Longer Median Progression-free Survival Research Articles

A Translational Study of the ATR Inhibitor Berzosertib as Monotherapy in Four Molecularly Defined Cohorts of Advanced Solid Tumors.

Preclinical studies have identified molecular correlates of sensitivity to ATR inhibition. This translational study was designed to test the ATR inhibitor berzosertib in patients with advanced solid tumors carrying alterations in ATRX, ATM, genes conferring replication stress (RS), or SDH. Patients were recruited to 4 cohorts: T1: ATRX-mutant leiomyosarcoma; T2: ATM-mutant solid tumors; T3: solid tumors with mutations in RS-associated genes; and T4: SDH-deficient GIST. Patients were treated with berzosertib 240 mg/m2 IV twice per week. Pre and on-treatment biopsies were obtained in cohorts T1-T3. Patients with SDH-mutant GIST had the longest median progression-free survival (PFS) (229 days) with stable disease as the best response. Patients in the other cohorts experienced progressive disease within 4 months. There was no significant difference in PFS comparing outcomes in patients with/without mutations in ATM or RS genes. Decreased pS345-CHK1 in on-treatment biopsies indicated target engagement by berzosertib and were accompanied by substantial increases in levels of DNA damage (g-H2AX) and RS (pKAP1) markers in a subset of patients. However, these biomarker changes did not translate to clinical benefit. In contrast, in cohorts T1-T3, increased expression of SFLN11 on treatment correlated with clinical benefit (HR = 0.045; 95%CI 0.005-0.400). Across cohorts, only SDH-mutant GIST patients experienced prolonged disease control. Despite evidence of target engagement, patients enrolled to all other cohorts had short PFS, suggesting rapid adaptation to ATR inhibitor monotherapy. Among these patients, those with tumors expressing SLFN11 during berzosertib exposure derived the most clinical benefit.

Spartalizumab in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy with or without canakinumab in patients with PD-L1-unselected, metastatic NSCLC

BackgroundDespite promising outcomes of treatment with anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1/PD-ligand (L)1 agents in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy (PDC) in the first-line setting, a significant unmet medical need remains in patients with PD-L1-unselected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThis multicenter, open-label, phase 1b study comprising dose-confirmation and dose-expansion parts investigated the combination of spartalizumab and various PDC regimens, with or without canakinumab, in treatment-naïve patients with PD-L1-unselected, metastatic NSCLC. The primary objectives were to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended dose for expansion (RDE) of spartalizumab, with or without canakinumab, in combination with PDC in the dose-confirmation part and antitumor activity of spartalizumab in the dose-expansion part.ResultsThe MTD/RDE of spartalizumab was 300 mg every 3 weeks (Q3W) when administered with either gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2)/cisplatin (75 mg/m2) (group A; no dose-limiting toxicities [DLTs]), pemetrexed (500 mg/m2)/cisplatin (group B; 2 DLTs: grade 2 posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and grade 4 hyponatremia), or paclitaxel (200 mg/m2)/carboplatin area under the curve 6 min*mg/mL (group C; 1 DLT: grade 4 neutropenic colitis). The RDE of canakinumab combined with spartalizumab and pemetrexed/cisplatin (group E; no DLTs) was 200 mg Q3W (no dose-expansion part was initiated). No new safety signals were identified. In groups A, B, C, and E, the overall response rates were 57.6%, 55.3%, 51.5%, and 57.1%, respectively. Group B compared with other groups had the longest median progression-free survival (10.4 months vs. 6.2–7.5 months), overall survival (29.7 months vs. 16.1–21.0 months), and duration of response (30.1 months vs. 6.0-8.2 months).ConclusionsThe combination of spartalizumab and PDC, with or without canakinumab, was well tolerated across treatment groups. The antitumor activity across treatment groups was comparable with that of pembrolizumab and pemetrexed combination. Canakinumab did not appear to improve the antitumor activity when combined with spartalizumab, pemetrexed and cisplatin.Trial registrationThe trial was registered in Clinicaltrials.gov with identifier no. NCT03064854. Date of Registration: 06 February 2017.

Impact of upfront adjuvant chemoradiation on survival in patients with molecularly defined oligodendroglioma: the benefits of PCV over TMZ.

Oligodendroglioma is an adult-type diffuse glioma defined by 1p/19q codeletion and IDH1/2 mutation. Treatment includes surgery followed by observation alone in select low-grade tumors, or combination radiation and chemotherapy with procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) or temozolomide (TMZ). While prospective studies investigating treatments for molecularly defined oligodendrogliomas are ongoing, this retrospective study analyzes the relationship between adjuvant regimens and progression-free survival (PFS). Adults with IDH-mutant, 1p/19q codeleted oligodendroglioma (WHO grade 2 or 3) who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2021 were identified. Clinical data, disease characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were collected. A total of 207 patients with grade 2 and 70 with grade 3 oligodendrogliomas were identified. Median (IQR) follow-up was 57 (87) months. Patients with grade 3 tumors who received adjuvant radiation and PCV had longer median PFS (> 110 months) than patients who received radiation and TMZ (52 months, p = 0.008) or no adjuvant chemoradiation (83 months, p = 0.03), which was not seen in grade 2 tumors (p = 0.8). In multivariate analysis, patients who received PCV chemotherapy (Relative Risk [95% CI] = 0.24[0.05-1.08] and radiotherapy (0.46[0.21-1.02]) trended towards longer PFS, independently of grade. Adjuvant radiation and PCV are associated with improved PFS over radiation with TMZ in patients with grade 3 molecularly defined oligodendrogliomas, and all-grade patients treated with PCV trended towards decreased risk of recurrence and progression. These results highlight the importance of ongoing clinical trials investigating these treatments.

EXPRESS:The efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin for peripheral T-cell lymphoma: A systemic review and meta-analysis.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an extensive class of heterogeneous diseases with dismal outcomes. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody‒drug conjugate (ADC) comprising CD30-directed antibody. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BV for treating PTCL. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for studies evaluating the efficacy of BV alone or in combination with other drugs for treating PTCL. The primary outcome measures included objective response rate (ORR), complete remission (CR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes included 5-year OS, 5-year PFS and adverse events. 22 studies involving 1137 patients were included. These studies reported the use patterns of BV, ORR, CR, PFS, OS, and adverse events. The pooled ORR and CR rate were 68% (95% CI: 59%-75%) and 43% (95% CI: 34%-53%). For survival outcomes, the longest median PFS was 8.3 months, and the longest median OS was 26.3 months. The most common adverse event was peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia. The analysis suggested that BV alone or in combination with other drugs improved the response and survival rates in PTCL patients and was associated with tolerable adverse effects.

Real world data of cabozantinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Focusing on dose setting and modification.

To investigate the outcomes of cabozantinib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), focusing on dose setting and modification. We retrospectively analyzed 34 Japanese patients who received cabozantinib for uHCC. Trough concentrations (Ctrough) of cabozantinib were also measured weekly for 6 weeks in the 18 patients. Sixteen patients received ≥40 mg (high-dose group), and 18 patients received 20 mg (low-dose group). Dose escalations were performed in 27.8% of the patients in the low-dose group. Although median duration of the first dose reduction or interruption in the low-dose group was twice that in the high-dose group (28 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001), there were no significant differences in the relative dose intensity (RDI) during 6 weeks, progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (p = 0.162, p = 0.950, p = 0.817, respectively) between the two groups. Patients who received RDI during 6 weeks ≥33.4% showed a trend toward longer median PFS (p = 0.054). Each serum aldolase value during the 6 weeks was significantly correlated with the Ctrough at any point (r = 0.500, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, aldolase ≥8.7 U/L within 2 weeks was significantly associated with the very early dose reduction or interruption (odds ratio 20.0, p = 0.002). An initial dose of 20 mg cabozantinib could be a safe option in Japanese patients. The serum aldolase value could be useful for making appropriate dose modifications of cabozantinib.

Real-world Outcomes of Dual HER2 Blockade Therapy in Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: from Induction to Maintenance.

Dual human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab combined with taxane-based chemotherapy (Cht) has been the standard first-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) for years, due to the impressive results of the CLEOPATRA study. Real-world (RW) studies have become critical for assessing treatment effectiveness and safety in real-life circumstances. The aim of this study was to analyze the treatment outcomes of first-line therapy for HER2-positive mBC in RW clinical practice, specifically focusing on the use of maintenance endocrine therapy (ET) in hormone receptor positive (HR-positive) patients. This retrospective analysis included 106 HER2-positive mBC patients treated with trastuzumab and pertuzumab combined with taxane-based Cht from October 2015 to December 2020 at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb. At a median follow-up of 30 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 25 months for the total population (95% confidence interval [CI] 16- not analyzed). Patients with de novo mBC had longer median PFS than patients with recurrent disease (not reached vs. 18 months; hazard ratio 1.99; 95% CI 0.69-3.64, p<0.022). Age, hormone receptor positivity, visceral involvement, number of Cht cycles and previous adjuvant trastuzumab did not impact PFS. Most HR-positive patients (N=55, 88.7%) received maintenance ET after induction Cht. This retrospective study provides additional data on patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes of RW HER2-positive mBC patients treated with pertuzumab and trastuzumab as first-line therapy. In our institution, maintenance ET after induction Cht has become standard clinical practice.

Efficacy and Safety of Transarterial Chemoembolization and Repeated Partial Splenic Embolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Hypersplenism and Thrombocytopenia.

