Background Brain Metastases Research Articles

Surgical resection of symptomatic brain metastases improves the clinical status and facilitates further treatment.

BackgroundBrain metastases (BM) frequently cause focal neurological deficits leading to a reduced Karnofsky performance score (KPS). Since KPS is routinely used to guide the choice of adjuvant therapy, we hypothesized that improving KPS by surgical resection may improve the chance for adjuvant treatment and ultimately result in better survival. We therefore analyzed the course of a large cohort undergoing resection of symptomatic brain metastases in the context of further treatment and clinical outcome.Patients and methodsIn a bi‐centric retrospective analysis we retrieved baseline, clinical, and treatment‐related parameters of patients operated on BM between 2010 and 2019. Survival was calculated using Kaplan‐Meier estimates; prognostic factors for survival were analyzed by Log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards.ResultsWe included 750 patients with a median age of 61 (19‐87) years. The functional status was significantly improved by surgical resection, with a median preoperative (KPS) of 80 (10‐100) increasing to 90 (0‐100) after surgery (P < .0001). Moreover, surgery improved the RTOG recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class from III to I/II in 82 patients. Postoperative local radiotherapy and systemic treatment were associated with significantly longer survival (P < .0001 for each). Systemic treatment was provided significantly more frequently in patients with a fair postoperative clinical status (KPS ≥ 70; P < .0001). The postoperative clinical status, postoperative radiotherapy, systemic treatment, controlled systemic disease and < 4 BM were independent predictors for survival.ConclusionThe resection of symptomatic BM may restore clinical status, so enhancing the likelihood of receiving adjuvant treatment, and therefore leading to improved overall survival.

Brain metastasis PD-L1 and CD8 expression is dependent on primary tumor type and its PD-L1 and CD8 status.

BackgroundBrain metastases (Bmets) are frequent; however, limited data exist on the efficacy of immunotherapy in these lesions. The aims of the study were to analyze the immunohistochemical expressions of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and CD8 in Bmets and to compare them with their expressions in paired primary tumors, as well as correlate the results with clinicopathological features.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 233 patients with Bmets and 111 paired primaries. Clinical, histological, and molecular data were recorded and compared with the immunohistochemical results of PD-L1 and CD8 expressions. The statistical analysis included χ2 test, Cramer’s V test, factorial analyses of variance, simple regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank product limit estimation.ResultsPD-L1 expression was found in 23.6% of Bmets and in 29.0% of primary tumors with concordant expression between them in 75.5% of cases. Bmets PD-L1 expression was associated with primary tumor PD-L1 expression and the primary tumor type. Significant CD8 peritumoral expression was found in 68.6% of Bmets and in 87.7% of primary tumors. CD8 expression was concordant between primary and metastatic tumors in 73.3% of cases. Bmets CD8 expression was associated with primary tumor CD8 expression and primary tumor type. PD-L1 expression was associated with CD8 expression in both primary and metastatic tumors. The concordance between primary and metastatic tumor PD-L1 expression was independent of all factors studied. The concordance between primary and metastatic CD8 expressions was marginally associated to the time of Bmets development. No prognostic role for PD-L1 and CD8 expression in Bmets was found.ConclusionPD-L1 and CD8 Bmets expressions are associated with the primary tumor type and its PD-L1 and CD8 expressions. No factor predicts the discordance for PD-L1 expression, while time to Bmets development is associated with CD8 expression discordance.

Aberrant HDAC3 expression correlates with brain metastasis in breast cancer patients.

BackgroundBrain metastasis is an unsolved clinical problem in breast cancer patients due to its poor prognosis and high fatality rate. Although accumulating evidence has shown that some pan‐histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can relieve breast cancer brain metastasis, the specific HDAC protein involved in this process is unclear. Thus, identifying a specific HDAC protein closely correlated with breast cancer brain metastasis will not only improve our understanding of the functions of the HDAC family but will also help develop a novel target for precision cancer therapy.MethodsImmunohistochemical staining of HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 in 161 samples from breast invasive ductal carcinoma patients, including 63 patients with brain metastasis, was performed using the standard streptavidin‐peroxidase method. The relationships between HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 and overall survival/brain metastasis‐free survival/post‐brain metastatic survival were evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression analyses.ResultsHDAC1, HDAC2, and cytoplasmic HDAC3 all displayed typical oncogenic characteristics and were independent prognostic factors for the overall survival of breast cancer patients. Only cytoplasmic HDAC3 was an independent prognostic factor for brain metastasis‐free survival. Cytoplasmic expression of HDAC3 was further upregulated in the brain metastases compared with the matched primary tumors, while nuclear expression was downregulated. The HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 expression levels in the brain metastases were not correlated with survival post‐brain metastasis.ConclusionsOur studies first demonstrate a critical role for HDAC3 in the brain metastasis of breast cancer patients and it may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the vigorously developing field of precision medicine.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyCytoplasmic HDAC3 is an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival and brain metastasis‐free survival of breast cancer patients.What this study addsCytoplasmic expression of HDAC3 was further upregulated in the brain metastases compared with the matched primary tumours, while nuclear expression was downregulated.

Neurological symptom burden impacts survival prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases.

BackgroundBrain metastases (BM) are a frequent complication of advanced cancer and are characterized by a variety of neurological symptoms. Although the presence of neurological symptoms is included in the response assessment in patients with primary brain tumors, to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding the prognostic impact of neurological symptoms in patients with BM.MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed BM from non–small cell lung cancer were identified from the Vienna Brain Metastasis Registry and were evaluated according to the incidence, distribution, and prognostic impact of neurological symptoms at the time of diagnosis of BM.ResultsA total of 1608 patients (57.3% male and 42.7% female; median age, 62 years) were available for further analyses. Neurological symptoms including focal deficits (985 patients; 61.3%), signs of increased intracranial pressure (483 patients; 30.0%), epileptic seizures (224 patients; 13.9%), and neuropsychological symptoms (233 patients; 14.5%) were documented in 1186 of the 1608 patients (73.8%). Patients with asymptomatic BM presented with a longer median overall survival after the diagnosis of BM compared with patients with symptomatic BM (11 months vs 7 months; P < .001). In multivariate analysis with a diagnosis‐specific graded prognostic assessment (hazard ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.33‐1.50 [P < .001]), the presence of neurological symptoms (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23‐1.57 [P < .001]) was found to be independently associated with survival prognosis from the time of diagnosis of BM.ConclusionsNeurological symptoms at the time of BM diagnosis demonstrated a strong and independent association with survival prognosis. The results of the current study have highlighted the need for the integration of the presence of neurological symptoms into the prognostic assessment of patients with BM from non–small cell lung cancer.Lay Summary Neurological symptom evaluation is included regularly in the assessment of patients with primary brain tumors. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the prognostic impact in patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases (BM).The current study has provided a detailed clinical characterization of the incidence, distribution, and prognostic impact of neurological symptoms in a large, real‐life cohort of patients with BM from non–small cell lung cancer.In this cohort, neurological symptoms at the time of diagnosis of BM demonstrated a strong, independent prognostic impact on the survival prognosis.The results of the current study have highlighted the need for the integration of neurological symptom burden into the prognostic assessment of patients with BM from non–small cell lung cancer.

Stereotactic radiosurgery combined with anti-PD1 for the management of melanoma brain metastases: A retrospective study of safety and efficacy

BackgroundBrain metastases can be effectively treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now pivotal in metastatic melanoma care, but some concerns have emerged regarding the safety of their combination with radiation therapy. MethodsWe present a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients treated by anti-PD1 and SRS as a sole modality of radiation therapy (no whole brain radiation therapy at any time) in a single institution. We included patients on anti-PD1 at the time of SRS or patients who started anti-PD1 within a maximum period of 3 months following SRS and were treated at least one year before the analysis. Clinical and serial imaging data were reviewed to determine the efficacy and the rate of adverse radiation effectss of the combination. ResultsA total of 50 patients were included. SRS targeted 1, 2 to 3 and >3 brain metastases in 17, 16 and 17 patients, respectively. Two patients died before the first evaluation. Nine patients presented with an increase in peritumoral oedema, three with intracranial haemorrhage and one patient with both oedema and haemorrhage. Median follow-up was 38.89 months (interquartile range 24.43; 45.28). Median overall survival from SRS was 16.62 months with 1-, 2- and 3-year rates of 60%, 40% and 35%, respectively. Median brain-Progression Free Survival was 13.2 months with 1, 2 and 3-year rates of 62.1%, 49.7% and 49.7%, respectively. ConclusionsThis real-world cohort of patients treated with a homogeneous strategy combining upfront stereotactic radiosurgery and anti-PD1 shows remarkable survival rates and does not reveal unexpected toxicity.

