Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 Fusion Research Articles

Abstract 6497: Molecular characterization and drug sensitivity of a gastric FGFR2-TACC2 and a pancreatic KRAS p.G12C primary culture

Abstract Introduction and Objectives: Gastric and pancreatic cancers lack effective therapies, leading to low survival rates particularly in the metastatic setting. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) amplification and fusions with TACC2 appear in 5.5% and 2.1% of gastric tumors, respectively. In pancreatic cancers, the KRAS p.G12C mutation is limited to 1-2% of cases. FDA has recently approved drugs targeting both alterations, pemigatinib and infigratinib for cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusions; sotorasib and adagrasib for KRAS p.G12C mutant lung cancers. Here, we report the initiation of primary cultures that can be used as preclinical models for testing antitumor agents in gastric and pancreatic tumor cells. Materials and Methods: Pleural effusions were collected from a gastric and a pancreatic cancer patient, both metastatic. Cells were isolated by centrifugation, cultured for 2-3 months in complete medium and genotyped using next generation sequencing (NGS) and RNA nCounter hybridization. Primary cultures were treated with specific drugs depending on their molecular alterations and clinical guidelines. Cell viability was determined by MTT. Results: Tumor cells from the pleural effusion of the gastric cancer patient were grown in suspension. NGS and nCounter revealed a FGFR2-TACC2 fusion, a FGFR2 amplification (160 copies) and a TP53 p.G245S mutation (100% variant allele fraction, VAF). The fusion and the amplification were confirmed by FISH. Cells were sensitive to erdafitinib, with IC50=40 nM in MTT assays. Irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin were also tested; IC50 were below the described plasma Cmax in the first two cases. The patient was treated with first-line fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin with partial response and a 5-month progression-free survival. Due to rapid deterioration, 2nd line treatment was not administered. The tumor cells from the pancreatic cancer patient were adherent, NGS revealed a KRAS amplification (9 copies) accompanied by a KRAS p.G12C mutation (81% VAF) and a TP53 p.R175H mutation (99% VAF). MTT assays were performed to determine the cells’ response to oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, adagrasib and sotorasib. IC50s below plasma Cmax were found in the last three cases. Remarkably, the IC50 for sotorasib was 100 nM and for adagrasib was 300 nM. The patient was treated with first-line gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel with partial response but discontinued after three months due to hematological toxicity. Conclusions: Primary cultures can be initiated from malignant pleural effusions and used for genetic characterization and drug sensitivity profiling. Primaries with specific alterations can be employed as preclinical models to test targeted therapies. Citation Format: Silvia Garcia-Roman, Ekaterina Meshoulam Nikolaeva, Juan José García Mosquera, Mónica Garzón Ibáñez, Ruth Roman, Sonia Rodríguez, Cristina Rodríguez, Clara Mayo de las Casas, Rafael Rosell, Miguel A. Molina-Vila, Cristina Aguado Esteban. Molecular characterization and drug sensitivity of a gastric FGFR2-TACC2 and a pancreatic KRAS p.G12C primary culture [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6497.

Global Expanded Access Program for Pemigatinib in Patients with Previously Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Gene Alterations.

Pemigatinib is a fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) inhibitor approved for use in patients with previously treated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements. This ongoing global Expanded Access Program (EAP) allows physicians in regions where pemigatinib is not commercially available to request pemigatinib for patients with locally advanced or metastatic CCA who, in the physician's opinion, could benefit from pemigatinib treatment. Eighty-nine patients from Europe, North America, and Israel were treated from January 2020 through September 2021. Patients had FGFR gene fusions (68.5%), rearrangements (12.4%), translocations (5.6%), amplifications (2.2%), and other alterations (11.2%). Median duration of treatment in the EAP was 4.0 months (range, 0.1-13.6). The most frequently reported adverse event (AE) was hyperphosphatemia (22.5%); the most common serious AE was cholangitis (3.4%). Treatment discontinuation was associated with reports of AEs for seven patients (7.9%). AEs associated with pemigatinib were consistent with those observed in clinical trials. Efficacy was not assessed in this EAP. However, some patients remained on treatment for up to a year, suggesting that they observed a benefit from treatment. Patients with CCA should undergo molecular testing to identify those who could benefit from targeted treatments such as pemigatinib.

Abstract 2647: Novel FGFR2 biparatopic antibodies for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract Translocations involving Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) are found in up to 45% of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Treatment of patients bearing FGFR2 fusions with FGFR kinase inhibitors induces tumor regressions, though response rate and durability of response appear limited due to the emergence of resistance or to sub-optimal dosing which is limited by drug adverse effects. Thus, therapeutics that drive activity specifically towards FGFR2 are needed to enhance drug efficacy and reduce adverse effects. We first asked whether the extracellular domain (ECD) of FGFR2-BICC1 fusion is functional and important for receptor dimerization and signaling using NanoBiT system and western blotting. FGFR ECD consists of 3 Ig-fold domains D1, D2, and D3. Using focus transformation and viability assays, we found that deletions in D1, D2, D3, and D2-3 ECD FGFR2-BICC1 decreased growth and transformation of FGFR2 fusion driven cells. Next, we sought to investigate if antibodies against the ECD could perturb the growth of FGFR2 fusion transformed cells. We identified six FGFR2 specific antibodies that bind to epitopes in the ECD and confirmed the ligand blocking activity of these bivalent antibodies. In the absence of ligand, however, most of the bivalent antibodies were relatively inactive. As standard bivalent antibodies engage two receptors at a time, they are at risk for agonism or the maintenance of tonic signaling. Thus, to enhance efficacy and prevent the potential agonist or tonic activity of bivalent antibodies, all possible biparatopic antibodies (15), recognizing two distinct epitopes on the FGFR2 ECD, were engineered from the six parental antibodies. The biparatopic antibodies exhibited enhanced efficacies in FGFR2-fusion driven NIH3T3/BaF3 and ICC13-7 cancer cell lines and significantly improved binding affinities (~10-fold) as analyzed by Octet, MSD-SET, and SPR. Two biparatopic antibodies (BpAb-1, BpAb-2) showed the highest antiproliferative activity and induced apoptosis in FGFR2 fusion driven cells. BpAb-1, BpAb-2 were superior to their parental antibodies in reducing FGFR2-fusion driven growth, transformation and downstream signaling (pFGFR2, pFRS) in vitro and in reducing tumor growth in xenograft models. Importantly, BpAb-1 and BpAb-2 significantly induced FGFR2 internalization and lysosomal-mediated degradation as compared to their parental antibodies. Moreover, BpAb-1 and BpAb-2 had anti-growth activities against ICC patient-derived oncogenic FGFR2 ECD in-frame deletions, and FGFR kinase resistance mutations, including the gatekeeper mutation V565F. BpAb-1 and BpAb-2 were also active in FGFR2 WT amplified cells SNU-16. These results suggest that these FGFR2 biparatopic antibodies are a novel treatment option for ICC patients with tumors harboring FGFR2 fusions. Citation Format: Saireudee Chaturantabut, Sydney Oliver, John Kim, Dennie Frederick, Foxy Robinson, Alessandro Sinopoli, Diego J. Rodriguez, Liang Chang, Nabeel Bardeesy, William Sellers. Novel FGFR2 biparatopic antibodies for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2647.

Specific recognition of an FGFR2 fusion by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes from a patient with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundMetastatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC), a form of gastrointestinal cancer that originates from the bile ducts, cannot be cured by currently available therapies, and is associated with dismal prognosis. In a previous...

TARGETING FGFR PATHWAY: PRECISION MEDICINE FOR BILIARY CANCER AND BEYOND.

FGFR2 Inhibitors are now being included in the treatment guidelines of multiple countries for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Activation of the FGF-FGFR pathway is related to proliferation and tumor progression. Targeting the FGF-FGFR pathway is effective and can yield durable responses in patients with CCA harboring FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements. In this review article, we address molecules and clinical trials evaluating FGFR inhibitors in advanced CCA. We will further discuss identified mechanisms of resistance and the strategies to overcome it. The incorporation of next-generating sequencing in advanced CCA and circulating tumor DNA on disease progression will unveil mechanisms of resistance and improve the development of future clinical trials and more selective drugs and combinations.

Abstract OT3-24-01: ReFocus: A Phase 1/2 Study of the Highly Selective FGFR2 Inhibitor, RLY-4008, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors Including Breast Cancer

Abstract Background: Oncogenic alterations (gene amplification, mutation, and fusion/rearrangements) of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) are rare and occur at varying frequencies across solid tumor types and have become critical therapeutic targets in drug development. First generation FGFR pan-kinase inhibitors non-selectively inhibit FGFR1-4 and are associated with dose limiting toxicities and narrow therapeutic windows. Off-isoform toxicity (FGFR1-hyperphosphatemia; FGFR4-diarrhea) and on-target acquired resistance have led to limited efficacy, which is primarily seen in FGFR2-fusion+ intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Therapies that selectively target FGFR2 remain an unmet need in advanced breast cancer as well as other solid tumor types. RLY-4008 is a novel, oral FGFR2 inhibitor designed to overcome the limitations of pan-FGFR inhibitors (FGFRi) by potently and selectively targeting primary oncogenic FGFR2 alterations and acquired resistance mutations. RLY-4008 is > 200-fold selective over FGFR1, > 80- and > 5000-fold selective over FGFR3 and FGFR4 respectively. Here we describe a phase 1/2 study to investigate the safety and antitumor activity in advanced FGFR2 altered cancers, including breast cancer. Methods: ReFocus is a phase 1/2 open label global study evaluating the safety and efficacy of RLY-4008 (NCT04526106) in adult patients with advanced unresectable and/or metastatic cancers harboring an FGFR2 alteration. Key eligibility criteria include: documented FGFR2 alteration in blood or tissue per local assessment, ECOG performance status of 0-1, disease that is refractory or not adequately responding to standard therapy, has no available standard therapy, or patient is intolerant of, or declined standard therapy (including pan-FGFRi), and measurable or evaluable disease per RECIST 1.1. FGFR2 alteration will be confirmed retrospectively by central laboratory assessment. Part 1 dose escalation employed the Bayesian Optimal Interval (BOIN) design to determine the MTD/RP2D of RLY-4008. Part 2 dose expansion is presently enrolling patients at the RP2D of RLY-4008 and includes 5 cohorts comprised of patients with: 1. FGFR2 fusion+ cholangiocarcinoma previously treated with an FGFRi; 2. FGFR2 fusion+ cholangiocarcinoma not previously treated with an FGFRi; 3. FGFR2 fusion+ solid tumors; 4. FGFR2 mutation+ solid tumors and 5. FGFR2 amplified solid tumors. Solid tumors in cohorts 3, 4 and 5 will have a focus in breast cancer. The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR); key secondary endpoints include: duration of response, safety and tolerability, correlation of FGFR2 genotype by central tissue assessment with antitumor response, characterization of PK profile, and quality of life. US enrollment began September 2020 and has expanded into Europe and Asia. Clinical trial information: NCT04526106. Citation Format: Suneel Kamath, David Tai, Irene Moreno, Hani Babiker, Zhaohui Jin, Changhoon Yoo, Fabien Ricard, Kai Yu Jen, Jim Coward, Jia Liu, Frans Opdam, Michael Millward, Mariano Ponz-Sarvise, Jeffrey Yachnin, Richard Kim, Joon Oh Park, Vivek Subbiah, Alison M. Schram. ReFocus: A Phase 1/2 Study of the Highly Selective FGFR2 Inhibitor, RLY-4008, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors Including Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-24-01.

Futibatinib for FGFR2-Rearranged Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundAlterations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) have emerged as promising drug targets for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer with a poor prognosis. Futibatinib, a next-generation, covalently binding FGFR1–4 inhibitor, has been shown to have both antitumor activity in patients with FGFR-altered tumors and strong preclinical activity against acquired resistance mutations associated with ATP-competitive FGFR inhibitors.MethodsIn this multinational, open-label, single-group, phase 2 study, we enrolled patients with unresectable or metastatic FGFR2 fusion–positive or FGFR2 rearrangement–positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and disease progression after one or more previous lines of systemic therapy (excluding FGFR inhibitors). The patients received oral futibatinib at a dose of 20 mg once daily in a continuous regimen. The primary end point was objective response (partial or complete response), as assessed by independent central review. Secondary end points included the response duration, progression-free and overall survival, safety, and patient-reported outcomes.ResultsBetween April 16, 2018, and November 29, 2019, a total of 103 patients were enrolled and received futibatinib. A total of 43 of 103 patients (42%; 95% confidence interval, 32 to 52) had a response, and the median duration of response was 9.7 months. Responses were consistent across patient subgroups, including patients with heavily pretreated disease, older adults, and patients who had co-occurring TP53 mutations. At a median follow-up of 17.1 months, the median progression-free survival was 9.0 months and overall survival was 21.7 months. Common treatment-related grade 3 adverse events were hyperphosphatemia (in 30% of the patients), an increased aspartate aminotransferase level (in 7%), stomatitis (in 6%), and fatigue (in 6%). Treatment-related adverse events led to permanent discontinuation of futibatinib in 2% of the patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Quality of life was maintained throughout treatment.ConclusionsIn previously treated patients with FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement–positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the use of futibatinib, a covalent FGFR inhibitor, led to measurable clinical benefit. (Funded by Taiho Oncology and Taiho Pharmaceutical; FOENIX-CCA2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02052778.)

Pemigatinib in cholangiocarcinoma with a FGFR2 rearrangement or fusion

ABSTRACT Introduction Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) accounts for approximately 3% of gastrointestinal malignancies and is associated with a high mortality rate. Recent progress in the understanding of cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis and molecular markers has led to the development of several targeted therapies applicable to this disease. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene fusion or translocation, resulting in constitutive activation of the FGFR tyrosine kinase, has been identified as a driver of oncogenesis in 10–15% of intrahepatic CCA. Pemigatinib is an FGFR inhibitor that has demonstrated survival benefit in the second line setting for treatment of CCA with FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement refractory to chemotherapy. Pemigatinib was the first targeted therapy to be approved by the FDA for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. Areas covered This article reviews FGFR and its dysregulation in oncogenesis, FGFR inhibitors, especially pemigatinib, utilized in treatment of CCA, common adverse events associated with FGFR inhibitors, and future directions in the field of targeted drug development for CCA. Expert opinion FGFR inhibitors, including pemigatinib, have shown promise in the management of CCA with FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement; however, acquired resistance remains a major barrier in the field of FGFR inhibitors and requires further study.

Impact of FGFR2 gene fusions on survival of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma following curative intent resection.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an aggressive cancer with diverse mutational profiles. An important molecular subtype is fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion. The effect of FGFR2 fusions on prognosis is unknown. Our aim was to assess the outcomes in resected CCA patients in relation to FGFR2 status. Surgically treated CCA patients from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed between 2008 and 2014. FGFR rearrangements were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Data included patient demographics, tumor pathology, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Ninety-five patients underwent surgical resection for iCCA. Twelve (13%) of these were found to have FGFR2 fusion, none of which were treated with FGFR targeted therapy. Patients with FGFR2 fusions were found to have a longer 5-year (83 vs. 32%, p = 0.01) and 10-year (46 vs. 22%, p = 0.04) OS. Five and 10-year DFS was also increased (68 vs. 33% p = 0.04) and (68 vs. 25 %, p = 0.02,). FGFR2 fusion status was the strongest independent factor associated with improved OS (HR 0.23, 0.09-0.62, p=0.003) and DFS (HR 0.18, 0.05-0.67, p=0.01). Patients with CCA FGFR2 fusion have improved OS and DFS following surgical resection.

LCK inhibition downregulates YAP activity and is therapeutic in patient-derived models of cholangiocarcinoma

There is an unmet need to develop novel, effective medical therapies for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The Hippo pathway effector, Yes-associated protein (YAP), is oncogenic in CCA, but has historically been difficult to target therapeutically. Recently, we described a novel role for the LCK proto-oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase (LCK) in activating YAP through tyrosine phosphorylation. This led to the hypothesis that LCK is a viable therapeutic target in CCA via regulation of YAP activity. A novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor with relative selectivity for LCK, NTRC 0652-0, was pharmacodynamically profiled invitro and in CCA cells. A panel of eight CCA patient-derived organoids were characterized and tested for sensitivity to NTRC 0652-0. Two patient-derived xenograft models bearing fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)-rearrangements were utilized for invivo assessment of pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and efficacy. NTRC 0652-0 demonstrated selectivity for LCK inhibition invitro and in CCA cells. LCK inhibition with NTRC 0652-0 led to decreased tyrosine phosphorylation, nuclear localization, and co-transcriptional activity of YAP, and resulted in apoptotic cell death in CCA cell lines. A subset of tested patient-derived organoids demonstrated sensitivity to NTRC 0652-0. CCAs with FGFR2 fusions were identified as a potentially susceptible and clinically relevant genetic subset. In patient-derived xenograft models of FGFR2 fusion-positive CCA, daily oral treatment with NTRC 0652-0 resulted in stable plasma and tumor drug levels, acceptable toxicity, decreased YAP tyrosine phosphorylation, and significantly decreased tumor growth. A novel LCK inhibitor, NTRC 0652-0, inhibited YAP signaling and demonstrated preclinical efficacy in CCA cell lines, and patient-derived organoid and xenograft models. Although aberrant YAP activation is frequently seen in CCA, YAP targeted therapies are not yet clinically available. Herein we show that a novel LCK-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (NTRC 0652-0) effectively inhibits YAP tyrosine phosphorylation and cotranscriptional activity and is well tolerated and cytotoxic in multiple preclinical models. The data suggest this approach may be effective in CCA with YAP dependence or FGFR2 fusions, and these findings warrant further investigation in phase I clinical trials.

The clinical landscape of cell-free DNA alterations in 1671 patients with advanced biliary tract cancer

Targeted therapies have transformed clinical management of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis is an attractive approach for cancer genomic profiling that overcomes many limitations of traditional tissue-based analysis. We examined cfDNA as a tool to inform clinical management of patients with advanced BTC and generate novel insights into BTC tumor biology. We analyzed next-generation sequencing data of 2068 cfDNA samples from 1671 patients with advanced BTC generated with Guardant360. We carried out clinical annotation on a multi-institutional subset (n= 225) to assess intra-patient cfDNA-tumor concordance and the association of cfDNA variant allele fraction (VAF) with clinical outcomes. Genetic alterations were detected in cfDNA in 84% of patients, with targetable alterations detected in 44% of patients. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations, and BRAF V600E were clonal in the majority of cases, affirming these targetable alterations as early driver events in BTC. Concordance between cfDNA and tissue for mutation detection was high for IDH1 mutations (87%) and BRAF V600E (100%), and low for FGFR2 fusions (18%). cfDNA analysis uncovered novel putative mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies, including mutation of the cysteine residue (FGFR2 C492F) to which covalent FGFR inhibitors bind. High pre-treatment cfDNA VAF was associated with poor prognosis and shorter response to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Finally, we report the frequency of promising targets in advanced BTC currently under investigation in other advanced solid tumors, including KRAS G12C (1.0%), KRAS G12D (5.1%), PIK3CA mutations (6.8%), and ERBB2 amplifications (4.9%). These findings from the largest and most comprehensive study to date of cfDNA from patients with advanced BTC highlight the utility of cfDNA analysis in current management of this disease. Characterization of oncogenic drivers and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in this study will inform drug development efforts to reduce mortality for patients with BTC.

Abstract 3472: Clinical outcomes and genomic evolution of FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract Background: Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) alterations are commonly found 14-20% patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. FGFR inhibition has been investigated for more than 7 years on clinical trials. More recently, pemigatinib and infigratinib, tyrosine kinase inhibitors of FGFR 1, 2, and 3 received approval from the FDA in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements in the second-line setting. There are limited data about evolution of mutational profiles post progression from FGFR2 inhibition. Methods: Clinical outcomes data and mutational profiles were obtained from a retrospective database collected via an institutional DNA sequencing panel including tissue sequencing and cell free DNA (cfDNA), Foundation One, Guardant360, and Tempus. A total of 102 patients treated at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2013 - 2021 with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma harboring FGFR2 fusions (91 patients) and rearrangements (11) were analyzed. Results: Female 55 (54%) and male 47 (46%) patients; 99 patients had stage IV, 3 patients with stage IIIB at initiation of FGFR inhibition; median age, 59. Out of 91 patients with FGFR2 fusions, there were 52 different fusion partners: BICC1, AHCYL1, TACC2, and NOL4 with 24, 5, 4, and 3 patients, respectively. Forty two (42) patients with FGFR2 fusions and 9 patients with FGFR2 rearrangements received FGFR inhibitors: these include infigratinib (13), pemigatinib (17), futibatinib (14), derazantinib (5), and zoligratinib (2). Out of 51 patients, 14 (28%) patients received FGFR inhibition in the front-line setting, 15 (29%) and 22 (43%) received one prior, two/more (2 - 6), respectively. The median progression-free survival in 51 patients was 8.8 months (95% CI, 7.2 - 10.3), and median overall survival was 24.7 months (95% CI, 15.9 - 33.2). Eighteen (18) patients with FGFR2 fusions have mutational profiles before and post-progression on FGFR2 inhibition: 15 (83%) patients showed no more FGFR2 fusions; 3 patients showed the same fusions after progression. New FGFR alterations post-progression included FGFR1_K139I, FGFR2_N549K (2 patients), FGFR2_N549H, FGFR2_V564F, FGFR2 fusion with SYNPO2. New gene mutations that did not exist before FGFR inhibition but developed post progression included PIK3CA (2 patients), APC (2 patients), BRAF V600E/A694T, NRAS, BAP1, GNAS, TP53, and other mutations. Conclusion: The genomic evolution post-progression on FGFR inhibition involves acquired resistance in multiple pathways. Targeting co-alterations acquired post-progression with drug combination may overcome these resistance mechanisms and potentiate the efficacy of FGFR inhibition. Citation Format: Brent B. Cham, Sunyoung S. Lee. Clinical outcomes and genomic evolution of FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3472.

Incidence of FGFR2 Amplification and FGFR2 Fusion in Patients with Metastatic Cancer Using Clinical Sequencing.

Aberrations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor2 (FGFR2) gene, including genetic alterations and chromosomal rearrangements, lead to the development and progression of cancer with poor prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the FGFR2 signaling pathway to facilitate the development of FGFR2-targeted therapies have not been fully explored. Here, we examined the clinicopathological features of FGFR2 amplification and fusion in gastrointestinal tract/genitourinary tract cancers. FGFR2 amplification and fusion were identified in approximately 1.5% and 1.1% of all cancer types in 1,373 patients, respectively, with both FGFR2 amplification and fusion occurring together at a rate of approximately 0.6%. Of all cancer types screened, gastric cancer (GC) was the most common cancer type with FGFR2 amplification (87.5% of all FGFR2 amplification case) or fusion (46.7% of all cases). In addition, FGFR2 alteration had poorer overall survival (OS, 13.7 months vs. 50.2 months, P = 0.0001) and progression-free survival (PFS, 5.6 months vs. 11.4 months, P = 0.0005) than did those without FGFR2 alteration, respectively. Taken together, our data underscore to screen solid cancer patients for FGFR2 aberrations in oncology clinic.

Combination therapies for targeting FGFR2 fusions in cholangiocarcinoma

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion proteins (FFs) are oncogenic drivers in 10-15% of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). FGFR-specific inhibitors provide temporary benefit in FF+ unresectable patients. Recent work with mouse iCCA models has documented the necessary role of RAS-ERK downstream to FFs and provided examples of preclinical experimentation aimed at improving FF targeting in iCCA.

The Evolving Role of FGFR2 Inhibitors in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: From Molecular Biology to Clinical Targeting.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an anatomically and biologically distinct entity with a rising incidence and a poor prognosis on conventional treatments. Surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is a potentially curative option in resectable cases, while palliative-intent chemotherapy is the standard-of-care in the advanced setting. Technological advances through massive parallel sequencing have enabled a deeper understanding of disease biology with the identification of several druggable molecular vulnerabilities in nearly 50% of cases. Among them, gene fusions involving the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) are the most therapeutically exploited so far with a number of Phase II clinical trials investigating FGFR2 inhibitors showing unprecedented efficacy results in this molecular subgroup. Over the last year, these efforts have culminated in the US FDA-approval of pemigatinib and infigratinib, the first two oral selective FGFR2 targeted agents for previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic iCCA driven by FGFR2 fusion or rearrangements. While first-line Phase III trials are currently underway to test these targeted approach against standard-of-care chemotherapy, translational studies are trying to better understand primary and secondary resistance mechanisms in order to optimize FGFR2 blockade in iCCA. In this article, we extensively reviewed the current evidence on the biological rationale, as well as preclinical and clinical development of FGFR inhibitors in iCCA.

The Co-mutational Spectrum Determines the Therapeutic Response in Murine FGFR2 Fusion-Driven Cholangiocarcinoma.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver cancer and a highly lethal malignancy. Chemotherapeutic options are limited, but a considerable subset of patients harbors genetic lesions for which targeted agents exist. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions belong to the most frequent and therapeutically relevant alterations in ICC, and the first FGFR inhibitor was recently approved for the treatment of patients with progressed, fusion-positive ICC. Response rates of up to 35% indicate that FGFR-targeted therapies are beneficial in many but not all patients. Thus far, no established biomarkers exist that predict resistance or response to FGFR-targeted therapies in patients with ICC. In this study, we use an autochthonous murine model of ICC to demonstrate that FGFR2 fusions are potent drivers of malignant transformation. Furthermore, we provide preclinical evidence that the co-mutational spectrum acts not only as an accelerator of tumor development, but also modifies the response to targeted FGFR inhibitors. Using pharmacologic approaches and RNA-interference technology, we delineate that Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene (KRAS)-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling causes primary resistance to FGFR inhibitors in FGFR2 fusion-positive ICC. The translational relevance is supported by the observation that a subset of human FGFR2 fusion patients exhibits transcriptome profiles reminiscent of KRAS mutant ICC. Moreover, we demonstrate that combination therapy has the potential to overcome primary resistance and to sensitize tumors to FGFR inhibition. Our work highlights the importance of the co-mutational spectrum as a significant modifier of response in tumors that harbor potent oncogenic drivers. A better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of resistance will be pivotal to improve biomarker-guided patient selection and to design clinically relevant combination strategies.

A Pancancer Analysis of the Expression Landscape and Clinical Relevance of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Human Cancers.

Background: Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is frequently altered in tumors and one of the top therapeutic targets in cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) with FGFR2 fusions. Although there have been several studies on individual tumors, a comprehensive analysis of FGFR2 genetic aberrations and their simultaneous clinical implications across different tumors have not been reported.Methods: In this study, we used the large comprehensive datasets available, covering over 10,000 tumor samples across more than 30 cancer types, to analyze FGFR2 abnormal expression, methylation, alteration (mutations/fusions and amplification/deletion), and their clinical associations.Results: Alteration frequency, mutation location distribution, oncogenic effects, and therapeutic implications varied among different cancers. The overall mutation rate of FGFR2 is low in pancancer. CHOL had the highest mutation frequency, and fusion accounted for the major proportion. All these fusion aberrations in CHOL were targetable, and an FDA-approved drug was approved recently. Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) had the highest number of FGFR2 mutations, and the most frequently mutated positions were S252W and N549K, where the functional impact was oncogenic, but targeted therapy was less effective. Additionally, DNA methylation was associated with FGFR2 expression in several cancers. Moreover, FGFG2 expression and genetic aberrations showed clinical associations with patient survival in several cancers, indicating their potential for application as new tumor markers and therapeutic targets.Conclusions: This study showed the full FGFR2 alteration spectrum and provided a broad molecular perspective of FGFR2 in a comprehensive manner, suggesting some new directions for clinical targeted therapy of cancers.

FGFR2 fusion proteins drive oncogenic transformation of mouse liver organoids towards cholangiocarcinoma

About 15% of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCAs) express fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion proteins (FFs), usually alongside mutational inactivation of TP53, CDKN2A or BAP1. In FFs, FGFR2 residues 1-768 fuse to sequences encoded by a diverse array of partner genes (>60) causing oncogenic FF activation. While FGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (F-TKI) provide clinical benefit in FF+ iCCA, responses are partial and/or limited by resistance mechanisms, such as the V565F substitution in the FGFR2 gatekeeper residue. Improving on FF targeting in iCCA therefore remains a critical unmet need. Herein, we aimed to generate a murine model of FF-driven iCCA and use this to uncover actionable FF-associated dependencies. Four iCCA FFs carrying different fusion sequences were expressed in Tp53-/- mouse liver organoids. Tumorigenic properties of genetically modified liver organoids were assessed by transplantation into immuno-deficient mice. Cellular models derived from neoplastic lesions were exploited for pre-clinical studies. Transplantation of FF-expressing liver organoids yielded tumors diagnosed as CCA based on histological, phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses. The penetrance of this tumorigenic phenotype was influenced by FF identity. Tumor organoids and 2D cell lines derived from CCA lesions were addicted to FF signaling via Ras-Erk, regardless of FF identity or V565F mutation. Dual blockade of FF and the Ras-Erk pathway by concomitant pharmacological inhibition of FFs and Mek1/2 provided greater therapeutic efficacy than single agent F-TKI invitro and invivo. FF-driven iCCA pathogenesis was successfully modeled on a Tp53-/- murine background, revealing biological heterogeneity among structurally different FFs. Double blockade of FF-ERK signaling deserves consideration for precision-based approaches against human FF+ iCCA. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare cancer that is difficult to treat. A subtype of iCCA is caused by genomic alterations that generate oncogenic drivers known as FGFR2 fusions. Patients with FGFR2 fusions respond to FGFR inhibitors, but clinical responses are often of modest duration. We used animal and cellular models to show that FGFR2 fusions require the activity of a downstream effector named Mek1/2. We found that dual blockade of FGFR2 fusions and Mek1/2 was more effective than isolated inhibition of FGFR2 fusions, pointing to the potential clinical utility of dual FGFR2-MEK1/2 blockade in patients with iCCA.

