Irinotecan-based Chemotherapy Research Articles

FDA Approval Summary: Fruquintinib for the Treatment of Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

On November 8, 2023, the FDA approved fruquintinib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR)-1, -2, and -3, for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine‑, oxaliplatin‑, and irinotecan‑based chemotherapy, an anti‑VEGF therapy, and, if RAS wild‑type and medically appropriate, an anti EGFR therapy. Approval was based on Study FRESCO-2, a globally-conducted, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The key secondary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 691 patients were randomized (461 and 230 into the fruquintinib and placebo arms, respectively). Fruquintinib provided a statistically significant improvement in OS with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.80; p<0.001). The median OS was 7.4 months (95% CI: 6.7, 8.2) in the fruquintinib arm and 4.8 months (95% CI: 4.0, 5.8) for the placebo arm. Adverse events observed were generally consistent with the known safety profile associated with inhibition of the VEGFR. The results of FRESCO-2 were supported by the FRESCO study, a double-blind, single country, placebo-controlled, randomized trial in patients with refractory mCRC who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine‑, oxaliplatin‑, and irinotecan‑based chemotherapy. In FRESCO, the OS HR was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.83; p<0.001). FDA concluded that the totality of the evidence from FRESCO-2 and FRESCO supported an indication for patients with mCRC with prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF biological therapy, and if RAS wild‑type and medically appropriate, an anti-EGFR therapy.

Real-world outcomes of third-line immune checkpoint inhibitors versus irinotecan-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer: a Korean, multicenter study (KCSG ST22-06)

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) or irinotecan-based chemotherapy is frequently used after failure of second-line paclitaxel plus ramucirumab treatment for patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic advanced gastric cancer (AGC). This study aimed to compare the efficacy between ICI and irinotecan-based chemotherapy as third-line treatment in patients with AGC.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with AGC, whose third-line treatment started between July 2019 and June 2021 at 17 institutions in Korea. The ICI group included patients who received nivolumab or pembrolizumab, and the irinotecan-based chemotherapy group included patients who received irinotecan or FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan).ResultsA total of 363 patients [n = 129 (ICI) and n = 234 (irinotecan-based chemotherapy)] were analyzed. The median progression-free survival was 2.3 and 2.9 months in ICI and irinotecan-based chemotherapy groups, respectively (p = 0.802). The median overall survival (OS) was 5.5 and 6.0 months in ICI and irinotecan-based chemotherapy groups, respectively (p = 0.786). For all patients included in this study, multivariable analysis showed that weight loss, peritoneal metastasis, low serum sodium or albumin, and short duration of second-line treatment were associated with inferior OS (p < 0.05). ICI showed significantly longer OS than irinotecan-based chemotherapy in patients without peritoneal metastasis. Whereas ICI showed significantly shorter OS in patients without PD-L1 expression than irinotecan-based chemotherapy.ConclusionsNo significant difference in survival outcome was observed between ICI and irinotecan-based chemotherapy as third-line treatment for AGC patients. ICI might be preferred for patients without peritoneal metastasis and irinotecan-based chemotherapy for patients with tumors without PD-L1 expression.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of Korea (https://cris.nih.go.kr: KCT 0007732).

Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla – Takeda), an oral kinase inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who received prior fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, anti-VEGF therapy, and, in patients with RAS wild-type mutations, anti-EGFR therapy. The drug can be used in patients with mCRC regardless of biomarker status. Fruquintinib is the first drug to become available in the US for treatment of mCRC that targets 3 VEGF receptor kinases.

The efficacy and safety of vincristine, irinotecan and anlotinib in Epithelioid Sarcoma

BackgroundEpithelioid sarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma characterized by SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency. Much attention has been paid to the selective EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat, where other systemic treatments are generally ignored. To explore alternative treatment options, we studied the effects of irinotecan-based chemotherapy in a series of epithelioid sarcoma patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from patients with metastatic or unresectable epithelioid sarcoma at the Peking University People’s Hospital treated with irinotecan (50 mg/m2/d d1-5 Q3W) in combination with Anlotinib (12 mg Qd, 2 weeks on and 1 week off) from July 2015 to November 2021.ResultsA total of 54 courses were administered. With a median follow up of 21.2 months (95% CI, 12.2, 68.1), the 5-year overall survival rate was 83.3%. Five of eight (62.5%) patients presented with unresectable localized lesions, including local tumor thrombosis and lymphatic metastasis. The other patients had unresectable pulmonary metastases. Six of eight (75%) patients had progressed following two lines of systemic therapy. The objective response rate reached 37.5% (three of eight patients) while stabilized disease was observed in 62.5% (five of eight) of patients. No patient had progressed at initial evaluation. At the last follow up, two patients were still using the combination and three patients had ceased the therapy due to toxicities such as diarrhea, nausea, and emesis. One patient changed to tazemetostat for maintenance and one patient stopped treatment due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Another patient stopped therapy as residual lesions had been radiated.ConclusionsThe combination of irinotecan and Anlotinib as a salvage regimen may be considered another effective treatment option for refractory epithelioid sarcoma.Trial registrationThis study was approved in the Medical Ethics Committee of Peking University People’s Hospital on October 28, 2022 (No.: 2022PHD015-002). The study was registered in Clinicaltrials.gov with identifier no. NCT05656222.

Combination of hSTC810 and capecitabine therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer with resistance or intolerance to oxaliplatin and irinotecan-based chemotherapy: A single arm, phase 1b/2, multicenter study.

TPS223 Background: hSTC810 is a humanized anti-BTN1A1 monoclonal antibody of the IgG4 isotype that binds to human BTN1A1 and blocks the interaction between BTN1A1 and its ligands. Butyrophilin 1A1 (BTN1A1) is a novel immune checkpoint protein that exhibits an expression pattern mutually exclusive to that of PD-1/PD-L1. BTN1A1 has been shown to inhibit anti-CD3-induced cytokine production and T-cell proliferation and also inhibit anti-CD3-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and target of rapamycin (TOR) phosphorylation in human T-cells. Mouse studies demonstrated that an anti-BTN1A1 antibody exhibited antitumor activity both as a single agent and in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or radiation therapy. In the first in human phase 1 study, investigating the safety and efficacy of hSTC810 in solid tumors, hSTC810 showed acceptable safety profile and the disease control rate (DCR) was 39.3%, which indicates its potential efficacy. Methods: This multi-center, open label phase 1b/2 study evaluates the safety, tolerability, efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of hSTC810 combined with capecitabine in patients with metastasis/recurrent colorectal cancer. The trial is enrolling adults who are (1) histologically or cytologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma (2) resistant or intolerant to oxaliplatin and irinotecan-based chemotherapy (3) adequate hematologic, hepatic, renal function (4) measurable or non-measurable disease by RECIST 1.1 (5) ECOG PS 0~2 (6) resolved acute effects of any prior therapy. Treatment will continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, whichever occurs first. The primary endpoint of phase 1b is to determine dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of hSTC810 combined with capecitabine, each in 21-day cycles. Phase 1 comprises 3 escalation arms, and if the initial dose is deemed unsafe, 2 deescalation arms will be initiated. Once the RP2D is determined, the Phase 2 will enroll up to 39 patients. The primary endpoint of phase 2 is progression free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints include objective response rate, overall survival, disease control rate, duration of response and quality of life. The study began in Q4 2023 and is recruiting patients. AEs are assessed according to CTCAE v5. Tumor response is determined according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. An exploratory study is underway to investigate the impact of hSTC810 on the tumor microenvironment and cytokines, utilizing both tissue biopsies and blood sampling. Clinical trial information: NCT05990543 .

Real-world treatment patterns and unmet need in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer that is not MSI-H or dMMR.

53 Background: Regorafenib and trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) are standard of care (SoC) systemic anticancer treatments (SACT) for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients perviously treated with fluoropyrimidine (5-FU), irinotecan, &amp; oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. However, evidence is limited on post-chemotherapy &amp; later SACT for patients with mCRC that is not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR). This study assessed real-world patient characteristics and treatment patterns in community oncology practices among previously treated, not MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized The US Oncology Network (iKnowMed) electronic health record database, supplemented by chart review. The study cohort comprised adult, not MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients treated with chemotherapy (5-FU/capecitabine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) who initiated subsequent SACT or received best supportive care (BSC) between 1/1/2016 &amp; 12/31/2021. Index date for SACT users was the regimen start date. For patients on BSC and no subsequent SACT/BSC, index date was last chemotherapy administration date. Patients were followed from index date through 8/31/2022, date of death or last contact date, whichever occurred first. Descriptive statistics were used to report patient and treatment characteristics. Results: The study consisted of 292 mCRC patients, with a median age of 57 (range: 49, 68) years. The predominant histology was adenocarcinoma (n = 237, 81.2%) with 1.7% other histology and rest missing, 198 (67.8%) patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1 and 206 (70.5%) had primary tumors located in the colon. Liver (n = 207, 70.9%) and lung (n = 78, 26.7%) were the most common metastasis sites. Diabetes (n = 33, 11.3%) and peripheral vascular disease (n = 18, 6.2%) were the most common comorbidities. Eighty-seven (29.8%) patients received at least one chemotherapy in the adjuvant/neo-adjuvant setting, while majority (70.2%) patients received chemotherapies in the metastatic setting. Overall, 203 (69.5%) received SACT post-chemotherapy, 84 (28.8%) received BSC and 5 (1.7%) did not receive SACT/BSC. Among the SACT post-chemotherapy users, 30 (14.8%) received regorafenib, 25 (12.3%) received TAS-102 and 148 (72.9%) received other SACT. Other SACT included irinotecan-based (n = 76, 37.4%), oxaliplatin-based (n = 30, 14.8%), irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based (n = 6, 3.0%) chemotherapy, and anti-EGFR (n = 15, 7.4%) or anti-VEGF (n = 8, 3.0%) targeted therapies. Conclusions: Overall, only 27.1% of previously treated mCRC patients with tumors that were not MSI-H or dMMR received SoC. The real-world variability in choice of treatments and the high percentage of patients rechallenged with chemotherapy in subsequent lines, highlights an unmet need in this population.

Efficacy of Hangeshashinto in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hangeshashinto has attracted attention owing to its potential to prevent chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. However, studies on the efficacy of Hangeshashinto have had conflicting results. Evaluating the efficacy of Hangeshashinto may contribute to reducing the use and adverse events caused by drug therapy for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), PubMed, Ichushi, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to retrieve all the relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the administration of Hangeshashinto with that of other treatments in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy were included. The primary outcome was severe (grade3-4) diarrhea assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. The secondary outcome was mild (grade0-2) diarrhea. Out of 324 records identified, three studies were selected for the meta-analysis. Irinotecan was used for chemotherapy in all these studies. Hangeshashinto did not reduce the incidence of severe diarrhea compared with other treatments (risk ratio (RR) 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-1.41, P = 0.15; low-quality evidence). Moreover, Hangeshashinto did not reduce the incidence of mild diarrhea (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.87-2.09, P = 0.18; low-quality evidence). However, in the subgroup analysis compared with no treatment, the Hangeshashinto group had a significantly lower incidence of severe diarrhea (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03-0.88, P = 0.03; low-quality evidence). At present, insufficient evidence exists to support the claim that Hangeshashinto prevents diarrhea caused by irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

The efficacy of chemotherapy re-challenge in third-line setting for metastatic colorectal cancer patients: a real-world study

Objective: To explore the efficacy of chemotherapy re-challenge in the third-line setting for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the real world. Methods: The clinicopathological data, treatment information, recent treatment efficacy, adverse events and survival data of mCRC patients who had disease progression after treatment with oxaliplatin-based and/or irinotecan-based chemotherapy and received third-line chemotherapy re-challenge from January 2013 to December 2020 at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were retrospectively collected. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results: A total of 95 mCRC patients were included. Among them, 32 patients (33.7%) received chemotherapy alone and 63 patients (66.3%) received chemotherapy combined with targeted drugs. Eighty-three patients were treated with dual-drug chemotherapy (87.4%), including oxaliplatin re-challenge in 35 patients and irinotecan re-challenge in 48 patients. The remaining 12 patients were treated with triplet chemotherapy regimens (12.6%). Among them, as 5 patients had sequential application of oxaliplatin and irinotecan in front-line treatments, their third-line therapy re-challenged both oxaliplatin and irinotecan; 7 patients only had oxaliplatin prescription before, and these patients re-challenged oxaliplatin in the third-line treatment. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) reached 8.6% (8/93) and 61.3% (57/93), respectively. The median progression free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) were 4.9 months and 13.0 months, respectively. The most common adverse events were leukopenia (34.7%) and neutropenia (34.7%), followed by gastrointestinal adverse reactions such as nausea (32.6%) and vomiting (31.6%). Grade 3-4 adverse events were mostly hematological toxicity. Cox multivariate analysis showed that gender (HR=1.609, 95% CI: 1.016-2.548) and the PFS of front-line treatments (HR=0.598, 95% CI: 0.378-0.947) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: The results suggested that it is safe and effective for mCRC patients to choose third-line chemotherapy re-challenge, especially for patients with a PFS of more than one year in front-line treatments.

