Abstract Background Optimal treatment following first-line immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. This study evaluated futibatinib, a pan-FGFR inhibitor, combined with pembrolizumab in previously treated patients with FGF19-expressing HCC. Methods Eligible patients were ≥18 years old with advanced HCC, prior systemic therapy, Child-Pugh A-B7 liver function, ECOG 0–2, and FGF19 overexpression. Patients received futibatinib 20 mg orally daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), quality of life, and safety. Results Between August 2021 and March 2024, 14 patients enrolled and 13 were evaluable. Median age was 72 years (range, 60–87), 53.8% were male, 92.3% had Child-Pugh A liver function, and all had received prior immunotherapy. Median progression-free survival was 15 weeks (95% CI, 9.0–NE), with a PFS6 rate of 23.1% (95% CI, 8.6–62.3%). ORR was 0% (95% CI, 0–24.7%), while stable disease was observed in 53.9% of patients. Median OS was 55.7 weeks (95% CI, 47.3–NE). Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 69.2% of patients, and grade ≥4 adverse events in 15.4%. One grade 5 event (acute-on-chronic kidney injury) was deemed unrelated to treatment. Common adverse events included hyperphosphatemia, fatigue, diarrhea, elevated transaminases, dry eye, nail changes, rash, and oral mucositis. Conclusions Futibatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated an acceptable safety profile but did not meet efficacy thresholds supporting further study in FGF19-expressing HCC. Effective post-immunotherapy treatment strategies remain an unmet need.
Real-World Evidence of Disproportionate Financial Toxicity and Health-Related Social Needs Among Adolescents and Young Adults Receiving Care at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Current Oncology | August 13, 2026 | Volume: 33 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 477
Financial toxicity is a significant but often overlooked consequence of cancer for adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15–39 years old), who face limited savings, unstable employment, and insurance gaps that heighten financial stress. As part of a larger initiative to determine whether our cancer center can use an existing social drivers of health (SDOH) screening process to identify patients who may benefit from targeted supportive interventions, we sought to characterize financial strain, toxicity, and SDOH needs in AYAs treated in our cancer center and compare them to both younger and older cancer patients. This is a cross-sectional observational study at Mayo Clinic of patients with an oncology-related department visit between 8 September 2023–4 June 2024 (N = 81,731) who completed routine institutional electronic screenings for financial strain and SDOH. Survey items assessed financial strain, transportation barriers, and food insecurity; institutional billing data captured financial toxicity (unresolved balances, collection referrals, write-offs). AYAs (n = 5655) were more likely than non-AYAs to report medium/high financial strain, have unpaid debt, or have an unresolved balance, referral to a collection agency, or bad debt write-off, with nearly double the odds of medium/high financial strain compared to patients over 40 (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.84–2.23, p < 0.001). Within AYAs, ages 26–32 bore the greatest burden: 24.2% in the medium/high-risk category, 9.4% with unresolved billing issues or collections, and 11.6% reporting food insecurity. These findings identify AYAs—particularly those 26–32—as a distinct high-risk group for financial toxicity and health-related social needs, underscoring the need for targeted interventions, tailored financial navigation, and policy efforts to reduce economic barriers to care. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in mitigating financial toxicity, addressing health-related social needs, and improving patient outcomes in this population.
Spatial Configuration of Pancreatic Cancer Is Associated with Disease Recurrence after Neoadjuvant Therapy and Curative-Intent Resection
Clinical Cancer Research | July 15, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: OF1-OF16
Abstract Purpose: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently recurs after neoadjuvant therapy (NT) and curative-intent resection. Although major pathologic response predicts favorable outcomes, most patients achieve only minor response with a heterogeneous recurrence risk. We asked whether the spatial organization of residual PDAC encodes clinically relevant biology beyond residual tumor burden. Experimental Design: In a retrospective cohort of 203 patients with resected PDAC treated with NT and restricted to minor pathologic response, routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) whole-slide images were segmented into cancer and stroma using an artificial intelligence–enabled pipeline. Spatial composition (patch density, edge density) and configuration (compactness/complexity, intermixing) were quantified and tested for associations with disease-free survival (DFS) using multivariable models adjusted for standard clinicopathologic factors. Results: Shorter DFS was associated with a fragmented, interface-rich tumor–stroma ecology featuring higher edge density and diversity and reduced homotypic aggregation, independent of clinicopathologic variables. Two spatial risk models were independently prognostic: (i) cancer mean shape index plus stromal shape index variability [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.71; P = 0.003] and (ii) mean stromal patch area plus edge density (adjusted HR, 2.19; P = 0.002). Both models stratified outcomes in which pathologic response grading and residual cancer area did not. High-risk configurations were further associated with reduced intratumoral tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density and infiltration ratio, with relative TIL accumulation at the cancer periphery and within the stroma, consistent with an immune-excluded phenotype. Conclusions: Residual cancer–stroma topology quantified from standard H&E slides yields independent prognostic signals after NT in PDAC, provides a cellular immune correlate for spatial risk, and motivates prospective validation and spatially informed adjuvant strategies.
