Maintenance Pemetrexed Research Articles

CNS response to osimertinib in patients (pts) with T790M-positive advanced NSCLC: Data from a randomized phase III trial (AURA3).

9005 Background: CNS metastases (mets) are common in pts with advanced NSCLC. Preclinical studies have shown CNS penetration of osimertinib, and clinical data from a pooled analysis of 2 Phase II trials (AURA extension: NCT01802632, AURA2: NCT02094261) showed activity in the CNS. We report the first evidence of osimertinib efficacy in CNS mets from a randomized Phase III study (AURA3; NCT02151981) in pts with T790M-positive advanced NSCLC who have progressed on or after prior EGFR-TKI therapy. Methods: Pts were randomized 2:1 to osimertinib 80 mg once daily or platinum-based doublet chemotherapy every 3 wks for up to 6 cycles; maintenance pemetrexed was allowed. Pts with stable, asymptomatic CNS mets were eligible for enrolment. A prespecified subgroup analysis was conducted in pts with CNS mets present on baseline brain scan, as assessed by blinded independent central neuroradiology review (BICR), to define CNS objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR) and progression-free survival (PFS) by RECIST v1.1. The CNS full analysis set (cFAS) included pts with ≥1 measurable and/or non-measurable CNS mets present on baseline brain scan by BICR; the CNS evaluable for response set (cEFR) included only pts with ≥1 measurable CNS mets. Results: As of 15 April 2016, 116/419 (28%) pts were included in the cFAS. In the cEFR (n = 46), CNS ORR was 70% (21/30; 95% CI 51, 85) with osimertinib and 31% (5/16; 95% CI 11, 59) with chemotherapy (OR, 5.13; 95% CI 1.44, 20.64; p = 0.015). In the cFAS, CNS ORR was 40% (30/75; 95% CI 29, 52) with osimertinib and 17% (7/41; 95% CI 7, 32) with chemotherapy (OR, 3.24; 95% CI 1.33, 8.81; p = 0.014). In the cEFR and cFAS, median CNS DoR was 8.9 months (m) (95% CI 4.3, NC and 4.3, NC) for osimertinib and 5.7 m (95% CI NC, NC and 4.4, 5.7; respectively) for chemotherapy. Median CNS PFS in the cFAS was significantly longer with osimertinib than with chemotherapy (11.7 vs 5.6 m; HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.15, 0.69; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Consistent with the overall response to osimertinib reported in pts with T790M-positive advanced NSCLC, osimertinib was superior to chemotherapy in the treatment of pts with CNS mets; CNS response rate was higher, responses were more durable and CNS PFS was longer. Clinical trial information: NCT02151981.

First-line carboplatin and pemetrexed (CP) with or without pembrolizumab (pembro) for advanced nonsquamous NSCLC: Updated results of KEYNOTE-021 cohort G.

9094 Background: Data from the randomized, phase 2 cohort G of KEYNOTE-021 (NCT02039674) showed that adding pembro to first-line CP in patients (pts) with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC significantly improved the primary end point of ORR (55% vs 29%, P = 0.0016) and the key secondary end point of PFS (HR 0.53, P= 0.0102) compared with CP alone and had a manageable safety profile (grade 3-4 treatment-related AEs, 39% vs 26%; treatment-related AEs leading to discontinuation, 10% vs 13%). We present updated efficacy for cohort G based on 5 mo additional follow-up. Methods: 123 pts with stage IIIB/IV, chemotherapy-naive, nonsquamous NSCLC and no EGFR mutation or ALK translocation were randomized to 4 cycles of carboplatin AUC 5 + pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 Q3W ± 24 mo of pembro 200 mg Q3W; maintenance pemetrexed was permitted in both arms. Eligible pts in the CP arm who had radiologic progression could crossover to pembro monotherapy. Response was assessed per RECIST v1.1 by blinded, independent central review. All Pvalues are nominal. Results: As of Dec 31, 2016, median follow-up was 14.5 mo (range, 0.8-24.0). 36 of 48 pts (75.0%) in the CP arm who discontinued CP received subsequent anti–PD-1 or PD-L1 therapy. There was 1 additional response in each arm, and ORR was 56.7% (95% CI 43.2%-69.4%) with pembro + CP vs 30.2% (95% CI 19.2%-43.0%) with CP ( P = 0.0016). Median DOR was not reached for pembro + CP (range, 1.4+ to 18.6+ mo) and was 16.2 mo (range, 2.8 to 20.7+) for CP alone. PFS remained longer with pembro + CP (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.83, P = 0.0035; median [95% CI] NR [9.7 mo-NR] vs 8.9 mo [6.2-10.3]; 12-mo estimate, 56% vs 34%). With 16 deaths in the pembro + CP arm and 23 deaths in the CP arm, HR for OS was 0.69 (95% CI 0.36-1.31, P= 0.13). Median OS was not reached in either arm; at 12 mo, estimated OS was 76% in the pembro + CP arm and 69% in the CP alone arm. Conclusions: With 5 mo additional follow-up, first-line pembro + CP continues to provide a substantial, clinically relevant improvement in efficacy over CP alone in pts with advanced nonquamous NSCLC, including an almost doubled ORR, halved risk of progression or death, and a trend toward improved OS despite a 75.0% crossover rate in the CP arm. Clinical trial information: NCT02039674.

Progression after the next line of therapy (PFS2) and updated OS among patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC and PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50% enrolled in KEYNOTE-024.

