Daiichi Sankyo to Present New Data for HER2 and HER3 Directed DXd ADCs at SABCS

On November 17, 2020 Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) reported that it will present new research data for ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) and patritumab deruxtecan (U3-1402; HER3-DXd), two of its lead DXd antibody drug conjugates (ADC), at the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (#SABCS20) virtual conference to be held December 8-11, 2020 (Press release, Daiichi Sankyo, NOV 17, 2020, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201117005865/en/Daiichi-Sankyo-to-Present-New-Data-for-HER2-and-HER3-Directed-DXd-ADCs-at-SABCS [SID1234571285]).

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Updated results from the pivotal phase 2 DESTINY-Breast01 trial of ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC, reporting updated duration of response, progression-free survival, an 18-month landmark analysis of overall survival and longer-term safety seen in previously treated patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer will be presented as a Spotlight Poster Discussion. A first look at new data from the phase 1/2 trial of patritumab deruxtecan, a HER3 directed ADC, reporting on four expansion cohorts of patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer with varying levels of HER3 expression and triple negative breast cancer with higher levels of HER3 expression will also be presented.

"We look forward to presenting new research data from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial, which will provide updated efficacy and duration of response results, as well as safety outcomes for ENHERTU in patients with previously treated HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer," said Antoine Yver, MD, MSc, EVP and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo. "These research data, as well as the data that will be presented for our HER3 directed ADC, patritumab deruxtecan, continue to reinforce our understanding of the activity of our DXd ADCs and the potential of our DXd ADC technology to provide a potent, durable treatment that selectively targets the cancer cells."

Additional data to be presented at SABCS includes the initial safety and efficacy results of a phase 1 trial combining ENHERTU with nivolumab in a cohort of patients with HER2 expressing metastatic breast cancer. Trial-in-progress updates from four additional DESTINY-Breast studies will also be presented, including a summary of the first study of ENHERTU in patients with early breast cancer in a head-to-head comparison with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1).

Following SABCS, Daiichi Sankyo will hold its R&D Day remotely for investors and analysts on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 7-9 pm JST/5-7 am EST. Company executives will provide an overview of the Daiichi Sankyo data presented at SABCS; provide an update on the company’s R&D strategy, including updated clinical development plans across the DXd ADC portfolio; and address questions from investors and analysts.

Following is an overview of data from Daiichi Sankyo to be presented at SABCS:


SABCS Abstract


Presentation Details


ENHERTU (HER2 ADC)


Updated results from DESTINY-Breast01, a phase 2 trial of trastuzumab deruxtecan in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer


Spotlight Poster Discussion 3 (Abstract 1190; PD3-06)
Modi, et al. Advances in the Treatment of HER2+ Disease;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 6:30 pm CT


Trastuzumab deruxtecan with nivolumab in patients with HER2 expressing advanced breast cancer: a two-part, phase 1b, multicenter, open-label study


Spotlight Poster Discussion 3 (Abstract 299; PD3-07)
Hamilton, et al. Advances in the Treatment of HER2+ Disease;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 6:30 pm CT


Novel approach to HER2 quantification: digital pathology coupled with AI-based image and data analysis delivers objective and quantitative HER2 expression analysis for enrichment of responders to T-DXd, specifically in HER2 low patients


Spotlight Poster Discussion 6 (Abstract 1130; PD6-01)
Gustavson, et al. Novel Approaches to Pathology and Imaging;
Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 3:30 pm CT


Trastuzumab deruxtecan vs. trastuzumab emtansine in high risk patients with HER2 positive, residual invasive early breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: a randomized, phase 3 trial (DESTINY-Breast05) [Trial in Progress]


Poster Presentation (Abstract 323; OT-03-01)
Geyer, et al. Ongoing Trials Poster;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 8:00 am CT


Trastuzumab deruxtecan vs. investigator’s choice chemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2 low metastatic breast cancer whose disease has progressed on endocrine therapy in the metastatic setting: a randomized, phase 3 trial (DESTINY-Breast06) [Trial in Progress]


Poster Presentation (Abstract 1219; OT-03-09)
Bardia, et al. Ongoing Trials Poster;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 8:00 am CT


Trastuzumab deruxtecan combinations in patients with HER2 positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer: a phase 1b/2 open-label, multicenter, dose finding and dose expansion study (DESTINY-Breast07) [Trial in Progress]


Poster Presentation (Abstract 428; OT-03-04)
Andre, et al. Ongoing Trials Poster;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 8:00 am CT


Trastuzumab deruxtecan combinations in patients with HER2 low metastatic breast cancer: a phase 1b open-label, multicenter, dose finding and expansion study (DESTINY-Breast08) [Trial in Progress]


