Citations

Abstract Non-genotoxic reactivation of p53 by MDM2 inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic strategy for tumors with wild-type TP53, particularly tumors harboring MDM2 amplification. MDM2 controls p53 levels by targeting it for degradation, while disruption of the MDM2-p53 interaction causes rapid accumulation of p53 and activation of the p53 pathway. We examined the efficacy of the small molecule MDM2 inhibitor KRT-232, alone and in combination with radiation therapy (RT), in MDM2-amplified and/or p53 wildtype patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, glioblastoma PDX explant cultures showed sensitivity to KRT-232, both tumors with MDM2 amplification (GBM108 and G148) and non-amplified but TP53-wildtype lines (GBM10, GBM14, and GBM39), with IC50s ranging from 300-800 nM in FBS culture conditions. A TP53 p.F270C mutant PDX (GBM43) was inherently resistant, with IC50 >3000 nM. In the MDM2-amplified GBM108 line, KRT-232 led to a robust (5-6 fold) induction of p53-target genes p21, PUMA, and NOXA, with initiation of both apoptosis and senescence. Expression of p21 and PUMA was greater with KRT-232 in combination with RT (25-35 fold induction), while stable knock-down of p53 in GBM108 led to complete resistance to KRT-232. In contrast, GBM10 showed lower induction of p21 and PUMA (2-3 fold) and was more resistant to KRT-232. In an orthotopic GBM108 xenograft model, treatment with KRT-232 +/- RT for one week extended survival from 22 days (placebo) to 46 days (KRT-232 alone); combination KRT-232 + RT further extended survival (77 days) over RT alone (31 days). KRT-232 is an effective treatment in a subset of glioblastoma pre-clinical models alone and in combination with RT. Further studies are underway to understand the mechanisms conferring innate sensitivity or resistance to KRT-232.

Background: Microvascular dysfunction is known to play a key role in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease. We investigated the impact of ranolazine among patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial, 26 patients with angina once weekly or more, abnormal stress test, and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (<50% stenosis by angiography and fractional flow reserve >0.80) were randomized 1:1 to ranolazine or placebo for 12 weeks. Primary end point was ΔSeattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) angina frequency score. Baseline and 3 months follow-up SAQ, Duke Activity Status Index scores along with invasive fractional flow reserve, coronary flow reserve (CFR), hyperemic myocardial resistance, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing measurements were performed. Results: No significant differences in ΔSAQ angina frequency scores ( P =0.53) or Duke Activity Status Index ( P =0.76) were observed between ranolazine versus placebo, although patients on ranolazine had lesser improvement in SAQ physical limitation scores ( P =0.02) compared with placebo at 3 months. There were no significant differences in ΔCFR or Δhyperemic myocardial resistance between ranolazine and placebo groups. Patients treated with ranolazine, compared with placebo, had no significant improvement in maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise (VO 2 max) and peak metabolic equivalents of task. Interestingly, in the ranolazine group, patients with baseline CFR<2.0 demonstrated greater gain in CFR compared with those with baseline CFR≥2.0 ( P =0.02). Conclusions: Ranolazine did not demonstrate improvement in SAQ angina frequency score, invasive microvascular function, or peak metabolic equivalent compared with placebo at 3 months. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02147067.

Abstract BACKGROUND Radiotherapy, combined with surgical resection and chemotherapy, remains a first-line treatment for infiltrative gliomas. However, these tumors are not surgically curable, and often recur, even within the prior radiation field, and may demonstrate a more aggressive phenotype. Importantly, high grade gliomas display diverse molecular phenotypes, and whether this genetic variability leads to divergent behaviour in the radiated tumor microenvironment is unknown. Herein, we characterize the effects of the irradiated brain microenvinroment on nine additional unique GBM cell lines to better understand the nuances of how tumor molecular phenotypes influence cellular dynamics. METHODS Female athymic nude mice were randomly divided into cranial radiation (15 Gy) and non-radiated groups. Mice then underwent intracranial implantation with one of the selected patient-derived xenograft (PDX) GBM cell lines (GBM 6, 10, 12, 39, 46, 76, 123, 164, 196; total n=8-15, per group, per line). Kaplan-Meyer (K-M) and log-rank tests were performed to compare the survival between irradiated and non-irradiated groups. RESULT Of nine previously untested human GBM lines, we found that five demonstrated shorter survival in the pre-radiated brain (GBM 6, 46, 76, 164, 196). However, two lines yielded prolonged survival in the pre-radiated brain (GBM 10, 12); GBM 39, 123 whose rate of growth was not impacted by the radiated brain. CONCLUSION These results highlight the likely critical impact of the irradiated microenvironment on tumor behaviour, yet illustrate that different tumors may exhibit opposing responses. Although further evaluation will be needed to understand mechanisms of divergent behavior, our data suggest the increased rate of growth in the radiated microenvironment may not apply to the fastest-growing tumor lines, which could instead demonstrate a paradoxical response.

Abstract Radio-resistance mechanisms limit the benefit of radiation therapy (RT) for melanoma brain metastases. A key pathway for radiation-induced DNA double-strand break repair is non-homologous end joining, which is critically mediated by DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs). Here we evaluated radio-sensitizing effects of M3814, a selective oral inhibitor of DNA-PKcs, in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of melanoma brain metastases. In a clonogenic survival assay, M3841 augmented RT-induced killing of M12 cells at concentrations of ≥300 nM, and a minimum of 16 h exposure with ~300 nM M3814 was required for effective sensitization. M3814 inhibited RT-induced (5 Gy) auto-phosphorylation of serine-2056 of DNA-PKcs in primary cultures of M12, M15 and M27 PDX lines. Interestingly, inhibition of RT-induced DNA-PKcs by M3814 coincided with increased KAP1 phosphorylation, a DNA damage signaling regulated via ATM. Persistent γH2AX foci were observed in 28% M12 cells at 24 hours after co-treatment with M3814 and RT as compared to 12% cells following RT alone. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis after single oral dose of 20 mg/kg M3814, showed reasonably short half-life (~2.44 hours) and poor brain distribution in wild-type FBV mice (Kpuu, 0.027). Consistent with an efflux liability, brain distribution of M3814 in triple knockout mice for BCRP/MDR1A/B was ~11 fold higher (Kpuu, 0.215). Compared to normal brain, much higher M3814 concentrations were detected in intracranially implanted M12 tumors (~23 fold and ~20 fold) 2 and 6 hours after a single oral dose of 50mg/kg respectively. The relative exclusion of M3814 from normal brain as compared to brain metastases suggests that this drug may have a favorable toxicity profile when combined with radiation for treatment of melanoma brain metastases, and this hypothesis is being tested in ongoing efficacy studies.

Preventable differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality across racial/ethnic, economic, geographic, and other groups can be eliminated by assuring equitable access and quality across the care continuum, but few interventions have been demonstrated to do so. Multicomponent strategies designed with a health equity framework may be effective. A health equity framework takes into account social determinants of health, multilevel influences (policy, community, delivery, and individual levels), screening processes, and community engagement. Effective strategies for increasing screening uptake include patient navigation and other interventions for structural barriers, reminders and clinical decision support, and data to continuously track metrics and guide targets for improvement. Community resource gaps should be addressed to assure high-quality services irrespective of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status. One model combinespopulation-based proactive outreach screening with screening delivery at in-person or virtual points of contact, as well as community engagement. Patient- and provider-based behavioral interventions may be considered for increasing screening demand and delivery. Providing a choice of screening tests is recommended for CRC screening, and access to colonoscopy is required for completion of the CRC screening process.

