Sunitinib Research Articles

Abstract 05: Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition As A New Tool To Combat Angiogenesis Inhibitor-induced Hypertension And Renal Toxicity

Angiogenesis inhibitors are effective anti-cancer agents, but also cause hypertension and renal injury. Earlier, we observed in rats that high-dose aspirin (capable of blocking cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2) prevented these side effects better than low-dose aspirin (blocking COX-1 only). Therefore, we hypothesized that selective COX-2 inhibition would prevent toxicity during angiogenesis inhibition, and that this toxicity involves a reduced ratio of vasodilator/constrictor COX-derived prostanoids, i.e., prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) and thromboxane (TXA 2 ). Male WKY rats received vehicle, angiogenesis inhibition (sunitinib (SU), 14 mg/kg/day) alone or combined with COX-2 inhibition (celecoxib, 10mg/kg/day), a PGI 2 analogue (iloprost 100 μg/kg/day), or a dual TXA 2 synthase/receptor antagonist (picotamide, 2.5 mg/kg/day) for 8 days (n=7-8/group). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured via radiotelemetry, vascular function was assessed via wire myography, and biochemical measurements were performed by ELISA. SU induced a rapid increase in MAP (16±2 vs. 3±1 mmHg after vehicle on day 6, P<0.001), which was blunted by celecoxib (10±2 mmHg on day 6, P=0.06 versus SU), temporarily attenuated by iloprost (on treatment days 1-2) and unaffected by picotamide. Wire myography demonstrated a trend towards increased vasoconstrictor response to endothelin-1 in iliac arteries after SU, which was prevented by celecoxib (P<0.001). SU increased albuminuria (0.6±0.1 vs. 0.3±0.1 mg/24h after vehicle; P<0.001), and this was prevented by celecoxib only (0.4±0.1 mg/24h, P=0.01 vs. SU). SU increased the PGI 2 /TXA 2 ratio in both plasma (2.7±1.2 vs. 0.6±0.2 after vehicle, P=0.05) and urine (22±2.2 vs. 0.9±0.2 after vehicle, P<0.001). In conclusion, selective COX-2 inhibition combats angiogenesis inhibitor-induced hypertension and renal toxicity. SU paradoxically increases the PGI 2 /TXA 2 ratio, particularly in the kidney. Although this upregulation might initially be protective, it could eventually contribute to renal toxicity, most likely because PGI 2 exerts deleterious effects in excessive concentrations. Targeting excessive renal PGI 2 production might be another promising strategy to prevent renal toxicity during angiogenesis inhibition.

Development of modified polymer dot as stimuli-sensitive and 67Ga radio-carrier, for investigation of in vitro drug delivery, in vivo imaging and drug release kinetic

A polymer dot modified histidine-functionalized graphene quantum dot carrier, PD@His.GQD, was synthesized to investigate the in vitro sunitinib (STB) deliveryvia luminescence spectrometer. The carrier’s synthesis, with an average size of 34 nm, was proved by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analyses. In the in vitro, STB delivery investigation showed that for healthy tissue, the STB was loaded at pH = 7.2 and at 25 = 5.4 at 37 °C with a maximum loading efficiency percentage of 99 % while it was released at pH = 5.4 at 37 °C with a release percentage of 97 %. In the sequel, the STB loaded carrier was labeled with Gallium-67 (67Ga-STB.PD@His.GQD) to produce exceedingly transparent radio-carrier for in vivo kidney cancerous mice imaging via the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) device. The radiochemical purity of the 67Ga-STB.PD@His.GQD was obtained as 95 % by Radio Thin Layer Chromatography (RTLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. All obtained results affirmed that the synthesized PD@His.GQD is an STB stimuli-sensitive and selective targeting carrier. All cancerous mice in vivo images at 10 and 20 h of 67Ga-STB.PD@His.GQD post-injection and its bio-distribution calculations showed its most accumulation in the kidney cancerous tissue. Also, the STB release kinetic was studied via Zero-order, First-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, and the release data were fitted with Korsmeyer-Peppas model that expresses the STB release mechanism is controlled by diffusion.

Sunitinib-Loaded Chondroitin Sulfate Hydrogels as a Novel Drug-Delivery Mechanism for the Treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are increasingly common. Experts debate whether small tumors should be resected. Tumor destruction via injection of cytotoxic agents could offer a minimal invasive approach to this controversy. We hypothesize that a new drug delivery system comprising chondroitin sulfate (CS) hydrogels loaded with sunitinib (SUN) suppresses tumor growth in PanNET cells. Injectable hydrogels composed of CS modified with methacrylate groups (MA) were fabricated and loaded with SUN. Loading target was either 200 µg (SUN200-G) or 500 µg (SUN500-G) as well as sham hydrogel with no drug loading (SUN0-G). SUN release from hydrogels was monitored in vitro over time and cytotoxicity induced by the released SUN was evaluated using QGP-1 and BON1 PanNET cell lines. QGP-1 xenografts were developed in 35 mice and directly injected with 25 µL of either SUN200-G, SUN500-G, SUN0-G, 100 µL of Sunitinib Malate (SUN-inj), or given 40 mg/kg/day oral sunitinib (SUN-oral). SUN-loaded CSMA hydrogel retained complete in vitro cytotoxicity toward the QGP-1 PanNET and BON-1 PanNET cell lines for 21 days. Mouse xenograft models with QGP-1 PanNETs showed a significant delay in tumor growth in the SUN200/500-G, SUN-inj and SUN-oral groups compared with SUN0-G (p = 0.0014). SUN500-G hydrogels induced significantly more tumor necrosis than SUN0-G (p = 0.04). There was no difference in tumor growth delay between SUN200/500G, SUN-inj, and SUN-oral. This study demonstrates that CSMA hydrogels loaded with SUN suppress PanNETs growth. This drug delivery could approach represents a novel way to treat PanNETs and other neoplasms via intratumoral injection.

Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) analysis from the phase 3 CLEAR trial of lenvatinib (LEN) plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) or everolimus (EVE) versus sunitinib (SUN) for patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC).

4502 Background: LEN + PEMBRO improved PFS, OS and ORR vs SUN in the first-line treatment of pts with aRCC; LEN + EVE improved PFS and ORR vs SUN (Motzer R et al. NEJM. 2021). We report results of a secondary objective of the CLEAR trial comparing the impact of LEN + PEMBRO or EVE vs SUN, on HRQoL. Methods: Pts (N=1069) were randomized (1:1:1) to receive LEN 20 mg PO QD + PEMBRO 200 mg IV Q3W; LEN 18 mg + EVE 5 mg PO QD; or SUN 50 mg PO QD (4 wks on/2 wks off). HRQoL was assessed per FKSI-DRS, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EuroQoL EQ-5D-3L, at baseline, on day 1 of subsequent 3 wk cycles starting with cycle 2, and at the off-treatment visit. HRQoL analyses (unless otherwise noted) were based on data from randomized pts with any HRQoL data who received ≥1 dose of study treatment. No adjustments for multiple testing or estimation were used; P-values and CIs are nominal and descriptive. Results: For comparisons of LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN, overall changes from baseline at mean follow-up (wk 46) favored LEN + PEMBRO with significant differences between treatments for physical functioning (least squares mean difference [LS MD] [95% CI]: 3.0 [0.5, 5.5]) and fatigue (−2.8 [−5.5, −0.1]), dyspnea (−2.8 [−5.3, −0.3]), and constipation (−2.2 [−4.2, −0.2]). LS MD of the FKSI-DRS total score was 0.2 (−0.4, 0.7). For comparisons of LEN + EVE vs SUN, overall changes from baseline at wk 46 favored SUN with significant differences in overall HRQoL (−2.8 [−5.1, −0.5] assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL scale) and pain (2.8 [0.1, 5.5]), appetite loss (4.2 [1.3, 7.1]), and diarrhea (5.3 [2.6, 7.9]). LS MD of the FKSI-DRS total score was −0.4 (−1.0, 0.2). 14 of 18 scales for both LEN + PEMBRO and LEN + EVE vs SUN had no significant differences in LS MD comparisons. The LEN + PEMBRO arm is favored over SUN for the median time to first deterioration (TTD) for physical functioning, dyspnea, appetite loss and EQ-5D VAS (Table). 15 of 19 scales for both LEN + PEMBRO and LEN + EVE vs SUN had no significant differences in TTD comparisons. Conclusions: Compared with SUN, pts in LEN + PEMBRO group had similar or better symptoms and HRQoL. Clinical trial information: NCT02811861. [Table: see text]

Post hoc analysis of the CLEAR study in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Effect of subsequent therapy on survival outcomes in the lenvatinib (LEN) + everolimus (EVE) versus sunitinib (SUN) treatment arms.

4562 Background: The multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase 3 CLEAR study showed that LEN + EVE had a significant PFS benefit (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.80, P<0.001) and improved objective response rate (relative risk 1.48, 95% CI 1.26-1.74) vs SUN in the first-line treatment of patients (pts) with advanced RCC. The difference in overall survival (OS) for LEN + EVE vs SUN was not statistically significant (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.88-1.50) (Motzer R et al. NEJM. 2021). Post hoc subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact of subsequent therapy on OS. Methods: Pts in the CLEAR study were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 1 of 3 treatment arms, including LEN 18 mg + EVE 5 mg once daily (QD) and SUN 50 mg QD (4 weeks on then 2 weeks off). These post hoc analyses examined OS by subsequent systemic anticancer medication in the LEN + EVE and SUN arms. Hazard ratios (HR; LEN + EVE vs SUN) were based on stratified (geographic region and MSKCC prognostic risk groups) Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Among 1069 pts with advanced RCC randomized in the CLEAR study, 714 pts were randomly assigned to the LEN + EVE and SUN arms (N=357/each). The median duration of survival follow-up was 27 months in the LEN + EVE arm and 26 months in the SUN arm. Given the shorter median duration of study treatment with SUN (7.8 months) vs LEN + EVE (11.0 months), more pts in the SUN arm received subsequent anticancer therapy during survival follow-up (LEN + EVE, n=167; SUN, n=206). Among pts who received subsequent therapy, pts in the LEN + EVE arm had a longer median time from randomization to initiation of subsequent therapy vs those in the SUN arm (8.0 vs 6.6 months, respectively). OS for the overall population, for pts with no subsequent anticancer therapy, and for pts with no subsequent immunotherapy is shown in the table. In the US population subgroup (LEN + EVE, n=62; SUN, n=61) of the CLEAR study, in which a similar number of pts received subsequent systemic anticancer therapies in the LEN + EVE vs SUN arms (62.9% vs 65.6%, respectively), OS was comparable among the 2 arms (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.51-1.76). Overall, the safety profile was consistent with the known safety profiles of LEN + EVE and SUN. In both arms, most treatment-emergent deaths were due to progressive disease; there were few treatment-related deaths (<1%, per arm) and no clustering of events. Conclusions: In the CLEAR study, LEN + EVE met the primary endpoint of a significant benefit in PFS vs SUN. The results of these exploratory analyses suggest that subsequent systemic anticancer therapy affected the OS outcome results for LEN + EVE vs SUN in the CLEAR study. Clinical trial information: NCT02811861. [Table: see text]

Analysis of the CLEAR study in patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Depth of response and efficacy for selected subgroups in the lenvatinib (LEN) + pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) and sunitinib (SUN) treatment arms.

4560 Background: In the multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase 3 CLEAR study, LEN + PEMBRO had significant PFS and OS benefits, and improved ORR vs SUN in first-line advanced RCC. Herein, we explore efficacy according to selected subgroups and the association between pts’ depth of response and OS. Methods: Pts in the CLEAR study were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to 1 of 3 treatment arms: LEN 20 mg orally QD + PEMBRO 200 mg IV Q3W; LEN 18 mg + everolimus 5 mg orally QD; or SUN 50 mg orally QD (4 weeks on/2 weeks off). We report PFS, OS, and ORR based on IMDC risk group (favorable and intermediate/poor) and presence of a target kidney lesion at baseline (post hoc analysis). Post hoc 6-month landmark analyses assessed the association between tumor shrinkage and OS. Pts who were alive at 6 months were grouped based on maximum tumor shrinkage from baseline or confirmed complete response (CR) up to 6 months. Tumor assessments were performed by independent review committee per RECIST v1.1. Odds ratios were calculated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method; HRs were based on stratified Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Among 1069 pts randomized in the CLEAR study, 355 were assigned to LEN + PEMBRO and 357 to SUN. Median follow-up was 27 months for the LEN + PEMBRO group and 26 months for the SUN group. PFS favored LEN + PEMBRO (median 22.1 months, n=243) vs SUN (median 5.9 months, n=229) in the IMDC-intermediate/poor subgroup (HR 0.36 [95% CI 0.28-0.47]); and in the IMDC-favorable subgroup (median 28.1 months, n=110 vs median 12.9 months, n=124; HR 0.41 [95% CI 0.28-0.62]). OS favored LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN in the IMDC-intermediate/poor subgroup (HR 0.58 [95% CI 0.42-0.80]); few events were observed in the IMDC-favorable subgroup thus, it was inadequate to evaluate OS. ORR favored LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN in the IMDC-intermediate/poor subgroup (72.4% vs 28.8%; odds ratio 6.60 [95% CI 4.39-9.90]) and the IMDC-favorable subgroup (68.2% vs 50.8%; odds ratio 2.00 [95% CI 1.17-3.42]). In pts with target kidney lesions, PFS, OS, and ORR were improved with LEN+PEMBRO vs SUN (table). The 6-month landmark analysis in the LEN + PEMBRO group showed that the OS rate at 24 months was 100% (95% CI not estimable [NE]-NE) for pts with confirmed CR per RECIST v1.1 and 91.7% (95% CI 53.9-98.8) both for pts with >75% to <100% target-lesion reduction and pts with 100% target-lesion reduction. Conclusions: In pts with target kidney lesions, LEN + PEMBRO conferred survival benefits vs SUN similar to benefits observed in the overall population. Overall, pts treated with LEN + PEMBRO who had greater than 75% reduction in target lesions had similar OS rates to pts with CR. Clinical trial information: NCT02811861. [Table: see text]

Quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease progression or toxicity (Q-TWiST) of nivolumab plus cabozantinib (N+C) versus sunitinib (SUN) in treatment-naïve, advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma (aRCC): A post-hoc analysis of CheckMate 9ER (CM 9ER) data.

6567 Background: In CM 9ER (ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT03141177), N+C demonstrated significant progression-free survival gains (median: 17.0 vs. 8.3 months [mos]; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.52; P <.0001) and overall survival (OS) benefits (median: not reached vs. 29.5 mos; HR: 0.66; P <.001) vs. SUN as a first-line treatment for aRCC (Motzer et al. ASCO-GU 2021). To more fully understand the clinical benefits and risks associated with N+C vs. SUN from a patient perspective, we applied the Q-TWiST method to CM 9ER data to assess the quality-adjusted survival of these two treatment options, after a minimum follow-up of 16 mos (Sept DBL 2020). Methods: OS was partitioned into 3 states: time with any grade 3 or 4 adverse events (TOX), time without symptoms of disease or toxicity (TWiST), and time after progression (REL). The Q-TWiST is a metric that combines the quantity and quality (i.e., “utility”) of time spent in each of the 3 states TWiST, TOX, and REL. Sensitivity analyses estimated Q-TWiST across varying values of TOX and REL utilities. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on geographic region, programmed cell death-ligand 1 status, and International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium risk score. Based on minimal important difference norms (Revicki et al, Qual Life Res, 2006), a relative gain in Q-TWiST (i.e., Q-TWiST gains divided by OS in SUN) of ≥ 10% and ≥ 15% were qualified as “clinically important” and “clearly clinically important” gains, respectively. Non-parametric bootstrapping was used to generate 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (N = 651), the Q-TWiST gain in the N+C arm was 4.0 mos (95% CI: 2.4, 5.7) vs. SUN arm, resulting in a relative gain of 16.9%. N+C patients had significantly longer TWiST (4.7 mos [95% CI: 2.9, 6.7]) and TOX (0.5 mos [95% CI: 0.1, 0.9]), but significantly shorter REL (-2.0 mos [95% CI: -4.1, -0.1]) than did SUN patients. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main analysis—the Q-TWiST benefit was robust across different ranges of U(TOX) and U(REL), with minimum and maximum Q-TWiST gains of 2.7 mos (11.7% relative gain) and 5.2 mos (22.2% relative gain), respectively. Subgroup analyses were consistent with the ITT population, with all results demonstrating ≥10% (“clinically important”) gains favoring N+C. Conclusions: In CM 9ER, N+C resulted in a statistically significant and “clearly clinically important” (i.e., ≥ 15%) longer quality-adjusted survival vs SUN. Most gains were driven by added time in relatively good health (i.e., TWiST). These Q-TWiST results may help inform both aRCC patients and their clinicians to assess more comprehensively the clinical benefits and risks of N+C and SUN in making critical treatment decisions. Clinical trial information: NCT03141177.

Long-term trend of quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicities (Q-TWiST) of nivolumab+ipilimumab (N+I) versus sunitinib (SUN) for the first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC).

6568 Background: After a minimum follow-up of 48 months (mos), the CheckMate 214 trial (phase 3, NCT02231749) continued to demonstrate a significant overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival benefit for N+I vs. SUN in aRCC patients (pts) with intermediate (I) or poor (P) International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk factors (median OS: 48.1 vs. 26.6 mos, HR: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.54, 0.78; 48-mos PFS: 32.7% vs. 12.3%, HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.88) (Albiges et al. ESMO Open 2020). To further understand the clinical benefits and risks of N+I vs. SUN, we evaluated the Q-TWiST over time using up to 57 mos of follow-up in CheckMate 214. Methods: OS was partitioned into 3 states: time with any grade 3 or 4 adverse events (TOX), time without symptoms of disease or toxicity (TWiST), and time after progression (REL). The Q-TWiST is a metric that combines the quantity and quality (i.e., “utility”) of time spent in each of the 3 states TWiST, TOX, and REL. Prior research (Revicki et al, Qual Life Res, 2006) has established that relative gains in Q-TWiST (i.e., Q-TWiST gain divided by OS in SUN) of ≥ 10% and ≥ 15% can be considered as “clinically important” and “clearly clinically important”, respectively. Non-parametric bootstrapping was used to generate 95% CIs. To observe changes in quality-adjusted survival gains over time, absolute and relative Q-TWiST were calculated up to 57 mos at intervals of 12-mos. Results: With 57-mos follow-up, compared to SUN pts, N+I pts (N = 847) had significantly longer time in TWiST state (+7.1 mos [95% CI: 4.2, 10.4]). The between-group differences in TOX state (0.3 mos [95% CI: -0.2, 0.8]) and REL state (-1.2 mos [95% CI: -4.1, 1.5]) were not statistically significant. The Q-TWiST gain in the N+I vs. SUN arms was 6.6 mos (95% CI: 4.1, 9.4), resulting in a 21.2% relative gain. Q-TWiST gains progressively increased over the follow-up period and exceeded the “clinically important” threshold around 27 mos (Table). These gains were driven by steady increases in TWiST gains from 0.4 mos (after 12 mos) to 7.1 mos (after 57 mos). Conclusions: In CheckMate 214, N+I resulted in a statistically significant and “clearly clinically important (≥ 15%)” longer quality-adjusted survival vs. SUN, which increased over the longer follow-up time. Q-TWiST gains were primarily driven by time in “good” health (i.e., TWiST), which largely resulted from the long-term PFS benefits seen for N+I vs. SUN. Clinical trial information: NCT02231749. [Table: see text]

Randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL)-controlled, phase III trial of pimitespib (TAS-116), an oral inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), in patients (pts) with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) refractory to imatinib (IM), sunitinib (SU) and regorafenib (REG).

11524 Background: Pimitespib (PIM) is a novel class of orally active selective HSP90 inhibitors. KIT and PDGFRA are clients of HSP90 for their functional stability; therefore, HSP90 is a rational therapeutic target on GIST in pts with acquired resistance, such as secondary mutation in KIT, to approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A phase II trial showed clinical activity of PIM in pts with advanced GIST refractory to standard treatments whose medical need remains unmet. This phase III trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of PIM for this unmet clinical need. Methods: Eligible pts had histologically confirmed advanced GIST refractory to IM, SU, and REG, ≥1 measurable lesion, and ECOG performance status 0 or 1. Pts were randomized 2:1 to receive either PIM 160 mg once daily on a 5-days-on/ 2-days-off schedule or PL. Pts eligible for unblinding at the time of progressive disease were allowed to crossover to open-label PIM. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded central radiological review based on modified RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), PFS in the pts crossed over to PIM (secondary PFS), and safety. Crossover-adjusted OS was derived using the rank preserving structural failure time (RPSFT) model. Exploratory endpoints included pharmacogenomics (PGx). Results: From Oct 2018 to Apr 2020, 86 pts were randomized to receive either PIM (n = 58) or PL (n = 28). Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. Median PFS was 2.8 months (mo) (95% CI: 1.6–2.9) for PIM vs. 1.4 mo (95% CI: 0.9–1.8) for PL. The hazard ratio (HR) for PFS was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.30–0.87) ( p = 0.006, stratified log-rank test). Median OS was 13.8 mo (95% CI: 9.2–not reached) for PIM vs. 9.6 mo (95% CI: 5.5–not reached) for PL (HR for OS 0.63; p = 0.081), with 60.7 % of PL pts crossed over to PIM; secondary PFS was 2.7 mo (95% CI: 0.7–4.1). The RPSFT-adjusted median OS of PL was 7.6 mo (adjusted HR for OS 0.42; p = 0.007). Furthermore, the results of PGx analysis suggested that PIM was also effective in pts with secondary KIT mutation detected from blood samples. The most common ( > 5%) grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) in PIM/PL were diarrhea (13.8%/0%), anemia (6.9%/10.7%), decreased appetite (6.9%/0%), and tumor hemorrhage (5.2%/0%). AEs leading to PIM/PL study discontinuation were observed in 4/2 pts (6.9%/7.1%), respectively. Conclusions: This randomized trial demonstrated that PIM significantly improved PFS with OS prolongation in pts with advanced GIST refractory to IM, SU, and REG, as a HSP90 inhibitor for the first time. PIM was tolerated and AEs were manageable. With a mechanism of action different from that of standard therapies, PIM has the potential to be a new standard treatment in GIST. Clinical trial information: JapicCTI-184094.

Sodium-Glucose CoTransporter-2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin Ameliorates Sunitinib-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction via Regulation of AMPK-mTOR Signaling Pathway-Mediated Autophagy.

Background: Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to decrease the adverse cardiac events and risks of cardiovascular mortality among patients with or without diabetes, which has made these drugs promising treatment options for patients with chronic heart failure. Cardiac dysfunction is a common and severe side effect induced by cancer chemotherapies, which seriously affects the prognosis and life quality of tumor patients. However, it is not clear whether SGLT2 inhibitors have cardiovascular benefits in patients with cancer chemotherapy–related cardiac dysfunction. We aimed to determine whether empagliflozin (EMPA), an SGLT2 inhibitor, has a protective role against sunitinib (SNT)-induced cardiac dysfunction in a mouse model. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control (control, n = 8), empagliflozin (EMPA, n = 8), sunitinib (SNT, n = 12), or sunitinib and empagliflozin coadministration (SNT + EMPA, n = 12) groups. EMPA, SNT, or SNT-combined EMPA was given via oral gavage for consecutive 28 days. Cardiovascular functions and pathological changes were examined, and the underlying mechanisms of EMPA’s effects were investigated in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Results: Mice in the SNT group exhibited dramatically elevated blood pressure (systolic blood pressure [SBP] 134.30 ± 6.455 mmHg vs. 114.85 ± 6.30 mmHg) and impaired left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 50.24 ± 3.06% vs. 84.92 ± 2.02%), as compared with those of the control group. However, EMPA could ameliorate SNT-induced cardiotoxicity, both in terms of SBP (117.51 ± 5.28 mmHg vs. 134.30 ± 6.455 mmHg) and LVEF (76.18 ± 5.16% vs. 50.24 ± 3.06 %). In H9c2 cardiomyocytes, SNT-induced cardiomyocyte death and cell viability loss as well as dysfunction of adenosine 5’-monophosphate–activated protein kinase–mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK-mTOR) signaling–mediated autophagy were restored by EMPA. However, these favorable effects mediated by EMPA were blocked by the inhibition of AMPK or autophagy. Conclusion: EMPA could ameliorate SNT-induced cardiac dysfunction via regulating cardiomyocyte autophagy, which was mediated by the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway. These findings supported that SGLT2 inhibitor therapy could be a potential cardioprotective approach for cardiovascular complications among patients receiving SNT. However, these favorable effects still need to be validated in clinical trials.

Changes in expression of lysosomal membrane proteins in leucocytes of cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Lysosomal sequestration of weak base drugs has been identified as one of the stress-related mechanisms that trigger in vitro lysosomal biogenesis controlled by transcription factor EB (TFEB). Whether such mechanism can induce lysosomal biogenesis in vivo is unknown. In this study, we addressed the question whether prolonged treatment with sunitinib (SUN) in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (n = 22) and with imatinib (IM) in those with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 6) could induce lysosomal biogenesis in leukocytes. Lysosomal biogenesis was monitored using immunoblotting of three lysosomal membrane proteins: lysosome-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 (LAMP1 and LAMP2) and vacuolar H+-ATPase, B2 subunit (ATP6V1B2). Present results indicate that prolonged treatment with SUN affects LAMP1 and LAMP2 expression only marginally in most patients. In contrast, changes in ATP6V1B2 expression were marked and resembled irregular oscillations. Very similar changes in the expression of lysosomal membrane proteins were also found in IM-treated patients. Conclusion: prolonged treatment of cancer patients with SUN and IM did not induce leucocyte lysosomal biogenesis but dramaticallyaffected expression of ATP6V1B2.

Phase 3 trial of lenvatinib (LEN) plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) or everolimus (EVE) versus sunitinib (SUN) monotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (CLEAR study).

269 Background: In pts with advanced RCC, second-line treatment with LEN + EVE prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) compared with EVE alone. LEN + PEMBRO, also showed preliminary efficacious evidence in a phase 1/2 RCC study. Here, we describe the investigational study results of first-line LEN + PEMBRO or LEN + EVE versus SUN in pts with advanced RCC. Methods: Pts were randomized (1:1:1) to receive LEN 20 mg orally once daily + PEMBRO 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (wks); or LEN 18 mg + EVE 5 mg orally once daily; or SUN 50 mg orally once daily (4 wks on/2 wks off). Eligible pts had advanced RCC with no prior systemic therapy. Randomization was stratified by geographic region and MSKCC prognostic group. The primary endpoint was PFS by Independent Review Committee per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and safety. A sequential approach was used to test PFS first, then OS and ORR. PFS and OS were compared across arms by a stratified log-rank test; hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by a stratified Cox regression model. Results: 1069 pts were randomized (Table). After a median follow-up of 27 months (data cutoff August 28, 2020), PFS was significantly improved with LEN + PEMBRO (median 24 months [mos]) vs SUN (median 9 mos; HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.32–0.49) and LEN + EVE (median 15 mos) vs SUN (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53–0.80). OS was significantly longer with LEN + PEMBRO vs SUN (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.88), whereas OS with LEN + EVE vs SUN was not statistically different (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.88–1.50). ORR was significantly greater with LEN + PEMBRO (ORR 71%; complete response [CR] 16%) vs SUN (ORR 36%; CR 4%; odds ratio 4.35, 95% CI 3.16–5.97) and LEN + EVE (ORR 54%; CR 10%) vs SUN (odds ratio 2.15, 95% CI 1.57–2.93). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 72% of pts in the LEN + PEMBRO arm and 73% of pts in the LEN + EVE arm compared with 59% of pts in the SUN arm. Conclusions: LEN + PEMBRO demonstrated significant improvements in PFS, OS and ORR vs SUN. LEN + EVE demonstrated significant improvements in PFS and ORR vs SUN. Safety was manageable and consistent with the known single-agent profiles. Clinical trial information: NCT02811861 . [Table: see text]

Patterns of progression in patients treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab (NIVO+IPI) versus sunitinib (SUN) for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) in CheckMate 214.

313 Background: First-line NIVO+IPI demonstrates superior survival and response benefits in intent-to-treat (ITT) patients (pts) with aRCC after long-term follow-up in the phase 3 CheckMate 214 trial. Data are scarce on tumor relapse and patterns of disease progression with immuno-oncology agents in this setting. This exploratory analysis of CheckMate 214 characterizes patterns of progression with NIVO+IPI vs SUN with 4 years minimum follow-up. Methods: Pts with clear cell aRCC were randomized to NIVO+IPI Q3W×4 followed by NIVO monotherapy Q2W, or SUN QD×4 weeks (6-week cycle). Patterns of progression were characterized in ITT pts and analyzed post hoc using descriptive statistics. Progression patterns were defined by ≥ 20% target lesion growth (T), unequivocal progression of nontarget lesions (NT), and new lesion(s) (NL). Response and progression were assessed per independent radiology review committee via RECIST v1.1. Results: Radiographic progression (RP) was documented in 299/550 (54.4%) ITT pts with NIVO+IPI vs 289/546 (52.9%) with SUN. Among ITT pts with a confirmed response (objective response = 215/550 [39.1%, NIVO+IPI] vs 177/546 [32.4%, SUN]), 71/215 (33.0%) vs 84/177 (47.5%) pts experienced post-response RP with NIVO+IPI vs SUN; 8/59 (13.6%) vs 3/14 (21.4%) progressed after complete response, and 63/156 (40.4%) vs 81/163 (49.7%) progressed after partial response, respectively. The pattern of RP differed between arms (Table). With NIVO+IPI, 106/299 (35.5%) RPs resulted from NL only vs 74/289 (25.6%) with SUN, and this differential was more pronounced in pts with an initial confirmed response (36/71 [50.7%] vs 23/84 [27.4%]). Most NL-only RPs in initial responders occurred in a single organ (34/36 [94.4%] for NIVO+IPI; 20/23 [87.0%] for SUN) with the most common being lymph nodes (11/34 [32.4%]), brain (8/34 [23.5%]), and lung (5/34 [14.7%]) with NIVO+IPI, and lymph nodes (7/20 [35.0%]), brain (4/20 [20.0%]) and adrenal gland (3/20 [15.0%]) with SUN. Additional progression details, baseline characteristics, and key efficacy outcomes in progressors will be reported. Conclusions: Differential patterns of tumor relapse and disease progression were observed after long-term follow up of patients treated with NIVO+IPI vs SUN in CheckMate 214. NL-only progression occurred more often with NIVO+IPI vs SUN, in particular in the subset of pts who progressed post-response. These patterns may have therapeutic implications. Clinical trial information: NCT02231749 . [Table: see text]

Nivolumab + cabozantinib (NIVO+CABO) versus sunitinib (SUN) for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC): Outcomes by sarcomatoid histology and updated trial results with extended follow-up of CheckMate 9ER.

308 Background: First-line NIVO+CABO met primary and secondary efficacy endpoints by improving progression-free survival (PFS; HR 0.51, P < 0.0001), overall survival (OS; HR 0.60, P = 0.0010), and objective response rate (ORR; 55.7% vs 27.1%; P < 0.0001) vs SUN in patients (pts) with aRCC in CheckMate 9ER (Choueiri et al. ESMO 2020). Efficacy benefits with NIVO+CABO vs SUN were consistent across prespecified subgroups including by IMDC risk group, and regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression (database lock for primary analysis, March 30, 2020). Updated analyses are needed to establish durability of benefit with first-line NIVO+CABO and assess outcomes in aRCC pts with sarcomatoid features (sRCC)—an aggressive histologic subtype associated with poor prognoses. Methods: In this phase III open-label trial, adults with confirmed aRCC (with a clear cell component including those with sRCC) were randomized 1:1 (stratified by IMDC risk score, tumor PD-L1 expression, geographic region) to NIVO 240 mg IV Q2W + CABO 40 mg PO QD vs SUN 50 mg PO (4 weeks of 6-week cycles). The primary endpoint was RECIST v1.1-defined PFS by blinded independent central review (BICR) in all randomized (intent-to-treat [ITT]) pts; secondary endpoints included OS, ORR by BICR, and safety. Pts with and without sRCC were identified by local pathology report, and outcomes in these pts were evaluated via prespecified supportive subset analyses. Results: The presence of sRCC was assessed in ITT pts (N = 651) at enrollment. Overall, 75 (11.5%) pts had sRCC and 557 (85.6%) did not; sRCC status was not reported in 19 pts (2.9%). Overall, 34 vs 41 pts with sRCC were randomized to NIVO+CABO vs SUN, respectively. At a median follow-up of 18.1 months, NIVO+CABO improved PFS, OS, and ORR in sRCC pts vs SUN (Table). Notable PFS, OS, and ORR benefits were observed with NIVO+CABO vs SUN in the subgroup of pts without sRCC. Median PFS was doubled, the risk of death was lower, and ORR was consistently higher with NIVO+CABO vs SUN regardless of sarcomatoid status. Key updated PFS, OS, response, and safety outcomes in the ITT population and in pts with and without sRCC will be reported with additional follow-up based on a September 10, 2020 database lock. Conclusions: NIVO+CABO demonstrated improved efficacy and prolonged survival vs SUN in previously untreated aRCC pts regardless of sarcomatoid status. Updated results with extended follow-up will assess the durability of outcomes in this trial. Clinical trial information: NCT03141177 . [Table: see text]

Treatment sequence after first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab or sunitinib monotherapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) using real-world data.

288 Background: The introduction of second-line (2L) nivolumab (NIVO) in 2015 (CheckMate 025) and first-line (1L) NIVO plus ipilimumab (NIVO+IPI) in 2018 (CheckMate 214) revolutionized the management of mRCC in the US. This study sought to leverage real-world (RW) data by applying CheckMate 214 inclusion criteria to develop a RW comparator for the trial to assess treatment patterns and sequences in RW patients (pts) with mRCC after receiving 1L NIVO+IPI or sunitinib (SUN). Methods: This retrospective study identified pts with clear cell mRCC from the Flatiron Health EHR-derived de-identified database who received 1L NIVO+IPI or SUN monotherapy on or after December 2015. Pts must have met the strict selection criteria from CheckMate 214 for this analysis. Evaluation of 1L, 2L, and third-line (3L) therapies was stratified by International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk (favorable [FAV] and intermediate/poor [I/P]). Results: Of 401 mRCC pts included in the study, 197 (49.1%) received NIVO+IPI and 204 (50.9%) received SUN as 1L therapy (Table). The median follow-up time was 10.1 months in NIVO+IPI pts and 20.2 months in SUN pts ( P < 0.0001). Among 66 (33.5%) NIVO+IPI pts who received 2L line therapy, the 2 most common therapies were cabozantinib (CABO; 50.0%), and pazopanib (PAZO; 12.1%). Among 119 (58.3%) SUN pts who received 2L therapy, the most common therapies were NIVO (48.7%), and PAZO (8.4%). The 2 most common 3L therapies were axitinib (AXI; 18.2%) or everolimus plus lenvatinib (EVE+LEN; 18.2%) for NIVO+IPI pts, and CABO (26.7%) or NIVO (15.0%) for SUN pts. The treatment sequence is similar between patients with FAV and I/P risk. Conclusions: In the RW setting, the treatment sequences after NIVO+IPI and SUN were largely similar across the IMDC risk groups. CABO was the most common therapy in 2L after NIVO+IPI in RW pts, and NIVO was the most common 2L therapy after SUN monotherapy, which was consistent with the sequence in the trial. [Table: see text]

ASSET: Alternative schedule sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC)—Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

300 Background: Sunitinib (SUN) is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for treatment of advanced RCC and high risk RCC after nephrectomy. Evidence suggests that a 2 week (wk) on, 1 wk off schedule (2/1) of SUN administration may be more tolerable than the standard 4 wk on, 2 wk off schedule (4/2). We investigated changes in cardiopulmonary function and related parameters over time in RCC patients treated with both schedules of SUN. Methods: Patients starting SUN for RCC, with KPS ≥80 and normal organ and marrow function, were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to schedule 4/2 or 2/1. Subjects were required to be able to walk and jog on a treadmill and to complete an acceptable CPET at baseline (BL). Primary endpoint was change in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) on both schedules at 12 wk from BL. Key secondary endpoints were change from BL to 12 wk in: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), upper and lower body strength (1-RM), functional measures (chair stand, timed up-and-go [TUG], 6-minute walk test [6MWT], quality of life (QOL; FACT-Fatigue, FKSI-19), anxiety and depression (HADS) and exercise behavior (Godin Leisure Score). ANCOVA models controlling for baseline values were used to analyze the primary and secondary endpoints. Results: Between 11/20/2017 and 6/24/2019, 9 out of a planned 30 patients consented to participate at Duke. Two patients declined to participate and 7 patients were enrolled on study: 4 on Arm A and 3 on Arm B. All 7 patients completed the 12 wk study. Median age, BMI, and VO2peak were 65 yrs, 30.5 kg/m2, and 19.2 ml kg−1 min−1. We observed no difference in the primary endpoint of VO2peak between arms (p=0.84). We report BL to 12 wk change scores for all patients starting SUN (Table). In addition, mean change scores (SE) for QOL by FACIT-Fatigue and FKSI-19 were -2.88 (1.5) and 1.2 [9.8]; anxiety and depression by HADS 1.14 (1.3); and physical activity 1.14 (1.7). Conclusions: We observed non-significant declines in most measures of physical fitness and function during the first 12 wk of treatment with SUN. To our knowledge, this is the first reported study of these parameters in patients with RCC. Given that a VEGF TKI, alone and with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, remains a standard of care for metastatic ccRCC, studies should be undertaken to examine whether exercise training can prevent declines in physical fitness and function. Clinical trial information: NCT03109015 . [Table: see text]

