Thermal Ablation Combined with Immune Checkpoint Blockers: A 10-Year Monocentric Experience.

PURPOSE: We report a 10-year experience in cancer therapy with concomitant treatment of percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) and immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients at a single tertiary cancer center who had received ICBs at most 90 days before, or 30 days after, PTA. Feasibility and safety were assessed as the primary outcomes. The procedure-related complications and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were categorized according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 (CTCAE). Efficacy was evaluated based on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local progression-free survival (LPFS) according to the indication, ablation modality, neoplasm histology, and ICB type. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2021, 78 patients (57% male; median age: 61 years) were included. The PTA modality was predominantly cryoablation (CA) (61%), followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (31%). PTA indications were the treatment of oligo-persistence (29%), oligo-progression (14%), and palliation of symptomatic lesions or prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) (56%). Most patients received anti-PD1 ICB monotherapy with pembrolizumab (n = 35) or nivolumab (n = 24). The feasibility was excellent, with all combined treatment performed and completed as planned. Ten patients (13%) experienced procedure-related complications (90% grade 1-2), and 34 patients (44%) experienced an irAE (86% grade 1-2). The only factor statistically associated with better OS and PFS was the ablation indication, favoring oligo-persistence (p = 0.02). Tumor response was suggestive of an abscopal effect in four patients (5%). CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant treatment of PTA and ICBs within 2-4 weeks is feasible and safe for both palliative and local control indications. Overall, PTA outcomes were found to be similar to standards for patients not on ICB therapy. While a consistently reproducible abscopal effect remains elusive, the safety profile of concomitant therapy provides the framework for continued assessment as ICB therapies evolve.

An international phase II trial and immune profiling of SBRT and atezolizumab in advanced pretreated colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Immuno-radiotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with advanced solid tumors, although optimized combination modalities remain unclear. Here, we report the colorectal (CRC) cohort analysis from the SABR-PDL1 trial that evaluated the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab in combination with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in advanced cancer patients. METHODS: Eligible patients received atezolizumab 1200 mg every 3 weeks until progression or unmanageable toxicity, together with ablative SBRT delivered concurrently with the 2nd cycle (recommended dose of 45 Gy in 3 fractions, adapted upon normal tissue tolerance constraint). SBRT was delivered to at least one tumor site, with at least one additional measurable lesion being kept from the radiation field. The primary efficacy endpoint was one-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate from the start of atezolizumab. Sequential tumor biopsies were collected for deep multi-feature immune profiling. RESULTS: Sixty pretreated (median of 2 prior lines) advanced CRC patients (38 men [63%]; median age, 59 years [range, 20-81 years]; 77% with liver metastases) were enrolled in five centers (France: n = 4, Spain: n = 1) from 11/2016 to 04/2019. All but one (98%) received atezolizumab and 54/60 (90%) received SBRT. The most frequently irradiated site was lung (n = 30/54; 56.3%). Treatment-related G3 (no G4-5) toxicity was observed in 3 (5%) patients. Median OS and PFS were respectively 8.4 [95%CI:5.9-11.6] and 1.4 months [95%CI:1.2-2.6], including five (9%) patients with PFS > 1 year (median time to progression: 19.2 months, including 2/5 MMR-proficient). Best overall responses consisted of stable disease (n = 38; 64%), partial (n = 3; 5%) and complete response (n = 1; 2%). Immune-centric multiplex IHC and RNAseq showed that SBRT redirected immune cells towards tumor lesions, even in the case of radio-induced lymphopenia. Baseline tumor PD-L1 and IRF1 nuclear expression (both in CD3 + T cells and in CD68 + cells) were higher in responding patients. Upregulation of genes that encode for proteins known to increase T and B cell trafficking to tumors (CCL19, CXCL9), migration (MACF1) and tumor cell killing (GZMB) correlated with responses. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new data on the feasibility, efficacy, and immune context of tumors that may help identifying advanced CRC patients most likely to respond to immuno-radiotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT N°: 2015-005464-42; Clinicaltrial.gov number: NCT02992912.

Robotic-assisted CT-guided percutaneous thermal ablation of abdominal tumors: An analysis of 41 patients.

