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Wee, Wen

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5899-4034

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

Citations 69

Phase 2 Study of Futibatinib in Combination with Pembrolizumab in Patients with FGF19 expressing Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Tran, Nguyen H, Palmer, Mathias Earl, Ulrich, Angela, McCue, Shaylene , Majeed, Umair, Halfdanarson, Thorvardur R, Carr, Ryan, Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu, Washburn, Leslie, Conboy, Caitlin, Torbenson, Michael, Starlinger, Patrick, Hallemeier, Christopher, Revzin, Alexander, Goenka, Ajit H. , Tran, Nguyen , Palmer, Mathias E , Mahipal, Amit , Ma, Wen Wee , Babiker, Hani , Halfdanarson, Thorvardur R , McWilliams, Robert R , Jin, Zhaohui , Carr, Ryan M , Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien A Kankeu , Washburn, Leslie A , Conboy, Caitlin B , Graham, Rondell P , Starlinger, Patrick , Jethwa, Krishan , Goenka, Ajit Harishkumar , Venkatesh, Sudhakar K , Sonbol, Mohamad B , Bekaii-Saab, Tanios S , Roberts, Lewis R , Heimbach, Julie K , Ou, Fang-Shu , Tran, Nguyen H. , Mahipal, Amit , Wee, Wen , Babiker, Hani M. , Majeed, Umair , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , McWilliams, Robert R. , Jin, Zhaohui , Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , Conboy, Caitlin B. , Graham, Rondell P. , Torbenson, Michael , Starlinger, Patrick , Jethwa, Krishan R. , Hallemeier, Christopher Leigh , Revzin, Alexander , Thompson, Scott M. , Venkatesh, Sudhakar K. , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam , Borad, Mitesh J. , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios , Gores, Gregory J. , Roberts, Lewis R. , Heimbach, Julie K. , Ou, Fang‐Shu

The Oncologist | August 25, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1093/oncolo/oyag343 Get It

Abstract Background Optimal treatment following first-line immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. This study evaluated futibatinib, a pan-FGFR inhibitor, combined with pembrolizumab in previously treated patients with FGF19-expressing HCC. Methods Eligible patients were ≥18 years old with advanced HCC, prior systemic therapy, Child-Pugh A-B7 liver function, ECOG 0–2, and FGF19 overexpression. Patients received futibatinib 20 mg orally daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), quality of life, and safety. Results Between August 2021 and March 2024, 14 patients enrolled and 13 were evaluable. Median age was 72 years (range, 60–87), 53.8% were male, 92.3% had Child-Pugh A liver function, and all had received prior immunotherapy. Median progression-free survival was 15 weeks (95% CI, 9.0–NE), with a PFS6 rate of 23.1% (95% CI, 8.6–62.3%). ORR was 0% (95% CI, 0–24.7%), while stable disease was observed in 53.9% of patients. Median OS was 55.7 weeks (95% CI, 47.3–NE). Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 69.2% of patients, and grade ≥4 adverse events in 15.4%. One grade 5 event (acute-on-chronic kidney injury) was deemed unrelated to treatment. Common adverse events included hyperphosphatemia, fatigue, diarrhea, elevated transaminases, dry eye, nail changes, rash, and oral mucositis. Conclusions Futibatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated an acceptable safety profile but did not meet efficacy thresholds supporting further study in FGF19-expressing HCC. Effective post-immunotherapy treatment strategies remain an unmet need.
Phase 1b/2 study of BMS-813160, a CCR2/5 dual antagonist, in combination with chemotherapy or nivolumab in patients with advanced pancreatic or colorectal cancer
Folprecht, G., Varghese, Anna M. , Gutiérrez, Martín , Noel, Marcus Smith , Chen, Eric, Dayyani, Farshid, Davis, S Lindsey, BasuMallick, Atrayee, Garrido-Laguna, Ignacio, Osawa, Mayu, O’Brien, Shaun, Novosiadly, Ruslan D., Xu, Ke, Greenawalt, Danielle , Dutta, Santanu, Victor, Christina Twyman Saint, Lenz, Heinz-Josef, Folprecht, Gunnar , Chen, Eric , Osawa, Mayu , Le, Dung Thi , Trikalinos, Nikolaos A. , Chen, Eric X. , Dayyani, Farshid , Davis, S Lindsey, Wee, Wen , Garrido‐Laguna, Ignacio , O’Brien, Shaun, Dutta, Santanu , Victor, Christina Twyman-Saint , Lenz, Heinz‐Josef

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer | January 22, 2026 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 1 | Pages: e011284

10.1136/jitc-2024-011284 Get It

Background Cysteine–cysteine chemokine receptors 2 (CCR2) and 5 (CCR5) contribute to immune suppression in tumor microenvironments. CCR2 and CCR5 antagonists have demonstrated antitumor activity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), respectively. This phase 1b/2, open-label study evaluated BMS-813160, a CCR2/5 dual antagonist, in combination with chemotherapy±nivolumab in advanced PDAC or metastatic CRC. Methods Part 1 included patients with metastatic untreated (first-line (1L)) PDAC, 1L CRC, or previously treated (second or third line (2/3L)) microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. Patients received 2 weeks of BMS-813160 monotherapy (300 mg two times a day, 600 mg once daily, 300 mg once daily, or 150 mg once daily) and then BMS-813160+chemotherapy (gemcitabine+nab-paclitaxel (gem/nabP; 1L PDAC), 5-fluorouracil+leucovorin+irinotecan (FOLFIRI; 1L CRC)), or nivolumab (2/3L MSS CRC). Part 2 included patients with metastatic 1L PDAC or 2L CRC. Patients received BMS-813160 300 mg two times a day+gem/nabP±nivolumab (1L PDAC), BMS-813160 300 mg two times a day or 150 mg once daily+FOLFIRI (2L CRC), or chemotherapy alone. Primary endpoints were safety and pharmacodynamics (Part 1) and efficacy (Part 2). Results In Part 1, 22 of 75 (29%) and 54 of 72 (72%) patients experienced a treatment-related adverse event during monotherapy lead-in and overall, respectively. Two dose-limiting toxicities (rash and pericardial effusion with pericarditis, both grade 3) occurred. In Part 2, patients with 1L PDAC who received BMS-813160 300 mg two times a day+gem/nabP+nivolumab achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 37% (13/35); the median duration of response (DOR) was 45 weeks (95% CI 26.1 to not evaluable). ORRs with BMS-813160 300 mg two times a day+gem/nabP and gem/nabP alone were 26% (9/35) and 28% (9/32), respectively; median DORs were 121 and 31 weeks, respectively. Progression-free survival rates at 24 weeks were 56% (BMS-813160 300 mg two times a day+gem/nabP+nivolumab), 56% (BMS-813160 300 mg two times a day+gem/nabP), and 50% (gem/nabP). ORRs in 2L CRC were 19% (6/32; BMS-813160 300 mg two times a day+FOLFIRI), 13% (4/32; BMS-813160 150 mg once daily+FOLFIRI), and 27% (7/26; FOLFIRI). Conclusions In 1L PDAC, BMS-813160 300 two times a day+gem/nabP±nivolumab demonstrated durable antitumor response and was well tolerated. BMS-813160 combination regimens were tolerable in other cohorts, but clinical efficacy was not demonstrated. Trial registration number NCT03184870 .
Single-arm phase 2 study of the FGFR inhibitor futibatinib (Futi) in combination with pembrolizumab (Pem) in patients with FGF19 expressing advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC).
Palmer, Mathias Earl, Ulrich, Angela, Babiker, Hani M., Revzin, Alexander , Gores, Gregory J., Jin, Zhaohui, Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu, Roberts, Lewis R. , Goenka, Ajit H. , Mahipal, A., Tran, Nguyen H., Roberts, Lewis R , Wee, Wen , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios , Borad, Mitesh J. , Babiker, Hani M. , Majeed, Umair , Gores, Gregory J. , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , Jin, Zhaohui , Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , McWilliams, Robert R. , Graham, Rondell P. , Heimbach, Julie K. , Mahipal, Amit , Ou, Fang‐Shu , Tran, Nguyen H.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 12, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 2_suppl | Pages: 561-561

