Temozolomide In Patients Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of metformin plus low-dose temozolomide in patients with recurrent or refractory glioblastoma: a randomized, prospective, multicenter, double-blind, controlled, phase 2 trial (KNOG-1501 study)

PurposeGlioblastoma (GBM) has a poor prognosis after standard treatment. Recently, metformin has been shown to have an antitumor effect on glioma cells. We performed the first randomized prospective phase II clinical trial to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of metformin in patients with recurrent or refractory GBM treated with low-dose temozolomide.MethodsIncluded patients were randomly assigned to a control group [placebo plus low-dose temozolomide (50 mg/m2, daily)] or an experimental group [metformin (1000 mg, 1500 mg, and 2000 mg per day during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week until disease progression, respectively) plus low-dose temozolomide]. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease control rate, overall response rate, health-related quality of life, and safety.ResultsAmong the 92 patients screened, 81 were randomly assigned to the control group (43 patients) or the experimental group (38 patients). Although the control group showed a longer median PFS, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (2.66 versus 2.3 months, p = 0.679). The median OS was 17.22 months (95% CI 12.19–21.68 months) in the experimental group and 7.69 months (95% CI 5.16–22.67 months) in the control group, showing no significant difference by the log-rank test (HR: 0.78; 95% CI 0.39–1.58; p = 0.473). The overall response rate and disease control rate were 9.3% and 46.5% in the control group and 5.3% and 47.4% in the experimental group, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough the metformin plus temozolomide regimen was well tolerated, it did not confer a clinical benefit in patients with recurrent or refractory GBM.Trial registration NCT03243851, registered August 4, 2017.

A multicenter, phase 1, dose escalation clinical trial (G-FORCE-1) of XRT, RRx-001 and temozolomide followed by temozolomide +/- RRx-001 in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

The current standard of care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) is maximum surgical resection followed by concurrent treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) and then six to twelve cycles of maintenance TMZ. RRx-001, an NLRP3 inhibitor and nitric oxide (NO) donor with chemoradiosensitizing, vascular normalizing and macrophage repolarizing properties, is currently in a Phase III trial for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The purpose of this non-randomized trial was to establish the safety and look for a signal of clinical activity of RRx-001 as an add-on to RT and TMZ in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. In this non-randomized, open-label, two part trial called G-FORCE-1 (NCT02871843), the first four cohorts of adult patients with histologically confirmed high grade gliomas received fractionated radiotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks), daily 75 mg/m2 temozolomide and escalating doses of once weekly RRx-001 from 0.5 mg to 4 mg according to a 3+3 design followed by a 6 week no treatment interval and then standard maintenance TMZ (150 mg/m2 Cycle 1 and 200 mg/m2 in subsequent cycles) until disease progression. The second two cohorts of patients received fractionated radiotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks), daily 75 mg/m2 temozolomide and once weekly RRx-001 4 mg followed by a 6 week no treatment interval and then two different maintenance schedules until disease progression according to the same 3+ 3 design: 1. 0.5 mg RRx-001 once weekly + 100 mg/m2 TMZ 5 days/week for up to 6 cycles of therapy; 2. 4 mg RRx-001 once weekly + 100 mg/m2 TMZ 5 days/week for up to 6 cycles of therapyThe primary endpoint was the recommended dose/maximally tolerated dose of the combination of RRx-001, TMZ and RT. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, progression free survival, objective response rate, duration of response and clinical benefit response. A total of 16 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients were enrolled. No dose limiting toxicities were observed and no MTD was reached. The recommended dose is 4 mg. After 24 months of follow up the median OS was 21.9 months (95% CI: 11.7 - NA). PFS median was 8 months (95% CI: 5 - NA). The overall response rate was 18.8% (3 PR out of 16) and the disease control rate was 68.8% (3 PR, 8 SD out of 16). The addition of RRx-001 to TMZ and RT and to TMZ during maintenance was safe and well-tolerated and deserves further study.

A phase Ib/II study of intermittent talazoparib plus temozolomide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and no mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR).

