Months In Arm Research Articles

A Phase 1b/2 Study of Navtemadlin (KRT-232), a Murine Double Minute 2 Inhibitor, Combined with a BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory, TP53WT, Ph+ Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

A Phase 1b/2 Study of Navtemadlin (KRT-232), a Murine Double Minute 2 Inhibitor, Combined with a BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory, TP53WT, Ph+ Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Randomized Phase III Study (ADMYRE) of Plitidepsin in Combination with Dexamethasone Vs. Dexamethasone Alone in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Randomized Phase III Study (ADMYRE) of Plitidepsin in Combination with Dexamethasone Vs. Dexamethasone Alone in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Predictive value of germline ATM mutations in the CCTG PA.7 trial: Gemcitabine (GEM) and nab-paclitaxel (Nab-P) versus GEM, nab-P, durvalumab (D) and tremelimumab (T) as first-line therapy in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).

4135 Background: PA.7 evaluated whether combining PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibition with GEM and Nab-P increases efficacy. A previous analysis of the PA.7 data demonstrated high plasma based TMB (≥9 mut/Mb) was associated with improved OS in the Gem, Nab-P, D+T arm. DNA repair pathway aberrations beyond mismatch repair have been associated with potential immune sensitivity. We assessed the predictive value of germline ATM mutations in the PA.7 trial. Methods: This randomized phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02879318) assessed the efficacy and safety of GEM, Nab-P, D, and T (arm A) vs. GEM and Nab-P (arm B) in patients (pts) with mPDAC (n = 180). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Pre-treatment plasma was sequenced with the Predicine ATLAS next generation assay (600 gene, 2.4 Mb panel). 2-sided alpha set at 0.1. Results: 180 pts were randomized (119 to arm A and 61 to arm B) There was no significant difference in OS (9.8 months in arm A vs. 8.8 months in arm B, p-value 0.72) or PFS (5.5 months and 5.4 months respectively, HR 0.98, p-value 0.91). Plasma analysis was performed on 174/180 pts with available samples. 16/174 (9.2%) pts had germline ATM mutations, 12 in arm A and 4 in arm B. GEM, Nab-P, D+T was associated with improved OS in patients with ATM mutations (HR 0.10, 90% CI 0.03-0.37; median OS 13.9 months vs. 4.9 months) while no activity was seen in pts with ATM Wild Type (HR 0.99, 90% CI 0.73-1.33; median OS 9.79 months vs. 10.2 months); interaction p = 0.014. Germline ATM mutation status was independent of plasma TMB levels (Wilcoxon p = 0.76). Conclusions: Germline ATM mutation appeared predictive of benefit from the addition of dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (D and T) to Gem and Nab-P, with a significant interaction p-value. In addition to previous data from this trial regarding the predictive value of high plasma TMB (≥9 mut/Mb), this data further supports that there may be independent subgroups of PDAC, beyond MSI-H, that may benefit from immunotherapy, and trials evaluating immunotherapy in subgroups of PDAC with these profiles are warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02879318.

Phase I study of ruxolitinib with radiation and temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed grade III gliomas and glioblastoma.

2060 Background: Ruxolitinib is a novel, potent, and selective inhibitor of JAK1 (Janus kinase 1) and JAK2 with modest to marked selectivity against TYK2 (tyrosine kinase 2) and JAK3, respectively. Ruxolitinib interferes with the signaling of a number of cytokines and growth factors that are important for hematopoiesis and immune function. JAK signaling involves recruitment of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) to cytokine receptors, activation, and subsequent localization of STATs to the nucleus leading to modulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway has been associated with several types of cancer and increased proliferation and survival of malignant cells. Methods: Newly diagnosed patients with unmethylated MGMT Glioblastoma or grade III glioma were recruited to Arm 1. Every patient received ruxolitinib and 60 Gy radiation for 6 weeks over 6 weeks (2Gy x 30). The dose of Ruxolitinib was administered given the 3+3 design. Level 1 or starting dose was 10 mg twice daily, level 2 was 15 mg twice daily, level 3 was 20 mg twice daily and level -1 was 5 mg twice daily. Arm 2 was started once safe dose was established for Arm 1 for each dose level. Patients with methylated MGMT glioblastoma or grade III glioma were eligible for Arm 2. Every patient received ruxolitinib + radiation x 60 Gy + daily temozolomide at 75 mg/m2 for 6 weeks over 6 weeks. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimate by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log rank test. Results: 45 patients had survival data, 25 patients were Arm I and 20 arm II. The median OS and PFS were 18.2 (95% CI: 3.6-NA) months for Arm 1 and were not reached for Arm 2. OS and PFS Rate at 1 year was 61% (95% CI: 43-85%) and 51% (35-76%) for Arm 1, and 95% (85-100%) for Arm 2 (p = 0.01 and p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusions: Patients that received ruxolitinib + radiation x 60 Gy + daily temozolomide at 75 mg/m2 for 6 weeks over 6 weeks (Arm 2) had significantly better PFS and OS than those that received ruxolitinib + radiation x 60 Gy alone. Clinical trial information: NCT03514069.

