Category: Meeting Updates

Long-Term Breast Cancer Preventive Benefit with ARIMIDEX®

RR

SUMMARY: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US and about 1 in 8 women (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Approximately 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2019 and about 41,760 women will die of the disease. Some high risk factors for the development of breast cancer include first-degree relative with breast cancer at any age, first-degree relative with bilateral breast cancer who developed the first breast cancer at 50 years of age or less, Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS), Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia in a benign lesion, and Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS).

Previously published studies have shown a 38% reduction in all breast cancers and 50% reduction of ER-positive tumors with the use of SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) such as Tamoxifen and Raloxifene for breast cancer prevention. Further it has been shown that the effects of Tamoxifen continue with a constant 29% annual preventive effect for at least 15 years after completion of treatment. A further improvement in breast cancer incidence short-term was seen in two trials using, two Aromatase Inhibitors, ARIMIDEX® (Anastrozole) in the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II (IBIS-II) and AROMASIN® (Exemestane) in the MAP.3 trial. However in the MAP.3 study, the study was unblinded after the initial publication and a post-treatment effect, as was seen with Tamoxifen, was not possible.

The International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II (IBIS-II) is an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which was initiated in 2003. In this trial, 3864 postmenopausal women aged 40-70 years, at increased risk of developing breast cancer were recruited and were randomly assigned (1:1) to either ARIMIDEX® 1 mg orally daily (N=1920) or matching placebo (N=1944) daily for 5 years. After treatment completion, women were followed on a yearly basis and data was collected on breast cancer incidence, death, incidence of other cancers, and major adverse events (cardiovascular events and fractures). The median age at study entry was 59 years. The exclusion criteria for this study included premenopausal status, prior breast cancer including Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) diagnosed more than 6 months before trial entry, current or previous Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, or other SERM use for more than 6 months, or previous or planned prophylactic mastectomy. Unblinding was only permitted if the participant developed breast cancer, when a clinician considered there to be valid medical or safety reasons. The Primary outcome was the development of histologically confirmed breast cancer, either invasive or non-invasive (DCIS), particularly during the post-5-year time period. Secondary outcomes were ER-positive breast cancer, breast cancer mortality, incidence of other cancers, cardiovascular disease, fractures, and all-cause mortality. The decision to analyze the data was made without looking at the results before hand. The first analysis after a median follow-up of 60 months showed a significant reduction (53%) in incidence for all breast cancer (including DCIS). The authors now report the results on the extended duration of benefit of ARIMIDEX® in preventing breast cancer, for up to 12 years after trial entry.

After a median follow up of 10.9 years for this analysis, women assigned to the ARIMIDEX® group were 49% less likely to develop breast cancer than women assigned to the placebo arm of the study ((HR=0.51, P<0.0001). The reduction in incidence in the first 5 years of follow up was 61% (HR=0.39; P<0.0001), and a smaller but still significant 36% reduction (HR=0.64; P=0•014) was seen in subsequent years, which was still larger than that seen for Tamoxifen in previous trials, and the effects in the two time periods was not significantly different (P=0.08). Invasive ER-positive breast cancer was reduced by 54% with ARIMIDEX® treatment (HR=0.46; P<0.0001), with a continued significant effect observed in the post-treatment follow up period. A 59% reduction in DCIS overall was observed (HR=0.41; P=0.0081), with a very large reduction noted in those cases known to be ER-positive (HR = 0.22; P<0.0001). A significant decrease in non-breast cancers was observed in the ARIMIDEX® group, primarily contributed by non-melanoma skin cancer (P=0.0042), and no excess rates of fractures or cardiovascular disease was observed.

The authors concluded that this updated analysis shows a continuing long-term effect of 5 years of ARIMIDEX® treatment, in preventing breast cancer, in high-risk postmenopausal women. These new results strongly suggest that ARIMIDEX® should be preferred therapy for breast cancer prevention in postmenopausal women at increased risk for the disease, with Tamoxifen used for women who experience severe side effects from ARIMIDEX®. Use of anastrozole for breast cancer prevention (IBIS-II): long-term results of a randomised controlled trial. Cuzick J, Sestak I, Forbes JF, et al. The Lancet. Published:December 12, 2019. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32955-1

Late Breaking Abstract – ASTRO 2019 Detectable HPV Circulating Tumor DNA in Post-Operative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients is Associated with Progression

RR

SUMMARY: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the US, there are more than 16,000 cases of Human PapillomaVirus (HPV)-positive OroPharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) per year and there has been a significant increase in incidence during the past several decades. They represent approximately 70% of all OPSCC in the United States and Canada. HPV is a non-enveloped, double-stranded, DNA virus that infects epithelial cells and majority of the HPV subtypes cause epithelial lesions such as warts or papillomas, which are of low malignant potential. However, there is a subset of high-risk HPV that can cause cancer by integrating its DNA into the host genome, with the resulting expression of two important oncogenes E6 and E7 in the host cell. The E6 oncogene binds and degrades tumor suppressor TP53 via ubiquitin-mediated processes thereby preventing the host cell from engaging in cell cycle checkpoints and enduring an apoptotic response. The E7 oncogene binds to and destabilizes tumor suppressor retinoblastoma (pRb) resulting in transcription of genes involved in proliferation and cell cycle progression. One of the main molecular pathways amplified through E7 is the CDKN2A/p16 gene pathway, which results in the overexpression of p16 protein. E7 also induces cellular proliferation by disrupting the activity of Cyclin Dependent Kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. In essence, HPV infection induces failures in cell cycle checkpoints, resulting in genetic instability and over time, progression of premalignant lesions to invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Unlike tobacco induced HNSCC where TP53 and pRb pathways are nullified due to mutation and epigenetic alterations, in HPV-related HNSCC, wild-type TP53 and pRb are functionally inactivated by the viral oncogenes.

Patients with HPV-positive OPSCC tend to be younger males, who are former smokers or nonsmokers, with risk factors for exposure to High Risk HPV infection. The HPV-positive primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma tends to be smaller in size, with early nodal metastases, and HPV status particularly in OroPharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma is an independent prognostic factor for Overall Survival (OS) and Progression Free Survival (PFS). These patients have a better prognosis compared with patients with HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), when treated similarly. Further, HPV positive patients demonstrate higher Response Rates to chemoradiation as well as an improved Overall Survival. However, approximately 20% of patients diagnosed with HPV-positive OPSCC experience cancer progression within 5 years.

The role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a cancer biomarker in the post-operative surveillance of patients with HPV-associated OPSCC has remained unclear. The authors in this study aimed to investigate ctDNA detectability rates by post-op risk category and association with prognosis in this patient population. The researchers prospectively collected and tested serum samples from 29 patients with HPV-associated OPSCC who had not yet undergone treatment, for assay validation. As a control, 7 HPV negative OPSCC patients were included. A cohort of 46 patients with HPV-associated OPSCC who had undergone surgery for the disease had serum samples collected prior to beginning adjuvant therapy. The serum collected from this total group of 82 patients (N=29+7+46) was analyzed in a blinded fashion for E6/E7 HPV ctDNA using ddPCR multiplex assay (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33), and HPV ctDNA detectability was compared statistically across groups. Associations of patient and tumor characteristics with recurrence were assessed and estimates of Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were made using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method.

The researchers found that ctDNA was detectable in 27 of 29 patients who had not yet undergone treatment, for a sensitivity rate of 93%, whereas none of the 7 HPV-negative patients had detectable ctDNA, for a specificity rate of 100%. Post-op serum was collected at a median of 25 days after surgery prior to beginning adjuvant therapy and ctDNA was detectable in 43% of patients including 47% with high-risk features (Extra Nodal Extension or R1-microscopic residual tumor). All detected ctDNA was HPV type 16.

At a median follow up of 20 months for the post-op HPV-OPSCC cohort, 24% of these patients had recurrent disease. Among those who recurred, 64% had detectable ctDNA compared with 35% whose disease did not recur (P=0.1). There was a significant association between detectable ctDNA and 24-month Progression Free Survival (45% versus 84%; P=0.04) and Overall Survival (80% versus 100%; P=0.02). Overall, detectable ctDNA, T4 tumors, and more than 4 positive lymph nodes were positively associated with disease recurrence.

It was concluded that detectable HPV circulating tumor DNA is a highly sensitive and specific means of determining HPV-status and was significantly associated with worsened Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival among post-op patients with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-associated OroPharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. HPV circulating tumor DNA as a cancer biomarker may also assist in risk stratification, treatment assessment, and surveillance. Detectable HPV ctDNA in Post-Operative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients is Associated with Progression. Routman DM, Chera BS, Jethwa KR, et al. International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2019;105, 682-683. LBA5

Late breaking Abstract – ESMO 2019 OPDIVO® Improves Overall Survival in Advanced Esophageal Cancer Regardless of PD-L1 Expression

RR

SUMMARY: The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2019, about 17,650 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in the US and about 16,080 individuals will die of the disease. It is the sixth most common cause of global cancer death. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the esophagus among African Americans, while Adenocarcinoma is more common in caucasians. About 20% of patients survive at least 5 years following diagnosis. Patients with advanced esophageal cancer following progression on first line chemotherapy have limited treatment options and have a poor prognosis, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 8% or less.

The FDA in July 2019 approved KEYTRUDA® (Pembrolizumab) for patients with recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus (ESCC), whose tumors express PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score-CPS of 10 or more). This approval was based on the Phase III KEYNOTE-181 global trial in which KEYTRUDA® significantly improved Overall Survival compared with chemotherapy, as second line therapy for patients with advanced esophageal cancer, with PD-L1 CPS of 10 or higher. The median Overall Survival in the Intent-To-Treat population was however was not statistically significant.

OPDIVO® (Nivolumab) is a fully human, immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby undoing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response and unleashing the T cells. OPDIVO® in a Phase II study showed promising antitumor activity and safety profile among patients with advanced refractory Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus (ESCC). ATTRACTION-3 is a multicentre, randomized, open-label, Phase III trial in which 419 patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent ESCC refractory or intolerant to one prior Fluoropyrimidine/Platinum-based chemotherapy, regardless of PD-L1 expression, were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either OPDIVO® 240 mg IV every 2 weeks (N=210) or investigator’s choice of Paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 IV once per week for 6 weeks then 1 week off or Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV every 3 weeks (N=209). Both treatment groups were well balanced and nearly 90% of the patients were male and 96% were Asian. Approximately 85% of patients were current or former smokers, about half of patients had prior surgery and about 70% had prior radiotherapy. Approximately 50% of patients had tumor PD-L1 expression of 1% or more. The Primary endpoint was Overall Survival (OS), in the intent-to-treat population that included all randomized patients.

At a minimum follow-up of 17.6 months, OPDIVO® showed a statistically significant improvement in OS, with a 23% reduction in the risk of death, compared to chemotherapy. The median Overall Survival was 10.9 months in the OPDIVO® group versus 8.4 months in the chemotherapy group (HR for death=0.77, P=0.019). The proportion of patients alive at 18 months was numerically larger with OPDIVO® versus chemotherapy (31% vs 21%). The OS benefit with OPDIVO® over chemotherapy was noted across tumor PD-L1 expression levels (PD-L1 1% or more, HR=0.69; PD-L1 less than 1%, HR=0.84). The Objective Response Rate was similar in both treatment groups (19% vs 22%). However the median duration of response with OPDIVO® was 6.9 months, versus 3.9 months with chemotherapy, suggesting that the responses were substantially more durable with OPDIVO® compared to chemotherapy. There was no significant difference in the Progression Free Survival between the treatment groups. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 18% of the OPDIVO® group and 63% of the chemotherapy group.

