Tumor Cell Count Research Articles

A cancer organogram test as a guide for oncology treatments in SOLID tumors: An analysis of 628 tests in 419 patients.

2602 Background: A CLIA-certified organoid based drug sensitivity assay (a cancer organogram) has been developed for all solid tumors. An actionable report of organogram sensitivities to endocrine, chemotherapy and targeted agents, produced a drug sensitivity score as a tool to inform therapy decision making. Objectives: To evaluate the success rate of organoid derivation, the organogram drug responses across cancer types and to analyze the impact of the organogram report on therapeutic decision making. Methods: From 2016 to 2020, 628 cancer organograms were performed, with 513 tumor samples from 419 cancer patients. Within 48 hours of collection, fresh samples of tumor cells obtained from core biopsies, surgical excisions, or fluids were cultured, the majority as 3D organoids. Drug screens were performed with a library of up to 220 drugs, and dose-response was evaluated across a range of concentrations for each drug. Organogram sensitivity was ranked as response in five categories based on SPM Score: Exceptional (SPM15/14), Good (13/12), Moderate to Low (11/9), and None( < 9). 118 drugs on average were tested per screen (range: 68-152), so in a total of 628 organograms, more than 70,000 individual drug trials have been performed. The median turnaround time was 28 days (range: 19.5-51.5). Results: Of the 513 collected samples, 314 were fresh specimens: 96 core biopsies, 151 surgical specimens, and 67 fluids (pleural effusions or ascites), with an organoid derivation success rate of 58.3%, 78%, and 88%, respectively. Overall success rate in organoid derivation was 70.2%. Samples with poor viability and low tumor cell count (22%) were rejected. The primary cancer types tested were ovarian (n = 92, 17.9%), breast (n = 73, 14.2%), colorectal (n = 70, 13.6%), pancreatic (n = 51, 9.9%), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 42, 8.1%), and other solid tumors (n = 185, 36%). Median age of patients was 56 years old (range: 5-83), most of them heavily pretreated. 20.45% of drugs screened had exceptional and good responses (SPM score 15-12) (SD: 17.92%). We reviewed genomic data from 374 third-party genomic reports. The most frequent genomic alterations found were TP53 (n = 143, 38.2%), BRCA1 and BRCA2 (n = 47, 12.5%) CDKN2A (n = 42, 11.2%), FGFR1/2/3/4 (n = 41, 10.9%), and PIK3CA (n = 38, 10.1%). Post-test treatment information is available for a subset of 61 patients. The treating physician made an organogram-guided therapeutic decision in 32/44 patients with post test treatment drugs scored (72%). Conclusions: The cancer organogram test has a high rate of success in generating an actionable report that identifies therapies for patients with limited therapeutic options, including those with no known genomic biomarkers. The organogram guided selection of therapeutics for a significant subset of patients, nearly 4 times the rate reported with genomic testing alone.

Expression of Hedgehog signalling molecules inmicrocystic adnexal carcinoma.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare skin neoplasm that has not been characterized on a molecular basis. To assess expression profiles of Hedgehog (HH) signalling molecules in MAC and control tumours. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Indian Hedgehog (IHH), Patched 1 (PTCH1) and Smoothened (SMO) on patient MAC tissue (n=26) and control tumour tissue, including syringoma (SyG; n=11), trichoepithelioma (TE; n=11) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC; n=12) tissues. Patched 1 and SMO immunoreactivity was significantly higher in BCC than in SyG, TE or MAC (P<0.001 and P<0.03, respectively). The highest IHH expression was observed in BCC and TE compared with SyG and MAC (P<0.04). Notably, the highest SHH protein expression was observed in SyG compared with MAC, TE and even BCC (P<0.001). In patients with MAC, SMO immunoreactivity significantly (r=0.51; P<0.01) correlated with PTCH1 expression. Further correlation studies did not show significant associations between the HH expression markers assessed (P>0.05). Our results indicate that alterations of the HH signalling are unlikely to play a major role in the pathogenesis of MAC, which is in contrast to the morphologically similar BCC and TE. Our observation provides additional information to the limited molecular pathology knowledge on this rare tumour.

Effects of the Latex of Synadenium grantii Hook F. (Euphorbiaceae) on a Preclinical Model of Canine Prostate Cancer.

