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OBJECTIVE: Multimodality treatment for resectable non-small cell lung cancer has long remained at a therapeutic plateau. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are highly effective in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and promising preoperatively in small clinical trials for resectable non-small cell lung cancer. This large multicenter trial tested the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant atezolizumab and surgery. METHODS: Patients with stage IB to select IIIB resectable non-small cell lung cancer and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0/1 were eligible. Patients received atezolizumab 1200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks for 2 cycles or less followed by resection. The primary end point was major pathological response in patients without EGFR/ALK+ alterations. Pre- and post-treatment computed tomography, positron emission tomography, pulmonary function tests, and biospecimens were obtained. Adverse events were recorded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.4.0. RESULTS: From April 2017 to February 2020, 181 patients were entered in the study. Baseline characteristics were mean age, 65.1 years; female, 93 of 181 (51%); nonsquamous histology, 112 of 181 (62%); and clinical stages IIB to IIIB, 147 of 181 (81%). In patients without EGFR/ALK alterations who underwent surgery, the major pathological response rate was 20% (29/143; 95% confidence interval, 14-28) and the pathological complete response rate was 6% (8/143; 95% confidence interval, 2-11). There were no grade 4/5 treatment-related adverse events preoperatively. Of 159 patients (87.8%) undergoing surgery, 145 (91%) had pathologic complete resection. There were 5 (3%) intraoperative complications, no intraoperative deaths, and 2 postoperative deaths within 90 days, 1 treatment related. Median disease-free and overall survival have not been reached. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant atezolizumab in resectable stage IB to IIIB non-small cell lung cancer was well tolerated, yielded a 20% major pathological response rate, and allowed safe, complete surgical resection. These results strongly support the further development of immune checkpoint inhibitors as preoperative therapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Genomic alterations in the juxtamembrane exon 14 splice sites in NSCLC lead to increased MET stability and oncogenesis. We present the largest cohort study of MET Exon 14 (METex14) using whole transcriptome sequencing. METHODS: A total of 21,582 NSCLC tumor samples underwent complete genomic profiling with next-generation sequencing of DNA (592 Gene Panel, NextSeq, whole exome sequencing, NovaSeq) and RNA (NovaSeq, whole transcriptome sequencing). Clinicopathologic information including programmed death-ligand 1 and tumor mutational burden were collected and RNA expression for mutation subtypes and MET amplification were quantified. Immunogenic signatures and potential pathways of invasion were characterized using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis and mRNA gene signatures. RESULTS: A total of 533tumors (2.47%) with METex14 were identified. The most common alterations were point mutations (49.5%) at donor splice sites. Most alterations translated to increased MET expression, with MET co-amplification resulting in synergistic increase in expression (q < 0.05). Common coalterations were amplifications of MDM2 (19.0% versus 1.8% wild-type [WT]), HMGA2 (13.2% versus 0.98% WT), and CDK4 (10.0% versus 1.5% WT) (q < 0.05). High programmed death-ligand 1 > 50% (52.5% versus 27.3% WT, q < 0.0001) and lower proportion of high tumor mutational burden (>10 mutations per megabase, 8.3% versus 36.7% WT, p < 0.0001) were associated with METex14, which were also enriched in both immunogenic signatures and immunosuppressive checkpoints. Pathways associated with METex14 included angiogenesis and apical junction pathways (q < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: METex14 splicing alterations and MET co-amplification translated to higher and synergistic MET expression at the transcriptomic level. High frequencies of MDM2 and CDK4 co-amplifications and association with multiple immunosuppressive checkpoints and angiogenic pathways provide insight into potential actionable targets for combination strategies in METex14 NSCLC.

IntroductionWe report brigatinib long-term efficacy and safety from phase 1/2 and phase 2 (ALTA) trials in ALK-rearrangement positive (ALK+) NSCLC.MethodsThe phase 1/2 study evaluated brigatinib 30 to 300 mg/d in patients with advanced malignancies. ALTA randomized patients with crizotinib-refractory ALK+ NSCLC to brigatinib 90 mg once daily (arm A) or 180 mg once daily (7-d lead-in at 90 mg; arm B).ResultsIn the phase 1/2 study, 79 of 137 brigatinib-treated patients had ALK+ NSCLC; 71 were crizotinib pretreated. ALTA randomized 222 patients (n = 112 in arm A; n = 110 in arm B). Median follow-up at phase 1/2 study end (≈5.6 y after last patient enrolled) was 27.7 months; at ALTA study end (≈4.4 y after last patient enrolled), 19.6 months (A) and 28.3 months (B). Among patients with ALK+ NSCLC in the phase 1/2 study, median investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was 14.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.8-21.2); median overall survival was 47.6 months (28.6-not reached). In ALTA, median investigator-assessed PFS was 9.2 months (7.4-11.1) in arm A and 15.6 months (11.1-18.5) in arm B; median independent review committee (IRC)-assessed PFS was 9.9 (7.4-12.8) and 16.7 (11.6-21.4) months, respectively; median overall survival was 25.9 (18.2-45.8) and 40.6 (32.5-not reached) months, respectively. Median intracranial PFS for patients with any brain metastases was 12.8 (9.2-18.4) months in arm A and 18.4 (12.6-23.9) months in arm B. No new safety signals were identified versus previous analyses.ConclusionsBrigatinib exhibited sustained long-term activity and PFS with manageable safety in patients with crizotinib-refractory ALK+ NSCLC.

