Phase III Randomized Trial of Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the addition of bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor, to platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with chemotherapy-naïve (or with prior platinum as part of multimodal therapy completed ≥ 4 months earlier) recurrent or metastatic SCCHN were randomly assigned to receive a platinum-based chemotherapy doublet with or without bevacizumab 15 mg/kg given intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression. Chemotherapy could be discontinued after six cycles if a maximum response was achieved. RESULTS: The study randomly assigned 403 patients. Median overall survival (OS) was 12.6 months with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy (BC) and 11.0 months with chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.09; P = .22). At 2, 3, and 4 years, the OS rates were 25.2% v 18.1%, 16.4% v 10.0%, and 11.8% v 6.4% for BC versus chemotherapy, respectively. In an analysis of 365 eligible patients who started treatment, the hazard ratio was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.65 to 1.04; P = .10), with a median OS of 14.2 months on BC v 11.1 months on chemotherapy. Median progression-free survival with BC was 6.0 months v 4.3 months with chemotherapy (P = .0014). Overall response rates were 35.5% with BC and 24.5% with chemotherapy (P = .016). There was increased toxicity, including a higher rate of treatment-related grade 3 to 5 bleeding events (6.7% v 0.5%; P \u3c .001) and treatment-related deaths (9.3% v 3.5%; P = .022) with BC versus chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy did not improve OS but improved the response rate and progression-free survival with increased toxicities. These results encourage biomarker-driven studies of angiogenesis inhibitors with better toxicity profiles in select patients with SCCHN

Therapeutic strategies in METex14 skipping mutated non-small cell lung cancer

AbstractMETex14 skipping mutations occur in about 3–4% of lung adenocarcinoma patients and 1–2% of patients with other lung cancer histology. The MET receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are established oncogenic drivers of NSCLC. A mutation that results in loss of exon 14 in the MET gene leads to dysregulation and inappropriate signaling that is associated with increased responsiveness to MET TKIs. Results from GEOMETRY mono-1 and VISION Phase I/II clinical trials demonstrated significant clinical activity in patients treated with the MET Exon 14 skipping mutation inhibitors capmatinib and tepotinib with tolerable toxicity profile. In the GEOMETRY mono-1 trial, capmatinib was especially active in treatment-naïve patients supporting the upfront testing of this oncogenic driver. Tepotinib demonstrated superior activity in the pretreated patients in the VISION trial. Savolitinib is another MET TKI that has shown efficacy in the first- and second-line settings, including patients with aggressive pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma. These studies have demonstrated that these TKIs can cross the blood brain barrier and demonstrated some activity toward CNS metastases. MET Exon 14 skipping mutation is detected by NGS-based testing of liquid or tissue biopsies, with preference for RNA-based NGS. The activity of capmatinib and tepotinib is limited by the development of acquired resistance. Current research is focused on strategies to overcome resistance and improve the effectiveness of these agents. Our aim is to review the current status of MET Exon 14 skipping mutation as it pertains NSCLC

Therapeutic strategies in RET gene rearranged non-small cell lung cancer

The recent approvals by the Food and Drug Administration several tumor-agnostic drugs have resulted in a paradigm shift in cancer treatment from an organ/histology-specific strategy to biomarker-guided approaches. RET gene fusions are oncogenic drivers in multiple tumor types and are known to occur in 1-2% of non-squamous NSCLC patients. RET gene fusions give rise to chimeric, cytosolic proteins with constitutively active RET kinase domain. Standard therapeutic regimens provide limited benefit for NSCLC patients with RET fusion-positive tumors, and the outcomes with immunotherapy in the these patients are generally poor. Selpercatinib (LOXO-292) and pralsetinib (BLU-667) are potent and selective inhibitors that target RET alterations, including fusions and mutations, irrespective of the tissue of origin. Recently, the results from the LIBRETTO-001 and ARROW clinical trials demonstrated significant clinical benefits with selpercatinib and pralsetinib respectively, in NSCLC patients with RET gene fusions, with tolerable toxicity profiles. These studies also demonstrated that these RET-TKIs crossed the blood brain barrier with significant activity. As has been observed with other TKIs, the emergence of acquired resistance may limit long-term efficacy of these agents. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of resistance is necessary for the development of strategies to overcome them

Genomic and immunologic characterization of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung

8535 Background: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare type of lung cancer with a poor prognosis. Due to its rarity, molecular characterization of LCNEC is not well elucidated. We aim to understand the genomic and immunologic landscape of LCNEC to identify molecular alterations and relevant biological pathways with potential therapeutic value. Methods: Comprehensive profiling including whole exome sequencing (WES), next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PD-L1 was performed (Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ). Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was calculated based on somatic nonsynonymous mutations. LCNEC was categorized as small cell lung cancer (SCLC)-like LCNEC ( TP53/ RB1 co-mutated) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-like LCNEC (wild type for one or both of TP53/ RB1). Molecular features of LCNEC were compared among the subgroups and with those of SCLC using the χ 2 test with Benjamini & Hochberg correction. Results: A total of 467 cases of LCNEC were included. Commonly altered genes (≥ 5%) included TP53 (79.1%), RB1 (36.8%), SMARCA4 (10.4%), ARID1A (10.3%), KRAS (9.7%), KEAP1 (9.2%), KMT2D (8.7%), STK11 (8.4%), NF1 (7.1%), PTEN (6.1%), and CDKN2A (5.9%) . The prevalence of potentially actionable mutations was as follows: EGFR exon 19 deletion (0.48%), EGFR L858R (0.48%), ALK fusion (1.7%), KRAS G12C (2.9%). EGFR exon 19 deletion, EGFR L858R, and ALK fusion were exclusive to NSCLC-like LCNEC tumors. RET fusion, NTRK fusion and BRAF V600E were not detected. Copy number alterations (CNAs) were found in MYC (8.8%), ZNF703 (4.1%), FOXA1 (4.0%), FGFR1 (4.0%), ATK2 (3.9%), CCNE1 (3.7%), FGF19 (3.4%), TNFRSF14 (3.4%), and CCND1 (2.7%). Over-expression of cMET was noted in 10% and PD-L1 expression (by 22C3 pharmDx) of > 1% was noted in 21.5% of samples. WTS detected cMET exon 14 skipping mutations in 2.4% of samples. High tumor mutation burden (TMB; ≥ 10 Mut/MB) was seen in 40.6%. Among the 467 cases of LCNEC, 112 (24%) were SCLC-like LCNEC and 335 (76%) NSCLC-like LCNEC. Mutations in KRAS (12%), STK11 (11%), CDKN2A (9%), and SMARCA4 (14%) were more common in NSCLC-like LCNEC, compared with SCLC-like LCNEC (p value < 0.05). 442 cases of SCLC were compared with LCNEC tumors. SLFN11:SLFN12 fusion events, detected by WTS, were exclusively seen in SCLC and were not seen in any of the LCNEC cases. Gene expression profiles revealed that 1) B cell infiltration was higher in SCLC-like LCNEC, compared with SCLC, and 2) NK and T cell infiltration was lower, but B-cell infiltration was higher in NSCLC-like LCNEC, compared with SCLC. Conclusions: LCNEC displays a broad pattern of genomic alterations that overlap in the SCLC-like subset with the classic alterations in SCLC. The distinct genomic alterations and transcriptomic profiles present opportunities for therapeutic targeting and inform a future framework for development of therapeutics for LCNEC

Characterization of ERBB2 alterations in non-small cell lung cancer

e21553 Background: ERBB2 alteration (mutation and/or amplification) is associated with poor survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is commonly reported as a resistance mechanism to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Several clinical trials are ongoing for the management of ERBB2-altered NSCLC. Here we report the prevalence of different ERBB2 alterations in NSCLC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed ERBB2 alterations in NSCLC tumors that underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) with Caris Life Sciences. De-identified pathological and molecular information was collected. ERBB2 copy number of greater than 6 was defined as amplification; mutations were classified among 7 groups based on their mechanism of action. Results: A total of 12946 NSCLC tumors with ERBB2 NGS results were available. Among them, 12492 had ERBB2 copy number alteration (CNA) data available. 321 tumors (2.5%) had ERBB2 alteration (mutation or amplification). Among them, ERBB2 was mutated in 197 tumors (1.5%) and amplified in 134 (1.1%) tumors. Type of ERBB2 mutation, respective median age and distribution among sex is in the table. 10 tumors with ERBB2 mutation (7.46%) also showed ERBB2 amplification. Six percent of tumors (8/135) with ERBB2 exon 20 insertion mutations had co-occurring ERBB2 amplification. One tumor for each extracellular domain (ECD) and transmembrane group had co-occurring ERBB2 amplification. Eight tumors with ERBB2 mutation had an overlapping EGFR L858R or exon19del mutation. Seven of these 8 tumors were from the ECD group (7/21) and all had mutations in the S310 locus. One tumor was from the transmembrane group. Conclusions: Exon 20 insertion mutation is the most commonly found ERBB2 mutation among NSCLC, a few of them had co-occurring ERBB2 amplification. One third of tumors with extracellular domain ERBB2 mutation had EGFR mutation. Tarloxitinib (NCT03805841), trastuzumab deruxtucan (NCT03505719), pyrotinib (NCT02500199), poziotinib (NCT03318939) are just a few of the novel ERBB2 inhibitors available in clinical trials. It will be critical to utilize next generation sequencing to effectively capture uncommon mutations and amplifications in ERBB2 so that patients may be offered therapy directly targeted to their genomic alterations. [Table: see text

The Effects of HER2 Alterations in EGFR Mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

HER2 alteration (mutation and/or amplification) is associated with poor survival in NSCLC and can mediate resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We retrospectively analyzed de-identified molecular information from 12,946 NSCLC samples that underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) with Caris Life Sciences. The objectives were to determine the prevalence and type of HER2 alterations with and without EGFR as a co-mutation. Insurance claims were utilized to obtain outcomes data. Three hundred and twenty-one patients (2.5%) had HER2 alteration: mutation in 197 patients and amplification in 134. Median age was 65 years and 62% were female. A total of 84% were adenocarcinoma. HER2 exon 20 insertion was most common (69%). A total of 1551 (12%) patients had EGFR mutations. Among samples with EGFR mutations, 24 (1.5%) had concurrent HER2 alteration (8 with HER2 mutation and 16 with amplification). Among 8 patients who had both EGFR and HER2 mutations, 3 had EGFR exon 19 deletions and exon 8 HER2 mutation (S310F). One-third of the patients (7/21) with HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) mutation had co-occurring EGFR mutations. All 7 were S310. Patients with concurrent EGFR mutation and HER2 amplification had longer median time on treatment with EGFR TKI(s) than those with EGFR mutation without HER2 amplification (HR 2.284, P =.004). A minority of NSCLC samples with EGFR mutations had HER2 alterations. In patients with both mutations, exon 21 mutations for EGFR and exon 8 mutations for HER2 were common. It will be critical to continue to accumulate valuable clinical data for further real-world outcomes analysis. HER2 alteration can mediate resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. 12,946 NSCLC samples that underwent NGS were analyzed. 321 patients had HER2 alterations: 197 mutation and 134 amplification. Among EGFR mutations, 1.5% had concurrent HER2 alteration. EGFR mutated patients with HER2 amplification had longer time on EGFR TKI(s)

Characterization of KRAS mutations (mt) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

9544 Background: KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in NSCLC and the development of direct KRAS inhibitors has renewed interest in this molecular subtype. However, there are several different KRAS mts, representing unique biology and different prognostic and therapeutic impact. A more comprehensive understanding of the genomic landscape relative to each KRAS mt subset will help guide therapeutic development. Methods: Molecular profiles of 17,113 NSCLC specimens were obtained using next-generation sequencing of 592 genes (Caris Life Sciences) and classified based on presence and types of KRAS mt. Incidence of KRAS mts was noted across the cohort and by histology. Co-occurring genomic alterations, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and PD-L1 IHC (22C3, TPS score) were analyzed by KRAS mt type. Results: Across the entire cohort, 4706 (27%) of samples harbored a KRAS mt (Table). The most common was G12C (40%), followed by G12V (19%) and G12D (15%). The prevalence of KRAS mt was 37.2% among adenocarcinoma and only 4.4% in squamous. High TMB, defined by > 10 mts/Mb, varied across the different KRAS mt types, most common in G13X (68.3%) and least common in G12D (43.2%). PD-L1 expression also varied. G12C was the most likely to be PD-L1 positive, with 65.5% TPS > 1%, and the most likely to be PD-L1 high, with 41.3% TPS > 50%. STK11 was mutated in 8.6% of KRAS wild type NSCLC but more frequently noted in every KRAS subtype, with the highest rate in G13X (36.2%) and the lowest in G12D(14.2%). TP53 mts were more frequent in KRAS wild type NSCLC (73.6%), with the highest rate among KRAS mutants at 55.4% (G12other) and the lowest at 36.8% (Q61X). NF1 was noted to be mutated in 21.4% of KRAS G13X cases, while all other KRAS mts had a lower frequency of NF1 mts than KRAS wild type (11.5%). Conclusions: KRAS mts are relatively common in lung adenocarcinoma and KRAS G12C is the most common variant. The different KRAS mts have different co-occurring mutations and a different genomic landscape. KRAS G12C was associated with the highest rate of PD-L1 expression. The clinical relevance of these differences in the context of therapeutic intervention warrants investigation. [Table: see text

Characterization of KRAS Mutation Subtypes in Non–small Cell Lung Cancer

KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in NSCLC and development of direct KRAS inhibitors has renewed interest in this molecular variant. Different KRAS mutations may represent a unique biologic context with different prognostic and therapeutic impact. We sought to characterize genomic landscapes of advanced, KRAS-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a large national cohort to help guide future therapeutic development. Molecular profiles of 17,095 NSCLC specimens were obtained using DNA next-generation sequencing of 592 genes (Caris Life Sciences) and classified on the basis of presence and subtype of KRAS mutations. Co-occurring genomic alterations, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and PD-L1 expression [22C3, tumor proportion score (TPS) score] were analyzed by KRAS mutation type. Across the cohort, 4,706 (27.5%) samples harbored a KRAS mutation. The most common subtype was G12C (40%), followed by G12V (19%) and G12D (15%). The prevalence of KRAS mutations was 37.2% among adenocarcinomas and 4.4% in squamous cell carcinomas. Rates of high TMB (≥10 mutations/Mb) and PD-L1 expression varied across KRAS mutation subtypes. KRAS G12C was the most likely to be PD-L1 positive (65.5% TPS ≥ 1%) and PD-L1 high (41.3% TPS ≥ 50%). STK11 was mutated in 8.6% of KRAS wild-type NSCLC but more frequent in KRAS-mutant NSCLC, with the highest rate in G13 (36.2%). TP53 mutations were more frequent in KRAS wild-type NSCLC (73.6%). KRAS mutation subtypes have different co-occurring mutations and a distinct genomic landscape. The clinical relevance of these differences in the context of specific therapeutic interventions warrants investigation