Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): point mutations matter in management, a review

Introduction

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the intestinal track and are thought to originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). There are approximately 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year and an ever-growing prevalence (1). While GISTs can arise anywhere from esophagus to rectum, the majority originate in the stomach (1,2). Previously, GISTs were very difficult to treat as they are refractory to traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy (3). In the past 10 years, the rapid evolution of this field has led to the continued need to collaborate between academic and private practitioners to optimize individualized therapy.

Management of GIST patients is divided into resectable disease that may need neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy and metastatic disease that requires palliative tyrosine kinase inhibition. Our understanding of which therapies are most efficacious with each mutation has also established GIST as a model for targeted therapies in solid tumors. Clear guidelines have been developed regarding staging, prognosis and treatment (4). In addition, detailed provides correlations between current point mutations and response are available (https://www.mycancergenome.org/content/disease/gist/correlates). A deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and driving role of the proto-oncogenes KIT and PDGRFα has transformed the treatment of both localized and metastatic disease. Herein we will review how therapeutic tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) management is affected by mutational status.

Diagnosis and standard management

The diagnosis of GIST is based on a combination of imaging findings and pathology (4). Asymptomatic lesions are usually identified by upper endoscopy or as an incidental finding on other imaging modalities (5). Symptomatic GISTs are either found on imaging workup for the presenting symptom or found because of an emergent surgery in extreme cases (6). Obtaining tissue by biopsy or surgery then results in a definitive diagnosis. Historically, GISTs were considered to be of smooth muscle origin and were originally named gastric leiomyosarcomas. However, in the 1980’s electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used by Mazur and colleagues to demonstrate that these tumors differ from leiomyosarcomas, and as such they proposed the term GISTs (7). In the 1990’s researchers identified similarities between GISTs and ICCs, a population of cells in the gut. These cells were found to express cKIT/CD117 (8). Shortly thereafter, Hirota and colleagues discovered that GISTs express CD117 as well (2). Today, it is hypothesized that ICCs are the cell of origin for GIST and it is clear that 95% of GISTs express cKIT/CD117 by immunohistochemistry forming the basis for diagnosis of this tumor. Later in the 1990’s DOG-1 was identified as another immunohistochemical marker of GIST as it is expressed in approximately 98% of GIST (9). The combination of cKIT/CD117 and DOG-1 staining is virtually diagnostic of this tumor.

The first report of gain-of-function mutations in cKIT/CD117 in GIST paved the way for the molecular characterization of these tumors. Today, we know that 75–80% of GISTs will harbor a mutation in cKIT. It was subsequently discovered that 10% of GISTs would have a mutation in PDGFRα, leaving 10–15% of GISTs that lack a mutation in either of these genes. This group has historically been termed wild-type (WT) GIST, but this grouping is likely too broad and non-specific, as it encompasses a diverse molecular population (10). The molecular subtype of GIST (mutational characterization) is important for prognosis and treatment planning (11,12). Below we detail the clinical significance of known molecular alterations, supporting the need for sequencing all GISTs for mutations in KIT and PDGFRα at the time of diagnosis.

Adjuvant therapy data for imatinib

A role for adjuvant imatinib was first demonstrated in the ACOSOG Z9001 trial in which patients with a completely excised GIST measuring at least 3 centimeters were randomized to 1 year of imatinib versus placebo (13). While relapse free survival was improved at one year in the imatinib arm (98% vs. 83%: HR =0.35), the rate of recurrence increased in the imatinib arm approximately 6 months after completion of adjuvant therapy. Given these findings, a longer duration of therapy was examined. The Swedish study, SSG XVIII, compared 1 vs. 3 years of adjuvant imatinib in high risk cKIT positive GISTs. In this study, high-risk patients as defined as those with tumors greater than 10 cm in size, mitotic count greater than 10 mitoses/50 high power fields, 5 cm in size with a mitotic count of greater than 5 mitoses/50 high power fields, or tumor rupture at time of surgery were enrolled. In this high risk group, those patients on 3 years of adjuvant imatinib demonstrated improved relapse free survival at 5 years (65.6% vs. 47.9%), as well as an improved overall survival at 5 years (92% vs. 81.7%) (14,15). These findings have solidified the use of 3 years of adjuvant imatinib as a current standard of care for high risk resected GISTs.

TKI pathway in the metastatic setting

A TKI treatment paradigm was initially developed and has been used irrespective of point mutational status. This pathway is now evolving with current mutational understating. Imatinib given at 400 mg per day was granted accelerated FDA approval for advanced or metastatic GIST in 2002 (16). Dose escalation from 400 mg daily to 800mg (400 mg twice a day) at the time of progression has been shown to be effective at achieving prolonged disease stability (17,18). Sunitinib on 6 week cycles of 4 weeks of 50mg daily followed by 2 weeks off was subsequently approved in 2006 for imatinib-refractory patients (19). Finally, regorafenib was approved in 2013 on the basis of improved progression free survival compared to placebo in patients refractory to or intolerant of sunitinib. The approved dose for regorafenib is 160 mg daily on a 3 weeks on 1 week off schedule (20).

cKIT mutations

Over 95% of GISTs express cKIT, a cell surface transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. It has been nearly twenty years since Hirota’s group first identified gain of function mutations in KIT as a driver in the oncogenesis of GISTs (2). The most common mutations arise in the juxtamembrane domain encoded by exon 11, followed by mutations in the extracellular domain often due to duplications in exon 9, mutations in exons 13 and 14 which affect the ATP-binding pocket, and mutations in exon 17 which are located in the true kinase domain (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Cartoon representing the distribution of point mutations in cKIT and PDGFRa by exon. While most mutations occur in exon 11 of cKIT (70%), others commonly occur in cKIT at exons 9, 13, 14 and 17 and in PDGFRa at exons 12 and 18.

Exon 11

KIT mutations in exon 11 are the most common mutation in GISTs and are identified in approximately 70% of cases. As a group, exon 11 mutations portend a high risk of relapse after surgical resection. While the ACOSOG Z9001 trial demonstrated improved relapse free survival (HR =0.35) in patients with resected GIST when treated with a year of adjuvant imatinib compared to placebo (13), subsequent molecular profiling of tumor samples demonstrated significant heterogeneity in the benefit based on the underlying mutation. Fortunately, GIST tumors with exon 11 mutations seem to drive this benefit with a two-year relapse free survival of 91% in the imatinib arm compared to 65% in the placebo arm (P<0.0001) (21). Subsequently, the SSG XVIII trial evaluated the potential benefit of extending adjuvant therapy from 1 to 3 years (14). Exon 11 mutations demonstrate a clear benefit to extended adjuvant therapy (HR =0.31; 95% CI: 0.22–0.56). Based on these results, standard of care is to offer at least three years of adjuvant imatinib to high risk resected GISTs harboring an exon 11 mutation.

In the metastatic setting, exon 11 mutations confer an exquisite sensitivity to imatinib. Based on phase II trial data, partial response rates exceed 80% in patients with exon 11 mutations treated with 400 mg daily of imatinib, a significantly higher response rate than had been seen in any other subgroup of GIST patients (22). In addition, these responses are prolonged with a median event free survival of just under 2 years (687 days) (22). Subsequent phase III trials have failed to show any benefit to initiating higher doses of imatinib in the upfront setting for exon 11 mutations (11). In the second line setting, the benefit of sunitinib is much more modest, providing, on average, a PFS of 5.1 months (23). The benefit of third line regorafenib compared to placebo was likewise modest, but real, in this population (HR =0.212; 95% CI: 0.098–0.458) (20).

Exon 9

Nucleotide duplications in exon 9 represent the second most common mutation in GISTs and account for 10–15% of newly diagnosed cases (22). These mutations are seen much more commonly in GISTs arising from the small intestine and are relatively uncommon in those which arise in the stomach or large intestine. Compared to the more common exon 11 mutations, GISTs with exon 9 mutations tend to have better relapse free survival after curative resection. However, the exon 9 mutated GISTs benefit less from imatinib in both the adjuvant and metastatic setting. Analysis of the ACOSOG Z9001 data failed to demonstrate a statistically significant benefit in relapse free survival with 1 year of adjuvant imatinib compared to placebo (21). While this could be attributed to small sample size, the SSG XVIII trial likewise failed to show a significant benefit of 3 years of adjuvant imatinib over 1 year of treatment in the exon 9 mutated population. Further, there is no data for higher doses of imatinib in the adjuvant setting.

In the metastatic or unresectable setting, one can anticipate intermediate responsiveness to imatinib therapy. In phase II studies, partial responses were seen in 47.8% of patients treated with 400mg of imatinib (22). Two subsequent phase III studies have demonstrated that carriers of the exon 9 mutations have a better response rate to a higher dose of imatinib (800 mg daily compared to 400 mg). The progression free survival (PFS) data, however, are somewhat conflicting. In an EORTC trial, patients with exon 9 mutations had a marked improvement in PFS with a 61% relative risk reduction (P=0.0013) in disease progression, leading the authors to conclude that patients with metastatic GIST harboring an exon 9 mutation should be treated with 800mg of imatinib upfront (12). However, while the North American trial demonstrated a numerical improvement in PFS with 800mg daily (18.0 vs. 9.4 months for 800 vs. 400 mg), this finding was not statistically significant (11). Neither trial demonstrated an overall survival benefit, but crossover from 400 to 800 mg at the time of progression was allowed in each study, potentially confounding this finding.

Despite the somewhat disappointing benefits of front line imatinib, the clinical benefit of second line sunitinib can be quite impressive in the treatment of metastatic GIST with an exon 9 mutation. Heinrich and colleagues reported PFS of 19 months and overall survival over 2 years in this setting (24). Regorafenib as a third line option has demonstrated some improvement in exon 9 mutated GISTs with benefits similar to that seen in exon 11 mutated tumors (20).

Exons 13/14

Primary mutations in exons 13 and 14 of KIT are uncommon and have been identified in approximately 1–2% of newly diagnosed GISTs. Of the 397 KIT positive GISTs in the CALGB 150105 trial, 5 were found to have primary exon 13 mutations and none with exon 14. Clinical benefit to imatinib was demonstrated in 3 of these 5 patients (11).

These mutations do appear more frequently and are of greater clinical significance in the setting of secondary imatinib resistance (23). Mutations in exons 13 and 14 affect the ATP binding site, which is also the binding site for imatinib and other TKIs. Among the most common of these mutations are the V654A mutation in exon 13 and the T670I mutation seen in exon 14 (24). Sunitinib effectively inhibits these mutant kinases (25). which has translated into a clinical benefit, as sunitinib has demonstrated a significantly longer PFS for patients harboring secondary mutations in exons 13 and 14 compared to other secondary mutations, such as those in exon 17 (PFS 7.8 vs. 2.3 months; P=0.0157) (23). There is a paucity of data on the benefits of regorafenib in the low incidence mutations, and the clinical utility is unclear in this patient population.

Exon 17

Primary mutations in exon 17 are rare, accounting for approximately 1% of newly diagnosed GISTs and classically involve codons 816, 820, or 823 (26). These exon 17 mutations arise more commonly in tumors in the small intestine compared to those in the stomach or other sections of the GI tract (27). Treatment of these tumors is guided by small numbers of patients included in clinical trials. For example, 3 of 4 patients with unresectable disease with primary exon 17 mutations demonstrated clinical benefit (3 partial responses, 1 stable disease) to treatment with imatinib (12,22,). However, as secondary mutations, exon 17 mutations are often responsible for acquired imatinib resistance, potentially accounting for as many as 50% of the acquired resistance cases (28). The D816V and N822V substitutions, for example, have been associated with imatinib resistance and also confer resistance to second line sunitinib (23). Ponatinib has demonstrated strong activity against exon 17 mutations in vitro, and early studies suggest some benefit in heavily pre-treated GIST patients (28). There is new potent inhibitor of these resistance mutations, BLU-285, which is in early phases of development and has demonstrated activity in cellular assays. This suggests that a new agent that may work in imatinib driven resistance mutations (29). The development of BLU-285 has the potential to be transformative to the field of GIST therapy.

PDGFRα mutations

Mutations in PDGFRα are much less frequent than KIT mutations, and as a group, are found only in 5–10% of newly diagnosed GISTs. Gain-of-function mutations in PDGFRα, however, drive the same pathways seen in KIT mutant GISTs, namely MAP kinase and PI3K/AKT. Gain-of-function mutations have been identified in exon 18, the tyrosine kinase domain, as well exon 12, the juxtamembrane domain.

Exon 18/ D842V

Among the PDGFRα variants, mutations in exon 18 are the most common. While over a dozen specific mutations in exon 18 have been identified, the D842V substitution is the most frequent and accounts for over 60% of the PDGFRα mutations (30). In vitro studies have demonstrated that the D842V mutation confers resistance to imatinib by blocking its ability to bind to the ATP-binding site. None of the three patients with the D842V mutation in Heinrich’s analysis achieved clinical benefit from palliative imatinib therapy. In spite of limited clinical evidence, it is felt that the D842V mutation also confers resistance to sunitinib and regorafenib (22,23). However, ongoing research has demonstrated areas of promise. Ponatinib has potential activity against D842V (31). Additionally, Crenolanib is an oral TKI, which targets PDGFRAα/β and has demonstrated activity against D842V mutant GIST cell lines (as well as other imatinib resistant PDGFRα mutants) (32). Phase I-II trials have been completed, and crenolanib is moving forward in phase III trials in both Europe and the United States. In addition, BLU-285 also has demonstrated activity in D842V models and is currently in phase I testing (29).

Within non D842V exon 18 mutations, imatinib has shown significant activity in vitro. While too few of these patients have been included in clinical trials to draw a conclusion regarding the benefit of imatinib in vivo, it is felt that treatment with available TKIs is warranted. In the adjuvant setting, there was no clear benefit to three years of imatinib (14). However, this could have been a reflection of small sample size rather than lack of effect. There is limited data for the utility of imatinib in the palliative setting. Within a registry of 823 Korean patients with GISTs, 35 patients were found to have mutations in PDGFRα. Of these, only 4 had non D842V exon 18 mutations. All 4 patients achieved a partial response to first line imatinib and only one patient of these 4 went on to second line therapy with sunitinib. Of note, that patient did at least achieve stable disease (33).

