Adkins, Douglas R.

Abstract Purpose: Relapse is a major cause of failure in human papillomavirus–independent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clinicopathologic criteria for adjuvant treatment remain imprecise and have not changed for decades. We investigated whether ctDNA in lymphatic exudate collected via surgical drains (“lymph”) 24 hours after surgery identified molecular residual disease (MRD) and compared its performance with time-matched plasma. Experimental Design: Using an ultra-sensitive tumor-informed sequencing approach, tumor variants were called in lymph and plasma to classify patients as ctDNA positive or ctDNA negative, trained in an initial cohort of 36 patients, and replicated in an independent cohort of 37 patients. Progression-free survival was compared in ctDNA(+) versus ctDNA(–) patients. Results: Lymph identified MRD in two independent multi-site cohorts (initial cohort sensitivity = 76% and specificity = 63%; log-rank P = 0.01; replication cohort sensitivity = 65% and specificity = 70%; log-rank P = 0.04). Lymph performance was enhanced in locoregional relapse (sensitivity = 78% and specificity = 67%; log-rank P = 0.0004) and generalized to early-stage patients. Analysis of matched plasma collected at this early timepoint was not predictive of recurrence (sensitivity = 35% and specificity = 72%; log-rank P = 0.7). In patients with intermediate-risk pathology, lymph ctDNA was associated with recurrence (sensitivity = 88% and specificity = 67%; log-rank P = 0.0008), suggesting an opportunity for improved stratification of patients who may benefit from additional adjuvant treatment. Conclusions: Postoperative lymph is a novel, proximal, and early source of MRD with the potential to introduce more precision into adjuvant therapy decision-making and improve outcomes, especially for patients with intermediate-risk human papillomavirus–independent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed (+) in a subset of salivary gland cancers (SGCs). This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of the antiandrogen enzalutamide in AR+ SGC. METHODS Patients with locally advanced/unresectable or metastatic AR+ SGCs were enrolled. Enzalutamide (160 mg) was given orally once daily. The primary end point was the best overall response rate per RECIST v1.1 within eight cycles. Confirmed responses in ≥ 5 of 41 patients would be considered promising. Secondary end points were progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. RESULTS Forty-six patients were enrolled; 30 (65.2%) received prior systemic therapy, including 13 (28.3%) with AR-targeted drugs. Of seven (15.2%) partial responses (PRs), only two (4.3%) were confirmed per protocol and counted toward the primary end point. Twenty-four patients (52.2%) had stable disease; 15 (32.6%) had progression of disease as best response. Twenty-six patients (56.5%) experienced tumor regression in target lesions; 18 (39.1%) had partial response/stable disease ≥ 6 months. Tumor regressions were observed in female patients (5 of 6 [83.3%]) and those who received prior AR– (6 of 13 [46.2%]) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–targeted therapies (5 of 8 [62.5%]). Three patients remained on treatment at data cutoff (duration, 32.2-49.8 months). The median progression-free survival was 5.6 months (95% CI, 3.7 to 7.5); the median overall survival was 17.0 months (95% CI, 11.8 to 30.0). The most common adverse events were fatigue, hypertension, hot flashes, and weight loss. Total and free testosterone levels increased by a mean of 61.2% and 48.8%, respectively, after enzalutamide. CONCLUSION Enzalutamide demonstrated limited activity in AR+ SGC, failing to meet protocol-defined success in part because of a lack of response durability. Strategies to enhance the efficacy of antiandrogen therapy are needed.

The NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers address tumors arising in the oral cavity (including mucosal lip), pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses. Occult primary cancer, salivary gland cancer, and mucosal melanoma (MM) are also addressed. The specific site of disease, stage, and pathologic findings guide treatment (eg, the appropriate surgical procedure, radiation targets, dose and fractionation of radiation, indications for systemic therapy). The NCCN Head and Neck Cancers Panel meets at least annually to review comments from reviewers within their institutions, examine relevant new data from publications and abstracts, and reevaluate and update their recommendations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel’s most recent recommendations regarding management of HPV-positive oropharynx cancer and ongoing research in this area.