BackgroundGlobal efforts are needed to elucidate the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the underlying cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including seroprevalence, risk factors, and long-term sequelae, as well as immune responses after vaccination across populations and the social dimensions of prevention and treatment strategies.MethodsIn the United States, the National Cancer Institute in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, established the SARS-CoV-2 Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet) as the nation's largest coordinated effort to study coronavirus disease 2019. The network comprises multidisciplinary researchers bridging gaps and fostering collaborations among immunologists, epidemiologists, virologists, clinicians and clinical laboratories, social and behavioral scientists, policymakers, data scientists, and community members. In total, 49 institutions form the SeroNet consortium to study individuals with cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, cardiovascular diseases, human immunodeficiency virus, transplant recipients, as well as otherwise healthy pregnant women, children, college students, and high-risk occupational workers (including healthcare workers and first responders).ResultsSeveral studies focus on underrepresented populations, including ethnic minorities and rural communities. To support integrative data analyses across SeroNet studies, efforts are underway to define common data elements for standardized serology measurements, cellular and molecular assays, self-reported data, treatment, and clinical outcomes.ConclusionsIn this paper, we discuss the overarching framework for SeroNet epidemiology studies, critical research questions under investigation, and data accessibility for the worldwide scientific community. Lessons learned will help inform preparedness and responsiveness to future emerging diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to impact long-standing efforts to increase adherence to cancer screening guidelines. Healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced significant hardship, but generally have greater access to preventive services, making them a particularly relevant population in which to understand cancer screening behaviors during the pandemic. We report data from 794 HCWs enrolled in the NCI-funded Serological Sciences Network for Coronavirus Associations and Longitudinal Evaluation Study from December 2020 to April 2021. Participants reported lifestyle and screening behaviors during relevant look-back periods which included the pandemic timeframe. Among women between the ages of 40 and 74, 25.7% were overdue for mammographic breast cancer screening. Among participants 50-75 years old, 38.9% were overdue for colorectal cancer screening. The proportion over-due varied according to race/ethnicity. Lifetime low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening among HCWs age 50-80 years who were smokers was 10.9%. Strategies to address screening disruptions are needed to minimize the impact of later stage of diagnosis.

Despite demonstrated efficacy of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), widespread hesitancy to vaccination persists. Improved knowledge regarding frequency, severity, and duration of vaccine-associated symptoms may help reduce hesitancy. In this prospective observational study, we studied 1032 healthcare workers who received both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine and completed post-vaccine symptom surveys both after dose 1 and after dose 2. We defined appreciable post-vaccine symptoms as those of at least moderate severity and lasting at least 2 days. We found that symptoms were more frequent following the second vaccine dose than the first (74% vs. 60%, P 80% of all symptoms resolving within 2 days. The most common symptom was injection site pain, followed by fatigue and malaise. Overall, 20% of participants experienced appreciable symptoms after dose 1 and 30% after dose 2. In multivariable analyses, female sex was associated with greater odds of appreciable symptoms after both dose 1 (OR, 95% CI 1.73, 1.19-2.51) and dose 2 (1.76, 1.28-2.42). Prior COVID-19 was also associated with appreciable symptoms following dose 1, while younger age and history of hypertension were associated with appreciable symptoms after dose 2. We conclude that most post-vaccine symptoms are reportedly mild and last

BackgroundOnalespib is a novel heat shock protein 90 inhibitor (HSP90i). Previous preclinical and clinical studies with HSP90i have demonstrated activity in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study sought to determine the safety and tolerability of onalespib plus erlotinib in EGFR-mutant NSCLC and to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the combination in epidermal growth factor receptor exon 20 insertion (EGFRex20ins) NSCLC.Patients and methodsStandard 3+3 dose escalation was followed by a phase II expansion in EGFRex20ins. The phase II component targeted a response rate of 25% versus a background rate of 5%. Prospective next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 70 cancer-related genes, including EGFR, via plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was performed. Toxicity was graded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4, and response was determined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) 1.1.ResultsEleven patients were treated (nine dose escalation, two dose expansion). Two dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurred in dose level (DL) 0 and zero in DL -1 (minus). In 10 EGFRex20ins patients, no responses were observed, median progression-free survival was 5.4 months (95% confidence interval, 0.9-5.7), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 40% (median, 3.5 months). EGFRex20ins was detected in nine of 10 ctDNA samples at baseline; on-treatment ctDNA clearance was not observed. Grade 3 diarrhea was the predominant toxicity in 45% of patients. The recommended phase II dose is DL -1 (minus): erlotinib 150 mg orally every morning and onalespib 120 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days.ConclusionOverlapping toxicities of erlotinib and onalespib, mainly diarrhea, limited the tolerability of this combination, and limited clinical activity was observed, so the trial was closed early. Plasma EGFRex20ins ctDNA was detected in the majority of patients; failure to clear ctDNA was consistent with lack of tumor response (NCT02535338).

