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Introducción No existe un consenso sobre las indicaciones de mastectomía contralateral en pacientes diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama unilateral sin mutación germinal en BRCA1/2. Estudios previos han identificado algunos factores que pueden influir en la toma de la decisión dependientes del tumor, como el tamaño o histología, de la paciente, como la edad, y de la cirugía como la posibilidad de realizar una reconstrucción inmediata o la experiencia del cirujano. Métodos Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte de 176 pacientes diagnosticadas de CM entre 2010 y 2016 a las que se les realizó cirugía mamaria. Se ha analizado la asociación de características del tumor y de la paciente con la toma de decisión de realizar mastectomía contralateral (MC) o no-MC. Asimismo, se han analizado los datos relacionados con la cirugía y la recurrencia por grupos mediante la curva de incidencia acumulada y el test de Gray. Resultados El número de MC se ha incrementado en nuestro centro. No hemos encontrado diferencias significativas en el desarrollo de complicaciones posquirúrgicas entre los 2 grupos de pacientes, pero sí en la estancia hospitalaria, siendo superior para MC. También hemos observado diferencias entre ambas cohortes en edad y tipo de tumor, siendo la MC más frecuente en aquellas pacientes más jóvenes y subtipo luminal A. Hemos hallado diferencias en la incidencia acumulada de recidiva entre ambos subgrupos (p = 0, 034). Conclusiones En nuestra cohorte la MC se realiza más frecuentemente en pacientes más jóvenes y con cáncer de mama luminal A. Introduction: There is no consensus on the indications for contralateral mastectomy (CM) in patients diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer without germline BRCA1/2 mutations. Prior studies have identified some factors that could influence decision-making. These factors include tumoural size and histological type; patient-related factors, such as age; and surgical factors such as the possibility of immediate reconstruction and the surgeon''s experience. Methods: Retrospective study of a cohort of 176 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2016 who underwent breast surgery. We analysed the association between tumoural and patient-related characteristics with the decision to perform CM or not. We also analysed data related to surgery and recurrence by groups by using the cumulative incidence curve and the Gray test. Results: The number of CM has increased in our centre. We found no significant differences in the occurrence of post-surgical complications between the two patient groups but length of hospital stay was higher in CM. We also found differences between the two cohorts in age and tumoural type, with CM being more frequent in younger patients and those with luminal A subtype. Differences were found in the cumulative incidence of recurrence between subgroups (p = 0.034). Conclusions: In our cohort, CM was more frequent in younger patients and in those with luminal A breast cancer.

Background Little is known about the impact of sex on lung cancer patients from the psychological, economic and social perspectives. This study was designed to explore the psychosocial and economic impact according to sex of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) in patients and caregivers. Methods Exploratory study of two cohorts of patients starting first-line treatment for mNSCLC. The following questionnaires were administered at baseline, 4 months later and following the first and second disease progression: APGAR, relationship impact scale, DUKE-UNC scale, economic impact in patients and caregiver, and Zarit scale. It was planned to include 1250 patients to get an 80% possibility of detecting as significant (p Results 333 patients were included. Most families reported to continue being functional despite the lung cancer diagnosis. Regardless of sex, they did not perceive changes in their partner relationship. Most patients felt their social support was normal. Roughly 25% of people reported a worsening in their economic situation, without remarkable differences by sex. Statistically significant differences were found between both groups regarding the caregiver’s relationship to the patient (more parents were the caregiver in females than in males, p p Conclusions This study provides a preliminary insight into sex-related characteristics in the management of advanced NSCLC and its impact on the emotional, social and economic burden of patients and their caregivers, and recall the high priority of researching in cancer from a sex perspective. Nevertheless, due to the low recruitment rate and the relevant loss of patients during the follow-up, it was difficult to find differences by sex. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02336061. Ethics committee Comité Ético de Investigación Clínica del Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain. Reference number: HCB/2014/0705.

Lung cancer (LC) is a major public health issue. Despite recent advances in treatment, primary prevention and early diagnosis are key to reducing the incidence and mortality of this disease. A recent clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of selective screening by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in reducing the risk of both lung cancer mortality and all-cause mortality in high-risk individuals. This article contains the reflections of an expert group on the use of LDCT for early diagnosis of LC in high-risk individuals, and how to evaluate its implementation in Spain. The expert group was set up by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT), the Spanish Society of Radiology (SERAM) and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM).

Background Longitudinal data on the impact of treatment on quality of life (QoL) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are limited. In this palliative setting, treatment that does not deteriorate QoL is key. Here we report longitudinal QoL in patients with squamous NSCLC, receiving ≤4 cycles of nab-paclitaxel/carboplatin combination chemotherapy. Methods Patients received nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15 + carboplatin area under the curve 6 mg•min/mL day 1 (q3w) for four cycles. QoL was assessed by the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and Euro-QoL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) at baseline and each cycle (day 1). Results Two-hundred and six lesion-response-evaluable patients completed baseline + ≥1 postbaseline QoL assessment and were QoL evaluable. LCSS average total score and symptom burden index improved from baseline throughout four cycles. In the LCSS pulmonary symptoms score, 46% of patients reported clinically meaningful improvement (≥10 mm visual analog scale) from baseline. Individual EQ-5D-5L dimensions remained stable/improved in ≥83% of patients; ≈33% reported complete resolution of baseline problems at least once during four cycles. Generally, responders (unconfirmed complete/partial response) had higher scores vs nonresponders. Conclusion In patients with squamous NSCLC, four cycles of nab-paclitaxel/carboplatin demonstrated clinically meaningful QoL improvements, with greater benefits in responders vs nonresponders.

Resumen El cancer de pulmon (CP) constituye un problema de salud publica de primer orden. A pesar de los recientes avances en su tratamiento, la prevencion primaria y el diagnostico precoz son las claves para reducir su incidencia y mortalidad. Un ensayo clinico reciente demostro la eficacia del cribado selectivo con tomografia computarizada de baja dosis (TCBD) en la reduccion del riesgo de muerte en personas de alto riesgo, tanto por CP como global. Este articulo recoge las reflexiones de un grupo de expertos designados por la Sociedad Espanola de Neumologia y Cirugia Toracica (SEPAR), la Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Toracica (SECT), la Sociedad Espanola de Radiologia Medica (SERAM) y la Sociedad Espanola de Oncologia Medica (SEOM) sobre el uso de la TCBD para el diagnostico precoz del CP en personas con riesgo elevado de padecerlo y los pasos necesarios para evaluar su implementacion en nuestro pais.

20 pags, 5 figs, 7 tabs, Risk population screening programs are instrumental for advancing cancer management and reducing economic costs of therapeutic interventions and the burden of the disease, as well as increasing the survival rate and improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Lung cancer, with high incidence and mortality rates, is not excluded from this situation. The success of screening programs relies on many factors, with some of them being the appropriate definition of the risk population and the implementation of detection techniques with an optimal discrimination power and strong patient adherence. Liquid biopsy based on serum or plasma detection of circulating tumor cells or DNA/RNA is increasingly employed nowadays, but certain limitations constrain its wide application. In this work, we present a new implementation of thermal liquid biopsy (TLB) for lung cancer patients. TLB provides a prediction score based on the ability to detect plasma/serum proteome alterations through calorimetric thermograms that strongly correlates with the presence of lung cancer disease (91% accuracy rate, 90% sensitivity, 92% specificity, diagnostic odds ratio 104). TLB is a quick, minimally-invasive, low-risk technique that can be applied in clinical practice for evidencing lung cancer, and it can be used in screening and monitoring actions., This research was funded by Miguel Servet Program from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CPII13/00017 to OA); Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and European Union (ERDF/ESF, 'Investing in your future') (PI15/00663 and PI18/00349 to OA, and PI17/01109 to AL); Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BFU2016-78232-P to AVC); Diputación General de Aragón (Protein Targets and Bioactive Compounds Group – E45_17R to AVC, and Digestive Pathology Group – E25_17R to OA and AL); and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd).

Gent gran; Nivolumab; Càncer de pulmó de cèl·lules no petites Anciano; Nivolumab; Cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas Elderly; Nivolumab; Non-small cell lung cancer Background CheckMate 171 (NCT02409368) is an open-label, multicentre, phase 2 trial of nivolumab in previously treated advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), conducted as part of a post-approval commitment to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). We report outcomes from this trial. Methods Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0–2 and disease progression during/after ≥1 systemic treatment (≥1 being platinum-based chemotherapy) for advanced or metastatic disease were treated with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end-point was incidence of grade 3–4 treatment-related select adverse events (AEs). Other end-points included overall survival (OS) and safety. Results Of 811 patients treated, 103 had ECOG PS 2; 278 were aged ≥70 years and 125 were ≥75 years of age. Minimum follow-up was ~18 months. Safety was similar across populations; the most frequent grade 3–4 treatment-related select AEs in all treated patients were diarrhoea (1%), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 1%), pneumonitis (0.7%), colitis (0.6%) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 0.5%). Median OS was similar in all treated patients and those aged ≥70 and ≥75: 10.0 months, 10.0 months and 11.2 months, respectively. Median OS was 5.2 months in patients with ECOG PS 2. Conclusion These results suggest that nivolumab is well tolerated and active in patients with advanced, relapsed squamous NSCLC, including the elderly, with OS outcomes consistent with phase 3 data. In patients with ECOG PS 2, nivolumab had similar tolerability, but outcomes were worse, as expected in this difficult-to-treat, poor prognosis population. Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

[Objectives] Resistance to tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is a clinical challenge in patients with oncogene-driven non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC). We have analyzed the utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) of cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to impact the clinical care of patients with TKI resistance., [Materials and methods] We conducted a multi-institutional prospective study including consecutive EGFR, ALK, or ROS1-altered NSCLC patients with TKI resistance from 12 Spanish institutions. Post-progression ctDNA NGS was performed by Guardant Health (Guardant360 assay)., [Results] We included 53 patients separated in 3 cohorts: 31 EGFR-mutant NSCLCs with first/second-generation TKI resistance (cohort 1), 15 EGFR T790M + NSCLCs with osimertinib resistance (cohort 2), and 7 ALK/ROS1-rearranged NSCLCs with crizotinib and/or next-generation TKI resistance (cohort 3). Besides Guardant360, 22 patients from cohort 1 (71%) underwent post-progression tumor biopsies and/or alternative plasma-based genotyping. In the entire study population, 34 patients (64%) had reliable evidence of tumor-DNA shed for resistance assessment, and 24 patients (45%) had actionable alterations. Target-independent pathogenic alterations were frequently detected, particularly at osimertinib resistance. Eleven patients (20%) received subsequent molecular-guided therapies indicated by plasma NGS alone (n = 9, 17%), or plasma NGS and tissue sequencing (n = 2, 4%), deriving the expected clinical benefit. Of these, 9 had EGFR T790 M mutation and received osimertinib, 1 had ALK G1202R mutation and received lorlatinib, and 1 had ROS1 G2032R mutation and received cabozantinib. Two additional cases from cohort 1 (6%) had undetectable EGFR T790 M by Guardant360 but were T790M + by tissue and BEAMing digital PCR respectively, and also received osimertinib., [Conclusion] NGS of ctDNA detects actionable alterations in a large proportion of oncogene-driven NSCLC patients with TKI resistance, and can be used to guide subsequent treatments as a complement or alternative to tissue or PCR-based plasma genotyping in the real-world clinical setting., J. Zugazagoitia was funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Rio Hortega, CM15/00196). E. Jantus-Lewintre and C. Camps were funded by CIBERONC (CB16/12/00350). P Garrido was funded by ISCIII: PIE15/00050, and CIBERONC (C16/12/00442). L. Paz-Ares was funded by ISCIII: PI1401964, PIE15/00076, RTICC (R12/0036/0028), CIBERONC (C16/12/00442), and CAM (B2017/BMP-3884), co-funded by FEDER from Regional Development European Funds (European Union). M: Provencio was funded by ISCIII: PIE 1400/64, PI16/01818 and European Union Funds: H2020-sc1-2016-2017.

In 2011 the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the Spanish Society of Pathology (SEAP) started a joint project to establish guidelines on biomarker testing in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on current evidence. As this field is constantly evolving, these guidelines have been updated, previously in 2012 and 2015 and now in 2019. Current evidence suggests that the mandatory tests to conduct in all patients with advanced NSCLC are for EGFR and BRAF mutations, ALK and ROS1 rearrangements and PD-L1 expression. The growing need to study other emerging biomarkers has promoted the routine use of massive sequencing (next-generation sequencing, NGS). The coordination of every professional involved and the prioritisation of the most suitable tests and technologies for each case remains a challenge., SEAP and SEOM have received financial support for this project in the form of unrestricted grants from AstraZeneca, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sysmex and Takeda. F. López-Rios, E. Conde and L. Paz-Ares thank the support of iLUNG-CM (B2017/BMD-3884).

Purpose: Immunotherapy-based approaches are standard first-line treatments for advanced/metastatic lung cancer or for chemoradiotherapy consolidation in locally advanced disease. Uncertainty on how to treat patients at disease progression prompted us to develop a consensus document on post-immunotherapy options in Spain for patients with advanced wild-type lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: After extensive literature review, a 5-member scientific committee generated 33 statements in 4 domains: general aspects (n = 4); post-durvalumab in locally advanced disease (n = 6); post-first-line immunotherapy ± chemotherapy in advanced/metastatic disease (n = 11); and post-first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced/metastatic disease (n = 12). A panel of 26 lung cancer experts completed 2 Delphi iterations through an online platform rating their degree of agreement/disagreement (first-round scale 1–5 and second-round scale 1–4, 1 = strongly disagree, 4/5 = strongly agree) for each statement. Second-round consensus: ≥ 70% of responses were in categories 1/2 (disagreement) or 3/4 (agreement). Results: Consensus was reached for 2/33 statements in the first Delphi round and in 29/31 statements in the second round. Important variables informing treatment at disease progression with an immunotherapy-based treatment include: disease aggressiveness, previous treatment, accumulated toxicity, progression-free interval, PD-L1 expression, and tumour mutational burden. A platinum-based chemotherapy should follow a first-line immunotherapy treatment without chemotherapy. Treatment with docetaxel + nintedanib may be appropriate post-durvalumab in refractory patients or following progression to first-line chemotherapy + immunotherapy, or second-line chemotherapy after first-line immunotherapy, or first-line chemotherapy in some patients with low/negative PD-L1 expression, or second-line immunotherapy after first-line chemotherapy. Conclusions: To support decision making following progression to immunotherapy-based treatment in patients with advanced wild-type lung adenocarcinoma, a consensus document has been developed., The project was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim.

The WORLD07 study was a female-specific database, to prospectively characterise the clinical, histological, molecular and treatment-related features in Spanish women with lung cancer. Data were collected from patients' medical records and patient interviews from October 2007 to December 2012. A total of 2,060 women were analysed: median age, 61.3 years; white, 98.6%; postmenopausal, 80.2%; and no smokers, 55% including never smokers and ex-smokers. A family history of cancer was found in 42.5% of patients, 12.0% of patients had had a previous history of cancer (breast cancer, 39.7%). Most patients (85.8%) were diagnosed of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most commonly reported with adenocarcinoma (71.4%), which was stage IV at diagnosis in 57.6%. Median overall survival (OS) for the entire population was 24.0 months, with a 1- and 2-year survival rate of 70.7% and 50.0% respectively. Median OS in patients with small-cell lung cancer was 18.8 months versus 25.0 months in patients with NSCLC (p = 0.011). Lung cancer appears to be a biologically different disease in women. By collecting prospective information about characteristics of women with lung cancer attending university hospitals in Spain, we hope to highlight the need to develop strategies based on gender differences and influence future healthcare policy.

Objectives: Concomitant chemo-radiation is the standard treatment for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of oral vinorelbine and cisplatin (OVP) compared with etoposide and cisplatin (EP), both in combination with radiotherapy, in this setting. Material and methods: An open-label, randomized phase II trial was undertaken including 23 hospitals in Spain. Adults with untreated unresectable stage III NSCLC were randomizedl:1 to receive: oral vinorelbine (days 1 and 8 with cisplatin on day 1 in 3-week cycles; 2 cycles of induction, 2 cycles in concomitance) or etoposide (days 1-5 and 29-32 with cisplatin on days 1 and 8 in 4-week cycles; 2 cycles in concomitance). Both groups received concomitant radiotherapy 2 Gy/day (66 Gy). The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS). Results: One hundred and forty patients were enrolled. Sixty-nine patients received OVP and 71 received EP. Globally adverse events grade 3/4 per cycle were fewer in the vinorelbine arm (19.4%) than in the etoposide arm (62.6%) (p < 0.001). One patient (1.5%) in the OVP arm and 12 pts (17.6%) in the EP arm presented esophagitis grade 3/4 (p = 0.002). Median PFS was similar in both groups (10.8 [95% CI 7.7-13.8] and 9.6 months [95% CI 4.4-14.8]; p = 0.457, respectively). Preliminary median overall survival was 30 months in the OVP arm and 31.9 months in the EP arm (p = 0.688). Conclusions: Our findings show that OVP could be considered a standard combination with similar efficacy and better safety profile for the treatment of LA-NSCLC patients.

[Objectives]: Although new therapies against metastatic cancer have been developed in recent decades, chemotherapy is still an important treatment option. Prolonged treatment and side‐effects are often discouraging for patients, and in many cases, therapy is only palliative, not curative. This study explores patient preference for oral or intravenous (IV) chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic breast or lung cancer. [Methods]: It is a descriptive, open label, multicentre, nation‐wide study, in which a 16‐item questionnaire consisting of single‐choice questions scored on a 5‐point Likert scale was administered to patients in a single visit, and another 11‐item questionnaire was self‐administered by the patient’s oncologist. [Results]: A total of 131 breast and lung cancer specialists at 64 hospitals enrolled 412 patients (lung cancer = 161; breast cancer = 251). To be eligible, patients must have already received IV therapy and at least 2 cycles of oral chemotherapy. Most (77%) patients expressed preference for oral therapy. Most considered their daily life was less disrupted with tablets (70.4%), had no trouble swallowing them (86.9%), and were not concerned about forgetting to take them (56.8%). Half (56.3%) were worried about problems related to drug infusion with IV therapy, 61.7% were concerned about nurses failing to find a suitable vein, and 63.1% were dissatisfied with hospital waiting times. A uniform response was obtained from both samples of patients. [Conclusion]: Convenience, ease of administration, fewer side effects and better quality of life tilt the balance towards oral drug administration.

e24065 Background: Malnutrition is one of the most prevalent problems among oncological patients. It reduces the response to treatments and negatively impacts survival. In 2019, a consensus criteria for diagnosing malnutrition (GLIM criteria) were proposed by most scientific nutrition societies. The objective of our work is 1) to assess the diagnostic capacity of the GLIM criteria in ambulatory patients with cancer and 2) to compare the GLIM with the ESPEN criteria to evaluate the contributions of these new criteria with respect to the existing ones. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, and single-center study carried out at the Medical Oncology Department in the Lozano Blesa Clinical Hospital in Zaragoza (Spain). One hundred and sixty-five outpatients with tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, and colorectal locations were recruited. All of them received the MST, MUST, and Nutriscore screening tools along with the ESPEN and GLIM diagnostic criteria. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 46.7% according to the GLIM criteria and 21.2% using the ESPEN tool. Patients diagnosed by GLIM had a higher body mass index (BMI, 24.3 kg/m2) and muscle mass (MM, 16.1 kg/m2) than those diagnosed by ESPEN (21.2 kg/m² and 14.3 kg/m2 respectively, both p = 0.001). The MST, MUST, and Nutriscore tools had a higher degree of concordance with GLIM compared to ESPEN (MST 0.53 vs 0.26; MUST 0.36 vs 0.66; Nutriscore 0.28 vs 0.54). Conclusions: The found prevalence of malnutrition in cancer patients is higher using the GLIM instead of ESPEN criteria. This disparity can be explained at least in part by the difficulty of the ESPEN criteria for malnutrition to diagnose patients with high baseline BMI or MM. The use of criteria with greater sensitivity, such as the new GLIM criteria, could help early diagnosis and thus early intervention in cancer patients. [Table: see text]

9076 Background: PD-L1 has emerged as a potential biomarker for predicting responses to immunotherapy and as a prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this network meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of first-line PD-(L)1 monotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed to identify all eligible trials from inception until 1 November 2020, with no start date limit applied. Only phase III trials evaluating the efficacy of first-line (1L) PD-(L)1 monotherapy in patients with stage IIIB/stage IV NSCLC and high PD-L1 expression were included. Results: Six clinical trials (KEYNOTE-024, KEYNOTE-042, EMPOWER Lung-01, IMpower110, MYSTIC and CheckMate-026) with 2,111 patients were included. In head-to-head comparisons, immunotherapy showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS: HRpooled = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.90, p = 0.007), overall survival (OS: HRpooled = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61-0.78; p < 0.001) and overall response rate (ORR) (Risk ratio [RR]pooled = 1.354, 95% CI: 1.04-1.762, p = 0.024) compared to chemotherapy (CT). In the assessment of relative efficacy for PFS through indirect comparisons, pembrolizumab (results from KEYNOTE-024) ranked highest followed by cemiplimab and atezolizumab, with statistical significance determined across some of the drugs. In terms of OS, cemiplimab ranked highest followed by atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, although non-significant OS was determined across these drugs. Overall, 1L PD-(L)1 monotherapy improved OS in almost all subgroups, reaching statistical significance in men (HRpooled = 0.624, 95% CI: 0.51-0.72, p < 0.001), non-Asian patients (HRpooled = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79, p < 0.001), all patients regardless of age ( < 65 years [HRpooled = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.57-0.90, p = 0.005]; ≥65 years [HRpooled = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.77, p < 0.001]), ECOG PS status (ECOG PS = 0 [HRpooled = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.56-0.82, p < 0.001; ECOG PS = 1 [HRpooled = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43-0.82, p = 0.001) and histological tumour type (Squamous [HRpooled = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37-0.67, p < 0.001; Non-squamous [HRpooled = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52-0.87, p = 0.003). In the case of smokers and NSCLC stage, only current/former smokers (HRpooled = 0.623, 95% CI: 0.47-0.83, p = 0.001) and patients with stage IV disease* (HRpooled = 0.687, 95% CI: 0.59-0.81, p < 0.001) benefited from single PD-(L)1 monotherapy over CT. Conclusions: PD-(L)1 inhibitor monotherapy improves efficacy outcomes in the 1L setting of advanced NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression. Current/former smokers ≥65 years, with ECOG PS = 1 and squamous NSCLC benefited most from this therapy. *KEYNOTE-042 was the only study including patients with stage IIIB NSCLC.

