Hirbe, Angela C.

Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder in which plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) develop in approximately 30% to 50% of affected individuals, often causing substantial morbidity. Treatment of NF1-associated PNs is challenging due to disease variability and tumor complexity. Observations In the Phase 2b ReNeu trial (NCT03962543), mirdametinib, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK) inhibitor, demonstrated efficacy and a manageable safety profile in children and adults with symptomatic PNs, achieving confirmed objective responses in 52% of children and 41% of adults, with substantial reductions in target tumor PN volume and improvements in patient- and parent proxy-reported outcomes. However, dermatologic adverse events (AEs) are common with MEK inhibitors, including mirdametinib, and can impact adherence and quality of life. While the ReNeu protocol included supportive care considerations for skin reactions associated with mirdametinib, some investigators recognized a need for more detailed guidance. The ReNeu Scientific Steering Committee, in collaboration with oncology and oncodermatology experts, developed expert-driven recommendations for the proactive management of mirdametinib-related skin AEs. Conclusions These strategies emphasize early recognition, individualized care, and timely intervention to help reduce the severity of mirdametinib-related skin AEs, minimize dose modifications, and support treatment continuity and long-term treatment goals. Although these recommendations were specifically developed for mirdametinib based on ReNeu trial experience, they may also provide practical guidance for managing skin AEs associated with other MEK inhibitors in clinical practice.

Aneuploidy is a hallmark of cancer often associated with inferior prognosis. Copy number gains of chromosome 8 (chr8) are recurrent in multiple cancers, including breast, prostate, colorectal cancers, and sarcomas such as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). MPNSTs are aggressive, hard-to-treat sarcomas frequently linked to the Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) cancer predisposition syndrome. To investigate the role of chr8 gain in MPNST pathogenesis, we performed a CRISPR knockout screen and identified 58 essential genes on chr8, including PTK2, which encodes focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We evaluated FAK as a therapeutic target and tested small-molecule FAK inhibitors (FAKi) alone or combined with RAF/MEK inhibitors (RAF/MEKi), a class of agents relevant to NF1-deficient tumors with ERK pathway hyperactivation. Both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of FAK reduced MPNST cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Combined FAKi and RAF/MEKi treatment further suppressed phosphorylation of FAK, STAT3, and AKT while increasing cleaved caspase-3 and PARP-1, indicating enhanced apoptosis. In MPNST patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, combination therapy significantly reduced tumor growth, showing superior efficacy, particularly in chr8 gain MPNST-PDX. These results support FAK/RAF/MEK co-targeting as a promising therapeutic strategy for chr8 gain MPNST and related tumors.

Abstract Purpose: Combined mTOR and MEK inhibition, critical components of the RAS effector pathway underlying the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)–related tumors, caused regression in a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) transgenic mouse model. The primary objective was to determine the clinical benefit rate in patients with unresectable/metastatic MPNST. Patients and Methods: The study design was a multi-institutional, open-label, Simon two-stage, phase II study of the MEK inhibitor selumetinib and mTOR inhibitor sirolimus. Patients ≥12 years with histologically confirmed MPNST received selumetinib 50 mg twice daily and sirolimus 4 mg once daily, in continuous 28-day cycles. Correlative studies evaluated patient-reported pain, immune signature in peripheral blood, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Results: A total of 21 heavily pretreated patients [seven females; median age, 41 years (range, 16–72); and 14 with NF1] with advanced disease enrolled at five participating sites. Clinical benefit was observed in only one of seven in stage 1 and one of 14 patients in stage 2. The median number of cycles was two (range, 1–6). Most common adverse events (AE) were grade ≤2 gastrointestinal toxicity, acneiform rash, hypertriglyceridemia, mucositis, and transaminase elevation. Unlike the preclinical model, early 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan performed during cycle 1 demonstrated partial metabolic responses in five patients (24%), but these did not correlate with objective responses after cycle 2. cfDNA was able to detect MPNST with the potential to be a biomarker of response. Conclusions: The combination was safe, with manageable and expected AEs, but did not meet study parameters for further evaluation in MPNST. Correlative studies were informative and may guide future therapeutic trials of MPNST.

Abstract BACKGROUND Mirdametinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, is the first FDA-approved medicine for both adults and children (≥2y) with NF1-PN not amenable to complete resection. In the phase 2b ReNeu trial (NCT03962543), confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 41% in adults and 52% in children. This analysis explored relationships between baseline characteristics and mirdametinib responses in ReNeu. METHODS Confirmed ORR was the proportion of patients with ≥20% reduction from baseline in target PN volume by magnetic resonance imaging on consecutive scans during the 24-cycle treatment phase (“responders”) as assessed by blinded independent central review. Characteristics included age, body surface area (BSA), sex, race, ethnicity, target PN location, PN type (typical, nodular, or solitary nodular), target PN volume, and progression status. Rates of dose reductions and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were evaluated. These factors were descriptively analyzed for potential relationships with confirmed objective response (data cutoff: 20September2023). RESULTS With mirdametinib, there was no clear difference between responders (n=53) and non-responders (n=61) in age (mean, 22.89 and 22.67y), BSA (mean, 1.42 and 1.51 m2), sex (60.4% and 57.4% female), race (83.0% and 68.9% White), or ethnicity (83.0% and 85.2% non-Hispanic/Latino). The majority of responders and non-responders had head/neck for target PN location (50.9% and 47.5%), typical PN type (81.1% and 63.9%), and baseline progression status (60.4% and 55.7%). Mean (95% CI) target PN volume was 283.43 (155.19, 411.66) and 415.74 (211.71, 619.77) mL, respectively. Dose reduction (11.3%; 18.0%) and TRAE rates (96.2%; 96.7%) were comparable. CONCLUSIONS This analysis suggests mirdametinib provides clinical benefit across a broad range of patient and NF1-PN tumor characteristics; a relationship between analyzed baseline characteristics and confirmed objective response was not established. Mean PN volume was higher in non-responders, though CIs overlapped. Dose reductions and emergence of TRAEs did not appear to impact response to mirdametinib. SUPPORT SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

Abstract BACKGROUND Mirdametinib is the first FDA-approved MEK1/2 inhibitor for both adults and children ≥2 years with NF1 who have symptomatic PN not amenable to complete resection. We report results from the phase 2b ReNeu trial (NCT03962543), including the LTFU. METHODS In ReNeu, mirdametinib was administered in 3-weeks-on/1-week-off 28-day cycles. Following the 24-cycle treatment phase, patients could continue mirdametinib in an optional LTFU. We report results through June 12, 2024, approximately 9 months from the previous data cutoff. RESULTS Fifty-eight adults and 56 children received mirdametinib. Median (range) duration of treatment was 21.8 (0.4, 54.4) months in adults and 25.4 (1.6, 48.5) months in children. Among LTFU-eligible patients, 26/31 (84%) adults and 32/37 (86%) children entered LTFU. Confirmed objective response rate (ORR, treatment+LTFU phases) was 47% (27/58; 95%CI, 33%, 60%) in adults and 55% (31/56; 95%CI, 42%, 69%) in children. Among confirmed responders, 18 adults and 19 children achieved a deep response (best target PN volume reduction from baseline of >50%). Median (range) best percentage change from baseline in target PN volume was –41% (–90%, 13%) in adults and –43% (–98%, 48%) in children. Median duration of response (DoR) was not reached for either age cohort. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in ≥25% of patients were dermatitis acneiform, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting in adults; and diarrhea, dermatitis acneiform, and paronychia in children. Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 17% of adults and 25% of children. Dose interruptions, dose reductions, and discontinuations due to TRAEs occurred in 9%, 17%, and 22%, respectively, of adults, and 14%, 14%, and 9%, respectively, of children. CONCLUSIONS Improved confirmed ORR was observed with longer duration of mirdametinib, with additional deep responses achieved in both adults and children. Mirdametinib continued to be well tolerated with a manageable safety profile and no new safety signals in the LTFU.

Abstract BACKGROUND Mirdametinib is the first FDA-approved MEK1/2 inhibitor for both adults and children (≥2 years) with NF1 who have symptomatic PN not amenable to complete resection. We report updated results from the LTFU phase of the pivotal, phase 2b ReNeu trial (NCT03962543) evaluating the efficacy and safety of mirdametinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS In ReNeu, mirdametinib capsules or tablets for oral suspension (2 mg/m2 BID, max 4 mg BID) are administered in 3-weeks-on/1-week-off 28-day cycles. Following the 24-cycle (~2 years) treatment phase, patients could continue mirdametinib in an optional LTFU phase. These analyses are inclusive of the treatment and LTFU phases (data cutoff: June 12, 2024; an additional 9 months of cumulative data following the primary analysis). Exploratory analyses reported here included confirmed objective response rate (ORR; proportion of patients with ≥20% reduction of target PN volume from baseline on consecutive MRI scans within 2 to 6 months, assessed by blinded independent central review), duration of response (DoR), change from baseline in target PN volume, and safety. RESULTS Fifty-eight adults and 56 children were dosed with mirdametinib. Median (range) duration of mirdametinib treatment was 21.8 (0.4, 54.4) months in adults and 25.4 (1.6, 48.5) months in children. Among LTFU-eligible patients, 26/31 (84%) adults and 32/37 (86%) children entered the LTFU. Confirmed ORR was 47% (27/58; 95% CI, 33%, 60%) in adults and 55% (31/56; 95% CI, 42%, 69%) in children. Of patients with a confirmed objective response, 18 adults and 19 children achieved a deep response (best target PN volume reduction from baseline of >50%). Median (range) best percentage change from baseline in target PN volume was -41% (-90%, 13%) in adults and -43% (-98%, 48%) in children. Median DoR was not reached. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in ≥25% of patients were dermatitis acneiform, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting in adults, and diarrhoea, dermatitis acneiform, and paronychia in children. Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 17% of adults and 25% of children. Dose interruptions, dose reductions, and discontinuations due to TRAEs occurred in 9%, 17%, and 22%, respectively, of adults, and in 14%, 14%, and 9%, respectively, of children. CONCLUSIONS An increase in confirmed ORR was observed with longer duration of mirdametinib treatment, with additional deep responses achieved in both adults and children with NF1-PN. Mirdametinib continued to be well tolerated with a manageable safety profile and no new safety signals identified in the LTFU phase. SUPPORTED BY SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma constitute 36% of all primary bone cancers. However, these 2 subtypes represent the most commonly diagnosed bone cancer types in the pediatric and adolescent population. Although still largely unknown, certain genetic mutations, rearrangements, and/or predisposition syndromes likely play a role in the pathogenesis of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma may also develop as a direct result of the long-term side effects of radiation therapy. With the implementation of a multimodality approach to treatment, including multiagent neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapy options, surgery, and radiation, individuals with Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma are showing higher cure rates and improved overall survival. The NCCN Guidelines for Bone Cancer provide a consensus and evidence-based framework for the workup, management, and surveillance of local and recurrent/metastatic disease.