Identification of the first homozygous intragenic deletion in the YY1AP1 gene in a consanguineous family: New insights into the phenotypic variability associated with Grange syndrome.

Grange syndrome (GRNG-MIM#135580) is a rare recessive disorder associating variable features including diffuse vascular stenosis, brachysyndactyly, osteopenia with increased bone fragility, cardiac malformations, and variable developmental delay. Since its first description in 1998, only 15 individuals from 10 families have been reported, carrying homozygous or compound heterozygous frameshift or nonsense variants in YY1AP1. In a patient with cutaneous and bone syndactyly and a hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 16 months, consistent with a clinical diagnosis of GRNG, we performed exome sequencing after negative array-CGH and congenital limb malformation panel results. Copy number variant analysis from exome data identified a homozygous intragenic out-of-frame deletion of 1.84 kb encompassing exons seven and eight of YY1AP1, confirming a molecular diagnosis of GRNG. Genetic counseling led to the identification of additional family members compatible with GRNG. Here, we provide new insights into the phenotypic variability associated with GRNG and highlight the utility of the detection of small copy number variants to identify the molecular causes of heterogeneous malformative genetic disorders.

Clinical and molecular data in cases of prenatal localized overgrowth disorder: major implication of genetic variants in PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and molecular findings in a French multicenter cohort of fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormality and suspicion of a localized overgrowth disorder (LOD) suggestive of genetic variants in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively data obtained between 1 January 2013 and 1 May 2020 from fetuses with brain and/or limb overgrowth referred for molecular diagnosis of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway genes by next-generation sequencing (NGS) using pathological tissue obtained by fetal autopsy. We also assessed the diagnostic yield of amniotic fluid. RESULTS: During the study period, 21 subjects with LOD suspected of being secondary to a genetic variant of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway were referred for analysis. Of these, 17 fetuses had brain overgrowth, including six with isolated megalencephaly (MEG) and 11 with hemimegalencephaly (HMEG). Of the six with MEG, germline variants were identified in four cases, in either PIK3R2, AKT3 or MTOR, and a postzygotic PIK3R2 variant was found in the other two cases. Of the 11 with HMEG, a postzygotic PIK3CA variant was found in three fetuses with extracerebral features of PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum, and in seven fetuses with isolated HMEG. No pathogenic variant was identified in the 11th case with HMEG. Four fetuses with limb overgrowth also had one or more lymphatic malformations (LM) and harbored a postzygotic PIK3CA variant. NGS on cultured amniocytes performed in 10 cases, of which nine had been found positive on analysis of pathological fetal tissue, showed variants in four, in either PIK3CA, PIK3R2 or AKT3. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated MEG or HMEG may lead to identification of genetic variants in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Cases of limb overgrowth and LM or isolated HMEG are likely associated with PIK3CA variants. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Safety and efficacy of low-dose PI3K inhibitor taselisib in adult patients with CLOVES and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS): the TOTEM trial, a phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label, single-arm study.

PURPOSE: PIK3CA pathogenic variants in the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) activate phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling, providing a rationale for targeted therapy, but no drug has proven efficacy and safety in this population. Our aim was to establish the six-month tolerability and efficacy of low-dose taselisib, a selective class I PI3K inhibitor, in PROS patients. METHODS: Patients over 16 years with PROS and PIK3CA pathogenic variants were included in a phase IB/IIA multicenter, open-label single-arm trial (six patients at 1 mg/day of taselisib, then 24 at 2 mg/day). The primary outcome was the occurrence of dose limiting toxicity (DLT). Efficacy outcomes were the relative changes after treatment of (1) tissue volume at affected and unaffected sites, both clinically and on imaging; (2) cutaneous vascular outcomes when relevant; (3) biologic parameters; (4) quality of life; and (5) patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Among 19 enrolled patients, 2 experienced a DLT (enteritis and pachymeningitis) leading to early trial termination (17 treated, 10 completed the study). No serious adverse reaction occurred in the 1 mg cohort (n = 6). No significant reduction in affected tissue volume was observed (mean -4.2%; p = 0.81; SD 14.01). Thirteen (76.4%) participants reported clinical improvement (pain reduction, chronic bleeding resolution, functional improvement). CONCLUSION: Despite functional improvement, the safety profile of low-dose taselisib precludes its long-term use.

