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IntroductionVarious studies have suggested use of socket grafting materials after dental extraction for socket preservation. However, there is no single material that has been accepted as standard for preserving the socket. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the evidence for the use of biphasic calcium phosphate for socket regeneration. Materials and MethodsThe team conducted a systematic literature search in accordance with the protocol registered at PROSPERO. PubMed, OVID, and EMBASE databases were used in the search. The articles were then screened using RAYYAN open-source software for the synthesis of evidence. ResultsOf the 240 articles found in the search, two studies could be included in the review. ConclusionBiphasic calcium phosphate (60% hydroxyapatite, HA and 40% beta-tricalcium phosphate, β-TCP) has a significant effect in the socket preservation and quality of bone regeneration.

Abstract Objective To report clinical efficacy and toxicity of fractionated CyberKnife radiosurgery for the treatment of hilar lung tumors. Methods Patients presenting with primary and metastatic hilar lung tumors, treated using the CyberKnife system with Synchrony fiducial tracking technology, were retrospectively reviewed. Hilar location was defined as abutting or invading a mainstem bronchus. Fiducial markers were implanted by conventional bronchoscopy within or adjacent to tumors to serve as targeting references. A prescribed dose of 30 to 40 Gy to the gross tumor volume (GTV) was delivered in 5 fractions. Clinical examination and PET/CT imaging were performed at 3 to 6-month follow-up intervals. Results Twenty patients were accrued over a 4 year period. Three had primary hilar lung tumors and 17 had hilar lung metastases. The median GTV was 73 cc (range 23-324 cc). The median dose to the GTV was 35 Gy (range, 30 - 40 Gy), delivered in 5 fractions over 5 to 8 days (median, 6 days). The resulting mean maximum point doses delivered to the esophagus and mainstem bronchus were 25 Gy (range, 11 - 39 Gy) and 42 Gy (range, 30 - 49 Gy), respectively. Of the 17 evaluable patients with 3 - 6 month follow-up, 4 patients had a partial response and 13 patients had stable disease. AAT t a median follow-up of 10 months, the 1-year Kaplan-Meier local control and overall survival estimates were 63% and 54%, respectively. Toxicities included one patient experiencing grade II radiation esophagitis and one patient experiencing grade III radiation pneumonitis. One patient with gross endobronchial tumor within the mainstem bronchus developed a bronchial fistula and died after receiving a maximum bronchus dose of 49 Gy. Conclusion CyberKnife radiosurgery is an effective palliative treatment option for hilar lung tumors, but local control is poor at one year. Maximum point doses to critical structures may be used as a guide for limiting toxicities. Preliminary results suggest that dose escalation alone is unlikely to enhance the therapeutic ratio of hilar lung tumors and novel approaches, such as further defining the patient population or employing the use of radiation sensitizers, should be investigated.

Abstract Introduction With conventional radiation technique alone, it is difficult to deliver radical treatment (≥ 60 Gy) to gliomas that are close to critical structures without incurring the risk of late radiation induced complications. Temozolomide-related improvements in high-grade glioma survival have placed a higher premium on optimal radiation therapy delivery. We investigated the safety and efficacy of utilizing highly conformal and precise CyberKnife radiotherapy to enhance conventional radiotherapy in the treatment of high grade glioma. Methods Between January 2002 and January 2009, 24 patients with good performance status and high-grade gliomas in close proximity to critical structures (i.e. eyes, optic nerves, optic chiasm and brainstem) were treated with the CyberKnife. All patients received conventional radiation therapy following tumor resection, with a median dose of 50 Gy (range: 40 - 50.4 Gy). Subsequently, an additional dose of 10 Gy was delivered in 5 successive 2 Gy daily fractions utilizing the CyberKnife® image-guided radiosurgical system. The majority of patients (88%) received concurrent and/or adjuvant Temozolmide. Results During CyberKnife treatments, the mean number of radiation beams utilized was 173 and the mean number of verification images was 58. Among the 24 patients, the mean clinical treatment volume was 174 cc, the mean prescription isodose line was 73% and the mean percent target coverage was 94%. At a median follow-up of 23 months for the glioblastoma multiforme cohort, the median survival was 18 months and the two-year survival rate was 37%. At a median follow-up of 63 months for the anaplastic glioma cohort, the median survival has not been reached and the 4-year survival rate was 71%. There have been no severe late complications referable to this radiation regimen in these patients. Conclusion We utilized fractionated CyberKnife radiotherapy as an adjunct to conventional radiation to improve the targeting accuracy of high-grade glioma radiation treatment. This technique was safe, effective and allowed for optimal dose-delivery in our patients. The value of image-guided radiation therapy for the treatment of high-grade gliomas deserves further study.

Abstract Objective Curative surgery is not an option for many patients with clinical stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), but radical radiosurgery may be effective. Methods Inoperable patients with small peripheral clinical stage I NSCLC were enrolled in this study. Three-to-five fiducial markers were implanted in or near tumors under CT guidance. Gross tumor volumes (GTVs) were contoured using lung windows. The GTV margin was expanded by 5 mm to establish the planning treatment volume (PTV). A dose of 42–60 Gy was delivered to the PTV in 3 equal fractions in less than 2 weeks using the CyberKnife radiosurgery system. The 30-Gy isodose contour extended at least 1 cm from the GTV. Physical examination, CT imaging and pulmonary function testing were completed at 6 months intervals for three years following treatment. Results Twenty patients with an average maximum tumor diameter of 2.2 cm (range, 1.1 – 3.5 cm) and a mean FEV1 of 1.08 liters (range, 0.53 – 1.71 L) were treated. Pneumothorax requiring tube thoracostomy occurred following CT-guided fiducial placement in 25% of the patients. All patients completed treatment with few acute side effects and no procedure-related mortality. Transient chest wall discomfort developed in 8 of the 12 patients with lesions within 5 mm of the pleura. The mean percentage of the total lung volume receiving a minimum of 15 Gy was 7.3% (range, 2.4% to 11.3%). One patient who received concurrent gefitinib developed short-lived, grade III radiation pneumonitis. The mean percent predicted DLCO decreased by 9% and 11% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were no local failures, regional lymph node recurrences or distant metastases. With a median follow-up of 25 months for the surviving patients, Kaplan-Meier overall survival estimate at 2 years was 87%, with deaths due to COPD progression. Conclusion Radical CyberKnife radiosurgery is a well-tolerated treatment option for inoperable patients with small, peripheral stage I NSCLC. Effective doses and adequate margins are likely to have contributed to the optimal early local control seen in this study.

PurposeCabozantinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor that targets MET, AXL, and VEGFR2, and may synergize with EGFR inhibition in NSCLC. Cabozantinib was assessed alone or in combination with erlotinib in patients with progressive NSCLC and EGFR mutations who had previously received erlotinib.MethodsThis was a phase Ib/II study (NCT00596648). The primary objectives of phase I were to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics and to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of cabozantinib plus erlotinib in patients who failed prior erlotinib treatment. In phase II, patients with prior response or stable disease with erlotinib who progressed were randomized to single-agent cabozantinib 100 mg qd vs cabozantinib 100 mg qd and erlotinib 50 mg qd (phase I MTD), with a primary objective of estimating objective response rate (ORR).ResultsSixty-four patients were treated in phase I. Doses of 100 mg cabozantinib plus 50 mg erlotinib, or 40 mg cabozantinib plus 150 mg erlotinib were determined to be MTDs. Diarrhea was the most frequent dose-limiting toxicity and the most frequent AE (87.5% of patients). The ORR for phase I was 8.2% (90% CI 3.3-16.5). In phase II, one patient in the cabozantinib arm (N = 15) experienced a partial response, for an ORR of 6.7% (90% CI 0.3-27.9), with no responses for cabozantinib plus erlotinib (N = 13). There was no evidence that co-administration of cabozantinib markedly altered erlotinib pharmacokinetics or vice versa.ConclusionsDespite responses with cabozantinib/erlotinib in phase I, there were no responses in the combination arm of phase II in patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib. Cabozantinib did not appear to re-sensitize these patients to erlotinib.

Introduction: Various studies have suggested use of socket grafting materials after dental extraction for socket preservation. However, there is no single material that has been accepted as standard for preserving the socket. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the evidence for the use of biphasic calcium phosphate for socket regeneration. Materials and Methods: The team conducted a systematic literature search in accordance with the protocol registered at PROSPERO. PubMed, OVID, and EMBASE databases were used in the search. The articles were then screened using RAYYAN open-source software for the synthesis of evidence. Results: Of the 240 articles found in the search, two studies could be included in the review. Conclusion: Biphasic calcium phosphate (60% hydroxyapatite, HA and 40% beta-tricalcium phosphate, ß-TCP) has a significant effect in the socket preservation and quality of bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor EGFR- activating mutations that can be therapeutically targeted by EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI), such as erlotinib and gefitinib. Unfortunately, a subset of patients with EGFR mutations are refractory to EGFR- TKIs. Resistance to EGFR inhibitors reportedly involves SRC activation and induction of epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we have demonstrated that overexpression of CRIPTO1, an EGF-CFC protein family member, renders EGFR-TKI-sensitive and EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells resistant to erlotinib in culture and in murine xenograft models. Furthermore, tumors from NSCLC patients with EGFR-activating mutations that were intrinsically resistant to EGFR-TKIs expressed higher levels of CRIPTO1 compared with tumors from patients that were sensitive to EGFR-TKIs. Primary NSCLC cells derived from a patient with EGFR- mutated NSCLC that was intrinsically erlotinib resistant were CRIPTO1 positive, but gained erlotinib sensitivity upon loss of CRIPTO1 expression during culture. CRIPTO1 activated SRC and ZEB1 to promote EMT via microRNA-205 (miR-205) downregulation. While miR-205 depletion induced erlotinib resistance, miR-205 overexpression inhibited CRIPTO1-dependent ZEB1 and SRC activation, restoring erlotinib sensitivity. CRIPTO1-induced erlotinib resistance was directly mediated through SRC but not ZEB1; therefore, cotargeting EGFR and SRC synergistically attenuated growth of erlotinib-resistant, CRIPTO1-positive, EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that this combination may overcome intrinsic EGFR-inhibitor resistance in patients with CRIPTO1-positive, EGFR-mutated NSCLC., Introduction Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80% of all lung cancers. In 2004, somatic mutations in the [...]

Orthodontic mini-implants or transient anchorage devices can be used to shift difficult teeth. There is substantial evidence showing the effectiveness of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD) and their anchorage requirements. However, there are also reports of failures and complications like soft tissue inflammation, tissue overgrowth, peri-implantitis and mini-implant fracture. The present case report of 22 years old female patient, discusses a rare occurrence of tissue overgrowth over the mini-implant on right buccal mucosa in relation to 45, 46 regions. A 1.3×9 mm stainless steel mini-implant was used as an interim anchorage device. The tissue overgrowth was attributed to soft tissue inflammation around the mini-implant. Under adequate anaesthesia, the tissue was removed using a laser, and the mini-implant was retrieved using tissue forceps. After achieving hemostasis, simple interrupted sutures were placed. It is recommended to administer antibiotics, analgesics, and along with postoperative instructions. When used correctly, mini-screws are valuable tools that enhance the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. However, there is a scarcity of case studies discussing the complications and side-effects of mini-implants. Clinicians should carefully evaluate both general and unique side-effects and complications at the insertion site. This case report demonstrates the successful removal of an orthodontic mini-implant following diode laser ablation of hyperplastic tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases (BM) is difficult to treat and associated with poor survival. This study assessed the impact of BM on healthcare-related utilization and costs (HRUC) among patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Patients and methods: Adults newly-diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC, initiating first-/second-generation EGFR-TKI treatment, with BM or no BM (NBM), were identified retrospectively from IBM MarketScan healthcare claims databases (2013-2017). HRUC were measured during the variable-length follow-up period. Generalized linear models assessed the impact of BM on total healthcare costs, standardized to 2017 US$. Results: Overall, 222 BM and 280 NBM patients were included, with a mean duration of follow-up of 14months. Adjusted NSCLC-related and all-cause costs over average follow-up were 1.2 times higher among BM patients (D$5,640 and D$6,366, respectively; p<0.05); differences were driven primarily by radiation treatment and radiology. More than two times more BM than NBM patients received NSCLCrelated radiation treatment, in both inpatient (15.3% vs 6.8%; p<0.05) and outpatient settings (87.8% vs 37.5%; p<0.05). Per-patient per-month (PPPM) radiation costs were also higher among BM patients, both inpatient ($796 vs $464, p=0.172) and outpatient ($2,443 vs $747, p<0.05). All-cause PPPM radiology visits (2.0 vs 1.3) and associated costs ($3,824 vs $1,621) were higher among BM patients (both p<0.05). Conclusion: NSCLC-related HRUC, especially those attributable to radiation treatment, were higher among patients with BM. Future research should compare the potential for CNS-active EGFR-TKIs vs first-/second-generation EGFR-TKIs combined with radiotherapy to reduce HRUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osimertinib is an effective first-line therapy option for EGFR -mutant NSCLC, but virtually all patients develop resistance. CRIPTO, through Src activation, has been implicated in resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy. Dasatinib, a Src inhibitor, has shown preclinical synergy with EGFR-TKI therapy. Method: This is a single-arm phase I/II trial of osimertinib and dasatinib in TKI-naïve advanced EGFR -mutant NSCLC (NCT02954523). A 3 + 3 design was used in the phase I to establish the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Osimertinib 80 mg QD was combined with dasatinib 70 mg BID (DL2), 50 mg BID (DL1), 70 mg QD (DL-1), and 50 mg QD (DL-2). Results: Ten patients (DL2: 3, DL1: 6, DL -1: 1) were enrolled. 3 (50%) of 6 patients at DL1 experienced a DLT (grade 3 headaches/body pain, neutropenia, rash, one each). Common treatment-related adverse events included pleural effusion (n=10), diarrhea (n=8), rash (n=7), transaminitis (n=7), thrombocytopenia (n=7), and neutropenia (n=7). While the MTD was not determined by protocol-defined DLT criteria, DL-2 was chosen as the RP2D, considering overall tolerability. Nine (90%) patients had a PR, including 1 unconfirmed PR. Median PFS was 19.4 months and median OS 36.1 months. The trial was closed to accrual prematurely due to slow accrual after the approval of osimertinib as first-line therapy. Conclusions: The combination of dasatinib and osimertinib demonstrated anticancer activity. The treatment was limited by chronic toxicities mainly attributed to dasatinib. To improve the safety and tolerability of Src and EGFR co-inhibition, Src inhibitors with a more favorable safety profile should be utilized in future studies. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02954523 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current treatments for recurrent glioblastoma offer limited benefit. The authors report the antitumor activity and safety of the anti–programmed death 1 (anti–PD‐1) immunotherapy, pembrolizumab, in programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1)–positive, recurrent glioblastoma. Methods: Adult patients with PD‐L1–positive tumors were enrolled in the recurrent glioblastoma cohort of the multicohort, phase 1b KEYNOTE‐028 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02054806) and received pembrolizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint was investigator‐assessed overall response rate according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Archival tumor samples were assessed for PD‐L1 expression levels (prospectively) and T‐cell–inflamed gene expression profile score (retrospectively). Results: After a median follow‐up of 14 months (range, 2‐55 months) among the 26 enrolled patients, the overall response rate was 8% (95% CI, 1%‐26%). Two partial responses, lasting 8.3 and 22.8 months, occurred. Progression‐free survival (median, 2.8 months; 95% CI, 1.9‐8.1 months) rate at 6 months was 37.7%, and the overall survival (median, 13.1 months; 95% CI, 8.0‐26.6 months) rate at 12 months was 58%. Correlation of therapeutic benefit to level of PD‐L1 expression, gene expression profile score, or baseline steroid use could not be established. Treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 19 patients (73%), and 5 patients experienced grade 3 or 4 events (there were no grade 5 events). Immune‐mediated adverse events and infusion reactions occurred in 7 patients (27%). Conclusions: Pembrolizumab monotherapy demonstrated durable antitumor activity in a subset of patients with manageable toxicity in this small, signal‐finding, recurrent glioblastoma cohort. Future studies evaluating rationally designed pembrolizumab combination regimens may improve outcomes in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. In the phase 1 multicohort KEYNOTE‐028 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02054806), the antitumor activity and safety of pembrolizumab were evaluated among patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Pembrolizumab monotherapy demonstrates antitumor activity in a subset of patients and has acceptable toxicity in this setting, in which current treatment options provide limited benefit and the prognosis is poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Temsirolimus is an mTOR antagonist with proven anticancer efficacy. Preclinical data suggest greater anticancer effect when mTOR inhibitors are combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy. We performed a Phase I assessment of the combination of temsirolimus and capecitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Patients were enrolled in an alternating dose escalation of temsirolimus (at 15 or 25 mg IV weekly) and capecitabine (at 750, 1000, and 1250 mg/m2 twice daily) in separate Q2‐week and Q3‐week cohorts. At the recommended Phase II doses (RP2Ds) of temsirolimus and capecitabine (Q2), seven patients were also treated with oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2, day 1) to determine triplet combination safety and efficacy. Results: Forty‐five patients were enrolled and 41 were evaluable for dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs). The most common adverse events (AEs) were mucositis, fatigue, and thrombocytopenia. The most common grade 3/4 AEs were hypophosphatemia and anemia. Five patients had DLTs, including hypophosphatemia, mucositis, and thrombocytopenia. The RP2Ds were temsirolimus 25 mg +capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 (Q2); and temsirolimus 25 mg +capecitabine 750 mg/m2 (Q3). Of the 38 patients evaluable for response, one had a partial response (PR) and 19 had stable disease (SD). The overall disease control rate was 52%. Five of the 20 patients with SD/PR maintained disease control for >6 months. Conclusions: The combination of temsirolimus and capecitabine is safe on both a Q2‐week and a Q3‐week schedule. The combination demonstrated promising evidence of disease control in this highly refractory population and could be considered for testing in disease‐specific phase II trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This phase I trial evaluated the maximum tolerated dose, safety and preliminary efficacy of lapatinib, a HER1, HER2 dual kinase inhibitor plus bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, in adult patients with advanced malignancies.Methods: Patients were enrolled in a standard 3 + 3 design with lapatinib (L) 750, 1000, 1250 or 1500 mg daily, and bortezomib (B) 0.7, 1.0, 1.3 or 1.6 mg/m2 for 3 weeks with 1 week off. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were assessed during the first 28 days RESULTS: Fifteen patients received the combination of lapatinib and bortezomib in three different cohorts and ten were evaluable for DLT. There were no DLTs. Anorexia was the most common adverse event. Biomarker analysis showed upregulation of p27 expression with lapatinib and the combination. No tumor response was observed and thus the study was closed early.Conclusion: The combination of lapatinib and bortezomib was well tolerated but no complete or partial tumor responses were observed at the dose levels tested. CLINICALTRIALS.Gov Identifier: NCT01497626. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JO‐RRP) is a human papilloma virus‐mediated progressive benign neoplasm that affects children and young adults. Primary management consists of regular surgical debulking to maintain airway patency and vocal function. Like condyloma acuminata, JO‐RRP is associated with immune dysregulation, and T cells isolated from papillomas express an anergic phenotype. Therefore, we hypothesized that programmed death protein 1 axis inhibition could stabilize tumor growth. Materials and Methods: We treated two patients with refractory JO‐RRP using nivolumab, with the primary objective of assessing clinical activity. We explored baseline papilloma features using immunohistochemistry and comprehensive genomic profiling. Results: Both patients experienced symptomatic improvement, and interval laryngoscopies revealed a reduction in papillomatosis burden. One patient has not required subsequent surgical debridement for almost 2 years. On pathologic examination of pretreatment papillomas from both cases, infiltrating T cells were evident in the papilloma stroma, and papilloma programmed death ligand 1 expression was absent. Papilloma mutational load ranged between three and six mutations per megabase for each case. From on‐treatment biopsy tissue, a higher amount of intraepithelial T cells and programmed death ligand 1 expression were detected in the papilloma. Conclusion: Nivolumab appears to have promising activity in JO‐RRP, and further clinical investigation with more patients in clinical trials is warranted. Implications for Practice: To the authors' knowledge, this article is the first report describing clinical activity with a programed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitor to treat a rare but detrimental type of respiratory tract epithelial neoplasm that afflicts young adults. Two patients were treated, and tumor features, such as mutational load, were examined with the intent to stimulate future hypotheses for translational research. The safety and activity of PD‐1 inhibitors in this population still need to be corroborated in clinical trials and should not yet be adopted into clinical practice. Juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JO‐RRP) is a benign neoplasm of the larynx that affects children and young adults. This article assesses the clinical activity of nivolumab treatment in two patients with JO‐RRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 63-year-old Asian man with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. The patient experienced symptoms such as cough, dyspnea and hoarseness, as well as mediastinal lymph nodes, vertebral body sclerotic lesions and bilateral pleural effusions. He was treated with dabrafenib and trametinib after showing initial progression on vemurafenib.

Purpose/Objective: High-grade glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the CNS, with death often resulting from uncontrollable intracranial disease. Radiation dose may be limited by the tolerance of critical structures, such as the brainstem and optic apparatus. In this report, long-term outcomes in patients treated with conventionally fractionated stereotactic boost for tumors in close proximity to critical structures are presented. Materials/Methods: Patients eligible for inclusion in this single institution retrospective review had a pathologically confirmed high-grade glioma status post-surgical resection. Inclusion criteria required tumor location within one centimeter of a critical structure, including the optic chiasm, optic nerve, and brainstem. Radiation therapy consisted of external beam radiation followed by a conventionally fractionated stereotactic boost. Oncologic outcomes and toxicity were assessed. Results: Thirty patients eligible for study inclusion underwent resection of a high-grade glioma. The median initial adjuvant EBRT dose was 50 Gy with a median conventionally fractionated stereotactic boost of 10 Gy. All stereotactic treatments were given in 2 Gy daily fractions. Median follow-up time for the entire cohort was 38 months with a median overall survival of 45 months and 5-year overall survival of 32.5%. The median freedom from local progression was 45 months, and the 5-year freedom from local progression was 29.7%. Two cases of radiation retinopathy were identified following treatment. No patient experienced toxicity attributable to the optic chiasm, optic nerve, or brainstem and no grade 3+ radionecrosis was observed. Conclusions: Oncologic and toxicity outcomes in high-grade glioma patients with tumors in unfavorable locations treated with conventionally fractionated stereotactic boost are comparable to those reported in the literature. This treatment strategy is appropriate for those patients with resected high-grade glioma in close proximity to critical structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of mortality with 1.69 million deaths worldwide. Activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), predominantly exon 19 deletions and exon 21 L858R mutations, are known oncogenic drivers identified in 20–40% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC). 70% of EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients develop brain metastases (BM), compared to 38% in EGFR wild-type patients. First-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as erlotinib and gefitinib have proven to be superior to chemotherapy in the front-line treatment of EGFR-mutant NSCLC, as has afatinib, a second-generation TKI. The most common acquired resistance mechanism is the development of a gatekeeper mutation in exon 20 T790M. Osimertinib has emerged as a third-generation EGFR TKI with proven activity in the front-line setting as well as in patients with a T790M acquired resistance mutation with remarkable CNS activity. As long-term survival outcomes in EGFR-mutant NSCLC continue to improve, the burden of BM becomes a greater challenge. Here, we review the literature related to the management of BM in EGFR-mutant NSCLC including the role of the three generations of EGFR TKIs, immunotherapy, and brain radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15% of all lung cancers and is characterized by high response rates to cytotoxic chemotherapy and equally high rates of relapse. Many resistance mechanisms have been proposed including resistance to doxorubicin via induction of a heat shock response. Ganetespib is a novel and potent non-geldanamycin heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor. In preclinical studies, synergy between ganetespib and doxorubicin was shown. We conducted a phase Ib/ll study of the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of the combination of ganetespib and doxorubicin. Methods: Patients eligible for the phase lb portion had advanced tumors that would be appropriate for doxorubicin therapy and those in the phase II portion had relapsed or refractory SCLC. All patients had an ECOG performance status, 0-1 and adequate organ function, including a cardiac ejection fraction ≥50%. Patients who received a lifetime cumulative doxorubicin dose of > 150 mg/m2 or who had symptomatic brain metastases were excluded. Patients received ganetespib on Days 1 and 8 and doxorubicin 50 mg/2 on day 1 in 21-day cycles. Results: Eleven patients were enrolled including nine in the phase lb dose escalation and two in the phase II expansion. The study was terminated by the sponsor. The dose recommended for future study is ganetespib 150 mg/m2 in combination with doxorubicin at a dose of 50 mg/m2. The most common adverse events of the combination were grade 1/2 diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and transaminitis. No dose limiting toxicities were observed. Response rate was 25% and median duration of response was 137 days. Conclusion: Ganetespib plus doxorubicin was a well-tolerated combination and there remains potential for the clinical development of Hsp90 inhibitors in SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report clinical efficacy and toxicity of fractionated CyberKnife radiosurgery for the treatment of hilar lung tumors. Methods: Patients presenting with primary and metastatic hilar lung tumors, treated using the CyberKnife system with Synchrony fiducial tracking technology, were retrospectively reviewed. Hilar location was defined as abutting or invading a mainstem bronchus. Fiducial markers were implanted by conventional bronchoscopy within or adjacent to tumors to serve as targeting references. A prescribed dose of 30 to 40 Gy to the gross tumor volume (GTV) was delivered in 5 fractions. Clinical examination and PET/CT imaging were performed at 3 to 6-month follow-up intervals. Results: Twenty patients were accrued over a 4 year period. Three had primary hilar lung tumors and 17 had hilar lung metastases. The median GTV was 73 cc (range 23-324 cc). The median dose to the GTV was 35 Gy (range, 30 - 40 Gy), delivered in 5 fractions over 5 to 8 days (median, 6 days). The resulting mean maximum point doses delivered to the esophagus and mainstem bronchus were 25 Gy (range, 11 - 39 Gy) and 42 Gy (range, 30 - 49 Gy), respectively. Of the 17 evaluable patients with 3 - 6 month follow-up, 4 patients had a partial response and 13 patients had stable disease. AAT t a median follow-up of 10 months, the 1-year Kaplan-Meier local control and overall survival estimates were 63% and 54%, respectively. Toxicities included one patient experiencing grade II radiation esophagitis and one patient experiencing grade III radiation pneumonitis. One patient with gross endobronchial tumor within the mainstem bronchus developed a bronchial fistula and died after receiving a maximum bronchus dose of 49 Gy. Conclusion: CyberKnife radiosurgery is an effective palliative treatment option for hilar lung tumors, but local control is poor at one year. Maximum point doses to critical structures may be used as a guide for limiting toxicities. Preliminary results suggest that dose escalation alone is unlikely to enhance the therapeutic ratio of hilar lung tumors and novel approaches, such as further defining the patient population or employing the use of radiation sensitizers, should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Curative surgery is not an option for many patients with clinical stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), but radical radiosurgery may be effective. Methods: Inoperable patients with small peripheral clinical stage I NSCLC were enrolled in this study. Three-to-five fiducial markers were implanted in or near tumors under CT guidance. Gross tumor volumes (GTVs) were contoured using lung windows. The GTV margin was expanded by 5 mm to establish the planning treatment volume (PTV). A dose of 42-60 Gy was delivered to the PTV in 3 equal fractions in less than 2 weeks using the CyberKnife radiosurgery system. The 30-Gy isodose contour extended at least 1 cm from the GTV. Physical examination, CT imaging and pulmonary function testing were completed at 6 months intervals for three years following treatment. Results: Twenty patients with an average maximum tumor diameter of 2.2 cm (range, 1.1 - 3.5 cm) and a mean FEV1 of 1.08 liters (range, 0.53 - 1.71 L) were treated. Pneumothorax requiring tube thoracostomy occurred following CT-guided fiducial placement in 25% of the patients. All patients completed treatment with few acute side effects and no procedure-related mortality. Transient chest wall discomfort developed in 8 of the 12 patients with lesions within 5 mm of the pleura. The mean percentage of the total lung volume receiving a minimum of 15 Gy was 7.3% (range, 2.4% to 11.3%). One patient who received concurrent gefitinib developed short-lived, grade III radiation pneumonitis. The mean percent predicted DLCO decreased by 9% and 11% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were no local failures, regional lymph node recurrences or distant metastases. With a median follow-up of 25 months for the surviving patients, Kaplan-Meier overall survival estimate at 2 years was 87%, with deaths due to COPD progression. Conclusion: Radical CyberKnife radiosurgery is a well-tolerated treatment option for inoperable patients with small, peripheral stage I NSCLC. Effective doses and adequate margins are likely to have contributed to the optimal early local control seen in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor EGFR-activating mutations that can be therapeutically targeted by EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI), such as erlotinib and gefitinib. Unfortunately, a subset of patients with EGFR mutations are refractory to EGFR-TKIs. Resistance to EGFR inhibitors reportedly involves SRC activation and induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we have demonstrated that overexpression of CRIPTO1, an EGF-CFC protein family member, renders EGFR-TKI-sensitive and EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells resistant to erlotinib in culture and in murine xenograft models. Furthermore, tumors from NSCLC patients with EGFR-activating mutations that were intrinsically resistant to EGFR-TKIs expressed higher levels of CRIPTO1 compared with tumors from patients that were sensitive to EGFR-TKIs. Primary NSCLC cells derived from a patient with EGFR-mutated NSCLC that was intrinsically erlotinib resistant were CRIPTO1 positive, but gained erlotinib sensitivity upon loss of CRIPTO1 expression during culture. CRIPTO1 activated SRC and ZEB1 to promote EMT via microRNA-205 (miR-205) downregulation. While miR-205 depletion induced erlotinib resistance, miR-205 overexpression inhibited CRIPTO1-dependent ZEB1 and SRC activation, restoring erlotinib sensitivity. CRIPTO1-induced erlotinib resistance was directly mediated through SRC but not ZEB1; therefore, cotargeting EGFR and SRC synergistically attenuated growth of erlotinib-resistant, CRIPTO1-positive, EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that this combination may overcome intrinsic EGFR-inhibitor resistance in patients with CRIPTO1-positive, EGFR-mutated NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phase 