e17036 Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition exhibits an enhanced cytotoxic effect in cancers with DDR alterations, but as monotherapy has little activity for those without DDR defects. A variety of combinatorial methods utilizing PARP inhibitors are under investigation to determine if a multimodal approach could benefit patients without DDR alterations. Supported by pre-clinical models, we hypothesized that the PARP inhibitor talazoparib in combination with the chemotherapy temozolomide could induce DNA damage leading to cell death and tumor response. Methods: This is a single arm Phase 1b/2 study of escalating doses of intermittent talazoparib (Day (D) 1-6) plus temozolomide (D2-8) in 28D cycles in patients with mCRPC without DDR mutations. Patients must have failed at least one androgen receptor signaling inhibitor and may have received chemotherapy in the hormone sensitive setting. Response is determined by a composite endpoint of overall response per RECIST v1.1, PSA50% decline, and CTC conversion from >1 to 0. Pharmacokinetic samples were collected, and the mTPI-2 method was used in escalation. Results: 13 patients were enrolled across 4 dose levels in escalation. The most common adverse events were anemia (any grade (Gr) 31%, Gr3 23%), thrombocytopenia (any Gr 54%, Gr3+ 30.7%), fatigue (Gr≤2, 62%), and nausea (Gr1 46%). There was one patient with a DLT (Gr3 neutropenic fever, Gr4 thrombocytopenia). The identified RP2D was talazoparib 1 mg (D1-6) and temozolomide 75mg/m2 (D2-8). 4 (30.8%) patients met the efficacy endpoint (3 CTC responses, 1 PR, 0 PSA50% decline). While there were no PSA50 responses, 2 (15.4%) patients had a PSA30% decline. Median duration on trial was 20 weeks with 4 (30.8%) patients on trial for ≥6mos, 2 of whom also met the efficacy endpoint. Conclusions: Hematologic toxicity was dose limiting in this combination strategy using intermittent dosing of talazoparib and temozolomide in patients with mCRPC without DDR alterations. A reduction in CTCs to 0 was identified at several dose levels, and PSA30% declines were seen in 2 patients. With identification of the RP2D, enrollment in the Phase 2 study is currently underway. Clinical trial information: NCT04019327 .

A phase II study of cabozantinib and temozolomide in patients with unresectable or metastatic leiomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas.

11505 Background: Potentiation of chemotherapy, without increased toxicity, to improve outcome is an area of interest. Preclinical and clinical evidence shows simultaneous utilization of antiangiogenic agents and chemotherapy have a synergistic effect. We hypothesized that the dual targeting of VEGF and c-MET pathways with cabozantinib (CAB) would result in clinical benefit for patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) when combined with temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent. Utilization of CAB/TMZ is anticipated to produce a synergistic antitumor effect worthwhile to explore in STS. Methods: A multicenter phase II study of CAB/TMZ in patients with unresectable/metastatic leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and other STS was conducted by the Midwest Sarcoma Trials Partnership. Age ≥ 18, adequate performance status, organ function, measurable disease (RECIST 1.1), and 0-5 prior chemotherapy regimens were required. CAB 40 mg PO daily plus TMZ 150-200 mg/m2 PO 1-5 days were given in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients enrolled in 2 cohorts: 1. Uterine and non-uterine LMS 2. Other STS. The first 14 subjects to be enrolled in the study in either cohort served as a safety lead in. The primary endpoint was progression-free rate (PFR) at 12 weeks for cohort 1. Secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate, median progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and safety and tolerability. The exploratory endpoint was to estimate the correlation of PFR and OS to expression levels of VEGF, amongst others. A Simon 2-stage design was used. Results: A total of 42 patients were enrolled in Cohort 1, and 30 in Cohort 2, across 5 sites. For Cohort 1, median age was 59 years (range 35-86), 85.7% were non-Hispanic, 73.8% were female, 61.9% had ECOG of 0. The PFR at 12 weeks was 45.9% (for 37 evaluable patient) with a median PFS of 6.4 months (95% CI 4.6-6.7). Five PR were observed for an ORR of 13.5%. For Cohort 2, median age was 63 (20-86), 83.3% were non-Hispanic, 36.7% were female, 53.3% had ECOG of 0. The PFR at 12 weeks was 50% (for 28 evaluable patients) with a median PFS of 3.2 months (95% CI 1.4-4.6). One PR was observed. Reported grade 3-4 adverse events attributed to one or both intervention drugs affecting ≥10% of patients (n = 70) included hypertension (10%), decreased neutrophils (18.7%), decreased platelets (31%). Conclusions: The combination therapy of CAB/TMZ in patients with unresectable or metastatic LMS exceeded its primary endpoint with a PFR at 12 weeks > 39%. The PFS of 6.4 months in Cohort 1 exceeds rates achieved with second line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and alkylators in LMS patients. Treatment was feasible and did not reveal any previously unreported toxicities. The combination with CAB with TMZ demonstrated meaningful clinical benefit and is worth further exploration in LMS. Clinical trial information: NCT04200443 .

Phase II trial of combination pembrolizumab, olaparib, and temozolomide for patients with recurrent glioma.

