Standard Of Care For Treatment Research Articles

Cost trends in standard-of-care cancer treatments, 2017-2021.

11073 Background: Financial burden of cancer care in the United States is substantial. Prior studies have explored price trends at the level of individual cancer drugs but not that of clinical indications, which can be impacted not only by changes in drug prices but also changes in standard-of-care. This study evaluates temporal trends in the cost of providing the contemporary best guideline-concordant therapy for each cancer indication. Methods: We analyzed trends in the cost of the standard-of-care treatments for the 20 most prevalent cancer types, using NCCN Guidelines to identify the standard-of-care (SOC) treatment for each indication. Our primary comparison of interest was the cost of providing the SOC treatment regimen for each indication in 2021 vs. 2017. All solid tumor treatment indications present in the NCCN Guidelines at both study time points, 7/1/2017 and 7/1/2021, were included. Indications that involved radiotherapy or stem cell transplant among the treatment options were excluded. Costs of all recommended treatment options for each included indication were calculated using Medicare reimbursement rates. We included costs of the antineoplastic agents themselves as well as necessary supportive medications. Costs were inflation-adjusted to 2021 USD. We identified the SOC treatment for every indication at both time points by referring to NCCN Evidence Blocks and identifying the regimen(s) with the highest scores (prioritizing Efficacy, then Safety, then Quality, then Consistency, in that order). If multiple SOC treatments for a single indication had identical scores, we chose the least-costly treatment. Results: 83 clinical indications across 16 solid tumor cancer types (bladder, brain, breast, colon, kidney, liver, lung, melanoma, oropharyngeal, ovary, pancreas, prostate, rectal, soft tissue, stomach, and uterus) were included. Median SOC cost was $8,364 (IQR = $3,838, $15,783) in 2017, compared to a median of $4,290 (IQR = $1,438, $14,947) in 2021. 57 indications (68.7%) had lower SOC costs in 2021 vs 2017, with median change of -$935 (IQR = -$4,432, +$452), representing a 31% decrease (IQR = -50%, 8%). Gastric cancer perioperative chemotherapy had the biggest absolute cost decrease at $65,612 (-90%), while extensive stage small cell lung cancer had the biggest absolute increase at $37,213 (706%). 45 indications (54.2%) had the same SOC regimen across this study period, of which 75.6% saw price drops. Of the 38 indications with new SOCs, 60.5% had lower costs. Conclusions: Majority of the best SOC treatments decreased in cost over a 4 year period. Although introduction of newly approved drugs can cause large price increases for some indications, more commonly the financial cost of delivering the standard-of-care treatment for a given cancer trended down due to slower-than-inflation price increases and new generic entrants.

A phase II trial to assess the impact of β2 adrenergic blockade in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)– refractory metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC).

TPS1141 Background: In PD-L1+ mTNBC patients (pts), the standard of care treatment is chemotherapy and pembrolizumab (P) in the first-line setting. It has been shown that acquired resistance to P occurs as a result of immune exhaustion. Further, our group and others have demonstrated that chronic β2-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling suppresses CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) function, drives their exhaustion, and increases the numbers of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus supporting tumor proliferation. Consequently, abrogation of β-AR signaling using the pan β-blocker propranolol or β-AR-/- knockout mice increased the intratumoral frequency of CTLs and elevated the CTL:Treg ratio (Bucsek et al. Cancer Res. 2017; PMID: 28819022). Similarly, mouse tumor models also demonstrated decreased exhaustion markers (PD1, TIM3, LAG3) on CTLs when β-AR was blocked, via propranolol (Qiao G et al. Cancer Immunol Res. 2021, PMID: 33762351). Confirming this phenomenon, we have shown, in a prospective clinical trial in metastatic melanoma, that β-AR blockade with propranolol significantly increased response to P with an objective response rate (ORR) of 78%, as opposed to 30-40% with P monotherapy (Gandhi et al, Clin Cancer Res 2021, PMID: 33127652). Therefore, we hypothesize that using propranolol in an ICI refractory population should improve responses to ICIs. Methods: This is a phase II single-arm, non-randomized single-center study for mTNBC pts. Participants will bewomen >=18 yrs with PD-L1+ mTNBC, who have progressed on treatment with chemotherapy and P in the upfront setting. They will continue P every 3 weeks in addition to 30 mg propranolol twice a day, based on our ongoing clinical trial in metastatic melanoma (NCT03384836) which has demonstrated safety with this combination. Treatment will continue until disease progression per irRECIST. The primary endpoint is ORR, defined as complete or partial response to treatment. The secondary endpoint is safety, 6-month progression-free survival and overall survival. As an exploratory endpoint, changes in tumor and blood immune markers will be assessed. In stage 1, n1=12 evaluable pts will be enrolled. If ≥ 1/12 response is observed, then the study will continue to enroll another n2=9 pts for a total of n=21, otherwise it will be suspended for futility. If ≥ 3/21 responses are observed, then the proposed therapy will be considered promising. Pre- and post-treatment tumor biopsies and sequential blood samples will be analyzed for changes in stress-induced biomarkers (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and frequency of CTL, MDSC, Treg) and expression of exhaustion markers (PD1, TIM3, LAG3). The study is currently open. Clinical trial information: NCT05741164 .