Treatment is complex for patients with head and neck (H&N) cancers with specific site of disease, stage, and pathologic findings guiding treatment decision-making. Treatment planning for H&N cancers involves a multidisciplinary team of experts. This article describes supportive care recommendations in the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers, as well as the rationale supporting a new section on imaging recommendations for patients with H&N cancers. This article also describes updates to treatment recommendations for patients with very advanced H&N cancers and salivary gland tumors, specifically systemic therapy recommendations.

Introduction: Multikinase inhibitors have clinical activity in radioactive iodine refractory (RAIR) differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) but are not curative; optimal management and salvage therapies remain unclear. This study assessed clinical effects of pazopanib therapy in RAIR-DTC patients with progressive disease, examining in parallel biomarker that might forecast/precede therapeutic response. Methods: Assessment of responses and toxicities and of any association between thyroglobulin (Tg) changes cycle 1 and RECIST (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors) response to pazopanib therapy were prospectively undertaken in Tg antibody negative RAIR-DTC patients. RECIST progressive metastatic disease <6 months preceding enrollment was required. With a sample size of 68 (assuming 23 attaining partial response [PR]), there would be 90% chance of detecting a difference of >30% when the proportion of patients attaining PR whose Tg values decrease by >50% is >50% cycle 1 (one-sided α = 0.10, two sample test of proportions). Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) change or mutational status or pretreatment were also explored as early correlates of eventual RECIST response. Results: From 2009 to 2011, 60 individuals were treated and evaluated; (one additional patient withdrew; another was found ineligible before therapy initiation); 91.7% had previous systemic therapy beyond RAI. Adverse events included one death (thromboembolic) deemed possibly pazopanib associated. Twenty-two confirmed RECIST PRs resulted (36.7%, confidence interval; CI [24.6–50.1]); mean administered 4-week cycles was 10. Among 44 fully accessible patients, the Tg nadir was greater among the 20 attaining PR (median: −86.8%; interquartile range [IQR]: −90.7% to −70.9%) compared with the 28 who did not (median: −69.0%; IQR: −78.1% to −27.7%, Wilcoxon rank-sum test: p = 0.002). However, the difference in the proportion of PRs among those whose Tg fell ≥50% after cycle 1 versus those that did not were not significantly correlated (−23.5% [CI: −55.3 to 8.3]; Fisher's exact test p -value = 0.27). RECIST response was also not correlated with/predicted by early MCV change, receipt of prior therapy, or tumor mutational status. Conclusions: This trial prospectively confirmed pazopanib to have clinical activity and manageable toxicities in patients with progressive RAIR-DTC. Response to pazopanib, however, was not robustly forecast by early associated changes in Tg or MCV, by prior therapy, or by tumor mutational status. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00625846.

10003 Background: Preclinical studies demonstrate synergistic anti-tumor activity by inhibiting mTOR and IGF-1R. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of A12 and TEM in 3 chemo-refractory cohorts: IGF-1R (+) STS (Arm A), IGF-1R (+) bone (Arm B), and IGF-1R (-) bone and STS (Arm C). Methods: An optimal Simon 2 stage design was used for each arm. The primary end-point was progression free survival (PFS) at 12 weeks. Based on historical data, a 40% PFS rate was considered promising and a 20% PFS non-promising (type I/ II error, 0.05/0.10). ≥5 PFSs at 12 weeks were required in the first 19 and ≥16 PFSs were required in a total of 54 pts to consider each arm positive. Key eligibility: measurable disease (RECIST 1.1), age ≥18, 1- 4 priors, ECOG status 0-1. A12 (6 mg/kg) and TEM (25 mg) were administered IV weekly. Pre and post treatment tumor biopsies and plasma for IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were obtained. 20 Sarcoma Centers participated. Results: Starting in 02/2010, 383 pts were tested for IGF-1R by immunohistochemistry (IHC; 54% +) and 171 were treated: mean age 47 (range: 18-80), mean # priors 2.2 (range: 1-4). Grade 3/4 toxicities ≥10%: lymphopenia (12%), mucositis (10%). By intent to treat (ITT) analysis, each arm of the study achieved its primary 12 week PFS end-point (≥16 PFSs): Arm A: 18/56 (32%), Arm B: 19/50 (38%) (4 too early), Arm C: 27/63 (43%). The one-sided 95% CI for 12-week PFS is (0.22, 1), (0.27, 1), and (0.32, 1), respectively. By ITT the median PFS (95% CI) in weeks for each arm is 6.3 (5.9, 12.0), 11.0 (8.0, 18.0) and 11.6 (9.0, 17.9), respectively, and for chondro (n=18), Ewing’s (n=24), and osteo (n=23) only it is 22.6 (5.7, 40.9), 10.4 (5.7, 17.9) and 6.0 (6.0, 18.0), respectively. Westerns on 32 matched pair tumor biopsies indicate inhibition of IGF-1R, pAKT and pS6. Of biopsies on 7 IGF-1R (-) IHC pts (Arm C), 5 were IGF-1R (+) by western. Plasma biomarkers did not correlate with PFS. Conclusions: A12 and TEM met its primary end-point of improved PFS in pts with metastatic sarcoma. This effect was independent of IGF-1R status by IHC. These results support further clinical development of this combination in bone and STS.

TPS10592 Background: Angiosarcomas (ASs) are rare, aggressive, malignant endothelial cell tumors that constitute 1% to 2% of all soft tissue sarcomas with 5-year survival of 35%. Cytotoxic agents have demonstrated response rates of about 15%. Gene-array data from MSKCC has revealed up-regulation of endothelial associated genes, including active members of the angiopoietin system e.g., Tie2 and Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Trebananib (AMG386) is a novel agent that targets Ang1 and Ang2. We hypothesize that inhibition of angiopoietin 2 with trebananib will be an effective therapy in patients (pts) with AS. Methods: This CTEP sponsored, investigator initiated, multi-center phase II study uses trebananib, in pts with AS having metastatic/unresectable AS and conducted through the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance A091103). Pts must have adequate performance status, organ function, and measurable disease (RECIST v1.1). Patients are treated with trebananib 30mg/kg d1, 8, 15, and 22 every 28 days until either progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint is objective overall response rate (ORR) via RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Translational objectives include correlation of ORR, PFS and OS with i. baseline and post-treatment expression of Ang2 and Tie2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), ii. serum levels of Ang1 and Ang2, iii. baseline and post-treatment phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase (p-RTK) status of Tie2, VEGFR-2, PI3K, MEK and MAPK, and iv. mutational status of VEGFR-2 and amplification of MYC/FLT4. A Simon Optimal two-stage phase II study design is used and one confirmed response in the first 12 pts expands enrollment to 25. Pre- and post-treatment biopsies will be performed in up to 10 pts treated at MSKCC. Enrollment began in July 2012. As of January 2013, 7 pts have been recruited. Clinicaltrials.gov#: NCT01623869. Funded by the Alliance Clinical Trials in Oncology. NIH Grant CA-25224. Clinical trial information: NCT01623869.

3539 Background: Therapy with decitabine and entinostat (ENT: HDAC inhibitor) shows synergistic effect in re-expression of tumor-suppressor genes and growth inhibition in CRC cell lines and in vivo studies. Methods: We conducted a phase II, multi-institutional study of SQ 5-azacitidine (AZA) and oral ENT in mCRC pts. A 28 day cycle included: AZA at 40 mg/m2 d1-5 and 8-10 with ENT 7 mg d3 and 10. Initial eligibility criteria included: ECOG PS 0-1, good end organ function, and biopsiable disease for cohort A (CoA). An interim analysis indicated that toxicity which crossed pre-specified safety boundary was secondary to disease. A 2nd cohort B (CoB) with eligibility restrictions: <2 prior regimens in KRAS-mutated CRC pts, <3 prior regimens if KRAS wild-type, and liver disease limited to <30% of volume was accrued. Serial tumor biopsies and research blood were collected to assess for methylation/expression changes in circulating tumor DNA and biopsies, respectively. The primary endpoint was response as measured by RECIST criteria using a 2-stage Simon design. Results: 47 pts were initially enrolled (24 CoA, 23 CoB). Pts received a median of 2 cycles on both cohorts (1-16 CoA, 2-6 CoB). Pts had a median of 4 prior therapies for CoA (range 2-9) and 3 for CoB (range 2-6). Gr 4 AEs attributable to treatment for CoA included hyperglycemia (1) and hypokalemia (1); other common Gr 3 AEs included anemia (3), decreased lymphocytes (7), fatigue (3), and nausea (3). CoB pts experienced grade 3 chest pain (1), neutropenia (2), leucopenia (2), urinary tract obstruction (1), and hypophosphatemia (1). No responses have been observed. Results of translational objectives will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: SQ AZA and ENT therapy does not have clinical activity as defined by confirmed response in aCRC. Follow-up for survival, response to subsequent therapy, and correlative analysis are ongoing. Supported in part by N01-CM-2011-00099. Clinical trial information: NCT01105377. [Table: see text]