9000 Background: In KEYNOTE-024 (NCT02142738), pembrolizumab (pembro) was superior to chemotherapy (chemo) as first-line (1L) therapy for advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 TPS ≥50% and no sensitizing EGFR mutations or ALK translocations. After a median follow-up of 11.2 mo, HR was 0.50 for PFS by independent central radiologic review ( P< 0.001) and 0.60 for OS ( P= 0.005). Here we present PFS2 and updated OS. Methods: 305 pts were randomly assigned to pembro 200 mg Q3W (n = 154) or investigator (INV)-choice platinum-doublet chemo with optional pemetrexed maintenance for nonsquamous histology (n = 151). Pts in the chemo arm could cross over to pembro upon PD. Poststudy anticancer therapy and INV-assessed outcomes were collected. Kaplan-Meier PFS2 and OS were calculated in all allocated pts. PFS2 was defined as time from randomization to PD per INV after start of 2L+ therapy or death, whichever occurred first; pts alive and without 2L+ PD were censored at last known survival. Kaplan-Meier OS was defined as time from randomization to death. There was no adjustment for multiplicity (cutoff: Jan 5, 2017). Results: 2L+ therapy was received by 48 (31.2%) pts in the pembro arm and 97 (64.2%) in the chemo arm, including 80 pts who crossed over from chemo to pembro per protocol and 14 pts who received anti–PD-1 therapy outside of crossover. 56 (36%) 1L pembro pts were on 1L pembro therapy or in follow-up as of data cutoff. Updated median OS and PFS2 results are in the Table. Conclusions: Fewer pembro pts received 2L+ therapy vs chemo pts because of the significant improvement in PFS observed for pembro in the 1L setting. Median PFS2 was substantially improved for pembro (not reached [NR]) vs chemo (8.6 mo). Updated OS with median follow-up of 19 mo maintained consistent superiority of 1L pembro, despite increased crossover from 1L chemo. Clinical trial information: NCT02142738. [Table: see text]

Safety Analyses of Pemetrexed-cisplatin and Pemetrexed Maintenance Therapies in Patients With Advanced Non-squamous NSCLC: Retrospective Analyses From 2 Phase III Studies

BackgroundIn a phase III study, maintenance pemetrexed showed superior survival over placebo (PARAMOUNT) for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who completed 4 cycles of pemetrexed plus cisplatin (PC) induction therapy, with low incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) generally associated with pemetrexed. Prior analyses did not account for toxicities carried over from induction; thus, the current analysis was developed to understand toxicities that may be attributed to pemetrexed maintenance versus PC induction, and how treatment duration affects toxicity. Patients and MethodsSelected clinically relevant TEAEs were explored in 2 analyses: assessing induction versus maintenance treatment in PARAMOUNT, and comparing PC from PARAMOUNT with toxicity data from a previous phase III study that established the role of PC in front-line therapy of non-squamous NSCLC (JMDB trial). ResultsIn PARAMOUNT, the incidence of most drug-related TEAEs was higher during induction than maintenance, for both the pemetrexed and placebo randomized populations. The majority of TEAEs during maintenance, except renal events, were carried over from induction with no change in severity from the end of induction; the incidence of TEAEs associated with pemetrexed maintenance was low. The cross-trial analysis showed that 6 cycles of PC in JMDB compared with 4 cycles in PARAMOUNT increased grade 1/2 fatigue (34.1% vs. 25.0%), anemia (24.0% vs. 13.5%), and renal events (11.8% vs. 3.6%). ConclusionsSafety data presented here support the favorable risk benefit of 4 cycles of PC followed by maintenance pemetrexed in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

Phase III study of gefitinib or pemetrexed with carboplatin in EGFR-mutated advanced lung adenocarcinoma

ObjectiveOral tyrosine kinase inhibitor has been shown to prolong progression-free survival (PFS) in epidermal growthfactor receptor (EGFR) mutation positive adenocarcinoma; however, the comparator arm has not included the current standard adenocarcinoma regimen (pemetrexed carboplatin induction followed by maintenance pemetrexed) and patients from Indian subcontinent. Hence, this study was carried out in Indian patients to compare gefitinib with the above-mentioned chemotherapy regimen.MethodsThis was an open-labelled, randomised, parallel group study comparing gefitinib (250 mg orally daily) with pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve 5) doublet intravenous induction chemotherapy regimen followed by maintenance pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) in patients with EGFR-activating mutation-positive stage IIIB or stage IV adenocarcinoma lung in the first-line setting. The primary endpoint for the study was PFS. 260 patients were required to demonstrate a 50% improvement in PFS of gefitinib over chemotherapy, with 80% power and 5% type 1 error. With an expected 5% dropout rate, the sample size was 290 patients.ResultsThe median PFS in gefitinib arm was 8.4 months (95% CI 6.3 to 10.5 months) compared with 5.6 months (95% CI 4.2 to 7.0 months) in pemetrexed–carboplatin arm (HR: 95% CI 0.513 to 0.851; p −0.001). The impact of gefitinib on PFS was seen across all subgroups.There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the two arms. Haematologicalgrade3–4toxicities likeanaemia,neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia were common in the pemetrexed–carboplatin arm while grade3–4 acneiform rash and diarrhoeawere common in the gefitinib arm.ConclusionThe study confirms the superiority of gefitinib in prolonging PFS against the most active chemotherapy regimen of pemetrexed–carboplatin followed by maintenance pemetrexed in EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. The median PFS in Indian patients in gefitinib arm is similar to that reported in east Asians and Caucasians.