10.1200/jco.2026.44.2_suppl.561 Get It

561 Background: For patients with aHCC, second-line treatment options are not well established. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Futi, an FGFR 1-4 inhibitor, in combination with Pem as a second line therapy in patients with FGF19-expressing aHCC. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 18 years, with histological/cytological diagnosis or radiological diagnosis of HCC, Child-Pugh (CP) class A-B7, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) A, B or C, ECOG performance status of 0-2, and FGF19+, by in-situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry, received Futi 20 mg once daily plus i.v. Pem 200mg every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS). The study was designed to enroll 22 evaluable patients to detect PFS6 from 25% (historical control) to 47%, assuming a 1-sided alpha of 0.1 with 80% power. All patients provided written consent. Eligible patients with consent who started treatment are considered evaluable. Results: The study was closed to enrollment early at the request of funding agency due to poor accrual. Between 8/2021 and 3/2024, 14 patients enrolled with 1 patient withdrawing consent before beginning protocol treatment. Among 13 evaluable patients, median age was 72 (range: 60-87) years, 7 (53.8%) were male, 12 CP A (92.3%), 7 BCLC C (53.8%), with 7 (53.8%) having received prior liver directed therapy. Median PFS was 15 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.0-Not Estimable) and PFS6 was 23.1% (95% CI: 8.6%, 62.3%). Objective response rate was 0% (95% CI: 0%, 24.71%) and stable disease occurred in 7 (53.9%) of patients. Median OS was 55.7 weeks (95% CI: 47.3-NE). Nine (69.2%) patients experienced at least 1 grade 3+ adverse event (AE), and 2 (15.4%) patients experienced at least a grade 4+ AE. One patient had a grade 5 AE unrelated to study treatment (acute kidney injury). Most commonly reported AEs (occurring in more than 31% of patients) were hyperphosphatemia (76.9%), fatigue (69.3%), diarrhea (61.6%), AST (53.9%) and ALT (46.2%), dry eye (38.5%), nail changes (38.5%), rash-maculo-papular (38.5%), and mucositis oral (38.5%). Conclusions: This prospective study evaluated the use of a targeted treatment in combination with immunotherapy following first line immune-based therapy. This combination had modest activity as a second line therapy for patients with aHCC but did not meet the primary endpoint. The safety profile was acceptable and consistent with prior reports. An optimal second-line regimen remains a critical need. Clinical trial information: NCT04828486 .
A phase II randomized study of atezolizumab plus multikinase inhibitor (MKI) versus MKI alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma previously treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo/Bev).
Nelson, Garth, Tran, Nguyen H., Crysler, Oxana , Iyer, R. Rajagopalan , Morse, M., Washburn, Leslie, Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu, Fountzilas, C., Peersen, Anina, Sahai, Vaibhav , Mohan, Arathi , Sahai, Vaibhav , Wee, Wen , Nelson, Garth D., Tran, Nguyen H. , Morse, Michael M., Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , Fountzilas, Christos , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam , Ou, Fang‐Shu , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 12, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 2_suppl | Pages: 554-554

10.1200/jco.2026.44.2_suppl.554 Get It

554 Background: Atezo/Bev is the 1 st -line standard for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). Optimal 2 nd -line therapy post-Atezo/Bev remains undefined. This study evaluates continuation of atezolizumab with a MKI versus MKI alone in the 2 nd -line setting. Methods: This multicenter, randomized phase II trial enrolled patients with unresectable aHCC who progressed on Atezo/Bev. Patients were randomized 2:1 to atezolizumab plus MKI (cabozantinib or lenvatinib; Arm A) or MKI alone (Arm B). Stratification factors included MKI choice, viral etiology, and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Dual primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and safety. With 84 death and 89 PFS events, from 122 patients, this trial had 80% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.556 in OS and HR of 0.571 in PFS with a one-sided type I error (alpha) of 0.05 for each endpoint. Results: Twenty patients were accrued across 5 U.S. centers, between 01/2022 and 03/2025, before early closure due to slow accrual. Eighteen received treatment (Arm A: n=13; Arm B: n=5). Baseline characteristics: median age 68 yr, extrahepatic 56%, Hep B+ 0%, Hep C+ 33%, NASH 33% and CP A (5 to 6) 100%. MKIs used were cabozantinib (Arm A: 6/13; Arm B: 4/5) and lenvatinib (Arm A: 7/13; Arm B: 1/5). Median follow-up was 28.0 months (mo), with 14 deaths reported. Median (95% CI) OS were 13.9 (7.1-Not Estimable [NE]) and 6.2 (5.1-NE) mo (Arm A and B respectively); and that of PFS 4.3 (2.3-NE) and 4.1 (3.7-NE) mo. ORR was 7.7% (1/13) in Arm A (responder received lenvatinib) and 0% (0/5) in Arm B. Grade ≥3 adverse events (at least possibly related) occurred in 46.2% of Arm A and 60.0% of Arm B patients. G3+ events occurring in >10% of patients included hypertension, fatigue, anorexia, and ALT elevation in Arm A; and hypertension, hallucination, nausea, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, mucositis, AST increased and colitis in Arm B. Conclusions: In this limited cohort, continuation of atezolizumab with MKI showed relative activity and manageable safety in aHCC post-Atezo/Bev. The AE profile for atezo/MKI is consistent with the known profile of respective agents. These findings support further investigation of immunotherapy-based combinations in the 2nd-line setting. Clinical trial information: NCT05168163 .
Optimized dose schedule of rucaparib and liposomal irinotecan/5‐fluorouracil in metastatic gastrointestinal cancers: A phase 1 study
Eslinger, Cody , Walden, Daniel , Krivonos, Alexandra, Fadra, Numrah, El‐Rayes, Bassel F. , Alese, Olatunji B. , Halfdanarson, Thorvardur, Hobday, Timothy J. , Bruggeman, Sarah, Jaszewski, Brandy L., Ahn, Daniel H. , El-Rayes, Bassel F , Alese, Olatunji B , Jaszewski, Brandy, Sonbol, Mohamad B , Ahn, Daniel H , McWilliams, Robert R , Zemla, Tyler , Wee, Wen , Ou, Fang‐Shu , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam , Borad, Mitesh J. , Wu, Christina , McWilliams, Robert R. , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios

Cancer | November 22, 2025 | Volume: 131 | Issue: 23 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/cncr.70184 Get It

Abstract Background This phase 1 study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of rucaparib (RUB), a poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, combined with liposomal irinotecan (nal‐IRI) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in metastatic gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. RUB targets DNA repair pathways, showing efficacy in tumors with homologous recombination deficiency, such as BRCA mutations. Preclinical data suggest synergy with irinotecan, but overlapping toxicities pose challenges. Methods Eighteen patients with metastatic GI cancers, who previously progressed on at least one systemic therapy, were enrolled. A novel sequential dosing regimen, informed by nal‐IRI pharmacokinetic analysis, was used. Twelve patients were evaluable for dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and 12 for response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 criteria. Results The MTD was established as RUB 600 mg twice daily, nal‐IRI 50 mg/m 2 , and 5‐FU 2400 mg/m 2 over 46 hours. The objective response rate (ORR) was 33% (4 of 12), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 75% (9 of 12). Common grade 3 adverse events included diarrhea (33%) and neutropenia (25%), with no grade 4/5 events. Responses were notable in patients with somatic ATM and BRCA mutations, especially those with prior platinum exposure. No DLTs occurred at the recommended phase 2 dose. Conclusions This optimized dosing schedule successfully established the MTD for RUB with nal‐IRI and 5‐FU, overcoming prior challenges with PARP inhibitor and irinotecan combinations. The promising ORR and DCR support further evaluation of this regimen in advanced GI malignancies.
First-line atezolizumab/bevacizumab or durvalumab/tremelimumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a real world, multicenter retrospective study
Kournoutas, Ioannis , Marell, Paulina S. , Peersen, Anina, Shah, Priyanshi , VanDommelen, Kyle, Gupta, Garima , Akce, Mehmet , Yang, Ju Dong , Chen, Pin‐Jung , Naleid, Nikolas , Peterson, Nicole , Sahai, Vaibhav , Halfdanarson, Thorvardur, Kankeu, Lionel Fonkoua, Washburn, Leslie, Conboy, Caitlin B. , Goenka, Ajit H. , Thompson, Scott A. , Ahn, Daniel H. , Jatoi, Aminah , Marell, Paulina, Gile, Jennifer , Yang, Ju Dong , Sahai, Vaibhav , Jin, Zhaohui , Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien A Kankeu , Washburn, Leslie A, Goenka, Ajit, Starlinger, Patrick , Roberts, Lewis, Jatoi, Aminah , Ou, Fang-Shu , Tran, Nguyen , Conboy, Caitlin B , Kamath, Suneel Deepak , Mahipal, Amit , Wee, Wen , Jin, Zhaohui , Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , Torbenson, Michael , Thompson, Scott, Venkatesh, Sudhakar K. , Starlinger, Patrick , Roberts, Lewis R. , Gores, Gregory J. , Babiker, Hani M. , Borad, Mitesh J. , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios , McWilliams, Robert R. , Ou, Fang‐Shu

The Oncologist | September 20, 2025 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 11 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/oncolo/oyaf286 Get It

Abstract Background Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) is a leading cause of cancer death. FDA-approved first-line systemic therapies include atezolizumab/bevacizumab (atezo/bev) and durvalumab/tremelimumab (durva/treme); however, there is a lack of comparative data. Methods We reviewed outcomes of patients with uHCC who initiated atezo/bev or durva/treme between 2017 and 2024, across six institutions. Overall survival (OS) and time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier and Cox models, adjusting for baseline characteristics. Results Four hundred fifty-two uHCC pts were included. Median age: 68 years; 77% male; 81% white. Most common etiologies were viral hepatitis (38.9%) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (19.5%). Disease progression was the primary reason for treatment discontinuation, atezo/bev (56%) and durva/treme (42%). Outcomes were not statistically significant (median OS [month, m]: 14.0 vs 14.6 [P = .66]; median TTD [m]: 4.9 vs 3.9 [P = .42] for atezo/bev vs durva/treme). Outcomes were significantly different between Child-Pugh classes (CP: A, B7, B8/9, C) respectively, median OS(m): 19.0, 6.1, 5.1, 2.0 (P < .001); median TTD(m): 6.1, 2.3, 3.0, 1.3 (P < .001). Conclusions In this real-world study of uHCC, no significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed between atezo/bev and durva/treme in the first-line setting. CP scores were a key prognostic variable with both regimens.
Circulating Tumor DNA and Tissue Testing for Pancreatobiliary Tumors
Majeed, Umair , Patel, Jaydeepbhai, Ahmed, Ahmed , Elhariri, Ahmed , Albelal, Douaa , Rao, Nakka Naga Malleswara, Rachamala, Hari Krishnareddy, Mahadevan, Daruka , Ahn, Daniel H. , Halfdanarson, Thor R, Fonkoua, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu , Bekaii-Saab, Tanios S , Mody, Kabir , Babiker, Hani, Nakka, Naga Malleswara Rao , Ahmed, Ahmed K , Mosalem, Osama , Sonbol, Mohamad Bassam , Tran, Nguyen , Kankeu Fonkoua, Lionel A, Majeed, Umair , Mahadevia, Himil , Rao, Nakka Naga Malleswara, Rachamala, Hari Krishnareddy, Mukhopadhyay, Debabrata , Jones, Jeremy C , Borad, Mitesh J. , Tran, Nguyen, Mahipal, Amit , Wee, Wen , McWilliams, Robert R. , Bekaii‐Saab, Tanios

