Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Research Articles

Molecular profiling and the impact of treatment on outcomes in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) type-I and II.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon salivary gland cancer with no approved therapies available to treat advanced, incurable disease. Recent molecular profiling efforts have identified two important subtypes: the more aggressive ACC-I is characterized by Notch pathway alterations and MYC amplification while ACC-II demonstrates a more indolent phenotype and TP63 overexpression. This retrospective observational cohort study involved de-identified samples from 438 ACC patients with tumor samples sent for commercially-available molecular profiling (Caris Life Sciences). Next-generation whole-exome and whole-transcriptomic sequencing was performed on primary and metastatic samples. Immunostaining for PD-L1 and RNA deconvolution (quanTIseq) was used to explore the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). Real-world clinical and survival outcome metrics were extracted from insurance claims data. MYC expression was 1.61-fold higher (39.8 vs. 24.7, p<0.0001) among NOTCH1-mutant ACC-I tumors, while MYB/L1 fusion rates were similar among ACC-I/II. The median B cell fraction in the TME was higher among ACC-II (7.1 vs. 5.8%; p<0.01), though infiltrating T cells subsets were low among either ACC subgroup (both <1%). When pooling systemic treatment categories, ACC-I patients had worse outcomes with available therapies (HR 3.06, 95%CI 1.65-5.68; p<0.01), with no significant difference in overall survival between ACC-I/II based on chemotherapy or VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor exposure in smaller subsets. We confirmed the previously reported associations with MYC and TP63 in the prognostically relevant subgroups of ACC-I and II, respectively, and report immunologic differences among these subtypes. Survival outcomes are comparatively worse in ACC-I regardless of treatment type.

New 2-oxoindole derivatives as multiple PDGFRα/ß and VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Two new series of N-aryl acetamides 6a-o and benzyloxy benzylidenes 9a-p based 2-oxoindole derivatives were designed as potent antiproliferative multiple kinase inhibitors. The results of one-dose NCI antiproliferative screening for compounds 6a-o and 9a-p elucidated that the most promising antiproliferative scaffolds were 6f and 9f, which underwent five-dose testing. Notably, the amido congener 6f was the most potent derivative towards pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma MDA-PATC53 and PL45 cell lines (IC50 = 1.73 µM and 2.40 µM, respectively), and the benzyloxy derivative 9f was the next potent one with IC50 values of 2.85 µM and 2.96 µM, respectively. Both compounds 6f and 9f demonstrated a favorable safety profile when tested against normal prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1). Additionally, compound 6f displayed exceptional selectivity as a multiple kinase inhibitor, particularly targeting PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, and VEGFR-2 kinases, with IC50 values of 7.41 nM, 6.18 nM, and 7.49 nM, respectively. In contrast, the reference compound Sunitinib exhibited IC50 values of 43.88 nM, 2.13 nM, and 78.46 nM against the same kinases. The derivative 9f followed closely, with IC50 values of 9.9 nM, 6.62 nM, and 22.21 nM for the respective kinases. Both 6f and 9f disrupt the G2/M cell cycle transition by upregulating p21 and reducing CDK1 and cyclin B1 mRNA levels. The interplay between targeted kinases and these cell cycle regulators underpins the G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by our compounds. Also, compounds 6f and 9f fundamentally resulted in entering MDA-PATC53 cells into the early stage of apoptosis with good percentages compared to the positive control Sunitinib. The in silico molecular-docking outcomes of scaffolds 6a-o and 9a-p in VEGFR-2, PDGFRα, and PDGFRβ active sites depicted their ability to adopt essential binding interactions like the reference Sunitinib. Our designed analogs, specifically 6f and 9f, possess promising antiproliferative and kinase inhibitory properties, making them potential candidates for further therapeutic development.

Development and validation of a tumor tissue based multivariate biomarker for predicting angiogenesis inhibitor clinical benefit in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

467 Background: Angiogenesis inhibitors, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are standard of care therapy (alone and in combination) for several advanced cancers, including RCC. There is an unmet need for a biomarker to identify patients with RCC most likely to benefit from VEGFR TKIs to guide individualized treatment decision making. Hence, we sought to develop and validate a biomarker for predicting single-agent systemic VEGFR TKI benefit in patients with RCC. Methods: Candidate biomarkers were selected by co-expression patterns in VEGFR TKI sensitive/resistant tumor types from pan-solid tumor TCGA expression profiling data and the literature. The angiogenesis inhibitor treatment response score (Angio TRS) was developed as a multivariate expression-based algorithm from RNA-based quantitative transcriptional profiling (qTP) performed in parallel with clinical FFPE tumor based comprehensive genomic profiling, with the Angio TRS High/Low threshold set at the median of clear cell RCC samples. The locked Angio TRS (and High/Low status) was then validated in a cohort of adult RCC patients treated with a systemic line of single agent VEGFR TKI therapy within a prospective observational trial; group outcomes (by time to next therapy [TTNT]) were compared by univariate analysis, Cox proportional hazards modeling (adjusting for age, biologic sex, histology, nuclear grade [incorporating sarcomatoid features], therapy line, and TKI type), and unadjusted Kaplan Meier analysis. Laboratory information for IMDC risk group status was not available. Results: Across 3,721 solid tumor tissue samples, median Angio TRS was highest in known VEGFR TKI sensitive tumors (RCC, thyroid carcinoma, sarcoma). Angio TRS was then validated in a separate cohort of 86 patients with RCC treated with single agent systemic VEGFR TKI (median follow-up 29.2 months; 76% male, 77% clear cell, 14% with sarcomatoid features, 84% 1st line, and 71% treated with sunitinib, pazopanib or axitinib); 52% of patients were Angio TRS High. By univariate analysis, Angio TRS status (p=0.008) and nuclear grade 4 (with or without sarcomatoid features; p=0.06 &amp; 0.07) were most significantly associated with VEGFR TKI TTNT; by multivariate analysis, only Angio TRS status was significantly associated with TTNT (High vs. Low median TTNT 15.8 vs. 5.6 months, adjusted hazard ratio 0.46, p=0.012). Conclusions: Angio TRS is a multivariate expression-based algorithm performed on FFPE tumor tissue, validated to be prognostic of clinical outcome for patients with RCC treated with single agent VEGFR TKI when controlling for clinical factors. Angio TRS may support individualized treatment decision making in patients with advanced RCC. Additional independent validation in a cohort of Kaiser Permanente patients will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03061305 .

Strategic treatment pause of first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor + VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor in patients with good or intermediate risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in response at 1 year of treatment (SPICI-GETUG R05): A non-inferiority randomized clinical trial.

Strategic treatment pause of first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor + VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor in patients with good or intermediate risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in response at 1 year of treatment (SPICI-GETUG R05): A non-inferiority randomized clinical trial.

Structure-activity Relationship Studies on VEGFR2 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Identification of Potential Natural Anticancer Compounds.

Over-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) leads to the hyperactivation of oncogenes. For inhibition of this hyperactivation, the USA Food Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many drugs that show adverse effects, such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, etc. There is a need to discover potent natural compounds that show minimal side effects. In the present study, we have taken structurally diverse known VEGFR2 inhibitors to develop a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model and used this model to predict the inhibitory activity of natural compounds for VEGFR2. The QSAR model was developed through the forward stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) method. A developed QSAR model was used to predict the inhibitory activity of natural compounds. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) assessment and molecular docking studies were performed. The binding stability of the natural compounds with VEGFR2 was elucidated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The developed QSAR model against VEGFR2 showed the regression coefficient of the training dataset (r2) to be 0.81 and the external regression coefficient of the test dataset (r2 pred) to be 0.71. Descriptors, viz., electro-topological state of potential hydrogen bonds (maxHBint2, nHBint6), atom types (minssNH), maximum topological distance matrix (SpMAD_Dt), and 2D autocorrelation (ATSC7v), have been identified. Using this model, 14 natural compounds have been selected that have shown inhibitory activity for VEGFR2, of which six natural compounds have been found to possess a strong binding affinity with VEGFR2. In MD simulation, four complexes have shown binding stability up to 10ns. The developed QSAR model has identified 5 conserved activity-inducing physiochemical properties, which have been found to be correlated with the anticancer activity of the nonidentical ligand molecules bound with the VEGFR2 kinase. Lavendustin_A, 3'-O-acetylhamaudol, and arctigenin have been obtained as possible lead natural compounds against the VEGFR2 kinase.

Retraction: Antitumor Activity of Sorafenib in Human Cancer Cell Lines with Acquired Resistance to EGFR and VEGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Retraction: Antitumor Activity of Sorafenib in Human Cancer Cell Lines with Acquired Resistance to EGFR and VEGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Long-Term Survival in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Tivozanib: Analysis of the Phase III TIVO-3 Trial.

Tivozanib is an oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with efficacy in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Long-term exploratory analyses from the TIVO-3 trial in relapsed/refractory (R/R) RCC including patients (26%) with prior immuno-oncology (IO) therapy are reported. Patients with R/R advanced RCC that progressed with 2 or 3 prior systemic therapies (≥1 VEGFR TKI) were randomized to tivozanib 1.5 mg QD or sorafenib 400 mg BID, stratified by IMDC risk and previous therapy. Safety, investigator-assessed long-term progression-free survival (LT-PFS), and serial overall survival (OS) were assessed. Mean time on treatment was 11.0 months with tivozanib (n = 175) and 6.3 months with sorafenib (n = 175). Fewer grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred with tivozanib (46%) than sorafenib (55%). Dose modification rates were lower with tivozanib than sorafenib across age/prior IO subgroups; prior IO therapy did not impact dose reductions or discontinuations in either arm. Landmark LT-PFS rates were higher with tivozanib (3 years: 12.3% vs 2.4%; 4 years: 7.6% vs 0%). After 22.8 months mean follow-up, the OS HR was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.70-1.14); when conditioned on 12-month landmark PFS, tivozanib showed significant OS improvement over sorafenib (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.91; 2-sided P = .0221). Tivozanib demonstrated a consistent safety profile and long-term survival benefit in patients with R/R advanced RCC who were alive and progression free at 12 months. These post hoc exploratory analyses of LT-PFS and conditional OS support a clinically meaningful improvement with tivozanib versus sorafenib in this advanced RCC population.

A phase Ib/II study of atezolizumab plus tivozanib in pancreatic, gallbladder, and bile duct malignancies.

TPS715 Background: Checkpoint inhibitor therapy represents a significant advance in cancer care however it is not an effective intervention in the treatment of several immunologically cold tumors including pancreatic, gallbladder, and bile duct malignancies where checkpoint inhibitors have produced objective response rates ranging from 0-6%. VEGF is thought to play a key role in modulating the anti-tumor immune response as it is secreted by tumors and leads to endothelial cell proliferation, vascular permeability, and vasodilation. This in turn leads to the development of an abnormal vasculature with excessive permeability and poor blood flow, thus limiting immune surveillance. In addition, VEGF inhibits dendritic cell differentiation, limiting the presentation of tumor antigens to CD4 and CD8 T cells. Through the inhibition of VEGF, it may be possible to potentiate the effect of immune checkpoint blockade. Combined use of a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and checkpoint inhibitor is already standard of care in advanced kidney and cervical cancers. Methods: This is a single institution, single arm, open-label phase Ib/II study with the co-primary endpoints of safety and efficacy of the combination of the VEGF receptor TKI tivozanib and checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab. Eligible patients will include those with pancreatic, gallbladder, and bile duct cancers, as well as well-differentiated grade 2 and 3 neuroendocrine tumors, ovarian and vulvar cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, castrate resistant prostate cancer, and HER2 positive hormone receptor negative breast cancer, that is metastatic and progressed on at least one line of therapy. Key exclusion criteria will include patients with known mismatch repair deficiency, microsatellite instability, or high tumor mutational burden. The phase Ib portion will assess the safety profile of the combination of tivozanib and atezolizumab with a potential dose de-escalation of tivozanib using a 3+3 study design. Three patients will be treated at the dose of tivozanib 1.34 mg per day (dose level 0) for 21 days of each 28-day cycle and atezolizumab 1680 mg on day 1 of every 28-day cycle. If one dose limiting toxicity (DLT) is found then 3 more patients will be enrolled at dose level 0. If &gt;1 DLT occurs in the first 3 patients or &gt;1 DLT in the first 6, another 3+3 study will begin at dose level -1 (0.89 mg of tivozantib). If 1 DLT occurs in these 3 patients at dose level -1 then another 3 will be enrolled at this dose. The study will be stopped for toxicity if there is &gt;1 DLT in the first 3 patients at dose level -1 or if there are &gt;1 DLT in the 6 patients at dose level -1. The phase II portion will enroll up to 26 patients using the dose of tivozanib found to be safe in the Ib portion. Disease response assessment every 12 weeks with CT Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis via RECIST 1.1. Treatment will continue until progression or intolerance. Clinical trial information: NCT05000294 .

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) &lt;65 or ≥ 65 years old (yo) from CARES-310 camrelizumab + rivoceranib vs sorafenib as first-line treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).

456 Background: CARES-310 (NCT03764293) evaluated the combination of the anti-PD-1 inhibitor, camrelizumab (cam), and the VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, rivoceranib (rivo), compared to sorafenib (sor) for the treatment of uHCC. Cam + rivo significantly improved OS and PFS compared to sor (OS, 22.1 months [mo] [95% CI 19.1-27.2] vs 15.2 mo [13.0-18.5] HR 0.62 [95% CI 0.49-0.80]; one-sided p&lt;0.0001); PFS, 5.6 mo [95% CI 5.5-6.3] vs 3.7 mo [2.8-3.7]; HR 0.52 [95% CI 0.41-0.65]; one-sided p&lt;0.0001). The most common (≥20%) grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events for cam + rivo were hypertension (37.5%) and increased AST (16.5%) vs palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (15.2%) for sor. This analysis evaluated PROs stratified by age: &lt;65 yo (baseline, overall cam + rivo n=191, sor n=210) or ≥65 yo (baseline, overall cam + rivo n=81, sor n=61). Methods: Patients completed EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-HCC18 at baseline, each visit, and post-last-dose follow-up periods. Endpoints included time to deterioration (TTD) with a ≥10-point decrease from baseline of patient reported QoL, physical functioning, role functioning, and patient-reported symptoms. Results: Mean completion rates across questionnaires were 98.56% and 96.78% for cam + rivo and 98.91% and 98.75% for sor in the &lt;65 and ≥65 yo groups, respectively, from baseline through ≥121 weeks of treatment. In the &lt;65 yo group, cam + rivo vs sor had improved TTD in fatigue measured by EROTC-QLQ-C30. In the ≥65 yo group, cam + rivo had significantly longer median TTD of pain measured by EROTC-QLQ-HCC18 and QLQ-C30, respectively. The median TTD of appetite loss in the ≥65 yo group favored cam + rivo. Median TTD for jaundice was significant for sor in both &lt;65 yo and ≥65 yo group. Median GHS/HRQoL in the ≥65 yo group favored cam + rivo. Conclusions: Cam + rivo was associated with improvement in varied QoL aspects in both patient groups. These PRO results support the clinical benefit and use of cam + rivo in patients with uHCC who have not received prior systemic therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03764293 . [Table: see text]

Impact of baseline liver function on survival outcomes in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) treated with camrelizumab + rivoceranib vs sorafenib: A post hoc analysis of study CARES-310.

509 Background: CARES-310 study (NCT03764293) evaluated the combination of camrelizumab, an anti-PD-1 inhibitor, and rivoceranib, a highly selective VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, (cam + rivo) vs sorafenib (sora) for the treatment of uHCC. Cam + rivo significantly improved median overall survival ([mOS] 22.1 months [mo] vs 15.1 mo) and median progression-free survival ([mPFS] 5.6 mo vs 3.7 mo) compared to sora. This post-hoc analysis evaluated the impact of baseline albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade and Child-Pugh (CP) class on survival outcomes. Methods: In this randomized, open-label, international, multicenter, phase 3 study, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive cam 200 mg IV Q2W + rivo 250 mg PO QD (n=272) or sora 400 mg PO BID (n=271). Median overall survival (mOS), median progression free survival (mPFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety were assessed by baseline ALBI grade and CP class. Results: mOS, mPFS, DCR, and ORR improved with cam + rivo vs sora regardless of baseline liver function (Table). Although treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs occurred at a greater rate in the cam + rivo arm vs the sora arm, the rate of these events was similar for patients with baseline ALBI grade 1 and grade 2 (cam + rivo, 82.1% and 81.7% vs sora, 53.9% and 54.0%, respectively). Median time-to-deterioration (mTTD) to CP class B was similar between treatment arms for ALBI grade 1 (not evaluable [NE], NE) and grade 2 (cam + rivo, 10.1 mo; sora, 10.6 mo; HR, 0.99). Conclusions: In this post-hoc analysis of Study CARES-310, the efficacy of cam + rivo was superior to sora regardless of baseline liver function as measured by both ALBI grade and CP class. Despite a higher rate of grade 3/4 AEs, there was no detrimental effect of cam +rivo on liver function in patients with both well- and moderately- preserved liver function compared to sora. These results support cam + rivo as a potential new first-line treatment option for patients with uHCC regardless of baseline liver function. Clinical trial information: NCT03764293 . [Table: see text]

Virtual Screening, Docking, and Designing of New VEGF Inhibitors as Anti-cancer Agents

Background: VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors are receiving a lot of attention as prospective anticancer medications in the current drug discovery process. Objective: This work aims to explore the PubChem library for novel VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors. 1H-Indazole-containing drug AXITINIB, or AG-013736 (FDA approved), is chosen as a rational molecule for drug design. This scaffold proved its efficiency in treating cancer and other diseases as well. Methods: The present study used the virtual screening of the database, protein preparation, grid creation, and molecular docking analyses. Results: The protein was validated on different parameters like the Ramachandran plot, the ERRAT score, and the ProSA score. The Ramachandran plot revealed that 92.1% of the amino acid residues were located in the most favorable region; this was complemented by an ERRAT score (overall quality factor) of 96.24 percent and a ProSA (Z score) of -9.24 percent. The Lipinski rule of five was used as an additional filter for screening molecules. The docking results showed values of binding affinity between -14.08 and -12.34 kcal/mol. The molecule C1 showed the highest docking value of -14.08 Kcal/mol with the maximum number of strong H-bonds by -NH of pyridine to amino acid Cys104 (4.22Å), -NH of indazole to Glu108 (4.72), and Glu70 to bridge H of -NH. These interactions are similar to Axitinib docking interactions like Glu70, Cys104, and Glu102. The docking studies revealed that pi-alkyl bonds are formed with unsubstituted pyridine, whereas important H-bonds are observed with different substitutions around -NH. Based on potential findings, we designed new molecules, and molecular docking studies were performed on the same protein along with ADMET studies. The designed molecules (M1–M4) also showed comparable docking results similar to Axitinib, along with a synthetic accessibility score of less than 4.5. Conclusion: The docking method employed in this work opens up new possibilities for the design and synthesis of novel compounds that can act as VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors and treat cancer.

Abstract C136: VHL, PBRM1, and BAP1 mutation variants and response to first-line therapies in patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)

Abstract Background VHL, PBRM1, and BAP1 are common mutations in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). VHL and PBRM1 mutations result in downstream dysregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) that cause angiogenesis and uncontrolled cell growth. VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are the mainstay of ccRCC treatment. The current first-line (1L) therapies for mRCC include combination anti-VEGFR TKI + anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), or combination CPI targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4. It is unknown whether VHL and PBRM1 mutations are predictive for response to 1L anti-VEGFR TKI,  anti-VEGFR TKI + CPI, or combination CPI immunotherapy. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the real-world outcomes of 1L therapies in patients with mRCC with or without VHL, PBRM1, or BAP1 mutations. Methods This study used the nationwide de-identified Flatiron Health-Foundation Medicine RCC clinico-genomic database, originating from approximately 280 cancer clinics (~800 sites of care). Patients with metastatic ccRCC, diagnosed from 8/1996-8/2022, who received 1L therapy with anti-VEGFR TKI, anti-VEGFR TKI + PD-1/PD-L1, or anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4 therapy, and who had comprehensive genomic profiling were included.  The primary endpoint was real-world overall survival (rwOS) in mRCC patients with VHL mutations. Secondary endpoints included rwOS and real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) in patients with BAP1 and PBRM1 mutations, and rwPFS in patients with VHL mutations. The cox proportional hazard model was used to conduct the multivariable analysis adjusting for demographic/clinical factors for rwOS and rwPFS. The Kaplan-Meier method were used to estimate the median survival time. Results149 patients with complete data sets were included, of whom 99 had VHL mutations, 65 had PBRM1 mutations, and 31 had BAP1 mutations. Eight patients (5%) had favorable International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk, 110 (74%) had intermediate IMDC risk, and 31 (21%) had poor IMDC risk. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for rwOS in patients with VHL mutations compared to those without who received 1L anti-VEGFR TKI, anti-VEGFR TKI + PD-1/PD-L1, or PD-1/PD-L1 + CTLA-4 therapy were 1.53 (95% CI: 0.78-3.00, p=0.221), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.29-2.61, p=0.798), and 1.64 (95% CI: 0.71-3.75,p=0.245), respectively. The median rwOS for patients with PBRM1 mutations who received anti-VEGFR TKI was 50.1 months (95% CI: 34.62-NR) and 30.6 months (95% CI: 19.4-63.2) in patients without PBRM1 mutations (adjusted HR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.29-1.00, p=0.049). The median rwPFS for BAP1 mutations with anti-VEGFR TKI therapy was 5.2 months (95% CI: 3.6-9.1) and 6.4 (95% CI: 4.7-10.8) in patients without BAP1 mutations (adjusted HR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.35-4.44, p=0.003). Conclusion No significant difference was observed in rwOS in mRCC patients with VHL mutations treated with first-line anti-VEGFR TKI, anti-VEGFR TKI + PD-1/PD-L1, or PD-1/PD-L1 + CTLA-4 therapy, compared to patients without VHL mutations. Additional studies are needed to confirm this finding. Citation Format: Jessica Zhu, Junxiao Hu, Elaine T Lam. VHL, PBRM1, and BAP1 mutation variants and response to first-line therapies in patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C136.

