Pembrolizumab Added to Ifosfamide, Carboplatin, and Etoposide Chemotherapy for Relapsed or Refractory Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Multi-institutional Phase 2 Investigator-Initiated Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial designed to investigate concurrent treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor and conventional chemotherapy in relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma in patients destined for an autologous stem cell transplant. Objective: To evaluate the complete response rate as assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) after salvage therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Design, Setting, and Participants: A single-group, phase 2, multi-institutional nonrandomized clinical trial to evaluate the addition of pembrolizumab to ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) chemotherapy was conducted from April 20, 2017, to October 29, 2020, at 5 US sites. The 42 patients were aged 18 years or older, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale score of 0 or 1 and biopsy-proven relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma after 1 or 2 prior lines of chemotherapy. Patients were required to be appropriate candidates for transplant, with measurable lesions detected by FDG-PET/CT. Interventions: Two cycles of pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously on day 1) with ICE chemotherapy every 21 days, followed by stem cell mobilization and collection, and then 1 cycle of pembrolizumab monotherapy followed by FDG-PET/CT response assessment. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was complete response rate detected by FDG-PET/CT, defined as a Deauville score of 3 or lower. Patients with a complete response proceeded to an autologous stem cell transplant. Secondary end points included progression-free survival, overall survival, stem cell mobilization, and neutrophil and platelet engraftment. Adverse events were monitored to assess safety. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled, with 37 evaluable for the primary end point. The median age was 34 years (range, 19-70 years), 25 patients were female (68%), 6 were African American (16%), and 26 were White (70%). The complete response rate for the 37 patients assessed by FDG-PET/CT imaging was 86.5% (95% CI, 71.2%-95.5%); the overall response rate was 97.3% (36 patients), with 10.8% partial responses (4 patients). New areas of FDG-PET positivity in 2 patients were biopsied, showing noncaseating granuloma in 1 case and a reactive lymph node in a second. Progression-free survival and overall survival 2-year estimates were 87.2% (32 patients; 95% CI, 77.3%-98.3%) and 95.1% (95% CI, 88.8%-100%), respectively. The addition of pembrolizumab to ICE chemotherapy did not negatively affect stem cell mobilization or collection or engraftment, similar to prior experience in this patient population and setting. Conclusions and Relevance: Results suggest that the addition of pembrolizumab to ICE chemotherapy was well tolerated and highly effective in comparison with prior reports of chemotherapy-only regimens, supporting further investigation in patients with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03077828.

Sequential pembrolizumab and AVD are highly effective at any PD-L1 expression level in untreated Hodgkin lymphoma.

In a multicenter, phase 2, investigator-initiated trial of sequential pembrolizumab and AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine), nearly two-thirds of patients with untreated, unfavorable, or advanced-stage classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) achieved positron emission tomography (PET)-defined, complete or near-complete metabolic responses (CMRs), following pembrolizumab monotherapy. Furthermore, all patients achieved CMR after 2 cycles of AVD, with 100% of patients alive and without relapse at initial publication. We now report long-term follow-up, including the 3-year overall survival (OS) and planned correlative analyses. Thirty patients received 3 cycles of single-agent pembrolizumab, followed by AVD chemotherapy for 4 to 6 cycles depending on the stage and bulk. PET/computed tomography scan was performed after pembrolizumab monotherapy, 2 cycles of AVD, and at the end of therapy. Baseline biopsy samples were analyzed for genomic alterations of chromosome 9p24.1 and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway markers. At a median follow-up of 33.1 months (range, 26.0-43.0), progression-free survival and OS remained 100%. All patients had genomic alterations in 9p24.1 and were positive for programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) by immunohistochemistry. There was no relationship between depth of response to single-agent pembrolizumab and 9p24.1 alterations or PD-1 pathway H-scores. After additional follow-up, sequential pembrolizumab and AVD remained highly effective. The high response rates observed at all PD-L1 levels suggest that even low levels of PD-L1 expression are sufficient for response to PD-1 blockade in untreated cHL. An international phase 2 trial (registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03226249) is ongoing to confirm our findings.

Pembrolizumab followed by AVD in untreated early unfavorable and advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Pembrolizumab, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death-1 protein, has demonstrated efficacy in relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). To assess the complete metabolic response (CMR) rate and safety of pembrolizumab monotherapy in newly diagnosed cHL, we conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 investigator-initiated trial of sequential pembrolizumab and doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) chemotherapy. Patients ≥18 years of age with untreated, early, unfavorable, or advanced-stage disease were eligible for treatment. Thirty patients (early unfavorable stage, n = 12; advanced stage, n = 18) were treated with 3 cycles of pembrolizumab monotherapy followed by AVD for 4 to 6 cycles, depending on stage and bulk. Twelve had either large mediastinal masses or bulky disease (>10 cm). After pembrolizumab monotherapy, 11 patients (37%) demonstrated CMRs, and an additional 7 of 28 (25%) patients with quantifiable positron emission tomography computed tomography scans had >90% reduction in metabolic tumor volume. All patients achieved CMR after 2 cycles of AVD and maintained their responses at the end of treatment. With a median follow-up of 22.5 months (range, 14.2-30.6) there were no changes in therapy, progressions, or deaths. No patients received consolidation radiotherapy, including those with bulky disease. Therapy was well tolerated. The most common immune-related adverse events were grade 1 rash (n = 6) and grade 2 infusion reactions (n = 4). One patient had reversible grade 4 transaminitis and a second had reversible Bell's palsy. Brief pembrolizumab monotherapy followed by AVD was both highly effective and safe in patients with newly diagnosed cHL, including those with bulky disease. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03226249.

Global Issues of Radiopharmaceutical Access and Availability: A Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative Project.

The Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative was formed in 2012 by 13 international organizations to promote human health by advancing the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging by supporting the practice and application of nuclear medicine. The first project focused on standardization of administered activities in pediatric nuclear medicine and resulted in 2 articles. For its second project the Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative chose to explore issues impacting on access and availability of radiopharmaceuticals around the world. Methods: Information was obtained by survey responses from 35 countries on available radioisotopes, radiopharmaceuticals, and kits for diagnostic and therapeutic use. Issues impacting on access and availability of radiopharmaceuticals in individual countries were also identified. Results: Detailed information on radiopharmaceuticals used in each country, and sources of supply, was evaluated. Responses highlighted problems in access, particularly due to the reliance on a sole provider, regulatory issues, and reimbursement, as well as issues of facilities and workforce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusion: Strategies to address access and availability of radiopharmaceuticals are outlined, to enable timely and equitable patient access to nuclear medicine procedures worldwide. In the face of disruptions to global supply chains by the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, renewed focus on ensuring a reliable supply of radiopharmaceuticals is a major priority for nuclear medicine practice globally.

Potential Significant Changes in Nuclear Regulatory Commission Policies Regarding Training and Experience Requirements for the Use of Radiopharmaceuticals.

The Code of Federal Regulations is a single-source repository of all rules and regulations promulgated by federal departments and agencies. In Title 10, Chapter 1, Part 35, Subpart D, §§35.100 to 35.290 detail regulations for the use of unsealed by product material not requiring a written directive (ie, diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals), and in Subpart E, §§35.300 to 35.396 detail regulations for the use of unsealed by product material requiring a written directive (ie, therapeutic radionuclides). Currently proposed changes for both Subparts D and E could have profound effects on patient care, public safety, and the practice of nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, and radiation oncology. This article details those proposed changes and actions under way to prevent promulgation of proposals that could negatively affect patient care and public safety.

Training and Education Requirements for Authorized Users of Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals: Changes Under Consideration for 10CFR35.390 and Their Potential Impact.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and 38 Agreement States have the regulatory authority to promulgate and enforce regulations related to the use of radioisotopes for medical purposes. Elements of these regulations include training and experience (T&E) requirements for individuals authorized to use the agents. These regulations are specified in 10CFR35.390. At this time, the NRC is considering significant revisions to the T&E requirements. This article describes current regulations and concerns related to the proposed changes and details the ACR organizational response.

Controversies, Consensus, and Collaboration in the Use of 131I Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Joint Statement from the American Thyroid Association, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and the European Thyroid Association.

BACKGROUND: Publication of the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer was met with disagreement by the extended nuclear medicine community with regard to some of the recommendations related to the diagnostic and therapeutic use of radioiodine (131I). Because of these concerns, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging declined to endorse the ATA guidelines. As a result of these differences in opinion, patients and clinicians risk receiving conflicting advice with regard to several key thyroid cancer management issues. SUMMARY: To address some of the differences in opinion and controversies associated with the therapeutic uses of 131I in differentiated thyroid cancer constructively, the ATA, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and the European Thyroid Association each sent senior leadership and subject-matter experts to a two-day interactive meeting. The goals of this first meeting were to (i) formalize the dialogue and activities between the four societies; (ii) discuss indications for 131I adjuvant treatment; (iii) define the optimal prescribed activity of 131I for adjuvant treatment; and (iv) clarify the definition and classification of 131I-refractory thyroid cancer. CONCLUSION: By fostering an open, productive, and evidence-based discussion, the Martinique meeting restored trust, confidence, and a sense of collegiality between individuals and organizations that are committed to optimal thyroid disease management. The result of this first meeting is a set of nine principles (The Martinique Principles) that (i) describe a commitment to proactive, purposeful, and inclusive interdisciplinary cooperation; (ii) define the goals of 131I therapy as remnant ablation, adjuvant treatment, or treatment of known disease; (iii) describe the importance of evaluating postoperative disease status and multiple other factors beyond clinicopathologic staging in 131I therapy decision making; (iv) recognize that the optimal administered activity of 131I adjuvant treatment cannot be definitely determined from the published literature; and (v) acknowledge that current definitions of 131I-refractory disease are suboptimal and do not represent definitive criteria to mandate whether 131I therapy should be recommended.

Patterns of Failure and Survival Outcomes after Total Lymphoid Irradiation and High-Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

PURPOSE: The patterns of failure and long-term outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated with total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (aSCT) are reported. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with biopsy-proven primary refractory or relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma who received salvage chemotherapy and accelerated hyperfractionated TLI before high-dose chemotherapy and aSCT were included. Patterns of failure were delineated after fusing pretransplant planning computed tomography to the scan reporting the first failure. Survival rates were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis using proportional hazards regression was done to determine prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2016, 89 patients underwent salvage treatments. Twenty patients failed at a median of 6.1 months after aSCT. Posttreatment scans were available for 16 patients who failed in a combined 43 different sites, 11 of which were extranodal. Patients failed at multiple sites, mostly within radiation fields. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year OS rates were 72.8%, 68.0%, and 58.3%; PFS rates were 73.3%, 68.5%, and 58.7%; event-free survival rates were 72.3%, 67.5%, and 57.8% respectively. The 5- and 10- year actuarial local control rates were both 77.6%. Complete response (CR) to salvage chemotherapy was associated with statistically significant improvements in OS and PFS. Eight patients developed secondary malignancies; 5 were hematologic and 3 were solid tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Most failures were within the irradiated volume, which reflects the treatment-resistant disease biology. As part of a conditioning regimen, TLI yields good survival outcomes, particularly in patients achieving CR before transplant. However, need for RT in this setting should be assessed and new strategies should be developed to combat the treatment-resistant biology, especially in patients with less than CR after salvage chemotherapy.

F-18 FDG-PET predicts outcomes for patients receiving total lymphoid irradiation and autologous blood stem-cell transplantation for relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) is an effective strategy for patients with relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We report outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory HL who received TLI followed by high-dose chemotherapy and aHSCT. Pre-transplant fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) studies were scored on the 5-point Deauville scale. Of 51 patients treated with TLI and aHSCT, 59% had primary refractory disease and 63% had active disease at aHSCT. The 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 56% and 54%, respectively. Patients with complete response (CR) by PET prior to aHSCT had a 5-year PFS and OS of 85% and 100% compared to 52% and 48% for those without CR (P = 0·09 and P = 0·007, respectively). TLI and aHSCT yields excellent disease control and long-term survival rates for patients with relapsed/refractory HL, including those with high-risk disease features. Achievement of CR with salvage therapy is a powerful predictor of outcome.

Long-term follow-up of 111In-capromab pendetide (ProstaScint) scan as pretreatment assessment in patients who undergo salvage radiotherapy for rising prostate-specific antigen after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term failure patterns in patients who underwent an (111)In-capromab pendetide (ProstaScint) scan as part of their pretreatment assessment for a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after prostatectomy and subsequently received local radiotherapy (RT) to the prostate bed. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients were referred for evaluation of a rising PSA level after radical prostatectomy. All patients had negative findings for metastatic disease after abdominal/pelvis imaging with CT and isotope bone scans. All patients underwent a capromab pendetide scan, and the sites of uptake were noted. All patients were treated with local prostate bed RT (median dose 66.6 Gy). RESULTS: Of the 58 patients, 20 had biochemical failure (post-RT PSA level >0.2 ng/mL or a rise to greater than the nadir PSA), including 6 patients with positive uptake outside the bed (positive elsewhere). The 4-year biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) rates for patients with negative (53%), positive in the prostate bed alone (45%), or positive elsewhere (74%) scan findings did not differ significantly (p = 0.51). The positive predictive value of the capromab pendetide scan in detecting disease outside the bed was 27%. The capromab pendetide scan status had no effect on bRFS. Those with a pre-RT PSA level of <1 ng/mL had improved bRFS (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The capromab pendetide scan has a low positive predictive value in patients with positive elsewhere uptake and the 4-year bRFS was similar to that for those who did not exhibit positive elsewhere uptake. Therefore, patients with a postprostatectomy rising PSA level should considered for local RT on the basis of clinicopathologic factors.