Typing FGFR2 translocation determines the response to targeted therapy of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas

Chromosomal translocations involving fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene at the breakpoints are common genetic lesions in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and the resultant fusion protein products have emerged as promising druggable targets. However, predicting the sensitivity of FGFR2 fusions to FGFR kinase inhibitors is crucial to the prognosis of the ICC-targeted therapy. Here, we report identification of nine FGFR2 translocations out of 173 (5.2%) ICC tumors. Although clinicopathologically these FGFR2 translocation bearing ICC tumors are indistinguishable from the rest of the cohort, they are invariably of the mass-forming type originated from the small bile duct. We show that the protein products of FGFR2 fusions can be classified into three subtypes based on the breaking positions of the fusion partners: the classical fusions that retain the tyrosine kinase (TK) and the Immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains (n = 6); the sub-classical fusions that retain only the TK domain without the Ig-like domain (n = 1); and the non-classical fusions that lack both the TK and Ig-like domains (n = 2). We demonstrate that cholangiocarcinoma cells engineered to express the classical and sub-classical fusions show sensitivity to FGFR-specific kinase inhibitors as evident by the suppression of MAPK/ERK and AKT/PI3K activities following the inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, the kinase-deficient mutant of the sub-classical fusion also lost its sensitivity to the FGFR-specific inhibitors. Taken together, our study suggests that it is essential to determine the breakpoint and type of FGFR2 fusions in the small bile duct subtype of ICC for the targeted treatment.

Final results from a phase II study of infigratinib (BGJ398), an FGFR-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with previously treated advanced cholangiocarcinoma harboring an FGFR2 gene fusion or rearrangement.

265 Background: Treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) after progression on first-line gemcitabine-based therapy are limited. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 ( FGFR2) gene fusions occur in 13–17% of intrahepatic CCA. A single-arm, phase II study (NCT02150967) evaluated infigratinib, an ATP-competitive FGFR1–3-selective oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in previously-treated advanced CCA with FGFR fusions/rearrangements. Methods: Adult patients with advanced/metastatic CCA with progression on ≥1 line of systemic therapy received infigratinib 125 mg orally for 21 days of each 28-day cycle until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. All patients received prophylaxis with the oral phosphate binder sevelamer. Primary endpoint: objective response rate (ORR) by independent central review per RECIST v1.1, with duration of response (DOR). Secondary endpoints: progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate, overall survival, safety, pharmacokinetics. Approximately 160 patients are planned (120/20/20 patients in Cohorts 1/2/3). This analysis focuses on Cohort 1 (patients with FGFR2 gene fusions or rearrangements without receiving a prior FGFR inhibitor). Results: As of 31 March 2020, 108 patients, including 83 (77%) with FGFR2 fusions, received infigratinib: median age 53 years (range 23–81 years); 54% had received ≥2 prior treatment lines. Median follow-up was 10.6 months (range 1.1–55.9 months). 96 patients (88.9%) discontinued treatment (12 ongoing). Centrally reviewed ORR was 23.1% (95% CI 15.6–32.2) including 1 CR and 24 PRs; median DOR was 5.0 months (range 0.9–19.1 months). Among responders, 8 (32.0%) patients had a DOR of ≥6 months. Median PFS was 7.3 months (95% CI 5.6–7.6 months). Prespecified subgroup analysis: ORR was 34% (17/50) in the second-line setting and 13.8% (8/58) in the third-/later-line setting (3–8 prior treatments). Most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs, any grade) were hyperphosphatemia (76.9%), eye disorders (67.6%, excluding central serous retinopathy/retinal pigment epithelium detachment [CSR/RPED]), stomatitis (54.6%), and fatigue (39.8%). CSR/RPED occurred in 16.7% of patients (including 1 G3 event; 0 G4). Other common grade 3/4 TEAEs were stomatitis (14.8%; all G3), hyponatremia (13.0%; all G3), and hypophosphatemia (13.0%; 13 G3, 1 G4). Conclusions: Infigratinib is associated with promising anticancer activity and a manageable AE profile in patients with advanced, refractory CCA with an FGFR2 gene fusion or rearrangement. A phase III study of infigratinib versus gemcitabine/cisplatin is ongoing in the front-line setting (NCT03773302). Clinical trial information: NCT02150967.