Platinum-resistant Ovarian Cancer Research Articles

Cell surface CD55 traffics to the nucleus leading to cisplatin resistance and stemness by inducing PRC2 and H3K27 trimethylation on chromatin in ovarian cancer

BackgroundPlatinum resistance is the primary cause of poor survival in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. Targeted therapies and biomarkers of chemoresistance are critical for the treatment of OC patients. Our previous studies identified cell surface CD55, a member of the complement regulatory proteins, drives chemoresistance and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are implicated in tumor recurrence and metastasis in multiple cancers.MethodsProtein localization assays including immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation were used to identify CD55 at the cell surface and nucleus of cancer cells. Protein half-life determinations were used to compare cell surface and nuclear CD55 stability. CD55 deletion mutants were generated and introduced into cancer cells to identify the nuclear trafficking code, cisplatin sensitivity, and stem cell frequency that were assayed using in vitro and in vivo models. Detection of CD55 binding proteins was analyzed by immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry. Target pathways activated by CD55 were identified by RNA sequencing.ResultsCD55 localizes to the nucleus of a subset of OC specimens, ascites from chemoresistant patients, and enriched in chemoresistant OC cells. We determined that nuclear CD55 is glycosylated and derived from the cell surface pool of CD55. Nuclear localization is driven by a trafficking code containing the serine/threonine (S/T) domain of CD55. Nuclear CD55 is necessary for cisplatin resistance, stemness, and cell proliferation in OC cells. CD55 S/T domain is necessary for nuclear entry and inducing chemoresistance to cisplatin in both in vitro and in vivo models. Deletion of the CD55 S/T domain is sufficient to sensitize chemoresistant OC cells to cisplatin. In the nucleus, CD55 binds and attenuates the epigenetic regulator and tumor suppressor ZMYND8 with a parallel increase in H3K27 trimethylation and members of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2.ConclusionsFor the first time, we show CD55 localizes to the nucleus in OC and promotes CSC and chemoresistance. Our studies identify a therapeutic mechanism for treating platinum resistant ovarian cancer by blocking CD55 nuclear entry.

Phase II clinical trial of PLX038 in patients with platinum resistant ovarian, primary peritoneal and fallopian tube cancer.

TPS5630 Background: Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) portends a poor prognosis and, although treatments are available, response rates are low. Previous studies have demonstrated that DNA topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors exhibit clinical activity in PROC. Irinotecan also has a 15-25% response rate in some studies of platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer but does not have FDA approval for this indication. Additional studies in preclinical models suggest that TOP1 poisons are more active if administered at low doses on prolonged schedules. PLX038 is a long-acting prodrug of the potent TOP1 inhibitor SN-38. In PLX038, SN-38 is covalently conjugated to circulating polyethylene glycol and is slowly released at a constant rate to provide the active agent with a long half-life, a low Cmax and very high exposure – important facets for optimal safety and efficacy of this drug. Further, in preclinical studies the nanoparticle prodrug accumulates and is retained in tumors, where it slowly releases the SN-38. Methods: This single arm, phase 2 clinical trial is open at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The primary endpoint is overall response rate and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival and assessment of tolerability of PLX038. Correlative goals include i) measurement of TOP1-DNA covalent complexes in tumor biopsies and circulating tumor cells to assess successful target engagement; ii) assessment of homologous recombination status and SLFN11 expression for correlation with tumor response rate; and iii) pharmacokinetics of SN-38 and SN-38G as well as their association with GI toxicity. Assessment of gut microbiota and association with GI toxicity profile are also being investigated. Eligible patients include women with platinum resistant high grade serous ovarian, primary peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancer who have received fewer than two prior chemotherapy regimens in the platinum-resistant setting. All patients must have an ECOG performance status of 0, 1, or 2 and adequate bone marrow, renal, and hepatic function. As of January 31, 2024, 12 of planned 37 patients have enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT05465941 .

A phase I/II study of maplirpacept in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (OC): Phase 1 results.

e17546 Background: CD47, an overexpressed factor correlated with poor clinical characteristics and prognosis in OC, is an innate immune checkpoint that binds signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) and delivers a signal to suppress macrophage phagocytosis. Maplirpacept (PF-07901801) is a fusion protein consisting of the CD47-binding domain of human SIRPα linked to the Fc region of human IgG4, enhancing phagocytosis by blocking CD47. Blockade of CD47, both alone and combined with doxorubicin, has shown anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo in xenograft animal models. PLD 40mg/m2 conveyed poor efficacy (PFS 4 months; ORR 8%), as did bevacizumab + PLD (PFS 5 months; ORR 14%) (AURELIA), highlighting the need for new treatments for platinum-resistant OC. C4971002 [NCT05261490] is an open label, multicenter dose-escalation and expansion study evaluating the safety, preliminary anti-tumor activity, pharmacokinetics and -dynamics of maplirpacept in combination with PLD in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent OC. Methods: The study included adults with platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial OC (PD ≤6 months after platinum-based therapy or unable/unwilling to receive platinum-based therapy). PLD while platinum-resistant or directly prior to study was not permitted. Patients received maplirpacept (12mg/kg Dose Level [DL] 1; 24mg/kg DL2; 48mg/kg DL3) weekly in Cycle 1 and every 2 weeks in Cycle 2+, and PLD (40mg/m2) on Day 1 of each 4-week cycle. Assessments of adverse events (AEs) were based on CTCAE v5.0. Response assessments (RECIST v1.1) were performed every 8 weeks. Results of the Phase I portion, aiming to evaluate the DLTs, the MTD and the RP2D, are presented as of 18 December 2023, after all patients completed the 28-day DLT assessment period. Results: 10 patients were treated (DL1 n=3; DL2 n=3; DL3 n=4) with a median (min, max) age of 69 (53, 77) years, 80% ECOG 1, 60% serous adenocarcinoma. Median (min, max) treatment duration was 14 (8, 32) weeks. Most common adverse events are shown in the table. No DLTs occurred in the assessment period. 1 serious AE (gait disturbance & muscle weakness) related to maplirpacept was reported (DL3). 2 deaths occurred >120 days after 1st dose, both due to disease. 5 (50%) patients had a best response of stable disease, 2 of which were treated into at least Cycle 6. Conclusions: Despite immature anti-tumor activity, maplirpacept + PLD was tolerable at all dose levels, not reaching the MTD. The encouragingly tolerable dose of 48mg/kg thus represents the RP2D which could support further development for this population. Clinical trial information: NCT05261490 . [Table: see text]

Open-label, phase 2 study of adebrelimab combined with fuzuloparib in the treatment of patients with HRD-positive, recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

TPS5634 Background: Adebrelimab, a humanized anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, selectively targets PD-L1 molecules to inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, reversing tumor-induced immune tolerance and revitalizing the immune system's capacity to combat tumors. Fuzuloparib, a novel PARP inhibitor, impedes the activity of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, halting the DNA repair mechanism for single-stranded breaks, resulting in DNA damage accumulation and consequent cancer cell apoptosis. Emerging evidence strongly supports that PARP inhibitors significantly extend progression-free survival in homologous recombination-deficient (HRD)-positive ovarian cancer. The TOPACIO study demonstrated that the combination of niraparib and pembrolizumab for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 18%, with durable responses in patients. This underscores the potential of integrating PARP inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical protocols. For platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer, known for its challenging prognosis, we propose conducting exploratory clinical trials on the combination of adebrelimab and fuzuloparib, aiming to establish robust evidence for future clinical applications. Methods: This open-label, single-arm, Phase 2 study aims to evaluate the anti-tumor activity and safety of adebrelimab in combination with fuzuloparib in approximately 37 patients with HRD-positive, recurrent platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer or primary peritoneal cancer (hereinafter referred to as ovarian cancer). The primary endpoint is to determine the objective response rate of the combined treatment regimen, as defined by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Secondary endpoints encompass disease control rate, progression-free survival overall survival, along with the assessment of safety and tolerability. Patients must be aged 18-70 years with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–1 and have recurrent histologically confirmed ovarian cancer with HRD-positive tumor. Patients must have progressed within less than 6 months after the last treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. HRD status confirmed by testing BRCA gene, loss of heterozygosity, telomeric allelic imbalance and large-scale transition. Adebrelimab (20 mg/kg) is administered intravenously every 3 weeks and fuzuloparib (100mg) is administered orally twice daily as until the patient experiences disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or other study treatment discontinuation criteria are met. This clinical trial is in progress and 7 patients have been enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT05753826 .

Efficacy and safety of luveltamab tazevibulin vs investigator’s choice of chemotherapy in patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) expressing folate receptor alpha (FRα): The REFRaME-01 (GOG-3086, ENGOT-79ov, and APGOT-OV9) phase 2/3 study.

TPS5637 Background: The treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer remains a challenge, particularly for tumors with low to moderate expression levels of FRα. Luveltamab tazevibulin (luvelta) is an anti–FRα-targeting antibody-drug conjugate with a stable cleavable linker and a 3-aminophenyl hemiasterlin warhead (DAR=4), which induces cytotoxic and immunologic cell death. Luvelta was designed to treat multiple cancers with a broad range of FRα expression. Luvelta demonstrated preliminary antitumor activity in women with recurrent ovarian cancer, selected for FRα expression level of ≥25% at any intensity (tumor proportion score [TPS]). In PROC, this cutoff represents an estimated 80% of patients (pts). In a phase 1 study of luvelta in relapsed ovarian cancer, the overall response rate (ORR) was 37.5% with a median duration of response (DOR) of 5.5 months and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 6.1 months. ORR was higher at 5.2 mg/kg compared with 4.3 mg/kg (43.8% vs 31.3%). The safety profile was manageable, with the most common grade ≥3 adverse events consisting of neutropenia, arthralgia, and anemia (Oaknin et al. J Clin Oncol 2023;41[16 suppl]:5508). These results support further investigation in pts with PROC whose tumors have a broad range of FRα expression. Herein, we describe a phase 2/3 pivotal study (REFRaME-01)of luvelta in this pt population. Methods: This randomized, global, open-label, 2-part phase 2/3 pivotal study has been designed to assess the efficacy and safety of luvelta vs investigator’s choice (IC) chemotherapy in pts with recurrent PROC expressing FRα (NCT05870748). Eligible pts are adults (≥18 years) with relapsed PROC, 1–3 prior lines of therapy (which must include bevacizumab), measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1, and TPS for FRα expression ≥25% using Ventana validated IHC assay. Part 1 (phase 2) consists of a luvelta dose-optimization stage in which pts are randomized 1:1 to receive intravenous (IV) luvelta every 3 weeks (Q3W) at 4.3 mg/kg or IV luvelta Q3W at 5.2 mg/kg with prophylactic G-CSF for 2 cycles followed by 4.3 mg/kg luvelta from cycle 3 onward. Part 1 data will be used to select the optimal dosing regimen. In part 2 (phase 3) ~550 pts will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 to the optimal luvelta dosing regimen or IC chemotherapy (gemcitabine, paclitaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or topotecan). Primary endpoints are PFS and ORR, with response evaluated per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, DOR, safety, and quality of life. Clinical trial information: NCT05870748 .

SB221: A proof-of-concept study to assess the combination of SON-1010 (IL12-FHAB) and atezolizumab in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

