Phase II study of sorafenib in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil to treat recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib combined with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Patients and methodsIt was a Simon two-stage designed trial. Chemotherapy-naive patients with recurrent or metastatic disease were enrolled. The regimen was sorafenib 400 mg orally b.i.d., cisplatin 80 mg/m² i.v. day 1, and 5-FU 1000 mg/m²/day CIV for 4 days, repeated every 21 days. After a maximum of six cycles of chemotherapy, patients received maintenance of sorafenib.ResultsIn total, 54 patients were enrolled. The objective response rate reached 77.8%, including 1 complete response and 41 partial responses. The median progression-free survival was 7.2 months (95% CI 6.8–8.4 months), and the median overall survival was 11.8 months (95% CI 10.6–18.7 months). Major toxic effects included hand–foot skin reaction, myelosuppression, and gastrointestinal (GI) reaction. The incidence of hemorrhage was 22.2%, and one patient with liver metastases died of GI bleeding. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was carried out in a subset of patients with liver metastases.ConclusionCombination of sorafenib, cisplatin (80 mg/m²) and 5-FU (3000 mg/m²) was tolerable and feasible in recurrent or metastatic NPC. Further randomized trials to compare sorafenib plus cisplatin and 5-FU with standard dose of cisplatin plus 5-FU in NPC are warranted.     

Multicenter randomized phase II study of cisplatin and fluorouracil plus docetaxel (DCF) compared with cisplatin and fluorouracil plus Adriamycin (ACF) as preoperative chemotherapy for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OGSG1003)

BackgroundThis phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of cisplatin and fluorouracil (CF)-based combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the outcome of patients with resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We compared the recurrence-free survival (RFS) associated with CF plus Adriamycin (ACF) with that associated with CF plus docetaxel (DCF) to select an alternative regimen in a new phase III trial investigating the optimal neoadjuvant treatment of patients with ESCC.Patients and methodsPatients with resectable advanced ESCC were randomly assigned to either ACF (Adriamycin 35 mg/m², cisplatin 70 mg/m² i.v. on day 1, fluorouracil 700 mg/m² continuous infusion for 7 days) every 4 weeks or DCF (docetaxel 70 mg/m², cisplatin 70 mg/m² i.v. on day 1, fluorouracil 700 mg/m² continuous infusion for 5 days) every 3 weeks. Surgery was scheduled after completion of two cycles of chemotherapy. The primary end point was RFS, analyzed by the intention-to-treat.ResultsBetween October 2011 and October 2013, 162 patients at 10 institutions were enrolled in the study, all of whom were eligible and randomly assigned to the two groups (81 to the ACF group and 81 to the DCF group). The R0 resection rates for the ACF and DCF groups were equivalent (95.9% versus 96.2%, P = 0.93). The 2-year RFS and overall survival rates for DCF versus ACF were 64.1% versus 42.9% (hazard ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.33–0.83, P = 0.0057) and 78.6% versus 65.4% (P = 0.08), respectively.ConclusionCompared with ACF, DCF chemotherapy was associated with prolonged RFS for patients with resectable advanced ESCC. Thus, DCF chemotherapy has potential as a standard neoadjuvant therapy for resectable ESCC.Clinical Trial RegistrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry of Japan (identification number UMIN000004555/000004616).     

Preoperative chemoradiation in potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: feasibility,treatment effect evaluation and prognostic factors,analysis of the SFRO-FFCD 9704 trial and literature review

BackgroundWe explored the feasibility and the histologic assessment of treatment effect of preoperative chemoradiation in patients presenting with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.Patients and methodsTreatment consisted of concurrent radiotherapy (50 Gy within 5 weeks) and chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (300 mg/m²/day, 5 days/week, weeks 1–5) and cisplatin (20 mg/m²/day, days 1–5 and 29–33), followed by surgical resection of the pancreatic tumor in patients without progression.ResultsIn all, 41 patients were enrolled; 38 (93%) received ≥47 Gy; 30 patients (73%) received ≥75% of the prescribed doses of chemotherapy. Among 40 assessable patients, 27 (67.5%; 95% confidence interval 50.9% to 81.4%) were successfully treated (entire dose of radiation, ≥75% of the chemotherapy dose, no grade 4 non-hematologic toxicity). In all, 26 patients (63%) underwent surgical resection with curative intent and 21 (80.7%) had R0 resection. A total of 13 of 26 specimens (50%) presented a major pathologic response (≥80% of severely degenerative cancer cells), with one complete pathologic response. Operative mortality was 2.8%. The local recurrence and 2-year survival rates were 4% and 32%, respectively, for the 26 operated patients.ConclusionsThis proposed preoperative scheme is feasible, does not prevent successful surgery, and provides antitumoral effect associated with major histopathological response in 50% of patients and a high R0 resection rate.     

DCF (docetaxel,cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) chemotherapy is a promising treatment for recurrent advanced squamous cell anal carcinoma

BackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare disease, mostly diagnosed at early stage. After concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) with mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil (5FU), local or metastatic recurrences occur in >20% of the patients. After treatment failure, cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy is the standard option, but complete response (CR) is a rare event and the prognosis remains poor.Patients and methodsEight consecutive patients with advanced recurrent SCCA after CRT were treated with DCF regimen (docetaxel 75 mg/m² day 1, CDDP 75 mg/m² day 1 and 5FU at 750 mg/m²/day for 5 days every 3 weeks). Tumour samples were analysed for human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping, as well as p16 and p53 expression.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 41 months, the overall survival rate at 12 months was 62.5% (95% CI 22.9–86.1 months). Four patients achieved a complete remission and remain relapse-free at the time of analysis with a progression-free survival of 19, 33, 43 and 88 months. Three of these patients underwent surgery for all involved metastatic sites. For all of them, pathological CR was confirmed. DCF regimen appeared feasible in these patients previously exposed to pelvic CRT, and no grade IV toxicity occurred. All patients in complete remission had HPV-16-positive SCCA, while HPV could only be detected among 50% of the non-responding patients. Of interest, immunohistochemical study revealed a p16⁺/p53^- phenotype in these patients, while none of non-responders expressed p16.ConclusionThe high level of complete and long-lasting remission among SCCA patients treated with DCF regimen supports the assessment of this strategy in prospective cohorts.     

Medium-term results of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy using irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil,and leucovorin in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy using irinotecan, 5-FU, and leucovorin (LV) for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer, which was a powerful ploychemotherapy in those days in Japan.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2004, 26 patients with T3 or T4 and N0-2 non-metastatic resectable rectal cancer were selectively enrolled in this study. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisted of two cycles of irinotecan (80 mg/m²), 5-FU (500 mg/m²), and LV (250 mg/m²) on days 1, 8, and 15 for 4 weeks. Surgical resection was performed in all the patients 2–4 weeks after the completion of chemotherapy.

Results

Overall down-staging was observed in 15 patients. T level and N level down-staging were observed in 12 and 13 patients, respectively. A pathological complete response was observed in one patients. The median follow-up period was 75 months (range, 8–97 months). Recurrences occurred in 5 patients including pelvic relapses in 3 and distant metastases in 2. The 5-year relapse-free and overall survival rates were 74% and 84%, respectively.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy comprised of a combination of multi-drugs as irinotecan, 5-FU, and LV may be beneficial to the prognoses of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.     

Multicenter phase II trial of preoperative induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation with docetaxel and cisplatin for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma (SAKK 75/02)

BackgroundThis multicenter phase II study investigated the efficacy and feasibility of preoperative induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation and surgery in patients with esophageal carcinoma.Patients and methodsPatients with locally advanced resectable squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus received induction chemotherapy with cisplatin 75 mg/m² and docetaxel (Taxotere) 75 mg/m² on days 1 and 22, followed by radiotherapy of 45 Gy (25 × 1.8 Gy) and concurrent chemotherapy comprising cisplatin 25 mg/m² and docetaxel 20 mg/m² weekly for 5 weeks, followed by surgery.ResultsSixty-six patients were enrolled at eleven centers and 57 underwent surgery. R0 resection was achieved in 52 patients. Fifteen patients showed complete, 16 patients nearly complete and 26 patients poor pathological remission. Median overall survival was 36.5 months and median event-free survival was 22.8 months. Squamous cell carcinoma and good pathologically documented response were associated with longer survival. Eighty-two percent of all included patients completed neoadjuvant therapy and survived for 30 days after surgery. Dysphagia and mucositis grade 3/4 were infrequent (<9%) during chemoradiation. Five patients (9%) died due to surgical complications.ConclusionsThis neoadjuvant, taxane-containing regimen was efficacious and feasible in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer in a multicenter, community-based setting and represents a suitable backbone for further investigation.     

Comparison of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) followed by radiation vs concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

AimsTo compare the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) followed by radiation with that of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).Materials and methodsIn a group of patients receiving induction chemotherapy followed by radiation, 15 patients received two cycles of chemotherapy with docetaxel 60 mg/m², cisplatin 70 mg/m² and 5-day 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 750 mg/m²/day. Radiotherapy was begun 21 days after completing chemotherapy. In the group receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 19 patients received two cycles of chemotherapy with docetaxel 50 mg/m², cisplatin 60 mg/m², and 5-day 5-FU 600 mg/m²/day. Radiation was begun on the first day of chemotherapy. The total radiation dose was between 63 and 74 Gy.ResultsOverall response rate (partial and complete response — both 100%) and complete response rate (87% and 84%) were similar, but, in overall survival, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF was better than induction chemotherapy with TPF followed by radiation. Mucositis and anaemia were more frequent in the group receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, but the group receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF improved overall survival.ConclusionsThis is a small non-randomised comparison. The effectiveness of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF was better than that of induction chemotherapy with TPF followed by radiation.     

Phase II trial of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oxaliplatin,cisplatin, and 5-FU in locally advanced esophageal and gastric cancer

BackgroundBased on a phase I study showing the feasibility of combining of oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (OCF) with radiation therapy (RT) in esophageal cancer, the efficacy of this regimen in esophageal, gastroesophageal (GE), and gastric (G) cancer was assessed in this phase II multicenter study.Patients and methodsPatients with resectable tumors were eligible. Treatment included two cycles of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m², cisplatin 55 mg/m², and continuously infused 5-FU 3 g/m² in 96 h and concurrent RT (45 Gy), followed by surgery after 6–8 weeks. Primary end point was complete pathologic response (pCR).ResultsForty-one patients were enrolled. Tumor location was esophagus 39% (squamous 10/adenocarcinoma 6), GE junction 32%, and stomach 29%. G3–G4 adverse events included asthenia (27%) and neutropenia (14%). One toxic death occurred. Thirty-one patients (75.6%) underwent surgery (R0 in 94%). Pathologic response was achieved in 58% of patients, with pCR in 50% and 16% of esophageal and GE/G cancer, respectively. pCR was achieved in 67% of squamous cell carcinoma. Survival: median follow-up, 50.4 months; median progression-free survival and overall survival were 23.2 and 28.4 months, respectively.ConclusionPreoperative OCF plus RT showed an acceptable toxicity and promising activity especially in squamous cell esophageal cancer.     

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5-FU, and leucovorin (PLF) in locally advanced gastric cancer: a prospective phase II study

Background. Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (cT3, cT4, N+, M0) have a dismal prognosis, despite complete resection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using the PLF (cisplatin/leucovorin [folinic acid]/5-fluorouracil [FU]) regimen in these patients. Primary endpoints of the study were the toxicity and the response to chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints were the rate of complete resection, survival, and first site of failure. Methods. Forty-nine patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach were enrolled. Staging was based on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans, endosonography, and laparoscopy. The intention was to administer two cycles (each containing six courses) of preoperative chemotherapy, consisting of cisplatin 50mg/m², high-dose folinic acid (HD-FA) 500mg/m², and HD 5-FU (HD-5-FU) 2000mg/m² (PLF). Following chemotherapy all patients were referred to surgery. To be evaluable for response, survival, and first site of failure, the patient had to receive at least one cycle of chemotherapy. Results. Toxicity observed was low, with grade 3 toxicity in fewer than 5% of the patients and two events of grade 4 toxicity (diarrhea and pulmonary embolism). Forty-two of the patients (86%) received at least one cycle of chemotherapy. The clinical response rate in these patients was 26% (11/42 patients). In 76% of the patients (32/42), a complete resection was possible. The median duration of follow-up for the surviving patients was 58 months (range, 38 to 80+ months). The median survival time for the 42 patients assessable for response was 25.4 months (range, 6 to 80+ months). After complete resection, median survival time was 32 months (range, 7.6 to 80+ months). The median survival time for clinically responding patients has not yet been determined, but 5-year survival is 90%. Twenty of the 32 completely resected patients (62.5%) had recurrences. First site of failure was peritoneal dissemination in 10 patients; locoregional and distant recurrences were rare. Conclusion. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with PLF in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer has low toxicity and reasonable efficacy, allowing administration on an outpatient basis. Clinically responding patients have an excellent outcome after complete resection. The development of peritoneal dissemination even after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and complete resection remains an unsolved problem in patients with nonintestinal type tumors.     

Weekly docetaxel,cisplatin, and irinotecan (TPC): results of a multicenter phase II trial in patients with metastatic esophagogastric cancer

BackgroundRecent studies have examined the addition of docetaxel to fluorouracil and cisplatin in advanced esophagogastric cancer.Patients and methodsWe carried out a phase I dose-escalation study of weekly docetaxel, cisplatin, and irinotecan (TPC), given on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks, in patients with chemonaive solid tumors. Subsequently, we completed a multiinstitutional phase II study of TPC in patients with previously untreated, metastatic esophagogastric cancer.ResultsThirty-nine patients were enrolled in the phase I trial; a weekly schedule of TPC was well tolerated. On that basis, docetaxel 30 mg/m², cisplatin 25 mg/m², and irinotecan 65 mg/m² were selected for the phase II trial, where in the first 18 patients irinotecan 65 mg/m² caused too much diarrhea and was reduced to 50 mg/m². Among 56 eligible patients with previously untreated, metastatic esophagogastric cancer enrolled in the phase II trial, three complete and 27 partial responses were observed (overall response rate = 54%), and 15 patients (30%) had stable disease. Median progression-free survival was 7.1 months, and median survival was 11.9 months. At the final irinotecan dose of 50 mg/m², grade 3 or higher toxicity included diarrhea (26%), neutropenia (21%), nausea (18%), fatigue (16%), anorexia (13%), and thrombosis/embolism (13%).ConclusionsWeekly TPC is an active and well-tolerated regimen for patients with esophagogastric cancer.     

Combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil for patients with advanced and metastatic gastric or esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: a multicenter prospective study

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination regimen of paclitaxel,cisplatin and 5-FU(PCF) as first-line or second-line therapy in patients with advanced gastric and esophagogastric junction(EGJ) adenocarcinoma in China.Methods:The patients were treated with paclitaxel 150mg/m2 on d1;fractionated cisplatin 15mg/m 2 and continuous infusion 5-FU 600mg/(m2·d) intravenously on d1-d5 of a 21-d cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities.Results:Seventy-five patients have been enrolled,among which,41 received PCF regimen as the first-line therapy(group A) and 34 received the regimen as the second-line therapy(group B) with the median age of 59 years old and Karnofsky performance status(KPS) score ≥80.Toxicities were analyzed in all 75 patients.Seventy-one patients were evaluable for efficacy.The median overall survival(mOS) was 12.0 months(95% CI:7.9-16.2 months) in group A and 7.3 months(95% CI:4.3-10.3 months) in group B,respectively.The median progression-free survival(mPFS) was 5.7 months(95% CI:4.1-7.2 months) and 5.0 months(95% CI:3.1-6.9 months),respectively.The response rate(CR+PR) was 40%(16/40;95% CI:24.9-56.7%) in group A and 22.6%(7/31;95% CI:9.6-41.1%) in group B.Major grade 3 or 4 adverse events include neutropenia(41.3%),febrile neutropenia(9.3%),nausea/anorexia(10.7%),and vomiting(5.3%).There was no treatment-related death.Conclusions:The combination chemotherapy with PCF is active and tolerable as first-line and secondline therapy in Chinese patients with advanced gastric and EGJ adenocarcinoma.The response and survival of PCF are same as those of DCF,but the tolerance is much better.     

NEOSCOPE: A randomised phase II study of induction chemotherapy followed by oxaliplatin/capecitabine or carboplatin/paclitaxel based pre-operative chemoradiation for resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundOxaliplatin-capecitabine (OxCap) and carboplatin-paclitaxel (CarPac) based neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) have shown promising activity in localised, resectable oesophageal cancer.Patients and methodsA non-blinded, randomised (1:1 via a centralised computer system), ‘pick a winner’ phase II trial. Patients with resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma ≥ cT3 and/or ≥ cN1 were randomised to OxCapRT (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m² day 1, 15, 29; capecitabine 625 mg/m² bd on days of radiotherapy) or CarPacRT (carboplatin AUC2; paclitaxel 50 mg/m² day 1, 8, 15, 22, 29). Radiotherapy dose was 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. Both arms received induction OxCap chemotherapy (2 × 3 week cycles of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² day 1, capecitabine 625 mg/m² bd days 1–21). Surgery was performed 6–8 weeks after nCRT. Primary end-point was pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary end-points included toxicity, surgical morbidity/mortality, resection rate and overall survival.StatisticsBased on pCR ≤ 15% not warranting future investigation, but pCR ≥ 35% would, 76 patients (38/arm) gave 90% power (one-sided alpha 10%), implying that arm(s) having ≥10 pCR out of first 38 patients could be considered for phase III trials. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01843829. Funder: Cancer Research UK (C44694/A14614).ResultsEighty five patients were randomised between October 2013 and February 2015 from 17 UK centres. Three of 85 (3.5%) died during induction chemotherapy. Seventy-seven patients (OxCapRT = 36; CarPacRT = 41) underwent surgery. The 30-d post-operative mortality was 2/77 (2.6%). Grade III/IV toxicity was comparable between arms, although neutropenia was higher in the CarPacRT arm (21.4% versus 2.6%, p = 0.01). Twelve of 41 (29.3%) (10 of first 38 patients) and 4/36 (11.1%) achieved pCR in the CarPacRT and OxcapRT arms, respectively. Corresponding R0 resection rates were 33/41 (80.5%) and 26/36 (72.2%), respectively.ConclusionBoth regimens were well tolerated. Only CarPacRT passed the predefined pCR criteria for further investigation.     

Perioperative chemotherapy with docetaxel,cisplatin and capecitabine (DCX) in gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma: a phase II study of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie (AIO)

BackgroundThis prospective multicentre phase II trial assessed the feasibility and efficacy of perioperative chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and capecitabine (DCX) in patients with gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma.MethodsPatients with curatively resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach, the gastro-oesophageal junction or the lower third of the oesophagus were enrolled. Patients received docetaxel 75 mg/m² plus cisplatin 60 mg/m² (day 1), followed by oral capecitabine 1875 mg/m² divided into two doses (days 1–14) every 3 weeks. There were three cycles preoperatively and three cycles postoperatively. The primary end point was the R0 resection rate.ResultsFifty-one patients were recruited and assessed for feasibility and efficacy. 94.1% of patients received all three planned cycles preoperatively, and 52.9% received three cycles postoperatively. The R0 resection rate was 90.2%. 13.7% of patients showed complete pathological remission (pCR). Toxicity was acceptably tolerable. Without prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration, neutropenic fever developed in 21.5% of patients preoperatively (grade 3 or 4) and in 11.1% of patients postoperatively.ConclusionsDCX is a safe and feasible perioperative regimen in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma with a high percentage of cycles delivered pre- and postoperatively, compared with standard practice. The high efficacy in terms of R0 resection rate and pCR is very promising.     

Phase III trial of cetuximab, bevacizumab, and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin vs. FOLFOX-bevacizumab in colorectal cancer

BackgroundCetuximab (C), alone or with irinotecan, demonstrates activity in irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC). Activity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin (L), and bevacizumab (B), and preliminary data of cetuximab + bevacizumab, and toxicity profiles suggests that FOLF-CB (5-FU, L, C+B) may have activity with a favorable toxicity profile as first-line therapy.MethodsEligible patients were randomized at registration to either arm A (mFOLFOX6-B) (modified, 5-FU. L (folinic acid), oxaliplatin (O) + bevacizumab), administered days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle as bevacizumab 5 mg/kg, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m², leucovorin 400 mg/m², and 5-FU 400 mg/m² then 1200 mg/m²/day for 48 hours, or arm B (FOLF-CB), which included bevacizumab, leucovorin, and 5-FU as in arm A and cetuximab 400 mg/m² day 1 cycle 1; all other weekly cetuximab doses were 250 mg/m².ResultsTwo hundred forty-seven patients (arm A/arm B 124/123) were enrolled, and 239 were treated (118/121). Twelve-month progression-free survival (PFS) was 45%/32%, objective response rates (ORR) (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) were 52%/41%, disease control rates (CR+PR+stable disease [SD]) were 87%/83%, and median overall survival (OS) was 21/19.5 months, respectively. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was higher in arm A (28%/7%), as was grade 3 fatigue (12%/3%), and grade 3 neuropathy (11%/< 1%), whereas acneiform rash was confined to arm B. Retrospective analysis of KRAS mutational status did not demonstrate KRAS as a meaningful determinant of activity, except in arm B patients with KRAS-mutated tumors, which resulted in inferior PFS. Patient satisfaction favored the control (mFOLFOX6-B).ConclusionFOLF-CB was not superior to mFOLFOX6-B in terms of 12-month PFS and ORR, and was not more acceptable to patients. This trial supports the conclusion of other recently reported trials that concurrent cetuximab+bevacizumab should not be routinely used in metastatic CRC.     

FOLFOX4 versus sequential dose-dense FOLFOX7 followed by FOLFIRI in patients with resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (MIROX): a pragmatic approach to chemotherapy timing with perioperative or postoperative chemotherapy from an open-label,randomized phase III trial

The sequential FOLFOX7–FOLFIRI combination is not superior to FOLFOX4 in colorectal cancer patients with resectable metastases. Patients with synchronous metastases preferably received perioperative chemotherapy, while patients with metachronous metastases were given postoperative chemotherapy in preference. We observed the highest long-term survival rates ever reported in this setting.BackgroundPerioperative FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) chemotherapy is the current standard in patients with resectable metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine whether a sequential chemotherapy with dose-dense oxaliplatin (FOLFOX7) and irinotecan (FOLFIRI; irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) is superior to FOLFOX4. The chemotherapy timing was not imposed, and was perioperative or postoperative.Patients and methodsIn this open-label, phase III trial, patients with resectable or resected metastases were randomly assigned either to 12 cycles of FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m²) or 6 cycles of FOLFOX7 (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m²) followed by 6 cycles of FOLFIRI (irinotecan 180 mg/m²). Randomization was done centrally, with stratification by chemotherapy timing, type of local treatment (surgery versus radiofrequency ablation with/without surgery), and Fong's prognostic score. The primary end point was 2-year disease-free survival (DFS).ResultsA total of 284 patients were randomized, 142 in each treatment group. Chemotherapy was perioperative in 168 (59.2%) patients and postoperative in 116 (40.8%) patients. Perioperative chemotherapy was preferentially proposed for synchronous metastases, whereas postoperative chemotherapy was more frequently used for metachronous metastases. Two-year DFS was 48.5% in the FOLFOX4 group and 50.0% in the FOLFOX7–FOLFIRI group. In the multivariable analysis, more than one metastasis [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.15] and synchronous metastases (HR = 1.63) were independent prognostic factors for shorter DFS. Five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 69.5% with FOLFOX4 versus 66.6% with FOLFOX7–FOLFIRI.ConclusionsFOLFOX7–FOLFIRI is not superior to FOLFOX4 in patients with resectable metastatic CRC. Five-year OS rates observed in both groups are the highest ever reported in this setting, possibly reflecting the pragmatic approach to chemotherapy timing.Clinical trials numberNCT00268398.     

Bimonthly Chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin,Irinotecan, Infusional 5-Fluorouracil/Folinic Acid in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Pretreated with Irinotecan- or Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the tolerability and efficacy of a ternary bi-monthly irinotecan (CPT-11) - oxaliplatin (OHP) - infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/folinic acid (FA) combination in advanced colorectal cancer patients who had received prior CPT-11 and/or OHP-based chemotherapy regimen. Colorectal cancer patients were given bimonthly CPT-11 as a 90-min infusion, followed by OHP (85 mg/m²), FA (200 mg/m²) 2-h infusions and 5-FU (48-h infusion). CPT-11 and 5-FU doses were escalated as reported below. 26 patients were recruited. Fourteen patients had received a prior CPT-11-, 6 patients a prior OHP-based chemotherapy regimen and 6 patients both regimens. Three dose levels were investigated: CPT-11 100, 120 and 140 mg/m² and 5-FU 1500, 1800 and 2100 mg/m² in 6, 12 and 8 patients, respectively. All patients were evaluable for toxicity, 24 for antitumor activity. At all dose levels toxicity was ac-ceptable. Grade 4 toxicity occurred in two patients only (neutropenia in one case and stomatitis in another one, 3.8%). Grade 3 toxicities included nausea and vomiting (34.6%), asthenia (26.9%), neurosensory toxicity (15.4%), neutropenia (3.8%) and di-arrhea (3.8%). Hematological toxicity was infrequent and generally mild. At the third dose level, a higher, although not significantly different incidence of hematological and neurosensory toxicity (both occurring in 62.5% of cases, all grades) was observed compared to the other two, while nausea and vomiting were significantly less frequent (37.5% vs 100%). Overall, we observed 2 complete responses, 9 partial responses (OR 45.8%), 8 stable disease (33.3%), and 5 disease progression (20.8%). Median overall survival was 18 months and median time-to-progression 5.5 months. This combination showed moderate toxicity and promising antitumor activity in CPT-11 and/or OHP pretreated colorectal cancer patients. The second dose level using CPT-11 at 120 mg/m² and 5-FU at 1800 mg/m² is recommended for further phase II studies in this patient population.     

A randomized phase III study comparing adjuvant 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid with FOLFIRI in patients following complete resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer

BackgroundStudies indicate that adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with folinic acid (FA) in colorectal cancer patients with completely resectable liver-limited metastases (LMCRC) offers clinical benefit over surgery alone. This phase III trial compared FOLFIRI with simplified 5-FU/FA in this setting.Patients and methodsLMCRC patients were randomized to receive every 14 days, FA, 400 mg/m² infused over 2 h, followed by 5-FU as a 400 mg/m² i.v. bolus, followed by continuous 5-FU infusion, 2400 mg/m² over 46 h (LV5FUs) with or without irinotecan: 180 mg/m² infusion (FOLFIRI). The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS); secondary end points included overall survival (OS) and safety.ResultsTreated patients (n = 306) were balanced for critical prognostic factors in each arm. Median DFS in patients receiving LV5FUs was 21.6 versus 24.7 months for FOLFIRI [hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, log-rank P = 0.44]. No significant differences were found in OS. A trend was observed for improved DFS in patients receiving FOLFIRI within 42 days of surgery (HR 0.75, P = 0.17). Grade 3/4 toxic effects were more common in patients treated with FOLFIRI versus LV5FUs (47% versus 30%) with neutropenia being most common (23% versus 7%).ConclusionFOLFIRI in the adjuvant treatment of LMCRC showed no significant improvement in DFS compared with LV5FUs.     

Biweekly fluorouracil,leucovorin, oxaliplatin,and docetaxel (FLOT) for patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach or esophagogastric junction: a phase II trial of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie

BackgroundThe combination of docetaxel (Taxotere), cisplatin, and fluorouracil improved efficacy in gastric cancer, but was associated with substantial toxicity. This study was designed to incorporate docetaxel into a tolerable biweekly (once every 2 weeks) oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen.Patients and methodsPatients with measurable, metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach or esophagogastric junction and no prior chemotherapy received oxaliplatin 85 mg/m², leucovorin 200 mg/m², and fluorouracil 2600 mg/m² as a 24-h infusion in combination with docetaxel 50 mg/m² (FLOT) on day 1 every 2 weeks. Prophylactic growth factors were not administered.ResultsFifty-nine patients were enrolled; 54 received treatment. Patients had a median age of 60 years (range 29–76) and most (93%) of them had metastatic disease. Objective responses were observed in 57.7% of patients with a median time to treatment response of 1.54 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 5.2 and 11.1 months, respectively. Twenty-five percent of patients experienced prolonged (>12 months) PFS. Frequent (>10%) grade 3 or 4 toxic effects included neutropenia in 26 (48.1%), leukopenia in 15 (27.8%), diarrhea in 8 (14.8%), and fatigue in 6 (11.1%) patients. Complicated neutropenia was observed in two (3.8%) patients, only.ConclusionsBiweekly FLOT is active and has a favorable safety profile.     

A Phase II Trial of Dose-Dense Neoadjuvant Gemcitabine,Epirubicin, and Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel With Pegfilgrastim in the Treatment of Patients With Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

BackgroundNeoadjuvant anthracycline/taxane combinations, with or without gemcitabine, produce pathologic complete responses (pCRs) in 15%-25% of patients. In this multicenter phase II study, we attempted to increase efficacy and decrease toxicity of a 3-drug gemcitabine-containing neoadjuvant regimen by administering dose-dense therapy with pegfilgrastim, and including albumin-bound paclitaxel as the taxane.Patients and MethodsA total of 123 patients with locally advanced breast cancer were enrolled. Patients were treated with 6 doses of neoadjuvant gemcitabine 2000 mg/m², epirubicin 50 mg/m², and albumin-bound paclitaxel 175 mg/m² intravenously administered at 14-day intervals. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patients underwent either mastectomy or breast conservation surgery; pathologic response to treatment was assessed. Postoperatively, patients received 4 doses of gemcitabine 2000 mg/m² with albumin-bound paclitaxel 220 mg/m² at 14-day intervals. Pegfilgrastim 6 mg was administered subcutaneously on day 2 following each dose of chemotherapy.ResultsA total of 116 patients (95%) completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had subsequent surgical resection. Twenty-three patients (20%) had a pCR. The estimated 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates were 48% and 86%, respectively. Neoadjuvant treatment was well tolerated; only 11% of the patients had grade 3/4 neutropenia, with 1 episode of neutropenic fever. Other grade 3/4 toxicities occurred in < 10% of the patients.ConclusionNeoadjuvant biweekly chemotherapy with gemcitabine/epirubicin/albumin-bound paclitaxel with pegfilgrastim is feasible and well tolerated. The pCR rate of 20% and the 3-year PFS rate of 48% are similar to results achieved with other commonly used neoadjuvant regimens.     

Long-term outcome of a phase II study of docetaxel-based multimodality chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction

We performed a phase II trial to evaluate a docetaxel-based regimen in locoregionally advanced esophageal cancer. Untreated stage II–IVa esophageal cancer patients with performance status 0–2 were included. Tumor resectability was determined prior to initiation of study. Induction docetaxel (75 mg/m²) and cisplatin (75 mg/m²) day 1 with prophylactic filgrastim was delivered every 21 days for 3 cycles. Subsequent concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) utilized weekly docetaxel (20 mg/m²) and concurrent radiotherapy (2 Gy/day) in resectable/resected patients (50 Gy) and in unresectable patients (66 Gy). A total of 78 patients (15 squamous cell carcinoma, 60 adenocarcinoma, 3 mixed/undifferentiated; 68 men, 10 women; median age 61 years) were accrued. The regimen was administered to 59 (76%) potentially resectable patients and 13 (17%) unresectable patients; 6 patients (8%) received the regimen post-operatively. Response rate in 66 evaluable patients following induction chemotherapy was 30%. Sixty-nine patients underwent CRT. Ten patients had disease progression during CRT. Forty-five out of 59 potentially resectable patients underwent esophagectomy after CRT, and 42 patients had complete tumor resection with negative margins. Eighteen out of 59 patients who were potentially resectable patients had pathologic complete response (pCR—31%). Grade 3/4 toxicity during induction chemotherapy included leucopenia, neutropenia, vomiting, and neuropathy. Esophagitis was the predominant toxicity during CRT. Median overall survival was 11.4 months for unresectable patients, 14.3 months for resectable patients and 10.4 months for patients who received the regimen post-operatively (log-rank P = 0.2492). Docetaxel-based CRT regimen is active and tolerable in esophageal cancer. The observed pCR in the potentially resectable group indicates good local control.