of a patient who acquired resistance to crizotinib. Subsequently, we conducted functional analysis of YAP1 involvement in drug-resistance, using this patient-derived cell line. DNA sequencing confirmed that KTOR71 cells harbored EZR-ROS1 fusion and ROS1 S1986F mutation, which is known crizotinib resistance mutation. KTOR71 cells were sensitive to lorlatinib, while resistant to crizotinib in cell viability assay (CVA). Nuclear localization of YAP1, which is an activation marker of YAP1, was assessed using immunofluorescence staining. In KTOR71 cells, YAP1 was activated after lorlatinib exposure. Then, to evaluate functional role of YAP1 in the initial survival against lorlatinib, the genetic inhibition of YAP1 in KTOR71 cells were performed using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Silencing of YAP1 by siRNA enhanced sensitivity to lorlatinib in KTOR71 cells in CVA. Furthermore, to confirm this functional role of YAP1 in vivo, we established the KTOR71 cell-derived xenograft model. The combination therapy with lorlatinib and verteporfin, an inhibitor of YAP1-TEAD interaction, sustained tumor remission significantly compared with lorlatinib monotherapy in vivo. Finally, we found that AKT was reactivated with activation of YAP1 and silencing of YAP1 by siRNA suppressed this AKT reactivation. These results suggest that YAP1 may be a potential drug target for ROS1-rearranged lung cancer. Citation Format: Masatoshi Yamazoe, Hiroaki Ozasa, Tetsuya Ohgimoto, Kazutaka Hosoya, Hitomi Ajimizu, Tomoko Funazo, Yuto Yasuda, Takahiro Tsuji, Hironori Yoshida, Ryo Itotani, Yuichi Sakamori, Young Hak Kim, Hirai Toyohiro. Activation of YAP1 confers ROS1 inhibitor resistance in ROS1-rearranged lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1098.

P84.20 VATS Right Upper Lobectomy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After ALK-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Administration.

Surgical resection is not generally indicated, but systemic chemotherapy or several molecular-targeted agents are selected as main treatments for advanced lung cancer. But as for the molecular-targeted agents, most patients eventually experience tumor progression due to acquired resistance. The role of residual or recurrent tumor resection after the treatment is unclear. A 65 year-old man was referred to our hospital due to abnormal radiographic image. Chest CT revealed a 50mm solid mass in the right upper lobe. The tumor involved hilar lymph node and extended to the junction of upper lobar bronchus. MRI revealed a 20mm brain metastasis in the left parietal lobe. He was initially diagnosed with cT2bN1M1b StageIVA EGFR(-) adenocarcinoma by transbronchial lung biopsy. Then, brain metastasis was removed surgically. He was finally diagnosed with ALK-rearranged adenocarcinoma from tissue of brain metastasis. Alectinib (600mg/day) was started as the first-line therapy. After 14 months of alectinib therapy, chest CT revealed remarkable reduction of the tumor and other two new lesions in the right upper lobe. One was a 10mm nodule close to the scar of primary tumor, which had not found at chest CT from three months ago. The other was a 15mm nodule apart from the scar, which existed before the alectinib treatment and had got larger gradually. PET-CT revealed the high fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake of only two new lesions. We performed complete VATS right upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for treatment and diagnosis. Histopathlogical diagnoses: No residual viable cell was found in the primary lesion. The lesion close to the scar of the primary lesion was adenocarcinoma (ALK-rearranged), which was thought to be a recurrent lesion because of resemblance to brain metastasis in pathological tissue. The lesion apart from the main lesion was pT1bN0M0 StageIB squamous cell carcinoma, which was thought to be primary lung cancer. Alectinib was continued after the operation, and chest CT shows no sign of recurrence so far. We experienced a VATS right upper lobectomy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer after ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor administration.

Acute kidney Injury due to Alectinib, an Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase inhibitor

Introduction: The array of unintended effects of targeted oncological treatments is still being elucidated. Cognizance of these effects is important since they allow early identification and intervention. Methods: We report a case of progressive reduction in kidney function following the introduction of the oral second generation Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Inhibitor: Alectinib for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell carcinoma of the lung (NSCLC). Kidney biopsy findings suggested that the predominant manifestation was acute tubular injury, which resolved with cessation of Alectinib therapy and did not recur with the introduction of the third generation ALK inhibitor Lorlatinib. Conclusions: This case report adds to the Onco-Nephrology literature in relation to the potential nephrotoxic effects of ALK inhibitors.

Molecular Characterization and Therapeutic Targeting of Colorectal Cancers Harboring Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Fusions.

Receptor tyrosine kinase fusions in colorectal cancers are rare, but potentially therapeutically relevant. We describe clinical, molecular, and pathologic attributes of RTK fusion-associated colorectal cancer. We identified all cases with RTK fusions in patients with colorectal cancer seen at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA) who underwent OncoPanel testing between 2013 and 2018. Clinical, histologic, and molecular features were extracted from the patient charts and molecular testing results. We identified 12 driver oncogenic fusions in various RTKs. These fusions occurred exclusively in BRAF and RAS wild-type tumors and were enriched in right-sided and mismatch repair-deficient (MMR-D) colorectal cancers. All of the MMR-D colorectal cancers with RTK fusions were found in tumors with acquired MMR-D due to MLH1 promoter hypermethylation and one was associated with a sessile serrated polyp. Molecular profiles of MMR-D colorectal cancer with RTK fusions largely resembled BRAF V600E-mutated MMR-D colorectal cancer, rather than those secondary to Lynch syndrome. We describe two patients with fusion-associated microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer who derived clinical benefit from therapeutic targeting of their translocation. The first harbored an ALK-CAD fusion and received sequential crizotinib and alectinib therapy for a total of 7.5 months until developing an ALK L1196Q gatekeeper mutation. The second patient, whose tumor contained an ROS1-GOPC fusion, continues to benefit from entrectinib after 9 months of therapy. RTK fusions in colorectal cancer are a rare, but important disease subgroup that occurs in RAS and BRAF wild-type tumors. Despite enrichment in acquired MMR-D tumors, RTK fusions also occur in MSS colorectal cancer and provide an important therapeutic target.

Effect of alectinib versus crizotinib on progression-free survival, central nervous system efficacy and adverse events in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor, and it remains the major cause of cancerrelated death worldwide. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene-rearrangement (ALK-positive) nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a unique subgroup that accounts for 3-7% of NSCLC cases. Over the last few years, the introduction of several ALK inhibitors has completely altered the treatment of advanced ALK-positive NSCLC and significantly improved the prognosis for patients. Crizotinib was the first ALK inhibitor developed, and it has demonstrated systemic efficacy and strongly improved outcomes in NSCLC patients with ALK-positive when compared with chemotherapy. Alectinib was designed specifically to be a more potent and selective anti-ALK therapeutic agent that could bypass crizotinib resistance. This study aims to evaluate the different efficacies of alectinib and crizotinib on progression-free survival (PFS), central nervous system (CNS) progression and adverse events (AEs) in NSCLC patients with ALK-positive. We searched for relevant literature in four electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The hazard ratio (HR) was calculated, and the effect of alectinib and crizotinib on PFS was evaluated. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Publication bias was assessed using the Begg rank correlation test and the Egger weighted linear regression test. We performed the sensitivity analysis using the method of "removing one study". All analyses were performed in STATA. Ten studies were included, and the total sample size was 2,377. Alectinib showed significant PFS superiority over crizotinib. The pooled HR =0.41 (95% CI: 0.29-0.53) indicated that the alectinib therapy group did have significantly longer PFS than that of the crizotinib group. Based on 5 clinical trials, the cumulative incidence of CNS progression for patients treated with alectinib at 6 months (10%, 95% CI: 5-16%) and 12 months (16%, 95% CI: 9-24%) was calculated. Based on 7 clinical studies, the risk of AEs related to treatment with alectinib was determined: alectinib was associated with 28 cases of AE grade ≤2 and 9 cases of AE grade ≥3; among the top 4 incidences of AE grade ≥3, were blood creatine phosphokinase increased 5.6%, ALT increased 2.5%, AST increased 2.4% and Anemia 1.8%. Alectinib significantly prolongs PFS and it better controls CNS metastases than crizotinib and good toxicity characteristics in the first-line treatment of NSCLC patients with ALK-positive.

1544P - The safety assessment of crizotinib and alectinib from real-world data of 840 ALK-inhibitor naïve patients with NSCLC harboring ALK-rearrangement (WJOG9516L)

1544P - The safety assessment of crizotinib and alectinib from real-world data of 840 ALK-inhibitor naïve patients with NSCLC harboring ALK-rearrangement (WJOG9516L)

Abstract 72: YAP1 mediates initial survival of alectinib therapy in ALK-rearranged lung cancer via pro-apoptotic protein regulation

Abstract Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors, such as alectinib (ALC), have dramatic therapeutic effects on ALK-rearranged lung cancer, but cures are usually not achieved. We focused on tumor cells that survive ALK inhibitor administration and hypothesized that targeted therapy for these cells could provide complete remission. To explore survival factors, we established patient-derived cell lines and screened them using proteome analysis. Three ALK-rearranged ALC-sensitive cell lines (KTOR-1, KTOR-2, KTOR-3) were established from 3 patients; the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50)s for ALC were 24-65 nM. Comprehensive protein expression profiles of the 3 cells indicated that exposure to ALC significantly enriched proteins related to actin and extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion. We focused on Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), which is activated by ECM adhesion and actin fiber accumulation. Nuclear localization of YAP1 (an activation marker of YAP1) was assessed using immunohistostaining. In KTOR1-3 and H2228 cells from an ALK-rearranged line purchased from ATCC, exposure to ALC in vitro promoted YAP1 accumulation in the nucleus. BALB/nu mice xenograft models of H2228 or KTOR1 were administered ALC (8 mg/kg/day, N=4) or a vehicle (N=4) for 7 days, and tumors were evaluated. In ALC-administered tumors, YAP1 was localized to the nucleus, which was rarely the case in vehicle-administered tumors. The expression of pro-apoptosis factors Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL also increased after exposure to ALC in vitro, but the increment was cancelled by YAP1 inhibition by siRNA or verteporfin (VER), a non-specific YAP1 inhibitor. Exposure to ALC with combinatorial YAP1 inhibition significantly increased Caspase 3/7 activity. To address the treatment effects of YAP1 inhibition, a YAP1-activated H2228 cell line (H2ARY) was established by exposing H2228 cells to 100-300 nM of ALC for 3 months and thorough subsequent cloning. The H2ARY had lower sensitivity to ALC in vitro than parental H2228 (IC50: 1.4 μM vs 315 nM, 96 h) and restored the sensitivity by YAP1 inhibition (208 nM with VER 1 μM, 312 nM with siYAP1). Twenty-four xenograft models (mean volume: 199 mm3) of H2ARY on BALB/nu mice were randomized (Day 0) into 4 treatment groups to receive ALC monotherapy (8 mg/kg daily, N=6), VER monotherapy (12.5 mg/kg twice a week, N=7), combination (N=7), or vehicle (N=5). On day 15, the tumor volume of the vehicle and VER monotherapy groups reached > 800 mm3, with no significant differences among the groups. On day 33, the tumors of the combination group were significantly smaller than those of the ALC monotherapy group (187 vs 761 mm3, P = 0.0125). Exposure to ALC-activated YAP1 may regulate anti-apoptotic activity by controlling the expression of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL in ALK-rearranged lung cancer cells. This is the first evidence that combinatorial therapy against ALK and YAP1 could enhance ALK-rearranged tumor treatment. Citation Format: Takahiro Tsuji, Hiroaki Ozasa, Wataru Aoki, Shunsuke Aburaya, Tomoko Funazo, Koh Furugaki, Yasushi Yoshimura, Hitomi Ajimizu, Yuto Yasuda, Takashi Nomizo, Yuichi Sakamori, Hironori Yoshida, Mitsuyoshi Ueda, Young Hak Kim, Toyohiro Hirai. YAP1 mediates initial survival of alectinib therapy in ALK-rearranged lung cancer via pro-apoptotic protein regulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 72.

Efficacy of Alectinib in Patients with ALK-Positive NSCLC and Symptomatic or Large CNS Metastases

BackgroundCentral nervous system (CNS) metastases represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality for patients with ALK tyrosine kinase gene (ALK)-positive NSCLC. Alectinib has demonstrated robust CNS activity in both crizotinib-naive and crizotinib-resistant settings. However, the CNS efficacy of alectinib has not been established in patients with untreated symptomatic, large CNS metastases. MethodsIn this retrospective study, patients were eligible if they had advanced ALK-positive NSCLC with large (defined as ≥1 cm) or symptomatic CNS metastases and received alectinib. Medical records and radiographic imaging were reviewed to determine treatment outcomes. CNS efficacy was assessed per the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. ResultsOf the 19 patients, 15 (79%) had measurable CNS disease at baseline and were evaluable for response. The CNS objective response rate in these patients was 73.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44.9%–92.2%), the CNS disease control rate was 100.0% (95% CI: 78.2%–100.0%), and the median CNS duration of response was 19.3 months (95% CI: 14.3 months–not evaluable). In 18 evaluable patients with measurable and/or nonmeasurable baseline CNS disease, the CNS objective response rate was 72.2% (95% CI: 46.5%–90.3%), the CNS disease control rate was 100.0% (95% CI: 81.5%–100.0%), and the median CNS duration of response was 17.1 months (95% CI: 14.3 months–not evaluable). All eight patients with symptoms attributable to CNS metastases had clinical improvement upon starting alectinib therapy. Six patients (32%) eventually required salvage brain radiotherapy. ConclusionsAlectinib demonstrated meaningful CNS efficacy in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC with untreated symptomatic or large brain metastases.

Leptomeningeal recurrence after long-term alectinib therapy for non-small cell lung cancer harboring an EML4-ALK fusion protein

The recent approval of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors for the treatment of ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has dramatically transformed cancer therapy. However, leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are frequent and often devastating complications of ALK-rearranged NSCLC, and treatment against LM remains challenging. Herein we report a case of a 19-year-old male diagnosed with ALK-rearranged NSCLC with LM. He experienced heavy treatment before introduction of alectinib therapy, which continued for approximately 5.5years with marked efficacy. However, he experienced recurrence of a bulbar metastasis after discontinuation of alectinib. Reintroduction of standard-dose alectinib therapy resolved the lesion again. Our findings suggest that ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy should be continued in patients showing a long-term complete response, unless intolerable toxicities are present, and that rechallenge treatment with alectinib may represent a therapeutic option for central nervous system metastases.

Case report: continued treatment with alectinib is possible for patients with lung adenocarcinoma with drug-induced interstitial lung disease

BackgroundAlectinib, a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, is a key drug for ALK rearranged lung adenocarcinoma. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important adverse effect of alectinib, which generally requires termination of treatment. However, we treated two patients with drug-induced ILD who continued to receive alectinib.Case presentationPatient 1 was a 57-year-old male with an ALK-rearranged Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma who was administered alectinib as first-line therapy. Computed tomography (CT) detected asymptomatic ground-glass opacity (GGO) on day 33 of treatment. Alectinib therapy was therefore discontinued for 7 days and then restarted. GGO disappeared, and the progression of ILD ceased. Patient 2 was a 64-year-old woman with an ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma who was administered alectinib as third-line therapy. One year later, CT detected GGO; and she had a slight, nonproductive cough. Alectinib therapy was continued in the absence of other symptoms, and GGO slightly diminished after 7 days. Two months later, CT detected increased GGO, and alectinib therapy was continued. GGO diminished again after 7 days. The patient has taken alectinib for more than 2 years without progression of ILD.ConclusionsCertain patients with alectinib-induced ILD Grade 2 or less may continue alectinib therapy if they are closely managed.

ALK-rearranged lung squamous cell carcinoma responding to alectinib: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundAlthough anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion genes are generally identified in lung adenocarcinoma patients, they are relatively rare in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC). Metastatic ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with ALK inhibitors demonstrate higher response rates, improved progression-free survival, and reduced toxicity relative to those treated with conventional chemotherapy regimens. However, the efficacy of treatment with ALK inhibitors in patients with ALK-rearranged lung SqCC remains unknown.Case presentationWe discuss a 52-year-old Japanese-Brazilian woman without a history of smoking who was referred to our hospital for evaluation of severe left back pain and a left hilar mass observed on a chest radiograph. The patient was eventually diagnosed on the basis of computed tomography, pathological, and immunohistochemical findings as having Stage IV lung SqCC. First-line treatment with palliative radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin plus vinorelbine was administered, but was not effective. ALK testing was subsequently performed, revealing positive ALK expression and gene rearrangement. Alectinib therapy was then initiated, which resulted in a gradual, but substantial reduction in tumor size.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report to discuss the successful management of ALK-rearranged lung SqCC with alectinib. We propose that molecular testing for driver mutations should be considered in young patients with a light or no smoking history, even if the histological findings correspond with SqCC, and alectinib therapy represents a reasonable option in cases of ALK-rearranged lung SqCC.

Long-term clinical outcomes of ALK inhibitors in patients with ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

e20542 Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors show high clinical efficacy in patients with ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the long-term clinical outcomes remain unknown. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with ALK inhibitor-naïve ALK-positive advanced NSCLC who initiated alectinib or crizotinib therapy at the Shizuoka Cancer Center between June 2010 and December 2011. Results: This retrospective study included 14 patients (male/female, 5/9; PS 0/1, 6/8; adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinoma, 13/1; smoker/never smoker, 8/6; brain metastasis presence/absence, 5/9; number of prior chemotherapy regimens 0/1/≥2, 1/7/6; alectinib/crizotinib, 4/10) with a median age of 55 years (range, 28-71). At the data cut-off (January 16, 2017), three patients were still receiving first ALK inhibitors (alectinib in two patients and crizotinib in one). One patient requested the discontinuation of alectinib therapy after five years. One patient discontinued crizotinib therapy due to unacceptable toxicity. Nine patients discontinued first ALK inhibitors due to disease progression. The overall response rate was 78.6% with complete response in two patients (14.3%), partial response in nine (64.3%), stable disease in one (7.1%), and progressive disease in two (14.3%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) for all 14 patients was 15.3 months, and the five-year PFS rate was 35.7%. The five-year PFS rates in patients treated with alectinib and crizotinib were 75.0% and 20.0%, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) for all 14 patients was 36.8 months, and the five-year OS rate was 42.9%. The five-year OS rates in patients treated with alectinib and crizotinib were 75.0% and 30.0%, respectively. Conclusions: ALK inhibitors showed favorable long-term clinical outcomes in patients with ALK inhibitor-naïve ALK-positive advanced NSCLC, especially in patients treated with alectinib.