The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000393
R. Said, A. Tsimberidou
{"title":"Basket Trials and the MD Anderson Precision Medicine Clinical Trials Platform","authors":"R. Said, A. Tsimberidou","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000393","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Precision medicine incorporates information regarding tumor biology involved in patients' carcinogenesis and individualized treatment of patients using drugs that inhibit the molecular basis of their disease. Implementation of precision medicine accelerated the drug approval process, translating discoveries in basic science and biotechnology into patient care. Clinical trials with innovative or adaptive design including “basket” and “umbrella” trials explore personalized therapies against in selected tumor types and/or across tumor types. In 2007, we started the Initiative for Molecular Profiling and Advanced Cancer Therapy, the first precision medicine program across tumor types. We demonstrated that therapy matched to patients' tumor molecular profiling is associated with improved rates of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival compared with nonmatched targeted therapy. We have now entered a new era of precision medicine that includes comprehensive tumor testing and multiple innovative modalities hoping to overcome the complexity of tumor biology to improve patient outcomes.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84438690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000392
A. Tsimberidou, R. Said, L. Staudt, B. Conley, N. Takebe
{"title":"Defining, Identifying, and Understanding “Exceptional Responders” in Oncology Using the Tools of Precision Medicine","authors":"A. Tsimberidou, R. Said, L. Staudt, B. Conley, N. Takebe","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000392","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000392","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Widely available molecular profiling technology, including next-generation sequencing has changed the landscape of drug development in cancer. An increasing number of clinical trials in early drug development require patient selection based on molecular alterations. Concurrently, efforts to identify molecular alterations in tumors that exhibited exceptional response after systemic treatment with standard or investigational agents have been published or are in progress. These discoveries may ultimately serve as predictive markers or “actionable mutations” for future therapies. To test the feasibility of collecting the archival tissues from proposed exceptional responder patients and successful subsequent molecular profiling, the National Cancer Institute opened a nationwide exceptional responder initiative protocol in 2014. In addition, an increasing number of exceptional responder cases have been identified and published from academia institutions. The Network of Enigmatic Exceptional Responders study uses crowdsourcing to identify exceptional responders and will molecularly profile tumors to discern molecular correlates with exceptional response. In this review, we discuss the potential role of exceptional responder molecular analysis in new biomarker discovery efforts to further advance precision medicine in oncology therapeutics.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77829897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000388
Rajeev Sharma
{"title":"Glycemic Variation and Cancer Occurrence—A New Paradigm","authors":"Rajeev Sharma","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000388","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000388","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75142511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000390
M. Baretti, N. Azad
{"title":"Precision Cancer Trials With Immunomodulatory Agents","authors":"M. Baretti, N. Azad","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000390","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000390","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Advances in high-throughput technologies have yielded impressive insights into the molecular biology behind cancers, resulting in a powerful ally for the development of biomarkers-selected clinical trials, which are critical for translating our genomic knowledge into clinically meaningful outcomes. “Basket studies” or histology-agnostic clinical trials in biomarker-defined populations represent an important research strategy to continue making progress in this field. The recent accelerated US Food and Drug Administration approvals of anti–programmed death 1 pembrolizumab and nivolumab for mismatch repair–deficient cancers, as well as larotrectinib for cancers carrying TRK fusions, support the fundamental premise that some cancers may be best classified based on molecular phenotype and not site of origin. The studies that were conducted showing the efficacy of this approach serve as validation of the basket study paradigm. In the field of immune oncology, the advent of tumor agnostic strategies represents an important step toward discovering biomarkers of response and elucidating mechanisms of treatment efficacy and resistance across a variety of cancer types. We present a review and discussion of the progress in biomarker-defined approaches to drug development in immunology.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73130875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000391
Meagan B. Farmer, Danielle C. Bonadies, S. Mahon, M. Baker, Sumedha Ghate, Christine Munro, Chinmayee B. Nagaraj, A. Besser, Kara Bui, Christen M Csuy, B. Kirkpatrick, A. McCarty, S. McQuaid, Jessica Sebastian, D. Sternen, L. Walsh, E. Matloff
{"title":"Errors in Genetic Testing: The Fourth Case Series","authors":"Meagan B. Farmer, Danielle C. Bonadies, S. Mahon, M. Baker, Sumedha Ghate, Christine Munro, Chinmayee B. Nagaraj, A. Besser, Kara Bui, Christen M Csuy, B. Kirkpatrick, A. McCarty, S. McQuaid, Jessica Sebastian, D. Sternen, L. Walsh, E. Matloff","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000391","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000391","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose In this ongoing national case series, we document 25 new genetic testing cases in which tests were recommended, ordered, interpreted, or used incorrectly. Methods An invitation to submit cases of adverse events in genetic testing was issued to the general National Society of Genetic Counselors Listserv, the National Society of Genetic Counselors Cancer Special Interest Group members, private genetic counselor laboratory groups, and via social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn). Examples highlighted in the invitation included errors in ordering, counseling, and/or interpretation of genetic testing and did not limit submissions to cases involving genetic testing for hereditary cancer predisposition. Clinical documentation, including pedigree, was requested. Twenty-six cases were accepted, and a thematic analysis was performed. Submitters were asked to approve the representation of their cases before manuscript submission. Results All submitted cases took place in the United States and were from cancer, pediatric, preconception, and general adult settings and involved both medical-grade and direct-to-consumer genetic testing with raw data analysis. In 8 cases, providers ordered the wrong genetic test. In 2 cases, multiple errors were made when genetic testing was ordered. In 3 cases, patients received incorrect information from providers because genetic test results were misinterpreted or because of limitations in the provider's knowledge of genetics. In 3 cases, pathogenic genetic variants identified were