Pre-encoded responsiveness to type I interferon in the peripheral immune system defines outcome of PD1 blockade therapy.

Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are central regulators of anti-tumor immunity and responses to immunotherapy, but they also drive the feedback inhibition underlying therapeutic resistance. In the present study, we developed a mass cytometry approach to quantify IFN-I-stimulated protein expression across immune cells and used multi-omics to uncover pre-therapy cellular states encoding responsiveness to inflammation. Analyzing peripheral blood cells from multiple cancer types revealed that differential responsiveness to IFN-Is before anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) treatment was highly predictive of long-term survival after therapy. Unexpectedly, IFN-I hyporesponsiveness efficiently predicted long-term survival, whereas high responsiveness to IFN-I was strongly associated with treatment failure and diminished survival time. Peripheral IFN-I responsive states were not associated with tumor inflammation, identifying a disconnect between systemic immune potential and 'cold' or 'hot' tumor states. Mechanistically, IFN-I responsiveness was epigenetically imprinted before therapy, poising cells for differential inflammatory responses and dysfunctional T cell effector programs. Thus, we identify physiological cell states with clinical importance that can predict success and long-term survival of PD1-blocking immunotherapy.

Single-Agent Divarasib (GDC-6036) in Solid Tumors with a KRAS G12C Mutation.

BACKGROUND: Divarasib (GDC-6036) is a covalent KRAS G12C inhibitor that was designed to have high potency and selectivity. METHODS: In a phase 1 study, we evaluated divarasib administered orally once daily (at doses ranging from 50 to 400 mg) in patients who had advanced or metastatic solid tumors that harbor a KRAS G12C mutation. The primary objective was an assessment of safety; pharmacokinetics, investigator-evaluated antitumor activity, and biomarkers of response and resistance were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients (60 with non-small-cell lung cancer [NSCLC], 55 with colorectal cancer, and 22 with other solid tumors) received divarasib. No dose-limiting toxic effects or treatment-related deaths were reported. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 127 patients (93%); grade 3 events occurred in 15 patients (11%) and a grade 4 event in 1 patient (1%). Treatment-related adverse events resulted in a dose reduction in 19 patients (14%) and discontinuation of treatment in 4 patients (3%). Among patients with NSCLC, a confirmed response was observed in 53.4% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.9 to 66.7), and the median progression-free survival was 13.1 months (95% CI, 8.8 to could not be estimated). Among patients with colorectal cancer, a confirmed response was observed in 29.1% of patients (95% CI, 17.6 to 42.9), and the median progression-free survival was 5.6 months (95% CI, 4.1 to 8.2). Responses were also observed in patients with other solid tumors. Serial assessment of circulating tumor DNA showed declines in KRAS G12C variant allele frequency associated with response and identified genomic alterations that may confer resistance to divarasib. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with divarasib resulted in durable clinical responses across KRAS G12C-positive tumors, with mostly low-grade adverse events. (Funded by Genentech; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04449874.).

Generation of an Inhibitory NK Cell Subset by TGF-ß1/IL-15 Polarization.

NK cells have been shown to exhibit inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions in a variety of healthy and diseased settings. In the context of chronic viral infection and cancer, distinct NK cell populations that inhibit adaptive immune responses have been observed. To understand how these cells arise and further characterize their immunosuppressive role, we examined in vitro conditions that could polarize human NK cells into an inhibitory subset. TGF-ß1 has been shown to induce regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo; we therefore investigated if TGF-ß1 could also induce immunosuppressive NK-like cells. First, we found that TGF-ß1/IL-15, but not IL-15 alone, induced CD103+CD49a+ NK-like cells from peripheral blood NK cells, which expressed markers previously associated with inhibitory CD56+ innate lymphoid cells, including high expression of GITR and CD101. Moreover, supernatant from ascites collected from patients with ovarian carcinoma also induced CD103+CD49a+ NK-like cells in vitro in a TGF-ß-dependent manner. Interestingly, TGF-ß1/IL-15-induced CD103+CD56+ NK-like cells suppressed autologous CD4+ T cells in vitro by reducing absolute number, proliferation, and expression of activation marker CD25. Collectively, these findings provide new insight into how NK cells may acquire an inhibitory phenotype in TGF-ß1-rich environments.

Sotorasib for Lung Cancers with KRAS p.G12C Mutation.

BACKGROUND: Sotorasib showed anticancer activity in patients with KRAS p.G12C-mutated advanced solid tumors in a phase 1 study, and particularly promising anticancer activity was observed in a subgroup of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: In a single-group, phase 2 trial, we investigated the activity of sotorasib, administered orally at a dose of 960 mg once daily, in patients with KRAS p.G12C-mutated advanced NSCLC previously treated with standard therapies. The primary end point was objective response (complete or partial response) according to independent central review. Key secondary end points included duration of response, disease control (defined as complete response, partial response, or stable disease), progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. Exploratory biomarkers were evaluated for their association with response to sotorasib therapy. RESULTS: Among the 126 enrolled patients, the majority (81.0%) had previously received both platinum-based chemotherapy and inhibitors of programmed death 1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). According to central review, 124 patients had measurable disease at baseline and were evaluated for response. An objective response was observed in 46 patients (37.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 28.6 to 46.2), including in 4 (3.2%) who had a complete response and in 42 (33.9%) who had a partial response. The median duration of response was 11.1 months (95% CI, 6.9 to could not be evaluated). Disease control occurred in 100 patients (80.6%; 95% CI, 72.6 to 87.2). The median progression-free survival was 6.8 months (95% CI, 5.1 to 8.2), and the median overall survival was 12.5 months (95% CI, 10.0 to could not be evaluated). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 88 of 126 patients (69.8%), including grade 3 events in 25 patients (19.8%) and a grade 4 event in 1 (0.8%). Responses were observed in subgroups defined according to PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and co-occurring mutations in STK11, KEAP1, or TP53. CONCLUSIONS: In this phase 2 trial, sotorasib therapy led to a durable clinical benefit without new safety signals in patients with previously treated KRAS p.G12C-mutated NSCLC. (Funded by Amgen and the National Institutes of Health; CodeBreaK100 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03600883.).

Long-term benefit of sotorasib in patients with KRAS G12C-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer: plain language summary.

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?: This is a plain language summary of a study called CodeBreaK 100. The CodeBreaK 100 study included patients with non-small-cell lung cancer that had spread outside the lung (advanced). Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. CodeBreaK 100 specifically looked at patients with a particular change(mutation) in the KRAS gene resulting in the mutated protein called KRAS G12C. The KRAS G12C mutation can lead to development and growth of lung cancer. Patients received a treatment called sotorasib, which has accelerated approval or full approval in over 50 countries for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer with the KRAS G12C mutation. The CodeBreaK 100 study looked at whether sotorasib is a safe and effective treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Sotorasib is designed to specifically target and lock the mutated KRAS protein in the inactive state to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?: In total, 174 adults were treated with sotorasib. Treatment-related side effects were seen in 70% of patients and were severe in 21% of patients. The most common side effects included diarrhea, increased liver enzymes, nausea and tiredness. 70 (41%) patients responded to sotorasib and 144 (84%) patients had tumors that either remained stable or shrunk in size. 29 (41%) patients who responded to sotorasib responded for over 12 months. After 2 years, 9 patients with a response remained on sotorasib; there were no notable increases in tumor size or development of new tumors over this time. There were 5patients who received sotorasib for more than 2 years and continued to respond. Long-term benefit was seen for some patients. Patients also benefitted from treatment when the tumor expressed different amounts of a protein called PD-L1.In total, 33% of patients were still alive after 2 years. WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?: Results show the long-term benefit of sotorasib therapy for people with advanced KRAS G12C-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03600883 (CodeBreaK 100) (ClinicalTrials.gov).

KRASG12C Inhibition with Sotorasib in Advanced Solid Tumors.

BACKGROUND: No therapies for targeting KRAS mutations in cancer have been approved. The KRAS p.G12C mutation occurs in 13% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and in 1 to 3% of colorectal cancers and other cancers. Sotorasib is a small molecule that selectively and irreversibly targets KRASG12C. METHODS: We conducted a phase 1 trial of sotorasib in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring the KRAS p.G12C mutation. Patients received sotorasib orally once daily. The primary end point was safety. Key secondary end points were pharmacokinetics and objective response, as assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), version 1.1. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (59 with NSCLC, 42 with colorectal cancer, and 28 with other tumors) were included in dose escalation and expansion cohorts. Patients had received a median of 3 (range, 0 to 11) previous lines of anticancer therapies for metastatic disease. No dose-limiting toxic effects or treatment-related deaths were observed. A total of 73 patients (56.6%) had treatment-related adverse events; 15 patients (11.6%) had grade 3 or 4 events. In the subgroup with NSCLC, 32.2% (19 patients) had a confirmed objective response (complete or partial response) and 88.1% (52 patients) had disease control (objective response or stable disease); the median progression-free survival was 6.3 months (range, 0.0+ to 14.9 [with + indicating that the value includes patient data that were censored at data cutoff]). In the subgroup with colorectal cancer, 7.1% (3 patients) had a confirmed response, and 73.8% (31 patients) had disease control; the median progression-free survival was 4.0 months (range, 0.0+ to 11.1+). Responses were also observed in patients with pancreatic, endometrial, and appendiceal cancers and melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: Sotorasib showed encouraging anticancer activity in patients with heavily pretreated advanced solid tumors harboring the KRAS p.G12C mutation. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related toxic effects occurred in 11.6% of the patients. (Funded by Amgen and others; CodeBreaK100 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03600883.).

A drug discovery platform to identify compounds that inhibit EGFR triple mutants.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors of great clinical interest due to their role in disease. Historically, therapeutics targeting RTKs have been identified using in vitro kinase assays. Due to frequent development of drug resistance, however, there is a need to identify more diverse compounds that inhibit mutated but not wild-type RTKs. Here, we describe MaMTH-DS (mammalian membrane two-hybrid drug screening), a live-cell platform for high-throughput identification of small molecules targeting functional protein-protein interactions of RTKs. We applied MaMTH-DS to an oncogenic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant resistant to the latest generation of clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We identified four mutant-specific compounds, including two that would not have been detected by conventional in vitro kinase assays. One of these targets mutant EGFR via a new mechanism of action, distinct from classical TKI inhibition. Our results demonstrate how MaMTH-DS is a powerful complement to traditional drug screening approaches.

The impact of symptoms and comorbidity on health utility scores and health-related quality of life in small cell lung cancer using real world data.

PURPOSE: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly fatal disease associated with significant morbidity, with a need for real-world symptom and health utility score (HUS) data. HUS can be measured using an EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, however most captured data is available in non-SCLC (NSCLC) only. As new treatment regimens become available in SCLC it becomes important to understand factors which influence health-related quality of life and health utility. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study (2012-2017) of ambulatory histologically confirmed SCLC evaluated patient-reported EQ-5D-5L-derived HUS, toxicity and symptoms. A set of NSCLC patients was used to compare differential factors affecting HUS. Clinical and demographic factors were evaluated for differential interactions between lung cancer types. Comorbidity scores were documented for each patient. RESULTS: In 75 SCLC and 150 NSCLC patients, those with SCLC had lower mean HUS ((SCLC vs NSCLC: mean 0.69 vs 0.79); (p < 0.001)) when clinically stable and with progressive disease: ((SCLC mean HUS = 0.60 vs NSCLC mean HUS = 0.77), (p = 0.04)). SCLC patients also had higher comorbidity scores ((1.11 vs 0.73); (p < 0.015)). In multivariable analyses, increased symptom severity and comorbidity scores decreased HUS in both SCLC and NSCLC (p < 0.001); however, only comorbidity scores differentially affected HUS (p < 0.0001), with a greater reduction of HUS adjusted per unit of comorbidity in SCLC. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced SCLC had significantly lower HUS than NSCLC. Both patient cohorts are impacted by symptoms and comorbidity, however, comorbidity had a greater negative effect in SCLC patients.

The financial impact of cancer care on renal cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION Advances in novel treatment options may render renal cell cancer (RCC) patients susceptible to the financial toxicity (FT) of cancer treatment, and the factors associated with FT are unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years old and had a diagnosis of stage IV RCC for at least 3 months. Patients were recruited from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre (Toronto, Canada). FT was assessed using the validated Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) instrument, a 12-question survey scored from 0-44, with lower scores reflecting worse FT. Patient and treatment characteristics, out-of-pocket costs (OOP) and private insurance coverage (PIC) were collected. Factors associated with worse FT (COST score < 21) were determined. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were approached and 80% agreed to participate (n = 52). The median age was 62 (44-88); 20% were female (n = 10); 43% were age ≥ 65 (n = 22); 63% were Caucasian (n = 31). Median COST score was 20.5 (3-44). Factors associated with worse FT were age < 65 (OR 9.5, p = 0.007), high OOP (OR 4.4, p = 0.04) and receiving treatment off clinical trial (in comparison to being on surveillance or on clinical trial) (OR 5.9, p = 0.03), when adjusting for other factors in multivariable logistic regression. However, there was no correlation between annual income or PIC and FT. CONCLUSION: Financial toxicity in the RCC population is more significant in younger patients and those on treatment outside of a clinical trial. Financial aid should be offered to these at-risk patients to optimize adherence to life prolonging RCC treatments.

Natural Killer Cells and Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.

Natural killer (NK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) are specific innate lymphoid cell subsets that are key for the detection and elimination of pathogens and cancer cells. In liver, while they share a number of characteristics, they differ in many features. These include their developmental pathways, tissue distribution, phenotype and functions. NK cells and ILC1 contribute to organ homeostasis through the production of key cytokines and chemokines and the elimination of potential harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, they are equipped with a wide range of receptors, allowing them to detect "stressed cells' such as cancer cells. Our understanding of the role of innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is growing owing to the development of mouse models, the progress in immunotherapeutic treatment and the recent use of scRNA sequencing analyses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of NK cells and ILC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss future strategies to take advantage of these innate immune cells in anti-tumor immunity. Immunotherapies hold great promise in HCC, and a better understanding of the role and function of NK cells and ILC1 in liver cancer could pave the way for new NK cell and/or ILC1-targeted treatment.

Development of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Immune Checkpoint Modulator (FACT-ICM): A toxicity subscale to measure quality of life in patients with cancer who are treated with ICMs.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer who are treated with immune checkpoint modulators (ICMs) have their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measured using general patient-reported outcome (PRO) tools. To the authors' knowledge, no instrument has been developed to date specifically for patients treated with ICMs. The objective of the current study was to develop a toxicity subscale PRO instrument for patients treated with ICMs to assess HRQOL. METHODS: Input was collected from a systematic review as well as patients and physicians experienced with ICM treatment. Descriptive thematic analysis was used to evaluate the qualitative data obtained from patient focus groups and interviews, which informed an initial list of items that described ICM side effects and their impact on HRQOL. These inputs informed item generation and/or reduction to develop a toxicity subscale. RESULTS: Focus groups and individual interviews with 37 ICM-treated patients generated an initial list of 176 items. After a first round of item reduction that produced a shortened list of 76 items, 16 physicians who care for patients who are treated with ICMs were surveyed with a list of 49 patient-reported side effects and 11 physicians participated in follow-up interviews. A second round of item reduction was informed by the physician responses to produce a list of 25 items. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this 25-item list is the first HRQOL-focused toxicity subscale for patients treated with ICMs and was developed in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration guidelines, which prioritize patient input in developing PRO tools. The subscale will be combined with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) to form the FACT-ICM. Prior to recommending the formal use of this PRO instrument, the authors will evaluate its validity and reliability in longitudinal studies involving substantially more patients.

Circulating Tumor DNA as a Liquid Biopsy: Current Clinical Applications and Future Directions.

Tumor genomic sequencing has become part of routine oncology practice in many tumor types, in order to identify potentially targetable mutations and to personalize cancer care. Plasma genotyping via circulating tumor DNA analysis is a noninvasive and rapid alternative method of detecting and monitoring genomic alterations throughout the course of disease. Multiple assays have been developed to date, each with different test characteristics and degrees of clinical validation. Here we review the clinical data supporting these different plasma genotyping methodologies, and present a practical approach to the interpretation of the results of these tests. While the clinical application of plasma genotyping has been most extensively validated in the metastatic setting-for the detection of targetable alterations at the time of initial diagnosis or disease progression-this technology holds significant promise across many tumor types and stages of disease. We will also review emerging applications of plasma genotyping that are currently under clinical investigation.

Real-world chemotherapy treatment patterns in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: Are patients undertreated?

BACKGROUND: New therapies for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have improved survival in clinical trials. However, only a minority of patients receive systemic therapy. This article reports treatment patterns and outcomes for a population of Canadian patients with metastatic NSCLC (Ontario). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC from 2005 to 2009 were identified through multiple linked provincial databases. Patient demographics, systemic treatment, and survival were examined over time. RESULTS: Metastatic NSCLC patients (n = 8113) were identified. The median age was 68 years; 39% had adenocarcinoma, 14% had squamous carcinoma, and a higher than expected proportion (43%) had NSCLC not otherwise specified. Only 24% the patients received first-line chemotherapy; only 31% of these received second-line chemotherapy. More patients received systemic therapy over time (from 19% in 2005 to 26% in 2009, P < .0001). Patients who were less than 70 years old or had adenocarcinoma were more likely to receive systemic therapy (P < .0001 for both). The median survival, regardless of age, for those selected to receive first-line cisplatin-gemcitabine chemotherapy was longer than that for those receiving other nonpemetrexed platinum doublets at 11.6 months (P = .0002). Patients with nonsquamous histology who were treated with second-line pemetrexed had longer median survival than those treated with docetaxel (19.8 vs 14.1 months, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with metastatic NSCLC in the general population still do not receive systemic therapy. Those selected for first- and second-line systemic treatment, including older patients, have survival outcomes comparable to clinical trial results. Older patients and patients with squamous histology are less likely to receive chemotherapy. The low levels of treatment utilization in this study warrant further investigation.

