Response-guided neoadjuvant sacituzumab govitecan for localized triple-negative breast cancer: results from the NeoSTAR trial.

BACKGROUND: Sacituzumab govitecan (SG), a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting TROP2, is approved for pre-treated metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). We conducted an investigator-initiated clinical trial evaluating neoadjuvant (NA) SG (NCT04230109), and report primary results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants with early-stage TNBC received NA SG for four cycles. The primary objective was to assess pathological complete response (pCR) rate in breast and lymph nodes (ypT0/isN0) to SG. Secondary objectives included overall response rate (ORR), safety, event-free survival (EFS), and predictive biomarkers. A response-guided approach was utilized, and subsequent systemic therapy decisions were at the discretion of the treating physician. RESULTS: From July 2020 to August 2021, 50 participants were enrolled (median age = 48.5 years; 13 clinical stage I disease, 26 stage II, 11 stage III). Forty-nine (98%) completed four cycles of SG. Overall, the pCR rate with SG alone was 30% [n = 15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 18% to 45%]. The ORR per RECIST V1.1 after SG alone was 64% (n = 32/50, 95% CI 77% to 98%). Higher Ki-67 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were predictive of pCR to SG (P = 0.007 for Ki-67 and 0.002 for TILs), while baseline TROP2 expression was not (P = 0.440). Common adverse events were nausea (82%), fatigue (76%), alopecia (76%), neutropenia (44%), and rash (48%). With a median follow-up time of 18.9 months (95% CI 16.3-21.9 months), the 2-year EFS for all participants was 95%. Among participants with a pCR with SG (n = 15), the 2-year EFS was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: In the first NA trial with an ADC in localized TNBC, SG demonstrated single-agent efficacy and feasibility of response-guided escalation/de-escalation. Further research on optimal duration of SG as well as NA combination strategies, including immunotherapy, are needed.

Increased myo-inositol in parietal white and gray matter as a biomarker of poor prognosis in neuropsychiatric lupus: a case report.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations can be a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, affecting nearly 56% of these patients. Frequently, acceptable clinical outcome is observed in neurolupus with immunosuppressive therapy. Different metabolites identified with MR spectroscopy may be associated with modifications in the natural history of this disease, specifically in the central nervous system. We report a case of neurolupus with progressive neurologic impairment despite aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. We describe clinical features, laboratory and MRI results, as well as characteristic findings on MR spectroscopy. Serial MRI identified atrophy of the left temporal lobe. MR spectroscopy showed an increase of myo-inositol/creatine ratio intensity, accompanied by a decrease of N-acetylaspartate/creatine ratio in both parietal white and gray matter. During follow-up, the patient developed progressive cognitive deficiency despite the intensification of therapy. Neurolupus manifestations are common and immunosuppressive treatment often avoids severe complications. Characteristic findings on MR spectroscopy may be useful for clinicians to determine poor prognosis and resistance to therapy.

ESCMID Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH) Consensus Document on the safety of targeted and biological therapies: an infectious diseases perspective (Cell surface receptors and associated signaling pathways).

BACKGROUND: The present review is part of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH) consensus document on the safety of targeted and biologic therapies. AIMS: To review, from an infectious diseases perspective, the safety profile of therapies targeting cell surface receptors and associated signaling pathways among cancer patients and to suggest preventive recommendations. SOURCES: Computer-based Medline searches with MeSH terms pertaining to each agent or therapeutic family. CONTENT: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted agents (bevacizumab and aflibercept) are associated with a meaningful increase in the risk of infection, likely due to drug-induced neutropaenia, although no clear benefit is expected from the universal use of anti-infective prophylaxis. VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors (i.e. sorafenib or sunitinib) do not seem to significantly affect host's susceptibility to infection, and universal anti-infective prophylaxis is not recommended either. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab or panitumumab) induce neutropaenia and secondary skin and soft tissue infection in cases of severe papulopustular rash. Systemic antibiotics (doxycycline or minocycline) should be administered to prevent the latter complication, whereas no recommendation can be established on the benefit from antiviral, antifungal or anti-Pneumocystis prophylaxis. A lower risk of infection is reported for anti-ErbB2/HER2 monoclonal antibodies (trastuzumab and pertuzumab) and ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (including dual-EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitors such as lapatinib or neratinib) compared to conventional chemotherapy, presumably as a result of the decreased occurrence of drug-induced neutropaenia. IMPLICATIONS: With the exception of VEGF-targeted agents, the overall risk of infection associated with the reviewed therapies seems to be low.