Renal cell carcinoma management: real-world practice and challenges at a national level.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) management has seen a revolution over the last decades. Six Lebanese oncologists discussed recent updates in RCC management and outlined the challenges and future directions in Lebanon. Sunitinib continues to be a first-line choice for metastatic RCC in Lebanon, except for intermediate- and poor-risk patients. Immunotherapy is not always accessible to patients or selected routinely as first-line therapy. More data are needed on the sequencing of immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatments and on the use of immunotherapy beyond progression and/or after failure of immunotherapy in the first-line setting. For second-line management, the clinical experience with axitinib for low tumor growth rate and nivolumab after progression on tyrosine kinase inhibitors make those two agents the most widely used. Several challenges affect the Lebanese practice, limiting the accessibility and availability of the medications. Reimbursement remains the most critical challenge, especially with the socioeconomic crisis of October 2019.

Consensus on the management of platinum-sensitive high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer in Lebanon.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. The high grade serous epithelial (HGSE) subtype is the most aggressive and it often presents at advanced stages, while screening programs have not proven beneficial. Management of the advanced stages (FIGO III and IV), which constitute the majority of diagnoses, usually consists of platinum-based chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery (primary or interval) followed by maintenance therapy. Currently, the standard-of-care for advanced newly diagnosed HGSE ovarian cancer, as per international medical societies, starts with upfront cytoreductive surgery, followed by platinum-based chemotherapy (mostly carboplatin and paclitaxel) and/or anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab, then maintenance therapy with a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor with/without/or bevacizumab (continued). PARP inhibitor use depends on the patient's genetic signature, mainly the breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation and the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status. Therefore, genetic testing is recommended at diagnosis to inform treatment and prognosis. In line with the evolving standard-of-care for ovarian cancer, a panel of experts in treating advanced ovarian cancer convened to lay down practical recommendations on the management of advanced ovarian cancer in Lebanon; since the currently applicable guidelines by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health for cancer treatment have not been updated yet to reflect the treatment paradigm shift brought upon by the development and approval of PARP inhibitors. The current work reviews the leading clinical trials on PARP inhibitors (as maintenance for newly diagnosed advanced and platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer), presents international recommendations, and proposes treatment algorithms for optimal local practice.

Frequency and mutational spectrum of PIK3CA gene mutations in breast cancer patients: Largest and first report from Lebanon.

The PIK3CA pathway is one of the most frequently altered pathways in human cancers, especially in breast cancer with approximately 40% of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer cases exhibiting mutations in the PIK3CA gene. While the mutations can occur across the entire gene, the most common are observed in exon 9 corresponding to the helical domain, and in exon 20 encompassing the kinase domain. This study constitutes the first attempt at determining the frequency and mutational spectrum in Lebanese breast cancer patients. For this purpose, DNA samples from 280 breast cancer patients from across Lebanon were screened for PIK3CA mutations using the Therascreen® PIK3CA RGQ Real-time PCR assay. In line with previous reports, 38.57% of cases were positive for at least one PIK3CA mutation, among which approximately 59% were in exon 9 and 37% in exon 20. However, PIK3CA mutations are breast cancer are heterogeneous whereby 20% of known PIK3CA mutants might not be detected by compact PCR based assays. Thus, the adoption of comprehensive Next Generation Sequencing based panels to decipher the complete clinical, molecular and immunohistochemical profile of breast cancer tumor requires further investigation.

Polatuzumab Vedotin: Current Role and Future Applications in the Treatment of Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous disease. Despite good responses to standard of care frontline chemoimmunotherapy, the prognosis of relapsed/refractory (R/R) patients remains obscured by the possible inadequate responses to salvage therapy, eligibility for autologous transplantation, age and comorbidities. Polatuzumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate formed by a CD79b antibody conjugated to the highly cytotoxic agent monomethyl auristatin E by means of a cleavable linker. Following significant clinical efficacy in R/R DLBCL, polatuzumab vedotin was granted accelerated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in combination with bendamustine plus rituximab for patients who have failed at least two prior therapies. Other clinical studies involving polatuzumab vedotin in combination with other therapy regimens are also under evaluation for previously untreated DLBCL patients. In this article, we review the different phases from the preclinical development of polatuzumab vedotin to studies leading to its first approval, and highlight the potential future roles of this molecule in the treatment landscape of DLBCL.

