Citations 139

Final results of a phase 2 study of tucatinib and trastuzumab for HER2-positive mCRC (MOUNTAINEER).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 3509-3509

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.3509

3509 Background: HER2 overexpression/amplification (HER2+) occurs in ~3%-5% of pts with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and up to ~10% of pts with RAS/BRAF wild-type (WT) mCRC. The primary results of the MOUNTAINEER study (NCT03043313) demonstrated that the combination of tucatinib (TUC), a highly selective HER2-directed TKI, and trastuzumab (Tras) was well tolerated with clinically meaningful activity in pts with chemo-refractory HER2+ mCRC. Confirmed ORR was 38.1%, median DOR was 12.4 months, and median OS was 24.1 months. Here, we present results from the final analysis of MOUNTAINEER. Methods: MOUNTAINEER is a multi-center, open-label, randomized, phase 2 trial. Eligible pts had HER2+ and RAS WT mCRC with progression on or intolerance to last systemic therapy. Previous HER2-directed therapies were not permitted. The trial consisted of Cohort A, comprising pts treated with TUC (300 mg PO BID) + Tras (8 mg/kg IV then 6 mg/kg IV Q3W), as well as pts randomized 4:3 to receive TUC+Tras (Cohort B) or TUC monotherapy (Cohort C). Pts randomized to Cohort C were allowed to crossover and receive TUC+Tras on radiographic progression or if they did not achieve a complete or partial response by Week 12. Study endpoints evaluated at final analysis include DOR per BICR, PFS per BICR, OS, and safety. Results: The median duration of follow-up was 32.4 months (IQR, 25.1-46.7), with an additional 16.1 months of follow-up since the primary analysis (data cutoff, 02-Nov-2023). A total of 116 pts received at least 1 dose of study treatment (Cohorts A+B, N = 86; Cohort C, N = 30). In Cohorts A+B, median DOR per BICR was 15.2 months (95% CI, 8.9-20.5), median PFS per BICR was 8.1 months (95% CI, 4.2-10.2), and median OS was 23.9 months (95% CI, 18.7-28.3). In Cohort C post-crossover (N = 28), median DOR was not reached (95% CI, 2.8 months-NE). Median OS in Cohort C was 21.1 months (95% CI, 17.0-NE). The most common TEAEs in Cohorts A+B were diarrhea (66.3%), fatigue (44.2%), and nausea (34.9%). The majority of TEAEs were low grade, and rates were stable with longer follow-up. The most common grade ≥3 TEAE was hypertension (7.0%). TEAEs leading to TUC discontinuation in Cohorts A+B occurred in 5.8% of pts, which was unchanged from the primary analysis. In Cohort C, the most common TEAEs post-crossover were diarrhea (39.3%), back pain (21.4%), and pyrexia (21.4%); the most common grade ≥3 TEAE was AST increase (10.7%). No deaths resulted from TEAEs in any cohort and no new safety signals were identified. Conclusions: TUC+Tras continued to be well tolerated with sustained efficacy in pts with chemo-refractory RAS WT HER2+ mCRC, demonstrating clinically meaningful activity of the combination on longer follow-up. TUC+Tras is an important chemotherapy-free treatment option in HER2+ mCRC. TUC+Tras is being further evaluated in the first-line setting in combination with chemotherapy in the ongoing phase 3 MOUNTAINEER-03 trial (NCT05253651) for pts with HER2+ mCRC. Clinical trial information: NCT03043313 .
Updates on the Management of Colorectal Cancer in Older Adults

Cancers | May 10, 2024 | Volume: 16 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1820

10.3390/cancers16101820 | PMID 38791899

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge. Notably, the risk of CRC escalates with age, with the majority of cases occurring in those over the age of 65. Despite recent progress in tailoring treatments for early and advanced CRC, there is a lack of prospective data to guide the management of older patients, who are frequently underrepresented in clinical trials. This article reviews the contemporary landscape of managing older individuals with CRC, highlighting recent advancements and persisting challenges. The role of comprehensive geriatric assessment is explored. Opportunities for treatment escalation/de-escalation, with consideration of the older adult’s fitness level. are reviewed in the neoadjuvant, surgical, adjuvant, and metastatic settings of colon and rectal cancers. Immunotherapy is shown to be an effective treatment option in older adults who have CRC with microsatellite instability. Promising new technologies such as circulating tumor DNA and recent phase III trials adding later-line systemic therapy options are discussed. Clinical recommendations based on the data available are summarized. We conclude that deliberate efforts to include older individuals in future colorectal cancer trials are essential to better guide the management of these patients in this rapidly evolving field.
Transforming the oncology data paradigm by creating, capturing, and retrieving structured cancer data at the point of care: A Mayo Clinic pilot

Cancer | April 25, 2024 | Volume: 131 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/cncr.35304 | PMID 38662502

AbstractIntroductionStructured data capture requires defined languages such as minimal Common Oncology Data Elements (mCODE). This pilot assessed the feasibility of capturing 5 mCODE categories (stage, disease status, performance status (PS), intent of therapy and intent to change therapy).MethodsA tool (SmartPhrase) using existing and custom structured data elements was Built to capture 4 data categories (disease status, PS, intent of therapy and intent to change therapy) typically documented as free‐text within notes. Existing functionality for stage was supported by the Build. Participant survey data, presence of data (per encounter), and time in chart were collected prior to go‐live and repeat timepoints. The anticipated outcome was capture of >50% sustained over time without undue burden.ResultsPre‐intervention (5‐weeks before go‐live), participants had 1390 encounters (1207 patients). The median percent capture across all participants was 32% for stage; no structured data was available for other categories pre‐intervention. During a 6‐month pilot with 14 participants across three sites, 4995 encounters (3071 patients) occurred. The median percent capture across all participants and all post‐intervention months increased to 64% for stage and 81%–82% for the other data categories post‐intervention. No increase in participant time in chart was noted. Participants reported that data were meaningful to capture.ConclusionsStructured data can be captured (1) in real‐time, (2) sustained over time without (3) undue provider burden using note‐based tools. Our system is expanding the pilot, with integration of these data into clinical decision support, practice dashboards and potential for clinical trial matching.
CLO24-088: Efficacy of Fruquintinib in Less Heavily Pretreated Patients (Pts) With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): Profile-Matched Data From FRESCO and FRESCO-2

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network | April 5, 2024 | Volume: 22 | Issue: 2.5 | Pages: No page available

10.6004/jnccn.2023.7171

Metastatic site and clinical outcome of patients with deficient mismatch repair metastatic colorectal cancer treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in the first-line setting.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 55-55

10.1200/jco.2024.42.3_suppl.55

55 Background: Nearly one-half of deficient mismatch repair (d-MMR) metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC) demonstrate durable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Given preclinical data indicating that liver metastases sequester activated CD8+ T cells from systemic circulation, we examined clinical outcome by metastatic site. Methods: In a retrospective cohort of patients with d-MMR mCRCs treated at multiple centers in France (n=66), we sought to validate data from a U.S. cohort, and then performed pooled analysis (n=104). All patients received first-line ICI monotherapy. Metastatic site was analyzed in relationship to tumor response (RECIST version 1.1), and progression-free survival (PFS) by multivariable stratified Cox regression after adjustment for covariates. Results: Objective responses were achieved in 38/66 (58%) patients in the validation cohort. Best tumor response included 13 (20%) complete responses (CR), 25 (38%) partial responses (PR), 16 (25%) stable disease, and 11 (17%) progressive disease (PD). One-year and 5-year PFS rates were 73% and 67%, respectively; 18 (27%) patients progressed during immunotherapy. Best tumor response was attenuated in patients with liver metastasis ( P=0.03). Presence of liver metastasis, but not other sites, was associated with significantly poorer PFS after adjustment for covariates (HRadj 2.82; 95%CI, 1.08-7.39; Padj=0.03). In a pooled analysis, liver metastasis remained significantly and independently associated with poorer PFS (HRadj 3.18; 95%CI, 1.52-6.67; Padj=0.002) and with attenuated tumor best response (P=0.01). Conclusions: Metastasis to the liver, but not other sites, was validated as an independent factor associated with poorer response and survival after ICI treatment in d-MMR mCRCs. These data underscore the need for novel therapeutic strategies in these patients. [Table: see text]
Phase 1 trial of navitoclax and sorafenib in patients with refractory solid tumors with a hepatocellular carcinoma expansion cohort.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 507-507

