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Cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI) are neurological complications associated with cancer treatment, and greatly affect cancer survivors' quality of life. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in neurogenesis, learning and memory. The reduction of BDNF is associated with the decrease in cognitive function in various neurological disorders. Few pre-clinical studies have reported on the effects of chemotherapy and medical stress on BDNF levels and cognition. The present study aimed to compare the effects of medical stress and cisplatin on serum BDNF levels and cognitive function in 9-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats to age-matched controls. Serum BDNF levels were collected longitudinally during cisplatin treatment, and cognitive function was assessed by novel object recognition (NOR) 14 weeks post-cisplatin initiation. Terminal BDNF levels were collected 24 weeks after cisplatin initiation. In cultured hippocampal neurons, we screened three neuroprotective agents, riluzole (an approved treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), as well as the ampakines CX546 and CX1739. We assessed dendritic arborization by Sholl analysis and dendritic spine density by quantifying postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) puncta. Cisplatin and exposure to medical stress reduced serum BDNF levels and impaired object discrimination in NOR compared to age-matched controls. Pharmacological BDNF augmentation protected neurons against cisplatin-induced reductions in dendritic branching and PSD-95. Ampakines (CX546 and CX1739) and riluzole did not affect the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in vitro. In conclusion, we established the first middle-aged rat model of cisplatin-induced CRCI, assessing the contribution of medical stress and longitudinal changes in BDNF levels on cognitive function, although future studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of BDNF enhancement in vivo on synaptic plasticity. Collectively, our results indicate that cancer

BackgroundStandard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma includes surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy (TMZ/RT→TMZ). The proteasome has long been considered a promising therapeutic target because of its role as a central biological hub in tumor cells. Marizomib is a novel pan-proteasome inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier.MethodsEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 1709/Canadian Cancer Trials Group CE.8 was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label phase 3 superiority trial. Key eligibility criteria included newly diagnosed glioblastoma, age > 18 years and Karnofsky performance status > 70. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The primary objective was to compare overall survival (OS) in patients receiving marizomib in addition to TMZ/RT→TMZ with patients receiving the only standard treatment in the whole population and in the subgroup of patients with MGMT promoter-unmethylated tumors.ResultsThe trial was opened at 82 institutions in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. A total of 749 patients (99.9% of the planned 750) were randomized. OS was not different between the standard and the marizomib arm (median 17 vs. 16.5 months; HR = 1.04; P = .64). PFS was not statistically different either (median 6.0 vs. 6.3 months; HR = 0.97; P = .67). In patients with MGMT promoter-unmethylated tumors, OS was also not different between standard therapy and marizomib (median 14.5 vs. 15.1 months, HR = 1.13; P = .27). More CTCAE grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events were observed in the marizomib arm than in the standard arm.ConclusionsAdding marizomib to standard temozolomide-based radiochemotherapy resulted in more toxicity, but did not improve OS or PFS in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Background: Standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma includes surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy (TMZ/RT→TMZ).The proteasome has long been considered a promising therapeutic target because of its role as a central biological hub in tumor cells. Marizomib is a novel pan-proteasome inhibitor that crosses the blood–brain barrier. Methods: European Organisation for Research andTreatment of Cancer 1709/Canadian CancerTrials Group CE.8 was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label phase 3 superiority trial. Key eligibility criteria included newly diagnosed glioblastoma, age > 18 years and Karnofsky performance status > 70. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio.The primary objective was to compare overall survival (OS) in patients receiving marizomib in addition toTMZ/RT→TMZ with patients receiving the only standard treatment in the whole population and in the subgroup of patients with MGMT promoter-unmethylated tumors. Results:The trial was opened at 82 institutions in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. A total of 749 patients (99.9% of the planned 750) were randomized. OS was not different between the standard and the marizomib arm (median 17 vs. 16.5 months; HR = 1.04; P = .64). PFS was not statistically different either (median 6.0 vs. 6.3 months; HR = 0.97; P = .67). In patients with MGMT promoter-unmethylated tumors, OS was also not different between standard therapy and marizomib (median 14.5 vs. 15.1 months, HR = 1.13; P = .27). More CTCAE grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events were observed in the marizomib arm than in the standard arm. Conclusions: Adding marizomib to standard temozolomide-based radiochemotherapy resulted in more toxicity, but did not improve OS or PFS in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis that highlights a dire clinical need for innovative therapeutic interventions. Despite significant advances in diagnoses and multimodality therapies, the overall prognosis for patients with GBM remains poor, with a median survival time of 15-18 months. Therefore, there is an unmet medical need to develop alternative treatment strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Dysregulation of post-transcriptional control and translational machinery have been implicated in malignant tumor development. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding proteins (CPEB1-CPEB4) are RNA-binding proteins that regulate poly(A) tail elongation of target mRNAs and subsequently contribute to phenotypic changes in cancer cells. Notably, a self-cleaving ribozyme was identified in the CPEB3 gene, but its role in cancer is wholly unexplored. Considering the role of CPEB3 as a tumor suppressor gene and the promotion of cancer progression through the downregulation of CPEB3, our hypothesis is that the CPEB3 ribozyme regulates CPEB3 expression, and its activity contributes to the progression of tumors. Using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as an approach, we demonstrated that inhibition of CPEB3 ribozyme resulted in an increase of CPEB3 mRNA and protein expression. Blocking the CPEB3 ribozyme led to a significant reduction in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in GBM cell lines. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed the downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and hypoxia gene sets in GBM cells treated with ASO compared to Ctrl-ASO. We further measured VEGFA mRNA and protein expression and found that ASO-treated GBM cells secreted significantly less VEGF in conditioned media. Inhibition of the CPEB3 ribozyme also mitigated the EMT process in GBM cells. Subsequently, ASO strategies were applied to patient-derived glioma stem cel

Background: Standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma includes surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy (TMZ/RT→TMZ). The proteasome has long been considered a promising therapeutic target because of its role as a central biological hub in tumor cells. Marizomib is a novel pan-proteasome inhibitor that crosses the blood brain barrier. Methods: EORTC 1709/CCTG CE.8 was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open label phase 3 superiority trial. Key eligibility criteria included newly diagnosed glioblastoma, age > 18 years and Karnofsky performance status > 70. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The primary objective was to compare overall survival (OS) in patients receiving marizomib in addition to TMZ/RT→TMZ with patients receiving only standard treatment in the whole population, and in the subgroup of patients with MGMT promoter-unmethylated tumors. Results: The trial was opened at 82 institutions in Europe, Canada and the US. A total of 749 patients (99.9% of planned 750) were randomized. OS was not different between the standard and the marizomib arm (median 17 vs 16.5 months; HR=1.04; p=0.64). PFS was not statistically different either (median 6.0 vs. 6.3 months; HR=0.97; p=0.67). In patients with MGMT promoter-unmethylated tumors, OS was also not different between standard therapy and marizomib (median 14.5 vs 15.1 months, HR=1.13; p=0.27). More CTCAE grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events were observed in the marizomib arm than in the standard arm. Conclusions: Adding marizomib to standard temozolomide-based radiochemotherapy resulted in more toxicity, but did not improve OS or PFS in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

2047 Background: Standard GBM therapy is associated with early progression and poor overall survival (OS). DC-ATA AV-GBM-1, a personal vaccine consisting of autologous DC pulsed with ATA, was investigated in a multicenter trial in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Methods: Key eligibility criteria for surgical collection of tumor were clinical suspicion of new primary GBM & age 18-70 years. ATA lysate was prepared from irradiated tumor cells that were self-renewing in serum-free media. Autologous monocytes (MC) were collected by leukapheresis. Prior to initiating concurrent radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ), patients were enrolled with intent-to-treat (ITT) with DC-ATA after RT/TMZ. Eligibility included confirmation of primary GBM, availability of ATA & MC, KPS > 70 and plans for RT/TMZ. DC-ATA was manufactured during RT/TMZ. MC were differentiated into DC by culturing with IL-4 & GM-CSF, then DC were incubated with ATA. DC-ATA was suspended in 500 mg GM-CSF just prior to s.c. injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12,16, 20, & 24 (8 doses). Patients were not excluded based on apparent disease progression or PFS. Standard adjuvant TMZ regimens were started after the 3 weekly injections. Primary endpoint was > 75% OS 14.6 months from ITT enrollment. Secondary endpoints included median OS & progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Cell line and MC collection were successful for 97% of patients. Median age of the 60 ITT enrollees was 59 years. 3 patients withdrew before starting DC-ATA; 57 received 392 injections; 68% received all 8. Most common AE attributed to DC-ATA were local injection site reactions (16%) & flu-like symptoms (10%), but 33% experienced seizures. After 3 years of follow up, OS at 14.6 mos is 52.7% (95% CI 39.8,65.8), median OS 16.0 mos (95% CI 12.9,21.7) & median PFS 10.4 mos (95% CI 8.6,11.6). OS rates at 1, 2, & 3 years are 70.1%, 32.4%, & 23.2%. Longer OS was associated with 8 DC-ATA doses (p

BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary, malignant brain tumor in adults and has a poor prognosis. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) of newly diagnosed GBM is approximately 6 months. The recurrence rate approaches 100%, and the case-fatality ratio approaches one. Half the patients die within 8 months of recurrence, and 5-year survival is less than 10%. Advances in treatment options are urgently needed. We report on the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic vaccine (SITOIGANAP: Epitopoietic Research Corporation) administered to 21 patients with recurrent GBM (rGBM) under a Right-to-Try/Expanded Access program. SITOIGANAP is composed of both autologous and allogeneic tumor cells and lysates.MethodsTwenty-one patients with rGBM received SITOIGANAP on 28-day cycles in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), cyclophosphamide, bevacizumab, and an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody (either nivolumab or pembrolizumab).ResultsThe mPFS was 9.14 months, and the median overall survival (mOS) was 19.63 months from protocol entry. Currently, 14 patients (67%) are at least 6 months past their first SITOIGANAP cycle; 10 patients (48%) have received at least six cycles and have a mOS of 30.64 months and 1-year survival of 90%. The enrollment and end-of-study CD3+/CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts strongly correlate with OS.ConclusionsThe addition of SITOIGANAP/GM-CSF/cyclophosphamide to bevacizumab and an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody resulted in a significant survival benefit compared to historic control values in rGBM with minimal toxicity compared to current therapy.

BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary, malignant brain tumor in adults and has a poor prognosis. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) of newly diagnosed GBM is approximately 6 months. The recurrence rate approaches 100%, and the case-fatality ratio approaches one. Half the patients die within 8 months of recurrence, and 5-year survival is less than 10%. Advances in treatment options are urgently needed. We report on the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic vaccine (SITOIGANAP: Epitopoietic Research Corporation) administered to 21 patients with recurrent GBM (rGBM) under a Right-to-Try/Expanded Access program. SITOIGANAP is composed of both autologous and allogeneic tumor cells and lysates.MethodsTwenty-one patients with rGBM received SITOIGANAP on 28-day cycles in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), cyclophosphamide, bevacizumab, and an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody (either nivolumab or pembrolizumab).ResultsThe mPFS was 9.14 months, and the median overall survival (mOS) was 19.63 months from protocol entry. Currently, 14 patients (67%) are at least 6 months past their first SITOIGANAP cycle; 10 patients (48%) have received at least six cycles and have a mOS of 30.64 months and 1-year survival of 90%. The enrollment and end-of-study CD3+/CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts strongly correlate with OS.ConclusionsThe addition of SITOIGANAP/GM-CSF/cyclophosphamide to bevacizumab and an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody resulted in a significant survival benefit compared to historic control values in rGBM with minimal toxicity compared to current therapy.

Cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI) are debilitating consequences of cancer treatment with platinum agents (e.g., cisplatin) that greatly alter cancer survivors' health-related quality of life. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in neurogenesis, learning, and memory, and the reduction of BDNF is associated with the development of cognitive impairment in various neurological disorders, including CRCI. Our previous CRCI rodent studies have shown that cisplatin reduces hippocampal neurogenesis and BDNF expression and increases hippocampal apoptosis, which is associated with cognitive impairments. Few studies have reported on the effects of chemotherapy and medical stress on serum BDNF levels and cognition in middle-aged female rat models. The present study aimed to compare the effects of medical stress and cisplatin on serum BDNF levels and cognitive performance in 9-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats to age-matched controls. Serum BDNF levels were collected longitudinally during cisplatin treatment, and cognitive function was assessed by novel object recognition (NOR) 14 weeks post-cisplatin initiation. Terminal BDNF levels were collected ten weeks after cisplatin completion. We also screened three BDNF-augmenting compounds, riluzole, ampakine CX546, and CX1739, for their neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons, in vitro . We assessed dendritic arborization by Sholl analysis and dendritic spine density by quantifying postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95) puncta. Cisplatin and exposure to medical stress reduced serum BDNF levels and impaired object discrimination in NOR compared to age-matched controls. Pharmacological BDNF augmentation protected neurons against cisplatin-induced reductions in dendritic branching and PSD95. Ampakines (CX546 and CX1739) but not riluzole altered the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in two human ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR8 and SKOV3.ip1, in vitro. In conclusion, we established the first middle

ImportanceGlioblastoma is the most lethal primary brain cancer. Clinical outcomes for glioblastoma remain poor, and new treatments are needed.ObjectiveTo investigate whether adding autologous tumor lysate-loaded dendritic cell vaccine (DCVax-L) to standard of care (SOC) extends survival among patients with glioblastoma.Design, setting, and participantsThis phase 3, prospective, externally controlled nonrandomized trial compared overall survival (OS) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (nGBM) and recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) treated with DCVax-L plus SOC vs contemporaneous matched external control patients treated with SOC. This international, multicenter trial was conducted at 94 sites in 4 countries from August 2007 to November 2015. Data analysis was conducted from October 2020 to September 2021.InterventionsThe active treatment was DCVax-L plus SOC temozolomide. The nGBM external control patients received SOC temozolomide and placebo; the rGBM external controls received approved rGBM therapies.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary and secondary end points compared overall survival (OS) in nGBM and rGBM, respectively, with contemporaneous matched external control populations from the control groups of other formal randomized clinical trials.ResultsA total of 331 patients were enrolled in the trial, with 232 randomized to the DCVax-L group and 99 to the placebo group. Median OS (mOS) for the 232 patients with nGBM receiving DCVax-L was 19.3 (95% CI, 17.5-21.3) months from randomization (22.4 months from surgery) vs 16.5 (95% CI, 16.0-17.5) months from randomization in control patients (HR = 0.80; 98% CI, 0.00-0.94; P = .002). Survival at 48 months from randomization was 15.7% vs 9.9%, and at 60 months, it was 13.0% vs 5.7%. For 64 patients with rGBM receiving DCVax-L, mOS was 13.2 (95% CI, 9.7-16.8) months from relapse vs 7.8 (95% CI, 7.2-8.2) months among control patients (HR, 0.58; 98% CI, 0.00-0.76; P < .001). Survival at 24 and 30 months after rec

In continuation of our previous efforts for the development of potent small molecules against brain cancer, herein we synthesized seventeen new compounds and tested their anti-gliomapotential against established glioblastoma cell lines, namely, D54MG, U251, and LN-229 as well as patient derived cell lines (DB70 and DB93). Among them, the carboxamide derivatives, BT-851 and BT-892 were found to be the most active leads in comparison to our established hit compound BT#9.The SAR studies of our hit BT#9 compound resulted in the development of two new lead compounds by hit to lead strategy. The detailed biological studies are currently underway. The active compounds could possibly act as template for the future development of newer anti-glioma agents.