TPS2087 Background: Diffuse gliomas are primary brain tumors characterized by substantial morbidity and mortality. Standard treatment includes maximal safe surgical resection followed by combination radiation and chemotherapy. Despite aggressive treatment, diffuse gliomas inevitably recur. Alkylating agents, and in particular temozolomide, play an important role in the treatment of gliomas, resulting in single-strand DNA breakages which require PARP activity for detection and repair. Gliomas with mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase ( IDH) 1 or 2 have an accumulation of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) which results in a BRCA-like state of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). When PARP is inhibited in the setting of HRD, single-strand DNA damage progresses to double-strand breaks resulting in synthetic lethality. PARP inhibition has also been shown to increase mutational burden and neoantigen expression (“immune-priming”) and increases tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and expression of PD-L1. Here, we present an ongoing clinical trial combining the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab, the PARP inhibitor olaparib, and temozolomide for treatment of recurrent gliomas with HRD. Methods: This is an open-label, non-randomized phase II trial of combination pembrolizumab, olaparib, and temozolomide for patients with recurrent glioma. The main study cohort (A) will consist of 52 patients with recurrent enhancing grade 2 or 3 IDH-mutant gliomas. An exploratory cohort (B) will consist of 5 patients with recurrent IDH-wildtype gliomas and mutations associated HRD. Study intervention is administered in 21-day cycles and includes pembrolizumab (200mg IV q3 weeks day 1), olaparib (200mg bid orally days 8-14) and temozolomide (50mg/m2 orally days 8-14). The primary outcome is overall response rate (ORR) in cohort A. Secondary objectives include safety and toxicity of triplet therapy, overall and progression-free survival, and best radiographic response. Exploratory objectives will describe outcomes in the IDH-wildtype cohort and associate response to tumor markers obtained through archival tissue and cell free DNA of cerebrospinal fluid. The trial includes a 6-patient safety lead-in to assess tolerability of triplet therapy. Cohort A patients must have grade 2 or 3 IDH-mutant glioma without known CDKN2A/B loss. Patients in Cohort B must have IDH-wildtype glioma with an alternate deleterious mutation involved in homologous recombination. Additional inclusion criteria include age ≥ 18, ECOG 0-1, and glioma recurrent after prior therapy with measurable disease by RANO. Patients must be on a stable dose of corticosteroids not to exceed 2mg/day. There are no restrictions regarding number of recurrences or prior therapies if an appropriate washout has been completed. To date, seven of 57 patients have enrolled. The safety-lead in was completed without dose-limiting toxicities. Clinical trial information: NCT05188508 .

SWOG S1929: Phase II randomized study of maintenance atezolizumab (A) versus atezolizumab + talazoparib (AT) in patients with SLFN11 positive extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).

8504 Background: In unselected patients (pts) with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) to chemotherapy resulted in a modest improvement in OS. In a retrospective analysis of a study with veliparib (PARP inhibitor [PARPi]) and temozolomide in patients with SCLC, Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) predicted PFS and OS benefit for the addition of PARPi. We evaluated whether the addition of PARPi (talazoparib) to standard-of-care maintenance ICI (atezolizumab) following frontline chemoimmunotherapy improved outcomes in pts with SLFN11-positive ES-SCLC. Methods: Participants with ES-SCLC expressing SLFN11 (H-score ≥ 1, evaluated centrally at MDACC) were randomized to maintenance atezolizumab (A) versus atezolizumab plus talazoparib (AT) following frontline chemotherapy and A. Randomization was stratified by Zebrod PS (0-1 vs 2) and use of consolidation thoracic radiation. The primary endpoint was PFS, and secondary endpoints included ORR, OS, and toxicity. The primary analysis was done using a 1-sided 10% level stratified log-rank test. Target sample size was 94 pts. Results: From June 2020 to December 2022, 309 pts were screened, of which 204 of 259 (79%) with evaluable tissue were SLFN11 positive, and 106 were randomized (52 A, 54 AT). Median follow up time is 5 months. Median age was 67 (45-84); 51 (48%) were females; 94 (89%) were white,102 (96%) were PS 0-1, and 26 (25%) had radiation prior to randomization. With 80 PFS events reported, PFS was significantly improved with AT (hazard ratio [80% CI]: 0.70 [0.52-0.94]; p = 0.056). Median PFS was 2.8 months (80% CI 2.0-2.9) for A and 4.2 months (80% CI 2.8-4.7) for AT. OS was not different (hazard ratio [80% CI]: 1.17 [0.80-1.71]; p = 0.30). Median OS was 8.5 months (80 % CI 7.4-12.7) for A and 9.4 months (80% CI 8.1-14.2) for AT. ORR was 16% (5/32, 80% CI 8-27%) for A and 12% (4/34, 80% CI 5-22%) for AT. Grade 3 or greater treatment related non-hematological adverse events (AEs) occurred in 13% pts in A and 15% in AT. Hematological AEs occurred 4% in A compared to 50% pts in AT (Expected for T) (p < 0.001). There were no treatment related grade 5 events. One participant on AT experienced grade 3 febrile neutropenia. The majority of grade 3 AEs were due to anemia (2% in A and 37% in AT). Only three pts discontinued treatment due to toxicity (2 in A and 1 in AT). Conclusions: This study met its primary endpoint demonstrating that maintenance AT improved PFS in SLFN11-selected patients with ES-SCLC. Hematologic toxicity was increased with AT as expected, with majority being grade 3 anemia. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting biomarker selected trials in SCLC, paving the way for future evaluation of novel therapies in selected SCLC populations. Clinical trial information: NCT04334941 .

Phase I/II study of pazopanib and temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed and resected glioblastoma: Pazoglio trial.

e14024 Background: Pazopanib, an anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown activity in pre-treated advanced glioblastomas. A clinical-biological rationale defends the evaluation of the activity of Pazopanib in earlier stage of the disease. Methods: Pazoglio (NCT02331498) is a phase I/II, prospective, multicenter, open-label trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pazopanib combined with temozolomide (TMZ) during the maintenance phase as defined by the Stupp protocol in patients with resected glioblastoma. We report the dose escalation phase I (standard 3+3) whose main objective is to determine the MTD and the RP2D of Pazopanib combined with TMZ during the maintenance phase. The DLT was assessed during the first two cycles. Pazopanib was dosed according to four levels: 200 mg (level 1), 400 mg (level 2), 600 mg (level 3) and 800 mg (level 4). Results: From September 2015 to March 2022, 42 patients (pts) were recorded, and 20 pts finally enrolled. Median age was 54 years [min: 25 – max: 69], 14/20 were women, 15/20 had a complete resection. No DLT was observed among the six patients of levels 1 and 2. One DLT was recorded among the three first pts of the level 3 (grade 2 thrombopenia leading to a postponement of the pazopanib of more than 7 days) but this pt was wrongly enrolled and finally not evaluable for DLT. Three additional pts were enrolled in the level 3 and no DLT was recorded. No DLT was recorded in the 3 first pts of the level 4 but the occurrence of a grade 2 thrombopenia lasting more than 7 days and leading to the cancelation of the third cycle of TMZ in the first pt, as well as a grade 3 thrombopenia and grade 3 neutropenia leading to the postponement and decrease of the dosage of the second cycle of TMZ for the third pt, lead to the enrollment of 3 additional pts in the level 3 according to the IDMC recommendation. One DLT was recorded (grade 2 thrombopenia leading to a postponement of the pazopanib of more than 7 days). Overall, one DLT was observed among the 8 evaluable pts of the level 3. Three additional pts were enrolled in the level 4. Overall, two DLT were recorded among the 6 patients enrolled in the level 4: one grade 3 thrombopenia (postponement and decrease of Pazopanib and TMZ dosage) and one grade 3 hypertension (decrease of Pazopanib dosage). Overall, 328 Adverse Events were recorded during the 6 cycles of treatment, most of which being Grade1-2 (hypertension, increase ALT, asthenia, nausea, diarrhea, thrombopenia, neutropenia, anemia). No grade 4 or 5 AE was observed. The RP2D is 600 mg daily pazopanib in combination with TMZ, RP2D was hardly established since several adaptations of dose intensity, not formerly defined as DLT, were recorded during the 6 cycles of maintenance treatment. Conclusions: The addition of Pazopanib to TMZ during the maintenance part of the “Stupp protocol” is feasible in resected and fit glioblastoma pts. The phase II part of Pazoglio is currently enrolling. Clinical trial information: NCT02331498 .

Phase I/II study testing the combination of AGuIX nanoparticles with radiochemotherapy and concomitant temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (NANO-GBM trial protocol)

