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The most recent British Thoracic Society/Intensive Care Society (BTS/ICS) guidelines on the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) suggest to maximize NIV use in the first 24 hours and to perform a slow tapering. However, a limited number of studies evaluated the phase of NIV weaning. The aim of this study is to describe the NIV weaning protocol used in AHRF due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD), patients’ characteristics, clinical course, and outcomes in a real-life intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) setting. We performed a retrospective study on adult patients hospitalized at the IRCU of San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy, from January 2015 to April 2017 with a diagnosis of AHRF due to COPD exacerbation. The NIV weaning protocol used in our institution consists of the interruption of one of the three daily NIV sessions at the time, starting from the morning session and finishing with the night session. The 51 patients who started weaning were divided into three groups: 20 (39%) patients (median age 80 yrs, 65% males) who completed the protocol and were discharged home without NIV (Completed Group), 20 (39%) did not complete it because they were adapted to domiciliary ventilation (Chronic NIV Group), and 11 (22%) interrupted weaning ex abrupto mainly due to NIV intolerance (Failed Group). Completed Group patients were older, had a higher burden of comorbidities, but a lower severity of COPD compared to Chronic NIV Group. Failed Group patients experienced higher frequency of delirium after NIV discontinuation. None of the patients who completed weaning had AHRF relapse during hospitalization. While other NIV weaning methods have been previously described, our study is the first to describe a protocol that implies the interruption of a ventilation session at the time. The application of a weaning protocol may prevent AHRF relapse in the early stages of NIV interruption and in elderly frail patients.

[Introduction] In CheckMate 227, nivolumab plus ipilimumab prolonged overall survival (OS) versus chemotherapy in patients with tumor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) greater than or equal to 1% (primary end point) or less than 1% (prespecified descriptive analysis). We report results with minimum 4 years' follow-up., [Methods] Adults with previously untreated stage IV or recurrent NSCLC were randomized (1:1:1) to nivolumab plus ipilimumab, nivolumab, or chemotherapy (PD-L1 ≥1%); or to nivolumab plus ipilimumab, nivolumab plus chemotherapy, or chemotherapy (PD-L1, [Results] After 54.8 months' median follow-up, OS remained longer with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus chemotherapy in patients with PD-L1 greater than or equal to 1% (hazard ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.65–0.90) and PD-L1 less than 1% (0.64; 0.51–0.81); 4-year OS rate with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus chemotherapy was 29% versus 18% (PD-L1 ≥1%); and 24% versus 10% (PD-L1, [Conclusions] At more than 4 years' minimum follow-up, with all patients off immunotherapy treatment for at least 2 years, first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab continued to demonstrate durable long-term efficacy in patients with advanced NSCLC. No new safety signals were identified. Immune-mediated AEs occurred early and resolved quickly with guideline-based management. Discontinuation of nivolumab plus ipilimumab due to TRAEs did not have a negative impact on the long-term benefits seen in all randomized patients., This study was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.

Background: Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is spreading around the world. At the end of February, the outburst of the pandemic has hit hard on northern Italian's hospitals. As of today, no data have been published regarding the severity of respiratory failure of patients presenting to the Emergency Departments. Moreover, the outcome the patients forced to undergo Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) due to lack of Intensive Care resources is unknown. “Papa Giovanni XXIII” hospital (HPG23) of Bergamo is one of the largest hospitals in the Country, with an Emergency Department (ED) managing over 100,000 patients per year. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study based on chart review of patients presenting to the Emergency Department of HPG23 from 29/02/2020 to 10/03/2020 with a clinical condition highly suspicious for COVID-19 infection. Registration of admission rates, severity of respiratory failure (ARDS classification), need of respiratory support, SARS-CoV-2 PCR test and outcome of patients treated with a ventilatory support were registered on 10th of May 2020. Findings: From 29/02 to 10/03 611 patients with a suspected diagnosis of COVID-19 infection were evaluated in our ED; 320 (52%) met the criteria for hospital admission and 99 (31%) needed to be immediately started on ventilatory support (81% CPAP, 7% NIPPV, 12% Invasive Mechanical Ventilation). Eighty-five (86%) of the 99 patients needing a ventilatory support eventually had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR test on nasal-pharyngeal swab. Their median PO2/FiO2 ratio was 128 (IQR 85–168), with 23 patients (29.5%) classified as severe ARDS. Mortality rate as of 10th of May was 76.5%, ranging from 44.4% within patients

