Florence Joly

Early Clinical and Molecular Biomarkers in Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: CHIVA Phase II GINECO Trial

PURPOSE Platinum-based chemotherapy and surgery are pivotal in managing ovarian cancer (OC), yet prognosis remains poor, and early biomarkers for platinum resistance are needed. The neoadjuvant setting provides an opportunity to evaluate tumor responsiveness to platinum chemotherapy in vivo. This study evaluated whether early measures of platinum response combined with molecular alterations could predict surgical outcomes and survival in patients with OC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). METHODS The CHIVA study enrolled stage III/IV OC patients eligible for three cycles NACT with or without nintedanib, followed by interval debulking surgery. Archival samples underwent extensive sequencing to detect clinically relevant variants and copy number alterations and calculate genomic instability (GIS). Early chemotherapy response measures—cancer antigen 125 kinetics by KELIM, major pathologic response, GIS status, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) abundance, and genomic alterations—were correlated with surgery completeness and survival. RESULTS Among 127 patients, the overall response rate was 44%, and the complete cytoreduction (CC0) rate was 54.8%. Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) was identified in 56% of patients and was associated with better survival. The median progression-free survival was 21.4, 20.5, and 14.4 months in the BRCAmut , BRCAwt /GIS-high, and BRCAwt /GIS-low subgroups, respectively ( P = .001). Unfavorable KELIM predicted lower objective response rate, CC0, and shorter survival, while low intraepithelial TILs (ieTILs) correlated with poor outcomes. Multivariate analysis confirmed KELIM, HRD status, and ieTILs as independent biomarkers. CCNE1 amplifications, observed in 20% of patients, were associated with moderate chemotherapy sensitivity. CONCLUSION HRD status, KELIM, and TILs are key independent biomarkers in advanced OC. CCNE1 amplifications, although typically associated with platinum resistance, were linked to moderate chemotherapy sensitivity, defining an intermediate prognostic subgroup.

Atezolizumab With Bevacizumab and Nonplatinum Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: Final Results From the Placebo-Controlled AGO-OVAR 2.29/ENGOT-ov34 Phase III Trial

PURPOSE To evaluate atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab and non–platinum-based chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. METHODS The double-blind randomized phase III AGO-OVAR 2.29/ENGOT-ov34 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03353831 ) enrolled patients with first or second relapse of ovarian cancer ≤6 months after completing platinum-based chemotherapy (or third relapse regardless of treatment-free interval). PD-L1 status was tested centrally (VENTANA SP142 assay) in recent (<3 months) biopsies before random assignment. All patients received bevacizumab and investigator-selected chemotherapy (once weekly paclitaxel or pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) until disease progression or toxicity, plus either atezolizumab 840 mg or placebo once every 2 weeks until progression (maximum 2 years), randomly assigned 1:1, and stratified by number of previous lines, planned chemotherapy, previous bevacizumab, and PD-L1 status. Primary end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS Among 574 patients randomly assigned between September 2018 and July 2022, 72% were bevacizumab-pretreated, 36% had received three previous treatment lines, 26% had PD-L1–positive tumors, and 54% received paclitaxel with study therapy. After 418 patients had died, the hazard ratio for OS was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68 to 1.01; P = .06; median 14.2 months with atezolizumab and 13.0 months with placebo) and the hazard ratio for PFS was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.04; P = .12; median 6.4 v 6.7 months, respectively). OS hazard ratios were similar regardless of PD-L1 status. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 72% of atezolizumab-treated and 69% of placebo patients. CONCLUSION Combining atezolizumab with bevacizumab and chemotherapy did not significantly improve OS or PFS in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer ineligible for platinum. The safety profile was as expected from previous experience with these drugs.

