IMPORTANCE Currently, there is no established second-line systemic treatment for biliary tract cancer (BTC). Preclinical data have demonstrated that the presence of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1-expressing tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment of BTC supports the rationale of using programmed cell death 1 protein blockade immunotherapy in BTC.OBJECTIVE To evaluate anticancer activity of nivolumab in patients with advanced refractory BTC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTSIn this single-group, multicenter phase 2 study of nivolumab, 54 patients with histologically confirmed BTC whose disease progressed while undergoing treatment with at least 1 line but no more than 3 lines of systemic therapy were enrolled between October 5, 2016, and December 26, 2018. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.INTERVENTIONS Nivolumab, 240 mg, was delivered intravenously every 2 weeks for 16 weeks, and then 480 mg was delivered intravenously every 4 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects occurred. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURESThe primary end point was investigator-assessed objective response rate, and the secondary end points were progression-free survival, overall survival, and incidence of adverse events.RESULTS A total of 54 patients (27 men and 27 women; median age, 65 years [range, 28-86 years]) enrolled, and 46 (22 men and 24 women; median age, 65 years [range, 28-86 years]) were examined for objective response with radiologic imaging. The investigator-assessed objective response rate was 22% (10 of 46), including 1 unconfirmed partial response, with a disease control rate of 59% (27 of 46). Central independent review found an objective response rate of 11% (5 of 46), including 1 unconfirmed partial response, with a disease control rate of 50% (23 of 46). All patients who responded to treated (hereafter referred to as responders) had mismatch repair protein-proficient tumors. The median duration of investigator-assessed response was not reached, with a median follow-up of 12.4 months. Among the intention-to-treat population, median progression-free survival was 3.68 months (95% CI, 2.30-5.69 months) and median overall survival was 14.24 months (95% CI, 5.98 months to not reached). Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 expression in tumors was associated with prolonged progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.10-0.51; P < .001). The most common treatment-related grade 3 or 4 toxic effects were hyponatremia (3 of 54 [6%]) and increased alkaline phosphatase (2 of 54 [4%]).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that nivolumab was well tolerated and showed modest efficacy with durable response in patients with refractory BTC. Further studies are warranted to verify the findings and evaluate biomarkers for improved treatment selection for patients.

Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a mismatch repair-deficiency (MMR-D)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) phenotype carries unique characteristics such as increased tumour mutational burden and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Studies have shown a sustained clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitors with dramatic clinical improvement in patients with MSI-H/MMR-D CRC. However, the observed response rates range between 30% and 50% suggesting the existence of intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Moreover, disease progression after an initial positive response to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment points to acquired resistance mechanisms. In this review article, we discuss the clinical trials that established the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with MSI-H/MMR-D CRC, consider biomarkers of the immune response and elaborate on potential mechanisms related to intrinsic and acquired resistance. We also provide a perspective on possible future therapeutic approaches that might improve clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with actionable resistance mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Optimal prognostic and predictive biomarkers for patients with advanced-stage cancer patients who received immunotherapy (IO) are lacking. Inflammatory markers, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), are readily available. The authors investigated the association between these markers and clinical outcomes of patients with advanced-stage cancer who received IO. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 90 patients with advanced cancer who received treatment on phase 1 clinical trials of IO-based treatment regimens. NLR, MLR, and PLR values were log-transformed and treated as continuous variables for each patient. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinical benefit were used to measure clinical outcomes. For univariate associations and multivariable analyses, Cox proportional-hazards models or logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: The median patient age was 63 years, and most were men (59%). The most common histologies were melanoma (33%) and gastrointestinal cancers (22%). High baseline NLR, MLR, and PLR values were associated significantly with worse OS and PFS (P < .05) and a lower chance of benefit (NLR and PLR; P < .05). Increased NLR, MLR, and PLR values 6 weeks after baseline were associated with shorter OS and PFS (P ≤ .052). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline and early changes in NLR, MLR, and PLR values were strongly associated with clinical outcomes in patients who received IO-based treatment regimens on phase 1 trials. Confirmation in a homogenous patient population treated on late-stage trials or outside of trial settings is warranted. These values may warrant consideration for inclusion when risk stratifying patients enrolled onto phase 1 clinical trials of IO agents. Cancer 2019;125:127-134.

