Citations

Clear

127 citation(s) found for "Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro".

A randomized phase II trial of folate receptor alpha peptide vaccine in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
Knutson, Keith L., Hillman, DW, Cogen, Davitte , Moreno-Aspitia, Alvaro, Northfelt, Donald W. , Ernst, Brenda, Isakoff, Steven J. , Tolaney, Sara M., Calfa, Carmen, Nanda, Rita, Cole, John T., Fagbemi, Seth, Rowland, Kendrith M., Perez, EA, Chumsri, Saranya, Ruddy, Kathryn Jean, Knutson, Keith L. , Hillman, David W. , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Ernst, Brenda , Tolaney, Sara M. , Calfa, Carmen, Nanda, Rita , Mortimer, Joanne , Fagbemi, Seth O., Perez, EA, Norton, Nadine , Chumsri, Saranya , Ruddy, Kathryn J.

Mayo Clinic

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 27, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 536-536

10.1200/jco.2026.44.16_suppl.536 Get It

536 Background: Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is overexpressed in ~80% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). We previously demonstrated that patients (pts) with breast cancer naturally mount immune responses to FRα. In prior Phase I and II studies, a GM-CSF-adjuvanted FRα peptide vaccine (FRPV) was safe and induced durable FRα-specific T-cell immunity in 83–90% of pts with breast and ovarian cancer. Methods: Eligible pts were women ≥18 years with TNBC (ER/PR ≤10%) with 1+ of the following: stage ≥T1c disease, node-positivity, or residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pts were randomized 2:1 to receive FRPV or placebo (GM-CSF alone) every 28 days for cycles 2-7 and then every six months for 7 booster doses, with cycle 1 consisting of cyclophosphamide 50mg orally twice daily for days 1-7 and 15-21 (in both arms). Randomization was stratified by chemotherapy setting (adjuvant only vs neoadjuvant) and stage (I/II vs III). FRα expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The study was designed to detect (at 30 months after the last pt enrolled) a disease-free survival (DFS) difference of 14% assuming a 3.5-year DFS rate of 70% in the control group and with 78% power. Results: 280 pts were enrolled (median age 52). The majority had stage I or II tumors (n = 219, 78%). There were numerically more node-positive tumors in the vaccine arm, 78 (41%) vs 27 (32%), p = 0.15. Median follow-up was 3.5 years, and 33 (FRPV: 25, placebo: 8) DFS events were observed; 3.5-year DFS rate was 88% with FRPV and 90% with placebo (HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.64–3.15; p = 0.39). Overall survival (OS) also did not differ by arm (HR 2.48, 95% CI 0.55–11.20; p = 0.22). Among node-positive pts (n = 105), DFS did not differ between arms (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.34–2.66; p = 0.92). However, a numerical DFS event rate improvement (14% for vaccine vs. 26% for placebo) was observed in 61 patients with stage III disease (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.16–1.68; p = 0.26). DFS did not differ by chemotherapy setting or by receipt of anthracycline, capecitabine, and/or an immune checkpoint inhibitor. FRPV was well tolerated, with predominantly grade 1–2 adverse events (AEs) and no vaccine-related grade ≥4 AEs. FRα expression was available from tumor in 230 pts, with 72% expressing > 0. Overall, DFS was not significantly associated with FRα expression (0 vs > 0; HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.21–1.44; p = 0.21), and no significant differences in DFS by FRα expression were observed between treatment arms. Conclusions: FRPV following oral cyclophosphamide was safe, with no vaccine-related high-grade AEs. While no significant improvement in DFS or OS was observed overall, a numeric trend toward improved DFS was observed in pts with stage III TNBC. This finding is hypothesis-generating and supports further evaluation of FRα-targeted vaccination in higher-risk TNBC. Immune correlative analyses are ongoing to better define vaccine immunogenicity and its relationship to clinical outcomes. Clinical trial information: W81XWH-15-1-0293.
Abstract PS1-10-22: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in advanced ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer prior to treatment with palbociclib and endocrine therapy: a retrospective analysis of the PROMISE study
O'Sullivan, C. C., Moyer, A. M., Nassar, A., Zahrieh, D. M., Suman, V., Tang, X., Thompson, K. J., Hentz, R. C., Harrington, J. J., Moreno-Aspitia, Alvaro, Northfelt, D. W., Haddad, T. C., Chumsri, S., Peethambaram, P. P., Ruddy, K. J., Giridhar, K. V., Leon-Ferre, R. A., Weinshilboum, R., Wang, L., Kalari, K. R., Goetz, M. P., O’Sullivan, Ciara C. , Zahrieh, David , Hentz, Roland, Northfelt, Donald W. , Chumsri, S., Peethambaram, Prema P. , Ruddy, Kathryn J. , Leon‐Ferre, Roberto A. , Kalari, KR, Goetz, Matthew P.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | February 17, 2026 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4_Supplement | Pages: PS1-10-22-PS1-10-22

10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-ps1-10-22 Get It

Abstract Background: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancer (BC) are prognostic and associated with therapy response; however, there are few data regarding distribution and significance of TIL values in ER+ HER2-negative (HER2-) MBC patients (pts) treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i). CDK4/6 inhibition may promote antitumor immunity by production of type III interferons and tumor antigen presentation, and by inhibition of regulatory T cells (Goel, Nature 2017). Further, the addition of immune checkpoint therapy to palbociclib numerically prolonged PFS in the 2nd line (2L) setting (Mayer, JCO 2024). We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of TILs derived from fresh metastatic tumor biopsies in pts with ER+HER2- MBC prior to starting CDK4/6i and endocrine therapy (ET) in the first line (1L) and 2L setting. Methods: PROMISE (NCT0281902) is a multicenter, prospective study that enrolled women commencing the CDK4/6i palbociclib (Pb) with letrozole (1L) or fulvestrant (2L) for HR+HER2- MBC. The primary goal was to identify novel genomic variants and pathways associated with PFS. Here, we performed a secondary analysis to quantitate stromal TILs using protocol mandated pretreatment tumor biopsies and determine their association with PFS. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, we reported median PFS (mPFS) and 3-year PFS percentage (%) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) by TILs [≥20% vs <20%] separately within 1L and 2L. As sample TIL values were generally concentrated at zero (27/58 = 46.6%), coupled with wide spread of sample TIL values ≥20% [range: 20%- 80%], we applied a ≥20% threshold for PFS analysis (high vs low TIL group) as described by Luen, Salgado et al. Lancet Oncol 2017. Statistical significance was based on the Wilcoxon test of the null hypothesis that there was no difference in the PFS curves by TILs. PFS is reported at median follow-up of 21 months. Results: Pretreatment tumor biopsies from 58/68 (85.3 %) pts were evaluable (42 in 1L and 16 in 2L). Median [Q1, Q2] TIL values were higher in 1L (5% [0, 10]) vs 2L (0% [0, 15]). The most common biopsy sites were bone (44.8%), lymph node (17.2%), liver (17.2%) and breast (12%). Overall, TILs frequency (>20%) by the 4 most common biopsy sites were bone (2/20, 10%), lymph node (4/7, 57%), liver (2/6, 33%), and breast (1/7, 14%). In 1L, although PFS was not significantly different (P = 0.237), mPFS (44 vs 34 months) and 3-year PFS 75.0%, [95% CI: 50.3%, 100%] vs 46.4% [95% CI: 31.0%, 69.5%]) were longer in pts with high versus low TILS, respectively. In 2L, the 3-year PFS was numerically similar comparing high and low TILs groups, (25.0%, [95% CI: 4.6%, 100%] vs 22.5% [95% CI: 6.7%, 76.1%]) with no significant difference in PFS (P = 0.761). Conclusions: In pts with ER+HER2- MBC treated with Pb and ET, PFS was numerically longer comparing high vs low TIL values in 1L but not 2L settings. Future studies evaluating TILs in larger datasets are needed to validate these findings. Genomic analysis (DNA/RNA) and its association with TIL levels is underway and will be presented at the meeting. Funding: The Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic Breast Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE P50CA116201); Mayo Clinic Cancer Center (CA15083-40A2); TEMPUS (https://www.tempus.com/) and Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO (Career Development Award 2018, Dr. O’Sullivan) Citation Format: C. C. O'Sullivan, A. M. Moyer, A. Nassar, D. M. Zahrieh, V. Suman, X. Tang, K. J. Thompson, R. C. Hentz, J. J. Harrington, A. Moreno-Aspitia, D. W. Northfelt, T. C. Haddad, S. Chumsri, P. P. Peethambaram, K. J. Ruddy, K. V. Giridhar, R. A. Leon-Ferre, R. Weinshilboum, L. Wang, K. R. Kalari, M. P. Goetz. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in advanced ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer prior to treatment with palbociclib and endocrine therapy: a retrospective analysis of the PROMISE study [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 PS1-10-22.
Long-term cellular and humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in patients with solid malignancies undergoing chemotherapy
liu, Andrew, Necela, Brian, Li, Zhuo, Cogen, Davitte , Wieczorek, Mikolaj A. , Mummareddy, Ashita , Acampora, Marites, Reynolds, Gina, Advani, Pooja , Moreno-Aspitia, Alvaro, Virk, Abinash, Bharucha, A E, Marquez, Christopher P. , Patel, Tushar C., Knutson, KL, Chumsri, Saranya , Li, Zhuo , Reynolds, Gina A, Advani, Pooja P, Necela, Brian M. , Mummareddy, Ashita , Swift, Melanie D. , Virk, Abinash , Bharucha, Adil E. , Knutson, Keith L.

Mayo Clinic

Frontiers in Immunology | January 29, 2026 | Volume: 16 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.3389/fimmu.2025.1690495 | PMID 41693712 Get It

Background While SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are highly effective in healthy individuals, the magnitude and durability of humoral and cellular responses in patients with solid malignancies receiving chemotherapy remain understudied. Previous reports suggest that patients with cancer may not mount adequate immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Additionally, most studies focused on humoral responses, while data regarding cellular immune responses are scarce. In this study, we evaluated humoral and cellular responses in patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy compared to healthy individuals up to one year after vaccinations. Methods Patients aged ≥18 who were willing to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were enrolled. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays were used to detect antibodies against nucleocapsid and spike proteins. Human IFN-γ Fluorospot assay was used to determine antigen−specific T-cell responses. Data were compared between groups using Mann−Whitney test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Results A total of 67 subjects (47 patients with cancer and 20 healthy individuals) were included. 1–3 months following the second vaccine doses, 96% of patients with cancer and 100% of healthy individuals demonstrated a positive humoral response. While the positivity rate was not significantly different, patients with cancer had significantly lower spike IgG antibodies than healthy individuals. However, this difference diminished at 6 months when patients with cancer had increased antibodies compared to decreased antibodies in the healthy cohort and no difference was noticed at 12-month. Patients with cancer developed a similar antigen-specific T-cell response as healthy individuals at 1–3 months, 6 months and 12 months. There were no significant differences when comparing patients aged ≤ 55 years vs. >55 years, stages I-III vs. IV, single vs. multiple chemotherapy, and BNT162b2 vs. mRNA-1273 vaccines. There was a significant moderate correlation between neutralization and antibody levels at 12 months. However, despite patients with cancer having a significantly higher COVID risk score, there were no significant differences in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization between patients with cancer and healthy individuals. Conclusion Despite initial impaired antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, patients with solid malignancies receiving chemotherapy effectively generated long-term cellular and humoral responses by 6 and 12 months, leading to similar infection and hospitalization rates compared to healthy individuals.
Pembrolizumab in Combination with Binimetinib in Patients with Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Chumsri, Saranya , Larson, Joseph J. , Liu, Emily , Tenner, Kathleen , Adams, Daniel L. , Weidner, Morgan, Arnold, Amanda N. , Haley, Dana , Advani, Pooja , Sideras, Kostandinos , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Thompson, E. Aubrey , Perez, Edith A. , Knutson, Keith L. , Tenner, Kathleen S , Adams, Daniel , Weidner, Morgan T , Sideras, Kostandinos , Liu, Emily , Knutson, Keith L.

Mayo Clinic

Clinical Cancer Research | March 7, 2025 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1885-1893

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-3001 | PMID 40053697 Get It

Abstract Purpose: Activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway is associated with reduced tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and poor outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer. Previous studies demonstrated that inhibition of the MAPK pathway with a MEK inhibitor is synergistic with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Patients and Methods: We conducted a phase I/II trial of pembrolizumab and binimetinib in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer with ≤3 prior lines of therapy. There were two dose levels (DL) with binimetinib at 45 mg at DL 0 and 30 mg at DL −1. Results: The recommended phase II dose was the standard dose of pembrolizumab with binimetinib 30 mg twice daily. The objective response rate (ORR) was 30.4%, with a numerically higher ORR in patients without liver metastasis at 45.5%. Among patients who achieved objective responses, 80% had a duration of response >12 months and ongoing even after stopping treatment (5.4–69.0 months). Patients with PD-L1–positive tumors (modified proportion score ≥10) were more likely to respond with an ORR of 66.7%. However, clinical benefit was observed in 25% of patients with PD-L1–negative tumors. Consistent with preclinical studies, four of six patients with clinical benefit had either increased PD-L1 or decreased p-ERK expressions in serial circulating cancer-associated macrophage-like cells after starting binimetinib. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab and binimetinib at 30 mg are safe with manageable toxicities. Promising activity was observed in patients without liver metastases. Future larger clinical trials are warranted to further evaluate the efficacy of this chemotherapy-free combination.
143 Long-term cellular and humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in patients with solid malignancies undergoing chemotherapy
Necela, Brian M. , Acampora, Marites, Reynolds, Gina, Advani, Pooja , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Virk, Abinash , Bharucha, Adil E. , Marquez, Christopher P. , Knutson, Keith L. , Chumsri, Saranya , Liu, Andy , Li, Zhuo , Wieczorek, Mikolaj A. , Swift, Melanie D. , Patel, Tushar , Gores, Gregory J. , Knutson, Keith L.

Mayo Clinic

Regular and Young Investigator Award Abstracts | November 5, 2024 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: A160-A160

10.1136/jitc-2024-sitc2024.0143 Get It

Clinical Treatment Score Post-5 Years (CTS5) and Late Recurrence Risk in Hormone Receptor–Positive, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Chumsri, Saranya , Pai, Tanmayi , Ma, Yaohua , Li, Zhuo , Gil, Angelica, Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Pogue–Geile, Katherine L. , Rasgoti, Priya, Paik, Soonmyung , Perez, Edith A. , Thompson, E. Aubrey, Li, Zhuo , Thompson, E. Aubrey

Mayo Clinic

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network | August 27, 2024 | Volume: 22 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 463-468

10.6004/jnccn.2024.7015 | PMID 39191270 Get It

Background: The Clinical Treatment Score post-5 years (CTS5) is a risk stratification tool used to determine the risk of late recurrence in hormone receptor–positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer (BC). Limited data exist on its use in HR+, HER2-positive (HER2+) BC. Patients and Methods: CTS5 was evaluated in HR+, HER2+ BC in the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) N9831 (Alliance) and NSABP B-31 (NRG) trials. Results: A total of 1,862 patients with HR+, HER2+ BC without recurrence 5 years after enrollment were included. Overall, the CTS5 score was significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.35 (95% CI, 1.12–1.63; P=.002), but did not reach statistical significance in patients who received trastuzumab (n=829; HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.98–1.71; P=.07). CTS5 risk category was not significantly associated with RFS. In patients who received trastuzumab, other variables used in CTS5, including patient age and tumor size, were not significantly associated with RFS. N3 was significantly associated with worse outcomes (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.09–3.17; P=.02) compared with N0–N1. Paradoxically, higher tumor grade was associated with better outcomes after 5 years in the multivariate analysis (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.50–1.00; P=.05). The incidence of recurrences or deaths between years 5 to 10 was 10.6% in the CTS5 low-risk category, 5.6% in the intermediate-risk category, and 9.8% in the high-risk category. Conclusions: The CTS5 model does not accurately predict the risk of late recurrence in HR+, HER2+ BC treated with adjuvant trastuzumab in the N9831 and B-31 trials. This study underlines the need to develop a new prognostic model to better delineate the risk of late recurrence in patients with HR+, HER2+ BC receiving adjuvant trastuzumab. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT00005970 (NCCTG N9831) and NCT00004067 (NRG/NSABP B-31).
Safety run-in phase of the multi-epitope HER2 peptide vaccine in combination with trastuzumab emtansine in HER2-positive breast cancer with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Chumsri, Saranya , Giri, Sharmila, Ness, Andrew, Cogen, Davitte , Famularo, Edward, Richardson, Brianna, Necela, Brian M. , Northfelt, Donald W. , Advani, Pooja , Rao, Rohit , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Ruddy, Kathryn J. , Knutson, Keith L. , Ness, Andrew, Hillman, David W. , Norton, Nadine , Richardson, Brianna, Nassar, Aziza , Sideras, Kostandinos , Ernst, Brenda , Goetz, Matthew P. , Knutson, Keith L.