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been reported in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cirrhotic hypersplenism and thrombocytopenia. However, efficacy and safety of repeated PSE when required are unclear. This study aims to investigate post-procedural changes in peripheral blood cell and hepatic function, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety of HCC patients with hypersplenism received TACE and repeated PSE compared to those received TACE alone. This retrospective study included 102 HCC patients with hypersplenism who received TACE (n = 73) or TACE+PSE (n = 29) from January 2014 to December 2021. Changes in peripheral blood cell and hepatic function were investigated at 1 week, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. TACE procedure sessions and adverse events were recorded. PFS and prognostic factors were analyzed. Despite response to initial PSE being limited, repeated PSE increased platelet (PLT) again, which peaked at 18 months. It also continued to improve red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin, which showed significant differences in changes from baseline between two groups until 24 months, as well as Child-Pugh scores at 12 and 18 months. Mean TACE procedure sessions were significantly higher in TACE+PSE group than that in TACE alone group (4.55 vs 3.26, P = 0.019). TACE+PSE group had longer median PFS (19.4 vs 9.5 months, P = 0.023) than TACE alone group, where PSE was an independent protective factor (HR, 0.508; P = 0.014). Initial and repeated PSE showed no significant differences in safety. Repeated PSE is effective in increasing PLT again and improving RBC, hemoglobin and liver function. It contributed to performing serial TACE procedures thereafter. TACE combined with repeated PSE has significantly longer PFS than TACE alone, where PSE was an independent protective factor. Moreover, the safety of repeated PSE was comparable to initial PSE.

Tumor Response Predicts Survival Time of Nivolumab Monotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Subgroup Analysis of the DELIVER Trial (JACCRO GC-08).

This prospective observational study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of nivolumab monotherapy in previously treated advanced gastric cancer (GC). A preplanned 2-year final analysis was performed to confirm survival and tumor behavior with nivolumab monotherapy. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The data regarding tumor size were prospectively collected and evaluated using the RECIST criteria. Exploratory analyses were performed for survival according to the tumor response and depth of response (DpR) in patients with measurable lesions who were receiving nivolumab monotherapy as third- or later-line therapy. In 487 patients, the median OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were 5.8 (95% CI 5.3-6.9) months and 1.8 (95% CI 1.7-2.0) months, respectively. The response rate (RR) was 14.5% in 282 patients with measurable lesions. In 234 patients treated with third- or later-line, the DpR was found to be associated with PFS and OS in the Spearman analysis (r = 0.55 and 0.44, respectively) as well as using a discrete variable. When the DpR was divided into 5 groups (-20%≥DpR; -20%<DpR ≤ 0%; 0%<DpR ≤ 30%; 30%<DpR ≤ 50%; 50%<DpR) according to tumor shrinkage, clinically meaningful differences in PFS, and OS were noted. Patients with DpR of ≥30% had favorable survival time in nivolumab monotherapy as a later-line treatment. The final analysis confirmed the efficacy of nivolumab monotherapy for patients with advanced GC in routine clinical practice. The exploratory analysis indicated that increasing DpR was associated with longer median PFS and OS in nivolumab treatment at a later-line setting.

TGF-β mRNA levels in circulating extracellular vesicles are associated with response to anti-PD1 treatment in metastatic melanoma.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent the standard therapy for metastatic melanoma. However, a few patients do not respond to ICIs and reliable predictive biomarkers are needed. Methods: This pilot study investigates the association between mRNA levels of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) ligand 1 (PD-L1), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) and survival in 30 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with first line anti-PD-1 antibodies. Blood samples were collected at baseline and RNA extracted from EVs; the RNA levels of PD-L1, IFN-γ, and TGF-β were analysed by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). A biomarker-radiomic correlation analysis was performed in a subset of patients. Results: Patients with high TGF-β expression (cut-off fractional abundance [FA] >0.19) at baseline had longer median progression-free survival (8.4 vs. 1.8months; p = 0.006) and overall survival (17.9 vs. 2.63months; p = 0.0009). Moreover, radiomic analysis demonstrated that patients with high TGF-β expression at baseline had smaller lesions (2.41 ± 3.27mL vs. 42.79 ± 101.08mL, p < 0.001) and higher dissimilarity (12.01 ± 28.23 vs. 5.65 ± 8.4; p = 0.018). Discussion: These results provide evidence that high TGF-β expression in EVs is associated with a better response to immunotherapy. Further investigation on a larger patient population is needed to validate the predictive power of this potential biomarker of response to ICIs.

Survival by depth of response and efficacy by International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium Subgroup with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus sunitinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma: analysis of the phase 3 randomized CLEAR study

