Circulating tumour cell gene expression and chemosensitivity analyses: predictive accuracy for response to multidisciplinary treatment of patients with unresectable refractory recurrent rectal cancer or unresectable refractory colorectal cancer liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Patients with unresectable recurrent rectal cancer (RRC) or colorectal cancer (CRC) with liver metastases, refractory to at least two lines of traditional systemic therapy, may receive third line intraarterial chemotherapy (IC) and targeted therapy (TT) using drugs selected by chemosensitivity and tumor gene expression analyses of liquid biopsy-derived circulating tumor cells (CTCs). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 36 patients with refractory unresectable RRC or refractory unresectable CRC liver metastases were submitted for IC and TT with agents selected by precision oncotherapy chemosensitivity assays performed on liquid biopsy-derived CTCs, transiently cultured in vitro, and by tumor gene expression in the same CTC population, as a ratio to tumor gene expression in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBCs) from the same individual. The endpoint was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of a specific liquid biopsy precision oncotherapy CTC purification and in vitro culture methodology for a positive RECIST 1.1 response to the therapy selected. RESULTS: Our analyses resulted in evaluations of 94.12% (95% CI 0.71-0.99) for sensitivity, 5.26% (95% CI 0.01-0.26) for specificity, a predictive value of 47.06% (95% CI 0.29-0.65) for a positive response, a predictive value of 50% (95% CI 0.01-0.98) for a negative response, with an overall calculated predictive accuracy of 47.22% (95% CI 0.30-0.64). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported estimation of predictive accuracy derived from combining chemosensitivity and tumor gene expression analyses on liquid biopsy-derived CTCs, transiently cultured in vitro which, despite limitations, represents a baseline and benchmark which we envisage will be improve upon by methodological and technological advances and future clinical trials.

Multidisciplinary Treatment, Including Locoregional Chemotherapy, for Merkel-Polyomavirus-Positive Merkel Cell Carcinomas: Perspectives for Patients Exhibiting Oncogenic Alternative Δ exon 6-7 TrkAIII Splicing of Neurotrophin Receptor Tropomyosin-Related Kinase A.

Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are rare, aggressive, cutaneous neuroendocrine tumours, approximately 80% of which are caused by the genomic integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV-positive MCCs carry poor prognosis in approximately 70% of cases, highlighting the need for greater understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms involved in pathogenesis, progression and post-therapeutic relapse, and translation into novel therapeutic strategies. In a previous pilot study, we reported a potential relationship between MCPyV gene expression and oncogenic alternative Δ exon 6-7 TrkAIII splicing in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) MCC tissues from a 12-patient cohort of >90% MCPyV-positive MCCs, diagnosed at San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy, characterising a new MCC subgroup and unveiling a novel potential MCPyV oncogenic mechanism and therapeutic target. This, however, could not be fully verified due to poor RNA quality and difficulty in protein extraction from FFPE tissues. Here, therefore, we extend our previous observations to confirm the relationship between MCPyV and oncogenic alternative Δ exon 6-7 TrkAIII splicing in fresh, nonfixed, MCPyV-positive MCC metastasis by detecting sequence-verified RT-PCR products, including full-length Δ exon 6-7 TrkAIII, and by Western blot detection of a 100 kDa TrkA protein isoform of identical size to 100 kDa Δ exon 6-7 TrkAIII expressed by stable transfected SH-SY5Y cells. We also report that in three MCC patients submitted for multidisciplinary treatment, including locoregional chemotherapy, MCPyV large T-antigen mRNA expression, Δ exon 6-7 TrkAIII mRNA expression and intracellular indirect immunofluorescence (IF) TrkA and phosphorylation protein isoform(s) immunoreactivity in FFPE tissues were not reduced in postchemotherapeutic-relapsed MCCs compared to pretherapeutic MCCs, extending the possible roles of this novel potential MCPyV oncogenic mechanism from MCC pathogenesis to post-therapeutic relapse and progression. Detection of alternative Δ exon 6-7 TrkAIII splicing in MCC, therefore, not only characterises a new MCPyV-positive MCC subgroup and unveils a novel potential MCPyV oncogenic mechanism but also identifies patients who may benefit from inhibitors of MCPyV T-antigen and/or TrkAIII expression or clinically approved Trk kinase inhibitors such as larotrectinib or entrectinib, which are known to inhibit activated TrkA oncogenes and to elicit durable responses in TrkA-fusion oncogene-driven cancers, supporting the call for a large-scale multicentre clinical study.

Efficacy of nivolumab in pre-treated non-small-cell lung cancer patients harbouring KRAS mutations.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in pre-treated patients with advanced NSCLC harbouring KRAS mutations. METHODS: Clinical data and KRAS mutational status were analysed in patients treated with nivolumab within the Italian Expanded Access Program. Objective response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated. Patients were monitored for adverse events using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. RESULTS: Among 530 patients evaluated for KRAS mutations, 206 (39%) were positive while 324 (61%) were KRAS wild-type mutations. KRAS status did not influence nivolumab efficacy in terms of ORR (20% vs 17%, P = 0.39) and DCR (47% vs 41%, P = 0.23). The median PFS and OS were 4 vs 3 months (P = 0.5) and 11.2 vs 10 months (P = 0.8) in the KRAS-positive vs the KRAS-negative group. The 3-months PFS rate was significantly higher in the KRAS-positive group as compared to the KRAS-negative group (53% vs 42%, P = 0.01). The percentage of any grade and grade 3-4 AEs were 45% vs 33% (P = 0.003) and 11% vs 6% (P = 0.03) in KRAS-positive and KRAS-negative groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nivolumab is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with previously treated, advanced non-squamous NSCLC regardless of KRAS mutations.

Second line therapy with axitinib after only prior sunitinib in metastatic renal cell cancer: Italian multicenter real world SAX study final results.

BACKGROUND: This multi-institutional retrospective real life study was conducted in 22 Italian Oncology Centers and evaluated the role of Axitinib in second line treatment in not selected mRCC patients. METHODS: 148 mRCC patients were evaluated. According to Heng score 15.5%, 60.1% and 24.4% of patients were at poor risk, intermediate and favorable risk, respectively. RESULTS: PFS, OS, DCR and ORR were 7.14 months, 15.5 months, 70.6% and 16.6%, respectively. The duration of prior sunitinib treatment correlated with a longer significant mPFS, 8.8 vs 6.3 months, respectively. Axitinib therapy was safe, without grade 4 adverse events. The most frequent toxicities of all grades were: fatigue (50%), hypertension (26%), and hypothyroidism (18%). G3 blood pressure elevation significantly correlated with longer mPFS and mOS compared to G1-G2 or no toxicity. Dose titration (DT) to 7 mg and 10 mg bid was feasible in 24% with no statistically significant differences in mPFS and mOS. The sunitinib-axitinib sequence was safe and effective, the mOS was 41.15 months. At multivariate analysis, gender, DCR to axitinib and to previous sunitinib correlated significantly with PFS; whereas DCR to axitinib, nephrectomy and Heng score independently affected overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Axitinib was effective and safe in a not selected real life mRCC population. Trial registration INT - Napoli - 11/16 oss. Registered 20 April 2016. http://www.istitutotumori.na.it.

Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine rectal carcinoma with uncommon immune-histochemical features and clinical presentation with a subcutaneous metastasis, treated with first line intensive triplet chemotherapy plus bevacizumab FIr-B/FOx regimen: an experience of multidisciplinary management in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are heterogeneous, widely distributed tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells. Gastrointestinal (GI)-NETs are the most common and NETs of the rectum represent 15, 2% of gastrointestinal malignancies. Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas of the GI tract are uncommon. We report a rare case of poorly differentiated locally advanced rectal neuroendocrine carcinoma with nodal and a subcutaneous metastasis, with a cytoplasmic staining positive for Synaptophysin and Thyroid Transcription Factor-1. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old male presented to hospital, due to lumbar, abdominal, perineal pain, and severe constipation. A whole-body computed tomography scan showed a mass of the right lateral wall of the rectum, determining significant reduction of lumen caliber. It also showed a subcutaneous metastasis of the posterior abdominal wall. Patient underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation, diagnostic and therapeutic plan was shared and defined. The pathological examination of rectal biopsy and subcutaneous nodule revealed features consistent with small-cell poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. First line medical treatment with triplet chemotherapy and bevacizumab, according to FIr-B/FOx intensive regimen, administered for the first time in this young elderly patient affected by metastatic rectal NEC was highly active and tolerable, as previously reported in metastatic colo-rectal carcinoma (MCRC). A consistent rapid improvement in clinical conditions were observed during treatment. After 6 cycles of treatment, CT scan and endoscopic evaluation showed clinical complete response of rectal mass and lymph nodes; patient underwent curative surgery confirming the pathologic complete response at PFS 9 months. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This case report of a locally advanced rectal NEC with an unusual subcutaneous metastasis deserves further investigation of triplet chemotherapy-based intensive regimens in metastatic GEP NEC.

Effects of Chemotherapy in Patients with Concomitant Aortic Aneurysm and Malignant Disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to present the results in a consecutive series of patients affected by aortic abdominal aneurysm and to underline the aneurysmal growth and evolution in oncological patients submitted to dedicated oncological medical therapy. METHODS: Between January 2010 and June 2016 we treated in our center 19 patients for coexisting aortic aneurysms (>3 cm) and malignancy. We observed patients undergoing oncological treatment and patients who did not undergo medical treatment. We studied computed tomography (CT) scan at the time when patients were addressed at our follow-up or treatment and we analyzed retrospectively prior CT scan at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Among those 19 patients, 7 patients were affected by colorectal cancer (36.8%), 6 by urinary tract cancer (31.6%), 4 by lymphoma (21%), and 2 by lung cancer (10.6%). In 8 patients who did not undergo oncological therapy, we did not observe any aortic growth; instead, in other 4 patients who underwent oncological medical therapy (3 abdominal aortic aneurysms and 1 thoracic aneurysm), we observed a mean sac growth of 2.9 cm in 6 months with 2 cases of aortic rupture treated in urgent fashion. The treatment was open surgery in 2 cases and endovascular in other cases. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that oncological drugs may play a role in aneurysm growth. Few case reports are found in the literature and more evidences are to be found. Those information may influence intention-to-treat small aneurysms in short life expectancy patients.

Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, XL765 (SAR245409), shows superior effects to sole PI3K [XL147 (SAR245408)] or mTOR [rapamycin] inhibition in prostate cancer cell models.

Deregulation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway contributes to prostate cancer development and progression. Here, we compared the in vitro effects of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (XL765) with those observed with the sole PI3K (XL147) or mTOR (rapamycin) inhibition in 2 non-tumor prostate epithelial cell lines, 8 prostate cancer cell lines, and 11 prostate cancer cell derivatives. We demonstrated that the XL765 treatment showed superior and proliferative effects of XL147 or rapamycin. The XL765 effects were associated to increasing the chromosome region maintenance 1 (CRM1)-mediated nuclear localization of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3ß) and Foxo-1a with higher induction of apoptosis when compared to those observed in XL147 and rapamycin treatments. IC50 values were calculated in phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)-positive and PTEN-negative cell lines as well as after PTEN transfection or PTEN downmodulation by siRNA strategy revealing that the presence of this protein was associated with reduced sensitivity to PI3K and mTOR inhibitors. The comparison of IC50 values was also calculated for androgen-dependent and -independent cell lines as well as after androgen receptor (AR) transfection or the AR downmodulation by siRNA strategy revealing that androgen independence was associated with enhanced responsiveness. Our results provide a rationale to use the dual PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in hormone-insensitive prostate cancer models due to the overactivity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR in this disease condition.

CXCR4 pharmacogical inhibition reduces bone and soft tissue metastatic burden by affecting tumor growth and tumorigenic potential in prostate cancer preclinical models.

BACKGROUND: The majority of prostate cancer (Pca) patient morbidity can be attributed to bone metastatic events, which poses a significant clinical obstacle. Therefore, a better understanding of this phenomenon is imperative and might help to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor CXCR4 have been implicated as regulators of bone resorption and bone metastatic development, suggesting that agents able to suppress this signaling pathway may be used as pharmacological treatments. In this study we studied if two CXCR4 receptor antagonists, Plerixafor and CTE9908, may affect bone metastatic disease induced by Pca in preclinical experimental models METHODS: To verify the hypothesis that CXCR4 inhibition affects Pca metastatic disease, selective CXCR4 compounds, Plerixafor, and CTE9908, were tested in preclinical models known to generate bone lesions. Additionally, the expression levels of CXCR4 and SDF-1α were analyzed in a number of human tissues derived from primary tumors, lymph-nodes and osseous metastases of Pca as well as in a wide panel of human Pca cell lines to non-tumorigenic and tumorigenic phenotype. RESULTS: Bone-derived Pca cells express higher CXCR4 levels than other Pca cell lines. This differential expression was also observed in human Pca samples. In vitro evidence supports the hypothesis that factors produced by bone microenvironment differentially sustain CXCR4 and SDF1-α expression with respect to prostate microenvironment determining increased efficacy toward Plerixafor. The use of SDF1-α neutralizing antibodies greatly reduced the increase of CXCR4 expression in cells co-cultured with bone stromal cells (BMSc) and to a lesser extent in cells co-cultured with prostate stromal cells (HPSc) and partially reduced SDF1-α Plerixafor efficacy. SDF-1α induced tumor cell migration and invasion, as well as MMP-9, MMP-2, and uPA expression, which were reduced by Plerixafor. The incidence of X-ray detectable bone lesions was significantly reduced following Plerixafor and CTE9908 treatment Kaplan-Meier probability plots showed a significant improvement in the overall survival of mice treated with Plerixafor and CTE9908. The reduced intra-osseous growth of PC3 and PCb2 tumor cells after intratibial injection, as a result of Plerixafor and CTE9908 treatment, correlated with decreased osteolysis and serum levels of both mTRAP and type I collagen fragments (CTX), which were significantly lower with respect to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our report provides novel information on the potential activity of CXCR4 inhibitors on the formation and progression of Pca bone and soft tissue metastases and supports a biological rationale for the use of these inhibitors in men at high risk to develop clinically evident bone lesions.

Dose-dense nonpegylated liposomal Doxorubicin and docetaxel combination in breast cancer: dose-finding study.

BACKGROUND: Anthracyclines and taxanes are effective drugs in breast cancer (BC), but their toxicity profiles limit their use in combination. A dose-finding study was performed to determine maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) of nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin (TLC-D99) and docetaxel (DTX) as a dose-dense schedule, to maintain dose intensity, and to limit toxicity, particularly cardiac. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were enrolled, 12 with metastatic BC, 5 with locally advanced BC, and 7 with early BC. An intra- and interpatient approach was planned in two sequential steps. In the first step, TLC-D99 was administered at dose levels of 40, 45, and 50 mg/m(2) plus DTX at a fixed dose of 50 mg/m(2). In the second step, TLC-D99 was administered at the dose established in the first step plus DTX at dose levels of 55, 60, and 65 mg/m(2). Every treatment cycle was delivered on day 1 every 14 days. Pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was scheduled on day 2. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were defined as G4 hematological; G3 nonhematological; ≥10% or ≥20% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction if the final value was <50% or ≥50%, respectively; severe arrhythmia; and symptomatic heart failure. LVEF was evaluated by echocardiography every two cycles, and precursor brain natriuretic peptide (pBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were monitored on days 1 and 2. RESULTS: Five DLTs occurred (20.8%). No cardiac event of congestive heart failure was reported; 2 events of grade 3 cardiac dysfunction (8.3%), including a ≥20% LVEF reduction in 1 patient and symptomatic arrhythmia in another; 2 incidences of G4 neutropenia (8.3%); and 1 occurrence of G3 asthenia (4.2%) were reported. MTDs were not reached. The recommended doses were established as TLC-D99 50 mg/m(2) and DTX 65 mg/m(2). Cumulatively, mild (G1-G2) cardiac dysfunction was observed in 58.4% of patients: G1 cardiac arrhythmia was noted in 50%, G1-G2 general cardiac toxicity occurred in 25%, and concomitant toxicity was present in 17%. cTnI never increased. pBNP was increased in 25% and was associated with limiting arrhythmia in 4% and cardiac dysfunction in 16%. CONCLUSION: Dose-dense TLC-D99 50 mg/m(2) and DTX 65 mg/m(2) can be safely administered in combination every 2 weeks for breast cancer, with the highest projected dose intensity for each drug at 25 and 32.5 mg/m(2) per week, respectively.

Recurrent Metastatic Pulmonary Synovial Sarcoma during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue tumor. Exceptionally it can occur during pregnancy, representing a challenge in management and treatment given its notable aggressiveness and the not infrequent incidence of maternal death. We report our case of metastatic recurrence of pulmonary synovial sarcoma during pregnancy, with the aim to emphasize the decision-making, diagnostic, and therapeutic multidisciplinary processes and the evolution of the pathology. Besides, we focused on the analysis of the limited literature data available on the topic.

Clinical impact of drug-drug interactions on abemaciclib in the real-world experience of AB-ITALY study.

Abemaciclib demonstrated clinical benefit in women affected by HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (aBC). Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can lead to reduced treatment efficacy or increased toxicity. This retro-prospective study aimed to evaluate outcomes, DDIs' impact, and toxicities of abemaciclib combined with endocrine therapy in a real-world setting. Patients from 12 referral Italian hospitals with HR+/HER2- aBC who received abemaciclib were included. Clinical data about comorbidities, concurrent medications, outcomes, and adverse events (AE) were collected. Drug-PIN® (Personalized Interactions Network) is a tool recognizing the role of multiple interactions between active and/or pro-drug forms combined with biochemical and demographic patient data. The software was used to define the Drug-PIN score and Drug-PIN tier (green, yellow, dark yellow, and red) for each patient. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of patients' PFS or toxicity. One hundred seventy-three patients were included. 13% of patients had >75years. The overall response rate (ORR) was 63%. The general population's median PFS (mPFS) was 22 months (mo), while mOS were not reached. Patients treated with abemaciclib in combination with AI and fulvestrant had a mPFS of 36 and 19 mo, respectively. The most common toxicities were diarrhea, asthenia, and neutropenia detected in 63%,49%, and 49% of patients. The number of concomitant medications and comorbidities were not associated with survival outcomes (22 vs 17 mo, p = 0.068, p = 0.99). Drug-PIN tier from dark yellow to red and Drug-PIN score >12 were associated with shorter PFS compared to no/low-risk DDIs and score <12 (15 vs 23, p = 0.005, p = 0.0017). Drug interaction was confirmed as an independent biomarker in a multivariate model (p = 0.02). No difference in any grade AE, severe toxicities, and diarrhea were detected among different age subgroups. No association was found between Drug-PIN score or Drug-PIN tier and overall toxicity (p = 0.44), severe AEs (p = 0.11), or drug reduction (p = 0.27). The efficacy and safety of abemaciclib plus ET were confirmed in a real-world setting, even in the elderly population and patients with comorbidities. Evaluation of DDIs with Drug-PIN appears to be an independent predictor of PFS.

