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Futibatinib is an oral, irreversible, highly selective fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1–4 inhibitor with potent preclinical activity against tumors harboring FGFR aberrations. This first-in-human, phase I dose-escalation trial (NCT02052778) evaluates the safety and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of futibatinib in advanced solid tumors. Following a standard 3+3 dose-escalation design, eligible patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapies received 8–200 mg futibatinib three times a week (t.i.w.) or 4–24 mg once daily (q.d.). A total of 86 patients were enrolled in the nine t.i.w. (n = 42) and five q.d. cohorts (n = 44); 71 patients (83%) had tumors harboring FGF/FGFR aberrations. Three of nine patients in the 24-mg q.d. cohort experienced dose-limiting toxicities, including grade 3 increases in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and blood bilirubin (n = 1 each). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined to be 20 mg q.d.; no MTD was defined for the t.i.w. schedule. Across cohorts (n = 86), the most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were hyperphosphatemia (59%), diarrhea (37%), and constipation (34%); 48% experienced grade 3 TEAEs. TEAEs led to dose interruptions, dose reductions, and treatment discontinuations in 55%, 14%, and 3% of patients, respectively. Pharmacokinetics were dose proportional across all q.d. doses but not all t.i.w. doses evaluated, with saturation observed between 80 and 200 mg t.i.w. Serum phosphorus increased dose dependently with futibatinib on both schedules, but a stronger exposure–response relationship was observed with q.d. dosing, supporting 20 mg q.d. as the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Overall, partial responses were observed in five patients [ FGFR2 fusion-positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3) and FGFR1 -mutant primary brain tumor (n = 2)], and stable disease in 41 (48%). Futibatinib treatment resulted in manageable safety, pharmacodynamic activity, and preliminary responses in patients with advanced solid tumors. The results of this phase I dose-escalation trial support 20 mg q.d. futibatinib as the RP2D. FOENIX-101 (ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02052778). • This is a first-in-human phase I dose-escalation trial of futibatinib, a highly selective, irreversible fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1–4 inhibitor. • Futibatinib showed tolerability and preliminary efficacy in patients with heavily pretreated advanced solid tumors. • A dose of 20 mg once-daily continuous futibatinib was selected as the phase II recommended dose. • Futibatinib is being investigated in ongoing phase II/III trials in patients with advanced cancers harboring FGFR aberrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Head and neck cancer (HNC) has a poor prognosis at advanced stages. Given the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in HNC, inhibition of the programmed death-ligand 1/programmed death-1 (PD-L1/PD-1) signaling pathway represents a promising therapeutic approach. Atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) is efficacious against many tumor types. Here we report the clinical safety and activity from the HNC cohort of the phase Ia PCD4989g clinical trial. Patients and methods Patients with previously treated, advanced HNC received atezolizumab i.v. every 3 weeks for 16 cycles, up to 1 year or until loss of clinical benefit. Patients were monitored for safety and tolerability and evaluated for response at least every 6 weeks. Baseline PD-L1 expression level and human papillomavirus (HPV) status were evaluated. Results Thirty-two patients were enrolled; 7 patients (22%) had a primary tumor in the oral cavity, 18 (56%) in the oropharynx, 1 (3%) in the hypopharynx, 2 (6%) in the larynx, and 4 (13%) in the nasopharynx. Seventeen patients (53%) had ≥2 prior lines of therapy. Twenty-one patients (66%) experienced a treatment-related adverse event (TRAE), with three experiencing grade 3 TRAEs and one experiencing a grade 4 TRAE (per CTCAE v4.0). No grade 5 TRAEs were reported. Objective responses by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1) occurred in 22% of patients, with a median duration of response of 7.4 months (range 2.8–45.8 months). Median progression-free survival was 2.6 months (range 0.5–48.4 months), and median overall survival was 6.0 months (range 0.5–51.6+ months). Responses showed no association with HPV status or PD-L1 expression level. Conclusions In this heavily pre-treated advanced HNC cohort, atezolizumab had a tolerable safety profile and encouraging activity, with responses observed regardless of HPV status and PD-L1 expression level. These findings warrant further investigation of atezolizumab in HNC. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01375842. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Preclinical studies suggest synergistic antitumour effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor such as temsirolimus combined with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody such as cetuximab. Methods Temsirolimus (T) and cetuximab (C) were combined and escalated in cohorts of patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumours, respectively from 15 to 25 mg and 150–250 mg/m 2 , until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined. Effort was made in the expansion cohort to enrol patients harbouring a molecular aberration in the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and/or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. Paired biopsies were optional to evaluate pathway modulation. Results Among 39 patients enrolled, three experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs): pulmonary embolism (C200 + T20), stomatitis (C250 + T20) and acneiform rash (C250 + T25). The weekly C 250 mg/m 2 and T 25 mg dose level was selected as the MTD. The most common treatment-related adverse events were: acneiform rash (97%), oral mucositis (82%), fatigue (59%), nausea (41%) and diarrhoea (36%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were respectively 2.0 months [95% CI: 1.8, 3.5] and 7.5 months [95% CI: 5.5, 11.9]. Among all patients, partial responses (PRs) and stable diseases (SDs) were observed in 2 (5.1%) and 18 patients (46.2%), respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) in patients with a molecular aberration was 2/14 (14%), versus 0/24 in those without molecular aberration. Conclusions Combination of T + C showed significant but manageable toxicities. Due to modest clinical activity, further evaluation is not recommended. Molecular selection could potentially increase the objective response rate and should be implemented during drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction et but de l’étude: La chimiothérapie est souvent incriminée dans la dénutrition du cancer soit par son rôle propre soit par le biais de la toxicité digestive quelle induit. Le but de cette étude est d’analyser les conséquences d’un traitement cytotoxique sur le statut nutritionnel et sur la qualité de vie (QdV), et de déterminer le paramètre le plus pertinent pour surveiller l’évolution du statut nutritionnel. Matériel et méthodes: Étude prospective, sur 40 patientes traitées par chimiothérapie en adjuvant pour un cancer du sein. Les paramètres sont recueillis avant chaque cure : poids (Pds), Indice de masse corporelle (IMC), Indice d’Ottery (PG-SGA), CRP, Albumi-némie (Alb), Transthyrétine (TTR), composants de l’organisme mesurés par impédancemétrie (Bodystat Quadscan 4000), QdV mesurée par le questionnaire européen QLQ-C30. Résultats: Âge médian 52 ans (extr : 28-71), IMC initial médian (kg/m2) : 24,1 (extr : 17,7-41,8). Il n’existe aucune modification, au fur et à mesures des cures, des paramètres nutritionnels que ce soit l’IMC, l’Alb, ou bien la TTR. Les valeurs de la masse maigre sèche (MMS) et de la masse grasse (MG) restent stables au cours des cures. Seule l’évaluation par le PG-SGA montre une aggravation. En cumulant l’ensemble des cures, 37 %, 13 %, 11 % et 3 % des patientes ont une toxicité grade 2-3 respectivement pour les nausées, la mucite, les vomissements, et la diarrhée. Plus le nombre de cures augmente plus l’appétit est perturbé (p=0,02). On observe une baisse du score global de QdV au fur et à mesure des cures. Le nombre de cures a un impact négatif, statistiquement corrélé à la fatigue (p<0,0001), ainsi qu’aux performances physiques (p=0,0004). L’analyse ajustée en fonction du temps permet de conclure que seul le PG-SGA, parmi toutes les variables nutritionnelles, est significativement corrélé à l’évolution du score global de QdV (p=0,03). Conclusions: Dans le cas particulier de la chimiothérapie adjuvante du cancer du sein, malgré l’anorexie et les nausées (1/3 patientes), l’évaluation du statut nutritionnel ne montre pas de modification de la MMS et de la MG. Par contre le risque nutritionnel, évalué par le score PG-SGA et corrélé à l’altération des paramètres de QdV, s’aggrave. Ceci illustre bien la différence entre les 2 notions, souvent confondues entres elles, de risque nutrtionnel et d’évaluation du statut nutritonnel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lucitanib is a unique oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the FGF/FGFR, PDGFR, and VEGFR pathways. This compound demonstrates indisputable antitumor activity in angiogenesis-sensitive tumors and FGF-aberrant tumors (notably breast cancer [ORR = 50%; PFS ≈10 months]). Its toxicity is mainly related to antiangiogenic properties. Confirmatory phase II trials are ongoing in breast and lung cancer.Background Lucitanib is a potent, oral inhibitor fibroblast growth factor receptor types 1 and 2 (FGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor types 1, 2, and 3 (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor types α and β (PGFRα/β), which are essential kinases for tumor growth, survival, migration, and angiogenesis. Several tumor types, including breast carcinoma, demonstrate amplification