Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for weight management: A review for the gynecologic oncologist.

The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) has experienced rapid growth amidst the obesity epidemic in the United States. While originally developed for glucose control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the scope of these agents now extends to encompass weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. GLP-1RAs have the potential to induce significant weight loss, in combination with lifestyle modifications, among adults who are overweight or obese. Furthermore, these agents demonstrate efficacy in ameliorating hyperglycemia, enhancing insulin sensitivity, regulating blood pressure, improving cardiometabolic parameters, mitigating kidney dysfunction, and potentially reducing the risk of several obesity-related cancers. Drug-related toxicity is primarily gastrointestinal and active management can prevent drug discontinuation. Obesity is associated both with an increased incidence of malignancy but also with decreased survival. More research is needed to evaluate the potential use of GLP-1RA to modify the endocrine function of adipocytes, regulate the chronic inflammatory state associated with obesity, and prospective applications in oncology. These agents can impact patients with gynecologic malignancies both through their direct mechanism of action as well as potential drug toxicity.

Diagnosis and management of gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of the literature.

Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GEA), a rare subtype of cervical cancer, has garnered increasing attention recently for its distinctive histopathological features, unique classification, genetic characteristics, and variable clinical outcomes compared to squamous cell and adenocarcinoma subtypes. Historically, GEA has evolved from a poorly understood entity to a distinct subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma, only recently recognized in the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Accordingly, characteristic morphological features define GEA, shedding light on the diagnostic challenges and potential misclassification that can occur in clinical practice. Genetic alterations, including KRAS, ARID1A, and PIK3CA mutations, play a pivotal role in the development and progression of GEA. This article reviews a case of GEA and aims to provide a contemporary overview of the genetic mutations and molecular pathways implicated in GEA pathogenesis, highlighting potential therapeutic targets and the prospects of precision medicine in its management. Patients with GEA have variable clinical outcomes, with some exhibiting aggressive behavior while others follow a more indolent course. This review examines the factors contributing to this heterogeneity, including stage at diagnosis, histological grade, and genetic alterations, and their implications for patient prognoses. Treatment strategies for GEA remain a topic of debate and research. Here, we summarize the current therapeutic options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, while also exploring emerging approaches, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of GEA, synthesizing current knowledge from historical perspectives to contemporary insights, focusing on its classification, genetics, outcomes, and therapeutic strategies.

Phase 1b study of mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in combination with carboplatin and bevacizumab in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the antitumor activity and safety profile of the triplet combination of mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV), carboplatin, and bevacizumab in recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. METHODS: Participants with recurrent, platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (1-2 prior lines of therapy) received MIRV (6 mg/kg adjusted ideal body weight), carboplatin (AUC5), and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks. Carboplatin could be discontinued after 6 cycles per investigator discretion; continuation of MIRV+bevacizumab as maintenance therapy was permitted. Eligibility included folate receptor alpha (FRα) expression by immunohistochemistry (≥50% of cells with ≥2+ intensity; PS2+ scoring); prior bevacizumab was allowed. Tumor response, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-one participants received triplet therapy, with a median of 6, 12, and 13 cycles of carboplatin, MIRV, and bevacizumab, respectively. The confirmed objective response rate was 83% (9 complete and 25 partial responses). The median DOR was 10.9 months; median PFS was 13.5 months. AEs (any grade) occurred as expected, based on each agent's safety profile; most common were diarrhea (83%), nausea (76%), fatigue (73%), thrombocytopenia (71%), and blurred vision (68%). Most cases were mild to moderate (grade ≤2), except for thrombocytopenia, for which most drug-related discontinuations occurred, and neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: This triplet regimen (MIRV+carboplatin+bevacizumab) was highly active, with a tolerable AE profile in participants with recurrent, platinum-sensitive, FRα-expressing ovarian cancer. Thrombocytopenia was the primary cause of dose modifications. These outcomes compare favorably to historical data reported for platinum-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab regimens in similar patient populations.

RETRACTED: Cost-effectiveness of chemotherapy and dostarlimab for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Authors. The authors have independently identified an error in the formula that was utilized to calculate the Quality Adjusted Life Years which invalidates the data and the conclusion of the paper. The authors have contacted the journal requesting to retract the article. Apologies are offered to the readers of the journal for any confusion or inconvenience that may have resulted from the publication of this article.

Patterns of initial ovarian cancer recurrence on niraparib maintenance monotherapy in patients with no baseline evidence of disease after first-line chemotherapy: An ad hoc subgroup analysis of PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012.

OBJECTIVES: Patterns of disease recurrence on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor maintenance therapy are unclear and may affect subsequent treatment. This ad hoc subgroup analysis of the phase 3 PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 study evaluated patterns of initial recurrence in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). METHODS: PRIMA included participants at high risk for disease progression. This ad hoc analysis only evaluated participants randomized to niraparib maintenance without evidence of disease at baseline. The number and site(s) of initial recurrent lesions at investigator-assessed progressive disease (PD) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 314 niraparib-treated patients analyzed, 190 developed ≥1 new lesion (median number of new lesions, 1.0; interquartile range, 1-2). In total, 93.2% (177/190) of patients developed 1-3 lesions at first disease progression. The most common sites of recurrence were the peritoneum (30.0% [57/190]), lymph nodes (26.3% [50/190]), and liver (20.5% [39/190]). Similar results were observed when patients with PD were stratified by biomarker status, disease stage at diagnosis, and type of debulking surgery. Patients with homologous recombination-proficient tumors, stage III disease, or a history of primary debulking developed a median of 2.0 new lesions at first progression; patients with homologous recombination-deficient tumors, stage IV disease, or a history of interval debulking developed a median of 1.0 new lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients with AOC without lesions at first-line maintenance treatment initiation develop oligometastatic disease at first recurrence. Prospective evaluation is required to determine whether these patients have improved outcomes when local therapies are combined with continuous, systemic, targeted maintenance therapy.

Safety and tolerability of mirvetuximab soravtansine monotherapy for folate receptor alpha-expressing recurrent ovarian cancer: An integrated safety summary.

OBJECTIVE: Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx (MIRV) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate targeting folate receptor alpha (FRα), which is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), with limited expression on normal tissues. This integrated safety summary sought to characterize the safety profile of MIRV monotherapy in participants with FRα-expressing recurrent EOC. METHODS: Safety data were retrospectively analyzed from 4 clinical studies (phase 1 trial [NCT01609556], phase 3 FORWARD I [NCT02631876], phase 2 SORAYA [NCT04296890], phase 3 MIRASOL [NCT04209855]) that evaluated participants with FRα-expressing recurrent EOC who received ≥1 dose of MIRV 6 mg/kg adjusted ideal body weight every 3 weeks. RESULTS: In this analysis of 682 participants, 94 % had platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Blurred vision (43 %), nausea (41 %), diarrhea (39 %), and fatigue (35 %) were the most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and were primarily grade 1-2 in severity. Grade ≥ 3 TEAEs occurred in 48 % of participants, with the most common being keratopathy and blurred vision (5 % each). Most TEAEs were managed with supportive care and dose modifications, and only 12 % of participants experienced a TEAE leading to discontinuation (1 % due to ocular events). No corneal ulcerations or perforations have been reported. Median time to onset of blurred vision and keratopathy was 5.9 and 6.7 weeks, respectively. Most blurred vision events and keratopathy events resolved completely (71 % and 66 %, respectively) or partially (15 % and 14 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: As demonstrated among 682 participants, the safety profile of MIRV is well tolerated and consists primarily of low-grade gastrointestinal, fatigue, headache, peripheral neuropathy, and resolvable ocular adverse events.

Does the choice of platinum doublet matter? A study to evaluate the impact of platinum doublet choice for treatment of platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer recurrence on the development of future PARP inhibitor and platinum resistance.

OBJECTIVES: The use of a platinum doublet for the treatment of platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) recurrence is well established. The impact of the non­platinum chemotherapy used as part of a platinum doublet on PARP inhibitor (PARPi) and platinum sensitivity it not known. We aimed to describe oncologic outcomes in cases of recurrent EOC receiving PARPi as maintenance therapy based on preceding platinum doublet. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer treated with platinum doublet followed by maintenance PARPi from 1/1/2015 and 1/1/2022. Comparisons were made between patients receiving carboplatin + pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (CD) versus other platinum doublets (OPDs). Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier and univariate survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: 100 patients received PARPi maintenance following a platinum doublet chemotherapy regimen for platinum-sensitive recurrence. 25/100 (25%) received CD and 75/100 (75%) received OPDs. Comparing CD and OPDs, median progression-free survival was 8 versus 7 months (p = 0.26), median time to platinum resistance was 15 versus 13 months (p = 0.54), median OS was 64 versus 90 months (p = 0.28), and median OS from starting PARPi was 25 versus 26 months (p = 0.90), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using pegylated liposomal doxorubicin as part of a platinum doublet preceding maintenance PARPi for platinum-sensitive recurrence does not seem to hasten PARPi resistance or platinum resistance compared to OPDs. Although there was a non-significant trend towards increased OS among patients who received a platinum doublet other than CD prior to PARPi, the OS from PARPi start was similar between groups. Given the retrospective nature of this study and small study population, further research is needed to evaluate if the choice of platinum doublet preceding PARPi maintenance impacts PARPi resistance, platinum resistance and survival.

A phase 2 trial exploring the significance of homologous recombination status in patients with platinum sensitive or platinum resistant relapsed ovarian cancer receiving combination cediranib and olaparib.

OBJECTIVE: Combination cediranib/olaparib has reported activity in relapsed ovarian cancer. This phase 2 trial investigated the activity of cediranib/olaparib in relapsed ovarian cancer and its association with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). METHODS: Seventy patients were enrolled to cohorts of either platinum-sensitive or platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and received olaparib tablets 200 mg twice daily and cediranib tablets 30 mg once daily under a continuous dosing schedule. HRD testing was performed on pre-treatment, on-treatment and archival biopsies by sequencing key homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes and by genomic LOH analysis. The primary objective for the platinum-sensitive cohort was the association of HRD, defined as presence of HRR gene mutation, with progression-free survival (PFS). The primary objective for the platinum-resistant cohort was objective response rate (ORR), with a key secondary endpoint evaluating the association of HRD status with activity. RESULTS: In platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (N = 35), ORR was 77.1% (95% CI 59.9-89.6%) and median PFS was 16.4 months (95% CI 13.2-18.6). Median PFS in platinum-sensitive HRR-HRD cancers (N = 22) was 16.8 months (95% CI 11.3-18.6), and 16.4 months (95% CI 9.4-NA) in HRR-HR proficient cancers (N = 13; p = 0.57). In platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (N = 35), ORR was 22.9% (95% CI 10.4-40.1%) with median PFS 6.8 months (95% CI 4.2-9.1). Median PFS in platinum-resistant HRR-HRD cancers (N = 7) was 10.5 months (95% CI 3.6-NA) and 5.6 months (95% CI 3.6-7.6) in HRR-HR proficient cancers (N = 18; p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Cediranib/olaparib had clinical activity in both platinum-sensitive and -resistant ovarian cancer. Presence of HRR gene mutations was not associated with cediranib/olaparib activity in either setting.

Maintenance with mirvetuximab soravtansine plus bevacizumab vs bevacizumab in FRα-high platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.

At first recurrence, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (PSOC) is frequently treated with platinum-based chemotherapy doublets plus bevacizumab, then single-agent bevacizumab. Most patients' disease progresses within a year after chemotherapy, emphasizing the need for novel strategies. Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx (MIRV), an antibody-drug conjugate, comprises a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-binding antibody and tubulin-targeting payload (maytansinoid DM4). In FRα-high PSOC, MIRV plus bevacizumab previously showed promising efficacy (objective response rate, 69% [95% CI: 41-89]; median progression-free survival, 13.3 months [95% CI: 8.3-18.3]; median duration of response, 12.9 months [95% CI: 6.5-15.7]) and safety. The Phase III randomized GLORIOSA trial will evaluate MIRV plus bevacizumab vs. bevacizumab alone as maintenance therapy in patients with FRα-high PSOC who did not have disease progression following second-line platinum-based doublet chemotherapy plus bevacizumab.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05445778; GOG.org ID: GOG-3078; ENGOT.ESGO.org ID: ENGOT-ov76.

Most patients with ovarian cancer are initially treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. If the cancer reappears/recurs after more than 6 months following this therapy, it is called platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (PSOC). Patients with PSOC usually receive additional platinum-based chemotherapy along with bevacizumab, a drug that reduces tumor growth by decreasing its blood supply. If patients improve or are stable on this therapy, they are usually kept on bevacizumab alone for 'maintenance therapy'. Unfortunately, this maintenance therapy does not work long-term in all patients, so better long-term treatments are needed. The GLORIOSA (NCT05445778) clinical trial will compare maintenance therapy with bevacizumab alone to maintenance therapy with bevacizumab plus a drug called mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx (MIRV) to determine which therapy leads to better results in patients with PSOC. MIRV is made up of an antibody that binds to a specific protein (folate receptor alpha [FRα]) on cancer cells to directly deliver a cancer-killing drug. MIRV received US FDA approval to be used as a therapy for patients with ovarian cancer who are resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy and express high levels of FRα. The GLORIOSA trial will study maintenance therapy with MIRV plus bevacizumab in patients with PSOC who have not had cancer progression after second-line platinum-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab, and whose cancer expresses high amounts of FRα. The main purpose of this trial is to determine if MIRV plus bevacizumab leads to better patient survival and decreases cancer growth and spread when compared with bevacizumab alone.

Predictors of long-term progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer treated with niraparib in the PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics associated with long-term progression-free survival (≥2 years) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with niraparib first-line maintenance therapy in the phase III PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 study. METHODS: In this post hoc analysis of PRIMA, patients randomized to niraparib were grouped based on investigator-assessed progression-free survival (progressive disease/censoring <2 years or ≥2 years after randomization). Variables assessed for predictive value were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage at diagnosis, clinical response to platinum-based chemotherapy, number of prior chemotherapy cycles, primary tumor location, body mass index, categorical age, debulking surgery type, number of baseline target lesions, number of baseline non-target lesions, BRCA/homologous recombination-deficiency status, residual disease status, and duration from end of chemotherapy to randomization. Logistic regression modeling using backward elimination (significance level=0.15) identified covariates associated with long-term progression-free survival (clinical cut-off date November 17, 2021). RESULTS: Of 487 patients randomized to niraparib, 152 (31%) had progressive disease/censoring ≥2 years after randomization. Multivariable logistic regression modeling using backward elimination identified BRCA1/2 mutation/homologous recombination deficiency status (p<0.0001), FIGO stage (p=0.041), primary tumor location (p=0.095), and number of baseline non-target lesions (p=0.0001) to be associated with long-term progression-free survival. Patients significantly more likely to achieve progression-free survival of ≥2 years in the final model were those with BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutated/homologous recombination-deficient tumors or BRCA wild-type/not determined/homologous recombination-deficient tumors (vs BRCA wild-type/homologous recombination-proficient/not determined tumors), FIGO stage III (vs IV), and 0 or 1 baseline non-target lesions (vs ≥2 baseline non-target lesions). CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis-generating results of this analysis suggest that BRCA1/2 mutation/homologous recombination-deficiency status, FIGO stage, and number of baseline non-target lesions may predict progression-free survival of ≥2 years in patients with advanced ovarian cancer receiving niraparib first-line maintenance therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02655016.

GOG-3097/ENGOT-ov81/GTG-UK/RAMP 301: a phase 3, randomized trial evaluating avutometinib plus defactinib compared with investigator's choice of treatment in patients with recurrent low grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: There are no approved treatments specifically for low grade serous ovarian cancer; current standard of care treatment options are limited in efficacy and tolerability. The combination of avutometinib with defactinib has demonstrated efficacy and a consistent safety profile in two clinical trials in recurrent low grade serous ovarian cancer, and a lower discontinuation rate due to adverse events compared with historical rates for standard of care. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To compare the progression free survival of the combination of avutometinib with defactinib versus investigator's choice of treatment in patients with recurrent low grade serous ovarian cancer. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Combination treatment with avutometinib-defactinib will significantly improve progression free survival compared with investigator's choice of treatment in patients with recurrent low grade serous ovarian cancer. TRIAL DESIGN: GOG-3097/ENGOT-ov81/GTG-UK/RAMP 301 is a phase 3, randomized, international, open label study designed to compare avutometinib with defactinib versus investigator's choice of treatment in patients with recurrent low grade serous ovarian cancer who have progressed on a previous platinum based therapy. On confirmation of disease progression using a blinded independent central review, patients on the investigator's choice of treatment arm may cross over to the avutometinib-defactinib arm. MAJOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients must have recurrent low grade serous ovarian cancer (KRAS mutant or wild-type) and have documented progression (radiographic or clinical) or recurrence of low grade serous ovarian cancer after at least one platinum based chemotherapy regimen. Unlimited additional previous lines of therapy are allowed, including previous MEK/RAF inhibitor. Patients will be excluded if they have co-existing high grade ovarian cancer or had previous treatment with avutometinib, defactinib, or any other FAK inhibitor. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: Progression free survival according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1, blinded-independent central review. SAMPLE SIZE: Approximately 270 patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either the combination avutometinib with defactinib arm (n~135) or the investigator's choice of treatment arm (n~135). ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS: The estimated primary completion date of RAMP 301 is 2028, and the estimated study completion date is 2031. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06072781.

Prospective evaluation of the tolerability and efficacy of niraparib dosing based on baseline body weight and platelet count: Results from the PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 trial.

BACKGROUND: The PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 (NCT02655016) trial was amended to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an individualized starting dose (ISD) regimen of niraparib for first-line maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. METHODS: In the phase 3 PRIMA trial, patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer with a complete/partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (N = 733) were initially treated with a fixed starting dose (FSD) regimen of 300 mg once daily. Subsequently, the protocol was amended so newly enrolled patients received an ISD: 200 mg once daily in patients with baseline body weight < 77 kg or baseline platelet count < 150,000/µL, and 300 mg once daily in all other patients. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed by starting dose. RESULTS: Overall, 475 (64.8%) patients were assigned to an FSD (niraparib, n = 317; placebo, n = 158) and 258 (35.2%) were assigned to an ISD (niraparib, n = 170; placebo, n = 88). Efficacy in patients who received FSD or ISD was similar for the overall (FSD hazard ratio [HR], 0.59 [95% CI, 0.46-0.76] vs. ISD HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.48-0.98]) and the homologous recombination-deficient (FSD HR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.30-0.64] vs. ISD HR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.22-0.72]) populations. In patients with low body weight/platelet count, rates of grades ≥3 and 4 hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events, dose interruptions, and dose reductions were lower for those who received ISD than for those who received FSD. CONCLUSIONS: In PRIMA, similar dose intensity, similar efficacy, and improved safety were observed with the ISD compared with the FSD regimen.

Trametinib versus standard of care in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (GOG 281/LOGS): an international, randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 2/3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum is characterised by MAPK pathway aberrations and its reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy relative to high-grade serous carcinoma. We compared the MEK inhibitor trametinib to physician's choice standard of care in patients with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma. METHODS: This international, randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 2/3 trial was done at 84 hospitals in the USA and UK. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma and measurable disease, as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1, had received at least one platinum-based regimen, but not all five standard-of-care drugs, and had received an unlimited number of previous regimens. Patients with serous borderline tumours or tumours containing low-grade serous and high-grade serous carcinoma were excluded. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either oral trametinib 2 mg once daily (trametinib group) or one of five standard-of-care treatment options (standard-of-care group): intravenous paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 by body surface area on days 1, 8, and 15 of every 28-day cycle; intravenous pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 40-50 mg/m2 by body surface area once every 4 weeks; intravenous topotecan 4 mg/m2 by body surface area on days 1, 8, and 15 of every 28-day cycle; oral letrozole 2·5 mg once daily; or oral tamoxifen 20 mg twice daily. Randomisation was stratified by geographical region (USA or UK), number of previous regimens (1, 2, or ≥3), performance status (0 or 1), and planned standard-of-care regimen. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival while receiving randomised therapy, as assessed by imaging at baseline, once every 8 weeks for 15 months, and then once every 3 months thereafter, in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in patients who received at least one dose of study therapy. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02101788, and is active but not recruiting. FINDINGS: Between Feb 27, 2014, and April 10, 2018, 260 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the trametinib group (n=130) or the standard-of-care group (n=130). At the primary analysis, there were 217 progression-free survival events (101 [78%] in the trametinib group and 116 [89%] in the standard-of-care group). Median progression-free survival in the trametinib group was 13·0 months (95% CI 9·9-15·0) compared with 7·2 months (5·6-9·9) in the standard-of-care group (hazard ratio 0·48 [95% CI 0·36-0·64]; p<0·0001). The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events in the trametinib group were skin rash (17 [13%] of 128), anaemia (16 [13%]), hypertension (15 [12%]), diarrhoea (13 [10%]), nausea (12 [9%]), and fatigue (ten [8%]). The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events in the standard-of-care group were abdominal pain (22 [17%]), nausea (14 [11%]), anaemia (12 [10%]), and vomiting (ten [8%]). There were no treatment-related deaths. INTERPRETATION: Trametinib represents a new standard-of-care option for patients with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma. FUNDING: NRG Oncology, Cancer Research UK, Target Ovarian Cancer, and Novartis.

