Small Cell and Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Colon and Rectum: Population-Based Analysis of Incidence, Survival, and Site-Specific Outcomes
Background: Colorectal neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), including small cell (SCNEC) and large cell (LCNEC) subtypes, are rare but aggressive malignancies with limited population-level data. Moreover, prior studies have limited stratification by histologic subtype and anatomic location, despite evidence of disease heterogeneity in colorectal malignancies. This study aimed to characterize the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of colorectal NEC by histologic subtype and tumor location, and to compare them with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and adenocarcinomas (ACs). Methods: A retrospective cohort review was conducted utilizing the SEER database from 2000 to 2022 to identify patients with colorectal SCNEC, LCNEC, NET, and AC. Demographic, clinical, therapeutic and survival data were analyzed and compared using Kaplan–Meier methods, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: A total of 790 SCNEC, 498 LCNEC, 31,200 NET, and 638,898 AC cases were identified. SCNEC and LCNEC were associated with advanced stage at diagnosis (66% and 55% stage IV, respectively) and inferior survival outcomes compared to NET and AC (median OS (mOS) of 7 and 8 months for SCNEC and LCNEC, respectively, p = 0.0002). Stratified by location, colonic SCNEC had the poorest survival (mOS 5 months), worse than rectal SCNEC (mOS 9 months); this pattern was not observed in LCNEC. Surgical resection was associated with improved OS in both NEC subtypes (HR range 0.25–0.56, all p < 0.012). Radiation therapy was associated with improved survival in NEC overall (SCNEC HR 0.58; LCNEC HR 0.71, both p < 0.05), with the observed benefit appearing greatest in rectal NEC. Demographic factors were associated with survival in NET and AC but had no significant impact in NEC. Conclusions: Colorectal SCNEC and LCNEC are highly aggressive malignancies with poor outcomes, with SCNEC demonstrating modestly inferior outcomes compared to LCNEC. This study demonstrates that both histologic subtype and anatomic site of disease are important determinants of prognosis and treatment response. This supports the concept that colorectal NEC represents a biologically heterogeneous disease, with colonic SCNEC showing the worst outcomes and rectal NEC associated with a potential enhanced response to radiation. These findings support the need for further prospective and molecular studies to better define treatment approaches and targeted therapies for these rare malignancies.
Time to treatment initiation (TTI) and survival outcomes in metastatic extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EP-NEC).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available
e16323 Background: Advanced EP-NEC are typically treated with the combination of platinum plus etoposide. Despite therapy, outcomes remain poor, with reported median overall survival (OS) of 12-13 months. Early initiation of systemic therapy is commonly practiced given the aggressiveness; however, recent data from small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) suggest that shorter TTI does not necessarily improve OS. The impact of TTI on outcomes in EP-NEC has not been well studied. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study across three Mayo Clinic sites including adults with biopsy-confirmed stage IV EP-NEC diagnosed between 2005 and 2025. TTI was defined as days from pathologic diagnosis to initiation of first-line systemic therapy. A binary cutoff (≤14 vs > 14 days) was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and TTI was also analyzed as a continuous variable. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, ECOG performance status, presence of liver metastases, and first-line treatment strategy (chemotherapy alone vs chemotherapy plus immunotherapy). Results: Among 248 pts, median age was 61 years. Median OS for the cohort was 13.9 months (95% CI, 11.7–16.7), and median PFS was 5.7 months (95% CI, 5.3–6.3). Pts with TTI > 14 days had longer median OS compared with those treated within ≤14 days (16.4 vs 10.1 months), with improved OS on unadjusted analysis (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.96; p = 0.028), though this association was not statistically significant after multivariable adjustment (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53–1.05; p = 0.097). Pts with TTI > 14 days also had longer median PFS compared with ≤14 days (6.5 vs 4.8 months), with improved PFS on unadjusted analysis (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51–0.88; p = 0.0038). On multivariable analysis, TTI > 14 days remained independently associated with improved PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56–1.00; p = 0.047). However, when analyzed as a continuous variable, TTI was not independently associated with OS (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00; p = 0.173) or PFS (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00; p = 0.089). Conclusions: In this multicenter cohort of pts with metastatic EP-NEC, earlier initiation of systemic therapy (≤14 days) was not associated with improved overall survival, and longer time-to-treatment was independently associated with improved PFS. However, when TTI was analyzed as a continuous variable, no statistically significant associations were observed, suggesting that the observed benefit with delayed treatment may reflect pt selection or clinical context rather than a direct biological effect. These findings may provide reassurance in scenarios where short delays are necessary—for biomarker testing or clinical trial enrollment—and highlight the need for further investigation in the era of precision oncology.
Long-term follow-up of S0221, comparing alternative dose-schedules of anthracycline and taxane therapy in early breast cancer
JNCI Cancer Spectrum | March 12, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: No page available
Abstract Background S0221 investigated weekly vs every 2 weeks dosing of doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) followed by paclitaxel in patients with high-risk early breast cancer. After an interim analysis, random assignment to the 2 AC arms was stopped for futility, and the trial was modified to study only the paclitaxel schedules. Methods Between December 2003 and November 2010, a total of 2716 patients were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design to 15 weeks of weekly A and daily C vs 6 cycles of every 2 weeks AC; and weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks vs 6 cycles of every 2 weeks paclitaxel. Between January 2011 and January 2012, an additional 578 patients were assigned to 4 cycles of every 2 weeks AC and randomly assigned to weekly vs every 2 weeks paclitaxel. Updated survival was assessed using log-rank tests and Cox regression models. We compared outcomes by breast cancer subtype as well. Results At a median follow-up of 12.1 years, there were no statistically significant differences among the 4 treatment arms in disease-free survival (DFS) (P = .91) or overall survival (P = .34) in the original protocol. Among the 578 patients assigned AC for 4 cycles and randomly assigned to paclitaxel weekly vs every 2 weeks paclitaxel, there were no overall differences in DFS (P = .32) or overall survival (P = .42). Conclusion As there were no statistically significant outcome differences in DFS or overall survival between the studied schedules of AC and paclitaxel with extended follow-up in the original or revised protocol, either paclitaxel schedule may be recommended, with selection based on toxicity, cost, or patient preference.
Abstract PS5-01-16: Phase II Trial of the FASN Inhibitor, Denifanstat (TVB-2640), Plus Trastuzumab in Combination with Paclitaxel or Endocrine Therapy (ET) in Patients with HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Resistant to Trastuzumab
Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PS5-01-16-PS5-01-16
Abstract Background: Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) is a key lipogenic enzyme co-regulated with HER2 and highly expressed in ER+ and HER2+ BC. Its targeting downregulates HER2 expression. Our preclinical studies revealed that FASN inhibition can sensitize or restore sensitivity to trastuzumab, paclitaxel and ET in HER2+ BC models. Denifanstat (deni, formerly TVB-2640) is a novel FASN inhibitor that demonstrated promising clinical activity and safety in a prior phase I trial as either monotherapy or in combination with paclitaxel. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the objective tumor response rate (ORR) of deni plus trastuzumab (H) in combination with paclitaxel (T) or ET. Methods: Two independent, phase II clinical trials were initiated to assess the efficacy and safety of deni plus H in combination with T (Cohort A) or ET (Cohort B). Key inclusion criteria included HER2+ MBC resistant to HER2-directed therapy, measurable disease, unlimited ET, ≤6 prior chemotherapy or antibody drug conjugate regimens, and confirmation of HER2+ MBC on a pre-registration biopsy. Deni was administered 100 mg/m2 orally once daily. HP or H plus ET (fulvestrant or aromatase inhibitor) was administered at standard dose and schedule. Blood was collected on Cycle 1 Day 1 (C1D1), C1D8 and C2D1 for serum FASN analysis. An additional MBC tumor biopsy was collected on C2D1 for correlative studies. A 2-stage Simon design with a safety-run in was used to test the null hypothesis that the true ORR is at most 5% against the alternative it is at least 20%. With a sample size of 32 patients (pts) per cohort, if ≥4 responses are seen, this design has a 90% chance of rejecting the true ORR is <5% when the true ORR is ≥20% at a 0.10 level of significance. The decision to close both trials to enrollment early was multifactorial. Results: From August 2017 - February 2024, 33 pts with HER2+ MBC pre-registered, among which 17 were eligible and 16 were evaluable (15 pts in Cohort A and 1 pt in Cohort B). The most common reason for ineligibility was HER2-negative status on central review of the pre-registration biopsy. Median age was 57 years (range 35-80). All pts were non-Hispanic and 13 (81.3%) were White. Median prior lines of therapy was 5 (range 0 - 11). In Cohort A, there were 5 partial responses; thus, the primary endpoint was met with the ORR estimated to be 33.3% (90% CI: 14.2-57.7%). The median PFS time was 7.0 months (95 %CI: 3.7 - 11.3), and median OS was 25.7 months (95%CI: 10.2 - NE). No dose limiting toxicities were observed during the C1 safety run-in (6 pts). In Cohort A, 7 (46.7%) developed a grade 3 or 4 adverse event (AE) attributed to combination therapy. Grade ≥2 AEs regardless of attribution occurring in ≥20% of all pts included anemia, fatigue, neutropenia, palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), and peripheral neuropathy. Treatment was discontinued due to progression (12; 80%) or AE (3; 20% - pneumonitis; neuropathy; PPE). In Cohort B, the pt maintained stable disease through 8 cycles with grade 3 ALT increase, and she remained alive 31.2 months post-registration. Median C1D1 FASN level was 32.7 ng/mL (IQR: 18.7 - 49.6 ng/mL). There was minimal association between C1D8 and C2D1 FASN levels and time to disease progression (C1D8 n=9, Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r s) = 0.040; C2D1 n=13, r s = -0.019). Analyses of changes in MBC tumor expression of FASN, phospho-AKT, and phospho-S6 are in progress. Conclusion: Deni combined with HP provided clinical antitumor activity in pts with HER2+ MBC resistant to trastuzumab. Expected paclitaxel-associated AEs were observed. Nearly half of pts experienced a grade 3 or 4 AE attributed to the combination therapy, and 20% stopped treatment due to AE. Further study of deni, H plus ET is necessary to draw safety and efficacy conclusions. Citation Format: T. C. Haddad, V. J. Suman, R. R. Roa, B. J. Ernst, R. Lupu, T. Vander Steen, M. H. Solanki, M. Keeney, D. W. Northfelt, K. S. Anderson, T. J. Hobday, S. Chumsri, J. E. Hoppenworth, J. L. Carroll, K. V. Giridhar, C. C. O’Sullivan, R. A. Leon-Ferre, M. P. Goetz. Phase II Trial of the FASN Inhibitor, Denifanstat (TVB-2640), Plus Trastuzumab in Combination with Paclitaxel or Endocrine Therapy (ET) in Patients with HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Resistant to Trastuzumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS5-01-16.
