Galanis, E.

Abstract BACKGROUND Mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibits the tumor suppressor protein 53 (p53). Brigimadlin, a potent oral MDM2-p53 antagonist, restores wild-type (wt) p53 function and has shown early efficacy in patients with solid tumors. Glioblastoma (GBM) is an area of unmet need with 5-year survival at <10%. In p53 wt GBM patient-derived xenograft models, brigimadlin promotes tumor cell apoptosis and extends survival in combination with radiotherapy (RT). METHODS NCT05376800 is a Phase 0/Ia non-randomized, open-label, single-arm trial that aims to measure brigimadlin concentration in brain tumor tissue in patients with histologically or radiologically newly diagnosed GBM eligible for resection (Phase 0), and determine the maximum tolerated dose of brigimadlin plus RT in patients with TP53 wt, IDH wt, MGMT promoter unmethylated GBM (Phase Ia). In Phase 0, patients received one brigimadlin dose (30 mg or 45 mg) ~12-24 hours before resection. Phase 0 primary endpoints are the measured total concentration and the calculated unbound concentration of brigimadlin in brain tissue homogenate from non-contrast enhancing (NCE) and contrast enhancing (CE) regions. The predefined threshold for trial continuation is 0.5 nmol/L (corresponding to IC50 in GBM cell lines) unbound brigimadlin in CE samples in ≥50% of patients. Brigimadlin concentration was measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and corrected for amount of brigimadlin in residual blood. Unbound concentration was calculated using an in vitro estimate of unbound fraction (fu): 0.654% (rat brain slice). fu in human plasma was 0.22%. Ratio of unbound concentration in brain versus plasma (Kp,uu) was calculated. Biomarker testing was performed. RESULTS Data are available for 11 patients (brigimadlin 30 mg: n=6; 45 mg: n=5). In the 30 mg group, median total brigimadlin concentration in NCE samples was 267 nmol/L (4 samples, range 86-316 nmol/L) and 332 nmol/L (6 samples, range 272-952 nmol/L) in CE samples. In the 45 mg group, median total brigimadlin concentration in NCE samples was 197 nmol/L (5 samples, range 140-347 nmol/L) and 603 nmol/L (5 samples, range 441-905 nmol/L) in CE samples. Unbound concentration exceeded the 0.5 nmol/L threshold in most cases. Post-brigimadlin, an increase in selected p53 target gene expression was observed in CE versus NCE tissue. CONCLUSION Unbound brigimadlin concentrations in CE regions in all patients receiving the low dose of 30 mg brigimadlin exceeded the 0.5 nmol/L threshold. Kp,uu in most patients was close to 1 in CE regions. Biomarker data support target engagement in brain tissue. Our findings support continued investigation of brigimadlin in GBM. Recruitment is ongoing. Updated data will be presented.The trial is funded by Boehringer Ingelheim.

AbstractBackgroundMedulloblastoma (MB) is a rare brain tumor occurring more frequently in children in whom research has been primarily focused. Treatment recommendations in adults are mainly based on retrospective data and pediatric experience; however, molecular features and treatment tolerance differ between the 2 age groups. In adults, prognostic tools are suboptimal, late recurrences are typical, and long-term sequelae remain understudied. Treatment has not adapted to molecular classification advances; thus, the survival rate of adult MB has not improved.MethodsIn 2017, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) received support from the Cancer Moonshot℠ to address the challenges and unmet needs of adults with rare central nervous system tumors through NCI-CONNECT, a program that creates partnerships among patients, health care professionals, researchers, and advocacy organizations. On November 25, 2019, NCI-CONNECT convened leading clinicians and scientists in a workshop to review advances in research, share scientific insights, and discuss clinical challenges in adult MB.ResultsWorking groups identified unmet needs in clinical trial design, tissue acquisition and testing, tumor modeling, and measurement of clinical outcomes.ConclusionsParticipants identified opportunities for collaboration; discussed plans to create a working group of clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates; and developed specific action items to expedite progress in adult MB.