Novel PD-1 inhibitor prolgolimab: expanding non-resectable/metastatic melanoma therapy choice

BackgroundProlgolimab is an IgG1 anti–PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) monoclonal antibody containing the Fc-silencing ‘LALA’ mutation. We assessed the efficacy and safety of two dosing regimens of prolgolimab in patients with advanced melanoma in a multicenter open-label parallel-arm phase II trial (MIRACULUM). We present the final analysis after 1 year of follow-up and additional efficacy results from 2 years of follow-up. MethodsPatients with advanced cutaneous or non-cutaneous melanoma, including stable brain metastasis, without autoimmune disease and who underwent no prior targeted therapy, anti–PD-(L)1 or anti–CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) therapy were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive prolgolimab in 2 dosing regimens, 1 mg/kg every 2 weeks (arm 1) or 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks (arm 2), until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Randomisation was stratified based on performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0 or 1), lactate dehydrogenase levels (elevated or normal) and prior systemic therapy (naive or previously treated). The primary outcome was the objective response rate, assessed as per immune-related Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours by independent central review. The hypothesis that each dosing regimen of prolgolimab has an overall response rate >28% was tested independently for each study arm comprising all patients who received at least one dose of prolgolimab. Exploratory assessment of efficacy, including subgroup analysis, at 2 years of follow-up was not specified in the protocol. This study is registered withClinicalTrials.gov(NCT03269565). ResultsBetween August 2017 and March 2018, 126 patients with advanced melanoma were enrolled. At main 1-year data cut-off, the median follow-up was 13.8 and 14.5 months in arm 1 and 2, respectively. An objective response was observed in 38.1% of patients (arm 1) and in 28.6% (arm 2). Grade III–IV treatment-related adverse events occurred in 12.7% and 3.2% of patients in arm 1 and 2, respectively. For exploratory efficacy analysis, the median follow-up was 25.4 and 25.7 months in arm 1 and 2, respectively. The 2-year progression-free survival was 33.3% in arm 1 and 30.2% in arm 2, and the 2-year overall survival was 57.1% and 46.0%, respectively. ConclusionsThe MIRACULUM study met its primary end-point in both the study arms. Prolgolimab showed significant antitumour activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced melanoma.

Abstract PD1-01: Open-label, randomized, phase 2 study of sapanisertib (TAK-228/MLN0128) in combination with fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that previously progressed during or after aromatase inhibitor therapy (NCT02756364)

Abstract Background: Sapanisertib (S) is an investigational, oral, and highly selective adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-competitive inhibitor of target of rapamycin complex 1/2 (TORC1/2). Simultaneous inhibition of ER and phosphoinositide 3kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway with S may restore sensitivity to endocrine therapies in patients (pts) with breast cancer, who have progressed during or after aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. Here we report data from a phase 2 study of continuous once-daily or once-weekly S + fulvestrant (F) compared with single-agent F in pts with breast cancer. Methods: Postmenopausal women with ER+ and HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer following progression during/after AI therapy were randomized 1:1:1 to receive F (500 mg intramuscularly on day 1 of a 28-day cycle) alone (Arm A) or in combination with oral S either daily (4 mg; Arm B) or weekly (30 mg; Arm C) until progressive disease (PD), unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. Pts were stratified according to presence/absence of visceral metastases, previous sensitivity to hormonal therapy, and previous exposure to cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors. Pts on Arm A could receive S at PD. Key exclusion criteria were: prior therapy with mTOR inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, or F; >1 prior line of chemotherapy for MBC; recurrent disease or PD on >2 endocrine therapies for MBC. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR; any duration and at 24 weeks), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: Between Aug 2016 and May 2018, 141 pts were randomized (Arm A: 46; Arm B: 47; Arm C: 48). One patient in Arm C was not treated. Median age was 58 years (range 33-84). Stratification was well balanced across arms; overall, 65% had visceral metastases, 84% had prior sensitivity to hormonal therapy, and 34% had received prior CDK 4/6 inhibitors. Pts received a median of 4 cycles (range 1-40) of F on Arm A, 5 cycles (range 1-33) of daily S + F on Arm B, and 4 cycles (range 1-39) of weekly S + F on Arm C. The last follow-up visit was in Nov 2019. The main reasons for treatment discontinuation included PD (76%, 60%, 53%; Arm A, B, and C, respectively) and adverse events (AEs; 4%, 32%, 36%; Arm A, B, and C, respectively). Of the pts in Arm A with confirmed PD, 18 crossed over to Arm B and C (9 each); crossover was analyzed separately. Efficacy data are shown in the table; median PFS was 3.5, 7.2, and 5.6 months in Arm A, B, and C, respectively. OS data were immature at the primary data cut-off. Three pts died during the study (2 and 1 in Arm A and B, respectively); all deaths were attributed to underlying disease. Most common any-grade AEs were: asthenia (24%), hyperglycemia, fatigue, and headache (22% each) in Arm A; hyperglycemia (57%) and nausea (49%) in Arm B; nausea (87%) and vomiting (70%) in Arm C. Conclusion: Daily or weekly treatment with S + F demonstrated modest clinical benefit in ER+/HER2- advanced or MBC pts who progressed during/after AI compared with single-agent F. The S + F combinations had increased toxicity leading to more treatment discontinuations compared with single-agent F. Table: PFS and response dataArm A Single-agent F (n = 46)Arm B S (QD) + F (n = 47)Arm C S (QW) + F (n = 48)Median PFS (95% CI), months3.5 (1.9-5.6)7.2 (3.9-10.6)5.6 (4.1-9.0)HR (95% CI)0.77 (0.47-1.26)0.88 (0.53-1.45)ORR*, n/N (%)5/46 (10.9)10/47 (21.3)†6/47 (12.8)CBR*, n/N (%)28/46 (60.9)35/47 (74.5)31/47 (66.0)CBR≥6 months*, n/N (%)15/46 (32.6)23/47 (48.9)12/47 (25.5)*Safety population †Including 2 complete responses Citation Format: José Á García-Saenz, Noelia Martínez Jáñez, Miguel Martin, Ainhara Lahuerta Martínez, Santiago González-Santiago, Nieves Ferrer, Manuel Ramos Vázquez, José Luis Alonso Romero, Antonio Antón, Eva Carrasco, Jingjing Chen, Rachel Neuwirth, E Jane Leonard, Dennis Slamon. Open-label, randomized, phase 2 study of sapanisertib (TAK-228/MLN0128) in combination with fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that previously progressed during or after aromatase inhibitor therapy (NCT02756364) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD1-01.

Palbociclib and cetuximab compared with placebo and cetuximab in platinum-resistant, cetuximab-naïve, human papillomavirus-unrelated recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A double-blind, randomized, phase 2 trial

ObjectivesThis study examined whether palbociclib and cetuximab prolonged overall survival (OS) versus placebo and cetuximab. Materials and methodsIn this double-blind, randomized, phase 2 trial (PALATINUS), patients with platinum-resistant, cetuximab-naïve, human papillomavirus-unrelated recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma received cetuximab and either palbociclib (arm A) or placebo (arm B). The primary endpoint was OS; 120 patients were required to have ≥80% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.6 (median OS of 10 months in arm A and 6 months in arm B) using a one-sided, log-rank test (P = 0.10). Results125 patients were randomized (arm A: 65, arm B: 60). Median follow-up was 15.9 months (IQR, 11.3–22.7). Median OS was 9.7 months in arm A and 7.8 months in arm B (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.54–1.25; P = 0.18). Median progression-free survival was 3.9 months in arm A and 4.6 months in arm B (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.67–1.5; P = 0.50). The most common treatment-related adverse events in arm A were rash (39 patients, 60.9%) and neutropenia (26, 40.6%; three febrile) and in arm B was rash (32, 53.3%). ConclusionThere was no significant difference in median OS with palbociclib and cetuximab versus placebo and cetuximab. FundingPfizer Inc (NCT02499120).

Efficacy of Perioperative Chemotherapy for Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Clinical outcomes after curative treatment of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remain suboptimal. To assess the potential of early control of systemic disease with multiagent perioperative chemotherapy, we conducted a prospective trial. To determine 2-year overall survival (OS) using perioperative chemotherapy for resectable PDA. This was a randomized phase 2 trial of perioperative chemotherapy with a pick-the-winner design. It was conducted across the National Clinical Trials Network, including academic and community centers all across the US. Eligibility required patients with Zubrod Performance Score of 0 or 1, confirmed tissue diagnosis of PDA, and resectable disease per Intergroup criteria. Perioperative (12 weeks preoperative, 12 weeks postoperative) chemotherapy with either fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFIRINOX, arm 1) or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (arm 2). The primary outcome was 2-year overall survival (OS), using a pick-the-winner design; for 100 eligible patients, accrual up to 150 patients was planned to account for cases deemed ineligible at central radiology review. From 2015 to 2018, 147 patients were enrolled; 43 patients (29%) had ineligible disease, beyond resectability criteria, at central radiology review. There were 102 eligible and evaluable patients, 55 in arm 1 and 47 in arm 2, of whom the median (range) age was 66 (44-76) and 64 (46-76) years, respectively; 36 patients (65%) in arm 1 and 24 (51%) in arm 2 were men. In arm 1, 34 (62%) had Zubrod Performance Score of 0, while in arm 2, 31 (66%) did; and 44 (80%) in arm 1 and 39 (83%) in arm 2 had head tumors. Of 102 patients, 84% and 85% completed preoperative chemotherapy, 73% and 70% underwent resection, and 49% and 40% completed all treatment. Adverse events were expected hematologic toxic effects, fatigue, and gastrointestinal toxicities. Two-year OS was 47% (95% CI, 31%-61%) for arm 1 and 48% (95% CI, 31%-63%) for arm 2; median OS was 23.2 months (95% CI, 17.6-45.9 months) and 23.6 months (95% CI, 17.8-31.7 months). Neither arm's 2-year OS estimate was significantly higher than the a priori threshold of 40%. Median disease-free survival after resection was 10.9 months in arm 1 and 14.2 months in arm 2. This phase 2 randomized clinical trial did not demonstrate an improved OS with perioperative chemotherapy, compared with historical data from adjuvant trials in resectable pancreatic cancer. Two-year OS was 47% with mFOLFIRINOX and 48% with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel for all eligible patients starting treatment for resectable PDA. The trial also demonstrated adequate safety and high resectability rates with perioperative chemotherapy, and challenges in quality control for resectability criteria. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02562716.

Randomized multicenter phase II/III study with adjuvant gemcitabine versus neoadjuvant/adjuvant FOLFIRINOX in resectable pancreatic cancer: The NEPAFOX trial.

