Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader Research Articles

A phase 1a/b trial of imlunestrant (LY3484356), an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) in ER-positive (ER+) advanced breast cancer (aBC) and endometrial endometrioid cancer (EEC): Monotherapy results from EMBER.

1021 Background: Imlunestrant is a novel, orally bioavailable SERD with pure antagonistic properties that result in sustained inhibition of ER-dependent gene transcription and cell growth. In dose escalation, imlunestrant showed favorable safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and preliminary efficacy in patients with ER+, HER2- aBC and ER+ EEC (Phase 1a EMBER, Jhaveri 2021). Here we present updated data from the dose escalation (Phase 1a) and dose expansion (Phase 1b) of imlunestrant monotherapy in EMBER (NCT04188548). Methods: Phase 1a/1b enrolled patients with ER+ aBC (prior ET sensitivity; ≤3 prior therapies for aBC in Phase 1a following protocol amendment and ≤2 in Phase 1b) and ER+ EEC (prior platinum therapy; no prior fulvestrant or aromatase inhibitor). Premenopausal women received a concomitant GnRH agonist. Serial plasma samples were obtained for PK and ctDNA analysis. Key endpoints included recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) determination, safety and tolerability, PK, objective response rate per RECIST v1.1 (ORR: complete response [CR] or partial response [PR]) in patients with measurable disease and ≥1 post-baseline tumor assessment or discontinued prior to tumor assessment, and clinical benefit rate (CBR: CR or PR, or stable disease ≥24 weeks) in patients enrolled ≥24 weeks prior to data cut. Results: As of January 14, 2022, 138 patients (n = 114 aBC, n = 24 EEC) received imlunestrant monotherapy at doses ranging from 200-1200 mg QD. Median age was 62.0 years (range 32-95). Median number of prior therapies for aBC and EEC was 2 (range 0-8) and 1 (0-5), respectively. aBC patients had received a prior ET (94.7%), CDK4/6 inhibitor (92.1%), fulvestrant (50.9%) and chemotherapy (26.3%). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were grade 1. At the RP2D (400 mg QD, n= 69), the most common all grade TEAE’s were nausea (33.3%), fatigue (27.5%), and diarrhea (23.2%). Across all doses, the incidence of treatment-related grade 3 AEs was low (3.6%). No patient discontinued due to a TEAE. In evaluable aBC patients, ORR was 8.0% (6/75) and CBR was 40.4% (42/104). In evaluable EEC patients, ORR was 5.0% (1/20 had a PR- ongoing pending confirmation) and CBR was 47.1% (8/17). Clinical benefit was observed regardless of baseline ESR1 mutation status as determined by ctDNA sequencing. Additional biomarker analyses will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Imlunestrant continues to demonstrate a favorable side effect profile, with no cardiac or opthalmic safety signals, and has continued evidence of clinical activity in heavily pre-treated ER+ aBC and EEC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT04188548.

90TiP Adjuvant study of amcenestrant (SAR439859) versus tamoxifen for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early breast cancer (EBC), who have discontinued adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy due to treatment-related toxicity (AMEERA-6)

About 30% of patients (pts) with HR+ EBC on treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), discontinue AIs due to toxicity (Henry et al. JCO 2012). For this population, there are currently limited therapy options, including switch to another AI or tamoxifen. Amcenestrant is an optimized oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) with potent dual activity which antagonizes and degrades the estrogen receptor (ER), resulting in inhibition of the ER signaling pathway. In the phase 1/2 AMEERA-1 trial (SABCS 2020 PD8-08), amcenestrant showed strong antitumor activity and favorable safety profile in the treatment of HR+ metastatic breast cancer.

Discovery and preclinical profile of LX-039, a novel indole-based oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD)

We previously described the discovery of a novel indole series compounds as oral SERD for ER positive breast cancer treatment. Further SAR exploration focusing on substitutions on indole moiety of compound 12 led to the discovery of a clinical candidate LX-039. We report herein its profound anti-tumor activity, desirable ER antagonistic characteristics combined with favorable pharmacokinetic and preliminary safety properties. LX-039 is currently in clinical trial (NCT04097756).

Discovery of Thieno[2,3-e]indazole Derivatives as Novel Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders with Highly Improved Antitumor Effect and Favorable Druggability.

Endocrine therapies in the treatment of early and metastatic estrogen receptor α positive (ERα+) breast cancer (BC) are greatly limited by de novo and acquired resistance. Selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) like fulvestrant provide new strategies for endocrine therapy combinations due to unique mechanisms. Herein, we disclose our structure-based optimization of LSZ102 by replacing 6-hydroxybenzothiophene with 6H-thieno[2,3-e]indazole. Subsequent acrylic acid degron modifications led us to identify compound 40 as the preferred candidate. In general, compound 40 showed much better pharmacological profiles than the lead LSZ102, exhibiting growth inhibition of wild-type or tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells, potent ERα degradation, together with superior pharmacokinetic properties, directional target tissue distribution including the brain, and robust antitumor efficacy in the mice breast cancer xenograft model. Currently, 40 is being evaluated in preclinical trials.

Abstract OT2-11-01: EMBER-3: A randomized phase 3 study of LY3484356, a novel, oral selective estrogen receptor degrader vs investigator’s choice of endocrine therapy of either fulvestrant or exemestane, in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with endocrine-based therapy

Abstract Background: The estrogen receptor (ER) is the key therapeutic target for ER-positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. Novel degraders of ER may overcome resistance to available endocrine therapy (ET) while providing consistent oral bioavailability and convenience of administration. LY3484356 is a novel, orally bioavailable selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) with pure antagonistic properties resulting in sustained inhibition of ER-dependent gene transcription and -cell growth. In the phase 1a/b EMBER trial, LY3484356 monotherapy demonstrated a favorable safety profile with pharmacokinetic (PK) exposures that exceeded fulvestrant. LY3484356 also showed single agent efficacy in patients with ER+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer (MBC), including in patients with baseline ESR1 mutations and fulvestrant- and/or CDK4/6 inhibitor- refractory disease1. Trial Design: EMBER-3 is a randomized, open-label, global phase 3 study comparing LY3484356 versus investigator’s choice of ET (fulvestrant or exemestane), in patients with ER+, HER2- locally advanced or MBC. Approximately 500 patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive LY3484356 (400 mg PO QD continuously in 28-day cycles) or investigator’s choice of ET (dosed per label). Males and pre-menopausal women will receive concomitant treatment with a GnRH agonist. Eligibility criteria: Eligible patients are adult males and females (pre- or post-menopausal) with ER+, HER2- locally advanced or MBC who have received prior treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, alone or in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. No other prior therapy for advanced disease is permitted. Patients must have evaluable disease (measurable or non-measurable bone only). Study endpoints: The primary endpoint is investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include BIRC-assessed PFS, overall survival, objective response rate, duration of response, clinical benefit rate, safety and tolerability, PK and patient reported outcomes. Recruitment for the EMBER-3 study begins in Q3 2021. Reference: 1Jhaveri et al. J Clin Oncol 2021 39:15_suppl, 1050 Citation Format: Komal Jhaveri, Nadia Harbeck, Philippe Aftimos, Sung-Bae Kim, Xavier Pivot, Cristina Saura, Giuseppe Curigliano, Monica Casalnuovo, Xuejing Aimee Wang, Suzanne R.L. Young, Lillian Smyth, Joyce O'Shaughnessy. EMBER-3: A randomized phase 3 study of LY3484356, a novel, oral selective estrogen receptor degrader vs investigator’s choice of endocrine therapy of either fulvestrant or exemestane, in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with endocrine-based therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-11-01.

Abstract GS2-02: Elacestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), vs investigator’s choice of endocrine monotherapy for ER+/HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer (mBC) following progression on prior endocrine and CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy: Results of EMERALD phase 3 trial

Abstract Background: Endocrine therapy(ET) plus CDK4/6 inhibitor (i) is the mainstay for the management of estrogenreceptor-positive (ER+)/HER2- mBC. However, most patients (pts) with ER+ mBCeventually experience disease progression, including development of ESR1mutations (mESR1). Elacestrant, an oral SERD, demonstrated preclinical activity,and clinical activity in a phase 1 trial in ER+ mBC, including responses in ptswith prior fulvestrant, CDK4/6i, and mESR1tumors (Bardia JCO 2021).. Methods: EMERALD(NCT03778931), a multicenter, international, randomized, open-label, controlledphase 3 trial, enrolled postmenopausal pts with ER+/HER2- mBC who had received 1-2prior lines of ET and ≤1 line of chemotherapy in the mBC setting and had prior progressionon a ET plus CDK4/6i. Pts were randomized 1:1 to elacestrant (400 mg orallydaily) or standard of care (SOC; investigator’s choice of fulvestrant or anaromatase inhibitor). Stratification factors included mESR1 status (by central lab), priorfulvestrant exposure, and presence of visceral disease. The study had 2 primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS), by blindedindependent review committee, in pts withtumors harboring mESR1 and in all pts (mESR1 or mESR1 notdetected). Secondary endpoints included: overall survival (OS), safety, tolerability,and quality of life. An alpha-value of 0.0475 was used to determine statisticalsignificance (2-sided using the truncated Hochberg procedure).. Results: EMERALD enrolled 477 pts(228 with mESR1) between Feb 2019 - Oct 2020, with 239 pts randomized toreceive elacestrant vs 238 pts to SOC. Demographics and disease characteristicswere well-balanced across treatment arms [median age: 63 yrs vs 63.5 yrs; 2prior lines: 46% vs 40.8%; prior CDK4/6i: 100% in both arms]. The study met bothprimary endpoints. There was a 30% reduction in the risk of progression ordeath in the elacestrant arm in all pts (HR=0.697 [95% CI: 0.552, 0.88]; P=0.0018),and a 45% (HR=0.546 [95% CI: 0.387, 0.768]; P=0.0005) reduction in therisk of progression or death in pts with mESR1.For both endpoints, results in key prespecified subgroups, including visceral metastases,number of prior lines of therapy, pretreatment with fulvestrant, and geographicalregion, were consistent with the overall outcome. The PFS rate at 12 months was 22.32% (95% CI: 15.24%, 29.40%)with elacestrant vs 9.42% (95% CI: 4.02%, 14.81%) with SOC in all pts, and26.76% (95% CI: 16.17%, 37.36%) vs 8.19% (95% CI: 1.26%, 15.12%) in the mESR1 subgroup. The prespecified interim OS analysis plannedat the time of the final PFS analysis (allocated2-sided alpha level of 0.0001) demonstrated a trend in favor of elacestrant inall pts (HR=0.751 [95% CI: 0.542, 1.038]; P=0.0821) and in pts with mESR1(HR=0.592 [95% CI: 0.361, 0.958]; P=0.0325). The final OS analysisis expected next year. Common (>10%) treatment-related adverse events (AEs) withelacestrant vs SOC included: nausea (25.3% vs 8.7%), vomiting (11% vs 2.6%), and fatigue (11% vs 7.9%), mostlygrade 1/2. Treatment-emergent AEs leading to discontinuation of elacestrant orSOC were infrequent in both arms (6.3% and 4.4%). Grade ≥3 treatment-relatedAEs in the elacestrant arm vs SOC were 7.2% vs 3.1%, mainly driven by nausea(2.1% vs 0.9%). There were no treatment-related deaths in either group.. Conclusions:Elacestrant is the first oral SERD to demonstrate a statistically significantand clinically meaningful improvement of PFS vs SOC in a randomized phase 3study in pts with ER+/HER2- mBC in the 2nd/3rd-linesetting, including those whose tumors harbor mESR1. Elacestrant was well tolerated and hasthe potential to become the new standard of care for pts with ER+/HER2- mBC. Citation Format: Aditya Bardia, Patrick Neven, Guillermo Streich, Alberto J. Montero, Frédéric Forget, Marie-Ange Mouret-Reynier, Joo Hyuk Sohn, Peter Vuylsteke, Kathleen K. Harnden, Hung Khong, Judit Kocsis, Florence Dalenc, Virginia Kaklamani, Patrick Dillon, Sunil Babu, Simon Waters, Ines Deleu, José García-Sáenz, Emilio Bria, Marina Cazzaniga, Janice Lu, Philippe Aftimos, Javier Cortes, Shubin Liu, Dirk Laurent, Maureen G. Conlan, Francois-Clement Bidard. Elacestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), vs investigator’s choice of endocrine monotherapy for ER+/HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer (mBC) following progression on prior endocrine and CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy: Results of EMERALD phase 3 trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS2-02.

Abstract OT2-11-03: AMEERA-1 : Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with alpelisib in postmenopausal women with ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-)PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer

Abstract Background Amcenestrant is an optimized oral SERD with potent dual activity of ER antagonism and degradation resulting in inhibition of ER signaling. Amcenestrant monotherapy or combination with palbociclib showed antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile in postmenopausal women with heavily pretreated ER+/HER2- mBC. PIK3CA mutations are associated with endocrine resistance in ER+/HER2- patients (pts). Published data support the addition of the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib to SERD therapy for these pts. Methods AMEERA-1 (NCT03284957) is an open-label, non-comparative, dose escalation and dose expansion Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant as monotherapy, then in combination with other anti-cancer targeted therapies. Parts F and G investigate safety run-in and dose expansion, respectively, of amcenestrant in combination with alpelisib. Postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, PIK3CA mutated in tumor tissue or cfDNA, ECOG performance status 0-1, and ≥ 6 months prior endocrine therapy are eligible. Pts must have progressed on an aromatase inhibitor plus CDK4/6 inhibitor as first-line therapy for advanced disease. Part F allows ≤ 1 prior chemotherapy for advanced disease; no prior chemotherapy is allowed in Part G. Exclusion criteria in Parts F and G include prior drugs targeting the PI3K axis, type 1 diabetes, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, history of severe cutaneous reactions, and ongoing osteonecrosis of the jaw. Part F assesses dose-limiting toxicities and pharmacokinetics (PK) of a standard dose of amcenestrant plus the approved dose of alpelisib (300 mg once daily). Additional amcenestrant doses or a lower dose of alpelisib may be explored based on safety and PK. The primary objective in Part F is to confirm the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of amcenestrant in combination with alpelisib, based on safety. In Part G, approximately 34 pts will be treated at the RP2D, the primary endpoint being safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints include PK and antitumor activity. This study is currently recruiting participants. This abstract was previously submitted to the 2021 European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Congress. Funding: Sanofi. Citation Format: Mario Campone, Aditya Bardia, Peter Kabos, Sarat Chandarlapaty, Patrick Neven, Valentina Boni, Simon Lord, Sylvaine Cartot-Cotton, Marina Celanovic, Alice Gosselin, Vasiliki Pelekanou, Hannah M Linden. AMEERA-1 : Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with alpelisib in postmenopausal women with ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-)PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-11-03.

Abstract OT2-11-02: Ameera-1 Arm 4: Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with everolimus in postmenopausal women with ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer

Abstract Background Amcenestrant (SAR439859) is an optimized oral SERD with potent dual activity that antagonizes and degrades the ER, resulting in inhibition of the ER signaling pathway. Amcenestrant, as monotherapy or in combination with palbociclib, has shown antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile in postmenopausal women with heavily pretreated ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Published data support the addition of targeted therapy to endocrine therapy for patients with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. The objective of Arm 4 of the AMEERA-1 study is to evaluate safety and antitumor activity of amcenestrant in combination with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus for patients with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Methods AMEERA-1 (NCT03284957) is an open-label, non-comparative, dose escalation and dose expansion Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant as monotherapy, then in combination with other anti-cancer targeted therapies. Arm 4 investigates dose escalation (Part H) and dose expansion (Part I), of amcenestrant in combination with everolimus. Postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, ECOG performance status 0-1, and ≥ 6 months prior endocrine therapy are eligible. In Arm 4 (Parts H and I), ≤ 1 prior line of a single endocrine therapy for advanced disease is allowed. Patients must have progressed on a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor plus cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor as first-line therapy for advanced disease. Prior treatment with fulvestrant or any other SERD is not allowed. Part H allows ≤ 1 prior chemotherapy for advanced disease; no prior chemotherapy for advanced disease is allowed in Part I. Exclusion criteria in Arm 4 include prior drugs targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase axis; history of or concurrent pneumonitis; history of severe cutaneous reactions; type 1 diabetes; uncontrolled type 2 diabetes; uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia; any uncontrolled infection; uncontrolled stomatitis, angioedema due to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and impaired wounds. Part H evaluates the selected amcenestrant dose for combination therapy plus everolimus 10 mg once daily (QD) (the approved standard dose) or everolimus 5 mg QD, taken in 28-day cycles. Additional amcenestrant doses may be explored based on safety and pharmacokinetics (PK). The objective of Part H is to determine the recommended dose (RD) of everolimus in combination with the selected amcenestrant dose for combination therapy, based on preliminary safety, PK, and antitumor activity data. The primary endpoint in Part H is the incidence of treatment-related dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) at Cycle 1. Approximately up to 12 DLT-evaluable patients will be needed to establish the RD of everolimus in combination with amcenestrant in Part H. In Part I, approximately 12 patients will be treated at the RD of everolimus for combination therapy with amcenestrant, the primary endpoint being safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints include PK and antitumor activity. Funding: Sanofi. Citation Format: Mario Campone, Patrick Neven, Katarina Petrakova, Sofia Braga, Marina Celanovic, Patrick Cohen, Alice Gosselin, Sylvaine Cartot-Cotton, Vasiliki Pelekanou, Valentina Boni. Ameera-1 Arm 4: Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with everolimus in postmenopausal women with ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-11-02.

Abstract OT2-11-04: Ameera-1 Arm 5: Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with abemaciclib in postmenopausal women with ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer

Abstract Background Endocrine therapy in combination with a targeted cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor is the clinical standard for treatment of ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Amcenestrant (SAR439859) is an optimized oral SERD with potent dual activity that antagonizes and degrades the ER, resulting in inhibition of the ER signaling pathway. In previous arms of the AMEERA-1 study, amcenestrant, as monotherapy or in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, demonstrated antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile in postmenopausal women with heavily pretreated ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. The objective of Arm 5 of the AMEERA-1 study is to evaluate safety and antitumor activity of amcenestrant in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib for patients with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Methods AMEERA-1 (NCT03284957) is an open-label, non-comparative, dose escalation and dose expansion Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant as monotherapy, then in combination with other anti-cancer targeted therapies. Arm 5 investigates dose escalation (Part J) and dose expansion (Part K), of amcenestrant in combination with abemaciclib. Postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, ECOG performance status 0-1, and ≥ 6 months prior endocrine therapy are eligible. In Arm 5 (Parts J and K), ≤ 1 prior line of a single endocrine therapy for advanced disease is allowed. Prior treatment with fulvestrant or any other SERD is not allowed; in addition, prior therapy with CDK4/6 inhibitors for advanced disease is not allowed. Part J allows ≤ 1 prior chemotherapy for advanced disease, while prior chemotherapy for advanced disease is not allowed in Part K. Additional exclusion criteria in Arm 5 are prior drugs targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase axis; history of or concurrent pneumonitis; and history of or concurrent venous thromboembolism (i.e., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis). Part J evaluates the selected amcenestrant dose for combination therapy plus abemaciclib 150 mg twice daily (BID) (the approved standard dose) or abemaciclib 100 mg BID, taken in 28-day cycles. Additional dose levels of amcenestrant may be explored based on safety and pharmacokinetics (PK). The objective of Part J is to determine the recommended dose (RD) of abemaciclib in combination with the selected amcenestrant dose for combination therapy, based on preliminary safety, PK, and antitumor activity data. The primary endpoint in Part J is the incidence of treatment-related dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) at Cycle 1. Approximately up to 12 DLT-evaluable patients will be needed to establish the RD of abemaciclib in combination with amcenestrant in Part J. In Part K, approximately 20 patients will be treated at the RD of abemaciclib for combination therapy with amcenestrant, the primary endpoint being safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints include PK and antitumor activity. Funding: Sanofi. Citation Format: Mario Campone, Sarat Chandarlapaty, Aditya Bardia, Patrick Neven, Katarina Petrakova, Peter Kabos, Valentina Boni, Sofia Braga, Marina Celanovic, Patrick Cohen, Alice Gosselin, Sylvaine Cartot-Cotton, Vasiliki Pelekanou, Hannah Linden. Ameera-1 Arm 5: Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with abemaciclib in postmenopausal women with ER+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-11-04.

Abstract P1-17-11: Updated data from AMEERA-1: Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), combined with palbociclib in postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer

Abstract Background: In Arm 2 of the ongoing AMEERA-1 trial (NCT03284957), amcenestrant, an optimized oral SERD combined with the CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) palbociclib demonstrated favorable safety and encouraging antitumor activity among patients with endocrine-resistant ER+/HER2− advanced breast cancer in dose escalation (Part C) and dose expansion (Part D) (Chandarlapaty et al., ASCO 2021; abstract 1058). Here we report an update of safety, antitumor activity data, and progression-free survival (PFS), of amcenestrant 200 mg in combination with palbociclib. Analysis of genomic data, including modulation over time and correlation with clinical outcome, will also be presented. Methods: The trial enrolled postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- locally-advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression while on ≥ 6 months of prior endocrine therapy (ET) in the advanced setting, or who relapsed on adjuvant ET after the first 2 years of treatment or within 12 months of completing adjuvant ET. Prior chemotherapy (≤ 1) was allowed as well as prior CDK4/6i-based therapy (≤ 1, in Part C only). In this pooled analysis (N = 39), patients in Parts C + D received amcenestrant 200 mg once daily + palbociclib 125 mg (21 days on/7 days off), administered in 28-day cycles. Safety in the pooled analysis was reported using methods previously described (Chandarlapaty et al., ASCO 2021; abstract 1058). Data from investigator-assessed, response-evaluable patients in the pooled analysis without prior exposure to targeted therapies (N = 34) were used to evaluate antitumor activity per RECIST v1.1, including the objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and PFS. Results: At a data cutoff of May 30, 2021, in the pooled analysis (N = 39), the median (range) duration of treatment exposure was 44.3 weeks (1-80). Of 39 patients, 24 (61.5%) had initiated at least 10 cycles (40 weeks) of treatment, with 20/39 (51.3%) still receiving ongoing treatment. Among the 34/39 (87.2%) patients in the response-evaluable population, median follow-up was 48.3 weeks with a PFS probability of being event free at 24 weeks of 78.2% (95% CI: 59.6%; 89.0%). Median PFS is not yet mature, with 14/34 (41.2%) patients having had a PFS event (all were progression events and no deaths occurred). The ORR was 11/34 (32.4%; all partial responses). Clinical benefit at 24 weeks was seen in 25/34 (CBR = 73.5%) patients. Median (range) time to first response was 16.3 weeks (8-32). Amcenestrant treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and palbociclib TRAEs, respectively, occurred in 27/39 (69.2%) and 35/39 (89.7%) patients for all grade events and in 5/39 (12.8%) and 18/39 (46.2%) patients for Grade ≥ 3 events. Non-hematological amcenestrant and palbociclib TRAEs are reported in Table 1. Neutrophil count decrease based on hematological laboratory abnormalities was observed in the majority of patients (94.9%; with Grade ≥ 3 in 56.4%). Conclusions: Among postmenopausal women with endocrine-resistant ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, amcenestrant 200 mg in combination with the approved dose of palbociclib continues to demonstrate encouraging long-term antitumor activity, sustained clinical benefit, and a favorable safety profile consistent with previous results. Funding: Sanofi. Table 1.Non-hematological amcenestrant and palbociclib TRAEs occurring in > 10% of patientsPooled Analysis. Amcenestrant 200 mg + Palbociclib. (Parts C + D; N = 39)Amcenestrant Non-hematological TRAEs, n (%)All GradesGrade ≥ 3–Fatigue7 (17.9)0–Nausea7 (17.9)0–Arthralgia4 (10.3)0–Asthenia4 (10.3)0–Hot flush4 (10.3)0Palbociclib Non-hematological TRAEs, n (%)All GradesGrade ≥ 3–Fatigue12 (30.8)0–Nausea10 (25.6)0–Asthenia4 (10.3)0–Dysgeusia4 (10.3)0–Stomatitis4 (10.3)0 Citation Format: Sarat Chandarlapaty, Hannah M Linden, Patrick Neven, Katarina Petrakova, Aditya Bardia, Peter Kabos, Sofia Braga, Valentina Boni, Alice Gosselin, Marina Celanovic, Patrick Cohen, Gautier Paux, Vasiliki Pelekanou, Nils Ternès, Joon Sang Lee, Mario Campone. Updated data from AMEERA-1: Phase 1/2 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), combined with palbociclib in postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-17-11.

