Solid Tumors V1 Research Articles

PEARL: A multicenter phase 2 study of lorlatinib in patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC and central nervous system disease

BackgroundPatients with ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (ALK+ NSCLC) with symptomatic brain (BM) and leptomeningeal (LM) metastases are underrepresented in clinical trials due to poor performance status. Additionally, the need for improved and validated assessment criteria for evaluating central nervous system (CNS) response remains critical. Lorlatinib has demonstrated systemic activity in patients with ALK+ NSCLC. This ongoing phase II study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lorlatinib in ALK+ NSCLC patients with progressive CNS metastases. Patients and MethodsThis study is a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, prospective trial. Fifty eligible subjects will be divided into two cohorts: BM (progressive or new brain parenchymal; n=30) and LM (positive cerebrospinal fluid cytology and/or MRI ± brain parenchymal metastasis; n=20). Key inclusion criteria include ALK status confirmed using FDA-approved tests, at least one CNS lesion, with or without CNS-related symptoms, and an ECOG performance status of 0-2 for the BM cohort and 0-3 for the LM cohort. Primary endpoint is intracranial objective response rate based on the modified version of response evaluation criteria in solid tumors v1.1 for BM and modified RANO-LM criteria for LM. Key secondary endpoints include intracranial progression-free survival, overall progression-free survival, objective response rate, overall survival, safety and quality of life. Biomarker analysis of paired pre-treatment tumor, blood and optional cerebrospinal fluid will be performed as preplanned exploratory analyses. ConclusionsThe PEARL study (CTONG2303) will evaluate efficacy of lorlatinib in CNS metastases in ALK+ NSCLC using refined CNS response evaluation criteria, with biomarker analyses providing insights into response and resistance mechanisms.

Phase II Parallel Arm Study of Sacituzumab Govitecan-Hziy in Patients with Advanced Thymoma or Thymic Carcinoma

BackgroundThymic epithelial tumors (TETs), including thymoma and thymic carcinoma, are rare thoracic tumors of the anterior mediastinum. For those with advanced disease, platinum-based chemotherapy is used as first-line treatment. However, there is no standard regimen established for TET at progression after initial therapy, and treatment options for advanced/recurrent TETs are limited. Trop-2, a transmembrane glycoprotein, is overexpressed in solid tumors including thymomas and thymic carcinomas. Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy, a Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate, has shown efficacy and safety in several tumors including breast cancer. The overexpression of Trop-2 in TETs and the clinical efficacy in other malignancies provide rationale for exploring its use in thymoma and thymic carcinoma. MethodsThis open-label, single-arm, parallel cohort, multi-center study assesses the safety and efficacy of sacituzumab govitecan-hziy in patients with advanced thymoma (cohort A) and thymic carcinoma (cohort B) who have received at least one prior line of systemic therapy (NCT06248515). The study employs a Simon optimal two-stage design, enrolling patients with adequate performance status, measurable disease, and adequate organ function. Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy is administered at a fixed dose of 10 mg/kg weekly on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Follow-up continues every 6 months for 2 years post-discontinuation. Archival tissue is obtained prior to initiation of study treatment with an optional biopsy at the time of progression. In cases where archival tissue is not available, a fresh biopsy is obtained at baseline. The primary endpoint is investigator-assessed response rate using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 (RECIST) criteria, with tumor imaging assessments every 2 cycles during the first 3 months and every 3 cycles thereafter. Secondary endpoints comprise adverse events by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0, median and 6-month progression-free survival, duration of response, and overall survival. For each cohort, 9 patients will be enrolled. If 0 of the 9 achieve a response, no further patients will be enrolled in that cohort. If 1 or more of the first 9 patients has a response, accrual will continue until a total of 17 patients have been enrolled in that cohort.

Nivolumab and sunitinib in patients with advanced bone sarcomas: A multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial.

Herein, we present the results of the phase 2 IMMUNOSARC study (NCT03277924), investigating sunitinib and nivolumab in adult patients with advanced bone sarcomas (BS). Progressing patients with a diagnosis of BS were eligible. Treatment was comprised of sunitinib (37.5 mg/day on days 1-14, 25 mg/day afterword) plus nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks). Primary end point was progression-free survival rate (PFSR) at 6 months based on central radiology review. Secondary end points were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1, and safety. A total of 46 patients were screened, 40 patients entered the study, and 38 underwent central radiological review and were evaluable for primary end point. Median age was 47 years (range, 21-74). Histologies include 17 (43%) osteosarcoma, 14 chondrosarcoma (35%, 10 conventional, four dedifferentiated [DDCS]), eight (20%) Ewing sarcoma, and one (2%) undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. The PFSR at 6 months was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27-58). With a median follow-up of 39.8 months (95% CI, 37.9-41.7), the median PFS and OS were 3.8 months (95% CI, 2.7-4.8) and 11.9 months (95% CI, 5.6-18.2). ORR by RECIST was 5%, with two of 38 partial responses (one of four DDCS and one of 17 osteosarcoma), 19 of 38 (50%) stable disease, and 17 of 38 (45%) progressions. Grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (six of 40, 15%), anemia (5/40, hypertension (6/40, 15%), 12.5%), ALT/AST elevation (5/40, 12.5%), and pneumonitis (1/40, 2.5%). Seventeen percent of patients discontinued treatment due to toxicity, including a treatment-related grade 5 pneumonitis CONCLUSION: The trial met its primary end point in the BS cohort with >15% of patients progression-free at 6 months. However, the toxicity profile of this regimen was relevant.