1/2 dose-escalation and expansion study evaluating varlilumab, a fully human agonist anti-CD27 mAb, with nivolumab in anti-PD-1/L1 naïve, refractory solid tumors., Methods: Phase 1 evaluated the safety of varlilumab (0.1-10 mg/kg) with nivolumab (3 mg/kg) administered once every 2 weeks. Phase 2 evaluated varlilumab regimens (3 mg/kg once every 2 weeks, 3 mg/kg once every 12 weeks, and 0.3 mg/kg once every 4 weeks) with nivolumab 240 mg once every 2 weeks in tumor-specific cohorts. Primary objective was safety; key clinical endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival rate at 12 months (OS12) (glioblastoma (GBM) only). Exploratory objectives included determination of effects on peripheral blood and intratumoral immune signatures., Results: 175 patients were enrolled (36 in phase 1 and 139 in phase 2). Phase 1 dose-escalation proceeded to the highest varlilumab dose level without determining a maximum tolerated dose. In phase 2, ORR were ovarian 12.5%, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck 12.5%, colorectal cancer 5%, and renal cell carcinoma 0%; GBM OS12 was 40.9%. Increased tumor PD-L1 and intratumoral T cell infiltration were observed in ovarian cancer patients, with increases of ≥5% associated with better progression-free survival. The most common treatment related adverse events were fatigue (18%), pruritus (16%), and rash (15%)., Conclusion: Varlilumab and nivolumab were well tolerated, without significant toxicity beyond that expected for each agent alone. Clinical activity was observed in patients that are typically refractory to anti-PD-1 therapy, however, overall was not greater than expected for nivolumab monotherapy. Treatment was associated with proinflammatory changes in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in ovarian cancer where the changes were associated with better clinical outcomes., Trial Registration Number: NCT02335918., Competing Interests: Competing interests: RES: none. MP: none. MC: reports grants from Bristol Myers Squibb for projects outside this manuscript, personal fees from Merck, InCyte, Moderna, ImmunoCore, and AstraZeneca. Additionally, she has an immediate family member who is employed at Bristol Myers Squibb and receives unvested stock as a form of compensation. AW: none. BS: none. OR: research support from Merck. Speaker for activities supported by educational grants from BMS and Merck. Consultant for Merck, Celgene, Five Prime, GSK, Bayer, Roche/Genentech, Puretech, Imvax, Sobi. In addition, Dr Rahma has patent ‘Methods of using pembrolizumab and trebananib’ pending. DCC: consultant for Nektar, Werewolf, Pfizer, and HUYA. NR: was an employee of Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, NY, USA when the analysis was conducted and is a stockholder of Gritstone bio and Synthekine and is a current employee of Synthekine. MZ: consulting fees from Alkermes, PIO Therapeutics, Iovance, Biontech DSMC, Regeneron, Merck, Kadmon-Sanofi, Incyte, Dragonfly, Evoveimmune, Rootpath, Anaptys, Numab, Biond, Adaptimmune, Bristol-Myers, Simcha, Verastem, Pfizer, Innate Pharma, Pierre-Fabre, Nextcure, Alligator, Ocellaris-Lilly, Immunoscore, Glaxo Smith Kline, Adagene, Asher, Kanaph, iTEOS, Genocea, Trillium, Sapience, Targovax, Molecular Partners, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Gilead, Tessa, Stcube, Oncosec, Astra Zeneca, Agenus, Idera, Apexigen, Rubius, Genetech-Roche, Boston Pharmaceuticals, and Servier. Stock or stock options for Adaptive Biotechnologies, Amphivena, Intensity, Actym, Nanobot, Johnson and Johnson, Glaxo-Smith Kline, Evolveimmune, Nextcure, Torque Repertoire, Oncohost, Rootpath, and Asher. JL: none. JEB: grants to the University of Arizone for cancer-related clinical research from Astra Zeneca, Aveo, Celldex, CUE, Lilly, and Novartis. RB: none. AS: BMS speaker bureau. AJ: reports no relevant conflicts. AJ owns stock/options on Champions Oncology and Suvica. AJ institution has contracts for trials where AJ is local PI with Pfizer, Merck, SQZ, Moderna, Iovance, Khar Biopharma, DebioPharm, Cantargia and Sanofi. DR: Research support (paid to DFCI): Acerta Phamaceuticals; Agenus; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celldex; EMD Serono; Enterome; Epitopoietic Research Coorporatioin; Incyte; Inovio; Insightec; Novartis; Omniox; Tragara. Advisory/consultation (paid to Dr Reardon): Abbvie; Advantagene; Agenus; Agios; Amgen; AnHeart Therapeutics; Avita Biomedical, Inc., Bayer; Boston Biomedical; Boehringer Ingelheim; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celldex; Deciphera; Del Mar Pharma; DNAtrix; Ellipses Pharma; EMD Serono; Genenta; Genentech/Roche; Hoffman-LaRoche, Ltd; Imvax; Inovio; Kintara; Kiyatec; Medicenna Biopharma, Inc.; Merck; Merck KGaA; Monteris; Neuvogen; Novartis; Novocure; Oncorus; Oxigene; Regeneron; Stemline; Sumitono Dainippon Pharma; Pyramid; Taiho Oncology, Inc.; Vivacitas Oncology, Inc., Y-mabs Therapeutics. ThK: none. FI: consulting or Advisory Role: Novocure, Regeneron, Abbvie, Merck, Tocagen, Alexion, Guidepoint Global, Gennao Bio, Xcures, Innovation Spec, Medtronic, MassiveBio, Kiyatec, MimiVax. Speakers’ Bureau: Prime Oncology; Institutional Research Funding: Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Tocagen, FORMA Therapeutics, Celldex, Northwest Biotherapeutics, Sapience Therapeutics, Novocure. Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Oncoeutics. DSS: employee of AstraZeneca and have stock options with the same. JBA: Honoraria from Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer/EMD Serono, and Astellas/Seattle Genetics. Meeting and travel support from EMD Serono and Bristal Myers Squibb. Participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board for Pfizer, Merck, EMD Serono, Astellas, Seattle Genetics, Immunomedics, AZD, Aveo, Exelixis, Janssen, Pfizer/Myovant. TRH: employee of Celldex and own Celldex stock. TR: was an employee of Celldex at the time the study was conducted. MY: employee of Celldex and owns Celldex stock. TiK: employee of Celldex and owns Celldex stock., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

The clinical benefit of PD-1 blockade can be improved by combination with CTLA4 inhibition but is commensurate with significant immune-related adverse events suboptimally limiting the doses of anti-CTLA4 mAb that can be used. MEDI5752 is a monovalent bispecific antibody designed to suppress the PD-1 pathway and provide modulated CTLA4 inhibition favoring enhanced blockade on PD-1 + activated T cells. We show that MEDI5752 preferentially saturates CTLA4 on PD-1 + T cells versus PD-1 - T cells, reducing the dose required to elicit IL2 secretion. Unlike conventional PD-1/CTLA4 mAbs, MEDI5752 leads to the rapid internalization and degradation of PD-1. Moreover, we show that MEDI5752 preferentially localizes and accumulates in tumors providing enhanced activity when compared with a combination of mAbs targeting PD-1 and CTLA4 in vivo . Following treatment with MEDI5752, robust partial responses were observed in two patients with advanced solid tumors. MEDI5752 represents a novel immunotherapy engineered to preferentially inhibit CTLA4 on PD-1 + T cells. SIGNIFICANCE: The unique characteristics of MEDI5752 represent a novel immunotherapy engineered to direct CTLA4 inhibition to PD-1 + T cells with the potential for differentiated activity when compared with current conventional mAb combination strategies targeting PD-1 and CTLA4. This molecule therefore represents a step forward in the rational design of cancer immunotherapy. See related commentary by Burton and Tawbi, p. 1008 . This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 995 ., (©2021 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Background: Lutathera is a 177 Lutetium-labeled somatostatin analog approved for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Somatostatin receptors are expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, may act synergistically with lutathera to generate antitumor immunity. We conducted a phase I study of lutathera plus nivolumab in patients with advanced NETs of the lung., Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC), non-progressing ES-SCLC after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, or advanced grade I-II pulmonary NETs were eligible. The primary objective was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). The phase I portion followed a standard 3+3 design, assessing two dose levels (dose level 1: lutathera 3.7 GBq every 8 weeks for four doses with nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks; dose level 2: lutathera 7.4 GBq every 8 weeks for four doses with nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks)., Results: Nine patients were enrolled (six ES-SCLC, two pulmonary atypical carcinoid, one high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma). No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed at dose level 1. At dose level 2, one patient with refractory ES-SCLC developed a DLT (grade 3 rash). The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were lymphopenia (n=7), thrombocytopenia (n=4), anemia (n=3), and nausea (n=3). The most common grade 3 TRAE was lymphopenia (n=4). Among the seven patients with measurable disease, one patient with ES-SCLC had a partial response. Two patients with pulmonary atypical carcinoid had stable disease lasting 6 months. The RP2D was dose level 2., Conclusions: Lutathera plus nivolumab was well tolerated and showed signs of antitumor activity. This combination warrants further exploration., Trial Registration Number: NCT03325816., Competing Interests: Competing interests: CK has received research grants (to institution) from AstraZeneca, BMS, Novartis, Regeneron, Tesaro, Karyopharm, Debiopharm, and Altor Bioscience, and has served on the advisory board of Novartis. SVL has received research grants (to institution) from Alkermes, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Blueprint, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corvus, Genentech, Ignyta, Lilly, Lycera, Merck, Merus, Molecular Partners, Pfizer, Rain Therapeutics, RAPT, Spectrum, and Turning Point Therapeutics. He has served on the advisory board of AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Catalyst, Celgene, G1 Therapeutics, Genentech/Roche, Guardant Health, Ignyta, Janssen, Lilly, LOXO, PharmaMar, Regeneron, and Takeda. DSS is an employee of AstraZeneca and has stock options with AstraZeneca starting July 29, 2019. DSS was on the speaker’s bureau of AstraZeneca, Genentech, and Takeda Oncology, and was on the advisory board of AstraZeneca. GE is on the speaker’s bureau of Advanced Accelerator Applications. The other authors declare no potential conflicts of interest., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

The understanding of genetic alterations that drive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving. As many of these molecularly-defined subtypes are potentially actionable, new strategies in molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies in NSCLC to detect and treat them are being explored. At the International Association for Study of Lung Cancer 19th World Conference, several abstracts and oral presentations related to this topic. In this report, we discuss some of these updates.