Abstract PS5-11-10: Implementing an Our Practice Advisory (OPA) to provide clinical decision support for adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors in early-stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer: The Mayo Clinic Experience
Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PS5-11-10-PS5-11-10
Abstract Introduction: An Our Practice Advisory (OPA), formerly known as Best Practice Advisory (BPA), is an electronic health record (EHR) tool. OPAs identify key parameters to alert providers of potential interventions that could enhance quality of care. Such functionality is increasingly relevant given the rapid pace of new drug approvals. Within the Mayo Clinic system, we previously identified that amongst Mayo Clinic patients (pts) meeting the MonarchE criteria, 28% of pts did not undergo a documented discussion with their provider regarding the role of adjuvant abemaciclib (Premji, SABCS 2024). Further, a Flatiron study identified that only 40% of eligible pts received abemaciclib (Sandoval, Miami Breast 2025). To address this practice gap, in 2024 we began to implement EHR clinical decision support by creating an OPA trigger for pts eligible for an adjuvant CDK 4/6 inhibitor (CDK 4/6i). Here we report on ‘action taken’ versus not for the OPA and the most common reasons for re-prompts. Methods: The Mayo Breast Disease Group designed an OPA including pts who are within 14 months of a clinical or pathologic diagnosis of high-risk early-stage breast cancer. We leveraged structured data captured in the Epic staging forms (Epic Systems) to identify pts with clinical or pathologic T-stage, N-stage, grade, ± Ki-67/ multigene signature to identify ER+/HER2- pts eligible for adjuvant ribociclib or abemaciclib based on FDA approvals. The OPA was triggered by a patient encounter in oncology when endocrine therapy (but not CDK4/6i) was on the active medication list resulting in a hard stop. The OPA gathered limited details about whether adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors were discussed and whether the provider followed a link that resulted in prescribing one—considered an indicator of action taken. In this IRB-exempt quality improvement project, we describe the responses captured in the OPA trigger utilizing Epic tools. Results: The OPA went live on 1/10/2025. Over a 5-month period post OPA initiation, we identified 517 OPA alerts among 332 unique pts. Their median age was 62.5 years, and the majority were female (97%). The median time to resolve the OPA was 17.5 seconds (range 2-567 seconds). 12.6% (65/517) of the time there was ‘action taken’ by selecting the hyperlink to potentially start a treatment plan. Providers selected the following OPA pre-set responses: ‘re-prompt in one month’ 248 (48%), ‘patient not a candidate for therapy’ 48 (9%), ‘patient declines’ 69 (13%), ‘outside oncologist will prescribe’ 36 (7%), ‘not discussed’ 44 (9%), and unknown 72 (14%). The most common free text comments among the 517 OPA alerts (summarized) included: ‘revisit in future’ 108 (21%), ‘too early’ 65 (13%), ‘patient declines’ 66 (13%), ‘outside oncologist will start’ 31 (6%), ‘not a candidate’ 26 (5%), and ‘co-morbidities’ 18 (3%). Erroneous OPA prompting occurred in 14 (3%) who previously failed a CDK4/6i due to toxicity and in 18 (3%) for pts currently on a CDK4/6i. 30 (6%) OPA comments noted that they discussed or started therapy that day. Conclusion: The OPA offered clinical decision support and ensured that clinicians considered prescribing CDK 4/6i in all pts identified as eligible, and captured deferrals. Refinements are needed to ensure appropriate timing of OPA and minimize erroneous firing. The OPA remains active and captures the reason for deferral of adjuvant CDK 4/6i prescription. This data pairs real world decision making to better understand clinically meaningful application of improved invasive disease-free survival (iDFS). Citation Format: S. Premji, P. Advani, S. Chumsri, L. Mina, J. Taraba, J. Carroll, J. Hoppenworth, E. Cathcart-Rake, T. Haddad, B. Rudder, G. Choong, D. Idossa, C. O’Sullivan, S. Yadav, K. Ruddy, P. Peethambaram, T. Hobday, M. Goetz, R. Rao, B. Ernst, F. Batalini, R. Leon-Ferre, A. Tevaarwerk, K. Giridhar. Implementing an Our Practice Advisory (OPA) to provide clinical decision support for adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors in early-stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer: The Mayo Clinic Experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS5-11-10.
