Impact of the HPV-positivity definition on the prognostic value of HPV status in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Efficacy of Carboplatin/Paclitaxel-Based Radiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CTX) is commonly used concurrently with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The value of CTX regimens other than cisplatin for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (LASCCHN) has not been well established. Here we compare the outcome of patients treated with different platinum-based chemotherapy regimens.

METHODS

Medical records from 104 patients with LASCCHN treated with radiochemotherapy (RCTX) between February 2013 and August 2016 were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients were treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (51 definitive, 53 postoperative). The median total dose was 66.6 Gy and the median fraction dose was 1.8 Gy. 81 (78%) patients were administered cisplatin CTX, 23 (22%) patients received carboplatin and paclitaxel (CarboTaxol). The rate of recurrence was 38% in patients treated with cisplatin and 30% in CarboTaxol-treated patients (p = 0.6). Regarding the CTX regimens, event-free survival (EFS) was 37 versus 30 months (p = 0.6) and overall survival (OS) was 35 versus 28 months (p = 0.5) in cisplatin group versus CarboTaxol group, respectively. Significantly higher grade 3/4 acute toxicity in terms of dysphagia was observed following cisplatin-based RCTX (p = 0.002). In multivariable analysis, females and patients with early primary tumors (T1-2) have longer EFS and OS, regardless the CTX regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary or adjuvant RCXT with CarboTaxol is a safe and effective treatment alternative for LASCCHN patients with contraindication to cisplatin-based RCTX.

Chemoradiation of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck (LASCCHN): Is 20mg/m(2) cisplatin on five days every four weeks an alternative to 100mg/m(2) cisplatin every three weeks?

OBJECTIVES

To compare chemoradiation with 100mg/m(2) cisplatin every three weeks to 20mg/m(2) on five days every four weeks for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck (LASCCHN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 230 patients receiving chemoradiation for LASCCHN, 100mg/m(2) cisplatin every three weeks (N=126) and 20mg/m(2) cisplatin on five days every four weeks (N=104) were retrospectively compared. Chemoradiation plus eleven characteristics (T-/N-classification, performance score, gender, age, tumor site, grading, surgery, radiation technique, pre-chemoradiation hemoglobin, cumulative cisplatin dose) were analyzed for locoregional control (LRC), metastases-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS). Chemoradiation groups were compared for adverse events.

RESULTS

On univariate analyses, chemoradiation had no impact on LRC (p=0.53), MFS (p=0.67) and OS (p=0.14). On multivariate analysis of LRC, T-classification (p=0.045) and hemoglobin (p<0.001) were significant. On multivariate analysis of MFS, performance score (p=0.028) was significant. On multivariate analysis of OS, performance score (p=0.009) and hemoglobin levels (p=0.002) achieved significance. Chemoradiation with 100mg/m(2) cisplatin was associated with more pneumonia/sepsis (p=0.003), grade ⩾2nausea/vomiting (p<0.001), grade ⩾2 nephrotoxicity (p=0.005), grade ⩾2 xerostomia (p=0.002), grade ⩾3 hematotoxicity (p=0.052) and grade ⩾2 ototoxicity (p=0.048).

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

20mg/m(2) cisplatin on five days every four weeks was associated with fewer adverse events than 100mg/m(2) cisplatin every three weeks. 100mg/m(2) cisplatin was not significantly superior to 20mg/m(2) cisplatin regarding LRC, MFS and OS. Given the limitations of a retrospective study, 20mg/m(2) cisplatin appeared preferable. The results should be confirmed in a randomized trial.