GANNET53 Part II: A European Phase I/II Trial of the HSP90 Inhibitor Ganetespib in High-Grade Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer—A Study of the GANNET53 Consortium

Abstract Purpose: Mutant p53 stabilized by heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a novel target in oncology. The open-label, randomized phase II GANNET53 trial is the first to evaluate the HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib (G) with paclitaxel (P) in platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EUDRACT 2013-003868-31; EU FP7 #602602). Patients and Methods: Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive G + P or P alone until progression. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and PFS rate at 6 months. Exploratory endpoints were biomarkers based on p53 and HSP90. Results: A total of 133 patients were enrolled. The median PFS was 3.5 (G + P) and 5.3 months (P) (HR = 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.897–1.895; P = 0.16), and PFS rates at 6 months were 22% (G + P) and 33% (P). No significant differences were found in overall survival, objective response rate, and post-progression PFS between arms. The most frequent adverse events were diarrhea (79% vs. 26%), anemia (46% vs. 51%), nausea (41% vs. 40%), and peripheral neuropathy (36% vs. 47%). Serious adverse events were more common in G + P (39.5% vs. 23.3%). Gastrointestinal perforation was a new safety finding. Despite a high TP53 mutation frequency, HSP90–p53 complexes were detected in only 39.6% of the cases and were also detected stably during treatment. In vitro, no synergistic effects of G + P were observed, and mutant p53 depletion did not sensitize ovarian cancer cells to treatment. Conclusions: Although no major safety findings were observed, G + P did not lead to survival benefit. Our companion diagnostic program confirmed that G + P do not favorably cooperate in killing ovarian cancer cells.

Maintenance olaparib after platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced/metastatic endometrial cancer: GINECO randomized phase IIb UTOLA trial

Single-agent maintenance poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition may represent an effective strategy in patients with advanced/metastatic endometrial cancer responding to platinum-based chemotherapy, including for molecular subtypes with suboptimal options. To explore this approach, we initiated the randomized phase IIb UTOLA trial (NCT03745950). Female patients without progression following front-line platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced/metastatic endometrial cancer were randomized 2:1 to twice-daily maintenance oral olaparib 300 mg or placebo until progression or intolerance, stratified by p53 status, mismatch repair status, and response to initial chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in the intention-to-treat population. Secondary endpoints were PFS in subgroups, time to second progression or death, time to first and second subsequent therapy, objective response rate, overall survival, patient-reported outcomes, and safety. In the intention-to-treat population (n = 145), there was no PFS difference between olaparib and placebo (median 5.6 vs. 4.0 months, respectively; hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.65-1.35; p = 0.74). However, intriguing numerical PFS effects were observed in exploratory analyses of pre-specified subgroups (p53-abnormal, complete response to initial chemotherapy, chromosomal instability). There was no overall survival difference between treatments. Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 36% versus 10% of olaparib- versus placebo-treated patients and were consistent with the olaparib safety profile in other cancers. Maintenance olaparib did not improve PFS, but promising numerical effects in subsets of patients warrant prospective evaluation.

Ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) describes a group of diseases characterized by differing pathogeneses, molecular profiles, histologies and prognoses. The low incidence of each distinct histological type of EOC poses challenges for obtaining an accurate diagnosis, robust evidence to guide management, and a mechanistic understanding to ensure availability of effective therapies. Most EOCs, including high-grade serous ovarian cancer, predominantly originate from the fimbriated ends of the fallopian tube, whereas low-grade serous, clear cell, endometrioid and mucinous EOCs are thought to originate from other tissues. Despite recognized genetic susceptibilities for the disease, no effective screening is available and late-stage diagnosis remains common. Known genetic susceptibilities are addressed by risk reduction surgery including removal of both fallopian tubes and both ovaries. Management is predominantly based on adequate surgery and chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, with the addition of anti-angiogenic therapy as indicated. The incorporation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors into first-line therapy has considerably altered outcomes in some women with EOC who have defective homologous recombination DNA repair, including in those with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations. Other molecular characteristics are important in distinct types of EOC, but the use of matched targeted therapies remains under investigation, as does the role of immunotherapy for EOC, for which trial data have been disappointing to date. Translationally enriched clinical trials will be important to further explore and validate accurate biomarkers to better guide clinical care.

Improving real-world evaluation of patient- and physician-reported tolerability: niraparib for recurrent ovarian cancer (NiQoLe)

Abstract Background Maintenance niraparib at an individualized starting dose (ISD) is established in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (PSROC). However, patients’ perspectives on the burden of prolonged maintenance therapy have not been reported in prospective trials or routine practice. Methods In the real-life multicenter NiQoLe study, patients with PSROC received ISD maintenance niraparib. The primary objective was to describe physician-reported adverse events (AEs) leading to treatment modification during the first 3 months. Secondary endpoints included patient-reported outcomes (symptomatic AEs using PRO-CTCAE, self-reported fatigue, and impact on daily activities/function using FACT-F) collected remotely weekly using a specifically designed electronic device. Results Most (80%) of 139 treated patients (median age = 70 years) began niraparib at 200 mg/day. Median treatment duration was 5.7 (range = 0.2-21.4) months. During the first 3 months, 86 patients (62%) required treatment modification (median = 27 days to modification). Physician-reported grade ≥3 niraparib-related AEs occurred in 34 patients (24%); 68 patients (49%) had treatment modification for AEs, predominantly thrombocytopenia. The most frequent patient-reported AEs (PRO-CTCAE) were fatigue, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. Self-reported AEs were severe in 66% of patients. At baseline, 33% of patients reported severe fatigue (FACT-F), which generally persisted during niraparib. Physicians systematically underestimated major patient-reported symptoms. Conclusions In routine practice, niraparib dose modification was often required during the first 3 months despite individualized dosing. Physicians underestimated the burden of fatigue and symptomatic AEs. Digital self-reporting of AEs is feasible, provides patient-centered information complementing physician-reported AEs, and allows fuller appreciation of toxicity in real-world studies. Clinical trial information NCT03752216

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade before chemoradiation for cervical squamous carcinoma (GINECO window-of-opportunity COLIBRI study): a phase II trial

Combining immunotherapy with chemoradiation is effective in locally advanced cervical cancer. However, the impact of induction combination immunotherapy on immune modulation and treatment response is poorly understood. In this phase II trial (NCT04256213), 40 females with locally advanced cervical carcinoma received one cycle of nivolumab-plus-ipilimumab immunotherapy before standard chemoradiation, followed by maintenance nivolumab. We show, using multiplex-immunofluorescence tissue imaging, a significantly increased CD8

Dissecting the Origin of Heterogeneity in Uterine and Ovarian Carcinosarcomas

Gynecologic carcinosarcomas (CS) are biphasic neoplasms composed of carcinomatous (C) and sarcomatous (S) malignant components. Because of their rarity and histologic complexity, genetic and functional studies on CS are scarce and the mechanisms of initiation and development remain largely unknown. Whole-genome analysis of the C and S components reveals shared genomic alterations, thus emphasizing the clonal evolution of CS. Reconstructions of the evolutionary history of each tumor further reveal that C and S samples are composed of both ancestral cell populations and component-specific subclones, supporting a common origin followed by distinct evolutionary trajectories. However, while we do not find any recurrent genomic features associated with phenotypic divergence, transcriptomic and methylome analyses identify a common mechanism across the cohort, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), suggesting a role for nongenetic factors in inflicting changes to cellular fate. Altogether, these data accredit the hypothesis that CS tumors are driven by both clonal evolution and transcriptomic reprogramming, essential for susceptibility to transdifferentiation upon encountering environmental cues, thus linking CS heterogeneity to genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic influences. Significance: We have provided a detailed characterization of the genomic landscape of CS and identified EMT as a common mechanism associated with phenotypic divergence, linking CS heterogeneity to genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic influences.

Spatial Profiling of Ovarian Carcinoma and Tumor Microenvironment Evolution under Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Abstract Purpose: This study investigates changes in CD8+ cells, CD8+/Foxp3 ratio, HLA I expression, and immune coregulator density at diagnosis and upon neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), correlating changes with clinical outcomes. Experimental Design: Multiplexed immune profiling and cell clustering analysis were performed on paired matched ovarian cancer samples to characterize the immune tumor microenvironment (iTME) at diagnosis and under NACT in patients enrolled in the CHIVA trial (NCT01583322). Results: Several immune cell (IC) subsets and immune coregulators were quantified pre/post-NACT. At diagnosis, patients with higher CD8+ T cells and HLA I+-enriched tumors were associated with a better outcome. The CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio increased significantly post-NACT in favor of increased immune surveillance, and the influx of CD8+ T cells predicted better outcomes. Clustering analysis stratified pre-NACT tumors into four subsets: high Binf, enriched in B clusters; high Tinf and low Tinf, according to their CD8+ density; and desert clusters. At baseline, these clusters were not correlated with patient outcomes. Under NACT, tumors were segregated into three clusters: high BinfTinf, low Tinf, and desert. The high BinfTinf, more diverse in IC composition encompassing T, B, and NK cells, correlated with improved survival. PDL1 was rarely expressed, whereas TIM3, LAG3, and IDO1 were more prevalent. Conclusions: Several iTMEs exist during tumor evolution, and the NACT impact on iTME is heterogeneous. Clustering analysis of patients unravels several IC subsets within ovarian cancer and can guide future personalized approaches. Targeting different checkpoints such as TIM3, LAG3, and IDO1, more prevalent than PDL1, could more effectively harness antitumor immunity in this anti-PDL1–resistant malignancy.

Validation of the Clinical Use of GIScar, an Academic-developed Genomic Instability Score Predicting Sensitivity to Maintenance Olaparib for Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Purpose: The optimal application of maintenance PARP inhibitor therapy for ovarian cancer requires accessible, robust, and rapid testing of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). However, in many countries, access to HRD testing is problematic and the failure rate is high. We developed an academic HRD test to support treatment decision-making. Experimental Design: Genomic Instability Scar (GIScar) was developed through targeted sequencing of a 127-gene panel to determine HRD status. GIScar was trained from a noninterventional study with 250 prospectively collected ovarian tumor samples. GIScar was validated on 469 DNA tumor samples from the PAOLA-1 trial evaluating maintenance olaparib for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, and its predictive value was compared with Myriad Genetics MyChoice (MGMC). Results: GIScar showed significant correlation with MGMC HRD classification (kappa statistics: 0.780). From PAOLA-1 samples, more HRD-positive tumors were identified by GIScar (258) than MGMC (242), with a lower proportion of inconclusive results (1% vs. 9%, respectively). The HRs for progression-free survival (PFS) with olaparib versus placebo were 0.45 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.33–0.62] in GIScar-identified HRD-positive BRCA-mutated tumors, 0.50 (95% CI, 0.31–0.80) in HRD-positive BRCA-wild-type tumors, and 1.02 (95% CI, 0.74–1.40) in HRD-negative tumors. Tumors identified as HRD positive by GIScar but HRD negative by MGMC had better PFS with olaparib (HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07–0.72). Conclusions: GIScar is a valuable diagnostic tool, reliably detecting HRD and predicting sensitivity to olaparib for ovarian cancer. GIScar showed high analytic concordance with MGMC test and fewer inconclusive results. GIScar is easily implemented into diagnostic laboratories with a rapid turnaround.

ESR1 Mutation in Endocrine Treatment-Naïve Endometrial Cancer: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Prognostic Implications, Results from the UTOLA Phase II GINECO Trial

Abstract Purpose: Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are used to treat estrogen receptor (ER)–positive low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer. In breast cancer, ESR1 mutations are rare at diagnosis (<5%) but are frequently acquired in AI-resistant cases and are considered one of the major resistance mechanisms to endocrine therapy. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ESR1 mutations in hormonotherapy-naïve endometrial cancer samples and correlate them with molecular profiles, ER expression, and clinical outcomes. Experimental Design: A total of 147 patients with advanced endometrial cancer who had responded to first-line chemotherapy were recruited into the UTOLA trial. Archival endometrial cancer tumor tissues underwent sequencing of 127 genes, including ESR1. Only hotspot mutations in the ligand-binding domain were evaluated. ESR1 mutation prevalence was validated in the Genomics England dataset. In UTOLA, tumors were classified as POLE, MMR deficient, TP53abn, or no specific molecular profiles (NSMP) based on the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (PROMISE) classification. Results: Of 147 patients, 137 had sufficient tumor material for sequencing. ESR1 mutations were identified in eight tumors (6%), including Y537S/C/N (n = 4), L536H/P (n = 2), and E380Q (n = 2). A similar prevalence (3.5%) was found among 1,311 tumors in the Genomics England dataset. All ESR1 mutation cases were low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer, ER-positive, and PR-positive, and classified as NSMP. Among patients with metastatic NSMP low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer, 22% (8/37) harbored ESR1 mutations. Survival outcomes after platinum chemotherapy were similar between patients with ESR1 mutation endometrial cancer and ESR1 wild type (median, not reached vs. 25.3 months; P = 0.114). Conclusions: ESR1 mutations, while rare overall in treatment-naïve endometrial cancer, are more prevalent in patients with NSMP low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer, potentially affecting AI efficacy. ESR1 status should be considered in selecting hormonotherapy and as a stratification factor in AI trials.

ctDNA for Prognostication and Monitoring in Patients with Metastatic Endometrial Carcinoma Treated with Olaparib: Validation in the GINECO-UTOLA Trial

Abstract Purpose: ctDNA may offer a noninvasive means to evaluate tumor response and anticipate disease dynamics before radiologic changes in advanced endometrial carcinoma. Experimental Design: This ancillary analysis included patients from the multicenter, randomized, phase II GINECO-UTerin OLAparib (UTOLA) trial (NCT03745950) evaluating olaparib/placebo as maintenance after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Plasma samples were collected at screening after chemotherapy (baseline), 3 months (M3), and progression. ctDNA detection was assessed by a validated methylation-based Droplet Digital PCR (MethddPCR) assay targeting DNA positions universally methylated in endometrial carcinoma. Results: Among 130 evaluable patients, ctDNA was detected in 25 of 129 (19%, 1 technical fail) at baseline, 15 of 80 (19%) at M3, and 33 of 52 (63%) at progression. Baseline ctDNA positivity was independently associated with poorer progression-free survival (PFS) [median 1.81 vs. 7.39 months; adjusted HR = 5.33 (3.17–8.97)] and overall survival (OS) [10.3 vs. 24.7 months; adjusted HR = 3.98 (2.28–6.91); adjusted for age, stage IV at diagnosis, p53abn subgroup, and residual measurable lesions after chemotherapy]. Patients with baseline ctDNA had median OS of 9.36 months under olaparib versus 19.6 months under placebo (log-rank P = 0.05). Patients with increasing ctDNA at M3 had median PFS of 1.67 months, versus 9.64 months without, and median OS of 18.8 versus 25.8 months. ctDNA rising was predictive of poor postprogression OS under olaparib but not under placebo (interaction test, P < 0.001). Conclusions: MethddPCR-ctDNA is an independent prognostic biomarker for OS in advanced/metastatic endometrial carcinoma. MethddPCR-ctDNA may identify patients unlikely to benefit from PARP inhibition, guide therapeutic decisions, and should be further evaluated as a new stratification parameter in future endometrial carcinoma trials.

NIraparib and Quality of LifE is a Longitudinal Study Evaluating in Real Life the Tolerability of Niraparib.

This is a longitudinal, national, open, multi-centre phase IV study which will recruit up to 141 patients with ovarian cancer in late relapse treated with niraparib according to the labelling In France.

Atezolizumab With Bevacizumab and Chemotherapy vs Bevacizumab and Chemotherapy in Early Relapse Ovarian Cancer

This is a phase III, randomized, partially blinded, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy compared to placebo plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy in patients with recurrent ovarian-, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer with 1st or 2nd relapse within 6 months after platinum based chemotherapy or 3rd relapse.