Completion Of Protocol Therapy Research Articles

Older Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Experience Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Scores with Intensive Therapy: Prospective Study from ECOG-ACRIN (EA) E2906 Phase 3 Trial

Background There is limited prospective or comparative data evaluating the HRQoL impact of intensive chemotherapy (IC) in older adults (age ≥60 years) with AML. In the recent EA E2906 phase 3 study of '7&3' (daunorubicin & cytarabine) vs. clofarabine (CLO), a putative lower intensity therapy, we incorporated a prospective patient-reported outcomes (PRO) assessment of HRQoL and fatigue to understand treatment impact from the patients' (pts) perspective. Methods E2906 study design and results have been presented previously [n=727, med. age 68 years (range 60-86), randomized 1:1 to ‘standard’ ‘7&3‘ & high dose cytarabine (Arm A) vs. single agent CLO (Arm B), as remission induction (Step 1) and consolidation (Step 2), respectively]. There was no difference in composite complete remission (CCR, 50%) or 30-day mortality rates (8.5%), and in primary analysis CLO was inferior for Overall Survival. HRQoL was a key secondary protocol endpoint. PROs assessed HRQoL and leukemia-specific symptoms and concerns using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia scale (FACT-Leu), & Fatigue using FACT-Fatigue subscale. PROs were administered at prespecified time points: (1) Baseline; (2) Cycle 1 at nadir (approx. Day 15); (3) End of Step 1 restaging (approx. D 40); (4) Beginning of Step 2 (1 st consolidation, approx. D 45); and (5) 2 nd cycle consolidation/End Step 2 (approx. D 60). The FACT-Leu Trial Outcome Index ( TOI) was calculated by summing physical well-being, functional well-being, and leukemia-specific concerns subscales to create a single composite score. Higher TOI scores correspond to better HRQoL. The primary endpoint was to evaluate TOI difference from randomization to day 30 after induction therapy between arms, evaluated using Wilcoxon rank sum test. We also compared Clinically Meaningful differences (CMiD) in TOI (defined as patient change ≥½ standard deviation from baseline TOI) between arms, using the X2 test. Pts not completing at least 2 assessment forms (including baseline) were excluded. Testing of constructs of Physical Well-being (PWB), Functional, Leukemia & Fatigue scales demonstrated high Cronbach's a values (a >0.7) except for PWB (a=0.672) at a single time point (End of Step 2). Results Baseline TOI was available for n=489, and 364 pts (n=182 each Arm) were evaluable in this planned analysis. Evaluating CMiD during Cycle 1 induction, pts in Arm B were less likely to experience ‘Worse’ TOI score (32% vs. 40.7%, Arm A), more likely to maintain stable TOI scores (49.1% vs. 39%, Arm A), and had a similar proportion of ‘Better’ TOI scores (20.3%, A vs. 18.9%, B) although differences were not significant (p=0.1389). Conversely in cycle 1 consolidation, more patients in Arm A experienced Better TOI (45.1% vs. 29.2%, Arm B), fewer had stable TOI (45.1% vs. 58.3%, Arm B), and rates of ‘Worse’ TOI were similar (9.8%, A vs 12.5%, Arm B), again differences were not significant (p=0.2616). There was no difference in Fatigue scores between Arms (p=0.49). We evaluated whether TOI and Fatigue scores could predict the ability to complete protocol therapy. In univariate analysis baseline TOI (p=0.0059) and Fatigue (p=0.0057) were associated with Step 1 completion, however on multivariate analysis (adjusting for age, sex, and Arm) were no longer significant [TOI, Odds Ratio (OR) 1.03 (0.98-1.08, p=0.27); Fatigue, OR 1.03 (0.96-1.11, p=0.42)]. There was a borderline association of TOI with Step 2 completion [TOI OR 1.10 (1.00-1.23, p=0.06)]. Using a multivariable linear mixed effects model, we observed similar and significant changes in TOI scores in both Arms, demonstrating the effect of IC & CLO on HRQoL (Figure). Comparing to baseline, TOI scores decreased significantly at C1 induction nadir (-4.0873, p<0.0001), and increased by 5.0762 (p=0.0004) at end Step 1, by 6.9047 at cycle 1 consolidation (p<0.0001), and by 11.4601 (p<0.0001) at end Step 2. Differences were mainly apparent in those who achieved CCR, and there was significant attrition in PRO responses in non-CCR pts. Conclusions Older adults experienced significant improvement in HRQoL after nadir regardless of therapy, and those achieving CCR report significantly higher scores. We did not observe differences in leukemia specific HRQoL or fatigue between treatment Arms (7&3 vs. CLO). Patient-reported HRQoL & Fatigue was not predictive of completion of protocol therapy. These results serve as a benchmark for expectations with IC in older adults.

Phase 1b trial of IFx-Hu2.0, a novel personalized cancer vaccine, in checkpoint inhibitor resistant merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

9534 Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) exhibit high response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, patients with advanced disease who fail initial ICI therapy have limited treatment options. IFx-Hu2.0 (IFx) is a plasmid DNA encoding for an immunogenic bacterial protein, Emm55, formulated with a transfection agent for direct intratumoral injection. In a phase 1 study in advanced melanoma, biomarker analyses demonstrated robust immune priming effects of IFx administration. As part of an ongoing Phase 1b study, we evaluated the safety and immunologic response of different schedules of IFx intratumoral administration in patients with advanced MCC or cSCC. We report the initial results of the first stage of this study. Methods: In the first trial stage (n = 9), IFx was administered intratumorally in up to 3 lesions on 3 schedules; weekly x 1, 2, or 3. We report safety data for these patients. Given the proposed potential for immune priming effects of IFx, we performed an unplanned exploratory analysis of post-protocol treatment efficacy to evaluate for response to ICI rechallenge if given. Results: Five patients with advanced MCC and four with cSCC were enrolled. Prior to trial enrollment, all patients with MCC received ICI with pembrolizumab (4) or avelumab (1), all had progressive disease with median 3 months treatment (2.0-4.5mo). All 4 patients with cSCC previously received cemiplimab with median 6 months treatment (3.0-11.5mo). IFx was well tolerated at all dose schedules evaluated with no treatment-related G3-5 adverse events observed. Best response to trial therapy was SD in 2 patients and PD in seven. One MCC patient experienced complete clinical response in 2 injected lesions, but progression of disease overall with development of new disease areas. Following completion of protocol therapy, all 5 MCC patients and 2 of 4 cSCC patients were treated with anti-PD(L)1 therapy as the immediate post-protocol therapy: pembrolizumab (3) or avelumab (2) in MCC and cemiplimab (2) in cSCC. Four of 5 MCC patients and 1 of 2 cSCC patients, or 5 of 7 total (71%), experienced objective response to ICI rechallenge in this setting, with duration of response ongoing in 4 patients (7+, 8+, 9+, 20+ months) and one response lasting 23 months. Conclusions: IFx-Hu2.0 is safe and well tolerated at weekly dosing repeated up to 3 weeks. An exploratory analysis showed that five of seven patients (71%) treated with standard of care ICI agents following protocol therapy experienced a durable objective response despite prior failure of this same drug class prior to protocol enrollment. An additional 11 patients are planned for enrollment in the expansion stage of the study using the weekly x3 dosing schedule. Preliminary biomarker analyses from the first nine patients are ongoing and will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT04160065 .

MMAP-05 PHASE I STUDY OF CONCURRENT PAXALISIB AND RADIATION THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH SOLID TUMOR BRAIN METASTASES OR LEPTOMENINGEAL METASTASES HARBORING PI3K PATHWAY MUTATIONS: RESULTS FROM THE DOSE-ESCALATION COHORT

INTRODUCTIONRadiation therapy (RT) is an effective treatment for patients with central nervous system metastases, but disease control is poor in patients with tumors that harbor PI3K pathway alterations. We hypothesized that combining RT with paxalisib, a CNS-penetrant small molecule PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, could abrogate this effect via downregulation of prosurvival pathways. METHODSThis is a single institution, open-label, phase I trial of concurrent paxalisib and RT (NCT04192981) for patients with brain metastases, leptomeningeal metastases, or both with PI3K pathway mutations. Part A comprised a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation of paxalisib at 45mg, 60mg, or 75mg daily for two weeks with concomitant RT. The primary objective was to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of paxalisib when combined with cranial RT. RESULTSBetween 3/2020-1/2022, 12 patients were enrolled to Part A, of which 9 were evaluable (3 did not complete protocol therapy). Median followup was 4.5 months (0.9-14.9 months). All patients received paxalisib with whole brain RT (30Gy in 10 fractions)- 10 patients for brain metastases, and 2 for leptomeningeal metastases. The most common histology was breast cancer (4 [33%]), and the most common PI3K pathway alterations were PIK3CA mutation (7 [58%]). No patient experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) at 45mg paxalisib daily with concurrent RT, and 2 experienced DLT at 60mg paxalisib: 1 with grade 3 nausea and vomiting and 1 with grade 4 enterocolitis and neutropenia. When combined with cranial RT, the paxalisib MTD was established at 45mg/day. We also observed robust response with all evaluable patients experiencing partial or complete response per RANO-BM within 3 months of protocol therapy. CONCLUSIONA MTD of 45mg/day has been established for paxalisib with concurrent cranial RT in patients with solid tumor brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastases harboring PI3K pathway mutations. Additional patients are being recruited to an expansion cohort at this dose (Part B) to confirm safety and preliminary evidence of activity.

Long-term results of a phase 2 trial of crenolanib combined with 7+3 chemotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed FLT3 mutant AML.

7007 Background: Crenolanib is a potent type I FLT3 inhibitor active against FLT3- ITD, TKD and variant mutations. We report the long-term outcomes of a phase II trial evaluating crenolanib combination therapy in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed FLT3 mutant AML. Methods: Pts (≥ 18 yrs) with newly diagnosed FLT3-AML received 7+3 induction with cytarabine 100 mg/m2/d for 7 days and daunorubicin (DNR) (<60 yrs: 90 mg/m2; ≥60 yrs: 60 mg/m2) or idarubicin (IDA 12 mg/m2) for 3 days. Crenolanib 100 mg TID was administered starting on day 9 until 72 hrs prior to next chemotherapy. Re-induction was allowed. Up to 4 cycles of HiDAC consolidation (<60 yrs: 3 g/m2; ≥60 yrs: 1g/m2) was allowed. Eligible pts could proceed to transplant. Crenolanib maintenance therapy was offered for 1 yr after HiDAC or transplant. Results: 44 pts (22 male) with a median age of 57 yrs (range 19-75) were treated; 15 (34%) pts were >60 yrs. 7 pts had initial WBC >100,000/μL (2 had WBC >200,000). 4 pts had AML following MDS/MPN. 39 (89%) pts had intermediate risk cytogenetics, 3 (7%) had adverse risk, and 2 were unavailable. 33 (75%) pts had FLT3-ITD, 8 (18%) had TKD, and 3 (7%) had ITD and TKD mutations. 11 pts had concomitant NPM1/ DNMT3A mutations, 11 pts had secondary AML-type mutations, and 2 pts had TP53. 28 pts received DNR/crenolanib; 16 pts received IDA/crenolanib. Overall CRc (CR + CRi) was 73% (32/44) after one induction cycle; 86% (38/44) after two cycles. CRc rates > 80% were noted in pts ≤ 60 yo, FLT3-ITD mutations, concomitant FLT3/DMT3A/NPM1 mutations, intermediate risk cytogenetics, and WBC ≥ 100,000/µL. Median time to count recovery was 30 days. MRD-negative CRc was achieved in 94% of evaluable pts (17); 22 pts underwent HSCT. The most common treatment related adverse events (AE) were diarrhea (66%), nausea (57%) and febrile neutropenia (52%). Grade ≥3 AE included febrile neutropenia (50% pts), diarrhea (18%), nausea (6%), and rash (6%). No QTC prolongation was observed. 6 pts required crenolanib dose reduction during induction. High levels of serum crenolanib were achieved and maintained throughout therapy. With a median follow-up of 45 mos (4.4-54.9), the median OS for all pts has not been reached with 57% of pts alive. Median EFS for all pts was 45 mos. In younger pts (≤ 60 yo) OS was 69% and EFS 62%. Cumulative incidence of relapse was 15%. In older pts (61-75), 80% achieved CR/CRi, and median OS was 20 mos. Mutational analysis demonstrated clearance of multiple variant FLT3 mutations and no new FLT3 clones at relapse in pts completing protocol therapy. Conclusions: Long-term outcomes of a phase 2 trial of crenolanib combined with 7+3 induction and consolidation in adults with newly diagnosed FLT3 mutant AML demonstrate high response rates (CRc 86%). With a median follow-up of 45 mos, median OS has not been reached. A phase 3 trial (NCT03258931) randomizing pts with newly diagnosed FLT3 mutant AML to crenolanib vs midostaurin with 7+3 is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02283177.