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Objective Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs) are a rare and heterogeneous disease for which clinical management is challenging. We aim to review the literature regarding modalities of treatment to guide the management of AMNs. Methods and Review Criteria We conducted a PubMed search in February 2016 for English‐language publications, using the terms “appendiceal,” “appendix,” “carcinoma,” “cancer,” “mucinous,” “treatment,” “genes,” “target,” “genomic,” and terms listed in the articles' subheadings. Published reports and abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings were also searched. Results In this review, we summarize current data and controversies in AMN classification, clinical presentation, molecular alterations, treatment outcomes with regard to cytoreductive surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and the role of systemic chemotherapy. Conclusion Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of tumors with a rising incidence. Treatment is based on stage and histology. Low‐grade tumors are treated surgically with resection of the primary site in early stage disease, or peritoneal debulking and HIPEC in patients with advanced stage disease. Treatment of high‐grade tumors requires further prospective trials, and options include debulking surgery and HIPEC with or without preoperative chemotherapy. Trials evaluating novel therapies based on the molecular profiling of AMN tumors are needed to evaluate therapeutic options in patients who are not surgical candidates. Implications for Practice This review provides a reference to guide gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons, and oncologists in the management of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs), a rare and heterogeneous disease with no consensus on histologic classification or guidelines for treatment algorithms. This review summarizes all AMN classifications and proposes a treatment algorithm based on stage and histology of disease.

PURPOSE: Participation of racial and ethnic minority groups (REMGs) in cancer trials is disproportionately low despite a high prevalence of certain cancers in REMG populations. We aimed to identify notable practices used by leading US cancer centers that facilitate REMG participation in cancer trials. METHODS: The National Minority Quality Forum and Sustainable Healthy Communities Diverse Cancer Communities Working Group developed criteria by which to identify eligible US cancer centers—REMGs comprise 10% or more of the catchment area; a 10% to 50% yearly accrual rate of REMGs in cancer trials; and the presence of formal community outreach and diversity enrollment programs. Cancer center leaders were interviewed to ascertain notable practices that facilitate REMG accrual in clinical trials. RESULTS: Eight cancer centers that met the Communities Working Group criteria were invited to participate in in-depth interviews. Notable strategies for increased REMG accrual to cancer trials were reported across five broad themes: commitment and center leadership, investigator training and mentoring, community engagement, patient engagement, and operational practices. Specific notable practices included increased engagement of health care professionals, the presence of formal processes for obtaining REMG patient/caregiver input on research projects, and engagement of community groups to drive REMG participation. Centers also reported an increase in the allocation of resources to improving health disparities and increased dedication of research staff to REMG engagement. CONCLUSION: We have identified notable practices that facilitate increased participation of REMGs in cancer trials. Wide implementation of such strategies across cancer centers is essential to ensure that all populations benefit from advances in an era of increasingly personalized treatment of cancer.

Background Selecting the appropriate patients to receive immunotherapy (IO) remains a challenge due to the lack of optimal biomarkers. The presence of liver metastases has been implicated as a poor prognostic factor in patients with metastatic cancer. We investigated the association between sites of metastatic disease and clinical outcomes in patients receiving IO. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 90 patients treated on IO-based phase 1 clinical trials at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University between 2009 and 2017. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were measured from the first dose of IO to date of death or hospice referral and clinical or radiographic progression, respectively. Clinical benefit (CB) was defined as a best response of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD). Univariate analysis (UVA) and Multivariate analysis (MVA) were carried out using Cox proportional hazard model or logistic regression model. Covariates included age, whether IO is indicated for the patient’s histology, ECOG performance status, Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) risk group, number of metastatic sites, and histology. Results The median age was 63 years and 53% of patients were men. The most common histologies were melanoma (33%) and gastrointestinal cancers (22%). Most patients (73.3%) had more than one site of distant metastasis. Sites of metastasis collected were lymph node ( n = 58 ), liver ( n = 40 ), lung ( n = 37 ), bone ( n = 24 ), and brain ( n = 8 ). Most patients (80.7%) were RMH good risk. Most patients ( n = 62 ) had received 2+ prior lines of systemic treatment before receiving IO on trial; 27 patients (30.0%) received prior ICB. Liver metastases were associated with significantly shorter OS (HR: 0.38, CI: 0.17–0.84, p = 0.017). Patients with liver metastasis also trended towards having shorter PFS (HR: 0.70, CI: 0.41–1.19, p = 0.188). The median OS was substantially longer for patients without liver metastases (21.9 vs. 8.1 months, p = 0.0048). Conclusions Liver metastases may be a poor prognostic factor in patients receiving IO on phase 1 clinical trials. The presence of liver metastases may warrant consideration in updated prognostic models if these findings are validated in a larger prospective cohort.

Background: IDO1 is highly expressed in multiple cancers and may be an immunosuppressive mechanism for tumor escape via its production of metabolites that inhibit T-cell function. Nivo, a mAb that targets PD-1, causes IDO1 upregulation, supporting a rationale for combining it with an IDO1 inhibitor. Our preclinical program aimed to identify a best in class IDO1 inhibitor with favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics (Hunt J, et al. AACR 2017 [abst 6774]). Here we present BMS-986205, a selective IDO1 inhibitor validated in a novel phase 1/2a trial alone and in combination with nivo. Methods: During dose escalation, patients (pts) with advanced cancers were treated in escalating cohorts with BMS-986205 (25-200 mg as of Jan 5, 2017) orally once daily (QD) for 2 wk, followed by BMS-986205 + nivo 240 mg IV every 2 wk. Objectives included safety (primary), PK, and PD. Preclinical analyses included measurement of enzyme inhibition in HEK293 cells overexpressing human IDO1 or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and IFNγ-stimulated HeLa cells. Results: In support of clinical testing, BMS-986205 was evaluated preclinically. In vitro characteristics included potent inhibition of kynurenine (kyn) production in IDO1-HEK293 cells (IC50 = 1.1 nM) but not in TDO-HEK293 cells, sustained inhibition in IDO1 cell-based assays after washout, and single-digit nM potency in human tolerogenic MLR assays. Based on preclinical data, a 150 mg QD human dose was projected to maximally inhibit IDO1. In the ongoing clinical study, 42 pts have been treated. All treatment-related adverse events were grade 1/2 except three grade 3 toxicities (autoimmune hepatitis [dose limiting; BMS-986205 100 mg/nivo 240 mg], rash, and asymptomatic hypophosphatemia). Day 14 individual trough concentrations began exceeding the human whole blood IC50 starting with 25 mg QD, and the IC90 starting with 50 mg QD; all pts treated at 200 mg QD exceeded the IC90. Serum kyn was substantially reduced at all doses (&gt; 45% mean reduction at each dose), with &gt; 60% mean reduction at the 100 and 200 mg QD doses. Importantly, intratumoral kyn was reduced up to 90% in evaluable paired pre- and on-treatment samples. Conclusions: BMS-986205 is an optimized, once-daily, selective and potent oral IDO1 inhibitor at clinically relevant concentrations. It is well tolerated up to at least 200 mg in combination with nivo in this novel trial. Evidence of substantial serum kyn reduction was observed at doses as low as 25 mg QD; inhibition at 100 and 200 mg QD appears greater than that reported for other in-class compounds. In addition, we have presented the first evidence of intratumoral kyn reduction by an IDO1 inhibitor. These data suggest the potential of BMS-986205 as an IDO1 inhibitor with superior PD properties and support further evaluation in combination with nivo. Citation Format: Lillian L. Siu, Karen Gelmon, Quincy Chu, Russell Pachynski, Olatunji Alese, Paul Basciano, Justine Walker, Priyam Mitra, Li Zhu, Penny Phillips, John Hunt, Jayesh Desai. BMS-986205, an optimized indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor, is well tolerated with potent pharmacodynamic (PD) activity, alone and in combination with nivolumab (nivo) in advanced cancers in a phase 1/2a trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT116. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT116