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Objective CR1447, a novel transdermal formulation of 4-hydroxytestosterone, has aromatase-inhibiting and androgen receptor (AR)-modulating properties (IC504.4 nM) with antitumor effects against AR-positive tumor cells in vitro. This trial investigated the efficacy and safety of CR1447 for patients with metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (A) and AR-positive triple-negative breast cancers (B). Design and methods (A) included patients with at most one prior endocrine therapy line without progression ≥6 months, whereas (B) included patients with ≤2 prior chemotherapy lines, all displaying advanced signs of disease. The primary endpoint was disease control at week 24 (DC24). The null hypothesis was DC24 ≤30% (A) and ≤15% (B). Thirty-seven patients were recruited (29 in (A) and 8 in (B)); accrual was stopped following an interim analysis demonstrating futility in (A) and slow accrual in (B). Results DC24 was attained in 5/21 (95% CI: 8.2–47.2) patients in (A) and none in (B). The median progression-free survival was 5.1 months (95% CI: 2.5–5.6) in (A) and 2.5 months (95% CI: 0.7–2.6) in (B). The median overall survival was 24.6 months (95% CI: 22.9–not applicable) in (A) and 10.8 months (95% CI: 3.3–10.9) in (B). CR1447 had a favorable safety profile without treatment-related grade 3–5 toxicities in (A). Especially no side effects linked to androgenic effects were observed. Conclusions Despite this trial being negative, the 24% DC24 rate in a second-line setting, and the prolonged partial response experienced by a patient, indicate activity. Further evaluation of CR1447 in endocrine-sensitive patients or combination trials appears warranted.

The SAKK 35/10 phase 2 trial, developed by the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research and the Nordic Lymphoma Group, compared the activity of rituximab vs rituximab plus lenalidomide in untreated follicular lymphoma patients in need of systemic therapy. Patients were randomized to rituximab (375 mg/m2 IV on day 1 of weeks 1-4 and repeated during weeks 12-15 in responding patients) or rituximab (same schedule) in combination with lenalidomide (15 mg orally daily for 18 weeks). Primary end point was complete response (CR)/unconfirmed CR (CRu) rate at 6 months. In total, 77 patients were allocated to rituximab monotherapy and 77 to the combination (47% poor-risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score in each arm). A significantly higher CR/CRu rate at 6 months was documented in the combination arm by the investigators (36%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26%-48% vs 25%; 95% CI, 16%-36%) and confirmed by an independent response review of computed tomography scans only (61%; 95% CI, 49%-72% vs 36%; 95% CI, 26%-48%). After a median follow-up of 4 years, significantly higher 30-month CR/CRu rates and longer progression-free survival (PFS) and time to next treatment (TTNT) were observed for the combination. Overall survival (OS) rates were similar in both arms (≥90%). Toxicity grade ≥3 was more common in the combination arm (56% vs 22% of patients), mainly represented by neutropenia (23% vs 7%). Addition of lenalidomide to rituximab significantly improved CR/CRu rates, PFS, and TTNT, with expected higher, but manageable toxicity. The excellent OS in both arms suggests that chemotherapy-free strategies should be further explored. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01307605.

Background Monthly Denosumab (DN) has shown superiority over zoledronic acid (ZA) in delaying skeletal related events. Randomized trials have shown that ZA given every 12 weeks (q12w) is non-inferior to ZA given every 4 weeks (q4w). The primary endpoint of the REDUSE-trial is non-inferiority for SSE for DN q12w versus q4w. Here we present early data for hypocalcemia (HC), a secondary endpoint. Methods Patients with bone metastasis from breast cancer (BC) not pretreated with DN or Bisphosphonates were randomized 1:1 to receive DN q4w (Arm A) versus q12w (Arm B) after a 3-month induction phase with q4w therapy for both arms. All patients received vitamin D 400 U (VitD) and calcium (Ca) 500 mg daily. Measurement of albumin-corrected serum-Ca was mandatory before each DN injection (HC defined as Results 351 BC-patients are currently included (177 in Arm A, 174 in Arm B). HC was the most common side effect with a rate of 20% in the first 16 weeks (during the induction phase with DN q4w for both Arms) and 19% afterwards (combined for Arms A and B). After week 16 HC-prevalence differed between the two arms: while HC was present in 25% in Arm A (q4w), the rate was only 12% in Arm B (q12w). Grade 3 HC (i.e. corrected Ca 1.5 - 1.74 mmol/l or hospitalisation indicated) was rare (0.3%), no grade 4 HC occurred. After 1 year of treatment, the rate of HC compared to the induction phase had decreased in Arm B but not in Arm A (A: 25%, B: 12%). Since HC improved in more patients in Arm B than in Arm A whereas it worsened in more patients in Arm A than in Arm B, a remarkable difference for HC resulted between the two arms. Rates of hypocalcemia and change of severity after week 16* Arm A (N = 177)Arm B (N = 174)Rates of hypocalcemian (%)n (%)Patients with hypocalcemia at any time49 (28%)46 (26%)Patients with hypocalcemia after week 16*44 (25%)21 (12%) Change in hypocalcemia grade after week 16*for the 49 patients with hypocalcemiafor the 46 patients with hypocalcemiaWorsening25 (51%)8 (17%)Stable10 (20%)9 (20%)Improving14 (29%)29 (63%) *week 16: i.e. the time where the schedules of DN begin to differ between Arm A and Arm BArm A: DN q4w for weeks 1 - 12 and likewise thereafter / Arm B: DN q4w for weeks 1 - 12 and q12w thereafter Conclusions In our trial up to 20% of all BC patients treated with DN experienced HC in the q4w induction phase despite mandatory supplementation of VitD and Ca. This rate is considerably higher than the numbers reported in the registration trials of DN (where it was 5.5% for BC). After the induction phase, HC is markedly reduced in the q12w arm compared to q4w. This suggests that DN given q12w has a more favorable long-term safety profile in terms of HC compared to DN q4w. Citation Format: Müller A, Templeton AJ, Hayoz S, Hawle H, Hasler-Strub U, Schwitter M, Pestalozzi BC, Pagani O, Bützberger P, Wehrhahn T, Rauch D, Inauen R, Betticher D, Zaman K, Bodmer A, Popescu RA, Rothschild S, Schardt J, Borner M, Fuhrer A, Schär C, Gillessen S, von Moos R, For the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK). Incidence of hypocalcemia in patients with metastatic breast cancer under treatment with denosumab: A non-inferiority phase III trial assessing prevention of symptomatic skeletal events (SSE) with denosumab administered every 4 weeks versus every 12 weeks: SAKK 96/12 (REDUSE) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-18-01.