Abstract P1-17-02: ZN-c5, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in women with advanced estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer

Abstract Background: Hormone receptor+/HER2- breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer. Resistance to endocrine therapy is a major clinical challenge. Although fulvestrant binds and degrades the ER and shows anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced breast cancer, intramuscular injection is inconvenient and precludes achievement of higher and potentially more efficacious exposure. ZN-c5 is a novel, orally bioavailable SERD with high potency and has demonstrated activity in estrogen-dependent tumor models. Methods: This Phase 1/2, open-label, multicenter study is evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of ZN-c5 as monotherapy or in combination with palbociclib. In the Phase 1 portion evaluating ZN-c5 as monotherapy, participants were adult, post-menopausal (or receiving a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist) women with advanced adenocarcinoma of the breast, ER+/HER2- disease, and sensitive to endocrine therapy for metastatic disease (partial response [PR], complete response or stable disease [SD] lasting > 6 months or disease recurrence after at least 24 months of adjuvant endocrine treatment). ZN-c5 was administered orally and continuously in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Dose escalation cohorts of subjects were enrolled at several dose levels of ZN-c5, based on a modified 3+3 design. Enrollment in the Phase 1 ZN-c5 monotherapy dose escalation and expansion has been completed and results are presented. Phase 1 testing of ZN-c5 in combination with palbociclib and Phase 2 testing in monotherapy are ongoing and will be presented at a future meeting. Results: In Phase 1 monotherapy, a total of 56 female subjects were enrolled to receive ZN-c5 at dose levels of 50 mg once daily (QD, n=16), 75 mg QD (n=3), 100 mg QD (n=3), 75 mg twice daily (BID, n=6), 150 mg QD (n=15), 150 mg BID (n=3), or 300 mg QD (n=10). Median age was 58.5 years (range, 38 - 89) and ECOG performance status was 0 (55%) or 1 (45%). Subjects had a median of 2 prior therapies for advanced/metastatic disease (range, 0 - 9), with a median of 2 prior hormonal-based therapies (range, 0 - 6) and a median of 0 prior chemotherapies (range, 0 - 3). Twenty-six subjects (46%) received prior fulvestrant and 38 (68%) received a prior CDK4/6 inhibitor. Twenty subjects (38%) had a baseline ESR1 mutation. The cut-off date for this analysis was 11 May 2021. There was no increase in severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) with increase in dose level. No dose-limiting toxicities were reported. The most common TEAEs were nausea (30%), fatigue (25%), and arthralgia (20%). Grade 3 TEAEs reported in > 1 subject were gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) increased and hyponatremia (2 subjects each); no Grade 4 TEAEs were reported. Among treatment-related events, the most common were hot flushes and nausea (14% each); the only Grade 3 events were GGT increased and hypersensitivity in 1 subject each. ZN-c5 was rapidly absorbed, with a median Tmax of 2 to 4 hours. AUC and Cmax on Days 1 and 15 were less than dose proportional. No ZN-c5 accumulation after 15 days of dosing was observed. Confirmed PRs have been observed in 2 subjects (at 150 and 300 mg QD, respectively), and 14/45 (31%) evaluable subjects have experienced clinical benefit (PR or SD ≥ 24 weeks). Five of the 14 subjects with long SD received prior fulvestrant. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.8 months (95% CI: 3.2, 5.3). Conclusions: In this first-in-human study, ZN-c5 monotherapy was well tolerated and showed clinical benefit, including confirmed PRs, in subjects with advanced ER+/HER2- breast cancer. These data warrant further evaluation of ZN-c5 as monotherapy and in combination with palbociclib. Citation Format: Kevin Kalinksy, Vandana Abramson, Pavani Chalasani, Hannah M. Linden, Jasmina Alidzanovic, Rachel M. Layman, Živko Vranješ, Julie R. Nangia, Katherine D. Crew, Zoran Andric, Marijana Milovic-Kovacevic, Jasna Trifunovic, Jose Suarez, Matt Suster, Mieke Ptaszynski, Joanne Mortimer. ZN-c5, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in women with advanced estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-17-02.

Abstract OT2-11-08: AMEERA-5 : A randomized, double-blind phase 3 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859) + palbociclib versus letrozole + palbociclib for previously untreated ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer

Abstract Background Selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) block estrogen receptor (ER) associated signaling and have created interest for treating patients (pts) with advanced ER+ breast cancer (BC). Fulvestrant is currently the only SERD available for advanced BC but requires intramuscular administration, limiting the applied dose, exposure and receptor engagement. Amcenestrant (SAR439859) is an oral SERD that binds with high affinity to both wild-type and mutant ER, blocking estradiol binding and promoting up to 98% ER degradation in preclinical studies. In the phase I AMEERA-1 study of pretreated pts with ER+/HER2- advanced BC, amcenestrant 150-600 mg once daily (QD) showed a mean ER occupancy of 94% with plasma concentrations > 100 ng/mL and a favorable safety profile (Bardia, 2019; data on file). Combination therapy with amcenestrant + palbociclib (palbo) was also evaluated as part of this ongoing phase I study. CDK 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with an aromatase inhibitor (AI), the gold standard for first line treatment for advanced breast cancer, prolong progression free survival (PFS) in pts with no prior treatment for ER+/HER2- advanced BC, but OS benefit has not been shown yet in postmenopausal pts. There remains a clinical need for more effective treatments in this setting. Methods AMEERA-5 (NCT04478266) is an ongoing, prospective, randomized, double-blind phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of amcenestrant + palbo with that of letrozole + palbo in pts with advanced, locoregional recurrent or metastatic ER+/HER2- BC who have not received prior systemic therapy for advanced disease. The study includes men, pre/peri-menopausal (with goserelin) and post-menopausal women. Pts with progression during or within 12 months of (neo)adjuvant endocrine therapy using any of the following agents are excluded: AI, selective estrogen receptor modulators, CDK4/6i. Pts are randomized 1:1 to either continuous amcenestrant 200 mg or letrozole 2.5 mg QD orally with matching placebos; both combined with palbo 125 mg QD orally (d1-21 every 28-d cycle). Randomization is stratified according to disease type (de novo metastatic vs recurrent disease), the presence of visceral metastasis, and menopausal status. The primary endpoint is investigator assessed progression free survival (PFS) (RECIST v1.1). Secondary endpoints are overall survival, PFS2, objective response rate, duration of response, clinical benefit rate, pharmacokinetics of amcenestrant and palbo, health-related quality of life, time to chemotherapy, and safety. Biomarkers will be measured in paired tumor biopsies and cell free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) over time. Target enrolment = 1066 pts; enrolment as of 6/2021 = 415 pts. Bardia A, et al., J Clin Oncol. 2019; 37 (15 suppl):1054. Funding: Sanofi. This abstract was accepted and previously presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. All rights reserved. Citation Format: Aditya Bardia, Javier Cortes, Sara Hurvitz, Suzette Delaloge, Hiroji Iwata, Zhi-Ming Shao, Dheepak Kanagavel, Patrick Cohen, Qianying Liu, Sylvaine Cartot-Cotton, Vasiliki Pelekanou, Joyce O’Shaughnessy. AMEERA-5 : A randomized, double-blind phase 3 study of amcenestrant (SAR439859) + palbociclib versus letrozole + palbociclib for previously untreated ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-11-08.

Abstract P4-02-08: Amcenestrant in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib demonstrates synergistic anti-tumor activity in ER+ endocrine-resistant breast cancer xenograft models

Abstract Nearly 70% of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer (BC) are estrogen receptor positive (ER+) where endocrine therapy is a primary treatment. Despite initial efficacy seen with endocrine therapies, approximately 40% of patients develop acquired resistance which ultimately limits the use of these agents even as most of these tumors continue to require ERα. The strategies to combat these cancers with resistance are not yet defined and represent the next major clinical challenge in ER+ breast cancer. Amcenestrant is an optimized oral SERD (selective estrogen receptor degrader) with potent antagonist and degradation activity irrespective of ESR1 mutational status, and is currently being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors and other targeted therapies for ER+ breast cancer patients in clinical trials. Here, we report that in preclinical models, amcenestrant achieved significant anti-tumor efficacy/regression as a monotherapy and strong synergistic activity when administered together with the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, in subcutaneously xenografted endocrine resistant ER+ BC mouse models: ESR1-Y537S mutant-driven MCF7 tumor and HCI-013 PDX (patient-derived xenograft). Transcriptional profile analysis of xenograft tumor biopsies revealed the modulation of different pathways by SERD and palbociclib and highlighted crosstalk of ER and CDK4 signaling pathways. Interestingly, CDK4/6 inhibition by palbociclib induces partial activation of ER pathways as potential mechanism of tumor escape which is completely abolished by the combination treatment of amcenestrant with palbociclib. Early clinical data also showed that amcenestrant in combination with palbociclib, exhibited a favorable safety profile and encouraging antitumor activity in patients with endocrine resistant, ER+/HER2-, advanced breast cancer, which supports its potential to become a new endocrine backbone therapy for ER+ HER2- breast cancer. In conclusion, amcenestrant is an oral SERD, which exhibits significant anti-tumor activity as a single agent and shows synergistic activity with CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in ER+ BC xenografts preclinically and in early clinical development. Citation Format: Maysoun Shomali, Zhuyan Guo, Jane Cheng, Amy Sullivan, Youssef El-Ahmad, Fangxian Sun, Sukhvinder Sidhu, Joon Sang Lee, Hui Cai, Jack Pollard, Laurent Debussche, Chris Soria, Monsif Bouaboula. Amcenestrant in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib demonstrates synergistic anti-tumor activity in ER+ endocrine-resistant breast cancer xenograft models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-08.