Background: The extent of tumor shrinkage has been deemed a predictor of survival for advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a disease with historically poor survival.Objective: To perform an exploratory analysis of overall survival (OS) by tumor response by 6 mo, and to assess the efficacy and survival outcomes in specific subgroups.Design, setting, and participants: CLEAR was an open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase 3 trial of first-line treatment of advanced clear cell RCC.Intervention: Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to lenvatinib 20mg orally daily with pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously once every 3 wk, lenvatinib plus everolimus (not included in this analysis), or sunitinib 50 mg orally daily for 4 wk on treatment/2 wk of no treatment.Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Landmark analyses were conducted to assess the association of OS with tumor shrinkage and progressive disease status by 6 mo. Progression-free survival, duration of response, and objective response rate (ORR) were analyzed by the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk subgroup and by the presence of target kidney lesions. Efficacy was assessed by an independent review committee as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.Results and limitations: Landmark analyses by tumor shrinkage showed that patients enrolled to lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab arm with a confirmed complete response or &gt;75 % target-lesion reduction by 6 mo had a 24-mo OS probability of 91.7 %. A landmark analysis by disease progression showed that patients with no progression by 6 mo had lower probabilities of death in both arms. Patients with an IMDC risk classification of intermediate/poor had longer median progression-free survival (22.1 vs 5.9 mo) and a higher ORR (72.4 % vs 28.8 %) with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus sunitinib. Similarly, results favored lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in IMDC-favorable patients and those with/without target kidney lesions. Limitations of the study are that results were exploratory and not powered/stratified.Conclusions: Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab showed improved efficacy versus sunitinib for patients with advanced RCC; landmark analyses showed that tumor response by 6 mo correlated with longer OS.Patient summary: In this report of the CLEAR trial, we explored the survival of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma by assessing how well they initially responded to treatment. We also explored how certain groups of patients responded to treatment overall. Patients were assigned to cycles of either lenvatinib 20 mg daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 wk or sunitinib 50 mg daily for 4 wk (followed by a 2-wk break). Patients who either had a ‘‘complete response’’ or had their tumors shrunk by &gt;75 % within 6 mo after starting treatment with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab had better survival than those with less tumor reduction by 6 mo. Additionally, patients who had more severe disease (as per the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium) at the start of study treatment survived for longer without disease progression with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab than with sunitinib.

Camrelizumab plus apatinib after progression on immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (CAP 02 Re-challenge): A single-arm multicenter, phase II trial.

364 Background: The optimal therapies for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who have progressed after immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are unclear. This phase II single-arm study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of re-challenge with camrelizumab plus apatinib in this population. Methods: This study enrolled patients with unresectable locally advanced, locally recurrent, or metastatic ESCC who had experienced prior progression on ICI treatment. Enrolled patients received camrelizumab 200 mg intravenously every two weeks along with daily oral apatinib 250 mg. Treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or patient withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint was the confirmed objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), time to response (TOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), 3- and 6-month PFS rates, 6-, 9- and 12-month OS rates, and safety. Results: From September 1, 2021, to March 29, 2023, 49 eligible patients were enrolled and given treatment. Among 38 treated patients who had at least one post-baseline efficacy measurement, the ORR and confirmed ORR were 36.8% (95% CI 21.8–54.0) and 13.2% (95% CI 4.4–28.1); the DCR was 89.5% (95% CI 75.2–97.1); the median DOR was 3.0 months; and the median TOR was 2.2 months. Among the 49 treated patients, the median PFS was 4.6 months (95% CI 3.8–6.5) and OS was 7.5 months (95% CI 5.5–13.6). Patients who were both PD-L1 positive and had responded to previous ICI therapy had the longest median PFS (5.7 months, 95% CI 3.9–not reached) and OS (9.6 months, 95% CI 7.5–not reached). Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 34.7% of patients (17/49). Conclusions: This study showed promising efficacy and an acceptable safety profile of camrelizumab plus apatinib for patients with advanced ESCC who had progressed after ICI therapy. The subset of patients who were both PD-L1 positive and had a prior ICI response seemed to benefit most. Clinical trial information: NCT03736863 .

Regorafenib therapy as a third-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer: A single center long term experience.

This study examined the effects of regorafenib (Reg) on progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients who underwent targeted treatment and chemotherapy. Reg was administered as a third-line treatment to 84 patients who had undergone 2 rounds of chemotherapy and targeted therapy and subsequently experienced progression. Treatment was initiated with a daily dose of 80 or 120 mg, based on the patient's ability to tolerate the medication, which was increased to 160 mg/day. The median PFS with Reg was 4 ± 0.2 months, while the median OS was 9 ± 1.2 months. When compared to patients who started Reg treatment at 80 mg, patients starting at 160 mg had longer median PFS and OS (PFS:6 ± 2.1 months vs 4 ± 0.2 months; P = .05; OS:13 ± 0.7 months vs 6 ± 1.3 months; P = .069). Patients with right-sided colon cancer who received Reg as third-line therapy had a significantly longer mPFS than those with left-sided colon cancer (8 months ± 4 vs 4 months ± 0.3, P = .039). Patients with KRAS mutations had a prolonged mPFS than those with panRAS-wild type (6 ± 1.6 months vs 4 ± 0.3 months, P = .06). The mPFS contribution in the BRAF mutant subgroup with poor prognosis is promising, as it is similar to that of patients without BRAF mutations (4 months ± 0.8 × 4 months ± 0.5, P = .74). The most common AEs reported were elevated liver enzyme levels and dermatological toxicities.

