PD-1 Blockade in Tumors with Mismatch-Repair Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Somatic mutations have the potential to encode "non-self" immunogenic antigens. We hypothesized that tumors with a large number of somatic mutations due to mismatch-repair defects may be susceptible to immune checkpoint blockade. METHODS: We conducted a phase 2 study to evaluate the clinical activity of pembrolizumab, an anti-programmed death 1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, in 41 patients with progressive metastatic carcinoma with or without mismatch-repair deficiency. Pembrolizumab was administered intravenously at a dose of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight every 14 days in patients with mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancers, patients with mismatch repair-proficient colorectal cancers, and patients with mismatch repair-deficient cancers that were not colorectal. The coprimary end points were the immune-related objective response rate and the 20-week immune-related progression-free survival rate. RESULTS: The immune-related objective response rate and immune-related progression-free survival rate were 40% (4 of 10 patients) and 78% (7 of 9 patients), respectively, for mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancers and 0% (0 of 18 patients) and 11% (2 of 18 patients) for mismatch repair-proficient colorectal cancers. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were not reached in the cohort with mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer but were 2.2 and 5.0 months, respectively, in the cohort with mismatch repair-proficient colorectal cancer (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.10 [P<0.001], and hazard ratio for death, 0.22 [P=0.05]). Patients with mismatch repair-deficient noncolorectal cancer had responses similar to those of patients with mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer (immune-related objective response rate, 71% [5 of 7 patients]; immune-related progression-free survival rate, 67% [4 of 6 patients]). Whole-exome sequencing revealed a mean of 1782 somatic mutations per tumor in mismatch repair-deficient tumors, as compared with 73 in mismatch repair-proficient tumors (P=0.007), and high somatic mutation loads were associated with prolonged progression-free survival (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that mismatch-repair status predicted clinical benefit of immune checkpoint blockade with pembrolizumab. (Funded by Johns Hopkins University and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01876511.).

Effects of the leucovorin shortage: Pilot study investigating cost, efficacy, and toxicity comparison of low fixed-dose versus body surface area-adjusted leucovorin dosing in patients with resectable colon or metastatic colorectal cancer.

Purpose As a result of the leucovorin shortage, we switched from BSA-adjusted to low fixed-dose leucovorin in patients with colon cancer receiving fluorouracil-containing therapy. Methods A retrospective, pilot study of adults receiving intravenous leucovorin as part of a fluorouracil-containing treatment was conducted including individuals with stage II or III colon or newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer. One low fixed-dose (leucovorin 50 mg) patient was matched by the investigator to one BSA-adjusted (leucovorin 200-500 mg/m2/dose) patient on disease stage and age. The objectives were to compare cost of alternative dosing strategies as well as efficacy and adverse event rates. Only patients being treated in the first-line metastatic colorectal cancer setting were included in the efficacy analysis. Results Fifty-eight patients were included. Leucovorin cost was reduced by 7- to 14-fold, and we were able to conserve a total of 1580-3400 doses of leucovorin by changing to fixed-dose (estimated from 200 mg/m2 or 400 mg/m2 dosing strategies, respectively). No statistically significant differences in progression-free survival ( p = 0.254), overall survival ( p = 0.923), or complications resulted. Conclusion Our decision to reduce the dose of leucovorin allowed us to conserve supply and control cost. The small sample size did not allow us to detect differences in efficacy or adverse event rates, and thus a larger study would be required to confirm our findings that efficacy was not compromised nor adverse effects greater.

Rilotumumab in combination with epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine as first-line treatment for gastric or oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: an open-label, dose de-escalation phase 1b study and a double-blind, randomised phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET pathway promotes tumour growth and metastasis. Rilotumumab is a fully human, monoclonal antibody that neutralises HGF. We aimed to assess the safety, efficacy, biomarkers, and pharmacokinetics of rilotumumab combined with epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine (ECX) in patients with advanced gastric or oesophagogastric junction cancer. METHODS: We recruited patients (≥18 years old) with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, who had not received previous systemic therapy, from 43 sites worldwide. Phase 1b was an open-label, dose de-escalation study to identify a safe dose of rilotumumab (initial dose 15 mg/kg intravenously on day 1) plus ECX (epirubicin 50 mg/m(2) intravenously on day 1, cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) intravenously on day 1, capecitabine 625 mg/m(2) twice a day orally on days 1-21, respectively), administered every 3 weeks. The phase 1b primary endpoint was the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities in all phase 1b patients who received at least one dose of rilotumumab and completed the dose-limiting toxicity assessment window (first cycle of therapy). Phase 2 was a double-blind study that randomly assigned patients (1:1:1) using an interactive voice response system to receive rilotumumab 15 mg/kg, rilotumumab 7·5 mg/kg, or placebo, plus ECX (doses as above), stratified by ECOG performance status and disease extent. The phase 2 primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), analysed by intention to treat. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00719550. FINDINGS: Seven of the nine patients enrolled in the phase 1b study received at least one dose of rilotumumab 15 mg/kg, only two of whom had three dose-limiting toxicities: palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, cerebral ischaemia, and deep-vein thrombosis. In phase 2, 121 patients were randomly assigned (40 to rilotumumab 15 mg/kg; 42 to rilotumumab 7·5 mg/kg; 39 to placebo). Median PFS was 5·1 months (95% CI 2·9-7·0) in the rilotumumab 15 mg/kg group, 6·8 months (4·5-7·5) in the rilotumumab 7·5 mg/kg group, 5·7 months (4·5-7·0) in both rilotumumab groups combined, and 4·2 months (2·9-4·9) in the placebo group. The hazard ratio for PFS events compared with placebo was 0·69 (80% CI 0·49-0·97; p=0·164) for rilotumumab 15 mg/kg, 0·53 (80% CI 0·38-0·73; p=0·009) for rilotumumab 7·5 mg/kg, and 0·60 (80% CI 0·45-0·79; p=0·016) for combined rilotumumab. Any grade adverse events more common in the combined rilotumumab group than in the placebo group included haematological adverse events (neutropenia in 44 [54%] of 81 patients vs 13 [33%] of 39 patients; anaemia in 32 [40%] vs 11 [28%]; and thrombocytopenia in nine [11%] vs none), peripheral oedema (22 [27%] vs three [8%]), and venous thromboembolism (16 [20%] vs five [13%]). Grade 3-4 adverse events more common with rilotumumab included neutropenia (36 [44%] vs 11 [28%]) and venous thromboembolism (16 [20%] vs four [10%]). Serious adverse events were balanced between groups except for anaemia, which occurred more frequently in the combined rilotumumab group (ten [12%] vs none). INTERPRETATION: Rilotumumab plus ECX had no unexpected safety signals and showed greater activity than placebo plus ECX. A phase 3 study of the combination in MET-positive gastric and oesophagogastric junction cancer is in progress. FUNDING: Amgen Inc.

Interventions for preventing neuropathy caused by cisplatin and related compounds.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin and several related antineoplastic drugs used to treat many types of solid tumours are neurotoxic, and most patients completing a full course of cisplatin chemotherapy develop a clinically detectable sensory neuropathy. Effective neuroprotective therapies have been sought. OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy and safety of purported chemoprotective agents to prevent or limit the neurotoxicity of cisplatin and related drugs. SEARCH METHODS: On 4 March 2013, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL Plus for randomised trials designed to evaluate neuroprotective agents used to prevent or limit neurotoxicity of cisplatin and related drugs among human patients. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs in which the participants received chemotherapy with cisplatin or related compounds, with a potential chemoprotectant (acetylcysteine, amifostine, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), BNP7787, calcium and magnesium (Ca/Mg), diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), glutathione, Org 2766, oxcarbazepine, or vitamin E) compared to placebo, no treatment, or other treatments. We considered trials in which participants underwent evaluation zero to six months after completing chemotherapy using quantitative sensory testing (the primary outcome) or other measures including nerve conduction studies or neurological impairment rating using validated scales (secondary outcomes). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors assessed each study, extracted the data and reached consensus, according to standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS: As of 2013, the review includes 29 studies describing nine possible chemoprotective agents, as well as description of two published meta-analyses. Among these trials, there were sufficient data in some instances to combine the results from different studies, most often using data from secondary non-quantitative measures. Nine of the studies were newly included at this update. Few of the included studies were at a high risk of bias overall, although often there was too little information to make an assessment. At least two review authors performed a formal review of an additional 44 articles but we did not include them in the final review for a variety of reasons.Of seven eligible amifostine trials (743 participants in total), one used quantitative sensory testing (vibration perception threshold) and demonstrated a favourable outcome in terms of amifostine neuroprotection, but the vibration perception threshold result was based on data from only 14 participants receiving amifostine who completed the post-treatment evaluation and should be regarded with caution. Furthermore the change measured was subclinical. None of the three eligible Ca/Mg trials (or four trials if a single retrospective study was included) described our primary outcome measures. The four Ca/Mg trials included a total of 886 participants. Of the seven eligible glutathione trials (387 participants), one used quantitative sensory testing but reported only qualitative analyses. Four eligible Org 2766 trials (311 participants) employed quantitative sensory testing but reported disparate results; meta-analyses of three of these trials using comparable measures showed no significant vibration perception threshold neuroprotection. The remaining trial reported only descriptive analyses. Similarly, none of the three eligible vitamin E trials (246 participants) reported quantitative sensory testing. The eligible single trials involving acetylcysteine (14 participants), diethyldithiocarbamate (195 participants), oxcarbazepine (32 participants), and retinoic acid (92 participants) did not perform quantitative sensory testing. In all, this review includes data from 2906 participants. However, only seven trials reported data for the primary outcome measure of this review, (quantitative sensory testing) and only nine trials reported our objective secondary measure, nerve conduction test results. Additionally, methodological heterogeneity precluded pooling of the results in most cases. Nonetheless, a larger number of trials reported the results of secondary (non-quantitative and subjective) measures such as the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC) for neuropathy (15 trials), and these results we pooled and reported as meta-analysis. Amifostine showed a significantly reduced risk of developing neurotoxicity NCI-CTC (or equivalent) ≥ 2 compared to placebo (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.61). Glutathione was also efficacious with an RR of 0.29 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.85). In three vitamin E studies subjective measures not suitable for combination in meta analysis each favoured vitamin E. For other interventions the qualitative toxicity measures were either negative (N-acetyl cysteine, Ca/Mg, DDTC and retinoic acid) or not evaluated (oxcarbazepine and Org 2766).Adverse events were infrequent or not reported for most interventions. Amifostine was associated with transient hypotension in 8% to 62% of participants, retinoic acid with hypocalcaemia in 11%, and approximately 20% of participantss withdrew from treatment with DDTC because of toxicity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: At present, the data are insufficient to conclude that any of the purported chemoprotective agents (acetylcysteine, amifostine, calcium and magnesium, diethyldithiocarbamate, glutathione, Org 2766, oxcarbazepine, retinoic acid, or vitamin E) prevent or limit the neurotoxicity of platin drugs among human patients, as determined using quantitative, objective measures of neuropathy. Amifostine, calcium and magnesium, glutathione, and vitamin E showed modest but promising (borderline statistically significant) results favouring their ability to reduce the neurotoxicity of cisplatin and related chemotherapies, as measured using secondary, non-quantitative and subjective measures such as the NCI-CTC neuropathy grading scale. Among these interventions, the efficacy of only vitamin E was evaluated using quantitative nerve conduction studies; the results were negative and did not support the positive findings based on the qualitative measures. In summary, the present studies are limited by the small number of participants receiving any particular agent, a lack of objective measures of neuropathy, and differing results among similar trials, which make it impossible to conclude that any of the neuroprotective agents tested prevent or limit the neurotoxicity of platinum drugs.

