NCI10066: a Phase 1/2 study of olaparib in combination with ramucirumab in previously treated metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Our preclinical work revealed tumour hypoxia induces homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), increasing sensitivity to Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. We aimed to induce tumour hypoxia with ramucirumab thereby sensitising tumours to olaparib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multi-institution single-arm Phase 1/2 trial enrolled patients with metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma refractory to ≥1 systemic treatment. In dose escalation, olaparib was evaluated at escalating dose levels with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg day 1 in 14-day cycles. The primary endpoint of Phase 1 was the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and in Phase 2 the primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). RESULTS: Fifty-one patients received ramucirumab and olaparib. The RP2D was olaparib 300 mg twice daily with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg. In evaluable patients at the RP2D the ORR was 6/43 (14%) (95% CI 4.7-25.6). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.8 months (95% CI 2.3-4.2) and median overall survival (OS) was 7.3 months (95% CI 5.7-13.0). Non-statistically significant improvements in PFS and OS were observed for patients with tumours with mutations in HRD genes. CONCLUSIONS: Olaparib and ramucirumab is well-tolerated with efficacy that exceeds historical controls with ramucirumab single agent for gastric cancer in a heavily pre-treated patient population.

NCI 7977: A Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of Intermittent Oral ABT-888 (Veliparib) plus Intravenous Irinotecan Administered in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors.

Purpose: Veliparib is a PARP inhibitor (PARPi) with activity in BRCA 1/2/PALB2-deficient tumors. Preclinical observations reveal topoisomerase inhibitors like irinotecan are synergistic with PARPi irrespective of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), potentially expanding the role for PARPi. Experimental Design: NCI 7977 was a multicohort phase I clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of multiple dose schedules of veliparib with irinotecan for solid tumors. In the intermittent veliparib cohort, escalating doses of veliparib were given twice daily at dose level (DL) 1 (50 mg) and DL 2 (100 mg) days 1-4 and 8-11 with irinotecan 100 mg/m2 days 3 and 10 in 21-day cycles. Results: Fifteen patients enrolled, 8 of 15 (53%) received ≥4 prior systemic treatments. At DL1, 1 of 6 patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of diarrhea. At DL2, 9 patients were treated, with 3 unevaluable for DLT, and 2 of 6 evaluable patients experienced a DLT of grade 3 neutropenia. Irinotecan 100 mg/m2 and veliparib 50 mg twice daily was the MTD. No objective responses were observed, although 4 patients had progression-free survival >6 months. Conclusions: The MTD of intermittent veliparib is 50 mg twice daily days 1-4 and 8-11 with weekly irinotecan 100 mg/m2 days 3 and 10 every 21 days. Multiple patients experienced prolonged stable disease irrespective of HRD and prior irinotecan. However, due to the toxicities with higher dose intermittent veliparib and irinotecan, this schedule was determined too toxic for further development and the arm was closed prematurely. Significance: The combination of intermittent veliparib with weekly irinotecan was deemed too toxic for further development. Future PARPi combinations should focus on agents with nonoverlapping toxicities to improve tolerability. The treatment combination showed limited efficacy with prolonged stable disease observed in multiple heavily pretreated patients, but no objective responses were seen.

Multicenter Phase II Trial of the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib in Recurrent IDH1- and IDH2-mutant Glioma.

Purpose: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and IDH2 mutations (IDH1/2mt) are frequent in glioma. Preclinical studies suggest IDH1/2mts confer "BRCAness" phenotype, a vulnerability that can be targeted through PARP inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a multicenter study of olaparib monotherapy in patients with IDH1/2mt gliomas. Methods: Patients with recurrent, contrast-enhancing IDH1/2mt gliomas were enrolled in a two-step phase II trial; the primary endpoint was overall response rate per Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria. Olaparib 300 mg orally twice daily was given. Results: A total of 15 evaluable patients were enrolled. Histology was astrocytoma (N = 12) and oligodendroglioma (N = 3). Most toxicities were grade 1 or 2. Best response was stable disease (SD) in 9 (60%) patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.63 months and median overall survival was 20.7 months. For patients with SD, median PFS was 5.53 months; 4 patients had SD for >6 months. Among patients with best response progressive disease (N = 6), 5 had grade 4 tumor and 4 had known CDKN2A alteration. PFS was 5.23 months for grades 2 or 3 tumors (N = 10) versus 1.8 months for grade 4 (N = 5; P = 0.0013). Conclusion: The study did not meet the prespecified response-based activity threshold for moving to step 2. However, prolonged SD was observed in patients with grades 2 and 3 histologies, suggesting olaparib monotherapy could be of clinical benefit in select populations. Grade 4 tumors per 2021 World Health Organization classification defined by histology or CDKN2A alteration derived no benefit from this drug, highlighting the usefulness of this classification for future patient stratification and trial design. Significance: A single-arm phase II trial of olaparib in IDH-mutant glioma demonstrated clinically significant prolonged SD for select patients with grade 2/3 disease, suggesting potential benefit of olaparib in IDH-mutant gliomas.