Predictive Impact of RNF43 Mutations in Patients With Proficient Mismatch Repair/Microsatellite Stable BRAFV600E-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated With Target Therapy or Chemotherapy.

Target therapy (TT) with encorafenib plus cetuximab is a standard option in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated (mut) pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Recently, mutations in RNF43, encoding a negative regulator of the WNT pathway, were associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) BRAFV600E-mut mCRC treated with TT. Here, we explored the effect of RNF43 mutations on the efficacy of second-line TT versus standard chemotherapy (CT). A retrospective cohort of patients with pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mut tumors, available RNF43 mutational status, and treated with second-line TT or oxaliplatin- and/or irinotecan-based CT was analyzed. One hundred thirty-two patients with pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mut mCRC were included. RNF43 was found mut in 34 (26%) cases. Among RNF43 mutants, TT was associated with longer PFS (7.7 v 3.0 months; P = .002) and higher overall response rate (ORR; 45% v 0%; P = .009) compared with CT. Conversely, among RNF43 wild-type (wt) patients, only a trend for longer PFS (4.5 v 3.7 months; P = .064) favoring TT, with no differences in ORR (P = .14), was observed. After excluding 36 patients receiving TT in third line or beyond, a longer OS (19.4 v 10.1 months; P = .022) and a numerically OS advantage (10.6 v 6.6 months; P = .068) were reported for TT both in the RNF43-mut and in the RNF43 wt groups. However, no interaction effect was reported between RNF43 mutational status and treatment in ORR (Pinteraction = .96), PFS (Pinteraction = .13), and OS (Pinteraction = .44). Patients with pMMR/MSS BRAFV600E-mut mCRC achieve benefit from TT versus CT independently of RNF43 mutational status, although a higher magnitude of benefit from TT is observed in RNF43-mut tumors. These findings deserve confirmation in concluded and ongoing randomized trials.

Clinical outcomes of liposomal irinotecan in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients previously treated with conventional irinotecan-based chemotherapy: a real-world study.

The efficacy of combination chemotherapy beyond the first-line setting remains modest in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). Evidence from recent clinical studies has shown that liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) resulted in survival benefits in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (APAC) after progression on gemcitabine-based treatment. However, the survival benefits of nal-IRI in the third and later lines, in which limited options are available, have yet to be extensively studied. Also, some studies have shown conflicting results regarding the impact of prior treatment with conventional IRI on patient outcomes following treatment with nal-IRI. Therefore, this real-world study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nal-IRI plus 5FU-LV in advanced PAC patients who progressed on conventional IRI-containing regimens. A retrospective chart review was conducted between November 2016 to December 2022 on 30 patients diagnosed with advanced PAC who completed at least one cycle of nal-IRI plus 5-FU- LV and were previously treated with conventional IRI. Data regarding survival outcomes were retrieved. Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 76.7% of the patients received at least two lines of therapy prior to nal-IRI. The median overall duration of nal-IRI treatment was 2.0 months (IQR: 1.3 - 3.9 months). One patient (3.3%) had a partial response, and seven patients (23.3%) had stable disease as their best response. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.9 months (95% CI 1.6 - 2.0) and the 6-month PFS rate was 20.0%. The median overall survival (OS) was 5.0 months (95% CI 3.4 - 7.0), and the 6-month OS rate was 36.7%. An interval between conventional IRI and nal-IRI ≥5.5 months was significantly associated with prolonged OS of 10.2 months (95% CI 3.3 - 12.1) versus 4.3 months (95% CI 2.1 - 5.9; p =0.003). Ten patients (33.3%) experienced grade 3 adverse events, most commonly nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and non-neutropenic fever. Nal-IRI plus 5FU/LV had modest survival benefits and an acceptable safety profile in patients with prior conventional IRI. A longer interval between conventional IRI and nal-IRI was associated with increased survival outcomes.

Comparison of efficacy between immune checkpoint inhibitors and irinotecan-based chemotherapy as third-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric cancer: A Korean real-world multicenter study (KCSG ST22-06).

e16047 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) or irinotecan-based chemotherapy are frequently used after paclitaxel plus ramucirumab as second-line treatment for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic gastric cancer (RMGC). This study aimed to compare the efficacy between ICI and irinotecan-based chemotherapy as third-line treatment in patients with RMGC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with RMGC, whose third-line treatment started between July 2019 and June 2021 at 17 centers in South Korea. The ICI group included patients who received nivolumab or pembrolizumab and the irinotecan-based chemotherapy group included those patients who received irinotecan or FOLFIRI. Results: A total of 363 patients (129 in the ICI group and 234 in the irinotecan-based chemotherapy group) were analyzed. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.2 and 2.9 months in the ICI and irinotecan-based chemotherapy groups, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 5.5 months (95% CI, 3.6-7.4) in the ICI group and 6.0 months (95% CI, 4.8-7.0) in the irinotecan-based chemotherapy group [HR 0.97 (95% CI, 0.75-1.25); P=0.786]. Multivariable Cox-regression analysis showed that weight loss, peritoneal metastasis, low serum sodium, low serum albumin and short duration of second-line treatment were associated with inferior OS ( P&lt;0.05), meanwhile microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/mismatch repair-deficient (MMR-D) tumor was an independent prognostic factor for superior OS. The ICI group showed significantly longer OS than the irinotecan-based chemotherapy group in patients without peritoneal metastasis [HR 0.54 (95% CI 0.30-0.99); P=0.047)]. Whereas the irinotecan-based chemotherapy group showed significantly longer OS in patients without PD-L1 expression [HR 1.62 (95% CI 1.03-2.55); P=0.037] than the ICI group. Conclusions: No significant difference in survival outcome was observed between ICI and irinotecan-based chemotherapy as third-line treatment for patients with RMGC. ICI might be preferred for patients without peritoneal metastasis and irinotecan-based chemotherapy for patients with tumors without PD-L1 expression.

HER2 testing in the MOUNTAINEER trial: Analysis of treatment response based on central HER2 assessment using IHC/ISH and NGS.

3528 Background: Tucatinib (TUC) is a highly selective HER2-directed TKI approved by the FDA in combination w/trastuzumab (Tras) for treatment (tx) of pts w/ RAS wild-type HER2+ unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that has progressed following tx w/ fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy. There are currently no established best practices for HER2 testing/interpretation in mCRC. Here we present results of central HER2 testing across multiple platforms and response to tx for MOUNTAINEER pts treated w/ TUC + Tras based on central HER2 status. Methods: MOUNTAINEER (NCT03043313) enrolled pts w/ local HER2+ mCRC using ≥1 method: IHC, ISH, and/or NGS testing; retrospective central assessment of HER2 status was performed on multiple platforms. Pts in cohorts A+B were treated w/ TUC + Tras; pts in cohort C were treated w/ TUC monotherapy. Confirmed objective response rates (cORRs) using RECIST v1.1 per BICR, DOR, and PFS were calculated for pts treated w/ TUC + Tras based on each central testing method. Results: 114 pts were enrolled in cohorts A (n = 45), B (n = 39), and C (n = 30) w/ HER2+ tumors per ≥1 local testing method. Of samples submitted for central testing for Cohorts A and B, 70 per IHC/FISH, 50 per tissue NGS, and 71 per blood NGS had evaluable results. In all cohorts, there was 81.0% (95% CI, 68.6-90.1) agreement between blood and tissue NGS, 92.6% (95% CI, 83.7-97.6) between IHC/FISH and tissue NGS, and 79.5% (95% CI, 69.2-87.6) between IHC/FISH and blood NGS. In cohorts A and B, pts w/ HER2+ tumors by central IHC/ISH had a mDOR of 16.4 months (95% CI: 10.6-25.5) and mPFS of 10.1 months (95% CI: 4.2-15.2). cORR was 41.1% to 47.7% for the 3 assays. Detailed HER2 results are presented in the Table. Conclusions: Percent agreement of HER2 status was highest w/ tissue-based platforms. Detection of HER2 amplification by ctNDA NGS is useful; however, pts w/o HER2 amplification should be confirmed w/ a tissue-based assay. HER2 status by all 3 platforms predicted tx response to TUC + Tras. cORR in IHC2+/ISH+ was numerically lower but remained clinically relevant. These data support use of the above methods to identify HER2+ mCRC patients that may benefit from TUC + Tras. Clinical trial information: NCT03043313 . [Table: see text]

The BEETS (JACCRO CC-18) trial: an observational and translational study of BRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer.

For BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the BEACON phase 3 trial showed survival benefit of triplet therapy with cetuximab (anti-EGFR antibody), encorafenib (BRAF inhibitor) and binimetinib (MEK inhibitor) as well as doublet therapy with cetuximab and encorafenib over irinotecan-based chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR antibody. Both regimens are standards of care in Japan, but definite biomarkers for predicting efficacy and selecting treatment remain lacking. The mechanisms underlying resistance to these regimens also warrant urgent exploration to further evolve treatment. This prospective observational/translational study evaluated real-word clinical outcomes with cetuximab and encorafenib with or without binimetinib for BRAF-mutated mCRC patients and investigated biomarkers for response and resistance by collecting blood samples before and after treatment. Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000045530 (https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000051983).

A phase II clinical trial of prior regimen rechallenge in third- or later-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

e15583 Background: Current choices of systemic treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer remained limited, with some patients facing drugless conditions after failure of standard treatment. For those who have responded to the front-line treatment, there is a lack of data from prospective studies, on whether reapplication of former regimens in the later line can still bring clinical benefits. We conducted an exploratory study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prior regimen rechallenge in the third or later-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: This is a single-arm prospective phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03485027). The key inclusion criteria were:(1) histologically confirmed mCRC; (2) treatment failure to at least two lines of systemic chemotherapy; progression free survival (PFS) of the rechallenged regimen should be at least four months in the prior setting without unrecoverable toxicity; (3) the time interval between the re-applied chemotherapy regimen and its previous administration was at least 6 months. Eligible patients received the reapplication regimens, including XELOX, FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, Irinotecan monotherapy with or without targeted drug, which was formerly used. Evaluation was repeated every 6 weeks and treatment continues until the disease progression or intolerable adverse effects. The primary end point is PFS. The secondary endpoint is overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and treatment safety. Results: From Jan 24, 2018 to Dec 24, 2022, a total of 53 patients were recruited, and 51 patients who had received at least one cycle of rechallenged medication were included in this analysis. The median age was 59 (range 36-82) years old. Among these patients, 38 were administrated with the combination of targeted and chemotherapy as the rechallenge regimen (24 with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy and 14 with cetuximab plus chemotherapy), and 13 with chemotherapy alone (7 with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and 6 with irinotecan-based chemotherapy). A total of 41 patients had received the efficacy evaluation after treatment. One patient achieved partial response (tumor change from baseline -38.4%), 23 patients with stable disease and 17 patients with progressive disease. The ORR and DCR were 2.4% and 58.5%, respectively. At the last follow-up date on Jan 31, 2023, the median PFS was 4.0 months (95% CI, 2.62–5.38). The data of OS was still immature. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were reported in 6 patients (11.76%). The detailed grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia in 4 patients, oxaliplatin related acute anaphylaxis in 2 patients, diarrhea in 2 patients. Conclusions: For the patients with heavily treated mCRC, the re-application of chemotherapy with front-line treatment regimen has shown a decent effectiveness with acceptable safety. Clinical trial information: NCT03485027 .

A phase I/IIa study to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, and PD of T3011, a genetically modified oncolytic virus (OVs) administered intravenously (IV) in patients with advanced solid tumors.

2640 Background: T3011 is a genetically modified, next-generation oncolytic HSV-1 with 2 exogenous genes encoding the active heterodimer human IL-12 and the Fab fragment of an anti-human PD-1 antibody. T3011 intratumoral injection (IT) was reported to be well tolerated in patients (pts). IV therapy of OVs is rare and provides an attractive option to many pts with advanced cancers that are not candidates for IT therapy. Methods: It is a phase I/IIa multi-center, open label, single ascending dose (SAD) /multiple ascending dose (MAD) study to evaluate T3011 IV therapy. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability. Dose cohort and regimen are shown in Table. PK and PD profiles are tested in samples of blood, saliva, urine, and tumor tissue. Results: As of 16 Dec 2022, 15 pts with stage IV disease were enrolled, 9 pts had received at least 3 lines of prior therapy. The median follow-up time is 1.58 months. Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) occurred in 15 (100%) pts and treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) occurred in 10 (66.7%) pts. G3 TEAE in 3 (20%) pts (hypertriglyceridemia, dyspnea, lymphopenia) and G3 TRAE in 1 (6.7%) pt (lymphopenia), no≥ G4 AE reported. Dyspnea, the only reported SAE (1, 6.7%), is drug-unrelated. TRAEs were lymphopenia (5, 33.3%), anemia (1, 6.7%), diarrhea (1, 6.7%), malaise (1, 6.7%), urticaria (1,6.7%), rash (1, 6.7%), constipation (1, 6.7%), flu like symptoms (1, 6.7%), headache (1, 6.7%) and abnormal laboratory test results (incidence were all 6.7%), most of them are mild and manageable. No AEs led to drug withdrawal. No DLT occurred; MTD was not reached. 11/15 pts achieved stable disease (SD) by RECIST v 1.1. DCR was 73.3%. 1 pt with colorectal cancer who experienced irinotecan-based chemotherapy, anti-VEGF and radiotherapy in Cohort 1 had a long-term SD for over 4 months. In SAD part, T3011 DNA in blood at 2 hours post-dose was detected in 0% (0/3), 0% (0/4), 66.7% (2/3) and 100% (2/2) pts in Cohort 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The DNA copies in pts of Cohort 4 are significantly higher than those of Cohort 3 (Mean viral DNA copies/ul 49.6 vs. 5.7). In cohort 2 of MAD part, T3011 DNA in blood at 2 hours post-dose was detected in 0% (0/3), 66.7% (2/3) and 100% (3/3) pts at C1D1, C1D4 and C1D8 respectively. T3011 DNA was not detected in saliva or urine samples. Pre-existing HSV-1 IgG was shown to hardly affect T3011 activity. Conclusions: T3011 IV is safe and well tolerated, and unlikely to spread to close contacts. Preliminary efficacy is encouraging. T3011 DNA in blood is in a dose-dependent manner with additive effect from repeated doses supporting continued recruitment of pts to higher dose cohorts. Clinical trial information: NCT05598268 . [Table: see text]

Survival outcomes of liposomal irinotecan in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma previously treated with conventional irinotecan-based chemotherapy: A single-institution experience.

e16260 Background: Gemcitabine-based and FOLFIRINOX (Oxaliplatin, irinotecan [IRI], 5-fluorouracil [5-FU], and leucovorin [LV]) regimens are common front-line therapies for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC). Later-line options for these patients remain limited. Liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus 5-FU-LV has demonstrated a survival benefit in APC patients previously treated with gemcitabine-based treatment. However, the efficacy of nal-IRI plus 5-FU-LV in patients previously treated with conventional IRI containing regimens is controversial. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on consecutive APC patients treated at our institution between November 2016 to January 2023 who completed at least one cycle of nal-IRI plus 5-FU-LV and were previously treated with conventional IRI. Data regarding survival outcomes were retrieved. The association between the survival outcomes and the interval between conventional IRI and nal-IRI was analyzed. Results: Forty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. One patient (2.4%) had a partial response (PR), and 12 patients (29.3%) had stable disease (SD) as their best response. The median overall duration of nal-IRI treatment was 2.2 (IQR: 1.4 – 5.2) months. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7 – 2.0) months, while the 6-month PFS rate was 24.4%. The median overall survival (mOS) was 5.9 (95% CI 3.5 – 8.2) months, and the 6-month OS rate was 48.7%. The median interval between the discontinuation of conventional IRI and starting nal-IRI was 6.5 (3.4 – 13.2) months. An interval between conventional IRI and nal-IRI ≥6.5 months was significantly associated with prolonged OS (8.5 [95% CI 5.9 - 11.1] versus 4.3 [95% CI 2.7 – 5.9] months; p = 0.017), but comparable PFS (2.0 [95% CI 1.0 – 2.8] versus 1.7 [95% CI 1.5 – 1.9] months; p = 0.052). Conclusions: Patients previously treated with conventional IRI containing regimens appear to still benefit from nal-IRI plus 5-FU-LV. A longer interval between conventional IRI and nal-IRI was associated with better OS. A sequence strategy introducing a nal-IRI-based regimen at later lines may be feasible in selected APC patients previously treated with conventional IRI, given the limited therapeutic options. Further prospective studies are warranted. [Table: see text]

Abstract CT190: Oncolytic virus TG6002 safety and activity after intrahepatic artery administration in patients with liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract The TG6002.03 trial is a dose-escalation phase 1 clinical trial of TG6002 infusion via the hepatic artery in patients with liver-dominant colorectal cancer metastases. TG6002 is an engineered Copenhagen strain oncolytic Vaccinia virus, deleted of thymidine kinase and ribonucleotide reductase to enhance tumor selective viral replication and expressing FCU1, an enzyme converting the non-cytotoxic prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into the chemotherapeutic compound 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In this trial, patients with advanced unresectable liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer who had failed previous oxaliplatin and irinotecan-based chemotherapy were treated with up to 2 cycles of TG6002 infusion 6 weeks apart via the hepatic artery on day 1 combined with oral 5-FC on days 5 to 14 (where day 1 = TG6002 infusion). TG6002 infusion was performed over 30 minutes via selective catheterization of the hepatic artery proper. 5-FC oral dosing was 50mg/kg x4 daily. Blood was sampled for TG6002 pharmacokinetics and 5-FC and 5-FU measurements. Sampling of liver metastases was performed at screening and on day 4 or day 8 for virus detection and 5-FC and 5-FU quantification. In total, 15 patients (median age 61 years, range 37-78) were treated in 1 UK centre and 2 centres in France and received a dose of TG6002 of 1 × 106 (n=3), 1 × 107 (n=3), 1 × 108 (n=3), or 1 × 109 pfu (n=6). Fourteen of the 15 patients received a single cycle of treatment, including one patient who did not received 5-FC, and one patient received two cycles. TG6002 was transiently detected in plasma following administration, suggesting a strong tissue selectivity for viral replication. In the highest dose cohort, a virus rebound was observed on day 8, concordant with replication time of the virus. In serum samples, 5-FU was present on day 8 in all patients with a high variability ranging from 0.8 to 1072 ng/mL and was measurable over several days after initiation of therapy. Seven of the 9 patients evaluable showed the biodistribution of the virus in liver lesions by PCR testing on day 4 or day 8. Translational blood samples showed evidence for T-cell activation and immune checkpoint receptor-ligand expression. At 1 × 109 pfu, there was evidence for T-cell proliferation and activation against tumour-associated antigens by ELISpot and for immunogenic cell death. In terms of safety, a total of 34 TG6002-related adverse events were reported, of which 32 were grade 1-2 and 2 were grade 3. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached, and a single dose-limiting toxicity was observed consisting of a myocardial infarction in a context of recent Covid-19 infection in a 78-year-old patient. These results indicate that TG6002 infused via the hepatic artery in combination with oral 5-FC was well tolerated, effectively localized and replicated in the tumor tissues, expressed its therapeutic payload and showed anti-tumoral immunological activity. Citation Format: Adel Samson, Cristina Smolenschi, Philippe Cassier, Jai V. Patel, Chris Hammond, Marta Kurzawa, Sophie Sainte-Croix, Emma West, Alain Sadoun, Kaidre Bendjama. Oncolytic virus TG6002 safety and activity after intrahepatic artery administration in patients with liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT190.

Registry randomized controlled trials: the future of surgical trials?

Registry randomized controlled trials: the future of surgical trials?

CT-based radiomics for the identification of colorectal cancer liver metastases sensitive to first-line irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

Chemosensitivity prediction in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases has remained a research hotspot. Radiomics can extract features from patient imaging, and deep learning or machine learning can be used to build models to predict patient outcomes prior to chemotherapy. In this study, the radiomics features and clinical data of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases were used to predict their sensitivity to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. A total of 116 patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases who received first-line irinotecan-based chemotherapy from January 2015 to January 2020 in our institution were retrospectively collected. Overall, 116 liver metastases were randomly divided into training (n = 81) and validation (n = 35) cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. The effect of chemotherapy was determined based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The lesions were divided into response and nonresponse groups. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually segmented, and sample sizes of 1×1×1, 3×3×3, 5×5×5 mm3 were used to extract radiomics features. The relevant features were identified through Pearson correlation analysis and the MRMR algorithm, and the clinical data were merged into the artificial neural network. Finally, the p-model was obtained after repeated learning and testing. The p-model could distinguish responders in the training (area under the curve [AUC] 0.754, 95% CI 0.650-0.858) and validation cohorts (AUC 0.752 95% CI 0.581-0.904). AUC values of the pure image group model are 0.720 (95% CI 0.609-0.827) and 0.684 (95% CI 0.529-0.890) for the training and validation cohorts respectively. As for the clinical data model, AUC values of the training and validation cohorts are 0.638 (95% CI 0.500-0.757) and 0.545 (95% CI 0.360-0.785), respectively. The performances of the latter two are less than that of the former. The p-model has the potential to discriminate colorectal cancer patients sensitive to chemotherapy. This model holds promise as a noninvasive tool to predict the response of colorectal liver metastases to chemotherapy, allowing for personalized treatment planning.

In brief: A second indication for tucatinib (Tukysa).

The oral kinase inhibitor tucatinib (Tukysa – Seagen) has received accelerated approval from the FDA for use in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin) for treatment of adults with RAS wild-type human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy regimens. Tucatinib was approved in 2020 for use in combination with trastuzumab and capecitabine (Xeloda, and generics) for treatment of adults with advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, including those with brain metastases, who received at least one prior anti-HER2-based regimen for metastatic disease.