Effects of mirikizumab versus placebo on histologic inflammation evaluated by comprehensive assessment in 5 intestinal segments in a randomized controlled phase 3 trial of participants with Crohn’s disease
Immune Subtyping Identifies Patients With Hormone Receptor–Positive Early-Stage Breast Cancer Who Respond to Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy (IO): Results From Five IO Arms of the I-SPY2 Trial
PURPOSE Neoadjuvant immunotherapy (IO) has become the standard of care for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but not yet for other subtypes. We previously developed a clinical-grade mRNA-based immune classifier (ImPrint) predicting response to IO that is now being used in I-SPY2.2 as part of the response predictive subtypes. We report the performance of ImPrint in hormone receptor–positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HR+HER2–) patients from five IO arms. METHODS A total of 204 HR+HER2– (MammaPrint high-risk) patients from five IO arms (anti–PD-1, anti–PD-L1/poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase inhibitor combination, anti–PD-1/toll-like receptor 9 dual-IO combination, and anti–PD-1 ± lymphocyte activation gene 3 dual-IO combination) and 191 patients from the chemotherapy-only control arm were included in this analysis. Patients were classified as ImPrint+ (likely sensitive) versus ImPrint– (likely resistant), using pretreatment mRNA. Performance of ImPrint for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) to IO-containing arms was characterized and compared with tumor grade (III), MammaPrint (ultra) High2 risk (MP2), and estrogen receptor (ER)-low (ER ≤ 10%). RESULTS Overall, the pCR rate across the five IO arms was 33%. 26% of HR+HER2– patients were ImPrint+, and pCR rates with IO were 75% in ImPrint+ versus 17% in ImPrint–, with the highest pCR rate >90% in a dual-IO arm. In the control arm, pCR rates were 33% in ImPrint+ and 8% in ImPrint–. Tumor grade (III), MP2, and ER-low showed pCR rates in IO of 45%, 56%, and 63%, respectively, with lower pCR odds ratios (OR < 7.5) compared with ImPrint (OR = 14.5). CONCLUSION Using an accurate selection strategy, HR+HER2– patients could achieve pCR rates similar to what is seen with best neoadjuvant therapies in TNBC and HER2+ (ie, pCR rate >65%-70%). ImPrint, an Food and Drug Administration IDE-enabled assay, may represent a way to identify HR+HER2– patients for IO that best balances likely benefit versus risk of serious immune-related adverse events.
A first-in-human multi-center phase 1/2 study of a selective FGFR2/3 inhibitor, CGT4859, in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas or other advanced solid tumors.
TPS3171 Background: Genetic alterations in fibroblast growth factor receptors 2 and 3 ( FGFR2/3 ) occur in nearly all cancer types. FGFR2 fusions and rearrangements occur in up to 10-15% of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCA) and alterations in FGFR3 occur in 15-30% of urothelial cancers. The clinical benefit from currently approved FGFR inhibitors (FGFRi) is often curtailed by development of acquired resistance, which may arise through on-target mutations in the FGFR2/3 kinase domain. Additionally, off-tumor effects on FGFR1 by pan-FGFRi can lead to hyperphosphatemia and consequently to dose reductions or dose holds. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need for a selective FGFR2/3 inhibitor that has clinical efficacy against activating alterations and resistance mutations without causing FGFR1-mediated hyperphosphatemia. CGT4859 is an orally bioavailable, ATP-competitive, reversible inhibitor of FGFR2/3, with potency against clinically relevant FGFR2/3 kinase domain mutations. In addition, CGT4859 demonstrates >140 fold selectivity over FGFR1, and shows robust efficacy in target altered in vivo tumor models without increases in serum phosphorus. Nonclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety data support evaluating CGT4859 in a first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation and signal-seeking Phase I/II study (NCT06777316). Safety, tolerability, PK, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of CGT4859 will be assessed in adults with histologically confirmed unresectable or metastatic iCCA or other solid tumors with FGFR2/3 alterations. Methods: CGT4859 will be administered orally continuously in 28-day cycles to patients (N=~50) at a starting dose of 1 mg QD, and dose escalation will not exceed 40 mg QD as determined using a Bayesian optimal interval design with backfill (BF-BOIN). This approach will be used to guide dose escalation and establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D). BF-BOIN enables backfilling of participants to doses that are cleared for safety during the dose escalation, generating additional data on safety and tolerability below the MTD. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate will be determined based on investigator assessment using RECIST v1.1. Phase II will enroll up to 4 cohorts, each enrolling ~15 patients. Proposed cohorts will include participants who have iCCA and are either FGFRi-naïve or FGFRi-exposed. Two additional cohorts with other advanced solid tumors harboring FGFR2/3 alterations may be included based on signals detected in dose escalation. The primary efficacy endpoint for Phase II is ORR per RECIST v1.1. The preclinical data support the study of CGT4859 in this patient population with solid tumors harboring FGFR2 and/or FGFR3 genetic alterations. The phase I dose escalation study is currently enrolling at sites in the United States. Clinical trial information: NCT06777316 .
Medical Students’ Insight into Foundation Training (MEDSIFT): a National Cross-Sectional Online Survey reveals close to 50% are considering a career outside the NHS
Abstract Introduction The new preference-informed allocation (PIA) system introduced for the 2024 UK cohort Foundation Programme (UKFPO) marks a shift away from the traditional meritocratic ‘ranking’ used in previous years. Instead of appointment to Foundation Programme places, PIA is a computer-generated allocation and deanery preferencing system. This change has raised numerous concerns among both students and clinicians. Aims To investigate the opinions of medical students on the new UKFPO PIA system. Methodology An online questionnaire was distributed to medical students graduating in 2024, 2025, or 2026 across the UK. Results In total, 2297 responses were collected and 2288 were included in the study. Overall, 51.6% (n = 1183) of respondents felt the PIA system was unfair, 76.3% (n = 1746) felt they had lost control of their application, and 46.3% (n = 1049) had noticed a negative effect on their physical or mental health. Notably, 48.2% (n = 1094) of students who responded are now considering a career outside the National Health Service (NHS). Conclusions Overall, the PIA system falls short of students’ expectations and has led to record numbers of students considering careers outside the NHS. Further changes to this system are needed and should aim to address fairness and equity while rewarding students for their hard work. According to these data, the PIA system risks further deteriorating workforce morale and attrition rates.
Integrated Molecular and Clinical Characterization of Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Abstract Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare, aggressive lung tumor marked by significant molecular heterogeneity. In a study of 590 patients across two independent cohorts, we observed comparable overall survival across treatment regimens (chemotherapy, chemoimmunotherapy, immunotherapy) without unexpected adverse events. Genomic analysis identified distinct NSCLC-like (KEAP1, KRAS, STK11 mutations) and SCLC-like (RB1, TP53 mutations) LCNEC subtypes, with 80% aligning with SCLC transcriptional profiles. Serial sampling revealed stable mutational but shifting transcriptomic landscapes over time. NSCLC-like LCNECs showed elevated FGL-1 (a LAG-3 ligand) and SPINK1 expression, while SCLC-like subtypes expressed higher levels of DLL3. Immunofluorescence confirmed FGL-1 in NSCLC-like LCNECs, and H&E slide analyses indicated fewer tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in LCNECs versus other lung cancers. These findings highlight LCNEC’s distinct immunogenomic profile, supporting future investigations into LAG-3, SPINK1, and DLL3-targeted therapies.
Effects of Mirikizumab Versus Placebo on Histologic Inflammation Evaluated by Comprehensive Assessment in 5 Intestinal Segments in a Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Trial of Participants with Crohn’s Disease
Abstract 4648: Circulating tumor DNA analysis demonstrates newly emerging alterations in previously treated IDH1 mutated cholangiocarcinoma patients enrolled in the ClarIDHy study
Abstract Background: Ivosidenib (IVO) is a first-in-class oral inhibitor of the IDH1 mutant (mIDH) enzyme. In the ClarIDHy phase 3 study of previously treated patients with mIDH cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), IVO treatment led to improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) vs placebo (median PFS: 2.7 vs. 1.4 months and OS 10.3 vs. 5.1 months, when adjusted for the 70% crossover rate; HR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.34-0.70]; 1-sided P<0.001. Here, we studied the dynamics of mutations emerging after 6 months of IVO treatment using ctDNA analyses. Methods: Prior to enrollment, all subjects in ClarIDHy had IDH1 R132 mutations confirmed by a central NGS panel utilizing tumor biopsy tissue. Since post-progression tissue samples were unavailable, discovery of emerging mutations was limited to plasma ctDNA assessments. To explore molecular changes associated with acquired resistance, an analysis was performed on 18 subjects treated with IVO for ≥6 months (4 partial response; 12 stable disease, 2 NA) using matched baseline and end of treatment (EOT) samples (PGDx elioTM plasma complete, 521 gene panel). A subset of the oncogenic alterations identified were selected for confirmation by ddPCR analysis in ctDNA samples collected longitudinally. Longitudinal plasma 2HG levels were also evaluated. Results: This analysis identified several EOT mutations not present at baseline. The most common mutations were in the MAPK pathway, including activating KRAS, NRAS, and MAP2K1 mutations and loss-of-function NF1 mutations (6/18 patients, 33%). In 2/6 patients, multiple MAPK pathway mutations were detected. There was a range of variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of RAS alterations, including some that had comparable levels to the truncal mIDH, suggesting that MAPK activation may have made a major contribution to the burden of resistant disease. ddPCR analyses from longitudinal plasma samples from selected cases confirmed these findings. In addition, 2 patients had mutations affecting transcription/epigenetics (WT1 and KMT2C). Finally, only 1 patient had acquired mutations in IDH genes (IDH2-R172K and IDH1-G131V). The WT1, KMT2C, and IDH variants had a low VAF. Accordingly, EOT plasma 2HG levels were reduced vs pre-treatment levels in the patient with secondary mIDH, indicating a limited role in the overall emergence of resistance. Conclusion: Analyses of paired baseline/EOT samples suggest that multiple acquired mutations could contribute to IVO resistance, with oncogenic MAPK pathway alterations being the most common. Consistent with previous clinical studies conducted in AML, IDH1 second site mutations and isotype switching to IDH2, rarely emerge during IVO treatment. The lack of detectable mutations in the majority of patients could reflect the sensitivity of the NGS assay or a role for non-genetic mechanisms of resistance. Citation Format: Hatice Duygu Saatcioglu, Haley Ellis, Jinkai Wan, Sam Lubner, Milind Javle, Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa, James M. Cleary, Robin Kate Kelley, Mitesh J. Borad, Teresa Macarulla, Do Youn Oh, Camelia Gliser, Susan Pandya, Sung Chloe, Nabeel Bardeesy, Adriana Tron. Circulating tumor DNA analysis demonstrates newly emerging alterations in previously treated IDH1 mutated cholangiocarcinoma patients enrolled in the ClarIDHy study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4648.
NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Testicular Cancer, Version 2.2025
The NCCN Guidelines for Testicular Cancer provide recommendations for the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnostic workup, treatment, and follow-up for testicular germ cell tumors, including both seminoma and nonseminoma. These NCCN Guidelines Insights discuss the current treatment recommendations and supporting clinical data for seminomas as presented in Version 2.2025 of the NCCN Guidelines for Testicular Cancer.