Comparing two lower-dose cisplatin programs for radio-chemotherapy of locally advanced head-and-neck cancers

Radio-chemotherapy is a common treatment for locally advanced squamous cell head-and-neck cancers (LA-SCCHN). Cisplatin (100 mg/m²) every 3 weeks is very common but associated with considerable toxicity. Therefore, cisplatin programs with lower daily doses were introduced. There is a lack of studies comparing lower-dose programs. In this study, 85 patients receiving radio-chemotherapy with 20 mg/m² cisplatin on 5 days every 4 weeks (group A) were retrospectively compared to 85 patients receiving radio-chemotherapy with 30-40 mg/m² cisplatin weekly (group B). Groups were matched for nine factors including age, gender, performance score, tumor site, T-/N-category, surgery, hemoglobin before radio-chemotherapy, and radiation technique. One- and 3-year loco-regional control rates were 83 and 69 % in group A versus 74 and 63 % in group B (p = 0.12). One- and 3-year survival rates were 93 % and 73 % in group A versus 91 and 49 % in group B (p = 0.011). On multivariate analysis, survival was significantly better for group A (HR 1.17; p = 0.002). In groups A and B, 12 and 28 % of patients, respectively, did not receive a cumulative cisplatin dose ≥180 mg/m² (p = 0.016). Toxicity rates were not significantly different. On subgroup analyses, group A patients had better loco-regional control (p = 0.040) and survival (p = 0.005) than group B patients after definitive radio-chemotherapy. In patients receiving adjuvant radio-chemotherapy, outcomes were not significantly different. Thus, 20 mg/m² cisplatin on 5 days every 4 weeks resulted in better loco-regional control and survival in patients receiving definitive radio-chemotherapy and may be preferable for these patients. Confirmation of these results in a randomized trial is warranted.

Comparison of weekly administration of cisplatin versus three courses of cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) for definitive radiochemotherapy of locally advanced head-and-neck cancers

Background

To compare definitive radiochemotherapy with weekly administration of 30–40 mg/m² of cisplatin to 100 mg/m² of cisplatin on days 1, 22 and 43 for outcomes and toxicity in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck.

Methods

Seventy-five patients receiving radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin (30–40 mg/m²) were compared to 58 patients receiving radiochemotherapy with 100 mg/m² cisplatin on days 1, 22 and 43. Radiochemotherapy regimen plus seven characteristics (age, gender, performance score, tumor site, T-/N-category, histologic grading) were evaluated for locoregional control (LRC), metastases-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS). Radiochemotherapy groups were compared for toxicity.

Results

On multivariate analysis, improved LRC was associated with cisplatin 100 mg/m² (hazard ratio [HR] 1.57; p = 0.008) and female gender (HR 4.37; p = 0.003). Radiochemotherapy regimen was not significantly associated with MFS on univariate analysis (p = 0.66). On multivariate analysis, better MFS was associated with ECOG performance score 0–1 (HR 5.63; p < 0.001) and histological grade 1–2 (HR 1.81; p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, improved OS was associated with cisplatin 100 mg/m² (HR 1.33; p = 0.023), ECOG performance score 0–1 (HR 2.15; p = 0.029) and female gender (HR 1.98; p = 0.026). Cisplatin 100 mg/m² was associated with higher rates of grade ≥3 hematotoxicity (p = 0.004), grade ≥2 renal failure (p = 0.004) and pneumonia/sepsis (p = 0.033).

Conclusions

Radiochemotherapy with 100 mg/m² of cisplatin every 3 weeks resulted in better LRC and OS than weekly doses of 30–40 mg/m². Given the limitations of a retrospective study, 100 mg/m² of cisplatin appears preferable. Since this regimen was associated with considerable acute toxicity, patients require close monitoring.

Radiochemotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Higher-dose cisplatin every 3 weeks versus cisplatin/5-fluorouracil every 4 weeks

Many patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LASCCHN) receive cisplatin-based radiochemotherapy. The optimal regimen is still unclear when considering both efficacy and feasibility. This study compared two regimens for locoregional control (LRC), overall survival (OS), and adverse events. Data of 329 patients with LASCCHN receiving definitive or postoperative radiochemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 131 patients received 100 mg/m(2) cisplatin on days 1, 22, and 43 (group A), and 198 patients received 20 mg/m(2) cisplatin plus 600/1000 mg/m(2) 5-FU on days 1-5 and days 29-33 (group B). Radiochemotherapy regimens plus nine factors were compared for LRC and OS, and radiochemotherapy regimens additionally for adverse events. On univariate analysis, chemotherapy type was not associated with LRC (p = 0.36). On multivariate analysis, performance score (p = 0.039), N-category (p = 0.007), histologic grade (p = 0.007), upfront surgery (p = 0.030), and pre-radiochemotherapy hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001) were associated with LRC. On univariate analysis, chemotherapy type had no impact on OS (p = 0.64). On multivariate analysis, performance score (p < 0.001), T-category (p = 0.025), N-category (p < 0.001), histologic grade, and hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001) were associated with OS. Renal failure occurred significantly more often in group A (p = 0.008). Otherwise, adverse events were not significantly different. Thus, both radiochemotherapy regimens appeared similarly effective for LASCCHN. Patients receiving 100 mg/m(2) of cisplatin require close monitoring of their renal function.

Induction chemotherapy with concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: a meta-analysis

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has been considered to be the standard of care for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (LA-SCCHN). Whether induction chemotherapy (IC) with CCRT will further improve the clinical outcomes or not is still unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the two regimens for LA-SCCHN. Literature searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Chinese Biology Medicine from inception to November 2014. Five prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 922 patients were included in meta-analysis. Results were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) or relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared with CCRT, IC with CCRT showed no statistically significant differences in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) or locoregional recurrence rate (LRR), but could increase risks of grade 3-4 febrile neutropenia (P = 0.0009) and leukopenia (P = 0.04). In contrast, distant metastasis rate (DMR) decreased (P = 0.006) and complete response rate (CR) improved (P = 0.010) for IC with CCRT. In conclusion, the current studies do not support the use of IC with CCRT over CCRT, and the further positioning of IC with CCRT as standard treatment for LA-SCCHN will come from more RCTs directly comparing IC followed by CCRT with CCRT.

Nuclear expression of p65 (RelA) in patients receiving post-operative radiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background

This study investigated the prognostic role of nuclear expression of p65 in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) receiving post-operative radio(chemo)therapy.

Methods

Nuclear p65-expression (H-score ≤50 versus >50) plus twelve characteristics were analyzed in 151 patients for overall survival (OS), metastases-free survival (MFS) and loco-regional control (LRC). Additional characteristics included age, gender, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), pre-radiotherapy hemoglobin levels, tumor site, histological grading, human papilloma virus (HPV)-status, T-classification, N-classification, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)-stage, extent of resection and concurrent chemotherapy. Univariate analyses were performed with Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test, multivariate analyses with Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

On univariate analyses, p65-expression had a significant impact on OS (p < 0.001) and LRC (p < 0.001) but not on MFS (p = 0.29). On multivariate analysis, KPS ≥80 (risk ratio [RR] 2.23; p = 0.012), HPV-positivity (RR 5.83; p = 0.020), T1-T2 (RR 1.38; p = 0.048), N0-N2a (RR 2.72; p = 0.005) and complete resection (RR 2.02; p = 0.049) were positively associated with OS; p65-negativity achieved borderline significance (RR 3.02; p = 0.052). Better MFS was associated with KPS ≥80 (RR 2.49; p = 0.015), T1-T2 (RR: 1.74; p = 0.005), N0-N2a (RR: 6.22; p < 0.001) and complete resection (RR 3.43; p = 0.003). Positive associations with LRC were found for p65-negativity (RR 5.06; p = 0.008), T1-T2 (RR: 1.49; p = 0.022), N0-N2a (RR: 2.97; p = 0.004) and favorable tumor site (RR 1.28; p = 0.025).

Conclusions

P65-negativity was significantly associated with improved LRC and achieved borderline significance with respect to improved OS. Thus, p65-expression may be an additional target for novel agents in the treatment of locally advanced SCCHN.

Improved survival in HPV/p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

In the literature, HPV infection and/or p16 positivity have been consistently demonstrated to correlate with improved response rates in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients treated with primary radiotherapy (RT) alone and in combination with chemotherapy. However, the exact role of HPV/p16 positivity in patients treated with postoperative RT is still unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed tumor samples for HPV-DNA and p16 expression and correlated these variables with treatment outcome in a series of 63 consecutively treated oropharyngeal cancer patients (95% stage III/IV). HPV and p16 analysis were performed using validated test systems. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied to compare the risk of death among patients stratified according to risk factors.

RESULTS

Expression of p16 or high-risk HPV-DNA was detected in 60.3% and 39.6% of the tumors, respectively. p16 expression [overall survival (OS) at 2 years: 91%] as well as HPV infection (OS at 2 years: 95%) was associated with improved OS. Mean survival in p16-positive patients was 112 months compared to 64.6 months in case of p16 negativity. All HPV-positive tumors stained positive for p16. In a multivariable analysis, p16 positivity was associated with improved OS and with disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

p16 expression and HPV infection are strongly associated with the outcome of postoperatively irradiated OPSCC patients. HPV and p16 double-negative OPSCC patients should be regarded as a distinct "very high-risk patient group" that may benefit from intensified or novel treatment combinations.

Evaluation of the prognostic role of tumor cell podoplanin expression in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To investigate the potential prognostic role of tumor cell podoplanin expression in patients treated with resection followed by irradiation or chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Podoplanin expression (≤10 % versus > 10 %) and 12 other factors were evaluated in 160 patients for their association with locoregional control (LRC), metastases-free (MFS) and overall survival (OS). Other factors were age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, preradiotherapy (pre-RT) hemoglobin level, tumor site, histological grading, T category, N category, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, extent of resection and concurrent chemotherapy.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, ECOG performance status 0-1 (risk ratio, RR: 3.01; 95 % confidence interval, CI: 1.42-7.14; p = 0.003), pre-RT hemoglobin levels ≥ 7.45 mmol/l (12 g/dl; RR: 2.03; 95 % CI: 1.04-3.94; p = 0.038), oropharyngeal cancer (RR: 1.25; 95 % CI: 1.01-1.55; p = 0.038) and T category T1-2 (RR: 1.81; 95 % CI: 1.24-2.79; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with improved LRC. T category T1-2 (RR: 1.90; 95 % CI: 1.25-3.06; p = 0.002) and N category N0-2a (RR: 5.22; 95 % CI: 1.96-18.09; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with better MFS. Pre-RT hemoglobin levels ≥ 7.45 mmol/l (RR: 2.44; 95 % CI: 1.27-4.74; p = 0.007), T category T1-2 (RR: 1.97; 95 % CI: 1.36-3.04; p < 0.001) and N category N0-2a (RR: 2.87; 95 % CI: 1.37-6.61; p = 0.005) were significantly associated with improved OS. Podoplanin expression ≤ 10 % showed a trend towards improved OS on both univariate (p = 0.050) and multivariate analysis (RR: 1.86; 95 % CI: 0.96-3.59; p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Treatment outcomes were significantly associated with performance status, pre-RT hemoglobin level, tumor site and tumor stage. Tumor cell expression of podoplanin ≤ 10 % showed a trend towards improved OS when compared to podoplanin expression of > 10 %.

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy versus induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy as definitive, first line treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. A retrospective single center analysis

PURPOSE

Despite the lack of evidence to support its implementation in the clinical practice, induction chemotherapy (IC) before chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is often used in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We retrospectively examined the tolerability, feasibility, and clinical outcome of both concepts in a single center analysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 83 patients were treated between 2007 and 2010 with IC + CRT (n = 42) or CRT alone (n = 41). IC consisted of docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF), or cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF). All patients were scheduled to receive 2 cycles of PF during concurrent CRT. Adverse events were assessed according to the common toxicity criteria of adverse events (CTCAE v. 3.0). Associations were tested using the χ² test, and survival estimates were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 30.35 months (range 2.66-61.25 months). At 2 years, the overall survival rate was significantly higher for primary CRT compared to IC + CRT group (74.8 % vs. 54 %, respectively; p = 0.041). Significantly more treatment-related overall grade 4 toxicities were documented in the IC + CRT group compared to the CRT group (42.9% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.001). Renal toxicity ≥ grade 2 occurred in 52.4 % vs. 7.3 % (p < 0.001), respectively. In all, 93 % of the patients with primary CRT compared to 71 % with IC + CRT received the planned full radiotherapy dose (p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

This is, to our knowledge, the largest retrospective study to compare IC + CRT with primary CRT. IC showed high acute toxicity, compromised the feasibility of concurrent CRT, and was associated with reduced overall survival rates compared to primary CRT. The lack of clinical benefit in conjunction with the increased toxicity does not support implementation of IC.