Virtual Library

Start Your Search

Alexander Dobrovic



Author of

  • +

    P1.02 - Biology/Pathology (ID 614)

    • Event: WCLC 2017
    • Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
    • Track: Biology/Pathology
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      P1.02-012 - Profiling DNA Repair in Lung Cancer (ID 10425)

      09:30 - 16:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Alexander Dobrovic

      • Abstract

      Background:
      We hypothesised that some lung cancers have DNA repair alterations that either are therapeutically targetable, or that result in resistance to particular DNA damaging therapies. Expression profiling of DNA repair genes may thus enable better matching of patients with the current chemotherapeutic options. Furthermore, profiling may identify tumours that will be more responsive to other DNA repair-directed therapies not normally used in treating NSCLCs e.g. PARP or CDKN4/6 inhibitors.

      Method:
      We tested RNA of more than 166 samples from tumour cores of 107 patients and 12 normals on the Nanostring platform. We developed a new approach to normalising Nanostring data based on the RUV (removing unwanted variation) method so that we could better identify differences between the patients.

      Result:
      Many interesting findings emerged indicating some new therapeutic options. The conclusions obtained from Nanostring analysis were verified by examination of the TCGA lung adenocarcinoma RNA-Seq data.

      Conclusion:
      This is the first systematic study of DNA repair gene deficiencies in NSCLC. There are important implications for the rational use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This work was funded by Cancer Australia.

  • +

    P3.02 - Biology/Pathology (ID 620)

    • Event: WCLC 2017
    • Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
    • Track: Biology/Pathology
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      P3.02-038 - Diagnosis of Leptomeningeal Disease and Clonal Heterogeneity with Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR) in EGFR Mutated NSCLC (ID 8929)

      09:30 - 16:00  |  Author(s): Alexander Dobrovic

      • Abstract
      • Slides

      Background:
      Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) spread to the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with universally poor outcomes. Diagnosis of leptomeningeal (LM) disease is particularly challenging, with radiological and cytological assessment of CSF often negative. Examination of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is promising method for the assessment of tumour mutation status and disease monitoring. We examine its utility in the diagnosis and management of LM disease.

      Method:
      Patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC with symptoms suggestive of LM disease underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling and ddPCR assessment. Matched plasma and/or tumour biopsy samples were obtained. Clinical data was collected retrospectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from 1 mL of CSF and 4 mL of plasma using the Qiagen QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid kit and T790M and L858R mutations were assessed by using the QX200 ddPCR assays. Survival was calculated from diagnosis and diagnosis of LM disease.

      Result:
      Seven patients (pts) were included in the analysis. Most pts, 6/7 (86%) developed LM either during or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. EGFR mutations were demonstrated in CSF in 6 (86%) pts, but only 2 (29%) demonstrated the same mutation profile in both CSF and plasma. Causes of discrepancy were between CSF and plasma/tissue were: two cases were CSF positive but had no extrathoracic disease to biopsy, 1 case was negative in the CSF for T790M but positive in plasma and on biopsy and one case was wild type in CSF but positive on plasma and biopsy for G719A+T790M mutation. Six pts (86%) received therapy after diagnosis of LM disease and OS from LM diagnosis ranged from 1.0 -15.8 months.

      Sex/ Age Therapy at diagnosis of CNS disease Duration of response to prior TKI (months) Therapy after diagnosis of CNS disease OS from diagnosis (months) OS from diagnosis of LM (months) Baseline EGFR mutation Tissue biopsy mutation profile CSF EGFR mutation profile (ddPCR) Plasma EGFR mutation profile (ddPCR) CSF cytology
      M/64 Nivolumab Erlotinib: 12.4 Gefitinib: 2.5 AZD3759 WBRT Osimertinib 52.7* 15.8* L858R L858R L858R + T790M L858R + T790M Positive - carcinoma
      F/68 Osimertinib Erlotinib: 18.2 Osimertinib: 7.2 Nil 28.6 1.7 L858R L858R + T790M Sample 1: L858R Sample 2: L858R + T790M N/A Sample 1 - negative Sample 2 - positive
      F/50 Osimertinib Erlotinib: 6.4 Osimertinib: 6.1 Erlotinib (1500mg weekly) 15.7 1.0 L858R L858R + T790M L858R L858R + T790M + C797S Positive - carcinoma
      F/79 Nil N/A Erlotinib (1500mg weekly) 74.5* 9.5* Exon 19 deletion No site for biopsy Exon 19 deletion Wild type Positive - carcinoma
      M/64 Erlotinib Erlotinib: 10.5 Erlotinib (1500mg weekly) 15.0 9.1 L858R No site for biopsy L858R Wild type Not performed
      F/63 Erlotinib Erlotinib: 5.9 Osimertinib 7.8* 1.3* G719A G719A + T790M WT G719A Not performed
      M/60 Erlotinib Erlotinib: 22.0 Erlotinib (1500mg weekly) 31.0* 7.4* Exon 19 deletion No site for biopsy Exon 19 deletion Exon 19 deletion Negative


      Conclusion:
      ddPCR is able to detect cfDNA in CSF, where other diagnostic modalities may be negative, and demonstrates both initial and resistance mutations. Heterogeneous mutation status may guide therapy when LM disease remains sensitive to targeted therapy.

      Only Active Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login or select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout.