Neutropenia Research Articles

Clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease in patients with breast cancer treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor following chemotherapy: Triangulation of evidence using population-based cohort and Mendelian randomization analyses.

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration in patients with cancer and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains controversial. Concerns exist that it may worsen COVID-19 outcomes by triggering an inflammatory cytokine storm, despite its common use for managing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) or febrile neutropenia post-chemotherapy. Here, we determined whether prophylactic or therapeutic G-CSF administration following chemotherapy exacerbates COVID-19 progression to severe/critical conditions in breast cancer patients with COVID-19. Between December 2022 and February 2023, all 503 enrolled breast cancer patients had concurrent COVID-19 and received G-CSF post-chemotherapy, with most being vaccinated pre-chemotherapy. We prospectively observed COVID-19-related adverse outcomes, conducted association analyses, and subsequently performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to validate the causal effect of genetically predicted G-CSF or its associated granulocyte traits on COVID-19 adverse outcomes. Only 0.99% (5/503) of breast cancer patients experienced COVID-19-related hospitalization following prophylactic or therapeutic G-CSF administration after chemotherapy. No mortality or progression to severe/critical COVID-19 occurred after G-CSF administration. Notably, no significant associations were observed between the application, dosage, or response to G-CSF and COVID-19-related hospitalization (all p >.05). Similarly, the MR analyses showed no evidence of causality of genetically predicted G-CSF or related granulocyte traits on COVID-19-related hospitalization or COVID-19 severity (all p >.05). There is insufficient evidence to substantiate the notion that the prophylactic or therapeutic administration of G-CSF after chemotherapy for managing CIN in patients with breast cancer and COVID-19 would worsen COVID-19 outcomes, leading to severe or critical conditions, or even death, especially considering the context of COVID-19 vaccination.

Thymic hyperplasia is accurate to detect new-onset Graves’ hyperthyroidism and resolves after restoring euthyroidism

PurposeAbnormal liver blood tests (ALBTs), neutropenia (NEU) and thymic hyperplasia (TH) are new features of Graves' disease (GD). Our objectives were: (a) to calculate the accuracy of TH in discriminating between Graves’ and non-Graves’ thyrotoxicosis, compared to ALBTs, NEU and Graves’ orbitopathy (GO); (b) to explore the outcome of GD-associated TH and non-GD-associated TH.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis from January 2018 to June 2023. TH was detected via neck ultrasound (nUS) then confirmed and followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For GD vs non-GD clinical sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SPEC), accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of GO, TH, ALBTs and NEU were calculated.Results264 thyrotoxic patients were included. TH was found in 16.4% (20/122) of GD vs 1.4% (2/142) in non-GD (p < 0.001). SE, SPEC, accuracy, PPV and NPV of the four extrathyroidal manifestations of GD were as follows, respectively: GO 26%, 100%, 66%, 100%, 61%; ALBTs 41%, 89%, 69%, 76%, 66%; NEU 5%, 100%, 56%, 100%, 55%; TH 16%, 98%, 61%, 91%, 98%. In 18 of them, TH regressed within 12 months after achieving euthyroidism under anti-thyroid drug therapy, while in the remaining 2, TH regressed 6 months after thyroid surgery. In the two non-GD patients with TH, thymus disappeared along with euthyroidism.ConclusionsTH in the hyperthyroidism scenario provides a high PPV for GD. A conservative approach for the diagnostic work‐up and initial management of thyrotoxicosis-associated TH should be adopted.

Investigations of an increased incidence of non-Aspergillus invasive mould infections in an onco-haematology unit.

Invasive mould infections are life-threatening complications in patients with haematologic cancer and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. While invasive aspergillosis represents the main cause of invasive mould infections, non-Aspergillusmould infections, such as mucormycosis, are increasingly reported. Consequently, their local epidemiology should be closely monitored. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of an increased incidence of non-Aspergillusmould infections in the onco-haematology unit of a Swiss tertiary care hospital. All cases of proven and probable invasive mould infections were retrospectively identified via a local registry for the period 2007-2021 and their incidence was calculated per 10,000 patient-days per year. The relative proportion of invasive aspergillosis and non-Aspergillusmould infections was assessed. Factors that may affect invasive mould infections' incidence, such as antifungal drug consumption, environmental contamination and changes in diagnostic approaches, were investigated. A significant increase of the incidence of non-Aspergillusmould infections (mainly mucormycosis) was observed from 2017 onwards (Mann and Kendall test p = 0.0053), peaking in 2020 (8.62 episodes per 10,000 patient-days). The incidence of invasive aspergillosis remained stable across the period of observation. The proportion of non-Aspergillusmould infections increased significantly from 2017 (33% vs 16.8% for the periods 2017-2021 and 2007-2016, respectively, p = 0.02). Building projects on the hospital site were identified as possible contributors of this increase in non-Aspergillusmould infections. However, novel diagnostic procedures may have improved their detection. We report a significant increase in non-Aspergillusmould infections, and mainly in mucormycosis infections, since 2017. There seems to be a multifactorial origin to this increase. Epidemiological trends of invasive mould infections should be carefully monitored in onco-haematology units in order to implement potential corrective measures.

CXCR4 WHIM syndrome is a cancer predisposition condition for virus-induced malignancies.

Warts, hypogammaglobulinaemia, infections and myelokathexissyndrome (WHIMS) is a rare combined primary immunodeficiency caused by the gain of function of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor. We present the prevalence of cancer in WHIMS patients based on data from the French Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry and an exhaustive literature review. The median follow-up of the 14 WHIMS 'patients was 28.5 years. A central review and viral evaluation of pathological samples were organized, and we conducted a thorough literature review to identify all reports of WHIMS cases. Six French patients were diagnosed with cancer at a median age of 37.6 years. The 40-year risk of malignancy was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6%-74%). We observed two human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced vulvar carcinomas, three lymphomas (two Epstein-Barr virus [EBV]-related) and one basal cell carcinoma. Among the 155 WHIMS cases from the literature, 22 cancers were reported in 16 patients, with an overall cancer 40-year risk of 23% (95% CI: 13%-39%). Malignancies included EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders and HPV-positive genital and anal cancers as in the French cohort. Worldwide, nine cases of malignancy were associated with HPV and four with EBV. Immunocompromised WHIMS patients appear to be particularly susceptible to developing early malignancy, mainly HPV-induced carcinomas, followed by EBV-related lymphomas.

A pilot trial of neoadjuvant pyrotinib plus trastuzumab, dalpiciclib, and letrozole for triple-positive breast cancer.

Triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) poorly responds to current standard neoadjuvant therapy (trastuzumab plus pertuzumab and chemotherapy). Our previous MUKDEN 01 study showed a promising total pathological complete response (tpCR) rate of 30.4% with neoadjuvant pyrotinib (pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor) plus dalpiciclib (cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor) and letrozole, but the efficacy remains suboptimal. This pilot study (NCT05228951) explored adding trastuzumab to this triplet neoadjuvant regimen in patients with stage II-III TPBC. The primary endpoint was tpCR (ypT0/is, ypN0) rate. Between February 2022 and June 2022, 12 patients were enrolled, and seven (58%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27.7%-84.8%) patients achieved tpCR. The rate of residual cancer burden (RCB) 0-I was 75% (95% CI, 46.8%-91.1%). The objective response rate (ORR) was 92% (95% CI, 64.6%-98.5%). Mean Ki-67 level was significantly reduced from 45.0% (95% CI, 19.5%-70.5%) at baseline to 17.2% (95% CI, 0.7%-33.7%) after neoadjuvant therapy (p=0.03). The most common grade 3 adverse events were diarrhea (four [33%]) and decreased neutrophil count (three [25%]). No grade 4 adverse events or treatment-related deaths occurred. This four-drug neoadjuvant regimen shows promising pathological response with an acceptable safety profile in patients with TPBC. A randomized controlled trial (NCT05638594) of this regimen is being conducted.

Study on the underlying molecular mechanism of benzene-induced nervous system damage in mice based on tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics.

Benzene is known to be a common toxic industrial chemical, and prolonged benzene exposure may cause nervous system damage. At present, there were few studies on benzene-induced neurological damage. This research aimed to identify the protein biomarkers to explore the mechanism of nervous system damage caused by benzene. We established a benzene poisoning model of C57 mice by gavage of benzene-peanut oil suspension and identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in brain tissue using tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics. The results showed a significant weight loss and decrease in leukocyte and neutrophil counts in benzene poisoning mice compared to the control group. We also observed local cerebral oedema and small vessel occlusion in the cerebral white matter of benzene poisoning mice. TMT proteomic results showed that a total 6,985 proteins were quantified, with a fold change (FC)>1.2 (or<1/1.2) and P value <0.05 were considered as DEPs. Compared with the control group, we identified 43 DEPs, comprising 14 upregulated and 29 downregulated proteins. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis results showed that the candidate proteins were mainly involved in cholesterol metabolism, complement and coagulation cascades, african trypanosomiasis, PPAR signaling pathway, and vitamin digestion and absorption. Three proteins, 2-hydroxyacylsphingosine 1-beta-galactosyltransferase (UGT8), Apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) and Complement C3 (C3) were validated using immunoblotting and immunohistochemical. In conclusion, our study preliminarily investigated the mechanism of benzene toxicity to the nervous system by analyzing DEPs changes in the brain.

Prognostic significance of bone marrow fibrosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the increase in the degree of fibrosis in the bone marrow and prognosis and mortality in newly diagnosed DLBCL. Bone marrow biopsy of 153 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients was determined by staining with reticulin, Masson's trichrome histochemical stain, and the degree of fibrosis was determined. In the bone marrow biopsy performed at the time of diagnosis, bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) was observed in 70 patients. While BMF-1 was detected in 42 patients (60%), BMF-2 was detected in 25 patients (35%) and BMF-3 was detected in 3 patients (4%). As the degree of BMF increased, the median overall survival and median progression-free survival times were significantly shorter (p: 0.008), (p < 0.001). In patients with an increased degree of BMF, a significant decrease in leukocyte and neutrophil counts was observed after chemotherapy (p: 0.004). According to the results of the multivariate Cox regression model, it was determined that high NCCN-IPI risk (HR: 8.25; %95 CI: 1.09-62.52; p = 0.041) and being BMF ≥ 2 (HR: 3.75; %95 CI: 1.65-8.51; p = 0.002), increased the risk of death (p = 0.002, -2 loglikelihood = 392,553). When the literature was reviewed, it was seen that this study was the first to define that bone marrow fibrosis grade 2 and above in DLBCL is a prognostic marker associated with worse survival. In the bone marrow pathology, which is examined to detect advanced disease in DLBCL, besides lymphomatous involvement, the detection of fibrosis grade is very important.

Effect of lithium on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in Egyptian breast cancer patients; a prospective clinical study.

Myelosuppressive chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) remains a major limitation of cancer treatment efficacy, necessitating very expensive supportive care. Lithium carbonate, an inexpensive drug, can increase the number of neutrophils, possibly providing an efficacious and cost-effective alternative for treating CIN. The aim of this study was to determine whether lithium therapy can attenuate chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and leukopenia in breast cancer patients. A total of 50 breast cancer patients were enrolled in this prospective, interventional, randomized, controlled, and single-blind study. The patients were divided into two groups: a control group (group 1, N = 25 patients) and a lithium-treated (treatment) group (group 2, N = 25 patients). Group 1 patients were further subclassified into a non-neutropenic control group (N = 16) and a neutropenic control (N = 9) based on the subsequent development of severe neutropenia, or not. The control group received 4 cycles of doxorubicin or epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by 2 cycles of paclitaxel. The treatment group received the same regimen as the control group as well as oral lithium carbonate throughout the chemotherapy cycles. The results showed that the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was increased in the lithium-treated group, while it was markedly reduced in both the non-neutropenic and neutropenic control groups (by 55.56% and 65.42% post-4 chemotherapy cycles, and by 19.57% and 39.90% post-6 cycles, respectively). The same pattern of alterations was observed for the total white blood cell count in both the control and treatment groups. In addition, the incidence and period prevalence were greatly reduced in the lithium-treated group compared to non-neutropenic and neutropenic control groups. Lithium therapy ameliorated chemotherapy-induced leukopenia and neutropenia in breast cancer patients. This may provide a new strategy for cost-effective treatment of CIN, particularly in Egyptian cancer patients.

Biosimilar Filgrastim (Nivestim®) in the Treatment and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia: Results of the NEXT Observational Study

Biosimilar Filgrastim (Nivestim®) in the Treatment and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia: Results of the NEXT Observational Study

First-line treatment with camrelizumab plus famitinib in advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients with PD-L1 TPS ≥1%: results from a multicenter, open-label, phase 2 trial

BackgroundThe combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents can synergistically modulate the tumor microenvironment and represents a promising treatment option. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab plus...

Nomogram for predicting neutropenia in patients with esophageal, gastric, or colorectal cancer treated by chemotherapy in the first cycle.

Development and validation of a predictive model including serum vitamin concentration to estimate the risk of chemotherapy-induced grade 3/4 neutropenia in esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, or colorectal cancer patients who receive the first cycle of chemotherapy. Data from 535 patients treated at the Affiliated Fuyang People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 1, 2020, to March 2, 2022, were used to derive the predictive model. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis was performed to screen potential risk characteristics, and multivariate logistic regression was utilized to investigate efficient factors associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. A nomogram was constructed using this logistic model. This nomogram was then tested on a temporal validation cohort containing 212 consecutive patients. In the cohort of all 747 eligible patients, grade 3/4 neutropenia incidence was 45.2%. Age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-performance status, neutrophil count, serum albumin, and hemoglobin data were entered into the final model. The performance of the final predictive nomogram was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in both the development and validation datasets. The calibration curves indicated that the estimated risks were accurate. Decision curve analysis for the predictive model exhibited improved clinical practicality. In the present study, we established an accessible risk predictive model and identified valuable serum vitamin concentration parameters associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The predictive model may improve the grade 3/4 neutropenia risk prediction in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies who receive oxaliplatin- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy and help physicians make appropriate decisions for disease management.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of mecapegfilgrastim and recombinant human granulocyte stimulating factor for primary prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia innon-small cell lung cancer.

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and economics of mecapegfilgrastim and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in the primary prevention of chemotherapy-related neutropenia in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data from 181 patients with NSCLC who received intermediate risk chemotherapy were collected from the information system of a tertiary hospital in China. Patients were categorized into two groups: those treated with mecapegfilgrastim (n=91) and those treated with rhG-CSF (n=90). The clinical efficacy rates of neutropenia prevention were used as effect indicators, and a cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Logistic regression, generalized linear regression, and bootstrap methods were used for sensitivity analyses. There was no statistical difference between the mecapegfilgrastim and rhG-CSF groups in clinical efficacy rates (98.9 vs. 97.8%). However, the total cost in the mecapegfilgrastim group was significantly higher than that in the rhG-CSF group (16,341.6 CNY vs. 14,371.1 CNY, p=0.03). The cost-minimization analysis shows that mecapegfilgrastim is not cost-effective. The sensitivity analyses confirm that these results are robust. Compared with rhG-CSF, mecapegfilgrastim is not a cost-effective strategy for NSCLC patients in neutropenia prevention in China.

Camrelizumab plus apatinib and SOX as first-line treatment in patients with alpha-fetoprotein–producing gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: A single-arm, multi-center, phase 2 trial.

351 Background: Patients (pts) with AFP-producing G/GEJ adenocarcinoma generally respond poorly to first-line standard chemotherapy. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of first-line camrelizumab plus apatinib given concurrently with chemotherapy, followed by camrelizumab plus apatinib in AFP-producing G/GEJ adenocarcinoma pts. Methods: In this open-label, single-arm, multi-center, phase 2 trial (NCT04609176), pts with aged ≥18 years, clinical stage III-IV, unresectable/recurrent or metastatic G/GEJ adenocarcinoma with no prior systemic therapy, serum AFP &gt; 2×ULN or AFP positive by the IHC staining method were enrolled. Pts received 4 cycles of standard S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) and camrelizumab (200mg, iv, d1, q3w) plus apatinib (250mg, po, qd). Pts without disease progression then continued to receive camrelizumab plus apatinib for up to 24 months, or until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1; secondary endpoints included the duration of response (DoR), disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: A total of 36 pts were enrolled and received treatment between Dec 4, 2020 and Aug 4, 2023. 35 pts were evaluable for tumor response. Median age was 63 years (range: 28, 78), with 30 pts (83.3%) were male. 13 pts (36.1%) presented with GEJ. 34 pts (94.5%) were diagnosed with stage IV. 20 pts (55.6%) had distant lymph node involvement, 18 (50.0%) had liver metastasis, 8 (22.2%) had peritoneal metastasis, and 2 (5.6%) had lung metastasis. Median serum AFP level was 739.8 ng/ml (range: 77.7, 321847.0). At data cut-off (Sep 1, 2023), the median follow-up duration was 6.4 months (range: 0.7, 27.0). Efficacy was assessed in the FAS population (n = 36). 2 pts showed complete response (CR, all confirmed), 22 had partial response (PR, 18 confirmed) and 7 had stable disease (SD). In consequent, the unconfirmed ORR was 66.7% (24/36) and DCR was 86.1% (31/36), with a confirmed ORR of 55.6% (20/36). The median PFS and OS were still immature. However, the estimated 12-month PFS rate was 42.1%. Any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 33 pts (91.7%) and grade ≥ 3 in 13 (36.1%) pts. The most common grade ≥ 3 TRAEs were decreased neutrophil count (13.9%), hypertension (8.3%) and diarrhea (5.6%). 16 pts (44.4%) experienced immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of any grade. No new safety signals were reported. Conclusions: In AFP-producing G/GEJ adenocarcinoma pts who had not previously received systemic therapy, camrelizumab plus apatinib with SOX followed by camrelizumab plus apatinib showed promising antitumor activity and acceptable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT04609176 .

Initial safety assessment of the endoscopically injected oncolytic virus OBP-301 in medically inoperable esophageal cancer: NRG-GI007.

341 Background: Definitive chemoradiation (CRT) is a standard-of-care for patients (Pts) with medically inoperable esophageal cancer (EC). The NRG/RTOG 0436 study of cisplatin/paclitaxel and RT (+/- cetuximab) as definitive therapy showed that about half of Pts have locally persistent disease. OBP-301 is a conditionally restricted, replication-competent adenovirus derived from human adenovirus type 5 that adds a human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) gene promoter, replicating only in tumor cells to cause lysis. It may cause immunogenic cell death, enhance RT, and improve local control. OBP-301 was previously studied with RT in Japanese esophageal cancer Pts and shown to be safe and has promising activity.1 Methods: In NRG-GI007, a phase 1 study (NCT04391049), OBP-301 is added to weekly carboplatin/paclitaxel and RT (50.4 Gy/28 fractions) for Pts with medically inoperable EC. Pts receive 1-2mL of intratumoral OBP-301 1×1012virus particles/ml via endoscopy 3 days prior to and then at days 12 and 26 of CRT. The primary endpoint is dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), defined as adverse events (AEs, by CTCAE v5) definitely or probably attributed to OBP-301 that meet either of the following: (1) leading to a &gt;14-day cumulative delay in CRT or (2) any grade ≥ 3 AE EXCEPT: grade 3 nausea/vomiting, grade 3 esophagitis or dehydration, first occurrence of grade 3/4 neutropenia, or grade 3/4 lymphopenia. Initially, 6 evaluable Pts (eligible and started protocol treatment) are enrolled. If protocol defined DLT occurs in ≤1 of 6 Pts, the dose will be deemed safe and an expansion cohort of 9 more will be enrolled to further assess safety and obtain a preliminary assessment of clinical complete response. If ≥2 Pts have a DLT then one de-escalated OBP-301 dose will be assessed. Results: From June 2020 to April 2023, 6 evaluable Pts were enrolled. Median age was 73.5 years, all male. Five Pts had adenocarcinoma and 1 had squamous cell carcinoma; 3 Pts had node-positive disease. All Pts received all planned OBP-301 injections, along with 50.4 Gy RT. Four out of 6 Pts received all 5 weekly doses of chemo for &gt; 85% of planned total dose, and 2 got 4 weekly doses for &gt; 70% of planned total dose. No Pt experienced ³7 day treatment delay. The following treatment-related (attributed as definitely, probably, or possibly related to CRT and/or OBP-301) grade 3 AEs were reported across 5 Pts: decreased neutrophil count (3 Pts), decreased lymphocyte count (2 Pts), decreased WBC (2 Pts), and fever and fatigue (1 Pt each). There were 4 Pts with AEs reported as definitely or probably related to OBP-301, all grade ≤2. No DLT occurred. Conclusions: No DLTs in the 6 evaluable Pts were observed and it is concluded that the initial OBP-301 dose level is safe. NRG-GI007 was reopened on August 7, 2023 to the expansion cohort. Full toxicity and treatment data will be presented. 1. Eur J Cancer 2021;153:98. Clinical trial information: NCT04391049 .

Efficacy and safety of fruquintinib with nab-paclitaxel in advanced G/GEJ cancer after exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors: A single-center prospective clinical trial.

327 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) expanded choices of early-line therapies in advanced gastric (G)/gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. In addition, it’s observed that early-line ICI therapy, compared to chemotherapy, could enhance the efficacy of VEGFR inhibitors with chemotherapy in late lines. This single-center prospective clinical trial was aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib with nab-paclitaxel as second-line in patients (pts) with G/GEJ cancer exposed to ICIs in early lines. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, open-label clinical trial. Pts with advanced G/GEJ cancer who had been exposed to ICIs before the second line were eligible. 42 pts would receive 100g/m2 nab-paclitaxel on day 1 and day 8 every 3 weeks, and 4mg fruquintinib from day 1 to day 14 every 3 weeks. Progression-free survival (PFS) was set as the primary endpoint. The Kaplan–Meier method would be used to evaluate time-to-event outcomes. Results: Up to Aug 10, 2023, 25 pts had been enrolled, 23 of whom were evaluable. 14 (60.9%) pts in evaluable set were male. All these pts was with stage Ⅳ of TNM staging. The median age was 58 (range: 33-74), and 6 (26.1%) pts were elder than 65 yr. 12 (63.2%) pts were with PD-L1 CPS greater than 1, 9 (47.4%) pts greater than 5, and 4 (17.4%) pts greater than 10. PD-L1 CPS of 4 pts was unknown. The pts had received a median of 5 (range: 1-20) cycles in early-line ICI therapy. 17 (73.9%) pts suffered metastasis in retroperitoneal lymph node and 7 (30.4%) pts in liver. With a median follow up time of 5.6 (range: 2.1-16.6) mo, the PFS achieved 4.8 (95% CI: 4.6-NA) mo. Despite the immatureness of overall survival (OS), the 1-year OS rate was 56.25% (95% CI: 17.27%-95.23%). The ORR was 47.8% (n=11), and DCR was 100% (n=23). As to safety, the most common (≥20%) AEs of all grades were white blood cell decrease, peripheral sensory neuropathy, and neutrophil count decrease, while that of grade≥3 was white blood cell decrease. Conclusions: Fruquintinib with nab-paclitaxel as second-line therapy demonstrated good efficacy and safety in advanced G/GEJ cancer after exposure to ICIs. ICIs might increase benefit from this therapy, which warrants further investigations in a large cohort. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200059976 .

First safety and efficacy data from phase Ib/IIa study of fostroxacitabine bralpamide (fostrox, MIV-818) in combination with lenvatinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

476 Background: Fostrox is an orally administered troxacitabine-based nucleotide prodrug in clinical development in combination with lenvatinib (NCT03781934). Fostrox is rapidly metabolized by human hepatocytes, directing high levels of the active metabolite to the liver. Phase I fostrox monotherapy demonstrated selective intra-tumoral activity in on-treatment liver biopsies. The anti-angiogenic activity of lenvatinib has the potential to synergize with fostrox by hypoxia-induced increase in the enzymatic generation of the active metabolite of fostrox in the tumor. Methods: In a phase Ib/IIa study with an inter-patient dose escalation 3+3 cohort design followed by a dose expansion phase, fostrox was administered orally QD for 5 days in 21-day cycles in combination with lenvatinib according to local prescription information. Patients (pts) with &lt;2 prior lines systemic treatment for advanced, unresectable HCC were recruited at 10 sites in Spain, South Korea and UK. Pts with histologically, radiologically, or cytologically confirmed HCC, Child-Pugh A, ≥18 years, ECOG PS ≤ 1 and adequate organ function were eligible. The primary objective was to assess safety and tolerability. Key secondary endpoints were ORR based on RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST. Exploratory endpoints included pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic effects of fostrox in combination with lenvatinib. Results: At interim data cut-off 18 pts (6 pts in Ib and 12 pts in IIa) were enrolled at fostrox QD doses of 20mg (3 pts) and 30mg (15 pts) in combination with lenvatinib. Median age was 63 years (range: 42-82). No DLTs and only 1 discontinuation of fostrox due to AEs with a median FU of 3.8 months, were observed. Most common grade 3/4 AEs were transient neutrophil count decrease, platelet count decrease and hypertension. No febrile neutropenia, bleeding events or proteinuria were reported. The safety profile was consistent with each individual agent. In phase Ib, central independent review based on RECIST 1.1 showed SD in 5/6 pts, while mRECIST showed CR in 1 pt, PR in 2 pts and SD in 2 pts. Updated phase Ib data and efficacy data from phase IIa by central independent review, together with PK for fostrox and lenvatinib, and liver biopsy biomarker data, will be presented. Conclusions: Fostrox in combination with lenvatinib, in pts with HCC who progressed on previous systemic treatment, had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile with promising interim efficacy results from the completely enrolled phase Ib/IIa study. Clinical trial information: NCT03781934 .

Phase I study of the Syk inhibitor sovleplenib in relapsed or refractory mature B-cell tumors.

Sovleplenib (HMPL-523) is a selective spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor with anti-tumor activity in preclinical models of B-cell malignancy. We conducted a dose-escalation and dose-expansion phase I study of sovleplenib in patients with relapsed/ refractory mature B-cell tumors. Dose escalation followed a 3+3 design; patients received oral sovleplenib (200-800 mg once daily [q.d.] or 200 mg twice daily [b.i.d.], 28-day cycles). During dose expansion, patients were enrolled into four cohorts per lymphoma classification and treated at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) (clinicaltrials gov. Identifier: NCT02857998). Overall, 134 Chinese patients were enrolled (dose escalation, N=27; dose expansion, N=107). Five patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities: one each of amylase increased (200 mg q.d.), febrile neutropenia (800 mg q.d.), renal failure (800 mg q.d.), hyperuricemia and blood creatine phosphokinase increased (200 mg b.i.d.) and blood bilirubin increased and pneumonia (200 mg b.i.d.). RP2D was determined as 600 mg (>65 kg) or 400 mg (≤65 kg) q.d.. The primary efficacy end point of independent review committee-assessed objective response rate in indolent B-cell lymphoma was 50.8% (95% confidence interval: 37.5- 64.1) in 59 evaluable patients at RP2D (follicular lymphoma: 60.5%, marginal zone lymphoma: 28.6%, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia, 0%). The most common (≥10% patients) grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events in the dose-expansion phase were decreased neutrophil count (29.9%), pneumonia (12.1%) and decreased white blood cell count (11.2%). Pharmacokinetic exposures increased dose-proportionally with ascending dose levels from 200-800 mg, without observed saturation. Sovleplenib showed anti-tumor activity in relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma with acceptable safety. Further studies are warranted.

Oral manifestations associated with neutropenia in Syrian patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies and undergoing chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study.

Neutropenia can be caused by a variety of congenital and acquired factors, with Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression being the most common cause. Neutropenia significantly affects oral health, leading to the manifestation of oral lesions such as ulcers, fungal and viral infections, and mucositis. This study aims to investigate oral lesions in patients with hematological malignancies who developed neutropenia after chemotherapy. This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with hematological malignancies. The participants were divided into 2 groups: the first group consisted of 25 patients with hematological malignancies who developed chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and the second group consisted of 25 patients with hematological malignancies who did not develop chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Patients were assigned to one of the groups based on the absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Full oral clinical examination was performed to determine the presence of oral lesions. In the Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia group, the most common lesion was ulceration, observed in 12 patients (48%). Fungal infections were the second most common, present in 5 patients (20%), followed by viral infections in 4 patients (15%), and mucositis, which occurred in a single patient (4%). A statistically significant association was found between neutropenia and the presence of oral ulcers (P value = .015). In contrast, in the Chemotherapy group, oral changes were less frequent. Fungal infections were the most common, occurring in 4 patients (15%), followed by oral mucositis in 3 patients (12%). Ulceration and viral infections were the least common, each observed in 1 patient (4%). The frequency of various forms of oral ulcers increases with the severity of neutropenia. However, there was no significant increase in other oral lesions in patients with neutropenia.

Germline CEBPA Mutation as a Rare Cause of Chronic Neutropenia.

Germline CEBPA Mutation as a Rare Cause of Chronic Neutropenia.

Disitamab vedotin (RC48) plus toripalimab for HER2-expressing advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction and other solid tumours: a multicentre, open label, dose escalation and expansion phase 1 trial

Although the antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have significantly improved the survival outcomes of patients with human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2)-expressing gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancer, the efficacy of ADC used as a single agent is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate effective and safe combination regimens. Preclinical data indicated a synergetic antitumour effect of RC48 and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RC48 plus toripalimab in patients with HER2-expressing G/GEJ cancer and other solid tumours. This was a open-label, multicentre, phase 1 trial performed at three hospitals in China. Eligible patients had advanced G/GEJ cancer or other solid tumours with HER2 IHC≥1 or ISH positivity and were refractory to at least one line of treatment, or standard treatment was intolerable or unavailable for these patients. This study followed a "3+3" design with predefined RC48 dosages of 2.0mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg plus toripalimab 3mg/kg, once every 2 weeks (q2w). The primary objectives were to evaluate the safety and determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), and the secondary objectives included assessing the pharmacokinetics (PK) and preliminary efficacy. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04280341. Between July 13, 2020 and August 30, 2022, 56 patients, including 30 patients with G/GEJ cancer and 26 patients with other solid tumours, were enrolled and received RC48 plus toripalimab (n=7 for RC48 2.0mg/kg, toripalimab 3mg/kg, q2w; n=49 for RC48 2.5mg/kg, toripalimab 3mg/kg, q2w). No dose-limiting toxic effects occurred. The RP2D was declared as RC48 2.5mg/kg plus toripalimab 3mg/kg, q2w. The most common grade 3 adverse events were a decreased neutrophil count (n=13), and a decreased white blood cell count (n=7). The efficacy assessment was completed for 52 patients. Among patients with G/GEJ cancer (n=30), the confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 43% (12/28, 95% CI 25, 63), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.2 months (95% CI 4.0, 6.9), median overall survival (OS) was 16.8 months (95% CI 7.2, NE). The ORR of patients with G/GEJ cancer receiving RP2D (n=24) reached 50% (11/22, 95% CI 28, 72), with median PFS of 5.1 months (95% CI 1.4, 7.3) and median OS of 14.0 months (95% CI 6.3, NE). Among patients with G/GEJ cancer who received RP2D, a clinical benefit was observed in both HER2-positive and low HER2 expressing populations, with an ORR of 56% (5/9, 95% CI 21, 86) vs. 46% (6/13, 95% CI 19, 75), median PFS of 7.8 months (95% CI 0.9, NE) vs. 5.1 months (95% CI 1.2, 6.9), median OS of NE months (95% CI 4.3, NE) vs. 14.0 months (95% CI 5.1, NE), respectively. Antitumour activity was also observed for other solid tumours, including breast cancer (5/13) and endometrial carcinoma (1/1). Our findings suggested that RC48 plus toripalimab had a manageable safety profile and showed encouraging efficacy in pretreated patients with HER2-positive and low HER2-expressing G/GEJ cancer. The findings of our phase 1 clinical trial support further investigation of HER2-targeted ADC plus immunotherapy in HER2-expressing G/GEJ cancer and pancancer treatment in the future. Beijing Municipal Medical Research Institutes, Beijing Medical Research Institute (Z200015).