Citations 74

Phase 1/2 study of eprenetapopt (APR-246) in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with solid tumor malignancies.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: TPS3161-TPS3161

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.tps3161

TPS3161 Background: The p53 pathway has been implicated in antitumor immunity, including antigen presentation and T-cell proliferation. Loss of p53 function can increase resistance to immunotherapy across many tumor types. Eprenetapopt (eprenet) is a small molecule that stabilizes the folded structure of p53, resulting in activation of mutant p53 and stabilization of wild-type (WT) p53. It also targets the cellular redox homeostasis, resulting in induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. In vivo, mice carrying supernumerary copies of the TP53 gene harbor a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment, an effect recapitulated in TP53 normal-copy mice treated with eprenetapopt. Combining eprenetapopt and anti-PD1 or anti-CTLA4 therapy resulted in enhanced tumor growth inhibition and improved survival in TP53 WT mice inoculated with B16 melanoma and MC38 colon adenocarcinoma cells . Based on these results, we hypothesized that eprenet-induced p53 stabilization may augment response to immunotherapy. To test this hypothesis, we are conducting a phase 1b/2 study of eprenet in combination with pembrolizumab (eprenet+pembro) in pts with solid tumors. Methods: The primary objectives are to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and to assess the safety and tolerability of eprenet+pembro in pts with advanced solid tumors. The secondary objectives are to estimate the anti-tumor activity and to describe the pharmacokinetics of the combination. Exploratory objectives include assessing predictive and pharmacodynamic markers of response. The study includes a safety lead-in with a 3+3 dose de-escalation design for pts with advanced solid tumors with known tumor TP53 mutation status ( TP53 WT is acceptable) (max 18 pts), followed by expansion cohorts in pts with NSCLC, gastric/GEJ and urothelial cancer (max 100 pts). In expansion, pts with urothelial and gastric cancers must be naïve to anti-PD-1/ L1 therapy. Eprenet is given IV once daily on Days 1–4 while pembro is administered on Day 3 of each 21-day cycle. The RP2D of eprenet+pembro is considered the dose at which ≤ 1 of 6 pts in a cohort has a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Primary endpoints are occurrence of DLTs, adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs with eprenet+pembro. Key secondary endpoints are best objective response, progression free survival and overall survival. Exploratory endpoints include gene mutations by next generation sequencing (including TP53), mRNA expression, multiplex immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics, multiplex flow cytometry on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cytokines in serum. Continuous monitoring of toxicity will be conducted. The trial opened in May 2020 and is actively enrolling patients. Clinical trial information: NCT04383938.
Efficacy of Checkpoint Inhibitors in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Pancreas | May 3, 2021 | Volume: 50 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 500-505

10.1097/mpa.0000000000001794 | PMID 33939660

Objectives Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) for low- and intermediate-grade neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been associated with limited efficacy; recent studies suggest CPIs may represent promising treatment for high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Methods We examined 57 patients with NENs who were treated with CPIs to determine if NETs and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) respond to immunotherapy. Results Patients with poorly differentiated NECs on CPI monotherapy had an objective response rate (ORR) of 0% and median progression-free survival (PFS) of 2.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5–4.6). Patients with poorly differentiated NECs on dual CPI therapy had an ORR of 13% and PFS of 3.5 months (95% CI, 1.4–not reached [NR]). Patients with poorly differentiated NECs on CPI and cytotoxic therapy had an ORR of 36% with PFS of 4.2 months (95% CI, 1.6–NR). Well-differentiated grade 1 and 2 NETs on CPI monotherapy had an ORR of 25% with PFS NR. Well-differentiated grade 3 NETs had 0% ORR with a PFS of 2.9 months (95% CI, 1.4–4.2) on CPI monotherapy. Conclusions Checkpoint inhibitor therapy shows limited activity in patients with NENs. Future studies should identify biomarkers that can help identify patients who are likely responders to immunotherapy.
Systematic Analysis of Extracting Data on Advance Directives from Patient Electronic Health Records (EHR) in Terminal Oncology Patients

Journal of Palliative Care | March 12, 2021 | Volume: 36 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 211-218

10.1177/08258597211001153 | PMID 33711237

Background: Advance directives are legal documents that include living wills and durable health care power of attorney documents. They are critical components of care for seriously ill patients which are designed to be implemented when a patient is terminally ill and incapacitated. We sought to evaluate potential reasons for why advance directives were not appropriately implemented, by reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) in patients with terminal cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the EHR of 500 cancer patients from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2016 was performed. Data points were manually collected and entered in a central database. Results: Of the 500 patients, 160 (32%) had an advance directive (AD). The most common clinical terminology used by physicians indicating a terminal diagnosis was progressive (36.6%) and palliative (31%). The most common clinical terminology indicating incapacity was altered mental status (25.6%), and not oriented (14%). 34 (6.8%) patients met all criteria of having a terminal diagnosis, a documented AD, and were deemed incapacitated. Of these patients who met all of these data points, their ADs were implemented on average 1.7 days (SD: 4.4 days) after which they should have been. This resulted in a total of 58 days of additional care provided. Discussion: This study provided insight on to how ADs are managed in day to day practice in the hospital. From our analysis it appears that physicians are able to identify when a patient is terminal, however, it is typically later than it should have been recognized. Further studies should be performed focusing on harnessing the power of the EHR and providing physicians formative and evaluative feedback of practice patterns to ensure that ADs are honored when appropriate.
Treatment Outcomes of Well-Differentiated High-Grade Neuroendocrine Tumors

The Oncologist | January 26, 2021 | Volume: 26 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 383-388

10.1002/onco.13686 | PMID 33496040

Abstract Introduction Recent classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms has defined well-differentiated high-grade neuroendocrine tumors (NET G3) as a distinct entity from poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. The optimal treatment for NET G3 has not been well-described. This study aimed to evaluate metastatic NET G3 response to different treatment regimens. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of patients with NET G3 within the Mayo Clinic database. Patients’ demographics along with treatment characteristics, responses, and survival were assessed. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival. Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Results Treatment data was available in 30 patients with median age of 59.5 years at diagnosis. The primary tumor was mostly pancreatic (73.3%). Ki-67 index was ≥55% in 26.7% of cases. Treatments included capecitabine + temozolomide (CAPTEM) (n = 20), lutetium 177 DOTATATE (PRRT; n = 10), Platinum-etoposide (EP; n = 8), FOLFOX (n = 7), and everolimus (n = 2). CAPTEM exhibited ORR 35%, DCR 65%, and median PFS 9.4 months (95% confidence interval, 2.96–16.07). Both EP and FOLFOX showed similar radiographic response rates with ORR 25.0% and 28.6%; however, median PFS durations were quite distinct at 2.94 and 13.04 months, respectively. PRRT had ORR of 20%, DCR of 70%, and median PFS of 9.13 months. Conclusion Among patients with NET G3, CAPTEM was the most commonly used treatment with clinically meaningful efficacy and disease control. FOLFOX or PRRT are other potentially active treatment options. EP has some activity in NET G3, but responses appear to be short-lived. Prospective studies evaluating different treatments effects in patients with NET G3 are needed to determine an optimal treatment strategy. Implications for Practice High-grade well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET G3) are considered a different entity from low-grade NET and neuroendocrine carcinoma in terms of prognosis and management. The oral combination of capecitabine and temozolomide is considered a good option in the management of metastatic NET G3 and may be preferred. FOLFOX is another systemic option with reasonable efficacy. Similar to other well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy seems to have some efficacy in these tumors.
A phase I open-label study to investigate safety and tolerability, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of MT-5111 in patients with HER2-positive tumors.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: TPS258-TPS258

10.1200/jco.2021.39.3_suppl.tps258

TPS258 Background: Engineered toxin bodies (ETBs) are comprised of a proprietarily engineered form of Shiga-like Toxin A subunit genetically fused to antibody-like binding domains. ETBs work through novel mechanisms of action & are capable of forcing internalization, self-routing through intracellular compartments to the cytosol & inducing potent cell-kill via the enzymatic & permanent inactivation of ribosomes. MT-5111 is a de-immunized ETB targeting HER2+ solid tumors. Its novel mechanism of action, via enzymatic ribosome inactivation, may not be subject to resistance mechanisms that exist for tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, or antibody modalities. MT-5111 binds an epitope on HER2, distinct from trastuzumab or pertuzumab, that may provide for combination potential with other HER2-targeting agents. MT-5111 is a 55 kilodalton protein & may have improved tumor penetration capability. The objective of this trial will be to determine the safety, tolerability, & maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MT-5111 in patients (pts) with advanced HER2+ solid tumors. Methods: This Phase 1, first-in-human, open-label, dose escalation & expansion study will evaluate MT-5111 monotherapy in pts with HER2-positive solid tumors. The primary objective is to determine the MTD; secondary objectives include pharmacokinetics, tumor response & immunogenicity. Part 1 consists of MT-5111 dose escalation (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.5, 6.75, 10µg/kg/dose) based on a modified 3+3 design (n≤42 pts); Part 2 (dose expansion) will evaluate MT-5111 at the MTD in ≤98 pts. All pts will be administered MT-5111 over 30 min via IV infusion on Days 1, 8, & 15 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, withdrawal of consent, or another reason for withdrawal. Part 1 will include pts with any HER2+ solid cancers. Part 2 will enroll 3 expansion cohorts: HER2+ breast (BC), HER2+ gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas (collectively referred as gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas [GEA]) & other HER2+ solid cancers. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) status must be 2+ or 3+, regardless of in situ hybridization (ISH) results; if no IHC is available for pts with BC or GEA, ISH criteria per the American Society of Clinical Oncology College of American Pathologists guidelines will be used. In metastatic cases, HER2 positivity must be demonstrated on metastatic lesions. Pts with HER2+ BC should have had ≥2 lines of HER2-directed therapy; pts with HER2+ GEA should have received or been intolerant to trastuzumab. Pts with evaluable disease may be included in Part 1; in Part 2, all pts must have ≥1 measurable lesion per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Further details can be found on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04029922). Enrollment, which began in September 2019, is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT04029922.
Serial cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sampling in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients may predict therapeutic outcome.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 22, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 3_suppl | Pages: 423-423

10.1200/jco.2021.39.3_suppl.423

423 Background: Advanced PDAC remains a deadly disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. cfDNA - based next generation sequencing (NGS) may identify actionable alterations in patients with PDAC. In this study, we aim to determine the feasibility of utilizing serial cfDNA NGS testing and its potential relevance in predicting therapeutics outcomes. Methods: A total of 23 PDAC patients with PDAC cfDNA isolated from plasma collected at diagnosis and upon disease progression to first line SOC therapy and were analyzed on a 73-74 gene NGS panel (Guardant Health). Changes in molecular profiles from baseline to progression were analyzed for overall survival, progression free survival (PFS), and treatment response. PFS and OS were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was used to compare the survival of different groups of patients. All p-values were two-sided. Analyses were performed using R (version 3.5.1, R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). Results: In this retrospective study, the 1-year probability of survival was 71% (median 473 days) and the 1-year PFS was 14% (median 212 days). TP53 and KRAS were the most frequently mutated genes identified in baseline samples, with 78% prevalence for each. Patients with clearance of TP53 17% (3/18) patients and/or KRAS 33% (6/18) patients clones after first line therapy significantly increases PFS (p=0.0056 and p=0.037, with HR of 0.087 and 0.32, respectively). However, appearance of TP53 or KRAS alterations upon progression does not significantly affect overall survival or PFS. Conclusions: The preliminary results from this study suggest that cfDNA clearance of TP53 and/or KRAS alterations may predict for improved PFS in PDAC. Confirmation of these findings in larger studies is warranted.
Causes of Death After Neuroendocrine Tumors Diagnosis

Pancreas | December 15, 2020 | Volume: 50 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 47-53

10.1097/mpa.0000000000001723 | PMID 33370022

Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the cause of death (COD) after the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program to review patients diagnosed with NET during 2000 to 2016. Patients were followed until death, and different CODs were determined. Results Of 94,399 patients with NETs, 40.9% died during the study period. During the first year of diagnosis, most deaths were from NETs (73%), followed by other cancers (11.2%) and cardiac diseases (4.6%). After more than 10 years, NET deaths decreased to 24.3%, whereas other cancers and cardiac disease became more common. Neuroendocrine tumors were responsible for 42.8%, 63.4%, and 81.2% of deaths in grade I, grade II, and grade III, respectively. For grade I localized NET, other cancers (22.2%) were the most common COD followed by NET (19.7%), whereas in grade 2 localized NET, NET was COD in 31.1% of cases followed by other cancers (22.4%). In metastatic disease, NET was the most common COD regardless of grade. Conclusions For low-grade localized NET, deaths were mostly secondary to non-NET causes. In contrast, NET is responsible for most of deaths in metastatic NET regardless of grade.
Germline BRCA1 mutated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Rare Tumors | November 5, 2020 | Volume: 12 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1177/2036361320972218 | PMID 33224455

The most common associated malignancies with BRCA mutations include breast and ovarian cancers. Less common malignancies associated with BRCA mutation include: pancreatic, prostate, colon, gastric, and biliary cancers. Esophageal cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, has rarely been reported to harbor BRCA mutations. Here we report, to our knowledge, the first case of germline BRCA1 mutated associated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Systemic Therapy and Sequencing Options in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

JAMA Oncology | October 22, 2020 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 12 | Pages: e204930

10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.4930 | PMID 33090186

Clinical significance of brain metastases in patients with bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumors: A population-based analysis.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 25, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e21575-e21575

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e21575

e21575 Background: The clinical significance of brain metastases in patients with bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine (NE) tumors is unknown; we therefore conducted a population based analysis to evaluate the implications of brain metastases in these patients. Methods: The NCDB database was queried to identify patients with stage IV bronchopulmonary NE tumors treated between the years of 2004-2012. Patients were split into two groups based on the presence of brain metastases at diagnosis and survival probabilities with multivariate models were performed. Results: A total of 7,725 patients with Stage IV bronchopulmonary NE tumors were identified. The histological subtypes studied in this cohort were NE carcinoma (65.4%), large cell NE carcinoma (30.5%), typical carcinoid (2.8%) and atypical carcinoid (1.3%) . The patients included in this study were mainly white (86.4%) men (56.8%) with a median age of 67 years who had liver (9.5%), bone (6.2%) and brain (5.9%) metastases at diagnosis. The median overall survival (OS) of the cohort was 5.59 (95% CI: 5.4-5.8) months, but when OS was stratified by histological subtype it was significantly better in patients with typical carcinoid (table). In the whole cohort, the median OS did not differ between patients with and without brain metastases (5.55 vs. 5.68; p = 0.24). However, a sensitivity analysis by histology showed that the presence of brain metastases worsen the median OS of patients with typical carcinoid only (15.1 vs 4.6, p = 0.04). An adjusted multivariate analysis restricted to patients with brain metastases showed that administration of systemic chemotherapy (HR:0.5; 95% CI:0.35-0.72, p < 0.001) and resection of distant metastases (HR:0.5; 95% CI:0.29-0.88, p = 0.017) were the two most powerful independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: The presence of brain metastases negatively impact survival of patients with typical carcinoids but not in those with the other histological subtypes included in this study. Staging MRI should be strongly considered at diagnosis in patients with bronchopulmonary NE tumors, due to the sizable proportion of these patients presenting with brain metastases and also due to its prognostic value in a subset of this population. [Table: see text]