TPS1137 Background: BriaCell (BC) human immortalized cell lines have been engineered to trigger robust immune responses and deliver efficacy through diverse mechanisms, including adaptive (involving T-cells) and innate responses (dendritic and NK cells). BC can match patients’ HLA antigens for optimal effectiveness. BC works by several mechanisms, including direct antigen presentation and activation of CD4+ T-cells. When combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, the BC regimen has demonstrated clinical benefit in 54 heavily treated MBCs. Most pts whose disease has progressed after checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy showed similar or improved PFS compared to the patient's last treatment regimen. Disease control after prior antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has been observed in 40% of patients, and clinical benefit has been seen in 5/7 patients with untreated intracranial metastases. CD8+ Immuno PET shows an increase in CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes suggesting systemic activation and infiltration into lymphoid organs and metastatic sites. Sequencing of CPI with BC and the latest phase 3 formulation are associated with improved clinical outcomes, including OS (median 13.4 months), PFS, and CBR, which are reflected in the design of this ongoing pivotal registration enabling Phase 3 study [doi:10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs22-p3-07-12]. Methods: Multicenter randomized, open label Bria-IMT regimen (with SV-BR-1-GM cells) plus CPI vs Treatment of Physicians' Choice (TPC) in MBCs with no approved curative therapies available. ECOG <2 allowed with no limit on prior therapies. Eligibility encompasses all MBC subtypes including pts with CNS metastases. Prior immune therapy is allowed if administered more than 21 days before the first cycle of Bria-IMT; treatments within 21 days preclude participation. Initial randomization will be 1:1:1 to the Bria-IMT regimen + CPI (combination), TPC, and the Bria-IMT regimen alone (monotherapy). There will be 100 sites across the US, Canada, and ex-NA for 404 total evaluable pts. The Bria-IMT regimen includes: Day -2 Cyclophosphamide 300mg/m2, Day 0 20 million irradiated SV-BR-1-GM cells intradermally, and 0.1mcg peg α interferon intra-dermally (Day 2 or 3) into each Bria-IMT inoculation site. After the first 150 pts have enrolled, the monotherapy arm will be discontinued. Bria regimen + CPI arms treatment cycles occur q3w. CPI infusion is given every cycle between Day –3 to Day 3 TPC cycle details will be according to the site's SOC. Imaging assessment will be q6w x2 then q8w. The primary endpoint is overall survival with an interim analysis at 144 events targeting a hazard ratio of 0.6. Key secondary endpoints will include PFS, ORR, CBR, CNS event free survival, and TWiST (time without symptoms or toxicities). Safety analysis will be ongoing. Patient-reported outcomes will be incorporated to assess subjective treatment effects. Clinical trial information: NCT06072612 .
SV-BR-1-GM after progression on ADC in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
1087 Background: Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sequencing raises concerns of cross-resistance due to their shared targets and cytotoxic payloads. Consequently, treatments after ADCs in heavily pretreated MBC is uncertain. SV-BR-1-GM, a GM-CSF secreting, antigen-presenting immortalized breast cancer cell line, has emerged as a post ADC solution (1) based on a different MOA. We now report the results of SV-BR-1-GM in ADC treated patients. Methods: Post-hoc analysis of an ongoing randomized Phase 2 censored to the data-cut date prior to data lock. Bria-IMT (~20x106 SV-BR-1-GM cells, intradermally 48-72 hours after ctx (300 mg/m2), followed by interferon-alpha 2 days later) administered q3wks with a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI). Adverse events were classified according to their severity and relationship to treatment regimen. Results: Among 54 advanced MBC patients randomized, 23 who failed prior ADC therapy were identified. All were heavily pretreated (median 6 prior lines, range 3 – 13). Median age 62 (41-83). 14 pts had HR+/HER2-, 5 TNBC, and 2 HR+/HER2+ MBC. The remaining were HR-/HER2+ or HR-/HER2 low. 8 pts received > 1 ADC. Prior ADCs included: 4 ado-trastuzumab emtansine, 14 trastuzumab deruxtecan, 13 sacituzumab govitecan. 7 pts had also received ≥ 1 prior CPI line. To date, pts received a median 3 cycles of Bria-IMT™ + CPI (2-8). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median OS of 42 weeks with survival of 69% at 6 months. The subset experienced a median PFS of 74 days with 40% of pts demonstrating a Bria-IMT PFS (PFS2) similar to or > their prior line PFS (PFS1). 39% of pts experienced a PFS2 ≥ their most recent line of ADC PFS. The disease control rate was 40% among evaluable pts. 43% of pts had a reduction in cancer-associated macrophage-like cell (CAML) levels; median reduction was 36% (22-98%) after 1 cycle. There were no toxicity-related treatment discontinuations. 43% (10/23) reported grade 3 or 4 AEs, independent of study drug causality. AEs included injection site reaction (39%), fatigue (26%), and nausea/vomiting (43%), mostly mild to moderate. One case of elevated lipase was the most clinically significant grade 4 AE. No interstitial lung disease (ILD) was reported. Conclusions: This subset analysis of the Bria-IMT regimen in ADC refractory MBC patients suggests a potential clinical benefit and treatment option for this patient population. The absence of serious AEs, notably interstitial lung disease (ILD), and no toxicity-related treatment discontinuations, underscores the regimen's favorable safety profile. Future studies are warranted to confirm these results and explore the potential of Bria-IMT™ in broad clinical settings of heavily pretreated contemporary MBC patients. 1. Kamaraju 2024 AACR. Clinical trial information: NCT03328026 .
Outcomes of advanced/metastatic breast cancer (aMBC) treated with BRIA-IMT, an allogeneic whole cell immunotherapy.
1022 Background: The Bria-IMT regimen is a combination immunotherapy using an allogeneic whole cell cancer vaccine combined with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Intradermally administered irradiated SV-BR-1-GM breast cancer cells secrete GM-CSF and present tumor associated antigens (TAAs) on HLA-I and –II molecules to directly stimulate anti-tumor immunity. Anti-PD1 CPI further stimulates T-cells and synergizes with SV-BR-1-GM. Here we report the results of the phase 1/2 trial (NCT03328026) of Bria-IMT in metastatic/advanced breast cancer evaluating sequencing of SV-BR-1-GM inoculation and CPI. Methods: Analysis of the phase 1 with expansion phase 2 cohort randomized by sequence using SV-BR-1-GM, checkpoint inhibitor (pembrolizumab or retifanlimab), low dose cyclophosphamide (Day –2) and post-dose local pegylated interferon α, with cycles every 3 weeks. In the 1:1 randomized cohort, CPI is either dosed at C1 prior to SV-BR-1-GM (original sequence) or delayed to C2 post-SV-BR-1-GM (alternative sequence). Cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were monitored as biomarkers. Results: A total of 54 patients were dosed: 11 with pembrolizumab, 44 with retifanlimab (1 patient received pembrolizumab and later retifanlimab). Median age=61 (38-81); Median prior regimen=6 (2-13); 72% ER+/PR+/HER2-; 6% HER2+ and 22% triple negative. Bria-IMT regimen was well tolerated with only 9% drop-out rate due to AE. AEs related to IPs were seen in 74% of patients; the majority (91%) being grade 1-2, and few (1.7%) grade 4 cases including pulmonary embolism, dehydration and increased lipase. Among 30 patients with post-dose CAML/CTC data and evaluable outcome, CAML count <5 associates with disease control (p=0.06, Chi square test). Patients who developed DTH to SV-BR-1-GM had significantly better PFS and higher OS. Patients treated with phase III formulation had an increase in PFS. Quality of life improvement correlates with disease outcome and survival. Among the patients treated with the phase III formulation of SV-BR-1-GM (n=23 with evaluable outcomes), objective response rate (ORR) is 13% and disease control rate (DCR) is 61%, with median PFS and OS are 4.1 and 13.3 months, respectively. In the randomized portion, the original sequence cohort had higher DCR (43% vs 36%) and OS (P=0.08, HR 0.30, 95%CI 0.08-1.17) compared to the alternative sequence cohort. Conclusions: BRIA-IMT has shown a favorable safety profile while providing benefits to heavily treated aMBC patients. Superior outcomes and survival were seen in patients treated with the phase III formulation and regimen now being used in the ongoing Ph3 trial, confirming the improvement in efficacy of the novel regimen. The results from this randomized phase 2 study informed the study design of the ongoing Ph3 trial comparing BRIA-IMT to standard of care physician choice treatments (NCT06072612). Clinical trial information: NCT03328026 .
