FoxQ1 Overexpression Influences Poor Prognosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Associates with the Phenomenon of EMT

BACKGROUND: We determined the expression of forkhead box Q1 (FoxQ1), E-cadherin (E-cad), Mucin 1 (MUC1), vimentin (VIM) and S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4), all epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) indicator proteins in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue samples. We also investigated the relationship between these five proteins expression and other clinicopathologic factors in NSCLC. Finally, we assessed the potential value of these markers as prognostic indicators of survival in NSCLC's patients. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize the expression of the FoxQ1 mRNA and protein in NSCLC. Expression of transcripts and translated products for the other four EMT indicator proteins was assessed by immunohistochemistry in the same clinical NSCLC samples. RESULTS: FoxQ1 mRNA and protein were up-regulated in NSCLC compared with normal tissues (P = 0.015 and P<0.001, respectively). Expression of FoxQ1 in adenocarcinoma was higher than in squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.005), and high expression of FoxQ1 correlated with loss of E-cad expression (P = 0.012), and anomalous positivity of VIM (P = 0.024) and S100A4 (P = 0.004). Additional survival analysis showed that high expression of FoxQ1 (P = 0.047) and E-cad (P = 0.021) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: FoxQ1 maybe plays a specific role in the EMT of NSCLC, and could be used as a prognostic factor for NSCLC

Modulation of tumor eIF4E by antisense inhibition: A phase I/II translational clinical trial of ISIS 183750—an antisense oligonucleotide against eIF4E—in combination with irinotecan in solid tumors and irinotecan‐refractory colorectal cancer

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a potent oncogene that is found to be dysregulated in 30% of human cancer, including colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC). ISIS 183750 is a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) designed to inhibit the production of the eIF4E protein. In preclinical studies we found that EIF4e ASOs reduced expression of EIF4e mRNA and inhibited proliferation of colorectal carcinoma cells. An additive antiproliferative effect was observed in combination with irinotecan. We then performed a clinical trial evaluating this combination in patients with refractory cancer. No dose-limiting toxicities were seen but based on pharmacokinetic data and tolerability the dose of irinotecan was reduced to 160 mg/m(2) biweekly. Efficacy was evaluated in 15 patients with irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer. The median time of disease control was 22.1 weeks. After ISIS 183750 treatment, peripheral blood levels of eIF4E mRNA were decreased in 13 of 19 patients. Matched pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsies showed decreased eIF4E mRNA levels in five of nine patients. In tumor tissue, the intracellular and stromal presence of ISIS 183750 was detected by IHC in all biopsied patients. Although there were no objective responses stable disease was seen in seven of 15 (47%) patients who were progressing before study entry, six of whom were stable at the time of the week 16 CT scan. We were also able to confirm through mandatory pre- and posttherapy tumor biopsies penetration of the ASO into the site of metastasis

First-in-human study of REGN3767 (R3767), a human LAG-3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), ± cemiplimab in patients (pts) with advanced malignancies

Background: We present initial safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy from the dose escalation study of R3767, alone (mono) or in combination with cemiplimab (REGN2810), a PD-1 mAb (combo), in pts with advanced malignancies (NCT03005782). Methods: Pts who had progressed on prior therapy(ies) and/or for whom no therapy with clinical benefit was available were enrolled; most pts had received no prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1. Pts received R3767 1, 3, 10, or 20 mg/kg every 3 weeks (Q3W) ± cemiplimab 3 mg/kg or 350 mg Q3W IV for ≤51 weeks. Crossover from mono to combo was allowed at progression. R3767 PK were evaluated. Tumor measurements were performed Q6W for the first 24 weeks and subsequently Q9W. Data cut-off date was Aug 25, 2018. Results: Mono: 27 pts (median age: 66 yr; ECOG PS: 0 [n=4], 1 [n=23]) were treated. There were no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). The most common treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was nausea (22.2%). Grade ≥3 immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of increased alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (each 3.7%) were reported. By investigator-assessment (per RECIST 1.1; INV), best response was stable disease in 11 pts. Combo: 42 pts (median age: 60 yr; ECOG PS: 0 [n=15], 1 [n=27]) were treated. One pt treated with R3767 3 mg/kg Q3W + cemiplimab 3 mg/kg Q3W experienced DLT of grade 4 elevated blood creatine phosphokinase, associated with grade 3 myasthenia syndrome and grade 1 elevated troponin. The most common TEAEs were fatigue (33.3%) and nausea (21.4%). Grade 3 irAE of hypothyroidism (2.4%) was also reported. By INV, 2 (both small cell lung cancer) combo pts and 2 (endometrial cancer and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) of 12 additional pts who crossed over from mono to combo had partial responses. PK: R3767 concentrations in serum increased in a dose-dependent manner and were unaffected by combo. Conclusions: The safety profile of R3767 ± cemiplimab was generally tolerable; PK was linear. Early efficacy signals were detected despite the difficult-to-treat pt population. Biomarker studies are ongoing. R3767 20 mg/kg or 1600 mg fixed dose equivalent Q3W as mono and combo were selected for further evaluation

Tremelimumab in combination with ablation in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Background &amp; aimsTremelimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) on the surface of activated T lymphocytes. Ablative therapies induce a peripheral immune response which may enhance the effect of anti-CTLA4 treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to demonstrate whether tremelimumab could be combined safely and feasibly with ablation.MethodsThirty-two patients with HCC were enrolled: male:female: 28:4; median age: 62 (range 36-76). Patients were given tremelimumab at two dose levels (3.5 and 10mg/kg i.v.) every 4weeks for 6 doses, followed by 3-monthly infusions until off-treatment criteria were met. On day 36, patients underwent subtotal radiofrequency ablation or chemoablation. Staging was performed by contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scan every 8weeks.ResultsNo dose-limiting toxicities were encountered. The most common toxicity was pruritus. Of the 19 evaluable patients, five (26.3%; 95% CI: 9.1-51.2%) achieved a confirmed partial response. Twelve of 14 patients with quantifiable HCV experienced a marked reduction in viral load. Six-week tumor biopsies showed a clear increase in CD8+ T cells in patients showing a clinical benefit only. Six and 12-month probabilities of tumor progression free survival for this refractory HCC population were 57.1% and 33.1% respectively, with median time to tumor progression of 7.4months (95% CI 4.7 to 19.4months). Median overall survival was 12.3months (95% CI 9.3 to 15.4months).ConclusionsTremelimumab in combination with tumor ablation is a potential new treatment for patients with advanced HCC, and leads to the accumulation of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. Positive clinical activity was seen, with a possible surrogate reduction in HCV viral load.Lay summaryStudies have shown that the killing of tumors by direct methods (known as ablation) can result in the immune system being activated or switched on. The immune system could potentially also recognize and kill the cancer that is left behind. There are new drugs available known as immune checkpoint inhibitors which could enhance this effect. Here, we test one of these drugs (tremelimumab) together with ablation.Clinical trial numberClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01853618

Tremelimumab in combination with ablation in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tremelimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) on the surface of activated T lymphocytes. Ablative therapies induce a peripheral immune response which may enhance the effect of anti-CTLA4 treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to demonstrate whether tremelimumab could be combined safely and feasibly with ablation. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with HCC were enrolled: male:female: 28:4; median age: 62 (range 36–76). Patients were given tremelimumab at two dose levels (3.5 and 10 mg/kg i.v.) every 4 weeks for 6 doses, followed by 3-monthly infusions until off-treatment criteria were met. On day 36, patients underwent subtotal radiofrequency ablation or chemoablation. Staging was performed by contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scan every 8 weeks. RESULTS: No dose-limiting toxicities were encountered. The most common toxicity was pruritus. Of the 19 evaluable patients, five (26.3%; 95% CI: 9.1–51.2%) achieved a confirmed partial response. Twelve of 14 patients with quantifiable HCV experienced a marked reduction in viral load. Six-week tumor biopsies showed a clear increase in CD8(+) T cells in patients showing a clinical benefit only. Six and 12-month probabilities of tumor progression free survival for this refractory HCC population were 57.1% and 33.1% respectively, with median time to tumor progression of 7.4 months (95% CI 4.7 to 19.4 months). Median overall survival was 12.3 months (95% CI 9.3 to 15.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: Tremelimumab in combination with tumor ablation is a potential new treatment for patients with advanced HCC, and leads to the accumulation of intratumoral CD8(+) T cells. Positive clinical activity was seen, with a possible surrogate reduction in HCV viral load. LAY SUMMARY: Studies have shown that the killing of tumors by direct methods (known as ablation) can result in the immune system being activated or switched on. The immune system could potentially also recognize and kill the cancer that is left behind. There are new drugs available known as immune checkpoint inhibitors which could enhance this effect. Here, we test one of these drugs (tremelimumab) together with ablation