e22502 Background: Inherited mutations in the CHEK2 gene have been associated with an increased lifetimerisk of develop breast cancer (BC). The main objective of the study is to identify in our population the prevalence of mutations in the CHEK2 gene in diagnosed BC patients, as well as to evaluate the phenotypic characteristics of the tumour and family history. Methods: A genetic study was performed in 396 patients diagnosed of BC at the University Hospital Lozano Blesa of Zaragoza (Spain). We selected 9 patients with genetic variants in the CHEK2 gene and performed a descriptive analysis of the clinical variables, a bibliographic review of the genetic variants and a co-segregation study. Results: We identified 2 pathogenic variants ( CHEK2 c.349 A>G and c.507delT) and 6 variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The genotypic characteristics of the VUS are summarized in the table. In all cases there was a family history of BC in first and /or second degree relatives. The variant cosegregated with the disease in one of the families. Conclusions: The pathogenic missense variant c.349A>G was found in two families. This is a rare missense variant. Studies have shown that this variant had a significant impact on the protein based on in silico prediction and has been associated with BC. In our study, this variant was found in a patient with renal carcinoma and was identified in a proband with a strong family history of pancreatic and ovarian cancer (OC). However, there aren’t exist data about the risk of developing other cancer, different of BC, with this specific mutation. The other pathogenic variant detected was CHEK2 c.507delT in a family with history of BC and OC. This variant is a frameshift mutation, predicted to cause loss of normal protein function. CHEK2 507delT was reported in one of 12 BC families in one series and is possible its relation with OC. With regard to the VUS the cosegregation analysis in selected families may help understand if a variant could have played a role in developing cancer. In conclusion, CHEK2 mutations have been associated with increased risk for BC. However, the frequency of carriers may vary depending on the population, and different mutations may be associated with different cancer risks. More studies are needed to establish a complete range of risks associated with CHEK2 mutations. [Table: see text]

e21052 Background: Immunotherapy is proposed as a therapeutic novelty in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in many cases already in front line. It presents different adverse effects than traditional schemes, due to the stimulation of the immune system. There is a possible relationship between toxicity and response. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a possible predictive factor of response. Objectives: Evaluating the response according to the toxicity degree in NSCLC patients in real clinical practice. Analyze whether pretreatment NLR high patients have a worse prognosis. Methods: Observational, retrospective, analytical, single-center study. HCULB stage IV NSCLC patients with inmunotherapy treatment during 2016-2018. Descriptive and multivariate analysis. Toxicity grade: CTCAE version 4.0. Response assessment: RECIST 2.0 and immunorelated criteria. Toxicity degree and response (global and individualized results according to treatment and histology). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and response. Results: N = 43 patients (35 men, 8 women). Average age 64 years. Response: 3 complete response (CR) (toxicity ≥2), 13 partial response (PR) (toxicity ≥1), 13 stable disease (SD), 12 progression (P) (only 4 toxicity and ≤2), 2 not evaluated. Hypothyroidism as the most common irAE. Relationship between toxicity and response: the absence of irAEs conditions worse prognosis p < 0.05. Histology: 25 adenocarcinoma [18 with irAES (1 CR, 7 PR, 8 SD,) and 7 without (1 SD, 5 P, 1 no ev.)]; 17 squamous [13 with irAES (1 CR, 6 PR, 4 SD) and 4 without (3 P, 1 no ev.)]; 1 adenosquamous with irAES and CR. Drug: Atezolizumab N = 8 [6 with irAES (2 PR, 3 SD, 1 P) and 2 without (both P)], Nivolumab N = 16 [9 with irAES (1 CR, 3 PR, 3 SD, 2 P) and 7 without (1 SD, 4 P, 2 no ev.)], Pembrolizumab N = 19 [17 with irAEs (2 CR, 8 PR, 6 SD, 1 P) and 2 without (both P)]. Significant positive correlation between toxicity and response (p < 0.001) R = 0.067, (CI 99% 0.378-0.837), regardless of histology and drug. It is observed a better response in those patients who presented a NRL close to 3 or less at the beginning of treatment. On the contrary, it is observed that subjects with NRL greater than 4 obtained worse results when they were treated with immunotherapy. Conclusions: The appearance of irAES like a response indicator of immune system, seem to conditione better evolution. In contrast, the absence of toxicity predicts a worse prognosis. Further studies with a larger sample are needed to confirm our findings about the predictive value of NLR and optimize therapeutic regimens if necessary.

Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has emerged as a potential biomarker for selection of patients more likely to respond to immunotherapy and as a prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this network meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of first-line anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression (≥50%) compared to platinum-based chemotherapy. We also evaluated efficacy outcomes according to tumor mutational burden (TMB). To that end, we conducted a systematic review. Six clinical trials with 2111 patients were included. In head-to-head comparisons, immunotherapy showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS: HRpooled = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.90, p = 0.007), overall survival (OS: HRpooled = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61–0.78; p < 0.001) and overall response rate (ORR) (Risk ratio (RR)pooled = 1.354, 95% CI: 1.04–1.762, p = 0.024). In the assessment of relative efficacy for PFS through indirect comparisons, pembrolizumab (results from KEYNOTE-024) ranked highest followed by cemiplimab and atezolizumab, with statistical significance determined for some of the drugs. In terms of OS, cemiplimab ranked highest followed by atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, although non-significant OS was determined for these drugs. In conclusion, PD-(L)1 inhibitor monotherapy improves efficacy outcomes in the first line setting of advanced NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression. Evaluations with longer follow up are still needed to determine the superiority of any specific drug.

Dolores Isla,1 Javier De Castro,2 Oscar Juan,3 Santiago Grau,4 Javier Orofino,5 Rocío Gordo,5 Carlos Rubio-Terrés,6 Darío Rubio-Rodríguez6 1Medical Oncology Department, Clinical Universitary Hospital Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, 2Medical Oncology Department, Universitary Hospital La Paz, Madrid, 3Medical Oncology Department, Universitary and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, 4Pharmacy Department, Del Mar Hospital, Barcelona, 5Roche Farma, S.A., Health Economics, 6Health Value, Health Economics, Madrid, Spain Objectives: Epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are an established treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation. According to published meta-analyses, no significant efficacy differences have been demonstrated between erlotinib and afatinib. However, the incidence of EGFR–TKI-related adverse events (AEs) was lower with erlotinib. This study compares the cost of management of the AEs associated with these two drugs from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System (NHS).Methods: The frequency of AEs was established from a recently published meta-analysis. In Spain, the daily cost of both drugs can be considered similar; as a result, only the costs of management of the AEs were considered. Costs and resource utilization in the management of the AEs were estimated by a panel of Spanish oncologists and from studies previously carried out in Spain. A probabilistic analysis was performed based on a Monte Carlo simulation.Results: The model generated 1,000 simulations. The total cost per patient treated with erlotinib and afatinib was €657.44 and €1,272.15, respectively. With erlotinib, the cost per patient and per AE of grades ≤2 and ≥3 was €550.86 and €106.58, respectively, whereas the cost with afatinib was €980.63 and €291.52, respectively. The reduction in the number of AEs with erlotinib could avoid a mean cost for the NHS of €614.71 (95% CI: €342.57–881.29) per patient.Conclusion: In advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC patients, first-line treatment with erlotinib could reduce health care costs for the NHS, due to a decrease in the AE rate compared with afatinib. In long-term treatments, the avoidance of complications and the lowering of costs associated with the management of AEs are relevant factors that contribute to the sustainability of the health system. Keywords: adverse event, afatinib, cost analysis, erlotinib, non-small cell lung cancer

Bone metastases are common in many advanced solid tumours, being breast, prostate, thyroid, lung, and renal cancer the most prevalent. Bone metastases can produce skeletal-related events (SREs), defined as pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, need of bone irradiation or need of bone surgery, and hypercalcaemia. Patients with bone metastases experience pain, functional impairment and have a negative impact on their quality of life. Several imaging techniques are available for diagnosis of this disease. Bone-targeted therapies include zoledronic acid, a potent biphosfonate, and denosumab, an anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody. Both reduce the risk and/or delay the development of SREs in several types of tumours. Radium 233, an alpha-particle emitter, increases overall survival in patients with bone metastases from resistant castration prostate cancer. Multidisciplinary approach is essential and bone surgery and radiotherapy should be integrated in the treatment of bone metastases when necessary. This SEOM Guideline reviews bone metastases pathogenesis, clinical presentations, lab tests, imaging techniques for diagnosis and response assessment, bone-targeted agents, and local therapies, as radiation and surgery, and establishes recommendations for the management of patients with metastases to bone.

