Promising Overall Survival Research Articles

Outcome of the Modified St. Jude Total XV Protocol in Turkish Children with Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

The prognostic factors and outcomes of Turkish children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), treated with the Modified St. Jude Total XV Protocol, which was adjusted by adding high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) before induction in the original protocol, were assessed in this study. The Modified St. Jude Total XV Protocol was administered to 183 newly diagnosed ALL patients, aged 1-18 years, between 1 January 2008 and 30 January 2016. HDMP was applied at doses of either 10 mg/kg/day (Group A) or 20 mg/kg/day (Group B) for 7 days before induction and then tapered over the next 7 days to 5 or 10 mg/kg/day, and continued at 2 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks during the induction phase. Absolute blast count (ABC) in peripheral blood and minimal residual disease (MRD) in bone marrow were assessed at the end of the initial 7-day HDMP treatment. MRD in the bone marrow was evaluated on day 15 and at the end of the induction period. The follow-up for these patients ended on 15 July 2019. The 5-year event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all patients were 85.6±2.6% and 89.2±2.3%, respectively. The rate of good response to steroids (defined as ABC in peripheral blood of less than 1000/mm3 on day 7) was 88% and 97% of children achieved complete remission after induction. The survival rate and infection frequency did not show statistically significant differences between Group A and B. EFS and OS correlated with initial leukocyte count, age of 10-18 years at diagnosis, CD20 positivity at diagnosis, and gram-negative bacterial infection during remission induction. The remarkable response rates on days 7 and 15, along with the promising EFS and OS results in childhood ALL patients treated with the Modified St. Jude Total XV Protocol, highlight the early and substantial response effect of HDMP. At the onset of induction, short-term HDMP can be initiated, preferably at 10 mg/kg/day for the first 7 days, to minimize potential side effects.

Long-term survivals of immune checkpoint inhibitors as neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy in dMMR/MSI-H colorectal and gastric cancers

BackgroundThe long-term survival benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings is unclear for colorectal cancers (CRC) and gastric cancers (GC) with deficiency of mismatch repair (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H).MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled patients with dMMR/MSI-H CRC and GC who received at least one dose of neoadjuvant ICIs (neoadjuvant cohort, NAC) or adjuvant ICIs (adjuvant cohort, AC) at 17 centers in China. Patients with stage IV disease were also eligible if all tumor lesions were radically resectable.ResultsIn NAC (n = 124), objective response rates were 75.7% and 55.4%, respectively, in CRC and GC, and pathological complete response rates were 73.4% and 47.7%, respectively. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 96% (95%CI 90–100%) and 100% for CRC (median follow-up [mFU] 29.4 months), respectively, and were 84% (72–96%) and 93% (85–100%) for GC (mFU 33.0 months), respectively. In AC (n = 48), the 3-year DFS and OS rates were 94% (84–100%) and 100% for CRC (mFU 35.5 months), respectively, and were 92% (82–100%) and 96% (88–100%) for GC (mFU 40.4 months), respectively. Among the seven patients with distant relapse, four received dual blockade of PD1 and CTLA4 combined with or without chemo- and targeted drugs, with three partial response and one progressive disease.ConclusionWith a relatively long follow-up, this study demonstrated that neoadjuvant and adjuvant ICIs might be both associated with promising DFS and OS in dMMR/MSI-H CRC and GC, which should be confirmed in further randomized clinical trials.

Prognostic value of PAX8 in small cell lung cancer

ObjectivesSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) shows poor prognosis since it metastasizes widely at early stage. Paired box gene (PAX) 8 is a transcriptional factor of PAX family, of which the expression in lung cancer is a controversial issue, and its prognostic value of PAX8 in SCLC is still unclear. Materials and methodsOverall, 184 subjects who were pathologically diagnosed with SCLC were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemical analysis of PAX8 and Ki-67 were performed. The correlations between PAX8 expression and clinical features or Ki-67 index were further analyzed. Subsequently, an analysis of the association between PAX8, stage, Ki-67 status, and overall survival (OS) were performed in 169 subjects with follow-up information. ResultsPAX8 was positive in 53.8% (99/184) SCLC specimens. The positive rate is significantly higher in extensive-stage specimens (61.0%) than in limited-stage specimens (45.24%). PAX8 expression is positively correlated with Ki-67 index (P = 0.001) while negatively correlated with OS (HR = 3.725, 95% CI 1.943–7.139, P＜0.001). In combination groups, the PAX8 negative and limited stage group had the most promising OS. ConclusionPAX8 expression rate in SCLC specimens is not low. It has prognostic value in small cell lung cancer.

Brief Report: Long-Term Follow-Up of Adjuvant Pembrolizumab After Locally Ablative Therapy for Oligometastatic NSCLC

IntroductionPatients with oligometastatic NSCLC benefit from locally ablative therapies (LAT); the role of adjuvant systemic therapies, however, remains less clear. In a single-arm, phase II clinical trial, we found that patients with oligometastatic NSCLC treated with a year of pembrolizumab after LAT had superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared with a historical control cohort. Herein, we present long-term follow-up on PFS and overall survival (OS). MethodsFrom February 1, 2015, to September 30, 2017, 45 patients with synchronous or metachronous oligometastatic (≤4 metastatic sites) NSCLC treated with LAT to all sites received adjuvant pembrolizumab every 21 days for up to 16 cycles. The primary efficacy end point was PFS from the start of pembrolizumab. Secondary end points included OS and safety. Median duration of follow-up was 66 months, and data cutoff was December 1, 2022. ResultsA total of 45 patients were enrolled and treated with pembrolizumab after LAT (median age, 64 y [range, 46–82]; 21 women [47%]; 31 with a solitary oligometastatic site [69%]). At the data cutoff, 32 patients had progressive disease, 19 patients had died, and 13 patients had no evidence of relapse. Median PFS was 19.7 months (95% confidence interval: 7.6–31.7 mo); median OS was not reached (95% confidence interval: 37.7 mo–not reached). OS at 5 years was 60.0% (SE, 7.4%). Metachronous oligometastatic disease was associated with improved OS and PFS through Cox proportional hazard models. ConclusionsPembrolizumab after LAT for oligometastatic NSCLC results in promising PFS and OS with a tolerable safety profile.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Extracranial Oligometastatic Disease from Head and Neck Primary Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly used to treat disease in the oligometastatic (OM) setting due to mounting evidence demonstrating its efficacy and safety. Given the low population representation in prospective studies, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes of HNC patients with extracranial OM disease treated with SBRT. A systematic review was conducted with Cochrane, Medline, and Embase databases queried from inception to August 2022 for studies with extracranial OM HNC treated with stereotactic radiotherapy. Polymetastatic patients (>five lesions), mixed-primary cohorts failing to report HNC separately, lack of treatment to all lesions, nonquantitative endpoints, and other definitive treatments (surgery, conventional radiotherapy, and radioablation) were excluded. The meta-analysis examined the pooled effects of 12- and 24-month local control (LC) per lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Weighted random-effects were assessed using the DerSimonian and Laird method, with heterogeneity evaluated using the I2 statistic and Cochran Qtest. Forest plots were generated for each endpoint. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria (639 patients, 831 lesions), with twelve eligible for quantitative synthesis with common endpoints and sufficient reporting. Fourteen studies were retrospective, with a single prospective trial. Studies were small, with a median of 32 patients (range: 6-81) and 63 lesions (range: 6-126). The OM definition varied, with a maximum of two to five metastases, mixed synchronous and metachronous lesions, and a few studies including oligoprogressive lesions. The most common site of metastasis was the lung. Radiation was delivered in 1-10 fractions (20-70 Gy). The one-year LC (LC1), reported in 12 studies, was 86.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.3-91.9%). LC2 was 77.9% (95% CI: 66.4-86.3%), with heterogeneity across studies. PFS was reported in five studies, with a PFS1 of 43.0% (95% CI: 35.0-51.4%) and PFS2 of 23.9% (95% CI: 17.8-31.2%), with homogeneity across studies. OS was analyzed in nine studies, demonstrating an OS1 of 80.1% (95% CI: 74.2-85.0%) and OS2 of 60.7% (95% CI: 51.3-69.4%). Treatment was well tolerated with no reported grade 4 or 5 toxicities. Grade 3 toxicity rates were uniformly below 5% when reported. SBRT offers excellent LC and promising OS, with acceptable toxicities in OM HNC. Durable PFS remains rare, highlighting the need for effective local or systemic therapies in this population. Further investigations on concurrent and adjuvant therapies are warranted.

Survival outcomes in patients with resectable gastric cancer treated with total neoadjuvant therapy.

338 Background: Perioperative chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer. However, the use of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), which includes both chemotherapy and chemoradiation, is increasing in other malignancies. The purpose of this study is to determine overall survival (OS) in a contemporary cohort of gastric cancer patients treated with TNT and surgical resection. Methods: Patients diagnosed with microsatellite-stable clinical T2+ or N+ gastric adenocarcinoma (January 2012 to June 2022) were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Those who underwent staging laparoscopy and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiation therapy, followed by gastrectomy, were included in the study. OS and variables associated with OS were determined using standard statistical methods. Results: Of 203 study patients, the median (interquartile range) age was 61 (50-69.5) years and 50 (24.6%) had tumor involving the gastroesophageal junction. The most common TNT sequence was chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation, which was utilized in 173 (85.2%) patients. The chemotherapy regimen typically given was fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in 149 (73.4%) patients. The most common radiation dose was 45 Gy in 25 fractions (169 [83.3%] patients), with 18 (8.9%) patients receiving 30 Gy in 10 fractions. One hundred ninety-seven (97.0%) patients completed all their planned neoadjuvant therapy. Surgical resection included total gastrectomy in 108 (53.2%), adjacent organ resection in 24 (11.8%), and extended (D1+/D2) lymphadenectomy in 193 (95.1%) patients. Pathologic complete response was achieved (pCR) in 32 (15.8%) patients. The median OS was 8.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.5-not reached) years, and the 5-year OS rate was 65.2% (95% CI 57.8-73.5%). Patients with pCR had a 5-year OS rate of 89.1% (95% CI 78.1-100.0%). On multivariable analysis, D1+/D2 lymphadenectomy (HR 0.21 [95% CI 0.088-0.51]), post-treatment pathologic (yp) T (ypT3 vs ypT0, HR 3.11 [95% CI 1.09-8.82]; ypT4 vs ypT0, HR 5.51 [95% CI 1.64-18.5]) and N stages (ypN1 vs ypN0, HR 2.41 [95% CI 1.13-5.13]; ypN2 vs ypN0, HR 2.43 [95% CI 1.14-5.20]; ypN3 vs ypN0, HR 4.70 [95% CI 2.09-10.6]), incidental distant metastasis at time of resection (HR 3.75 [95% CI 1.50-9.37]), and postoperative complications (HR 2.06 [95% CI 1.21-3.52]) were associated with OS. Conclusions: TNT is associated with a high rate of treatment completion and promising long-term OS for patients with resectable gastric cancer. Comparative studies with perioperative treatment and predictors of tumor response will be important in identifying patients suitable for TNT.

Phase 1b/2 Study of Escalating Doses of the NEDD8 Activating Enzyme Inhibitor Pevonedistat Administered in Combination with Standard Induction Therapy (Cytarabine and Idarubicin) in Newly Diagnosed High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction: Pevonedistat is a potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme that has demonstrated clinical activity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Preclinical studies suggest that pevonedistat synergistically enhances the activity of cytarabine in AML. We investigated the safety and efficacy of pevonedistat in combination with 7+3 cytarabine and idarubicin induction chemotherapy in adults with high-risk AML. Methods: This open-label, multicenter phase 1b/2 study (NCT03330821) enrolled patients aged ≥18 years with newly diagnosed high-risk AML, defined as therapy-related AML, AML with antecedent myelodysplastic syndrome or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes, the presence of adverse genetic features per ELN 2017 guidelines, or being age ≥55. Eligible patients had an ECOG status of 0-2. Patients were administered pevonedistat on days 1, 3, and 5 of each 28-day cycle in combination with cytarabine 100 mg/m 2 on days 1-7 and idarubicin 12 mg/m 2 on days 1-3. In the phase 1b dose-escalation part of the study, a standard 3+3 design was used to evaluate 2 dose levels of pevonedistat: 15 and 20 mg/m 2. Consolidation consisted of up to 4 cycles of cytarabine (1-3 g/m 2 q12h) on days 1, 3, and 5 or transplant. For pharmacodynamic (PD) assessment, RT-PCR assays were performed on peripheral blood samples to measure expression levels of 7 NRF-2 target genes (ATF3, GCLM, GSR, NQ01, SLC7A11, SRXN1, and TXNRD1). The primary objective for the phase 1b study was to determine the RP2D of pevonedistat in combination with cytarabine and idarubicin. The primary objective for the phase 2 study was to determine the composite complete response rate (CRc; CR+CRi). Secondary objectives included relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and safety and tolerability. Results: A total of 28 patients were enrolled at 5 sites in the US between August 2018 and August 2021. Six patients were enrolled in the phase 1b study and 22 patients in phase 2. Baseline patient characteristics are shown in Table 1. The median age was 61 years (range 47-74). Per the 2017 ELN risk classification, 8 of 28 patients (29%) had favorable risk, 8 (29%) had intermediate risk, and 12 (43%) had adverse risk. All 28 patients were included for safety and response assessments. In phase 1b, none of the 6 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity at 15 or 20 mg/m 2. Thus, the RP2D of pevonedistat was determined to be 20 mg/m 2. The CRc rate was 64% (95% CI 44-81) with 17 patients achieving CR and 1 patient achieving CRi. Of the 18 patients who achieved CR or CRi, 16 (89%) achieved MRD negativity by multiparameter flow cytometry, and 7 (39%) proceeded to HSCT. The CRc rates for patients in the ELN 2017 favorable, intermediate, and adverse risk groups were 100% (95% CI 63-100), 63% (95% CI 29-89), and 42% (95% CI 18-71), respectively. Eight patients were included in the interim PD analysis. Among patients who achieved CR or CRi (n=6), 4 (ATF3, GSR, SLC7A11, and SRXN1) of the 7 NRF-2 target genes measured were significantly upregulated at 5 hours post-pevonedistat induction compared to baseline. There was no significant increase in NRF-2-regulated gene transcript levels among patients with refractory disease (n=2). The median follow-up was 31.1 months (range 19.1-55.9). The median RFS was 24.4 months (95% CI 7-54.3+) and median OS was 25 months (95% CI 11.9-55.9+). The estimated 1-year and 2-year RFS were 72% (95% CI 52-93) and 55% (95% CI 23-78), respectively. The estimated 1-year and 2-year OS were 68% (95% CI 51-85) and 53% (95% CI 34-72), respectively. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were anemia (61%), febrile neutropenia (25%), and hypophosphatemia (18%). No treatment-related deaths were observed. Conclusion: Pevonedistat in combination with cytarabine and idarubicin was well tolerated among adults with newly diagnosed, high-risk AML and induced deep remissions with promising RFS and OS.

Safety and Efficacy of Bortezomib-Pomalidomide-Dexamethasone (VPD) As Novel Induction Therapy in Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Updated Data from an Ongoing Single Arm Phase-II Investigator- Initiated Clinical Trial (PRIME Study)

Introduction: Pomalidomide is a third-generation immunomodulatory drug approved for relapsed and/or refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM). In a phase 3 OPTIMISMM trial, Pomalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone demonstrated superior efficacy in patients with RRMM. PRIME study (CTRI/2019/10/021618) is testing Bortezomib, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone combination in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM). Initial data of 26 patients was presented as abstract in 63rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition. Current abstract is reporting the results of 46 patients with a longer follow up of this ongoing study. Objectives: Primary objective is to determine the efficacy of VPD regimen by measuring Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assessment by flow-cytometry after 9 cycles of VPD. Secondary objectives are to determine response rates, PFS and safety of the regimen Methods: A prospective, single arm, phase II study from a tertiary care center. Both transplant eligible and ineligible patients with NDMM aged between 18-70 years as defined by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) are being recruited in the study. The regimen consists of weekly Bortezomib 1.3mg/sq m, Pomalidomide 2 - 4mg once daily for 21days and Dexamethasone 20mg twice weekly, in a 28 days cycle for 9-12 cycles. Transplant patients planned for 9 cycles and non-transplant patients for 12 cycles of VPD. Eligible patients underwent High dose chemotherapy followed by Autologous HCT after 4-6 cycles of VPD. After Auto HCT 3-5 cycles of VPD given as consolidation therapy. After 9-12 cycles of VPD maintenance treatment given as per institutional practice. A 2-tube 8-colour antibody panel was used for MRD analysis using Flowcytometry (BD FACS CANTO-II) and analysed on Kaluza version. 1.3 software. A valve of < 0.001% was considered as MRD negative. Results: In this ongoing study, out of the proposed 50 patients, 46 patients were enrolled between April 2020 to June 2023. Median follow up is 24.5 months. The median age was 55 years (38-70), and gender ratio 1:1. At disease presentation, bone lesions was the commonest (91.3%, n 42) finding. The most common myeloma subtype was IgG Kappa in 43.5% (n 20). High risk cytogenetics were seen in 43.5% (n 20) and 43.5% (n 20) of patients were in RISS stage III (Table 1). Out of 46 patients 41 (89.1%) have completed 4 cycles and 30 (65.2%) patients have completed 9 cycles of VPD till last follow up (June, 2023). One patient had withdrawn consent, two patients were out of study due to increasing peripheral neuropathy (Grade 3). Five deaths occurred, 2 post cycle 8 and 3 after cycle 9. Four deaths were due to infections (COVID 19 and bacterial) and one due to progressive disease. Five patients underwent auto HCT (between Cycle 4 to 6). No patient failed stem cell mobilization, 2 patients required plerixafor in addition to G-CSF for mobilization. Table-1 shows drug-induced toxicity and response rates. Hematological toxicities were the commonest followed by fever, infections and skin rash. Majority of nonhematological adverse events were grade 1 to 2 and protocol was well tolerated. Protocol adherence was 97.8% (45/46 patients). After 4 cycles (n 43), 13 (30.2%) patients were in stringent complete response (sCR), 2(4.7%) in CR, 24 (55.8%) in very good partial response (VGPR) and 2 (4.7%) in partial response. After 9 cycles (n 35), 16 (45.7%) patients were in sCR, 2(5.7%) in CR and 11 (31.4%) in VGPR. Two (5.7%) patients had progressive disease (PD) and 3 patients were out of study due to consent withdrawn and toxicity. After 4 cycles of VPD 21 (48.8%) patients were MRD negative and MRD negative rate improved after 9 cycles to 74.3% (26 patients). Two years Progression Free survival (PFS) was 77.2% +/- 7.7% (Figure 1), disease free survival was 90.3% +/- 5.3% and overall survival (OS) was 83.1% +/- 7%. Conclusion: Safety data from the PRIME study demonstrates that VPD regimen has a favorable tolerance profile in patients with NDMM and no clinically significant impact on stem cell mobilization or engraftment. Early efficacy signals are encouraging, and recruitment continued. VPD has shown improved depth of response (MRD negativity) and overall response rate. Early follow up results shows promising PFS and OS results. VPD may be a promising induction regimen instead of Dara VRD in resource constrain setting where Daratumumab is not readily accessible. Phase 3 randomized trials are the way forward to its clinical use in frontline setting.

Therapeutic effectiveness of anlotinib combined with etoposide in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: a single-arm, phase II trial

BackgroundAnlotinib plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) achieves good efficacy, but there is still room for improvement. This clinical study examined the effectiveness of anlotinib plus etoposide for maintenance therapy in ES-SCLC.MethodsThe current single-arm, prospective phase II study was performed at Jiangsu Cancer Hospital (March 2019 to March 2022). After successful primary etoposide-based therapy, anlotinib was administered at 12 mg/day on days 1 to 14 of 21-day cycles until disease progression or consent withdrawal. All patients also received etoposide at 50 mg/day on days 1 to 14 of 21-day cycles for a maximum of six cycles. Progression-free survival (PFS) constituted the primary study endpoint. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective remission rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety. In addition, adverse events (AEs) were assessed.ResultsTwenty-eight patients were treated. Median PFS and OS were 8.02 (95%CI 5.36–10.67) and 11.04 (95%CI 10.37–11.68) months, respectively. Totally 9 and 18 participants showed a partial response and stable disease, respectively; ORR and DCR were 32.14% and 96.43%, respectively. The commonest all-grade AEs were fatigue (n = 11, 39.28%), hypertension (n = 11, 39.28%), loss of appetite (n = 9, 32.14%), oral mucositis (n = 7, 25.00%) and proteinuria (n = 6, 21.40%). Grade 3–4 AEs included fatigue (n = 4, 14.28%), hypertension (n = 2, 7.14%), hand and foot syndrome (n = 2, 7.14%), oral mucositis (n = 1, 3.57%), hemoptysis (n = 1, 3.57%), proteinuria (n = 1, 3.57%), gingival bleeding (n = 1, 3.57%), and serum creatinine elevation (n = 1, 3.57%).ConclusionMaintenance anlotinib plus etoposide achieves promising PFS and OS in clinical ES-SCLC.Registration numberChiCTR1800019421.

SABRSeq: A Randomized Phase Ib Trial of SABR Sequencing with Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

The optimal sequencing of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) with anti-PD1 checkpoint blockade is unknown. The purpose of SABRseq was to assess the toxicity of the combination of SABR delivered either before or after the commencement of pembrolizumab. The central hypothesis is that the treatment combination will have a safety profile that is clinically acceptable and demonstrate anti-tumor efficacy. Furthermore, we hypothesize that differences in systemic immune activation will be observed between treatment arms. This was a single institutional phase Ib randomized clinical trial (Trial ID NCT03307759). Eligible patients had metastatic NSCLC, ECOG performance 0-1, and had not received prior checkpoint immunotherapy, high-dose radiation (>36 Gy) within 6 months, or either systemic or radiation therapy within 4 weeks of randomization. Eligible patients had either TPS≥50% PD-L1 expression in the first-line or TPS≥1% PD-L1 expression with prior chemotherapy exposure. Patients were randomized to SABR before the commencement of pembrolizumab [ARM1] or SABR commencing after pembrolizumab [ARM2]. SABR was delivered in a single fraction of 18-20 Gy to 1-3 lesions. The primary endpoint was treatment-related adverse events (AE's) related to SABR and/or pembrolizumab. Secondary endpoints included best overall response (BOR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Translational objectives included the evaluation of longitudinal changes in immunological cellular subsets within peripheral blood to explore changes in systemic immunity and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics. Between December 2017 and December 2019, 13 patients were randomized. The median follow-up was 37 months. The study was closed early due to poor accrual. Median age was 66 years, with 11 patients (84%) having adenocarcinoma. Nine (69%) were enrolled in the first-line setting. The median [range] number of lesions was 6 [3-11]. The median [range] cycles of pembrolizumab delivered in ARM 1 was 13 [12-32] and ARM 2 was 9 [3-34]. Grade 3 treatment-related AEs were experienced in 0 of 5 patients in ARM1 and in 1 of 8 patients in ARM 2 (hyperglycemia). There were no grade 4 or 5 adverse events reported. The BOR by both RECIST and iRECIST criteria was CR in one patient, PR in seven patients, SD in five patients. Median (95% Cis) PFS was 12.4 months (6.3-21.0), and median (95% Cis) OS was 47.1 months (12.6-not reached; 2-year point estimate 62% [31-82]). Mass cytometry was used on serial peripheral blood samples to examine changes in the frequency of immune cells, changes in T cell activation, differentiation and functional polarization state. Targeted sequencing was performed to assess ctDNA. Translational outcomes will be presented. There was no evidence of a concerning safety signal from either SABR before or after start of pembrolizumab. The combination demonstrated activity with promising PFS and OS and is worthy of evaluation in larger randomized trials.

Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs): A meta-analysis of clinical trials.

165 Background: Patients with recurrent or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have limited treatment options and a poor prognoses. Programmed death–ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been associated with the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of NETs. This article analyzes the efficacy and safety profile of PDL1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab in advanced NETs. Our objective is to identify all the clinical trials in which Pembrolizumab has been assessed in treating NETs and to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile in this patient population with high power. Methods: Systemic searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted with prespecified terms. The outcomes studied in our analysis were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and serious adverse events (AEs). We calculated the pooled ORR for these studies using weighted pooled ORR = Σ (ORR_i * weight_i). We calculated the standard error using the formula SE = √(Σ (wi x (1 - ORRi) x ORRi) / Σ (wi x ni)) and the 95% confidence interval using the formula CI = ORR ± (1.96 x SE). This statistical method was also used to calculate our study's pooled DCR, PFS, OS, and serious AEs. However, it is essential to note that the pooled data is only as reliable as the individual data estimates from each study and may be subject to bias or confounding factors. Results: Five clinical trials met the inclusion criteria, including patients with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, lung, and lower genital tract NETs. Outcome data were available for all five studies, comprising 177 patients with NETs who received Pembrolizumab as part of the treatment regimen (Table). The pooled ORR and DCR were 5.27% (95% CI 2.23-8.31) and 5.4% (95% CI 3-7.8), respectively. The pooled weighted PFS was 4.4 months, and pooled weighted OS was 23.3 months. These findings suggest that Pembrolizumab has a promising ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS. Safety was a secondary endpoint, and the pooled serious AEs were noted in 20.9% of patients. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab demonstrated statistically significant efficacy and safety profile in a subset of patients with NETs and was overall well-tolerated. In recent years, the combination strategy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) with PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitors has shown promising clinical benefits in patients with various solid tumors. Further studies are needed to analyze the efficacy and safety of TKI with PD-L1 inhibitors in NETs. [Table: see text]

Efficacy of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors therapy in advanced cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR genes alterations: A meta-analysis of phase II clinical trials.

54 Background: Fibroblast growth factor receptor ( FGFR) gene fusions and rearrangements are involved in the pathogenesis of approximately 10 to 16 percent of patients with cholangiocarcinoma. There is no meta-analysis available of phase 2 clinical trials of FGFR inhibitors in these patients. In this article, we analyze the efficacy of FGFR inhibitors in advanced cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR gene fusions or other rearrangements. Methods: Systemic searches of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted with prespecified terms. The outcomes studied in our analysis were Objective response rate (ORR), Disease control rate (DCR), Progression-free survival (PFS), and Overall survival (OS). We calculated the pooled ORR for these studies by using weighted average ORR = Σ (ORR_i * weight_i). Calculate the standard error using the formula SE = √(Σ (wi x (1 - ORRi) x ORRi) / Σ (wi x ni)) and the 95% confidence interval using the formula CI = ORR ± (1.96 x SE). However, it is important to note that the pooled ORR is only as reliable as the individual ORR estimates from each study and may be subject to bias or confounding factors. This method was used to calculate the pooled DCR, PFS, and OS for our study as well. All data extraction and calculations were verified by three reviewers. Results: Eight phase II clinical trials met the inclusion criteria (1-8). Outcome data were available for all eight studies, comprising 562 patients with FGFR-positive advanced cholangiocarcinoma who received FGFR-targeted treatment regimens. The pooled objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 32.6% (95% CI 28.1-37.1) and 81.86% (95% CI 74.96-88.76), respectively. The pooled weighted progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.5 months, and pooled overall survival (OS) was 17.4 months. These findings suggest that FGFR-targeted treatment regimens have a promising ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS. Conclusions: FGFR inhibitors as a class in patients with advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR gene alterations showed clinically meaningful efficacy with durable objective responses. [Table: see text]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with modified FOLFOXIRI for locally advanced rectal cancer to transform effectively EMVI and MRF from positive to negative: results of a long-term single center phase 2 clinical trial

PurposeChemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This phase 2 clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant triplet chemotherapy with mFOLFOXIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) in LARC.Patients and methodsThe patients with LARC (the lower edge more than 5 cm from the anal verge) received up to 5 cycles of mFOLFOXIRI. MRI was performed to assess the baseline and postchemotherapy TN stage. Radical resection was performed within 4–6 weeks from the last dose of chemotherapy if the tumor shrank or remained stable. Adjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 or XELOX was recommended. Postoperative radiation was planned for R1 resection, ypT4b, ypN2 and a positive CRM. The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate.ResultsFrom February 2016 to March 2019, 50 patients were enrolled. Forty-eight (96%) were clinically node-positive, 28 (56.5%) with MRF invasion and 39 (78.4%) were EMVI positive. The median cycle of neoadjuvant mFOLFOXIRI chemotherapy was 5 (range,1–5). A total of 46/50 (92%) patients underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery, all with R0 resection. The pCR rate was 4.3% (2/46). Twenty-three of 46 (50%) patients with cN + achieved a pathological node-negative status. The proportions of pathologically positive CRM and EMVI were 2.2% and 34.7%, respectively. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to 14/46 (30.4%) patients. The most common Grade 3 or > toxicities included neutrocytopenia (50%), leukopenia (14%) and diarrhea (12%) during the neoadjuvant chemotherapy period. Clinically meaningful postoperative complications included pneumonia (n = 1), pelvic infection (n = 1) and anastomotic fistula (n = 1). With a median follow-up time of 51.2 months, local recurrences and distant metastases were confirmed in 3 (6.5%) and 9 (19.6%) of cases, respectively. The 3-year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)rates were 75.8% and 86.8%.ConclusionNeoadjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOXIRI yielded a significant down-staging effect and seemed to be effective in eliminating EMVI and transforming the positive MRF to negative in LARC. The survival results are promising. The long-term follow-up showed promising DFS and OS rates accompanied by a favorable safety profile.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03443661, 23/02/2018.

A phase 2/3 trial in progress on tebentafusp as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in HLA-A*02:01+ patients with previously treated advanced non-uveal melanoma (TEBE-AM).

TPS9594 Background: Tebentafusp is a bispecific (gp100 x CD3) ImmTAC that can redirect T cells to target gp100+ melanoma cells. In a Phase (Ph) 3 trial, tebentafusp demonstrated an overall survival (OS) benefit (HR 0.51) compared to investigator's choice (IC) in first line HLA-A*02:01+ patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). Gp100, which has limited expression in normal cells, is overexpressed in melanoma, including skin melanoma, supporting the investigation of tebentafusp in non-uveal melanoma. In a first-in-human trial, tebentafusp monotherapy demonstrated a promising 1-year OS (~74%) in anti-PD(L)1 naïve HLA-A*02:01+ patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma (mCM). In a subsequent Ph1 trial, tebentafusp combined with anti-PDL1, with or without anti-CTLA4, demonstrated a 1-year OS of 75% in patients with mCM who progressed on prior anti-PD(L)1 therapy, which compares favorably with recent benchmarks (1-year OS 38%-57%) in similar patient populations.1-3 The promising activity of tebentafusp as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD(L)1 agents in advanced melanoma (AM) provides the rationale to conduct a Ph2/3 trial of tebentafusp (TEBE-AM; NCT05549297) in patients who have progressed on standard of care therapies. In mUM trials, RECIST response underestimated the OS benefit of tebentafusp, whereas a strong association was shown between OS and early reduction in ctDNA levels relative to baseline.4 As an early measure of changes in tumor burden, ctDNA reduction is included as an innovative dual primary endpoint with OS for the Ph2 part of this study. Methods: TEBE-AM is a multicenter, open-label, seamless Ph2/3 study in HLA-A*02:01+ patients with non-uveal AM who have progressed on prior anti-PD(L)1, received prior ipilimumab, and a prior BRAF/MEK inhibitor regimen if actionable BRAF mutation is present. Patients are randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive tebentafusp monotherapy, tebentafusp combined with pembrolizumab, or IC. In the IC arm, patients may enroll in clinical trials of investigational agents, receive local standard of care, or receive best supportive care, while being followed for key endpoints. Randomization into the Ph3 portion will commence immediately following completion of accrual into the Ph2 portion. Efficacy from the Ph2 portion may inform changes to the Ph3 design. Primary endpoints are ctDNA reduction relative to baseline and OS in Ph2 and OS in Ph3. Ph2 enrollment opened in Jan 2023 in the US and is expected to open in other countries mid-2023. Clinical trial registration: NCT05549297. 1. Zimmer L, et al. Eur J Cancer 75:47–55, 2017. 2. Silva IPD, et al. J Clin Oncol 38:10005–10005, 2020. 3. Arance AM, et al. J Clin Oncol 39:S9504, 2021. 4. Carvajal RD, et al. Nat Med 28:2364-2373, 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT05549297 .

Long-term follow-up of “adjuvant” pembrolizumab following locally ablative therapy for oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

9061 Background: Patients with oligometastatic (OM) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) benefit from local ablative therapies (LAT); however, the role of adjuvant systemic therapies post LAT remains less clear. In a single-arm Phase II clinical trial (NCT02316002), we demonstrated that patients with OM NSCLC treated with adjuvant pembrolizumab following LAT had superior progression free survival (PFS) compared to historical controls. Here, we present long term follow-up on PFS and overall survival (OS). Methods: Patients with OM (≤ 4 metastatic sites) NSCLC treated with LAT to all sites received pembrolizumab every 21 days for up to 16 cycles from February 1, 2015 through September 30, 2017. Other key inclusion criteria included ECOG PS 0-1 and the absence of autoimmune diseases. Patients were eligible regardless of the number of prior therapies or PD-L1 status. Our study design was an intention to treat analysis with a null hypothesis that PFS would be equivalent to historical controls (6.6 months) compared with the alternative that PFS would be greater than 10 months. Assuming 42 patients enrolled over 2 years, we calculated 80% power to detect improvement in PFS with a 1-sided 5% significance level. Primary efficacy endpoint was PFS from the start of pembrolizumab and was defined as evidence of progressive disease (PD) via RESCIST v1.1 criteria, death, or last contact. Secondary endpoints included OS, determined by date of death or last contact, and safety. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to assess associations between clinicopathologic features and PFS or OS. Results: 51 patients enrolled in the study; 45 patients (median age, 64 years [range, 46-82]; 21 [47%] women; 31 [69%] with solitary OM site) received pembrolizumab following LAT. Patients received a median of 11 cycles of pembrolizumab; 18 (40%) patients completed 16 cycles. At the data cutoff (December 1, 2022; median f/u, 65.8 months), 32 patients had PD, 19 patients died, and 13 patients had no evidence of relapse. Median PFS was 19.7 months (95% CI, 7.6-31.7 months); median OS was not reached (95% CI, NR-NR). OS rate at 5 years was 60.0% (SE, 7.4%). Upon PD, 94% of patients received salvage therapies. Median OS from the time of PD was 39.7 months (95% CI, 13.8-65.6 months). Metachronous OM disease was significantly associated with improved OS (HR, 3.2 [95% CI, 1.5-6.7] and PFS (HR, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.2-7.5]) via multivariate Cox proportional-hazard models. The number of OM sites, CNS disease, nodal stage at diagnosis, or tumor PD-L1 status was not significantly associated with PFS or OS. We did not observe new safety signals for pembrolizumab following LAT aside from those previously reported. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab following LAT for OM NSCLC results in promising PFS and OS compared to historical experience with a tolerable safety profile. Further investigation of this approach with a randomized trial is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02316002 .

First line (1L) durvalumab in patients with PD-L1 positive, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a performance status of 2 (PS2): Primary analysis of the multicenter, single-arm phase II trial SAKK 19/17.

9088 Background: The safety and efficacy of 1L durvalumab in PS2 patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC is unknown. Important safety data leading to exclusion of pts with relevant respiratory symptoms have been published as an interim report. Here we present the primary analysis of 1L durvalumab in PS2 pts, unsuitable for combination chemotherapy and PD-L1 expression in ≥25% of tumor cells. Methods: In this single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial pts with PD-L1 positive (tumor proportional score, TPS ≥25%), advanced NSCLC with PS2, unsuitable for combination chemotherapy determined by the investigators, in the absence of known contraindications for immunotherapy and sufficient organ function, received a fixed dose of 1500 mg durvalumab every four weeks. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) at 6 months. The statistical hypothesis was to improve OS at 6 months from ≤35% to ≥53%. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for AEs (NCI CTCAE) version 5.0. Results: Forty-eight pts were included (29 males, 19 females). Median age was 76 years (range, 37-87). OS at 6 months was 60% (95% CI: 45-74%). OS at 6 months after the exclusion of pts with initially relevant respiratory symptoms was 67% (95% CI: 46-84%, n = 27) compared to the subgroup of pts without this exclusion criteria who were recruited before the amendment (52%, 95% CI: 30-74%, n = 21). Median OS was 8.5 months (95%CI: 4.4-16.7). Objective response rate and median PFS were 17% (95% CI: 8-30%) and 2.5 months (95% CI: 1.8-7.1). Thirty-three deaths (69%) were observed to date. Ten early fatal events considered not treatment-related occurred during the first 5 weeks of treatment. Four out of the first 7 early fatal events (4/7; 57%) were respiratory failures in pts with advanced symptomatic primary lung tumors. Only 3 more early fatal events occurred after the protocol amendment excluding pts with severe respiratory symptoms. Thirty-nine patients (81%) had an AE grade ≥3 (G3). The most frequent AEs ≥G3 were lung infection (19%), dyspnea (15%) and hypertension (10%), respectively. Treatment-related AEs ≥G3 were reported in 9 pts (19%) and included colonic perforation in one patient (grade 5), colitis in 5 pts (10%), hepatitis and increased lipase in 3 pts each (6%). Conclusions: 1L durvalumab in PS2 pts with advanced PD-L1 positive (TPS ≥25%) NSCLC is effective and led to a promising 6-month OS of 60%. Four-weekly durvalumab can be safely offered to pts presenting without severe pulmonary symptoms who are not candidates for chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03620669 .

Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 Glass Microspheres as a First-Line Treatment for Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma—A Prospective Feasibility Study

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization as first-line treatment for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Materials and MethodsThis prospective study enrolled patients who had never received chemotherapy, liver embolization, and radiation therapy. The tumors were solitary in 16 patients, multiple in 8 patients, unilobar in 14 patients, and bilobar in 10 patients. Patients underwent transarterial radioembolization with 90Y-labeled glass microspheres. The primary end point was hepatic progression-free survival (HPFS). Secondary end points were overall survival (OS), tumor response, and toxicity. ResultsTwenty-four patients (age, 72.3 years ± 9.3; 12 women) were included in the study. The median delivered radiation dose was 135.5 Gy (interquartile range, 77.6 Gy). The median HPFS was 5.5 months (95% CI, 3.9–7.0 months). Analysis failed to identify any prognostic factor associated with HPFS. Imaging response at 3 months showed 56% disease control, and the best radiographic response was 71% disease control. The median OS from the radioembolization treatment was 19.4 months (95% CI, 5.0–33.7). Patients with solitary ICC had significantly longer median OS than patients with multifocal ICC: 25.9 months (95% CI, 20.8–31.0 months) versus 10.7 months (95% CI, 8.0–13.4 months) (P = .02). Patients with progression on the 3-month imaging follow-up had significantly shorter median OS than patients who had stable disease at 3 months: 10.7 months (95% CI, 0.7–20.7 months) versus 37.3 months (95% CI, 16.5–58.1 months) (P = .003). Two (8%) Grade 3 toxicities were reported. ConclusionsFirst-line treatment of ICC with radioembolization showed promising OS and minimal toxicity, especially in patients with solitary tumor. Radioembolization may be considered as a first-line treatment option for unresectable ICC.

