Systemic implications of Melanoma Darrell S. Rigel, MD MS Clinical Professor of Dermatology New York University Medical Center New York, New York DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY Darrell S, Rigel, MD Systemic Implications of Melanoma Key issues you need to know Castle A, H, I Epidemiology: Key issues in Melanoma Other Cancers 1,584,500 Cancer USA - 2018 Skin Cancer 2,900,000 Incidence and Mortality 1645000 More Skin Cancers than all other cancers combined Skin Cancer USA - 2018 Melanoma 91,270 Lifetime Risk Invasive MM Melanoma - USA 1/74 1/58 1/47 1/40 NMSC (BCC SCC) 3,000,000 1/1500 1/600 1/250 1/150 1/100 1930 1950 1980 1985 1993 2000 2008 2018 2020 Projected Rigel et al, NYU Melanoma Cooperative Group, 2018 1
Melanoma US 2018 Invasive = 91,270 In-situ = 87,290 Melanoma USA 2018 Lifetime Risk Invasive and Insitu MM 1/24 178, 560 total cases 1930 1950 1980 1985 1993 2000 2018 Rigel et al, NYU Melanoma Cooperative Group, 2018 10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 US Annual Deaths from Melanoma 9940 10130 9710 9730 9480 9180 9320 8450 8650 8700 8790 8110 7910 Siegel et al, Ca J Clinicians, 2018 ACS Skin Cancer Deaths US - 2018 Melanoma 9,320 100% 80% 82% MM Survival US Trends over Time 88% 94% 60% 40% Other 3,860 20% Over 1 American dies of Melanoma every hour 0% 1975-77 1987-89 2007-13 Siegel et al, CA J Clinicians, 2018 2
New Challenges in SLNBx Impact of Time Between Diagnosis and SLNBx on Outcomes in MM Database of patients with primary cutaneous melanomas undergoing SLNBx. An independent dataset from MSLT-1 was used for validation Early and delayed SLNBx were defined as less than 30 and 30 or more days from initial diagnosis No difference in melanoma-specific survival or disease-free survival between those undergoing early or delayed SLNBx No adverse impact on long-term clinical outcomes of patients due to delay of SLNB beyond 30 days. Patients can be reassured that if the operation is performed 30 or more days after diagnosis, it will not cause harm. Nelson et al, J Am Coll Surg, 2017 Should SLNBx be performed? 32 NCCN SLNBx recommendations (2018): 0 5% SLNB+ rate = do not perform 5 10% SLNB+ rate = discuss and consider 10% SLNB+ rate = discuss and offer Mitotic rate is associated with positive SLN in thin MMs 17,204 melanomas with Breslow depth 0.01 to 1.0 mm retrospectively examined Melanomas in patients with SLNBx+ had significantly higher mitotic rate than in those with SLNBx (3.46 vs 1.54, p<0.0001) Multivariate analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, Breslow depth, and ulceration showed that patients with mitotic rate >1 were more than 2x as likely to be SLN positive (OR 2.13) Wheless et al. JAAD, 2017 Mitotic rate is associated with positive SLN in thin melanomas Mitotic rate is associated with positive SLN in thin melanomas 5% 1 17,204 melanomas with Breslow depth 0.01 to 1.0 mm retrospectively examined Melanomas in patients with SLNBx+ had significantly higher mitotic rate than in those with SLNBx (3.46 vs 1.54, p<0.0001) Multivariate analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, Breslow depth, and ulceration showed that patients with mitotic rate >1 were more than 2x as likely to be SLN positive (OR 2.13) Mitotic rate appears to be strongly associated with lymph node positivity in thin melanomas (Breslow depth 0.01 1.0 mm) Despite upcoming changes in AJCC guidelines, this information has value and should be continued to be documented on pathology reports Karia et al. JAMA Dermatol, 2017 Wheless et al. JAAD, 2017 3
ASCO guidelines update on SLNBx and management of regional LNs in MM Guidelines updated based on interval publication of: 9 observational studies 2 systematic reviews 2 updated randomized, controlled trials Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy II (MSLT II) German Dermatologic Oncology Cooperative Group (DeCOG SLT) Sought to address 2 key questions: What are the indications for SLNBx? What is the role of completion lymph node dissection? Wong et al. J Clin Oncology, 2018 ASCO guideline update on SLNBx and management of regional LNs in MM Key Recommendations Thin MMs: Routine SLNBx is not recommended for patients with MMs that are T1a (nonulcerated lesions < 0.8mm in thickness) SLNBx may be considered for Tlb pts (0.8 to 1.0mm or < 0.8mm with ulceration) after a thorough discussion with pt of potential benefits and risks of procedureassociated harm Intermediate thickness MMs: SLNBx is recommended for patients with MMs that are T2 or T3 (1.0 to 4.0mm) Thick MMs SLN biopsy may be recommended for patients with MMs that are T4 (> 4.0mm), after a thorough discussion with pt of potential benefits and risks of procedureassociated harm Wong et al. J Clin Oncology, 2018 Completion Dissection or Observation for SLN Metastasis in MM Randomly assigned patients with SLN mets detected by means of standard pathological assessment or a multimarker molecular assay to immediate completion lymph-node dissection (dissection group) or nodal observation with ultrasonography (observation group). Primary end point was melanoma-specific survival Immediate completion lymph-node dissection was not associated with increased MM-specific survival Disease-free survival was slightly higher in the dissection group than in the observation group Lymphedema was observed in 24% of the patients in the dissection group vs. 6% of those in the observation group Completion Dissection or Observation for SLN Metastasis in MM Faries et al, NEJM, 2017 Faries et al, NEJM, 2017 Completion Dissection or Observation for SLN Metastasis in MM SLN Path- PCR+ SLN