2 tables., Immune control inhibitor drugs (anti-PD1/PD-L1/CTLA-4) (ICIs) are showing efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer. Currently the only biomarker with clinical utility for ICIs, such as the expression of PDL1, does not appear to be perfect or effective. Our working group is conducting a pilot study in lung cancer patients receiving ICIs with the aim of analyze the factors that affect the sensitivity of the immunotherapy in lung Cancer. Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) and the sequencing of the T Cell Receptor (TCR) repertoire in peripheral blood have been postulated as predictive biomarkers of efficacy of immunotherapy. The review focusses on the predictive value of TMB for clinical responses to ICIs and discusses its clinical need after a discussion of the limitations. TCR CDR3 beta analysis and parameters such as clonality and TCR convergence may be good alternatives. For the moment, the combination of biomarkers may be the optimal tool., Despite therapeutic advances, lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, the treatment of advanced LC has experienced important changes in survival benefit due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, overall response rates (ORR) remain low in unselected patients and a large proportion of patients undergo disease progression in the first weeks of treatment. Therefore, there is a need of biomarkers to identify patients who will benefit from ICIs. The programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression has been the first biomarker developed. However, its use as a robust predictive biomarker has been limited due to the variability of techniques used, with different antibodies and thresholds. In this context, tumor mutational burden (TMB) has emerged as an additional powerful biomarker based on the observation of successful response to ICIs in solid tumors with high TMB. TMB can be defined as the total number of nonsynonymous mutations per DNA megabases being a mechanism generating neoantigens conditioning the tumor immunogenicity and response to ICIs. However, the latest data provide conflicting results regarding its role as a biomarker. Moreover, considering the results of the recent data, the use of peripheral blood T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire could be a new predictive biomarker. This review summarises recent findings describing the clinical utility of TMB and TCRβ (TCRB) and concludes that immune, neontigen, and checkpoint targeted variables are required in combination for accurately identifying patients who most likely will benefit of ICIs.

This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Immunology: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities., The molecular and cell determinants that modulate immune checkpoint (ICI) efficacy in lung cancer are still not well understood. However, there is a necessity to select those patients that will most benefit from these new treatments. Recent studies suggest the presence and/or the relative balance of specific lymphoid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TEM) including the T cell (activated, memory, and regulatory) and NK cell (CD56dim/bright) subsets, and correlate with a better response to ICI. The analyses of these cell subsets in peripheral blood, as a more accessible and homogeneous sample, might facilitate clinical decisions concerning fast prediction of ICI efficacy. Despite recent studies suggesting that lymphoid circulating cells might correlate with ICI efficacy and toxicity, more analyses and investigation are required to confirm if circulating lymphoid cells are a relevant picture of the lung TME and could be instrumental as ICI response biomarkers. This short review is aimed to discuss the recent advances in this fast-growing field., J.P. reports research funding from BMS and Gilead and speaker honoraria from Gilead and Pfizer. E.M.G. reports research funding from BMS and Gilead. J.P. and E.M.G. are funded by FEDER (Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, Gobierno de Aragón (Group B29_17R), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación e Universidades (MCNU), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (SAF2017-83120-C2-1-R), Fundacion Inocente Inocente, ASPANOA and Carrera de la Mujer de Monzón. J.P. is supported by ARAID Foundation.

e21623 Background: IMpower110 evaluated atezo mono in PD-L1–selected, chemo-naive patients (pts) with nonsquamous (nsq) or squamous (sq) NSCLC. At the interim analysis, IMpower110 met its primary OS endpoint, with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement for atezo vs chemo in TC3 or IC3 wild-type ( EGFR/ALK-negative) pts. We report on the safety profile of atezo vs chemo in IMpower110. Methods: 572 pts with stage IV nsq or sq NSCLC, PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% on TC or IC and ECOG PS 0-1 were randomized 1:1 to receive atezo (1200 mg IV q3w) or chemo (4 or 6 21-day cycles). In the chemo arm, nsq pts received cisplatin (cis) 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin (carbo) AUC 6 + pemetrexed (pem) 500 mg/m2 IV q3w; sq pts received cis 75 mg/m2 + gemcitabine (gem) 1250 mg/m2 or carbo AUC 5 + gem 1000 mg/m2 IV q3w. Safety was assessed in all treated pts (safety evaluable [SE] population [pop]), regardless of PD-L1 expression or EGFR/ALK status. AEs were summarized per MedDRA v22.0 and severity graded per NCI CTCAE v4.0. Immune-mediated AEs (imAEs) were defined per a sponsor-specified list of terms, regardless of whether the events led to systemic glucocorticoid, endocrine therapy, or other immunosuppressants use. Results: At data cutoff (Sep 10, 2018) within the ITT pop, treatment (tx) was ongoing in 90 (atezo: 31.6%) and 25 (chemo: 8.7%) pts, with 13.7 mo of follow-up. Within the SE pop (atezo: n = 286, chemo: n = 263), atezo pts had longer tx exposure (5.3 mo) vs chemo pts (pem, 3.5 mo; gem, 2.6 mo; carbo, 2.3 mo; cis, 2.1 mo). Atezo had a favorable safety profile vs chemo (table); safety data were consistent with data from a pooled atezo mono pop. imAEs occurred in 40.2% (atezo) and 16.7% (chemo) of pts and were Grade (Gr) 3-4 in 6.6% and 1.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Atezo was better tolerated than chemo and imAEs were generally low grade. Overall, the safety experience with atezo mono in IMpower110 was consistent with its known safety profile; no new safety signals were identified. Clinical trial information: NCT02409342. [Table: see text]

Purpose: HER2-targeted therapy is not standard of care for HER2-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This phase II study investigated efficacy and safety of the HER2-targeted antibody–drug conjugate trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with previously treated advanced HER2-overexpressing NSCLC. Patients and Methods: Eligible patients had HER2-overexpressing NSCLC (centrally tested IHC) and received previous platinum-based chemotherapy and targeted therapy in the case of EGFR mutation or ALK gene rearrangement. Patients were divided into cohorts based on HER2 IHC (2+, 3+). All patients received T-DM1 3.6 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was investigator-determined overall response rate (ORR) using RECIST v1.1. Results: Forty-nine patients received T-DM1 (29 IHC 2+, 20 IHC 3+). No treatment responses were observed in the IHC 2+ cohort. Four partial responses were observed in the IHC 3+ cohort (ORR, 20%; 95% confidence interval, 5.7%–43.7%). Clinical benefit rates were 7% and 30% in the IHC 2+ and 3+ cohorts, respectively. Response duration for the responders was 2.9, 7.3, 8.3, and 10.8 months. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were similar between cohorts. Three of 4 responders had HER2 gene amplification. No new safety signals were observed. Conclusions: T-DM1 showed a signal of activity in patients with HER2-overexpressing (IHC 3+) advanced NSCLC. Additional investigation into HER2 pathway alterations is needed to refine the target population for T-DM1 in NSCLC; however, HER2 IHC as a single parameter was an insufficient predictive biomarker.

