Antonio Cusmai

Background: Older adults aged ≥80 with HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are often underrepresented in clinical trials, leaving clinicians with limited data to guide treatment decisions. Given the increasing prevalence of this age group, real-world evidence is crucial to inform therapeutic strategies. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective study across seven Italian oncology units, focusing on patients aged 80 or above who received CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy between January 2020 and May 2024. Baseline characteristics, treatment details, and adverse events were recorded. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS); toxicity was assessed using CTCAE v5.0. Follow-up was estimated using the reverse Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Eighty patients were included, with a median age of 83. Over half had visceral metastases, and 41.0% were frail (G8 ≤ 14). Approximately 44.0% of patients started treatment at a reduced dose. The median PFS was 13 months (95.0% CI 9.3–18.0), and the median OS was 15 months (95.0% CI 11.8–18.2). Hematologic toxicity was frequent, with neutropenia occurring in 58.8% (25.0% grade ≥ 3) and anemia in 12.5% (2.5% grade ≥ 3). Asthenia was reported in 16.2% (5.0% grade ≥ 3). Diarrhea occurred in 3.8% overall, mainly in patients treated with abemaciclib (42.9% any grade; 14.3% grade ≥ 3). ALT/AST elevations were observed in 8.8% (1.2% grade ≥ 3), and QTc prolongation in 2.5% (1.2% grade ≥ 3, all with ribociclib). Grade ≥ 3 events were uncommon and generally manageable. Conclusions: CDK4/6 inhibitor-based therapy is feasible in patients aged ≥80 years, with outcomes and tolerability comparable to those observed in younger elderly. Our results highlight the importance of individualized treatment strategies in this oldest-old population.

Background: Metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer is commonly treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy. However, the efficacy and safety of this approach in elderly patients (≥70 years) remain unclear, particularly in the context of real-world clinical practice. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and tolerability of CDK4/6 inhibitor treatments in this fragile population, which is often under-represented in randomized clinical trials. Patients and methods: This retrospective multicenter study included elderly patients with metastatic HR+/HER2-negative breast cancer receiving first-line CDK4/6 inhibitors. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints focused on the overall survival (OS), safety, and tolerability, considering variables such as tumor subtype, age, comorbidities, and treatment specifics. Results: The median PFS and OS were slightly lower than those reported in clinical trials, reflecting the inclusion of a more fragile population. The luminal B subtype was linked to a poorer PFS, while other factors like age, BMI, and ECOG status did not significantly affect the outcomes. A safety analysis indicated a higher incidence of grade 3 or higher toxicities, especially in frail patients, leading to dose reductions. Despite these challenges, CDK4/6 inhibitors were generally well-tolerated, allowing most patients to continue therapy. Conclusions: CDK4/6 inhibitors with endocrine therapy are effective in elderly patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer, though careful management is crucial to balance efficacy and minimize adverse events.

Background. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have recently represented a breakthrough in urothelial carcinoma (UC). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are routinely used for extended time periods in UC patients, with these agents having potentially and frequently undervalued effects on ICIs efficacy. Methods. We performed a meta-analysis aimed at investigating the impact of concomitant PPI administration on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among patients receiving immunotherapy for metastatic UC. Results. Two studies encompassing a total of 1015 patients were included. The pooled Hazard Ratios (HRs) for OS and PFS were 1.55 (95% CI, 1.31–1.84) and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.23–1.66), respectively, suggesting that the administration of PPIs was negatively associated with PFS and with OS in UC patients treated with ICIs. Conclusions. The current meta-analysis represents the first study to provide a systematic evaluation of the impact of concomitant PPI use in UC patients treated with ICIs. Further studies are warranted on this topic to clarify the relationship between gut microbiome, antiacid exposure, and cancer immunotherapy. In the current era of medical oncology, progress in this setting will require the collaboration of basic science and clinical research to optimize systemic treatment and to improve the outcomes of UC patients receiving ICIs.

(1) Background: In recent years, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), representing a therapeutic breakthrough in this field. Antacid agents such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are commonly prescribed for extended periods in NSCLC patients, and these drugs have the potential to modify the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). (2) Materials and Methods: Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of PPIs and H2RAs on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among patients receiving immunotherapy for metastatic NSCLC. Effect measures for OS were Hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs), which were extracted from available studies. Forest plots were used to assess HRs to describe the relationship between treatment and OS in the specified cohorts of patients. (3) Results: Six studies were included in the analysis, involving 2267 patients. The pooled HRs for OS and PFS were 1.4 (95% CI, 1.25–1.58) and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.17–1.43), respectively, suggesting that PPIs and H2RAs administration was negatively associated with PFS and OS. (4) Conclusion: Concomitant antacid use could modify the activity of ICIs in NSCLC patients.

Recent years have seen some breakthroughs in the therapeutic landscape of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). Firstly, a better understanding of the molecular background of BTC has led to important improvements in the management of these hepatobiliary malignancies, with the advent of targeted agents representing an unprecedented paradigm shift, as witnessed by the FDA approval of pemigatinib and infigratinib for FGFR2-rearranged and ivosidenib in IDH1-mutant cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, several novel treatments are under assessment, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination chemotherapies. In the current review, we provide an overview of systemic treatment for metastatic BTC, summarizing recent clinical data on chemotherapy as well as the main results of targeted therapies and immunotherapy.