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Total daily energy expenditure (“total expenditure”, MJ/d) reflects daily energy needs and is a critical variable in human health and physiology, yet it is unclear how daily expenditure changes over the life course. Here, we analyze a large, globally diverse database of total expenditure measured by the doubly labeled water method for males and females aged 8 days to 95 yr. We show that total expenditure is strongly related to fat free mass in a power-law manner and identify four distinct metabolic life stages. Fat free mass-adjusted daily expenditure accelerates rapidly in neonates (0-1yr) to ~46% above adult values at ~1 yr, declines slowly throughout childhood and adolescence (1-20 yr) to adult levels at ~20 yr, remains stable in adulthood (20-60 yr) even during pregnancy, and declines in older adults (60+ yr). These changes in total expenditure shed new light on human development and aging and should help shape nutrition and health strategies across the lifespan.

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) applied to clinical data from electronic health records (EHRs) to improve early detection for pancreatic and other cancers remains underexplored. The Kenner Family Research Fund, in collaboration with the Cancer Biomarker Research Group at the National Cancer Institute, organized the workshop entitled: "Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges in Utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR)" in March 2021. The workshop included a select group of panelists with expertise in pancreatic cancer, EHR data mining, and AI-based modeling. This review article reflects the findings from the workshop and assesses the feasibility of AI-based data extraction and modeling applied to EHRs. It highlights the increasing role of data sharing networks and common data models in improving the secondary use of EHR data. Current efforts using EHR data for AI-based modeling to enhance early detection of pancreatic cancer show promise. Specific challenges (biology, limited data, standards, compatibility, legal, quality, AI chasm, incentives) are identified, with mitigation strategies summarized and next steps identified.

BACKGROUND HIV population viral load (PVL) can reflect antiretroviral therapy program effectiveness and transmission potential in a community. Using nationally representative data from household surveys conducted in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia in 2015-16, we examined the association between various VL measures and the probability of at least one recent HIV-1 infection in the community. METHODS We used limiting-antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay, viral load suppression (VLS) (HIV RNA

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Authors Understanding the impacts of activity on energy balance is crucial. Increasing levels of activity may bring diminishing returns in energy expenditure because of compensatory responses in non-activity energy expenditures.1–3 This suggestion has profound implications for both the evolution of metabolism and human health. It implies that a long-term increase in activity does not directly translate into an increase in total energy expenditure (TEE) because other components of TEE may decrease in response—energy compensation. We used the largest dataset compiled on adult TEE and basal energy expenditure (BEE) (n = 1,754) of people living normal lives to find that energy compensation by a typical human averages 28% due to reduced BEE; this suggests that only 72% of the extra calories we burn from additional activity translates into extra calories burned that day. Moreover, the degree of energy compensation varied considerably between people of different body compositions. This association between compensation and adiposity could be due to among-individual differences in compensation: people who compensate more may be more likely to accumulate body fat. Alternatively, the process might occur within individuals: as we get fatter, our body might compensate more strongly for the calories burned during activity, making losing fat progressively more difficult. Determining the causality of the relationship between energy compensation and adiposity will be key to improving public health strategies regarding obesity.

Supplemental digital content is available in the text., Objectives Pancreatic cancer (PC) and its treatments can result in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency that requires pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). Appropriate PERT usage is during meals and snacks. The aim was to determine the frequency of appropriate use of PERT and its impact on symptom alleviation in PC through a patient-reported outcomes online platform. Methods Users in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Patient Registry were prompted to answer a standalone questionnaire about their experience with PERT. Results Two hundred sixty-two users completed the PERT questionnaire (January 2016–January 2018). Patients who reported taking PERT with meals had higher alleviation of symptoms compared with those taking PERT prior to or after meals. Specifically, “feeling of indigestion,” “light-colored or orange stools,” and “visible food particles in stool” were significantly decreased. Patients taking PERT with meals reported weight gain and less weight loss. Conclusions Of the 89% of PC patients prescribed PERT, 65% were prescribed PERT appropriately with all meals and snacks. Overall compliance with PERT administration guidelines was low (50% [105/208]). Improvement in symptoms significantly correlated with appropriate use of PERT. Increase in PC patient and provider education about appropriate PERT usage and administration is warranted.

Despite considerable research efforts, pancreatic cancer is associated with a dire prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of only 10%. Early symptoms of the disease are mostly nonspecific. The premise of improved survival through early detection is that more individuals will benefit from potentially curative treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) methodology has emerged as a successful tool for risk stratification and identification in general health care. In response to the maturity of AI, Kenner Family Research Fund conducted the 2020 AI and Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Virtual Summit (www.pdac-virtualsummit.org) in conjunction with the American Pancreatic Association, with a focus on the potential of AI to advance early detection efforts in this disease. This comprehensive presummit article was prepared based on information provided by each of the interdisciplinary participants on one of the 5 following topics: Progress, Problems, and Prospects for Early Detection; AI and Machine Learning; AI and Pancreatic Cancer-Current Efforts; Collaborative Opportunities; and Moving Forward-Reflections from Government, Industry, and Advocacy. The outcome from the robust Summit conversations, to be presented in a future white paper, indicate that significant progress must be the result of strategic collaboration among investigators and institutions from multidisciplinary backgrounds, supported by committed funders.

DREAMM-2 (NCT03525678) is an ongoing global, open-label, phase 2 study of single-agent belantamab mafodotin (belamaf; GSK2857916), a B-cell maturation antigen-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in a frozen-liquid presentation in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Alongside the main study, following identical inclusion/exclusion criteria, a separate patient cohort was enrolled to receive belamaf in a lyophilised presentation (3.4 mg/kg, every 3 weeks) until disease progression/unacceptable toxicity. Primary outcome was independent review committee-assessed overall response rate (ORR). Twenty-five patients were enrolled; 24 received ≥1 dose of belamaf. As of 31 January 2020, ORR was 52% (95% CI: 31.3–72.2); 24% of patients achieved very good partial response. Median duration of response was 9.0 months (2.8–not reached [NR]); median progression-free survival was 5.7 months (2.2–9.7); median overall survival was not reached (8.7 months–NR). Most common grade 3/4 adverse events were keratopathy (microcyst-like corneal epithelial changes, a pathological finding seen on eye examination [75%]), thrombocytopenia (21%), anaemia (17%), hypercalcaemia and hypophosphatemia (both 13%), neutropenia and blurred vision (both 8%). Pharmacokinetics supported comparability of frozen-liquid and lyophilised presentations. Single-agent belamaf in a lyophilised presentation (intended for future use) showed a deep and durable clinical response and acceptable safety profile in patients with heavily pre-treated RRMM.

The accumulation of fibrillar amyloid &beta, protein (A&beta, ) in blood vessels of the brain, the condition known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), is a common small vessel disease that promotes cognitive impairment and is strongly associated with Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease. Presently, the clinical diagnosis of this condition relies on neuroimaging markers largely associated with cerebral macro/microbleeds. However, these are markers of late-stage disease detected after extensive cerebral vascular amyloid accumulation has become chronic. Recently, we generated a novel transgenic rat model of CAA (rTg-DI) that recapitulates multiple aspects of human CAA disease with the progressive accumulation of cerebral vascular amyloid, largely composed of A&beta, 40, and the consistent emergence of subsequent microbleeds. Here, we investigated the levels of A&beta, 40 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of rTg-DI rats as CAA progressed from inception to late stage disease. The levels of A&beta, 40 in CSF and plasma precipitously dropped at the early onset of CAA accumulation at three months of age and continued to decrease with the progression of disease. Notably, the reduction in CSF/plasma A&beta, 40 levels preceded the emergence of cerebral microbleeds, which first occurred at about six months of age, as detected by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and histological staining of brain tissue. These findings support the concept that reduced CSF/plasma levels of A&beta, 40 could serve as a biomarker for early stage CAA disease prior to the onset of cerebral microbleeds for future therapeutic intervention.

Accumulation of fibrillar amyloid β protein in blood vessels of the brain, a condition known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), is a common pathology of elderly individuals, a prominent comorbidity of Alzheimer disease, and a driver of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Although several transgenic mouse strains have been generated that develop varying levels of CAA, consistent models of associated cerebral microhemorrhage and vasculopathy observed clinically have been lacking. Reliable preclinical animal models of CAA and microhemorrhage are needed to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of this condition. Herein, we describe the generation and characterization of a novel transgenic rat (rTg-DI) that produces low levels of human familial CAA Dutch/Iowa E22Q/D23N mutant amyloid β protein in brain and faithfully recapitulates many of the pathologic aspects of human small-vessel CAA. rTg-DI rats exhibit early-onset and progressive accumulation of cerebral microvascular fibrillar amyloid accompanied by early-onset and sustained behavioral deficits. Comparable to CAA in humans, the cerebral microvascular amyloid in rTg-DI rats causes capillary structural alterations, promotes prominent perivascular neuroinflammation, and produces consistent, robust microhemorrhages and small-vessel occlusions that are readily detected by magnetic resonance imaging. The rTg-DI rats provide a new model to investigate the pathogenesis of small-vessel CAA and microhemorrhages, to develop effective biomarkers for this condition and to test therapeutic interventions.

As a part of the Cancer Moonshot, the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, the Foundation for National Institutes of Health, the US Food and Drug Administration, and 12 pharmaceutical companies have formed a 5-year, $220 million precompetitive public-private research collaboration called the Partnership for Accelerating Cancer Therapies. A systematic cross-sector effort to identify and develop robust, standardized biomarkers and related clinical data, Partnership for Accelerating Cancer Therapies will support the selection and testing of promising immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, with the goal of bringing effective therapy to more patients.

Purpose Treating solid tumors with cancer immunotherapy (CIT) can result in unconventional responses and overall survival (OS) benefits that are not adequately captured by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1. We describe immune-modified RECIST (imRECIST) criteria, designed to better capture CIT responses. Patients and Methods Atezolizumab data from clinical trials in non–small-cell lung cancer, metastatic urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and melanoma were evaluated. Modifications to imRECIST versus RECIST v1.1 included allowance for best overall response after progressive disease (PD) and changes in PD definitions per new lesions (NLs) and nontarget lesions. imRECIST progression-free survival (PFS) did not count initial PD as an event if the subsequent scan showed disease control. OS was evaluated using conditional landmarks in patients whose PFS differed by imRECIST versus RECIST v1.1. Results The best overall response was 1% to 2% greater, the disease control rate was 8% to 13% greater, and the median PFS was 0.5 to 1.5 months longer per imRECIST versus RECIST v1.1. Extension of imRECIST PFS versus RECIST v1.1 PFS was associated with longer or similar OS. Patterns of progression analysis revealed that patients who developed NLs without target lesion (TL) progression had a similar or shorter OS compared with patients with RECIST v1.1 TL progression. Patients infrequently experienced a spike pattern (TLs increase, then decrease) but had longer OS than patients without TL reversion. Conclusion Evaluation of PFS and patterns of response and progression revealed that allowance for TL reversion from PD per imRECIST may better identify patients with OS benefit. Progression defined by the isolated appearance of NLs, however, is not associated with longer OS. These results may inform additional modifications to radiographic criteria (including imRECIST) to better reflect efficacy with CIT agents.

Introduction Inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) is a co-stimulatory receptor that is important for promoting immune activation and function. Despite reported clinical activity and a wide range of non-clinical studies supporting a role for ICOS in lymphocyte activation, proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, little is known regarding the potential of monoclonal agonist antibody-mediated ICOS signaling to drive cytotoxic T cell infiltration into tumors. Feladilimab (GSK3359609) is a non-depleting IgG4 ICOS agonist antibody currently being evaluated in pivotal clinical trials. Here, we used PET/CT imaging to evaluate CD8+ T cell infiltration following treatment with a rodent surrogate of feladilimab (7E.17G9 mouse [m] IgG1) alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 mAb (RMP-14 rat IgG2a) in a syngeneic model of breast cancer (EMT6). Method Female BALB/c mice with established tumors (~150 mm3) received 10µg, IP of either IgG control mAbs, ICOS mAb, or ICOS + PD-1 mAbs on day 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, or 14. Imaging was performed at 24 & 48 hrs post IV dose of 89Zr labeled CD8 minibody (IAB42M1-14, ImaginAb, CA) on day 0, 3, 5, 9, or 14. In addition to the CD8 minibody uptake in tumor & tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN), 3D radiomic features were extracted from PET/CT images. Top ranked features were used for hierarchical clustering to identify treatment effects. Results Tumor size regressed in all treated groups relative to IgG control, with a number of mice clearing tumors (ICOS: 4 mice, ICOS + PD-1: 9 mice). The in vivo uptake of CD8 minibody in TDLN was significantly higher in the ICOS + PD-1 group on day 4, 6, & 7 relative to IgG control P Conclusions Herein, we demonstrated for the first time that treatment of tumor-bearing mice with ICOS agonist mAb alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade can increase CD8+ T cell infiltration into tumors & TDLN, and is correlated with reduced tumor burden. Notably, radiomics features predicted an effect of treatment on CD8+ T cell infiltration earlier than the detection of absolute changes in the CD8 minibody uptake in tumor & TDLN. Overall, these data support the ongoing pivotal investigation of feladilimab. Moreover, this translational imaging method may be a useful tool to non-invasively monitor CD8+ T cell in response to immunotherapies and understand the temporal relationship between CD8+ T cell flux in tumor and in TDLN. Citation Format: Hasan Alsaid, Shih-Hsun Cheng, Meixia Bi, Mary V. Rambo, Tinamarie Skedzielewski, Bao Hoang, Sunish Mohanan, Andrew Gehman, Chih-Yang Hsu, Minh Doan, Fang Xie, M. Reid Groseclose, Christopher Hopson, Sara Brett, Ian A. Wilson, Andrew Nicholls, Marc Ballas, Jeremy D. Waight, Beat M. Jucker, Axel Hoos. Immuno-PET monitoring of CD8+ T cell infiltration post anti-ICOS agonist antibody treatment alone and in combination with PD-1 blocking antibody using a 89Zr anti-CD8+ mouse minibody in EMT 6 syngeneic tumor mouse [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2816.

Background: INDUCE-1 is a first-in-human trial investigating FE, an IgG4 ICOS agonist non-T-cell depleting mAb, in monotherapy (mono) and combo with PD-1 inhibitor PE. ICOS is highly expressed in melanoma, an immunotherapy responsive tumor, and is a biomarker of response to anti-CTLA-4 treatment; in nonclinical models, ICOS agonism has enhanced activity in combo with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Preliminary data from INDUCE-1 R/R melanoma ECs are presented to support FE expansion in ICB experienced (exp) R/R melanoma patients (pts). Methods: Eligible pts had non-uveal R/R melanoma, ≤5 prior lines of systemic therapy, achieved response or stable disease (SD) on prior anti-PD-1/L1 treatment, and no prior immunotherapy-related Grade ≥3 toxicities leading to treatment discontinuation. In FE mono and FE + PE 200 mg combo ECs, pts were randomized to FE 0.3 or 1 mg/kg; treatment was given every 3 wks up to 35 cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Safety and efficacy were assessed. Biomarkers in tumor biopsies were analyzed. Results: By 30 Mar 2020, 39 pts in the mono EC were evaluable (21 pts at 0.3; 18 pts at 1 mg/kg FE); all pts were anti-PD-1/L1 exp; 21/39 (54%) were anti-CTLA-4 exp; 7/39 (18%) had ≥4 prior lines of therapy. Of the 39 pts, 29 (74%) discontinued treatment due to progression. Response rate was 10% (4/39; 1 complete response, 3 partial responses); 8/39 (21%) pts had SD and 2/8 (25%) pts with SD had tumor size reductions (RECIST v1.1) at ≥19%; 5 pts (13%) had SD at ≥18 wks. Duration of response (DoR) was 2.0+ to 6.3 mo. BRAF and NRAS status did not impact clinical activity. Anti-CTLA-4 exp pts had a numerically higher response rate than anti-CTLA-4 naïve pts. In the combo EC, 17 anti-PD-1/L1 exp pts were evaluable (6 pts at 0.3; 11 pts at 1 mg/kg FE); 12/17 (71%) were anti-CTLA-4 exp; 15/17 (88%) discontinued treatment, all due to progression. Response rate was 18% (3/17), DoR was 7.9+ to 8.2 mo, and disease control rate (response or SD) was 53% (9/17); 1 pt with SD had tumor size reduction of 10%. Ongoing analyses with mono EC showed a 28.6% (2/7) response rate, DoR of 2.0+ to 6.3 mo, and mOS of ~26 mo in pts with ICOS high tumor-infiltrating T cells. Sample size limits comparison; however, clinical activity was similar between FE doses and between BRAF+ and BRAF− pts. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with AEs reported for PE. Conclusions: FE is the first ICOS agonist with reported single-agent activity in ICB exp R/R melanoma, supporting ICOS as a target. FE + PE in combo shows promising clinical activity and manageable safety in R/R melanoma. Continued survival follow-up of ECs is warranted. Updated efficacy and PK/PD data to be presented. Funding: Study 204691 (NCT02723955) funded by GSK in collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA. Citation Format: Michele Maio, Jeffrey S. Weber, Maria Vieito Villar, Frans L. Opdam, Victor Moreno, Omid Hamid, José Trigo, Michael Chisamore, Marco Balas, Sapna Yadavilli, David C. Turner, Courtney Henry, Xiao Ji, Catherine Ellis, Marc Ballas, Axel Hoos, Antoine Italiano. Inducible T cell costimulatory (ICOS) receptor agonist, feladilimab (FE), alone and in combination (combo) with pembrolizumab (PE): Results from INDUCE-1 relapsed/refractory (R/R) melanoma expansion cohorts (EC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr CT033.

BACKGROUND: Heritable cardiac-sodium channel dysfunction is associated with various arrhythmia syndromes, some predisposing to ventricular fibrillation. Phenotypic diversity among carriers of identical-by-descent mutations is often remarkable, suggesting influences of genetic modifiers.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify a unique SCN5A-mutation founder population with mixed clinical phenotypes and sudden cardiac death, and to investigate the heritability of electromechanical traits besides the SCN5A-mutation effect.METHODS: The 16-generation founder population segregating SCN5A c.4850_4852delTCT, p.(Phe1617del), was comprehensively phenotyped. Variance component analysis was used to evaluate the mutation's effects and assess heritability.RESULTS: In 45 p.(Phe1617del) positives, the mutation associated strongly with QTc prolongation (472 ± 60 ms vs 423 ± 35 ms in 26 mutation negatives; P P P P = .006). p.(Phe1617del) was an important determinant of QTcbaseline, QTcmax, and EMW, explaining 18%, 28%, and 37%, respectively, of the trait’s variance. Significant heritability was observed for PQ interval (P = .003) after accounting for the p.(Phe1617del) effect.CONCLUSION: This SCN5A-p.(Phe1617del) founder population with phenotypic divergence and overlap reveals long-QT syndrome-related and arousal-evoked ventricular tachyarrhythmias with a female preponderance. Variance component analysis indicates additional genetic variance for PQ interval hidden in the genome, besides a dominant p. .(Phe1617del) effect on QTc and EMW.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young infants and a major cause of nosocomial infection in pediatric care. Currently available RSV point-of-care tests are of limited sensitivity and relatively expensive. We developed and evaluated a novel RSV rapid test for use at point-of-care, based on reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for direct testing of nasopharyngeal swab specimens. RT-LAMP can detect RSV within 30min, without the need for RNA extraction. The sensitivity of our RT-LAMP assay was 70-80% in comparison to RT-PCR. The RT-LAMP test sensitivity is at least equivalent to currently available rapid antigen detection tests (RADT), and the cost of RT-LAMP test reagents is only approximately 10% of that of commercially available RADT tests. RT-LAMP appears to be an attractive alternative to RADT, particularly in settings with limited financial resources. Future improvements could include lyophilization of test reagents and automated read-out of RT-LAMP results.

Background As access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa has increased dramatically, concerns have been raised regarding patient attrition, an important measure of program quality. Methods We examined aggregate data from 307144 patients initiating ART in 5638 successive cohorts at 638 facilities in 9 African countries from 2005 to 2010, a period characterized by massive treatment expansion. Poisson regression assessed trends in 6- and 12-month cohort attrition (ie, the proportion of patients in each cohort no longer receiving ART at their initiating facility) over calendar time and as ART services matured, and identified factors associated with attrition. Results Across all 9 countries, 6- and 12-month cohort attrition was 21% and 29%, respectively, with no decrease over calendar time (6-month P = .8735; 12-month P = .5717) or as ART services matured (6-month P = .3005; 12-month P = .2277). Additionally, attrition remained stable or decreased across both measures in nearly all countries. Initiating ART in facilities with more documented transfers and fewer women on ART, and in cohorts with poor CD4 count documentation and lower median CD4 count at ART initiation was associated with increased 6-month attrition. Increased 12-month attrition was observed in semiurban facilities and those with more documented transfers, and in cohorts with poor CD4 count documentation, whereas higher patient load was associated with decreased attrition. Conclusions Stable or decreasing trends in attrition for ART patients were observed in most countries, suggesting programs can be expanded without compromising quality. However, further reductions in attrition are needed to maximize individual and population benefits of ART.

Context: Belamaf showed deep and durable single-agent activity in the pivotal DREAMM-2 study primary analysis ( NCT03525678 ) (1–7) in a patient population that historically has a poor prognosis (overall survival [OS] 6–9 months). Objective: To present longer-term efficacy/safety outcomes (13-month follow-up) with single-agent belamaf in DREAMM-2 in the overall patient population and patients with HR cytogenetics and RI, subgroups with poor outcomes. Methods: DREAMM-2 is an ongoing study of belamaf 2.5 mg/kg (n=97) or 3.4 mg/kg (n=99). Primary outcome: overall response rate (ORR; ≥partial response). In post-hoc analyses, HR-cytogenetics included t(4;14), t(14;16), 17p13del, or 1q21 + . RI was based on eGFR (mild: ≥60– Results: Overall population ORRs in the 2.5 mg/kg and 3.4 mg/kg groups were 32% (97.5% CI: 21.7–43.6) and 35% (97.5% CI: 24.8–47.0); 19% and 23% of patients (58% and 66% of responders) achieved very good partial response or better. Median duration of response was 11.0 (95% CI: 4.2–not reached [NR]) and 6.2 months (95% CI: 4.8–NR). Median progression-free survival was 2.8 (95% CI: 1.6–3.6) and 3.9 months (95% CI: 2.0–5.8); median estimated OS was 13.7 (95% CI: 9.9–NR) and 13.8 months (95% CI: 10.0–NR). Most common Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were keratopathy (microcyst-like epithelial changes [MECs] observed on eye examination; 2.5 mg/kg: 46%; 3.4 mg/kg: 42%), thrombocytopenia (2.5 mg/kg: 22%; 3.4 mg/kg: 32%), and anemia (2.5 mg/kg: 21%; 3.4 mg/kg: 27%). AE-related permanent discontinuation occurred in 9% and 12%; discontinuation due to MECs was rare (2.5 mg/kg: 1%; 3.4 mg/kg: 3%). HR cytogenetics and RI subgroup analyses will be presented at the conference. Conclusions: Deep and durable responses to single-agent belamaf were sustained and no new safety signals identified with longer follow-up in this heavily pretreated RRMM population. Funding: GSK (205678). Drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; mAb produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. References: [1] Lonial et al. Lancet Oncol. 2020. [2] Lonial et al. ASCO 2020. EP436. [3] Lonial et al. EHA 2020. EP970. [4] Cohen et al. ASCO 2020. EP441. [5] Trudel et al. EHA 2020. EP1037. [6] Lee et al. ASCO 2020. EP419. [7] Lee et al. EHA 2020. EP1006.

Summary Background Belantamab mafodotin (GSK2857916), an immunoconjugate targeting B-cell maturation antigen, showed single-agent activity in the phase 1 DREAMM-1 study in heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. We further investigated the safety and activity of belantamab mafodotin in the DREAMM-2 study. Methods DREAMM-2 is an open-label, two-arm, phase 2 study done at 58 multiple myeloma specialty centres in eight countries. Patients (aged ≥18 years) with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma with disease progression after three or more lines of therapy and who were refractory to immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors, and refractory or intolerant (or both) to an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–2 were recruited, centrally randomly assigned (1:1) with permuted blocks (block size 4), and stratified by previous lines of therapy (≤4 vs >4) and cytogenetic features to receive 2·5 mg/kg or 3·4 mg/kg belantamab mafodotin via intravenous infusion every 3 weeks on day 1 of each cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The intention-to-treat population comprised all randomised patients, regardless of treatment administration. The safety population comprised all patients who received at least one dose of belantamab mafodotin. The primary outcome was the proportion of randomly assigned patients in the intention-to-treat population who achieved an overall response, as assessed by an independent review committee. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03525678 , and is ongoing. Findings Between June 18, 2018, and Jan 2, 2019, 293 patients were screened and 196 were included in the intention-to-treat population (97 in the 2·5 mg/kg cohort and 99 in the 3·4 mg/kg cohort). As of June 21, 2019 (the primary analysis data cutoff date), 30 (31%; 97·5% CI 20·8–42·6) of 97 patients in the 2·5 mg/kg cohort and 34 (34%; 23·9–46·0) of 99 patients in the 3·4 mg/kg cohort achieved an overall response. The most common grade 3–4 adverse events in the safety population were keratopathy (in 26 [27%] of 95 patients in the 2·5 mg/kg cohort and 21 [21%] of 99 patients in the 3·4 mg/kg cohort), thrombocytopenia (19 [20%] and 33 [33%]), and anaemia (19 [20%] and 25 [25%]); 38 (40%) of 95 patients in the 2·5 mg/kg cohort and 47 (47%) of 99 in the 3·4 mg/kg cohort reported serious adverse events. Two deaths were potentially treatment related (one case of sepsis in the 2·5 mg/kg cohort and one case of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in the 3·4 mg/kg cohort). Interpretation Single-agent belantamab mafodotin shows anti-myeloma activity with a manageable safety profile in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Funding GlaxoSmithKline.

