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N. Reguart



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    MINI 22 - New Technology (ID 134)

    • Event: WCLC 2015
    • Type: Mini Oral
    • Track: Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing
    • Presentations: 1
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      MINI22.01 - Detecting ALK, ROS1 and RET Fusion Genes in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Using a Novel Multiplexed NCounter-Based Assay (ID 2254)

      16:45 - 18:15  |  Author(s): N. Reguart

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background:
      Gene fusions of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1, and RET are targetable oncogenes present in approximately 9% of advanced NSCLC. Current assays for detecting gene fusions are based on FISH (FDA-approved companion diagnostic test for ALK), immunohistochemistry (IHQ) and qRT-PCR. These tests, however, are complex and have disadvantages in terms of turnaround, sensitivity, cost and throughput. The nCounter platform allows joint detection, in a single tube, without any enzymatic reaction and in 72 hours, of multiple fusion genes by transcript-based method from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples.

      Methods:
      A custom set consisting of 5´and 3´ probes and/or fusion-specific probes to detect ALK, ROS1 and RET fusion transcripts was evaluated. A panel of ALK-ROS-RET positive cell lines (H2228, H3122 [EML4-ALK], SU-DHL-1 [NPM-ALK], HCC78 [SLC34A2-ROS], BaF3 pBABE [CD74-ROS], LC2/ad [RET]) and control fusion negative cell lines (PC9, H1975 [EGFR mut], H460, H23 [KRAS mut]) were used for nCounter validation. To determine the minimum of tumor surface area for detection, ALK translocated cell line H2228 was tested in FFPE at increasing cell numbers (2500, 5000, 10.000, 25000, 50000) corresponding to a surface area of 0.27, 0.55, 1.1, 2.75 and 5.5 mm2, respectively, in the FFPE block. A total of 38 FFPE samples positive by FISH, IHC and/or qRT-PCR for ALK (n=30), ROS (n=7) and RET (n=1) were also analyzed. Total RNA was isolated from cell lines and FFPE and < 225 ng were used for hybridization. Raw counts were normalized using positive controls, negative controls and 4 house-keeping genes (GAPDH, GUSB, OAZ1 and POLR2A) as described in Lira et al. J Mol Diagn 2013. Positive and negative ALK fusion translocation was defined by a 3’/5’ ratio score of > 2.0 and ≤ 2.0 respectively. Response to crizotinib by RECIST criteria was retrospectively collected in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.

      Results:
      nCounter sensitivity to predict fusion transcripts ALK, ROS and RET in cell lines by using both methods (3’/5’ and direct reporter probes) was 100%. Results indicate that samples containing as few as 10% positive tumor cells and a 2.75 mm2 tumor surface area were sufficient for adequate gene fusion detection. The accuracy of prediction (AUC) of ALK 3’-5’ ratio score in 45 independent samples was 82.6% (95% CI 69.3-95.6) with a kappa coefficient score of 0.637. Among 28 samples ALK-FISH-positive, ALK 3’-5’ scoring was positive in 27 samples (96%). One sample was non-evaluable by ALK 3’-5’ scoring. Among the 17 samples ALK-FISH-negative, ALK 3’-5’ score was negative and positive in 10 (59%) and 7 (41%) samples, respectively. All patients with ALK-FISH-negative samples but ALK 3’-5’ score positive (n=7) were positive for ALK IHC and 5 of them were treated with crizotinib. Response assessment was available in 3 of these patients and response rate was 100%. One patient non-evaluable by FISH but positive 3’-5’ scoring also responded to crizotinib.

      Conclusion:
      The ALK/ROS1/RET nCounter-based assay is a highly sensitive screening modality that might identify FISH-negative/non-evaluable NSCLC patients who could benefit from ALK inhibitors.

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    ORAL 18 - Non PD1 Immunotherapy and Angiogenesis (ID 114)

    • Event: WCLC 2015
    • Type: Oral Session
    • Track: Treatment of Advanced Diseases - NSCLC
    • Presentations: 1
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      ORAL18.05 - Early Predictive Value of Perfusion-Computed Tomography (pCT) in Advanced NSCLC Patients Treated with Bevacizumab: IMPACT Trial (ID 2268)

      10:45 - 12:15  |  Author(s): N. Reguart

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background:
      The use of targeted drugs has implied the development of new imaging techniques able to assess in vivo processes as part of antitumor response. Functional imaging techniques may be more appropriate to study changes in vascularization parameters such as blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV) and permeability (PMB) after treatment with antiangiogenics. Perfusion-computed tomography (pCT) could be a useful technique to predict non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (pts) that most benefit from antiangiogenic therapy by assessing early variations of perfusion parameters.

      Methods:
      IMPACT (NCT02316327) is an ongoing open-label, single arm phase II/IV study to evaluate the predictive value of early perfusion changes in pts diagnosed with advanced non-squamous (ns)-NSCLC treated with bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy. Patients receive cisplatin (80 mg/m2 i.v. d1), gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2 i.v. d1 and 8) and bevacizumab (B, 7.5 mg/kg i.v. d1) up to 6 cycles each 21 days. Pts with non-progressive disease are allowed to continue with B maintenance until PD or unacceptable toxicity. pCT assessment is done basal (d-1), at d+7 and d+42. The primary endpoint is to evaluate whether early reductions (d-1 vs d+7) in pCT parameters in terms of BF (mL/100mL/min), BV (mL/100mL) and PMB (mL/100mL/min) may predict response to bevacizumab as compared to Objective Response Rate (ORR) in terms of RECIST after 2 cycles (d+42). All perfusion evaluation parameters during treatment are measured in the same single thoracic target lesion. Planned sample size is 20 pts.

      Results:
      A total of 12 pts with ns-NSCLC have been recruited and data is available for analysis in 8 pts. Mean age is 62 years, 7 males and 1 female. All pts were diagnosed of adenocarcinoma stage IV (63% stage IVb). All tumor samples were negative for EGFR/ALK and 50% positive for KRAS. Mean cycles of chemotherapy were 5 (range 2-6) and 3 (range 0-12) of B maintenance. Target lesions for perfusion were: lung 3 pts (38%), lymph nodes in 4 pts (50%) and pleura in 1 pt (12%). No differences were found in terms of basal BF, BV and PMB depending on perfusion-target chosen. Four pts (50%) achieved partial response (PR), 3 pts (38%) stable disease (SD) and 1 pt (12%) progressive disease (PD). Mean basal perfusion parameters were: BF 61,5 (34,4 - 109), BV 10,4 (3,7 - 22,2) and PMB 17 (5,5 - 27,9). Mean perfusion changes early assessed by pCT at d+7 were: BF 21,7%, BV -49% and PMB -34,4%, decreasing consistently at day +42 (BF -46,8%, BV -45,5% and PMB -53,9%). Mean early variation (d-1 vs d+7) of BF in pts with SD/PD was +1,7% as compared with -45,3% in pts with PR. Mean variation of BF compared with d+42 (d-1 vs d+42) was also greater in pts with PR (-50%). Similar trends were observed in BV and PMB.

      Conclusion:
      Early response to B as assessed with p-CT may help to select those pts with NSCLC who most benefit from antiangiogenic therapy. Early changes in perfusion parameters can be identified with B treatment. Recruitment is ongoing.

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    P1.08 - Poster Session/ Thymoma, Mesothelioma and Other Thoracic Malignancies (ID 224)

    • Event: WCLC 2015
    • Type: Poster
    • Track: Thymoma, Mesothelioma and Other Thoracic Malignancies
    • Presentations: 2
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      P1.08-008 - Efficacy of Palliative Chemotherapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma from Spanish BEMME Database. The Spanish Lung Cancer Group (SLCG) (ID 2356)

      09:30 - 17:00  |  Author(s): N. Reguart

      • Abstract
      • Slides

      Background:
      Palliative chemotherapy with cisplatin and antifolate (pemetrexed or raltitrexed) conferred a median overall survival of 12 months with a response rate of 24% to 43% in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients. BEMME (Base Epidemiológica Mesotelioma Maligno en España) is an observational and retrospective study sponsored by the Spanish Lung Cancer Group that aimed to characterize the patient’s and tumor’s features as well as the treatment modalities outcomes of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Spain.

      Methods:
      Clinical records of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were retrospectively reviewed to collect epidemiological and survival data into an electronic and anonymous database. Thirty-five Spanish hospitals participated in the project and 538 MPM patients were included in the BEMME database. Here we present a descriptive analysis of MPM patients (stage III and IV) treated with palliative chemotherapy.

      Results:
      From January 2008 to December 2013, 297 of 538 patients (p) (55%) with MPM were treated with palliative chemotherapy. Most patients were males (79%), aged between 60-70y (40%), and 60% had a performance status 1 at diagnosis. No exposure to asbestos was reported in 54% of patients. Epithelioid was the most frequent histological subtype (66%), followed by sarcomatoide (12%), biphasic (9%) and not specified (14%). In stage IV, the most frequent metastatic site was lung (35%). Among patients who received chemotherapy, 55% were treated with palliative intent and reached a disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) of 62%. Platinum plus pemetrexed was the most common schedule used as a palliative treatment, without differences in ORR according to platinum-based agent used (Cisplatin: 36% vs. Carboplatin: 32%). A total of 61 of the 297p (21%) received maintenance treatment with an ORR of 10% and stable disease in 50% of p. The median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 12.6 months (95% CI 10.8 – 14.3). There were statistically significant differences in OS according histological subtype. The median OS for epithelioid was significantly longer (15 months, 95% CI 13.8-18) as compared with non-epithelioid (7 months 95% CI 4.3-9, p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in OS according to gender, asbestos exposure or type of platinum chemotherapy (Cisplatin 15.2 months 95% CI: 13.7-18.75; vs. Carboplatin 18 months 95% 12-25.3, p=0.32).

      Conclusion:
      In Spain, OS of MPM patients treated with platinum palliative chemotherapy exceeded the median OS reported in phase III trials.

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      P1.08-015 - Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Observational and Retrospective Analysis of Spanish Database (BEMME). The Spanish Lung Cancer Group (SLCG) (ID 2355)

      09:30 - 17:00  |  Author(s): N. Reguart

      • Abstract
      • Slides

      Background:
      Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive malignancy of the pleura, with a strong causal link to asbestos exposure. Although in Spain asbestos was banned in 2002, it is estimated that occupationally related deaths due to MPM will continue to occur until 2040. BEMME (Base Epidemiológica Mesotelioma Maligno en España) is an observational and retrospective study sponsored by the Spanish Lung Cancer Group that aimed to characterize the patient’s and tumour’s features as well as the treatment modalities of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Spain.

      Methods:
      Clinical records of patients with malignant pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma were retrospectively reviewed to collect epidemiological data, diagnostic tests, treatment modalities and survival data into an electronic and anonymous database. Thirty-five Spanish hospitals participated in the project and 570 mesothelioma patients were included in the BEMME database. Here we present a descriptive analysis of MPM patients based upon these data.

      Results:
      From January 2008 to December 2013, 538 patients (p) had MPM. Most patients were males (77%) and 74% of patients were ≥ 60 years (60-70y: 33%, >70y: 41%). Most patients (49%) had a performance status 1 at diagnosis. Only 32% of patients were recorded as positive for asbestos exposure and 77% of patients were never-smokers. Dyspnoea (35%) and thoracic pain (26%) were reported as the most frequent symptoms at diagnosis. Epithelioid was the most frequent histological subtype (63%), followed by sarcomatoid (12%), biphasic (8%) and not specified (17%). Disease stages at diagnosis were: stage I, 7%; stage II, 9%; stage III, 17%; stage IV, 45%; not specified, 22%. Surgery was performed in 41p: extrapleural neumonectomy 16p, extended pleurectomy 15p and partial pleurectomy 10p. Palliative pleurodesis was performed in 22% of patients. A total of 70% of patients received chemotherapy (55% palliative, 11 neoadjuvant and 6% adjuvant). The median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 13.2 months (95% CI 12.2 – 15.2). There were no statistically significant differences in OS according to age, gender and asbestos exposure. In the univariate analysis, higher stage (III-IV vs. I-II, p=0.0003) and non-epithelioid subtype (non-epithelioid vs. epithelioid, p=0.00001) were significantly associated with shorter OS.

      Conclusion:
      In Spain, most MPM patients are diagnosed at advanced stages and are treated with palliative modalities: mainly chemotherapy and pleurodesis. Stage and histologic subtype were prognostic factors for survival. BEMME database is a helpful tool to describe the therapeutic strategies employed in MPM patients in Spain.

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    P2.04 - Poster Session/ Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing (ID 234)

    • Event: WCLC 2015
    • Type: Poster
    • Track: Biology, Pathology, and Molecular Testing
    • Presentations: 1
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      P2.04-061 - Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts Increased Density in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Is Mediated by Microenvironment Through β1/FAK Signaling (ID 2250)

      09:30 - 17:00  |  Author(s): N. Reguart

      • Abstract
      • Slides

      Background:
      The current paradigm assumes that the abundance of tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) is largely driven by soluble growth factors as in generic repair responses irrespective of the tumor type or subtype. We recently challenged this assumption by showing that the increased population of lung cancer squamous (SQC)-TAFs in culture was largely driven by matrix stiffening rather than by soluble growth factors (i.e. serum), whereas lung adenocarcinoma (ADC)-TAFs were poorly responsive to exogenous mechanical cues (i.e. matrix rigidity). Moreover, we described that the differential mechano-responses observed in SQC- and ADC-TAFs were associated with increased FAK and a β1 integrin expression.

      Methods:
      To check whether β1 integrin was necessary for the larger TAF density observed, we treated CCD-19Lu fibroblasts with increasing concentrations of the β1 integrin-inhibitory monoclonal antibody AIIB2 and the monoclonal b1 integrin–activating antibody TS2/16. To further confirm the requirement of β1 integrin through FAK we either depleted or overexpressed FAK in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) by transducing with adenoviral infection with FAK (Adv-FAK).

      Results:
      We observed a dose-dependent decrease in cell density in cells cultured in stiff (30 kPa) gels treated with AIIB2. Moreover, activating β1 integrin with TS2/16 antibody was sufficient to increase both cell density and FAKpY397 expression of CCD-19Lu fibroblasts in soft (1 kPa) gels. As in CCD-19 Lu fibroblasts, matrix stiffening enhanced cell density and FAK expression in wild-type MEFs (FAK[+/+]), whereas such increases were not observed in FAK null fibroblasts (FAK[-/-]). Conversely, overexpressing FAK in wild-type MEFs (FAK[+/+]) was sufficient to markedly increase both cell density and FAK expression in 1 kPa gels compared with control MEFs.

      Conclusion:
      Abnormally high intrinsic mechano-sensing through β1 integrins and FAK can bypass the inhibitory (protective) role of an extrinsic soft microenvironment. Inhibition of either β1 integrin or FAK signaling may be a suitable approach to target tumor-supporting TAFs in SQC-NSCLC.

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