Search

Introduction: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) displays upregulation of several oncogenes, including HER2, and multiple immune-suppressive mechanisms. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib as monotherapy (SUMMIT phase 2 basket study) or with immune checkpoint and/or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (compassionate-use program) in patients with FLC. Methods: Patients received neratinib 240 mg/day orally in SUMMIT, or as doublet or triplet combinations with pembrolizumab 2 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, nivolumab 240 mg intravenously every 2 weeks, everolimus 7.5 mg/day orally, or sunitinib 37.5 mg/day orally under compassionate use. The primary endpoint in SUMMIT was objective response rate; safety was a secondary endpoint. Results: Fifteen patients with FLC received neratinib monotherapy in SUMMIT. The objective response rate was 5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0–21.8) and the disease control rate was 13.3% (95% CI: 1.7–40.5). Upon progression, five had added immune checkpoint inhibitors with or without everolimus or sunitinib. Two additional patients received neratinib-based combinations outside of SUMMIT, for a total of 17 neratinib-treated patients. One patient who received neratinib plus pembrolizumab had a confirmed partial response, one treated with neratinib plus everolimus had stable disease lasting 6 months, and one who received neratinib plus pembrolizumab plus sunitinib had stable disease lasting 16 months. Grade 3/4 adverse events with neratinib monotherapy occurred in 10 (66.7%)/2 (13.3%) patients, respectively. Grade 3 adverse events with neratinib-based combinations were hyperglycemia (n = 1; neratinib plus pembrolizumab), hepatic failure, and anaphylaxis (n = 1 each, neratinib plus pembrolizumab plus everolimus). There were no grade 4 adverse events with combination therapy. Conclusion: In patients with FLC, single-agent neratinib had limited efficacy, but clinical benefit was observed with neratinib in combination with immunotherapy and/or mTOR-targeted agents.

PURPOSEGallbladder cancer (GBC) is a biliary tract malignancy characterized by its high lethality. Although the incidence of GBC is low in most countries, specific areas such as Chile display a high incidence. Our collaborative study sought to compare clinical and molecular features of GBC cohorts from Chile and the United States with a focus on ERBB2 alterations.METHODSPatients were accrued at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) or the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Clinical information was retrieved from medical records. Genomic analysis was performed by the next-generation sequencing platform MSK-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets.RESULTSA total of 260 patients with GBC were included, 237 from MSK and 23 from PUC. There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics between the patients identified at MSK and at PUC except in terms of lithiasis prevalence which was significantly higher in the PUC cohort (85% v 44%; P = .0003). The prevalence of ERBB2 alterations was comparable between the two cohorts (15% v 9%; P = .42). Overall, ERBB2 alterations were present in 14% of patients (8% with ERBB2 amplification, 4% ERBB2 mutation, 1.5% concurrent amplification and mutation, and 0.4% ERBB2 fusion). Notably, patients with GBC that harbored ERBB2 alterations had better overall survival (OS) versus their ERBB2-wild type counterparts (22.3 months v 11.8 months; P = .024).CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of lithiasis seems to be higher in Chilean versus US patients with GBC. A similar prevalence of ERBB2 alterations of overall 14% and better OS suggests that a proportion of them could benefit from human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2–targeted therapies. The smaller cohort of Chile, where the disease prevalence is higher, is a reminder and invitation for the need of more robust next-generation sequencing analyses globally.

The safety and efficacy of hepatic artery embolization (HAE) in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) was evaluated. Initial treatment response, local tumor progression-free survival (L-PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in 34 IHC patients treated with HAE. A univariate survival analysis and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis to identify independent factors were carried out. Objective response (OR) at 1-month was 79.4%. Median OS and L-PFS from the time of HAE was 13 (CI = 95%, 7.4–18.5) and 4 months (CI = 95%, 2.09–5.9), respectively. Tumor burden < 25% and increased tumor vascularity on preprocedure imaging and surgical resection prior to embolization were associated with longer OS (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that tumor burden < 25% and hypervascular tumors were independent risk factors. Mean post-HAE hospital stay was 4 days. Grade 3 complication rate was 8.5%. In heavily treated patients with IHC, after exhausting all chemotherapy and other locoregional options, HAE as a rescue treatment option appeared to be safe with a mean OS of 13 months. Tumor burden < 25%, increased target tumor vascularity on pre-procedure imaging, and OR on 1 month follow-up images were associated with better OS. Further studies with a control group are required to confirm the effectiveness of HAE in IHC.

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of death among patients with liver cirrhosis. The rise of immuno‐oncology has revolutionized treatment for advanced HCC. However, most pivotal randomized controlled trials have excluded patients with moderate liver dysfunction (Child–Pugh–Turcotte B), despite the high incidence of liver disease in patients with HCC at the time of diagnosis. Overall survival in patients with HCC and moderate liver dysfunction treated with sorafenib has been found to be only approximately 3–5 months, underlining the need for improved treatment algorithms for this increasingly important subgroup of patients. In this review, we summarize available data on the treatment of patients with HCC and moderate liver dysfunction. Opportunities, as well as clinical challenges, are discussed in detail, highlighting potential changes to the therapeutic landscape.

Abstract Background Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and poor liver function lack effective systemic therapies. Low‐energy electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can influence cell biological processes via non‐thermal effects and may represent a new treatment option. Methods This single‐site feasibility trial enrolled patients with advanced HCC, Child‐Pugh A and B, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0–2. Patients underwent 90‐min amplitude‐modulated EMF exposure procedures every 2–4 weeks, using the AutEMdev (Autem Therapeutics). Patients could also receive standard care. The primary endpoints were safety and the identification of hemodynamic variability patterns. Exploratory endpoints included health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), overall survival (OS). and objective response rate (ORR) using RECIST v1.1. Results Sixty‐six patients with advanced HCC received 539 AutEMdev procedures (median follow‐up, 30 months). No serious adverse events occurred during procedures. Self‐limiting grade 1 somnolence occurred in 78.7% of patients. Hemodynamic variability during EMF exposure was associated with specific amplitude‐modulation frequencies. HRQoL was maintained or improved among patients remaining on treatment. Median OS was 11.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.0, 16.6) overall (16.0 months [95% CI: 4.4, 27.6] and 12.0 months [6.4, 17.6] for combination therapy and monotherapy, respectively). ORR was 24.3% (32% and 17% for combination therapy and monotherapy, respectively). Conclusion AutEMdev EMF exposure has an excellent safety profile in patients with advanced HCC. Hemodynamic alterations at personalized frequencies may represent a surrogate of anti‐tumor efficacy. NCT01686412.

Abstract The incidence and biochemical consequences of rare tumor subtypes are often hard to study. Fibrolamellar liver cancer (FLC) is a rare malignancy affecting adolescents and young adults. To better characterize the incidence and biochemical consequences of this disease, we combined a comprehensive analysis of the electronic medical record and national payer data and found that FLC incidence is likely five to eight times higher than previous estimates. By employing unsupervised learning on clinical laboratory data from patients with hyperammonemia, we find that FLC-associated hyperammonemia mirrors metabolic dysregulation in urea cycle disorders. Our findings demonstrate that advanced computational analysis of rich clinical datasets can provide key clinical and biochemical insights into rare cancers.

PURPOSEHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the fourth most common cancer in Africa, has a dismal overall survival of only 3 months like in sub-Saharan Africa. This is affected by the low gross domestic product and human development index, absence of coherent guidelines, and other factors.METHODSAn open forum for HCC-experienced health care workers from Africa and the rest of the world was held in October 2021. Participants completed a survey to help assess the real-life access to screening, diagnoses, and treatment in the North and Southern Africa (NS), East and West Africa (EW), Central Africa (C), and the rest of the world.RESULTSOf 461 participants from all relevant subspecialties, 372 were from Africa. Most African participants provided hepatitis B vaccination and treatment for hepatitis B and C. More than half of the participants use serum alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound for surveillance. Only 20% reported using image-guided diagnostic liver biopsy. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer is the most used staging system (52%). Liver transplant is available for only 28% of NS and 3% EW. C reported a significantly lower availability of resection. Availability of local therapy ranged from 94% in NS to 62% in C. Sorafenib is the most commonly used systemic therapy (66%). Only 12.9% reported access to other medications including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Besides 42% access to regorafenib in NS, second-line treatments were not provided.CONCLUSIONSimilarities and differences in the care for patients with HCC in Africa are reported. This reconfirms the major gaps in access and availability especially in C and marginally less so in EW. This is a call for concerted multidisciplinary efforts to achieve and sustain a reduction in incidence and mortality from HCC in Africa.

