Factors predictive of second-line chemotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma: An analysis of the National Genomic Profiling

Takao Mochizuki1,2, Masachika Ikegami2,3, Toru Akiyama1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan.

Cancer Science
|December 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Genomic mutation profiles, not histology, better predict soft tissue sarcoma (STS) drug response. Comprehensive genomic profiling can guide tailored second-line chemotherapy for improved patient outcomes in STS.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Second-line chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) includes trabectedin, eribulin, and pazopanib, with established efficacy in specific subtypes like liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma.
  • Indications for these agents in STS subtypes beyond liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma remain largely undefined.
  • Real-world data is crucial for understanding prognostic factors and optimizing treatment strategies in diverse STS populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore prognosis, mutation profiles, and drug-response factors in STS using a large, real-world dataset.
  • To identify specific genetic mutations associated with survival outcomes in STS patients.
  • To determine the predictive value of mutation profiles for guiding second-line chemotherapy selection in STS.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized clinicogenomic data from 1761 Japanese patients with sarcoma who underwent FoundationOne CDx testing.
  • Performed non-supervised clustering based on mutation profiles to identify distinct tumor clusters.
  • Analyzed response rates (RR) to trabectedin, eribulin, and pazopanib in relation to specific mutation profiles and gene pathway alterations.

Main Results:

  • TP53 and KDM2D mutations were significantly associated with shorter survival periods.
  • Thirteen distinct tumor clusters were identified based on mutation profiles.
  • Specific mutation profiles correlated with differential response rates to trabectedin (MDM2-amplification), eribulin (MDM2-amplification, TERT-mutation), and pazopanib (PIK3CA/PTEN-wild type).
  • Mutations in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were linked to lower drug response rates.

Conclusions:

  • Mutation profiles are more predictive of drug response in STS than traditional histology.
  • Comprehensive genomic profiling can identify actionable targets and guide personalized second-line chemotherapy selection.
  • Tailored therapy based on genomic insights holds significant potential for improving treatment strategies and outcomes in soft tissue sarcoma.

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