SNORA71B promotes breast cancer cells across blood\u2013brain barrier by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BackgroundBrain metastasis (BM) is a dreadful complication that significantly impacts the quality of life in breast cancer patients. A key process during brain metastasis is the migration of cancer cells across blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, the role of snoRNAs regulating BBB in BM is still unknown.MethodsHere SNORic and GEO databases were used to identify differentially expressed snoRNAs between brain metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer (BC) tissues. The effects of SNORA71B on the capacities of proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and BBB invasion of BC cells were evaluated by CCK8, transwell, western blot, and BBB model, respectively.ResultsSNORA71B was highly expressed in high BM BC tissues and cells compared to low BM BC controls. Survival analysis revealed high expression of SNORA71B was significantly associated with poor PPS and OS in breast cancer patients. ROC curve showed that SNORA71B might act as biomarker for breast cancer. Moreover, SNORA71B significantly promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells with different BM abilities. Importantly, SNORA71B promoted the EMT process of low BM BC cells. SNORA71B knockdown inhibited the high BM BC cells across BBB, while EMT activator dramatically abrogated this inhibited effect.ConclusionsIn conclusion, SNORA71B promotes BC cells across the BBB partly via inducing EMT.

Treatment of brain metastases in small cell lung cancer: Decision-making amongst a multidisciplinary panel of European experts

BackgroundBrain metastases (BM) are common in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In recent years, the role of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for brain metastases in lung cancer is being reevaluated, especially in the context of new systemic treatments available for SCLC. With this analysis, we investigate decision-making in SCLC patients with BM among European experts in medical oncology and radiation oncology. MethodsWe analyzed decision-making from 13 medical oncologists (selected by IASLC) and 13 radiation oncologists (selected by ESTRO) specialized in SCLC. Management strategies of individual experts were converted into decision trees and analyzed for consensus. Results and conclusionIn asymptomatic patients, chemotherapy alone is the most commonly recommended first line treatment. In asymptomatic patients with limited volume of brain metastases, a higher preference for chemotherapy without WBRT among medical oncologists compared to radiation oncologists was observed.For symptomatic patients, WBRT followed by chemotherapy was recommended most commonly. For limited extent of BM in symptomatic patients, some experts chose stereotactic radiotherapy as an alternative to WBRT.Significant variation in clinical decision-making was observed among European SCLC experts for the first line treatment of patients with SCLC and BM.

Computer-aided Detection of Brain Metastases in T1-weighted MRI for Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using Deep Learning Single-Shot Detectors.

Background Brain metastases are manually identified during stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment planning, which is time consuming and potentially challenging. Purpose To develop and investigate deep learning (DL) methods for detecting brain metastasis with MRI to aid in treatment planning for SRS. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, contrast material-enhanced three-dimensional T1-weighted gradient-echo MRI scans from patients who underwent gamma knife SRS from January 2011 to August 2018 were analyzed. Brain metastases were manually identified and contoured by neuroradiologists and treating radiation oncologists. DL single-shot detector (SSD) algorithms were constructed and trained to map axial MRI slices to a set of bounding box predictions encompassing metastases and associated detection confidences. Performances of different DL SSDs were compared for per-lesion metastasis-based detection sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) at a 50% confidence threshold. For the highest-performing model, detection performance was analyzed by using free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results Two hundred sixty-six patients (mean age, 60 years ± 14 [standard deviation]; 148 women) were randomly split into 80% training and 20% testing groups (212 and 54 patients, respectively). For the testing group, sensitivity of the highest-performing (baseline) SSD was 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80%, 82%; 190 of 234) and PPV was 36% (95% CI: 35%, 37%; 190 of 530). For metastases measuring at least 6 mm, sensitivity was 98% (95% CI: 97%, 99%; 130 of 132) and PPV was 36% (95% CI: 35%, 37%; 130 of 366). Other models (SSD with a ResNet50 backbone, SSD with focal loss, and RetinaNet) yielded lower sensitivities of 73% (95% CI: 72%, 74%; 171 of 234), 77% (95% CI: 76%, 78%; 180 of 234), and 79% (95% CI: 77%, 81%; 184 of 234), respectively, and lower PPVs of 29% (95% CI: 28%, 30%; 171 of 581), 26% (95% CI: 26%, 26%; 180 of 681), and 13% (95% CI: 12%, 14%; 184 of 1412). Conclusion Deep-learning single-shot detector models detected nearly all brain metastases that were 6 mm or larger with limited false-positive findings using postcontrast T1-weighted MRI. © RSNA, 2020 See also the editorial by Kikinis and Wells in this issue.

Stereotactic radiotherapy on brain metastases with recent hemorrhagic signal: STEREO-HBM, a two-step phase 2 trial

BackgroundBrain metastases often occur in cancer evolution. They are not only responsible for death but also for disorders affecting the quality of life and the cognitive functions.Management of brain metastases usually consists in multi-modality treatments, including neurosurgery, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), and more recently radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), systemic treatment (chemotherapy or targeted therapy), combined or not with corticosteroids. Almost 20% of brain metastases can present recent (within 15 days) bleeding signs on neuro-imagery. In these conditions, WBRT is the usual treatment. Yet, patients may benefit from a more aggressive strategy with SRT or FSRT. However, these options were suspected to possibly major the risk of brain haemorrhage, although no scientifically proven. Radiation oncologists therefore usually remain reluctant to deliver SRS/FSRT for bleeding brain metastases.It is therefore challenging to establish a standard of care for the treatment of bleeding brain metastases.We propose a phase II trial to simultaneously assess safety and efficacy of FSRT to manage brain metastases with hemorrhagic signal.MethodsThe STEREO-HBM study is a multicenter two-step non-randomised phase II trial addressing patients with at least one bleeding brain metastasis out of a maximum of 3 brain metastases. Each brain metastasis will be treated with 30 Gy in 3 fractions for 1 week.The main endpoint is based on both safety and efficacy endpoints as proposed by Bryant and Day’s design. Safety endpoint is defined as the rate of bleeding complications 4 months post-FSRT while efficacy endpoint is defined as the 6-month local control rate. Multi-modal MRI will be used to assess intra-tumoral hemorrhagic events before and after treatment. Patients’ quality of life will also be assessed.DiscussionManagement of bleeding brain metastases is still debated and poorly explored in clinical trials. There is sparse and weak data on the signification of pretreatment intra-tumour haemorrhagic signs or on the risk of brain bleeding complications after FSRT.We expect this first prospective phase 2 trial in this particular setting will allow to clarify the place of FSRT to optimally manage bleeding brain metastases.Trial registrationNCT 03696680, registered October, 4, 2018.Protocol versionVersion 2.1 dated from 2018/11/09.

Clinical outcome of patients with brain metastases from breast cancer - A population based study over 21 years

BackgroundBrain metastases (BM) are a feared progression of breast cancer (BC) with impact on quality of life and survival. Despite improved treatments, it is believed patients suffering from BM are increasing. AimsTo study potential changes in the number of BM, the possible links between BC subgroup and extent of BM with prognosis. To investigate the interval between primary BC/extra cranial recurrence, and diagnosis of BM in the years 1994–2014. Patients and methodsClinical data from 191 patients with BM diagnosed 1994–2014, was retrieved from charts. Primary tumours where re-evaluated histologically. ResultsThere was an increase of BM in 5 years cohorts (1994-99 (n = 9); 2000-04 (n = 36); 2005-09 (n = 60); 2010-14 (n = 86)). We found no difference in the time interval from primary BC to BM but an insignificant increase in time from extra cranial relapse to development of BM in the time periods 1994–2004 and 2005–2014 of 15.5 and 25.0 months (p = 0.0612). Survival after BM was 7 months (95% CI 6–10) with a statistically significant difference between HER2 positive and TNBC with an inferior outcome for the latter (p = 0.018) whilst no differences were present when Luminal BC were compared with HER2 positive BC (p = 0.073). ConclusionsWe show an increase of BM over time whilst the time span from primary BC to BM is unchanged supports earlier findings that adjuvant treatments have little preventive function. Time from extra cranial recurrence to BM was prolonged with one year. Patients with TNBC or more advance extent of BM had the shortest survival with BM.

ALCAM contributes to brain metastasis formation in non-small-cell lung cancer through interaction with the vascular endothelium.

BackgroundBrain metastasis (BM) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a very poor prognosis. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of cell adhesion molecules in tumor metastasis. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) in BM formation in NSCLC.MethodsImmunohistochemical analysis was performed on 143 NSCLC primary tumors and BM. A correlation between clinicopathological parameters and survival was developed. Biological properties of ALCAM were assessed in vitro by gene ablation using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the NCI-H460 NSCLC cell line and in vivo by intracranial and intracardial cell injection of NCI-H460 cells in NMRI-Foxn1nu/nu mice.ResultsALCAM expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC brain metastasis (P = 0.023) with a de novo expression of ALCAM in 31.2% of BM. Moderate/strong ALCAM expression in both primary NSCLC and brain metastasis was associated with shortened survival. Functional analysis of an ALCAM knock-out (KO) cell line showed a significantly decreased cell adhesion capacity to human brain endothelial cells by 38% (P = 0.045). In vivo studies showed significantly lower tumor cell dissemination in mice injected with ALCAM-KO cells in both mouse models, and both the number and size of BM were significantly diminished in ALCAM depleted tumors.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that elevated levels of ALCAM expression promote BM formation in NSCLC through increased tumor cell dissemination and interaction with the brain endothelial cells. Therefore, ALCAM could be targeted to reduce the occurrence of BM.Key Points1. ALCAM expression associates with poor prognosis and brain metastasis in NSCLC.2. ALCAM mediates interaction of NSCLC tumor cells with brain vascular endothelium.3. ALCAM might represent a novel preventive target to reduce the occurrence of BM in NSCLC.

Development of a disease-specific graded prognostic assessment index for the management of sarcoma patients with brain metastases (Sarcoma-GPA)

BackgroundBrain metastases from sarcomatous lesions pose a management challenge owing to their rarity and the histopathological heterogeneity. Prognostic indices such as the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) index have been developed for several primary tumour types presenting with brain metastases (e.g. lung, breast, melanoma), tailored to the specifics of different primary histologies and molecular profiles. Thus far, a prognostic index to direct treatment decisions is lacking for adult sarcoma patients with brain metastases.MethodsWe performed a multicentre analysis of a national group of expert sarcoma tertiary centres (French Sarcoma Group, GSF-GETO) with the participation of one Canadian and one Swiss centre. The study cohort included adult patients with a diagnosis of a bone or soft tissue sarcoma presenting parenchymal or meningeal brain metastases, managed between January 1992 and March 2012. We assessed the validity of the original GPA index in this patient population and developed a disease-specific Sarcoma-GPA index.ResultsThe original GPA index is not prognostic for sarcoma brain metastasis patients. We have developed a dedicated Sarcoma-GPA index that identifies a sub-group of patients with particularly favourable prognosis based on histology, number of brain lesions and performance status.ConclusionsThe Sarcoma-GPA index provides a novel tool for sarcoma oncologists to guide clinical decision-making and outcomes research.

Does the application of diffusion weighted imaging improve the prediction of survival in patients with resected brain metastases? A retrospective multicenter study

BackgroundBrain metastases are common in clinical practice. Many clinical scales exist for predicting survival and hence deciding on best treatment but none are individualised and none use quantitative imaging parameters. A multicenter study was carried out to evaluate the prognostic utility of a simple diffusion weighted MRI parameter, tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).MethodsA retrospective analysis of imaging and clinical data was performed on a cohort of 223 adult patients over a ten-year period 2002–2012 pooled from three institutions. All patients underwent surgical resection with histologically confirmed brain metastases and received adjuvant whole brain radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Survival was modelled using standard clinical variables and statistically compared with and without the addition of tumor ADC.ResultsThe median overall survival was 9.6 months (95% CI 7.5–11.7) for this cohort. Greater age (p = 0.002), worse performance status (p < 0.0001) and uncontrolled extracranial disease (p < 0.0001) were all significantly associated with shorter survival in univariate analysis. Adjuvant whole brain radiotherapy (p = 0.007) and higher tumor ADC (p < 0.001) were associated with prolonged survival. Combining values of tumor ADC with conventional clinical scoring systems such as the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) score significantly improved the modelling of survival (e.g. concordance increased from 0.5956 to 0.6277 with Akaike’s Information Criterion reduced from 1335 to 1324).ConclusionsCombining advanced MRI readings such as tumor ADC with clinical scoring systems is a potentially simple method for improving and individualising the estimation of survival in patients having surgery for brain metastases.

Characterization of the immune microenvironment in brain metastases from different solid tumors.

BackgroundBrain metastases are one of the most common intracranial neoplasms. Increasing evidence have indicated that systemic immunotherapy may provide long‐term benefits for brain metastases. Herein, we presented the results of an immune oncology panel RNA sequencing platform for patients with brain metastases from different primary sites.MethodsWe investigated 25 samples of human brain metastases from lung cancer (n = 12), breast cancer (n = 6), and colorectal cancer (n = 7). Besides, 13 paired samples of adjacent noncancerous brain tissue (10 from patients with lung cancer and 3 from patients with breast cancer) were collected as controls. By comparing the brain metastases and paired samples of adjacent noncancerous brain tissue from 13 patients, we detected three upregulated and six downregulated genes, representing the malignant properties of cancer cells and increased immune infiltration in the microenvironment. Next, we profiled the immune‐related genes in brain metastases from three primary cancer types.ResultsA group of genes were significantly overexpressed in the microenvironment of brain metastases from lung cancer, covering the checkpoint pathways, lymphocyte infiltration, and TCR‐coexpression. Especially, immune checkpoint molecules, PD‐L1, PD‐L2, and IDO1 were expressed at higher levels in brain metastases from lung cancer than those from the other two cancer types.ConclusionsThis study presents an immune landscape of brain metastases from different cancer types. With high RNA expression levels of PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis and immune infiltration in brain metastases, it would be worthwhile to explore the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade for lung cancer patients with intracranial metastases.

Radiomic analysis of magnetic resonance imaging predicts brain metastases velocity and clinical outcome after upfront radiosurgery.

BackgroundBrain metastasis velocity (BMV) predicts outcomes after initial distant brain failure (DBF) following upfront stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We developed an integrated model of clinical predictors and pre-SRS MRI-derived radiomic scores (R-scores) to identify high-BMV (BMV-H) patients upon initial identification of brain metastases (BMs).MethodsIn total, 256 patients with BMs treated with upfront SRS alone were retrospectively included. R-scores were built from 1246 radiomic features in 2 target volumes by using the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm to predict BMV-H groups, as defined by BMV at least 4 or leptomeningeal disease at first DBF. Two R-scores and 3 clinical predictors were integrated into a predictive clinico-radiomic (CR) model.ResultsThe related R-scores showed significant differences between BMV-H and low BMV (BMV-L), as defined by BMV less than 4 or no DBF (P < .001). Regression analysis identified BMs number, perilesional edema, and extracranial progression as significant predictors. The CR model using these 5 predictors achieved a bootstrapping corrected C-index of 0.842 and 0.832 in the discovery and test sets, respectively. Overall survival (OS) after first DBF was significantly different between the CR-predicted BMV-L and BMV-H groups (median OS: 26.7 vs 13.0 months, P = .016). Among patients with a diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment of 1.5–2 or 2.5–4, the median OS after initial SRS was 33.8 and 67.8 months for CR-predicted BMV-L, compared to 13.5 and 31.0 months for CR-predicted BMV-H (P < .001 and <.001), respectively.ConclusionOur CR model provides a novel approach showing good performance to predict BMV and clinical outcomes.

