Synthetic Lethality Beyond BRCA: A Phase I Study of Rucaparib and Irinotecan in Metastatic Solid Tumors With Homologous Recombination-Deficiency Mutations Beyond BRCA1/2.

PURPOSE: Combining poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and topoisomerase I inhibitors has demonstrated synergistic effects in in vivo models. This phase I trial evaluated rucaparib and irinotecan in metastatic solid tumors with homologous recombination deficiency. METHODS: This study enrolled patients in three cohorts to determine the tolerability and preliminary efficacy of (1) rucaparib 400 mg PO twice a day (days 1-7, 15-21) and irinotecan 65 mg/m2 intravenously once every 2 weeks; (2) rucaparib 400 mg PO twice a day (D1-7, 15-21) and irinotecan 100 mg/m2 once every 2 weeks; and (3) rucaparib 400 mg per os twice a day (D1-7) and irinotecan 100 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled: 95% with previous platinum, 40% with previous irinotecan, and 20% with previous PARP inhibitor. The maximally tolerated was determined as rucaparib 400 mg twice a day days 1-7 and irinotecan 100 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks. Four dose-limiting toxicities (all grade 3-4 neutropenia) occurred during dose escalation with only neutropenia as other grade 3-4 toxicities (25%; grade 3 [n = 3], grade 4 [n = 2]). Treatment-related grade 1-2 adverse events included neutropenia (45%), diarrhea (45%), nausea (40%), and fatigue (30%). Of 17 patients with evaluable disease, six patients (35%) derived clinical benefit (n = 2 with PR, n = 4 with stable disease for over 6 months). Three patients remained on study >1 year: two with ATM mutations (small bowel carcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor) and one patient with a PALB2 mutation (primary peritoneal cancer). CONCLUSION: Pulse dosing of rucaparib and once every 3 weeks irinotecan was well tolerated for up to 18 months with durable responses in BRCA-, PALB2-, and ATM-mutated cancers despite progression on previous platinum.

Deciphering the Pathways to PARP Sensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer.

A recent article analyzed paired cell-free DNA among patients with platinum-sensitive BRCA- or PALB2-mutated pancreatic cancer who received maintenance olaparib. Reversion mutations were linked with worse outcomes. These types of paired correlative studies are needed to improve our understanding of drug resistance and guide future clinical trials. See related article by Brown et al., p. 5207.

Peeling the I-Onion to Demystify Pseudoprogression.

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Topp et al. analyze data from 799 patients treated with pembrolizumab beyond progression by RECIST 1.1 across six trials. Although 8.9%-24.4% of patients demonstrate a ≥30% reduction in target lesions, conversely 11%-18% of patients had a ≥20% increase. The benefits of treatment beyond progression must be carefully weighed against physical and financial toxicities.

Homologous recombination deficiency signatures in gastrointestinal and thoracic cancers correlate with platinum therapy duration.

There is emerging evidence about the predictive role of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), but this is less defined in gastrointestinal (GI) and thoracic malignancies. We reviewed whole genome (WGS) and transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) data from advanced GI and thoracic cancers in the Personalized OncoGenomics trial (NCT02155621) to evaluate HRD scores and single base substitution (SBS)3, which is associated with BRCA1/2 mutations and potentially predictive of defective HRD. HRD scores were calculated by sum of loss of heterozygosity, telomeric allelic imbalance, and large-scale state transitions scores. Regression analyses examined the association between HRD and time to progression on platinum (TTPp). We included 223 patients with GI (n = 154) or thoracic (n = 69) malignancies. TTPp was associated with SBS3 (p < 0.01) but not HRD score in patients with GI malignancies, whereas neither was associated with TTPp in thoracic malignancies. Tumors with gBRCA1/2 mutations and a somatic second alteration exhibited high SBS3 and HRD scores, but these signatures were also present in several tumors with germline but no somatic second alterations, suggesting silencing of the wild-type allele or BRCA1/2 haploinsufficiency. Biallelic inactivation of an HR gene, including loss of XRCC2 and BARD1, was identified in BRCA1/2 wild-type HRD tumors and these patients had prolonged response to platinum. Thoracic cases with high HRD score were associated with high RECQL5 expression (p ≤ 0.025), indicating another potential mechanism of HRD. SBS3 was more strongly associated with TTPp in patients with GI malignancies and may be complementary to using HRD and BRCA status in identifying patients who benefit from platinum therapy.

Targeting RAD51-Mediated Homologous Recombination as a Treatment for Advanced Solid and Hematologic Malignancies: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead.

RAD51 is integral in homologous recombination DNA damage repair and has garnered much interest as both a biomarker and potential therapeutic target in oncology. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its role as a predictive marker, particularly in the context of platinum-based therapies and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. In this review, we highlight the development of RAD51 inhibitors, with a focus on novel molecules and ongoing clinical trials. Despite many efforts to develop effective and tolerable direct RAD51 inhibitors, identification of these agents remains challenging. Clinically, however, there may be a role of pharmacological indirect RAD51 inhibition.

Integrative analysis of KRAS wildtype metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma reveals mutation and expression-based similarities to cholangiocarcinoma.

Oncogenic KRAS mutations are absent in approximately 10% of patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) and may represent a subgroup of mPDAC with therapeutic options beyond standard-of-care cytotoxic chemotherapy. While distinct gene fusions have been implicated in KRAS wildtype mPDAC, information regarding other types of mutations remain limited, and gene expression patterns associated with KRAS wildtype mPDAC have not been reported. Here, we leverage sequencing data from the PanGen trial to perform comprehensive characterization of the molecular landscape of KRAS wildtype mPDAC and reveal increased frequency of chr1q amplification encompassing transcription factors PROX1 and NR5A2. By leveraging data from colorectal adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma samples, we highlight similarities between cholangiocarcinoma and KRAS wildtype mPDAC involving both mutation and expression-based signatures and validate these findings using an independent dataset. These data further establish KRAS wildtype mPDAC as a unique molecular entity, with therapeutic opportunities extending beyond gene fusion events.

Factors Associated With Geographic Disparities in Gastrointestinal Cancer Mortality in the United States.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Significant geographic variability in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer-related death has been reported in the United States. We aimed to evaluate both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with intercounty differences in mortality due to GI cancer. METHODS: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research platform were used to calculate county-level mortality from esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to adjust for county-level covariables, considering both patient (eg, sex, race, obesity, diabetes, alcohol, and smoking) and structural factors (eg, specialist density, poverty, insurance prevalence, and colon cancer screening prevalence). Intercounty variability in GI cancer-related mortality explained by these covariables was expressed as the multivariable model R2. RESULTS: There were significant geographic disparities in GI cancer-related county-level mortality across the US from 2010-2019 with the ratio of mortality between 90th and 10th percentile counties ranging from 1.5 (pancreatic) to 2.1 (gastric cancer). Counties with the highest 5% mortality rates for gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer were primarily in the Southeastern United States. Multivariable models explained 43%, 61%, 14%, and 39% of the intercounty variability in mortality rates for esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer, respectively. Cigarette smoking and rural residence (independent of specialist density) were most strongly associated with GI cancer-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Both patient and structural factors contribute to significant geographic differences in mortality from GI cancers. Our findings support continued public health efforts to reduce smoking use and improve care for rural patients, which may contribute to a reduction in disparities in GI cancer-related death.

Geographical variation in hospitalization for psychosis associated with cannabis use and cannabis legalization in the United States: Submit to: Psychiatry Research.

The 2017 National Inpatient Sample database was utilized to investigate the association between cannabis legalization in the United States and hospitalizations for psychosis associated with cannabis use. We compared the odds of hospital discharges for psychosis associated with cannabis use in adults between the Pacific census division (where most states legalized recreational cannabis use) and other divisions using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for confounders. We calculated a score for each census division representing cannabis legality as the population-weighted sum of state scores: 1=illegal or cannabidiol/low potency cannabis; 2= medical marijuana; and 3=recreational and medical marijuana legalized. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) quantified the relationship between scores and the proportion of hospitalizations with psychosis associated with cannabis. In 2017, there were an estimated 129,070 hospital discharges for psychosis associated with cannabis use. The Pacific census division had significantly higher odds of discharges than other divisions (adjusted odds ratio 1.55; 95% confidence interval 1.25 - 1.93). There was a significant correlation between the cannabis legality score and proportion of hospital discharges for psychosis associated with cannabis use (r = 0.67, p<0.05). In conclusion, we observed a higher proportion of hospital discharges for psychosis associated with cannabis use in areas with more liberal cannabis legalization laws.

A Phase IB Trial of the PI3K Inhibitor Alpelisib and Weekly Cisplatin in Patients with Solid Tumor Malignancies.

The PI3K pathway may be a potential mechanism to overcome cisplatin resistance. We conducted a phase Ib trial of alpelisib and cisplatin for patients with solid tumor malignancies with planned dose expansion in HPV-associated tumors. The primary objective was to determine the MTD and recommended phase II dose. Two different weekly doses of cisplatin (30 and 35 mg/m2) were evaluated with escalating doses of alpelisib, administered daily during a 21-day treatment cycle. Twenty-three patients were enrolled: 91% received >3 prior regimens with median of 4 (range 1-10), and 78% progressed on prior platinum. The MTD was alpelisib 250 mg daily with weekly cisplatin 30 mg/m2. There were 3 DLTs: all grade 4 hyperglycemia. Frequent treatment-related adverse events of any grade included fatigue (52%), diarrhea (39%), nausea (38%), hyperglycemia (30%), anemia (22%), and nephropathy (17%). Hyperglycemia was linked to baseline hemoglobin A1C, but not body mass index. Twelve patients discontinued treatment for toxicity (n = 9 during cycle 1) and 11 discontinued for progression. Of 14 evaluable patients who received at least one treatment cycle, 4 (29%) patients demonstrated partial response, and 7 had stable disease for a disease control rate of 79%. The median PFS measured 4.3 months (95% CI, 1.6-4.5). No difference in PFS was observed between PIK3CA-mutated and wild-type tumors. While the combination of alpelisib and cisplatin demonstrated preliminary evidence of activity despite platinum resistance, toxicities hindered prolonged treatment. Prospective studies are planned using carboplatin and alpelisib to improve toxicity and tolerability. Significance: The PI3K inhibitor alpelisib has limited activity alone, but there is interest in combinations in platinum-resistant tumors. In this phase Ib study of alpelisib with cisplatin, the objective response rate measured 29% but adverse events limited dose intensity. These promising results provide rationale for studying combinations with better tolerated platinum agents.

Durable response after immune checkpoint inhibitor-related diabetes in mismatch repair-deficient pancreatic cancer.

Mismatch repair protein deficiency occurs in 0.8-2% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and confers susceptibility to immunotherapy. Herein, we report the case of a patient with Lynch syndrome-associated, locally advanced mismatch repair protein deficiency pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas who demonstrated a sustained response to second-line treatment with pembrolizumab, but eventually developed immune-related diabetic ketoacidosis requiring discontinuation of treatment. He has since remained in remission, off treatment, over the following 3 years, with regular surveillance showing no clinical or radiographic evidence of disease progression. The patient's unusual disease course raises the question of whether this serious immune-related adverse event affecting the organ of malignant involvement may have predicted his remarkable and durable response.

Lay abstract A small subgroup of pancreatic cancers have mutations preventing effective repair of damaged DNA; a condition termed 'mismatch repair protein deficiency'. These tumors are often effectively treated with immunotherapy. Here we describe a patient whose mismatch repair protein deficiency pancreatic cancer responded well to pembrolizumab immunotherapy, but who later developed diabetes as an immunotherapy-related adverse effect. Treatment was stopped, but his tumor remained stable off treatment over the next 3 years. His unique clinical course raises the question of whether the development of diabetes, a pancreas-specific adverse effect, may have predicted the effective treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Supportive Management of Patients with Advanced Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas Receiving PRRT.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is used to treat patients with advanced malignant pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs). Patients are at risk of a PRRT-induced catecholamine crisis, and standard guidelines regarding the prevention and management of infusion reactions are lacking. In this case series, the institutional experience of five sequential patients with metastatic PCCs and PGLs receiving PRRT on an outpatient basis is described, of which four had symptomatic tumors and three had a high burden of disease. All patients with symptomatic tumors were treated with preventive management prior to the initiation of PRRT, and no infusion reactions or catecholamine crises were documented. PRRT may be delivered safely on an outpatient basis for patients with metastatic PCCs and PGLs with the involvement of an interdisciplinary team.

Delving into Early-onset Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: How Does Age Fit In?

PURPOSE: With the rising incidence of early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC), molecular characteristics that distinguish early-onset pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors from those arising at a later age are not well understood. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We performed bioinformatic analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data generated from 269 advanced (metastatic or locally advanced) and 277 resectable PDAC tumor samples. Patient samples were stratified into EOPC (age of onset ≤55 years; n = 117), intermediate (age of onset 55-70 years; n = 264), and average (age of onset ≥70 years; n = 165) groups. Frequency of somatic mutations affecting genes commonly implicated in PDAC, as well as gene expression patterns, were compared between EOPC and all other groups. RESULTS: EOPC tumors showed significantly lower frequency of somatic single-nucleotide variant (SNV)/insertions/deletions (indel) in CDKN2A (P = 0.0017), and were more likely to achieve biallelic mutation of CDKN2A through homozygous copy loss as opposed to heterozygous copy loss coupled with a loss-of-function SNV/indel mutation, the latter of which was more common for tumors with later ages of onset (P = 1.5e-4). Transcription factor forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) was significantly upregulated in EOPC tumors (P = 0.032). Genes significantly correlated with FOXC2 in PDAC samples were enriched for gene sets related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and included VIM (P = 1.8e-8), CDH11 (P = 6.5e-5), and CDH2 (P = 2.4e-2). CONCLUSIONS: Our comprehensive analysis of sequencing data generated from a large cohort of PDAC patient samples highlights a distinctive pattern of biallelic CDKN2A mutation in EOPC tumors. Increased expression of FOXC2 in EOPC, with the correlation between FOXC2 and EMT pathways, represents novel molecular characteristics of EOPC.See related commentary by Lou, p. 8.

Uncovering Clinically Relevant Gene Fusions with Integrated Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Metastatic Cancers.

PURPOSE: Gene fusions are important oncogenic drivers and many are actionable. Whole-genome and transcriptome (WGS and RNA-seq, respectively) sequencing can discover novel clinically relevant fusions. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using WGS and RNA-seq, we reviewed the prevalence of fusions in a cohort of 570 patients with cancer, and compared prevalence to that predicted with commercially available panels. Fusions were annotated using a consensus variant calling pipeline (MAVIS) and required that a contig of the breakpoint could be constructed and supported from ≥2 structural variant detection approaches. RESULTS: In 570 patients with advanced cancer, MAVIS identified 81 recurrent fusions by WGS and 111 by RNA-seq, of which 18 fusions by WGS and 19 by RNA-seq were noted in at least 3 separate patients. The most common fusions were EML4-ALK in thoracic malignancies (9/69, 13%), and CMTM8-CMTM7 in colorectal cancer (4/73, 5.5%). Combined genomic and transcriptomic analysis identified novel fusion partners for clinically relevant genes, such as NTRK2 (novel partners: SHC3, DAPK1), and NTRK3 (novel partners: POLG, PIBF1). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing WGS/RNA-seq facilitates identification of novel fusions in clinically relevant genes, and detected a greater proportion than commercially available panels are expected to find. A significant benefit of WGS and RNA-seq is the innate ability to retrospectively identify variants that becomes clinically relevant over time, without the need for additional testing, which is not possible with panel-based approaches.

Subtype-Discordant Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Tumors Show Intermediate Clinical and Molecular Characteristics.

PURPOSE: RNA-sequencing-based subtyping of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been reported by multiple research groups, each using different methodologies and patient cohorts. "Classical" and "basal-like" PDAC subtypes are associated with survival differences, with basal-like tumors associated with worse prognosis. We amalgamated various PDAC subtyping tools to evaluate the potential of such tools to be reliable in clinical practice. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Sequencing data for 574 PDAC tumors was obtained from prospective trials and retrospective public databases. Six published PDAC subtyping strategies (Moffitt regression tools, clustering-based Moffitt, Collisson, Bailey, and Karasinska subtypes) were used on each sample, and results were tested for subtype call consistency and association with survival. RESULTS: Basal-like and classical subtype calls were concordant in 88% of patient samples, and survival outcomes were significantly different (P < 0.05) between prognostic subtypes. Twelve percent of tumors had subtype-discordant calls across the different methods, showing intermediate survival in univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Transcriptional profiles compatible with that of a hybrid subtype signature were observed for subtype-discordant tumors, in which classical and basal-like genes were concomitantly expressed. Subtype-discordant tumors showed intermediate molecular characteristics, including subtyping gene expression (P < 0.0001) and mutant KRAS allelic imbalance (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 6 patients with PDAC have tumors that fail to reliably fall into the classical or basal-like PDAC subtype categories, based on two regression tools aimed toward clinical practice. Rather, these patient tumors show intermediate prognostic and molecular traits. We propose close consideration of the non-binary nature of PDAC subtypes for future incorporation of subtyping into clinical practice.

Efficacy and Prognostic Factors for Y-90 Radioembolization (Y-90) in Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors with Liver Metastases.

Background: Yttrium-90 (Y-90) can be an effective liver-directed therapy for patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), but population-based data are limited. We characterized the use of Y-90 in NET patients and identified factors associated with response. Methods: We identified 49 patients with metastatic liver-dominant NETs across BC Cancer's six regional centres who received Y-90 between June 2011 and January 2017 in British Columbia, Canada. Baseline characteristics, radiographic responses, and outcomes were summarized. Results: Of the 49 patients who received Y-90, the median age was 56 years (range 21-78), 49% were male, and 94% had an ECOG performance status of 0-1. The primary location of the NET included pancreas (31%), small bowel (41%), large bowel (6%), unknown (14%), and others (12%). 69% of these patients had liver metastases alone, and tumors were graded as G1 (61%), G2 (25%), G3 (2%), and unknown (12%). Prior therapies included surgery (63%), local ablative therapy (25%), somatostatin analogue (69%), and systemic therapy (35%). The median Y-90 dose was 2.2 GBq (range 0.8-3.6), as SIR-spheres (69%) or TheraSpheres (29%). Median time to Y-90 from diagnosis of metastases measured 1.54 years. 88% received segmental Y-90, with 1 (69%), 2 (29%), and 3 (2%) treatments. Y-90 resulted in partial response (53%), stable disease (33%), and progressive disease (12%). Y-90 was well-tolerated, with infrequent grade 3-4 biochemical toxicities (2%) and grade 3 abdominal pain (6%). Longer overall survival (OS) was associated with resection of primary tumor, well-differentiated histology, and low Ki-67. Median OS was 27.2 months (95% CI 8.0-46.5). Conclusions: In our population-based cohort, Y-90 was well-tolerated in patients with metastatic liver-dominant NETs. Prior surgical resection was an important predictor of OS.

Real-world treatment attrition rates in advanced esophagogastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, multiple agents have demonstrated efficacy for advanced esophagogastric cancer (EGC). Despite the availability of later lines of therapy, there remains limited real-world data about the treatment attrition rates between lines of therapy. AIM: To characterize the use and attrition rates between lines of therapy for patients with advanced EGC. METHODS: We identified patients who received at least one cycle of chemotherapy for advanced EGC between July 1, 2017 and July 31, 2018 across six regional centers in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Clinicopathologic, treatment, and outcomes data were extracted. RESULTS: Of 245 patients who received at least one line of therapy, median age was 66 years (IQR 58.2-72.3) and 186 (76%) were male, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0/1 (80%), gastric vs GEJ (36% vs 64%). Histologies included adenocarcinoma (78%), squamous cell carcinoma (8%), and signet ring (14%), with 31% HER2 positive. 72% presented with de novo disease, and 25% had received previous chemoradiation. There was a high level of treatment attrition, with patients receiving only one line of therapy n = 122, 50%), two lines n = 83, 34%), three lines n = 34, 14%), and four lines n = 6, 2%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated improved survival with increasing lines of therapy (median overall survival 7.7 vs 16.6 vs 22.8 vs 40.4 mo, P < 0.05). On multivariable Cox regression, improved survival was associated with better baseline ECOG and increased lines of therapy (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The steep attrition rates between therapies highlight the unmet need for more efficacious early-line treatment options for patients with advanced EGC.

Eligibility for Second-line Therapy in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Population-based Study.

INTRODUCTION: With an increasing number of systemic therapy options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), optimal sequencing is an important consideration. There remains limited real-world data about the eligibility of patients for second-line therapies in advanced HCC. We characterized real-world eligibility and use of second-line therapies post sorafenib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients with advanced HCC who received ≥1 cycle of first-line sorafenib between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017 in British Columbia, Canada. All patients were Child-Pugh class A for initiation of sorafenib. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Eligibility for second-line therapy was determined using the RESORCE and CELESTIAL study entry criteria. RESULTS: Of 144 patients with advanced HCC who received ≥1 cycle of first-line sorafenib, median age was 65.3 years (range, 32.2 to 83.4 y) and 85% were male. Median duration of sorafenib was 2.6 months. Twelve patients (8%) received second-line treatment but 37 patients (26%) were eligible for second-line therapies based on inclusion criteria from recent registration trials. Primary reasons for ineligibility included ECOG ≥2 (58%), and deterioration to Child-Pugh status B (28%). On Cox regression, improved survival was associated with better ECOG and recurrent disease after initial locoregional therapy. Eligibility for second-line treatment was associated with improved median overall survival from end of first-line treatment (8.5 vs. 5.1 mo; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Only a minority of real-world patients with advanced HCC were eligible for second-line therapies based on trial criteria. Given the high rate of attrition, improved first-line treatment options are urgently needed.

Real-world Outcomes Among Patients Treated With Gemcitabine-based Therapy Post-FOLFIRINOX Failure in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Limited evidence exists for chemotherapy selection in advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) after first-line FOLFIRINOX. Second-line gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GEMNAB) is publicly funded in the Canadian provinces of Alberta (AB) and Manitoba (MB), but not in British Columbia (BC). We compared population-based outcomes by region to examine the utility of second-line GEMNAB versus gemcitabine (GEM) alone. METHODS: We identified patients treated with first-line FOLFIRINOX between 2013 and 2015 across BC, AB, and MB. Baseline characteristics and treatment regimens were compared between AB/MB and BC. Survival outcomes were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 368 patients were treated with first-line FOLFIRINOX (143 AB/MB, 225 BC): median age 61 (interquartile range: 55 to 68) years, 42% comprising female individuals, and 67% with metastatic disease. Receipt of second-line therapy was 48% in AB/MB versus 44% in BC (P=0.35), and time from diagnosis to second-line therapy was 7.7 (AB/MB) versus 9.4 months (BC; P=0.1). Distribution of second-line GEM use: 73% GEMNAB, 23% GEM (AB/MB) versus 27% GEMNAB, 66% GEM (BC; P<0.001). Median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis was similar: 12.4 (AB/MB) versus 11.5 months (BC; P=0.91). On Cox regression analysis, region was not significant. Secondary survival analysis by second-line regimen demonstrated a median OS of 18.0 months with GEMNAB versus 14.3 months with GEM (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based comparison of APC patients treated with first-line FOLFIRINOX, survival outcomes were comparable regardless of funded access to second-line GEMNAB. OS by regimen favored second-line GEMNAB, but patient selection may be largely responsible for this difference.

Outcomes of stage I/II follicular lymphoma in the PET era: an international study from the Australian Lymphoma Alliance.

Management practices in early-stage (I/II) follicular lymphoma (FL) are variable and include radiation (RT), systemic therapy, or combined modality therapy (CMT). There is a paucity of data regarding maintenance rituximab in this cohort. We conducted an international retrospective study of patients with newly diagnosed early-stage FL staged with positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography and bone marrow biopsy. Three hundred sixty-five patients (stage I, n = 221), median age 63 years, treated from 2005-2017 were included, with a median follow-up of 45 months. Management included watchful waiting (WW; n = 85) and active treatment (n = 280). The latter consisted of RT alone (n = 171) or systemic therapy (immunochemotherapy [n = 63] or CMT [n = 46]). Forty-nine systemically treated patients received maintenance rituximab; 72.7% of stage I patients received RT alone, compared to 42.6% with stage II (P < .001). Active therapies yielded comparable overall response rates (P = .87). RT alone and systemic therapy without maintenance rituximab yielded similar progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-2.34; P = .96). Maintenance rituximab improved PFS (HR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.095-0.64; P = .017). The incidence of transformation was lower with systemic therapy compared to RT or WW (HR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.070-0.61; P = .034). Overall survival was similar among all practices, including WW (P = .40). In the largest comparative assessment of management practices in the modern era, variable practices each resulted in similar excellent outcomes. Randomized studies are required to determine the optimal treatment in early-stage FL.