High Diagnostic Yield of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Brush Cytology for Indeterminate Strictures.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) brush cytology is used frequently for sampling indeterminate biliary strictures. Studies have demonstrated that the diagnostic yield of brush cytology for malignant strictures is estimated to be 6%-70%. With improved diagnostic tools, sampling techniques and specimen processing, the yield of ERCP brush cytology may be higher. This study aimed to assess the yield of brush cytology and determine factors associated with a positive diagnosis. Methods: This was a cohort study of patients who underwent ERCP brush cytology from October 2017 to May 2020. Patient demographics, clinical, procedural and pathological data were collected using chart review. Sampling data were captured up to 3 months post-index ERCP to capture repeat brushings, biopsies or surgical resections. Outcomes included the diagnostic yield, true/false positive values and true/false negative values of malignancy detection using ERCP brush cytology. Results: A total of 126 patients underwent a brush cytology, 58% were male and 79% had a stricture in the extrahepatic region. Ninety-three patients were diagnosed with a malignancy, of which 78 had positive brush cytology results and 15 had a negative brush cytology result. The diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 84%, 83%, 97%, 99%, 68% and 87% respectively. Conclusion: ERCP brush cytology performed using updated sampling technique is associated with high diagnostic yield. This allows for earlier malignancy diagnosis, timely treatment and decreased need for further investigation.

Molecular yield and cytomorphologic assessment of fine needle aspiration specimen supernatants.

INTRODUCTION: Cytology samples are frequently relied upon for the diagnosis of advanced cancer such as lung cancer. As the recommendations for solid malignancies biomarker testing continue to expand, it becomes increasingly important to efficiently utilize limited specimens to minimize the need for additional sampling and its associated risks and costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed molecular testing on fresh or CytoLyt-fixed supernatants derived from fine needle aspirates (FNAs) and compared its performance against the clinical specimen (including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cell blocks, residual PreservCyt and fresh samples). Supernatants were assessed for cellularity using Field-stained Cytospin (CS) preparations. RESULTS: There was overall almost perfect agreement (41/45 cases, K = 0.822) and substantial to almost perfect agreement in molecular testing results of clinically actionable variants between fresh (20/23 cases, Κ = 0.742) and CytoLyt-fixed (21/22 cases, Κ = 0.908) and its clinical specimen counterpart. Interestingly, CS examination of the supernatants revealed viable tumor cells. Centrifugation for 1 minute at 300 rpm is optimal for overall or tumor cellularity recovery. Delayed molecular testing after 3, 4 and 7 days at 4 degrees Celsius showed identical molecular results. CONCLUSIONS: We validated the use of supernatants derived from FNA cytology samples as a substrate for molecular testing using next-generation sequencing and other molecular techniques.

Integrating comprehensive genomic sequencing of non-small cell lung cancer into a public healthcare system.

OBJECTIVES: Standard molecular testing for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the Canadian publicly funded health system includes single gene testing for EGFR, ALK, and ROS-1. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) may broaden treatment options for patients. This study examined the impact of CGP in a publicly funded health system. METHODS: Consenting patients with stage IV NSCLC without known targetable alterations underwent CGP on diagnostic samples. Patients that had progressed on targeted therapy were also eligible. The CGP assay was a hybrid capture next generation sequencing (NGS) panel (Oncomine Comprehensive Assay Version 3, ThermoFisher). The number of actionable alterations, changes in treatment, clinical trial eligibility and costs as a result of CGP were evaluated and patient willingness-to-pay. RESULTS: Of 182 screened patients,134 (74%) had successful CGP testing. Twenty percent had received prior targeted therapy. Incremental actionable alterations were identified in 31% of patients. The most common novel targets identified were mutations in ERBB2 (exon 20 insertions), MET (exon 14 skipping) and KRAS (G12C). At data cut off (31/12/2020), 16% of patients had a change in treatment as a result of CGP. Additional clinical trial options were identified for 75% of patients. The incremental direct laboratory cost for CGP beyond public reimbursement for single gene tests was $747 CAD/case. CONCLUSION: CGP identifies additional actionable targets beyond single gene tests with a direct impact on patient treatment and increased clinical trial eligibility. These benefits highlight the value of CGP in patients with NSCLC in public health systems.