of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-related genes. There are no approved drugs for molecularly defined FGF-aberrant (FGFR1- or FGF3/4/19-amplified) tumors. Methods This open-label phase I/IIa study involved a dose-escalation phase to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended dose (RD), and pharmacokinetics of lucitanib in patients with advanced solid tumors, followed by a dose-expansion phase to obtain preliminary evidence of efficacy in patients who could potentially benefit from treatment (i.e. with tumors harboring FGF-aberrant pathway or considered angiogenesis-sensitive). Results Doses from 5 to 30 mg were evaluated with dose-limiting toxic effects dominated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition-related toxic effects at the 30 mg dose level (one case of grade 4 depressed level of consciousness and two cases of grade 3 thrombotic microangiopathy). The most common adverse events (all grades, all cohorts) were hypertension (91%), asthenia (42%), and proteinuria (57%). Exposure increased with dose and t½ was 31–40 h, suitable for once daily administration. Seventy-six patients were included. All but one had stage IV; 42% had >3 lines of previous chemotherapy. Sixty-four patients were assessable for response; 58 had measurable disease. Clinical activity was observed at all doses tested with durable Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) partial responses in a variety of tumor types. In the angiogenesis-sensitive group, objective RECIST response rate (complete response + partial response) was 26% (7 of 27) and progression-free survival (PFS) was 25 weeks. In assessable FGF-aberrant breast cancer patients, 50% (6 of 12) achieved RECIST partial response with a median PFS of 40.4 weeks for all treated patients. Conclusion Lucitanib has promising efficacy and a manageable side-effect profile. The spectrum of activity observed demonstrates clinical benefit in both FGF-aberrant and angiogenesis-sensitive populations. A comprehensive phase II program is planned. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background In 2013, the French National Cancer Institute initiated the AcSé program to provide patients with secure access to targeted therapies outside of their marketed approvals. Efficacy and safety was then assessed using a two-stage Simon phase II trial design. When the study design was designed, crizotinib was approved only as monotherapy for adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase plus non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Patients and methods Advanced NSCLC patients with c-MET ≥6 copies, c-MET -mutated, or ROS-1 -translocated tumours were enrolled in one of the three cohorts. Patients were treated with crizotinib 250 mg twice daily. Efficacy was assessed using the objective response rate (ORR) after two cycles of crizotinib as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included disease control rate at four cycles, best ORR, progression-free survival, overall survival, and drug tolerance. Results From August 2013 to March 2018, 5606 patients had their tumour tested for crizotinib targeted molecular alterations: 252 patients had c-MET ≥6 copies, 74 c-MET -mutation, and 78 ROS-1 -translocated tumour. Finally, 25 patients in the c-MET ≥6 copies cohort, 28 in the c-MET -mutation cohort, and 37 in the ROS-1 -translocation cohort were treated in the phase II trial. The ORR was 16% in the c-MET ≥6 copies cohort, 10.7% in the mutated, and 47.2% in the ROS-1 cohort. The best ORR during treatment was 32% in the c-MET -≥6 copies cohort, 36% in the c-MET -mutated, and 69.4% in the ROS-1 -translocation cohort. Safety data were consistent with that previously reported. Conclusions Crizotinib activity in patients with ROS1 -translocated tumours was confirmed. In the c-MET -mutation and c-MET ≥6 copies cohorts, despite insufficient ORR after two cycles of crizotinib, there are signs of late response not sufficient to justify the development of crizotinib in this indication. The continued targeting of c-MET with innovative therapies appears justified. Clinical trial number NCT02034981. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The development of immune checkpoint blocker development brings new hope in older patients (OPs) because of clinical efficacy and low toxicity. Clinical indications are rising steadily, but very few data are available in the geriatric population where comorbidities, reduced functional reserve and immunosenescence may affect efficacy and tolerance. Methods All cases of patients enrolled in immunotherapy phase I trials between January 2012 and December 2016 in the Drug Development Department (DITEP) at Gustave Roussy were retrospectively reviewed. Case–control analysis was performed in OPs (patients ≥ 70 years) matched to younger patients (YPs) (patients < 70 years) by trial and treatment dose. We compared cumulative incidence, grade and type of immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) and survival outcomes. Results Among the 46 OPs and the 174 YPs enrolled in 14 