Yohay, Kaleb

Abstract INTRODUCTION Brigatinib is an oral ALK inhibitor that inhibits multiple tyrosine kinases. We previously published outcomes of patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis treated with brigatinib for a median of 10.4 months. We report updated results of these patients with extended follow-up. METHODS This multicenter, phase II, open-label study included participants ≥12 years with NF2-SWN and progressive target tumors (baskets: VS, NVS, meningioma, or ependymoma). Patients were treated with brigatinib 180 mg daily. Patients discontinued treatment upon progression of target tumors but could continue treatment with isolated progression of non-target tumors if deemed clinically acceptable by the treating team and patient. One target and up to 5 non-target tumors were followed in each participant. Tumor response was evaluated by MRI every 3 months in year 1 and every 6 months thereafter with radiographic response (RR) defined as ≥20% decrease in volume compared to baseline. RESULTS Forty participants were treated for a median of 23 months (range, 3-40 months). Updated imaging data is available on 162 tumors (45 VS, 59 non-VS, 53 meningiomas, and 5 ependymomas). RR rate for all tumors was 28% and was 31% for non-VS, 28% for meningioma, 22% for VS, and 60% for ependymomas. The 12-month freedom from tumor progression was 77.1% for all tumors, 81.5% for non-VS, 78.1% for meningioma, 69.2% for VS, and 100.0% for ependymoma. The 24-month freedom from tumor progression was 73% for all tumors, 81.3% for non-VS, 72.4% for meningioma, 62.4% for VS, and 100.0% for ependymoma. There were no grade 4/5 treatment-related adverse events (AEs). The most common AEs were diarrhea (65%), nausea (40%), muscle cramps (40%), hypertension (35%), increased LDH (35%), increased AST (33%), and increased ALT (25%). CONCLUSION Brigatinib treatment was associated with high rates of tumor stability at 24 months across multiple tumor types in patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis.

Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) predisposes affected individuals to vestibular schwannomas (VS), non-vestibular schwannomas (NVS), meningiomas, and ependymomas. We developed an adaptive platform-basket trial to screen multiple drugs against any type of progressive NF2-related tumor. We report the interim analysis of the first treatment arm with brigatinib, an ALK inhibitor that inhibits multiple tyrosine kinases. We conducted a multicenter, phase II, open-label study for subjects ≥12 years old with NF2 and progressive target tumors (baskets: VS, NVS, meningioma, or ependymoma). Up to 5 non-target tumors were followed in each participant. In stage 1, 20 participants (minimum of 2 participants per basket) were treated with brigatinib 180 mg daily. Tumor response was evaluated by MRI every 3 months in year 1 and every 6 months thereafter. Radiographic response (RR) was defined as ≥20% decrease in target tumor volume from baseline. The primary outcome was RR rate. Per protocol, the brigatinib arm would be discontinued if no target tumor achieved a RR at interim analysis. Twenty subjects (median age=25 years, 7 pediatric, 12 females) were treated. Target tumors included 10 VS, 3 NVS, 5 meningiomas, and 2 ependymomas; non-target tumors included 18 VS, 36 NVS, and 14 meningiomas. RR rate for target and non-target tumors was 5% and 22%, respectively. By tumor basket, RR was 28% for meningioma, 26% for non-VS, 4% for VS, and 0% for ependymomas. Annualized tumor growth rates decreased for VS, NVS, and meningioma during treatment. Brigatinib was well tolerated with one dose reduction and one discontinuation due to grade 2 diarrhea. Brigatinib treatment was associated with RR in meningiomas, VS, and NVS. In stage 2, the study will enroll 20 participants in the two most promising baskets (meningioma and NVS). This novel design provides unique ability to assess treatments for hereditary syndromes with multiple primary tumors.

Abstract BACKGROUND The Food and Drug Administration recently issued guidance on conducting qualitative research to support patient-focused drug development. In prior FDA submissions, qualitative data has been critical to demonstrate the content validity of and meaningfulness of change in quantitative trial endpoints. Qualitative patient interviews embedded within neuro-oncology trials can supplement traditional quantitative measures by providing nuanced information on patients’ treatment priorities, benefit/risk assessments, and quality of life. METHODS We interviewed people with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) in stage one of the brigatinib arm of a multicenter, phase II, adaptive platform-basket trial for progressive NF2-related tumors (NCT04374305). Transcripts were coded by two analysts using a hybrid inductive/deductive framework; cross-cutting themes were generated using the Framework Method. RESULTS 16/20 trial enrollees participated in interviews May 2021-March 2022. The radiographic response rate (volume shrinkage ≥20% from baseline) at 6 months for target and non-target tumors was 5% and 22%, respectively. However, most participants rated their change in overall status as minimally (10/16) or much (3/16) improved. Several participants acknowledged their tumor size had not changed significantly but felt tumor stability was an improvement over previously accelerated growth rates; this importantly allowed them to avoid or postpone future surgery. Participants also valued prevention of symptomatic decline, minimal impact of side effects on social roles and activities, the convenience of oral medication, and the sense of hope and agency gained from participating in a trial. CONCLUSIONS Virtual, in-depth qualitative interviews were feasible across multiple sites and provided unique information on NF2 patients’ conceptualization of clinical benefit. Qualitative interviews embedded within neuro-oncology trials can reveal 1) whether trial design and choice of outcome measures align with patient priorities; 2) whether and how new treatments improve patients’ quality of life; and 3) what degree of change in quantitative measures such as radiographic progression are clinically meaningful.

Abstract Plexiform Neurofibromas (PN) are a common manifestation of the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). These benign nerve sheath tumors often cause significant morbidity, with treatment options limited historically to surgery. There have been tremendous advances over the past two decades in our understanding of PN, and the recent regulatory approvals of the MEK inhibitor selumetinib are reshaping the landscape for PN management. At present, there is no agreed upon PN definition, diagnostic evaluation, surveillance strategy, or clear indications for when to initiate treatment and selection of treatment modality. In this review, we address these questions via consensus recommendations from a panel of multidisciplinary NF1 experts.

Abstract Purpose: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder associated primarily with bilateral schwannomas seen on the superior vestibular branches of the eighth cranial nerves. Significant morbidity can result from surgical treatment of these tumors. Meningiomas, ependymomas, and other benign central nervous system tumors are also common in NF2. The lack of effective treatments for NF2 marks an unmet medical need. Experimental Design: Here, we provide recommendations from a workshop, cochaired by Drs. D. Gareth Evans and Marco Giovannini, of 36 international researchers, physicians, representatives of the biotechnology industry, and patient advocates on how to accelerate progress toward NF2 clinical trials. Results: Workshop participants reached a consensus that, based on current knowledge, the time is right to plan and implement NF2 clinical trials. Obstacles impeding NF2 clinical trials and how to address them were discussed, as well as the candidate therapeutic pipeline for NF2. Conclusions: Both phase 0 and phase II NF2 trials are near-term options for NF2 clinical trials. The number of NF2 patients in the population remains limited, and successful recruitment will require ongoing collaboration efforts between NF2 clinics. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(16):5032–9)