Background To further characterize survival benefit with first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab with two cycles of chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone, we report updated data from the phase III CheckMate 9LA trial with a 2-year minimum follow-up. Patients and methods Adult patients were treatment naïve, with stage IV/recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer, no known sensitizing EGFR/ALK alterations, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1. Patients were randomized 1 : 1 to nivolumab 360 mg every 3 weeks plus ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with two cycles of chemotherapy, or four cycles of chemotherapy. Updated efficacy and safety outcomes are reported, along with progression-free survival (PFS) after next line of treatment (PFS2), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) by treatment cycle, and efficacy outcomes in patients who discontinued all treatment components in the experimental arm due to TRAEs. Results With a median follow-up of 30.7 months, nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy continued to prolong overall survival (OS) versus chemotherapy. Median OS was 15.8 versus 11.0 months [hazard ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.61-0.86)]; 2-year OS rate was 38% versus 26%. Two-year PFS rate was 20% versus 8%. ORR was 38% versus 25%, respectively; 34% versus 12% of all responses were ongoing at 2 years. Median PFS2 was 13.9 versus 8.7 months. Improved efficacy outcomes in the experimental versus control arm were observed across most subgroups, including by programmed death-ligand 1 and histology. No new safety signals were observed; onset of grade 3/4 TRAEs was mostly observed during the first two treatment cycles in the experimental arm. In patients who discontinued all components of nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy treatment due to TRAEs (n = 61) median OS was 27.5 months; 56% of responders had an ongoing response ≥1 year after discontinuation. Conclusions With a 2-year minimum follow-up, nivolumab plus ipilimumab with two cycles of chemotherapy provided durable efficacy benefits over chemotherapy with a manageable safety profile and remains an efficacious first-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer., Highlights • Nivolumab + ipilimumab + two cycles of chemotherapy (chemo) significantly prolonged survival versus chemo in first-line advanced NSCLC. • At 2 years, overall survival benefits were durable with nivolumab + ipilimumab + chemo versus chemo. • Benefits of nivolumab + ipilimumab + chemo were seen across most patient subgroups, including by PD-L1 and histology. • Discontinuing nivolumab + ipilimumab + chemo due to treatment-related AEs did not negatively impact long-term benefits. • Nivolumab + ipilimumab + two cycles of chemo is an efficacious first-line treatment option for advanced non-oncogene-driven NSCLC.

Objective: The aim is to evaluate the accuracy of CURB-65, Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and MuLBSTA, a viral pneumonia, in predicting mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital from February 23rd to March 14th, 2020. We calculated CURB-65, PSI and MuLBSTA comparing their performances in discriminating between survivors and non-survivors at 28 days. Results: Among 431 hospitalized patients, the majority presented with hypoxic respiratory failure: median (IQR) PaO2/FiO2 ratio at admission was 228.6 (142.0-278.1). In the first 24 hours, 111 (27%) patients were administered low-flow oxygen cannula, 50 (12%) Venturi Mask, 95 (23%) non-rebreather mask, 106 (26%) non-invasive ventilation, 12 (3%) mechanical ventilation and 41 (9%) were not administered oxygen therapy. Mortality rate at 28-day was 35% (150/431). Between survivors and non-survivors, median (IQR) scores were 1.0 (1.0-2.0) and 2.0 (2.0-3.0) (p 0,05). PSI and MuLBSTA did not show a better performance when compared to CURB-65. Conclusions: CURB-65, PSI and MuLBSTA scores are useful to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors in COVID-19 pneumonia even if diagnostic accuracy in discriminating 28-day mortality is moderate with potential underestimation in the low-risk classes of the scores.