10.1200/jco.2024.42.3_suppl.507

507 Background: Navitoclax (ABT-263) is an oral Bcl-2 homology-3 mimetic that binds with high affinity to pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins, resulting in apoptosis. Sorafenib, an oral multi kinase inhibitor inhibits tumor angiogenesis and also promotes apoptosis. The efficacy of either agent alone is limited; however, preclinical studies demonstrate synergy with the combination of navitoclax and sorafenib. Methods: In this phase 1 pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study (NCT01364051), we evaluated the combination of navitoclax and sorafenib in a dose escalation cohort of patients with refractory solid tumors, with an expansion cohort in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study agents were provided by the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program at National Cancer Institute under CRADA. Navitoclax and sorafenib were administered continuously on days 1 through 21 of 21-day cycles. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined using the continual reassessment method. Results: Ten patients were enrolled in the dose escalation cohort and 15 patients with HCC were enrolled in the expansion cohort. Two dose levels were tested, dose level 1 (navitoclax 150 mg daily plus sorafenib 400 mg twice daily) and dose level 2 (navitoclax 200 mg daily plus sorafenib 400 mg twice daily). At dose level 1, one dose limiting toxicity (DLT) [grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase elevation] was observed among 6 patients treated at this dose level. In a cohort of 3 patients treated at dose level 2, two DLTs were observed (grade 3 hypertension, and grade 3 rash), hence dose level 1 was identified as the MTD. Among all patients, the most common grade 3 toxicity was thrombocytopenia (5 patients, 20%): there were no grade 4 or 5 toxicities (Table). Patients received a median of 2 cycles (range 1-36 cycles) and all patients were off study treatment at data cut off. Six patients in the expansion cohort had stable disease, 5 had progressive disease and 4 with unavailable data. There were no partial or complete responses. Drug-drug interaction between navitoclax and sorafenib was not observed. The combination of navitoclax and sorafenib did not increase induction of apoptosis compared with navitoclax alone. Conclusions: Navitoclax plus sorafenib resulted in manageable, but not ideal toxicities for continuous oral administration which precluded dose escalation. The lack of clinical benefit in the HCC expansion cohort does not support further development of this combination for the treatment of advanced HCC. Clinical trial information: NCT01364051 . [Table: see text]
Utilizing quantitative pathologic analysis of digitized images of rectal cancer (RC) to predict response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 200-200

10.1200/jco.2024.42.3_suppl.200

200 Background: We developed and validated a quantitative segmentation algorithm (QuantCRC) to predict disease recurrence in stage I-III colorectal cancer patients (pts) based on the analysis of digitized hematoxylin and eosin (H+E) stained pathology slides. In this study, we aim to determine if QuantCRC analysis on pre-treated RC biopsies can predict pathological complete response (pCR) after NAT which include total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), chemoradiation (CRT) and others. Methods: Stage II-IV RC pts treated with curative intent modalities between 2005-2023 at Mayo Clinic and University of Pittsburgh were evaluated. Eligible pts had pre and post-treatment tissue available for analysis. Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome data were extracted from the medical record. QuantCRC extracted 15 features: %tumor, %stroma, tumor:stroma ratio, %TB/PDC, %mucin, %necrosis, %high-grade, %signet ring cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) per cm2 of a tumor, %immature stroma (tumor bed), %inflammatory stroma (tumor bed), %mature stroma (tumor bed), %immature (stromal region), %inflammatory (stromal region), and %mature (stromal region). The associations between the QuantCRC features and pCR were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and logistic regression models while adjusting for primary tumor location and NAT. Results: The identified 288 pts had the following demographics: median age 60, 59% male, 52% distal tumor, 42% TNT. Pts who achieved pCR had smaller pre-treatment tumors (p=0.03), higher TILS, and lower %immature (stroma) (Table 1). After multivariable adjustment, higher TILS and lower %immature (stroma) remain to be significantly associated with a higher likelihood of pCR. A higher %mature (stroma) and %mature stroma (tumor bed) were also identified, in multivariable models, to be associated with a higher rate of pCR. NAT protocol and tumor location (proximal vs. distal) were not associated with pCR. Conclusions: The ability to integrate pathological features with AI may allow for personalized treatment. Using this technology, we recognize that patients who harbor a more mature stromal archetype and inflammatory tumor predisposition, are more likely to achieve pCR to conventional NAT. These pathological features are not currently incorporated into risk stratification in RC. Additional validation and integration into current risk stratification methods is warranted. [Table: see text]
Outcomes with immunotherapy between Lynch syndrome vs non-Lynch syndrome microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 175-175

10.1200/jco.2024.42.3_suppl.175

175 Background: Alterations to mismatch repair (MMR) genes such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2, can lead to microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors. MMR mutations can be inherited in Lynch syndrome (LS) but can also be a result of de novo alterations resulting in MSI-H malignancies. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been shown to improve survival in such patients (pts) compared to systemic chemotherapy. However, there is a paucity of information in the literature with respect to outcomes of pts with germline vs somatic MMR mutations in MSI-H colorectal cancer (CRC). Furthermore, the presence of underlying BRAF mutation confers resistance to chemotherapy in pts with CRC, however data regarding outcomes with immunotherapy in such pts with MSI-H CRC is lacking. Methods: Pt records from the Mayo Clinic (AZ, MN, FL) between 2008-2023 denoted as MSI-H CRC, were included for retrospective review. Pt demographics, treatment courses, and genomic profiles were collected. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Outcome differences between sub-groups were accessed with the log rank test and univariate analyses were assessed with Cox-regression. Results: A total of 81 pt records were identified (n = 18 LS, n = 63 non-LS). Stage IV disease was found in 28% of LS pts vs 59% of non-LS pts at diagnosis. Pembrolizumab was the most common ICI selected for metastatic CRC pts for both LS and non-LS pts (65% vs 94%) with median treatment duration for each group 11.7 vs 8.8 months. There were no differences in OS or PFS for any stage between LS vs non-LS. Median OS for all patients was 82 months. For all stage IV patients, median OS was 44 months, and median PFS was 19 months. Interestingly, for stage IV pts treated with immunotherapy, tumors that harbored BRAF V600E mutation (n = 21) vs BRAF wild type (n = 20) had a significantly lower median OS 19 vs 113 months (HR = 2.69, p = 0.043) as well as median PFS 12 vs 95 months (HR = 2.48, p = 0.041). Conclusions: In this study, we found that patient treated with ICIs have similar outcomes in the presence of germline vs. somatic MMR mutations in MSI-H CRC. The presence of an associated BRAF V600E mutation, which occurs in non-LS MSI-H CRC conferred worse outcomes.
Tumor-Informed Circulating Tumor DNA for Minimal Residual Disease Detection in the Management of Colorectal Cancer

JCO Precision Oncology | January 18, 2024 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: 8 | Pages: No page available

10.1200/po.23.00127 | PMID 38237099

PURPOSE Recurrence after curative-intent treatment occurs in 20%-50% of patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC), underscoring the need for early detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Here, we examined the pattern of use of a tumor-informed ctDNA assay in CRC MRD monitoring in routine clinical practice at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of health records of patients with CRC who had at least one tumor-informed ctDNA assay from May 2019 through July 1, 2022. Recurrence was defined as radiographic evidence of disease. Descriptive characteristics of the cohort, ctDNA results, and subsequent interventions were recorded. RESULTS Of the 120 patients included, the median age at diagnosis was 67 years, 46% were female, and 94% were White. At diagnosis, 10 patients had stage I, 23 stage II, 60 stage III, and 25 stage IV disease. Of 476 ctDNA assays performed, 70% were performed in patients who had recurrent disease most commonly to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and 16% resulted in a change in clinical decision making. There were 110 recurrences identified in 62 patients, as some patients experienced more than one recurrence over time. Compared with serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels, ctDNA results correlated better with radiologic imaging. CONCLUSION Routine ctDNA monitoring for MRD detection has been adopted in clinical practice; however, 84% of ctDNA assays performed did not result in a change in clinical management. This suggests the need for further clinical research data to guide routine clinical use of ctDNA MRD testing in CRC.
Plasma Assay of Cell-Free Methylated DNA Markers of Colorectal Cancer: A Tumor-Agnostic Approach to Monitor Recurrence and Response to Anticancer Therapies

Cancers | December 11, 2023 | Volume: 15 | Issue: 24 | Pages: 5778

10.3390/cancers15245778 | PMID 38136324

Background: Radiographic surveillance of colorectal cancer (CRC) after curative-intent therapy is costly and unreliable. Methylated DNA markers (MDMs) detected primary CRC and metastatic recurrence with high sensitivity and specificity in cross-sectional studies. This study evaluated using serial MDMs to detect recurrence and monitor the treatment response to anti-cancer therapies. Methods: A nested case-control study was drawn from a prospective cohort of patients with CRC who completed curative-intent therapy for CRC of all stages. Plasma MDMs were assayed vis target enrichment long-probe quantitative-amplified signal assays, normalized to B3GALT6, and analyzed in combination with serum carcinoembryonic antigen to yield an MDM score. Clinical information, including treatment and radiographic measurements of the tumor burden, were longitudinally collected. Results: Of the 35 patients, 18 had recurrence and 17 had no evidence of disease during the study period. The MDM score was positive in 16 out of 18 patients who recurred and only 2 of the 17 patients without recurrence. The MDM score detected recurrence in 12 patients preceding clinical or radiographic detection of recurrent CRC by a median of 106 days (range 90–232 days). Conclusions: Plasma MDMs can detect recurrent CRC prior to radiographic detection; this tumor-agnostic liquid biopsy approach may assist cancer surveillance and monitoring.