BackgroundDespite standard treatments including chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) (STUPP protocol), the prognosis of glioblastoma patients remains poor. AGuIX nanoparticles have a high radiosensitizing potential, a selective and long-lasting accumulation in tumors and a rapid renal elimination. Their therapeutic effect has been proven in vivo on several tumor models, including glioblastoma with a potential synergetic effect when combined with TMZ based chemoradiotherapy, and they are currently evaluated in 4 ongoing Phase Ib and II clinical trials in 4 indications (brain metastases, lung, pancreatic and cervix cancers) (> 100 patients received AGuIX). Thus, they could offer new perspectives for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The aim of this study is to determine the recommended dose of AGuIX as a radiosensitizer in combination with radiotherapy and TMZ during the concurrent radio-chemotherapy period for phase II (RP2D) and to estimate the efficacy of the combination.MethodsNANO-GBM is a multicenter, phase I/II, randomized, open-label, non-comparative, therapeutic trial. According to a dose escalation scheme driven by a TITE-CRM design, 3 dose levels of AGuIX (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) will be tested in phase I added to standard concomitant radio-chemotherapy. Patients with grade IV glioblastoma, not operated or partially operated, with a KPS ≥ 70% will be eligible for the study. The primary endpoints are i) for phase I, the RP2D of AGuIX, with DLT defined as any grade 3–4 NCI-CTCAE toxicity and ii) for phase II, the 6-month progression-free survival rate. The pharmacokinetics, distribution of nanoparticles, tolerance of the combination, neurological status, overall survival (median, 6-month and 12-month rates), response to treatment, and progression-free survival (median and 12-month rates) will be assessed as secondary objectives. Maximum sixty-six patients are expected to be recruited in the study from 6 sites.DiscussionThe use of AGuIX nanoparticles could allow to overpass the radioresistance to the reference treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastomas that have the poorest prognosis (incomplete resection or biopsy only).Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT04881032, registered on April 30, 2021. Identifier with the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM): N°Eudra CT 2020-004552-15. Protocol: version 3, 23 May 2022.

Single-agent temozolomide as salvage therapy in heavily pretreated metastatic sarcoma patients.

Treatment options for patients with metastatic sarcoma are limited. The goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of temozolomide in pretreated patients with soft tissue sarcoma. We recorded the pathological, clinical, and treatment data of the patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma retrospectively. We evaluated the efficacy and side effects of temozolomide in this patient group. This study involved 16 patients. The average age was detected as 48 (21-73) years. Six (37.5%) patients had de-novo metastatic disease at diagnosis. Primary of tumors had originated from intra-abdominal (43.7%), extremity (31.3%), head-and-neck (12.5%), and intrathoracic (12.5%) regions. The patients previously had received at least two different chemotherapy regimens (75%), pazopanib (50%) and palliative radiotherapy (31.3%). Temozolomide-related median progression-free survival time was found as 3.5 (95% CI, 2.6-4.3) months. One patient (6.3%) had a partial response, while four patients (25%) had stable disease. Nine individuals (56.3%) had grade 1-2 adverse events, while one patient (6.3%) had grade 3-4 adverse events. We observed that temozolomide was well tolerated but had limited efficacy in the treatment of metastatic sarcoma patients. In patients with extensively pretreated soft tissue sarcoma, temozolomide may be considered a therapeutic option as a single-agent.

EGFRvIII Promotes the Proneural-Mesenchymal Transition of Glioblastoma Multiforme and Reduces Its Sensitivity to Temozolomide by Regulating the NF-κB/ALDH1A3 Axis.

(1) Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant intracranial tumor in adults. At present, temozolomide (TMZ) is recognized as the preferred chemotherapeutic drug for GBM, but some patients have low sensitivity to TMZ or chemotherapy resistance to TMZ. Our previous study found that GBM patients with EGFRvIII (+) have low sensitivity to TMZ. However, the reasons and possible mechanisms of the chemoradiotherapy resistance in GBM patients with EGFRvIII (+) are not clear. (2) Methods: In this study, tissue samples of patients with GBM, GBM cell lines, glioma stem cell lines, and NSG mice were used to explore the causes and possible mechanisms of low sensitivity to TMZ in patients with EGFRvIII (+)-GBM. (3) Results: The study found that EGFRvIII promoted the proneural-mesenchymal transition of GBM and reduced its sensitivity to TMZ, and EGFRvIII regulated of the expression of ALDH1A3. (4) Conclusions: EGFRvIII activated the NF-κB pathway and further regulated the expression of ALDH1A3 to promote the proneural-mesenchymal transition of GBM and reduce its sensitivity to TMZ, which will provide an experimental basis for the selection of clinical drugs for GBM patients with EGFRvIII (+).

Deep learning MRI signature to predict survival and treatment benefit from temozolomide in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma

BackgroundO6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation status does not correlate with temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity in all IDH-wildtype glioblastoma (GBM) patients. New predictors of TMZ benefit are still in demand. MethodsBased on MR images, a deep learning image signature was constructed to predict the survival and benefit of temozolomide in patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma. ResultsDiS signature was associated with OS as an independent prognostic factor in patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. For high-risk group patients, TMZ was associated with improved OS for patients in MGMT-methylated subgroup (HR: 2.051, 95 % CI: 0.939–4.482, log-rank P = 0.034), but had not effect on MGMT-unmethylated patients. However, patients in the low- risk group did not benefit from TMZ. ConclusionDiS could offer complementary value beyond MGMT methylation status in predicting survival benefit from TMZ chemotherapy in patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.

Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of extended adjuvant temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Contemporary standard-of-care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) is maximal safe resection followed by postoperative focal conformal radiotherapy (RT) plus concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) and 6-cycles of adjuvant TMZ (Stupp regimen). However, many patients continue to receive extended adjuvant TMZ (beyond 6-cycles) without solid scientific evidence. This review pools data from nonrandomized studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing extended adjuvant TMZ (>6-cycles) to standard adjuvant TMZ (6-cycles) in patients with newly diagnosed GBM for updated evidence-synthesis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with the Cochrane methodology including quality assessment of primary studies. Primary outcome of interest was comparative efficacy defined as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CIs) were extracted/computed from individual primary studies and pooled using random-effects model. Any p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Evidence-synthesis was based on pooling of data from 2578 patients enrolled in 16 nonrandomized comparative studies and 5 RCTs. Overall, extended adjuvant TMZ was associated with statistically significant reduction in the risk of progression (HR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.60-0.87; p = 0.007) and death (HR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.57-0.90; p = 0.004) compared to standard adjuvant TMZ. However, on subgroup analysis, survival benefit of extended adjuvant TMZ was limited to data synthesized from retrospective nonrandomized comparative studies with no statistically significant difference in outcomes seen after pooling of data from RCTs only. Apparent survival benefit of extended adjuvant TMZ in newly diagnosed GBM is largely driven by nonrandomized comparative studies with high inherent potential for multiple biases.

NUTMEG: A randomized phase II study of nivolumab and temozolomide versus temozolomide alone in newly diagnosed older patients with glioblastoma.

There is an immunologic rationale to evaluate immunotherapy in the older glioblastoma population, who have been underrepresented in prior trials. The NUTMEG study evaluated the combination of nivolumab and temozolomide in patients with glioblastoma aged 65 years and older. NUTMEG was a multicenter 2:1 randomized phase II trial for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma aged 65 years and older. The experimental arm consisted of hypofractionated chemoradiation with temozolomide, then adjuvant nivolumab and temozolomide. The standard arm consisted of hypofractionated chemoradiation with temozolomide, then adjuvant temozolomide. The primary objective was to improve overall survival (OS) in the experimental arm. A total of 103 participants were randomized, with 69 in the experimental arm and 34 in the standard arm. The median (range) age was 73 (65-88) years. After 37 months of follow-up, the median OS was 11.6 months (95% CI, 9.7-13.4) in the experimental arm and 11.8 months (95% CI, 8.3-14.8) in the standard arm. For the experimental arm relative to the standard arm, the OS hazard ratio was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.54-1.33). In the experimental arm, there were three grade 3 immune-related adverse events which resolved, with no unexpected serious adverse events. Due to insufficient evidence of benefit with nivolumab, the decision was made not to transition to a phase III trial. No new safety signals were identified with nivolumab. This complements the existing series of immunotherapy trials. Research is needed to identify biomarkers and new strategies including combinations.

Phase I dose-escalation study of procaspase-activating compound-1 in combination with temozolomide in patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytomas.

Procaspase-3 (PC-3) is overexpressed in various tumor types, including gliomas. Targeted PC-3 activation combined with chemotherapy is a novel strategy for treating patients with high-grade gliomas, with promising preclinical activity. This study aimed to define safety and tolerability of procaspase-activating compound-1 (PAC-1) in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) for patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytomas. A modified-Fibonacci dose-escalation 3 + 3 design was used. PAC-1 was administered at increasing dose levels (DL; DL1 = 375 mg) on days 1-21, in combination with TMZ 150 mg/m2/5 days, per 28-day cycle. Dose-limiting toxicity was assessed during the first 2 cycles. Neurocognitive function (NCF) testing was conducted throughout the study. Eighteen patients were enrolled (13 GBM, IDH-wild type; 2 astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, grade 3; 3 astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, grade 4). Dose escalation was discontinued after DL3 (ie, PAC-1, 625 mg) due to lack of additional funding. Grade 3 toxicity was observed in 1 patient at DL1 (elevated liver transaminases) and 1 at DL 2 (headache). Two partial responses were observed at DL1 in patients with GBM, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylated. Two patients had stable disease, and 11 experienced progression. NCF testing did not show a clear relationship between PAC-1 dose, treatment duration, and declines in NCF. Combination of PAC-1 and TMZ was well tolerated up to 625 mg orally daily and TMZ orally 150 mg/m2/5 days per 28-day cycle. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Further dose escalation of PAC-1 in combination with TMZ is advised before conducting a formal prospective efficacy study in this patient population.

Is there a place for temozolomide plus nivolumab among neuroendocrine neoplasms?

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of multiple solid malignancies, but their role in the treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) is unclear. The accompanying article reports on a study combining the programmed cell death (PD-1) inhibitor nivolumab with the alkylating agent temozolomide in patients with advanced NENs.

Safe administration of temozolomide in end-stage renal disease patients.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive type of central nervous system tumor. We present a novel case of the challenges of dosing temozolomide in a patient with end stage renal disease on peritoneal hemodialysis with unpredictable clearance and toxicities. In this case, a 60-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension and Stage V chronic kidney disease presented with worsening confusion and word-finding difficulty in the emergency department. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large intra-axial mass within the posterior left frontal lobe measuring 4.5 × 4.1 × 3.5 cm with irregularly, predominant peripheral tumoral enhancement. The patient underwent a surgical resection which confirmed the diagnosis of glioblastoma (grade 4). The standard treatment for glioblastoma is 6 weeks of radiation therapy and daily temozolomide. Given his history of renal dysfunction and limited data on the safety of temozolomide in patients on hemodialysis (HD), the patient was administered dose-reduced temozolomide and closely monitored for toxicities. Temozolomide was successfully up-titrated to the full dose. Renal replacement therapy is a life-saving treatment for end-stage kidney disease patients. A stepwise increase in the dosage of temozolomide did not increase the risk of toxicity with HD. There are no studies with patients on temozolomide and peritoneal dialysis. Our case transitioned to peritoneal dialysis from HD without significant toxicity from temozolomide. As a more substantial proportion of the population becomes dialysis-dependent in the coming years, we need further studies to understand the safety profiles of chemotherapeutic agents in this complex subset of patients.

Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy With Capecitabine With or Without Temozolomide in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Prospective, Randomised Phase II Study Stratified by O6-Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase Status: KCSG-CO17-02

AimsTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of adding temozolomide (TMZ) to preoperative capecitabine (CAP)-based chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and validate O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation status as a predictive marker for TMZ combined regimens. Materials and methodsLARC patients with clinical stage II (cT3-4N0) or III (cTanyN+) disease were enrolled. They were stratified into unmethylated MGMT (uMGMT) and methylated MGMT (mMGMT) groups by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction before randomisation and were then randomly assigned (1:1) to one of four treatment arms: uMGMT/CAP (arm A), uMGMT/TMZ + CAP (arm B), mMGMT/CAP (arm C) and mMGMT/TMZ + CAP (arm D). The primary end point was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. ResultsBetween November 2017 and July 2020, 64 patients were randomised. Slow accrual caused early study termination. After excluding four ineligible patients, 60 were included in the full analysis set. The pCR rate was 15.0% (9/60), 0%, 14.3%, 18.8% and 26.7% for the entire cohort, arms A, B, C and D, respectively (P = 0.0498 between arms A and D). The pCR rate was 9.7% in the CAP group (arms A + C), 20.7% in the TMZ + CAP group (arms B + D), 6.9% in the uMGMT group (arms A + B) and 22.6% in the mMGMT group (arms C + D). Grade 1–2 nausea or vomiting was significantly more frequent in the TMZ + CAP treatment groups (arms B + D) than in the CAP treatment groups (arms A + C, P < 0.001) with no difference in grade 3 adverse events. There were no grade 4 or 5 adverse events. ConclusionThe addition of TMZ to CAP-based chemoradiotherapy tended to improve pCR rates, particularly in those with mMGMT LARC. MGMT status may warrant further investigation as a predictive biomarker for chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy.

ODP041 Hearing Loss Reveals Dopamine-secreting Metastatic Paraganglioma

Abstract Background Paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumors arising from chromaffin cells in extra-adrenal parasympathetic or sympathetic tissues. Frequently they produce catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine which cause adrenergic symptoms. Rarely, paragangliomas produce only dopamine. These tumors carry a worse prognosis than other types of paragangliomas, especially when associated with loss of SDH-B. Case A 41 year old African American female with developmental delay, allergic rhinitis, OSA, and obesity presented to a primary care clinic for evaluation of hearing loss and left ear pain. Patient was treated for acute otitis media but symptoms failed to resolve. She was referred to audiology where she was found to have a mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss on the left. Despite using hearing aids, a year later the patient presented to an ENT clinic with several weeks of worsening left aural fullness and decreased hearing. On otoscopy, a mass was visualized in the middle ear. CT scan identified a lytic lesion at the jugular foramen extending into the middle ear; MR of the inner auditory canal was concerning for a paraganglioma. PET CT revealed widely metastatic disease including FDG avid cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes, pulmonary nodules, hepatic lesions, and sclerotic lesions in the vertebral column and right humerus. Biopsy of an hepatic lesion confirmed metastatic paraganglioma with loss of SDH-B. Labs were consistent with dopamine excess. A 24 hour urine dopamine was 1020 mcg/24 hour (normal 65-400) with plasma dopamine elevated at 191 pg/mL (normal &amp;lt;30). A 24 hour urine norepinephrine level was mildly elevated at 85 mcg/24 hours (normal 15-80) but plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine were both normal. The patient denied any history of palpitations, flushing, headaches, or chest pain. She was briefly started on doxazosin but this was later discontinued as metanephrines and normetanephrines were not significantly elevated. The tumor was not amenable for surgery. Ultimately after discussion with oncology, the patient opted to proceed with temozolomide and capecitabine chemotherapy. Discussion It is important to recognize differences in treating dopamine secreting paragangliomas compared with other catecholamine producing tumors. Preoperative alpha blockade is not routinely recommended as it may cause hypotension and postoperative cardiovascular collapse. While chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide–dacarbazine–vincristine has historically been used for metastatic paragangliomas, temozolomide is now showing benefit in cases with SDH-B mutation. Sources cited: Foo, S. H., et al. "Dopamine-secreting phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas: clinical features and management." Singapore Med J 51.5 (2010): e89-e93. Hadoux, J., Favier, J., Scoazec, J. -Y., et al (2014),SDHB mutations are associated with response to temozolomide in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. Int. J. Cancer, 135: 2711-2720. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.28913. Presentation: No date and time listed

Radiotherapy Plus Temozolomide With or Without Nimotuzumab Against the Newly Diagnosed EGFR-Positive Glioblastoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Glioblastoma (GBM) has a poor prognosis, and patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification have an even worse prognosis. Nimotuzumab is an EGFR monoclonal antibody thought to play a significant role in the treatment of GBM. This paper presents a retrospective cohort study that evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in GBM. A total of 56 newly diagnosed patients with EGFR-positive GBM were included in our study. The patients were divided into radiotherapy (RT) + temozolomide (TMZ) + nimotuzumab (39 patients) and RT + TMZ (17 patients) groups based on whether or not nimotuzumab was added during RT. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities were assessed. The median follow-up time was 27.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.1-30.8). The median PFS was 12.4 months (95% CI, 7.8-17.0) and 8.2 months (95% CI, 6.1-10.3) in the 2 groups, respectively, P = .052. The median OS was 27.3 months (95% CI, 19.0-35.6) and 16.7 months (95% CI, 11.1-22.2), respectively, P = .018. In patients with unmethylated O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter, the PFS and OS were significantly better in patients treated with nimotuzumab than in those without nimotuzumab (median PFS: 19.3 vs 6.7 months, P = .001; median OS: 20.2 vs 13.8 months, P = .026). During the treatment period, no statistically significant difference in toxicity was noted between the 2 groups. Our retrospective cohort study suggests the efficacy of Nimotuzumab combined with concurrent RT with TMZ in patients with newly diagnosed EGFR-positive GBM, and specifically those with unmethylated MGMT promoter. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate our findings. Besides, nimotuzumab demonstrated good safety and tolerability.

ELEVATE – evaluating Temozolomide and Nivolumab in patients with advanced unresectable previously treated oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma with MGMT methylation: study protocol for a single arm phase II trial

BackgroundFor patients with oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma, surgery is the only curative option and despite the use of multimodality therapy, which combines it with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, more than 50% of patients will relapse and die. Many UK patients present with advanced disease which is already inoperable or metastatic at diagnosis. For these patients, standard care chemotherapy only offers them survival of less than a year. Nivolumab, a checkpoint blockade inhibitor, has been found to work in some advanced cancers. It is proposed, for those where immunotherapy hasn’t worked, that these immunologically evasive tumours need to be sensitized to immunotherapy drugs to allow them to act.MethodsELEVATE is a single arm phase II trial testing the overall response to nivolumab following temozolomide treatment in patients with advanced unresectable previously treated adenocarcinoma which is O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) methylated. 18 patients are being recruited from UK secondary care sites. To be eligible, participants must have been treated with at least 3 months of platinum and fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Participants will receive 50 mg/m2 temozolomide continuously for 3 months. If their disease progresses during the 3 months, they will stop temozolomide and start nivolumab at a dose of 240mg every 2 weeks. If there is no progression after 3 months the participant will continue taking temozolomide in combination with nivolumab. All treatment will stop once the participant progresses on nivolumab. The primary endpoint is the best overall response to nivolumab, using both Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1 and immunotherapy modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life.DiscussionELEVATE will provide evidence for whether giving nivolumab after temozolomide in patients with previously treated advanced oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma is safe and biologically effective prior to future randomised trials.Trial registrationsEudraCT Number: 2020-004771-41(issued 01 October 2020); ISCRTN11398887(registered 14 July 2021).