phase I/II trials, 10 (22%) and 23 (13%) patients experienced grade III–IV IrAEs. Cumulative incidence of grade I–II IrAEs was significantly higher in OPs than YPs (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the two groups for grade III–IV IrAEs (p = 0.50). Older age was not associated with lower dose intensity of treatment (p = 0.14). No significant difference was observed between OPs and YPs in median progression-free survival (hazards ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.94–2.11] p = 0.09) or median overall survival (HR 0.92, 95% CI [0.61–1.39] p = 0.77). Conclusion Immune checkpoint blockade appears to be an acceptable treatment option for OPs in the setting of phase I trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is important in cancer growth, survival, invasion, and migration. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of the FAK inhibitor, GSK2256098, in cancer patients. Patients and methods: The dose of GSK2256098 was escalated, in cohorts of patients with advanced cancer, from 80 to 1500 mg, oral twice daily (BID), until the MTD was determined. Serial blood samples were obtained from all patients, and the PK was determined. Paired tumor biopsies were obtained in select patients, and the level of phospho- FAK (pFAK) was determined. Results: Sixty-two patients (39 males, 23 females; median age 61 y.o., range 21-84) received GSK2256098. Doselimiting toxicities of grade 2 proteinuria (1000 mg BID), grade 2 fatigue, nausea, vomiting (1250 mg BID), and grade 3 asthenia and grade 2 fatigue (1500 mg BID) were reported with the MTD identified as 1000 mg BID. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were nausea (76%), diarrhea (65%), vomiting (58%), and decreased appetite (47%) with the majority of AEs being grades 1-2. The PK was generally dose proportional with a geometric mean elimination half-life range of 4-9 h. At the 750, 1000, and 1500 mg BID dose levels evaluated, the pFAK, Y397 autophosphorylation site, was reduced by ~80% from baseline. Minor responses were observed in a patient with melanoma (-26%) and three patients with mesothelioma (-13%, -15%, and -17%). In the 29 patients with recurrent mesothelioma, the median progression-free survival was 12 weeks with 95% CI 9.1, 23.4 weeks (23.4 weeks merlin negative, n = 14; 11.4 weeks merlin positive, n = 9; 10.9 weeks merlin status unknown, n = 6). Conclusions: GSK2256098 has an acceptable safety profile, has evidence of target engagement at doses at or below the MTD, and has clinical activity in patients with mesothelioma, particularly those with merlin loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer immunotherapy is coming of age; it has prompted a paradigm shift in oncology, in which therapeutic agents are used to target immune cells rather than cancer cells. The first generation of new immunotherapies corresponds to antagonistic antibodies that block specific immune checkpoint molecules cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1. Targeting these checkpoints in patients living with cancer had led to long-lasting tumour responses. By unbalancing the immune system, these new immunotherapies also generate dysimmune toxicities, called immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) that mainly involve the gut, skin, endocrine glands, liver, and lung but can potentially affect any tissue. In view of their undisputed clinical efficacy, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies are entering in the routine oncological practice, and the number of patients exposed to these drugs will increase dramatically in the near future. Although steroids can be used to treat these IRAEs, the associated immunosuppression may compromise the antitumour response. Oncologists must be ready to detect and manage these new types of adverse events. This review focuses on the mechanisms of IRAE generation, putative relationship between dysimmune toxicity and antitumour efficacy, as a basis for management guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Thymic epithelial neoplasms (TENs) represent a rare entity with poor prognosis and limited systemic treatment options. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical benefit, the efficacy and toxicities of agents for patients with TEN enrolled in Phase I trials. Materials and methods We reviewed retrospectively patients with advanced TEN enrolled in Phase I trials at Gustave Roussy (DITEP) between 1994 and 2012. Efficacy was assessed using RECIST version 1.1. Results Twenty-two treated patients were enrolled (15 with thymic carcinoma, 7 with thymoma). The median number of prior systemic therapies was 2 (0–8). The median age was 50 years (range 23–72), and 4 females were treated. Treatments received encompassed mTOR inhibitor (mTORi) in 4 of patients, antiangiogenic agents (AA) in 11 patients, and other targeted therapies in 7 patients. 18% had grade 3-4 toxicity, 85% all grade toxicity and no toxic death was reported. One patient experienced a complete response (CR) and 3 a partial response (PR); 16 patients had stable disease (median 6.6 months; range 1.0–30.7) and 2 had a progressive disease. The median overall survival was 54.5 months (95% CI 25–75.50). The median progression free survival (PFS) was 6.6 months (95% CI 1.35–11.59). Median PFS was 11.6 months for mTORi, 6.9 for AA, and 6.6 for other targeted therapies. Conclusion Phase I trials appear as a sound therapeutic option in TENs pts progressing after standard treatments. Use of AA and mTORi seem to yield a good clinical response and warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This phase I study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the oral mTOR inhibitor everolimus in combination with thoracic radiotherapy followed by consolidation chemotherapy in locally advanced or oligometastatic untreated nonsmall- cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and methods: Everolimus dose was escalated in incremental steps [sequential cohorts of three patients until the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT)] and administered orally weekly (weekly group: dose of 10, 20 or 50 mg) or daily (daily group: 2.5, 5 or 10 mg), 1 week before, and during radiotherapy until 3.5 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. Two cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin-navelbine) were administrated 4.5 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. Results: Twenty-six patients were included in two centers, 56% had adenocarcinoma and 84% had stage III disease. In the weekly group (12 assessable patients), everolimus could be administered safely up to the maximum planned weekly dose of 50 mg; however, one patient experienced a DLT of interstitial pneumonitis at the weekly dose level of 20 mg. In the daily group (9 assessable patients): one DLT of interstitial pneumonitis with a fatal outcome was observed at the daily dose level of 2.5 mg; two other DLTs (one grade 3 esophagitis and one bilateral interstitial pneumonitis) were found at the daily dose level of 5 mg. Overall there were five patients with G3-4 interstitial pneumonitis related to treatment. Among 22 assessable patients for response, there were 9 (41%) partial response and 7 (32%) stable disease. At a median follow-up of 29 months, the 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival actuarial rates were 31% and 12%, respectively. Conclusion: In previously untreated and unselected NSCLC patients, the recommended phase II dose of everolimus in combination with thoracic radiotherapy is 50 mg/week. Pulmonary toxicity is of concern and should be carefully monitored to establish the potential role of mTOR inhibitor with concomitant radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treating relapsed/refractory lymphoma remains a challenge. While phase 1 trials classically aim to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), the search of anti-tumor activity is increasingly evaluated.We aimed to assess the tolerance and efficacy of phase 1 trial and to determine a simple scoring system to identify patients who will prematurely discontinue phase 1 studies (before six weeks), in a large cohort of patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma. Patients and Methods: Data from 105 consecutive patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma treated within a panel of 17 phase 1 trials were collected, between 2008 and 2014. At inclusion, median age was 66 years [range: 23-83]. Lymphoma histological patient’s types were: 58 (55%) aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (34 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 7 T-cell lymphoma and 17 Mantle cell lymphoma), 31 (30%) indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 16 (15%) Hodgkin lymphoma. The predefined Gustave Roussy (GR) score combined two simple variables, PS and baseline serum albumin (+1 if PS = 0, +1 if albumin ≤ 35g/l). Results: Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were experienced by 40/105 (38%) patients.With a median follow-up of 10 months, median OS and progression free survival (PFS) were respectively 19 (CI95%: 12-37) and 4 (CI95%: 2-5) months. Best overall response rate and disease control rate were 22% and 56%, respectively. Histological type’s analysis shown median OS was 10, 45 and 47 months in aggressive-NHL, Hodgkin and indolent-NHL, respectively (p 0, baseline albumin ≤ 35 g/l and baseline LDH ≥ 250 UI/L were significantly associated with poorer OS. Patients with a GR score = 0 experienced significantly better OS compared to patients with a score = 1 and a score = 2 (37 months vs 17 months vs 9 months; p = 0.007). A premature study discontinuation was recorded in 28/105 patients (27%). The GR score distinguishes patients most likely to remain on study for more than 6 weeks. Conclusion: The three parameters WHO performance status (PS) > 0, baseline albumin ≤ 35 g/l and baseline LDH ≥ 250 UI/L are associated with OS and premature withdrew of study. Both PFS and OS survival curves demonstrates a plateau, in favor of therapeutic effect potentially maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]