incorrectly assumed to completely explain the suspicious family histories of cancer. In 2 cases, patients received inadequate or no information with respect to genetic test results. In 2 cases, result interpretation/documentation by the testing laboratories was erroneous. In 2 cases, genetic counselors reinterpreted the results of people who had undergone direct-to-consumer genetic testing and/or clarifying medical-grade testing was ordered. Discussion As genetic testing continues to become more common and complex, it is clear that we must ensure that appropriate testing is ordered and that results are interpreted and used correctly. Access to certified genetic counselors continues to be an issue for some because of workforce limitations. Potential solutions involve action on multiple fronts: new genetic counseling delivery models, expanding the genetic counseling workforce, improving genetics and genomics education of nongenetics health care professionals, addressing health care policy barriers, and more. Genetic counselors have also positioned themselves in new roles to help patients and consumers as well as health care providers, systems, and payers adapt to new genetic testing technologies and models. The work to be done is significant, but so are the consequences of errors in genetic testing.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91304235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000383
A. Mittra, J. Moscow
{"title":"Future Approaches to Precision Oncology–Based Clinical Trials","authors":"A. Mittra, J. Moscow","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000383","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The last 2 decades have seen a rapid advance of the precision oncology paradigm—from its early singular successes to becoming the prevailing model of cancer therapy. As the treatment of cancer moves away from traditional chemotherapy, so too will oncology clinical trials have to move away from the traditional model of phase I to phase III progression of drug development. Achieving this goal of individualized care will involve a concerted effort by the entire cancer care community to fundamentally change the design and implementation of oncology clinical trials. We envision that the next 2 decades will be a period of evolution in precision oncology clinical trials through scientific and technologic advances, transformation of clinical trial infrastructure, and changes in the kind of evidence required for regulatory approval.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80542980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000389
A.P. Chen, Mariam Eljanne, L. Harris, Shakuntala Malik, N. Seibel
{"title":"National Cancer Institute Basket/Umbrella Clinical Trials","authors":"A.P. Chen, Mariam Eljanne, L. Harris, Shakuntala Malik, N. Seibel","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000389","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000389","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract With advances in genetic testing and its common usage, the field of precision medicine has exploded in the field of oncology. The National Cancer Institute is uniquely positioned to lead in this area of research through its wide network of investigators, partnerships with pharmaceutical companies in drug development, and laboratory capabilities. It has developed a portfolio of trials as part of a Precision Medicine Initiative that uses various basket/umbrella designs to increase the understanding of treatment of cancer through genetic selection and targeted therapies. This article describes these trials, ALCHEMIST, LungMAP, NCI/NRG ALK Trial, MPACT, NCI-MATCH, and pediatric MATCH, and their contributions to the area of precision medicine.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77739097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2019-07-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000394
J. Doroshow
{"title":"Introduction by the Guest Editor: Oncologic Precision Medicine and the Use of Basket and Umbrella Clinical Trials","authors":"J. Doroshow","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000394","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000394","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83773029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000246
S. Hu-Lieskovan, A. Ribas
{"title":"New Combination Strategies Using Programmed Cell Death 1/Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Checkpoint Inhibitors as a Backbone","authors":"S. Hu-Lieskovan, A. Ribas","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000246","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The discovery of immune checkpoints and subsequent clinical development of checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the field of oncology. The durability of the antitumor immune responses has raised the hope for long-term patient survival and potential cure; however, currently, only a minority of patients respond. Combination strategies to help increase antigen release and T-cell priming, promote T-cell activation and homing, and improve the tumor immune microenvironment, all guided by predictive biomarkers, can help overcome the tumor immune-evasive mechanisms and maximize efficacy to ultimately benefit the majority of patients. Great challenges remain because of the complex underlying biology, unpredictable toxicity, and accurate assessment of response. Carefully designed clinical trials guided by translational studies of paired biopsies will be key to develop reliable predictive biomarkers to choose which patients would most likely benefit from each strategy.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88467348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Cancer JournalPub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000245
S. Christiansen, Shaheer Khan, G. Gibney
{"title":"Targeted Therapies in Combination With Immune Therapies for the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma","authors":"S. Christiansen, Shaheer Khan, G. Gibney","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000245","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In recent years, the field of oncology has witnessed many breakthroughs in the treatment of advanced malignancies, particularly in patients with advanced melanoma. Targeted and immune checkpoint therapies have emerged as the primary treatment strategies for these patients. Molecular profiling of melanoma is incorporated into routine practice to identify potential therapeutic targets, and patients are offered either a targeted or immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy approach. Both strategies have limitations where not all patients experience durable responses. Preclinical data have demonstrated the ability of targeted therapy to enhance activity of effector T cells, reduce immunosuppressive cytokine production, and increase tumor cell antigen presentation, which can augment antitumor immunity. In vivo models have shown synergy with improved tumor control when targeted and immune checkpoint agents are combined. Therefore, combination strategies with targeted and immune checkpoint therapy may improve patient outcomes. Early clinical data with anti–programmed cell-death protein 1/programmed cell-death ligand 1 agents in combination with targeted inhibitors appear to have acceptable toxicity rates and the potential for enhanced antitumor activity. This review explores the current status of preclinical and clinical development for these combination approaches in patients with advanced melanoma.","PeriodicalId":22430,"journal":{"name":"The Cancer Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72754871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}