Genital use of talcum powder and its associated risk of ovarian cancer is an important controversial topic. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells are known to manifest a persistent prooxidant state. Here we demonstrated that talc induces significant changes in key redox enzymes and enhances the prooxidant state in normal and EOC cells. Using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, levels of CA-125, caspase-3, nitrate/nitrite, and selected key redox enzymes, including myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GSR), were determined. TaqMan genotype analysis utilizing the QuantStudio 12K Flex was used to assess single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes corresponding to target enzymes. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT proliferation assay. In all talc-treated cells, there was a significant dose-dependent increase in prooxidant iNOS, nitrate/nitrite, and MPO with a concomitant decrease in antioxidants CAT, SOD, GSR, and GPX (P < .05). Remarkably, talc exposure induced specific point mutations that are known to alter the activity in some of these key enzymes. Talc exposure also resulted in a significant increase in inflammation as determined by increased tumor marker CA-125 (P < .05). More importantly, talc exposure significantly induced cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis in cancer cells and to a greater degree in normal cells (P < .05). These findings are the first to confirm the cellular effect of talc and provide a molecular mechanism to previous reports linking genital use to increased ovarian cancer risk.

9000 Background: In the randomized phase 3 CheckMate 9LA trial (NCT03215706), first-line NIVO + IPI combined with 2 cycles of chemo significantly improved overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) vs chemo alone (4 cycles). Clinical benefit was observed regardless of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression level and histology. Here we report data with 2 years’ minimum follow-up from this study. Methods: Adult patients (pts) with stage IV / recurrent NSCLC, ECOG performance status ≤ 1, and no known sensitizing EGFR/ALK alterations were stratified by PD-L1 (< 1% vs ≥ 1%), sex, and histology (squamous vs non-squamous) and were randomized 1:1 to NIVO 360 mg Q3W + IPI 1 mg/kg Q6W + chemo (2 cycles; n = 361) or chemo alone (4 cycles; n = 358). Pts with non-squamous NSCLC in the chemo-alone arm could receive pemetrexed maintenance. The primary endpoint was OS. Secondary endpoints included PFS and ORR by blinded independent central review, and efficacy by different PD-L1 levels. Safety was exploratory. Results: At a minimum follow-up of 24.4 months for OS (database lock: Feb 18, 2021), pts treated with NIVO + IPI + chemo continued to derive OS benefit vs chemo, with a median OS of 15.8 months vs 11.0 months, respectively (HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.61–0.86]); 2-year OS rates were 38% vs 26%. Median PFS with NIVO + IPI + chemo vs chemo was 6.7 months vs 5.3 months (HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.56–0.79]); 8% and 37% of pts who had disease progression received subsequent immunotherapy, respectively. ORR was 38% with NIVO + IPI + chemo vs 25% with chemo. Similar clinical benefit with NIVO + IPI + chemo vs chemo was observed in all randomized pts and across the majority of subgroups, including by PD-L1 expression level (Table) or histology. Any grade and grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 92% and 48% of pts in the NIVO + IPI + chemo arm vs 88% and 38% in the chemo arm, respectively. Conclusion: With 2 years’ minimum follow-up, first-line NIVO + IPI + chemo demonstrated durable survival and benefit versus chemo in pts with advanced NSCLC; no new safety signals were identified. Clinical trial information: NCT03215706. [Table: see text]

Background The impact of frailty on walking recovery after hip fracture has not been reported. We describe the prevalence of frailty approximately 3 months after hip fracture, and identify the impact of baseline frailty on ambulation recovery. Methods Data from the Community Ambulation Project, that examined the effects of 2 multicomponent home exercise programs on 6-minute walk test in participants post hip fracture, were used to reconstruct the 5-item frailty phenotype. We detailed the prevalence of frailty by subgroup and assessed the comparability between frailty groups for the categorical variable of achieving 300 m in 6-minute walk test (community ambulation threshold), and the continuous variable of total distance in 6-minute walk test before and after 16 weeks of intervention. Results Of the 210 participants, 9% were nonfrail, 59% were prefrail, and 32% were frail. The odds of a nonfrail participant achieving the 300-m threshold were 14.4 (95% CI: 2.4–87.6) times the odds of a frail participant, while a prefrail participant’s odds were 6.1 (95% CI: 1.3–28.4) times after controlling for treatment group and baseline walking distance. The nonfrail participants had an increase of 92.1 m from baseline to 16 weeks, the prefrail had a 50.8 m increase, and the frail group had the smallest increase of 36.6 m (p < .001 for all). Conclusions Prefrailty and frailty were highly prevalent in this sample of community-dwelling survivors of a recent hip fracture. Gains in walking distance and attaining a level of community ambulation were affected significantly by the level of baseline frailty.

58 Background: In the phase 2 CheckMate 142 trial, NIVO + low-dose IPI had robust, durable clinical benefit and was well tolerated as 1L therapy for MSI-H/dMMR mCRC (median follow-up, 29.0 months [range, 24.2–33.7]) (Lenz et al. J Clin Oncol 2020;38:Abstract 4040; NCT02060188). Objective response rate (ORR) per investigator (INV) was achieved in 69% of pts (95% CI, 53–82); progressive disease rate was 13%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. Median duration of treatment was 19.1 months (95% CI, 11.1–29.0). Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 22% of pts. We present the post hoc subgroup analyses of efficacy and safety outcomes in pts from the same follow-up based on demographics and baseline disease characteristics. Methods: Pts with MSI-H/dMMR mCRC and no prior treatment for metastatic disease received NIVO 3 mg/kg Q2W + low-dose IPI 1 mg/kg Q6W until disease progression or discontinuation. ORR (primary endpoint, RECIST v1.1) and PFS were assessed per INV. Post hoc subgroup analyses of efficacy (by ECOG performance status [PS], stage at initial diagnosis, primary tumor location, and BRAF/KRAS mutation status) and safety (by age and ECOG PS) are presented. Results: Among 45 treated pts, efficacy (Table) and safety were generally consistent across evaluated subgroups. ORR was similar in pt subgroups by BRAF/ KRAS mutation status, stage at initial diagnosis, primary tumor location, and ECOG PS (Table). Median PFS and OS were not reached (NR) in evaluated subgroups after a minimum follow-up of 24.2 months (Table). Incidence of grade 3–4 TRAEs for subgroups by age and ECOG PS were consistent with the overall population. Conclusions: NIVO + low-dose IPI demonstrated robust, durable clinical benefit; was well tolerated with 2-year follow-up; and was consistent in evaluated subgroups in 1L MSI-H/dMMR mCRC. Clinical trial information: NCT02060188. [Table: see text]

Background: Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 epidemic is spreading around the world. At the end of February, the outburst of the epidemic has hit hard on northern Italian’s hospitals. As of today, no data have been published regarding the severity of respiratory failure of patients presenting to the Emergency Departments. Moreover, the outcome of the patients forced to undergo Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices or Non-Invasive ventilation (NIV) due to lack of Intensive Care resources is unknown. “Papa Giovanni XXIII” hospital (HPG23) of Bergamo is one of the largest hospitals in the Country, whit an Emergency Department (ED) managing over 100.000 patients per year. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study based on chart review of patients presenting to the Emergency Department of HPG23 from 29/02/2020 to 10/03/2020 with a clinical condition highly suspicious for COVID-19 infection. Registration of admission rates, severity of respiratory failure (ARDS classification), need of respiratory support and outcome of patients treated with a ventilatory were registered on 23rd of March 2020. Results: From 29/02 to 10/03 611 patients with a suspected diagnosis of COVID-19 infection were admitted at our ED; 320 (52%) met the criteria for hospital admission. Among those admitted to the hospital, 99 (31%) needed to be immediately started on ventilatory support (81% CPAP, 7% NIV, 12% Invasive Mechanical Ventilation). Among the patients on ventilatory support, 17% received a diagnosis of mild, 51% of moderate, and 31% of severe ARDS. Eighty-five (86%) of the 99 patients needing a ventilatory support eventually had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR test on nasal-pharyngeal swab. The overall mortality rate as of march, 23rd was 61,2%, ranging from 100% in patients older than 80 years to 0% in those younger than 50 years old. NIV/CPAP failure occurred in 87,1% of patients. Conclusion: The population of patients suspected for COVID-19 infection presenting at our ED showed a very high rate of severe respiratory failure, in urgent need of outstanding intensive care resources. Mortality rates of critically ill patients are similar to previously reported studies. CPAP/NIV can help to reduce the mortality rate among patients that cannot be treated invasively by orotracheal intubation due to lack of intensive care resources. Funding Statement: The authors reported that no funds were received for this research project. Declaration of Interests: Roberto Cosentini reports personal fees from Fisher & Paykel, outside the submitted work None of the other authors have any interest to disclose. Ethics Approval Statement: Study approved by the ethics committee of Bergamo on 01March 2020.

9016 Background: 1L NIVO + IPI was shown to provide durable long-term overall survival (OS) benefit vs chemo regardless of tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC in CheckMate 227 Part 1 (NCT02477826); 3-year OS rates were 33% vs 22% in pts with PD-L1 ≥ 1% (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.67–0.93]) and 34% vs 15% in pts with PD-L1 < 1% (HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.51–0.81]). Here we report updated results from the study with 4 years’ minimum follow-up. Methods: Adults with previously untreated stage IV / recurrent NSCLC, no known EGFR/ ALK alterations , and ECOG performance status ≤ 1 were enrolled; pts were stratified by squamous (SQ) and non-squamous (NSQ) histology. Pts with PD-L1 ≥ 1% (n = 1189) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive NIVO (3 mg/kg Q2W) + IPI (1 mg/kg Q6W), NIVO alone (240 mg Q2W), or chemo. Pts with PD-L1 < 1% (n = 550) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive NIVO + IPI, NIVO (360 mg Q3W) + chemo, or chemo. OS with NIVO + IPI vs chemo in pts with PD-L1 ≥ 1% was the primary endpoint. Results: With minimum follow-up of 49.4 months (database lock, Feb 18, 2021), pts were at least 2 years beyond the protocol-specified end of immunotherapy treatment. Pts with PD-L1 ≥ 1% continued to show durable benefit with NIVO + IPI vs chemo (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.65–0.90]); 4-year OS rates were 29% (NIVO + IPI), 21% (NIVO), and 18% (chemo). At 4 years, 14% (NIVO + IPI), 10% (NIVO), and 4% (chemo) remained progression free. Among responders, 34%, 30%, and 7% remained in response, respectively. In an exploratory analysis in pts with PD-L1 ≥ 50%, 4-year OS rates were 37% (NIVO + IPI), 26% (NIVO), and 20% (chemo). In pts with PD-L1 < 1%, OS HR for NIVO + IPI vs chemo was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.51–0.81); 4-year OS rates were 24% (NIVO + IPI), 13% (NIVO + chemo) and 10% (chemo). At 4 years, 12% (NIVO + IPI), 7% (NIVO + chemo), and 0% (chemo) remained progression free. Among responders, 31%, 13%, and 0% remained in response, respectively. Among pts who progressed on NIVO + IPI vs chemo, 7% vs 40% (PD-L1 ≥ 1%), and 9% vs 33% (PD-L1 < 1%), received subsequent immunotherapy. Benefit with NIVO + IPI vs chemo was observed for both SQ and NSQ histology (Table). With long-term follow-up, no new safety signals were identified. Conclusions: With 4 years’ minimum follow-up, 1L NIVO + IPI continued to provide durable, long-term OS benefit vs chemo in pts with advanced NSCLC regardless of PD-L1 expression or histology. Clinical trial information: NCT02477826. [Table: see text]

4002 Background: CheckMate 649 is the largest randomized, global phase 3 study of 1L programmed death (PD)-1 inhibitor–based therapy in GC/GEJC/EAC. 1L NIVO + chemo demonstrated superior overall survival (OS) vs chemo, with progression-free survival (PFS) benefit and an acceptable safety profile in pts whose tumors expressed PD-ligand (L)1 at combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 5 and ≥ 1, and in all randomized pts (Moehler et al. Ann Oncol 2020). We report additional data for all randomized pts. Methods: Eligible pts had previously untreated, unresectable advanced or metastatic GC/GEJC/EAC. Known HER2-positive pts were excluded. Pts were randomized to receive NIVO (360 mg Q3W or 240 mg Q2W) + chemo (XELOX Q3W or FOLFOX Q2W), NIVO + ipilimumab, or chemo. Dual primary endpoints for NIVO + chemo vs chemo were OS and PFS by blinded central review in PD-L1 CPS ≥ 5 pts. Hierarchically tested secondary endpoints were OS in PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 and all randomized pts. Results: At 12-month minimum follow-up for 1581 randomized pts, NIVO + chemo had a statistically significant OS benefit vs chemo (HR 0.80 [99.3% CI 0.68–0.94; P = 0.0002]) in all randomized pts; PFS benefit was also seen (HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.68–0.87]). OS benefit was observed in multiple prespecified subgroups, consistent with the primary population. Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 59% (NIVO + chemo) and 44% (chemo) of pts. TRAEs with potential immunologic etiology (select TRAEs; sTRAEs) are shown in the table. Pts in the NIVO + chemo arm had decreased risk of symptom deterioration on treatment vs those in the chemo arm (HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.63–0.95; P = 0.0129]). Tolerability as measured by the FACT-Ga GP5 item was similar in both treatment groups. Conclusions: The addition of NIVO to chemo demonstrated improved OS and PFS benefit in all randomized pts, along with an acceptable safety profile and maintained tolerability as well as QoL, providing further support for NIVO + chemo as a standard 1L treatment for advanced GC/GEJC/EAC. Clinical trial information: NCT02872116. [Table: see text]

269 Background: NIVO 1 mg/kg + IPI 3 mg/kg Q3W (4 doses) followed by NIVO 240 mg Q2W is approved in the US for sorafenib-treated pts with aHCC based on initial results from CheckMate 040 (NCT01658878), which reported objective response rate (ORR) of 32% and median overall survival (mOS) of 22.8 months (mo).1 We present 44-mo long-term follow-up results from the CheckMate 040 NIVO+IPI cohort. Methods: Pts were randomized to 3 arms: [A] NIVO 1 mg/kg + IPI 3 mg/kg Q3W (4 doses) or [B] NIVO 3 mg/kg + IPI 1 mg/kg Q3W (4 doses), each followed by NIVO 240 mg Q2W, or [C] NIVO 3 mg/kg Q2W + IPI 1 mg/kg Q6W. Treatment continued until intolerable toxicity or disease progression. Safety and tolerability, ORR (blinded independent central review per RECIST v1.1), duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR), and OS were assessed. Data cutoff was May 26, 2020. Results: 148 pts were randomized. Minimum follow-up was 44 mo. mOS remained at 22.2 mo in arm A, 12.5 mo in arm B, and 12.7 mo in arm C; 36-mo OS rates were 42%, 26%, and 30%, respectively. Durable responses were achieved across treatment arms, with DOR approaching 4 years in some cases. DCR was higher in arm A than arms B and C. In all arms, responses were observed regardless of baseline programmed death ligand 1 expression ( < 1% or ≥ 1%) or baseline alpha-fetoprotein level ( < 400 µg/L or ≥ 400 µg/L). Pts with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) etiology had higher ORR than uninfected pts in arms B (29% vs 43% vs 9%) and C (31% vs 42% vs 0%). ORR was independent of etiology in arm A (HBV, 32%; HCV, 29%; uninfected, 31%). Additional efficacy data are in the table. There were no additional discontinuations due to treatment-related adverse events or immune-mediated adverse events (IMAEs) since the primary analysis. IMAEs were reported more frequently in arm A than arms B and C; the most common were rash, hepatitis, and adrenal insufficiency. Most IMAEs were reversible and resolved when treated using established algorithms. Conclusions: At a minimum follow-up of 44 mo, second-line NIVO1+IPI3 continued to demonstrate clinically meaningful responses and long-term survival benefit in aHCC. The safety profile was manageable and no new safety signals were identified with longer follow-up. Clinical trial information: NCT01658878. [Table: see text]

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the expression, and effect of targeting CD11b with a monoclonal antibody in ovarian cancer cells. Methods CD11b expression was determined in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell lines and tissues by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity of the CD11b antibody and synergism with chemothearapeutic drugs were determined by the MTT Cell Proliferation Assay in human macrophages, normal ovarian epithelial cells, and in both sensitive and chemoresistant EOC cell lines. Cell migration was assessed with a scratch assay and in vivo effects of the CD11b antibody was assessed with a nude mouse ovarian cancer xenograft model. Data was analyzed with either t -tests or one-way ANOVA. Results CD11b was unexpectedly expressed in several EOC lines and tissues, but not normal tissues. Targeting CD11b with its monoclonal antibody resulted in intriguing cytotoxic effects in sensitive and chemoresistant EOC lines, while surprisingly not affecting normal cells. More importantly, the cytotoxicity of the CD11b antibody when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin or docetaxel) was significantly synergistic, in both sensitive and chemoresistant EOC cells. The anti-tumorigenic effect of the CD11b antibody was confirmed in an ovarian cancer nude mouse xenograft model. Conclusion Here we identify CD11b as a novel target, which selectively induces cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells.

Objective To determine the effects of attenuating oxidative stress with the use of dichloroacetate (DCA) on the expression of key redox enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as on apoptosis. Design Prospective experimental study. Setting University medical center. Patient(s) Cells established from myometrium and uterine fibroid from the same patients. Intervention(s) Cells were exposed to normal (20% O 2 ) or hypoxic (2% O 2 ) conditions for 24 hours with or without DCA (20 μg/mL), a metabolic modulator that shifts anaerobic to aerobic metabolism. Main Outcome Measure(s) Nitrate/nitrite (iNOS activity indicator), iNOS, Bcl-2/Bax ratio, MPO, and caspase-3 activities and levels were determined by means of Greiss assay, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and ELISA. Data were analyzed with the use of SPSS by means of one-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc analysis and independent t tests. Result(s) MPO, iNOS, and nitrate/nitrite expression were higher in leiomyoma than in myometrial cells, and they were further enhanced by hypoxia in myometrial cells. Treatment with the use of DCA decreased MPO, iNOS, and nitrate/nitrite levels and negated the effect of hypoxia in both types of cells. Leiomyoma cells showed less apoptosis, as indicated by both caspase-3 activity and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, than myometrial cells. Hypoxia further decreased apoptosis in myometrial cells with no further effect on leiomyoma cells. Treatment with DCA resulted in increased apoptosis in both types of cells, even in the presence of hypoxia. Conclusion(s) Shifting anaerobic to aerobic metabolism with the use of DCA resulted in an increase in apoptosis in leiomyoma cells and protected myometrial cells from the acquisition of the leiomyoma-like phenotype.

Chemoresistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of ovarian cancer. As part of a survival mechanism, tumor cells have been shown to release proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), through a mechanism that involves the upregulation of hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1α. The objective of this study was to compare the expression of VEGF and its receptors (R1 and R2) as well as HIF-1α in chemoresistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells to their chemosensitive counterparts and determine their impact on angiogenesis. Two human EOC cell lines, MDAH-2774 and SKOV-3, and their cisplatin- or taxotere-resistant counterparts were used. Total RNA and protein were subjected to real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, immunoprecipitation/Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the expression of VEGF, VEGF receptors (R1 and R2), and HIF-1α. Angiogenesis was assessed with an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Data were analyzed using independent Student t tests and chi-square. Both taxotere- and cisplatin-resistant MDAH-2774 and SKOV-3 EOC cell lines manifested a significant decrease in VEGF, VEGF receptors, HIF-1α messenger RNA, and protein levels as compared to their chemosensitive counterparts. There was a significant decrease in the number and thickness of polygon blood vessel formation in chemoresistant EOC cells compared to chemosensitive counterparts. Cisplatin- and taxotere-resistant EOC cells are characterized by lower VEGF, VEGF receptors, and HIF-1α, and decreased angiogenesis. These findings may indicate a decrease in drug delivery at the tumor site, hence allowing the persistence of chemoresistant EOC cells.

Introduction: We have recently reported myeloperoxidase (MPO) to be expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells and tissues. This finding was surprising, as MPO is known to be expressed only in cells of myeloid origin. We have also found that targeting β2 integrin (CD11b/CD18), a known ligand for MPO, resulted in significant anti-tumor effects. The objective of this study was to determine if targeting CD11b with a clinically approved drug that cross-reacts with CD11b will have anti-tumor efficacy for the treatment of sensitive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer. Methods: Human EOC cell lines MDAH-2774, SKOV-3, and A2780 and their chemoresistant counterparts were utilized for this study. Cells were treated for 24 hrs with increasing doses of docetaxel (0.0075, 0.01, and 0.025 μM) or cisplatin (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 μM) with our without abciximab (5 or 10 μg/ml), an existing clinically approved anticoagulant drug. Abciximab is a human-murine chimeric antibody Fab fragment against platelet integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa). Cytotoxicity was determined by the TACS MTT Cell Proliferation Assay. Data was analyzed using SPSS and significant cytotoxic effects were determined by one-way analysis of variance within groups (sensitive, resistant to docetaxel or cisplatin) followed by Tukey’s post hoc tests, and independent t-tests for comparison between groups. For the synergistic effect of abciximab and chemotherapy, the automated calculation of combination index values was conducted by CompuSyn software. A combination index method provides qualitative information on the nature of compound interaction (antagonistic, additive or synergistic effect) and was used to analyze the results. Statistical significance of p Results: Abciximab had significant cytotoxic effects in sensitive (40.8 ± 10.3 and 56.7 ± 5.3%), docetaxel resistant (30.0 ± 11.6 and 46.6 ± 10.0%), and cisplatin resistant (27.3 ± 7.9 and 41.9 ±7.0%) EOC cells at the 5 and 10 μg/ml dose, respectively, as compared to untreated controls (p Conclusions: The observed intriguing anti-tumor effects of abcixiamb in ovarian cancer cells indicates the potential for abciximab to be repurposed as a novel therapy for ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Ghassan M. Saed, Nicole M. Fletcher, Ira Memaj. Abciximab manifests striking anti-tumor effects in sensitive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4590. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4590

The inter montane basin of Korca is a direct extension of the northern continuation of the Meso- Hellenic basin. It consists of the following units: - the Devoli syncline - the Korea syncline - the Verdova - Maliqi positive fold - the Gora - Mokra syncline