Global Cumulative Treatment Analysis (GCTA) is a novel clinical research model combining expert knowledge, and treatment coordination based upon global information-gain, to treat every patient optimally while efficiently searching the vast space that is the realm of cancer research.

Interim analyses of a phase I study with GSK2857916, an antibody–drug conjugate against B cell maturation antigen, have previously reported a 60% overall response and 7.9 months progression-free survival in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). We provide updated safety and efficacy results of the BMA117159 trial following an additional 14 months' follow-up. This open-label, first-in-human, phase I study was conducted at nine centres in the USA, Canada and the UK, and included adults with MM and progressive disease after stem cell transplantation, alkylators, proteasome inhibitors, and immunomodulators. In part 1, the recommended dose of 3.4 mg/kg was identified; in part 2, patients received GSK2857916 3.4 mg/kg once every 3 weeks. Selected part 2 safety/tolerability and efficacy endpoints are reported. Twenty-one (60.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 42.1–76.1) of 35 patients achieved partial response or better, including two stringent complete responses and three complete responses. The median progression-free survival was 12 months and median duration of response was 14.3 months. Thrombocytopenia and corneal events were commonly reported; no new safety signals were identified. GSK2857916 was well tolerated and demonstrated a rapid, deep and durable response in heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed/refractory MM, consolidating the interim analyses conclusions that GSK2857916 is a promising treatment for these patients.

Background: Predicting the onset and course of mood and anxiety disorders is of clinical importance but remains difficult. We compared the predictive performances of traditional logistic regression, basic probabilistic machine learning (ML) methods, and automated ML (Auto-sklearn).Methods: Data were derived from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. We compared how well multinomial logistic regression, a na?ve Bayes classifier, and Auto-sklearn predicted depression and anxiety diagnoses at a 2-, 4-, 6-, and 9-year follow up, operationalized as binary or categorical variables. Predictor sets included demographic and self-report data, which can be easily collected in clinical practice at two initial time points (baseline and 1-year follow up).Results: At baseline, participants were 42.2 years old, 66.5% were women, and 53.6% had a current mood or anxiety disorder. The three methods were similarly successful in predicting (mental) health status, with correct predictions for up to 79% (95% CI 75?81%). However, Auto-sklearn was superior when assessing a more complex dataset with individual item scores.Conclusions: Automated ML methods added only limited value, compared to traditional data modelling when predicting the onset and course of depression and anxiety. However, they hold potential for automatization and may be better suited for complex datasets.

Contains fulltext : 167854.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) AIMS: Phenotypic heterogeneity and incomplete penetrance are common in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aim to improve the understanding in genotype-phenotype correlations in HCM, particularly the contribution of an MYL2 founder mutation and risk factors to left ventricular hypertrophic remodelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 14 HCM families of whom 38 family members share the MYL2 c.64G > A [p.(Glu22Lys)] mutation and a common founder haplotype. In this unique cohort, we investigated factors influencing phenotypic outcome in addition to the primary mutation. The mutation alone showed benign disease manifestation with low penetrance. The co-presence of additional risk factors for hypertrophy such as hypertension, obesity, or other sarcomeric gene mutation increased disease penetrance substantially and caused HCM in 89% of MYL2 mutation carriers (P = 0.0005). The most prominent risk factor was hypertension, observed in 71% of mutation carriers with HCM and an additional risk factor. CONCLUSION: The MYL2 mutation c.64G > A on its own is incapable of triggering clinical HCM in most carriers. However, the presence of an additional risk factor for hypertrophy, particularly hypertension, adds to the development of HCM. Early diagnosis of risk factors is important for early treatment of MYL2 mutation carriers and close monitoring should be guaranteed in this case. Our findings also suggest that the presence of hypertension or another risk factor for hypertrophy should not be an exclusion criterion for genetic studies.

Background: OX40 is a costimulatory receptor transiently expressed on the surface of activated T cells and some innate immune cells (e.g. NK cells). OX40 agonists have been shown to increase antitumor immunity and improve tumor-free survival in preclinical models, demonstrating increased efficacy when given in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor. GSK998 is a humanized IgG1 agonistic OX40 monoclonal antibody. Methods: ENGAGE-1 (NCT02528357) is a Phase 1 dose escalation study evaluating safety, PK, PD, and clinical activity of GSK998 (0.003-10 mg/kg IV Q3W) alone (Part 1) and in combination with pembrolizumab 200 mg IV Q3W (Part 2) in pts with previously treated advanced solid tumors: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma (MEL), bladder cancer, soft tissue sarcoma (STS), triple-negative breast cancer, and MSI-high colorectal carcinoma. Dose escalation used a continuous reassessment method and 4-week DLT period. Results: A total of 138 pts were enrolled (45 Part 1, 96 Part 2; 3 crossed over from Part 1). Two DLTs occurred in Part 2 only (G3 non-malignant pleural effusion 0.03 mg/kg; G1 myocarditis 10 mg/kg); MTD was not established. Most common (≥10%) treatment-related AEs (mostly G1-2) were diarrhea, fatigue (Part 1) and fatigue, nausea (Part 2). GSK998 demonstrated target engagement in the periphery as evidenced by PK and receptor occupancy (RO); a dose of 0.3 mg/kg was the threshold for linear PK & peripheral RO saturation over the 3-wk dose interval and was selected for further clinical evaluation in MEL, STS, and NSCLC in Part 2 expansion. Clinical responses and SD ≥24 weeks were observed in both PD-1/L1 naïve and experienced pts: Part 1 (1 PR, 1 SD; both 0.3 mg/kg) and Part 2 (2 CR, 7 PR, 9 SD; 0.01-3 mg/kg); Part 2 clinical responses were not correlated with baseline tumor PD-L1 expression levels; including one MEL pt with PD-L1 TPS=0 who progressed on prior CTLA-4/PD-1 treatment and had a CR (>18mo). Overall, peripheral and tumor expression of OX40 was low ( Citation Format: Sophie Postel-Vinay, Vincent K. Lam, Willeke Ros, Todd M. Bauer, Aaron R. Hansen, Daniel C. Cho, F. Stephen Hodi, Jan H.M. Schellens, Jennifer K. Litton, Sandrine Aspeslagh, Karen A. Autio, Frans L. Opdam, Meredith McKean, Neeta Somaiah, Stephane Champiat, Mehmet Altan, Anna Spreafico, Osama Rahma, Elaine M. Paul, Christoph M. Ahlers, Helen Zhou, Herbert Struemper, Shelby A. Gorman, Maura Watmuff, Kaitlin M. Yablonski, Niranjan Yanamandra, Michael J. Chisamore, Emmett V. Schmidt, Axel Hoos, Aurélien Marabelle, Jeffrey S. Weber, John V. Heymach. A first-in-human phase I study of the OX40 agonist GSK3174998 (GSK998) +/- pembrolizumab in patients (Pts) with selected advanced solid tumors (ENGAGE-1) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr CT150.

6517 Background: INDUCE-1 (NCT02723955) is a first-in-human study investigating GSK609, an IgG4 ICOS agonist non-T-cell depleting antibody, as monotherapy and combination therapy with anti-cancer agents that includes PE. A range of GSK609 dose levels (≥0.1–1 mg/kg) having biological and clinical activity were identified and evaluated in the expansion phase with GSK609 0.3 mg/kg selected as the dose for further investigation. Results from the HNSCC expansion cohorts (ECs) showed GSK609 has single agent activity in pts with relapsed/refractory disease, and early clinical activity in combination with PE in pts with anti-PD-1/L1 treatment-naïve disease (Rischin, et al. Annals of Oncol 2019;30[Supplement_5]:v454–5). Updated results from the GSK609/PE HNSCC EC are presented. Methods: Eligible pts for the HNSCC EC had anti-PD-1/L1 treatment-naïve disease, ≤5 prior lines of therapy, measurable disease, and no active autoimmune disease. Pts received GSK609 0.3 mg/kg + PE 200 mg every 3 weeks (wks) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, up to 2 years (yrs)/35 cycles. Disease assessments were performed every 9 wks through wk 54 then every 12 wks thereafter. Pts were followed for survival and subsequent anti-cancer therapy. Results: As of 11 October 2019, 34 pts were enrolled and evaluable for efficacy analyses. The median age of this population was 61.5 yrs (range: 37–77); 85% were male; 53% received ≥1 prior line of therapy in the metastatic setting. ORR was 26% (95% CI: 12.9, 44.4; n = 9 with 4 complete and 5 partial responses); disease control rate was 68% (95% CI: 49.5, 82.6; n = 23). Among pts with PD-L1 IHC status by 22C3 pharmDx assay (n = 24; 71%), the majority of pts with a response or stable disease (SD) had PD-L1 CPS status < 20 (11 of 15 pts including 1 SD pt with CPS < 1). Median PFS was 5.6 months (95% CI: 3.9, 6,2). Median OS was not reached at time of analysis (95% CI: 8.2, NR); 6-month OS rate was 84% (95% CI: 66, 93). Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 66% of pts; the majority of events were Grades 1 or 2 with < 10% of pts experiencing ≥ Grade 3 events. Conclusions: This updated analysis with a more mature dataset shows promising clinical activity that supports further randomized investigation of GSK609 in combination with PE with an OS endpoint in HNSCC. Clinical trial information: NCT02723955 .

TPS6591 Background: Pembrolizumab as part of first-line treatment for patients (pts) with R/M HNSCC has improved survival. However, in order to further improve outcomes in this population investigation of rational combinations targeting different mechanisms that cancers exploit to evade the immune system is required. ICOS, a member of the CD28/B7 immunoglobulin receptor superfamily, provides a co-stimulatory signal augmenting T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, cytotoxic function and survival. GSK609 is a humanized IgG4 antibody selected for its potent agonist activity and non-depleting properties. The rationale for targeting ICOS with GSK609 plus PD-1 blockade with PE is supported by preclinical and clinical evidence (Rischin, et al. Annals of Oncol 2019;30[Supplement_5]:v454–5). INDUCE-3 trial (NCT04128696) will explore if the addition of GSK609 to PE improves outcomes of pts with R/M HNSCC. Methods: INDUCE-3 uses a 2-in-1 adaptive design that has the option to seamlessly expand from an initial Phase 2 to a Phase 3 study. Pts (n = 600) will be stratified by PD-L1 status and HPV status (oropharynx only) then randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive GSK609 plus PE or PL plus PE, every 3 weeks until progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 35 cycles. GSK609 plus PE will be assessed for superiority versus PL plus PE in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) per RECISTv1.1 as dual primary endpoints; secondary endpoints include PFS per immune-based RECIST; milestone OS; safety and tolerability; time to deterioration in patient-reported physical function and pain. Efficacy and patient-reported outcome endpoints will be assessed in the PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 and ≥20 populations. Key eligibility criteria are aged ≥18 years; locally incurable R/M HNSCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx; no prior systemic therapy in the R/M setting; PD-L1 CPS ≥1 by central testing; measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 and ECOG PS 0/1. Recruitment is ongoing in countries across the globe. Funding: Study is funded by GlaxoSmithKline and in collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA. Clinical trial information: NCT04128696 .

e16735 Background: We use a real-world data approach to report on safety and benefits on metastatic pancreatic cancer pts who were treated with a MEK inhibitor plus hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) after exhausting all other treatment options. MEK inhibition acts on the KRAS pathway, which in turn increases autophagy as a resistance mechanism, furthermore, HCQ inhibits autophagy causing a cytotoxic effect. This combination was shown to diminish tumor volume in xenograft mouse models and a partial response in one heavily pre-treated patients was reported. Methods: XCELSIOR is an IRB approved, patient-centric, real-world data and outcomes registry for developing operational and analytic methods in precision oncology. Searching the XCELSIOR database, we identified 14 pts for whom this regimen had been considered. As part of their participation in XCELSIOR, these patients shared access to their full medical records, which were collected, processed, and abstracted into a 21 CFR 11 compliant database for analysis. We additionally collected de-identified data on 12 pts treated with this combination from five academic centers. Three more patients are expected to start treatment soon. Results: Between March 2018 and January 2020, 15 patients treated with the trametinib/HCQ combination and 3 patients treated with cobimetinib/HCQ were identified in XCELSIOR and five academic institutions. The median age at diagnosis was 64 (range 43-74) and 56% were male. For patients treated with trametinib/HCQ, the median time on treatment was 67 days (range 5-172 days), 11 patients were treated for more than 30 days (median time 97 days). The median PFS for this group was 2.9 months and the median OS was 7.4 months. The clinical benefit rate was 60% for the 10 evaluable patients treated with trametinib/HCQ, 1 patient had a partial response (previously published), 5 had stable disease (for at least 8 weeks) and 4 had progressive disease (physician reported). 2/3 patients treated with cobimetinib/HCQ were on treatment for more than 30 days and all three had progressive disease within 7 weeks. The most common side effects were Grade 1 fatigue and Grade 1/2 rash for both combinations. An additional 3 patients will start treatment soon and will be included in the analysis. Conclusions: Combinatorial MEK and autophagy inhibition was well tolerated in heavily treated metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Trametinib/HCQ demonstrates some clinical benefit for this group. We demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing real-world data in precision oncology. Clinical trial information: NCT03793088 .

8536 Background: Single-agent belantamab mafodotin (B-cell maturation antigen targeting immunoconjugate) showed clinically meaningful activity and manageable safety in patients with heavily pre-treated RRMM (DREAMM-2, NCT03525678, Lancet Oncol.2020). We report updated results (median follow-up 9 months). Methods: DREAMM-2 is an ongoing single-agent belantamab mafodotin (2.5 or 3.4 mg/kg) study in patients with RRMM after ≥3 prior therapy lines and refractory to an immunomodulatory agent, a PI, and refractory and/or intolerant to an anti-CD38 mAb. Primary endpoint: overall response rate (ORR; ≥partial response per independent review committee). Results: ORR was 31% in the 2.5 mg/kg (19% with ≥very good partial responses [VGPR]) and 35% (24% with ≥VGPR) in the 3.4 mg/kg groups (Table). Duration of response (DoR) was not reached (NR) in the 2.5 mg/kg and 6.2 months in the 3.4 mg/kg groups; 1-year overall survival (OS) estimate was 53%. Common Grade 3/4 AEs ( > 10% in either group) were keratopathy (2.5: 29%; 3.5: 24%), thrombocytopenia (2.5: 21%; 3.4: 32%), anemia (2.5: 20%; 3.4: 27%), pneumonia (2.5: 6%; 3.4: 13%), and neutropenia (2.5: 11%; 3.4: 16%). AEs were managed with dose delays (2.5: 54%; 3.4: 62%) and reductions (2.5: 34%; 3.4: 43%); discontinuations due to AEs were uncommon (2.5: 9%; 3.4: 12%). Conclusions: Single-agent belantamab mafodotin was well-tolerated, and clinically meaningful responses were sustained despite dose modifications with longer follow-up. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline (205678). Drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; monoclonal antibody produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Clinical trial information: NCT03525678 . [Table: see text]

BackgroundContinuous-infusion 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and calcium leucovorin plus nab-paclitaxel and oxaliplatin have been shown to be active in patients with pancreatic cancer. As a protracted low-dose infusion, 5FU is antiangiogenic, and has synergy with bevacizumab. As shown in the treatment of breast cancer, bevacizumab and nab-paclitaxel are also synergetic.ObjectiveIn this paper we retrospectively analyze the survival of 65 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who were treated with low-dose continuous (metronomic) chemotherapy given in conjunction with conventional anti-VEGF therapy.Patients and methodsSince July of 2008, we have treated 65 patients with 5FU (180mg/m2/day × 14days) via an ambulatory pump. Calcium leucovorin (20mg/m2 IV), nab-paclitaxel (60mg/m2) IV as a 30-min infusion, and oxaliplatin (50mg/m2) IV as a 60-min infusion were given on days 1, 8, and 15. Bevacizumab (5mg/kg) IV over 30min was administered on days 1 and 15. Cycles were repeated every 28-35days. There were 42 women and 23 men, and the median age was 59 years. Forty-six patients had stage IV disease.ResultsThe median survival was 19months, with 82% of patients surviving 12months or longer. The overall response rate was 49%. There were 28 patients who had received prior treatment, 15 of whom responded to therapy. Fifty-two patients had elevated CA 19-9 prior to treatment. Of these, 21 patients had 90% or greater reduction in CA 19-9 levels. This cohort had an objective response rate of 71% and a median survival of 27months. Thirty patients stopped treatment due to disease progression, and an additional 22 stopped because of toxicity. One patient died while on therapy.ConclusionsThis non-gemcitabine-based regimen resulted in higher response rates and better survival than what is commonly observed with therapy given at conventional dosing schedules. Low-dose continuous (metronomic therapy) cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with antiangiogenic therapy is safe and effective.

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum that propagates innate immune sensing of cytosolic pathogen-derived and self DNA1. The development of compounds that modulate STING has recently been the focus of intense research for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases and as vaccine adjuvants2. To our knowledge, current efforts are focused on the development of modified cyclic dinucleotides that mimic the endogenous STING ligand cGAMP; these have progressed into clinical trials in patients with solid accessible tumours amenable to intratumoral delivery3. Here we report the discovery of a small molecule STING agonist that is not a cyclic dinucleotide and is systemically efficacious for treating tumours in mice. We developed a linking strategy to synergize the effect of two symmetry-related amidobenzimidazole (ABZI)-based compounds to create linked ABZIs (diABZIs) with enhanced binding to STING and cellular function. Intravenous administration of a diABZI STING agonist to immunocompetent mice with established syngeneic colon tumours elicited strong anti-tumour activity, with complete and lasting regression of tumours. Our findings represent a milestone in the rapidly growing field of immune-modifying cancer therapies.

Immune cell functions are regulated by co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory receptors. The first two generations of cancer immunotherapy agents consist primarily of antagonist antibodies that block negative immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA4). Looking ahead, there is substantial promise in targeting co-stimulatory receptors with agonist antibodies, and a growing number of these agents are making their way through various stages of development. This Review discusses the key considerations and potential pitfalls of immune agonist antibody design and development, their differentiating features from antagonist antibodies and the landscape of agonist antibodies in clinical development for cancer treatment.

Summary Background B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a cell-surface receptor of the tumour necrosis superfamily required for plasma cell survival. BMCA is universally detected on patient-derived myeloma cells and has emerged as a selective antigen to be targeted by novel treatments in multiple myeloma. We assessed the safety, tolerability, and preliminary clinical activity of GSK2857916, a novel anti-BCMA antibody conjugated to microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin F, in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Methods We did an international, multicentre, open-label, first-in-human phase 1 study with dose escalation (part 1) and dose expansion (part 2) phases, at nine centres in the USA, Canada, and the UK. Adults with histologically or cytologically confirmed multiple myeloma, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1, and progressive disease after stem cell transplantation, alkylators, proteasome inhibitors, and immunomodulators were recruited for this study. In part 1, patients received GSK2857916 (0·03–4·60 mg/kg) through 1 h intravenous infusions once every 3 weeks. In part 2, patients received the selected recommended phase 2 dose of GSK2857916 (3·40 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks. Primary endpoints were maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase 2 dose. Secondary endpoints for part 2 included preliminary anti-cancer clinical activity. All patients who received one or more doses were included in this prespecified administrative interim analysis (data cutoff date June 26, 2017), which was done for internal purposes. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02064387, and is ongoing, but closed for recruitment. Findings Between July 29, 2014, and Feb 21, 2017, we treated 73 patients: 38 patients in the dose-escalation part 1 and 35 patients in the dose-expansion part 2. There were no dose-limiting toxicities and no maximum tolerated dose was identified in part 1. On the basis of safety and clinical activity, we selected 3·40 mg/kg as the recommended phase 2 dose. Corneal events were common (20 [53%] of 38 patients in part 1 and 22 [63%] of 35 in part 2); most (18 [47%] in part 1 and 19 [54%] in part 2) were grade 1 or 2 and resulted in two treatment discontinuations in part 1 and no discontinuations in part 2. The most common grade 3 or 4 events were thrombocytopenia (13 [34%] of 38 patients in part 1 and 12 [34%] of 35 in part 2) and anaemia (6 [16%] in part 1 and 5 [14%] in part 2). There were 12 treatment-related serious adverse events and no treatment-related deaths. In part 2, 21 (60·0%; 95% CI 42·1–76·1) of 35 patients achieved an overall response. Interpretation At the identified recommended phase 2 dose, GSK2857916 was well tolerated and had good clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients, thereby indicating that this might be a promising candidate for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Funding GlaxoSmithKline.

In 2016, an estimated 1.5 million females aged 15-24 years were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Eastern and Southern Africa, where the prevalence of HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women (3.4%) is more than double that for males in the same age range (1.6%) (1). Progress was assessed toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 2020 targets for adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (90% of those with HIV infection aware of their status, 90% of HIV-infected persons aware of their status on antiretroviral treatment [ART], and 90% of those on treatment virally suppressed [HIV viral load

Introduction: Current methods to determine HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) status are affected by reproducibility issues and do not reliably predict benefit from anti‐HER2 therapy. Quantitative measurement of HER2 may more accurately identify breast cancer (BC) patients who will respond to anti‐HER2 treatments. Methods: Using selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (SRM‐MS), we quantified HER2 protein levels in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples that had been classified as HER2 0, 1+, 2+ or 3+ by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was conducted to obtain optimal HER2 protein expression thresholds predictive of HER2 status (by standard IHC or in situ hybridization [ISH]) and of survival benefit after anti‐HER2 therapy. Results: Absolute HER2 amol/μg levels were significantly correlated with both HER2 IHC and amplification status by ISH (p 2200 amol/μg were significantly associated with longer disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in an adjuvant setting and with longer OS in a metastatic setting. Conclusion: Quantitative HER2 measurement by SRM‐MS is superior to IHC and ISH in predicting outcome after treatment with anti‐HER2 therapy., Highlights We quantified by mass spectrometry the levels of HER2 in HER2‐positive breast tumors.The tumors with the highest HER2 levels benefitted most from HER2 inhibition.HER2 protein levels were better predicting markers than gene amplification.Double minute amplification pattern was associated with low HER2 levels.

Background The multifactorial pathogenesis leading to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) makes stratification difficult. The recent MOGE(S) (morphofunctional, organ involvement, genetic or familial, etiology, stage) classification addresses this issue. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability and prognostic relevance of the MOGE(S) classification in patients with DCM. Methods This study used patients from the Maastricht Cardiomyopathy Registry in the Netherlands and excluded patients with ischemic, valvular, hypertensive, and congenital heart disease. All other patients underwent a complete diagnostic work-up, including genetic evaluation and endomyocardial biopsy. Results A total of 213 consecutive patients with DCM were included: organ involvement was demonstrated in 35 (16%) and genetic or familial DCM in 70 (33%) patients, including 16 (8%) patients with a pathogenic mutation. At least 1 cause was found in 155 (73%) patients, of whom 48 (23%) had more than 1 possible cause. Left ventricular reverse remodeling was more common in patients with nongenetic or nonfamilial DCM than in patients with genetic or familial DCM (40% vs. 25%; p = 0.04). After a median follow-up of 47 months, organ involvement and higher New York Heart Association functional class were associated with adverse outcome (p Conclusions The MOGE(S) classification in DCM is applicable, and each attribute or the gene-environment interaction is associated with outcome. Importantly, the presence of multiple attributes was a strong predictor of adverse outcome. Finally, adaptation of the MOGE(S) involving multiple possible etiologies is recommended.

Small-molecule drugs have several advantages that are complementary to, and possibly synergistic with, biologic approaches for anticancer immunotherapy. This Review provides an overview of immunological pathways that can best be targeted with small molecules and discusses how these approaches fit into the armamentarium of immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer. The regulatory approval of ipilimumab (Yervoy) in 2011 ushered in a new era of cancer immunotherapies with durable clinical effects. Most of these breakthrough medicines are monoclonal antibodies that block protein–protein interactions between T cell checkpoint receptors and their cognate ligands. In addition, genetically engineered autologous T cell therapies have also recently demonstrated significant clinical responses in haematological cancers. Conspicuously missing from this class of therapies are traditional small-molecule drugs, which have previously served as the backbone of targeted cancer therapies. Modulating the immune system through a small-molecule approach offers several unique advantages that are complementary to, and potentially synergistic with, biologic modalities. This Review highlights immuno-oncology pathways and mechanisms that can be best or solely targeted by small-molecule medicines. Agents aimed at these mechanisms — modulation of the immune response, trafficking to the tumour microenvironment and cellular infiltration — are poised to significantly extend the scope of immuno-oncology applications and enhance the opportunities for combination with tumour-targeted agents and biologic immunotherapies.