Updated multicenter retrospective analysis of systemic treatments in well-differentiated grade 3 (G3) gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 12, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 2_suppl | Pages: 619-619
619 Background: Well-differentiated G3 GEP-NETs are rare and heterogeneous diseases, limiting phase III trials and definition of clear standards of care. Building upon our preliminary cohort of 76 patients (pts), we present an updated and expanded retrospective analysis across three Mayo Clinic tertiary centers. Methods: We included pts with histologically confirmed well-differentiated G3 GEP-NETs diagnosed since 2017 (new WHO classification) from the three Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, Phoenix, Jacksonville). Endpoints were ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS across treatment lines. PFS/OS were estimated by Kaplan-Meier. OS was defined from treatment start. Multivariate Cox regression was used to evaluate the association of clinic-pathologic features (age, sex, tumor functionality, Ki-67, primary tumor site, stage at diagnosis, presence of liver metastasis, number of metastatic sites at diagnosis) with OS (p<0.05). Results: 111 pts (median age 62 y, range 22–83). Primary sites were pancreas (58%), small bowel (19%), unknown (9%), and rectum (5%). Most tumors were G3 at diagnosis (88%); the remainder evolved from prior G1/G2. Ki-67 was 20–55% in 83% of cases. Most were nonfunctional (70%); functional subtypes included carcinoid (13%) and gastrinoma (8%). Median plasma 5-HIAA was 38.5 ng/ml (5–1394). Advanced disease was present in 85%. Common metastatic sites included liver (85%), lymph nodes (32%), bone (26%), peritoneum (10%), and lung (9%). Median number of metastatic sites was 1 (range 0–5). Median number of systemic treatment lines was 2 (range 0–8). The most frequent regimens and outcomes are shown in the Table. Insulin-secreting tumors (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.33–25.73, p=0.019) and ≥2 metastatic sites (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.05–4.31, p=0.035) were associated with inferior OS. Conclusions: This represents one of the largest real-world datasets of well-differentiated G3 GEP-NETs and provides a deeper evaluation of treatment strategies and prognostic factors. CAPTEM, SSAs, and PRRT with Lu-177 emerged as the most commonly used therapies, with PRRT showing the most favorable outcomes. Insulin secretion and higher metastatic burden were confirmed as adverse prognostic factors. CAPTEM SSAs PRRT Lu-177 Carboplatin plus etoposide FOLFOX Everolimus Sunitinib N of pts (%) 64 (58) 44 (40) 37 (33) 24 (19) 18 (13) 11 (10) 8 (7) Line of therapy (%) First 36 (56.3) 27 (61.4) 5 (13.5) 13 (59.2) 5 (7.2) 1 (9.0) 1 (12.5) Second 15 (23.4) 13 (29.5) 13 (35.2) 3 (13.6) 5 (35.7) 3 (27.3) 2 (37.5) Third or higher 13 (20.3) 4 (9.1) 19 (51.3) 6 (27.2) 8 (57.1) 7 (63.7) 5 (62.5) DCR (%) 60.9 56.8 75.0 52.2 71.4 45.5 37.5 ORR (%) 34.4 13.6 44.4 30.4 35.7 18.2 12.5 mPFS (95% CI) 8.0 (5.3-10.6) 6.2 (2.8-9.5) 11.2 (9.1-13.3) 7.3 (2.8-11.8) 4.4 (2.4-6.4) 3.9 (2.2-5.6) 3.9 (1.54-6.26) mOS (95% CI) 40.1 (23.0-57.2) 50 (22.6-77.4) 76.1 (16.3-135.8) 33.0 (21.0-45.0) 21.1 (15.0-27.2) NE NE
Lutetium-177 dotatate PRRT in GEP-NETs: Hematologic toxicity trends, recovery profiles, and discontinuation rates
Abstract Introduction: Lutetium-177 DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an effective treatment for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). While generally well tolerated, PRRT can result in hematologic toxicity ranging from mild cytopenias to therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs). Understanding the incidence, severity, and clinical consequences of hematologic toxicity is essential for optimizing treatment decisions and establishing effective monitoring strategies. This study aimed to characterize hematologic toxicity patterns, severity, and recovery profiles in GEP-NET patients treated with Lutetium-177 DOTATATE PRRT and to determine the frequency of cytopenia-related treatment discontinuation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 160 consecutive GEP-NET patients who underwent PRRT. Hematologic parameters (hemoglobin, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, platelet count, and lymphocyte count) were assessed at baseline, mid-treatment (post-cycle 2), and post-treatment (post-cycle 4). Cytopenias were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03 and categorized as never (grade <2 throughout), transient (grade ≥2 mid-treatment, resolving post-treatment), persistent (grade ≥2 at both timepoints), or late-onset (grade <2 mid-treatment, grade ≥2 post-treatment). Treatment completion rates and discontinuation reasons were documented. Results: Overall, 73% of patients (117/160) completed all planned PRRT cycles. Among the 43 patients who discontinued treatment early, only 4 (2.5% of total cohort) discontinued specifically due to cytopenia, while the remainder discontinued for other reasons. Post-treatment grade ≥2 cytopenias were uncommon: lymphocytes (4.4%), hemoglobin (2.5%), neutrophils (1.9%), white blood cells (1.3%), and platelets (1.3%). The majority of patients (≥85%) never experienced grade ≥2 cytopenia throughout treatment. When cytopenias occurred, they were predominantly transient (8-10% of patients) with complete recovery by treatment completion. Persistent cytopenias were rare (<5% across all cell lines), while late-onset cytopenia occurred most frequently with neutrophils (14%). Conclusion: Lutetium-177 DOTATATE PRRT demonstrates an excellent hematologic safety profile in GEP-NET patients. Severe cytopenias are uncommon, predominantly transient, and rarely necessitate treatment discontinuation. These findings support the continued use of PRRT in appropriate candidates, with cytopenia-related discontinuation occurring in fewer than 3% of cases. Long-term follow-up remains essential to monitor delayed hematologic effects, including t-MNs. Future research should evaluate baseline predictors such as prior chemotherapy, renal function, and marrow reserve to identify patients at higher risk who may benefit from closer hematologic surveillance.
Optimized dose schedule of rucaparib and liposomal irinotecan/5‐fluorouracil in metastatic gastrointestinal cancers: A phase 1 study
Cancer | November 22, 2025 | Volume: 131 | Issue: 23 | Pages: No page available
Abstract Background This phase 1 study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of rucaparib (RUB), a poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, combined with liposomal irinotecan (nal‐IRI) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in metastatic gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. RUB targets DNA repair pathways, showing efficacy in tumors with homologous recombination deficiency, such as BRCA mutations. Preclinical data suggest synergy with irinotecan, but overlapping toxicities pose challenges. Methods Eighteen patients with metastatic GI cancers, who previously progressed on at least one systemic therapy, were enrolled. A novel sequential dosing regimen, informed by nal‐IRI pharmacokinetic analysis, was used. Twelve patients were evaluable for dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and 12 for response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 criteria. Results The MTD was established as RUB 600 mg twice daily, nal‐IRI 50 mg/m 2 , and 5‐FU 2400 mg/m 2 over 46 hours. The objective response rate (ORR) was 33% (4 of 12), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 75% (9 of 12). Common grade 3 adverse events included diarrhea (33%) and neutropenia (25%), with no grade 4/5 events. Responses were notable in patients with somatic ATM and BRCA mutations, especially those with prior platinum exposure. No DLTs occurred at the recommended phase 2 dose. Conclusions This optimized dosing schedule successfully established the MTD for RUB with nal‐IRI and 5‐FU, overcoming prior challenges with PARP inhibitor and irinotecan combinations. The promising ORR and DCR support further evaluation of this regimen in advanced GI malignancies.
P17.34.B BELZUTIFAN IN CLINICAL PRACTICE: OUTCOMES AND SAFETY IN A REAL-WORLD COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH VHL-ASSOCIATED NEOPLASMS
Abstract BACKGROUND Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary cancer syndrome characterized by development of multiple neoplasms, including central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), and retinal hemangioblastomas. Belzutifan, a hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in treating VHL-associated tumors. This study evaluates our institutional experience with belzutifan in patients with VHL-related tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study across three Mayo Clinic sites, including patients aged ≥18 years with genetically confirmed VHL disease who received belzutifan between October 2021 and March 2025. Clinical/radiological data, and adverse events (AEs) were extracted from electronic health records. Tumor responses were assessed using RECIST v1.1 criteria for RCC, pNET, CNS hemangioblastoma. Retinal hemangioblastoma responses were evaluated through ophthalmologic assessments. RESULTS Forty-five patients were included (median age 44 58% female). Sixty-seven percent had RCC, 91% had CNS hemangioblastomas, 53% had pNETs, and 62% had retinal hemangioblastomas. The median duration of belzutifan therapy was 22.6 months (range 1.0-41.4 months). Among patients with RCC (n=26), overall response rate (ORR) was 19% and median time to best response (MTBR) was 7.4 months. Five patients had partial response (PR), 15 had stable disease (SD), and 1 had progressive disease (PD). For CNS hemangioblastomas (n=41), ORR was 12%, MTBR was 6.2 months. 5 patients had PR, 30 had SD, and none had PD. For pNET (n=17), ORR was 41%, MTBR was 8.2 months. One patient had CR, 6 patients had PR, 6 had SD, none had PD. For retinal hemangioblastomas (n=28), 6 (21%) showed improvement, 9 (32%) remained stable, and 3 (11%) showed progression. MTBR was 6.7 months. Treatment-related AEs occurred in 98% of patients. Common AEs included anemia (89%), fatigue (80%), hypoxia (18%), and headache (13%). Grade 3 AEs were observed in 20% of patients, including anemia (7%), hypoxia (9%), fatigue (4%), pneumonitis (2%), loss of consciousness (2%). One patient experienced a grade 4 event (status epilepticus). Anemia management involved iron supplementation (n=11), RBC transfusion (n=3), dose reduction (n=2), treatment holiday (n=8), permanent discontinuation (n=1). Hypoxia management included dose reduction (n=1), treatment holiday (n=3), discontinuation (n=1). CONCLUSION Belzutifan shows clinical activity across various VHL-associated neoplasms in real-world practice, with a manageable safety profile. The lower ORR compared to the phase III trial may reflect differences in baseline disease, including lower tumor burden in our cohort. These findings support its continued use in VHL disease, with attention to monitoring and managing treatment-related AEs.
Comparative efficacy of systemic therapies in malignant insulinoma
Endocrine-Related Cancer | May 29, 2025 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 6 | Pages: No page available
Abstract Malignant insulinomas are rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors characterized by excessive insulin secretion and a high propensity for metastasis, leading to challenging management. This study retrospectively analyzed 57 patients treated for malignant insulinoma at Mayo Clinic sites between 1992 and 2024, focusing on the efficacy of systemic therapies in improving hypoglycemic control and survival outcomes. The most commonly used therapies included somatostatin analogs (SSA), everolimus, capecitabine-temozolomide (CAPTEM), and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). PRRT demonstrated the highest efficacy in controlling hypoglycemia (93%), followed by CAPTEM (68%) and everolimus (62%). SSA, chemotherapy, and streptozocin were less effective, with hypoglycemic improvement seen in 37.5, 33.3, and 28.6% of patients, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was longest with SSA at 84.67 months, followed by CAPTEM at 81.67 months and everolimus at 74.07 months. PRRT demonstrated a median OS of 49.73 months. In contrast, chemotherapy and streptozocin-based therapies had significantly shorter OS times of 15.23 and 8.35 months, respectively. These findings highlight significant variability in systemic therapy efficacy for malignant insulinoma, with PRRT emerging as a promising treatment for refractory hypoglycemia and long survival. Cox regression analysis identified primary tumor resection and a history of benign insulinoma as associated with longer OS. Optimal sequencing of therapies remains unclear, and individualized treatment plans based on hypoglycemic burden and tumor characteristics are critical for improving survival and quality of life in these patients.