Potent Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Research Articles

Clinical research progress of fruquintinib in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Malignant tumors represent an important cause of mortality within the global population. Tumor angiogenesis, recognized as one of the key hallmarks of malignant tumors, is crucial for supplying essential nutrients and oxygen for tumor growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) are key drivers of tumor angiogenesis. Targeted therapeutic interventions not only effectively inhibit tumor growth by specifically blocking tumor angiogenesis but have also made breakthroughs in the treatment of malignant tumors. Fruquintinib, an anti-angiogenic small molecule drug developed independently in China, functions as a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor with high selectivity. It effectively curtails tumor growth by binding to and inhibiting VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. Additionally, fruquintinib offers several advantages including minimal off-target toxicity, robust resistance profiles, and commendable efficacy. This agent can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. It has shown high effectiveness and survival benefits across various malignant tumors such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and other malignant tumors. Therefore, this article conducts a systematic review encompassing the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of fruquintinib. Through this review, we aimed to offer a reference for the clinical application and subsequent development of fruquintinib.

A critical review of management of allogeneic transplant-eligible adults with Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in 20%-30% of adult patients contains the Philadelphia (Ph+) chromosome. Historically, Ph+ ALL denoted a markedly inferior outcome and long-term survival in the absence of an allograft was uncommon. However, the advent of targeted therapy directed against the BCR::ABL1 fusion protein with various tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has markedly improved the prognosis, resulting in a number of treatment controversies in allograft-eligible patients. Which is the best TKI to use in induction? What is the clinical relevance of the subdivision of Ph+ ALL into multilineage vs lymphoid types? Do all patients in first morphological complete remission (CR1) after induction and consolidation with chemotherapy/TKI require an allograft? If not, what risk factors predict a poor outcome without an allograft? Can chemotherapy-free approaches, such as blinatumomab in conjunction with more potent TKIs, obviate the need for an allograft in high-risk patients? What is the best strategy to deal with persistent or emerging minimal residual disease both pre- and post-transplant? Is maintenance TKI indicated in all patients post allograft? Can salvage therapy and a subsequent allograft cure patients who relapse after not being transplanted in CR1? This manuscript reviews the latest data influencing contemporary management and discusses these controversies.

Phase II trial of multi-kinase inhibitor ESK981 in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

ESK981 is a potent tyrosine kinase and PIKfyve lipid kinase inhibitor. This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of ESK981 as a single agent in patients with androgen receptor-positive (AR +) metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Eligible patients had mCRPC with progression on AR-targeted agents and without prior chemotherapy treatment. Each patient received 160mg ESK981 once daily for 5days per week for 4weeks per cycle (except for an adverse event (AE) occurrence). The primary endpoints were a 50% reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA50), and safety. Secondary endpoints included the time and the duration of PSA response, PSA progression rates, PSA progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Exploratory investigations included whole exome sequencing in patients before treatment, and morphological evaluation of biopsy samples pre- and post-treatment. PSA was evaluated in 13 patients. Only one patient (7.7% two-sided 95% Wilson CI (0.4%, 33.3%)) experienced a reduction in their PSA levels by 50% or more. The most common grade 3 treatment-related AEs were cardiac disorders, diarrhea, hypertension, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase elevations. No grade 4-5 events occurred. Median PFS was 1.8months, and median OS was 12.1months. Peripheral immune cells showed increased T cell activation and cytokine production in two patients who received 12-weeks of ESK981. Although relatively well tolerated, ESK981 alone showed no anti-tumor activity in patients with AR + mCRPC and its further evaluation as a single agent in AR + mCRPC is not warranted. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03456804. Registration date: March 7, 2018).

