Mita, Monica

Importance Adding fulvestrant to anastrozole (A+F) improved survival in postmenopausal women with advanced estrogen receptor (ER)–positive/ERBB2 (formerly HER2)–negative breast cancer. However, the combination has not been tested in early-stage disease. Objective To determine whether neoadjuvant fulvestrant or A+F increases the rate of pathologic complete response or ypT1-2N0/N1mic/Ki67 2.7% or less residual disease (referred to as endocrine-sensitive disease) over anastrozole alone. Design, Setting, and Participants A phase 3 randomized clinical trial assessing differences in clinical and correlative outcomes between each of the fulvestrant-containing arms and the anastrozole arm. Postmenopausal women with clinical stage II to III, ER-rich (Allred score 6-8 or >66%)/ERBB2-negative breast cancer were included. All analyses were based on data frozen on March 2, 2023. Interventions Patients received anastrozole, fulvestrant, or a combination for 6 months preoperatively. Tumor Ki67 was assessed at week 4 and optionally at week 12, and if greater than 10% at either time point, the patient switched to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or immediate surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the endocrine-sensitive disease rate (ESDR). A secondary outcome was the percentage change in Ki67 after 4 weeks of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) (week 4 Ki67 suppression). Results Between February 2014 and November 2018, 1362 female patients (mean [SD] age, 65.0 [8.2] years) were enrolled. Among the 1298 evaluable patients, ESDRs were 18.7% (95% CI, 15.1%-22.7%), 22.8% (95% CI, 18.9%-27.1%), and 20.5% (95% CI, 16.8%-24.6%) with anastrozole, fulvestrant, and A+F, respectively. Compared to anastrozole, neither fulvestrant-containing regimen significantly improved ESDR or week 4 Ki67 suppression. The rate of week 4 or week 12 Ki67 greater than 10% was 25.1%, 24.2%, and 15.7% with anastrozole, fulvestrant, and A+F, respectively. Pathologic complete response/residual cancer burden class I occurred in 8 of 167 patients and 17 of 167 patients, respectively (15.0%; 95% CI, 9.9%-21.3%), after switching to neoadjuvant chemotherapy due to week 4 or week 12 Ki67 greater than 10%. PAM50 subtyping derived from RNA sequencing of baseline biopsies available for 753 patients (58%) identified 394 luminal A, 304 luminal B, and 55 nonluminal tumors. A+F led to a greater week 4 Ki67 suppression than anastrozole alone in luminal B tumors (median [IQR], −90.4% [−95.2 to −81.9%] vs −76.7% [−89.0 to −55.6%]; P < .001), but not luminal A tumors. Thirty-six nonluminal tumors (65.5%) had a week 4 or week 12 Ki67 greater than 10%. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, neither fulvestrant nor A+F significantly improved the 6-month ESDR over anastrozole in ER-rich/ERBB2-negative breast cancer. Aromatase inhibition remains the standard-of-care NET. Differential NET response by PAM50 subtype in exploratory analyses warrants further investigation. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01953588

Abstract MT-5111 is a 55kD engineered toxin body targeting HER2 in solid tumors that binds to an epitope distinct from trastuzumab and pertuzumab, offering potential combination strategies with other HER2-targeting agents. MT-5111 works by internalizing, self-routing through intracellular compartments to the cytosol, and inducing potent cell-kill via the enzymatic and permanent inactivation of ribosomes. This is a phase 1 study in adults with advanced HER2+ solid tumors. MT-5111 is dosed weekly IV over 30 min in every 21-day cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, or withdrawn consent. The study has dose escalation (Part A) cohorts enrolling patients (pts) with any HER2+ cancer (CA) and expansion (Part B) cohorts for HER2+ breast cancer (BC), Gastric or Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEA), or other HER2+ solid CA. As of 30 June 2022, 42 total pts had enrolled (36 in Part A on 0.5-23 µg/kg/dose, 6 pts with BC in Part B1 on 10 µg/kg/dose). Median age 65 years, 28 (66.78%) pts were female, median of 4 prior systemic and 2 prior HER2-targeting treatment (tx). 17 pts with BC, 6 with biliary CA, 9 with GEA, and 10 with other solid CA have enrolled. Of the 17 BC pts, 15 received ≥ 10 µg/kg/dose. Tx emergent adverse events (TEAEs) have been reported in 40 (95%) pts, and tx-related AEs (TRAE) occurred in 23 (55%) pts. No pt experienced G4-G5 TRAE. G1 troponin elevations were noted in 5 pts without clinical signs of cardiotoxicity (1 pt 6.75 µg/kg, 2 pts 10 µg/kg, 1 pt 17 µg/kg, 1 pt 23 µg/kg). Reversible G1/G2 infusion-related reactions were reported in 2 pts. Tx-related G1-G3 rash was observed in 5 pts (4 pts ≥ 10 µg/kg/dose); maculopapular in 2 pts, acneiform in 1 pt and associated with pruritus in 3 pts. The G3 rash developed one wk after first dose of 23 µg/kg, was declared a DLT, improved with systemic steroid therapy and the pt continued tx at the same dose without recurrence. Best overall response per RECIST thus far is stable disease (SD) in 17 pts, non-CR/non-PD in 1 pt, and progressive disease (PD) in 14 pts. 1 pt had non-CR/non-PD for 30 wks (1 μg/kg, BC); 1 pt had SD for 24wks (10 μg/kg, pancreatic); 1 pt is on tx with SD through 8 cycles (10 μg/kg, BC). Of the 10 BC pts who received ≥ 10 μg/kg/dose, the best response was 5 SD. The mean serum concentration of MT-5111 has increased in a dose-proportional manner starting at 6.75µg/kg/dose (Table 1). The soluble HER2 (sHER2) levels at end of tx were higher compared to baseline in cohorts that received ≤ 4.5µg/kg/dose, but similar or lower in cohorts that received ≥ 6.75µg/kg/dose. Higher MT-5111 doses have been well tolerated and may saturate circulating sHER2, leading to more predictable serum concentrations and tumor penetration. The Cmax in humans at doses ≥6.75 µg/kg/dose is above the in vitro IC50 for high HER2+ cell lines (0.029nM) and at 17 µg/kg/dose, above the IC50 for moderate HER2+ cells (1.6nM). In conclusion, the dose proportionate increase in serum concentration with levels above the in vitro IC50 and the leveling off/reduction of sHER2 indicate exposure to MT-5111 is at clinically therapeutic levels. Skin toxicity at higher doses may indicate on-target effect as observed in other EGFR-targeted therapies where it is associated with clinical response and a better prognosis. sHER2 biomarker data is expected for all cohorts with PK correlation and 23µg/kg safety and efficacy data. PK profile of MT-5111, C1D1 values Citation Format: Meena Okera, Brian A. Van Tine, Joleen M. Hubbard, Minal Barve, Erika Hamilton, Monica M. Mita, Frances Valdes-Albini, Daniel Ahn, Admasu Mamuye, Joshua Pelham, Amy Yuet, Diana Yurewicz, Yanning Liu, Andres Machado Sandri, William J. Edenfield, Aki Morikawa, William Gradishar, Rajiv Kumar, Zev A. Wainberg. A phase 1 study of the novel immunotoxin MT-5111 in patients with HER2+ tumors: interim results [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-11-01.

Abstract Introduction: The ALTERNATE trial randomized postmenopausal women with ER Allred 6-8 HER2- breast cancer to 6 months of NET with anastrozole (A), fulvestrant (F) or the combination (A+F). Biopsies were taken preNET and after 4-weeks(wks). Patients with Ki67 values >10% at 4-wks were offered triage to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with on-treatment Ki67 ≤ 10% who completed NET underwent surgery and Ki67 was reassessed. The primary endpoint was endocrine-sensitive disease rate (ESDR). ESD is defined as pCR or PEPI-0 residual disease (pT1-2, pN0, Ki67 ≤ 2.7%). We previously reported that the ESDR difference between the F-containing arms and the A arm was not >10% (ASCO 2020) and that baseline RNA-seq-based intrinsic subtypes predicted outcomes overall (SABCS 2021). Herein we describe relationships between PAM50 intrinsic subtype and Ki67 values by treatment arm because comparative drug effectiveness in adjuvant endocrine therapy studies in ER+ HER2- breast cancer can be predicted by the degree of Ki67 suppression (PMC3518447). Methods: 743 of the 1297 eligible patients (A: 264; F: 231; A+F: 248) had RNA extracted from preNET frozen tumor biopsies with >50% tumor content and subjected to RNA seq. Intrinsic subtypes were then assigned as LumA, LumB, and NonLum (Basal or HER2-E) using open-source PAM50-based informatics. Differences in the proportion with wk4 Ki67 > 10%, % change in wk4 ki67, and surgical CCCA (Ki67 ≤ 2.7%) rate (sxCCCA) between treatments and by intrinsic subtype was assessed using stratified logistic regression, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher’s exact test, respectively. Analysis of sxCCCA excluded those who failed to complete NET for reasons other than disease progression or early Ki67 >10%. Results: Amongst the 358 LumA cases there were no significant differences in Ki67-based endpoints between treatments. Among the 292 LumB cases, the wk4 ki67 > 10% rate was lower with A+F (19.4%) than A (43%) (P=0.0002) and was somewhat lower in F (31%) versus A (P=0.076). The % change in wk4 Ki67 in LumB cases, adjusted for baseline Ki67, showed markedly superior suppression for A+F versus A (-90% vs. -77%; P=<0.0001) and versus F (-90% vs. -80%; P=0.0026). Furthermore sxCCCA rates were significantly higher with A+F than A (53% vs. 25% P = <0.0001) and somewhat higher for F (37%) than A (p=0.068), indicating that superior antiproliferative effects for A+F persist after 6 months on therapy. Lack of Ki67 suppression in response to treatment was observed in the majority of 43 NonLum samples regardless of treatment. Conclusion: The combination of A+F was significantly more effective than either drug alone for the control of LumB breast cancer cell proliferation. This suggests that A+F may be a more effective adjuvant endocrine therapy than A alone in LumB disease. The lower Ki67 suppression with A alone also suggests that poorer outcome in some LumB tumors may be due to insufficient ER targeting rather than ER-independent tumor growth Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24CA196171, UG1CA189856, U10CA180868 (NRG), NCI BIQSFP, BCRF, Genentech, AstraZeneca. https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org. (MJE) CPRIT RR140033, P50-CA186784, P50-CA58223, U01-CA214125, U24-CA210954, Gift from Ralph and Lisa Eads, McNair Scholarship. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01953588 Citation Format: Matthew J. Ellis, Meenakshi Anurag, Jeremy Hoog, Aranzazu Fernandez-Martinez, Cheng Fan, Richard Gibbs, Souzan Sanati, Kiran Vij, Mark Watson, Travis Dockter, Olwen Hahn, Joseph Guenther, Abigail Caudle, Erica Crouch, Amy Tiersten, Monica Mita, Wajeeha Razaq, Tina J. Hieken, Yang Wang, A. Marilyn Leitch, Gary W. Unzeitig, Eric Winer, Anna Weiss, Kelly Hunt, Ann H. Partridge, Charles M. Perou, Vera Suman, Cynthia X. Ma, Lisa A. Carey. The effect of intrinsic subtype on inhibition of tumor growth by anastrozole vs. fulvestrant vs. the combination: Results from the Alliance neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) ALTERNATE trial [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 CT026.

2583 Background: MT-5111 is a 55kD engineered toxin body (ETB) targeting HER2 in solid tumors that binds to an epitope distinct from trastuzumab and pertuzumab, offering potential combination strategies with other HER2-targeting agents. MT-5111 may demonstrate efficacy in patients (pts) resistant to other HER2-targeting agents, as its mechanism of action induces direct cell kill via enzymatic and permanent ribosome destruction. Methods: This is a phase 1 study in adults with advanced HER2+ solid tumors. The dose-escalation portion (Part A) enrolls pts into sequential dose cohorts, followed by Part B expansion cohorts for HER2+ breast cancer (BC), gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA), and any other HER2+ cancer (CA). MT-5111 is dosed weekly IV over 30 min in each 21-day treatment (tx) cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death or withdrawn consent. Results: As of Jan 2022, 27 pts had enrolled in Part A cohorts (0.5 to 10 µg/kg/dose) with completed DLT assessments: 9 (33%) pts were male and 18 (67%) female, median age 67 and a median of 4 prior systemic and 2 prior HER2-targeting tx. Common tissue types were BC (9/30%), biliary CA (6/22%), GEA (4/15%). The following safety data reflect 33 treated pts to date including ongoing 13 µg/kg/dose Part A and 10 µg/kg/dose BC expansion cohorts. No Grade (G) 4/5 tx-emergent adverse events (AEs) or DLTs occurred. Tx-related AEs occurred in 17 (52%) pts, most commonly G1/2 fatigue (8/24%). 3 pts had G1 troponin elevations without clinical signs or symptoms of cardiac distress: 1 at 6.75 µg/kg/dose, 2 at 10 µg/kg/dose. 2 pts (3 and 4.5 µg/kg/dose) had reversible G2 and G1, respectively, infusion-related reactions (IRR)s. A comparison of cytokines from baseline to on-treatment timepoints reveals no evidence of significant changes, even in pts with IRR. Best response per RECIST thus far was stable disease (SD) in 7 pts or non-CR/non-PD in 2 pts: 1 pt had SD for 12 weeks (wks) (4.5 μg/kg, pancreatic CA); 1 pt (1 μg/kg/dose, BC) had non-CR/non-PD for 30 wks; 1 pt (10 μg/kg/dose, GEA) has ongoing SD for 18 wks. AUClast data match PK simulations in non-human primate studies. Cmax at 10 µg/kg/dose is ≥5 times the IC50 values of high HER2 expressing gastric CA and BC cell lines while approaching the IC50 of a moderately HER2 expressing liver CA cell line. Conclusions: MT-5111 is well tolerated to-date with no clinically significant immuno/cardiotoxicity. Dose escalation is ongoing at a dose of 13µg/kg, expected to be required for efficacious exposure. Clinical trial information: NCT04029922.

Abstract Background: Neoadjuvant ET (NET) offers an opportunity to assess ET sensitivity for ER+ HER2- BC and potentially to tailor therapy. Ki67 >10% on biopsy after 2-4 weeks (wks) of NET identifies patients (pts) with intrinsic ET resistance; while pathologic complete response (pCR) and modified preoperative endocrine prognostic index of 0 (mPEPI 0: pT1-2N0, Ki67 ≤2.7%) at surgery indicates sensitivity to ET. However, on-NET biopsy is not always acceptable or feasible and delays the ET sensitivity determination. PAM50 ROR score and intrinsic subtypes by tumor RNA profiling are prognostic in pts with early stage ER+ HER2- BC, and predict pCR rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) (PMC2667820). We therefore hypothesized that PAM50 analysis on pre-NET biopsies could predict the likelihood of a) a high on-NET Ki67, b) mPEPI-0 or pCR at surgery and, c) pCR for pts triaged to NCT. Methods: The ALTERNATE trial is a phase III study that randomized postmenopausal pts with clinical stage II/III ER+ (Allred score 6-8) HER2- BC to receive neoadjuvant anastrozole, fulvestrant, or both for 6 months before surgery. Research biopsy was required at pre-NET and wk 4, then optional at wk 12. Pts with Ki67 >10% on biopsy at wk 4 or 12 discontinued NET and were offered NCT. PAM50 intrinsic subtype and ROR-P values were generated from mRNA sequencing (RNASeq) analysis on pre-NET biopsies using open-source informatics (PMC7723687) and evaluated for prediction of on-NET Ki67 >10% at wk 4 or 12, pCR or mPEPI-0 post NET, and pCR post NCT. Results: 749 of 1,297 eligible trial pts were included in the analyses, after excluding 548 pts due to insufficient pre-NET tumor for RNASeq (n=511) or PAM50 normal subtype (n=37). Similar to the entire ALTERNATE population, the rate of Ki67 >10% at wk 4 or 12 was 24.4% (95% CI: 21.4-27.7%) and the rate of mPEPI-0/pCR post NET was 19.8% (95% CI: 17.0-22.8%). There were 393 (52.5%) Lum A, 302 (40.3%) Lum B, and 54 (7.2%) non-Lum (9 Basal, 45 HER2-E) BCs. These included 196 (26.2%) ROR-P low, 354 (47.3%) ROR-P medium and 199 (26.6%) ROR-P high BCs. Both the rates of Ki67 >10% at wk 4 or 12 and mPEPI-0/pCR differed significantly with respect to PAM50 subtype or ROR-P category, such that Lum A or ROR-P low BCs were least likely to have a Ki67 >10% at wk 4 or 12 and most likely to achieve mPEPI-0/pCR (Table). 93 of 168 (55.4%) pts triaged to NCT had RNA-seq results, yielding 26 Lum A, 49 Lum B, 4 Basal and 14 HER2-E, with the pCR rates of 0%, 6.1%, 0%, and 21.4%, respectively. There were 10 ROR-P low, 39 medium, and 44 high tumors, with a pCR rate of 0%, 5.1% and 9.1%, respectively. Conclusion: These data indicate that both baseline ROR-P and intrinsic subtype are predictive of early on-NET Ki67 > 10% and mPEPI 0/pCR at surgery after NET. For pts triaged to NCT based on an early on-NET Ki67 >10%, the HER2-E group had the highest pCR rate (20%) and no pCRs were observed in Lum A. These data may be useful for directing neoadjuvant therapy in postmenopausal pts with ER+ HER2- BC. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24CA196171, UG1CA189856, U10CA180868 (NRG), NCI BIQSFP, BCRF, Genentech, AstraZeneca. https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org. (MJE) CPRIT RR140033, P50CA186784, P50-CA58223, U01 CA214125, U24CA210954, Gift from Ralph and Lisa Eads, McNair Scholarship. Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01953588. Table 1.Rates of Ki67 >10% and mPEPI-0/pCR post NET by PAM50 subtype and ROR-P categoryKi67 >10% at wk 4 or 12mPEPI 0/pCR post NETPAM50 SubtypenYes, n (%)PnNo, n (%)PLum A37251 (13.7%) 95% CI: 10.4-17.6%<0.0001393104 (26.5%) 95%CI: 22.2-31.1%<0.0001Lum B29394 (32.1%) 95% CI: 26.8-37.8%30243 (14.2%) 95%CI: 10.5-18.7%Non-luminal (Basal and HER2-E)5338 (71.7%) 95%CI: 57.6-83.2%541 (1.9%) 95%CI: 0.05-9.9%ROR-P CategorynYes, n (%)PnNo, n (%)PLow18018 (10.0%) 95%CI: 6.0-15.3%<0.000119660 (30.6%) 95%CI: 24.2-37.6%<0.0001Intermediate34474 (21.5%) 95%CI: 17.3-26.2%35471 (20.1%) 95%CI: 16.0-24.6%High19491 (46.9%) 95%CI: 39.7-54.2%19917 (8.5%) 95%CI: 5.1-13.3% Citation Format: Cynthia X Ma, Meenakshi Anurag, Travis Dockter, Jeremy Hoog, Aranzazu Fernandez-Martinez, Cheng Fan, Richard Gibbs, Souzan Sanati, Kiran Vij, Mark Watson, Olwen Hahn, Joseph Guenther, Abigail Caudle, Erika Crouch, Amy Tiersten, Monica Mita, Wajeeha Razaq, Tina J Hieken, Yang Wang, A. Marilyn Leitch, Gary W Unzeitig, Anna Weiss, Eric P Winer, Kelly Hunt, Ann H Partridge, Lisa A Carey, Charles M Perou, Matthew J Ellis, Vera Suman. Pam50 intrinsic subtype and risk of recurrence score (ROR) for the prediction of endocrine (ET) sensitivity and pathologic response to chemotherapy in postmenopausal women with clinical stage II/III estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and HER2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer (BC) in the alternate trial (Alliance A011106) [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 PD9-03.

Abstract Background: Engineered toxin bodies (ETBs) are composed of a de-immunized Shiga-like Toxin A subunit genetically fused to an antibody-like binding domain. ETBs can force receptor internalization, induce potent cell-kill via enzymatic and permanent inactivation of ribosomes, and may not be subject to resistance mechanisms of other therapeutics. MT-5111 is a 55 kD ETB targeting HER2 in solid tumors that binds to an epitope distinct from trastuzumab and pertuzumab, offering potential combination strategies with other HER2-targeting agents. MT-5111 may demonstrate efficacy in patients (pts) resistant to other HER2-targeting agents, as its mechanism of action does not rely on inhibition of kinase signaling or cytoskeletal or DNA damage. Methods: The primary objective is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MT-5111 monotherapy in adult pts with advanced HER2+ solid tumors. Secondary objectives are pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, and immunogenicity. Using a modified 3+3 design, the dose-escalation part of the study enrolls pts with HER2+ tumors into 7 cohorts: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 6.75, and 10 µg/kg/dose. Three dose-expansion cohorts will follow for HER2+ breast cancer, gastro-esophageal cancer, and other HER2+ tumors. All pts receive MT-5111 weekly as 30-min IV infusions in each 21-day treatment (tx) cycle (C) until disease progression (PD), unacceptable toxicity, death, or withdrawn consent (NCT04029922). Results: Per data cut in June 2021, 21 pts (mean age 64 years, range 34-78; 38% male) in cohorts 1-6 with breast (n=7), biliary (n=6), gastric (n=3), pancreatic (n=2), lung (n=2), and colon (n=1) cancer were treated (Table 1). Pts had a median of 4 prior lines of systemic therapies (range, 1-8) and 2 prior lines of HER2-targeting treatments (range, 0-6). No Grade (G)4 or 5 tx-emergent (TE) adverse events (AEs) occurred. Tx-related AEs occurred in 11 (52%) pts; the most common was fatigue (n=7, 33%). One pt (4.5 µg/kg) had a possibly (per PI) related G3 serious AE (SAE) of dyspnea and hypoxia, but also lymphangitic carcinomatosis and H. influenzae infection. The other related SAE occurred in a pt (6.75 µg/kg) who had a G1 transient troponin increase without concomitant cardiac symptoms or ECG/ECHO changes. All other related AEs were ≤G2. There were no clinically significant changes in cardiac biomarkers (troponin, ECG, left ventricular ejection fraction) nor were there cases of capillary leak syndrome. Two pts (3 µg/kg and 4.5 µg/kg) had reversible G2 infusion-related reactions. Best response to date has been stable disease. AUClast data matched PK simulations based on non-human primate studies, and Cmax data at 6.75 µg/kg indicated that current in-human exposure was between the IC50 values of high and medium HER2-expressing cell lines (approximately 10-89 ng/mL). Thus, a dose of at least 10 µg/kg may be required to achieve effective exposure. To date, no dose-limiting toxicities have been observed and the 10 µg/kg/dose cohort is now accruing. Conclusions: MT-5111 was well tolerated with no clinically significant immuno- or cardiotoxicity. Dose escalation is ongoing and nearing levels expected to be required for efficacious exposure. Table 1.Metastatic HER2 status and MT-5111 treatment by cohortDose0.5 µg/kg1.0 µg/kg2.0 µg/kg3.0 µg/kg4.5 µg/kg6.75 µg/kgCohort123456Number of patients treated with MT-5111433335Metastatic HER2 2+ by IHC: ALL/BC1/11/11/01/10/04/0Metastatic HER2 3+ by IHC: ALL/BC3/12/02/12/13/01/1BC, breast cancer. Citation Format: Brian A. Van Tine, Monica Mita, Minal A. Barve, Erika P. Hamilton, Andrew J. Brenner, Frances Valdes, Daniel Ahn, Joleen Hubbard, Jason Starr, Angela Georgy, Joshua Pelham, Banmeet S. Anand, Thomas Strack, Andrés Machado Sandri, Zev A. Wainberg. Interim results of a phase 1 study of the novel immunotoxin MT-5111 in patients with HER2+tumors [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 P2-13-45.