Abstract B024: KO-2806, a next-generation farnesyltransferase inhibitor, potentiates the antitumor activity of cabozantinib in clear cell renal cell carcinoma models

Abstract Conventional treatments for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target angiogenesis, a critical element for ccRCC tumor growth and survival. Cabozantinib, a TKI that inhibits VEGFR, AXL, and MET, is an approved therapy in advanced RCC. However, cabozantinib has limited therapeutic benefit; for example, patients with prior VEGFR TKI therapy had an overall response rate of 21% and median progression-free survival of 7.4 months. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify combination drug partners that can improve the depth and/or durability of clinical responses to cabozantinib.   Here, we present preclinical evidence that supports combining the farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI), KO-2806, with cabozantinib in ccRCC. KO-2806 is a next-generation farnesyltransferase inhibitor with increased potency and improved pharmacokinetic properties relative to earlier FTI drug candidates and is poised to enter a first-in-human clinical trial. We demonstrate that addition of KO-2806 enhanced tumor growth inhibition of cabozantinib in multiple ccRCC cell line- and patient-derived xenograft models, resulting in either tumor stasis or regression. Immunohistochemical analysis of angiogenic markers in 786-O tumors revealed that, consistent with its mechanism of action, cabozantinib significantly reduced angiogenesis, an effect that was deepened by KO-2806. In support of this, cell viability experiments performed in primary human endothelial cells showed that the combination of KO-2806 and cabozantinib was more effective in reducing cell viability than cabozantinib alone.   In addition, we investigated the mechanism underlying the improved response of tumors with the KO-2806-cabozantinib combination by analyzing the major growth signaling pathways in 786-O tumors. Cabozantinib alone reduced both MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, but addition of KO-2806 resulted in enhanced inhibition of mTOR signaling and increased cell cycle arrest compared to either agent alone. We hypothesize that exposure to anti-angiogenic TKIs render ccRCC tumors more hypoxic, and thus more reliant on compensatory, oncogenic mechanisms like mTOR signaling that allow them to adapt to a nutrient- and oxygen-deprived environment. Mechanistically, KO-2806 potently inhibits the farnesylation, and hence the activity, of the farnesylation-dependent protein RHEB, a positive regulator of mTOR, suggesting that the improved anti-tumor efficacy of the combination may arise through RHEB inhibition in this model. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are underway to establish the scope and mechanistic underpinnings of the effects of the KO-2806-cabozantinib combination and strengthen the therapeutic rationale for the investigation of this approach in the treatment of patients with ccRCC. Citation Format: Jovylyn Gatchalian, Linda Kessler, Hetika Patel, Stacia Chan, Francis Burrows, Shivani Malik. KO-2806, a next-generation farnesyltransferase inhibitor, potentiates the antitumor activity of cabozantinib in clear cell renal cell carcinoma models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B024.

Zinc supplementation decreased incidence of grade ≥2 hand-foot skin reaction induced by regorafenib: A phase II randomized clinical trial

To the editor: Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR), characterized by skin abnormalities on palmoplantar surfaces, has an overall incidence of about 35% upon vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) treatment.1 Zinc, which plays a role in maintaining skin health, may be implicated in the pathogenesis of HFSR.2 Zinc deficiency has been shown to associate with dermatological toxicities of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-TKI.3, 4 Regorafenib, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor targeting VEGFR 1–3, PDGFR, cKIT, BRAF, and RET1, is approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) but commonly causes HFSR.5 This phase II randomized trial aimed to investigate whether zinc supplementation can reduce the severity of HFSR induced by regorafenib within the first 8 weeks of treatment (NCT03898102).

NCMP-01. TREATMENT STRATEGIES IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL CELL CANCER AND BRAIN METASTASES

Abstract BACKGROUND Brain metastases (BM) significantly impact quality of life and survival in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Based on the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk classification, treatment strategies for patients with mRCC vary from systemic treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to active surveillance (AS). Here, we describe the impact of treatment strategies on survival in patients with RCC and BM. METHODS We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute (Rotterdam, Netherlands). All consecutive patients with RCC BM between 2011-2022 were included. Primary outcome was the BM-free survival, i.e. the time between diagnosis of extracranial metastases (ECM) and BM. Secondary outcome was overall survival (OS). RESULTS 46 patients with RCC BM were included: 25 (54.3%) had received prior systemic treatment for ECM, and 21 (45.7%) were treatment naive at diagnosis of BM. IMDC scores (favorable 12% resp. 0%, intermediate 48% resp. 64%, poor 24% resp. 0%, unknown 16% resp. 36%) were not significantly different (p=0.07) between these groups. In 39 (84.8%) of 46 patients, BM were metachronous ( &amp;gt;1 month) after ECM. In these patients (n=39), the median BM-free survival was 22.3 (IQR 5.7-46.7) months and was significantly longer (p=0.02) in previously treated patients (29.0 [IQR 12.6-57.0] months) as compared to treatment naive patients (6.8 [IQR 1.0-7.0] months). However, median OS since ECM diagnosis (39.1 [IQR 16.5-111.5] months) was not significantly different (p=0.62) between previously treated and treatment naive patients. CONCLUSION Patients with RCC who received systemic treatment for ECM prior to BM diagnosis, had a longer BM-free survival as compared to patients without previous systemic treatment. These results emphasize the need for careful evaluation of AS in patients with mRCC, even in patients with a favorable prognostic profile.

Modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors: A better response evaluation criteria for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer after bevacizumab treatment.

Cavitation of lesions is common in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (non-squamous-NSCLC) patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFRIs). However, traditional response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) do not take cavitation into consideration and may no longer be accurate for potentially reflecting the real clinical efficacy of anti-vessel growth therapy. Here, we aimed to optimize the traditional RECIST version 1.1 by adding cavitation into the evaluation criteria. We performed a post-hoc radiologic review of 517 patients in a phase III clinical trial of bevacizumab biosimilar (SIBP04) combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of non-squamous NSCLC. Tumor responses were assessed by RECIST1.1 and mRECIST criteria (modified RECIST, a novel alternate method where the longest diameter of the cavity was subtracted from the overall longest diameter of that lesion to measure target lesions), respectively, and correlated with clinical outcomes. Cavitations of pulmonary lesions were seen in nine (2%) patients at baseline, and 97 (19%) during treatment. The use of mRECIST resulted in an alteration of the response category. For patients with post-therapy cavitation, the objective response rate was 56% using RECIST1.1 and 67% by mRECIST. In addition, the survival rates between partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease when the mRECIST was applied were significantly different (p<0.05), while RECIST1.1 failed to show survival differences (p=0.218). For patients with post-therapy cavitation, mRECIST exhibited higher predictability of survival than RECIST1.1. Response assessment might be improved by incorporating cavitation into assessment, potentially altering outcomes of key clinical efficacy parameters.

Expanding "Practice-Changing" Belzutifan's Reach in RCC.

In the LITESPARK-005 and -003 trials, the HIF-2α inhibitor looks effective in advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, both as monotherapy and in combination with VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The results favor expanding belzutifan's use beyond von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated cancers, its only current indication.

Intralesional Axitinib Injection Mitigates Hypertrophic Scar by Inhibiting Angiogenesis Pathway: A Preliminary Study in a Rabbit Ear Model.

High levels of VEGF and excessive angiogenesis contribute significantly to hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. Our study aimed to preliminarily investigate the effect of axitinib, a selective VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on angiogenesis of HS and to explore its possible mechanism in a rabbit ear model. Ten male New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish HS models and then randomised to the control and axitinib groups. The scar tissues in the two groups were injected with axitinib or normal saline, and they were evaluated after one month of treatment. Macroscopic scar thickness, vascularity and pliability, as well as histopathological analysis including HE staining and Masson staining and scar elevation index (SEI) between two groups were compared. Immunohistochemical staining of CD31 in two groups was conducted to assess the degree of angiogenesis in HS tissue. The protein expression of protein kinase B (AKT) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) and their phosphorylation levels in both groups were examined by Western blot analysis. The macroscopic and histological observation showed intralesional axitinib injection significantly reduced scar thickness, vascularity and pliability of HS in the rabbit ear model. The value of SEI in HE assessment was also significantly declined in the axitinib group. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that axitinib suppressed the expression of CD31 in HS tissue, and the mean IOD for blood vessels was significantly lower in the axitinib-treated group. Additionally, axitinib effectively attenuated the protein expression of p70S6K, p-AKT and p-p70S6K by Western blot analysis. Our study suggests that intralesional injection of axitinib can effectively attenuate HS by reducing angiogenesis in the rabbit ear model, and this inhibitory effect may be mediated by suppression of AKT/p70S6K signaling pathway. It indicates that axitinib may be a promising option for the treatment of HS in the future.

The Incidence and Management of Cancer-Related Anorexia During Treatment with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Cancer-related anorexia is a common complication and frequently occurs in cancer patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs). Anorexia contributes to malnutrition, body weight loss, and cachexia in affected patients. Furthermore, patients who experience anorexia have worse outcomes than those who maintain their appetite, highlighting the importance of managing anorexia and related symptoms. However, as the causes of anorexia are both diverse and interconnected, there have been challenges in evaluating and implementing effective interventions. In this review, we described the contributing factors to cancer-related anorexia and reviewed recent literature for the frequency of anorexia symptoms in patients treated with VEGFR-TKIs. Additionally, we evaluated the evidence for current interventions and the potential benefits of multimodal and multidisciplinary approaches to care. The frequency of anorexia symptoms in patients who received VEGFR-TKIs ranged from 14%-58% for all-grade anorexia and 0%-6% for grade 3 or 4 anorexia. While many of the interventions for cancer-related anorexia have minimal benefit or adverse events, recent advances in our understanding of cancer-related anorexia suggest that multimodal therapy with multidisciplinary care is a promising avenue of investigation. Several studies currently underway are anticipated to further assess the effectiveness of multimodal approaches.

Synthesis, Molecular Docking Studies, and In vitro Anticancer Evaluation of Novel Tolfenamic Acid Derivatives

Background: Accumulating experimental evidence has demonstrated that tolfenamic acid (TA) has anticancer activity. TA has been shown to modulate the expression of several cancer-related genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as well as metastasis and angiogenesis. Objective: The current study was carried out to evaluate the anticancer activities of eight newly synthesized TA derivatives by conducting in silico molecular docking studies and in vitro biological evaluations to validate their VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitory activities. Methods: The novel TA derivatives (3A–F–5) were obtained by reacting TA hydrazide with substituted aldehydes, phthalic anhydride, and succinic anhydride, respectively. Spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the target molecules. Docking studies were performed to determine the binding patterns to the potential molecular target VEGFR-2, and these were compared with the results of the in vitro VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibition assay. Results: Our findings indicate that the newly synthesized compounds are cytotoxic, with compound 4 being the most potent. Additionally, all compounds inhibited VEGFR-2 TK activity, the EC50 value of compound 4 was nearly identical to that of the conventional VEGFR TK inhibitor sorafenib. SAR studies revealed that the presence of an aryl or a heteroaryl fragment attached to the hydrophilic linker (as found in compound 4) is crucial to the anticancer activity. Conclusion: The outcomes suggest that the isoindoline derivative (compound 4) is a good candidate for further investigation. The docking results provide evidence for a correlation between the experimental and predicted VEGFR-2 TK inhibitory activity. Moreover, ADMET studies indicate that all ligands have good pharmacokinetic properties.