Prostatic cancer (PC) stands out in terms of its occurrence, pathophysiology, and unfavorable prognostics in humans and dogs. Natural drugs bear an integrative potential for conventional antineoplastic treatments. In this context, the bioproducts of Synadenium grantii have been empirically used in different parts of Brazil for the integrative treatment of prostate cancer in humans. However, there is no availability of scientific evidence of the antitumor effects of S. grantii. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bioactive compounds in the latex of S. grantii using the high-resolution mass spectrophotometry (HRMS) and to evaluate its cytotoxic effects on primary canine PC cell cultures. Four fragments of phorbol ester were identified as potential bioactive compounds using the HRMS. With the help of an MTT ([3-(4,5-dimethyldiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide]) assay, two canine prostatic carcinoma cell lines (PC 1 and PC2) showed a decrease in the tumor cell count, with an Inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50)of 0.8469 and 0.6068 mg/ml, respectively, for PC1 and PC2. In conclusion, the latex of S. grantii contains phorbol esters in its composition, and its aqueous solution has a cytotoxic effect on canine metastatic PC cells in vitro.

Assessment of Total, PTEN-, and AR-V7+ Circulating Tumor Cell Count by Flow Cytometry in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Receiving Enzalutamide.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a deadly disease. Enzalutamide is an oral second-generation anti-androgen that is active in mCRPC. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) count correlates with overall survival (OS) in mCRPC, whereas detection of the androgen-receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) in CTC predicts poor response to oral second-generation anti-androgens. Also, loss of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) in CTC is a biomarker of poor prognosis in mCRPC. In this translational study, we employed flow cytometry to assess total, PTEN-, and AR-V7+ CTC count per 7.5 mL of whole blood in a prospective cohort of patients with mCRPC receiving enzalutamide. CTCs were assessed in a total of 45 men with mCRPC at baseline and at 12 weeks. Overall, CTC, PTEN- CTC, and AR-V7+ CTC detection rate was high, at baseline, with 84.4%, 71.1%, and 51.1% of samples showing at least 1 cell/7.5-mL blood, respectively, and after 3 months, with 93.3%, 64.4%, and 77.7% of samples showing at least 1 cell/7.5-mL blood, respectively. Median radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and OS were 6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-9) and 14.3 (95% CI, 12.8-20.3) months, respectively. Median (interquartile range) total CTC count at baseline was 5 (3; 8), whereas median (interquartile range) PTEN- CTC count was 2 (0; 4) and median (interquartile range) AR-V7+ CTC count was 1 (0; 3). At baseline, ≥ 5 versus < 5 total CTC count was associated with worse rPFS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.35; 95% CI, 1.14-4.84; P= .021) and OS (HR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.45-6.54; P = .003), whereas ≥ 2 versus < 2 PTEN- CTC count was associated with worse rPFS (HR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.8-8.72; P= .001) and OS (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.12-5; P= .025). Finally, ≥ 1 versus < 1 AR-V7+ CTC count was also associated with worse rPFS (HR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.4-10.64; P< .001) and OS (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.1-4.58; P= .026). Despite multiple limitations, including the small sample size, our preliminary study suggests that assessment of CTC via flow cytometry may provide potentially useful prognostic and predictive information in advanced prostate cancer. Further studies are warranted. Micro-Abstract: In this study, men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, scheduled to start enzalutamide, were assessed for circulating tumor cell count and molecular characterization (total, PTEN-, and AR-V7+ circulating tumor cell count) by the use of flow cytometry. We found that flow cytometry could be used to enumerate circulating tumor cells, but also to assess molecular biomarkers on their surface.

Baseline and Kinetic Circulating Tumor Cell Counts Are Prognostic Factors in a Prospective Study of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

The discovery of predictive biomarkers in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is essential to improve clinical outcomes. Recent data suggest a potential role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as prognostic indicators. We conducted a follow-on analysis from a prospective study of consecutive patients with mCRC. CTC analysis was conducted at two timepoints: baseline (CTC1; before starting chemotherapy), and two months after starting treatment (CTC2). CTC isolation/quantification were completed by ISET® (Rarecells, France). CTC expressions of drug resistance-associated proteins were evaluated. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Seventy-five patients were enrolled from May 2012 to May 2014. A CTC1 cut-off of >1.5 CTCs/mL was associated with an inferior median OS compared to lower values. A difference of CTC2−CTC1 > 5.5 CTCs/mL was associated with a reduced median PFS. By multivariate analysis, CTC1 > 1.5 CTCs/mL was an independent prognostic factor for worse OS. Multi-drug resistance protein-1 (MRP-1) expression was associated with poor median OS. CTC baseline counts, kinetics, and MRP-1 expression were predictive of clinical outcomes. Larger studies are warranted to explore the potential clinical benefit of treating mCRC patients with targeted therapeutic regimens guided by CTC findings.

Use of the CTC Count in Treatment Decisions for Metastatic Breast Cancer

The circulating tumor cell (CTC) count has long been recognized as a prognostic factor in metastatic breast cancer. Clinicians face a clinical dilemma

Suitability of Bronchoscopic Biopsy Tissue Samples for Next-Generation Sequencing.

A sufficiently large tissue sample is required to perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a high success rate, but the majority of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are diagnosed with small biopsy specimens. Biopsy samples were collected from 184 patients with bronchoscopically diagnosed NSCLC. The tissue surface area, tumor cell count, and tumor content rate of each biopsy sample were evaluated. The impact of the cut-off criteria for the tissue surface area (≥1 mm2) and tumor content rate (≥30%) on the success rate of the Oncomine Dx Target Test (ODxTT) was evaluated. The mean tissue surface area of the transbronchial biopsies was 1.23 ± 0.85 mm2 when small endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) was used, 2.16 ± 1.49 mm2 with large EBUS-GS, and 1.81 ± 0.75 mm2 with endobronchial biopsy (EBB). The proportion of samples with a tissue surface area of ≥1 mm2 was 48.8% for small EBUS-GS, 79.2% for large EBUS-GS, and 78.6% for EBB. Sixty-nine patients underwent ODxTT. The success rate of DNA sequencing was 84.1% and that of RNA sequencing was 92.7% over all patients. The success rate of DNA (RNA) sequencing was 57.1% (71.4%) for small EBUS-GS (n = 14), 93.4% (96.9%) for large EBUS-GS (n = 32), 62.5% (100%) for EBB (n = 8), and 100% (100%) for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) (n = 15). Regardless of the device used, a tissue surface area of ≥ 1 mm2 is adequate for samples to be tested with NGS.

Pilot study of anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) antibody J591 for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and unfavorable circulating tumor cell (CTC) count.

120 Background: Elevated CTC counts are associated with a poor prognosis in men with mCRPC. PSMA targeted radionuclide therapy has been associated with decline in CTC count, but it remains unclear whether this effect results from radionuclide-induced cytotoxicity. J591 was engineered to have antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. A subset of patients was observed to have CTC count decline following imaging with 111In-J591, so a prospective study was launched to test the hypothesis that “naked” J591 leads to CTC count decline. Methods: In a Simon 2-stage dose de-escalation study, men with progressive mCRPC and unfavorable CTC count (CellSearch &gt; 4) received a single dose of J591. Initial dose cohort 300 mg with de-escalation to 20 mg. CTC count was re-assessed 4, 8, and 12 weeks following therapy along with PSA and standard imaging. An optional PSMA PET was included prior to treatment. The primary endpoint was proportion of subjects with conversion to favorable CTC count ( &lt; 5 CTCs/7.5 mL blood) and/or &gt; 30% decline from baseline within 12 weeks post-treatment. Results: 10 men were enrolled, 9 of whom were evaluable (1 died of progressive mCRPC prior to post-treatment CTC count). Median age was 71.5 years (range 60-81), 78% had prior chemo, ECOG PS 1 in 45% and 2 in 55%. 7 of 9 (78%) evaluable subjects were Halabi CALGB prognostic poor risk category and 2 (22%) intermediate. 6 of 9 had pre-treatment PSMA PET/CT (three 89Zr-J591 and three 68Ga-PSMA11). Though not required, all scans showed &gt; 1 lesion with SUVmax &gt; liver SUV (range 9.12-70.15). 2 of 6 in the 300 mg cohort had CTC count decline; 1 of 6 converted to favorable count (9 to 0 with decrease of 35 to 12 in other). 3 were treated with 20 mg; 1 had CTC count decline of 316 to 112, but 0 converted to favorable count. Across both cohorts, 3 of 9 had a CTC count decline at any point in time, ranging from 65-100% decline. With the pre-specified 2-stage design, enrollment was halted for futility based upon the primary endpoint of 12-week CTC count. PSA values post-treatment increased in 8 (89%) patients and remained unchanged in 1 (11%) patient. Conclusions: Single-agent anti-PSMA antibody J591 may lead to decline in CTC count, though the study did not meet its primary endpoint. A combination or maintenance approach might be preferable and is worthy of exploration.

CTC counts as a biomarker of prognosis and response in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) from the CARD trial.

