We characterized the effect of systemic therapy given after portal vein embolization (PVE) and before hepatectomy on hepatic tumor and functional liver remnant (FLR) volumes. All 76 patients who underwent right PVE from 2002–2016 were retrospectively studied. Etiologies included colorectal cancer (n = 44), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 17), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 10), and other metastases (n = 5). Imaging before and after PVE was assessed. Chart review revealed systemic therapy administration, SNaPshot genetic profiling, and comorbidities. Nine patients received systemic therapy; 67 did not. Tumor volume increased 28% in patients who did not receive and decreased −24% in patients who did receive systemic therapy (p = 0.026), with no difference in FLR growth (28% vs. 34%; p = 0.645). Among 30 patients with genetic profiling, 15 were wild type and 15 had mutations. Mutations were an independent predictor of tumor growth (p = 0.049), but did not impact FLR growth (32% vs. 28%; p = 0.93). Neither cirrhosis, hepatic steatosis, nor diabetes impacted changes in tumor or FLR volume (p > 0.20). Systemic therapy administered after PVE before hepatic lobectomy had no effect on FLR growth; however, it was associated with decreasing tumor volumes. Continuing systemic therapy until hepatectomy may be warranted, particularly in patients with genetic mutations.
A study of real-time CLIA-enabled whole genome tumor sequencing: Results for testicular cancer and sarcomatoid RCC.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 24, 2017 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 463-463
463 Background: The genomic assessment of cancer has been revolutionized by next-generation sequencing and is increasingly being applied in the clinic to guide therapeutic decision-making. Time to reporting of results, specimen quantity, and analyte quality have constrained initial clinical applications to gene panels and whole exome based strategies. Methods: Patients underwent surgical resection, excisional or core biopsies, or bone marrow biopsy. Samples were analyzed by whole genome or exome sequencing and RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and therapeutic target prioritization by a multi-disciplinary Clinical Genomics Board. All prioritized targets were CLIA validated using Sanger sequencing, RT-qPCR, FISH, or IHC as appropriate. Treatment was delivered using off-label FDA approved drugs, clinical trials, or single patient INDs. Results: We have enrolled 40 patients with advanced, treatment-refractory cancers of whom sequencing data is available on 33. The initial 6 patients were evaluated in a non-CLIA pilot phase and 27 in the CLIA enabled phase. Upon availability of the initial report, identified targets of putative therapeutic relevance were then prioritized by the CGB in 22/27 patients (81%) for subsequent CLIA validation. Eleven patients have been treated with genomically selected therapy with partial response in 3/10 assessed patients. A testicular cancer patient had aberrations in two testes specific genes, a copy number gain in TSSK6 and a novel gene fusion between thyroid hormone receptor associated protein 3 (THRAP3) and Tektin 2 (TEKT2). Additionally, a case of papillary renal cell carcinoma had an amplification of YAP1 and a previously unreported P287T mutation in CCND1, suggesting potential benefit with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Treatment is ongoing and results will be reported. Conclusions: Integrated whole genome analysis in a CLIA setting is feasible. Integration of SNV, copy number and transcriptional data may allow for selection of putative driver genes to enhance targeted therapy decisions. Barriers for future broader implementation include the need for reduced time from biopsy to report and availability of therapies.
Phase I trial of FOLFIRI in combination with sorafenib and bevacizumab in patients with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 24, 2017 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 551-551
551 Background: Sorafenib inhibits various pro-angiogenesis pathways including PDGFR-B, a factor associated with resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. A previous phase II trial in patients with chemorefractory metastatic CRC demonstrated a 63% disease control rate with a combination of bevacizumab (BEV) and sorafenib. This phase I trial sought to determine the MTD of BEV and sorafenib combined with standard cytotoxic therapy for advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Methods: Patients with advanced GI malignancies appropriate for irinotecan-based therapy were enrolled (14 with CRC, 3 gastroesophageal). A standard 3 + 3 design was used with 3 escalating sorafenib dose levels (DL): (1) 200 mg po daily, days 3-7, 10-14; (2) 200 mg po twice daily, days 3-6, 10-13; and (3) 200 mg po twice daily, days 3-7, 10-14. FOLFIRI: irinotecan 180 mg/m2 d1, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 d1, 5-fluorouracil (FU) bolus 400 mg/m2 d1, 5-FU infusion 2400 mg/m2d1-2 and BEV 5 mg/kg d1. 1 cycle = 14 days. Results: Seventeen pts were enrolled, median age of 56 (range 32 and 81). Two pts were replaced, as they did not complete DLT evaluation, leaving 15 evaluable pts. Four evaluable pts at DL1 and 6 pts at DL2 had no DLTs. At DL 3, the first cohort of 3 pts did not experience any DLTs. In the second cohort of 3 pts, 2 pts experienced DLTs (asymptomatic G3 hypophosphatemia, G3 dehydration and diarrhea). MTD was determined to be DL2: sorafenib 200 mg PO twice daily, days 3-6, 10-13 combined with FOLFIRI and BEV at standard doses. Of the 15 evaluable pts, 4 pts had PR, 8 pts had SD as best response, 1 pt had PD, and 2 pts discontinued treatment prior to first tumor assessment. The median number of cycles was 10 (range 1-37). Three pts with CRC had disease control > 12 months. Conclusions: The MTD of this regimen is sorafenib 200 mg PO twice daily, days 3-6,10-13 combined with standard doses of FOLFIRI and BEV. Dual VEGF inhibition combined with cytotoxic therapy may provide prolonged disease stabilization for select patients with advanced GI malignancies. Supported by CA69912 and CA15083. Clinical trial information: NCT01383343.
TH-302 plus gemcitabine (G+T) versus gemcitabine (G) in patients with previously untreated advanced pancreatic cancer (PAC).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 24, 2017 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 325-325
325 Background: TH-302 is a hypoxia-targeted drug with a hypoxia-triggered 2-nitroimidazole component designed to release the DNA alkylator, bromo-isophosphoramide mustard (Br-IPM), when reduced in severe hypoxia. A randomized Phase 2B study (NCT01144455) was conducted to assess the benefit of G+T to standard dose G as first-line therapy of PAC. Methods: An open-label multi-center study of two dose levels of TH-302 (240 mg/m2 or 340 mg/m2) in combination with G versus G alone (randomized 1:1:1). G (1,000 mg/m2) and T were administered IV over 30-60 minutes on Days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Patients on the G could crossover after progression and be randomized to a G+T arm. The primary efficacy endpoint was a comparison of PFS between the combination arms and G alone (80% power to detect 50% improvement in PFS with one-sided alpha of 10%). Overall survival (OS) was a secondary endpoint. Results: 214 pts were treated; 163 (76%) Stage IV and 51 (24%) Stage IIIB. Median age 65 (range 29-86); 126 M/88 F; 38% ECOG 0/62% ECOG 1. Receiving 6 or more cycles: 32% G; 45% G+T240; 55% G+T340. Median PFS was 3.6 mo in G vs 5.6 mo in G+T240 (p=0.06) and 6.0 mo in G+T340 (p=0.01). Median OS was 6.9 mo in G vs 8.7 in G+T240 (p=0.83) vs 9.2 mo in G+T340 (p=0.80). 6-mo OS was 57% in G vs 69% in G+T240 (p=0.12) and 73% in G+340 (p=0.04); 12-mo OS was 26% in G vs 37% in G+T240 (p=0.18) and 38% in G+340 (p=0.13). RECIST best response was 10% in G vs 17% in G+T240 and 26% in G+T340. 14 and 12 pts in G crossed over to T240 and T340, respectively. Median post crossover PFS was 1.8 mo in T240 vs 2.9 mo in T340 (p=0.13). Median post crossover OS was 2.6 mo in T240 vs 13.4 mo in T340 (p=0.01). AEs leading to discontinuation were: 16% G, 17% G+T240 and 12% G+T340. Rash (47% in G+T340) and stomatitis (42% in G+T340) were greater in combination, 3 pts Grd 3 rash. Grd 3/4 thrombocytopenia were 11% G, 39% G+T240 and 63% G+T340 and Grd 3/4 neutropenia were 31% G, 56% G+T240 and 60% G+T340. Conclusions: The combination of G plus TH-302 improved the PFS of G. Skin and mucosal toxicity and myelosuppression were the most common TH-302 related AEs with no increase in treatment discontinuation. A phase 3 study of TH-302 (340 mg/m2) in combination with G is planned with OS as the primary efficacy endpoint. Clinical trial information: NCT01144455.
Association of 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH) plus combination gemcitabine (G)/nab-paclitaxel (A) with preliminary benefit in untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 24, 2017 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 284-284
284 Background: ODSH, a low anticoagulant heparin derivative, interferes with several important pancreatic cancer cell survival pathways. A randomized phase II trial was initiated to determine if ODSH improves the activity of G/A, a promising pancreatic cancer investigational therapy. Preliminary data are presented here for the first 10 patients administered ODSH as part of an initial run-in phase prior to patient randomization. Methods: Patients with previously untreated, metastatic pancreatic cancer were treated with G (1,000 mg/m2) and A (125 mg/m2) plus ODSH (4 mg/kg bolus followed by a 48 hr. continuous IV infusion at a dose of 0.375 mg/kg/hr) on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients were required to have ECOG ≤ 1 and appropriate blood and liver function levels. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: 10 patients (median age, 66 years) were administered up to 5 cycles of G/A plus ODSH. Per RECIST criteria, a partial response (PR) was achieved in 5 patients (50%) and the median PFS will exceed 6 months. Disease control (PR or stable disease for > 16 weeks) occurred in all 10 patients. Of 9 patients with baseline elevated CA 19-9 levels, 8 had > 60% reduction. ODSH was well tolerated and unexpectedly appeared to preserve marrow function as no patients had grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia or grade 4 neutropenia during any of the cycles. Conclusions: Although G/A and FOLFIRINOX are important advances, additional progress is necessary for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. ODSH may interfere with pancreatic cancer invasion, metastasis, and chemo-resistance by inhibiting P- and L-selectins, heparanase, and the HMGB1-RAGE axis, respectively, suggesting that ODSH may enhance chemotherapy activity. This preliminary analysis in a small number of patients is encouraging and consistent with a previous report for this regimen (Von Hoff, J Clin Oncol, 2011). ODSH has also been very well tolerated and early data suggests that it may preserve platelet and neutrophil levels. Further follow-up of the ongoing randomized phase II trial is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT01461915.
A phase I dose-escalation trial of TH-302 with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 24, 2017 | Volume: 33 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: TPS505-TPS505
TPS505 Background: TH-302 is a hypoxia-activated, nitroimidazole-linked prodrug of bromo-isophosphoramide mustard (Br-IPM), which is released under hypoxic conditions. TH-302 is currently being studied in combination with gemcitabine (G) in a phase III trial in patients (pts) with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (NCT01746979). Encouraging preclinical activity of TH-302 plus nab-paclitaxel (nab-P) and G provides a rationale for further study of this triplet (Sun JD et al, AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer 2014; abstract #B88). Methods: Clinical trial: NCT02047500. Open-label, phase I, dose-escalation trial of TH-302 plus nab-P and G in pts with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic PDAC. Dose escalation: 3 + 3 design with one of 3 planned dose levels of TH-302 (170, 240 and 340 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle, plus nab-P 100–125 mg/m2 followed by G 800–1,000 mg/m2. Expansion cohort (n≥15): TH-302 at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) with nab-P 100–125 mg/m2 followed by G 800–1,000 mg/m2. Treatment will be continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Primary objectives: To evaluate safety and tolerability, define the maximum tolerated dose and determine the RP2D of TH-302 in combination with nab-P/G. The primary endpoint is no. of pts with dose-limiting toxicities during the first 28 days. Secondary objectives: To evaluate overall safety of the triplet regimen, metabolic response rate using EORTC criteria for 18F-FDG PET, CA19–9 response rate (defined as >50% decline from baseline), and RECIST response rate of TH-302 plus nab-P/G. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of TH-302 and Br-IPM in the plasma of pts will also be evaluated, as will the effect of TH-302 on the PK of nab-P, and vice versa. Exploratory analyses include the association of pharmacogenomic markers, such as CYP2C9, BRCA1 and BRCA2, with PK, safety and efficacy. The association of potential hypoxia biomarkers (CA IX, GLUT1, VEGF, osteopontin) with antitumor activity will also be explored. The trial is in progress; 7 of an estimated 48 planned pts have been recruited (trial start Jan 2014, estimate end Aug 2016). Clinical trial information: NCT02047500.
A phase 2 study of BGJ398 in patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic FGFR-altered cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) who failed or are intolerant to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 24, 2017 | Volume: 34 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 335-335
335 Background: CCA is a hepatobiliary malignancy with poor prognosis and few treatment options following cytotoxic therapy in the first-line metastatic setting. The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) axis may promote CCA tumorigenesis. FGFR2 fusions (in up to 17% of intrahepatic CCAs) may predict FGFR inhibitor sensitivity. A prior phase 1 trial of the selective pan-FGFR inhibitor BGJ398 showed antitumor activity in a pt with CCA harboring an FGFR2 fusion. Methods: This ongoing phase 2, open-label study is evaluating oral BGJ398 125 mg once daily on a 3-week-on/1-week-off schedule (28-day cycle) in pts with advanced or metastatic CCA with FGFR2 fusions (n ≈ 40) or other FGFR genetic alterations (n ≤ 15) who progressed after cisplatin/gemcitabine or are cisplatin intolerant (NCT02150967). The primary endpoint is investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, best overall response (BOR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival, safety, and pharmacokinetics. Results: As of 10 July 2015, 26 pts with CCA harboring FGFR2 fusions (n = 22) or other FGFR alterations (n = 4), pretreated with 1 to ≥ 4 prior regimens, were enrolled. Common adverse events (AEs; ≥ 20% of pts), were hyperphosphatemia (50%), fatigue (42%), constipation (38%), cough (23%), and nausea (23%). Grade 3/4 AEs occurring in ≥ 2 pts were hyper/hypophosphatemia, lipase increase, and hyponatremia. AEs were manageable, reversible, and rarely led to treatment discontinuation. Among 22 pts evaluable for BOR, 3 achieved partial response and 15 had stable disease, including 10 with tumor reductions (-41%, n = 1; -2% to -29%, n = 9). Overall DCR was 82%. As of the cutoff date, 18 pts remained on therapy, of which 13 were on for > 120 days. Kaplan-Meier estimated lower limit (95% CI) of median time on study was 143 days. Conclusions: BGJ398 shows impressive anti-tumor activity and a manageable safety profile in pts with advanced FGFR-altered CCA, an indication of high unmet medical need. Updated data including additional responses post data cutoff will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT02150967.
Assessment of hyaluronic acid in tumor microenvironment (TME) of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 24, 2017 | Volume: 34 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 248-248
248 Background: Improved understanding of TME in CCA may allow for development of novel therapeutics targeting stromal components. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide that has been found in the TME of a number of solid tumors characterized by desmoplastic stroma, such as pancreatic cancer. Elevated HA levels were prognostic in these malignancies. HA prevalence and association with clinic-pathological features in CCA is unknown. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using clinically annotated formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue from resected intrahepatic CCA samples. Specimens were analyzed for HA, scored using a positive pixel count algorithm (Aperio Imagescope) and positivity was calculated as % of total pixel count. Clinical variables were examined by chi-square or ANOVA F-test. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and compared via log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was conducted using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: 142 patient samples were stained for HA. HA was identified in all samples (100%), with a range of HA positivity of 32.8 – 91.8%. Median HA value was 67.1% and 95% of patients had HA positivity ≥ 45%. Factors associated with higher than median HA ( > 67%) included perineural invasion (PNI) (40% vs. 21%, p = 0.011), necrosis (67% vs. 41%, p = 0.003), lymph node positivity (32% vs. 14%, p = 0.027), and small tumor size ( < 6.8 cm vs. > 8.4cm, p = 0.014). Stratification of HA staining by median positivity value was not an independent predictor of survival based on multivariate analysis. OS for patients with HA > 67% was 40.1 months (mo) vs 48.5 mo with HA ≤ 67%, p = 0.537. PFS for patients with HA > 67% was 14.4 mo vs. 25.7 mo with HA ≤ 67%, p = 0.177. Conclusions: Prevalence of HA staining in resected CCA is higher than seen in many solid tumors and is ubiquitous in our study. Absence of statistically significant association with OS and PFS might be attributable to ubiquitous prevalence, narrow signal range, and association with known negative prognostic factors. Further pre-clinical and clinical evaluation would be warranted.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation and intraoperative electron irradiation for locally unresectable/borderline resectable pancreas adenocarcinoma.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 23, 2017 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 327-327
327 Background: The use of preoperative therapy for pancreatic cancer remains controversial. This study reviews our experience using neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiation (CRT) followed by surgery with intraoperative electron irradiation (IOERT) for patients with borderline resectable (BR) or unresectable (UR) tumors. Methods: A retrospective review identified 48 patients (pts) with primary BR/UR pancreas adenocarcinoma treated with preop CRT with intent to proceed to curative surgery with IOERT. Seventeen patients did not undergo attempted resection and are excluded (disease progression, 12; medically inoperable, 3; declined surgery, 2). Thirty-one patients proceeded to resection attempt and are the subject of this analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed using log rank test for significance. Median follow up was 19 months (mo). Results: Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 11 pts, R1 in 5, and R2 or not resected (IOERT alone) in 15 patients. Twenty-six pts died (23 of disease, 2 unrelated causes, 1 uncertain). Median overall survival (OS) was 19 mo for all pts. Local progression was detected in only 5 patients (16%) while distant disease developed in 24 (77%). Resection status significantly correlated with OS; R0/R1 patients had a median survival of 23 mo vs. 10 mo for R2/unresected tumors (p = 0.002). Three-year OS was 35% vs. 0%, respectively. Survival was not influenced by tumor location, CA19-9 baseline or response, tumor size, or initial judgment of resectability (BR vs. UR). BR tumors were resectable after neoadjuvant therapy in 9 of 11 patients (R0, 8; R1, 1) while 8 of 20 initially UR tumors underwent resection (R0, 3; R1, 4; R2, 1). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant therapy combined with IOERT has the possibility to improve patient selection for surgical resection and to optimize local therapy. Although the prognosis for locally advanced pancreatic cancer remains poor, survival was superior among patients for whom R0 or R1 resection was achieved. Distant metastasis remained the dominant pattern of failure, and novel systemic agents are needed. Prospective evaluation of the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, CRT, and IOERT is warranted.