Citations 146

Clinical synergy of universal paired tumor genomic and germline sequencing in an unselected, pan-cancer cohort of patients: Greater than the sum of the parts.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: e22537-e22537

10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.e22537

e22537 Background: Germline and tumor next-generation sequencing (NGS) are complementary tests whose benefit in capturing patients (pts) potentially eligible for precision therapies is maximized when the tests are paired, as qualifying pathogenic variants (PVs) are missed if either test was done in isolation (Lincoln et al. 2020). Germline NGS has the additional benefit of informing prevention through surveillance and cascade testing. We highlight the benefits of a universal approach to concurrent testing in a subset of the previously reported cohort of pan-cancer pts who underwent universal germline NGS (Samadder et al. 2020). Methods: Unselected pts with solid tumors underwent an 80+ gene germline panel and 315+ gene tumor panel. Variants in genes unique to the germline or tumor panels, including microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutation burden (TMB), were also evaluated. Results: 104 pts [81.7% White, non-Hispanic, 71.2% male] with 23 cancer types [28% colorectal, 13% lung, 11% prostate, 49% other] were included. Five (5%) pts had no actionable tumor alterations or germline variants identified (Table). 18 pts (17%) had 19 pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) identified, 11 (58%) of which were detected on tumor NGS (Table). 92 pts had >1 tumor alteration identified, of which 12% were confirmed as PGVs (Table). Notably, tumor NGS revealed 81 pts (78%) pts with biomarkers that would could not have been identified with germline testing alone, such as variants in genes not on germline panel (80) or MSI-high (4), or TMB-high (21) status of the tumor. Conclusions: Germline and tumor NGS are complementary tests that often detect different actionable alterations. There is value in confirming both the presence and absence of somatic variants in the germline in order to make appropriate clinical recommendations for the patient and their family members. [Table: see text]
Chemotherapeutic sensitivity in colorectal cancer expressing low RNA of wild type homologous recombination genes.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 3531-3531

10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.3531

3531 Background: Homologous recombination deficient (HRD) colorectal cancer (CRC) has improved overall survival (OS) when exposed to DNA damaging agents (DDA) oxaliplatin (OX) and irinotecan (IR). However, this OS benefit is only observed in HRD mutated CRC. Low expression of wild type (WT) BRCA1 RNA displays prolonged OS in ovarian cancer; this finding has not been investigated in CRC or outside BRCA. We investigate if low expression of WT HR genes is associated with prolonged OS in response to DDA. Methods: A total of 12,860 CRC patients tumor biopsies were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (592, NextSeq; WES, WTS NovaSeq). Patients with HRD mutations and MSI-H were excluded (N = 935). 11,925 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 11 core ( BARD1, BLM, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, MRE11, NBN, PALB2, RAD50, RAD51, RAD51B) and 7 related ( BAP1, WRN, DNMT3A, ERCC1, FANCA, FANCF, RECQL4) HR genes were analyzed. Samples were classified by RNA expression percentiles within the studied cohort. Real world OS was extracted from insurance claims and calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates for molecularly defined cohorts from first of OX or IR to last contact. Results: OS benefit is seen in low RNA expression (bottom 10%) compared to high expression (top 10%) of all core WT HR genes except RAD51B, BARD1 and BRCA2 in response to IR. We observe a progressively longer OS with lower associated RNA expression in response to DDA. OS of nearly 7 years was observed in low expressing BRCA1 and RAD51 following IR exposure and 4.5-year OS benefit when compared to high expression of these genes. OS benefit in response to OX was less robust but significantly prolonged in BRCA1 and BRIP1 (Table). Patients harboring HRD mutations had similar OS to WT HR RNA low (bottom 10%) in response to OX (HR = 0.75; p = 0.1) and IR (HR = 0.82; p = 0.36). Conclusions: Here we report a novel subclass of CRC defined as patients with low RNA expressing WT HR genes that exhibit differential sensitivity to DDA. Significantly longer survival is noted in CRC with low expression BRCA1, RAD51 and BLM, while post-OX survival was significantly prolonged with low expression of BRCA1, BRIP1 and FANCA. Further characterization of sensitive HR genes will better predict DDA sensitivity and impact treatment sequencing. [Table: see text]
Abstract OT2-11-01: A phase 1 study of the novel immunotoxin MT-5111 in patients with HER2+ tumors: interim results

Cancer Research | March 2, 2023 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 5_Supplement | Pages: OT2-11-01-OT2-11-01

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs22-ot2-11-01

Abstract MT-5111 is a 55kD engineered toxin body targeting HER2 in solid tumors that binds to an epitope distinct from trastuzumab and pertuzumab, offering potential combination strategies with other HER2-targeting agents. MT-5111 works by internalizing, self-routing through intracellular compartments to the cytosol, and inducing potent cell-kill via the enzymatic and permanent inactivation of ribosomes. This is a phase 1 study in adults with advanced HER2+ solid tumors. MT-5111 is dosed weekly IV over 30 min in every 21-day cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, or withdrawn consent. The study has dose escalation (Part A) cohorts enrolling patients (pts) with any HER2+ cancer (CA) and expansion (Part B) cohorts for HER2+ breast cancer (BC), Gastric or Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEA), or other HER2+ solid CA. As of 30 June 2022, 42 total pts had enrolled (36 in Part A on 0.5-23 µg/kg/dose, 6 pts with BC in Part B1 on 10 µg/kg/dose). Median age 65 years, 28 (66.78%) pts were female, median of 4 prior systemic and 2 prior HER2-targeting treatment (tx). 17 pts with BC, 6 with biliary CA, 9 with GEA, and 10 with other solid CA have enrolled. Of the 17 BC pts, 15 received ≥ 10 µg/kg/dose. Tx emergent adverse events (TEAEs) have been reported in 40 (95%) pts, and tx-related AEs (TRAE) occurred in 23 (55%) pts. No pt experienced G4-G5 TRAE. G1 troponin elevations were noted in 5 pts without clinical signs of cardiotoxicity (1 pt 6.75 µg/kg, 2 pts 10 µg/kg, 1 pt 17 µg/kg, 1 pt 23 µg/kg). Reversible G1/G2 infusion-related reactions were reported in 2 pts. Tx-related G1-G3 rash was observed in 5 pts (4 pts ≥ 10 µg/kg/dose); maculopapular in 2 pts, acneiform in 1 pt and associated with pruritus in 3 pts. The G3 rash developed one wk after first dose of 23 µg/kg, was declared a DLT, improved with systemic steroid therapy and the pt continued tx at the same dose without recurrence. Best overall response per RECIST thus far is stable disease (SD) in 17 pts, non-CR/non-PD in 1 pt, and progressive disease (PD) in 14 pts. 1 pt had non-CR/non-PD for 30 wks (1 μg/kg, BC); 1 pt had SD for 24wks (10 μg/kg, pancreatic); 1 pt is on tx with SD through 8 cycles (10 μg/kg, BC). Of the 10 BC pts who received ≥ 10 μg/kg/dose, the best response was 5 SD. The mean serum concentration of MT-5111 has increased in a dose-proportional manner starting at 6.75µg/kg/dose (Table 1). The soluble HER2 (sHER2) levels at end of tx were higher compared to baseline in cohorts that received ≤ 4.5µg/kg/dose, but similar or lower in cohorts that received ≥ 6.75µg/kg/dose. Higher MT-5111 doses have been well tolerated and may saturate circulating sHER2, leading to more predictable serum concentrations and tumor penetration. The Cmax in humans at doses ≥6.75 µg/kg/dose is above the in vitro IC50 for high HER2+ cell lines (0.029nM) and at 17 µg/kg/dose, above the IC50 for moderate HER2+ cells (1.6nM). In conclusion, the dose proportionate increase in serum concentration with levels above the in vitro IC50 and the leveling off/reduction of sHER2 indicate exposure to MT-5111 is at clinically therapeutic levels. Skin toxicity at higher doses may indicate on-target effect as observed in other EGFR-targeted therapies where it is associated with clinical response and a better prognosis. sHER2 biomarker data is expected for all cohorts with PK correlation and 23µg/kg safety and efficacy data. PK profile of MT-5111, C1D1 values Citation Format: Meena Okera, Brian A. Van Tine, Joleen M. Hubbard, Minal Barve, Erika Hamilton, Monica M. Mita, Frances Valdes-Albini, Daniel Ahn, Admasu Mamuye, Joshua Pelham, Amy Yuet, Diana Yurewicz, Yanning Liu, Andres Machado Sandri, William J. Edenfield, Aki Morikawa, William Gradishar, Rajiv Kumar, Zev A. Wainberg. A phase 1 study of the novel immunotoxin MT-5111 in patients with HER2+ tumors: interim results [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-11-01.
Trial in progress: Phase II study of niraparib and dostarlimab for the treatment of germline or somatic homologous recombination repair mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 24, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: TPS780-TPS780

10.1200/jco.2023.41.4_suppl.tps780

TPS780 Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with a limited number of therapeutic options. One subset of patients (up to 15%) carries germline and/or somatic mutations in homologous recombination repair genes, most notably BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 amongst others, that confer sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Combinations of PARP inhibitors with anti-PD1 immunotherapy have shown activity in breast and ovarian cancer and have not yet been thoroughly studied in pancreatic cancer. Methods: We designed a single-arm phase 2 investigator-initiated study utilizing the combination of niraparib, a highly selective PARP inhibitor and a dostarlimab, an anti PD1 antibody, in the subset of pancreatic cancer patients with germline or somatic mutations in BRCA1/2, PALB2, BARD1, RAD51C, or RAD51D. Additional inclusion criteria include metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, receipt of a platinum agent in 1st or 2nd line unless contraindicated, and at least 1 but not more than 2 prior lines of systemic therapy not including maintenance. Prior PARP inhibition is allowed, but not immediately prior to enrollment. Exclusion criteria include active unstable autoimmune disease or prior malignancy requiring active treatment within 2 years. Patients are treated with niraparib 200 mg orally once daily on days 1 through 21 of a 21 day cycle. Dostarlimab is administered IV 500 mg every 3 weeks for the 1st 4 cycles and then 1000 mg IV every 6 weeks subsequently. The primary endpoint of the study is the disease control rate at 12 weeks using standard iRECIST criteria. Twenty patients will be enrolled to ensure 19 evaluable. The design has 80% power to detected improvement in disease control rate from 25-50% with significance level of 0.10. Descriptive factors include gene mutated for inclusion, germline/somatic, and platinum refractoriness. Given the size of the study along with genetic heterogeneity there will be no interim analysis. Patients are being enrolled at 3 Mayo clinic sites in Rochester Minnesota, Phoenix Arizona, Jacksonville Florida. To date, 13 patients have been enrolled across all 3 sites. Full accrual is anticipated by early 2023. Correlative studies include genomic characterization of baseline tumors, assessment of immune infiltration of tumor microenvironment, tumor collection for organoid/xenograft, and serial circulating cell-free DNA and immune biomarkers. Trial Identifiers: NCT04493060, Mayo: MC1841. Supported by Glaxo Smith Kline. Clinical trial information: NCT04493060 .
Trial in progress: A phase II, multicenter, open-label study of PolyPEPI1018 in combination with atezolizumab in participants with relapsed or refractory microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal (MSS mCRC) cancer (Oberto-301).

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 24, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: TPS283-TPS283

10.1200/jco.2023.41.4_suppl.tps283

TPS283 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the top three most commonly occurring cancers globally. CRC is now routinely classified as MSI-high (MSI-H) or microsatellite-stable (MSS) based on the detection or absence of molecular markers of genetic instability, respectively. The efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy in MSI-H CRC has not been replicated in MSS CRC. Therefore, additional interventions are needed to convert immunologically “cold” MSS CRC to “hot” tumors resembling MSI-H tumors. PolyPEPI1018 is an off-the-shelf, multi-peptide vaccine containing 12 immunogenic epitopes derived from 7 cancer testis antigens (CTAs) frequently expressed in patients with CRC. PolyPEPI1018 successfully restored and boosted pre-existing anticancer immunity of MSS mCRC subjects and triggered recruitment and infiltration of cytotoxic T cells into the tumor. In first line metastatic MSS CRC, PolyPEPI1018 in combination with fluoropyrimidine/bevacizumab vaccine was safe and demonstrated early evidence of clinical activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of PolyPEPI1018 and atezolizumab will convert a “cold” MSS mCRC to a “hot” tumor and may increase the likelihood of inducing favorable antitumor immunity and subsequent clinical benefit. Methods: The study is a phase 2, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial of PolyPEPI1018 vaccine (1.2 mg, sc, every 3 weeks) and atezolizumab (1200 mg, iv, every 3 weeks) for patients with advanced or metastatic MSS CRC who have progressed on 2 or 3 lines of prior standard regimens. 28 patients will be enrolled at 3 US sites with a primary objective to assess the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of PolyPEPI1018 in combination with atezolizumab. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR) assessed by RECIST v1.1, vaccine induced immunological response rate (IRR), progression-free survival and overall survival. Correlative aims include assessing blood and tissue biomarkers (PD-L1, Immunoscore®IC, ctDNA, clinical tumor markers) for association with clinical benefit. An exploratory study is being conducted for co-development of a companion diagnostic based on HLA-genotype and computational personal epitope (PEPI) prediction test. A Simon 2-stage design will be used for the initial assessment of ORR. If pre-specified activity goal for the first stage of accrual (n = 18) is met, additional 10 participants will be enrolled to the second stage. A formal review of safety will be performed after the initial 6 participants have received at least 2 cycles of study therapy. The study is open with 10 patients enrolled at time of submission. Clinical trial information: NCT05243862 .
Survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with low expression of homologous recombination proficient (HRP) genes.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 24, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 225-225

10.1200/jco.2023.41.4_suppl.225

225 Background: HR deficient (HRD) CRC has improved outcomes following exposure to DNA damaging agent (DDA) (irinotecan, IR; oxaliplatin, OX) compared to HRP CRC. Low expression of wild type (WT) BRCA1 mRNA is associated with prolonged OS in ovarian cancer; however, this finding has not been investigated in CRC or outside of BRCA. Here, we examine the effect of low expression of HR genes in HRP CRC on post-DDA survival. Methods: 12,860 CRC samples were analyzed by NGS (592, NextSeq; WES, NovaSeq) and WTS (NovaSeq) at Caris Life Sciences (Phoenix, AZ). Samples were classified by RNA expression percentiles. Real world OS was extracted from insurance claims and calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates for molecularly defined cohorts from first of OX or IR to last contact. Results: Post-IR survival was prolonged with low expression of ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2 in WT ATM, PALB2, and CHEK2 WT CRC, respectively (bottom vs. top 10%, bottom vs. top 25%; p<0.05). Notably, low PALB2 expression (bottom 10%) showed a 14.5-month post-IR benefit compared to high PALB2 expression (top 10%) in WT PALB2 CRC (p=0.003). Post-OX survival was not significantly prolonged with low expression of CHEK2 in WT CHEK2 CRC (bottom 10% vs top 10%, bottom 25% vs top 25%) but was with low expression of ATM (+9.7 months, p=0.02) and PALB2 (+5.6 months, p=0.03) in WT ATM and PALB2 CRC, respectively (all bottom 25% vs top 25%). Conclusions: Here we report the first findings to suggest a novel subclass of CRC defined as the low expression of mRNA of non-mutated HRD genes that exhibit sensitivity to DDA. Low expression of WT ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2 correlates with prolonged OS following IR, post-OX survival was prolonged with low expression of ATM and PALB2. Further characterization defining sensitivity of low expressing HRP genes to DDA may help guide treatment considerations in HRP CRC. [Table: see text]
660 Clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with molecular responses following treatment with an individualized neoantigen vaccine regimen

Regular and Young Investigator Award Abstracts | November 7, 2022 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: A691-A691

10.1136/jitc-2022-sitc2022.0660

Cabozantinib Following Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cancers | October 23, 2022 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 5173

10.3390/cancers14215173 | PMID 36358592

(1) Background: Cabozantinib, a multikinase inhibitor, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following progression on sorafenib. Recently, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has been approved in the first line setting for advanced HCC and has become the new standard of care. Whether cabozantinib improves outcomes following progression on immunotherapy remains unknown. We describe the clinical outcomes following treatment with immunotherapy in patients with advanced HCC who received cabozantinib. (2) Methods: We conducted a multicentric, retrospective analysis of patients with advanced HCC diagnosed between 2010–2021 at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida who received cabozantinib. Median overall survival and progression free survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Adverse events were determined using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). (3). Results: We identified 26 patients with advanced HCC who received cabozantinib following progression on immunotherapy. Median progression free survival on cabozantinib therapy was 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.3–3.9) and median overall survival from time of cabozantinib initiation was 7.7 months (95% CI: 5.3–14.9). (4) Conclusion: The optimal sequencing of therapy for patients with advanced HCC following progression on immunotherapy remains unknown. Our study demonstrates that patients may benefit from treatment with cabozantinib following progression on immunotherapy.
The Role of Systemic Therapy in Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

The Oncologist | September 27, 2022 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 1034-1040

10.1093/oncolo/oyac212 | PMID 36239399

Abstract Background Despite multiple randomized trials, the role of perioperative chemotherapy in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is still under debate. In this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA), we aim to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative systemic therapies for patients with CRLM. Methods We searched various databases for abstracts and full-text articles published from database inception through May 2021.We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the addition of perioperative (post, pre, or both) systemic therapies to surgery alone in patients with CRLM. The outcomes were compared according to the chemotherapy regimen using a random effects model. Outcomes of interest included disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Seven RCTs with a total of 1504 patients with CRLM were included. Six studies included post-operative treatment and one evaluated perioperative (pre- and postoperative) therapy. Fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy was the most used systemic therapy. NMA showed benefit of adding perioperative therapy to surgery in terms of DFS (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.84). However, these findings did not translate into a statistically significant OS benefit (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.05). NMA did not show any advantage of one regimen over another including oxaliplatin or irinotecan. Conclusions This systematic review and NMA of 7 RCTs found that the addition of perioperative systemic treatment for resectable CRLM could improve disease-free survival but not overall survival. Based on the findings, addition of perioperative treatment in resectable CRLM should be individualized weighing the risks and benefits.
Silmitasertib plus gemcitabine and cisplatin first‐line therapy in locally advanced/metastatic cholangiocarcinoma: A Phase 1b/2 study

Hepatology | September 24, 2022 | Volume: 77 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 760-773

10.1002/hep.32804 | PMID 36152015

Background and Aims: This study aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of silmitasertib, an oral small molecule casein kinase 2 inhibitor, plus gemcitabine and cisplatin (G+C) versus G+C in locally advanced/metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Approach and Results: This work is a Phase 1b/2 study (S4‐13‐001). In Phase 2, patients received silmitasertib 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days with G+C on Days 1 and 8 of a 21‐day cycle. Primary efficacy endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) in the modified intent‐to‐treat population (defined as patients who completed at least one cycle of silmitasertib without dose interruption/reduction) from both phases (silmitasertib/G+C n = 55, G+C n = 29). The response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. The median PFS was 11.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6, 14.7) versus 5.8 months (95% CI, 3.1, not evaluable [NE]) ( p = 0.0496); 10‐month PFS was 56.1% (95% CI, 38.8%, 70.2%) versus 22.2% (95% CI, 1.8%, 56.7%); and median overall survival was 17.4 months (95% CI, 13.4, 25.7) versus 14.9 months (95% CI, 9.9, NE) with silmitasertib/G+C versus G+C. Overall response rate was 34.0% versus 30.8%; the disease control rate was 86.0% versus 88.5% with silmitasertib/G+C versus G+C. Almost all silmitasertib/G+C (99%) and G+C (93%) patients reported at least one treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE). The most common TEAEs (all grades) with silmitasertib/G+C versus G+C were diarrhea (70% versus 13%), nausea (59% vs. 30%), fatigue (47% vs. 47%), vomiting (39% vs. 7%), and anemia (39% vs. 30%). Twelve patients (10%) discontinued treatment because of TEAEs during the study. Conclusions: Silmitasertib/G+C demonstrated promising preliminary evidence of efficacy for the first‐line treatment of patients with locally advanced/metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.