Validation of BRCA testing on cytologic samples of high-grade serous carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Testing for BRCA1/2 gene alterations in patients with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is a critical determinant of treatment eligibility for poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in addition to providing vital information for genetic counselling. Many patients present with effusions necessitating therapeutic drainage, and this makes cytologic specimens (CySs) the initial diagnostic material for HGSC, often before histologic sampling. Initiating somatic BRCA testing on a CyS allows the BRCA status to be determined sooner, and this affects clinical management. METHODS: Retrospectively, 8 cases of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) CySs of peritoneal or pleural fluid from patients with HGSC and known BRCA1/2 alterations previously established by the testing of FFPE surgical specimens (SpSs) underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS). Prospectively, 11 cases of peritoneal or pleural fluid from patients with HGSC but an unknown BRCA1/2 status underwent NGS with fresh, alcohol-fixed, and FFPE CySs, and they were compared with subsequent NGS on 4 SpSs. RESULTS: CySs yielded high-quantity and high-quality DNA for NGS analysis when sufficient tumor cellularity was present. Fresh, alcohol-fixed, and FFPE CySs were all suitable for NGS and provided identical NGS results. SpS and CyS BRCA testing was concordant in 10 of 12 cases. The 2 discordant cases showed low tumor cellularity and quality in the CyS and the SpS, respectively. CONCLUSION: Effusion CySs of HGSC are excellent sources for NGS testing for BRCA1/2 genetic alterations when sufficient tumor cellularity is present. Fresh, alcohol-fixed, and FFPE CySs are equivalent for NGS of BRCA1/2. NGS testing of HGSC CySs demonstrates good concordance with SpSs for the BRCA1/2 status.

Identifying treatment options for BRAFV600 wild-type metastatic melanoma: A SU2C/MRA genomics-enabled clinical trial.

Although combination BRAF and MEK inhibitors are highly effective for the 40-50% of cutaneous metastatic melanomas harboring BRAFV600 mutations, targeted agents have been ineffective for BRAFV600wild-type (wt) metastatic melanomas. The SU2C Genomics-Enabled Medicine for Melanoma Trial utilized a Simon two-stage optimal design to assess whether comprehensive genomic profiling improves selection of molecular-based therapies for BRAFV600wt metastatic melanoma patients who had progressed on standard-of-care therapy, which may include immunotherapy. Of the response-evaluable patients, binimetinib was selected for 20 patients randomized to the genomics-enabled arm, and nine were treated on the alternate treatment arm. Response rates for 27 patients treated with targeted recommendations included one (4%) partial response, 18 (67%) with stable disease, and eight (30%) with progressive disease. Post-trial genomic and protein pathway activation mapping identified additional drug classes that may be considered for future studies. Our results highlight the complexity and heterogeneity of metastatic melanomas, as well as how the lack of response in this trial may be associated with limitations including monotherapy drug selection and the dearth of available single and combination molecularly-driven therapies to treat BRAFV600wt metastatic melanomas.

Long-Term Impact of Thyroid Biopsy Specialists on Efficiency and Quality of Thyroid Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess consistency and long-term progress in thyroid biopsy performed by trained sonographers under supervision of a radiologist. METHODS: Trained sonographers started performing thyroid biopsy at our institute in August 2011. The data for this study were extracted from a prospectively maintained database for ultrasound guided thyroid biopsy and included the number of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy procedures performed between August 2011 and 2016 and the final cytopathology report as per the Bethesda Classification. For the analysis, the study was divided into two time periods: initial postimplementation period (August 2011 to 2013) and late postimplementation period (2014-2016). RESULTS: In all, 5,538 thyroid biopsies were performed by trained sonographers in the period, 2,561 in the initial implementation period and 2,977 between 2014 and 2016. The unsatisfactory rates dropped from 21% to 10% in the two periods (P < .001), and the proportion of malignant nodules on cytopathology increased from 6% to 7% in the two periods (P = .010). Wait times for thyroid biopsies remained low during the period. CONCLUSION: Sonographers trained to perform ultrasound guided thyroid biopsies provide persistent improved patient care over a long-term period. This reinforces the role of physician extenders in targeted scopes of practice.