Management of acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

The widespread adoption of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer has resulted in acquired tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance becoming a ubiquitous clinical problem. The identification of specific mechanisms of acquired resistance has allowed a better understanding of the biology and natural history of resistant disease, but is only now starting to impact treatment decisions. Strategies for managing acquired resistance in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer are complex and must be adapted to the individual characteristics of each patient's cancer. Although combination chemotherapy is the presumed standard of care for most patients, prospective trial data are lacking, highlighting the importance of offering patients participation in clinical trials in this setting. Emerging data from trials of third-generation mutant-specific EGFR kinase inhibitors suggests particular promise with this class of agents.

Real-World Outcomes of Patients with Advanced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Canada Using Data Extracted by Large Language Model-Based Artificial Intelligence.

Real-world evidence for patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Canada is limited. This study's objective was to use previously validated DARWENTM artificial intelligence (AI) to extract data from electronic heath records of patients with non-squamous NSCLC at University Health Network (UHN) to describe EGFR mutation prevalence, treatment patterns, and outcomes. Of 2154 patients with NSCLC, 613 had advanced disease. Of these, 136 (22%) had common sensitizing EGFR mutations (cEGFRm; ex19del, L858R), 8 (1%) had exon 20 insertions (ex20ins), and 338 (55%) had EGFR wild type. One-year overall survival (OS) (95% CI) for patients with cEGFRm, ex20ins, and EGFR wild type tumours was 88% (83, 94), 100% (100, 100), and 59% (53, 65), respectively. In total, 38% patients with ex20ins received experimental ex20ins targeting treatment as their first-line therapy. A total of 57 patients (36%) with cEGFRm received osimertinib as their first-line treatment, and 61 (39%) received it as their second-line treatment. One-year OS (95% CI) following the discontinuation of osimertinib was 35% (17, 75) post-first-line and 20% (9, 44) post-second-line. In this real-world AI-generated dataset, survival post-osimertinib was poor in patients with cEGFR mutations. Patients with ex20ins in this cohort had improved outcomes, possibly due to ex20ins targeting treatment, highlighting the need for more effective treatments for patients with advanced EGFRm NSCLC.

Circulating tumor DNA dynamics reveal KRAS G12C mutation heterogeneity and response to treatment with the KRAS G12C inhibitor divarasib in solid tumors.

PURPOSE: To inform prognosis, treatment response, disease biology, and KRAS G12C mutation heterogeneity, we conducted exploratory circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling on 134 patients with solid tumors harboring a KRAS G12C mutation treated with single-agent divarasib (GDC-6036) in a phase 1 study. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Plasma samples were collected for serial ctDNA profiling at baseline (Cycle 1 Day 1 prior to treatment) and multiple on-treatment time points (Cycle 1 Day 15 and Cycle 3 Day 1). RESULTS: KRAS G12C ctDNA was detectable from plasma samples in 72.9% (43/59) and 92.6% (50/54) of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer, respectively, the majority of whom were eligible for study participation based on a local test detecting the KRAS G12C mutation in tumor tissue. Baseline ctDNA tumor fraction was associated with tumor type, disease burden, and metastatic sites. A decline in ctDNA level was observed as early as Cycle 1 Day 15. Serial assessment showed a decline in ctDNA tumor fraction associated with response and progression-free survival. Except for a few cases of KRAS G12C sub-clonality, on-treatment changes in KRAS G12C variant allele frequency mirrored changes in the overall ctDNA tumor fraction. CONCLUSION: Across tumor types, the KRAS G12C mutation likely represents a truncal mutation in the majority of patients. Rapid and deep decline in ctDNA tumor fraction was observed in patients responding to divarasib treatment. Early on-treatment dynamics of ctDNA were associated with patient outcomes and tumor response to divarasib treatment.

Clinical variables associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor outcomes in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a multicentre retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are indicated for metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC), but predictive and prognostic factors are lacking. We investigated clinical variables associated with ICI outcomes. METHODS: We performed a multicentre retrospective cohort study of 135 patients who received ICI for mUC, 2016-2021, at three Canadian centres. Clinical characteristics, body mass index (BMI), metastatic sites, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), response and survival were abstracted from chart review. RESULTS: We identified 135 patients and 62% had received ICI as a second-line or later treatment for mUC. A BMI ≥25 was significantly correlated to a higher overall response rate (ORR) (45.4% vs 16.3%, p value=0.020). Patients with BMI ≥30 experienced longer median overall survival (OS) of 24.8 vs 14.4 for 25≤BMI<30 and 8.5 months for BMI <25 (p value=0.012). The ORR was lower in the presence of bone metastases (16% vs 41%, p value=0.006) and liver metastases (16% vs 39%, p value=0.013). Metastatic lymph nodes were correlated with higher ORR (40% vs 20%, p value=0.032). The median OS for bone metastases was 7.3 versus 18 months (p value <0.001). Patients with liver metastases had a median OS of 8.6 versus 15 months (p value=0.006). No difference for lymph nodes metastases (13.5 vs 12.7 months, p value=0.175) was found. NLR ≥4 had worse OS (8.2 vs 17.7 months, p value=0.0001). In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥30, bone metastases, NLR ≥4, performance status ≥2 and line of ICI ≥2 were independent factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: Our data identified BMI and bone metastases as novel clinical biomarkers that were independently associated with ICI outcomes in mUC. External and prospective validation are warranted.

Immediate Versus Deferred Systemic Therapy in Patients With Mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: The 2018 ASCO pleural mesothelioma (PM) treatment guideline states that "a trial of expectant observation may be offered" in patients with asymptomatic inoperable epithelioid mesothelioma with low disease burden. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes in PM-patients managed with initial observation and deferred treatment initiation. METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinicodemograhic and outcome data of patients with inoperable PM. Patients were assigned to 2 treatment decision groups: decision to start immediate systemic treatment (Immediate Treatment Group) versus observation and deferring treatment (Deferred Treatment group). RESULTS: Of 222 patients with advanced PM, systemic treatment was started immediately in the majority of patients (189, 85%; immediate group); treatment was deferred in 33 (15%) patients (deferred group); systemic therapy was chemotherapy-based in 91% and 79% respectively. Patients in the deferred group were older (70 vs 67 years, p = .05), less likely to have stage IV disease (28% vs. 51%, p = .08) and more often had epithelioid histology (90% vs. 70%, p = .03). Nineteen patients (58%) in the deferred group eventually received treatment. With a median follow-up time of 10.9 months median overall survival (OS) in the entire cohort was 12.4 months and was significantly longer in the deferred group (20.6 months vs. 11.5 months, p = .02). No difference in median progression-free survival (PFS) in first-line treatment between groups was seen (5.4 and 5.3 months). CONCLUSION: This real-world analysis suggests that deferral of systemic therapy and close observation may not impact OS or physician-assessed PFS in selected PM-patients.

Protocol for a systematic review with prospective individual patient data meta-analysis in EGFR-mutant NSCLC with brain metastases to assess the effect of SRS+osimertinib compared to osimertinib alone: the STARLET Collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are a heterogeneous population who often develop brain metastases (BM). The optimal management of patients with asymptomatic brain metastases is unclear given the activity of newer-generation targeted therapies in the central nervous system. We present a protocol for an individual patient data (IPD) prospective meta-analysis to evaluate whether the addition of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) before osimertinib treatment will lead to better control of intracranial metastatic disease. This is a clinically relevant question that will inform practice. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials will be eligible if they include participants with BM arising from EGFR-mutant NSCLC and suitable to receive osimertinib both in the first-line and second-line settings (P); comparisons of SRS followed by osimertinib versus osimertinib alone (I, C) and intracranial disease control included as an endpoint (O). Systematic searches of Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsychInfo, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform's Search Portal will be undertaken. An IPD meta-analysis will be performed using methodologies recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcome is intracranial progression-free survival, as determined by response assessment in neuro-oncology-BM criteria. Secondary outcomes include overall survival, time to whole brain radiotherapy, quality of life, and adverse events of special interest. Effect differences will be explored among prespecified subgroups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approved by each trial's ethics committee. Results will be relevant to clinicians, researchers, policymakers and patients, and will be disseminated via publications, presentations and media releases. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022330532.