Avelumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: a phase 1b JAVELIN Solid Tumor study.

PURPOSE: Agents targeting programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1) have shown antitumor activity in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The aim of this study was to assess the activity of avelumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, in patients with MBC. METHODS: In a phase 1 trial (JAVELIN Solid Tumor; NCT01772004), patients with MBC refractory to or progressing after standard-of-care therapy received avelumab intravenously 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Tumors were assessed every 6 weeks by RECIST v1.1. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by NCI-CTCAE v4.0. Membrane PD-L1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (Dako PD-L1 IHC 73-10 pharmDx). RESULTS: A total of 168 patients with MBC, including 58 patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), were treated with avelumab for 2-50 weeks and followed for 6-15 months. Patients were heavily pretreated with a median of three prior therapies for metastatic or locally advanced disease. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related AEs occurred in 13.7% of patients, including two treatment-related deaths. The confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 3.0% overall (one complete response and four partial responses) and 5.2% in patients with TNBC. A trend toward a higher ORR was seen in patients with PD-L1+ versus PD-L1- tumor-associated immune cells in the overall population (16.7% vs. 1.6%) and in the TNBC subgroup (22.2% vs. 2.6%). CONCLUSION: Avelumab showed an acceptable safety profile and clinical activity in a subset of patients with MBC. PD-L1 expression in tumor-associated immune cells may be associated with a higher probability of clinical response to avelumab in MBC.

Avelumab in patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma: a multicentre, single-group, open-label, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease. Current standard care uses various cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, but responses are seldom durable. Tumour oncogenesis is linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus integration and ultraviolet-radiation-induced mutations, providing rationale for treatment with immunotherapy antibodies that target the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway. We assessed treatment with avelumab, an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, in patients with stage IV Merkel cell carcinoma that had progressed after cytotoxic chemotherapy. METHODS: In this multicentre, international, prospective, single-group, open-label, phase 2 trial, patients with stage IV chemotherapy-refractory, histologically confirmed Merkel cell carcinoma (aged ≥18 years) were enrolled from 35 cancer treatment centres and academic hospitals in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Key eligibility criteria were an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1, measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1, adequate haematological, hepatic, and renal function, and immune-competent status (patients with HIV, immunosuppression, haematological malignancies, and previous organ transplantation were excluded). Patient selection was not based on PD-L1 expression or Merkel cell polyomavirus status. Collection of biopsy material or use of archival tissue for these assessments was mandatory. Avelumab was given intravenously at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response (complete response or partial response) assessed according to RECIST version 1.1 by an independent review committee. Safety and clinical activity were assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug (the modified intention-to-treat population). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02155647. FINDINGS: Between July 25, 2014, and Sept 3, 2015, 88 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of avelumab. Patients were followed up for a median of 10·4 months (IQR 8·6-13·1). The proportion of patients who achieved an objective response was 28 (31·8% [95·9% CI 21·9-43·1]) of 88 patients, including eight complete responses and 20 partial responses. Responses were ongoing in 23 (82%) of 28 patients at the time of analysis. Five grade 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in four (5%) patients: lymphopenia in two patients, blood creatine phosphokinase increase in one patient, aminotransferase increase in one patient, and blood cholesterol increase in one patient; there were no treatment-related grade 4 adverse events or treatment-related deaths. Serious treatment-related adverse events were reported in five patients (6%): enterocolitis, infusion-related reaction, aminotransferases increased, chondrocalcinosis, synovitis, and interstitial nephritis (n=1 each). INTERPRETATION: Avelumab was associated with durable responses, most of which are still ongoing, and was well tolerated; hence, avelumab represents a new therapeutic option for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. FUNDING: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Avelumab Versus Platinum-Based Doublet Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Patients With High-Expression Programmed Death-Ligand 1-Positive Metastatic NSCLC: Primary Analysis From the Phase 3 JAVELIN Lung 100 Trial.

INTRODUCTION: We report the primary analysis from JAVELIN Lung 100, a phase 3 trial comparing avelumab (anti⁠-programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1]) versus platinum-based doublet chemotherapy as first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive (+) advanced NSCLC. METHODS: Adults with PD-L1+ (≥1% of tumor cells; PD-L1 immunohistochemistry 73-10 pharmDx), EGFR and ALK wild-type, previously untreated, stage IV NSCLC were randomized to avelumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W), avelumab 10 mg/kg once weekly (QW) for 12 weeks and Q2W thereafter, or platinum-based doublet chemotherapy every 3 weeks. Primary end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) per independent review committee. The primary analysis population was patients with high-expression PD-L1+ tumors (≥80% of tumor cells). RESULTS: A total of 1214 patients were randomized to avelumab Q2W (n = 366), avelumab QW (n = 322), or chemotherapy (n = 526). In the primary analysis population, hazard ratios (HRs) for OS and PFS with avelumab Q2W (n = 151) versus chemotherapy (n = 216) were 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-1.09; one-sided p = 0.1032; median OS, 20.1 versus 14.9 mo) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54-0.93; one-sided p = 0.0070; median PFS, 8.4 versus 5.6 mo), respectively. With avelumab QW (n = 130) versus chemotherapy (n = 129), HRs were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.59-1.07; one-sided p = 0.0630; median OS, 19.3 versus 15.3 mo) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.52-0.98; one-sided p = 0.0196; median PFS, 7.5 versus 5.6 mo), respectively. No new safety signals were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Longer median OS and PFS were observed with avelumab versus platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC, but differences in OS and PFS were not statistically significant, and the trial did not meet its primary objective. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT02576574.

EGFR expression as a predictor of survival for first-line chemotherapy plus cetuximab in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: analysis of data from the phase 3 FLEX study.

BACKGROUND: Findings from the phase 3 First-Line ErbituX in lung cancer (FLEX) study showed that the addition of cetuximab to first-line chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio [HR] 0·871, 95% CI 0·762-0·996; p=0·044) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To define patients benefiting most from cetuximab, we studied the association of tumour EGFR expression level with clinical outcome in FLEX study patients. METHODS: We used prospectively collected tumour EGFR expression data to generate an immunohistochemistry score for FLEX study patients on a continuous scale of 0-300. We used response data to select an outcome-based discriminatory threshold immunohistochemistry score for EGFR expression of 200. Treatment outcome was analysed in patients with low (immunohistochemistry score <200) and high (≥200) tumour EGFR expression. The primary endpoint in the FLEX study was overall survival. We analysed patients from the FLEX intention-to-treat (ITT) population. The FLEX study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00148798. FINDINGS: Tumour EGFR immunohistochemistry data were available for 1121 of 1125 (99·6%) patients from the FLEX study ITT population. High EGFR expression was scored for 345 (31%) evaluable patients and low for 776 (69%) patients. For patients in the high EGFR expression group, overall survival was longer in the chemotherapy plus cetuximab group than in the chemotherapy alone group (median 12·0 months [95% CI 10·2-15·2] vs 9·6 months [7·6-10·6]; HR 0·73, 0·58-0·93; p=0·011), with no meaningful increase in side-effects. We recorded no corresponding survival benefit for patients in the low EGFR expression group (median 9·8 months [8·9-12·2] vs 10·3 months [9·2-11·5]; HR 0·99, 0·84-1·16; p=0·88). A treatment interaction test assessing the difference in the HRs for overall survival between the EGFR expression groups suggested a predictive value for EGFR expression (p=0·044). INTERPRETATION: High EGFR expression is a tumour biomarker that can predict survival benefit from the addition of cetuximab to first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Assessment of EGFR expression could offer a personalised treatment approach in this setting. FUNDING: Merck KGaA.

Pharmacometric modeling and machine learning analyses of prognostic and predictive factors in the JAVELIN Gastric 100 phase III trial of avelumab.