Response-adapted anti-PD-1–based salvage therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma with nivolumab alone or in combination with ICE

AbstractThis phase 2 trial evaluated PET-adapted nivolumab alone or in combination with ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (NICE) as first salvage therapy and bridge to autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in relapsed/refractory (RR) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Patients with RR cHL received 240 mg nivolumab every 2 weeks for up to 6 cycles (C). Patients in complete response (CR) after C6 proceeded to AHCT, whereas patients with progressive disease at any point or not in CR after C6 received NICE for 2 cycles. The primary endpoint was CR rate per the 2014 Lugano classification at completion of protocol therapy. Forty-three patients were evaluable for toxicity; 42 were evaluable for response. Thirty-four patients received nivolumab alone, and 9 patients received nivolumab+NICE. No unexpected toxicities were observed after nivolumab or NICE. After nivolumab, the overall response rate (ORR) was 81%, and the CR rate was 71%. Among 9 patients who received NICE, all responded, with 8 (89%) achieving CR. At the end of protocol therapy, the ORR and CR rates were 93% and 91%. Thirty-three patients were bridged directly to AHCT, including 26 after Nivo alone. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival in all treated patients (n = 43) were 72% and 95%, respectively. Among 33 patients who bridged directly to AHCT, the 2-year PFS was 94% (95% CI: 78-98). PET-adapted sequential salvage therapy with nivolumab/nivolumab+NICE was well tolerated and effective, resulting in a high CR rate and bridging most patients to AHCT without chemotherapy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov #NCT03016871.

Multicenter prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of lenvatinib to achieve conversion surgery for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: LENS-HCC trial.

458 Background: In the Phase III REFLECT trial, lenvatinib was superior to sorafenib in progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression, and objective response rate (ORR). This trial aimed to assess the efficacy of lenvatinib to achieve conversion surgery for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: In this multicenter prospective single-arm trial, not only technically unresectable cases but also oncologically unresectable cases were included. The oncologically unresectable cases, i.e., technically resectable but with poor prognosis, were defined as cases with macroscopic vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic metastasis. Patients eligible for the present study were treated with lenvatinib. Dynamic CT or MRI was performed every 4 weeks. After 8 weeks of lenvatinib therapy (protocol therapy), the patients were assessed for resectability, and tumor resection was performed after off of lenvatinib for 1 week or more if the tumor was considered resectable. The primary end point of the trial was the resection rate. The secondary end points were curative resection rate, overall survival time (OS), ORR, PFS, ICG retention rate at 15 minutes after lenvatinib therapy, and the resection rate after completion of protocol therapy. The trial is registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (s031190057). Results: Between July 2019 and January 2021, 49 patients from 11 centers were enrolled in this trial. One patient who died because of an accidental trauma immediately after study enrollment was excluded. The complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) rate of the 48 patients were 0% and 13% based on RECIST and 2% and 35% based on mRECIST, respectively. An R0, R1, and R2 resection was performed in 27 (56%), 2 (4%), and 4 patients (8%), respectively. Among the 15 unresected cases, the reasons for not undergoing surgery were inadequate response to lenvatinib in 10 patients (21%), decline of performance status in 2 patients (4%), refusal of surgery in 2 patients (4%), and worsening of comorbidities in 1 patient (2%). Postoperative 90-day mortality was not observed in any patients. Complications ≥grade III according to the Clavien-Dindo classification included bile leakage in 4 patients (8%) and intra-abdominal abscess in 3 patients (6%). The 1-year OS rate was 75.9%. Conclusions: This trial, which was the first prospective trial assessing conversion surgery, demonstrated the feasibility of conversion surgery after lenvatinib therapy in patients with initially unresectable HCC. The response rate of lenvatinib was similar to that of the REFLECT trial. Postoperative complications directly related to the administration of lenvatinib were not observed, suggesting the safety of preoperative lenvatinib therapy. Clinical trial information: jRCTs031190057.

Long Term Follow up of the Resort Study (E4402): A Randomized Phase III Study Comparing Two Different Rituximab Dosing Strategies for Low Tumor Burden Follicular Lymphoma

Long Term Follow up of the Resort Study (E4402): A Randomized Phase III Study Comparing Two Different Rituximab Dosing Strategies for Low Tumor Burden Follicular Lymphoma

Phase 0 Clinical Trial of Everolimus in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma or Meningioma.

Inhibition of mTORC1 signaling has been shown to diminish growth of meningiomas and schwannomas in preclinical studies, and clinical data suggest that everolimus, an orally administered mTORC1 inhibitor, may slow tumor progression in a subset of patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) with vestibular schwannoma. To assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and potential mechanisms of treatment resistance, we performed a presurgical (phase 0) clinical trial of everolimus in patients undergoing elective surgery for vestibular schwannoma or meningiomas. Eligible patients with meningioma or vestibular schwannoma requiring tumor resection enrolled on study received everolimus 10 mg daily for 10 days immediately prior to surgery. Everolimus blood levels were determined immediately before and after surgery. Tumor samples were collected intraoperatively. Ten patients completed protocol therapy. Median pre- and postoperative blood levels of everolimus were found to be in a high therapeutic range (17.4 ng/mL and 9.4 ng/mL, respectively). Median tumor tissue drug concentration determined by mass spectrometry was 24.3 pg/mg (range, 9.2-169.2). We observed only partial inhibition of phospho-S6 in the treated tumors, indicating incomplete target inhibition compared with control tissues from untreated patients (P = 0.025). Everolimus led to incomplete inhibition of mTORC1 and downstream signaling. These data may explain the limited antitumor effect of everolimus observed in clinical studies for patients with NF2 and will inform the design of future preclinical and clinical studies targeting mTORC1 in meningiomas and schwannomas.

MBCL-25. PILOT STUDY OF A SURGERY AND CHEMOTHERAPY-ONLY APPROACH IN THE UPFRONT THERAPY OF CHILDREN WITH WNT-POSITIVE STANDARD RISK MEDULLOBLASTOMA: UPDATED OUTCOMES

BACKGROUNDWnt+ medulloblastoma (WPM) is a favorable subtype with EFS > 90% when treating postoperatively with craniospinal irradiation and posterior fossa boost (CSI/XRT) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. This pilot study explored the safety of omitting radiation in standard-risk WPM.METHODSSubjects had to meet standard-risk criteria (< 1.5 cm2 residual tumor, no metastatic spread, no anaplasia) and have a WPM. Subjects received chemotherapy following the COGACNS0331 AAB-AAB-AAB (A=cisplatin/CCNU/VCR; B=cyclophosphamide/vincristine) backbone.RESULTSSix children were enrolled on study treatment prior to early study closure. Subject #1 completed planned protocol therapy but relapsed 3 months following the completion of therapy. Subject #2 completed planned protocol therapy but relapsed 6 months following the completion of therapy. In both cases, relapse was local and disseminated. Further accrual was halted. Both subjects were salvaged with CSI/XRT followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Of the remaining 4 subjects, two had recently completed planned protocol therapy at the time of study closure and received CSI/XRT while in remission and remain in remission approximately one year from the completion of treatment. One subject aborted protocol therapy and transitioned to a Head Start regimen and remains in remission 10 months from completion of therapy. The final subject had just completed protocol therapy and had new areas of restricted diffusion concerning for early relapse. Went on to receive CSI/XRT but subsequently relapsed and is now receiving salvage chemotherapy.CONCLUSIONSChemotherapy following ACNS0331, omitting CSI/XRT, appears to be insufficient for the treatment of non-metastatic WPM.

ACTR-09. A PHASE 0 PHARMACODYNAMIC AND PHARMACOKINETIC STUDY OF EVEROLIMUS IN VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA (VS) AND MENINGIOMA PATIENTS

Abstract BACKGROUND Inhibition of mTORC1 signaling has been shown to diminish growth of NF2 deficient tumors in preclinical studies, and clinical data suggest that everolimus, an orally administered mTORC1 inhibitor, may slow tumor progression in a subset of adult and pediatric NF2 patients with VS. To assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and potential mechanisms of treatment resistance, we performed a pre-surgical (“phase 0”) clinical trial of everolimus in patients undergoing surgery for VS or meningiomas. METHODS Eligible patients with meningioma or VS requiring tumor resection received everolimus 10 mg daily for 10 days immediately prior to surgery. Everolimus blood levels were determined immediately prior to and after surgery. Tumor samples were collected intraoperatively. RESULTS Ten patients completed protocol therapy, including 5 patients with NF2-related meningioma, 3 patients with sporadic meningioma, and 2 patients with NF2-related VS. Median pre- and post-operative plasma levels of everolimus were found to be in a high therapeutic range (17.4 ng/ml and 9.4 ng/ml, respectively). Median tumor tissue drug concentration determined by mass spectrometry was 24.3 ng/g (range 9.2–169.2), and median tumor tissue to post-operative plasma drug concentration ratio was 0.39. We observed only partial inhibition of phospho-S6 in the treated tumors, indicating incomplete target inhibition compared to matched control tissues from untreated patients (p = 0.005). Consistent with prior observations that inhibition of mTORC1 may lead to MAPK pathway activation through a PI3K-dependent feedback loop, we observed a statistically significant increase of phospho-ERK (p &lt; 0.03) versus untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS In patients with meningioma or VS, treatment with everolimus leads to incomplete inhibition of mTORC1 signaling and upregulation phospho-ERK. These data may explain the limited anti-tumor effect of everolimus observed in clinical studies for NF2 patients and identify upregulation of phospho-ERK as a likely resistance mechanism that could be addressed with combination therapies.

