Words You Will Love To Read Over And Over Again--celebrate!!

[Lani]

FROM the ASCO abstracts

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Prognosis of women with stage IV breast cancer by HER2 status and trastuzumab treatment: An institutional based review.
Sub-category:
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Category:
Breast Cancer--Metastatic Breast Cancer
Meeting:
2008 ASCO Annual Meeting



Abstract No:
1018
Citation:
J Clin Oncol 26: 2008 (May 20 suppl; abstr 1018)
Author(s):
S. S. Dawood, B. Kristine, G. N. Hortobagyi, S. H. Giordano
Abstract:
Background: HER2 +ve status is traditionally known to be associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that the addition of trastuzumab to the treatment of women with HER2 +ve disease significantly improves survival in early and advanced stage breast cancer. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if the addition trastuzumab in a cohort of women with stage IV HER2 +ve breast cancer improves prognosis beyond that of women with HER2 -ve disease. Methods: Women with de novo stage IV or recurrent breast cancer diagnosed between 1991-2007, with known HER2 status, who had not received trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting, were identified from the M. D. Anderson database. Disease was classified into three groups: a) HER2 -ve disease, b) HER2 +ve disease without first-line trastuzumab treatment, c) HER2 +ve disease with first-line trastuzumab treatment. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from the date of first distant metastasis to the date of death or last follow-up and was estimated using the Kaplan-Meir product method and compared between groups with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards were used to determine associations between OS and HER2 status after controlling for patient (pt) characteristics including year and age of diagnosis and site of first metastases. Results: The final analyses included 2,091 pts. One hundred and eighteen (5.6%) pts had HER2 +ve disease without trastuzumab treatment, 191 (9.1%) had HER2 +ve disease and trastuzumab treatment and 1,782 (85.3%) pts had HER-2 -ve disease. Median follow-up was 16.9 months. One year survival in pts with HER2 -ve disease, HER +ve disease who received trastuzumab and those with HER2 +ve disease who did not receive trastuzumab was 75.1% (95% CI 72.9%, 77.2%), 86.6% (95% CI 80.8%, 90.8%) and 70.2% (95% CI 60.3%, 78.1%) respectively. In a multivariable model women with HER2 +ve disease who received trastuzumab had a 44% reduction in the risk of death compared to women with HER2 -ve disease (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.45-0.69, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The introduction of trastuzumab has altered the natural history of HER2 +ve breast cancer. Our results show that the addition of trastuzumab improves the prognosis of women with HER2 +ve disease above and beyond that of women with HER2 -ve disease.

[lexigirl]

Dear Lani,

Thank you so much for this post. It has made my day!!

Thanks for all you do.

Lexi

[chrisy]

Nice to see that science has verified and it's official! That should reassure newly diagnosed people that the "poor prognosis" story really IS old news.

The one that I'll really love to read is the one where they overcome resistance to Herceptin and say the C word right out loud!

[chicagoetc]

Wow, that's impressive.

[Leslie's sister]

am I reading this correctly????

"Our results show that the addition of trastuzumab improves the prognosis of women with HER2 +ve disease above and beyond that of women with HER2 -ve disease."

Her2+, with the addition of Herceptin, has a prognosis that is improved above and beyond Her2-?

Just say no to poor prognosis'!!!

LISA

[Jackie07]

It's nice to be included in the 'lucky bunch' club. What a difference Herceptin has made in our lives!

[goops]

I guess my original oncologist was correct - he told me that being Her-2+ was a good thing because they have great drugs to control the disease.

[penelope]

wow!!!! great news

[runtolive]

Abstract data available
Once every 3 weeks study: 6 of 16 at highest doses with PRs, 5 more have SD, so 11 of 16 responded/responding.

phase 1 dose escalation study.

Once a week study: 7 patients dosed. 3 at 1.2 mg/kg, 3 at 1.6mg/kg, 1 at 2.0mg/kg. MTD not yet established (when the study was submitted of course). 4 patients have PRs (assume that this is ALL of the two higher dose patients (n=4 at two highest doses so far), not confirmed as of the cutoff date, so we'll hear more on them at presentation...NO cardiac-specific toxicity either...

Background: T-DM1 is a first-in-class HER2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in development for HER2-positive BC, and is designed to combine the biological activity of trastuzumab (T) with the targeted delivery of a highly potent antimicrotubule agent (DM1) to HER2-expressing cells. DM1 binds tubulin competitively with vinca alkaloids, 20-100 times more potently than vincristine. T-DM1 binds to HER2 without inducing downregulation with affinity similar to T. T-DM1 has activity in T-sensitive and T-insensitive HER2+ BC xenografts; principal preclinical AEs were reversible transaminase (TA) elevations, reversible platelet decreases, and neuropathy. In a phase I study of T-DM1 given every 3 weeks, the MTD was 3.6 mg/kg, with DLT of gr 4 thrombocytopenia (TCP); tumor responses were seen at doses at or below MTD. The effect of more frequent dosing of T-DM1 on its exposure and safety profile is unknown. Methods: This ongoing phase I study is evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of T-DM1 given IV once weekly to pts with advanced HER2+BC who have progressed on a T- containing regimen. Dose levels for successive cohorts are escalated if DLT is observed in <1/3 of pts within 21 days of first study treatment according to a 3+3 evaluation scheme. Results: Seven pts (median age 53 (range 44-63); all PS 0-1); median number prior metastatic chemo regimens 2 (range 1-4) have received 72 doses of T-DM1 at 3 dose levels (1.2 mg/kg, 3 pts; 1.6 mg/kg, 3 pts; 2.0 mg/kg, 1 pt) on a weekly schedule. Related mild-moderate AEs include fatigue (grade [gr] 1, 3 pts; gr 2, 1 pt), TA elevations gr 2, 1 pt), and headache (gr 2; 1 pt). Related gr >2 AEs have been limited to rapidly reversible TCP (gr 3, 1 pt). No cardiac-specific toxicity has been observed. No DLTs have been observed. Concentration-time profiles appear consistent with predictions based on allometric scaling. Four pts have had partial responses (none confirmed as of the data cutoff date). Conclusions: Related gr >2 AEs have been infrequent and manageable, and objective tumor responses observed, on a weekly schedule of T-DM1. Dose escalation will continue until an MTD is identified. A phase II trial of T-DM1 on a q3-week schedule in advanced HER2+ BC is ongoing.

Background: T-DM1 is designed to combine the biological activity of trastuzumab (T) with the targeted delivery of a highly potent antimicrotubule agent (DM1) to HER2-expressing cells. DM1 binds tubulin competitively with vinca alkaloids, 20-100 times more potently than vincristine. The MCC linker employed in T-DM1 provides a stable bond between T and DM1 that is designed to prolong exposure and reduce the toxicity of T-DM1 while maintaining activity; T-DM1 is the first ADC with an MCC linker in clinical trials.T-DM1 has activity in T-sensitive and T-insensitive HER2+ BC xenografts. Methods: This ongoing phase I study is evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of T- DM1 given IV q3 wks to pts with advanced HER2+ BC who have progressed on a T-containing regimen. Dose levels for successive cohorts were doubled until a related gr 2 AE was observed. Further escalation utilized a 3+3 modified Fibonacci design. Results: Twenty-four pts (median age 50.5 [range 35-70]; all PS 0-1; median number prior metastatic chemo regimens 3 [range 1-7]) have received 156 doses of T- DM1 at 6 dose levels (0.3 mg/kg, 3 pts; 0.6 mg/kg, 1 pt; 1.2 mg/kg, 1 pt; 2.4 mg/kg, 1 pt; 3.6 mg/kg, 15 pts; 4.8 mg/kg, 3 pts). Related grade (gr) 1-2 AEs include TA elevations (gr 1, 5 pts; gr 2, 2 pts), thrombocytopenia (TCP; gr 1, 6 pts; gr 2, 3 pts), fatigue (gr 1, 5 pts; gr 2, 2 pts), anemia (gr 1, 4 pts; gr 2, 3 pts), and neuropathy (gr 1; 2 pts). Related gr 3-4 AEs include rapidly reversible TCP (gr 3, 1 pt; gr 4 [DLT], 2 pts both at 4.8 mg/kg) and neutropenia (gr 3, 1 pt). No cardiac-specific toxicity has been observed. T-DM1 clearance decreased with increasing dose as predicted preclinically. Six of 16 pts at 2.4 or 3.6 mg/kg have had partial responses (5 confirmed); 5 more have stable disease ongoing after 130 to 260 days. Conclusions: The MTD and recommended phase II dose of T-DM1 given IV q3 wks is 3.6 mg/kg. At the MTD, gr >2 AEs related to T-DM1 have been infrequent and manageable. T-DM1 PK is compatible with q3-week dosing. Objective tumor responses have been observed at doses at or below the MTD. A phase II trial in advanced HER2+ BC pts who have progressed on a T-containing regimen is underway; weekly dosing is also being explored.


Background: IMGN242 is a targeted anticancer agent in development for treating CanAg-expressing tumors. In a Phase I clinical study, patients with CanAg-expressing solid tumors were treated with IMGN242 at doses ranging from 18 to 297 mg/m2. A Phase II study was initiated to evaluate IMGN242 for treating CanAg-expressing gastric cancer at the dose of 168 mg/m2. Methods: The pharmacokinetics and safety are being evaluated in on-going Phase I and II studies of IMGN242 given as a single infusion every three weeks. Blood plasma samples were collected throughout the treatment period to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of IMGN242, to evaluate the levels of circulating CanAg and to assess the formation of human anti-IMGN242 antibodies. Assessment of CanAg expression by immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor biopsies for all patients in the studies. Results: Forty-five patients have been treated with IMGN242 in two clinical trials. Dose limiting toxicities included decreased visual acuity, corneal deposits and keratitis, which appeared to improve in patients where follow-up data is available. A two-phase pharmacokinetic profile was observed for IMGN242 in plasma from patients with low circulating CanAg levels (<1,000 U/mL), with an initial rapid distribution phase that lasted about 48 hours, followed by a slower terminal elimination phase. Eleven patients were noted to have circulating CanAg levels greater than 1,000 U/mL, although there appeared to be no correlation between high plasma CanAg and the pattern of tumor CanAg expression. High plasma CanAg levels appeared to have a marked impact on the pharmacokinetics of IMGN242 with clearance increased 3 to 5-fold in patients with high CanAg (>1,000 U/mL) compared to patients with low levels (<1,000 U/mL). It appeared that patients who developed study drug-related ocular toxicities had low plasma CanAg levels which may correlate with higher IMGN242 exposure in these patients. Conclusions: There appears to be no correlation between the circulating CanAg level and the tumor CanAg antigen expression in patients. Analysis is being performed to further examine the relationship of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with regards to dose, plasma CanAg level, and tumor CanAg antigen expression.


