Abstract Purpose: To determine the immunologic effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus ipilimumab in early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Experimental Design: This is a single-arm chemotherapy plus phased ipilimumab phase II study of 24 treatment-naïve patients with stage IB–IIIA NSCLC. Patients received neoadjuvant therapy consisting of 3 cycles of paclitaxel with either cisplatin or carboplatin and ipilimumab included in the last 2 cycles. Results: Chemotherapy alone had little effect on immune parameters in PBMCs. Profound CD28-dependent activation of both CD4 and CD8 cells was observed following ipilimumab. Significant increases in the frequencies of CD4+ cells expressing activation markers ICOS, HLA-DR, CTLA-4, and PD-1 were apparent. Likewise, increased frequencies of CD8+ cells expressing the same activation markers, with the exception of PD-1, were observed. We also examined 7 resected tumors and found higher frequencies of activated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes than those observed in PBMCs. Surprisingly, we found 4 cases of preexisting tumor-associated antigens (TAA) responses against survivin, PRAME, or MAGE-A3 present in PBMC at baseline, but neither increased frequencies nor the appearance of newly detectable responses following ipilimumab therapy. Ipilimumab had little effect on the frequencies of circulating regulatory T cells and MDSCs. Conclusions: This study did not meet the primary endpoint of detecting an increase in blood-based TAA T-cell responses after ipilimumab. Collectively, these results highlight the immune activating properties of ipilimumab in early-stage NSCLC. The immune profiling data for ipilimumab alone can contribute to the interpretation of immunologic data from combined immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(24); 7474–82. ©2017 AACR.
26 Background: Ipilimumab (Ipi) is a humanized CTLA-4 antibody that blocks binding of CTLA-4 to B7, permitting T cell activation through CD28. Phased in Ipi added to chemotherapy (C) may enhance efficacy in NSCLC. Methods: Patients with stage 2 or 3A NSCLC received neoadjuvant carboplatin AUC6 plus paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 every 21 days for 3 cycles and Ipi (10 mg/kg) was given on day 1 for cycles 2 and 3. Blood for immune profiling of circulating T cells was collected at baseline, after chemotherapy alone, and after chemotherapy plus Ipi. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were derived from 7 available tumors. Polychromatic flow cytometry (PFC) analyses were performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and TIL. Objective response rates were assessed according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. Results: Of the 24 patients enrolled on this study, objective responses after 3 cycles of neoadjuvant C plus ipi included 2 PD, 8 SD, and 14 PR. Phenotypic analyses revealed that PBMC from all 24 patients were highly activated following two cycles of Ipi (cycle 3) as evidenced by significantly increased frequencies of CD28, ICOS, HLA-DR, PD-1, and CTLA-4 expressing CD4+ cells; and ICOS, HLA-DR, and CTLA-4 expressing CD8+ cells. The frequencies of Tregs were highly variable among the 24 participants. Two of the 24 participants had levels of MDSC cells above 15%. TIL contained far greater frequencies of activated CD4+ and CD8+ cells than found in the PBMC at cycle 3. Tumor associated antigen (TAA)-specific CD4+ or CD8+ cells were detected at baseline in 4 patients (24%), but their relative frequencies remained unaltered by Ipi therapy. No patients developed detectable de novo TAA reactivities while on Ipi therapy. Conclusions: Combined neoadjuvant Ipi plus chemotherapy produced significantly increased frequencies of highly activated CD4+ and CD8+ populations in the peripheral blood and the tumor microenvironment. TAA-specific CD4+ or CD8+ cells were detected in PBMC at baseline in a subset of patients. No TAA-reactive T cells were detected among the 7 TIL samples analyzed. Analysis for predictive or pharmacodynamic biomarkers is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT01820754.
Background Osimertinib (AZD9291) is an oral, potent, irreversible EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor selective for EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor sensitising mutations, and the EGFR Thr790Met resistance mutation. We assessed the efficacy and safety of osimertinib in patients with EGFR Thr790Met-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who had progressed after previous therapy with an approved EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor.Methods In this phase 2, open-label, single-arm study (AURA2), patients aged at least 18 years with centrally confirmed EGFR Thr790Met-positive mutations, locally advanced or metastatic (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC who progressed on previous EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy received osimertinib 80 mg orally once daily; treatment could continue beyond progression if the investigator observed a clinical benefit. Patients with asymptomatic, stable CNS metastases not requiring steroids were allowed to enrol. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an objective response by blinded independent central review using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Response endpoints were assessed in the evaluable for response analysis set (ie, all patients who received at least one dose of osimertinib and had measurable disease at baseline according to blinded independent central review). Other endpoints and safety were assessed in all patients receiving at least one osimertinib dose (full analysis set). The study is ongoing and patients are still receiving treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials. gov, number NCT02094261.Findings Between May 20, 2014, and Sept 12, 2014, 472 patients were screened, of whom 210 started osimertinib treatment between June 13, 2014, and Oct 27, 2014; 11 patients were excluded from the evaluable for response analysis set (n= 199) due to absence of measurable disease at baseline by blinded independent central review. At data cutoff (Nov 1, 2015), 122 (58%) patients remained on treatment. The median duration of follow-up was 13.0 months (IQR 7 . 6-14 . 2). 140 (70%; 95% CI 64-77) of 199 patients achieved an objective response by blinded independent central review: confirmed complete responses were achieved in six (3%) patients and partial responses were achieved in 134 (67%) patients. The most common all-causality grade 3 and 4 adverse events were pulmonary embolism (seven [3%]), prolonged electrocardiogram QT (five [2%]), decreased neutrophil count (four [2%]), anaemia, dyspnoea, hyponatraemia, increased alanine aminotransferase, and thrombocytopenia (three [1%] each). Serious adverse events were reported in 52 (25%) patients, of which 11 (5%) were investigator assessed as possibly treatment-related to osimertinib. Seven deaths were due to adverse events; these were pneumonia (n= 2), pneumonia aspiration (n= 1), rectal haemorrhage (n= 1), dyspnoea (n= 1), failure to thrive (n= 1), and interstitial lung disease (n= 1). The only fatal event assessed as possibly treatment-related by the investigator was due to interstitial lung disease.Interpretation Osimertinib showed clinical activity with manageable side-effects in patients with EGFR Thr790Met-positive NSCLC. Therefore, osimertinib could be a suitable treatment for patients with EGFR Thr790Met-positive disease who have progressed on an EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor.
To determine the feasibility and toxicity of radiation therapy, delivered either as definitive treatment or following surgery, following neo-adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition for locally advanced NSCLC sixteen patients who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy including ipilimumab as part of a phase II study were identified. Patients were analyzed by intent of radiation and toxicity graded based on CTCAE 4.0. There were seven patients identified who received definitive radiation and nine who received post-operative radiation. There was no grade 3 or greater toxicity in the definitive treatment group although one patient stopped treatment early due to back pain secondary to progression outside of the treatment field. In the post-operative treatment group, one patient required a one week break due to grade 2 odynophagia and no grade 3 or greater toxicity was observed. In this study of radiation as definitive or post-operative treatment following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy including ipilimumab for locally advanced NSCLC was feasible and well tolerated with limited toxicity.
Essential facts Head and neck cancers include those that affect the mouth and throat, as well as rarer cancers of the nose, sinuses, salivary glands and middle ear. There are 13,000 new cases each year, according to the NHS.
Recent evidence suggests that dysregulated translation and its control significantly contribute to the etiology and pathogenesis of the head and neck cancers, specifically to that of squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). eIF4E is one of the most studied components of the translation machinery implicated in the development and progression of HNSCC. It appears that dysregulation of eIF4E levels and activity, namely by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, plays an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of HNSCC and correlates with clinical outcomes. In this chapter, we will discuss the role of eIF4E and some other translation factors as they relate to the biology and treatment of HNSCC.
These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck (H&N) Cancers. These Insights describe the different types of particle therapy that may be used to treat H&N cancers, in contrast to traditional radiation therapy (RT) with photons (x-ray). Research is ongoing regarding the different types of particle therapy, including protons and carbon ions, with the goals of reducing the long-term side effects from RT and improving the therapeutic index. For the 2015 update, the NCCN H&N Cancers Panel agreed to delete recommendations for neutron therapy for salivary gland cancers, because of its limited availability, which has decreased over the past 2 decades; the small number of patients in the United States who currently receive this treatment; and concerns that the toxicity of neutron therapy may offset potential disease control advantages.
PURPOSE:To determine the maximum tolerated dose of radiation therapy (RT) given in an accelerated fashion with concurrent chemotherapy using intensity modulated RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS:Patients with locally advanced lung cancer (non-small cell and small cell) with good performance status and minimal weight loss received concurrent cisplatin and etoposide with RT. Intensity modulated RT with daily image guidance was used to facilitate esophageal avoidance and delivered using 6 fractions per week (twice daily on Fridays with a 6-hour interval). The dose was escalated from 58 Gy to a planned maximum dose of 74 Gy in 4 Gy increments in a standard 3 + 3 trial design. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as acute grade 3-5 nonhematologic toxicity attributed to RT. RESULTS:A total of 24 patients were enrolled, filling all dose cohorts, all completing RT and chemotherapy as prescribed. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred in 1 patient at 58 Gy (grade 3 esophagitis) and 1 patient at 70 Gy (grade 3 esophageal fistula). Both patients with DLTs had large tumors (12 cm and 10 cm, respectively) adjacent to the esophagus. Three additional patients were enrolled at both dose cohorts without further DLT. In the final 74-Gy cohort, no DLTs were observed (0 of 6). CONCLUSIONS:Dose escalation and acceleration to 74 Gy with intensity modulated RT and concurrent chemotherapy was tolerable, with a low rate of grade ≥3 acute esophageal reactions.
These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck (H&N) Cancers. These Insights describe the different types of particle therapy that may be used to treat H&N cancers, in contrast to traditional radiation therapy (RT) with photons (x-ray). Research is ongoing regarding the different types of particle therapy, including protons and carbon ions, with the goals of reducing the long-term side effects from RT and improving the therapeutic index. For the 2015 update, the NCCN H&N Cancers Panel agreed to delete recommendations for neutron therapy for salivary gland cancers, because of its limited availability, which has decreased over the past 2 decades; the small number of patients in the United States who currently receive this treatment; and concerns that the toxicity of neutron therapy may offset potential disease control advantages. (J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2015;13:847–856) Head and Neck Cancers, Version 1.2015 848 NCCN Guidelines Insights C E © JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network | Volume 13 Number 7 | July 2015 Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships Editor: Kerrin M. Green, MA, Assistant Managing Editor, JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. CE Planners: Deborah J. Moonan, RN, BSN, Director, Continuing Education, NCCN, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. Ann Gianola, MA, Manager, Continuing Education Accreditation & Program Operations, NCCN, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. Kristina M. Gregory, RN, MSN, OCN, Vice President, Clinical Information Operations, NCCN, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. Rashmi Kumar, PhD, Senior Manager, Clinical Content, NCCN, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. Individuals Who Provided Content Development and/or Authorship Assistance: Sharon Spencer, MD, Panel Vice-Chair, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. Robert L. Foote, MD, Panel Member, has disclosed that is a chapter author and receives royalties from UpToDate. Sue S. Yom, MD, PhD, Panel Member, has disclosed that she receives clinical trial research support from Genentech Inc. Nicole McMillian, MS, Guidelines Coordinator, NCCN, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. Miranda Hughes, PhD, Oncology Scientist/Senior Medical Writer, NCCN, has disclosed that she has no relevant financial relationships. Supported by an educational grant from Eisai; a contribution from Exelixis Inc.; educational grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech BioOncology, Merck, Novartis Oncology, Novocure; and by an independent educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NCCN: Continuing Education Accreditation Statement This activity is designated to meet the educational needs of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists involved in the management of patients with cancer. There is no fee for this article. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NCCN designates this journal-based CE activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. NCCN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center`s Commission on Accreditation. NCCN designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 contact hour. Accreditation as a provider refers to recognition of educational activities only; accredited status does not imply endorsement by NCCN or ANCC of any commercial products discussed/displayed in conjunction with the educational activity. Kristina M. Gregory, RN, MSN, OCN, is our nurse planner for this educational activity. National Comprehensive Cancer Network is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. NCCN designates this continuing education activity for 1.0 contact hour(s) (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit in states that recognize ACPE accredited providers. This is a knowledge-based activity. UAN: 0836-0000-15-008-H01P All clinicians completing this activity will be issued a certificate of participation. To participate in this journal CE activity: 1) review the learning objectives and author disclosures; 2) study the education content; 3) take the posttest with a 66% minimum passing score and complete the evaluation at http://education.nccn.org/node/70211; and 4) view/print certificate. Release date: July 9, 2015; Expiration date: July 9, 2016 Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: • Integrate into professional practice the updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers • Describe the rationale behind the decision-making process for developing the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers
This selection from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Head and Neck Cancers focuses on glottic laryngeal cancer, which is the most common type of laryngeal cancer and has an excellent cure rate. The lymphatic drainage of the glottis is sparse, and early stage primaries rarely spread to regional nodes. Because hoarseness is an early symptom, most glottic laryngeal cancer is early stage at diagnosis. Updates to these guidelines for 2014 include revisions to "Principles of Radiation Therapy" for each site and "Principles of Surgery," and the addition of a new section on "Principles of Dental Evaluation and Management."
This selection from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Head and Neck Cancers focuses on glottic laryngeal cancer, which is the most common type of laryngeal cancer and has an excellent cure rate. The lymphatic drainage of the glottis is sparse, and early stage primaries rarely spread to regional nodes. Because hoarseness is an early symptom, most glottic laryngeal cancer is early stage at diagnosis. Updates to these guidelines for 2014 include revisions to "Principles of Radiation Therapy" for each site and "Principles of Surgery," and the addition of a new section on "Principles of Dental Evaluation and Management."
Background Patients with EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer generally have a progression-free survival of 9-13 months while being treated with the EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitors gefitinib or erlotinib. However, resistance inevitably develops, and more effective EGFR inhibitors are needed. Dacomitinib is a covalent pan-HER inhibitor that has shown clinical activity in patients previously treated with gefitinib or erlotinib. We did a trial of dacomitinib as initial systemic therapy in clinically and molecularly selected patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.Methods In this open-label, multicentre, phase 2 trial, we enrolled treatment-naive patients with advanced lung cancer who had clinical (never-smokers [<100 cigarettes per lifetime] or former light smokers [<10 pack-years per lifetime] and >= 15 years since last cigarette) or molecular (EGFR mutation, regardless of smoking status) characteristics associated with response to EGFR inhibitors. We gave dacomitinib orally once daily (45 mg or 30 mg) until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, or patient withdrawal. We used Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria (version 1.0) to investigate the activity of dacomitinib in all patients with a baseline scan and at least one post-treatment scan, with investigator assessment of response and progression. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 4 months in the as-enrolled population, with a null hypothesis of progression-free survival at 4 months of 50% or less. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials. gov, number NCT00818441, and is no longer accruing patients.Findings Between March 11, 2009, and April 1, 2011, we enrolled 89 patients from 25 centres, including 45 (51%) with EGFR-activating mutations in exon 19 (n=25) or exon 21 (n=20). Progression-free survival at 4 months was 76.8% (95% CI 66.4-84.4) in the as-enrolled population, and was 95.5% (95% CI 83.2-98.9) in the EGFR-mutant population. The most common all-grade treatment-related adverse events were diarrhoea in 83 (93%) patients, dermatitis acneiform in 69 (78%) patients, dry skin in 39 (44%) patients, and stomatitis in 36 (40%) patients. Two patients (2%) had grade 4 treatment-related events (one with hypokalaemia and one with dyspnoea). No grade 5 toxicities were recorded.Interpretation Dacomitinib had encouraging clinical activity as initial systemic treatment in clinically or molecularly selected patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on nutrition and supportive care for patients with head and neck cancers. This topic was a recent addition to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Head and Neck Cancers. The NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on major updates to the NCCN Guidelines and discuss the new updates in greater detail. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers is available on the NCCN Web site (NCCN.org).
8029 Background: KRAS mutations are detected in 25% of NSCLC, and there are no approved targeted therapies for this subset of NSCLC. D, an approved second-line treatment for NSCLC, has a response rate of < 10%. T is a reversible, highly selective allosteric inhibitor of MEK1/2 activation and kinase activity. This phase II trial (NCT01362296) evaluated the efficacy of T vs D in pts with advanced KRAS-mutant NSCLC who had received prior platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods: Pts were randomized 2:1 to T (2 mg QD) or D (75 mg/m2 IV every 3 weeks) and stratified by type of mutational status and gender. Crossover to the other arm after progressive disease was allowed. Primary endpoint was PFS in pts with KRAS-mutant NSCLC (modified ITT; mITT). Secondary endpoints were OS, ORR, duration of response, and safety. PFS and OS were compared using a stratified log-rank test. The trial was stopped early for futility at a planned interim analysis; 92 PFS events were reported at the time of study termination. Results: Between September 2011 and July 2012, 134 pts were randomized to T (89) or D (45); 129 pts had KRAS-mutant NSCLC. Mean age was 61.4 y and 53% were male. In the mITT, 61/86 pts (71%) on T and 31/43 (72%) on D had a PFS event. HR for PFS was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.75-1.75; P = .5197) with a median PFS of 11.7 vs 11.4 wk for T vs D. ORR was 12% for T (10/86) and for D (5/43). With 27 (31%) deaths on T and 15 (35%) on D, HR for OS was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.52-1.83; P= .934). Five fatal SAEs were reported during treatment with T but none with D; 1 unspecified death was considered related to T. Frequent AEs reported with T were rash (59%), diarrhea (47%), nausea (34%), hypertension (34%), and dyspnea (33%). Grade 3/4 AEs with T were hypertension (16%/0), dyspnea (7%/3%), rash (6%/3%), diarrhea (6%/0), and asthenia (6%/0). Rate of treatment related SAEs was 15% with T and 12% with D. Conclusions: T did not improve PFS in pts with KRAS-mutation–positive NSCLC compared with D. However, an ORR of 12% for T in KRAS-mutant NSCLC suggests that an effort to better identify responsive mutations is warranted. The safety profile did not favor T, but is, in general, consistent with the overall T safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT01362296.
These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on nutrition and supportive care for patients with head and neck cancers. This topic was a recent addition to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Head and Neck Cancers. The NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on major updates to the NCCN Guidelines and discuss the new updates in greater detail. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers is available on the NCCN Web site (NCCN.org).