Incidence and prognostic impact of KRAS and BRAF mutation in patients undergoing liver surgery for colorectal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Molecular biomarkers offer the potential for refining prognostic determinants in patients undergoing cancer surgery. Among patients with colorectal cancer, KRAS and BRAF are important biomarkers, but their role in patients undergoing surgical therapy for liver metastases is unknown. In this study, the incidence and prognostic significance of KRAS and BRAF mutations were determined in patients undergoing surgical therapy of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: KRAS and BRAF analysis was performed on 202 patients undergoing surgery for CRLM between 2003 and 2008. Tumor samples were analyzed for somatic mutations using sequencing analysis (KRAS, codon12/13, BRAF, V600E). The frequency of mutations was ascertained, and their impact on outcome was determined relative to other clinicopathologic factors. RESULTS: KRAS gene mutations were detected in 58/202 patients (29%). In contrast, mutation in the BRAF gene was identified in very low frequency in this surgical cohort, found in only 4/202 (2%) patients. On multivariate analysis, KRAS mutation was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-3.26), as well as recurrence risk (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04-2.70). Although other clinicopathologic features, including tumor number, carcinoembryonic antigen, and primary stage were also associated with survival, KRAS status remained independently predictive of outcome. The low incidence of BRAF mutation limited assessment of its prognostic impact. CONCLUSION: Whereas KRAS mutations were found in approximately one third of patients, BFAF mutations were found in only 2% of patients undergoing surgery for CRLM. KRAS status was an independent predictor of overall and recurrence-free survival. Molecular biomarkers such as KRAS may help to refine our prognostic assessment of patients undergoing surgical therapy for CRLM.

Phase I pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of cetuximab, irinotecan and sorafenib in advanced colorectal cancer.

Background This phase Ib study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated doses (MTD) and dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) of irinotecan and cetuximab with sorafenib. Secondary objectives included characterizing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and evaluating preliminary antitumor activity in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Patients with metastatic, pretreated CRC were treated at five dose levels. Results Eighteen patients were recruited with median age 56.5 years. In the first five patients treated, 2 irinotecan related DLTs were observed. With reduced dose intensity irinotecan, there were no further DLTs. The most common toxicities were diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, anorexia and rash. DLTs included neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Two patients had partial responses (one with a KRAS mutation) and 8 had stable disease (8-36 weeks). The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 2.5 and 4.7 months respectively. Pharmacokinetic analyses suggest sorafenib and metabolite exposure correlate with OS and DLTs. Conclusions The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) is irinotecan 100 mg/m(2) i.v. days 1, 8; cetuximab 400 mg/m(2) i.v. days 1 and 250 mg/m(2) i.v. weekly; and sorafenib 400 mg orally twice daily in advanced, pretreated CRC. The combination resulted in a modest response rate.