Aplastic anemia in a lung adenocarcinoma patient receiving pemetrexed

Pemetrexed (PEM) is an antimetabolite drug that interferes with enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and also the folate-dependent metabolic processes necessary for DNA replication and homocysteine homeostasis. Continuation maintenance with PEM after induction therapy with PEM plus cisplatin has been the standard form of first-line chemotherapy for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. The regimen has a low incidence of bone marrow suppression, and the incidences of anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia exceeding grade 3 are less than 5%. Here we report a 68-year-old Japanese man with stage IIIB (cT4N3M0) lung adenocarcinoma who received 4 cycles of chemotherapy with PEM 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 every three weeks, which resulted in a partial response, and then continued to receive maintenance PEM monotherapy. After 11 cycles of PEM maintenance therapy, the patient's platelet count decreased, and progressed to pancytopenia within two months. A bone marrow puncture revealed replacement with fatty marrow. As other diseases possibly responsible for pancytopenia were ruled out, we diagnosed the patient as having aplastic anemia. This is the first reported case of aplastic anemia to have occurred during PEM therapy. Clinicians should bear in mind that PEM can potentially trigger severe pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia.

Osimertinib or Platinum–Pemetrexed in EGFR T790M–Positive Lung Cancer

BackgroundOsimertinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) that is selective for both EGFR-TKI sensitizing and T790M resistance mutations in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer. The efficacy of osimertinib as compared with platinum-based therapy plus pemetrexed in such patients is unknown.MethodsIn this randomized, international, open-label, phase 3 trial, we assigned 419 patients with T790M-positive advanced non–small-cell lung cancer, who had disease progression after first-line EGFR-TKI therapy, in a 2:1 ratio to receive either oral osimertinib (at a dose of 80 mg once daily) or intravenous pemetrexed (500 mg per square meter of body-surface area) plus either carboplatin (target area under the curve, 5 [AUC5]) or cisplatin (75 mg per square meter) every 3 weeks for up to six cycles; maintenance pemetrexed was allowed. In all the patients, disease had progressed during receipt of first-line EGFR-TKI therapy. The primary end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival.ResultsThe median duration of progression-free survival was significantly longer with osimertinib than with platinum therapy plus pemetrexed (10.1 months vs. 4.4 months; hazard ratio; 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23 to 0.41; P<0.001). The objective response rate was significantly better with osimertinib (71%; 95% CI, 65 to 76) than with platinum therapy plus pemetrexed (31%; 95% CI, 24 to 40) (odds ratio for objective response, 5.39; 95% CI, 3.47 to 8.48; P<0.001). Among 144 patients with metastases to the central nervous system (CNS), the median duration of progression-free survival was longer among patients receiving osimertinib than among those receiving platinum therapy plus pemetrexed (8.5 months vs. 4.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.49). The proportion of patients with adverse events of grade 3 or higher was lower with osimertinib (23%) than with platinum therapy plus pemetrexed (47%).ConclusionsOsimertinib had significantly greater efficacy than platinum therapy plus pemetrexed in patients with T790M-positive advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (including those with CNS metastases) in whom disease had progressed during first-line EGFR-TKI therapy. (Funded by AstraZeneca; AURA3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02151981.)

The cost-effectiveness of a NSCLC patient assistance program for pemetrexed maintenance therapy in People&amp;#39;s Republic of China

BackgroundEli Lilly and the China Primary Health Care Foundation are currently implementing a patient assistance program (PAP) in China, which allows first-line nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who complete four cycles of pemetrexed induction therapy to receive free, continuous pemetrexed maintenance therapy.ObjectiveTo estimate the cost-effectiveness of pemetrexed maintenance therapy vs basic standard care (BSC) and the economic impacts of providing a PAP for pemetrexed maintenance therapy to NSCLC patients who have completed pemetrexed induction therapy in a Chinese health care setting.MethodsWe developed a novel decision-analytic model to evaluate the long-term costs and clinical efficacy of pemetrexed plus BSC vs BSC alone. We utilized a three-state (progression-free survival, progressed disease, and dead) partition survival model for both the clinical and economic aspects of the analysis. Cost and health utility estimates were derived from the literature. We performed a scenario analysis to estimate the real-world impact of introducing the PAP in China by comparing the use of the PAP vs non-PAP. Model uncertainty was evaluated using one-way and multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analysis.ResultsCompared to BSC, pemetrexed plus BSC resulted in a gain of 0.22 years of life (95% credible range [CR]: 0.04–0.46) and 0.13 quality-adjusted life years (95% CR: 0.04–0.26) per patient, at an increased cost of $28,105 (95% CR: −$22,720 to $48,646) without a PAP and $3,068 (95% CR: −$1,263 to $9,163) with a PAP. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for pemetrexed plus BSC vs BSC alone was cost-prohibitive at $222,700 for non-PAP, but cost-effective at $24,319 with a PAP.ConclusionOur study suggests that maintenance pemetrexed therapy following pemetrexed induction for patients with advanced NSCLC is likely to be highly non-cost-effective in the absence of a PAP, but the pending implementation of the PAP promises to make it cost-effective, with a >90% probability of cost-effectiveness at a Chinese willingness-to-pay threshold per quality-adjusted life year.

