Long term outcomes in patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) of chemotherapy has demonstrated disease control and suggested improvement in overall survival (OS) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC). We report herein the long-term results and role of molecular alterations of a phase II clinical trial of HAI chemotherapy plus systemic chemotherapy, with a retrospective cohort of patients treated with HAI at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. METHODS: This secondary analysis of a single-institution, phase 2 trial and retrospective cohort of unresectable IHC treated with HAI floxuridine (FUDR) plus systemic gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. The primary aim was to assess long-term oncologic outcomes. A subset underwent tissue-based genomic sequencing, and molecular alterations were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were treated on trial with a median follow up of 76.9 months. Median PFS was 11.8 months (95% CI11-15.1). The median OS was 26.8 months (95% CI20.9-40.6). The 1-, 2- and 5-year OS rate was 89.5%, 55%, and 21% respectively. Nine (24%) received HAI with mitomycin C post FUDR progression with an objective response rate of 44% and a median PFS of 3.93 (2.33-NR) months. One-hundred and seventy patients not treated on the clinical trial were included in a retrospective analysis. Median PFS and OS was 7.93 (95%CI: 7.27-10.07) and 22.5 (95%CI : 19.5-28.3) months, respectively. Alterations in the TP53 and cell-cycle pathway had a worse PFS to HAI based therapy compared to wildtype disease. CONCLUSION: In locally advanced IHC, HAI with FUDR in combination with systemic therapy can offer long term durable disease control. Molecular alterations may predict for response.

A plain language summary of the results from the phase 2b HERIZON-BTC-01 study of zanidatamab in participants with HER2-amplified biliary tract cancer.

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?: Researchers wanted to study whether the research drug zanidatamab could help people with a type of cancer called biliary tract cancer. In some people, biliary tract cancer cells make extra copies of a gene called HER2 (also called ERBB2). This is known as being HER2-amplified. Zanidatamab is an antibody designed to destroy cancer cells that have higher-than-normal HER2 protein or gene levels. Zanidatamab is currently under research and is not yet approved for any diseases. Participants in this phase 2b clinical study had tumors that were HER2-amplified and at the advanced or metastatic stage. Participants also had cancer which had become worse after previous chemotherapy or had side effects that were too bad to continue chemotherapy. They also had to meet other requirements to be enrolled. Researchers measured the amount of HER2 protein in the tumor samples of the participants who were enrolled. There were 80 participants with tumors that were both HER2 amplified and had higher-than-normal HER2 protein amounts (considered to be 'HER2-positive'). There were 7 participants with tumors that were HER2-amplified, but had little-to-no levels of the HER2 protein (considered to be 'HER2-low'). All participants in the study were treated with zanidatamab and no other cancer treatments once every 2 weeks. WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS?: In the HER2-positive group, 33 of 80 (41%) participants had their tumors shrink by 30% or more of their original size. In half of these participants, their tumors did not grow for 13 months or longer. No participant in the HER2-low group had their tumors shrink by 30% or more. In total, 63 of 87 participants (72%) had at least one side effect believed to be related to zanidatamab treatment. Most side effects were mild or moderate in severity. No participant died from complications related to zanidatamab. Diarrhea was one of the more common side effects and was experienced by 32 of 87 participants (37%). Side effects related to receiving zanidatamab through the vein, such as chills, fever, or high blood pressure, were experienced by 29 of 87 participants (33%). WHAT ARE THE CONCLUSIONS REPORTED BY THE RESEARCHERS?: The results of this study support the potential for zanidatamab as a new therapy for people with HER2-positive biliary tract cancer after they had already received chemotherapy. More research is occurring to support these results.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04466891 (HERIZON-BTC-01 study).

The HERIZON-BTC-01 study revealed zanidatamab as a potentially effective treatment for HER2-positive biliary tract cancer after standard chemotherapy fails. Read more in the lay summary by @hardingjjmd, @DrShubhamPant, and coauthors. #BiliaryTractCancer #HER2 #zanidatamab.

Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Genomic Variables Associated With Anatomic Location and Outcome.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to define genomic differences between perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCA) and distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCA) and identify genomic determinants of survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with ECA with tissue for targeted next-generation sequencing were analyzed, stratified by anatomic site (PCA/DCA), disease extent, and treatment. Associations between genomic alterations, clinicopathologic features, and outcomes were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression to compare survival. RESULTS: In total, 224 patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2022 (n = 127 PCA; n = 97 DCA) met inclusion criteria. The median survival was 29 months (43 after resection and 17 from diagnosis for unresectable disease). Compared with PCA, DCA was enriched in TP53alt (alterations; 69% v 33%; Q < 0.01), epigenetic pathway alterations (45% v 29%; Q = 0.041), and had more total altered pathways (median 3 v 2; Q < 0.01). KRASalt frequency was similar between PCA (36%) and DCA (37%); however, DCA was enriched in KRAS G12D (19% v 9%; P = .002). No other clinicopathologic or genomic variables distinguished subtypes. In resected patients, no genomic alterations were associated with outcome. However, in unresectable patients, CDKN2Aalt (hazard ratio [HR], 2.59 [1.48 to 4.52]) and APCalt (HR, 5.11 [1.96 to 13.3]) were associated with reduced survival. For the entire cohort, irresectability (HR, 3.13 [2.25 to 4.36]), CDKN2Aalt (HR, 1.80 [1.80 to 2.68]), and APCalt (HR, 2.00 [1.04 to 3.87]) were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION: CDKN2Aalt and APCalt were associated with poor survival in ECA, primarily in advanced disease. As PCA and DCA were genetically similar, coanalysis of PCA and DCA in future genomic studies is reasonable.

Has Management of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Evolved with the Evidence? Trends and Practice Patterns from the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND: Management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) has advanced in recent decades, including randomized trial evidence supporting systemic therapy in the palliative and adjuvant setting. Mounting observational evidence suggests resection of IHC with multifocal disease (IHC-MF) or lymph node metastasis (IHC-LNM) should be limited. It is unknown how real-world practice has evolved in light of research advances. This study characterizes trends in management and outcomes of IHC without distant metastasis. METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for patients treated for IHC without distant metastasis (M0) and identified subgroups with lymph node (cN1) or multifocal hepatic involvement (cT2b). Two-sided Cochran-Armitage tests evaluated trends in initial treating modality and perioperative chemotherapy. Logistic regression evaluated associations with choice of initial treating modality. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated by using Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2020, 11,368 patients were treated for IHC without extrahepatic metastasis. Forty-three percent underwent resection. Initial management shifted from resection towards radiation or systemic therapy in IHC-MF and IHC-LNM. Use of perioperative chemotherapy increased from 39% pre-2010 to 70% in 2018-2020 (p < 0.001), most often delivered postoperatively. Across the entire cohort, median OS improved from 16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 15-18) to 27 months (95% CI 26-29). More modest improvements were observed in IHC-MF and IHC-LNM. CONCLUSIONS: Use of perioperative chemotherapy has been widely adopted, predating randomized trial evidence in the adjuvant setting. Initial management of IHC-MF and IHC-LNM has shifted from resection to systemic and/or radiation therapy. While OS has improved overall, outcomes of IHC-MF and IHC-LNM remain poor, warranting further investigation.

Clinicogenomic predictors of outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immunotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations extend overall survival (OS) while anti-PD-1/L1 monotherapy is non-inferior to sorafenib in treatment-naïve, patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinicogenomic features are posited to influence patient outcomes. METHODS: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to define the clinical, pathologic, and genomic factors associated with outcomes to ICI therapy in patients with HCC. Patients with histologically confirmed advanced HCC treated with ICI at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 2012 to 2022 were included. Association between clinical, pathological, and genomic characteristics were assessed with univariable and multivariable Cox regression model for progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. RESULTS: Two-hundred and forty-two patients were treated with ICI-based therapy. Patients were predominantly male (82%) with virally mediated HCC (53%) and Child Pugh A score (70%). Median follow-up was 28 months (0.5-78.4). Median PFS for those treated in 1st line, 2nd line and ≥ 3rd line was 4.9 (range: 2.9-6.2), 3.1 (2.3-4.0), and 2.5 (2.1-4.0) months, respectively. Median OS for those treated in 1st line, 2nd line, and ≥ 3rd line was 16 (11-22), 7.5 (6.4-11), and 6.4 (4.6-26) months, respectively. Poor liver function and performance status associated with worse PFS and OS, while viral hepatitis C was associated with favorable outcome. Genetic alterations were not associated with outcomes. CONCLUSION: Clinicopathologic factors were the major determinates of outcomes for patients with advanced HCC treated with ICI. Molecular profiling did not aid in stratification of ICI outcomes. Future studies should explore alternative biomarkers such as the level of immune activation or the pretreatment composition of the immune tumor microenvironment.

A Novel Approach to Quantify Heterogeneity of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: The Hidden-Genome Classifier.

PURPOSE: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) is a heterogeneous tumor. The hidden-genome classifier, a supervised machine learning-based algorithm, was used to quantify tumor heterogeneity and improve classification. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A retrospective review of 1,370 patients with IHC, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC), gallbladder cancer (GBC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or biphenotypic tumors was conducted. A hidden-genome model classified 527 IHC based on genetic similarity to EHC/GBC or HCC. Genetic, histologic, and clinical data were correlated. RESULTS: In this study, 410 IHC (78%) had >50% genetic homology with EHC/GBC; 122 (23%) had >90% homology ("biliary class"), characterized by alterations of KRAS, SMAD4, and CDKN2A loss; 117 IHC (22%) had >50% genetic homology with HCC; and 30 (5.7%) had >90% homology ("HCC class"), characterized by TERT alterations. Patients with biliary- versus non-biliary-class IHC had median overall survival (OS) of 1 year (95% CI, 0.77, 1.5) versus 1.8 years (95% CI, 1.6, 2.0) for unresectable disease and 2.4 years (95% CI, 2.1, NR) versus 5.1 years (95% CI, 4.8, 6.9) for resectable disease. Large-duct IHC (n = 28) was more common in the biliary class (n = 27); the HCC class was composed mostly of small-duct IHC (64%, P = 0.02). The hidden genomic classifier predicted OS independent of FGFR2 and IDH1 alterations. By contrast, the histology subtype did not predict OS. CONCLUSIONS: IHC genetics form a spectrum with worse OS for tumors genetically aligned with EHC/GBC. The classifier proved superior to histologic subtypes for predicting OS independent of FGFR2 and IDH1 alterations. These results may explain the differential treatment responses seen in IHC and may direct therapy by helping stratify patients in future clinical trials.

Outcomes of Y90 Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients Previously Treated with Transarterial Embolization.

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients previously treated with transarterial embolization (TAE). In this retrospective study, all HCC patients who received TARE from 1/2012 to 12/2022 for treatment of residual or recurrent disease after TAE were identified. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate Cox regression was performed to determine significant predictors of OS after TARE. Twenty-one patients (median age 73.4 years, 18 male, 3 female) were included. Median dose to the perfused liver volume was 121 Gy (112-444, range), and 18/21 (85.7%) patients received 112-140 Gy. Median OS from time of HCC diagnosis was 32.9 months (19.4-61.4, 95% CI). Median OS after first TAE was 29.3 months (15.3-58.9, 95% CI). Median OS after first TARE was 10.6 months (6.8-27.0, 95% CI). ECOG performance status of 0 (p = 0.038), index tumor diameter < 4 cm (p = 0.022), and hepatic tumor burden < 25% (p = 0.018) were significant predictors of longer OS after TARE. TARE may provide a survival benefit for appropriately selected patients with HCC who have been previously treated with TAE.

