Overall Response Rate In Patients Research Articles

Abstract P3-10-03: Etirinotecan pegol target-specific pharmacodynamic biomarkers in circulating tumor cells from patients with metastatic breast cancer in the phase 3 BEACON study

Abstract Background: Etirinotecan pegol (EP) is the first long-acting topoisomerase 1-inhibitor providing sustained level of active metabolite that concentrate in the tumor for an entire chemotherapy cycle. In a Phase 2 study (Lancet Oncology 2013), EP demonstrated a 29% overall response rate in patients with metastatic breast cancer, leading to the Phase 3 global BEACON study in this population. Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using immunomagnetic EpCAM-based methods have been conceptually accepted as a "liquid tumor biopsy". To circumvent the limited recovery of CTCs these methods provide for molecular profiling applications, we isolated CTCs based on an antibody-independent, continuous flow dielectrophoresis (DEP) technology (ApoStream®). We developed quantitative multiplex immunofluorescent assays for target-specific pharmacodynamics (PD) biomarkers for EP in CTCs isolated pre- and post-treatment. Here we present the distribution of the PD biomarkers in CTC samples collected from BEACON patients. Methods: Donation of blood samples for CTC analysis was voluntary. BEACON patients participating in the substudy had serial (pre-dose, Cycle 2 Day 1, Cycle 4 Day 1, End of Treatment) 7.5-mL whole blood samples drawn in EDTA tubes and shipped ambient to ApoCell (Houston, TX) within 96 hrs for processing. PBMCs were separated by Ficoll® gradient, and CTCs were isolated using ApoStream® technology. Isolated cells were deposited on three slides and stained for DAPI, CD45, and cytokeratin markers, as well as 2-3 of the seven PD markers, and analyzed by iCys® laser scanning cytometer equipped with image analysis software. CTC count, mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of PD biomarkers, and % marker-positive cells were analyzed for their distribution. Results: 75% of the 852 BEACON patients participated in the CTC substudy, yielding 649 pre-treatment CTC samples. As of Mar14, 538 Cycle 2 Day 1, 281 Cycle 4 Day 1, and 394 End of Treatment samples were collected. 98% of pre-treatment blood samples were successfully processed. 97% had detectable CTCs, with a median of 504 CTCs (interquartile range: 128-1432). PD markers could be analyzed in 83-92% of samples after implementing a minimum requirement of 10 CTCs analyzed. Staining was positive for Top1, Top2, μH2Ax, Rad51, ABCG2, Ki67, and TUNEL in 82%, 71%, 14%, 30%, 20%, 56%, and 94% of samples, respectively. Percent of marker-positive cells varied from 0.2-69%, with 6- to 37-fold interquartile ranges. Median MFI in these cells varied between 25x103 and 100x103, with 1.2- to 1.6-fold interquartile ranges. Conclusions: CTC collection was successfully incorporated into the BEACON study, with 75% patient participation. CTC detection rate using ApoStream® was high, permitting evaluation of biomarkers at baseline and over time. EP target-specific PD biomarkers can be measured in CTCs isolated from patients participating in BEACON and will be assessed for their potential to predict clinical response. Final BEACON efficacy and safety results are expected in early 2015, which will allow further analysis of CTCs with patient outcome (response, PFS, OS) and change in CTCs at time of progression. Citation Format: Edith A Perez, Katie Caygill, Alison L Hannah, Javier Cortes, Ahmad Awada, Joyce O'Shaughnessy, Christopher Twelves, Hope Rugo, Seock-Ah Im, Kenna Anderes, Darren W Davis, Ute Hoch. Etirinotecan pegol target-specific pharmacodynamic biomarkers in circulating tumor cells from patients with metastatic breast cancer in the phase 3 BEACON study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-03.

Ibrutinib: a review of its use in patients with mantle cell lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica®) is a first-in-class, potent, orally administered, covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) that inhibits B-cell antigen receptor signalling downstream of BTK. Oral ibrutinib is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and for the treatment of patients with CLL and a chromosome 17 deletion (del 17p) or TP53 mutation. This article summarizes pharmacological, efficacy and tolerability data relevant to the use of ibrutinib in these indications. In clinical studies, ibrutinib induced a high overall response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL (phase II study). In addition, ibrutinib significantly prolonged progression-free survival and significantly improved the partial response rate and overall survival in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL (RESONATE study), including in those with del 17p, a subgroup with a poor prognosis. Ibrutinib had an acceptable tolerability profile in these studies with <10% of patients discontinuing treatment because of adverse events. Given its efficacy and tolerability, once-daily, oral ibrutinib is an emerging treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory MCL or CLL and CLL patients with del 17p or TP53 mutation.