Method Development and Validation for Simultaneous Determination of Six Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Two Active Metabolites in Human Plasma Using UPLC–MS/MS for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Over the past decades, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and their main active metabolites has shown benefits in improving treatment efficacy and safety. Therefore, a sensitive, simple and economical ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of six oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and two active metabolites, including imatinib (IMA), N-desmethyl imatinib (NDIMA), sunitinib (SUNI), N-desethyl sunitinib (NDSUNI), regorafenib (REGO), nilotinib (NILO), dasatinib (DASA) and osimertinib (OSI) in human plasma for therapeutic drug monitoring. The plasma samples were deproteinated with acetonitrile after spiking with two deuterated internal standards (ISs, [ 2 H 8 ]-imatinib and [ 2 H 10 ]-sunitinib) and separated on a 40 °C ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C 18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 mm×50 mm). The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile (solution A) and water-formic acid-ammonium acetate (1M)(994:1:5, v/v/v, solution B). Gradient elution was applied at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Detection was carried out using a Triple Quad 5500 tandem mass spectrometer coupled with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive mode. The method was validated over the calibration curve (CV) range of 2-400 ng/mL for NDSUNI and DASA, 2.5-500 ng/mL for SUNI, 10-2000 ng/mL NDIMA and OSI, 20-4000 ng/mL for NILO, 30-6000 ng/mL for REGO and 50-10000 ng/mL for IMA using linear regression and 1/x 2 weighting. No difference was observed in the matrix effect (ME) among blank human plasma, hemolytic plasma and lipemic plasma samples in general. And the intra- and inter-batch precision and accuracy of all eight components were acceptable. To provide a clinical reference for the operation, the stability of the whole process from sample collection to drug detection was verified. SUNI and NDSUNI showed obvious photoisomerization under light exposure. Therefore, strict light protection was applied for all sample collection and handling steps of SUNI and NDSUNI. Compared with heparin anticoagulant tubes, the stability of the eight compounds in both whole blood and plasma was better in K3-EDTA and sodium citrate anticoagulant tubes. Given that all the analytes were stable in plasma at 4 °C for 48 h and in whole blood at room temperature for 48 h but OSI and REGO were unstable in whole blood and plasma at room temperature, samples should be centrifuged as soon as possible to be preserved as plasma at 4 °C when OSI or REGO is detected. In conclusion, this validated method can provide support for clinical practice, such as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and pharmacokinetic studies of these six TKIs and two active metabolites.

Debulking of Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Refractory to Imatinib and Sunitinib: A Case Report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are non-epithelial stromal tumors that arise in the gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacological treatments for GIST are tyrosine kinase inhibitors. For metastatic disease, debulking may be helpful in reducing the tumor burden, thus increasing the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Debate on whether resection would benefit the patient is still present. Here is a case of a 52-year-old African American male presenting with metastatic malignant GIST with peritoneal carcinomatosis refractory to imatinib and sunitinib. Since this patient had stage IV metastasis it was ultimately decided to proceed with a therapeutic debulking procedure. For this patient, the procedure increased the effectiveness of the medication and reduced mass effect symptoms, improving quality of life. J Med Cases. 2021;12(2):45-48 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3598

Depletion of lncRNA MALAT1 inhibited sunitinib resistance through regulating miR-362-3p-mediated G3BP1 in renal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT Long non-coding RNA metastasis associated with lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) contributes to chemotherapy resistance in some cancers, but the role of MALAT1 in sunitinib (SU) chemoresistance of carcinoma (RCC) is still unknown. In this study, MALAT1 expression in SU-resistance tumor tissues and cells was tested by qRT-PCR. Then, CCK-8, Annexin V-FITC/PI, transwell, and Western blotting assays were used to evaluate cell viability and IC50, apoptosis, cell invasion, and resistance of SU-resistance RCC cells after transfected with small interfering RNA against MALAT1. Further, RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assay were applied to investigate the underlying mechanism of MALAT1 in SU resistance. The results showed that MALAT1 expression was dramatically upregulated in SU-resistance RCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of MALAT1 inhibited proliferation, invasion, and SU chemoresistance, but induced apoptosis in RCC cells. The results of RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assay indicated that MALAT1 could interact with miR-362-3p and miR-362-3p interact with RasGAP SH3-domain-Binding Protein 1 (G3BP1). Moreover, G3BP1 also played a role in SU chemoresistance of RCC cells, and MALAT1 could perform as a miR-362-3p sponge to modulate G3BP1 expression. Rescue experiments suggested that downregulation of miR-362-3p and overexpression of G3BP1 can reverse the SU chemosensitivity of MALAT1 knockdown in RCC cells. In conclusion, depletion of LncRNA MALAT1 inhibited SU chemoresistance through modulating G3BP1 via sponging miR-362-3p in RCC cells, suggesting that targeting MALAT1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for SU-resistance RCC.

Survival outcomes and independent response assessment with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus sunitinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: 42-month follow-up of a randomized phase 3 clinical trial

BackgroundThe extent to which response and survival benefits with immunotherapy-based regimens persist informs optimal first-line treatment options. We provide long-term follow-up in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) receiving...