Role of cardioprotective therapy for prevention of cardiotoxicity with chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCardiotoxicity is a well-recognised complication of chemotherapy with anthracycline and/or trastuzumab, and its prevention remains an important challenge in cancer survivorship. Several successful preventative strategies have been identified in animal trials. We sought to assemble the clinical evidence that prophylactic pharmacological interventions could prevent left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure in patients undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsWe undertook a systemic review of the evidence from randomised trials and observational studies where a prophylactic intervention was compared with a control arm in patients with a normal ejection fraction and no past history of heart failure. The primary outcome was development of heart failure (HF), a drop in ejection fraction (EF) or both. A random-effects model was used to combine relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and a meta-regression was undertaken to assess the impact of potential covariates.FindingsData were collated from 14 published articles (n = 2015 paediatric and adult patients) comprising 12 randomised controlled trials and two observational studies. The most studied chemotherapeutic agents were anthracyclines, and prophylactic agents included dexrazoxane, statins, beta-blocker and angiotensin antagonists. There were 304 cardiac events in the control arm compared to 83 in the prophylaxis arm (RR = 0.31 [95% CI: 0.25–0.39], p < 0.00001). Cardiac events were reduced with dexrazoxane (RR = 0.35 [95% CI 0.27–0.45], p < 0.00001), beta-blockade (RR = 0.31 [95% CI 0.16–0.63], p = 0.001), statin (RR = 0.31 [95% CI 0.13–0.77], p = 0.01) and angiotensin antagonists (RR = 0.11 [95% CI 0.04–0.29], p < 0.0001).InterpretationProphylactic treatment with dexrazoxane, beta-blocker, statin or angiotensin antagonists appear to have similar efficacy for reducing cardiotoxicity.     

Incidence and risk of cardiotoxicity in cancer patients treated with targeted therapies

BackgroundCardiotoxicity is a serious side effect of molecularly targeted agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and Relative Risk (RR) of developing all-grade and high-grade cardiotoxicity in patients with solid tumors receiving targeted agents through a revised meta-analysis of available clinical trials.MethodsThe scientific literature regarding cardiotoxicity was extensively analyzed using MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Eligible studies were selected according to PRISMA statement. Summary incidence, RR, and 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of selected studies.ResultsOur search yielded a total of 4998 clinical studies; of them, 31 trials were finally considered for this meta-analysis. A total of 28,538 patients were included; 7995 of these patients had breast cancer (28%), 6151 (22%) prostate cancer and 14,392 (50%) were treated for other malignancies. The highest RR of high-grade events was observed with Vandetanib (RR = 7.71, 95% CI 1.04–56.99), followed by Ramucirumab (RR = 5.0) and Aflibercept (RR = 4.1). Grouping by drug category, the highest incidence of high-grade cardiotoxicity was shown by anti-VEGFR-TKIs (RR 5.62, 95% CI 1.49–21.24) and anti-VEGF mAbs/VEGF-trap (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.24–2.69). Grouping by tumor type, the highest incidence of cardiotoxicity was observed in thyroid cancer (8%), followed by gastric cancer (4%).ConclusionsTreatment with targeted agents in cancer patients is correlated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiotoxicity. Frequent clinical monitoring should be emphasized when using these and newer biological agents.     

Prior long response to androgen deprivation predicts response to next-generation androgen receptor axis targeted drugs in castration resistant prostate cancer

BackgroundThere is an urgent need for qualified predictive biomarkers of sensitivity for the treatments used in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We attempted to identify ready-to-use clinical predictors of improved outcome in metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) patients treated with next generation androgen receptor (AR) axis targeted drugs.Patients and methodsWe reviewed a cohort of patients who received AR axis targeted drugs for CRPC at two major French cancer centres. The predictive role of several clinical, biological and radiological parameters on progression-free survival (PFS) was studied.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 173 patients. Median duration of response to initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (time to castration resistance, TTCRPC) was 17.8 months. The 50% prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate to AR axis targeted drugs was 16% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6–27) and 41% (95% CI: 30–47) in patients with TTCRPC of under and over 12 months respectively (p = 0.005). Median PFS was 2.8 months (95% CI: 2.1–3.9) and 5.8 (95% CI: 4.6–7.8; HR: 0.58, p = 0.002). In patients treated with post-docetaxel enzalutamide (n = 57), median PFS was 2.8 months and 8.6 months, (Hazard ratio (HR) = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.6–5.8, p = 0.0016) according to TTCRPC, whereas no difference was observed in placebo-treated patients (n = 27). The 50% PSA response rate to enzalutamide was 8% (95% CI: 0–38) and 58% (95% CI: 42–73) in patients with a TTCRPC of under and over 12 months respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe previous duration of response to ADT is a predictor of sensitivity to next generation AR axis targeted drugs in patients with mCRPC.     

Quantification of angiogenesis by the Chalkley method and its prognostic significance in epithelial ovarian cancer

AimThe aim of the present study was to clarify prognostic role of angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer.MethodsQuantification of angiogenesis was performed by the Chalkley method after immunostaining of 175 epithelial ovarian cancer specimens with an antibody against CD34.ResultsThe Chalkley count was categorised into two groups according to the median value: low <8 or high ⩾8. The low Chalkley count correlated significantly with serous and clear cell histological subtype of the tumour (p < 0.0005), whereas there existed no association with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage, histological grade, presence of primary residual tumour, age at diagnosis, or chemotherapy response. In univariate analysis, the high Chalkley count predicted poor overall survival in the subgroup of patients with FIGO stages III–IV tumours (p = 0.007) but not in the entire study cohort. However, in multivariate analysis, the Chalkley count was found to be an independent predictor of death from ovarian cancer in the entire study cohort (p = 0.044, RR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.01–2.21) as well as in the subgroup of FIGO stages III–IV tumours (p = 0.046, RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.01–2.46) together with the presence of primary residual tumour (p < 0.0005, RR = 5.10, 95% CI 3.02–8.62, and p = 0.002, RR = 4.28, 95% CI 1.34–13.73, respectively).ConclusionsThe Chalkley count seems to be suitable for evaluation of angiogenesis and to have prognostic significance in ovarian cancer.     

An indirect comparison of the toxicity of sunitinib and pazopanib in metastatic clear cell renal cancer

BackgroundBoth sunitinib and pazopanib are widely used as first line therapy in metastatic renal cancer (mRCC). The efficacy of these agents appears similar but they may have distinct toxicity profiles. In this study we compare the severity of symptomatic and asymptomatic toxicity associated with sunitinib and pazopanib.MethodsTwo sequential prospective single arm phase II studies investigated either 12 weeks of sunitinib (n = 43) or pazopanib (n = 34) prior to nephrectomy in untreated mRCC. Toxicity was defined as either symptomatic (hand and foot syndrome, mucositis, nausea, fatigue, diarrhoea, oedema, headache, pain, anorexia and change in taste) or asymptomatic (liver toxicity or haematological toxicity). Pazopanib (800 mg once daily (OD)) and sunitinib (50 mg 4/2) were given. Regular Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) toxicity assessment was performed during the first 12 weeks of therapy.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the overall number of toxic events (grade 1–4) for sunitinib and pazopanib (mean number of toxic events/patients: 1.97 versus 1.96: p > 0.05). Increased grade 2–4 symptomatic toxicity events occurred with sunitinib (hazard ratio (HR) 1.67 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–2.56] p < 0.03). Sunitinib was associated with an increased grade 2–4 mucositis (16% versus 0% p = 0.02) and fatigue (42% versus 15% p = 0.01). Pazopanib was associated with more frequent grade 1 diarrhoea (39% versus 12%: p = 0.03). Dose reductions for symptomatic toxicity occurred more frequently with sunitinib (26% versus 6% p < 0.05). There was no difference in the occurrence of asymptomatic toxicity.ConclusionThis indirect analysis suggests sunitinib and pazopanib have distinct toxicity profiles which may help guide patient’s choice. Further comparative data from randomised trials are awaited.     

High subcutaneous adipose tissue predicts the prognosis in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients in post chemotherapy setting

BackgroundCancer studies have shown that body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and adipose tissue indexes are linked to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). New treatments (abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide cabazitaxel, radium-223, sipuleucel-T) have improved patient outcomes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Our objective was to analyse whether body composition parameters exert a prognostic role in mCRPC patients treated with next generation of androgen receptor (AR) axis inhibitors (abiraterone and enzalutamide).MethodsAll mCRPC patients from our institution who were enrolled in two prospective trials, assessing the efficacy of abiraterone acetate and the efficacy of enzalutamide, were selected. SMM, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) indexes were assessed with computed tomography imaging by measuring cross-sectional areas of the tissues.ResultsIn the 120 patients with available data, median OS and PFS were respectively: 16 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12–19) and 4 months (95% [CI] = 3–6). OS was associated with the SAT index: median survival was 15 months (95% [CI] 9–18) for patients with a SAT index < median value and 18 months (95% [CI] 13–30) for patients with a SAT index above (P = 0.008). In multivariate analyses, only the occurrence of visceral metastasis (P = 0.004), pain (P = 0.015) and SAT index (P = 0.036) were statistically significant predictors of OS. From baseline to 3 months, the SMM index loss was 2.49 ± 0.44 cm²/m² (P < 0.001) corresponding to nearly 3.4 kg of muscle loss.ConclusionsHigh volume of SAT is independently associated with overall survival in mCRPC patients treated with next generation AR axis inhibitors.     

First-line anthracycline-based chemotherapy for angiosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcoma subtypes: Pooled analysis of eleven European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group trials

BackgroundAngiosarcoma is a rare subtype of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Doxorubicin is the standard first-line chemotherapy for advanced STS. It is not known whether angiosarcoma response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy is different to other STS subtypes.MethodsPooled data were analysed from 11 prospective randomised and non-randomised European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) clinical trials of first-line anthracycline-based chemotherapy for advanced STS. Baseline patient characteristics, chemotherapy response, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of angiosarcoma patients were compared with other STS patients. Analysis was performed to identify factors prognostic for angiosarcoma response to chemotherapy, PFS and OS.ResultsWith a median follow-up of 4.2 years, data from 108 locally advanced and metastatic angiosarcoma patients and 2557 patients with other STS histologies were analysed. 25% of angiosarcoma patients had a complete or partial response to chemotherapy compared to 21% for other STS histotypes. The median PFS was 4.9 months and OS 9.9 months, which were not significantly different from other STS histotypes. In univariate analysis, bone metastases were an adverse prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.67; p = 0.036). Tumour grade was as an adverse prognostic factor for PFS (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.01–2.92; p = 0.044) and OS (HR 2.03; 95% CI 1.16–3.56; p = 0.011). Compared to single agent anthracyclines, doxorubicin + ifosfamide was associated with improved PFS (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.86; p = 0.010) and OS (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32–0.90; p = 0.018).ConclusionsAngiosarcoma response and survival following first-line anthracycline-based chemotherapy was similar to other STS histotypes. Our analysis provides a useful measure of angiosarcoma response to chemotherapy for comparison with future clinical trials.     

Randomised,double-blind trial of carboplatin and paclitaxel with daily oral cediranib or placebo in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: NCIC Clinical Trials Group study BR29

IntroductionThis randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the addition of cediranib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1–3, to standard carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.MethodsEligible patients received paclitaxel (200 mg/m²) and carboplatin (area under the concentration time curve 6) intravenously every 3 weeks. Daily oral cediranib/placebo 20 mg was commenced day 1 of cycle 1 and continued as monotherapy after completion of 4–6 cycles of chemotherapy. The primary end-point of the study was overall survival (OS). The trial would continue to full accrual if an interim analysis (IA) for progression-free survival (PFS), performed after 170 events of progression or death in the first 260 randomised patients, revealed a hazard ratio (HR) for PFS of ⩽0.70.ResultsThe trial was halted for futility at the IA (HR for PFS 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–1.20, p = 0.45). A final analysis was performed on all 306 enrolled patients. The addition of cediranib increased response rate ([RR] 52% versus 34%, p = 0.001) but did not significantly improve PFS (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71–1.18, p = 0.49) or OS (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69–1.30, p = 0.72). Cediranib patients had more grade 3 hypertension, diarrhoea and anorexia.ConclusionsThe addition of cediranib 20 mg daily to carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy increased RR and toxicity, but not survival.     

Local recurrence following breast-conserving treatment in women aged 40 years or younger: Trends in risk and the impact on prognosis in a population-based cohort of 1143 patients

AimTo evaluate trends in the risk of local recurrences after breast-conserving treatment (BCT) and to examine the impact of local recurrence (LR) on distant relapse-free survival in a large, population-based cohort of women aged ?40 years with early-stage breast cancer.MethodsAll women (n = 1143) aged ?40 years with early-stage (pT1-2/cT1-2, N0-2, M0) breast cancer who underwent BCT in the south of the Netherlands between 1988 and 2010 were included. BCT consisted of local excision of the tumour followed by irradiation of the breast.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 8.5 (0.1–24.6) years, 176 patients had developed an isolated LR. The 5-year LR-rate for the subgroups treated in the periods 1988–1998, 1999–2005 and 2006–2010 were 9.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.1–12.5), 5.9% (95% CI 3.2–8.6) and 3.3% (95% CI 0.6–6.0), respectively (p = 0.006). In a multivariate analysis, adjuvant systemic treatment was associated with a reduced risk of LR of almost 60% (hazard ratio (HR) 0.42; 95% CI 0.28–0.60; p < 0.0001). Patients who experienced an early isolated LR (?5 years after BCT) had a worse distant relapse-free survival compared to patients without an early LR (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.27–2.64; p = 0.001). Late local recurrences did not negatively affect distant relapse-free survival (HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.74–2.08; p = 0.407).ConclusionLocal control after BCT improved significantly over time and appeared to be closely related to the increased use and effectiveness of systemic therapy. These recent results underline the safety of BCT for young women with early-stage breast cancer.     

Old age as risk indicator for poor end-of-life care quality – A population-based study of cancer deaths from the Swedish Register of Palliative Care

BackgroundIf patient age affects the quality of end-of-life care in cancer is unknown. Using data from a population-based register of palliative care in Sweden, we addressed this question.MethodsThis nation-wide study focused on the last week of life of adults dying from cancer in 2011–2012, based on data reported to a national quality register for end-of-life care (N = 26,976). We specifically investigated if age-dependent differences were present with respect to thirteen indicators of palliative care quality. Patients were categorised in one out of five pre-defined age groups. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for type of end-of-life care unit, were calculated using logistic regression, with the oldest group as reference.FindingsAge-dependent differences in implementation rate were detected for ten out of thirteen end-of-life care quality indicators, most of which were progressively less well met with each increment in age group. Compared to elderly cancer patients, young patients were more often informed about imminent death, (OR, 3.9; 95% CI 2.5–5.9, p < 0.001), were more often systematically assessed for the presence and severity of pain (OR, 1.6; 95% CI 1.2–2.1, p < 0.001) or other symptoms (OR, 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–1.9, p = 0.044), were more likely to be assessed by palliative care consultation services (OR, 4.3; 95% CI 3.3–5.7, p < 0.001) and to have injections prescribed as needed against pain (OR, 3.4; 95% CI 1.3–9.4, p = 0.016), anxiety (OR, 3.8; 95% CI 2.0–7.1, p < 0.001) or nausea (OR, 3.6; 95% CI 2.3–5.7, p < 0.001). The families of young patients were more likely to be informed about imminent death (OR, 2.6; 95% CI 1.5–4.3, p = 0.001) and to be offered bereavement support (OR, 4.6; 95% CI 2.7–7.8, p < 0.001).InterpretationOld age is a risk indicator for poor end-of-life care quality among cancer patients in Sweden.FundingThe executive committee of the National Quality Registries in Sweden.     

Ca/Mg infusions for the prevention of oxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity in patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

BackgroundOxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity is the main limitation for its continuation in adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of calcium and magnesium (Ca/Mg) infusions in oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity.MethodsTwo independent authors conducted database searches of the literature to find clinical-controlled trials analyzing Ca/Mg infusions in oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. The keywords used to search were oxaliplatin, neurotoxicity, calcium, magnesium, neuropathy, and peripheral. Clinical studies that included at least one primary or secondary event were eligible for the analysis, where primary events were incidences of acute and cumulative neurotoxicity, and secondary events were the total doses and cycles of oxaliplatin, response rate (RR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (MD) were analyzed using models of fixed and random effects.ResultsThis meta-analysis comprised four prospective randomized clinical trials and three retrospective clinical trials involving 1170 colorectal cancer patients, of which 802 received Ca/Mg infusions (Ca/Mg group) and 368 did not (control group). According to the National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, the incidence of grade 3 acute neurotoxicity in those who received Ca/Mg was significantly lower than that of the control group (OR = 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11 to 0.62; P = 0.0002). The total rate of cumulative neurotoxicity, and that of grade 3 in particular, was significantly lower in the Ca/Mg group than in the control group (OR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.26–0.65; P = 0.0001; OR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.39–0.92; P = 0.02, respectively). The differences in total doses and cycles of oxaliplatin were also significant between the Ca/Mg and control group (MD = 246.73 mg/m²; 95% CI 3.01–490.45; P = 0.05; MD = 1.55; 95% CI 0.46–2.63; P = 0.005, respectively). No significant differences were found in median PFS (MD = 0.71 month; 95% CI -0.59–2.01; P = 0.29), median OS (MD = 0.10 month; 95% CI -0.41–0.61; P = 0.70) or RRs (OR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.61–1.10; P = 0.18).ConclusionCa/Mg infusions tend to decrease the incidence of oxaliplatin-induced acute and cumulative neurotoxicity and thus enhance patients' tolerance to oxaliplatin, without significantly altering the efficacy of chemotherapy.     

A nomogram associated with high probability of malignant nodes in the surgical specimen after trimodality therapy of patients with oesophageal cancer

BackgroundThe presence of malignant lymph nodes (+ypNodes) in the surgical specimen after preoperative chemoradiation (trimodality) in patients with oesophageal cancer (EC) portends a poor prognosis for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Currently, none of the clinical variables highly correlates with +ypNodes. We hypothesised that a combination of clinical variables could generate a model that associates with high likelihood of +ypNodes after trimodality in EC patients.MethodsWe report on 293 consecutive EC patients who received trimodality therapy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis that included pretreatment and post-chemoradiation variables identified independent variables that were used to construct a nomogram for +ypNodes after trimodality in EC patients.ResultsOf 293 patients, 91 (31.1%) had +ypNodes. OS (p = 0.0002) and DFS (p < 0.0001) were shorter in patients with +ypNodes compared to those with –ypNodes. In multivariable analysis, the significant variables for +ypNodes were: baseline T-stage (odds ratio [OR], 7.145; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.381–36.969; p = 0.019), baseline N-stage (OR, 2.246; 95% CI, 1.024–4.926; p = 0.044), tumour length (OR, 1.178; 95% CI, 1.024–1.357; p = 0.022), induction chemotherapy (OR, 0.471; 95% CI, 0.242–0.915; p = 0.026), nodal uptake on post-chemoradiation positron emission tomography (OR, 2.923; 95% CI, 1.007–8.485; p = 0.049) and enlarged node(s) on post-chemoradiation computerised tomography (OR, 3.465; 95% CI, 1.549–7.753; p = 0.002). The nomogram after internal validation using the bootstrap method (200 runs) yielded a high concordance index of 0.756.ConclusionOur nomogram highly correlates with the presence of +ypNodes after chemoradiation, however, considerably more refinement is needed before it can be implemented in the clinic.     

Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe role of platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients is highly controversial and it is not endorsed by current guidelines. Our meta-analysis aimed to better elucidate its activity, efficacy and safety.Material and methodsA systematic search of Medline, Web of Science and conferences proceedings up to 30 October 2017 was carried out to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating platinum-based versus platinum-free neoadjuvant chemotherapy in TNBC patients. Using the fixed and random effects models, pooled odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for pathological complete response (pCR, defined as ypT0/is pN0), event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and grade 3 and 4 adverse events (AEs: neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia and neuropathy).ResultsNine RCTs (N = 2109) were included. Overall, platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly increased pCR rate from 37.0% to 52.1% (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.46–2.62, P < 0.001). Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy remained significantly associated with increased pCR rate also after restricting the analysis to the three RCTs (N = 611) that used the same standard regimen in both groups of weekly paclitaxel (with or without carboplatin) followed by anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.37–4.66, P = 0.003). Conversely, among the 96 BRCA-mutated patients included in two RCTs, the addition of carboplatin was not associated with significantly increased pCR rate (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.51–2.67, P = 0.711). Two RCTs (N = 748) reported survival outcomes: no significant difference in EFS (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.49–1.06, P = 0.094) and OS (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.46–1.63, P = 0.651) was observed.A significant higher risk of grade 3 and 4 hematological AEs, with no increased risk of grade 3 and 4 neuropathy was observed with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.ConclusionIn TNBC patients, platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with significantly increased pCR rates at the cost of worse hematological toxicities. Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be considered an option in TNBC patients.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018080042.     

Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with long-acting octreotide: A phase III multicentre,randomised, double blind placebo-controlled study

BackgroundA previous study reported a significant survival benefit for octreotide compared with no treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This was investigated further in this multicentre study.Patients and methodsTwo hundred and seventy two patients with HCC who were ineligible for curative treatments or had relapsed following potentially curative therapies were randomised to receive long-acting octreotide, 30 mg as an intramuscular injection once every 4 weeks for up to 2 years, or placebo.ResultsAt the time of the final analysis, median overall survival (OS) was 6.53 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8–8.3) for octreotide versus 7.03 months (95% CI, 5.43–8.53) for placebo (p = 0.34). Progression-free survival (p = 0.26) also did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups. No objective responses were achieved in the octreotide group but 33% of patients achieved disease stabilisation for a mean time of 5.5 months (95% CI, 1.1–9.9). The median time until definitive global health score deterioration (according to QLQ-C30) was 2.3 months (95% CI, 1.4–3.7) in the octreotide and 4 months (95% CI, 2.2–5.7) in the placebo group (p = 0.09). There were four objective responses in the placebo group. Octreotide was well tolerated; seven patients reported severe adverse events possibly related to octreotide and there were no cases of haematoma or cholecystitis.ConclusionsIn patients with advanced HCC, octreotide has a favourable safety profile but does not improve OS and could have a negative impact on quality of life.     

Abiraterone acetate in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A retrospective review of the Princess Margaret experience of (I) low dose abiraterone and (II) prior ketoconazole

IntroductionAbiraterone (AA) is a CYP17 inhibitor that prolongs survival in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Data suggest similar pharmacokinetics of 250–500 mg of AA with high-fat meals (‘low-dose’) and 1000 mg in the fasting state (‘full-dose’). Ketoconazole (KT) is a less potent CYP17 inhibitor previously widely used in mCRPC.ObjectiveTo study outcomes of men with mCRPC treated with low-dose AA and/or with prior exposure to KT.Patients and methodsRetrospective chart review of all men treated with AA at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre between November 2009 and March 2013. Outcome measures were prostate-specific antigen response rate (PSA-RR), biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS), treatment duration and overall survival (OS). Associations between AA dose or prior KT and outcomes were assessed using chi-square test for PSA-RR and log-rank test for bPFS, treatment duration and OS.ResultsIn total, 111 men who received AA were evaluable, of which 21 received low-dose AA and 23 received prior KT. There was a non-significant difference in PSA-RR (43% versus 32%, p = 0.37), but no significant differences in median bPFS, median treatment duration and median OS (18.7 versus 16.6 months, p = 0.25) in the full and low-dose cohorts respectively, and for those who received prior KT or not (PSA-RR 48% versus 38%, p = 0.4; median OS 24.2 versus 16.5 months, p = 0.066, respectively).ConclusionsLow-dose AA or prior KT treatment were not associated with poorer outcome in men with mCRPC treated with AA. These observations may have implications for drug sequencing and dose in resource-limited settings.     