The right time for change: A report on the heterogeneity of IVB endometrial cancer and improved risk-stratification provided by new 2023 FIGO staging criteria.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to provide a contemporary report on stage IVB endometrial carcinoma (2009 FIGO criteria) and applied the 2023 FIGO staging criteria to this population. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent cytoreduction for stage IVB endometrial carcinoma (2009 FIGO criteria) from 2014 to 2020 was performed. Demographics, clinicopathologic factors, and outcomes were recorded. Disease burden and distribution were determined by imaging, operative notes, and pathology reports. Patients were re-staged according to 2023 FIGO staging criteria. Categorical variables were compared using χ2 or Fisher's exact test, and Kaplan-Meier curves compared survival outcomes using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Eighty-eight cases were included. Most patients (63.6%) were not suspected to have stage IVB (2009 FIGO criteria) disease prior to surgery. Seventy-two percent of patients underwent primary cytoreduction, and 12 (19%) were suboptimal. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12 months (95% CI 10-16 months), and median overall survival (OS) was 38 months (95% CI 19-61 months). Degree of cytoreduction (p = 0.0101) and pelvic-confined metastatic disease (p = 0.0149) were significant prognostic factors, while distant metastases were not associated with worse outcomes. For those patients who underwent primary cytoreduction, number (p = 0.0453) and diameter (p = 0.0192) of tumor deposits were associated with PFS. When 2023 FIGO staging criteria were applied, 58% of patients underwent change in stage, and 8% did not meet criteria for complete staging. PFS was significantly different based on 2023 FIGO staging (p = 0.0307); a trend in OS was also noted (p = 0.0550). CONCLUSION: Stage IVB endometrial carcinoma (2009 FIGO criteria) encompasses a diverse cohort of patients, where certain clinicopathologic features, tumor burden, and degree of cytoreduction are associated with outcomes. The 2023 FIGO staging criteria significantly improves our ability to risk-stratify patients.

Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cancer cachexia in gynecologic cancer.

Patients with gynecologic cancers are at risk for malnutrition, cancer cachexia, and sarcopenia. Accumulating data supports that malnourished patients with gynecologic cancer have worse overall survival, increased healthcare utilization and costs, and a higher incidence of postoperative complications and treatment toxicity than those who are not malnourished. Malnutrition is defined as insufficient energy intake, leading to altered body composition and subsequent impaired physical and cognitive function, and can result in sarcopenia and cachexia, defined as the loss of lean body mass and loss of body weight respectively. The etiology of cancer-related malnutrition is complex, resulting from a systemic pro-inflammatory state of malignancy with upregulation of muscle degradation pathways and metabolic derangements, including lipolysis and proteolysis, that may not respond to nutritional repletion alone. Numerous validated scoring systems and radiographic measures have been described to define and quantify the severity of malnutrition and muscle loss in both clinical and research settings. "Prehabilitation" and optimization of nutrition and functional status early in therapy may combat the development or worsening of malnutrition and associated syndromes and ultimately improve oncologic outcomes, but limited data exist in the context of gynecologic cancer. Multi-modality nutrition and physical activity interventions have been proposed to combat the biophysical losses related to malnutrition. Several trials are underway in gynecologic oncology patients to address these aims, but significant gaps in knowledge persist. Pharmacologic interventions and potential immune targets for combating cachexia related to malignancy are discussed in this review and may provide opportunities to target disease and cachexia. This article reviews currently available data regarding the implications, diagnostics, physiology, and intervention strategies for gynecologic oncology patients with malnutrition and its associated conditions.

"More than a song and dance": Exploration of patient perspectives and educational quality of gynecologic cancer content on TikTok.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate themes, quality, and reliability of gynecologic cancer-related content on the social media application TikTok. METHODS: TikTok was systematically searched for the 100 most popular posts for ovarian cancer (OC), endometrial cancer (EC), cervical cancer (CC), vulvar cancer (VC), and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) in August 2022. Data was collected for demographics, tone, and themes. Educational videos were rated for quality and reliability utilizing the modified DISCERN scale. Relationships between content demographics, disease sites, and themes were assessed. RESULTS: As of August 2022, the top five hashtags for each gynecologic cancer on TikTok had 466.7 million views. 430 of the top 500 posts were eligible for inclusion (OC: n = 86, CC: n = 93, EC: n = 98, GTD: n = 63, VC: n = 90). The majority of creators (n = 323, 75.1%) were White, 33 (7.7%) were Black, 20 (4.6%) were Asian/Pacific Islander (API), 10 (2.3%) were South Asian, 20 (4.7%) were Hispanic/Latino/a, 24 (5.5%) were unable to determine. Eleven central themes were identified, with significant differences when analyzed by disease site and race. The median DISCERN score for all posts was 1.0, indicating poor educational quality and reliability. When compared by race, South Asian/API posters received the highest scores (3, IQR 2.5) versus Black (2: IQR 3), Hispanic/Latino/a (2: IQR 0), and White posters (1, IQR 2) (p = 0.0013). CONCLUSION(S): Gynecologic cancer-related content on TikTok is of poor educational quality, and racial disparities in gynecologic cancer extend to social media. Opportunities exist to create more diverse content to support racial and cultural experiences in gynecologic cancer treatment.

Safety and efficacy of mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with bevacizumab in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the antitumor activity and safety profile of the combination of mirvetuximab soravtansine and bevacizumab in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. METHODS: Patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, whose most recent platinum-free interval was ≤6 months, were administered mirvetuximab soravtansine (6 mg/kg adjusted ideal body weight) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg), intravenously, once every 3 weeks. Eligibility included FRα expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC; ≥25% of cells with ≥2+ intensity). Prior bevacizumab and/or PARP inhibitor (PARPi) treatment were permitted. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients received combination treatment with mirvetuximab soravtansine and bevacizumab. Median age was 62 years (range, 39-81). Fifty-two percent had ≥3 prior therapies; 59% had prior bevacizumab; and 27% had prior PARPi. ORR was 44% (95% CI 33, 54) with 5 complete responses, median DOR 9.7 months (95% CI 6.9, 14.1), and median PFS 8.2 months (95% CI 6.8, 10.0). Treatment-related adverse events were consistent with the profiles of each agent, with the most common being blurred vision (all grades 57%; grade 3, 1%), diarrhea (54%; grade 3, 1%), and nausea (51%; grade 3, 1%). CONCLUSION: The mirvetuximab soravtansine plus bevacizumab doublet is an active and well-tolerated regimen in patients with FRα-expressing platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Promising activity was observed for patients regardless of level of FRα expression or prior bevacizumab. These data underscore the potential for mirvetuximab soravtansine as the combination partner of choice for bevacizumab in this setting.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes diagnoses in the perioperative and survivorship periods following surgical management of endometrial cancer: An opportunity for screening and intervention?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnoses during the peri-operative and survivorship periods in patients following surgical management of endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: An IRB-approved, retrospective single-institution cohort study was performed in patients who underwent surgical management of EC from 2014 to 2020. The perioperative period was defined as the 30 days before and after surgery. T2DM diagnoses occurring during survivorship were recorded. T2DM diagnoses were defined by a HgbA1c ≥6.5% or a random blood glucose ≥200 mg/dL. Sequelae of peri-operative T2DM and predictors of future T2DM were examined utilizing univariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 519 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 37 (7.1%) were diagnosed with T2DM in the perioperative period. Patients diagnosed with T2DM in the perioperative period had significantly higher BMI (p = 0.006) compared to no T2DM, but there were no significant differences in age (p = 0.20), ethnicity/race (p > 0.05) or ECOG score (p = 0.19). The rates of intraoperative complications between groups did not significantly differ, except for vascular complications (p = 0.005), and the incidence of any postoperative complication was higher in the perioperative T2DM group (p = 0.01). With a median follow-up of 29 months [range 11.6-49.0 months], an additional 18.3% (n = 88) of the cohort met diagnostic criteria for T2DM. BMI (p < 0.001), perioperative glucose (p < 0.001), and HgbA1c (p = 0.002) demonstrate risk for a T2DM diagnosis during survivorship. CONCLUSION(S): In this retrospective cohort of EC patients, 25.4% were diagnosed with T2DM, with the majority diagnosed in the survivorship period. Surgical management and subsequent surveillance of EC presents an opportunity to diagnose at-risk patients with T2DM.

The impact of antibiotic and proton pump inhibitor use at the time of adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy on survival in patients with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the impact of antibiotic (ABX) and proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use on progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy (PC) for endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: A retrospective, single-institution cohort study of EC patients treated with ≥four cycles of adjuvant PC following surgical staging from 2014 to 2020. Demographics and clinicopathologic features, including ABX and PPI use, were compared using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed, and survival outcomes were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Of 325 patients, 95 (29%) received ABX, and 80 (24.6%) received PPI. ABX were associated with decreased 3-year PFS (49.9% vs. 66%; p = 0.0237) but not 3-year OS (68.9% vs. 79.9%; p = 0.0649). ABX targeting gram-positive bacteria were associated with decreased 3-year PFS (21.2% vs. 66.0% vs. 55.4%; p = 0.0038) and 3-year OS (36.5% vs. 79.9% vs. 75.6%; p = 0.0014) compared to no ABX and other ABX, respectively. PPI use was associated with decreased 3-year PFS (46.9% vs. 66.0%; p = 0.0001) and 3-year OS (60.7% vs. 81.9%; p = 0.0041) compared to no PPI. On multivariable regression analysis controlling for confounders including stage, histology, grade, radiation, and co-morbidities, PPI use was independently associated with worse PFS (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.25-3.08; p = 0.0041) and OS (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.01-4.18, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort study, we demonstrate that PPI use is independently associated with worse PFS and OS in patients with EC treated with PC. ABX use was associated with worse PFS on univariate analysis only. There is an unmet need to understand how PPI, ABX, and, potentially, the microbiome impact the effectiveness of chemotherapy in EC patients.

DKK1 is a predictive biomarker for response to DKN-01: Results of a phase 2 basket study in women with recurrent endometrial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a Wnt signaling modulator promoting tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression by regulating innate immunity. DKK1 is over-expressed in gynecologic cancers and is associated with shortened survival. DKN-01 is a humanized monoclonal antibody with DKK1 neutralizing activity that may provide clinical benefit to patients whose tumors have overexpression of DKK1 or Wnt genetic alterations. METHODS: We conducted an open-label, Phase 2 basket study with 2-stage design in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. DKN-01 was administered either as monotherapy or in combination with weekly paclitaxel at investigator's discretion. All patients underwent NGS testing prior to enrollment; tumor tissue was also tested for DKK1 expression by RNAscope pre-treatment and after cycle 1 if available. At least 50% of patients were required to have a Wnt signaling alteration either directly or tangentially. This publication reports results from the EC population overall and by DKK1-expression. RESULTS: DKN-01 monotherapy and in combination with paclitaxel was more effective in patients with high DKK1-expressing tumors compared to low-expressing tumors. DKN-01 monotherapy demonstrated an objective response rate [ORR] of 25.0% vs. 0%; disease control rate [DCR] of 62.5% vs. 6.7%; median progression-free survival [PFS] was 4.3 vs. 1.8 months, and overall survival [OS] was 11.0 vs. 8.2 months in DKK1-high vs DKK1-low patients. Similarly, DKN-01 in combination with paclitaxel demonstrated greater clinical activity in patients with DKK1-high tumors compared to DKK1-low tumors: DCR was 55% vs. 44%; median PFS was 5.4 vs. 1.8 months; and OS was 19.1 vs. 10.1 months. Wnt activating mutations correlated with higher DKK1 expression. DKN-01 was well tolerated as a monotherapy and in combination with paclitaxel. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, data demonstrates promising clinical activity of a well-tolerated drug, DKN-01, in EC patients with high tumoral DKK1 expression which frequently corresponded to the presence of a Wnt activating mutation. Future development will focus on using DKN-01 in DKK1-high EC patients in combination with immunotherapy.