PURPOSEBiobanking helps source tissue and blood for studying cancer genomics. Access to biorepository resources in low- and middle-income countries is lacking. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) established a joint tissue biorepository at AUB in Beirut, Lebanon. The undertaking encountered key challenges that were unanticipated.MATERIALS AND METHODSPatients age 18 years or older were eligible for enrollment at AUB. After consent, biospecimens were obtained at the time of routine diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions. Both normal and abnormal tissue and solid and/or liquid specimens were collected from varied body sites. Early on, declining consent was frequently observed, and this was highlighted for investigation to understand potential participants reasoning.RESULTSOf 850 patients approached, 704 (70.8%) elected to consent and 293 (29.5%) declined participation. The number of declined consents led to an amendment permitting the documentation of reasons for same. Of 100 potential participants who declined to consent and to whom outreach was undertaken, 63% indicated lack of research awareness and 27% deferral to their primary physician or family member. A financial gain for AUB was cited as concern by 5%, cultural boundaries in 4%, and 1% expressed concern about confidentiality. Of the patients who elected to consent, 682 biospecimens were procured.CONCLUSIONThe AUB-MSK biospecimen repository has provided a unique resource for interrogation. Patient participation rate was high, and analyses of those who elected not to consent (29%) provide important insights into educational need and the local and cultural awareness and norms.

In biliary tract cancer HER2 alterations correlate with poor prognosis. Here, the authors present the results of a phase II clinical trial reporting the efficacy and safety of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib in patients with HER2-mutation positive advanced biliary tract cancers.

Abstract The limited performance of guideline‐recommended abdominal ultrasound and serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) highlights the urgent, unmet need for new biomarkers for more accurate detection of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To this end, we have conducted a prospective clinical validation study to evaluate the performance of the HelioLiver Test, a multi‐analyte blood test combining cell‐free DNA methylation patterns, clinical variables, and protein tumor markers. A blinded, multicenter validation study was performed with 247 subjects, including 122 subjects with HCC and 125 control subjects with chronic liver disease. The performance of the HelioLiver Test was compared with AFP and the GALAD score as established HCC surveillance blood tests. The performance of the HelioLiver Test (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.944) was superior to both AFP (AUROC = 0.851; p < 0.0001) and GALAD (AUROC = 0.899; p < 0.0001). Using a prespecified diagnostic algorithm, the HelioLiver Test showed sensitivities of 85% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78%–90%) for HCC of any stage and 76% (95% CI, 60%–87%) for early stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] I and II) HCC. In contrast, AFP (≥20 ng/mL) alone and the GALAD score (≥−0.63) showed lower sensitivities of 62% (95% CI, 54%–70%) and 75% (95% CI, 67%‐82%) for HCC overall, and 57% (95% CI, 40%–71%) and 65% (95% CI, 49%–79%) for early stage (AJCC I and II) HCC, respectively. The specificities of the HelioLiver Test (91%; 95% CI, 85%–95%), AFP (97%; 95% CI, 92%–99%), and the GALAD score (94%; 95% CI, 88%–97%) were similar for control subjects. The HelioLiver Test showed superior performance for HCC detection compared to with both AFP and the GALAD score and warrants further evaluation in HCC surveillance settings.

Abstract Background Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Child–Pugh B liver cirrhosis have poor prognosis and are underrepresented in clinical trials. The CELESTIAL trial, in which cabozantinib improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo in patients with HCC and Child–Pugh A liver cirrhosis at baseline, was evaluated for outcomes in patients who had Child–Pugh B cirrhosis at Week 8. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of adult patients with previously treated advanced HCC. Child–Pugh B status was assessed by the investigator. Patients were randomised 2:1 to cabozantinib (60 mg once daily) or placebo. Results Fifty-one patients receiving cabozantinib and 22 receiving placebo had Child–Pugh B cirrhosis at Week 8. Safety and tolerability of cabozantinib for the Child–Pugh B subgroup were consistent with the overall population. For cabozantinib- versus placebo-treated patients, median OS from randomisation was 8.5 versus 3.8 months (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.18–0.58), median PFS was 3.7 versus 1.9 months (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25–0.76), and best response was stable disease in 57% versus 23% of patients. Conclusions These encouraging results with cabozantinib support the initiation of prospective studies in patients with advanced HCC and Child–Pugh B liver function. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01908426.

The liver tumor immune microenvironment has been thought to possess a critical role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, for several types of cancers, including HCC, liver metastases have shown evidence of resistance or poor response to immunotherapies. Radiation therapy (RT) has displayed evidence of immunosuppressive effects through the upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules post-treatment. However, it was revealed that the limitations of ICIs can be overcome through the use of RT, as it can reshape the liver immune microenvironment. Moreover, ICIs are able to overcome the RT-induced inhibitory signals, effectively restoring anti-tumor activity. Owing to the synergetic effect believed to arise from the combination of ICIs with RT, several clinical trials are currently ongoing to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment for patients with HCC.

Introduction Intratumoral administration of pexa-vec (Pexastimogene Devacirepvec), an oncolytic and immunotherapeutic vaccinia virus. given to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is associated with both local and distant tumor responses. We hypothesized subsequent treatment with sorafenib could demonstrate superior efficacy. Methods This random phase III open-label study evaluated the sequential treatment with pexa-vec followed by sorafenib compared to sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC and no prior systemic treatment. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS). Key secondary endpoints included time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). Safety was assessed in all patients who received ≥ 1 dose of study treatment. Results The study was conducted at 142 sites in 16 countries. From December 30, 2015, to the interim analysis on August 2, 2019, 459 patients were randomly assigned (pexa-vec plus sorafenib 234, sorafenib: 225). At the interim analysis the median OS was 12.7 months (95% CI: 9.89, 14.95) in the pexa-vec plus sorafenib arm and 14.0 months (95% CI: 11.01, 18.00) in the sorafenib arm. This led to early termination of the study. The median TTP was 2.0 months (95% CI: 1.77, 2.96) and 4.2 months (95% CI: 2.92, 4.63); ORR was 19.2% (45 patients) and 20.9% (47 patients); and DCR was 50.0% (117 patients) and 57.3% (129 patients) in the pexa-vec plus sorafenib and sorafenib arms, respectively. Serious adverse events were reported in 117 (53.7%) patients in the pexa-vec plus sorafenib and 77 (35.5%) patients in the sorafenib arm. Liver failure was the most frequently reported in both groups. Discussion/Conclusion Sequential pexa-vec plus sorafenib treatment did not demonstrate increased clinical benefit in advanced HCC and fared worse compared to sorafenib alone. The advent of the added value of checkpoint inhibitors should direct any further development of oncolytic virus therapy strategies.

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models hold potential to advance knowledge in HCC biology to help improve systemic therapies. Beside hepatitis B virus‐associated tumors, HCC is poorly established in PDX. Methods PDX formation from fresh HCC biopsies were obtained and implanted intrahepatically or in subrenal capsule (SRC). Mouse liver injury was induced in immunodeficient Fah−/− mice through cycling off nitisinone after HCC biopsy implantation, versus continuous nitisinone as non‐liver injury controls. Mice with macroscopically detectable PDX showed rising human alpha1‐antitrypsin (hAAT) serum levels, and conversely, no PDX was observed in mice with undetectable hAAT. Results Using rising hAAT as a marker for PDX formation, 20 PDX were established out of 45 HCC biopsy specimens (44%) reflecting the four major HCC etiologies most commonly identified at Memorial SloanKettering similar to many other institutions in the United States. PDX was established only in severely immunodeficient mice lacking lymphocytes and NK cells. Implantation under the renal capsule improved PDX formation two‐fold compared to intrahepatic implantation. Two out of 18 biopsies required murine liver injury to establish PDX, one associated with hepatitis C virus and one with alcoholic liver disease. PDX tumors were histologically comparable to biopsy specimens and 75% of PDX lines could be passaged. Conclusions Using cycling off nitisinone‐induced liver injury, HCC biopsies implanted under the renal capsule of severely immunodeficient mice formed PDX with 57% efficiency as determined by rising hAAT levels. These findings facilitate a more efficient make‐up of PDX for research into subset‐specific HCC.

We convened an international working group to examine the issues that challenge equity and inclusion in genetic medicine. Specifically, 72 internationally known experts in oncology and cancer genetics from 34 countries (the Global Oncology Medical Diplomacy Working Group), gathered virtually on January 4–5, 2022, for the “Humanity Cancer Germline Convergence and Divergence Cancer Predispositions” conference hosted by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and the Al Jalila Foundation. The goal of the conference was to broaden transnational understanding of the current state of genetics in preventive and therapeutic cancer medicine, and to define barriers to increased uptake of germline genomics to decrease the international burden of cancer. Here, we highlight the overarching barriers that were defined through this effort. These global barriers to incorporating germline genomics into optimal cancer care can inform ongoing research, collaboration, and advocacy for equitable, cost-effective genomic medicine for populations worldwide.

Introduction: Cabozantinib, an inhibitor of MET, AXL, and VEGF receptors, significantly improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo in patients with previously treated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this exploratory analysis, outcomes were evaluated according to plasma biomarker levels. Methods: Baseline plasma levels were evaluated for MET, AXL, VEGFR2, HGF, GAS6, VEGF-A, PlGF, IL-8, EPO, ANG2, IGF-1, VEGF-C, and c-KIT for 674/707 randomized patients; and Week 4 levels were evaluated for MET, AXL, VEGFR2, HGF, GAS6, VEGF-A, PlGF, IL-8, and EPO for 614 patients. OS and PFS were analyzed by baseline levels as dichotomized or continuous variables and by on-treatment changes at Week 4 as continuous variables; biomarkers were considered potentially prognostic if p < 0.05 and predictive if p < 0.05 for the interaction between treatment and the biomarker. Multivariable analyses adjusting for clinical covariates were also performed. Results: In the placebo group, high levels of MET, HGF, GAS6, IL-8, and ANG2 and low levels of IGF-1 were associated with shorter OS in univariate and multivariable analyses; these associations were also observed for MET, IL-8, and ANG2 in the cabozantinib group. Hazard ratios for OS and PFS favored cabozantinib over the placebo at low and high baseline levels for all biomarkers. No baseline biomarkers were predictive of a treatment benefit. Cabozantinib promoted pharmacodynamic changes in several biomarkers, including increases in VEGF-A, PlGF, AXL, and GAS6 levels and decreases in VEGFR2 and HGF levels; these changes were not associated with OS or PFS. Conclusion: Cabozantinib improved OS and PFS versus placebo at high and low baseline concentrations for all biomarkers analyzed. Low baseline levels of MET, HGF, GAS6, IL-8, and ANG2 and high levels of IGF-1 were identified as potential favorable prognostic biomarkers for survival in previously treated advanced HCC. Although cabozantinib promoted pharmacodynamic changes in several biomarkers, these changes were not associated with survival.

More than 80% of global hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are estimated to occur in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Eastern Asia. The most common risk factor of HCC in SSA is chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with the incidence highest in West Africa. HBV is highly endemic in SSA and is perpetuated by incomplete adherence to birth dose immunization, lack of longitudinal follow-up care, and impaired access to antiviral therapy. HBV may directly cause HCC through somatic genetic alterations or indirectly through altered liver function and liver cirrhosis. Other risk factors of HCC in SSA include aflatoxins and, to a lesser extent, African iron overload. HIV plus HBV co-infection increases the risk of developing HCC and is increasingly becoming more common because of improving the survival of patients with HIV infection. Compared with the rest of the world, patients with HCC in SSA have the lowest survival. This is partly due to the late presentation of HCC with advanced symptomatic disease as a result of underdeveloped surveillance practices. Moreover, access to care and resource limitations further limit outcomes for the patients who receive a diagnosis in SSA. There is a need for multipronged strategies to decrease the incidence of HCC and improve its outcomes in SSA.

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while in its early stages is critical for reducing HCC mortality in high-risk patients. However, highly sensitive and specific surveillance biomarkers for early-stage HCC detection are still lacking. In recent years, great efforts have been made to research tumor-derived molecular features that are detectable in circulation, such as circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid and circulating tumor ribonucleic acid, in order to explore their potential as non-invasive biomarker candidates in many tumor types. In this review, we summarize current studies on these new approaches and their application in early HCC detection.