Results of an Integrated Phase I/II Prospective Clinical Trial (NEXIS) for Neoadjuvant Anti-PD-L1 (Durvalumab) and Anti-CTLA-4 (Tremelimumab) With Radiation for High-Risk Soft-Tissue Sarcoma of the Trunk and Extremities.

Background The current management of large, high-grade soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the trunk and extremities includes radiation and surgical resection. The initial use of chemotherapy and targeted therapy are controversial and although most patients present with localized disease, many eventually develop incurable metastases. The results and analysis of the safety and antitumor activity of combined checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy with neoadjuvant radiation for high-risk primary STS are presented here. Methods This was an integrated phase I/II prospective single-arm trial (Nutrition and Exercise in Critical Illness Trial (NEXIS) trial). Eligible patients were age ≥18 years with histologically confirmed intermediate or high-grade STS of the trunk or extremity ≥5 cm diameter and were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1. The treatment algorithm included neoadjuvant anti-PD-L1 (Durvalumab) and anti-CTLA-4 (Tremelimumab) for three cycles of four weeks/cycle along with external beam radiation for five weeks, followed by wide surgical resection, and adjuvant Durvalumab monotherapy for four cycles. High-grade toxicity was continually assessed for the first 12 patients in phase I and the primary endpoint for phase II was an excellent histological response (grade 0 or 1 score on a semi-quantitative assessment for tumor regression). This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03116529. Findings Between October 2017 and November 2021, 23 patients were enrolled. Five patients had progression of distant disease during neoadjuvant treatment and withdrew from the study before surgery. A total of 18 patients who completed at least the neoadjuvant immunotherapy, radiation and surgery were included for analysis. The most common tumor was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n=9, 50%). The occurrence of any adverse event (AE) was recorded in 16 (88.9%)patients, and 3 (16.7%)patients had a serious AE. Eight out of 18 patients (44.4%) had disease-free survival at a median of 39.7 months. Four out of 18 patients (22.2%) were alive-with-disease at a median of 37.1 months from diagnosis of distant metastasis, and six out of 18 (33.3%) died of disease at a median of 20.8 monthsfrom diagnosis of distant metastasis. Local recurrence occurred in two patients (11.1%) and was concomitant with distant disease in each case. Based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1, a partial response was noted in five (27.8%) cases, stable disease in 10 (55.6%) cases, and progressive disease in three (16.7%) cases. Histological semiquantitative analysis revealed a "good" responsein eight (44.4%) patients, a "moderate" response in four (22.2%) patients, and a "poor" response in six (33.3%) patients. The mean patient-reported outcome measures regarding fatigue, physical function, or physical interference demonstrated no significant differences between various timepoints before, during, or after treatment. Conclusion Neoadjuvant combined immunotherapy and radiation for high-risk STS was relatively well-tolerated. The histological, radiologic, and clinical outcome data in this novel trial were relatively similar to historical literature for non-immunotherapy treatment regimens.

Salvage stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy after thermal ablation of primary kidney cancer.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of salvage stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after thermal ablation (TA). This study was a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of patients with recurrent RCC following TA who received SABR between 2016 and 2020. The primary study outcome was freedom from local failure, evaluated radiographically based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) v1.1. Distant failure, cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), treatment-related toxicity and renal function changes following SABR were the secondary outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate freedom from local and distant failure, CSS and OS. Seventeen patients with 18 biopsy-confirmed RCCs were included, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at time of SABR of 75.2 (72.6-68.7) years, a median (IQR) tumour size of 3.5 (1.9-4.1) cm and follow-up (reverse Kaplan-Meier method) of 3.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-4.1) years. Six of the 17 patients had a solitary kidney. Five patients had failed repeat TA prior to SABR. The median (IQR) time from TA procedure to SABR was 3.03 (1.5-5.1) years. No patient experienced local progression, with a local control rate of 100%. Four patients, two with baseline metastatic disease, experienced distant progression. The distant progression-free survival, CSS and OS at 3 years were 72.1% (95% CI 51.9%-100%), 92.3% (95% CI 78.9%-100%) and 82.1% (95% CI 62.1%-100%), respectively. The median (IQR) glomerular filtration rate before SABR was 58 (40-71) mL/min, and at last follow-up, it was 48 (33-57) mL/min. No patient experienced grade 3+ toxicity or went on to develop end-stage renal disease. The results showed that SABR appears to be an effective and safe salvage strategy in patients with recurrent RCC following TA.

Efficacy and Safety of KRASG12C Inhibitor IBI351 Monotherapy in Patients With Advanced NSCLC: Results From a Phase 2 Pivotal Study

IntroductionKRAS glycine-to-cysteine substitution at codon 12 (G12C) mutation is a well-recognized and increasingly promising therapeutic target with huge unmet clinical needs in NSCLC patients. IBI351 is a potent covalent and irreversible inhibitor of KRAS G12C. Here, we present the efficacy and safety of IBI351 from an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 pivotal study. MethodsEligible patients with NSCLC with KRAS G12C who failed standard therapy were enrolled. IBI351 was orally administered at a dose of 600 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate assessed by an independent radiological review committee (IRRC) as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Other endpoints were safety, IRRC-confirmed disease control rate, duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival. ResultsAs of December 13, 2023, 116 patients were enrolled (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 1: 91.4%; brain metastasis: 30.2%; prior treatments with both anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy: 84.5%). As per the IRRC assessment, the confirmed objective response rate was 49.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.7–58.6), and the disease control rate was 90.5% (95% CI: 83.7–95.2). The median duration of response was not reached whereas disease progression or death events occurred in 22 patients (38.6%), and the median PFS was 9.7 months (95% CI: 5.6–11.0). overall survival data was immature. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 107 patients (92.2%) whereas 48 patients (41.4%) had equal to or higher than grade three TRAEs. Common TRAEs were anemia (44.8%), increased alanine aminotransferase (28.4%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (27.6%), asthenia (26.7%) and presence of protein in urine (25.0%). TRAEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in nine patients (7.8%). In biomarker evaluable patients (n = 95), all patients had positive KRAS G12C in tissue whereas 72 patients were blood-positive and 23 were blood-negative for KRAS G12C. Patients with KRAS G12C in both blood and tissue had higher tumor burden at baseline (p < 0.05) and worse PFS (p < 0.05). Tumor mutation profiling identified tumor protein p53 (45.3%), serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) (30.5%), and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (21.1%) as the most common genes co-mutated with KRAS G12C. Among 13 genes with mutation frequency equal to or higher than 5%, mutations of six genes (STK11, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma, DNA polymerase epsilon, SMAD family member 4, and BMP/retinoic acid-inducible neural-specific protein 3) were significantly associated with worse PFS (p < 0.05). Mutation in STK11 was also found to have a significant association with higher tumor burden at baseline and lower response rate (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIBI351 monotherapy demonstrated promising and sustained efficacy with manageable safety, supporting its potential as a new treatment option for KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC.

Tislelizumab in previously treated, locally advanced unresectable/metastatic microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient solid tumors.

The open-label, phase II RATIONALE-209 study evaluated tislelizumab (anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody) as a tissue-agnostic monotherapy for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors. Adults with previously treated, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic MSI-H/dMMR solid tumors were enrolled. Patients received tislelizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks. Objective response rate (ORR; primary endpoint), duration of response (DoR), and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed by independent review committee (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1). Eighty patients were enrolled and treated; 75 (93.8%) patients had measurable disease at baseline. Most had metastatic disease and received at least one prior therapy for advanced/metastatic disease (n=79; 98.8%). At primary analysis (data cutoff July 8, 2021; median follow-up 15.2 months), overall ORR [46.7%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 35.1-58.6; one-sided P<0.0001] and ORR across tumor-specific subgroups [colorectal (n=46): 39.1% (95% CI, 25.1-54.6); gastric/gastroesophageal junction (n=9): 55.6% (95% CI, 21.2-86.3); others (n=20): 60.0% (95% CI, 36.1-80.9)] were significantly greater with tislelizumab vs. a prespecified historical control ORR of 10%; five (6.7%) patients had complete responses. Median DoR, PFS, and overall survival were not reached with long-term follow-up (data cutoff December 5, 2022; median follow-up 28.9 months). Tislelizumab was well tolerated with no unexpected safety signals. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of grade ≥3 occurred in 53.8% of patients; 7.5% of patients discontinued treatment due to TRAEs. Tislelizumab demonstrated a significant ORR improvement in patients with previously treated, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic MSI-H/dMMR tumors and was generally well tolerated.

Difference of oncological efficacy between two immune checkpoint inhibitors following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with unresectable, metastatic, advanced urothelial carcinoma: a multicenter real-world Japanese cohort.

Maintenance avelumab is currently recommended for patients with unresectable and/or metastatic (mUC) achieving at least stable disease (SD) on first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (1L-CT). Pembrolizumab is an alternative therapeutic avenue for this patient cohort in clinical practice. We investigated real-world data, focusing on the correlation between response to 1L-CT and oncological efficacy of subsequent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy with avelumab or pembrolizumab. A multicenter database registered 626 patients with mUC diagnosed from 2008-2023; among these, 175 receiving 2-6 cycles of 1L-CT followed by ICI therapy. Patients were categorized based on response to 1L-CT using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (v1.1). Objective response rateonICI, progression to ICI-free survival (ICI-PFS), and overall survival from start of 1L-CT were compared between avelumab-treated and pembrolizumab-treated patients in each response subgroup. ICI-PFS was significantly longer in patients achieving partial response on 1L-CT and subsequently receiving pembrolizumab compared to those receiving avelumab. Notably, patients achieving SD on 1L-CT and subsequently receiving pembrolizumab manifested significantly higher objective response rate (14% and 41%, respectively) and prolonged ICI-PFS relative to those receiving avelumab. In contrast, overall survival did not delineate difference between patients treated with avelumab versus pembrolizumab. Similar findings were discerned in the subanalysis of patients having favorable SD (tumor shrinkage, from -29 to 0%) and unfavorable SD (tumor enlargement, from + 1 to + 19%) on 1L-CT. Our study provides real-world evidence regarding difference of oncological efficacy between maintenanceavelumab and subsequentpembrolizumab in patients with mUC who achieved partial response or SD on 1L-CT.

A Phase II Study of Potentiation of Pembrolizumab with Binimetinib and Bevacizumab in Refractory Microsatellite-Stable Colorectal Cancer.

