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El-Rayes, Bassel F

0000-0002-2661-5746

Mayo Clinic

Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Citations 24

Blood-based next-generation sequencing analysis of neuroendocrine neoplasms

Oncotarget | May 12, 2020 | Volume: 11 | Issue: 19 | Pages: 1749-1757

10.18632/oncotarget.27588 | PMID 32477464

A Phase 2 Multi-institutional Study of Nivolumab for Patients With Advanced Refractory Biliary Tract Cancer

JAMA Oncology | April 30, 2020 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 888

10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.0930 | PMID 32352498

Blood-based next-generation sequencing analysis of neuroendocrine tumors.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2019 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 4110-4110

10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.4110

4110 Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) comprise around 2% of all malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal system. The genomic landscape of NET has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of next generation sequencing (NGS) using ctDNA in NET and characterize common alterations in the genomic profile. Methods: Molecular alterations in 114 plasma samples from 114 patients with NET using clinical-grade NGS of ctDNA (Guardant360Ò) across multiple institutions were evaluated. The test detects single nucleotide variants in 54-73 genes, copy number amplifications, fusions, and indels in selected genes. Results: A total of 114 NET patients were evaluated, of which 64 (56.1%) were female. Mean age was 59.7 years with a range between 23-89 years. ctDNA NGS testing was performed on 114 plasma samples; 1 patient had testing performed twice. Genomic alterations were defined in 94 (n = 94/114, 82.5%) samples with a total of 289 alterations identified after excluding variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) and synonymous mutations. Alterations were identified in at least one sample from 83 patients; TP53 associated genes were most commonly altered (n = 83/289, 28.7%), followed by KRAS (n = 22, 7.6%), PI3CA (n = 15, 5.2%), CCNE1 (n = 15, 5.2%), BRAF (n = 13, 4.5%), MYC (n = 12, 4.1%), ERBB2 (n = 11, 3.8%), APC (n = 10, 3.5%), EGFR (n = 10, 3.5%), MET (n = 10, 3.5%), PTEN (n = 9, 3.1%), RB1 (n = 9, 3.1%), CDK6 (n = 7, 2.4%), AR (n = 5, 1.7%), ARID1A (n = 5, 1.7%), FGFR1 (n = 5, 1.7%), and PDGFRA (n = 5, 1.7%). Other genomic alterations of low frequency, but clinical relevance included: CDK4 (n = 4, 1.3%), NF1 (n = 4, 1.3%), RAF1 (n = 4, 1.3%), GNAS (n = 3, 1.0%), KIT (n = 3, 1.3%), BRCA2 (n = 2, 0.7%), CCND2 (n = 2, 0.7%), CTNNB1 (n = 2, 0.7%), JAK2 (n = 2, 0.7%), NRAS (n = 2, 0.7%), SMAD4 (n = 2, 0.7%), and TERT (n = 2, 0.7%). Alterations in AKT1, ALK, ATM, BRCA1, CCND1, CDKN2A, FGFR2, MTOR, RHOA, SMO and STK11 were all reported once (n = 1, 0.3%). Conclusions: Evaluation of ctDNA is feasible among individuals with NET. Liquid biopsies are not invasive and can provide personalized options for targeted therapies in NET patients.
Analysis of age, tumor-sidedness, and mismatch repair (MMR) genes with response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in MMR-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (pts): A multi-institutional study.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2019 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e15029-e15029

10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.e15029

e15029 Background: ICIs induce durable responses in dMMR CRC pts with overall response rates (ORR) of 30-50%. Even though the loss of expression of any MMR gene predicts ICIs response, it is unknown if ORRs are similar across all MMR genes (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6). In this study, we analyzed the impact of each specific MMR gene loss and clinical characteristics of pts with best response to ICIs. Methods: Pts were eligible if they had confirmed dMMR CRC by IHC or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) by PCR, and received ICIs between 01/01/2012 and 10/01/2018 at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Mayo Clinic or Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Due to the pattern of frequent concurrent loss and functional dependency, the groups were categorized as MLH1 ±PMS2 vs. MSH2 ±MSH6. Cox proportional hazard model and Fisher’s exact test were used for the best response and the distribution of variable among the subgroups. Results: A total of 45 pts with dMMR CRC were identified. ORRs in MLH1 ±PMS2 and MSH2 ±MSH6 groups were 68% and 57.1% respectively without statistical difference (Table). Pts with age < 50 and 50-65 years old had better ORRs compared to pts with age >65 (58.3%, 85.7% and 42.1% respectively, P=0.036). Left-sided tumors had a trend toward higher ORRs compared to right-sided tumors (83.3% vs 51.5% P=0.086). Gender and BRAF status were not predictors of response. BRAF mutations were more common in right-sided tumors (29.6% vs 11.1% respectively) and in older patients. Conclusions: Our data suggest that MSI-H CRC pts aged 50-65 treated with ICIs, have improved ORR compared to pts > 65; pts with left-sided tumors have a trend toward improved ORR compared to those with right sided tumors. [Table: see text]
Phase II randomized, double-blind, study of mFOLFIRINOX plus ramucirumab versus mFOLFIRINOX plus placebo in advanced pancreatic cancer patients hcrn GI14-198.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 29, 2019 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: TPS475-TPS475

10.1200/jco.2019.37.4_suppl.tps475

TPS475 Background: The prognosis of pancreas adenocarcinoma (PCA) remains poor. A chemotherapy backbone is the current standard of care in PCA. The choice of a chemotherapeutic backbone may impact the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy in PCA. Ramucirumab has increased activity with fluoropyrimidines (5FU) because 5FU increases VEGF expression. Methods: This is a double-blind, placebo controlled Phase II study. Subjects will receive either Ramucirumab or a placebo followed by mFOLFIRINOX every two weeks of a 28 day cycle until progression or discontinuation for other reasons. The primary endpoint of this clinical trial is nine month PFS defined as the time from enrollment to the time of progression or death. Among the key inclusion criteria, subjects must have recurrent or metastatic pancreas adenocarcinoma (PCA) with no prior first-line systemic treatment, ECOG PS 0-1, adequate organ function, no DVT, PE or other thromboembolism within three months of randomization. Total number of patient enrolled as of September 19, 2018 is 48 of 85 at eight sites; 27 male (56%), 42 Caucasians (87.5%), three African American (6.2%), one Asian (2%). Median age is 63 (40 - 76). Majority of patients (41) had de novo metastatic disease and six with recurrent disease after surgery. Regimen has been tolerated well with no unanticipated events. Clinical trial information: NCT02581215.
A phase Ib/II study of cancer stemness inhibitor napabucasin (BBI-608) in combination with gemcitabine (gem) and nab-paclitaxel (nabPTX) in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) patients (pts).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | September 6, 2018 | Volume: 35 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 4106-4106

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.4106

4106 Background: Cancer stem cells are fundamentally important for resistance to therapy, recurrence and metastasis. Napabucasin is a first-in-class cancer stemness inhibitor in development identified by its ability to inhibit STAT3-driven gene transcription and spherogenesis of cancer stem cells (Li et al, PNAS 112(6):1839, 2015). Preclinical studies suggest that napabucasin sensitizes heterogeneous cancer cells to chemotherapy and targeted agents. Methods: A phase Ib/II multi-center study in mPDAC pts was performed to confirm the RP2D, PK profile and evidence of anticancer activity of napabucasin in combination with nabPTX and Gem. Pts received napabucasin 240 mg BID with weekly nabPTX 125 mg/m2 and gem 1000 mg/m2for 3 out of every 4 weeks until disease progression (PD) or other discontinuation criterion. Results: Of 71 intent to treat (ITT) pts enrolled, 49 (69%) were treatment-naïve and 22 (31%) received neoadjuvant treatment. There were no significant PK interactions, dose-limiting or unexpected toxicities. Most common adverse events (AEs) included grade 1 diarrhea/cramping, nausea and fatigue with grade 3 AEs noted in 12 pts: fatigue (8), electrolyte imbalance (2), diarrhea (1), dehydration (1), nausea (1) and weight loss (1). Among pts who received RECIST evaluation (60), disease control (DCR; CR+PR+SD) was observed in 55 (92%), with 1 CR (2%) and 26 PR (43%) (31 - 78% regression). Of 11 pts with non-evaluable disease, treatment stopped due to compliance (4), consent withdrawal (3), clinical PD (1), toxicity (1), insurance (1) and death (1). Among 71 ITT pts, DCR was observed in 55 (77%), with 1 CR (1.4%) and 26 PR (37%). Maturing median progression free survival and overall survival (OS) in ITT pts is >7.1 and >10.4 m, respectively. Conclusions: This study showed that napabucasin can be combined with nabPTX and gem, with encouraging signs of efficacy in mPDAC now being confirmed in a phase 3 study. Clinical trial information: NCT02231723. [Table: see text]
A phase II study of pembrolizumab in combination with mFOLFOX6 for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | September 6, 2018 | Volume: 35 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 3541-3541

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.3541

3541 Background: Pembrolizumab (PEM) has activity in patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC). Oxaliplatin (OX) and 5FU lead to immunogenic cell death and increased antigen presentation. We hypothesized that combining mFOLFOX6 and PEM may enhance immunogenic cell death and improve outcome in patients with CRC irrespective of MMR status. Methods: Subjects ≥18 years old with untreated, unresectable CRC were assigned to a single arm study. The study had a safety run in cohort of six patients (OX 85 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2, 5FU 400 mg/m2, 5FU infusion 2400 mg/m2over 46 hours) and PEM 200 mg Q 3 weeks, followed by a phase II cohort. The primary objective was median progression free survival (mPFS), with secondary objectives: safety and toxicity per CTCAE V4.03, median overall survival, response rate, immune related response, disease control rate, and molecular correlates. Results: Between 4/2015 and 9/2016, 30 subjects were enrolled with following characteristics: 11 female, 26 Caucasian, median age: 45 years (25-75), 3 with dMMR, 22 MMR-proficient, and 5 with no available data. During the safety run in, 2 patients had G3 febrile neutropenia (FN) and 1 G4 neutropenia. The data safety monitoring committee recommended dose reduction of mFOLFOX6 to OX 68 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2, 5FU of 320 mg/m2, 5FU infusion of 1920 mg/m2over 46 hours and PEM 200 mg Q 3 weeks. At the data cut off (12/29/16), median follow up was 24 weeks (10-66) and 27 patients remained on study. Rate of G3/4 toxicity associated with FOLFOX/PEM and PEM alone was 36.7% and 13.2%, respectively. No further FN was observed. No grade 5 toxicity was seen on study. Best response was recorded as: 1 complete response, 15 partial response (CR +PR = 53%), and 14 stable disease, with 100% DCR at 8 weeks. One patient with dMMR had resection after 2 months of therapy with complete pathologic response. MPFS has not been reached (95% CI: 5.5 months, NR). Conclusions: Based on these preliminary results, PEM/mFOLFOX6 has acceptable toxicity though demonstrated a suggestion of increased neutropenia in the initial cohort. Clinical activity was seen in patients with untreated advanced CRC including those with proficient MMR. Clinical trial information: NCT02375672.
Phase 1b extension study of cancer stemness inhibitor BB608 (napabucasin) administered in combination with FOLFIRI +/- bevacizumab (Bev) in patients (pts) with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | September 6, 2018 | Volume: 34 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 3564-3564

10.1200/jco.2016.34.15_suppl.3564

Phase 1b/2 trial of cancer stemness inhibitor napabucasin (NAPA) + nab-paclitaxel (nPTX) and gemcitabine (Gem) in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | September 5, 2018 | Volume: 36 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 4110-4110

10.1200/jco.2018.36.15_suppl.4110

Multicenter, randomized, double‐blind phase 2 trial of FOLFIRI with regorafenib or placebo as second‐line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer

Cancer | June 15, 2018 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 15 | Pages: 3118-3126

10.1002/cncr.31552 | PMID 29905927

BACKGROUND Regorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor that inhibits angiogenesis, growth, and proliferation, prolongs survival as monotherapy in patients with refractory colorectal cancer. This international, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial assessed the efficacy of regorafenib with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) as a second‐line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who progressed on first‐line oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine enrolled at 45 sites in the United States and Ireland. Patients, stratified by prior bevacizumab use, were randomized 2:1 to regorafenib or placebo. The treatment consisted of FOLFIRI on days 1 and 2 and days 15 and 16 with 160 mg of regorafenib or placebo on days 4 to 10 and days 18 to 24 of every 28‐day cycle. Crossover was not allowed. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Under the assumption of a 75% event rate, 180 patients were required for 135 events to achieve 90% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.65 with a 1‐sided α value of .1. RESULTS One hundred eighty‐one patients were randomized (120 to regorafenib‐FOLFIRI and 61 to placebo‐FOLFIRI) with a median age of 62 years. Among these, 117 (65%) received prior bevacizumab or aflibercept. PFS was longer with regorafenib‐FOLFIRI than placebo‐FOLFIRI (median, 6.1 vs 5.3 months; HR, 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53‐1.01; log‐rank P = .056). The median overall survival was not longer (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.71‐1.44). The response rate was higher with regorafenib‐FOLFIRI (34%; 95% CI, 25%‐44%) than placebo‐FOLFIRI (21%; 95% CI, 11%‐33%; P = .07). Grade 3/4 adverse events with a >5% absolute increase from regorafenib included diarrhea, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, hypophosphatemia, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS The addition of regorafenib to FOLFIRI as second‐line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer only modestly prolonged PFS over FOLFIRI alone. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society .