Intermediate-risk Disease Research Articles

Overtreatment of Prostate Cancer Among Men With Limited Longevity in the Active Surveillance Era

ImportanceMen with limited life expectancy (LE) have historically been overtreated for prostate cancer despite clear guideline recommendations. With increasing use of active surveillance, it is unclear if overtreatment of men with limited LE has persisted and how overtreatment varies by tumor risk and treatment type.ObjectiveTo determine if rates of overtreatment of men with limited LE have persisted in the active surveillance era and whether overtreatment varies by tumor risk or treatment type.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study included men with clinically localized prostate cancer in the Veterans Affairs health system who received a diagnosis between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2019.Main Outcomes and MeasuresLE was estimated using the validated age-adjusted Prostate Cancer Comorbidity Index (PCCI). Treatment trends among men with limited LE were assessed using a stratified linear and log-linear Poisson regression in aggregate and across PCCI and tumor risk subgroups.ResultsThe mean (SD) age for the study population of 243 928 men was 66.8 (8.0) years. A total of 50 045 (20.5%) and 11 366 (4.7%) men had an LE of less than 10 years and LE of less than 5 years based on PCCI scores of 5 or greater and 10 or greater, respectively. Among men with an LE of less than 10 years, the proportion of men treated with definitive treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) for low-risk disease decreased from 37.4% to 14.7% (absolute change, −22.7%; 95% CI, −30.0% to −15.4%) but increased for intermediate-risk disease from 37.6% to 59.8% (22.1%; 95% CI, 14.8%-29.4%) from 2000 to 2019, with increases observed for favorable (32.8%-57.8%) unfavorable intermediate-risk disease (46.1%-65.2%). Among men with an LE of less than 10 years who were receiving definitive therapy, the predominant treatment was radiotherapy (78%). Among men with an LE of less than 10 years, use of radiotherapy increased from 31.3% to 44.9% (13.6%; 95% CI, 8.5%-18.7%) for intermediate-risk disease from 2000 to 2019, with increases observed for favorable and unfavorable intermediate-risk disease. Among men with an LE of less than 5 years, the proportion of men treated with definitive treatment for high-risk disease increased from 17.3% to 46.5% (29.3%; 95% CI, 21.9%-36.6%) from 2000 to 2019. Among men with an LE of less than 5 years who were receiving definitive therapy, the predominant treatment was radiotherapy (85%). Among men with an LE of less than 5 years, use of radiotherapy increased from 16.3% to 39.0% (22.6%; 95% CI, 16.5%-28.8%) from 2000 to 2019.Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this cohort study suggest that, in the active surveillance era, overtreatment of men with limited LE and intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer has increased in the VA, mainly with radiotherapy.

Prostate Cancer, Pathophysiology and Recent Developments in Management: A Narrative Review.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. The different stages of prostate cancer which include localised (low, intermediate, and high risk) disease, locally advanced, non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (M0 CRPCa), and metastatic disease. The main treatment of locally advanced disease is external beam radiotherapy with hormonal therapy which are associated with good prognosis. Current treatments for M0 CRPCa include androgen deprivation therapy in combination with apalutamide, darolutamide or enzalutamide, all of which are associated with good metastatic-free survival rates in clinical trials. Hormone-naive metastatic prostate cancer comprises the same treatments as M0 CRPCa, whereas further treatment includes docetaxel and abiraterone. Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treatments include sipuleucel-T, radium-223, abiraterone, enzalutamide and cabazitaxel, which aim to slow down the progression of the disease and to prolong life. This article also provides insight into the development of new drugs recently approved for metastatic castration prostate cancer, which include PARP inhibitors and Lutetium-177 which have shown to have significantly good overall survival and to improve radiographic progression-free survival. In addition, new clinical trials are ongoing to test new medications such as cabozantinb and chimeric-antigen receptor T-cell therapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. With the aim to slow down the progression of the disease and to prolong life, new drug developments are underway to hopefully provide a positive impact on overall survival and improve progression-free survival, especially in advanced prostate cancer.

The Androgen Deprivation Therapy Landscape in 2024 – Co-navigating the Available Options with Prostate Cancer Patients

