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Calfa, Carmen

Mayo Clinic

University of Miami

Citations 4

A randomized phase II trial of folate receptor alpha peptide vaccine in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
Knutson, Keith L., Hillman, DW, Cogen, Davitte , Moreno-Aspitia, Alvaro, Northfelt, Donald W. , Ernst, Brenda, Isakoff, Steven J. , Tolaney, Sara M., Calfa, Carmen, Nanda, Rita, Cole, John T., Fagbemi, Seth, Rowland, Kendrith M., Perez, EA, Chumsri, Saranya, Ruddy, Kathryn Jean, Knutson, Keith L. , Hillman, David W. , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Ernst, Brenda , Tolaney, Sara M. , Calfa, Carmen, Nanda, Rita , Mortimer, Joanne , Fagbemi, Seth O., Perez, EA, Norton, Nadine , Chumsri, Saranya , Ruddy, Kathryn J.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 536-536

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.536 Get It

536 Background: Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is overexpressed in ~80% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). We previously demonstrated that patients (pts) with breast cancer naturally mount immune responses to FRα. In prior Phase I and II studies, a GM-CSF-adjuvanted FRα peptide vaccine (FRPV) was safe and induced durable FRα-specific T-cell immunity in 83–90% of pts with breast and ovarian cancer. Methods: Eligible pts were women ≥18 years with TNBC (ER/PR ≤10%) with 1+ of the following: stage ≥T1c disease, node-positivity, or residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pts were randomized 2:1 to receive FRPV or placebo (GM-CSF alone) every 28 days for cycles 2-7 and then every six months for 7 booster doses, with cycle 1 consisting of cyclophosphamide 50mg orally twice daily for days 1-7 and 15-21 (in both arms). Randomization was stratified by chemotherapy setting (adjuvant only vs neoadjuvant) and stage (I/II vs III). FRα expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The study was designed to detect (at 30 months after the last pt enrolled) a disease-free survival (DFS) difference of 14% assuming a 3.5-year DFS rate of 70% in the control group and with 78% power. Results: 280 pts were enrolled (median age 52). The majority had stage I or II tumors (n = 219, 78%). There were numerically more node-positive tumors in the vaccine arm, 78 (41%) vs 27 (32%), p = 0.15. Median follow-up was 3.5 years, and 33 (FRPV: 25, placebo: 8) DFS events were observed; 3.5-year DFS rate was 88% with FRPV and 90% with placebo (HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.64–3.15; p = 0.39). Overall survival (OS) also did not differ by arm (HR 2.48, 95% CI 0.55–11.20; p = 0.22). Among node-positive pts (n = 105), DFS did not differ between arms (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.34–2.66; p = 0.92). However, a numerical DFS event rate improvement (14% for vaccine vs. 26% for placebo) was observed in 61 patients with stage III disease (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.16–1.68; p = 0.26). DFS did not differ by chemotherapy setting or by receipt of anthracycline, capecitabine, and/or an immune checkpoint inhibitor. FRPV was well tolerated, with predominantly grade 1–2 adverse events (AEs) and no vaccine-related grade ≥4 AEs. FRα expression was available from tumor in 230 pts, with 72% expressing > 0. Overall, DFS was not significantly associated with FRα expression (0 vs > 0; HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.21–1.44; p = 0.21), and no significant differences in DFS by FRα expression were observed between treatment arms. Conclusions: FRPV following oral cyclophosphamide was safe, with no vaccine-related high-grade AEs. While no significant improvement in DFS or OS was observed overall, a numeric trend toward improved DFS was observed in pts with stage III TNBC. This finding is hypothesis-generating and supports further evaluation of FRα-targeted vaccination in higher-risk TNBC. Immune correlative analyses are ongoing to better define vaccine immunogenicity and its relationship to clinical outcomes. Clinical trial information: W81XWH-15-1-0293.
Survival with Bria-IMT + CPI in advanced metastatic breast cancer at 12 and 24 months.
Nangia, Chaitali, Chumsri, Saranya, Rowland, Kendrith M., Negret, L., Bayer, Blaise, Aghajanian, Tamar, Williams, William, Priore, Giuseppe Del, Calfa, Carmen, Nangia, Chaitali, Chumsri, Saranya , Aghajanian, Tamar, Williams, William V. , Priore, Giuseppe Del, Calfa, Carmen

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 1108-1108

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.1108 Get It

1108 Background: Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains limited by resistance and cumulative toxicity in heavily pretreated patients. Bria-IMT combines a whole-cell vaccine (SV-BR-1-GM) with anti-PD-1 (CPI) to enhance tumor antigen presentation and overcome immune exhaustion. SV-BR-1-GM is an irradiated breast cancer cell line engineered to secrete GM-CSF, promoting HLA class I and II antigen presentation and T-cell activation. We identified a subset with durable clinical benefit and biologic correlates. Methods: Phase I/II evaluating the Bria-IMT regimen (SV-BR-1-GM with CPI (pembrolizumab or retifanlimab). In the phase II portion, pts were randomized 1:1 to CPI initiation at cycle 1 (C1) or delayed start at cycle 2 (C2). Two SV-BR-1-GM formulations were administered: IFNγ-stimulated (IFγ) or unstimulated (≠IFγ). Baseline circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to SV-BR-1-GM were assessed as biomarkers. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan Meier (KM). Subgroup comparisons (CPI sequencing, IP formulation, DTH status, and baseline CTC status) are exploratory. Results: 32 phase 2 pts were randomized: median age 61 (range 41-80); median prior lines 6 (range 2-13); PFS 3.5 mo (95% CI 3.0 - 4.2); OS 9.5 mo (95% CI 7.0 - 17.4). Among CPI C1 vs C2 starts: median OS 13.3 v 7.4mo (HR 0.8; 95% CI 0.4-1.9, p = 0.6); OS KM probability at 12 mo 47% v 58%. Median OS w ≠IFγ v IFNγ IP =16.6 v 9.1 mo (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.2-1.4, p = 0.23); OS KM at 12 mo 52.4% v 27.3%. DTH+ v DTH- median OS 11.9 v 4.7 mo (HR 0.0009; p = <0.001), OS KM @12 mo 48% v 0%. CTCs <5 v > 5 at baseline had median OS 16.6 v 5.5 mo (HR 0.005; 95% CI 0.0003-0.09, p < 0.001), OS at 12 mo 49% vs 33%. Among long term survivors @12mo, OS probability 44.0% (95% CI 26.2-59.7%) and @24 mo 26% (95% CI 12.1-42.4%). Median follow up 25.8 with PFS 5.4 mo. 5 received ≠IFγ formulation v 1 w IFNγ. All 6 (3 with CPI @C1, 3@C2) experienced delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to inoculation. 67% of long responders matched HLA at >1 allele, 33% no match. Grade ≥3 AEs in 47% of pts, most common injection site rxn, nausea, fatigue; no tx related D/C; no unexpected safety signals. Conclusions: In heavily pretreated MBC, Bria-IMT demonstrated a tolerable safety profile and the emergence of a long-term survivor cohort. Durable survival was observed beyond 12 and 24 months. Differential survival favoring Ph3 formulation, DTH positivity, lower baseline CTC burden, and early CPI sequencing was observed. These findings support prospective validation of DTH and CTC as predictive biomarkers and the continued use of the Ph3 IP formulation in the ongoing phase 3 study Bria-ABC (NCT06072612). Clinical trial information: NCT06072612 .
Abstract CT137: QOL outcomes in Bria-ABC late stage metastatic phase 3 trial
Chumsri, S, Nangia, Chaitali S., Kahn, Adriana , Negret, Lawrence, Calfa, Carmen, Bayer, Blaise, Priore, Giuseppe Del, Aghajanian, Tamar, Williams, William, McCann, Kelly, McCann, Kelly , Chumsri, Saranya , Nangia, Chaitali, Negret, L., Calfa, Carmen, Priore, Giuseppe Del, Aghajanian, Tamar, Williams, William V.

