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Comprehensive genomic profiling is increasingly used to facilitate precision oncology based on molecular stratification. In addition to conventional tissue comprehensive genomic profiling, comprehensive genomic profiling of circulating tumor DNA has become widely utilized in cancer care owing on its advantages, including less invasiveness, rapid turnaround time, and capturing heterogeneity. However, circulating tumor DNA comprehensive genomic profiling has some limitations, mainly false negatives due to low levels of plasma circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid and false positives caused by clonal hematopoiesis. Nevertheless, no guidelines and recommendations fully address these issues. Here, an expert panel committee involving representatives from 12 Designated Core Hospitals for Cancer Genomic Medicine in Japan was organized to develop expert consensus recommendations for the use of circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid-based comprehensive genomic profiling. The aim was to generate guidelines for clinicians and allied healthcare professionals on the optimal use of the circulating tumor DNA assays in advanced solid tumors and to aid the design of future clinical trials that utilize and develop circulating tumor DNA assays to refine precision oncology. Fourteen clinical questions regarding circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid comprehensive genomic profiling including the timing of testing and considerations for interpreting results were established by searching and curating associated literatures, and corresponding recommendations were prepared based on the literature for each clinical question. Final consensus recommendations were developed by voting to determine the level of each recommendation by the Committee members.

In Japan, comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests for refractory cancer patients have been approved since June 2019, under the requirement that all cases undergoing CGP tests are annotated by the molecular tumor board (MTB) at each government-designated hospital. To investigate improvement in precision oncology, we evaluated and compared the proportion of cases receiving matched treatments according to CGP results and those recommended to receive genetic counseling at all core hospitals between the first period (11 hospitals, June 2019 to January 2020) and second period (12 hospitals, February 2020 to January 2021). A total of 754 and 2294 cases underwent CGP tests at core hospitals in the first and second periods, respectively; 28 (3.7%) and 176 (7.7%) patients received matched treatments (p 0.001). Additionally, 25 (3.3%) and 237 (10.3%) cases were recommended to receive genetic counseling in the first and second periods, respectively (p 0.001). The proportion was associated with the type of CGP test: tumor-only (N = 2391) vs. tumor-normal paired (N = 657) analysis (10.0% vs. 3.5%). These results suggest that recommendations regarding available clinical trials in networked MTBs might contribute to increasing the numbers of matched treatments, and that tumor-normal paired rather than tumor-only tests can increase the efficiency of patient referrals for genetic counseling.

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Background Tumors with a high number of mutations in the genome, or tumor mutational burden, are presumed to be more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the optimal method to calculate tumor mutational burden using comprehensive genomic profiling assays is unknown. Methods Todai OncoPanel is a dual panel of a deoxyribonucleic acid panel and a ribonucleic acid panel. Todai OncoPanel deoxyribonucleic acid panel version 6 is an improvement over version 3 with increased number of targeted genes and limited targeting of intronic regions. We calculated tumor mutational burden measured by Todai OncoPanel deoxyribonucleic acid panel versions 3 and 6 using three different calculation methods: all mutations within the targeted region (target tumor mutational burden), all mutations within the coding region (all coding tumor mutational burden) and non-synonymous mutations (non-synonymous coding tumor mutational burden). We then compared them with whole exosome sequencing tumor mutational burden. In addition, 16 lung cancer patients whose samples were analyzed using Todai OncoPanel deoxyribonucleic acid version 3 were treated with anti-PD-1 or PD-L1 antibody monotherapy. Results When compared with whole exosome sequencing tumor mutational burden as the standard, tumor mutational burden measured by Todai OncoPanel deoxyribonucleic acid version 3 resulted in accuracy of 71% for all three calculation methods. In version 6, accuracy was 96% for target tumor mutational burden and all coding tumor mutational burden and 91% for non-synonymous coding tumor mutational burden. Patients with either partial response or stable disease had higher non-synonymous coding tumor mutational burden (6.7/Mb vs. 1.6/Mb, P = 0.02) and higher PD-L1 expression (40% vs. 3%, P = 0.01) and a trend toward higher target tumor mutational burden (9.2/Mb vs. 2.4/Mb, P = 0.09) compared with patients with progressive disease. Conclusions Increase in targeted gene number and limiting intronic regions improved tumor mutational burden measurement by Todai OncoPanel when compared with whole exosome sequencing tumor mutational burden. Target tumor mutational burden may be the method of choice to measure tumor mutational burden.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is primarily caused by inhalation of cigarette smoke and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Pulmonary surfactant, a complex of phospholipids and proteins, plays an essential role in respiration by reducing the surface tension in the alveoli. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of surfactant lipids and is expressed in type 2 alveolar epithelial cells. Its dysfunction is suggested to be involved in various lung diseases; however, the relationship between LPCAT1 and COPD remains unclear. To investigate the role of LPCAT1 in the pathology of COPD, we analyzed an elastase-induced emphysema model using Lpcat1 knockout (KO) mice. In Lpcat1 KO mice, elastase-induced emphysema was significantly exacerbated with increased apoptotic cells, which was not ameliorated by supplementation with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, which is a major component of the surfactant synthesized by LPCAT1. We subsequently evaluated the effects of cigarette smoking on primary human type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (hAEC2s) and found that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) downregulated the expression of Lpcat1. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the apoptosis pathway was significantly enriched in CSE-treated primary hAEC2s. Finally, we downregulated the expression of Lpcat1 using small interfering RNA, which resulted in enhanced CSE-induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Taken together, cigarette smoke-induced downregulation of LPCAT1 can promote the exacerbation of pulmonary emphysema by increasing the susceptibility of alveolar epithelial cells to apoptosis, thereby suggesting that Lpcat1 is a novel therapeutic target for irreversible emphysema.

To clarify whether treatment with systemic corticosteroids at a certain dose was associated with better outcomes in patients with epiglottitis requiring airway management (tracheotomy or airway intubation).This was a retrospective cohort study on patients hospitalized for epiglottitis requiring airway management from a nationwide inpatient database (between July 2010 and March 2019). Patients treated with systemic corticosteroids equivalent to methylprednisolone ≥40 mg/d within 2 days of admission and patients who were not treated with corticosteroids within 2 days of admission were compared after inverse probability of treatment weighting using covariate balancing propensity score. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included all-cause 7-day in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and total medical cost.There were 1986 and 1771 patients in the corticosteroid and control groups, respectively. A total of 72 of 3757 (1.9%) patients died within 30 days of admission, including 17 of 1986 (0.9%) patients in the corticosteroid group and 55 of 1771 (3.1%) in the control group (weighted odds ratio, 0.28 [95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.70]; weighted risk difference, -2.2% [-3.2% to -1.3%]). Treatment with corticosteroids was associated with lower total medical costs (weighted median, $6,187 vs. $6,587; weighted difference, $-1,123 [-2,238 to -8]) but not all-cause 7-day in-hospital mortality (weighted odds ratio, 0.63 [0.22-1.82]; weighted risk difference, -0.3% [-0.9 to 0.2]) and length of hospital stay (weighted median, 13 vs. 13 days; weighted difference, -0.2 days [-2.1 to 1.8]).Systemic corticosteroids may be beneficial to patients with epiglottitis requiring airway management.3 Laryngoscope, 2022.

Comprehensive cancer genome profiling (CGP) has been nationally reimbursed in Japan since June 2019. Less than 10% of the patients have been reported to undergo recommended treatment. Todai OncoPanel (TOP) is a dual DNA-RNA panel as well as a paired tumor-normal matched test. Two hundred patients underwent Todai OncoPanel as part of Advanced Medical Care B with approval by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare between September 2018 and December 2019. Tests were performed in patients with cancers without standard treatment or when patients had already undergone standard treatment. Data from DNA and RNA panels were analyzed in 198 and 191 patients, respectively. The percentage of patients who were given therapeutic or diagnostic recommendations was 61% (120/198). One hundred and four samples (53%) harbored gene alterations that were detected with the DNA panel and had potential treatment implications, and 14 samples (7%) had a high tumor mutational burden. Twenty-two samples (11.1%) harbored 30 fusion transcripts or MET exon 14 skipping that were detected by the RNA panel. Of those thirty transcripts, six had treatment implications and four had diagnostic implications. Thirteen patients (7%) were found to have pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants and genetic counseling was recommended. Overall, 12 patients (6%) received recommended treatment. In summary, patients benefited from both TOP DNA and RNA panels while following the same indication as the approved CGP tests. (UMIN000033647).

Activating mutations in mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1) are involved in a variety of cancers and may be classified according to their RAF dependence. Sensitivity to combined BRAF and MEK treatments is associated with co-mutations of MAP2K1 and BRAF; however, the significance of less frequent MAP2K1 mutations is largely unknown. The transforming potential and drug sensitivity of 100 MAP2K1 variants were evaluated using individual assays and the mixed-all-nominated-in-one method. In addition, A375, a melanoma cell line harboring the BRAF V600E mutation, was used to evaluate the function of the MAP2K1 variants in combination with active RAF signaling. Among a total of 67 variants of unknown significance, 16 were evaluated as oncogenic or likely oncogenic. The drug sensitivity of the individual variants did not vary with respect to BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors (MEKi), or their combination. Sensitivity to BRAF inhibitors was associated with the RAF dependency of the MAP2K1 variants, whereas resistance was higher in RAF-regulated or independent variants compared with RAF-dependent variants. Thus, the synergistic effect of BRAF and MEKis may be observed in RAF-regulated and RAF-dependent variants. MAP2K1 variants exhibit differential sensitivity to BRAF and MEKis, suggesting the importance of individual functional analysis for the selection of optimal treatments for each patient. This comprehensive evaluation reveals precise functional information and provides optimal combination treatment for individual MAP2K1 variants.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are potent therapeutic options for many types of advanced cancer. The expansion of ICIs use however has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI) can be life-threatening especially in patients with delayed diagnosis. We retrospectively investigated secondary AI in ICI-treated patients. A total of 373 cancer patients treated with ICIs were included and evaluated. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency was described in 13 patients. Among 24 patients with a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy, 7 patients (29%) developed secondary AI in a median time of 8 weeks during the combination therapy and 2 of 15 patients (13%) developed isolated ACTH deficiency during maintenance nivolumab monotherapy following the combination therapy. More than half of the patients (4/7) with a combination therapy-induced multiple anterior hormone deficiencies was diagnosed as secondary AI based on regular ACTH and cortisol tests with slight subjective symptoms. Secondary AI can arise frequently and rapidly in cancer patients receiving a combination ICI therapy, and thus we speculate active surveillance of AI using regular ACTH and cortisol tests during the combination therapy might be useful for avoiding life-threatening conditions due to secondary AI.

Introduction: Over 40,000 cancer patients have taken comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests under health insurance coverage in Japan since June 2019. However, the indication is limited only to cancer patients who have finished (or are expected to finish) standard treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients’ outcomes, levels of understanding, and satisfaction of the patients who received CGP tests. Methods: We performed a nationwide surveillance of 933 cancer patients who examined CGP tests at 80 institutions in Japan under the approval of the institutional ethics committee. The responses to the questionnaire (either web-based or paper-based) were from patients (81.6%) or their families (18.4%). Results: The range of patients’ age was 70s at 29.6%, followed by 60s at 26.8%, and 50s at 20.8%. The level of understanding during informed consent for the CGP tests {11 scales from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest)} were 7 or higher in 70.8%, and those about their test results were 7 or higher in 75.2 %. The information was predominantly provided by attending physicians (78.0%) or physicians specialized in genomic medicine (19.6%), and limitedly from cancer genome medical coordinators (11.4%) and nurses (10.4%). The patients underwent FoundationOne CDx® (56.3%), FoundationOne Liquid CDx® (11.6%), or a domestic tumor/normal paired panel (OncoGuideTM NCC Oncopanel System, 14.4%). 16.2% of the patients could not recall which CGP test they received. New treatments based on the CGP testing were suggested in 46.8%, and 20.8% of them were treated with a suggested treatment by an expert panel (i.e., molecular tumor board). The treatment type was (i) approved drugs, 70.3%, (ii) clinical trials, 16.5%, (iii) patient-proposed national basket trial, 3.2%, and (iv) off-label use, 1.1%. 77.4% of the patients requested disclosure of germline findings, 10.5% declined, and 11.4% did not remember their decision. Overall satisfaction scores (11 scales) were found to be 7 or higher at 64.6%. The reasons for satisfaction included having the opportunity to learn about cancer risks of relatives (21.0%), having received detailed explanation (19.7%), having received information on new therapies (18.4%), and having the opportunity to learn about their cancer in detail (15.9%). The reason for lower scores (6 or lower) was mainly due to not receiving recommendations to a genome-matched therapy (58.3%). Conclusion: Our surveillance highlighted the significance of drug accessibility, information from interdisciplinary collaboration team, and appropriate information about the test results. The opportunity to learn about their cancer in detail was valuable for the patients as well, even when the results of CGP testing did not lead to a novel therapy. Citation Format: Katsutoshi Oda, Hidenori Kage, Manabu Muto, Katsuya Tsuchihara, Natsuko Okita, Yusuke Okuma, Junko Kikuchi, Hidekazu Shirota, Hideyuki Hayashi, Toshio Kokuryo, Daisuke Sakai, Akira Hirasawa, Makoto Kubo, Hirotsugu Kenmotsu, Nana Akiyama, Hyangri Chang, Aya Shinozaki-Ushiku, Masahiko Tanabe, Tetsuo Ushiku, Kaori Muto, Kiyoshi Miyagawa, Yasuyuki Seto. Real-world surveillance from cancer patients about their experience of comprehensive genomic profiling tests in Japan [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3225.

Introduction: Comprehensive cancer genomic profiling tests have been implemented in the clinic to guide patients and physicians to decide optimal treatments. Most tests analyze genomic DNA to detect genomic alterations in a few hundred genes. RNA panels have advantages over DNA panels when detecting fusion and exon skipping events. Methods: Between April 2017 and March 2022, non-small cell lung cancer samples were analyzed by Todai OncoPanel (TOP), a dual targeted DNA/RNA panel with matched tumor/normal pair analysis. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Publicly available genomic data from approved panels in Japan, all of which are DNA-only panels, was downloaded from the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT) database on 2022/11/3. Results: Sixty-one samples were analyzed. The median age of the patients was 62, and 35 were men. The histology of the samples included 52 adenocarcinoma and 9 squamous cell carcinoma. Of the 52 adenocarcinoma samples, pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations were detected in 46 (88%), and 40 samples (77%) harbored potentially druggable targets. With the DNA panel, 23 (44%) TP53 loss-of-function mutations, 17 (33%) EGFR activating mutations, 6 (12%) ERBB2 activating mutations, 5 (10%) KRAS activating mutations, 5 (10%) RB1 loss-of-function mutations, 3 (6%) BRAF activating mutations, and 3 (6%) MET exon 14 splice site mutation were detected. Meanwhile, with the RNA panel, three MET exon 14 skipping and 15 fusion genes in 16 patients (16/61 = 26%) were detected, all in adenocarcinoma. Specifically, EML4-ALK, KIF5B-RET, and CD47-MET were detected from one sample each, and 12 others were all novel fusions with unknown pathogenicity. Overall, 5 out of 61 (8.1%) non-small cell lung cancer samples harbored MET exon 14 skipping or fusion. Using the C-CAT database, 37 MET exon 14 splice site mutations and 2 rearrangements were found in 1,514 non-small cell lung cancer samples (2.6%) from the C-CAT database (p = 0.009). One BRCA1 and one BRCA2 pathogenic germline variants were detected from the TOP germline panel. Conclusion: Analysis of non-small cell lung cancer using TOP led to detection of a high percentage of druggable targets. TOP RNA panel may detect MET exon 14 skipping and fusions at higher sensitivity. Citation Format: Hidenori Kage, Shinji Kohsaka, Kenji Tatsuno, Aya Shinozaki-Ushiku, Hideaki Isago, Kousuke Watanabe, Motohiro Kato, Tetsuo Ushiku, Kiyoshi Miyagawa, Takahide Nagase, Jun Nakajima, Hiroyuki Aburatani, Hiroyuki Mano, Katsutoshi Oda. Detection of METexon 14 skipping and fusions in non-small cell lung cancer by comprehensive genomic profiling using a dual targeted DNA/RNA panel [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 256.

Background Since June 2019, cancer genomic profiling (CGP) tests have been reimbursed by the National Health Insurance system in Japan, with restrictions for government-designated hospitals with a molecular tumor board composed of multidisciplinary specialists, known as an expert panel (EP). The standardization of EPs is a critical challenge for implementing precision oncology in the clinical setting. Methods Data on consecutive cases who underwent the CGP tests at 11 core hospitals between June 2019 and January 2020 were collected. We evaluated the proportions of cases that received genomically matched treatments, including investigational new drugs (INDs) based on CGP results, and/or for which genetic counseling was recommended. Two simulated cases were annotated by each EP. The annotated reports were then centrally assessed. Results Each EP mainly discussed the applicability to genomically matched treatments and the necessity of performing genetic counseling. A pre-review of the report by key members in each EP reportedly made the EP conference more interactive and efficient, and thereby saved time. A total of 747 cases underwent CGP tests, 28 cases (3.7%) received genomically matched treatment, and 17 cases (2.3%) were referred for genetic counseling. Annotated reports for the simulated cases varied across the EPs, particularly the number of recommended IND trials, which seemed to be associated with the actual number of participants in IND trials. Conclusions This investigation provides reference data for the application of precision oncology in a clinical setting. Further investigations on the standardization of clinical annotations are warranted.

Objectives Hemoptysis, a symptom common across various respiratory diseases, can cause airway obstruction leading to a life-threatening condition. Arterial embolization has been used to control bleeding from the lower airways. However, limited studies have evaluated its effects on in-hospital mortality in patients with hemoptysis requiring mechanical ventilation. The objective of this study was to clarify whether early intervention by arterial embolization reduced mortality in mechanically ventilated patients with hemoptysis. Design Retrospective cohort study from July 2010 to March 2017. Setting More than 1,200 acute-care hospitals, comprising approximately 90% of all tertiary-care emergency hospitals in Japan. Patients The study cohort was patients with pulmonary diseases hospitalized for hemoptysis and mechanically ventilated within 2 days of admission. Interventions We compared patients who had undergone arterial embolization within 3 days of endotracheal intubation (early embolization group) with patients who did not (control group). Measurements and main results A total of 12,287 patients with hemoptysis requiring mechanical ventilation were analyzed. After 1:4 propensity score matching, there were 226 and 904 patients in the early embolization and control groups, respectively. The early embolization group was associated with lower 7-day and 30-day mortalities (7-d mortality: 1.3% vs 4.0%; odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.97; p = 0.044 and 30-d mortality: 7.5% vs 16.8%; odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.73; p = 0.001) and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (median 6 d, interquartile range 4-13 d vs 8 d, interquartile range 4-19 d; p = 0.003) compared with the control group. Conclusions Our results show that early intervention by arterial embolization may be effective in reducing 7-day and 30-day mortalities in patients with life-threatening hemoptysis requiring mechanical ventilation.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high-grade malignancy, and treatment strategies have not changed for decades. In this study, we searched for novel targets for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy for SCLC. We identified transmembrane proteins overexpressed specifically in SCLC with little or no expression in normal tissues and decided to focus on the cell adhesion molecule neurexin-1 (NRXN1). The cell surface overexpression of NRXN1 was confirmed using flow cytometry in SCLC cell lines (SHP77 and NCI-H526). The combination of a primary anti-NRXN1 monoclonal antibody and a secondary ADC exhibited anti-tumor activity in SCLC cell lines. Moreover, the knockout of NRXN1 in SHP77 cells resulted in a loss of the anti-tumor activity of NRXN1-mediated ADC therapy. Thus, NRXN1 could be a novel target for ADC therapy for the treatment of SCLC that is worth further research.

We report a case with a rare combination of synchronous lung adenocarcinoma and bilateral malignant pleural mesotheliomas in a 70-year-old male without asbestos exposure. He metachronously developed peritoneal malignant mesothelioma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed complete loss of BAP1 expression in all seven lesions. Targeted next generation sequencing using Todai OncoPanel identified a novel germline variant (c.1565_1566del, p.P522Rfs*14) of BAP1. Additionally, different nonsynonymous somatic mutations of BAP1 were identified in four lesions including lung adenocarcinoma, malignant pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas, and bladder cancer. The remaining two lesions had different somatic mutations in genes other than BAP1. Multiple BAP1-deficient cancers that developed in a single patient suggest the newly identified germline variant of BAP1 gene to be pathogenic and this case expands the clinical spectrum of BAP1-tumor predisposition syndrome. Screening for BAP1 status is highly recommended in cases with a similar combination of cancers.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combination is expected to increase in the era of precision medicine. TKI combination may be required to treat double primary cancers, each having a targetable gene, or to treat a single malignancy with multiple targetable genes. Here, we demonstrate the first report of dual EGFR and ABL TKI treatment in a patient with concomitant EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma and BCR-ABL1-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A 60-year-old man with an 8-year history of CML was diagnosed as advanced EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. Complete molecular response of CML had been achieved by imatinib, and ABL-TKI had been switched to nilotinib four years previously due to muscle cramps. We discontinued nilotinib and started afatinib. Although partial response of lung adenocarcinoma was achieved, cytogenetic relapse of CML was observed following nilotinib discontinuation. We applied the previously described framework of cytochrome P450 3A4-mediated oral drug-drug interactions and selected gefitinib and nilotinib to treat both malignancies. We effectively and safely administered this combination for seven months. The present report is the first to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of dual EGFR and ABL TKI treatment in a patient with concomitant EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma and CML.

IntroductionManaging Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a novel, brief and manualised psychotherapeutic intervention intended to treat and prevent depression and end-of-life distress in patients with advanced cancer. This phase 2 trial aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of CALM in Japanese patients with cancer.Methods and analysisThis study is a single-arm clinical trial. All patients involved in the study are ≥18 years of age, have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic solid-tumour cancer, and their expected survival is at least 6 months. CALM comprises three to six individual therapy sessions, each lasting approximately 45–60 min, provided over 3– 6 months. The participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline (t0), 3 months (t1) and 6 months (t2). The primary outcomes are rates of completion of the intervention and of the outcome measures and improvement of depressive symptoms measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 between t0 and t2. The criteria for the successful rate of completion is that at least 70% participants who participate in at least three sessions will complete measures at t2. The secondary outcomes are the improvement in scores on: (1) the Quality of Life at the End of Life-Cancer Scale, (2) the Experiences in Close Relationships scale, (3) the Death and Dying Distress Scale and (4) the Clinical Evaluation Questionnaire.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of The University of Tokyo, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research and Yamaguchi University. We will conduct the study in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects. The results of this study will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication and presentation at local, national and international scientific meetings and conferences.Trail registration numberUMIN000040032; Pre-results.

Blinatumomab (Blincyto® injection solution) is classified as a bispecific T-cell engaging (BiTE) antibody and is intended for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It requires continuous infusion to maintain therapeutic levels. Therefore, it is often administered at home. Monoclonal antibodies, which are administered intravenously, have the potential to leak depending on the nature of the administration devices. Therefore, we investigated device-associated causes of blinatumomab leakage. We observed no apparent changes to the filter and its materials after exposure to the injection solution and surfactant. From scanning electron microscopic images, precipitate on the surface of the filters was observed after physical stimulation of the injection solution. Therefore, physical stimulations should be avoided during the prolonged administration of blinatumomab. In conclusion, the findings of this study assist in the safe administration of antibodies using portable infusion pumps, taking into consideration the composition of drug excipients and the choice of filter type and structure.

Background Integrins are transmembrane proteins that mediate cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. Whereas expression of integrin alpha 2 is associated with motility, invasiveness and cellular differentiation in various tumors, the role of integrin alpha 2 in lung cancer has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to determine whether and how aberrant integrin alpha 2 expression in non-small cell lung cancer leads to different outcomes. Methods We measured expression of integrin alpha 2 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 100 samples collected from non-small cell lung cancer patients who had undergone surgical resection. We assigned patients to high and low expression groups and analyzed survival. Cellular morphology, adhesion, proliferation, migration and invasion were examined in human lung cancer cell lines. Results Among 100 cases, 41 were female, with a median age of 71 years. High expression of integrin alpha 2 in non-small cell lung cancer was associated with lower recurrence-free survival (P = 0.004). Overexpression of integrin alpha 2 in cell lines had no effect on cell proliferation or invasion but resulted in increased cell size (1416 μm2 versus 470 μm2 in H522 cells, P Conclusions Integrin alpha 2 may play a significant role in lung cancer adhesion and migration, and may lead to a higher risk of recurrence.

ImportanceQuality assurance of molecular tumor boards (MTBs) is crucial in cancer genome medicine.ObjectiveTo evaluate the concordance of recommendations by MTBs and centrally developed consensus treatment recommendations at all 12 leading institutions for cancer genomic medicine in Japan using 50 simulated cases.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a prospective quality improvement study of 50 simulated cancer cases. Molecular tumor boards from 12 core hospitals independently recommended treatment for 50 cases blinded to the centrally developed consensus treatment recommendations. The study’s central committee consisted of representatives from all 12 core hospitals in Japan who selected the 50 simulated cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, including frequently observed genomic alterations. The central committee recommended centrally developed consensus treatment. The concordance rate for genomically matched treatments between MTBs and centrally developed consensus treatment recommendations was evaluated. Data analysis was conducted from January 22 to March 3, 2021.ExposuresSimulated cases of cancer.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was concordance, defined as the proportion of recommendations by MTBs concordant with centrally developed consensus treatment recommendations. A mixed-effects logistic regression model, adjusted for institutes as a random intercept, was applied. High evidence levels were defined as established biomarkers for which the treatment was ready for routine use in clinical practice, and low evidence levels were defined as biomarkers for genomically matched treatment that were under investigation.ResultsThe Clinical Practice Guidance for Next-Generation Sequencing in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment (edition 2.1) was used for evidence-level definition. The mean concordance between MTBs and centrally developed consensus treatment recommendations was 62% (95% CI, 57%-65%). Each MTB concordance varied from 48% to 86%. The concordance rate was higher in the subset of patients with colorectal cancer (100%; 95% CI, 94.0%-100%), ROS1 fusion (100%; 95% CI, 85.5%-100%), and high evidence level A/R (A: 88%; 95% CI, 81.8%-93.0%; R:100%; 95% CI, 92.6%-100%). Conversely, the concordance rate was lower in cases of cervical cancer (11%; 95% CI, 3.1%-26.1%), TP53 mutation (16%; 95% CI, 12.5%-19.9%), and low evidence level C/D/E (C: 30%; 95% CI, 24.7%-35.9%; D: 25%; 95% CI, 5.5%-57.2%; and E: 18%; 95% CI, 13.8%-23.0%). Multivariate analysis showed that evidence level (high [A/R] vs low [C/D/E]: odds ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8-10.8) and TP53 alteration (yes vs no: odds ratio, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03-0.10) were significantly associated with concordance.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this study suggest that genomically matched treatment recommendations differ among MTBs, particularly in genomic alterations with low evidence levels wherein treatment is being investigated. Sharing information on matched therapy for low evidence levels may be needed to improve the quality of MTBs.

Rearrangements of specific tyrosine kinases are associated with an elevated risk of venous thrombosis in lung adenocarcinoma, although their effects on arterial thrombosis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report two cases of ROS proto‐oncogene 1 (ROS1)‐rearranged lung adenocarcinoma with cerebral infarction during the peri‐diagnostic period. Two cases took contrasting clinical courses: one patient could not receive targeted therapy because of a significant decline in performance status, whereas in the other patient, the performance status was maintained and targeted therapy drastically reduced the tumour size. Our cases suggest close monitoring could be considered in the selected cohort., In Case 1, after 1 day of bronchoscopy, the patient developed neurological symptoms and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple acute cerebral infarction.

Integrins are transmembrane proteins that mediate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Integrin α11 (ITGA11) is not expressed in normal alveolar epithelial cells and is a known receptor for collagen. While integrin α11β1 overexpression in the tumor stroma has been associated with tumor growth and metastatic potential of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), little is known about the role of ITGA11 in tumor cells. Thus, we examined the RNA expression of ITGA11 by quantitative RT‐PCR in 80 samples collected from NSCLC patients who had undergone surgical resection and analyzed the clinical outcomes. We found that high expression of ITGA11 was associated with lower recurrence‐free survival in all NSCLC patients (P = 0.043) and in stage I NSCLC patients (P = 0.049). These results were consistent with in silico analyses of the Cancer Genome Atlas database. We also analyzed cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacity in lung cancer cell lines after overexpression of ITGA11. Overexpression of ITGA11 in lung cancer cell lines had little effect on cell proliferation but resulted in increased migration and invasion capacity. Our findings suggest that ITGA11 plays a significant role in cancer migration and invasion, leading to higher recurrence. ITGA11 expression may be a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with surgically resected NSCLC., High expression of integrin α11 (ITGA11) in non–small cell lung cancer was associated with higher cancer stage and postoperative recurrence. Our findings in human cell lines suggest that ITGA11 plays a significant role in cancer migration and invasion, leading to higher recurrence. ITGA11 expression may be a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with surgically resected non–small cell lung cancer.

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has been implemented in clinical oncology to analyze multiple genes and to guide therapy. In patients with advanced lung cancer, small biopsies such as computed tomography‐guided needle biopsy (CTNB), endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) and transbronchial biopsy (TBB) are less invasive and are preferable to resection to make a pathological diagnosis. However, the quality of DNA/RNA and NGS from small lung tumor biopsy samples is unknown. Between April 2017 and March 2018, 107 consecutive samples were obtained from thoracic tumors or metastatic sites for targeted NGS analysis. Fifteen samples were obtained through CTNB, 11 through EBUS‐TBNA, 11 through TBB and 70 through surgical resection. All samples were formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded. DNA and RNA quality was measured using the ddCq method and the percentage of RNA fragments above 200 nucleotides (DV200), respectively. Our custommade probes were designed to capture exon sequences of 464 cancer‐related genes and transcripts of 463 genes. DNA and RNA yield from the 3 biopsy methods were similar, and less than the yield obtained from resected samples. The quality of DNA and RNA was similar across all methods. Overall, 12 of 15 CTNB samples (80%), all 11 EBUS‐TBNA samples, and 9 of 11 TBB samples (82%) underwent successful NGS assays from DNA. NGS analysis from RNA was successful in all 12 CTNB samples, 9 of 11 EBUS‐TBNA samples (82%), and 8 of 11 TBB samples (73%). CTNB, EBUS‐TBNA and TBB mostly resulted in adequate DNA and RNA quality and enabled high‐quality targeted NGS analysis.

Citrobacter species can cause severe infection in immunocompetent patients. A 78-year-old man visited our hospital because he had had a fever lasting one day each month for the past 3 months. Antibiotics were initiated for suspected bronchial pneumonia, but the C-reactive protein level remained high. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed saccular brachiocephalic artery aneurysm. Citrobacter koseri was isolated from a blood culture, and he was diagnosed with infectious brachiocephalic artery aneurysm. He underwent endovascular aneurysm repair after one month of intravenous cefepime and metronidazole. We herein report for the first time an immunocompetent patient with infectious aneurysm caused by C. koseri periodontal infection.

Tumor molecular profiling is becoming a standard of care for patients with cancer, but the optimal platform for cancer sequencing remains undetermined. We established a comprehensive assay, the Todai OncoPanel (TOP), which consists of DNA and RNA hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing panels. A novel method for target enrichment, named the junction capture method, was developed for the RNA panel to accurately and cost-effectively detect 365 fusion genes as well as aberrantly spliced transcripts. The TOP RNA panel can also measure the expression profiles of an additional 109 genes. The TOP DNA panel was developed to detect single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions for 464 genes, to calculate tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability status, and to infer chromosomal copy number. Clinically relevant somatic mutations were identified in 32.2% (59/183) of patients by prospective TOP testing, signifying the clinical utility of TOP for providing personalized medicine to cancer patients.

Occupational exposure to anticancer drugs may increase the risk of cancer and the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, and cause other adverse events such as hypersensitivity reactions, skin/mucous reactions, and digestive symptoms. Several studies have investigated the use of closed-system drug-transfer devices (CSTDs) to reduce the environmental pollution by hazardous drugs. However, few reports have verified whether CSTDs contain the hazardous drugs within the vials. The BD PhaSealTM System is a CSTD that is frequently used in Japan. However, the fit of each anti-cancer drug vial has not been investigated. We investigated the fit of 71 major anti-cancer drug vials and protectors released and frequently used in Japan by means of a pressure compatibility test that we developed. The pressure compatibility test involved attaching a three-way stopcock to a Luer lock syringe and attaching an injector in line with the syringe. The pressure tubing was connected to the other side of the three-way stopcock and connected to the pressure inlet of the pressure gauge. The pressure in the anti-cancer drug vial was raised to 100 kPa and connected/disconnected repeatedly. If the pressure fluctuation during the 10th connection was within 6%, it was defined as "no change", and the compatibility of the protector and the vial was evaluated. The median pressure reduction rates at the 10th connection ranged from -1.98% to -4.95%. All drugs surveyed had an error rate within 6%. The BD PhaSealTM Protector was shown to be compatible with the 71 anti-cancer drugs we surveyed.

Todai OncoPanel (TOP) has been established at The University of Tokyo and consists of DNA (version 3: 464 genes) and RNA panels (version 4: 463 genes). The University of Tokyo Hospital started TOP analysis in February 2017 as a research project approximately in 250 patients. Then, clinical sequencing for advanced solid tumors by TOP panel was performed as Advanced Medical Care Category B in 200 patients toward approval from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (Patient accrual was completed in December 2019). In this study, we performed TOP analysis in 54 gynecological malignancies and found various types of actionable somatic mutations, gene fusions, germline mutations (in BRCA1, BRCA2, and mismatch repair genes), as well as high tumor mutational burden. We describe the efficacy and the utility of TOP for gynecological malignancies, using our comprehensive analysis of the 54 gynecological malignancy cases. These findings will highlight the usefulness of cancer genomic profiling and shed light on precision medicine in gynecological malignancies.

1551 Background: Cancer genomic profiling (CGP) tests have been approved in Japan since June 2019, with the requisite that all test results be discussed by molecular tumor boards (MTBs). More than 20,000 patients in over 200 designated hospitals have taken CGP tests by December 2021. As CGP tests have entered clinical practice, streamlining decision making by MTBs and standardizing interpretation of test results and treatment recommendations have become urgent issues. Here, we evaluated the utility of Chrovis, an annotation algorithm for reporting CGP tests to support MTBs make their recommendations. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the reporting process of all approved CGP tests done at The University of Tokyo Hospital between December 2019 and November 2021. Chrovis provided annotation for each genetic variant by incorporating biologic, clinical, and therapeutic information by referencing several public knowledge databases and using natural language processing, and generated reports using the automated program. The MTB reviewed and made any necessary changes before finalizing the report. Changes in disclosure of germline findings were made according to the recommendations of a national guideline with consideration of past and family history. Results: Of the 243 tests, 91 changes in 81 Chrovis reports (33% of all reports) were made by the MTB. The most common type of change was germline disclosure with 26 changes (29%), followed by clinical trial information in Japan (18 changes, 20%) and recommendation of the patient-proposed national basket trial with multiple targeted agents (17 changes, 19%). Changes in germline disclosure increased from June 2021, when an update to a national guideline was released, while the proportion of changes in the latter two types remained unchanged. Gene alterations that led to the highest number of changes was TP53, with 13 changes. Changes in therapeutic recommendations were frequently observed in the RAS/MAPK pathway ( BRAF, KRAS, NF1, NRAS) with 12 changes. More changes were required with a tumor-only tissue CGP panel (57 of 149) compared with a matched tumor/normal tissue CGP panel (24 of 94, p = 0.04), mostly due to germline disclosure (24 vs. 2 changes). Conclusions: We observed that automated algorithm-based reporting was sufficient in 67% of reports. Recommendation for germline disclosure still requires manual supervision, particularly with tumor-only tissue CGP panels if algorithms do not incorporate medical history. The process of recommending clinical trials needs improvement, e.g., standardizing database formats for inclusion and exclusion criteria.

11032 Background: Treatment recommendations (TRs) by molecular tumor boards (MTBs) based on comprehensive genomic profiling tests are crucial for enrolling cancer patients in genotype-matched trials. Our previous study of Japanese designated ‘Core’ hospitals using simulated cases showed that TRs for biomarkers with high evidence levels (ELs) were highly concordant between central consensus and MTBs, whereas those with low ELs showed low concordance, indicating that a learning program (LP) about obtaining information on matched trials, particularly for those with low ELs, is needed to improve the quality of TRs by MTBs (Kage H. ESMO 2021). Therefore, we conducted a nationwide prospective study to investigate the clinical utility of an LP for MTBs in designated ‘Hub’ hospitals and explore the efficacy of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based annotation system. Methods: Fifty simulated cases were randomly divided into 2 groups (pre- and post-tests) by the central statistician, stratified by high vs. low ELs. Each MTB at ‘Hub’ hospitals (group), treating physicians at ‘Core’ hospitals (individual), and an AI company were eligible. Each participant made TRs for the first 25 cases, then participated in the LP, and made TRs for the second 25 cases. The online LP shared the methodology of making the optimal TRs and showed central consensus TRs for simulated cases. The primary endpoint was the proportion of MTBs that met prespecified ‘accreditation’ criteria for the second 25 cases: > 90% concordance for high ELs and > 40% for low ELs. Expected and threshold proportions of ‘accreditation’ MTBs were 50% and 20%, respectively, and the planned sample size was 24 MTBs. The improvements in concordance rates in TRs on post-tests were key secondary endpoints. The concordance rate of TRs with the AI system was an exploratory endpoint. Results: From May to December 2021, 47 participants applied, and 42 (27 MTBs, 14 individuals, and an AI company) were eligible. The primary ‘accreditation’ rate of MTBs was 55.6% (95% CI, 35.3-74.5%, p < 0.001), and the ‘accreditation’ rate of individuals was 35.7% (95% CI, 12.8-64.9%, p = 0.17). TR concordance rates improved significantly, from 57.5% (95% CI, 51.7-63.1%) to 65.7% (95% CI, 59.2-71.6%) [odds ratio (OR): 1.23, p = 0.04]. A prespecified subgroup analysis showed an improved concordance rate for biomarkers with low ELs for MTBs (OR, 1.32: 95% CI, 1.00-1.73), but not for individuals (OR, 1.11: 95% CI, 0.75-1.63). TR concordance rates with the AI system were 80% (95% CI, 60.0-91.4%) and 84% (95% CI, 64.3-93.9%) for pre- and post-tests, respectively. Conclusions: This LP significantly improved the quality of TRs by MTBs, potentially leading to providing more matched trials to cancer patients. TRs by the AI system showed higher concordance with central consensus TRs than MTBs, suggesting the clinical utility of AI-based TRs over those by MTBs.