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Knutson, Keith L.

0000-0001-9932-4467

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 141

Abstract CT182: Phase I trials of personalized cancer vaccine TG4050 in surgically treated high-risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and relapsing ovarian cancer (OvC) patients
Block, Matthew S. , Delord, Jean‐Pierre , Knutson, Keith L. , Lacoste, G, Tavernaro, Annette, Brandely, Maud , Silvestre, Nathalie , Grellier, Benoît, Yamashita, Yoshiko, Kousuke, Onoue, Quéméneur, Éric , Ottensmeier, Christian H. , Tourneau, Christophe Le , Lalanne, Ana Inés , Lantz, Olivier J , Knutson, Keith L. , Yamagata, Naoko, Bendjama, Kaidre

Cancer Research | June 15, 2022 | Volume: 82 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: CT182-CT182

10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-ct182 Get It

Abstract Background: Cancer mutations acquired during carcinogenesis are not subject to central tolerance and thus, are cornerstone in cancer immunosurveillance. The use of mutation-derived neoepitopes to design cancer vaccines is an unprecedented opportunity to target efficient antigens, but the stochastic occurrence of mutations implies that a tailored vaccine needs to be designed and manufactured for each patient. We used next generation sequencing, machine learning based genomic data analysis and advances in genome editing to systematically identify private neoepitopes in high-risk HPV negative HNSCC and relapsing OvC patients. Methods: Mutations were identified by DNA and RNA sequencing and putative epitopes were selected for vaccine design on their likelihood to elicit a class I or II response based on HLA binding, allelic frequency, prediction of processing and expression at RNA level. The vaccine was a recombinant virus of the modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) strain encoding for up to 30 sequences of 29 amino acids centred on the predicted epitope and flanked with the normal germline sequence in case of missense mutations, and of the mutated protein sequence in case of frameshift mutations. The viral vaccine was amplified under GMP conditions and administered to patients after curative intent treatment in two phase I trials. Treatment was started for OvC patients at relapse defined as elevation of CA-125 or onset of suspicious radiological findings and, after first line therapy for HNSCC patients with locally advanced disease with either extracapsular extension or positive resection margins following upfront surgery. The vaccine was administered for 6 weeks and a booster dose every three weeks over a year, in absence of other cancer therapy. Results: Six patients (4 OvC and 2 HNSCC) were treated and experienced only mild related adverse events. After 6 doses of vaccine, we measured immunoreactive T cells in PBMCs against each of the targeted epitopes using an ex vivo IFNγ ELISPOT showed robust responses in all evaluable patients. Positive responses to vaccination were observed for a total of 46 epitopes over 115 tested with a median of 11 epitopes (6 to 18) per patient. Responses were directed against both class I and II epitopes and were either de novo responses (64%) or amplification of pre-existing responses (36%). In parallel, phenotyping of patient PBMCs showed, in all treated patients, a decline in naïve CD4 and CD8 cells and the onset of effector CD27- CD4 and CD27-/CD57+ CD8; similarly, CD56dim NK cells increased suggesting a stimulation of antitumor innate immunity. In one ovarian cancer patient, these immune changes correlated with a normalization of CA-125 that lasted 7 months. Conclusions: These data show that the personalized approach with TG4050 is feasible, safe and immunogenic. The two phase I trials are ongoing. Citation Format: Matthew S. Block, Jean-Pierre Delord, Christian H. Ottensmeier, Christophe Le Tourneau, Ana Lalanne, Olivier Lantz, Keith L. Knutson, Gisèle Lacoste, Annette Tavernaro, Maud Brandely, Nathalie Silvestre, Benoit Grellier, Yoshiko Yamashita, Onoue Kousuke, Naoko Yamagata, Eric Quemeneur, Kaidre Bendjama. Phase I trials of personalized cancer vaccine TG4050 in surgically treated high-risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and relapsing ovarian cancer (OvC) patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT182.
Abstract 5371: Repurposing erbb2 (HER2/neu) as a neoantigen target for neu-negative tumors using a novel erbb2-encoding lentivirus
Necela, Brian M. , Bahr, Deborah, Kaplan, Jamie L. , Knutson, Keith L. , Gabriel, Emmanuel , Attwood, Kristopher M. , Knutson, Keith L.

Cancer Research | June 15, 2022 | Volume: 82 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: 5371-5371

10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-5371 Get It

Abstract INTRODUCTION: HER2/neu is a potent biomarker for which anti-HER2/neu antibodies offer significant responses. However, many cancers, such as melanoma, have less than 5% expression of HER2/neu. The purpose of this study was to determine whether induced expression of erbb2 (mouse HER2/neu analogue) could function as a neoantigen target for anti-erbb2 antibody. METHODS: RT-PCR was used to construct a rat erbb2-encoding vector using the live, non-replicating lentivirus pLenti6.3. erbb2-encoding pLenti6.3 was transfected in vitro into the B16 mouse melanoma cell line, which has less than 5% endogenous expression of erbb2. The generated erbb2+ B16 cell line was designated B16/neu. Anti-erbb2 antibody (7.16.4) was used to treat C57Bl/6 male and female mice bearing B16/neu (200 ug intraperitoneally three times per week for 3 weeks). To confirm activity of 7.16.4, this antibody (100 ug per T75 flask) was co-cultured with B16/neu in vitro, and cell growth/confluence was measured. RESULTS: The novel B16/neu cell line expressed approximately 50% erbb2 in vitro on flow cytometry analysis, compared to 2% errb2 expression in naïve B16. Erbb2/neu expression was confirmed on fluorescent Western blot. Anti-erbb2 antibody (7.16.4) slowed the growth of B16/neu in vitro, confirming the suppressive effects of 7.16.4. In B16/neu-bearing mice, 7.16.4 resulted in effective control of tumor growth and a complete tumor response rate of 35.7%, (5/14 mice) compared to placebo controls (p < 0.01). Interestingly, B16/neu tumors demonstrated slower growth kinetics compared to naïve B16 tumors (p = 0.013), suggesting immune recognition of erbb2 in naïve C57Bl/6 mice as a neoantigen target. No adverse reactions were observed with 7.16.4. In vivo inoculation of erbb2-encoding pLenti6.3 in naïve B16 tumors and treatment of in vivo transfected B16/neu tumors with 7.16.4 comprise ongoing experiments. CONCLUSIONS: erbb2 expression on B16 melanoma was successfully achieved using a novel erbb2-encoding lentivirus. Induced erbb2 served as a neoantigen target for anti-erbb2 antibody. This preclinical study provides translational evidence that induced HER2/neu expression may be utilized to repurpose anti-HER2 antibodies for human malignancies that do not normally express high levels of HER2/neu. Citation Format: Emmanuel M. Gabriel, Brian Necela, Deborah Bahr, Jamie Kaplan, Kristopher Attwood, Keith Knutson. Repurposing erbb2 (HER2/neu) as a neoantigen target for neu-negative tumors using a novel erbb2-encoding lentivirus [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5371.
Abstract 5071: Novel approach to intra- and peri-tumoral delivery of sustained-release chemotherapeutics
Madamsetty, Vijay, Bahr, Deborah, Kaplan, Jamie L. , Knutson, Keith L. , Gabriel, Emmanuel , Madamsetty, Vijay Sagar , Attwood, Kristopher M. , Bagaria, Sanjay P. , Knutson, Keith L. , Mukhopadhyay, Debabrata

Cancer Research | June 15, 2022 | Volume: 82 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: 5071-5071

10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-5071 Get It

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Intratumoral phenylephrine (α1 vasoconstrictor) combined with chemotherapy has been used for cutaneous malignancies with modest local response. The purpose of this study was to improve the efficacy of intratumoral melphalan using sustained-release, liposomal nanoparticles containing phenylephrine in a mouse model of melanoma. METHODS: A modified ethanol injection method was used to develop the liposomal phenylephrine nanoparticles. These were injected peri-tumorally to generate a local vasoconstrictive effect intended to “entrap” intratumorally injected melphalan. Drug exposure/dwell time was measured with fluorescent imaging. Mice bearing B16 (subclone F10) melanoma tumors were treated with intratumoral melphalan (20 ug/50 ul) with or without peri-tumoral liposomal phenylephrine (10 ug/50-100 ul x 4-5 injections around the tumor periphery) twice weekly x 3 weeks. RESULTS: UV-Absorbance spectroscopy confirmed encapsulation of phenylephrine within the liposomal nanoparticles with an expected absorbance of 275 nm. The modified ethanol injection method produced liposomal phenylephrine encapsulation of approximately 25%. Peri-tumoral, liposomal phenylephrine caused vasoconstriction of normal surrounding vessels with an approximate 10% decrease in vessel diameter. Our liposomal phenylephrine nanoparticles also led to increased retention of intratumorally injected fluorescently-labeled (FITC) liposomes 24-48 hours after inoculation, using both melanoma (B16) and breast (TUBO/4T1) cell lines orthotopically grown within mice (C57Bl/6 and BALB/c, respectively). The combination of intratumoral melphalan with peri-tumoral phenylephrine resulted in more effective control of tumor growth and a complete tumor response rate of 44.4%, compared to phenylephrine/melphalan only controls (p < 0.01, n=18 per group). However, there was significant adverse reaction with the combination therapy, resulting in ulceration of the injection/tumor site. Ulcers healed about 14 days after completion of treatment. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased infiltration of CD11b+ cells into the tumors, suggesting an immune-mediated response in addition to direct chemotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Liposomal nanoparticles containing phenylephrine increased retention/dwell time of intratumorally administered melphalan and resulted in superior anti-tumor response. Our preclinical model holds innovative, translational promise for the clinical advancement of intralesional therapies in cutaneous/subcutaneous malignancies. Citation Format: Emmanuel M. Gabriel, Vijay Madamsetty, Deborah Bahr, Jamie Kaplan, Kristopher Attwood, Sanjay Bagaria, Keith Knutson, Debabrata Mukhopadhyay. Novel approach to intra- and peri-tumoral delivery of sustained-release chemotherapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5071.
Abstract 5627: Functional tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) and outcome in HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer in NCCTG N9831 (Alliance)
Chumsri, Saranya , Shachner, Tracy R. , Li, Zhuo , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Perez, Edith A. , Thompson, E. A., Knutson, Keith L. , Norton, Nadine , Thompson, E. Aubrey , Nassar, Aziza , Knutson, Keith L.

Cancer Research | June 15, 2022 | Volume: 82 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: 5627-5627