Path+ Faries et al, NEJM, 2017 Completion Dissection or Observation for SLN Metastasis in MM Randomly assigned patients with SLN mets detected by means of standard pathological assessment or a multimarker molecular assay to immediate completion lymph-node dissection (dissection group) or nodal observation with ultrasonography (observation group). Primary end point was melanoma-specific survival Immediate completion lymph-node dissection was not associated with increased MM-specific survival Disease-free survival was slightly higher in the dissection group than in the observation group Lymphedema was observed in 24% of the patients in the dissection group vs. 6% of those in the observation group Immediate completion LN dissection increased rate of regional disease control and provided prognostic information but did not increase MM-specific survival among pts with MM and SN mets. Faries et al, NEJM, 2017 4
ASCO guideline update on SLNBx and management of regional LNs in MM Key Recommendations for Completion Dissection Either CLND or careful observation may be offered to patients with low risk micrometastatic disease, withh due consideration of clinicopathological factors. For higher risk patients, careful observation may be offered only after a thorough discussion with patients about the potential risks and benefits of NOT performing CLND Applying Genetics to Melanoma Management Wong et al. J Clin Oncology, 2018 Genetics Prognosis Therapy Can we use genetics to identify a subset of melanoma patients at higher risk for aggressive disease? PD-L1 expression and Desmoplastic MM aggressiveness and progression Tumoral PDL1 expression ( 25%), which was seen in 21% of patients (14 of 66), significantly correlated with mixed histology, tumor thickness, mitoses, recurrence, and metastasis According to multivariate analyses, PD-L1 expression of 25% or more (P =.026) and mixed histology (P =.039) independently predicted shorter progression-free survival, and presence of lympho-vascular invasion predicted shorter overall survival (P =.018) PD-L1 expression and Desmoplastic MM aggressiveness and progression Kraft et al, JAAD, 2017 Kraft et al, JAAD, 2017 5
PD-L1 expression and Desmoplastic MM aggressiveness and progression Tumoral PDL1 expression ( 25%), which was seen in 21% of patients (14 of 66), significantly correlated with mixed histology, tumor thickness, mitoses, recurrence, and metastasis According to multivariate analyses, PDL1 expression of 25% or more (P =.026) and mixed histology (P =.039) independently predicted shorter progression-free survival, and presence of lymphovascular invasion predicted shorter overall survival (P =.018). PDL1 expression in desmoplastic melanoma was associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression. PDL1 frequency and level of expression in desmoplastic melanoma may identify a subset of melanomas that are likely to respond to immunotherapy. Can we use genetics to identify a subset of melanoma patients at higher risk for developing metastatic disease? Kraft et al, JAAD, 2017 Invasive MM US Cases by Thickness SEER 1992-2003 Invasive MM US Deaths by Thickness SEER 1992-2003 16% 29% 27% 72% 8% 4% 17% 27% <1mm 1-1.99mm 2-3.99mm 4+mm Landow et al, SID poster, 2016 <1mm 1-1.99mm 2-3.99mm 4+mm Landow et al, SID poster, 2016 More people die from thin melanomas than thick melanomas 4,218 Australians who died from melanoma between 1990 and 2009, thin melanomas (<1mm) accounted for 23% of melanoma deaths overall More people died from thin melanomas (296 deaths, 23%) than from thick melanomas more than 4 mm in thickness (186 deaths, 14%) or from metastatic presentations (207 deaths, 16%). More people with thin melanomas die than with thick melanomas because there are so many more thin lesions Whiteman and Olsen, WCCS 2014 Clinical Issue in Early Stage Melanoma All newer therapies and regional interventions are effective in metastatic melanoma Within Stage IV use and resected Stage III disease, early intervention is consistently shown to be a (or in many cases the most) significant predictor of response 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 While AJCC clinicopathologic factors are good majority of deaths occur in early stage disease8, 9, 10 Prognostic accuracy needs to be Improved as it has direct implications on how we follow up our patients Stage at Diagnosis Excludes Stage IV Stage III Stage II 7% 13% Stage II 13% Stage I 80% Stage I 80% 1 Del Vecchio et al., 2015. Future Oncology; 2 Hodi et al., 2010. NEJM; 3 Joseph et al., 2014. Jrnl Clin Onc; 4 Kaufman, et al., 2015. Jrnl Clin Onc (ASCO abstract); 5 Lyle et al., 2014. Jrnl Clin Onc (ASCO abstract); 6 Menzies et al., 2011. PLoS One; 7 Steinman el al., 2014. J Surg Onc.; 8 AJCC v7, (2010) Journal of Clinical Oncology; 9 SEER data 2012; 10 Morton, et al. 2014. NEJM Deaths by Stage at Diagnosis Excludes Stage IV Stage III 24% Stage II 35% Stage I 41% 6
