Abstract Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare, aggressive lung tumor marked by significant molecular heterogeneity. In a study of 590 patients across two independent cohorts, we observed comparable overall survival across treatment regimens (chemotherapy, chemoimmunotherapy, immunotherapy) without unexpected adverse events. Genomic analysis identified distinct NSCLC-like (KEAP1, KRAS, STK11 mutations) and SCLC-like (RB1, TP53 mutations) LCNEC subtypes, with 80% aligning with SCLC transcriptional profiles. Serial sampling revealed stable mutational but shifting transcriptomic landscapes over time. NSCLC-like LCNECs showed elevated FGL-1 (a LAG-3 ligand) and SPINK1 expression, while SCLC-like subtypes expressed higher levels of DLL3. Immunofluorescence confirmed FGL-1 in NSCLC-like LCNECs, and H&E slide analyses indicated fewer tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in LCNECs versus other lung cancers. These findings highlight LCNEC’s distinct immunogenomic profile, supporting future investigations into LAG-3, SPINK1, and DLL3-targeted therapies.
Telisotuzumab Vedotin Monotherapy in Patients With Previously Treated c-Met Protein–Overexpressing Advanced Nonsquamous
EGFR
-Wildtype Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Phase II LUMINOSITY Trial
PURPOSE Telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V) is a c-Met–directed antibody-drug conjugate with a monomethyl auristatin E cytotoxic payload. The phase II LUMINOSITY trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03539536 ) aimed to identify the optimal c-Met protein–overexpressing non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) population for treatment with Teliso-V (stage I) and expand the selected group for efficacy evaluation (stage II). Stage II enrolled patients with nonsquamous epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR )-wildtype NSCLC. METHODS Eligible patients had locally advanced/metastatic c-Met protein–overexpressing NSCLC and ≤2 previous lines of therapy (including ≤1 line of systemic chemotherapy). c-Met protein overexpression in nonsquamous EGFR -wildtype NSCLC was defined as ≥25% tumor cells with 3+ staining (high [≥50% 3+]; intermediate [≥25%–<50%]). Teliso-V was administered at 1.9 mg/kg once every 2 weeks. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR) by independent central review. RESULTS In total, 172 patients with nonsquamous EGFR -wildtype NSCLC received Teliso-V in stages I and II. ORR was 28.6% (95% CI, 21.7 to 36.2; c-Met high, 34.6% [95% CI, 24.2 to 46.2]; c-Met intermediate, 22.9% [95% CI, 14.4 to 33.4]). The median duration of response was 8.3 months (95% CI, 5.6 to 11.3; c-Met high, 9.0 [95% CI, 4.2 to 13.0]; c-Met intermediate: 7.2 [95% CI, 5.3 to 11.5]). The median overall survival was 14.5 months (95% CI, 9.9 to 16.6; c-Met high, 14.6 [95% CI, 9.2 to 25.6]; c-Met intermediate, 14.2 [95% CI, 9.6 to 16.6]). The median progression-free survival was 5.7 months (95% CI, 4.6 to 6.9; c-Met high, 5.5 [95% CI, 4.1 to 8.3]; c-Met intermediate: 6.0 [95% CI, 4.5 to 8.1]). Most common any-grade treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were peripheral sensory neuropathy (30%), peripheral edema (16%), and fatigue (14%); the most common grade ≥3 AE was peripheral sensory neuropathy (7%). CONCLUSION Teliso-V was associated with durable responses in c-Met protein–overexpressing nonsquamous EGFR -wildtype NSCLC, especially in those with high c-Met. AEs were generally manageable.
A phase 2 study of VS-6766 (RAF/MEK clamp) RAMP 202, as a single agent and in combination with defactinib (FAK inhibitor) in recurrent KRAS mutant (mt) and BRAF mt non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
TPS9147 Background: KRAS is mutated (mt) in 25% of NSCLC adenocarcinoma, with KRAS G12V and G12C mt occurring in ̃7% and ̃13% of patients (pts), respectively. Whereas G12C inhibitors have demonstrated promising activity in pts with KRAS G12C NSCLC, KRAS G12V NSCLC remains an unmet need. BRAF mt occurs in ̃4% of NSCLC with roughly equal split between BRAF V600E and non-V600E. VS-6766 is a small molecule RAF/MEK clamp that inhibits BRAF, CRAF and MEK, enabling VS-6766 to block MEK signaling without compensatory activation of MEK observed with MEK-only inhibitors. VS-6766 potently inhibits proliferation of KRAS and BRAF mt cell lines. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation is a putative resistance mechanism to RAF and MEK inhibition, and defactinib, a small molecule FAKi, has shown synergistic anti-tumor activity with VS-6766 in KRAS mt NSCLC models. In a KRAS G12V mt NSCLC mouse model, which was shown to be especially dependent on CRAF, VS-6766 induced strong tumor regressions both as monotherapy and in combination with FAKi (Coma AACR 2021). Clinically, VS-6766 monotherapy has shown responses in KRAS mt NSCLC including pts with KRAS G12V and in pts with BRAF V600E solid tumors (Guo 2020; Martinez-Garcia 2012). The combination of VS-6766 + defactinib is currently being evaluated in the Investigator Sponsored FRAME study. In an updated analysis of response in 20 pts with KRAS mt NSCLC, there were 2 confirmed PRs, 1 unconfirmed PR and 10 SDs (ORR = 15%; DCR = 65%) with 7/20 pts remaining on treatment for ≥24 weeks. The 2 pts with KRAS G12V NSCLC both had confirmed PRs (ORR = 100%). This combination regimen exhibited a manageable safety profile with no NSCLC pts discontinuing for adverse events (Krebs AACR 2021). Methods: This is an international phase 2, adaptive, multicenter, randomized, open label study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VS-6766 vs. VS-6766 + defactinib in pts with recurrent KRAS or BRAF mt NSCLC (NCT04620330). Part A will determine the optimal regimen, either VS-6766 monotherapy or VS-6766 + defactinib based on pts with KRAS G12V. Part A will consist of 5 NSCLC arms: Arm 1 VS-6766 monotherapy in KRAS G12V, Arm 2 VS-6766 + defactinib in KRAS G12V, Arm 3 the combination in KRAS non-G12V, Arm 4 the combination in BRAF V600E and Arm 5 the combination in BRAF non-V600E. Part B will determine the efficacy of the optimal regimen identified in Part A. Pts must have histologic or cytologic evidence of NSCLC, measurable disease according to RECIST V1.1, known KRAS or BRAF mt and at least 1 prior systemic therapy (appropriate therapy for activating mutation and/or platinum-based therapy). Part A will enroll 102 pts Arms 1 and 2 (KRAS G12V), and Arms 4 and 5 (BRAF V600E and non-V600E) are currently open. Arm 3 (KRAS non-G12V) enrollment is completed. The total number of pts in Part B will be determined by results from Part A. Clinical trial information: NCT04620330.
Brain metastases: A Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) consensus review on current management and future directions
Abstract Brain metastases occur commonly in patients with advanced solid malignancies. Yet, less is known about brain metastases than cancer-related entities of similar incidence. Advances in oncologic care have heightened the importance of intracranial management. Here, in this consensus review supported by the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), we review the landscape of brain metastases with particular attention to management approaches and ongoing efforts with potential to shape future paradigms of care. Each coauthor carried an area of expertise within the field of brain metastases and initially composed, edited, or reviewed their specific subsection of interest. After each subsection was accordingly written, multiple drafts of the manuscript were circulated to the entire list of authors for group discussion and feedback. The hope is that the these consensus guidelines will accelerate progress in the understanding and management of patients with brain metastases, and highlight key areas in need of further exploration that will lead to dedicated trials and other research investigations designed to advance the field.
Duration of pemetrexed maintenance therapy with or without pembrolizumab is associated with risk of renal toxicity in patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC.
e21205 Background: Use of maintenance pemetrexed with pembrolizumab is the standard of care among patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC without EGFR or ALK alterations treated with the KEYNOTE-189 regimen. Whether the addition of pembrolizumab to pemetrexed maintenance alters the risk of renal toxicity is not well characterized. Methods: A single center retrospective study was performed. The frequency of acute kidney injury as well as the rates of discontinuation due to renal injury was assessed. Acute renal injury was defined as ≥ 0.3 increase in serum creatinine (sCr) above the upper limit of normal or a rise in sCr ≥ 1.5 times baseline per KDIGO criteria. A Fisher exact test was conducted to compare the rate of renal injury between the two groups. Logistic regression adjusting for performance status, prior lines of treatment, and number of maintenance cycles was performed. Results: We identified 114 patients who received either maintenance pemetrexed or pemetrexed + pembrolizumab. The median number of cycles for the maintenance pemetrexed and pemetrexed + pembrolizumab groups was 5 and 7 cycles respectively. Of these, 41% (47/114) patients developed acute renal injury during their treatment course. Renal injury was seen in 14.3% (5/35) patients who received single agent pemetrexed maintenance and 25% (3/12) who received maintenance pemetrexed + pembrolizumab with no significant difference in the rates of renal injury between both arms (p = 0.403). Among patients who developed acute renal injury, 9% (4/47) permanently discontinued maintenance due to nephrotoxicity. All patients who permanently discontinued therapy received maintenance pemetrexed alone. When adjusting for covariates, ECOG performance status and number of prior lines of therapy did not increase the risk of renal toxicity. Logistic regression analysis identified that the rate of renal injury was significantly associated with the number of maintenance cycles received (p-value = 0.017, OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.29). The odds of developing renal injury were 1.14 times higher with each additional cycle of maintenance therapy received. Conclusions: Renal injury is common among patients treated with patients receiving maintenance therapy. The addition of pembrolizumab to maintenance pemetrexed did not significantly increase the rate of renal injury. The risk of renal injury appears to correlate with the total number of maintenance cycles received suggesting a cumulative risk of nephrotoxicity over time.