161 Background: In the prospective CARD trial (NCT02485691), cabazitaxel significantly improved radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) versus abiraterone or enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who had received docetaxel and progressed within 12 months with the alternative androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor. Here we analyzed circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts as a biomarker of prognosis and response to therapy. Methods: Blood samples collected at screening (SC), Cycle 2 (C2) Day 1, and end of therapy were sent to Epic Sciences for CTC analysis. The association between CTC counts, defined as any cytokeratin-positive, CD45-negative cell, and clinical outcomes were pre-specified and analyzed using a multivariate Cox model for time-to-events (rPFS, OS) or a Χ2 test for categorical outcomes (objective tumor response). Results: Of the 255 patients randomized, 237 (92.9%) had evaluable samples at SC and 213 (83.5%) at C2. CTCs ≥ 1 were detected in 204 samples at SC (86%) and 178 samples at C2 (84%), with a median (interquartile range) count per mL of blood of 4.1 (1.3–14.2) and 5.2 (1.5–17.3), respectively. At baseline, higher CTC counts were associated with higher values of lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.014), alkaline phosphatase (P &lt; 0.001), and prostate-specific antigen (P &lt; 0.001). High CTC counts, measured as a continuous variable at SC (all arms combined) were associated with a shorter OS (P = 0.03), but not rPFS (P = 0.7). However, favorable changes in absolute CTC count from SC to C2, all arms combined, were associated with longer rPFS (P = 0.03). Conversion from high (≥ 3) to low (&lt; 3) CTC count at C2 or maintenance of a low CTC count at C2 was associated with objective tumor response (P = 0.007). Analysis of the associations of CTC androgen receptor variant 7, chromosomal instability, heterogeneity status (Shannon Index), single-cell genotypes (e.g. retinoblastoma/phosphatase and tensin homolog copy-loss), and the presence of CTCs with small-cell/neuroendocrine morphology is ongoing. Conclusions: This preplanned analysis of the CARD trial confirms that baseline CTC counts, measured by Epic Sciences platform, are prognostic. Moreover, early favorable changes in CTC counts from baseline to C2 are associated with response to therapy. Funding: Sanofi. Clinical trial information: NCT02485691.

Baseline and post-treatment circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

158 Background: CTC counts are an independent prognostic factor in men with mCRPC; certain changes following treatment (conversion from detectable to undetectable or unfavorable to favorable) are associated with improved overall survival. Most PSMA-TRT efficacy data have focused on PSA or imaging changes. Here, we describe baseline and post-treatment CTC counts from subjects receiving PSMA-TRT. Methods: Men with mCRPC treated on prospective clinical trials of PSMA-TRT and with available CTC counts (CellSearch) were included in our analysis. Depending upon the era of the trial, post-treatment counts were performed at 4-6 (initial era) or 12 weeks (recent era) after a single cycle of PSMA-TRT (individual trial data reported elsewhere). We describe CTC counts at baseline and compare pre-treatment counts to those after PSMA-TRT. Results: 116 men treated with PSMA-TRT had baseline CTC count (90 with both pre- and post-treatment CTC). Forty-four patients (37.9%) received 177Lu-J951, 46 (39.7%) received 177Lu-PSMA-617, and 26 (22.4%) received 225Ac-J591. Median age was 71.5. Fifty-eight patients (50%) had previously received taxane chemotherapy, median PSA was 82.98 ng/mL, and 66 (56.9%) were in the high-risk Halabi (CALGB) prognostic group. Eighty-nine out of one hundred sixteen (76.7%) had detectable baseline CTC and 58/116 (50%) had unfavorable baseline CTC count. Forty-nine out of seventy (70%) had post-treatment CTC count decline, 23/70 (32.9%) converted from detectable to undetectable, and 17/47 (36.2%) converted from unfavorable to favorable. CTC changes stratified by type of PSMA-TRT are reported in the table. Conclusions: This is the largest analysis of CTC changes in patients who have received PSMA-TRT. In addition to PSA changes and other previously reported outcomes, even when low doses of radionuclide therapy as part of dose-escalation studies are included, the majority with detectable CTC counts have post-treatment CTC count decline. A significant portion of patients experience favorable CTC changes. [Table: see text]

SAPROCAN: Saracatinib (AZD0530) and docetaxel in metastatic,castrate-refractory prostate cancer (mCRPC)—A phase I/randomized phase II study by the United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute Prostate Group.