406 Background: The outcome of pancreatic cancer remains poor. Few patients (pts) can be assigned to surgery and 80% of resected pts experience a relapse. Currently, adjuvant ctx is standard, but prognosis remains poor. FOLFIRINOX (FFX) is a SOC in metastatic and meanwhile in the adjuvant setting and may represent a valuable neoadjuvant option in resectable and borderline resectable stages. We initiated the NEPAFOX– trial in Germany to explore the efficacy of perioperative FFX. Methods: This is a multicenter randomized phase II/III trial. Recruitment of the trial was stopped after 40 patients (pts) due to poor accrual. Pts with resectable or borderline resectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas without metastases were eligible. Eligible pts were randomized to (arm A) upfront surgery followed by adjuvant gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) for 6 months or (arm B) perioperative FFX (irinotecan 180 mg/m2, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, 5-FU 400mg/m² bolus, 5-FU 2400 mg/m², sodium folinate 400 mg/m2) 4-6 cycles (8-12 weeks) pre and further 4-6 cycles post surgery. The primary endpoint is OS. Secondary endpoints include PFS, perioperative morbidity, mortality, and others. Results: 40 pts (42.5% female) were randomized over 3 years (05.03.2015 FPI - 23.03.2018 LPI), 21 in arm A, 19 in arm B. Age range was 46-84y, median age 64y.Before randomization, 76.2% of the pts in Arm A and 78.9% in Arm B were classified as primarily resectable the remaining pts as borderline resectable. Patients received in median 3 cycles in Arm A (range: 0-6) and 6 in Arm B (range: 1-12). Surgery was performed in 18 pts (85.7%) in Arm A and 11 (57.9%) in Arm B. Reasons for not conducting surgery were for Arm A patient´s wish (1 pt) and inoperability (2 pts), for Arm B early progressive disease (4 pts), death (1 pt), pneumonia (1 pt), and toxicities (1 pt). 13 (Arm A) and 5 (Arm B) pts had a R0-Resection. Perioperative morbidity occurred in 72.2% of operated pts in Arm A and 45.5% in Arm B. Median OS was 25.68 months in Arm A (6 events of death) and 10.03 months in Arm B (14 events) with HR 0.366 and p = 0.0337. Median PFS was 9.8 months in Arm A (12 events) and 6.64 months in Arm B (16 events) with HR 0.722 and p = 0.4099. Conclusions: Due to low pt numbers, the analyses for primary and secondary endpoints are not robust and only descriptive. Median OS for Gemcitabine- arm was in the line with literature data and better than for FFX, but pt/event numbers are too for conclusion. Only 11 out of 19 FFX pts underwent surgery, only 9 pts had pancreatic resection, indicating that pts should be extremely good selected before starting a neoadjuvant approach. According to CT or MRI pts of arm B were not more advanced regarding tumor staging. Nevertheless, there were no safety issues in the FFX arm regarding surgical complications, so neoadjuvant/ perioperative treatment approach seems to be feasible, subjected to the small number of pts in the study. Clinical trial information: NCT02172976.

Predictive value of plasma tumor mutation burden (TMB) in the CCTG PA.7 trial: Gemcitabine (GEM) and nab-paclitaxel (Nab-P) vs. GEM, nab-P, durvalumab (D) and tremelimumab (T) as first line therapy in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).

411 Background: PA.7 evaluated whether combining PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibition with GEM and Nab-P increases efficacy as first line therapy in mPDAC. High TMB is associated with immunotherapy sensitivity, with a threshold of ≥10 mut/Mb receiving FDA accelerated approved for pembrolizumab in a tissue agnostic setting. We assessed the predictive value of plasma TMB in the PA.7 trial. Methods: This randomized phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02879318) assessed the efficacy and safety of GEM, Nab-P, D, and T (arm A) vs. GEM and Nab-P (arm B) in patients (pts) with mPDAC (n = 180). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Pre-treatment plasma was sequenced with the CLIA-certified PredicineATLAS cfDNA next generation assay (600 genes, 2.4 Mb panel). A pre-specified cut point of 5 mut/MB was selected based on distribution of TMB in the trial. 2-sided alpha set at 0.1. Results: 180 pts were randomized (119 to arm A and 61 to arm B). There was no significant difference in OS (9.8 months in arm A vs. 8.8 months in arm B, p-value 0.72) or PFS (5.5 months and 5.4 months respectively, HR 0.98, p-value 0.91). Plasma TMB analysis was performed on 174/180 pts with available samples, and tumor derived variants were detected in 173/174 pts (99.4%). 172 pts were microsatellite stable and 1 pt was microsatellite high (MSI-H) (plasma TMB 52.9 muts/Mb). Using the pre-specified cut-point of 5 mut/Mb there was no significant predictive value from plasma TMB (interaction p = 0.91). Using a minimum p-value approach, a cut-point of 9 mut/MB appeared predictive (p-interaction = 0.064; significant at pre-specified p = 0.1). 8/174 (4.6%) pts had a plasma TMB ≥9 mut/Mb (5/115 (4.4%) in arm A and 3/59 (5%) in arm B). GEM, Nab-P, D+T was associated with improved OS in patients with plasma TMB ≥9 mut/Mb (HR 0.30, 90% CI 0.06-1.37) while no activity was seen in pts with < 9 mut/Mb, (HR 0.97, 90% CI 0.73-1.29). TMB cut-point analysis revealed a clear trend for a decreasing HR favoring the GEM, Nab-P, D and T arm above the selected cut point, with no benefit in the low TMB group. Conclusions: Plasma TMB analysis was successful in over 99% of pts with available samples. Plasma TMB ≥9 mut/Mb was predictive of benefit from the addition of dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (D and T) to Gem and Nab-P, with a significant interaction p-value. While only present in a subgroup of pts (4.6%), this data defines a group beyond MSI-H PDAC that may benefit from immunotherapy. The optimal cut-point for high TMB in this setting requires validation. A clinical trial specifically assessing the role of chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibition in high TMB mPDAC is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02879318.