Ulnar shaft diameter as it relates to plate osteosynthesis: A cadaveric study

BackgroundUlnar shaft fractures are common and the standard of care treatment is with 3.5 ​mm plating. The purpose of this study was to measure diameters along the length of the ulna to provide information on screw length and appropriateness of 3.5 ​mm screws and plate location. MethodsTen embalmed cadaveric ulnas were dissected free of all soft tissues. The length of the ulna was measured and then divided by four. Transverse osteotomies were performed along the length of the ulna at ¼, ½ and ¾ its full length. The diameter of the ulna at these locations was then measured in a radio-ulnar direction as well as a volar-dorsal direction. ResultsThere were five female and five male specimens with an average age of 83.6 and 78.8 respectively. The smallest diameter in both the female and male specimens was in the distal ¾ shaft measured in a volar-dorsal direction with an average of 9.1 ​mm and 12 ​mm. The average volar-dorsal measurement was less than radio-ulnar measurement at all locations. The diameters increased along the ulna heading proximally. ConclusionThis study provides information pertinent to screw width and length with respect to the ulnar shaft and calls in to question the use of 3.5 ​mm screws in the distal and midshaft ulnar diaphysis in females. Removal of 3.5 ​mm screws in the mid and distal ulnar shaft in females can leave a hole corresponding to 23% and 27% of the bone which can be concerning for a stress riser.

HOPE: Harnessing olaparib, palbociclib, and endocrine therapy for BRCA1/2-associated HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

10616 Background: Thepoly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib yields superior progression-free survival, response rates and patient-reported outcomes compared with chemotherapy in patients with BRCA1- or BRCA2- ( BRCA1/2) associated metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Fulvestrant and palbociclib improve outcomes in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) MBC. HOPE (NCT03685331) is a phase I trial to evaluate combination olaparib (O), fulvestrant (F), and palbociclib (P) in patients with BRCA1/2-associated HR+, HER2 negative MBC. Methods: A 3+3 dose escalation was used to assess safety and preliminary efficacy of O, F and P. Eligible participants (pts) had HR+ MBC, a germline (g) or somatic (s) mutation in BRCA1/2, measurable/evaluable disease, any/no prior endocrine therapy, and 0-2 prior lines of chemotherapy for MBC. Prior PARPi and CDK4/6i were permitted but not in combination. Palbociclib was added after a 28-day safety run-in (Cycle 0) of O + F alone. Fulvestrant dose was 500mg IM on day 1 of each 28-day cycle. Dose level 0 (DL0, starting level) was F, O 300mg orally BID continuously, P 75mg orally daily on days 1-21; DL-1 was F, O 250mg orally BID, P 75mg orally daily on days 1-21. The primary endpoint was MTD (adverse events (AEs) based on CTCAE v5.0). Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) period included Cycles 0 and 1. A 30% DLT rate was acceptable; 6 pts had to be treated at a dose for it to be declared MTD. RECIST v1.1 was used to evaluate response. Results: Eight treated pts (s BRCA1:1 ;g BRCA2:6; s BRCA2:1 ) had median (M) age 47; M 0 (0-2) prior lines of endocrine therapy and 0 (0-1) prior chemotherapies for MBC. Three pts each had received O, F, and CDK4/6i as part of their standard of care treatment before study. At DL0, 2/2 pts had DLT with persistent grade(G) 3 neutropenia. Among 6 pts treated at DL-1, none experienced DLT, but 3 pts missed doses of study treatment due to cytopenias (G3 neutropenia, G3 leukopenia, G3 thrombocytopenia) during the DLT period. Following the DLT period, 1 pt reduced O to 200mg orally daily and 1 discontinued P based on provider discretion due to cytopenias (G3 neutropenia, G3 thrombocytopenia). Grade 3 AEs occurring in >1 pt related to study treatment were: neutrophil count decrease (G3/2, n=5/2); white blood cell decrease (G3/2/1, n=3/2/2); platelet count decrease (G3/2/1, n=2/0/1). Overall related AEs in >50% of pts were anemia (n=7), fatigue (n=6) and nausea (n=5). Best responses were CR/PR/SD/PD in 1/1/5/1 pts. Conclusions: MTDof O, F and P (DL-1) was reached and demonstrated antitumor activity. Although no AEs meeting protocol-specified DLT criteria were observed at MTD, hematologic toxicity at this dose complicated drug delivery and required close monitoring during and after the DLT period. Combinations utilizing PARP1 selective inhibitors, lower doses of therapy or sequential rather than combination therapy may improve feasibility. Clinical trial information: NCT03685331 .

Phase 1 study of BDTX-1535, an oral 4th generation covalent EGFR inhibitor, in patients with recurrent glioblastoma: Preliminary dose escalation results.

2068 Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) gene is the most frequently altered oncogenic driver in glioblastoma (GBM). In-frame deletion alterations (e.g., EGFRvIII) and missense mutations co-occur in the setting of EGFR gene amplification and are characterized as a hallmark of disease pathogenesis in GBM. BDTX-1535 is an oral, highly potent, brain penetrant, selective, irreversible 4th generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets EGFR alterations in GBM and NSCLC. Preliminary results of the Phase 1 dose escalation study (NCT05256290) of patients with recurrent GBM (rGBM) are presented here. Methods: BDTX-1535-101 is a first-in-human study that enrolled patients with either rGBM harboring EGFR alterations following standard of care or patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutated NSCLC that progressed on prior EGFR TKIs. Using an adaptive Bayesian optimal interval design in the Phase 1 part, patients were enrolled at increasing dose cohorts and were treated daily for 21-day cycles until treatment discontinuation. The primary objective was to determine the BDTX-1535 recommended Phase 2 dose based on the overall safety, PK, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity. Results: Twenty-seven patients with rGBM were enrolled in the Phase 1 cohort that consisted of 54 patients in total including 27 patients with NSCLC. Patients were treated across seven dose levels (15mg – 400mg QD). The mean age of patients with rGBM was 58.7 years (range 41-85) with 96% of patients with previous temozolomide (TMZ) treatment and a median of 2 lines of prior therapy (range 1-4). The most common all-grade treatment-related AEs across all cohorts were rash (78%), diarrhea (41%), fatigue (15%), stomatitis (11%), decreased appetite (11%), nausea (11%) and paronychia (11%). Gr 3 TRAEs ≥ 10% included rash (19%) reported at 300 or 400 mg QD doses. Plasma exposure of BDTX-1535 increased dose proportionally and had a half-life of ~15h, supporting once daily dosing. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is 300 mg QD. Among 19 evaluable patients for response based on RANO criteria, 1 confirmed partial response was observed and 8 patients achieved stable disease. Five patients remained on BDTX-1535 with stable disease for an extended period (>5 months) who previously performed poorly on TMZ with short treatment duration, and 1 patient continues on BDTX-1535 after 16 months of treatment. Conclusions: BDTX-1535 was well-tolerated up to 300mg daily, which is the MTD, and promising preliminary clinical activity was observed in patients with rGBM after relapse on standard of care treatment. Given the inability to reconfirm EGFR status at the time of treatment with BDTX-1535 in this Phase 1 trial, further exploration of BDTX-1535 in a “window of opportunity” study is ongoing (NCT06072586). Clinical trial information: NCT05256290 .