P2.01 - ANG-1005 in Patients with Brain Metastases from Breast Cancer: Correlative Imaging with 18F-FLT-PET/CT

ABSTRACT Background: ANG1005 (formerly GRN1005) is a novel drug conjugate consisting of 3 paclitaxel molecules covalently linked to Angiopep-2 designed to cross the blood brain barrier via endocytosis after binding the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP). In development for taxane-sensitive brain metastases, a multi-center, single-arm study with the primary endpoint of intra-cranial overall response rate in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer is ongoing. Since MRI detection of brain metastases utilizes gadolinium leakage rather than actual tumor volume, new assessment methods are needed. A pilot study at the NCI enrolled patients to evaluate the utility of 18F-FLT (3'-fluoro-3' deoxythymidine)-PET. Methods: Patients with measurable brain metastases from breast cancer were eligible. ANG1005 was administered IV at 550 mg/m2 q 21 days. MRI imaging with gadolinium was used to determine clinical response, and compared to 18F-FLT PET/CT imaging performed before and after cycle 1. FLT incorporation reflects DNA synthesis. Dynamic scans were obtained over 30 min and a static whole body PET image at 1 hour. The % change in standard uptake value (SUV) before and after ANG1005 was determined, considering a significant change > 20%. Results: Eighteen metastatic brain lesions in eight patients were analyzed with FLT PET. The maximum (SUVmax) ranged from 0.8 to 4.0 at baseline, mean 1.8. Tumor to normal (T:N) ratios ranged from 2.9 to 22.3, mean 7.7. Twelve of the 18 lesions showed a >20% decrease post-therapy. The average % change in SUVmax was -24.8% (11 to -66.8%), and T:N ratios -7.7%. The FLT-PET response was frequently discordant with the MRI result. Two patients had confirmed partial responses with durations of response of 6 and 13 cycles. One patient had an unconfirmed PR, with progression after 6 cycles. Two patients had stable disease, receiving 6 and 8 cycles. Conclusion: Therapy for CNS metastases from breast cancer is an important unmet need, as is assessment of therapeutic outcome. ANG1005 is a paclitaxel conjugate with demonstrated activity designed to cross the blood-brain barrier. Pilot evaluations of FLT-PET imaging of brain metastases suggest it is a promising tool for detection and measurement of CNS disease.

Idelalisib- a PI3Kδ targeting agent for B-cell malignancies.

Idelalisib, the first in-class phosphotidlyinositol 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) inhibitor, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in July 2014. It simultaneously received breakthrough therapy designation in combination with rituximab for the treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) as well as accelerated approval as monotherapy for the treatment of relapsed follicular lymphoma and relapsed small lymphocytic lymphoma. In a pivotal phase III study of 220 patients with relapsed CLL, the overall response rate of patients who received rituximab plus idelalisib was 81%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5 months with rituximab plus placebo group, but was not reached in the idelalisib arm. At 24 weeks, the PFS in patients receiving idelalisib was 93%. In a phase II trial of 125 patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma who received idelalisib 150 mg twice daily, the response rate was 57%. Complete response was seen in 6% of patients. The median duration of response was 12.5 months, and median PFS was 11 months. Idelalisib is a promising new therapy for relapsed indolent B-cell malignancies.

Oxidative stress response in patients infected by diverse hepatitis C virus genotypes.

Background:The molecular mechanism of hepatitis C-virus (HCV) genome-specific pathogenesis remains unclear. Oxidative stress is an important pathophysiological mechanism in chronic HCV infection, but its relation to HCV genotypes has not been thoroughly examined.Objectives:In the present case-control study, the effect of diverse HCV genotypes on oxidative status changes was investigated.Patients and Methods:From 310 patients examined by enzyme immunoassay and PCR, 160 patients with positive results for HCV with previously determined genotypes were chosen. For the control group, 160 first time blood donors referred to the Regional Blood Transfusion organization of the West Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran were selected. Oxidative stress markers such as total antioxidant status (TAS), serum levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in patients infected with diverse HCV genotypes and those in the control group.Results:In the patient and control groups, the mean ± SE of TAS, GSH, GSSG, GGT and MDA were 1.04 ± 0.35 vs. 2.68 ± 0.77, 1.25 ± 0.37 vs. 3.12 ± 0.58, 0.20 ± 0.05 vs. 0.08 ± 0.04, 26.82 ± 5.62 vs 8.28 ± 2.03 and 2.56 ± 0.60 vs. 0.93 ± 0.34. All markers had statistical difference between the two groups (P <0.05). Obvious differences were found in oxidant/antioxidant balance among diverse HCV genotypes with an ascending trend in antioxidant levels among patients infected with genotypes 1a/b, 4, 2a/c, 2b, 3a and healthy controls and a vice versa trend in measures of oxidative markers except for malondialdehyde with a variable pattern.Conclusions:More serious disease in HCV genetic subtype 1a/1b might be associated with more severe oxidative stress. Milder damage in subtypes 4, 2a/c, 2b and 3a could be related to lower oxidative response, respectively. A combination of antiviral and antioxidative therapies may enhance the overall response rate of patients with HCV infection, especially with more destructive genotypes.

