Phase 2 Study of Nimotuzumab in Combination With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

BackgroundWe evaluated the tolerability and efficacy of nimotuzumab, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal anti–epidermal growth factor receptor antibody, with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer.Patients and MethodsIn this multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial conducted in Japan (JapicCTI-090825), patients received thoracic radiotherapy (60 Gy, 2 Gy per fraction, 6 weeks) and four 4-week cycles of chemotherapy (day 1, cisplatin 80 mg/m²; days 1 and 8, vinorelbine 20 mg/m²). Nimotuzumab 200 mg was administrated weekly for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was treatment completion rate, defined as the percentage of patients completing 60 Gy of radiotherapy within 8 weeks, 2 cycles of chemotherapy, and at least 75% of the required nimotuzumab dose during the initial 2-cycle concurrent chemoradiotherapy period.ResultsOf 40 patients enrolled, 39 received the study treatment, which was well tolerated, with a completion rate of 87.2%. Thirty-eight patients completed 60 Gy of radiotherapy within 8 weeks. Infusion reaction, grade 3 or higher rash, grade 3 or higher radiation pneumonitis, or grade 4 or higher nonhematologic toxicity were not observed. The objective response rate was 69.2%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and 5-year PFS rate were 508 days and 29.0%, respectively. The 5-year PFS rate in patients with non–squamous cell carcinoma (n = 23) was 13.7% and in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (n = 16) was 50.0%. The 5-year overall survival rate was 58.4%.ConclusionAddition of nimotuzumab to the concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimen was well tolerated and showed potential for treating patients with locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma.     

Efficacy and safety of standard of care with/without bevacizumab for platinum‐resistant ovarian/fallopian tube/peritoneal cancer previously treated with bevacizumab: The Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group study JGOG3023

We investigated the efficacy and safety of further bevacizumab therapy in patients with platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer whose disease had progressed after bevacizumab plus chemotherapy. In this multicenter, open‐label, phase II trial (JGOG3023), patients were randomized 1:1 to a single‐agent chemotherapy alone (either pegylated liposomal doxorubicin [40 or 50 mg/m² administered intravenously], topotecan [1.25 mg/m² intravenously], paclitaxel [80 mg/m² intravenously], or gemcitabine [1000 mg/m² intravenously]) or single‐agent chemotherapy + bevacizumab (15 mg/m² intravenously). The primary endpoint was investigator‐assessed progression‐free survival (PFS) according to RECIST version 1.1. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and response rate according to Gynecological Cancer Intergroup cancer antigen 125 criteria. In total, 103 patients were allocated to chemotherapy (n = 51) or chemotherapy + bevacizumab (n = 52). Median investigator‐assessed PFS was 3.1 and 4.0 mo in each group, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32‐0.90, P = .0082). Median OS was 11.3 and 15.3 mo in each group, respectively (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.38‐1.17, P = .1556). Respective ORRs were 13.7% and 25.0% (P = .0599) and response rates were 16.7% and 21.4% (P = .8273). The incidence of grade ≥3 treatment‐related AEs was 42.0% in the chemotherapy group and 54.9% in the chemotherapy + bevacizumab group; AEs were well tolerated, with only 2 and 12 events leading to discontinuation of therapy, respectively. Bevacizumab was effective beyond progressive disease and AEs were manageable. The observed improvement in PFS requires further verification.     

nab-Paclitaxel dose and schedule in breast cancer

nab-Paclitaxel is approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer on an every-3-week schedule based on positive findings from a pivotal phase III trial in which nab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m² every 3 weeks was superior to solvent-based paclitaxel 175 mg/m² every 3 weeks for the primary endpoint of overall response rate (33 % vs 19 %; P = 0.001). Subsequently, a number of trials have examined different schedules, doses, and combinations in efforts to optimize nab-paclitaxel-based therapy for metastatic and early-stage breast cancer. The goal of this review is to evaluate the clinical experiences to date with nab-paclitaxel as a single agent or in combination with targeted agents in different treatment settings - with a focus on the feasibility of administration, adverse event profile, and standard efficacy endpoints, such as overall survival, progression-free survival, overall response rate, and pathologic complete response rate. In general, weekly dosing during the first 3 of 4 weeks appears to achieve the best clinical benefit in both the metastatic and early-stage settings. Furthermore, the data suggest that high doses of nab-paclitaxel, such as 150 mg/m² during first 3 of 4 weeks or 260 mg/m² every 2 weeks, may be more feasible and appropriate for treatment of early-stage disease compared with metastatic disease. Intense regimens of nab-paclitaxel may not be the best treatment approach for unselected patients with metastatic breast cancer, but may suit a subset of patients for whom immediate disease control is required. The growing number of nab-paclitaxel trials in breast cancer will lead to greater refinements in tailoring therapy to patients based on their individual disease and patient characteristics.     

A phase I study of nimotuzumab in combination with radiotherapy in stages IIB-IV non-small cell lung cancer unsuitable for radical therapy: Korean results

Purpose

This study was undertaken to determine safety and tolerability of nimotuzumab, a humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody, in combination with radiotherapy in stages IIB-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who are unsuitable for radical therapy or chemotherapy.

Methods

Nimotuzumab (100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg) was administered weekly from week 1 to week 8 with palliative radiotherapy (30-36 Gy, 3 Gy/day). If tumor control was achieved, nimotuzumab was continued every 2 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Serial skin biopsies were collected for pharmacodynamic assessment.

Results

Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study, with cohorts of five patients assigned in each dose level of nimotuzumab. Patients and disease characteristics included median age 73 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0-1/2 (n = 3/12); female sex (n = 2); adenocarcinoma (n = 5); never-smoker status (n = 2); and stages IIB/IIIB/IV (n = 1/8/6). All patients were unable to tolerate radical therapy because of old age or multiple comorbidities. The most commonly reported adverse events were lymphopenia and asthenia (grades 1-2 in most patients). No skin rash or allergic toxicities appeared. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred with pneumonia with grade 4 neutropenia at the 200 mg dose of nimotuzumab. Objective response rate and disease control rate inside the radiation field were 46.7% and 100.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Nimotuzumab in combination with radiotherapy is well-tolerated and feasible. Further clinical investigation of nimotuzumab in NSCLC patients is warranted.     

尼妥珠单抗联合化疗治疗恶性胶质瘤

目的 评价尼妥珠单抗联合化疗治疗恶性胶质瘤的疗效及不良反应.方法 尼妥珠单抗200 mg/次,每周1次,连续8周后改为每2周1次;根据患者O6-甲基鸟嘌呤-DNA甲基转移酶(MGMT)蛋白表达状况和既往化疗效果,采用个体化的化疗方案.结果 14例恶性胶质瘤患者共接受尼妥珠单抗治疗122次,中位治疗7.5次(2～20次).联合的化疗方案中,替莫唑胺21 d方案10例,替莫唑胺5 d力案2例,替尼泊甙联合顺铂方案1例,替尼泊甙联合尼莫司汀方案1例.PR 3例(21.4%),SD 6例(42.9%),客观有效率为21.4%,疾病控制率(PR+SD)为64.3%.中位无进展生存期(PFS)为4个月(95%CI0.7～7.3),6个月的疾病无进展生存率为30.6%.主要的不良反应为Ⅰ～Ⅱ度的中性粒细胞下降(2例)、血小板下降(2例)、淋巴细胞下降(1例)、恶心呕吐(3例)和无症状的转氨,升高(1例).1例替尼泊甙联合顺铂方案化疗的患者发生Ⅳ度中性粒细胞下降和血小板下降.1例患者出现尼妥珠单抗治疗相关痤疮样皮疹.结论 尼妥珠单抗联合化疗治疗恶性胶质瘤有一定疗效,患者耐受性好,值得进一步扩大病例数开展临床研究.