Avelumab (anti-PD-L1) is an approved anticancer treatment for several indications. The JAVELIN Gastric 100 phase III trial did not meet its primary objective of demonstrating superior overall survival (OS) with avelumab maintenance versus continued chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction cancer; however, the OS rate was numerically higher with avelumab at timepoints after 12 months. Machine learning (random forests, SIDEScreen, and variable-importance assessments) was used to build models to identify prognostic/predictive factors associated with long-term OS and tumor growth dynamics (TGDs). Baseline, re-baseline, and longitudinal variables were evaluated as covariates in a parametric time-to-event model for OS and Gompertzian population model for TGD. The final OS model incorporated a treatment effect on the log-logistic shape parameter but did not identify a treatment effect on OS or TGD. Variables identified as prognostic for longer OS included older age; higher gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) or albumin; absence of peritoneal carcinomatosis; lower neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, or C-reactive protein (CRP); response to induction chemotherapy; and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0. Among baseline and time-varying covariates, the largest effects were found for GGT and CRP, respectively. Liver metastasis at re-baseline predicted higher tumor growth. Tumor size after induction chemotherapy was associated with number of metastatic sites and stable disease (vs. response). Asian region did not impact OS or TGD. Overall, an innovative workflow supporting pharmacometric modeling of OS and TGD was established. Consistent with the primary trial analysis, no treatment effect was identified. However, potential prognostic factors were identified.

Localization- and mutation-dependent microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), with a cluster of co-expressed miRNAs located at 14q32.31.

The molecular biology and clinical behaviour of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are associated with their anatomical localization (stomach or intestine), and also with the mutation status of the receptor tyrosine kinases KIT and PDGFRA. Twelve GISTs were evaluated for differential miRNA expression signatures by use of microarrays representing 734 human miRNAs. Thirty-two miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed according to localization and mutation status. Differential expression was further analysed and confirmed for four miRNAs (miR-132, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-504) by qRT-PCR in 49 additional GISTs. Differentially expressed miRNAs were functionally mapped to KIT/PDGFRA signalling and G1/S-phase transition of the cell cycle, revealing 22 predicted miRNA/mRNA interactions for ten gene targets from KIT/PDGFRA signalling, and 12 interactions for 12 gene targets of G1/S-phase transition. Moreover, the expression of 44 miRNAs clustered in a genetically imprinted region at 14q32.31 was found to be strongly correlated in the microarray analysis. This was confirmed for two selected miRNAs (miR-134 and miR-370) from the 14q32.31 cluster by qRT-PCR in 49 additional GISTs, and the expression of these two miRNAs was significantly lower in GISTs with 14q loss, and also in GISTs with tumour progress. miRNA profiling may prove to be a key determinant of the biology and clinical features of GISTs.

Expression of p16INK4A in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs): two different forms exist that independently correlate with poor prognosis.

AIMS: To determine the prognostic impact of p16INK4A expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), which is currently being questioned, with both loss and overexpression said to be correlated with poor prognosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two different forms of p16INK4A were identified, presenting with predominantly nuclear and cytoplasmic expression pattern, respectively. The immunohistochemical expression of the two forms and their correlation with E2F1 and prognosis were analysed in a series of 120 GISTs with clinical follow-up. Low nuclear p16INK4A expression correlated with E2F1 up-regulation, higher mitotic counts, and tumour progression. The prognostic value of nuclear p16INK4A expression was only marginally significant (P=0.05). Strong expression of the cytoplasmic p16INK4A form was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival (P=2x10(-5)). The prognostic impact of strong expression of the cytoplasmic p16INK4A form was independent of anatomical localization, tumour size and mitotic counts, and significant even among the cohort of tumours with high malignant potential. CONCLUSIONS: Low expression of the nuclear p16INK4A form and strong expression of the cytoplasmic p16INK4A form both represent two independent parameters each associated with tumour progression in GISTs. Low nuclear p16INK4A expression enables E2F1 up-regulation and consecutive accelerated cell proliferation. In contrast, strong cytoplasmic p16INK4A expression probably reflects a negative feedback loop as a result of (as yet unknown) oncogenic events.

Avelumab in patients with previously treated metastatic melanoma: phase 1b results from the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial.

BACKGROUND: We report phase 1b data from patients enrolled in the JAVELIN Solid Tumor clinical trial (NCT01772004) with unresectable stage IIIC or IV melanoma that had progressed after ≥1 line of therapy for metastatic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients received avelumab (10 mg/kg)-a human anti-PD-L1 antibody. Assessments included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS: As of December 31, 2016, 51 patients were treated and followed for a median of 24.2 months (range, 16.1-31.5). Most patients had cutaneous (n = 28 [54.9%]) or ocular (n = 16 [31.4%]) melanoma and had received a median of 2 prior lines of therapy (range, 0-4), including ipilimumab (n = 26 [51.0%]). The confirmed ORR was 21.6% (95% CI, 11.3-35.3; complete response, 7.8%; partial response, 13.7%). The median duration of response was not estimable (95% CI, 2.6 months-not estimable). Median PFS and OS were 3.1 months (95% CI, 1.4-6.3) and 17.2 months (95% CI, 6.6-not estimable), respectively. Subgroup analyses suggested meaningful clinical activity (ORR [95% CI]) in patients with non-ocular melanoma (31.4% [16.9-49.3]), PD-L1-positive tumors (42.1% [20.3-66.5]), or prior ipilimumab therapy (30.8% [14.3-51.8]). Thirty-nine patients (76.5%) had a treatment-related adverse event (TRAE), most commonly infusion-related reaction (29.4%), fatigue (17.6%), and chills (11.8%); 4 patients (7.8%) had a grade 3 TRAE. Five patients (9.8%) had an immune-related TRAE (all were grade 1/2). No grade 4 TRAEs or treatment-related deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: Avelumab showed durable responses, promising survival outcomes, and an acceptable safety profile in patients with previously treated metastatic melanoma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01772004 .

Efficacy and Safety of Avelumab for Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Ovarian Cancer: Phase 1b Results From the JAVELIN Solid Tumor Trial.

Importance: Current treatment options for progressive ovarian cancer provide limited benefit, particularly in patients whose disease has become resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of avelumab, an anti-programmed death-ligand 1 agent, in a cohort of patients with previously treated recurrent or refractory ovarian cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: In an expansion cohort of a phase 1b, open-label study (JAVELIN Solid Tumor), 125 patients with advanced ovarian cancer who had received chemotherapy including a platinum agent were enrolled between November 6, 2013, and August 27, 2015. Statistical analysis was performed from December 31, 2016, to October 9, 2018. Intervention: Patients received avelumab, 10 mg/kg, every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxic effects, or withdrawal from the study. Main Outcomes and Measures: Prespecified end points in this cohort included confirmed best overall response (per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors, version 1.1), immune-related best overall response, duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, results of programmed death-ligand 1 expression-based analyses, and safety. Results: A total of 125 women (median age, 62.0 years [range, 27-84 years]) who had received a median of 3 prior lines of treatment (range, 0-10) for advanced disease were enrolled in the study. Patients received avelumab for a median of 2.8 months (range, 0.5-27.4 months), with a median follow-up of 26.6 months (range, 16-38 months). A confirmed objective response occurred in 12 patients (9.6%; 95% CI, 5.1%-16.2%), including a complete response in 1 patient (0.8%) and a partial response in 11 patients (8.8%). The 1-year progression-free survival rate was 10.2% (95% CI, 5.4%-16.7%) and median overall survival was 11.2 months (95% CI, 8.7-15.4 months). Infusion-related reactions occurred in 25 patients (20.0%). Other frequent treatment-related adverse events (any grade event occurring in ≥10% of patients) were fatigue (17 [13.6%]), diarrhea (15 [12.0%]), and nausea (14 [11.2%]). Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events occurred in 9 patients (7.2%), of which only the level of lipase increased (3 [2.4%]) occurred in more than 1 patient. Twenty-one patients (16.8%) had an immune-related adverse event of any grade. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions and Relevance: Avelumab demonstrated antitumor activity and acceptable safety in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent or refractory ovarian cancer. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01772004.

Efficacy and Safety of Avelumab Treatment in Patients With Advanced Unresectable Mesothelioma: Phase 1b Results From the JAVELIN Solid Tumor Trial.

Importance: Patients with malignant mesothelioma whose disease has progressed after platinum and pemetrexed treatment have limited options. Anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibodies have antitumor activity in this disease, but little is known about the activity of anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies in patients with mesothelioma. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of avelumab in a cohort of patients with previously treated mesothelioma. Design, Setting, and Participants: Phase 1b open-label study (JAVELIN Solid Tumor) in patients with unresectable mesothelioma that progressed after platinum and pemetrexed treatment, enrolled at 25 sites in 3 countries between September 9, 2014, and July 22, 2015. Interventions: Participants received avelumab, 10 mg/kg, every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxic effects, or withdrawal from the study. Main Outcomes and Measures: Prespecified end points included confirmed best overall response based on Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors, version 1.1; duration of response; progression-free survival (PFS); overall survival (OS); PD-L1 expression-based analyses; and safety. Results: Of 53 patients treated with avelumab, the median age was 67 (range, 32-84) years; 32 (60%) were male. As of December 31, 2016, median follow-up was 24.8 (range, 16.8-27.8) months. Twenty patients (38%) had 3 or more previous lines of therapy (median, 2; range, 1-8). The confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 9% (5 patients; 95% CI, 3.1%-20.7%), with complete response in 1 patient and partial response in 4 patients. Responses were durable (median, 15.2 months; 95% CI, 11.1 to not estimable months) and occurred in patients with PD-L1-positive tumors (3 of 16; ORR, 19%; 95% CI, 4.0%-45.6%) and PD-L1-negative tumors (2 of 27; ORR, 7%; 95% CI, 0.9%-24.3%) based on a 5% or greater PD-L1 cutoff. Disease control rate was 58% (31 patients). Median PFS was 4.1 (95% CI, 1.4-6.2) months, and the 12-month PFS rate was 17.4% (95% CI, 7.7%-30.4%). Median OS was 10.7 (95% CI, 6.4-20.2) months, and the median 12-month OS rate was 43.8% (95% CI, 29.8%-57.0%). Five patients (9%) had a grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse event, and 3 (6%) had a grade 3 or 4 immune-related, treatment-related adverse event. There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions and Relevance: Avelumab showed durable antitumor activity and disease control with an acceptable safety profile in a heavily pretreated cohort of patients with mesothelioma. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01772004.

Avelumab in patients with previously treated metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma: phase 1b results from the JAVELIN solid tumor trial.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the efficacy and safety of avelumab, an anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody, in patients with previously treated metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (mACC). METHODS: In this phase 1b expansion cohort, patients with mACC and prior platinum-based therapy received avelumab at 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. Continuation of mitotane was permitted; however, mitotane levels during the study were not recorded. Tumor response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors v1.1. RESULTS: Fifty patients received avelumab and were followed for a median of 16.5 months. Prior treatment included ≥2 lines in 74.0%; mitotane was continued in 50.0%. The objective response rate (ORR) was 6.0% (95% CI, 1.3% to 16.5%; partial response in 3 patients). Twenty-one patients (42.0%) had stable disease as best response (disease control rate, 48.0%). Median progression-free survival was 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.0), median overall survival (OS) was 10.6 months (95% CI, 7.4 to 15.0), and the 1-year OS rate was 43.4% (95% CI, 27.9% to 57.9%). In evaluable patients with PD-L1+ (n = 12) or PD-L1- (n = 30) tumors (≥5% tumor cell cutoff), ORR was 16.7% vs 3.3% (P = .192). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 82.0%; the most common were nausea (20.0%), fatigue (18.0%), hypothyroidism (14.0%), and pyrexia (14.0%). Grade 3 TRAEs occurred in 16.0%; no grade 4 to 5 TRAEs occurred. Twelve patients (24.0%) had an immune-related TRAE of any grade, which were grade 3 in 2 patients (4.0%): adrenal insufficiency (n = 1), and pneumonitis (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Avelumab showed clinical activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with platinum-treated mACC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01772004 ; registered January 21, 2013.

Updated efficacy of avelumab in patients with previously treated metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma after ≥1 year of follow-up: JAVELIN Merkel 200, a phase 2 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with distant metastatic disease (mMCC). In an initial analysis from JAVELIN Merkel 200, a phase 2, prospective, open-label, single-arm trial in mMCC, avelumab-a human anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibody-showed promising efficacy and a safety profile that was generally manageable and tolerable. Here, we report the efficacy of avelumab after ≥1 year of follow-up in patients with distant mMCC that had progressed following prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients received avelumab 10 mg/kg by 1-h intravenous infusion every 2 weeks until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. The primary endpoint was best overall response. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Patients (N = 88) were followed for a minimum of 12 months. The confirmed objective response rate was 33.0% (95% CI, 23.3%-43.8%; complete response: 11.4%). An estimated 74% of responses lasted ≥1 year, and 72.4% of responses were ongoing at data cutoff. Responses were durable, with the median DOR not yet reached (95% CI, 18.0 months-not estimable), and PFS was prolonged; 1-year PFS and OS rates were 30% (95% CI, 21%-41%) and 52% (95% CI, 41%-62%), respectively. Median OS was 12.9 months (95% CI, 7.5-not estimable). Subgroup analyses suggested a higher probability of response in patients receiving fewer prior lines of systemic therapy, with a lower baseline disease burden, and with PD-L1-positive tumors; however, durable responses occurred irrespective of baseline factors, including tumor Merkel cell polyomavirus status. CONCLUSIONS: With longer follow-up, avelumab continues to show durable responses and promising survival outcomes in patients with distant mMCC whose disease had progressed after chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02155647.

Gene expression in kidney cancer is associated with cytogenetic abnormalities, metastasis formation, and patient survival.

Current diagnosis of renal cancer consists of histopathologic examination of tissue sections and classification into tumor stages and grades of malignancy. Until recently, molecular differences between tumor types were largely unknown. To examine such differences, we did gene expression measurements of 112 renal cell carcinoma and normal kidney samples on renal cell carcinoma-specific cDNA microarrays containing 4,207 genes and expressed sequence tags. The gene expression patterns showed deregulation of complete biological pathways in the tumors. Many of the molecular changes corresponded well to the histopathologic tumor types, and a set of 80 genes was sufficient to classify tumors with a very low error rate. Distinct gene expression signatures were associated with chromosomal abnormalities of tumor cells, metastasis formation, and patient survival. The data highlight the benefit of microarrays to detect novel tumor classes and to identify genes that are associated with patient variables and tumor properties.

Prognostic role of E2F1 and members of the CDKN2A network in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to examine the prognostic relevance of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor pathway in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We determined the mRNA expression of p1(INK4A), p14(ARF), CDK4, RB1, MDM2, TP53, and E2F1 by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in 38 cases of GISTs and correlated the findings with clinicopathologic factors, including mutation analysis of KIT and PDGFRA. RESULTS: The k-means cluster analysis yielded three prognostic subgroups of GISTs with distinct mRNA expression patterns of the CDKN2A pathway. GISTs with low mRNA expression of the CDKN2A transcripts p16(INK4A) and p14(ARF) but high mRNA expression of CDK4, RB1, MDM2, TP53, and E2F1 were associated with aggressive clinical behavior and unfavorable prognosis, whereas GISTs with a low mRNA expression of CDK4, RB1, MDM2, TP53, and E2F1 were not. GISTs with a moderate to high mRNA expression of all examined genes also seemed to be associated with unfavorable prognosis. Regarding mutation analysis, we found significant differences in the KIT/PDGFRA genotype among the three clusters. Univariate analysis revealed high expression of E2F1 to be associated with mitotic count, proliferation rate, KIT mutation, and aggressive clinical behavior. These findings on mRNA level could be confirmed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: Our findings implicate differential regulation schemes of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor pathway converging to up-regulation of E2F1 as the critical link to increased cell proliferation and adverse prognosis of GISTs.

Cytogenetic and morphologic typing of 58 papillary renal cell carcinomas: evidence for a cytogenetic evolution of type 2 from type 1 tumors.

We evaluated clinical characteristics, patient outcome (mean follow-up, 47 months), and cytogenetic abnormalities in the largest as yet reported cytogenetic series of 47 primary and 11 secondary papillary renal cell carcinomas for differences between the recently proposed type 1 and type 2 subtypes. Secondary tumors were more often of type 2 morphology (P = 0.02), whereas primary type 2 tumors were associated with higher clinical stage (P = 0.001) and worse patient outcome (P = 0.02). Although both subtypes had at least one of the primary chromosomal gains at 17q, 7, and 16q, type 2 tumors had moderately lower frequencies of primary gains at 17p (61 versus 94%; P = 0.007) and 17q (72 versus 97%; P = 0.02). On the other hand, type 2 tumors overall had more chromosomal alterations than type 1 tumors (P = 0.01), particularly gains of 1q (28 versus 3%; P = 0.02) and losses of 8p (33 versus 0%; P = 0.001), 11 (28 versus 3%; P = 0.02), and 18 (44 versus 9%; P = 0.01). Hierarchical clustering suggested cytogenetic patterns common but not restricted to type 2 morphology, one characterized by multiple additional gains, and another predominantly showing additional losses. These findings provide genetic evidence that type 1 and type 2 tumors arise from common cytogenetic pathways and that type 2 tumors evolve from type 1 tumors. Independently of type, losses of 9p were statistically correlated with advanced disease (P = 0.0008) and may serve as a potential adverse prognostic marker in papillary renal cell carcinomas.

Chromosomal clustering of a human transcriptome reveals regulatory background.

BACKGROUND: There has been much evidence recently for a link between transcriptional regulation and chromosomal gene order, but the relationship between genomic organization, regulation and gene function in higher eukaryotes remains to be precisely defined. RESULTS: Here, we present evidence for organization of a large proportion of a human transcriptome into gene clusters throughout the genome, which are partly regulated by the same transcription factors, share biological functions and are characterized by non-housekeeping genes. This analysis was based on the cardiac transcriptome identified by our genome-wide array analysis of 55 human heart samples. We found 37% of these genes to be arranged mainly in adjacent pairs or triplets. A significant number of pairs of adjacent genes are putatively regulated by common transcription factors (p = 0.02). Furthermore, these gene pairs share a significant number of GO functional classification terms. We show that the human cardiac transcriptome is organized into many small clusters across the whole genome, rather than being concentrated in a few larger clusters. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that genes expressed in concert are organized in a linear arrangement for coordinated regulation. Determining the relationship between gene arrangement, regulation and nuclear organization as well as gene function will have broad biological implications.

Genome-wide array analysis of normal and malformed human hearts.

BACKGROUND: We present the first genome-wide cDNA array analysis of human congenitally malformed hearts and attempted to partially elucidate these complex phenotypes. Most congenital heart defects, which account for the largest number of birth defects in humans, represent complex genetic disorders. As a consequence of the malformation, abnormal hemodynamic features occur and cause an adaptation process of the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: The statistical analysis of our data suggests distinct gene expression profiles associated with tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Applying correspondence analysis, we could associate specific gene functions to specific phenotypes. Furthermore, our study design allows the suggestion that alterations associated with primary genetic abnormalities can be distinguished from those associated with the adaptive response of the heart to the malformation (right ventricular pressure overload hypertrophy). We provide evidence for the molecular transition of the hypertrophic right ventricle to normal left ventricular characteristics. Furthermore, we present data on chamber-specific gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings propose that array analysis of malformed human hearts opens a new window to understand the complex genetic network of cardiac development and adaptation. For detailed access, see the online-only Data Supplement.

Oncogenetic tree models based on cytogenetic data: new insights into the development of epithelial tumors of the thymus.

Epithelial tumors of the thymus are rare neoplasms typically arising in the anterior mediastinum. There is an ongoing discussion whether thymomas of different histological subtypes form a biological continuum or represent distinct biological entities. To further investigate this question, we performed a statistical analysis of CGH data of 65 previously published cases. Losses of 3p, 6p, 6q, 13q, 16q, and 17p, as well as gains on 1q, were found in at least 10% of the cases. Comparing the data from B2, B3, and C thymomas, we noted an increasing complexity of karyotypes that may be well explained by a sequential order of these types. The frequencies of losses on 16q and 17p show a significant trend with respect to the sequence from B2 to B3 and C thymomas, indicating that these aberrations may be important events in the transition between these tumor types. To identify pathways of genetic development and progression of thymomas, we used oncogenetic tree models representing the dependencies between recurrent chromosomal aberrations. This analysis suggests that gains on the long arm of chromosome 1 occur early in tumor development and are correlated with losses on 6p and 6q. There is a weak correlation with losses on 16q and 17p, which appear to be late events. An independent pathway leads to losses on 3p and 13q, which are closely correlated. Our results indicate that the development of thymomas seems to be in some part a multistep mechanism. Oncogenetic tree models are a helpful means to determine developmental pathways of tumors arising from the same progenitor cell, as shown here for thymomas.

Parameter estimation for the calibration and variance stabilization of microarray data.

We derive and validate an estimator for the parameters of a transformation for the joint calibration (normalization) and variance stabilization of microarray intensity data. With this, the variances of the transformed intensities become approximately independent of their expected values. The transformation is similar to the logarithm in the high intensity range, but has a smaller slope for intensities close to zero. Applications have shown better sensitivity and specificity for the detection of differentially expressed genes. In this paper, we describe the theoretical aspects of the method. We incorporate calibration and variance-mean dependence into a statistical model and use a robust variant of the maximum-likelihood method to estimate the transformation parameters. Using simulations, we investigate the size of the estimation error and its dependence on sample size and the presence of outliers. We find that the error decreases with the square root of the number of probes per array and that the estimation is robust against the presence of differentially expressed genes. Software is publicly available as an R package through the Bioconductor project (http://www.bioconductor.org).

Mucin 1-specific active cancer immunotherapy with tecemotide (L-BLP25) in patients with multiple myeloma: an exploratory study.

Patients (n = 34) with previously untreated, slowly progressive asymptomatic stage I/II multiple myeloma or with stage II/III multiple myeloma in stable response/plateau phase following conventional anti-tumor therapy were immunized repeatedly with the antigen-specific cancer immunotherapeutic agent tecemotide (L-BLP25). Additionally, patients were randomly allocated to either single or multiple low doses of cyclophosphamide to inhibit regulatory T cells (Treg). Immunization with tecemotide resulted in the induction/augmentation of a mucin 1-specific immune response in 47% of patients. The immune responses appeared to involve a Th1-like cellular immune response involving CD4 and CD8 T cells. The rate of immune responses was similar with single versus multiple dosing of cyclophosphamide and in patients with vs. without pre-existing mucin 1 immunity. On-treatment reductions in the slope of M-protein concentration over time (but not fulfilling clinical criteria for responses with conventional anti-tumor agents) were observed in 45% of evaluable patients, predominantly in those without versus with pre-existing mucin 1 immunity and in patients with early stage disease. No differences were seen in patients receiving single or multiple cyclophosphamide dosing. Treatment with tecemotide was generally well tolerated. Repeated vs. single dosing of cyclophosphamide had no impact on Treg numbers and was stopped after a case of fatal encephalitis that was assessed as possibly study-related. Tecemotide immunotherapy induces mucin 1-specific cellular immune responses in a substantial proportion of patients, with preliminary evidence of changes in the M-protein concentration time curve in a subset of patients.