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F.A. Shepherd



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    MO05 - Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers II (ID 95)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 1
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      MO05.11 - The Effect of Two BRM Promoter Polymorphisms on the Risk of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) in Smokers (ID 1987)

      16:15 - 17:45  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      BRM, an ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is a putative tumor susceptibility gene in lung cancer. Loss of BRM expression occurs in 15% of lung cancers. Two BRM promoter insertion polymorphisms (BRM-741 and BRM-1321) lead to epigenetic silencing of BRM and highly correlate with loss of BRM expression and function in lung tumors. Pharmacologic reversal of the epigenetic changes of BRM is feasible. We previously demonstrated a strong risk association between these two polymorphisms and susceptibility to early stage NSCLC. Here, we evaluate the association between the two BRM polymorphisms and risk of developing: 1) advanced NSCLC, and 2) SCLC among smokers.

      Methods
      Genotyping for BRM promoter polymorphisms was performed using TaqMan. The cohorts analyzed were: 1) 417 stage III-IV NSCLC cases and 2) 111 SCLC cases treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC), Toronto; and 3) 43 SCLC cases from the University of Florida (U of F), all with a smoking history of ≥1 pack-year. Cases were matched to healthy controls by frequency distribution (1:2 for PMCC cases; 1:1 for U of F cases) based on age, gender, pack-year smoking history, and either current smoking status (PMCC) or ethnicity (U of F). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between polymorphisms and lung cancer risk were estimated by multiple logistic regression models.

      Results
      Of the 417 NSCLC cases, 59% were male; 41%, current smokers; 63%, adenocarcinoma; 51%, stage IV; median age, 63 years. The frequency of homozygosity was BRM-741, 21%; BRM-1321, 20%; both, 11%. The homozygous variants of BRM-741 and BRM-1321 were associated with an increased risk of advanced NSCLC compared to the wild types, with aOR’s of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1-2.2; p=0.008) and 1.4 (95% CI: 1.0-2.0; p=0.04), respectively. Being homozygous for both BRM promoter variants carried an even greater risk (aOR 2.4 [95% CI: 1.4-4.0; p=0.0009]), with the strongest effect observed among current smokers (aOR 3.4; p=0.0005), and those with a histological diagnosis other than adenocarcinoma (aOR 3.2; p=0.0005). Among the 111 PMCC SCLC cases, 62% were male; 56%, current smokers; median age 65 years; of the 43 U of F SCLC cases, 35% were male; median age, 63 years. The presence of double homozygous variants of BRM-741 and BRM-1321 had no effect on the risk of developing SCLC in either of the two cohorts analyzed, with aOR’s of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.3-3.5; p=0.94) and 0.3 [95% CI: 0.04-2.41; p=0.27), respectively.

      Conclusion
      The presence of double homozygous variants of the BRM promoter polymorphisms, BRM-741 and BRM-1321, significantly increases the risk of advanced NSCLC among individuals with a smoking history greater than one year, with the strongest effect observed among current smokers. In contrast, the same two polymorphisms had no effect on the risk of developing SCLC in either of the two cohorts analyzed. Thus, this study offers further insight into potential mechanisms underlying the genetic susceptibility to developing advanced NSCLC among smokers. Validation in larger populations is warranted.

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    MO08 - NSCLC - Early Stage (ID 117)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 1
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      MO08.08 - A cost-effectiveness analysis of the 15-gene expression signature in guiding adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage non-small cell lung cancer based on the JBR.10 trial (ID 1962)

      16:15 - 17:45  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      The NCIC CTG JBR.10 trial demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) improves survival in resected stage IB/II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to observation. A 15-gene expression signature was developed from the trial population and subsequently validated to stratify patients with resected NSCLC into low and high risk prognostic groups. The signature may also be predictive for greater benefit from ACT in high risk patients (Zhu et al. JCO 2010), but this has not yet been validated. This gene expression signature may offer a risk stratification strategy to identify patients most likely to benefit from ACT. We conducted an exploratory economic analysis to assess the impact of the use of this gene signature compared to current clinical staging to guide ACT decisions in resected early stage NSCLC.

      Methods
      We developed a decision analytic model populated by the NCIC CTG JBR.10 trial cost and outcome data, including direct medical costs and overall survival (OS). Utility for each health state was estimated from quality of life data to generate quality-adjusted survival. The analysis was performed over a lifetime horizon from the perspective of the Canadian public health care system, expressed in 2013 Canadian dollars. Survival and costs were discounted at 5% per year. We determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of ACT versus observation in resected stage IB/II NSCLC in the following two scenarios: (1) gene signature-directed ACT, where patients classified as having high risk of recurrence receive ACT and those at low risk are observed; and (2) clinical stage-directed ACT, where gene signature profiling is not performed – those with stage IB tumours >4cm or stage II NSCLC receive ACT, and those with stage IB tumours <4cm are observed. Nonparametric bootstrapping to estimate 95% confidence intervals (CI) and multi-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

      Results
      The analysis included 52 patients in the gene signature-based strategy and 125 patients in the stage-based strategy with available direct medical costs and gene signature data. The mean survival gain of ACT versus observation was 2.28 years using gene signature-directed selection, and 1.59 years using stage-directed selection. The discounted ICER of ACT versus observation was $8,327/life-year gained (LYG; 95% CI, $395 to $19,590) using the gene signature-directed approach, and $5,623/LYG (95% CI, -$2,161 to $14,354) for the clinical approach. There was no significant difference in the ICER between the two strategies (p=0.52). The discounted ICUR was $11,315/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY; 95% CI, $211 to $27,314) using the gene signature-directed approach, and $7,728/QALY (95% CI, -$3,080 to $19,825) for the clinical approach. Sensitivity analyses showed that the ICER was most sensitive to changes in the survival hazard ratio (i.e. treatment benefit) and utility, but less sensitive to the cost of the gene signature (range $0 to $10,000 per case, with corresponding ICER $15,794 to $28,194/LYG, respectively).

      Conclusion
      This exploratory analysis suggests that use of the 15-gene expression signature to guide decisions for ACT in resected stage IB/II NSCLC patients could be highly cost-effective. Further validation of the signature’s impact on ACT outcomes is needed.

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    MO12 - Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers III (ID 96)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 1
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      MO12.04 - Biomarker Analysis of NCIC Clinical Trials Group IND.196, a Phase I study of erlotinib plus foretinib in advanced pretreated non-small cell lung cancer patients (ID 3148)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Upregulation of MET and more recently AXL have been described as potential mechanisms of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in NSCLC. We explored the impact of baseline MET and AXL tumour expression and circulating hepatocyte growth factor levels, (HGF), in advanced NSCLC patients receiving erlotinib plus foretinib, an oral multi-targeted kinase inhibitor of MET, RON, AXL, TIE-2 and VEGFR.