Pathology Review of Thin MM and MMIS Impact on Treatment Decisions Overall pathologic discordance rate in diagnosis 4% (15/420 pts) Overall change in tumor staging rate 24% (97/405 pts) Changes in surgical excision margins in 12% of pts (52/420 pts) Decision about performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy in 16% of pts (67/420 pts) Review of thin MM or MMIS by an expert dermatopathologist results in frequent, clinically meaningful alterations in diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and surgical treatment Santillan et al, J Clin Oncol, 2010 Detection of Occult Invasion in Melanoma In Situ Unequivocal MMIS without associated nevi or regression was identified using a consecutive sample of 33 cases 3 sequential slides were stained with H&E and melan-a. Melan-A stained slides showing definitive invasion were double-stained with Sry-related HMg-Box gene 10 (SOX10) to confirm the melanocytic nature of the cells Occult invasive melanoma was detected in 11 of 33 consecutive cases (33%) of previously diagnosed MMIS 6 of 11 melanomas (55%) were diagnosable only by immunohistochemistry History and physical examination including regional lymph nodes, education, and surveillance recommendations should be based on a very low, but not zero, risk of metastasis for MMIS Bax et al. JAMA Dermatol, 2016 What is the Melanoma Gene Expression Profile Test (31-GEP) What if we could non invasively identify patients who will have aggressive disease? Identifies a genomic profile, not genetic mutations Validated proprietary 31 gene expression profile test Uses in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimen obtained from primary biopsy That is, no special processing on behalf of the dermatologist or dermatopathologist GEP Test Workflow Primary melanoma tumor tissue RNA isolation cdna generation and amplification (14X) Microfluidics PCR gene card 28 discriminant gene targets and 3 control genes Analysis of GEP with a proprietary algorithm to determine class and metastatic risk Class 1 low metastatic risk Class 2 high metastatic risk What is the Melanoma Gene Expression Profile Test (31-GEP) Identifies a genomic profile, not genetic mutations Validated proprietary 31 gene expression profile test Uses in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimen obtained from primary biopsy That is, no special processing on behalf of the dermatologist or dermatopathologist Validated binary algorithm identifies likelihood of developing recurrence / metastasis within 5 years: Low risk Class 1 profile or High risk Class 2 profile 7
GEP-31 Kaplan Meir Survival Curves GEP Uses formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue Quantifies expression of 31 genes from primary tumor Applies a validation algorithm Classifies patients as low vs. high risk Class 1 test result: Low Risk of metastasis within 5 years Class 2 test result: High risk of metastasis within 5 years Uveal Melanoma Cutaneous Melanoma Recurrence-Free Survival 3 validation studies of 31-GEP test Black: Integrate and Expand (p=4.4 e 08) Green: Zitelli & Brodland (p=1.4 e 06) Violet: Castle 574 (p=2.0 e 16) 31-GEP Test Melanoma Analysis with SLNBx Status This analysis shows that both SLNB positive status and 31-GEP Melanoma Class 2 are important predictors of DMFS and OS. SLNB identified ~30% of patients who died, but 70% of patients who died were SLNB negative. Performing the 31-GEP Melanoma assay in the SLNB negative cohort identified over 80% of those SLNB negative patients who developed distant metastasis and died. 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% SLNB+ All Deaths n=62 Class 2 31 GEP Melanoma Class 2 identified 80% of SLNB deaths If SNLBx is Negative, 31-GEP Status is Predictive of Prognosis DMFS % free of metastasis 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% 0 n=217 p<0.0001 SLNBx Status 2 4 6 Time (years) 8 SLNB SLNB- SLNB+ SLNB- (n=159) SLNB+ (n=58) Events 53 32 5-yr DMFS 64% 42% 10 % free of metastasis 31-GEP in SLNB- Patients 100% Class 1/ SLNB- 75% 50% 25% 0% 0 n=159 p<0.0001 2 4 6 Time (years) Class 2/ SLNB- Class 1/SLNB- Class 2/SLNB- (n=67) (n=92) Events 10 43 5-yr DMFS 86% 49% 8 10 Impact of a test on management? Info + test 8
Impact of the 31 GEP test on management A 69 year old male with a 0.76 mm, ulcerated melanoma of the mid chest underwent wide local excision 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Would you do a SLNBx? 55% 34%* 81%* No GEP provided Class 1 Class 2 A 69 year old male with a 0.76 mm, ulcerated melanoma of the mid chest underwent wide local excision 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Would you pursue imaging? 31% 18%* 65%* No GEP provided Class 1 Class 2 A 69 year old male with a 0.76 mm, ulcerated melanoma of the mid chest underwent wide local excision 31-GEP - Cox regression analysis for cases with thin ( 1mm) tumors and SLNBx performed shows strong prognostic value in this population RFS* HR 95% CI p value Breslow depth 0.4 0.01-15.9 0.62 Mitotic rate 1.1 0.9-1.4 0.35 Ulceration 3.7 1.0-14.5 0.06 SLN status 2.1 0.5-8.8 0.29 GEP Class 2 5.4 1.2-23.3 0.03 *no factors significant in multivariate models for DMFS or MSS % recurrence free 100% 80% 60% 40% Class 2B 20% n=103 p<0.0001 0% 0 2 4 6 8 10 Time (years) Class 1A Cook et al. IPCC Meeting 2017 Can 31-GEP guide SLNB patient selection? Can 31-GEP be used to increased the yield of SLNBx? 87 Currently, SLNB is necessary in order to consider a patient as a Stage III and eligible for adjuvant therapy interventions However, it is estimated that the rate of SLN positivity is 16% in the general population, which means 84% of patients do not benefit from this procedure Older age is associated with a poor prognosis, yet fewer elderly patients are SLN positive Likewise, a negative SLNB in head and neck melanoma is known to have higher recurrence rates than a negative SLNB in trunk or extremity melanomas There is an association between 31 GEP Class 1 and lower rates of positive SLNB results Could 31 GEP identify a population with 5% positive rate for SLNB? 5% SLNB positivity rate is often considered an adequate threshold for considering this procedure NCCN SLNBx recommendations (1/18): 0 5% SLNB+ rate = do not perform 5 10% SLNB+ rate = discuss and consider 10% SLNB+ rate = discuss and offer Impact on SLNBx: Procedures reduced by 52% Morton D et al. Sentinel node biopsy or nodal observation in melanoma. N Eng J Med 2006;355(13):1307 17. White RL et al. Factors predictive of the status of sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma patients from a large multicenter database. Ann Surg Oncol 2011;18(13):3593 600. PMID 21647761 Macdonald JB et al. Malignant melanoma in the elderly: different regional disease and poorer prognosis. J Cancer 2011;2:538 43. PMID: 22084644 9
What happens to a T1/T2 patient? Melanoma 31-GEP s NPV supports guidance of SLNBx Test Disease Endpoint NPV Patient with T1/T2 Melanoma DecisionDx Melanoma Class 1 Class 2 No SLNB SLN Neg SLNB SLN Pos MSS OS DMFS RFS 99.3% 97.2% 93.4% 91.7% 95.3% 95.3% 86.3% 77.2% 73.8% 52.4% 52.5% 47.4% ConfirmMDx Percepta Afirma Thyramir Melanoma 31 GEP Prostate cancer Lung cancer Thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer Cutaneous melanoma Rule out repeat biopsies after negative prostate biopsy Rule out invasive procedures after bronchoscopy Rule out surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules Rule out surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules Rule out SLNB biopsy in cutaneous melanoma 90% 91% 94% 94% 96%* * 65 year old patients Melanoma Vaccine Approaches Polyvalent 2010 The end Targeted Therapy for Melanoma Personalized Medicine 10
Targeting Approaches to Systemic MM BRAF inhibitors interrupts the B Raf/MEK step on the ac va on pathway if the B Raf has the V600E mutation MEK inhibitors inhibits the mitogen activated protein kinase enzymes MEK1 and/or MEK2 PD 1 blockers programmed death 1 (PD 1) receptor is a negative regulator of T cell effector mechanisms that limits immune responses against cancer CTLA 4 antibodies CTLA 4 inhibits T cell responses Targeting Approaches to Systemic MM BRAF inhibitors interrupts the B Raf/MEK step on the ac va on pathway if the B Raf has the V600E mutation MEK inhibitors inhibits the mitogen activated protein kinase enzymes MEK1 and/or MEK2 PD 1 blockers programmed death 1 (PD 1) receptor is a negative regulator of T cell effector mechanisms that limits immune responses against cancer CTLA 4 antibodies CTLA 4 inhibits T cell responses BRAF BRAF Biology Normal amino acid sequence glu V600E mutation X Locks BRAF into the active signaling position so it continuously drives MAP kinase pathway independent of other inputs val MAP Kinase The MM being considered for Treatment with a BRAF inhibitor must have the BRAF mutation MM tissue from the path block is sent for testing cobas 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test detects the BRAF V600E mutation in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human melanoma tissue Test has 97.3% positive agreement in detecting the BRAF V600E (1799 T>A) mutation 11
Vemurafenib 675 previously untreated MM pts with the BRAF V600E mutation. Phase 3 randomized clinical trial Comparing vemurafenib with dacarbazine with previously untreated, metastatic melanoma At 6 months, overall survival was 84% in the vemurafenib group vs. 64% in dacarbazine group. Conclusion: Vemurafenib produced improved survival rates in patients with previously untreated melanoma with the BRAF V600E mutation. Chapman et al, NEJM, 2010 Overall Survival Progression-free Survival Chapman PB et al. N Engl J Med 2011;364:2507-2516. Chapman PB et al. N Engl J Med 2011;364:2507-2516. PLX4032 (Vemurafenib) STUDY 32 metastatic V600E mutated BRAF melanoma patients in the Phase 2 extension cohort received vermurafenib (960 mg BID) until progression - 24 had a partial response - 2 had a complete response Estimated median progression-free survival was >7 months Partial Response Flaherty et al. NEJM 363:809-19, 2010 12
(%) MM survival in BRAF V600 mutant MM treated with Vemurafenib Time to development of SCC/KAs Flaherty et al. NEJM 363:809-19, 2010 Sosman et al, NEJM, 2012 Development of SCCs in MM pts on Vermurafenib BRAF functions in the signaling cascade between RAS (upstream) and ERK (downstream) Drug induces KA/SCCs that do not have BRAF mutations But 60% of the KA/SCCs produced have RAS mutations (vs 3-40% in other SCCs) Su et al, NEJM, 2012 PDT for Multiple Eruptive Keratoacanthomas Associated With Vemurafenib Treatment for Metastatic MM Pt with stage IV melanoma who received the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib as part of a clinical trial and developed numerous diffuse, pathology-proven KAs and SCCs Too many to remove surgically Compared with untreated tumors, most lesions demonstrated significant clinical regression following successive cycles of PDT Conclusion: PDT is a potentially useful choice for initial treatment of KAs arising after BRAF inhibitor therapy when surgical excision of all lesions is often impractical Alloo et al, JAMA Dermatol, 2012 Dabrafenib in BRAF-mutated metastatic MM multicenter, open-label, phase 3 trial 250 pts were randomly assigned to receive either dabrafenib (187 pts) or dacarbazine (63 pts) Median progression-free survival was 5.1 months for dabrafenib and 2.7 months for dacarbazine AEs occurred in 53% of the pts on dabrafenib and in 44% of the pts who received dacarbazine. Most common adverse events with dabrafenib were skin-related toxic effects Dabrafenib significantly improved progression-free survival compared with dacarbazine Hauschild et al, Lancet, 2012 Melanoma Growth Pathways MAPK pathways 5% 60% 20% Cancer Forum, 2012 13
