Endothelial Growth Factor-tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Research Articles

Critical review of the current and future prospects of VEGF-TKIs in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.

As the prognosis for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck remains unsatisfactory when compared to other malignancies, novel therapies targeting specific biomarkers are a critical emerging area of great promise. One particular class of drugs that has been developed to impede tumor angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. As current data is primarily limited to preclinical and phase I/II trials, this review summarizes the current and future prospects of these agents in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In particular, the combination of these agents with immunotherapy is an exciting area that may be a promising option for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, evidenced in recent trials such as the combination immune checkpoint inhibitors with lenvatinib and cabozantinib. In addition, the use of such combination therapy preoperatively in locally advanced disease is another area of interest.

Trends of Utilization of Systemic Therapies for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Canadian Health Care System.

Standard-of-care therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have greatly evolved. However, the availability of emerging options in global health care systems can vary. We sought to describe the integration and usage of systemic therapies for mRCC in Canada since 2011. We included patients with mRCC enrolled in the Canadian Kidney Cancer Information System, a prospective cohort of patients from 14 Canadian academic centers, who received systemic therapy from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021. Patients were stratified by treatment era (cohort 1: 2011-2015, cohort 2: 2016-2021). Stacked bar charts were used to present treatment proportions; Sankey diagrams were used to show the evolution of treatment sequencing between the two cohorts. Four thousand one hundred seven patients were diagnosed with mRCC, of whom 2,752 (67%) received systemic therapy. Among these patients, mean age was 64 years, 74% were male, 75% had clear cell histology, and International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium risk classification was favorable, intermediate, and poor in 16%, 56%, and 28%, respectively. Utilization of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI)-based treatments has increased in Canada and reflects global and local patterns of approval and adoption. The use of therapies after doublet ICI has mostly shifted toward vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs) that were previously used in first line with subsequent treatments reflecting approved and available agents after previous VEGF-TKI. Clinical trial participation among patients who received systemic therapy was 18% in first, 21% in second, and 24% in third line. In Canada's publicly funded health care system, availability of standard mRCC therapies broadly reflects access from government-funded clinical trials and compassionate access program sources. In an evolving therapeutic landscape, ongoing advocacy is required to continue to facilitate patient access to efficacious therapies.

Gut microbiota profiling and clinical response in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer receiving endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI).

e21050 Background: Pre-clinical mouse models have suggested that gut microbiota in immune relates with inflammation and modulates tumor response, while it remains uncertain in lung cancer patients with EGFR mutation. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between gut microbiota and early tumor response after EGFR-TKI treatment in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: NSCLC patients haboring EGFR exon 19del or 21L858R mutation were enrolled in this study in Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. Early response was assessed at 12 weeks after EGFR-TKI initiation per RECIST 1.1, and patients were categorized as responders (CR+PR) and non-responders (SD+PD). Stool sample was collected prior to EGFR-TKI treatment. The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified for the characterization of the gut microbiota profiling. Data were analyzed on the online tool of Majorbio Cloud Platform to compare microbiota community structure and abundance at α- and β-diversity levels. Linear discriminant analysis with effect size (LEfSe) was used to to identify biomarkers using a taxonomic bar chart. PICRUSt2 was used to predict the functional profiling of microbial communities. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: From June 2020 to Sep 2022, 24 patients were included. CR, PR, SD and PD were recorded in 2 (8.3%), 14(58.3%), 6(25%) and 2(8.3%) patients, respectively. The four most abundant bacteria at phylum level were Firmicutes (64.4%), Bacteroidota (15.1%), Proteobacteria(14.7%), and Actinobacteriota (4.6%). The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota counts were significantly higher in responders than those with no-responders ( p= 0.032). There was a significant difference in the Sob index (α-diversity) between responders and no-responders (60.062 vs. 86.250, p= 0.043). β-diversity was similar between the two groups ( p= 0.087). Differential analysis using LEfSe identified that genus Rothia was significantly enriched in responders; phyla Actinobacteria and Deinococcota, genera Ruminococcus, Collinsella, Holdemanella were significantly enriched in non-responders. PICRUSt2 based on KEGG prediction identified that Transketolase and Carbamoyl-phosphate synthase were significantly enriched enzymes in non-responders compared with responders, the p values were 0.019 and 0.022, respectively. Conclusions: The early response of EGFR-TKI was associated with alteration of specific genera and metabolic function of gut microbiota. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate this pilot study. [Table: see text]

Toxicities of anti-VEGF therapies used in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A real-world experience.

e16533 Background: Tumor endothelial proliferation inhibition using vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs) have revolutionized metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) therapy. We retrospectively analyzed data on various anti-VEGF adverse events (AEs) utilizing the FDA Adverse Events Reports System (FAERS). Methods: We examined the FAERS public dashboard data on VEGF inhibitors’ reported AEs for the years 2019-2021. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 34,651 AEs were identified for anti-VEGF therapies, of which 29,328 (84.6%) were serious and 5,830 (16.82%) reported deaths (Table). Lenvatinib has most reported serious hemorrhagic events and thyroid impairment in 5.5% and 1.2%, respectively, and least (3.4%) reported dermatologic toxicity (including Hand-foot skin reaction, depigmentation, and rash. Cabozantinib has most (2.8%) reported gastrointestinal (GI) perforation and fistula. Pazopanib has most bone marrow suppression (BMS)—neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia (43.3%), dermatologic toxicity (25.8%), hepatotoxicity—jaundice, elevated transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia, hepatic encephalopathy, coagulopathy, ascites, and/or hepatorenal syndrome (23.9%), arterial thromboembolic events (ATE)—comprising cerebral infarction, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, angina (19.8%), proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome (NS; 10.4%), pulmonary toxicity—interstitial lung disease, and pneumonitis (7.2%), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES; 4.9%), cardiotoxicity—cardiac failure (3.1%), and tumor lysis syndrome (TLS; 0.9%). Sunitinib has most reported osteonecrosis of the jaw AEs (ONJ; 37.3%), QT Prolongation and various arrhythmias (11.9%), severe hypertension (SHTN—including accelerated, urgency, and emergency; 10.0%), and aortic complications—including aortic aneurysm, dissection, and rupture (3.1%). Conclusions: Pazopanib has most while axitinib has least reported BMS, ATE, and pulmonary AEs. Cabozantinib has most reported GI AEs and sunitinib has most reported ONJ, SHTN, QT prolongation, arrhythmias, and aortic complications. With expanding treatment landscape for mRCC, this study helps shed light on the different anti-VEGF toxicity profiles and would therefore support treatment decision making.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Novel mechanisms, predictors of hypertension and management strategies

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition has become a cornerstone of cancer therapy. Significant adverse effect is associated with these therapies, with hypertension among the most prevalent. We aim to provide a current review of the mechanisms by which these therapies induce hypertension, the risk factors and predictors of the development of hypertension, and management strategies to minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients receiving vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition as part of cancer treatment.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with zolendronic acid and denosumab: An observational retrospective multicenter trial.

299 Background: Bone is one of the most common site of metastasis occurring in 30% of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients (pts)3,4. Skeletal metastases from mRCC are usually osteolytic and associated to high rate of morbidity and complication through skeletal related events (SRE). Bone-targeted therapies (BTT) such as zolendronic acid (ZOL AC) and denosumab (Dmab), shown to decrease the time-to-first and subsequent SREs12. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a rare but potentially serious adverse event associated with BTT. It occurs in 1-2% of pts treated with BTT and in 10-17% of mRCC pts treated with ZOL AC or Dmab. Vascular endothelial growth factor-Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKI) represent the backbone treatment for mRCC. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the association of DMAB and ZOL AC to VEGF-TKITTagents could be associated to higher incidence of ONJ. Methods: We retrospectively collected data, from 2 Italian referring centers for mRCC, about 74 pts with bone metastases from mRCC who received, concurrently or sequentially to VEGF-TKI or immune-oncology (IO), AC ZOL and DMAB from January 2013 to January 2020. All pts provided informed consent for inclusion in the study. Results: All pts received VEGF-TKI as first line treatment. 17 pts received AC ZOL whereas 57 received DMAB. All pts received odontological consultation and orthopantomography before start BTT. The median time of Dmab and AC ZOL exposure was 11.6 months. ONJ occurred in 10/74 pts (7.4%): 6/10 pts were on first line treatment and 4/10 on second line. Treatments administered at the time of ONJ diagnosis were nivolumab (1/10), cabozantinib (2/10), sorafenib (1/10), sorafenib (1/10), sunitinib (4/10) and one pts was off therapy. Conclusions: In this real-life Italian population, treatment with BTT in mRCC pts treated with VEGF-TKI inhibitors and IO is associated to higher incidence of ONJ compared to previous report of pts treated with BTT for bone metastasis and lower compared to previous reports in mRCC. Despite the retrospective collection, we provided one of the largest sample of pts treated concurrently with VEGF-TKI or IO and BTT. Physicians should be careful in the use of BTT combined with other treatments in mRCC pts.