Background: AVE1642, a humanized mAb, binds the human IGF1R specifically and with high affinity (Kd<1nM). It delays growth of cancer cells in vitro and of human tumors xenografted to nude mice. Materiel and Methods: this study aims to select the dose of AVE1642 to be combined with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (D). AVE1642 was administered as single agent at cycle(cy)1 and then in combination with D from cy2, q3w. Sequential tumor biopsies were performed in a subset of pts. Main eligibility criteria: > 18y.o; measurable or evaluable advanced ST; PS <2; HbA1c<7.5% or FPG<160mg/dL. PK/PD: blood was collected at d1, d2, d8, d15 and d22 cy1 and cy2 and at d22 of each subsequent cy. Selection of the dose is based on safety (<33% pts with DLT) and on PK, PD parameters. Results: as of 20-Dec-07, 14 pts (4 at 3mg/kg; 4 at 6mg/kg; 4 at 12mg/kg; 2 at 18mg/kg) received 49cy, including 35cy with T. Safety: No DLT/related SAE were reported so far. Gr1/2 related AEs: hyperglycemia(1), hypersensitivity reactions (2), asthenia(2), anemia(1), nail disorder(1), paresthesia(1), pruritus(1). No anti-drug antibodies detected. Activity: 1 pt with breast cancer has had reduction in skin nodules and is on study cy6. In addition, 4 SD confirmed at cy4 are reported (small cell oesophagus, colon, melanoma, epithelioid sarcoma). Preliminary PK/PD data (mean, [CV%], (n)). AVE1642 concentrations increased dose-proportionally. Elimination t½ was UNKNOWN&ap;UNKNOWN 9 days. No PK interaction was observed. At all dose levels, mean IGF1 levels increased up to 6-fold from baseline, plateauing from 14-21d. Conclusion: AVE1642 is well tolerated as single agent and in combination with D. PK/PD data suggest a substantial and maintained biological effect from dose level 3mg/kg.
AVE1642 IGF1
Dose(mg/kg) Cmax(µg/mL) t½(day) CL (L/day) maxEffect(ng/mL) tmax (day)
3 76.4 [12.7] (5) 9.31[17.9] (5) 0.471 [67.9] (5) 558 (3) 63 (3)
6 158 [22.1] (8) 8.60[14] (8) 0.265 [48.4] (8) 589 (3) 63 (3)
12 249 [25.1] (3) 9.01[12.7] (3) 0.281 [23.1] (3) 633 (2) 14 (2)

Background: T-DM1 is a first-in-class HER2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in development for HER2-positive BC, and is designed to combine the biological activity of trastuzumab (T) with the targeted delivery of a highly potent antimicrotubule agent (DM1) to HER2-expressing cells. DM1 binds tubulin competitively with vinca alkaloids, 20-100 times more potently than vincristine. T-DM1 binds to HER2 without inducing downregulation with affinity similar to T. T-DM1 has activity in T-sensitive and T-insensitive HER2+ BC xenografts; principal preclinical AEs were reversible transaminase (TA) elevations, reversible platelet decreases, and neuropathy. In a phase I study of T-DM1 given every 3 weeks, the MTD was 3.6 mg/kg, with DLT of gr 4 thrombocytopenia (TCP); tumor responses were seen at doses at or below MTD. The effect of more frequent dosing of T-DM1 on its exposure and safety profile is unknown. Methods: This ongoing phase I study is evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of T-DM1 given IV once weekly to pts with advanced HER2+BC who have progressed on a T- containing regimen. Dose levels for successive cohorts are escalated if DLT is observed in <1/3 of pts within 21 days of first study treatment according to a 3+3 evaluation scheme. Results: Seven pts (median age 53 (range 44-63); all PS 0-1); median number prior metastatic chemo regimens 2 (range 1-4) have received 72 doses of T-DM1 at 3 dose levels (1.2 mg/kg, 3 pts; 1.6 mg/kg, 3 pts; 2.0 mg/kg, 1 pt) on a weekly schedule. Related mild-moderate AEs include fatigue (grade [gr] 1, 3 pts; gr 2, 1 pt), TA elevations gr 2, 1 pt), and headache (gr 2; 1 pt). Related gr >2 AEs have been limited to rapidly reversible TCP (gr 3, 1 pt). No cardiac-specific toxicity has been observed. No DLTs have been observed. Concentration-time profiles appear consistent with predictions based on allometric scaling. Four pts have had partial responses (none confirmed as of the data cutoff date). Conclusions: Related gr >2 AEs have been infrequent and manageable, and objective tumor responses observed, on a weekly schedule of T-DM1. Dose escalation will continue until an MTD is identified. A phase II trial of T-DM1 on a q3-week schedule in advanced HER2+ BC is ongoing.

Background: T-DM1 is designed to combine the biological activity of trastuzumab (T) with the targeted delivery of a highly potent antimicrotubule agent (DM1) to HER2-expressing cells. DM1 binds tubulin competitively with vinca alkaloids, 20-100 times more potently than vincristine. The MCC linker employed in T-DM1 provides a stable bond between T and DM1 that is designed to prolong exposure and reduce the toxicity of T-DM1 while maintaining activity; T-DM1 is the first ADC with an MCC linker in clinical trials.T-DM1 has activity in T-sensitive and T-insensitive HER2+ BC xenografts. Methods: This ongoing phase I study is evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of T- DM1 given IV q3 wks to pts with advanced HER2+ BC who have progressed on a T-containing regimen. Dose levels for successive cohorts were doubled until a related gr 2 AE was observed. Further escalation utilized a 3+3 modified Fibonacci design. Results: Twenty-four pts (median age 50.5 [range 35-70]; all PS 0-1; median number prior metastatic chemo regimens 3 [range 1-7]) have received 156 doses of T- DM1 at 6 dose levels (0.3 mg/kg, 3 pts; 0.6 mg/kg, 1 pt; 1.2 mg/kg, 1 pt; 2.4 mg/kg, 1 pt; 3.6 mg/kg, 15 pts; 4.8 mg/kg, 3 pts). Related grade (gr) 1-2 AEs include TA elevations (gr 1, 5 pts; gr 2, 2 pts), thrombocytopenia (TCP; gr 1, 6 pts; gr 2, 3 pts), fatigue (gr 1, 5 pts; gr 2, 2 pts), anemia (gr 1, 4 pts; gr 2, 3 pts), and neuropathy (gr 1; 2 pts). Related gr 3-4 AEs include rapidly reversible TCP (gr 3, 1 pt; gr 4 [DLT], 2 pts both at 4.8 mg/kg) and neutropenia (gr 3, 1 pt). No cardiac-specific toxicity has been observed. T-DM1 clearance decreased with increasing dose as predicted preclinically. Six of 16 pts at 2.4 or 3.6 mg/kg have had partial responses (5 confirmed); 5 more have stable disease ongoing after 130 to 260 days. Conclusions: The MTD and recommended phase II dose of T-DM1 given IV q3 wks is 3.6 mg/kg. At the MTD, gr >2 AEs related to T-DM1 have been infrequent and manageable. T-DM1 PK is compatible with q3-week dosing. Objective tumor responses have been observed at doses at or below the MTD. A phase II trial in advanced HER2+ BC pts who have progressed on a T-containing regimen is underway; weekly dosing is also being explored.


Background: IMGN242 is a targeted anticancer agent in development for treating CanAg-expressing tumors. In a Phase I clinical study, patients with CanAg-expressing solid tumors were treated with IMGN242 at doses ranging from 18 to 297 mg/m2. A Phase II study was initiated to evaluate IMGN242 for treating CanAg-expressing gastric cancer at the dose of 168 mg/m2. Methods: The pharmacokinetics and safety are being evaluated in on-going Phase I and II studies of IMGN242 given as a single infusion every three weeks. Blood plasma samples were collected throughout the treatment period to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of IMGN242, to evaluate the levels of circulating CanAg and to assess the formation of human anti-IMGN242 antibodies. Assessment of CanAg expression by immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor biopsies for all patients in the studies. Results: Forty-five patients have been treated with IMGN242 in two clinical trials. Dose limiting toxicities included decreased visual acuity, corneal deposits and keratitis, which appeared to improve in patients where follow-up data is available. A two-phase pharmacokinetic profile was observed for IMGN242 in plasma from patients with low circulating CanAg levels (<1,000 U/mL), with an initial rapid distribution phase that lasted about 48 hours, followed by a slower terminal elimination phase. Eleven patients were noted to have circulating CanAg levels greater than 1,000 U/mL, although there appeared to be no correlation between high plasma CanAg and the pattern of tumor CanAg expression. High plasma CanAg levels appeared to have a marked impact on the pharmacokinetics of IMGN242 with clearance increased 3 to 5-fold in patients with high CanAg (>1,000 U/mL) compared to patients with low levels (<1,000 U/mL). It appeared that patients who developed study drug-related ocular toxicities had low plasma CanAg levels which may correlate with higher IMGN242 exposure in these patients. Conclusions: There appears to be no correlation between the circulating CanAg level and the tumor CanAg antigen expression in patients. Analysis is being performed to further examine the relationship of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with regards to dose, plasma CanAg level, and tumor CanAg antigen expression.