BRAF and NRAS mutations in MM BRAF mutations found in: 41% of MMs RR=2 SSM, RR=2 non-chronic sun exposed skin NRAS mutations found in: 17% of MMs RR=1.9 SSM, RR=1.9 chronic sun exposed skin BRAF and NRAS mutations are mutually exclusive Melanoma may be more than one cancer Different pathways may be in effect for the growth of Melanoma Lee et al, Br J Dermatol, 2011 NRAS Biology Normal amino acid sequence glu Codon 61 Q61R (CAA/CGA) and Q61K (CAA/AAA) NRAS X arg lys MM Growth Locks RAS into the active signaling position so it continuously drives alternate pathway independent of other inputs The BRAF inhibitor paradox BRAF inhibitors inhibit the MAPK pathway in BRAF mutant cells but activate the pathway in cells driven by the MAPK pathway other than through oncogenic BRAF mutation. Sullivan et al, Eur J Cancer, 2013 Second primary MMs under BRAF blockers: study by Reflectance Confocal Microscopy 10 pigmented lesions with no pre-existing atypia by RCM reexamined 3 months after treatment with vermurafenib RCM pattern identified in 5 lesions characterized by areas of marked atypias in otherwise previously non dysplastic lesions 4 of these lesions found to be MMs Conclusion: RCM examinations confirmed that microscopic marked atypias that led to the histopathological diagnosis of MM appeared under treatment and were not preexisting Debarbieux et al, Br J Dermatol, 2013 Overview Photography and Short-term Mole Monitoring in Patients Taking a BRAF Inhibitor 22 MM pts on BRAF inhibitors followed for 11 months looking at PSL change and MM development 42 new or changing PSLs (7 were new MMs) New MM incidence was 43,500/100,000 person-years of BRAF inhibitor therapy (US incidence is 25/100,00)0 1740x increased incidence Total body photography and mole monitoring with dermoscopy effective in monitoring atypical PSLs in the highly volatile melanocytic changes in patients taking a BRAF inhibitor Yagerman et al, JAMA Dermatol, 2014 Targeting Approaches to Systemic MM BRAF inhibitors interrupts the B Raf/MEK step on the ac va on pathway if the B Raf has the V600E mutation MEK inhibitors inhibits the mitogen activated protein kinase enzymes MEK1 and/or MEK2 PD 1 blockers programmed death 1 (PD 1) receptor is a negative regulator of T cell effector mechanisms that limits immune responses against cancer CTLA 4 antibodies CTLA 4 inhibits T cell responses 14
Improved survival with MEK inhibition by trementinib in BRAF-mutated melanoma Median progression-free survival was 4.8 months in the trametinib group and 1.5 months in the chemotherapy group (hazard ratio for disease progression or death in the trametinib group, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.63; P<0.001). At 6 months, the rate of overall survival was 81% in the trametinib group and 67% in the chemotherapy group despite crossover (hazard ratio for death, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.92; P=0.01). Trametinib, as compared with chemotherapy, improved rates of progression-free and overall survival among patients who had metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation No increase in SCCs were noted Improved survival with MEK inhibition in BRAF-mutated melanoma Flaherty et al, NEJM, 2012 Flaherty KT et al. N Engl J Med 2012;367:107-114. Improved survival with MEK inhibition in BRAF-mutated melanoma Improved survival with MEK inhibition in BRAF-mutated melanoma Median progression-free survival was 4.8 months in the trametinib group and 1.5 months in the chemotherapy group (hazard ratio for disease progression or death in the trametinib group, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.63; P<0.001). At 6 months, the rate of overall survival was 81% in the trametinib group and 67% in the chemotherapy group despite crossover (hazard ratio for death, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.92; P=0.01). Trametinib, as compared with chemotherapy, improved rates of progression-free and overall survival among patients who had metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation No increase in SCCs were noted Flaherty KT et al. N Engl J Med 2012;367:107-114. Flaherty et al, NEJM, 2012 Activity of the oral MEK inhibitor trametinib in patients with advanced melanoma 97 MM pts (81 with cutaneous MM) BRAF Status (36 mutant, 39 wild-type, 6 unknown) PFS was 5.7 months 4 of 39 BRAF wild-type melanoma pts had partial responses (10%). Most common AE was rash or acneiform dermatitis (82%) Clinical activity of trametinib in melanoma exists and results suggest that MEK is a valid therapeutic target Falchook et al, Lancet, 2013 Targeting Approaches to Systemic MM BRAF inhibitors interrupts the B Raf/MEK step on the ac va on pathway if the B Raf has the V600E mutation MEK inhibitors inhibits the mitogen activated protein kinase enzymes MEK1 and/or MEK2 PD 1 blockers programmed death 1 (PD 1) receptor is a negative regulator of T cell effector mechanisms that limits immune responses against cancer CTLA 4 antibodies CTLA 4 inhibits T cell responses 15
Nivolumab Therapy for Advanced MM Nivolumab is a fully human IgG4 antibody that blocks the programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor 94 pts with advanced melanoma received anti PD-1 antibody at a dose of 0.1 to 10.0 mg per kilogram of body weight every 2 weeks Pts received up to 12 cycles until disease progression or a complete response occurred. Response was assessed after each 8-week treatment cycle. Response rate of 28% (26 of 94 pts). 20 lasted > 1 year Drug-related serious adverse events occurred in 11% including pneumonitis, vitiligo, colitis, hepatitis, hypophysitis, and thyroiditis Topalian et al, N Engl J Med, 2012 Activity of Anti Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) Antibody in Patients with Treatment-Refractory MM Topalian et al, N Engl J Med, 2012 Activity of Anti Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) Antibody in Patients with Treatment-Refractory MM Expanded Indications for Nivolumab Baseline 13 Months Nivolumab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody indicated for the treatment of patients with: BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma, as a single agent. BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma, as a single agent. Unresectable or metastatic melanoma, in combination with ipilimumab. Topalian et al, N Engl J Med, 2012 FDA 2016 Pembrolizumab versus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 inhibitor that is indicated for advanced MM Pembrolizumab produced significantly improved progression-free and overall survival and less high-grade toxicity than did ipilimumab in patients with metastatic melanoma. Among previously untreated patients with metastatic melanoma, nivolumab alone or combined with ipilimumab resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival than ipilimumab alone. In patients with PD-L1 negative tumors, the combination of PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade was more effective than either agent alone. Pembrolizumab versus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma Progression-free and Overall Survival Robert et al, NEJM, 2015 Robert C et al. N Engl J Med 2015;372:2521-2532 16
% No. at risk Pembro Q2W Pembro Q3W Ipi Overall Survival for Pembrolizumab Versus Ipilimumab Keynote 006: Updated 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 74% 68% 59% 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 Time, months 202 188 176 279 266 249 234 221 215 163 156 96 44 4 0 277 266 251 238 215 201 184 179 174 164 156 93 43 1 0 278 242 213 189 170 159 145 132 122 113 110 69 28 1 0 55% 55% 43% Arm Pembro Q2W Pembro Q3W Events, n HR (95% CI) 122 0.68 (0.53-0.87) 119 0.68 (0.53-0.86) Final analysis data cutoff date: Dec 3, 2015. P 0.00085 0.00083 Ipi 142 PD 1 blockade in the treatment of advanced desmoplastic melanoma Records from 60 patients with advanced desmoplastic melanoma treated with anti PD 1 or anti PD L1 antibodies were analyzed Objective tumor responses seen in 42/60 pts (70%, 95% CI 57 81%) 19/60 pts (32%) with complete response IHC analysis of a subset of pts revealed high proportion of PD L! positive cells Schachter, J et al ASCO 2016 Faries et al. Nature, 2018 PD 1 blockade in the treatment of advanced desmoplastic melanoma Images of three cases of desmoplastic melanoma that responded to PD 1 blockade therapy Faries et al. Nature, 2018 PD 1 blockade in the treatment of advanced desmoplastic melanoma Records from 60 patients with advanced desmoplastic melanoma treated with anti PD 1 or anti PD L1 antibodies were analyzed Objective tumor responses seen in 42/60 pts (70%, 95% CI 57 81%) 19/60 pts (32%) with complete response IHC analysis of a subset of pts revealed high proportion of PD L! positive cells Pts with advanced desmoplastic melanoma may benefit from PD 1 or PD L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy Benefit likely results from high mutational burden and frequent pre existing adaptive immune response limited by PD L1 expression Faries et al. Nature, 2018 Safety Profile of Nivolumab Monotherapy: Pooled Analysis of Patients With Advanced MM 576 patients, 71% experienced any-grade treatment-related AEs (most commonly fatigue [25%], pruritus [17%], diarrhea [13%], and rash [13%]) 10% experienced grade 3 to 4 treatment-related AEs AEs (occurring in 49% of patients) were most frequently skin related Treatment-related AEs with nivolumab monotherapy were primarily low grade, and most resolved with established safety guidelines Weber et al, J Clin Oncol, 2016 Safety Profile of Nivolumab Monotherapy in Patients With Advanced Melanoma Weber et al, JCO, 2017 17
Cutaneous adverse events of anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1 therapy in patients with metastatic MM Safety Profile of Nivolumab Monotherapy in Patients With Advanced Melanoma Lichenoid Reaction Eczema Vitiligo N=82 49% developed a form of anti PD 1 associated cutaneous adverse events Huang et al, J Am Acad Dermatol, 2016 Weber et al, JCO, 2017 Gut microbiome influences efficacy of PD-1 based immunotherapy Melanoma patients receiving PD-1 blockade and found a greater abundance of good bacteria in the guts of responding patients. Non responders had an imbalance in gut flora composition, which correlated with impaired immune cell activity. Maintaining healthy gut flora could help PD-1 patients combat MM The use of antibiotics in MM pts on PD-1 therapy should be carefully considered. Routy, Science, 2018 Targeting Approaches to Systemic MM BRAF inhibitors interrupts the B Raf/MEK step on the ac va on pathway if the B Raf has the V600E mutation MEK inhibitors inhibits the mitogen activated protein kinase enzymes MEK1 and/or MEK2 PD 1 blockers programmed death 1 (PD 1) receptor is a negative regulator of T cell effector mechanisms that limits immune responses against cancer CTLA 4 antibodies CTLA 4 inhibits T cell responses Ipilimumab Human monoclonal antibody that binds to CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4) Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies enhance T cell responses and activate proliferation of tumor-specific T cells Blockade of CTLA-4 by ipilimumab leads to immune-mediated tumor regression Phase III, multi-center, randomized, double-blind trial showed a significant improvement in overall survival in patients with advanced melanomas treated with ipilimumab Lens et al, Curr Top Med Chem 2011 18
CT scan of the abdomen of a pt with stage IV melanoma with multiple liver metastases Same pt after 8 months of ipilimunab Overall Survival: Ipilimumab Adjuvant Therapy Patients alive (%) Ipilimumab Placebo Deaths/patients 162 / 475 214 / 476 Hazard ratio (95.1% 0.72 0.88) CI)* (0.58 - Log-rank P value* 0.001 Median OS (95% CI), year (7.22 - NR) NR 7.22 65% 54% 5-year difference 11% *Stratified by stage CI = confidence interval; NR = not reached. Fox et al, J Am Acad Dermatol, 2013 Eggermont, A et al. N. Engl J Med 2016. 375:1845 55. The risk of rash associated with ipilimumab Dermatologic adverse events such as rash, pruritus, and vitiligo have been reported in trials, with varying incidences 1208 pts from clinical trials were included in this analysis. The overall incidence of all-grade rash was 24.3% (RR=4) The overall incidence of high-grade rash was 2.4% (RR=3.3) Significant risk of developing rash in patients receiving ipilimumab Minkis et al, JAAD, 2013 BRAF MEK PD-1 CTLA-4 Targeted Antitumor Therapy Immune Checkpoint Blockade Targeted Antitumor Therapy Targeted Therapies for Melanoma Pathways Immune Checkpoint Blockade Immune-Related Adverse Events Associated with Immune Checkpoint Blockade BRAF MEK CTLA-4 PD-1 IDO1 Vemurafenib Trametinib Ipilimumab Nivolumab Epacadostat Dabrafenib Cobimetinib Pembrolizumab Atezolizumab mab = monoclonal antibody Postow et al, NEJM, 2018 19
Association of Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy with age of Melanoma Pts Association of Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy with age of Melanoma Pts Cohort study examining 92 pts with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab, nivolumab, or pembrolizumab from January 2007 to February 2016 Outcomes examined according to age 54 pts 65 38 pts >65 Mean f/u duration following treatment initiation was 12.5 months Patients older than 65 treated with immunotherapy had better progression free survival (4.8 vs 3.4 months, p=0.04) and overall survival (not reached vs 10.1 months, p=0.001) in univariate and adjusted multivariate models Perier Muzet et al. JAMA Dermatol, 2018 Perier Muzet et al. JAMA Dermatol, 2018 Association of Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy with age of Melanoma Pts Cohort study examining 92 pts with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab, nivolumab, or pembrolizumab from January 2007 to February 2016 Outcomes examined according to age 54 pts 65 38 pts >65 Mean f/u duration following treatment initiation was 12.5 months Patients older than 65 treated with immunotherapy had better progression free survival (4.8 vs 3.4 months, p=0.04) and overall survival (not reached vs 10.1 months, p=0.001) in univariate and adjusted multivariate models Conclusion: Age may be associated with improved outcomes following immunotherapy treatment for metastatic melanoma without an increased risk of immune related adverse events Potential Advantage of Combination Therapy 100% 90% 80% 70% Lower Limit 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Therapy A Therapy B Perier Muzet et al. JAMA Dermatol, 2018 Combined BRAF and MEK inhibition in melanoma with BRAF V600 mutations Adjuvant Dabrafenib plus Trametinib in Stage III BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Flaherty et al, NEJM, 2012 Long et al, NEJM, 2017 20
Nivolumab plus ipilimumab in pts with advanced melanoma Long term (3 year) follow up of 94 pts with unresectable stage III/IV MM and an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 Pts treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab q3 weeks x4 doses followed by nivolumab q3 weeks x4 doses, followed by nivolumab plus ipilimumab q12 weeks x8 doses or nivolumab plus ipilimumab q3 weeks x4 doses followed by nivolumab q2 weeks 3 year overall survival rate was 63% Objective response rate by modified WHO criteria was 42% 59% experienced grade 3 4 adverse events 1 treatment related death occurred Nivolumab plus ipilimumab in pts with advanced melanoma Callahan et al. J Clin Oncol, 2018 Callahan et al. J Clin Oncol, 2018 Nivolumab plus ipilimumab in pts with advanced melanoma Long term (3 year) follow up of 94 pts with unresectable stage III/IV MM and an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 Pts treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab q3 weeks x4 doses followed by nivolumab q3 weeks x4 doses, followed by nivolumab plus ipilimumab q12 weeks x8 doses or nivolumab plus ipilimumab q3 weeks x4 doses followed by nivolumab q2 weeks 3 year overall survival rate was 63% Objective response rate by modified WHO criteria was 42% 59% experienced grade 3 4 adverse events 1 treatment related death occurred Survival outcomes for combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab for advanced melanoma is encouraging, with 3 year survival rates exceeding than 60% Callahan et al. J Clin Oncol, 2018 Combined Nivolumab and Ipilimumab or Monotherapy in Untreated Melanoma The addition of nivolumab (anti PD-1) to ipilimumab (anti CTLA-4) did not further improve response rate or progression-free survival among patients with PD-L1 positive tumors. The combination was much more effective in patients with PD-L1 negative tumors. Larkin et al, NEJM, 2015 Combined Nivolumab and Ipilimumab or Monotherapy in Untreated Melanoma The addition of nivolumab (anti PD-1) to ipilimumab (anti CTLA-4) did not further improve response rate or progression-free survival among patients with PD-L1 positive tumors. The combination was much more effective in patients with PD-L1 negative tumors. Among previously untreated patients with metastatic melanoma, nivolumab alone or combined with ipilimumab resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival than ipilimumab alone. In patients with PD-L1 negative tumors, the combination of PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade was more effective than either agent alone. Larkin et al, NEJM, 2015 Probability of Overall Survival 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 Nivo + Ipi vs Ipi in Advanced Melanoma Checkmate 069 OS at 2 Years of Follow Up NIVO + IPI IPI All Randomized Patients 73% 65% 0.0 0 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 3 6 30 Months Number of Patients at Risk NIVO+ IPI 95 82 74 69 67 65 63 57 6 77 0 IPI 33 29 27 26 25 22 3 47 41 36 0 30/47 (64%) of patients randomized to IPI crossed over to receive any systemic therapy at progression 62% 54% Median OS, months (95% CI) NIVO + IPI (n=95) NR IPI (n=47) NR (11.9 NR) HR (95% CI) 0.74 (0.43 1.26)* *Exploratory endpoint NR = not reached Postow M, et al. AACR. 2016. 21
Overall Survival with Combined Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced MM Randomly assigned 1:1:1 ratio, pts with previously untreated advanced MM to receive nivolumab at a dose of 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg q 3 weeks for four doses, followed by nivolumab at a dose of 3 mg/kg q 2 weeks; nivolumab at 3 mg/kg q 2 weeks plus placebo; or ipilimumab at a dose of 3 mg/kg q 3 weeks for four doses plus placebo Overall survival rate at 3 years: 58% in the nivolumab-plus-ipilimumab group 52% in the nivolumab group 34% in the ipilimumab group Overall Survival with Combined Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced MM Wolchok et al, NEJM, 2017 Wolchok et al, NEJM, 2017 Overall Survival with Combined Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced MM Randomly assigned 1:1:1 ratio, pts with previously untreated advanced MM to receive nivolumab at a dose of 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg q 3 weeks for four doses, followed by nivolumab at a dose of 3 mg/kg q 2 weeks; nivolumab at 3 mg/kg q 2 weeks plus placebo; or ipilimumab at a dose of 3 mg/kg q 3 weeks for four doses plus placebo Overall survival rate at 3 years: 58% in the nivolumab-plus-ipilimumab group 52% in the nivolumab group 34% in the ipilimumab group Combination therapy better than individual checkpoint therapy Wolchok et al, NEJM, 2017 Cobimetinib + Atezo: Reduction in Tumor Burden Maximum Reduction in Sum of Longest Diameters From Baseline, % 40 20 20 40 60 80 100 0 44 28 17 15 1 Best overall response 1 2 5 9 13 38 39 45 45 56 56 80 80 BRAF mutant BRAF WT 100 100 15 (75%) patients experienced tumor reduction 2 (10%) patients with confirmed PRs had complete disappearance of target lesions Targeted Antitumor Therapy Targeted Therapies for Melanoma Pathways Immune Checkpoint Blockade Epacadostat + Pembrolizumab BRAF MEK CTLA-4 PD-1 IDO1 Vemurafenib Trametinib Ipilimumab Nivolumab Epacadostat Dabrafenib Cobimetinib Pembrolizumab Atezolizumab Gandakhar et al., ESMO 2016, abstr 1110PD 22
IV IV IV IV IV IV IV 2/4/2018 Targeted If 2 are Melanoma good, are 3 Blockade better? Pembrolizumab in Combination With Dabrafenib and Trametinib Pathway 1 Pathway 2 Pathway 3 Longitudinal Change From Baseline in Tumor Size a Maximum Percentage Change From Baseline in Tumor Size b X X X Ribas A, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(suppl): Abstract 3014. Vem + Cobimetinib + Atezo Reduction in Tumor Burden Key issues in Melanoma 40 Best Change in Sum of Longest Diameters From Baseline, % 20 0 20 40 60 80 100 M1A Unknown IIIC M1A IIIC M1C M1C M1B M1C IIIC M1C M1B Unknown IIIC IIIC M1A IIIC M1C IIIC IIIC M1B M1A 1 11 11 19 20 27 32 33 38 41 44 47 50 58 61 62 64 66 66 68 70 73 78 88 100 100 100 100 100 Predicting response to treatment 5 patients had a 100% reduction in tumor burden 100 Phase III Trial of IPI + NIVO vs IPI vs NIVO: Predicting treatment response Association of a Neoepitope Signature with a Clinical Benefit from CTLA-4 Blockade 90 80 65% NIVO+IPI NIVO IPI ORR, a % (95% CI) 70 60 50 40 30 51% 23% 45% 31% 33% 17% Higher LDH has a lower response rate 20 10% 10 0 N 269 316 230 138 191 126 43 58 31 LDH Upper limit normal LDH > Upper limit normal LDH > 2x Upper limit normal Snyder A et al. N Engl J Med 2014;371:2189-2199 23
2/4/2018 Association of a Neoepitope Signature with a Clinical Benefit from CTLA-4 Blockade Nivolumab Therapy for Advanced MM Tumor specimens from 42 patients were analyzed for PD-L1 expression on the surface of tumor cells Biopsy specimens from 25 of the 42 pts were positive for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemical analysis 9/25 PD-L1(36%) had an objective response vs. 0/17 patients with PD-L1 negative tumors had an objective response Snyder A et al. N Engl J Med 2014;371:2189-2199 Topalian et al, N Engl J Med, 2012 PD-1 Molecular Marker Assessments in Nivolumab Treated Pts CTLA 4/PD 1/CD8+ T Cells as a Predictive Biomarker for Outcome With Pembrolizumab Topalian et al, N Engl J Med, 2012 Responder (CR+PR) Non-Responder (SD+PD) Loo et al ASCO 2016 Daud et al JCI 2016 How close are we to a cure? Nivolumab Phase Ib 7 year Follow up: Overall survival plateaus at 3 years Hodi FS, et al. AACR. 2016. (Abstract CT001) 24
Remember Advances in melanoma impact patients Different Is Melanoma subtypes a based single upon disease? genetics The 2018 future Melanoma Summary Melanoma rates rising and absolute numbers of thick lesions increasing Therapy targets growing Genetics playing an increasing role Getting closer to a cure for melanoma? 25