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Recent studies showed that patients with glioma can safely participate in early phase clinical trials; however, clinical benefits in this population were limited. We aimed to evaluate the benefit of molecular profiling to guide enrolment in early phase trials for patients with recurrent glioma.Records of patients enrolled in early phase trials of cytotoxic therapies, small molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed for clinico-pathological characteristics, toxicity, response, progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). The primary objective was to evaluate response rates in molecularly-oriented versus non-molecularly-oriented patients.Eighty-eight patients were enrolled, of whom 45 (51.1%) patients were molecularly-oriented. Targets included IDH1/2 (n = 15), BRAF (n = 11), and FGFR1 (n = 3) mutations, FGFR2-3 fusions (n = 9), and mismatch repair deficiency (n = 7). Among patients with high-grade glioma (n = 74), the rate of stable disease ≥6 months and partial or complete response was 25.7% in molecularly-oriented versus 5.1% in non-molecularly-oriented patients (p = 0.02). Upon multivariable adjustment, baseline steroid use ≥20 mg prednisone equivalent per day was associated with shorter OS (OR 3.15 [95% CI 1.62-6.13], p = 0.0008), while molecular enrichment strategy was associated with longer OS (OR 0.40 [95% CI 0.22-0.73], p = 0.003). Nine (10.2%) patients experienced grade 3-4 toxicity and no dose limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred in both cohorts.The use of molecular profiling to guide enrolment in early phase trials is feasible and might provide benefits to selected patients with glioma. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results in larger randomised settings and identify the patients most likely to benefit from this approach.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are revolutionizing oncology and haematology practice. With these and other immunotherapies, however, systemic biodistribution raises safety issues, potentially requiring the use of suboptimal doses or even precluding their clinical development. Delivering or attracting immune cells or immunomodulatory factors directly to the tumour and/or draining lymph nodes might overcome these problems. Hence, intratumoural delivery and tumour tissue-targeted compounds are attractive options to increase the in situ bioavailability and, thus, the efficacy of immunotherapies. In mouse models, intratumoural administration of immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies, pattern recognition receptor agonists, genetically engineered viruses, bacteria, cytokines or immune cells can exert powerful effects not only against the injected tumours but also often against uninjected lesions (abscopal or anenestic effects). Alternatively, or additionally, biotechnology strategies are being used to achieve higher functional concentrations of immune mediators in tumour tissues, either by targeting locally overexpressed moieties or engineering ‘unmaskable’ agents to be activated by elements enriched within tumour tissues. Clinical trials evaluating these strategies are ongoing, but their development faces issues relating to the administration methodology, pharmacokinetic parameters, pharmacodynamic end points, and immunobiological and clinical response assessments. Herein, we discuss these approaches in the context of their historical development and describe the current landscape of intratumoural or tumour tissue-targeted immunotherapies., Limited penetration into tumour tissue can restrict the activity of systemically delivered cancer immunotherapies, whereas exposure of various non-malignant tissues to high levels of such agents can lead to problematic toxicities. Intratumoural administration and/or biotechnology strategies for selective targeting of tumour tissues have the potential to circumvent these issues and thereby increase the therapeutic index. Herein, the authors review the historical origins and current landscape of intratumoural and tumour tissue-targeted immunotherapies., Key points Repeated intratumoural injections with agents designed to enhance antitumour immune responses constitutes a feasible strategy to reduce the risk of systemic toxicities and achieve higher local bioactive drug concentrations. Spearheaded by the oncolytic virus talimogene laheparepvec, the first intratumoural immunotherapy approved by the FDA and EMA, and supported by a strong preclinical rationale, many intratumoural immunotherapies are now being developed in clinical trials. These immunotherapies include microorganisms (viruses or bacteria) and synthetic compounds mimicking infectious agents (such as pattern recognition receptor agonists), as well as immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies, cytokines and chimeric proteins. Higher locoregional concentrations of immunotherapy agents can also be achieved through molecular engineering, for example, to target them towards moieties that are enriched in the tumour microenvironment. Increased specificity in tumour targeting can also be attained through the development of prodrug forms of immunotherapies that become functional only after entering tumour tissue (pro-immunodrugs). Procedural, pharmaceutical, regulatory and analytical challenges require multidisciplinary expert consensus and systematic research to maximize the potential of these modes of administration.

Checkpoint inhibitors are being added to standard-of-care chemotherapy in multiple clinical trials. Success has been reported in non–small and small cell lung carcinomas and urothelial, head and neck, gastric, and esophageal cancers, and promising results are already available in triple-negative breast and pancreatic malignancies. The potential mechanisms of synergy include immunogenic tumor cell death, antiangiogenesis, selective depletion of myeloid immunosuppressive cells, and lymphopenia, which reduces regulatory T cells and makes room for proliferation of effector T cells. However, chemotherapy regimens have not been optimized for such combinations, perhaps explaining some recent clinical trial disappointments. Approaches to make the most of chemoimmunotherapy include neoadjuvant and adjuvant schemes.Significance: Immunotherapy of cancer based on PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has prompted a revolution in cancer clinical management. Evidence in phase III clinical trials already supports combinations of immunotherapy with standard-of-care chemotherapy for a number of malignant diseases. This review focuses on such evidence and provides an overview of the potential synergistic mechanisms of action and the opportunities to optimize chemoimmunotherapy regimens.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with poor survival outcomes and treatment options are limited. These tumors lack therapeutic targets and become rapidly resistant to chemotherapy. The anti–PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab showed durable antitumor activity and manageable safety in patients with TNBC in the KEYNOTE-012, KEYNOTE-086, and KEYNOTE-119 studies. The combination of lenvatinib, an antiangiogenic multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with pembrolizumab has shown promising clinical outcomes in early-phase clinical trials across several cancer types. LEAP-005 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03797326) is an ongoing study evaluating the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib combined with pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors. Here, we report the first results from the TNBC cohort of LEAP-005. Methods: This ongoing, multicohort, open-label, phase 2 study enrolled patients aged ≥18 y with previously treated, histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced TNBC. PD-L1 expression was assessed at a central laboratory using the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay and measured using the combined positive score (CPS; number of PD-L1–positive tumor cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages divided by total number of tumor cells x 100). Patients received lenvatinib 20 mg once daily orally plus pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks intravenously for a maximum of 35 pembrolizumab doses, then lenvatinib alone until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) by blinded independent central review per RECIST version 1.1 and safety. Key secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR; defined as best overall response of complete response [CR], partial response [PR], or stable disease [SD] per RECIST v1.1), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Safety was monitored through 30 days after the last dose of study drug (90 days for serious AEs), with AEs graded using NCI CTCAE v4.0. Results: 31 patients have been enrolled in the TNBC cohort of LEAP-005. Median age was 56 y (range, 37 to 85), 58% had received ≥2 prior lines of therapy, and 26% had CPS ≥10 tumors. As of the April 10, 2020 data cutoff, median follow-up was 7 mo (range, 4 to 13). ORR was 29% (95% CI: 14–48), with 1 CR and 8 PRs. 9 pts had SD, and the DCR (CR + PR + SD) was 58% (95% CI: 39–76). 4 responses (1 CR and 3 PRs) were in patients with CPS ≥10 tumors (n=8) for an ORR of 50% (95% CI: 16–84), and 5 responses (all PRs) were in patients with CPS Citation Format: Hyun Cheol Chung, Esma Saada-Bouzid, Federico Longo Muñoz, Eduardo Yanez, Seock-Ah Im, Eduardo Castanon, Donna M. Graham, Javier Garcia-Corbacho, Juanita Lopez, Razi Ghori, Corina Dutcus, Alan Smith, Kevin Norwood, Carlos Gomez-Roca. Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab for previously treated, advanced triple-negative breast cancer: Early results from the multicohort phase 2 LEAP-005 study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS12-07.

New patterns of progression under immune-oncology (IO) antibodies (mAb) have been described such as pseudoprogression. Except for melanoma, variations between studies reveal difficulties to establish their prevalence. This retrospective study enrolled patients participating in IO phase I trials at Gustave Roussy cancer center for solid tumors excluding melanoma. Radiological assessment according to iRECIST was correlated with prospectively registered patient characteristics and outcomes. Pseudoprogression (PsPD) was defined as RECIST-defined progression followed by stabilization or decrease at the next imaging, and dissociated response (DisR) as concomitant decrease in some tumor lesions and increase in others at a same timepoint. Among 360 patients included, 74% received IO mAb combination: 45% with another IO mAb, 20% with targeted therapy and 10% with radiotherapy. The overall response rate was 19.7%. PsPD were observed in 10 (2.8%) patients and DisR in 12 (3.3%) patients. Atypical responses (AR), including PsPD and DisR, were not associated with any patient’s baseline characteristics. Compare with typical responder patients, patients experiencing AR presented a shorter iPFS (HR 0.34; p

BackgroundIntratumoral immunotherapies are being tested in different solid tumors. They trigger local and systemic responses.1 2 BO-112 is a double stranded RNA nanoplexed with polyethyleneimine (PEI), which mimics a viral infection and mobilizes the immune system.In preclinical models and in a first in human clinical trial BO-112 activated dendritic cells, induced CD-8 infiltration, apoptosis and enhancement of immunogenic cell death and achieved an objective response in 2 out of 10 patients with melanoma with primary resistance to antiPD-1.3 4MethodsIn this phase 2 study, BO-112 plus pembrolizumab is evaluated in patients with advanced melanoma, who have developed progressive disease while on or within 12 weeks after anti-PD1/PD-L1 based therapy (either as first line or as adjuvant treatment). BO-112 is administered intratumorally once weekly in 1 to 8 tumor lesions, total dose 1 to 2 mg, for the first 7 weeks and thereafter every three weeks; pembrolizumab 200 mg is administered intravenously every three weeks. Overall response rate (ORR) is analyzed as primary endpoint by independent reviewer. Secondary objectives include disease control rate (DCR), duration of response and progression free survival (PFS); response assessment is done by RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST; in addition, CD-8 and PD-L1 IHC, NGS, itRECIST and radiomics signatures are prospectively assessed. Key eligibility criteria include cutaneous or mucosal melanoma with known BRAF status; at least one lesion RECIST 1.1 measurable and amenable for IT injection. Enrollment has been completed on 26th August.ResultsWith 26 evaluable patients with a first response assessment, seven have progressive disease (PD), five have partial response (PR) and fourteen patients show stable disease (SD). Preliminary ORR is 19.2% and DCR is 73.1% at week 8. Three patients with PR at week 8 have undergone a second assessment at week 16, with further decrease in sum of diameters (SOD) in both injected and non-injected lesions. Three out of five patients with SD and a second assessment maintain SD, showing a decrease in SOD in two cases (figure 1). In addition, two patients with only skin lesions have a pathological complete response. CD8 and PD-L1 have increased in 8 and 7 out of 13 patients with paired biopsies, being related with clinical benefit (figure 2).Abstract 961 Figure 1Swimmer plot, efficacy data for evaluable patients undergoing at least one response assessmentAbstract 961 Figure 2Immunohistochemistry data for CPS and CD8 data from paired biopsiesConclusionsDespite these data being preliminary, there is a trend for benefit in terms of ORR and also in long lasting stable diseases. BO-112 is able to increase PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and increase CD8-T cell infiltrates.AcknowledgementsMerck, Pivotal SLU, Quibim radiomics, Pangaea laboratories, all participating sites and patientsTrial RegistrationNCT04570332ReferencesAznar MA, Planelles L, Perez-Olivares M, et al. Immunotherapeutic effects of intratumoral nanoplexed poly I:C. J Immunother Cancer. 2019 May 2;7(1):116.5. Hamid O, Ismail R, Puzanov I. Intratumoral immunotherapy-update 2019. The Oncologist 2020;25:e423–438.Márquez-Rodas I, Longo F, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, et al. Intratumoral nanoplexed poly I:C BO-112 in combination with systemic anti-PD-1 for patients with anti-PD-1-refractory tumors. Sci Transl Med 2020 Oct 14;12(565):eabb0391.Kalbasi A, Tariveranmoshabad M, Hakimi K, Kremer S, et al. A. Uncoupling interferon signaling and antigen presentation to overcome immunotherapy resistance due to JAK1 loss in melanoma. Sci Transl Med 2020 Oct 14;12(565):eabb0152.Ethics ApprovalThe study obtained ethics approval by Spanish Health Agency (AEMPS), on 11th December 2020, and French Health Agency (ANSM) on 27th January 2021; study obtained approval from two Ethics Committee: Vall D’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain on 7th December 2020 (number 467), and Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France, CPP 20.11.10.38825 on 11th February 2021.For each study patient, written informed consent is obtained prior to any protocol-related activities. As part of this procedure, the principal investigator or one of his/her associates must explain orally and in writing the nature, duration, and purpose of the study, and the action of the study drug in such a manner that the patient is aware of the potential risks, inconveniences, or adverse effects that may occur. They should be informed that the patient may withdraw from the study at any time. They will receive all information that is required by the regulatory authorities and ICH guidelines. The ICF has been signed by the patient and a copy provided to them.ConsentN/A

Background: MSI-H/dMMR is considered the first predictive marker of efficacy for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, around 39% of cases are refractory and additional biomarkers are needed. We explored the prognostic value of pretreatment LIPI in MSI-H/dMMR patients treated with ICIs, including identification of fast-progressors. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study of patients with metastatic MSI-H/dMMR tumors treated with ICIs between April 2014 and May 2019 was performed. LIPI was calculated based on dNLR &gt, 3 and LDH &gt, upper limit of normal. LIPI groups were good (zero factors), intermediate (one factor) and poor (two factors). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), including the fast-progressor rate (OS &lt, 3 months). Results: A total of 151 patients were analyzed, mainly female (59%), with median age 64 years, performance status (PS) 0 (42%), and sporadic dMMR status (68%). ICIs were administered as first or second-line for 59%. The most frequent tumor types were gastrointestinal (66%) and gynecologic (22%). LIPI groups were good (47%), intermediate (43%), and poor (10%). The median follow-up was 32 months. One-year OS rates were 81.0%, 67.1%, and 21.4% for good, intermediate, and poor-risk groups (p &lt, 0.0001). After adjustment for tumor site, metastatic sites and PS, LIPI remained independently associated with OS (HR, poor-LIPI: 3.50, 95%CI: 1.46–8.40, p = 0.02. Overall, the fast-progressor rate was 16.0%, and 35.7% with poor-LIPI vs. 7.5% in the good-LIPI group (p = 0.02). Conclusions: LIPI identifies dMMR patients who do not benefit from ICI treatment, particularly fast-progressors. LIPI should be included as a stratification factor for future trials.

Mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (MET) amplification has been suggested either as a de novo or acquired mechanism of resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy. However, even if MET amplification has been widely described in the preclinical setting, only a few clinical data have confirmed the role of MET in the resistance to anti-EGFR treatment. A 60-year-old man presenting cholangiocarcinoma with EGFR amplification had a tumor response to anti-EGFR therapy. A new on-purpose tumor biopsy performed during tumor progression confirmed the known EGFR amplification as well as a new MET amplification. This clinical observation highlights the role of MET amplification as a mechanism of resistance to EGFR inhibitors.

Background: BO-112 is a double stranded synthetic RNA formulated with polyethyleneimine that mimics a viral infection. Through dendritic cells activation, increase in CD8 T-cell infiltration and interferons induction, it produces an immunogenic cell death. Phase 1 study (NCT02828098) showed ORR 20% in patients (pts) with anti PD-1 resistant melanoma (mel). Hence phase 2 trial was designed. Study design: Single arm study (NCT04570332) with intratumoral BO-112 plus intravenous pembrolizumab in pts with mel (cutaneous, acral or mucosal) and confirmed progressive disease (PD) while on anti-PD1 based therapy. Pts were treated with BO-112, 1-2 mg on a weekly basis for 7 weeks and thereafter Q3W in 1-8 different lesions. Pembrolizumab 200 mg was administered Q3W. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1 by independent reviewer. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS) and safety. Exploratory objectives included radiomic signatures, itRECIST and evaluation of tumor microenvironment. At least 20% of pts had to achieve response in order to consider primary endpoint met. Results: Recruitment was completed 24th August 2021 with 42 pts; female 43%; median age 66 (rank 27-88). Table summarizes basal characteristics. With 40 evaluable for response pts, 10 achieved response (25%): 3 complete response (CR) and 7 partial response (PR). 17 pts (44%) achieved a stable disease (SD), meaning a DCR of 68% with 18 pts still on treatment. The 4 pts with a baseline LDH>3xULN developed PD no later than week 8. Responses per histology were: 66% mucosal, 28% cutaneous, 0% acral. Responses per BRAF/NRAS status were: BRAF mutant (Mut) 43%, NRAS Mut 31%, and BRAF/NRAS wild type (WT) 17%. 33 pts (79%) had at least one BO-112 related adverse event (AE) being only in 2 cases grade>3 (G4 infusion reaction and G3 myalgia). Most common related AEs were asthenia, pyrexia, diarrhea, vomiting and chills. Study treatment was not discontinued in any pts due to related AE. Conclusions: The primary efficacy endpoint has been met. Additionally, disease control (PR+CR+SD) is meaningful and durable in a population with no current standard treatment options. Very high LDH levels (LDH >3xULN) and acral mel could predict poor outcome. Safety profile was manageable without treatment discontinuation due to AEs. N (ITT pts, 42) (%) AJCC8 M1C/D 19 (45) BRAF Mut 7 (17) WT 35 (83) Previous treatment Ipilimumab-nivolumab 6 (15) Anti PD-1 monotherapy 33 (79) Other combo 3 (7) Prior line indication Adjuvant 11 (26) Advanced 31 (74) LDH >ULN 17 (41) Best ORR (IRCR evaluable pts, N=40) Global Mucosal Cutaneous Acral ORR 10 (25) 2 (66) 8 (28) 0 PR 7 (18) 1 (33) 6 (21) 0 CR 3 (8) 1 (33) 2* (7) 0 SD 17 (43) 1 (33) 13 (45) 3 (37) PD 13 (33) 0 8 (28) 5 (63) *2 pts had pathologic CR and RECIST SD Citation Format: Iván Márquez-Rodas, Caroline Dutriaux, Philippe Saiag, Luis de la Cruz Merino, Eduardo Castanon Álvarez, Caroline Robert, Juan F. Rodríguez-Moreno, Ana M. Arance, Pablo Cerezuela-Fuentes, Henry Montaudié, Miguel F. Sanmamed, María González Cao, Julie Charles, María Pilar López Criado, Alfonso Berrocal, Enrique de Miguel, Elisa Funk-Brentano, Sorilla Prey, María del Carmen Álamo de la Gala, Javier Sánchez López, Helena Escuin-Ordinas, Sonia Macia, Marisol Quintero, Marya F. Chaney, Stéphane Dalle. Efficacy of intratumoral BO-112 with systemic pembrolizumab in patients with advanced melanoma refractory to anti-PD-1-based therapy: Final results of SPOTLIGHT203 phase 2 study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT014.

Background: There is a lack of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy in melanoma. Immunohistochemistry and gene sequencing are frequently assessed as part of clinical research. Radiomic signatures may also add valuable information, based on parameters which can be related to immune infiltration, therefore defining an imaging biomarkers panel for this clinical scenario. BO-112 is a double stranded synthetic RNA formulated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) that, by mimicking the effect of a viral infection, mobilizes the immune system. The role of imaging biomarkers is being explored in the present phase II clinical trial. Study design: Single arm study with BO-112 plus pembrolizumab (NCT04570332) in patients with advanced melanoma in progression to anti-PD1 therapy. As part of exploratory objectives, a radiomics analysis was performed to detect changes in lesion texture features. Quantitative features were obtained by using Quibim Precision 2.9 platform (Quibim, Valencia, Spain) after the manual delineation of lesions on the CT study of each subject at each timepoint to obtain information about injected/non-injected lesions. Images were normalized by taking into account Hounsfield Units (HU) bias across scanners in a cross-calibration phantom and the Z-score. The difference (Delta) in the features between baseline and week 8 was calculated. Results: Studies were assessed based on event (progression) and based on whether lesions had been injected. Patients with only cutaneous disease were not included in this analysis. Out of 23 patients who had at least two imaging assessments, 6 developed progressive disease by week 8, and 17 subjects had no event by that time. Due to the small sample size, the radiomic analysis was based on hypothesis testing. With regards to volume, 50% of the non-progressing lesions reduced their value from that of the baseline. Regarding injected versus non-injected changes, up to 50% of injected lesions decreased their volume after 8 weeks of injected treatment whereas in non-injected lesions volume decreased in less than 25% of lesions. From the independent sample t-test of delta radiomics features against the injected/non-injected lesions variable, there were 4 features with a statistically significant difference between groups; all of them related to the Low Grey-Level Zone Emphasis. Specifically, Delta original GLRLM Low Grey-Level Run Emphasis showed the highest significant difference between injected and non-injected lesions (p=0.004), with higher and positive delta values in the injected group (75% injected lesions were above 0). Conclusions: Imaging biomarkers provide a large number of quantitative image features with a wide span of information, from size to heterogeneity of the tissue which may be indicator of tumor progression and immune infiltrate. In the analysis of radiomics features, delta GLRLM low grey-level zone emphasis was sensitive to the tumoral changes happening in injected lesions at week 8. This might add insights into the imaging-based evaluation of immune infiltration in intratumoral immunotherapy and the creation of associated imaging biomarkers panels. Citation Format: Paula Moreno, Philippe Saiag, Luis de la Cruz Merino, Caroline Dutriaux, Eduardo Castanon Álvarez, Caroline Robert, Juan F. Rodríguez-Moreno, Pablo Cerezuela-Fuentes, Ana M. Arance, Henry Montaudié, Miguel F. Sanmamed, María González Cao, María Pilar López Criado, Julie Charles, Alfonso Berrocal, Enrique de Miguel, Elisa Funk-Brentano, Pablo Sau Llanas, Sorilla Prey, Eva Muñoz-Couselo, Delvys Rodríguez Abreu, Juan Martin-Liberal, Ángel Alberich-Bayarri, Javier Sánchez López, Sonia Macia, Marisol Quintero, Marya F. Chaney, Stéphane Dalle, Iván Márquez-Rodas. Radiomic features in tumor assessment, preliminary results from a phase 2 study of intratumoral administration of BO-112 with pembrolizumab in patients with anti PD1 refractory melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT109.

Background: There is a lack of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy in melanoma. In terms of IHC, there is no strong rational to support the use of PD-L1 expression. BRAF mutations occur in 40-50% of melanomas and the MAPK pathway may also be activated by NRAS mutations. Patients harboring these mutations face usually a worse prognosis. BO-112 is a double stranded synthetic RNA formulated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) that, by mimicking the effect of a viral infection, mobilizes the immune system. Prior data from a phase I trial (NCT02828098) suggest that, when administered intratumorally, it causes an increase in CD8 infiltration and PD-L1 expression. The role of these and other biomarkers is being explored in the present phase II clinical trial. Study Design: Single arm study with BO-112 plus pembrolizumab (NCT04570332) in patients with advanced melanoma in progression to anti-PD1 therapy. Tumors were genotyped by next generation sequencing, whole exome sequencing and tumor mutation burden. Antitumor and immunological effects of the treatment in the tumor microenvironment were assessed by PDL1 and CD8 immunohistochemistry with a paired biopsy performed after 21 days of treatment. Results: A preliminary analysis has been performed, based on patients evaluable for clinical benefit (defined as response or stable disease>16 weeks). Samples from 35 patients have been analyzed, with 24 patients paired biopsies available. Patients with “cold” tumors (PD-L1 negative and CD8 low) at baseline had a trend to lack of clinical benefit. Only basal PD-L1 in the inflammatory component showed a statistically significant correlation with clinical outcome (4/20 (25%) tumors PDL1 IC negative had benefit versus 10/15 (67%) positive), p=0.0053. Fifteen patients had an increase in PD-L1 and 14 patients had increase in CD8 infiltrate after BO-112 treatment; the lack of increase in PDL1 and CD8 after treatment was also predictive of lack of response (p=0.04). BRAF/NRAS driver mutations correlated with positive outcome. Clinical benefit was observed in 4 of 17 (24%) patients not carrying activating mutations whereas 11 out of 18 (61%) patients with BRAF/NRAS activating mutations had clinical benefit (p=0.02), mainly in cutaneous histology (14% versus 65%, p=0.02). Mucosal melanoma patients (n=3) achieved an ORR 66.7% and DCR 100%. The two mucosal melanoma patients with partial response harbored SETD2 mutations and one of them showed extensive cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNGs), indicative of defects in DNA repair pathways. Regarding acral melanoma patients (n=9), no responses were observed, even in the single case with a NRAS mutation. The only patient achieving clinical benefit, with stable disease>16 weeks; had a unique mutation profile, with TP53 (inactivating) and KIT (activating) mutations. Conclusions: Patients basal mutant BRAF/NRAS could have more probability of benefit from BO-112 and pembrolizumab combination. PD-L1 and/or CD8 increase is an early marker of response. These findings could help to select patients in future clinical trials. Further investigation into predictive biomarkers is warranted. Citation Format: Ruth Roman, Philippe Saiag, Caroline Dutriaux, Luis de la Cruz Merino, Eduardo Castanon, Miguel F. Sanmamed, Caroline Robert, Juan F. Rodríguez-Moreno, Pablo Cerezuela-Fuentes, Ana M. Arance, María González Cao, Henry Montaudié, María Pilar López Criado, Julie Charles, Alfonso Berrocal, María del Carmen Álamo de la Gala, Enrique de Miguel, Elisa Funk-Brentano, Sorilla Prey, Eva Muñoz-Couselo, Delvys Rodríguez Abreu, Juan Martín-Liberal, Helena Escuin-Ordinas, Mark Branum, Sonia Macia, Marisol Quintero, Javier Sánchez López, Marya F. Chaney, Beatriz García-Peláez, Marta Vives-Usano, Miguel Ángel Molina, Stéphane Dalle, Iván Márquez-Rodas. Correlation of biomarkers and clinical benefit of intratumoral BO112 and pembrolizumab in patients with anti PD1 refractory melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT107.

TPS3166 Background: The forkhead box family transcription factor FOXP3 is essential for T regulatory cells (Tregs) development and immune suppressive function. Tregs are an integral component of the adaptive immune system and contribute to maintaining tolerance to self-antigens and preventing autoimmune diseases. In the context of cancer, however, Tregs contribute to tumor progression by suppressing antitumor immunity. To date inhibition of Treg-mediated immunosuppression tested in the clinic has lacked specificity. Targeting FOXP3 provides a selective approach to impair the immunosuppressive function of Tregs but targeting transcription factors has been a challenge using conventional drug modalities. AZD8701 employs next-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology (Ionis Pharmaceuticals) to bind mRNA with high affinity and selectively reduce human Foxp3 mRNA expression levels. Foxp3-specific ASOs promote potent dose-dependent reductions in Foxp3 mRNA and protein in vitro. In preclinical models, AZD8701 induced Foxp3 knockdown results in Tregs with a reduced immunosuppressive capacity, loss of immunosuppressive markers, and increased markers of activation on CD8+ T-cells. AZD8701 reduces tumor growth as monotherapy in preclinical models and increased tumor inhibition is obtained by combining AZD8701 with a PD-L1 inhibitor. Methods: This is a Phase I multicenter study of AZD8701 alone or in combination with durvalumab in participants with selected advanced solid tumors. Eligible patients must have ECOG performance status 0 or 1, measurable target lesion per RECIST v1.1 and be diagnosed with selected tumor types as described below. Monotherapy and combination dose escalation phase is open for participants with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), gastroesophageal cancer, melanoma, cervical cancer, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and/or solid tumors that have demonstrated a response to prior programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-[L]1) treatment (as defined by duration of response > 18 weeks). Participants with NSCLC, HNSCC, TNBC, and ccRCC will be included in the pharmacodynamic cohort at the selected monotherapy dose and/or disease expansion cohorts. The primary objectives are to assess safety and tolerability and to determine the preliminary antitumor activity of AZD8701 (objective response rate) when administered as monotherapy or in combination with durvalumab. Secondary endpoints include, disease control rate, duration of response, progression free survival and overall survival, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (including changes in Foxp3 mRNA in paired tumor samples). The trial is currently recruiting. Clinical trial information: NCT04504669.

Cytokines are soluble proteins that mediate cell-to-cell communication. Based on the discovery of the potent anti-tumour activities of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal models, clinical research led to the approval of recombinant interferon-alpha and interleukin-2 for the treatment of several malignancies, even if efficacy was only modest. These early milestones in immunotherapy have been followed by the recent addition to clinical practice of antibodies that inhibit immune checkpoints, as well as chimeric antigen receptor T cells. A renewed interest in the anti-tumour properties of cytokines has led to an exponential increase in the number of clinical trials that explore the safety and efficacy of cytokine-based drugs, not only as single agents, but also in combination with other immunomodulatory drugs. These second-generation drugs under clinical development include known molecules with novel mechanisms of action, new targets, and fusion proteins that increase half-life and target cytokine activity to the tumour microenvironment or to the desired effector immune cells. In addition, the detrimental activity of immunosuppressive cytokines can be blocked by antagonistic antibodies, small molecules, cytokine traps or siRNAs. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel trends in the cytokine immunotherapy field that are yielding therapeutic agents for clinical trials.

201 Background: Dostarlimab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody that is approved in the US as a monotherapy in adult patients (pts) with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer that has progressed on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen or dMMR recurrent or advanced solid tumors that have progressed on or following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. Here, we report on the antitumor activity and safety of dostarlimab monotherapy in pts with dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC), a post-hoc subgroup analysis of cohort F of the GARNET trial. Methods: GARNET is a phase 1, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study of dostarlimab monotherapy in pts with advanced or recurrent solid tumors. Cohort F of the GARNET expansion cohorts enrolled pts with dMMR/MSI-H or POLε mutated non-endometrial solid tumors, including pts with CRC. Pts must have progressed per blinded independent central review (BICR) following prior systemic therapy for advanced disease. Pts with CRC were required to have progressive disease after or been intolerant to fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. Pts received 500 mg intravenous dostarlimab every 3 weeks for 4 cycles, followed by 1000 mg every 6 weeks until discontinuation. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response by BICR per RECIST v1.1. Pts were included in the efficacy analysis if they received ≥1 dose of dostarlimab, had measurable disease at baseline, and had ≥24 weeks of follow-up. All pts who received ≥1 dose of dostarlimab were included in the safety analysis. Results: As of the March 01, 2020 interim analysis data cut, 141 pts with dMMR non-endometrial solid tumors were included in the safety analysis, with 106 in the efficacy analysis. Of the pts in the efficacy analysis, 69 (65.1%) had CRC. Confirmed ORR by BICR per RECIST v1.1 in pts with dMMR CRC was 36.2% (95% CI, 25.0%–48.7%). There were 3 complete responses and 22 partial responses. At the data cut, 23 pts (92%) were still on treatment. Median duration of response had not been reached for pts with CRC. In the overall dMMR non-endometrial solid tumor population, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 68.1% of pts, with 8.5% of pts experiencing at least 1 grade ≥3 TRAE. The most common grade ≥3 TRAE was lipase increased in 2 (1.4%) of pts. Only 5 pts (3.5%) discontinued dostarlimab due to at TRAE. Treatment-related serious AEs were reported in 9 (6.4%) pts. Conclusions: Dostarlimab demonstrated durable clinically meaningful antitumor activity in pts with dMMR CRC, which was consistent with that seen in patients with dMMR non-CRC solid tumors. No new safety signals were detected in patients with dMMR non-endometrial solid tumors. Clinical trial information: NCT02715284.

Checkpoint inhibitors have improved the survival of patients with advanced tumors and show a manageable toxicity profile. However, auto-immune colitis remains a relevant side effect, and combinations of anti-PD1/PDL1 and anti-CTLA-4 increase its incidence and severity. Here, we report the case of a 50-year-old patient diagnosed with stage IV cervical cancer that relapsed following radical surgery, external radiation/brachytherapy and standard chemotherapy. She was subsequently treated with Nivolumab and Ipilimumab combination and developed grade 2 colitis presenting a dissociation between endoscopic and pathological findings. At cycle 10 the patient reported grade 3 diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, without blood or mucus in the stools. Immunotherapy was withheld and a colonoscopy was performed, showing normal mucosa in the entire colon. Puzzlingly, histologic evaluation of randomly sampled mucosal biopsy of the distal colon showed an intense intraepithelial lymphocyte infiltration with crypt loss and some regenerating crypts with a few apoptotic bodies set in a chronically inflamed lamina propria, consistent with the microscopic diagnosis of colitis. Treatment with methylprednisolone 2 mg/ kg was initiated which led to a decrease in the number of stools to grade 1. Additional investigations to exclude other causes of diarrhea rendered negative results. The patient experienced a major partial response and, following the resolution of diarrhea, she was re-challenged again with immunotherapy, with the reappearance of grade 2 diarrhea, leading to permanent immunotherapy interruption. We conclude and propose that performing random colonic biopsies should be considered in cases of immune checkpoint-associated unexplained diarrhea, even when colonoscopy shows macroscopically normal colonic mucosa inflammatory lesions.

Background PD(L)1 antibodies (anti‐PD(L)‐1) have been a major breakthrough in several types of cancer. Novel patterns of response and progression have been described with anti‐PD(L)‐1. We aimed at characterizing pseudoprogression (PSPD) among patients with various solid tumor types treated by anti‐PD(L)‐1. Methods All consecutive patients (pts) enrolled in phase 1 trials with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas treated in phase I clinical trials evaluating monotherapy by anti‐PD(L)‐1 at Gustave Roussy were analyzed. We aimed to assess prevalence and outcome of PSPD across tumor types. We also intended to describe potential clinical and pathological factors associated with PSPD. Results A total of 169 patients treated with anti‐PD(L)‐1 were included in the study. Most frequent tumor types included melanoma (n = 57) and non‐small cell lung cancer (n = 19). At first tumor evaluation 77 patients (46%) presented with immune unconfirmed progressive disease. Six patients (8%) experienced PSPD: 2 patients with partial response; 4 patients with stable disease. Increase in target lesions in the first CT‐scan was more frequently associated to PSPD (67% vs 33%; P = .04). Patients with a PSPD had a superior survival when compared to patients progressing (median OS: 10.7 months vs 8.7 months; P = .07). Conclusions A small subset of PSPD patients may experience response after an initial progression. Assessment of the current strategy for immune‐related response evaluations may require further attention., PD(L)1 antibodies (anti‐PD(L)‐1) have been a major breakthrough in several types of cancer. Novel patterns of response and progression have been described with these therapies. We aimed at characterizing pseudoprogression (PSPD) among patients with various solid tumor types treated by anti‐PD(L)‐1

The dynamic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a challenge when designing and analysing data in non-proportional hazards (PH) scenarios. Herein, we present the risk of making type II errors, affecting pharmacotherapeutic development when methods that assume constant effects are applied.Individual patient data from six clinical trials (KEYNOTE-062/061, IMvigor211, CA184-143 y CheckMate-057/037) were extracted. The most relevant time-varying effects were examined using the Royston-Parmar spline model (RPSM), time-driven analyses and weighted log-rank and Renyi tests.The RPSM yields an appropriate fit in non-PH contexts, enabling dynamic descriptions of the hazard rate, and time-varying differences of overall survival (OS)/progression-free survival. In the KEYNOTE-061, CheckMate-057 and 037 trials, 12-, 18-, and 24-month OS rates were higher with immunotherapy (differences of some 10%) (P-value0.05). In KEYNOTE-062, CA184-043 and IMvigor-211 trials, OS rate differences were significant for past 20 months. Flemming-Harrington and Renyi tests with late weighting (e.g. with ρ-value = 0 and γ-value = 1) captured the existence of significant differences on all curves. The Cox models and log-rank tests were inefficient at detecting the effect.This analysis highlights the risk of declaring studies with ICIs negative, despite associating substantial OS benefits. Effort and consensus are needed with respect to methodology to design and evaluate trials with ICIs in non-PH settings.

Phase I clinical trials in oncology primarily aim to assess the toxicity profile of new drugs and determine recommended phase II doses (RP2D). Since the cancer rate increases with age and our population is continually aging, RP2D must necessarily be assessed in older patients. Few clinical studies include older patients, however, and particularly few Phase I trials. We reviewed published data on the safety and efficacy of Phase I trials in older patients. The majority of studies included primarily young, fit patients, with age thresholds varying widely from 65 to 80years. However, age does not seem to be associated with more toxicity or less efficacy. While Phase I trials seem feasible in fit older patients, geriatric-medicine score systems should be included in the clinical trial design in order to better characterize this population.

// Roger Sun 1, 2 , Ines Koubaa 3 , Elaine Johanna Limkin 1, 2 , Isabelle Dumas 4 , Enrica Bentivegna 5 , Eduardo Castanon 6 , Sebastien Gouy 5 , Cynthia Baratiny 1 , Fyo Monnot 1 , Pierre Maroun 1 , Samy Ammari 3 , Elise Zareski 3 , Corinne Balleyguier 3 , Eric Deutsch 1, 2, 7 , Philippe Morice 5, 7 , Christine Haie-Meder 1 and Cyrus Chargari 1, 2, 8, 9 1 Department of Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France 2 INSERM U1030 Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France 3 Department of Radiology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France 4 Department of Medical Physics, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France 5 Department of Surgery, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France 6 Department of Drug development, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France 7 Universite Paris Sud, Universite Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France 8 Institut de Recherche Biomedicale des Armees, Bretigny-sur-Orge, France 9 French Military Health Service Academy, Ecole du Val-de-Grace, Paris, France Correspondence to: Cyrus Chargari, email: cyrus.chargari@gustaveroussy.fr Keywords: cervical cancer; locally advanced; brachytherapy; bladder invasion; vesicovaginal fistula Received: August 29, 2017 Accepted: January 01, 2018 Published: January 18, 2018 ABSTRACT Objective: We report outcomes of cervical cancer patients with bladder invasion (CCBI) at diagnosis, with focus on the incidence and predictive factors of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). Results: Seventy-one patients were identified. Twenty-one (30%) had para-aortic nodal involvement. Eight had VVF at diagnosis. With a mean follow-up time of 34.2 months (range: 1.9 months–14.8 years), among 63 patients without VVF at diagnosis, 15 (24%) developed VVF. A VVF occurred in 19% of patients without local relapses (9/48) and 40% of patients with local relapse (6/15). Two-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and local control rates were 56.4% (95% CI: 44.1–67.9%), 39.1% (95% CI: 28.1–51.4%) and 63.8% (95% CI: 50.4–75.4%), respectively. Para-aortic nodes were associated with poorer OS (adjusted HR = 3.78, P -value = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, anterior tumor necrosis on baseline MRI was associated with VVF formation (63% vs 0% at 1 year, adjusted-HR = 34.13, 95% CI: 4.07–286, P -value = 0.001), as well as the height of the bladder wall involvement of >26 mm (adjusted-HR = 5.08, 95% CI: 1.38–18.64, P -value = 0.014). Conclusions: A curative intent strategy including brachytherapy is feasible in patients with CCBI, with VVF occurrence in 24% of the patients. MRI patterns help predicting VVF occurrence. Methods: Patients with locally advanced CCBI treated with (chemo)radiation ± brachytherapy in our institute from 1989 to 2015 were analyzed. Reviews of baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were carried out blind to clinical data, retrieving potential parameters correlated to VVF formation (including necrosis and tumor volume).

Observational studies using registry data make it possible to compile quality information and can surpass clinical trials in some contexts. However, data heterogeneity, analytical complexity, and the diversity of aspects to be taken into account when interpreting results makes it easy for mistakes to be made and calls for mastery of statistical methodology. Some questionable research practices that include poor analytical data management are responsible for the low reproducibility of some results; yet, there is a paucity of information in the literature regarding specific statistical pitfalls of cancer studies. In addition to proposing how to avoid or solve them, this article seeks to expose ten common problematic situations in the analysis of cancer registries: convenience, dichotomization, stratification, regression to the mean, impact of sample size, competing risks, immortal time and survivor bias, management of missing values, and data dredging.

INTRODUCTION: A number of phase I immunotherapy trials for cancer patients incorporate the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) as an inclusion criteria. This study aims to assess whether ALC is associated with a lack of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in early clinical trials. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy in phase I trials in our institution between December 2011 and January 2014 were reviewed. Baseline ALC, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Royal-Marsden Hospital (RMH) prognostic score, objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR = SD + PR + CR, stable disease (SD), partial response (PR), complete response (CR)) defined by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1 were retrieved. RESULTS: Out of a total of 167 patients, 48 (28.7%) and 8 patients (4.8%) had baseline ALCs of 1 G/l. When using 0.5 G/l as ALC threshold, we did not find any difference either in ORR or in DCR. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, baseline ALC was not associated with overall survival, whereas the RMH and the number of previous lines of treatment remained independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline ALC was not associated with response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer patients enrolled in phase I trials. Patients should not be excluded from early phase clinical trials testing immune checkpoints blockers because of ALC.

Background: BO-112 is a double stranded synthetic RNA formulated with polyethyleneimine (PEI), that acts as an agonist to toll-like receptor 3 and targets the cytosolic helicase melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 and retinoic acid-inducible gene I. By mimicking the effect of a viral infection, it mobilizes the immune system, including activation of dendritic cells, CD8 T-cell infiltration, induction of interferons (IFNs), induction of apoptosis and enhancement of immunogenic cell death. Clinical data are available from the first-in-human study (NCT02828098) which evaluated single intratumoral (IT) BO-112 (Part 1; N = 16) and the combination of IT BO-112 with pembrolizumab or nivolumab (Part 2; N = 28). Part 2 showed an ORR of 11% and DCR of 46% in patients with multiple tumor types. Of them, 2 out of 10 (20%) patients with melanoma resistant to anti PD-1 achieved a partial response. Safety profile of BO-112, both as single agent and in combination with anti-PD-1, is manageable and currently characterized by Grade 1 fever and other flu-like symptoms. A phase 2 clinical study of IT BO-112 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with liver metastases from colorectal or gastric/gastro-esophageal junction cancer patients is currently ongoing. Methods: Phase 2, single arm, open label study of IT BO-112 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced and/or metastatic melanoma that have progressed on anti-PD-1-containing treatment (NCT04570332). BO-112 will be administered once weekly (QW) in 1 to 8 tumor lesions, total dose 1-2 mg (depending on the number of injected lesions), for the first 7 weeks and then once every three weeks (Q3W); pembrolizumab 200 mg will be administered Q3W. Key eligibility criteria include histologically confirmed, unresectable cutaneous or mucosal melanoma with known BRAF status. Patients must have progressed on or after treatment with an anti-PD-1/L1 mAb. At least one lesion RECIST 1.1 measurable and amenable for weekly IT injection is needed. Primary efficacy variable is ORR by RECIST 1.1, assessed by independent central radiologist (by QUIBIM Precision platform). Secondary efficacy variables include clinical activity in terms of DCR, DOR, PFS, OS, iRECIST, safety and PKs. Exploratory objectives include itRECIST and evaluation of tumor microenvironment (by Pangaea laboratory). A 1-sided alpha of 4.19% and power of 81.8% are used. A total of 40 patients will be enrolled. If less than 8 patients out of 40 have ORR, the study will not meet the statistical bar. Study was approved on 14 December in Spain; enrollment is open; two sites are active as of 18 December 2020. Nineteen sites (12 in Spain and 7 in France) are planned to be activated. Citation Format: Iván Márquez-Rodas, Miguel Fernández de Sanmamed Gutiérrez, María González Cao, Ana M. Arance, Alfonso Berrocal, Eduardo Castañon, Sofía España, Pablo Cerezuela-Fuentes, Juan F. Rodríguez-Moreno, Pilar López Criado, Juana Oramas, Luis de la Cruz Merino, Stéphane Dalle, Caroline Dutriaux, Julie Charles, Caroline Robert, Brigitte Dréno, Henri Montaudié, Philippe Saiag, Javier Sánchez-López, María Rojas, Helena Escuin-Ordinas, Vanesa Pons Sanz, Sonia Maciá, Marisol Quintero. Phase 2 clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intratumoral BO-112 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced melanoma that have progressive disease on anti-PD-1-based therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr CT233.

4030 Background: Lenvatinib, an anti-angiogenic multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in combination with the anti‒PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity with manageable safety in the first- or second-line in a phase 2 trial of patients with advanced gastric cancer. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is a phase 2, multicohort, nonrandomized, open-label study evaluating efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors; here, we present findings from the gastric cancer cohort of LEAP-005. Methods: Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic and/or unresectable gastric cancer, received at least 2 prior lines of therapy, had measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and provided a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression. Patients received lenvatinib 20 mg once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembrolizumab (approximately 2 years) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 years in patients experiencing clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR; comprising CR, PR, and SD), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 weeks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 31 patients were enrolled in the gastric cancer cohort; 87% were male, 58% were aged < 65 years, and 71% had PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1. Median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 7.0 months (range, 1.9‒11.9); 19 patients (61%) had discontinued treatment. ORR was 10% (95% CI, 2‒26); 1 patient had CR (3%), and 2 had a PR (6%). 12 patients (39%) had SD. Median DOR was not reached (range, 2.1+ to 2.3+ months). DCR was 48% (95% CI, 30‒67). Median PFS was 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.8‒4.2). Median OS was 5.9 months (95% CI, 2.6‒8.7). 28 patients (90%) had treatment-related AEs, including 13 patients (42%) with grade 3‒5 AEs. 1 patient had a treatment-related AE that led to death (hemorrhage). 8 patients (26%) had immune-mediated AEs: hypothyroidism (n = 5), hyperthyroidism (n = 2), and pneumonitis (n = 1). There were no infusion-related reactions. Conclusions: In patients with advanced gastric cancer who received 2 prior lines of therapy, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Based on these data, enrollment in the gastric cancer cohort has been expanded to 100 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326.

TPS9586 Background: Intratumoral immunotherapies are gaining interest in oncology, particularly in melanoma. These therapies, however, have faced some issues. For instance, standard response criteria do not accurately describe tumor burden, and responses may differ for injected/non injected lesions. Besides, target lesions may become non evaluable. Biomarkers provide interesting information for these therapies. In addition, some radiomic signatures have been associated with CD-8 infiltration. BO-112 is a double stranded synthetic RNA formulated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) that mimics a viral infection, mobilizing the immune system and changing tumor microenvironment. Clinical data are available from a first-in-human study, which showed ORR of 11% and DCR of 46% in patients who had developed progressive disease on immunotherapy. In patients with melanoma, this ORR was 20%. A phase 2 clinical study of BO-112 with pembrolizumab in patients with liver metastases from digestive tumors is ongoing. Both studies brought up data regarding how some biomarkers are increased after a single dose of BO-112 and correlated with responses. In this phase II study in patients with pretreated melanoma (NCT04570332), we will prospectively assess CD-8 and PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry, which will be compared with multi-parametric radiologic findings and correlated with clinical benefit. In addition, retrospective DNA sequencing will be performed. This kind of exploratory analysis in intratumoral immunotherapies might be key to identify predictive and prognostic factors. Methods: Phase 2, single arm, open label study of BO-112 with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced melanoma. BO-112 is administered once weekly (QW) in 1 to 8 tumor lesions, total dose 1-2 mg (depending on the number of injected lesions), for the first 7 weeks and then once every three weeks (Q3W); pembrolizumab 200 mg will be administered Q3W. Key eligibility criteria: advanced cutaneous or mucosal melanoma; patients must have progressed on or after treatment with an antiPD-1/L1 mAb; at least one measurable lesion amenable for weekly IT injection. Primary efficacy variable is ORR by RECIST 1.1, assessed by independent central radiologist (QUIBIM Precision platform). A 1-sided alpha of 4.19% and power of 81.8% are used. If less than 8 patients out of 40 have ORR, the study will not meet the statistical bar. Secondary endpoints include clinical activity by RECIST1.1 and iRECIST, overall survival, safety and PKs. Exploratory objectives include itRECIST and evaluation of CD-8 and PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry (Pangaea laboratory), which will be correlated with radiomic signatures (first order and second order) from standard-of-care computed tomography (CT) images. Enrollment is open and 1 of planned 40 patients has been enrolled. Nineteen sites are planned to participate. Clinical trial information: NCT04570332.

3564 Background: Pembrolizumab (pembro), an anti-PD-1 antibody, is approved for the treatment of patients (pts) with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair (MMR) deficient colorectal cancer, both as first-line treatment and after progression following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. The combination of lenvatinib, a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and anti-PD-1 treatment showed synergistic antitumor activity in preclinical models. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembro in pts with previously treated advanced solid tumors. We present findings from the colorectal cancer cohort. Methods: In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase 2 study, adult pts (aged ≥18 y) with histologically/cytologically documented metastatic and/or unresectable colorectal cancer, non–MSI-H/pMMR tumor per local determination, previous treatment with oxaliplatin and irinotecan in separate lines of therapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression were eligible. Pts received lenvatinib 20 mg QD plus pembro 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembro (̃2 y) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 y in pts with clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 wks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 32 pts with colorectal cancer received treatment with lenvatinib plus pembro (median age, 56 y [range, 36-77]; male, 81%; 3L, 91%); median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 10.6 mo (range, 5.9-13.1). ORR was 22% (95% CI, 9–40; table). Grade 3–5 treatment-related AEs occurred in 16 (50%) pts. Treatment-related AEs led to treatment discontinuation in 3 pts (grade 2 ischemic stroke [n = 1], grade 3 increased liver transaminases [n = 1], grade 5 intestinal perforation [n = 1]). Conclusions: In pts with previously treated advanced non–MSI-H/pMMR colorectal cancer, lenvatinib plus pembro demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Enrollment in the colorectal cohort was expanded to 100 pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326. [Table: see text]

Id1 promotes carcinogenesis and metastasis, and predicts prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-adenocarcionoma patients. We hypothesized that Id1 may play a critical role in lung cancer colonization of the liver by affecting both tumor cells and the microenvironment. Depleted levels of Id1 in LLC (Lewis lung carcinoma cells, LLC shId1) significantly reduced cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Genetic loss of Id1 in the host tissue (Id1(-/-) mice) impaired liver colonization and increased survival of Id1 animals. Histologically, the presence of Idl in tumor cells of liver metastasis was responsible for liver colonization. Microarray analysis comparing liver tumor nodules from Id1(+/+) mice and Idl(-/-) mice injected with LLC control cells revealed that Id1 loss reduces the levels of EMT-related proteins, such as vimentin. In tissue microarrays containing 532 NSCLC patients' samples, we found that Idl significantly correlated with vimentin and other EMT-related proteins. Idl loss decreased the levels of vimentin, integrin beta 1, TGF beta 1 and snail, both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, Id1 enables both LLC and the host microenvironment for an effective liver colonization, and may represent a novel therapeutic target to avoid NSCLC liver metastasis. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background BO-112 is a dsRNA (poly I:C) formulated with polyethylenimine, that upon Intratumoral (IT) injection acts by activating TLR3, RIG-1 and MDA-5. This induces immunogenic cell death and potentiate systemic therapy with checkpoint inhibitors in animal models. In patients (pts), single-agent BO-112 IT increases necrosis, apoptosis and expression of pro-immune genes in solid cancers, with a manageable safety. 1 mg was the dose combined with anti-PD-1 in the current clinical trial (NCT02828098). Methods BO-112 was combined with anti PD-1 in 28 pts with solid tumors primarily resistant to anti PD-1 (nivolumab or pembrolizumab). A lesion >1 cm amenable to IT injection was required. 28 pts were treated with 1 mg IT BO-112 qw x 2 or 3 doses before continuing the previous anti PD-1 combined with BO-112, until progression, limiting toxicity or up to 1y. Pre & post BO-112 biopsies from injected lesion were analysed. Response was first assessed by RECIST 1.1 at week 8-12. Results BO-112 related AEs and biological effects at interim analysis are summarized in the table. The combination was well tolerated. No deaths were associated with BO-112. Of 18 evaluable pts for response, at first assessment: 2 have achieved an objective partial response (PR) (1 melanoma and 1 renal carcinoma), with 1 of them continuing treatment; 11 patients had stable disease (SD); 5 patients progressed (PD). Additionally 6 patients progressed prior to the first evaluation, 3 died before efficacy assessments and 1 received palliative radiotherapy and was considered not evaluable. Table . 100P All G3-5 TEAEs (%) G3-4 BO-112 related TEAEs (%) Necrosis (D > 5%) (%)* CD8+ T cell infiltrate (D > 5%) (%)* *evaluable All N = 28 18 (64) 1 (4) 10 (50) 7 (35) Melanoma N = 10 7 (70) 0 5 (56) 4 (44) Non-Small lung cancer N = 13 8 (62) 1 (8) 3 (38) 1 (13) Other N = 5 3 (60) 0 2 (67) 2 (67) Conclusion BO-112 combined with anti PD-1 shows a manageable safety profile, direct antitumor effects and innate and adaptive immune system activation. Efficacy analyses suggest potential to reverse primary resistance to anti-PD1 treatment. Studies in other indications, including combination with radiotherapy, are planned. Clinical trial identification NCT02828098. Legal entity responsible for the study Bioncotech Therapeutics. Funding Bioncotech Therapeutics. Disclosure I. Marquez-Rodas: Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: MSD; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Novartis; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Roche; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Pierre Fabre; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Amgen; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Bioncotech; Advisory / Consultancy: Sanofi; Advisory / Consultancy: Regeneron; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Incyte; Non-remunerated activity/ies: Biosequence; Research grant / Funding (institution): Idera. P. Lopez-Casas: Full / Part-time employment: Bioncotech. M. Martin: Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Puma; Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony, Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: AstraZeneca; Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Amgen; Advisory / Consultancy: Tahio; Advisory / Consultancy: Pharmamar; Advisory / Consultancy: Lilly; Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Pfizer; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Daiichi. D. Tersago: Full / Part-time employment: Bioncotech. M. Quintero: Full / Part-time employment, Officer / Board of Directors: Bioncotech. I. Melero: Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Bristol-Myers Squibb; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Alligator; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche; Advisory / Consultancy: Merck-Serono; Advisory / Consultancy: Genentech; Advisory / Consultancy: Genmab; Advisory / Consultancy: Incyte; Advisory / Consultancy: Tusk; Advisory / Consultancy: Numab; Advisory / Consultancy: Molecular Partners; Advisory / Consultancy: F Star; Advisory / Consultancy: Bayer; Advisory / Consultancy: AstraZeneca. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

BackgroundPerioperative chemotherapy (CT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced gastric (GC) or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC) has been shown to improve survival compared to an exclusive surgical approach. However, most patients retain a poor prognosis due to important relapse rates. Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling may allow identifying at risk-patients. We aimed to develop a mechanistic PK/PD model to characterize the relationship between the type of neoadjuvant therapy, histopathologic response and survival times in locally advanced GC and GEJC patients.MethodsPatients with locally advanced GC and GEJC treated with neoadjuvant CT with or without preoperative CRT were analyzed. Clinical response was assessed by CT-scan and EUS. Pathologic response was defined as a reduction on pTNM stage compared to baseline cTNM. Metastasis development risk and overall survival (OS) were described using the population approach with NONMEM 7.3. Model evaluation was performed through predictive checks.ResultsA low correlation was observed between clinical and pathologic TNM stage for both T (R = 0.32) and N (R = 0.19) categories. A low correlation between clinical and pathologic response was noticed (R = -0.29). The OS model adequately described the observed survival rates. Disease recurrence, cTNM stage ≥3 and linitis plastica absence, were correlated to a higher risk of death.ConclusionOur model adequately described clinical response profiles, though pathologic response could not be predicted. Although the risk of disease recurrence and survival were linked, the identification of alternative approaches aimed to tailor therapeutic strategies to the individual patient risk warrants further research.

94 Background: Pembrolizumab (pembro), an anti-PD-1 antibody, is approved for the treatment of patients (pts) with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair (MMR) deficient colorectal cancer, both as first-line treatment and after progression following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. The combination of lenvatinib, a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and anti-PD-1 treatment showed synergistic antitumor activity in preclinical models. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembro in pts with previously treated advanced solid tumors. We present findings from the colorectal cancer cohort. Methods: In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase 2 study, adult pts (aged ≥18 y) with histologically/cytologically documented metastatic and/or unresectable colorectal cancer, non–MSI-H/pMMR tumor per local determination, previous treatment with oxaliplatin and irinotecan in separate lines of therapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression were eligible. Pts received lenvatinib 20 mg QD plus pembro 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembro (~2 y) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 y in pts with clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 wks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 32 pts with colorectal cancer received treatment with lenvatinib plus pembro (median age, 56 y [range, 36-77]; male, 81%; 3L, 91%); median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 10.6 mos (range, 5.9-13.1) ORR was 22% (95% CI, 9-40; Table). Grade 3-5 treatment-related AEs occurred in 16 (50%) pts. Treatment-related AEs led to treatment discontinuation in 3 pts (grade 2 ischemic stroke [n = 1], grade 3 increased liver transaminases [n = 1], grade 5 intestinal perforation [n = 1]). Efficacy Results. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326. NR, not reached aConfirmation was not required for best overall response of SD, but a final visit response of SD or better must have occurred ≥6 wks after starting study treatment Conclusions: In pts with previously treated advanced non–MSI-H/pMMR colorectal cancer, lenvatinib plus pembro demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Enrollment in the colorectal cohort was expanded to 100 pts. [Table: see text]

230 Background: Lenvatinib, an anti-angiogenic multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in combination with the anti‒PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity with manageable safety in the first- or second-line in a phase 2 trial of patients with advanced gastric cancer. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is a phase 2, multicohort, nonrandomized, open-label study evaluating efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors; here, we present findings from the gastric cancer cohort of LEAP-005. Methods: Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic and/or unresectable gastric cancer, received at least 2 prior lines of therapy, had measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and provided a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression. Patients received lenvatinib 20 mg once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembrolizumab (approximately 2 years) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 years in patients experiencing clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR; comprising CR, PR, and SD), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 weeks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 31 patients were enrolled in the gastric cancer cohort; 87% were male, 58% were aged < 65 years, and 71% had PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1. Median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 7.0 months (range, 1.9‒11.9); 19 patients (61%) had discontinued treatment. ORR was 10% (95% CI, 2‒26); 1 patient had CR (3%), and 2 had a PR (6%). 12 patients (39%) had SD. Median DOR was not reached (range, 2.1+ to 2.3+ months). DCR was 48% (95% CI, 30‒67). Median PFS was 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.8‒4.2). Median OS was 5.9 months (95% CI, 2.6‒8.7). 28 patients (90%) had treatment-related AEs, including 13 patients (42%) with grade 3‒5 AEs. 1 patient had a treatment-related AE that led to death (hemorrhage). 8 patients (26%) had immune-mediated AEs: hypothyroidism (n = 5), hyperthyroidism (n = 2), and pneumonitis (n = 1). There were no infusion-related reactions. Conclusions: In patients with advanced gastric cancer who received 2 prior lines of therapy, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Based on these data, enrollment in the gastric cancer cohort has been expanded to 100 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326.

The clinical index of stable febrile neutropenia (CISNE) can contribute to patient safety without increasing the complexity of decision-making. However, febrile neutropenia (FN) is a diverse syndrome. The aim of this analysis is to assess the performance of CISNE according to the type of tumor and infection and to characterize these patients. We prospectively recruited 1383 FN episodes in situations of apparent clinical stability. Bonferroni-adjusted z tests of proportions were used to assess the association between the infections suspected at the time of onset and the type of tumor with the risk of serious complications and mortality. The performance of CISNE was appraised in each category using the Breslow-Day test for homogeneity of odds ratios and Forest Plots. 171 patients had a serious complication (12.3 %, 95 % confidence interval 10.7–14.2 %). The most common initial assumptive diagnoses were: fever without focus (34.5 %), upper respiratory infection (14.9 %), enteritis (12.7 %), stomatitis (11.8 %), and acute bronchitis (10.7 %). Lung and breast were the most common tumors, accounting for approximately 56 % of the series. The distribution of complications, mortality, and bacteremia varies for each of these categories. However, Breslow-Day tests indicate homogeneity of the odds ratio of the dichotomized CISNE score to predict complications in all infection and tumor subtypes. Despite FN’s clinical and microbiological heterogeneity, the CISNE score was seen to be consistent and robust in spite of these variations. Hence, it appears to be a safe tool in seemingly stable FN.

e14094 Background: Selection of patients for enrolment in phase I trials is critical. Initial scores (RMS or MDAS) were designed to select patients with higher probability to obtain benefit in a clinical trial, followed by others such as GRIM score and the LIPI score. In this study, we have performed a comparison of the four scores in order to detect the most optimal one to select patients for immunotherapy phase I trials. Methods: We retrospectively studied 248 patients who participated in immunotherapy phase I trials in our institution from 2012-2019. We calculated high or low risk for each patient according to punctuation in RMS (number of metastasis,LDH, albumin), GRIM score (LDH, Albumin, NLR > 6), MDAS (RMS, ECOG > = 1, gastrointestinal tumors) and LIPI score (LDH, NLR > 3) at the time of screening. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time between first dose and date of death or lost to follow up. Cox regression model was performed for predicting OS. C-Harrell index and its confidence interval were calculated for each score for measuring the power of prediction. Differences between c-Harrell indexes were calculated. All calculations were performed with STATA v16.0. Results: In terms of predicting overall survival we found that a higher punctuation in RMS (high vs low HR = 2.14 95% CI 1.47-3.10), Grim score (high vs low HR = 2.14; 95% CI1.51-3.02), MDAS (HR = 1.17 95% CI 1.04-1.31) and LIPI score (high vs low HR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.42-2.37) were all statistically significant. In terms of power of prediction, we found that LIPI score presented a c-Harrel index slightly higher (0.63; 95% CI 0.59-0.68) than GRIM score (0.62; 95% CI 0.57-0.66), MDACC score (0.55 95% CI 0.50-0.62) and RMS (0.62; 95% CI 0.59-0.66). Differences between c-index of each score were not statistically significant. In terms of predicting survival at 90 days, differences between ROC areas for LIPI score (0.64 95% CI 0.56-0.72), Grim Score (0.69 95% CI 0.61-0.76), MDAS (0.57 95% CI 0.48-0.66), and RMS (0.68 95% CI 0.62-0.73) were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Although in this study we have seen a slightly higher predictive power for LIPI score in comparison to GRIM score, MDAS or RMS, differences were not statistically significant. Nevertheless, and assuming the most parsimonious model, LIPI score seemed to be an easy and accurate model for predicting survival. These results might suggest that further prospective analysis are needed to avoid excluding patients based on these scores and who may benefit from phase I trials.

Background: The development of immune checkpoint blocker development brings new hope in older patients (OPs) because of clinical efficacy and low toxicity. Clinical indications are rising steadily, but very few data are available in the geriatric population where comorbidities, reduced functional reserve and immunosenescence may affect efficacy and tolerance. Methods: All cases of patients enrolled in immunotherapy phase I trials between January 2012 and December 2016 in the Drug Development Department (DITEP) at Gustave Roussy were retrospectively reviewed. Case–control analysis was performed in OPs (patients ≥ 70 years) matched to younger patients (YPs) (patients < 70 years) by trial and treatment dose. We compared cumulative incidence, grade and type of immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) and survival outcomes. Results: Among the 46 OPs and the 174 YPs enrolled in 14 phase I/II trials, 10 (22%) and 23 (13%) patients experienced grade III–IV IrAEs. Cumulative incidence of grade I–II IrAEs was significantly higher in OPs than YPs (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the two groups for grade III–IV IrAEs (p = 0.50). Older age was not associated with lower dose intensity of treatment (p = 0.14). No significant difference was observed between OPs and YPs in median progression-free survival (hazards ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.94–2.11] p = 0.09) or median overall survival (HR 0.92, 95% CI [0.61–1.39] p = 0.77). Conclusion: Immune checkpoint blockade appears to be an acceptable treatment option for OPs in the setting of phase I trials.

Surgically resectable synchronic and metachronic liver metastases of colon cancer have high risk of relapse in spite of standard-of-care neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens. Dendritic cell vaccines loaded with autologous tumor lysates were tested for their potential to avoid or delay disease relapses (NCT01348256). Patients with surgically amenable liver metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma (n = 19) were included and underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Fifteen patients with disease-free resection margins were randomized 1:1 to receive two courses of four daily doses of dendritic cell intradermal vaccinations versus observation. The trial had been originally designed to include 56 patients but was curtailed due to budgetary restrictions. Follow-up of the patients indicates a clear tendency to fewer and later relapses in the vaccine arm (median disease free survival –DFS-) 25.26 months, 95% CI 8.74-n.r) versus observation arm (median DFS 9.53 months, 95% CI 5.32–18.88). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-018-0405-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In the last decade, the tyrosine kinase receptor cMET, together with its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), has become a target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Signalization via cMET stimulates several oncological processes amongst which are cell motility, invasion and metastasis. It also confers resistance against several currently used targeted therapies, e.g., epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. In this review, we will discuss the basic structure of cMET and the most important signaling pathways. We will also look into aberrations in the signaling and the effects thereof in cancer growth, with the focus on NSCLC. Finally, we will discuss the role of cMET as resistance mechanism.

INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy evaluation is crucial when selecting patients who may benefit from phase I studies. The Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) prognostic score, based on three objective variables (number of metastatic sites, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serum albumin) was validated in patients treated with cytotoxics and targeted therapies. We aimed to determine if those factors were applicable to immune-checkpoint therapies (ICTs) in phase I trials and to evaluate new variables that may preclude a better prognosis in patients receiving ICT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of survival risk factors in a discovery cohort of 155 patients enrolled into ICT phase I trials at our institution. We computed univariate analysis and multivariate analysis (MVA) of demographics, clinical and biological data to assess their prognostic value for overall survival (OS). MVA results were used to build a prognostic score for OS. A validation cohort of 113 patients enrolled in phase I ICT trials was used to prospectively validate this score. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients (M/F: 83/72; median age 59) receiving an experimental ICT between March 2012 and January 2016 were included in the discovery cohort. An MVA assessing the RMH score variables showed that low albumin (hazard ratio [HR] 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.86) and LDH > upper limit normal (ULN) (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.12-3.15) were independent negative prognostic factors for OS. Interestingly, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 6 (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.04-2.95) was associated with a decrease in OS. The number of metastases was not associated with a poorer outcome for this ICT cohort (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.51-1.35). A risk score based on the results of the MVA (NLR > 6 = 1; LDH > ULN = 1; albumin < 35 g/l = 1) showed that patients presenting a high score (>1) had a significantly shorter OS (20.4 weeks; 95% CI 5.7-35.2) compared to those with a low score (0 or 1) (68.9 weeks; 95% CI 50-83.7) (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.87-4.64). In the validation cohort of 113 patients, again the patients presenting a high score showed an inferior OS (HR 6.3, 95% CI 2.7-14.8). CONCLUSION: In ICT phase I trials, traditional prognostic variables included in the RMH score may be suboptimal to determine patient's prognosis. In this context, the NLR is a significant prognostic variable. The Gustave Roussy Immune Score, based on albumin, LDH and NLR, allows a better selection of patients for ICT phase I trials.

Background: Our objective was to develop a prognostic stratification tool that enables patients with cancer and pulmonary embolism (PE), whether incidental or symptomatic, to be classified according to the risk of serious complications within 15 days. Methods: The sample comprised cases from a national registry of pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with cancer (1075 patients from 14 Spanish centres). Diagnosis was incidental in 53.5% of the events in this registry. The Exhaustive CHAID analysis was applied with 10-fold crossvalidation to predict development of serious complications following PE diagnosis. Results: About 208 patients (19.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 17.1-21.8%) developed a serious complication after PE diagnosis. The 15-day mortality rate was 10.1%, (95% CI, 8.4-12.1%). The decision tree detected six explanatory covariates: Hestia-like clinical decision rule (any risk criterion present vs none), Eastern Cooperative Group performance scale (ECOG-PS; = 2), O-2 saturation (= 90%), presence of PE-specific symptoms, tumour response (progression, unknown, or not evaluated vs others), and primary tumour resection. Three risk classes were created (low, intermediate, and high risk). The risk of serious complications within 15 days increases according to the group: 1.6, 9.4, 30.6%; P

AIM: To assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of additional intrathoracic findings (AIFs) in patients with cancer and pulmonary embolism (PE). AIFs were considered alterations other than the characteristic ones intrinsic to PE or changes in cardiovascular morphology. METHODS: Subjects have been taken from a Spanish national multidisciplinary and multicenter study of PE and cancer who were treated between 2004 and 2015. The endpoint was the appearance of serious complications or death within 15 days. RESULTS: The registry contains 1024 eligible patients; 41% diagnosed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography versus 59% by non-angiographic CT. Serious complications occurred within 15 days in 18.9%, [95% confidence interval (CI), 16.6-21.4%] and 9.5% (95% CI 7.9-11.5%) died. At least one AIF was seen in 72.6%. The most common AIFs were as follows: pulmonary nodules (30.9%), pleural effusion (30.2%), tumor progression (28.3%), atelectasis (19.0%), pulmonary infarct (15.2%), emphysema (13.4%), pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis (4.5%), and pneumonia (6.1%). Patients with AIF exhibited a higher complication rate at 15 days: 21.9% versus 13.0%, odds ratio (OR) 1.8 (95% CI 1.2-2.8), P = 0.03, and 15-day mortality: 15.0% versus 7.3%, OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.1-3.2), P = 0.020. Patients with pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary nodules, tumor progression, pulmonary fibrosis, and pleural effusion showed an excess of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Additional intrathoracic findings are highly prevalent and significantly impact prognosis in patients with PE and cancer, making them germane to the classification of this population.

Background In the prostate-specific antigen era, potentially indolent prostate tumors are radically treated, causing overtreatment. Molecular prognostic factors might differentiate indolent from aggressive tumors, allowing avoidance of unnecessary treatment. Patients and Methods Fifty-two prostate cancer patients (20 organ-confined and 32 metastatic) were selected. All formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded primary biopsies and matched metastases of 15 of them were evaluated for tumor and endothelial cell Id1 protein expression. Seventy-nine additional patients with organ-confined prostate cancer were selected for Id1 mRNA in silico analysis. Results Among metastatic cancer subjects, 48% of primary tumors and 38% of metastases showed Id1 tumor cell expression, and 79% of primary tumors and 81% of metastases showed endothelial immunoreactivity. In the organ-confined group none of them showed Id1 protein tumor cell expression and 50% displayed endothelial expression. In the metastatic patients group, lower levels of Id1 protein predicted a nonsignificant longer overall survival (13 months vs. 7 months; P = .79). In the in silico analysis, however, lower levels of Id1 mRNA predicted a longer disease-free survival (61 months vs. not-reached; P = .018) and the hazard ratio for progression was 0.451 ( P = .022) in favor of patients showing lower levels. Conclusion In our cohort, it seems to be a differential epithelial expression of Id1 protein according to the prognostic features (metastatic/poor prognosis vs. organ-confined/good prognosis). In localized tumors treated with radical prostatectomy, higher Id1 mRNA expression levels might predict a higher hazard ratio for progression and a shorter disease-free survival. Further validation of these results in larger prospective series is warranted.

Interesting neurological and cytological response rates after intrathecal (i.t) liposomal cytarabine have been observed in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) from solid tumors. However, the potential use of those responses as early predictors of time-to-progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) is unexplored. 27 consecutive patients with LMC treated with 50 mg i.t liposomal cytarabine under compassionate drug use were retrospectively studied. All patients received i.t treatment every 2 weeks during induction and every 4 weeks during maintenance periods. Neurological and cytological responses were assessed before every liposomal cytarabine cycle. Most of the patients were female (17/27) diagnosed with breast cancer (15/27). A complete neurological response was seen among 11 % of the patients; partial response in 22 % of the patients; stable disease in 30 % of the patients and progressive disease in 37 % of them. Cytological assessment was available in 11/27 patients showing a 26 % complete response rate. The median time to neurological and cytological response was 15 days and 14 days, respectively. Patients showing a combined neurological and cytological response showed a significantly longer median TTP (122 vs. 3 days; p = 0.001) and OS (141 vs. 3 days; p = 0.002) compared to those showing both neurological and cytological progression. No grade 4 toxicities were recorded. According to these preliminary results, early neurological and cytological responses may be further studied as early predictors of TTP and OS in patients receiving i.t liposomal cytarabine for LMC.

Background The limited efficacy of neoadjuvant schedules to obtain pCR in breast cancer together with a prompt relapse of triple negative breast cancers has opened up the development of new strategies involving the immune system, which is essential in cancer control. We have elaborated an autologous vaccine with dendritic cells loaded with patients' own tumor antigens. Based on the synergistic effect between immunotherapy and chemotherapy our hypothesis is that the combination of both strategies could improve pCR with an excellent tolerance and could increase DFS and OS. Methods Two centers are enrolling patients from February 2011. Twenty-one patients with stage II-III HER2 negative breast cancer have started on sequential neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on dose dense antracyclines (E 100mg/m2 and C 600 mgr/m2) × 4 cycles plus GM-CSF followed by taxanes (DOC 75–100 mgr/m2) × 4 cycles plus vaccination. Vaccine calendar was started after the 4th EC and alternated with taxane schedule and after chemotherapy up to a maximum of a 2 year-period. SNB biopsy was performed before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. pCR in the breast and the axilla is the main endpoint, measured by Miller&Paine classification. Data were analyzed using SPSS and alpha was set at 0.05 (two-tailed). We have compared these results in the vaccinated cohort (V) with our historic cohort (C) of 19 patients treated in the same way but without the vaccine. Results Both cohorts (V and C) were well balanced for age, histologyc type, differentiation grade, Ki67>15%, tumor size ≤ 5 cm, stage and expression of hormone receptors. All patients except one in the vaccine cohort achieved 8 cycles of chemotherapy. According to grade ¾ toxicities we did not find significant differences except for hand-foot syndrome in the V cohort (19% vs 0%; p = 0.04) and vomiting in the C cohort (0% vs 21%; p = 0.02). Lymphopenia was the most common adverse event (81% in V vs 89.5% in C; p = 0.45). Other toxicities were anemia (0% vs 5.3%; p = 0.28), thrombopenia (0% vs 10% p = 0.12), leukopenia (9.5% vs 15.8% p = 0.55) and neutropenia (14% vs 21%, p = 0.57). Gastrointestinal toxicity was similar in both groups: mucositis (0% vs 5.3%, p = 0.28); gastritis (5% in both cohorts), nausea (19% vs 16%, p = 0.78), diarrhea (5% in both cohorts), constipation (0% vs 15% in C, p = 0.06). Myalgias were seen in 19% in V vs 11% in C (p = 0.45). We did not see any local grade ¾ toxicity related to the intradermal vaccines. Regarding efficacy data, clinical complete response by MRI was shown in 38% in the V as compared to 16% in the C (p = 0.06). Breast-conserving surgery was more common in the V cohort (62% vs 53%, p = 0.55). Total pCR (T plus N) was superior with the addition of the vaccine (24% vs 5% p = 0.014). Moreover in three more patients in the V group we find isolated tumor cells in the breast (Titc). Conclusions The addition of autologous dendritic cell vaccines to neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly increased the rate of pathological complete responses among patients with HER2-negative breast cancer. Vaccination does not seem to add any toxicity to the schedule. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-16-03.

Anti-PD1 antibodies have led to a therapeutic shift in cancer treatment. Although classically described as "well tolerated," these drugs can lead to severe immune-related adverse events. Using CT scan imaging, Nishino and colleagues describe different radiologic patterns and their possible relation to severity of several cases of anti-PD1–induced pneumonitis. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 5956–8. ©2016 AACR. See related article by Nishino et al., p. 6051

Trastuzumab significantly improves overall survival (OS) when added to cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine as a treatment for HER2-positive advanced gastric cancers (AGC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the gradual implementation of HER2 testing on patient prognosis in a national registry of AGC. This Spanish National Cancer Registry includes cases who were consecutively recruited at 28 centers from January 2008 to January 2016. The effect of missing HER2 status was assessed using stratified Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression. The rate of HER2 testing increased steadily over time, from 58.3 % in 2008 to 92.9 % in 2016. HER2 was positive in 194 tumors (21.3 %). In the stratified Cox PH regression, each 1 % increase in patients who were not tested for HER2 at the institutions was associated with an approximately 0.3 % increase in the risk of death: hazard ratio, 1.0035 (CI 95 %, 1.001-1.005), P = 0.0019. Median OS was significantly lower at institutions with the highest proportions of patients who were not tested for HER2. Patients treated at centers that took longer to implement HER2 testing exhibited worse clinical outcomes. The speed of implementation behaves as a quality-of-care indicator. Reviewed guidelines on HER2 testing should be used to achieve this goal in a timely manner.

Long-term cancer survivors develop special health issues and specific needs. Chronic pain, whether the consequence of their cancer or as a side effect of treatment, is one of their most prevalent concerns. We conducted a review of the English-language literature on long-term cancer survivorship and chronic opioid therapy, with the objective of determining the efficacy, safety and tolerability in this group of patients. Practical management recommendations are made on the basis of this review. Pain syndromes encountered in the long-term cancer survivors are diverse. Opioid receptor pathways possess complex and pleiotropic functions and continuous over-activation may lead to de novo endocrinopathies, immunosuppression, neurocognitive impairment, or cell cycle disturbances with potential clinical connotations. However, there are insufficient data to support evidence-based decision making with respect to patient selection, doses, administration, monitoring and follow-up. Data about long-term treatment effectiveness and safety are limited and often aggravated by the overlapping of several diseases prevalent among long-term cancer survivors, as well as chronic opiate-induced toxicity. Chronic opioid therapy is frequent in long-term cancer survivors, and may negatively affect the immune system, and produce health problems such as endocrinopathies, osteoporosis, neurological or cardiopulmonary effects, alterations of cell cycle kinetics, abuse and addiction. This review highlights the need for specialized teams to treat chronic pain in long-term cancer survivors from an integrative perspective.

Lung cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in humans. Surgery is considered the best therapeutic approach for stage I non-small lung cell cancer (NSCLC). However, a remarkable amount of patients are considered as inoperable. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has risen as an option for those patients, rendering excellent results in quality of life and survival. We analyzed clinical studies published between 2002 and 2015 which included SBRT as a treatment modality. Our own clinical series was analyzed as well. The patterns of failure following SBRT were investigated, together with the outcomes and the toxicity observed. SBRT has proven to maintain an excellent local control. The analysis showed the tumor size and the histology as determinant factors for the response to treatment. According to the published evidence as well as our own experience, SBRT is a safe and feasible approach for early NSCLC. Its results may be comparable with surgery treatment.

2004Background: Recent reports showed that patients (pts) with recurrent glioma may be good candidates for early phase clinical trials (eaCTs), however clinical benefit is often limited to a small ...