Patient-reported frailty phenotype (PRFP) vs. International Myeloma Working Group frailty index (IMWG FI) proxy: A comparison between two approaches to measuring frailty.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty assessments may help to identify patients at highest risk for treatment-related toxicity, early treatment discontinuation due to toxicity, and death in Multiple Myeloma. We aimed to compare the patient-reported frailty phenotype (PRFP) and a modified version of the International Myeloma Working Group frailty index (IMWG FI) in terms of their strengths, limitations, and classification of frailty in a cohort of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were pooled from six RRMM Phase 3 randomized clinical trials submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for regulatory review between 2010 and 2021. Patients were classified as fit, intermediate fit/pre-frail, or frail using both PRFP and the IMWG FI proxy. Agreement between the two approaches in classification of patient frailty was assessed using weighted Cohen's kappa. A contingency table and Venn diagram were generated to analyze overlap in categorization of patient frailty across the different severity groups. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and compare the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients categorized as frail by PRFP vs. IMWG FI proxy. RESULTS: Of the 2,750 patients included in this analysis, IMWG FI proxy classified 16.4% (452) patients as frail, 28.1% (772) as intermediate fit/pre-frail, and 55.5% (1,526) as fit. Meanwhile, PRFP classified 21.7% (597) of patients as frail, 24.5% (675) as intermediate fit/pre-frail, and 53.8% (1478) as fit. Fair agreement was observed between PRFP and IMWG FI proxy (weighted Cohen's Kappa = 0.34 [0.31-0.37]). On average, patients who were categorized as frail by IMWG FI proxy were older and had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores than patients classified as frail by PRFP. In contrast, patients who were classified as frail by PRFP had worse EORTC QLQ-C30 Physical Functioning subscale summary scores as compared to patients in the IMWG FI proxy frail group (median score of 40 vs. 47 out of 100). DISCUSSION: Our analysis found fair concordance between IMWG FI proxy and PRFP. This demonstrates that while both frailty models measure the same underlying construct, the variables that constitute each approach may result in differing frailty categorizations for the same patient. Further prospective studies are needed to establish and compare the predictive and prognostic abilities of the different frailty indices in MM.

High rifaximin out-of-pocket costs are associated with decreased treatment retention among patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for those with cirrhosis. Despite the known benefits of rifaximin use for HE, treatment retention remains low. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of out-of-pocket (OOP) rifaximin cost on treatment retention among commercially insured patients in the United States. METHODS: Adult patients with cirrhosis and HE were identified from the IBM MarketScan claims database. Those who began rifaximin treatment between January 1, 2011, and December 1, 2021 were included. Regression models were used to analyze the relationship between patients' 30-day OOP rifaximin cost and rifaximin retention (≥80% eligible days with rifaximin supply) at 180, 360, and 540 days. Models were controlled for patient demographic and clinical characteristics including age, sex, comorbid conditions, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and lactulose use. RESULTS: A total of 6839 adult patients were included. Most patients were between 55 and 64 years (57.1%), male (60.4%), and living in urban settings (84.6%). Treatment retention was low for all time periods; retention rates for rifaximin were 42%, 25%, and 16% at 180, 360, and 540 days, respectively. In multivariable analysis, 30-day OOP costs of ≥ $150 were associated with a decreased likelihood of rifaximin retention at 180, 360, and 540 days [relative risk (RR) = 0.67, RR = 0.62, and R = 0.60, respectively]. Younger age was associated with reduced treatment retention for all time periods. Metastatic cancer and depression were associated with reduced treatment retention at 180 days (RR = 0.70 and RR = 0.87, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of rifaximin treatment retention are low despite the known benefits of rifaximin use for breakthrough HE. High 30-day OOP cost is associated with reduced rifaximin treatment retention.

Measuring Frailty Using Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Data: A Feasibility Study in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

PURPOSE: The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the feasibility of measuring frailty using patient responses to relevant EORTC QLQ-C30 items as proxy criteria for the Fried Frailty Phenotype, in a cohort of patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM). METHODS: Data were pooled from nine Phase III randomized clinical trials submitted to the FDA for regulatory review between 2010 and 2021, for the treatment of RRMM. Baseline EORTC QLQ-C30 responses were used to derive a patient-reported frailty phenotype (PRFP), based on the Fried definition of frailty. PRFP was assessed for internal consistency reliability, structural validity, and known groups validity. RESULTS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of adapting patient responses to relevant EORTC QLQ-C30 items to serve as proxy Fried frailty criteria. Selected items were well correlated with one another and PRFP as a whole demonstrated adequate internal consistency reliability and structural validity. Known groups analysis demonstrated that PRFP could be used to detect distinct comorbidity levels and distinguish between different functional profiles, with frail patients reporting more difficulty in walking about, washing/dressing, and doing usual activities, as compared to their pre-frail and fit counterparts. Among the 4928 patients included in this study, PRFP classified 2729 (55.4%) patients as fit, 1209 (24.5%) as pre-frail, and 990 (20.1%) as frail. CONCLUSION: Constructing a frailty scale from existing PRO items commonly collected in cancer trials may be a patient-centric and practical approach to measuring frailty. Additional psychometric evaluation and research is warranted to further explore the utility of such an approach.

Cancer incidence in immunocompromised patients: a single-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Diminished immune defense plays an important role in cancer development. Cancer risk in immunocompromised patients may differ. Identifying individuals with elevated cancer risk can inform strategies for routine cancer screening. This study aimed to understand and compare cancer incidence and risk in three patient groups: recipients of solid organ transplant (SOT) or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); diagnosis of primary or secondary immunodeficiency disorder (PID/SID); and recipients of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF-i) therapy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the University of Utah Health System database and Huntsman Cancer Institute tumor registry. Patients aged ≥18 years with SOT/HSCT, PID/SID or ≥ 3 months of TNF-i therapy were included. The date of transplant, diagnosis of PID/SID, or 1st TNF-i medication order date was defined as the index date. We calculated cumulative cancer incidence by Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox-proportional hazard regression model with a stepwise variable selection process was used to identify independent risk factors associated with the time to onset of a new primary cancer. RESULTS: In total, 13,887 patients were included which comprised of 2982 (21%) SOT/HSCT, 7542 (54%) PID/SID and 3363 (24%) patients receiving TNF-i. The mean (SD) age ranged from 46.8 (15) years - 50.4 (18.2) years. The proportion of white patients ranged from 72.3-84.8%. The estimated cumulative cancer incidence was 11.5% in the SOT/HSCT cohort, 14.3% in the PID/SID cohort, and 8.8% in the TNF-i cohort. The multivariable model adjusted for age, benign in-situ disease, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hypertension/cardiovascular disease/end stage renal disease, gender, race/ethnicity, and renal cyst as significant risk factors. The adjusted hazard ratios for cancer development in SOT/HSCT and PID/SID cohorts compared to the TNF-i cohort over the full follow-up period were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.16-2.13) and 2.14 (95% CI: 1.65-2.77), respectively. CONCLUSION: A significantly increased risk of cancer was observed in PID/SID patients and SOT/HSCT patients compared to TNF-i patients. Age ≥ 50 years, male gender, and clinical comorbidities were additional factors impacting cancer risk. PID/SID and SOT/HSCT patients may benefit from more intensive cancer screening.

Impact of metformin on tyrosine kinase inhibitor response in chronic myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: Oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are first line therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) correlates with increased overall survival, however only 66%-88% of patients achieve CCyR after one year of TKI treatment. Because TKI therapy alone cannot eliminate CML stem cells, strategies aimed at achieving faster and deeper responses are needed to improve long-term survival. Metformin is a widely prescribed glucose-lowering agent for patients with diabetes and in preclinical studies, has been shown to suppress cell viability, induce apoptosis, and downregulate the mTORC1 signaling pathway in imatinib resistant CML cell lines (K562R). This study aims to investigate the utility of metformin added to TKI therapy in patients with CML. DATA SOURCES: An observational study at an academic medical center (Salt Lake City, UT) was performed for adults with newly diagnosed, chronic-phase CML to evaluate attainment of CCyR from TKI therapy with or without concomitant metformin use. Descriptive analyses were used to describe baseline characteristics and attainment of response to TKI therapy. DATA SUMMARY: Fifty-nine patients were evaluated. One hundred percent (5 of 5) in the metformin group and 73.6% (39 of 54) in the non-metformin group achieved CCyR. Approximately 20% of patients in both groups relapsed (defined by a loss of CCyR during study) after a median 34.5 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Future research is warranted to validate these findings and determine the utility of metformin added to TKI therapy.

Can Cost-effectiveness Analysis Inform Genotype-Guided Aspirin Use for Primary Colorectal Cancer Prevention?

BACKGROUND: Inherited genetic variants can modify the cancer-chemopreventive effect of aspirin. We evaluated the clinical and economic value of genotype-guided aspirin use for colorectal cancer chemoprevention in average-risk individuals. METHODS: A decision analytical model compared genotype-guided aspirin use versus no genetic testing, no aspirin. The model simulated 100,000 adults ≥50 years of age with average colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. Low-dose aspirin daily starting at age 50 years was recommended only for those with a genetic test result indicating a greater reduction in colorectal cancer risk with aspirin use. The primary outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS: The mean cost of using genotype-guided aspirin was $187,109 with 19.922 mean QALYs compared with $186,464 with 19.912 QALYs for no genetic testing, no aspirin. Genotype-guided aspirin yielded an ICER of $66,243 per QALY gained, and was cost-effective in 58% of simulations at the $100,000 willingness-to-pay threshold. Genotype-guided aspirin was associated with 1,461 fewer polyps developed, 510 fewer colorectal cancer cases, and 181 fewer colorectal cancer-related deaths. This strategy prevented 1,078 myocardial infarctions with 1,430 gastrointestinal bleeding events, and 323 intracranial hemorrhage cases compared with no genetic testing, no aspirin. CONCLUSIONS: Genotype-guided aspirin use for colorectal cancer chemoprevention may offer a cost-effective approach for the future management of average-risk individuals. IMPACT: A genotype-guided aspirin strategy may prevent colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer-related deaths, and myocardial infarctions, while minimizing bleeding adverse events. This model establishes a framework for genetically-guided aspirin use for targeted chemoprevention of colorectal cancer with application toward commercial testing in this population.

Integrating pharmacogenetic testing via medication therapy management in an outpatient family medicine clinic.

Introduction: Pharmacogenetic (PGx) implementation has lagged behind the development of drug/gene pair guidelines. Materials & methods: This was a prospective study assessing the integration of PGx through medication therapy management in an outpatient clinic. Variables collected included patient diagnosis, current medications, failed or discontinued medications, PGx results/recommendations, turnaround time and pre/post clinical ratings. Results: A total of 91 participants completed study procedures with an average enrollment of approximately one consult per week. Participants were referred for testing primarily for guidance for current and future medications. The average number of recommendations per participant was 0.93. Conclusion: Integrating PGx testing into medication therapy management is feasible with PGx results available in under a week resulting in clinical recommendations in over half of patients tested.

BRCA testing and outcomes in women with breast cancer.

MAIN PURPOSE: Germline BRCA mutations (BRCAm) strongly influence the risk of developing breast cancer. This study aimed to understand the role of BRCAm testing in affected individuals and to assess its impact on the outcome of BRCAm carriers compared to non-carriers (BRCAwt) with breast cancer. RESEARCH QUESTION: The research question is "Does standard of care testing for BRCAm improve survival outcomes of breast cancer patients?" METHODS: In a single institution observational cohort study, demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between breast cancer patients with and without BRCAm. Frequency of BRCA testing was assessed. Survival outcomes were assessed by initial treatment setting stratified by BRCA status. RESULTS: Of 5712 identified women with breast cancer, 14.6% (n = 835) were tested for a BRCA mutation and had a documented result. The total number and proportion of women tested for a BRCAm increased between 2000 and 2014, resulting in an increased number of BRCAm carriers identified. However, the proportion of women who underwent testing and had a BRCAm decreased during the study period from 27.5% in 2000-2004 to 13.3% in 2010-2014. Disease-free survival was similar in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment settings between BRCAm and BRCAwt patients. Progression-free survival on first line treatment and overall survival for patients with metastatic disease was also similar between BRCAm and BRCAwt patients. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of women tested and the number of BRCAm identified increased during the study period despite a decreasing proportion of positive results among women tested.