10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-5627 Get It

Abstract Background: Previous studies showed conflicting results regarding association between stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL) and outcome in HER2+ breast cancer. While sTIL were not associated with outcome in patients (pts) treated with trastuzumab in N9831, immune functions genes are linked to outcome in these pts. TLS is an organized form of ectopic lymphoid aggregates (LA) with secondary lymphoid organ structure. Several studies showed that TLS associates with improved outcome in multiple cancers. However, distinguishing TLS and simple LA is challenging, particularly when germinal center is absent. In this study, we evaluated integrated pathological quantification and genomic data to assess functional TLS. Methods: Pathological evaluation of LA in H&E slides from pts treated in Arm A (chemotherapy alone) and Arm C (chemotherapy with concurrent trastuzumab) in N9831 was performed. NanoString was used to quantify mRNA. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi squared test, Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used to evaluate association between LA and baseline characteristics as well as outcomes. Results: LA was quantified in 1011 pts (526 Arm A, 485 Arm C). Greater number of LA was significantly associated with higher tumor grade, ER/PR negativity and increasing sTIL, but not age, tumor size or lymph node status. Increasing numbers of LA were associated with improved RFS in both arms combined (p 0.028). However, using multivariable Cox regression analysis in each treatment arm, LA (≥ 1 vs 0) was associated with improved RFS only in Arm A (HR 0.6, 95%CI 0.43-0.84, p 0.003) but not Arm C (HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.47-1.1, p 0.134). Further evaluation of expression of TLS-related immune genes including IFNG, ICOSLG, CXCL13, CXCR3, BCL6, IL21R, ICOS, PDCD1, CXCR5, CXCL9, TBX21, CD38, CXCL10, CLXCL11, IL21, CD200 was carried out among 252 pts in Arm C with LA ≥ 1. Among these 16 TLS-related immune genes, as a continuous variable, higher expression of BCL6 (HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.41-0.92, p 0.019) and IL21R (HR 0.78, 95%CI 0.62-0.98, p 0.03) were associated with improved RFS in Arm C pts with LA ≥ 1. However, these genes were not significantly associated with outcome in Arm C pts without LA with BCL6 HR1.07 (95%CI 0.67-1.71, p 0.776) and IL21R HR 0.96 (95%CI 0.71-1.29, p 0.775). Conclusion: Similar to sTIL, greater number of LA was associated with improved outcome in HER2+ pts treated with chemotherapy alone but not chemotherapy in combination with trastuzumab. Using histogenomic integration with the combination of pathological LA and TLS-related immune genes, we identified that pts with functional TLS with LA ≥ 1 and higher expression of BCL6 or IL21R had significantly improved outcome when treated with trastuzumab. Future studies are needed to further confirm these findings. Support: U10 CA180821, U24 CA196171, https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org; Genentech; Clinicaltrials.gov Id: NCT00005970 Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Tracy R. Shachner, Zhuo Li, Nadine Norton, Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia, Gerardo Colon-Otero, Edith A. Perez, E. A. Thompson, Aziza Nassar, Keith L. Knutson. Functional tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) and outcome in HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer in NCCTG N9831 (Alliance) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5627.
Phase 1 studies of personalized neoantigen vaccine TG4050 in ovarian carcinoma (OC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Delord, Jean‐Pierre , Block, Matthew S. , Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Jamet, Camille , Knutson, Keith L. , Lacoste, G, Tavernaro, Annette, Brandely-Talbot, Maud, Silvestre, Nathalie , Grellier, Benoît, Malone, Brandon, Onoue, Kousuke, Yamashita, Yoshiko, Quéméneur, Éric , Ottensmeier, Christian H. , Tourneau, Christophe Le , Lalanne, Ana Inés , Lantz, Olivier J , Knutson, Keith L. , Tanaka, Yuki , Bendjama, Kaidre

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 6, 2022 | Volume: 40 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 2637-2637

10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.2637 Get It

2637 Background: Mutation-associated neoantigens (MANAs) constitute attractive antigens for the design of cancer vaccines. However, clinical implementation remains challenging because of the patient specific nature of MANAs, hereby requiring that a bespoke vaccine is designed for each subject. We developed a pipeline for the genomic characterization and the design of tailored vaccine using a modified vaccinia Ankara viral vector. Methods: Immunogenicity, safety and early clinical activity of personalized cancer vaccines are being assessed in two phase I trials, respectively in high grade serous OC and HPV-negative HNSCC. Patients (Pts) at high risk of relapse are enrolled in the study being in remission following surgical primary treatment. High risk is defined as stage IIIC or IVA for OC and stage III or IVA for HNSCC. A vaccine is manufactured for each patient. OC pts are treated at asymptomatic relapse based on radiological finding or elevation of CA-125 with the vaccine alone; HNSCC pts in complete remission after surgery and adjuvant therapy are randomized to receive the vaccine either at the end of locoregional treatment or in combination with standard of care at relapse. The vaccine was administered weekly for 6 weeks and a booster dose every three weeks over a year or until progression, whichever occurred first. Results: At the time of the data cut-off, a total of 8 pts were treated: 4 relapsing OC pts, 3 HNSCC pts in complete remission and 1 relapsing HNSCC pt. AE attributable to the vaccine were mainly grade 1 injection site reactions and fatigue. One OC pt displayed an objective response 6 weeks after initiation of vaccine and for 9 months with a normalization of CA-125 until death from an unrelated cause; 1 other OC pt remains on treatment with a stable radiological disease for 11 months. The 2 other OC progressed at the first evaluation on day 43. HNSCC pts treated in complete remission received respectively 20, 15 and 4 doses, and remain on treatment and disease free. One HNSCC patient received 9 doses of vaccine after relapse in conjunction with chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy and remains on treatment with stable disease after 5 months. Immune monitoring demonstrates priming of a polyepitopic T cell response against class I and II antigens. Responses were observed regardless of HLA and without cross-reactivity to the germline protein. Adaptive response was associated with a shift of CD4 and CD8 T cells toward an effector phenotype and innate cellular immunity was activated with a strong maturation and activation of NK cells. Immune changes were stronger in pts with controlled disease versus progressors. Conclusions: Data demonstrate that TG4050 is safe, well tolerated and able to induce T cell responses whatever the HLA haplotype. Early signs of clinical activity were observed in OC pt. These data pave the way for further development and synergistic immunotherapeutic combinations. Clinical trial information: NCT04183166.
Phase II trial to evaluate immune-related biomarkers for pathological response in stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy with subsequent randomization to multi-epitope HER2 vaccine versus placebo in patients with residu
Chumsri, Saranya , Bruggeman, Sarah, Ruddy, Kathryn J. , Northfelt, Donald W. , Advani, Pooja , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Knutson, Keith L. , Norton, Nadine , Hillman, David W. , Ernst, Brenda , Sideras, Kostandinos , Goetz, Matthew P. , Knutson, Keith L.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 6, 2022 | Volume: 40 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: TPS610-TPS610

10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.tps610 Get It

TPS610 Background: Several studies demonstrated worsening disease-free survival in patients who failed to achieve complete pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), particularly in HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. Despite the recent approval of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with residual disease after NAC approximately 12% of patients still develop recurrent and metastatic disease. TPIV100 is a multi-epitope vaccine that includes a pool of 4 degenerate HER2-derived HLA-DR epitopes, which activate CD4 helper T cells, admixed with GM-CSF. In our previous phase I trial this vaccine was shown to be safe in combination with trastuzumab in stage II-III HER2+ breast cancer after completion of standard of care chemotherapy. Furthermore, this vaccine also generated robust long-lasting T-cell immune responses and antibody immunity against HER2. Methods: This trial is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II trial of TPIV100 in combination with T-DM1 in stage II-III HER2+ breast cancer patients with residual disease after NAC. This trial is currently opened through the ACCRU consortium. Eligible patients include those with stage II-III HER2+ with residual disease, in the breast and/or lymph nodes, after trastuzumab ± pertuzumab-based NAC, with ECOG PS ≤ 2 and adequate organ function. Patients with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, history of trastuzumab-related cardiac toxicity, myocardial infarction or stroke < 6 months, history of congestive heart failure, autoimmune disease, immunocompromised patients with known HIV or those on chronic steroid, hypersensitivity to GM-CSF, and other active malignancy < 3 years are excluded. TPIV100 or placebo, in combination with GM-CSF, will be given concurrently with T-DM1. To ensure that TPIV100 in combination with T-DM1 is safe, there is a run-in phase with 20 patients treated with the combination. If there is no significant dose-limiting toxicity observed in the run-in phase, the trial will be expanded to the randomized phase II portion, which will include 240 patients. Eligible patients will be randomized in a 2:1 fashion with ER/PR as a stratification factor. The primary endpoint is invasive disease-free survival, and the secondary endpoint includes immunogenicity of TPIV100 as assessed by IFN-g ELIspot analysis. Correlative studies include assessment of helper T-cell response distribution (including Th1, Th2, Th17, Tfh), HER2-specific antibody immunity, and HLA genotype. Currently, 20 patients in the run-in phase have been enrolled. Enrollment to the randomized phase II portion is expected to begin in March 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT04197687.
Humoral Immunogenicity of 3 COVID-19 Messenger RNA Vaccine Doses in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Schell, Trevor , Knutson, Keith L. , Saha, Sumona , Wald, Arnold , Phan, Hiep , Almasry, Mazen, Chun, Kelly , Grimes, Ian, Lutz, Megan , Schell, Trevor L , Caldera, Freddy , Knutson, Keith L. , Hayney, Mary S. , Farraye, Francis A. , Caldera, Freddy

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases | April 9, 2022 | Volume: 28 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1781-1786

10.1093/ibd/izac082 Get It

Lay Summary Herein, we evaluated the humoral immunogenicity of a third coronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA vaccine dose in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. All patients displayed a humoral immune response, and median antibody concentrations were higher after the third dose than after completion of the 2-dose series.
Abstract P3-23-01: Antibody responses after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in breast cancer patients
Chumsri, Saranya , Advani, Pooja , Pai, Tanmayi , Li, Zhou , Acampora, Marites, Reynolds, Gina, Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Marquez, Christopher P. , Knutson, Keith L. , Knutson, Keith L.

Cancer Research | March 8, 2022 | Volume: 82 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: P3-23-01-P3-23-01

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs21-p3-23-01 Get It

Abstract Background: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have been demonstrated to have robust and durable humoral immune response in healthy individuals. However, their effectiveness in immunocompromised patients, particularly cancer patients, remains less known. Newer data suggests that cancer patients may not mount adequate protective immune response after vaccination. Methods: A retrospective study of patients ≥ 18 years old who had SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody (anti-S Ab) testing after 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines between 12-90 days at Mayo Clinic between January 1, 2021 and May 10, 2021 was performed. The Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland) was used to measure the antibody response. Patients with prior COVID-19 infection and patients on immunosuppressive therapy for an indication other than cancer were excluded. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies (percentages) and continuous variables were reported as median with range. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare continuous variables between groups and Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical variables. All tests were two-sided with p value &lt; 0.05 considered statistically significant. The analysis was done using R program version 3.6.2. Results: Among 201 patients, 79 had breast cancer, 91 had a hematologic malignancy, 6 had other solid malignancies, and 25 had no history of cancer. All breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy or trastuzumab ± pertuzumab without chemotherapy (n=35) had anti-S Ab titer ≥ 500 U/mL. Patients on cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) appeared to have low level of anti-S Ab with 28.6% (n=4/14) had anti-S Ab titer ≤ 500 U/mL. Patients on chemotherapy also had low levels of anti-S Ab with 47% (n=14/30) having anti-S Ab titers ≤ 500 U/mL. When combining breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy alone or anti-HER2 therapy with patients without history of cancer as an immunocompetent group, there was significantly greater proportion of immunocompetent patients (97%) who had anti-S Ab titer ≥ 500 U/mL compared with only 8% of patients with hematologic malignancy and 55% of patients with solid malignancy on chemotherapy or CDK4/6i (p &lt; 0.001). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and vaccine type, patients with solid malignancies and treatment-related cytopenia, including chemotherapy and CDK4/6i, (OR 35.51 [95%CI 8.38-255.25, p &lt; 0.001]) were more likely than immunocompetent patients to have a suboptimal anti-S Ab results ≤ 500 U/mL.Conclusion: A significant number of breast cancer patients on chemotherapies and CDK4/6i had poor humoral responses after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. While CDK4/6i is not commonly considered as immunosuppressive therapy, breast cancer patients on CDK4/6i appeared to have suboptimal response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Our study also highlights the significance of assessing antibody response after COVID-19 vaccines in these vulnerable patients. Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Pooja P. Advani, Tanmayi S Pai, Zhou Li, Marites Acampora, Gina A Reynolds, Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia, Christopher P Marquez, Keith L. Knutson. Antibody responses after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-23-01.
Humoral Immunogenicity of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Healthy Controls
Caldera, Freddy , Knutson, Keith L. , Saha, Sumona , Wald, Arnold , Phan, Hiep , Chun, Kelly , Grimes, Ian, Lutz, Megan , Caldera, Freddy , Knutson, Keith L. , Hayney, Mary S. , Farraye, Francis A.

