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Background Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2-positive) cancers have a high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) spread, but unfortunately systemic trastuzumab which targets the HER2 receptor has little CNS penetration. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose of intrathecal trastuzumab and its efficacy in patients with HER2-positive leptomeningeal disease (LMD). Methods This multicenter study enrolled 34 LMD patients in a combined phase I/II study in treating patients with intrathecal trastuzumab. Any HER2-positive histology was allowed in the phase I; the phase II was limited to HER2-positive breast cancer. Results Intrathecal trastuzumab was well-tolerated, with one dose limiting toxicity of grade 4 (arachnoiditis) occurring at the 80 mg twice weekly dose. The recommended phase II dose was 80 mg intrathecally twice weekly. Twenty-six patients at dose level 80 mg were included in evaluation for efficacy: partial response was seen in 5 (19.2%) patients, stable disease was observed in 13 (50.0%), and 8 (30.8%) of the patients had progressive disease. Median overall survival (OS) for phase II dose treated patients was 8.3 months (95% CI 5.2–19.6). The phase II HER2-positive breast cancer patients median OS was 10.5 months (95% CI 5.2–20.9). Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were limited in the setting of concurrent systemic trastuzumab administration, however, did show stable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations with repeated dosing suggest that trastuzumab does not accumulate in the CSF in toxic concentrations. Conclusion This study suggests promise for potentially improved outcomes of HER-positive LMD patients when treated with intrathecal trastuzumab while remaining safe and well-tolerated for patients.

During therapy, adaptations driven by cellular plasticity are partly responsible for driving the inevitable recurrence of glioblastoma (GBM). To investigate plasticity-induced adaptation during standard-of-care chemotherapy temozolomide (TMZ), we performed in vivo single-cell RNA sequencing in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors of GBM before, during, and after therapy. Comparing single-cell transcriptomic patterns identified distinct cellular populations present during TMZ therapy. Of interest was the increased expression of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 ( RRM2 ), which we found to regulate dGTP and dCTP production vital for DNA damage response during TMZ therapy. Furthermore, multidimensional modeling of spatially resolved transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis in patients’ tissues revealed strong correlations between RRM2 and dGTP. This supports our data that RRM2 regulates the demand for specific dNTPs during therapy. In addition, treatment with the RRM2 inhibitor 3-AP (Triapine) enhances the efficacy of TMZ therapy in PDX models. We present a previously unidentified understanding of chemoresistance through critical RRM2-mediated nucleotide production.

Supplemental Figure 2. Glioblastoma patient overall survival.

Supplemental Figure 5. Confirmation of gut microbiota depletion.

Supplementary Materials and Methods

Supplemental Figure 6. Characterization of the potent clinical-grade IDO enzyme inhibitor, BGB-7204.

Supplemental Figure 1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the analysis of human subjects diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM).

Supplemental Figure 7. Bioluminescent imaging.

Purpose:Wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase–expressing glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with a median age at diagnosis of ≥65 years. It accounts for approximately 90% of all GBMs and has a median overall survival (OS) of Experimental Design:(i) Clinical data: GBM patient datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse, and clinical studies evaluating ICB were stratified by age and compared for OS. (ii) Animal models: young, middle-aged, and older adult wild-type and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO)-knockout syngeneic mice were intracranially engrafted with CT-2A or GL261 glioma cell lines and treated with or without CTLA-4/PD-L1 mAbs, or radiation, anti–PD-1 mAb, and/or a pharmacologic IDO enzyme inhibitor.Results:Advanced age was associated with decreased GBM patient survival regardless of treatment with ICB. The advanced age–associated increase of brain IDO expression was linked to the suppression of immunotherapeutic efficacy and was not reversed by IDO enzyme inhibitor treatment.Conclusions:Immunosuppression increases in the brain during advanced age and inhibits antiglioma immunity in older adults. Going forward, it will be important to fully understand the factors and mechanisms in the elderly brain that contribute to the decreased survival of older patients with GBM during treatment with ICB.

Supplemental Figure 4. Confirmatory analysis of T cell depletion method.

Survival is dismal for bevacizumab refractory high-grade glioma patients. We prospectively investigated the efficacy of re-irradiation, bevacizumab, and temozolomide in bevacizumab-naive and bevacizumab-exposed recurrent high-grade glioma, without volume limitations, in a single arm trial. Recurrent high-grade glioma patients were stratified based on WHO grade (4 vs. grade 3 lymphopenia and 2 with > grade 3 thrombocytopenia. No radiographic or clinical radiation necrosis occurred. Re-irradiation with bevacizumab and temozolomide is a safe and feasible salvage treatment for patients with large volume bevacizumab-refractory high-grade glioma. Patients further from their initial radiotherapy may derive greater benefit with this regimen.

We present a case of new onset bilateral lower extremity weakness, paresthesia, urinary retention and bowel incontinence in a 51-year-old man. He had a complicated history of acute myelogenous leukemia with known central nervous system (CNS) and leptomeningeal involvement status post allogenic stem cell transplant complicated by chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). We review the differential diagnosis as the physical exam and diagnostic results evolved. We also provide a review of the relevant literature supporting our favored diagnosis, as well as other competing diagnoses in this complicated case. The ultimate differential diagnosis included viral myelitis, treatment-related myelopathies, and CNS GVHD. The case provides a sobering reminder that even with an appropriate diagnostic workup, some cases remain refractory to therapeutic efforts. It also underscores the importance of a sensitive neurologic exam, given the significant clinico-radiological delay, and reviews the complex differential diagnosis for myelopathy.

Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2-positive) cancers have a high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) spread, but unfortunately systemic trastuzumab which targets the HER2 receptor has little CNS penetration. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of intrathecal trastuzumab and its efficacy in patients with HER2-positive LMD.This multicenter study enrolled 34 LMD patients in a combined Phase I/II study in treating patients with intrathecal trastuzumab. Any HER2-positive histology was allowed in the Phase I; the Phase II was limited to HER2-positive breast cancer.Intrathecal trastuzumab was well tolerated, with one dose limiting toxicity of grade 4 (arachnoiditis) occurring at the 80 mg twice weekly dose. The recommended Phase II dose was 80 mg intrathecally twice weekly. Twenty-six patients at dose level 80mg were included in evaluation for efficacy: partial response was seen in 5 (19.2%) patients, stable disease was observed in 13 (50.0%), and 8 (30.8%) of the patients had progressive disease. Median overall survival (OS) for Phase 2 dose treated patients was 8.3 months (95% CI 5.2 to 19.6). The Phase II HER2-positive breast cancer patients median OS was 10.5 months (95% CI 5.2 to 20.9). Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were limited in the setting of concurrent systemic trastuzumab administration, however, did show stable CSF concentrations with repeated dosing suggest that trastuzumab does not accumulate in the CSF in toxic concentrations.This study suggests promise for potentially improved outcomes of HER-positive LMD patients when treated with intrathecal trastuzumab while remaining safe and well-tolerated for patients.

BACKGROUND IDHwt glioblastoma with unmethylated MGMT gene promoter carries a poor prognosis. Preclinical studies have shown that combination of radiotherapy and dual immunotherapy with nivolumab and IDO inhibition significantly prolongs survival of mice with an orthotopic glioblastoma [Ladomersky, et al. CCR 2018;24(11):2559-2573]. In a clinical trial in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma with unmethylated MGMT we substituted temozolomide for dual immunotherapy combination. METHODS Phase 1 trial [NCT04047706] using a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design. All received standard radiotherapy (30 x 2 Gy) with addition of once daily oral BMS-986205 and intravenous nivolumab (240mg every 2 weeks) begining on day 1 of radiotherapy and continuing until disease progression or intolerance. BMS-986205 dosing was increased from 50 mg to 100 mg. DLT period encompasses 6 weeks of radiotherapy and the 4 subsequent weeks. Immunocorrelatives being conducted before and after treatment include mass spectrometry for tryptophan and kynurenine levels, immunohistochemistry of resected tumor, and RNA-sequencing and flow cytometric analysis of PBMCs. RESULTS Twelve patients were treated on 2 dose levels of BMS-986205 (50, 100 mg). Treatment-emergent toxicity was as expected for this population. Three (25%) treatment-related SAEs were reported. Dose limiting toxicity of grade 3 transaminase elevation was observed in 2 patients at the 100 mg dose level, while at lower doses of BMS-986205 no substantial alterations of liver enzymes was observed. No other relevant treatment related toxicity occured. Ongoing immunocorrelative profiling and preliminary outcome data (all patients minimal follow-up >12 months) will be available at the time of the meeting. CONCLUSIONS Dose limiting toxicity of BMS-986205 in combination with nivolumab and radiotherapy is hepatic (reversible) transaminitis. The recommended dose for further investigation is 50 mg. Accrual is ongoing for the MGMT promoter methylated cohort using the same regimen without withholding temozolomide. A randomized phase 2/3 trial is approved within the NRG network.

Background Progress in extending the survival of glioblastoma (GBM) patients has been slow. A better understanding of why patient survival remains poor is critical to developing new strategies. Postmortem studies on GBM can shed light on why patients are dying. Methods The brains of 33 GBM patients were autopsied and examined for gross and microscopic abnormalities. Clinical-pathologic correlations were accomplished through detailed chart reviews. Data were compared with older published autopsy GBM studies that predated newer treatment strategies, such as more extensive surgical resection and adjuvant temozolomide. Results In older GBM autopsy series, mass effect was observed in 72% of brains, with herniation in 50% of all cases. Infiltration of tumor into the brainstem was noted in only 21% of those older cases. In the current series, only 10 of 33 (30%) GBMs showed mass effect (P = 0.0003), and only 1 (3%) showed herniation (P < 0.0001). However, extensive GBM infiltration of the brainstem was present in 22 cases (67%, P < 0.0001), with accompanying destruction of the pons and white matter tracts. There was a direct correlation between longer median patient survival and the presence of brainstem infiltration (16.1 mo in brainstem-invaded cases vs 9.0 mo in cases lacking extensive brainstem involvement; P = 0.0003). Conclusions With improving care, severe mass effect appears to be less common in GBM patients today, whereas dissemination, including life-threatening brainstem invasion, is now more pronounced. This has major implications regarding preclinical GBM models, as well as the design of clinical trials aimed at further improving patient survival.