Mayo Clinic

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 29, 2024 | Volume: 42 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 550-550

10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.550 Get It

550 Background: Residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) confers poor outcomes. Despite additional trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in the adjuvant setting, a significant number of patients with residual disease still develop recurrence. H2NVAC is a multi-epitope T helper cell-activating peptide vaccine that is composed of 4 degenerate HER2-derived HLA-DR epitopes admixed with GM-CSF. Our previous phase I trial showed that this vaccine was safe and generated robust, long-lasting T and B cell immune responses. Methods: Patients with stage II-III HER2+ BC with any amount of residual disease in the breast /axilla after NAC were enrolled in a safety run-in phase of H2NVAC in combination with T-DM1. Patients were treated with H2NVAC and T-DM1 for 6 cycles, followed by 2 boosters at 3 and 12 months. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as any grade (G) ≥ 3 adverse events (AE) occurring within 21 days after the first vaccination. Results: A total of20 patients were enrolled with a median age of 51 years (range 27-69), 80% were White and 15% were Black. Most patients had hormone receptor-positive disease (90%). 40% were premenopausal, 40% were postmenopausal, and 20% were unknown. 14 patients had ypT1, 3 patients ypT2, 3 patients ypT3, 1 patient ypT4, 8 patients ypN0, 9 patients yp N1, 1 patient ypN1mi, and 2 patients ypN2. H2NVAC, in combination with T-DM1, was well tolerated, with no DLT being observed. Only grades 1 and 2 AEs were observed during the DLT period, with fatigue being the most common (G1 60%, G2 5%), followed by peripheral sensory neuropathy (G1 55%, G2 5%) and injection site reaction (G1 50%). Across all treatment cycles, the top 10 most common AEs that were at least possibly related to treatment include injection site reaction (G1 85%, G2 15%), AST increase (G1 65%), ALT increase (G1 45%), fatigue (G1 35%, G2 10%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (G1 35%, G-tube 10%), alk-phos increase (40% G1), nausea (G1 35%, G2 5%), arthralgia (G1 35%), myalgia (G1 25%, G2 5%), and platelet count decrease (G1 30%). There were four patients with G3 AEs at least possibly related to the vaccine observed after the DLT period, including allergic reaction, myositis/skin infection, urticaria, and pruritus/maculopapular rash. Conclusions: H2NVAC, in combination with T-DM1, was safe without DLT observed. The side effect profile was favorable, with the most common AE being the G1 injection site reaction. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II trial of H2NVAC vs. placebo in combination with trastuzumab emtansine is currently ongoing through the ACCRU consortium. Clinical trial information: NCT04197687 .
Abstract PO4-25-04: MHC Class I and II Expression, Functional Tertiary Lymphoid Structure (TLS), and Outcomes in Early-Stage HER2-Positive (HER2+) Breast Cancer in NCCTG N9831 (Alliance)
Chumsri, Saranya , Shachner, Tracy, Li, Zhuo , Norton, Nadine , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Perez, Edith , Thompson, E. Aubrey , Knutson, Keith L. , Norton, Nadine , Shachner, Tracy R. , Nassar, Aziza , Knutson, Keith L.

Mayo Clinic

Cancer Research | May 2, 2024 | Volume: 84 | Issue: 9_Supplement | Pages: PO4-25-04-PO4-25-04

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs23-po4-25-04 Get It

Abstract Background: Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an organized form of ectopic lymphoid aggregates (LA) with secondary lymphoid organ structure. Several studies showed that the presence of TLS associates with improved outcomes in multiple cancers when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, data is currently limited regarding TLS and outcomes in HER2+ breast cancer patients (pts) treated with adjuvant trastuzumab. Furthermore, distinguishing TLS and simple LA is challenging in standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, particularly when the germinal center is absent. Emerging studies also showed the prognostic value of MHC expression in breast cancer but mainly in triple-negative breast cancer. In this study, we evaluated integrated pathological quantification and genomic data to assess functional TLS in association with MHC expression and outcomes in the N9831 trial. Methods: Pathological evaluation of LA in H&E slides from pts treated in Arm A (chemotherapy alone) and Arm C (chemotherapy with concurrent trastuzumab) in N9831 was performed. NanoString was used to quantify mRNA of MHC class I and II expression as well as TLS-related immune genes, including IFNG, ICOSLG, CXCL13, CXCR3, BCL6, IL21R, ICOS, PDCD1, CXCR5, CXCL9, TBX21, CD38, CXCL10, CLXCL11, IL21, CD200, CD19, MS4S1. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression model were used to evaluate the association between LA and baseline characteristics, MHC expression, and outcomes. Results: LA was evaluated in 526 pts in Arm A and 485 in Arm C. Greater number of LA was significantly associated with stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs), hormone receptor negative, and higher tumor grade, but not stage and age. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, increasing numbers of LA were associated with improved recurrence-free survival in both arms combined (RFS, p 0.028). However, when evaluating each arm separately, LA was associated with improved RFS only in Arm A (HR 0.6, 95%CI 0.43-0.84, p 0.003) but not in Arm C (HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.47-1.1, p 0.134). We further evaluated TLS-related immune genes in 252 pts in Arm C with LA ≥ 1. As a continuous variable, higher expression of BCL6 (HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.41-0.92, p 0.019) and IL21R (HR 0.78, 95%CI 0.62-0.98, p 0.03) were associated with improved RFS in Arm C pts with LA ≥ 1. However, these genes were not significantly associated with outcomes in Arm C pts without LA with BCL6 (HR1.07, 95%CI 0.67-1.71, p 0.776) and IL21R (HR 0.96, 95%CI 0.71-1.29, p 0.775). Moreover, we evaluated differential gene expression between tumors with LA ≥ 1 with high BCL6 vs. LA 0. All MHC class I and II (HLA A, B, C, E, DQ, DM, DO, DP, and DQ) were significantly higher in tumors with LA ≥ 1 with high BCL6 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A greater number of LA was associated with improved outcomes in pts with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer, particularly when treated with chemotherapy alone. Using histologic and genomic integration with the combination of pathological LA and TLS-related immune genes, we identified that pts with functional TLS with LA ≥ 1 and higher expression of BCL6 or IL21R had significantly improved outcomes when treated with trastuzumab. High MHC class I and II expressions are associated with the presence of functional TLS, underscoring the crucial role of antigen presentation in the generation of an effective adaptive immune response. Support: U10 CA180821, U10 CA180882, U24 CA196171, https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org; Genentech; Clinicaltrials.gov Id: NCT00005970 Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Tracy Shachner, Zhuo Li, Nadine Norton, Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia, Gerardo Colon-Otero, Edith Perez, Aziza Nassar, E. Thompson, Keith Knutson. MHC Class I and II Expression, Functional Tertiary Lymphoid Structure (TLS), and Outcomes in Early-Stage HER2-Positive (HER2+) Breast Cancer in NCCTG N9831 (Alliance) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-25-04.
Abstract PO3-06-14: Phase I/II study of pembrolizumab in combination with oral binimetinib in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Chumsri, Saranya , Larson, Joseph J. , Tenner, Kathleen , Tang, Cha‐Mei , Weidner, Morgan, Haley, Dana , Advani, Pooja , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Perez, Edith , Knutson, Keith L. , Adams, Daniel L. , Arnold, Amanda, Sideras, Kostandinos , Knutson, Keith L.

Mayo Clinic

Cancer Research | May 2, 2024 | Volume: 84 | Issue: 9_Supplement | Pages: PO3-06-14-PO3-06-14

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs23-po3-06-14 Get It

Abstract Background: Activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway is associated with reduced tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and poor outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This trial evaluated the efficacy of pembrolizumab in combination with binimetinib, a MEK inhibitor. Methods: Patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC with ≤ 3 prior lines of therapy were enrolled. Treatment includes a 2-week run-in with binimetinib followed by pembrolizumab. There were 2 dose levels (DL) with binimetinib at 45 mg at DL 0 and 30 mg at DL -1. A standard 3+3 design was used in Phase I, and Simon’s two-stage Optimal design was used in Phase II. PD-L1 22C3 was performed in archival samples with CPS ≥ 10 considered as positive (PD-L1+). Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were quantified into 0, 1, 2, and 3+. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAML) were isolated using CellSieve microfilters and immunofluorescently labeled with PD-L1 and p-ERK. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, Cox regression model, and Spearman correlation were used for analysis. Results: 22 patients were enrolled with a median age of 58 years old. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed in 2 out of 4 patients in DL 0, with grade 3 ALT abnormality, flank pain, and nausea. In the next 6 patients in DL -1, there was 1 DLT with grade 3 AST/ALT abnormality. There were 17 patients treated with DL -1 and were evaluable for response. The objective response rate (ORR) was 29.41% (95% CI: 10.31-55.9) with 1 complete response (CR) and 4 partial responses (PR). The clinical benefit rate (CBR ≥ 24 weeks) was 35.29% (95% CI: 14.21-61.67). ORR in patients without liver metastases was 55.56% (95% CI: 21.20 - 86.30) and CBR was 66.67% (95% CI: 29.93-92.51). No response was observed in all 5 patients with liver metastases. There were 40.9% of patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10. ORR in patients with PD-L1+ was 80%. However, 11.1% of patients with PD-L1 negative tumors also had an objective response and 44.4% of patients had clinical benefit ≥ 24 weeks. PD-L1 expression in archival tissue was associated with ORR (p 0.032) but not CBR (p 0.198), progression-free survival (PFS, p 0.373), and overall survival (p 0.348). TILs in archival tissue were also not associated with CBR (p 0.155) and PFS (p 0.157). One patient with TILs 0 had a stable disease ≥ 24 weeks and 2 patients TILs 1+ also had an objective response. We further evaluated blood-based biomarkers with CTC and CAML. Baseline PD-L1 in CAML (p 0.04) and decline in CAML size (p 0.02) after 1 cycle was significantly associated with CBR. However, baseline CTC count, CAML count (p 0.64), CAML size (p 0.46), p-ERK in CAML (p 0.23), and changes in CTC count, CAML count (p 0.83), p-ERK (p 0.07), and PD-L1 (p 0.08) in CAML were not significantly associated with responses. Using Cox regression analysis, a reduction in CAML count (p 0.02), CAML size (p 0.01), and PD-L1 in CAML (p 0.03) were associated with significant improvement in overall survival but not the reduction in p-ERK (p 0.6). However, PD-L1 expression in CAML is not associated with PD-L1 expression in archival tissue (Spearman correlation 0.13). Conclusions: Pembrolizumab and binimetinib at 30 mg are safe with manageable toxicities. Consistent with the preclinical data that MEKi can restore T cell function, promising activity was observed even in patients with low TILs and PD-L1 negative, particularly in patients without liver metastases. PD-L1 expression in peripheral blood CAML rather than archival tumor tissue may serve as a better biomarker to predict the clinical benefit of this combination. Early reductions in CAML count and size, were also significantly associated with responses. Future larger clinical trials are warranted to further evaluate the efficacy of this chemotherapy-free combination. Citation Format: Saranya Chumsri, Joseph Larson, Daniel Adams, Kathleen Tenner, Cha-Mei Tang, Morgan Weidner, Amanda Arnold, Dana Haley, Pooja Advani, Kostandinos Sideras, Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia, Edith Perez, Keith Knutson. Phase I/II study of pembrolizumab in combination with oral binimetinib in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-06-14.
Abstract PO3-12-10: Cryotherapy to Prevent Taxane-Induced Sensory Neuropathy of the Hands and Feet
Advani, Pooja , Harvey, Jinky, Vilches, Ivy, Hochwald, Alex, Hodge, David O. , Weidner, Morgan, Haley, Dana , Pai, Tanmayi , Chumsri, Saranya , Rao, Rohit , Tofthagen, Cindy , Moreno‐Aspitia, Alvaro , Tofthagen, Cindy S , Arnold, Amanda, Sideras, Kostandinos

Mayo Clinic

Cancer Research | May 2, 2024 | Volume: 84 | Issue: 9_Supplement | Pages: PO3-12-10-PO3-12-10

10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs23-po3-12-10 Get It

Abstract Background: Taxane based chemotherapy (chemo) forms a critical part of breast cancer (BC) treatment in early and metastatic settings. Taxanes can cause peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)-sensory and motor, primarily of the hands and feet, resulting in quality of life decline and negaive impact on BC survival. Acral cryotherapy has shown benefit in reducing in in minimizing the incidence and severity ofcidence and severity of CIPN. However, these studies have included limited number of patients (pts) with inconclusive evidence to change US practice guidelines, have been primarily conducted in Asia, and did not include racially diverse patients. Methods: We conducted a single arm non randomized study at Mayo Clinic that included early BC pts who underwent standard of care paclitaxel or docetaxel based chemo. Pts had ECOG performance status 0-2, no sensory peripheral neuropathy at study entry and were able to give signed informed consent. Pts with metastatic BC, Raynaud's and peripheral vascular disease, cryoglobulinemia, cold intolerance, prior exposure to neurotoxic or taxane chemotherapy were excluded. Participating pts wore frozen gloves and socks (−20 to −10°C) on both hands and feet, 15 min before, during and until 15 min post taxane infusion. During chemo, grade (G) of CIPN (sensory) per CTCAE v5 was collected prior to each cycle of chemo, end of and 3 months after chemo. Schedule of events is listed in Table 1. Continuous variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation, and categorical variables were summarized with number and percentage of patients. Numeric variables were compared with t tests (paired and unpaired), and categorical variables were compared with Chi-Squared test for independent data and Mcnemar’s test for dependent data. All statistical tests were two-sided and were performed using R Statistical Software (version 4.1.2; R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Results: A total of 95 patients were included in this study. Median age is 54 years, 66.3% pts were White (W), 23.2% African American (AA), 4.2% Asian (A) and 4.2% Hispanic (H). Median BMI was 27.7. Most pts had stage I/II (75.8%), ER positive (64.9%) and HER2 negative (55.3%) BC and got adjuvant chemo (52.6%). Only 10.6% pts had diabetes, 55.3% used alcohol. Vitamin D3 use seen in 65.6%, B12 in 6.2% and folate, B12 and D3 in 6.2% pts. A total of 41 pts (44.1%) developed neuropathy at some point during chemo, of which 27 pts were W (43%), 10 pts AA (45%), 2 pts H, 1 Asian and 1 other. CIPN was G1 in 37 pts (90%). G2 CIPN was seen in 4 pts, at or after cycle 10 of weekly paclitaxel. Cold intolerance was seen in 24 pts (25%), G1 in 20 and G2 in 4 pts, all seen in cycle 1 with 1 pt withdrawal. Recovery to G0 was seen in 15 W pts at chemo end and 2 additional pts at 3 month after chemo. None of the AA pts, one H and one A pt had CIPN recovery to G0. In 4 AA pts who had G1 CIPN during chemo, G2 CIPN was noted at 3 month follow up. No Statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics and neuropathy results for W vs nonwhites (NW) were seen except Charleson score (p-value 0.023). Conclusion: Acral cryotherapy was found to be effective in reducing the incidence and severity of CIPN from taxane in our study. This is the only study with diverse racial/ethinic pt inclusion and incidence of CIPN was similar in W and NW. However, majority of G2 CIPN pts were AA and recovery to G0 CIPN was not seen in AA pts. Majority (63%) of W pts recovered to G0 at end of follow up. Analysis of objective testing of all pts is underway. Continued research into risk factors for AA pts to develop CIPN and its mitigation are warranted. XX XX Citation Format: Pooja Advani, Jinky Harvey, Ivy Vilches, Alex Hochwald, David Hodge, Amanda Arnold, Morgan Weidner, Dana Haley, Tanmayi Pai, Saranya Chumsri, Rohit Rao, Kostandinos Sideras, Cindy Tofthagen, Alvaro Moreno-Aspitia. Cryotherapy to Prevent Taxane-Induced Sensory Neuropathy of the Hands and Feet [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-12-10.