Lower Progressive Disease Rate Research Articles

BLM mutation is associated with increased tumor mutation burden and improved survival after immunotherapy across multiple cancers.

BLM encodes a RecQ DNA helicase that regulates genomic stability, and its mutations are associated with increased cancer susceptibility. Here, we show a multifaceted role of BLM mutations in tumorigenesis and immunotherapy. A total of 10,967 cancer samples from the cancer genome atlas database were analyzed, 1.6% of which harbored BLM somatic mutations. BLM mutation was found to be associated with increased tumor mutation burden and more immune-active tumor microenvironment in these patients. Moreover, clinical data of 2785 patients from nine immunotherapy studies were analyzed to study BLM mutations' impact on immunotherapy. Among them, 69 patients harbored BLM mutations, and interestingly, they had significantly higher survival probability than patients without BLM mutations. Cancer patients with BLM mutations had higher complete response and partial response rates, but lower progressive disease rate than BLM nonmutant patients. Our study shows that BLM mutation is related to improved survival after immunotherapy across multiple cancers.

Clinical predictive value of naïve and memory T cells in advanced NSCLC.

Currently, there is no sensitive prognostic biomarker to screen out benefit patients from the non-benefit population in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients (aNSCLCs). The 435 aNSCLCs and 278 normal controls (NCs) were recruited. The percentages and absolute counts (AC) of circulating naïve and memory T lymphocytes of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (Tn/Tm) were measured by flow cytometry. The percentage of CD4+ naïve T (Tn), CD8+ Tn, CD8+ T memory stem cell (Tscm), and CD8+ terminal effector T cell decreased obviously. Still, all AC of Tn/Tm of aNSCLCs was significantly lower compared to NCs. Higher AC and percentage of CD4+ Tn, CD8+ Tn, and CD4+ Tscm showed markedly longer median PFS in aNSCLCs. Statistics demonstrated the AC of CD4+ Tn (≥ 3.7 cells/μL) was an independent protective factor for PFS. The analysis of the prognosis of immunotherapy showed the higher AC and percentage of CD4+ Tn and CD4+ Tscm and higher AC of CD8+ Tscm had significantly longer median PFS and the AC of CD4+ Tn (≥ 5.5 cells/μL) was an independent protective factor for PFS. Moreover, higher AC and percentages of Tn/Tm suggested higher disease control rate and lower progressive disease rate. The AC of Tn/Tm showed more regular patterns of impairment and was more relative with the disease progression than percentages in aNSCLCs. AC had a better predictive value than percentages in Tn/Tm for PFS. Notably, the AC of CD4+ Tn was a potential prognostic biomarker for the PFS and efficacy of immunotherapy.

Recombinant Adenovirus-p53 Gene Therapy for Advanced Unresectable Soft-Tissue Sarcomas.

Patients with unresectable advanced soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) receiving radiotherapy or/and chemotherapy still have a poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and safety of recombinant adenovirus-p53 (rAd-p53) gene therapy combined with radiotherapy and hyperthermia for advanced STS. A total of 71 patients with advanced unresectable STS treated at the authors' center from April 2007 to November 2014 were included. Of these 71 patients, 36 cases received rAd-p53 therapy combined with radiotherapy and hyperthermia (p53 group), while 35 cases received radiotherapy and hyperthermia alone (control group). Short-term therapeutic efficacies, long-term survival outcomes, and adverse events were evaluated and compared between groups. Compared to the control group, the p53 group had a significantly higher disease control rate (83.33% vs. 54.29%; p = 0.008) and a lower progressive disease rate (16.67% vs. 45.71%; p = 0.018). In addition, rAd-p53 treatment significantly improved the progression-free survival and overall survival of STS patients. Cox regression indicated that rAd-p53 treatment significantly reduced the risks for disease progression or death event for STS patients. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in all adverse events, except for transient fever, which occurred in 89% of patients with rAd-p53 therapy. rAd-p53 combined with radiotherapy and hyperthermia can effectively improve the therapeutic efficacy and survival outcomes in patients with advanced unresectable STS, providing a new therapeutic strategy.

