Back to Authors

Liu, Alex J.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0019-1906

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 17

The impact of genetic mutations on response to radium-223 treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases.
Liu, Alex John, Ueberroth, Benjamin E. , Tzou, Katherine S., Choo, Richard , Moore, Cassandra N., Keole, Sameer R., Wong, William W. , Liu, Alex J. , Kosiorek, Heidi , Kendi, A. Tuba , Quevedo, Fernando , Ho, Thai H. , Singh, Parminder Pal , Bryce, Alan H.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e17587-e17587

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e17587 Get It

e17587 Background: Radium (Ra)-223 has become the cornerstone treatment in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with bone metastases. Ra-223 has been shown to suppress abnormal bone formation by inducing DNA double-strand breaks in tumor cells. This can reduce skeletal-related events, as well as improve survival and quality of life. Studies have indicated mutations that regulate DNA damage response in prostate cancer as susceptible to PARP inhibitors and platinum-based therapies. This study aims to evaluate mCRPC response to Ra-223 stratified by tumor genomics. Methods: This is a retrospective study of mCRPC patients who received Ra-223 and genetic testing within the Mayo Clinic database (Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota). Patient demographics, genetic mutations, treatment responses in terms of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and survival were assessed. Primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from time of first radium treatment. Results: 239 mCRPC patients treated with Ra-223 were identified. Germline and/or somatic genetic sequencing was available in 50 patients, who had a median age of 61 years at time of diagnosis and 68 years at time of Ra-223 treatment. Median Gleason score at time of diagnosis was 8.0. 100% of patients received prior androgen deprivation therapy. 72% received prior docetaxel, and 18% received prior cabazitaxel. Notable mutations included TP53 (45.2%), TMPRSS2-ERG (28.6%), PTEN (26.2%), BRCA1/2 (14.3%), ATM (9.3%), CDK12 (7.1%), and Rb (4.9%). TMPRSS2-ERG was the second most commonly found mutation, with median OS 12.7 mo versus 15.4 mo in patients without TMPRSS2-ERG mutations (p = 0.099). In patients with CDK12 mutations (2 of 28 tested positive), PFS was 10.4 mo versus 5.6 mo in patients without CDK12 mutations (p = 0.157). The assessment of ALP and PSA response to radium treatment stratified by genetic mutation did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Among mCRPC patients treated with Ra-223 at Mayo Clinic, TMPRSS2-ERG was the second most commonly found genetic mutation and had observed worse survival outcomes that approached statistical significance. Prospective studies and increased sample sizes are needed to determine the impact of genetic mutations in response to Ra-223.
Osteoclast-like giant cell tumors of the pancreas: Clinical characteristics, genetic testing, and treatment modalities.
Ueberroth, Benjamin E. , Liu, Alex John, Liu, Alex J. , Graham, Rondell P. , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e16752-e16752

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e16752 Get It

e16752 Background: Undifferentiated osteoclast-like giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas is an aggressive malignancy only described by a few case reports in the literature. In this study, we sought to better characterize this entity by examining patients seen at Mayo Clinic. Methods: This study identified patients with osteoclast-like giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas using Mayo Clinic databases (MN, AZ, FL) from the year 2000 to present. Patient demographics, genetic data, and treatment modalities were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate median overall survival (mOS) for the cohort as well as mOS and mPFS for treatment subgroups. Results: 15 patients were identified (9 female, 6 male). Median age at diagnosis was 59 years and mOS for all patients was 11.0 mos (95% CI 6.2-15.7 mos). 3 patients (20%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis with the liver being the most common site (n = 3). Metastatic disease was associated with significantly shorter OS (3.5 vs. 14.1 mos, p = 0.005; HR 7.98 [95% CI 1.43-44.4]) compared to locoregional disease (LRD). 4 patients underwent genetic testing. The most common mutation was CDKN2A (n = 3), followed by TP53 (n = 2) and KRAS (n = 2). 13/15 patients had detailed follow-up information. 6/7 patients undergoing chemotherapy received a gemcitabine-based regimen as first line: with capecitabine (n = 2), with nab-paclitaxel (n = 2), or as monotherapy (n = 2). 1 patient received FOLFIRINOX. In patients with LRD and adequate follow-up (n = 11), 8/11 underwent surgical resection and had longer OS compared to those without resection (17.0 vs. 8.4 mos, p = 0.09). No surgical patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 5/8 received adjuvant chemotherapy, 2 did not undergo chemotherapy, and 1 was lost to follow-up after surgery. PFS from time of surgery was 15.3mos (95% CI 5.0-25.6mos). 6 patients (40%) were alive at time of analysis; all 6 underwent surgical resection. Conclusions: Osteoclast-like giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis, even when diagnosed at an early stage. OS for patients of all stages in this study was less than 1 year suggesting prognosis may be even worse than that of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The optimal therapy remains unknown but most patients received similar chemotherapy as in adenocarcinoma. Patients with LRD amenable to surgical resection experienced a PFS over 1 year from surgery, possibly associated with OS benefit, however overall prognosis is poor. Further study is warranted on a larger scale to better understand disease course and treatment options.
Anorectal neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC): Patient characteristics and treatment outcomes.
Ueberroth, Benjamin E. , Liu, Alex John, Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , Halfdanarson, Thorvardur R , Liu, Alex J. , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e16702-e16702

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e16702 Get It

e16702 Background: There are only a few reports examining the treatment patterns for poorly differentiated rectal/anal NEC. In this study, we sought to report treatment and survival outcomes for patients with NEC of the anus and rectum seen at Mayo Clinic. Methods: We identified patients with a primary NEC of the anus or rectum using Mayo Clinic databases (Minnesota, Arizona, Florida) from the year 2000 to present. NEC identified within polyps on colonoscopy was excluded from this study. Patients’ demographics were compiled. Kaplan Meier analyses were performed to evaluate overall survival (OS) for all patients, as well as subgroups with locoregional disease (LRD) and metastatic disease at diagnosis. Progression free survival (PFS) was also evaluated for patients with LRD treated with chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Results: 38 patients with NEC of the anus/rectum were identified with a median age of 55.5 years. 23 patients (61%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis and 15 (39%) had LRD. The most common site of metastasis was the liver (n = 20). Patients with metastatic disease at presentation had significantly shorter OS compared to patients with LRD (median OS 10.4 vs. 18.9 months, p = 0.039; HR 2.46, 95% CI [1.001-6.050]). 34 total patients received chemotherapy (ORR 11.8%), with platinum + etoposide (EP) being the most common first-line chemotherapy (n = 26). 10 of 15 patients with LRD received CRT (9 with EP and 1 with 5-FU) with median PFS of 6.3 months (95% CI 2.3-16.5 months), a 1-year PFS rate of 20%, and median OS of 18.6 months (95% CI 13.5-23.7 months). 2/10 received induction chemotherapy prior to CRT with 6/10 undergoing primary tumor resection (1 prior to CRT and 5 after CRT). Only 3 CRT patients were living at time of analysis (all underwent surgical resection), 2 without any active disease, 1 who achieved complete response with CRT then suffered recurrence and is still undergoing treatment. Conclusions: NEC of the anus and rectum is an aggressive malignancy with most patients experiencing metastatic disease at presentation and poor response to chemotherapy at all stages. Even those with LRD experience a very poor prognosis with OS of 18.9 months from diagnosis. For LRD, most patients underwent CRT with only a short-lived response (median PFS 6.3 months). Those achieving sustained response also underwent surgical resection. Overall, prognosis is poor for all stages and further study on a large scale is warranted to better characterize this rare, aggressive malignancy.
Treatment outcomes of well-differentiated high-grade (G3) neuroendocrine tumors.
Liu, Alex John, Ueberroth, Benjamin E. , Petty, Skye Buckner , McGarrah, Patrick W. , Hobday, Timothy J. , McGarrah, Patrick , Liu, Alex J. , Kendi, A. Tuba , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e16691-e16691

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e16691 Get It

e16691 Background: Recent WHO classification of NET has defined high-grade well-differentiated NET (NET G3) as a distinct entity that is clinically different from neuroendocrine carcinoma. The optimal treatment for NET G3 has not been well-described. This study aims to evaluate NET G3 response to different treatment regimens. Methods: This is a retrospective study of NET G3 patients within the Mayo Clinic database (Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota). Patient demographics along with treatment responses and survival were assessed. Primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1 criteria. Results: 71 patients with NET G3 were identified. Systemic treatment data was available in 30 patients who had a median age of 59.5 years at time of diagnosis. The primary tumor was most commonly pancreatic (73.3%). Ki 67 index was ≥55% in 26.7% of cases. 56.7% of cases had > 1 metastatic site. Treatment regimens included: capecitabine+temozolomide (CAPTEM) (n = 20), somatostatin analog (SSA) (n = 14), carboplatin/cisplatin+etoposide (EP) (n = 7), everolimus (n = 2), FOLFOX (n = 7), and lutetium Lu 177 DOTATATE (PRRT) (n = 10). CAPTEM was the most commonly used regimen (10 first-line, and 10 second-line) with ORR of 35%, disease control rate (DCR) of 65%, and median PFS of 9.4 months. The table summarizes the treatment data and responses rates for the various therapies used. Conclusions: Among NET G3 patients treated at Mayo Clinic, CAPTEM was found to be the most commonly used treatment with reasonable efficacy and disease control. Other treatment options include SSA, PRRT, FOLFOX, and EP. Prospective studies evaluating different treatments effects in NET G3 patients are needed to determine an optimal treatment strategy. [Table: see text]
Enhanced efficacy of anti-VEGFR2/taxane therapy after progression on immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in patients (pts) with metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (mGEA).
Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , Starr, Jason S. , Liu, Alex John, Bois, Melanie C. , Pitot, Henry C., Ross, Helen J. , Wu, Tsung‐Teh, Yoon, Harry H. , Chakrabarti, Sakti , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam , Kasi, Pashtoon Murtaza , Liu, Alex J. , Chandrasekharan, Chandrikha , Graham, Rondell P. , Markovic, Svetomir N. , Dong, Haidong

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 4541-4541

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.4541 Get It

4541 Background: Anti-VEGFR2 therapy (ramucirumab/paclitaxel [RAM/TAX]) and ICI are approved as 2nd- and 3rd-line therapy (Tx), respectively, for pts with mGEA. We unexpectedly saw durable responses in 2 pts on RAM/TAX after progression on an ICI trial (KN-059; PMID 29674442). We performed a pilot to examine the clinical activity of ICI followed by RAM/TAX. Then we retrospectively compared the outcomes of pts who received this serial Tx to pts who received RAM/TAX without prior ICI. Methods: All pts with mGEA at Mayo Clinic who received RAM/TAX (2014-19) were included (N = 87). Outcomes were best objective response rate (ORR: complete [CR] or partial response) per RECIST1.1, progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), and overall survival (OS). Chi square and multivariate (MV) logistic and Cox regression were used. Results: 15 consecutive pts with measurable mGEA received ICI immediately followed by RAM/TAX after irRECIST progression. Most pts (95%) did not respond to ICI. Yet on RAM/TAX, 100% (15/15) had tumor reduction (range -8% to -100%) with an ORR of 73% (11/15), including 3 CRs. In these pts (who received ICI followed by RAMTAX), PFS on RAMTAX was longer than on last chemotherapy before ICI (12.3 vs 3.0 m, P < .001). Outcomes on RAM/TAX in these pts were significantly better than in pts who received RAM/TAX alone (see Table). Associations were strengthened after adjusting for total lines of Tx, line of Tx of RAM/TAX, age, and ECOG PS. Exploratory analysis of paired tumor biopsies collected pre-ICI and on RAM/TAX in a small subset revealed that the frequency of intratumoral immunosuppressive FOXP3+ Tregs decreased on RAM/TAX, whereas the frequency of antitumor CD8+ T cells was preserved. Conclusions: RAM/TAX immediately preceded by ICI was associated with significantly higher OS, ORR, and DOR than RAM/TAX alone, suggesting ICI may enhance efficacy of subsequent anti-VEGFR/taxane therapy. This novel sequence of therapy will be tested prospectively in a new randomized phase 2 trial (NCT04069273). [Table: see text]
Enhanced efficacy of anti-VEGFR2/taxane therapy after progression on immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in patients (pts) with metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (mGEA).
Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , Starr, Jason S. , Liu, Alex J. , Bois, Melanie C. , Pitot, Henry C., Ross, Helen J. , Wu, Tsung‐Teh, Markovic, Svetomir, Yoon, Harry H. , Chakrabarti, Sakti , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam , Kasi, Pashtoon Murtaza , Graham, Rondell P. , Markovic, Svetomir N. , Dong, Haidong

Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 4, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 362-362

10.1200/jco.2020.38.4_suppl.362 Get It

362 Background: Most pts with mGEA do not respond to ICI or ramucirumab/paclitaxel (RAM/TAX). Emerging data suggest that ICI may potentiate subsequent therapy (Tx). In KN059 we unexpectedly observed durable responses in 2 pts on RAM/TAX after ICI (PMID 29674442). We examined if ICI impacts efficacy of subsequent RAM/TAX in a larger cohort and explored alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Methods: All pts with mGEA at Mayo Clinic (MN, AZ, FL) who received RAM/TAX (2014-19) were included. We compared best objective response rate (ORR: complete [CR] or partial response [PR]) per RECIST1.1 and overall survival (OS) in pts who received RAM/TAX with (Group A) vs without (Group B) immediately preceding PD-1 blockade. Chi square and multivariate logistic and Cox regression were used. We adjusted for total lines of Tx received and the line of Tx in which RAM/TAX was given, to control for potential differences in the biology of heavily treated pts or those receiving RAM/TAX as 2nd vs 3rd line Tx. We also adjusted for age and ECOG PS. Results: In total 87 pts met inclusion criteria. In the 19 pts (Group A) who received RAM/TAX (usually as 3rd line Tx) after progression on ICI, there was a 77% relative risk reduction of death after initiation of RAM/TAX compared to the 68 pts (Group B) who received RAM/TAX (usually as 2nd line) without preceding ICI (median OS 15.0 vs 7.6 mo; HR 0.23; P < .001). The ORR was also significantly higher (58% vs 18%; P < .001) including the CR rate (16% vs 1%; P = .006). Two CRs in Group A are ongoing (10 - 34 mo). Of note, 95% of Group A pts did not respond to ICI, and all had irRECIST progression on ICI. Immunofluorescent analysis from a responder showed 65-fold reduction (post vs pre-Tx) in intratumoral density of immunosuppressive FOXP3+ Tregs, with preserved density of antitumor CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: Higher than expected efficacy was observed on RAM/TAX when immediately preceded by ICI, suggesting ICI may enhance efficacy of subsequent anti-VEGFR/taxane therapy. This serial immunotherapy combination may be a novel option for pts with primary resistance to ICI and will be tested prospectively in a new randomized phase 2 trial (NCT04069273).