Citations

Abstract Purpose: To assess whether MUC1 peptide vaccine produces an immune response and prevents subsequent colon adenoma formation. Patients and Methods: Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial in individuals age 40 to 70 with diagnosis of an advanced adenoma ≤1 year from randomization. Vaccine was administered at 0, 2, and 10 weeks with a booster injection at week 53. Adenoma recurrence was assessed ≥1 year from randomization. The primary endpoint was vaccine immunogenicity at 12 weeks defined by anti-MUC1 ratio ≥2.0. Results: Fifty-three participants received the MUC1 vaccine and 50 placebo. Thirteen of 52 (25%) MUC1 vaccine recipients had a ≥2-fold increase in MUC1 IgG (range, 2.9–17.3) at week 12 versus 0/50 placebo recipients (one-sided Fisher exact P < 0.0001). Of 13 responders at week 12, 11 (84.6%) responded to a booster injection at week 52 with a ≥2-fold increase in MUC1 IgG measured at week 55. Recurrent adenoma was observed in 31 of 47 (66.0%) in the placebo group versus 27 of 48 (56.3%) in the MUC1 group [adjusted relative risk (aRR), 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60–1.14; P = 0.25]. Adenoma recurrence occurred in 3/11 (27.3%) immune responders at week 12 and week 55 (aRR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.15–1.11; P = 0.08 compared with placebo). There was no difference in serious adverse events. Conclusions: An immune response was observed only in vaccine recipients. Adenoma recurrence was not different than placebo, but a 38% absolute reduction in adenoma recurrence compared with placebo was observed in participants who had an immune response at week 12 and with the booster injection.

Abstract Background: Smoking is the most common etiology for lung cancer and smoking cessation does not eliminate the risk. An emerging area of interest for risk reduction is immunoprevention. MUC1 glycoprotein is aberrantly expressed in adenocarcinomas, including lung cancer and their premalignant lesions. MUC1 vaccine in the premalignant or high-risk setting may be effective in halting neoplastic development and progression. Trial design: Through the NCI-funded Cancer Prevention Network (CPN), we conducted a two-center pilot trial to evaluate immunogenicity of the MUC1 vaccine (assessed at 12 weeks), and safety (assessed at up to 24 weeks) in current and former heavy smokers. 87 participants were screened in order to have at least 40 evaluable for baseline and 12-week immunogenicity assessments. Smoking history of ≥30 pack-years and either current (still smoking or quit < 1 year prior to pre-registration) or former smoker (quit 1-15 years prior to pre-registration); ages 55-80 years; ECOG performance status ≤1; CT scan of the chest done ≤ 6 months prior to pre-registration showing either negative findings (no nodules) or solid or part-solid nodules < 6 mm in size (consistent with < 1% probability of malignancy, Lung-RADs Version 1.0). Exclusion criteria were standard for lung cancer screening. Methods: MUC1 peptide plus polyICLC adjuvant (Hiltonol) vaccine was given at week 0, 2 and 10. Blood was collected for safety tests and immune assays pre and 2 weeks post each vaccine, and at week 24. Anti-MUC1 IgG titer was evaluated by ELISA. Based on previous studies of this vaccine, 40 evaluable participants would provide 96% power to detect immune response rate of 15% versus 40%, using a 2-sided test of proportions with type I error rate of 0.05. PBMC were assayed for the presence of regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) (secondary endpoint). Circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and hsCRP were evaluated using commercially available tests (exploratory endpoint). AEs and toxicities were monitored for up to 24 weeks from the first vaccine. Results: 87 individuals were screened and 50 registered. 45 completed the study, 26 current and 19 former smokers (time since last smoked: average 7.8 years; 11 months -13 years). The vaccine was well-tolerated with injection site reactions being the most common AE. Immune response to the vaccine was lower than expected, with 2 current and 2 former smokers developing anti-MUC1 IgG titers ≥2 fold higher at week 12 over baseline (10%). We found high circulating levels of MDSCs in PBMC of both current and former smokers and very low or no serum cytokines. Conclusions: A preventative vaccine trial was feasible in individuals at high risk for lung cancer. However, we discovered a high level of immune suppression, previously documented only in advanced lung cancer. Mitigating the development of lung cancer in heavy smokers through vaccine administration may be limited by related immunosuppression. Citation Format: Olivera J. Finn, Julie Ward, Tami Krpata, Samantha Fatis, John McKolanis, Jia Xue, Pamela Beatty, Camille Jacqueline, Sharon Kaufman, Colleen Akerley, April Felt, Karrie Fursa, Anne Holland, Liz S. Ambulay, Nathan Foster, Ryan McMurray, Carrie Strand, Andres M. Salazar, Lisa Bengtson, Eva Szabo, Paul Limburg, Malgorzata Wojtowicz, David E. Midthun, Arjun Pennathur. A pilot study of a MUC1 vaccine in current and former smokers at high risk for lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Precision Prevention, Early Detection, and Interception of Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-19; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2023;16(1 Suppl): Abstract nr PR002.

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is the most universal platform currently available for the analysis of enzymatic activities and biomarkers in dried blood spots (DBS) for applications in newborn screening (NBS). Among the MS/MS applications in NBS, the most common is flow-injection analysis (FIA-) MS/MS, where the sample is introduced as a bolus injection into the mass spectrometer without the prior fractionation of analytes. Liquid chromatography combined with MS/MS (LC-MS/MS) has been employed for second-tier tests to reduce the false-positive rate associated with several nonspecific screening markers, beginning two decades ago. More recently, LC-MS/MS has been applied to primary screening for new conditions for which FIA-MS/MS or other methods, including genomic screening, are not yet adequate. In addition to providing a list of the currently used LC-MS/MS-based assays for NBS, the authors share their experience regarding the maintenance requirements of LC-MS/MS vs. FIA-MS/MS systems. The consensus is that the maintenance of LC-MS/MS and FIA-MS/MS instrumentation is similar, and LC-MS/MS has the advantage of allowing for a larger number of diseases to be screened for in a multiplex, cost-effective fashion with a high throughput and an adequate turnaround time.

AbstractBackgroundBilateral idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) is responsible for 60% of primary aldosteronism (PA) cases. Medical management is standard of care for IHA. Unilateral adrenalectomy (UA) with the intent of debulking total aldosterone production as a palliative measure remains controversial.MethodsSingle‐center retrospective review (2010–2020) of patients undergoing UA with a diagnosis of PA due to IHA (lateralization index [LI] on adrenal venous sampling [AVS] < 4). Demographic, pre‐operative, intra‐operative, and post‐operative variables were assessed. Hypertensive regimens were converted to the WHO Defined Daily Dose (DDD).ResultsTwenty‐four patients were identified, 14, 58% male and mean age 52 ± 10 years. Preoperative hypokalemia was present in 22, 92% of patients. Median number of antihypertensives taken was 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2–4) and median DDD was 4 (IQR, 3–5.3). Median lateralization index on AVS was 3.52 (range, 1.19–3.88). All operations were performed in minimally invasive fashion. There were no conversions to open procedure, ICU admissions, or post‐operative complications. Median follow‐up was 10.5 months (range, 1–145 months). Hypokalemia resolved in 17, 76% of patients at last follow‐up. Post‐operative median number of antihypertensives taken was 1 (IQR, 1–3) and median DDD was 2 (IQR, 0.5–2.75) from 4, P = 0.003. Three (%) patients required continuation of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists post‐operatively. Blood pressure control improved in 65% of patients.ConclusionUnilateral adrenalectomy in the setting of bilateral hyperaldosteronism can improve blood pressure control and stabilize potassium levels in selected patients. Further prospective studies in larger cohorts will be necessary to further define the role of unilateral adrenalectomy in the setting of PA due to bilateral adrenal disease.