Management of breast cancer patients with BRCA gene mutations in Lebanon of the Middle East: perspectives and challenges.

BACKGROUND: This commentary explores and discusses the challenges oncologists face in diagnosing and managing breast cancer patients with BRCA gene mutations in Lebanon and the Middle East. METHODS: Key opinion leaders shared their recommendations to achieve better patient outcomes and satisfaction based on evidence-based medicine and their clinical experience in BRCA management. RESULTS: Challenges associated with BRCA management can be divided into four main levels: physicians, patients, test, and treatment factors. More genetic counselors are to be identified given their important role in the management of individuals with BRCA gene mutations. CONCLUSION: Genetic counseling, continuing education, infrastructure, testing, expertise, and financial support are needed to fulfill the unmet needs in the management of BRCA mutation carriers.

Atezolizumab-induced encephalitis in a patient with metastatic breast cancer: a case report and review of neurological adverse events associated with checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune-mediated encephalitis as an adverse event due to checkpoint inhibitors is very rare. We describe herein the case of a 38-year-old woman with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who developed seizures and somnolence twelve days after receiving the first dose of Atezolizumab. Work up ruled out all infectious etiologies, and the patient was eventually diagnosed with immune-mediated meningoencephalitis. Symptoms recovered with a high-dose of steroids, and she was found to have an excellent response on follow-up imaging, which raised the question of whether a relationship exists between the occurrence, and severity of the adverse event and the response to treatment. Only a few other cases of atezolizumab-related encephalitis have been published. Early recognition and treatment are crucial; the reason why we are describing this case along with a review of the literature and a review on all the neurological immune-related adverse events due to the different checkpoint inhibitors.

Atezolizumab-induced encephalitis in a patient with metastatic breast cancer: a case report and review of neurological adverse events associated with checkpoint inhibitors

Immune-mediated encephalitis as an adverse event due to checkpoint inhibitors is very rare. We describe herein the case of a 38-year-old woman with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who developed seizures and somnolence twelve days after receiving the first dose of Atezolizumab. Work up ruled out all infectious etiologies, and the patient was eventually diagnosed with immune-mediated meningoencephalitis. Symptoms recovered with a high-dose of steroids, and she was found to have an excellent response on follow-up imaging, which raised the question of whether a relationship exists between the occurrence, and severity of the adverse event and the response to treatment. Only a few other cases of atezolizumab-related encephalitis have been published. Early recognition and treatment are crucial; the reason why we are describing this case along with a review of the literature and a review on all the neurological immune-related adverse events due to the different checkpoint inhibitors.

DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH ALPELISIB TREATMENT OF METASTATIC BREAST CANCER.

OBJECTIVE: Alpelisib-induced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a rare, but life-threatening, adverse event. There have been only 2 reported cases in the literature. We describe such a case, with emphasis on the importance of screening and achieving adequate glycemic control prior to and after initiation of therapy. METHODS: A 49-year-old woman, known to have advanced breast cancer, presented with a 3-day history of nausea, vomiting, and diffuse abdominal pain. She had started alpelisib at 300 mg/day 2 months prior to presentation, after failing other options. She was diagnosed with DKA using her clinical and laboratory features, leading to treatment with hydration and intravenous insulin therapy. RESULTS: Laboratory data showed high anion gap metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, and ketonemia with negative GAD-65 antibodies, leading to the diagnosis of alpelisib-associated DKA. Alpelisib was held, and she was treated with intravenous insulin and hydration. When DKA and hyperglycemia resolved, alpelisib was resumed at a lower dose (200 mg/day) and her blood glucose was managed using a regimen combining insulin and metformin. CONCLUSION: Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling is important for the metabolic actions of insulin, and alpelisib has been associated with severe hyperglycemia. Metformin is the first-line treatment, however when DKA is the presenting syndrome, insulin needs to be considered. Blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c should be checked prior to treatment initiation and monitored closely after drug initiation. DKA, albeit rare, must be considered in an acutely ill, alpelisib-treated patients presenting with metabolic acidosis, and if drug discontinuation is not an option, insulin treatment may be required to control glycemia.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and Avelumab in early stage resectable nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Multiple randomized studies have shown that combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) leads to better response rates and survival as compared to chemotherapy alone in the advanced stage of NSCLC. Data suggesting a benefit to using ICIs in the neoadjuvant therapy of patients with early stage NSCLC are emerging. Eligible subjects were treatment naïve patients with stage IB, II, and resectable IIIA NSCLC. Patients received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with four doses of avelumab every 2 weeks. Patients with squamous cell cancer received cisplatin or carboplatin on day 1 and gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 of each cycle of chemotherapy. Patients with nonsquamous histology received cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed on day 1 of each cycle. Patients then proceeded to their planned surgery. Out of 15 patients accrued as part of stage 1 of the study, four had a radiologic response (1 complete response), lower than the minimum of six responses needed to continue to phase 2 of the study. The study was therefore terminated. Majority had adenocarcinoma histology and stage IIIA disease. The treatment was well tolerated with no unexpected side effects. Four patients (26.7%) had grade III/IV CTCAE toxicity. This study confirms that the preoperative administration of chemotherapy and avelumab is safe. There was no indication of increased surgical complications. The benefit of adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy did not appear to enhance the overall response rate of patients in the neoadjuvant setting in patients with resectable NSCLC because this study failed to meet its primary endpoint.

A Prospective Observational Cohort of Clinical Outcomes in Medical Inpatients prescribed Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis Using Different Clinical Risk Assessment Models(COMPT RAMs).

The Caprini and Padua venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment models (RAMs) are used to assess VTE risk in surgical and in medical patients respectively. This study aims to compare the proportion of medical inpatients eligible for VTE prophylaxis using the hospital Caprini-based RAM to using the Caprini and Padua RAMs and to assess the associated clinical outcomes. In a prospective observational study, we assessed 297 adult medical inpatients for whom VTE thromboprophylaxis was initiated according to the hospital Caprini-based RAM, referred to as the Lebanese American University Medical Center RAM (LAUMC-RAM). The Padua, Caprini and IMPROVE bleeding risk scores were also assessed for all patients. Bleeding and thromboembolism were evaluated at 14 and 30 days post VTE risk assessment. Pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis was warranted in 97.6%, 99.7%, and 52.9% of patients using the Caprini-based, Caprini, and Padua RAMs respectively. The Caprini-based and Caprini RAMs were highly correlated (r = 0.873 p < 0.001) and were significantly less correlated with the Padua RAM. Major and overall bleeding occurred in 1.4% and 9.2% respectively. VTE was reported in 0.4% with no VTE related mortality. In hospitalized medical patients, the Caprini-based RAM can accurately distinguish low and high VTE risk without resulting in increased risk of bleeding.

Evaluation of prophylactic dosages of Enoxaparin in non-surgical elderly patients with renal impairment.

BACKGROUND: Thromboprophylaxis dosing strategies using enoxaparin in elderly patients with renal disease are limited, while dose adjustments or monitoring of anti-Xa levels are recommended. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin 20 mg versus 30 mg subcutaneously daily by comparing anti-Xa levels, thrombosis and bleeding. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-blinded, single-center randomized clinical trial including non-surgical patients, 70 years of age or older, with renal disease requiring thromboprophylaxis. Patients were randomized to receive either 20 mg or 30 mg of enoxaparin. The primary endpoint was peak anti-Xa levels on day 3. Secondary endpoints included trough anti-Xa levels on day 3, achievement of within range prophylactic target peak anti-Xa levels and the occurrence of hemorrhage, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia or hyperkalemia during hospitalization. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were recruited and sixteen patients were randomized to each arm. Mean peak anti-Xa level was significantly higher in 30 mg arm (n = 13) compared to the 20 mg arm (n = 11) 0.26 ± 0.11, 95%CI (0.18-0.34), versus 0.14 ± 0.09, 95CI (0.08-0.19) UI/ml, respectively; p = 0.004. Mean trough anti-Xa level was higher in 30 mg arm (n = 10) compared to the 20 mg arm (n = 16), 0.06 ± 0.03, 95CI (0.04-0.08) versus 0.03 ± 0.03, 95CI (0.01-0.05) UI/ml, respectively; p = 0.044. Bleeding events reported in the 30 mg arm were one retroperitoneal bleed requiring multiple transfusions, and in the 20 mg arm one hematuria. No thrombotic events were reported. CONCLUSION: Peak anti-Xa levels provided by enoxaparin 20 mg were lower than the desired range for thromboprophylaxis in comparison to enoxaparin 30 mg. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03158792 . Registered: May 18, 2017.

The clinical impact of using complex molecular profiling strategies in routine oncology practice.

Molecular profiling and functional assessment of signalling pathways of advanced solid tumours are becoming increasingly available. However, their clinical utility in guiding patients' treatment remains unknown. Here, we assessed whether molecular profiling helps physicians in therapeutic decision making by analysing the molecular profiles of 1057 advanced cancer patient samples after failing at least one standard of care treatment using a combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and other specific tests. The resulting information was interpreted and personalized treatments for each patient were suggested. Our data showed that NGS alone provided the oncologist with useful information in 10-50% of cases (depending on cancer type), whereas the addition of IHC/other tests increased extensively the usefulness of the information provided. Using internet surveys, we investigated how therapy recommendations influenced treatment choice of the oncologist. For patients who were still alive after the provision of the molecular information (76.8%), 60.4% of their oncologists followed report recommendations. Most treatment decisions (93.4%) were made based on the combination of NGS and IHC/other tests, and an approved drug- rather than clinical trial enrolment- was the main treatment choice. Most common reasons given by physicians to explain the non-adherence to recommendations were drug availability and cost, which remain barriers to personalised precision medicine. Finally, we observed that 27% of patients treated with the suggested therapies had an overall survival > 12 months. Our study demonstrates that the combination of NGS and IHC/other tests provides the most useful information in aiding treatment decisions by oncologists in routine clinical practice.

Outcomes of patients with myelodysplatic syndrome and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia post clofarabine failure.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) post clofarabine is unknown. METHODS: We reviewed 109 patients with MDS or CMML with a median age of 67 years, treated with a clofarabine-based chemotherapy as frontline (n = 38) or salvage (n = 71) therapy. A total of 58 (53%) patients received salvage therapy after clofarabine failure: 13 allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT), 18 high-dose cytarabine-containing regimen, 10 hypomethylating agents and 17 investigational treatments. RESULTS: Eight patients achieved complete remission (CR) and three had stable disease for an overall response rate of 19%. With a median follow-up of 3 months from clofarabine failure, 12 patients (11%) remained alive, 5 remain in CR, 4 of them after ASCT. The median overall survival post clofarabine failure was 4 months with a 1-year survival rate of 23%. CONCLUSIONS: This outcome is predictable, with patients with high-risk disease at the time of clofarabine failure having the worse survival. To date, patients with MDS continue to have a short survival after failure of all available therapies. Ultimately, patients who are candidates for additional treatments should be offered novel approaches. In conclusion, the outcome of patients with MDS and CMML post clofarabine failure is poor. The pattern is similar to patients with MDS post hypomethylating agent failure and predictable using University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center global scoring system.

Acute myeloid leukemia after myelodysplastic syndrome and failure of therapy with hypomethylating agents: an emerging entity with a poor prognosis.

We assessed the outcomes of 63 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arising from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after hypomethylating agent failure. Their median age was 63 years. All 63 patients had received ≥ 1 salvage regimens for AML, and 35 patients (55%) had received ≥ 2. Of the 31 patients (49%) who had received high-dose cytarabine (HDAC) at first relapse, 2 (6%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 4 (13%) CR with incomplete platelet recovery (overall response rate, 19%). Of the 32 patients (51%) who had received other treatments, including investigational agents, 4 (12%) achieved CR and 4 (12%) CR with incomplete platelet recovery (overall response rate, 24%). The median response duration was 20 weeks. With a median follow-up of 42 months from the AML diagnosis, the median survival (21 weeks) was similar between the 2 groups. The 1- and 2-year survival rate was 19% and 8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified low albumin, HDAC treatment, and platelet count < 50 × 10(9)/L as independent adverse factors for CR and a platelet count < 50 × 10(9)/L and age > 65 years as independent adverse factors for survival. Thus, the outcome of AML evolving from MDS after hypomethylating agent failure is poor and not improved with HDAC. Novel therapies directed toward this emerging entity are urgently needed.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation as initial salvage for patients with acute myeloid leukemia refractory to high-dose cytarabine-based induction chemotherapy.

Outcomes of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are refractory to high-dose Cytarabine (HiDAC)-based induction are dismal. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) as initial salvage may be effective and potentially superior to conventional salvage chemotherapy. Eighteen percent (285 of 1597) of AML patients were primary refractory to HiDAC-based regimens at the MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1995 and 2009. AHSCT was the initial salvage in 28 cases. These patients were compared against 149 patients who received salvage chemotherapy, but never received AHSCT. Patients receiving salvage chemotherapy were older, had higher bone marrow blasts percentage, and higher incidence of unfavorable cytogenetics (P < 0.001). Median time from induction to AHSCT was 76 days. Objective response was achieved in 23 of 28 patients (82%) undergoing AHSCT. The incidence of grade III/IV acute and chronic graft versus-host-disease was 11% and 29%, respectively. Median follow up for living patients is 80 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 15.7 months and 2.9 months for AHSCT and chemotherapy, respectively (P < 0.001); the 3-year OS rates were 39% and 2%, respectively. ASHCT as initial salvage therapy was identified as an independent prognostic factor for survival in multivariate analysis (HR = 3.03; P < 0.001). Initial salvage therapy with AHSCT in patients with primary HiDAC refractory AML is feasible and may yield superior outcomes to salvage chemotherapy.

Decitabine can be safely reduced after achievement of best objective response in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Decitabine is standard therapy in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Current recommendations suggest a dose of 20 mg/m(2) intravenously (IV) daily for 5 days every 4 weeks. However, this therapy is associated with frequent grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity, requiring dose delays and/or dose reductions (DD/DR). RESULTS: We investigated the outcomes of 122 patients with MDS who had DD/DR of frontline decitabine therapy. Sixty-five patients (53%) had DR by at least 25% or DD (defined as a delay beyond 5 weeks between cycles). Thirty-five patients (29%) underwent DD/DR after achieving best objective response, 30 patients (25%) underwent DD/DR before best objective response, and 57 (54%) patients had no DD/DR. There was a trend for more durable responses in favor of patients requiring DD/DR after the achievement of best objective response (median not reached) (P = .161). Overall survival rates were significantly higher for patients who had DD/DR after best objective response compared with those who had DD/DR before best objective response or those with no DD/DR (30 vs. 22 vs. 11 months, respectively; P < .001). Progression-free survival (PFS) rates also trended higher for those with DD/DR after best objective response (median not reached) compared with those who required DD/DR before best objective response (median of 15 months) (P = .285). CONCLUSION: DD/DR may be safely accomplished once the patient has achieved best objective response (preferably complete remission [CR]) without impacting outcome. Prospective evaluation of an approach conceived of a loading dose for induction of a best objective response followed by a maintenance schedule is to be considered.

The achievement of a 3-month complete cytogenetic response to second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors predicts survival in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia after imatinib failure.

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether the achievement of a 3-month complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) in 123 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the chronic phase, which was treated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2nd-TKI) after imatinib failure could predict for survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a multivariate analysis, the lack of a 3-month CCyR to 2nd-TKI therapy was selected as the only independent factor associated with poor event-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 4.5; P < .001) and overall survival (5.4; P = .03). RESULTS: The 3-year event-free survival and overall survival rates were 74% and 43%, respectively, for patients with 3-month CCyR, and were 98% and 79%, respectively, for patients without 3-month CCyR. In a multivariate analysis, high hemoglobin level, previous major cytogenetic response to imatinib therapy, and ≤90% Philadelphia-positive metaphases were associated with the achievement of a 3-month CCyR. CONCLUSION: The achievement of a 3-month CCyR is the only predictor of outcome in patients treated with 2nd-TKI therapy after imatinib failure. Patients with <3-month CCyR may not obtain long-term benefit and should be followed-up closely.

The role of clofarabine in acute myeloid leukemia.

Clofarabine is a second-generation purine nucleoside analog that has been synthesized to overcome the limitations and incorporate the best qualities of fludarabine and cladribine. Clofarabine acts by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase, thereby depleting the amount of intracellular deoxynucleoside triphosphates available for DNA replication. Compared to its precursors, clofarabine has an increased resistance to deamination and phosphorolysis, and hence better stability as well as higher affinity to deoxycytidine kinase (dCyd), the rate-limiting step in nucleoside phosphorylation. Since the initiation of the first phase I study of clofarabine in 1993 in patients with hematologic and solid malignancies, clofarabine has demonstrated single-agent antitumor activity in adult acute leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Due to its unique properties of biochemical modulation when used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, mainly cytarabine, combination regimens containing clofarabine have been evaluated. A review of the English literature was performed that included original articles and related reviews from the MEDLINE (PubMed) database and from abstracts based on the publication of meeting materials. This review describes the development, pharmacology and clinical activity of clofarabine, as well as its emerging role in the treatment of adult patients with AML and myelodysplastic syndrome.