Incidence Of Treatment-related Adverse Events Research Articles

Liposomal irinotecan plus fluorouracil/leucovorin in older patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: a single-center retrospective study.

The global phase 3 NAPOLI -1 trial of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) demonstrated an overall survival (OS) benefit from using liposomal irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV) after treatment with gemcitabine (GEM) compared to 5-FU/LV alone. However, the efficacy and safety of this regimen in older patients are not well studied. We conducted a single-center retrospective study to compare the therapeutic efficacy of nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV between older and younger patients with cutoff ages of 70 and 75years, respectively. We included patients with a prior history of one or more GEM-based regimens for locally advanced or metastatic PDAC and were treated with nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV. Of the 115 patients, 54 (47.0%) and 24 (20.9%) were aged ≥ 70 and ≥ 75years, respectively. The median OS and progression-free survival (PFS) of the entire cohort were 8.5 and 3.6months, respectively. No significant differences were observed in OS and PFS hazard ratios using age cutoffs of 70 (P = 0.90 and 0.99, respectively) and 75 (P = 0.90 and 0.76, respectively) years. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) between patients aged ≥ 70 and < 70years or those aged ≥ 75 and < 75years. Other than hematological toxicity, no trAEs higher than Grade 4 were observed in either age group. The efficacy and safety of nal-IRI + 5-FU/LV for patients with PDAC are not significantly different for those aged ≥ 70years compared to younger patients.

Sarcopenia affects the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with gastrointestinal cancers

The impact of sarcopenia on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) patients remains uncertain in clinical practice. Hence, this study aims to investigate the potential correlation between sarcopenia and the clinical outcomes of GIC patients treated with ICIs. To gather pertinent studies, a systematic literature search was implemented across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The primary outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), measured with the hazard ratio (HR). And the secondary outcomes, including disease control rate (DCR), overall response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AE), were evaluated with the odd ratio (OR). A total of 13 articles involving 1294 patients were collected for this analysis. The pooled results revealed that GIC patients with sarcopenia had significantly poorer OS (HR=1.697, 95% CI=1.367-2.106, p<0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.551, 95% CI: 1.312-1.833, p<0.001), and lower ORR (OR=0.594, 95% CI=0.388-0.909, p=0.016) and DCR (OR: 0.553, 95% CI: 0.360-0.850, p=0.007) compared to those without sarcopenia. However, sarcopenia did not increase the incidence of treatment-related adverse events compared with non-sarcopenia (OR=1.377, 95% CI=0.693-2.737, p=0.361). According to subgroup analysis, the association between sarcopenia and the therapeutic effect of ICI on patients with primary liver cancer or gastric cancer was consistent with the above findings. Sarcopenia is significantly correlated with poorer treatment response and worse long-term efficacy in GIC patients treated with ICIs. Moreover, sarcopenia does not increase the incidence of adverse events.

Efficacy and safety of zimberelimab (GLS-010) monotherapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer: a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study

ObjectiveThere is an unmet need to improve clinical outcomes for patients with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors represent a promising treatment strategy. We evaluated the safety and anti-tumor activity of...

Difelikefalin for Hemodialysis Patients with Pruritus in Japan

BackgroundDifelikefalin, a peripherally specific selective agonist of kappa opioid receptors, has been approved for the treatment of pruritus in hemodialysis patients in the United States. However, there is limited evidence for postdialysis intravenous use in non-U.S. populations.MethodsIn this double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial in Japan, patients with moderate to severe pruritus were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive either placebo or 0.5 μg/kg of difelikefalin three times per week intravenously for 6 weeks. The primary end point was change from baseline in the Worst Itching Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; 0 to 10; higher scores indicate more severe itching) score at week 4.ResultsA total of 230 patients were screened, of whom 178 were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n=89) or difelikefalin (n=89). The change from baseline in the weekly adjusted mean NRS score (95% confidence interval) at week 4 in the placebo and difelikefalin groups was −1.09 (−1.47 to −0.70) and −2.06 (−2.45 to −1.66), respectively. The difference between the groups was −0.97 (−1.52 to −0.42), demonstrating that difelikefalin was superior to placebo (P<0.001). Prespecified secondary quality-of-life end points showed consistent improvement associated with difelikefalin. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events in the placebo and difelikefalin groups was 3 of 89 patients (3%) and 13 of 89 patients (15%), respectively, of which the majority in the difelikefalin group were gastrointestinal (e.g., constipation and abdominal discomfort).ConclusionsIntravenous difelikefalin reduced itching and improved quality of life in patients with moderate to severe pruritus who were undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. (Funded by Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04711603.)

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Randomized controlled trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in treating patients with NSCLC were comprehensively retrieved from electronic databases, eligible studies, previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, guidelines, and conference abstracts. The meta-analysis was performed by the Stata/SE 12.0 software. Eleven randomized controlled trials were eventually included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy significantly improved the objective response rate compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT; 62.46% vs 41.88%, P = 0.003), but the objective response rate of neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy was roughly comparable to that of neoadjuvant single-immunotherapy (15.74% vs 10.45%, P = 0.387). Major pathologic response (MPR) rate and pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy were significantly superior to neoadjuvant CT alone and neoadjuvant single-immunotherapy, respectively. Compared with neoadjuvant CT alone, neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy increased the down-staging rate (40.16% vs 26.70%, P = 0.060), the surgical resection rate (83.69% vs 73.07%, P = 0.231), and R0 resection rate (86.19% vs 77.98%, P = 0.502), but there were no statistically significant differences. Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy did not increase the postoperative complications rate than neoadjuvant CT alone (40.20% vs 41.30%, P = 0.920). In terms of safety, neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy did not increase the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and the grade 3 or higher TRAEs. In summary, neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy had better clinical efficacy than neoadjuvant CT for patients with NSCLC. MPR rate and pCR rate of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy were significantly superior to neoadjuvant CT and neoadjuvant single-immunotherapy, respectively, for patients with NSCLC, showing that MPR rate and pCR rate were probably considered as alternative endpoints for survival benefit. TRAEs were comparable between the corresponding groups. The long-term survival outcome of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with NSCLC needs to be further confirmed to better guide clinical practice.

325. CAMRELIZUMAB IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMOTHERAPY VERSUS CHEMORADIOTHERAPY FOR THE CONVERSION OF UNRESECTABLE ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY PROTOCOL

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy is the standard of care for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, approximately 30% of patients still develop distant metastases and have a high incidence of treatment-related adverse events. Immunotherapy, as a new modality for anti-cancer treatment, has shown promising clinical benefits for patients with ESCC. The synergistic effects of immunotherapy and radiotherapy make their combination promising as neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced ESCC. Methods All participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled after signing the informed consent form. Patients with thoracic segment esophageal cancer with clinical stage T2–3 N0 M0 or T2–3 N+ M0 will be included. They will be treated with radical surgery within 4–8 weeks after the completion of two cycles of neoadjuvant radiotherapy in combination with camrelizumab according to the study schedule. The primary endpoint is the major pathological remission rate of all per-protocol patients. The secondary endpoints are the R0 resection rate, pathological complete remission rate, and adverse events. The interim analysis will be conducted after half of the planned number of patients have been enrolled. The trials will be terminated when more than two treatment-related deaths occur or fewer than five patients have major pathological remission. Discussion We designed this prospective single-arm phase II clinical study to evaluate the combination of camrelizumab and standard radiotherapy as preoperative neoadjuvant therapy for patients with resectable ESCC as part of the quest for better treatment options for patients with locally advanced ESCC. Trial registration: This trial protocol has been registered on NIH Clinical Trials database (www.clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT05176002). The posted information will be updated as needed to reflect protocol amendments and study progress.

Real-world comparison of pembrolizumab and nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundNivolumab and pembrolizumab have not been directly compared in clinical trials, and the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of nivolumab versus pembrolizumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in real-world practice.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with HCC who received intravenous nivolumab or pembrolizumab alone as second-line and later therapy. The objective response was determined according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria version 1.1. Adverse events (AEs) were graded based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Prognostic values were estimated using hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsIn total, 120 patients were enrolled, including 95 who received nivolumab and 25 who received pembrolizumab. All patients were staged as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C, and 29 patients were classified as Child-Pugh classification B (7). The response rate of the pembrolizumab and nivolumab groups were 8.0% and 7.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the median PFS between the pembrolizumab and nivolumab groups (2.7 months versus 2.9 months). The median OS in the nivolumab group was longer than that in the pembrolizumab group (10.8 months versus 8.1 months); however, the difference was not statistically significant. The effects of pembrolizumab and nivolumab on the median PFS and OS were consistent across the subgroups based on baseline characteristics. The severity of all AEs was grades 1–2 without treatment interruption or dose adjustment; there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of treatment-related AEs between these two groups. Additionally, the percentage of patients receiving subsequent therapy was consistent between the two groups.ConclusionThe efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab and nivolumab were comparable in the management of patients with pretreated HCC in real-world practice.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Child-Pugh Class B Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, data on ICI therapy in patients with advanced HCC and impaired liver function are scarce. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of ICI treatment for advanced HCC with Child-Pugh B liver function. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies from inception through June 15, 2022. Randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, or single-group studies that investigated the efficacy or safety of ICI therapy for Child-Pugh B advanced HCC were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline was followed to extract data. A random-effects model was adopted if the heterogeneity was significant (I2 > 50%); otherwise, a fixed-effect model was used. The objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) were considered to be the primary efficacy outcomes of ICI treatment for Child-Pugh B advanced HCC, and the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) was set as the primary measure for the safety outcome. A total of 22 studies including 699 patients with Child-Pugh B and 2114 with Child-Pugh A advanced HCC comprised the analytic sample (median age range, 53-73 years). Upon pooled analysis, patients treated with ICIs in the Child-Pugh B group had an ORR of 14% (95% CI, 11%-17%) and disease control rate (DCR) of 46% (95% CI, 36%-56%), with a median OS of 5.49 (95% CI, 3.57-7.42) months and median progression-free survival of 2.68 (95% CI, 1.85-3.52) months. The rate of any grade trAEs in the Child-Pugh B group was 40% (95% CI, 34%-47%) and of grade 3 or higher trAEs was 12% (95% CI, 6%-23%). Compared with the Child-Pugh A group, the ORR (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.43-0.81; P < .001) and DCR (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50-0.81; P < .001) were lower in the Child-Pugh B group. Child-Pugh B was independently associated with worse OS in patients with advanced HCC treated with ICIs (hazard ratio, 2.72 [95% CI, 2.34-3.16]; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.81-2.99]). However, ICIs were not associated with increased trAEs in the Child-Pugh B group. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that although the safety of ICI treatment was comparable between patients with HCC with vs without advanced liver disease and the treatment resulted in a significant number of radiologic responses, survival outcomes are still inferior in patients with worse liver function. More study is needed to determine the effectiveness of ICI treatment in this population.

Evaluation of the Role of Preoperative Oral Amisulpride as Part of a Multimodal Antiemetic Prophylaxis Regime on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study.

Patients undergoing craniotomy are at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) despite the use of prophylactic antiemetics. We hypothesized that a single preoperative oral dose of amisulpride as part of a multimodal antiemetic regimen would decrease the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumor surgery. Adult patients scheduled for elective craniotomy requiring general anesthesia were enrolled and randomized to receive either oral amisulpride 25mg or placebo 2 hours before surgery in addition to our institution's usual antiemetic regimen. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of nausea and/or vomiting during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included severity of nausea, use of rescue antiemetic medications, and treatment-related adverse events. A total of 100 patients were included in the analysis. More patients in the amisulpride group had no episodes of nausea (90% vs. 40%; P<0.001) and no episodes of vomiting (94% vs. 46%; P<0.001) compared with the placebo group. The severity of nausea was lower in the amisulpride group than in the control group in the first 4 hours after surgery (P<0.05), and fewer patients receiving amisulpride required rescue antiemetics (P<0.001). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar between groups. A single preoperative oral dose of amisulpride 25mg as a component of a multimodal antiemetic regimen decreased the incidence and severity of PONV in patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumor surgery, with no adverse effects.

PD-1 Inhibitors in Elderly and Immunocompromised Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, with aging and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays being the main causes of the disease. Cemiplimab and pembrolizumab recently gained regulatory approval for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic cSCC-conditions that are not treatable by surgical resection and/or radiotherapy. Although the results from the clinical trials have been promising, these studies have not included immunosuppressed, elderly patients. In this study, we included all immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients over the age of 75 years diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC and treated with cemiplimab or pembrolizumab. The median duration of follow-up from cSCC diagnosis was 35.6 months, 82.9% of patients were male, and the median age was 83 years old. The median progression-free survival was 8.94 months. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 85.6%, the majority of which were grades 1 or 2. The disease control rate was 91.4%, the complete response rate was 17.1%, the partial response rate was 51.4%, the stable disease rate was 23%, and the progressive disease rate was 8.7%. Based on this study, cemiplimab and pembrolizumab for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cSCC in elderly, immunocompromised patients are efficacious, with acceptable safety profiles.

LMAP-16 THE EFFECTS OF POSTOPERATIVE STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY TIMING ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH INTRACRANIAL METASTASES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) after neurosurgical resection improves local tumor control in patients with metastatic brain cancer. However, the influence of timing on its therapeutic efficacy is unclear, and a lack of consensus and standardization limits its optimization. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis examining publications that reported the timing of postoperative SRS for patients with intracranial metastases. Our primary outcomes included median overall survival and rates of local and regional failure, while our secondary outcomes examined the incidence of treatment-related adverse events. Correlations between median SRS timing and these variables were assessed using linear regression and publication bias was appraised via Egger’s test. Our systematic review resulted in 22 articles comprising 1338 patients who met the criteria for inclusion. The median timing of adjuvant SRS spanned 14.5 to 41 days. There was a significant positive study-level correlation of median time to SRS with regional failure (P=0.043, R2=0.32) but not with overall survival (P=0.54, R2=0.03) or local failure (P=0.16, R2= 0.14). Data regarding adverse events related to treatment was limited in the literature and there was significant heterogeneity within the reports (P&amp;lt;0.0001). Overall, our results demonstrate institutions with a longer time between surgery and SRS had lower rates of regional failure, however, this did not affect rates of local failure or patient survival. Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of timing for postoperative SRS on oncologic outcomes as well as the factors that contribute to optimal radiosurgery workflow in this patient population.

Dynamic toxicity landscape of immunotherapy for solid tumors across treatment lines

ObjectiveImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and lymphocyte-activation gene-3 (LAG-3) have been widely studied and applied throughout the course of cancer treatment. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive profile of ICI-associated toxicity and elucidate the toxicity patterns of ICIs across different treatment lines. MethodsIn total, 155 cohorts comprising 24 539 eligible patients were included in the safety analysis. Trial name, registration number, cancer type, trial phase, clinical setting, trial design, regimen, dosing schedule, age, sex and ethnicity distributions, number of patients, number of treatment-related adverse events (trAEs), and number of treatment-related death were extracted. We defined a timeline from the neoadjuvant setting to the third-line setting. We also introduced a synthesizing principle for adverse event rates (SPAER) of immunotherapy to ensure the comparability and reliability across different treatment lines. The study protocol was registered and approved by the PROSPERO protocol review committee (CRD42021242368). ResultsAfter excluding the neoadjuvant setting group, we observed a distinct reduction in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) with an advancement of the line of ICI treatment. The incidence of trAEs was negatively correlated with the line of treatment, irrespective of whether monotherapy or dual-ICI combination therapy was administered. Sensitivity analyses also confirmed the coincident negative correlations. ConclusionIn summary, using a timeline-based concept centered around treatment lines, we revealed the dynamic landscape of ICI-associated toxicity and found that patients treated with ICIs during later lines of therapy may have a lower risk of trAEs.

Report of a phase 1 clinical trial for safety assessment of human placental mesenchymal stem cells therapy in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI)

BackgroundCritical limb ischemia (CLI) is associated with increased risk of tissue loss, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic angiogenesis using cell-based treatments, notably mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is essential for enhancing blood flow to ischemic areas in subjects suffering from CLI. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (P-MSCs) in patients with CLI.MethodsThis phase I dose-escalation study investigated P-MSCs in nine CLI patients who were enrolled into each of the two dosage groups (20 × 106 and 60 × 106 cells), delivered intramuscularly twice, two months apart. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was the primary endpoint. The decrease in inflammatory cytokines, improvement in the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), maximum walking distance, vascular collateralization, alleviation of rest pain, healing of ulceration, and avoidance of major amputation in the target leg were the efficacy outcomes.ResultsAll dosages of P-MSCs, including the highest tested dose of 60 × 106 cells, were well tolerated. During the 6-month follow-up period, there was a statistically significant decrease in IL-1 and IFN-γ serum levels following P-MSC treatment. The blood lymphocyte profile of participants with CLI did not significantly differ, suggesting that the injection of allogeneic cells did not cause T-cell proliferation in vivo. We found clinically substantial improvement in rest pain, ulcer healing, and maximum walking distance after P-MSC implantation. In patients with CLI, we performed minor amputations rather than major amputations. Angiography was unable to demonstrate new small vessels formation significantly.ConclusionThe observations from this phase I clinical study indicate that intramuscular administration of P-MSCs is considered safe and well tolerated and may dramatically improve physical performance and minimize inflammatory conditions in patients with CLI.Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20210221050446N1. Registered May 09, 2021.

Continuous vs. Fixed 2-year Duration Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment of Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single Institution Database Analysis

Introduction/BackgroundThe proper duration of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment for patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Previously, sponsor-initiated clinical trials have more often used either a maximum 2-year fixed duration of ICI treatment or continuous treatment until documented disease progression. The study aimed to evaluate the association between ICI treatment duration (2-year fixed or continuous) and prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC. Patients and MethodsThe medical records of 425 patients with NSCLC who received ICI before August 31, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsNo differences in time to treatment failure > 24 months (TTF-24) were detected between patients who underwent ICI treatment for > 2 years and patients who stopped ICI treatment at 2 years. Treatment-related adverse events tended to be higher in the patients with ICI treatment > 2 years. ConclusionICI treatment > 2 years did not significantly prolong the TTF compared with ICI treatment = 2 years, but it did increase the incidence of treatment-related adverse events.

Interim results of a phase 2 study using talimogene laherparepvec, nivolumab, and trabectedin for advanced leiomyosarcoma.

11556 Background: Intratumoral injection of Talimogene Laherparepvec (TVEC) has a local oncolytic effect and evokes a cytotoxic immune response. The combination of Trabectedin (T) and Nivolumab (N) is a safe and effective therapy in soft tissue sarcoma (STS). This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of adding TVEC to the combination of T and N in advanced leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Methods: Objectives: Primary: To assess progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary: (1) To evaluate the best overall response, (2) PFS rate at 6 and 9 months, (3) Overall survival (OS) rate at 6, 9, and 12 months, (4) Incidence of conversion from unresectable to the resectable tumor, and (5) Incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Patients and Methods: Eligible patients included patients ≥ 18 years of age with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic LMS, measurable disease by RECIST v1.1, and at least one accessible tumor for TVEC intratumoral injection. N (3 mg/kg q2 weeks), T (1.2 mg/m2 q3 weeks), and TVEC (1x10e8 PFU/ml q 2 weeks depending on tumor size) were administered. A starting dose of TVEC (1x10e6 PFU/ml) was initially given, followed by a total dose of 1x10e8 PFU/ml q 2 weeks depending on tumor size) three weeks later. Results: Efficacy: Per protocol, there were 11 evaluable subjects (Modified Intention to Treat [mITT] patients who had completed at least one treatment cycle and had a follow-up CT scan). The median number of prior lines of therapy was 4 (range 1-8). Confirmed Best Overall Response (BOR)by RECIST v1.1 = 2 PR, 9 SD (BOR Rate 18.2%). The disease control rate (PR+SD) at week 6 was 100%. The median PFS was 7 months (range: 3- 18); 6-month PFS rate, 55%; median OS 18.2 months (range: 4- 32); 6-month OS rate, 91%. There was no conversion from unresectable to resectable tumor. Response was not related to PD-L1 positivity but both patients with PR were ER+/PR+ and had uterine LMS. There were 15 evaluable subjects for OS analysis under the Intention-to-Treat (ITT) population who received at least one dose of study drug. The median OS was 12 (range 0-32) months; 6-month OS rate, 60%. Safety: Eight of 15 (53.3%) patients experienced at least one &gt; Grade 3 treatment-related adverse event (TRAE). Grade 3 TRAEs include anemia (n=3), thrombocytopenia (n=2), neutropenia (n=1), increased ALT (n=1), increased GGT (n=1), decreased LVEF (n=1), myalgia (n=1) . Grade 4 TRAE include thrombocytopenia (n=1). The TRAEs were related to Trabectedin use. No new safety signals noted in this study. Conclusions: These results suggest that (1) By indirect comparison, the combination regimen using Talimogene laherparepvec, Nivolumab &amp; Trabectedin may be more effective as second/third-line/fourth therapy for advanced leiomyosarcoma with manageable toxicity (Trabectedin alone for LMS= 4.3 mos; Dacarbazine alone = 1.6 mos; Demetri 2015), and (2) The best responders are patients with HR+ uterine LMS. Clinical trial information: NCT03886311 .

Phase II clinical trial of camrelizumab combined with famitinib for advanced acral and mucosal melanoma.

9550 Background: Acral and mucosal melanoma were rarely seen in Caucasians but common in Asians. Previous studies revealed that acral and mucosal melanoma are more aggressive than cutaneous melanoma with a high unmet need for effective treatments. Camrelizumab plus anti-angiogenic agents have shown promising antitumor activity in previously untreated melanoma. Famitinib, a selective multiple-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor that exhibits both anti-angiogenesis and antiproliferative effects via targeting VEGFR-2, PDGFR, c-kit, FGFR and so on, combined with camrelizumab had been proven effective in multiple cancers. This study aimed to assess the antitumor activity and safety of camrelizumab plus famitinib in both immunotherapy naïve and experienced advanced mucosal or acral melanoma. Methods: This single-center, open-label phase II study recruited patients (pts) with advanced acral and mucosal melanoma. Pts who were immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) treatment naïve were in cohort 1, while pts experienced ICI in cohort 2. In both cohorts, pts received camrelizumab (200 mg i.v. q3w) and famitinib (20 mg po qd) until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST1.1. Secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and safety. This analysis focused on cohort 2. Results: As of January 12, 2023, 18 pts (9 mucosal and 9 acral histology subtypes) were enrolled in cohort 2. The median age of all pts was 58 yrs (ranged 38-71 yrs); 9 pts (50.0%) were female; prevalence of mutations: BRAF (11.1%), C-KIT or NRAS (16.7% each); 38.9% received ≥2 prior treatments. All pts progressed after anti-PD-1/L1 monotherapy (27.8%) or combinational therapy (66.7%), except one progressed after 4-1BB mAb monotherapy. The combination drugs included anti-LAG-3/CTLA-4 antibodies (38.9%), oncolytic viruses (11.1%), c-kit inhibitors, chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic agents (5.6% each). The median follow-up was 7.3 months (ranged 4.6-14.7 months). At the data cutoff, 5 pts remained on treatment. 17 pts were evaluable. The ORR and DCR were 17.6% and 64.7%, including two pts with confirmed PR, and one with unconfirmed PR, all of which were acral subtype. The median PFS was 6.0 months. The median OS was not reached. Of 18 pts, the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) was 88.9%. The most common grade 3 TRAEs was neutrophil count decreased (11.1%). No grade 4 TRAEs and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: Camrelizumab plus famitinib showed promising antitumor activity in ICI-experienced advanced acral and mucosal melanoma pts, and was generally well tolerated. Clinical trial information: NCT05051865 .

Sequential therapy versus first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor plus immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

e16122 Background: The treatment landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) evolves, but the optimal sequential strategy for tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combination therapy is still unclear. This study compared the outcome and efficacy of TKI-(TKI+ICI) sequential therapy versus first-line TKI+ICI combination therapy in unresectable HCC. Methods: The patients who had received TKI (lenvatinib or sorafenib) plus ICI (anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody) as first-line therapy or TKI-(TKI+ICI) sequential therapy were retrospectively included. Treatment efficacy (progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)) to sequential therapy or TKI+ICI combination therapy as well as treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were assessed. Results: Among 392 patients included, 55 underwent TKI-(TKI+ICI) sequential therapy and 337 underwent first-line TKI+ICI combination therapy. The median PFS was significantly longer in TKI-(TKI+ICI) group than that in TKI+ICI group (16.2 months versus 7.7 months, HR 0.65 [0.47-0.90]; p=0.009). The median OS was not reached in TKI-(TKI+ICI) group and was 22.8 months in TKI+ICI group (HR 0.53 [0.33-0.83]; p=0.006). Multivariate analyses revealed that Child- Pugh score, BCLC stage and sequential therapy were independently associated with PFS. Child-pugh score, macrovascular invasion (MVI), AFP levels and sequential therapy were independently associated with OS. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with younger age, male gender, an ECOG PS 1, Child-Pugh score A, HBV(+), HCV(-), BCLC stage C, presence of MVI or extrahepatic metastasis could remarkably benefit from sequential therapy. The survival outcome and objective response to TKI+ICI combination therapy was comparable between groups. The incidence of TRAEs were slightly higher in TKI-(TKI+ICI) group ( p=0.022), but the difference was not significant for Grade≥3 events ( p=0.126). Conclusions: TKI-(TKI+ICI) sequential therapy is a valid therapeutic strategy for patients with HCC compared with first-line TKI+ICI combination therapy.

Results of SOC-2082 phase 2 study using metronomic gemcitabine, doxorubicin and docetaxel plus nivolumab as second/third-line therapy for advanced sarcoma.

11555 Background: Metronomic dosing of gemcitabine, doxorubicin and docetaxel causes less severe side effects than standard chemotherapy for advanced sarcoma. The addition of nivolumab to this regimen has potential to have synergistic effects and improve treatment outcomes. Methods: Primary objective: To assess progression-free survival (PFS); Secondary objectives: (1) To evaluate best overall response during treatment period confirmed in a 6-week follow-up, (2) PFS rate at 6 and 9 months, (3) Overall survival (OS) rate at 6, 12 months, and (4) Incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Inclusion criteria: Previously treated male and female subjects, ≥ 18 years of age, pathologically confirmed diagnosis of locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic sarcoma, measurable disease by RECIST v1.1, and acceptable hematologic and organ functions. Exclusion Criteria: History of autoimmune disorder. Treatment schedule: Metronomic doses of gemcitabine (600 mg/m2 max:1000 mg), doxorubicin (18 mg/m2; max: 32 mg), docetaxel (25 mg/m2; max:42 mg) on Day 1 and Day 8, and nivolumab (240 mg) on Day 1 only. Repeat treatment cycles are continued every three weeks if the toxicity grade is ≤1. Results: This report on the modified intent-to-treat population (n=59). This population completed at least one treatment cycle and had a follow-up CT or MRI scan at week 6. Best Overall Response = 8 PR, 44 SD, 7 PD. The disease control rate ( CR+PR+SD) was 88.1%. Median PFS was 5.1 (95% CI: 2.837-7.363) months; 6 month PFS rate 52.5%. Median OS, 15.3 (95% CI: 5.48-25.12) months, with 6-month OS 88%. Safety analysis: Grade 3/4 TRAEs include fatigue (n=18), nausea (n=13), neutropenia (n=10), thrombocytopenia (n=9), anemia (n=9), diarrhea (n=1). There were no unexpected adverse events. Conclusions: Taken together, the data suggests that nivolumab in combination with metronomic doses of gemcitabine, doxorubicin and docetaxel (1) may have synergistic activity, and (2) by indirect comparison, may be as effective as standard first line therapy for advanced sarcoma with manageable toxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT04535713 .

The safety and efficacy of cadonilimab in combination with AK117 (anti-CD47 antibody) plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced gastric (G) or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.

e16050 Background: Despite the approval of anti-PD-1 antibodies plus chemotherapy as first-line (1L) therapy in advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma, benefit is very limited for patients (pts) with PD-L1 combined positive scores (CPS)&lt; 5; novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Cadonilimab, a tetrameric bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4, combined with chemotherapy showed promising activity in untreated pts with advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma were presented in ASCO GI 2022 (abstract#308). AK117 is a novel humanized IgG4 anti-CD47 antibody without hemagglutination effect. Blockade of CD47-SIRPα pathway by AK117 leads to a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment with favorable safety features. Here we report the safety and efficacy of Cadonilimab in combination with AK117 and chemotherapy in the 1L treatment of advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. Methods: This was an open-label, multi-center phase II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Cadonilimab +AK117+ XELOX as 1L therapy in advanced HER2(-) G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. Cadonilimab (10 mg/kg, IV, D1, Q3W) plus AK117 (45mg/kg, IV, D1, QW or 45mg/kg, IV, D1, Q3W) and Oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2, IV, D1, Q3W) and Capecitabine (1000 mg/m2, po, bid, D1-14, Q3W) were administered until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoints were safety (CTCAE ver. 5.0) and objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DoR), disease control rate (DCR), time-to-response (TTR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: From Aug 4,2022 to Jan 13, 2023, 16 pts with advanced or metastatic G/GEJ adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Median age was 64 years (range 44-71), 75% male, 88% had ECOG 1, 100% with metastases (75% pts with≥2 metastatic organs), and 25% pts with signet ring cell carcinoma component. Median follow-up time was 2.6 months. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) was 43.8% (7/16), ≥grade 3 TRAEs occurred in 25% (4/16) pts including 18.8% (3/16) G3 and 6.3% (1/16) G4, respectively. 6.3% (1/16) pts experienced TRAEs leading to discontinuation. The most common TRAEs (incidence≥10%) were anaemia, pyrexia and vomiting. Of 8 response-evaluable pts (had at least one post-baseline response evaluation) treated with Cadonilimab+AK117 (45mg/kg D1,QW)+XELOX, the ORR by investigator was 75% (6 PRs), tumor shrinkage exceeding 50% was observed in 5 pts (62.5%). The DCR was 100% (8/8), and the median DoR was not reached. The trial is ongoing, and additional data will be presented. Conclusions: The study of Cadonilimab combined with AK117 and chemotherapy demonstrated tolerable safety profile and encouraging anti-tumor activities in pts with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HER2(-) G/GEJ cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT05235542 .

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine versus cisplatin-5-fluorouracil chemotherapy for N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

6000 Background: Patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a high risk of failures, despite the current practice of concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-5-fluorouracil (PF) regime. Adjuvant PF regimen may not be adequate for tumor control of high risk patients, emphasizing the need for more effective regimen of adjuvant chemotherapy in N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: We conducted this multicentre, open-label, phase 3, randomised, controlled trial in four centers in China. Patients aged 18–65 years with stage T1–4N2–3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive concurrent cisplatin (100mg/m2 intravenously) on days 1, 22, and 43 of radiotherapy followed by either gemcitabine (1 g/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1) (GP) once every 3 weeks or 5-fluorouracil (4 g/m2 in continuous intravenous infusion over 96 h) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 on day 1 given intravenously) once every 4 weeks for three cycles. Randomisation was by a computer-generated random number code with a block size of six, stratified by treatment centre and nodal stage (N2 or N3). The primary endpoint was 3-year progression-free survival in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03321539. Results: From October 30, 2017 to July 9, 2020, 240 were randomly assigned to PF group (n = 120) or GP group (n = 120). After a median follow-up of 40 months (IQR: 32-48), the 3-year progression-free survival was 83.9% (95% CI 75.9–89.4) in GP group and 71.5% (62.5–78.7) in PF group (stratified HR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.93; p = 0.023). Significantly lower cumulative incidence of locoregional relapse (2.6% vs. 12.5%; HR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.90; Fine-Gray p = 0.030) and distant metastasis (10.4% vs. 20.1%; HR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.98; Fine-Gray p = 0.042) were also observed in GP group than PF group. However, there was no effect on early 3-year overall survival (90.7% vs. 94.0%; HR 1.12; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.55; log-rank p = 0.779). Overall incidence of treatment-related adverse events was not significant different between the two treatment groups in the concurrent phase. In the adjuvant phase, significant higher incidence of grade 3-4 leucopenia (42 [41.2%] vs. 19 [16.8%], p &lt; 0.001), neutropenia (33 [32.0%] vs. 10 [8.9%], p = 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (9 [8.7%] vs. 2 [1.8%], p = 0.044) was observed in GP group than PF group, whereas the frequency of diarrhea (6 [5.3%] vs. 0 [0%], p = 0.030) and mucositis (21 [18.6%] vs. 7 [6.8%], p = 0.010) was higher in PF group than in GP group. Conclusions: Concurrent adjuvant GP regimen significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma with acceptable toxicity. Long term follow-up is needed to confirm the ultimate therapeutic ratio. Clinical trial information: NCT03321539 .