Clinicopathological and prognostic features of HER2-null and HER2-low advanced breast cancer treated with eribulin or capecitabine.

BACKGROUND: HER2-low populations constitute a heterogeneous group, and the cytotoxic anticancer agent efficacy based on HER2 status remains unclear. This study evaluated the clinicopathological features and outcomes of patients with advanced breast cancer showing HER2-low expression treated with eribulin or capecitabine, two treatment options after anthracycline and taxane treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients who were treated with eribulin or capecitabine between 2011 and 2015. HER2 status was evaluated according to the ASCO/CAP guidelines. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in overall survival (OS; eribulin: hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% CI 0.40-1.10; capecitabine: HR, 0.76; 95% CI 0.45-1.30) or progression-free survival (PFS; eribulin: HR, 1.13; 95% CI 0.72-1.78; capecitabine: HR, 0.90; 95% CI 0.56-1.44) between patients receiving eribulin (HER2-null: 35, HER2-low: 44) and those receiving capecitabine (HER2-null: 41, HER2-low: 33). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in OS between the two groups in the hormone-positive and -negative populations for eribulin and capecitabine. HER2-null and HER2-low patients showed objective response rates (ORRs) of 22.5% and 9.1% (p = 0.09) overall, and 32.0% and 10.5% (p = 0.03), respectively, in hormone-positive cases among eribulin-treated patients. No response was observed in hormone-negative patients. Capecitabine treatment in HER2-null and HER2-low patients had overall ORRs of 26.8% and 15.2% (p = 0.23), respectively, with 27.3% and 16.1% (p = 0.28) for hormone-positive cases; and 25.0% and 0% (p = 1.0), respectively, for hormone-negative cases. CONCLUSIONS: Eribulin and capecitabine sensitivity may vary based on HER2 expression in patients with HER2-low and HER2-null breast cancer. Prognosis was similar between the HER2-low and the HER2-null groups.

Eltrombopag olamine for refractory immune-related thrombocytopenia induced by pembrolizumab in a non-small cell lung cancer patient.

OBJECTIVES: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown antitumor activity against a wide variety of malignancies. ICI-induced immune-related thrombocytopenia is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE). Little is known about the treatment of refractory immune-related thrombocytopenia in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with pembrolizumab. RESULTS: We report the case of a patient with advanced NSCLC complicated by pembrolizumab-induced refractory immune-related thrombocytopenia who showed remarkable improvement in the thrombocytopenia in response to eltrombopag olamine treatment. CONCLUSION: Eltrombopag olamine can be a viable treatment option for refractory pembrolizumab-induced immune-related thrombocytopenia in an NSCLC patient.

Clonal Hematopoiesis From Next Generation Sequencing of Plasma From a Patient With Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report.

Reliable and accurate next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are important in precision medicine. Analysis using currently available NGS genomic tests is conducted on cancer-derived DNA collected from tumor tissue, blood, or both. Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) produces a detectable somatic clonal mutation that is commonly associated with clonal expansion of hematopoietic cells with age and genomic analysis of blood samples can be used to detect CH. A 74-year-old Korean male had lung adenocarcinoma with a metastasis to the left scapula. He underwent palliative radiotherapy to the left scapula and received multi-line chemotherapies. After disease progression, he underwent re-biopsy of the metastatic tumor tissue from lung cancer and concomitant blood sampling. NGS genomic testing revealed no significant genomic mutation in the tumor tissue DNA but showed the TP53 mutation C135Y in peripheral blood DNA. To investigate the discordance between the genotyping results in tumor tissue and blood, we tested for the TP53 mutation using a target sequencing test in blood and normal oral mucosa. The TP53 mutation C135Y was only detected in the blood sample, confirming the presence of TP53-mutated CH. We should be aware of different characteristics in NGS genomic testing including sample type such as tumor, blood, or paired specimens. Performing genomic testing on paired tumor and blood samples is effective for discriminating mutations derived from CH from germline mutations and somatic mutations in tumor cells.

Elevated Adenosine Deaminase Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced Autoimmune Encephalitis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are promising drugs for various cancers. However, immune activation by ICIs can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Autoimmune encephalitis is a rare irAE, and its clinical features remain unknown. We herein report two patients with ICI-associated autoimmune encephalitis who, saliently, showed elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is the first report of increased ADA levels in the CSF of patients with ICI-induced autoimmune encephalitis. Although the mechanism of the ADA increase is poorly understood, elevated ADA in the CSF may be informative in the diagnosis of this rare disorder.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients With Advanced Non-Small-cell Lung Cancer Who Are Ineligible for Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are ineligible for clinical trials. However, few studies have reported on the profiles and treatment outcomes for these patients. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics, outcomes, and survival of patients with advanced NSCLC who were ineligible for clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the data from a retrospective cohort of 786 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of advanced NSCLC. We reviewed the criteria of phase 1 to 3 clinical trials and classified patients according to the common first-line eligibility criteria for lung cancer. RESULTS: Of the 786 patients, 469 (60%) were ineligible for clinical trials. The main reasons for ineligibility were brain metastasis (41%), poor performance status (25%), and respiratory disease (24%). For all patients, ineligibility was identified as an independent predictor of overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95.0% confidence interval, 0.65-0.93; P = .008), even in those with a good performance status who had received chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95.0% confidence interval, 0.65-0.99; P = .037). In the subgroup analysis of ineligible patients, survival varied depending on the reasons for ineligibility. In particular, a history of cancer was not associated with a poor outcome, although this was a common reason for ineligibility. CONCLUSION: Most patients were ineligible for clinical trials and had a shorter overall survival, although this varied depending on the reason for their ineligibility. These results should be considered when applying clinical trial outcomes to real-world patients. Further studies of ineligible patients are needed to improve the treatment decisions in clinical settings.

Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression in Non-Small-cell Lung Cancer Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease: A Matched Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated antitumor activity, and immunohistochemical analysis of PD-L1 expression has been used to identify the response in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recently, considerable interest has ensued toward extending the benefit of these inhibitors to high-risk patients, such as those with NSCLC and interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, no studies have compared PD-L1 expression in NSCLC patients with and without ILD. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate PD-L1 expression and stromal CD8+ lymphocyte density in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data from patients with pathologic stage I or II NSCLC who had undergone surgery from January 2007 to January 2016 were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 62 patients with pathologic stage I or II NSCLC and ILD. We compared these patients with 1:1-matched cohort. In both groups with and without ILD, approximately 60% were PD-L1+. Tumor cell PD-L1 expression was similar between the groups (median, 1%; interquartile range, 0%-5%; vs. median, 1%; interquartile range, 0%-5%; P = .49). The proportion of patients with positive (≥ 1%) and strongly positive (≥ 50%) PD-L1 expression was also similar between the 2 groups (P = .46 and P = 1.00, respectively). Additionally, the CD8+ lymphocyte density did not differ between patients with and without ILD. CONCLUSION: PD-L1 expression and stromal CD8+ lymphocyte density were comparable between the NSCLC patients with and without ILD. PD-1 axis inhibitors might be effective for NSCLC patients with ILD.

Predictive Performance of Four Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Assay Systems on Nivolumab Response in Previously Treated Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Nivolumab has demonstrated efficacy against metastatic NSCLC. Four programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay systems are available for identification of responders among patients with NSCLC, and these assays show some differing characteristics. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the ability of these assays to identify responders to nivolumab therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC, who received nivolumab between January 2016 and September 2016. Specimens were stained using four PD-L1 IHC assays (28-8, 22C3, SP142, and SP263). We classified patients as having test results that were strongly positive (tumor proportion score [TPS] ≥50%), weakly positive (TPS 1%-49%), or negative (TPS <1%). RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with NSCLC and their specimens were analyzed. Analytical comparisons demonstrated good concordance of PD-L1-stained tumor cells among the 28-8, 22C3, and SP263 assays (weighted κ coefficient 0.64-0.71), whereas the SP142 assay showed lower concordance with other assays (weighted κ coefficient 0.39-0.55). Progression-free survival in patients showing strongly positive PD-L1 staining classified by 28-8, 22C3, and SP263 assays was significantly longer than that in patients with a negative result for PD-L1 staining. Predictive performance of response to nivolumab, as assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis, was also equivalent among the 28-8, 22C3, and SP263 assays (area under the curve 0.75-0.82), whereas the SP142 assay exhibited lower predictive performance (area under the curve 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The 28-8, 22C3, and SP263 PD-L1 IHC assays showed equivalent predictive performance, whereas the SP142 assay showed lower predictive performance.

Alteration of PD-L1 expression and its prognostic impact after concurrent chemoradiation therapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) is the treatment of choice for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). Several clinical trials that combine programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) axis inhibitors with radiotherapy are in development for patients with LA-NSCLC. However, the effect of CCRT on programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression on tumor cells is unknown. In this study, we analysed paired NSCLC specimens that had been obtained pre- and post-CCRT. PD-L1 expression on tumor cells was studied by immunohistochemistry. A total of 45 patients with LA-NSCLC were included, among which there were sufficient pre- and post-CCRT specimens in 35 patients. Overall, the percentage of tumor cells with PD-L1 expression significantly decreased between pre- and post-CCRT specimens (P = 0.024). Sixteen, 15, and 4 patients had decreased, unchanged, or increased PD-L1 expression after CCRT, respectively. Median OS of patients with decreased, unchanged, or increased PD-L1 expression was 85.1, 92.8, and 14.6 months, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the percentage of PD-L1-positive tumor cells significantly decreased after CCRT. Alteration of PD-L1 expression after neoadjuvant CCRT was associated with prognosis in patients with LA-NSCLC. These data should be considered when developing the optimal approach of integrating PD-1 axis inhibitors with CCRT.

Early Immune-Related Adverse Events and Association with Outcome in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Nivolumab: A Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Retrospective studies have shown immune-related adverse events (irAEs) to be associated with better prognosis. However, no prospective clinical trials have been conducted, and little is known regarding the association between irAEs and the outcome of patients with NSCLC after treatment with immunotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with nivolumab between January and December 2016. The association between clinical outcome and irAEs 2 to 6 weeks after commencement of nivolumab treatment was investigated. IrAEs were assessed by at least three independent medical professionals. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were enrolled, including 19 patients with irAEs 2 weeks after commencement of nivolumab treatment. Common irAEs included rash, pyrexia, and diarrhea. Programmed cell death ligand 1-positive tumor cell expression was not significantly different between patients with and without irAEs. The objective response and disease control rates were higher in patients with irAEs than in those without irAEs (37% versus 17% and 74% versus 29% [p = 0.17 and p < 0.01], respectively]). Patients with irAEs were associated with a significantly longer median progression-free survival than those without (6.4 months [95% confidence interval: 2.5-not reached] versus 1.5 months [95% confidence interval: 1.2-2.3] [p = 0.01]). These findings were comparable to those for patients with and without irAEs 6 weeks after commencement of nivolumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Early irAEs are associated with a better outcome after treatment with immunotherapy. We predicted responses to nivolumab by using early irAEs. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of these associations.

A pilot trial of nivolumab treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with mild idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: Nivolumab has demonstrated efficacy against metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, immune-related adverse events can occur, among which pneumonitis is relatively common. Lung cancer patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) have a higher risk of pneumonitis associated with anticancer therapy. We hypothesized that the benefit of nivolumab may outweigh the risks of pneumonitis in patients with NSCLC who have mild IIP. We performed a pilot trial to evaluate the safety of nivolumab in NSCLC patients with mild IIP. METHODS: Previously treated, inoperable NSCLC patients with mild IIP were enrolled. Mild IIP was defined as having a predicted vital capacity ≥80% and a possible usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or inconsistent with UIP pattern on chest high-resolution computed tomography. Patients received nivolumab at a dose of 3mg/kg biweekly. RESULTS: Six patients were enrolled in this trial between April 2016 and December 2016. None experienced drug-related nonhematologic grade 3/4 or hematologic grade 4 adverse events in the 12 weeks following the initiation of nivolumab treatment. Furthermore, none of the patients had pneumonitis of any grade. At the time of analysis, all patients were alive, and 3 had experienced a partial response. CONCLUSIONS: Nivolumab therapy may be feasible in NSCLC patients with mild IIP. (Trial registration number: UMIN000022037).

Bevacizumab for ramucirumab refractory malignant pleural effusion in non-small cell lung cancer: a case report and review of the literature.

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a major problem associated with advanced non-small cell lung cancer for which an optimum treatment strategy has yet to be determined. Notably, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling has been found to influence MPE, and bevacizumab, a VEGF ligand inhibitor, can effectively control MPE. Ramucirumab, a human monoclonal antibody specific for VEGF receptor-2, has recently been approved for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, it remains unclear which of these agents more effectively control MPE.We describe a case of a 68-year-old man with advanced non-small cell lung cancer in whom ramucirumab plus docetaxel-refractory MPE was responsive to bevacizumab plus docetaxel combination therapy. The patient's MPE progressed after two cycles of ramucirumab plus docetaxel second-line chemotherapy. After switching to bevacizumab plus docetaxel, a computed tomography scan revealed a decreased MPE after two cycles of treatment.Bevacizumab may be more effective for treating MPE. However, further investigations are still warranted to determine the optimal VEGF-targeted agent for this condition.