Chromosome 8q24 amplification predicts prognosis for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15654-e15654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Cheng ◽  
Mengli Huang ◽  
Wenzhuan Xie ◽  
Chan Gao ◽  
Shangli Cai ◽  
...  

e15654 Background: China accounts for over 50% of global liver cancer burden and most patients have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Currently, very little is known about the mutational landscape of Chinese HCC patients because it is risky to perform tissue biopsy on late-stage patients. In this study, this problem was overcome by genetic profiling using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and frequently mutated loci were evaluated as biomarkers for prognosis prediction. Methods: Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on ctDNA obtained from patients with advanced HCC using a 150-gene panel. The relationship between overall survival (OS) and genetic alterations was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method. The predictive value of frequently mutated genes was then validated using 607 western HCC cases of the cBioPortal (http://www.cbioportal.org,including TCGA and other two studies). Impact of 8q24 amplification on transcription of other genes was analyzed using mRNA data from TCGA database. Results: Fifty-eight Chinese advanced HCC patients were enrolled and ctDNA was detected in 89.7% of them. The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 (57.7%) and TERT (30.8%) and amplification of chromosome 8q24 occurred at a higher frequency (20.0%) than previously reported for western HCC patients. The 8q24 amplified patients showed significantly shorter OS compared to those without 8q24 amplification (4.9 months vs. Not Reached, p = 0.008). This was confirmed by the cBioPortal database, where 8q24 amplification, which was identified in 10.1% of the HCC cases, was also associated with decreased OS (55.6 months vs.102.7 months, p < 0.001). Gene expression analysis using TCGA mRNA data revealed that upon 8q24 amplification, transcription of 56 genes was upregulated and 169 genes were downregulated, among which ABC transporters, RAS signaling and Hippo signaling pathways were significantly enriched in 8q24 amplified population (p = 0.001, 0.015, 0.027, respectively) as suggested by KEGG analysis. Conclusions: Amplification of chromosome 8q24 ocurred at a higher frequency in Chinese HCC patients and showed promise as a biomarker for prognosis prediction.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15606-e15606
Author(s):  
Mao Li ◽  
Ailin Wei ◽  
Wenzhuan Xie ◽  
Jing Zhao ◽  
Zhengyi Zhao ◽  
...  

e15606 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with a particularly high prevalence in China. The genomic profiling in HCC had been widely explored with tissue biopsy, however, given the intrinsic risks of invasive approach, blood-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been proposed as a promising alternative. In this study, we aim to investigate whether the ctDNA may serve as a reliable tool to provide a more accurate molecular snapshot of HCC in Chinese patients. Methods: Plasma samples from 385 Chinese patients with advanced HCC were assayed for somatic genomic alternations by hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) with 150 genes and a mean sequencing depth of more than 3000×. The results were compared with our internal tissue genomic database of Chinese HCC patients (N = 873) tested by NGS and TCGA database (N = 373) tested by whole exome sequencing. Genomic alterations including single nucleotide variation (SNV), insertions/deletions, copy number variations, gene rearrangement and fusions were assessed. Results: Among 385 patients with ctDNA testing, somatic genomic alternations were detected in 97% of the patients (median = 5 alterations/patient). The most prevalent SNV mutations from ctDNA sequencing were TP53 (45.7%), TERT (19.5%), CTNNB1 (12.5%), and LRP1B (8.3%) compared to our tissue database (TP53 (61.2%), CTNNB1 (15.6%), TERT (13.3%), and LRP1B (11.0%)). While in TCGA database, the most common SNV mutations were found in TP53 (30.1%), CTNNB1 (26.0%), LRP1B (8.8%), ARID1A (8.6%), and SPTA1 (7.5%). Moreover, the level of MSAF was associated with detectable variant types, evidenced by a significant higher MSAF level observed when amplifications (P < 0.0001) or fusions (P = 0.008) were detected in the samples. Conclusions: Molecular analysis of patients with advanced HCC through ctDNA can serve as a reliable alternative to tissue biopsy. Chinese HCC patients may have different mutational landscapes to Western population. The utility of ctDNA analysis can provide therapeutically exploitable genomic profiles to identify potentially actionable gene alterations for targeted therapies.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 731
Author(s):  
Renáta Váraljai ◽  
Susanne Horn ◽  
Antje Sucker ◽  
Daniela Piercianek ◽  
Verena Schmitt ◽  
...  

Background: Development of brain metastases in advanced melanoma patients is a frequent event that limits patients’ quality of life and survival. Despite recent insights into melanoma genetics, systematic analyses of genetic alterations in melanoma brain metastasis formation are lacking. Moreover, whether brain metastases harbor distinct genetic alterations beyond those observed at different anatomic sites of the same patient remains unknown. Experimental Design and Results: In our study, 54 intracranial and 18 corresponding extracranial melanoma metastases were analyzed for mutations using targeted next generation sequencing of 29 recurrently mutated driver genes in melanoma. In 11 of 16 paired samples, we detected nucleotide modifications in brain metastases that were absent in matched metastases at extracranial sites. Moreover, we identified novel genetic variants in ARID1A, ARID2, SMARCA4 and BAP1, genes that have not been linked to brain metastases before; albeit most frequent mutations were found in ARID1A, ARID2 and BRAF. Conclusion: Our data provide new insights into the genetic landscape of intracranial melanoma metastases supporting a branched evolution model of metastasis formation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e001945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Sum Lung Wong ◽  
Gerry Gin Wai Kwok ◽  
Vikki Tang ◽  
Bryan Cho Wing Li ◽  
Roland Leung ◽  
...  

BackgroundProgrammed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway blockade with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a standard therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nowadays. No strategies to overcome ICI resistance have been described. We aimed to evaluate the use of ipilimumab and anti-PD-1 ICIs (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) combinations in patients with advanced HCC with progression on prior ICIs.MethodsPatients with advanced HCC with documented tumor progression on prior ICIs and subsequently received ipilimumab with nivolumab/pembrolizumab were analyzed. Objective response rate (ORR), median duration of response (DOR), time-to-progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were assessed.ResultsTwenty-five patients were included. The median age was 62 (range: 51–83). About 68% were of Child-Pugh (CP) Grade A and 48% had primary resistance to prior ICI. At median follow-up of 37.7 months, the ORR was 16% with a median DOR of 11.5 months (range: 2.76–30.3). Three patients achieved complete response. The median TTP was 2.96 months (95% CI: 1.61 to 4.31). Median OS was 10.9 months (95% CI: 3.99 to 17.8) and the 1 year, 2 year and 3 year survival rates were 42.4%, 32.3% and 21.6%, respectively. The ORR was 16.7% in primary resistance group and 15.4% in acquired resistance group (p=1.00). All responders were of CP A and Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) Grade 1 or 2. CP and ALBI Grades were significantly associated with OS (p=0.006 and p<0.001, respectively). Overall, 52% of patients experienced TRAEs and 12% experienced Grade 3 or above TRAEs.ConclusionsIpilimumab and nivolumab/pembrolizumab can achieve durable antitumor activity and encouraging survival outcomes with acceptable toxicity in patients with advanced HCC who had prior treatment with ICIs.


BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stine Karlsen Oversoe ◽  
Michelle Simone Clement ◽  
Britta Weber ◽  
Henning Grønbæk ◽  
Stephen Jacques Hamilton-Dutoit ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and aims Studies suggest that mutations in the CTNNB1 gene are predictive of response to immunotherapy, an emerging therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers the possibility of serial non-invasive mutational profiling of tumors. Combining tumor tissue and ctDNA analysis may increase the detection rate of mutations. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of the CTNNB1 p.T41A mutation in ctDNA and tumor samples from HCC patients and to evaluate the concordance rates between plasma and tissue. We further evaluated changes in ctDNA after various HCC treatment modalities and the impact of the CTNNB1 p.T41A mutation on the clinical course of HCC. Methods We used droplet digital PCR to analyze plasma from 95 patients and the corresponding tumor samples from 37 patients during 3 years follow up. Results In tumor tissue samples, the mutation rate was 8.1% (3/37). In ctDNA from HCC patients, the CTNNB1 mutation rate was 9.5% (9/95) in the pre-treatment samples. Adding results from plasma analysis to the subgroup of patients with available tissue samples, the mutation detection rate increased to 13.5% (5/37). There was no difference in overall survival according to CTNNB1 mutational status. Serial testing of ctDNA suggested a possible clonal evolution of HCC or arising multicentric tumors with separate genetic profiles in individual patients. Conclusion Combining analysis of ctDNA and tumor tissue increased the detection rate of CTNNB1 mutation in HCC patients. A liquid biopsy approach may be useful in a tailored therapy of HCC.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 611-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuomi Ueshima ◽  
Naoshi Nishida ◽  
Masatoshi Kudo

Objectives: Previously, no therapeutic agent has been known to improve the overall survival compared with placebo in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who have progressed after sorafenib. In this patient population, regorafenib was first demonstrated to confer a survival benefit in the RESORCE trial, and subsequently it was approved as a second-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC. An open-label expanded access program (EAP) of regorafenib was implemented for compassionate use. We investigated the efficacy and safety of regorafenib based on our experience of the RESORCE trial and the EAP. Methods: Data from 5 patients from the RESORCE trial and 6 from the EAP were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had tolerated prior sorafenib and were progressing during sorafenib treatment. Results: The median progression-free survival was 9.2 months (95% CI 2.3-16.1). One patient achieved a partial response and 7 achieved stable disease. The objective response rate was 9.1%, and the disease control rate was 72.7%. No treatment-associated mortalities were observed. Grade 3 hypophosphatemia was observed in 2 patients, grade 2 anorexia was observed in 5 patients, and grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 2 patients. Grade 2 and grade 3 thrombocytopenia were observed in 2 and 3 patients, respectively. All treatment-related adverse events were improved by reduction or interruption of regorafenib. Five patients showed decreased serum albumin levels. Conclusion: Sorafenib and regorafenib sequential therapy presents a safe and effective treatment option for patients with advanced HCC.


2021 ◽  
pp. 224-231
Author(s):  
Richard T. Lee ◽  
Peiying Yang ◽  
Asrar Alahmadi ◽  
Jennifer McQuade ◽  
Eric Yuan ◽  
...  

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer worldwide, and for advanced HCC the prognosis is poor. Preliminary studies indicate mistletoe extracts may have anticancer activity for HCC. Methods: A prospective observational case series of advanced HCC patients that chose to take a mistletoe extract called viscum fraxini-2 (VF-2) alone for treatment. Time on treatment, imaging, and laboratory values were collected for descriptive analyses. Results: A total of 12 patients with advanced HCC enrolled onto the protocol, and 10 patients had data available for evaluation. The majority were male (10/12) with a median age of 64 (SD 11). Most patients had received sorafenib therapy (9/12) and had varying Child-Pugh classes (A-4, B-6, C-2). Treatment with VF-2 ranged from 1 to 36 weeks with a mean of 12.3 weeks (SD 12). Six patients received 8 weeks of treatment, and 3 patients received 12 or more weeks of treatment. For patients that received at least 4 weeks of treatment, the average AFP value stabilized during the first 4 weeks of treatment. Two patients experienced an AFP decrease of >30%, approximately 37 and 40% decreases at the nadir. One patient had stable disease of 9 months. Major side effects were fever, fatigue, rash, and local injection site reaction of swelling, redness, and tenderness. Conclusion: This case series of advanced HCC indicates that mistletoe extract VF-2 may have potential biological activity against HCC for selected patients. Research is needed to identify the active compound and predictive markers of response.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai-Lin Yang ◽  
Mau-Shin Chi ◽  
Hui-Ling Ko ◽  
Yi-Ying Huang ◽  
Su-Chen Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background To investigate maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of axitinib, a selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1–3 inhibitor, in combination with radiotherapy (RT) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This phase I study followed the rule of traditional 3 + 3 design. Major eligibility included: (1) patients with advanced HCC unsuitable for surgery, radiofrequency ablation or transarterial chemoembolization, or who failed after prior local–regional treatment; (2) failure on sorafenib or no grant for sorafenib from health insurance system. Eligible patients with advanced HCC received axitinib for total 8 weeks during and after RT. Three cohorts with axitinib dose escalation were planned: 1 mg twice daily (level I), 2 mg twice daily (level II) and 3 mg twice daily (level III). The prescribed doses of RT ranged from 37.5 to 67.5 Gy in 15 fractions to liver tumor(s) and were determined based on an upper limit of mean liver dose of 18 Gy (intended isotoxic RT for normal liver). The primary endpoint was MTD of axitinib in combination with RT. The secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), RT in-field response rate, acute and late toxicities, overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Results Total nine eligible patients received axitinib dose levels of 1 mg twice daily (n = 3), 2 mg twice daily (n = 3) and 3 mg twice daily (n = 3). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) did not occur in the 3 cohorts; the MTD was defined as 3 mg twice daily in this study. ORR was 66.7%, including 3 complete responses and 3 partial responses, at 3 months after treatment initiation. With a median follow-up of 16.6 months, median OS was not reached, 1-year OS was 66.7%, and median PFS was 7.4 months. Conclusions Axitinib in combination with RT for advanced HCC was well tolerated with an axitinib MTD of 3 mg twice daily in this study. The outcome analysis should be interpreted with caution due to the small total cohort. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02814461), Registered June 27, 2016—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02814461


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 843-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie B. Thomas ◽  
Jeffrey S. Morris ◽  
Romil Chadha ◽  
Michiko Iwasaki ◽  
Harmeet Kaur ◽  
...  

Purpose The study objective was to determine the proportion of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with the combination of bevacizumab (B) and erlotinib (E) who were alive and progression free at 16 weeks (16-week progression-free survival [PFS16]) of continuous therapy. Secondary objectives included response rate, median PFS, survival, and toxicity. Patients and Methods Patients who had advanced HCC that was not amenable to surgical or regional therapies, up to one prior systemic treatment; Childs-Pugh score A or B liver function; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0, 1, or 2 received B 10 mg/kg every 14 days and E 150 mg orally daily, continuously, for 28-day cycles. Tumor response was evaluated every 2 cycles by using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Group criteria. A total of 40 patients were treated. Results The primary end point of PFS16 was 62.5%. Ten patients achieved a partial response for a confirmed overall response rate (intent-to-treat) of 25%. The median PFSevent was 39 weeks (95% CI, 26 to 45 weeks; 9.0 months), and the median overall survival was 68 weeks (95% CI, 48 to 78 weeks; 15.65 months). Grades 3 to 4 drug-related toxicity included fatigue (n = 8; 20%), hypertension (n = 6; 15%), diarrhea (n = 4; 10%) elevated transaminases (n = 4; 10%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (n = 5; 12.5%), wound infection (n = 2; 5%) thrombocytopenia (n = 1; 2.5%), and proteinuria, hyperbilirubinemia, back pain, hyperkalemia, and anorexia (n = 1 each). Conclusion The combination of B + E in patients who had advanced HCC showed significant, clinically meaningful antitumor activity. B + E warrant additional evaluation in randomized controlled trials.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document