      Methods
      Advanced NSCLC patients that previously received one or two lines of chemotherapy were treated in IND.196, a phase I dose-finding trial with an initial two-week run-in of single agent erlotinib (100-150 mg daily). If erlotinib was well tolerated, foretinib was then added (30-45 mg daily). Submission of tumour samples (archival or fresh) was mandatory, and circulating HGF levels were determined at baseline and on treatment. Tumour samples were genotyped using Sequenom MassARRAY analysis. MET and AXL expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. For AXL, the human Axl affinity purified polyclonal goat IgG antibody (R&D systems, AF154, Minneapolis MN) was scored manually. For MET, the anti-total MET (SP-44) rabbit monoclonal antibody (Ventana Medical Systems, Tucson AZ) was scored using the Benchmark XT autostainer. Staining intensity (0-3+) and percent cells stained were used to calculate the H-score; H-scores >100 were deemed positive for AXL, and >200 positive for MET.

      Results
      Of 31 patients enrolled, 28 were evaluable for response to combination therapy, with a recommended phase II dose of erlotinib 150 mg daily for a 2-week run-in and then foretinib 30 mg daily added. The overall response rate in the intent to treat population (RECIST 1.1) was 16.1% (95% CI 5.5-33.7%), with partial responses (PR) seen in 5/31 patients and a median response duration of 17.9 months (range 3.6-17.9). Stable disease was seen in 42% (13/31), with a median duration of 4.8 months (95% CI 2.4-15.4). Tumour samples were submitted for 25 patients; 15 had sufficient tissue for genotyping, 17 for assessment of MET, and 16 for AXL expression. 2/5 responding patients had confirmed EGFR mutations, (1 wildtype, 2 unknown). Another 5 had KRAS mutations, one with >20% reduction in tumour size but SD by RECIST. Of 17 patients with MET IHC results, 71% (12/17) were positive. PR was seen in 3/12 patients with MET-positive tumours, (2 with EGFR mutations, 1 wildtype). No response was seen in those with MET-negative tumours. Of 16 samples with AXL IHC results, 9 were positive (56%). PR was seen in 2/9 with AXL-positive tumours and 2/6 with AXL-negative tumours. AXL expression was not seen in samples with EGFR mutations, but 3/5 KRAS mutant samples were AXL positive. Assessment of circulating HGF levels will be presented at the 2013 WCLC meeting.

      Conclusion
      Baseline MET expression, uncontrolled for EGFR status, may be associated with response to combination erlotinib/foretinib. No correlation between baseline AXL expression and response was seen although the sample size is small. Further study is needed to control for the impact of EGFR mutation status on response, and to assess whether combination erlotinib/foretinib can overcome resistance to EGFR TKI therapy mediated by MET and AXL.

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    MO18 - NSCLC - Targeted Therapies IV (ID 116)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 2
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      MO18.10 - Oral MEK1/MEK2 inhibitor trametinib (GSK1120212) in combination with pemetrexed in a phase 1/1B trial involving <em>KRAS</em>-mutant and wild-type (WT) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): efficacy and biomarker results (ID 2922)

      16:15 - 17:45  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in NSCLC and represents an unmet need for targeted therapy. Trametinib plus pemetrexed enhances growth inhibition and apoptosis of NSCLC cell lines with and without RAS/RAF mutations in vitro when compared with either agent alone.

      Methods
      This 2-part, multi-arm, open-label phase 1/1B study evaluated the safety and efficacy of trametinib plus chemotherapy (NCT01192165). Part 1 determined the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for trametinib (1.5 mg daily) and pemetrexed (500 mg/m[2] every 3 weeks) in patients with advanced solid tumors. In part 2, patients with NSCLC were stratified as KRAS WT or KRAS-mutant and treated at the RP2D. Primary study objectives were safety and tolerability; secondary objectives were efficacy and pharmacokinetics (PK). Next-generation sequencing was used to perform exploratory mutational profiling on available archival tissue from 21 patients (50%). Plasma from 38 patients (90%) was analyzed both for tumor-derived mutations in cell-free DNA (eg, KRAS, EGFR) using BEAMing technology as well as cytokine and angiogenic factors using a Searchlight multiplex assay.

      Results
      A total of 42 patients with NSCLC (19 KRAS WT [79% ≥ 2 prior therapies; 74% prior pemetrexed; 16% squamous] and 23 KRAS-mutant [57% ≥ 2 prior therapies; 43% prior pemetrexed; 4% squamous]) were enrolled and treated at the RP2D until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Safety and PK data were previously reported (ASCO 2013). Response rate was 17% and disease control rate was 69% for the whole population of NSCLC. Of note, we observed disease control in 75% of patients previously treated with pemetrexed (including 4 partial responses [PRs]) and in 2 patients out of 4 with squamous histology (including one PR). Progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.1 months for all patients with NSCLC. Detailed efficacy results according to mutation status are shown in Table 1. Among KRAS WT, activity was seen in cancers with EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangement. Final biomarker analyses, including assessment of their potential correlation with therapeutic response or resistance, are ongoing and will be reported upon completion. Figure 1

      Conclusion
      MEK inhibition with trametinib + pemetrexed demonstrated activity in both KRAS-mutant and WT NSCLC; efficacy data are encouraging and warrant further study. There was no significant difference in activity or efficacy across KRAS mutation subtypes. Interestingly, activity with this combination was broad and was seen in patients with squamous histology, patients with prior pemetrexed treatment, and those with EGFR mutation or ALK translocation.

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      MO18.11 - Oral MEK1/MEK2 inhibitor trametinib (GSK1120212) in combination with docetaxel in a phase 1/1B trial involving <em>KRAS</em>-mutant and wild-type (WT) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): efficacy and biomarker results (ID 2411)

      16:15 - 17:45  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in NSCLC and represents an unmet need for targeted therapy. Trametinib enhances docetaxel-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of NSCLC cell lines. Cell lines with the KRAS G12C point mutation, the most common KRAS mutation subtype (≈50% of KRAS-mutant NSCLC or ≈10% of all NSCLC), are more responsive to apoptosis induced by this combination.

      Methods
      This 2-part, multi-arm, open-label phase 1/1B study evaluated the safety and efficacy of trametinib plus chemotherapy (NCT01192165). Part 1 determined the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for trametinib (2.0 mg daily) and docetaxel (75 mg/m[2] every 3 weeks) in the presence of growth factors in patients with advanced solid tumors. In part 2, patients with NSCLC were stratified as KRAS WT or KRAS-mutant and treated at the RP2D. Primary study objectives were safety and tolerability; secondary objectives were efficacy and pharmacokinetics (PK). Next-generation sequencing was used to perform exploratory mutational profiling on available archival tissue from 17 patients (36%). Plasma from 42 patients (89%) was analyzed both for tumor-derived mutations in cell-free DNA (eg, KRAS, EGFR) using BEAMing technology as well as cytokine and angiogenic factors using a Searchlight multiplex assay.

      Results
      A total of 47 patients with NSCLC (22 KRAS WT [64% ≥2 prior therapies; 27% squamous] and 25 KRAS-mutant [40% ≥2 prior therapies; 0% squamous]) were enrolled and treated at the RP2D until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Safety and PK data were previously reported (ASCO 2013). Progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.2 months for all patients; efficacy results according to mutation status are shown in Table 1. Among KRAS-mutant patients, activity and efficacy were better in G12C compared with non-G12C subtypes. Among KRAS WT, activity was seen in cancers with EGFR mutations; clinical benefit was noted in 2 patients with ALK translocation (disease control 25 weeks and 60+ weeks). Final biomarker analyses, including assessment of their potential correlation with therapeutic response or resistance, are ongoing and will be reported upon completion. Figure 1

      Conclusion
      MEK inhibition with trametinib + docetaxel (+ growth factors) demonstrated activity in both KRAS-mutant and WT NSCLC; efficacy data are encouraging and warrant further study. Cancers carrying the KRAS G12C point mutation may have improved activity and efficacy compared with non-G12C subtypes, consistent with preclinical observations. Additionally, clinical benefit with this combination was broad and was seen in patients with squamous histology and those with EGFR mutation or ALK translocation.

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    O01 - Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers I (ID 94)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 1
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      O01.03 - BRM Promoter Variants and Survival Outcomes of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients: A Validation Study in the NCIC Clinical Trials Group (NCIC-CTG) BR24 Clinical Trial (ID 1999)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      BRM, an ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is a putative tumor susceptibility gene in NSCLC. Loss of BRM expression occurs in 15% of NSCLC, and has been linked to adverse outcome. Two BRM promoter insertion variants (BRM-741 and BRM-1321) result in epigenetic silencing of BRM through recruitment of histone deacetylases. The presence of double homozygous BRM variants is linked to loss of BRM expression and function in lung tumors, and double the risk of lung cancer. Pharmacological reversal of the epigenetic changes of BRM is feasible. In this study we evaluated the association between the BRM promoter variants and survival outcomes of advanced NSCLC patients.

      Methods
      The training cohort consisted of 564 stage III-IV NSCLC patients treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto 2006-2010. The validation cohort comprised 219 stage IIIb-IV NSCLC patients from the NCIC-CTG BR24 clinical trial, a phase II/III double-blind randomized trial of cediranib versus placebo in patients receiving carboplatin/paclitaxel for the treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC. Genotyping for the BRM promoter variants was performed using Taqman. Associations of BRM promoter variants and overall (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for clinically relevant variables, and in the case of the BR24 population, stratified by treatment arm.

      Results
      Among the training cohort, 73% were Caucasian, 52% male, median age 63 yrs, 55% stage IV disease, and 67% adenocarcinoma. Median OS was 1.6yrs; median follow up, 3.6yrs. The frequency of homozygosity was BRM-741, 23%; BRM-1321, 21%; both 12%. Homozygous variants of BRM-741 were strongly associated with worse OS (adjusted HR [aHR] 2.5 [95% CI: 1.9-3.3; p=6x10E-10]) and PFS (aHR 2.0 [95% CI: 1.6-2.6; p=9x10E-8]) compared to the wild types. Similar findings were observed for the BRM-1321 homozygous variants (aHR for OS of 2.0 [95% CI: 1.5-2.6; p=2x10E-6]; aHR for PFS of 1.8 [95% CI: 1.4-2.4; p=3x10E-6]). The presence of double homozygous BRM-741 and BRM-1321 variants was strongly associated with worse OS (aHR 2.8 [95% CI: 1.9-4.0; p=7x10E-8]) and PFS (aHR 2.7 [95% CI: 1.9-3.8; p=1x10E-8]). Genotyping was possible for 219/296 BR24 participants. Of these, 59% were male, median age 59 yrs, 83% stage IV, 46% adenocarcinoma, with 50% receiving cediranib. Individuals carrying the homozygous variants of both BRM-741 and BRM-1321 (13% of cases) had a substantially worse OS (aHR 9.0 [95% CI: 4.3-18.5; p=1x10E-9]) and PFS (aHR 3.8 [95% CI: 1.9-7.3; p=3x10E-5]) compared to the wild types, irrespective of whether they were treated with cediranib (aHR for OS of 6.4; p=1x10E-4; aHR for PFS of 2.1; p=0.02) or placebo (aHR for OS of 16.8; p=2x10E-7; aHR for PFS of 8.3; p=1x10E-4).

      Conclusion
      The same two homozygous BRM promoter variants that are associated with increased risk of NSCLC are also strongly associated with adverse OS and PFS in this study of advanced NSCLC patients. We are completing additional studies focusing on the relationship between the BRM promoter variants and BRM protein expression; results will be presented at the meeting.

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    O02 - NSCLC - Combined Modality Therapy I (ID 111)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Combined Modality
    • Presentations: 2
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      O02.01 - Geographic differences in the combined-modality treatment of stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer: Results from a global phase III trial of tecemotide (L-BLP25) (ID 2712)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Chemo-radiotherapy (chemo/RT) is the standard of care for patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but little is known about differences in clinical practice between regions of the world. The START trial is a global phase III trial of the MUC1-specific cancer immunotherapy tecemotide (L-BLP25), for which key efficacy and safety results have been reported previously. Here we report regional differences in diagnostic procedures and treatment of stage III NSCLC prior to enrolment in START.

      Methods
      The START trial recruited patients (performance status 0/1) with unresectable stage III NSCLC who had not progressed within 28–84 days of completing ≥2 cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy with concurrent or sequential radiotherapy (≥50 Gy). Baseline characteristics, diagnostic procedures and the initial chemo/RT administered of those recruited were compared between centers in different regions.

      Results
      From Jan 2007 to Nov 2011, 1513 patients were recruited at >250 centers in 33 countries: Western Europe 40.3%, Eastern Europe 26.0%, North America 21.8%, Latin America 5.7%, Asia 3.4%, Australia 2.8%. The majority of patients (92.1%) were Caucasian and median age was 61 years. Overall, 6.3% of patients were never-smokers with little inter-regional variation except for Asia (31.4%). The proportion of current smokers upon entry into the trial was highest in Eastern Europe (36.3%) and lowest in Australia (11.6%). Median tobacco consumption by region ranged from 36.2 (Eastern Europe) to 53.6 (Latin America) pack-years. The proportion of patients considered for the START trial who received concurrent rather than sequential chemo/RT varied widely between regions and was highest in North America and Australia, lower in Western Europe, Latin America and Asia, and lowest in Eastern Europe. There were also substantial variations in the diagnostic procedures between the regions, although pathological confirmation of N-status was infrequent in all regions. Detailed results by region for the time from diagnosis to randomization, duration of chemo- and radiotherapy, and chemotherapy agents used will be presented.

      Proportion of patients (%) with:
      Use of concurrent chemo/RT N-status determined with PET or PET/CT N-status determined with mediastinoscopy
      Australia (n=43) 100 74.4 2.3
      North America (n=330) 92.7 37.9 18.5
      Asia (n=51) 66.7 21.5 2.0
      Latin America (n=86) 65.1 7.0 5.8
      Western Europe (n=609) 67.2 32.2 6.9
      Eastern Europe (n=394) 28.9 7.3 3.6

      Conclusion
      Baseline data from the START trial suggest substantial variations in the management of unresectable stage III NSCLC between different regions of the world. While recruited patients from North American and Australian centers mostly received concurrent chemo/RT in accordance with current recommendations, a substantial proportion of patients in Europe, Latin America and Asia received sequential chemo/RT. More frequent use of concurrent chemo/RT as the recommended standard of care should be made across geographic regions.

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      O02.02 - Tecemotide (L-BLP25) in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer in the phase III START study: Further endpoint and exploratory biomarker results (ID 2779)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      The phase III START study evaluated the mucin 1 (MUC1) antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy tecemotide (L-BLP25) vs. placebo in patients with stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who did not progress following initial chemo-radiotherapy (chemo/RT). The primary objective of overall survival (OS) prolongation was not met, however, pre-defined subgroup analyses revealed a clinically meaningful prolongation of survival with tecemotide in patients previously treated with concurrent chemo/RT (p=0.016). Sensitivity analyses suggested the observed treatment effect may have been under-estimated due to a clinical hold, which resulted in a median suspension of recruitment and investigational treatment of about 4.4 months. Tecemotide was well tolerated and no safety concerns were identified.

      Methods
      From January 2007 to November 2011, 1513 patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC and stable disease or objective response following initial chemo/RT were randomized (2:1, double-blind) to subcutaneous tecemotide (806 µg lipopeptide) or placebo, weekly for 8 weeks and then 6-weekly until disease progression or withdrawal. A single dose of cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2) or saline was given 3 days prior to first tecemotide/placebo dose. Primary endpoint, OS, and secondary endpoints progression-free-survival (PFS) and time-to-treatment-failure (TTF) used a Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusting for randomization strata. While RECIST 1.0 had to be observed for determination of disease progression, there was no formal imaging schedule to determine disease progression; this was done according to institutional practice. Exploratory analyses were done for treatment interaction for HLA-A02, -DRB4 and -B08. Baseline peripheral blood anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), serum MUC1 (sMUC1), lymphocyte count and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) currently are being explored.

      Results
      The primary analysis population (N=1239) was defined prospectively to account for the clinical hold and prospectively excluded 274 patients randomized within 6 months prior to onset of the hold. Median PFS was 9.6 months with tecemotide vs. 7.7 months with placebo (HR 0.865, 95%CI 0.755–0.990, p=0.036). In keeping with OS data, tecemotide treatment effects on PFS were more pronounced in patients treated with concurrent chemo/RT (N=806; HR 0.826, 95%CI 0.696–0.980, p=0.029) vs. sequential chemo/RT (N=433; HR 0.947, 95%CI 0.756–1.187, p=0.638). Median TTF was 8.9 months with tecemotide vs. 7.2 months with placebo (HR 0.887, 95%CI 0.777–1.012, p=0.075). A prolongation of TTF with tecemotide was seen in patients with prior concurrent chemo/RT (HR 0.844, 95%CI 0.715–0.996, p=0.045), which was absent in the subgroup with prior sequential chemo/RT (HR 0.977, 95%CI 0.784–1.217, p=0.835). Detailed biomarker results will be presented.

      Conclusion
      While the primary endpoint of prolongation of OS was not met, secondary endpoints PFS and TTF support the previously-reported finding of a more favorable effect of tecemotide in patients treated with concurrent but not sequential chemo/RT. Any potential further clinical investigation of tecemotide in locally advanced NSCLC should focus on patients following concurrent chemo/RT therapy.

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    O06 - Cancer Control and Epidemiology I (ID 135)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Prevention & Epidemiology
    • Presentations: 1
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      O06.06 - Factors Associated with Smoking Cessation in Participants of The Pan Canadian Early Lung Cancer Study (ID 1469)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Lung cancer screening programs provide unique opportunities to facilitate smoking cessation in smokers who participate in these programs. However, the effects of screening on motivation to quit might be mediated or modified by other variables. Identifying the participants more likely to quit will allow rapid application of smoking cessation resources to these participants, while those least likely to quit can be afforded experimental interventions. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of lung cancer screening on smoking cessation in current smokers at the time of enrollment and to identify factors that were associated with quitting smoking in this screening population.

      Methods
      Using data collected from the Pan-Canadian Study of Early Detection of Lung Cancer, both univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of smoking cessation among current smokers at enrolment. Smoking cessation was defined as quitting for at least a 6 month period, occurring anytime after enrolment.

      Results
      We analyzed baseline and follow-up questionnaires of 2320 participants, of which 1419 were current smokers. Of these 1419 patients, 392 (27.8%) met the definition of smoking cessation during a median of two annual follow-up visits. In both univariate and multivariable (MV) analysis, greater smoking cessation was associated with four factors: (i) having a diagnosis of lung cancer at any time during the screening process, with a MV Odds ratio (OR) of quitting of 2.4 (95%CI: 1.1-5.0); (ii) lower and medium nicotine addiction as assessed by the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Scale Score, with MV-ORs of 3.2 (95%CI: 2.2-4.6) and 1.4 (95%CI: 0.9-2.0), respectively; (iii) having higher education, with MV-OR: 1.4 (95%CI: 1.1-1.9); and (iv) having an earlier age of onset of regular alcohol intake, with MV-OR of 1.11 (95%CI: 1.02-1.21) per 5 year decrease in age. Smoking cessation was also associated with (i) previous attempts of quitting [UV-OR 1.8 (95%CI: 1.2-2.7)], willingness to quit smoking within the next month (at baseline screening) [UV-OR 2.2 (95%CI: 1.8-2.9)] or within the next 6 months after baseline screening [UV-OR 1.8 (95%CI: 1.3.-2.4)]. Second-hand smoking exposure, including exposure as a child, or as an adult at work, at home, privately with friends, or in public settings, or a cumulative index of these different exposures, was not associated with smoking cessation. Presence of potential index symptoms for lung disease, including shortness of breath, cough (both dry and productive), hoarseness, audible wheezing or even chest pain, was not associated with an increased chance of smoking cessation.

      Conclusion
      The diagnosis of a new lung cancer had a major positive impact on screening participants quitting smoking, as were factors such as lower nicotine dependence, higher education, earlier starting alcohol drinking age, and willingness to quit. Whether a new lung cancer diagnosis triggered additional efforts by clinicians to help the person quit will be explored further. Individual lung symptoms and secondhand smoke exposure were not associated with smoking cessation. (Geoffrey Liu and Martin Tamemmagi are co-senior authors)

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    O08 - Preclinical Therapeutic Models I (ID 92)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Biology
    • Presentations: 1
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      O08.07 - Patient-derived primary non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) xenograft models for mechanistic studies of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy (ID 2380)

      16:15 - 17:45  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with tumors bearing “driver” mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) domain have very high response rates to small molecule EGFR TK inhibitors (TKIs). However, all patients eventually develop resistance to the TKIs, and more recent reports have shown that patients who have stopped TKI therapy may be sensitive again upon re-treatment. While several genetic mechanisms of resistance have been documented, including the gate keeper T790M mutation and Met amplification, cell line studies in vitro have also implicated alternate epigenetic mechanisms that may explain the clinical progression observed in patients with EGFR mutations treated by TKIs. Studies in vivo using patient-derived primary lung tumor xenograft models have not been reported.

      Methods
      Patient-derived primary tumor xenografts were established from surgically resected early stage NSCLC implanted subcutaneously in non-obese diabetic severe combined immune deficient (NOD-SCID) mice. Tumors were passaged after reaching the humane endpoint 1.5 cm maximum diameter. EGFR TKI therapy was initiated when tumors reached ~6 mm diameter. Treatment included daily oral gavage for erlotinib (50 mg/Kg) and dacomitinib (3 mg/Kg). Cetuximab was administered weekly intraperitoneally (50 mg/Kg).

      Results
      Among 33 tumors with EGFR mutations engrafted into the mice, only 6 (18.2 %) formed tumors that could be propagated beyond first passage. Three models have been studied for their responses to EGFR TKIs. Model 148 with L858R mutation showed intrinsic pan-resistance to erlotinib and dacomitinib, as well as to cetuximab. This model was derived from a patient who received pre-operative erlotinib in a window of opportunity trial and did not respond. The patient relapsed after surgery and did not receive additional TKI therapy. Model 137 with exon19 E746-A750 deletion mutation demonstrated complete response to both erlotinib and dacomitinib. However, microscopic examination of tissue from the implantation site revealed viable tumor cells, consistent with the inability of TKI to completely eradicate tumor cells even when complete response is observed clinically. The patient subsequently developed disease recurrence and responded to third line gefitinib treatment. Model 164 has double exon19 L747-T751 deletion/T790M mutations. As anticipated, the xenograft failed to respond to erlotinib but responded dramatically to cetuximab alone. Importantly, model 164 xenograft showed transient stabilization of the tumor growth when treated by dacomitinib, but eventually developed progressive growth after 2 weeks of treatment. Resistance was reversible each time the dacomitinib-resistant tumor was propagated, without drug in new mice. The reversibility of resistance observed upon re-initiation of dacomitinib treatment suggests an epigenetic mechanism for TKI resistance. This patient developed recurrence after surgery and failed to respond to second line erlotinib treatment.

      Conclusion
      Patient-derived primary lung cancer xenografts may provide important patient-like models to study mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies, and to test novel treatment strategies that may improve further treatment efficacy.

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    O15 - NSCLC - Chemotherapy II (ID 109)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 1
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      O15.06 - Randomized Phase III Trial of Gemcitabine (G)/Carboplatin (C) with or without Iniparib (I) in Patients (Pts) with Previously Untreated Stage IV Squamous Lung Cancer (ID 3322)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Iniparib is an agent originally thought to function as an inhibitor of the DNA repair enzyme PARP-1, which is overexpressed in squamous lung cancers. Promising phase II activity and safety were reported with iniparib in combination with GC in pts with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (O’Shaughnessy, NEJM 2011); however, subsequent phase III data were negative. Further study of iniparib’s mechanism of action suggests that this agent induces DNA damage, cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and potentiates DNA-damaging chemotherapies not through PARP inhibition. Herein we report the final results from an international Phase III trial (NCT01082549) of first-line chemotherapy and iniparib in pts with advanced squamous lung cancer.

      Methods
      Pts were randomized 1:1 to GC or GCI. All pts received G 1000 mg/m[2] IV days (D) 1 and 8, and C AUC=5 IV D1 of each 21-D cycle. Iniparib was dosed 5.6 mg/kg IV D 1, 4, 8, and 11. All pts were assessed for response per RECIST 1.1 every 6 weeks. Pts without evidence of progressive disease (PD) or other reason for discontinuation could remain on treatment beyond 6 cycles. Accrual of 780 pts provides 89% power to detect an improvement in survival from 8 months (mos) anticipated with GC to 10.7 mos with GCI (HR of 0.75). Eligibility: Pts with newly diagnosed stage IV (M1a and M1b) squamous lung cancer, ECOG PS 0-1. Exclusion criteria included: history of recent cardiac disease, untreated brain metastases, and treatment for early-stage lung cancer within 12 months of study entry. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Interim analyses for safety and futility were performed by an independent data safety monitoring board.

      Results
      780 pts were enrolled and randomized (GC, 390), (GCI, 390) from March 2010 to May 2012. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups (GC/GCI): median age 66 years (21-86); 74%/73% male; 30%/33% ECOG 0; 28%/33% current smokers; 66%/62% past smokers. The median number of cycles for GC/GCI were 4 (1-26)/5 (1-32). Dose reductions, dose intensity, and discontinuations due to tumor progression or adverse events were similar in both arms. The median OS for GC/GCI was 8.9 v. 8.9 months, HR 1.08 (0.92-1.28), p=.348. 1-year OS was 41 v. 40%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) for GC vs GCI was 4.9 v. 4.8 months, HR 0.99 (0.83-1.19), p=.92. The objective response rate (ORR) for GC v GCI was 34 v. 32%, p=.648. The safety profile was similar in both arms; anemia (28/26%), neutropenia (31/35%), thrombocytopenia (27/28%), and fatigue (6/9%).

      Conclusion
      The addition of iniparib did not improve the efficacy of GC in the treatment of pts with advanced squamous lung cancer. Further development of iniparib in squamous lung cancer is not recommended.

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    O17 - Anatomical Pathology I (ID 128)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Pathology
    • Presentations: 1
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      O17.01 - Prognostic and predictive value of a new IASLC/ATS/ERS lung adenocarcinoma classification in a pooled analysis of four adjuvant chemotherapy trials: a LACE-Bio study (ID 3255)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      A new IASLC/ATS/ERS classification for lung adenocarcinoma has been proposed to classify invasive lung adenocarcinoma patients according to the predominant growth pattern present in the tumor: lepidic (LEP), papillary (PAP), acinar (ACN), micropapillary (MPP) and solid (SOL). Several studies have reported consistently that early stage resectable lung adenocarcinoma patients with LEP predominant pattern have a better prognosis, while MPP and SOL predominant patterns have a significantly poorer prognosis. However, the prognostic significance of these histological patterns has not been tested in clinical trials. Furthermore, the clinical utility of this new classification for predicting benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy is unknown.

      Methods
      The representative single H&E slide of 1766 non-small cell lung cancer patients from IALT, JBR.10, CALGB 9633 and ANITA adjuvant chemotherapy trials who participated in the LACE-Bio study were reviewed to confirm the histological diagnosis. These cases were independently assessed by two pathologists involved in the development of this new IASLC/ATS/ERS classification for subtyping. Discordant cases were resolved by consensus. Clinical outcomes were overall survival (OS, main outcome), disease-free survival (DFS) and specific disease-free survival (SDFS) (DFS with censoring deaths not related to cancer). Multivariable Cox models stratified by trial were used for prognostic analyses and the interaction between treatment (chemotherapy / control) and histology subtypes added for predictive analyses. The five histology subtypes were first analysed separately and 3 groups (LEP, PAP+ACN and MPP+SOL) were considered.

      Results
      573 patients were classified as 23 (4%) as LEP, 148 (26%) as ACN, 99 (17%) as PAP, 39 (7%) as MPP and 264 (46%) as SOL. The distribution of histology subtypes was different across trials (p=0.02) but not related with standard prognostic variables. The number of deaths, events and cancer-related events were 269, 320 and 292 respectively. No significant difference was observed between the survival curves of 5 subtypes whatever the endpoint. No prognostic value of 3 histological subtypes was observed for OS (p=0.21 in the control arm) contrary to DFS (p=0.04) and SDFS (p=0.03). These last 2 results were explained by the difference between PAP+ACN and MPP+SOL with hazard ratio (HR)~ACN+PAP vs. MPP+SOL~=0.66 95% confidence interval (CI)=[0.47-0.91] and HR~ACN+PAP vs. MPP+SOL~=0.67 [0.44-0.89] for DFS and SDFS, respectively. Due to the small number of patients with LEP predominant pattern, the predictive value was assessed after excluding this subtype. MPP+SOL patients reported significant DFS benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.58 [0.43-0.80], p<0.001) compared to ACN+PAP patients (HR=1.12 [0.79-1.59], p=0.53; p interaction < 0.01). A similar result was observed for SDFS with HR=0.58 [0.42-0.80], p<0.005 in MPP+SOL compared to HR=1.13 [0.78-1.63], p=0.52 in ACN+PAP (p interaction <0.01) while no predictive effect for OS.

      Conclusion
      Resectable lung adenocarcinoma patients with micropapillary and solid predominant patterns showed a trend for poorer DFS and SDFS compared to patients with the other subtypes, and they show a significantly higher benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy on these outcomes. Histological subtypes according to the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification may be proposed as a stratification factor in design of future adjuvant chemotherapy trials.

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    O24 - Cancer Control and Epidemiology III (ID 134)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Prevention & Epidemiology
    • Presentations: 1
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      O24.05 - The impact of body mass index on survival in stage 3 and 4 lung cancer (ID 663)

      16:15 - 17:45  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Obesity has been shown to be an adverse prognostic factor in several cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate. However, studies of body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in lung cancer are lacking. Understanding the clinical impact of body weight on cancer outcomes is important given the high prevalence of obesity globally. We retrospectively evaluated the distribution of BMI at diagnosis and its effects on survival in stage 3 and 4 lung cancer patients.

      Methods
      1,121 patients with stage 3 or 4 lung cancer from a single institution were analyzed. Clinicopathologic data were collected retrospectively. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were generated by Cox regression for each BMI (kg/m[2]) category (underweight: <18.5, normal: 18.5-24.9, overweight: 25.0-29.9, obese: ≥30), after adjusting for age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, performance status (PS), clinical stage and treatment regimen.

      Results
      In this cohort (n=1,121), the frequencies of stage 3A, 3B and 4 lung cancers were 35%, 32% and 33%, respectively. There were 633 (57%) adenocarcinomas, 238 (21%) squamous cell carcinomas, 38 (3%) small cell lung cancers, and 210 (19%) other histologies. Patients had variable BMI: 82 (7%) underweight, 550 (49%) normal weight, 333 (30%) overweight, 156 (14%) obese. Being overweight/obese was associated with older age (p=0.002) and stage 3A disease (p=0.001); underweight patients were more likely current smokers (p<0.001). OS was significantly decreased with age ≥65, males, PS 2-3, stage 4, and lack of systemic treatment (p<0.001). Median OS in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese patients were 14, 23, 24 and 26 months, respectively. Compared with BMI ≥18.5, being underweight was associated with significantly poorer OS (aHR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.77, p=0.045), but not PFS (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 0.86-1.46, p=0.414). The magnitude of this association was greatest among those aged less than 65 years (aHR 1.57, 95% CI 1.11-2.22, p=0.011).

      Conclusion
      In stage 3 and 4 lung cancer, being underweight at diagnosis is associated with significantly poorer OS, especially in patients younger than 65 years of age. Lower BMI is mostly observed in current smokers, while above normal BMI is seen in older patients and stage 3A disease. Unlike other malignancies, obesity does not increase mortality in this population. The BMI-survival relationship in lung cancer requires further study.

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    P1.05 - Poster Session 1 - Preclinical Models of Therapeutics/Imaging (ID 156)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Biology
    • Presentations: 1
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      P1.05-007 - Large scale establishment of genetically diverse patient-derived primary tumor xenografts from resected early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (ID 1539)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract

      Background
      The fidelity of established NSCLC cell line models to reflect patient tumors has been challenged. Patient-derived primary tumor xenografts (PTXGs) established directly from patient tumors in immunodeficient mice reproduce closely the histology of the primary tumors, thus are potentially better preclinical models to investigate novel therapies. We previously reported that early stage NSCLC patients whose tumors form PTXGs have significantly greater risk of relapse after surgery (Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17: 134-141). We report here a more extended analysis of clinical-molecular-pathological features of early stage NSCLC that are associated with engraftment and its impact on patient outcome.

      Methods
      Resected NSCLC tumors were harvested within 30 minutes after surgery and were implanted into severely immunodeficient mice to establish PTXGs. Tumors that grew were propagated for up to 3 passages. The mutational profiles of the primary tumors were assessed by the MassARRAY platform that included 133 mutations with ‘putative’ driver function, which have been reported in COSMIC database as recurrent in NSCLC. All identified mutations were verified by direct sequencing in both the primary and PTXG tumors. Engraftment rate among clinical factors were tested using the Fisher’s exact or Mann-Whitney tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 3-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) probabilities. The effect of engraftment on OS and DFS adjusting for clinical variables was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

      Results
      From April 2005 to December 2010, 261 rigorously verified resected primary non-carcinoid NSCLCs were engrafted; 38 xenografts that were lymphoma were excluded from further analysis. For the remaining 223 primaries, 101 (45.3%) successfully engrafted and formed PTXG lines. Engraftment rates were 33.8% (48/142) for adenocarcinoma (AdC), 67.7% (42/62) for squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), 66.7% (4/6) for large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and 53.8% (7/13) for others. The tumors forming PTXGs were more likely to be poorly differentiated (p=0.00012) and of larger tumor size and higher pT stage (p<0.0001), but were not correlated with the pN stage. Among 95/101 (94.1%) PTXG cases profiled for mutations, 6 had mutations in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain, 18 in KRAS/HRAS, 5 in PIK3CA, 2 in paxillin and 1 in STK11/LKB gene; 56 (62.2%) were negative for mutations. The median follow-up time was 2.7 years (range 0.04 – 7.5 years). Patients whose tumors engrafted had decreased DFS (HR 2.68, 95% CI 1.16-4.60, Wald p<0.0001) and OS (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.56-6.33, Wald p=0.0014). Significantly poorer survival was maintained in AdC. Among 33 patients with EGFR mutation, only 6 (18.2%) engrafted. Engraftment was associated with significantly poorer DFS (HR 4.76; 1.43-15.86, log-rank p=0.005) and OS (HR 8.55, 95% CI 0.77-94.3, log-rank p=0.035) in this population.

      Conclusion
      The ability to form PTXGs of early stage NSCLC is confirmed as a very strong poor prognostic marker. Although EGFR mutant tumors usually do not engraft, engraftment of EGFR mutant tumors is associated with poor patient survival. PTXGs appear to represent biologically aggressive NSCLC.

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    P2.06 - Poster Session 2 - Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers (ID 165)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Biology
    • Presentations: 1
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      P2.06-023 - Gene expression signature and immunohistochemical assessment of NRF2 pathway activation for adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) (ID 1990)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract

      Background
      Genomic profiling of SqCC has identified somatic alterations in NRF2 or its negative regulators (NFE2L2 mutations/amplifications, KEAP1 or CUL3 mutations/deletions) in ~1/3 of tumors. These alterations result in activation of the NRF2 transcriptional program, but the clinical significance of this pathway in lung SqCC patients is unknown. We hypothesize that a gene expression signature that reflects somatic NRF2-activating alterations may be identified and correlated with NRF2 protein over-expression. Furthermore, such gene expression or its immunohistochemical correlates may have prognostic significance and/or may be predictive of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in early stage resectable lung SqCC patients.

      Methods
      Logistic regression (LR) and SAM analysis were applied independently to 104 SqCC cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) that had both microarray gene expression and mutation data to identify genes associated with NRF2 pathway mutational status. Overlapping genes were used to define the signature, which was then tested in 3 independent SqCC microarray datasets to evaluate its prognostic value. Correlation of the signature with NRF2 and KEAP1 mutations and with NRF2 and KEAP1 immunoreactive protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) was evaluated. We also tested the gene expression signature as a potential predictor of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in a subset of NCIC JBR.10 adjuvant chemotherapy trial patients with microarray data.

      Results
      A 28-gene signature that distinguished SqCC with or without aberration of the NRF2 pathway genes (NFE2L2/KEAP1/CUL3) in the TCGA dataset was identified. This gene signature that putatively represents NRF2 pathway activation status separates consistently SqCC into 2 groups in independent datasets. Both NRF2/KEAP1 mutation and NRF2 protein expression by IHC were significantly correlated with the NRF2 pathway activation signature (p<0.001 for each comparison). KEAP1 protein expression was not associated with the gene expression signature. No prognostic effect of the activated signature was observed in three independent datasets. In the JBR.10 patient cohort, a trend toward improved survival with adjuvant chemotherapy was observed in patients with the NRF2 “wild type” signature (HR 0.32, 95%CI 0.065-1.6 p=0.16), but not in patients with the “activated” signature (HR 2.28, 95%CI 0.24–22, p=0.48; interaction p=0.15).

      Conclusion
      A gene expression signature based on mutational activation of the NRF2 pathway may be predictive of benefit from adjuvant cisplatin/vinorelbine in SqCC. Patients with NRF2 pathway activating somatic alterations may have reduced benefit from this therapy. NRF2 immunohistochemistry could potentially be useful to identify NRF2-activated lung SqCC patients who may not benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy but this requires further validation.

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    P3.11 - Poster Session 3 - NSCLC Novel Therapies (ID 211)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 2
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      P3.11-039 - Exploration of patient health status as measured by the generic preference-based questionnaire EQ-5D alongside the START trial of tecemotide (L-BLP25) in non-small cell lung cancer (ID 2744)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract

      Background
      Tecemotide (L-BLP25) is a mucin 1 (MUC1) antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy investigated in patients not progressing after primary chemo-radiotherapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the phase III START study. The objective of this analysis was to explore patients’ health status alongside the study.

      Methods
      From January 2007 to November 2011, 1513 patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC that did not progress after chemo-radiotherapy (platinum-based chemotherapy and ≥50 Gy) were randomized (2:1; double-blind) to tecemotide (806 μg lipopeptide) or placebo SC weekly x 8 then Q6 weeks until disease progression or withdrawal. The analysis population (n=1239) was defined prospectively to account for a clinical hold of the study. The impact on patient health status was assessed as an exploratory endpoint using the EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), a widely used generic preference-based questionnaire covering 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). EQ-5D index score can be calculated for which perfect health is given a value of 1 and death a value of 0. EQ-5D was collected at baseline, weeks 2, 5 and 8 and then every 6 weeks until end of treatment (EOT) visit (i.e. at time of disease progression), the EOT visit and every 12 weeks afterwards. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was carried out to explore the change of EQ-5D index score over time in the overall population for patients on treatment. The change of EQ-5D to EOT visit was also estimated. Change of EQ-5D index score was explored using all data (i.e. collected both before and after EOT visit) using a linear growth curve model, with random intercept and slope, considering time as a continuous variable.

      Results
      EQ-5D compliance rates (percentage of patients still in the study who completed the questionnaire) were consistently above 85% for all visits of the treatment period in both treatment arms. Mean baseline EQ-5D score was 0.79 (sd=0.19) for both tecemotide and placebo arms. The results from ANCOVA on the overall population did not show any significant difference between the two arms during the treatment phase. Change in the EQ-5D index score from baseline to EOT visit was –0.102 (95%CI: –0.134, –0.071) for tecemotide and –0.136 (95%CI: –0.177, –0.095) for placebo. The linear growth model including the EQ-5D assessments before and after EOT showed that the EQ-5D index score decreased significantly over time in both treatment arms, but that the decrease was slightly slower in the tecemotide than in the placebo arm: –0.0076 per month in tecemotide patients vs. –0.01 in placebo (p=0.0498).

      Conclusion
      During treatment, there was no statistical difference in health status with tecemotide vs. placebo. This supports the good tolerability profile of tecemotide, with a lack of significant toxicity as compared to placebo. Disease progression was associated with a notable deterioration of patient health status, regardless of the treatment. Considering data from both before and after disease progression, patients’ health status appeared to worsen slightly over time, at a slower rate for patients treated with tecemotide.

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      P3.11-044 - Clinical impact of EGFR mutation fraction and tumour cellularity in EGFR mutation positive NSCLC (ID 2982)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract

      Background
      We investigated the impact of mutation fraction, tumour sample cellularity, and diagnostic specimen type on EGFR TKI response, time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS), as well as patterns of treatment in a population-based cohort of advanced EGFR mutation positive NSCLC patients.

      Methods
      From March 2010 to May 2012, EGFR testing in the province of Ontario (Canada) was conducted at a single centre, using fragment analysis for exon 19 deletion and Sau961 restriction enzyme digest for exon 21 mutations. Patients with EGFR mutation positive samples were identified and tumour sample cellularity, mutation fraction (percent of tumour cells mutated), demographic, treatment and outcome data were collected. Regression analysis was undertaken to assess the association between demographic variables, mutation fraction, tumour sample cellularity and sample type on clinical outcomes.

      Results
      Among 293 patients identified with EGFR mutation positive NSCLC, 253 received EGFR TKIs and are included in this analysis. Most are female (72%), never smokers (59%), have exon 19 deletions (53%; 47% exon21 L858R), and median age 65 years (range 26 to 96). Tumour specimens tested include resection (32%), cytology (30%), and core biopsies (38%). Median EGFR mutation fraction is 30% (range 0.4% to 96%); 24% had a low (≤10%) mutation fraction, and 13% had a mutation fraction ≤5%. Responses (any tumour reduction) were seen in 62%, mixed response or stable disease in 25%, and progression as the best response in 13%. Median TTF from the start of EGFR TKI therapy is 13.2 months (range 0-43.7 months). Median OS from TKI start is 22.3 months (95% CI: 19.5-28.2 months), with 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates of 72%, 49% and 37%. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with TTF included female sex (HR 0.69, p=0.03) and sample type (resection HR 0.56, cytology HR 0.82, core biopsy as reference, p=0.01). Age at metastatic diagnosis (p=0.01), sample cellularity (p=0.01) and sample type were significantly associated with OS, (resection HR 0.51, cytology HR 0.70, core biopsy as reference, p=0.04). Proportional odds logistic regression identified that mutation frequency and age at metastatic diagnosis were significantly associated with the odds of response, (p=0.047, p=0.04 respectively). Responses were seen even in those with lower EGFR mutation fraction, 48% (24/50) at a mutation frequency of ≤10% and 33% (9/27) at a mutation frequency of ≤5%. The average cellularity in the high (>10%) mutation fraction group was 53% (95%CI 50– 56%), and 36% (95%CI 29 – 43%) in those with a low mutation fraction (p<.0001).

      Conclusion
      Pathologic features may be relevant to clinical outcomes in EGFR mutation positive NSCLC, including mutation fraction, sample cellularity, and specimen tested. The clinical relevance of sample tumour cellularity and sample type tested remains unclear. In particular, initial stage and prognosis may be confounders in the association between resected specimens and favourable outcomes. Given that those with mutation fractions ≤5% may have significant response from EGFR TKI therapy, treatment should not be withheld on the basis of mutation frequency alone.

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    P3.12 - Poster Session 3 - NSCLC Early Stage (ID 206)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 1
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      P3.12-015 - Surgery for Early Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Preoperative Erlotinib (SELECT): A Correlative Biomarker Study (ID 2529)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): F.A. Shepherd

      • Abstract

      Background
      Erlotinib has demonstrated major activity in EGFR mutation positive NSCLC, but may also benefit those with wild type tumours. We conducted a single-arm trial of pre-operative erlotinib in early stage NSCLC to assess radiologic and functional response as well as correlation with known and investigational biomarkers.

      Methods
      Patients with clinical stage IA-IIB NSCLC received erlotinib 150 mg daily for 4 weeks followed by surgical resection. Tumor response was assessed using pre- and post-treatment CT and PET imaging. Tumor genotype was established using Sequenom MassARRAY analysis. EGFR, PTEN, cMET and AXL expression levels were determined by immunohistochemistry. Pre- and post-treatment circulating markers/ligands for EGFR activation (TGF-α, amphiregulin, epiregulin, EGFR ECD) were measured by ELISA. Tumor MET copy number by FISH and VeriStrat® analysis of pre-treatment serum samples is ongoing. Secondary endpoints included pathological response, toxicity and progression-free survival.

      Results
      Twenty-five patients were enrolled; 22 received erlotinib treatment with a median follow up of 4.4 years (range 2.2 to 6.4 years). Histology was predominantly adenocarcinoma (15) with smaller numbers of squamous cell carcinoma (7). PET response (25% SUV reduction) was observed in 2 patients (9%), both with confirmed squamous carcinoma histology. All patients met criteria for stable disease by RECIST and several experienced minor radiographic regression with histologic findings of fibrosis/necrosis, including 2 with squamous histology. The presence of an EGFR activating mutation was detected in two adenocarcinoma cases; one patient experienced minor radiographic response to treatment (exon 19 deletion) and the other stable disease (L858R). High pre-treatment serum levels of TGF- α correlated with tumor growth or primary resistance to erlotinib therapy (p=0.04), whereas high post-treatment soluble EGFR levels correlated with tumor response (p=0.02). Expression of EGFR, PTEN, cMET and AXL did not correlate significantly with tumor response.

      Conclusion
      Erlotinib appears to demonstrate some activity in EGFR wild-type tumors including those with squamous histology. These findings support that certain EGFR wild-type patients may respond to EGFR TKIs. Further research is needed to characterize these patients and elucidate the predictive ability of potential biomarkers such as TGF- α, EGFR copy number and others.