BACKGROUND H3 K27M-mutant DMG predominantly affects children and young adults; no effective therapy is known. ONC201 is a first-in-class, anti-cancer DRD2 antagonist and ClpP agonist. METHODS Fifty pediatric and adult patients with recurrent H3 K27M DMG who received oral ONC201 monotherapy in clinical trials and expanded access were selected for a planned efficacy analysis. Eligibility criteria included measurable contrast-enhancing disease by RANO-HGG criteria (excluding pontine and spinal cord tumors), KPS/LPS≥60, ≥90 days from prior radiation, and adequate washout from prior anti-cancer therapy. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) by RANO-HGG criteria. Secondary endpoints included duration of response, time to response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), corticosteroid response rate, performance status response rate, and ORR by RANO-LGG criteria. Radiographic endpoints were assessed by dual-reader blinded independent central review. Data cutoff was May 31, 2021. RESULTS ORR was 20.0% (95%CI, 10.0–33.7) by RANO-HGG criteria. Median duration of response was 11.2 months (95%CI, 3.8–not reached) and median time to response was 8.3 months (range, 1.9–15.9). PFS at 6 months was 35.1% (95%CI, 21.2–49.3). The ORR was 26.0% (95%CI, 14.6–40.3) by RANO-LGG criteria. Fifteen patients (30.0%; 95%CI, 17.9–44.6) achieved an objective response by RANO-HGG and/or RANO-LGG criteria. Of 15 patients receiving ≥4 mg daily dexamethasone at baseline, 7 (46.7%; 95%CI, 21.3–73.4) achieved ≥50% confirmed reduction in dose. Of 34 patients with baseline KPS/LPS CONCLUSIONS ONC201 monotherapy exhibits durable and clinically meaningful efficacy in recurrent H3 K27M-mutant DMG.

The lack of precision therapies combined with limited therapeutic access to intracranial tumor sites due to the presence of the blood-brain/blood-tumor barriers have contributed to glioblastoma (GBM) being one of the most difficult cancers to effectively treat. We have developed a novel precision medicine approach for GBM treatment that involves the use of brain-penetrant RNA interference (RNAi)-based spherical nucleic acids (SNAs). In this study, we used SNAs consisting of gold nanoparticle cores covalently conjugated with radially oriented and densely packed siRNA oligonucleotides. Based upon previous preclinical evaluation, we conducted toxicology and toxicokinetic studies in non-human primates, and a single-arm, open-label phase 0 first-in-human trial (NCT03020017) to determine safety, pharmacokinetics, intratumoral accumulation and gene-suppressive activity of systemically administered SNAs carrying siRNA specific for the GBM oncogene Bcl2Like12 (Bcl2L12). Patients with recurrent GBM were treated with intravenous administration of siBcl2L12-SNAs (drug moniker: NU-0129), at a dose corresponding to 1/50th of the no-observed-adverse-event-level (NOAEL), followed by tumor resection. Safety assessment revealed no significant treatment-related toxicities. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence microscopy, and silver staining of resected GBM tissue demonstrated that intravenously administered SNAs reached patient tumors, with gold (Au) enrichment observed in the tumor-associated endothelium, macrophages and tumor cells. NU-0129 uptake into glioma cells correlated with significant reduction in tumor-associated Bcl2L12 protein expression, as indicated by comparison of NU-0129-treated recurrent vs. matched primary (i.e., untreated) tumor. Our results establish SNA nanoconjugates as a brain-penetrant precision medicine approach for the systemic treatment of GBM.

Background Advanced age is a major risk factor for the development of many diseases including those affecting the central nervous system. Wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase glioblastoma (IDHwt GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain cancer and accounts for ≥90% of all adult GBM diagnoses. Patients with IDHwt GBM have a median age of diagnosis at 68–70 years of age, and increasing age is associated with an increasingly worse prognosis for patients with this type of GBM. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases were analyzed for mortality indices. Meta-analysis of 80 clinical trials was evaluated for log hazard ratio for aging to tumor survivorship. Results Despite significant advances in the understanding of intratumoral genetic alterations, molecular characteristics of tumor microenvironments, and relationships between tumor molecular characteristics and the use of targeted therapeutics, life expectancy for older adults with GBM has yet to improve. Conclusions Based upon the results of our analysis, we propose that age-dependent factors that are yet to be fully elucidated, contribute to IDHwt GBM patient outcomes.

Background Breast cancer is the second most common cancer associated with brain metastases. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that impact the time to brain metastases in breast cancer patients at a single institution. Methods Single institution retrospective study that captured all consecutive stage 2 and stage 3 breast cancer patients from 2003 to 2010. Patient characteristics analyzed included age, hormone status, HER2 receptor status, grade, stage, and time from breast cancer diagnosis to brain metastasis. Results A total of 1218 patients were eligible for the final analysis. 849 (69.7%) patients were ER+/HER2−, 90 (7.4%) were HER2+, and 279 (22.9%) were triple-negative (TN). Overall, 74 patients (6.1%) developed brain metastases over a median follow up time of 92 months. Median times to brain metastases for HER2+, TN, and ER+/HER2− patients were 20, 26, and 57 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that TN disease (HR = 2.043, P = .015), grade (HR = 1.667, P = .024) and stage (HR = 3.851, P < .001) were independent risk factors for earlier brain metastases. Median times to brain metastases were 34 and 52 months for stage 3 and 2 patients, and 30, 49, and 71 months for grade 3, 2, and 1 tumors, respectively. Conclusions This single-institutional case series demonstrates that TN breast cancer, higher stage, and higher histologic grade are associated with earlier brain metastases in multivariate analysis. Additional prospective studies are warranted to investigate the impact of brain metastases screening on survival outcome in this high-risk defined group.

Corticosteroids have been essential in the management of brain tumor patients for decades, primarily for the treatment of peritumoral cerebral edema and its associated neurologic deficits. Dexamethasone is the drug of choice with standard practice being administration up to four times per day, however, because of its long biologic half-life and high potency, once or twice a day dosing is likely adequate in patients without elevated intracranial pressure. The length of corticosteroid treatment should be limited to the shortest period of time to minimize the risk of potential toxicities that can significantly affect quality of life, as well as to avoid a possible detrimental impact on survival in high-grade glioma patients and abrogation of the effect of immunotherapy. Agents such as bevacizumab should be considered in patients who are unable to wean completely off of steroids as well as those who have symptomatic edema and are on immunotherapy. Several other agents have been studied without much success. An increased understanding of the complex pathophysiology of peritumoral vasogenic edema is critically needed to discover new agents that are safer and more effective.

Purpose: Wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase–expressing glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with a median age at diagnosis of ≥65 years. It accounts for approximately 90% of all GBMs and has a median overall survival (OS) of Experimental Design: (i) Clinical data: GBM patient datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse, and clinical studies evaluating ICB were stratified by age and compared for OS. (ii) Animal models: young, middle-aged, and older adult wild-type and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO)-knockout syngeneic mice were intracranially engrafted with CT-2A or GL261 glioma cell lines and treated with or without CTLA-4/PD-L1 mAbs, or radiation, anti–PD-1 mAb, and/or a pharmacologic IDO enzyme inhibitor. Results: Advanced age was associated with decreased GBM patient survival regardless of treatment with ICB. The advanced age–associated increase of brain IDO expression was linked to the suppression of immunotherapeutic efficacy and was not reversed by IDO enzyme inhibitor treatment. Conclusions: Immunosuppression increases in the brain during advanced age and inhibits antiglioma immunity in older adults. Going forward, it will be important to fully understand the factors and mechanisms in the elderly brain that contribute to the decreased survival of older patients with GBM during treatment with ICB.

BACKGROUND The American Academy of Neurology Institute and Society for Neuro-Oncology recommend multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB) meetings as a quality metric in neuro-oncology. With the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in travel restrictions, we expanded our existing MTB by transitioning to a virtual format that maintained our commitment to providing consultation for primary CNS tumor cases. This transition permitted participation by neuro-oncology teams from over 30 Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC)/National Cancer Institute-Comprehensive Oncology Network Evaluating Rare CNS Tumors (NCI-CONNECT) centers across the United States. Here, we describe results from opening our MTB remotely to these teams. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed records from remote MTB meetings held between April 2020 and March 2021. To gauge the impact of our MTB on clinical management, we administered a brief survey querying BTTC members. RESULTS Twenty-eight providers presented 41 cases during 24 virtual MTB meetings (range: 1-4 cases per meeting). Two cases (5%) were presented only for educational value. Approximately half (54%) of the cases discussed dealt with diagnosis/management of an NCI-CONNECT rare CNS tumor. During MTB discussions of the 39 cases seeking diagnosis/management recommendations, 32% received clinical trial recommendations, 10% were suggested to enroll in the NCI Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB) Natural History Study (NCT02851706), 17% received a recommendation to obtain central neuropathology review, and 100% received recommendations for further disease management. Most BTTC survey respondents (83%) found these recommendations impactful in the management/treatment of their presented case or generally useful/informative for their clinical practice. CONCLUSION We describe the feasibility and utility of an innovative virtual multi-institutional MTB. These novel remote meetings allowed for discussion of complex neuro-oncology cases and recommendations from experts, particularly important for those with rare CNS tumors. Our study’s findings during the COVID-19 pandemic of the value of providing remote access to MTBs should apply post-pandemic.

H3 K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) have a dismal prognosis. We report an integrated analysis for ONC201, a DRD2 antagonist and ClpP agonist, in patients with recurrent H3 K27M DMG administered as monotherapy in 3 clinical studies (NCT03295396, n=20; NCT02525692, n=6; or expanded access, n=4) by independent, central radiology review among 30 patients. At baseline, patients had measurable contrast-enhancing disease by RANO criteria, KPS>60, and were >90 days from prior radiation. Patients with primary lesions that involved the pons or spinal cord or had evidence of leptomeningeal or cerebrospinal fluid dissemination were excluded. ONC201 was orally administered at 625 mg (scaled by body weight for patients < 18 years old) weekly in 29 patients and every 3 weeks in 1 patient. Median age was 31 years (range 8–70; two patients < 18). There were 16 women and 14 men. Tumors were predominantly thalamic (73%), with other locations including the cerebellum (5%), brainstem (non-pontine) (3%), basal ganglia (3%), and midbrain (3%). Median time from prior radiation was 7.5 months. The most frequent drug-related adverse events were low grade nausea (10%) and fatigue (10%). Nine patients (30%) had >50% regression of T1 contrast enhancement and 11 (36.7%) patients had regression of T2/FLAIR. Objective response rate and progression-free survival by RANO criteria, as well overall survival will be reported. Among 8 patients with sustained radiographic regressions, 6 were tapered off dexamethasone and 4 had improvement in KPS. Five patients (16.7%) remain on treatment with a median of 9.5 months (range 7.3–12). In conclusion, single agent ONC201 is well tolerated and clinically active in recurrent H3 K27M DMG patients.

BACKGROUND Progress in extending the survival of glioblastoma (GBM) patients has been slow, suggesting that preclinical and clinical trial approaches may not fully take into account the nature of this cancer. A better understanding of why GBM patient survival remains poor is critical to developing new strategies. Postmortem studies on GBM can shed light on how GBM spreads and how GBM patients are dying. METHODS The brains of 25 GBM patients were autopsied and examined for gross and microscopic abnormalities. Clinical-pathologic correlations were accomplished through detailed chart reviews. Data were compared with older published autopsy GBM studies that predated the use of concurrent radiation and temozolomide (RT/TMZ). RESULTS In pre-RT/TMZ GBM autopsy series, mass effect was observed in 72% of brains, with herniation in 50% of cases. Extensive infiltration of tumor into the brainstem occurred in only 21% of those older cases. In the current series, only 7 of 25 (28%) GBMs showed mass effect (P=0.0004), and none (0%) showed herniation (P< 0.0001). However, extensive GBM infiltration through the cerebral peduncles, into the brainstem, was present in 17 cases (68%, P< 0.0001), with accompanying destruction of the brainstem and white matter tracts. There was a direct correlation between longer patient survival and the presence of brainstem infiltration (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS With improving care, severe mass effect is less common in GBM patients today, whereas life-threatening brainstem invasion is now more frequent. This has major implications regarding preclinical GBM models, as well as the design of clinical trials aimed at further improving patient survival.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study evaluated the relationship between histologic subtype and treatment outcomes following SRS for the treatment of multiple brain metastases (MBM). METHODS We analyzed patients with MBM, defined here as >= 3 lesions, treated with SRS at our institution. Primary histologies examined were NSCLC, breast, and melanoma. Patients were categorized according to histology-specific subtypes (NSCLC-EGFR, ALK, KRAS, PD-L1%; breast-HER2, ER, PR; melanoma-BRAF). The primary outcome was local control (defined by RANO-BM) and secondary outcomes included intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS 141 patients met inclusion criteria (66 NSCLC, 61 breast, and 14 melanoma). HER2+ and BRAF V600E+ lesions had increased rates of local control following SRS (P=0.0048 and P=0.0256, respectively) compared to other breast/melanoma subtypes. EGFR mutation was not associated with increased local control with SRS (71 vs 74%), but increased iPFS (P=0.0031). On multivariable analysis, EGFR+ was independently associated with a decreased time-dependent risk of death (P=0.011). The use of progressively newer generations of EGFR-directed therapies was associated with stepwise decreasing risk of intracranial progression and death. HER2+ disease had improved iPFS and OS (P=0.0058 and P< 0.0001, respectively; it was not an independent risk factor for progression or death; however, the use of HER2-directed antibodies was associated with decreased risk of death (p=0.036). The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (i.e. lapatanib) was not associated with improvements, although this was a small subset. CONCLUSIONS Some histologic subtypes appear to have better control with SRS, with HER2+ breast cancer and BRAF V600E+ melanoma associated with improved outcomes – this requires further validation; a volumetric analysis is pending. This the protective effect of EGFR mutation appears to be partly related to use of EGFR inhibitors, with the use of newer-generation therapies leading to improved outcomes; although local control with SRS remains excellent regardless of the mutation.

Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis from systemic cancers can involve the brain parenchyma, leptomeninges (pia, subarachnoid space and arachnoid mater), and dura. Leptomeningeal metastases (LM), also known by different terms including neoplastic meningitis and carcinomatous meningitis, occur in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. This review will focus exclusively on LM arising from solid tumors with a goal of providing the reader an understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, prognostication, current management and future directions.

BACKGROUND: Re-irradiation has recently garnered interest as a treatment option for recurrent high grade glioma. Evidence supporting benefits in this population is evolving, but little is known about impact on quality of life (QOL). QOL patient reports were collected in a phase II hypofractionated re-irradiation study. METHODS: Patients with recurrent anaplastic glioma or glioblastoma were stratified into four groups based on histology and prior bevacizumab exposure. Treatment consisted of 45 Gy radiation delivered in 25 fractions with daily temozolomide 75 mg/m2 and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. This was followed by adjuvant daily temozolomide 50 mg/m2 for 6 weeks and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks in an 8 week cycle for up to 6 cycles, or until progression or intolerance. FACT-Brain and FACIT-Fatigue were collected as secondary end-point data prior to treatment start, at end of the concurrent phase, and after each cycle. RESULTS: Of 54 patients treated, 42 (78%) had evaluable QOL data. Mean baseline FACT-Br and FACIT-Fatigue scores were within expected ranges for persons with brain tumors. Significant declines were noted in FACT-Br Total (p=0.4), FACT-Br TOI (p=.05) and FACIT-Fatigue (p