107 Background: Saracatinib is an orally-available, highly selective inhibitor of Abl and Src family members. It is an ATP-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Preclinical data suggested that the combination of a Src kinase inhibitor and docetaxel is synergistic, and Src kinase activity was also implicated in the bone’s metabolic response to cancer metastases. Methods: Patients with mCRPC were initially enrolled in an open-label, dose escalation phase I trial of oral saracatinib (cohorts of 50mg, 125mg and 175mg daily) with docetaxel (75mg/m2) in a 3+3 design. Subsequent patients were randomised 1:1 between saracatinib 175mg and placebo once daily. Pharmacokinetics (PK) of docetaxel were explored in phase I to exclude significant drug-drug interaction. The primary endpoint of phase II was biochemical or radiographic progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), safety and tolerability. Changes in circulating tumour cell (CTC) counts were also measured. The phase II was designed with a 1-sided alpha of 0.2 with 90% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) for PFS of 0.67. Results: 10 patients were enrolled in phase I and 142 in the randomised phase II. No dose limiting toxicities or PK interactions were observed and the recommended dose for phase II was 175mg saracatinib daily and 75mg/m2docetaxel every 21 days. In phase II, the HR for PFS was 1.35 (80% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.70). The HR for OS was 1.42 (1.08 – 1.81). 41/71 and 29/71 experienced treatment related toxicities of grade 3 or above in the saracatinib and placebo arms respectively. 10/19 (53%) and 14/27 (52%) evaluable patients demonstrated a reduction in CTCs from ≥5 to &lt; 5 /7.5ml blood at 6 weeks after starting saracatinib and placebo respectively. Conclusions: Saracatinib, in combination with docetaxel, adds toxicity and not efficacy in mCRPC. This combination should not be developed further in combination with docetaxel in the treatment of mCRPC. Clinical trial information: ISRCTN22566729.

TALAPRO-1: Phase II study of talazoparib (TALA) in patients (pts) with DNA damage repair alterations (DDRm) and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

93 Background: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) show antitumor activity in mCRPC/DDRm pts treated with novel hormonal therapy (NHT). TALAPRO-1 is an open-label study evaluating TALA (a potent PARP inhibitor/trapper) in men with mCRPC/DDRm. We report a planned interim analysis (IA; Dec 2019). Updated results at a Sep 4 2020 cut-off, available in November 2020, will be presented at the meeting. Methods: TALAPRO-1 (NCT03148795) is enrolling pts (N ≈ 100) with measurable soft tissue disease, progressive mCRPC, and DDRm likely to sensitize to PARPi ( ATM, ATR, BRCA1/2, CHEK2, FANCA, MLH1, MRE11A, NBN, PALB2, RAD51C), who received 1–2 chemotherapy regimens (≥1 taxane-based) for metastatic disease and progressed on ≥1 NHT (enzalutamide/abiraterone acetate) given for mCRPC. DDRm are defined as known/likely pathogenic variants or homozygous deletions. Pts receive oral TALA 1 mg/day (moderate renal impairment 0.75 mg/day) until radiographic progression, unacceptable toxicity, consent withdrawal, or death. Primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints: time to objective response; response duration; prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decrease ≥50%; circulating tumor cell (CTC) count conversion (to CTC = 0 and &lt;5 per 7.5 mL blood); time to PSA progression; radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS); overall survival; safety. A planned efficacy/safety IA was done when 60 pts with DDRm and measurable disease completed ≥6 months of TALA/no longer followed. Radiographic responses are based on investigator assessments. Results: 113 pts received TALA (cut-off Dec 12 2019); 75 pts were evaluable for IA, with DDRm, had measurable disease, received ≥16 weeks’ treatment, and were assessed for ORR (54.7% BRCA1/2, 4.0% PALB2, 22.7% ATM; 18.7% other DDRm).All pts evaluable for IA had prior docetaxel; 45.3% cabazitaxel. Confirmed ORR, rPFS, and composite response (investigator-assessed) in pts who received TALA for ≥16 weeks are in the table. Most common treatment-emergent adverse events: anemia (42.5%); nausea (32.7%). Conclusions: TALA monotherapy has encouraging antitumor activity in docetaxel-pretreated mCRPC pts with BRCA1/2 alterations and was generally well tolerated. Funding: Pfizer Inc. Clinical trial information: NCT03148795. [Table: see text]

A phase I/II dose-escalation study of fractionated and multiple dose 225Ac-J591 for progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

TPS188 Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) is a promising treatment. PSMA-targeting via large antibodies vs small molecules has different kinetics, biodistribution, and resulting clinical toxicities. Using beta-TRT, 177Lu-J591 has more heme toxicity and 177Lu-PSMA-617 more non-heme toxicity (xerostomia and nausea) [Niaz AUA 2020]. Alpha-emitters are more potent than beta radionuclides, and alpha-PSMA-TRT has efficacy even after beta-PSMA-TRT. In a first-in-human phase I dose-escalation study of 225Ac-J591, patients with mCRPC were treated with a single dose of 225Ac-J591 on seven dose levels, up to 93.3 KBq/kg [Tagawa ASCO 2020]. No maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was achieved. One patient treated at 80 KBq/kg developed dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of grade 4 anemia and thrombocytopenia, but 0 of 6 at 93.3 KBq/Kg had grade &gt; 3 heme toxicity or grade &gt; 2 non-heme toxicity. Preliminary results indicate 64% had any PSA decline and 41% had &gt; 50% PSA decline (PSA50) across all doses, despite lack of selection for PSMA expression and the majority having been previously treated with 177Lu-PSMA. Methods: Entry criteria include progressive mCRPC by PCWG3 criteria, ECOG PS 0-2, intact organ function (including normal neutrophil and platelet counts), and prior receipt of AR pathway inhibitor and chemotherapy (or refuse/ineligible for chemotherapy). There is no limit to prior lines of therapy except alpha-PSMA-TRT. Phase I includes 2 separate parallel dose-escalation cohorts. In the fractionated-dose cohort, men will receive a single cycle of 225Ac-J591 administered on D1 and D15. In the multiple-dose cohort, 225Ac-J591 will be given every 6 weeks for up to 4 cycles. The phase I component is a 3+3 dose-escalation study design, with the goal of identifying MTD. Each phase II component will treat up to 27 men with PSMA+ PET scans in a Simon 2-stage design with 90% power to exclude the null hypothesis (35% or fewer patients with PSA50). Eligible men with negative PSMA PET scans will be offered treatment with informed consent in an exploratory subgroup, but will not be counted towards phase II efficacy. Secondary outcomes include radiographic response by PCWG modified RECIST 1.1 criteria and PSMA PET, biochemical and radiographic progression-free survival, circulating tumor cell counts, and overall survival. Patient reported outcomes, genomic, and immune analyses are exploratory. Enrollment began in August 2020 (NCT04506567). Clinical trial information: NCT04506567.

Formulation Development of Folic Acid Conjugated PLGA Nanoparticles for Improved Cytotoxicity of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester.

Honey bee propolis is one of the natural products reported in various traditional systems of medicines, including Ayurveda. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active constituent of propolis which is well known for its anticancer potential. The therapeutic effects of CAPE are restricted owing to its less aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. In this study CAPE loaded folic acid conjugated nanoparticle system (CLFPN) was investigated to enhance solubility, achieve sustained drug release, and improved cytotoxicity of CAPE Methods: Formulation development, characterization, and optimization were carried out by the design of experiment approach. In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity study was carried out for optimized formulations. Developed nanoparticles showed particle size and encapsulation efficiency of 170 ± 2-195 ± 3 nm and 75.66 ± 1.52-78.80 ± 1.25%, respectively. Optimized formulation CLFPN showed sustained drug release over a period of 42 h. GI50 concentration was decreased by 46.09% for formulation compared to CAPE in MCF-7 cells, indicating the targeting effect of CLFPN. An improved in vitro cytotoxic effect was reflected in the in vivo Daltons Ascites Lymphoma model by reducing tumor cell count. The desired nanoparticle characteristic with improved in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity was shown by the developed formulation. Thus it can be further investigated for biomedical applications.

Circulating tumor cells: A surrogate to predict the effect of treatment and overall survival in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Circulating tumor cells and serum tumor markers have been found significant in predicting outcome for several malignancies. However, their role in gastric cancer is not fully clarified. We conducted a retrospective study to explore the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells and their applicability in assessing the treatment efficacy in gastric cancers. From September 2015 to December 2018, 116 patients with newly pathologically diagnosed gastric adenocarcinoma were enrolled. At both baseline and two courses after chemotherapy, the data of circulating tumor cells and serum tumor markers, such as CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, CA50, and CA242, were collected. The relationships between the change trend of circulating tumor cells and the treatment efficacy were analyzed after chemotherapy, with a paired t-test. Univariate and multivariable analysis were used to find prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). We found there is a significant difference between the circulating tumor cells-positive and circulating tumor cells-negative before and after therapy (mOS 12.6 vs. 31.6 months, P<0.001; mOS 12.4 vs. 24.2 months, P=0.002), respectively. Also, differentiation, pre-therapeutic circulating tumor cells and therapeutic response were independent predictors of overall survival. Following two courses of chemotherapy, the number of circulating tumor cells increased obviously in the progressive disease group (P=0.002), while they decreased in the non-progressive disease group (P=0.02). Thus, the change in the circulating tumor cells count had a close association with the therapeutic response (P=0.004). Generally, circulating tumor cells provide a novel tool to evaluate the outcomes of gastric cancer patients. Since the change of circulating tumor cells was highly related to treatment response, it may be an auxiliary to assess the effect of chemotherapy, leading an earlier adjustment of following regimens.

Anesthesia and Circulating Tumor Cells: Comment.

With great interest we have read the article by Hovaguimian et al.1 regarding the effect of different anesthesia drugs (sevoflurane or propofol) on the number of circulating tumor cells in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. We appreciate and congratulate the authors for setting up a meaningful randomized, controlled trial and sharing such useful findings. There are, however, two important points of concern.First of all, the study used a mixed Poisson model. However, we noted that the first quartile of circulating tumor cell count results at all time points was zero, and the median was also zero in the 48-h sevoflurane group and the 72-h propofol group, so it was reasonable to assume that there were many zeros (at least 25 to 50%). Therefore, a zero-inflated Poisson regression model2,3 should be adopted when applying the Poisson model. However, the authors did not report the details or provide the raw data, so we had some doubts about the conclusion based on the questionable statistical methods.Second, some variables that might affect the number of circulating tumor cells were not mentioned in the study, such as postoperative cancer-related infection and preoperative treatment regimen.4 In addition, in figure 2 of the article, we noted that some data are missing, but the authors did not report the reasons for the missing data.The authors thank Yishun Wang, M.M. (Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China), for his statistical support.The authors declare no competing interests.

Cytology samples and molecular biomarker testing in lung cancer-advantages and challenges.

This review presents an overview on molecular diagnostic in lung cancer using cytologic samples. Every patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) should be tested for targetable driver mutations and gene arrangements. If a mutation is found, this may open an option for targeted therapy. As most of the NSCLC patients in advanced stage of disease are no candidates for surgery, these tests have to be performed on small biopsies or cytology samples. The most common and treatable gene alterations should be tested in every patient: EGFR, ALK, ROS1. A growing number of other genetic changes with targetable mutations may become treatable in the near future. To find patients who might profit from inclusion into clinical studies, relevant additional markers may be tested in an appropriate context. Another important approach for treatment is immunotherapy of lung cancer, which is guided by status of PD-L1 expression on tumour cells. The use of cytology samples carries considerable advantages: often, DNA of high quality is extracted thus enabling easy and precise analysis, and samples may be easily obtained. In case of effusions, effusion fluid seldom is not aspirated for immediate patient relief, so no additional dedicated procedure is needed. Some challenges exist: If the tumour cell count is low, mutations with a low allelic frequency may be missed. In cellblocks formalin-induced DNA, damage may obviate any DNA analysis. In very cellular smears, FISH may be impossible due to massive overlapping of nuclei. Autofluorescence may impede FISH analysis. Although there is no real universal test for genomic profiling for lung cancer, the pathology laboratory must be prepared to offer different assays on different specimens in order to address turnaround time and optimise detections of difficult tumour alterations such as gene fusions. The data from the literature demonstrate that cytology show consistent results, and it is a good alternative for lung cancer molecular testing.

Value of PD-L1 Protein Expression in the Combined Prognostic Model of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Aim. To study the value of PD-L1 protein expression in the combined model of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after administration of R-CHOP induction immunochemo-therapy. Materials &amp; Methods. A retrospective analysis was based on the data of 85 DLBCL patients. The median age was 59 years (Q-Q&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;: 29-83). Each patient received at least 2-6 courses of R-CHOP immunochemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 17 months. The optimal cut-off threshold for assessing the proportion of tumor cells expressing PD-L1 protein was determined by the CART (Classification and Regression Tree) method. Results. Patients were divided into three groups depending on IPI (International Prognostic Index) risk and immunohis-tochemical subtype (Hans algorithm) using CART. In group 1 with immunohistochemical GCB subtype and any IPI risk, except for the high one, low PD-L1 expression measured in terms of the DLBCL expressing tumor cell count, was identified in 21 (84 %) patients, 4 (16 %) patients showed overexpression. In case of low PD-L1 expression the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 76 % (median not reached). In 4 patients with protein overexpression, the life duration after DLBCL diagnosed was 4, 16, 2, and 6 months, respectively. In group 2 with immunohistochemical non-GCB subtype and any IPI risk, except for the high one, 27 (67.5 %) patients showed low, and 13 (32.5 %) patients showed high PD-L1 expression. The analysis of the 2-year PFS resulted in no significant differences in groups with different relative counts of PD-L1 expressing tumor cells, i.e., 46 % and 49 %, respectively (p = 0.803). In case of low (&lt; 24.5 % tumor cells) PD-L1 expression, the 2-year overall survival (OS) was better than in patients with overexpression (&gt; 24.5 % tumor cells), i.e., 87 % vs. 52 %, respectively (p = 0.049). In group 3 with IPI high risk irrespective of immunohistochemical subtype, the proportion of PD-L1 expressing cells was higher than cut-off threshold (&gt; 24.5 %) in 9 (45 %) patients, low protein expression was identified in 11 (55 %) patients. Deaths were reported in all patients of group 3 showing PD-L1 overexpression. In case of low protein expression the proportion of patients alive was 46 % (p = 0.002). None of the patients with high PD-L1 expression lived longer than 2 years. In those with low PD-L1 expression the 2-year OS was 66 % (p = 0.008). Conclusion. Overexpression of PD-L1 by DLBCL tumor cells together with high IPI progression risk and non-GCB tumor subtype is associated with the worst OS and PFS. It can probably be accounted for by insufficient efficacy of R-CHOP induction immunochemotherapy in patients with high IPI risk. With this presumption, the PD-L1 expressing tumor cell count can be regarded as an important additional criterion for stratification of DLBCL patients into risk groups. Adding this new parameter to already established ones would probably contribute to differentiated approach to the choice of chemotherapy strategy at the onset of this aggressive lymphoma.

Flow cytometry-based analysis of tumor-leukocyte ratios in peritoneal fluid from patients with advanced gastric cancer.

BackgroundThe frequency of tumor cell dissemination in the peritoneal cavity is critically related to the progression of peritoneal metastases (PM). Recently, flow cytometry (FCM) has been successfully used to detect tumor cells in malignant effusions.MethodsA total of 143 single cell suspensions derived from ascites or peritoneal lavages from patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) were stained with monoclonal antibodies to CD45 and to CD326 as well as 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) and FVS780. Using FCM, tumor‐leukocyte ratio (TLR) were calculated from CD45(−)CD326(+) tumor cell counts/ CD45(+)CD326(+) leukocyte counts in DAPI (+) FVS780(−) gated area. In 54 patients, the ratios of CD11b(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells in CD45(+) leukocytes were evaluated in parallel.ResultsTLR of 69 patients with PM were significantly higher than those of 74 without PM (p < .001) and log(TLR) showed strong correlation with peritoneal cancer index scores in 51 PM (+) patients (r = 0.439). TLR in PM (+) patients also correlated with the ratio of CD11b (+) myeloid cells (r = 0.547), and correlated inversely with those of CD4(+) (r = −0.490) and CD8(+) T cells (r = −0.648). In PM (−) patients who underwent gastrectomy, TLR never exceeded 0.1% in patients with primary GC without serosal involvement (<T4). However, TLR in patients with T4 GC were significantly higher (p < .05) and peritoneal recurrence occurred in 6/8 patients whose TLR exceeded 0.1%.ConclusionTLR in peritoneal fluid reflects tumor burden and the immune environment in peritoneal cavity. Multicolor FCM may provide additional information which can be used for the treatment of the patients with PM.

Anticancer activity and antioxidant potential of Crocus Sativus .L( saffron ) aqueous extract against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells in Swiss albino mice.

Cancer is considered one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many chemopreventive agents have been associated with antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on cancer cells because of their high antioxidant activity. The current study was aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Saffron aqueous extract and its active components against Ehrlich Ascites tumor (EAC). A total of 120 female mice were randomly divided into eight groups. The antitumor effect was assessed by evaluating tumor volume, tumor cell count , survival time and increase in life span of EAC bearing mice. The effect of Crocus Sativus .L ( saffron ) aqueous extract , Crocin and Safranal on different parameters (liver enzymes , kidney function , cardiac markers and antioxidant parameters). These results indicated that Saffron , Crocin and Safranal is a promising protective agents against EAC cells. . Crocus Sativus L ( saffron ) aqueous extract (100mg/kg), Crocin(10 mg/kg) and Safranal(1/10 LD50) (0.188 ml/kg) showed significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in the volume of the EAC and in the count of EAC cells and increase the life span of EAC bearing mice. Also, showed significantly increased in antioxidant levels, decreased the lipid peroxidation( oxidative stress) as compared to positive control group . We found that The treatment of Crocus Sativus . L ( saffron ) aqueous extract , Crocin and Safranal significantly reduced the liver enzymes, cardiac markers and reduced elevated levels of Urea, Uric acid and Creatinine in positive control as compared with negative control and also increase the level of albumin as compared with positive control group . our data was confirmed by histopathological examination.