Introduction: Tislelizumab (anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody) showed preliminary antitumor activity and tolerability in patients with advanced solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab in patients with previously treated advanced HCC. Methods: The multi-regional phase 2 study, RATIONALE-208, examined single-agent tislelizumab (200 mg intravenously every three weeks) in patients with advanced HCC with Child-Pugh A, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B or C, and who had received one or more prior lines of systemic therapy. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), radiologically confirmed per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by Independent Review Committee. Safety was assessed in patients who received ≥1 dose of tislelizumab. Results: Between April 9, 2018 and February 27, 2019, 249 eligible patients were enrolled and treated. After a median study follow-up of 12.7 months, ORR was 13% (n = 32/249; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9–18), including five complete and 27 partial responses. Number of prior lines of therapy did not impact ORR (one prior line, 13% [95% CI, 8–20]; two or more prior lines, 13% [95% CI, 7–20]). Median duration of response was not reached. Disease control rate was 53% and median overall survival was 13.2 months. Of the 249 total patients, grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 38 (15%) patients; the most common was liver transaminase elevations in 10 (4%) patients. Treatment-related adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 13 (5%) patients or dose delay in 46 (19%) patients. No deaths were attributed to the treatment per investigator assessment. Conclusion: Tislelizumab demonstrated durable objective responses, regardless of the number of prior lines of therapy, and acceptable tolerability in patients with previously treated advanced HCC.

Abstract Background Preclinical data suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signaling interact to stimulate angiogenesis and suppress antitumor immune responses. Thus, combined inhibition of both pathways may offer greater antitumor activity compared with VEGF‐targeted antiangiogenic monotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This is a multicenter, open‐label, phase 1b study of galunisertib, an inhibitor of TGF‐β receptor 1, and ramucirumab, an anti‐VEGF receptor 2 antibody, in patients with advanced HCC aiming to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), antitumor efficacy, and plasma alpha‐fetoprotein and TGF‐β kinetics. Dose escalation employed a 3 + 3 design. Patients received galunisertib at 80 mg (cohort 1) or 150 mg (cohort 2) orally twice a day on days 1–14 of a 28‐day cycle combined with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. Results Eight patients were enrolled: three in cohort 1 and five in cohort 2 (two patients were unevaluable due to rapid disease progression and replaced). No dose‐limiting toxicities were observed. Treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) of any grade in ≥2 patients included nausea (25%) and vomiting (25%). There was one Grade 3 treatment‐related AE, a cerebrovascular accident possibly related to ramucirumab. Galunisertib exposure was dose‐proportional and not affected by ramucirumab. The RECIST version 1.1 objective response rate and disease control rate were 0% and 12.5%, respectively. Conclusion Combination therapy was safe and tolerable and displayed favorable PK. The MTD was established at galunisertib at 150 mg orally twice a day and ramucirumab 8 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. The results do not support the preclinical hypothesis that blocking TGFβ signaling enhances efficacy of VEGF‐targeted therapy; thus further clinical development was halted for the combination of galunisertib and ramucirumab.

Background: Most phase 3 clinical trials of systemic therapy for first-line unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have failed, with the exception of SHARP, REFLECT, and IMbrave150. We conducted indirect comparisons of therapies evaluated for first-line HCC treatment. Summary: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of treatments for adults with locally advanced or metastatic unresectable HCC and no prior systemic treatment, including atezolizu­mab plus bevacizumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, nivolumab, selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT), transarterial chemoembolization, and placebo or best supportive care. Randomized controlled trials published from January 1, 2007, to March 12, 2020, were retrieved from MEDLINE and Embase. Qualitative assessment of heterogeneity evaluated study designs, populations, and outcomes. Indirect comparisons used generalized linear models with random effects within a Bayesian framework and informative priors. We calculated relative efficacy estimates with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) and Bayesian posterior probability estimates of atezolizumab-bevacizumab being superior to other treatments. Nine clinical studies with a total of 3,897 participants were identified from 8,783 records and used to build the all-trials evidence network. Indirect comparisons suggested an improved overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab-bevacizumab versus lenvatinib (odds ratio, 0.63 [95% CrI 0.39–1.04]; with 97% Bayesian posterior probability of being superior), nivolumab (0.68 [95% CrI 0.41–1.14]; 94%), sorafenib (0.59 [95% CrI 0.39–0.87]; 99%), SIRT (0.51 [95% CrI 0.32–0.82]; 100%), or placebo/best supportive care (0.40 [95% CrI 0.25–0.64]; 100%). Key Messages: Within the context of indirect comparisons, analyses of OS favored atezolizumab-bevacizumab versus other treatment options for patients with locally advanced or metastatic unresectable HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has one of the highest mortality rates among solid cancers. Late diagnosis and a lack of efficacious treatment options contribute to the dismal prognosis of HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy has presented a new milestone in the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy has yielded remarkable treatment responses in a range of cancer types including HCC. Based on the therapeutic effect of ICI alone (programmed cell death (PD)-1/programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L)1 antibody), investigators have developed combined ICI therapies including ICI + ICI, ICI + tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and ICI + locoregional treatment or novel immunotherapy. Although these regimens have demonstrated increasing treatment efficacy with the addition of novel drugs, the development of biomarkers to predict toxicity and treatment response in patients receiving ICI is in urgent need. PD-L1 expression in tumor cells received the most attention in early studies among various predictive biomarkers. However, PD-L1 expression alone has limited utility as a predictive biomarker in HCC. Accordingly, subsequent studies have evaluated the utility of tumor mutational burden (TMB), gene signatures, and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) as predictive biomarkers. In this review, we aim to discuss the current state of immunotherapy for HCC, the results of the predictive biomarker studies, and future direction.

Abstract Background Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received second line sorafenib plus doxorubicin following disease progression on sorafenib were shown retrospectively to have improved progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Sorafenib plus doxorubicin combination may synergistically promote ASK‐1 mediated apoptosis in cancer cells through RAF‐1 inhibition. Thus, we conducted this phase II study of sorafenib and doxorubicin combination following progression on sorafenib. Methods Patients with histologically confirmed advanced HCC, confirmed radiologic progression on sorafenib, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥70%, and Child‐Pugh A liver cirrhosis were eligible. Patients received sorafenib 400 mg twice daily and doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 once every 3‐weeks. The primary endpoint was OS at 6 months (OS6). Secondary endpoints included safety, PFS, OS, response rate (RR) by RECIST 1.1. Additional endpoints included baseline and on‐treatment tumor ASK‐1 and pERK expression levels by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the correlation with PFS, RR, and OS. Results Thirty patients were enrolled in the study, 86% were male, median age was 64 years. OS6 was 76.6% (95%CI: 57.2%‐88.1%). Median OS was 8.6 (95%CI: 7.3‐12) months, and median PFS reached 3.9 (95%CI: 2.4‐4.6) months. Three (11%) partial responses were observed and 17 patients (61%) had stable disease. Pertinent grade 3‐4 adverse events that occurred in more than 10% of patients included neutropenia (16%), febrile neutropenia (10%), anemia (10%), thrombocytopenia (10%), elevated AST (23%) and ALT (10%), hypophosphatemia (10%), and fatigue (10%). No association with the difference in baseline and post‐treatment ASK‐1 and pERK level of expression by IHC and survival outcomes was detected. Conclusion Sorafenib plus doxorubicin following progression on sorafenib did not show any improved outcome. We do not recommend further development or use of this combination in HCC.

Introduction - GNS561/Ezurpimtrostat is a first-in-class, orally bioavailable, small molecule that blocks cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting late-stage autophagy and dose-dependent build-up of enlarged lysosomes by interacting with the palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1). Methods - This phase I, open-label, dose-escalation trial (3+3 design) explored two GNS561 dosing schedules: one single oral intake three times a week (Q3W) and twice daily (BID) continuous oral administration in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma or colorectal adenocarcinomas with liver metastasis. The primary objective was to determine GNS561 recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and schedule. Secondary objectives included evaluation of the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of GNS561. Results - Dose escalation ranged from 50-400mg Q3W to 200-300mg BID. Among 26 evaluable patients for safety, 20 were evaluable for efficacy and no dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Adverse events (AEs) included gastrointestinal grade 1-2 events, primarily nausea and vomiting occurred in 13 (50%) and 14 (54%) patients respectively, and diarrhea in 11 (42%) patients. Seven (7) grade 3 adverse events were reported (diarrhea, decreased appetite, fatigue, ALT and AST increased). Q3W administration was associated with limited exposure and the BID schedule was preferred. At 200 mg BID GNS561, plasma and liver concentrations were comparable to active doses in animal models. Liver trough concentrations were much higher than in plasma a median time of 28 days of administration with a mean liver to plasma ratio of 9559 (Min 149-Max 25759), which is in accordance with rat preclinical data observed after repeated administration. PPT1 expression in cancer tissues in the liver was reduced upon GNS561 exposure. There was no complete or partial response. Five patients experienced tumor stable diseases (25%), including one minor response (-23%). Conclusion - Based on a favourable safety profile, exposure, and preliminary signal of activity, oral GNS561 RP2D was set at 200mg BID. Studies to evaluate the antitumor activity of GNS561 in HCC and iCCA are to follow. NCT 03316222

Abstract Background I-124 codrituzumab (aka GC33), an antibody directed at Glypican 3, was evaluated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fourteen patients with HCC underwent baseline imaging with I-124 codrituzumab (~ 185 MBq, 10 mg). Seven of these patients undergoing sorafenib/immunotherapy with 2.5 or 5 mg/kg of cold codrituzumab had repeat imaging, with co-infusion of I-124 codrituzumab, as part of their immunotherapy treatment. Three patients who progressed while on sorafenib/immunotherapy were re-imaged after a 4-week washout period to assess for the presence of antigen. Serial positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and pharmacokinetics were performed following I-124 codrituzumab. An ELISA assay was used to determine “cold” codrituzumab serum pharmacokinetics and compare it to that of I-124 codrituzumab. Correlation of imaging results was performed with IHC. Short-term safety assessment was also evaluated. Results Thirteen patients had tumor localization on baseline I-124 codrituzumab; heterogeneity in tumor uptake was noted. In three patients undergoing repeat imaging while on immunotherapy/sorafenib, evidence of decreased I-124 codrituzumab uptake was noted. All three patients who underwent imaging after progression while on immunotherapy continued to have I-124 codrituzumab tumor uptake. Pharmacokinetics of I-124 codrituzumab was similar to that of other intact IgG. No significant adverse events were observed related to the I-124 codrituzumab. Conclusions I-124 codrituzumab detected tumor localization in most patients with HCC. Pharmacokinetics was similar to that of other intact iodinated humanized IgG. No visible cross-reactivity with normal organs was observed.

Second line therapy after failure of sorafenib continues to be under study. Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is measured in months, with median overall survival reaching 10.7 months with sorafenib. Because of the modest net benefit sorafenib has contributed, and rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in the world, continued efforts are ongoing to look for efficient upfront, second line, or combination therapies. Herein we review the most relevant to date published literature on treatment options beyond sorafenib, reported studies, ongoing investigational efforts, and possibilities for future studies in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract Background Providing an estimate of the percentage of cancer in Lebanon by 2018 that is due to the exposure to risk factors in 2008. Factors include: smoking, body mass index (BMI), physical inactivity, dietary factors, alcohol consumption, infections, and air pollution in adults. Method Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) was calculated using the proportion of the population exposed and relative risks for each risk factor from meta-analyses. The PAF estimates the proportion of cases in which exposure may have played a causal role. Results Smoking caused most cancer cases, and it will further add a total of 1800 new cases by 2018. Among many other cancers, lung cancer had the largest proportion attributable of around 75%. BMI is expected to increase colorectal, liver and gastric cardia carcinoma specifically in males. High physical activity has a an average of 15% protection rate on cancer on colorectal cancer. Minimal adherence to Mediterranean diet will affect gastric cancer incidence by 7%. Cases of oropharyngeal and esophageal cancer will be the result of alcohol consumption mainly in males. H.Pylori infection is expected to result in half of the gastric cases by 2018. The high exposure to air pollution is expected to contribute by 13% to lung cancer cases in 2018. Conclusion The highest benefits can be achieved by controlling tobacco smoking. Interrelated and small changes in weight, physical activity and healthy diet with limited alcohol consumption can protect against several GI cancers in the long run. These results can be used to determine public health interventions that target important risk factors in the general population.