Background: Primary and secondary [post-essential thrombocythemia (ET) or polycythemia vera (PV)] Myelofibrosis (MF) are clonal hematopoietic neoplasms marked by constitutive JAK-STAT activation, bone marrow fibrosis, cytopenias, and constitutional symptom burden. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative option in this disease. Median overall survival (OS) after JAK inhibitor (JAKi) discontinuation is poor, ranging from 6-24 months (Harrision et al. Ann Hematol. 2020). Haploidentical (Haplo)-HCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has improved donor availability, but data on post-HCT outcomes in MF remain scarce. Herein, we describe clinical outcomes of patients (pts) with MF who underwent haplo-HCT with PTCy. Methods: We conducted a multi-institutional study where we retrospectively reviewed charts to obtain pt, disease, and treatment characteristics of MF pts who underwent haplo-HCT from 2000 to 2019. Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), relapse, and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were described as cumulative incidences. OS and relapse free survival (RFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analyses were conducted with Cox or Fine and Gray regression. Results: Fifty-eight adult pts from 11 centers underwent haplo-HCT and were included in the analysis. Pt, disease, and HCT characteristics are listed in Table 1. Thirty-four (59%) pts were over 60 years of age at the time of HCT. Of the 53 pts in whom driver mutation data was available, JAK2 was reported in 34 (64%), CALR in 10 (19%), MPL in 4 (8%), and 5 (9%) were triple-negative. Twenty-two (38%) pts had HCT-CI ≥ 3. Median CD34+ cell dose was 6.81 (range: 2.3-28.6) x 106/kg. All pts received PTCy as a part of GVHD prophylaxis regimen. Median follow-up in this study was 28 (range: 3.3-75.7) months. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment was reported in 53 (91%) and 47 (81%) pts at a median time of 20 (range: 14-70) and 31 (range: 15-225) days, respectively. Five pts (9%) had graft failure. The cumulative incidences of all-grade acute and chronic GVHD were in 44% (95% CI: 31-56%) at 6 months and 31% (95% CI: 18-44%) at 2 years. Grade 3-4 acute GVHD was seen in 5 (9%) pts. Post-HCT relapse/disease persistence occurred in 12 (21%) pts with a median of 416 (range: 28-917) days. The 2-year estimates of OS, RFS, relapse and NRM were 69% (95% CI: 55-80%), 52% (95% CI: 37-65%), 21% (95% CI: 11-34%) and 27% (95% CI: 16-39%) respectively (Fig 1). On univariate analyses (Table 2), older age (HR 2.17, P=.012) and a higher HCT-CI (HR 1.4, P&lt;.001) was associated with higher NRM. Higher HCT-CI was also associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.38, P=.003). Bone marrow as a graft source was associated with a higher risk of relapse (HR 5.04, P&lt;0.001, Fig 2), but did not significantly affect OS (HR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.18-3.46), RFS (HR 1.89, 95% CI: 0.71-5.02) or NRM (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.09-3.84). JAKi use prior to HCT, spleen size or type of driver mutation did not significantly affect outcomes. Conclusions: Based on this study, we conclude that haplo-HCT with PTCy is a valid option in pts with MF. The graft failure rates appear to be similar to those reported with sibling and unrelated donors. Older age, higher HCT-CI and bone marrow as graft source were associated with inferior outcomes. JAKi use prior to HCT or type of driver mutation did not significantly affect outcomes. Disclosures Grunwald: Trovagene: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; Premier: Consultancy; Premier: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Premier: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Trovagene: Consultancy; Trovagene: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding. Dholaria:J&J: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Angiocrine: Research Funding; bms: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding. Abedin:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria; Helsinn Healthcare: Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Helsinn Healthcare: Research Funding; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Gupta:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol MyersSquibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. DeZern:MEI: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astex: Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy. Gerds:Sierra Oncology: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca/MedImmune: Consultancy; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Apexx Oncology: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Research Funding; Imago Biosciences: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding. Jain:Bristol Myer Squibb: Other: for advisory board participation; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; CareDx: Other: Advisory Board.