Citations

Abstract Introduction: The bone marrow (BM) niche promotes multiple myeloma (MM) growth, survival and drug resistance. Therapies targeting both cancer cells and the microenvironment are highly effective. We were interested in identifying novel signaling pathways supporting MM pathogenesis through MM-BM crosstalk. The transmembrane receptor Roundabout 1 (ROBO1) plays a role in growth and dissemination of solid tumors, however its function in MM is unknown. Material and Methods: We analyzed ROBO1 expression in cell lines and primary samples via western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and gene expression profiling. We used short hairpin RNA and CRISPR-Cas9 for ROBO1 knock down (KD) and knock out (KO), respectively. For protein structure-function and rescue studies, we stably expressed full-length (FL) or mutant ROBO1 devoid of extracellular (Cyt) or intracellular domain (DeltaCyt), including patient-derived G674* truncation, with a C-terminus FLAG tag. We used a 3D hydrogel encapsulation system to study proliferation; FLAG immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by mass spectrometry to identify ROBO1 interacting partners; and immunofluorescence to detect ROBO1 localization. To study tumor growth in vivo, we performed PET-CT of mice inoculated subcutaneously or intramedullary with WT or ROBO1 KO MM cells and retrieved tumors for RNA sequencing. To study dissemination and homing, KO and FL addback MM cells were injected intravenously in SCID mice. Mice were monitored for development of tumors or hindlimb paralysis and femora/tumors harvested once mice reached endpoint. Results: ROBO1 is highly expressed in MM cell lines and primary cells but low/absent in normal plasma cells and other hematologic cancer cell lines. ROBO1 KD is specifically cytotoxic for MM cells and ROBO1 KO decreases proliferation, a phenotype fully rescued by FL ROBO1. Compared to WT, ROBO1 KO significantly decreases intramedullary (mean tumor volume (MTV): 1323 vs 457 mm3, p value= 0.02) and extramedullary (MTV: 2684 vs 823 mm3, p value= 0.001) tumor growth in vivo. We further discovered that ROBO1 KO decreases adhesion of MM to BM endothelial and BMSC, which is fully rescued by FL ROBO1. In a disseminated mouse model, ROBO1 KO cells generate bone plasmacytoma with reduced BM invasion, as compared to the extensive BM infiltration observed with ROBO1 FL cells. Consistently, in primary samples from patients, we detected ROBO1 expression only in 1 out of 10 solitary plasmacytoma (dim staining) as compared to 14 out of 14 MM bone marrow biopsy samples tested (11 strong, 3 dim, p value= 0.0001). Mechanistically, we show for the first time that ROBO1 C-terminus is cleaved in a ligand-independent fashion; translocates to the nucleus; and is necessary and sufficient to rescue ROBO1 KO proliferative defect. Viceversa, mutants lacking the cytoplasmic domain, including the G674* truncation, act dominantly negative. Interactomic and RNA sequencing studies point to a previously unknown function of ROBO1 in RNA processing, setting the bases for future studies. Conclusions: We show for the first time that ROBO1 is necessary for MM growth and homing to the BM. Cleaved ROBO1 cytosolic domain translocates to the nucleus and is necessary and sufficient to rescue ROBO1 KO proliferative defect, possibly by participating in RNA processing. These data suggest that ROBO1 C-terminus may be a novel molecular target in MM. Citation Format: Giada Bianchi, Peter G. Czarnecki, Matthew Ho, Aldo M. Roccaro, Antonio Sacco, Yawara Kawano, Annamaria Gulla, Anil Aktas Samur, Tianzeng Cheng, Kenneth Wen, Yu-Tzu Tai, Maria Moscvin, Xinchen Wu, Gulden Camci-Unal, Matteo Claudio Da VIa, Niccolo Bolli, Ruben D. Carrasco, Irene M. Ghobrial, Kenneth C. Anderson. ROBO1 promotes homing, dissemination, and survival of multiple myeloma within the bone marrow microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB217.

Background and aims Artificial intelligence has been shown to increase adenoma detection rate (ADR) as the main surrogate outcome parameter of colonoscopy quality. To which extent this effect may be related to physician experience is not known. We performed a randomised trial with colonoscopists in their qualification period (AID-2) and compared these data with a previously published randomised trial in expert endoscopists (AID-1). Methods In this prospective, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (AID-2), 10 non-expert endoscopists (<2000 colonoscopies) performed screening/surveillance/diagnostic colonoscopies in consecutive 40–80 year-old subjects using high-definition colonoscopy with or without a real-time deep-learning computer-aided detection (CADe) (GI Genius, Medtronic). The primary outcome was ADR in both groups with histology of resected lesions as reference. In a post-hoc analysis, data from this randomised controlled trial (RCT) were compared with data from the previous AID-1 RCT involving six experienced endoscopists in an otherwise similar setting. Results In 660 patients (62.3±10 years; men/women: 330/330) with equal distribution of study parameters, overall ADR was higher in the CADe than in the control group (53.3% vs 44.5%; relative risk (RR): 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.40; p<0.01 for non-inferiority and p=0.02 for superiority). Similar increases were seen in adenoma numbers per colonoscopy and in small and distal lesions. No differences were observed with regards to detection of non-neoplastic lesions. When pooling these data with those from the AID-1 study, use of CADe (RR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.42) and colonoscopy indication, but not the level of examiner experience (RR 1.02; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.16) were associated with ADR differences in a multivariate analysis. Conclusions In less experienced examiners, CADe assistance during colonoscopy increased ADR and a number of related polyp parameters as compared with the control group. Experience appears to play a minor role as determining factor for ADR. Trial registration number NCT:04260321.

11517 Background: Doxorubicin (doxo) remains standard first-line therapy for advanced STS. Doxo in combination with olaratumab (O) demonstrated superior clinical activity compared to doxo alone in a Ph 2 trial (NCT01185964), although this was not confirmed in the subsequent Ph 3 trial (NCT02451943). Gemcitabine (G) plus docetaxel (D) is a second line therapy for advanced STS. Here, we report a concurrent Ph 2 study that explored a second-line addition of O to G and D for advanced STS (ANNOUNCE 2 NCT02659020). Methods: Adult patients (pts) with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic STS, ≤ 2 prior lines of systemic therapy, and ECOG PS 0-1 were eligible. Pts were enrolled from 2 cohorts: O-naïve and O-pretreated. In both cohorts, pts were randomized 1:1 to either O, G plus D or placebo (PBO), G plus D. Pts received 21-day cycles of O (20 mg/ kg cycle 1 and 15 mg/kg other cycles, day (d) 1 and d8), G (900 mg/m2, d1 and d8) and D (75 mg/m2, d8). Pts continued treatment until progression, toxicity, or withdrawal. Randomization was stratified by histology (leiomyosarcoma [LMS] vs non-LMS), prior systemic therapy, ECOG PS, and prior pelvic radiation. The primary objective was overall survival (OS) in the O-naïve population using an alpha level of 0.20. Secondary endpoints included OS (O-pretreated) and other efficacy parameters, as well as safety and pharmacokinetics (PK). Results: 167 pts were enrolled in the O-naïve cohort and 89 pts in the O-pretreated cohort. Baseline patient characteristics were well balanced. OS for O-naïve pts was 16.8 vs 18.0 months (m) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.64-1.40; p = 0.78) for the investigational vs control arm, respectively. Other efficacy outcomes are presented in the table. Safety was manageable across treatment arms. PK parameter estimates for O were consistent with previous studies. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in OS between the two arms in the O-naïve population. However, while not statistically significant, the combination of O, G and D demonstrated favorable OS in the O-pretreated cohort, and PFS and objective response rate (ORR) in both cohorts. For O-naïve pts, a clinically meaningful progression-free survival (PFS) improvement was observed. Further investigations in specific histological subtypes are ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02659020. [Table: see text]

8049 Background: The treatment paradigm of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) continues to evolve as new therapies expand our options for this indolent and incurable disease. While more profound responses are generally associated with longer treatment-free intervals, the impact of depth of response from fixed duration therapy in WM patients' survival needs further evaluation. In this international, multicenter cohort study, we report the prognostic impact of depth of response in WM. Methods: 319 WM patients treated with frontline fixed duration therapy [Dexamethasone/Rituximab/Cyclophosphamide (DRC), Bendamustine/Rituximab (BR), or Bortezomib/Dexamethasone/Rituximab (BDR)] were included. Response at the completion of therapy (6 months) was used in a landmark analysis for progression-free survival (PFS), time to next treatment (TTNT), and overall survival (OS) (defined as time from 6 months post treatment response to event or censor). Response was defined by modified IWWM-6 criteria. Associations between clinical variables and outcomes were evaluated using Cox proportional-hazard models. Results: The median age at the time of treatment initiation was 64 years (range: 29-94), 59% were men, and risk category by International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS)-WM was low (n=67, 23%), intermediate (n=83, 29%), and high-risk (n=141, 48%). Evaluable responses at 6 months from frontline therapy [DRC (n=105; 41%), BR (n=83; 32%), BDR (n=68; 27%)] were available in 256 patients and included in the landmark analysis. Median follow-up was 63 months (95% CI: 59-70). The rate of major response (PR or better) at 6 months was 74% for the entire cohort. Five-year PFS rates from completion of therapy for patients who attained major response vs. those who did not were 71% and 43%, respectively (p<0.001). Five-year TTNT rates for patients who attained major response vs. not were 84% and 54%, respectively (p<0.001). Five-year OS rates for patients who attained major response vs. not were 92% and 77%, respectively (p<0.001). In multivariable analyses including other WM prognostic factors evaluated at initiation of frontline therapy, attaining a major response at 6 months was associated with superior PFS (HR 0.33, p<0.001), TTNT (HR 0.23, p<0.001), and OS (HR 0.31, p=0.001–Table). Conclusions: Achieving a major response at 6 months after frontline chemoimmunotherapy emerges as a significant prognostic factor for PFS, TTNT and OS in patients with WM.[Table: see text]

524 Background: PREDICT+ is a widely used, free, online tool based on traditional clinico-pathological features, including HER2, developed to predict individual mortality of EBC pts and to aid clinical decision making for adjuvant therapy. However, its prognostic role in HER2+ EBC pts treated with chemotherapy (CT) and anti-HER2 therapies remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the prognostic performance of PREDICT+ in HER2+ EBC pts enrolled in the ALTTO trial. Methods: ALTTO is a phase III study evaluating adjuvant lapatinib (L) +/- trastuzumab (T) vs. T alone in pts with HER2+ EBC. Pts enrolled in the ALTTO trial and receiving T-based therapy started concurrently with CT were eligible for this analysis. We calculated PREDICT+ estimates using variables extracted from ALTTO database, blinded to pts outcomes. The prognostic performance of PREDICT+ was evaluated by assessing its calibration and discriminatory accuracy. For calibration, median predicted 5-year (5-yr) overall survival (OS) was compared to observed 5-yr OS. For discriminatory accuracy, the area under the receiver-operator characteristic (AUC under the ROC) curve and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for predicted 5-yr OS were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to type of anti-HER2 therapy, type of CT, age, hormone receptor (HR) status, nodal status and tumor size. Results: This analysis included 2,794 pts. After a median follow-up of 6.0 years (IQR, 5.8-6.7), 182 deaths were observed. Overall, PREDICT+ underestimated 5-yr OS by 6.7% (95% CI, 5.8-7.6): observed 5-year OS was 94.7% vs. predicted 88.0%. The underestimation was consistent across all subgroups (Table). For discriminatory accuracy, AUC under the ROC curve was 73.7% (95%CI 69.7-77.8) in the overall population, ranging between 61.7% and 77.7% across the analysed subgroups. Conclusions: In HER2+ EBC pts enrolled in the ALTTO trial, the PREDICT+ score highly underestimated OS. The low performance of this prognostic tool was consistent across all pts subgroups. PREDICT+ should be used with caution to give prognostic estimation in HER2+ EBC pts treated in the modern era with effective chemotherapy and anti-HER2 targeted therapies.[Table: see text]

ABSTRACT Human babesiosis in the United States is caused predominantly by Babesia microti , a tick-transmitted blood parasite. Improved testing methods for the detection of infection with this parasite are needed, since asymptomatic B. microti infection represents a potential threat to the blood supply in areas where B. microti is endemic. We performed immunoscreening of an expression library of genomic DNA from a human isolate of B. microti (strain MN1). Among 17 unique immunoreactive clones, we identified 9 which represent a related family of genes with little sequence homology to other known sequences but with an architecture resembling that of several surface proteins of Plasmodium . Within this family, a tandem array of a degenerate six-amino-acid repeat (SEAGGP, SEAGWP, SGTGWP, SGTVGP) was found in various lengths between relatively well conserved segments at the N and C termini. In order to examine within-clone variation, we developed a PCR protocol for direct recovery of a specific bmn1-6 homologue directly from 30 human blood isolates, 4 corresponding hamster isolates, and 5 geographically corresponding Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mouse) isolates. Isolates from the hamsters had the same sequences as those found in the corresponding human blood, suggesting that genetic variation of bmn1-6 does not occur during passage. However, clones from different patients were often substantially different from each other with regard to the number and location of the degenerate repeats within the bmn1-6 homologue. Moreover, we found that strains that were closely related geographically were also closely related at the sequence level; nine patients, all from Nantucket Island, Mass., harbored clones that were indistinguishable from each other but that were distinct from those found in other northeastern or upper midwestern strains. We conclude that considerable genetic and antigenic diversity exists among isolates of B. microti from the United States and that geographic clustering of subtypes may exist. The nature of the bmn1-6 gene family suggests a mechanism of antigenic variation in B. microti that may occur by recombination, differential expression, or a combination of both mechanisms.