Clear Cell mRCC Research Articles

Real-World Survival Outcomes of First-Line Therapies in Patients with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis from Two Centres in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) represents a challenging condition characterised by poor prognosis and limited response to chemoradiotherapy. In this retrospective study, we compared the survival outcomes of first-line ICI regimens versus single-agent TKIs in patients with mRCC from two centres in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study included 84 patients diagnosed with clear cell mRCC between January 2016 and December 2023. Patients were grouped based on treatment regimens. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: The median first-line PFS was 9.7 months (95% CI: 5.3-14.1) for the overall cohort, with no significant difference between the single-agent tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) group (9.4 months; 95% CI: 6.4-12.4), combination ICI group (9.0 months; 95% CI: 0.0-24.9), and single-agent ICI group (21.2 months; 95% CI: 2.6-39.8; p = 0.591). The median OS for the overall cohort was 42.0 months (95% CI: 14.9-69.2), with the single-agent TKI group having a median OS of 33.3 months (95% CI: 0.0-71.7), the combination ICI group, 42.0 months (95% CI: 0.06-84.0), and the single-agent ICI group, 23.0 months (95% CI: 19.2-26.7; p = 0.73). In comparison, the ICI-based combination therapy group exhibited a higher ORR of 41.0% (95% CI: 26.3-57.8%), while the single-agent ICI group had an ORR of 20.0% (95% CI: 3.5-55.8%). Cox regression identified liver metastasis as a significant independent predictor of PFS (HR = 1.8, p = 0.043), while a lower Karnofsky Performance Status was a significant independent predictor of OS (HR = 3.5, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In real-world practice from Saudi Arabia, first-line, single-agent ICI therapy offers promising anti-tumour activity and non-inferior survival outcomes compared to standard ICI-based combinations and single-agent TKIs.

Lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma: A phase 2 pilot study.

109 Background: Traditionally, metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma (papillary mRCC) has been treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, resulting in a 23% objective response rate and a progression-free survival of 9 months (SWOG 1500 trial). Combinations of immunotargeted therapy have shown improved outcomes in clear-cell mRCC. This prospective pilot study aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of combining lenvatinib with pembrolizumab in patients with papillary mRCC. Methods: At study entry in August 2021, patients with papillary mRCC types 1 or 2, multiple measurable lesions per RECIST 1.1 criteria, and no prior therapy for advanced disease were included. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate. The study employed Simon's two-stage design (Simon, 1989) to test the null hypothesis that the true response rate is 23% against a one-sided alternative. In the first stage, 5 patients were enrolled. If there were 1 or fewer responses among these initial 5 patients, the study would be halted. The null hypothesis would be rejected if 6 or more responses were observed in the entire cohort of 12 patients. This design yields a type I error rate of 0.05 and power of 0.8 when the true response rate is 63%. Results: As planned, 5 patients were enrolled in the stage 1. The median age was 57.4 years. Among them, 4 patients were diagnosed with papillary RCC type 2, and 3 patients had an unresected primary tumor. Additionally, 1 patient presented with brain metastases. The objective response rate was 100%, of which there was 1 complete and 4 partial responses. As of the last follow-up, the status of patients on therapy was as follows: i) three patients remained on therapy for more than 12 months; ii) one patient experienced disease progression after 14.3 months of treatment; iii) one patient who initially had an ongoing response developed grade 3 uncontrolled diarrhea after 5.5 months from the start of therapy. Despite the positive outcomes observed in stage 1 of the study, the enrollment was stopped. This decision was influenced by emerging results from the large phase 2 trial KEYNOTE-B61, as reported by Chung-Han Lee et al. (ASCO 2023). Conclusions: All patients responded to lenvatinib and pembrolizumab therapy. These results suggest promising efficacy of the combination in metastatic papillary RCC. Clinical trial information: KCRB01012021 .

Predicting Survival of Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Cancer Treated with VEGFR-TKI-Based Sequential Therapy.

(1) Objective: To develop a clinically useful nomogram that may provide a more individualized and accurate estimation of cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with clear-cell (CC) metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with nephrectomy and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI)-based sequential therapy. (2) Methods: A prospectively maintained database of 145 patients with mRCC treated between 2008 and 2018 was analyzed to predict the CSS of patients receiving sunitinib and second- and third-line therapies according to current standards of practice. A nomogram based on four independent clinical predictors (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium score, the Morphology, Attenuation, Size and Structure criteria and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors response criteria) was calculated. The corresponding 1- to 10-year CSS probabilities were then determined from the nomogram. (3) Results: The median age was 60 years (95% CI 57.9-61.4). The disease was metastatic at diagnosis in 59 (40.7%), and 86 (59.3%) developed metastasis during follow-up. Patients were followed for a median 48 (IQR 72; 95% CI 56-75.7) months after first-line VEGFR-TKI initiation. The concordance probability estimator value for the nomogram is 0.778 ± 0.02 (mean ± SE). (4) Conclusions: A nomogram to predict CSS in patients with CC mRCC that incorporates patient status, clinical risk classification and response criteria to first-line VEGFR-TKI at 3 months is presented. This new tool may be useful to clinicians assessing the risk and prognosis of patients with mRCC.

77 Impact of CBM588 on gut microbiome composition and dysbiosis in patients receiving frontline immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)

Abstract Background Two recent randomized phase I clinical trials have provided compelling evidence that CBM588, a Clostridium butyricum-based live biotherapeutic, holds potential to enhance clinical outcomes in patients with mRCC receiving frontline ICI combinations (Dizman et al Nature Medicine 2022; Ebrahimi et al ASCO 2023). We examined the impact of CBM588 on gut microbiome composition in a combined cohort of these two studies to further investigate its impact on gut microbiome Methods We analyzed stool samples from two phase I randomized clinical trials that enrolled patients with mRCC treated with (1) nivolumab/ipilimumab (nivo/ipi) +/- CBM588 and (2) cabozantinib/nivolumab (cabo/nivo) +/- CBM588. We compared gut microbiome diversity and composition at baseline and week 12 between patients in the standard of care (SOC) arms (nivo/ipi or cabo/nivo) and those who received CBM588 in combination with a SOC regimen (SOC/CBM). Taxonomic profiling was performed using MetaPhlan v4, and changes in the abundances of clinically relevant microbial species from baseline to week 12 were assessed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test. The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, a measure of gut dysbiosis, was computed across time points in the two cohorts. Results Among 58 patients included in the analysis, 38 received SOC/CBM588 as first-line treatment. The median age was 60 years (range: 36-90) and the majority of patients were male (71%), had clear cell mRCC (88%), and intermediate/poor risk disease (79%). In both the SOC and SOC/CBM cohorts, there were no statistically significant differences in alpha and beta diversity between baseline and week 12. Among clinically relevant species compared between baseline and week 12, Alistipes senegalensis was found to decrease in both the SOC and SOC/CBM cohorts (log fold change [LFC] -0.82 [P=0.004] and LFC -0.36 [P=0.007], respectively), while Eubacterium siraeum decreased only in the SOC cohort (LFC -1.75 [P=0.005]). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased from 89.0% to 96.4% in the SOC cohort, whereas a notable decrease was observed in this ratio from 100.0% to 75.7%. in the SOC/CBM cohort. Conclusions CBM588 leads to a marked correction of gut dysbiosis and prevents the depletion of species previously associated with ICI response (i.e., Eubacterium siraeum). These findings provide a plausible mechanism for the enhanced clinical outcome with CBM588 now seen across two small, randomized trials. A phase III study is planned within the cooperative groups to evaluate the clinical activity and gut microbiome modulation capacity of CBM588 in combination with ICIs in mRCC.

Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILRB2)-targeted JTX-8064 plus the anti-PD1 inhibitor JTX-4014 (pimivalimab) in immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICl) pretreated patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC): Results from the multi-stage phase 1-2 INNATE trial.

4531 Background: Disease progression following treatment of mRCC pts with ICl-based therapy (tx) is nearly universal, warranting evaluation of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. LILRB2 is an immune checkpoint molecule expressed primarily in cells of myeloid origin (e.g., monocytes/macrophages). Inhibition of LILRB2 reprograms macrophages from an immunosuppressive (M2) to an immunostimulatory (M1) phenotype. JTX-8064 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to LILRB2, blocking its interaction with MHC1 molecules. Preclinical studies suggest that JTX-8064 can overcome anti-PD(L)1 resistance mechanisms. Here we report the results of an expansion cohort of previously-treated mRCC pts in INNATE, a multi-stage phase 1-2 trial of JTX-8064 in combination with anti-PD1 agents in solid tumors. Methods: Pts with pathologically-confirmed clear cell mRCC progressing on or after anti-PD(L)1 tx in the most recent prior line, acceptable end-organ function, and ECOG PS 0-1 were treated with JTX-8064 700 mg and JTX-4014 500 mg IV q3 weeks. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints were safety, disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), &amp; overall survival (OS). A Simon 2-stage design (n=10+19) was employed where ORR &gt;= 20% was deemed to be of further interest versus null hypothesis of ORR &lt;= 5%, with alpha=0.05. Results: 31 pts were enrolled, with median age of 64 years (range 38-85); 84% males; 16% Hispanic; 93% White; 45% PS=0; 71% one prior tx line. Of 28 pts evaluable for response, 1 CR, 1 PR, 14 SD (6 SD&gt;= 6 months), and 11 PD were seen for an ORR of 7% &amp; DCR of 54%.Median PFS was 4 months (95%CI: 2, 6.8); 12-month OS was 75% (95%CI: 55,88). Tx-related adverse events (AE) of all grades were reported in 11 pts (45%), most commonly fatigue (16%) &amp; diarrhea (10%). Only 4 protocol-related G3-4 AEs were reported: thrombocytopenia (G4); diplopia, diarrhea, &amp; bradycardia (all G3). Three on-study deaths (hypotension; cardiorespiratory arrest; &amp; unknown) were deemed unrelated to protocol tx. Conclusions: While ORR did not meet the protocol-defined efficacy target, evidence of anti tumor activity was seen in ICI pre-treated mRCC pts with combination JTC-8064 + JTX-4014. Treatment was reasonably well-tolerated. Identification &amp; evaluation of clinical and molecular phenotypes most likely to benefit from LILRB2-targeted therapies are warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT04669899 .