Efficacy of porcine antihuman lymphocyte immunoglobulin compared to rabbit antithymocyte immunoglobulin as a first-line treatment against acquired severe aplastic anemia.

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with antithymocyte immunoglobulin (ATG) or antilymphocyte immunoglobulin (ALG) and cyclosporine A (CsA) is the treatment of choice against severe aplastic anemia (SAA) worldwide. However, a comparison of the efficacy of porcine ALG (pALG) and rabbit ATG (rATG) as a first-line treatment for acquired SAA has not been reported. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed SAA patients treated with either pALG (n = 43) or rATG (n = 32) and compared their hematologic responses and survivals. There were no significant differences in overall response (OR) rates between pALG and rATG groups at 3 months (OR 41.86 versus 40.62% (P = 0.914), 6 months (OR 66.67 versus 61.29% (P = 0.635), 9 months (OR 69.05 versus 61.29% (P = 0.490), or 12 months (OR 69.05 versus 64.51% (P = 0.684), respectively. The OR rates in patients with SAA or very severe aplastic anemia (vSAA) in both groups were similar after a 12-month treatment (pALG 74.07 versus 60.00%, P = 0.550; rATG 70.00 versus 54.55%, P = 0.640). Patients who experienced <30-day interval between diagnosis and treatment displayed higher OR rates (at 12 months) than those with intervals ≥30 days (pALG 83.33 versus 50.00%, P = 0.021; rATG 87.50 versus 40.00%, P = 0.006). There were no significant differences in 2-year overall survival (OS) between pALG (87.4 ± 6.2%) and rATG (83.2 ± 7.8%) (P = 0.493). Infection was the major cause of death in both groups. In summary, pALG + CsA showed similar efficacy as rATG + CsA, as a first-line treatment for acquired SAA.

Risk and Response Adapted Conventional Treatment Strategy in 146 Patients with AL Amyloidosis

▪Background. AL amyloidosis is a rare acquired disease in which a monoclonal free light chain deposits as aggregated extracellular fibrils and causes organ dysfunction. Despite great progress since 2000, optimal treatment is still widely debated. Recommendations among the French network for AL amyloidosis (AL) is to first adapt treatment to disease severity evaluated by the Mayo Clinic staging (MCs) system based on cardiac biomarkers, and then on hematological responses. Stage 1 and 2 patients receive melphalan and dexamethasone (MDex). Bortezomib is added for refractory patients, after one cycle in patients with cardiac involvement (MCs 2) and after 3 cycles for patients without (MCs 1). Patients with severe cardiac disease (MCs 3) are given a combination of weekly bortezomib, oral cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD). We conducted a retrospective multicentre analysis to assess patient’s outcome treated with this risk-adapted conventional strategy.Patients and Methods. We collected data from all patients with systemic AL who had serum free light chains (FLC) and cardiac biomarkers measurements, treated in 27 French centers since January 2007 following these recommendations. Clinical parameters such as age, sex, natural history and organ involvement, as well as biological parameters, i.e FLC levels, NT-proBNP, high sensitivity troponin, creatinine etc÷ were systematically recorded. Within the limitations of a retrospective study, treatment tolerability and toxicity data were also collected. Patients with IgM associated AL amyloidosis were excluded.Results. One hundred and forty six patients were included and analyzed. Median age was 67 years (37-86), 42% were ³ 70, organ involvement was cardiac in 63%, renal in 70%, nerve in 24%, liver in 20%. Median dFLC at diagnosis was 200 mg/L (range 0.8 – 5301) in all patients, and increased with the severity of the disease when stratifying on Mayo stages. Median NT-proBNP increased with the Mayo staging and was 141 ng/L (0 -275) in stage 1, 867 ng/L (159-12607) in stage 2 and 8488 (1036 - 125283) in stage 3. Median creatinine serum level was 102 µmol/L (34 - 665). Median proteinuria was 2.8 g/24H (0- 24.6). Front-line treatment was M-Dex in 38 MCs 1 patients (26%) and 53 MCs 2 patients (36%) and VCD in 56 MCs 3 patients (38%). 16 patients (42%) in stage I received bortezomib and 24 (45%) of those in stage 2. Median time to switch was respectively 3.8 months (range 1.7 – 7.4) and 3.2 months (1 – 6.5) in stage 1 and in stage 2 respectively. Median number of cycles of MDex alone was 9 (range 1-13). Median number of MDex cycles before the addition of bortezomib was 3 (1-7) and median number of BMDex cycles was 4 (1 - 8) with a total median number of chemotherapy cycles in patient receiving this association of 7 (1 – 8). Stage 3 patients treated with VCD regimen receiving a median number of 2.5 cycles (range 1-11). This median number increased to 6 cycles when considering patients surviving longer than 3 months (n=37). Overall response rate for patients surviving more than 6 months and with measurable FLC with M-Dex plus or minus bortezomib (70 patients) was 89 %, including ≥VGPR in 61%, with VCD (20 patients) it was 94% including ≥VGPR in 66%. With a median follow-up for living patients of 2 years, estimated survival at 2 years for the whole population was 71% and the median OS by Kaplan-Meier analysis was not reached, the estimated 2-years survival was 80% in stage 1 and 2 versus 53% in stage 3 (p<0.0001) (Figure 1) and was 79% in patients below 70 years of age versus 60% in those older (p = 0.01). In Mayo stage 3, NT-proBNP remained a significant independent predictor of mortality. Median survival in the group with pre treatment serum NT-proBNP > 9500 ng/L or BNP > 1100 ng/L was 3 months whereas it was not reached in the group with values below these threshold with 81% estimated 2-years survival. Estimated 2-years survival in the 32 patients of our cohort treated with conventional chemotherapy according to our guidelines but who were eligible for high dose treatment according to recently published criteria (Gertz MA, Am J Hematol. 2013;88:416-25: age<70, NT-proBNP<5000 ng/l, cTnT< 0.06 µg/L, creatinine ≤150 µmol/L and organ involvement<3) was 87%.Conclusion. In AL, a simple risk-adapted and response-tailored treatment, excluding ASCT, can give a high response rate and a very good survival even in a multicenter setting. [Display omitted] DisclosuresJaccard:Janssen Cilag: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Tournilhac:mundipharma: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding.

