Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology - Research Publications
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ItemNo Preview AvailableFDG PET in the evaluation of immune-related hypophysitis and thyroiditis following combination ipilimumab and nivolumab in advanced melanoma(Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2020-05-01)Objectives: Hypophysitis and thyroiditis are among the most commonly reported immune-related adverse events (irAEs) following combined ipilimumab/nivolumab therapy for melanoma. The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT (FDG-PET) in the evaluation of these endocrinopathies has not been systematically assessed. Methods: Between 2016 to 2019, all patients (pts) with advanced melanoma who received combined ipilimumab/nivolumab therapy were reviewed. Pts with a pre-treatment and post-treatment FDG-PET were included. On FDG-PET, PET-hypophysitis was defined as a discernable new uptake in the pituitary fossa and PET-thyroiditis as new diffuse uptake in the thyroid. Pre- and post-treatment SUVmax of pituitary and thyroid gland was measured. ROC analysis was used to derive the optimal threshold for metabolic changes on FDG-PET for distinguishing endocrinopathy. FDG-PET, clinical data and brain MRI were reviewed independently by a Nuclear Medicine physician, endocrinologist, and radiologist, respectively, and then findings were correlated. Results: Of 162 pts, 133 and 134 had assessable FDG-PET for hypophysitis and thyroiditis, respectively, with post-treatment FDG-PET performed at a median 76 days (IQR 52-83, range 18-225) from the start of immunotherapy. Overall 41/133 (29%) pts had PET-hypophysitis, of which 18 were clinically-confirmed, 3 were false-positive and 20 were not clinically-assessable due to receiving high-dose glucocorticoids for a concurrent irAE at the time of imaging, although 6 of these also had supportive contemporaneous MRI findings. For PET-hypophysitis pts, median pre- and post-treatment pituitary SUVmax were 2.7 (IQR 2.5-2.9, range 1.9-3.9) and 4.7 (IQR 3.6-5.5, range 2.6-16.2), with a percentage increase of 63% (IQR 39-94%, range 13-431%). The abnormal PET findings preceded the clinical diagnosis in 7/18 pts by a median of 16 days (range 5-50). FDG-PET was negative for hypophysitis in 12/29 pts with a prior or subsequent clinical diagnosis of hypophysitis. Where the clinical presentation was not masked by high-dose glucocorticoids, the positive and negative predictive value of FDG-PET for hypophysitis was 86% and 87%, respectively. Based on ROC analysis the optimal percentage change in SUVmax was 30% for distinguishing hypophysitis. PET-thyroiditis was detected in 30/134(22%) pts. The pre- and post-treatment SUVmax were 2.1 (IQR 1.7-2.3, range 1.3-3.3) and 4.8 (IQR 3.8-5.9, range 2.8-9.1), respectively, with an increase of 116% (IQR 84-177%, range 52-300%). Overall 41/134 (31%) pts had documented biochemical evidence of thyroiditis. The positive and negative predictive value of PET was 97% and 89%, respectively. Based on ROC analysis, the optimal percentage change in SUVmax for distinguishing thyroiditis was 42%. Further follow-up FDG-PET (30/39 pts with PET-hypophysitis and 25/30 pts with PET-thyroiditis) revealed resolution of SUVmax to baseline in all cases by a median of 104 days (IQR 77-133, range 40-484) and 32 days (IQR 79-194, range 49-1045), respectively. Conclusions: FDG-PET detects transient increases in FDG uptake in the pituitary and thyroid gland following combined ipilimumab/nivolumab which appears to be highly predictive of the development of these endocrinopathies, therefore prompting more stringent monitoring. A high incidence of uninterpretable biochemical assessment of the pituitary-adrenal axis likely contributed to the underestimation of hypophysitis incidence. A multimodality approach is important in the timely diagnosis of immune-related endocrinopathies.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableOpportunistic Assessment of Pituitary Gland with Routine MRI and PET/CT Can Guide in Earlier and Increased Identification of Hypophysitis in Patients Treated with Combination Checkpoint Inhibitors(The Endocrine Society, 2020-05-08)Background: Hypophysitis is one of the commonly reported adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and the incidence is expected to rise with increased use of combined programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) blockade. The clinical diagnosis can be delayed due to non-specific symptoms. At our centre, subjects undergo periodic imaging to assess tumour response to ICI. We reviewed whether neuroimaging studies can guide us in the diagnosis of hypophysitis and whether early changes can be detected before the onset of the clinical syndrome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts, biochemistry, structural brain imaging and whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) with specific reference to hypophysitis in 162 patients treated with combination ICI at a tertiary melanoma referral centre. Suspected cases were identified based on meeting one or more of the following criteria: 1) A documented diagnosis of hypophysitis or pituitary dysfunction found on chart review, 2) A relative change in pituitary size or appearance from baseline on neuroimaging studies, or 3) An increase in pituitary maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) greater than 25% from baseline on 18F-FDG PET. Results: 58/162 patients (36%) met criteria for suspected hypophysitis. Only 4 patients were identified on routine screening of early morning cortisol. 14 patients presented with symptoms leading to biochemical work up. A further 40 patients were found to have suspicious imaging changes, 13 of which went on to receive a formal diagnosis of hypophysitis. Of the remaining 27 patients, 23 were receiving high dose glucocorticoids for concomitant immune related adverse events at the time of the abnormal imaging study.Conclusion: We report the highest incidence to date of suspected hypophysitis in cohort of patients treated with combination ICI. This study highlights the important role of structural and functional neuroimaging in the early recognition of hypophysitis. Imaging may also play a role when the clinical syndrome is masked by concurrent glucocorticoid use.
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ItemThe impact of testicular cancer and its treatment on masculinity: A systematic review(WILEY, 2022-09)OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to synthesise the literature on the topic of masculinity and testicular cancer (TC) and investigate the relative impact of TC on men's view of their masculinity. METHODS: Searches were conducted across four databases (MEDline, PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus and Scopus) for articles published before April 2022 that included (1) TC and (2) masculinity. Two researchers independently rated studies for inclusion with a third resolving conflicts. Of the 6464 articles screened, 24 articles (10 quantitative and 14 qualitative) were included in the review. Articles were rated for quality and a narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Overall, results indicated some men experience a shift in the way they relate to their sense of masculinity following diagnosis and treatment for TC. Being single and without children was related to the experience of negative masculinity-related outcomes, possibly due to a compounding lack of relational support and being unable to conform to protector, provider traditions. Men who described testicle loss as symbolic of their diminished masculinity were also negatively impacted. However, recent, high-quality literature on the topic using standardised masculinity measures was limited. CONCLUSION: Some men experience a reduced sense of masculinity after TC, however the impact of TC on masculinity remains person dependent. Further research using validated masculinity measures is required to uncover psycho-social variables that may account for whether and how meaning is made between TC and its treatment and any subsequent impact on perceived masculinity. Such factors may better support these men in life beyond cancer. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42020185649.
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ItemA PHASE II STUDY OF CONTINUOUS LOW DOSE PANOBINOSTAT IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT RHABDOID TUMOURS AND ATYPICAL TERATOID RHABDOID TUMOURS(OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC, 2022-06)Abstract BACKGROUND: Panobinostat treatment has been shown to terminally differentiate malignant rhabdoid tumours (MRT) and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRT) in pre-clinical models. We report results of the open label, phase II study of oral panobinostat in patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed MRT/ATRT. AIMS: To assess the anti-tumour activity of low dose, continuous oral panobinostat as well as its associated toxicities. To assess the biological activity of low dose panobinostat by measuring histone H4 acetylation status in peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC), and differentiation markers. METHODS: Following primary institutional standard of care induction and consolidation chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, patients were enrolled and commenced on panobinostat as a continuous daily oral dose starting at 10mg/m2/day, with a three-week wash out period between therapies. Real-time acetylation status, measuring acetylated H4 on PMNC, was performed to determine the pharmacodynamics of panobinostat at different dosing levels. Patients were monitored for toxicity; dose reductions were in decrements of 2mg/m2/day. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients with newly diagnosed ATRT/MRT and one patient with relapsed MRT have been enrolled. The average age at enrollment was 3.6 years (range 0.8-6.8 years). The mean treatment duration was 206 days (13-344 days). Currently, six patients (42.9%) remain on study with a mean study duration of 531 days (range 13-895 days). 6/14 patients (42.9%) were removed due to disease progression at a mean study duration of 245 days (44-560 days). 2/14 patients (14.3%) withdrew due to toxicity. 12/14 patients (85.7%) required dose reductions. The main toxicities were thrombocytopaenia and leukopaenia (Grade III-IV). Real-time pharmacodynamic assessment of panobinostat, at a dose as low as 6mg/m2/day resulted in significant acetylation of histone H4 in PMNC. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with low dose panobinostat is well tolerated in infants and children with MRT/ATRT, with significant acetylation of histone H4 in PMNC.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableA Phase III, randomized, open-label study (CONTACT-02) of cabozantinib plus atezolizumab versus second novel hormone therapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer(FUTURE MEDICINE LTD, 2022-03)Cabozantinib inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including the TAM kinase family, and may enhance response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. One cohort of the ongoing phase Ib COSMIC-021 study (NCT03170960) evaluating cabozantinib plus the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that has progressed in soft tissue on/after enzalutamide and/or abiraterone treatment for metastatic disease has shown promising efficacy. Here, we describe the rationale and design of a phase III trial of cabozantinib plus atezolizumab versus a second novel hormone therapy (NHT) in patients who have previously received an NHT for mCRPC, metastatic castration-sensitive PC or nonmetastatic CRPC and have measurable visceral disease and/or extrapelvic adenopathy - a population with a significant unmet need for treatment options. Trial Registration Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04446117 (ClinicalTrials.gov) Registered on 24 June 2020.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableBMP4 mediated suppression of cholesterol synthesis and breast cancer metastasis.(AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH, 2021-07)Abstract Breast cancer affects one in seven women and kills more than 600,000 women each year. Compared to the 98.9% survival rate of patients with localized breast cancer, the five-year survival rate of patients with distant metastasis is only 28.1%. Using cDNA arrays and patient datasets, we found that a protein called bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is downregulated in highly metastatic breast cancer cells and in high-grade breast tumors. BMP4 is a ligand in the TFGβ/BMP cytokine family and has the capacity to suppress TGFβ signaling through induction of SMAD6 and SMAD7. In several different preclinical metastasis models, we have shown that restored BMP4 expression in breast cancer cells with metastatic capacity does not alter primary tumor growth but results in significantly reduced metastasis to lung, liver and spine (p< 0.01), following primary tumor resection. MDA-MB-231HM cells with or without enforced BMP4 expression were recovered from primary mammary tumors and subjected to transcriptomic profiling by RNAseq. This analysis revealed that BMP4 suppressed multiple genes involved in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway (p=2.56×10-7) and down-regulated cholesterol levels in the tumors (p=0.042). In a patient cohort of over 2000 predominantly luminal breast cancers, we found that stage, as measured by size and lymph node status, was not altered by statin use, however statin users had less high grade tumors and more luminal A tumors. In terms of recurrence, we found a marked risk reduction in patients with luminal B tumors (p=0.014) and particularly in Her2+ luminal B tumors (p=0.045). Lung, liver and brain metastases were most reduced in statin users. Current experiments involve testing a statin therapy, with the knowledge that statins are not effective in mice, but should inhibit cholesterol synthesis in human tumors in xenograft models. In addition, we are testing an inhibitor of the nuclear receptor RORγ that has been reported to activate cholesterol synthesis through SREBP2, a master regulator of cholesterol synthesis. Citation Format: Robin L. Anderson, Lap Hing Chi, Allan D. Burrows, Suraya Roslan, Andrew Redfern. BMP4 mediated suppression of cholesterol synthesis and breast cancer metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2862.
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ItemPHASE 1/2 STUDY OF THOR-707 (SAR444245), A PEGYLATED RECOMBINANT NON-ALPHA IL-2, AS MONOTHERAPY AND IN COMBINATION WITH PEMBROLIZUMAB OR CETUXIMAB IN PATIENTS (PTS) WITH ADVANCED SOLID TUMORS(BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, 2021-11)Background THOR-707 (SAR444245) is a recombinant human IL-2 molecule irreversibly bound to a PEG chain to block alpha-binding while retaining near-native affinity for beta/gamma IL-2 receptor subunits. We report updated results from the ongoing HAMMER phase 1/2 trial. Methods SAR444245 was given via IV infusion as monotherapy Q2W [A] or Q3W [B], with pembrolizumab 200mg IV Q3W [C], or Q3W with cetuximab 400mg/m2 IV on D1 then 250mg/m2 IV QW [D] after pre-medication and peri-infusion hydration. A 3+3 design was used to identify the MTD/RP2D in pts with advanced solid tumors. Key objectives included assessments of safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). Results 68 pts, median age 61.5 (37–78) yrs with median 3 (1–10) prior therapies enrolled. Most common tumors: melanoma (n=10), colorectal (n=11). Doses tested by cohort: [A]: 8–16 µg/kg (n=9); [B]: 8–40 µg/kg (n=29); [C]: 8–32 µg/kg (n=20); [D]: 16–24 µg/kg (n=10). The most common (>30%) AEs included pyrexia (52.5%), nausea (50.0%), flu-like symptoms (44.1%), vomiting (36.8%), chills (32.4%), fatigue (32.4%), AST elevation (30.9%). AEs generally resolved promptly with supportive care. Grade(G) 3/4 (>5%) related AEs included ALT/AST elevation (5.9%), and decreased lymphocyte count (26.5% within first 24 hrs, recovering by 48–72 hrs, this lymphocyte migration is mechanistically consistent with immune cell margination). G3/4 CRS was observed in 2 pts. Two DLTs occurred: G3 infusion reaction (32 µg/kg [B]) and G3 AST/ALT/G2 bilirubin elevation with G2 CRS (24 µg/kg [C]). No vascular leak syndrome, QTc prolongation, cardiac, or end organ toxicity was observed. Half-life was ~10 h. Sustained increases in CD8 T and NK cells were observed (fold relative to baseline): monotherapy (1–9.4x and 2–43.3x); with pembrolizumab (0.5–5.78x and 1.5–26.9x); with cetuximab (1.3–7.57x and 3.6–45.4x). Max CD4 and eosinophils increased to 136 cell/µL and 1078 cell/µL. No IL-5 elevation or ADAs were observed. Transient IL-6 increases in 4 pts (500, 627, 1000, 1100 pg/mL) were not associated with AEs. Four pts had confirmed PRs (1 PD1-treated SCC, unknown primary [B]; 2 PD1-naïve BCC and 1 PD1-treated HNSCC [C]); 3 pts had minor responses -- prostate (-24%) and PD1-treated melanoma (-17%) [B]; PD1-treated NSCLC (¬-29%) [C] -- after ≥2 scans. 23 pts completed ≥5 cycles. Conclusions SAR444245 was well tolerated and demonstrated antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients, including prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Clinical safety, efficacy and PD suggest a wide therapeutic window. Combination with pembrolizumab and cetuximab leveraged SAR44245’s effects on CD8 T and NK cells. Trial Registration NCT04009681 Ethics Approval The clinical trial was approved by each institutions ethics’ and review board prior to beginning study enrollment.
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