PURPOSE: Robotic assistance is rapidly evolving and may help physicians optimize needle guidance during percutaneous interventions. The purpose of the study was to report feasibility, safety, accuracy, immediate clinical success and short-term local tumor control after robotic-assisted computed tomography (CT)-guided thermal ablation of abdominal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients who underwent percutaneous thermal ablation of abdominal tumors using robotic-assisted CT-guided were included. All ablations were performed with robotic assistance, using an optically-monitored robotic system with a needle guide sent to preplanned trajectories defined on three-dimensional-volumetric CT acquisitions with respiration monitoring. Endpoints were technical success, safety, distance from needle tip to planned trajectory and number of needle adjustments, and complete ablation rate. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (31 men; mean age, 66.7 ± 9.9 [standard deviation (SD)] years [age range: 41-84 years]) were treated for 48 abdominal tumors, with 79 planned needles. Lesions treated were located in the liver (23/41; 56%), kidney (14/41;34%), adrenal gland (3/41; 7%) or retroperitoneum (1/41; 2%). Technical success was achieved in 39/41 (95%) patients, and 76/79 (96%) needle insertions. The mean lateral distance between the needle tip and planned trajectory was 3.2 ± 4.5 (SD) mm (range: 0-20 mm) before adjustments, and the mean three-dimensional distance was 1.6 ± 2.6 (SD) mm (range: 0-13 mm) after 29 manual depth adjustments (29/78; 37%) and 33 lateral adjustments (33/78; 42%). Two (2/79; 3%) needles required complete manual reinsertion. One grade 3 complication was reported in one patient (1/41; 2%). The overall clinical success rate was 100%. The 3-month local tumor control rate (progression free survival) was 95% (38/41). CONCLUSION: These results provide further evidence on the use of robotic-assisted needle insertion regarding feasibility, safety, and accuracy, resulting in effective percutaneous thermal ablation of abdominal tumors.

Polyetheretherketone Polymer Transpedicular Vertebral System to Treat Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Multicentre Pilot Study of Feasibility and Safety.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer transpedicular vertebral system to treat vertebral compression fracture (VCF). METHODS: Nine consecutive patients (4 men and 5 women; median age 59 [interquartile range: 58-64 years]) were included. The procedure duration, length of hospital stay, and complications were reported. Visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) for pain and disability were assessed before and at 2, 6, and 12-month after the procedure. RESULTS: The procedure was technically feasible in all patients. The median procedural time was 64 minutes [45-94]. Only minor adverse events were reported (5 clinically asymptomatic cement leakages) but no severe complications. No post procedural adjacent fracture was reported during follow-up (median: 193 days [147-279]). The median VAS score decreased from 55 mm [50-70] before the procedure to 25 mm [5-30] at 2-month (P = .0003) and 30 mm [15-40] at 6-month follow-up (P = .14). The median ODI decreased from 23% [19-26] before the procedure to 12% [10-14] at 2-month (P = .03) and 12% [9-20] at 6-month follow-up (P = .47). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transpedicular fixation of VCF by PEEK implants appears feasible and safe.

Long-Term Overall Survival After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Updated Analysis of DOSISPHERE-01 Trial.

Interim analysis of the DOSISPHERE-01 study demonstrated a strong improvement in response and overall survival (OS) on using 90Y-loaded glass microspheres with personalized dosimetry compared with standard dosimetry in patients with nonoperable locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. This report sought to provide a long-term analysis of OS. Methods: In this phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02582034), treatment was randomly assigned (1:1) with the goal to deliver either at least 205 Gy (if possible >250-300 Gy) to the index lesion in the personalized dosimetry approach (PDA) or 120 ± 20 Gy to the treated volume in the standard dosimetry approach (SDA). The 3-mo response of the index lesion was the primary endpoint, with OS being one of the secondary endpoints. This report is a post hoc long-term analysis of OS. Results: Overall, 60 hepatocellular carcinoma patients with at least 1 lesion larger than 7 cm and more than 30% of hepatic reserve were randomized (intent-to-treat population: PDA, n = 31; SDA, n = 29), with 56 actually treated (modified intent-to-treat population: n = 28 in each arm). The median follow-up for long-term analysis was 65.8 mo (range, 2.1-73.1 mo). Median OS was 24.8 mo and 10.7 mo (hazard ratio [HR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29-0.9; P = 0.02) for PDA and SDA, respectively, in the modified intent-to-treat population. Median OS was 22.9 mo for patients with a tumor dose of at least 205 Gy, versus 10.3 mo for those with a tumor dose of less than 205 Gy (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.81; P = 0.0095), and was 22.9 mo for patients with a perfused liver dose of 150 Gy or higher, versus 10.3 mo for those with a perfused liver dose of less than 150 Gy (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23-0.75; P = 0.0033). Lastly, median OS was not reached in patients who were secondarily resected (n = 11, 10 in the PDA group and 1 in the SDA group), versus 10.8 mo in those without secondary resection (n = 45) (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.065-0.43; P = 0.0002). Only resected patients displayed favorable long-term OS rates, meaning an OS of more than 50% at 5 y. Conclusion: After longer follow-up, personalized dosimetry sustained a meaningful improvement in OS, which was dramatically improved for patients who were accurately downstaged toward resection, including most portal vein thrombosis patients.

Immune checkpoints are predominantly co-expressed by clonally expanded CD4+FoxP3+ intratumoral T-cells in primary human cancers.

BACKGROUND: In addition to anti-PD(L)1, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-LAG-3, novel immune checkpoint proteins (ICP)-targeted antibodies have recently failed to demonstrate significant efficacy in clinical trials. In these trials, patients were enrolled without screening for drug target expression. Although these novel ICP-targeted antibodies were expected to stimulate anti-tumor CD8 + T-cells, the rationale for their target expression in human tumors relied on pre-clinical IHC stainings and transcriptomic data, which are poorly sensitive and specific techniques for assessing membrane protein expression on immune cell subsets. Our aim was to describe ICP expression on intratumoral T-cells from primary solid tumors to better design upcoming neoadjuvant cancer immunotherapy trials. METHODS: We prospectively performed multiparameter flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) paired with TCR sequencing on freshly resected human primary tumors of various histological types to precisely determine ICP expression levels within T-cell subsets. RESULTS: Within a given tumor type, we found high inter-individual variability for tumor infiltrating CD45 + cells and for T-cells subsets. The proportions of CD8+ T-cells (~ 40%), CD4+ FoxP3- T-cells (~ 40%) and CD4+ FoxP3+ T-cells (~ 10%) were consistent across patients and indications. Intriguingly, both stimulatory (CD25, CD28, 4-1BB, ICOS, OX40) and inhibitory (PD-1, CTLA-4, PD-L1, CD39 and TIGIT) checkpoint proteins were predominantly co-expressed by intratumoral CD4+FoxP3+ T-cells. ScRNA-Seq paired with TCR sequencing revealed that T-cells with high clonality and high ICP expressions comprised over 80% of FoxP3+ cells among CD4+ T-cells. Unsupervised clustering of flow cytometry and scRNAseq data identified subsets of CD8+ T-cells and of CD4+ FoxP3- T-cells expressing certain checkpoints, though these expressions were generally lower than in CD4+ FoxP3+ T-cell subsets, both in terms of proportions among total T-cells and ICP expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor histology alone does not reveal the complete picture of the tumor immune contexture. In clinical trials, assumptions regarding target expression should rely on more sensitive and specific techniques than conventional IHC or transcriptomics. Flow cytometry and scRNAseq accurately characterize ICP expression within immune cell subsets. Much like in hematology, flow cytometry can better describe the immune contexture of solid tumors, offering the opportunity to guide patient treatment according to drug target expression rather than tumor histological type.

Combination of CT-Guided Microwave Ablation and Cementoplasty as a Minimally Invasive Limb-Sparing Approach in a Dog with Appendicular Osteosarcoma.

Image-guided microwave ablation and cementoplasty are minimally invasive techniques that have been used as part of a limb-sparing approach in the treatment of appendicular bone tumors in humans. The objective of this case report was to describe the feasibility and result of microwave ablation (MWA) and cementoplasty in a dog with stage-1 osteoblastic appendicular osteosarcoma of the right distal radius. A microwave antenna was inserted in the osteolytic area using computed tomography (CT) guidance. Three ablation cycles of 5 min at 60 watts were performed. Immediately after the MWA procedure, a tricalcium phosphate-based cement was injected through the bone trocar to consolidate the ablated zone. Adjuvant chemotherapy with six sessions of carboplatin was performed, without major complication. Response to the treatment was evaluated according to RECIST criteria every 6 weeks. Twenty-four hours after MWA, the dog was pain-free and had excellent mobility. Based on CT measurements, a reduction of the size of the lytic area was observed at the 2-month and at the 7-month follow-up (from 13% to 25% of the longest diameter), classified as stable disease according to RECIST criteria. The dog died 18 months after the initial diagnosis due to distant metastases.

Local and distant response to intratumoral immunotherapy assessed by immunoPET in mice.

BACKGROUND: Despite the promising efficacy of immune checkpoint blockers (ICB), tumor resistance and immune-related adverse events hinder their success in cancer treatment. To address these challenges, intratumoral delivery of immunotherapies has emerged as a potential solution, aiming to mitigate side effects through reduced systemic exposure while increasing effectiveness by enhancing local bioavailability. However, a comprehensive understanding of the local and systemic distribution of ICBs following intratumoral administration, as well as their impact on distant tumors, remains crucial for optimizing their therapeutic potential.To comprehensively investigate the distribution patterns following the intratumoral and intravenous administration of radiolabeled anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and to assess its corresponding efficacy in both injected and non-injected tumors, we conducted an immunoPET imaging study. METHODS: CT26 and MC38 syngeneic colorectal tumor cells were implanted subcutaneously on both flanks of Balb/c and C57Bl/6 mice, respectively. Hamster anti-mouse CTLA-4 antibody (9H10) labeled with zirconium-89 ([89Zr]9H10) was intratumorally or intravenously administered. Whole-body distribution of the antibody was monitored by immunoPET imaging (n=12 CT26 Balb/c mice, n=10 MC38 C57Bl/6 mice). Tumorous responses to injected doses (1-10 mg/kg) were correlated with specific uptake of [89Zr]9H10 (n=24). Impacts on the tumor microenvironment were assessed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Half of the dose was cleared into the blood 1 hour after intratumoral administration. Despite this, 7 days post-injection, 6-8% of the dose remained in the intratumoral-injected tumors. CT26 tumors with prolonged ICB exposure demonstrated complete responses. Seven days post-injection, the contralateral non-injected tumor uptake of the ICB was comparable to the one achieved through intravenous administration (7.5±1.7% ID.cm-3 and 7.6±2.1% ID.cm-3, respectively) at the same dose in the CT26 model. This observation was confirmed in the MC38 model. Consistent intratumoral pharmacodynamic effects were observed in both intratumoral and intravenous treatment groups, as evidenced by a notable increase in CD8+T cells within the CT26 tumors following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ImmunoPET-derived pharmacokinetics supports intratumoral injection of ICBs to decrease systemic exposure while maintaining efficacy compared with intravenous. Intratumoral-ICBs lead to high local drug exposure while maintaining significant therapeutic exposure in non-injected tumors. This immunoPET approach is applicable for clinical practice to support evidence-based drug development.

The percutaneous management of pulmonary metastases.

Local treatment of lung metastases has been in the front scene since late 90s when an international registry of thoracic surgery reported a median overall survival of 35 months in resected patients versus 15 months in non-resected patients. Today, other local therapies are available for patients with oligometastatic lung disease, including image guided thermal ablation, such as ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation. Image-guided ablation is increasingly offered, and now recommended in guidelines as option to surgery. Today, the size of the target tumour remains the main driver of success and selection of patients with limited tumour size allowing for local tumour control in the range of 90% in most recent and larger series targeting lung metastases up to 3.5 cm. Overall survival exceeding five-years in large series of thermal ablation for lung metastases from colorectal origin are align with outcome of same patients treated with surgical resection. Moreover, thermal ablation in such population allows for one-year chemotherapy holidays in all comers and over 18 months in lung only metastatic patients, allowing for improved patient quality of life and preserving further lines of systemic treatment when needed. Tolerance of thermal ablation is excellent and better than surgery with no lost in respiratory function, allowing for repeated treatment when needed. In the future, it is likely that practice of lung surgery for small oligometastatic lung disease will decrease, and that minimally invasive techniques will replace surgery in such indications. Randomized study will be difficult to obtain as demonstrated by discontinuation of many studies testing the hypothesis of surgery versus observation, or surgery versus SBRT.

Alkylating Agent-Induced High Tumor Mutational Burden in Medullary Thyroid Cancer and Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Two Case Reports.

Background: Patients with metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) who progressed under tyrosine kinase inhibitors can benefit from an alkylating agent such as dacarbazine or temozolomide. Patient Findings: We describe two patients with metastatic MTC who developed a hypermutant phenotype after alkylating agent treatment. This phenotype was characterized by a high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and a mutational signature indicative of alkylating agent mutagenesis (single-base substitution 11). Both patients received immune checkpoint inhibitors, with partial morphological responses, clinical benefit, and progression-free survival of 6 and 9 months, respectively. Summary and Conclusions: Based on the described observations, we suggest that a hypermutant phenotype may be induced after alkylating agent treatment for MTC and the sequential use of immunotherapy should be further explored as a treatment option for MTC patients with increased TMB.

Local control strategies for management of NSCLC with oligoprogressive disease.

Progresses of systemic treatments in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), such as immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) and targeted therapies, led to the increased incidence of oligoprogressive disease (OPD). The OPD is a subtype of oligometastatic disease (OMD) defined as a progression of a limited number of lesions during systemic treatment exposure. The hypothesis was formulated that local radical treatments (LRT) could eradicate progressive lesions resulting from resistant clones, ultimately leading to systemic treatment sensitivity restoration. Recently published international consensuses and guidelines aim to obtain a uniform definition of OMD NSCLC, to standardize the inclusion of these patients in future clinical trials, as well as their management in daily practice. Although there is no specific definition of OPD, LRT strategies in OPD are supported after reporting promising results. Both retrospective and preliminary prospective randomized data of LRT for patients with OPD NSCLC are encouraging. More clinical and translational data are needed for selecting best scenarios where LRT should be delivered. In this review, we analyze the current available literature on LRT for patients with OPD in advanced NSCLC and discuss about future trial design and challenges.

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Liver Microwave Ablation Using a Fully Water-Cooled Choke Ring Antenna: First Multicenter Clinical Report.

INTRODUCTION: The safety and efficacy of a microwave ablation (MWA) system for the liver with novel technologies in field control, antenna cooling through the inner part of the choke ring, and dual temperature monitoring were evaluated in this multicenter retrospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ablation characteristics and efficacy were assessed on follow-up imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging). Safety was evaluated according to CTCAE classification. RESULTS: Eighty-seven liver tumors (65 metastases and 22 hepatocellular carcinomas) measuring 17.8 ± 7.9 mm were treated in 68 patients. Ablation zones measured 35.6 ± 11 mm in longest diameter. The coefficients of variation of the longest and shortest ablation diameters were 30.1% and 26.4%, respectively. The mean sphericity index of the ablation zone was 0.78 ± 0.14. Seventy-one ablations (82%) had a sphericity index above 0.66. At 1 month, all tumors demonstrated complete ablation with margins of 0-5 mm, 5-10 mm, and greater than 10 mm achieved in 22%, 46%, and 31% of tumors, respectively. After a median follow-up of 10 months, local tumor control was achieved in 84.7% of treated tumors after a single ablation and in 86% after one patient received a second ablation. One grade 3 complication (stress ulcer) occurred, but was unrelated to the procedure. Ablation zone size and geometry in this clinical study were in accordance with previously reported in vivo preclinical findings. CONCLUSION: Promising results were reported for this MWA device. The high spherical index, reproducibility, and predictability of the resulting treatment zones translated to a high percentage of adequate safety margins, providing good local control rate.

Genomic Profiling of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Samples Resistant to Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors.

PURPOSE: The androgen receptor axis inhibitors (ARPI; e.g., enzalutamide, abiraterone acetate) are administered in daily practice for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, not all patients respond, and mechanisms of both primary and acquired resistance remain largely unknown. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In the prospective trial MATCH-R (NCT02517892), 59 patients with mCRPC underwent whole-exome sequencing (WES) and/or RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of samples collected before starting ARPI. Also, 18 patients with mCRPC underwent biopsy at time of resistance. The objectives were to identify genomic alterations associated with resistance to ARPIs as well as to describe clonal evolution. Associations of genomic and transcriptomic alterations with primary resistance were determined using Wilcoxon and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: WES analysis indicated that no single-gene genomic alterations were strongly associated with primary resistance. RNA-seq analysis showed that androgen receptor (AR) gene alterations and expression levels were similar between responders and nonresponders. RNA-based pathway analysis found that patients with primary resistance had a higher Hedgehog pathway score, a lower AR pathway score and a lower NOTCH pathway score than patients with a response. Subclonal evolution and acquisition of new alterations in AR-related genes or neuroendocrine differentiation are associated with acquired resistance. ARPIs do not induce significant changes in the tumor transcriptome of most patients; however, programs associated with cell proliferation are enriched in resistant samples. CONCLUSIONS: Low AR activity, activation of stemness programs, and Hedgehog pathway were associated with primary ARPIs' resistance, whereas most acquired resistance was associated with subclonal evolution, AR-related events, and neuroendocrine differentiation. See related commentary by Slovin, p. 4323.

Resistance to Selective FGFR Inhibitors in FGFR-Driven Urothelial Cancer.

Several fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors are approved or in clinical development for the treatment of FGFR-driven urothelial cancer, and molecular mechanisms of resistance leading to patient relapses have not been fully explored. We identified 21 patients with FGFR-driven urothelial cancer treated with selective FGFR inhibitors and analyzed postprogression tissue and/or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). We detected single mutations in the FGFR tyrosine kinase domain in seven (33%) patients (FGFR3 N540K, V553L/M, V555L/M, E587Q; FGFR2 L551F) and multiple mutations in one (5%) case (FGFR3 N540K, V555L, and L608V). Using Ba/F3 cells, we defined their spectrum of resistance/sensitivity to multiple selective FGFR inhibitors. Eleven (52%) patients harbored alterations in the PI3K-mTOR pathway (n = 4 TSC1/2, n = 4 PIK3CA, n = 1 TSC1 and PIK3CA, n = 1 NF2, n = 1 PTEN). In patient-derived models, erdafitinib was synergistic with pictilisib in the presence of PIK3CA E545K, whereas erdafitinib-gefitinib combination was able to overcome bypass resistance mediated by EGFR activation. SIGNIFICANCE: In the largest study on the topic thus far, we detected a high frequency of FGFR kinase domain mutations responsible for resistance to FGFR inhibitors in urothelial cancer. Off-target resistance mechanisms involved primarily the PI3K-mTOR pathway. Our findings provide preclinical evidence sustaining combinatorial treatment strategies to overcome bypass resistance. See related commentary by Tripathi et al., p. 1964. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 1949.

Intratumoral Immunotherapy: Is It Ready for Prime Time?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents the rationale for intratumoral immunotherapy, technical considerations and safety. Clinical results from the latest trials are provided and discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Intratumoral immunotherapy is feasible and safe in a wide range of cancer histologies and locations, including lung and liver. Studies mainly focused on multi-metastatic patients, with some positive trials such as T-VEC in melanoma, but evidence of clinical benefit is still lacking. Recent results showed improved outcomes in patients with a low tumor burden. Intratumoral immunotherapy can lower systemic toxicities and boost local and systemic immune responses. Several studies have proven the feasibility, repeatability, and safety of this approach, with some promising results in clinical trials. The clinical benefit might be improved in patients with a low tumor burden. Future clinical trials should focus on adequate timing of treatment delivery during the course of the disease, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting.

Molecular profiling and target actionability for precision medicine in neuroendocrine neoplasms: real-world data.

BACKGROUND: Key molecular alterations (MA) of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) of various grade/primaries have been described but the applicability of molecular profiling (MP) for precision medicine in NEN remains to be demonstrated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all patients with metastatic NEN who had MP on tumour tissue at Gustave Roussy. The primary objective was to assess the clinical applicability of MP by evaluating the growth modulator index (GMI) as the primary end-point. RESULTS: MPs were obtained in 114 out of 156 eligible patients, including 12% NET-G1, 42% NET-G2, 13% NET-G3 and 35% neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). Primary sites were lung/thymus (40%), pancreas (19%), gastro-intestinal (16%), head&neck (10%), unknown (10%) and others (10%) with synchronous metastases in 61% of the patients. Most frequent MA were: MEN1 (25%), PTEN (13%), TP53 (11%) and TSC2 (9%), in neuroendocrine tumour (NET), and TP53 (50%) and RB1 (18%) in NEC. ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT) classification of these MA were: I(5%), III(20%), IV(23%), X(27%); a putative actionable MA was identified in 48% patients. Median TMB was 5.7 Mut/Mb, with 3 TMB > 10 and 1 MSI NET. No MA was found in 26% patients. Molecularly matched treatment was administered to 19 patients (4 NEC, 15 NET): immunotherapy (n = 3), tipifarnib (n = 1), NOTCHi (n = 1), EGFRi (n = 2), HER2i (n = 1) and everolimus (n = 11). Overall, 67% of patients had a clinical benefit defined as a GMI over 1.3 with a 78% disease control rate. CONCLUSION: We report 48% of NEN with a putative actionable MA of which 35% received molecularly matched treatment, with a clinical benefit in 67% of the cases.

Electrochemotherapy in radiotherapy-resistant epidural spinal cord compression in metastatic cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report efficacy and safety of percutaneous electrochemotherapy (ECT) in patients with radiotherapy-resistant metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). MATERIAL/ METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed all consecutive patients treated with bleomycin-based ECT between February-2020 and September-2022 in a single tertiary referral cancer center. Changes in pain were evaluated with the Numerical Rating Score (NRS), in neurological deficit with the Neurological Deficit Scale, and changes in epidural spinal cord compression were evaluated with the epidural spinal cord compression scale (ESCCS) using an MRI. RESULTS: Forty consecutive solid tumour patients with previously radiated MESCC and no effective systemic treatment options were eligible. With a median follow-up of 5.1 months [1-19.1], toxicities were temporary acute radicular pain (25%), prolonged radicular hypoesthesia (10%), and paraplegia (7.5%). At 1 month, pain was significantly improved over baseline (median NRS: 1.0 [0-8] versus 7.0 [1.0-10], P < .001) and neurological benefits were considered as marked (28%), moderate (28%), stable (38%), or worse (8%). Three-month follow-up (21 patients) confirmed improved over baseline (median NRS: 2.0 [0-8] versus 6.0 [1.0-10], P < .001) and neurological benefits were considered as marked (38%), moderate (19%), stable (33.5%), and worse (9.5%). One-month post-treatment MRI (35 patients) demonstrated complete response in 46% of patients by ESCCS, partial response in 31%, stable disease in 23%, and no patients with progressive disease. Three-month post-treatment MRI (21 patients) demonstrated complete response in 28.5%, partial response in 38%, stable disease in 24%, and progressive disease in 9.5%. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that ECT can rescue radiotherapy-resistant MESCC.

Thermal ablation of ultrasound and non-contrast computed tomography invisible primary and secondary liver tumors: targeting by selective intra-arterial lipiodol injection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical feasibility and outcomes of thermal ablation following selective intra-arterial lipiodol injection (SIALI) for targeting primary and secondary liver tumors invisible on ultrasound (US) and non-contrast computed tomography (CT). METHODS: This retrospective study included 18 patients with 20 tumors (67% male, mean age 60.8 ± 12.1 years). The 20 tumors included 15 liver metastases and 5 hepatocellular carcinomas. All patients underwent single-session SIALI and subsequent CT-guided thermal ablation. The primary outcome was a technical success, defined as visualization of the tumor after SIALI and successful thermal ablation. Secondary outcomes were local recurrence rate and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: The median tumor size was 1.5 (1-2.5) cm. In addition, SIALI was performed with a median volume of 3 (1-10) mL of lipiodol resulting in intra-tumoral iodized oil accumulation in 19 tumors and negative imprint with iodized oil accumulation of the surrounding liver parenchyma in 1 tumor. The technical success rate was 100%. No local occurrence was observed at a mean follow-up time of 3 ± 2.5 years. CONCLUSION: SIALI to tag liver tumors not visible with US and non-contrast CT before percutaneous ablation is highly feasible and has a high success rate for the treatment of both primary and secondary liver tumors.