It was concluded that OPDIVO® was associated with a significant improvement in Overall Survival with a favorable safety profile compared with chemotherapy, in previously treated patients with advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, regardless of PD-L1 expression, and represents a potential new standard second-line treatment option for this patient group. Nivolumab versus chemotherapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC): the phase 3 ATTRACTION-3 study. Cho BC, Kato K, Takahashi M, et al. Presented at ESMO 2019: September 27-October 1, 2019; Barcelona, Spain. Abstract LBA 11.

Late Breaking Abstract – ESMO 2019 First-Line Treatment with TAGRISSO® Improves Overall Survival in EGFR-Positive NSCLC

RR

SUMMARY: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and accounts for about 14% of all new cancers and 27% of all cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that for 2019, about 228,150 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed and 142,670 patients will die of the disease. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Of the three main subtypes of NSCLC, 30% are Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC), 40% are Adenocarcinomas and 10% are Large Cell Carcinomas. With changes in the cigarette composition and decline in tobacco consumption over the past several decades, Adenocarcinoma now is the most frequent histologic subtype of lung cancer.

Approximately 10-15% of Caucasian patients and 35-50% of Asian patients with Adenocarcinomas, harbor activating EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) mutations and 90% of these mutations are either Exon 19 deletions or L858R substitution mutation in Exon 21. Approximately 25% of patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC have brain metastases at diagnosis, increasing to approximately 40% within two years of diagnosis. The presence of brain metastases often reduces median survival to less than eight months. EGFR-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) such as TARCEVA® (Erlotinib), IRESSA® (Gefitinib) and GILOTRIF® (Afatinib), have demonstrated a 60-70% response rate as monotherapy when administered as first line treatment, in patients with metastatic NSCLC, who harbor the sensitizing EGFR mutations. However, majority of these patients experience disease progression within 9-14 months. This resistance to frontline EGFR TKI therapy has been attributed to the most common, acquired T790M “gatekeeper” point mutation in EGFR, identified in 50-60% of patients.EGFR-Tyrosine-Kinase-Inhibitors

TAGRISSO® (Osimertinib) is a highly selective third-generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) TKI presently approved by the FDA, for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC, whose tumors have Exon 19 deletions or Exon 21 L858R mutations, as well as treatment of patients with metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR-TKI therapy. Further, TAGRISSO® has higher CNS penetration and is therefore able to induce responses in 70-90% of patients with brain metastases.

FLAURA, which is a randomized, double blind, Phase III clinical trial, was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of first line TAGRISSO® to TARCEVA® or IRESSA® (the latter two are considered standard first line therapies), in NSCLC patients with sensitizing EGFR mutations. This study randomized 556 advanced NSCLC treatment naïve patients, with EGFR Exon 19 Deletions or Exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations, in a 1:1 ratio, to TAGRISSO® 80 mg orally once daily (N=279) or Standard of Care EGFR-TKI, IRESSA® 250 mg or TARCEVA® 150 mg, orally once daily (N=277). Patients were stratified by mutation status (Exon 19 vs 21 mutations) and race (Asian vs non-Asian). Patients with CNS metastases who were neurologically stable, were allowed in this study. The Primary endpoint was Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) was a Secondary endpoint.

The median PFS was 18.9 months with TAGRISSO®, compared to 10.2 months for the standard therapy (HR=0.46; P<0.001), suggesting a 54% reduction in the risk of disease progression, compared with Standard of Care. TAGRISSO® extended the median Time To Progression by about 9 months. This PFS benefit was consistent across all subgroups of patients, including those with and without CNS metastases at study entry. The Objective Response Rate (ORR) with TAGRISSO® was 80% compared with 76% for TARCEVA® and IRESSA®. The median Duration of Response with TAGRISSO® was 17.2 months versus 8.5 months in the comparator arm.

The authors now reported the Overall Survival (OS) results from the Phase III FLAURA trial. Approximately, 25% of patients in the comparator group had crossed over to the TAGRISSO® group upon disease progression. Despite this crossover, the OS was significantly prolonged with TAGRISSO® with a median OS of 38.6 months compared with 31.8 months for the comparator arm (HR=0.799; P=0.046), representing a 20% reduction in the risk of death with TAGRISSO®. At the time of final data cutoff for the study, about 54% of patients remained alive at 3 years in the TAGRISSO® group compared with 44% in the comparator group, and 28% of patients enrolled in the trial were still receiving TAGRISSO® at three years versus 9% on either TARCEVA® or IRESSA®. Treatment with TAGRISSO® also resulted in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 52% reduction in the risk of CNS disease progression or death, compared to the comparator arm (HR=0.48; P=0.014). Fewer patients in the TAGRISSO® group experienced Grade 3 or more Adverse Events compared to the comparator arm. Approximately 30% of patients in both treatment groups did not receive subsequent therapy after progression.

It was concluded that among patients with metastatic, EGFR-mutant NSCLC, first-line treatment with TAGRISSO®, significantly improved median Overall Survival, compared with TARCEVA® and IRESSA®, and should therefore be considered the preferred regimen. Osimertinib vs comparator EGFR-TKI as first-line treatment for EGFRm advanced NSCLC (FLAURA): Final overall survival analysis. Ramalingam SS, Gray JE, Ohe Y, et al. Presented at 2019 ESMO Congress, Barcelona, Spain, September 28 to October 1, 2019. Abstract LBA5_PR.

Late Breaking Abstract – ESMO 2019 VERZENIO® plus FASLODEX® Combination Improves Overall Survival in HR+ Advanced Breast Cancer

RR

SUMMARY: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US and about 1 in 8 women (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Approximately 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2019 and about 41,760 women will die of the disease. Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDK) play a very important role to facilitate orderly and controlled progression of the cell cycle. Genetic alterations in these kinases and their regulatory proteins have been implicated in various malignancies. Cyclin Dependent Kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6), phosphorylate RetinoBlastoma protein (RB), and initiate transition from the G1 phase to the S phase of the cell cycle. RetinoBlastoma protein has antiproliferative and tumor-suppressor activity and phosphorylation of RB protein nullifies its beneficial activities. CDK4 and CDK6 are activated in hormone receptor positive breast cancer, promoting breast cancer cell proliferation. Further, there is evidence to suggest that endocrine resistant breast cancer cell lines depend on CDK4 for cell proliferation. The understanding of the role of Cyclin Dependent Kinases in the cell cycle, has paved the way for the development of CDK inhibitors.Cell-Cycle-Inhibition-by-ABEMACICLIB-A-CDK4-and-CDK6-Inhibitor

VERZENIO® (Abemaciclib) is an oral, selective inhibitor of CDK4 and CDK6 kinase activity, and prevents the phosphorylation and subsequent inactivation of the Rb tumor suppressor protein, thereby inducing G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibition of cell proliferation. VERZENIO® is structurally distinct from other CDK 4 and 6 inhibitors (such as Ribociclib and Palbociclib) and is 14 times more potent against cyclin D1/CDK 4 and cyclin D3/CDK 6, in enzymatic assays, but potentially less toxic than earlier pan-CDK inhibitors. At higher doses, only VERZENIO® causes significant cancer cell death, compared with other CDK4/6 inhibitors, suggesting that this drug may be affecting proteins, other than CDK4/6. Additionally, preclinical studies have demonstrated that VERZENIO® may have additional therapeutic benefits for a subset of tumors that are unresponsive to treatment or have grown resistant to other CDK4/6 inhibitors. It has also been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier.

The FDA approved VERZENIO® in combination with FASLODEX® (Fulvestrant) in 2017, for women with Hormone Receptor positive (HR-positive), HER2-negative, advanced or metastatic breast cancer, with disease progression following endocrine therapy. This approval was based on the MONARCH-2 study. VERZENIO® was also approved as monotherapy for women and men with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting, based on improved Objective Response Rate (ORR) and PFS (MONARCH-1 study).

MONARCH-2 is an International, double-blind, Phase III study in which 669 patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either VERZENIO® plus FASLODEX® (N=446) or placebo plus FASLODEX® (N=223). Enrolled patients had HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, with disease progression while receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant endocrine therapy, within 12 months of adjuvant endocrine therapy, or while receiving endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer. Patients must not have received more than one endocrine therapy or any prior chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. Randomized patients received either VERZENIO® 150 mg or placebo orally twice daily plus FASLODEX® 500 mg IM on Day 1 and Day 15 of cycle 1 and then on Day 1 of cycle 2 and beyond (28-day cycles). Treatment was continued until disease progression or unmanageable toxicities. The mean patient age was 60 years, 82% of patients were postmenopausal, 72% had measurable disease, 56% had visceral disease, and 25% had primary endocrine therapy resistance. About 60% of patients had received chemotherapy in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting and 69% of the patients had prior therapy with Aromatase Inhibitors (AI). The Primary end point was Progression Free Survival (PFS), and Secondary end points included Overall Survival (OS), Objective Response Rate (ORR), Duration of Response, Clinical Benefit Rate, Quality of Life, and safety. The authors had previously reported the PFS data and the median PFS for the group receiving VERZENIO® plus FASLODEX® was 16.4 months compared with 9.3 months for those taking placebo with FASLODEX® (HR= 0.55; P<0.0001).

The authors now reported the Overall Survival (OS) data. At a median follow up of 47.7 months, the median OS with the combination of VERZENIO® plus FASLODEX® was 46.7 months compared with 37.3 months for placebo plus FASLODEX® (HR=0.757; P=0.0137). The OS benefit was consistently seen across subgroups, including those with poor prognostic factors such as visceral metastasis (HR=0.675) and primary endocrine therapy resistance (HR=0.686). The updated median PFS with VERZENIO® plus FASLODEX® was 16.9 months compared to 9.3 months with placebo plus FASLODEX® (HR=0.53; P<0.001). The time to second disease progression (PFS2) was also improved with the addition of VERZENIO® at a median 23.1 months versus 20.6 months with placebo plus FASLODEX® (HR, 0.675). VERZENIO® combination also showed a statistically significant improvement in median chemotherapy-free survival compared with placebo/FASLODEX® combination at 25.5 months and 18.2 months, respectively (HR, 0.638). The most common adverse events in the VERZENIO® versus placebo groups were diarrhea neutropenia, nausea and fatigue.

It was concluded that the addition of VERZENIO® to FASLODEX® resulted in a statistically significant improvement in Overall Survival among patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, who had progressed on prior endocrine therapy, significantly delaying the receipt of subsequent chemotherapy. MONARCH 2: Overall survival of abemaciclib plus fulvestrant in patients with HR+, HER2 advanced breast cancer. Sledge Jr GW, Toi M, Neven P, et al. Presented at 2019 ESMO Congress; September 27 to October 1, Barcelona, Spain. Abstract LBA6_PR.

TECENTRIQ® in Combination with Chemotherapy Improves Overall Survival in Extensive Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer

RR

SUMMARY: The American Cancer Society estimates that for 2019 about 228,150 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed and about 142,670 patients will die of the disease. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 13-15% of all lung cancers and is aggressive. Patients with extensive stage SCLC are often treated with a combination of Carboplatin or Cisplatin with Etoposide as first line treatment and the tumor response rates are as high as 60-80%. However, majority of the patients relapse within months of completing initial therapy, with a median Overall Survival of approximately 10 months. Patients often receive HYCAMTIN® (Topotecan) for recurrent or progressive SCLC (second-line treatment) and after failure on second-line therapy, treatment options are limited. The 5 year survival rate for Extensive Stage SCLC is less than 5%, with a median survival of 9-10 months from the time of diagnosis.