Neoadjuvant dynamic marker-adjusted personalized therapy comparing trastuzumab-deruxtecan versus pacli-/docetaxel + carboplatin + trastuzumab + pertuzumab in HER2+ early breast cancer: WSG-ADAPT-HER2-IV.

TPS631 Background: In HER2+ early breast cancer (EBC), combination of standard chemotherapy (CTx) with anti-HER2-antibodies has shown higher efficacy versus CTx alone and/or anti-HER2-antibodies alone. Next to a need for treatment escalation in high-risk disease, there is also a substantial subset of patients (pts) (e.g., elderly pts; those with low - intermediate clinical risk) who need de-escalated but still effective treatment. Based on results from WSG ADAPT HER2+ subtrials, antibody-drug-conjugates (e.g., trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1), trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd)) are excellent candidates for de-escalation approaches in HER2+ EBC due to their high efficacy and low toxicity. Methods: WSG-ADAPT-HER2-IV (NCT05704829) is a multicenter, interventional, prospective, two-arm, randomized, open-label, controlled (neo-)adj., phase-II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of T-DXd vs. standard-of-care (SOC) PAC+T+P in low-intermediate-risk or DOC/PAC+CARBO+T+P in intermediate-high-risk HER2+ EBC in pre- and postmenopausal pts. Pts will be assigned to 2 treatment groups, depending on risk of recurrence: Cohort 1 (HER2+ EBC, low-intermediate risk of recurrence per Investigator´s decision, 12 wks treatment) and cohort 2 (HER2+ EBC, intermediate-high risk, 18 wks treatment) will be randomized 2:1 to either T-DXd or SOC neoadj. treatment. After 12/18-wks of neoadj. treatment, pathological response (pCR) assessment is performed. Pts with pCR will receive further SOC post-neoadj. treatment according to AGO guidelines. Those with non-pCR qualify for a cross-over treatment: Pts with neoadj. T-DXd will receive SOC CTx + anti-HER2-treatment. Pts. with neoadj. SOC treatment and non-pCR (≥ 5mm residual tumor) receive T-DXd until completion of 52 wks of treatment. After post-neoadj. Treatment, 2 – 5.5 years follow-up will be performed, during which pts may receive any SOC treatment according. Co-primary objectives are comparison of pCR-rates after 12/18 wks of neoadj. treatment with T-DXd vs. SOC (PAC+T+P or PAC/DOC+Carbo+T+P) in pooled risk cohorts and to evaluate whether 3-year dDFS equals or exceeds 92% in T-DXd-treated pts from both risk cohorts. It is planned to randomize 402 pts (269 pts to cohort 1; 133 to cohort 2). Study start was in January 2024 (45 sites, enrollment period 24 months). Estimated trial duration of is 5.5 years. Translational analyses:Potential resistance markers and molecular alterations will be assessed in tumor tissue from primary diagnosis, after 3 wks and after neoadj. treatment, and at recurrence. ctDNA/ctRNA from optional blood samples will be assessed for mutations and gene expression relevant in HER2+ EBC. Clinical trial information: NCT05704829 .

INAVO121: Phase III study of inavolisib (INAVO) + fulvestrant (FUL) vs. alpelisib (ALP) + FUL in patients (pts) with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+, HER2–), PIK3CA-mutated (mut) locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (LA/mBC).

