Faculty Bibliography

Background: Preoperative chemoRT is a standardof- care as shown in the CROSS trial (N Engl J Med 2012;366:2074-2084), Surgery is sometimes deferred in pts with clinical CR (cCR) based on lack of overall survival benefit (J Clin Oncol 2005;23:2310-2317, J Clin Oncol2007;25:1160-1168). Nivolumab has activity in advanced ESCC (Lancet Oncol 2017;18:631-639), and adding it to chemoRT may improve outcomes.
Method(s): This phase I/II study was designed to assess the safety and tolerability and efficacy of nivolumab added to chemoRT (6 weekly carboplatin AUC 2, paclitaxel 50mg/m2, RT 50.4 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions 5/7 days) for pts with TanyN1-3 or T3-4N0M0 ESCC. The phase I primary endpoint is 'unacceptable toxicity' at 28 days after the last dose of chemotherapy. The phase II primary endpoints are cCR (endoscopy + PET/CT) and pCR rates for pts undergoing surgery. Nivolumab is given q2W x2, then concurrent chemoRT with nivolumab q2W x3. If no cCR, pt proceeds to esophagectomy, then adjuvant nivolumab q2W x3; if cCR, pt has an option of no surgery but receives nivolumab q2W x3.
Result(s):From 7/20/17 to 12/27/18, 6 pts were enrolled. No unacceptable or grade 5 toxicities were observed. The most common grade 1/2 AEs in >1 pt were anorexia, myelosuppression, elevated AST and nausea. Grade 3/4 AEs in >1 pt were lymphopenia and leukocytopenia. 2 pts required hospitalizations (dyspnea 1, colitis 1). All pts completed therapy; 1 pt had dose delay due to grade 2 esophagitis; 2 pts progressed, 4 achieved cCR. Of 4 pts with cCR, 2 pts chose surgery and both achieved pCR. None of the 4 pts recurred.
Conclusion(s): ChemoRT with nivolumab is tolerable with manageable toxicities in locally advanced ESCC. Enrollment to the phase II portion ended because of slow accrual. Adverse Events. Grade 1 &2 in > 1 pt: 4/6: Anorexia & Anemia 3/6: Leukocytopenia Neutropenia Thrombocytopenia Nausea & Elevated AST 2/6: Hypomagnesemia Hypokalemia Grade 3 & 4 in > 1 pt: 5/6: Lymphopenia, 2/6: Leukocytopenia

Background: Deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly immunogenic. Preclinical data showed synergistic interactions among FOLFOX, anti-VEGF, and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathway blockade. Prior phase I study of mFOLFOX6/ bevacizumab (bev) + atezolizumab (atezo) was well tolerated and enhanced intratumoral infiltration of CD8 T cells. We hypothesize that the dMMR subset of CRC may be effectively targeted with combination of PD-1 pathway blockade and mFOLFOX6/bev.
Method(s): This is a prospective randomized phase III open-label trial. Pts (N=347) with mCRC dMMR will be randomized to three trial arms (1:1:1): mFOLFOX6/bev; atezo monotherapy; or mFOLFOX6/bev + atezo. Stratification factors include BRAFV600E status, metastatic site, and prior adjuvant CRC therapy. Primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by study investigator of mFOLFOX6/bev/atezo and atezo monotherapy compared to mFOLFOX6/bev. Secondary endpoints include OS, objective response rate, safety profile, disease control rate, duration of response, and PFS by retrospective central review. Health-related quality of life is an exploratory objective. Archived tumor tissue and blood samples will be collected for correlative studies. Key inclusion criteria are: mCRC without prior chemotherapy for advanced disease; dMMR tumor determined by local CLIA-certified IHC assay (MLH1/MSH2/MSH6/PMS2); availability of archived tumor tissue for central confirmation of dMMR status; and measurable disease per RECIST. Activated 11- 7-17. As of 9-11-19, enrollment continues with 44/347 pts enrolled

Late-stage pancreatic cancer harbors a fibrotic and immune-excluded tumor microenvironment that impedes immunotherapy success. A key to unlocking pancreatic cancer immunotherapy may be treating early-stage pancreatic cancer, when peripancreatic inflammation promoted by the microbiome potentiates oncogenic signaling and suppresses innate and adaptive immunity. Hence, understanding the role of microbiota in pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, and immunosuppression is crucial. We propose that not only are microbiota targets for immunomodulation in this disease, but also that microbiome profiling has a potential role in pancreatic cancer screening. Furthermore, combining microbiome profiling with liquid and tissue biopsy may validate the early pancreatic cancer treatment approach of microbiome modulation and immunotherapy.

Background: Malnutrition incidence in cancer approaches 85%, disproportionately burdening those with lung, GI, and advanced stage cancers. Malnourished patients have impaired chemotherapy response, shorter survival, longer hospital stays, and decreased QoL. Home delivered meals are nutritional interventions that improve patient well- being, nutrition, and lower healthcare costs in the elderly but have not been studied as an intervention in cancer patients. HDMTM are nutritionist prescribed home delivered meals tailored to patient's symptoms, co-morbidities, and health needs. Preliminary data in 211 cancer patients showed with HDMTM 87% ate more than half of meals, 91% lived more independently, 89% ate more nutritiously, and 70% had less fatigue. HDMTM may be a strategy to reduce financial toxicity and healthcare utilization and improve QoL in cancer patients, but no primary data exists evaluating its efficacy.
Method(s): We sought to develop the first RCT evaluating patientcentered QoL improvement from nutritional intervention with HDMTM in those with metastatic lung and non-colorectal GI cancer. We established a partnership with God's Love We Deliver, a 501c3 non-profit specializing in HDMTM.
Result(s): We developed a protocol for a single-institution RCT of standard of care (SoC) versus SoC and HDMTM in metastatic lung and non-colorectal GI cancer patients with primary aim comparing QoL between arms at 12 weeks using the FACT-G questionnaire. Sample size is 180. Secondary aims assess HDMTM's impact on nutritional status, weight, mood, survival, food security, financial toxicity, healthcare utilization, and cost effectiveness. Eligible patients tolerate oral alimentation, have PS 0-3, and newly diagnosed (< 6 weeks) metastatic cancer. All patients have pre-randomization nutritional evaluation by an oncologic dietician.
Conclusion(s):We present the first PRMC reviewed and IRB approved RCT evaluating the efficacy of HDMTM in metastatic cancer patients with primary endpoint of patient reported QoL. Investigating HDMTM expands our knowledge of nutrition as an effective arm of palliative oncology

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Esophageal cancer is a heterogeneous cancer comprised of differing cells of origin, molecular changes, and immune microenvironments. To date, most advances have been made in chemotherapy regimens where a one-size-fits-all approach is used. As a result, there remains a lack of tailored treatment options for such a heterogeneous cancer. This paper highlights the current standard of care treatment options as well as active areas of clinical research. Areas covered: The authors review the key trials that have led to current standard of care treatment including pivotal chemotherapy and targeted therapy trials. The authors then discuss the current approved uses and future directions for immunotherapy. Expert opinion: Current treatment options lack tailored treatment strategies based on the tumor's biology. To date, approved targeted approaches only include HER2-directed and anti-VEGFR2 therapies. Furthermore, while immunotherapy treatment response is often durable, few clear predictive biomarkers for response have been identified. Future research should focus on characterizing additional molecular targets for therapeutic intervention and predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy, as well as combination approaches of immunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities to increase response rate. Ultimately, the field should strive to develop personalized treatment options based on a tumor's molecular profile, microenvironment, and neo-antigen expression.

Background: Treatment options for PDAC are limited; thus, new therapies that can improve outcomes and extend survival are needed. PDAC is associated with high infiltration by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that inhibit anti-tumor T-cell activity. Blocking colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) signaling-which supports the recruitment, differentiation, and maintenance of immunosupressive macrophages in tumors-may lead to depletion of TAMs and upregulation of T-cell checkpoints. Cabira, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody, binds to CSF-1R and blocks its signaling, a key determinant of TAM activation and survival. By reducing TAMs and promoting a proinflammatory microenvironment, cabira may stimulate T-cell responses, thereby sensitizing PDAC to therapy with nivo (anti-PD-1). In a phase 1 a/b study cabira + nivo was tolerable and showed evidence of on-target tumor immune modulation and durable clinical benefit in heavily pre-treated patients (pts) with advanced PDAC (Wainberg et al. J Immunother Cancer. 2017 [abst O42]; Carleton et al. J Clin Oncol. 2018 [abst 3020]). Here we describe a randomized, open-label, phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cabira + nivo +/- chemo in advanced PDAC.
Method(s): Pts aged >18 y with locally advanced/metastatic PDAC that progressed on/after first-line chemo (gemcitabine [gem] or 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] based) will be enrolled. Pts with active/suspected autoimmune disease, uncontrolled/significant cardiovascular disease, or prior exposure to select immune cell-modulating antibodies are not eligible. Depending on prior chemo received, pts will be randomized to 1 of 4 arms (n<<40 each): cabira + nivo; cabira + nivo + gem/nab-paclitaxel; cabira + nivo + oxaliplatin/5-FU/leucovorin; or investigator's choice of standard-of-care chemo. Endpoints include median progression-free survival (primary), overall survival rate, objective response rate, median duration of response, pharmacokinetics, and safety. In a completed preliminary safety cohort, 12 pts were treated with cabira + nivo + chemo and monitored for 4 wk; competitive enrollment is open, with 32 pts enrolled

Background: Deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are highly immunogenic. Preclinical data showed that oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy combined with anti-VEGF enhances anti-tumor activity of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathway blockade in murine CRC models. Prior phase I study showed mFOLFOX6/ bevacizumab (bev) + atezolizumab (atezo) was well tolerated and enhanced intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells. We hypothesize that the dMMR subset of CRC may be effectively targeted with combination of PD-1 pathway blockade and mFOLFOX6/bev to promote tumor regression.
Method(s): This is a prospective randomized phase III open-label trial. Pts (N=347) with mCRC dMMR will be randomized to 3 trial arms (1:1:1): mFOLFOX6/bev; atezo monotherapy; or mFOLFOX6/bev + atezo. Stratification factors include BRAFV600E status, metastatic site, and prior adjuvant CRC therapy. Primary objective is to evaluate efficacy of mFOLFOX6/bev/atezo and atezo monotherapy compared to mFOLFOX6/bev. Primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by study investigator. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, safety profile, surgical conversion rate, disease control rate, duration of response, and PFS by retrospective central review. Health-related quality of life is an exploratory objective. Archived tumor tissue and blood samples will be collected for correlative studies. Key inclusion criteria are: mCRC without prior chemotherapy for advanced disease; tumor determined to be dMMR by local CLIA-certified IHC assay (MLH1/MSH2/MSH6/PMS2); availability of archived tumor tissue for central confirmation of dMMR status; and measurable disease per RECIST

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by immune tolerance and immunotherapeutic resistance. We discovered upregulation of receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (RIP1) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in PDA. To study its role in oncogenic progression, we developed a selective small-molecule RIP1 inhibitor with high in vivo exposure. Targeting RIP1 reprogrammed TAMs toward an MHCII^hiTNFα⁺IFNγ⁺ immunogenic phenotype in a STAT1-dependent manner. RIP1 inhibition in TAMs resulted in cytotoxic T cell activation and T helper cell differentiation toward a mixed Th1/Th17 phenotype, leading to tumor immunity in mice and in organotypic models of human PDA. Targeting RIP1 synergized with PD1-and inducible co-stimulator-based immunotherapies. Tumor-promoting effects of RIP1 were independent of its co-association with RIP3. Collectively, our work describes RIP1 as a checkpoint kinase governing tumor immunity.

Background/UNASSIGNED:Half of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) present with regionally advanced disease. This includes borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable tumors as defined by current NCCN guidelines for resectability. Chemoradiation (CH-RT) is used in this setting in attempt to control local disease, and possibly downstage to resectable disease. We report a phase I/II trial of a combination of 5FU/Oxaliplatin with concurrent radiation in patients presenting with borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer. Methods/UNASSIGNED:. Concurrent radiation therapy consisted of 4,500 cGy in 25 fractions (180 cGy/fx/d) followed by a comedown to the tumor and margins for an additional 540 cGy ×3 (total dose 5,040 cGy in 28 fractions). Following completion of CH-RT, patients deemed resectable underwent surgery; those who remained unresectable for cure but did not progress (SD, stable disease) received mFOLFOX6 ×6 cycles. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. End-points of the phase II portion were resectability and overall survival. Results/UNASSIGNED:) was well tolerated and it was used as the recommended phase II dose. An additional 7 patients were treated in the phase II portion, 5 of whom completed CH-RT; the remaining 2 patients did not complete treatment because of grade 3 toxicities. Overall, 4/24 did not complete CH-RT. Grade 4 toxicities related to initial CH-RT were observed during phase I (n=2, pulmonary embolism and lymphopenia) and phase II (n=3, fatigue, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia). Following restaging after completion of CH-RT, 4 patients had progressed (PD); 9 patients had SD and received additional chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 (one of them had a dramatic response after two cycles and underwent curative resection); the remaining 7 patients (29.2%) were noted to have a response and were explored: 2 had PD, 4 had SD, still unresectable, and 1 patient was resected for cure with negative margins. Overall 2 patients (8.3%) in the study received curative resection following neoadjuvant therapy. Median overall survival for the entire study population was 11.4 months. Overall survival for the two resected patients was 41.7 and 21.6 months. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Combined modality treatment for borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer with oxaliplatin, 5FU and radiation was reasonably well tolerated. The majority of patients remained unresectable. Survival data with this regimen were comparable to others for locally advanced pancreas cancer, suggesting the need for more novel approaches.