Abstract PO3-05-12: Randomized Phase 2 of Bria-IMT, an Allogenic Human Cell Line with Antigen Presenting Activity, in Heavily Pretreated Metastatic Breast Cancer
Abstract Introduction Despite progress in MBC, too many continue to succumb due to treatment resistance or intolerance. SV-BR-1-GM is an allogenic human breast cancer cell line with antigen presenting cell activity designed to overcome the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment while being acceptable to extensively pretreated contemporary MBC patients. We report interim exploratory analysis of the ongoing RCT of the Bria-IMT regimens. Methods An interim exploratory analysis using preliminary partially available evaluable data of the ongoing prospective, randomized phase 2 (NCT03328026; 2018-present) of Bria-IMT (irradiated SV-BR-1-GM) with a PD-1check point inhibitor (CPI) every 3 weeks (25 patients dosed to date). Both regimens include cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 48-72 hours prior to intradermal Bria-IMT (~20 x 106 cells) followed by interferon-alpha at the inoculation sites 2 days later. The control arm used the original sequence with simultaneous start of Bria-IMT and CPI in cycle 1. The experimental arm started CPI in cycle 2 after the 2nd inoculation. Candida skin test was performed before cycle 1 to determine anergy status while delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test (DTH), defined as >5mm erythema & induration, was done at every cycle by intradermal injection of a small test dose of Bria-IMT prior to full dose inoculation. Results Median age: 58 (range 37-81); median prior therapies: 8 lines (range 4-18); 89% were grade 2/3 (n=18); 68% hormone receptor positive; 61% HER2 negative, 33% HER2 low, and 6% HER2 high; 33% triple negative. Overall, 53% of subjects had a clinical benefit as best response by BICR, PI or target lesion measurement. The two treatment arms were similar with a trend showing longer median durations on therapy (mDOT) of 3.7 mo in the experimental delayed CPI arm compared with mDOT = 2.9 for original sequence control arm. 47% of patients were anergic to candida. Among all anergic subjects, the mDOT was 3.5 compared to 2.5 mo for non-anergic patients. However, among anergic subjects, the alternative treatment arm had a lower risk of treatment discontinuation (improved HR) with mDOT of 3.7 compared to the 3.3 mo mDOT of the original treatment. 50% of anergic subjects eventually developed DTH to SV-BR-1-GM. mDOT was 4.0 mo for DTH+ pts vs 3.0 mo for those who did not mount DTH. Median OS was not yet reached; mean OS was higher in non-anergic vs anergic pts. Among those who developed an inoculation site reaction to Bria-IMT, OS was greater than for those who did not. Time on the Bria-IMT regimen exceeded the time on penultimate treatment in 22% of subjects while 33% of subjects with prior CPI use exceeded last therapy. AEs were mild with 28% of subjects (n=7) having > grade 3 events. The most common grade 3+ AE was lipase increase (n=3). One subject with encouraging changes in peripheral blood tumor markers and CTCs completed a PET study using Zr-89 crefmirlimab berdoxam, a zirconium-89 labelled truncated antibody specific to human CD8α (CD8 Immuno-PET) and demonstrated increased uptake in some metastatic lesions and draining lymph nodes. Updated results will be provided at the meeting. Conclusion Sequencing of CPI with Bria-IMT is associated with differential clinical outcome trends but not statistically significant in this interim preliminary exploratory analysis regardless of prior CPI use. Bria-IMT is immunogenic with clinical benefit demonstrated for both treatment schedules among patients with inducible DTH reactions. Patients who develop an immune response to Bria-IMT had an increase in OS compared to those who did not. The nodal localization of CD8+ cells on PET may indicate a systemic activation of CD8 positive lymphoid cells. It also provides support that the Bria-IMT + CPI combination immune-based therapy can result in an increase of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer metastatic sites. These preliminary results will be evaluated in the ongoing randomized phase 3 pivotal registrational trial. Citation Format: Carmen Calfa, Chaitali Nangia, Minal Barve, John Knecht, Jarrod Holmes, Kendrith Roland, Ralph Boccia, Frances Valdes-Albini, Zach Gostout, Mingjin Chang, William Williams, Charles Wiseman, Bonnie Guerin, Shaker Dakhil, Giuseppe Del Priore, Saranya Chumsri. Randomized Phase 2 of Bria-IMT, an Allogenic Human Cell Line with Antigen Presenting Activity, in Heavily Pretreated Metastatic Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-05-12.