Effect of continuing osimertinib with chemotherapy in the post-progression setting on progression-free survival among patients with metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive non-small cell lung cancer.
9124 Background: Continuing a 1st generation EGFR TKI with chemotherapy upon TKI progression was not shown to be beneficial in the IMPRESS trial. However, the validity of this approach with osimertinib remains under explored. We attempted to characterize the efficacy of continuing osimertinib with chemotherapy in the post-progression setting. Methods: A single-center retrospective review of patients with metastatic EGFR mutant NSCLC who had progressed on osimertinib was performed. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were noted. Progression free survival (PFS), duration of treatment (DOT), overall survival (OS) and rates of intracranial progression were captured. ANOVA or a Fisher exact test were used to identify associations between cohort characteristics and treatment outcomes. Differences in PFS, DOT and OS were assessed using a log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results: 73 patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC with post-osimertinib treatment outcomes were identified. Cohort characteristics are summarized in Table. Median duration of follow up was 41 months. Upon progression, osimertinib was discontinued in 34 patients (Cohort A) and continued with next line of therapy in 39 patients (Cohort B). Survival analyses were adjusted for prior lines of therapy, use of platinum doublet chemotherapy, and use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the post-progression setting. After adjusting for covariates, continuing osimertinib post-progression was associated with an improved PFS (7 vs 4 months; HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.34 – 1.00; p = 0.003) and DOT (7 vs 4 months; HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.31 – 0.87; p = 0.006). There was no difference in OS between Group A and B (52 vs 41 months; HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.43 – 1.24; p = 0.234). Rates of intracranial progression were similar between Group A and B (28% vs 23%; p = 0.649). Conclusions: After adjusting for covariates, continuing osimertinib with chemotherapy in the post-progression setting was associated with a significant difference in PFS and DOT, but with no differences in OS. Continuing osimertinib does not appear to influence the rate of subsequent intracranial progression. Prospective studies are needed to identify the optimal practice pattern.[Table: see text]
Radiosurgery for Small-Cell Brain Metastases: Challenging the Last Bastion of Preferential Whole-Brain Radiotherapy Delivery
Clinicopathologic profile and treatment outcomes of non-sensitizing EGFR and HER2 (ERBB2) activating mutations in NSCLC: Results from a single-center retrospective study.
9090 Background: The clinicopathologic characteristics and optimal treatment strategies for non-sensitizing EGFR ( ns- EGFR) and HER2 activating mutations in NSCLC remain unclear. Methods: Single-center retrospective study of patients seen at University of Colorado from 2008 – 2018 with stage IV NSCLC was performed. Clinicopathologic features and treatment outcomes of patients with ns-EGFR (Exon 18, Exon 20, L861Q) and HER2 mutations were collected. Best response to TKI was determined (RECIST v1.1). PFS was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Among 359 patients, we identified 49 ns-EGFR (36 Exon 20, 10 Exon 18, 3 L861Q) and 28 HER2 mutations (27 Exon 20, 1 gene amplification) detected via NGS (65/77), real-time PCR (9/77), FISH (1/77) and undocumented (2/77). PDL1 > 50% was seen in 44% ns- EGFR and 57% HER2. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histology (97%). Most patients were female (62%), never smokers (63%), and presented with metastatic disease (stage: I 5%, II 4%, III 6%, IV 85%). HER2+ NSCLC demonstrated a tropism for lung metastases (64%) that was significant when compared to EGFR Exon 19, EGFR L858R, ALK, ROS1, and KRAS cohorts (p < 0.001). No differences were found when other metastatic sites were compared. Among evaluable patients, response rates to TKI therapy is shown. Aggregate median PFS on TKI for ns-EGFR and HER2+ NSCLC was 6 months compared to EGFR Exon 19 (15 months; p < 0.01; HR 0.4; CI 0.24 – 0.67) and EGFR L858R (22 months; p < 0.01; HR 0.27 and 0.8; CI 0.14 – 0.54). Aggregate median OS for ns-EGFR and HER2+ NSCLC was 28 months with no differences when compared to EGFR Exon 19 and L858R subgroups. Conclusions: HER2+ NSCLC appears to have a predisposition for lung metastases. Higher DCR was observed with newer generation TKIs, but novel targeted therapeutic approaches are needed as overall outcomes remain poor. [Table: see text]
A phase I study of PT-112 in advanced solid tumors.
