Bev Therapy Research Articles

Impact of Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab Therapy on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is critical in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has become a key endpoint in the evaluation of new therapies, including atezolizumab + bevacizumab (Atezo + Bev) therapy. This study explored the factors associated with treatment efficacy, treatment duration, and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced HCC undergoing Atezo + Bev therapy. We included 58 consecutive patients with HCC receiving Atezo + Bev from 19 November 2020, to 28 December 2023, who were followed up until the end of the study or death. We analyzed the relationships between baseline characteristics, adverse events (AEs), and HRQoL and efficacy, OS, and treatment duration. The demographic (older men) and baseline characteristics (Child-Pugh score of 5, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C) were consistent with those of previous studies. The treatment demonstrated promising efficacy with a disease control rate of 71.2%, but HRQoL scores in five functional domains and seven symptoms worsened significantly within the first 3 months. Notably, better baseline cognitive and physical function scores and absence of severe (grade ≥ 2) hypoalbuminemia were associated with an improved objective response rate, longer treatment duration, and better OS. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing treatment-related AEs and maintaining the HRQoL. They also highlight the crucial and reassuring role of multidisciplinary care in enhancing treatment outcomes in this cohort.

Spatial Dynamics of T and B Cell Response Predicts Clinical Outcome of Resectable and Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Immunotherapies have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have revealed the single-cell catalogues of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the trajectories of their differentiation. Nevertheless, the spatial distribution of these immune cells with distinct phenotypes in tumor microenvironment and their clinicopathological significance in resectable and unresectable HCCs are still largely unclear. We analyzed the spatial dynamics of intratumoral CD4 and CD8 T cells and their association with B and plasma cells using 283 surgically resected HCCs, 58 unresectable HCC samples before combined immunotherapy (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab [Atezo+Bev]), and autopsy specimens from 50 cases of advanced-stage HCCs through multiplex immunohistochemistry combined with transcriptomic and driver gene mutation analysis. Classification based on the spatial dynamics of T and B cell responses (refined immunosubtype) was developed and its clinicopathological significance was analyzed. We found that stem-like CD4 and CD8 T cells were mainly observed in T cell aggregates. Differentiation of T follicular helper cells were associated with the development of tertiary lymphoid structures, whereas differentiation of CD4 TCXCL13 cells with phenotype resembling T peripheral helper cells were associated with the development of lymphoplasmacytic microenvironment. The refined immunosubtype could predict clinical outcomes of resectable HCC after surgery and unresectable HCC after Atezo+Bev therapy. The immune microenvironment of metastatic lesions tended to reflect those of primary lesions. We revealed the spatial dynamics of T and B cell response in HCC, which is closely associated with the clinical outcome after surgical resection or Atezo+Bev therapy.

Multidisciplinary treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombosis: Combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab after hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and radiotherapy: A case series

Rationale: Various treatments are available for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among HCC, Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) has a poor prognosis. There have been reports of treatment with molecularly targeted agents in combination with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and radiotherapy (RT) in HCC patients with Vp4 PVTT, but none with atezolizumab, the immune checkpoint inhibitor. Here, we present cases of unresectable HCC with Vp4 PVTT that were treated with the combination atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atezo + Bev) after HAIC and RT. The purpose and significance of this study are to research the usefulness to precede HAIC and RT in the treatment of HCC with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Patient concerns: Sixty-six-year-old man, 74-year-old man, 83-year-old man, 69-year-old man, 62-year-old man, and 85-year-old woman were diagnosed with HCC with Vp4 PVTT. Diagnosis: Cirrhosis was classified as Child-Pugh class A or B. HCC was diagnosed as TNM stage IVa or IVb. Interventions: RT for PVTT was performed the same day or the day after HAIC. Atezo + Bev was started at least 1 week after RT was completed. Outcomes: Death was confirmed in 4 of the 6 patients; the median overall survival time was not reached. The survival times of the 4 patients were 18.7, 12.5, 5.1, and 1.7 months. Based on the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria, the objective response rate of patients with best tumor response to Atezo + Bev therapy was 66.7%, and that of patients with best response of PVVT to Atezo + Bev was 66.7%. Lessons: These cases showed that in HCC with Vp4 PVTT, HAIC, and RT before Atezo + Bev may be useful to prolong survival.

Status of alternative angiogenic pathways in glioblastoma resected under and after bevacizumab treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) acquires resistance to bevacizumab (Bev) treatment. Bev affects angiogenic factors other than vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are poorly understood. We investigated changes in angiogenic factors under and after Bev therapy, including angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1), angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2), placental growth factor (PLGF), fibroblast growth factor 2, and ephrin A2 (EphA2). Fifty-four GBM tissues, including 28 specimens from 14 cases as paired specimens from the same patient obtained in three settings: initial tumor resection (naïve Bev), tumors resected following Bev therapy (effective Bev), and recurrent tumors after Bev therapy (refractory Bev). Immunohistochemistry assessed their expressions in tumor vessels and its correlation with recurrent MRI patterns. PLGF expression was higher in the effective Bev group than in the naïve Bev group (p = 0.024) and remained high in the refractory Bev group. ANGPT2 and EphA2 expressions were higher in the refractory Bev group than in the naïve Bev group (p = 0.047 and 0.028, respectively). PLGF expression was higher in the refractory Bev group compared with the naïve Bev group for paired specimens (p = 0.036). PLGF was more abundant in T2 diffuse/circumscribe patterns (p = 0.046). This is the first study to evaluate angiogenic factors other than VEGF during effective and refractory Bev therapy in patient-derived specimens.

Comparing Injection Site Reactions of Aprepitant and Fosaprepitant in Gynecologic Cancer Chemotherapy.

The frequency rate of injection site reactions (ISR) due to fosaprepitant meglumine (Fos APR) has been shown to vary depending on the types of combined anticancer drug. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of Fos APR on ISR in patients receiving paclitaxel and carboplatin, with and without bevacizumab therapy (TC±Bev). This study focused on patients with gynecologic cancer (n=93) who received TC±Bev administration at Fujita Health University Hospital from March 2016 to February 2020, and monitored up to six cycles. The patients were randomly assigned to the Fos APR group (n=47) and the Aprepitant (APR) group (n=46). Using Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) scores, ISR was evaluated by comparing the VIP scores of all cycles using a linear mixed model. The risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of vascular pain throughout all cycles were also examined. The VIP scores of all cycles showed a near significant intergroup difference (p=0.071). Factors that affected the development of vascular pain included Fos APR and age (p=0.027 and 0.049, respectively). Regarding age, patients aged <65 years had a higher risk. Four patients underwent a switch from the originally assigned neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist; in all of these cases, Fos APR was changed to APR for vascular pain. Fos APR may increase the risk for ISR associated with TC±Bev therapy for gynecological cancer.

10213-GMC-16 A DECADE REVIEW: BEVACIZUMAB'S IMPACT ON GLIOBLASTOMA TREATMENT

Abstract OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the efficacy of Bevacizumab (Bev) therapy, ten years after its initiation in treating glioblastoma patients at our department. METHODS Eighty-four patients treated with Bev from July 2013 to December 2022 were classified into three groups: the initial treatment group given the Stupp regimen with Bev (first-dose group), the group given the Stupp regimen plus Bev followed by tumor resection (neoadjuvant group), and those receiving the Stupp regimen post tumor resection (recurrence group). PET scans were conducted pre- and post- Bev therapy, and variations in Tumor-to-Normal ratio (TNR), Tumor-to-Blood ratio (TBR), and Metabolic Tumor Volume (MTV) were investigated. RESULTS The median Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) rates in the first, neoadjuvant, and recurrence groups were respectively (7.86, 14.27, 4.33) and (12.53, 21.57, 13.23) months. Notably, changes in MET and FMISO MTV in the first-treatment group, MET MTV and FMISO TBR changes in the recurrence group, and MET MTV change in the neoadjuvant group significantly influenced prognosis. In the recurrence group, patients who underwent total resection during initial treatment experienced a prolonged period of 25.9 months from initial treatment to the administration of Bev due to recurrence. Furthermore, cases where the FMISO TBR at recurrence was higher than at the initial treatment observed an extended median OS of 18.63 months upon administering Bev treatment at recurrence. CONCLUSION Bev neoadjuvant therapy demonstrated a significant correlation with enhanced PFS and OS outcomes, notably in patients subjected to total resection. In the context of recurrent disease, while the initiation of Bev administration was delayed, a distinct elevation in treatment effectiveness was observed in patients exhibiting an augmented FMISO TBR at the point of recurrence. The observed decreases in MET MTV and FMISO TBR emerge as robust predictors of the efficacy of Bev treatment.

10005-ANGI-1 REGULATION OF ALTERNATIVE ANGIOGENIC FACTORS IN BEVACIZUMAB THERAPY FOR GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract The elucidation of the mechanism of action and resistance is imperative to overcome resistance to Bev and develop a more effective therapy. This study aims to investigate the status and change of alternative angiogenic factors regarding Bev usage using human specimens. The present study used 54 glioblastoma tissues obtained at 3 different settings: tumors of initial resection (naive Bev group), tumors resected following Bev therapy (effective Bev group), and recurrent tumors after Bev therapy (refractory/autopsied Bev group). Importantly, naive Bev-refractory Bev of 22 specimens in 11 cases (including 4 autopsy specimens and 7 salvage surgery specimens) were obtained as paired specimens from the same patient. The expression of alternative angiogenic factors including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), Angiopoietin1 (Ang-1), Angiopoietin2(Ang-2) and EphrinA2 were investigated via immunohistochemistry. PlGF expression was higher in the effective group than in the Naive group (p=0.048), and Ang-2 (0.047) and EphA2 (p=0.028) were higher in the relapse group than in the Naive group. Interestingly, in paired specimens, PlGF expression was higher in the refractory group than in the Naive group (p=0.036). This suggests that angiogenic factors other than VEGF are involved in recurrence. We provide the first clinicopathological evidence of the status of alternative angiogenic pathway after the Bev usage. These in situ observations will help to optimize therapy.

CTNI-63. A PHASE IIA CLINICAL TRIAL FOR COMBINATION OF NAVIGATION-GUIDE FOCUSED ULTRASOUND AND BEVACIZUMAB FOR PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Bevacizumab (BEV), a vascular normalizing therapy that prolongs progression free survival (PFS) for patients with recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). Focused ultrasound combines with microbubbles (MB-FUS), an emergent technology for targeted blood-brain barrier opening (BBBO), is under investigation for its combinatorial effect with current standard of care for GBM treatment. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BEV + MB-FUS for treating patients with rGBM. METHODS This is a phase IIa, open-label, single-arm clinical trial (NCT04446416). Eligible patients received BEV (10 mg/kg), then MB-FUS with a MB dosage of 0.1 ml/kg and neuronavigation-guided FUS system (NaviFUS-001, NaviFUS, Taiwan). The MB-FUS is planned to be an add-on modality to the bi-weekly BEV therapy for up to 18 sessions (FUSBEV, 34 weeks). RESULTS Six patients underwent total 156 FUS-BEVs (26 times per patients). Three patients (50%) completed the trial protocol, 2 of another 3 patients had disease progression during the treatments, the remaining one patient was in stable disease. The mean progression free survival was 7.5 months. Among the 156 sessions of MB-FUS, there were 3 (1.9%) transient focal scalp pain related to heating. An evaluation of the MB-FUS penetrated regions revealed a significant normalization effect of T2 signal hyperintensity at beam-concentrated areas. CONCLUSIONS The PFS-6 was 67% in this study. RESULTS have demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and a potential to decrease edema by the mechanism of enhance bevacizumab delivery to the treated site. The preliminary results are encouraging. More data are needed to proof the efficacy of BEV-FUS on rGBM patients.

INNV-21. EXTENDED SURVIVAL OF RECURRENT ANAPLASTIC OLIGODENDROGLIOMA PATIENT WITH GOOD FUNCTIONAL STATUS ON LONG TERM PEMBROLIZUMAB AND BEVACIZUMAB THERAPY - A CASE REPORT

Abstract INTRODUCTION Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) is a rare high-grade glioma. Standard of care include resection, radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy. However, effective treatment for recurrent AO is limited. Here we report pembrolizumab (Pembro) + bevacizumab (Bev) therapy for recurrent AO. CASE A 55-year-old male had a brain mass discovered on MRI in 2012 and received no treatment until resection in 2014. He underwent second tumor resection in late 2016 and pathology demonstrated an AO, WHO grade 3. He received radiation followed by PCV regimen in 2017. Ten months later in March 2018, he had tumor progression on PCV. Temozolomide was started. Two months later, Bev (10 mg/kg) was initiated in May 2018 due to further progression. After 12 months of Bev therapy, in mid-2019, Pembro was added due to new and enlarged lesions on MRI. After 18 months of q-3-week Bev (10mg/kg) + Pembro, Bev was on hold in December 2020 due to multiple TIAs. Single agent Pembro was continued for 6 months until April 2021 when his brain MRI showed increased enhancement. Then q-3-week Bev was resumed at a reduced dose (7.5mg/kg). These dual agents continued for 14 months until June 2022 when Bev dose was further reduced to 5mg/kg due to side effect. Bev was on hold again in December 2022 due to high Urine Protein/Creatinine ratio. Single agent Pembro was continued until May 2023 when lower dose Bev (2.5mg/kg) was resumed after MRI showed one subcentimeter new lesion. The small lesion is stable again on q-3-week 2.5 mg/kg Bev+Pembro. The patient has been clinically functional on Bev+Pembro treatment. DISCUSSION Four years of adjuvant pembrolizumab and tailored dose of bevacizumab have resulted in long term repeated stabilization of recurrent AO. The dose and duration of bevacizumab use need to be tailored to minimize adverse effects and to maintain positive effects.

Protocol of the RACB study: a multicenter, single-arm, prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of resection of initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab

BackgroundAlthough the standard therapy for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is systemic chemotherapy, the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (atezo + bev) with a high objective response rate may lead to conversion to resection in patients with initially unresectable HCC. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of atezo + bev in achieving conversion surgery and prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) for initially unresectable HCC.MethodsThe RACB study is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial evaluating the efficacy of combination therapy with atezo + bev for conversion surgery in patients with technically and/or oncologically unresectable HCC. The main eligibility criteria are as follows: (1) unresectable HCC without a history of systemic chemotherapy, (2) at least one target lesion based on RECIST ver. 1.1, and (3) a Child‒Pugh score of 5–6. The definition of unresectable tumors in this study includes macroscopic vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic metastasis and massive distribution of intrahepatic tumors. Patients will be treated with atezolizumab (1200 mg/body weight) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) every 3 weeks. If the patient is considered resectable on radiological assessment 12 weeks after initial chemotherapy, the patient will be treated with atezolizumab monotherapy 3 weeks after combination chemotherapy followed by surgery 3 weeks after atezolizumab monotherapy. If the patient is considered unresectable, the patient will continue with atezo + bev and undergo a radiological assessment every 9 weeks until resectable or until disease progression. The primary endpoint is PFS, and the secondary endpoints are the overall response rate, overall survival, resection rate, curative resection rate, on-protocol resection rate, and ICG retention rate at 15 min after atezo + bev therapy. The assessments of safety and quality of life during the treatment course will also be evaluated. The number of patients has been set at 50 based on the threshold and the expected PFS rate at 6 months after enrollment of 40% and 60%, respectively, with a one-sided alpha error of 0.05 and power of 0.80. The enrollment and follow-up periods will be 2 and 1.5 years, respectively.DiscussionThis study will elucidate the efficacy of conversion surgery with atezo + bev for initially unresectable HCC. In addition, the conversion rate, safety and quality of life during the treatment course will also be demonstrated.Trial registrationThis study is registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs051210148, January 7, 2022).

Tumor steatosis and glutamine synthetase expression in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy.

The anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibody atezolizumab and vascular endothelial growth factor-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab in combination (Atezo+Bev) have become the first-line therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Distinct types of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and their associations with specific molecular subclasses and driver gene mutations have been identified in HCC; however, these insights are mainly based on surgically resected early-stage tumors. The current study aimed to reveal the biology and TIME of advanced HCC and their significance in predicting clinical outcomes of Atezo+Bev therapy. Thirty-three patients with advanced HCC who were scheduled for treatment with Atezo+Bev therapy were included in this study. Pretreatment tumor biopsy, pre- and posttreatment diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with nine b values (0-1500s/mm2 ), and other clinicopathologic factors were analyzed. Compared with resectable HCC, advanced HCC was characterized by higher proliferative activity, a higher frequency of Wnt/β-catenin-activated HCC, and lower lymphocytic infiltration. Prognostically, two metabolism-related factors, histopathologically determined tumor steatosis and/or glutamine synthetase (GS) expression, and MRI-determined tumor steatosis, were the most significant prognostic indicators for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival after Atezo + Bev therapy. Furthermore, changes in the pre- and posttreatment true diffusion coefficients on MRI, which might reflect changes in TIME after treatment, were significantly associated with better PFS. The biology and TIME of HCC were strikingly different in advanced HCC compared with those of surgically resected HCC. Two metabolism-related factors, pathologically determined tumor steatosis and/or GS expression, and MRI-determined tumor steatosis, were found to be the most significant prognostic indicators for Atezo+Bev therapy in advanced HCC.

MPC-1 IMMUNOHISTOLOGICAL COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ANGIOGENIC FACTORS OTHER THAN VEGF IN GLIOBLASTOMAS IN RELATION TO THE USE OF BEVACIZUMAB

Abstract To date, few clinical observations have been reported for changes of alternative angiogenic factors (other than vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) in human gliomas under bevacizumab (Bev). The elucidation of the mechanism of action and resistance is imperative to overcome resistance to Bev and develop a more effective therapy. This study aims to investigate the status and change of alternative angiogenic factors regarding Bev usage.The present study used 56 glioblastoma tissues obtained at 3 different settings: tumors of initial resection (naive Bev group), tumors resected following Bev therapy (effective Bev group), and recurrent tumors after Bev therapy (refractory/autopsied Bev group). The expression of alternative angiogenic factors including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), Angiopoietin1 (Ang-1), Angiopoietin2(Ang-2) and EphrinA2 were investigated via immunohistochemistry. In large tumor vasculature (diameter &amp;gt;15μm), the expression of PlGF was significantly higher in the effective Bev group than naive Bev group. The expression of Ang-2 was persistently suppressed in the refractory/autopsied Bev group. In microtumor vasculature (diameter &amp;lt;15μm), the expression of Ang-2 was higher in the effective group than naive Bev group. The status of PlGF was similar among these three groups.We provide the first clinicopathological evidence of the status of alternative angiogenic pathway after the Bev usage. These in situ observations will help to optimize therapy.

ANGI-1 ASSESSING THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF BEVACIZUMAB USING FMISO-PET IN GBM THERAPY

Abstract Background Gd-enhanced MRI and T2WI/FLAIR images are used to determine the efficacy of bevacizumab(Bev) in glioblastoma(GBM). FMISO-PET reflects hypoxia in tumor tissue. In this study, we hypothesized that FMISO-PET could detect a series of changes in the hypoxic environment during the Bev effect and at the time of Bev recurrence, and compared images and pathological findings after initial Bev treatment and recurrence. Subjects and Methods Seven patients with first-episode GBM, IDH-wild type were included in the study. 3 patients underwent tumor resection after completion of Bev, radiation, and temozolomide treatment, and reoperation was performed at recurrence. FMISO-PET was performed at each time point. Four patients who underwent tumor resection after FMISO-PET in the absence of treatment were also included. The explanted specimens were analyzed for expression of hypoxia (CA9) and stem cell surface marker (FOXM1) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results All three patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy showed reduced FMISO accumulation. Two of them showed recurrence and increased FMISO accumulation, and IHC showed increased CA9 and FOXM1 positive cells at the time of reoperation. There was a trend toward fewer CA9-positive cells in patients with low FMISO accumulation, including controls. Conclusion FMISO-PET was used to visualize the improvement of oxygenation in tumor tissues after preoperative chemoradiotherapy including Bev, and the increased FMISO accumulation at the time of Bev resistance suggested that FMISO-PET may be useful for monitoring the duration of Bev treatment effect by reflecting the oxygenation of tumor tissues. The results suggest that FMISO-PET may be useful for monitoring the duration of response to Bev therapy.