First-line ceritinib versus platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (ASCEND-4): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study

The efficacy of ceritinib in patients with untreated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not known. We assessed the efficacy and safety of ceritinib versus platinum-based chemotherapy in these patients. This randomised, open-label, phase 3 study in untreated patients with stage IIIB/IV ALK-rearranged non-squamous NSCLC was done in 134 centres across 28 countries. Eligible patients were assigned via interactive response technology to oral ceritinib 750 mg/day or platinum-based chemotherapy ([cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6 plus pemetrexed 500 mg/m2] every 3 weeks for four cycles followed by maintenance pemetrexed); randomisation was stratified by World Health Organization performance status (0 vs 1-2), previous neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, and presence of brain metastases as per investigator's assessment at screening. Investigators and patients were not masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was blinded independent review committee assessed progression-free survival, based on all randomly assigned patients (the full analysis set). Efficacy analyses were done based on the full analysis set. All safety analyses were done based on the safety set, which included all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01828099. Between Aug 19, 2013, and May 11, 2015, 376 patients were randomly assigned to ceritinib (n=189) or chemotherapy (n=187). Median progression-free survival (as assessed by blinded independent review committee) was 16·6 months (95% CI 12·6-27·2) in the ceritinib group and 8·1 months (5·8-11·1) in the chemotherapy group (hazard ratio 0·55 [95% CI 0·42-0·73]; p<0·00001). The most common adverse events were diarrhoea (in 160 [85%] of 189 patients), nausea (130 [69%]), vomiting (125 [66%]), and an increase in alanine aminotransferase (114 [60%]) in the ceritinib group and nausea (in 97 [55%] of 175 patients), vomiting (63 [36%]), and anaemia (62 [35%]) in the chemotherapy group. First-line ceritinib showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival versus chemotherapy in patients with advanced ALK-rearranged NSCLC. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

MA09.02 Pembrolizumab + Carboplatin and Pemetrexed as 1st-Line Therapy for Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: KEYNOTE-021 Cohort G

Platinum doublet chemotherapy ± bevacizumab is standard first-line therapy for patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without genetic aberrations. Single-agent pembrolizumab exhibits robust antitumor activity in PD-L1–positive advanced NSCLC. Cohort G of the multicenter, open-label, phase 1/2 multicohort KEYNOTE-021 study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02039674) evaluated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab + carboplatin and pemetrexed compared with carboplatin and pemetrexed in patients with treatment-naive advanced nonsquamous NSCLC with any PD-L1 expression. Cohort G enrollment criteria included patients with stage IIIB/IV nonsquamous NSCLC, no activating EGFR mutation or ALK translocation, no prior systemic therapy, measurable disease, ECOG performance status 0-1, and adequate tumor sample for assessment of PD-L1 status, regardless of PD-L1 expression. Patients were randomized 1:1 to 4 cycles of pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W + carboplatin AUC 5 (5 mg/mL/min) + pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 Q3W or carboplatin AUC 5 (5 mg/mL/min) + pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 Q3W alone, followed by maintenance pemetrexed ± pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab was given for ≤35 cycles. Randomization was stratified by PD-L1 expression (positive [tumor proportion score, or TPS, ≥1%] vs negative [TPS <1%]). Crossover to pembrolizumab monotherapy was allowed for eligible patients who experienced disease progression (RECIST v1.1) on chemotherapy. Response was assessed by central imaging vendor review every 6 weeks for first 18 weeks, every 9 weeks through year 1, and every 12 weeks in year 2. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR); secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response, and overall survival (OS). Comparison between arms was assessed using the stratified Miettinen and Nurminen method (ORR) and stratified log-rank test (PFS, OS). As of January 2016, 123 patients (60 in the pembrolizumab + chemotherapy arm, 63 in the chemotherapy arm) had been enrolled in cohort G. Data on ORR, duration of response, safety, and preliminary PFS and OS results will be available by August 2016. The conclusion will be updated at the late-breaking submission stage.

PL03.07: First-line Ceritinib Versus Chemotherapy in Patients with ALK-rearranged (ALK+) NSCLC: A Randomized, Phase 3 Study (ASCEND-4)

Here, we report results of ceritinib versus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced ALK+ NSCLC. Untreated ALK+ (IHC confirmed), advanced, nonsquamous NSCLC patients (N=376; median age, 54 years) were randomized (1:1) to ceritinib 750 mg/day (n=189 [59 with brain metastases (BM)]) or chemotherapy (n=187 [62 with BM]; [pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6] for 4 cycles followed by maintenance pemetrexed), stratified by WHO PS (0 vs 1-2), BM at screening, and prior neo-/adjuvant chemotherapy. Crossover from chemotherapy to ceritinib was allowed at progression (n=80 crossed-over). Median treatment exposure was 66.4 weeks for ceritinib and 26.9 weeks for chemotherapy. Median follow-up duration was 19.7 months (randomization to cut-off date). The study met its primary objective, with ceritinib demonstrating statistically significant improvement in BIRC PFS (RECIST 1.1; median, 16.6 [12.6, 27.2] vs 8.1 months [5.8, 11.1], HR=0.55, P<0.001) versus chemotherapy. OS was immature (HR, 0.73 [0.50, 1.08]; P=0.056) with 42.3% of required events at interim analysis. ORR (BIRC, 72.5% vs 26.7%) and DOR (BIRC, median, 23.9 vs 11.1 months) were also higher with ceritinib versus chemotherapy. Among patients with measurable baseline BM and ≥1 postbaseline assessment, intracranial ORR (BIRC neuroradiologist; modified RECIST v1.1) was higher with ceritinib (72.7% [49.8, 89.3] vs 27.3% [10.7, 50.2]) versus chemotherapy (Table). Most common AEs (>50%) with ceritinib were diarrhea (84.7%), nausea (68.8%), vomiting (66.1%), ALT increase (60.3%), and AST increase (52.9%). Overall, 5.3% ceritinib- and 11.4% chemotherapy-treated patients discontinued due to AEs suspected to be drug-related. First-line ceritinib achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in median PFS with an estimated 45% risk reduction in advanced ALK+ NSCLC versus chemotherapy including maintenance. Moreover, ceritinib achieved high and durable systemic responses and high OIRR in patients with measurable BM. Safety profile of ceritinib is consistent with previously reported.