TPS5629 Background: Recombinant interleukins (rIL) have had limited clinical success due to inefficient tumor targeting and short PK, requiring frequent dosing that leads to aberrant immunostimulation and toxicity. IL-12 potently activates T and NK cells to produce IFNγ and kill tumor cells, yet dosing strategies have failed to provide adequate therapeutic benefit in humans. We developed a novel platform that delivers immunomodulator(s) linked to a fully-human albumin binding (FHAB) domain (Cini, Front Immunol 2023). Single-chain native IL-12 genetically linked to the FHAB provides enhanced tumor targeting and retention through albumin binding to over-expressed FcRn, GP60, and SPARC in the tumor microenvironment (TME), with an improved PK profile, a dose-sparing effect that decreases the toxicity risk, and a broader therapeutic index. Tumor growth inhibition in an immunologically ‘cold’ B16-F10 mouse melanoma model showed the efficacy of IL12-FHAB compared with rIL-12, resulting in significant increases in activated NK, NKT, Th1, and cytotoxic CD8 T cells. SON-1010 is being studied clinically as monotherapy (study SB101) in advanced solid tumors and in healthy volunteers (study SB102) (Chawla, AACR 2023). Atezolizumab (Tecentriq), an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has shown preliminary clinical activity in Phase 1 studies of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) (Liu, Gyn Onc 2019; Moroney, Clin Canc Res 2020). SON-1010 may ‘warm up’ the TME to improve ICI effectiveness in these immunologically-active tumors that have high levels of SPARC. Methods: Study SB221 is a Phase 1b/2a multicenter, dose-escalation and proof-of-concept study to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, PD, and efficacy of SON-1010 administered SC, either alone or in combination with a fixed dose of atezolizumab given IV (NCT05756907). The study is designed in Part 1 to rapidly establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination in patients with advanced solid tumors with up to 5 dose-escalation groups and to expand the dataset using patients with PROC to establish the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D). Once the likelihood of efficacy is shown in a Simon 2-stage design, this will be followed in Part 2 by an assessment of the potential for improved efficacy of the combination in patients with PROC over SON-1010 alone or the standard of care (SOC). The first dose-escalation cohorts have been enrolled and additional sites are being added to help with recruitment of patients with PROC. Combination of SON-1010 with an ICI offers a unique opportunity to use this extended PK version of IL-12 to augment the potential for tumor control in PROC, which represents a significant unmet medical need. Clinical trial information: NCT05756907 .

Repurposing atovaquone as a STAT3 inhibitor for the treatment of platinum resistant ovarian cancer.

TPS5631 Background: Despite advances, ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer with 5-year survival rates for stage III and IV disease 41% and 21%, respectively. After initial treatment with cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy, 70% of patients (pts) will relapse. Treatment of relapsed OC is dependent on the amount of time between completion of platinum-based therapy and relapse, known as the platinum-free interval (PFI). Pts with PFI of less than six months are deemed platinum-resistant with low response to further chemotherapy and median progression-free survival (PFS) of 3.6 months. Additional treatment options are needed. Oncogenic signal transduction pathways are a critical component of cancer pathogenesis. In a variety of cancer types, including OC, the transcription factor STAT3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3) has emerged as a key promoter of cellular proliferation and resistance to therapeutic drugs. In OC cells, STAT3 is constitutively activated in over 70% of cells, resulting in enhanced cell survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. STAT3 also controls innate and adaptive immune response by driving myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, while hampering CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. Using the Connectivity Map database to identify drugs that induce gene expression changes contrary to the STAT3 signature, the FDA-approved antimicrobial atovaquone (ATO) was identified as the most active. ATO, a well-tolerated, readily available drug inhibits STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation by downregulating the cell surface expression of glycoprotein 130, which is necessary for signaling of IL-6 and Janus Kinase, and subsequent phosphorylation of STAT3. Given that the STAT3 pathway is constitutively activated in OC, we hypothesize that ATO, a potent inhibitor of STAT3, could be a repurposed therapeutic agent in OC. Methods: A Phase II, single-arm, investigator-initiated clinical trial is in process at our institution where we are evaluating ATO as targeted therapy in pts with platinum resistant OC whose tumors have progressed despite standard therapies. To date, we have currently enrolled 2 of an anticipated 28 pts. The primary endpoint is PFS, with clinical secondary endpoints to include clinical benefit rate and overall survival. In addition, to confirm the STAT inhibitory effect on OC cells, pre and on-treatment tissue sampling is being obtained to assess changes in STAT3 dependent gene expression via RT-PCR and quantitate changes to the immune profile via flow cytometry. We hypothesize targeting inappropriate activation of STAT3 could be a novel and promising treatment approach in OC. This is the first clinical trial evaluating the clinical efficacy of ATO in OC and could have wide implications on treatment options in the future. Clinical trial information: NCT05998135 .

44O Safety and efficacy results in patients who received dose modifications in the phase III MIRASOL (GOG 3045/ENGOT-ov55) trial of mirvetuximab soravtansine vs investigator’s choice chemotherapy (ICC) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) with high folate receptor-alpha expression

44O Safety and efficacy results in patients who received dose modifications in the phase III MIRASOL (GOG 3045/ENGOT-ov55) trial of mirvetuximab soravtansine vs investigator’s choice chemotherapy (ICC) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) with high folate receptor-alpha expression

Role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in blood as a potential biomarker for progression to olaparib: A post hoc analysis of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) treated in the ROLANDO-GEICO 1601 trial.