Abstract CT206: Efficacy and safety of SV-BR-1-GM after progression on ADC in metastatic breast cancer patients
Abstract Background: Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sequencing raises concerns of cross-resistance due to their shared cytotoxic payloads. Consequently, there is a pressing need for treatments after ADCs, especially in heavily pretreated patients. Immunization with irradiated SV-BR-1-GM, a GM-CSF secreting, antigen-presenting immortalized breast cancer cell line, has emerged as a potential post ADC solution based on a different mechanism of action. This retrospective analysis aims to assess the overall efficacy and safety of SV-BR-1-GM in a subset of ADC treated patients. Methods: Post-hoc subset analysis of the ongoing randomized Phase 2 study identified 23 advanced MBC patients who failed prior ADC therapy. Bria-IMT™ (irradiated SV-BR-1-GM ~20x106 cells, intradermally 48-72 hours after cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2), followed by interferon-alpha at the inoculation sites 2 days later) was administered q3wks with a CPI. Endpoints included PFS, OS and disease control rate (the proportion of patients with stable disease, partial or complete responses) using the KM method censored to the data-cut date prior to data lock. Adverse events were classified according to their severity and relationship to treatment regimen. Results: All pts were heavily pretreated (median 6 prior lines, range 3 - 13). Median age was 62 (41-83). 14 pts had HR+/HER2-, 5 TNBC, and 2 HR+/HER2+ MBC. The remaining pts were HR-/HER2low or HR-/HER2+. Prior ADCs included: 4 ado-trastuzumab emtansine, 14 trastuzumab deruxtecan, 13 sacituzumab govitecan; 8 pts received > 1 ADC. 7 pts had also received ≥ 1 prior CPI line. To date, pts received a median 3 cycles of Bria-IMT™ + CPI (2-7). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median OS of 42 weeks with survival of 69% at 6 months. The subset experienced a median PFS of 74 days with 40% of pts demonstrating a Bria-IMT PFS (PFS2) similar to or > their prior line PFS (PFS1). 39% of pts experienced a PFS2 ≥ their most recent line of ADC PFS. The disease control rate was 40% among evaluable pts. 43% of pts had a reduction in cancer-associated macrophage-like cell (CAML) levels; median reduction was 36% (22-98%) after 1 cycle. There were no toxicity-related treatment discontinuations. 43% (10/23) reported grade 3 or 4 AEs, independent of study drug causality. No interstitial lung disease (ILD) reported. AEs included injection site reaction (39%), fatigue (26%), and nausea/vomiting (43%), mostly mild to moderate. One case of elevated lipase was the most clinically significant grade 4 AE. Conclusion: The retrospective analysis of the Bria-IMT™ regimen in ADC refractory MBC patients suggests a potential treatment option for this patient population. The absence of serious AEs, notably ILD, and no toxicity-related treatment discontinuations, underscores the regimen's favorable safety profile. Future studies are warranted to confirm these results and explore the potential of Bria-IMT™ in broader clinical settings. Citation Format: Chaitali Nangia, Carmen Calfa, Blaise Bayer, Mingjin Chang, William Williams, Giuseppe Del Priore, Charles Wiseman, Saranya Chumsri. Efficacy and safety of SV-BR-1-GM after progression on ADC in metastatic breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT206.
