Abstract 5710
Background
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive tumour of the skin associated with high recurrence rates and poor survival. Clinical trials have shown activity of various checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death-(ligand)-1 (PD-(L)1). Avelumab is currently the only PD-L1 inhibitor that has been approved in the Netherlands for advanced/metastatic MCC (mMCC). Here, we report the Dutch real-world efficacy data of avelumab in patients with mMCC.
Methods
All mMCC patients from 4 tertiary referral centres in the Netherlands from December 2016 were analysed. Patients were included in this analysis if they had received avelumab for mMCC, regardless of other previous lines of therapy. Patient data were collected retrospectively and followed up prospectively after initiation of data collection. Primary endpoints were response rate (RR) and duration of response (DOR) , secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity. Toxicity was evaluated according to CTCAE version 5.0.
Results
Forty-six patients received avelumab, of which 37 patients were evaluable for response (9 had not reached response evaluation, 1 died due to comorbidity). In 22 (59.5%) patients avelumab was first-line treatment. Median follow up time was 7.8 (IQR 3.7-10.1) months. RR was 59.5% (n = 22) with 21.6% (n = 8) of patients having a complete radiological response. Median DOR was 6.3 (IQR 3.0-12.5) months and 15 (40.5%) patients had ongoing response at time of data analysis. Median PFS was 12.2 (95% CI 3.3-21.1) months, median OS was not yet reached. In subgroup analysis no differences were found for the presence of visceral metastases at baseline or previous lines of therapy. Five (13.2%) patients experienced grade 3 toxicity, of which 2 (4.3%) patients discontinued avelumab. No grade 4-5 toxicity were seen.
Conclusions
In the Netherlands treatment with avelumab is increasingly used in first- and second-line treatment for mMCC. In this real-world cohort, RR, DOR, PFS and toxicity results were in line with results from clinical trials and show relatively high, durable responses in patients with mMCC, unaffected by the presence of visceral metastases or previous lines of therapy.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
3117 - A modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale for assessing symptoms in one day chemotherapy clinic
Presenter: Anjuleta Kampitsi
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
6058 - Level of physical activity and nutritional status in cancer patients with fatigue: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Presenter: Patrick Jahn
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
1980 - Catheter related necrotizing fascitiis in haematological patients. Case report and implications for nursing
Presenter: Arianna Rosich Soteras
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3984 - Everyday life with Long-term Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy among Patient in Adjuvant Treatment for Colorectal Cancer – a Multi Methods Study
Presenter: Marlene Jensen
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2202 - Scalp cooler is effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia among breast cancer patients : a single institution experience
Presenter: Emilia Gianotti
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5942 - Nursing management of fatigue in cancer patients: mixed methods study
Presenter: Angela Tolotti
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2930 - Awareness of Nursing Students about the Warning Signs of Cancer
Presenter: Hatice Yakar
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2978 - Assessment of quality of life in patients with cancer and diabetes 2 in Northern Greece.
Presenter: STYLIANI MICHALOPOULOU
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3400 - Radiation dose variables related to the causes of skin toxicities in women with breast cancer: a study proposal
Presenter: EULALIA PUJOL
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2156 - How should the symptoms be managed after breast cancer surgery? An example of mobile app
Presenter: AYDANUR AYDIN
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract