Cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Results of cohort 6 of the COSMIC-021 study.
5564 Background: Cabozantinib (C) may enhance response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) by promoting an immune-permissive microenvironment and has shown encouraging activity in combination with ICIs in tumor types including RCC and HCC. C and atezolizumab (A) have shown low objective response rates as monotherapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (Smith JCO 2012; Kim JCO 2018). COSMIC-021 (NCT03170960), a multinational phase 1b study, is evaluating the combination of C + A in various solid tumors. We report results for Cohort 6 in mCRPC. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) were required to have radiographic progression in soft tissue after enzalutamide and/or abiraterone, measurable disease, and an ECOG PS of 0 or 1. Prior chemotherapy for mCSPC was permitted. Pts received C 40 mg PO QD and A 1200 mg IV Q3W. CT/MRI scans were performed Q6W for the first year and Q12W thereafter. The primary endpoint is ORR per RECIST 1.1. Other endpoints include safety, ORR per irRECIST, duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Results are presented for the first 44 pts enrolled. Results: Median follow-up as of Dec 20, 2019 was 12.6 mo (range 5, 20) for the 44 mCRPC pts. Median age was 70 y (range 49, 90), 50% had ECOG PS 1, 34% had visceral metastases, and 61% had extrapelvic lymph node metastases. 27% had prior docetaxel and 52% had 2 prior novel hormonal therapies. The most common any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were fatigue (50%), nausea (43%), decreased appetite (39%), diarrhea (39%), dysgeusia (34%), and PPE (32%). One grade 5 TRAE of dehydration was reported in a 90 y/o. Median duration of treatment was 6.3 mo. ORR per RECIST 1.1 among all 44 pts was 32% (2 CRs [4.5%] and 12 PRs [27%]); 21 (48%) pts had SD resulting in a disease control rate of 80% in all pts. One pt with PD per RECIST 1.1 had an irPR per irRECIST. ORR per RECIST 1.1 was 33% in 36 pts with high-risk disease (visceral and/or extrapelvic lymph node metastases). Median DOR for all pts with response per RECIST 1.1 was 8.3 mo (range 2.8, 9.8+). 17 (50%) of 34 pts with post-baseline PSA evaluation had a decrease in PSA. In 12 responders with post-baseline PSA evaluation, 8 (67%) had a PSA decrease ≥50%. Tumor PD-L1 expression will also be reported. Conclusions: The combination of C + A had a tolerable safety profile and demonstrated clinically meaningful activity with durable responses in men with mCRPC. Given the encouraging activity in these pts, especially in those with high-risk disease, further evaluation of C + A in men with mCRPC is being pursued. Clinical trial information: NCT03170960 .
Posttranslational Regulation of the Exon Skipping Machinery Controls Aberrant Splicing in Leukemia
Abstract Splicing alterations are common in diseases such as cancer, where mutations in splicing factor genes are frequently responsible for aberrant splicing. Here we present an alternative mechanism for splicing regulation in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) that involves posttranslational stabilization of the splicing machinery via deubiquitination. We demonstrate there are extensive exon skipping changes in disease, affecting proteasomal subunits, cell-cycle regulators, and the RNA machinery. We present that the serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSF), controlling exon skipping, are critical for leukemia cell survival. The ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7) regulates SRSF6 protein levels via active deubiquitination, and USP7 inhibition alters the exon skipping pattern and blocks T-ALL growth. The splicing inhibitor H3B-8800 affects splicing of proteasomal transcripts and proteasome activity and acts synergistically with proteasome inhibitors in inhibiting T-ALL growth. Our study provides the proof-of-principle for regulation of splicing factors via deubiquitination and suggests new therapeutic modalities in T-ALL. Significance: Our study provides a new proof-of-principle for posttranslational regulation of splicing factors independently of mutations in aggressive T-cell leukemia. It further suggests a new drug combination of splicing and proteasomal inhibitors, a concept that might apply to other diseases with or without mutations affecting the splicing machinery. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1241
Abstract Background: The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on pituitary function remains unclear. Yet, applying appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for affected patients is crucial for mitigating morbidity related to hypopituitarism and improving patient outcomes. Currently, data regarding the prevalence of post-TBI hypopituitarism and its predisposing factors are inconsistent. The goals of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to evaluate the prevalence of acute and chronic post-TBI hypopituitarism and assess for predictors of pituitary dysfunction. Methods: Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Web of Science, and references of key articles were searched from inception to 2019. Studies enrolling ≥20 adult patients with TBI and reporting on pituitary dysfunction were included. A total of 992 studies were generated by the initial search. Titles and abstracts were screened in duplicate by two independent reviewers for inclusion criteria. Of these, 265 full text manuscripts were subsequently reviewed for eligibility. Predefined data were extracted from 14 representative studies for the preliminary analysis (7 cross-sectional studies, 6 prospective studies, and 1 retrospective study). Results: There was a total of 813 (78% male) patients with TBI. Of those with available data, 124/248 (50.0%) had mild TBI, 112/476 (23.5%) had moderate TBI, and 308/569 (54.1%) had severe TBI. Mean age at TBI diagnosis was 34.2±4.6 years, with time to evaluation of pituitary function following TBI ranging from 0 days to 120 months (mean, 27.1±35.1 months). Acute and chronic hypopituitarism was reported in 10.7% and 19.6% of patients, respectively. TBI was associated with increased risk for hypopituitarism compared to the general population (RR=765.8, 95% CI 538.8-1088.5). Secondary hypogonadism was noted in 15.7% of patients, growth hormone deficiency in 15.7%, secondary adrenal insufficiency in 11.6%, secondary hypothyroidism in 8.7%, and diabetes insipidus in 0.2%. Older age (40.4±5.5 vs 36.7±1.0 years, P<0.0001) and higher BMI (25.0±0.7 vs 23.9±0.2 kg/m2, P<0.0001) were associated with increased risk of post-TBI hypopituitarism. Conclusion: Available moderate- to low-quality evidence suggests that post-TBI hypopituitarism is common and correlates with older age and higher BMI. Secondary hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency are the most predominant pituitary deficiencies. Further investigations are warranted to determine the most effective strategies for identifying patients at risk for post-TBI hypopituitarism in order to implement prompt assessment and management.
Global injury morbidity and mortality from 1990 to 2017: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Background Past research in population health trends has shown that injuries form a substantial burden of population health loss. Regular updates to injury burden assessments are critical. We report Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 Study estimates on morbidity and mortality for all injuries. Methods We reviewed results for injuries from the GBD 2017 study. GBD 2017 measured injury-specific mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) using the Cause of Death Ensemble model. To measure non-fatal injuries, GBD 2017 modelled injury-specific incidence and converted this to prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs). YLLs and YLDs were summed to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Findings In 1990, there were 4 260 493 (4 085 700 to 4 396 138) injury deaths, which increased to 4 484 722 (4 332 010 to 4 585 554) deaths in 2017, while age-standardised mortality decreased from 1079 (1073 to 1086) to 738 (730 to 745) per 100 000. In 1990, there were 354 064 302 (95% uncertainty interval: 338 174 876 to 371 610 802) new cases of injury globally, which increased to 520 710 288 (493 430 247 to 547 988 635) new cases in 2017. During this time, age-standardised incidence decreased non-significantly from 6824 (6534 to 7147) to 6763 (6412 to 7118) per 100 000. Between 1990 and 2017, age-standardised DALYs decreased from 4947 (4655 to 5233) per 100 000 to 3267 (3058 to 3505). Interpretation Injuries are an important cause of health loss globally, though mortality has declined between 1990 and 2017. Future research in injury burden should focus on prevention in high-burden populations, improving data collection and ensuring access to medical care.
Strategies to Prevent or Remediate Cancer and Treatment-Related Aging
Abstract Up to 85% of adult cancer survivors and 99% of adult survivors of childhood cancer live with an accumulation of chronic conditions, frailty, and/or cognitive impairments resulting from cancer and its treatment. Thus, survivors often show an accelerated development of multiple geriatric syndromes and need therapeutic interventions. To advance progress in this area, the National Cancer Institute convened the second of 2 think tanks under the auspices of the Cancer and Accelerated Aging: Advancing Research for Healthy Survivors initiative. Experts assembled to share evidence of promising strategies to prevent, slow, or reverse the aging consequences of cancer and its treatment. The meeting identified research and resource needs, including geroscience-guided clinical trials; comprehensive assessments of functional, cognitive, and psychosocial vulnerabilities to assess and predict age-related outcomes; preclinical and clinical research to determine the optimal dosing for behavioral (eg, diet, exercise) and pharmacologic (eg, senolytic) therapies; health-care delivery research to evaluate the efficacy of integrated cancer care delivery models; optimization of intervention implementation, delivery, and uptake; and patient and provider education on cancer and treatment-related late and long-term adverse effects. Addressing these needs will expand knowledge of aging-related consequences of cancer and cancer treatment and inform strategies to promote healthy aging of cancer survivors.
Glioblastoma in adults: a Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and European Society of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) consensus review on current management and future directions
Abstract Glioblastomas are the most common form of malignant primary brain tumor and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In recent years there have been important advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis and biology of these tumors, but this has not translated into significantly improved outcomes for patients. In this consensus review from the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), the current management of isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype (IDHwt) glioblastomas will be discussed. In addition, novel therapies such as targeted molecular therapies, agents targeting DNA damage response and metabolism, immunotherapies, and viral therapies will be reviewed, as well as the current challenges and future directions for research.
Strong BCL10 Nuclear Expression Identifies Gastric MALT Lymphomas That Do Not Respond to H. pylori Eradication.
Abstract Purpose: In a previous retrospective study, we have shown that 75% of gastric MALT lymphomas that did not respond to H. pylori eradication could be identified by detection of t(11;18)(q21;q21). The present study examined the value of t(1;14)(p22;q32) in prediction of the response of gastric MALT lymphomas to H. pylori eradication. Patients and Methods: A total of 111 patients with H. pylori-positive gastric MALT lymphoma, who were treated by H. pylori eradication, were screened for BCL10 involved chromosome translocation by BCL10 immunohistochemistry, followed by interphase FISH and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The clinical presentation of 11 cases of MALT lymphoma including 6 from the stomach with known BCL10 involved chromosome translocation was reviewed. Results: Of the 111 cases of gastric MALT lymphoma treated by H. pylori eradication, 75 including 35 from the complete regression group and 40 from the non-responsive group, had adequate specimens for BCL10 immunohistochemistry. Two cases showed strong BCL10 nuclear staining in virtually all tumor cells, similar to that seen in those with t(1;14)(p22;q32). Both were from the H. pylori eradication non-responsive group. Although interphase FISH failed to show evidence of BCL10 gene break or amplification, one case showed an IGH break. This case also showed a high level of BCL10 mRNA expression, compatible to that seen in MALT lymphoma with t(1;14)(p22;q32). 9 of the 11 cases with known BCL10 involved translocation were at stage IIE or above, with three showing agressive clinical presentations. Conclusion: Gastric MALT lymphomas with strong BCL10 nuclear expression or t(1;14)(p22;q32) are mostly likely resistant to H. pylori eradication.
A Multidisciplinary Quality Initiative for Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: Outpatient Transplant with Low Therapy Related Mortality
Abstract Introduction: The Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) developed a multidisciplinary approach (involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and financial specialists) for outpatient management of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. This approach uses an electronic ordering system for diagnostic tests and chemotherapy to minimize medical errors. Table. Patient Characteristics (N=716) Characteristic Value Male, no. of patients (%) 426 (59) Age, median (IQR), y 59 (53–65) Creatinine, median (IQR), mg/dL 1.0 (0.9–1.2) b2-Microglobulin, median (IQR), mcg/mL 2.5 (1.9–3.7) Gammopathies, no. of patients (%) Measured by serum immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis IgA 148 (21) IgG 414 (58) IgM 6 (1) IgD 12 (2) Light chain 83 (12) Biclonal 6 (1) None 47 (7) Measured by urine immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis k light chain 402 (56) l light chain 226 (32) Biclonal 1 (0) None 79 (11) Not performed (anuric) 8 (1) Status at stem cell transplant, no. of patients (%) Untreated 4 (1) Plateau 436 (61) Primary refractory 113 (16) Relapse after therapy 93 (13) Relapse during therapy 70 (10) Characteristic Value CD34+ cells, median (IQR), ×106/kg Collected, no. 10.0 (7.6–12.6) Infused, no. 4.7 (3.9–6.2) Sessions of apheresis, median (IQR) 3 (2–5) Engraftment, median (IQR), days after transplantation Neutrophils, 0.5×109/L 13 (12–15) Platelets, 50×109/L 16 (14–22) Duration of hospitalization, median (IQR), d 4 (0–10) Abbreviation: IQR, interquartile range. Results: During a 45-month period after implementation of the program (2005-Sept 2007), the day-100 survival rate was 99.5% for low-risk myeloma patients (transplantation during first plateau; n=202) and 97% for high-risk myeloma patients (refractory, relapsing or second or greater plateau; n=71). The overall day-100 survival rate was 99%(270/273). Analysis of hospitalization trends since inception of the program showed that 39% of patients completed the transplant procedure as outpatients. The median duration of hospitalization for all patients was 4 days; age and serum creatinine levels were predictive of the need for and duration of hospitalization Conclusion: Outpatient stem cell transplantation is feasible for patients with multiple myeloma with a therapy mortality of 1%. Nearly 40% of our patients completed the procedure without hospitalization. Age and serum creatinine levels predicted a higher likelihood of hospitalization. Implementation of out patient transplant requires affordable housing in the community since many third party payers do not support hotel costs despite the reduction of hospital days. The hospital physical plant and patient registration process has to support use of designated hospital rooms for purely out patient practice. The transplant team must have process owners to standardize across all disease categories collection protocols, conditioning regimens, infusion SOP’s and post infusion supportive care guidelines for standard antibiotics, narcotics, laboratory work and transfusion thresholds. A care team meeting between physicians, nursing, dietary, pharmacy, business office, data base and appointment coordinators is essential to coordinate all the multidisciplinary efforts. Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of age greater than or less than or equal to 65 years Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of age greater than or less than or equal to 65 years Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of creatinine greater than or equal to or less than 1.5mg/dL Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of creatinine greater than or equal to or less than 1.5mg/dL
Fluid-Related Complications in Patients with Amyloidosis Associated with Filgrastim during Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization.
Abstract Background: High dose melphalan & autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is increasingly utilized for primary systemic amyloidosis (AL). PBSC mobilization with filgrastim is safe in various patient & normal donor populations. While there is a case report of filgrastim-induced fatal pulmonary edema in an AL patient undergoing PBSC mobilization, we elucidate the incidence & magnitude of fluid-related complications in this patient population, describe the management & outcomes, & identify features predictive of risk. Methods: IRB approval & patient consent were obtained prior to review of medical records for all adult Mayo Clinic AL patients who underwent PBSC mobilization with filgrastim 10 mcg/kg once daily from 7/98 – 8/03. Three patient episodes were excluded: 1 refused consent & 2 had a 2nd PBSC mobilization & were included once. A fluid-related complication was defined as documented increased fluid retention (peripheral edema, pleural effusion or ascites) or use of additional therapy (diuretics, albumin or dopamine) to facilitate diuresis. Results: Sixty-three of 123 patients (51%) developed a fluid-related complication. Significant interventions were needed during mobilization & prior to PBSC transplant, including admission to ICU (n=3), hemodialysis to manage fluid status (n=3), paracentesis (n=2), & thoracentesis (n=3), including one requiring chest tube placement & pleurodesis. Patients with complications had more hospitalizations during PBSC mobilization compared to those that did not (24 vs 6; p=0.001); with 20 of 24 directly related to fluid status. While not statistically significant, the complications group was more likely to fail to collect adequate PBSC or have mobilization prematurely discontinued (6 vs 2; p=0.32). One patient in each group died suddenly during mobilization. Characteristics Predictive of Fluid-related Complications Patients with Fluid-Related Complications N (%) p-value AL Organ Involvement 1 vs 2 vs 3 23/58 (40%) 26/45 (58%) 14/20 (70%) 0.01 Kidney: yes vs no 48/85 (57%) 15/38 (40%) 0.08 Heart: yes vs no 41/61 (67%) 22/62 (35%) 0.0004 Baseline edema: yes vs no 47/77 (61%) 16/46 (35%) 0.005 Diuretic: 0 vs 1 vs >1 15/52 (29%) 37/59 (63%) 11/12 (92%) <0.0001 Albumin: ≤ 2 vs > 2 mg/dL 18/24 (75%) 45/99 (45%) 0.009 On univariate analysis patients with complications had increased septal wall thickness (median 13 vs 12 mm, p=0.05), increased total urinary protein (median 3.698 vs 2.9575 g/day, p=0.04), & lower serum albumin (median 2.8 vs 3.3 mg/dL, p=0.005). Via multivariate regression patients with albumin < 2 mg/dL had an OR=3.8 (CI 1.2 – 13.6), those with cardiac AL had an OR=5.5 (CI 2.2 – 15.4), & patients utilizing diuretics at baseline had an OR=12.1 (CI 2.8 – 61.2) for the likelihood of complications. Patients with fluid-related complications during mobilization had a lower survival rate at 100 days (78 vs 92%, p=0.003) & 1 year after PBSC transplantation (65 vs 91%, p=0.003). Conclusions: Over 50% of AL patients who undergo PBSC mobilization with filgrastim 10 mcg/kg once daily develop clinically significant fluid retention & subsequent complications. Cardiac AL, hypoalbuminemia, & diuretic use prior to filgrastim administration were more likely to develop complications. Fluid-related complications during PBSC mobilization are associated with poorer survival after transplantation for AL.