Phase II randomized, double-blind study of mFOLFIRINOX plus ramucirumab versus mFOLFIRINOX plus placebo in advanced pancreatic cancer patients (HCRN GI14-198).

413 Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-mediated signaling and angiogenesis contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PCA).VEGF is expressed in all PCA tumors. VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling plays an important role in inducing invasion and migration of PCA cells. The pVEGFR-2 is significantly associated with invasion of the anterior capsule of pancreas and arteries. In preclinical studies, the anti-tumor activity of fluoropyrimidines, but not that of gemcitabine, caused the release of bone marrow derived circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPs) and Tie-2 expressing monocytes (TEMs) as well as the induction of pro-angiogenic growth factors. Methods: This phase II randomized, multi-center, and double-blinded trial was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of mFOLFIRINOX/ramucirumab (Arm A) versus mFOLFIRINOX/ placebo (Arm B) as front-line therapy in recurrent or metastatic PCA patients. The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS) at 9 months, and the secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and response rate. Results: A total of 86 subjects were enrolled, 82 were eligible (42 in Arm A v. 40 in Arm B). The mean age of the subjects in the two arms were comparable (61.7 v. 63.0, respectively); 43 male, 69 Caucasian. On the univariate analysis, there was no difference in distribution between the 2 arms for age, gender, race and ethnicity. The median PFS was 5.6 in Arm A compared to 6.7 months in Arm B (one-sided log-rank, p = 0.322). At 9 months, the progression free rates were 25.1% v. 35% for Arms A and B, respectively. The mFOLFIRINOX/ramucirumab combination was well tolerated. Patients in Arm A reported a slightly higher number of adverse events (AEs) encounters, most commonly diarrhea (29 vs 28), fatigue (25 v. 25), vomiting (24 v. 14), weight loss (23 v. 17), and abdominal pain (20 v. 15). Arm A had more SAEs than Arm B (43 v. 25), with sepsis most commonly reported in both arms (3 in each), vomiting (3 v. 2), diarrhea (3 v.1) and duodenal obstruction (3 v. 0). Arm B had a slightly higher response rate (22.58%) compared to Arm A (17.65%) that was not statistically significant. The median OS in Arm A was 10.3 compared to 9.7 months for Arm B (one-sided log-rank, p = 0.094). Conclusions: In this randomized phase 2 study, the addition of ramucirumab to mFOLFIRINOX did not improve PFS, response rate, or OS as initial therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. FOLFIRINOX/Ramucirumab combination was well tolerated in the treatment of PCA. Clinical trial information: NCT02581215.

Could Adjuvant Chemotherapy Improve Prognosis for Cervical Cancer Patients with Elevated Pretreatment Serum Squamous-Cell Carcinoma Antigen?

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore whether adjuvant chemotherapy could improve prognosis for cervical cancer patients with elevated pretreatment serum squamous-cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag).MethodsPropensity-score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to ensure balanced groups for patients with (arm A) and without adjuvant chemotherapy (arm B). All patients were treated between January 2012 and December 2014 at a single center. Study outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsIn total, 81 patients were included in this study. By propensity-score matching, 35 patients were included in each group (arm A and arm B). Median follow-up was 60 months in arm A and 66 months in arm B. Overall, 85.7% of patients in arm A and 71.4% of those in arm B received adjuvant radiotherapy. DFS and OS curves were similar between arms A and B (P=0.971 and 0.633, respectively). With IPTW, arm A was not associated with prognosis in terms of DFS (HR 0.946, 95% CI 0.237–3.784; P=0.938) or OS (HR 1.020, 95%CI 0.357–2.913; P=0.970).ConclusionFor patients with elevated pretreatment SCC-Ag, adjuvant chemotherapy was not found to improve prognosis. Also, a considerable proportion of these patients had postoperative indications for adjuvant radiotherapy. For these cervical cancer patients with elevated pretreatment SCC-Ag, the choice of radical hysterectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy should be prudent.

Oral vinorelbine and cisplatin as first-line therapy for advanced squamous NSCLC patients: a prospective randomized international phase II study (NAVoTrial 03).