In this single-institution phase II investigator-initiated study, we assessed the ability of MAPK and VEGF pathway blockade to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer (MSS mCRC). Patients with MSS, BRAF wild-type mCRC who progressed on ≥2 prior lines of therapy received pembrolizumab, binimetinib, and bevacizumab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After a safety run-in, patients were randomized to a 7-day run-in of binimetinib or simultaneous initiation of all study drugs, to explore whether MEK inhibition may increase tumor immunogenicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) in all patients combined (by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1). Fifty patients received study drug treatment; 54% were male with a median age of 55 years (range, 31-79). The primary endpoint, ORR, was 12.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.5%-24.3%], which was not statistically different than the historical control data of 5% (P = 0.038, exceeding prespecified threshold of 0.025). The disease control rate was 70.0% (95% CI, 55.4%-82.1%), the median progression-free survival 5.9 months (95% CI, 4.2-8.7 months), and the median overall survival 9.3 months (95% CI, 6.7-12.2 months). No difference in efficacy was observed between the randomized cohorts. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were observed in 56% and 8% of patients, respectively; the most common were rash (12%) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (12%). Pembrolizumab, binimetinib, and bevacizumab failed to meet its primary endpoint of higher ORR compared with historical control data, demonstrated a high disease control rate, and demonstrated acceptable tolerability in refractory MSS mCRC.

Safety of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC) in patients (pts) with biliary tract cancer with peritoneal metastases.

TPS4186 Background: Biliary tract cancers are rare with the majority of pts diagnosed with metastatic disease at initial presentation. Up to 20% of pts will have peritoneal metastases, resulting in symptoms of ascites, abdominal pain, and potential bowel obstruction. Despite advances in standard of care systemic treatments such as combination gemcitabine, cisplatin, and durvalumab (gem/cis/durva), penetration to peritoneal metastases may be poor. While addition of nab-paclitaxel to gem/cis increased objective response in a phase 2 study (1), SWOG 1815 did not demonstrate a significant improvement in survival with the triplet combination compared to gem/cis (2), possibly due to added toxicity. PIPAC directly delivers treatment to the peritoneal space, which could potentially reduce toxicity and improve efficacy. We aim to investigate the safety of PIPAC nab-paclitaxel plus systemic gem/cis/durva in biliary tract cancer pts with peritoneal metastases. Methods: This is an investigator-initiated, non-randomized phase 1 trial enrolling up to 12 evaluable pts using a modified phase 1 queue 3+3 design. Eligible pts must have treatment-naïve histologically or cytologically confirmed intra/extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder cancer with documented metastatic disease and visible peritoneal disease on imaging or laparoscopy. Gem/cis (800/25 mg/m2) will be administered on Days 1 and 8 of 3-week cycles; durva (1500 mg) will be administered on Day 1. Pts will receive PIPAC nab-paclitaxel (90 mg/m2) on Day 3 of Cycles 1, 3, and 5. If dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occur, nab-paclitaxel may be reduced to 70 mg/m2; the DLT window for each pt is 42 days after the first PIPAC. After eight 3-week cycles, durva (1500 mg) will be continued on Day 1 of 4-week cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint is treatment-related adverse events (AEs) graded by NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version (v) 5.0. AEs will be monitored during treatment and for 4 weeks after the last dose of treatment with any agent. Secondary endpoints include objective response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1, peritoneal regression grading score at each PIPAC, peritoneal carcinomatosis index at time of laparoscopy, post-operative surgical complications, progression-free/overall survival, PIPAC technical failure rate, EQ-5D-5L and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory responses before/during treatment, and number of daily steps taken before/during treatment. Exploratory endpoints include characterization of sub-clonal tumor evolution/tumor microenvironment changes and PIPAC nab-paclitaxel pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics. Enrollment began 6/2023 and is ongoing. 1. Shroff et al, JAMA Oncol 2019. 2. Shroff et al, JCO 2023 LBA490. Clinical trial information: NCT05285358 .

A phase 2/3 study of fianlimab plus cemiplimab versus cemiplimab in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with tumors expressing PD-L1 ≥50%.

TPS8663 Background: Fianlimab (anti–lymphocyte activation gene 3 [LAG-3]) and cemiplimab (anti–programmed cell death-1 [PD-1]) are high-affinity, fully human, IgG4 monoclonal antibodies. In patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression ≥50% with no actionable mutations, first-line cemiplimab monotherapy showed significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus chemotherapy, with a safety profile consistent with previous reports for cemiplimab monotherapy. Despite pts’ selection by PD-L1 expression, only ~50% of pts respond to PD-1 therapy, thus there is a need for immune-oncology combinations like anti–LAG-3 plus anti–PD-1 to potentially improve outcomes. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, Phase 2/3 study (NCT05785767) to evaluate fianlimab + cemiplimab versus cemiplimab monotherapy as first-line treatment in pts with aNSCLC and tumors expressing PD-L1 ≥50%. The study will be conducted globally at ~210 sites. Key inclusion criteria: ≥18 years old; histologically confirmed squamous or non-squamous stage IIIB/C (not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation) or stage IV NSCLC (no prior systemic treatment for recurrent or metastatic NSCLC); PD-L1 expression in ≥50% of tumor cells; ≥1 radiographically measurable lesion per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1; adequate organ and bone marrow function. This study has Phase 2 and Phase 3 parts and is expected to enroll ~850 pts. Pts will be treated for up to 108 weeks. In Phase 2, 150 patients will be randomized 1:1:1 into three treatment arms (Q3W IV): Arm A, fianlimab high dose + cemiplimab 350 mg; Arm B, fianlimab low dose + cemiplimab 350 mg; Arm C, cemiplimab 350 mg + saline/dextrose placebo. Based on findings from Phase 2, the dose of fianlimab (low or high) will be selected for Phase 3. In Phase 3, 700 patients will be randomized 1:1 into either experimental Arm A or B, and comparator Arm C (cemiplimab + placebo). In Phase 2, the primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) per blinded independent central review (BICR). The secondary endpoints are safety, ORR per investigator assessment, disease control rate (DCR), time to tumor response (TTR), duration of response (DOR), PFS, OS, patient-reported outcomes, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. In Phase 3, the primary endpoint is OS in patients receiving fianlimab + cemiplimab versus cemiplimab monotherapy. Secondary endpoints are safety, ORR, DCR, TTR, DOR, and PFS, per BICR and investigator assessment, patient-reported outcomes, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. This study is open for enrollment along with a second study of fianlimab + cemiplimab + chemotherapy in aNSCLC. Clinical trial information: NCT05785767 .

An open-label phase 1 study to investigate SGNCEACAM5C/SAR445953 in adults with advanced solid tumors (SGNCEA5C-001).

TPS3160 Background: Patients (pts) with recurrent or metastatic solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), gastric adenocarcinoma (GC), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), have limited treatment options with short PFS and OS despite recent advances (1-3). Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) is highly expressed across multiple solid tumors, such as CRC, GC, PDAC, and NSCLC. Restricted normal tissue expression and efficient lysosomal trafficking of CEACAM5 highlight its potential as an anticancer target. SGN-CEACAM5C is a novel investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CEACAM5 composed of the humanized immunoglobulin G (IgG1) anti-CEACAM5 monoclonal antibody tusamitamab chemically conjugated to 8 molecules of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor 7-aminomethyl-10,11-methylenedioxycamptothecin (AMDCPT). SGN-CEACAM5C selectively binds to CEACAM5 present on the cell surface and is internalized via the endo-lysosomal pathway, with subsequent release of the payload through enzymatic cleavage. Release of the cytotoxic payload induces DNA damage, cell cycle arrest in S phase, and apoptosis in tumor cells. In vitro bystander activity was observed against tumor cells without CEACAM5 surface expression. SGN-CEACAM5C is highly active in multiple patient-derived xenograft models, including CRC, GC, and NSCLC, across various levels of CEACAM5 expression (4,5). These preclinical findings justify evaluation of SGN-CEACAM5C in a clinical trial setting. Methods: SGNCEA5C-001 (NCT06131840) is a phase 1, open-label, multicenter study designed to characterize the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary antitumor activity of SGN-CEACAM5C in adults with select advanced solid tumors. This study consists of dose escalation (Part A), dose and schedule optimization (Part B), and dose expansion (Part C). Eligible pts are adults ≥18 years of age with confirmed metastatic or unresectable solid tumor malignancy, measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1, an ECOG PS of 0-1, and 1 of the following tumor types: CRC, GC/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ), PDAC, NSCLC (squamous/non-squamous), or SCLC. Primary endpoints include incidence of AEs, laboratory abnormalities, dose modifications due to AEs, dose-limiting toxicities, and cumulative safety. Secondary endpoints include estimates of PK parameters, incidence of antidrug antibodies, objective response rate and best response per RECIST v1.1 by investigator, duration of response, PFS, and OS. Safety and antitumor activity endpoints will be summarized using descriptive statistics. Recruitment is ongoing for Part A in North America. 1. Bordry 2021. 2. Chakrabarti 2022. 3. Merle 2022. 4. Baudat 2023. 5. Baudat 2024. Clinical trial information: NCT06131840 .

Peak study: A phase 3, randomized, open-label multi-center clinical study of bezuclastinib (CGT9486) and sunitinib combination versus sunitinib in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

TPS11588 Background: Imatinib is the worldwide standard for first-line therapy of advanced KIT-mutant GIST. However, secondary resistance mutations in the KIT ATP-binding domain (exons 13, 14), activation loop (exons 17, 18), or both develop and result in loss of imatinib-sensitivity. Bezuclastinib has a highly selective inhibition profile, leading to minimal off-target toxicities and allowing for combination with sunitinib. While no single tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) inhibits all KIT mutations, the combination of bezuclastinib + sunitinib targets commonly occurring primary (exons 9, 11) and secondary (exons 13, 14, 17, and 18) KIT mutations and may provide more durable responses. The early signs of clinical activity, tolerability, and safety observed with the combination thus far in Peak Part 1 (Somaiah et al. [presentation] CTOS 2023. Paper 62) are consistent with the completed Phase 1/2 study (PLX121-01). Methods: Peak (NCT05208047) is a global, randomized, open-label, multi-part Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of bezuclastinib + sunitinib versus sunitinib as second-line treatment in adult pts who were intolerant to imatinib or whose tumors had imatinib-resistance. Current Peak study sites are located in North America (3 countries), South America (3 countries), Europe (12 countries), and Asia-Pacific (4 countries). The lead-in portion to test a new formulation of bezuclastinib, (Part 1) completed enrollment in April 2023. Based upon PK and safety, a dose of bezuclastinib 600 mg QD + sunitinib 37.5 mg QD was determined for Part 2 of the Peak study. Part 2 will enroll ~388 pts to be randomized (1:1) to bezuclastinib 600 mg QD + sunitinib 37.5 mg QD or sunitinib 37.5 mg QD alone. Key inclusion: &gt;1 measurable lesion per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) v1.1, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 0-2, adequate organ function, and prior imatinib therapy (no other prior therapy). Key exclusion: known PDGFR mutations or succinate dehydrogenase deficiency, clinically significant cardiac disease, and use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) confirmed by blinded independent central review per mRECIST v1.1. Additional efficacy (including overall survival and objective response rate) and safety endpoints will be evaluated and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) will be collected and assessed. Clinical trial information: NCT05208047 .