Long-Term Outcomes and Surgical Conversion After Immunotherapy in Microsatellite Instability-H Biliary Tract Cancers
JCO Precision Oncology | July 10, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 7 | Pages: No page available
PURPOSE Deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability (dMMR, MSI-H) in biliary tract cancers (BTCs) is observed in 1%-5% of tumors. MSI-H across solid tumors has demonstrated durable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) regardless of the anatomic location. Here, we describe clinical outcomes and surgical conversion of MSI-H BTC treated with ICIs. Patients and Methods We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of BTC patients with dMMR/MSI-H between 2017 and 2024 at Mayo Clinic, University of Michigan, and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. Outcomes of interest were surgical resection rate, rate of pathologic response, 2-year overall survival (OS; time from initiation of treatment to death/last follow-up), and time to treatment discontinuation (TTD; time from initiation of treatment to cessation because of any cause). Analyses were descriptive. RESULTS Thirty patients with MSI-H BTC were identified: 19 with cholangiocarcinoma, three with gallbladder cancer, and 8 with BTC undefined. The median age at diagnosis was 61.5 years (range, 26-86). Twenty-six (86.7%) patients had advanced stage at diagnosis. Twenty-seven patients (90%) received first-line systemic therapy, and 13 (48.1%) continued onto second line. Six patients (23.1%) were restaged to resectable from advanced disease after ICI therapy and underwent resection; all remained recurrence-free at last follow-up. Of these six patients, 3 (50%) achieved a pathologic complete response. Among those receiving first-line therapy, the median TTD was 9.9 months (95% CI, 5.7 to 14.5 months) and the 2-year OS was 73% (95% CI, 56% to 94%). CONCLUSION ICI therapy in patients with MSI-H BTC demonstrated durable response and downstaged some BTC to a resectable stage. dMMR/MSI-H should be performed up-front to guide treatment decisions.
Incidence, severity, and management of severe adverse events in first-line (1L) treatments for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC): A retrospective observational study.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available
e16377 Background: 1L systemic treatment of mPDAC can lead to severe adverse events (AEs). To contextualize the safety profile of irinotecan-based regimens, real-world data were used to characterize AEs and their management in patients receiving 1L mPDAC treatment with FOLFIRINOX (FFX) or gemcitabine+Nab-paclitaxel (Gem+NabP). Methods: De-identified data from Mayo Clinic electronic health records (all sites; records collected 2010–2023) were used. Natural language processing was leveraged to confirm staging and metastatic classification and to extract treatment data. Adults with mPDAC with stage IV and/or TNM staging of M1 who received ≥ 1 dose of FFX or Gem+NabP were included. Primary endpoint: proportion of patients with AEs of interest (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, neuropathy, and neutropenia) following initiation of 1L treatment. Secondary endpoints: proportion of patients who received treatment for each AE of interest, median time to resolution and treatment of each AE of interest, and proportion of patients who switched mPDAC treatment or had dose reductions due to AEs. Results: In total, 405 patients (FFX, 197; Gem+NabP, 208) were identified. The proportions of patients who experienced and were treated for any-grade AEs of interest are reported in the Table. Of the AEs of interest, neutropenia resolved most quickly (median time from onset to resolution, FFX: 9.5 days; Gem+NabP: 12.5 days); neuropathy took the longest time to resolve (FFX: 44.0 days; Gem+NabP: 74.0 days). Median time to AE treatment was shortest for nausea and vomiting (both 0.0 days for FFX and for Gem+NabP). Time to treatment was longest for neuropathy (FFX: 158.5 days; Gem+NabP: 70.0 days). Only 5.1% of patients on FFX and 13.4% on Gem+NabP received treatment for neuropathy. Of patients in the FFX group who switched/reduced treatment (n=140), 58.6% received a dose reduction and 7.1% switched to Gem+NabP due to AEs. Conclusions: At the Mayo Clinic sites, incidence of any-grade AEs associated with 1L mPDAC treatment were similar or higher than rates of any-grade or ≥ 2/3–4 grade AEs reported in the literature. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were the most commonly treated AEs for both irinotecan-based (FFX) and non-irinotecan-based (Gem+NabP) 1L regimens; neutropenia and neuropathy were less commonly treated. FFX dose reductions were commonly attempted before switching regimens. Proportion experiencing any-grade AE (AE incidence in the literature) Proportion experiencing AE treated for an AE FFX Gem+NabP FFX Gem+NabP Diarrhea 74.6% (50–80%, any grade) 43.8% (< 5%, any grade) 92.5% 56.0% Nausea 81.7% (45%, any grade) 72.1% (20%, grade ≥ 2) 98.8% 96.7% Vomiting 54.8% (10%, any grade) 42.8% (20%, grade ≥ 2) 98.1% 98.9% Neutropenia 58.9% (45%, grade 3–4) 48.1% (12–21%, grade 3–4) 62.1% 46.0% Neuropathy 59.9% (25%, grade 3–4) 32.2% (30%, grade 3–4) 5.1% 13.4%
Real-world comparison of ipilimumab–nivolumab dosing strategies in melanoma brain metastases.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 9558-9558
9558 Background: Ipilimumab 3 mg/kg plus nivolumab 1 mg/kg (Ipi3+Nivo1) is the standard immunotherapy regimen for metastatic melanoma with brain metastases (MBM) but is associated with significant immune-related toxicity, particularly neurologic toxicity. Ipilimumab 1 mg/kg plus nivolumab 3 mg/kg (Ipi1+Nivo3) has demonstrated improved tolerability in extracranial melanoma, though comparative data in MBM are limited. We compared efficacy and toxicity of these dosing strategies in a multisite real-world cohort. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with MBM treated with ipilimumab plus nivolumab across three Mayo Clinic sites between 2016 and 2024. Patients were classified by induction dosing as Ipi1+Nivo3 or Ipi3+Nivo1. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Best overall response (BOR) and toxicity outcomes were summarized descriptively. Results: Among 147 patients (Ipi1+Nivo3 n=32; Ipi3+Nivo1 n=115), 144 were evaluable for survival. Median age was higher in the Ipi1+Nivo3 group (69.5 vs 66.0 years); males predominated in both groups (71.9% vs 61.7%), and the cohort was predominantly White (>96%). Most patients had ECOG 0–1 in both groups (84.4% in Ipi1+ Nivo3 and 90.4% in Ipi3+Nivo1). BRAF mutation status was balanced between regimens, with approximately half of patients harboring BRAF-mutant disease (51.6% vs 53.2%). Median OS was 18.5 months (95% CI, 5.7–54.7) with Ipi1+Nivo3 versus 10.6 months (95% CI, 6.5–19.1) with Ipi3+Nivo1 (log-rank p=0.25). Two-year OS was 45.9% and 35.0%, and five-year OS was 24.5% and 19.2%, respectively. Median PFS was 7.3 months (95% CI, 1.8–10.9) versus 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.1–4.4) (log-rank p=0.16). BOR was available for 138 patients; objective response rates were 35.5% and 31.8%, respectively. 3–5 adverse events occurred in 24.1% of Ipi1+Nivo3 versus 30.5% of Ipi3+Nivo1 patients. Hospitalizations were less frequent (16.7% vs 36.1%), and neurologic adverse events occurred only with Ipi3+Nivo1 (11.9% vs 0%). Conclusions: In this multisite real-world MBM cohort, Ipi1+Nivo3 demonstrated comparable efficacy, numerically longer survival, and a more favorable toxicity profile compared with standard Ipi3+Nivo1. Notably, no neurologic toxicity was observed with the Ipi1+Nivo3 regimen. These findings support further prospective evaluation of lower dose ipilimumab strategies. Response and survival outcomes. Outcome Ipi1 + Nivo3 Ipi3 + Nivo1 Complete response (CR) 2 / 31 (6.5%) 8 / 107 (7.5%) Partial response (PR) 9 / 31 (29.0%) 26 / 107 (24.3%) Objective response rate (ORR = CR+PR) 11 / 31 (35.5%) 34 / 107 (31.8%) Disease control rate (DCR = CR+PR+SD) 18 / 31 (58.1%) 51 / 107 (47.7%) Median PFS, months (95% CI) 7.3 (1.8–10.9) 2.8 (2.1–4.4) 2-year PFS 27.6% 22.3% Median OS, months (95% CI) 18.5 (5.7–54.7) 10.6 (6.5–19.1) 2-year OS 45.9% 35.0% 5-year OS 24.5% 19.2%
Abstract 3706: Impact of number of IL-2 infusions and product out of specification status on outcomes of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for melanoma
Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 3706-3706
Abstract Background: High-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) is administered after tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) infusion to promote in-vivo expansion and persistence, yet optimal dosing and the clinical significance of out-of-specification (OOS) TIL products remain unclear. We investigated the impact of number of infused IL-2 doses and manufacturing OOS status on outcomes in metastatic melanoma treated with commercial TIL therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 31 patients treated across three Mayo Clinic sites. Planned IL-2 was 600,000 IU/kg every 12 hours for ≤6 doses; actual dosing varied based on clinical tolerance. Patients were grouped as low (0-2) vs high (≥3) IL-2 doses. TIL products were classified as within-specification or OOS per commercial release criteria. Survival associations were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression. Results: In our 31-patient cohort, the median age was 59 years (range 17-77), 58% were male, and 84% had ECOG 0. At TIL infusion, M-stage distribution was M1a 6%, M1b 10%, M1c 61%, and M1d 23%. LDH was elevated above the upper limit of normal in 42%. The median number of IL-2 infusions was 4 (range 0-6); 58% of patients received ≥3 doses, while 2 patients (6%) received none. Out-of-specification (OOS) TIL products occurred in 6 patients (19%). Best responses included complete response (26%) and partial response (23%), for an overall response rate of 48% and a disease-control rate of 61% (CR + PR + SD). Among responders, the median duration of response was 84 days (95% CI 73-95). At data cutoff, the median follow-up was 253 days (95% CI 137-370). The most common grade 3/4 toxicities occurring >14 days after TIL infusion were lymphopenia (39%), anemia (16%), and thrombocytopenia (10%). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 99 days (95% CI 73-125) with 20 progression events, and median overall survival (OS) was 193 days (95% CI 32-354) with 13 deaths. Number of infused IL-2 doses was dependent on patients tolerability. Receiving ≥3 IL-2 doses was associated with improved overall survival (394 vs 101 days; p < 0.001) and a trend toward longer progression-free survival (110 vs 59 days; p = 0.055). OOS products predicted inferior PFS (30 vs 110 days; p = 0.003) and showed a trend toward worse OS (120 vs 394 days; p = 0.079). In multivariate analysis, ≥3 IL-2 doses independently improved PFS (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.69; p = 0.011) and OS (HR 0.09, 0.02-0.36; p = 0.001), while OOS status increased risk of progression (HR 8.10, 2.24-29.25; p = 0.001) and death (HR 6.16, 1.35-28.20; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Higher number of infused doses IL-2 and meeting commercial TIL release criteria were independently associated with improved outcomes. Citation Format: Mohamed A. Aboelatta, Jeffrey E. Johnson, Jabra G. Zarka, Matyáš Benada, James W. Jakub, Roxana S. Dronca, Ruqin Chen, Mahesh Seetharam, Deepti Behl, Svetomir N. Markovic, Lisa A. Kottschade, Heather N. Montane, Matthew S. Block, Anastasios Dimou, Robert R. McWilliams, Paula Gill, Yi Lin, Arkadiusz Z. Dudek. Impact of number of IL-2 infusions and product out of specification status on outcomes of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 3706.
Abstract 2611: Prospective evaluation of 68Ga-PSMA PET imaging in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing first line immunotherapy.
Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 2611-2611
Abstract Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is highly expressed in tumor-associated neovasculature in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting its promise as a theranostic target. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the utility of novel biomarkers derived from PSMA positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT) to assess treatment response in advanced HCC patients (pts) receiving first line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Methods: This study (NCT05176223) enrolled unresectable, advanced HCC pts eligible for first-line ICI (atezolizumab/bevacizumab [A/B] or durvalumab/tremelimumab [D/T]) with measurable disease according to RECIST criteria. Primary endpoints: progression-free survival (PFS) per RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST; overall survival (OS); and best overall response. The survival distribution was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Observed agreement is defined as the proportion of pts whose responses, as classified by PET/CT or CT, were concordant. Weighted kappa and Cohen’s kappa were used to quantify the strength of agreement between PET/CT and CT. Pts completed up to five 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans and blood collections. Results: Twenty-six pts were enrolled (25 evaluable) between Oct 2022 and Nov 2024. Median follow up was 22.1 months (m) (Q1, Q3: 14.5-23.7). Median age 68 yrs, 72% male, 88% White, 68% Child-Pugh [CP] A, 32% CP B, 32% Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC] stage B, 68% BCLC stage C, 36% with microvascular invasion; 56% received A/B and 40% received D/T treatment. PSMA was positive in 96% of pts at baseline with median SUVmax 14.3 (range 5.1-40.5) and median background liver SUVmax 3.9 (range 2.1-6.8). Median (95%CI) PFS was 5.6 m (4.6-12.5) by both RECIST and mRECIST. Median (95%CI) OS was 18.6 m (7.2-not estimable), with 56% deceased. The observed agreement between PET/CT adapted PERCIST criteria compared to RECIST and mRECIST in determining the best response was 46% and 50% and weighted kappa of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.37-0.90) and 0.66 (0.41-0.92), respectively. Observed agreement between PERCIST compared to RECIST and mRECIST for responders’ assessment was 67% and 71% with Cohen’s kappa of 0.36 (0.03-0.68) and 0.43 (0.11-0.76), respectively. Conclusion: In this cohort, PSMA PET/CT avidity was observed in all but one pt with advanced HCC, each demonstrating moderate to high SUVmax values. Median OS and PFS were consistent with outcomes reported in clinical trials. Response assessment using 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT according to PERCIST criteria showed good concordance with both RECIST and mRECIST standards. Analysis of immune biomarkers is ongoing. Citation Format: Nguyen H. Tran, Jacob Hirdler, Ajith Antony, Jacob Teske, Sudhakar K. Venkatesh, Amit Mahipal, Michael S. Torbenson, Scott M. Thompson, Thor R. Halfdanarson, Zhaohui Jin, Lionel Aurelien Kankeu Fonkoua, Leslie A. Washburn, Alexander Revzin, Haidong Dong, Robert R. Mcwilliams, Aminah Jatoi, Hani M. Babiker, Mitesh J. Borad, Tanios Bekaii-Saab, Gregory J. Gores, Lewis R. Roberts, Geoffrey B. Johnson, Ajit H. Goenka. Prospective evaluation of 68Ga-PSMA PET imaging in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing first line immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 2611.
Abstract 2107: Genomic landscape of melanoma brain metastases: Real-world analysis and comparison with public melanoma cohorts.
Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 2107-2107
Abstract Background: Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) represent a biologically distinct and clinically aggressive subset of melanoma. Comprehensive molecular characterization focused on intracranial disease remains limited. We aimed to define the genomic landscape of MBM and compare these findings with public melanoma datasets. Methods: We retrospectively identified 166 patients with histologically confirmed MBM across Mayo Clinic tri-sites (2011-2025). Molecular testing was performed in 123 patients (74.1%). Comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS; ≥300-gene platforms including Tempus, FoundationOne, Caris, NeoGenomics, and MayoComplete Solid Tumor Panel) was available in 41 patients (24.7%). Intermediate-depth profiling using the MayoComplete Melanoma Panel (17 genes) was performed in 21 patients (12.7%), and a targeted 5-gene melanoma driver panel (BRAF, NRAS, KIT, GNAQ, GNA11) in 52 patients (31.3%). cfDNA-based NGS was available in 12 patients (7.2%). Genomic alterations were summarized and benchmarked against TCGA-SKCM and MSK-IMPACT datasets via cBioPortal. We considered assay heterogeneity, as Mayo panels varied in sequencing depth and CNV coverage, and hybrid-capture platforms often under-detect TERT promoter hotspots. Results: Patients had a median age of 67 years, and 63% were male. BRAF mutations occurred in 48.8% (BRAF V600E/K 41.6%; non-V600 7.2%). Additional MAPK alterations included NRAS (17.5%), KIT (5.4%), GNAQ (1.2%), and GNA11 (0.6%). In the comprehensive NGS subset, tumor-suppressor alterations included CDKN2A (17.5%), PTEN (7.8%), NF1 (9.0%), TP53 (8.4%), and TERT promoter mutations (22.9%). Median TMB was 11.55 mut/Mb (IQR 5.0-25.5). Co-alterations included BRAF+CDKN2A (7.2%), BRAF+PTEN (4.2%), NRAS+CDKN2A (4.2%), NRAS+PTEN (1.2%), and CDKN2A+PTEN (3.6%); overall, 18.1% harbored MAPK driver + tumor-suppressor co-alterations. Compared with TCGA and MSK cohorts, MBM showed similar MAPK driver frequencies but fewer MAPK + tumor-suppressor co-alterations and lower CDKN2A, PTEN, and TP53 disruption, alongside a more prevalent of TERT promoter mutations (22.9% vs 7% and 2.1%), which may partly reflect coverage differences. Conclusion: MBM exhibit a distinct genomic profile characterized by reduced tumor-suppressor loss, fewer MAPK-tumor-suppressor co-alterations, and higher prevalence of TERT promoter mutations. While assay heterogeneity limits direct cross-cohort comparisons, these patterns suggest potentially distinct biological features of intracranial melanoma and underscore the need for harmonized, MBM-specific molecular studies to guide therapeutic development. Citation Format: Dina Elantably, Joseph B. Parker, Jakob Hamilton, Ahmed Abdelhakeem, Oluwatayo Adeoye, Saivaishnavi Kamatham, Winston Tan, Arkadiusz Z. Dudek, Anastasios Dimou, Matthew S. Block, Robert McWilliams, Svetomir Markovic, Mahesh Seetharam, Roxana Dronca, Ruqin Chen. Genomic landscape of melanoma brain metastases: Real-world analysis and comparison with public melanoma cohorts [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 2107.
Impact of infusion timing (IT) on survival outcomes across gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies: A multicenter analysis of circadian rhythm (CR) effects on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) activity.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 12, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 2_suppl | Pages: 837-837
837 Background: A recent randomized trial suggested that CR may influence ICI activity in patients with lung cancer. However, the same has not been established in GI cancers, where reports have shown mixed results with variable definitions of 'early' vs 'late' IT. We evaluated multiple approaches to assess the impact of CR on first-line ICI in GI malignancies. Methods: This retrospective study included patients from three Mayo Clinic sites (N=455). Both previously reported IT cutoffs and a new cutoff derived from ROC analysis were evaluated. Patients were categorized by the median of all ITs, the median of the first four ITs, and whether ≥20% of ITs occurred before the identified cutoff. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression (adjusting for age, MSI status, type of cancer, metastasis status, number of cycles, and receipt of chemotherapy with ICI) assessed associations with OS. KM analyses were performed to illustrate survival differences. The primary endpoint was OS. Results: When patients were categorized based on whether ≥20% of infusions occurred before 14:00 (ROC-derived cutoff), a significant association with OS was observed. On univariate analysis, early infusion timing was associated with improved survival (HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.58–3.32, p <0.001). This remained significant after multivariable adjustment (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.41–3.16, p < 0.001). Median OS was 14.2 months in the early group vs 3.8 months in the late group (log-rank p < 0.001). Using previously defined cutoffs, categorization by the median IT of all infusions or the median of the first four infusions did not demonstrate a significant association with OS in either univariate or multivariate Cox regression analyses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential role of infusion timing as a chronotherapy factor in GI cancers. Given the retrospective design and heterogeneous population, prospective studies are warranted to validate this signal and clarify its clinical relevance. Baseline demographics of patients by infusion timing (early vs late). Variables Early N=412 (%) LateN=43(%) Total N=455(%) p-value Age <70 249(60.4) 21(48.8) 270 (59.3) 0.1 >70 163(39.6) 22(51.2) 185 (40.7) Gender F 118(28.6) 16(37.2) 134 (29.5) 0.3 M 294(71.4) 27(62.8) 321 (70.5) Cancer Type Gastroesophageal 109 (26.5) 8 (18.6) 117 (25.7) 0.1 Hepatocellular 159 (38.6) 24 (55.8) 183 (40.2) Biliary 86 (20.9) 4 (9.3) 90 (19.8) MSI-H 58 (14.1) 7 (16.3) 65 (14.3) Metastasis No 150 (36.4) 22 (51.2) 172 (37.8) 0.1 Yes 262 (63.6) 21 (48.8) 283 (62.2) Immunotherapy Cycle Number <6 189 (45.9) 33 (76.7) 222 (48.8) <0.001 >6 223 (54.1) 10 (23.3) 233 (51.2)