Ma, Brigette

PURPOSE There is growing scientific interest in incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in early phase dose-finding oncology trials (DFOTs) to assess tolerability, inform dose selection, and guide later stage trial design. However, research indicates that PRO objectives in DFOTs are often unclear. The Incorporating Patient-Reported Outcomes in Dose-Finding Trials-Research Objectives Recommendations (OPTIMISE-ROR) project was established to support trialists to effectively incorporate PROs into DFOTs. METHODS Using the Enhancing Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network's methodological framework, guideline development included the following: (1) a methodological review of published DFOTs incorporating PROs; (2) candidate item generation, refined through expert consultation; (3) a two-round international multistakeholder Delphi survey (N = 109 in Round 1 [October 2024]; N = 96 in Round 2 [December 2024]); and (4) an independently chaired virtual consensus meeting (N = 31; January 2025) where multidisciplinary, international experts reviewed and voted to finalize items for inclusion. RESULTS Consensus was reached on six recommendations emphasizing three core PRO tolerability concepts: overall side effect impact, symptomatic adverse events, and overall health-related quality of life. The integration of PROs to inform final dose recommendations in dose escalation and optimization trials should be considered, regardless of trial design. The recommendations highlight the importance of PRO data analysis over time and across dose levels, defining PRO research objectives as descriptive or statistically powered, and assessing PRO-related end points to guide end point selection for subsequent studies. CONCLUSION This foundational guidance outlines key PRO research objectives in DFOTs. By facilitating the systematic integration of PROs, this guidance supports the utilization of patient-centered evidence for the tolerability and efficacy assessment of therapies to inform dose escalation, optimization, and regulatory evaluation—ultimately contributing to the development of safer, more effective therapies.

Abstract Background: Endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) refers to non-keratinizing (NK) subtypes harboring Epstein Barr virus (EBV) that frequently express programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). We recently reported ≥30% of NPC harbor MHC class 1 gene alterations in a whole genome study. Method: We investigated the activity of nivolumab (NIVO) & relationship with PD-L1 & HLA expression (exp) in tumor cells (TC) & tumor infiltrating cells (TIL). Eligible patient (pt)s had to fail ≥ 1 prior line of platinum-based chemo. NIVO (3mg/kg IV, q2 weeks) was given until disease progression (PD). Archived tumors were analyzed for PD-L1 (DAKO) & HLA mutations (indicated by loss of HLA-A &/or B exp). Result: A total of 45 pts were enrolled across 11 sites from Oct 2015 to June 2016. Overall, 43 and 44 pts were evaluable respectively for response rate (RR, RECIST) & adverse events (AE). The median age was 57 years, 77% pts were males & 84% were Asians. The median number of prior chemo was 3 (range 1-9 lines). Of the 43 evaluable pts, there were 8 confirmed (19%, 95% CI: 8-33%) & 1 unconfirmed partial response (PR), 17 PD (40%), 14 stable disease (SD, 33%) & 3 pts were not assessed. One pt (MD015-027) had an unconfirmed clinical CR in an occipital metastasis (met). Pts received a median of 3 cycles of NIVO (range 1 - 14). Median overall survival has not been reached yet. Of the 44 pts evaluable for AE, 8 (18.2%) had grade 3 or higher treatment-related AEs & 1 pt died of sepsis. The most common grade 3 or higher AEs were increase in alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (n=3), & 1 pt respectively for hyponatremia, neutropenia, fatigue & diarrhea. Of the 21 tumor samples analyzed, 11/21 (52%) had >1% PD-L1 expressed mainly in TC. Table 1 outlines relationship between RR & PD-L1 exp. All pts with PR had >5% PD-L1 exp & one pt (34003-022) with CR (nasopharynx) & PR (lung mets) had the highest exp (80%). Majority of pts with PD had <1% PD-L1 exp tumors. One primary progressor (34003-032) had a PD-L1 +ve tumor harboring a complete loss of HLA-B signal (TC), but intact signal in TILs & stromal cells. Conclusion: NIVO is active in this heavily pre-treated group of pts with NK-NPC and longer follow-up is needed for survival endpoints. Preliminary result suggests PD-L1 exp may predict benefit from NIVO. The analytical result of all 45 tumors will be presented. Table 1.PD-L1 exp and RECIST response in 21 ptsPD-L1%espRR%PRSDPD0-11<1%-265%24-10%--120%-1-30%11-80%1--Total498 Citation Format: Brigette B. Ma, Boon Cher Goh, Wan T. Lim, Kwok W. Lo, Edwin P. Hui, Jonathan W. Riess, Mark Agulnik, Alex Y. Chang, Julie A. Kish, Dean W. Lim, Douglas R. Adkins, Kevin J. Cullen, Barbara J. Gitlitz, Nathan R. Foster, Adam M. Pettinger, Sanna Mckinzie, Ka F. To, Brian Costello, Howard Streicher, Anthony T. Chan. Multicenter phase II study of nivolumab in previously treated patients with recurrent and metastatic non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma - Mayo clinic Phase 2 Consortium P2C-MN026, NCI9742, NCT02339558 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT076. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT076