IntroductionThe TIGER-3 (NCT02322281) study was initiated to compare the efficacy and safety of rociletinib, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets EGFR T790M and common EGFR-activating mutations, versus chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC who progressed on first- or second-generation EGFR TKIs.MethodsPatients with advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated NSCLC with disease progression on standard therapy (previous EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy) were randomized to oral rociletinib (500 or 625 mg twice daily) or single-agent chemotherapy (pemetrexed, gemcitabine, docetaxel, or paclitaxel).ResultsEnrollment was halted when rociletinib development was discontinued in 2016. Of 149 enrolled patients, 75 were randomized to rociletinib (n = 53: 500 mg twice daily; n = 22: 625 mg twice daily) and 74 to chemotherapy. The median investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.6-5.4) in the rociletinib 500-mg group and 5.5 months (95% CI: 1.8-8.1) in the 625-mg group versus 2.5 months (95% CI: 1.4-2.9) in the chemotherapy group. An improved PFS was observed in patients with T790M-positive NSCLC treated with rociletinib (n = 25; 500 mg and 625 mg twice daily) versus chemotherapy (n = 20; 6.8 versus 2.7 mo; hazard ratio = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.28-1.07, p = 0.074). Grade 3 or higher hyperglycemia (24.0%), corrected QT prolongation (6.7%), diarrhea (2.7%), and vomiting (1.3%) were more frequent with rociletinib than chemotherapy (0%, 0%, 1.4%, and 0%, respectively).ConclusionsRociletinib had a more favorable median PFS versus chemotherapy but had higher rates of hyperglycemia and corrected QT prolongation in patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC who progressed on previous EGFR TKI. Incomplete enrollment prevented evaluation of the primary efficacy end point.

BackgroundRET fusions are oncogenic drivers in 1 to 2% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). In patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC, the efficacy and safety of selective RET inhibition are unknown.MethodsWe enrolled patients with advanced RET fusion-positive NSCLC who had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy and those who were previously untreated separately in a phase 1-2 trial of selpercatinib. The primary end point was an objective response (a complete or partial response) as determined by an independent review committee. Secondary end points included the duration of response, progression-free survival, and safety.ResultsIn the first 105 consecutively enrolled patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC who had previously received at least platinum-based chemotherapy, the percentage with an objective response was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54 to 73). The median duration of response was 17.5 months (95% CI, 12.0 to could not be evaluated), and 63% of the responses were ongoing at a median follow-up of 12.1 months. Among 39 previously untreated patients, the percentage with an objective response was 85% (95% CI, 70 to 94), and 90% of the responses were ongoing at 6 months. Among 11 patients with measurable central nervous system metastasis at enrollment, the percentage with an objective intracranial response was 91% (95% CI, 59 to 100). The most common adverse events of grade 3 or higher were hypertension (in 14% of the patients), an increased alanine aminotransferase level (in 12%), an increased aspartate aminotransferase level (in 10%), hyponatremia (in 6%), and lymphopenia (in 6%). A total of 12 of 531 patients (2%) discontinued selpercatinib because of a drug-related adverse event.ConclusionsSelpercatinib had durable efficacy, including intracranial activity, with mainly low-grade toxic effects in patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC who had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy and those who were previously untreated. (Funded by Loxo Oncology and others; LIBRETTO-001 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03157128.).

RET fusions are oncogenic drivers of various tumors, including non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The safety and antitumor activity of the multikinase RET inhibitor RXDX-105 were explored in a phase I/Ib trial. A recommended phase II dose of 275 mg fed daily was identified. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (25%), diarrhea (24%), hypophosphatemia (18%), maculopapular rash (18%), and nonmaculopapular rash (17%). In the phase Ib cohort of RET inhibitor-naïve patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLCs, the objective response rate (ORR) was 19% (95% CI, 8%-38%, n = 6/31). Interestingly, the ORR varied significantly by the gene fusion partner (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test): 0% (95% CI, 0%-17%, n = 0/20) with KIF5B (the most common upstream partner for RET fusion-positive NSCLC), and 67% (95% CI, 30%-93%, n = 6/9) with non-KIF5B partners. The median duration of response in all RET fusion-positive NSCLCs was not reached (range, 5 to 18+ months). SIGNIFICANCE: Although KIF5B-RET is the most common RET fusion in NSCLCs, RET inhibition with RXDX-105 resulted in responses only in non-KIF5B-RET-containing cancers. Novel approaches to targeting KIF5B-RET-containing tumors are needed, along with a deeper understanding of the biology that underlies the differential responses observed.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 305.

Introduction: Mesenchymal epidermal transition and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways are important in mediating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance. We hypothesized that treatment with cabozantinib plus erlotinib in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC following progression on EGFR TKI therapy may allow tumors to overcome this resistance or restore sensitivity to therapy regardless of T790M status. Methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC, known EGFR mutation and progressive disease on an EGFR TKI immediately prior to enrollment without intervening therapy were enrolled. Patients received erlotinib 150 mg and cabozantinib 40 mg daily. The primary endpoint was evaluation of efficacy by objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included assessment of progression free survival (PFS), overall survival, change in tumor growth rate, safety and toxicity, and the evaluation of specific EGFR mutations and MET amplification in pre-treatment tissue and plasma. Results: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled at 4 centers. Four patients had partial response (10.8%) and 21 had stable disease (59.5%). A greater than 30% increase in tumor doubling time was observed in 79% of assessable patients (27/34). Median PFS was 3.6 months for all patients. Diarrhea (32%) was the most common grade 3 adverse event; 3 patients had asymptomatic grade 4 elevation of amylase and lipase. Conclusions: Combination erlotinib and cabozantinib demonstrates activity in a highly pretreated population of patients with EGFR mutation and progression on EGFR TKI. Further elucidation of beneficial patient subsets is warranted. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01866410.

Introduction: Mesenchymal epidermal transition and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways are important in mediating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance. We hypothesized that treatment with cabozantinib plus erlotinib in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC following progression on EGFR TKI therapy may allow tumors to overcome this resistance or restore sensitivity to therapy regardless of T790M status. Methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC, known EGFR mutation and progressive disease on an EGFR TKI immediately prior to enrollment without intervening therapy were enrolled. Patients received erlotinib 150 mg and cabozantinib 40 mg daily. The primary endpoint was evaluation of efficacy by objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included assessment of progression free survival (PFS), overall survival, change in tumor growth rate, safety and toxicity, and the evaluation of specific EGFR mutations and MET amplification in pre-treatment tissue and plasma. Results: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled at 4 centers. Four patients had partial response (10.8%) and 21 had stable disease (59.5%). A greater than 30% increase in tumor doubling time was observed in 79% of assessable patients (27/34). Median PFS was 3.6 months for all patients. Diarrhea (32%) was the most common grade 3 adverse event; 3 patients had asymptomatic grade 4 elevation of amylase and lipase. Conclusions: Combination erlotinib and cabozantinib demonstrates activity in a highly pretreated population of patients with EGFR mutation and progression on EGFR TKI. Further elucidation of beneficial patient subsets is warranted. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01866410.

PurposeTyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target MET signaling have shown promise in various types of cancer, including lung cancer. Combination strategies have been proposed and developed to increase their therapeutic index. Based on preclinical synergy between inhibition of MET and topoisomerase I, a phase I study was designed to explore the combination of topotecan with the MET TKI tivantinib.MethodsEligible patients with advanced solid malignancies for which there was no known effective treatment received topotecan at doses of 1.0-1.5 mg/m2/day for five consecutive days in 21-day cycles with continuous, oral tivantinib given at escalating doses of 120-360 mg orally twice daily. Pharmacokinetic analyses of tivantinib were included. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) were collected serially to identify peripheral changes in MET phosphorylation.ResultsThe trial included 18 patients, 17 of whom received treatment. At the planned doses, the combination of topotecan and tivantinib was not tolerable due to thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. The addition of G-CSF to attenuate neutropenia did not improve tolerability. Greater tivantinib exposure, assessed through pharmacokinetic analysis, was associated with greater toxicity. No responses were seen. MET phosphorylation was feasible in CTC, but no changes were seen with therapy.ConclusionsThe combination of topotecan and oral tivantinib was not tolerable in this patient population.

PURPOSE:Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target MET signaling have shown promise in various types of cancer, including lung cancer. Combination strategies have been proposed and developed to increase their therapeutic index. Based on preclinical synergy between inhibition of MET and topoisomerase I, a phase I study was designed to explore the combination of topotecan with the MET TKI tivantinib. METHODS:Eligible patients with advanced solid malignancies for which there was no known effective treatment received topotecan at doses of 1.0-1.5 mg/m2/day for five consecutive days in 21-day cycles with continuous, oral tivantinib given at escalating doses of 120-360 mg orally twice daily. Pharmacokinetic analyses of tivantinib were included. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) were collected serially to identify peripheral changes in MET phosphorylation. RESULTS:The trial included 18 patients, 17 of whom received treatment. At the planned doses, the combination of topotecan and tivantinib was not tolerable due to thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. The addition of G-CSF to attenuate neutropenia did not improve tolerability. Greater tivantinib exposure, assessed through pharmacokinetic analysis, was associated with greater toxicity. No responses were seen. MET phosphorylation was feasible in CTC, but no changes were seen with therapy. CONCLUSIONS:The combination of topotecan and oral tivantinib was not tolerable in this patient population.

ObjectivesThis open-label, randomized phase II trial evaluated antitumor efficacy of an antiestrogen, fulvestrant, in combination with human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, erlotinib, in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.Materials and methodsPatients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC, ECOG 0-2, previous chemotherapy unless patient refusal, and no prior EGFR-directed therapy were randomized 2:1 to erlotinib 150 mg oral daily plus 500 mg intramuscular fulvestrant on day 1, 15, 29 and every 28 days thereafter or erlotinib alone 150 mg oral daily. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsAmong 106 randomized patients, 100 received at least one dose of study drug. ORR was 16.4% (11 of 67 patients) for the combination versus 12.1% (4 of 33 patients) for erlotinib (p = 0.77). PFS median 3.5 versus 1.9 months [HR = 0.86, 95% CI (0.52-1.43), p = 0.29] and OS median 9.5 versus 5.8 months [HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.57-1.48), p = 0.74] numerically favored the combination. In an unplanned subset analysis, among EGFR wild type patients (n = 51), but not EGFR mutant patients (n = 17), median PFS was 3.5 versus 1.7 months [HR = 0.35, 95% CI (0.14-0.86), p = 0.02] and OS was 6.2 versus 5.2 months [HR = 0.72, 95% CI (0.35-1.48), p = 0.37] for combined therapy versus erlotinib, respectively. Notably, EGFR WT patients were more likely to be hormone receptor-positive (either estrogen receptor α- and/or progesterone receptor-positive) compared to EGFR mutant patients (50% versus 9.1%, respectively) (p = 0.03). Treatment was well tolerated with predominant grade 1-2 dermatologic and gastrointestinal adverse effects.ConclusionAddition of fulvestrant to erlotinib was well tolerated, with increased activity noted among EGFR wild type patients compared to erlotinib alone, albeit in an unplanned subset analysis.

Purpose: A phase I study was conducted to determine safety, clinical efficacy, and antitumor immune responses in patients with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) following intratumoral administration of autologous dendritic cells (DC) transduced with an adenoviral (Ad) vector expressing the CCL21 gene (Ad-CCL21-DC). We evaluated safety and tumor antigen-specific immune responses following in situ vaccination (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01574222).Experimental Design: Sixteen stage IIIB/IV NSCLC subjects received two vaccinations (1 × 106, 5 × 106, 1 × 107, or 3 × 107 DCs/injection) by CT- or bronchoscopic-guided intratumoral injections (days 0 and 7). Immune responses were assessed by tumor antigen-specific peripheral blood lymphocyte induction of IFNγ in ELISPOT assays. Tumor biopsies were evaluated for CD8+ T cells by IHC and for PD-L1 expression by IHC and real-time PCR (RT-PCR).Results: Twenty-five percent (4/16) of patients had stable disease at day 56. Median survival was 3.9 months. ELISPOT assays revealed 6 of 16 patients had systemic responses against tumor-associated antigens (TAA). Tumor CD8+ T-cell infiltration was induced in 54% of subjects (7/13; 3.4-fold average increase in the number of CD8+ T cells per mm2). Patients with increased CD8+ T cells following vaccination showed significantly increased PD-L1 mRNA expression.Conclusions: Intratumoral vaccination with Ad-CCL21-DC resulted in (i) induction of systemic tumor antigen-specific immune responses; (ii) enhanced tumor CD8+ T-cell infiltration; and (iii) increased tumor PD-L1 expression. Future studies will evaluate the role of combination therapies with PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition combined with DC-CCL21 in situ vaccination. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4556-68. ©2017 AACR.

ObjectivesThis two-part study evaluated trametinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, in combination with anticancer agents. Inhibition of MEK, a downstream effector of KRAS, demonstrated preclinical synergy with chemotherapy in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines. Part 1 of this study identified recommended phase 2 doses of trametinib combinations. Part 2, reported herein, evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of trametinib combinations in patients with NSCLC with and without KRAS mutations.MethodsPhase 1b evaluated trametinib plus docetaxel with growth factor support (trametinib, 2.0 mg once daily, and docetaxel, 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) or pemetrexed (trametinib, 1.5 mg once daily, and pemetrexed, 500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). Eligibility criteria for the expansion cohorts included metastatic NSCLC with measurable disease, known KRAS mutation status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1 or lower, and no more than two prior regimens.ResultsThe primary end point of overall response rate (ORR) was met for both combinations. A confirmed partial response (PR) was observed in 10 of the 47 patients with NSCLC who received trametinib plus docetaxel (21%). The ORR was 18% (four PRs in 22 patients) in those with KRAS wild-type NSCLC versus 24% (six PRs in 25 patients) in those with KRAS-mutant NSCLC. Of the 42 patients with NSCLC treated with trametinib plus pemetrexed, six (14%) had a PR; the ORR was 17% (four of 23) in patients with KRAS-mutated NSCLC versus 11% (two of 19) in KRAS wild-type NSCLC. Adverse events-most commonly diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue-were manageable.ConclusionsTrametinib-plus-chemotherapy combinations were tolerable. Clinical activity exceeding the ORRs previously reported with docetaxel or pemetrexed alone in KRAS-mutated NSCLC and meeting prespecified criteria was observed.