TPS1136 Background: Standard-of-care (SoC) endocrine therapy (ET) for pts with HR+, HER2–, PIK3CAmut LA/mBC was transformed by combinations with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is); a CDK4/6i-based combination is approved in high-risk, early BC. However, in most pts, mechanisms of resistance that emerge during or after treatment with a CDK4/6i and ET combination lead to relapse/disease progression. Dysregulating mutations in PIK3CA, occurring in ~40% of HR+, HER2– BCs, represent a common mechanism of resistance to CDK4/6is and ET combinations. ALP, a selective PI3Kα inhibitor (PI3Kαi) + FUL is approved for pts with HR+, HER2–, PIK3CAmut LA/mBC, but its widespread implementation in clinical practice has been challenging. As such, there is a significant need to develop PI3Kαis with a better therapeutic index. INAVO is a highly potent and selective PI3Kαi that also facilitates the degradation of mutated PI3Kα isoform. INAVO has demonstrated manageable safety/tolerability, alone and in combination with SoC treatments in HR+, HER2–, PIK3CAmut LA/mBC. Moreover, an ongoing Phase I trial showed that INAVO + FUL elicited encouraging preliminary antitumor activity in heavily pretreated pts, including in pts pretreated with a CDK4/6i-based regimen. Methods: INAVO121 is a Phase III, randomized, open-label study. Pts are randomized 1:1 to receive INAVO (9 mg oral daily [PO QD]) + FUL (500 mg intramuscularly on Days [D] 1 and 15 of Cycle 1, then D1 of subsequent cycles) or ALP (300 mg PO QD) + FUL. Randomization is stratified by visceral disease (yes vs. no) and prior CDK4/6i therapy (adjuvant vs. metastatic setting). Pts will receive treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Pts have HR+, HER2–, PIK3CAmut LA/mBC (confirmed by circulating tumor DNA or tumor tissue), adequate hematologic and organ function, and disease progression after or during treatment with a CDK4/6i-based regimen. Up to two prior lines of systemic therapy in LA/mBC, including one line of chemotherapy, are allowed. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded independent central review (BICR). Secondary endpoints include overall survival, BICR-objective response rate, BICR-best overall response, BICR-duration of response, BICR-clinical benefit rate, safety, tolerability, pt-reported outcomes, and pharmacokinetics. A stratified log-rank test at an overall 0.05 significance level (two-sided) will be used for the primary endpoint analysis. Median PFS will be estimated using Kaplan–Meier methodology. An independent data monitoring committee will be in place for safety and efficacy. The study is open for enrollment and has randomized 159 pts; the study is targeting 400 pts at ~200 sites globally. Clinical trial information: NCT05646862 .

Is the addition of running retraining to best standard care beneficial in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome? Protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Running retraining is commonly used in the management of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The primary aim of this study is to determine if the addition of running retraining to best standard care is beneficial in the management of runners with MTSS. This study is an assessor-blinded and participant-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. The trial will recruit 64 participants aged between 18 and 45years, with a clinical diagnosis of MTSS that has affected their running participation for at least four weeks. Participants will be randomised to receive best standard care (control) or running retraining and best standard care (intervention group) over an 8-week period. Best standard care will consist of load management advice, symptom management advice, footwear advice and a strengthening program. Running retraining will consist of a cue to reduce running step length. Outcomes will be measured at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8. The primary outcome measure will be the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index at week 4. Secondary outcome measures include: (i) Exercise Induced Leg Pain Questionnaire-British Version, (ii) global rating of change scale, (iii) worst pain experienced during a run, (iv) weekly run volume, (v) reactive strength index score, (vi) single leg hop test, (vii) soleus single leg maximum voluntary isometric contraction, (viii) gastrocnemius single leg maximum voluntary isometric contraction, (ix) single leg plantar flexor endurance test, (x) running step length, and (xi) running step rate. Data will be analysed using the intention-to-treat principle. This randomised controlled trial will evaluate if reducing running step length provides additional benefit to best standard care in the management of runners with MTSS over an 8-week period. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12624000230550.

Hospitalization risk in multiple myeloma episodes of care.

e23101 Background: The Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) is a total cost of care (TCOC) program that was initiated in July 2023. Participating groups are expected to reduce expenditures while delivering high-quality care. Hospitalization (IP) is an important quality metric and cost driver in TCOC programs such as EOM. Understanding how cancer treatment may impact IP is essential for success. Multiple Myeloma (MM) treatment has transformed with multi-agent treatment as the standard of care (SOC), routinely incorporating 3 or more drugs used concurrently to maximize response. We examined the impact multi-drug treatment had on IP rates in MM patients. Methods: Using Parts A, B and D Medicare claims data from EOM baseline period (January 2019 - June 2022) for 12 participating practices, we extracted a unique count of chemotherapy drugs and IP admissions attributed to 6-month episodes of care. Dexamethasone (dex) was included even if claims were not found. Planned and cancer-surgery related IP were excluded using the Clinical Classifications Software Planned Admission Procedure Categories and per EOM specifications. IPs were dichotomized as Yes/No. A logistic regression model was developed to evaluate the association between the number of unique drugs and the unplanned IP, adjusting for variables: prior chemo, age at episode start, race, and HCC count. A 3-drug regimen was established as the reference (including dex) based on SOC. Results: 11,613 episodes had a primary diagnosis of MM, with at least one IP occurring in 2,382 episodes. The number of episodes (% IP) per drug count group are 1-2: 6636(16.3%); 3: 3772 (23.6%); 4: 863 (30.8%); 5+: 342 (40.9%). Detailed statistics are provided in Table 1. Compared to a 3-drug regimen, 4+ drugs increased the risk of IP, while episodes with 1-2 drugs had a lower risk of IP after adjusting for age, race, HCC count and prior treatment. Conclusions: Our findings can guide the design of care transforming interventions aimed at avoiding unnecessary IP while using guideline concordant SOC treatments for MM, driving TCOC reduction. Identifying patients with a higher likelihood of IP helps practices target patient monitoring programs. To understand why patients with prior treatment had lower IP identifying maintenance following initial treatment and patients receiving 3 or more drugs after failure of prior therapy, are worth exploring further. CMMI Disclaimer: The statements contained in this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CMS. The authors assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this document. [Table: see text]

#368 Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparisons of eGFR slopes in the PROTECT study with UK RaDaR IgA nephropathy population and the control arm of NefIgArd

Abstract Background and Aims Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare kidney disorder characterized by deposition of IgA in the glomeruli leading to an increased risk of kidney failure. The PROTECT clinical trial in IgAN was designed to determine the long-term (approximately 2 year) nephroprotective potential of treatment with sparsentan compared to a blinded active control angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan, titrated to the maximum labelled dose after randomization (achieved in 97% of patients). To understand PROTECT clinical trial results relative to delivery of standard of care (SoC) treatment for IgAN in other clinical settings, this study compared two-year eGFR total slope outcomes between the two arms of PROTECT and delivery of SoC in two populations applying similar eligibility criteria: Method Using individual patient data (IPD) from PROTECT, unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (MAICs) were performed. Patients in both arms of PROTECT were weighted to match key baseline characteristics of the two comparator populations. Matching was based on published clinical characteristics using the method of moments. After weighting, two-year eGFR total slopes were calculated using random coefficients models. Two-tailed z-tests with pooled standard errors were used for indirect comparison. Results Based on assessment of cross-data source characteristics, populations were found to be sufficiently comparable for unanchored MAIC. After weighting IPD from PROTECT, all matched baseline patient characteristics were well-balanced between data sources. Comparative results showed that patients treated with maximally titrated irbesartan or sparsentan in PROTECT exhibited a slower decline in kidney function compared to SoC delivered in a real-world setting (RaDaR), with differences of: Similar results were observed compared to SoC delivered in a clinical trial (NefIgArd), with differences of: Conclusion Both “maximally tolerated dose of ARB” (as recommended in the KDIGO guideline for IgAN) using irbesartan in PROTECT and sparsentan were associated with significantly slower decline in kidney function compared to real-world SoC treatment for IgAN (RaDaR) and delivery of physician defined, optimized SoC (& placebo) in the context of a clinical trial (NefIgArd). 2-year eGFR slope differences between clinical trials in IgAN need to be considered in the context of what is achieved in current clinical practice. With existing real-world and emerging clinical trial data in IgAN, MAIC is an approach that can be applied to compare outcomes between relevant, sufficiently aligned data sources.

#2244 Safety and efficacy of daratumumab monotherapy in lupus nephritis refractory to conventional and rescue therapies

Abstract Background and Aims Refractory lupus nephritis (LN) is defined as either no response to standard of care (SOC), i.e., failure to improve within 3–4 months or not achieving partial response within 12 months or complete response after 2 years of treatment. This condition is characterized by poor outcome, is often life-threatening, and represents a relatively unexplored clinical setting. A dysregulation of CD38 expression has been reported in Systemic lupus Erythematosus, and highly expressing CD38 plasma cells relegated in bone marrow niches inaccessible to conventional and biological agents could represent a source of repowering of the immune dysregulation. The efficacy and safety of daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody specifically directed at CD38, given without any other immunosuppressant or agents targeting B-cell-activating factor, were assessed in a discrete cohort of patients with refractory LN, in whom both SOC and rescue treatments had failed. Method Six patients (1 male and 5 females) aged 41.3 years (range 20 to 61 years) were treated with Daratumumab monotherapy. The treatment protocol consisted of 16 mg/kg daratumumab administered intravenously weekly for 8 weeks, then every two weeks 8 more times, and lastly monthly for 8 times. All patients had failed previous treatments with both SOC including either mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide-azathioprine, and rescue therapies including Rituximab, Ocrelizumab, Belimumab, and iv IgG. Results One out of six patients did not show clinical response after 6 months of therapy, and Daratumumab was discontinued. Five patients continued to be treated (total treatment maximum 22 infusions) and reached a 12-month observation. Renal biopsy performed before daratumumab administration revealed a class IV LN in 1 patient, class V LN in 1 patient, class III+V LN in 1 patient and class IV+V LN in the other 2. Three patients achieved a complete renal response and the other two a partial renal response. A significant decrease in proteinuria from 5.6 g per 24 h to 0.59 g per 24 h, 0.9 g per 24 h and 0.8 g per 24 h (P = 0.0010) at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, respectively, was observed. The mean value of serum Creatinine (sCr) decreased from 2.3 to 1.5 mg/dl. The mean value of sCr decreased from 2.3 mg dl−1 to 1.5 mg/dl (P = 0.98) at 12 months. C3 and C4 levels increased from 72.8 (range, 0–99) to 101.6 (range, 78.0–135) mg/dl (P = 0.16) and from 9.4 (range, 5–14) to 20.4 (range, 13–30) mg/dl (P = 0.0182), respectively. A decrease in IgG mean levels from 971.7 mg dl−1 (range, 251–1546) to 512.3 mg/dl (range, 88–957), 481.7 (range, 84–878) mg/dl and 508.4 mg/dl (range, 192–685) at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, respectively, was observed. Improvement of clinical symptoms was paralleled by seroconversion of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (p = 0.03), significant decrease in interferon-gamma values (p = 0.0006), BMCA-B-cell maturation antigen (p = 0.0005) and soluble CD163 levels (p = 0.045), and IL 10 levels (p = 0.0006). Clinical remission was substantiated by improvement of SLEDAI-2K score (p = 0.03). Daratumumab was generally well tolerated. Conclusion These data suggest that Daratumumab administered alone (i.e., without any other immunosuppressant or agents targeting B-cell activating factor) is highly effective in refractory LN. The multifaced effects of Daratumumab on the inflammatory burden and the interferon gamma profile could provide a restoration of the immune balance.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) in Moderate-to-Severe Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Open-Label Parallel-Group Study.