Genomic and Transcriptomic Characteristics of Tumors of Patients with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Clinically Benefiting from First-Line Treatment with Ipilimumab Plus Nivolumab

Background: Ipilimumab plus nivolumab is approved as a first-line treatment for intermediate or poor risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, ∼35% of patients progress within six months on ipilimumab plus nivolumab, and no validated genomic biomarkers predict the benefit. In this study, we explore the genomic and transcriptomic differences among patients with clear cell mRCC patients who either did or did not experience clinical benefit from first-line ipilimumab plus nivolumab therapy. Method: Patients with clear cell mRCC intermediate or poor IMDC risk scores, with available tumor whole exome with/without transcriptome sequencing before starting systemic therapy were included. Patients who developed a complete response, partial response, or stable disease for at least six months after initiating treatment were categorized into the ‘clinical benefit’ group, whereas the rest were classified as ‘no clinical benefit.’ Genomic alteration frequencies between the groups were assessed with a chi-square test. Differentially expressed genes and gene sets were identified via DeSeq2 and GSEA v4.2.3, respectively. Result: 53 patients with clear cell mRCC (37 clinical benefit and 16 no clinical benefit) were eligible and included. No significant difference was found in the genomic alteration frequencies between these groups. Baseline tumor transcriptomic data were available for 14 patients (9 clinical benefit and 5 no clinical benefit). The apical surface and pathways downregulated by KRAS signaling were enriched in the clinical benefit group, whereas inflammatory pathways were enriched in the no clinical benefit group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that tumor specific gene expression as assessed by RNA sequencing could serve as a potential biomarker of response to ipilimumab plus nivolumab therapy.

Cytoreductive nephrectomy and its effect on prognosis in patients with disseminated renal cell carcinoma receiving treatment in wide clinical practice

Aim. To evaluate the effect of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) on overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and to identify a group of patients who are candidates for cytoreductive surgical treatment.Materials and methods. We retrospectively analyzed a database of 403 patients with mRCC treated at the Moscow City Oncological Hospital No. 62 and the City Clinical Oncological Dispensary (Saint Petersburg) between 2006 and 2022. In total, 330 (81.9 %) patients underwent CN. All patients received systemic anti-tumor therapy: targeted anti-angiogenic therapy - 317 (78.6 %), cytokines - 61 (15.1 %), checkpoint inhibitors - 25 (6.2 %). The groups of operated and non-operated patients were unbalanced: CN was more often not performed in patients with multiple metastases, bone and liver lesions, laboratory abnormalities (anemia, increased serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) and unfavorable prognosis per IMDC (International mRCC Database Consortium) classification (p &gt;0.05 for all). Results. CN was associated with a significant increase in OS compared with primary tumor preservation in situ: median OS was 36 months with 95 % confidence interval 29.1-37.1, and 11 months with 95 % confidence interval 8.1-21.3, respectively (p &lt;0.0001). The benefit for OS in the CN group was also observed in clear-cell mRCC (p &lt;0.0001), grade G3 (p &lt;0.0001), multiple metastases (p &lt;0.0001) groups, and in the IMDC poor prognosis group (p &lt;0.0001). Conclusion. CN in selected mRCC patients results in a significant increase in OS. Further research is needed to determine selection criteria for surgical treatment candidates.

Real-world clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving pembrolizumab + axitinib vs. ipilimumab + nivolumab

BackgroundImmune-Oncology (IO) therapies have changed first-line (1L) treatment paradigm for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in last few years with robust clinical trial data. We examined clinical outcomes among clear cell mRCC (mccRCC) patients who received pembrolizumab + axitinib (pembro-axi) or ipilimumab + nivolumab (ipi-nivo) in the US community oncology setting. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized data from electronic health records and chart review within The US Oncology Network to identify adult patients with mccRCC initiating 1L pembro-axi or ipi-nivo from January 01, 2019 to December 31, 2020 and followed through March 31, 2021. Physician-recorded response (real-world overall response rate [rwORR] and real-world disease control rate [rwDCR]) was assessed descriptively. Real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), real-world time to next treatment (rwTTNT) and time on treatment (rwToT) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Association of 1L systemic treatment with time-to-event outcomes was examined using multivariable cox proportional hazards models. ResultsStudy included 331 mccRCC patients (pembro-axi:44%, ipi-nivo:56%). Median age was 65 years, 75.5% were male, and 82.5% had intermediate/poor (I/P) IMDC risk score. RwORR and rwDCR were 71.0% and 80.0% for pembro-axi and 45.2% and 58.6% for ipi-nivo. In multivariable analysis, pembro-axi was associated with longer rwToT (aHR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.40, 0.71]), rwTTNT (aHR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.42, 0.87]), and rwPFS (aHR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.49, 0.99]) compared to ipi-nivo (P < 0.01). ConclusionsOur study provides insight into newer mccRCC treatment tolerability and effectiveness in the real-world US community setting. Our real-world results were comparable to data from clinical trials, which is encouraging for mccRCC patients.

Efficacy and safety of cabozantinib rechallenge in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A retrospective multicentric study

BackgroundDespite metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) expanded treatment options, disease progression ultimately occurs for most patients. Rechallenge may be a compelling strategy in a refractory setting. Cabozantinib is the standard of care in first and later lines of therapy, but its activity in rechallenge is unknown. MethodsThis retrospective study assessed the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib rechallenge, as defined by a second exposure after an interval of ≥3 months without treatment or ≥1 other treatment line, in patients with mRCC. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (PFS) at rechallenge. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, objective response rate, and safety at rechallenge. ResultsWe included 51 mRCC patients who received cabozantinib in a rechallenge setting between 2017 and 2022. Median age at diagnosis was 54 years, 78% were male, 90% had clear cell mRCC, and 92% had prior nephrectomy. 15 patients (29%) were rechallenged after a pause in treatment, whereas 36 (70.6%) had ≥1 other treatment lines between first cabozantinib exposure (CABO-1) and rechallenge (CABO-2). Median PFS was 15.1 months (mo, 95% Confidence interval 11.2–22.1) at CABO-1 and 14.4mo (95%CI 9.8-NR) at CABO-2. Median overall survival was 67.6mo for CABO-1 (95% CI 52.2-NR) and 27.4mo for CABO-2 (95%CI 17.2-NR); objective response rate was 70.6% for CABO-1 and 60% for CABO-2. CABO-2 PFS was higher for patients with CABO-1 PFS > 12 months, and for those who discontinued CABO-1 because of toxicity, without statistical significance. There were no unexpected adverse events. ConclusionsCabozantinib rechallenge is a feasible treatment option with potential clinical benefit for mRCC patients.

The emerging use of immunotherapy as a treatment option in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Real-world evidence from a single UK tertiary cancer centre.

e16509 Background: The landscape of systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) options for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has recently evolved following results from the CheckMate 214 trial in 2018 which demonstrated improved overall survival in patients with International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) intermediate- and poor-risk mRCC clear cell histological subtype receiving combination immunotherapy (Ipilimumab/Nivolumab) in the first-line setting compared to Sunitinib. This is in addition to other treatment options including: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (e.g. Sunitinib, Pazopanib, Tivozanib, Cabozantinib, etc.), combination immunotherapy/TKI (e.g. Avelumab/Axitinib), VEGF/mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (e.g. Lenvatinib/Everolimus) and single-agent immunotherapy (e.g. Nivolumab) in both first- and second-line settings. Methods: An audit of SACT prescribing practices in mRCC between 2019-2022 in a single UK tertiary cancer centre (Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, UK) was conducted as part of a national collaboration multi-centre UK audit looking into the real-world landscape and treatment choices in mRCC. Information was derived from the Somerset Cancer Registry and a dataset containing 87 patients with a coded diagnosis of ‘malignant neoplasm of kidney, except renal pelvis (CX64X)’ and ‘secondary malignant neoplasm of kidney &amp; renal pelvis (C790)’ was generated. Results: Of the 81 patients included in the final analysis, 65% (n = 53) were male and 81% (n = 66) had a clear cell histological subtype. The main sites of metastases were lung (n = 58) and lymph nodes (n = 45). Most of the patients (n = 72) received either one or two lines of SACT. Of those with clear cell mRCC, 74% (n = 51/69) were classed as having IMDC intermediate- or poor-risk features with almost half (n = 34/69) receiving combination Ipilimumab/Nivolumab. Comparing overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) to the published Kaplan-Meier curves in the CheckMate 214 trial, no significant differences in OS (p = 0.6) and PFS (p = 0.13) were observed, although there was an overall trend towards improved PFS in the first 6 months (82.4% vs 63.3%) in our local dataset. Conclusions: The results of our real-world evaluation of prescribing practices in mRCC favoured the use of combination immunotherapy in the first-line setting for the treatment of IMDC intermediate- and poor-risk clear cell mRCC with similar outcomes to the published data in the CheckMate 214 trial. The overall trend towards improved PFS in the first 6 months in our local dataset highlights the importance of patient selection when using immunotherapy.

Serum soluble MAdCAM-1: A new biomarker for cancer immunotherapy.

4548 Background: Antibiotics (ATB) deviate the gut taxonomic microbiota composition and have a deleterious impact on survival in ICI-treated pts. ATB downregulate the ileal mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1), leading to the recirculation of immunosuppressive enterotropic T cells into the tumor and ICI resistance. Here, we aimed to assess the prognostic impact of MAdCAM-1 in ICI-treated mRCC pts. Methods: The GETUG-AFU 26 NIVOREN phase II trial (NCT 0301335) is a multicentric study that assessed the activity and safety of Nivolumab in pts with clear cell mRCC after anti-angiogenic therapy. We measured serum soluble MAdCAM-1 (sMAdCAM-1) levels (correlating ileal MAdCAM-1 transcripts) using Human Luminex Discovery Assay in the available plasma. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and clinical benefit rate (CBR) were assessed using sMAdCAM-1 median as a cut off value (high if &gt;median and low if &lt;median). Multivariate Cox analysis adjusted for established risk factors: ATB, gender, age, international Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score, number of previous lines, hypoalbuminemia, and brain, bone and liver metastasis. Two independent cohorts of metastatic lung and bladder cancer patients validated the data. Results: Overall, 212 pts were included. Median age was 64 years (22-87), and pts were mostly male (82%). ATB users had lower levels of sMadCAM-1. Low sMadCAM-1 pts had diminished OS compared to high sMadCAM-1 pts [HR 2.97 (95%CI 1.99-4.44), p&lt;.0001]: 13.3 (95%CI 9.8-14.9; 72/106) versus 25.3 (95%CI 24.1-NR; 36/106) months. Also, low sMadCAM-1 pts had diminished PFS [HR 1.92 (1.43-2.57), p&lt;.0001]: 2.6 (95%CI 2.4-2.8; 99/106) versus 5.2 (95%CI 4.6-5.7; 86/106) months. Interestingly, sMAdCAM-1 was independently associated with OS [HR 2.40 (1.52-3.80), p=0.0002] and PFS [HR 1.55 (1.13-2.13), p=0.0071] in multivariate analysis. Low sMadCAM-1 pts had lower CBR (37% versus 63%, p=0.0004). Serum sMAdCAM-1 also predicted OS in 381 ICI-treated patients with lung and bladder cancer. Conclusions: Low sMAdCAM-1 is associated with ATB intake, ATB-independent gut dysbiosis and worse outcomes, in ICI-treated pts with metastatic lung, bladder and RCC cancer. ELISA determination of sMAdCAM-1 might guide the selection of patients amenable to microbiota-centered interventions, such as Akkermansia sp., and fecal microbiota transplantation. Clinical trial information: NCT0301335 .

Outcomes With Combination Pembrolizumab and Axitinib in Second and Further Line Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Combination immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-R-TKI), including pembrolizumab/axitinib, are approved for first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Pembrolizumab/axitinib is associated with superior progression free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and overall survival over sunitinib. However, to date, the activity and safety of pembrolizumab/axitinib in later lines of therapy has not been reported. Clinical data of consecutive patients receiving pembrolizumab/axitinib in the second-line or beyond for mRCC at Yale-New Haven Hospital were retrospectively collected. Best objective response was assessed using RECIST 1.1 criteria. Kaplan-Meier function was used to analyze survival. Thirty-eight patients were included. Median age was 64, 92.1% had clear cell mRCC, 18.4% had sarcomatoid dedifferentiation; 94.7% had prior ICI and 39.5% had prior VEGF-R-TKI. Pembrolizumab/axitinib was administered as second-line therapy in 21 (55.5%) patients, third-line in 5 (13.2%) and beyond in 12 (30.2%). Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 86.8% of patients. Grade 3-4 AEs attributed to pembrolizumab and axitinib were seen in 18.4% and 6.4% of patients, respectively. No grade 5 AEs occurred. At a median follow up of 17.1 months, median PFS was 9.7 months (95% CI, 4.1-15.3). Amongst 36 response evaluable patients, the ORR was 25.0% (all partial) and disease control rate (including stable disease for at least 6 months) was 66.6%. The most frequent treatment sequence was first-line nivolumab/ipilimumab followed by second-line pembrolizumab/axitinib (n=17, 44.7%); among this cohort, median PFS with pembrolizumab/axitinib was 11.1 (95% CI, 8.4-13.7) months, with an ORR of 31.4%. Combination pembrolizumab/axitinib among previously treated mRCC patients has activity, with AE rates comparable to those reported in the first line. Prospective studies evaluating ICI-VEGF-R-TKI combinations beyond first-line are warranted to identify the most beneficial treatment sequencing in mRCC.

The Association Between Cytoreductive Nephrectomy and Overall Survival in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Primary Tumor Size ≤4 cm

BackgroundIt is unknown whether the survival benefit of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) applies to patients with primary tumor size ≤4 cm. ObjectiveTo test the association between CN on overall survival (OS) of mRCC patients with primary tumor size ≤4 cm. Design, setting, and participantsWithin the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2006–2018), all mRCC patients with primary tumor size ≤4 cm were identified. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisPropensity score matching (PSM), Kaplan-Meier plots, multivariable Cox regression analyses, and 6-mo landmark analyses addressed OS according to CN status. Sensitivity analyses examined specific populations of special interest: systemic therapy exposed versus naïve, clear-cell (ccmRCC) versus non–clear-cell (non-ccmRCC) mRCC histology, historical (2006–2012) versus contemporary (2013–2018), and young (≤65 yr) versus old (>65 yr) patients. Results and limitationsOf 814 patients, 387 (48%) underwent CN. After PSM, the median OS was 44 versus 7 mo (Δ = 37 mo; p < 0.001) in CN versus no-CN patients. CN was associated with higher OS in overall population (multivariable hazard ratio [HR]: 0.30; p < 0.001) as well as in landmark analyses (HR: 0.39; p < 0.001). In all sensitivity analyses, CN was independently associated with higher OS: systemic therapy exposed, HR: 0.38; systemic therapy naïve, HR: 0.31; ccmRCC, HR: 0.29; non-ccmRCC, HR: 0.37; historical, HR: 0.31; contemporary, HR: 0.30; young, HR: 0.23; and old, HR: 0.39 (all p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe current study validates the association between CN and higher OS in patients with primary tumor size ≤4 cm. This association is robust, controlled for immortal time bias, and valid across systemic treatment exposure, histologic subtypes, years of surgery, and patient age. Patient summaryIn the current study, we tested the association between cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) and overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and small primary tumor size. We found a strong association between CN and survival, which persists even after several significant variations in patient and tumor characteristics.

Effects of baseline C-reactive protein on prognosis in patients with metastatic non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with systemic therapy.

680 Background: With the induction of targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, treatment strategies for systemic treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have been changed with improved survival. However, those agents were approved based on phase 3 study results designed for clear cell mRCC. For patients with non-clear cell mRCC, those drugs designed for clear cell mRCC have also been used because no validated systemic therapy exists. This retrospective study aimed to identify patients with non-clear cell mRCC who benefit from systemic therapy. Methods: A total of 255 patients with mRCC were reviewed (Institutional review board approval No 2013-0425). Among them, 41 patients who pathologically diagnosed as non-clear cell mRCC and received systemic therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and pathological data were retrieved and analyzed retrospectively. The prognostic effect of each variable on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated. OS for patients with non-clear cell mRCC was further investigated with univariate and multivariate Cox’s proportional hazards regression models. Results: After a median follow-up of 33.9 months after first line treatment initiation, the median PFS was 3.3 and 19.7 months for non-clear cell and clear cell RCC, respectively (p&lt;0.0001). The median OS was 20.9 and 50.1 months for non-clear cell and clear cell RCC, respectively (p&lt;0.0001). For patients with non-clear cell RCC, univariate analyses revealed duration of first line treatment, baseline C-reactive protein, and International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk group (favorable vs intermediate/poor) were significantly correlated with OS, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the duration of first line treatment (HR: 0.997, p=0.027) and the baseline C-reactive protein (HR:1.128, p=0.004) were independent predictors for longer OS in non-clear cell mRCC patients. Conclusions: Systemic therapy for non-clear cell mRCC patients resulted in relatively shorter PFS and OS. A shorter duration of first line treatment and elevated baseline C-reactive protein are correlated with longer OS.

Comparative Effectiveness of Front-Line Ipilimumab and Nivolumab or Axitinib and Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is rapidly evolving with new combination therapies demonstrating improved response rates and survival. There are no head-to-head prospective trials comparing an immunotherapy doublet with an immunotherapy/tyrosine-kinase inhibitor-based combination. We compare real-world outcomes in patients treated with axitinib/pembrolizumab (axi/pembro) or ipilimumab/nivolumab (ipi/nivo). The primary endpoints were overall-survival (OS) and real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS). We used a de-identified database to select patients diagnosed with clear cell mRCC and treated with front-line axi/pembro or ipi/nivo from 2018 to 2022. Analyses are adjusted using propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting, balancing age, gender, insurance, race, IMDC risk, and nephrectomy status. We compared survival by treatment groups using weighted and unweighted Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests and weighted Cox proportional hazards regressions. We included a total of 1506 patients with mRCC who received frontline axi/pembro (n = 547) or ipi/nivo (n = 959). Median follow-up time was 20.0 months (range: 0.2-47.6). Baseline demographics were similar between the 2 cohorts. Adjusted median OS for the full population was 28.9 months for axi/pembro and was 24.3 months for ipi/nivo (P = .09). Twenty-four-month survival was 53.8% for axi/pembro treated patients and 50.2% for ipi/nivo treated patients. rwPFS was 10.6 months for axi/pembro treated patients and 6.9 months for ipi/nivo treated patients. Treatment with axi/pembro conferred improved survival in the IMDC favorable risk strata, with no significant difference in survival observed within the full cohort. In this retrospective, real-world study of patients treated with front-line combination therapy, patients with IMDC favorable risk disease had better survival when treated with axi/pembro compared to ipi/nivo. However, survival for the entire population and the 24-month median overall survival were not statistically different between treatment groups. Longer follow-up is necessary to discern any emerging significant differences.

A phase I trial to evaluate the biologic effect of CBM588 (Clostridium butyricum) in combination with cabozantinib plus nivolumab for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

TPS4606 Background: Combination therapy with the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) nivolumab (nivo) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib (cabo) is a new standard of care for first line treatment of patients with clear cell mRCC. However, despite the improved clinical benefit obtained with this regimen, a subgroup of patients still presents with progressive disease as best response (Choueiri et al NEJM 2021). There is now evidence supporting the role of the gut microbiome in mediating ICI activity (Routy et al Science 2018) and certain bacterial species, such as Bifidobacterium spp. in predisposing clinical response in patients with mRCC receiving ICIs (Salgia et al Eur Urol 2020). Moreover, recent evidence from a phase I clinical trial suggests that the addition of CBM588, a live probiotic comprised primarily of Clostridium butyricum, can enhance clinical response in patients with mRCC receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab without incurring added toxicity (Meza et al ASCO, 2021). Herein we present the study design of an ongoing phase I study evaluating the biological effect of CBM588 in combination with cabozantinib plus nivolumab in patients with mRCC. Methods: This is an open label, randomized, single institution phase 1 trial for patients with confirmed mRCC with clear cell, papillary, or sarcomatoid components, who have not received prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease. A total of 30 eligible patient will be randomized 1:2 to receive either cabo/nivo at the standard dose/schedule (40mg PO QD and 480mg IV /4wks, respectively) alone or with CBM588 dosed at 80mg PO bid. The primary objective of the study is to determine the biologic effect of CBM588 with cabo/nivo in the modulation of the gut microbiome. This will be done by assessing the changes in Bifidobacterium spp. abundance and Shannon index (a measure of microbiome diversity) in stool specimens. Stool will be collected for bacteriomic profiling at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Metagenomic sequencing will be performed using previously published methods (Dizman et al Cancer Med 2020). Secondary objectives include determining the effect of CBM588 on (1) clinical efficacy, through overall survival, response rate, and progression-free survival; (2) systemic immunomodulation, through assessment of changes in circulating Tregs, circulating cytokines/chemokines, etc; and (3) toxicities. A two-group t-test with a one-sided type I error of 0.05 will be used to assess the study primary endpoint. Clinical trial information: NCT05122546 .

Phase II randomized double blind trial of axitinib (Axi) +/- PF-04518600, an OX40 antibody (PFOX) after PD1/PDL1 antibody (IO) therapy (Tx) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

4529 Background: Immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized mRCC Tx, but primary and acquired resistance continues to result in poor patient outcomes. OX40 (CD-134) mediates IO resistance. Co-stimulatory OX40 (CD-134) activates exhausted T-cells. OX40 activation in dendritic cells increases the proliferation, effector function, and survival of T cells. PFOX is an agonist for OX40. We hypothesized that PFOX + the VEGFR inhibitor Axi would improve outcomes vs. Axi in patients (pts) with mRCC after IO Tx. Methods: Pts with predominantly clear cell mRCC were stratified for MSKCC risk groups then randomized 1:1 to Axi 5mg po bid plus PFOX 0.3mg/kg iv (Arm 1) or placebo (PL) iv (Arm 2) on Day 1 of a 2-week cycle. The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR) per RECIST v1.1, and safety/tolerability. A prespecified interim analysis (IA) tested PFS at a 1-sided P &lt; 0.02 when ≥ 33 events were observed. Results: Between February 2018 and October 2021 a total of 59 pts were randomly assigned and treated with Axi+PFOX (N = 29) or Axi+PL (N = 30). Pt and disease characteristics are summarized in the table. As of October 2021, 38 PFS events had occurred, 19 on each arm. The IA rejected the hypothesis of added efficacy for PFOX with a p of 0.0089. Subsequently the study was closed to new accrual. At a median follow up of 13.4 mo, median PFS was 13.1 (6-15.8) months (mo) for Arm 1 and 8.5 (5.5-11) mo for Arm 2 (HR = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.45-1.60] p = 0.61). After adjusting by MSKCC risk group and prior lines of Tx, HR = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.38-1.46] p = 0.39. Median OS was not reached (adjusted HR = 0.71 [95% CI: 0.24-2.12] p = 0.54). ORR Arm 1: 31% PR, 52% SD, 14% PD, and Arm 2: 37% PR, 50% SD, 13% PD. Median DOR 9.1 (3.3-23.9) mo for Arm 1, and 7.5 (1.8-32.7) mo. for Arm 2. Rates of any grade Tx related adverse events (TRAEs; 93% vs 100%), including grade 3 or 4 TRAEs (66% vs 47%), in Arm 1 and Arm 2, respectively. 4 pts discontinued Tx due to TRAE, 3 in Arm 1 (1 grade 3 hypertension, 1 grade 2 stroke, 1 grade 3 bullous dermatitis) and 1 in Arm 2 (grade 4 ALT elevation). The most common TRAEs were diarrhea 52%, hypertension 52%, fatigue 41%, nausea 41% for Arm 1 and hypertension 67%, diarrhea 53%, fatigue 50% for Arm 2. Conclusions: In IO-pretreated mRCC pts, Axi + PFOX did not improve outcomes compared to Axi alone. Clinical trial information: NCT03092856. [Table: see text]

Возможности комбинированной иммунотаргетной терапии метастатического почечно-клеточного рака. Обзор литературы

According to GLOBOCAN, in 2018 there were about 18.1 million new cases of cancer and 9.6 million deaths from malignant neoplasms. Renal cell carcinoma is the third urologic cancer, accounting for 3% of all cancers in women and 5% in men with an incidence of about 400,000 cases worldwide. Clear cell RCC accounts for the vast majority of RCCs (about 75%). Treatment strategies for metastatic RCC (mRCC) have changed radically over the past 20 years. Initially, first-generation immunotherapy with cytokines: interleukins or interferons were standard approaches, but with poor results. The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mainly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor inhibitors, has greatly improved progression-free survival and overall survival. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors both alone and in combination (anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1) has shown interesting results. Immunotherapy is an alternative to anti-angiogenic drugs because clear cell mRCC is considered an immunogenic tumor with a large number of immune cells, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The development of new immuno-oncological therapeutics has changed the paradigm for the treatment of patients with mRCC and has changed the role of previous approaches involving anti-angiogenic agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therapeutic options for patients with mRCC have expanded rapidly over the past decade. Targeted immunotherapy is a new cornerstone. Several new drugs are designed to enhance the antitumor immune response and are being studied in ongoing research.

Pembrolizumab plus axitinib versus sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: outcomes of Japanese patients enrolled in the randomized, phase III, open-label KEYNOTE-426 study

BackgroundIn the phase III open-label KEYNOTE-426 (NCT02853331) study, first-line pembrolizumab and axitinib improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus sunitinib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). KEYNOTE-426 evaluated patients enrolled from 25 sites in Japan.MethodsPatients enrolled in Japan were included in this post hoc subgroup analysis. Adults with clear cell mRCC were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks plus oral axitinib 5 mg twice daily or oral sunitinib 50 mg once daily (4 weeks on/2 weeks off). Dual primary endpoints were OS and PFS as assessed by blinded independent central review. Objective response rate (ORR) and safety were secondary endpoints.ResultsThe Japanese subgroup comprised 94 patients (pembrolizumab–axitinib, n = 44; sunitinib, n = 50; 11% of the intent-to-treat population). Median time from randomization to data cutoff (January 6, 2020) was 29.5 months (range 24.6–37.3). Consistent with the intent-to-treat population, the OS, PFS, and ORR suggested improvement with pembrolizumab–axitinib versus sunitinib in the Japanese subgroup. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 70% of patients receiving pembrolizumab–axitinib versus 78% receiving sunitinib; 11 (25%) patients receiving pembrolizumab–axitinib and 13 (27%) patients receiving sunitinib discontinued the study medication due to AEs. TRAEs led to the discontinuation of pembrolizumab, axitinib, pembrolizumab–axitinib, or sunitinib in 32%, 34%, 14%, and 20%, respectively. No deaths from TRAEs occurred.ConclusionsEfficacy outcomes for the Japanese subgroup were consistent with those of the global population. Safety in Japanese patients was consistent with the results from the global population.

Association of baseline neutrophil-to-eosinophil ratio with response to nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

BackgroundThe identification of biomarkers to select patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) most likely to respond to combination immunotherapy (IO) is needed. We sought to investigate an association of the baseline neutrophil-to-eosinophil ratio (NER) with outcomes to nivolumab plus ipilimumab for patients with mRCC.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients with clear cell mRCC treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Duke Cancer Institute. Patients with prior receipt of immunotherapy and those without available baseline complete blood count with differential were excluded. Patients were divided into groups by the median baseline NER and analyzed for overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR). Patients were also divided by median baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and analyzed for clinical outcome. Further analyses of patients above/below the median NER and NLR were performed in subgroups of IMDC intermediate/poor risk, IMDC favorable risk, and treatment naïve patients.ResultsA total of 110 patients were included: median age was 61 years and 75% were treatment naïve. The median NER (mNER) at baseline was 26.4. The ORR was 40% for patients with <mNER compared to 21.8% among patients with >mNER (OR 2.39, p = 0.04). The median PFS for patients with <mNER was significantly longer at 8.6 months (mo) compared to 3.2 mo for patients with >mNER (HR 0.50, p < 0.01). Median OS was not reached (NR) for patients with <mNER compared with 27.3 mo for patients with >mNER (HR 0.31, p < 0.01). The median NLR (mNLR) was 3.42. While patients with <mNLR showed improvement in OS (HR 0.42, p = 0.02), PFS and ORR did not differ compared with patients in the >mNLR group.ConclusionsA lower baseline NER was associated with improved clinical outcomes (PFS, OS, and ORR) in patients with mRCC treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab, and prospective validation of the baseline NER as a predictive biomarker for response to immunotherapy-based combinations in mRCC is warranted.