Effects of erlotinib first-line maintenance therapy versus placebo on the health-related quality of life of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer

IntroductionMaintenance therapy can delay progression and prolong survival in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). As treatment for mNSCLC is non-curative, its impact on patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important consideration. SATURN (Sequential Tarceva in Unresectable NSCLC) was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study investigating the impact of erlotinib maintenance therapy on HRQoL in patients with locally advanced or recurrent NSCLC.Patients and MethodsEligible patients who had previously completed four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy were randomised 1:1 to receive erlotinib 150 mg/day or placebo until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or death. Patient HRQoL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung questionnaire, in terms of time to symptom progression (TSP), time to deterioration (TTD) in Trial Outcome Index (TOI) and TTD. Exploratory analysis was based on time to analgesia and appearance of key symptoms (pain, cough and dyspnoea).ResultsCompared with placebo, erlotinib maintenance therapy prolonged progression-free and overall survival by 41% and 23%, respectively. At baseline, HRQoL measures were comparable between the two treatment groups. Maintenance therapy with erlotinib did not impact on deterioration in HRQoL: TSP (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74–1.12]; n = 785), TTD in TOI (HR = 1.06 [95% CI 0.87–1.31]; n = 781) and TTD in HRQoL (HR = 0.96 [95% CI 0.79–1.16]; n = 776). Time to pain and time to analgesic use were significantly delayed in patients receiving erlotinib compared with placebo (HR = 0.61 [95% CI 0.42–0.88]; p = 0.0080 and HR = 0.66 [95% CI 0.46–0.94]; p = 0.0199, respectively). A non-significant trend towards delayed time to cough and time to dyspnoea (HR = 0.77 [95% CI 0.49–1.21] and HR = 0.75 [95% CI 0.48–1.17], respectively) was also observed.ConclusionsErlotinib maintenance therapy significantly extends progression-free survival without compromising patient HRQoL in comparison with placebo, with some improvement in symptoms.     

Physical activity in relation to risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers among men, yet little is known about its modifiable risk and protective factors. This study aims to quantitatively summarize observational studies relating physical activity (PA) to PCa incidence and mortality.Materials and methodsPublished articles pertaining to PA and PCa incidence and mortality were retrieved in July 2017 using the Medline and EMBASE databases. The literature review yielded 48 cohort studies and 24 case–control studies with a total of 151 748 PCa cases. The mean age of the study participants at baseline was 61 years.ResultsIn random-effects models, comparing the highest versus the lowest level of overall PA showed a summary relative risk (RR) estimate for total PCa incidence close to the null [RR = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.94–1.04]. The corresponding RRs for advanced and non-advanced PCa were 0.92 (95% CI = 0.80–1.06) and 0.95 (95% CI = 0.85–1.07), respectively. We noted a statistically significant inverse association between long-term occupational activity and total PCa (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71–0.98, n studies = 13), although that finding became statistically non-significant when individual studies were removed from the analysis. When evaluated by cancer subtype, an inverse association with long-term occupational activity was noted for non-advanced/non-aggressive PCa (RR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.37–0.71, n studies = 2) and regular recreational activity was inversely related to advanced/aggressive PCa (RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60–0.95, n studies = 2), although these observations are based on a low number of studies. Moreover, PA after diagnosis was related to reduced risk of PCa mortality among survivors of PCa (summary RR based on four studies = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55–0.85).ConclusionsWhether PA protects against PCa remains elusive. Further investigation taking into account the complex clinical and pathologic nature of PCa is needed to clarify the PA and PCa incidence relation. Moreover, future studies are needed to confirm whether PA after diagnosis reduces risk of PCa mortality.     

Impact of TP53 mutation status on systemic treatment outcome in ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer

BackgroundWe analyzed whether co-occurring mutations influence the outcome of systemic therapy in ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Patients and methodsALK-rearranged stage IIIB/IV NSCLC patients were analyzed with next-generation sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses on a centralized diagnostic platform. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined in the total cohort and in treatment-related sub-cohorts. Cox regression analyses were carried out to exclude confounders.ResultsAmong 216 patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC, the frequency of pathogenic TP53 mutations was 23.8%, while other co-occurring mutations were rare events. In ALK/TP53 co-mutated patients, median PFS and OS were significantly lower compared with TP53 wildtype patients [PFS 3.9 months (95% CI: 2.4–5.6) versus 10.3 months (95% CI: 8.6–12.0), P < 0.001; OS 15.0 months (95% CI: 5.0–24.9) versus 50.0 months (95% CI: 22.9–77.1), P = 0.002]. This difference was confirmed in all treatment-related subgroups including chemotherapy only [PFS first-line chemotherapy 2.6 months (95% CI: 1.3–4.1) versus 6.2 months (95% CI: 1.8–10.5), P = 0.021; OS 2.0 months (95% CI: 0.0–4.6) versus 9.0 months (95% CI: 6.1–11.9), P = 0.035], crizotinib plus chemotherapy [PFS crizotinib 5.0 months (95% CI: 2.9–7.2) versus 14.0 months (95% CI: 8.0–20.1), P < 0.001; OS 17.0 months (95% CI: 6.7–27.3) versus not reached, P = 0.049] and crizotinib followed by next-generation ALK-inhibitor [PFS next-generation inhibitor 5.4 months (95% CI: 0.1–10.7) versus 9.9 months (95% CI: 6.4–13.5), P = 0.039; OS 7.0 months versus 50.0 months (95% CI: not reached), P = 0.001).ConclusionsIn ALK-rearranged NSCLC co-occurring TP53 mutations predict an unfavorable outcome of systemic therapy. Our observations encourage future research to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms and to improve treatment outcome of the ALK/TP53 co-mutated subgroup.     

Statins and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

BackgroundA growing body of evidence has demonstrated the anti-neoplastic activity of statins. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of statin use on survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated in the modern therapy era.Patients and methodsWe conducted a pooled analysis of mRCC patients treated on phase II and III clinical trials. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox regression and the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsWe identified 4736 patients treated with sunitinib (n = 1059), sorafenib (n = 772), axitinib (n = 896), temsirolimus (n = 457), temsirolimus + interferon (IFN)-α (n = 208), bevacizumab + temsirolimus (n = 393), bevacizumab + IFN-α (n = 391) or IFN-α (n = 560), of whom 511 were statin users. Overall, statin users demonstrated an improved overall survival (OS) compared to non-users (25.6 versus 18.9 months, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.801, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.659–0.972, p = 0.025). When stratified by therapy type, a benefit in OS was demonstrated in statin users compared to non-users in individuals receiving therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (28.4 versus 22.2 months, aHR 0.749, 95% CI 0.584–0.961, p = 0.023) or mammalian target of rapamycin (18.6 versus 14.0 months, aHR 0.657, 95% CI 0.445–0.972, p = 0.035) but not in those receiving IFN-α (15.6 versus 14.8 months, aHR 1.292, 95% CI 0.703–2.275, p = 0.410). Adverse events were similar between users and non-users.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that statin use may be associated with improved survival in patients with mRCC treated in the targeted therapy era. Statins could represent an adjunct therapy for patients with mRCC; however, this is hypothesis generating and requires prospective evaluation.