Phase II trial of maximal ablative irradiation because of encasement (MAIBE) for patients with potentially resectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

710 Background: For patients with localized but not immediately resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the role for local therapy remains undefined. Phase II MAIBE trial studied ablative radiation (A-RT) followed by consideration of surgery for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who remain unresectable after induction chemotherapy. Methods: Participants with histologically confirmed PDAC judged unresectable by multidisciplinary review using NCCN definition after completing 3-6 months of mFOLFIRINOX (FFX) or Gemcitabine/Nab-paclitaxel (GN) were eligible. They received hypofractionated A-RT (either 67.5Gy in 15 fractions or 75Gy in 25 fractions based on anatomy) with concurrent capecitabine followed by consideration of resection within 1-3 months. Primary endpoints included resectability (80% power to detect resectability improvement from 15% in historical controls to 30% with α = 0.05) and overall survival (OS) from A-RT. Secondary endpoints included safety of surgical resection after ablative RT using 90-day Clavien-Dindo Classification of adverse events (AE). Results: Between 6/2018 and 4/2022, 47 eligible participants underwent A-RT. Median age was 67 (range, 50-80) years, 24 (51%) were male with a median tumor size of 3.95 (1.6 – 8.3) cm and CA19-9 of 92 ( < 1-1601) U/mL. Forty-four patients (94%) received at least 1 cycle of FFX with a median duration of chemotherapy (FFX or GN) of 3.5 months (1.0 – 9.4). Sixteen (34%) underwent a laparoscopy and 12 (26%) underwent a resection (Pancreaticoduodenectomy, N = 11; distal pancreatectomy, N = 1) at a median time of 3.2 months (1.9-16.9 months) from start of A-RT. The rate of resection satisfied our prespecified boundary of 11. R0 rate was 58.3%. Two-year OS from A-RT for the entire cohort was 38.9% (95% CI, 21.9 – 55.6%), including 37.1% (18.5 - 55.8%) in non-surgical and 39.4% (7.0- 72.1%) in surgical groups. There were no deaths within 90 days of surgery and 9 surgical AEs were recorded in 6 participants, including grade 1 (n = 1), grade 2 (n = 5), grade 3 (n = 2) and grade unknown (n = 1). Conclusions: In patients with LAPC and no metastatic disease after 3-6 months of chemotherapy, A-RT results in a favorable rate of resection without excess surgical toxicity. Promising 2-year OS rates were noted in both resected and non-resected patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03523312 .

Outcomes of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation as a Consolidative Strategy for the Treatment of Primary and Isolated Secondary Central Nervous System Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphomas.

Standard consolidation for primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the central nervous system (CNS) (PCNSL) is not established. This single center, retrospective observational study aims to define the outcomes of consolidative high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC/ASCT) in patients with PCNSL and isolated secondary CNS DLBCL (SCNSL) and evaluate the prognostic factors. All consecutive patients performed an HDC/ASCT for PCNSL or isolated SCNSLs between October 2012 and February 2022 were identified. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Among 35 patients included, 28 had PCNSL and 7 had isolated SCNSL. Median age was 51 (16-78). Males constituted 48.6%. Median follow-up after HDC/ASCT was 42.0 months. MATRIX (51.4%) and TEAM (80.0%) were the most frequent regimens of induction and conditioning, respectively. OS and PFS 1- and 2-year after HDC/ASCT were 68.0%, 57.0%, 58.0%, 48.0%, respectively. Increasing age, poor performance and comorbidities were associated with lower OS and PFS and higher non-relapse mortality (NRM). Complete response (CR) 1 at HDC/ACST was independently associated with higher OS and PFS [hazard ratio (HR): 4.67 and 6.99, respectively]. In patients < 60 years consolidative HDC/ASCT yields promising OS and PFS. Patients ≥ 60 years may less likely benefit from consolidative HDC/ASCT and should be studied further in trials of novel agents, lower doses of consolidative radiotherapy and dose-adjusted conditioning regimens. Not only age, but also comorbidities, clinical performance and response to induction correlate with outcomes. Patients with isolated SCNSL may achieve similar outcomes.

Clinical Efficacy of Hypofractionated Proton Beam Therapy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Forty-seven patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) who received proton beam therapy (PBT) were analyzed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hypofractionated PBT in patients with inoperable or recurrent IHCC. The median prescribed dose of PBT was 63.3 GyE (range: 45-80 GyE) in 10 fractions, and the median duration of follow-up in all the patients was 18.3 months (range: 2.4-89.9 months). Disease progression occurred in 35 of the 47 (74.5%) patients; local, intrahepatic, and extrahepatic progression occurred in 5 (10.6%), 20 (42.6%), and 29 (61.7%) patients, respectively. The 2-year freedom from local progression (FFLP), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) rates, and median time of OS were 86.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.4-99.4%), 16.8% (95% CI, 4.3-29.3%), 42.7% (95% CI, 28.0-57.4%), and 21.9 months (95% CI, 16.2-28.3 months), respectively; grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in four (8.5%) patients. In selected patients with localized disease (no viable tumors outside of the PBT sites), the median time of OS was 33.8 months (95% CI, 5.4-62.3). These findings suggest that hypofractionated PBT is safe and could offer a high rate of FFLP and promising OS in patients with inoperable or recurrent IHCC.