TO THE EDITOR: Treatment of proteasome inhibitor (PI)–refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is challenging, with response rates of only 15% to 35% being achieved with next-generation drugs such as pomalidomide, carfilzomib, and daratumumab, alone or in combination.[1][1][⇓][2]-[3][3] The oral HIV

Several studies and a meta-analysis showed that fibrin sealant patches reduced lymphatic drainage after various lymphadenectomy procedures. Our goal was to investigate the impact of these patches on drainage after axillary dissection for breast cancer. In a phase III superiority trial, we randomized patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery at 14 Swiss sites to receive versus not receive three large TachoSil® patches in the dissected axilla. Axillary drains were inserted in all patients. Patients and investigators assessing outcomes were blinded to group assignment. The primary endpoint was total volume of drainage. Between March 2015 and December 2016, 142 patients were randomized (72 with TachoSil® and 70 without). Mean total volume of drainage in the control group was 703 ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 512–895 ml]. Application of TachoSil® did not significantly reduce the total volume of axillary drainage [mean difference (MD) −110 ml, 95% CI −316 to 94, p = 0.30]. A total of eight secondary endpoints related to drainage, morbidity, and quality of life were not improved by use of TachoSil®. The mean total cost per patient did not differ significantly between the groups [34,253 Swiss Francs (95% CI 32,625–35,880) with TachoSil® and 33,365 Swiss Francs (95% CI 31,771–34,961) without, p = 0.584]. In the TachoSil® group, length of stay was longer (MD 1 day, 95% CI 0.3–1.7, p = 0.009), and improvement of pain was faster, although the latter difference was not significant [2 days (95% CI 1–4) vs. 5.5 days (95% CI 2–11); p = 0.2]. TachoSil® reduced drainage after axillary dissection for breast cancer neither significantly nor relevantly.

Background PQR309 is an orally bioavailable, balanced pan-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 and mTORC2 inhibitor. Patients and methods This is an accelerated titration, 3 + 3 dose-escalation, open-label phase I trial of continuous once-daily (OD) PQR309 administration to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics in patients with advanced solid tumours. Primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Results Twenty-eight patients were included in six dosing cohorts and treated at a daily PQR309 dose ranging from 10 to 150 mg. Common adverse events (AEs; ≥30% patients) included fatigue, hyperglycaemia, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, rash, anorexia and vomiting. Grade (G) 3 or 4 drug-related AEs were seen in 13 (46%) and three (11%) patients, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed in two patients at 100 mg OD (>14-d interruption in PQR309 due to G3 rash, G2 hyperbilirubinaemia, G4 suicide attempt; dose reduction due to G3 fatigue, G2 diarrhoea, G4 transaminitis) and one patient at 80 mg (G3 hyperglycaemia >7 d). PK shows fast absorption (Tmax 1-2 h) and dose proportionality for Cmax and area under the curve. A partial response in a patient with metastatic thymus cancer, 24% disease volume reduction in a patient with sinonasal cancer and stable disease for more than 16 weeks in a patient with clear cell Bartholin's gland cancer were observed. Conclusion The MTD and RP2D of PQR309 is 80 mg of orally OD. PK is dose-proportional. PD shows PI3K pathway phosphoprotein downregulation in paired tumour biopsies. Clinical activity was observed in patients with and without PI3K pathway dysregulation. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT01940133.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) constitutes a significant proportion of lymphomas and shows frequent relapses. Beyond conventional chemotherapy, new therapeutic approaches have emerged, focussing on the interplay between lymphoma cells and the microenvironment. Here we report the immunophenotypic investigation of the microenvironment of a clinically well-characterized prospective cohort (study SAKK35/10, NCT01307605) of 154 treatment-naive FL patients in need of therapy, who have been treated with rituximab only or a combination of rituximab and the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide/Revlimid® A high ratio of CD4- to CD8-positive T cells (P = 0·009) and increased amounts of PD1+ tumour-infiltrating T cells (P = 0·007) were associated with inferior progression-free survival in the whole cohort. Interestingly, the prognostic impact of PD1+ T cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio lost its significance in the subgroup treated with R2 . In the latter group, high amounts of GATA3+ T helper (Th2) equivalents were associated with better progression-free survival (P < 0·001). We identified tumour microenvironmental features that allow prognostic stratification with respect to immuno- and combined immuno- and immunomodulatory therapy. Our analysis indicates that lenalidomide may compensate the adverse prognostic implication of higher amounts of CD4+ and, particularly, PD1+ T cells and that it has favourable effects mainly in cases with higher amounts of Th2 equivalents. [Correction added on 11 February 2020, after online publication: The NCT-trial number was previously incorrect and has been updated in this version].

The assessment of Ki-67 in early-stage breast cancer has become an important diagnostic tool in planning adjuvant therapy, particularly for the administration of additional chemotherapy to hormone-responsive patients. An accurate determination of the Ki-67 index is of the utmost importance; however, the reproducibility is currently unsatisfactory. In this study, we addressed the predictive/prognostic value of Ki-67 index assessed by using the most reproducible methods, which were identified in the pilot phase. Paraffin blocks obtained from patients with moderately differentiated, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive early-stage breast cancer in Switzerland, who were originally randomized to the treatment arms with and without chemotherapy in the IBCSG VIII-IX trials, were retrieved. Of these 344 randomized patients, we identified 158 patients (82 treated with and 76 treated without chemotherapy) for whom sufficient tumour tissue was available. The presence of Ki-67 was assessed visually by counting 2000 cells at the periphery (A) and estimating the number of positive cells in five different peripheral regions (C), which was determined to be the most reproducible method identified the pilot phase. The prognostic and predictive value was assessed by calculating the breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) and overall survival (OS) rate. Ki-67 was considered a numerical and categorical variable when different cut-off values were used (10%, 14%, 20% and 30%). An mRNA-based subtyping by using the MammaTyper kit with the application of a 20% Ki-67 immunohistochemistry (IHC) cut-off equivalent was also performed. 158 of 344 randomized patients could be included in the Ki-67 analysis. The mean Ki-67 values obtained by using the two methods differed (A: 21.32% and C: 16.07%). Ki-67 assessed by using method A with a cut-off of 10% was a predictive marker for OS, as the hazard ratio (>10% vs. interaction=0.007). Higher Ki-67 index was not associated with outcome and using the 10% Ki-67 cut-off there was an opposite association for patients with and without chemotherapy. Ki-67 assessments with IHC significantly correlated with MammaTyper results (p=0.002). The exact counting method (A) performed via a light-microscope revealed the predictive value of Ki-67 assessment with a 10% cut-off value. Further analyses employing image analyses and/or mRNA-based-assessments in larger populations are warranted.

Downregulation of the unfolded protein response mediates proteasome inhibitor resistance in multiple myeloma. The Human Immunodeficieny Virus protease inhibitor nelfinavir activates the unfolded protein response in vitro. We determined dose-limiting toxicity and recommended dose for phase II of nelfinavir in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Twelve patients with advanced hematologic malignancies were treated with nelfinavir (2500-5000 mg/day p.o., days 1-14, 3+3 dose escalation) and bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2), days 1, 4, 8, 11; 21-day cycles). A run in phase with nelfinavir monotherapy allowed pharmakokinetic/pharmakodynamic assessment of nelfinavir in the presence or absence of concomittant bortezomib. End points included dose-limiting toxicity, activation of the unfolded protein response, proteasome activity, toxicity and response to trial treatment. Nelfinavir 2×2500 mg was the recommended phase II dose identified. Nelfinavir alone significantly up-regulated expression of proteins related to the unfolded protein response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and inhibited proteasome activity. Of 10 evaluable patients in the dose escalation cohort, 3 achieved a partial response, 4 stable disease for 2 cycles or more, while 3 had progressive disease as best response. In an exploratory extension cohort with 6 relapsed, bortezomib-refractory, lenalidomide-resistant myeloma patients treated at the recommended phase II dose, 3 reached a partial response, 2 a minor response, and one progressive disease. The combination of nelfinavir with bortezomib is safe and shows promising activity in advanced, bortezomib-refractory multiple myeloma. Induction of the unfolded protein response by nelfinavir may overcome the biological features of proteasome inhibitor resistance. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01164709).

Background Complete lymph node removal through conventional axillary dissection (ALND) has been standard treatment for breast cancer patients for almost a century. In the 1990s, however, and in parallel with the advent of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure, ALND came under increasing scrutiny due to its association with significant patient morbidity. Several studies have since provided evidence to suggest omission of ALND, often in favor of axillary radiation, in selected clinically node-negative, SLN-positive patients, thus supporting the current trend in clinical practice. Clinically node-positive patients, by contrast, continue to undergo ALND in many cases, if only for the lack of studies re-assessing the indication for ALND in these patients. Hence, there is a need for a clinical trial to evaluate the optimal treatment for clinically node-positive breast cancer patients in terms of surgery and radiotherapy. The TAXIS trial is designed to fill this gap by examining in particular the value of tailored axillary surgery (TAS), a new technique for selectively removing positive lymph nodes. Methods In this international, multicenter, phase-III, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial (RCT), including 34 study sites from four different countries, we plan to randomize 1500 patients to either receive TAS followed by ALND and regional nodal irradiation excluding the dissected axilla, or receive TAS followed by regional nodal irradiation including the full axilla. All patients undergo adjuvant whole-breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery and chest-wall irradiation after mastectomy. The main objective of the trial is to test the hypothesis that treatment with TAS and axillary radiotherapy is non-inferior to ALND in terms of disease-free survival of clinically node-positive breast cancer patients in the era of effective systemic therapy and extended regional nodal irradiation. The trial was activated on 31 July 2018 and the first patient was randomized on 7 August 2018. Discussion Designed to test the hypothesis that TAS is non-inferior to ALND in terms of curing patients and preventing recurrences, yet is significantly superior in reducing patient morbidity, this trial may establish a new worldwide treatment standard in breast cancer surgery. If found to be non-inferior to standard treatment, TAS may significantly contribute to reduce morbidity in breast cancer patients by avoiding surgical overtreatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03513614. Registered on 1 May 2018. www.kofam.ch, ID: NCT03513614. Registered on 17 June 2018. EudraCT No.: 2018–000372-14. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-3021-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

IF 13.926 (2017); International audience; BackgroundThis open-label, phase III trial compared chemoradiation followed by surgery with or without neoadjuvant and adjuvant cetuximab in patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma.Patients and methodsPatients were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to two cycles of chemotherapy (docetaxel 75 mg/m2, cisplatin 75 mg/m2) followed by chemoradiation (45 Gy, docetaxel 20 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2, weekly for 5 weeks) and surgery, with or without neoadjuvant cetuximab 250 mg/m2 weekly and adjuvant cetuximab 500 mg/m2 fortnightly for 3 months. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsIn total, 300 patients (median age, 61 years; 88% male; 63% adenocarcinoma; 85% cT3/4a, 90% cN+) were assigned to cetuximab (n = 149) or control (n = 151). The R0-resection rate was 95% for cetuximab versus 97% for control. Postoperative treatment-related mortality was 6% in both arms. Median PFS was 2.9 years [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0 to not reached] with cetuximab and 2.0 years (95% CI, 1.5–2.8) with control [hazard ratio (HR), 0.79; 95% CI, 0.58–1.07; P = 0.13]. Median overall survival (OS) time was 5.1 years (95% CI, 3.7 to not reached) versus 3.0 years (95% CI, 2.2–4.2) for cetuximab and control, respectively (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52–1.01; P = 0.055). Time to loco-regional failure after R0-resection was significantly longer for cetuximab (HR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31–0.90; P = 0.017); time to distant failure did not differ between arms (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.64–1.59, P = 0.97). Cetuximab did not increase adverse events in neoadjuvant or postoperative settings.ConclusionAdding cetuximab to multimodal therapy significantly improved loco-regional control, and led to clinically relevant, but not-significant improvements in PFS and OS in resectable esophageal carcinoma.Clinical trial informationNCT01107639

Background Second line endocrine therapy has limited antitumour activity. Fulvestrant inhibits and downregulates the oestrogen receptor. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is one of the major cascades involved in resistance to endocrine therapy. We assessed the efficacy and safety of fulvestrant with selumetinib, a MEK 1/2 inhibitor, in advanced stage breast cancer progressing after aromatase inhibitor (AI). Patients and methods This randomised phase II trial included postmenopausal patients with endocrine-sensitive breast cancer. They were ramdomised to fulvestrant combined with selumetinib or placebo. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR) in the experimental arm. ClinicalTrials.gov Indentifier: NCT01160718. Results Following the planned interim efficacy analysis, recruitment was interrupted after the inclusion of 46 patients (23 in each arm), because the selumetinib–fulvestrant arm did not reach the pre-specified DCR. DCR was 23% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8–45%) in the selumetinib arm and 50% (95% CI 27–75%) in the placebo arm. Median progression-free survival was 3.7 months (95% CI 1.9–5.8) in the selumetinib arm and 5.6 months (95% CI 3.4–13.6) in the placebo arm. Median time to treatment failure was 5.1 (95% CI 2.3–6.7) and 5.6 (95% CI 3.4–10.2) months, respectively. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events observed in the selumetinib–fulvestrant arm were skin disorders, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, oedema, diarrhoea, mouth disorders and muscle disorders. Conclusions The addition of selumetinib to fulvestrant did not show improving patients’ outcome and was poorly tolerated at the recommended monotherapy dose. Selumetinib may have deteriorated the efficacy of the endocrine therapy in some patients.

139 Background: DN given q4w has shown superiority in delaying skeletal related events over q4w zoledronic acid (ZA). Recently it has been demonstrated that ZA q12w is non-inferior to ZA q4w. The objective of REDUSE is to show non-inferiority for DN q12w versus q4w in terms of SSE. Here we present an interim analysis for the secondary endpoint HC. Methods: Patients (pts) with castration resistant prostate cancer (planned N=690) were randomized 1:1 to DN q4w (Arm A) vs q12w (Arm B) after a 16 week induction phase with application q4w. All pts received vitamin D (ViD) 400 U and calcium (Ca) 500 mg daily. Measurement of corrected serum-Ca was mandatory before each DN injection. This interim analysis was performed after 3.5 years of accrual. Men who received ≥ 1 dose of DN were considered evaluable. Results: 383 pts were evaluable. HC occurred in 28.7% during the first 16 weeks (DN q4w for all pts) and 30.2% afterwards. After the induction phase HC occurred in 40.2% in Arm A and in 20.3% in Arm B. Grade 3 (2.1%) and 4 (1.1%) HC were rare, most frequently occurring in the first 16 weeks. After 1 year of treatment, the incidence of HC was lower in both arms (A: 30.8%, B: 18.7%). A clinically relevant difference for HC was noted between the two arms after the induction phase (table). Conclusions: In our trial nearly 30% of all men treated with DN experienced HC in the q4w induction phase despite mandatory supplementation of calcium and ViD and measurement of Ca. This rate was considerably higher than reported in the registration trials of DN (13%). After induction treatment the incidence of HC is considerably lower in the q12w arm compared to q4w. This suggests that DN given q12w has a more favorable long time toxicity profile (HC) compared to DN q4w. Change in HC grade after week 16 (week 1 – 12: DN q4w Arm A+B), thereafter q4w in Arm A and q12w in Arm B. Clinical trial information: NCT02051218. [Table: see text]

Cytogenetic and molecular analyses are essential disease-monitoring parameters in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) treated with imatinib. However, a bone marrow morphologic response has not been defined. We reviewed bone marrow histology and cytology of 39 imatinib-treated patients with CML over 49 weeks and introduced a morphologic response score. A significant positive correlation with a complete cytogenetic response was shown for absence of dry tap (P = .04) and abnormal megakaryocytes (P0.001), normalization of cellularity (P = .001) and reduction of fibrosis (P = .01), myelopoiesis:erythropoiesis index (P = .001), blast (P = .001) and basophil count (P0.001). The morphologic score integrating these parameters showed an early and late correlation with cytogenetic response. In conclusion, morphologic criteria for complete cytogenetic response in patients with CML treated with imatinib can be defined. Persistent high-level morphologic abnormalities herald early on a high likelihood to fail treatment and call for more intense or alternative therapy.

4019 Background: We compared chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with the addition of neoadjuvant and adjuvant cetuximab (cetux) in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods: Pts with resectable esophageal cancer (T2N1-3;T3-4aNx) received two cycles of induction chemotherapy (docetaxel 75mg/m2, cisplatin 75mg/m2) followed by chemoradiation (45 Gy, docetaxel 20mg/m2 and cisplatin 25mg/m2 weekly) and surgery or the same treatment with addition of neoadjuvant cetux 250mg/m2 weekly and adjuvant cetux 500mg/m2 bi-weekly for three months. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). After a median follow-up of 4y 166 of the planned 180 events occurred (plateau reached). Results: 300 pts were treated between 2010-13: 88% male, median age 61y, 63% adenocarcinoma, 85% cT3/4a, 90% cN+. 84% completed neoadjuvant therapy, 87% were operated (cetux: 89%, control: 86%), 67% started and 50% completed adjuvant cetux-therapy. The R0 resection rate was 95% in the cetux-arm and 97% in the control-arm, there were 10 and 14 treatment-related deaths and 9 and 4 postoperative in-hospital deaths, respectively. Major differences in adverse events (grade >2) with addition of cetux were higher rate of allergic reactions and hypomagnesemia, but lower rate of dysphagia (-15%) and esophagitis (-4%) during chemoradiation. Conclusions: The addition of cetuximab to a multimodal therapy showed a statistically significant reduction of loco-regional recurrences which led to a statistically non-significant, but clinically relevant improvement of PFS and OS. Clinical trial information: NCT01107639. [Table: see text]

Rationale: Proteasome inhibitor-refractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients are a difficult to treat population with a very poor prognosis. The activity of registered, current or next generation MM drugs (pomalidomide, carfilzomib, daratumumab) in heavily pretreated, proteasome inhibitor-refractory MM is in the range of 30%. The biology of proteasome inhibitor resistance is driven by adaptive downregulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which regulates plasma cell maturation and sensitivity to proteasome inhibitor treatment (Leung-HagesteijnC. et al., Cancer Cell 2013 Sep 9;24(3):289-304). The oral HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir (NFV) has anti-MM activity in vivo, triggers UPR activation, sensitizes MM to proteasome inhibitors and overcomes proteasome inhibitor resistance in vitro. Combination therapy with NFV and bortezomib (BTZ) showed UPR activation in vivo and strong signals of activity in bortezomib-refractory MM in the SAKK 65/08 phase I trial (Driessen C. et al.,Haematologica 2016 Mar;101(3):346-55). Objective: We performed a prospective, multicenter phase II trial to assess the activity ofnelfinavir,bortezomiband dexamethasone (NVd) in proteasome inhibitor-refractory MM. Methods: Patients with progressing, measurable, proteasome inhibitor-refractory MM (IMWG criteria) were included in this multicenter phase II trial. Further selection criteria included WHO performance status ≤ 3, platelets ≥ 50 x 109/L, hemoglobin ≥ 80 g/L (both may be achieved by transfusion) and adequate hepatic function. Concomitant use of other anti-cancer medication or radiotherapy, except for local pain control, was excluded. Patient age or prior number or types of therapy were not limited. Simon's two stage design was used to differentiate a promising activity (best response at any time point, partial response (PR) or better, ≥ 35 %) from an uninteresting activity (≤ 15% PR; power 80%, alpha 5%). Results: 34 patients were treated with oral nelfinavir 2500 mg days 1-14 b.i.d. in combination with bortezomib + dexamethasone (BTZ 1.3 mg/m2 days 1, 4, 8, 11, dexamethasone 20 mg p.o. days 1-2, 4-5, 8-9, 11-12) for a maximum of 6 21-day cycles at 9 SAKK trial sites throughout Switzerland. Patients (median age 67.5 years, range 42-82 years) had a median of 5 (range 2-12) prior therapy lines, 26 (76%) patients had prior high dose chemotherapy, and 13 (39%) had known poor prognosis cytogenetic abnormalities. All treated patients had proteasome inhibitor refractory MM according to IMWG criteria, i.e. they had progressed during or within 60 days after adequately dosed proteasome inhibitor-containing therapy. Moreover, 26 (76%) patients werelenalidomide-refractory by IMWG criteria (double refractory). Trial therapy is still ongoing in 2 patients. The median number of treatment cycles delivered per patient is 4. 22 patients achieved an objective response with a PR or better, resulting in an overall response rate (OR) of 65% (90% CI 49.2%-75.7%) to date. VGPR was reached in 5 patients, PR in 17 patients, MR in 3 patients, SD in 4 patients and PD in 3. Inpatients double-refractory for proteasome inhibitors andlenalidomide, the OR was 69%, in patients with poor prognosis cytogenetic abnormalities it was 77%. The OR was independent from the number of prior therapy lines (OR rate 69% with < 5 prior therapy lines, OR rate 61% with ≥ 5 prior lines). Most frequent > grade (G) 2 adverse events to date were anemia (G3 29%), thrombocytopenia (G3 24%, G4 18%), infections (G3 24%, G4 9%, G5 3%), hyperglycemia (G3 18%, G4 3%) and fatigue (G3 12%). Six patients maintained their PR or better for the full 6 cycles per protocol while on study. Four patients continuedNVd therapy on a compassionate use basis after completing the study. Updated final data will be provided at the meeting. Conclusion: Nelfinavir in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (NVd) is a reasonable, active, safe and widely available treatment option for patients with proteasome inhibitor-refractory multiple myeloma. The objective response rate of 65% observed in this very advanced, heavily pretreated, mostly dual-refractory patient population is exceptional. Our results warrant further development of nelfinavir as a sensitizing drug for proteasome inhibitor-based treatments and promising new agent for MM therapy. Figure Maximum relative change in serum M-protein or serum free light chain concentration in individual evaluable patients. Figure. Maximum relative change in serum M-protein or serum free light chain concentration in individual evaluable patients. Disclosures Driessen: Mundipharma-EDO: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Consultancy; janssen: Consultancy. Samaras:Celgene (Adboard, educational talk), Amgen (adboard), Takeda (Adboard), Roche (Adboard), Sanofi (Adboard), Novartis (Adboard): Consultancy, Honoraria. Zander:Bristol Myers, Celgene, Amgen, Mundipharma, Janssen-Cilag, Takeda Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Background: The randomized phase-2 trial SAKK 35/10 was conducted by the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) and the Nordic Lymphoma Group (NLG) to compare the activity of single-agent rituximab versus rituximab plus lenalidomide in the first-line treatment of symptomatic follicular lymphoma (FL). The results of primary endpoint (complete remission [CR/CRu] at week 23) assessment were previously reported, showing that addition of lenalidomide to rituximab results in a significantly higher CR/CRu rate at the expected cost of increased but manageable toxicity (Kimby et al. Blood 2014.124 (21):799; Zucca et al. Hematol Oncol 2015. 33(s1): 105). Here we report the first analysis of secondary endpoints, progression-free survival (PFS), time to next anti-lymphoma treatment (TTNT), CR duration, as well as CR/CRu rate at 30 months (CR30). Methods: 154 patients (pts) with grade 1 to 3a FL, untreated and in need of systemic therapy, were randomized to receive either rituximab (375mg/m2 at week 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14 and 15) or rituximab (same schedule) plus lenalidomide (15 mg daily, from 14 days before the first until 14 days after the last rituximab administration). The sample size was calculated to allow the detection of a 20% increase of the CR/Cru rate with 90% power and type I error 0.10; a one-sided Z-test for proportions was used to compare the two arms. Treatment was discontinued in pts who did not achieve at least a 25% reduction in the sum of products of tumor diameters at week 10. Primary and secondary endpoints were defined according to the NCI international standardized criteria (Cheson et al 1999). Results: 77 pts (median age 63 years, 52% with stage IV and 47% with poor-risk FLIPI score) were allocated in the single-agent rituximab arm and 77 (median age 61 years, 48% with stage IV and 47% with poor-risk FLIPI score) in the combination arm. A higher CR/CRu rate in the combination arm was documented both by the investigator assessment (36% vs 25%) and by the independent response reviewers of CT scans (61% vs. 36%). Adverse events of grade ≥3 were more common (56% vs 22% of pts) in the combination arm, including neutropenia (23% vs 7%). At a median follow up of 3.1 years, a longer CR duration was seen for the pts in the combination arm (median not reached vs 2.3 years) as well as a longer PFS (median not reached vs. 2.3 years), these differences were not statistically significant. The CR30, recently identified as a reliable surrogate of PFS (Sargent et al. Hematol Oncol 2015. 33(s1): 166), was significantly improved by the addition of lenalidomide to rituximab (42% vs 19%, p=0.001). Moreover, TTNT was significantly longer with the combination (median not reached vs 2.1 years, p=0.02) [Figure1]. Overall survival rates at 3 years were 93% and 92%, respectively. Conclusions: The SAKK 35/10 randomized trial confirmed that lenalidomide plus rituximab is an active and feasible initial treatment for FL pts in need of therapy. Addition of lenalidomide significantly increased the CR/CRu rate at week 23 (primary endpoint) and was maintained throughout 30 months. Although the trial was not powered to detect survival differences (secondary endpoints), a significantly better TTNT and a trend towards prolonged PFS and CR duration was seen in the combination arm. The excellent overall survival in both arms suggests that chemotherapy-free strategies should be further explored. Figure 1. Time to next anti-lymphoma therapy by treatment arm Figure 1. Time to next anti-lymphoma therapy by treatment arm Disclosures Kimby: Jansen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Honoraria for lecture at educational session; Celgene: Other: Honoraria for lecture. educational meeting; Pfizer: Other: Research grant; Roche: Other: Honoraria for lecture in educational meetings; Gilead: Honoraria, Other: honoraria for educational lecture in meeting sponsored by Gilead. Mey:roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Wahlin:Roche: Consultancy. Hernberg:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. de Nully Brown:Roche: Research Funding. Ferreri:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Zander:Bristol Myers, Celgene, Amgen, Mundipharma, Janssen-Cilag, Takeda Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Background: Previous trials from the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) and the Nordic Lymphoma Group (NLG) showed that therapy with single-agent rituximab can produce long-term remissions in a sizeable subset of follicular lymphoma (FL) patients, with overall survival not inferior to chemo-immunotherapy, providing the rationale for the development of chemotherapy-free treatment strategies. Promising results have also been reported with the combination of rituximab and lenalidomide. The SAKK 35/10 phase-2 study was developed and conducted by the SAKK in cooperation with the NLG to compare the activity of rituximab plus lenalidomide versus single-agent rituximab in the first-line FL therapy. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed untreated FL, grade 1, 2, 3a and in need of systemic therapy, were randomized either to rituximab monotherapy (R) (8 infusions of 375mg/m2 at day 1 of weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and repeated at day 1 of weeks 12, 13, 14 and 15) or to rituximab (given at the same schedule) in combination with lenalidomide (RL) (lenalidomide given orally, 15 mg daily, starting 14 days before the first rituximab administration and continuously until 14 days after the last). The primary endpoint was the complete response (CR/CRu) assessed at week 23, defined according to the NCI standardized criteria (Cheson et al 1999). The study sample size was calculated to allow the detection of a 20% increase of the CR/CRu rate with RL over R, with 90% power and a type I error of 0.10. The 2 arms were compared using a one-sided Z-test with unpooled variance for proportions. Trial treatment was discontinued in patients who at week 10 did not achieve at least a minimal response, defined as reduction of more than 25% in the sum of product of tumor diameters (SPD), and rescue chemotherapy was given at the discretion of the treating physician. Results: In total, 154 patients were randomized; 77 (40 women and 37 men; median age 63yrs, range 29-85; 52% with stage IV and 47% with poor-risk FLIPI score) were allocated to arm R and 77 (42 women and 35 men; median age 61yrs, range 26-80; 48% with stage IV and 47% with poor-risk FLIPI score) to arm RL. Treatment was discontinued by 21 (28%) patients in arm R, in 16 due to lack of response at week 10 and in 1 due to toxicity, and by 19 (25%) patients in arm RL, in 3 due to lack of response at week 10 and in 13 due to toxicity. Adverse events of any grade were reported in 91% of patients in arm R and 100% in arm RL and adverse events of grade ≥3 were more common in arm RL than in arm R (51% vs 18% of patients). Grade 3-4 neutropenia was observed in 5% of patients in arm R and 19% in arm RL. The primary endpoint analysis (using the response assessment from the local investigators, reviewed by the study chairs) showed a significantly higher CR/CRu rate in patients treated with RL in comparison with those receiving R. This difference was observed both in the intent-to-treat (CR/CRu rate, 36% vs. 25%, respectively; p=0.056) and the per-protocol population (CR/CRu rate, 42% vs. 28%, respectively; p=0.049). Conclusions: The addition of lenalidomide to rituximab results in a significantly better CR/CRu at the cost of an expected increased toxicity. Further follow-up is needed to ascertain whether the response improvement will translate into prolonged time to next treatment and superior progression-free and overall survival rates. TableInvestigators’ assessment of the response at week 23 in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population Rituximab (N=77) Rituximab+Lenalidomide (N=77)Response category n (%)[95% C.I.]n (%)[95% C.I.]CR/CRu19 (25) [16-36%]28 (36)[26-48%] PR28 (36) [26-48%]35 (45)[34-57%]SD6 (8) [3-16%]4 (5)[1.4-13%]PD/relapse2 (3) [0.3-9%]3 (4)[0.8-11%]Not evaluable*22 (29) [19-40%]7 (9)[4-18%]*Patients with no assessment at week 23, including patients not achieving at least a minimal response at week 10. Disclosures Kimby: Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide, not approved for follicular lymphoma. Mey:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ferreri:Celgene: Research Funding. Bargetzi:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Krasniqi:Roche, Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Zucca:Roche, Mundivarma, Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Rationale: Overcoming proteasome inhibitor (PI) resistance is a challenge in multiple myeloma (MM) therapy since most MM patients ultimately develop PI resistance. Induction of excessive activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is the major mechanism of PI-induced cytotoxicity in MM. The UPR is a complex transcriptional response that balances biosynthesis, folding and proteasomal destruction of cellular protein. UPR inactivation results in PI resistance in vitro, and MM cells with low UPR activation accumulate and drive the relapse in PI-resistant MM patients. Pharmacologic activation of the UPR overcomes PI-resistance in preclinical models of MM and provides an option for clinical testing. The HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir (NFV) has UPR-inducing activity via an unknown mechanism that may involve interference with regulatory proteases in the UPR and/or proteasome activity. NFV has single agent activity in MM and sensitizes MM and AML cells for PI treatment in vitro and in vivo. Methods: We performed a multicenter phase I dose escalation study to assess safety and recommended dose for phase II of NFV in combination with bortezomib (BTZ) in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies, and to detect signals for activity. NFV was given d 1-14 twice daily p.o. at the dose levels 1250 mg (DL0), 1875 mg (DL1) and 2500 mg (DL2), BTZ was dosed 1.3 mg/m2 d 1, 4, 8, 11 i.v. in 21 day cycles. The first treatment cycle was preceded by one week of NFV monotherapy for assessment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters (NFV plasma concentrations, proteasome activity and expression of UPR-related proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)). Patients were treated for 3 cycles per protocol with the option to receive up to a total of 7 cycles. Results: 12 patients were treated in the dose escalation cohort (median age 58 years; 8 patients with MM, 1 each with ALL, AML, DLBCL, MCL) for an average of 2.6 cycles. All MM patients had received prior BTZ. DLT was determined in cycle 1 in which 93 % of planned dose was delivered. One DLT was observed (G4 ALT elevation at DL2 that spontaneously resolved). Toxicity was mostly mild, could be handled symptomatically, and did not lead to study drug discontinuation except for one case of thrombocytopenia. Diarrhoea G1-2 was the most frequent toxicity observed. Ten patients were evaluable for best response while on trial therapy after having received at least one full cycle. Of these, three patients achieved a PR (1 MCL, 2 MM), 4 remained in SD for at least 2 cycles (2 MM, 1 AML, 1 ALL), while 3 progressed (2 MM, 1 DLBCL). Peak NFV plasma concentrations during monotherapy were in the dose range putatively required for UPR activation, tended to be higher in patients treated at DL1, compared to DL2 (means 13.3 vs. 8.9 mM, p=0.08) and were significantly higher during NFV monotherapy than during combination therapy with BTZ (means 9.24 vs. 6.60 mM, p=0.04), suggesting induction of NFV clearance either by autoinduction, concomitant BTZ application, or both. Pharmacodynamic analysis revealed upregulation of proteins related to UPR-induced apoptosis by NFV monotherapy in PBMC (CHOP +56%, p=0.008; PARP +57%, p=0.04, n=10). Activity of the BTZ-insensitive proteasome b2 subunit in PBMC decreased (-16%, p=0.01) during NFV monotherapy, compared to baseline, as did the BTZ-sensitive b1/b5 subunit (-17%, p=0.001). To detect additional signals for activity, an extension cohort of 6 heavily pretreated MM patients that had shown BTZ-resistance during the past 12 months and were in addition lenalidomide-resistant was treated at the recommended dose (DL2). Three of these patients achieved a PR and 2 a MR, while 1 showed PD with a mean of 4.3 cycles administered. Overall, 12 MM patients could be evaluated for best response while on therapy with BTZ + NFV in this study, of which 5 achieved a paraprotein reduction of > 50% compared to baseline (figure 1). Conclusion: Nelfinavir 2500 mg p.o. twice daily induces UPR activation and proteasome inhibition. It can safely be combined with bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 d 1, 4, 8, 11) to potentially increase bortezomib sensitivity of hematologic malignancies. The combination yields promising clinical activity signals in patients with bortezomib-resistant myeloma. Figure 1: Best paraprotein response, relative to baseline, of evaluable patients with relapsed-refractory myeloma treated with bortezomib + nelfinavir at any dose level for at least one full cycle. Figure 1:. Best paraprotein response, relative to baseline, of evaluable patients with relapsed-refractory myeloma treated with bortezomib + nelfinavir at any dose level for at least one full cycle. Disclosures Off Label Use: the presentation will include off label use of nelfinavir as investigational medicinal product (IMP). Hitz:Celgene: Research Funding.

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of surgical technique in regard to morbidity and mortality after neoadjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer. BACKGROUND The SAKK trial 75/08 was a multicenter phase III trial (NCT01107639) comparing induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation and surgery in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. METHODS Patients in the control arm received induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and docetaxel, followed by concomitant chemoradiation therapy with cisplatin, docetaxel, and 45Gy. In the experimental arm, the same regimen was used with addition of cetuximab. After completion of neoadjuvant treatment, patients underwent esophagectomy. The experimental arm received adjuvant cetuximab. Surgical outcomes and complications were prospectively recorded and analyzed. RESULTS Total of 259 patients underwent esophagectomy. Overall complication rate was 56% and reoperation rate was 15% with no difference in complication rates for transthoracic versus transhiatal resections (56% vs 54%, P = 0.77), nor for video assisted thoracic surgeries (VATS) versus open transthoracic resections (67% vs 55%, P = 0.32). There was a trend to higher overall complication rates in squamous cell carcinoma versus adenocarcinoma (65% vs 51%, P = 0.035), and a significant difference in ARDS in squamous cell carcinoma with 14% versus 2% in adenocarcinoma (P = 0.0002). For patients with involved lymph nodes, a lymph node ratio of ≥0.1 was an independent predictor of PFS (HR 2.5, P = 0.01) and OS (HR 2.2, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS This trial showed no difference in surgical complication rates between transthoracic and transhiatal resections. For patients with involved lymph nodes, lymph node ratio was an independent predictor of progression free survival and overall survival.