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Background: This phase Ib study was performed to determine the safety of combination capecitabine with alpleisib (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110a blockade) and determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase ll dose (RP2D) of this combination regimen in patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapy. The synergistic anti-tumor activity and pharmacokinetics (PK) were investigated. Methods: Dose escalation phases were conducted in patients with advanced solid cancers who were refractory to standard therapy regardless of PIK3CA mutation. Patients were administered orally once daily alpelisib (200mg and 300mg) and twice daily capecitabine (850mg, 1000mg, 1250mg orally, days 1-14) every 3 weeks. Standard "3 + 3" dose escalation was used to define the MTD. The effect of alpelisib on the PK of capecitabine was assessed. Results: Patients with 6 colorectal cancer (three PIK3CA mutation) and 6 breast cancer (all PIK3CA mutation) were enrolled. The first three patients in dose level 0 (alpelisib 200mg daily, capecitabine 1,000 mg/m² twice daily) had no doselimiting toxicities (DLTs). In dose level 1 (alpelisib increased to 300 mg daily, capecitabine 1,000mg twice daily), one of six patients had DLT (grade (Gr) 3 hyperglycemia). When dose level 2 (alpelisib 300mg daily, capecitabine 1,250 mg/m² twice daily) was expanded to 3 patients, no patients had DLTs. The combination of alpelisib 300mg daily and capecitabine 1,250 mg/m² twice daily was declared as the MTD/RP2D in patients with advanced solid tumors. The most common AEs were Gr 1-3 hyperglycemia (75.0%). Frequent all-grade, treatmentrelated AEs included Gr 2-3 nausea (75.0%), Gr 1-2 diarrhea (50.0%), Gr 1-2 hand-foot syndrome (41.7%), Gr 1-2 anorexia (41.7%), Gr 2 mucositis (33.3%). Antitumor activity was observed in patients with PIK3CA mutant breast cancer (3 partial response and 3 stable disease of total 6 patients). Alpelisib exposure (Cmax and AUC0-12) was unaffected by concomitant capecitabine. There were no clinically relevant drug-drug interactions observed between alpelisib and capecitabine. Conclusions: The combination of alpelisib and capecitabine is generally tolerated, without pharmacokinetic interactions, and shows antitumor activity in patients with PIK3CA mutant advanced cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpelisib plus fulvestrant is a valid second or advanced line of treatment for patients with metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who harbor an activating PIK3CA mutation. The well-known side effects of alpelisib are hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea. Herein, we report a case of a woman who developed diffuse depigmented macules on the face, arms and legs, three months after initiating alpelisib. Both clinical and histopathological findings were consistent with new-onset vitiligo. To our knowledge, this is the first case described in literature which suggests a causal relationship between alpelisib and irreversible dermatological adverse effect.

Background: HER2 is amplified or overexpressed in around 20% of breast cancers (BC). HER2-targeted therapies have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with HER2+ BC, however, de novo and acquired resistance to anti-HER2 treatment is common. Activating mutations in the PIK3CA gene are reported in ~30% of HER2+ BC and are associated with resistance to anti-HER2 therapies and a poor prognosis. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy of the alpha-specific PI3K inhibitor alpelisib alone or in combination with anti-HER2 therapy using a panel of HER2+ BC cell lines. We also generated models of acquired resistance to alpelisib to investigate the mechanisms underlying resistance to alpha-specific PI3K inhibition. Materials and methods: PIK3CA mutant (HCC1954, KPL4 and JMT1) and wildtype (BT474 and SKBR3) HER2+ BC cell lines were used. The HCC1954 and KPL4 cells were chronically exposed to increasing concentrations of alpelisib or to alpelisib + trastuzumab in order to generate derivatives with acquired resistance to alpelisib (AR) and to alpelisib + trastuzumab (ATR). The transcriptomic profiles of HCC1954, KPL4 and their AR and ATR derivatives were determined by RNA sequencing. Cell growth was assessed by MTT assay. Changes in the protein levels of key PI3K pathway components were assessed by Western blotting. Gene expression, cellular and patients' data from the Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) and KMPlot datasets were interrogated. Results: HER2+ BC cell lines harboring activating mutations in PIK3CA were less sensitive to single or dual anti-HER2 blockade compared to PIK3CA wild-type cells. Alpelisib treatment resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of the growth of cells with or without PIK3CA mutations and enhanced the antitumor efficacy of anti-HER2 therapies in vitro. In addition, alpelisib greatly delayed tumor growth of HCC1954 xenografts in vivo. Functional annotation of the significantly differentially expressed genes suggested the common activation of biological processes associated with oxidation reduction, cell proliferation, immune response and RNA synthesis in alpelisib-resistant models compared with native cells. Eight commonly upregulated genes (log2 fold-change >1, False Discovery Rate [FDR] <0.05) in models with acquired resistance to alpelisib or alpelisib + trastuzumab were identified. Among these, AKR1C1 was associated with alpelisib-resistance in vitro and with a poor prognosis in patients with HER2+ BC. Conclusions: Our findings support the use of an alpha-selective PI3K inhibitor to overcome the therapeutic limitations associated with single or dual HER2 blockade in PIK3CA-mutant HER2+ breast cancer. Future studies are warranted to confirm the potential role of candidate genes/pathways in resistance to alpelisib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundHER2 is amplified or overexpressed in around 20% of breast cancers (BC). HER2-targeted therapies have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with HER2+ BC, however, de novo and acquired resistance to anti-HER2 treatment is common. Activating mutations in the PIK3CA gene are reported in ∼30% of HER2+ BC and are associated with resistance to anti-HER2 therapies and a poor prognosis. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy of the alpha-specific PI3K inhibitor alpelisib alone or in combination with anti-HER2 therapy using a panel of HER2+ BC cell lines. We also generated models of acquired resistance to alpelisib to investigate the mechanisms underlying resistance to alpha-specific PI3K inhibition.Materials and methodsPIK3CA mutant (HCC1954, KPL4 and JMT1) and wild-type (BT474 and SKBR3) HER2+ BC cell lines were used. The HCC1954 and KPL4 cells were chronically exposed to increasing concentrations of alpelisib or to alpelisib + trastuzumab in order to generate derivatives with acquired resistance to alpelisib (AR) and to alpelisib + trastuzumab (ATR). The transcriptomic profiles of HCC1954, KPL4 and their AR and ATR derivatives were determined by RNA sequencing. Cell growth was assessed by MTT assay. Changes in the protein levels of key PI3K pathway components were assessed by Western blotting. Gene expression, cellular and patients’ data from the Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) and KMPlot datasets were interrogated.ResultsHER2+ BC cell lines harboring activating mutations in PIK3CA were less sensitive to single or dual anti-HER2 blockade compared to PIK3CA wild-type cells. Alpelisib treatment resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of the growth of cells with or without PIK3CA mutations and enhanced the antitumor efficacy of anti-HER2 therapies in vitro. In addition, alpelisib greatly delayed tumor growth of HCC1954 xenografts in vivo. Functional annotation of the significantly differentially expressed genes suggested the common activation of biological processes associated with oxidation reduction, cell proliferation, immune response and RNA synthesis in alpelisib-resistant models compared with native cells. Eight commonly upregulated genes (log2 fold-change >1, False Discovery Rate [FDR]

Alpelisib plus fulvestrant is a valid second or advanced line of treatment for patients with metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who harbor an activating PIK3CA mutation. The well-known side effects of alpelisib are hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea. Herein, we report a case of a woman who developed diffuse depigmented macules on the face, arms and legs, three months after initiating alpelisib. Both clinical and histopathological findings were consistent with new-onset vitiligo. To our knowledge, this is the first case described in literature which suggests a causal relationship between alpelisib and irreversible dermatological adverse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer in Europe and its prevalence is increasing. EC includes a biological and clinical heterogeneous group of tumors, usually classified as type I (endometrioid) or type II (non-endometrioid) based on the histopathological characteristics. In 2013, a new molecular classification was proposed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) based on the comprehensive molecular profiling of EC. Several molecular somatic alterations have been described in development and progression of EC. Using these molecular features, EC was reclassified into four subgroups: POLE ultra-mutated, MSI hypermutated, copy-number low, and copy-number high that correlate with the prognosis. To this regard, it is widely reported that EC has more frequent mutations in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway signaling than any other tumor. PIK3CA is the main significant mutated gene after PTEN alterations. Overall, over 90% of endometrioid tumors have activating PI3K molecular alterations that suggests its critical role in the EC pathogenesis. Thus, the dysregulation of PI3K pathway represents an attractive target in EC treatment. Herein, we report a radiological and clinically meaningful response to a selective PIK3 inhibitor in a patient with extensively pre-treated advanced endometrioid EC harboring a somatic activating PIK3CA hotspot mutation. These evidences provide the rational for translational strategies of the PI3K inhibition and could support the clinical usefulness of PIK3CA genotyping in advanced EC. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical case of PIK3CA-mutated EC successfully treated with alpelisib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer in Europe and its prevalence is increasing. EC includes a biological and clinical heterogeneous group of tumors, usually classified as type I (endometrioid) or type II (non-endometrioid) based on the histopathological characteristics. In 2013, a new molecular classification was proposed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) based on the comprehensive molecular profiling of EC. Several molecular somatic alterations have been described in development and progression of EC. Using these molecular features, EC was reclassified into four subgroups: POLE ultra-mutated, MSI hypermutated, copy-number low, and copy-number high that correlate with the prognosis. To this regard, it is widely reported that EC has more frequent mutations in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway signaling than any other tumor. PIK3CA is the main significant mutated gene after PTEN alterations. Overall, over 90% of endometrioid tumors have activating PI3K molecular alterations that suggests its critical role in the EC pathogenesis. Thus, the dysregulation of PI3K pathway represents an attractive target in EC treatment. Herein, we report a radiological and clinically meaningful response to a selective PIK3 inhibitor in a patient with extensively pre-treated advanced endometrioid EC harboring a somatic activating PIK3CA hotspot mutation. These evidences provide the rational for translational strategies of the PI3K inhibition and could support the clinical usefulness of PIK3CA genotyping in advanced EC. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical case of PIK3CA-mutated EC successfully treated with alpelisib.

Background: It is critically important to study the real-world data of FDAapproved medications to understand the response rates and toxicities observed in the real-world population not represented in the clinical trials. Methods: We reviewed charts of patients diagnosed with metastatic, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer treated with alpelisib from May 2019 to January 2022. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were collected. The association of clinical characteristics with responses and adverse events (AEs) was evaluated using the logistic regression model. Results: 27 patients were included. Median age at alpelisib initiation 67 years (range: 44, 77 years). Majority of patients had excellent performance status at time of alpelisib initiation. Most patients had chronic comorbidities, notably; 2 patients had controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus at time of alpelisib initiation. Majority had a median of three lines of therapy (range: 1, 7) before alpelisib. Clinical responses were determined using RECIST v1.1. 3/27 (11.11%) patients discontinued therapy before response assessment due to grade 3 AEs. Overall response rate was 12.5% (3/24), with all partial responses (PR). The median duration of response was 5.77 months (range: 5.54, 8.98). 14/27 (51.9%) of patients required dose interruption/reduction. Overall, 23/27 (85.19%) patients discontinued alpelisib of which 11 (47.83%) discontinued alpelisib due to AEs. Median duration of treatment was 2 months in patients who had grade 3 AEs (range: <1.00, 8.30) and 6.28 (1.15, 10.43) in those who did not. Any grade AEs were reported in 24/27 (88.9%) patients, namely, hyperglycemia 16/27 (59.3%), nausea 11/27 (40.7%), diarrhea 10/27 (37.0%), fatigue 7/27 (25.9%) and rash 6/27 (22.2%). Grade 3 AEs were reported in 13/27 patients (50%), namely, hyperglycemia in 7/27 (53.8%) patients followed by skin rash 4/27 (30.8%), GI side effects 3/27 (23.1%). Those with progressive disease as best response to alpelisib, had more non-metabolic comorbidities, higher number of liver metastases, PIK3CA E545K mutations, and shorter duration on therapy compared to those with PR and stable disease. Conclusion: Patients should be counseled about the toxicity and modest benefit observed with alpelisib in real-world clinical practice when used in later lines of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alpelisib is a recently approved treatment for hormone receptorpositive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer. It has been associated with alopecia and rash, but there are no documented cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) associated with this drug. Here, we detail the first case of SJS associated with alpelisib. Case description: Our patient is a 60-year-old woman with a past medical history of metastatic hormone receptor-positive (ER+ 80% and PR+ 1%), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who presented with acute odynophagia, fevers, and diffuse body rash after receiving her first doses of alpelisib and fulvestrant in the preceding days. She presented to the emergency department after developing a whole-body rash and severe ulceration of her buccal mucosa. She was started on methylprednisolone with remarkable improvement in symptoms. Conclusion: This case report details the only report of SJS following alpelisib treatment. Immediate cessation of drugs and initiation of steroids are the cornerstone of treatment. Patients who experience such side effects will have to be monitored closely for long-term sequelae associated with SJS, including cutaneous, ocular, and oral sequelae, all of which can profoundly affect the quality of life for cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundIt is critically important to study the real-world data of FDA-approved medications to understand the response rates and toxicities observed in the real-world population not represented in the clinical trials.MethodsWe reviewed charts of patients diagnosed with metastatic, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer treated with alpelisib from May 2019 to January 2022. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were collected. The association of clinical characteristics with responses and adverse events (AEs) was evaluated using the logistic regression model.Results27 patients were included. Median age at alpelisib initiation 67 years (range: 44, 77 years). Majority of patients had excellent performance status at time of alpelisib initiation. Most patients had chronic comorbidities, notably; 2 patients had controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus at time of alpelisib initiation. Majority had a median of three lines of therapy (range: 1, 7) before alpelisib. Clinical responses were determined using RECIST v1.1. 3/27 (11.11%) patients discontinued therapy before response assessment due to grade 3 AEs. Overall response rate was 12.5% (3/24), with all partial responses (PR). The median duration of response was 5.77 months (range: 5.54, 8.98). 14/27 (51.9%) of patients required dose interruption/reduction. Overall, 23/27 (85.19%) patients discontinued alpelisib of which 11 (47.83%) discontinued alpelisib due to AEs. Median duration of treatment was 2 months in patients who had grade 3 AEs (range:

BackgroundAlpelisib is a recently approved treatment for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer. It has been associated with alopecia and rash, but there are no documented cases of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) associated with this drug. Here, we detail the first case of SJS associated with alpelisib.Case descriptionOur patient is a 60-year-old woman with a past medical history of metastatic hormone receptor-positive (ER+ 80% and PR+ 1%), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who presented with acute odynophagia, fevers, and diffuse body rash after receiving her first doses of alpelisib and fulvestrant in the preceding days. She presented to the emergency department after developing a whole-body rash and severe ulceration of her buccal mucosa. She was started on methylprednisolone with remarkable improvement in symptoms.ConclusionThis case report details the only report of SJS following alpelisib treatment. Immediate cessation of drugs and initiation of steroids are the cornerstone of treatment. Patients who experience such side effects will have to be monitored closely for long-term sequelae associated with SJS, including cutaneous, ocular, and oral sequelae, all of which can profoundly affect the quality of life for cancer patients.

Alpelisib is a PIK3a inhibitor approved for the treatment of metastatic ER+ breast cancer in combination with fulvestrant. Although rash is a common side effect of this medication, we present the first case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) upon initial exposure to alpelisib. Here we describe the clinical-pathological findings and management of our patient with alpelisib-induced life-threatening DRESS syndrome. The goal of this case report is to highlight association of alpelisib with DRESS syndrome, in clinical practice, so that alpelisib can be immediately stopped and treatment for this serious condition promptly initiated.

Alpelisib is a PIK3a inhibitor approved for the treatment of metastatic ER+ breast cancer in combination with fulvestrant. Although rash is a common side effect of this medication, we present the first case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) upon initial exposure to alpelisib. Here we describe the clinical-pathological findings and management of our patient with alpelisib-induced life-threatening DRESS syndrome. The goal of this case report is to highlight association of alpelisib with DRESS syndrome, in clinical practice, so that alpelisib can be immediately stopped and treatment for this serious condition promptly initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]