Abstract 2303: Identifying and stratifying circulating tumor cell cluster subtypes in metastatic breast cancer patients and evaluating their clinical outcomes
Abstract Background: Circulating tumor cell clusters (CTCCs) are aggregated groups of tumor cells that detached from primary tumors and circulate the bloodstream. However, while Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are a well studied phenomenon, CTCCs remain relatively unexplored and ill-defined, with only a few descriptive investigations evaluating their clinical utility. Adding to CTCC complexity is that various subtypes exist, including homotypic clusters consisting of a homogenous population of tumor cells and heterotypic CTCCs made of CTCs with immune/stromal white blood cells (WBCs). Furthermore, CTCs can undergo Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a process characterized by loss of epithelial traits and upregulation of mesenchymal traits, and can form clustered EMTs (CEMTs). Moreover, CTCs can fuse with macrophages forming Tumor Macrophage Hybrid Cells, aka Cancer-Associated Macrophage Like cells (CAMLs) when in circulation. We enumerated all these types of cells and complex aggregates in the peripheral blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Methods: We enumerated the 6 populations from patient samples enrolled in IRB aproved prospective pilot studies. Whole peripheral blood (7.5mL) was filtered and stained with cytokeratin (CK) & CD45/CD14 to identify CTCs. CTCs were defined as an intact DAPI nuclei and strong filamentous CK. Homotypic CTCCs were defined as ≥2 CTCs attached together. Heterotypic CTCCs were defined as ≥1 CTC attached to ≥1 WBC. EMTs were defined as having DAPI nuclei and weak non-filamentous CK. CEMTS were defined as ≥2 EMTs. CAMLs were defined as having an enlarged polynucleated DAPI, and positive for CD45/CD14 or non-filamentous CK. Median progression free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) over 24 months (m) were evaluated. Results: We evaluated the blood of 79 mBC patients. Single CTCs were found in 57% of patients (n=34/79), homotypic CTCCs 15% (n=12/79), heterotypic CTCCs 66% (n=27/79), EMTs 56% (n=44/79), CEMTs 23% (n=18/79) and CAMLs 97% (n=77/79). Over 24 ms, patierns with detectable heterotypic CTCCs & homotypic CTCCs had the shortest response times at mPFS=2.8 & mOS=5.8 ms, or mPFS=2.1 & mOS=4.3 ms, respectively. This was followed by CTCs mPFS=3.7 & mOS=13.7 ms, EMTs mPFS=4.3 & mOS=14.4 ms, CAMLs mPFS=4.3 & mOS=14.4 ms, and CEMT mPFS=4.7 & mOS=13.2 ms. Additionally, CTCCs were rare in HER2+ patients at 4.4% (n=1/23), but no associations to other hormone statuses were found. Conclusion: CTCCs appear to represent an array of subtypes with different biological and clinical meanings. Here we enumerated CTCC subtypes in the blood of mBC patients and stratified the various types to clinical outcomes. These data suggest CTCCs are clinically important and further understanding of their biology in the context of tumor pathogenesis is needed. Citation Format: Daniel L. Adams, Carolina Reduzzi, Aravind Aryasomayajula, R. Katherine Alpaugh, Saranya Chumsri, Cha-Mei Tang, Giuseppe Del Priore, William V. Williams, Massimo Cristofanilli. Identifying and stratifying circulating tumor cell cluster subtypes in metastatic breast cancer patients and evaluating their clinical outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2303.
Abstract 2310: Tumor macrophage fusion cells detected in the circulation of metastatic breast cancer patients is prognostic for rapid progression and death
Abstract Background: Recently, it was described that macrophages and tumor cells can fuse to form tumor macrophage fusion cells (TMFs) which are detectable within primary tumors and patient’s (pts) circulation. However, there are multiple pathways and subsequent subtypes of TMFs, with limited data on the various TMF types, commonality in blood, and clinical relevance. Here we evaluated n=120 metastatic breast cancer (mBC) blood samples for CTCs & TMFs. We describe numerous types of TMFs with vastly different fusion phenotypes, including partial (i.e. some membrane interaction & both cells retaining their original phenotypes), homodimeric (i.e. both cells with fused membranes & sharing cytoplasm), cannibalistic (i.e. CTC within a CD14+ macrophage & cells retaining their individual phenotypes), binucleated (i.e. both cells completely merge & becoming one cell with dual expression phenotypes), and hyperploidy (i.e. multiple cells merge to form a large polyploid cell). As CTCs & TMFs are isolated in conjunction from a single blood sample, we evaluated both CTCs & all TMF subtypes to determine their prognostic and predictive values for aggressiveness of disease. Methods: We categorized and enumerated the 5 forms of TMFs from a prospective pilot study using n=120 mBC pts that were starting new lines of treatment. Whole peripheral blood (7.5mL) was procured, filtered and stained using cytokeratin & CD45/CD14 to identify CTCs & TMFs. We compared the presence of the various types of TMFs & CTCs to pt’s progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) hazard ratios (HRs), analyzed by censored univariate analysis based on RECIST v1.1 over 24 months. Results: CTCs were found in 39% (n=47/120), with partial fusion TMFs in 26% (n=31/120), homodimeric 2% (n=2/120), cannibalistic 0% (n=0/120), binucleated 2% (n=2/120), hyperploidy 93% (n=113/120). Presence of CTCs alone, binucleated, or hyperploidy TMFs were not prognostic for PFS (p=0.0988, p=0.4120, & p=0.7615 respectively), or OS (p=0.2015, p=0.0845, p=0.1121 respectively). However, TMFs with partial or homodimeric fusion were prognostic for worse PFS (HR=2.2, p=0.0063 and HR=6.0, p=0.0305, respectively) and for worse OS (HR=2.8, p=0.0037 and HR=8.8, p=0.0271, respectively). Furthermore, combining pts with any TMFs into one group, minus hyperploidy, was highly significant for worse PFS (HR=2.9, 95%CI 1.7-5.0, p=0.0002) and worse OS (HR=3.8, 95%CI 2.0-7.5, p=0.0002), though certain subtypes of hyperploidy were also indicative of worse outcomes. Conclusion: The study of TMFs is relativity limited and their existence is new in oncology. Here we detected and described TMFs in the blood of mBC pts while demonstrating an association with poor clinical outcomes. These data suggest TMF involvement in the pathogenic cascade of cancer and further understanding of their biology may be important in the study of tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Daniel L. Adams, R. Katherine Alpaugh, Rena G. Lapidus, Saranya Chumsri, Carolina Reduzzi, Kirby P. Gardner, Cha-Mei Tang, Giuseppe Del Priore, William V. Williams, Massimo Cristofanilli. Tumor macrophage fusion cells detected in the circulation of metastatic breast cancer patients is prognostic for rapid progression and death [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2310.
Sequential monitoring of tumor macrophage fusion cells in the circulation of metastatic breast cancer and their prognostic value.
3054 Background: Tumor Macrophage Fusion Cells (TMFCs) are hybrids fusions of tumor cells and macrophage/immune cells that have recently been documented in advanced solid tumors, such as metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC). Further, TMFCs are found in the blood of patients (pts) as a CD45+/CD14+ binucleated subtype of standard circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are Cytokeratin+ (CK+) & CD45 negative, but distinct from highly hyperploidy cells known as cancer associated macrophage-like cells. However, no study has explored the clinical meaning of TMFCs in blood. To better elucidate the clinical meaning of TMFCs, we prospectively pooled 137 mBC pt samples prior to induction of new therapy, ie baseline (BL), and after therapy induction (FU). Both TMFCs or standard CTCs were identified and enumerated to analyze their prognostic value for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods: In this prospective study, we collected 7.5 mL blood samples from n=137 mBC pts enrolled in prospective trials from multiple institutions before starting new treatment lines for newly progressive mBC. If possible, an optional FU sample was collected (n=73) after BL (median=4.9 weeks). TMFCs & CTCs were isolated using a CellSieve microfilter and differentiated by staining for CK, CD45, CD14, and DAPI. Cox proportional regression hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for PFS & OS by univariate & multivariate analyses were based on RECIST v1.1, determined by local institutional pathologist over 24 months (M). Results: TMFCs were detected in 26.3% (n=36/137) at BL and associated with significantly worse PFS (HR=3.3, CI 1.9-5.7, p<0.001) & OS (HR=2.7, CI 1.4-5.1, p=0.005). TMFCs were also detected in 27.4% (n=20/73) at FU (n=73) and prognostic for PFS (HR=5.2, CI 2.3-11.9, p<0.001) & OS (HR=5.1, 1.8-14.2, p=0.004). Further, pts with increases in TMFCs between BL and FU had worse PFS (HR=4.3, CI 1.9-10.1, p=0.001) & OS (HR=4.5, CI 1.6-12.7, p=0.011). In contrast, pts with CTCs were found in 39.4% (n=54/137) at BL, which were prognostic for worse PFS (HR=2.0, CI 1.3-3.2, p=0.005) and not prognostic for OS (HR=1.7, CI 0.9-3.0, p=0.103). At FU, pts with CTCs were found in 38.4% (n=28/73), which were prognostic for worse PFS (HR=3.6, CI 1.8-7.3, p=0.001) & OS (HR=3.2, CI 1.3-8.0, p=0.021). Overall at BL, pts without CTCs or TMFCs had a 5.7 M mPFS & >24M mOS, CTCs alone had a 5.0 M mPFS & 20.3 M mOS, TMFCs had 2.0 M mPFS & 5.8 M mOS. At FU, pts without CTCs or TMFCs had a 5.8 M mPFS & 14.5 M mOS, CTCs alone had a 3.3 M mPFS & 14.6 M mOS, while TMFCs pts had a 1.7 M mPFS & 4.8 M mOS. Conclusions: TMFCs appear to represent a CTC subgroup with additional prognostic value to standard CTCs, that may correlate with significantly faster PFS and OS versus pts with CTCs alone, or without CTCs. Subtyping treatment regimens is ongoing to determine if the TMFC populations are responsive to specific therapy types in these mBC pts.
Correlation of micronuclei formation in circulating stromal cells with their PD-L1 expression and predicts for poorer clinical outcomes in metastatic breast cancer.
e14548 Background: Micronuclei (MN) are small, excised DNA fragments resulting from biological DNA repair mechanisms in response to internal chromosomal instability, such as those caused by genotoxic events (i.e. chemotherapy and radiation), and whose formation in tumor stromal cells in blood circulation is prognostic for worse clinical outcomes (Fenech 2020). Further, mutagenic events occurring during the formation of MN are associated with the development of cancer neoantigens, which are a major element in the programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) pathway that influences response to immunotherapies. We hypothesized that MN can be detected in metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients (pts) within circulating stromal cells (CStCs) that prognosticates for clinical outcomes and may associate with PD-L1 cell expression. Methods: We initiated a prospective pilot study using a compiled set of n=124 mBC samples, from multiple institutions, enrolled prior to starting new lines of treatment for progressive mBC. We enumerated MN formation found in CStCs from whole peripheral blood (7.5mL), filtered for CStCs, then stained for PD-L1 and DAPI. DAPI was used to identify MN, defined by small (<3 µm) DAPI+ circular formations within the cytoplasm, separate from primary nuclei. In conjunction, all cells were stained with PD-L1 with expression normalized to background and evaluated against MN by T-test analysis. MN presence was compared to all available clinical variables, including induction of PD-L1 immunotherapy. Pts’ progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) hazard ratios (HRs) were analyzed by censored univariate and multivariate analyses based on RECIST v1.1 over 24 months. Results: MN were identified in 56% (n=70/124) of CStCs and their presence was significantly prognostic for worse PFS (HR=2.4, CI= 1.53-3.76, p<0.001) & OS (HR= 1.89 CI=1.07-3.34, p=0.039) over 24 months. Overall, mPFS of pts with MN was 2.8 months and without MN was 12.1 months. The mOS of pts with MN was 12.7 months and without MN was 20.8 months. Additionally, MN positive CStCs had a significantly higher PD-L1 expression than MN negative CStCs (p<0.001), with 67% of MN positive pts (n=46/66) having high PD-L1 expression while 30% of MN positive pts (n=20/66) having low PD-L1. Further, evaluation of PD-L1 in CStCs showed a linear relationship (R=0.9806) between MN number and PD-L1 in cells, with 0 MN average=0.016, 1 MN=0.200, 2 MN=0.318, and ≥3 MN=0.400. Conclusions: These initial findings suggest that MN are detected in pts with advanced mBC and may identify pts with faster progression and worse survival outcomes. Further, the number of MN in CStCs appears to correlate with higher PD-L1 expression within cells. Follow up clinical information and subtyping studies are ongoing to also evaluate of the effect of MN positive CStCs on PD-L1 immunotherapies in these pts.
Abstract CT143: Whole cell antigen presenting immune stimulating cells (Bria-IMT) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Abstract Background: Bria-IMT (SV-BR-1-GM) is an off-the-shelf whole tumor cell therapeutic vaccine engineered to express class I & class II HLAs, secrete GM-CSF, and function as antigen-presenting cells; with subsequent enhancements improving in-vitro characteristics. By expressing cancer antigens such as HER2/Neu and PRAME, SV-BR-1-GM also serves as the reservoir of cancer antigens to activates patient’s anti-tumor immune responses. The safety and efficacy of the ongoing clinical trial of SV-BR-1-GM in combination with a PD1 inhibitor are reported. We also report post-hoc exploratory data for patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer (aMBC) treated with SV-BR-1-GM regimens. Methods: Ongoing prospective, phase 1-2, with an expansion randomized phase 2 cohort (NCT03328026; 2018-present) using SV-BR-1-GM with a PD1 inhibitor (pembrolizumab or retifanlimab) with cycles every 3 weeks (16 patients dosed to date). SV-BR-1-GM “monotherapy” (NCT03066947; 2013-8), a completed prospective phase 1-2 results are also presented. Results: A total of 51 patients received any SV-BR-1-GM regimen; 27 in monotherapy (SV) and 24 in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor (CO) currently ongoing: 4 subjects from SV continued on with CO. Median prior regimens = 5; 61% ER or PR+; 6% ER or PR-/HER2+ and 29% triple negative. SV-BR-1-GM was well tolerated. Disease control rate was 40% with SV and 41% with CO in subjects with available assessment(s). Median PFS was 2.7 months with 6 having PFS >150 days (150-226) for SV and 2.6 months with 5 > 150 days (188-308) for CO. Per protocol, 23 patients had anergy testing prior to treatment. Among those with a normal immunologic response (n=13, 56%), disease outcomes included 4 SD and 2 PR (46% CBR) vs anergic patients (n=7, 30%) with 1 SD (14% CBR); 3 patients (13%) with unknown anergy testing had 0% CBR. All 7 anergic patients developed delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) injection site responses to SV-BR-1-GM. Subjects with DTH (injection site induration/erythema) had a significant reduction in the risk of progression or death (HR=0.096, 95%CI:0.02-0.50, p<0.05). Subjects with a reduction in circulating tumor cells (CTC) also had an improvement in PFS (HR 0.08, p=.0012). Median OS (uncensored) was 11.2 months in CO (n = 8). 7 out of 20 (35%) for SV and 9 out of 22 subjects (41%) for CO with available data, exceeded prior PFS. Among HLA matched subjects 4/7 (57%) and 6/9 (67%), respectively, had an increase in PFS. PFS ratio improved independent of prior number of lines, HER2 or HR status. The greatest improvement in PFS on a SV-BR-1-GM was in a HLA matched subject (>6mo). TEAEs occurred in 20/24 (83%) of subjects in CO including 9/24 (38%) with injection site AEs. There were no AEs of special interest eg cytokine storm. There were no Grade 5 and only 6 grade 4 AEs in CO. Conclusions: In an ongoing randomized phase 2, anergic patients had worse outcomes. SV-BR-1-GM was able to illicit an immune response regardless. Responses, stable disease and CBR were seen and associated with immune responses including injection site erythema/induration (DTH), CTC changes and tumor grade I/II. Patients with disease control had better quality of life. SV-BR-1-GM may be able to alter an anergic immune system for clinical benefit. Future pivotal trials will be based upon the ongoing confirmatory randomized clinical trial. Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Minal Barve, Chaitali Nangia, Bonnie L. Guerin, Jarrod Holmes, Karim Mohammed, John Knecht, Shaker Dakhil, William V. Williams, Charles Wiseman, Mingjin Chang, Miguel Lopez-Lago, John G. Knecht, Kendrith Rowland, Ralph V. Boccia, Giuseppe Del Priore, Carmen Calfa. Whole cell antigen presenting immune stimulating cells (Bria-IMT) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT143.