Background: Although the benefit of first-line epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) over chemotherapy has been demonstrated in several clinical trials, data from clinical practice is lacking and the optimal EGFR TKI to be used remains unclear. This study aims to assess the real-life diagnostic and clinical management and outcome of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying EGFR mutations in Spain. Methods: All consecutive patients recently diagnosed with advanced or metastatic NSCLC from April 2010 to December 2011 in 18 Spanish hospitals and carrying EGFR mutations were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Between March and November 2013, a total of 187 patients were enrolled (98.3% Caucasian, 61.9% female, 54.9% never-smokers, 89.0% adenocarcinoma). Mutation testing was mainly performed on biopsy tumour tissue specimens (69.0%) using a qPCR-based test (90%) (47.0% Therascreen EGFR PCR Kit). Common sensitising mutations were detected in 79.8% of patients: 57.1% had exon 19 deletions and 22.6% exon 21 L858R point mutations. The vast majority of patients received first-line therapy (n = 168; 92.8%). EGFR TKIs were the most commonly used first-line treatment (81.5%), while chemotherapy was more frequently administered as a second-and third-line option (51.9% and 56.0%, respectively). Of 141 patients who experienced disease progression, 79 (56.0%) received second-line treatment. After disease progression on first-line TKIs (n = 112), 33.9% received chemotherapy, 8.9% chemotherapy and a TKI, and 9.8% continued TKI therapy. Most patients received first-line gefitinib (83.0%), while erlotinib was more frequently used in the second-line setting (83.0%). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients harbouring common mutations were 11.1 months and 20.1 months respectively (exon 19 deletions: 12.4 and 21.4 months; L858R: 8.3 and 14.5 months), and 3.9 months and 11.1 months respectively for those with rare mutations. Conclusion: EGFR TKIs (gefitinib and erlotinib) are used as the preferred first-line treatment while chemotherapy is more frequently administered as a second-and third-line option in routine clinical practice in Spain. In addition, efficacy data obtained in the real-life setting seem to concur with data from EGFR TKI phase III pivotal studies in NSCLC.

WOS: 000444765300010, PubMed ID: 29902295, IMPORTANCE Treatment choice for lung squamous cell carcinoma could be aided by identifying predictive biomarkers. OBJECTIVE To assess whether patient outcomes in the LUX-Lung 8 trial were associated with ERBB gene family member aberrations in tumor specimens. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Ad hoc secondary analysis of the LUX-Lung 8 trial conducted at 183 centers in 23 countries from March 30, 2012, to January 30, 2014. Eligible patients had stage IIIB or IV lung squamous cell carcinoma with progressive disease after 4 or more cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Tumor genetic analysis (TGA) was performed using next-generation sequencing in a cohort enriched for patients with progression-free survival (PFS) of more than 2 months. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a separate cohort of patients from the LUX-Lung 8 population. Associations of PFS and overall survival (OS) with ERBB gene alterations and EGFR expression levels were assessed. This analysis was conducted from February 26, 2015, to June 12, 2017. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with afatinib dimaleate (40mg/d; n = 398) or erlotinib hydrochloride (150mg/d; n = 397). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Overall survival, PFS, pooled and individual ERBB gene mutations, ERBB copy number alterations, and EGFR expression. RESULTS Tumor specimens from 245 patients were eligible for next-generation sequencing (TGA subset: 132 patients treated with afatinib; 113 patients treated with erlotinib). In this population, outcomes were improved with afatinib vs erlotinib treatment (PFS: median, 3.5 vs 2.5 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51-0.92; P = .01; OS: median, 8.4 vs 6.6 months; HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62-1.05; P = .12). Of 245 patients in the TGA subset, 53 (21.6%) had tumors with 1 or more ERBB mutations. Among afatinib-treated patients, PFS (median, 4.9 vs 3.0 months; HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.37-1.02; P = .06) and OS (median, 10.6 vs 8.1 months; HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.47-1.17; P = .21) were longer among those with ERBB mutation-positive disease than among those without. The presence of HER2 mutations was associated with favorable PFS and OS following afatinib vs erlotinib treatment. There was no apparent association between copy number alteration or EGFR expression level and outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Next-generation sequencingmay help identify patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma who would derive additional benefit from treatment with afatinib. The role of ERBB mutations, particularly HER2 mutations, as predictive biomarkers for afatinib treatment in this setting warrants further evaluation., Boehringer IngelheimBoehringer Ingelheim, This study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Summary Background There is a major unmet need for effective treatments in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. LUX-Lung 8 compared afatinib (an irreversible ErbB family blocker) with erlotinib (a reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor), as second-line treatment for patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Methods We did this open-label, phase 3 randomised controlled trial at 183 cancer centres in 23 countries worldwide. We enrolled adults with stage IIIB or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the lung who had progressed after at least four cycles of platinum-based-chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive afatinib (40 mg per day) or erlotinib (150 mg per day) until disease progression. The randomisation was done centrally with an interactive voice or web-based response system and stratified by ethnic origin (eastern Asian vs non-eastern Asian). Clinicians and patients were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival assessed by independent central review (intention-to-treat population). The key secondary endpoint was overall survival. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01523587. Findings 795 eligible patients were randomly assigned (398 to afatinib, 397 to erlotinib). Median follow-up at the time of the primary analysis of progression-free survival was 6·7 months (IQR 3·1–10·2), at which point enrolment was not complete. Progression free-survival at the primary analysis was significantly longer with afatinib than with erlotinib (median 2·4 months [95% CI 1·9–2·9] vs 1·9 months [1·9–2·2]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·82 [95% CI 0·68–1·00], p=0·0427). At the time of the primary analysis of overall survival (median follow-up 18·4 months [IQR 13·8–22·4]), overall survival was significantly greater in the afatinib group than in the erloinib group (median 7·9 months [95% CI 7·2–8·7] vs 6·8 months [5·9–7·8]; HR 0·81 [95% CI 0·69–0·95], p=0·0077), as were progression-free survival (median 2·6 months [95% CI 2·0–2·9] vs 1·9 months [1·9–2·1]; HR 0·81 [95% CI 0·69–0·96], p=0·0103) and disease control (201 [51%] of 398 patients vs 157 [40%] of 397; p=0·0020). The proportion of patients with an objective response did not differ significantly between groups (22 [6%] vs 11 [3%]; p=0·0551). Tumour shrinkage occurred in 103 (26%) of 398 patients versus 90 (23%) of 397 patients. Adverse event profiles were similar in each group: 224 (57%) of 392 patients in the afatinib group versus 227 (57%) of 395 in the erlotinib group had grade 3 or higher adverse events. We recorded higher incidences of treatment-related grade 3 diarrhoea with afatinib (39 [10%] vs nine [2%]), of grade 3 stomatitis with afatinib (16 [4%] vs none), and of grade 3 rash or acne with erlotinib (23 [6%] vs 41 [10%]). Interpretation The significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival with afatinib compared with erlotinib, along with a manageable safety profile and the convenience of oral administration suggest that afatinib could be an additional option for the treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Funding Boehringer Ingelheim.

The last decade has seen substantial progress in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to lung cancer, thus meaning that its prognosis has improved. The Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) have therefore produced a national consensus statement in order to make recommendations for radiological diagnosis and assessment of treatment response in patients with lung cancer. This expert group recommends multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) as the technique of choice for investigating this disease. The radiology report should include a full assessment by the TNM staging system. Lastly, when the patient is on immunotherapy, response evaluation should employ not only Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST 1.1) but also Immune-Related Response Criteria (irRC).

WOS: 000405152800017, PubMed ID: 28577938, Objectives: Identification of biomarkers associated with clinical benefit may be crucial in establishing optimal treatment choice for patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung after first-line chemotherapy. In this study, the ability of the VeriStrat serum protein test to predict differential clinical benefit with afatinib versus erlotinib, and the association of VeriStrat status with clinical outcomes irrespective of EGFR-TKI used, was assessed in a retrospective analysis of the phase III LUX-Lung 8 trial. Materials and methods: Pretreatment plasma samples were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Spectra were evaluated to assign a VeriStrat 'Good' (VS-G) or VeriStrat 'Poor' (VS-P) classification. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, and other endpoints were assessed with respect to pretreatment VeriStrat status; OS was the primary efficacy variable. Results: Of 795 patients randomized in LUX-Lung 8, 675 were classified (VS-G: 412; VS-P: 263). In the VS-G group, OS was significantly longer with afatinib versus erlotinib (HR 0.79 [95% CI: 0.63-0.98]). In the VS -P group, there was no significant difference in OS between afatinib and erlotinib (HR 0.90 [0.70-1.16]). However, there was no interaction between VeriStrat classification and treatment group for OS la interaction = 0.5303). OS was significantly longer in VS-G versus VS -P patients, both in the overall VeriStrat-classified population (HR 0.41 [0.35-0.49]) and afatinib-treated patients (HR 0.40 [0.31-0.51]). Multivariate analysis showed that VeriStrat was an independent predictor of OS in afatinib-treated patients, regardless of ECOG PS or best response to first line chemotherapy. Outcomes with other efficacy endpoints were similar. Conclusion: VS-G classification is strongly associated with favorable survival outcomes with either afatinib or erlotinib compared with VS-P classification. In VS-G patients, survival outcomes with afatinib are superior to those with erlotinib. VeriStrat classification may guide treatment decisions in patients with SCC of the lung., Boehringer IngelheimBoehringer Ingelheim, This study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim. The authors were fully responsible for all content and editorial decisions, were involved at all stages of manuscript development, and have approved the final version.

The WORLD07 study characterizes lung cancer in Spanish women. This analysis investigated lung cancer features in never-smoking women. Of 2072 women recruited, 2035 were analyzed. Patient characteristics and demographics were similar for current/former smokers and never smokers. Among never smokers, 38.3% were exposed to passive smoking. Non-small-cell lung cancer was the most common type (78.8% of current/former smokers and 96.1% of never smokers) and adenocarcinoma the most common histology (69.1% and 83.4% respectively). There was a high incidence of lung cancer in Spanish never-smoking women and a high proportion (about 50%) had mutant epidermal growth factor receptor.

Identification of biomarkers associated with clinical benefit may be crucial in establishing optimal treatment choice for patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung after first-line chemotherapy. In this study, the ability of the VeriStrat serum protein test to predict differential clinical benefit with afatinib versus erlotinib, and the association of VeriStrat status with clinical outcomes irrespective of EGFR-TKI used, was assessed in a retrospective analysis of the phase III LUX-Lung 8 trial.Pretreatment plasma samples were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Spectra were evaluated to assign a VeriStrat 'Good' (VS-G) or VeriStrat 'Poor' (VS-P) classification. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, and other endpoints were assessed with respect to pretreatment VeriStrat status; OS was the primary efficacy variable. Outcomes with other efficacy endpoints were similar.Of 795 patients randomized in LUX-Lung 8, 675 were classified (VS-G: 412; VS-P: 263). In the VS-G group, OS was significantly longer with afatinib versus erlotinib (HR 0.79 [95% CI: 0.63-0.98]). In the VS-P group, there was no significant difference in OS between afatinib and erlotinib (HR 0.90 [0.70-1.16]). However, there was no interaction between VeriStrat classification and treatment group for OS (pVS-G classification is strongly associated with favorable survival outcomes with either afatinib or erlotinib compared with VS-P classification. In VS-G patients, survival outcomes with afatinib are superior to those with erlotinib. VeriStrat classification may guide treatment decisions in patients with SCC of the lung. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01523587.

[Background/Aim] First-line bevacizumab-based therapies have been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to descriptively analyse patients with non-squamous NSCLC who received a long-term period of maintenance bevacizumab., [Patients and methods] This retrospective study included 104 patients who had already reached a progression-free survival (PFS) of at least 9 months., [Results] Median overall survival and PFS were 30.7 and 15.1 months, respectively. The overall response rate was 83 %. Weight loss ≤5 %, ECOG PS = 0, or low number of metastatic sites seem to be predictive factors of good evolution. The incidence of bevacizumab-related adverse events appeared to be similar as the previous studies., [Conclusion] Our findings show that there is a long-term survivor group whom the administration of bevacizumab resulted in a relevant prolongation of response without new safety signals. Due to the population heterogeneity, it was not possible to identify the standardised predictive factors., This work was supported by Roche Farma, S.A., Spain.

Objectives Dysregulation of the downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is a proposed mechanism of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). We investigated safety and antitumor activity of afatinib plus sirolimus as a potential combination to reverse acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in a phase IB trial in patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer ( EGFR mut NSCLC) and/or disease progression following prior erlotinib/gefitinib. Materials and methods Patients with EGFR mut NSCLC and/or disease progression following at least prior erlotinib/gefitinib were included in the trial. The primary endpoint was incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Four initial dose cohorts were proposed to evaluate DLTs. Other endpoints included tumor response, safety, progression-free survival (PFS) and pharmacokinetics. Results Thirty-nine patients received afatinib and sirolimus. Additional dose cohorts were added since the second cohort (afatinib 40 mg/day and sirolimus 5 mg/day) was considered to have excessive toxicity. All patients experienced adverse events (AE) [grade 3: 66.7%; serious AE: 56.4%]. The most frequent AEs were diarrhea (94.9%), mucosal inflammation (64.1%), asthenia (53.8%) and rash (53.8%). Discontinuations and dose reduction due to AEs occurred in 23.1% and 25.6% of patients. MTD was determined as afatinib 30 mg and sirolimus 1 mg. Responses were observed in 5 patients (12.8%) [2 (5.1%) with confirmed partial response (PR); 3 (7.7%) with unconfirmed PR], and stable disease in 18 patients (46.2%). Four of the 5 responses were at doses above MTD. PFS at 6 months was estimated in 33.3% (median PFS 3.4 months). Pharmacokinetic parameters of afatinib and sirolimus were similar after single administration or in combination. Conclusion The combination of afatinib and sirolimus showed lower responses than expected. Together with increased AEs and poor tolerability, this precludes clinical use and further clinical development of this combination. No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00993499.

The WORLD07 project is a female specific database to assess the characteristics of women with lung cancer. WORLD07 database sets up in 2007, and prospectively stores clinical characteristics, treatment, outcome, and follow-up of lung cancer women. All women with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were selected for this analysis. From October 2007 to December 2012, a total of 1775 NSCLC women were recruited. EGFR mutation was identified in 34.4% of patients. Upfront EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) reported a response rate of 60%, a median progression-free survival of 11.7 months, and median overall survival of 23.0 months. EGFR TKI, EGFR-mutation type, and smoking status did not impact in the outcome of treated women. Prevalence of EGFR mutation in women with NSCLC is higher than overall population with NSCLC. Efficacy of EGFR TKI in this real-world setting is similar to that previously reported.

In 2011, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology and the Spanish Society of Pathology started a joint project to establish recommendations on biomarker testing in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer based on the current evidence. Most of these recommendations are still valid, but new evidence requires some aspects to be updated. Specifically, the recommendation about which biomarkers to test in which patients is being amended, and the best way to manage tumour samples and minimum requirements for biomarker test material are defined. Suitable techniques for testing for epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement are also reviewed, and a consensus is reached on which situations warrant re-biopsy.

Evaluar el impacto presupuestario de denosumab para prevenir eventos relacionados con el esqueleto (ERE) en pacientes con metastasis oseas de tumores solidos desde la perspectiva del Sistema Sanitario espanol. Se comparo un escenario de referencia (100% Zometa® [acido zoledronico-AZ]), frente a escenarios futuros con un 10%, 20% y 30% de uso de denosumab (anos 2013, 2014 y 2015) considerando la aparicion de genericos de AZ desde el 1 de julio de 2013. Se incluyeron los costes farmacologicos, de administracion, de monitorizacion y de manejo de los ERE. Los costes de administracion y monitorizacion se imputaron unicamente en dosis no concomitantes con quimioterapia intravenosa. El coste de manejo de los ERE se baso en la incidencia observada en los ensayos pivotales de denosumab. La poblacion objetivo se calculo considerando la prevalencia de metastasis oseas y los pacientes tratados con bifosfonatos y AZ. Los datos epidemiologicos y los costes unitarios (€ de 2013) se obtuvieron de literatura y de bases de datos nacionales. El coste medio anual/paciente fue de 6.382 €, 8.071 € y 6.817 € para denosumab, AZ y AZ generico, respectivamente. Para una poblacion estimada de 12.043 pacientes en Espana, el coste anual fue de 97,2 millones de euros (escenario de referencia). Considerando una introduccion de denosumab del 10%, 20% y 30%, los costes anuales serian de 88,4; 81,1 y 80,5 millones de euros, lo cual supondria ahorros de 8,8 (2013), 16,1 (2014) y 16,7 (2015) millones de euros. Considerando el precio publicado de los medicamentos, el uso de denosumab en lugar de AZ podria generar ahorros al Sistema Sanitario Espanol.

Lung cancer incidence is decreasing worldwide among men but rising among women due to recent changes in smoking patterns in both sexes. In Europe, the smoking epidemic has evolved different rates and times, and policy responses to it, vary substantially between countries. Differences in smoking prevalence are much more evident among European women reflecting the heterogeneity in cancer incidence rates. Other factors rather than smoking and linked to sex may increase women's susceptibility to lung cancer, such as genetic predisposition, exposure to sex hormones and molecular features, all of them linked to epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of lung cancer in women. However, biological bases of sex-specific differences are controversial and need further evaluation. This review focuses on the epidemiology and outcome concerning non-small cell lung cancer in women, with emphasis given to the Spanish population.

The optimal schedule and regimen of chemotherapy (CT) in association with chemoradiation has not been established in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have compared three schedules of non-platinum-based CT plus either radiotherapy or chemoradiation. From May 2001 to June 2006, 158 patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC were enrolled in a randomized phase II trial with overall response rate (ORR) as the primary endpoint. The initial design included three arms: sequential CT followed by thoracic radiation (TRT); concurrent CT/TRT followed by consolidation CT; and induction CT followed by concurrent CT/TRT. However, based on the preliminary results of the RTOG 9410 trial, the sequential arm was closed when 19 patients had been enrolled. All patients received two cycles of docetaxel 40 mg/m(2) days 1 and 8 plus gemcitabine 1200 mg/m(2) days 1 and 8, as either induction or consolidation therapy. Concurrent CT/TRT consisted of docetaxel 20 mg/m(2) and carboplatin AUC 2 weekly plus 60 Gy TRT. No differences were found in ORR between the two arms (56% and 57%). Hematological toxicity was mild but significantly superior with consolidation CT; the esophagitis rate was similar in both arms (16% and 15%). With a median follow-up of 57 months, no differences were found in median survival (13.07 and 13.8 months) or 5-year survival (16.4% and 22%). This regimen cannot be recommended as an alternative to platinum-based CT/TRT although it has an acceptable toxicity profile and encouraging long-term survival data (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01652820).

Introduction The clinical benefit and safety profile associated with first-line bevacizumab with doublet chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was established in two large phase III studies, E4599 and AVAiL. SAiL, a single-arm phase IV study, was conducted to evaluate bevacizumab with a range of first-line chemotherapy regimens in a routine oncology practice setting. Methods This analysis of the SAiL data was undertaken to specifically evaluate bleeding adverse events (AEs) in this study, and to explore potential associations between bleeding and baseline patient and disease characteristics. Results In total, 2212 patients were evaluated. Bleeding AEs (any grade) occurred in 38.2% of patients (grade ≥3 bleeding AEs: 3.6%). Grade ≥3 pulmonary hemorrhage and central nervous system bleeding events were observed in 0.7% and 0.1% of patients, respectively. The incidence of grade ≥3 bleeding AEs was comparable across patient subgroups defined by central tumor location, tumor cavitation, histology, concomitant anticoagulation therapy and age. The majority (88.6%) of bleeding events resolved or improved, 10.2% persisted and 1.3% led to death; 10.2% of bleeding events required bevacizumab interruption or discontinuation. Conclusions This analysis from the SAiL trial reaffirms a comparable incidence of clinically significant bleeding associated with first-line bevacizumab and chemotherapy as previous phase III studies in NSCLC patients despite less stringent first-line selection criteria. Grade ≥3 bleeding appears to be comparable when analyzed for patient and tumor characteristics, including tumor cavitation and concomitant anticoagulation therapy. Most bleeding events resolved or improved, and interruption/discontinuation of bevacizumab was infrequent in a standard oncology practice setting.

Background Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor. Severe pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) is a rare but serious potential adverse event associated with bevacizumab therapy for advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A panel of expert oncologists, pulmonologists and radiologists reviewed the available data to identify predictive factors for PH in order to help guide physicians using bevacizumab in patients with NSCLC. Results Patients with NSCLC are at an increased risk of PH owing to the underlying disease process. Patients with squamous histology and/or a history of grade ≥2 haemoptysis (≥2.5 ml per event) should not receive bevacizumab. No clinical or radiological features (including cavitation and central tumour location) reliably predict severe PH in bevacizumab-treated patients. Major blood vessel infiltration and bronchial vessel infiltration, encasement and abutting may predict PH; however, standardised radiological criteria for defining infiltration have not been established. Eligibility for bevacizumab is not affected by patient age, performance status or anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions An individualised risk–benefit assessment should be undertaken in all patients with NSCLC in whom bevacizumab is being considered. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying PH and the clinical risk factors.

Patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations can now have specific treatment based on the result of biomarker analysis and patients with rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene will probably soon be able to. This will give them better quality of life and progression-free survival than conventional chemotherapy. This consensus statement was conceived as a joint initiative of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the Spanish Society of Pathology (SEAP), and makes diagnostic and treatment recommendations for advanced NSCLC patients based on the scientific evidence on biomarker use. It therefore provides an opportunity to improve healthcare efficiency and resource use, which will undoubtedly benefit these patients. Although this field is in continuous evolution, at present, with the available data, this panel of experts recommends that all patients with advanced NSCLC of non-squamous cell subtype, or non-smokers regardless of the histological subtype, should be tested for EGFR gene mutations within a maximum of 7 days from the pathological diagnosis. Involved laboratories must participate in external quality control programmes. In contrast, ALK gene rearrangements should only be tested in the context of a clinical trial, although the promising data obtained will certainly justify in the near future its routine testing in patients with no EGFR mutations. Lastly, routine testing for other molecular abnormalities is not considered necessary in the current clinical practice.

Resumen Actualmente los pacientes con cancer de pulmon no microcitico (CPNM) avanzado portadores de mutaciones del receptor del factor de crecimiento epidermico (EGFR), y probablemente en un futuro cercano los pacientes con reordenamientos del gen de la quinasa del linfoma anaplasico (ALK), pueden recibir un tratamiento especifico basado en el resultado del analisis de biomarcadores. Esto les proporcionara mayor calidad de vida y supervivencia libre de progresion que la quimioterapia convencional. Este documento de consenso nace como una iniciativa conjunta de la Sociedad Espanola de Anatomia Patologica (SEAP) y de la Sociedad Espanola de Oncologia Medica (SEOM) y propone recomendaciones diagnosticas y terapeuticas para el paciente con CPNM avanzado basadas en la evidencia cientifica relacionada con el uso de biomarcadores. Por tanto, supone una oportunidad para mejorar la eficiencia de la actividad asistencial y la utilizacion de recursos, lo que sin duda redundara en un beneficio para estos pacientes. Aunque este campo esta en constante evolucion, en la actualidad, con los datos disponibles, este grupo de expertos recomienda que en todos los pacientes con CPNM avanzado de celulas no escamosas, asi como en pacientes no fumadores con independencia del subtipo histologico, se determine el estado mutacional del gen EGFR en un plazo maximo de 7 dias a partir del diagnostico anatomopatologico. Los laboratorios involucrados deben participar en programas de gestion de calidad externos. Por el contrario, los reordenamientos del gen ALK solo se deben analizar en el marco de un ensayo clinico, aunque con los datos tan prometedores que se han obtenido se justificara previsiblemente en un futuro proximo su estudio rutinario en pacientes sin mutaciones de EGFR . Por ultimo, no se considera necesaria la determinacion rutinaria de otras anormalidades moleculares en la practica clinica actual.