Early Experiences with Triple Immunochemotherapy in Adolescents and Young Adults with High-Risk Fibrolamellar Carcinoma

Oncology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 310-317
Author(s):  
Sara Gottlieb ◽  
Claire O’Grady ◽  
Ariel Gliksberg ◽  
Paul Kent

Introduction: There are no standard systemic therapies for the treatment of fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), as surgery remains the only definitive option. We share our experiences using systemic “triple therapy” (TT) with 5-fluorouracil, interferon, and nivolumab for the treatment of relapsed, refractory, metastatic, or unresectable FLC. Methods: Data from all patients who received TT from May 2018 to July 2020 were reviewed to assess response, survival, and toxicity. Results: A total of 22 patients were treated with TT, of which 14 (median age of 21 years) were evaluable. They received a median of 18 cycles (8–44). At the time of analysis, the median progression-free survival was 9 months (4.5–26), 29% longer than prior to TT, with 5 patients achieving clinical remission, 8 patients stable or improving, and 1 progression. Overall objective response (clinical remission + partial response) was 50% and tumor control rate (clinical remission + partial response + stable disease) was 93%. Two patients withdrew from treatment due to side effects. Discussion/Conclusion: Our early results support TT as a promising medical option to slow disease progression and prolong survival in high-risk patients with FLC. TT can be administered in the outpatient setting and has shown good tolerability. Further longitudinal data is needed to confirm outcomes, especially in patients still early in their treatment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 510-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire O'Grady ◽  
Ariel Gliksberg ◽  
Paul Kent

510 Background: Fibrolamellar Carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver cancer affecting young adults without underlying liver disease. Surgery is the only proven therapy, and recurrence is common. There are no proven systemic treatments, especially for high-risk FLC (unresectable, relapse, progression, metastatic). Research suggests that immunotherapy may work. We share our experience using systemic “triple immunochemotherapy” (TT): 2 week cycles of 7 days continuous infusion 5FU or oral capecitabine, interferon alpha-2b on days 1,3,5,7 or PEG-Interferon and nivolumab on day 1. Methods: Data from all patients who received TT from 5/2018 to 9/2019 was reviewed to assess tolerability, survival and toxicity. Results: 14 patients were treated with TT of which 10 (8F,2M with a median age of 20) were evaluable. They received a median of 13 cycles (6-31). At time of analysis, the median progression free survival was 6 months, 22% longer than prior to TT, with 80% of patients (8) stable or improving, 1 progression, and 1 who died 2 months after initiating TT. For the 4 patients who achieved surgical remission, none have relapsed (PFS 9 months). Overall objective response (CR+PR) and tumor control rate (CR+PR+SD) were 60% and 80%, respectively. There were no withdrawals from treatment due to side effects, though 2 had dose adjustments. All experienced mild adverse effects, most commonly fever and headache, but only 2 patients had grade 3 toxicity. Conclusions: Our early results of TT for high-risk FLC are promising, with good tolerability and treatment response, particularly in patients who have achieved surgical CR. Further longitudinal data is needed to confirm outcomes, especially in patients still early in their treatment. [Table: see text]


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16161-e16161
Author(s):  
Sara Gottlieb ◽  
Ariel Gliksberg ◽  
Erik Schadde ◽  
Paul Kent

e16161 Background: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is an exceedingly rare liver cancer affecting children and young adults without underlying liver disease. Complete surgical resection is the primary treatment option, but recurrence is common. There are currently no established systemic therapies. We have treated patients in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting with three novel combination therapies: 5-fluorouracil/interferon/nivolumab (“Triple Therapy” or TT), gemcitabine/oxaliplatin/lenvatinib (GOL), and nivolumab/lenvatinib/quercetin (NLQ). The purpose of this study was to evaluate objective responses and tolerability of three multi-agent systemic therapies in the treatment of FLC. Methods: Data from all patients with FLC who received TT, GOL, or NLQ between May 2018 and February 2021 were reviewed. Patients who received a minimum of six cycles of systemic therapy with follow up scans at least two months after initiation were assessed based on objective response, survival, and toxicity. Results: Twenty-nine patients with FLC who were treated with novel multi-agent systemic therapy were evaluable based on the above criteria. Median age at start of treatment was 20 (7-52; 16F, 12M, 1 non-disclosed). Twenty-three patients received one combination therapy (13 TT, 8 GOL, 2 NLQ), five received two different lines (3 TT/NLQ, 2 TT/GOL), and one patient received all three novel combinations. Between our 29 patients, they had relapsed 36 total times, and 11 had already tried 2+ systemic therapies. Best RECIST 1.1 objective response (clinical remission + partial response) and tumor control rate (clinical remission + partial response + stable disease) were 58%/95%, 55%/100%, and 33%/83% for TT, GOL, and NLQ respectively. The median longest Progression Free Survival (PFS) on any novel multi-agent regimen was 9 months (2-29; 9.5 for TT, 7 for GOL, 6.5 for NLQ), with 18 patients still receiving the therapy extending their PFS. Of those with previous relapses, 56% have a PFS longer than their previous longest remission and 69% have a PFS longer than their previous shortest time to relapse. Half of patients with previous relapses are still receiving the treatment responsible for their longest PFS. Fever, chills, and nausea were the most common adverse effects experienced throughout all three regimens. Seven patients experienced 1+ grade 3 adverse event. There were no toxic deaths or organ failure. Two patients died as a result of disease; their longest PFS (1 on GOL, 1 on TT) were nine and 10 months. Conclusions: FLC is a devastating cancer with patients often relapsing even after successful surgical remission. There is a strong need for effective and tolerable systemic therapies for those with unresectable, relapsed, progressive, or metastatic disease. We have had promising results in treating FLC and prolonging survival with minimal toxicities using novel multi-agent regimens.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16653-e16653
Author(s):  
Ariel Gliksberg ◽  
Claire O'Grady ◽  
Paul Kent

e16653 Background: Fibrolamellar Carcinoma (FLC) is a very rare liver malignancy of young adults without underlying liver disease (0.02 per 100,000 in the US).. Complete resection is the primary therapy, but recurrence rates are still > 50%. Currently there are no established systemic treatments, especially for high-risk disease (unresectable, relapse, progression, or metastatic disease). At our institution triple therapy “TT” with Nivolumab/5FU/Interferon α-2b is our first line, followed by other novel combination therapies such as Gemcitabine/Oxaliplatin/Lenvantinib (GOL) or Nivolumb/Lenvantinib/Quecertin (NLQ). Objective: To evaluate the tolerability and early response of multi-agent systemic therapies in patients with high-risk FLC. Methods: Data from all patients with FLC who received systemic therapies from 5/2018 to 2/2020 was reviewed to assess tolerability, survival and toxicity. Results: Nineteen patients were treated with systemic therapies of which 16 (10F, 6M median age of 19) were evaluable based on follow up scans. Between our 16 patients they had relapsed 28 times, 12 had metastatic disease and 7 had tried 2+ systemic therapies. RECIST 1.1 objective response (CR+PR) and tumor control (CR+PR+SD) are 44% and 69%. Since starting multi-agent therapy, all 6 patients who had previously been treated with monotherapy, have already exceeded their previous longest time to progression. Thirteen patients were treated with “TT” [12.5 median cycles (6-38)]. Three patients were treated with NLQ including 2 who failed TT. Of these, the 1 evaluable patient achieved CR. Two patients were treated with GOL, 1 who failed TT and one who was post liver transplant, both had sustained PR of 6 and 9 months. Subsequently one died and one achieved CR. For the 6 patients who achieved remission before or during therapy, only 1 has relapsed. To date the period of response is already 68% longer than the previous best length of response. There was 1 withdrawal due to grade 3 colitis and 2 dose adjustments. All experienced mild adverse effects, most commonly fever, headache, and hypertension, with 3 patients with grade 3 toxicities. Conclusions: FLC is a devastating disease with patients often relapsing even after successful surgical remission. Currently there is a need for tolerable systemic therapies. Although at our institution, TT is our frontline therapy, there are other combinations of immunochemotherapies that we have used to treat FLC with preliminary success and minimal toxicities. Our early results show that multi-agent systemic therapy in hard-to-treat FLC is worthy of further study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii194-ii194
Author(s):  
Ingo Mellinghoff ◽  
Martin van den Bent ◽  
Jennifer Clarke ◽  
Elizabeth Maher ◽  
Katherine Peters ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Low-grade gliomas (LGGs; WHO grade II) are incurable and ultimately progress to high-grade gliomas. The current treatment options are surgery followed by observation (“watch and wait”) for patients with lower risk for disease progression or postoperative chemoradiotherapy (high-risk population). There are no approved targeted therapies. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations (mIDH1/2) occur in approximately 80% and 4% of LGGs, respectively, and promote tumorigenesis via neomorphic production of D-2-hydroxyglutarate. Vorasidenib, an oral, potent, reversible, brain-penetrant pan-inhibitor of mIDH1/2, was evaluated in 76 patients with glioma in two phase 1 studies (dose escalation and perioperative) and was associated with a favorable safety profile at daily doses below 100 mg. Preliminary clinical activity was observed in non-enhancing glioma patients in both studies, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 18.2% and median progression-free survival of 31.4 months in the dose escalation study. METHODS Approximately 366 patients will be randomized 1:1 to vorasidenib (50 mg QD) or matched placebo and stratified by 1p19q status (intact vs co-deleted). Key eligibility criteria: age ≥ 12 years; grade II oligodendroglioma or astrocytoma (per WHO 2016 criteria) not in need of immediate treatment and without high-risk features; centrally confirmed mIDH1/2 status; ≥ 1 surgery for glioma with most recent ≥ 1 year but ≤ 5 years before randomization, and no other anticancer therapy; Karnofsky performance status ≥ 80%; and centrally confirmed measurable, non-enhancing disease evaluable by magnetic resonance imaging. Crossover from placebo to the vorasidenib arm is permitted upon centrally confirmed radiographic progression per RANO-LGG criteria. Primary endpoint: progression-free survival assessed by independent review. Secondary endpoints: safety and tolerability, tumor growth rate assessed by volume, ORR, overall survival, and quality of life. Clinical data will be reviewed regularly by an independent data monitoring committee. The study is currently enrolling patients in the US, with additional countries planned (NCT04164901).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ophelie De Rycke ◽  
Thomas Walter ◽  
Marine Perrier ◽  
Olivia Hentic ◽  
Catherine Lombard-Bohas ◽  
...  

A rechallenge is common after initial efficacy of alkylating-based chemotherapy (ALK) in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET). High MGMT expression seems associated with lower response to ALK. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ALK rechallenge in PanNET. Secondly, to assess the evolution of MGMT expression under ALK. All consecutive patients with advanced PanNETs who received initial ALK (achieving tumor control) followed by a pause > 3 months, then an ALK rechallenge (ALK2) upon progression were retrospectively studied (Cohort A). Primary endpoint was progression-free survival under ALK2 (PFS2). The MGMT expression was retrospectively assessed by immunohistochemistry (H-score) in consecutive PanNET surgically resected following ALK (Cohort B). We foud that cohort A included 62 patients (median Ki67 8%), for which ALK1 followed by pause achieved an objective response rate of 55%, and a PFS1 of 23.7 months (95% IC, 19.8-27.6). ALK2 achieved no objective response, and stability in 62% of patients. The median PFS2 was 9.2 months (IC 95% 7.1-11.3). At multivariable analysis, a hormonal syndrome (p=0.032) and a pause longer than 12 months (p=0.041) were associated with a longer PFS2. In the cohort B (17 patients), the median MGMT H-score increased from 45 (IQR 18-105) before ALK, to 100 (IQR 56-180) after ALK (p=0.003). We conclude that after initial efficacy of ALK treatment, a pause followed by ALK rechallenge might be appropriate to prolong tumor control, improve quality of life and limit long-term adverse events. Increased MGMT expression under ALK might explain low efficacy of ALK rechallenge.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (22) ◽  
pp. 2535-2541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick A. Ott ◽  
Yung-Jue Bang ◽  
Dominique Berton-Rigaud ◽  
Elena Elez ◽  
Michael J. Pishvaian ◽  
...  

Purpose The multicohort phase Ib KEYNOTE-028 (NCT02054806) study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab, an anti–programmed death 1 monoclonal antibody, in patients with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) –positive advanced solid tumors. The results from the advanced endometrial cancer cohort are reported. Patients and Methods Female patients with locally advanced or metastatic PD-L1–positive endometrial cancer who had experienced progression after standard therapy were eligible. Patients received pembrolizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for up to 24 months or until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary efficacy end point was objective response rate by RECIST (version 1.1). Secondary end points included safety, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival, and overall survival. The data cutoff was February 17, 2016. Results Of 75 patients screened, 36 (48.0%) had PD-L1–positive tumors, and 24 (32.0%) were enrolled. Fifteen (62.5%) of these 24 patients had received at least two previous lines of therapy for advanced disease. Three patients (13.0%) achieved confirmed partial response (95% CI, 2.8% to 33.6%); the median DOR was not reached. Two patients were still receiving treatment and exhibiting continued response at time of data cutoff. Three additional patients (13.0%) achieved stable disease, with a median duration of 24.6 weeks. One patient who achieved partial response had a polymerase E mutation. Thirteen patients (54.2%) experienced treatment-related adverse events (AEs), with fatigue (20.8%), pruritus (16.7%), pyrexia (12.5%), and decreased appetite (12.5%) occurring in ≥ 10% of patients. Grade 3 treatment-related AEs were reported in four patients. No patient experienced a grade 4 AE, and no patient discontinued treatment because of an AE. Conclusion Pembrolizumab demonstrated a favorable safety profile and durable antitumor activity in a subgroup of patients with heavily pretreated advanced PD-L1–positive endometrial cancer.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2111-2111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heinz Ludwig ◽  
Katja Weisel ◽  
Maria Teresa Petrucci ◽  
Xavier Leleu ◽  
Anna Maria Cafro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Olaptesed, an L-stereo-isomer RNA aptamer, binds and neutralizes the chemokine CXCL12. By interaction with the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7, CXCL12 is responsible for trafficking and homing of normal and malignant blood cells to the bone marrow. Preclinical studies have shown synergistic activity of CXCL12-targeting and anti-myeloma agents, specifically bortezomib (BTZ). Thus, targeting the myeloma niche may increase treatment efficacy. Aims This open label single arm study was conducted to assess the activity and safety of olaptesed when added to the combination of BTZ and dexamethasone (DEX) in patients with relapsed / refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Patients and Methods Twenty-eight relapsed or refractory MM patients (males:females 14:14) were enrolled and treated according to a dose titration design. Olaptesed was administered intravenously at doses increasing from 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg in cycles 1, 2 and 3, respectively, at 1 hour prior to bortezomib administration. During cycles 4 to 8, olaptesed was dosed at the highest individually titrated dose. BTZ (1.3 mg/m2) was given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 as intravenous injection. Oral DEX (20 mg) was added on the day of and on the day after BTZ administration. Response was evaluated based on the uniform IMWG response criteria (Rajkumar SV et. al. Blood 2011; 117: 4691-5). Plasma cell mobilization was studied after a pilot dose of 1 to 4 mg/kg olaptesed administered to the initial 10 patients before start of the regular treatment regimen. Results From Aug 2012 to Feb 2014 we enrolled 28 patients who had received a median of 2 (range 1-6) lines of prior therapy. Pretreatments were lenalidomide (LEN) in 20, BTZ in 14 and carfilzomib in 1 patient. Ten patients had autologous stem cell transplantations prior to entering this study. The patient population enrolled presented predominantly with advanced disease and with adverse outcome predictors. Ten patients had ISS stage III. High-risk cytogenetics were identified in 9 of the 20 patients (45%) with FISH testing available for t(4;14), t(14;16) and/or del17p. Eleven patients were refractory to their last prior treatment, which contained BTZ in 8 cases. After two early withdrawals, 26 patients were available for outcome evaluations. The median number of completed cycles was 8. Progression led to treatment termination in 8 patients. The dose of olaptesed was titrated to 4 mg/kg in all 18 patients treated for 3 or more cycles. The single dose of olaptesed administered to 10 pilot-patients effectively mobilized plasma cells, which increased by approximately 200% for up to 3 days. Based on “best response” of the 26 evaluable patients, the overall response rate was 73%: Two patients (8%) achieved a complete response (CR), 6 patients (23%) a very good partial response (VGPR) and 11 patients (42%) a partial response (PR). Minimal response was recorded in 2 patients (8%), 4 patients (15%) had stable disease and 1 patient (4%) progressive disease. In the 9 evaluable patients with high-risk cytogenetics, the clinical responses were similar. The ORR was 67% with VGPR in 3 (33%) and PR in 3 (33%) patients. Of the 14 patients pre-treated with BTZ, 1 had a CR and 8 a PR (ORR 64%). M-protein decreased rapidly from treatment cycle 1 to cycle 4 with a decrease of ≥50% being observed in 15 of the 26 evaluable patients. Figure 1 shows a waterfall plot of the maximum observed decrease in M-protein. Figure 1: Waterfall Plot of Maximum M-Protein Change Figure 1:. Waterfall Plot of Maximum M-Protein Change Median progression-free survival (PFS) of the evaluable population was 6.5 months. It was also 6.5 months in the 9 patients with high-risk cytogenetics and 6.3 months in the 14 patients pre-treated with BTZ (Figure 2). The median follow-up was 6.3 months. Figure 2: Progression-Free Survival Figure 2:. Progression-Free Survival Treatment with olaptesed in combination with BTZ-DEX was safe and well tolerated without any appreciable increase in adverse events. Conclusions A single dose of olaptesed effectively mobilized plasma cells. Olaptesed in combination with BTZ and DEX resulted in an ORR rate of 73% and PFS of 6.5 months. Response rates and PFS were similar in patients with or without high risk cytogenetic features or with or without previous exposure to BTZ. The combination regimen was well tolerated. These findings merit further exploration of this strategy in randomized trials. Disclosures Weisel: NOXXON Pharma AG: Consultancy. Petrucci:Celgene: Honoraria; Jannsen-Cilag: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Leleu:Janssen, Celgene, leopharma, Takeda, Amgen, Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Laurent:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Kruschinski:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Dümmler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Riecke:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Engelhardt:NOXXON Pharma AG: Consultancy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9517-9517
Author(s):  
Angela Di Giannatale ◽  
Kieran Mc Hugh ◽  
Nathalie Dias ◽  
Annick Devos ◽  
Birgit Geoerger ◽  
...  

9517 Background: Temozolomide and topotecan have shown activity in several pediatric cancers, including neuroblastoma. Resistance to alkylating agents due to MGMT expression, MMR deficiency or microsatellite instability may be overcome through the combination with topoisomerase I inhibitors. The combination of temozolomide and topotecan (TOTEM) was well tolerated and showed preliminary activity in children with neuroblastoma and glioma (Rubie et al, 2010). Methods: This multicenter, non-randomized, multi-cohort Phase II study included children with neuroblastoma according to a 2-stage Simon design, and patients with central nervous system (CNS) and extra-cranial solid tumors in a descriptive design. Temozolomide was administered orally at 150 mg/m2 followed by topotecan at 0.75 mg/m2 intravenously for 5 consecutive days every 28 days. The main endpoint was objective response (OR), i.e., Complete or Partial Response (CR+PR), evaluated after 2 cycles according to WHO criteria, or INRC criteria for neuroblastoma patients with mIBG-positive lesions, by an independent radiological review. Independent review of mIBG imaging is pending. Results: 103 patients, median age 9.4 years (range 1-21), were treated between June 2009 and May 2011 in 18 centers: 38 neuroblastoma, 33 CNS tumors and 32 other solid tumors. Overall 420 cycles were administered (median 3 per patient; range 1-12). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was frequent (55% courses), though only 6% of patients developed febrile neutropenia. In the neuroblastoma cohort, 1 CR and 7 PR were observed, leading to an estimated OR rate of 21% (95%CI, 10-37%). Additionally 22 patients had disease stabilization (SD), leading to an overall tumor control (CR+PR+SD) of 79% (63-90%), and a 12-month progression-free survival rate of 47% (31-64%). Overall, 17/102 evaluable patients achieved an OR (17%, 10-25%), with 1 CR and 3 PR in 9 medulloblastoma (44%, 14-79%), 2 PR in 4 PNET, 1 PR in 12 malignant glioma, and 2 PR in 9 RMS. Conclusions: Temozolomide-topotecan combination results in significant tumor control in children with neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma/PNET with favorable toxicity profile.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2024-2024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeline Tabouret ◽  
Francoise Boudouresque ◽  
Jaime Callego Perez-Larraya ◽  
Maryline Barrie ◽  
Giuseppe Lombardi ◽  
...  

2024 Background: Predictive marker of Bev activity is an unmet medical need. We evaluated predictive value of selected circulating prebiomarkers involved in neoangiogenesis and invasion on patient outcome in recurrent HGG treated with Bev. Methods: A set of eleven prebiomakers of interest (VEGF, VEGF-R2, bFGF, SDF1, PlGF, uPA, PAI1, MMP2, MMP7, MMP9, and adrenomedulline) were analyzed in plasma, using ELISA, at baseline from Bev initiation in a prospective cohort of 26 patients (Cohort1). Correlations were validated in a separate retrospective Bev treated cohort (Cohort2; n = 50) and then tested in a cohort of patients treated with cytotoxic agents without Bev (Cohort3; n = 34). Dosages were correlated to OR, PFS, and OS. MMP2 and MMP9 were then analyzed at multiple time points up to progression. Results: In cohort1, high MMP2 baseline level was associated with an OR rate of 83.3% for high levels versus 15.4% for low MMP2 levels (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, MMP2 baseline level was correlated with PFS (hazard-ratio (HR), 3.92; 95% confidence-interval (CI):1.46-10.52; p = 0.007) and OS (HR, 4.62; 95%CI 1.58-13.53; p = 0.005), as MMP9 (p = 0.016 for PFS and p = 0.025 for OS). Similar results were found in cohort2 for MMP2, (MMP2: p<0.001 for OR; p = 0.009 for PFS; p = 0.009 for OS) but not for MMP9. In cohort3, no association was found between MMP2, MMP9 and outcome. Significant changes in MMP2 and MMP9 plasma levels were observed during treatment. MMP2 increased after Bev initiation (p = 0.002), and decreased at progression (p = 0.002) while MMP9 initially decreased (p = 0.007) then increased at progression (p = 0.031). Conclusions: In patients with recurrent HGG treated with bevacizumab, but not with cytotoxic agents, high MMP2 plasma levels are associated with prolonged tumor control and survival while changes over time may reflect tumor control. MMP2 should be tested in randomized clinical trials that evaluate bevacizumab efficacy, and its biological role should be reassessed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e22517-e22517
Author(s):  
Marianna Silletta ◽  
Grazia Armento ◽  
Giuseppe Badalamenti ◽  
Mariella spalato Ceruso ◽  
Giovanna Catania ◽  
...  

e22517 Background: Since the first steps of its clinical development, trabectedin was noticed to be extremely active against myxoid liposarcoma (MLS), whose pathogenesis seems to be associated to the presence of the t(12;16)(q13;p11) translocation, resulting in the expression of FUS-DDIT3 fusion genes. Therefore, the drug seems to induce a maturation of MLS lipoblasts, with transition of the residual spindle non-lipogenic cells into mature vacuolated lipoblasts. This effect could be prevented by the increase of leptin circulating levels in obese patients. For these reasons we designed this retrospective analysis in order to evaluate the BMI status (measure of total adipose content) as a predictors or efficacy of trabectedin in MLS patients. Methods: Patients were treated in cancer centers with trabectedin at the approved dose of 1.5 mg/m2, given as a 24-hour infusion every 3 weeks. This retrospective analysis was preformed on the basis of clinical charts or databases. For the purpose of this analysis only patient with a BMI > 18.5 were included and an the population divided into two categories: normal weight if BMI < 25, overweight > 25. An analysis of the correlation between BMI and objective response (OR) rate, tumor control (TC) rate (OR+stable disease lasting ≥3 months), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was performed. Results: 62 adult patients with recurrent MLS were enrolled (M/F: 33/29; median age: 53 ys). All patients were doxorubicin-pretreated. The median BMI in the whole population was 22.5 (range: 1.85 – 29.8). No statistically significant differences were identified in terms of OR or TC. On the contrary, PFS (6.8 vs. 3.7 months; p< 0.026, log rank test) and OS (14.9 vs. 8.3 months; p< 0.0001, log rank test) were significantly prolonged in normal weighted patients vs over weighted patients. Six and 12-months Kaplan-Meier PFS estimates and survival rates at 12, 24 and 36 months were also better in those patients. Conclusions: these results seem confirm a role o adipose content as a predictor of resistance to trabectedin in MLS patients. Further studies are warranted to confirm this preliminary observation and understand the biological mechanisms of this relationship.


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