BackgroundThis phase I/II trial in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) evaluates the safety and preliminary efficacy of marizomib, an irreversible pan-proteasome inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier.MethodsPart A assessed the safety and efficacy of marizomib monotherapy. In Part B, escalating doses of marizomib (0.5-0.8 mg/m2) in combination with bevacizumab were evaluated. Part C explored intra-patient dose escalation of marizomib (0.8-1.0 mg/m2) for the combination.ResultsIn Part A, 30 patients received marizomib monotherapy. The most common AEs were fatigue (66.7%), headache (46.7%), hallucination (43.3%), and insomnia (43.3%). One patient (3.3%) achieved a partial response. In Part B, the recommended phase II dose of marizomib was 0.8 mg/m2 when combined with bevacizumab 10 mg/kg. In Part C, dose escalation to 1.0 mg/m2 was not tolerated. Pooled analysis of 67 patients treated with marizomib ≤0.8 mg/m2 and bevacizumab showed a nonoverlapping safety profile consistent with the known safety profile of each agent: the most common grade ≥3 AEs were hypertension (16.4%), confusion (13.4%), headache (10.4%), and fatigue (10.4%). The overall response rate was 34.3%, including 2 patients with complete response. Six-month progression-free survival was 29.8%; median overall survival was 9.1 months.ConclusionsThe safety profile of marizomib as monotherapy and in combination with bevacizumab was consistent with previous observations that marizomib crosses the blood-brain barrier. Preliminary efficacy did not demonstrate a meaningful benefit of the addition of marizomib to bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent GBM.

BackgroundStandard aggressive therapy of glioblastoma (GBM), which includes maximum safe resection, concurrent radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy (RT/TMZ) followed by maintenance TMZ, is associated with a 25% 2-year overall survival (OS). Adding treatment with AV-GBM-1, a vaccine consisting of autologous dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with autologous tumor antigens (ATA) may improve OS by inducing and/or enhancing the host anti-GBM immune response. Methylation of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter, and mutation of the gene for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) are favorable prognostic markers in newly diagnosed GBM. An objective of a multi-center phase II clinical trial was to determine whether these markers were still prognostic for OS in patients treated with adjunctive AV-GBM-1.MethodsKey eligibility criteria for intent-to-treat (ITT) enrollment were: (1) confirmation of primary GBM, (2) successful GBM cell culture, (3) collection of sufficient numbers of monocytes (MC) by leukapheresis, (4) Karnofsky Performance Status 70 or greater after recovery from surgery, and (5) plan to treat with concurrent RT/TMZ. AV-GBM-1 was manufactured while patients were being treated with RT/TMZ. Interleukin-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were used to differentiate DC from MC. Each vaccine consisted of autologous DC incubated with ATA from the lysate of irradiated cultured GBM cells grown in serum-free media with factors that favor survival and proliferation of stem cells and early progenitor cells (tumor-initiating cells). After recovery from RT/TMZ, intent was to vaccinate for up to six months with cryopreserved AV-GBM-1 admixed with 500 mg GM-CSF. All patients had testing for MGMT-methylation and IDH-mutation. OS was calculated from date of ITT enrollment.Results60 patients were enrolled during August 2018 to January 2020. MGMT promoter methylation was detected in 21 (35%), mutated IDH in 7 (12%), and one or

In primary glioblastoma (GBM), overall survival (OS) is poor despite standard aggressive therapy. Adjunctive AV-GBM-1 vaccine immunotherapy may improve OS. In this multi-institutional phase II trial, key eligibility criteria for intent-to-treat (ITT) enrollment were: (1) primary GBM, (2) age < 70 years when GBM was resected, (3) successful GBM cell culture, (4) successful monocyte collection by leukapheresis, (5) KPS > 70 post-surgery, and (6) plan to treat with concurrent RT/TMZ. Dendritic cells (DC) were differentiated from monocytes by culturing in IL-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). AV-GBM-1 consisted of autologous DC incubated with autologous tumor antigens contained in the lysate of irradiated cultured GBM cells. After recovery from RT/TMZ, doses were admixed with 500 mcg GM-CSF; up to 8 doses were injected subcutaneously over 6 months. Patients were not excluded by apparent progression or pseudo-progression post RT/TMZ. OS and progression-free-survival (PFS) were calculated from ITT enrollment. The success rate was 97% for both GBM cell cultures and collection of monocytes; 60/60 vaccines were successfully manufactured. Median age was 59 years. 57 patients received 392 injections. After two weekly injections there were significant increases in plasma lipocalin-2 and angiopoietin-1, and decreases in thrombospondin-5, angiotensinogen, and beta-fibroblast growth factor. The most common adverse events attributed to AV-GBM-1 were local injection site reactions (16%) and flu-like symptoms (10%). With follow up from 15.2 to 32 months, median PFS and OS were 10.3 (8.5,11.6 95% CI) and 16.0 (13.0,21.3 95% CI) months respectively. OS was better in the 25 patients who had methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation and/or isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation. Age was not independently correlated with survival. From date of first injection, OS was not increased in 14 patients who were treated with alternating elect

In primary glioblastoma (GBM), overall survival (OS) is poor despite standard aggressive therapy. Adjunctive AV-GBM-1 vaccine immunotherapy may improve OS. In this multi-institutional phase II trial, key eligibility criteria for intent-to-treat (ITT) enrollment were: (1) primary GBM, (2) age < 70 years when GBM was resected, (3) successful GBM cell culture, (4) successful monocyte collection by leukapheresis, (5) KPS > 70 post-surgery, and (6) plan to treat with concurrent RT/TMZ. Dendritic cells (DC) were differentiated from monocytes by culturing in IL-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). AV-GBM-1 consisted of autologous DC incubated with autologous tumor antigens contained in the lysate of irradiated cultured GBM cells. After recovery from RT/TMZ, doses were admixed with 500 mcg GM-CSF; up to 8 doses were injected subcutaneously over 6 months. Patients were not excluded by apparent progression or pseudo-progression post RT/TMZ. OS and progression-free-survival (PFS) were calculated from ITT enrollment. The success rate was 97% for both GBM cell cultures and collection of monocytes; 60/60 vaccines were successfully manufactured. Median age was 59 years. 57 patients received 392 injections. After two weekly injections there were significant increases in plasma lipocalin-2 and angiopoietin-1, and decreases in thrombospondin-5, angiotensinogen, and beta-fibroblast growth factor. The most common adverse events attributed to AV-GBM-1 were local injection site reactions (16%) and flu-like symptoms (10%). With follow up from 15.2 to 32 months, median PFS and OS were 10.3 (8.5,11.6 95% CI) and 16.0 (13.0,21.3 95% CI) months respectively. OS was better in the 25 patients who had methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation and/or isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation. Age was not independently correlated with survival. From date of first injection, OS was not increased in 14 patients who were treated with alternating elect

BackgroundStandard aggressive therapy of glioblastoma (GBM), which includes maximum safe resection, concurrent radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy (RT/TMZ) followed by maintenance TMZ, is associated with a 25% 2-year overall survival (OS). Adding treatment with AV-GBM-1, a vaccine consisting of autologous dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with autologous tumor antigens (ATA) may improve OS by inducing and/or enhancing the host anti-GBM immune response. Methylation of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter, and mutation of the gene for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) are favorable prognostic markers in newly diagnosed GBM. An objective of a multi-center phase II clinical trial was to determine whether these markers were still prognostic for OS in patients treated with adjunctive AV-GBM-1.MethodsKey eligibility criteria for intent-to-treat (ITT) enrollment were: (1) confirmation of primary GBM, (2) successful GBM cell culture, (3) collection of sufficient numbers of monocytes (MC) by leukapheresis, (4) Karnofsky Performance Status 70 or greater after recovery from surgery, and (5) plan to treat with concurrent RT/TMZ. AV-GBM-1 was manufactured while patients were being treated with RT/TMZ. Interleukin-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were used to differentiate DC from MC. Each vaccine consisted of autologous DC incubated with ATA from the lysate of irradiated cultured GBM cells grown in serum-free media with factors that favor survival and proliferation of stem cells and early progenitor cells (tumor-initiating cells). After recovery from RT/TMZ, intent was to vaccinate for up to six months with cryopreserved AV-GBM-1 admixed with 500 mg GM-CSF. All patients had testing for MGMT-methylation and IDH-mutation. OS was calculated from date of ITT enrollment.Results60 patients were enrolled during August 2018 to January 2020. MGMT promoter methylation was detected in 21 (35%), mutated IDH in 7 (12%), and one or

Precision medicine is vital for treating many cancers. Lack of valid biomarkers might contribute to the failure of drug therapy for GBM. The Denovo Genomic Marker 1 (DGM1), a novel pharmacogenomic biomarker, has been discovered by a genome-wide screen of patients treated with DB102 (enzastaurin) in a trial for lymphoma. Similarly, retrospective analyses showed that DB102 significantly improved outcomes in the biomarker positive GBM patients treated with DB102, regardless of MGMT promoter methylation status. The ENGAGE Study (DB102-01, NCT03776071) is a global Phase 3 clinical trial to confirm clinical benefits in patients with newly diagnosed GBM who are DGM1 biomarker positive. This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study. A total of 318 patients with newly diagnosed GBM will be enrolled. After screening, patients will be randomized to receive radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) plus either DB102 or a matched placebo for 6 weeks in the Concurrent Phase, followed by DB102 or placebo for approximately 5 weeks in the Single-Agent Phase and then TMZ plus DB102 or placebo in the Adjuvant Phase (up to 12 cycles). Thereafter DB102 or placebo may be continued as a single agent for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints include progression free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and drug safety. By April 2021, the safety-run-in part was completed. The study is now open for enrollment in the US and soon in Canada and China.

BackgroundThis phase I/II trial in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) evaluates the safety and preliminary efficacy of marizomib, an irreversible pan-proteasome inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier.MethodsPart A assessed the safety and efficacy of marizomib monotherapy. In Part B, escalating doses of marizomib (0.5-0.8 mg/m2) in combination with bevacizumab were evaluated. Part C explored intra-patient dose escalation of marizomib (0.8-1.0 mg/m2) for the combination.ResultsIn Part A, 30 patients received marizomib monotherapy. The most common AEs were fatigue (66.7%), headache (46.7%), hallucination (43.3%), and insomnia (43.3%). One patient (3.3%) achieved a partial response. In Part B, the recommended phase II dose of marizomib was 0.8 mg/m2 when combined with bevacizumab 10 mg/kg. In Part C, dose escalation to 1.0 mg/m2 was not tolerated. Pooled analysis of 67 patients treated with marizomib ≤0.8 mg/m2 and bevacizumab showed a nonoverlapping safety profile consistent with the known safety profile of each agent: the most common grade ≥3 AEs were hypertension (16.4%), confusion (13.4%), headache (10.4%), and fatigue (10.4%). The overall response rate was 34.3%, including 2 patients with complete response. Six-month progression-free survival was 29.8%; median overall survival was 9.1 months.ConclusionsThe safety profile of marizomib as monotherapy and in combination with bevacizumab was consistent with previous observations that marizomib crosses the blood-brain barrier. Preliminary efficacy did not demonstrate a meaningful benefit of the addition of marizomib to bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent GBM.

In primary glioblastoma (GBM), overall survival (OS) is poor despite standard aggressive therapy. Adjunctive AV-GBM-1 vaccine immunotherapy may improve OS. In this multi-institutional phase II trial, key eligibility criteria for intent-to-treat (ITT) enrollment were: (1) primary GBM, (2) age < 70 years when GBM was resected, (3) successful GBM cell culture, (4) successful monocyte collection by leukapheresis, (5) KPS > 70 post-surgery, and (6) plan to treat with concurrent RT/TMZ. Dendritic cells (DC) were differentiated from monocytes by culturing in IL-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). AV-GBM-1 consisted of autologous DC incubated with autologous tumor antigens contained in the lysate of irradiated cultured GBM cells. After recovery from RT/TMZ, doses were admixed with 500 mcg GM-CSF; up to 8 doses were injected subcutaneously over 6 months. Patients were not excluded by apparent progression or pseudo-progression post RT/TMZ. OS and progression-free-survival (PFS) were calculated from ITT enrollment. The success rate was 97% for both GBM cell cultures and collection of monocytes; 60/60 vaccines were successfully manufactured. Median age was 59 years. 57 patients received 392 injections. After two weekly injections there were significant increases in plasma lipocalin-2 and angiopoietin-1, and decreases in thrombospondin-5, angiotensinogen, and beta-fibroblast growth factor. The most common adverse events attributed to AV-GBM-1 were local injection site reactions (16%) and flu-like symptoms (10%). With follow up from 15.2 to 32 months, median PFS and OS were 10.3 (8.5,11.6 95% CI) and 16.0 (13.0,21.3 95% CI) months respectively. OS was better in the 25 patients who had methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation and/or isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation. Age was not independently correlated with survival. From date of first injection, OS was not increased in 14 patients who were treated with alternating elect

GBM standard treatment is associated with poor survival. Adjunctive therapy with patient-specific vaccines may improve outcomes by enhancing anti-GBM immune responses. A multi-institutional phase II clinical trial was designed with a primary objective of 75% survival 15 months after intent-to-treat enrollment. IL-4 and GM-CSF were used to generate dendritic cells (DC) from monocytes. DC were incubated with autologous tumor antigens (ATA) from the lysate of cultured GBM cells to produce each patient-specific DC-ATA vaccine. Each dose was admixed with 500 mcg GM-CSF at the time of subcutaneous injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Enrollment has been completed in April 2020 (n=60). Three patients withdrew from the study prior to starting treatment leaving 57 patients for whom data is available. So far 57 patients have received 344 doses; 27 have completed all 8 doses, 11 received fewer than 8 doses at the time they discontinued treatment, 19 are currently in treatment. No patient has discontinued treatment because of toxicity. 9 pt had died and the preliminary 12 months overall survival is 74%. In a preliminary serologic analysis 12 of 16 patients (75%) had an increase in markers associated with Th1/NK, Th2/immunoglobulins, and Th2 hypersensitivity (eotaxins, IgE and IL17F) by week-3; 9 of 15 (60%) had a decrease in angiogenesis factors, growth factors, and tumor markers by week-8. Immunologic data for all 55 patients who received at least two injections will be available November 2020. This patient-specific DC-ATA immunotherapy approach is feasible, is associated with changes in serologic markers, and may be increasing intratumor inflammation that may be associated with on-target toxicity and efficacy. A interim survival analysis will be conducted in mid-October 2020, 15 months after the 28th patient was enrolled; results will be available November 2020 [Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03400917].

ERC1671 is an allogeneic/autologous therapeutic vaccine – composed of whole, inactivated tumor cells mixed with tumor- cell lysates. The hypothesized action of ERC1671 is to potentiate the patients’ immune system against the tumor. Goals of this ongoing, phase 2 study are to determine the safety and effectiveness (overall survival) of ERC1671 in combination with GM-CSF and cyclophosphamide as an add-on treatment to bevacizumab at the time of GBM recurrence. To date 22 recurrent bevacizumab-naïve rGBM patients have been randomized to ERC1671/GM-CSF/Cyclophosphamide + Bevacizumab or Placebo + Bevacizumab. Median age is 56.5 (33–74), 7 patients (32%) are female, and average KPS is 82.3 (70–100). Of the 22, two discontinued before completing one cycle of therapy and two remain on blinded treatment. Currently 18 patients are unblinded due to further progression: 8 were on vaccine and 10 on placebo. Five of those on placebo crossed to vaccine at progression. All but one of the 18 are now deceased. Median overall survival of unblinded patients randomized to ERC1671 + Bevacizumab (n = 8) is 264.5 days from the start of study treatment, compared to 182 days for those randomized to placebo + Bevacizumab who did not cross over (n = 5). Median overall survival of unblinded patients on vaccine at randomization or crossover is 328 days after first study treatment (n = 13). While sparse, the data to date suggest pre-treatment and maximal CD4+T lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood correlate with OS more strongly in the ERC1671 group than in the placebo group. First clinical results for toxicity show no difference in the distribution of AEs between the Vaccine and Placebo groups, with no Gr4/Gr5 AEs in either group. This phase 2 randomized, double-blinded study is ongoing, with the addition of one more site.

BackgroundPrimary glioblastoma (GBM) is associated with poor survival. Adjunctive vaccines may improve survival by inducing or enhancing anti-GBM immune responses.MethodsA multi-institutional phase II clinical trial was conducted with a primary objective of 75% survival 15 months after intent-to-treat enrollment. Key eligibility criteria were: (1) primary GBM diagnosis, (2) age < 70 years at time of tumor resection, (3) successful GBM cell culture, (4) successful monocyte collection by leukapheresis, (5) Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) > 70 after surgical recovery. Dendritic cells (DC) were differentiated from autologous monocytes, then incubated with autologous tumor antigens (ATA) from the GBM cell line-lysate to produce each patient-specific DC-ATA vaccine. Doses were suspended in 500 mcg granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) at the time of subcutaneous injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Patients were enrolled just prior to starting standard concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT) for the intent-to-treat after recovery from RT/TMZ.ResultsTumors were collected August 2018-January 2020. Cell line success rate was 71/73 (97%); monocyte collection success rate was 63/65 (97%), but 10 patients required a second leukapheresis. Patients were enrolled for in-to-treat October 2018-February 2020. The 60 patients included 42 men and 18 women with median age of 59 years (range of 27–70). Racial make-up was 43 White, 10 Hispanic, 2 Black, 1 Asian and 3 Other. KPS was 100 in 4, 90 in 25, 80 in 17 and 70 in 14 (mean 83.2). MGMT methylation was present in 13, absent in 31, and unknown in 16; IDH mutation was present in 7, absent in 50, and unknown in 3. 57 patients had received 380 doses with 9 still under treatment at time of abstract submission. 32 had completed all 8 doses; 16 had received fewer than 8 doses when they discontinued treatment. No patient discontinued treatment because of toxicity, but 28 have been ho

ERC1671 is an allogeneic/autologous therapeutic vaccine – composed of whole, inactivated tumor cells mixed with tumor- cell lysates. The hypothesized action of ERC1671 is to potentiate the patients’ immune system against the tumor. Goals of this ongoing, phase 2 study are to determine the safety and effectiveness (overall survival) of ERC1671 in combination with GM-CSF and cyclophosphamide as an add-on treatment to bevacizumab at the time of GBM recurrence. To date 22 recurrent bevacizumab-naïve rGBM patients have been randomized to ERC1671/GM-CSF/Cyclophosphamide + Bevacizumab or Placebo + Bevacizumab. Median age is 56.5 (33–74), 7 patients (32%) are female, and average KPS is 82.3 (70–100). Of the 22, two discontinued before completing one cycle of therapy and two remain on blinded treatment. Currently 18 patients are unblinded due to further progression: 8 were on vaccine and 10 on placebo. Five of those on placebo crossed to vaccine at progression. All but one of the 18 are now deceased. Median overall survival of unblinded patients randomized to ERC1671 + Bevacizumab (n = 8) is 264.5 days from the start of study treatment, compared to 182 days for those randomized to placebo + Bevacizumab who did not cross over (n = 5). Median overall survival of unblinded patients on vaccine at randomization or crossover is 328 days after first study treatment (n = 13). While sparse, the data to date suggest pre-treatment and maximal CD4+T lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood correlate with OS more strongly in the ERC1671 group than in the placebo group. First clinical results for toxicity show no difference in the distribution of AEs between the Vaccine and Placebo groups, with no Gr4/Gr5 AEs in either group. This phase 2 randomized, double-blinded study is ongoing, with the addition of one more site.

GBM standard treatment is associated with poor survival. Adjunctive therapy with patient-specific vaccines may improve outcomes by enhancing anti-GBM immune responses. A multi-institutional phase II clinical trial was designed with a primary objective of 75% survival 15 months after intent-to-treat enrollment. IL-4 and GM-CSF were used to generate dendritic cells (DC) from monocytes. DC were incubated with autologous tumor antigens (ATA) from the lysate of cultured GBM cells to produce each patient-specific DC-ATA vaccine. Each dose was admixed with 500 mcg GM-CSF at the time of subcutaneous injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Enrollment has been completed in April 2020 (n=60). Three patients withdrew from the study prior to starting treatment leaving 57 patients for whom data is available. So far 57 patients have received 344 doses; 27 have completed all 8 doses, 11 received fewer than 8 doses at the time they discontinued treatment, 19 are currently in treatment. No patient has discontinued treatment because of toxicity. 9 pt had died and the preliminary 12 months overall survival is 74%. In a preliminary serologic analysis 12 of 16 patients (75%) had an increase in markers associated with Th1/NK, Th2/immunoglobulins, and Th2 hypersensitivity (eotaxins, IgE and IL17F) by week-3; 9 of 15 (60%) had a decrease in angiogenesis factors, growth factors, and tumor markers by week-8. Immunologic data for all 55 patients who received at least two injections will be available November 2020. This patient-specific DC-ATA immunotherapy approach is feasible, is associated with changes in serologic markers, and may be increasing intratumor inflammation that may be associated with on-target toxicity and efficacy. A interim survival analysis will be conducted in mid-October 2020, 15 months after the 28th patient was enrolled; results will be available November 2020 [Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03400917].

ERC1671 is an allogeneic/autologous therapeutic vaccine – composed of whole, inactivated tumor cells mixed with tumor- cell lysates. The hypothesized action of ERC1671 is to potentiate the patients’ immune system against the tumor. Goals of this ongoing, phase 2 study are to determine the safety and effectiveness (overall survival) of ERC1671 in combination with GM-CSF and cyclophosphamide as an add-on treatment to bevacizumab at the time of GBM recurrence. To date 22 recurrent bevacizumab-naïve rGBM patients have been randomized to ERC1671/GM-CSF/Cyclophosphamide + Bevacizumab or Placebo + Bevacizumab. Median age is 56.5 (33–74), 7 patients (32%) are female, and average KPS is 82.3 (70–100). Of the 22, two discontinued before completing one cycle of therapy and two remain on blinded treatment. Currently 18 patients are unblinded due to further progression: 8 were on vaccine and 10 on placebo. Five of those on placebo crossed to vaccine at progression. All but one of the 18 are now deceased. Median overall survival of unblinded patients randomized to ERC1671 + Bevacizumab (n = 8) is 264.5 days from the start of study treatment, compared to 182 days for those randomized to placebo + Bevacizumab who did not cross over (n = 5). Median overall survival of unblinded patients on vaccine at randomization or crossover is 328 days after first study treatment (n = 13). While sparse, the data to date suggest pre-treatment and maximal CD4+T lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood correlate with OS more strongly in the ERC1671 group than in the placebo group. First clinical results for toxicity show no difference in the distribution of AEs between the Vaccine and Placebo groups, with no Gr4/Gr5 AEs in either group. This phase 2 randomized, double-blinded study is ongoing, with the addition of one more site.

GBM standard treatment is associated with poor survival. Adjunctive therapy with patient-specific vaccines may improve outcomes by enhancing anti-GBM immune responses. A multi-institutional phase II clinical trial was designed with a primary objective of 75% survival 15 months after intent-to-treat enrollment. IL-4 and GM-CSF were used to generate dendritic cells (DC) from monocytes. DC were incubated with autologous tumor antigens (ATA) from the lysate of cultured GBM cells to produce each patient-specific DC-ATA vaccine. Each dose was admixed with 500 mcg GM-CSF at the time of subcutaneous injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Enrollment has been completed in April 2020 (n=60). Three patients withdrew from the study prior to starting treatment leaving 57 patients for whom data is available. So far 57 patients have received 344 doses; 27 have completed all 8 doses, 11 received fewer than 8 doses at the time they discontinued treatment, 19 are currently in treatment. No patient has discontinued treatment because of toxicity. 9 pt had died and the preliminary 12 months overall survival is 74%. In a preliminary serologic analysis 12 of 16 patients (75%) had an increase in markers associated with Th1/NK, Th2/immunoglobulins, and Th2 hypersensitivity (eotaxins, IgE and IL17F) by week-3; 9 of 15 (60%) had a decrease in angiogenesis factors, growth factors, and tumor markers by week-8. Immunologic data for all 55 patients who received at least two injections will be available November 2020. This patient-specific DC-ATA immunotherapy approach is feasible, is associated with changes in serologic markers, and may be increasing intratumor inflammation that may be associated with on-target toxicity and efficacy. A interim survival analysis will be conducted in mid-October 2020, 15 months after the 28th patient was enrolled; results will be available November 2020 [Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03400917].

The aim of this study was to determine the role of retrograde signaling (mitochondria to nucleus) in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Therefore, in the present study, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids were produced using the mitochondria from the same H and J individuals that were already used in our non-diseased retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) cybrids. MCF7 cybrids were treated with cisplatin and analyzed for cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS, and expression levels of genes associated with the cGAS-STING and cancer-related pathways. Results showed that unlike the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids, the untreated MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had similar levels of ATP, lactate, and OCR: ECAR ratios. After cisplatin treatment, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids showed similar (a) decreases in cell viability and ROS levels; (b) upregulation of ABCC1, BRCA1 and CDKN1A/P21; and (c) downregulation of EGFR. Cisplatin-treated ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids showed increased expression of six cGAS-STING pathway genes, while two were increased for MCF7-J cybrids. In summary, the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids behave differentially from each other with or without cisplatin. In contrast, the MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had identical metabolic/bioenergetic profiles and cisplatin responses. Our findings suggest that cancer cell nuclei might have a diminished ability to respond to the modulating signaling of the mtDNA that occurs via the cGAS-STING pathway.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive disease that originates from lymphocytes and develops in the central nervous system. There is no standard consolidation/maintenance therapy for PCNSL. While there exists a variety of options, the high chance of inferior outcomes for elderly patients and the risk of neurotoxicity requires exploration of alternative options for consolidation/maintenance therapy for PCNSL in the elderly population with CNS lymphoma. We treated one 77-year-old patient with single agent ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain-barrier, as consolidation/maintenance therapy after induction therapy with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) and rituximab plus temozolomide. This treatment resulted in good tolerance, further resolution of a small residue lymphoma, and sustained remission. The patient has completed one year of consolidation/maintenance therapy and is currently under clinical and imaging surveillance. She has survived 27 months without recurrence since diagnosis. This case shows the potential effectiveness of single agent ibrutinib as consolidation/maintenance therapy for PCNSL after induction therapy. More cases are needed to confirm the findings.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the first widespread vaccination campaign against a coronavirus. Many vaccinated subjects are previously naive to SARS-CoV-2; however, almost all have previously encountered other coronaviruses (CoVs), and the role of this immunity in shaping the vaccine response remains uncharacterized. Here, we use longitudinal samples and highly multiplexed serology to identify mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibody responses against a range of CoV Spike epitopes, in both phylogenetically conserved and non-conserved regions. Whereas reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 epitopes shows a delayed but progressive increase following vaccination, we observe distinct kinetics for the endemic CoV homologs at conserved sites in Spike S2: these become detectable sooner and decay at later time points. Using homolog-specific antibody depletion and alanine-substitution experiments, we show that these distinct trajectories reflect an evolving cross-reactive response that can distinguish rare, polymorphic residues within these epitopes. Our results reveal mechanisms for the formation of antibodies with broad reactivity against CoVs.

Treatment-refractory meningiomas have a dismal prognosis and limited treatment options. Meningiomas express high-densities of somatostatin receptors (SSTR), thus potentially susceptible to antitumorigenic effects of somatostatin analogues (SSA). Evidence for SSA in meningiomas is scarce, and it is unclear if published literature would either (1) support wider use of SSA, if (2) more evidence is desirable, or if (3) available evidence is sufficient to discard SSA. We addressed the need for more evidence with a systematic review and meta-analysis. We performed an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis. Main outcomes were toxicity, best radiological response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. We applied multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the effect of SSA on the probability of obtaining radiological disease control. The predictive performance was evaluated using area under the curve and Brier scores. We included 16 studies and compiled IPD from 8/9 of all previous cohorts. Quality of evidence was overall ranked "very low." Stable disease was reported in 58% of patients as best radiological response. Per 100 mg increase in total SSA dosage, the odds ratios for obtaining radiological disease control was 1.42 (1.11 to 1.81, P = 0.005) and 1.44 (1.00 to 2.08, P = 0.05) for patients treated with SSA as monodrug therapy vs SSA in combination with everolimus, respectively. Low quality of evidence impeded exact quantification of treatment efficacy, and the association between response and treatment may represent reverse causality. Yet, the SSA treatment was well tolerated, and beneficial effect cannot be disqualified. A prospective trial without bias from inconsistent study designs is warranted to assess SSA therapy for well-defined meningioma subgroups.

Inconsistencies in and barriers to routine depression screening across all medical specialties but neuro-oncology in particular directly contribute to our present inability to clearly identify depression trends in high-grade glioma patients. This gap in knowledge subsequently exacerbates health outcomes in an already at-risk population with poor prognoses. Increased rates of depression screening may reveal these depression trends, but barriers to screening must first be overcome to allow for intervention. In response, we have designed a 20-question, 68-item provider questionnaire to assess attitudes towards, barriers to, and responsibility for depression screening in high-grade glioma patients. Our survey has undergone careful revisions with providers and experts in the field of neuro-oncology. The data collected from the use of this survey will inform our ability to provide recommendations for improving depression screening in neuro-oncology clinics, thereby alleviating the additional burden of depression on high-grade glioma patient health outcomes.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of retrograde signaling (mitochondria to nucleus) in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Therefore, in the present study, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids were produced using the mitochondria from the same H and J individuals that were already used in our non-diseased retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) cybrids. MCF7 cybrids were treated with cisplatin and analyzed for cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS, and expression levels of genes associated with the cGAS-STING and cancer-related pathways. Results showed that unlike the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids, the untreated MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had similar levels of ATP, lactate, and OCR: ECAR ratios. After cisplatin treatment, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids showed similar (a) decreases in cell viability and ROS levels; (b) upregulation of ABCC1, BRCA1 and CDKN1A/P21; and (c) downregulation of EGFR. Cisplatin-treated ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids showed increased expression of six cGAS-STING pathway genes, while two were increased for MCF7-J cybrids. In summary, the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids behave differentially from each other with or without cisplatin. In contrast, the MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had identical metabolic/bioenergetic profiles and cisplatin responses. Our findings suggest that cancer cell nuclei might have a diminished ability to respond to the modulating signaling of the mtDNA that occurs via the cGAS-STING pathway.

Despite recent advances in the treatment of malignant gliomas (World Health Organization grade III and grade IV tumors- Glioblastoma Multiforme, Anaplastic Astrocytoma and Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma), the overall prognosis remains poor. Tumor recurrence in malignant glioma is inevitable, and associated with reduced overall survival (OS). Bevacizumab is approved for use in progressive GBM as a second line treatment, and is associated with improvements in progression free survival (PFS). However, all GBM patients eventually recur on bevacizumab therapy, with a very short OS after bevacizumab failure. No FDA-approved therapy is available for this clinical setting. Etoposide crosses the blood-brain barrier and has activity in recurrent malignant gliomas. The use of bevacizumab with etoposide in recurrent malignant gliomas in the setting of bevacizumab resistance is evaluated in this review. Bevacizumab and etoposide combined therapy is associated with radiographic response and effectiveness in selected patients.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive disease that originates from lymphocytes and develops in the central nervous system. There is no standard consolidation/maintenance therapy for PCNSL. While there exists a variety of options, the high chance of inferior outcomes for elderly patients and the risk of neurotoxicity requires exploration of alternative options for consolidation/maintenance therapy for PCNSL in the elderly population with CNS lymphoma. We treated one 77-year-old patient with single agent ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain-barrier, as consolidation/maintenance therapy after induction therapy with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) and rituximab plus temozolomide. This treatment resulted in good tolerance, further resolution of a small residue lymphoma, and sustained remission. The patient has completed one year of consolidation/maintenance therapy and is currently under clinical and imaging surveillance. She has survived 27 months without recurrence since diagnosis. This case shows the potential effectiveness of single agent ibrutinib as consolidation/maintenance therapy for PCNSL after induction therapy. More cases are needed to confirm the findings.

Background: Computer-based cognitive rehabilitation programs may help adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer-related cognitive impairment. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation as a preventive intervention for AYA patients receiving chemotherapy. Explorative objectives included the correlation of cognitive performance with serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: This pilot prospective study included English-speaking patients 12-25 years of age with a fist diagnosis of cancer requiring chemotherapy. Participants enrolled in the intervention arm participated in a computer-based neurocognitive training program for 20-30 minutes daily for 16 weeks. Outcome measures, including engagement with and completion of computerized neurocognitive testing and serum BDNF levels, were obtained within the first month following diagnosis, ∼16 and 24 weeks from enrollment. Results: Fourteen of 18 eligible patients provided consent, with 7 patients assigned to each the intervention arm and nonintervention arm. Seventy-one percent of the patients in the intervention arm completed at least 80% of the required activities. Compared to baseline, patients in the nonintervention arm demonstrated higher prevalence of impairment in four of the six cognitive domains (processing speed, visual attention, attention/working memory, and executive function) at the end of the study period. There was a nonstatistically significant reduction of serum BDNF levels over time, which was observed in both intervention and nonintervention arms. Conclusion: This pilot study provides some evidence that it is feasible for AYAs with new cancer diagnoses to receive standardized cognitive rehabilitation. Patients receiving cognitive activities experienced less impairment in numerous cognitive domains.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the first widespread vaccination campaign against a coronavirus. Many vaccinated subjects are previously naive to SARS-CoV-2; however, almost all have previously encountered other coronaviruses (CoVs), and the role of this immunity in shaping the vaccine response remains uncharacterized. Here, we use longitudinal samples and highly multiplexed serology to identify mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibody responses against a range of CoV Spike epitopes, in both phylogenetically conserved and non-conserved regions. Whereas reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 epitopes shows a delayed but progressive increase following vaccination, we observe distinct kinetics for the endemic CoV homologs at conserved sites in Spike S2: these become detectable sooner and decay at later time points. Using homolog-specific antibody depletion and alanine-substitution experiments, we show that these distinct trajectories reflect an evolving cross-reactive response that can distinguish rare, polymorphic residues within these epitopes. Our results reveal mechanisms for the formation of antibodies with broad reactivity against CoVs.

Background and purposeClinical guidelines suggest that prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should be given to newly diagnosed seizure-naive brain tumor patients for up to 1 week after craniotomy. Yet, data suggest that prophylactic AEDs are used up to 12 months after surgery. A quality improvement project was implemented to improve adherence to evidence-based prophylactic AED guidelines.MethodsA quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test intervention design was used to assess the effect of a multiphase intervention on guideline adherence and prophylactic anticonvulsant prescription rates. The 16-week intervention consisted of provider education sessions, provider alerts, documentation templates, and a weekly audit and feedback. Participants included four providers and newly diagnosed seizure-naive brain tumor patients. Measures included guideline adherence rates and AED prescription rates extracted from chart review, and a provider attitude and knowledge survey. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Chi-square tests.ResultsGuideline adherence increased significantly (p < .01) from 4 months before implementation (15.8%) to 1 year before implementation (27.8%) and then to 93.3% after implementation. Provider knowledge showed clinically meaningful decreases in the likelihood to prescribe prophylactic AEDs (-.5 point) and increased understanding of prophylactic AED side effects (+0.5 point), although these were not statistically significant (p = .083). Finally, prophylactic AED prescription rates decreased by 2.2% (p = .119) compared with 4 months and 1 year before implementation (2.6%; p = .072).ConclusionThis project highlights the important role of provider education, provider alerts, a documentation template, and audit and feedback in improving guideline adherence rate. Findings suggest that the combination intervention and weekly audit and feedback strategy can improve guideline adherence to prophylactic anticonvulsant use in

Treatment-refractory meningiomas have a dismal prognosis and limited treatment options. Meningiomas express high-densities of somatostatin receptors (SSTR), thus potentially susceptible to antitumorigenic effects of somatostatin analogues (SSA). Evidence for SSA in meningiomas is scarce, and it is unclear if published literature would either (1) support wider use of SSA, if (2) more evidence is desirable, or if (3) available evidence is sufficient to discard SSA. We addressed the need for more evidence with a systematic review and meta-analysis. We performed an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis. Main outcomes were toxicity, best radiological response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. We applied multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the effect of SSA on the probability of obtaining radiological disease control. The predictive performance was evaluated using area under the curve and Brier scores. We included 16 studies and compiled IPD from 8/9 of all previous cohorts. Quality of evidence was overall ranked “very low.” Stable disease was reported in 58% of patients as best radiological response. Per 100 mg increase in total SSA dosage, the odds ratios for obtaining radiological disease control was 1.42 (1.11 to 1.81, P = 0.005) and 1.44 (1.00 to 2.08, P = 0.05) for patients treated with SSA as monodrug therapy vs SSA in combination with everolimus, respectively. Low quality of evidence impeded exact quantification of treatment efficacy, and the association between response and treatment may represent reverse causality. Yet, the SSA treatment was well tolerated, and beneficial effect cannot be disqualified. A prospective trial without bias from inconsistent study designs is warranted to assess SSA therapy for well-defined meningioma subgroups.

Standard therapy for recurrent GBM is bevacizumab, a monoclonal VEGF inhibitor that targets tumor vascularization. The response to bevacizumab is transient and short-lived (4–6 months) after which patients typically develop progressive physical and mental debilitation culminating in death. ERC1671 is an allogeneic/autologous therapeutic vaccine – composed of whole, inactivated tumor cells mixed with tumor- cell lysates. The hypothesized action of ERC1671 is to potentiate the patients’ immune system against the tumor. Goals of this ongoing, phase 2 study are to to determine the safety and effectiveness (over-all survival) of ERC1671 in combination with GM-CSF and cyclophosphamide as an add-on treatment to bevacizumab at the time of GBM recurrence. To date 16 recurrent bevacizumab-naïve GBM patients have been randomized to ERC1671/GM-CSF/Cyclophosphamide + Bevacizumab or Placebo + Bevacizumab. Median age is 56.5 (39–74), 5 patients (31%) are female, and average KPS is 83 (70–100). Thirteen patients are deceased and were unblinded at the time of further progression: 5 received vaccine, 7 received placebo, and 1 is non-evaluable due to discontinuation before completing 1 cycle. Median overall survival of the deceased patients treated with ERC1671 + Bevacizumab was 328 days (10.9 months), compared to 245 days (8.2 months) for patients treated with Placebo + Bevacizumab. While sparse, the data to date suggest pre-treatment and maximal CD4+T lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood correlate with OS more strongly in the ERC1671 group than in the placebo group. First clinical results for toxicity show no difference in the distribution of AEs between the Vaccine and Placebo groups, with no Gr4/Gr5 AEs in either group. The phase 2 randomized, double-blinded study is ongoing with the addition of 2 subsites.

Newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) patients have a limited survival (18–24 months). In the last decade immunotherapy has improved survival for patients with other malignancies, but not GBM. Herein we present the design and initial enrollment results for the AV-GBM-1 single-arm phase 2 trial. The study enrolls patients with primary GBM who have undergone craniotomy, have a tumor cell culture established, and complete satisfactory leukapheresis prior to planned concurrent chemotherapy and radiation. Patients are scheduled to receive up to 8 vaccine injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Blood samples are collected just prior to each injection. The primary endpoint is overall survival from date of enrollment for intent-to-treat with AV-GBM-1. The study has fully enrolled 26 of planned 55 patients. The cell line success rate is 30/32, with 6 in progress; successful completion of leukapheresis is 28/29. Two patients have completed all 8 doses, two discontinued after dose 3 and dose 6 because of progressive disease; 15 are currently in treatment, and 6 are about to start treatment. There have been seven SAE, all for hospitalizations related to GBM. For the first 8 treated patients, plasma samples from baseline and weeks 2, 3, and 8 have been analyzed for immune markers by RayBiotech Life Inc. using quantitative multiplex ELISA array. Markers reflecting Th1, Th2, Th17 pathways and B-cells, natural killer cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes increased in 7/8 patients. Principal component analysis demonstrates correlative marker groupings with early dominance of Th1/Th17 (weeks 1 and 2) followed by Th2/immunoglobulins at week 8. These findings show that these patient-specific dendritic cell vaccines are inducing pro-inflammatory responses similar to what was observed in a previous trial in melanoma. The study is progressing efficiently. Full enrollment data may be available for presentation at the time of the annual meeting.

Newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) patients have a limited survival (18–24 months). In the last decade immunotherapy has improved survival for patients with other malignancies, but not GBM. Herein we present the design and initial enrollment results for the AV-GBM-1 single-arm phase 2 trial. The study enrolls patients with primary GBM who have undergone craniotomy, have a tumor cell culture established, and complete satisfactory leukapheresis prior to planned concurrent chemotherapy and radiation. Patients are scheduled to receive up to 8 vaccine injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Blood samples are collected just prior to each injection. The primary endpoint is overall survival from date of enrollment for intent-to-treat with AV-GBM-1. The study has fully enrolled 26 of planned 55 patients. The cell line success rate is 30/32, with 6 in progress; successful completion of leukapheresis is 28/29. Two patients have completed all 8 doses, two discontinued after dose 3 and dose 6 because of progressive disease; 15 are currently in treatment, and 6 are about to start treatment. There have been seven SAE, all for hospitalizations related to GBM. For the first 8 treated patients, plasma samples from baseline and weeks 2, 3, and 8 have been analyzed for immune markers by RayBiotech Life Inc. using quantitative multiplex ELISA array. Markers reflecting Th1, Th2, Th17 pathways and B-cells, natural killer cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes increased in 7/8 patients. Principal component analysis demonstrates correlative marker groupings with early dominance of Th1/Th17 (weeks 1 and 2) followed by Th2/immunoglobulins at week 8. These findings show that these patient-specific dendritic cell vaccines are inducing pro-inflammatory responses similar to what was observed in a previous trial in melanoma. The study is progressing efficiently. Full enrollment data may be available for presentation at the time of the annual meeting.

Standard therapy for recurrent GBM is bevacizumab, a monoclonal VEGF inhibitor that targets tumor vascularization. The response to bevacizumab is transient and short-lived (4–6 months) after which patients typically develop progressive physical and mental debilitation culminating in death. ERC1671 is an allogeneic/autologous therapeutic vaccine – composed of whole, inactivated tumor cells mixed with tumor- cell lysates. The hypothesized action of ERC1671 is to potentiate the patients’ immune system against the tumor. Goals of this ongoing, phase 2 study are to to determine the safety and effectiveness (over-all survival) of ERC1671 in combination with GM-CSF and cyclophosphamide as an add-on treatment to bevacizumab at the time of GBM recurrence. To date 16 recurrent bevacizumab-naïve GBM patients have been randomized to ERC1671/GM-CSF/Cyclophosphamide + Bevacizumab or Placebo + Bevacizumab. Median age is 56.5 (39–74), 5 patients (31%) are female, and average KPS is 83 (70–100). Thirteen patients are deceased and were unblinded at the time of further progression: 5 received vaccine, 7 received placebo, and 1 is non-evaluable due to discontinuation before completing 1 cycle. Median overall survival of the deceased patients treated with ERC1671 + Bevacizumab was 328 days (10.9 months), compared to 245 days (8.2 months) for patients treated with Placebo + Bevacizumab. While sparse, the data to date suggest pre-treatment and maximal CD4+T lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood correlate with OS more strongly in the ERC1671 group than in the placebo group. First clinical results for toxicity show no difference in the distribution of AEs between the Vaccine and Placebo groups, with no Gr4/Gr5 AEs in either group. The phase 2 randomized, double-blinded study is ongoing with the addition of 2 subsites.

Standard therapy for recurrent GBM is bevacizumab, a monoclonal VEGF inhibitor that targets tumor vascularization. The response to bevacizumab is transient and short-lived (4–6 months) after which patients typically develop progressive physical and mental debilitation culminating in death. ERC1671 is an allogeneic/autologous therapeutic vaccine – composed of whole, inactivated tumor cells mixed with tumor- cell lysates. The hypothesized action of ERC1671 is to potentiate the patients’ immune system against the tumor. Goals of this ongoing, phase 2 study are to to determine the safety and effectiveness (over-all survival) of ERC1671 in combination with GM-CSF and cyclophosphamide as an add-on treatment to bevacizumab at the time of GBM recurrence. To date 16 recurrent bevacizumab-naïve GBM patients have been randomized to ERC1671/GM-CSF/Cyclophosphamide + Bevacizumab or Placebo + Bevacizumab. Median age is 56.5 (39–74), 5 patients (31%) are female, and average KPS is 83 (70–100). Thirteen patients are deceased and were unblinded at the time of further progression: 5 received vaccine, 7 received placebo, and 1 is non-evaluable due to discontinuation before completing 1 cycle. Median overall survival of the deceased patients treated with ERC1671 + Bevacizumab was 328 days (10.9 months), compared to 245 days (8.2 months) for patients treated with Placebo + Bevacizumab. While sparse, the data to date suggest pre-treatment and maximal CD4+T lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood correlate with OS more strongly in the ERC1671 group than in the placebo group. First clinical results for toxicity show no difference in the distribution of AEs between the Vaccine and Placebo groups, with no Gr4/Gr5 AEs in either group. The phase 2 randomized, double-blinded study is ongoing with the addition of 2 subsites.

Newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) patients have a limited survival (18–24 months). In the last decade immunotherapy has improved survival for patients with other malignancies, but not GBM. Herein we present the design and initial enrollment results for the AV-GBM-1 single-arm phase 2 trial. The study enrolls patients with primary GBM who have undergone craniotomy, have a tumor cell culture established, and complete satisfactory leukapheresis prior to planned concurrent chemotherapy and radiation. Patients are scheduled to receive up to 8 vaccine injections at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Blood samples are collected just prior to each injection. The primary endpoint is overall survival from date of enrollment for intent-to-treat with AV-GBM-1. The study has fully enrolled 26 of planned 55 patients. The cell line success rate is 30/32, with 6 in progress; successful completion of leukapheresis is 28/29. Two patients have completed all 8 doses, two discontinued after dose 3 and dose 6 because of progressive disease; 15 are currently in treatment, and 6 are about to start treatment. There have been seven SAE, all for hospitalizations related to GBM. For the first 8 treated patients, plasma samples from baseline and weeks 2, 3, and 8 have been analyzed for immune markers by RayBiotech Life Inc. using quantitative multiplex ELISA array. Markers reflecting Th1, Th2, Th17 pathways and B-cells, natural killer cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes increased in 7/8 patients. Principal component analysis demonstrates correlative marker groupings with early dominance of Th1/Th17 (weeks 1 and 2) followed by Th2/immunoglobulins at week 8. These findings show that these patient-specific dendritic cell vaccines are inducing pro-inflammatory responses similar to what was observed in a previous trial in melanoma. The study is progressing efficiently. Full enrollment data may be available for presentation at the time of the annual meeting.

Somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-targeted peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) represents a promising approach for treatment-refractory meningiomas. Methods: We performed an individual patient data meta-analysis, including all published data on meningioma patients treated with SSTR-targeted PRRT. The main outcomes were toxicity, response to treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). We applied the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate survival probabilities and report incidence rates per 100 person-years. We applied Cox proportional hazards models to determine the effect of covariates. Results: We screened 537 papers and identified 6 eligible cohort studies. We included a total of 111 patients who had treatment-refractory meningioma and received SSTR-targeted PRRT. Disease control was achieved in 63% of patients. The 6-mo PFS rates were 94%, 48%, and 0% for World Health Organization grades I, II, and III, respectively. The risk of disease progression decreased by 13% per 1,000-MBq increase in the total applied activity. The 1-y OS rates were 88%, 71%, and 52% for World Health Organization grades I, II, and III, respectively. The risk of death decreased by 17% per 1,000-MBq increase in the total applied activity. The main side effects comprised transient hematotoxicity, such as anemia in 22% of patients, leukopenia in 13%, lymphocytopenia in 24%, and thrombocytopenia in 17%. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this individual patient data meta-analysis represents the most comprehensive analysis of the benefits of and adverse events associated with SSTR-targeted PRRT for treatment-refractory meningioma. The treatment was well tolerated, achieved disease control in most cases, and showed promising results regarding PFS and OS.

The delivery of cancer care has never changed as rapidly and dramatically as we have seen with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. During the early phase of the pandemic, recommendations for the management of oncology patients issued by various professional societies and government agencies did not recognize the significant regional differences in the impact of the pandemic. California initially experienced lower than expected numbers of cases, and the health care system did not experience the same degree of the burden that had been the case in other parts of the country. In light of promising trends in COVID-19 infections and mortality in California, by late April 2020, discussions were initiated for a phased recovery of full-scale cancer services. However, by July 2020, a surge of cases was reported across the nation, including in California. In this review, the authors share the response and recovery planning experience of the University of California (UC) Cancer Consortium in an effort to provide guidance to oncology practices. The UC Cancer Consortium was established in 2017 to bring together 5 UC Comprehensive Cancer Centers: UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Los Angeles Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, and the UC San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. The interventions implemented in each of these cancer centers are highlighted, with a focus on opportunities for a redesign in care delivery models. The authors propose that their experiences gained during this pandemic will enhance pre-pandemic cancer care delivery.