Background: There is limited long-term follow-up of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. Recurrence is described as 4% to 10%. This study evaluated persistence and recurrence of hypercalcemia in primary hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy. Methods: Single-institution retrospective (1965–2010) population-based cohort from Olmsted County (MN) of patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Patients’ demographic data, preoperative and postoperative laboratory values, clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and follow-up were noted. Results: A total of 345 patients were identified, 75.7% female, and median age 58.4 years [interquartile range (IQR): 17.6]. In all, 68% of patients were asymptomatic and the most common symptoms were musculoskeletal complaints (28.4%) and nephrolithiasis (25.6%). Preoperative median serum calcium was 11 mg/dL (IQR: 10.8–11.4 mg/dL), and median parathyroid hormone was 90 pg/mL (IQR: 61–169 pg/dL). Bilateral cervical exploration was performed in 38% and single gland resection in 79% of cases. Median postoperative serum calcium was 9.2 mg/dL (IQR: 5.5–11.3). Nine percent of patients presented persistence of hypercalcemia, and recurrence was found in 14% of patients. Highest postoperative median serum calcium was 10 mg/dL (IQR: 6–12.4), and median number of postoperative calcium measurements was 10 (IQR: 0–102). Postoperative hypercalcemia was identified in 37% of patient. Fifty-three percent were attributed to secondary causes, most commonly medications, 22%. Three percent of patients required treatment for postoperative hypercalcemia. Median time to recurrence and death were 12.2 and 16.7 years, respectively. Conclusion: Recurrent hypercalcemia after successful parathyroidectomy is higher than previously reported. Most cases are transient and often associated to other factors with only the minority requiring treatment. Long-term follow-up of serum calcium should be considered in patients after successful parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: The differences between sporadic and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1)–associated insulinoma are not well described. Herein, we compared demographics, neoplasm characteristics, presentation, and survival in patients with sporadic vs MEN-1 insulinomas including benign and malignant disease. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study identified insulinoma patients. MEN-1 was defined based on genetic testing or clinically in patients with 2 or more primary MEN-1 tumor types. RESULTS: A total of 311 patients were identified: 84% benign and 16% malignant. The incidence of malignancy was similar (18% vs 16%, MEN-1 vs sporadic, p = 0.76). Within malignant patients, the median (interquartile range) age was 33 (25 ,44) years in MEN-1 vs 54 (41, 70) years in sporadic insulinoma (p = 0.04). There was no difference in sex or tumor size between MEN-1 and sporadic malignant insulinoma (p > 0.05). Of the 260 patients with benign insulinoma, 7% had MEN-1 syndrome. MEN-1 patients presented with insulinoma at a younger age: median (interquartile range) age was 38 (24, 49) years vs 52 (43, 65) years (p < 0.01). Resection of benign insulinoma was performed in 78% of the MEN-1 and 94% of the sporadic group (p = 0.03). Resected benign tumors were larger in the MEN-1 group: 2.0 (1.65, 2.45) cm vs 1.5 (1.2, 2.0) cm, respectively (p = 0.03). Concurrent insulinomas were more common in MEN-1 (17% vs 2%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MEN-1 patients present with insulinoma at younger age and have larger benign pancreatic lesions at the time of resection compared with sporadic neoplasms. Younger patients and those with multifocal pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in the setting of endogenous hyperinsulinism should be evaluated for MEN-1.

TPS7070 Background: Outcomes of adults with relapsed/refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have remained poor. CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein with several important functions including its role in immune escape of tumor cells [Chillemi A et al. Front Immunol 2017, Furano A et al. J Immunol 1990]. Several studies have demonstrated that CD38 is expressed in T-ALL and AML and is targetable with CD38 blocking agents [Naik J et al. Haematologica 2019, Bride KL et al. Blood 2018, Tembhare et al. J Immunother Cancer 2020]. XmAb18968 is a novel CD38-CD3 bi-specific T-cell engager with Fc domain modified to minimize Fcγ receptor binding and non-selective T-cell activation resulting in reduced cytokine release without compromising target cell killing. We hypothesize that targeting CD38 in relapsed/refractory T-ALL and AML would be safe and feasible using XmAb18968. Methods: This is an investigator-sponsored multi-institutional phase I study evaluating the safety and tolerability of XmAb18968. Patients aged 18 years or above with relapsed/refractory T-ALL or AML (including measurable residual disease relapse), CD38 expression ≥ 20% by flow cytometry, and adequate organ function will be eligible. Major exclusion criteria are hematopoietic cell transplantation within 6 months of enrollment, active acute graft-versus-host disease, and acute promyelocytic leukemia. The primary objective is to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and toxicity profile of XmAb18968. The secondary objectives include determination of response rates, duration of response, survival and pharmacokinetics. Exploratory objectives include correlation of responses with genomic profile, characterizing changes in serum cytokines and phenotypic expression of activated T-cells and leukemic cells, correlation of the phenotypic expression with changes in the transcriptome at the single-cell level, proteomics evaluation of cytokine secretion at the single-cell level and correlation of response with N-glycan profiling, quantitative site-occupancy and direct glycopeptide analysis. The study will follow 3+3 design. Dose escalation will proceed in two separate groups: Group A for subjects with T-ALL and Group B for subjects with AML. Patients will be entered sequentially to each dose level [0.8mg cohort, 1mg cohort, 1.3mg cohort, 1.5mg cohort). The observation period for dose-escalation will be 28-days. RP2D will be defined as the highest dose level at which none of the 3 treated subjects, or no more than 1 of the 6 treated subjects’ experiences a dose limiting toxicity. A minimum of 24 and a maximum of 60 patients will be enrolled. The study is being conducted at 6 sites in United States and is currently open for enrollment. Clinical trial information: NCT05038644.

Importance Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at markedly increased risk for duodenal adenomas and cancer. Combination sulindac and erlotinib was previously shown to reduce duodenal polyp burden but was associated with a relatively high adverse event (AE) rate. Objective: To evaluate if a once weekly dosing schedule for erlotinib intervention improves the AE profile, while still providing efficacy with respect to reduced polyp burden, in participants with FAP. Design, setting and participants: Single-arm trial, enrolling 46 participants with FAP, conducted from October 2017 to September 2019 in eight academic cancer centres. Exposures Participants self-administered 350 mg of erlotinib by mouth, one time per week for 6 months. Main outcomes and measures: Duodenal polyp burden (sum of polyp diameters) was assessed in the proximal duodenum by esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed at baseline and 6 months, with mean per cent change defined as the primary efficacy outcome of interest. Rate of grade 2–3 AEs was evaluated as a co-primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included changes in total duodenal polyp count, along with changes in lower gastrointestinal (GI) polyp burden and count (for participants examined by optional lower endoscopy). Results Forty-six participants (mean age, 44.1 years (range, 18–68); women, 22 (48%)) were enrolled; 42 participants completed 6 months of intervention and were included in the per-protocol analysis. Duodenal polyp burden was significantly reduced after 6 months of weekly erlotinib intervention, with a mean per cent change of −29.6% (95% CI, −39.6% to −19.7%; p<0.0001). Similar results were observed in subgroup analyses defined by participants with advanced duodenal polyposis (Spigelman 3) at baseline (mean, −27%; 95% CI, −38.7% to −15.2%; p<0.0001). Post-intervention Spigelman stage was downstaged in 12% of the participants. Lower GI polyp number was also decreased after 6 months of intervention (median, −30.8%; IQR, −47.4% to 0.0%; p=0.0256). Grade 2 or 3 AEs were reported in 71.7% of subjects, with only two experiencing grade 3 toxicity at least possibly related to intervention. Conclusion In this single-arm, multi-centre trial of participants with FAP, erlotinib one time per week resulted in markedly lower duodenal polyp burden, and modestly reduced lower GI polyp burden, after 6 months of intervention. While AEs were still reported by nearly three-quarters of all participants, these events were generally lower grade and well-tolerated. These findings support further investigation of erlotinib as an effective, acceptable cancer preventive agent for FAP-associated GI polyposis. Trial registration number NCT02961374 .