Exon 12

Mutations in exon 12 are rare, but do represent the third most common mutation in PDGFRα. Patients with this mutation seem to have similar benefits to first line imatinib as the non-D842V exon 18 mutations. In a group of 8 patients with exon 12 mutations, 7 of 8 proved to have clinical benefit to imatinib (1 complete response, 3 partial responses, and 3 with stable disease). The benefit of these responses mirrors that seen in KIT exon 11 mutations with a median PFS of approximately 2 years (34). Benefit from any second line palliative treatments, including sunitinib, seems to be limited with progression free survival averaging 2 months (34). There are, however, cases of patients with exon 12 mutations who have achieved prolonged responses to sunitinib (35). There is insufficient data and experience with regorafenib in this population to help guide clinical decision making.

Wild type GIST

GISTs without driver mutations in KIT or PDGFRA traditionally have been grouped together as wild-type GISTs. However, among the KIT/PDGFRA wild-type GISTs, there exist molecularly distinct sub-groups (36). Between 20–40% have been found to be deficient for the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) ubiquinone complex (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD) (36). In addition, a fusion of ETV6-NTRK3 has been identified in a subset of wild-type GIST which may have therapeutic implications (37). Finally, another 15% carry mutations in the RAS-RAF signaling pathway, most commonly BRAF. The remainder then fall into the KIT/PDGFRα/RAS/SDH wild-type or ‘quadruple wild-type’ GISTs (38). Standard of care for wild-type GIST should be sarcoma center referral and clinical trial.

As a group, wild-type GISTs have mixed response rates to first line TKIs, likely reflecting the heterogeneous nature of this category. Reported response rates to palliative imatinib are low (12,22). Further, in the adjuvant setting, it does not appear that imatinib offers any benefit for wild-type GIST and is not routinely offered (21). Sunitinib, however, has shown activity with clinical benefit in 56% of wild-type patients and progression free survival averages of 19 months, mirroring the benefit seen in KIT exon 9 patients (23). In the phase II regorafenib study, 8 wild-type GIST patients were included and had similar PFS to KIT exon 9 or 11 mutations (39).

Performing comprehensive genomic analysis of these tumors may be reasonable to search for molecular targets or opportunities for clinical trial enrollment. For example, there has been at least one report of a clinical response to dabrafenib in a V600E BRAF mutant GIST (40).

Future therapies

As research into the understanding of GIST continues, three areas of current development are of interest: (I) pursuing new targets such as the transcription factor ETV1 through novel MEK inhibitors; (II) immunotherapy combinations with TKIs; and (III) the development of metabolic based therapies.

ETV1 is highly expressed in GISTs, regardless of mutational status. ETV1 seems to have a synergistic relationship with downstream KIT signaling through the MAP kinase pathway. Additionally, ETV1 has been demonstrated to be necessary for GIST cell survival (41). In mouse models, the combination of imatinib and a MEK inhibitor, MEK162, demonstrated near complete clinical responses. Phase Ib studies in imatinib refractory patients have been completed, and a phase II study in treatment naïve patients is ongoing (42).

A role for immune based therapy is in the early stages of investigation. The combination of ipilumumab with dasatinib was tested in 8 GIST patients who had progressed after at least 1 line of therapy. In this study, one patient had a durable response lasting over a year (59+ weeks). Plans for a phase II investigation are underway (42). The combination of ipilumumab and imatinib is also in the early phases of investigation (NCT01738139).

Finally, metabolism is also an area of active investigation for the treatment of wild-type and cKIT/PDGFRα GIST. Given that succinate dehydrogenase deficiency is seen in many wild-type GISTs, and is thought to increase glutamine addiction, glutaminase inhibition using CB-839 is currently being studied in clinical trial NCT02071862. Finally, loss of expression of argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) has been found in 97% of GIST (43). This metabolic deficiency, which is also common in other sarcomas, may allow for a new avenue of therapeutic opportunities as multi-agent therapies based on this deficiency using PEGylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) are currently being pursued.

Conclusions

The management of GISTs has evolved rapidly over the past two decades, driven by an ever-growing understanding of the disease’s molecular diversity. Today in the clinic, discussion of treatment options in both the adjuvant and metastatic settings is influenced by the information obtained by sequencing of the KIT and PDGFRα genes. As we look to the future, clinical trial development will become more molecularly focused, specifically looking for targets in each subset of the GIST population.

Acknowledgements

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: BVT has been an advisor to Novatris.

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