P2.03a-012 Nephrotoxicity in Patients with Advanced NSCLC Receiving Pemetrexed-Based Chemotherapy

In patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pemetrexed (PEM) is increasingly used as maintenance therapy after induction PEM/platinum treatment. Despite the extensive use of PEM, the incidence of nephrotoxicity during (maintenance) PEM therapy has not been systematically evaluated. Knowledge about nephrotoxicity during PEM-based treatment could determine the need for adapted renal protective strategies. We assessed the occurrence of nephrotoxicity and its influence on treatment continuation in NSCLC patients receiving PEM-based therapy. In a prospective observational multi-center study, treatment-naive patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were enrolled. Patients were treated with PEM-cisplatin (PEMCIS; PEM 500mg/m2 and CIS 75mg/m2) or PEM-carboplatin (PEMCAR; CAR AUC=5). Patients with at least disease stabilization after four cycles and a favorable toxicity profile were eligible for PEM maintenance therapy. Prior to the initial PEM/platinum cycle, baseline serum creatinine (μmol/l) was obtained. Subsequently, prior to and weekly after each administration of PEM(/platinum) serum creatinine was measured. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboriation (CKD-EPI) formula. Acute kidney disease (AKD) was defined as >1.5-fold increase of serum creatinine and/or decrease in GFR >35% or GFR<60mL/min within 3 months (KDIGO). Of the 151 patients starting PEM-based therapy, the majority of patients had stage IV disease (86.8%) and they were treated with PEMCIS (64.2%) or PEMCAR (35.8%). During the first four cycles, treatment was discontinued in four patients (2.6%) due to AKD. Patients starting maintenance therapy (n=44, 29.1%) received a median number of 4 PEM cycles. During maintenance treatment with PEM, 12 patients developed AKD (27.3%): three patients could continue treatment after recovery of renal function and in one patient AKD was a part of septic shock. The remaining eight patients (18.2%) stopped treatment due to renal impairment. From patients with a decreased renal function at baseline (eGFR<90mL/min) a significantly higher proportion of patients stopped maintenance therapy due to renal impairment compared to patients with an eGFR≥90mL/min at baseline (6/11 vs. 2/33, p<0.05). Patients have a significant risk of developing nephrotoxicity leading to treatment discontinuation during maintenance therapy, especially if the renal clearance is impaired at the start of induction PEM/platinum therapy. In those patients a cumulative systemic dose of PEM or increased susceptibility may play a role in the development of nephrotoxicity. Patients might benefit from altered renal protective strategies, like continuation of hydration during maintenance therapy or dose-adjustment based on renal function. This study was funded by ZonMw, the Netherlands.

PL04a.01: Health-Related Quality of Life for Pembrolizumab vs Chemotherapy in Advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 TPS ≥50%: Data from KEYNOTE-024

In KEYNOTE-024 (NCT02142738), pembrolizumab provided superior progression-free survival (PFS) over platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with PD-L1 expression on ≥50% of tumor cells (ie, PD-L1 tumor proportion score [TPS] ≥50%) and no sensitizing EGFR or ALK aberrations (HR 0.50, P < 0.001). Despite a 44% crossover rate from chemotherapy to pembrolizumab, pembrolizumab also significantly improved overall survival (OS) (HR 0.60, P = 0.005). Any-grade (73% vs 90%) and grade 3-5 (27% vs 53%) treatment-related adverse events were less frequent with pembrolizumab. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important consideration for anticancer therapy, particularly in the first-line setting. We present data from the prespecified exploratory patient-reported outcomes (PRO) analysis of KEYNOTE-024. 305 patients were randomized to pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W or investigator-choice platinum-doublet chemotherapy plus optional pemetrexed maintenance therapy for nonsquamous disease. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 were administered at cycles 1-3 and every 9 weeks thereafter. The key PRO end points were change from baseline to week 15 in the QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL score and time to deterioration in the QLQ-LC13 composite of cough, chest pain, and dyspnea. PROs were analyzed for all patients who received study treatment and completed ≥1 PRO instrument (n = 299). Across treatment arms, PRO compliance was >90% at baseline and ∼80% at week 15. Least squares (LS) mean (95% CI) change from baseline to week 15 in QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL score was 6.95 (3.29 to10.58) for pembrolizumab (n = 151) and –0.88 (–4.78 to 3.02) for chemotherapy (n = 148). The difference in LS means was 7.82 (95% CI 2.85-12.79; nominal 2-sided P = 0.002). The proportion of improved global health status/QoL score at week 15 was 40.0% for pembrolizumab and 26.5% for chemotherapy. Fewer patients in the pembrolizumab arm had deterioration in the QLQ-LC13 composite of cough, dyspnea, and chest pain (30% vs 39%), and time to deterioration was also prolonged with pembrolizumab (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.97; nominal 2-sided P = 0.029). Pembrolizumab was associated with a clinically meaningful improvement in HRQoL compared with platinum-based chemotherapy. Combined with the superior PFS and OS and manageable safety profile, these data suggest pembrolizumab may be a new standard of care for first-line treatment of PD-L1–expressing advanced NSCLC.

P3.02a-025 PROs With Ceritinib Versus Chemotherapy in Patients With Previously Untreated ALK-rearranged Nonsquamous NSCLC (ASCEND-4): Topic: ALK Clinical

Here, we present the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of ceritinib versus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced ALK+ NSCLC. Untreated, ALK+, advanced, nonsquamous NSCLC patients (N=376) were randomized (1:1) to ceritinib 750 mg/day (n=189) or chemotherapy (n=187; [pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6] for 4 cycles followed by maintenance pemetrexed). PROs were assessed using EORTC quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ-C30), the lung cancer module (QLQ-LC13), Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS), and EQ-5D. Median treatment exposure was 66.4 weeks for ceritinib and 26.9 weeks for chemotherapy. PRO compliance was high, ≥80% at most time points. Ceritinib significantly prolonged time to deterioration of lung cancer-specific symptoms (pain, dyspnea, and cough) versus chemotherapy in both LCSS and QLQ-LC13 instruments (composite endpoints for LCSS, HR=0.61 [0.41, 0.90]; and QLQ-LC13, HR=0.48 [0.34, 0.69]). Time to deterioration in LC13 questionnaire was significantly longer with ceritinib versus chemotherapy (23.6 [20.7, NE] vs 12.6 [8.9, 14.9] months) (Table). In the QLQ-C30 instrument, 4 of 5 functional domains and 6 of 9 symptom scales improved with ceritinib (P< 0.05); 2 scales related to gastrointestinal symptoms indicated deterioration for ceritinib. In agreement with most other scales showing symptom improvement, ceritinib demonstrated significant improvements in Global Health Status/QoL in the same instrument (QLQ-C30, P<0.001) as well as for EQ-5D-5L index (P<0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS (P<0.05 from cycle 13 until 49). Untreated ALK+ NSCLC patients experienced significantly greater improvements in lung cancer-specific symptoms on treatment with ceritinib. General health status was significantly improved with ceritinib versus chemotherapy. Overall, PRO results from all 4 instruments independently showed improvements highlighting the consistency and robustness of these findings.

Abstract B072: Phase Ib trial of the RNActive cancer vaccine BI 1361849 (CV9202) and local radiotherapy in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with disease control after first-line chemotherapy or during therapy with an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor: Updated clinical results and immune responses

Abstract Background: Preclinical studies demonstrated that local radiotherapy (RT) acts synergistically with RNActive mRNA vaccines to enhance anti-tumor effects and increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. BI 1361849 is a therapeutic vaccine comprising optimized mRNA constituents encoding six NSCLC-associated antigens. Interim data of a phase Ib study, employing local RT to increase the immune mediated tumor control by BI 1361849, have been previously published (J Clin Oncol 34, 2016, suppl; abstr e20627). Here we report results of immune response analyses as well as updated safety and efficacy data. Methods: Patients (pts) with stage IV NSCLC were enrolled in three cohorts based on histological and molecular NSCLC subtypes (squamous and non-squamous cell with/without activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations). Pts received two vaccinations with BI 1361849 before local RT to a single tumor lesion (thoracic, bone, lymph node, skin/subcutaneous) was administered in four consecutive daily fractions of 5 GY. Vaccination was continued until start of subsequent anti-cancer therapy. Maintenance pemetrexed (mP) and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) were given in parallel according to the label where indicated. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included objective response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Cellular and humoral immune responses were measured ex vivo by multifunctional intracellular cytokine staining, IFN-γ ELISpot, and ELISA in pre- and post-treatment blood samples. Results: 26 pts were enrolled. 15 pts received mP, two received EGFR TKIs. Most frequent AEs were mild to moderate injection-site reactions and flu-like symptoms. No BI 1361849-related SAEs were reported. Based on preliminary data following up to 110 weeks of exposure, one confirmed PR was observed in a pt on mP, 13 pts (52%) experienced SD (8 pts on mP, 2 pts on EGFR-TKI and 3 pts without concomitant maintenance treatment, associated with 15% tumor shrinkage outside the radiation field in one pt without maintenance). 25 pts were available for immune response analysis. Preliminary data indicate that BI 1361849 was capable of eliciting antigen-specific immune responses in the majority of the patients including cellular and humoral immune responses. Conclusion: BI 1361849 can be safely combined with local RT and mP treatment. Shrinkage of non-irradiated lesions and prolonged disease stablization was observed in a subset of pts, mainly in combination with mP. Data indicate immunogenicity of BI 1361849. Analyses of cellular and humoral immune responses will be presented, as well as updated clinical data. Citation Format: M. M. Hipp, M. Sebastian, C. Weiss, M. Früh, M. Pless, R. Cathomas, W. Hilbe, G. Pall, T. Wehler, J. Alt, H. Bischoff, M. Geißler, F. Griesinger, J. Kollmeier, A. Papachristofilou, F. Doener, M. Fotin-Mleczek, H. S. Hong, K. J. Kallen, U. Klinkhardt, S. D. Koch, E. Niehus, B. Scheel, A. Schröder, T. Seibel, U. Gnad-Vogt, A. Zippelius. Phase Ib trial of the RNActive cancer vaccine BI 1361849 (CV9202) and local radiotherapy in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with disease control after first-line chemotherapy or during therapy with an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor: Updated clinical results and immune responses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B072.