This symposium convened during the 2024 European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Paris, France, focusing on the multifaceted aspects of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment from the patient’s perspective. The session delved into the nuanced needs, expectations, and treatment experiences encountered by individuals diagnosed with this condition. A pivotal aspect of the discussion centred on the imperative of ensuring patient awareness and informed consent, particularly concerning androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), given its array of potential side effects. ADT, a cornerstone in advanced PCa management, encompasses a spectrum of side effects including both physical and psychological dimensions. These include, but are not limited to, body hair loss, weight fluctuations, mood alterations, decreased libido, cognitive impairments, muscle atrophy, and bone density loss. Effective management of these side effects requires comprehensive support to be provided to patients to mitigate complications and optimise quality of life. The options for ADT were discussed, with their comparative strengths and challenges. ADT strategies take effect over different time periods (from 12 hours up to 4 weeks), exert varying effects on testosterone levels, and carry different side effect profiles. Selecting the optimal course of treatment for localised or locally advanced PCa requires consideration of whether the patient is at intermediate-, high-, or very high-risk of biochemical recurrence, and whether the intermediate-risk disease is classified as favourable intermediate-risk (FIR) or unfavourable intermediate-risk (UIR). While continuous ADT is the standard of care, intermittent ADT has been associated with significantly better quality of life scores for hot flushes, desire for sexual activity, and urinary symptoms, with a trend toward improvement in the level of fatigue. Furthermore, the interplay between PCa, ADT, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) was discussed to underscore the imperative for clinicians to assess the cardiovascular risks associated with ADT, particularly in patients with heightened cardiovascular vulnerability. Mitigating the adverse skeletal effects of ADT mandates a multifaceted approach encompassing nutritional supplementation, exercise regimens, and lifestyle modifications including alcohol cessation and smoking cessation. Integrating a prehabilitation checklist into clinical practice emerges as a pragmatic strategy to facilitate informed discussions regarding the potential adverse effects of ADT, enabling proactive support provision to optimise patient outcomes.

7478 Effects of RAI on Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Positive Lymph Nodes

Abstract Disclosure: K.N. Rachmasari: None. A. Osman: None. D. Toro Tobon: None. S.B. Lund: None. D.J. Merlino: None. A.R. Hsu: None. M.M. Ryder: None. Background: In low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), radioactive iodine (RAI) remnant ablation has shown no impact on disease recurrence rates, which are overall low. The role of adjuvant RAI in intermediate risk disease (i.e. T3, N1) remains unproven with no randomized clinical trials to objectively assess efficacy. Thus, in our institution, its use is highly heterogenous. We retrospectively investigated the effects of adjuvant RAI on recurrence and recurrence free survival (RFS) in patients with PTC and positive cervical lymph nodes (CLN). Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN for PTC between January 2007 and December 2016. Adult patients with Tx-T3 disease according to the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) were identified. Patients with positive CLN (N1) and a minimum follow up of 36 months were included. Demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, use of RAI therapy and recurrence were analyzed. Results: A total of 367 patients with PTC, Tx-3, N1, M0 were identified, of which 187 received adjuvant RAI and 180 did not. Most patients were female (63.8%), with a median age of 44 years (IQR 34-54), and a median follow up of 77 months (IQR 58.5-101.5). There were no differences in age, type of surgery, histology, multifocality, and follow up period between the RAI and no RAI subgroups. Adjuvant Thyrogen-stimulated or thyroid hormone withdrawal-based RAI was recommended at the discretion of the treating provider and/or per patient preference. Diagnostic I-123 whole body scans were performed in all patients and mostly demonstrated remnant uptake. The median dose of I-131 was 75 mCi (range 50-100). Recurrence was defined by new occurrence of disease after at least a year of absence of clinical, biochemical, and imaging evidence of disease since initial surgery. Within the entire cohort, 35 (9.5%) developed recurrence with a median time of 41 months (28-59.5). Overall, recurrence rate and RFS were not significantly different between both subgroups (p = 0.2). A subanalysis was performed in patients with clinically detectable nodal disease (n = 161), defined by abnormal cervical lymph node on preoperative neck ultrasound with or without positive fine needle aspiration biopsy. Overall recurrence rates were 17 (10.6%) in this group. There were no differences in recurrence rates and RFS in those that received RAI versus those that did not (p = 0.8). Conclusions: In patients with intermediate risk PTC defined by nodal disease and/or T3 disease, recurrences were not different between patients that did or did not receive adjuvant I-131 therapy postoperatively. A randomized, noninferiority study of adjuvant I-131 compared to no I-131 postoperatively for N1 disease is needed to determine the benefit of near total thyroidectomy and adjuvant I-131 for this cohort. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Is Confirmatory Biopsy Still Necessary for Active Surveillance of Men With Grade Group 1 Prostate Cancer in the Era of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) considering active surveillance (AS) are recommended confirmatory biopsy (CBx). Whether this is necessary in the era of MRI-informed biopsies is questionable. We studied men with Grade Group [GG] 1 PCa at diagnostic biopsy (DBx) considering AS who underwent MRI and CBx (systematic + targeted) within 18 months. Outcomes were grade reclassification to GG ≥ 2, GG ≥ 3, and reclassification to unfavorable intermediate risk disease (UIR). Subset analyses were performed for men with (1) MRI prior to DBx and (2) MRI after DBx. Five hundred twenty-two men had GG1 PCa at DBx. At CBx, 20% reclassified to GG ≥ 2, 12% to UIR, and 5.6% to GG ≥ 3. Of the 306 with positive MRI (PI-RADS > 3), 27% reclassified to GG ≥ 2 and 16% to UIR disease; men with negative MRI experienced these outcomes at rates of 9.2% and 5.5%. There were no differences in reclassification outcomes based on MRI timing (group A vs B), and neither PSA density nor prostate volume added to MRI information. In men with MRI targets, approximately 1/3 of GG > 2 reclassification events were only captured by systematic biopsy core(s). Reclassification rates at CBx were high in men with positive MRI, but < 10% for all reclassification outcomes in men with negative MRI (95% CI 5.8%-14% for GG > 2, 2.9%-10% for UIR, 0.8%-5.3% for GG > 3). Our data support systematic + targeted CBx for men with positive MRI considering AS, while men with GG1 cancer and negative MRI should be able to defer CBx.

Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide, and Cisplatin as Initial Salvage Chemotherapy for Germ Cell Tumors: Long-Term Follow-Up and Outcomes for Favorable- and Unfavorable-Risk Disease.

Paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) is an established salvage regimen for germ cell tumors (GCT) on the basis of a phase II trial, but efficacy on a large patient cohort including patients with unfavorable risk features and long-term outcomes has not been reported. Herein, we report updated treatment efficacy and long-term follow-up with TIP. Patients with GCT who received TIP after cisplatin-based chemotherapy were eligible. Favorable response (complete response or partial response with negative tumor markers), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates, relapse, and toxicity were determined. Disease was reclassified according to the International Prognostic Factor Study Group (IPFSG) score. Of the 104 patients, 87 had favorable risk factors and 17 had at least one unfavorable factor by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) criteria. Ten patients were treated for a second gonadal primary GCT. With a median follow-up of 8.9 years, the 5-year PFS and OS rates were 66% (95% CI, 55 to 74) and 69% (95% CI, 59 to 77), respectively. Among 87 patients with favorable-risk disease, 69 (79%) achieved a favorable response with 5-year PFS and OS rates of 67% (95% CI, 56 to 76) and 72% (95% CI, 61 to 80), respectively. Among 17 patients with MSKCC unfavorable-risk disease, 13 (76%) achieved a favorable response with 5-year PFS and OS rates of 59% (95% CI, 33 to 78) and 56% (95% CI, 28 to 76), respectively. After IPFSG reclassification, 5-year PFS and OS rates for patients with ≤intermediate-risk disease were 75% (95% CI, 50 to 89) and 73% (95% CI, 55 to 85), respectively. TIP is an effective second-line regimen for patients with GCT. Similar outcomes were observed in patients with favorable- and unfavorable-risk disease. The randomized TIGER trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02375204) comparing TIP with high-dose chemotherapy will determine the optimal second-line treatment approach.

Setting the Stage: Feasibility and Baseline Characteristics in the PARTIQoL Trial Comparing Proton Therapy Versus Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Men with localized prostate cancer may receive either photon-based intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or proton beam therapy (PBT). The PARTIQoL trial (NCT01617161) demonstrates the feasibility of performing a large, multicenter phase 3 randomized trial comparing IMRT with PBT for localized prostate cancer. Here, we report baseline features of patients enrolled on this trial and present strategies to improve feasibility of other similar trials. Patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer were randomly assigned to either PBT or IMRT with stratification by institution, age, use of rectal spacer, and fractionation schedule (conventional fractionation: 79.2 Gy in 44 fractions vs moderate hypofractionation: 70.0 Gy in 28 fractions). The primary endpoint is a change from baseline bowel health using the Expanded Prostate Index Composite score 24 months after radiation therapy. Secondary objectives include treatment-related differences in urinary and erectile functions, adverse events, and efficacy endpoints. Between July 2012 and November 2021, 450 patients were successfully accrued. Patients were randomly assigned to either PBT (N = 226) or to IMRT (N = 224); 13 were ineligible or withdrew before treatment. The median age of 437 analyzed patients was 68 years (range, 46-89 years). A total of 41% of patients had low-risk and 59% had intermediate-risk disease. In total, 49% of patients were treated with conventional fractionation and 51% with moderately hypofractionation. 48% of patients used a rectal spacer. For patients receiving PBT, pencil beam scanning was used in 48%. PBT and IMRT arms were balanced for baseline variables. Despite significant challenges, the PARTIQoL trial demonstrated that, with targeted recruitment approaches, multicenter collaboration, payer engagement, and protocol updates to incorporate contemporary techniques, it is feasible to perform a large phase 3 randomized clinical trial to assess whether PBT improves outcomes. We will separately report primary results and continue to monitor participants for longer follow-up and secondary endpoints.

17 CDK4/6 inhibition with Abemaciclib in in patients (pts) with previously treated advanced renal carcinoma (RCC)

Abstract Background Preclinical data suggests rationale for CDK4/6 alone and in combination with HIF-2 inhibitors; single agent activity for CDK4/6 inhibitors in RCC has not been reported. Abemaciclib is an oral CDK4/6 inhibitor approved in combination with hormonal therapy for metastatic breast cancer. In our phase 1b clinical trial (NCT04627064), we investigated the safety and clinical efficacy of abemaciclib monotherapy in pts with advanced pretreated RCC with clear cell component. Methods In this single center trial, adult pts with advanced RCC with a clear cell component and ECOG status of ≤1 progressing after at least one prior regimen including immunotherapy and a VEGF TKI received abemaciclib 200 mg twice daily in 4-week cycles until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary objective was to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR) of abemaciclib with secondary endpoint of safety. First imaging was performed after 2 cycles. Response assessed per RECIST 1.1 and toxicity per CTCAE v5.0. Results 11 pts (10 clear cell RCC and 1 translocation RCC) were enrolled between 12/31/2020 and 10/03/2023. Median age was 62 years (range 54-68) with 18% (n=2) showing sarcomatoid features. 73% (n=8) had IMDC intermediate risk disease and one patient had translocation RCC (tRCC) with a clear cell component. Median number of prior therapies was 4 (range 1-9). Seven patients received 2 cycles and 4 patients received &amp;lt; 2 cycles. ORR was 0% (0/11; 8 progressive disease, 1 stable disease in tRCC stopping for clinical progression, 2 pts not evaluable with clinical progression). 27% (n=3) experienced grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (diarrhea n=1, nausea n=1, neutropenia n=1). Conclusions In pts with heavily pretreated RCC, abemaciclib had manageable toxicity profile but no clinically meaningful activity as monotherapy. This data will offer important insight into interpretation of results for ongoing trials exploring CDK4/6 inhibition in combination with HIF-2 inhibitors.

Impact of Autonomic Nerve Invasion on Biochemical Recurrence for Intermediate Risk T3a Prostate Cancer With Negative Surgical Margins After Radical Prostatectomy

OBJECTIVETo assess the impact of autonomic nerve invasion (ANI) on subsequent biochemical recurrence (BCR) or early adjuvant therapy in the patients with extraprostatic spread (EPS) and negative margins after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODSA total of 218 men with EPS (T3a) and negative margins were identified who underwent radical prostatectomy in Western Australia from January 2014 to December 2016. The t-test, Pearson chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test were used to evaluate differences between the ANI and non-ANI. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied to assess the impact of these parameters on BCR or early treatment and a model calibration was performed by the internal validation method. RESULTSANI group had a significant higher incidence in BCR or early adjuvant therapy compared to non-ANI group (hazard ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.12-3.37, p=0.02). Further analyses showed that ANI was significantly associated with BCR or early adjuvant therapy (hazard ratio 3.03, 95% CI 1.28-7.15, p=0.01) in intermediate risk cases (Gleason sum (GS)=7, i.e. International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) groups 2/3) but not in high risk group (GS≥8/ISUP 4/5). CONCLUSIONFor the patients with EPS (T3a) and negative margins, ANI significantly and independently increases the chances of BCR or early adjuvant therapy for intermediate risk disease (GS=7/ISUP 2/3) but it is not an independent predictor for high risk disease (GS≥8/ISUP 4/5). This provides a simple cost effective method to further stratify margin negative intermediate risk T3a prostate cancer.

Prostate high dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer: Efficacy results from a randomized phase II clinical trial of one fraction of 19 Gy or two fractions of 13.5 Gy: A 9-year update

Background and PurposeHigh dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy as a monotherapy is an accepted treatment for localized prostate cancer, but the optimal dose and fractionation schedule remain unknown. We report on the efficacy of a randomized Phase II trial comparing HDR monotherapy delivered as 27 Gy in 2 fractions vs. 19 Gy in 1 fraction with a median follow-up of 9 years. Materials and MethodsEnrolled patients had low or intermediate-risk disease, <60 cc prostate volume and no androgen deprivation use. Patients were randomized to 27 Gy in 2 fractions delivered one week apart vs a single fraction of 19 Gy. Results170 patients were randomized: median age 65 years, median follow-up 107 months and median baseline PSA 6.35 ng/ml. NCCN risk categories comprised low (19 %), favourable (51 %), and unfavourable intermediate risk (30 %). The median PSA at 8 years was 0.08 ng/ml in the 2-fraction arm vs. 0.89 ng/ml in the single-fraction arm. The cumulative incidence of local failure at 8 years was 11.2 % in the 2-fraction arm vs. 35.9 % in the single-fraction arm (p < 0.001). The incidence of distant failure at 8 years was 3.8 % in the 2-fraction arm and 2.5 % in the single-fraction arm (p = 0.6). ConclusionsHDR monotherapy delivered in two fractions of 13.5 Gy demonstrated a persistent cancer control rate at 8 years and was well-tolerated. Single-fraction monotherapy yielded poor oncologic control and is not recommended. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimal HDR monotherapy strategies for low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Variation in Androgen Deprivation Therapy Use Among Men With Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results From a Statewide Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium

PurposeFor men with intermediate risk prostate cancer treated with definitive therapy, the addition of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) reduces the risk of distant metastasis and cancer-related mortality. However, the absolute benefit of ADT varies by baseline cancer risk. Estimates of prognosis have improved over time, and little is known about ADT decision making in the modern era. We sought to characterize variability and identify factors associated with intended ADT use within the [statewide quality consortium]. Materials and MethodsPatients with localized prostate cancer undergoing definitive radiotherapy were enrolled from 6/9/20 to 6/26/23 (n=815). Prospective data was collected using standardized patient, physician, and physicist forms. Intended ADT use was prospectively defined and is the primary outcome. Associations with patient, tumor, and practice-related factors were tested with multivariable analyses (MVA). Random intercept modeling was used to estimate facility-level variability. ResultsFive-hundred seventy patients across 26 facilities were enrolled with intermediate risk disease. ADT was intended for 46% of men (n=262/570), which differed by NCCN favorable intermediate-risk (FIR) (23.5%, n=38/172) vs unfavorable intermediate-risk (UIR) disease (56.3%, n=224/398), p<0.001. After adjusting for the statewide case mix, the predicted probability of intended ADT use varied significantly across facilities, ranging from 15.4% (95% CI 5.4-37.0%) to 71.7% (95% CI 57.0-82.9%), p<0.01. MVA showed that grade group 3 (OR 4.60 [3.20-6.67]), ≥50% positive cores (OR 2.15 [1.43-3.25]), and PSA 10-20 (OR 1.87 [1.24-2.84]) were associated with ADT use. AUC was improved when incorporating MRI adverse features (0.76) or radiation treatment variables (0.76), but there remained significant facility level heterogeneity in all models evaluated (p<0.05). ConclusionsWithin a state-wide consortium, there is substantial facility-level heterogeneity in intended ADT use for men with intermediate risk prostate cancer. Future efforts are necessary to identify patients who will benefit most from ADT and to develop strategies to standardize appropriate use.

Evaluation of the toxicity and outcomes of the combination of midostaurin and CLAG-M in patients with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML): A multi-center retrospective analysis.

6523 Background: FLT3-mutated AML is associated with poor outcomes. Addition of midostaurin (multi-targeted kinase inhibitor) to standard “7+3” with cytarabine and daunorubicin significantly prolongs overall and event-free survival for these patients (Stone 2017). At the University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (UW/FHCC), the standard regimen for newly diagnosed (ND) and relapsed/refractory (r/r) AML is cladribine, high-dose cytarabine, GCSF, and mitoxantrone (CLAG-M); midostaurin is added if FLT3-mutated (Halpern 2018). There is currently no peer-reviewed literature to support this combination for these patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of midostaurin with CLAG-M in FLT3-mutated AML patients and compare the toxicity profile to midostaurin plus 7+3. Methods: This is a retrospective multi-center review conducted at three major cancer centers. Through pharmacy records and/or an institutional AML database, we identified adults with FLT3-mutated AML undergoing (re)induction chemotherapy who received either CLAG-M (UW/FHCC, Swedish) or 7+3 (OHSU, Swedish). The primary outcome was toxicity profile of the combination as measured by rate of adverse events ([AE], CTCAE Version 5.0). Secondary outcomes included disease response per ELN2017 AML working group criteria and 28-day mortality (TRM) (Döhner 2017). Patients treated on a clinical trial and in whom midostaurin was started &gt; 30 days after day 1 of chemotherapy were excluded. Rates of AEs were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Eighty patients treated between 10/2022-12/2023 were included; 35 patients received CLAG-M, and 44 patients 7+3. Baseline characteristics were similar across all institutions, with most patients having adverse or intermediate risk disease. AE rates were similar between the two cohorts, (Table 1) except diarrhea and bleeding events were more common in the 7+3 vs. CLAG-M cohort (p = 0.004 and p = 0.037, respectively). The rate of complete remission (CR) plus CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) did not significantly differ between the two cohorts: CLAG-M, 86% versus 7+3, 70% for 7+3 (p =0.11). No TRM occurred. Conclusions: The toxicity profile of CLAG-M combined with midostaurin is comparable to the combination of 7+3 with midostaurin, and induces high remissions rates in adults with FLT3-mutated AML. [Table: see text]

A phase II trial of sitravatinib plus nivolumab after progression on prior immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