Effect of Tandem Autologous Stem Cell Transplant vs Single Transplant on Event-Free Survival in Patients With High-Risk Neuroblastoma

Induction chemotherapy followed by high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplant and subsequent antidisialoganglioside antibody immunotherapy is standard of care for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma, but survival rate among these patients remains low. To determine if tandem autologous transplant improves event-free survival (EFS) compared with single transplant. Patients were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial from November 2007 to February 2012 at 142 Children's Oncology Group centers in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. A total of 652 eligible patients aged 30 years or younger with protocol-defined high-risk neuroblastoma were enrolled and 355 were randomized. The final date of follow-up was June 29, 2017, and the data analyses cut-off date was June 30, 2017. Patients were randomized to receive tandem transplant with thiotepa/cyclophosphamide followed by dose-reduced carboplatin/etoposide/melphalan (n = 176) or single transplant with carboplatin/etoposide/melphalan (n = 179). The primary outcome was EFS from randomization to the occurrence of the first event (relapse, progression, secondary malignancy, or death from any cause). The study was designed to test the 1-sided hypothesis of superiority of tandem transplant compared with single transplant. Among the 652 eligible patients enrolled, 297 did not undergo randomization because they were nonrandomly assigned (n = 27), ineligible for randomization (n = 62), had no therapy (n = 1), or because of physician/parent preference (n = 207). Among 355 patients randomized (median diagnosis age, 36.1 months; 152 [42.8%] female), 297 patients (83.7%) completed the study and 21 (5.9%) were lost to follow-up after completing protocol therapy. Three-year EFS from the time of randomization was 61.6% (95% CI, 54.3%-68.9%) in the tandem transplant group and 48.4% (95% CI, 41.0%-55.7%) in the single transplant group (1-sided log-rank P=.006). The median (range) duration of follow-up after randomization for 181 patients without an event was 5.6 (0.6-8.9) years. The most common significant toxicities following tandem vs single transplant were mucosal (11.7% vs 15.4%) and infectious (17.9% vs 18.3%). Among patients aged 30 years or younger with high-risk neuroblastoma, tandem transplant resulted in a significantly better EFS than single transplant. However, because of the low randomization rate, the findings may not be representative of all patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00567567.

Preliminary safety results of a phase II study investigating pembrolizumab in combination with postoperative intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in resected high risk cutaneous squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

e21056 Background: High risk cutaneous squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (cSCC-HN) have suboptimal outcomes with surgery and postoperative radiation. We report preliminary safety outcomes of a phase II study (NCT03057613) exploring the safety and efficacy of the addition of Pembrolizumab to postoperative IMRT. Methods: Patients with cSCC-HN were eligible for this IRB approved study if they had resection of all gross disease and demonstrated (a) invasion of the skeleton or skull base; (b) node positive disease; (c) or a tumor &gt; 2cm with ≥1 of the following risk factors: recurrent disease, perineural invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, poorly differentiated, positive margins, satellitosis or in-transit metastases. Immune competent pts and those with CLL were eligible. This study aimed to accrue 34 evaluable patients to assess a primary safety endpoint of dose limiting toxicity (DLT) defined as any grade ≥3 toxicity at least possibly related to the immunotherapy. Assuming toxicity of &lt; 20% is acceptable and &gt; 40% is unacceptable, if ≥11 of 34 (32%) patients experienced a DLT, the regimen would be considered unsafe. Results: Of 15 pts already enrolled on this study, 11 have completed the protocol treatment. There were no DLTs observed to date. Grade 2 immune related toxicity was seen in two patients, one with bullous pemphigoid and another with lymphopenia and peripheral neuropathy and weakness in his hands in the setting of a prior cervical spine injury. Both responded to steroids and recovered completely. Based on this initial cohort, the 95% confidence intervals (CI) on DLTs for the entire cohort is 0-28%. Using the most conservative CI of 28%, the likelihood of 11 of the remaining 23 patients experiencing a DLT is 3.4%. Assuming a CI of 20%, the risk is 0.3%. None of the 11 pts who have completed protocol therapy have experienced a recurrence. Conclusions: The addition of Pembrolizumab to postoperative IMRT in high risk cSCC-HN is safe and will be studied in a randomized phase III adjuvant study (Keynote 630). This phase II study will continue to enroll CLL patients to assess safety and efficacy signals in this unique higher risk population. Clinical trial information: NCT03057613.

MEDU-34. PILOT STUDY OF A SURGERY AND CHEMOTHERAPY-ONLY APPROACH IN THE UPFRONT THERAPY OF CHILDREN WITH WNT-POSITIVE STANDARD RISK MEDULLOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Molecular subclassification of medulloblastoma identifies Wnt-positive medulloblastoma (WPM) as a highly favorable subtype with event-free survival (EFS) exceeding 90% when treating patients following near total or complete resection with standard dose craniospinal irradiation and boost radiation to the posterior fossa (XRT) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. This pilot study explored the safety of omitting XRT in children with standard-risk WPM. METHODS: Subjects had to meet usual standard-risk criteria (< 1.5 cm2 residual tumor, no metastatic spread, no anaplasia) and have a WPM. Initial criteria for determination of WPM included nuclear beta-catenin immunopositivity, monosomy 6 and absence of myc-amplification by FISH. Following the first two subject enrollments, criteria for WPM was revised to no longer require nuclear beta-catenin immunopositivity, and substituted gene-expression profiling by Nanostring. Upon consent, eligible subjects received adjuvant chemotherapy following the Children’s Oncology Group ACNS0331 AAB-AAB-AAB (A=cisplatin/CCNU/VCR; B=cyclophosphamide/vincristine) backbone and followed for EFS. RESULTS: Fourteen children underwent prescreening of which six children who met molecular criteria for WPM elected to enroll on study treatment. Subject #1 completed planned protocol therapy, requiring a 50% reduction in cisplatin for most of therapy for ototoxicity, but relapsed 3 months following the completion of therapy. Subject #2 completed planned protocol therapy without dose reductions or delays, but relapsed 6 months following the completion of therapy. In both cases, relapse was local and disseminated. Following the second relapse, further accrual was halted. Of the remaining 4 subjects, two have recently completed protocol therapy and remain free of disease. The final two subjects are in the midst of protocol therapy. Additional therapy in the form of XRT and/or chemotherapy dose intensification has been recommended to these remaining 4 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy following ACNS0331, in the absence of XRT, appears to be insufficient for the treatment of non-metastatic WPM.

MRD-Response Driven Phase I/II Study for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Using Higher Doses of Twice-Weekly Carfilzomib (45 and 56 mg/m2) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone

MRD-Response Driven Phase I/II Study for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Using Higher Doses of Twice-Weekly Carfilzomib (45 and 56 mg/m2) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone

Patient-reported predictors of early treatment discontinuation: treatment-related symptoms and health-related quality of life among postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer randomized to anastrozole or exemestane on NCIC Clinical Trials Group (CCTG) MA.27 (E1Z03).

Aromatase inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed adjuvant endocrine therapy for hormone-dependent early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Among Canadian Cancer Trials Group MA.27 participants, anastrozole and exemestane had comparable 5-year event-free survival. This companion study examined differences in patient-reported treatment-related symptoms (TRS) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) among postmenopausal women randomized to anastrozole or exemestane. MA.27 participants (N=686, of 7576) randomized to 5 years of anastrozole (1mg/day, n=371, Arm A) or exemestane (25mg/day, n=315, Arm E) completed the 56-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES) questionnaire to assess TRS and HRQL. The FACT-ES was completed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24months. No significant differences in FACT-ES median scores measuring TRS and HRQL were observed between treatment arms at any time point. Change in TRS from baseline was statistically significant at 3, 6, 12, and 24months. HRQL was stable over time in both arms. Greater TRS burden was associated with poorer HRQL (coefficient=0.57, p<0.001). Twenty percent of patients discontinued AI therapy by month 24 and 32% discontinued AIs at 4years. In both arms, patients reporting more side effect bother prior to initiating study treatment had a higher risk of discontinuing treatment before completing protocol therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, 95% CI 1.08-1.55, p=0.01). TRS and HRQL were comparable between anastrozole and exemestane. TRS negatively affect HRQL. Women who report being bothered by treatment side effects prior to initiating an AI are at increased risk for early treatment discontinuation.

A phase 1b study of safety and immune response to PVX-410 vaccine alone and in combination with durvalumab (MEDI4736) in HLA-A2+ patients following adjuvant therapy for stage 2/3 triple negative breast cancer.

TPS1126 Background: Stage 2-3 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains at high risk for recurrence despite modern adjuvant therapy. An important role for the immune system in TNBC has recently emerged. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are correlated with improved prognosis and several PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, including Durvalumab (DUR), demonstrated activity in metastatic TNBC. Vaccines are a promising approach to further enhance the immune response in many cancers including TNBC. PVX-410 (PVX) is a novel tetra-peptide vaccine against XBP1 (2 splice variants), CD138 and CS1 that was safe and induced immune responses in a phase 1b study in smoldering myeloma. XBP1 and CD138 are also over-expressed in TNBC. Methods: This Phase 1b multi-center, single arm study will enroll 20 HLA-A2+ female patients (pts) following completion of all adjuvant therapy for stage 2-3 TNBC. Pts will receive 6 doses of 800ug PVX (emulsified in Montanide (SC) and co-administered with Hiltonol (IM)) at 2-week intervals, and 2 doses of DUR 1500mg IV at the 4th and 6th vaccine visits. Eligible pts must be between 1-6 months from completing adjuvant therapy, have no prior autoimmune disease, and have residual disease if neoadjuvant therapy was used. The primary objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of the combination, and the key secondary objective is to determine the immune response to PVX + DUR. If ≤1 pt in the first 6 has a protocol defined dose limiting toxicity within 4 weeks after the first DUR dose, accrual will continue to 20 pts. Immune response will be assessed at baseline, pre-dose 4 PVX/dose 1 DUR, and 4 weeks after completing protocol therapy. Paired data in 20 pts provides 90% power to see a shift of 0.75 standardized units from baseline to 4 weeks post treatment with the signed rank test. Immune response will be determined by a FACs based assay of antigen specific CD3+CD8+ T lymphocyte response and IFN-γ production (intracellular staining) in patient PBMCs. Additional correlative studies, including T-cell PD-1 and tissue PD-L1, XBP1, and CD138, are planned. Currently 4 pts are enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT02826434.

Pilot Study of Decitabine and Vorinostat with Chemotherapy for Relapsed ALL: A Report from the Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukemia & Lymphoma (TACL) Consortium