JAMA Network Open | September 12, 2025 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 9 | Pages: e2531373

10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.31373 Get It

Importance The prognosis of advanced pancreaticobiliary tumors is poor. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tissue samples is utilized to identify actionable alterations, but there are occasional limitations due to inadequate tissue acquisition. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an alternative method, but its correlation with tissue-based NGS remains unexplored. Objectives To assess the mutation concordance (mCR) rates between ctDNA and tissue testing for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and to evaluate how ctDNA performs as a treatment response biomarker. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with PDAC and CC treated at academic institutions from January 2014 to January 2025. Patients underwent ctDNA testing using 1 platform and tissue NGS testing using 2 platforms. Main Outcomes and Measures mCR, which measures the shared gene alterations observed by both ctDNA and tissue-based NGS testing, was calculated using the Spearman correlation for PDAC and CC. The performance of ctDNA as a treatment response biomarker was assessed by comparing serial ctDNA data with restaging scans and cancer antigen 19-9 levels in patients with PDAC. Results Our cohort included 790 patients: 570 with advanced PDAC (265 [46.5%] female; median [IQR] age, 64 [33-84] years) and 220 with advanced CC (95 [43.2%] female; median [IQR] age, 66 [42-88] years). Overall, 461 patients with PDAC (80.9%) and 192 patients with CC (87.2%) underwent ctDNA testing, while 239 patients with PDAC (41.9%) and 70 patients with CC (31.8%) had tissue NGS testing. Among patients with PDAC, 85 of 130 patients (65.4%) showed shared specific gene alterations between ctDNA and tissue testing; there was a significant mCR, with a Spearman correlation of 0.47 (95% CI, 0.28-0.62; P < .001). For patients with CC, 32 of 48 (66.7%) had shared alterations between ctDNA and tissue testing; there was a significant mCR, with a Spearman correlation of 0.56 (95% CI, 0.35-0.70; P < .001). A subgroup analysis of patients with PDAC who underwent serial ctDNA testing suggested that new TP53 subclones and increased ctDNA variant allele frequency levels of TP53 and KRAS were associated with higher odds of progressive disease (eg, increased TP53 frequency: odds ratio, 7.28; 95% CI, 2.15-24.66; P = .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of patients with pancreaticobiliary tumors, there was a significant mCR between ctDNA and tissue NGS testing. Additionally, results suggest that ctDNA might detect resistant clones and enable assessment of treatment response.
JAB-3312, a Potent Allosteric SHP2 Inhibitor That Enhances the Efficacy of RTK/RAS/MAPK and PD-1 Blockade Therapies
Kang, Di , Wang, Yanping , Lin, Yiwei , Wee, Wen , Morgensztern, Daniel , Leventakos, Konstantinos , Bi, Chao , Ding, Yuli , Xiong, Jing , Yan, Man , Sun, Xin , Wang, Peng George , Ma, Cunbo , Wang, Yinxiang , Ma, Wen Wee , Wang, Peng , Ding, Yuli

Clinical Cancer Research | May 7, 2025 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 14 | Pages: 3019-3032

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-3691 Get It

Abstract Purpose: Recent advances have seen the development of targeted therapeutics against the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS/MAPK pathway, which, when aberrantly activated, drives the malignant transformation of many cancer indications. However, the efficacy of inhibitors targeting single molecules is dampened by pathway feedback activation and acquired drug resistance. We seek to evaluate the application of JAB-3312 (sitneprotafib), a potent inhibitor of SHP2, in RTK/RAS/MAPK pathway–targeted combination therapies. Furthermore, SHP2 plays a vital role in PD-1–mediated immunosuppression. The rational combination of JAB-3312 with PD-1 blocking therapies is also explored. Experimental Design: Biochemical and cellular assays were applied to evaluate the potency of JAB-3312 in SHP2 inhibition. Tumor cell lines and cell line– and patient-derived xenografts were used to test different combinations of JAB-3312 with KRASG12C, MEK, EGFR, and PD-1 inhibitors. Results: JAB-3312 produced potent in vitro inhibition of SHP2 activity and downstream ERK phosphorylation, with IC50 values of 1.44 nmol/L and 0.68 to 4.84 nmol/L, respectively. When used in combination, JAB-3312 significantly increased the antitumor activity of the KRASG12C inhibitor glecirasib in naïve and resistant models. The combination of JAB-3312 with MEK inhibitors significantly delayed RTK signaling reactivation and enhanced tumor growth inhibition in KRAS-mutated cancer models. The JAB-3312–osimertinib combination exhibited great efficacy in osimertinib-resistant non–small cell lung cancer models. Additionally, JAB-3312 enhanced the efficacy of PD-1 blockade therapies by promoting an antitumor microenvironment. Representative cases of patients who responded to the combination therapies from two ongoing clinical trials (NCT05288205 and NCT04720976) were reported. Conclusions: JAB-3312 in combination with RTK/RAS/MAPK or PD-1 blockade therapies is a promising strategy that warrants further clinical investigation.
Study of ELU001, a C’Dot drug conjugate (CDC) targeting folate receptor α (FRα) overexpressing solid tumors.
Perez, Cesar A. , Hendrickson, Andrea E. Wahner , Orr, Douglas, Rojas‐Espaillat, Luis, Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Reddick, Catherine W., Bayever, Eliel, Wee, Wen , Tolcher, Anthony W. , Murciano‐Goroff, Yonina R. , Anders, Carey K. , Hamilton, Erika , Swisher, Elizabeth M. , Mathews, Cara Amanda , Bashir, Babar , Adams, Gregory Paul

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 17, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: TPS3173-TPS3173

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.tps3173 Get It

TPS3173 Background: ELU001, pasifolate exatecan, is an ultra-small nanoparticle drug conjugate, known as a CDC (~6 nm), designed to target and penetrate into solid tumors. Due to its size, ELU001 exhibits rapid renal elimination which is expected to reduce or eliminate the toxicities associated with many antibody drug conjugates. ELU001 has ~13 folic acid targeting moieties and ~21 cathepsin-B cleavable exatecan topoisomerase-1 inhibitor payloads covalently bound to short polyethylene glycol chains surrounding a silica core, the C’Dot. ELU001 binds to cancer cells expressing FRα and is internalized into the lysosome where it releases the exatecan payload. ELU001’s dose escalation study reported at ESMO Congress 2023 (1), examined weekly, bi-weekly (Q2W), and tri-weekly schedules over a range of doses in 42 patients. The study revealed that ELU001 could be administered safely and identified a dose level and schedule for the Expansion Studies described below. 22 of the patients with ovarian or endometrial cancers had >1 post-baseline scan(s), of these 2 had a PR and 19 had SD by RECIST v1.1 criteria. ELU001 demonstrated activity against tumors across a range of FRα expression levels, from low to high, retrospectively assessed using the VENTANA FOLR1 RxDx assay and the PS2+ scoring system. Methods: The current multicenter, Tumor Group Expansion open-label phase 1/2 clinical trial investigates ELU001 in patients with ovarian and endometrial cancers and is enrolling three cohorts; 1) ovarian cancer with high FRα expression, 2) ovarian cancer with moderate and low expression and 3) endometrial cancer with low to high expression with assessments based upon the PS2+ scoring system (high = ≥ 75%, moderate = ≥ 50% to < 75%, low = 25% to < 50%, negative = <25% of tumor cells with 2+ or 3+ staining intensity). An initial exploratory dose of 2.0 mg/m2 Q2W was employed in all three cohorts and a second dose of 1.7 mg/m2 Q2W will be studied in the ovarian cancer cohorts. Patients will ultimately be randomized to one of two or more doses to optimize dosing for registration. Primary endpoint: Objective Response Rate (ORR); secondary endpoints include DOR, PFS, TFST, PFS2, OS, adverse events, PK, and ADA assessments. Approximately 20 patients per tumor group will be recruited in the U.S. 1. Ann. Oncol. (2023) 34 (suppl_2): S458-S497. Clinical trial information: NCT05001282 .
A first-in-human, phase 1/2a study of GI-102 (CD80-IL2v3) in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors: Initial results from dose escalation.
Lee, Jeeyun , Cho, Byoung Chul , Adjei, Alex A. , Campian, Jian , Zhao, Yujie , Seetharam, ­Mahesh , Yun, Nari, Lee, Woohyung Wayne, Lee, Woo-Sun, Park, Sosun, Seo, Bochan, Kim, Ryunhee, Lee, Jae‐Lyun , Lee, Jung-Yun , Wee, Wen , Shim, Byoung Yong , Park, Sujeong , Lee, Woosun, Kim, Jay, Jang, Myoung Ho , Cho, B

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 13, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 2598-2598

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.2598 Get It

2598 Background: GI-102 (CD80-IL2v3) is a novel immunocytokine designed to direct IL-2v3 to immune cells and tumor cells. IL-2v3 of GI-102 abolished affinity to IL-2Rα minimizing the impact of IL-2 on Treg cells. Preferential targeting of immune cells and further inhibition of CTLA-4 and PD-L1 via CD80 synergize with potent activity of IL-2v3, resulting in robust proliferation and activation of CD8+ T and NK cells. Here we report preliminary safety and efficacy data of GI-102 from a phase 1/2a trial in patients with metastatic solid tumors. Methods: NCT05824975 is an ongoing, dose escalation (3+3 design) and expansion study to evaluate safety, tolerability, PK, PD and anti-tumor activity of GI-102. Each dose level allows to enroll additional 7 patients to fully inform the safety, PK and PD at that dose level. GI-102 was administered intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. Disease was assessed every 6 weeks using RECIST v1.1. Results: As of 12 Jan 2024, 32 patients were treated in dose escalation: 8 at dose level 0.06 mg/kg, 10 at 0.12 mg/kg, 9 at 0.24 mg/kg and 5 at 0.45 mg/kg. Patients had received median of 3 [1-7] prior lines of therapy, including 25.0% (8/32) who had received ≥ 5 lines and 68.8% (22/32) had experienced immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed until the highest dose of 0.45 mg/kg Q3W. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs, ≥ 10%) were pyrexia [43.8%] and chills [34.4%]. 5 patients [15.6%] had ≥ Grade 3 TRAEs and no patient reported TRAEs leading to discontinuation of GI-102. In 23 patients (7 cutaneous melanoma, 4 non-small cell lung cancer, 3 ovarian cancer and others) who had at least 1 post-treatment tumor assessment, objective responses were observed in 17.4% (4/23). In patients with metastatic melanoma who previously experienced ICB, overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) was 42.9% (3/7) and 85.7% (6/7), respectively, including 3 confirmed partial responses (cPR). The median time to response (TTR) was 6 weeks and duration of response (DoR) was 6.0+, 2.4+ and 1.7+ month, respectively. In patients with metastatic ovarian cancer, ORR and DCR were 33.3% (1/3) and 66.7% (2/3), respectively, including 1 cPR [TTR of 6 weeks; DoR 1.9+ month]. Preliminary PK profile showed target-mediated drug disposition with a half-life of ~48 hours. 0.24 mg/kg of GI-102 resulted in a significant expansion of peripheral lymphocytes, CD8+ T cells (effector & memory) and NK cells, by 4.4 [2.1-9.6], 3.9 [2.0–5.7] and 20.4 [9.5–32.6]-fold change from baseline, respectively. There was no meaningful increase in Treg cells. Conclusions: GI-102 was well tolerated up to dose of 0.45 mg/kg Q3W with meaningful monotherapy activity, regardless of previous ICB experience, in patients who failed on standard of care. The dose-escalation is currently ongoing to identify RP2D. Clinical trial information: NCT05824975 .