Carboplatin and pemetrexed with or without pembrolizumab for advanced, non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer: a randomised, phase 2 cohort of the open-label KEYNOTE-021 study

Limited evidence exists to show that adding a third agent to platinum-doublet chemotherapy improves efficacy in the first-line advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) setting. The anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab has shown efficacy as monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC and has a non-overlapping toxicity profile with chemotherapy. We assessed whether the addition of pembrolizumab to platinum-doublet chemotherapy improves efficacy in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC. In this randomised, open-label, phase 2 cohort of a multicohort study (KEYNOTE-021), patients were enrolled at 26 medical centres in the USA and Taiwan. Patients with chemotherapy-naive, stage IIIB or IV, non-squamous NSCLC without targetable EGFR or ALK genetic aberrations were randomly assigned (1:1) in blocks of four stratified by PD-L1 tumour proportion score (<1% vs ≥1%) using an interactive voice-response system to 4 cycles of pembrolizumab 200 mg plus carboplatin area under curve 5 mg/mL per min and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks followed by pembrolizumab for 24 months and indefinite pemetrexed maintenance therapy or to 4 cycles of carboplatin and pemetrexed alone followed by indefinite pemetrexed maintenance therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an objective response, defined as the percentage of patients with radiologically confirmed complete or partial response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 assessed by masked, independent central review, in the intention-to-treat population, defined as all patients who were allocated to study treatment. Significance threshold was p<0·025 (one sided). Safety was assessed in the as-treated population, defined as all patients who received at least one dose of the assigned study treatment. This trial, which is closed for enrolment but continuing for follow-up, is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02039674. Between Nov 25, 2014, and Jan 25, 2016, 123 patients were enrolled; 60 were randomly assigned to the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group and 63 to the chemotherapy alone group. 33 (55%; 95% CI 42-68) of 60 patients in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group achieved an objective response compared with 18 (29%; 18-41) of 63 patients in the chemotherapy alone group (estimated treatment difference 26% [95% CI 9-42%]; p=0·0016). The incidence of grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse events was similar between groups (23 [39%] of 59 patients in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group and 16 [26%] of 62 in the chemotherapy alone group). The most common grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse events in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group were anaemia (seven [12%] of 59) and decreased neutrophil count (three [5%]); an additional six events each occurred in two (3%) for acute kidney injury, decreased lymphocyte count, fatigue, neutropenia, and sepsis, and thrombocytopenia. In the chemotherapy alone group, the most common grade 3 or worse events were anaemia (nine [15%] of 62) and decreased neutrophil count, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia (two [3%] each). One (2%) of 59 patients in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group experienced treatment-related death because of sepsis compared with two (3%) of 62 patients in the chemotherapy group: one because of sepsis and one because of pancytopenia. Combination of pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and pemetrexed could be an effective and tolerable first-line treatment option for patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC. This finding is being further explored in an ongoing international, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study. Merck & Co.

Doublet chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed is associated with a favorable outcome in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer who are eligible for bevacizumab and maintenance therapy.

The previous AVAPERL trial demonstrated that induction therapy with first-line cisplatin (CDDP), pemetrexed (PEM) and bevacizumab (BEV), followed by continuation maintenance therapy with PEM+BEV, improved the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with BEV alone (median PFS, 10.2 vs. 6.6 months and median OS, 19.8 vs. 15.9 months, respectively) in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (non-Sq NSCLC). However, those findings were based on selected patients who were eligible for BEV and maintenance therapy. To assess the efficacy of CDDP+PEM as first-line therapy in selected patients depending on their eligibility for BEV and maintenance therapy, consecutive patients with non-Sq NSCLC who received first-line chemotherapy with CDDP+PEM at the Shizuoka Cancer Center (Shizuoka, Japan) between July, 2009 and December, 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 160 patients were assessed, including 92 who were eligible and 68 who were not eligible for BEV treatment. In the BEV-eligible group, CDDP+PEM treatment followed by maintenance PEM exhibited significantly superior efficacy compared with that in the BEV-ineligible group (median PFS, 5.8 vs. 4.8 months, respectively, P=0.013; and median OS, 21.3 vs. 12.6 months, respectively, P=0.0025). In the BEV-eligible group, 60 patients were suitable for maintenance therapy with PEM (group A) and 32 patients were unsuitable (group B). In the BEV-ineligible group, 31 patients were suitable for maintenance therapy with PEM (group C) and 37 patients were unsuitable (group D). In group A, the median PFS and OS were 6.9 and 31.8 months, respectively, compared with 2.4 and 10.5 months in group B, 6.1 and 18.5 months in group C, and 2.8 and 7.7 months in group D. The PFS and OS in group A were significantly better compared with those in the other groups. Thus, the PFS and OS with CDDP+PEM were favorable among patients with advanced non-Sq NSCLC who were eligible for BEV and maintenance therapy.

Efficacy of platinum-based combination chemotherapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring sensitive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations with acquired resistance to first-line EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)

BackgroundThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) eventually fails in treating advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring sensitive EGFR mutations because of acquired resistance. In clinical practical setting, platinum-doublet chemotherapy has been frequently performed after failure of first-line EGFR-TKIs. The efficacy of different regimens was compared. MethodsFrom January 2012 to December 2013, 160 patients with mutated EGFR receiving first-line EGFR-TKIs and second-line chemotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. Sixty-eight patients received pemetrexed-based therapy and among them, 61 were in combination with cisplatin. Ninety-two patients received non-pemetrexed-based therapy and among them, 79 were combined with cisplatin. ResultsThe progression-free survival of first-line EGFR-KI was 9.0 and 8.6 months for pemetrexed and non-pemetrexed treatment groups respectively (HR: 0.9146, 95% CI: 0.6656 to 1.257, P=0.5818). The median progression-free survival (PFS) of second-line therapy was 8.3 and 5.6 months for pemetrexed and non-pemetrexed treatment groups respectively (HR: 0.4217, 95% CI: 0.2952 to 0.6025, P=0.0001). The median overall survival (OS) after first-line EGFR-TKIs was 16.9 and 10.3 months for pemetrexed and non-pemetrexed groups respectively (HR: 0.5160, 95% CI: 0.3381 to 0.7873, P=0.0021). For those receiving pemetrexed continuous maintenance therapy, there was 18.7 months of survival after first-line EGFR-TKI, compared to 11.1 months for those without maintenance (HR: 0.4012, 95% CI: 0.2577 to 0.6247, P <0.0001). ConclusionThe efficacy of pemetrexed was superior to other chemotherapeutic agents in second line treatment for patients with lung adenocarcinoma harboring sensitive EGFR mutations after first-line EGFR-TKI therapy. Continuous maintenance pemetrexed therapy also improved the PFS and OS.

Anti-angiogenesis in Personalized Therapy of Lung Cancer.

Upregulation of angiogenesis is a frequent occurrence in lung cancer and is reported to represent a negative prognostic factor. This provides a rationale for the development and evaluation of anti-angiogenic agents. To date bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against serum VEGF, is the only anti-angiogenic agent that has demonstrated improved overall survival for patients with lung cancer. Meta-analysis of trials of bevacizumab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for NSCLC, show a 10% reduction in the risk of death (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.81-0.99). However, therapy with bevacizumab is limited to NSCLC patients with non-squamous histology, good performance status, no brain metastases and the absence of bleeding or thrombotic disorders. More recently, similar survival was observed in a non bevacizumab containing regimen of carboplatin, pemetrexed and maintenance pemetrexed. Multiple oral anti-angiogenic compounds have been evaluated in NSCLC, both in first-line therapy, or upon disease progression. The majority of agents have shown some evidence of activity, but none have clearly demonstrated improvements in overall survival. Increased toxicities have been observed, including an increased risk of death for some agents, limiting their development. Promising data exist for sunitinib in patients with heavily pre-treated NSCLC, and nintedanib in combination with docetaxel, as second-line therapy for NSCLC. However, these findings require validation. Currently, there is no established role for anti-angiogenic therapy in SCLC, although there is some promise for sunitinib as maintenance therapy following platinum and etoposide chemotherapy. The challenge for anti-angiogenic therapy is to understand whether treatment effects in a subpopulation, are lost among a larger unselected population of patients. There is a need for additional translational research to identify predictive biomarkers for anti-angiogenic therapy.

Maintenance pemetrexed in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma: Outcome analysis from a tertiary care center.

Background:Maintenance pemetrexed is a standard treatment option for selected non squamous nonsmall cell lung carcinoma patients having a response to platin based doublet. We conducted a clinical audit of such selected patients and report the outcome among the Indian population.Aim:To evaluate the outcomes with maintenance pemetrexed in the patients with locally advanced and metastatic adenocarcinoma lung.Objectives:To calculate the progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and factors affecting the outcome.Materials and Methods:Data of patients with locally advanced and metastatic adenocarcinoma lung were retrieved from prospectively maintained lung cancer database registered between June 2011 and March 2014. The patients who achieved partial response (n = 87) or stable disease (n = 101) after 6 cycles of pemetrexed platin based doublet and received the maintenance pemetrexed were selected for final analysis (n = 188). Kaplan–Meir survival analysis was used for PFS and OS. Log rank test was used to evaluate the factors affecting the outcome.Results:Median follow-up is 14 months. The median number of maintenance pemetrexed cycles received is 6 (1–38). Common reason for the discontinuation are disease progression (n = 127), renal toxicity (n = 4), and social/financial (n = 7). Median PFS and OS are 8 months and 20 months, respectively. The patients with baseline pleural effusion had better PFS (9 months vs. 7 months, P = 0.02) and OS (26 months vs. 18 months, P = 0.05). The patients receiving more than 6 cycles of maintenance had improved PFS (12 vs. 7 months, P = 0.002) and OS (26 vs. 16 months, P = 0.05).Conclusion:Maintenance pemetrexed is feasible and well tolerated by the majority of Indian patients who achieved the response after platin based doublet. The patients with baseline pleural effusion benefit more with maintenance pemetrexed.