Evaluating Debio 1347 in Patients with FGFR Fusion-Positive Advanced Solid Tumors from the FUZE Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase II Basket Trial.

PURPOSE: This multicenter phase II basket trial investigated the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of Debio 1347, an investigational, oral, highly selective, ATP-competitive, small molecule inhibitor of FGFR1-3, in patients with solid tumors harboring a functional FGFR1-3 fusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible adults had a previously treated locally advanced (unresectable) or metastatic biliary tract (cohort 1), urothelial (cohort 2) or other histologic cancer type (cohort 3). Debio 1347 was administered at 80 mg once daily, continuously, in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, pharmacokinetics, and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Between March 22, 2019 and January 8, 2020, 63 patients were enrolled and treated, 30 in cohort 1, four in cohort 2, and 29 in cohort 3. An unplanned preliminary statistical review showed that the efficacy of Debio 1347 was lower than predicted and the trial was terminated. Three of 58 evaluable patients had partial responses, representing an ORR of 5%, with a further 26 (45%) having stable disease (≥6 weeks duration). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 22 (35%) of 63 patients, with the most common being hyperphosphatemia (13%) and stomatitis (5%). Two patients (3%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Debio 1347 had manageable toxicity; however, the efficacy in patients with tumors harboring FGFR fusions did not support further clinical evaluation in this setting. Our transcriptomic-based analysis characterized in detail the incidence and nature of FGFR fusions across solid tumors.

A Phase I Study of KIN-3248, an Irreversible Small-molecule Pan-FGFR Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced FGFR2/3-driven Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: Despite efficacy of approved FGFR inhibitors, emergence of polyclonal secondary mutations in the FGFR kinase domain leads to acquired resistance. KIN-3248 is a selective, irreversible, orally bioavailable, small-molecule inhibitor of FGFR1-4 that blocks both primary oncogenic and secondary kinase domain resistance FGFR alterations. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A first-in-human, phase I study of KIN-3248 was conducted in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring FGFR2 and/or FGFR3 gene alterations (NCT05242822). The primary objective was determination of MTD/recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Secondary and exploratory objectives included antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and molecular response by circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) clearance. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients received doses ranging from 5 to 50 mg orally daily across six cohorts. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (48.1%), gastric (9.3%), and urothelial (7.4%) were the most common tumors. Tumors harbored FGFR2 (68.5%) or FGFR3 (31.5%) alterations-23 (42.6%) received prior FGFR inhibitors. One dose-limiting toxicity (hypersensitivity) occurred in cohort 1 (5 mg). Treatment-related, adverse events included hyperphosphatemia, diarrhea, and stomatitis. The MTD/RP2D was not established. Exposure was dose proportional and concordant with hyperphosphatemia. Five partial responses were observed; 4 in FGFR inhibitor naïve and 1 in FGFR pretreated patients. Pretreatment ctDNA profiling confirmed FGFR2/3 alterations in 63.3% of cases and clearance at cycle 2 associated with radiographic response. CONCLUSION: The trial was terminated early for commercial considerations; therefore, RP2D was not established. Preliminary clinical data suggest that KIN-3248 is a safe, oral FGFR1-4 inhibitor with favorable pharmacokinetic parameters, though further dose escalation was required to nominate the MTD/RP2D. SIGNIFICANCE: KIN-3248 was a rationally designed, next generation selective FGFR inhibitor, that was effective in interfering with both FGFR wild-type and mutant signaling. Clinical data indicate that KIN-3248 is safe with a signal of antitumor activity. Translational science support the mechanism of action in that serum phosphate was proportional with exposure, paired biopsies suggested phospho-ERK inhibition (a downstream target of FGFR2/3), and ctDNA clearance may act as a RECIST response surrogate.