4542 Background: Sitravatinib, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor targeting VEGFR, TAM, and MET, has been shown to resensitize the tumor microenvironment to ICI by reducing immune-suppressive myeloid cells in metastatic ccRCC (Msaouel, Sci Transl Med 2022). ICI is the standard first-line (1L) treatment of metastatic ccRCC, and there is unmet need for improved treatment outcomes after progression on ICI. We hypothesized that sitravatinib plus nivolumab would revert an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to improve objective response rate (ORR) and survival in patients with metastatic ccRCC whose disease progressed on or after ICI. Methods: In this investigator-initiated, phase II, multicenter trial (NCT04904302), patients with progressive metastatic ccRCC after 1-2 lines of treatment were enrolled into three cohorts: Cohort A) progression on 1L nivolumab + ipilimumab, Cohort B) progression on 1L pembrolizumab + axitinib or 2L anti-PD-1 therapy after receiving 1L VEGF-targeted monotherapy, Cohort C) progression on 1L or 2L cabozantinib or lenvatinib +/- everolimus either before, after, or in combination with anti-PD-1 ICI. Starting dose of sitravatinib was 100 mg PO daily and nivolumab was 480 mg IV every 4 weeks. The co-primary endpoints were ORR [complete response (CR) + partial response (PR)] and disease control rate [DCR; CR, PR or stable disease (SD) at 24 weeks]. The study was designed to enroll 88 patients with an interim analysis for futility in each cohort using a BOP2 design, but it was terminated early due to discontinuation of sitravatinib development by the sponsor. Results: 14 patients were enrolled with 2 in cohort A, 6 in cohort B and 6 in cohort C. Most patients had IMDC intermediate risk disease (n=11, 78.6%), 7 patients had prior nephrectomy (50%), and sarcomatoid dedifferentiation was present in the tumors of 2 patients (7.1%). Across all cohorts, the ORR was 15.4% (2/13, 1 patient not evaluable) and DCR at 24 weeks was 35.7% (5/14). The 2 patients who experienced a PR were pre-treated with nivolumab + ipilimumab and pembrolizumab + axitinib. DCR at 24 months was 63% for Cohort A+B and 0% for Cohort C. After a median follow up of 11.9 months (mo), 10 patients had discontinued treatment (71.4%), all due to disease progression, and 6 patients had died (42.9%). Median progression free survival was 5.5 mo [ 95% CI 3.8 – not reached (NR)], and median overall survival was 13.3 mo (95% CI 8.77 – NR). Six patients (42.9%) experienced a grade 3-4 adverse event (AE) and 2 patients (14.3%) experienced an immune-mediated AE. Conclusions: In this small phase 2 trial with limited sample size due to early termination, sitravatinib plus nivolumab demonstrated a manageable safety profile and produced modest clinical benefit. The observed responses occurred in patients who did not receive prior treatment with cabozantinib or lenvatinib. Clinical trial information: NCT04904302 .

Induction and maintenance of sequential intravesical gemcitabine/docetaxel for intermediate and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with different dosage protocols.

The combination of sequential intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel (Gem/Doce) chemotherapy has been considered a feasible option for BCG(Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) treatment in non-muscleinvasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), gaining popularity during BCG shortage period. We seek to determine the efficacy of the treatment by comparing Gem/Doce induction alone vs induction with maintenance, and to evaluate the treatment outcomes of two different dosage protocols. A bi-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with Gem/Doce for NMIBC between 2018 and 2023 was performed. Baselinecharacteristics, riskgroup stratification (AUA 2020 guidelines), pathological, and surveillance reports were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to detect Recurrence-free survival (RFS). Overall, 83 patients (68 males, 15 females) with a median age of 73 (IQR 66-79), and a median follow-up time of 18months (IQR 9-25), were included. Forty-one hadan intermediate-risk disease (49%) and 42 hada high-risk disease (51%). Thirty-sevenpatients (45%) had a recurrence; 19 (23%) had a high-grade recurrence. RFS of Gem/Doce induction-only vs induction + maintenance was at 6months 88% vs 100%, at 12months 71% vs 97%, at 18months 57% vs 91%, and at 24months 31% vs 87%, respectively (log-rank, p < 0.0001). Patients who received 2g Gemcitabine with Docetaxel had better RFS for all-graderecurrences (log-rank, p = 0.017). However, no difference was found for high-grade recurrences. Gem/Doce induction with maintenance resulted in significantly better RFS than induction-only. Combining 2g gemcitabine with docetaxel resulted in better RFS for all-grade but not for high-grade recurrences. Further prospective trials are necessary to validate our results.

Abstract PO4-11-11: Provider perceptions of the POSITIVE trial, endocrine therapy interruption, and fertility preservation