ObjectivesThis two-part study evaluated trametinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, in combination with anticancer agents. Inhibition of MEK, a downstream effector of KRAS, demonstrated preclinical synergy with chemotherapy in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines. Part 1 of this study identified recommended phase 2 doses of trametinib combinations. Part 2, reported herein, evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of trametinib combinations in patients with NSCLC with and without KRAS mutations.MethodsPhase 1b evaluated trametinib plus docetaxel with growth factor support (trametinib, 2.0 mg once daily, and docetaxel, 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) or pemetrexed (trametinib, 1.5 mg once daily, and pemetrexed, 500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). Eligibility criteria for the expansion cohorts included metastatic NSCLC with measurable disease, known KRAS mutation status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1 or lower, and no more than two prior regimens.ResultsThe primary end point of overall response rate (ORR) was met for both combinations. A confirmed partial response (PR) was observed in 10 of the 47 patients with NSCLC who received trametinib plus docetaxel (21%). The ORR was 18% (four PRs in 22 patients) in those with KRAS wild-type NSCLC versus 24% (six PRs in 25 patients) in those with KRAS-mutant NSCLC. Of the 42 patients with NSCLC treated with trametinib plus pemetrexed, six (14%) had a PR; the ORR was 17% (four of 23) in patients with KRAS-mutated NSCLC versus 11% (two of 19) in KRAS wild-type NSCLC. Adverse events-most commonly diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue-were manageable.ConclusionsTrametinib-plus-chemotherapy combinations were tolerable. Clinical activity exceeding the ORRs previously reported with docetaxel or pemetrexed alone in KRAS-mutated NSCLC and meeting prespecified criteria was observed.

These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM). These NCCN Guidelines Insights discuss systemic therapy regimens and surgical controversies for MPM. The NCCN panel recommends cisplatin/pemetrexed (category 1) for patients with MPM. The NCCN panel also now recommends bevacizumab/cisplatin/pemetrexed as a first-line therapy option for patients with unresectable MPM who are candidates for bevacizumab. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for MPM, available at NCCN.org, addresses all aspects of management for MPM including diagnosis, evaluation, staging, treatment, surveillance, and therapy for recurrence and metastasis; NCCN Guidelines are intended to assist with clinical decision-making.

These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates in the 2016 NCCN Guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC; Versions 1-4). These NCCN Guidelines Insights will discuss new immunotherapeutic agents, such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, for patients with metastatic NSCLC. For the 2016 update, the NCCN panel recommends immune checkpoint inhibitors as preferred agents (in the absence of contraindications) for second-line and beyond (subsequent) therapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC (both squamous and nonsquamous histologies). Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are preferred based on improved overall survival rates, higher response rates, longer duration of response, and fewer adverse events when compared with docetaxel therapy.

PurposePreclinical modeling in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed that stimulation with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the ligand for MET, could reverse the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in erlotinib-sensitive cell lines. Inhibitors of AKT signaling mitigated this HGF-mediated resistance, partially restoring erlotinib activity. We conducted a phase II trial of erlotinib plus MK-2206, a highly selective inhibitor of AKT, in NSCLC patients.Experimental designEligible patients must have progressed following prior benefit from erlotinib, defined as response or stable disease > 12 weeks. Treatment consisted of erlotinib 150 mg orally every day + MK-2206 45 mg orally every alternate day on a 28-day cycle. Primary endpoints were RECIST response rate > 30% (stratum 1: EGFR mutant) and disease control rate (DCR) > 20% at 12 weeks (stratum 2: EGFR wild-type).ResultsEighty patients were enrolled, 45 and 35 in stratum 1 and 2, respectively. Most common attributable adverse events (all grade 3) were rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and mucositis. Response and DCR were, respectively, 9% and 40% in stratum 1; 3% and 47% in stratum 2. Median progression-free survival was 4.4 months in stratum 1 and 4.6 months in stratum 2.ConclusionsCombination MK-2206 and erlotinib met its primary endpoint in erlotinib-pretreated patients with EGFR wild-type NSCLC. Although activity was seen in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, this did not exceed a priori estimates. AKT pathway inhibition merits further clinical evaluation in EGFR wild-type NSCLC.

PurposePreclinical modeling in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed that stimulation with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the ligand for MET, could reverse the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in erlotinib-sensitive cell lines. Inhibitors of AKT signaling mitigated this HGF-mediated resistance, partially restoring erlotinib activity. We conducted a phase II trial of erlotinib plus MK-2206, a highly selective inhibitor of AKT, in NSCLC patients.Experimental designEligible patients must have progressed following prior benefit from erlotinib, defined as response or stable disease > 12 weeks. Treatment consisted of erlotinib 150 mg orally every day + MK-2206 45 mg orally every alternate day on a 28-day cycle. Primary endpoints were RECIST response rate > 30% (stratum 1: EGFR mutant) and disease control rate (DCR) > 20% at 12 weeks (stratum 2: EGFR wild-type).ResultsEighty patients were enrolled, 45 and 35 in stratum 1 and 2, respectively. Most common attributable adverse events (all grade 3) were rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and mucositis. Response and DCR were, respectively, 9% and 40% in stratum 1; 3% and 47% in stratum 2. Median progression-free survival was 4.4 months in stratum 1 and 4.6 months in stratum 2.ConclusionsCombination MK-2206 and erlotinib met its primary endpoint in erlotinib-pretreated patients with EGFR wild-type NSCLC. Although activity was seen in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, this did not exceed a priori estimates. AKT pathway inhibition merits further clinical evaluation in EGFR wild-type NSCLC.

BackgroundCyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)-dependent signaling represents a potential mechanism of resistance to therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This is mediated in part through an EGFR-independent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 promotes downregulation of E cadherin and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The current study investigated EGFR and COX-2 inhibition in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elevated baseline urinary metabolite of PGE2 (PGEM).MethodsPatients with stage IIIB/IV (AJCC 6th edition) NSCLC who progressed after at least 1 line of therapy or refused standard chemotherapy were randomized to receive erlotinib and celecoxib versus erlotinib and placebo. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) with 80% power to detect a 50% improvement with a 1-sided significance level of .2 in the intent-to-treat and elevated baseline PGEM populations. Secondary endpoints included response rate, overall survival, and evaluation of molecular markers to assess targeting COX-2-related pathways and evaluate EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.ResultsA total of 107 patients were enrolled with comparable baseline characteristics. Among the patients treated with celecoxib, those with wild-type EGFR were found to have an increased PFS (3.2 months vs 1.8 months; P = .03). PFS was numerically improved among patients in the intent-to-treat group who received erlotinib and celecoxib compared with those treated with erlotinib and placebo (5.4 months vs 3.5 months; P = .33) and was increased in patients in the erlotinib and celecoxib arm with elevated baseline PGEM (5.4 months vs 2.2 months; P = .15). Adverse events were similar in both treatment arms.ConclusionsThe combination of erlotinib and celecoxib did not appear to improve outcomes in an unselected population, but selection by elevated baseline PGEM led to an increase in PFS with this combination. Patients with EGFR wild-type status may benefit from the combination of erlotinib and celecoxib.

BackgroundCyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)-dependent signaling represents a potential mechanism of resistance to therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This is mediated in part through an EGFR-independent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 promotes downregulation of E cadherin and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The current study investigated EGFR and COX-2 inhibition in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elevated baseline urinary metabolite of PGE2 (PGEM).MethodsPatients with stage IIIB/IV (AJCC 6th edition) NSCLC who progressed after at least 1 line of therapy or refused standard chemotherapy were randomized to receive erlotinib and celecoxib versus erlotinib and placebo. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) with 80% power to detect a 50% improvement with a 1-sided significance level of .2 in the intent-to-treat and elevated baseline PGEM populations. Secondary endpoints included response rate, overall survival, and evaluation of molecular markers to assess targeting COX-2-related pathways and evaluate EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.ResultsA total of 107 patients were enrolled with comparable baseline characteristics. Among the patients treated with celecoxib, those with wild-type EGFR were found to have an increased PFS (3.2 months vs 1.8 months; P = .03). PFS was numerically improved among patients in the intent-to-treat group who received erlotinib and celecoxib compared with those treated with erlotinib and placebo (5.4 months vs 3.5 months; P = .33) and was increased in patients in the erlotinib and celecoxib arm with elevated baseline PGEM (5.4 months vs 2.2 months; P = .15). Adverse events were similar in both treatment arms.ConclusionsThe combination of erlotinib and celecoxib did not appear to improve outcomes in an unselected population, but selection by elevated baseline PGEM led to an increase in PFS with this combination. Patients with EGFR wild-type status may benefit from the combination of erlotinib and celecoxib.

UnlabelledAberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNA) with oncogenic capacities (oncomiRs) has been described for several different malignancies. The first identified oncomiR, miR-17-92, is frequently overexpressed in a variety of cancers and its targets include the tumor suppressor PTEN. The transcription factor c-Myc (MYC) plays a central role in proliferative control and is rapidly upregulated upon mitogenic stimulation. Expression of c-Myc is frequently deregulated in tumors, facilitating proliferation and inhibiting terminal differentiation. The c-Myc-regulated network comprises a large number of transcripts, including those encoding miRNAs. Here, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exposure rapidly upregulates the expression of the MYC gene followed by the elevation of miR-17-92 levels, which in turn suppresses PTEN expression, thus enhancing apoptosis resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Knockdown of MYC expression or the miR-17-92 cluster effectively reverses this outcome. Similarly, miR-17-92 levels are significantly elevated in NSCLC cells ectopically expressing COX-2. Importantly, circulating miR-17-92 was elevated in the blood of patients with lung cancer as compared with subjects at risk for developing lung cancer. Furthermore, in patients treated with celecoxib, miR-17-92 levels were significantly reduced. These data demonstrate that PGE2, abundantly produced by NSCLC and inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment, is able to stimulate cell proliferation and promote resistance to pharmacologically induced apoptosis in a c-Myc and miR-17-92-dependent manner.ImplicationsThis study describes a novel mechanism, involving c-Myc and miR-17-92, which integrates cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance.

UnlabelledAberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNA) with oncogenic capacities (oncomiRs) has been described for several different malignancies. The first identified oncomiR, miR-17-92, is frequently overexpressed in a variety of cancers and its targets include the tumor suppressor PTEN. The transcription factor c-Myc (MYC) plays a central role in proliferative control and is rapidly upregulated upon mitogenic stimulation. Expression of c-Myc is frequently deregulated in tumors, facilitating proliferation and inhibiting terminal differentiation. The c-Myc-regulated network comprises a large number of transcripts, including those encoding miRNAs. Here, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exposure rapidly upregulates the expression of the MYC gene followed by the elevation of miR-17-92 levels, which in turn suppresses PTEN expression, thus enhancing apoptosis resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Knockdown of MYC expression or the miR-17-92 cluster effectively reverses this outcome. Similarly, miR-17-92 levels are significantly elevated in NSCLC cells ectopically expressing COX-2. Importantly, circulating miR-17-92 was elevated in the blood of patients with lung cancer as compared with subjects at risk for developing lung cancer. Furthermore, in patients treated with celecoxib, miR-17-92 levels were significantly reduced. These data demonstrate that PGE2, abundantly produced by NSCLC and inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment, is able to stimulate cell proliferation and promote resistance to pharmacologically induced apoptosis in a c-Myc and miR-17-92-dependent manner.ImplicationsThis study describes a novel mechanism, involving c-Myc and miR-17-92, which integrates cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance.

BackgroundThe CXC chemokine, CXCL12, and its receptor, CXCR4 promote metastases of a variety of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expression of CXCR4 on tumor cells may represent a critical biomarker for their propensity to metastasize. This study was performed to evaluate the hypothesis that co-expression of pan-cytokeratin and CXCR4 may be a prognostic marker for patients with advanced NSCLC.MethodsWe evaluated CXCR4 levels on circulating pan-cytokeratin positive cells from patients with NSCLC. NSCLC tumor and metastases were also assessed for the presence of CXCR4.ResultsPan-cytokeratin positive cells were increased in the circulation of patients with NSCLC, as compared to normal control subjects. Patients with pan-cytokeratin +/CXCR4+ = 2,500 cells/ml had a significant improvement in median survival when compared with patients with pan-cytokeratin +/CXCR4+ >2,500 cells/ml (not achieved versus 14 weeks). CXCR4 expression was found on NSCLC tumors and at sites of tumor metastasis.ConclusionThis study suggests that CXCR4 may be a prognostic marker in NSCLC, and provides hypothesis-generating results, which may be important in determining metastatic potential. In future studies, we will prospectively evaluate the prognostic significance of pan-cytokeratin/CXCR4+ cells, and determine the mechanisms involved in the regulation of CXCR4 expression on tumor cells in a larger patient population.

BackgroundThe CXC chemokine, CXCL12, and its receptor, CXCR4 promote metastases of a variety of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expression of CXCR4 on tumor cells may represent a critical biomarker for their propensity to metastasize. This study was performed to evaluate the hypothesis that co-expression of pan-cytokeratin and CXCR4 may be a prognostic marker for patients with advanced NSCLC.MethodsWe evaluated CXCR4 levels on circulating pan-cytokeratin positive cells from patients with NSCLC. NSCLC tumor and metastases were also assessed for the presence of CXCR4.ResultsPan-cytokeratin positive cells were increased in the circulation of patients with NSCLC, as compared to normal control subjects. Patients with pan-cytokeratin +/CXCR4+ = 2,500 cells/ml had a significant improvement in median survival when compared with patients with pan-cytokeratin +/CXCR4+ >2,500 cells/ml (not achieved versus 14 weeks). CXCR4 expression was found on NSCLC tumors and at sites of tumor metastasis.ConclusionThis study suggests that CXCR4 may be a prognostic marker in NSCLC, and provides hypothesis-generating results, which may be important in determining metastatic potential. In future studies, we will prospectively evaluate the prognostic significance of pan-cytokeratin/CXCR4+ cells, and determine the mechanisms involved in the regulation of CXCR4 expression on tumor cells in a larger patient population.