Objective:The study investigated the efficacy and safety of oral vinorelbine-cisplatin (OV-CDDP) and gemcitabine-cisplatin (GEM-CDDP) in patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC).Patients and methods:This was an open-label, prospective, multicenter, international phase II study that enrolled untreated patients with advanced sq-NSCLC. Patients were randomized to receive 3-week cycles of either 60–80 mg/m2 OV days 1 and 8 in combination with 80 mg/m2 CDDP day 1 (arm A) or 1250 mg/m2 GEM days 1 and 8 in combination with 75 mg/m2 CDDP day 1 (arm B). After four cycles, patients without disease progression continued maintenance dose of OV or GEM until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary objective was disease control rate (DCR). Secondary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), time to treatment failure (TTF), overall survival (OS), safety, and quality of life (QoL).Results:A total of 114 patients with sq-NSCLC were randomized, and 113 were treated (57 in arm A and 56 in arm B). DCR was high in both arms: 73.7% (95%CI: 62.4–100.0) in arm A and 75.0% (95%CI: 63.7–100.0) in arm B. Median PFS and TTF were similar in arm A and B 4.2 and 2.8 months, and 4.3 and 3.1 months, respectively. Even though the difference was not significant, the OS was 10.2 for arm A and 8.4 months for arm B. The safety profiles were consistent with the current knowledge of adverse events. QoL results revealed an improvement in patients under OV treatment.Conclusion:The OV-CDDP combination showed comparable efficacy to GEM-CDDP with acceptable safety profile and enhanced patients’ QoL.Trial registration:The study was registered under EudraCT number 2012-003531-40.

Durvalumab and tremelimumab with or without stereotactic body radiation therapy in relapsed small cell lung cancer: a randomized phase II study

BackgroundImmune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 has achieved modest clinical activity as salvage therapy in relapsed small cell lung cancer...

CTIM-12. RANDOMIZED PHASE 2 STUDY OF NIVOLUMAB (NIVO) PLUS EITHER STANDARD OR REDUCED DOSE BEVACIZUMAB (BEV) IN RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA (rGBM)

Abstract BACKGROUND Trials with anti-PD1 in rGBM have shown limited efficacy. VEGF is highly upregulated proangiogenic growth factor in GBM contributing to tumor-associated immunosuppression. Preclinical data suggests a potential dose effect of anti-VEGF therapy on immunomodulation. Hence, a combination of anti-PD1 and anti-VEGF may be a promising approach in rGBM. METHODS 90 patients with first-recurrent GBM were randomized (1:1) to nivolumab (240 mg IV Q2 weeks) and bevacizumab at standard (10 mg/kg; Arm A) or low dose (3 mg/kg; Arm B) IV Q2 weeks. Eligibility also required KPS≥ 70% and dexamethasone ≤ 4 mg/day. Stratification included extent of resection, age, performance status and MGMT methylation status. Single cell RNA sequencing with CITE-seq was used to analyze blood samples from pre- and 8 weeks post-treatment among 8 responders and 8 non-responders. RESULTS 90 patients were enrolled (May 2018- Jan 2020) and median follow-up is 7.5 months. Characteristics in 2 arms were comparable. Median age was 60.5 years (range 27–86), median KPS was 80. 35 patients were MGMT methylated, 53 unmethylated and 2 indeterminate. Estimated progression free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) in arm A are 6.13 and 10.85 months and 4.59 and 9.61 months in Arm B, respectively. Single cell RNA sequencing with CITE-seq was used to analyze blood samples from 16 patients, baseline and 8 weeks post treatment. Standard dose bevacizumab treated patients had decreased myeloid derived suppressor cells and an inflammatory response gene signature at 8 weeks. Most frequent toxicities included fatigue (52.8%), headache (32.6%), diarrhea (31.5%), proteinuria (25.8) and hypertension (23.6%). Toxicity was comparable between 2 arms, except hypertension was more common in arm A. CONCLUSIONS PFS and OS rates appear similar for nivolumab with either standard or low-dose bevacizumab compared to historical benchmarks of bevacizumab monotherapy. Ongoing response evaluation and immunocorrelative data will be presented.

Abstract CT148: Clinical results of the multiparameter phase 1 trial EVESOR meant to optimize the doses and dosing schedules of the combination EVErolimus and SORafenib in solid tumors

Abstract Objectives: Defining the optimal doses & dosing schedules of combined targeted drugs is a challenge. Blocking both the PI3K-AKT-mTor and RAS-RAF-ERK pathways is a rationale therapeutic strategy in solid tumors. However, the phase 1 trials of everolimus (EVE) and sorafenib (SOR) failed to define the recommended phase II trial doses (RP2D) of both drugs, due to the toxicity when given continuously; and the combination was abandoned. The academic multi-parameter EVESOR trial (NCT01932177) was designed to assess alternative doses & dosing schedules of EVE & SOR, and to provide data that would be used to define the optimal doses & dosing schedules of both drugs associated with the best efficacy/toxicity ratio by modeling/simulation. Methods: EVESOR is an open dose-escalation phase 1 trial assessing the combination of EVE and SOR in patients with multi-treated advanced solid tumors. Enrolled patients were allocated to 1 of the 4 arms: A) EVE 5 mg QD for 2 weeks followed by continuous EVE + SOR 200 mg BID; B) SOR 200 mg BID for 2 weeks followed by continuous EVE 5 mg QD + SOR; C) alternating EVE 5-10 mg QD with SOR 200-400 mg BID every week; D) continuous EVE 5-10 mg QD + SOR 200-400 mg BID for 3 days on-4 days off. Multiple tumor & blood pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters were sampled at baseline and during treatment (Nanostring panels). The 1st endpoint was the RP2D of both drugs in each arm A+B; C; and D. Results: 43 patients were included from 2013 to 2019: arm A n= 7; arm B n= 7; arm C n= 16; arm D n = 13. Most of them had gynecological (25.6%), cholangiocarcinomas (23.2%), colorectal (14%), and breast cancers (11.6%). Dose escalations to EVE 10 mg QD and SOR 400 mg BID were possible in both arms C and D. Five dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed (1; 3; and 1 in arms B, C and D respectively). Dose reductions were needed in 40% patients, stabilizing at EVE 5 mg and SOR 200 mg BID for the majority of them (58%). The overall response rate was 7%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 73%. No relationships between dose levels and efficacy were found. However, the intermittent dosing schedules (arms C and D) were associated with better DCR. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.6 months (2.7; 6.3; 2.7; and 3.6 months in arms A, B, C and D). Longer PFS were observed with cholangiocarcinomas (9.8 months) and gynecological cancers (3.7 months). Baseline activation of RAS-RAF-ERK was associated with higher non-progression rates at 4 months (50% vs 10%, P=0.12) and longer PFS (4.2 vs 2.1 months, P = 0.016). Decreases in S6K and AKT phosphorylations were observed in 89% and 70% of patients, respectively, with no significant impact on efficacy. Conclusions: EVE 5 mg QD and SOR 200 mg BID combination is the RP2D in solid tumor patients, in both intermittent arms C & D. Intermittent dosing was associated with higher efficacy. Long responses were found in cholangiocarcinomas. Adequately designed multi-schedules phase 1 trials can help for drug development, and avoid abandon of effective targeted drug combinations. Modeling/simulation will be used to optimize dose & dosing schedules of EVE and SOR based on collected data, and then tested. Citation Format: Benoit You, Michel Tod, Lea Payen, Jonathan Lopez, Jerome Guitton, Pascal Rousset, Juliette Fontaine, Julien Peron, Denis Maillet, Sophie Tartas, Nathalie Bonnin, Veronique Trillet-Lenoir, Olivier Colomban, Diane Augu-Denechere, Gilles Freyer, Alicja Puszkiel. Clinical results of the multiparameter phase 1 trial EVESOR meant to optimize the doses and dosing schedules of the combination EVErolimus and SORafenib in solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr CT148.

Phase III Randomized Study of Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Definitive Radiotherapy + Cetuximab Versus Chemoradiotherapy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck: The INTERCEPTOR-GONO Study (NCT00999700)

Objectives: Induction chemotherapy followed by cetuximab and RT (IBRT) (Arm A) was compared to cisplatin/RT (CRT) (Arm B) in a randomized phase III study. Patients and Methods: Naïve patients with stage III-IVa, histologically proven locally advanced head and neck cancer (LASCCHN) were eligible. Arm A (IBRT): 3 TPF induction followed by cetuximab-RT (equivalent daily dose 2 Gy up to 70 Gy); Arm B: 3 cisplatin concurrent with the same RT scheduling. Due to slow accrual and incomplete data collection a futility analysis was performed. Results: 236/282 patients were evaluable. Therefore, no formal analyses can be made between the two arms. OS was 45.2/53.6 months in Arm A/B. Complete responses were achieved in 64% of patients in both arms. Neutropenia and skin toxicity were significantly worse in Arm A and body weight loss was significantly worse in Arm B. Compliance with the planned drug administration was higher in Arm B (p = 0.0008). Conclusion: The study suggests that IBRT and CRT have similar efficacy, activity and toxicity.

Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel until progression or alternating with FOLFIRI.3, as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: The Federation Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive-PRODIGE 37 randomised phase II study (FIRGEMAX)

BackgroundChemotherapy is effective in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPA), but new approaches are still needed to improve patients' survival and quality of life. We have previously published good efficacy and tolerability results on a sequential treatment strategy of gemcitabine followed by an intensified FOLFIRI (5FU+irinotecan) regimen. In the present study, we evaluated the same sequence but replaced gemcitabine by the new gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel standard first-line combination. Patients and methodsWe randomised chemotherapy-naive patients with proven mPA, bilirubin levels ≤1.5 upper limit of normal values and performance status 0–2 to alternately receive gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel for 2 months then FOLFIRI.3 for 2 months in arm A, or gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel alone until progression in arm B. The primary objective was to increase the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate from 40% (H0) to 60% (H1); using the binomial exact method, 124 patients were required. Analyses were carried out in preplanned modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and per-protocol (PP) populations. ResultsBetween November 2015 and November 2016, 127 patients were enrolled. Main grade III–IV toxicities (% in arm A/B) were: diarrhoea (12.5/1.7), neutropenia (46.9/31, including febrile neutropenia: 1.6/0), skin toxicity (6.3/13.8), and peripheral neuropathy (6.3/8.6). No toxic deaths occurred. The objective response rate was 40.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.1–53.6) in arm A and 26.7% (95% CI: 16.1–39.7) in arm B. The primary end-point (6-month PFS rate) was 45.2% [one-sided 95% CI: 34.3–56.4] in arm A and 23.3% in arm B [one-sided 95% CI: 14.3–32.3] in the mITT population. In the PP population, median PFS and OS were 7.6 months and 6 months and 14.5 months and 12.2 months in arm A and B, respectively. ConclusionsThe FIRGEMAX strategy with gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel alternating with FOLFIRI.3 every 2 months, appears feasible and effective, with manageable toxicities, in patients able to reach >2mo of treatment. Trial registration informationEudraCT: 2014-004449-28: NCT: 0282701.

Randomized phase II trial of avelumab alone or with cetuximab for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell anal carcinoma progressed to at least one line of treatment: The CARACAS study.

4051 Background: Advanced squamous cell anal carcinoma (advSCAC) is a rare disease with poor prognosis. No standard therapies beyond first line are currently available, yet a promising activity was documented for the anti-EGFR cetuximab (CET) and for anti-PD-1 agents in previous retrospective case series and phase I-II studies, respectively. In experimental models combination of EGFR and PD-L1 blockade was synergistic as PD-L1 blockade led to NK cells activation enhancing cetuximab ADCC. In this trial we aimed to evaluate safety and activity of the anti-PD-L1 avelumab (AVE) alone or in combination with CET in pretreated advSCAC. Methods: This was an open-label, prospective, multicenter randomized phase 2 trial (NCT03944252). Patients (pts) with advSCAC progressed after at least 1 line of treatment were randomized 1:1 to receive either AVE 10 mg/kg (arm A) or AVE + CET 500 mg/sqm (arm B) as bi-weekly regimens. A Simon’s two-stage Mini-Max design was used. The null hypothesis of a true response rate 5% was tested against the one-sided alternative of a true response rate 20% in each arm. Setting type I error at 0.05 and power at 80%, 30 pts per arm had to be randomized. No formal comparison between the two arms was planned. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints were Progression-Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS) and safety. Results: Sixty pts were enrolled, 30 in each arm. All baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. Median age was 63 years; M/F was 19/41; 12 out of 30 pts in each arm had distant metastases; 7 in arm A and 10 in arm B received > 1 previous lines of treatment. At a median follow up of 8.7 months, 3 out of 30 pts in each arm obtained PR (ORR 10%); SD was observed in 12 pts in arm A (40%) and 14 in arm B (47%). Disease control rate was thus 50% in arm A and 57% in arm B. Duration of disease control was 6.1 (95%CI 3.7–11.0) and 6.1 (95%CI 4.1–9.6) months in arm A and B, respectively. Median PFS was 2.1 (95%CI 1.8–4.0) in arm A and 3.9 months (95%CI 2.1–5.6) in arm B. Grade 3-4 adverse events were 13.3% in arm A and 33.3% in arm B: anemia 10% vs 13.3%, fatigue 0 vs 6.7%, skin toxicity 0 vs 6.7%. Treatment interruption due to AE occurred in 3 pts, 1 in arm A and 2 in arm B. Translational analyses will be performed on tissue and blood samples for exploratory purpose. Conclusions: The CARACAS trial was the first clinical study to test dual EGFR and PD-L1 blockade in advSCAC. Both AVE monotherapy and AVE-CET showed promising activity with manageable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT03944252 .

Phase Ib study assessing different sequencing regimens of atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) and sipuleucel-T (SipT)in patients who have asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer.

e17564 Background: Combining an immune checkpoint inhibitor with a tumor vaccine may leverage complementary mechanisms of action for treatment of mCRPC. Atezolizumab, a fully human anti–PD-L1 IgG1 antibody, is an approved treatment option in multiple indications; while SipT, an autologous cellular immunotherapeutic, is approved for treatment of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We present a phase Ib study evaluating safety, tolerability and objective response rate of atezolizumab + SipT in patients with mCRPC (NCT03024216). Methods: Eligible patients who had asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic progressive mCRPC and met standard criteria for sipuleucel-T were randomized to receive either atezolizumab 1200 mg IV every 3 weeks for 2 doses then SipT IV every 2 weeks for a total of three infusions (Arm 1) or SipT IV every 2 weeks for a total of three infusions followed by atezolizumab 1200 mg IV every 3 weeks for 2 doses (Arm 2). The primary endpoint was safety, while secondary endpoints included objective tumor response (PCWG2 and modified RECISTv1.1 criteria) and comparing systemic immune responses after induction between the arms. Results: As of February 6, 2020, 37 pts (median follow-up 7.4 months, median age 75 yrs [range 53.0–86.0]; median number of previous treatments 4 [range 1-8], 75.7% ECOG PS = 0) were enrolled. Three patients did not complete induction therapy (1 – withdrew consent, 1 developed toxicity, and 1 progressed). There were no grade 5 toxicities attributed to study drugs and grade 4 toxicities were noted in 2 patients, 1 in each arm (Arm 1 bronchitis and Arm 2 hypotension). Eight grade 3 toxicities were noted in arm 1 (hyponatremia, pulmonary embolus x3, bone pain, hypophosphatemia, shock, tooth fracture from a fall), while 4 grade 3 toxicities were noted in arm 2 (anemia, hypertension x 2, pneumonia). None of the grade 3 or 4 SAEs were noted to be irAEs. At 6 months, there were 11 SD (7 in Arm 1 and 4 in Arm 2), 18 PD and 7 unevaluable (3 withdrew from study and 4 have yet to reach 6 month evaluation). At this time, PFS was noted to be 8.2 months in Arm 1 and 5.8 months in Arm 2 (p = 0.054). Conclusions: The safety profile of the combination of atezolizumab with sipuleucel-T appears manageable in a heavily pre-treated population and consistent with those agents administered as monotherapy. Responses were seen but no CR. Immune activation studies may shed light on which sequence is optimal. Clinical trial information: NCT03024216 .