Virtual Library
Start Your Search
M.C. Pietanza
Author of
-
+
MINI 27 - Biology and Other Issues in SCLC (ID 152)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Mini Oral
- Track: Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Presentations: 3
- Moderators:P.A. Bunn, Jr, J. Sage
- Coordinates: 9/09/2015, 16:45 - 18:15, 605+607
-
+
MINI27.08 - NOTCH3 Protein Expression and Outcome in Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Therapeutic Targeting with Tarextumab (Anti-Notch 2/3) (ID 2999)
17:25 - 17:30 | Author(s): M.C. Pietanza
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
NOTCH expression is associated with cancer cell survival via effects on cancer stem/progenitor cells. Targeting NOTCH2 and 3 decreases growth and survival of SCLC patient-derived human tumor xenografts (PDX). Phase1b/2 trials testing Tarextumab (TRXT) anti-NOTCH2/3 therapy are underway (NCT01647828 and NCT01859741) and show promising anti-tumor activity. Here, we studied NOTCH3 protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in SCLC human tissues and correlated with survival. Also, we studied NOTCH3 gene expression in phase 1b patients (pts) treated with TRXT.
Methods:
For NOTCH IHC staining, murine monoclonal antibodies were generated by immunizing mice with a NOTCH3 extracellular domain (ECD) protein, then creating hybridomas. Clones were screened by FACS and western blots for specificity to NOTCH3.ECD. A lead clone was selected for NOTCH3 protein measurement in 47 SCLC samples represented in a tissue microarray from Yale Pathology Tissue Services (YPTS). NOTCH3 signal was determined in tumors using H-scores generated by Leica Aperio Scanscope IHC membrane image analysis. For survival analysis, NOTCH3 signal was binarized with cutoffs defined by X-tile software. For the phase 1b clinical trial, a standard 3+3 dose escalation design was employed with cohorts of 3 to 6 pts treated at each dose level. TRXT was given IV on Day 1 of each 21 day cycle with etoposide 100 mg/m[2] (Days 1-3) and cisplatin 80 mg/m[2 ]or carboplatin at AUC 5 (Day 1) for 6 cycles, followed by TRXT alone every 21 days until progression of disease or unacceptable toxicities. Then, the MTD TRXT plus etoposide and carboplatin was confirmed in a cohort of 6 subjects. All pts are required to submit tissues for Notch 3 gene expression and IHC staining.
Results:
A single hybridoma clone demonstrating specific reproducible membranous staining with a dynamic range for NOTCH3.ECD in control and PDX tissues was chosen for IHC analysis in SCLC human FFPE tissues (n=47). Forty cases (85.1%) demonstrated NOTCH3 signal, with eighteen (38.3%) having none to very low signal. Of the 31 cases with adequate follow-up, there was a strong trend with worse outcome and high NOTCH3 expression in the extensive stage (p=0.063), but not in limited stage (p=0.857). The level of significance was a function of the experimental cut-point and can only be considered exploratory. Finally, 27 pts were treated with TRXT in the phase 1b trial, with an overall response rate of 84%. The median duration of treatment was 128 days (6 cycles) with mPFS and mOS of 124 and 228 days, respectively. The median follow-up for PFS and OS was 86 and 107 days, respectively. Twenty-five pts have tissues evaluable for NOTCH3 gene expression and the analysis is underway.
Conclusion:
NOTCH3 IHC staining showed expression in most SCLC cases, with high NOTCH3 trending towards worse survival in extensive stage. This supports the rationale of targeting NOTCH3 by TXRT in SCLC pts. Further evaluation of the prognostic and predictive value of TRXT for anti-Notch therapies in SCLC is underway in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial.
Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
-
+
MINI27.09 - A DLL3-Targeted ADC Effectively Targets Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumor-Initiating Cells to Result in Sustained Tumor Regressions (ID 2533)
17:30 - 17:35 | Author(s): M.C. Pietanza
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine cancer (LCNEC) remain among the most deadly malignancies and are increasing in incidence. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors provide excellent models to study tumor biology and discover tumor-initiating cell (TIC) populations. Novel therapies that target and eradicate TIC represent a promising strategy to improve survival. An effectively targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) carrying a cell-cycle independent toxin should result in significant anti-tumor activity and eliminate TIC.
Methods:
Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed using TIC isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting from SCLC and LCNEC PDX tumors. Quantitative RT-PCR, microarray analysis of PDX tumors and cell lines, and mining of publically available transcriptome and proteome datasets were executed to validate that prospective targets, such as Delta-like protein 3 (DLL3), were highly expressed in neuroendocrine tumors, but limited in their expression in normal tissues. DLL3-specific monoclonal antibodies were generated and used to determine protein expression by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and ELISA. Select DLL3-specific antibodies were conjugated to a cell-cycle independent pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer toxin and evaluated for their ability to internalize and mediate cell killing. Finally, established SCLC and LCNEC PDX tumors were treated in vivo with a lead anti-DLL3 ADC (i.e. SC16LD6.5). Limiting dilution assay (LDA) serial transplantation experiments were executed to assess the impact of SC16LD6.5 on TIC.
Results:
Elevated expression of DLL3 mRNA was discovered in TIC of SCLC and LCNEC PDX tumors and confirmed in additional distinct primary SCLC and LCNEC tumor samples and PDX tumors. In contrast, little to no mRNA expression was detected in vital organs and other normal tissues outside of the brain. DLL3-specific antibodies confirmed protein expression on the cell surface in both primary SCLC and LCNEC tumors and in PDX tumors initiated from patients with these diseases, whereas protein was scarce in normal tissues. SC16LD6.5 rapidly internalizes and localizes to late endosomes, and treatment of 10 SCLC and 2 LCNEC PDX tumor models resulted in significant and durable tumor regression with a median time to progression benefit of 75 days versus 16 days with standard-of-care (SOC: SCLC, cisplatin/etoposide; LCNEC, cisplatin). During the course of these in vivo studies, many mice were cured as tumors often did not recur despite being followed for 120+ days post-randomization and treatment. LDA experiments executed using tumors actively responding to SC16LD6.5 provided further functional evidence that the common lack of tumor recurrence following treatment resulted from effective targeting of DLL3-expressing TIC. In vivo efficacy strongly correlated with DLL3 protein expression, and responses were observed in PDX tumor models initiated from patients with both limited and extensive stage disease and independent of their sensitivity to SOC.
Conclusion:
The DLL3-targeted ADC, SC16LD6.5, effectively targets and eradicates TIC in SCLC and LCNEC PDX tumors. SC16LD6.5 (i.e. rovalpituzumab teserine) is currently concluding Phase 1b trials and is a promising first-in-class therapeutic for the treatment of high grade pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors.
Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
-
+
MINI27.11 - Comprehensive Mutation Analysis of Never-Smokers with Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) (ID 3135)
17:45 - 17:50 | Author(s): M.C. Pietanza
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
Although most patients with SCLC are current or former smokers, this disease has been reported in never-smokers. In our prospective genomic profiling of SCLC patients, we have identified four never-smokers. Here, we report next generation sequencing (NGS) results for these four SCLC patients and describe how they differ from those of smokers.
Methods:
We are evaluating pathologically confirmed SCLC tumors in patients undergoing treatment. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical resections, core biopsies, and fine needle aspirates are being evaluated using a targeted, hybrid capture-based, NGS assay, MSK-IMPACT, which identifies single nucleotide variants, indels, and copy number alterations in 341 cancer-associated genes. We determined never-smoking status prospectively: all smoked <100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Clinical data on stage [extensive (ES), limited (LS)], treatment, and response were collected.