Cost-Effectiveness of Zanubrutinib Versus Bendamustine and Rituximab in Patients With Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Zanubrutinib, a potent and specific irreversible Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has proven to be effective in untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), whether used alone or in combination with other therapies. Here, we compared the cost-effectiveness of zanubrutinib with bendamustine-rituximab (R-bendamustine) to determine its effectiveness as the first-line treatment for Chinese patients with untreated CLL. The evaluation utilized a partitioned survival model, constructed using TreeAge Pro 2011 software, incorporating data from SEQUOIA trial (NCT03336333). Transition probabilities were estimated from the reported survival probabilities in trials using parametric survival modeling. In this analysis, the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and lifetime cost were calculated from the Chinese health care system perspective. Sensitivity analyses, including 1-way analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, were carried out to explore the uncertainty of the modeling results. Additionally, several scenario analyses, including different zanubrutinib price calculation and 20-year time horizon, were evaluated. The findings revealed that zanubrutinib had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $58,258.18 per additional QALYs gained compared with bendamustine-rituximab, with zanubrutinib being cost-effective only if its price was reduced by more than 30%. Research indicated that zanubrutinib achieved at least a 3.70% probability of cost-effectiveness at the threshold of $38,223.34/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the results were sensitive to the utility of progressed disease. The study highlighted the importance of considering the cost-effectiveness of zanubrutinib at its current price point for patients with untreated CLL in China, emphasizing the need for further assessment and potential pricing adjustments to enhance its economic viability in clinical practice.

MPN-334 Safety and Efficacy of Bezuclastinib (CGT9486), a Novel, Highly Selective, Potent KIT D816V Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis (AdvSM): Results From Part 1 of the Phase 2 Apex Trial

MPN-334 Safety and Efficacy of Bezuclastinib (CGT9486), a Novel, Highly Selective, Potent KIT D816V Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis (AdvSM): Results From Part 1 of the Phase 2 Apex Trial

Efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization alone compared to its combination with anlotinib among patients with intermediate or advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase II randomized controlled trial.

Anlotinib hydrochloride is a potent oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets VEGFR1-3, FGFR1-4, and PDGFR α/β, demonstrating significant antiangiogenic activity. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered the effective treatment for intermediate/advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which remains a major global health challenge. This study evaluated the relative efficacy and safety of combining anlotinib with TACE against the standard TACE monotherapy among patients with intermediate or advanced HCC. This phase II randomized controlled trial included 38 patients diagnosed with intermediate or advanced HCC. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either TACE in combination with anlotinib or TACE alone. The primary endpoint of the study was progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety. This trial aimed to determine whether the addition of anlotinib could extend PFS and improve other clinical outcomes compared to TACE alone. The median PFS for patients treated with TACE and anlotinib was significantly longer at 11.04 months compared to 6.87 months in the TACE-alone group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.46; P=0.02], indicating a robust enhancement in disease management. Although the median OS was not reached at the time of analysis, early trends suggest potential improvement. Both treatment groups had comparable ORR and DCR, demonstrating effective disease control. The safety profile of the combined treatment was manageable, with side effects similar in nature to those observed with TACE alone but not significantly more severe, thus maintaining patient quality of life. The addition of anlotinib to TACE appears to provide a safe and effective therapeutic benefit for patients with intermediate or advanced-stage HCC. However, longer follow-up is needed for a more comprehensive efficacy assessment. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04066543.

3,3’4-trimethoxy-4’-rutinosylellagic acid and its acetylated derivative: Antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effects on breast cancer cells and molecular docking study

Cancers account for many deaths worldwide and natural compounds and their derivatives are interesting chemotherapeutic agents for cancer drug development. In this study, a natural compound 3,3’4-trimethoxy-4’-rutinosylellagic acid (TR2) and its acetylated derivative 3,3’4-trimethoxy-4’-hexaacetylrutinosylellagic acid (TR22) were evaluated for their antioxidant and anticancer effects against estrogen sensitive (MCF-7) and estrogen non-sensitive (MDA-MB 231) breast adenocarcinoma. In the β-Carotene-linoleic acid assay, DPPH• radical scavenging and CUPRAC assay, the compound TR2 had better activity than the standard α-Tocopherol, while in the ABTS•+ assay, it was more active than both standards α- α-Tocopherol and BHA. Both compounds had good antioxidant effects with TR2 being more active than TR22. Both compounds inhibited growth of breast carcinoma cells when compared to the untreated controls after 72 h. Compound TR22 significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited proliferation of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 breast carcinoma cell lines suggesting that acetylation reaction improves inhibition of breast cancer cells growth. On the contrary, TR2 exhibited better inhibitory effect of clone formation than TR22 suggesting that acetylation reduces the activity in this assay. Both compounds inhibited migration of the cancer cells when compared to the untreated control cells and compound TR2 exhibited greater cellular anti-migration effect than TR22 at the same concentration and after the same period of incubation. Molecular docking studies supplemented the results and revealed that TR2 and TR22 had appreciable interactions with tyrosine kinase with negative binding energies suggesting that they are potent receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors which can impede on cancer progression.

Safety and Efficacy of Bezuclastinib (CGT9486), a Novel, Highly Selective, Potent KIT D816V Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis (AdvSM): Results From Part 1 of the Phase 2 Apex Trial

Safety and Efficacy of Bezuclastinib (CGT9486), a Novel, Highly Selective, Potent KIT D816V Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis (AdvSM): Results From Part 1 of the Phase 2 Apex Trial

PSMA-Targeted 2-Deoxyglucose-Based Dendrimer Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a molecular target of PC, is clinically used for the treatment and diagnosis of PC using radioligand approaches. However, no PSMA-based chemotherapies have yet been approved by the FDA. Here, we present a novel therapeutic approach using PSMA-targeted 2-deoxyglucose-dendrimer (PSMA-2DG-D) for targeted delivery of a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor, cabozantinib (Cabo), selectively to PC cells. PSMA-2DG-D demonstrates intracellular localization in PSMA (+) PC cells through PSMA-mediated internalization. This PSMA-specific targeting translates to enhanced efficacy of Cabo compared to the free drug when conjugated to PSMA-2DG-D. Furthermore, systemically administered fluorescently labeled PSMA-2DG-D-Cy5 specifically targets PSMA (+) tumors with minimal off-target accumulation in the PC3-PIP tumor xenograft mouse model. This demonstrates that the PSMA-2DG-D platform is a promising new delivery system for potent chemotherapeutics, where systemic side effects are a significant concern.

Unraveling the enigma: Probing the unconventional binding site and binding mechanism of entrectinib with human serum albumin through spectroscopic, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation analyses

Entrectinib (ENB), a novel potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has demonstrated promising activity against specific genetic alterations in various solid tumors. Investigating the interaction of ENB with human serum albumin (HSA) provides valuable insights into its binding characteristics and pharmacological behavior. The interaction between ENB and HSA was investigated using various spectroscopic techniques, molecular docking, and simulations approaches. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a consistent decrease in the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA upon binding to ENB, indicating a static binding mechanism. The binding constant calculated from Stern Volmer and double-log equations (KSV) and (K) were determined to be 4.11 x104 M−1 and 4.38 x104 M−1, respectively at 298 K, indicating moderate binding affinity. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated a spontaneous interaction (ΔG < 0) with an enthalpy change (ΔH) of −5.59 kJ mol−1 and an entropy change (ΔS) of + 70.36 J mol−1 K−1, indicating that the interaction is primarily driven by electrostatic forces with potential involvement of hydrogen bonding. Synchronous and 3D fluorescence analysis indicated no significant changes in the microenvironment surrounding Tyr and Trp residues upon ENB binding. Near and far UV spectrophotometric analyses confirmed the formation of the ENB-HSA complex and suggested no conformational changes in the protein structure. Fluorescence measurements and binding competition analysis using site markers revealed that ENB selectively binds to the HSA Sudlow sites I and III, displacing phenylbutazone at both sites. Molecular docking studies confirmed the binding of ENB to Sudlow sites I and III and identified critical residues involved in the interaction. Molecular dynamics simulations further validated the stability of the ENB-HSA complex at both sites, with more favorable binding at site III, and minimal fluctuations observed in the root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, and radius of gyration. Hydrogen bond analysis and solvent accessible surface area calculations supported the strong binding and accessibility of ENB within the HSA structure. Overall, the experimental and computational results provided valuable insights into the ENB-HSA interaction, elucidating the binding mechanism and key residues involved.

Bilateral Subretinal Fluid Accumulation during Erdafitinib Therapy

Abstract Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) plays a major role in maintaining retinal pigment epithelium cells. Drugs that inhibit the FGFR pathway block the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, leading to the synthesis of antiapoptotic proteins and secondary subretinal fluid accumulation. Erdafitinib, a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) is one such antitumour drug that has shown significant efficacy in patients with urothelial carcinoma with FGFR alterations. We present a case report demonstrating the bilateral subretinal fluid accumulation due to erdafitinib.

Development of a Bioanalytical Assay for the Selective RET Inhibitor Pralsetinib in Plasma Samples Utilizing Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Pralsetinib is a potent and specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the RET receptor, used in treating various cancers. This study developed and validated a bioanalytical assay for pralsetinib in plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The internal standard was erlotinib, and protein precipitation with acetonitrile was used for sample preparation. The analytes were separated on an Ultimate® XB-C18 column using gradient elution with ammonium acetate in water and methanol. Both are acidified with 0.1% formic acid. Detection was performed using positive electrospray ionization in the chosen reaction monitoring mode. The assay was validated over a linear range of 2 to 2000 ng/mL, achieving accuracies greater than 90% and precision values below 2%. The method was stable under all tested conditions without significant matrix effects or extraction losses.

Early dose reduction of dasatinib does not compromise clinical outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: A comparative analysis of two prospective trials

Dasatinib is a potent second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used as a first-line treatment option for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Currently, dose modification due to adverse events (AEs) is common in patients treated with dasatinib. This study compared the outcomes of two sequential prospective trials that enrolled patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase of CML (CP-CML) and initiated dasatinib at a starting dose of 100 mg daily. In the PCR-DEPTH study, CP-CML patients who started dasatinib 100 mg daily were enrolled and followed up, while in the DAS-CHANGE study, when patients achieved early molecular response with any grade of AEs were enrolled and treated with dasatinib 80 mg once daily. A total of 102 patients (PCR-DEPTH) and 90 patients (DAS-CHANGE) were compared. Although the median value of the relative dose intensity (RDI) of dasatinib was significantly higher in PCR-DEPTH than in DAS-CHANGE (99.6 % vs. 80.1 %, p <0.001), the MMR rate at 12months showed a trend toward superiority in DAS-CHANGE compared to PCR-DEPTH (77.1 % vs 65.2 %, p = 0.084). The frequencies of MR4.0 at 24 and 36 months were higher in DAS-CHANGE than in PCR-DEPTH (44.4 % vs 28.8 %, p = 0.052 and 63.6 % vs 40.3 %, p= 0.013, respectively). RDIs were not different according to the MMR, MR4.0 or MR4.5 in analyses using a pooled population. Our results suggest that early dose reduction of dasatinib does not compromise efficacy in patients achieving EMR at 3 months and could be an interventional strategy for improving long term outcomes.

Plasma ctDNA biomarker study in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation treated with sunvozertinib.

8563 Background: There are limited reports on biomarker studies of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutation (exon20ins). Sunvozertinib (DZD9008), an oral, potent, irreversible and selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been granted conditional approval in China for the treatment of NSCLC with EGFR exon20ins in the ≥ second-line setting. Here we report biomarker analysis of EGFR exon20ins in large sample size, by pooling data from WU-KONG series of studies. Methods: Serial plasma ctDNA samples were collected from baseline until progressive disease (PD). Next generation sequencing was used to assess EGFR exon20ins in baseline plasma ctDNA, and to analyze genetic alterations in baseline and PD plasma ctDNA to identify potential resistance mechanisms to sunvozertinib. Droplet digital PCR was used to dynamically monitor the quantity of EGFR exon20ins during treatment. In addition, association between baseline EGFR exon20ins and disease characteristics as well as antitumor activity of sunvozertinib was analyzed. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to explore potential approach which may overcome the resistance to sunvozertinib. Results: A total of 121 patients were included in this biomarker analysis, among them 81 out of 121 (66.9%) had detectable EGFR exon20ins in baseline plasma ctDNA. There was a positive correlation between detectable EGFR exon20ins and higher number of metastasis sites. In addition, higher EGFR exon20ins abundance was positively correlated with more metastasis sites and brain metastasis. Patients with EGFR exon20ins negative in plasma ctDNA achieved a higher objective response rate (ORR) (68.0% vs. 45.8%) and longer median progression free survival (PFS) (7.4 months vs. 5.5 months) with sunvozertinib treatment. In patients with baseline detectable EGFR exon20ins, the mutant allele decreased over time with treatment in majority of patients (12/14, 85.7%), and the earliest clearance of EGFR exon20ins occurred after one week of treatment. In patients who developed disease progression, 12 of 18 (66.7%) maintained EGFR exon20ins at PD, and among them, 3 concurrently acquired EGFR C797S, all in cis with exon20ins. In addition, EGFR G724S and other genetic aberrations in EGFR downstream signaling pathway, were also detected. Exploratory work on overcoming resistance to sunvozertinib suggests that combination of golidocitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, with chemotherapy could be a potential approach. Conclusions: This study showed that positive EGFR exon20ins in plasma ctDNA is associated with advanced disease characteristics. Sunvozertinib can effectively clear EGFR exon20ins in plasma ctDNA, confirming its direct effect on EGFR pathway. The resistance to sunvozertinib can be through EGFR-dependent and EGFR-independent mechanisms.

Phase Ia/Ib trial on the safety and efficacy of mobocertinib in combination with T-DM1 for patients with HER2-mutant solid tumors (WJOG16022M).

3025 Background: Safety and efficacy of HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in HER2-mutant solid tumors have not been investigated. Methods: Mobocertinib, a potent HER2 TKI plus T-DM1, an anti-HER2 ADC was evaluated in this phase I study. In a dose-finding cohort (phase Ia, pIa), the maximum tolerated dose was estimated in patients (pts) irrespective of HER2 mutational status. To further establish safety and evaluate preliminary efficacy, additional pts with HER2 mutations were enrolled in a dose-expansion cohort (phase Ib, pIb). Mobocertinib of 80, 120 to 160 mg was orally administered with intravenous T-DM1 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was to determine the recommended dose (RD) (pIa), and to evaluate the confirmed objective response rate (ORR) (pIb). Results: Between Nov 2022 and Jun 2023, a total of 28 pts, 6 in the pIa and 22 in the pIb were enrolled to this study (14 NSCLC; 4 cervical; 2 duodenal papilla; 2 pancreatic, median follow-up, 6.4 mo [range, 1.9 to 12.9 mo]). The median age was 54 (range, 40-84) years, 17 pts were female. Among 27 pts with HER2-mutant tumors, mutations in kinase domain were most common (66.7%). In the pIa cohort, 3 DLTs were observed with mobocertinib 120 mg, including grade 3 thrombocytopenia, grade 4 acute kidney injury, and drug withdrawal due to nausea and anorexia, while there was no DLT with 80 mg. The RD was therefore determined to be mobocertinib 80 mg plus T-DM1 3.6 mg/kg. Among 22 pts in the pIb, grade ≥ 3 AE occurred in 72.7% of pts; the common events (&gt;5%) being thrombocytopenia (50.0%), diarrhea (13.6%), and anorexia (13.6%). No interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis was observed. The ORR was 28.6%, the disease control rate (DCR) was 71.4%, and median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 3.2 mo (95% CI 1.6, 6.1) in the pIb. In 27 pts with HER2 mutations across all cohorts, the ORR was 42.3%, the DCR was 76.9%, and mPFS was 4.3 mo (95% CI 2.7, 6.7). Additionally, in 13 pts with HER2-mutant NSCLC including those who had developed resistance to trastuzumab deruxtecan, the ORR was 53.8%, the DCR was 84.6%, and mPFS was 6.1 mo (95% CI 2.9, 6.3). Conclusions: The RD of this study treatment is mobocertinib 80 mg plus T-DM1 3.6 mg. Combination therapy of HER2 TKI and HER2 ADC demonstrated feasibility and potential efficacy for HER2-mutant solid tumors. Clinical trial information: 2051220070 .

Efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with nab-paclitaxel for second-line treatment of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): An open-label phase II trial.