Prognostic impact of platinum sensitivity in ovarian carcinoma patients with brain metastasis

BackgroundBrain metastasis (BM) is a rare event in ovarian cancer patients. The current prognostic scores that have been used for other tumors do not account for specific characteristics of ovarian cancer, such as platinum sensitivity.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study examined patients with ovarian carcinoma and BM who were treated at a single institution from January 2007 to December 2017. Clinical data on the diagnosis of BM and follow-up were collected. Cox regression was used to evaluate prognostic factors for overall survival (OS).ResultsOf 560 patients, 26 presented with BM. Eight patients were treated with surgery, 15 with whole-brain radiotherapy (RT), and 5 with stereotactic RT, and 4 patients received systemic treatment at the diagnosis of BM. The median OS was 10.8 months. The following factors were associated with OS: platinum-sensitive recurrence (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.99; p = 0.049), higher number of previous treatment lines (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12–2.19; p = 0.008), ECOG performance status (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.24–5.09; p = 0.010), and longer interval from initial diagnosis to BM (p = 0.025). Notably, the number of brain metastasis, the largest tumor size, and progression outside of the CNS were not related to survival. Platinum sensitivity was not associated with any of the classic prognostic factors in brain metastasis patients such as number or size of brain metastasis or disease progression outside the CNS strengthening the hypothesis of the importance of platinum sensitivity to the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients with BM.ConclusionsThe factors related to the biological behavior of the ovarian cancer such as platinum sensitivity at the time of BM diagnosis, fewer number of previous treatment lines and interval from initial diagnosis were associated with survival in ovarian cancer patients with BM, while factors that are usually related to survival in BM in other cancers were not associated with survival in this cohort of ovarian cancer patients. The small number of patients did not allow us to exclude the prognostic role of these former factors that were not associated with survival in the present cohort.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: N6-methyladenosine induced miR-143-3p promotes the brain metastasis of lung cancer via regulation of VASH1

BackgroundBrain metastasis (BM) is one of the principal causes of mortality for lung cancer patients. While the molecular events that govern BM of lung cancer remain frustrating cloudy.MethodsThe miRNA expression profiles are checked in the paired human BM and primary lung cancer tissues. The effect of miR-143-3p on BM of lung cancer cells and its related mechanisms are investigated.ResultsmiR-143-3p is upregulated in the paired BM tissues as compared with that in primary cancer tissues. It can increase the invasion capability of in vitro blood brain barrier (BBB) model and angiogenesis of lung cancer by targeting the three binding sites of 3’UTR of vasohibin-1 (VASH1) to inhibit its expression. Mechanistically, VASH1 can increase the ubiquitylation of VEGFA to trigger the proteasome mediated degradation, further, it can endow the tubulin depolymerization through detyrosination to increase the cell motility. m6A methyltransferase Mettl3 can increase the splicing of precursor miR-143-3p to facilitate its biogenesis. Moreover, miR-143-3p/VASH1 axis acts as adverse prognosis factors for in vivo progression and overall survival (OS) rate of lung cancer.ConclusionsOur work implicates a causal role of the miR-143-3p/VASH1 axis in BM of lung cancers and suggests their critical roles in lung cancer pathogenesis.

96P - Incidence, characteristics and prognosis in colorectal cancer with CNS metastases

BackgroundBrain metastases (BM) due to colorectal cancer (CRC) are an infrequent event. Previous research suggests that patients with pulmonary metastases, rectal primaries and KRAS mutations are at an increased risk of BM. Despite multidisciplinary treatment, survival following BM remains poor. We aimed to analyse the incidence, genomic profiling, treatment administered and survival in patients with BM from CRC within our cancer service. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 1346 CRC patients at two comprehensive cancer centres in Western Sydney identified 52 patients with BM. Data was subsequently collected on patient demographics, tumour and treatment characteristics. KRAS and BRAF mutation status from primary colorectal tumour specimens and surgical resection of BM was assessed. Survival data was analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. ResultsThe incidence of BM in our cohort was 3.9%. The mean age of patients was 66 (35-82) with 48% female and 52% male in the BM group compared to 36% female and 64% male in the non-BM group. 33% of patients were wildtype (WT), 62% had a RAS mutation and 5% were BRAF mutant. The median time between diagnosis of primary CRC and development of BM did not differ between RAS, RAF and WT (37, 50 and 43 months). 70% of WT patients presented with one BM compared to 45% of KRAS mutated patients although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). 38% of patients had surgery while 81% had radiotherapy (56% WBRT, 44% SRS) to treat their BM. The median PFS across all groups was 3.2 months and median OS was 3.9 months. Median PFS was significantly longer in patients who received surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy following their diagnosis of BM (12.3 months) versus surgery alone (1 month) or surgery and radiotherapy (4.4 months) (p = 0.022). Mutational status or number of BM did not impact on PFS or OS. Patients with synchronous liver metastases had a significantly shorter median OS of 3 months versus 13 months in those without liver metastases (p = 0.008). ConclusionsBrain metastases remains an infrequent event in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. KRAS and BRAF mutations do not appear to have any effect on prognosis or response to treatment in CRC patients with BM. Survival of CRC patients following BM is poor and novel approaches are needed. Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors. FundingWestern Sydney Local Health District. DisclosureK.Y.M. Wong: Advisory / Consultancy: Baxalta; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Sirtex; Travel / ccommodation / Expenses: MSD Oncology. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