Cancer Research | April 17, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 8_Supplement | Pages: CT137-CT137

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-ct137 Get It

Abstract Background: Bria-IMT™ is an allogeneic whole cell immunotherapy expressing tumor associated antigens and GM-CSF, designed to stimulate adaptive and innate immune responses. The ongoing multicenter phase 3 Bria-ABC trial (NCT06072612) evaluates Bria-IMT + Retifanlimab vs physician’s choice in pts with metastatic breast cancer who have exhausted standard therapies. Quality of life characterization in this advanced disease setting is clinically relevant yet underreported. Methods: QOL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) at baseline (BL) and treatment visits. Raw item responses (scale: 1 - 4 for functional/symptom items; 1 - 7 for global health ; lower scores = better functional/symptom outcomes; higher scores = better global health) were aggregated into domain scores. Changes from BL were quantified as absolute point differences on response scales and domain level scores are the median of constituent items. Changes from BL assessed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. ECOG status assessed at BL and each treatment visit. TEAEs graded per CTCAE. Missing QOL data handled using observed cases approach. We report QoL outcomes at visits (V) BL, 3, 6, and 9 to characterize pt experience during treatment. Results: As of data cut date, 235 pts have been screened, 169 randomized,129 treated. Median age: 60. 74% Caucasian; 18% other; 8% not reported; median 6 prior lines (2-15); ECOG 2: 7%, intracranial mets: 11%. 51% of pts HR+, 37% TNBC, 10% HER2+, 2% not reported. mPFS 2.9 mo (95% CI, 2.3 - 3.7), median of 5 QoL assessments per pt. Of 127 pts who completed ≥2 EORTC QLQ-C30 assessments, 67 (52%), 21 (17%), and 7 (6%) had paired data available at V3, 6, and 9, respectively. Global health status remained stable (median: BL 5.0, V3 5.0, V6 5.0, V9 4.5; 63% of pts reported maintenance or improvement at V3 [p=0.7], V6: 62%, V9: 71%). Functional domains: physical (median: BL 1.0, V3 2.0, V6 2.0, V9 2.0; 68.7% , 47.6% [p=0.03], 71.4% maintenance), role (BL 1.5, V3 2.0, V6 2.0, V9 2.0; 62.7% [p=0.02], 52.4%, 71.4% maintenance), emotional (BL 1.5, V3 1.5, V6 1.5, V9 1.5; 75.8% [p=0.9], 81.0%, 85.7% maintenance), cognitive (BL 1.5, V3 1.5, V6 1.5, V9 1.5; 63.6% [p=0.2], 61.9%, 85.7% maintenance), and social functioning (BL 1.5, V3 1.5, V6 2.0, V9 2.5; 58.5% [p=0.06], 75.0%, 57.1% maintenance). Symptoms: fatigue (median 2.0 at all timepoints; 61%, 67%, 71% maintenance), nausea/vomiting (1.0 throughout; 73% maintenance at V3 [p=0.8], V6 86% , V9 86%), and pain (1.5 at BL and V3, increasing to 2.0 at V6 and V9, w/ 57% maintenance at V3 [p=0.03], V6 62% [p=0.9], and V9 86%. ECOG status remained stable in 78% (n = 99) of pts during treatment. Most common TEAEs were fatigue, nausea, anemia, and constipation; w/ 45% Grade 3 or 4; 84% &lt; grade 3. QoL trends consistent w/ observed ECOG status and AE profiles. Conclusion: Heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer pts demonstrated stability in overall health status and key functional domains during treatment. These findings are encouraging w/ a meaningful QOL in a population with advanced disease and limited therapeutic options. These observations and AE profile support decentralized clinical trial initiatives including home self-administration. Ongoing follow up will further characterize the durability of pt reported outcomes and their relationship w/ clinical status. Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Chaitali Nangia, Adriana Kahn, Lawrence Negret, Carmen Calfa, Blaise Bayer, Giuseppe Del Priore, Tamar Aghajanian, William Williams, Kelly McCann. QOL outcomes in Bria-ABC late stage metastatic phase 3 trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT137.
Abstract CT143: Whole cell antigen presenting immune stimulating cells (Bria-IMT) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Chumsri, Saranya , Nangia, Chaitali, Guerin, Bonnie L., Holmes, Jarrod P., Mohammed, Karim, Knecht, John, Dakhil, Shaker R. , Wiseman, Charles L., Chang, Mingjin, López-Lago, Miguel A., Knecht, John George, Rowland, Kendrith M. , Boccia, Ralph V., Priore, Giuseppe Del, Calfa, Carmen, Barve, Minal , Guerin, Bonnie, Mohammed, Karim, Williams, William V.

Cancer Research | April 14, 2023 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 8_Supplement | Pages: CT143-CT143

10.1158/1538-7445.am2023-ct143 Get It

Abstract Background: Bria-IMT (SV-BR-1-GM) is an off-the-shelf whole tumor cell therapeutic vaccine engineered to express class I & class II HLAs, secrete GM-CSF, and function as antigen-presenting cells; with subsequent enhancements improving in-vitro characteristics. By expressing cancer antigens such as HER2/Neu and PRAME, SV-BR-1-GM also serves as the reservoir of cancer antigens to activates patient’s anti-tumor immune responses. The safety and efficacy of the ongoing clinical trial of SV-BR-1-GM in combination with a PD1 inhibitor are reported. We also report post-hoc exploratory data for patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer (aMBC) treated with SV-BR-1-GM regimens. Methods: Ongoing prospective, phase 1-2, with an expansion randomized phase 2 cohort (NCT03328026; 2018-present) using SV-BR-1-GM with a PD1 inhibitor (pembrolizumab or retifanlimab) with cycles every 3 weeks (16 patients dosed to date). SV-BR-1-GM “monotherapy” (NCT03066947; 2013-8), a completed prospective phase 1-2 results are also presented. Results: A total of 51 patients received any SV-BR-1-GM regimen; 27 in monotherapy (SV) and 24 in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor (CO) currently ongoing: 4 subjects from SV continued on with CO. Median prior regimens = 5; 61% ER or PR+; 6% ER or PR-/HER2+ and 29% triple negative. SV-BR-1-GM was well tolerated. Disease control rate was 40% with SV and 41% with CO in subjects with available assessment(s). Median PFS was 2.7 months with 6 having PFS &gt;150 days (150-226) for SV and 2.6 months with 5 &gt; 150 days (188-308) for CO. Per protocol, 23 patients had anergy testing prior to treatment. Among those with a normal immunologic response (n=13, 56%), disease outcomes included 4 SD and 2 PR (46% CBR) vs anergic patients (n=7, 30%) with 1 SD (14% CBR); 3 patients (13%) with unknown anergy testing had 0% CBR. All 7 anergic patients developed delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) injection site responses to SV-BR-1-GM. Subjects with DTH (injection site induration/erythema) had a significant reduction in the risk of progression or death (HR=0.096, 95%CI:0.02-0.50, p&lt;0.05). Subjects with a reduction in circulating tumor cells (CTC) also had an improvement in PFS (HR 0.08, p=.0012). Median OS (uncensored) was 11.2 months in CO (n = 8). 7 out of 20 (35%) for SV and 9 out of 22 subjects (41%) for CO with available data, exceeded prior PFS. Among HLA matched subjects 4/7 (57%) and 6/9 (67%), respectively, had an increase in PFS. PFS ratio improved independent of prior number of lines, HER2 or HR status. The greatest improvement in PFS on a SV-BR-1-GM was in a HLA matched subject (&gt;6mo). TEAEs occurred in 20/24 (83%) of subjects in CO including 9/24 (38%) with injection site AEs. There were no AEs of special interest eg cytokine storm. There were no Grade 5 and only 6 grade 4 AEs in CO. Conclusions: In an ongoing randomized phase 2, anergic patients had worse outcomes. SV-BR-1-GM was able to illicit an immune response regardless. Responses, stable disease and CBR were seen and associated with immune responses including injection site erythema/induration (DTH), CTC changes and tumor grade I/II. Patients with disease control had better quality of life. SV-BR-1-GM may be able to alter an anergic immune system for clinical benefit. Future pivotal trials will be based upon the ongoing confirmatory randomized clinical trial. Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Minal Barve, Chaitali Nangia, Bonnie L. Guerin, Jarrod Holmes, Karim Mohammed, John Knecht, Shaker Dakhil, William V. Williams, Charles Wiseman, Mingjin Chang, Miguel Lopez-Lago, John G. Knecht, Kendrith Rowland, Ralph V. Boccia, Giuseppe Del Priore, Carmen Calfa. Whole cell antigen presenting immune stimulating cells (Bria-IMT) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT143.