Cerebriform sebaceous nevus: a subtype of organoid nevus due to specific postzygotic FGFR2 mutations.

BACKGROUND: Postzygotic mutations in FGFR2 have been identified in mosaic forms of acne, keratinocytic epidermal nevi, nevoid acanthosis nigricans / rounded and velvety epidermal nevus and in two fetuses with papillomatous pedunculated sebaceous nevus (PPSN). OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with cerebriform, papillomatous and pedunculated variants of sebaceous nevi. METHODS: Infants diagnosed with sebaceous nevi characterized by a cerebriform, papillomatous and/or pedunculated morphology over a 10-year period (2010-2019) at three paediatric dermatology centres in Switzerland and France were included in this case series. Clinical and histological characteristics were assessed. Next-generation sequencing was used to assess for FGFR2 mutations. RESULTS: All nevi were located on the head, with a rounded or linear shape and a typical cerebriform, sometimes papillomatous and pedunculated, surface. No associated extracutaneous anomalies were found. Nevi harboured postzygotic mutations in the transmembrane domain of FGFR2 in 6/8 children (75%), either the known specific p.(Cys382Arg) mutation in 5 cases, or a novel mutation, p.(Val395Asp), in one. CONCLUSIONS: We found an exquisite genotype-phenotype correlation in these rare nevi, with specific postzygotic mutations in the transmembrane domain of FGFR2. As not all lesions were truly papillomatous and pedunculated, the term cerebriform sebaceous nevus (CSN) appears more suitable than PPSN to describe this entity. The cerebriform pattern of CSN is reminiscent of cutis gyrata, as seen in Beare-Stevenson syndrome, which is caused by closely related germline FGFR2 mutations. While clinically impressive, CSN seem to carry a good prognosis and a low risk for extracutaneous associations.

Incidental findings in a series of 2500 gene panel tests for a genetic predisposition to cancer: Results and impact on patients.

With next generation sequencing, physicians are faced with more complex and uncertain data, particularly incidental findings (IF). Guidelines for the return of IF have been published by learned societies. However, little is known about how patients are affected by these results in a context of oncogenetic testing. Over 4 years, 2500 patients with an indication for genetic testing underwent a gene cancer panel. If an IF was detected, patients were contacted by a physician/genetic counsellor and invited to take part in a semi-structured interview to assess their understanding of the result, the change in medical care, the psychological impact, and the transmission of results to the family. Fourteen patients (0.56%) were delivered an IF in a cancer predisposition gene (RAD51C, PMS2, SDHC, RET, BRCA2, CHEK2, CDKN2A, CDH1, SUFU). Two patients did not collect the results and another two died before the return of results. Within the 10 patients recontacted, most of them reported surprise at the delivery of IF, but not anxiety. The majority felt they had chosen to obtain the result and enough information to understand it. They all initiated the recommended follow-up and did not regret the procedure. Information regarding the IF was transmitted to their offspring but siblings or second-degree relatives were not consistently informed. No major adverse psychological events were found in our experience. IF will be inherent to the development of sequencing, even for restricted gene panels, so it is important to increase our knowledge on the impact of such results in different contexts.

Secondary findings from next generation sequencing: Psychological and ethical issues. Family and patient perspectives.

Access to active search for actionable secondary findings (SF) in diagnostic practice is a major psychological and ethical issue for genomic medicine. In this study, we analyzed the preferences of patients and their families regarding SF and identified the reporting procedures necessary for informed consent. We interviewed parents of patients with undiagnosed rare diseases potentially eligible for exome sequencing and patients affected by the diseases listed in the ACMG recommendations. Four focus groups (FG) were formed: parents of patients with undiagnosed rare diseases (FG1, n = 5); patients with hereditary cancers (FG2, n = 10); patients with hereditary cardiac conditions (FG3, n = 3); and patients with metabolic diseases (FG4, n = 3). Psychologists presented three broad topics for discussion: 1. Favorable or not to SF access, 2. Reporting procedures, 3. Equity of access. Discussions were recorded and analyzed using simplified Grounded Theory. Overall, 8 participants declared being favorable to SF because of the medical benefit (mainly FG1); 11 were unfavorable because of the psychological consequences (mainly FG2, FG3, FG4); 2 were ambivalent. The possibility of looking for SF in minors was debated. The 4 key information-based issues for participants ranked as follows: explanation of SF issues, autonomy of choice, importance of a reflection period, and quality of interactions between patients and professionals. Examining equity of access to SF led to philosophical discussions on quality of life. In conclusion, individual experience and life context (circumstances) were decisive in participants' expectations and fears regarding access to SF. Additional longitudinal studies based on actual SF disclosure announcements are needed to establish future guidelines.

INTU-related oral-facial-digital syndrome type VI: A confirmatory report.

Oral-facial-digital (OFD) syndromes are a subgroup of ciliopathies distinguished by the co-occurrence of hamartomas and/or multiple frenula of the oral region and digital anomalies. Several clinical forms of OFD syndromes are distinguished by their associated anomalies and/or inheritance patterns, and at least 20 genetic types of OFD syndromes have been delineated. We describe here a child with preaxial and postaxial polydactyly, lingual hamartoma, a congenital heart defect, delayed development and cerebellar peduncles displaying the molar tooth sign. Whole-exome sequencing and SNP array identified compound heterozygous variants in the INTU gene, which encodes a protein involved in the positioning of the ciliary basal body. INTU is a subunit of the CPLANE multiprotein complex essential for the assembly of IFT-A particles and intraflagellar transport. This report of a second patient with INTU-related OFD syndrome and the further delineation of its neuroimaging and skeletal phenotype now allow INTU-related OFD syndromes to be classified within the OFD syndrome type VI group. Patients display a phenotype similar to that of mice with a hypomorphic mutation of Intu, but with the addition of a heart defect.

Phase I study of temsirolimus in combination with cetuximab in patients with advanced solid tumours.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies suggest synergistic antitumour effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor such as temsirolimus combined with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody such as cetuximab. METHODS: Temsirolimus (T) and cetuximab (C) were combined and escalated in cohorts of patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumours, respectively from 15 to 25 mg and 150-250 mg/m2, until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined. Effort was made in the expansion cohort to enrol patients harbouring a molecular aberration in the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and/or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. Paired biopsies were optional to evaluate pathway modulation. RESULTS: Among 39 patients enrolled, three experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs): pulmonary embolism (C200 + T20), stomatitis (C250 + T20) and acneiform rash (C250 + T25). The weekly C 250 mg/m2 and T 25 mg dose level was selected as the MTD. The most common treatment-related adverse events were: acneiform rash (97%), oral mucositis (82%), fatigue (59%), nausea (41%) and diarrhoea (36%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were respectively 2.0 months [95% CI: 1.8, 3.5] and 7.5 months [95% CI: 5.5, 11.9]. Among all patients, partial responses (PRs) and stable diseases (SDs) were observed in 2 (5.1%) and 18 patients (46.2%), respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) in patients with a molecular aberration was 2/14 (14%), versus 0/24 in those without molecular aberration. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of T + C showed significant but manageable toxicities. Due to modest clinical activity, further evaluation is not recommended. Molecular selection could potentially increase the objective response rate and should be implemented during drug development.

Molecular, clinical and neuropsychological study in 31 patients with Kabuki syndrome and KMT2D mutations.

Kabuki syndrome (KS-OMIM 147920) is a rare developmental disease characterized by the association of multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disability. This study aimed to investigate intellectual performance in children with KS and link the performance to several clinical features and molecular data. We recruited 31 children with KMT2D mutations who were 6 to 16 years old. They all completed the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition. We calculated all indexes: the Full Scale Intellectual Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptive Reasoning Index (PRI), Processing Speed Index (PSI), and Working Memory Index (WMI). In addition, molecular data and several clinical symptoms were studied. FSIQ and VCI scores were 10 points lower for patients with a truncating mutation than other types of mutations. In addition, scores for FSIQ, VCI and PRI were lower for children with visual impairment than normal vision. We also identified a discrepancy in indexes characterized by high WMI and VCI and low PRI and PSI. We emphasize the importance of early identification and intensive care of visual disorders in patients with KS and recommend individual assessment of intellectual profile.

Chondrodysplasia with multiple dislocations: comprehensive study of a series of 30 cases.