Abstract：

Objective Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Recent clinical studies show that patients with malignant gliomas could benefit from nimotuzumab treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of nimotuzumab in combination with chemotherapy for patients with malignant gliomas. Methods The patients received 200 mg of nimotuzumab infusion intravenously over 60 minutes once weekly for the first eight weeks and then once every two weeks until unacceptable toxicity or tumor progression occurred.Individualized chemotherapy was administered based on O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)expression and previous chemotherapy responses in combined with nimotuzumab. Results Fourteen patients received a total of 122 times of nimotuzumab ranging from 2 to 20 ( median 7.5 times ). Combined chemotherapy regimens included:continuous 21-day temozolomide ( 10 cases), standard 5-day temozolomide (2 cases), teniposide plus cisplatin ( 1 case), and teniposide plus nimustine ( 1 case). Partial response (PR) and stable disease (SD) were found in 3 patients (21.4%)and 6 patients (42.9%), respectively.Disease control rate ( PR + SD) was 64.3%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4 months (95%CI:0.7-7.3) and PFS at 6 months was 30. 6%. The most common toxicities include grade Ⅰ -Ⅱ neutropenia (2 cases), thrombocytopenia ( 2 cases), lymphopenia ( 1 case), nausea and vomitting ( 3case) and asymptomatic transaminase increase ( 1 case). One patient developed grade Ⅳ neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. One patient developed nimotuzumab-related acneiform rash. Conclusions Nimotuzumab in combination with chemotherapy has moderate activity in patients with malignant gliomas and the toxicities are well tolerable, therefore, worth further investigation.     

Alectinib for relapsed or refractory anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: An open‐label phase II trial

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibition is expected to be a promising therapeutic strategy for ALK‐positive malignancies. We aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of alectinib, a second‐generation ALK inhibitor, in patients with relapsed or refractory ALK‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This open‐label, phase II trial included patients (aged 6 years or older) with relapsed or refractory ALK‐positive ALCL. Alectinib 300 mg was given orally twice a day (600 mg/d) for 16 cycles, and the duration of each cycle was 21 days. Patients who weighed less than 35 kg were given a reduced dose of alectinib of 150 mg twice a day (300 mg/d). Ten patients were enrolled, and the median age was 19.5 years (range, 6‐70 years). Objective responses were documented in eight of 10 patients (80%; 90% confidence interval, 56.2‐95.9), with six complete responses. The 1‐year progression‐free survival, event‐free survival, and overall survival rates were 58.3%, 70.0%, and 70.0%, respectively. The median duration of therapy was 340 days. No unexpected adverse events occurred. The most common grade 3 and higher adverse event was a decrease in neutrophil count in two patients. Alectinib showed favorable clinical activity and was well tolerated in patients with ALK‐positive ALCL who had progressed on standard chemotherapy. Based on the results of the current study, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan approved alectinib for the treatment of recurrent or refractory ALK‐positive ALCL in February 2020.     

Nimotuzumab plus paclitaxel and cisplatin as the first line treatment for advanced esophageal squamous cell cancer: A single centre prospective phase II trial

Nimotuzumab (N) is a humanized anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody. This prospective, single‐armed, open label phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of paclitaxel (T)/cisplatin (P) with nimotuzumab (N) as first‐line treatment in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Patients with pathologic confirmed unresectable locally advanced or metastatic ESCC were treated with the TPN regimen: nimotuzumab 200 mg weekly, paclitaxel 175 mg/m² on day 1 and cisplatin 30 mg/m² on days 1 and 2; repeat cycle every 3 weeks for six cycles. Radiotherapy was allowed to be admitted after four cycles of TPN treatment. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoint was the overall survival (OS), duration of disease control (DDC) and toxicities. From March 2011 to April 2013, a total of 59 patients were enrolled and 56 were eligible for the final analysis. Overall RR was 51.8% and disease control rate (DCR) (CR + PR + SD) was 92.9%. Local treatment (radiotherapy or surgery) followed by chemotherapy improved the duration of disease control for patients with metastatic disease and local‐regional advanced disease to 8.2 months and more than 23 months, respectively. The OS for patients with metastatic disease was 14.0 months (95% CI: 6.8–21.2 months). The most common G3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (46.4%), nausea (48.3%), alopecia (78.6%), anorexia (42.8%), vomiting (55.4%), arthralgia (62.5%) and anorexia (5%). Adding nimotuzumab to the standard TP regiment was safe, and well tolerated. The TPN regimen is an effective combination as the first‐line chemotherapy for the patients with advanced ESCC, and appears more active than current standard regimens.     

FOLFIRI as a second-line therapy in patients with docetaxel-pretreated gastric cancer: a historical cohort

Background

The role of second-line therapy in gastric cancer patients mostly stemmed from clinical trials with monochemotherapy carried out in Asian countries. Nevertheless, these results cannot be broadly generalized as molecular studies suggested the existence of different sets of deregulated gene networks correlated with ethnicity. In the present study, we investigated the activity and safety of FOLFIRI given as a second-line therapy in metastatic gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer patients who experienced disease progression on or after first-line docetaxel-containing chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients with histologically confirmed metastatic gastric cancer who failed docetaxel-containing first-line therapy and who received FOLFIRI in second line were eligible for the study. Seventy patients treated at three Italian cancer centers between 2005 and 2012 entered the study. Patients received every 2 weeks irinotecan 180 mg/m² as 1 h infusion on day 1, folinic acid 100 mg/m² intravenously days 1–2, and fluorouracil as a 400 mg/m² bolus and then 600 mg/m² continuous infusion over 22 hours days 1–2.

Results

We observed 1(1.4%) complete response, 15 (21.4%) partial response, for an overall response rate of 22.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.4-32.3). Stable disease was recorded in 21 (30%) patients. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.8 months (95% CI: 3.3-4.4) and 6.2 months (95% CI: 5.3-7.1), respectively. The treatment was well tolerated, as the most common G3-4 toxicities were neutropenia (28.5%) and diarrhea (14.5%).

Conclusions

FOLFIRI appears an effective and safe treatment option for pretreated metastatic gastric cancer patients, and deserves further investigation in randomized clinical trials.     

Pilot phase II study of weekly chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin for refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer

Purpose: The safety and efficacy of weekly chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin for the treatment of patients with refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were evaluated. Patients and methods: Paclitaxel (100 mg/m²) and carboplatin (with a target area under the concentration versus time curve of 2 mg min/ml using the Calvert formula) were administered to patients with previously- treated SCLC on days 1 and 8 at every 3–4 weeks. Results: A total of 29 patients (pts) [male/female, 26/3 pts; median age 62.7 years (43–74); performance status 0/1/2, 9/10/10 pts] were enrolled between March 2000 and June 2002. The mean number of cycles administered per pt was 3 (1–7). The overall response rate was 69% (95% confidence interval 52–86%), and 83% (15/18) in sensitive pts and 45% (5/11) in refractory pts (P<0.01). The overall median survival time was 29.6 weeks with a 1-year survival rate of 37% [34.1 weeks in sensitive pts and 23.1 weeks in refractory pts (P=0.085), 46.9 weeks in PS 0–1 and 16.3 weeks in PS 2 (P<0.001)]. The median time to progressive disease was 16.4 weeks [21.7 weeks in sensitive pts and 15.3 weeks in refractory pts (P=0.32)]. Hematologic toxicities observed included grade ≥3 neutropenia in 55%, grade ≥3 anemia in 36%, and grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia in 3%. Non-hematologic toxicities were mild except for grade 3 diarrhea in three pts and grade 3 pneumonitis in one pt. Conclusion: Weekly chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin was well- tolerated and gave a high-response rate in pts with refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer.     

Nimotuzumab Combined with Neoadjuvant or Induction Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of nimotuzumab combined with neoadjuvant or induction chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: Patients received intravenous nimotuzumab (400 mg, weekly for 1–3 weeks) combined with chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil/paclitaxel/docetaxel + nedaplatin/cisplatin for 1–2 cycles), prior to definitive surgical resection, radiotherapy or other treatments. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were tumor downstaging, complete response rate (CRR), partial response rate (PRR), disease control rate (DCR), R0 resection rate, pathological complete response (pCR), larynx preservation rate, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results: A total of 71 HNSCC patients with T_1-4N_0-2M₀ were enrolled. After neoadjuvant/induction chemotherapy, the ORR in patients with hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer was 100% and 76.1%, respectively. The DCR was 100% in both groups. The T downstaging in patients with hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer was 64.0% and 50.0%, the N downstaging was 28.0% and 2.2% (p = 0.001), respectively. At the early stage and locally advanced stage, the T downstaging was 66.7% and 50.0%, the N downstaging was 0% and 16.0% (p = 0.128), respectively. The R0 resection rate and pCR in 39 patients receiving surgery were 94.9% and 20.5%, respectively. The larynx preservation rate was 73.2%. The median PFS was 29.2 months in patients with laryngeal cancer. A mild rash occurred in a single patient and no grade 4 adverse events were encountered. Conclusion: Nimotuzumab combined with neoadjuvant or induction chemotherapy achieved similar short-term efficacy and less adverse events compared with previous studies. The N downstaging rate in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer was significantly higher compared with patients with laryngeal cancer.     

Concurrent cetuximab and radiotherapy after docetaxel-cisplatin induction chemotherapy in stage III NSCLC: Satellite—A phase II study from the Swedish Lung Cancer Study Group

Background

Several attempts to increase the locoregional control in locally advanced lung cancer including concurrent chemotherapy, accelerated fractionation and dose escalation have been made during the last years. As the EGFR directed antibody cetuximab has shown activity concurrent with radiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, as well as in stage IV NSCLC combined with chemotherapy, we wanted to investigate radiotherapy with concurrent cetuximab in locally advanced NSCLC, a tumour type often over expressing the EGF-receptor.

Methods

Between February 2006 and August 2007 75 patients in stage III NSCLC with good performance status (PS 0 or 1) and adequate lung function (FEV1 > 1.0) were enrolled in this phase II study at eight institutions. Treatment consisted of 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy, docetaxel 75 mg/m² and cisplatin 75 mg/m² with 3 weeks interval. An initial dose of cetuximab 400 mg/m² was given before start of 3D-CRT to 68 Gy with 2 Gy per fraction in 7 weeks concurrent with weekly cetuximab 250 mg/m². Toxicity was scored weekly during radiotherapy (CTC 3.0), and after treatment the patients were followed every third month with CT-scans, toxicity scoring and QLQ.

Results

Seventy-one patients were eligible for analysis as four were incorrectly enrolled. Histology: adenocarcinoma 49%, squamous cell carcinoma 39% and other NSCLC 12%. The majority had PS 0 (62.5%), median age 62.2 (42-81), 50% were women and 37% had a pre-treatment weight loss > 5%. Toxicity: esophagitis grade 1-2: 72%; grade 3: 1.4%. Hypersensitivity reactions grade 3-4: 5.6%. Febrile neutropenia grade 3-4: 15.4%. Skin reactions grade 1-2: 74%; grade 3: 4.2%. Diarrhoea grade 1-2: 38%; grade 3: 11.3%. Pneumonitis grade 1-2: 26.8%; grade 3: 4.2%; grade 5: 1.4%. The median follow-up was 39 months for patients alive and the median survival was 17 months with a 1-, 2- and 3-year OS of 66%, 37% and 29% respectively. Until now local or regional failure has occurred in 20 patients and 22 patients have developed distant metastases. Weight loss, PS and stage were predictive for survival in univariate as well as in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent cetuximab and RT to 68 Gy is clearly feasible with promising survival. Toxicity, e.g. pneumonitis and esophagitis is low compared to most schedules with concurrent chemotherapy. This treatment strategy should be evaluated in a randomised manner vs. concurrent chemoradiotherapy to find out if it is a valid treatment option.     

鼻咽癌调强放疗联合尼妥珠单抗加同期顺铂化疗的临床观察

目的:探讨尼妥珠单抗联合调强放疗同期顺铂治疗鼻咽癌的近期疗效及毒副反应。方法:选取42例鼻咽癌初治患者,根据鼻咽癌2008分期标准,Ⅲ期32例,ⅣA期10例,全程应用调强放射治疗技术,同时联合尼妥珠单抗,同期加顺铂单药化疗。具体为6 MV X线照射,DT69.36～73.96 Gy/33次,6～7周完成。于放疗之日起给予顺铂40mg/m2,静脉滴入,每周1次,共6次;尼妥珠单抗(泰欣生)200mg,静脉滴入,每周1次,共6次。结果:42例患者全部可评价疗效,鼻咽癌完全缓解34例,部分缓解7例,疾病稳定1例,急性不良反应Ⅲ度以上的骨髓抑制16例(38.10%),黏膜炎10例(23.81%),皮肤反应8例(19.05%),消化道反应6例(14.28%),患者均可耐受。结论:尼妥珠单抗联合调强放疗加同期顺铂治疗中晚鼻咽癌不良反应较小,患者可以耐受,近期疗效较好,远期疗效尚需进一步观察。     

Gemcitabine Combined with Oxaliplatin (GEMOX) as Salvage Treatment in Elderly Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer Refractory or Resistant to Platinum: a Single Institution Experience

Abstract

Both oxaliplatin (OXA) and gemcitabine (GEM) have shown single agent activity in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Response rates to second-line therapies remain low and there is a need to develop more effective regimens. In view of the synergistic effect of using GEM followed by OXA, we studied these agents in elderly patients with recurrent ovarian cancer refractory or resistant to first-line chemotherapy using platinum with or without paclitaxel. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of combination GEM 1000 mg/m² Day 1 i.v. and OXA 100 mg/m² in 2h infusion Day 2; treatment was repeated every 2 weeks for 6 courses or until progression of disease or intolerable toxicity. The study was monoinstitutional and started in November 2002. 21 patients, median age 68.6 years (range 65-82) have been treated. Median Performance Status was 0-1, all had at least 1 prior platinum based chemotherapy and 11 had received also a taxane. Patients received a median of 6 cycles of treatment (range 4-11). There were 2 patient (9%) with complete response, 3 patients (14%) achieved a partial response. Low profile toxicity (grade 1-2, WHO criteria) was observed: nausea/vomiting 52%, thrombocytopenia 13%, neuropathy 28%. The GEMOX combination is well tolerated and even in this small group of patients, encouraging responses were documented.     

尼妥珠单抗治疗15例非小细胞肺癌临床疗效及不良反应的回顾性分析

目的回顾性分析尼妥珠单抗治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）的临床疗效及不良反应。方法纳入15例经病理组织学或细胞学检查确诊的Ⅳ期NSCLC患者,其中腺癌9例,鳞状细胞癌8例。所有患者均接受尼妥珠单抗治疗（尼妥珠单抗400 mg,静脉滴注,每周1次）。每治疗6周后按照实体瘤疗效评价标准（RECIST）进行疗效评价,按照NCI-CTC 3.0标准评价不良反应。结果 15例患者均可评价药物安全性,其中11例可评价药物的客观疗效。在这11例患者中,疾病稳定（SD）8例,病情进展（PD）3例,疾病控制率为72.7%（8/11）;药物安全性评价结果显示尼妥珠单抗治疗相关的皮疹发生率低,且与临床获益无关;与尼妥珠单抗相关的不良反应轻。结论尼妥珠单抗联合化疗或放化疗能提高晚期NSCLC患者的疾病控制率,并且总体不良反应较轻。     

Single-agent oxaliplatin in pretreated advanced breast cancer patients: A?phase II study

Purpose:Oxaliplatin (L-OHP), a new platinum analogue, is anactive drug in colorectal and ovarian cancer. In this phase II study weexplored tolerability and activity of oxaliplatin as a single agent inmetastatic breast carcinoma patients. Patients and methods:Fourteen anthracycline pretreated advancedbreast cancer patients were enrolled. Oxaliplatin was given at 130mg/m² on day 1 and repeated every three weeks. Analysis oftoxicity, response rate and survival was performed. Results:The median number of courses per patient was four (range2–6). The median administered dose-intensity was 43.3mg/m²/week (range 32.5–43.3) which represents 100% ofprojected dose-intensity. No severe toxicity was encountered. Three patientsdeveloped acute transient laryngeal symptoms. Three patients displayed apartial response (21%), (95% confidence interval (CI):0%–43%), two stable disease (14%) and nineprogressed (64%). Response lasted five, four and five monthsrespectively. Median survival was 12 months. Conclusions:In this limited experience, oxaliplatin appeared tobe well tolerated and moderately active in advanced anthracycline-pretreatedbreast cancer patients. Combination chemotherapy with other active drugs suchas 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), anthracyclines and taxanes should represent the nextstep of development of this new drug.     

Pembrolizumab plus pemetrexed‐platinum for metastatic nonsquamous non–small‐cell lung cancer: KEYNOTE‐189 Japan Study

Pembrolizumab plus pemetrexed‐platinum significantly improved overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) with manageable safety compared with placebo plus pemetrexed‐platinum in patients with previously untreated metastatic nonsquamous non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without EGFR/ALK alterations in the global, randomized, double‐blind, phase 3 KEYNOTE‐189 study. We present results of Japanese patients enrolled in the KEYNOTE‐189 global and Japan extension studies. Patients were randomized 2:1 to intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo every 3 weeks (Q3W) for up to 35 cycles. All patients received pemetrexed 500 mg/m² plus the investigator’s choice of cisplatin or carboplatin Q3W for four cycles, followed by maintenance pemetrexed 500 mg/m² Q3W (all intravenous). Co–primary endpoints were OS and PFS. Forty Japanese patients enrolled (pembrolizumab, n = 25; placebo, n = 15). At data cutoff (20 May 2019; median time from randomization to data cutoff, 18.5 [range, 14.7‒38.2] months), the median OS was not reached in the pembrolizumab plus pemetrexed‐platinum arm; the median OS was 25.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.9‒29.0) months in the placebo plus pemetrexed‐platinum arm (hazard ratio [HR] .29; 95% CI, .07‒1.15). The median (95% CI) PFS was 16.5 (8.8‒21.1) compared with 7.1 (4.7‒21.4) months (HR, .62; 95% CI, .27‒1.42), respectively. There were no grade 5 adverse events (AE). Grade 3/4 AE occurred in 72% vs 60% of patients in the pembrolizumab vs placebo arms; 40% vs 20% had immune‐mediated AE, and 4% vs 0% had infusion reactions. Efficacy and safety outcomes were similar to those from the global study and support first‐line therapy with pembrolizumab plus pemetrexed‐platinum in Japanese patients with nonsquamous NSCLC without EGFR/ALK alterations.     

A phase Ⅰ study of nimotuzumab plus docetaxel in chemotherapy-refractory/resistant patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Background

To determine the safety and therapeutic efficacy of nimotuzumab (h-R3) combined with docetaxel in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who have failed to respond to prior first-line chemotherapy.

Methods

In this single-center, open-label, dose-escalating phase I trial, patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing stage IV NSCLC were treated with nimotuzumab plus docetaxel according to a dose escalation schedule. The safety and efficacy of the combination treatment were observed and analyzed.

Results

There were 12 patients with EGFR-expressing stage IV NSCLC enrolled. The dose of nimotuzumab was escalated from 200 to 600 mg/week. The longest administration of study drug was 40 weeks at the 600 mg/week dose level. Grade III–IV toxicities included neutropenia and fatigue, and other toxicities included rash. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred with Grade 3 fatigue at the 200 mg dose level of nimotuzumab and Grade 4 neutropenia with pneumonia at the 600 mg dose level of nimotuzumab. No objective responses were observed, and stable disease was observed in eight patients (66.7%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.4 months in all patients, 1.3 months in patients with the EGFR mutation, and 4.4 months in those with wild type EGFR (EGFR WT). The median survival time (MST) was 21.1 months in all patients, 21.1 months in patients with EGFR mutation, and 26.4 months in patients with EGFR WT.

Conclusions

Nimotuzumab and docetaxel combination therapy was found to be well tolerated and efficacious. Further study of nimotuzumab is warranted in advanced NSCLC patients.     

The combination of gemcitabine and vinorelbine is an active regimen as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer pretreated with taxanes and/or anthracyclines: a phase I-II study

Purpose. To evaluate the activity and toxicity of gemcitabine and vinorelbine (GemVin), in patients with advanced breast cancer, previously treated with anthracyclines alone or with taxanes. Patients and methods. Nine patients were entered into the phase I and 50 patients were entered into the phase II study. Gemcitabine was administered beginning with the dose of 800 mg/m² and vinorelbine was given at the fixed dose of 25 mg/m², both on days 1 and 8, every 21 days. Escalated dose levels of gemcitabine were planned by increments of 200 mg/m² per level. The median age of the 50 assessable patients for the phase II study was 56.5 years (range 30–70) and median performance status (PS, ECOG score), 1 (range 0–2). The dominant sites of metastases were viscera in 40, bone in five and soft tissue in five patients. First-line chemotherapy for metastatic disease with taxanes and anthracyclines or with anthracyclines alone was administered in 36 and 14 patients, respectively. Results. The optimal schedule for the combination was gemcitabine 800 mg/m² and vinorelbine 25 mg/m². The maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine was 1000 mg/m², with grade 4 neutropenia occurring in two cases at this dose level. Overall, 267 cycles were given to the 50 patients enrolled into the phase II (mean 5.3; range 3–9). The schedule was well tolerated: three patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia and another four patients experienced grade 3 anemia. Non-hematological toxicities were moderate. A major objective response was observed in 42% of patients (95% confidence interval (CI), 28–57%), with complete remission in four (8%) and partial response in 17 (34%) patients. The median time to progression was 6 months. Activity as well as toxicity were similar in the subgroups of the patients pretreated either with combinations of taxanes and anthracyclines or anthracyclines alone. Conclusions. The optimal GemVin schedule is an effective and well tolerated second-line therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer pre-treated with anthracycline – based schedules or with combinations of anthracyclines and taxanes.     

Liposomal daunorubicin in the treatment of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma.

Purpose:To assess the efficacy and toxicity of liposomal daunorubicin administered as a two-hour intravenous infusion to patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). Patients and methods:Eligible patients had relapsed or refractory NHL with measurable or evaluable disease, and low grade, select intermediate grade, or mantle cell pathologic types. Prior exposure to an anthracycline or anthracenedione was allowed. Liposomal daunorubicin at a dose of 100 mg/m² was given intravenously over a minimum of 120 minutes every 3 weeks, as a single agent. Results:Thirty-three patients were accrued: twenty-three (70%) had low-grade histologies; six (18%) had intermediate-grade histologies (follicular large-cell and diffuse small cleaved); and four (12%) patients had mantle-cell lymphoma. Eighteen (55%) had received two or more prior regimens; fourteen (42%) received a prior anthracycline. A median of six cycles of liposomal daunorubicin were administered (range 1–15). Of 31 patients evaluable for response, 2 complete and 10 partial remissions were documented for a major response rate of 39% (95% confidence interval (CI): 22%–58%). The median duration of response was 19.5 months (range 4.3–41.1+). Six responders (50%) had received a prior anthracycline; one responder had mantle-cell histology. The major toxicities were grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in 26 patients (79%), mild to moderate nausea in 22 (67%), and fatigue in 16 (48%). Conclusions:Liposomal daunorubicin at 100 mg/m² every three weeks has activity in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL, including patients with prior exposure to an anthracycline. Further studies of liposomal daunorubicin in combination with other agents are warranted.     

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of amrubicin, a synthetic 9-aminoanthracycline, in patients with refractory or relapsed lung cancer

Amrubicin is a novel synthetic 9-aminoanthracycline derivative and is converted enzymatically to its C-13 hydroxy metabolite, amrubicinol, whose cytotoxic activity is 10–100 times that of amrubicin. We aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of amrubicin and to characterize the pharmacokinetics of amrubicin and amrubicinol in previously treated patients with refractory or relapsed lung cancer. The 15 patients were treated with amrubicin intravenously at doses of 30, 35, or 40 mg/m² on three consecutive days every 3 weeks for a total of 43 courses. Neutropenia was the major toxicity (grade 4, 67%). The MTD was 40 mg/m², with the specific dose-limiting toxicities being grade 4 neutropenia persisting for >4 days, febrile neutropenia, or grade 3 arrhythmia in the three patients treated at this dose. A patient with non-small-cell lung cancer showed a partial response, and ten individuals experienced a stable disease. The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) for amrubicin and that for amrubicinol increased with amrubicin dose. The amrubicin AUC was significantly correlated with the amrubicinol AUC. The recommended phase II dose of amrubicin for patients with lung cancer refractory to standard chemotherapy is thus 35 mg/m² once a day for three consecutive days every 3 weeks.