Abstract Background: Fertility preservation and family planning are pressing survivorship concerns for many young, reproductive-aged women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early-stage breast cancer. Following primary treatment, patients typically receive 5-10 years of adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET), during which pregnancy is contraindicated and fertility may decrease. The first-of-its-kind POSITIVE trial (NCT02308085) sought to challenge this archetype by prospectively evaluating the impact of temporary ET interruption to allow patients to attempt conception. Participants (n=516) received 18-30 months of ET followed by a 3-month washout period prior to initiating a 2-year break from therapy to attempt pregnancy. Results demonstrated that short-term disease outcomes were not impacted by temporarily pausing therapy to allow women who desire conception to attempt pregnancy. This survey-based study aimed to evaluate community oncologists’ perceptions of the POSITIVE trial data, ET interruption, and fertility preservation efforts. Methods: US-based oncologists convened at three live meetings in March and April 2023 to review clinical updates presented at SABCS 2022. Participant characteristics and demographic data were collected via an online survey prior to the respective meetings. Perceptions/reactions to clinical updates were captured using audience response system technology. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 157 respondents, 82.8% identified as community providers, with 17.9 mean years of clinical experience. On average, participants reported that 85.4% of their time is allocated towards direct patient care, with approximately 21 patients seen per clinic day. Most respondents (85.8%) indicated that they only refer patients to a fertility specialist if the patient initiates fertility preservation discussions and nearly half (45.7%) reported that within the last year, 20% or less of their patients have discussed fertility concerns with them prior to initiating therapy. Additionally, over three-quarters of respondents (79.9%) indicated that 10% or less of their patients with breast cancer underwent fertility preservation within the last year. Prior to reviewing the POSITIVE trial data, 51.3% of respondents reported that they would be most likely to offer therapy interruption to patients with low- or intermediate-risk disease, while 19.8% would do so for all patients regardless of risk status. After reviewing the POSITIVE trial data, 59.3% of respondents would offer therapy interruption to patients with low- or intermediate-risk disease, while 30% would do so for all patients regardless of risk status. Notably, a majority of respondents (54.8%) indicated that they would recommend a therapy interruption of 12 months or less, while 11.1% would opt for 19-24 months. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that the onus of initiating discussions surrounding fertility and reproductive topics is often placed on patients, and many patients do not proactively address these matters or undergo fertility preservation prior to initiating treatment. Overall, respondents viewed the POSITIVE trial favorably, as evidenced by their increased willingness to consider temporary ET interruption for all patients following their review of the study data. Although the POSITIVE trial allowed up to 2 years of therapy interruption, respondents preferred a treatment break of 12 months or less. With the adoption of the POSITIVE strategy into routine clinical practice, younger women with HR+ breast cancer may no longer be faced with the difficult choice of pursuing potentially life-saving therapy or starting/expanding a family, thereby addressing a current unmet survivorship need among this patient population. However, it remains to be seen how many physicians will offer this approach, who is the ideal candidate, and what the appropriate ET interruption length will be. Citation Format: Brooke Leon, Robert Bone, Yolaine Jeune-Smith, Sigrun Hallmeyer, Bruce Feinberg. Provider perceptions of the POSITIVE trial, endocrine therapy interruption, and fertility preservation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-11-11.

Racial and Ethnic Variation in Receipt and Intensity of Active Surveillance for Older Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer.

The use of active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer is increasing, and racial disparities have been identified in its implementation. We investigated differences by race and ethnicity in the utilization and intensity of AS by race and ethnicity among older men with low- and favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer, with particular focus on the integration of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) into AS protocols. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and Medicare fee-for-service linked database, we identified a cohort of men diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 with low- or favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The odds of receiving AS were compared by patient race and ethnicity using multivariable logistic regression models, while the rates of usage of PSA tests, biopsy, and mpMRI within 2 years of diagnosis among men on AS were assessed using multivariable Poisson regression models. Our cohort included 33,542 men. The proportion of men with low-risk disease who underwent AS increased from 29.5% in 2010 to 51.7% in 2017, while the proportion among men with favorable intermediate disease grew from 11.4% to 17.2%. Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.79) and non-Hispanic Black men (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.68-0.89) were less likely to receive AS than non-Hispanic White men for low-risk disease, while non-Hispanic Black men were more likely to receive AS for favorable intermediate disease (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.39). Non-Hispanic Black men receiving AS underwent prostate MRI at a lower rate compared to non-Hispanic White men, regardless of whether they had low-risk (incidence rate ratio = 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.97) or favorable intermediate-risk (incidence rate ratio = 0.61, 95% CI 0.44-0.83) disease, respectively. The overall adoption of AS for low-risk prostate cancer increased among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. However, a significant disparity exists for non-Hispanic Black men, as they exhibit lower rates of AS utilization. Moreover, non-Hispanic Black men are less likely to have access to novel technologies, such as mpMRI, as part of their AS protocols.

Neuroblastoma and its Target Therapies: A Medicinal Chemistry Review.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood malignant tumour belonging to a group of embryonic tumours originating from progenitor cells of the sympathoadrenal lineage. The heterogeneity of NB is reflected in the survival rates of those with low and intermediate risk diseases who have survival rates ranging from 85 to 90 %. However, for those identified with high-risk Stage 4 NB, the treatment options are much more limited. For this group, current treatment consists of immunotherapy (monoclonal antibodies) in combination with anti-cancer drugs and has a 40 to 50 % survival rate. The purpose of this review is to summarise NB research from a medicinal chemistry perspective and to highlight advances in targeted drug therapy in the field. The review examines the medicinal chemistry of a number of drugs tested in research, some of which are currently under clinical trial. It concludes by proposing that future medicinal chemistry research into NB should consider other possible target therapies and adopt a multi-target drug approach rather than a one-drug-one-target approach for improved efficacy and less drug-drug interaction for the treatment of NB Stage 4 (NBS4) patients.

Abstract 7523: An integrated analysis of radiologic and pathological responses in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who presented with primary renal tumor in situ and received first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab followed by cytoreductive nephrectomy

Abstract Background: The decision to perform cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) and timing of CN in patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and primary who respond to immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) is a matter of debate. In CheckMate-214, nivolumab plus ipilimumab (N+I) yielded a 35% objective response rate in the primary; however, there is a paucity of pathological data from nephrectomy specimens (Nx) after treatment with N+I. We sought to investigate the radiologic and pathological responses and correlate the findings with outcomes in pts receiving 1L N+I followed by CN. Methods: We reviewed the medical records and Nx of pts with mRCC who received N+I followed by CN at our institution (2016-2021). H&amp;E slides were reviewed to determine the % of residual viable malignant cells. Pathological response was defined as tumor viability ≤20%, and pathological complete response (pCR) defined as absence of residual cancer. Radiologic response was defined as ≥30% reduction in primary size. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined from date of CN. Results: 22 pts (median age 59) are included: 18 (81.8%) males, 19 (86%) Caucasian, 20 (91%) had clear-cell histology, 20 (91%) had ECOG Performance Status 0-1, 10 (45%) had intermediate-risk disease and 12 (55%) had poor-risk disease by IMDC. Median ICT duration before CN was 6.5 months (mo) (range, 2-19 mo). 17 (77%) completed 4 cycles of N+I, and 16 (73%) received N maintenance before CN. 5 pts (23%) had grade 3/4 immune-related adverse effects; 1 pt did not complete 4 cycles of N+I due to hepatitis. There were no therapy-related deaths. 12 pts (54.5%) had progressive disease (PD); 3 pts (14%) died of RCC. Median PFS was 22 mo, median OS not reached (NR). Pts with pathological response had greater radiologic reduction in primary size compared to pts without pathological response (median reduction 38% vs. 15% p-value 0.01), smaller final primary pathological size (median 5.7 cm vs. 10.65 cm p-value 0.002), and lower pathological yT stage (pT0: 1, pT1: 6, pT2: 2 pT3: 3, pT4: 0 vs. pT0: 0, pT1: 1, pT2: 0, pT3: 8, pT4: 1 p-value 0.045); ICT duration was similar between groups (median 5.5 mo vs. 7 mo p-value 0.733). 6 pts achieved low viability within 5 mo of ICT. In 9 pts with optimal radiopathological response [viability ≤20% and ≥30% primary size reduction], PFS was longer compared to PFS in pts with suboptimal radiopathological response: median PFS NR vs. 17 months (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.076 - 0.741; p-value 0.041). In 13 pts with suboptimal response, 10 (77%) had PD, the most common sites of PD were lymph nodes [6 pts (60%)] and brain [3 pts (30%)]. Conclusions: In this small cohort, N+I yielded a low pCR in Nx of pts with mRCC. Radiologic response but not ICT duration was associated with low tumor viability. Citation Format: Leticia Campos Clemente, Omar Alhalabi, Matthew T. Campbell, Guillermo Corredor Alonso, Kieko Hara, Pavlos Msaouel, Andrew C. Johns, Chad Tang, Jose A. Karam, Priya Rao, Nizar M. Tannir. An integrated analysis of radiologic and pathological responses in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who presented with primary renal tumor in situ and received first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab followed by cytoreductive nephrectomy [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 7523.

High-volume prostate biopsy core involvement is not associated with an increased risk of cancer recurrence following 5-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy monotherapy

PurposePercentage of positive cores involved on a systemic prostate biopsy has been established as a risk factor for adverse oncologic outcomes and is a National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) independent parameter for unfavorable intermediate-risk disease. Most data from a radiation standpoint was published in an era of conventional fractionation. We explore whether the higher biological dose delivered with SBRT can mitigate this risk factor.MethodsA large single institutional database was interrogated to identify all patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (PCa) treated with 5-fraction SBRT without ADT. Pathology results were reviewed to determine detailed core involvement as well as Gleason score (GS). High-volume biopsy core involvement was defined as ≥ 50%. Weighted Gleason core involvement was reviewed, giving higher weight to higher-grade cancer. The PSA kinetics and oncologic outcomes were analyzed for association with core involvement.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2018, 1590 patients were identified who underwent SBRT for localized PCa. High-volume core involvement was a relatively rare event observed in 19% of our cohort, which was observed more in patients with small prostates (p < 0.0001) and/or intermediate-risk disease (p = 0.005). Higher PSA nadir was observed in those patients with low-volume core involvement within the intermediate-risk cohort (p = 0.004), which was confirmed when core involvement was analyzed as a continuous variable weighted by Gleason score (p = 0.049). High-volume core involvement was not associated with biochemical progression (p = 0.234).ConclusionsWith a median follow-up of over 4 years, biochemical progression was not associated with pretreatment high-volume core involvement for patients treated with 5-fraction SBRT alone. In the era of prostate SBRT and MRI-directed prostate biopsies, the use of high-volume core involvement as an independent predictor of unfavorable intermediate risk disease should be revisited.

Rituximab-combined anthracycline-free chemotherapy in newly diagnosed paediatric and adolescent patients with non-high-risk aggressive mature B cell lymphoma: protocol for a single-arm, open-label, multicentre, phase II study (the Japan Children’s Cancer Group Multicentre Trial, JPLSG B-NHL-20)

IntroductionChildren and adolescents with mature B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) are treated with short-intensive chemotherapy. The burden of short-term and long-term toxicity is highly relative to its high cure rate...