American Journal of Gastroenterology | November 19, 2021 | Volume: 117 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 176-179

10.14309/ajg.0000000000001570 Get It

INTRODUCTION: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on immune-modifying therapies may have a lower vaccine response to certain vaccines. The aim of our study was to evaluate humoral immunogenicity of mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines among patients with IBD and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: We performed a prospective study to evaluate humoral immunogenicity among patients with IBD and HCs after completion of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two patients with IBD and 60 HCs were enrolled. All HCs and 97% of patients with IBD developed antibodies. Antibody concentrations were lower in patients with IBD compared with those in HCs (median 31 vs 118 μg/mL; P < 0.001). Those who received the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) COVID-19 (median 38; interquartile range [IQR] 24–75 vs μg/mL) had higher antibody concentrations compared with those who received the Pfizer-BNT vaccine series (median 22; IQR 11–42 μg/mL; P < 0.001). Patients on immune-modifying therapy (median 26; IQR 13–50 μg/mL) had lower antibody concentrations compared with those who were on no treatment, aminosalicylates, or vedolizumab (median 59; IQR 31–75 μg/mL; P = 0.003). DISCUSSION: Almost all patients with IBD in our study mounted an antibody response. Future studies are needed in evaluating sustained humoral immunity and the impact of booster dosing in patients with IBD.
Abstract CT133: Results of phase I study of pembrolizumab in combination with binimetinib in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer
Chumsri, Saranya , He, Jun , Weidner, Morgan, Haley, Dana , Reis, Aline, Tenner, Kathleen , Advani, Pooja , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Perez, Edith A. , Knutson, Keith L. , Hillman, David W. , Sideras, Kostandinos , Knutson, Keith L.

Cancer Research | July 1, 2021 | Volume: 81 | Issue: 13_Supplement | Pages: CT133-CT133

10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-ct133 Get It

Abstract Background: A previous neoadjuvant study in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) demonstrated that low tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with a poor outcome. Activation of RAS/MAPK pathway has been associated with reduced TILs. Preclinical studies showed that MEK inhibitor enhances immune responses and is synergistic with anti PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in TNBC. Methods: The standard Phase I 3+3 study design was used. Patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC with ≤ 3 prior lines of therapy were enrolled. Patients received single agent binimetinib for 2 weeks prior to an addition of pembrolizumab. Dose level 0 was binimetinib at 45 mg oral twice daily continuously and dose level -1 was 30 mg twice daily. Pembrolizumab was given at a fixed dose of 200 mg every 3 weeks in both dose levels. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was defined as the dose level below the lowest dose that induces dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) during the first 2 cycles in at least one-third of patients. Results: A total of 12 evaluable patients were enrolled in the phase I, 4 patients in dose level 0 and 8 patients in dose level -1. In dose level 0, among 3 out of 4 patients who were evaluable for DLT, 2 patients experienced DLTs, including grade (G) 3 nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and G3 ALT elevation. Thus, the stopping rule was met and the dose level was adjusted to dose level -1. None of the first 3 patients in dose level -1 experienced a DLT. All three experienced other ≥ G3 AEs, including 1 G3 cardiac troponin T increased and 2 with G3 hypertension. 5 additional patients were accrued to dose level -1 and were evaluable for AEs. Three of these were evaluable for DLTs. One patient had G3 ALT/AST increase, deemed a DLT. However, this patient had liver metastasis and had G1 ALT/AST elevation at baseline. Her ALT/AST normalized in 3 weeks after treatment discontinuation and oral prednisone. Other ≥ G3 toxicities in the second group of 5 patients in dose level -1 include G3 hypertension (12.5%), nausea (12.5%), hypokalemia (12.5%), neutrophil count decrease (12.5%) dyspnea (12.5%), peripheral neuropathy (12.5%), and retinal detachment (12.5%). Since less than 1/3 of patients experienced DLT and there was no ≥ G4 AE at least possibly related to treatment over all cycles at any given dose level, the MTD was determined as dose level -1. Five patients are currently enrolled in the phase II section, and 10 more patients are needed. Objective response rate analysis will be performed once study enrollment is completed. Conclusions: The recommended phase II doses for pembrolizumab in combination with binimetinib are 200 mg every 3 weeks and 30 mg twice daily, respectively. The combination appears to be safe with manageable toxicities. Long term durable response has been observed. The phase 2 portion of this trial is currently on going. Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Jun He, David Hillman, Morgan Weidner, Morgan Weidner, Dana Haley, Aline Reis, Kathleen Tenner, Pooja Advani, Kostandinos Sideras, Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia, Edith Perez, Keith Knutson. Results of phase I study of pembrolizumab in combination with binimetinib in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr CT133.