HRD related signature 3 predicts clinical outcome in advanced tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma

ObjectivesWe evaluated usability of single base substitution signature 3 (Sig3) as a biomarker for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Materials and methodsThis prospective observational trial includes 165 patients with advanced HGSC. Fresh tissue samples (n = 456) from multiple intra-abdominal areas at diagnosis and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) were collected for whole-genome sequencing. Sig3 was assessed by fitting samples independently with COSMIC v3.2 reference signatures. An HR scar assay was applied for comparison. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis. ResultsSig3 has a bimodal distribution, eliminating the need for an arbitrary cutoff typical in HR scar tests. Sig3 could be assessed from samples with low (10%) cancer cell proportion and was consistent between multiple samples and stable during NACT. At diagnosis, 74 (45%) patients were HRD (Sig3+), while 91 (55%) were HR proficient (HRP, Sig3-). Sig3+ patients had longer PFS and OS than Sig3- patients (22 vs. 13 months and 51 vs. 34 months respectively, both p < 0.001). Sig3 successfully distinguished the poor prognostic HRP group among BRCAwt patients (PFS 19 months for Sig3+ and 13 months for Sig3- patients, p < 0.001). However, Sig3 at diagnosis did not predict chemoresponse anymore in the first relapse. The patient-level concordance between Sig3 and HR scar assay was 87%, and patients with HRD according to both tests had the longest median PFS. ConclusionsSig3 is a prognostic marker in advanced HGSC and useful tool in patient stratification for HRD.

Tafasitamab and Lenalidomide in Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World-Study of Patients from Germany and Austria

Background Publication of the L-MIND-study led to the approval of tafasitamab/lenalidomide (TL) for patients with relapsed oder refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL), who were ineligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The findings of the L-MIND-study showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 60%, complete response rate (CRR) of 43%, median progression free survival (PFS) of 12.1 months, and median overall survival (OS) of 33.5 months. To analyze the real-world characteristics of patients treated with TL, we performed a multicenter retrospective study with patients who were teated with TL since the implementation of the Expanded Access Program (EAP) from 03/2020 until 07/2023. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes, demographics, data on diagnosis, prior therapies, adverse events (AEs), and treatment after TL of 127 patients with r/r DLBCL treated with TL in Germany and Austria in 18 institutions. OS and PFS are displayed by Kaplan-Meier graphs. Relationships with multiple covariables were calculated by Cox regression. We performed subgroup analyses with prior anti-CD19 therapy, primary refractory disease vs. relapsed disease, IPI, number of prior therapies, treatment after TL, age, and sex. The study was approved by the local Research Ethics Committees. Results Overall, only 37% of our patients met the L-MIND study eligibility criteria; most frequent reasons for ineligibility were more than 3 prior lines of therapy (52%), prior therapy with anti-CD19/IMiDs (19% prior CAR T-cell therapy and Bispecific Antibodies, 7% prior IMiDs), High-Grade-BCL/Follicular Lymphoma Grade 3A/CNS involvement/primary refractory lymphomas/Primary-Mediastinal-BCL/B-ALL (23%), or patients who had lymphoma-specific-therapy within 14 days prior to day 1 dosing with TL (8%). Patient characteristics are stated in Table 1. ORR for the entire cohort (n=127) was 33.1%, CRR 11.8%. Median PFS was 4.7 months (95% CI 6.9 - 11.6), or even 2.9 months (95% CI 2.2 - 3.2) including all causes of death as progression, and median OS 8.9 months (95% CI 5.0 - 11.0) for the whole cohort; see Figure 1. Compared to refractory disease (n=55, 43%), relapsed disease (n=72, 57%) was associated with better ORR (43% vs. 20%, P=0.008). PFS and OS were worse in the primary refractory compared to the relapsed group (median PFS 1.7 vs. 5.3 months, HR 2.79, 95% CI 1.82-4.28, P&amp;lt;0.001; median OS 4.5 vs. 12.9 months, HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.53-4.33, P&amp;lt;0.001). 36% of the patients had a low IPI (0-2, low risk), 55% had a higher IPI (3-5, high risk) at primary diagnosis. ORR (40% vs. 30%) and OS (median OS 9.1 vs. 5.6 months HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-2.99) were higher in the lower risk group than in the higher risk group. Fewer prior lines of therapy (1-2 vs. ≥3) were associated with longer median PFS (median 3.3 vs. 1.9 months HR 1.13 per additional line, 95% CI 1.00-1.28, P=0.057) and longer median OS (median 12.5 vs. 5.2 months HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.37, P=0.039). Median time between the administration of the last prior therapy and TL were 6.4 months. No significant relationships were found for age, sex, and preceding CAR-T treatment. Prior CAR T-cell therapy (24 of 127 patients, post-CAR T-cohort) showed only small differences in ORR (37.5%), PFS (7.9 months with CAR T vs. 12 months without CAR T) or OS (9.2 months with CAR T vs. 12.4 months without CAR T); CRR was higher than in patients not treated with CAR T prior to TL (21% vs. 9.7%). 10 of the analyzed 127 patients received CAR T-cell therapy after TL. Within this subgroup, ORR was 50%. In 2 of these 10 patients TL was used as bridging therapy to CAR T; 1 of 2 patients reached a PR, the other one died before CAR T-cell therapy. The most common hematological AE was neutropenia (67%), the most common non-hematological AEs included infections (31%) and rash and itching (9%). Conclusions We show that the outcomes including ORR, PFS and OS in the real-world setting were lower than observed in the preceding phase II clinical trial (L-MIND). TL seems to be less feasible for patients that show high-risk features; comorbidities, age, dose reductions and the number of pretreatment lines may add to this. The data suggests that TL can still be used after CAR T-cell therapy or as a bridge to CAR T-cell therapy. Our findings on the frequency of observed AEs are consistent with the L-MIND-study.

Responses and Outcomes after Second-Line Therapy in Transplant-Eligible Patients with DLBCL Relapse over 1 Year after First-Line Therapy

Introduction Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T) is approved as second-line therapy in patients with large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) that is refractory to, or relapsed within 1 year of, initial therapy. In patients with LBCL that relapses more than 1 year after completion of initial therapy, salvage chemoimmunotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains the standard of care for transplant-eligible patients. However, data on the outcomes of salvage chemoimmunotherapy with intent for ASCT for this specific population are lacking. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with relapsed LBCL more than 1 year after 1 st line therapy who received salvage treatment. We included patients seen at our institution prior to the start of salvage therapy, who began therapy between 1/2008 and 1/2023, and were treated with stated intent to proceed to ASCT. We excluded patients with CNS involvement at relapse and those not evaluable for response. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), defined as the time from initiation of salvage therapy to LBCL progression or death. Event-free survival (EFS) was defined as time from salvage initiation to change in lymphoma therapy, disease progression, or death. Additional key outcomes included overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) and complete response rate (CRR) to salvage therapy, and outcomes after subsequent CAR T. Outcomes for important subgroups using baseline characteristics were compared. ORR and CRR were compared using Fisher's exact test. PFS, EFS and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were tested by the log-rank test. Results A total of 78 patients met inclusion criteria, with characteristics summarized in Table 1. Median time from completion of initial therapy to relapse was 31.2 months (range, 12.3 - 177 months). CRR to salvage therapy was 76%, with a 94% ORR. In 60 patients who completed ASCT, CRR was 85%. With a median of 45 months' follow-up from salvage initiation, median PFS was 50 months (95% confidence interval (CI) of 25 - NR), and median EFS was 29.2 months (95% CI, 19.6 - NR)( Figure 1). Median OS was 132 months (95% CI 108 - NR). On subgroup analysis, factors significantly associated with shorter PFS were time from last treatment to relapse &amp;lt; 36 months, Ann Arbor stage 3-4, LDH above normal, and increased international prognostic index at relapse. Other factors such as age, gender, salvage regimen, extranodal disease, cell of origin, transformation from indolent lymphoma, bulky disease, and marrow involvement at relapse, were not significantly associated with PFS. Comparing response to salvage in 60 ASCT recipients, patients in CR (n=52) had longer median PFS than those in PR (n=8) (108 vs 33 mo), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). In 33 patients who received 3 rd line therapy or beyond, 16 (48%) received CAR T therapy; 7 proceeded directly to CAR T after inadequate response to salvage, and 9 had progression after completion of ASCT and received CAR T. Among all patients, CRR after CAR T was 81% and ORR 94%, with median PFS and OS not reached; PFS and OS at 24 months after CAR T were 63% and 81%, respectively. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically evaluate outcomes of ASCT-eligible patients with relapsed LBCL more than 1 year after initial therapy, who did not meet FDA criteria for CAR T-cell therapy. We observed highly favorable outcomes, with longer PFS and OS compared to studies that evaluated late LBCL relapses (Hilton LK., JCO 2023, Harrysson S., BJH 2022), possibly reflecting the exclusive use of modern salvage regimens with intent for ASCT, improvements in subsequent therapies, or bias related to the single-center design. In patients who received CAR T in 3 rd line or later, frequent and durable responses were seen. However, due to the small sample size, whether CAR T should be considered as an alternative to ASCT in patients with late LBCL relapse remains unknown. Our data represent a benchmark for patients with LBCL relapses &amp;gt;12 months after completion of frontline therapy and may help inform patient counseling and future clinical trial designs.

Real-World Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes With Brentuximab Vedotin or Other Standard Therapies in Patients With Previously Treated Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in the United States

Introduction/BackgroundPrimary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (pcALCLs) are a type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in which CD30 is uniformly expressed. In mycosis fungoides (MF), another CTCL, CD30 is heterogeneously expressed. In ALCANZA, patients with pcALCLs or CD30-positive MF randomized to brentuximab vedotin (BV) vs. physician's choice of methotrexate or bexarotene had significantly improved outcomes, including higher objective response rates (ORR) lasting ≥4 months (ORR4), as well as longer median progression-free survival (PFS) and time to next treatment (TTNT). In this study, we sought to assess the real-world impact of treatment with BV in second or later lines of therapy for CTCL. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective chart review describes patient characteristics, treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource use (HRU) in patients with pcALCLs or MF previously treated with ≥1 systemic therapy and subsequently treated with BV (n = 139) or other standard therapy (OST; n = 164). ResultsMost patients in the BV cohort (96.4%) received BV as second-line (2L) systemic therapy. The most common OSTs were methotrexate (11.6%), mogamulizumab (9.1%), and bendamustine (9.1%) monotherapies. For 2L BV and OST, median duration of therapy was 8.4 and 5.2 months, real-world ORR was 82.1% and 66.5%, and real-world ORR4 was 42.5% and 25.0%. Real-world 1- and 2-year PFS, TTNT, and OS were significantly longer (all P < .01) and HRU was lower for BV vs. OST. ConclusionThese real-world outcomes are consistent with ALCANZA results, demonstrating favorable outcomes with BV vs. OST in patients with CTCL previously treated with ≥1 systemic therapy.

P17.06.B TARGETED THERAPY MATCHED TO GENOMIC ALTERATIONS (BRAFV600E, NTRK, FGFR, ROS1, PIK3CA, PTEN) IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT IDH WILDTYPE GLIOBLASTOMA: A REAL-LIFE COHORT ANALYSIS FROM VENETO INSTITUTE OF ONCOLOGY, PADUA (ITALY)

Abstract BACKGROUND The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows the identification of subgroups of patients that may respond to personalized targeted therapies (TT). Despite the acquired deep knowledge about biology, there are only a few data available regarding TT efficacy and feasibility for patients with glioblastoma (GBM). MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients with recurrent GBM treated at Veneto Institute of Oncology, Padua (Italy) with TT based on their individual NGS profile. NGS was obtained with FoundationOne®CDx on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. We identified 6 druggable genomic alterations, classified according to ESCAT (ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of molecular Targets): BRAFV600E mutation (IB), NTRK1-2-3 fusions (IC), FGFR1-2-3 alterations (IIB), ROS1 fusions (IIIA), PIK3CA mutations (IIIA) and PTEN loss/mutations (IIIA). TT was given as agnostic approval, part of compassionate use programs or in clinical trials. Response assessment was based on RANO (Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology) criteria. RESULTS Between March 2020 and December 2022, 34 patients with recurrent glioblastoma received TT (19 males, 15 females, median age of 54 years at time of TT initiation). ECOG PS was 0-1 in 29 pts. All patients received radiotherapy and temozolomide as first-line therapy. The median line of therapy with TT was 3 (range 2-7). TT was dabrafenib/trametinib (9 pts), larotrectinib (2 pts), erdafitinib (4 pts), entrectinib (1 pt), alpelisib (6 pts), ipatasertib+/-atezolizumab (12 pts). At data cut-off (March 2023), 19 patients had died. In the entire cohort, median overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) after starting TT was 8.72 and 2.14 months, respectively. The dabrafenib/trametinib subgroup had the longest median PFS (5.23 months), a disease control rate (DCR) of 77%, an objective response rate of 22%, and a median duration of response of 22.5 months. 7/9 pt had died and 2 pts are continuing dabrafenib/trametinib. The pt with ROS1-GOCP fusion maintained a complete response for 12 months with entrectinib. Among the others, no complete/partial responses were detected. DCR due to stable disease was 50% in larotrectinib and erdafitinib, 8.3% in ipatasertib+/-atezolizumab, 0% in alpelisib subgroup. No toxicities were reported in dabrafenib/trametinib subgroup. Among all patients, no grade 4 drug-related adverse events were observed and in any case TT was interrupted for toxicity. CONCLUSION Our results confirm the activity of dabrafenib/trametinib in BRAFV600E mutant glioblastoma pts and might suggest deeper explorations in targeting ROS1 and FGFR. Further correlation among patients' outcome, molecular characteristics and TT timing are still under investigation.

Drug-eluting beads bronchial arterial chemoembolization/bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy with and without PD-1 blockade for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a comparative single-center cohort study.

Drug-eluting beads bronchial arterial chemoembolization (DEB-BACE)/bronchial artery infusion chemotherapy (BAI) have been investigated as treatment options for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially for those patients who develop refractoriness to or are intolerant to systemic chemotherapy. This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of DEB-BACE/BAI with and without programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade for advanced NSCLC, and to investigate the effectiveness and safety of combination regimens. This retrospective cohort study included advanced NSCLC patients who were intolerant to or were resistant to systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or molecular targeted therapy and underwent DEB-BACE/BAI between October 2016 and October 2021 in Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology. A total of 84 advanced NSCLC patients (DEB-BACE/BAI + PD-1 blockade group: group A, n=27; DEB-BACE/BAI: group B, n=57) were enrolled finally. The embolic agent CalliSpheres (100-300, 300-500, or 500-700 µm) loaded with gemcitabine (800 mg) was administered during the DEB-BACE procedure. The adverse events (AEs) and outcomes were compared. Of these, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared via Kaplan-Meier (KM) methods. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the predictors of PFS and OS. KM methods showed that group A had longer median PFS (12.0 vs. 3.0 months, P<0.001) and OS (27.0 vs. 8.0 months, P<0.001) than group B. The predictors of PFS for DEB-BACE/BAI included tumor diameter (P=0.013), immunotherapy (P<0.001), and DEB-BACE/BAI cycles (P=0.012), whereas the predictors of OS included tumor diameter (P=0.021), extrapulmonary metastases (P=0.041), immunotherapy (P<0.001), and DEB-BACE/BAI cycles (P=0.020). The incidence rates of overall AEs in groups A and B were 40.7% (11/27) and 36.8% (21/57), respectively, and no significant difference was found (P=0.731). Group A had an incidence rate of 11.1% for grade 3 immunotherapy-related AEs (irAEs). There were no incidences of ectopic embolization or spinal artery injury. Compared with DEB-BACE/BAI, PD-1 blockade plus DEB-BACE/BAI could improve the prognosis for advanced NSCLC despite the associated risk of grade 3 irAEs. The combination regimens are promising and safe approaches for advanced NSCLC.

Dynamic Monitoring of Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a valuable resource for tumor characterization and for monitoring of residual disease during treatment; however, it is not yet introduced in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) routine clinical practice. In this retrospective exploratory study, we evaluated the role of ctDNA in patients with mCRC treated with chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. Fifty-three patients were characterized for RAS and BRAF status on tumor tissue before the start of treatment. Plasma was collected at baseline, at first clinical evaluation, and at disease progression. ctDNA analysis was performed using Oncomine Colon cfDNA Assay on the Ion S5 XL instrument. At baseline, from a plasma sample, RAS, BRAF, or PIK3CA mutations were detected in 44 patients. A high correspondence was observed between ctDNA and tumor tissue mutations (KRAS 100%, NRAS 97.9%, BRAF 97.9%, PIK3CA 90%). Low baseline variant allele frequency (VAF) was found to be associated with longer median progression-free survival (PFS) compared with those with high VAF (15.9 v 12.2 months, P = .02). A higher PFS {12.29 months (95% CI, 9.03 to 17.9) v 8.15 months (95% CI, 2.76 to not available [NA]), P = .04} and overall survival (34.1 months [95% CI, 21.68 to NA] v 11.1 months [95% CI, 3.71 to NA], P = .003) were observed in patients with large decline in VAF at first evaluation. ctDNA analysis is useful for molecular characterization and tumor response monitoring in patients with mCRC. Quantitative variations of released ctDNA are associated with clinical outcomes.

SYST-20 TARGETED THERAPY MATCHED TO GENOMIC ALTERATIONS (BRAFV600E, NTRK, FGFR, ROS1, PIK3CA, PTEN) IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT IDH WILDTYPE GLIOBLASTOMA: A REAL-LIFE COHORT ANALYSIS FROM VENETO INSTITUTE OF ONCOLOGY, PADUA (ITALY)

Abstract We retrospectively analyzed 34 patients (pts) [19 males, 15 females, median age 54] with recurrent IDH wildtype glioblastoma treated with target therapy (TT) based on their next-generation sequencing (NGS) profile, between March2020 and December2022 at Veneto Institute of Oncology, Padua (Italy). ECOG PS was 0-1 in 29 pts. All pts received previous radiotherapy and temozolomide. NGS was obtained with FoundationOne®CDx on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. We identified 6 druggable genomic alterations, classified according to ESCAT (ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of molecular Targets): BRAFV600E mutation (IB), NTRK1-2-3 fusions (IC), FGFR1-2-3 alterations (IIB), ROS1 fusions (IIIA), PIK3CA mutations (IIIA) and PTEN loss/mutations (IIIA). The median line of therapy with TT was 3 (range 2-7). TT was dabrafenib/trametinib (9 pts), larotrectinib (2 pts), erdafitinib (4 pts), entrectinib (1 pt), alpelisib (6 pts), ipatasertib+/-atezolizumab (12 pts). At data cut-off (March2023), 19 patients had died. In the entire cohort, median overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) after starting TT was 8.72 and 2.14 months, respectively. The dabrafenib/trametinib subgroup had the longest median PFS (5.23 months), a disease control rate (DCR) of 77%, an objective response rate of 22%, and a median duration of response of 22.5 months. 7/9 pt had died and 2 pts are continuing dabrafenib/trametinib. The pt with ROS1-GOCP fusion maintained a complete response for 12 months with entrectinib. Among the others, no complete/partial responses were detected. DCR due to stable disease was 50% in larotrectinib and erdafitinib subgroups and 8.3% in ipatasertib+/-atezolizumab subgroup. No toxicities were reported in dabrafenib/trametinib subgroup. Among all patients, no grade 4 drug-related adverse events were observed and in any case TT was interrupted for toxicity. Our results confirm the activity of dabrafenib/trametinib in BRAFV600E mutant glioblastoma pts and might suggest further explorations in targeting ROS1 and FGFR.