2519 Background: PT-112 is a novel platinum-pyrophosphate agent designed to avoid the toxicity and drug resistance mechanisms of conventional chemotherapy. Pre-clinical models show effects on multiple cell signaling components: p16 mediated G1/S cell cycle arrest; modulation of MDM2/p53 expression; extrinsic apoptosis initiation; and immunogenic cell death (ICD) induction. This Phase I first-in-human, multicenter, open label study assesses PT-112’s safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile in advanced solid tumor patients (pts), to determine the RP2D and signals of activity. Methods: Pts with advanced solid tumors and acceptable marrow / organ function received PT-112 IV over 1-hr on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 wks in a 3+3 dose escalation design. Intra-subject escalation was allowed. PK samples from cycles 1-2 were analyzed by ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS. Results: 44 pts have been treated across dose levels (DL) from 12-300mg/m2. Cumulative dosing ranged from 1 to 60 infusions, and cumulative exposure from 96 to 5,244 mg/m2. PK parameters were dose proportional. Target Cmax and AUC levels were achieved, with constant VD. DLTs were observed at 150mg/m2 (G3 pancytopenia); 250mg/m2 (G2 renal injury in a cervical ca pt with hydro-nephrosis); and 300mg/m2 (G3 rash). The most common treatment-related AEs were G1-2 fatigue (26% pts), nausea (23%), vomiting (14%), constipation (12%), and diarrhea (12%). Numerous signals of activity were observed at DLs ≥ 125mg/m2. These include a confirmed PR in a NSCLC pt with 6 prior lines of therapy and no response to TKI inhibition or PD-1 blockade; PFS > 6 months (7-18 months) in 3 pts; metabolic response via PET scan in bone and liver mets (basal cell and pancreatic ca.); biomarker responses in ovarian and prostate ca.; and nodal/metastatic volumetric reduction in 3 pts. Conclusions: PT-112 is a well-tolerated novel agent with a pleiotropic mode of action and feasibility for long-term and combination treatment. Numerous signals of anti-cancer efficacy in heavily pre-treated pts suggest lack of cross-resistance with conventional agents. MTD has not yet been reached. PT-112’s profile makes it an attractive candidate for further development, including in combination with immunotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02266745.
Brigatinib (BRG) in patients (pts) with crizotinib (CRZ)-refractory ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastases in the pivotal randomized phase 2 ALTA trial.
e20502 Background: The CNS is often a site of first disease progression in CRZ-treated ALK+ NSCLC. The ALTA trial is assessing BRG, an investigational next-generation ALK inhibitor, in pts with CRZ-refractory advanced ALK+ NSCLC, including pts with baseline brain metastases. Methods: In ALTA (NCT02094573), pts were stratified by presence of baseline brain metastases and best response to prior CRZ and randomized 1:1 to receive BRG at 90 mg qd (arm A) or 180 mg qd with a 7-d lead-in at 90 mg (arm B). Here, we show data for pts with baseline brain metastases. An independent review committee (IRC) assessed intracranial efficacy. Results: Of 222 pts (112 in arm A; 110 in arm B), 80 (71%)/74 (67%) in A/B had baseline brain metastases per investigators, with median age 49/55 y; 74%/76% had received chemotherapy. As of May 31, 2016, 51%/59% of these pts continued to receive BRG in A/B; median follow-up was 9.6/11.4 mo. Intracranial efficacy is shown in the table. Among these pts, most common treatment-emergent adverse events were: nausea 35%/46% (A/B), headache 30%/31%, vomiting 29%/31%, diarrhea 21%/38%, cough 25%/32%; grade ≥3: increased blood CPK 1%/12%, hypertension 4%/7%, increased lipase 4%/3%. Conclusions: BRG yielded substantial intracranial responses with robust iPFS and acceptable safety in ALK+ NSCLC pts with baseline brain metastases in ALTA. 180 mg (with lead-in) showed consistently improved intracranial efficacy compared with 90 mg. Clinical trial information: NCT02094573. [Table: see text]