Role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in blood as a potential biomarker for progression to olaparib: A post hoc analysis of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) treated in the ROLANDO-GEICO 1601 trial.

Weekly BH009 in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and ovarian cancer: Interim phase I results.

e17545 Background: BH009 is a novel polysorbate 80-free formulation of docetaxel that will eliminate hypersensitivity reactions associated with polysorbate 80. BH009 has completed a bioavailability study compared to Taxotere and was found to have a better safety profile to Taxotere with the potential for higher doses. As a result, we conducted a phase I dose escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and the safety profile of a weekly BH009 regimen in the treatment of patients with advanced SCCHN and Ovarian cancer. Methods: This phase I study assessed safety of BH009 in patients with advanced SCCHN and Ovarian cancer. BH009 was administered at escalating doses (starting dose 40 mg/m2) as a 1-h i.v. infusion for three consecutive weeks every 28 days without dexamethasone premedication. Results: Up to January 2024, 11 patients were treated with BH009 (4 at 40 mg/m2, 7 at 50 mg/m2). 2 patients with SCCHN, and 9 patients with ovarian cancer. 100% of ovarian cancer patients were recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) patients. 82% (9/11) of patients had received prior taxanes, of whom 33% (3/9) had received prior docetaxel. There were no DLT observed in 40 mg/m2 dose groups, and one DLT was observed in the 50 mg/m2 group (grade 3 febrile neutropenia). The MTD for BH009 is expected to exceed 50 mg/m2, which would be higher than that of Taxotere under the same dosing regimen (≥50mg/m2 vs 42mg/m2*), and the overall tolerability was better than Taxotere. In this study, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 100% (11/11) patients. The most common grade 3/4 TRAEs were Leukopenia (36%, n=4), Anaemia (36%, n=4), and Neutropenia (55%, n=6). Non-hematologic toxicities were generally mild with no grade 4 toxicity observed. No AEs that led to death were related to BH009. Up to January 2024, the DCR is 50% (3/6) after 2 courses of treatment. The ORR in 6 evaluable patients was 33% (2/6, 1 patient with SCCHN at 40 mg/m2, 1 patient with ovarian cancer at 50 mg/m2). One patient (17%, 1/6) with ovarian cancer at 50 mg/m2 dose group received a complete response to the target lesion and the non-target lesion was partially responded after 2 courses of BH009, and this patient had been previously treated with docetaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab. Conclusions: The weekly BH009 for three consecutive weeks every 28 days is a feasible schedule with a favorable toxicity profile, and the overall tolerability is better than Taxotere. BH009 has the potential to increase the dose of administration and improve the clinical efficacy. Dose escalation is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT06232863 . [Table: see text]

Beacon: A phase II study of bevacizumab, atezolizumab, and cobimetinib in patients with recurrent, platinum resistant, high grade serous ovarian cancer.

5565 Background: Platinum resistant high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is associated with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have failed to show significant impact in treatment of HGSC to date. Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) and atezolizumab (anti-PDL1) have shown synergy in multiple cancer types. Cobimetinib (MEK inhibitor) may also potentiate immune responses, particularly by altering the tumour microenvironment. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of cobimetinib, bevacizumab and atezolizumab in women with platinum resistant HGSC. Methods: BEACON is a Phase II single arm study of cobimetinib (60mg oral D1-21 q 28-days), bevacizumab (5mg/kg IV q2w) and atezolizumab (840mg IV q2w from Cycle 2) in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent HGSC. Patients continued therapy until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) according to RECIST 1.1 at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included best overall response (BOR), safety, progression free survival, and response duration. Correlative studies on paired tumor biopsy and blood samples will explore molecular characteristics/subtypes and potential biomarkers of response as exploratory objectives. This study has now completed accrual and we present the 24-week response data, with a data cut off 21st December 2023. Results: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled between September 2018 and June 2023. Median age was 62 years (range 37 - 79) and 97% had received ≥ 2 prior lines of chemotherapy. The median number of cycles received was 3 cycles of atezolizumab and cobimetinib, and 4 cycles of bevacizumab. The ORR at 24 weeks was 21% [95% CI: 8-40], and a further 28% had stable disease as assessed per RECIST. Five patients (17%) have remained on study treatment for ≥ 52 weeks to date, suggesting that in some patients there was durable disease control. In terms of safety, 22 patients (76%) required a dose reduction in cobimetinib, mainly due to gastrointestinal and skin toxicity. Seventeen patients (59%) experienced a ≥Grade 3 treatment related adverse event, most commonly hypertension (6 patients, 21%). Two patients (7%) discontinued all study treatments due to toxicity. Conclusions: Preliminary results from this study show promising efficacy with the combination of atezolizumab, bevacizumab and cobimetinib in platinum resistant HGSC. Duration of response, progression free survival data and translational data exploring molecular characteristics will be presented as data matures. Clinical trial information: NCT03363867 . [Table: see text]

A phase II study of anlotinib plus albumin-bound paclitaxel in patients with recurrent, platinum-resistant primary epithelial ovarian or peritoneal carcinomar (A-Plus trial): Updated efficacy and safety.

5557 Background: Initial results of the open-label, single-arm phase II clinical trial, we had demonstrated anlotinib plus albumin-bound paclitaxel treatment activity and favorable tolerance in patients with recurrent, platinum-resistant primary epithelial ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma (SGO 2023. Oral featured poster 549). Here we update the latest efficacy and safety data in enrolled patients. Methods: In this study, 44 patients diagnosed with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory ovarian cancer were planned to be enrolled. Patients received ab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m2 given by intravenous infusion over 30 min every 3 weeks and anlotinib (10mg, po, qd, for 14 days, every 3 weeks) until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. For efficacy evaluation, the following were required: measurable disease defined by RECIST 1.1, or if there were no measurable lesions but an elevated CA125 with significant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or pleural effusion/ascites (Rustin criteria). The primary end point were investigator-confirmed objective response rate (ORR). Results: From January 2021 to March 2023, 44 patients were enrolled with a median age of 49 years(range, 40-66). 29 patients had measurable lesions and 15 patients had no measurable lesions but an elevated CA125 evaluated according to Rustin criteria. As of efficacy evaluation, 43 out of 44 patients can be analyzed and one without measurable lesions can not be included due to the absence of a post-treatment data. Among the 29 patients with measurable lesions, 16 (55.2%; 95% CI 0.359-0.730) achieved objective responses, including CR in two patients, PR in fourteen, stable disease in thirteen, and PD in zero. In the group of 14 patients without measurable lesions, 9 (60%; 95% CI 0.328-0.825) achieved responses, including CA 125 responses in nine patients, CA 125 no response in four, and CA125 disease progression in one. Overall responses were observed in 25 out of 44 patients (56.8%; 95% CI 0.411-0.713) in the intention-to-treat population, and in the per-protocol population, the response was seen in 25 out of 43 patients (58.1%; 95% CI 0.422-0.726). The grade 3/4 AEs encompassed leukopenia (31 patients, 70.5%), gum-pain (10 patients, 22.7%), hypertension (10 patients, 22.7%), Hand-foot syndrome (4 patients, 9.1%). Conclusions: Updated results reconfirm a favorable antitumor activity and manageable safety from anlotinib plus albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of recurrent ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma. Further survival results are expected. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2100054329.

A randomized, multicenter, open-label phase III trial of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer (KOV-HIPEC-02).

TPS5635 Background: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) during cytoreductive surgery has emerged to achieve a higher concentration of chemotherapeutic agents and treat micro-metastases on peritoneal surfaces. At advanced staged ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, HIPEC during interval cytoreductive surgery with cisplatin 75-100mg/m2 increases progression-free survival and overall survival (OV-HIPEC-01 and KOV-HIPEC-01). In chemotherapy-naïve ovarian cancer patients, survival benefit is not identified with HIPEC (KOV-HIPEC-01). And the meta-analysis revealed the survival benefit after recent exposure of chemotherapy. In ovarian cancer, HIPEC is thought to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Methods: This trial (KOV-02) is currently actively enrolling, a multicenter, open-label, 1:1 randomized, phase III trial that will enroll 140 patients in platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05316181). Institutional review board approval was obtained. The first patient was enrolled on April 07, 2022. The experimental arm will receive cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC (Doxorubicin 35mg/m2 and mitomycin 15mg/m2, 41.5-42.0°C) followed by physician-choice chemotherapy, and the control arm will receive physician-choice chemotherapy until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) between the HIPEC group and the control group. Secondary objectives are overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival, safety, and quality of life. Assuming that the enrollment period is three years and the follow-up period is two years, the total number of events required is 121. Based on the log-rank test, the total number of subjects required to prove HR 0.6 with a two-sided alpha of 0.05 and 80% power is 126. Considering 10% drop-out, 140 patients are finally studied. Clinical trial information: NCT05316181 .