The safety and efficacy of adebelimumab combined apatinib and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study.

e16175 Background: The combination of oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFOX) used for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has shown promise for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The combined therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is now an approved first-line approach for unresectable HCC. This study evaluated the safety and the effect of combining Adebelimumab (a PD-L1 inhibitors) and Apatinib (a tyrosinase kinase inhibitor) with HAIC-FOLFOX for unresectable HCC patients. Methods: The records of patients with unresectable HCC treated with HAIC from March 2023 to November 2023 at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Eligible patients were given a maximum of four cycles of FOLFOX-HAIC, along with Adebelimumab and Apatinib, until either disease progression or intolerable toxicities emerged. The primary outcome measured was the safety and the objective response rate (ORR) based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 and modify RECIST of combined therapy. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The most frequent grade ≥3 or above treatment-related adverse events included elevation of AST (50%) and diminished PLT count (15%). There was no treatment related death. Based on RECIST v1.1 and mRECIST criteria, the confirmed ORR stood at 35% and 70%, with a disease control rate of 85% both. Conclusions: The combination of Adebelimumab, apatinib, and FOLFOX-HAIC demonstrated manageable safety and encouraging results for unresectable HCC.

CLARITY-PanTumor01: A phase 2 trial of the claudin 18.2-specific antibody-drug conjugate AZD0901 (CMG901) in patients with CLDN18.2-expressing advanced solid tumors.

TPS3163 Background: Gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) and pancreatic cancer are associated with poor outcomes and high unmet need. Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is highly expressed in gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and is a clinically validated target. AZD0901 is a potential first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a humanized anti-CLDN18.2 IgG1 antibody conjugated via a protease-cleavable linker to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a cytotoxic microtubule-disrupting agent. Interim results from the ongoing, first-in-human, Phase 1 trial of AZD0901 monotherapy in patients with G/GEJ cancer (NCT04805307) who were refractory to and/or intolerant of standard therapies demonstrated promising efficacy and a manageable safety profile. Here we describe an ongoing, Phase 2 study of AZD0901 in patients with CLDN18.2-expressing advanced solid tumors, including G/GEJ cancer and PDAC. Methods: This open-label, multicenter study (NCT06219941) comprises multiple substudies. Substudy 1 is recruiting patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, CLDN18.2-expressing G/GEJ cancer with ≤2 prior lines of therapy for unresectable or metastatic disease, who are randomized 1:1 to receive AZD0901 1.8 or 2.2 mg/kg intravenous (IV) every 3 weeks (Q3W). Substudy 2 is recruiting patients with previously untreated CLDN18.2-expressing metastatic PDAC to receive AZD0901 (up to 2.2 mg/kg IV Q3W) and either a combination of 5-fluorouracil 2400 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 2 Q2W, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 or l-leucovorin 200 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 2 Q2W, and irinotecan 150 or 180 mg/m2 or nanoliposomal irinotecan 50 mg/m2 IV on Day 1 Q2W (Arm 1), or gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 IV on Days 1 and 8 Q3W (Arm 2), per investigator’s choice. Treatment continues until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Eligible patients are aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed, unresectable or metastatic disease, ≥1 measurable lesion per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) v1.1, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1. Key exclusion criteria include unstable and/or active peptic ulcer disease or digestive tract bleeding, ascites requiring drainage, central nervous system metastases, and prior exposure to an MMAE-based ADC or CLDN-18.2-targeted agents other than an anti-CLDN18.2 targeted monoclonal antibody. Primary endpoints include safety, tolerability, and objective response rate per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, progression-free survival, duration of response, disease control rate, best change in target lesion size, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and pharmacodynamics. Recruitment began in December 2023, and sites across Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America will enroll patients. Clinical trial information: NCT06219941 .

Use of artificial intelligence–based digital pathology to predict outcomes for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in advanced gastro-esophageal cancer.