Randomized trial assessing impact of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiome and clinical outcome from targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Studies suggest a link between the gut microbiome and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) outcomes, including evidence that mRCC patients possess a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. compared to healthy adults. We sought to assess if a Bifidobacterium‐containing yogurt product could modulate the gut microbiome and clinical outcome from vascular endothelial growth factor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF‐TKIs). mRCC patients initiating VEGF‐TKIs, regardless of the line of therapy, were randomized to probiotic‐supplemented (two 4 oz. servings of the probiotic yogurt product daily) or probiotic‐restricted arms. Stool samples were collected prior to therapy and at weeks 2, 3, 4, and 12. Microbiome composition was assessed using whole‐metagenome sequencing. A total of 20 patients were randomized. Bifidobacterium animalis, the active ingredient of the probiotic supplement, reached detectable levels in all patients in the probiotic‐supplemented arm versus two patients in the probiotic‐restricted arm. Clinical benefit rate was similar in probiotic‐supplemented versus probiotic‐restricted arms (70% vs. 80%, p = 0.606). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size analysis of MetaPhIAn2 abundance data predicted 25 enriched species demonstrating an LDA score >3 in either clinical benefit or no clinical benefit. In patients with clinical benefit (vs. no clinical benefit), Barnesiella intestinihominis and Akkermansia muciniphila were significantly more abundant (p = 7.4 × 10−6 and p = 5.6 × 10−3, respectively). This is the first prospective randomized study demonstrating modulation of the gut microbiome with a probiotic in mRCC. Probiotic supplementation successfully increased the Bifidobacterium spp. levels. Analysis of longitudinal stool specimens identified an association between B. intestinihominis, A. muciniphila, and clinical benefit with therapy. Trial Registration: NCT02944617

Abstract 1312: Identifying the genomic correlates of clinical benefit (CB) from immunotherapies (IO) and vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKI) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)

Abstract Background: Along with the expanding treatment landscape of mRCC, a substantial need for ways to predict individual patients' (pts) benefit from different therapies has emerged. Recent studies highlight the clinical significance of tumor-specific genomic alterations, revealing a prognostic and/or predictive role of PBRM1 mutations with IO in mRCC (Miao et al Nature 2018). Employing a large institutional database, we aimed to identify genomic correlates of CB from IO and VEGF-TKIs in mRCC. Methods: Consecutive pts who underwent genomic profiling (GP) as part of routine clinical care at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center were retrospectively identified. GP included the GEM ExTra assay, a clinical tumor-normal whole exome sequencing and tumor whole transcriptome sequencing test performed at Ashion Analytics (Phoenix, AZ), a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratory. The clinical database included detailed information regarding demographics, treatment, response and survival outcomes. Pts who had complete response (CR), partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) for >6 months were considered as having CB. Progressive disease (PD) as best response was considered no clinical benefit (NCB). Genomic findings were compared between pts with CB and NCB in the IO and VEGF-TKI cohorts. Results: Among the 58 (45:13 M:F) pts, 17 received sequencing treatment involving both a VEGF-TKI and IO, resulting in 32 pts in the IO cohort and 43 pts in the VEGF-TKI cohort. The most commonly used IO and VEGF-TKIs were nivolumab (59%) and sunitinib (40%). CB rate and median progression free survival were 59.4% (CR: 3.1%, PR: 18.8%, SD: 37.5%) and 15.6 months (95%CI NR-NR) in the IO cohort, and 86% and 14.2 months (95%CI 9.0 - 18.5) in the VEGF-TKI cohort. The most frequently detected alterations in the overall cohort were in VHL (64%), PBRM1 (38%), SETD2 (24%), KDM5C (17%) and TERT (12%). Interestingly, TERT promoter mutations and PBRM1 mutations were found to be mutually exclusive. In both IO and VEGF-TKI cohorts, tumor mutational burden did not differ between CB and NCB pts. No single genes were significantly associated with CB from VEGF-TKIs. While PBRM1 loss of function (LOF) was more common in IO pts with CB, and SETD2, KDM5C, TP53 alteration were more common in IO pts with NCB, there was no statistical significance observed (p values > 0.05). TERT promoter mutations were associated with NCB in the IO cohort (p=0.038). TERT promoter mutant tumors did not have CB with IO. Conclusion: Our analysis found that TERT promoter mutations are enriched in pts with NCB from IO and were mutually exclusive with PBRM1 LOF which had previously been shown to be an indicator of IO sensitivity. These results suggest that TERT promoter mutations may be a negative predictor of IO outcomes, which warrants future investigations with a larger sample size. Citation Format: Nazli Dizman, Sara Byron, Yung Lyou, Paulo Gustavo Bergerot, JoAnn Hsu, Andre-Philippe Sam, Denise Phan Trieu, Jeffrey Trent, Sumanta Kumar Pal. Identifying the genomic correlates of clinical benefit (CB) from immunotherapies (IO) and vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKI) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1312.