A review of a novel, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ibrutinib.

Ibrutinib, a Bruton's kinase inhibitor, was granted an accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in November, 2013, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma and subsequently for the treatment of relapsed refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia in February, 2014. In the pivotal phase 2 study of 111 patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma, the overall response rate in patients who received ibrutinib 560 mg daily was 68%. The median progression-free survival was 13.9 months, and the overall survival was 58% at 18 months. In a recently published phase 3 trial (RESONATE) that compared ibrutinib and ofatumumab for the treatment of relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma, ibrutinib at the daily dosage of 420 mg demonstrated a significantly higher overall response rate (43% in ibrutinib vs. 4% in ofatumumab) and a significantly improved overall survival at 12 months (90% ibrutinib vs. 81% ofatumumab). Similar clinical benefits were shown regardless of del (17 p). Ibrutinib was well tolerated, and dose-limiting toxicity was not observed. Ibrutinib has shown durable remission, improved progression-free survival and overall survival, and favorable safety profile in indolent B-cell lymphoid malignancies. Ibrutinib, as a monotherapy, is an effective treatment modality as a salvage therapy for treatment of mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia / small lymphocytic lymphoma, particularly in older patients (age ≥70 years) who are not a candidate for intensive chemotherapy and/or those with del (17 p). In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and del (17 p), the current practice guideline recommends ibrutinib as an upfront treatment option. Current on-going trials will further define its role as upfront therapy and/or as a combination therapy in indolent B-cell lymphoid malignancies.

Overall response rates to radiation therapy for patients with painful uncomplicated bone metastases undergoing initial treatment and retreatment

IntroductionRadiation therapy has been shown to successfully palliate bone metastases. A number of systematic reviews and large clinical trials have reported response rates for initial treatment and retreatment. ObjectiveTo determine overall response rates of patients with painful uncomplicated bone metastases undergoing initial treatment and retreatment. MethodsIntent-to-treat and evaluable patient statistics from a systematic review of palliative radiotherapy trials for initial treatment of bone metastases and a randomized clinical trial of retreatment were pooled and analyzed to determine the overall response rates for patients receiving initial treatment and retreatment. ResultsIn the intent-to-treat calculation, 71–73% of patients had an overall response to radiation treatment and in the evaluable patient population; 85–87% of patients did so. Response rates varied slightly whether patients underwent single or multiple fractions in initial treatment or retreatment. ConclusionsSingle and multiple fraction radiation treatment yielded very similar overall response rates. Patients treated with a single fraction for both initial and repeat radiation experience almost identical overall response to those patients treated with multiple fraction treatment. It is therefore recommended that patients with uncomplicated painful bone metastases be treated with a single 8Gy fraction of radiation at both the initial treatment and retreatment.

Efficacy of Subcutaneous Bortezomib in the Management of Patients with Multiple Myeloma or Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma

The identification of the ubiquitin–proteasome system as a new therapeutic target has been one of the most recent successes in cancer treatment. The development and clinical approval of the first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib has revolutionized the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). In MM, bortezomib is now integrated in induction, conditioning, consolidation, maintenance, and salvage treatment protocols. Bortezomib-based regimens provide high remission rates and confer significant survival advantage compared to conventional chemotherapy in both the bone marrow transplant and non-transplant setting. In MCL, overall response rates in patients who have received at least one prior therapy range from 30 to 45%, even in chemotherapy resistant patients. Clinical trials to further improve the sequencing of bortezomib-containing combination therapies are ongoing. Until recently, intravenous injection was the standard route of bortezomib administration. However, severe adverse side effects, peripheral neuropathy in particular, were observed in up to 16% of MM patients and up to 54% of MCL patients treated with intravenous bortezomib, with grade 3 and 4 in 11 and 12% of patients, respectively. Moreover, complete remission rates, if at all, are low and duration of response is short both in MM and MCL. These limitations may be overcome by changing the method of bortezomib administration as well as by rationally combining bortezomib with other therapeutic agents. Indeed, recent data demonstrate that subcutaneous bortezomib administration is non-inferior to intravenous administration, with an improved systemic safety profile, good local tolerance, and a more convenient route of administration. Based on these data, subcutaneous bortezomib injection was approved as a supplemental new drug application for all approved indications in MM and MCL after at least one prior therapy. More than 30 clinical trials in MM and MCL are currently ongoing to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of subcutaneous bortezomib also in induction, maintenance, and salvage therapy.

Low-dose versus standard-dose gemcitabine infusion and cisplatin for patients with advanced bladder cancer: a randomized phase II trial—an update

Prolonged infusion of low-dose gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) proved to be an effective treatment for patients with advanced bladder cancer. One hundred and twenty untreated patients with stage III/IV bladder cancer were randomized to receive either gemcitabine (250 mg/m(2)) 6-h infusion on days 1 and 8, and cisplatin (70 mg/m(2)) on day 2 every 21-day cycle (arm 1) or gemcitabine (1,250 mg/m(2)) 30-min infusion on days 1 and 8, with the same dose of cisplatin (arm 2). The 92 males and 28 females included in the study had a median age of 62 years (range 40-85 years). Among the 120 patient, complete response was achieved in 11.7 % (7/60 patients of arm 1) and 5 % (3/60 patients of arm 2). Eighteen patients in arm 1 (30 %) and 17 patients (28.3 %) in arm 2 had partial response on therapy. Thus, the overall response rate of patients in arm 1 and arm 2 was 41.7 % (25/60 patients) and 33.3 % (20/60 patients), respectively (p = 0.37). No significant difference in median time to disease progression (26 vs. 24 months, p = 0.4), median survival (12 vs. 16 months, p = 0.8), and 1-year survival (49.9 vs. 54.7 %, p = 0.8) was detected between arms 1 and 2, respectively. Main toxicities were similar in both arms with no statistically significant differences. Low-dose, prolonged infusion gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin is not inferior to the standard GC regimen with favorable toxicity profile and less financial costs.

Low-dose versus standard-dose gemcitabine infusion and cisplatin for patients with advanced bladder cancer: A randomized phase II trial: An update.

4537 Background: Bladder carcinoma is still one of the foremost oncologic problems in Egypt. In previous single-arm and double-arm phase II studies, prolonged infusion of low dose gemcitabine and cisplatin proved to be an effective treatment for such patients with advanced disease. Methods: To compare efficacy and safety of both prolonged infusion and standard gemcitabine-cisplatin combination, we updated the data and duplicated the number of patients of our previously published phase II randomized study to 120 untreated patients with stage III/IV bladder cancer. Patients were randomized to receive either gemcitabine (250 mg/m2) 6-hour infusion on days 1 and 8, and cisplatin (70 mg/ m2) on day 2 every 21-day cycle (Arm1) or gemcitabine (1,250 mg/ m2) 30-min infusion on days 1 and 8, and cisplatin (70 mg/ m2) on day 2 every 21-day cycle (Arm 2). Results: The 92 males and 28 females had a median age of 62 years (range 40-85 years). A total of 87 patients had transitional cell, 28 had squamous cell, and 5 had undifferentiated cell carcinoma. Among the 105 evaluable patients (52patients in arm1 and 53patients in arm 2), complete response rate was achieved in 13.5% (7/52 patients of arm 1) and 5.7% (3/53 patients of arm 2). Eighteen patients in arm 1 (34.6%) and 17 patients (32.1%) in arm 2 had partial response on therapy. Thus the overall response rate of patients in arm1 and arm 2 was 48% (25/52 patients) and 37.7% (20/53patients), respectively (p = 0.26). No significant difference in median time to disease progression (26 months versus 24 months, p =0.4), median survival (12 months versus 16 months, p =0.8), and 1-year survival (49.9 % versus 54.7%, p = 0.8) was detected between arms 1 and 2, respectively. No treatment- related deaths occurred. Main hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities were similar in both arms with no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: In the treatment of advanced bladder cancer, gemcitabine in low dose and prolonged infusion in combination with cisplatin is not inferior to high-dose short infusion gemcitabine and cisplatin in terms of overall survival, time to disease progression, and response rates with favorable toxicity profile and less financial costs.

Etirinotecan pegol (EP) target-specific pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers measured in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients in the phase III BEACON study in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC).

1087 Background: EP is a unique topoisomerase 1 inhibitor that provides continuous exposure to SN38. EP demonstrated a 29% overall response rate in patients with mBC, leading to a phase III global BEACON study in patients with mBC. CTCs in patient blood samples provide a minimally invasive approach to detect PD markers of drug activity. We developed quantitative multiplex immunofluorescent assays to measure target-specific PD biomarkers for EP in CTCs isolated pre- and post-treatment. Methods: Assays for Top1, Top2, g-H2Ax, Rad51, ABCG2, and Ki-67 were developed using control (0.1% DMSO) and drug-treated (SN38, 10 uM) tumor cell lines (HCT116, MCF7, A549, SKBr3) and PBMCs from healthy donors. The optimal antibody for each biomarker was then multiplexed in a panel with antibodies against cytokeratin, CD45 and DAPI for phenotypic identification of CTCs. For analysis of BEACON pts, serial 7.5 mL whole blood samples were drawn and shipped ambient to Apocell (Houston, TX) for further processing. PBMCs were separated and CTCs were isolated using ApoStream technology. CTCs were stained for PD markers and analyzed using an iCys laser scanning cytometer equipped with image analysis software. Results: Antibodies bound to tumor cells showed staining confined to the nucleus (Top1, Top2, g-H2AX, Ki-67) or membrane (ABCG2), exhibited defined peak separation from their isotype controls, and signal strength correlated with cellular expression of high and low levels of markers. To date, ~ 80% of BEACON pts consent to participate in the CTC sub-study. As of 30 Oct 2012, data from 167 pre-dose blood samples from BEACON pts were available. 99% of blood samples were successfully processed. 93% had detectable CTCs, yielding a median of 216 CTCs (range: 7.5-14816). Staining was positive for Top1, Top2, g-H2Ax, Rad51, ABCG2, and Ki-67 in 82%, 89%, 16%, 53%, 31%, 52% of samples, respectively. Conclusions: EP target-specific pharmacodynamic biomarkers can be reliably measured in CTCs isolated from patients participating in BEACON. Sample collection and analysis of pre- and post-treatment samples is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT01492101.

Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor (HPI), in advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC): STEVIE study interim analysis in 300 patients.

9036 Background: Therapy options are limited for locally advanced (la) and metastatic (m) BCC. Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is the key driver in BCC pathogenesis. Vismodegib, a first-in-class HPI, is approved in the US for use in adults with aBCC. STEVIE is an ongoing study focusing on safety of vismodegib therapy in patients with aBCC. We present data from the third interim analysis (data cutoff: 19 October 2012), which also permits a preliminary assessment of efficacy of vismodegib in the largest study ever conducted in patients with aBCC. Methods: Adult patients with laBCC or mBCC received oral vismodegib 150 mg QD until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. Safety is the primary objective of STEVIE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 4.0). Secondary endpoints include efficacy variables. Recruitment is ongoing. Results: This analysis included 300 patients with locally advanced (n=278) or metastatic (n=22) BCC from 11 countries with potential for ≥3-month follow-up. Median treatment duration, including vismodegib interruption, was 176.5 days (range 1-455 days). Common treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs), typically ≤ grade 2, included muscle spasm (59.3%), alopecia (49.3%), and dysgeusia (41.0%) and were comparable to prior analysis. Serious TEAEs occurred in 53 patients (17.7%). 131 (43.7%) discontinued from the study, mainly due to patient or investigator request (n=41), AEs (n=35), disease progression (n=18) or death (n=13; 7 due to AEs assessed by the investigator as unrelated to study drug, 3 due to AEs not possible to be assessed, 3 due to disease progression). Preliminary best overall response in patients with available tumor assessments (n=251) included complete response (17.5%), partial response (39.8%), stable disease (39.0%) and progressive disease (2.8%). Patient recruitment and monitoring is ongoing. Conclusions: This third interim analysis of STEVIE confirms the previously observed vismodegib safety profile but can also provide further information about the high rate of tumor control with vismodegib in a large series of patients with aBCC. Clinical trial information: 2011-000195-34.

“Antivirals” in the Treatment of Adult T Cell Leukaemia– Lymphoma (ATLL)

Adult T cell leukaemia / lymphoma (ATLL) is a mature (post thymic) T cell lymphoma caused by the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. Overall survival in the aggressive subtypes (Acute Leukaemia and Lymphomatous) remains poor in part due to chemotherapy resistance. To improve treatment outcome for de novo disease, better induction therapies are required and since the pathogenic agent is known it would seem sensible to target the virus. In a recent meta-analysis the use of zidovudine and interferon alpha (ZDV/IFN) has been associated with improved response rates and prolonged overall survival in leukemic subtypes of ATLL (both acute and Chronic) confirmed in a multivariate analysis. In a more recent UK study the overall response rate for patients with aggressive ATLL treated with chemotherapy alone was 49% compared to 81% with combined first line therapy (chemotherapy with concurrent or sequential ZDV/IFN). Combined first line therapy prolonged median OS in acute (p = 0.0081) and lymphomatous ATLL (p = 0.001).These data support the use of low dose ZDV/IFN with chemotherapy as first line treatment for patients with newly diagnosed aggressive ATLL. Although the mechanisms of action are incompletely understood, some possible explanations for their efficacy will be discussed.

Vemurafenib

Vemurafenib is a first-in-class, small molecule BRAFV600E inhibitor. It is indicated in the US for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with the BRAFV600E mutation, and in the EU as monotherapy in adults with BRAFV600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Oral vemurafenib improved overall survival (OS) [co-primary endpoint] in patients with unresectable, previously untreated, BRAFV600E mutation-positive, stage IIIC or IV melanoma, according to the results of a randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase III trial (BRIM-3). With vemurafenib versus dacarbazine, the risk of death was significantly reduced by 63% in the interim OS analysis, and by 56%, 38%, and 30% in subsequent updated OS analyses. The median OS duration was 13.6 months in vemurafenib recipients and 9.7 months in dacarbazine recipients in the most recent OS analysis. In the phase III trial, progression-free survival (PFS) [co-primary endpoint] was also significantly improved in vemurafenib versus dacarbazine recipients (median PFS of 5.3 vs 1.6 months), with a significant reduction in the risk of death or disease progression of 74% in the final PFS analysis. Vemurafenib was also associated with a high overall response rate in patients with previously treated, BRAFV600 mutation-positive, stage IV melanoma, according to the results of a noncomparative, multicenter, phase II trial. Patients had received at least one prior systemic treatment for advanced disease (excluding BRAF inhibitors other than sorafenib or MEK inhibitors). The overall response rate (primary endpoint) was 53% (complete response rate of 6% and partial response rate of 47%), with a median duration of response of 6.7 months, and a median OS duration of 15.9 months. Oral vemurafenib was generally well tolerated in patients with metastatic melanoma, with cutaneous adverse events among the most commonly occurring adverse events. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and/or keratoacanthoma were reported in 18% of vemurafenib recipients in the BRIM-3 trial.

Clinical investigation of EGFR mutation detection by pyrosequencing in lung cancer patients

Direct sequencing is the standard method for the detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung cancer, however, its relatively low sensitivity limits its clinical use. Pyrosequencing is a bioluminometric, real-time non-electrophoretic DNA sequencing technique with a number of advantages compared with direct sequencing, including higher sensitivity, speed, automation and cost-effectiveness. Clinical specimens from 202 lung cancer patients were analyzed for EGFR mutations in exons 18, 19, 20 and 21 using the pyrosequencing method following genomic DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. All clinical data and tumor specimens were obtained from the Konkuk University Hospital (Korea) between July 2006 and December 2008. The results and clinical responses to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were compared. Overall, EGFR mutation-positive rate was 26.7% (54/202). Activating EGFR mutations were observed more frequently in female (52.1 vs. 13.0%), non-smoking (47.8 vs. 15.8%) and adenocarcinoma (35.2 vs. 5.2%) patients. However, significant numbers of EGFR mutation-positive patients were identified as male, former or current smokers and non-adenocarcinoma patients. The combinations of favorable clinicopathological factors, including female, non-smoking and adenocarcinoma, were not identified to significantly increase the positive EGFR mutation rate (female, 52.1%; female and non-smoker, 52.6%; female, non-smoker and adenocarcinoma, 51.9%). The present findings indicate that EGFR mutation analysis is a highly useful method for the prediction of response to EGFR-TKI and the use of favorable clinicopathological factors to perform this analysis is not suitable. Exon 19 deletion was the most common mutation (63.6%) and exon 21 L858R substitution was measured at 32.7%. The exon 20 T790M mutation was identified in 1 patient prior to EGFR-TKI treatment. EGFR mutation status is associated with response to EGFR-TKI and the overall response rate in patients who have the activating EGFR mutation was 82.4 vs. 5.9% in patients with a wild-type EGFR. The present study demonstrates that EGFR mutations analyzed by the pyrosequencing method are well correlated with clinicopathological parameters and that this method may be useful in the clinical practice.