4013 Background: Accurate prediction of response and survival outcomes with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) remains a significant challenge in gastro-esophageal cancers. In this study, we use an artificial intelligence (AI)-based single-cell analysis of digitized whole-slide H&amp;E images (WSIs) to predict objective response and survival benefit of ICI in two independent cohorts of gastro-esophageal cancer patients. Methods: WSIs were obtained from 82 ICI-treated advanced gastroesophageal cancer patients (gastric, esophageal, and gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) at Stanford University for discovery, and 189 ICI-treated advanced gastric adenocarcinoma patients at Southern Medical University for external validation. Deep learning models were deployed for automated tumor area detection and segmentation of cell nuclei within WSIs. We developed a fully automated cell annotation approach by leveraging multiplex immunofluorescence and trained a deep learning model to classify nuclei into four cell types from H&amp;E (tumor cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages). A total of 66 features were computed to quantify cell composition and cell-cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Treatment outcomes were assessed using progression-free survival (PFS) and best objective response per the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (v1.1), with statistical significance reported at the 95% confidence level. Results: In the training cohort, a spatial feature characterizing lymphocyte and neutrophil interaction had the strongest association with PFS (hazard ratio = 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.79, P = 0.0046). In the validation cohort, the spatial biomarker positive population had significantly improved PFS compared to the spatial biomarker negative population (hazard ratio = 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.61, P &lt; 0.0001; median time to event: 19 months vs 9 months). For predicting objective response in the validation cohort, a multivariate model combining the spatial features achieved AUROC = 0.81 compared to AUROC = 0.65 for PD-L1 CPS (P = 0.0014), while combining the multivariate model with PD-L1 CPS achieved AUROC = 0.84. Conclusions: A single-cell computational pathology approachidentifies spatial biomarkers with predictive utility for determining ICI treatment outcomes in advanced gastro-esophageal cancer. Further validation of these findings is being pursued in additional cohorts.

Relationship between immune-inflammatory markers and clinical features and deepness of tumor response and prognosis of patients with PD-L1 ≥50% metastatic NSCLC receiving first-line immunotherapy.

e14547 Background: Patients with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) ≥50% metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with first-line immunotherapy have heterogeneous clinical assessment and outcomes. In this study, we sought to identify features of patients with metastatic NSCLC who achieved high deepness of response (HDPR) to first-line immunotherapy, and how these might differ from features predictive of non-high deepness of response (NHDPR). The influence of clinical features on prognosis of patients with PD-L1 ≥50% were further clarified. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients with PD-L1≥50% metastatic NSCLC treated with first-line immunotherapy at Beijing Tiantan Hospital between July 2020 and December 2023. All the patients had at least one measurable lesion in lung according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1. HDPR was defined as deepness of lung tumor response ≥50%, while NHDPR was defined as deepness of lung tumor response &lt;50% or tumor enlargement. Tumor PD-L1 expression, target mutation, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and other prognostic variables were analyzed to identify characteristics enriched in patients achieving HDPR compared to NHDPR. We also investigated the effects of these variables on first-line progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the patients. Results: A total of 17 patients were included in our retrospective analysis. Seven (41.2%) patients achieved HDPR (range: -50%, -72%) and ten (58.8%) patients achieved NHDPR (range: -13%, -45%). Seven (41.2%) patients had central nervous system (CNS) metastases at the first diagnosis of lung malignancy, and their CNS target lesions shrinkages were observed after therapy (range: -32%, -100%). Lower Th/Ts ratio ( P=0.01) and drug resistance mutations (TP53/KRAS/EGFR) ( P=0.001) were found enriched for NHDPR compared to HDPR. However, no differences were found in tumor PD-L1 expression, NLR, LDH, B lymphocyte subset, NK cell subset, pathological type, T-stage, smoking index, ECOG score, immunotherapeutic schemes, or CNS metastases between the two groups ( P&gt;0.05). With a median follow-up of 26.0 months (range: 17.2-34.8 months), the median first-line PFS and OS were 9.0 months (95% CI: 5.0-13.0) and not reached (NR), respectively. The NLR was identified as an independent prognostic factor on first-line PFS. Patients with an NLR≥4 exhibited a worse median PFS (7.0 months vs. NR; P=0.033; 95%CI: 1.2-80.2) than those with an NLR&lt;4 following first-line immunotherapy. Conclusions: Among patients with PD-L1≥50% metastatic NSCLC who received first-line immunotherapy, lower Th/Ts ratio and drug resistance mutations showed a diminished tumor response and higher NLR ratio exhibited a worse median PFS.

International phase 3 clinical trial evaluating PF-07220060 plus fulvestrant in patients with HR+/HER2− advanced/metastatic breast cancer with progression after a prior CDK4/6 inhibitor.

TPS1129 Background: Substantial improvement in survival outcomes has been achieved with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors plus endocrine therapy (ET) in patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2−) advanced/metastatic breast cancer (BC); however, resistance to this therapy ultimately occurs. PF-07220060 is an oral, highly potent, selective, next generation inhibitor of CDK4 with sparing of CDK6. A first-in-human phase 1/2a study evaluated PF-07220060 (300/400 mg BID) plus ET in patients with HR+/HER2− advanced/metastatic BC who progressed on a prior CDK4/6 inhibitor plus ET (n = 26). At the data cutoff date of November 1, 2022, in patients with measurable disease (n = 21), 6 (29%) had confirmed objective response (OR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1, and 11 (52%) had a clinical benefit response (CBR). Of all patients (n = 26), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 24.7 weeks, and 8 (31%) patients continued treatment without progression for 60 or more weeks (1). Methods: This international (29 countries; 356 proposed sites), phase 3, open-label, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial will evaluate whether PF-07220060 plus fulvestrant improves clinical outcomes compared with the investigator-chosen therapies in adult female and male patients with HR+/HER2− advanced/metastatic BC with progression after prior therapy of CDK4/6 inhibitor plus a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor.Key eligibility criteria include advanced/metastatic BC with measurable disease or non-measurable bone-only disease, documented HR+/HER2− status, and progressive disease/recurrence during or within 12 months after the last dose of prior CDK4/6 inhibitor given in the advanced or adjuvant setting, respectively. One additional prior line of approved treatment in the advanced setting targeting ESR1, PIK3CA, AKT1, PTEN, or BRCA is allowed. Approximately 500 patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive PF-07220060 (orally and continuously in a 28-day cycle) plus fulvestrant (intramuscular injection on days 1 and 15 of cycle 1 and then on day 1 of each cycle thereafter) or investigator’s choice of fulvestrant alone or everolimus plus exemestane, which must be declared before randomization. The primary endpoint is PFS by blinded independent central review, which is defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of first documented disease progression, as determined per RECIST v1.1, or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Secondary objectives include overall survival, OR, duration of response, CBR, safety, patient-reported outcomes, and pharmacokinetics. 1. Yap. JCO. 2023;41:3009. Clinical trial information: NCT06105632 .

