Citations 46

Multiinstitutional cohort study of patient outcomes in Child-Pugh (CP) B liver function treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A+B) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | August 12, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 23_suppl | Pages: 50-50

10.1200/jco.2024.42.23_suppl.50

50 Background: A+B is commonly used as first line systemic therapy in HCC patients with CP-B liver function, although in the IMbrave150 clinical trial, its efficacy was only assessed in patients with CP-A liver function. We evaluated outcomes in patients with CP-B liver function and compared to those with CP-A. Methods: We completed a multi-institution, retrospective review of patients with HCC from Mayo Clinic and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, who had received A+B in the first line setting between March 2018 and November 2023. CP score was calculated at time of treatment, response was assessed, and progression free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival were determined using the Kaplan Meier method. Results: Among 322 patients with HCC, median age was 66.5 years, 78.6% were male, and 82.6% were white. Eighty-six patients (27%) had CP-B liver function, while 226 (70%) had CP-A and 10 (3%) had CP-C. Etiology of liver disease in patients with CP-B included hepatitis B in 7.0%, hepatitis C in 38.4%, alcohol use in 30.2%, and metabolic associated steatohepatitis in 20.9%. Median OS in patients with CP-B liver function was 6.4 months, while mOS was 21.6 months for those with CP-A ( p<0.0001). Further stratifying, mOS in those with CP-B7 was 9.1 months, CP-B8 was 5.5 months, and CP-B9 was 4.0 months. 12-month OS in patients with CP-B was 32.4%, compared to 69.3% in CP-A. Median PFS was 4.8 months in those with CP-B and 8.9 months in those with CP-A. Median PFS in those with CP-B7, -B8, and -B9 was 6.4 months, 2.7 months, and 2.7 months, respectively. Among those with CP-B, 1 patient had a complete response, 17 (19.8%) had a partial response, 29 (33.7%) had stable disease, and 37 (43.0%) had progressive disease. Adverse events in CP-B patients included hypertension in 14.0% (grade 3 in 1 patient), bleeding in 16.3% (grade 3 or greater in 11.6%), fatigue in 38.4%, and an immune-related adverse event in 17.4% (grade 3 in 5.8%). Conclusions: Patients with advanced HCC and CP-B7 liver function may still benefit from A+B. Importantly, no additional safety risks were identified in this subgroup. Those with CP-B8 and CP-B9 have significantly worse survival than those with CP-B7 and the likelihood of benefit from systemic therapy is minimal. It is important for providers to address the impact of baseline liver function on expected outcomes in patient with HCC.
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab as first-line systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-institutional cohort study

The Oncologist | July 9, 2024 | Volume: 29 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 986-996

10.1093/oncolo/oyae142 | PMID 38979643

Abstract Background Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is the standard of care for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the first-line setting, although was only evaluated in patients with Child-Pugh (CP) A liver function in the IMbrave150 trial. We sought to determine the outcomes of these patients based on CP score and ALBI grade in the US population. Methods This multicenter cohort study included patients with HCC who received atezolizumab with bevacizumab as first-line systemic therapy between March 2018 and November 2023. Overall survival (OS) was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard regression method. Results Among 322 patients, 226, 86, and 10 patients had CP-A, CP-B, and CP-C liver function, respectively. Median age was 66.5 years, 78.6% were male, and 82.6% were White. Median OS (mOS) was 21.6 months for those with CP-A, 9.1 months for those with CP-B7, and 4.7 months for those with CP-B8-C12 (P &lt; .0001). Among patients with CP-A, those with ALBI grade 1 had an mOS of 34.9 months versus 14.2 months in those with grade 2. In multivariate analyses, CP score, ALBI grade, hepatitis B, performance status, and macrovascular invasion were significantly associated with survival. Conclusions CP score is an important prognostic tool for patients with HCC receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, and this regimen remains a viable option for patients with CP-B7 with no additional safety concern, although the benefit is significantly less than those with CP-A. ALBI score has independent predictive value in patients with CP-A liver function.
Circulating Tumor DNA Predicts Early Recurrence Following Locoregional Therapy for Oligometastatic Colorectal Cancer

Cancers | July 1, 2024 | Volume: 16 | Issue: 13 | Pages: 2407

10.3390/cancers16132407 | PMID 39001469

(1) Background: Local therapies offer a potentially curative approach for patients with oligometastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). An evidence-based consensus recommendation for systemic therapy following definitive locoregional therapy is lacking. Tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) might provide information to help guide management in this setting. (2) Methods: A multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted, including patients with CRC that underwent curative-intent locoregional therapy to an isolated site of metastatic disease, followed by tumor-informed ctDNA assessment. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank tests were used to compare disease-free survival based on ctDNA results. ctDNA test performance was compared to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test results using McNemar’s test. (3) Results: Our study cohort consisted of 87 patients treated with locoregional interventions who underwent ctDNA testing. The initial ctDNA test post-intervention was positive in 28 patients and negative in 59 patients. The median follow-up time was 14.0 months. Detectable ctDNA post-intervention was significantly associated with early disease recurrence, with a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 6.63 months compared to 21.30 months in ctDNA-negative patients (p < 0.001). ctDNA detected a numerically higher proportion of recurrences than CEA (p < 0.097). Post-intervention systemic therapy was not associated with improved DFS (p = 0.745). (4) Conclusions: ctDNA results are prognostically important in oligometastatic CRC, and further prospective studies are urgently needed to define its role in guiding clinical decisions.
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A+B) as first-line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): A multi-institution analysis of patient outcomes based on Child Pugh (CP) and ALBI liver function.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 17, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 4099-4099

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.4099

4099 Background: A+B is standard of care for advanced HCC in the first line setting, although was only evaluated in patients with CP class A liver function in IMbrave150. We sought to determine outcomes of patients in the real-world setting. Methods: We conducted a multi-institution retrospective analysis of patients with HCC who received A+B as first-line systemic therapy between March 2018 and November 2023, at Mayo Clinic and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. Treatment response was evaluated, and progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using the Kaplan Meier method. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard regression method. Results: Among patients with HCC (n=322), 226, 86, and 10 had CP-A, -B, and -C liver function, while 120, 177, and 25 had ALBI grade 1, 2, and 3 liver function. Median age was 66.5 years, 78.6% were male, and 82.6% were white. Liver disease causes included hepatitis B (5.3%) and C (34.8%), ethanol use (26.1%), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (15.5%). Macrovascular invasion was seen in 42.9%, and 30.4% had extrahepatic metastatic disease. Median OS for patients with CP-A5/6 was 21.6 months, B7 (n=49) was 9.1 months, and B8-C12 was 4.7 months ( p<0.0001). Median OS by ALBI grade was 34.9, 11.7, and 4.7 months for grades 1, 2, and 3. Median PFS was 8.9, 6.4, and 2.7 months for CP-A5/6, B7, and B8-C12 ( p<0.0001). Median PFS by ALBI grade was 11.0, 6.4, and 3.7 months for grades 1, 2, and 3 ( p=0.0001). Among patients with CP-A, those with ALBI grade 1 had mOS of 34.9 months versus 14.2 months for those with grade 2. Partial response was seen in 29.2%, 19.8% and 10.0% of patients with CP-A, -B, and -C, while 32.7%, 33.7%, and 40.0% had stable disease. In a univariate analysis, factors predictive of shorter OS included CP-B7 or CP-B8-C12, ALBI grade 2 or 3, hepatitis B, poorer ECOG performance status (PS), macrovascular invasion, non-white race, and lack of prior surgery or embolization. In multivariate analyses, CP score, ALBI grade, hepatitis B, ECOG PS, and macrovascular invasion were significantly associated with survival. There was significant interaction between CP and ALBI grade (Table). Conclusions: A+B remains a viable option in patients with CP-B7 liver function, although benefit is significantly less than those with CP-A. ALBI score has predictive value and can identify two prognostic groups among those with CP-A liver function. [Table: see text]
Symptom burden in adolescents and young adults with cancer: A subgroup analysis of the enhanced, EHR-facilitated cancer symptom control (E2C2) trial.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 13, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 12065-12065

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.12065

12065 Background: Incidence of cancer, including colorectal, breast, pancreas, kidney, and uterine cancer, is increasing in younger populations. Adolescents and young adults (AYA, defined as age 15-39) with cancer face unique challenges. This study aimed to characterize how symptom burden differs between AYA and non-AYA (aged 40+) patients with cancer. Methods: We performed a subgroup analysis of the E2C2 study, a cluster-randomized, pragmatic trial examining the effectiveness of routine symptom assessment and guideline-based management on patient-centered and healthcare utilization metrics during and following cancer treatment. Six symptoms [Sleep disturbance, Pain, Physical function impairment, Anxiety, Depression, and Energy deficit/fatigue (SPPADE)] were evaluated using 11-point numerical rating scales (NRS). Symptom severity was classified as mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), or severe (7-10). We conducted a subgroup analysis of symptom burden among AYA patients (defined as age 18-39 in this study), using their first-reported NRS scores. Results: The E2C2 cohort included 2,598 AYA patients and 38,061 non-AYA patients who completed >1 SPPADE NRS on at least one survey. AYA patients were more likely than non-AYA patients to report severe anxiety ( p<0.0001) and depression ( p<0.0001) (Table). Non-AYA patients were more likely to report severe pain ( p=0.02179), fatigue ( p=0.0022), and physical function limitations ( p<0.0001). Sociodemographic differences were also noted. A higher proportion of AYA patients held a bachelor’s degree or higher (38% vs 28%), were employed (73% vs 37%), and lived in an urban setting (67% vs 56%), compared to non-AYA patients. Non-AYA patients were more likely to have government insurance (63% vs 21%) and to be married (72% vs 59%). Conclusions: AYA patients with cancer were more likely to report severe depression and anxiety compared to their counterparts age 40 and above, underscoring the need for targeted and tailored psycho-oncology care for this population. [Table: see text]
Frequency of Common and Uncommon BRAF Alterations among Colorectal and Non-Colorectal Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Cancers | May 10, 2024 | Volume: 16 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1823

10.3390/cancers16101823 | PMID 38791902

Background: The predictive and prognostic role of BRAF alterations has been evaluated in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, BRAF alterations have not been fully characterized in non-CRC gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. In the present study, we report the frequency and spectrum of BRAF alterations among patients with non-CRC GI malignancies. Methods: Patients with CRC and non-CRC GI malignancies who underwent somatic tumor profiling via a tissue-based or liquid-based assay were included in this study. Gain-of-function BRAF alterations were defined as pathogenic/likely pathogenic somatic short variants (SVs), copy number amplifications ≥8, or fusions (RNA or DNA). Results: Among 51,560 patients with somatic profiling, 40% had CRC and 60% had non-CRC GI malignancies. BRAF GOF alterations were seen more frequently in CRC (8.9%) compared to non-CRC GI malignancies (2.2%) (p < 0.001). Non-CRC GI malignancies with the highest prevalence of BRAF GOF alterations were bile duct cancers (4.1%) and small intestine cancers (4.0%). Among BRAF GOF alterations, class II (28% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001) and class III (23% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) were more common in non-CRC GI malignancies. Among class II alterations, rates of BRAF amplifications (3.1% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001) and BRAF fusions (12% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001) were higher in non-CRC GI malignancies compared to CRC. Conclusions: Non-CRC GI malignancies demonstrate a distinct BRAF alteration profile compared to CRC, with a higher frequency of class II and III mutations, and more specifically, a higher incidence of BRAF fusions. Future studies should evaluate clinical implications for the management of non-CRC GI patients with BRAF alterations, especially BRAF fusions.
Metabolism, toxicity and management of fruquintinib: a novel drug for metastatic colorectal cancer

Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology | March 18, 2024 | Volume: 20 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 197-205

10.1080/17425255.2024.2332364 | PMID 38497279

Projected Incidence of Hepatobiliary Cancers and Trends Based on Age, Race, and Gender in the United States

Cancers | February 6, 2024 | Volume: 16 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 684

10.3390/cancers16040684 | PMID 38398075

Background: Identifying the projected incidence of hepatobiliary cancers and recognizing patient cohorts at increased risk can help develop targeted interventions and resource allocation. The expected incidence of subtypes of hepatobiliary cancers in different age groups, races, and genders remains unknown. Methods: Historical epidemiological data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to project future incidence of hepatobiliary malignancies in the United States and identify trends by age, race, and gender. Patients ≥18 years of age diagnosed with a hepatobiliary malignancy between 2001 and 2017 were included. US Census Bureau 2017 National Population projects provided the projected population from 2017 to 2029. Age–Period–Cohort forecasting model was used to estimate future births cohort-specific incidence. All analyses were completed using R Statistical Software. Results: We included 110381 historical patients diagnosed with a hepatobiliary malignancy between 2001 and 2017 with the following subtypes: hepatocellular cancer (HCC) (68%), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) (11.5%), gallbladder cancer (GC) (8%), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) (7.6%), and ampullary cancer (AC) (4%). Our models predict the incidence of HCC to double (2001 to 2029) from 4.5 to 9.03 per 100,000, with the most significant increase anticipated in patients 70–79 years of age. In contrast, incidence is expected to continue to decline among the Asian population. Incidence of iCCA is projected to increase, especially in the white population, with rates in 2029 double those in 2001 (2.13 vs. 0.88 per 100,000, respectively; p < 0.001). The incidence of GC among the black population is expected to increase. The incidence of eCCA is expected to significantly increase, especially among the Hispanic population, while that of AC will remain stable. Discussion: The overall incidence of hepatobiliary malignancies is expected to increase in the coming years, with certain groups at increased risk. These findings may help with resource allocation when considering screening, treatment, and research in the coming years.
Symptom burden in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer: A subgroup analysis of the enhanced, EHR-facilitated cancer symptom control (E2C2) trial.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 31-31

10.1200/jco.2024.42.3_suppl.31

31 Background: Incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC, <50 years of age at diagnosis) is increasing globally. However, little is known regarding symptom burden in this sub-population. We compared symptoms in patients with eoCRC to those of patients with average-onset CRC (aoCRC, diagnosed at age ≥ 50). Methods: E2C2 is a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pragmatic trial evaluating a collaborative care model for the assessment and management of six symptoms [Sleep disturbance, Pain, Physical function impairment, Anxiety, emotional Distress, and Energy deficit (SPPADE)]. Patients were asked to complete assessments rating each of these symptoms on an 11-point numerical rating scale. Symptom severity was classified as mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), or severe (7-10). We conducted a subgroup analysis of patients with CRC, comparing SPPADE symptoms on an initial survey, regardless of timing in treatment course, between patients with eoCRC and aoCRC. Results: Patients with CRC (n=4281) completed a survey between March 2019 and December 2022. Patient demographics and SPPADE symptoms are reported in the table. Patients with eoCRC were more likely to report severe sleep disturbance ( p<0.0001), pain ( p=0.03485), anxiety ( p<0.0001), emotional distress ( p<0.0001), and fatigue ( p=0.01083). In patients with eoCRC, women were more likely to report severe pain (12.6% vs 6.9%, p=0.0069), anxiety (16.1% vs 10.0%, p=0.012), emotional distress (12.1% vs 5.4%, p=0.00066), fatigue (18.9% vs 13.4%, p=0.038), and physical function impairment (10.1% vs 5.8%, p=0.026) compared to men. Conclusions: Patients with eoCRC reported higher symptom severity than patients with aoCRC. This suggests unique needs for symptom management in patients with eoCRC. Additional research is needed to evaluate how time since diagnosis, disease characteristics, cancer-directed treatment patterns, and co-occurring symptoms are associated with specific symptoms in this population. [Table: see text]
Prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA following local therapy in colorectal cancer with liver metastases.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 26-26

10.1200/jco.2024.42.3_suppl.26

26 Background: Local therapies have the potential to cure a portion of patients with colorectal cancer with liver-only metastatic disease (CRLM). Peri-operative chemotherapy has not been shown to improve overall survival when added to local therapy in CRLM. Circulating-tumor DNA (ct-DNA) may have potential to help guide management decisions following local therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of health records of CRLM patients who had tumor-informed ct-DNA (Signatera) measurement following curative-intent local therapy prior to August 30th, 2023. Disease-free survival (DFS) was defined as the time from ct-DNA test until radiographic evidence of disease. Descriptive characteristics of the cohort, ct-DNA results and their impact on adjuvant therapy decisions were recorded. Survival analysis was carried out using R software v4.3.1 with survival and survminer packages. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the survival distribution. Log-rank test was used for comparison. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess prognostic factors associated with DFS ( coxph). Results: 27 patients with CRLM underwent local therapy followed by ct-DNA collection. The median age was 61 years, 67% were male, and 85% were White. Molecular characteristics: KRAS 31%, NRAS/BRAF 0%, microsatellite instability 4%. The median time from initial diagnosis to treatment of liver disease was 21.0 months. 63% of patients received less than 6 months of systemic therapy prior to local therapy. ct-DNA was checked prior to definitive therapy in 12 cases and was positive in 5 cases (detection rate of 42%). Liver-directed therapy involved: resection (n=15), ablation (6), radiation (2) or a combination (4). The median follow-up time from liver-directed therapy was 13.2 months. Post-local therapy chemotherapy was initiated prior to recurrence in 59% of cases. ct-DNA results contributed to immediate post-management decisions in 15% of cases. There were 14 radiographic recurrences (11 to liver only, 3 to other sites). Positive ct-DNA on initial testing following local therapy was associated with poorer DFS in univariate analysis and was the only prognostic factor identified on multivariable analysis. Conclusions: ct-DNA positivity following local therapy for CRLM is associated with earlier recurrence. Baseline testing before local therapy may be important for interpretation of testing results post-local therapy, given frequent missed disease detection. Additional clinical trial data is needed to explore ct-DNA-guided treatment decisions in CRLM. [Table: see text]