Impact of Neoadjuvant Bevacizumab on Neuroradiographic Response and Histological Findings Related to Tumor Stemness and the Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment in Glioblastoma: Paired Comparison Between Newly Diagnosed and Recurrent Glioblastomas.

BackgroundPreviously, we reported that bevacizumab (Bev) produces histological and neuroradiographic alterations including changes in tumor oxygenation, induction of an immunosupportive tumor microenvironment, and inhibition of stemness. To confirm how those effects vary during Bev therapy, paired samples from the same patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) who received preoperative neoadjuvant Bev (neoBev) were investigated with immunohistochemistry before and after recurrence.MethodsEighteen samples from nine patients with newly diagnosed GBM who received preoperative neoBev followed by surgery and chemoradiotherapy and then autopsy or salvage surgery after recurrence were investigated. The expression of carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), nestin, and Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was evaluated with immunohistochemistry.For comparison between neoBev and recurrent tumors, we divided the present cohort into two groups based on neuroradiographic response: good and poor responders (GR and PR, respectively) to Bev were defined by the tumor regression rate on T1-weighted images with gadolinium enhancement (T1Gd) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. Patterns of recurrence after Bev therapy were classified as cT1 flare-up and T2-diffuse/T2-circumscribed. Furthermore, we explored the possibility of utilizing FOXM1 as a biomarker of survival in this cohort.ResultsA characteristic “pseudo-papillary”-like structure containing round-shaped tumor cells clustered adjacent to blood vessels surrounded by spindle-shaped tumor cells was seen only in recurrent tumors. Tumor cells at the outer part of the “pseudo-papillary” structure were CA9-positive (CA9+)/HIF-1α+, whereas cells at the inner part of this structure were CA9−/HIF-1α+ and nestin+/FOXM1+. CA9 and HIF-1α expression was lower in T1Gd-GR and decreased in the “T2-circumscribed/T2-diffuse” pattern compared with the “T1 flare-up” pattern, suggesting that tumor oxygenation was frequently observed in T1Gd-GR in initial tumors and in the “T2-circumscribed/T2-diffuse” pattern in recurrent tumors. FOXM1 low-expression tumors tended to have a better prognosis than that of FOXM1 high-expression tumors.ConclusionA “pseudo-papillary” structure was seen in recurrent GBM after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Bev may contribute to tumor oxygenation, leading to inhibition of stemness and correlation with a neuroimaging response during Bev therapy. FOXM1 may play a role as a biomarker of survival during Bev therapy.

ANGI-2 Identification and functions of CD44 as a predictor for bevacizumab-resistant glioblastoma to optimally treat the tumor with bevacizumab

Anti-angiogenic therapy with bevacizumab (Bev), a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a common treatment for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM), but its survival benefit is limited. Resistance to Bev is thought to be a major cause of ineffectiveness on Bev therapy. To optimize Bev therapy, identification of a predictive biomarker for responsiveness to Bev is required. Based on our previous study, we focused on the expression and functions of CD44 and VEGF in the Bev therapy. Here, we analyze a relationship between CD44 expression and responsiveness to Bev and elucidate the role of CD44 in anti-VEGF therapy. CD44 and VEGF expression in the tumor core and periphery of 22 GBMs was examined, and the relationship between expression of these molecules and progression-free time on Bev therapy was analyzed. The degree of CD44 expression in the tumor periphery was evaluated by the ratio of the mRNA expression in the tumor periphery to that in the tumor core (P/C ratio). VEGF expression was evaluated by the amount of the mRNA expression in the tumor periphery. To elucidate the roles of CD44 in the Bev therapy, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed using glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) and a GSC-transplanted mouse xenograft model, respectively. GBMs expressing high P/C ratio of CD44 were much more refractory to Bev than those expressing low P/C ratio of CD44, and the survival time of the former was much shorter than that of the latter. In vitro inhibition of VEGF with siRNA or Bev activated CD44 expression and increased invasion of GSCs. Bev showed no anti-tumor effects in mice transplanted with CD44-overexpressing GSCs. The P/C ratio of CD44 expression may become a useful biomarker predicting responsiveness to Bev in GBM. CD44 reduces the anti-tumor effect of Bev, resulting in much more highly invasive tumors.