Significance of tumor microenvironment in acquiring resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor and recent advance of systemic treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

The development of systemic therapies, including vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKI) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, inherent resistance is observed in some patients and acquired resistance commonly develops in many patients within several months of the initiation of systemic therapies. Since these treatments rarely cure patients, their aim is to suppress tumor progression and prolong survival. Therefore, the establishment of dependable criteria that predict responses and resistance to systemic therapies is clinically important, and the underlying molecular mechanisms also need to be elucidated for the future development of more effective therapies. We herein review recent advances in research on the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance, with a focus on morphological characteristics, tumor angiogenesis, and the tumor immune microenvironment in RCC and their relationships with VEGF-TKI treatments. Recent therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and newly developed VEGF-TKI also appear to be effective for advanced RCC, with stable and durable responses to ICI being observed in some RCC patients. These new drugs and their outcomes have been briefly described.

Correlates of clinical benefit from immunotherapy and targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analysis

BackgroundThe clinical significance of tumor-specific genomic alterations in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is emerging, with several studies suggesting an association between PBRM1 mutations and response with immunotherapy (IO). We...

Randomized prospective trial assessing Bifidobacterium-containing probiotic supplementation in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients receiving vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs).

5078 Background: Studies suggest a link between the gut microbiome and mRCC outcomes, including evidence that mRCC patients (pts) possess a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium spp compared to healthy adults (Pal et al Clin Cancer Res 2015). The aim of this study was to assess if Bifidobacterium-containing probiotics could modulate the gut microbiome and impact rates of clinical benefit (CB) from VEGF-TKIs. Methods: Pts initiating VEGF-TKI therapy for mRCC were randomized to probiotic supplemented (PSu) or probiotic restricted (PRe) treatment arms. Pts in the PSu arm consumed two 4 oz servings of Activia daily. Stool samples were collected prior to therapy and at wks 2, 3, 4 and 12. Gut microbiota composition was assessed using whole genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing (Zhu et al Microbiome 2018). The primary endpoint was change in Bifidobacterium spp with therapy. Microbiome composition was compared across pts with CB (complete/partial response or stable disease) versus no CB (NCB). Results: In total, 20 pts were enrolled. The most frequent VEGF-TKIs were cabozantinib (45%), sunitinib (25%) and lenvatinib (25%). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.5 months (95%CI 0.3-12.9) and CB rate was 75%. Bifidobacterium animalis, the active ingredient of Activia, reached detectable levels in all pts in the PSu arm, but was only detectable in one pt in the PRe arm. CB rate was not significantly different in PSu vs PRe arms (70% vs 80%, p > 0.05), and there was no difference in PFS. LDA effect size (LEfSe) analysis of MetaPhIAn2 data captured 25 enriched species demonstrating an LDA score > 3 in either CB or NCB. Of those with high LDA scores, Barnesiella intesitinihominis and Akkermansia municiphila were the most significant members (p = 7.4 x 10−6 and p = 5.6 10−3, respectively). While 92% of B. intestinihominis positive pts obtained a CB, only 50% of B. intestinihominis negative pts obtained CB (p = 0.036). Conclusions: This is the first prospective randomized study demonstrating modulation of the gut microbiome with probiotics in mRCC. While microbiome modulation by probiotics did not increase CB rates as intended, consecutive stool specimens allowed us to identify an association between B. intesitinihominis, A. municiphila and CB with VEGF-TKIs. In addition to the previously documented association between A. municiphila and immunotherapy outcome (Routy et al. Science 2018), this species may predict activity with VEGF-TKIs. Clinical trial information: NCT02944617 .

UNISON: Nivolumab then ipilimumab + nivolumab in advanced nonclear cell renal cell carcinoma (ANZUP 1602).

TPS768 Background: Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are predominantly the clear cell (cc) subtype, with a unique biology, characterized by sensitivity to angiogenesis inhibition. However vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors elicit modest responses in people with rare variant non-clear cell (ncc) RCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are active against many cancers, but people with rare variant nccRCC have been excluded from frontline trials despite experiencing a more aggressive disease course and poorer prognosis compared to those with ccRCC. UNISON (NCT03177239) aims to test 2 ideas; the activity of ICI in nccRCC, and the novel sequencing strategy of anti-programmed cell death protein (PD)1 immunotherapy, followed by the combination of anti-PD1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein (CTLA)4 blockade, in people failed by single agent treatment. Methods: This single-arm, two-part trial recruits people of good performance status suffering metastatic or locally advanced unresectable rare variant nccRCC, including but not limited to papillary (type 1/2), chromophobe, sarcomatoid, Xp11 translocation, collecting duct, and unclassified histological subtypes. Participants are offered fixed dose nivolumab at 240mg every two weeks in Part 1 of the trial. If they experience progressive disease, eligible participants may proceed to Part 2 consisting of nivolumab (3mg/kg) plus ipilimumab (1mg/kg) every 3 weeks for up to 4 doses. People experiencing disease control after single-agent or combined ICI are eligible to continue treatment for up to 1 year. UNISON is powered to distinguish a clinically non-relevant objective tumor response rate (OTRR) of 15% in people taking combination ICI whose cancers are refractory to single-agent PD1, versus a clinically-relevant OTRR of 30% at 5% level of significance with 80% power. 85 participants were recruited in Part 1, on the assumption that 55% of those entering Part 1 will be eligible for inclusion in Part 2. Enrolment commenced in November 2017 and was completed ahead of schedule in September 2019. Of the 48 participants projected to experience progression on anti-PD1 immunotherapy, 36 have so far commenced combination ICI in Part 2. Clinical trial information: NCT03177239.

Clinical significance of programmed death-1 and programmed death-ligand 1 expression in the tumor microenvironment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Recently, immunotherapy based on blocking immune checkpoints with programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) or PD‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) Abs has been introduced for the treatment of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), especially tumors resistant to vascular endothelial growth factor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF‐TKIs), but the significance of their expression in the tumor microenvironment is unclear. We investigated these immune checkpoint markers in tumor cells and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIIC) in the tumor microenvironment of 100 untreated and 25 VEGF‐TKI‐treated primary ccRCC tissues. Upregulated expression of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 by TIIC, and PD‐L1 by tumor cells was associated with the histological grade and unfavorable prognosis of RCC patients. High PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression by TIIC was associated with a poorer response to VEGF‐TKI, whereas PD‐L1 expression by tumor cells did not affect the efficacy of the treatment. Furthermore, increased PD‐1‐positive TIIC and PD‐L1‐positive TIIC were observed in tumors treated with VEGF‐TKIs compared with those in untreated tumors. Our data suggest that PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression by TIIC in the tumor microenvironment is involved in treatment resistance, and that sequential therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic strategy for ccRCC resistant to VEGF‐TKI treatment.

Risk of hand-foot skin reaction associated with vascular endothelial growth factor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A meta-analysis of 57 randomized controlled trials involving 24,956 patients

Multiple randomized controlled trials have assessed hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) caused by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs). We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence and the relative risk (RR) of HFSR associated with these agents. Databases were searched for relevant studies. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidences, RR, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by using random-effects or fixed-effects models according to the heterogeneity of the included studies. A total of 24,956 patients from 57 studies were included. The overall incidence of all-grade and high-grade HFSR associated with VEGFR-TKIs was 35.0% (95% CI, 28.6%-41.6%) and 9.7% (95% CI, 7.3%-12.3%), respectively. The use of VEGFR-TKIs significantly increased the risk of developing all-grade (RR, 5.09; 95% CI, 3.52-7.35; P<.001) and high-grade (RR, 9.42; 95% CI, 5.59-15.90; P<.001) HFSR. Subgroup analyses revealed that the risk of HFSR was significantly increased according to tumor type, VEGFR-TKI, trial phase, treatment regimen, and control therapy. No evidence of publication bias was observed. High heterogeneity in most studies. High risk of HFSR is prone to develop in cancer patients receiving VEGFR-TKIs.

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Effect of Body Mass Index on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background: Previous research has identified an association between high body mass index (BMI) and better overall survival (OS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs). Objective: The current study sought to determine whether the effect of BMI on OS extends beyond VEGF-TKIs to mTOR inhibitors or immunotherapy (IO). Design, Setting and Participants: A retrospective study was conducted among patients diagnosed with mRCC treated at a single institution from 2009 to 2017. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. BMI was characterized as high (≥25 kg/m2) versus low (&lt;25 kg/m2). Outcomes Measurement and Statistical Analysis: The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the difference in OS, with comparisons based on BMI and by treatment type. Results and Limitations: Among 353 patients (M = 64 years old, 73% male) 66% were overweight or obese (BMI≥25 kg/m2). Patients were treated with VEGF-TKI (65%), mTOR (23%), or IO (12%). Among patients treated with VEGF-TKI with low BMI, median OS was 24.0 months (95% CI, 20.7–27.2) versus 36.0 months (95% CI, 18.6–53.3) among patients with high BMI (P = 0.02). The median OS for patients with low BMI treated with mTOR was 18.0 months (95% CI, 2.8–33.1), versus 25.0 months (95% CI, 16.6–33.4) among patients with high BMI (P = 0.04). In contrast, patients with low BMI treated with IO had a median OS of 23.6 months (95% CI, 17.5–29.7) versus 19.9 months (95% CI, 10.6–29.2) among patients with high BMI (P = 0.26). The retrospective nature and the small sample size are the main limitations of this study. Conclusions: High-BMI was associated with improved OS in patients with mRCC treated with VEGF-TKI and mTOR, but the inverse trend was observed among patients receiving IO. Our data highlight the need to reassess this phenomenon in the context of IO-based regimens.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

493 Background: PPIs are potent inhibitors of gastric acid secretion and can affect the bioavailability of orally administered cancer targeting therapies, such as vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs). Smaller preclinical and clinical studies have attempted to assess the interaction between VEGF-TKIs and PPIs in patients with advanced cancers; however, these studies are limited and larger analyses from rigorous datasets have been lacking. We investigate the impact of PPI use on survival in patients with mRCC treated with oral VEGF-TKIs. Methods: A pooled analysis of mRCC patients treated on phase II and III clinical trials was conducted. The primary outcome was to assess overall survival (OS) between PPI users, defined as patients receiving a PPI at baseline, compared to non-PPI users. Secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rates (ORR), and adverse events. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox regression adjusted for several risk factors and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Our cohort consisted of 2,188 patients treated with sunitinib (n = 952), axitinib (n = 626), or sorafenib (n = 610), of whom 120 were PPI users. Overall, PPI users demonstrated similar OS compared to non-PPI users (median 24.1 vs. 21.3 months, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.051, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.769-1.438, p = 0.754). Similarly, PFS (5.5 vs. 8.0 months, aHR 1.016, 95% CI 0.793-1.301, p = 0.902) and ORR (23.3% versus 27.4%, p = 0.344) were not different between PPI users and non-users. These findings were consistent across International mRCC Database Consortium risk groups and by line of therapy. Adverse events were also similar between both groups. Conclusions: In this analysis, we demonstrate that PPI use does not appear to negatively impact the efficacy of VEGF-TKIs in mRCC patients treated in the targeted therapy era. Given the current landscape expanding to include more self-administered treatments, documentation of concomitant medications, and patient education on potential drug interactions are critical for optimizing the utilization of oral cancer targeting therapy.