Abstract PD13-06: Neoadjuvant giredestrant (GDC-9545) + palbociclib versus anastrozole + palbociclib in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative, untreated early breast cancer: Primary analysis of the randomized, open-label, phase II coopERA breast cancer study

Abstract Background Endocrine therapy, the therapeutic mainstay for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, targets estrogen receptor activity and/or estrogen synthesis. CDK4/6 inhibitors cause cell cycle arrest and significantly decrease expression of the proliferation biomarker Ki67 when used in conjunction with aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole. Giredestrant, a highly potent, nonsteroidal, oral, selective estrogen receptor antagonist and degrader, achieves robust estrogen receptor occupancy, is well tolerated, and has encouraging antitumor activity as a monotherapy and in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in metastatic breast cancer. coopERA Breast Cancer (NCT04436744) is a phase II study investigating 2 weeks of giredestrant versus anastrozole in a window-of-opportunity phase, followed by 4 months of giredestrant plus palbociclib versus anastrozole plus palbociclib in a neoadjuvant phase in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative, untreated early breast cancer. We will report the results of the primary analysis. Methods Eligible patients who had measurable cT1c (≥1.5 cm)-cT4a-c estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative, untreated early breast cancer and baseline Ki67 score ≥5% were randomized 1:1 to 1 mg oral, daily anastrozole or 30 mg oral, daily giredestrant on Days 1-14 (window-of-opportunity phase lasting 14 days) followed by daily dosing for four 28-day cycles in combination with 125 mg oral palbociclib on Days 1-21 (neoadjuvant phase lasting 16 weeks) before surgery. Patients were stratified according to T status, Ki67 score, and progesterone receptor status. The primary efficacy endpoint was centrally assessed geometric mean relative Ki67 score change from baseline to Week 2 during the window-of-opportunity phase, which is reflective of the ability of endocrine therapies to suppress tumor-cell proliferation, and is a surrogate marker for clinical outcomes. The secondary efficacy endpoint is complete cell cycle arrest rate (CCCA), defined as Ki67 score ≤2.7%, at Week 2. Safety was also assessed. Results Results of a previous interim analysis (including 83 of the planned 202 patients) demonstrated a greater relative reduction of Ki67 at 2 weeks with giredestrant (reduction from baseline to Week 2 geometric mean = 80%; 95% CI = -85%, -72%) compared with anastrozole (reduction from baseline to Week 2 geometric mean = 67%; 95% CI = -75%, -56%; P = 0.0222). Similarly, consistent Ki67 suppression was observed in patients with baseline Ki67 ≥20% (83% reduction with giredestrant versus 71% reduction with anastrozole) or <20% (65% versus 24% reductions). At Week 2, 25% of tumors exhibited CCCA with giredestrant versus 5.1% with anastrozole (a 20% difference; 95% CI = -37%, -3%). Safety results were consistent with the known safety profile for giredestrant. Fewer patients experienced adverse events (AEs) related to giredestrant (28%) than to anastrozole (38%), and no grade ≥3 AEs or serious adverse events were assessed as related to giredestrant. We will present the results of the primary analysis, which will include data from all enrolled patients, and will report the primary and secondary efficacy endpoints (including patients with Ki67 >20%), and updated safety. Conclusions The study will proceed to the primary analysis. We expect to see encouraging results based on the favorable interim analysis data that demonstrated the superior activity of giredestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor antagonist and degrader, compared with anastrozole. Citation Format: Sara A Hurvitz, Vanesa Quiroga, Yeon Hee Park, Aditya Bardia, Vanesa López-Valverde, Jutta Steinseifer, Tharu M Fernando, Gonzalo Spera, Cloris Xue, Peter A Fasching. Neoadjuvant giredestrant (GDC-9545) + palbociclib versus anastrozole + palbociclib in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative, untreated early breast cancer: Primary analysis of the randomized, open-label, phase II coopERA breast cancer study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD13-06.

Abstract P5-18-07: Heart rate changes, cardiac safety, and exercise tolerance from a phase Ia/b study of giredestrant (GDC-9545) ± palbociclib in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer

Abstract Background Targeting the activity of the estrogen receptor and/or estrogen synthesis is a standard primary treatment for eligible patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Giredestrant is a highly potent, nonsteroidal oral selective estrogen receptor antagonist and degrader that achieves robust estrogen receptor occupancy. In animal models and early phase studies, giredestrant was associated with a dose-dependent reduction in heart rate. Therefore, we leveraged an ongoing nonrandomized, open-label, dose-escalation and -expansion phase Ia/b study (GO39932) to evaluate its cardiac safety. Methods Eligibility criteria for the main study are available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03332797. Additional relevant cardiac exclusion criteria included current treatment with medications known to decrease heart rate, e.g., beta blockers.100 mg giredestrant was given daily on Days 1-28 of each 28-day cycle (monotherapy for 14 days; patients then continued monotherapy or received combination treatment with 125 mg daily oral palbociclib for the study duration, per investigator decision). The 100 mg giredestrant dose for this arm (rather than the phase III 30 mg dose) was evaluated to increase the likelihood of observing relevant cardiac effects. Electrocardiograms were required on Day 1 of each cycle; 24-hour Holter data were collected and treadmill-exercise testing was completed at screening (prior to starting giredestrant), steady state (Day 8 [+3 days]), and as clinically indicated. Exercise testing evaluated baseline heart rate, exercise duration, maximal heart rate, and heart rate recovery. A standard Bruce protocol was followed. Results Clinical data cutoff was Apr 16, 2021. Twenty patients were enrolled and included in the current analysis; median age was 59 (range, 45-72); three patients (15%) had a history of hypertension at screening. During follow-up, no dysrhythmias were observed that required treatment or a change in study medication, and no patients were noted to have a resting heart rate of <50 beats per minute based on routine heart rate monitoring. Two Grade 1 bradycardia events (<60 beats per minute) were reported; both in patients receiving palbociclib. No other cardiac adverse events (AEs) were reported overall, nor any other serious AEs. Holter monitoring reports were available for 19 patients at screening and 20 on treatment. There were no episodes of second- or third-degree atrioventricular block. At screening, 2/19 patients (11%) had a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia event (SVT; ≤30 seconds). During the study, 4/20 patients (20%) had a paroxysmal SVT event and, of these, 1/4 had four episodes of an SVT event lasting >30 seconds and 1/4 also experienced one episode of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. No patients required any cardiac treatment or dose modification. Twenty patients underwent exercise testing. Exercise time was similar among patients before and after starting giredestrant (mean exercise time 7 min 10 sec before; 7 min 44 sec after). Exercise intensity was similar before and after starting treatment (mean metabolic equivalents expenditure 7.52 [standard deviation 2.81] and 8.68 [2.78], respectively). One patient had an abnormal heart rate recovery on exercise testing at screening and again while on treatment. Conclusions In a thorough cardiac safety analysis, applying routine electrocardiograms, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and exercise testing, no clinically relevant cardiac effects were observed with 100 mg giredestrant (a higher dose than the phase III 30 mg dose). Citation Format: Tomas G Neilan, Rafael Villanueva-Vázquez, Meritxell Bellet, Elena López-Miranda, Laura García-Estévez, Peter Kabos, John Bond, Mary R Gates, Ching-Wei Chang, Valentina Boni. Heart rate changes, cardiac safety, and exercise tolerance from a phase Ia/b study of giredestrant (GDC-9545) ± palbociclib in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-18-07.

Novel SERD Has PFS Edge against Breast Cancer

In the phase III EMERALD trial, the investigational oral selective estrogen receptor degrader elacestrant offered a modest but statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival in patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer previously treated with endocrine therapy and a CDK4/6 inhibitor.

Next-generation selective estrogen receptor degraders and other novel endocrine therapies for management of metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: current and emerging role.

Endocrine therapy (ET) is a pivotal strategy to manage early- and advanced-stage estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. In patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), progression of disease inevitably occurs due to the presence of acquired or intrinsic resistance mechanisms. ET resistance can be driven by ligand-independent, ER-mediated signaling that promotes tumor proliferation in the absence of hormone, or ER-independent oncogenic signaling that circumvents endocrine regulated transcription pathways. Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations induce constitutive ER activity and upregulate ER-dependent gene transcription, provoking resistance to estrogen deprivation and aromatase inhibitor therapy. The role ESR1 mutations play in regulating response to other therapies, such as the selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) fulvestrant and the available CDK4/6 inhibitors, is less clear. Novel oral SERDs and other next-generation ETs are in clinical development for ER+ breast cancer as single agents and in combination with established targeted therapies. Recent results from the phase III EMERALD trial demonstrated improved outcomes with the oral SERD elacestrant compared to standard anti-estrogen therapies in ER+ MBC after prior progression on ET, and other agents have shown promise in both the laboratory and early-phase clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss the emerging data related to oral SERDs and other novel ET in managing ER+ breast cancer. As clinical data continue to mature on these next-generation ETs, important questions will emerge related to the optimal sequence of therapeutic options and the genomic and molecular landscape of resistance to these agents.

Serial monitoring of genomic alterations in circulating tumor cells of ER-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: feasibility of precision oncology biomarker detection.

Nearly all estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive (POS) metastatic breast cancers become refractory to endocrine (ET) and other therapies, leading to lethal disease presumably due to evolving genomic alterations. Timely monitoring of the molecular events associated with response/progression by serial tissue biopsies is logistically difficult. Use of liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), might provide highly informative, yet easily obtainable, evidence for better precision oncology care. Although ctDNA profiling has been well investigated, the CTC precision oncology genomic landscape and the advantages it may offer over ctDNA in ER‐POS breast cancer remain largely unexplored. Whole‐blood (WB) specimens were collected at serial time points from patients with advanced ER‐POS/HER2‐negative (NEG) advanced breast cancer in a phase I trial of AZD9496, an oral selective ER degrader (SERD) ET. Individual CTC were isolated from WB using tandem CellSearch®/DEPArray™ technologies and genomically profiled by targeted single‐cell DNA next‐generation sequencing (scNGS). High‐quality CTC (n = 123) from 12 patients profiled by scNGS showed 100% concordance with ctDNA detection of driver estrogen receptor α (ESR1) mutations. We developed a novel CTC‐based framework for precision medicine actionability reporting (MI‐CTCseq) that incorporates novel features, such as clonal predominance and zygosity of targetable alterations, both unambiguously identifiable in CTC compared to ctDNA. Thus, we nominated opportunities for targeted therapies in 73% of patients, directed at alterations in phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), and KIT proto‐oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT). Intrapatient, inter‐CTC genomic heterogeneity was observed, at times between time points, in subclonal alterations. Our analysis suggests that serial monitoring of the CTC genome is feasible and should enable real‐time tracking of tumor evolution during progression, permitting more combination precision medicine interventions.

Development of novel agents for the treatment of early estrogen receptor positive breast cancer

Estrogen receptor (ER+) breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed breast cancer subtype. Currently, adjuvant treatment for early stage disease consists of endocrine therapy, with or without chemotherapy and bone-targeted therapy, delivered in a risk-adapted manner. Despite this multimodal approach, a significant proportion of high risk patients will develop incurable distant recurrences. There is an ongoing need to develop new treatment strategies that address the biologic causes of treatment failure and to identify the individual patients who can benefit from such interventions. Here we review the clinical investigation of targeted and novel therapies, including inhibitors of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), and PARP-inhibitors for the treatment of early ER+ breast cancer. Furthermore, we highlight opportunities in biomarker development to help guide the delivery of escalated adjuvant strategies.

Elacestrant in metastatic breast cancer: Is the “standard of care” meeting standard requirements?

The EMERALD trial was an open label phase 3 trial evaluating elacestrant, the first oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), as compared to “standard of care”, in ER+/HER2- (hormone receptor positive, no HER2 overexpression) advanced or metastatic breast cancer.The EMERALD trial restricted the “standard of care” control arm to limited options that may have led to a substandard control arm. We describe how the EMERALD trial protocol allowed different clinically inappropriate scenarios in the control arm, according to prior therapy. The main relevant question remains the potential advantage of elacestrant over fulvestrant in fulvestrant-naive patients.Analyzing outcomes in subgroups according to prior and per-protocol therapy would help analyzing trial results. However, these subgroup results may be non-significant, and another randomized trial will be needed. Trials should be designed to answer directly clinical questions that are relevant.