Since February 2020, the world has been overwhelmed by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, and several patients suffered interstitial pneumonia and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, threatening the capability of healthcare systems to handle this amount of critical cases. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) possess potential immunomodulatory properties beneficial for COVID-19 patients, yet evidence supporting IVIG as adjunctive therapy remains sparse. This study evaluated the outcomes of adjunctive IVIG with the standard of care (SoC) in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients. This randomized study included 59 moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients with known comorbidities. One arm (n = 33) received high-dose IVIG (400 mg/kg/day) within 48 hours for five days alongside SoC, while the other arm (n = 26) received SoC, comprising steroids, enoxaparin, and remdesivir. The primary endpoint was clinical improvement, as measured by the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and discharged/death proportions. Secondary outcomes included IVIG safety, hospitalization duration, changes in oxygen saturation, inflammatory markers, IgG titer, CTSS (CT severity score), and radiological findings. There was an improvement in the NEWS2 at the end of treatment in the IVIG arm (5.67 vs. 5.96). A significant absolute effect improvement (Day 1 vs. Day 9) was seen in serum LDH, D-dimer, hs-CRP, IL-6, CTSS, procalcitonin, respiratory rate, and chest radiographic findings. SARS-CoV-2 IgG titer increased significantly in the IVIG arm. There was a statistically significant reduction in mortality in the IVIG group (5 vs. 10). IVIG was a safe and effective adjunctive therapy to SoC treatment in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients needing ventilatory support. Furthermore, studies are required to validate our findings. This trial is registered with CTRI/2021/05/033622.

Critical reappraisal of prognostic indicators for 949 mucinous appendiceal neoplasm patients.

The standard of care for treatment of an appendiceal mucinous neoplasm with peritoneal dissemination is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). These two treatments are combined in the operating room. A crucial requirement for benefit long-term is proper patient selection. Clinical and histopathologic prognostic indicators are used, along with the patient's fitness for surgery, to select patients to receive CRS and HIPEC. This study seeks to identify the reliable prognostic indicators for four different groups of patients. They are (1) the low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) with a complete CRS, (2) the mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas (MACA) with complete CRS, (3) MACA with lymph node metastases (MACA-LN) with complete CRS, and (4) all histologic subtypes with incomplete cytoreduction. The prognostic indicators were evaluated for their impact on overall survival in these four groups of patients. The completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score statistically significantly showed survival differences in all three histologic subtypes. The peritoneal cancer index (PCI) showed significance with LAMN and MACA-LN but not with MACA and not with incomplete CRS. The prior surgical score (PSS) was a prognostic indicator that predicted the outcome with LAMN, MACA-LN, and incomplete CRS patients but not with the MACA group. Patients who were symptomatic or who had extensive systemic chemotherapy before CRS had a significantly reduced survival. The utility of prognostic indicators varied greatly within our four different groups of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms. CC score was always a reliable prognosticator. Surprisingly, PCI was not.

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF A SINGLE PROCEDURE OF EXTRACTION AND REIMPLANTATION OF INFECTED CARDIOVASCULAR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE (CIED) IN COMPARISON WITH DEFERRAL TIMING: AN OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTRIC STUDY

Abstract Background Infections are among the most frequent and life–threatening complications of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome and safety of a single–procedure device extraction and contralateral implantation versus the standard–of–care (SoC) two–stage replacement for infected CIEDs. Methods We retrospectively included 66 patients with CIED infections who were treated at two Italian hospitals. Of the 66 patients enrolled in the study, 27 underwent a single procedure, whereas 39 received SoC treatment. All patients were followed up for 12 months after the procedure. Results Considering those lost to follow–up, there were no differences in the mortality rates between the two cohorts, with survival rates of 81.5% in the single–procedure group and 84.6% in the SoC group (p = 0.075). Conclusions Single–procedure reimplantation associated with an active antibiofilm therapy may be a feasible and effective therapeutic option in CIED–dependent and frail patients. Further studies are warranted to define the best treatment regimen and strategies to select patients suitable for the single–procedure reimplantation.

Impact of Obesity on Midurethral Sling Failure in a Highly Hispanic Population.

Mixed data exist in the literature regarding the impact of obesity on midurethral sling (MUS) failure rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity and Hispanic ethnicity on MUS failure. This was a retrospective cohort study of females who underwent MUS surgery, alone or with concomitant prolapse repair, with at least 1 year of follow-up. Body mass index (BMI) classes were categorized as normal (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), obese (30-39.9 kg/m2), and severe obesity (≥40 kg/m2). The primary outcome was MUS failure, defined as a composite of subjectively unchanged or worsened symptoms or need for additional procedures. Secondary outcomes included risk factors related to MUS failure and the effect of ethnicity on MUS failure rates. A total of 322 women were included for analysis. The mean age was 52.3 years. Increasing BMI was associated with higher MUS failure, with multivariate logistic regression showing a 5% increased risk for each 1 kg/m2 BMI increase. Failure rates were significantly different between normal BMI and severe obesity (16.7% vs 36.4%, P = 0.04). After adjusting for other variables, transobturator slings had a higher risk of failure compared with retropubic slings, whereas surgeon training and patient ethnicity did not affect failure rates. We found that increasing BMI was associated with higher MUS failures, with significantly higher failure rates in the severely obese population. Although MUS remains the standard of care for treatment of SUI, based on our findings, counseling should be individualized to the patient, taking into account each patient's unique characteristics.

Abstract PO3-05-07: SOLTI-1718 NEREA Trial: Neratinib in hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative HER2-enriched (HER2-E) advanced breast cancer (BC)

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is a clinically and biologically heterogenous disease where intrinsic subtypes play a role. Non-luminal subtypes within HR+/HER2-negative disease do not benefit to the same extent from standard of care treatments as the luminal subtypes. Thus, other strategies are needed. HER2-E subtype represents approximately 15.0% of HR+/HER2-negative tumors in metastatic setting. According to an exploratory analysis of EGF30008 trial, HER2-E advanced BC patients, despite presenting poor outcomes across treatments, showed benefit from anti-HER2 therapy with lapatinib. Here, we report the efficacy and safety of the NEREA trial, the first study designed to evaluate neratinib and endocrine therapy in HR+/HER2-negative, PAM50 HER2-E ABC. Methods SOLTI-1718 NEREA (NCT04460430) is a single-arm, multicenter phase II study evaluating neratinib in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) in patients with HR+/HER2-, PAM50 HER2-E ABC. Key inclusion criteria include progression to prior endocrine therapy, ≤ 1 line of chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer (ABC), ECOG 0-1, and HER2-E disease by PAM50 on a metastatic tumor biopsy. The availability of a metastatic tumor sample was mandatory in the pre-screening phase to assess PAM50 subtype. Included patients received neratinib 240 mg daily in combination with ET, with either exemestane, fulvestrant or tamoxifen (as per investigator´s decision). All patients received prophylactic loperamide with an established dosing scheme during the first cycle and on-demand in subsequent cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival rate at 6 months (PFS6). Secondary endpoints include other efficacy endpoints and safety. The study was based on a Simon two-stage design. Stage I of the trial would be considered successful if at least 14 of 33 patients achieved PFS &amp;gt; 6m. In that case, the trial would recruit up to 56 patients for a target PFS6 ≥ 50%. Results. Between July 2020 and June 2022, molecular subtyping was performed on tumors from 136 patients, and 18 HER2-E tumors were identified (7.6%). 12 evaluable patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were as follows: median age 60 years, 91.7% of pts were postmenopausal, 75% had visceral disease and 59% received (neo)adjuvant treatment. The median number of lines for ABC was 3 (1-5). Neratinib was combined with exemestane (41.7%), fulvestrant (33.8%) and tamoxifen (25%). At the time of data cut-off (June 2023), 9 patients (75%) had stopped their treatment because of PD and 2 (16.7%) due to toxicity. The PFS6 months occurred in one patient (8.3%, CI: 0.2% - 38.5%). Median PFS was 1.7 months (95% CI 1.6-1.9) with a patient still on treatment after 27.1 months. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) was 25%; diarrhea (25%), asthenia (16.7%), nausea (8.3%), vomiting (8.3%) and rash (8.3%) were most common and were predominantly grade 1/2. 25% of patients experienced grade 3 trAEs. Conclusions.Due to slow enrollment, the study was stopped early. At the time of study close, the hypothesis that neratinib has efficacy in HR+/HER2-, PAM50 HER2-E tumors was not confirmed. We thank PUMA BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC for their provision of Neratinib and financial contribution to the study. Citation Format: Eva Ciruelos, Cristina Saura, Xavier Gonzalez-Farré, Francisco Javier Salvador Bofill, Maria Vidal, Isabel Blancas, Elena López-Miranda, Maria Iglesias, Míriam Arumí, Mireia Margelí, Catarina Pulido, Serafin Morales Murillo, Fernando Henao, Pilar Sanchez, Sara Alves, Ana Godoy Ortiz, José Passos Coelho, Santiago Escrivá-de-Romaní, Alejandra Espinosa, Tomás Pascual, Aleix Prat. SOLTI-1718 NEREA Trial: Neratinib in hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative HER2-enriched (HER2-E) advanced breast cancer (BC) [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 PO3-05-07.

Abstract PO3-03-10: Race and neoadjuvant treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the US community oncology setting

Abstract Background: TNBC is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited targeted therapies. Black women have twice the incidence of TNBC compared to White women and within TNBC, Black women have worse outcomes than White women. Differences in both tumor biology of TNBC and social determinants of health (SDOH) play a role in observed disparities. The focus of this study is to evaluate SDOH factors associated to differences in the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) in Black and White women in the US community oncology setting. Methods: This study was a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional design and used iKnowMed SM EHR data from the The US Oncology Network. Patients diagnosed with TNBC between 03/31/2017 and 09/30/2021 with stages II-III disease of tumor size ≥ 2cm (T2 or higher) were included. The index date was date of TNBC diagnosis and records were assessed from 6 months pre- to 6 months post-diagnosis for NC initiation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate impact of self-reported race on NC. Age, stage, BMI, insurance, area deprivation index (ADI), size of practice represented by physician count and geographical region, were studied in their mediating and moderating effects1 on the relationship between race and NC treatment. Results: Of the 3321 patients with TNBC identified in this study, 1969 self-reported white and 494 self-reported black (80% and 20% respectively). In multivariable regression accounting for all variables, Black race (OR = 1.57, 95% CI [ 1.02, 2.44], p=0.04), younger age, more advanced stage, obesity, non-Medicaid insurance, and West region, were all found to be positively associated with use of NC. Higher physician count was nominally associated, (p = 0.07). ADI was not found to be associated to NC. Mediator and moderator analysis for the relationship between race and NC showed that only stage and ADI variable inclusion in the model are required for the positive association between black race and NC. This is driven by a significant interaction between ADI and stage (p = 0.027) which differed for Black and White women. Mainly, for Black women ADI is positively associated to NC treatment in stage IIA, but negatively associated in all other stages (interaction term, p = 0.033). For White women, ADI is negatively associated to NC treatment in all stages. Only Black women with stage IIA tend to be treated more instead of less with NC in areas of greater deprivation (greater ADI). BMI presents nominal interactions with both race and stage, where obesity was more strongly associated with NC treatment in Black women (p = 0.088) and in stage IIA (p = 0.086). All other variables presented association to NC treatment without mediation or moderation of the race effect and without detectable differences across stages. Conclusions: Black women with stage IIA appear to be a special subgroup of TNBC patients for whom treatment with NC increases with ADI. Increased ADI generally results in less standard of care treatment; this is observed in this study for White women overall and for Black women in stages &amp;gt; IIA. Black women in areas of greater deprivation with stage IIA disease, may be perceived to be presenting with more aggressive disease and thus offered NC preferentially. This result lends support to the hypothesis that young black women present with a distinct, more aggressive subtype of TNBC in the early stages. Mediator and moderator analyses are important tools in elucidating the relationships between factors underlying racial disparities in both care and outcomes. 1. Hayes AF, Rockwood NJ. Regression-based statistical mediation and moderation analysis in clinical research: Observations, recommendations, and implementation. Behav Res Ther. 2017 Nov;98:39-57. Odds ratios for multivariable analysis –insert figure image– Race, stage and ADI –insert figure image– Race and BMI in stage IIA –insert figure image– Citation Format: Paola Raska, Joseph Dye, Nicholas J Robert, Angel Kidd, Michael Danso. Race and neoadjuvant treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the US community oncology setting [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 PO3-03-10.

Abstract PO2-27-03: Clinical Results of Subjects Remaining in the Phase 3 ARTEST Study Enobosarm Therapy in AR+ER+HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer with 3 or Greater Prior Lines of Therapy

Abstract Background: Targeting the androgen receptor (AR) with an oral selective AR agonist, enobosarm, is a novel approach to overcome ER and CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance to suppress AR+ER+HER2- metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Preclinical studies in CDK4/6 inhibitor and estrogen blocking agent resistant PDX mBC models demonstrated that enobosarm alone suppressed tumor growth. In a small subgroup analysis of patients with ER+HER2- mBC who progressed on estrogen blocking agent and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor from the Phase 2 802 study, enobosarm treatment resulted in a best overall response rate of 30% (2 CRs and 1 PR) and a 6-month clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 50%. Methods: The clinical activity of enobosarm 9mg alone was evaluated compared to standard of care (SOC) in the Phase 3 ARTEST, open-label, randomized, multicenter study in AR+ER+HER2-mBC who have progressed on 2 or greater lines of prior therapies, including estrogen blocking agents and CDK4/6 inhibitors. The study was discontinued for administrative reasons not related to efficacy or safety. Results: At the time study was discontinued, 34 patients with confirmed AR positivity were randomized to either enobosarm (n=16) or SOC control (n=18). SOC control treatment group received an average of 2.6 (range 1-5) and enobosarm 9mg monotherapy an average of 2.9 (range 1-5) prior lines of treatment. On average, enobosarm or the SOC control was given in the 4th line treatment for AR+ER+HER2- metastatic breast cancer. In the evaluable population, two partial responses were observed in the enobosarm treatment arm versus no responses in the SOC control arm. In patients with ≤3 lines of prior endocrine therapy, the best objective response rate (ORR) was 18.8% for enobosarm and 0% for control. In patients with ≤3 lines of prior endocrine therapy with ≤1 prior treatment with CDK 4/6 inhibitor, best ORR was 33% in the enobosarm group versus no responses in the SOC control (Table 1). CBR on day 180 was 33.3% (4/12) in the enobosarm group vs 0% (0/11) in the control group. Enobosarm treatment was well tolerated without masculinizing adverse events and no increases in hematocrit changes. Conclusions: Activity of enobosarm in this heavily pretreated patient population is encouraging and supports further clinical investigation. The Phase 3 ENABLAR-2 study is underway to further evaluate enobosarm alone or in combination with abemaciclib for the second-line treatment of AR+ER+HER2- metastatic breast cancer in patients who have received a prior estrogen blocking agent and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor. Clinical trial information: NCT04869943. Research Sponsor: Veru Inc. Table 1. Responses in patients with enobosarm versus SOC treatment. Citation Format: Kristine Rinn, Elisa Krill Jackson, Gary Barnette, Domingo Rodriguez, Itay Shalev, Mitchell Steiner, Joyce O'Shaughnessy, Hope Rugo, Adam Brufsky. Clinical Results of Subjects Remaining in the Phase 3 ARTEST Study Enobosarm Therapy in AR+ER+HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer with 3 or Greater Prior Lines of Therapy [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 PO2-27-03.

Compassionate Communication and Advance Care Planning to improve End-of-life Care in Treatment of Haematological Disease ‘ACT’: Study Protocol for a Cluster-randomized trial

IntroductionTo support the implementation of advance care planning and serious illness conversations in haematology, a previously developed conversation intervention titled ‘Advance Consultations Concerning your Life and Treatment’ (ACT) was found...

Objective Evidence That Nerve Decompression Surgery Reduces Neuropathic DFU Recurrence Risk to Less than 5%

Significance: Despite 20 years of research and new treatment methods, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) remains a common problem with frequent recurrences and complications. Recent Advances: There are reports that nerve decompression (ND) surgery has been observed to produce significantly fewer DFU recurrences than standard of care (SOC). The explanation of this apparent superiority has not been understood. Critical Issues: Microcirculation is understood to be involved in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and DFU. There is an underappreciation of the participation in DPN of entrapment neuropathy (EN) due to nerve swelling and impingement in fibro-osseous tunnels. Reducing c-fiber compression in EN by ND generates recovery of subepidermal capillary flow. ND studies have found improved neuromuscular function and epidermal microcirculation phenomena, including chronic capillary ischemia (CCI) and pressure-induced vasodilatation (PIV). There is no current therapy recommended for impaired microcirculation. Clinical and animal evidence has demonstrated that release of locally compressed peripheral nerves improves the epidermal microcirculation which is under sympathetic control. Future Directions: Using epineurolysis to relieve nerve compressions is a physiology-based therapeutic intervention and provides the scientific foundation clarifying how ND reduces DFU recurrence risk. Incorporating ND with current SOC treatments could improve DFU recurrence risk, hard-to-heal ulcers, neuroischemic wounds, amputation risk, and the resulting costs to society. More studies using ND for DFU, especially evidence-based medicine Level I studies, are needed to confirm these preliminary outcomes.