2004 Background: Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that represents a rational therapeutic target in GBM. Methods: Recurrent GBM patients (pts) having received = 1 prior chemo regimen for progressive disease were eligible. Vorinostat dose was 200 mg bid x 14 days q 3 weeks. We applied a phase II design which had 90% power to declare the regimen active if the study PFS6 rate was 25%, a 15% rate increase over PFS6 in historical controls (10%). Results: 68 patients were treated. Grade 3+ non-hematologic toxicity consisting mainly of fatigue, diarrhea and dehydration occurred in 23% of pts; Grade 3+ hematologic toxicity consisting mainly of thrombocytopenia occurred in 25% of pts. Intra-patient dose escalation to 300 mg bid resulted in higher incidence of grade 3+ thrombocytopenia (45%) and was aborted. Pts receiving enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (EIAC) had significantly less grade 3 + non-hematologic toxicity (p=0.01) and grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia (p=0.04). Pharmacokinetic analysis showed lower vorninostat C-max and AUC (0–24h) values and higher vorinostat-glucuronide C-max and AUC (0–24h) values in EIAC pts, although this did not reach statistical significance. The trial met the prospectively defined primary efficacy endpoint at the planned interim analysis with 5 of the first 22 patients (23%) being progression-free at 6 mo. RNA array analysis, performed in paired baseline and post-vorinostat treatment samples in a separate subgroup of 5 surgical recurrent GBM pts, who received vorinostat for 6 doses prior to surgery, showed upregulation of E-cadherin (p=0.02), thus indicating a biologic effect of the HDAC inhibitor on the glioblastoma tumors. Histone acetylation, Akt, phospho-Akt, P21Waf1/Cip1 and P27Kip1 expression analysis in all patients and correlation with outcome is ongoing. Conclusions: Vorinostat is well tolerated in recurrent GBM patients. EIAC patients have less toxicity, likely due to increased vorinostat metabolism via glucuronidation. Interim efficacy analysis is indicative of antitumor activity. Final efficacy analysis, RNA array data and correlative tissue analysis will be reported. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Abstract Background: The live attenuated non-pathogenic Edmonston MV vaccine strain has advantages as an oncolytic platform given its tumor specificity, potent bystander effect, and ability to be engineered and retargeted. MV-NIS expresses the human thyroidal sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) and is selectively oncolytic, entering tumor cells through CD46 (overexpressed on many cancers, including breast cancer of all subtypes) and Nectin-4. NIS expression in MV-NIS infected cells permits noninvasive monitoring of virus spread by SPECT-CT imaging of Tc-99m pertechnetate or I-123 uptake. Methods: NCT01846091 is a standard 3+3 phase I trial of a single IT administration of MV-NIS in pts with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) or metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Primary objectives are (a) safety and tolerability and (b) maximally tolerated single dose. The secondary clinical objective is to preliminarily assess antitumor efficacy at and away from the MV injection site. Key eligibility criteria were: absence of standard therapy with life prolonging intent; at least one lesion >1 cm amenable to percutaneous injection; and no impending visceral crisis. MV-NIS was administered on D1 with mandatory SPECT-CT at baseline (BL) and on D3&D8; repeat SPECT-CT on D15&D21 if the prior result was positive; mandatory tumor biopsies on D3&D21; optional tumor biopsies on D8&D15; assessments for viremia and viral shedding at BL and on D3,D8,D15,D21; and standard imaging for restaging at BL,D21,W6,W12. Results: Accrual completed with 12 evaluable pts (6 SCCHN and 6 MBC) at 3 dose levels (108, 3x108, 109 TCID50). The MBC group included 5 HR+/HER2- pts and 1 pt with mixed HR+/HER2- and HR+/HER2+ disease. 5 pts had evidence of disease progression prior to study participation. No dose limiting toxicities were observed among the MBC pts; AEs possibly related to MV-NIS in this group were gr2 fatigue, gr1 flu-like illness, gr2 lymphopenia (all n=1). No SCCHN responses were observed. Best response for the MBC pts was: stable disease (SD) >6 wks, n=4; clinical response, n=1; progression, n=1. One MBC pt with SD for 12 wks had positive SPECT/CT imaging at and away from the injection site on D3&D8 and was the only pt seronegative for measles IgG antibodies prior to MV-NIS exposure. The MBC pt who responded after initial MV-NIS exposure was the only pt with low viral RNA in blood (D3); she received additional doses at W9&W13 without toxicity through an expanded access protocol exemption and had disease progression by W19. No viral shedding was detected from mouth rinse or urine in any pt. MV was detected in tumor samples from all pts treated at the highest dose level. Additional blood and tissue analyses are in progress. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the safety of IT MV-NIS administration, provide early evidence of biologic activity in MBC, and support the possibility of viral replication in tumors remote from the IT injection site. A MV strain encoding the immunomodulatory neutrophil activating protein transgene has been constructed (MV-s-NAP) with preclinical evidence of improved antitumor activity and immunogenicity. The phase I MV-s-NAP trial will start recruitment in Fall 2018. Citation Format: Liu MC, Peng K-W, Federspiel MJ, Russell SJ, Brunton BA, Zhou Y, Packiriswamy N, Hubbard JM, Loprinzi CL, Peethambaram PP, Ruddy KJ, Allred JB, Galanis E, Okuno SH. Phase I trial of intratumoral (IT) administration of a NIS-expressing derivative manufactured from a genetically engineered strain of measles virus (MV) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-21-03.

Purpose of reviewMeningiomas, the most common primary brain tumor, have historically been managed with surgery and radiation. Traditional chemotherapy has not been effective. Fortunately, recent advances in genetic sequencing have led to an improved understanding of the molecular drivers in meningioma. This article aims to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of recently discovered genetic alterations in meningiomas.Recent findingsMany of the recently discovered genetic alterations correlate with distinct clinical phenotypes.SMO,AKTandPIK3CAmutations are enriched in the anterior skull base.KLF4mutations are specific for secretory histology, andBAP1alterations are common in progressive rhabdoid meningiomas. Alterations inTERT,DMDandBAP1correlate with poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, the discovery of clinically actionable alterations in a number of genes, includingSMO,AKT1andPIK3CA,has opened up novel potential avenues for therapeutic management of meningiomas. Overexpression of PD-L1 in higher grade meningiomas also provides preclinical support for the investigation of checkpoint blockade.SummaryThe discovery of genetic alterations has improved our understanding of the natural history and classification of meningiomas. Clinical trials with several novel agents targeting driver mutations are currently accruing patients and they can lead to better treatment strategies.

Abstract Background Pilocytic astrocytoma is a rare tumor in adults. This report is of a prospective clinical trial with long-term follow-up. Methods Between 1986 and 1994, 20 eligible adults with supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas were enrolled in a prospective intergroup trial of radiotherapy (RT) after biopsy (3 patients) or observation after gross (11 patients) or subtotal (6 patients) resection. Results At the time of analysis (median follow-up, 20.8 years), 2 patients (10%) have died and 18 patients (90%) are alive. Neurologic and cognitive function were stable or improved over time for the majority of patients. No toxic effects of treatment or malignant transformations have been recorded at last follow-up. For the entire cohort the 20-year time to progression and overall survival rates are 95% and 90% respectively. The cause of death (2.2 and 16.1 years after enrollment) in both patients was unrelated to tumor although both were biopsy-only patients. One subtotally resected tumor progressed 1 month after enrollment requiring P32 injection into an enlarging cyst. Because of further progression this patient required RT 18 months later. This patient is alive without evidence of progression 18 years after RT. Conclusion The long-term follow-up results of this prospective trial confirm that adults with pilocytic astrocytomas have a favorable prognosis with regard to survival and neurologic function. Close observation is recommended for adults with pilocytic astrocytomas, reserving RT for salvage, as the majority remain stable after gross or subtotal resection and no adjuvant therapy.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Breast cancer affects thousands of women each year. Epithelial to Mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with increased metastatic potential of cancer cells as well as resistance to chemotherapy. Predicatively, presence of EMT leads to worse prognosis in patients with breast cancer. We have recently showed that Aurora-A plays a key role in development of EMT and increased ability of breast cancer cells for self renewal. Therefore we hypothesized that inhibition of Aurora-A in breast cancer cells will lead to increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. RESULTS: Increased Aurora-A expression, as assessed by IHC staining, in patients with locally advanced disease was associated with worse prognosis. We show that in ER+ cell line, MCF7, activating MAPK pathway through overexpression of Raf1 leads to increase in Aurora-A activity. These cells have decreased sensitivity to treatment with paclitaxel when compared to untransfected cells in MTT assays. This effect is even more exacerbated with over-expression of Aurora-A. The sensitivity to paclitaxel was restored with inhibition of Aurora-A by specific inhibitor, Alisertib. This was further explored in triple negative (MDA-MB-231) or Her-2/neu expressing (SUM149) cell lines. These cells express higher levels of Aurora-A. Inhibition of Aurora-A activity in combination with paclitaxel was superior when compared to either therapy alone. Similar effect was seen with use of anthracyclines. Inhibition of Aurora-A resulted in decreased SMAD5 expression as well as decreased Akt phosphorylation. Current studies are looking at a role of Aurora-A in activating SMAD5 and its role in resistance to chemotherapy. In vivo experiments evaluating combination therapies in breast cancer animal model are ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of Aurora-A by a specific inhibitor, MLN8237, resulted in decreased SMAD5 expression and increased effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer cells. These results contribute to better understanding of signaling pathways involved in resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy. This knowledge could be very useful in developing more effective treatments for breast cancer patients in neo-adjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic settings. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-09-07.

Abstract Purpose: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) functions within the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway as a critical modulator of cell survival. Methods: The mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus (CCI-779) was combined with chemoradiotherapy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients in a dose-escalation phase I trial. The first 12 patients were treated with CCI-779 combined with radiation/temozolomide and adjuvant temozolomide. A second cohort of 13 patients was treated with concurrent CCI-779/radiation/temozolomide followed by adjuvant temozolomide monotherapy. Results: Concomitant and adjuvant CCI-779 was associated with a high rate (3 of 12 patients) of grade 4/5 infections. By limiting CCI-779 treatment to the radiation/temozolomide phase and using antibiotic prophylaxis, the rate of infections was reduced, although 2 of 13 patients developed exacerbation of pre-existing fungal or viral infections. Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in 2 of 13 patients with this modified schedule. Weekly CCI-779 (50 mg/week) combined with radiation/temozolomide is the recommended phase II dose and schedule. The immune profile of patients in the second cohort was assessed before, during, and after CCI-779 therapy. There was robust suppression of helper and cytotoxic T cells, B cells, natural killer, cells and elevation of regulatory T cells during CCI-779/radiation/temozolomide therapy with recovery to baseline levels during adjuvant temozolomide of cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and regulatory T cells. Conclusions: The increased infection rate observed with CCI-779 combined with chemoradiotherapy in GBM was reduced with antibiotic prophylaxis and by limiting the duration of CCI-779 therapy. The combined suppressive effects of CCI-779 and temozolomide therapy on discrete immune compartments likely contributed to the increased infectious risks observed. Clin Cancer Res; 16(22); 5573–80. ©2010 AACR.