Capecitabine monotherapy: review of studies in first-line HER-2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

The goals of treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are to prolong overall survival (OS) while maximizing quality of life, palliating symptoms, and delaying tumor progression. For many years, anthracyclines and taxanes have been the mainstay of treatment for MBC, but these agents are now commonly administered earlier in the course of the disease. A recent meta-analysis revealed adverse effects on OS and overall response rates in patients with MBC receiving first-line anthracycline-based chemotherapy following relapse on adjuvant chemotherapy. Noncrossresistant cytotoxic agents and combinations that combine high clinical activity and acceptable tolerability while being convenient for patients are therefore needed for the first-line treatment of MBC patients. Capecitabine has substantial antitumor activity in the first-line treatment of patients with MBC in prospective, randomized, phase II/III clinical trials as monotherapy and in combination with biologic and novel agents. First-line capecitabine monotherapy has a favorable safety profile, lacking myelosuppression and alopecia, and does not compromise the administration of further lines of chemotherapy. Capecitabine is suitable for long-term administration without the cumulative toxicity that can limit the prolonged use of other chemotherapy agents. Here, we review the available data on capecitabine as a single agent for first-line treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative MBC.

Mucinous adenocarcinomas: Poor prognosis in metastatic colorectal cancer

PurposeMucinous histology of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has been associated with poor prognosis, however this has never been assessed in large well-defined study populations treated with the current used systemic agents. We investigated the prognostic value of mucinous histology in two large phase III studies in metastatic CRC. Patients and methodsThe study population included 1010 metastatic CRC patients who were treated with chemotherapy and targeted therapies in two phase III studies. Patients were classified according to the histology of the primary tumour in mucinous adenocarcinomas (MC) and non-mucinous adenocarcinomas (AC). ResultsPatients with MC (n=99) were older, had more often a normal serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), extrahepatic localisation of metastases, larger primary tumour diameter and a higher T classification compared to patients with AC (n=911). A deficient mismatch repair system and BRAF mutations were observed in 17% and 22% of patients with MC, compared to 3% and 7% in patients with AC, respectively. Clinical outcome was investigated in both studies separately, showing a worse overall survival (OS), progression free survival and overall response rate in patients with MC compared to patients with AC. Patients with MC received less cycles of treatment compared to AC, but did not suffer from a higher incidence of grade 3/4 toxicity. In multivariate analysis, mucinous histology was as an independent negative prognostic factor for OS, resulting in a combined hazard ratio of 1.78 (95%confidence interval (CI) 1.35–2.35). ConclusionsPatients with metastatic mucinous CRC have distinct clinicopathological features and poor response to chemotherapy and targeted agents. The strong negative prognostic value of MC warrants the use of this pathological feature as a stratification factor for clinical trials in metastatic CRC.

P1-14-04: Prolonged (≥1 Year) Exposure to First-Line Bevacizumab Combined with Paclitaxel in Patients with HER2−Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated in a Routine Oncology Practice Study.

Abstract Background: First-line bevacizumab (BEV) combined with weekly paclitaxel (PAC) significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate (RR) vs PAC alone in HER2−negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC), as shown in E2100. The benefit of BEV combined with other chemotherapy (CT) agents was demonstrated in AVADO and RIBBON-1. BEV was continued for ≥1 year in 21% of patients in the global ATHENA safety study and in 42% of patients in the JO19901 single-arm Japanese study of BEV-PAC. We analyzed data from the subgroup of patients treated for ≥1 year in a German routine oncology practice study to provide insight into the safety and efficacy of prolonged first-line BEV-PAC. Methods: Patients who had received no prior CT for their mBC received BEV-PAC per the European label. Efficacy and safety were documented for up to 1 year (or until progression, death, or BEV discontinuation if earlier) with additional long-term follow-up. Data from patients treated with BEV for ≥1 year were extracted for this analysis. Results: By Jan 2011, data were available for 818 patients, of whom 157 (19%) had already received BEV for ≥1 year. Baseline characteristics of this subset relative to the overall population are summarized in the table. In 79% of those treated for ≥1 year, BEV was continued as a single agent after discontinuation of CT. The overall RR in patients treated for ≥1 year was 81% (complete response in 20%). Median PFS was 17.9 months (events in 44% of patients) vs 9.4 months in the overall population (events in 68%). Overall survival data are immature, as 81% of those treated for ≥1 year are still alive. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events in patients treated with BEV for ≥1 year were hypertension (11% of patients), pain (10%), and leukopenia (7%). There were no cases of gastrointestinal perforation, arterial thromboembolic event, or reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in those treated for≥1 year. Analysis of adverse events according to time of onset is ongoing. Conclusions: A notable proportion of patients appear to derive benefit from prolonged exposure to first-line BEV-containing therapy. In the present analysis, baseline characteristics appeared more favorable in the subset of patients treated for ≥1 year than in the overall population. Efficacy data clearly have a bias towards improved outcome in those able to continue BEV for ≥1 year, as these patients had sustained disease control for ≥1 year. However, the efficacy of prolonged BEV-containing therapy is of interest and suggests that some patients achieve sustained disease control with continued first-line BEV-PAC with limited side effects. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-14-04.