Acquired drug resistance is a major reason for relapse and death in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Improving outcomes by targeting mechanisms of acquired drug resistance is a potential solution. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have been shown to reverse drug resistance gene signatures and restore chemosensitivity in relapsed ALL. We report results investigating decitabine (DNMTi) (10-15 mg/m2/dose) and vorinostat (HDACi) (180 mg/m2/dose) with vincristine, dexamethasone, mitoxantrone and PEG-asparaginase (UKALL R3 backbone) for relapsed/refractory ALL. Twenty-three patients with refractory or ≥2nd relapse B-ALL were enrolled (Table 1). Median age was 12 (range, 1-21) years. Toxicity was graded according to CTCAE v4.0. The most common grade (Gr) 3-4 toxicities included hypokalemia (65%), anemia (61%), febrile neutropenia (57%), hypophosphatemia (43%), hyperbilirubinemia (39%), thrombocytopenia (39%), neutropenia (35%), sepsis (30%), lung infection (30%) and infection/infestations-other (30%). Non-hematologic dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as any Gr 3 or 4 adverse event that was at least possibly attributed to decitabine and/or vorinostat with the exception of nausea (Gr 3), vomiting (Gr 3), transaminase elevation that returned to Gr ≤1 or baseline prior to the end of the course, fatigue, fever/infection, electrolyte abnormalities that were transient and not associated with clinical sequelae, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, GGT and anorexia. Hematologic DLT was defined as an absence of peripheral blood count recovery within 6 weeks of starting chemotherapy. Any patient who experienced a DLT after receiving at least 1 dose of decitabine or vorinostat was evaluable for DLT. Patients who did not experience a DLT had to receive a pre-determined amount of protocol therapy as outlined in the study to be evaluable for DLT. Seventeen of 23 patients were evaluable for DLT. Three patients experienced DLTs as follows: Gr 3 cholestasis, Gr 3 steatosis, Gr 4 hyperbilirubinemia (n=1); Gr 4 seizure, Gr 4 somnolence, Gr 3 delirium (n=1); and Gr 3 pneumonitis, Gr 3 hypoxia, Gr 3 hyperbilirubinemia (n=1). The study was suspended and amended after the first 5 patients enrolled (decitabine, 15mg/m2), due to significant infectious toxicities [4 of 5 patients reporting invasive fungal infections: C. kruseii (n=2), C. lusitaniae (n=1), and C. guillermondii (n=1)] and two DLTs (reported above). The treatment schema was modified to lower the dose of decitabine (10mg/m2/dose) and to reduce the duration from days 1-7/15-21 to 1-5/15-19. The duration of vorinostat was also reduced from days 3-10/17-24 to 2-7/16-21 (Figure 1). In addition, anti-fungal prophylaxis with either an echinocandin or amphotericin agent was required. Despite these dose modifications, infectious complications remained common with 17/23 (74%) patients reporting Gr ≥3 infections including invasive fungal disease in 35% (8/23). In analyzing all 23 patients, the complete response rate (CR + CR with incomplete blood count recovery) was 39% (9/23). Fourteen patients (61%) were able to complete full protocol therapy and evaluable for response. The remaining 9 patients did not complete therapy, primarily due to treatment-related toxicities, and were not evaluable. Nine of the 14 patients (64%) achieved a complete response with the remaining 5 reporting stable disease (36%). Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing via flow cytometry was performed on 7 of 9 patients who achieved a CR with a median level of 0.087% MRD (range, 0.00% to 1.6%) detected. Overall survival at 6 months was 35.1% (95% CI, 16.0 - 54.9) and 23.4% (95% CI, 7.8 - 43.6) at 1-year. Death was reported in 18/23 (78%) patients at a median of 10 weeks from study start (range, 3-138). Cause of death was attributed to refractory leukemia (n=8), treatment related toxicity (n=5), infection (n=3) and transplant-related toxicity (n=2). Despite encouraging response rates including low MRD, the combination of decitabine and vorinostat with intensive chemotherapy in this patient population was determined not to be feasible. A future follow-up study with a less intensive chemotherapy backbone is needed to determine if these two promising epigenetic agents can be successfully incorporated into the treatment of pediatric ALL. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01483690. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresWayne:Kite Pharma: Honoraria, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Other: Travel Support, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel Support; Medimmune: Honoraria, Other: Travel Support, Research Funding; NIH: Patents & Royalties.

Phase I Study Combining Ibrutinib with Rituximab, Ifosfamide, Carboplatin, and Etoposide (R-ICE) in Patients with Relapsed or Primary Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): NCI-Cancer Therapeutics Evaluation Program (CTEP) #9588

Background: In the post-rituximab era, half the patients with relapsed or refractory (rel/ref) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) fail to achieve a chemosensitive response with standard salvage therapy, and are thus ineligible to proceed to consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with curative intent. The Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib demonstrates single-agent activity in rel/ref DLBCL, predominately of the non-germinal center B-cell (non-GCB) phenotype, with minimal toxicity. This single center, NCI-CTEP sponsored phase I study is the first to evaluate the combination of ibrutinib with standard salvage therapy of rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (R-ICE) in transplant-eligible rel/ref DLBCL patients.Methods: Patients with rel/ref DLBCL, including transformed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are eligible for study. The phase I study design is a standard 3 x 3 dose escalation of ibrutinib at 420 mg (dose level [DL] #1), 560 mg (DL #2) and 840 mg (DL #3) on days 1-21 with standard dosing of R-ICE for 3 cycles, every 21 days. The primary objective is to determine safety and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ibrutinib in combination with R-ICE. Secondary objectives include response rate according to computed tomography (CT) and functional imaging (FDG-PET) per Deauville criteria.Results: To date, 16 patients are evaluable for toxicity, and 15 are evaluable for response. The median age of the 16 evaluable patients is 51 years (range 19-75 years). Histologies of the patients evaluable for response are: GCB DLBCL n=3, non-GCB DLBCL n=4, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma n=4, and transformed chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (tCLL/SLL) n=4. There were no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) seen at DL #1 (n=3), 2 (n=3), or 3 (n=10, currently in expansion). Of the 16 patients evaluable for toxicity, 15 experienced expected and transient grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities with hematopoietic recovery prior to each cycle. The median number of cumulative platelet transfusions per patient for 3 cycles was 2 (range 0-11). Eleven of the 15 patients evaluable for response underwent chemotherapy-primed CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) apheresis procedures on study; 10 of the 11 patients successfully collected HPCs with a median of 5.6 x 106CD34+/kg (range 1.7-8.6). The only patient that failed to collect HPCs was an HIV-positive patient at DL #3 in the setting of febrile illness. One patient experienced grade 3 atrial fibrillation/flutter and was subsequently removed from study per treating physician's decision. Per CT criteria, five patients achieved complete remission (CR), eight patients achieved partial remission (PR), and two patients had stable disease for an overall response rate of 87%. All eight patients with non-GCB DLBCL and tCLL/SLL that were evaluable for response achieved chemosensitive remission per CT criteria (CR=4, PR=4). Seven of the 15 total patients (47%) evaluable for response achieved a complete metabolic remission (Deauville 1-3) per FDG-PET, including all 4 patients of non-GCB phenotype.Conclusions: Currently, no DLTs have been observed with ibrutinib at dosing up to 840 mg daily in combination with R-ICE. We are currently expanding DL #3. Manageable and expected hematologic toxicities have been observed. Importantly, hematologic toxicity has not resulted in failure to complete protocol therapy on-schedule or mobilize HPCs. Encouragingly, 87% of patients achieved a CT response (CR/PR) and 47% of patients achieved a complete metabolic remission per FDG-PET, including 100% of patients with non-GCB phenotype. These results compare favorably to historic cohorts. Given the safety and efficacy observed in this phase I, later phase studies for this treatment program are warranted. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A Phase 2 Trial of Neoadjuvant Temozolomide Followed by Hypofractionated Accelerated Radiation Therapy With Concurrent and Adjuvant Temozolomide for Patients With Glioblastoma