Worse prognosis of KRAS c.35 G > A mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) patients treated with intensive triplet chemotherapy plus bevacizumab (FIr-B/FOx).

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of KRAS wild-type and mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) patients (pts) treated with bevacizumab (BEV)-containing chemotherapy is not significantly different. Since specific KRAS mutations confer different aggressive behaviors, the prognostic role of prevalent KRAS mutations was retrospectively evaluated in MCRC pts treated with first line FIr-B/FOx, associating BEV to triplet chemotherapy. METHODS: Tumor samples were screened for KRAS codon 12, 13 and BRAF V600E mutations by SNaPshot and/or direct sequencing. MCRC pts <75-years-old were consecutively treated with FIr-B/FOx: weekly 12 hour-timed-flat-infusion/5-fluorouracil (900 mg/m(2) on days 1,2, 8, 9, 15, 16,22, 23), irinotecan plus BEV (160 mg/m(2) and 5 mg/kg, respectively, on days 1,15); and oxaliplatin (80 mg/m(2), on days 8,22). Pts were classified as liver-limited (L-L) and other/multiple metastatic (O/MM). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Fifty-nine pts were evaluated at a median follow-up of 21.5 months. KRAS mutant pts: c.35 G > A, 15 (25.4%); c.35 G > T, 7 (11.8%); c.38 G > A, 3 (5%); other, 3 (5%). KRAS wild-type, 31 pts (52.7%). The objective response rate (ORR), PFS and OS were, respectively: c.35 G > A mutant, 71%, 9 months, 14 months; other than c.35 G > A mutants, 61%, 12 months, 39 months. OS was significantly worse in c.35 G > A pts compared to KRAS wild-type (P = 0.002), KRAS/BRAF wild-type (P = 0.03), other MCRC patients (P = 0.002), other than c.35 G > A (P = 0.05), other codon 12 (P = 0.03) mutant pts. OS was not significantly different compared to c.35 G > T KRAS mutant (P = 0.142). CONCLUSIONS: KRAS c.35 G > A mutant status may be significantly associated with a worse prognosis of MCRC pts treated with first line FIr-B/FOx intensive regimen compared to KRAS/BRAF wild type and other than c.35 G > A mutant pts.

Prognostic value of KRAS genotype in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) patients treated with intensive triplet chemotherapy plus bevacizumab (FIr-B/FOx) according to extension of metastatic disease.

BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab (BEV) plus triplet chemotherapy can increase efficacy of first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC), particularly integrated with secondary liver surgery in liver-limited (L-L) patients. The prognostic value of the KRAS genotype in L-L and other or multiple metastatic (O/MM) MCRC patients treated with the FIr-B/FOx regimen was retrospectively evaluated. METHODS: Tumoral and metastatic samples were screened for KRAS codon 12 and 13 and BRAF mutations by SNaPshot and/or direct sequencing. Fit MCRC patients <75 years were consecutively treated with FIr-B/FOx regimen: weekly 12-h timed flat-infusion/5-fluorouracil (TFI 5-FU) 900 mg/m2, days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23; irinotecan (CPT-11) 160 mg/m2 plus BEV 5 mg/kg, days 1, 15; oxaliplatin (OXP) 80 mg/m2, days 8, 22; every 4 weeks. MCRC patients were classified as L-L and O/MM. Activity and efficacy were evaluated and compared using log-rank test. RESULTS: In all, 59 patients were evaluated: 31 KRAS wild-type (53%), 28 KRAS mutant (47%). At 21.5 months median follow-up, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were, respectively: KRAS wild-type 90%, 14 months, 38 months; KRAS mutant 67%, 11 months, 20 months. PFS and OS were not significantly different. PFS and OS were significantly different in L-L compared to O/MM evaluable patients. In KRAS wild-type patients, clinical outcome of 12 L-L compared to 18 O/MM was significantly different: PFS 21 versus 12 months and OS 47 versus 28 months, respectively. In KRAS mutant patients, the clinical outcome of 13 L-L compared to 14 O/MM was not significantly different: PFS 11 months equivalently and OS 39 versus 19 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The KRAS genotype wild-type and mutant does not significantly affect different clinical outcomes for MCRC patients treated with the first-line FIr-B/FOx intensive regimen. KRAS wild-type patients with L-L disease may achieve a significantly prolonged clinical outcome due to integration with secondary liver surgery, with respect to KRAS mutant patients.

Intensive multidisciplinary treatment strategies and patient resilience to challenge long-term survival in metastatic colorectal cancer: a case report in real life and clinical practice.

In fit metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC), multidisciplinary treatment strategy integrating intensive FIr-B/FOx triplet chemotherapy associated to bevacizumab and secondary metastasectomies significantly improved clinical outcomes up to progression-free survival (PFS) 17 months and overall survival (OS) 44 months. A non-elderly woman affected by rectal cancer, lymph nodes involvement, synchronous unresectable liver metastases, was treated with first-line FIr-B/FOx integrated with two-stage liver resections, short course radiotherapy, anterior rectal resection, with a PFS 9 months and progression-free interval (PFI) 4 months off-treatment. After progression characterized by single liver and lymph node inferior mesenteric axis metastases, FIr-B/FOx was re-introduced, liver and lymph node resections were performed, with a PFS 8 months and PFI 3 months. FIr-B/FOx was further proposed due to bilateral lung, and liver metastases with stable disease, PFS 8 months. Patient experienced a limiting toxicity syndrome multiple sites (LTS-ms) with G3 diarrhea, G2 asthenia, nausea, requiring irinotecan reduction and 5-fluorouracil discontinuation, and subsequent oxaliplatin discontinuation, due to infusional hypersensitivity reaction. Overall, integrated first-line medical and surgical treatment strategies gained PFS 26 months. Further lines II-V of treatment obtained a combined PFS 28 months: modulated aflibercept/irinotecan, PFS 8 months; panitumumab, PFS 8 months, proposed due to KRAS/NRAS/BRAF wild-type and EGFR c.2156 G>C (p.G719A) mutation, achieving biomarkers reduction, lung, liver, lymph nodes partial responses; regorafenib, PFS 8 months; trifluridine-tipiracil, PFS 4 months and induced an LTS-ms, with febrile G4 leucopenia, G3 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, asthenia, G2 anemia, diarrhea, hypotension. After 2 months of palliative care, patient died, at OS 58 months, gained by intensive medical/surgical treatments coupled with patient's resilience. To date, selection of tailored medical treatments, according to clinical (age, performance and comorbidity status) and molecular (RAS/BRAF and pharmacogenomic analyses) evaluations, careful monitoring of individual toxicity syndromes, potential integration of metastasectomies, and furthermore individual resilience as patient life priority need to challenge MCRC long-term survival.

"Poker" association of weekly alternating 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, bevacizumab and oxaliplatin (FIr-B/FOx) in first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: a phase II study.

BACKGROUND: This phase II study investigated efficacy and safety of weekly alternating Bevacizumab (BEV)/Irinotecan (CPT-11) or Oxaliplatin (OHP) associated to weekly 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in first line treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC). METHODS: Simon two-step design: delta 20% (p0 50%, p1 70%), power 80%, α 5%, ß 20%. Projected objective responses (ORR): I step, 8/15 patients (pts); II step 26/43 pts. Schedule: weekly 12 h-timed-flat-infusion/5-FU 900 mg/m2, days 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23; CPT-11 160 mg/m2 plus BEV 5 mg/kg, days 1,15; OHP at three dose-levels, 60-70-80 mg/m2, days 8, 22; every 4 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty consecutive, unselected pts < 75 years were enrolled: median age 63; young-elderly (yE) 24 (48%); liver metastases (LM) 33 pts, 66% Achieved OHP recommended dose, 80 mg/m2. ORR 82% intent-to-treat and 84% as-treated analysis. Median progression-free survival 12 months. Equivalent efficacy was obtained in yE pts. Liver metastasectomies were performed in 26% of all pts and in 39% of pts with LM. After a median follow-up of 21 months, median overall survival was 28 months. Cumulative G3-4 toxicities per patient: diarrhea 28%, mucositis 6%, neutropenia 10%, hypertension 2%. They were equivalent in yE pts. Limiting toxicity syndromes (LTS), consisting of the dose-limiting toxicity, associated or not to G2 or limiting toxicities: 44% overall, 46% in yE. Multiple versus single site LTS, respectively: overall, 24% versus 20%; yE pts, 37.5% versus 8%. CONCLUSION: Poker combination shows high activity and efficacy in first line treatment of MCRC. It increases liver metastasectomies rate and can be safely administered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Osservatorio Nazionale sulla Sperimentazione Clinica dei Medicinali (OsSC) Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) Numero EudraCT 2007-004946-34.

Pharmacogenomic Assessment of Patients with Colorectal Cancer and Potential Treatments.

Evolving intensiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, including chemotherapeutics and targeted agents associations, in adjuvant and metastatic CRC (MCRC) settings, increased overall survival (OS) with individual variability of toxicity. Pharmacogenomic guidelines recommended pre-treatment identification of at-risk patients suggesting dose adjustment of fluoropyrimidines based on dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), and irinotecan on UDP glucuronosyl-transferase 1 family polypeptide A1 (UGT1A1) genetic variants, but they are poorly applied in clinical practice. This review highlighted clinically validated pharmacogenetic markers, to underline the need of their implementation in the multidisciplinary molecular board for individual CRC patients in clinical practice. Five clinically relevant DPYD variants with different prevalence impair enzymatic effectiveness and significantly increase toxicity: c.1236 G>A (c.1129-5923 C>G, HapB3), 4.1-4.8%; c.1679 T>G (DPYD*13), c.1905+1G>A (DPYD*2A), c.2846 A>T, c.2194 A>T (DPYD*6) 1% each. c.1679T>G and c.1905+1G>A are most deleterious on DPD effectiveness, moderately reduced in c.1236/HapB3 and c.2846A>T. Cumulatively, these variants explain approximately half of the estimated 10-15% fluoropyrimidine-related gastrointestinal and hematological toxicities due to DPD. Prevalent UGT1A1 gene [TA]7TAA promoter allelic variant UGT1A1*28, characterized by an extra TA repeat, is associated with low transcriptional and reduced enzymatic effectiveness, decreased SN38 active irinotecan metabolite glucuronidation, vs wild-type UGT1A1*1 [A(TA)6TAA]. Homozygote UGT1A1*28 alleles patients are exposed to higher hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities, even more than heterozygote, at >150 mg/m2 dose. Dose reduction is recommended for homozygote variant. Wild-type UGT1A1*28 alleles patients could tolerate increased doses, potentially affecting favorable outcomes. Implementation of up-front evaluation of the five validated DPYD variants and UGT1A1*28 in the multidisciplinary molecular tumor board, also including CRC genetic characterization, addresses potential treatments with fluoropyrimidines and irinotecan associations at proper doses and schedules, particularly for early CRC, MCRC patients fit for intensive regimens or unfit for conventional regimens, requiring treatment modulations, and also for patients who experience severe, unexpected toxicities. Integration of individual evaluation of toxicity syndromes (TS), specifically limiting TS (LTS), an innovative indicator of toxicity burden in individual patients, may be useful to better evaluate relationships between pharmacogenomic analyses with safety profiles and clinical outcomes.

Toxicity Syndromes, Patient-Related Clinical Indicator of Toxicity Burden Induced by Intensive Triplet Chemotherapy-Based Regimens in Gastrointestinal Cancers With Metastatic Disease.

Background: Cancer treatments induce symptoms/signs superimposing on individual patient's clinical status, determining heterogenous toxicity syndromes (TS). We reviewed intensive first line triplet chemotherapy-based regimens in metastatic gastro-intestinal cancers (mGI), based on FIr/FOx schedule, fluorouracil and weekly alternating irinotecan/oxaliplatin, to point out limiting TS (LTS) relevance. Methods: Metastatic colo-rectal (mCRC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), gastric carcinoma (mGC) patients were enrolled by careful decision-making including age, performance status (PS), and comorbidity status in real life phase II studies: FIr-B/FOx adding bevacizumab (B) overall, FIr-C/FOx-C adding cetuximab (C) in KRAS/NRAS wild-type mCRC; FIr/FOx in mPDAC; FD/FOx adding docetaxel (D) in mGC. Toxicity, individual LTS, LT alone (LTS-single site, LTS-ss) or associated to other limiting/G2 toxicities (LTS-multiple sites, LTS-ms) were evaluated, compared by chi-square test. In FIr-C/FOx-C, 5-fluorouracil/irinotecan pharmacogenomic biomarkers, 5-fluorouracil degradation rate (5-FUDR), SNPs ABCB1, CYP3A4, DYPD, UGT1A1 were evaluated, related with LTS. Results: FIr-B/FOx, FIr-C/FOx-C in mCRC, FIr/FOx in mPDAC, FD/FOx in mGC, showed activity, efficacy, toxicities similar to reported triplet regimens. LTS: mCRC FIr-B/FOx 44%, LTS-ms 24%, LTS-ss 20%, in young-elderly 46%, LTS-ms significantly increased vs. LTS-ss; FIr-C/FOx-C 65.5%, significantly increased LTS-ms vs. LTS-ss, in young-elderly 83%; mPDAC FIr/FOx 27.5%, mostly LTS-ms, in young-elderly 38.4% all LTS-ms; mGC FD/FOx 30%, all LTS-ms, in young-elderly 25%. Reduced FUDR, SNPs CYP3A4, UGT1A1, >1 positive pharmacogenomic biomarkers were prevalent in patients with gastrointestinal LTS. Conclusions: LTS is an innovative clinical parameter of toxicity burden, differential treatment-related TS in individual patient. LTS can evaluate pharmacogenomic biomarkers predictive relevance to select mGI patients fit for intensive treatments, at risk of limiting gastrointestinal toxicity. Trial Registrations: The trials were registered at Osservatorio Nazionale sulla Sperimentazione Clinica dei Medicinali (OsSC) Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) Numero EudraCT 2007-004946-34, and Osservatorio Nazionale sulla Sperimentazione Clinica dei Medicinali (OsSC) Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) Numero EudraCT 2009- 016793-32.

Relevance of Pharmacogenomics and Multidisciplinary Management in a Young-Elderly Patient With KRAS Mutant Colorectal Cancer Treated With First-Line Aflibercept-Containing Chemotherapy.

Introduction: Intensive oncological treatment integrated with resection of metastases raised the clinical outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). In clinical practice, complex evaluation of clinical (age, performance status, comorbidities), and biological (tumoral genotype, pharmacogenomic) parameters addresses tailored, personalized multidisciplinary treatment strategies. Patients with MCRC unsuitable for first-line intensive medical treatments are prevalent and showed worse clinical outcome. After progression to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, aflibercept/FOLFIRI significantly improved clinical outcome, even if no survival benefit was reported in adjuvant fast relapsers by aflibercept addition. The case reported a young-elderly (yE) patient with KRAS mutant colorectal cancer rapidly progressing to adjuvant chemotherapy, unfit owing to comorbidities, with multiple pharmacogenomic alterations, who gained long-term survival in clinical practice by multidisciplinary treatment strategy consisting of first-line and re-introduction of aflibercept-containing chemotherapy and two-stage lung metastasectomies. Case presentation: A 71-years-old yE patient, unfit for intensive oncological treatments owing to Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) stage secondary, affected by KRAS c.35 G>T mutant colorectal cancer, rapidly progressing with lung metastases after adjuvant XelOx chemotherapy, reached long-term survival 66 months with no evidence of disease after first-line and re-introduction of tailored, modulated aflibercept (4 mg/kg) d1,15-irinotecan (120 mg/m2) d1,15-5-fluorouracil (750 mg/m2/day) dd1-4, 15-18; and secondary radical bilateral two-stage lung metastasectomies. Safety profile was characterized by limiting toxicity syndrome at multiple sites (LTS-ms), requiring 5-fluorouracil discontinuation and aflibercept reduction (2 mg/kg), because of G2 hand-foot syndrome (HFS) for >2 weeks, and G3 hypertension. Pharmacogenomic analyses revealed multiple alterations of fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan metabolism: severe deficiency of fluorouracil degradation rate (FUDR), single nucleotide polymorphisms of UGT1A1 *28 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) 7R/7R homozygote, ABCB1 c.C3435T, c.C1236T, MTHFR c.C667T homozygote, DPYD c.A166G, TSER 28bp VNTR 2R/3R heterozygote. Conclusions: In clinical practice, a complex management evaluating clinical parameters and RAS/BRAF genotype characterizing an individual patient with MCRC, particularly elderly and/or unfit owing to comorbidities, is required to properly address tailored, multidisciplinary medical and surgical treatment strategies, integrated with careful monitoring of superimposing toxicity syndromes, also related to pharmacogenomic alterations, to gain optimal activity, and long-term efficacy.

Precision oncotherapy based on liquid biopsies in multidisciplinary treatment of unresectable recurrent rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Third line innovative systemic treatments and loco-regional chemotherapy by hypoxic pelvic perfusion (HPP) have both been proposed for the treatment of unresectable not responsive recurrent rectal cancer (URRC). In the present study, we have compared the safety and efficacy of HPP/target therapy, using drug regimens selected by liquid biopsy precision oncotherapy, to third-line systemic therapy based on tissue specimens precision oncotherapy. METHODS: HPP/target therapy regimens were selected based on precision oncotherapy, including assays for chemosensitivity and viability, and qRT-PCR for tumor-related gene expression. In the control group, systemic third-line and further lines of therapy were defined according to clinical and biological parameters. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2019, 62 URRC patients were enrolled, comprised of 43 patients in the HPP/target-therapy group and 19 patients in the systemic therapy control group. No HPP related complications were reported and the most common adverse events were skin and bone marrow toxicity. In the HPP/target-therapy group, the ORR was 41.8% whereas in the systemic therapy control group was 15.8%. DCR of the HPP/target-therapy group was significantly improved over the systemic therapy group (P = 0.001), associated with a PFS of 8 vs 4 months (P = 0.009), and OS of 20 vs 8 months (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that in URCC patients, the integration of HPP/target-therapy and precision oncotherapy based upon liquid biopsy is as effective and efficacious as third-line treatment in local disease control and, therefore, deserves to be further assessed and compared to conventional systemic treatments in future prospective randomized trials.