Implementation of PD-L1 22C3 IHC pharmDxTM in Cell Block Preparations of Lung Cancer: Concordance with Surgical Resections and Technical Validation of CytoLyt® Prefixation.

BACKGROUND: Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used as biomarker for pembrolizumab therapy in advanced stage lung cancer patients. However, data permitting direct performance comparison between cytology and surgical specimen types are limited since both specimens from a single tumor site are infrequently available. In addition, alcohol fixation used with cytology specimens requires technical validation of the PD-L1 IHC assay before clinical use. We here report our experience with implementation of the PD-L1 22C3 IHC pharmDxTM assay for cytologic samples at a large tertiary cancer center. STUDY DESIGN: Archival formalin-fixed (FF), paraffin-embedded cell blocks (CBs) and subsequent lung tumor resections (LTRs) from the same anatomical site were used for a direct comparison of PD-L1 tumor proportion scores (TPSs). TPS values were independently determined by one surgical lung pathologist and two cytopathologists blinded to the specimen pairs. An interim analysis was performed to facilitate the pooling of expertise among observers. After PD-L1 22C3 IHC pharmDxTM implementation for FF cytology specimens, dual-processed samples were used for a prospective technical validation of CytoLyt® prefixation (CF). Digital image analysis was performed for a subset of dual-processed specimens. RESULTS: Eighty-one CBs and LTRs were included for comparison of the specimen types. PD-L1 assessment in CBs had an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 88.9/72.8, 66.7/73.5, 95.2/72.3, 80.0/65.8, and 90.9/79.1% for the ≥50/≥1% cutoff, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76, 0.90), and it improved after interim analysis (before: 0.79 and after: 0.92). The overall concordance between CF and FF for the categories defined by the ≥50/≥1% cutoff values was 90.4% (95% CI: 79.0, 96.8). Similar assay performance was confirmed by digital analysis. CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1 22C3 IHC pharmDxTM shows good reliability if used with CB preparations. CF does not impact assay results significantly. Clinical validation with outcome data is needed, and digital methods of assessment should be further investigated.

Fit-For-Purpose PD-L1 Biomarker Testing For Patient Selection in Immuno-Oncology: Guidelines For Clinical Laboratories From the Canadian Association of Pathologists-Association Canadienne Des Pathologistes (CAP-ACP).

Since 2014, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitors have been approved by various regulatory agencies for the treatment of multiple cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal cancer, gastroesophageal cancer, hepatocellular cancer, and other solid tumors. Of these approved drug/disease combinations, a subset also has regulatory agency-approved, commercially available companion/complementary diagnostic assays that were clinically validated using data from their corresponding clinical trials. The objective of this document is to provide evidence-based guidance to assist clinical laboratories in establishing fit-for-purpose PD-L1 biomarker assays that can accurately identify patients with specific tumor types who may respond to specific approved immuno-oncology therapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint. These recommendations are issued as 38 Guideline Statements that address (i) assay development for surgical pathology and cytopathology specimens, (ii) reporting elements, and (iii) quality assurance (including validation/verification, internal quality assurance, and external quality assurance). The intent of this work is to provide recommendations that are relevant to any tumor type, are universally applicable and can be implemented by any clinical immunohistochemistry laboratory performing predictive PD-L1 immunohistochemistry testing.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase 5A4 immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic assay in lung cancer: A Canadian reference testing center's results in population-based reflex testing.

BACKGROUND: The presence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement predicts response to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was the initial reference standard to detect ALK rearrangement, but immunohistochemistry (IHC) using D5F3 has gained acceptance as an alternative diagnostic method. ALK IHC assays using other ALK antibodies have also been used as screening methods, but data supporting their utility as diagnostic tests have not been widely reported. METHODS: Data from reflexive clinical ALK IHC test using the 5A4 clone concurrent with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing were analyzed. ALK IHC results were reported as negative (-), equivocal, or positive (+), with equivocal or positive staining validated by FISH break-apart probe testing. Treatment outcomes were reviewed for ALK IHC+ patients. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2015, 146 (2.5%) cases were reported as ALK IHC+, 188 (3.2%) were reported as equivocal, and 5624 (94.4%) were reported as ALK IHC-. Of the ALK IHC+ cases, 131/143(91.6%) were ALK FISH+. Excluding 6 cases in which FISH was inconclusive or not performed, the positive predictive value was 95.6%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. Most specimens (n = 5352 [89.6%]) were also successfully tested for EGFR. Clinical responses to ALK TKIs were noted in 49 ALK IHC+ patients, with a median progression-free survival of 9.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: ALK 5A4 IHC can serve as a robust diagnostic test for ALK-rearranged lung cancer and is associated with treatment response and survival. Optimized tissue allocation resulted in high success rates of combined reflex EGFR and ALK testing.

Challenges with Novel Clinical Trial Designs: Master Protocols.

The 2018 Accelerating Anticancer Agent Development (AAADV) Workshop assembled a panel of experts for an in-depth discussion session to present "Challenges with Novel Clinical Trial Designs." This panel offered assessments of the challenges faced by industry, the FDA, investigators, institutional review boards, and patients. The panel focused on master protocols, which include umbrella trials, platform trials, and basket trials. Umbrella trials and platform trials share many commonalities, whereas basket trials are more distinct. Umbrella and platform trials are generally designed with multiple arms where patients of the same histology or other unifying characteristics are enrolled into different arms and multiple investigational agents are evaluated in a single protocol. In contrast, basket studies generally enroll patients with different tumor types based on the presence of a specific mutation or biomarker regardless of histology; these trials may include expansion cohorts. These novel designs offer the promise of expedited drug assessment and approval, but they also place new challenges on all the stakeholders involved in the drug development process. Only by identifying the challenges of these complex, innovative clinical trial designs and highlighting challenges from each perspective can we begin to address these challenges. The 2018 AAADV Workshop convened a panel of experts from relevant disciplines to highlight the challenges that are created by master protocols, and, where appropriate, offer strategies to address these challenges.

Minimally Invasive Real-Time Detection of Actionable Mutations in Patients With Metastatic Solid Tumors Using Fine-Needle and Liquid Biopsies.

PURPOSE: Fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and liquid biopsy are minimally invasive methods of tumor sampling that provide feasible means to assess tumor genotypes in real time. However, more data are needed to establish the strength of these methods by benchmarking against the current gold standard methods, core-needle biopsy (CNB) or surgical excision of the tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients with advanced solid tumors were prospectively recruited. We performed mutation profiling using matched tumor DNA obtained by CNB, FNB and liquid biopsy, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight custom mass-spectrometry or targeted next-generation DNA sequencing. The actionability of detected mutations was determined using the OncoKB Web tool. Agreement between mutations detected in CNBs, FNBs, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was examined. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent tumor biopsy. Thirty CNBs (73%) and 34 FNBs (83%) had sufficient tumor and DNA for mutation profiling. Median DNA yield from CNB and FNB were 775 ng (interquartile range, 240 to 347 4ng) and 649 ng (interquartile range, 180 to1350 ng), respectively. Of 29 CNB/FNB pairs available for comparison, actionable mutation results were concordant in 28 (96%). Six of nine actionable mutations (67%) that were found by CNB, FNB, or both were detectable in ctDNA. Two additional actionable mutations were found exclusively in ctDNA. CONCLUSION: Optimally processed FNB and liquid biopsy can be used routinely for tumor mutation profiling to identify actionable mutations.

Performance of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for the Diagnosis of Isolated Mediastinal and Hilar Lymphadenopathy.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have assessed the diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the context of a specific disease, few studies have assessed the overall diagnostic yield, sensitivity, and negative predictive value in patients with isolated mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy (IMHL). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the performance of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosing IMHL in a population with a high prevalence of concurrent or preexisting non-pulmonary malignancy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA from October 2008 to April 2014 was performed to identify patients with IMHL. Patients with known or suspected primary pulmonary malignancy were excluded. When available, EBUS-TBNA results were cross-referenced with further diagnostic investigation or clinical diagnosis based on follow-up. RESULTS: EBUS-TBNA was used to sample 765 lymph nodes from 350 patients. One hundred and fourteen (33.3%) patients had a concurrent or preexisting non-pulmonary malignancy. The overall yield of EBUS-TBNA for specific diagnosis was 300/350 (86%). The diagnostic yield for sarcoidosis, lymphoproliferative disease, metastatic lymphadenopathy from extrathoracic malignancy, and necrotizing granuloma was 123/149 (83%), 27/33 (82%), 20/25 (80%), and 13/19 (68%), respectively. Amongst 50 patients with non-diagnostic EBUS-TBNA, 25 yielded an insufficient sample and another 25 yielded only benign lymphoid material which was not representative of the underlying pathology. Overall, EBUS-TBNA had a sensitivity of 89%, a diagnostic yield of 86%, and a negative predictive value of 79%. CONCLUSION: For patients with isolated hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy and a high background prevalence of concurrent and preexisting non-pulmonary malignancy, EBUS-TBNA is a reliable first-line diagnostic investigation.

A phase 2 study of vorinostat in locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). Based on a confirmed partial response (PR) in an adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) patient treated with vorinostat in a prior phase 1 trial, we initiated this phase 2 trial. METHODS: Vorinostat was administered orally 400 mg daily, 28 day cycles. The primary objective was to evaluate response rate (RR). Exploratory studies included whole exome sequencing (WES) of selected patients. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled. Median age of patients was 53 years (range 21-73). Median number of cycles was 5 (range 1-66). Lymphopenia (n = 5), hypertension (n = 3), oral pain (n = 2), thromboembolic events (n = 2) and fatigue (n = 2) were the only grade 3 adverse events (AEs) that occurred in more than 1 patient. Eleven patients were dose reduced secondary to drug-related AEs. Two patients had a partial response (PR), with response durations of 53 and 7.2 months. One patient had a minor response with a decrease in ascites (for 19 cycles). Stable disease was the best response in 27 patients. Targeted and WES of 8 patients in this trial identified mutations in chromatin remodeling genes highlighting the role of the epigenome in ACC. CONCLUSION: Vorinostat demonstrated efficacy in patients with ACC supporting the inclusion of HDACi in future studies to treat ACC.

Phase I Safety, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Study of the Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitor Veliparib (ABT-888) in Combination with Irinotecan in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: PARP is essential for recognition and repair of DNA damage. In preclinical models, PARP inhibitors modulate topoisomerase I inhibitor-mediated DNA damage. This phase I study determined the MTD, dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of veliparib, an orally bioavailable PARP1/2 inhibitor, in combination with irinotecan. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients with advanced solid tumors were treated with 100 mg/m(2) irinotecan on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Twice-daily oral dosing of veliparib (10-50 mg) occurred on days 3 to 14 (cycle 1) and days -1 to 14 (subsequent cycles) followed by a 6-day rest. PK studies were conducted with both agents alone and in combination. Paired tumor biopsies were obtained after irinotecan alone and veliparib/irinotecan to evaluate PARP1/2 inhibition and explore DNA damage signals (nuclear γ-H2AX and pNBS1). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were treated. DLTs included fatigue, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, and neutropenia. The MTD was 100 mg/m(2) irinotecan (days 1 and 8) combined with veliparib 40 mg twice daily (days -1-14) on a 21-day cycle. Of 31 response-evaluable patients, there were six (19%) partial responses. Veliparib exhibited linear PK, and there were no apparent PK interactions between veliparib and irinotecan. At all dose levels, veliparib reduced tumor poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) content in the presence of irinotecan. Several samples showed increases in γ-H2AX and pNBS1 after veliparib/irinotecan compared with irinotecan alone. CONCLUSIONS: Veliparib can be safely combined with irinotecan at doses that inhibit PARP catalytic activity. Preliminary antitumor activity justifies further evaluation of the combination. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3227-37. ©2016 AACR.

The Canadian Area of Focused Competence (AFC) in Cytopathology experience: the first four years.

The AFC in cytopathology program was created in 2012 to address the societal need in Canada for Cytopathology leaders with in-depth specific knowledge of Cytopathology diagnostics, laboratory management, quality assurance and risk management to ensure high quality and accurate patient outcomes. So far, the developed AFC program in Cytopathology has been successfully implemented in three academic centres, and it stands as a model for competency-based advanced training in Cytopathology.

Next-Generation Sequencing to Guide Clinical Trials.

Rapidly accruing knowledge of the mutational landscape of malignant neoplasms, the increasing facility of massively parallel genomic sequencing, and the availability of drugs targeting many "driver" molecular abnormalities have spurred the oncologic community to consider how to use these new tools to improve cancer treatment. In order to assure that assignment of patients to a particular targeted treatment is likely to be beneficial to the patient, it will be necessary to conduct appropriate clinical research. It is clear that clinical (histology and stage) eligibility criteria are not sufficient for most clinical trials using agents that target mutations that are present in only a minority of patients. Recently, several clinical trial designs have been suggested to test the benefit of targeted treatment in molecular and/or clinical subgroups of patients. However, challenges remain in the implementation of such trials, including choice of assay, levels of evidence regarding gene variants, tumor heterogeneity, identifying resistance mechanisms, the necessity of screening large numbers of patients, infrastructure needs, and collaboration of investigators and industry. This article reviews current trial designs and discusses some of the considerations, advantages, and drawbacks of designing clinical trials that depend on particular molecular variants as eligibility criteria.