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Purpose:Report results of the phase Ib dose-escalation/expansion study of triplet therapy with cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor (ribociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), and endocrine therapy (exemestane).Patients and Methods:Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−), pretreated, advanced breast cancer (ABC) were enrolled. The primary objective of the dose-escalation phase was to estimate the MTD and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of triplet therapy through evaluation of the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the RP2D were evaluated in the dose-expansion phase in patients naïve or refractory to CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy.Results:Patients (N = 116) received triplet therapy (n = 83 in the dose-escalation phase; n = 33 in the dose-expansion phase). A dose-dependent drug–drug interaction was observed for everolimus, with exposure increasing two- to fourfold in the presence of ribociclib. The RP2D was determined to be ribociclib 300 mg once daily, 3 weeks on/1 week off in a 4-week cycle, plus everolimus 2.5 mg once daily, plus exemestane 25 mg once daily taken with food. The safety profile was consistent with the known profiles of the combination partners, and preliminary evidence of antitumor activity was observed. Higher ESR1 gene expression trended with better treatment response to triplet therapy; higher gene expression of MAPK pathway genes trended with worse treatment response.Conclusions:Triplet therapy with endocrine therapy and mTOR and CDK4/6 inhibition provides clinical benefit and an acceptable safety profile in previously treated postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2− ABC.

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Purpose:Addition of alpelisib to fulvestrant significantly extended progression-free survival in PIK3CA-mutant, hormone receptor–positive (HR+) advanced/metastatic breast cancer in the phase III SOLAR-1 study. The combination of alpelisib and letrozole also had promising activity in phase I studies of HR+ advanced/metastatic breast cancer. NEO-ORB aimed to determine whether addition of alpelisib to letrozole could increase response rates in the neoadjuvant setting.Patients and Methods: Postmenopausal women with HR+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, T1c-T3 breast cancer were assigned to the PIK3CA-wild-type or PIK3CA-mutant cohort according to their tumor PIK3CA status, and randomized (1:1) to 2.5 mg/day letrozole with 300 mg/day alpelisib or placebo for 24 weeks. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and pathologic complete response (pCR) rate for both PIK3CA cohorts.Results:In total, 257 patients were assigned to letrozole plus alpelisib (131 patients) or placebo (126 patients). Grade ≥3 adverse events (≥5% of patients) in the alpelisib arm were hyperglycemia (27%), rash (12%), and maculo-papular rash (8%). The primary objective was not met; ORR in the alpelisib versus placebo arm was 43% versus 45% and 63% versus 61% in the PIK3CA-mutant and wild-type cohorts, respectively. pCR rates were low in all groups. Decreases in Ki-67 were similar across treatment arms and cohorts. In PIK3CA-mutant tumors, alpelisib plus letrozole treatment induced a greater decrease in phosphorylated AKT versus placebo plus letrozole.Conclusions:In contrast to initial results in advanced/metastatic disease, addition of alpelisib to 24-week neoadjuvant letrozole treatment did not improve response in patients with HR+ early breast cancer.

SummaryBackground. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase orchestrates DNA double strand break (DSB) repair; ATM inhibitors may therefore enhance the therapeutic effect of DSB-inducing treatments such as radiotherapy (RT). M3541 is an orally administered selective inhibitor of ATM. Methods. This phase I dose-escalation study evaluated the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase II dose(s) (RP2D), safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and antitumor activity of M3541 in combination with fractionated palliative RT in patients with solid tumors. Fifteen patients received palliative RT (30 Gy in 10 fractions) and escalating doses of M3541 (50–300 mg administered on RT fraction days) guided by a Bayesian 2-parameter logistic regression model with overdose control. Results. Doses of M3541 up to 300 mg/fraction day were well tolerated. One patient (200 mg group) experienced two dose-limiting toxicities (urinary tract infection, febrile neutropenia) that resolved with antibiotics. All patients reported ≥ 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) but none led to treatment discontinuation. No grade ≥ 4 TEAEs were reported and there was no indication of a dose effect for any TEAE. Three patients (20.0%; 95% confidence interval 4.3–48.1) had confirmed complete or partial response. M3541 total plasma levels did not increase with dose following single or repeated dosing. No relationship was observed between dose and changes in the ratio of phosphorylated to total ATM or in immune cell counts. Conclusions. The MTD and RP2D could not be established as the study closed early due to the absence of a dose–response relationship and non-optimal PK profile. No further clinical development of M3541 was pursued. (Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03225105. Registration date July 21, 2017).

Objectives Berzosertib (formerly M6620, VX-970) is an intravenous, highly potent and selective, first-in-class ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) protein kinase inhibitor. We assessed the safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of berzosertib plus gemcitabine in an expansion cohort of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The association of efficacy with TP53 status and other tumor markers was also explored. Materials and Methods Adult patients with advanced histologically confirmed NSCLC received berzosertib 210 mg/m2 (days 2 and 9) and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 (days 1 and 8) at the recommended phase 2 dose established in the dose escalation part of the study. Results Thirty-eight patients received at least one dose of study treatment. The most common treatment–emergent adverse events were fatigue (55.3%), anemia (52.6%), and nausea (39.5%). Gemcitabine had no apparent effect on the PK of berzosertib. The objective response rate (ORR) was 10.5% (4/38, 90% confidence interval [CI] 3.7–22.5). In the exploratory analysis, the ORR was 30.0% (3/10, CI: 9.0–61.0%) in patients with high loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and 11.0% (1/9, 90% CI: 1.0–43.0%) in patients with low LOH. The ORR was 33.0% (2/6, CI: 6.0–73.0%) in patients with high tumor mutational burden (TMB), 12.5% (2/16, 90% CI: 2.0–34.0%) in patients with intermediate TMB, and 0% (0/3, 90% CI: 0.0–53.6%) in patients with low TMB. Conclusions Berzosertib plus gemcitabine was well tolerated in patients with advanced, pre-treated NSCLC. Based on the observed clinical efficacy, future clinical trials should involve genomically selected patients.

Background Berzosertib (formerly M6620, VX-970) is a highly potent and selective, first-in-class inhibitor of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein kinase (ATR). We assessed multiple ascending doses of berzosertib + gemcitabine ± cisplatin in patients with resistant/refractory advanced solid tumours. Methods We evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and preliminary efficacy of intravenous berzosertib + gemcitabine ± cisplatin using a standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation design. The starting doses were berzosertib 18 mg/m2, gemcitabine 875 mg/m2 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2. Results Fifty-two patients received berzosertib + gemcitabine and eight received berzosertib + gemcitabine + cisplatin. Four patients receiving berzosertib + gemcitabine had a total of seven dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and three receiving berzosertib + gemcitabine + cisplatin had a total of three DLTs. Berzosertib 210 mg/m2 (days 2 and 9) + gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 (days 1 and 8) Q3W was established as the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D); no RP2D was determined for berzosertib + gemcitabine + cisplatin. Neither gemcitabine nor cisplatin affected berzosertib PK. Most patients in both arms achieved a best response of either partial response or stable disease. Conclusions Berzosertib + gemcitabine was well tolerated in patients with advanced solid tumours and showed preliminary efficacy signs. Clinical trial identifier NCT02157792.

Background: This open-label, phase 1 trial (NCT02316197) aimed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of peposertib (formerly M3814), a DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) inhibitor in patients with advanced solid tumours. Secondary/exploratory objectives included safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles and clinical activity. Methods: Adult patients with advanced solid tumours received peposertib 100–200 mg once daily or 150–400 mg twice daily (BID) in 21-day cycles. Results: Thirty-one patients were included (median age 66 years, 61% male). One dose-limiting toxicity, consisting of mainly gastrointestinal, non-serious adverse events (AEs) and long recovery duration, was reported at 300 mg BID. The most common peposertib-related AEs were nausea, vomiting, fatigue and pyrexia. The most common peposertib-related Grade 3 AEs were maculopapular rash and nausea. Peposertib was quickly absorbed systemically (median Tmax 1.1–2.5 h). The p-DNA-PK/t-DNA-PK ratio decreased consistently in peripheral blood mononuclear cells 3–6 h after doses ≥100 mg. The best overall response was stable disease (12 patients), lasting for ≥12 weeks in seven patients. Conclusions: Peposertib was well-tolerated and demonstrated modest efficacy in unselected tumours. The MTD was not reached; the RP2D was declared as 400 mg BID. Further studies, mainly with peposertib/chemo-radiation, are ongoing. Clinical trial registration: NCT02316197, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

BackgroundBerzosertib (formerly M6620, VX-970) is a highly potent and selective, first-in-class ataxia telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related protein kinase (ATR) inhibitor. We assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of berzosertib plus cisplatin.MethodsAdult patients with advanced solid tumours refractory or resistant to standard of care therapies received ascending doses of cisplatin (day 1) and berzosertib (days 2 and 9) every 3 weeks (Q3W).ResultsThirty-one patients received berzosertib (90–210 mg/m2) and cisplatin (40–75 mg/m2) across seven dose levels. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (20.0%) and anaemia (16.7%). There were two dose-limiting toxicities: a grade 3 hypersensitivity reaction and a grade 3 increase in alanine aminotransferase. Berzosertib 140 mg/m2(days 2 and 9) and cisplatin 75 mg/m2(day 1) Q3W was determined as the recommended Phase 2 dose. Cisplatin had no apparent effect on berzosertib pharmacokinetics. Of the 31 patients, four achieved a partial response (two confirmed and two unconfirmed) despite having previously experienced disease progression following platinum-based chemotherapy.ConclusionsBerzosertib plus cisplatin is well tolerated and shows preliminary clinical activity in patients with advanced solid tumours, warranting further evaluation in a Phase 2 setting.Clinical Trials IdentifierNCT02157792.

PURPOSE: Report results of the phase Ib dose-escalation/expansion study of triplet therapy with cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor (ribociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), and endocrine therapy (exemestane). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR(+)), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2(−)), pretreated, advanced breast cancer (ABC) were enrolled. The primary objective of the dose-escalation phase was to estimate the MTD and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of triplet therapy through evaluation of the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the RP2D were evaluated in the dose-expansion phase in patients naïve or refractory to CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy. RESULTS: Patients (N = 116) received triplet therapy (n = 83 in the dose-escalation phase; n = 33 in the dose-expansion phase). A dose-dependent drug–drug interaction was observed for everolimus, with exposure increasing two- to fourfold in the presence of ribociclib. The RP2D was determined to be ribociclib 300 mg once daily, 3 weeks on/1 week off in a 4-week cycle, plus everolimus 2.5 mg once daily, plus exemestane 25 mg once daily taken with food. The safety profile was consistent with the known profiles of the combination partners, and preliminary evidence of antitumor activity was observed. Higher ESR1 gene expression trended with better treatment response to triplet therapy; higher gene expression of MAPK pathway genes trended with worse treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: Triplet therapy with endocrine therapy and mTOR and CDK4/6 inhibition provides clinical benefit and an acceptable safety profile in previously treated postmenopausal women with HR(+), HER2(−) ABC.

TPS4117 Background: Preoperative chemo-radiotherapy with or without sequential chemotherapy, followed by surgical intervention, is standard of care for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, 1/3 of these patients still develop distant metastases, indicating the need for more effective therapies. DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) regulates a key DNA damage repair pathway for double-strand break repair. Peposertib (M3814), a potent, selective, orally administered DNA-PK inhibitor, has been shown to potentiate the effect of ionizing radiation in a human colon cancer xenograft model and several colon cancer cell lines. Peposertib is being investigated in several different trials across multiple indications. This Phase Ib/II study (NCT03770689) aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of the neoadjuvant treatment combination of peposertib, capecitabine, and radiotherapy (RT) in patients with LARC. Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed and resectable Stage II/III rectal adenocarcinoma are eligible. Induction chemotherapy is permitted, but residual disease must first be documented by MRI, digital rectal examination and endoscopy. Patients who received other anticancer therapies or those with prior pelvic RT are excluded. During open-label Phase Ib (open), 18–30 patients (n = 3 per cohort) are due to receive peposertib + capecitabine (orally, 825 mg/m2 twice daily [BID]) + RT (45–50 Gy), 5 days/week. Peposertib 50 mg once daily (QD) is the starting dose. Additional dose levels will be between 100─800 mg QD. Dose escalation is determined by the safety monitoring committee and guided by a Bayesian 2-parameter logistic regression model. At Phase II (planned), 150 patients will be randomized (1:1) to receive oral capecitabine (825 mg/m2 BID) + RT (45–50 Gy), with either oral peposertib (recommended phase II dose [RP2D]) or placebo, QD for 5 days/week. Primary objectives are to define a maximum tolerated dose and RP2D (Phase Ib), and to evaluate the efficacy of peposertib + capecitabine + RT in terms of pathological/clinical complete response (Phase II). Secondary objectives include assessment of antitumor activity (Phase Ib), quality of life outcomes (Phase II), and PK of peposertib, and the safety and tolerability of the combination therapy (both phases). One patient has received peposertib 50 mg QD and six patients have received peposertib 100 mg QD. Patients are currently receiving peposertib 150 mg QD. Clinical trial information: NCT03770689 .

Purpose A phase II study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-agent RO4929097 (a gamma-secretase inhibitor) in patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Experimental design Women with progressive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treated with ≤2 chemotherapy regimens for recurrent disease were enrolled in this trial. Patients received oral RO4929097 at 20mg once daily, 3days on/4days off each week in a three week cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) rate at the end of 4cycles. Secondary objectives included assessment of the safety of RO4929097 and exploration of molecular correlates of outcome in archival tumor tissue and serum. Results Of 45 patients enrolled, 40 were evaluable for response. Thirty-seven (82%) patients had high-grade ovarian cancer. No objective responses were observed. Fifteen patients (33%) had stable disease as their best response, with a median duration of 3.1months. The median PFS for the whole group was 1.3months (1.2–2.5). Treatment was generally well tolerated with 10% of patients discontinuing treatment due to an adverse event. In high grade serous ovarian cancer patients, the median PFS trended higher when the expression of intracellular Notch (NICD) protein by immunohistochemistry was high versus low (3.3 versus 1.3months, p=0.09). No clear relationship between circulating angiogenic factors and PFS was found despite a suggestion of an improved outcome with higher baseline VEGFA levels. Conclusions RO4929097 has insufficient activity as a single-agent in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer to warrant further study as monotherapy. Future studies are needed to explore the potential for cohort enrichment using NICD expression.

Background The association between the deficiency in mismatch repair (MMR) genes and prognosis in women with endometrial cancer is unclear. Here we report a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring this association. Methods We searched literature databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane) from 1980 until December 2011 to identify studies evaluating the association between MMR status and clinical outcome in endometrial cancer. The main outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. The median sample size of studies was 112, 74% were retrospective case-series and 70% performed microsatellite instability (MSI) analysis to evaluate the status of MMR. Only 22% of studies used the panel of five microsatellite markers recommended by the National Cancer Institute. Seven studies used immunohistochemistry to define MMR deficiency, but only two of them determined the expression of all four MMR proteins. Overall, significant associations between MMR and outcome were observed in 32% of studies. There was marked inter-study heterogeneity for estimates of OS and DFS. Pooled analysis did not show any significant association between deficiency in MMR and worse OS (6 studies, hazard ratio [HR] 2.0, p = 0.11) or DFS (4 studies, HR ratio 1.31, p = 0.66). Conclusion There is no definitive evidence of a significant association between MMR status and detrimental survival in endometrial cancer.

Summary Background To determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics of RO4929097in combination with temsirolimus. Methods Escalating doses of RO4929097 and temsirolimus were administered at three dose levels. Patients received once daily oral RO4929097 on a 3 days on/4 days off schedule every week, and weekly intravenous temsirolimus. Blood samples were collected for PK analysis. Archival tissue specimens were collected for Notch pathway biomarker analysis and genotyping of frequent oncogenic mutations. Results Seventeen patients with refractory advanced solid tumors were enrolled in three dose levels (DLs): DL1 (RO4929097 10 mg; Temsirolimus 25 mg), DL2 (RO4929097 20 mg; Temsirolimus 25 mg), and DL3 (RO4929097 20 mg; Temsirolimus 37.5 mg). The most common toxicities related to the study drug combination included: fatigue (82 %; grade 3 6 %), mucositis, (71 %; grade 3 6 %), neutropenia (59 %; grade 3 12 %), anemia (59 %; grade 3 0 %), and hypertriglyceridemia (59 %; grade 3 0 %). Two dose-limiting toxicities, grade 3 rash and grade 3 mucositis, were observed in the same patient in the first dose level prompting dose expansion. Eleven patients (73 %) had stable disease as their best response. Co-administration of RO4929097 was associated with increased clearance and reduced exposure to temsirolimus, suggestive of drug-drug interaction via CYP3A4 induction. No correlation between the expression of Notch pathway biomarkers or genotype and time to progression was noted. Conclusions RO4929097 can be safely combined with temsirolimus in patients with advanced solid tumors. The RP2D was established at 20 mg of RO4929097 combined with 37.5 mg of temsirolimus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10637-013-0001-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Advanced recurrent gynecological malignancies have a poor prognosis despite systemic treatment, which is usually cytotoxic chemotherapy. Responses are generally short-lived and more effective treatments are needed. Rationally designed molecularly targeted therapy is an emerging and important option in this setting. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway with a critical role in controlling cancer cellular growth, metabolism and cell cycle progression. Aberrant PI3K-dependent signaling occurs frequently in a wide range of tumor types, including ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer. Early clinical studies of first-generation mTOR inhibitors have shown promising clinical activity in endometrial cancer. However, the molecular basis of sensitivity and resistance to these agents remains largely unknown. In this review, we will update the clinical and biological data underlying the development of first generation mTOR inhibitors in the treatment of gynecological tumors. The role of potential new combination regimens with mTOR inhibitors in gynecological cancers will also be discussed.

Epothilones are a new group of microtubule-stabilizing agents that have demonstrated antitumor activity in taxane-resistant models. Taxanes remain some of the most active cytotoxic agents in current cancer therapy. Primary or acquired resistance to taxanes in tumor cells partly prevents their long-term efficacy. Certain side effects, such as myelosupression or irreversible neuropathy, can also limit prolonged taxane administration. Epothilone B (EPO906; patupilone), a natural compound, and its semisynthetic derivative, ixabepilone (BMS-247550), differ in their pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles. Ovarian cancer patients frequently relapse after first-line treatment based on platinum–taxane doublets. Therefore, epothilones might represent a therapeutic alternative in this setting. Patupilone and ixabepilone have undergone parallel clinical development, but their future role in ovarian cancer therapeutics remains ill defined.

Introduction: Angiogenesis inhibition represents a rational therapeutic strategy in the management of solid tumors. Brivanib is a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor with selectivity against VEFGR-2 and FGFR. Areas covered: This review provides an updated summary of preclinical and clinical experience with brivanib in cancer. Data presented in abstract form from international conferences or journal articles found with a PubMed search of published literature up to December 2010 are described in this review. Expert opinion: Brivanib appears tolerable and exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles with evidence of target inhibition in surrogate tissues. Clinical and pharmacodynamic data support an oral once daily administration at 800 mg. Brivanib shows promising activity as single agent in hepatocellular carcinoma and in combination with cetuximab in colorectal cancer. Further evaluations with cytotoxic chemotherapy and in other solid tumors are currently ongoing.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are core components of the cell cycle machinery that govern the transition between phases during cell cycle progression. Genes involved in cell cycle are frequently mutated in human cancer and deregulated CDK activity represents a hallmark of malignancy. This knowledge provides a rationale for regarding CDKs and their associated molecules as potential targets for new drug development in anticancer research. The present article will review the most relevant CDK inhibitors with emphasis on the newer molecules in clinical development and the biological rationale of this therapeutic approach.

Detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow of cancer patients has proven feasible and of prognostic value in different neoplasms. However, the clinical significance of CTCs and DTCs in ovarian cancer and its association with outcome remains unclear.A literature search in PubMed was performed from January 2000 to December 2013 for studies evaluating CTCs and/or DTCs and its association with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcome in ovarian cancer. The main outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Median study size was 84 patients (range 43-216). Median follow-up was 19months (range 5-52). Most studies were small case series (n100; studies; 71%). The majority of studies used an immunophenotyping approach to identify CTCs and/or DTCs, but only 3 studies (21%) used the FDA-approved Cell Search method. Despite the differences in methodology among studies the presence of CTCs and DTCs tended to be associated with higher baseline CA-125 serum levels, higher odds of residual disease after surgery, and worse survival in ovarian cancer across studies. No consistent intra-patient correlation was observed between DTCs detected in the bone marrow and CTCs detected in the blood.The presence of CTCs and DTCs is associated with adverse clinicopathological characteristics and poor clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer patients. Its implementation as a valuable prognostic tool in the clinical setting requires uniform methodology and prospective validation.

Purpose Pazopanib is an oral, multikinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) -1/-2/-3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) -α/-β, and c-Kit. Preclinical and clinical studies support VEGFR and PDGFR as targets for advanced ovarian cancer treatment. This study evaluated the role of pazopanib maintenance therapy in patients with ovarian cancer whose disease did not progress during first-line chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Nine hundred forty patients with histologically confirmed cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum, International Federation Gynecology Obstetrics (FIGO) stages II-IV, no evidence of progression after primary therapy consisting of surgery and at least five cycles of platinum-taxane chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive pazopanib 800 mg once per day or placebo for up to 24 months. The primary end point was progression-free survival by RECIST 1.0 assessed by the investigators. Results Maintenance pazopanib prolonged progression-free survival compared with placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.91; P = .0021; median, 17.9 v 12.3 months, respectively). Interim survival analysis based on events in 35.6% of the population did not show any significant difference. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events of hypertension (30.8%), neutropenia (9.9%), liver-related toxicity (9.4%), diarrhea (8.2%), fatigue (2.7%), thrombocytopenia (2.5%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (1.9%) were significantly higher in the pazopanib arm. Treatment discontinuation related to adverse events was higher among patients treated with pazopanib (33.3%) compared with placebo (5.6%). Conclusion Pazopanib maintenance therapy provided a median improvement of 5.6 months (HR, 0.77) in progression-free survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have not progressed after first-line chemotherapy. Overall survival data to this point did not suggest any benefit. Additional analysis should help to identify subgroups of patients in whom improved efficacy may balance toxicity (NCT00866697).

Borderline ovarian tumours generally affect women of reproductive age. The positive prognosis is related to the fact that over 80% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage of the disease. Although radical surgery is the standard of care for this disease, fertility-sparing surgery can be performed in selected cases. Since it was first described in 1929, the knowledge of the molecular and histologic characteristics has been significantly improved. In this review, advances in the clinical behaviour, pathologic characteristics, prognostics factors, and different strategies of treatment are discussed.

In 2012, approximately 22,280 women will be diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma in the United States and roughly 15,500 will die from this disease, ranked the most common cause of death among gynecologic malignancies in developed countries [1]. Most women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) present with advanced disease (stage III or IV) at the time of diagnosis. This phenomenon is mainly due to the lack of specific symptoms until disease has spread beyond the ovaries, at which time the chance of cure is dramatically reduced [2]. Current standard treatment of ovarian cancer, in both early and advanced stages, consists of complete cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy, usually based on a platinum and a taxane doublet [3,4,5]. Initial response rate (RR) is high (70%-80%); but the majority of patients with advanced disease relapse within two years. Recurrent ovarian cancer is not curable, due to the development of chemoresistance [6,7]. The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) adopted the definition of sensitivity to chemotherapy (or sensitivity to platinum) in EOC based on clinical criteria from retrospective case series [8]. When patients were re-challenged with a platinum compound the longer the interval from the last dose of platinum patients had received the better the response (and outcome) was. This clinical observation set the base for the current classification of platinum resistance in relapsed EOC (Figure 1), and allowed the commonly used stratification criteria in clinical trials of recurrent EOC. Platinum-resistant disease is also characterized by resistance to other cytotoxic agents, and not necessarily only resistant to platinum. However, current treatment for platinum-resistant EOC consists of chemotherapy agents whose mechanism of action is somewhat different from that of platinum compounds [9].

Despite great efforts in developing novel screening, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, the incidence and mortality of ovarian cancer have not significantly changed in the last 30 years. [1] It remains the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy with a lifetime proba‐ bility of developing the disease of 1 in 59.[1] Worldwide, approximately 200.000 women are annually diagnosed with ovarian cancer,[2] and almost 70% of them will be diagnosed at ad‐ vanced stage disease.[3] With current treatment modalities, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 80–95% for those with organ-confined or early stage disease (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I-II); to 30 – 40% for those women with advanced dis‐ ease, FIGO stage III-IV. Thus, ovarian cancer is a challenging and complex malignancy.[4]

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) during pregnancy is a rare condition. The diagnosis and treatment strategies are therefore not well defined. The evidence is scarce and limited to small case reports or case series. In this review we describe the safety, utility and limitations of each diagnostic tool and surgical procedure in pregnant women with ovarian cancer. We also discuss the role of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer during pregnancy. Finally, we delineate different strategies of treatment according to the stage of the disease at diagnosis and gestational age. Due to the complexity of the management of EOC during pregnancy, patients should be referred to specialized centers. Gestational age at diagnosis, the initial surgical procedure, disease stage and patient’s preferences are the key factors in the decision-making process to establish the best treatment strategy for each individual case.

Ovarian low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (OvLGSCa) comprises a minority within the heterogeneous group of ovarian carcinomas. Despite biological differences with their high-grade serous counterparts, current treatment guidelines do not distinguish between these two entities. OvLGSCas are characterized by an indolent clinical course. They usually develop from serous tumors of low malignant potential, although they can also arise de novo . When compared with patients with ovarian high grade serous carcinoma (OvHGSCa) patients with OvLGSCa are younger and have better survival outcomes. Current clinical and treatment data available for OvLGSCa come from retrospective studies, suggesting that optimal cytoreductive surgery remains the cornerstone in treatment, whereas chemotherapy has a limited role. Molecular studies have revealed the preponderance of the RAS–RAF–MAPK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of OvLGSCa, thereby representing an attractive therapeutic target for patients affected by this disease. Improved clinical trial designs and international collaboration are required to optimally address the unmet medical treatment needs of patients affected by this disease.

Cervical cancer is the third most common cause of female cancer mortality, and it remains a major health problem in populations with limited economic resources. Metastatic disease or recurrent lesions not amenable to radical local excision or regional radiation have a poor prognosis, and are treated with palliative platinum-based chemotherapy. There are few effective therapeutic options for patients who progressed after first-line chemotherapy. Future advances in the treatment of metastatic or recurrent disease may rely on more effective and better-tolerated therapies, and molecularly driven targeted agents could represent an attractive option. Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and epidermal growth factor receptor directed therapies have focused the most recent clinical research efforts. A thorough molecular characterization of cervical cancer remains crucial for a rationale implementation of targeted agents and companion biomarkers. Alternative clinical trial designs may also be necessary to optimize the clinical development of new drugs for metastatic cervical cancer.

Purpose Numerous studies have explored the potential role of genetic polymorphisms as predictive or prognostic biomarkers in gynecologic malignancies. A systematic review for all eligible polymorphisms has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to summarize the current status of the field and provide direction for future research. Design We searched literature databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane) from 2006 to April 2011 to identify studies evaluating the association between gene polymorphisms and clinical outcome in ovarian, endometrial, cervical, or vulvar cancer. The main outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Studies reporting relationships between polymorphisms and toxicity were also included. Results Sixty two studies met the inclusion criteria. The median sample size was 140. Most of the included studies (n=50, 81%) were conducted in ovarian cancer patients. Almost a third assessed potential predictive associations between gene polymorphism and outcome in ovarian cancer. The most commonly evaluated genes were ERCC1, VEGF, ABCB1 ( MDR ), and GSTP1 . Most studies (n=44, 71%) were observational case-series. Only four studies (6%) included a validation arm and patient population ethnicity was explicitly stated only in 27% of included studies. Conclusion No consistent association between any gene polymorphism and clinical outcome in gynecological cancers has been found across studies. There is incomplete adherence to the REMARK guidelines and inadequate methodology reporting in most studies. Moving forward, analysis of large trial-based clinical samples; adherence to the highest methodological standards, and focus on validation analyses are necessary to identify clinically useful pharmacogenomic biomarkers of outcome.

BACKGROUND Malignant germ cell tumour of the ovary occurs in up to 0.07% of woman globally. Due to its rarity, evidence for treatment is lacking and often extrapolates clinical trial results of testicular germ cell cancers. The investigation on this rare tumour is further compounded by the fact that its occurrence in the adult population is even less compared to their paediatric counterpart. At present, the effectiveness of chemotherapy, regardless of stage in malignant germ cell tumour of the ovary is not entirely clear. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of chemotherapy in adult women with early stage, advanced and recurrent malignant germ cell ovarian cancers. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Issue 1, 2010, Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to April 2010. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings and reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and non-randomised studies that compared systemic therapy in adult women diagnosed with germ cell ovarian cancer who have confirmed pathological diagnoses. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed whether potentially relevant studies met the inclusion criteria, abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. MAIN RESULTS We found one RCT and one retrospective study that met our inclusion criteria. The data from these studies were too sparse to adequately assess the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant germ cell ovarian cancer. All comparisons were restricted to single study analyses and this review was only based on 32 women, so it was not adequately powered to detect differences in survival. Adverse effects of treatment and recurrence-free survival were incompletely documented and QoL was not reported in any of the studies. We did not find any studies that reported specifically on adults so there were problems in separating data on adults and children in many of the potentially relevant studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found only low quality evidence on the use of chemotherapy in malignant germ cell tumours of the ovaries. Therefore we are unable to reach definite conclusions about the relative benefits and harms of chemotherapy use in this disease regardless of disease stage. Due to the benefit of chemotherapy in germ cell cancer of the testis, a trial of chemotherapy versus best supportive care is unlikely to be feasible. Despite this, good quality randomised studies are warranted in this disease to define the role of chemotherapy (type of chemotherapy, duration of treatment, benefit, short and long term toxicities). Given the rarity of this disease, we feel a trans-global approach would be essential in order to perform such trials.

LBA5503 Background: Pazopanib is an oral, multikinase inhibitor of VEGFR-1, -2, -3, PDGFR-α and -β, and c-Kit. Preclinical and clinical studies support VEGF(R) and PDGF(R) as targets for AEOC treatment. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of pazopanib maintenance therapy in patients who have not progressed after first-line chemotherapy for AEOC. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed AEOC, FIGO II-IV, and no evidence of progression after surgery and ≥ 5 cycles of platinum-taxane chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive 800 mg pazopanib once daily or placebo for up to 24 months. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) by RECIST. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, PFS by GCIG criteria, safety, and quality of life. Results: Most of the 940 randomized patients had stage III/IV disease (91%) at initial diagnosis, and no residual disease after surgery (58%). The median time from diagnosis to randomization was 7.1 months in the placebo arm and 7.0 mont...

2534 Background: Preclinical data suggest that combined Ang1/2 and mTOR blockade has synergistic anti-cancer activity. The combination of Tr (inhibits angiogenesis by preventing interaction of Ang1/2 with Tie2) with the mTOR inhibitor T was evaluated in pts with advanced solid tumors to determine safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacodynamics and preliminary antitumor activity. Methods: Pts were enrolled using 3+3 design. Tr and T were dosed on Day 1 (D1), 8, 15 and 22 of a 28-day cycle. Peripheral blood was collected for evaluation of Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEMs) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) (an angiogenic enzyme increased in TEMs upon Tie2 stimulation) by flow cytometry. Tumor response was assessed every 2 cycles. Results: 13 pts have been enrolled, 6 at dose level (DL) 1 (15mg/kg Tr + 25mg T) and 7 (1 died from disease before DLT assessment) at DL -1 (15mg/kg Tr + 20mg T). Median age was 57yrs, ECOG 0-1, median previous chemotherapy lines 3 (range 1-8). In DL 1, 1/6 pts experienced DLT (Grade (Gr) 2 pneumonitis). In view of frequent Gr2 adverse events (AEs) in DL 1, DL -1 was evaluated with DLTs in 2/6 evaluable pts (Gr3 mucositis and intolerable Gr2 limb edema preventing start of cycle 2 within 14 days). The most common related AEs (all Gr across both DL) were: fatigue (77%), edema (69%), anorexia (62%), and nausea (54%). Common Gr≥3 AEs included lymphopenia (23%) and fatigue (23%). Of 10 evaluable pts, best RECIST responses were: 1 breast cancer pt (ER+/ HER2-/ PIK3CA mutant) with PR (now in cycle 9), 7 pts with SD, and 2 pts with PD. Four pts with ovarian cancer (1 PIK3CAmutant) had SD ≥11weeks with 2/3 pts (1 not evaluable) demonstrating GCIG response (>50% decrease in CA125). In preliminary analyses, TP expression in TEMs was decreased (mean -18%) in 4pts with tumor shrinkage, but increased (+6%) in 1pt with tumor growth, suggesting a trend between reduced TP and tumor response. Conclusions: The MTD was exceeded at 15mg/kg Tr and 20mg T weekly. The safety of 10mg/kg Tr and 20mg T weekly is currently being evaluated. The combination of Tr and T shows early signs of antitumor activity. TP expression in TEMs by flow cytometry as an early marker of treatment benefit warrants further evaluation. Clinical trial information: NCT01548482.

2600 Background: The increasing trend to incorporate molecular assays as part of selection assessment in Ph1 trials is based on the potential to observe early antitumor activity. Nonetheless, its impact has been almost negligible to date and might affect time to achieve a recommended dose. We assessed the impact on recruitment of pursuing central mandatory molecular assessment of tumor samples on a state-of-the-art Ph1 unit. Methods: Two first-in-human Ph1 studies, requiring central laboratory biomarker assessment as inclusion criterion (DS6 IHC and FGFR mut/ampl, respectively), and a consecutive series of pts in our program for central tumor mutation screening (OncoCarta Panel v1.0) to participate in molecularly-driven Ph1 studies, were reviewed. Results: 13 (4.8%) out of 267 pre-screened pts were able to receive treatment within a targeted Ph1 trial. Conclusions: A vast majority of pts trying to participate in molecularly-driven trial central biomarker screening are not included due to negative results. Still 71.1% pts who were initially eligible and were positive in the central review fail to participate due to clinical and/or analytical deterioration during the time of central molecular assessment. New strategies including local sample pre-screening allowance, as well as anticipated massive molecular profiling in the conventional setting, are needed to reduce this time and improve feasibility of these trials. The derived current “impoverishment” of studies with non-targeted drugs (that lack patients with tumors with “hot” mutations) and of those with targeted drugs (that miss patients with nonmutated tumors) within the same Ph1 Programs, and the need of a joint approach to co-finance for wide-spectrum molecular profiling for different studies, would be discussed as well. [Table: see text]

Background The notch signalling pathway has a critical role in regulating cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. RO is a potent and selective gamma-secretase inhibitor with antitumor activity in animal models. Pre-clinical experiments indicate that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may mediate resistance to gamma secretase inhibitors, providing a rationale for combination therapy with RO and TEM. Methods A phase Ib dose-escalation study with a 3 + 3 design was conducted. Three dose levels (DLs) were planned. Objectives were to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of the combination. Eligible pts received once daily oral RO on a 3 day on/4 day off schedule every week (QW), and intravenous QW TEM. Initial doses were 10 mg RO and 25 mg TEM. Cycles were every 21 days, except for cycle 1, which was 28 days. Treatment-related dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were evaluated during cycle 1. Results 17 pts (data cut-off 26-Apr-2012) have been treated on three DLs. Number of pts, DLTs and schedule are shown in Table 1. Demographics: M:F 6:11; median age: 60 yrs (range 28-84); ECOG 0/1:4/13. Pts received a median of 3 cycles (range 1-12). The most common adverse events (AEs) related to the study drug combination included: fatigue (82%; G3 6%), mucositis, (71%; G3 6%), neutropenia (59%; G3 12%), anemia (59%; G3 0%), and hypertriglyceridemia (59%, G3 0%).Two DLTs (G3 rash, G3 mucositis) were observed in the same patient in DL1 prompting dose expansion. No additional DLTs were observed. Of 15 patients evaluable for response, no objective responses were observed. 11 pts (73%) had stable disease (SD) as their best response; with 3 pts (sarcoma, neuroendocrine, non-small cell lung cancer) on therapy for ≥6 cycles. Conclusions RO can be safely combined with TEM. The RP2D was established as RO at 20 mg combined with 37.5 mg of TEM. PK and circulating angiogenic factors analyses will be presented. Dose Level RO Dose (mg) TEM Dose (mg) No. of pts treated No. of pts with DLT DLT 1 † 10 25 8 1 G3 rash, G3 mucositis 2 20 25 3 0 3 ∧ 20 37.5 6 0 † 2 pts were not evaluable for DLT ∧ DL3 (RP2D) was expanded to 6 pts Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

5019 Background: Notch signalling pathway plays a critical role in regulating cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in preclinical cancer models. The Notch receptor, its ligands, and down-stream effectors are over-expressed in OC. Inhibition of γ-secretase-mediated Notch cleavage is a primary focus for the development of targeted therapeutics. Methods: Women (pts) with progressive, measurable (RECIST), Pt-R OC treated with ≤ 2 chemotherapy regimens for recurrent disease were treated with oral RO at 20mg od, 3 days on/4 days off every week, q3w. The primary objective was to determine the antitumor efficacy of RO in Pt-R OC by the progression-free survival (PFS) rate at the end of 4 cycles. Secondary objectives were to assess the safety of RO and to explore molecular correlates of outcome in archival tumor tissue. A Simon two-stage design was used. The study would open to second stage accrual if > 4 pts of the first 17 accrued remain progression-free at the end of 4 cycles. Results: 39 pts have been enrolled after first-stage criteria were met. Median age was 59 (range 26-81). Median number of cycles was 2 (range 1-18). 30 (83%) pts had high-grade serous OC. 34 pts were evaluable for response. 8 pts (20%) were progression-free after 4 cycles.12 pts (35%) had stable disease, with a median duration of 3.9 months (range 2.5-12.2). Median PFS was 1.3 months (1.2-2.3). The most common drug-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade (% pts) were: nausea (36), fatigue (28), anorexia (15), hypophosphatemia (15), anemia (13), and increased alanine aminotransferase [ALT] (13). There were 5 G3-4 AEs at least possibly related with RO: increased liver transaminases (2), diarrhea (1), headache (1), and hypophosphatemia (1). Intracellular Notch (NIC) and JAG1 protein expression on high-grade serous OC were correlated with response in 17 pts. Median PFS for pts with high NIC (n=6) was 3.3 months (1.0-not reached), compared to 1.3 months (1.1-2.6) for pts with low NIC (n=11), p=0.09. Conclusions: RO has limited clinical activity in unselected Pt-R OC as a single agent. Future studies need to assess potential for cohort enrichment using NIC expression.

3068 Background: MK-1775 (MK) is an investigational inhibitor of the Wee1 kinase regulating the G2 checkpoint leading to chemo-sensitization in p53-deficient tumor cells. Down-regulation of pCDC2 upon treatment with MK and chemotherapy serves as biomarker in this study. Methods: Evaluation of safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of MK administered PO as monotherapy and combination with gemcitabine (G), cisplatin (P), or carboplatin (C). PART 1 is a single dose of MK followed by 1 of 3 treatment arms in PART 2A: single MK dose in combination with: 1) 1,000 mg/m2 G, 2) 75 mg/m2 P or 3) C AUC 5. In PART 2B, 5-BID doses of MK are explored in the same 3 arms. PART 3 is a cohort expansion to confirm Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD). 50% reduction of pCDC2 in skin biopsies post-MK vs pre-treatment is considered evidence of target engagement (TE). Results: To date, 156 pts (44 in monotherapy/single-dose combination, 112 in multi-dose combination therapy) were treated with MK. No DLTs...

5036 Background: The reliability and anticipated outcome of the standard control (C) arm is an important parameter in the design of RP3s, to calculate sample size, power and study duration. Changin...

11074 Background: Treatment options for patients (pts) with colorectal cancer (CRC) have increased in the last years. However, there are no validated prospective molecular markers in CRC to select which agents are better to treat any individual case. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of developing an implementing a biomarker panel to guide treatment selection in this setting. Methods: Colorectal cancer tumors were prospectively analyzed with a predefined set of 11 molecular targets, including: KRas and PI3K mutations, EGFR amplification (FISH), and ERCC-1, TS, TP expression by IHC. Clinical characteristics and response to chemotherapy were registered. To establish the utility of this panel, we determine as congruent-treatment if the panel predict the best treatment in patients with more of 1 chemotherapy line and no-congruent-treatment if do not. Results: A total of 84 patients were studied. Only 6 % required a repeated biopsy to obtain sufficient tumor for marker analysis. In 81 % of patients was feasible to study almost 8/11 targets. There were 29 pts (39%) with KRas mutant CRC; 3 pts with PI3K mutations (4%, all of them with KRas mutation); and 2 patients with EGFR amplification. ERCC-1 was positive in 5/78 (6.4%) and TS was positive in 47%. None of 54 pts had TP positivity. Clinical floow up was available in 66 pts (44 males, median age 59, 93% ECOG 0–1). Nineteen patients had early CRC; 23 with metastatic CRC treated with a first line chemotherapy and 24 with advanced CRC treated with 2 or more prior regimens. In this last group for whom the response to multiple agents is known, the panel predictive the most effective treatment in 14 of 24 cases. Conclusions: This targeted-therapy-panel is feasible to implement and should be explore to predict treatment response to CRC . No significant financial relationships to disclose.

SummaryBackground There is crosstalk between the ANG-Tie2 and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. Combined ANG1/2 and mTOR blockade may have additive anti-cancer activity. The combination of trebananib, an inhibitor of ANG1/2-Tie2 interaction, with temsirolimus was evaluated in patients with advanced solid tumors to determine tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and preliminary antitumor activity. Methods Patients were enrolled using 3 + 3 design, and were given intravenous trebananib and temsirolimus on Day 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 28-day cycle. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were evaluated during cycle 1. Peripheral blood was collected for evaluation of Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEMs) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP). Sparse pharmacokinetic (PK) sampling for trebananib drug levels was performed on Day 1 and 8 of cycle 2. Results Twenty-one patients were enrolled, 6 at dose level (DL) 1, 7 at DL −1, and 8 at DL −2. No effect of temsirolimus on trebananib PK was observed. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were: fatigue (81 %), edema (62 %), anorexia (57 %), nausea (52 %), rash (43 %) and mucositis (43 %). The most common grade ≥ 3 AEs included lymphopenia (28 %) and fatigue (28 %). The MTD was exceeded at DL-2. Of 18 response evaluable patients, 1 partial response was observed (ER+/HER2−/PIK3CA mutant breast cancer) and 4 patients had prolonged SD ≥ 24 weeks. No correlation with clinical benefit was observed with change in number TEMs or TP expression in TEMs with treatment. Conclusions The MTD was exceeded at trebananib 10 mg/kg weekly and temsirolimus 20 mg weekly, with frequent overlapping toxicities including fatigue, edema, and anorexia.