The group of chondrodysplasia with multiple dislocations includes several entities, characterized by short stature, dislocation of large joints, hand and/or vertebral anomalies. Other features, such as epiphyseal or metaphyseal changes, cleft palate, intellectual disability are also often part of the phenotype. In addition, several conditions with overlapping features are related to this group and broaden the spectrum. The majority of these disorders have been linked to pathogenic variants in genes encoding proteins implicated in the synthesis or sulfation of proteoglycans (PG). In a series of 30 patients with multiple dislocations, we have performed exome sequencing and subsequent targeted analysis of 15 genes, implicated in chondrodysplasia with multiple dislocations, and related conditions. We have identified causative pathogenic variants in 60% of patients (18/30); when a clinical diagnosis was suspected, this was molecularly confirmed in 53% of cases. Forty percent of patients remain without molecular etiology. Pathogenic variants in genes implicated in PG synthesis are of major importance in chondrodysplasia with multiple dislocations and related conditions. The combination of hand features, growth failure severity, radiological aspects of long bones and of vertebrae allowed discrimination among the different conditions. We propose key diagnostic clues to the clinician.

Mosaic-activating FGFR2 mutation in two fetuses with papillomatous pedunculated sebaceous naevus.

Papillomatous pedunculated sebaceous naevus (PPSN) has been described as a subtype of sebaceous naevus (SN), typically affecting the scalp and face. In contrast with Schimmelpenning syndrome, no cerebral, ocular or skeletal anomalies have hitherto been reported. We report two unrelated fetuses with PPSN, one with large pink exophytic tumours, the other with minor features but similar microscopic findings. We performed whole-exome sequencing in affected skin tissue from fetus 1, which identified a postzygotic de novo FGFR2 c.1144T>C (p.Cys382Arg) mutation in 34·6% of reads which was absent in the parents' blood. Targeted deep sequencing of FGFR2 confirmed its mosaic status in additional affected skin from fetus 1, and identified the same substitution in 26% of reads in affected skin from fetus 2. FGFR2 p.Cys382Arg is a known somatic driver mutation in human cancer, previously reported to result in activation of RAS signalling. A similar paralogous missense mutation in the transmembrane domain of FGFR3 (p.Gly380Arg) has been reported in keratinocytic epidermal naevi. Our findings define a distinct clinical and molecular subgroup of SN, beside HRAS or KRAS-related SN, and expand the spectrum of mosaic skin conditions associated with receptor tyrosine kinase mutations.

18F-FDG labelling of hematopoietic stem cells: Dynamic study of bone marrow homing by PET-CT imaging and impact on cell functionality.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: After transplantation, cord blood (CB) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are able to home to the bone marrow niche and to reconstitute the hematopoietic system. PET-CT imaging may be a useful method to monitor this parameter in different conditions. The aim of our study was to set up an efficient method for HSPC radiolabelling with [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and to follow early HSPC homing through PET-CT in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Purified CB HSPCs were radiolabelled with 18F-FDG at 37° C with various conditions of cell concentration, incubation time and radioactivity concentration in order to define the in vitro condition that allows both sufficient 18F-FDG uptake to get high quality PET imaging, and preservation of HSPC viability and functional properties during 3h after radiolabelling. Then, 24h after 2.25Gy irradiation, eight NOD-scid/γc-/- mice were injected with 18F-FDG-labelled HSPCs, the biodistribution of which was followed using micro-PET-CT. RESULTS: The optimal incubation time was 45min with a stability of 48.3%±12.8% after 180min. The radio-uptake rate we obtained was 7.2%±1.7% with an activity of 5.6±2.1 MBq. Three hours after radiolabelling, viability was 96.7%±3.4%. Fifteen hours after radiolabelling, cell viability was 64.0%±2.3%, migration ability diminished from 51.0%±23.6% to 12.0%±9.1%, clonogenic capacity was null, and long-term engraftment in NSG mice also decreased compared to unlabelled cells. Micro-PET-CT experiments showed an accumulation of radiolabelled HSPCs for 2.5h after injection in the bone marrow and a slight elution of 18F-FDG. CONCLUSION: The activity of the obtained 18F-FDG-labelled HSPCs was sufficient to perform the micro-PET-CT imaging. Although the radiolabelling had a significant toxicity on HSPCs 15h after labelling, this technique allowed monitoring the beginning of HSPC homing into the bone marrow.

Autosomal recessive IFT57 hypomorphic mutation cause ciliary transport defect in unclassified oral-facial-digital syndrome with short stature and brachymesophalangia.

The 13 subtypes of oral-facial-digital syndrome (OFDS) belong to the heterogeneous group of ciliopathies. Disease-causing genes encode for centrosomal proteins, components of the transition zone or proteins implicated in ciliary signaling. A unique consanguineous family presenting with an unclassified OFDS with skeletal dysplasia and brachymesophalangia was explored. Homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing led to the identification of a homozygous mutation in IFT57, which encodes a protein implicated in ciliary transport. The mutation caused splicing anomalies with reduced expression of the wild-type transcript and protein. Both anterograde ciliary transport and sonic hedgehog signaling were significantly decreased in subjects' fibroblasts compared with controls. Sanger sequencing of IFT57 in 13 OFDS subjects and 12 subjects with Ellis-Van Creveld syndrome was negative. This report identifies the implication of IFT57 in human pathology and highlights the first description of a ciliary transport defect in OFDS, extending the genetic heterogeneity of this subgroup of ciliopathies.

Familial hematological malignancies: ASXL1 gene investigation.

PURPOSE: Familial aggregation among patients with several hematological malignancies has been revealed. This emphasizes the importance of genetic factors. Only few genes predisposing to familial hematological malignancies have been reported until now due to the low occurrence. We have described in previous study PRF1 and CEBPA variants that might contribute to the background of genetic factors, which encourage us to extend our investigations to other cooperating genes. The aim of this study is to determine whether germline additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1) gene mutations may be involved? METHODS/PATIENTS: In this study, we investigated the candidate gene ASXL1 by direct sequencing in 88 unrelated Tunisian and French families with aggregated hematological malignancies. RESULTS: We report a new p.Arg402Gln germline missense substitution in two related Tunisian patients which has not been previously described. We identified here this variant for the first time in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The p.Arg402Gln variant was not found in 200 control chromosomes. In silico analysis has predicted potential deleterious effect on ASXL1 protein. CONCLUSIONS: From an extended candidate genes analyzed in the field of familial hematological malignancies, ASXL1 might be involved. This variant should be considered since a potential damaging effect was predicted by in silico analysis, with a view to develop functional assay in order to investigate the biological assessment.

Unraveling the intrafamilial correlations and heritability of tumor types in MEN1: a Groupe d'étude des Tumeurs Endocrines study.

BACKGROUND: MEN1, which is secondary to the mutation of the MEN1 gene, is a rare autosomal-dominant disease that predisposes mutation carriers to endocrine tumors. Most studies demonstrated the absence of direct genotype-phenotype correlations. The existence of a higher risk of death in the Groupe d'étude des Tumeurs Endocrines-cohort associated with a mutation in the JunD interacting domain suggests heterogeneity across families in disease expressivity. This study aims to assess the existence of modifying genetic factors by estimating the intrafamilial correlations and heritability of the six main tumor types in MEN1. METHODS: The study included 797 patients from 265 kindred and studied seven phenotypic criteria: parathyroid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and pituitary, adrenal, bronchial, and thymic (thNET) tumors and the presence of metastasis. Intrafamilial correlations and heritability estimates were calculated from family tree data using specific validated statistical analysis software. RESULTS: Intrafamilial correlations were significant and decreased along parental degrees distance for pituitary, adrenal and thNETs. The heritability of these three tumor types was consistently strong and significant with 64% (s.e.m.=0.13; P<0.001) for pituitary tumor, 65% (s.e.m.=0.21; P<0.001) for adrenal tumors, and 97% (s.e.m.=0.41; P=0.006) for thNETs. CONCLUSION: The present study shows the existence of modifying genetic factors for thymus, adrenal, and pituitary MEN1 tumor types. The identification of at-risk subgroups of individuals within cohorts is the first step toward personalization of care. Next generation sequencing on this subset of tumors will help identify the molecular basis of MEN1 variable genetic expressivity.

Cetuximab directly inhibits P-glycoprotein function in vitro independently of EGFR binding.

PURPOSE: Cancer chemotherapy typically combines anticancer drugs from different mechanisms of action. However, cancer cells could become resistant to chemotherapy via P-gp or other ATP binding cassette proteins. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether cetuximab, monoclonal antibody directed toward epidermal growth factor receptor, could increase intracellular concentration of conventional chemotherapy by interacting with P-gp. METHODS: Two human ovarian carcinoma (IGROV1) and two human embryonary kidney (HEK) cell lines, overexpressing or weakly expressing P-gp, were used. Their EGFR expressions were compared. Cetuximab effect on P-gp functionality was evaluated by measuring doxorubicin (P-gp fluorescent substrate) intracellular accumulation. Cetuximab ability to increase doxorubicin cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT test. A quaternary structure model of the P-gp-Cetuximab complex was established. RESULTS: Exposure of cetuximab in therapeutic concentrations range with doxorubicin led to significant doxorubicin accumulation and reversion of doxorubicin resistance in P-gp expressing cells lines. Molecular modeling of P-gp-cetuximab interactions showed that cetuximab is able to bind P-gp extracellular part. CONCLUSIONS: Cetuximab increases a P-gp substrate intracellular accumulation in both P-gp expressing cell lines, independently of their EGFR expression. One hypothesis is that cetuximab binding on P-gp could hamper the conformational changes that occur during drugs efflux. Our results offer new possibilities of research on monoclonal antibodies influence in MDR phenomena.

Phase I trial of everolimus in combination with thoracic radiotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: This phase I study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the oral mTOR inhibitor everolimus in combination with thoracic radiotherapy followed by consolidation chemotherapy in locally advanced or oligometastatic untreated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Everolimus dose was escalated in incremental steps [sequential cohorts of three patients until the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT)] and administered orally weekly (weekly group: dose of 10, 20 or 50 mg) or daily (daily group: 2.5, 5 or 10 mg), 1 week before, and during radiotherapy until 3.5 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. Two cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin-navelbine) were administrated 4.5 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included in two centers, 56% had adenocarcinoma and 84% had stage III disease. In the weekly group (12 assessable patients), everolimus could be administered safely up to the maximum planned weekly dose of 50 mg; however, one patient experienced a DLT of interstitial pneumonitis at the weekly dose level of 20 mg. In the daily group (9 assessable patients): one DLT of interstitial pneumonitis with a fatal outcome was observed at the daily dose level of 2.5 mg; two other DLTs (one grade 3 esophagitis and one bilateral interstitial pneumonitis) were found at the daily dose level of 5 mg. Overall there were five patients with G3-4 interstitial pneumonitis related to treatment. Among 22 assessable patients for response, there were 9 (41%) partial response and 7 (32%) stable disease. At a median follow-up of 29 months, the 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival actuarial rates were 31% and 12%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In previously untreated and unselected NSCLC patients, the recommended phase II dose of everolimus in combination with thoracic radiotherapy is 50 mg/week. Pulmonary toxicity is of concern and should be carefully monitored to establish the potential role of mTOR inhibitor with concomitant radiotherapy. EUDRACT N: 2007-001698-27.

Does KRAS mutational status predict chemoresistance in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?

BACKGROUND: Clinical implications of KRAS mutational status in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. To clarify this point, we retrospectively explored whether KRAS mutations could impact tumor response, and disease control rate (DCR) to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) as well as progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS). METHODS: Between June 2009 and June 2012, 340 patients with advanced (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC were reviewed in a single institution (Institut Gustave Roussy). Two hundred and one patients had a biomolecular profile and received a platinum-based first-line CT. Patients with an unknown mutational status or with actionable alterations were excluded. We retained two groups: patients with KRAS mutated tumor (MUT) and patients with wild-type KRAS/EGFR (WT). Multivariate analyses with Cox model were used. Survival curves were calculated with Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were included in the analysis: 39 in the MUT group and 69 in the WT group. Baseline radiological assessment demonstrated more brain (P=0.01) and liver (P=0.04) metastases in MUT patients. DCR was 76% for MUT vs. 91% for WT group (P=0.03), regardless of the type of platinum-based CT (use of pemetrexed or not). Although no statistically significant differences were found, shorter PFS (4.9 vs. 6.0 months; P=0.79) and OS (10.3 vs. 13.2 months; P=0.40) were observed for patients with KRAS mutated tumors in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: KRAS mutant tumors had a lower DCR after the first-line platinum-based CT, but this difference did not translate in PFS or OS. The presence of KRAS mutations may confer a more aggressive disease, with greater baseline incidence of hepatic and cerebral metastases.