9504 Background: CCI-779 inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a Ser/Thr kinase involved with the initiation of mRNA translation, showing growth inhibition in many tumor cell types. The primary goal was to evaluate the confirmed response rate (RR) of CCI-779 in advanced STS. Methods: Eligibility included pts ≥ 18 yrs, measurable advanced STS, PS 0–2, adequate laboratory function (including Chol ≤ 350 mg/dL and TG ≤ 400 mg/dL), no prior chemo for advanced disease (adjuvant chemo allowed), and no brain metastases. Following premedication with an antihistamine, CCI-779 was given intravenously at 25 mg over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, repeated q 4 wks. A total 50 pts were to be enrolled, if there were 2 responses at the time of an interim analysis conducted on the initial 20 patients. Pre- and post-treatment blood was collected to evaluate p70S6 kinase, S6 phosphorylation, inhibition of mTOR, and sirolimus levels. Pre-treatment paraffin-embedded tumor tissue was used to evaluate immunohistochemistry markers (including, EFGR, c-Myc, Her2, 4EBP1). Results: 41 eligible pts (18 male, median age 62 yrs with range 28–79) were enrolled from 11/04 to 9/05. 71% presented with high grade tumors. Histologic subtypes include: malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) (7), sarcoma NOS (9), fibrosarcoma NOS (3), liposarcoma NOS (5), leiomyosarcoma (8), endometrial stromal (1), synovial (1), hemangio/angiosarcoma (2), hemangiopericytoma NOS (1), and neurofibrosarcoma (1). 42% (16/38) evaluable pts had Gr 3+ events at least possibly related to CCI-779, 1 of which was Gr 4 hyperglycemia (see table). One pt having extremity fibrosarcoma, achieved a PR after 2 cycles lasting at least 36 weeks. Twenty-eight pts have progressed and 10 have died. Estimated median time to progression is 2 months (95% CI 1.8–3.5). Conclusions: Despite an acceptable toxicity profile, CCI-779 failed to demonstrate promising activity in pts with advanced STS. Results of the correlative studies are pending. Supported by N01 CM17104. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

PURPOSE The volume treated with postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) is a mediator of toxicity, and reduced volumes result in improved quality of life (QOL). In this phase II trial, treatment volumes were reduced by omitting PORT to the pathologically negative (PN0) neck in patients with primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgical resection and neck dissection with a PN0 neck and high-risk features mandating PORT to the primary and/or involved neck were eligible. The primary end point was greater than 90% disease control in the unirradiated neck. QOL was evaluated using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory and the University of Michigan patient-reported xerostomia questionnaire. RESULTS Seventy-three patients were enrolled, and 72 were evaluable. Median age was 56 years (range, 31 to 81 years); 58 patients were male, and 47 (65%) had a smoking history. Sites included oral cavity (n = 14), oropharynx (n = 37), hypopharynx (n = 4), larynx (n = 16), and unknown primary tumor (n = 1). According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual (7 th edition), 67 patients (93%) had stage III/IV disease, and 71% of tumors involved or crossed midline. No patient had contralateral neck PORT. In 17 patients (24%), only the primary site was treated. At a median follow-up of 53 months, two patients experienced treatment failure of the PN0 unirradiated neck; they also experienced treatment failure locally. Unirradiated neck control was 97% (95% CI, 93.4% to 100.0%). Five-year rates of local control, regional control, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 84%, 93%, 60%, and 64%, respectively. QOL measures were not significantly different from baseline at 12 and 24 months post-PORT ( P > .05). CONCLUSION Eliminating PORT to the PN0 neck resulted in excellent control rates in the unirradiated neck without long-term adverse effects on global QOL.