Efficacy and safety of PM8002, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and VEGF-A, as a monotherapy in patients with solid tumors: Clinical data from advanced cervical cancer and platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer cohorts.

Efficacy and safety of PM8002, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and VEGF-A, as a monotherapy in patients with solid tumors: Clinical data from advanced cervical cancer and platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer cohorts.

Phase I/II study of TROP2 CAR engineered IL15-transduced cord blood-derived NK cells delivered intraperitoneally for the management of platinum resistant ovarian cancer, mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancer.

TPS5626 Background: Novel treatments are needed for patients with ovarian, pancreatic, and mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (MLA) that has recurred or progressed after initial treatment, as current standard of care therapies in these settings result in low response rates. Chimeric antigen receptor-transduced natural killer (CAR-NK) cells have emerged as a therapeutic alternative to CAR-T cells, with decreased toxicity and enhanced feasibility as an “off-the-shelf” therapy. TROP2, or trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2, is a transmembrane calcium-signal transducer that is overexpressed in many cancer types and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated TROP2 as a promising target for adoptive cell therapy in breast and gastric cancers. An intraperitoneal route of adoptive cell therapy delivery may provide superior disease control and decreased toxicity in these target cancers with predisposition for intra-abdominal/peritoneal involvement. Pre-clinical studies have established the efficacy and safety of TROP2 CAR NK cells in ovarian and pancreatic cancers. Methods: This is a phase I/II study of the intraperitoneal delivery of TROP2-CAR/IL-15 transduced cord blood (CB)-NK cells for recurrent/progressive ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and MLA (NCT05922930). Subjects must have disease present in the peritoneal cavity or retroperitoneal lymph nodes and tumors must demonstrate at least 1+ TROP2 expression by immunohistochemistry. The primary endpoints are toxicity rates and defining the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Key secondary endpoints include treatment efficacy, circulating tumor DNA levels, serial characterization of the immune microenvironment, and patient-reported outcomes. There are four possible dose levels ranging from 8.0x106 to 4.0x109 cells. We will enroll patients from the three disease cohorts using the Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design to find the maximum tolerated dose and RP2D, with a maximum sample size of 21. Once the R2PD is chosen, we will enroll up to 10 patients within each disease cohort to further evaluate safety and efficacy. Subjects enrolled will be admitted to the hospital, receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy (fludarabine 30 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 300mg/m2) on days -5 to -3, and will receive a single dose of cryopreserved and thawed intraperitoneal TROP2-CAR/IL15-transduced CB-NK cells on day 0. The dose-limiting toxicity window will be from day 0 until day 28. Severity of adverse events will be graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) version 5. The first patient on this trial was treated in January 2024. Clinical trial information: NCT0592293 .

Relationship of cancer stem cell functional assay and objective response rate of patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in a randomized trial.

Relationship of cancer stem cell functional assay and objective response rate of patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in a randomized trial.

Comparison of target agent treatment strategies for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

We aimed to compare 7 newer immunotherapies and targeted therapies for platinum-resistant relapsed ovarian cancer. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library electronic databases for phase III trials involving platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer (PRrOC) patients treated with immunotherapy or targeted therapy in combination with chemotherapy. The quality of the included trials was assessed using the GRADE method. The primary outcome of comparison was progression-free survival, and secondary outcomes included overall survival and safety. This analysis included 7 randomized phase III controlled trials, encompassing 2485 PRrOC patients. Combining bevacizumab plus chemotherapy and lurbinectedin demonstrated statistically significant differences in progression-free survival compared to all other regimens of interest. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the overall survival. Nivolumab and mirvetuximab exhibited fewer serious adverse events than the other regimens of interest. Our findings indicate that bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy and lurbinectedin monotherapy has significant efficacy in patients with PRrOC. For patients with PRrOC who have exhausted treatment options, nivolumab and mirvetuximab may be considered as alternatives because of their better safety profiles.

The Polyamine Analogue Ivospemin Increases Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Murine Ovarian Cancer.

Polyamines are small polycationic alkylamines that are absolutely required for the continual growth and proliferation of cancer cells. The polyamine analogue ivospemin, also known as SBP-101, has shown efficacy in slowing pancreatic and ovarian tumor progression in vitro and in vivo and has demonstrated encouraging results in early pancreatic cancer clinical trials. We sought to determine if ivospemin was a viable treatment option for the under-served platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patient population by testing its efficacy in combination with commonly used chemotherapeutics. We treated four ovarian adenocarcinoma cell lines in vitro and found that each was sensitive to ivospemin regardless of cisplatin sensitivity. Next, we treated patients with ivospemin in combination with four commonly used chemotherapeutics and found that ivospemin increased the toxicity of each; however, only gemcitabine and topotecan combination treatments were more effective than ivospemin alone. Using the VDID8+ murine ovarian cancer model, we found that the addition of ivospemin to either topotecan or gemcitabine increased median survival over untreated animals alone, delayed tumor progression, and decreased the overall tumor burden. Our results indicate that the combination of ivospemin and chemotherapy is a worthwhile treatment option to further explore clinically in ovarian cancer.

Mirvetuximab soravtansine: A breakthrough in targeted therapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer, ranked as the second leading cause of gynecologic malignancy-related deaths globally, poses a formidable challenge despite advances in early detection and treatment modalities. This paper explores the efficacy and safety of mirvetuximab soravtansine, the first folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer expressing FRα. A review of 4 key studies involving 453 participants consistently demonstrates mirvetuximab soravtansine's clinically meaningful antitumor activity and favorable safety profile. Clinical implications emphasize mirvetuximab soravtansine's pivotal role in targeted therapy, especially for high FRα-expressing tumors, potentially reshaping platinum-resistant ovarian cancer management. The combination therapy approach introduces a novel dimension, suggesting enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Even in heavily pretreated patients, mirvetuximab soravtansine's favorable tolerability positions it as a viable option. The reliability of archival tissue for FRα assessment simplifies patient selection, streamlining accessibility to targeted therapies. However, identified gaps, including limited diversity in patient populations, sparse quality of life data, and the need for long-term safety information, indicate areas for future research. Exploration of additional biomarkers predicting mirvetuximab soravtansine responsiveness is essential for personalized treatment.

FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopy as a tools showing marker of platinum-resistant phenomena in women suffering from ovarian cancer

Platinum-resistant phenomena in ovarian cancer is very dangerous for women suffering from this disease, because reduces the chances of complete recovery. Unfortunately, until now there are no methods to verify whether a woman with ovarian cancer is platinum-resistant. Importantly, histopathology images also were not shown differences in the ovarian cancer between platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive tissues. Therefore, in this study, Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) and FT-Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to find chemical differences between platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer tissues. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and machine learning methods were performed to show if it possible to differentiate these two kind of tissues as well as to propose spectroscopy marker of platinum-resistant. Indeed, obtained results showed, that in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer tissues higher amount of phospholipids, proteins and lipids were visible, however when the ratio between intensities of peaks at 1637 cm−1 (FTIR) and at 2944 cm−1 (Raman) and every peaks in spectra was calculated, difference between groups of samples were not noticed. Moreover, structural changes visible as a shift of peaks were noticed for C–O–C, C–H bending and amide II bonds. PCA clearly showed, that PC1 can be used to differentiate platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer tissues, while two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectra (2T2D-COS) showed, that only in amide II, amide I and asymmetric CH lipids vibrations correlation between two analyzed types of tissues were noticed. Finally, machine learning algorithms showed, that values of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were near to 100% for FTIR and around 95% for FT-Raman spectroscopy. Using decision tree peaks at 1777 cm−1, 2974 cm−1 (FTIR) and 1714 cm−1, 2817 cm−1 (FT-Raman) were proposed as spectroscopy marker of platinum-resistant.