We performed a phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant temozolomide (TMZ), followed by hypofractionated accelerated radiation therapy (HART) with concurrent TMZ, and adjuvant TMZ in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma to determine whether neoadjuvant TMZ would safely improve outcomes in this group of patients prior to subsequent cytotoxic therapy. Adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and a Karnofsky Performance Status >60 were eligible. Neoadjuvant TMZ administration started 2 to 3weeks from surgery at a daily dose of 75mg/m2 for 2weeks prior to delivery of HART (60Gy in 20 daily fractions) with concurrent and adjuvant TMZ. The primary endpoints were feasibility and toxicity. The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. Fifty patients were accrued. The median follow-up period was 44.0months for patients at risk and 22.3months for all 50 patients. Except for 1 patient in whom infection developed and another patient with progression during HART, all patients completed protocol therapy as planned. The median OS and progression-free survival were 22.3months (95% confidence interval, 14.6-42.7months) and 13.7months (95% confidence interval, 8.0-33.3months), respectively. The 4-year OS rates were 30.4% for the entire cohort and 53.3% and 14.0% for patients with methylated (n=21) and unmethylated (n=27) MGMT gene promoter tumors, respectively. One patient had grade 5 pancytopenia during HART, and another patient had transient grade 4 hepatotoxicity. A second surgical procedure was performed in 13 patients: 2 had intracranial infection, 3 had recurrences, 4 had recurrences and radiation-induced damage, and 4 had only radiation-induced damage. This novel approach of neoadjuvant TMZ is associated with an encouraging favorable long-term survival with acceptable toxicity. A future comparative trial of the efficacy of this regimen is warranted.

Abstract CT091: A neoadjuvant co-clinical trial in triple-negative breast cancer patients with genomic discovery analysis

Abstract Background: Patients with TNBC who do not achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) or near pCR have high rates of relapse, due to chemotherapy resistance, within the first few years after their diagnosis. Molecular biomarkers predictive for chemotherapy sensitivity are lacking. This ongoing trial is evaluating carboplatin and docetaxel in the neoadjuvant setting to determine whether these drugs will increase the pCR rate compared to historical controls. Correlative studies include exome and transcriptome sequencing on samples acquired from patients as a means to decipher the genomic architecture and clonal evolution of those who achieved a pCR compared to those who did not. The simultaneous development of patient derived xenografts (PDX) from host tumors is also planned. Methods: Patients with clinical stage 2 or 3 histologically confirmed TNBC will receive six cycles of neoadjuvant carboplatin AUC 6 and docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, followed by definitive surgery. Forty-one eligible patients will be treated according to this protocol, permitting us to attain a power of 83% to detect our expected pCR rate of 54% compared to the historical 35% rate, based on a two-sided exact binomial test at the 4.8% significance level. Eligibility: tumor size at least 2 cm, adequate organ and bone marrow function, no bilateral or inflammatory breast cancer, no invasive cancer within 5 years, ECOG performance status of ? 2, no prior sentinel lymph node biopsy. Tissue collection for xenografting and correlative studies will occur at baseline, at cycle 1 day 3, and at surgery. The primary objective is to determine the pCR rate, defined as the absence of invasive cancer in breast or nodes at definitive surgery. Secondary and exploratory objectives include xenografting rates, evaluation of mutational signatures of chemotherapy resistance and response, and comparison of chemotherapy responses between patients and their xenografts. The study was activated on 7/7/2014 and is still recruiting. Twenty (48.8% of planned 41) patients have been enrolled and have had baseline tissue banked. Fourteen patients have completed protocol therapy. Three patients have tissue at all 3 time points (9 samples), and are presently being studied by exome and transcriptome sequencing. Citation Format: Foluso O. Ademuyiwa, Shunqiang Li, Jingqin Luo, Tracy Skinner, Jason Hoshower, Cynthia X. Ma, Katherine Weilbaecher, Michael Naughton, Leonel Hernandez-Aya, Elaine R. Mardis, Matthew J. Ellis. A neoadjuvant co-clinical trial in triple-negative breast cancer patients with genomic discovery analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT091.