e13127 Background: Apatinib is an oral, highly potent tyrosine-kinase inhibitor targeting VEGFR2. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that apatinib can enhance the anti-tumor effect of taxanes in TNBC via promoting apoptosis and suppressing migration and invasion of tumor cells. Previous studies have also shown the role of apatinib in combination with chemotherapy for treating TNBC. However, combinational treatment of apatinib and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic TNBC has not been reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of apatinib in combination with nab-paclitaxel as a second-line treatment for TNBC. Methods: This is a single-center, single-arm, and open-label prospective study. The patients enrolled in this study had metastatic TNBC, ECOG PS 0-2, at least one measurable lesion, and had previously received one systemic therapy except apatinib and nab-paclitaxel. They were treated with apatinib (250mg, PO, QD) plus nab-paclitaxel (125mg/m2, IV, day 1, 8 and 15) every 3 weeks as second-line treatment until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. The study utilized RECIST v1.1 to assess efficacy and NCI-CTCAE 5.0 to report adverse events. The study's primary endpoints were tolerability and progressive free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Results: Twenty patients were enrolled by the cut-off date of December 1st, 2023. The median age was 55 years (range 31-76) and all had an ECOG PS of 0-1. Ninety percent of the sample had a Ki67 of 30% or higher, while 85% tested negative for PD-L1. All patients had distant metastases, with 35.0% having visceral metastasis and 35% having metastatic sites of 3 or more. 70% of patients had undergone surgery on the primary tumor. All patients received apatinib plus nab-paclitaxel treatment, with a median of 9 cycles (range 2-25), were included in the safety dataset. All patients experienced grade 1-2 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Haematological toxicity of grade 3-4 with neutropenia occurred in 25.0% of patients. In addition, non-haematological toxicities were observed in 10% of patients, including abnormal hepatic function (5.0%) and hypertension (5.0%). No treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) resulted in death during the study. Out of the 20 evaluated patients, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.7 months (95% CI: 6.0-NR). The objective response rate (ORR) was 65.0% (13/20), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 90.0% (18/20), according to RECIST v1.1. The median overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached. Conclusions: The combination of apatinib and nab-paclitaxel showed promising antitumor activity in patients with metastatic TNBC as a second-line treatment, with a manageable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT05019690 .

Targeted Therapies for EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutation in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently harbors mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), with exon 20 insertions comprising 1-10% of these mutations. EGFR exon 20 insertions are less responsive to conventional tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), leading to the development of targeted agents. This review explores key therapeutic agents, such as Amivantamab, Mobocertinib, Poziotinib, Zipalertinib, and Sunvozertinib, which have shown promise in treating NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertions. Amivantamab, a bispecific antibody-targeting EGFR and c-MET, demonstrates significant efficacy, particularly when combined with chemotherapy. Mobocertinib, a TKI, selectively targets EGFR exon 20 mutations but faces limitations in efficacy. Poziotinib, another oral TKI, shows mixed results due to mutation-specific responses. Zipalertinib and Sunvozertinib have emerged as potent TKIs with promising clinical data. Despite these advances, challenges in overcoming resistance mutations and improving central nervous system penetration remain. Future research should focus on optimizing first-line combination therapies and enhancing diagnostic strategies for comprehensive mutation profiling.

Spectrum of Resistance Mechanisms to ALK TKIs in NSCLC: Largest Single-Center Experience from India

Abstract Introduction Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearranged non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has emerged as a distinct entity with growing number of potent ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Despite showing durable responses and promising survival rates, resistance to these ensue. This is the largest series of repeat biopsies from patients of ALK-positive NSCLC progressing on ALK-directed therapy from this part of the world. Using a combinatorial approach of genomics and histology, we describe the spectrum of various resistance mechanisms encountered. Methods This is a cross-sectional study recruiting ALK-positive NSCLC cases who have progressed on any line ALK TKI and have undergone repeated biopsies followed by genomic sequencing by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results Thirty-two ALK-positive NSCLC patients progressed on TKI were enrolled. Median age was 53 years (range: 36–75 years) with a male predilection (male:female 1.3:1). Twenty-seven (84.4%) cases harbored an additional resistance mechanism. Eighteen of these harbored an on-target ALK alteration, with L1196M gatekeeper mutation being the most common, in 11 cases, and G1202 alteration in 3 cases. In 9 cases an off-target alteration was detected, the most frequent being TP53 mutation in 8 cases, KRAS mutation in 4 cases and MET amplification in 3 cases. Four patients underwent sequential NGS testing and allele frequency changes in ALK fusion and resistance mechanisms were demonstrated. Sixteen patients have been offered lorlatinib therapy, the median progression-free survival of which has not yet been reached. Conclusion This is the largest series depicting ALK resistance mechanisms from a single center to date. The SPACEWALK study which demonstrated ALK TKI resistance mechanisms using plasma-based genotyping was a multicentric study. The spectrum encountered in this study is distinct from the rest of the world, thus highlighting heterogeneity within ALK-rearranged tumors. Comprehensive clinical evaluation at disease progression coupled with NGS-based genotyping will pave the way for lucid understanding of disease biology, thus aiding in the institution of optimal therapy.