297 Background: MT-5111 is a 55 kD engineered toxin body (ETB) targeting HER2 in solid tumors that binds to an epitope distinct from trastuzumab and pertuzumab, offering potential combination strategies with other HER2-targeting agents. MT-5111 may demonstrate efficacy in patients (pts) resistant to other HER2-targeting agents, as its mechanism of action induces direct cell kill via enzymatic and permanent ribosome destruction and does not rely on inhibition of kinase signaling or cytoskeletal or DNA damage. Methods: This is a phase 1 study in adult pts with advanced HER2+ solid tumors. The dose-escalation portion (modified 3+3 design) enrolls pts into sequential cohorts followed by expansion cohorts for HER2+ breast cancer (BC), gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEA), and other HER2+ tumors. MT-5111 is dosed weekly IV over 30 min in each 21-day treatment (tx) cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, or withdrawn consent. Results: As of Sep 2021 (contains preliminary data), 24 pts (mean age 64 yrs) were treated, 13 (54%) of whom had gastrointestinal (GI) tumors (6 biliary, 3 GEA, 2 pancreatic, 2 colo/rectal) (Table). Pts with GI tumors had a median of 3 prior systemic tx and 1 prior HER2-targeting tx. No Grade (G) 4/5 tx-emergent adverse events (AEs) occurred. Tx-related AEs occurred in 13 (54%) pts, most commonly fatigue (n=7, 29%). One pt with biliary cancer and concurrent lymphangitic carcinomatosis and H. influenzae infection (4.5 µg/kg) had a possibly related G3 serious AE (SAE) of dyspnea, which resolved 9 days later. Another related SAE occurred in a pt with GEA (6.75 µg/kg) who had a G1 transient troponin increase that resolved during hospitalization, with no clinical symptoms or ECG/ECHO changes; the pt withdrew from study before further dosing. All other related AEs were ≤G2. No other clinically significant changes in cardiac biomarkers (troponin, ECG, LVEF) or cases of capillary leak syndrome occurred. Two pts (3 and 4.5 µg/kg) had reversible G2 infusion-related reactions. Best response to date has been stable disease. AUClast data matched PK simulations based on non-human primate studies. Cmax data at 10 µg/kg indicate that current in-pt exposure was between IC50 values of high and medium HER2-expressing cell lines (approx 10-89 ng/mL). Thus, at least 10 µg/kg may be required to achieve effective exposure. No dose-limiting toxicities have been observed. The 10 µg/kg cohort is now accruing. Following this cohort, an expansion cohort for pts with BC will open. Conclusions: MT-5111 was well tolerated with no clinically significant immuno/cardiotoxicity. Dose escalation is ongoing and is nearing levels expected to be required for efficacious exposure. Clinical trial information: NCT04029922. [Table: see text]

Abstract Background: Engineered toxin bodies (ETBs), composed of an engineered Shiga-like Toxin A subunit genetically fused to an antibody-binding domain, can force receptor internalization, induce potent cell-kill via enzymatic and permanent inactivation of ribosomes, and may not be subject to resistance mechanisms of other targeted agents. MT-5111, a de-immunized 55 kD ETB targeting HER2 in solid tumors, also binds to an epitope distinct from trastuzumab and pertuzumab, which may permit combination strategies with other HER2 targeting agents. Methods: The primary objective is to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MT-5111 monotherapy in adult patients (pts) with advanced HER2+ solid tumors. Secondary objectives are PK, efficacy, and immunogenicity. Using a modified 3+3 design, the dose-escalation part of the study includes the following 7 cohorts: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 6.75, and 10 µg/kg. Three dose-expansion cohorts will follow for HER2+ breast cancer, gastro-esophageal cancer, and any other HER2+ tumors. All pts will receive MT-5111 weekly as a 30-min IV infusion in each 21-d treatment (tx) cycle (C) until disease progression (PD), unacceptable toxicity, death, or withdrawn consent (NCT04029922). Results: As of the data cut in December 2020, 16 pts were treated; cancer types included breast (n=6), gastric (n=1), colon (n=1), gallbladder (n=5), and other solid tumors (n=3). Mean age was 64 years (range, 34-78); 37.5% were male. Pts received a median of 4 prior lines of systemic therapies (range, 1-8). No G4 or G5 TEAEs occurred. Six pts had 11 G3 TEAEs; the most common were increased AST and dyspnea (both n=2). Three pts had tx-emergent serious adverse events (abdominal distension [n=1]; dyspnea [n=2]). Tx-related TEAEs occurred in 8 (50%) pts; the most common was fatigue (n=5, 31.3%) and all were ≤ grade 2 in nature, except for one grade 3 event of dyspnea. No cardiac TEAEs, clinically significant changes in cardiac biomarkers (troponin, electrocardiogram, left ventricular ejection fraction), or cases of capillary leak syndrome were observed. Fifteen pts discontinued with PD; 1 pt in cohort 5 (4.5 µg/kg) is on tx with stable disease. To date, no DLTs have been observed and the MTD has not been reached. One pt in cohort 2 (1 µg/kg) had resolution of all hepatic lesions (sub-centimeter lesions pre-tx) at the end of C8; however, the pt came off study due to clinical progression at the end of C10. PK data for the first 5 cohorts matched simulations based on non-human primate studies. Conclusions: MT-5111 was well tolerated with no clinically significant cardiotoxicity. Continued dose escalations are ongoing. Citation Format: Zev A. Wainberg, Monica M. Mita, Minal A. Barve, Erika P. Hamilton, Andrew J. Brenner, Frances Valdes, Daniel Ahn, Joleen Hubbard, Jason Starr, Christine Burnett, Joshua Pelham, Eric T. Williams, Banmeet S. Anand, Thomas Strack, Andrés Machado Sandri, Brian A. Van Tine. Phase 1 study of the novel immunotoxin MT-5111 in patients with HER-2+tumors [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 CT130.

e18521 Background: About 40% of the US population are from minority groups. Minority pts are under-represented in oncology clinical trials, which limits the applicability of results to the general population and perpetuates poor relationships between healthcare systems and minority communities. This assessment investigated underlying causes of this lack of minority representation in clinical trials and proposes plans to promote diversity. Methods: To better understand the limited inclusion of under-represented pts in oncology clinical trials, 10 specialists in cancer care were selected to provide their perspectives. Specialists were chosen because of their experience enrolling minority pts in clinical trials and met virtually in Dec 2020 via Within3, a secure digital communication platform, to discuss obstacles faced in recruiting minority pts and potential strategies to address these concerns. Specificity and alignment in responses were achieved through software analytics and follow-up queries. Results: The 10 specialists identified as Asian (10%), Black (30%), White (50%), and Hispanic (10%), and began practicing medicine in the 1980s-2010s. All are involved in clinical research and treat a range of minority pts in both urban and suburban settings. Most specialists (8/10) reported treating > 20 minority pts with cancer annually. However, few specialists (2/10) reported that > 20% of their minority pts have enrolled in clinical trials. Specialists agreed that minority pts experience barriers to participation in clinical research, including lack of trust in the healthcare system, materials in their native languages, financial support, minority investigators involved in clinical trials, and accessible study sites. The specialists proposed strategies that could be implemented to increase minority enrollment. These included study sites where minority populations live and industry funded outreach and educational efforts in minority communities. If sites are more accessible, this can reduce time and financial pressures associated with study participation. The specialists recommended that studies be designed to be more supportive of minority populations, specifically regarding inclusion and exclusion criteria and reimbursement of costs. They also advised that increased diversity among clinical researchers and allied personnel may increase the ability of the clinical team to connect with pts and assist in building trust in their communities. Finally, they emphasized the importance of providing informed consent forms and study materials in pts’ native languages. Conclusions: While challenges exist to increasing diversity in oncology clinical studies, a broad consortium of clinical specialists agreed that they can be addressed by community outreach and education, making study sites more accessible, availability of study materials in pts’ native languages, and improving diversity of clinical teams.

Abstract Background: NET is offered to postmenopausal patients (pts) with clinical stage 2/3 ER+/HER2- BC to promote breast-conserving surgery. Also limited surgical accessibility during the COVID19 pandemic has increased NET utility. Inability to identify ET-resistant disease at diagnosis risks disease progression (PD) and delays more effective treatments. Dowsett et al. recently demonstrated that baseline levels of ER, progesterone receptor (PR), Ki67 (>15% vs ≤15%), and Ki67 (>10% vs ≤10%) 2-4 weeks (wks) after starting NET may improve appropriate patient (pt) selection for NET (PMC7280290). The ER, PR and Ki67-based prediction model divides pts with primary ER+/HER2- BC into 3 groups for appropriateness for NET: (Group 1) NET is likely to be inappropriate (Allred ER <6 or ER 6 and PgR <6), (Group 2) NET may be appropriate and a biopsy for on-treatment Ki67 analysis may be considered after 2-4 wks of NET (2A: ER 7 or 8 and PgR <6 and 2B: ER 6 or 7 and PgR ≥6) given that on-treatment Ki67 >10% has been associated with worse outcome (PMC5455353), or (Group 3) NET is appropriate (ER 8 and PgR ≥6). The ALTERNATE trial (NCT01953588) randomized postmenopausal women with clinical stage II or III, ER+ (Allred score 6-8)/HER2- BC to receive anastrozole (ANA), fulvestrant (FUL), or ANA + FUL for 6 months, unless Ki67 was >10% on wk 4 or 12 biopsy, in which case pts were triaged to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) or surgery. As previously reported, the ET-sensitive disease (mPEPI 0 plus pCR) rates were similar across the treatment arms and overall 22% (286 of 1,299) pts had Ki67 >10% at wk 4 or 12. The ALTERNATE trial therefore provides a large independent data set to evaluate the NET appropriateness model. Results: Among 1,299 eligible pts randomized to receive 6 months of NET, 214 were excluded due to absent HR Allred score (n=41) or absence of pre-treatment and wk 4 Ki67 determinations (n=173). The proportions of the remaining 1,085 pts in Group 1, 2 and 3 were 1% (n=10), 43% (n= 468), and 56% (n=607), respectively. On-study Ki67 >10% prompting conversion from NET to NCT/Surgery occurred in: Group 1 90% (9 of 10), Group 2 30% (141 of 468), and Group 3 17% (104 of 607) (Table 1). Among the 1,075 pts in Groups 2 and 3, 260 (24%) pts had Ki67 ≤15% at baseline (BL), among whom only 14 (5.4%) had Ki67 >10% at wk 4, compared to 231 of the 815 (28.3%) who had BL Ki67 >15% and subsequent Ki67 >10% at wk 4. 2% of pts who remained on NET due to on-treatment Ki67 <10% had PD. Response and PEPI-0 rates by group will be reported. Conclusion: ALTERNATE trial data support a model whereby levels of ER, PR and Ki67 at diagnosis can be used for the identification of postmenopausal pts with primary ER+/HER2- BC who are appropriate for NET. When baseline ER Allred scores are >6 and Ki67 ≤15%, there is a low likelihood of ET-resistant disease. When BL Ki67 is >15%, ET sensitivity is variable, and on-treatment biopsy for Ki67 may assist in triaging regarding NET appropriateness, particularly given the extremely low local PD rates seen in ALTERNATE when on-treatment Ki67 was <10%. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24CA196171, UG1CA189856, U10CA180868 (NRG); NCI BIQSFP, BCRF, Genentech, AstraZeneca. https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org; Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01953588 Table 1 Baseline levels of ER, PR, and Ki67 in Relation to Wk 4 Ki67 (N=1,085)BaselineWeek 4GroupNERAllred ScorePRAllred ScoreKi67Ki67 ≤10%N (%)Ki67 >10%N (%)1N=26<6≤15%0 (0%)2 (100%)9 (90)N=86<6>15%1 (12.5%)7 (87.5%)2AN=647 or 8<6≤15%61 (95.3%)3 (4.7%)90 (30.1)N=2357 or 8<6>15%148 (63%)87 (37%)2BN=466 or 7≥6≤15%42 (91.3%)4 (8.7%)51 (30.2)N=1236 or 7≥6>15%76 (61.8%)47 (38.2%)3N=1508≥6≤15%143 (95.3%)7 (4.7%)104 (17.1)N=4578≥6>15%360 (78.8%)97 (21.2%) Citation Format: Matthew J Ellis, Vera Suman, A. Marilyn Leitch, Souzan Sanati, Kiran Vij, Gary W Unzeitig, Jeremy Hoog, Mark Watson, Olwen Hahn, Joseph Guenther, Abigail Caudle, Erika Crouch, Horacio Maluf, Mitch Dowsett, Amy Tiersten, Monica Mita, Wajeeha Razaq, Tina J Hieken, Yang Wang, Travis Dockter, Jo Anne Zujewski, Anna Weiss, Clifford Hudis, Eric P Winer, Kelly Hunt, Ann H Partridge, Cynthia X Ma, Lisa A Carey. Validation of a predictive model for potential response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) in postmenopausal women with clinical stage II or III estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and HER2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer (BC): An ALTERNATE trial analysis (Alliance A011106) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD2-10.