Stool Bacteriomic Profiling in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Diarrhea occurs in approximately half of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) receiving vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKI). We evaluated the relationship between VEGF-TKI-related diarrhea and stool microbiota. Stool samples were collected from 20 mRCC patients receiving VEGF-TKIs. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to characterize the stool bacteriomic profiling of patients. Assay validation with Salmonella typhimurium spike-in experiments suggested greatest speciation with use of the V5 region. Higher levels of Bacteroides spp. and lower levels of Prevotella spp. were found in patients with diarrhea. In addition, patients receiving VEGF-TKIs with mRCC appeared to have less relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. as compared with previous reports based on healthy subjects. We have thus demonstrated interplay between microbiota and VEGF-TKI-induced diarrhea. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the potential causative role of preexisting dysbiosis in VEGF-TKI-related diarrhea.

Next generation sequencing of stool specimens from patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) defines a bacterial profile associated with treatment-related diarrhea.

e15580 Background: In patients with mRCC receiving vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs), diarrhea can be problematic. All grade diarrhea and grade 3-4 diarrhea ...

Stool bacteriomic profiling in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma suggests an etiology of VEGF TKI-related diarrhea.

421 Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF TKIs) remain a mainstay of therapy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Diarrhea represents a pervasive toxicity, with all grade diarrhea affecting roughly 50% of patients receiving VEGF TKIs. The underlying cause of diarrhea in these patients is poorly understood. Methods: Patients with mRCC receiving an FDA-approved VEGF TKI therapy for mRCC were consented. Stool was collected in a standardized fashion and total genomic DNA was isolated using the PowerSoil DNA isolation kit (Mo Bio, USA). A standard PCR protocol was used to amplify bacterial 16S rRNA genes from all samples. PCR primers were used to amplify the V4 and V5 regions of the 16S rRNA. Paired-end of sequencing 2X100bp was performed by Illumina HiSeq 2000, and sequences were clustered using the CD-HIT clustering algorithm. Taxonomy was then assigned using the RDP-II classifier. Non-clustered analyses were also performed, stratifying patients by the presence or absence of diarrhea at the time of stool collection. Results: Of 26 patients consented, 23 patients submitted stool specimens and 20 had sufficient data for the current analysis. Amongst these 20 patients, the median age was 63 and the majority of patients (60%) were intermediate risk by Heng criteria. Eight patients (40%) received VEGF TKI therapy in the first-line setting. Across all lines of therapy, the most commonly used VEGF TKI was sunitinib (44%). A total of 141 bacterial species were identified. With respect to differences in patients who did and did not have diarrhea, the Mann-Whitney U-test identified 7 species with a p value of &lt;0.1. The largest difference was seen in two Bifidobacterium species, B. animalis and B. bifidum, with both bacteria more abundant in patients with no diarrhea. Conclusions: This is the first effort to use stool bacteriomic profiling to ascertain the etiology of VEGF TKI related diarrhea in patients with mRCC. Two Bifidobacterium spp identified in this analysis are commonly found in probiotics. Studies to use probiotics enriched with Bifidobacterium spp to prevent or ameliorate VEGF TKI-related diarrhea are currently in development.

Prognostic significance of host immune status in patients with late relapsing renal cell carcinoma treated with targeted therapy.

We aimed to assess the prognostic role of pretreatment neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) for late relapsing (>5 years) metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Data were collected from 13 Italian centers involved in the treatment of metastatic RCC. Late relapse was defined as >5 years after initial radical nephrectomy. One hundred fifty-one patients were included in this analysis. Among them, MSKCC risk score was favorable in 68 %, intermediate in 29 %, and poor in 3 %. Fifty-six patients (37 %) had NLR ≥3 at the start of VEGFR-TKI therapy (group A), while 95 had lower NLR (63 %, group B). The median overall survival (OS) was 28.8 months in group A and 68.7 months (95 % confidence interval (CI) 45.3-NA) in group B (p < 0.001). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15.8 months in group A and 25.1 months in group B (p = 0.03). At multivariate analysis, MSKCC risk group and NLR were independent prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. Pretreatment NLR is an independent prognostic factor for patients with late relapsing mRCC treated with first-line VEGFR-TKIs. A better characterization of baseline immunological impairment may optimize the management of this RCC subpopulation.