Synthesis, docking study, and antitumor evaluation of benzamides and oxadiazole derivatives of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid as VEGFR-2 inhibitors.

Current chemotherapeutic agents have several limitations, including lack of selectivity, the development of undesirable side effects, and chemoresistance. As a result, there is an unmet need for the development of novel small molecules with minimal side effects and the ability to specifically target tumor cells. A new series of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid derivatives, including 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (4a-d) and benzamides derivatives (5a-e) were synthesized; their chemical structures were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and mass spectra; and various physicochemical properties were determined. The antiproliferative activities of the new derivatives were evaluated by means of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Three compounds (4b, 4c, and 4d) exhibited cytotoxicity against two of the three cell lines tested, five compounds (3, 4a, 5a, 5b, and 5e) were toxic to one cell line, while two compounds (5c and 5d) were not cytotoxic to any of the three cell lines tested in the current study. Based on docking scores, MTT assay findings, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) kinase activity data, Compound 4d was selected for further biological investigation. Flow cytometry was used to determine the mode of cell death (apoptosis vs. necrosis) and the effect on cell cycle progression. Compound 4d arrested HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells in the G2/M phase and activated both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. In conclusion, Compound 4d has shown promising results for future research as a potent VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Abstract CT292: Phase II study of pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other tumor types and brain metastases

Abstract Background: Many patients develop brain metastasis during the course of their disease and it represents the cause of death in more than half of them. The prognosis and survival of patients with brain metastases remains poor with limited palliative treatment options. Thus, there is a need to develop new strategies for the therapeutic management of patients with brain metastases. Inflammatory stimuli originating from CNS tumors may increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and promote immune cell activation and infiltration into tumors. Several studies have demonstrated now the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with melanoma with active brain metastases. The modulation of VEGF-mediated immune suppression via angiogenesis inhibition may augment the activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Lenvatinib is an oral, potent multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits VEGFRs, VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4), in addition to other pro-angiogenic and oncogenic pathway-related receptor tyrosine kinases. The combination of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab is approved for patients with metastatic endometrial carcinoma and renal cancer, and it is investigated in other tumor types with promising preliminary results. We hypothesize that pembrolizumab and lenvatinib will be an effective treatment for TNBC, NSCLC, and other solid tumor types with brain metastases by decreasing angiogenic tumor activity and improving antitumor T-cell activity. Methods: This is a single-center, open-label, multi-cohort Phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib in patients with solid tumors and brain metastases. The study has 3 cohorts: triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other solid tumor types with established or preliminary clinical evidence of efficacy of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and angiogenesis inhibitors. Eligible patients will have at least 1 unirraditated or progressing brain metastasis of 0.5-2 cm on brain MRI. The study is conducted using a Simon’s optimal two-stage design, and approximately 87 patients will be enrolled concurrently (n=29 per cohort). Pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously on Day 1 of each cycle) and lenvatinib (20 mg orally once daily) are administered in 21-day cycles for a maximum of 24 months. The primary endpoint is intracranial objective response rate at 4 months as assessed by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Exploratory analyses will include evaluation of tissue and blood-based immune-related correlates of response to the pembrolizumab and lenvatinib combination. The first patient was enrolled in January 2022 and accrual of patients is ongoing (NCT05064280). Citation Format: Ecaterina E. Dumbrava, Emma J. Montazari, Uyen M. Vu, Tiantian Cai, Mehmet Altan, Nuhad K. Ibrahim, Debra N. Yeboa, Jing Li, Frederick F. Lang, Gisela Sanchez, Isabella C. Glitza, Barbara J. O'Brien, Rashmi K. Murthy, Jianbo Wang, Tanisha T. Darko, Denisse Velazquez, Komal Shah, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Hussein Tawbi, Jordi Rodon. Phase II study of pembrolizumab in combination with lenvatinib in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other tumor types and brain metastases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT292.