Real-World Effectiveness of Nivolumab Monotherapy After Prior Systemic Therapy in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the United States.

BACKGROUND: In phase 3 clinical trials, nivolumab prolonged overall survival (OS) compared to chemotherapy in patients with previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective real-world study evaluated OS in patients receiving nivolumab for previously treated advanced NSCLC primarily in US community hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patient data were taken from electronic health records in the Flatiron Health oncology database. OS was evaluated in patients receiving nivolumab monotherapy for nonsquamous or squamous advanced NSCLC after prior chemotherapy; subgroup analyses were performed by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), age, and other baseline characteristics. Cox analysis was used to determine OS predictors. RESULTS: Of 3019 included patients, 1968 (65%) had nonsquamous and 1051 (35%) had squamous histology. In both cohorts, approximately 20% of patients had a verified ECOG PS ≥ 2, and > 25% were aged ≥ 75 years. For all patients, median OS in the nonsquamous and squamous cohorts was 8.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.0-9.3) and 7.4 months (95% CI, 6.8-8.5), respectively; for those with ECOG PS 0-1, median OS was 10.8 months (95% CI, 9.8-11.8) and 8.7 months (95% CI, 7.6-9.7), respectively. In both cohorts, programmed death ligand 1 expression ≥ 1% and ECOG PS 0-1 were associated with longer OS (P < .05); the number of prior lines of therapy and age ≥ 75 years had no significant association with OS. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the effectiveness of nivolumab monotherapy for previously treated advanced NSCLC in real-world clinical practice. Poor ECOG PS, but not advanced age, was associated with shorter OS.

Pharmacist's attitudes and knowledge of pharmacogenomics and the factors that may predict future engagement.

BACKGROUND: While pharmacists are well positioned to implement pharmacogenomic testing in healthcare systems, uptake has been limited. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this survey was to determine how post-graduate education and training influences pharmacist's knowledge and attitudes of pharmacogenomic testing. METHODS: Survey questions were developed by the study team, and responses were collected electronically using REDCap™. The electronic survey was sent to all pharmacists (n=161) within a large, multi-state healthcare system by email. RESULTS: A total of 75 (47%) respondents completed all aspects of the survey. The majority of respondents were female (60%), worked in acute care settings (57%), were full-time employees (80%), and worked in an urban area (85%), with many graduating in or after 2010 (43%). For post-graduate education, 36% of respondents completed a Post-Graduate Year One Residency (PGY-1), and 27% had a board certification. Those that completed a PGY-1 residency were significantly more likely to have received formal training or education on pharmacogenomics than those who had not. They also assessed their own knowledge of pharmacogenomic resources and guidelines higher than those without PGY-1 training. More recent graduates were also significantly more likely to have received formal training or education on pharmacogenomics. Additionally, pharmacists who completed a PGY-1 residency were more likely to respond favorably to pharmacogenomics being offered through pharmacy services. Pharmacists with board certification were more comfortable interpreting results of a pharmacogenomic test than those without board certification. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists who have completed a PGY-1 residency or received board certification appear more comfortable with interpretation and implementation of pharmacogenomic testing.

Comparative efficacy and safety of interventions for preventing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in adult cancer patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: To examine the comparative efficacy and safety of interventions for preventing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) in adult cancer patients. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central systematically for the randomised control trials (RCTs) of interventions for preventing OM. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from both direct and indirect evidence. The primary outcome was any grade of OM. Secondary outcomes were mild-moderate OM, severe OM and adverse events, such as taste disturbance and gastrointestinal adverse events. This study was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016052489. Results: A total of 29 RCTs with 2348 patients (median age, 56.1 years; 57.5% male) were included. Cryotherapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of OM than control (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.68), and zinc sulphate (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.97), but not significantly lower than sucralfate and palifermin. No significant differences were observed between cryotherapy and control for taste disturbance and gastrointestinal adverse events. Palifermin was associated with the highest risk of taste disturbance. Conclusions: This NMA suggests that cryotherapy was the most effective intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced OM with a safety profile similar to control, but not significantly lower than sucralfate and palifermin. Large RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Tumor mutational burden in lung cancer: a systematic literature review.

Purpose: To assess the association of tumor mutational burden (TMB) with clinical outcomes, other biomarkers and patient/disease characteristics in patients receiving therapy for lung cancer. Results: In total, 4,303 publications were identified; 81 publications were included. The majority of publications assessing clinical efficacy of immunotherapy reported an association with high TMB, particularly when assessing progression-free survival and objective response rate. High TMB was consistently associated with TP53 alterations, and negatively associated with EGFR mutations. High TMB was also associated with smoking, squamous cell non-small cell lung carcinoma, and being male. Methods: A systematic literature review based upon an a priori protocol was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane methodologies. Searches were conducted in EMBASE, SCOPUS, Ovid MEDLINE®, and Emcare (from January 2012 until April 2018) and in two clinical trial registries. Conference abstracts were identified in EMBASE, and in targeted searches of recent major conference proceedings (from January 2016 until April 2018). Publications reporting data in patients receiving therapy for lung cancer that reported TMB and its association with clinical efficacy, or with other biomarkers or patient/disease characteristics, were included. Results are presented descriptively. Conclusion: This systematic literature review identified several clinical outcomes, biomarkers, and patient/disease characteristics associated with high TMB, and highlights the need for standardized definitions and testing practices. Further studies using standardized methodology are required to inform treatment decisions.

Time from definitive therapy to onset of metastatic disease predicts outcomes in men with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Contemporary treatment for metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) includes androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus abiraterone or docetaxel. While these intensified regimens have improved efficacy, they are also associated with increased cost and toxicities. Not all men with mHSPC may be candidates for these intensified regimens, yet there are no clinical models or biomarkers used to optimize treatment selection. Herein, we hypothesized that longer time from prior definitive therapy (DT), either radical prostatectomy, definitive radiotherapy, or both, to onset of metastatic disease is associated with improved survival outcomes in men with newly diagnosed mHSPC. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included men initiating systemic therapy with ADT for new mHSPC. Kaplan-Meier and COX proportional hazard models assessed time to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and overall survival (OS) by receipt of prior DT. RESULTS: Of the 253 men with new mHSPC, 115 (45%) had received prior DT. In a multivariate analysis, increasing years from DT to the start of ADT was an independent predictor of time to mCRPC (per year: hazard ratio 0.91 95% confidence interval 0.84-0.99, P = 0.020) and improved OS (per year: hazard ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.74-0.99, P = 0.0025) in patients with new mHSPC, and may assist with risk stratification in these patients at time of mHSPC. CONCLUSION: Time from DT to start of ADT is an independent predictor of time to mCRPC and OS in men with new mHSPC, and may assist with risk stratification of these patients for systemic therapy selection.

Immunotargeted therapy in melanoma: patient, provider preferences, and willingness to pay at an academic cancer center.

New melanoma therapies have shifted the expectations of patients and providers. Evaluating the impact of treatment characteristics may enhance shared decision making. A survey, including a discrete choice experiment, was utilized to evaluate perceived trade-offs of different melanoma treatments and to estimate out-of-pocket (OOP) willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds (January 2016 to March 2016). Participants included patients with melanoma at Huntsman Cancer Institute and their cancer care providers. Stakeholder focus groups were conducted to identify treatment attributes. Descriptive and comparative statistics and multinomial logit model were used to evaluate responses. Response rates were 41.9% (N = 220) for patients and 37.7% (N = 20) for providers. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy attributes considered important by participants were overall survival, immunotherapy-related side effects, and skin toxicities. Patients and providers had significantly different views of quality-of-life expectations, anxiety toward melanoma, trust to make treatment decisions, sharing concerns about treatment, time to discuss treatment, understanding OOP costs, and willingness to undergo/recommend treatment (half of the patients would undergo treatment if it was effective for > 24 months). Among patients, the average monthly OOP WTP for combination immunotherapy with nivolumab + ipilimumab was $ 2357 and for BRAF/MEK inhibitor was $1648. Among providers, these estimates were $ 2484 and $1350, respectively. Discordance existed between patients' and providers' perceptions about quality of life expectations, degree of anxiety, sharing of opinions, and progression-free survival. Our study suggests that patients and providers exhibit a higher OOP WTP for combination immunotherapy treatment compared with BRAF/MEK inhibitors, influenced predominately by overall survival expectations.

Predictive genomic markers of response to VEGF targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: First-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is rapidly changing. It currently includes VEGF targeted therapies (TT), multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), mTOR inhibitors, and immunotherapy. To optimize outcomes for individual patients, genomic markers of response to therapy are needed. Here, we aim to identify tumor-based genomic markers of response to VEGF TT to optimize treatment selection. METHODS: From an institutional database, primary tumor tissue was obtained from 79 patients with clear cell mRCC, and targeted sequencing was performed. Clinical outcomes were obtained retrospectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) on first-line VEGF TT was correlated to genomic alterations (GAs) using Kaplan-Meier methodology and Cox proportional hazard models. A composite model of significant GAs predicting PFS in the first-line setting was developed. RESULTS: Absence of VHL mutation was associated with inferior PFS on first-line VEGF TT. A trend for inferior PFS was observed with GAs in TP53 and FLT1 C/C variant. A composite model of these 3 GAs was associated with inferior PFS in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: In mRCC, a composite model of TP53 mutation, wild type VHL, and FLT1 C/C variant strongly predicted PFS on first-line VEGF TT in a dose-dependent manner. These findings require external validation.

Dynamic dosing of romiplostim in patients with immune thrombocytopenia purpura: Two case reports.

Romiplostim is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia purpura. When following FDA-approved romiplostim prescribing recommendations to withhold treatment for platelet counts above 400k/µL, some patients exhibit a precipitous decline in their platelet count potentially causing patient harm. We present two cases where stable platelet counts were achieved only through persistent weekly dosing of romiplostim despite platelet counts above 400k/µL on the day of administration. Therefore, continuous weekly dosing of romiplostim despite platelet count being above 400k/µL combined with twice weekly vigilant monitoring is an alternative method of romiplostim dosing that mitigates severe fluctuations in platelets. We also discuss important details, postulated mechanisms, and evidence-based mitigation strategies.

Phase I/II study of everolimus combined with mFOLFOX-6 and bevacizumab for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background This phase I/II trial evaluated toxicity and antitumor activity of everolimus plus mFOLFOX6 + bevacizumab for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods A phase I, modified 3 + 3 Fibonacci schema determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of everolimus, followed by phase II dose expansion. The phase II primary objective was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS-6 m). Results The everolimus MTD was 10 mg daily with mFOLFOX6 + bevacizumab based on safety from phase I (n = 22). Twenty-five patients were treated in the phase II at 10 mg everolimus daily. Frequent grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia (64%), leukopenia (28%) and hypokalemia (26%). Grade 2 stomatitis was observed in 62% of patients. Two dose-limiting toxicities were observed with one attributed to everolimus 10 mg daily (grade 3 diarrhea, hypokalemia, and anorexia) and grade 3 coronary vasospasm attributed to fluorouracil. The objective response rate was 53% and was higher (86%) in those with PTEN deficiency. PFS-6 m was 96% (95% CI 89-99.9%) at the MTD (n = 35). The everolimus recommended phase II dose of this regimen is 7.5 mg daily due to frequent stomatitis and dose reductions. Conclusions Everolimus plus mFOLFOX-6 + bevacizumab is tolerable and demonstrated preliminary efficacy for first-line mCRC. Further studies are warranted in PTEN deficiency.

PD1/PDL1 inhibitors for the treatment of advanced urothelial bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Until recently, systemic chemotherapy was the only option for treating bladder cancer and outcomes remained dismal. After a long gap of no progress for 40 years, immuno-therapy with checkpoint inhibitors (PDL1 and PD1) has revolutionized the treatment paradigm of bladder cancer, with five approved agents to treat platinum-refractory bladder cancer since the first approval of atezolizumab in May 2016. METHODS: This review summarizes the most recent data on approved checkpoint inhibitors currently used in management of advanced bladder cancer. Early- and late-phase trials of the five checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab) in advanced bladder cancer are reviewed in detail. This review also describes the potential application of PD1/PDL1 inhibitors in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, as well as with radiation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer treatment. The role of PDL1 and tumor-mutation burden and clinical considerations in choosing a particular immunotherapy are also discussed. RESULTS: The approved checkpoint inhibitors (PD1 and PDL1 inhibitors) have similar efficacy and safety profiles in metastatic platinum-refractory bladder cancer, but they vary in dose and frequency and cost burden. However, only pembrolizumab has shown superiority over standard chemotherapy in a randomized Phase III setting so far. In addition, in the first-line setting for cisplatin-ineligible patients, both pembrolizumab and atezolizumab are US Food and Drug Administration-approved and well tolerated. There is a lack of consensus on the utility of testing for PDL1 as a predictive biomarker, as patients with no PDL1 expression also derive some clinical benefit. Tumor-mutation burden is another predictive biomarker, but needs further validation. CONCLUSION: Immunotherapy has offered a glimmer of hope to patients with bladder cancer. The current landscape is rapidly evolving, with novel immunotherapy-combination trials to improve outcomes further and evaluate predictive biomarkers to help identify patients most likely to benefit from such therapies.

Targeting Bacteroides in Stool Microbiome and Response to Treatment With First-Line VEGF Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Metastatic Renal-Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a mainstay of treatment for metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. Stool microbiome composition is predictive of response to immunotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. We sought to investigate whether antibiotics targeting Bacteroides species affect progression-free survival (PFS) while receiving first-line VEGF-TKI therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort of intermediate- and poor-risk metastatic renal-cell carcinoma patients from the University of Utah, we categorized patients receiving first-line VEGF-TKIs by receipt of antibiotics (Bacteroides spp., non-Bacteroides spp., or none) and assessed PFS by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Of 145 patients, 17 received antibiotics with Bacteroides spp. coverage and 32 patients received antibiotics without Bacteroides spp. coverage. When compared to patients not receiving antibiotics, improved PFS was seen with each additional day antibiotics were prescribed with Bacteroides spp. coverage (hazard ratio = 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.99; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Targeting stool Bacteroides spp. with antibiotics improves PFS in patients receiving first-line VEGF-TKIs in a duration-dependent manner.

Characterization and survival of patients with metastatic basal cell carcinoma in the Department of Veterans Affairs: a retrospective electronic health record review.

Available descriptive statistics for patients with metastatic basal cell carcinoma (mBCC) are limited. To describe disease characteristics, treatment patterns, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors of patients with mBCC, we conducted a retrospective review of electronic health records in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary outcome was survival. Data were also collected on demographics, comorbidities, medications, and procedures. Median (IQR) age of patients with mBCC (n = 475) was 72.0 (17.0) years; 97.9% of patients were male. Almost two-thirds of patients received no initial therapy for mBCC. Median overall survival was 40.5 months [95% CI (confidence interval) 4.8-140.0], and was shorter in patients with distant metastases (17.1 months; 95% CI 2.8-58.0) than in those with regional metastases (59.4 months; 95% CI 17.6-140.0). Because the VA mBCC population is largely male and elderly, the generalizability of these results in other populations is limited and must be interpreted cautiously. Data from this large cohort add valuable information on a rare and poorly researched disease and refine previously wide estimates of overall survival for mBCC.