Abstract Background: NPC is endemic to Asia and over 40% of cases harbor PIK3CA amplification. MK2206 is an allosteric AKT inhibitor with activity in NPC in vitro. Methods: Pts who had progressed after palliative chemotherapy (chemo) for metastatic or recurrent NPC, received oral MK-2206 at 200 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 & 22 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression. Plasma samples were collected at serial time points during cycle 1 for EBV DNA analysis, archived tumor samples were collected where feasible. The primary dual endpoints (2-stage design) consisted of RECIST-defined tumor response rate (RR) and 6-month (m) progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), PFS and adverse events (AEs). Results: Of the 21 pts enrolled, the median age was 47 years (range: 32-67), 91% were male, 81% had prior radiotherapy and 81% had > 1 prior line of palliative chemo. At the time of analysis, 20 out of 21 pts have ended treatment. The best responses were: 1 partial response (PR, 5%) lasting 4 ms; 10 stable disease (SD, 50%), 9 progressive disease (PD, 45%). The 6-m PFS rate was 38.9% (95% CI: 18.1-59.3%) and median PFS was 2.7 ms (95% CI: 0.9-7.2 ms). The 6-m OS rate was 67.9% (95% CI: 41.8-84.1%) and median survival has not been reached. In 7 pts who had SD more than or equal to 6 ms, the duration of treatment ranged from 6.4-13.9 ms. Of the 21 pts evaluable for AEs, 12 pts (57%) had at least one grade 3 AE [[Unable to Display Character: –]] macular rash (6 pts - 29%), dysphagia (2 pts - 10%), hyperglycemia (2 pts - 10%) (see Table 1). The tumor samples of 7 pts were analyzed by FISH; 3 showed PIK3CA amplification, including 1 pt with chromosome 3 polysomy. Amongst these pts, 1 had SD more than 6ms, 1 had SD more than 12 ms, and 1 is still on treatment. Pts who had SD less than 6 m or PD did not have PIK3CA amplification. Conclusions: MK2206 is well tolerated and has signs of activity in unselected pts with NPC. Preliminary results suggest that PIK3CA amplification may be related to prolonged disease stabilization from MK2206, and analysis for other PIK3CA gene alterations in more samples will be undertaken. Result of the plasma EBV DNA result will be presented. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B273. Citation Format: Brigette B. Ma, Boon Cher Goh, Wan Teck Lim, Eng Huat Tan, Gilberto de Lima Lopes, Edwin P. Hui, Ann D. King, Kwok Wai Lo, Herbert Loong, Leung Li, Nathan Foster, Michael Kam, Sing Fai Leung, Charles Erlichman, Anthony TC Chan. Multicenter Phase II study of MK-2206 in previously treated patients (pts) with recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC): Mayo Clinic Phase II Consortium (Protocol: MC1079). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B273.