An open-label, single-arm, prospective, multi-center, tandem two-stage designed phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of fulvestrant in women with recurrent/metastatic estrogen receptor-positive gynecological malignancies (FUCHSia study)

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate fulvestrant efficacy in women with estrogen receptor-positive low-grade gynecological cancers. The primary objective was to determine the response rate. Secondary objectives were progression-free survival, clinical...

Abstract PS12-08: MORPHEUS Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: interim analysis of a Phase Ib/II, study of fulvestrant ± atezolizumab and abemaciclib triplet treatment in patients metastatic disease

Abstract BACKGROUND Endocrine therapy (ET) is the mainstay of treatment for metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+ BC). ET resistance and disease progression are expected, thus novel therapies, like cancer immunotherapy, are needed. Prior data suggest that abemaciclib (abema), a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor, has immunomodulatory activity. In the MORPHEUS HR+ BC study (NCT03280563), atezolizumab (atezo; anti–programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1]) was tested in combination with fulvestrant (FUL), with and without abema, in patients (pts) with HR+ metastatic BC. We present 24-week interim analyses. METHODS Pts with measurable disease progression during first- or second-line therapy for metastatic or inoperable locally advanced HR+ BC and prior treatment with a CDK4/6 inhibitor were randomized to receive FUL (control) or FUL + atezo (1200 mg intravenous every 3 weeks) or FUL + atezo + abema (150 mg twice a day); prior FUL was not permitted. Pts were treated until loss of clinical benefit or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) v1.1 and safety. Progression-free survival (PFS) was a secondary endpoint. Baseline tumor samples were analyzed for PD-L1 expression (SP263), CD8 T cell infiltration, and gene expression by RNAseq. RESULTS As of Dec 2022, 40, 31, and 25 pts (38, 30, and 20 evaluable pts) were randomized to atezo + abema + FUL, atezo + FUL, and FUL, respectively. Pts were followed for ≥ 24 weeks. Demographics were similar among the groups, with most pts receiving prior palbociclib (palbo) as part of their only prior metastatic therapy. Details and best confirmed ORRs are shown in the table. Median PFS was 6.34 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.52, 16.03) in the atezo + abema + FUL arm, 3.15 months (95% CI 1.51, 7.79) in the atezo + FUL arm, and 1.95 months (95% CI 1.45, 4.93) in the FUL arm. The hazard ratio of atezo + abema + FUL vs FUL was 0.43 (95% CI 0.24, 0.78). Safety data are shown in the table. Mild/moderate (grade 1/2) interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis (7.7%) was observed in the atezo + abema + FUL arm. At baseline, tumors exhibited low prevalence of PD-L1 (median immune cells: 0.5%, tumor cells: 0%) and CD8 infiltration (12% inflamed phenotype), which did not associate with response in any arm. RNAseq analysis indicated that response to atezo + abema + FUL was strongly associated with low baseline expression levels of proliferation and metabolism signatures and trended with high expression of some immune signatures. CONCLUSIONS The triplet therapy of atezo + abema + FUL showed improved ORR and PFS compared with FUL monotherapy in the second- or third-line setting post-CDK4/6 inhibitor. This combination of atezo + abema + FUL was tolerable, with no unexpected safety signals, including no high-grade ILD/pneumonitis. Efficacy and safety Data are number of patients (%), unless otherwise specified. * Patient was treated in the second line and incorrectly included in this group. Abema, abemaciclib; AE, adverse event; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; atezo, atezolizumab; CDK4/6, cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6; CI, confidence interval; ful, fulvestrant; irAE, immune-related adverse event; L, line; ORR, objective response rate; PFS, progression-free survival; TRAE, treatment-related adverse event. Citation Format: Kyung Hae Jung, Seock-Ah Im, Denise Yardley, Sara Hurvitz, Keun Seok Lee, Amir Sonnenblick, Shlomit Shachar, Antoinette Tan, Elizabeth Comen, Einav Gal-Yam, Adam Brufsky, Hope Rugo, Jing Zhu, Kelly DuPree, Vanessa Breton, Fiona Young, Richard Schwab, Edward Cha, Melinda Telli. MORPHEUS Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: interim analysis of a Phase Ib/II, study of fulvestrant ± atezolizumab and abemaciclib triplet treatment in patients metastatic disease [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS12-08.