1479O - Integrated genomic and DNA methylation analyses of non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

BackgroundBrain metastases (BM), with a dismal prognosis, are a common and lethal complication of non-small cell lung cancer. Recognition of its genomic and epigenomic landscape is very necessary. MethodsCapture-based targeted sequencing for somatic mutation profiling was performed on 27 treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC patients with paired lung primary and BM lesions using a pane consisting of 520 cancer related genes. DNA methylation analyses was performed on same samples using a DNA methylation panel consisting of 100,000 CpG sites. ResultsCollectively, we identified 370 (291 SNVs+Indels, 78 CNVs and 1 rearrangement) and 574 (245 SNVs+Indels, 327 CNVs and 2 rearrangements) mutations from lung primary lesions and BM, respectively. Among them, 242 mutations were shared; 128 were lung primary-specific and 332 were BM-specific. Among the BM specific mutations, a majority of them (82%, 272/332) were copy number variations (CNVs). Only 16% of CNVs were shared by lung lesions and BM. The concordance for SNVs and indels were much higher-54% between the two sources of tissues. Furthermore, we observed a much higher concordance rate (79%) in TP53 and classic lung cancer driver genes than other genes (p<0.001), indicating that they might be stem mutations. Next, we performed pathway analysis of genes that were only mutated in BM and revealed an enrichment of genes participating in PI3K-AKT and focal adhesion pathways. Our DNA methylation analysis revealed distinct methylation patterns with 268 blocks that are significantly differentially methylated between primary lung lesions and BM. Among them, 211 blocks were hypermethylated in BM and the remaining 57 blocks were hypermethylated in lung lesions. These blocks were enrichment in genes participating in cell adhesion, Rap1 signaling and calcium signaling pathways. ConclusionsWe revealed diverse somatic mutation and DNA methylation profiles between lung primary lesions and BM. BM had significantly more unique CNVs. A great concordance was observed for classic lung cancer driver genes and TP53. Our study provided a comprehensive view of genomic and DNA methylation profiling for lung primary lesions and BM, paving the avenue for the development of targeted therapies for treating BM. Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors. FundingHas not received any funding. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

90-gene signature assay for tissue origin diagnosis of brain metastases

BackgroundBrain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumors. 2–14% of BM patients present with unknown primary site despite intensive evaluations. This study aims to evaluate the performance of a 90-gene expression signature in determining the primary sites for BM samples.MethodsThe sequence-based gene expression profiles of 708 primary brain tumors (PBT) collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed by the 90-gene expression signature, with a similarity score for each of 21 common tumor types. We then used Optimal Binning algorithm to generate a threshold for separating PBT from BM. Eighteen PBT samples were analyzed to substantiate the reliability of the threshold. In addition, the performance of the 90-gene expression signature for molecular classification of metastatic brain tumors was validated in a cohort of 48 BM samples with the known origin. For each BM sample, the tumor type with the highest similarity score was considered tissue of origin. When a sample was diagnosed as PBT, but the similarity score below the threshold, the second prediction was considered as the primary site.ResultsA threshold of the similarity score, 70, was identified to discriminate PBT from BM (PBT: > 70, BM: ≤ 70) with an accuracy of 99% (703/708, 95% CI 98–100%). The 90-gene expression signature was further validated with 18 PBT and 44 BM samples. The results of 18 PBT samples matched reference diagnosis with a concordance rate of 100%, and all similarity scores were above the threshold. Of 44 BM samples, the 90-gene expression signature accurately predicted primary sites in 89% (39/44, 95% CI 75–96%) of the cases.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated the potential that the 90-gene expression signature could serve as a powerful tool for accurately identifying the primary sites of metastatic brain tumors.