A Phase II Trial of Radioimmunotherapy-Based Autologous Transplantation with I-131 Tositumomab, Cyclophosphamide and Etoposide in Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSEAutologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard of care for patients with chemosensitive relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, even with this aggressive approach, 40-70% of patients will still relapse. Many conventional conditioning regimens employ a combination of chemotherapy +/- total body irradiation (TBI), with further dose escalation limited by non-hematological toxicities. CD20-targeted radioimmunotherapy (RIT) delivers high doses of tumor-localized radiation with relative sparing of vital organs and has been successfully utilized to improve the efficacy and reduce the normal organ toxicity of ASCT. Based on the radiosensitivity of DLBCL and the reduced cross-resistance with chemotherapy, we hypothesized that RIT-based ASCT would improve survival outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. PATIENTS AND METHODSWe performed a prospective phase II trial utilizing RIT-based myeloablative conditioning with high-dose I-131 tositumomab (to deliver ≤25 Gy to critical normal organs), cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg) and etoposide (60mg/kg) followed by ASCT in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Additionally, based on retrospective chart review, we identified and evaluated 61 eligibility-matched control patients who underwent myeloablative conditioning with TBI (12Gy), cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg), and etoposide (60mg/kg) at our Center during the trial enrollment period. RESULTSFrom October 1999 to May 2011, we treated 27 DLBCL patients on this phase II trial. Baseline patient characteristics included advanced disease (89%), IPI≥2 (52%), and a median age of 51.4 years (range 31.9-59.1). The vast majority of patients had received prior rituximab (89%), with 59% considered rituximab refractory (defined as less than partial remission (PR) following or relapse within 6 months of rituximab therapy) and 55% experiencing relapse within 12 months of rituximab-based immunochemotherapy (R-chemo). Fifteen percent of patients achieved complete remission (CR) with their last chemotherapy regimen, 37% achieved PR, 26% had stable disease (SD) and 22% had progressive disease (PD). Patients received a median I-131 activity of 540 mCi (range 285 to 797), with lung (n=21), liver (n=4), and kidney (n=2) as the critical normal organs receiving the highest absorbed dose. Engraftment of neutrophilsand platelets occurred at a median of 13 (range 9-17) and 11 (range 7-38) days after ASCT, respectively. The 100-day non-relapse mortality was 7% (n=2), with one death due to cardiac failure and one due to respiratory failure. With a median follow up of 6.6 years (range 0.2-15.5), median overall survival (OS) was not reached and median progression free survival (PFS) was 3.5 years. Median PFS in the highest-risk patients, as defined by recurrent disease within 12 months of R-chemo (n=15) or chemorefractory relapse (n=13), was 22.6 and 10.8 months, respectively. Serial annual bone marrow evaluations did not identify any cases of treatment-associated myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia.In comparison to the RIT group, the 61 eligibility-matched, TBI-conditioned control group patients were less heavily pretreated (2 vs 3 average prior regimens [p=<0.001], 9 vs 11 average prior cycles of chemotherapy [p=0.01]), with a trend toward higher CR rate (34% vs. 15 %, p=0.07) and lower rate of PD (9% vs. 22%, p=0.06) prior to ASCT. Adjusting for these disparate covariates, RIT-based ASCT resulted in significantly improved survival outcomes for patients with high-risk disease (relapse within 12 months of R-chemo, rituximab refractory disease, or chemorefractory relapse [SD/PD to last salvage regimen]) when compared to standard TBI-based conditioning (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that myeloablative RIT-based conditioning using I-131-tositumomab, cyclophosphamide and etoposide followed by ASCT is safe, feasible and effective for relapsed/refractory DLBCL. In comparison to standard TBI-based conditioning, this RIT-based approach may yield improved survival outcomes for a subset of high-risk patients. [Display omitted] DisclosuresMaloney:Juno Therapeutics: Research Funding; Janssen Scientific Affairs: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Roche/Genentech: Honoraria. Cassaday:Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding. Gopal:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria; Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; BioMarin: Research Funding; Emergent/Abbott: Research Funding; Piramal: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding.