Results:
Four never-smokers have been identified within the 50 patient samples that have undergone NGS evaluation thus far. The median age at diagnosis of the four never-smokers is 58 (range, 47-75); 50% are male; and one presented with LS-SCLC. None of these four patients developed SCLC as acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors after treatment for EGFR-mutant lung cancers. The tumors from the four never-smokers displayed a median of 3 non-synonymous somatic mutations, while those from moderate (<20 pack years) and heavy (20+ pack years) smokers contained 4.5 and 8 mutations, respectively (P<0.05). None of the four never-smoker samples contained smoking associated G-to-T transversions (see Table). Inactivation of RB1 and TP53 occurred in 75% and 50% of the samples, respectively. Only patient 4 had platinum-refractory disease. The median survival of these patients was 20.7 months (range, 17 to 25).Sample Gene altered Alteration Present Protein Alteration Base Pair Alteration Patient 1 PHOX2B Missense Mutation P82L G-to-A NOTCH1 Frame-Shift Insertion P2485fs RB1 Splice Site R500_splice G-to-A TP53 Frame-Shift Deletion V218fs TP53 Frame-Shift Deletion V73fs TERT Amplification Patient 2 CBL Missense Mutation C401S G-to-C GNAS Missense Mutation M102V A-to-G MYCL Amplification Patient 3 TP53 Nonsense Mutation R342 G-to-A RB1 Frame-Shift Insertion T197fs CDKN2C Amplification MYCL Amplification Patient 4 RB1 Nonsense Mutation C666 ETV1 Amplification
Conclusion:
Using a targeted NGS assay, we have shown that the molecular characteristics differ between never-smokers and smokers, while the majority of the tumors demonstrate RB loss. Whole exome sequencing of the tumors from these never-smokers is underway. Ongoing comprehensive, multiplexed genotyping is needed to fully characterize the molecular diversity of SCLC in this unique population.
Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
-
+
MINI 37 - SCLC Therapy (ID 165)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Mini Oral
- Track: Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:D. Ettinger, G.R. Simon
- Coordinates: 9/09/2015, 18:30 - 20:00, 605+607
-
+
MINI37.04 - Discussant for MINI37.01, MINI37.02, MINI37.03 (ID 3444)
18:45 - 18:55 | Author(s): M.C. Pietanza
- Abstract
- Presentation
Abstract not provided
Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
-
+
ORAL 10 - SCLC (ID 98)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Oral Session
- Track: Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:C. Faivre-Finn, P. Lara Jr.
- Coordinates: 9/07/2015, 10:45 - 12:15, 605+607
-
+
ORAL10.01 - A DLL3-Targeted ADC, Rovalpituzumab Tesirine, Demonstrates Substantial Activity in a Phase I Study in Relapsed and Refractory SCLC (ID 1598)
11:05 - 11:16 | Author(s): M.C. Pietanza
- Abstract
Background:
Rovalpituzumab tesirine (i.e. SC16LD6.5) is a Delta-like protein 3 (DLL3) targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprised of a humanized monoclonal antibody, dipeptide linker, and pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer toxin with a drug-to-antibody ratio of 2. DLL3 is highly expressed in human neuroendocrine tumors and their tumor-initiating cells, including approximately two-thirds of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). DLL3 is not expressed at detectable levels in normal tissues. Rovalpituzumab tesirine induced tumor regression and prolonged time to progression significantly outperforming cisplatin/etoposide in DLL3-expressing SCLC patient-derived xenograft tumor models. Based on this promising activity, a first-in-human phase I trial in patients (pts) with recurrent SCLC was initiated and preliminary results are reported below.
Methods:
SCLC pts with progressive disease after 1 or 2 previous lines of therapy received escalating doses of rovalpituzumab tesirine as a single agent once every 3 weeks (Q3W) in 1-3 pt cohorts until dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed. The doses were 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg Q3W. Midway through accrual, pharmacokinetic data revealed a longer than expected ADC half-life of ~11 days, prompting evaluation of a Q6W schedule. A DLL3 antibody was developed and utilized to assess antigen expression in archived tumor specimens. Biomarker positive (BM+) tumors were defined by IHC membrane-associated H-Scores ≥ 120.
Results:
52 pts were treated: 34 Q3W and 18 Q6W; 24F/28M; median age, 61 years (44-82). Acute and chronic DLTs of thrombocytopenia and capillary leak syndrome (CLS) were observed at 0.8 and 0.4 mg/kg Q3W, respectively. Maximum tolerated doses (MTD) of 0.2 mg/kg Q3Wx3 cycles and 0.3 mg/kg Q6Wx2 cycles were further evaluated in expansion cohorts. The most common treatment emergent adverse events of any grade among all pts were fatigue (40%), rash (39%), nausea (29%), dyspnea (23%), decreased appetite (21%) and vomiting (21%). Grade 3+ CLS and thrombocytopenia were seen in 7 (14%) and 3 (6%) pts, respectively, with no reported Grade 5 toxicity. Of 38 archived tumor specimens received from enrolled pts, 23 (61%) were DLL3 BM+. Among the 16 confirmed DLL3 BM+ pts treated at the MTDs, 7 pts (44%) had partial response (PR) and 8 pts (50%) achieved stable disease (SD) for a combined clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 94%. In all evaluable pts treated at the MTD without regard for DLL3 biomarker status (n=32), the ORR was 22% (n=7 PR) and SD 53% (n=17), for a CBR of 75%. Notably, all pts with PRs that were treated at the MTD, and those having the most durable clinical benefit (up to 569 days OS), were BM+. Similar response rates were observed among pts sensitive and refractory to first-line therapy, and in the third-line setting where no standard-of-care currently exists.
Conclusion:
Rovalpituzumab tesirine, a first-in-class DLL3-targeted ADC, has manageable toxicity and demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity (44% ORR and 95% CBR) as a single agent in second- and third-line pts with recurrent DLL3 BM+ SCLC. A pivotal study is being planned.
-
+
P3.01 - Poster Session/ Treatment of Advanced Diseases – NSCLC (ID 208)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Poster
- Track: Treatment of Advanced Diseases - NSCLC
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 9/09/2015, 09:30 - 17:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B+C)
-
+
P3.01-075 - Phase 2 Trial of Bortezomib in KRAS G12D Mutant Lung Cancers (ID 2943)
09:30 - 09:30 | Author(s): M.C. Pietanza
- Abstract
Background:
KRAS mutations are the most common oncogenic drivers in lung cancers without any approved targeted therapy. Preclinical evidence suggests that KRAS mutations are highly dependent on the NF-kB pathway. Bortezomib, a small molecule proteasome inhibitor, has been shown to downregulate the NF-kB pathway and lead to objective responses in patients with KRAS G12D in early phase clinical trials. In this single-institution, open label, phase II study we assessed the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous bortezomib in KRAS mutant lung cancers.
Methods:
Patients with advanced KRAS G12D mutant lung cancers were eligible. Bortezomib was administered at 1.3mg/m2/dose subcutaneously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21 day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary objective was radiographic response rate (RECIST version 1.1). The secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) determined from the time of first bortezomib treatment. Simon two-stage minimax design was used (H0=10%, H1=30%, power=90%).
Results:
Sixteen patients with KRAS G12D mutant lung adenocarcinomas were treated on study: 44% women, 38% never smokers, 31% former smokers ≤15 pack years, and 69% with invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas. Patients received treatment for a median of 2 months (range 1-12months). One patient had a partial response with a 66% reduction in disease burden (6% observed rate, 95% CI 0.2 to 30.2%). Of the 6 patients (40%) with stable disease, 2 remained on study for over 5 months. The median PFS was 1 month (95% CI 1-6). The median OS was 13 months (95% CI 6-NA). The median OS from date of diagnosis of metastatic disease was 39 months (95% CI 35-NA). The most common treatment-related toxicities of any grade were fatigue (50%), diarrhea (38%), nausea (31%), and papulopustular rash (31%). Treatment-related peripheral neuropathy occurred in 25% of patients (3 patients with grade 1, 1 patient with grade 2).
Conclusion:
In patients with G12D KRAS mutant lung cancers, bortezomib was well tolerated and associated with modest anti-tumor activity and durable disease control in a small subset of patients. Further investigation into predictive biomarkers for the efficacy of bortezomib should be pursued. Without a clear biomarker, no further study of bortezomib in KRAS- mutant lung cancers is warranted.