Based on the premise that SCLC has a high mutation rate, it was hypothesized that these tumors may be immunogenic and could respond to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. TECENTRIQ® (Atezolizumab) is an anti PD-L1 monoclonal antibody that directly binds to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 and B7.1 receptors and thereby enables the activation of T cells and restores tumor-specific T-cell immunity. In a phase I trial, TECENTRIQ® monotherapy demonstrated durable responses, with an acceptable safety profile in patients with relapsed or refractory SCLC. A combination of checkpoint inhibition with cytotoxic chemotherapy was therefore studied, for synergy and improved efficacy.Unleashing-T-Cell-Function-with-PD1-and-PDL1-Antibodies

The IMpower133 trial is a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial which evaluated the benefit of TECENTRIQ® plus Carboplatin and Etoposide in chemo naïve patients with extensive-stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Enrolled patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio and the induction phase consisted of four cycles of Carboplatin AUC 5 mg/ml/min IV on day 1 and Etoposide 100 mg/m2 IV on days 1-3 of each 21-day cycle, with either TECENTRIQ® 1200 mg IV day 1 of each cycle (N=201) or placebo (N=202). The induction phase was followed by a maintenance phase during which patients received either TECENTRIQ® or placebo (based on previous random assignment) and treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. The median age was 64 yrs and PD-L1 testing was not a requirement. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was permitted during the maintenance phase of treatment but thoracic radiation therapy was not permitted. The Primary end points were Overall Survival (OS) and Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Secondary end points included Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Duration of Response. At a median follow up of 13.9 months, the median OS was 12.3 months in the TECENTRIQ® group compared to 10.3 months in the placebo group (HR=0.70; P=0.007). The median PFS which was a Coprimary endpoint was also longer in the TECENTRIQ® group than in the placebo group (5.2 months versus 4.3 months, HR=0.77; P=0.02). This data led to the approval of TECENTRIQ® for the first line treatment of extensive-stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

The authors now reported the Overall Survival (OS) outcomes after a follow up of more than 2 years. At a median follow up of 22.9 months, the median OS for the patients randomized to TECENTRIQ® persisted at 12.3 months versus 10.3 months in the placebo group (HR=0.76; P =0.01). The authors noted that there was no correlation between efficacy of the TECENTRIQ® combination and blood Tumor Mutational Burden level. Further, the OS benefit was not influenced by tumor tissue PD-L1 expression. There was no change in the Adverse Events rate noted, in this updated analysis.

It was concluded that with a follow up of close to 2 years, the addition of TECENTRIQ® to standard chemotherapy, for treatment of patients with extensive stage Small Cell Lung Cancer, continues to demonstrate improved Overall Survival, compared to chemotherapy alone. IMpower133: Updated Overall Survival (OS) analysis of first-line (1L) atezolizumab (atezo) + carboplatin + etoposide in extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC). Reck M, Liu SV, Mansfield AS, et al. Presented at ESMO September 27-October 1, 2019; Barcelona, Spain. Abstract 17360.

Late breaking Abstract – ESMO 2019 Chemotherapy-Free First Line Immunotherapy Combination Improves Overall Survival in Advanced NSCLC

RR

SUMMARY: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and accounts for about 14% of all new cancers and 27% of all cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that for 2019, about 228,150 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed and 142,670 patients will die of the disease. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Of the three main subtypes of NSCLC, 30% are Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC), 40% are Adenocarcinomas and 10% are Large Cell Carcinomas. Immune checkpoints are cell surface inhibitory proteins/receptors that are expressed on activated T cells. They harness the immune system and prevent uncontrolled immune reactions by switching off the T cells of the immune system.

Immune checkpoint proteins/receptors include CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4, also known as CD152) and PD-1(Programmed cell Death 1). Checkpoint inhibitors unleash the T cells resulting in T cell proliferation, activation, and a therapeutic response. OPDIVO® (Nivolumab) is a fully human, immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby undoing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response and unleashing the T cells. OPDIVO® is presently approved for treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC and progression on or after Platinum-based chemotherapy. YERVOY® is a fully human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that blocks Immune checkpoint protein/receptor CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4).

CheckMate-227 is an open-label, multi-part, global, Phase III trial in which OPDIVO® based regimens were compared with Platinum-doublet chemotherapy in patients with first line advanced NSCLC, across non-squamous and squamous tumor histologies. In Part 1 of this trial, there were 2 cohorts- Part 1a in which OPDIVO® plus low dose YERVOY® (N=396) or OPDIVO® monotherapy (N=396) was compared with chemotherapy alone (N=397), in patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 expression of 1% or more and Part 1b in which OPDIVO® plus low dose YERVOY® (N=187) or OPDIVO® plus chemotherapy (N=177) was compared with chemotherapy alone (N=186), in patients whose tumors did not express PD-L1 (less than 1%). (In Part 2 of this trial, OPDIVO® plus chemotherapy was compared with chemotherapy alone, regardless of PD-L1 expression. Part 2 did not meet its Primary endpoint for Overall Survival for OPDIVO® plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone, in patients with non-squamous NSCLC, and is published elsewhere). It should be noted that when this trial was launched, chemotherapy along with immunotherapy or immunotherapy alone was not approved for the front-line treatment of NSCLC. Therefore, dual immunotherapy combination was not compared with current standards of care such as chemotherapy plus immunotherapy.Unleashing-T-Cell-Function-with-Combination-Immunotherapy

OPDIVO® was administered at 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks, and in the combination arm, YERVOY® was administered at 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks. When administered with chemotherapy, OPDIVO® was administered at 360 mg every 3 weeks. Patients were stratified by histology, and treatment was administered until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or for 2 years, for immunotherapy. There were two Co-primary endpoints in Part 1 for OPDIVO® plus YERVOY® versus chemotherapy: Overall survival (OS) in patients whose tumors express PD-L1 (assessed in patients enrolled in Part 1a) and Progression Free Survival (PFS) in patients with TMB of 10 mut/Mb or more, across the PD-L1 spectrum (assessed in patients enrolled across Parts 1a and 1b). The minimum follow up for the Primary endpoint was 29 months.

Both Part 1a and Part 1b groups met their Primary endpoints. In the Part 1a cohort with PD-L1 expression of 1% or more, the Overall Survival was significantly longer with OPDIVO® plus YERVOY®, compared to chemotherapy. The median Overall Survival was 17.1 months in the Immunotherapy combination group compared to 14.9 months in the chemotherapy group (HR=0.79; P=0.007). Progression Free Survival, Objective Response Rates and Duration of Response were all greater with OPDIVO® plus YERVOY® combination, compared to chemotherapy. In the Part 1b cohort with PD-L1 expression of less than 1%, Overall Survival benefit was again observed with the OPDIVO® plus YERVOY® combination, compared with chemotherapy. Grade 3 and 4 treatment-related Adverse Events across all patients was 33% in those treated with OPDIVO® plus YERVOY® combination, 19% with single agent OPDIVO® and 36% with chemotherapy.

It was concluded that first-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC with a combination of two immunotherapy drugs improves Overall Survival, compared to chemotherapy, and offers a chemotherapy-free first line treatment option for a subset of NSCLC patients, leaving chemotherapy for later lines of therapy. Nivolumab + low-dose ipilimumab versus platinum-doublet chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced non–small cell lung cancer: CheckMate-227 part 1 final analysis. Peters S, Ramalingam SS, Paz-Ares L, et al. Presented at 2019 ESMO Congress; September 27 to October 1, 2019; Barcelona, Spain. Abstract LBA4.

Late Breaking Abstract – ESMO 2019 Ripretinib Shows Dramatic Improvement in PFS in Heavily Pretreated GIST Patients

RR

SUMMARY: The American Cancer Society estimates that in the US, about 4000-5000 cases of Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) are diagnosed each year. GI Stromal Tumor (GIST) is one of the most common types of Soft Tissue Sarcoma and can develop anywhere along the GI tract, but are primarily found in the stomach (60%) and small intestine (30%). GISTs originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal or related stem cells and are associated with activating mutations in KIT-CD117 (80%) or PDGFRA- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-A (5-10%). These two mutations are mutually exclusive and are important in the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors. Approximately two thirds of the patients with GISTs are cured with surgery but recurrences are frequent and this risk of relapse is dependent on the tumor size, mitotic rate and primary tumor site. The risk stratification of GISTs by Joensuu, unlike the NIH criteria, takes into account primary tumor site and tumor rupture as well, which can influence outcomes.

Treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic GIST with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor GLEEVEC® (Imatinib) achieves high Objective Response and diseases stabilization rates. Patients with KIT exon 9 mutation have a poor prognosis compared to those with KIT exon 11 mutation (most common) and benefit from a higher dose of GLEEVEC® (800 mg daily). The majority of PDGFRA mutations affect exon 18. It should also be noted that patients with PDGFRA D842V mutation are GLEEVEC® resistant. Following progression on GLEEVEC®, FDA approved therapies include SUTENT® (Sunitinib) and STIVARGA® (Regorafenib).

Ripretinib is an orally administered kinase switch-control inhibitor of KIT and PDGFRA at the JuxtaMembrane Domain (JMD), and the main activation loop switch. The agent restores the inhibitory JMD switch, which is often deactivated in GIST, and helps to stabilize the kinase in an inactive state. Ripretinib is a KIT and PDGFRA inhibitor that blocks initiating KIT mutations in exons 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 18, known to be present in GIST patients, and the D816V exon 17 mutation known to be present in patients with Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis. Ripretinib inhibits PDGFRA mutations in exon 18, including the D842V mutation that drives a subset of GIST. Ripretinib was specifically designed to improve the outcomes in GIST patients by inhibiting the full spectrum of known mutations in KIT and PDGFRA.

The INVICTUS trial is an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial, in which the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Ripretinib was compared to placebo, among heavily pretreated patients with advanced GIST. In this study, 129 patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive Ripretinib at 150 mg orally daily (N=85) or placebo (N=44). Previous therapies for enrolled patients included at least GLEEVEC®, SUTENT® and STIVARGA®. Two-thirds of patients had received 3 prior therapies, and a third had received more than 4 lines of therapy. The median patient age was 60 years and the most common mutation was at KIT exon 11 (58%) followed by KIT exon 9 (16%). Patients with disease progression on placebo were allowed to cross over to receive Ripretinib. The Primary endpoint was Progression Free Survival.

It was noted that Ripretinib significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 85% compared to placebo, with a median PFS of 6.3 months compared to 1.0 month in the placebo group (HR=0.15, P<0.0001). This PFS benefit was consistent across all assessed patient subgroups. Additionally, Ripretinib reduced the risk of death by 64% compared to placebo, with a median OS of 15.1 months compared to 6.6 months in the placebo group (HR=0.36; P=0.0004). According to the pre-specified hierarchical testing procedure of the endpoints for the study, statistical significance for OS could not be established. The most common Adverse Events with Ripretinib included alopecia, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and myalgias.

It was concluded that Ripretinib significantly improves Progression Free Survival and very likely also improves Overall Survival in heavily pretreated patient population with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors. INVICTUS: A Phase 3, International, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Ripretinib as 4th Line Therapy or more in Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Who Have Received Treatment with Prior Anticancer Therapies (NCT03353753). van Mehren M, Attia S, Bauer S, et al. Presented at 2019 ESMO Congress; September 27 to October 1, 2019; Barcelona, Spain. Abstract LBA87.

Late breaking Abstract – ESMO 2019 TIBSOVO® Improves Survival in IDH1 Mutated Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma

RR

SUMMARY: Bile Duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma), comprise about 30% of all primary liver tumors and includes both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct cancers. Klatskin tumor is a type of Cholangiocarcinoma that begins in the hilum, at the junction of the left and right bile ducts. It is the most common type of Cholangiocarcinoma, accounting for more than half of all cases. About 8,000 people in the US are diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma each year and approximately 20% of the cases are suitable for surgical resection. The 5-year survival is less than 10%, with limited progress made over the past two decades. There is therefore an unmet need for new effective therapies.MOA-of-Ivosidenib

Isocitrate DeHydrogenase (IDH) is a metabolic enzyme that helps generate energy from glucose and other metabolites, by catalyzing the conversion of Isocitrate to Alpha-Ketoglutarate. Alpha-ketoglutarate is required to properly regulate DNA and histone methylation, which in turn is important for gene expression and cellular differentiation. IDH mutations lead to aberrant DNA methylation and altered gene expression thereby preventing cellular differentiation, with resulting immature undifferentiated cells. IDH mutations can thus promote leukemogenesis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and tumorigenesis in solid tumors and can result in inferior outcomes. There are three isoforms of IDH. IDH1 is mainly found in the cytoplasm, as well as in peroxisomes, whereas IDH2 and IDH3 are found in the mitochondria, and are a part of the Krebs cycle. Approximately 20% of patients with AML, 70% of patients with Low-grade Glioma and secondary Glioblastoma, 50% of patients with Chondrosarcoma, 20% of patients with Intrahepatic CholangioCarcinoma, 30% of patients with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and 8% of patients with Myelodysplastic syndromes/Myeloproliferative neoplasms, are associated with IDH mutations.

TIBSOVO® (Ivosidenib) is an oral, targeted, small-molecule inhibitor of mutant IDH1. The FDA in July, 2018, approved TIBSOVO® for adult patients with relapsed or refractory AML with a susceptible IDH1 mutation. A previously published Phase I study demonstrated the safety and activity of TIBSOVO® in patients with IDH1 mutated advanced CholangioCarcinoma.

ClarIDHy is an international, randomized, double-blind, Phase III study, in which 185 patients with advanced CholangioCarcinoma with an IDH1 mutation were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive TIBSOVO® 500 mg orally once daily (N=124) or matched placebo (N=61). All patients had advanced unresectable CholangioCarcinoma. The median age was 62 years, 91% had intrahepatic CholangioCarcinoma, 92% of patients had metastatic disease and 43% had received two prior therapies. The Primary endpoint was Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Secondary endpoints included Safety, Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Overall Survival (OS). Crossover from placebo to TIBSOVO® was permitted upon radiographic disease progression.

This study met its Primary endpoint and the median PFS was 2.7 months for patients treated with TIBSOVO® compared to 1.4 months with placebo (HR=0.37; P<0.001). More importantly, the median PFS at 6 and 12 months were 32% and 22% in the TIBSOVO® group, whereas no patients randomized to the placebo group were progression-free for 6 or more months, at the time of data cutoff. There was a favorable trend in Overall Survival with TIBSOVO® and the median OS was 10.8 months for TIBSOVO® and 9.7 months for placebo (HR=0.69, one-sided P=0.06). However, the adjusted OS among the placebo group patients was 6 months, after taking into account that 57% of these patients crossed over to TIBSOVO®, and this was significantly shorter, when compared to the TIBSOVO® group (HR=0.46; P=0.0008). Most common Adverse Events were nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, abdominal discomfort, ascites, anemia and vomiting.

It was concluded that treatment with TIBSOVO® among patients with advanced CholangioCarcinoma with an IDH1 mutation, resulted in significant improvement in Progression Free Survival as well as favorable Overall Survival trend, when compared to Placebo. The authors added that this is the first pivotal study demonstrating the clinical benefit of targeting IDH1 mutation in this patient group. Studies are also underway targeting another molecular alteration, FGFR2, which is detected in approximately 15% of patients with CholangioCarcinoma. ClarIDHy: A global, phase 3, randomized, double-blind study of ivosidenib (IVO) vs placebo in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CC) with an isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation. Abou-Alfa GK, Maraculla TM, Javle M, et al. Presented at 2019 ESMO Congress; September 27 to October 1, 2019; Barcelona, Spain. Abstract LBA10_PR.

Late breaking Abstract – ESMO 2019 Targeted Therapy with LYNPARZA® Delays Progression of Advanced Prostate Cancer

RR

SUMMARY: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men with the exclusion of skin cancer, and 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with Prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is estimated that in the United States, about 174,650 new cases of Prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2019 and 31,620 men will die of the disease. The development and progression of Prostate cancer is driven by androgens. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) or testosterone suppression has therefore been the cornerstone of treatment of advanced Prostate cancer and is the first treatment intervention. Androgen Deprivation Therapies have included bilateral orchiectomy or Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) analogues, with or without first generation Androgen Receptor (AR) inhibitors such as CASODEX® (Bicalutamide), NILANDRON® (Nilutamide) and EULEXIN® (Flutamide) or with second-generation, anti-androgen agents, which include, ZYTIGA® (Abiraterone), XTANDI® (Enzalutamide) and ERLEADA® (Apalutamide). ZYTIGA® inhibits CYP17A1 enzyme and depletes adrenal and intratumoral androgens, thereby impairing AR signaling. XTANDI® and ERLEADA® compete with Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone and avidly binds to the Androgen Receptor, thereby inhibiting AR signaling, and in addition inhibits translocation of the AR into the nucleus and thus inhibits the transcriptional activities of the AR.

Approximately 10-20% of patients with advanced Prostate cancer will progress to Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) within five years during ADT, and over 80% of these patients will have metastatic disease at the time of CRPC diagnosis. Among those patients without metastases at CRPC diagnosis, 33% are likely to develop metastases within two years. The estimated mean survival of patients with CRPC is 9-36 months and there is therefore an unmet need for new effective therapies.

The malignant transformation of prostatic epithelial cell as well as the development of CRPC has been attributed to deleterious alterations in a variety of genes including loss-of-function alterations in Homologous Recombination repair genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and ATM. Homologous Recombination (HR) is a type of genetic recombination, and this DNA repair pathway is used by cells to accurately repair DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) and thereby maintain genomic integrity. Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) is noted following mutation of genes involved in HR repair pathway. At least 15 genes are involved in the Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) pathway including BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes and functional BRCA proteins repair damaged DNA, and play an important role in maintaining cellular genetic integrity. They regulate cell growth and prevent abnormal cell division and development of malignancy. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 account for about 20-25% of hereditary breast cancers and about 5-10% of all breast cancers. They also account for 15% of ovarian cancers, in addition to other cancers such as Colon and Prostate. BRCA mutations can either be inherited (Germline) and present in all individual cells or can be acquired and occur exclusively in the tumor cells (Somatic). Somatic mutations account for a significant portion of overall BRCA1 and BRCA2 aberrations. Loss of BRCA function due to frequent somatic aberrations likely deregulates Homologous Recombination (HR) pathway and increases sensitivity to platinum drugs. Majority of the individuals with Germline BRCA mutations (gBRCA) are positive for HR deficiency.MOA-of_LYNPARZA

The PARP (Poly ADP Ribose Polymerase) family of enzymes which include PARP1 and PARP2 repair damaged DNA. PARP inhibitors inhibit the PARP protein in cancer cells and kill tumors defective in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes through the concept of synthetic lethality. LYNPARZA® (Olaparib) is a first-in-class PARP inhibitor and blocks DNA damage response in tumors harboring a deficiency in Homologous Recombination Repair, as is noted in those with mutations such as BRCA1 and/or BRCA2. LYNPARZA® showed promising results in a Phase II trial (TOPARP), when given as monotherapy, in patients with BRCA1/2 or ATM gene-mutated mCRPC, who had received a prior Taxane-based chemotherapy, and at least one newer hormonal agent (ZYTIGA® or XTANDI®).

PROfound is a prospective, multicentre, randomized, open-label, Phase III trial in which the efficacy and safety of LYNPARZA® was compared with physician’s choice of either XTANDI® or ZYTIGA® in two groups of patients with mCRPC, who had progressed on prior treatment with new hormonal anticancer treatments, and had a qualifying tumor mutation in one of 15 genes involved in the Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) pathway. Those in Cohort A (N=245) had alterations in BRCA1, BRCA2 or ATM genes while those in Cohort B (N=142) had alterations in any one of 12 other genes known to be involved in DNA repair which included BRIP1, BARD1, CDK12, CHEK1, CHEK2, FANCL, PALB2, PPP2R2A, RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D or RAD54L. Patients were randomized 2:1 within each cohort to receive LYNPARZA® 300 mg orally BID or physician’s choice of XTANDI® 160 mg orally QD or ZYTIGA® 1000 mg orally QD along with Prednisone 5 mg orally BID. Patient characteristics were well-balanced between arms in each treatment group, median patient age was 68 years, approximately 25% of patients had de novo metastatic disease, about 65% of patients received prior Taxane therapy and more than 20% had received two lines of chemotherapy. Patients were allowed to cross over to LYNPARZA® upon progression. The Primary endpoint was radiographic Progression-Free Survival (rPFS) in Cohort A, assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR). Secondary endpoints included Objective Response Rate (ORR), Time to pain progression and Overall Survival (OS) in Cohort A.

It was noted that in Cohort A, the median PFS was 7.4 months with LYNPARZA®, compared to 3.5 months with hormonal treatment (HR=0.34, P<0.0001). This represented a 66% greater delay in disease progression compared to hormonal therapy. In the overall population (Cohort A+B), median PFS was 5.8 months versus 3.5 months respectively (HR=0.49, P<0.0001). The interim Overall Survival analysis in Cohort A showed that median OS was 18.5 months with LYNPARZA® compared to 15 months with hormonal treatment (HR=0.64, P=0.0173). Median OS in the overall population (Cohort A+B) was 17.5 months versus 14.2 months with LYNPARZA® versus hormonal treatment, respectively (HR 0.67, P=0.0063). In Cohort A, the Objective Response Rate (ORR) was 33.3% with LYNPARZA® compared with 2.3% with the hormonal therapies (P<0.0001). The median Time to pain progression was not yet reached with LYNPARZA® compared with 9.9 months for the hormonal agents. This suggested a 56% reduction in the risk of pain progression (HR=0.44; P=0.019). The most common Adverse Events associated with LYNPARZA® were nausea, decreased appetite, anemia and fatigue.

It was concluded that in this landmark, molecularly targeted, Phase III trial, LYNPARZA® improved Progression Free Survival and Objective Response Rates, with a trend for Overall Survival, among patients with heavily pretreated metastatic CRPC, and alterations in the Homologous Recombination Repair genes. PROFOUND: Phase III study of olaparib versus enzalutamide or abiraterone for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations. Hussain M, Mateo J, Fizazi K, et al. Presented at ESMO Congress 2019; September 27-October 1, 2019; Barcelona, Spain. Abstract LBA12_PR.