Project description:BRAFV600-mutated colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for 8% to 12% of all CRC diagnoses. These tumors are often associated with specific patient features, including right-sided primary tumor location, peritoneal and non-regional lymph node involvement, and poor prognosis. In approximately 30% of cases, a simultaneous mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) phenotype is identified. The prognostic impact of the BRAF mutation appears to be less marked in patients with MSI-H CRC than in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) tumor. The treatment of BRAFV600-mutated CRC is still a challenge for the clinicians, mainly due to the poor survival outcomes obtained with traditional chemotherapy regimens. In recent years, two novel treatment strategies have offered remarkable changes in the treatment of this specific patient subgroup. The first approach has included targeted therapies directed against BRAF and MEK, with support from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade. The second approach has included immunotherapeutic agents that have been shown to be particularly promising for patients with simultaneous dMMR/MSI-H phenotype. Here we review the clinical trials that specifically enrolled patients with BRAF-mutated CRC, from the phase I/II studies to the phase III trial BEACON CRC. We also examine the future directions towards a molecularly guided therapy for patients with BRAF-mutated CRC and the crucial role of a molecularly and clinically based algorithm in order to offer the best choice of treatment for these patients.
Project description:PurposeAlthough fewer than 5% of high-grade gliomas (HGG) are BRAF-V600E mutated, these tumors are notable as BRAF-targeted therapy shows efficacy for some populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate response to the combination of encorafenib with binimetinib in adults with recurrent BRAF-V600-mutated HGG.Patients and methodsIn this phase 2, open-label, Adult Brain Tumor Consortium (ABTC) trial (NCT03973918), encorafenib and binimetinib were administered at their FDA-approved doses continuously in 28-day cycles. Eligible patients were required to have HGG or glioblastoma with a BRAF-V600E alteration that was recurrent following at least one line of therapy, including radiotherapy.ResultsFive patients enrolled between January 2020 and administrative termination in November 2021 (due to closure of the ABTC). Enrolled patients received treatment for 2 to 40 months; currently one patient remains on treatment. Centrally determined radiographic response rate was 60%, with one complete response and two partial responses. Methylation profiling revealed that all tumors cluster most closely with anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA). Transcriptional profile for MAPK-response signature was similar across all tumors at baseline and did not correlate with response in this small population. Circulating tumor DNA measured in plasma samples before treatment, during response, and upon progression showed feasibility of detection for the BRAF-V600E alteration. No new safety signal was detected.ConclusionsEncorafenib and binimetinib exhibit positive tumor responses in patients with recurrent BRAF-V600E mutant HGG in this small series, warranting therapeutic consideration. Although toxicity remains a concern for BRAF-targeted therapies, no new safety signal was observed in these patients.
Project description:BackgroundTriplet and doublet regimens of encorafenib plus cetuximab with and without binimetinib, respectively, were approved in Japan for unresectable, metastatic, BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal cancer (mCRC) that had progressed after 1-2 prior chemotherapies. This early post-marketing phase vigilance (EPPV) study collected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from Japanese patients to ensure safety measures as appropriate.MethodsPatients with BRAF V600E mCRC who received the triplet or doublet regimens in Japan were selected for this study. ADRs were collected as spontaneous reports between November 27, 2020 and May 26, 2021. Serious ADRs were evaluated according to guidelines of the International Council for Harmonisation and the EudraVigilance list of Important Medical Event Terms.ResultsAn estimated 550 Japanese patients with mCRC received the triplet or doublet regimens during the 6-month EPPV period. Overall, 101 and 42 patients reported ADRs and serious ADRs, respectively. No ADRs leading to death were reported. The most frequently reported ADRs were nausea (17 patients), serous retinal detachment (16), decreased appetite (12), diarrhea (11), and vomiting (11). Among the important identified/potential risks that are defined in the risk management plans for encorafenib and binimetinib, eye disorder-related ADRs were observed in 32 patients, rhabdomyolysis-related ADRs in 12, hemorrhage-related ADRs in 7, and hepatic dysfunction-related ADRs in 7. Of 22 patients with serious eye disorders, 20 recovered or were recovering during the EPPV period.ConclusionThe safety profile in this EPPV study was similar to that from the phase III BEACON CRC study and no new safety concerns were identified.