The influence of the coexpression of CD4 and CD8 in cutaneous lesions on prognosis of mycosis fungoides: a preliminary study.

Background. Although techniques of immunophenotyping have been successful in characterizing the cells in the cutaneous infiltrates of mycosis fungoides little evidence suggests that variations in the phenotypic characterization correlate with prognosis. Objectives. In a preliminary prospective, single-centre, study we correlated the T-cell phenotype in cutaneous biopsies with the progression of the disease to determine whether the coexpression of CD4 and CD8 has an impact on prognosis. Methods. Skin biopsy specimens from 30 newly diagnosed patients were stained with immunoperoxidase techniques to determine their phenotypic characteristics. After a median followup of 42 months patients were divided into two groups with stable and progressive disease. Results. Eighteen patients had the conventional CD4+CD8− T-cell phenotype. Ten patients showed the coexpression of CD4 and CD8 and had a slightly lower rate of progressive disease. Conclusions. The coexpression of CD4 and CD8 in cutaneous lesions is not rare and is associated with a slightly lower rate of progressive disease. Since double positive CD4/CD8 phenotype is rarely reported in mycosis fungoides the presence on conventional immunophenotyping of both CD may be due to a “mixture” of neoplastic cells and inflammatory CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical study combined with confocal microscopy could clarify this issue.

Diabetes mellitus impairs the response to intra-arterial chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a poorer outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The impact of diabetes mellitus on the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially chemotherapy, is uncertain. Intra-arterial chemotherapy is one of the therapeutic options of unrespectable hepatocellular carcinoma. To clarify this point, we analyze the therapeutic effect of intra-arterial chemotherapy in unrespectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Fifty-two patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma underwent intra-arterial chemotherapy with cisplatin and fluorouracil. Tumor response was assessed by computed tomography. An in vitro hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2, was evaluated for the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin and fluorouracil in different concentrations of insulin and glucose mimicking diabetic conditions. Fifty-two patients were included, 14 had diabetes and 38 were non-diabetics. Non-diabetic patients had a lower rate of progressive disease (16% vs. 43%, P=0.039). The median time to progression was significantly longer in non-diabetics compared with the diabetic counterpart (a median of 206 days vs. 88 days, P=0.02). In the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2, insulin rather than glucose was more important for promoting cell proliferation and enhancing the drug resistance of cisplatin or fluorouracil. Our study showed that intra-arterial chemotherapy for unrespectable hepatocellular carcinoma was less effective in diabetic patients than the non-diabetic counterpart in terms of the progression-free rate and time to disease progression survival.

Thalidomide / Dexamethasone (TD) Vs. Bortezomib (Velcade)â/Thalidomide / Dexamethasone (VTD) Vs. VBMCP/VBAD/Velcadeâ as Induction Regimens Prior Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in Multiple Myeloma (MM): Results of a Phase III PETHEMA/GEM Trial.

Abstract 130In April 2006, the Spanish Myeloma Group (PETHEMA/GEM) activated a randomized phase III trial comparing TD vs. VTD vs. VBMCP/VBAD/Velcadeâ in patients 65 years-old or younger with newly diagnosed symptomatic MM, followed by ASCT with MEL-200. The primary end points were response rate after induction and after ASCT and time to progression. TD consisted of thalidomide 200 mg daily (escalating doses in the first cycle) and dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1–4 and 9–12 at 4-week intervals for 6 cycles. The VTD regimen was identical to TD plus Velcade 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1,4,8,11 of each cycle. Combination chemotherapy plus Velcadeâ consisted of 4 cycles of VBMCP/VBAD on an alternating basis followed by 2 cycles of Velcadeâ (1.3 mg/m2 on days 1,4,8, and 11 every 3 weeks). The duration of the induction therapy was 24 weeks in all arms. From April 6, 2006 to August 5, 2009 the 390 planned patients entered the study. As of December 31, 2008, 305 patients (median age: 57 yrs, M: 156, F:149; IgG. 181, IgA: 71, light chain: 43, others: 10) entered the study and are the basis of the current analysis. Fifty-six (18%) patients had soft-tissue extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMP) and the stage according to the ISS was I in 39%, II in 41 %, III in 19 % and unknown in 1%. The prognostic factors, including cytogenetics, was similar in the 3 arms. Fifty-five (18%) patients had high-risk cytogenetics (t(4;14), t(14;16) and/or 17p deletion). Two-hundred and ninety-nine patients (TD:103, VTD: 99 and VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade®: 97) were evaluable for response and toxicity to induction therapy. The ≥ PR rate was 64%, 82% and 75% with TD, VTD and VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade®, respectively (p=NS). The IF negative CR rate was significantly higher with VTD (29%) and with VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade® (25%) than with TD (14%) (p=0.009 and p=0.04, respectively). Progressive disease (PD) was significantly higher with TD than with VTD (21% vs. 8%, p=0.009). In the overall series, PD was significanty higher in patients with EMP (34% vs. 12%, p=0.0002) with a significanty higher PD rate for TD as compared with VTD (40% vs. 14%, p=0.05). In patients with poor cytogenetics the CR rate was significantly higher with VTD than with TD (42% vs. 5%, p=0.009). In this high-risk group the PD rate was higher with TD (37%) and with VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade® (23%) than with VTD (0%) (p=0.009 and p=0.04, respectively). The incidence of thrombotic events ≥ grade 3 was higher in the TD arm (9% vs. 1% vs. 3%, p=0.07 and p=0.01) while ≥3 peripheral neuropathy was higher with VTD (14% vs. 0% and 1%, p<0.0001 and p=0.0003). Treatment was discontinued due to toxicity in 11 patients (TD: 3, VTD: 6, VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade®:2). Eight patients died during induction period (TD:5, VTD: 2, VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade®: 1) One-hundred seventy-seven patients were evaluable for response after ASCT. The post-ASCT CR rate with TD, VTD and VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade® was 40%, 59% and 48%, respectively, being significantly higher with VTD than with TD (p=0.05). The estimated overall survival at 2 years is 82% with no significant differences among the 3 arms. TTP and PFS were significantly shorter with TD (p=0.05 and p=0.012, respectively). In summary, VTD results in a higher pre- and post-ASCT CR rate as well as in a lower PD rate than TD, particularly in patients with high-risk cytogenetics or with EMP. The TTP and PFS are shorter with TD. Intermediate results are observed with VBMCP/VBAD/Velcade®. Longer follow-up is needed to establish whether or not these results will translate into a significantly different long-term outcome. Updated data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures:Rosiñol:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Off Label Use: Thalidomide and bortezomib are not yet approved in Spain. Cibeira:Jansse-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Mateos:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Oriol:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. García-Laraña:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. de la Rubia:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Sureda:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Palomera:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Díaz-Mediavilla:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. de Arriba:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Alegre:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Lahuerta:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. San Miguel:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Blade:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.

6609 Diabetes mellitus impairs the response of intra-arterial chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a poorer outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The impact of diabetes mellitus on the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially chemotherapy, is uncertain. Intra-arterial chemotherapy is one of the therapeutic options of unrespectable hepatocellular carcinoma. To clarify this point, we analyze the therapeutic effect of intra-arterial chemotherapy in unrespectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Fifty-two patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma underwent intra-arterial chemotherapy with cisplatin and fluorouracil. Tumor response was assessed by computed tomography. An in vitro hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2, was evaluated for the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin and fluorouracil in different concentrations of insulin and glucose mimicking diabetic conditions. Fifty-two patients were included, 14 had diabetes and 38 were non-diabetics. Non-diabetic patients had a lower rate of progressive disease (16% vs. 43%, P = 0.039). The median time to progression was significantly longer in non-diabetics compared with the diabetic counterpart (a median of 206 days vs. 88 days, P = 0.02). In the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2, insulin rather than glucose was more important for promoting cell proliferation and enhancing the drug resistance of cisplatin or fluorouracil. Our study showed that intra-arterial chemotherapy for unrespectable hepatocellular carcinoma was less effective in diabetic patients than the non-diabetic counterpart in terms of the progression-free rate and time to disease progression survival.

Randomized intergroup trial of first line treatment for patients &lt;=60 years with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (DLBCL) with a CHOP-like regimen with or without the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab -early stopping after the first interim analysis

6500 Background: While rituximab improved outcome in elderly patients with DLBCL (Coiffier et al., 2002), there is no data for young low-risk patients. Methods: In a randomized study conducted in 18 countries, untreated patients (18–60 years) with low-risk DLBCL (IPI 0 or 1, stages II-IV and stage I with bulk) were randomized to 6 cycles of a CHOP-like regimen (CHEMO) or the same chemotherapy plus rituximab 375 mg/m2 given on days 1, 22, 43, 64, 85, and 106 (R-CHEMO). Radiotherapy was planned to initial bulk and/or extranodal involvement. The primary endpoint was time to treatment failure (TTF) with events defined as failure to achieve complete remission, progressive disease, relapse, or death. The trial was powered to show a 10% difference in TTF rate after 3 years. Results: Between 05/2000 and 10/2003, 824 patients were recruited. The first planned interim analysis was performed on 326 evaluable patients with confirmed CD20 positive DLBCL (median age 48 years; IPI=1: 56%, 24% stage III/IV disease, 32% elevated LDH, 50% bulk). Toxicity was not different in the two arms. R-CHEMO patients had a significantly longer TTF (p=0.00003; log rank test) and overall survival (p=0.0057; log rank test) than CHEMO pateints. At a median observation time of 15 months, TTF rates were 84.0% for R-CHEMO and 62.5% for CHEMO. R-CHEMO patients had a higher complete remission rate (84.7% vs. 66.0%; p=0.0003) and a lower rate of progressive disease (6.3% vs. 17.7%; p=0.0039). As the empirical p-value of the log rank test statistic for TTF was considerably lower than the critical value for the interim analysis (pcrit=0.00105), the formal criterion for stopping the trial was met. Therefore, the DSMB recommended the early termination of the treatment phase of the trial in 12/2003 with 45/824 patients still under chemotherapy. Conclusions: The results of the MInT trial indicate that the addition of rituximab to 6 cycles of a CHOP-like regimen significantly improves TTF, CR rates, and OS in young patients with low-risk DLBCL. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Roche, Basel (Switzerland) Roche, Basel (Switzerland)

Interferon-alpha for induction and maintenance in multiple myeloma: Results of two multicenter randomized trials and summary of other studies

Interferon (IFN) treatment trials in multiple myeloma have yielded discordant results regarding response rates, maintenance duration, and survival times. Further randomized trials and global evaluations of available data are urgently needed for clarification. 256 patients participated in a randomized trial, 125 on IFN + VMCP, and 131 on VMCP alone. 100 patients were randomized to IFN maintenance (n = 46) or were untreated controls (n = 54). Global evaluations are based on 1,518 patients in induction and 924 in maintenance trials. The induction trial demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.05) lower rate of progressive disease under IFN + VMCP (10.6%) than under VMCP (22.9%), but this benefit was limited to stage I or II patients. Median progression-free survival was longer in the IFN + VMCP arm (23.2 months vs. 15.8 months); median overall survival did not differ significantly (38.9 vs. 30.2 months). The IFN maintenance treatment trial showed significantly superior results in the IFN arm versus controls (median maintenance duration: 17.8 months and 8.2 months (p < 0.01), survival: 50.6 and 34.4 months (p < 0.05), respectively). Previous IFN treatment increased the benefits of IFN maintenance therapy. Adverse effects of IFN during induction were hematologic toxicity, fever, and infections, requiring dose reductions. Toxic effects of IFN maintenance treatment were mild. Global evaluations of randomized trials showed small but significant benefits of combined IFN induction therapy and significantly prolonged maintenance duration and survival under IFN maintenance. Presently available data support the use of IFN maintenance treatment because it significantly prolongs maintenance duration and survival. IFN added to induction chemotherapy resulted in minor improvements at the expense of increased toxicity, highlighting the need for better induction regimens.