Background: AVE1642, a humanized mAb, binds the human IGF1R specifically and with high affinity (Kd<1nM). It delays growth of cancer cells in vitro and of human tumors xenografted to nude mice. Materiel and Methods: this study aims to select the dose of AVE1642 to be combined with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (D). AVE1642 was administered as single agent at cycle(cy)1 and then in combination with D from cy2, q3w. Sequential tumor biopsies were performed in a subset of pts. Main eligibility criteria: > 18y.o; measurable or evaluable advanced ST; PS <2; HbA1c<7.5% or FPG<160mg/dL. PK/PD: blood was collected at d1, d2, d8, d15 and d22 cy1 and cy2 and at d22 of each subsequent cy. Selection of the dose is based on safety (<33% pts with DLT) and on PK, PD parameters. Results: as of 20-Dec-07, 14 pts (4 at 3mg/kg; 4 at 6mg/kg; 4 at 12mg/kg; 2 at 18mg/kg) received 49cy, including 35cy with T. Safety: No DLT/related SAE were reported so far. Gr1/2 related AEs: hyperglycemia(1), hypersensitivity reactions (2), asthenia(2), anemia(1), nail disorder(1), paresthesia(1), pruritus(1). No anti-drug antibodies detected. Activity: 1 pt with breast cancer has had reduction in skin nodules and is on study cy6. In addition, 4 SD confirmed at cy4 are reported (small cell oesophagus, colon, melanoma, epithelioid sarcoma). Preliminary PK/PD data (mean, [CV%], (n)). AVE1642 concentrations increased dose-proportionally. Elimination t½ was UNKNOWN&ap;UNKNOWN 9 days. No PK interaction was observed. At all dose levels, mean IGF1 levels increased up to 6-fold from baseline, plateauing from 14-21d. Conclusion: AVE1642 is well tolerated as single agent and in combination with D. PK/PD data suggest a substantial and maintained biological effect from dose level 3mg/kg.
AVE1642 IGF1
Dose(mg/kg) Cmax(µg/mL) t½(day) CL (L/day) maxEffect(ng/mL) tmax (day)
3 76.4 [12.7] (5) 9.31[17.9] (5) 0.471 [67.9] (5) 558 (3) 63 (3)
6 158 [22.1] (8) 8.60[14] (8) 0.265 [48.4] (8) 589 (3) 63 (3)
12 249 [25.1] (3) 9.01[12.7] (3) 0.281 [23.1] (3) 633 (2) 14 (2)

[StephN]

Hi Run -
did you mean to post this on the T-DM1 thread?? It is a little confusing as the trials are ongoing and this is in "research speak."

I am glad someone finally did a study with a breakdown on how patients with different tumor biology/treatments have done. Even though 16 months is a relatively short followup, they had the comparisons to report.

Hope more institutions are doing the same, so we can have a better cross section of patients and how they have done.

[caya]

Thanks Lani for this post. One onc. told me that Herceptin negates the "poor prognosis" of being Her 2+. It seems he was right.

Great news for us all.

all the best
caya