Phase I dose-escalation study to examine the safety and tolerability of LY2603618, a checkpoint 1 kinase inhibitor, administered 1 day after pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) every 21 days in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: This phase I study aims at assessing the safety and tolerability of LY2603618, a selective inhibitor of Checkpoint Kinase 1, in combination with pemetrexed and determining the maximum tolerable dose and the pharmacokinetic parameters. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This was an open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study in patients with advanced solid tumors. Increasing doses of LY2603618 (40-195 mg/m(2)) were combined with 500 mg/m(2) of pemetrexed. LY2603618 was administered on Days 1 and 9 and pemetrexed on Day 8 in a 28-day cycle. For all subsequent 21-day cycles, pemetrexed was administered on Day 1 and LY2603618 on Day 2. Antitumor activity was evaluated as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.0. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were enrolled into six cohorts (three at 40 mg/m(2) over 4.5-hour infusion, 1-hour infusion in subsequent cohorts: three each at 40 mg/m(2), 70 mg/m(2), and 195 mg/m(2); 13 at 105 mg/m(2); six at 150 mg/m(2)). Four patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity: diarrhea (105 mg/m(2)); reversible infusion-related reaction (150 mg/m(2)); thrombocytopenia (195 mg/m(2)); and fatigue (195 mg/m(2)). The maximum tolerated dose was defined as 150 mg/m(2). The pharmacokinetic data demonstrated that the exposure of LY2603618 increased in a dose-dependent manner, displayed a suitable half-life for maintaining required human exposures while minimizing the intra- and inter-cycle accumulation, and was unaffected by the pemetrexed administration. The pharmacokinetic-defined biologically efficacious dose was achieved at doses ≥105 mg/m(2). CONCLUSION: LY2603618 administered approximately 24 h after pemetrexed showed acceptable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles.

Trainee-Led Quality Improvement Project to Improve Fertility Preservation Counseling for Patients With Cancer.

PURPOSE: Oncofertility counseling regarding the reproductive risks associated with cancer therapy is essential for quality cancer care. We aimed to increase the rate of oncofertility counseling for patients of reproductive age (18-40 years) with cancer who were initiating systemic therapy at the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center from a baseline rate of 37% (25 of 68, June 2019-January 2020) to 70% by February 2021. METHODS: We formed an interprofessional, multidisciplinary team as part of the ASCO Quality Training Program. We obtained data from the electronic medical record and verified data with patients by phone. We surveyed patients, oncologists, and fertility specialists to identify barriers. After considering a prioritization matrix, we implemented Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. RESULTS: We identified the following improvement opportunities: (1) oncologist self-reported lack of knowledge about counseling and local fertility preservation options and (2) lack of a standardized referral mechanism to fertility services. During the first PDSA cycle (February 2020-August 2020, disrupted by COVID-19), we introduced the initiative to increase oncofertility counseling at faculty meetings. From September 2020 to November 2020, we implemented a second PDSA cycle: (1) educating and presenting the initiative at Oncology Grand Rounds, (2) distributing informative pamphlets to oncologists and patients, and (3) implementing an electronic medical record order set. In the third PDSA cycle (December 2020-February 2021), we redesigned the order set to add information (eg, contact information for fertility coordinator) to the patient after-visit summary. Postimplementation (September 2020-February 2021), counseling rates increased from 37% to 81% (38 of 47). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate how a trainee-led, patient-centered initiative improved oncofertility care. Ongoing work focuses on ensuring sustainability and assessing the quality of counseling.

Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) enhancer region genotype-directed phase II trial of oral capecitabine for 2nd line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to characterize the 6-month overall survival and toxicity associated with second-line capecitabine treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer patients harboring the TYMS *2/*2 allele. The secondary aim was to analyze the response rate and pharmacokinetics of capecitabine-based therapy in this patient population. Lastly, TYMS, ATM and RecQ1 single nucleotide polymorphism were analyzed relative to overall survival in patients screened for study participation. METHODS: Eighty patients with stage IV pancreatic cancer were screened for the *2/*2 TYMS allele. Patients with the *2/*2 TYMS polymorphism were treated with capecitabine, 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily for 14 consecutive days of a 21 day cycle. Screened patients not possessing TYMS *2/*2 were monitored for survival. Pharmacokinetic analysis was done during Cycle 1 of the therapy. RESULTS: Sixteen of the 80 screened patients tested positive for *2/*2 TYMS variant. Four out of the 16 eligible patients were treated on study. The study was terminated early due to poor accrual and increased toxicity. Three patients experienced grade 3 non-hematologic toxicities of palmer-plantar erythrodysesthesia, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Grade 2 toxicities were similar and occurred in all patients. Only one patient was evaluable for response after completion of three cycles of therapy. The presence of the *2/*2 TYMS genotype in all of the screened patients trended toward a decreased overall survival. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this study represents the first genotype-directed clinical trial for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Although the study was closed early, it appears capecitabine therapy in pancreatic cancer patients harboring the TYMS *2/*2 variant may be associated with increased non-hematologic toxicity. This study also demonstrates the challenges performing a genotype-directed study in the second-line setting for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Interventions for preventing neuropathy caused by cisplatin and related compounds.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin and several related antineoplastic agents used to treat many types of solid tumors are neurotoxic, and most patients completing a full course of cisplatin chemotherapy develop a clinically detectable sensory neuropathy. Effective neuroprotective therapies have been sought. OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy of purported chemoprotective agents to prevent or limit the neurotoxicity of cisplatin and related agents. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (25 August 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 3, 2010 in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (January 1966 to August 2010), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2010), LILACS (January 1982 to August 2010), CINAHL (January 1982 to August 2010) for randomized trials designed to evaluate neuroprotective agents used to prevent or limit neurotoxicity of cisplatin and related agents among human patients. SELECTION CRITERIA: Quasi-randomized or randomized controlled trials whose participants received cisplatin (or related compounds) chemotherapy with or without a potential chemoprotectant (acetylcysteine, amifostine, ACTH, BNP7787, calcium and magnesium, diethyldithiocarbamate, glutathione, Org 2766, oxcarbazepine, or vitamin E) and were evaluated zero to six months after completing chemotherapy using quantitative sensory testing (primary) or other measures including nerve conduction studies or neurological impairment rating using validated scales (secondary). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We identified 16 randomized trials involving five possible chemoprotective agents in the initial 2006 review. Each study was reviewed by two authors who extracted the data and reached consensus. The 2010 update identified 11 additional randomized trials consisting of nine possible chemoprotective agents, including three treatments (acetylcysteine, calcium and magnesium, and oxcarbazepine) not among those described in the 2006 review. The included trials in the updated review involved eight unrelated treatments and included many disparate measures of neuropathy, resulting in insufficient data for any one measure to combine the results in most instances. MAIN RESULTS: One of four eligible amifostine trials (541 total participants in all four trials) used quantitative sensory testing and demonstrated a favorable outcome in terms of amifostine neuroprotection, but the vibration perception threshold result was based on data from only 14 participants receiving amifostine who completed the post-treatment evaluation and should be regarded with caution. Of the six eligible glutathione trials (354 participants), one used quantitative sensory testing but reported only qualitative analyses. Four eligible Org 2766 trials (311 participants) employed quantitative sensory testing reported disparate results; meta-analyses of three trials using comparable measures showed no significant vibration perception threshold neuroprotection. The remaining trial reported only descriptive analyses. The single eligible trials involving acetylcysteine (14 participants), diethyldithiocarbamate (195 participants), calcium and magnesium (33 participants), and oxcarbazepine (32 participants) and the two eligible trials involving vitamin E (57 participants) did not perform quantitative sensory testing. In all, data from 1,537 participants were included. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: At present, the data are insufficient to conclude that any of the purported chemoprotective agents (acetylcysteine, amifostine, calcium and magnesium, diethyldithiocarbamate, glutathione, Org 2766, oxycarbazepine, or Vitamin E) prevent or limit the neurotoxicity of platin drugs among human patients.

A phase 2 study of GVAX colon vaccine with cyclophosphamide and pembrolizumab in patients with mismatch repair proficient advanced colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Mismatch repair proficient (MMRp) colorectal cancer (CRC) has been refractory to single-agent programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) inhibitor therapy. Colon GVAX is an allogeneic, whole-cell, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor -secreting cellular immunotherapy that induces T-cell immunity against tumor-associated antigens and has previously been studied in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide (Cy) to inhibit regulatory T cells. METHODS: We conducted a single-arm study of GVAX/Cy in combination with the PD1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in patients with advanced MMRp CRC. Patients received pembrolizumab plus Cy on day 1, GVAX on day 2, of a 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1. Secondary objectives included safety, overall survival, progression-free survival, changes in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, and immune-related correlates. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were enrolled. There were no objective responses, and the disease control rate was 18% by RECIST 1.1. The median progression-free survival was 82 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 48-97 days) and the median overall survival was 213 days (95% CI 179-441 days). Biochemical responses (≥30% decline in CEA) were observed in 7/17 (41%) of patients. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in two patients (hemolytic anemia and corneal transplant rejection). Paired pre- and on-treatment biopsy specimens showed increases in programmed death-ligand 1 expression and tumor necrosis in a subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: GVAX/Cy plus pembrolizumab failed to meet its primary objective in MMRp CRC. Biochemical responses were observed in a subset of patients and have not previously been observed with pembrolizumab monotherapy in MMRp CRC, indicating that GVAX may modulate the antitumor immune response.

An International Phase 2 Study of Pazopanib in Progressive and Metastatic Thyroglobulin Antibody Negative Radioactive Iodine Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Introduction: Multikinase inhibitors have clinical activity in radioactive iodine refractory (RAIR) differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) but are not curative; optimal management and salvage therapies remain unclear. This study assessed clinical effects of pazopanib therapy in RAIR-DTC patients with progressive disease, examining in parallel biomarker that might forecast/precede therapeutic response. Methods: Assessment of responses and toxicities and of any association between thyroglobulin (Tg) changes cycle 1 and RECIST (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors) response to pazopanib therapy were prospectively undertaken in Tg antibody negative RAIR-DTC patients. RECIST progressive metastatic disease <6 months preceding enrollment was required. With a sample size of 68 (assuming 23 attaining partial response [PR]), there would be 90% chance of detecting a difference of >30% when the proportion of patients attaining PR whose Tg values decrease by >50% is >50% cycle 1 (one-sided α = 0.10, two sample test of proportions). Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) change or mutational status or pretreatment were also explored as early correlates of eventual RECIST response. Results: From 2009 to 2011, 60 individuals were treated and evaluated; (one additional patient withdrew; another was found ineligible before therapy initiation); 91.7% had previous systemic therapy beyond RAI. Adverse events included one death (thromboembolic) deemed possibly pazopanib associated. Twenty-two confirmed RECIST PRs resulted (36.7%, confidence interval; CI [24.6-50.1]); mean administered 4-week cycles was 10. Among 44 fully accessible patients, the Tg nadir was greater among the 20 attaining PR (median: -86.8%; interquartile range [IQR]: -90.7% to -70.9%) compared with the 28 who did not (median: -69.0%; IQR: -78.1% to -27.7%, Wilcoxon rank-sum test: p = 0.002). However, the difference in the proportion of PRs among those whose Tg fell ≥50% after cycle 1 versus those that did not were not significantly correlated (-23.5% [CI: -55.3 to 8.3]; Fisher's exact test p-value = 0.27). RECIST response was also not correlated with/predicted by early MCV change, receipt of prior therapy, or tumor mutational status. Conclusions: This trial prospectively confirmed pazopanib to have clinical activity and manageable toxicities in patients with progressive RAIR-DTC. Response to pazopanib, however, was not robustly forecast by early associated changes in Tg or MCV, by prior therapy, or by tumor mutational status. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00625846.

Immune-Related Adverse Events Requiring Hospitalization: Spectrum of Toxicity, Treatment, and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The proportion of patients who are hospitalized for irAEs and their spectrum, management, and outcomes are not well described. METHODS: We report the proportion of hospitalized patients in an academic center who were treated with ICIs from May to December 2017. Patient characteristics, toxicities, management, and outcomes for confirmed irAE admissions are reported. Associations between patient features and irAE hospitalizations are examined. RESULTS: Twenty-three percent (n = 100) of 443 patients who were admitted to an academic oncology center over 6 months had ever received ICIs. Of these patients, 41% were admitted for suspected irAEs and 23% were confirmed irAEs. IrAEs accounted for 5% of all oncology hospitalizations (n = 23). Ninety-one percent of patients with confirmed irAEs prompted a medicine subspecialist consultation, most commonly gastroenterology (22%). Fifteen patients (65%) had their irAEs improve/resolve, seven (30%) had worsening irAEs, and three (13%) died of their irAEs. The majority of patients (n = 20; 87%) discontinued ICIs after discharge. Among ICI-treated patients who required admission, an increased likelihood of irAE-related hospitalization was associated with patient age older than 65 years (odds ratio, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.6 to 17.8) and receipt of combination immunotherapy (OR, 6.8; 95% CI, 2.0 to 23.2). CONCLUSION: A notable proportion of ICI-treated patients are hospitalized for irAEs, and these patients have a high demand for multidisciplinary management. Older age and combination ICI treatment were associated with an increased risk of irAE-related hospitalization. Whereas these data are from an academic center and include patients in clinical trials, with expanding use of ICIs, these data have important implications for inpatient service planning and risk stratification.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of UCN-01 in combination with irinotecan in patients with solid tumors.

PURPOSE: 7-Hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) is a protein kinase inhibitor that inhibits several serine-threonine kinases including PKC and PDK1. Due to the preclinical synergistic effects seen with topoisomerase I inhibitors and non-overlapping toxicity, UCN-01 and irinotecan were combined in a dose-finding study designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity profile, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of UCN-01 and irinotecan. METHODS: Patients with incurable solid malignancies received UCN-01 intravenously (IV) as a 3-h infusion on day 1 and irinotecan IV over 90 min on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Doses of UCN-01 for subsequent cycles were half the starting dose. Dose level 1 (DL1) consisted of UCN-01 and irinotecan doses of 50 and 60 mg/m(2), respectively. Blood samples were collected in cycle 1 for UCN-01, irinotecan, and irinotecan metabolites. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were enrolled on the trial at UCN-01/Irinotecan doses of 50/60 mg/m(2) (DL1; n = 1), 70/60 mg/m(2) (DL2; n = 6), 90/60 mg/m(2) (DL3; n = 4), and 70/90 mg/m(2) (DL4; n = 5). Two dose-limiting toxicities were observed each in DL3 and DL4 (2 grade 3 hypophosphatemia, 1 grade 4 hyperglycemia and grade 3 hypophosphatemia, 1 grade 4 febrile neutropenia). Fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and anorexia were the most prevalent toxicities. No objective responses were documented, and four patients had stable disease for at least ten cycles. The long half-life (292.0 +/- 135.7 h), low clearance (0.045 +/- 0.038 l/h), and volume of distribution (14.3 +/- 5.9 l) observed for UCN-01 are consistent with prior UCN-01 data. There was a significant decrease in C(max) of APC, AUC of APC and SN-38, and AUC ratio of SN-38:irinotecan when comparing days 1 and 8 PK. CONCLUSIONS: APC and SN-38 exposure decreased when administered in combination with UCN-01. The MTD of the combination based on protocol criteria was defined as 70 mg/m(2) of UCN-01 on day 1 and 60 mg/m(2) of irinotecan on days 1 and 8 in a 21-day cycle.

Phase I study of continuous weekly dosing of dimethylamino benzoylphenylurea (BPU) in patients with solid tumours.

A phase I study of dimethylamino benzoylphenylurea (BPU), a tubulin inhibitor, was performed using a weekly continuous schedule. Patients with refractory solid tumours received oral BPU once weekly without interruption at doses ranging from 5 to 320mg using an accelerated titration design. Nineteen subjects received 54 cycles of BPU. Early pharmacokinetic findings of decreased clearance with increasing dose and plasma accumulation led to the expansion of the 320mg dose level. Two subjects then developed late haematologic dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) that were associated with the highest plasma exposure to BPU and metabolites. Study enrollment resumed at dose 150mg with real-time pharmacokinetic monitoring. Seven additional subjects (6 evaluable) were treated for a median of 2 cycles (range 1.5-4) without further myelotoxicity. A long half-life and accumulation of BPU and active metabolites were observed, recommending against a continuous administration. Weekly oral BPU therapy should be further tested using an interrupted schedule.

Adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation for adenocarcinoma of the distal common bile duct.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of adjuvant chemoradiation for adenocarcinoma of the distal common bile duct (DCBD) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) on local control and survival. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 34 cases of adenocarcinoma of the DCBD were treated with PD and adjuvant chemoradiation at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1994 and 2003. Median radiation dose was 5,040 cGy (range, 4,000-5,400 cGy). Concurrent 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy was given with radiation therapy, followed by maintenance chemotherapy. RESULTS: The median follow-up of patients alive at the time of analysis was 41 months. Death occurred in 21 of 34 patients (62%) during the follow-up period, all from progressive, distant metastatic disease. Median overall survival was 36.9 months, with a 5-year survival of 35%. On multivariate analysis, only nodal status significantly predicted survival (p < 0.02). For patients with negative and positive lymph nodes, 5-year survival was 100% and 24%, respectively. Actuarial 5-year local control was 70%. Compared with historical controls who underwent PD alone, patients who underwent surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation had significantly longer survival (36.9 months vs. 22 months; p < 0.05). Overall survival was significantly longer for both lymph node negative and lymph node positive patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemoradiation after PD for adenocarcinoma of the DCBD may improve local control and overall survival. The predominant mode of failure is distant metastatic disease, highlighting the need for improved systemic therapy.

Adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation for node-positive adenocarcinoma of the duodenum.

HYPOTHESIS: Adjuvant chemoradiation improves local control and survival in patients with node-positive duodenal adenocarcinoma treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective review of outcomes, with a planned comparison with historical controls. SETTING: A single, high-volume academic referral center. PATIENTS: All patients with periampullary carcinoma treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1994 and 2003. Fourteen cases of node-positive duodenal adenocarcinoma were identified. Median radiation dose was 5000 cGy (range, 4000-5760 cGy). Concurrent fluorouracil-based chemotherapy was given with radiation therapy, followed by maintenance chemotherapy. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 12 months for patients who died and 42 months for those who lived. Death occurred in 7 of 14 patients (50%) during the follow-up period. Median survival for all patients was 41 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 44%. Of the 7 patients who experienced disease recurrence, 6 experienced distant metastasis as first recurrence. One of these 7 patients experienced both local recurrence and distant metastasis. Local control for all patients in the study was 93%, which compares favorably with local control reported in a series of patients treated with surgery alone (67%). Compared with historical controls treated with surgery alone, patients who received adjuvant chemoradiation therapy had an improved median survival (21 months vs 41 months, respectively). Overall 5-year survival, however, was not improved (44% vs 43%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy after pancreaticoduodenectomy for node-positive duodenal adenocarcinoma may improve local control and median survival but does not impact 5-year overall survival.

Validation and implementation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay to quantitate ON 01910.Na, a mitotic progression modulator, in human plasma.

A reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the quantitation of ON 01910.Na, a novel synthetic benzyl styryl sulfone, in human plasma. The assay involved a simple sample preparation with acetonitrile protein precipitation. ON 01910.Na and the internal standard temazepam were separated on a Waters X-Terra MS C(18) column with mobile phase of acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid /10mM ammonium acetate (55:45, v/v) using isocratic flow at 0.2 mL/min for 5 min. The analytes were monitored by tandem-mass spectrometry with electrospray positive ionization. Two calibration curves were generated over the range of 10-2000 ng/mL and 100-20000 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 10 ng/mL for ON 01910.Na in human plasma. The accuracy and within- and between-day precisions were within the acceptance criteria for bioanalytical assays. ON 01910.Na was found stable in plasma at -70 degrees C for at least 1 year. The method was successfully applied to characterize the plasma concentration-time profiles of ON 01910.Na in the cancer patients in the Phase I study.

Phase I trial of bortezomib in combination with docetaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors.

PURPOSE: Bortezomib (PS-341), a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, is metabolized by deboronation involving cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A), which also metabolizes docetaxel. Preclinical studies have shown synergy between bortezomib and taxanes. We conducted a phase I study combining bortezomib and docetaxel in refractory solid tumor patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients received escalating doses of weekly docetaxel (days 1 and 8) and twice weekly bortezomib (days 2, 5, 9, and 12) in 3-week cycles. Two subjects were enrolled at each dose level, with cohort expansion to six for dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Dose levels 1, 2, and 3 consisted of docetaxel/bortezomib 25/0.8, 25/1.0, and 30/1.0 mg/m(2), respectively. CYP3A activity and docetaxel pharmacokinetic studies were conducted, and proteasome inhibition was assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients received a total of 34 cycles of treatment. Dose level 2 was expanded for DLT that occurred in two of six patients consisting of febrile neutropenia in one patient and grade 3 thrombocytopenia in one patient. One patient received two cycles at dose level 3 with dose reduction to dose level 2, where grade 3 thrombocytopenia occurred at cycle 3. Both episodes of grade 3 thrombocytopenia were transient (<7 days). Dose level 1 was then expanded to six patients where no DLTs occurred. CYP3A activity and docetaxel clearance did not change between weeks 1 and 5. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum tolerated dose was docetaxel 25 mg/m(2) (days 1 and 8) with bortezomib 0.8 mg/m(2) (days 2, 5, 9, and 12) given every 21 days. Bortezomib treatment did not alter CYP3A activity and docetaxel clearance.

Olaparib in combination with irinotecan, cisplatin, and mitomycin C in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Olaparib is an oral inhibitor of polyadenosine 5'-diphosphoribose polymerization (PARP) that has previously shown signs of activity in patients with BRCA mutations and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase 1 dose-escalation trial in patients with unresectable PDAC, we determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of olaparib (tablet formulation) in combination with irinotecan 70 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 28-day cycle (olaparib plus IC). We then studied the safety and tolerability of adding mitomycin C 5 mg/m2 on day 1 to this regimen (olaparib plus ICM). RESULTS: 18 patients with unresectable PDAC were enrolled. The MTD of olaparib plus IC was olaparib 100 mg twice-daily on days 1 and 8. The addition of mitomycin C to this dose level was not tolerated. Grade ≥3 drug-related adverse events (AEs) were encountered in 16 patients (89%). The most common grade ≥3 drug-related toxicities included neutropenia (89%), lymphopenia (72%), and anemia (22%). Two patients (11%), both of whom had remained on study for more than 12 cycles, developed drug-related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The objective response rate (ORR) for all evaluable patients was 23%. One patient who carried a deleterious germline BRCA2 mutation had a durable clinical response lasting more than four years, but died from complications of treatment-related MDS. CONCLUSIONS: Olaparib had substantial toxicity when combined with IC or ICM in patients with PDAC, and this treatment combination did not have an acceptable risk/benefit profile for further study. However, durable clinical responses were observed in a subset of patients and further clinical investigation of PARP inhibitors in PDAC is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT01296763.