Objective: Due to the burden of neurologic disease, there is high demand for neurologists, child neurologists, and neurosurgeons. Only 2.6% of graduating medical students matched in neuromedicine residencies in 2014. This number will not likely meet the needs of the population or the projected shortfall. To compensate for this, the medical education system has an obligation to ensure competence in neuromedicine for all trainees and mentorship for students pursuing training in the field. We aim to evaluate the state of the neurology clerkship in US medical schools and how this impacts graduates entering the field. Methods: Publicly available curricula of 158 US medical schools were reviewed. Presence of a required neurology clerkship, its duration, and the year offered were tabulated, as were the availability of child neurology and neurosurgery electives and affiliated neuromedicine residencies. The total graduating students from each medical school matching into neuromedicine residencies for 2011–2014 were recorded. Repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to assess the relationship of these variables to number of students matching into the collective neuromedicine. Results: All but 4 schools (97%) published clerkship information. Neurology was a required clerkship at 56% of reporting institutions. Residency match data were not published from 53 schools (35%) and these were excluded from the analysis. In the remaining schools, all variables showed a relationship to students matching in neuromedicine residencies. Conclusions: The presence of a required neurology clerkship and opportunities for students to explore neuromedicine during medical school correlates with students matching into neuromedicine residencies.

Low-grade gliomas are infiltrative primary brain tumors that most commonly occur in young adults. They are relatively slow growing compared with high-grade gliomas. The World Health Organization classification system was updated in 2016 to define low-grade gliomas using molecular markers in addition to histology. IDH mutation is an independent marker associated with better outcomes. Management is individualized based on tumor histology, molecular characterization, and patient risk factors. Given the longer course and natural history of low-grade gliomas, the goals of treatment should be to prolong overall survival and minimize neurocognitive decline. Early maximum safe resection is the first line of treatment. While low-risk patients may be followed with observation after surgery, patients with high-risk factors (subtotal resection, agegt; 40 years, IDH wild-type tumors) should be treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Improved understanding of the molecular characteristics of low-grade gliomas will further guide risk stratification and allow the identification of treatment approaches that are more effective and less toxic.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults with a dismal prognosis despite aggressive multimodal management thus novel treatments are urgently needed. Gene therapy is a versatile treatment strategy being investigated in multiple cancers including GBM. In gene therapy, a variety of vectors or “carriers” are used to deliver genes designed for different anti-tumoral effects. Gene delivery vehicles and approaches to treatment will be addressed in this review. The most commonly studied vectors are viral based, however, driven by advances in biomedical engineering, mesenchymal and neural stem cells, as well as multiple different types of nanoparticles have been developed to improve tumor tropism and also increase gene transfer into tumor cells. Different genes have been studied including suicide genes, which convert non-toxic prodrug into cytotoxic drug; immunomodulatory genes, which stimulate the immune system; and tumor suppressor genes which repair the defect that allow cells to divide unchecked. Gene therapy may be a promising treatment strategy in neuro-oncology as it is versatile and flexible due to the ability to tailor vectors and genes for specific therapeutic activity. Pre-clinical studies and clinical trials have demonstrated feasibility and safety of gene therapy; however, further studies are required to determine efficacy.

Objective To develop an understanding of the availability of the formal clinical neuro-oncology educational opportunities for medical students. Methods The curriculum websites of all medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education were reviewed for the presence of clinical neuro-oncology electives as well as other relevant data. Results Ten (6.8%) of medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education offer formal neuro-oncology electives. Half are clustered in the Midwest. Forty percent are at institutions with neuro-oncology fellowships. All are at institutions with neurosurgery and neurology residency programs. Conclusions Formal clinical neuro-oncology elective opportunities for medical students in the United States and Canada are limited. Additional such opportunities may be of value in the education of medical students.

BACKGROUND Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumor with limited treatment options following the progression after WBRT. METHODS This open label phase 2 study for patients have progressed following WBRT enrolled participants who received bevacizumab 10 mg/kg intravenously every two weeks until CNS disease progression (one cycle=4 weeks). The primary endpoint was objective radiographic tumor response as defined by modified Response Assessment in Neuro-oncology (RANO) criteria. Secondary endpoints included safety, progression free survival (PFS), time to response, duration of response, overall survival (OS), and quality of life (QOL) as measured by FACT-G and FACT-Br. RESULTS A total of 27 patients were registered of which 24 were evaluable for ORR (3 came off study prior to first follow up MRI brain). Median age was 53 (range 27–73), median number of cycles was 5.5 (range 1–20) with a median follow up of 8.7 months (range 2.4–47.9mo). Of the 24 evaluable patients, 6 showed radiographic response (Partial response=6, stable disease=16, progressive disease=2, 81% (22/24) experienced clinical benefit). The 6 month PFS: 46% (95% CI: 25% - 67%) and median PFS was 5.3 months. Median OS was 9.5 months (95% confidence interval 6.3m – 15.0m). For the patients who completed sequential QOL assessments, there no decline in QOL seen secondary to treatment and there was a non statistically significant improvement seen in the FACT-Br questionnaire. Overall, treatment was well tolerated with 3 grade 3 adverse events seen: hypertension (n=3), headache (n=1) and thrombotic event (n=1). CONCLUSION For this pretreated BM population with historically poor clinical outcome and survival, we showed disease response with bevacizumab therapy, drug tolerability and improved survival as compared to historical controls. While larger studies are needed to confirm, bevacizumab therapy could be a viable option for solid tumor BM patients who experience progression following WBRT.

2070 Background: Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial malignancy with overall a poor prognosis estimated at approximately 4 months from time of initial diagnosis for treated patients, and even lower after failing WBRT after which treatment options have been limited and outcomes poor. Methods: This is an open label phase 2 study where patients who have previously failed WBRT received bevacizumab at a dose of 10 mg/kg intravenously every two weeks until CNS disease progression with one cycle being defined as 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was objective radiographic tumor response as defined by modified Response Assessment in Neuro-oncology (RANO) criteria. Secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS) at 6 months, time to progression, time to response, duration of response, overall survival (OS), quality of life (QOL) as measured by the FACT-G and FACT-Br and safety. Results: A total of 27 patients were consented and registered to study of which 24 were evaluable for ORR (3 came off study prior to first follow up MRI brain). Medianage was 53 (range 27-73), median number of cycles was 5.5 (range 1-20) with a median follow up of 8.7 months (range 2.4-47.9mo). Of the 24evaluable patients, there were 6 Partial response, 16 stable disease and 2progressive disease. The 6 month PFS: 46% (95% CI: 25% - 67%) and median PFS was 5.3 months. Median OS was 9.5 months (95% confidence interval 6.3m – 15.0m). For the patients who completed sequential QOL assessments, there was no significant decline in QOL but there was a nonsignificant improvement in the FACT-Br scores. Overall, treatment was well tolerated with 3grade 3 adverse events seen: hypertension (n = 3), headache (n = 1) and thrombotic event (n = 1). Conclusions: For this WBRT failure BM population, we were able to show a 25% disease response to bevacizumab therapy along with good drug tolerability and no noted central nervous system bleeding. Improved survival as compared to historical controls was seen 9.5 m. Of the 24 evaluable patients, 81% (22/24) experienced clinical benefit defined as stable disease or better. Bevacizumab therapy could be a viable option for solid tumor BM patients who experience progression following WBRT, however a larger trial is required to confirm this data. Clinical trial information: NCT01898130.

3012 Background: Glioblastoma is a difficult to treat tumor with therapeutics limited by their ability to cross the blood brain barrier. SNAs, i.e., gold nanoparticle cores covalently conjugated with a corona of densely packed, highly oriented siRNA oligonucleotides targeted to the GBM oncogene BCL2L12, represent a novel class of blood-brain and blood-tumor barrier-permeable nanomedicinal conjugates, for suppressing gene expression in the tumors of GBM patients. Methods: This is a single-arm, open-label, “window of opportunity” phase 0 first-in-human trial to determine the safety and bioavailability of a novel nanotherapeutic compound, NU-0129. Enrolled patients were treated with intravenous NU-0129 at the dose of 0.04mg/kg. This treatment dosing was considered microdosing defined as 1/50ththe NOAEL (no observed adverse event level) from non-human primate studies. Treatment was followed by tumor resection 8-48 hours later. Primary outcome patient safety and toxicity was monitored weekly for 3 weeks post-infusion. Secondary objectives included biodistribution of NU0129 in tissue, evaluation of pharmacokinetics of NU0129 and the feasibility of NU0129 administration. Exploratory objectives included Bcl2L12 expression and post treatment apoptotic markers as well as progression free survival and overall survival rates. Results: 8 patients were enrolled, treated and subsequently underwent surgical resection. No significant treatment related toxicities were seen. Severe ( > grade 3) adverse events were observed in two patients: hypophosphatemia (one grade 3, one grade 4) and one patient with grade 3 lymphopenia, all were considered as “possibly related” by treating oncologists. In 6 of the 8 patients sufficient tumor tissue was available for analysis of gold accumulation by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry), and gold accumulation was seen in the tumor tissue of all 6 of these patients. Conclusions: Macrodosing of the nanotherapeutic NU-0129 was well tolerated in glioblastoma patients with no unexpected adverse effects and showed initial evidence of crossing blood brain barrier. Immunohistochemistry for Bcl2L12 expression, apoptotic markers, and PK studies are pending. The demonstration of gold nanoparticles in the tumor tissue validates this approach for drug delivery. Clinical trial information: NCT03020017.

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor with a prevalence of about 170,000 in the United States. For patients with WHO grade II meningioma, the two-year and five-year overall survival was 93% and 73%, respectively. Patients with malignant meningioma (grade III) had significantly worse outcomes, with two-year and five-year overall survival rates of 57% and 42%. The recurrence rate remains high and in the case of grade 3 meningioma overall survival is as low as 3 years after diagnosis. The current treatment for high grade and recurrent meningioma includes maximal safe surgical resection and radiation. Tumor treating fields (TTFields) and Bevacizumab (BEV) have been reported to show activity in recurrent and high-grade meningioma. The combination of TTFields and BEV may provide a viable treatment option for patients with recurrent and high grade meningioma. This Phase 2 Simon two-staged, non-randomized, open-label, phase II, single arm clinical trial [NCT02847559] will investigate the combination of TTFields and BEV in recurrent or progressive meningioma. The primary endpoint will be progression free survival (PFS) at 6 months (PFS-6). Secondary endpoints will include overall survival (OS); Tumor Response Rate (TRR), Objective Response Rate (ORR); and Quality of Life (QOL) using FACT-Br questionnaire. Patients (N=27), including those who have failed prior BEV therapy, will receive BEV IV 10 mg/kg over 30-90 minutes on days 1 and 15 of courses 1-4. Beginning on day 1 of course 5, patients may choose to receive bevacizumab IV 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks or remain on the every 2-week schedule. Patients will receive TTFields 200 KHz (1-3 V/cm) daily via the Optune device for at least 18 hours/day. This study is powered to detect a true PFS-6 rate of 20% with 80% probability (80% power) and to detect a true PFS-6 rate of 5% with 90% probability (alpha=0.10). We planned for 27 patients in total to have 24 evaluable patients. For patients who are unable to obtain commercial BEV, the study has been amended to include a monotherapy arm of TTFields alone to increase the pool of eligible patients. Citation Format: Priya Kumthekar, Timothy Kruser, Sean Sachev, Jeffrey Raizer, Sean Grimm, Karan Dixit. Tumor treating fields in combination with Bevacizumab in recurrent or progressive meningioma in a phase II study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT081.

Meningiomas are the most common adult primary intracranial tumor. Despite their higher incidence, there have not—until recently—been as many advances in understanding and managing meningiomas. Thus far, two broad classes of meningiomas have emerged on the basis of their mutational profile: those driven by neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) inactivation and those with non-NF2 driver gene alterations, such as mammalian target of rapamycin and Hedgehog, Wingless/b-catenin, Notch, transforming growth factor-b receptor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phospholipase C pathway alterations. In addition to improvements in molecular diagnostics, advances in imaging are being studied to better predict tumor behavior, stratify risk, and potentially monitor for disease response. Management consists primarily of surgery and radiation therapy and there has been limited success from medical therapies, although novel targeted agents are now in clinical trials. Advances in imaging and understanding of the genetic makeup of meningiomas demonstrate the huge potential in revolutionizing the classification, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of meningiomas..

Treating patients with brain tumors can be divided into tumor-directed therapies, the management of tumor-related symptoms and complications and the psychosocial aspect of patient care. In this review, we will discuss the management of disease and treatment-related complications, which can negatively impact patient quality of life and functional status. Brain edema is a common complication or brain tumors and often causes more symptoms than the tumor itself. Treatment options are limited to the use of corticosteroids, which although effective have a plethora of side effects, so the goal should be the lowest dose that maximizes symptoms. Seizures are more common in lower grade brain tumors and treatment should be limited to patients who have seizures using agents that do not affect the metabolism of other drugs, especially chemotherapies. Blood clots are also common in patients and although there is a "fear" of tumoral bleeding, this is not a frequent occurrence; hence, using anticoagulants should be routinely used in patients who experience this complication.

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) represents 14.9% of all primary brain tumors in the US with ≥12,000 new cases expected in 2017. Current management lacks any curative therapies and remains palliative through the use of surgery, postoperative radiotherapy and concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy. This study compares guideline-recommended-care to current practice patterns in GBM patients treated in the community, which is largely unknown.

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor with a prevalence of ~170,000 in the United States. For patients with WHO grade II meningioma, the two- and five-year overall survival was 93% and 73%, respectively. Patients with malignant meningioma (grade III) had significantly worse outcomes, with two-year and five-year overall survival rates of 57% and 42%. The recurrence rate remains high and for grade 3 meningioma overall survival is as low as 3 years after diagnosis. The current treatment for high grade and recurrent meningioma includes maximal safe surgical resection and radiation. Tumor treating fields (TTFields) and Bevacizumab (BEV) have been reported to show activity in recurrent and high-grade meningioma. This Phase 2 Simon two-staged, non-randomized, open-label, phase II, single arm clinical trial [NCT02847559] will investigate the combination of TTFields and BEV in recurrent or progressive meningioma. The primary endpoint is progression free survival (PFS) at 6 months (PFS-6). Secondary endpoints will include overall survival (OS); Tumor Response Rate (TRR), Objective Response Rate (ORR); and Quality of Life (QOL) using FACT-Br questionnaire. Patients (N=27) will receive BEV IV over 30–90 minutes on days 1 and 15 of courses 1–4. Beginning on day 1 of course 5, patients may choose to receive bevacizumab IV every 3 weeks or remain on the every 2-week schedule. Patients will receive TTFields 200KHZ daily via the Optune device for over 18 hours. This study is powered to detect a true PFS-6 rate of 20% with 80% probability (80% power) and to detect a true PFS-6 rate of 5% with 90% probability (alpha=0.10). We planned for 27 patients in total to have 24 evaluable patients. For patients who are unable to obtain commercial BEV, the study has been amended to include a monotherapy arm of TTFields alone to increase the pool of eligible patients.