REPLACEMENT trial in progress: Combination therapy with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for TACE unsuitable patients with beyond up-to-seven criteria in intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A phase II study.

TPS4162 Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) had been developed as a standard of care in patients with intermediate-stage HCC at a time when systemic therapy was not available. This stage includes a certain TACE-unsuitable subpopulation, such as beyond up-to-seven criteria. Recently, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting have recommended systemic therapy for those patients to achieve overall survival (OS) beyond 2 years without impaired liver function in their consensus guideline. However, there is not enough data on systemic therapy for this population. Atezolizumab (Atezo), anti-PD-L1 antibody, plus Bevacizumab (Bev), anti-VEGF antibody, combination therapy has been shown to significantly improve OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rate (ORR) against sorafenib, which is a standard of care in unresectable HCC according to a phase III randomized controlled trial, IMbrave150. Therefore, we investigate the efficacy and safety of Atezo+Bev combination therapy in patients with HCC beyond up-to-seven criteria in this trial. Methods: REPLACEMENT trial is a multicenter, single-arm phase II study of Atezo+Bev combination therapy. Key eligibility criteria are age ≥20 years, ECOG performance status 0-1, Child-Pugh A, no vascular invasion, no extrahepatic metastasis, beyond up-to-seven criteria, and patients who have received neither systemic therapy nor TACE. Patients will be administrated Atezo 1200 mg/body + Bev 15 mg/kg once every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint is PFS per modified RECIST (mRECIST). The secondary endpoints include PFS, ORR, duration of response (DOR) per mRECIST; PFS, ORR, DOR per RECIST ver.1.1; OS and safety including change of liver function based on albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score until disease progression. A total of 60 events are necessary to investigate the hypothesis that a target point estimation of PFS rate at 6 months (null population: 55%, alternative population: 73%). The estimated sample size is, therefore, 70 patients. In addition, the results of the Atezo+Bev therapy in this arm will be compared with those in approximately 600 TACE treated consecutive patients with intermediate-stage HCC, using the propensity score matching method, as an exploratory analysis of a possible replacement of TACE by the Atezo+Bev therapy. Patients’ enrollment had already started in December 2020, and 12 patients were enrolled as of 16th February ’21. Clinical trial information: jRCTs071200051.

Interleukin-6 as an enhancer of anti-angiogenic therapy for ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) that is associated with elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, resistance to chemotherapy, and increased mortality. Although bevacizumab (Bev) is a widely used anti-angiogenic agent for EOC, the efficacy of Bev and the role of IL-6 in modulating angiogenesis in OCCC are unknown. We performed tube formation assays using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in OCCC cell-conditioned medium and using cells directly co-cultured with OCCC cells. We observed that IL-6 inhibition significantly mitigated the ability of Bev to impede tube formation in both cases. Furthermore, IL-6 blockade disrupted the anti-angiogenic efficacy of Bev and its concomitant anti-tumor activity. In addition, IL-6 inhibition resulted in a significant increase in angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) secretion and decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Clinical specimens also exhibited this reciprocal relationship between IL-6 and Ang1 expression. Finally, depletion of Ang1 abrogated the effects of IL-6 inhibition on Bev activity, demonstrating that IL-6 supports the anti-angiogenic activity of Bev by suppressing Ang1 expression and promoting dependence on VEGF for angiogenesis. Altogether, our data suggest that OCCC tumors with high IL-6 levels are candidates for Bev therapy.

CD44 expression in the tumor periphery predicts the responsiveness to bevacizumab in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma.

Antiangiogenic therapy with bevacizumab (Bev), a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a common treatment for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM), but its survival benefit is limited. Resistance to Bev is thought to be a major cause of ineffectiveness on Bev therapy. To optimize Bev therapy, identification of a predictive biomarker for responsiveness to Bev is required. Based on our previous study, we focused on the expression and functions of CD44 and VEGF in the Bev therapy. Here, we analyze a relationship between CD44 expression and responsiveness to Bev and elucidate the role of CD44 in anti‐VEGF therapy. CD44 and VEGF expression in the tumor core and periphery of 22 GBMs was examined, and the relationship between expression of these molecules and progression‐free time on Bev therapy was analyzed. The degree of CD44 expression in the tumor periphery was evaluated by the ratio of the mRNA expression in the tumor periphery to that in the tumor core (P/C ratio). VEGF expression was evaluated by the amount of the mRNA expression in the tumor periphery. To elucidate the roles of CD44 in the Bev therapy, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed using glioma stem‐like cells (GSCs) and a GSC‐transplanted mouse xenograft model, respectively. GBMs expressing high P/C ratio of CD44 were much more refractory to Bev than those expressing low P/C ratio of CD44, and the survival time of the former was much shorter than that of the latter. In vitro inhibition of VEGF with siRNA or Bev‐activated CD44 expression and increased invasion of GSCs. Bev showed no antitumor effects in mice transplanted with CD44‐overexpressing GSCs. The P/C ratio of CD44 expression may become a useful biomarker predicting responsiveness to Bev in GBM. CD44 reduces the antitumor effect of Bev, resulting in much more highly invasive tumors.

Bevacizumab for malignant pleural effusion in ovarian clear cell carcinoma: a case report

Objective: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a major problem associated with late phase of epithelial ovarian cancer for which an optimum treatment consensus has yet to be determined. Although bevacizumab (Bev), a VEGF ligand inhibitor, has been shown to effectively control MPE, the clinical benefit of half-dose Bev treatment to control MPE remains unclear. Methods: We describe a patient with platinum-sensitive ovarian clear cell cancer (OCCC) and symptomatic MPE for whom tumor markers increased after one cycle of paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy. After switching to five cycles of Bev plus paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy, we observed the disappearance of MPE. Conclusion: The half-dose Bev therapy may be an effective treatment for MPE in OCCC. However, further investigation is still warranted to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of Bev.

STMO-15 OUR THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA: INTRAOPERATIVE SUPPORT SYSTEMS [INTRAOPERATIVE MRI, PET, 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID (5-ALA)] AND NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

OBJECTIVENeuronavigation systems with MRI and multiple PET examinations (methionine [MET], fluorothymidine [FLT], and fluoromisonidazole [FMISO]) have become our standard techniques for glioma surgeries. Residual tumors are identified and removed using intraoperative MRI (IoMRI) to maximize tumor removal. This time, we performed tumor removal after Bevacizumab (Bev) therapy for glioblastoma with low KPS at admission and compared extraction rate and residual volume of MRI and PET examinations, and prognosis between with and without Bev therapy.METHODSWe selected 12 glioblastoma patients with low KPS at admission and performed multiple PET examinations and IoMRI from January 2016 to July 2019. We divided them into the pre-Bev group that performed tumor removal after neoadjuvant Bev therapy and the non-Bev group that did not use Bev. We compared the extraction rate and residual volume of MRI and PET examinations, and prognosis between the pre-Bev group and the non-Bev group.RESULTSThe pre-Bev group was 6 cases and the non-Bev group was 6 cases. The number of KPS for the pre-Bev group just before surgery was (90; 3 cases, 80; 2 cases, 70; 1 case) and (50; 2 cases, 40; 4 cases) for the non-Bev group. For comparison between the pre Bev group and the non-Bev group, the extraction rate (%) was T1-Gd (97.6, 91.5), MET (95.4, 99.9), FLT (96.2, 90.2), FMISO (97, 92), residual volume (ml) was T1-Gd (0.6, 1.7), MET (1.2, 2.9), FLT (1.0, 2.1), FMISO (0.5, 1.1), and for prognosis, median PFS (month) is (10.1, 4.9) and median OS (months) was (15.7, 13.3).CONCLUSIONSFor glioblastoma patients with low KPS at admission, the neoadjuvant Bev therapy improved KPS just before surgery. The neoadjuvant Bev therapy improved the extraction rate and reduced residual volume of MRI and PET examinations and leads to the prolonged prognosis of PFS and OS.