Project description:BackgroundEncorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib showed increased objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) compared with chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR in previously treated patients with BRAF V600E-mutated (mut) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Although no formal comparison was planned, addition of binimetinib to encorafenib plus cetuximab did not provide significant efficacy advantage.Patients and methodsThis real-life study was aimed at evaluating safety, activity, and efficacy of encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib in patients with BRAF V600E-mut mCRC treated at 21 Italian centers within a nominal use program launched in May 2019.ResultsOut of 133 patients included, 97 (73%) received encorafenib plus cetuximab (targeted doublet) and 36 (27%) the same therapy plus binimetinib (targeted triplet). Most patients had Eastern Cooperative Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) of 0 or 1 (86%), right-sided primary tumor (69%), and synchronous disease (66%). Twenty (15%) tumors were DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR)/microsatellite instability (MSI)-high. As many as 44 (34%) patients had received two or more prior lines of therapy, 122 (92%) were previously exposed to oxaliplatin, and 109 (82%) to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Most frequent adverse events were asthenia (62%) and anti-EGFR-related skin rash (52%). Any grade nausea (P = 0.03), vomiting (P = 0.04), and diarrhea (P = 0.07) were more frequent with the triplet therapy, while melanocytic nevi were less common (P = 0.06). Overall, ORR and disease control rate (DCR) were 23% and 69%, respectively, with numerically higher rates in the triplet group (ORR 31% versus 17%, P = 0.12; DCR 78% versus 65%, P = 0.23). Median PFS and OS were 4.5 and 7.2 months, respectively. Worse ECOG-PS, peritoneal metastases, and more than one prior treatment were independent poor prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Clonality of BRAF mutation measured as adjusted mutant allele fraction in tumor tissue was not associated with clinical outcome.ConclusionsOur real-life data are consistent with those from the BEACON trial in terms of safety, activity, and efficacy. Patients in good general condition and not heavily pretreated are those more likely to derive benefit from the targeted treatment.
Project description:Drs. Ramalingam and Carlisle discuss the incidence and pathophysiology of BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and current treatment options. The podcast provides an overview of the data from the recent Pfizer-sponsored phase 2 PHAROS (NCT03915951) study, which were the basis for the recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of encorafenib plus binimetinib for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
Project description:B-type RAF (BRAF)-V600E mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have been described in up to 12% of the patients. This mutation confers a bad prognostic and poor response with standard chemotherapy. Unlike the scenario for BRAF mutant melanoma, successful BRAF blockade in mCRC has emerged as a complex path, primarily due to the complex underlying biology of mCRC. The BEACON trial has reshaped the therapeutic landscape of BRAF mCRC demonstrating the benefit of the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib in combination with the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor cetuximab. This paper aims to review the main features of BRAF mCRC as well as to review the development of targeted therapy and biomarkers in this specific population. Finally, a deep insight into the underlying biology and molecular classification of BRAF-V600E mCRC has also been performed. The words 'BRAF-V600E mutation', 'colorectal cancer', 'BRAF inhibitors', 'consensus molecular subtypes', 'encorafenib', and 'cetuximab' were used to identify the clinical trials from phase I to phase III related to the development of BRAF inhibitors in this population. A deep search among international meetings (American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society of Medical Oncology) has been performed to incorporate the last trials presented. BRAF-V600E mCRC is a challenging disease, mostly because of its molecular biology. The BEACON trial has been the most important therapeutic change in the last decade. Nevertheless, new information regarding biomarkers or novel combinations including BRAF inhibitors plus immune checkpoint inhibitors are also promising.
Project description:BackgroundThe combination of encorafenib with cetuximab has become the standard of care in patients with BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after a prior systemic therapy. This study aims to describe the efficacy and safety of encorafenib/cetuximab +/- binimetinib in patients with BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC in a real-world setting.Patients and methodsThis retrospective study included patients with BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC who received this combination from January 2020 to June 2022 in 30 centers.ResultsA total of 201 patients were included, with 55% of women, a median age of 62 years, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) >1 in 20% of cases. The main tumor characteristics were 60% of right-sided primary tumor, 11% of microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficient phenotype, and liver and peritoneum being the two main metastatic sites (57% and 51%). Encorafenib/cetuximab +/- binimetinib was prescribed in the first, second, third, and beyond third line in 4%, 56%, 29%, and 11%, respectively, of cases, with the encorafenib/cetuximab/binimetinib combination for 21 patients (10%). With encorafenib/cetuximab treatment, 21% of patients experienced grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs), with each type of grade ≥3 AE observed in <5% of patients. The objective response rate was 32.2% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 71.2%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9-5.4 months] and the median overall survival (OS) was 9.2 months (95% CI 7.8-10.8 months). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with a shorter PFS were synchronous metastases [hazard ratio (HR) 1.66, P = 0.04] and ECOG-PS >1 (HR 1.88, P = 0.007), and those associated with a shorter OS were the same factors (HR 1.71, P = 0.03 and HR 2.36, P < 0.001, respectively) in addition to treatment beyond the second line (HR 1.74, P = 0.003) and high carcinoembryonic antigen level (HR 1.72, P = 0.003).ConclusionThis real-world study showed that in patients with BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC treated with encorafenib/cetuximab +/- binimetinib, efficacy and safety data confirm those reported in the BEACON registration trial. The main poor prognostic factors for this treatment are synchronous metastases and ECOG-PS >1.
Project description:PURPOSE OF REVIEW:To describe the pharmacological properties, preclinical and clinical data of the novel V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF)-inhibitor encorafenib (LGX818) and to compare these with established BRAF-inhibitors in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic melanoma. RECENT FINDINGS:Encorafenib has shown improved efficacy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma in comparison with vemurafenib. Combination with the MEK inhibitor (MEKi) binimetinib allows for higher dose intensities of encorafenib further improving response rates (RRs). SUMMARY:Combination therapy with BRAF and MEKi has evolved as a standard of care in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic BRAF-mutated melanoma. Despite compelling initial RRs, development of treatment resistance eventually leads to tumor progression in the majority of BRAF/MEK-inhibitor treated patients. Moreover, treatment-related adverse events are frequent, resulting in a substantial proportion of dose modifications and/or treatment discontinuations. The second-generation BRAF inhibitor encorafenib has been developed aiming at improved efficacy and tolerability through modifications in pharmacological properties. Clinical phase 3 data show improved progression-free survival both for encorafenib monotherapy and combination therapy with binimetinib compared with vemurafenib. Overall survival data and regulatory approval of this novel substance are eagerly awaited.
Project description:Abstract BACKGROUND There is a lack of treatment options for HGG and LGG patients. BRAFV600E mutations are uncommon in glioma, with a poor long-term prognosis. Combined BRAF/MEK inhibition extends progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in BRAF V600E–mutated melanoma, non small-cell lung cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. METHODS This phase 2, open-label trial (NCT02034110) evaluated dabrafenib (BRAF inhibitor, 150mg BID) plus trametinib (MEK inhibitor, 2mg QD) in patients with BRAF V600E mutations in 9 rare tumor types, including HGG and LGG. Eligible patients had histologically-confirmed recurrent or progressive glioma (LGG:WHO grade 1 or 2; HGG:WHO grade 3 or 4), with HGG patients required to have received radiotherapy and first-line chemotherapy, or concurrent chemoradiation. Treatment continued until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or death. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) using RANO criteria. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), PFS, OS, and safety. RESULTS Interim analysis (IA) #14 (data cutoff: April 2, 2018) reported additional 3 months follow-up, with 49 patients enrolled (HGG, n=39; LGG, n=10) and 3 patients not evaluable for response. In HGG patients, ORR was 27% (10/37; 95%CI: 13.8%-44.1%), including CR (n=1), PR (n=9), and SD (n=11), with 16 patients currently ongoing treatment. In LGG patients, ORR was 56% (5/9; 95%CI: 26.8%-79.3%), including PR (n=5) and SD (n=4), with 6 patients currently ongoing treatment. OS, PFS, and DOR will be presented (IA#15). In HGG patients, adverse events (AEs) included fatigue (33%), headache (31%), rash (28%), and pyrexia (23%); grade 3/4 AEs included neutropenia (8%) and fatigue (5%). In LGG patients, AEs included headache (70%), fatigue, pyrexia (60% each), nausea, and arthralgia (50% each); grade 3/4 AEs included fatigue (20%). CONCLUSIONS Dabrafenib plus trametinib demonstrated promising efficacy in patients with recurrent or refractory BRAF V600E‒mutated HGG or LGG, with manageable AEs and no new safety signals.
Project description:Abstract BACKGROUND Approximately 9%-18% of LGGs possess BRAF V600E mutations. Combined BRAF and MEK inhibition is efficacious in BRAF V600–mutated melanoma, lung cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Dabrafenib (BRAF inhibitor) + trametinib (MEK inhibitor) was evaluated as treatment for patients with recurrent/refractory BRAF V600E–mutated LGG. METHODS In this phase 2, open-label trial (NCT02034110), patients with BRAF V600E mutations in 9 rare tumor types, including LGG, received continuous dabrafenib (150 mg BID) + trametinib (2 mg QD) until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or death. For the LGG cohort, eligible patients had histologically confirmed recurrent or progressive WHO grade 1 or 2 glioma that was refractory to standard-of-care therapies. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR) by RANO criteria. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS Nine patients with LGG had enrolled at data cutoff (3 January 2018). Eight of 9 patients were evaluable for response. Median age was 33 years. Eight of 9 patients had received prior surgery. Investigator-assessed confirmed ORR was 50% (4/8; 95% CI, 16%-84%), with 3 of 4 responses ongoing at data cutoff. Two of 4 patients had a DOR of ≥ 18 months. The PFS and OS Kaplan-Meier estimates at 18 months were 50% (95% CI, 15%-78%) and 86% (95% CI, 33%-98%), respectively. Adverse events (AEs) in patients with LGG included fatigue (67%), headache (67%), arthralgia, nausea, and pyrexia (56% each). Grade 3/4 AEs included fatigue (22%), arthralgia, headache, and diarrhea (11% each). Biomarker analyses are ongoing and will be presented. CONCLUSIONS: Dabrafenib + trametinib demonstrated promising efficacy in patients with recurrent/refractory BRAF V600E-mutated LGG, with manageable AEs and no new safety signals