Poster Presentation (Abstract 532; OT-03-05)
Jhaveri, et al. Ongoing Trials Poster;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 8:00 am CT


A real-world evidence study of treatment patterns among patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC)


Poster Presentation (Abstract 426; PS7-82)
Collins, et al. Epidemiology;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 8:00 am CT


Patritumab Deruxtecan (HER3 ADC)


Safety and efficacy results from the phase 1/2 study of U3-1402, a human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC), in patients with HER3 expressing metastatic breast cancer (MBC)


Spotlight Poster Discussion 1 (Abstract 814; PD1-09)
Krop, et al. Novel Therapeutics;
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm CT

About the DXd ADC Portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo
The DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo currently consists of seven antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) of which five are currently in clinical development across multiple types of cancer. These include ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC, and datopotamab deruxtecan (DS-1062), a TROP2 directed ADC, which are being jointly developed and commercialized globally with AstraZeneca; patritumab deruxtecan (U3-1402), a HER3 directed ADC; and DS-7300, a B7-H3 directed ADC, and DS-6157, a GPR20 directed ADC, which are being developed through a strategic research collaboration with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute.

Each ADC is engineered using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary and portable DXd ADC technology to target and deliver chemotherapy inside cancer cells that express a specific cell surface antigen. Each ADC consists of a monoclonal antibody attached by a stable tetrapeptide-based linker to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload (chemotherapy).

ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in the U.S. under accelerated approval and Japan for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens in the metastatic setting based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial and is under accelerated assessment in the European Union. ENHERTU is approved in the U.S. with Boxed WARNINGS for Interstitial Lung Disease and Embryo-Fetal Toxicity.

ENHERTU (6.4 mg/kg) is also approved in Japan for the treatment of patients with HER2 positive unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer that has progressed after chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial. ENHERTU has not been approved in the EU, or countries outside of the U.S. and Japan for any indication. It is an investigational agent globally for various indications. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for the proposed uses being investigated in ongoing studies.

Patritumab deruxtecan is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 study in previously treated patients with metastatic or unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a phase 1/2 study in patients with HER3 expressing metastatic breast cancer. A phase 2 study of patritumab deruxtecan has recently been initiated in patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer who are resistant, refractory, or intolerant to at least two prior lines of systemic therapy. Patritumab deruxtecan is an investigational agent that has not been approved for any indication in any country. The profile of clinical safety and efficacy for patritumab deruxtecan has not been established.

U.S. FDA-Approved Indication for ENHERTU
ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.
Contraindications
None.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU, ILD occurred in 9% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 4.1 months (range: 1.2 to 8.3).

Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg prednisolone or equivalent). Upon improvement, follow by gradual taper (e.g., 4 weeks).

Neutropenia
Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 30% of patients and 16% had Grade 3 or 4 events. Median time to first onset was 1.4 months (range: 0.3 to 18.2). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.7% of patients.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. Based on the severity of neutropenia, ENHERTU may require dose interruption or reduction. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less. Reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3ºC or a sustained temperature of ≥38ºC for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved. Reduce dose by one level.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. In the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, two cases (0.9%) of asymptomatic LVEF decrease were reported. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVEF decrease through treatment interruption. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU if LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Adverse Reactions
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in a pooled analysis of 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Breast01 and Study DS8201-A-J101. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The median duration of treatment was 7 months (range: 0.7 to 31).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, vomiting, nausea, cellulitis, hypokalemia, and intestinal obstruction. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients including interstitial lung disease (2.6%), and the following events occurred in one patient each (0.4%): acute hepatic failure/acute kidney injury, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 9% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, and ILD. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, and neutropenia.

The most common adverse reactions (frequency ≥20%) were nausea (79%), fatigue (59%), vomiting (47%), alopecia (46%), constipation (35%), decreased appetite (32%), anemia (31%), neutropenia (29%), diarrhea (29%), leukopenia (22%), cough (20%), and thrombocytopenia (20%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU.
Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 7 months following the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use: Of the 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 26% were ≥65 years and 5% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (53%) as compared to younger patients (42%).
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor.

Agendia to Showcase Robust Clinical Research at SABCS 2020 Emphasizing Need for Diversity of Data to Treat Breast Cancer Patients

On November 17, 2020 Agendia, Inc., a world leader in precision oncology for breast cancer, reported that it will present new data from ongoing clinical research evaluating the MammaPrint and BluePrint genomic tests at the upcoming 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS 2020), taking place virtually December 8-11, 2020 (Press release, Agendia, NOV 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234571284]).

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These data, which build upon existing clinical research that demonstrates the efficacy of MammaPrint and BluePrint testing to consistently inform optimal treatment planning, highlight Agendia’s many trials in progress that will ultimately impact patient treatment and outcomes.

Specific data selected for poster spotlight discussions include:

BluePrint performance in predicting pertuzumab benefit in genomically HER2-positive patients: a biomarker analysis of the APHINITY trial
Authors: Krop, I., et al.
Session: Spotlight Poster Discussion 3 | Wednesday, December 9, 2020 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm CST
Poster #: PD3-01
5-year outcomes in the NBRST trial: Preoperative MammaPrint and BluePrint breast cancer subtype is associated with neoadjuvant treatment response and survival
Authors: Whitworth, P., et al.
Session: Spotlight Poster Discussion 9 | Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 3:30pm – 4:45pm CST
Poster #: PD9-01
In addition, Laura van’t Veer, PhD, co-founder and Chief Research Officer at Agendia, will be giving an oral presentation on an abstract entitled "How low is low risk: MINDACT updated outcome and treatment benefit in patients considered clinical low risk and stratified by genomic signature, age and nodal status."

"The MammaPrint and BluePrint assays give patients with breast cancer and their healthcare providers the precise information they need to determine which treatment approach is the most targeted and effective for their situation," says William Audeh, MD, MS, Chief Medical Officer at Agendia. "Our continued efforts to identify and understand the biologic drivers of breast cancer in large patient populations have also enabled us to look within these to study unique subsets of people, and to offer additional important insights, as we continue to expand knowledge in breast cancer and build a library of data that will be of benefit to patients."

Following are details of additional Agendia abstracts that have been accepted for SABCS 2020:

How low is low risk: MINDACT updated outcome and treatment benefit in patients considered clinical low risk and stratified by genomic signature, age and nodal status
Authors: van’t Veer, L.J., et al.
Session: General Session 4 | Friday, December 11, 2020 | 8:45am – 11:30am CST
Poster #: PS6-01
Presentation #: Oral Presentation GS4-11 | Presentation 11:15am-11:25am CST | Live Q&A Session 11:25am-11:30am CST
Molecular subtyping by BluePrint improves prediction of treatment responses and survival outcomes in patients with discordant clinical and genomic classification
Authors: Whitworth, P., et al.
Session: Poster Session 4
Poster #: PS4-04
The 70-gene signature (MammaPrint) accurately predicts distant breast cancer recurrence risk in patients aged ≥70 years from the population-based observational FOCUS cohort.
Authors: Noordhoek, I., et al.
Session: Poster Session 6
Poster #: PS6-06
Comparing MammaPrint and BluePrint results between core needle biopsy and surgical resection breast cancer specimens
Authors: McKelley, J., et al.
Session: Poster Session 6
Poster #: PS6-19
MammaPrint and BluePrint as prognostic indicators for elderly patients with early stage breast cancer
Authors: Blumencranz, P.W., et al.
Session: Poster Session 6
Poster #: PS6-41
Racial disparities within Basal-type breast cancer: clinical and molecular features of African American and Caucasian obese patients
Authors: Sharma, D., et al.
Session: Poster Session 7
Poster #: PS7-68
Molecular profiles and clinical-pathological features of Asian early-stage breast cancer patients
Authors: Chen, M., et al.
Session: Poster Session 7
Poster #: PS7-69
Differential gene expression analysis and clinical utility of MammaPrint and BluePrint in male breast cancer patients
Authors: Crozier, J., et al.
Session: Poster Session 14
Poster #: PS14-11
Differential gene expression in Luminal-type invasive lobular carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma by MammaPrint risk stratification
Authors: Lesnikoski, B., et al.
Session: Poster Session 18
Poster #: PS18-03
Using BluePrint to elucidate the molecular heterogeneity of triple negative breast cancers
Authors: Kaklamani, V.G., et al.
Session: Poster Session 18
Poster #: PS18-05
The FLEX real-world data platform explores new gene expression profiles and investigator-initiated protocols in early stage breast cancer
Authors: Lee, L., et al.
Session: Ongoing Trials Posters
Poster #: OT-12-01
These data underscore Agendia’s mission to help guide the diagnosis and personalized treatment of breast cancer for all patients throughout their treatment journey.

Please follow us on our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages for unique content we will be sharing throughout SABCS.

Proscia’s Concentriq Has Been Deployed By NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory To Transform Biomedical Research

On November 17, 2020 Proscia, a leading provider of digital and computational pathology solutions, reported that NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the National Cancer Institute Consortium for Molecular Characterization of Screen-Detected Lesions (MCL), coordinated by Baylor College of Medicine, have deployed Proscia’s Concentriq platform to advance biomedical research on improving cancer treatment (Press release, Proscia, NOV 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234571283]). Through this collaborative program, JPL is digitizing a repository of valuable pathology data to make it readily accessible to researchers from across the seven sites of the MCL. Researchers will use the data to unlock new insights that combat the growing challenge of overdiagnosis, which results in unnecessary treatment of cancers that would have never caused medical problems for the patient.

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While widening access to cancer screening often results in early detection and can increase the likelihood of successful outcomes, it also leads to a rise in the detection of asymptomatic cancers and overtreatment incurring physical and emotional harm to the patient. The MCL, which consists of independent, multi-disciplinary teams, was established to address this issue by undertaking comprehensive molecular and cellular characterizations of tumor tissue, cell, and microenvironment components to more accurately identify aggressive cancers and find minimally invasive methods of treatment. As this research is data intensive, the MCL has partnered with JPL, which will translate its expertise in data analysis around planetary science to this initiative.

The collaborative program requires a scalable, centralized data repository to provide easy access to researchers across the seven sites of the MCL. To create this database, JPL and the MCL have adopted digital pathology, whereby high-resolution images of pathology specimen are captured, and they have deployed Proscia’s Concentriq to serve as the foundational software infrastructure.

Concentriq is a singular image and data management platform that unifies pathology operations across the connected enterprise and accelerates workflows. JPL is using Concentriq to host and manage the data repository, driving consistency for improved visibility and providing intuitive, secure access for the MCL’s team of researchers. Additionally, researchers are leveraging Concentriq to streamline sharing and collaboration so that they can fully capitalize on the collective strengths of the individual sites.

"Collaboration sits at the core of our research," said Dr. Chris Amos, the Principal Investigator of the coordinating center for the MCL and Director for the Institute of Clinical and Translational Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "With Concentriq, we are able to centralize the activities of our distributed MCL team while ensuring that everyone can seamlessly work together to accelerate our research and unlock deeper insights."

Proscia’s Concentriq is the digital and computational pathology platform used by leading research organizations and academic and commercial laboratories to transform image-based workflows at scale. The software can be rapidly deployed on existing IT infrastructure and works with leading scanners, laboratory information systems (LIS), and image analysis applications, offering seamless integrations with Philips, Leica, 3DHISTECH, Hamamatsu, and Visiopharm among other solutions.

"We are pleased to welcome JPL and the MCL to the growing roster of leading research organizations using Concentriq," said David West, CEO of Proscia. "Digital pathology is driving biomedical advances by better connecting teams with their data, and we look forward to seeing its impact in addressing the important issue of overdiagnosis."

Castle Biosciences Announces Publication of Clinical Validation and Utility Data for DecisionDx® DiffDx™-Melanoma for Suspicious Pigmented Lesions

On November 17, 2020 Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), a skin cancer diagnostics company providing personalized genomic information to improve cancer treatment decisions, reported the publication of two studies in SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, which demonstrated that DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma adds significant diagnostic clarity for physicians when characterizing difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic lesions and establishes clinical utility with the potential to improve patient care (Press release, Castle Biosciences, NOV 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234571280]).

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The development and validation study, authored by Dr. Sarah I. Estrada, et al., is titled, "Development and Validation of a Diagnostic 35-Gene Expression Profile Test for Ambiguous or Difficult-To-Diagnose Suspicious Pigmented Skin Lesions." This study describes the development and clinical validation of the DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma test, which is designed to refine the diagnoses of suspicious pigmented lesions.

The clinical utility study, authored by Dr. Aaron S. Farberg, et al., is titled, "A 35-Gene Expression Profile Test for Use in Suspicious Pigmented Lesions Impacts Clinical Management Decisions of Dermatopathologists and Dermatologists." This study documents the influence of DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma test results on subsequent clinical management decisions, potentially leading to decreased unnecessary procedures while correctly identifying at-risk patients.

Estrada et al. Study Background and Results:

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma, including the test’s ability to accurately differentiate between benign and malignant pigmented lesions.
Discovery started with the assessment of 76 genes with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); artificial intelligence methods were then employed for diagnostic gene selection and algorithm development using 200 benign nevi and 216 melanomas for training. The final algorithm included 32 discriminant and 3 control genes. To reflect the complex biology of melanocytic neoplasia, the DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma test was developed to include an intermediate-risk zone.
The results of the study showed that the DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma test:
Had a technical success rate of 97%, meaning that a test result was successfully generated;
Achieved accuracy statistics of: Sensitivity = 99.1%, Specificity = 94.3%, Positive Predictive Value = 93.6%, Negative Predictive Value = 99.2%; with an intermediate-risk result in 3.6% of the cases.
Conclusions: DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma was developed to refine diagnoses of melanocytic neoplasms by providing clinicians with an objective tool. A test with these accuracy metrics could alleviate uncertainty in difficult-to-diagnose lesions leading to decreased unnecessary procedures while appropriately identifying at-risk patients.
Farberg et al. Study Background and Results:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma’s clinical utility.
Dermatopathologists and dermatologists were surveyed regarding diagnostic challenges and patient management strategies in 60 difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic neoplasms. Participants reviewed each lesion twice, once without a DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma result and once with. Responses were evaluated for consistent trends in the utilization of the DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma test result.
Dermatopathologists utilized the DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma result to refine their diagnoses in lesions receiving a benign vs. malignant result (82.3% diagnostic downgrade vs. 94.9% diagnostic upgrade, respectively).
Diagnostic confidence was increased (51%), while additional diagnostic work-up requests were decreased in cases with a benign DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma result (72.1%) and increased with a malignant DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma result (45.6%).
Conclusions: The diagnosis of challenging melanocytic neoplasms and subsequent clinical management decisions were influenced by DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma results in alignment with the test result. The utility of the test may provide the opportunity for clinicians to deliver more informed patient management plans.
About DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma

DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma is designed to aid dermatopathologists in characterizing difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic lesions. Of the approximately 2 million suspicious pigmented lesions biopsied annually in the U.S., Castle estimates that approximately 300,000 of those cannot be confidently classified as either benign or malignant through traditional histopathology methods. DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma classifies these lesions as: benign (gene expression profile suggestive of benign neoplasm); intermediate-risk (gene expression profile cannot exclude malignancy); or malignant (gene expression profile suggestive of melanoma). Interpreted in the context of other clinical, laboratory and histopathologic information, DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma is designed to add diagnostic clarity and confidence for dermatopathologists while helping dermatologists deliver more informed patient management plans.

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and National Medical Fellowships Launch $100 Million Program to Help Increase Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials

On November 17, 2020 The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and National Medical Fellowships reported that they have entered into a partnership aimed at improving diversity in clinical trials. Leveraging $100 million of the previously announced commitment from Bristol Myers Squibb and the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to diversity and inclusion, the partnership will develop a program to extend the reach of clinical trials into underserved patient populations in urban and rural U.S. communities (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NOV 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234571278]). This program will train and develop 250 new clinical investigators who are racially and ethnically diverse or who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials, and it will expose 250 promising, underrepresented minority medical students across the country to clinical research career pathways. Additionally, the program will assist program investigators in building capacity and standing up new clinical trials sites in communities with diverse and heavily burdened patient populations.

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The need for diversity in clinical trials

"Clinical research is necessary to generate evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of new treatments," said Robert Winn, M.D., Director, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, who is serving as chair of the national advisory committee of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program. "While the patient response to medical therapies may differ across racial and ethnic subgroups, clinical trials often fail to represent the demographic diversity of the populations that these products aim to serve. I am proud to serve as an advisor to this program, which will support improvements toward diverse representation in clinical research and promote health equity."

In fact, aggregated data on the racial and ethnic participation in clinical trials published by the FDA show that in general 80% of patients taking part in clinical trials are white. Black Americans represent 13%1 of the US population but only reflect about 7%2 of participants in clinical trials.

John Damonti, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation added, "Science demonstrates that we must diversify clinical trials in order to improve health outcomes and advance health equity. We are pleased to partner with National Medical Fellowships so that this effort will benefit from their decades of experience and unmatched expertise. Together, we will tap the often overlooked but powerful resource of racially and ethnically diverse physicians or other physicians who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials, working in academic medical centers, community-based practices and Federally Qualified Health Centers. These physicians are established in their communities, and no one is in a better position to build trusting relationships with patients than they are."

"Diversity has a role to play in the entire lifecycle of therapeutic development, from the trial design and community engagement, to therapeutic efficacy and adoption," said Sandra Nichols, M.D., Chairperson, National Medical Fellowships Board of Directors. "National Medical Fellowships has a vision to promote equity of access to quality healthcare for all groups in American society. Advancing diversity in clinical trials is a critically important component of this effort, and our partnership with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is consistent with our mission."

About the program

The goal of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program is to increase diversity of patients enrolled in clinical trials, and ultimately enhance the development of therapeutics for all populations. The program will collaborate with communities to facilitate an approach to clinical and translational research that is community-informed, designed and conducted. It will provide the sponsorship, support and tools that emerging investigators need to conduct clinical trials that will yield the development of new treatments that are effective in all populations.