Citations 28

Targeted Therapy Improves Real-World Survival in Patients with Molecularly Matched Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer

No container title available | October 12, 2025 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.21203/rs.3.rs-7744614/v1

Abstract Molecular profiling reveals that up to 40% of advanced biliary tract cancers (BTCs) harbor actionable genomic alterations amenable to matched targeted therapies. However, conventional trial designs typically evaluate these agents in pretreated populations, resulting in approvals for later-line use. Notably, 25–44% of patients with advanced BTC may become ineligible for treatment after first-line therapy due to disease progression or functional decline, thus the real-world survival outcomes with matched therapies remains poorly characterized. This international collaborative study includes data from Mayo Clinic, Duke Cancer Institute, and National Cancer Center East (Japan), as well as a combined dataset from the SCRUM-Japan GOZILA, MONSTAR-SCREEN-1, and MONSTAR-SCREEN-2 projects. We assessed overall survival (OS) of patients based on the presence of actionable alterations and the receipt of matched therapy. To adjust for confounding, we applied propensity score weighting with inverse probability of treatment and multivariate Cox regression modeling, controlling for age, sex, tumor location, prior resection, and mutational subgroup. Among 1,049 patients that were analyzed, 358 (34.1%) harbored actionable alterations, with 160 (44.7%) receiving matched targeted therapy. The matched group (patients with actionable tumors who received a matched therapy) were significantly associated with longer median OS (23.3 months; 95% CI: 19.5–30.4) compared to the unmatched group (14.7 months; 95% CI: 12.8–17.9) and those with non-actionable tumors (17.1 months; 95% CI: 15.5–18.7; HR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.46–0.71; p < 0.0001). The unmatched group also was associated with the lowest three-year OS rate (13% vs. 35% in matched and 19% in actionable groups, respectively; p<0.0001). On multivariable analysis with patients who received ≥2 lines of therapy, receipt of matched therapy remained an independent predictor of improved OS (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43–0.90). These findings support the early integration of targeted therapies in BTC management and underscore the need to overcome systemic barriers to treatment access.
Clinico-molecular characteristics and enhanced efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in TP53 -mutated advanced biliary tract cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 4119-4119

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.4119

4119 Background: TP53 mutations are frequent genetic alterations in cancers and also prevalent in biliary tract cancer (BTC). In non-small cell lung cancer, TP53 mutations have been reported to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy and improve outcomes. However, their impact on BTC remains unclear. This study investigated the clinico-molecular characteristics, prognosis, and ICI efficacy in TP53 -mutated BTC. Methods: Patient data were collected from the SCRUM-Japan GOZILA and MONSTAR-SCREEN-1/2 databases (Japan) and the Duke university and Mayo clinic databases (U.S.), which included patients receiving first-line ICI therapy. Comparisons between TP53 wild-type (WT) and mutation groups were performed in the Japanese cohort. Subsequently, analyses were expanded to include U.S. patients, focusing on comparisons between non-ICI and ICI groups. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores were calculated using MONSTAR-SCREEN-2 whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) data to evaluate ICI responsiveness, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) explored pathways associated with TP53 mutations. Results: In the Japanese cohort (n=594), TP53 mutations were identified in 311 patients (52.4%). KRAS , ERBB2 , CDKN2A , and SMAD4 alterations were more frequent in the TP53 mutation group, while IDH1, BAP1 , and FGFR2 fusions were more common in the WT group. Multivariable analysis showed TP53 mutations were independent prognostic factors for poor outcomes (progression-free survival [PFS]: HR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.11–1.69, P=0.003; overall survival [OS]: HR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06–1.75, P=0.017). Incorporating the U.S. cohort (n=625; non-ICI: 548; ICI: 77), no significant differences in overall response rate (ORR) or disease control rate (DCR) were observed in the non-ICI group between the groups. However, in the ICI group, TP53 mutations tended to show higher ORR (21.1% vs. 38.5%, P=0.16) and DCR (47.4% vs. 66.7%, P=0.14). In the non-ICI group, TP53 mutations were associated with worse PFS (HR 1.46, median PFS: 7.4 vs. 5.3 months, P<0.001), whereas, in the ICI group, no significant difference was observed; however, a trend toward better PFS was seen in the TP53 mutation group (median PFS: 5.0 vs. 6.4 months, P=0.163). TIDE scores were significantly lower in the TP53 mutation group, indicating higher ICI responsiveness. GSEA revealed enrichment of oxidative phosphorylation and hypoxia pathways. Conclusions: TP53 mutations are independent prognostic factors for poor outcomes in BTC. However, patients with TP53 mutations may derive greater benefits from ICIs, underscoring the importance of tailored therapeutic strategies in TP53- mutated BTC.
CLO25-095: Baseline Genomic Alterations as Predictors of Response to Anti-HER2 Therapy in HER2-Amplified Advanced Colorectal Cancer (aCRC)

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network | March 28, 2025 | Volume: 23 | Issue: 3.5 | Pages: No page available

10.6004/jnccn.2024.7161

Systemic therapy for pretreated advanced biliary tract cancer: past developments and recent advances

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 17, 2025 | Volume: 55 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 675-690

10.1093/jjco/hyaf052 | PMID 40173029

Abstract Biliary tract cancer (BTC) remains among the most challenging malignancies with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options, particularly in pretreated patients. As most patients experience disease progression after first-line treatment, effective second-line and subsequent treatments are required. Although the addition of modified FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) to active symptom control improved the overall survival of patients with progressing advanced BTC despite gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment, its efficacy was modest. Moreover, most clinical trials demonstrated modest efficacy of molecular-targeted agents for molecularly unselected pretreated advanced BTC. Patients with advanced BTC carry a relatively high druggable genetic alteration rate and have shown promising responses to molecular-matched therapies targeting gene alterations such as FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements, IDH1 mutation, and HER2 overexpression/amplification. Additionally, tumor-agnostic approaches, including BRAF V600E, NTRK fusion, and RET fusion, have expanded the treatment options for some patients. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown limited efficacy as mono- or combination therapy in patients with pretreated advanced BTC. Therefore, developmental efforts have shifted to immune checkpoint inhibitor and other combinations such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors or radiation. In addition to refining combination strategies to enhance the therapeutic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitor, future research should focus on elucidating the tumor microenvironment. This review delineates the evolution of systemic therapies in patients with pretreated advanced BTC. By examining past developments and recent advances through prospective trials, it highlights novel approaches that may improve outcomes in this challenging disease.
Comparison of survival outcomes for patients with Lynch vs non‐Lynch syndrome and microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer treated with immunotherapy

Cancer | February 11, 2025 | Volume: 131 | Issue: 4 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/cncr.35756 | PMID 39932790

In a retrospective study of patients with Lynch syndrome vs non‐Lynch syndrome and microsatellite instability high colorectal cancer, there were no observed differences with immune checkpoint inhibitors toward progression‐free survival or overall survival. Univariate analysis of Stage IV patients showed BRAF V600E mutations were associated with decreased survival.
Impact of baseline alterations in HER2-pathway oncogenic drivers on response to anti-HER2 therapy in patients (pts) with HER2-amplified advanced colorectal cancer (aCRC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 27, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 243-243

10.1200/jco.2025.43.4_suppl.243

243 Background: HER2-amplified aCRC is associated with poor prognosis despite new anti-HER2 regimens. Insight on biomarkers that predict response to these therapies is limited. This study aims to evaluate whether baseline alterations in oncogenic drivers along the HER2 pathway predict response to anti-HER2 therapy in HER2-amplified aCRC. Methods: In this international multi-center study involving Mayo Clinic, Duke Cancer Institute and National Cancer Center Hospital East (Japan), we collected baseline genomic alterations from tissue or blood samples using next-generation sequencing (NGS) prior to anti-HER2 therapy initiation. We defined PIK3CA, RAS, RAF, MAP2K, and MET as oncogenic drivers of resistance within the HER2 pathway. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test was used to compare median OS (mOS) between pts with and without alterations in the above genes. A chi-square test (significance level 0.05) was performed to compare overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Results: We identified 39 pts with HER2-amplified aCRC and baseline NGS. Median age was 57 (range 30-77), 54% were male. Baseline alterations in HER2 pathway oncogenic drivers were identified in 17 pts (43.5%). 18 (46%) received monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors, 12 (30%) received dual mAbs and 7 (18%) received trastuzumab deruxtecan. The mOS was 41.9 months (mos) (95%CI 23.7-60.1) for other alterations vs 24.2 mos (95%CI 14.1-34.3) in pts with HER2 pathway alterations (p = 0.1). ORR was 47% vs 41% (p = 0.7) and DCR 82% vs 73% (p = 0.4), for pts with HER2 pathway alterations and without HER2 pathway alterations, respectively. 4 pts receiving trastuzumab/tucatinib had complete response, none of which had HER2 pathway alterations. Conclusions: Pts with baseline alterations in oncogenic drivers of the HER2 pathway had clinically worse outcomes compared to pts without such alterations despite receiving HER2-targeted therapy, though results lacked statistical significance. Larger studies are needed to confirm the lack of benefit from anti-HER2 therapy in this subgroup.
Genomic alterations as predictive biomarkers for cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) in biliary tract cancer (BTC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 27, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 634-634

10.1200/jco.2025.43.4_suppl.634

634 Background: CAT is the second leading cause of cancer-related death, yet the genetic underpinnings of VTE risk in BTC remain underexplored. The evaluation of CAT risk is based on Khorana score (KS), which is limited to clinical parameters. Incorporation of a genomic signature in CAT risk assessment may allow for individualized risk assessment. Methods: We collected data from consecutive patients (pts) with BTC treated at Mayo Clinic Hospitals (Phoenix, Rochester, Jacksonville) between 1998-2024. Genomic profiling was conducted on FFPEs and blood samples through next-generation sequencing (NGS) (NextSeq, Tempus xT CDx, FoundationOne CDx). Association between CAT and clinic-pathologic features (age, gender, race, ethnicity, BMI, tumor site (TS), surgery, stage, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, history of thromboembolism (hVTE)) were assessed with multivariate Cox regression (p<0.05). A separate Cox regression adjusting for age, hVTE, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, metastatic disease stratified for TS was used for gene associations. Benjamini–Hochberg method was applied (q<0.1) based on previous publications. Median overall survival (mOS) was calculated from the date of diagnosis to the date of death or last follow-up. Results: 740 adult pts were included, median age 62 years (IQR: 56-71), male/female (51%/49%), median BMI 26.6 (IQR: 22.8-31.1) with intrahepatic (496, 67%) and extrahepatic BTC (173, 23%), gallbladder cancer (71, 10%). 244 (33%) had metastatic disease. 216 (29%) experienced CAT. For those with CAT, 31 (14%) scored 1, 9 (4%) scored 2 and 1 (<1%) scored 3 on KS. mOS was 33 months (mos) (95% CI 28.9-38.4) vs. 55 mos (95% CI 25.1-39.1) (p=0.2) for pts with and without CAT, respectively. hVTE was associated with CAT (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.98-4.98, p<0.001) along with systemic therapy (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-2.89, p<0.01) and metastatic disease (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.11-2.44, p<0.01). 305 pts (41%) underwent NGS. The most common altered genes were TP53 (126, 41%), KRAS (64, 21%), CDKN2A (63, 21%). The most common altered currently targetable genes were FGFR2 (43, 14%), IDH1 (30, 10%) and HER2/ERBB2 (16, 5%). MYC (4, 1%) (HR 11.60, 95% CI 3.04-44.25, p<0.001, q=0.058) and HER2/ERBB2 (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.26-4.77, p=0.008, q=0.087) alterations were significantly associated with an increased risk of CAT. MYC alterations were all copy number gains (100%). The most frequent HER2/ERBB2 alterations were copy number gains (10, 62%). FGFR2 fusions (31, 10%) were linked to a lower CAT risk (HR 0.46, 95%CI 0.22-0.93, p=0.032, q=0.075) with FGFR2-BICC1 being the most frequent (5,16%). Conclusions: MYC and HER2/ERBB2 alterations are novel predictive biomarkers for an increased risk of CAT in BTC, while FGFR2 fusions confer lower risk. The knowledge of mutational status lends insight into guidance for anticoagulant prophylaxis management for this subgroup and integration with KS.
A global comparative study on real-world clinical and genomic differences in advanced biliary tract cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 27, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 628-628

10.1200/jco.2025.43.4_suppl.628

628 Background: Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are aggressive malignancies with poor survival outcomes and limited treatment options. This study compared the epidemiological and molecular differences of advanced BTC patients through a global collaboration involving the Mayo Clinic and National Cancer Center Hospital East. Methods: We included patients with advanced BTC who underwent comprehensive tumor molecular profiling who received at least 30 days of systemic therapy. Patients were grouped based on specific alterations. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the start of first-line therapy until death and compared among subgroups using Cox regression models. Results: 332 (36%) out of 932 patients had at least one actionable mutation : somatic BRCA1/2 mutations N=106, FGFR2 fusions N=61, HER2 amplifications N=65, KRAS G12C/D mutations N=46, IDH1 mutations N=38, and TMB >10 mut/Mb N=16. BRCA1/2 -mutated BTC were more commonly found in older Asian males with intrahepatic tumors and often presented with peritoneal and liver metastases upon initial diagnosis. FGFR2 fusions were more prevalent in younger White females with intrahepatic tumors, while HER2 amplifications were mainly seen in Asian females with gallbladder tumors. KRAS mutations were primarily observed in Asian males, and IDH1 mutations were common in White males with intrahepatic tumors, frequently presenting with liver metastasis. Survival outcomes varied significantly based on the alteration type: patients with FGFR2 fusions had the longest median OS (mOS) at 23.3 months (mo) (95%CI 18.4-34.9), followed by those with IDH1 mutations (19.3 mo; 95% CI 17.4-NE) and TMB >10 mut/Mb (17.8 mo; 95% CI 13.6-NE). BRCA mutations had a mOS of 16 mo (95% CI 14.6-19.8), while HER2 amplifications and KRAS mutations had mOS of 15.5 (95% CI 11.9-20.2) and 11.6 mo (95% CI 10.0-20.9), respectively. Conclusions: These findings underscore the heterogeneity in clinical and genomic characteristics among BTC patients, highlighting the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches. Baseline patient characteristics stratified by mutation status. KRAS G12C/D (N=46) BRCA 1/2 (N=106) IDH1 (N=38) HER2 amplification(N=65) FGFR2 fusion(N=61) TMB>10 mut/Mb(N=16) P-value Median Age, year 67 68 64 66 52 73 <0.001 Female, n (%) 19 (41) 34 (32) 18(47) 34 (52) 45(74) 6 (38) <0.001 Race, n (%) <0.001 Asian 31 (67) 97 (92) 13 (34) 51 (79) 10 (16) 6 (38) White 14 (30) 8 (8) 24 (63) 13 (20) 48 (79) 10 (63) Primary tumor location, n (%) <0.001 Intrahepatic 28 (68) 45 (45) 33 (100) 19 (31) 54(95) 10 (67) Extrahepatic 9 (22) 27(27) 0 (0) 10 (16) 2 (4) 4 (27) Gallbladder 4 (10) 28 (28) 0 (0) 32 (53) 1 (2) 1 (7) Sites of Metastasis at diagnosis, n (%) Abdominal Wall / Peritoneal 9 (24) 15 (19) 4(13) 7 (12) 6 (10) 4 (27) 0.309 Bone 33 (92) 70 (90) 26 (87) 2 (3) 9(15) 0 (0) 0.212 Liver 20 (49) 52 (61) 28 (82) 45 (73) 45 (76) 6 (38) 0.001 Lung 26 (70) 65 (82) 22 (69) 36 (58) 27(45) 11 (69) 0.006
Clinical and genomic characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma: Insights from real-world data.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 27, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 556-556

10.1200/jco.2025.43.4_suppl.556

556 Background: Combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare and complex liver cancer with features of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), making its management challenging. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, genomic profiles, and treatment outcomes of cHCC-CCA patients in a real-world setting. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of cHCC-CCA patients across three first-line treatment groups: chemotherapy alone(Gemcitabine/Cisplatin, FOLFOX), HCC-directed therapies (atezolizumab/bevacizumab, lenvatinib, nivolumab, durvalumab, sorafenib), and chemoimmunotherapy (Gemcitabine/Cisplatin combined with immunotherapy). This international study, involving Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Center East (Japan), assessed overall survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. Results: A total of 68 patients were included, with a mean age of 66 years; 74% were male and 66% were White Non-Hispanics. Cirrhosis was present in 74% of patients at diagnosis, and Hepatitis B and C were common etiologies in 57%. Prior primary resection and regional therapies (Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), Transarterial radioembolization (TARE)) were recorded in 39% and 50% of patients, respectively. Advanced/metastatic disease was present in 52% of the cohort. The distribution of first-line treatments was as follows: 47% received chemotherapy alone, 39% received HCC-directed therapy, and 14% received chemoimmunotherapy. Genomic alterations were detected in 44% patients, with TP53 (28%), ARID1A (25%), and TERT (22%) being the most frequent. The HCC-directed therapy group demonstrated the best overall response rate (52%) and had a median OS of 15.8 months (mo), compared to 11.8 mo for chemotherapy and 4.7 mo for chemoimmunotherapy (p=0.8). Patients who received regional treatments had a longer median OS of 15.8 mo compared to those who did not (10.2 mo) (p=0.4). Conclusions: HCC-directed therapy showed a trend towards better survival outcomes compared to other treatments, though not statistically significant. A considerable proportion of patients had genomic alterations, which may have influenced survival outcomes. Ongoing research with larger cohorts is underway to further elucidate the impact of genomic variations on treatment efficacy and refine therapeutic strategies for this challenging malignancy. Baseline characteristics of patients with combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). Total(N=68) Mean age at diagnosis, years (SD) 66(6.4) Gender, n (%) Male 50 (74%) Ethnicity, n (%) White, Non-Hispanic 45 (66%) Cirrhosis at diagnosis, n (%) 50 (74%) Etiology of Liver disease, n (%) Viral (Hepatitis B and C) 39 (57%) History of Primary resection, n (%) 27 (39%) Regional treatment, n (%) 34 (50%) Afp, n (%) < 200 23 (64%) ca19_9, n (%) < 50 27 (82%)
Acquired gene alterations potentially related to resistance to anti-HER2 therapy in HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 27, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 277-277

10.1200/jco.2025.43.4_suppl.277

277 Background: While HER2-targeted therapies benefit patients (pts) with advanced HER2-positive mCRC, the development of resistance remains inevitable. This study aims to explore the landscape and frequency of genetic alterations putatively associated with acquired resistance to anti-HER2 therapy in HER2-positive mCRC. Methods: In this retrospective-multicenter international study involving Mayo Clinic, Duke Cancer Center and National Cancer Center Hospital East (Japan), we descriptively compared comprehensive genomic analyses from tissue or blood samples of pts with HER2-positive CRC pre-treatment and post-treatment with HER2-targeting agents. Results: A total of 36 pts were included in this study. 29 (80%) had HER2-positive mCRC as confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (ISH), the remaining pts had HER2 amplification detected on blood or tissue . 34/36 (94%) pts were administered their first anti-HER2 agent after progressing on ≥2 prior lines of treatment. The most common anti-HER2 regimen administered was trastuzumab/pertuzumab (50%, 18/36), followed by trastuzumab-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (tucatinib or neratinib) (30%, 11/36) and trastuzumab deruxtecan (14%, 5/36). Putative genomic mechanisms of acquired resistance were detected in 72% (26/36), while the remaining pts lacked new genomic alterations that might explain resistance to anti-HER2 therapy, suggesting alternative escape mechanisms. Acquired alterations in downstream or alternate bypass pathways were identified in 72% (26/36) of pts; most commonly in the RAS/RAF pathway and in EGFR (34.6%, 9/26 each), followed by 27% (7/26) of pts with MET point mutations (mts) and amplification; activating muts in PI3K/AKT and in 27% (7/26), most commonly CDK12 (60%, 4/7) . HER2 receptor alterations were detected in 3 pts (8.3%), all of whom received trastuzumab-tucatinib and included HER2 L755S, HER2 V777L, HER2 D769Y, HER2 G727A and HER2 S310F, which are known to cause resistance to , however, information about tucatinib resistance is not yet available. Other altered pathways included AR, RB, NOTCH and HRD. Two pts lost HER2 expression on blood and tissue NGS post anti-HER2 therapy. Conclusions: The emergence of resistance might be in part related to acquired alterations that constitutively activate signaling pathways parallel or downstream of HER2, bypassing HER2 inhibition. Additional histologic studies, deep mutational scanning, larger populations and correlative analysis are needed to validate these findings.