Introduction Approximately 20% of breast cancer patients overexpress HER2 and are treated with anti-HER2 therapies. However, there is a great deal of disparity of HER2 levels in the patients that are classified as HER2 positive (IHC3+). Techniques like FISH or IHC do not allow for HER2 quantification and a significant proportion of patients are wrongly classified as HER2 positive. Liquid Tissue-Selected reaction monitoring (LT-SRM) is a multiplexed mass spectrometric technique that can objectively quantify levels of Her2 and other targets from formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sections. Given the different available anti-HER2 therapies (trastuzumab, TDM1, lapatinib and pertuzumab) with different modes of action, it would be beneficial for a clinician to understand the levels EGFR and HER3 so as to personalize the therapy. In this work, we have used LT-SRM to quantitate HER2, EGFR and HER3 from FFPE samples (one slide) of patients treated with anti-HER2 agents and correlated the levels of these proteins to clinical outcome. Methods FFPE sections from 60 HER2 positive (IHC3+) primary breast cancer patients were microdissected and proteins were solubilized and digested by trypsin in Liquid Tissue® buffer. Of the 60 samples, 24 were from metastatic setting and 36 from adjuvant setting. After trypsin digestion, internal standards were added and absolute quantitation for multiple proteins was performed using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry. In addition to LT-SRM, FISH for HER2 was also conducted. Results HER2 quantitation by LT-SRM revealed receptor level ranges from 283 to 14938 amol/µg. ROC analysis was conducted and a cut-off of 2758.75 amol/µg gave the optimal sensitivity and specificity. Survival analysis revealed statistically significant DFS (4.40 years vs 3.38 years; p=0.013) and OS (4.43 years vs 4.03 years; p= 0039) in patients expressing ≥ 2758.75 amol/µg in the adjuvant setting and also statistically significant OS (5.51 years vs 3.37 years; p=0.037) in the metastatic setting. Correlation of HER2 FISH and levels of HER2 is ongoing. Approximately 41% of samples expressed EGFR (range 45 to 2317 amol/µg) and similarly 51% of the samples expressed HER3 (range 84 to 360 amol/µg) with 18% of samples expressing all three targets. Correlation of EGFR/HER3 expression with clinical outcome is ongoing. Conclusion We used an objective multiplex non-antibody based method to quantify multiple targets from FFPE tissue. Clinical correlation analysis of HER2 revealed improved OS and DFS in samples with high HER2 protein levels. Currently, we are expanding these studies to a larger set of samples and taking into account also the expression of other markers such as EGFR and HER3. This approach can potentially identify those tumors that are more dependent on these receptors for survival and also those patients that are exquisitely sensitive to anti-HER2 therapy. Citation Format: Paolo Nuciforo, Sheeno Thyparambil, Claudia Aura, Ana Garrido-Castro, Vicente Peg, Jose Jimenez, William Hoos, Jon Burrows, Todd Hembrough, Jose Perez-Garcia, Javier Cortes, Maurizio Scaltriti. Quantitative measurement of HER2 levels by multiplexed mass spectrometry from FFPE tissue predicts survival in patients treated with anti-HER2 based therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-11-29.

// Michael J. Pishvaian 1,2,* , R. Joseph Bender 1,* , Lynn M. Matrisian 3 , Lola Rahib 3 , Andrew Hendifar 4 , William A. Hoos 3 , Sam Mikhail 5 , Vincent Chung 6 , Vincent Picozzi 7 , Craig Heartwell 1 , Kimberly Mason 1 , Katelyn Varieur 1 , Metasebia Aberra 1 , Subha Madhavan 1,2 , Emanuel Petricoin III 1 and Jonathan R. Brody 1,8 1 Perthera, Inc, McLean, VA, USA 2 Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA 3 The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, CA, USA 4 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA 5 Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA 6 City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA 7 Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA 8 Jefferson Pancreatic, and Related Cancer Center, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Jonathan R. Brody, email: // Keywords : cfDNA, pancreatic cancer, blood-based NGS Received : June 15, 2016 Accepted : September 25, 2016 Published : November 08, 2016 Abstract Recent improvements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology have enabled detection of biomarkers in cell-free DNA in blood and may ultimately replace invasive tissue biopsies. However, a better understanding of the performance of blood-based NGS assays is needed prior to routine clinical use. As part of an IRB-approved molecular profiling registry trial of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients, we facilitated blood-based NGS testing of 34 patients from multiple community-based and high-volume academic oncology practices. 23 of these patients also underwent traditional tumor tissue-based NGS testing. cfDNA was not detected in 9/34 (26%) patients. Overall concordance between blood and tumor tissue NGS assays was low, with only 25% sensitivity of blood-based NGS for tumor tissue NGS. Mutations in KRAS, the major PDA oncogene, were only detected in 10/34 (29%) blood samples, compared to 20/23 (87%) tumor tissue biopsies. The presence of mutations in circulating DNA was associated with reduced overall survival (54% in mutation-positive versus 90% in mutation-negative). Our results suggest that in the setting of previously treated, advanced PDA, liquid biopsies are not yet an adequate substitute for tissue biopsies. Further refinement in defining the optimal patient population and timing of blood sampling may improve the value of a blood-based test.

Background: Genetic evaluation is recommended in patients with unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but its diagnostic yield and prognostic relevance in unexplained isolated left ventricular dysfunction (LVdys) is unknown. Methods and Results: A total of 127 LVdys and 262 DCM patients underwent genetic screening. Long-term outcome consisted of a combined end point of life-threatening arrhythmia, heart transplantation, and death. At baseline, LVdys patients were younger and had less frequently New York Heart Association class ≥3 when compared with DCM (55±13 versus 58±12; P =0.019 and 21% versus 36%; P =0.003, respectively). The prevalence of familial disease and pathogenic mutations was similar in LVdys and DCM (45% versus 40%; P =0.37 and 19% versus 17%; P =0.61, respectively). After a follow-up of 56 (31–82) months, outcome did not differ in LVdys compared with DCM patients (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–1.45; P =0.51). Overall, outcome was less favorable in patients with a genetic mutation or familial disease when compared with those without (hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–7.7; P =0.048 and hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–4.2; P =0.013, respectively). Thus, the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in LVdys and DCM is similarly high. The presence of a gene mutation or familial predisposition results in an equally worse prognosis. Conclusions: Genetic evaluation is advised in LVdys patients and should not merely be restricted to DCM.

Although fresh frozen tissue is the optimal source of nucleic acids for sequencing, obtaining such tissue on a population scale is cost and time prohibitive; however, DNA and RNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue has been problematic, yielding low quantity and quality DNA and RNA. Through a pilot program, the National Cancer Institute is developing a Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-linked Virtual Tissue Repository (VTR) for obtaining deidentified FFPE tissue and clinical history. One such pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pilot project requested FFPE tumor and normal tissue (duodenum, lymph node, or spleen) and clinical history data on 24 matched pairs, comparing PDAC patients who survived at least five years since diagnosis with patients who died within two years through six SEER registries. A pancreatic pathologist annotated H&E stained slides for tissue dissection of corresponding unstained tumor (DNA and RNA) and normal (DNA only) tissue slides. More than 30% of tumor and normal tissue specimens had DNA with high quality for sequencing (≥20% amplifiable DNA), and the majority of DNA samples had medium to high quality (amplifiable DNA ≥ 10%) for sequencing. Although less DNA (quantity) was obtained from tumor tissue than normal, the percent amplifiable DNA was similar. DNA quantity was independent of tissue age (4 to 18 years); however, DNA integrity number (DIN) was significantly decreased in older tissue. Although RNA quantity was independent of tissue age, RNA quality (DV200) was significantly decreased in older tissue. There was no significant association between RNA quantity and quality. From the 24 pairs, sufficient DNA was obtained for whole genome sequencing (WGS) for 14 pairs, whole exome sequencing (WES) for eight pairs, and methylation studies on three pairs. Four pairs that had cases with Citation Format: Yao Yuan, Alison Van Dyke, Valentina Petkov, Aatur Singhi, William Hoos, Lola Rahib, Lynn Matrisian, Lynne Penberthy. DNA and RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pancreatic cancer tissue for sequencing: A pilot study of the SEER-linked Virtual Tissue Repository [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-177.

Background: GSK3359609 (GSK609) is an inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) agonist antibody and tremelimumab (treme) is a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antagonist antibody. Nonclinical and clinical studies have shown that ICOS expression on T cells is upregulated after anti-CTLA-4 treatment (tx). ICOS+ T cells have a positive association with overall survival (OS) in treme treated chemotherapy-resistant malignant mesothelioma and melanoma patients (pts). Therefore, the combination of these 2 drugs may provide greater antitumoral response than either drug alone (Coutzac C: AACR 2019 meeting abstract). Methods: This is a Phase I/II, open-label, 2-part study. In Part 1, N=~24 pts will be enrolled. The study is designed to assess treme starting at 75 mg followed by GSK609 starting at 8 mg. At dose level (DL) 1, one pt who will receive the lowest doses of both drugs will be enrolled. If no dose limiting toxicity (DLT) is observed in the DLT observation period of 28 days, then 1-3 pts will be enrolled in DL2 - DL6 in a zone-based fashion (zones include the DLs with the next highest dose of one of the two drugs - 2DL are included in each zone in this study) with different dose combinations of the drugs being evaluated. The dose of 1 of the 2 drugs will be escalated with each new DL up to the highest dose of each. If ≥ grade 2 tx-related AEs occur at DL1 or 2, additional pts will be enrolled to collect more safety information. If DLTs are observed, the bivariate Continual Reassessment Method (CRM) model will be used to guide dose recommendations. The primary objective of Part 1 will be to assess safety. Additional pts may be enrolled in Part 1 to further evaluate pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD). Part 2 is a randomized expansion enrolling recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma pts who have disease progression after platinum chemotherapy and anti-programmed death receptor protein-1 (PD-1)/anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy, in combination or separately. Pts may not have had ≥4 lines of prior tx in either Part 1 or 2. In Part 2, pts will be randomized 2:1 to the doses of GSK609 and treme (n=60) selected from Part 1 or to the Investigator’s choice of SOC single-agent therapy (paclitaxel, docetaxel or cetuximab) (n=30). The primary objective in Part 2 is to evaluate overall survival and the primary analysis is to perform Bayesian predictive probability of success for a future hypothetical Phase III study based on survival data. Secondary endpoints include safety, ORR, PFS, DOR, and PK while pharmacodynamic and other biomarker analyses constitute exploratory endpoints. Pts will be treated for up to 2 years with survival follow-up for up to 2 years post-tx. This study has enrolled 1 pt. Study NCT03693612 funded by GSK. Citation Format: Aaron Hansen, Raghad Abdul-Karim, Naiyer Rizvi, Danny Rischen, John Hilton, Zujun Li, Patrick Ott, Natalie Karpinich-Fedoriw, Sapna Yadavilli, Xiaowei Wang, Laurel Adams, Melody Wyres, Charles Ferte, Marc Ballas, Axel Hoos, Daniel Zandberg. A Phase I/II, open-label, two part study of GSK3359609 in combination with tremelimumab in participants with selected, advanced solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT166.

To evaluate antitumor responses to chemotherapeutic agents, investigators would typically rely upon Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) or modified WHO criteria, which do not comprehensively capture responses with immunotherapeutic agents. In the December 1, 2009, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, Wolchok and colleagues reported their development of novel criteria, designated “Immune-related Response Criteria” (irRC), designed to better capture the response patterns observed with immunotherapies. Broad use of the irRC since then has allowed for a more comprehensive evaluation of immunotherapies in clinical trials, indicating that their concepts can be used in conjunction with either RECIST or WHO, and has shown irRC to be a powerful tool for improved clinical investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 21(22); 4989–91. ©2015 AACR. See related article by Wolchok et al., Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(23) December 1, 2009;7412–20

SummaryThe case of a 39-year old female patient, presenting a painful, well-vascularized tumour located in the subcutaneous tissue of the right calf, is reported. Due to the painfulness and tumour size progression an excision with primary wound closure (by buried sutures) was performed. The tumour showed histological features characteristic for an angioleiomyoma. Particularly middle-aged women are affected by an angioleiomyoma which represents a benign, mesenchymal tumour mostly located on the lower extremities. Differential diagnosis in painful tumours of the skin should include this entity. Because of the painfulness of the tumour primary excision is mostly recommended. In the majority of cases the diagnosis is made histologically.

The immunotherapeutic agent ipilimumab has helped address a significant unmet need in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Ipilimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), thereby augmenting antitumor immune responses. After decades in which a number of clinical trials were conducted, ipilimumab was the first therapy to improve overall survival in a randomized, controlled phase III trial of patients with advanced melanoma. These results led to the regulatory approval of ipilimumab at 3 mg/kg for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. More than 17,000 patients worldwide have received ipilimumab, either as a commercial drug at 3 mg/kg or in clinical trials and expanded access programs at different doses. Consistent with its proposed mechanism of action, the most common toxicities associated with ipilimumab therapy are inflammatory in nature. These immune-related adverse events were mostly reversible when effective treatment guidelines were followed. Importantly, long-term follow-up of patients who received ipilimumab in a phase III trial showed that 24% survived at least two years, and in phase II studies, a proportion of patients survived at least five years. Evaluation of ipilimumab is ongoing in the adjuvant setting for melanoma, and for advanced disease in nonsmall cell lung, small cell lung, prostate, ovarian, and gastric cancers.

Uniformly adopted response criteria are essential for assessment of therapies incorporating conventional chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy regimens. Recently, immunomodulatory agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have demonstrated impressive activity in a broad range of lymphoma histologies. However, these agents may be associated with clinical and imaging findings during treatment suggestive of progressive disease (PD) despite evidence of clinical benefit (eg, tumor flare or pseudo-progression). Considering this finding as PD could lead to patients being prematurely removed from a treatment from which they actually stand to benefit. This phenomenon has been well described with checkpoint blockade therapy in solid tumors and anecdotally seen in lymphoma as well. To address this issue in the context of lymphoma immunomodulatory therapy, a workshop was convened to provide provisional recommendations to modify current response criteria in patients receiving these and future agents in clinical trials. The term “indeterminate response” was introduced to identify such lesions until confirmed as flare/pseudo-progression or true PD by either biopsy or subsequent imaging.

Developers of cancer immunotherapy have struggled for decades to achieve clinical success in using the patient’s immune system to treat cancer. In the absence of a defined development paradigm for immunotherapies, conventional criteria established for chemotherapy were applied to these agents. This article summarizes the recent lessons for development of agents in the immunotherapy space, describes the systematic creation of a new clinical development paradigm for cancer immunotherapies and integrates this paradigm with the emerging methodological framework for a new clinical sub-specialty of immuno-oncology, which was driven by the collaborative work between the Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium (CIC) of the Cancer Research Institute in the US and the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT) in Europe. This new framework provides a better defined development path and a foundation for more reproducible success of future therapies.

Objective: In sub-Saharan Africa, many patients initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) at CD4+ cell counts much lower than those recommended in national guidelines. We examined program-level and contextual-level factors associated with low median CD4+ cell count at ART initiation in populations initiating ART. Design: Multilevel analysis of aggregate and program-level service delivery data. Methods: We examined data on 1690 cohorts of patients initiating ART during 2004–2008 in eight sub-Saharan African countries. Cohorts with median CD4+ less than 111 cells/μl (the lowest quartile) were classified as having low median CD4+ cell count at ART initiation. Cohort information was combined with time-updated program-level data and subnational contextual-level data, and analyzed using multilevel models. Results: The 1690 cohorts had median CD4+ cell count of 136 cells/μl and included 121 504 patients initiating ART at 267 clinics. Program-level factors associated with low cohort median CD4+ cell count included urban setting [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–3.3], lower provider-to-patient ratio (AOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3–4.0), no PMTCT program (AOR 3.6; 95% CI 1.0–12.8), outreach services for ART patients only vs. both pre-ART and ART patients (AOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5–3.9), fewer vs. more adherence support services (AOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0–2.5), and smaller cohort size (AOR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4–4.5). Contextual-level factors associated with low cohort median CD4+ cell count included initiating ART in areas where a lower proportion of the population heard of AIDS, tested for HIV recently, and a higher proportion believed ‘limiting themselves to one HIV-uninfected sexual partner reduces HIV risk’. Conclusion: Determinants of CD4+ cell count at ART initiation in populations initiating ART operate at multiple levels. Structural interventions targeting points upstream from ART initiation along the continuum from infection to diagnosis to care engagement are needed.

Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoAR) inhibitors has been associated with an increase in intestinal cholesterol absorption. This study examined how HMG-CoAR inhibition by atorvastatin modulates expression of key genes involved in intestinal cholesterol metabolism. A crossover study was conducted in which 22 hyperlipidemic men received atorvastatin, 40 mg/day, or placebo, each for 12 weeks. Gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR using duodenal biopsy samples obtained at the end of each phase of treatment. Treatment with atorvastatin was associated with a 76% reduction in lathosterol and significant increases in sitosterol (70%). Atorvastatin significantly increased intestinal mRNA levels of HMG-CoAR (59%), LDL receptor (LDLR) (52%), PCSK9 (187%), SREBP-2 (44%), and HNF-4α (13%). Furthermore, atorvastatin significantly increased intestinal mRNA levels of NPC1L1 by 19% and decreased mRNA levels of both ABCG5 and ABCG8 by 14%. Positive correlations were observed between changes in SREBP-2 and HNF-4α expression and concurrent changes in the intestinal mRNA levels of HMG-CoAR, LDLR, and NPC1L1. These results indicate that HMG-CoAR inhibition with atorvastatin stimulates the intestinal expression of NPC1L1, LDLR, and PCSK9; increases cholesterol absorption; and reduces expression of ABCG5/8; these effects are most likely mediated by upregulation of the transcription factors SREBP-2 and HNF-4α.

Identification of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) as a key negative regulator of T-cell activity led to development of the fully human, monoclonal antibody ipilimumab to block CTLA-4 and potentiate antitumor T-cell responses. Animal studies first provided insight into the ability of an anti-CTLA-4 antibody to cause tumor regression, particularly in combination regimens. Early clinical studies defined ipilimumab pharmacokinetics and possibilities for combinability. Phase II trials of ipilimumab in advanced melanoma showed objective responses, but a greater number of patients had disease stabilization. In a phase III trial, ipilimumab was the first agent to demonstrate an improvement in overall survival in patients with previously treated, advanced melanoma. The adverse event profile associated with ipilimumab was primarily immune-related. Adverse events can be severe and life-threatening, but most were reversible using treatment guidelines. Ipilimumab monotherapy exhibits conventional and new patterns of activity in advanced melanoma, with a delayed separation of Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The observation of some new response patterns with ipilimumab, which are not captured by standard response criteria, led to novel criteria for the evaluation of immunotherapy in solid tumors. Overall, lessons from the development of ipilimumab contributed to a new clinical paradigm for cancer immunotherapy evolved by the Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium.