Randomized trial comparing epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil versus fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and methotrexate in advanced esophagogastric cancer

Upregulated microRNA-193a-3p is responsible for cisplatin resistance in CD44(+) gastric cancer cells

Cisplatin is a well‐known anticancer drug used to treat various cancers. However, development of cisplatin resistance has hindered the efficiency of this drug in cancer treatment. Development of chemoresistance is known to involve many signaling pathways. Recent attention has focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) as potentially important upstream regulators in the development of chemoresistance. CD44 is one of the gastric cancer stem cell markers and plays a role in regulating self‐renewal, tumor initiation, metastasis and chemoresistance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the mechanism of miRNA‐mediated chemoresistance to cisplatin in CD44‐positive gastric cancer stem cells. We sorted gastric cancer cells according to level of CD44 expression by FACS and analyzed their miRNA expression profiles by microarray analysis. We found that miR‐193a‐3p was significantly upregulated in CD44(+) cells compared with CD44(−) cells. Moreover, SRSF2 of miR‐193a‐3p target gene was downregulated in CD44(+) cells. We studied the modulation of Bcl‐X and caspase 9 mRNA splicing by SRSF2 and found that more pro‐apoptotic variants of these genes were generated. We also found that downstream anti‐apoptotic genes such as Bcl‐2 were upregulated, whereas pro‐apoptotic genes such as Bax and cytochrome C were downregulated in CD44(+) cells compared to CD44(−) cells. In addition, we found that an elevated level of miR‐193a‐3p triggered the development of cisplatin resistance in CD44(+) cells. Inhibition of miR‐193a‐3p in CD44(+) cells increased SRSF2 expression and also altered the levels of multiple apoptotic genes. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐193a‐3p reduced cell viability and increased the number of apoptotic cells. Therefore, miR‐193a‐3p may be implicated in the development of cisplatin resistance through regulation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. miR‐193a‐3p could be a promising target for cancer therapy in cisplatin‐resistant gastric cancer.

Phase I study of orally administered S-1 in combination with epirubicin and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors and chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer

BACKGROUND

This phase I study investigated the safety and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 when combined with epirubicin and oxaliplatin (EOS).

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 years with advanced or metastatic solid tumors were enrolled in a 3 + 3 design with S-1 dose escalation (two planned cohorts) performed according to the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). On day 1 of each 21-day cycle, patients received epirubicin 50 mg/m² followed by oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² (maximum 8 cycles) and then S-1 [20 mg/m² (cohort 1) or 25 mg/m² (cohort 2), twice daily]: first dose, evening of day 1; subsequent administration on days 2-14, twice daily; last dose, morning of day 15 (unlimited number of S-1 cycles). After protocol amendment, enrollment in a third cohort was restricted to patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer.

RESULTS

DLT was reported for two of the five patients in cohort 2, defining 20 mg/m² twice daily as the MTD of S-1 combined with epirubicin and oxaliplatin in heavily pretreated patients. Thirteen patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer were subsequently enrolled and treated at an S-1 dose level of 25 mg/m² twice daily; no DLTs were reported; median overall survival was 13.1 months. Of the 11 evaluable patients, three (27 %) had partial responses and seven (64 %) had stable disease. The safety profile was in line with expectations.

CONCLUSIONS

The promising activity of EOS (S-1 dose level, 25 mg/m² twice daily) and acceptable safety profile support further clinical development of this combination for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer.

Global chemotherapy development for gastric cancer

To combat the dismal mortality rates from metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), new drugs and treatment strategies are needed. Today, metastatic GAC is predominantly treated by empiric chemotherapy. Combination of two cytotoxic agents has become commonplace in North America, Europe, and Asia. Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) overexpression (protein or gene copy numbers) has resulted in the addition of trastuzumab in the first-line chemotherapy combination in patients whose tumor is HER2 positive. The addition of trastuzumab in this select population has provided a modest survival advantage. In this review we trace the global development of systemic therapy in patients with metastatic GAC and ponder what lies in the future.

Patient preferences for palliative treatment of locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: a choice-based conjoint analysis study from Germany

Background

Decisions on palliative chemotherapy (CT) for locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) require trade-offs between potential benefits and risks for patients. Healthcare providers and payers agree that patient-preferences should be considered. We conducted a choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis study in pre-treated patients from Germany with mGC or locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (mGEJ-Ca), to evaluate their preferences when hypothetically selecting a CT regimen.

Methods

German oncologists and gastroenterologists were contacted to identify patients with mGC or mGEJ-Ca who had completed ≥2 cycles of palliative CT in first or later lines of therapy (CT ongoing or complete). The primary objective was to quantify patient preferences for palliative CT by CBC analysis. Six in-depth qualitative interviews identified 3 attributes: treatment tolerability, quality of life in terms of ability of self-care, and additional survival benefit. The CBC matrix was constructed with 4 factor levels per attribute and each participant was presented with 15 different iterations of these levels. A minimum of 50 participants was needed. Consenting patients completed the CBC survey, choosing systematically among profiles. CBC models were estimated by multinomial logistic regression (MLR) and hierarchical Bayesian (HB) analysis. Estimates of importance for each attribute and factor-level were calculated.

Results

Fifty-five patients participated in the CBC survey (78.2% male, median age 63 years, 81.8% currently receiving CT). Across this sample, low treatment toxicity was ranked highest (44.6% relative importance, MLR analysis), followed by ability to self-care (32.3%), and an additional survival benefit of up to 3 months (3 months 23.1%, 2 months 18.3%, 1 month 11.2%). The MLR analysis showed high validity (certainty 37.9%, chi square p < 0.01, root-likelihood 0.505). The HB analysis yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Patients’ preferences related to a new hypothetical palliative CT of mGC or mGEJ-Ca can be assessed by CBCanalysis. Although in real-life, patients initially need to decide on CT before they have any experience, and patients’ varied experiences with CT will have impacted specific responses, low toxicity and self-care ability were considered as most important by this group of patients with mGC or mGEJ-Ca.

Generalized high bone mineral density on bone density scanning: a case of gastric carcinoma with bone metastasis

Generalized high bone mineral density (BMD) on Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning most commonly reflects metabolic bone disease. However, some malignancies could also stimulate the underlying processes. We reported that a 41-year-old female was referred for lumbago. She did not complain of any symptoms in the digestive system. DXA revealed high BMD in the lumbar vertebras. Marked increase in bone mass was observed in an X-ray of chest compared with one conducted 6 months previously. Additionally, an X-ray of the axial skeleton showed diffuse sclerotic change. Laboratory data revealed hypocalcemia and high osteoblastic activity. A bone biopsy of the pelvis confirmed metastatic undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. Further research for the primary site revealed gastric signet ring cell carcinoma via endoscopic biopsy. The patient refused treatment and died 2 months after the diagnosis. In clinical practice, high BMD could be the initial feature of gastric cancer. Due to its poor prognosis, adequate clinical management is of paramount value.

Fluoropyrimidine-Based Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Gastric Cancer: a Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

Fluoropyrimidine-based regimens are the most common treatments in advanced gastric cancer. We used a Bayesian network meta-analysis to identify the optimal fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy by comparing their relative efficacy and safety. We systematically searched databases and extracted data from randomized controlled trials, which compared fluoropyrimidine-based regimens as first-line treatment in AGC. The main outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs). A total of 12 RCTs of 4026 patients were included in our network meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed S-1 and capecitabine had a significant OS benefit over 5-Fu, with hazard ratios of 0.90 (95%CI = 0.81-0.99) and 0.88 (95%CI = 0.80-0.96), respectively. The result also exhibited a trend that S-1 and capecitabine prolonged PFS in contrast to 5-Fu, with hazard ratios of 0.84 (95%CI = 0.66-1.02) and 0.84 (95%CI = 0.65-1.03), respectively. Additionally, all the three fluoropyrimidine-based regimens were similar in terms of ORR and grade 3 or 4 AEs. Compared with regimens based on 5-Fu, regimens based on S-1 or capecitabine demonstrated a significant OS improvement without compromise of AEs as first-line treatment in AGC in Asian population. S-1 and capecitabine can be interchangeable according their different emphasis on AEs.

Phase 1/2 Study of the Addition of Cisplatin to Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Image Guided High-Precision Radiation Therapy for Completely Resected Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE

Locoregional recurrence is common after surgery for gastric cancer. Adjuvant therapy improves outcomes but with toxicity. This phase 1/2 study investigated infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with biweekly cisplatin delivered concurrently with image guided high-precision radiation therapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eligible patients had completely resected stage IB to IV (Union for International Cancer Control TNM 6th edition) nonmetastatic gastric adenocarcinoma. Treatment constituted 12 weeks of infusional 5-FU (200 mg/m²/day) with cisplatin added in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation protocol (0, 20, 30, and 40 mg/m²) during weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7, and an additional week 9 dose in the final cohort. Radiation therapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions) was delivered during weeks 3 to 7. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined in phase 1 and confirmed in phase 2.

RESULTS

Among the 55 patients (median age, 54 years; range 28-77 years; 55% male), the median follow-up time was 3.0 years (range, 0.3-5.3 years). Five patients in phase 1 experienced dose-limiting toxicity, and MTD was determined as 4 cycles of 40 mg/m² cisplatin. Twenty-seven patients were treated at MTD. Acute grade 3 to 4 toxicity rate was 37.0% at MTD and 29.1% across all dose levels. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Fourteen patients experienced recurrent disease. The 2-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival were 85% and 74%, respectively. Median OS has not been reached. Quality of life (QOL) was impaired during treatment, but most scores recovered by 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin can be safely delivered with 5-FU-based chemoradiation therapy. Acute toxicity was acceptable, and patient-reported QOL showed the regimen was tolerable. Outcomes are encouraging and justify further study of this regimen.

Neoadjuvant therapy for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma

Gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas are one of the main causes of cancer-related death worldwide. While the incidence of gastric adenocarcinoma is decreasing, the incidence of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma is rising rapidly in Western countries. Considering that surgical resection is currently the major curative treatment, and that the 5-year survival rate highly depends on the pTNM stage at diagnosis, gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma management is very challenging for oncologists. Several treatment strategies are being evaluated, and among them systemic chemotherapy, to decrease recurrences and improve overall survival. The MAGIC and FNCLCC-FFCD trials showed a survival benefit of perioperative chemotherapy in patients with operable gastric and lower esophageal cancer, and these results had an impact on the European clinical practice. New strategies, including induction chemotherapy followed by preoperative chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapies in combination with perioperative chemotherapy and the new cytotoxic regimens, are currently assessed to improve current standards and help developing patient-tailored therapeutic interventions.

Three drugs vs two drugs first-line chemotherapy regimen in advanced gastric cancer patients: a retrospective analysis

The definition of the standard chemotherapy regimen for advanced gastric cancer is still a matter of debate. Aim of our analysis was to retrospectively assess whether an intensive, three-drugs, front line approach could be comparable to a sequential (two-drugs front line then second line) in terms of RR (response rate), PFS (progression free survival) and OS (overall survival) in advanced gastric cancer patients in the clinical practice. Patients with metastatic gastric cancer who have received a first-line combination chemotherapy with a two or three-drugs regimen were included in our analysis. We divided our patients into two groups, A and B, based on the first line chemotherapy administered (group A = three drugs; group B = two drugs). A total of 425 patients were eligible for our analysis. 216 patients (50.8 %) received three chemotherapeutic agents (group A) and 209 patients (49.2 %) received a two drugs regimen as first-line combination chemotherapy (group B). RR for group A and B was 44 and 29.6 %, respectively (p = 0.0005), median PFS was 7.3 months in group A and 4.5 months in group B (p = 0.0007). No significant difference was found in terms of OS. The addition of a third drug to a doublet chemotherapy regimen appeared more active in terms of response rate and PFS. However median OS resulted comparable. On this basis, the use of a sequential approach may represent a reasonable strategy for patients unwilling or unable to undergo a more intensive treatment without compromising OS.

Systemic therapy beyond first-line in advanced gastric cancer: An overview of the main randomized clinical trials

Following progression on first-line platinum and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, prognosis for advanced gastric cancer patients is extremely poor. Thus, new and effective treatments are required. Based on positive results of recent randomized controlled trials, second-line monochemotherapies with either irinotecan or taxanes confer a median overall survival of approximately 5 months in gastro-esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Combination of weekly paclitaxel and ramucirumab, a novel anti-angiogenic VEGFR2 antibody, pushes the overall survival up to over 9.5 months, whereas apatinib, a novel oral VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, seems to be promising in heavily pretreated patients. In contrast, the role of EGFR/HER2 and mTOR inhibitors is controversial. Studies are heterogeneous for tumor population, geographical areas, quality of life assessment, type of first-line therapy and response to that, making clinical practice application of the trial results difficult. Furthermore, sustainability is challenging due to high cost of novel biotherapies.

Phase II study of first-line biweekly docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer

PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown that docetaxel and cisplatin, as single agents, are effective and relatively well tolerated in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and toxicity of a biweekly regimen of docetaxel plus cisplatin in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Fifty-five patients with histologically proven advanced gastric cancer with at least 1 measurable lesion and ECOG PS ≤ 2 were enrolled. Patients received docetaxel 50 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks until progression disease, unbearable toxicity or a maximum of 12 cycles.

RESULTS

In total, 426 cycles were administered (median 8.5 cycles) to 52 evaluable patients. One patient (1.9 %) showed a complete response, while 21 (40.4 %) had partial responses. The objective response rate was 42.3 % (95 % CI 28.9-55.7), the median time to progression was 5.5 months (95 % CI 4.0-7.0), and the median overall survival was 8.9 months (95 % CI 6.0-11.9). The most common grade 3-4 toxicities per cycle were haematological [neutropenia (5.9 %)].

CONCLUSIONS

Biweekly administration of docetaxel and cisplatin in advanced gastric cancer has a manageable toxicity profile and shows a promising antitumour activity as a first-line therapy.

Dose-dense biweekly docetaxel combined with 5-fluorouracil as first-line treatment in advanced gastric cancer: a phase II trial

This study evaluated the efficacy, safety and impact on quality of life (QoL) of a dose-dense biweekly regimen of docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil in first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Eligible patients received docetaxel 60 mg/m(2) and 5-fluorouracil (400 mg/m(2) bolus followed by 2,400 mg/m(2) 46-h infusion), fortnightly. Prophylactic use of G-CSF was adopted in all patients. The primary end point was response rate (RR). Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity and QoL. Thirty-nine patients with a median age of 55 (28-80) were included. The RR was 51.3 %. Median PFS and OS were 6.7 and 14.0 months, respectively. The most common adverse events (all grades) were anemia (34, 87.2 %), fatigue (29, 74.4 %), neutropenia (26, 66.7 %), nail change (19, 48.7 %) and liver dysfunction (15, 38.5 %). In QoL analysis, improvements were obtained in seven scales, whereas drops were seen in three scales. Common Grade 3/4 toxicities included anemia (28.2 %), liver dysfunction (7.7 %) and fatigue (7.7 %). This novel regimen is a promising option for AGC, showing high RR, improvement on QoL and acceptable toxicity.

Epirubicin combined with oxaliplatin and 5-day continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil as a first-line treatment for metastatic gastric cancer: treatment outcomes and analysis of prognostic factors

PURPOSE

In order to confirm the efficacy, tolerability, and baseline prognostic factors of an epirubicin (EPR)-containing triplet regimen, the EOF5 regimen, in patients with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC), we conducted the phase II trial and retrospective analysis.

METHODS

MGC patients received the EOF5 regimen (EPR 50 mg/m(2) and oxaliplatin (OX) 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 followed by continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 375-425 mg/m(2)/days for 5 days every 3 weeks). Log-rank tests were used for univariate analysis of time to progression (TTP) and overall survival rate (OS), and stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was performed to generate a prognostic index.

RESULTS

A total of 158 patients received the EOF5 regimen. Of the 150 evaluable patients, complete remission, partial remission, and stable disease were observed in 5 (3.3%), 70 (46.7%), and 58 patients (38.7%), respectively. The median TTP and OS were 6.0 (95% CI 5.4-6.6) and 12.6 months (95% CI 8.2-16.9), respectively. Grade 3-4 neutropenia (44.0%), thrombocytopenia (25.3%), and anemia (6.7%) were recorded. A prognostic index that included liver and lung metastasis, ascites/pleural effusion, and baseline serum CA19-9 was used to categorize the patients into three groups: good risk (0 risk factors), moderate risk (1 or 2 risk factors), and poor risk (3 or 4 risk factors). The median OS for these groups was 30.4, 12.4, and 5.6 months, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

EOF5 is an effective regimen and a suitable alternative for the first-line treatment of MGC. According to the prognostic index used in our study, patients with no risk factors have a better OS when treated with EOF5 than those with one or more risk factors.

Trends in the management of gastric cancer over a 32-year period: a French population-based study

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is still generating interest because of its poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate time trends in diagnostic assessment, patterns of care, and survival of gastric cancers.

METHODS

We considered 5,010 gastric cancers diagnosed between 1976 and 2007 in a well-defined French population. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with R0 resection and operative mortality. A multivariate relative survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Diagnostic modalities have changed. Since 1988, endoscopy is performed when gastric cancer is suspected (95.5%). However, there has been no strong variation in stage over time: the proportion of stage I cancers increased from 5.5% to 13.4% between the periods 1976-1979 and 2004-2007 (p < 0.001) whereas that of advanced cases remained stable, 64.8% and 65.0%, respectively. R0 resections rose from 36.7% (1976-1979) to 46.7% between 1980 and 1999, and decreased to 32.7% thereafter. Age, tumor location, and period were associated with R0 resection. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy were rarely used before 2000, then reached 15.0% and 19.1%, respectively, during the later period. Operative mortality after R0 resection decreased from 18.3% during the 1976-1979 period to 4.3% during the 2004-2007 period (p < 0.001). Prognosis slightly improved during the three first periods, from 13.0% to 22.6%, then leveled off, not exceeding 26.0% thereafter. Stage, age, histology, and time period significantly influenced survival.

CONCLUSION

Changes in diagnostic modalities were associated with minor changes in stage and prognosis for gastric cancer. Earlier diagnosis and new therapeutic strategies are the best way to improve the prognosis.

Potential role of rilotumumab in the treatment of gastric cancer

In 2014, outcomes for patients with advanced gastric cancer remain extremely poor with a high level of unmet need regarding effective therapeutic options. However, recent years have seen increasing interest in the role of the MET signaling pathway in this disease subtype, leading to the development and evaluation of MET-targeted therapeutics. Rilotumumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against hepatocyte growth factor, the only known ligand for the MET receptor. It is an unlicensed product which is currently undergoing evaluation in a randomized Phase III trial in ‘MET-positive’ gastric cancer. Here we discuss the background to the treatment of gastric cancer as well as the characteristics of rilotumumab and reported results with this agent in the trials performed to date.

Efficacy and tolerability of chemotherapy with modified dose-dense TCF regimen (TCF-dd) in locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer: final results of a phase II trial

BACKGROUND

We previously studied a dose-dense TCF (TCF-dd) regimen demonstrating its feasibility and an activity comparable to epirubicin-based chemotherapy and TCF q3w in terms of overall survival and time to progression (TTP). We report here the final results of a phase II study of chemotherapy with a modified TCF-dd regimen in locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (MGC).

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN

Patients with histologically confirmed measurable MGC, not previously treated for advanced disease, received docetaxel 70 mg/m(2) day 1, cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) day 1, l-folinic acid 100 mg/m(2) days 1 and 2, followed by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 400 mg/m(2) bolus days 1 and 2, and then 600 mg/m(2) as a 22-h continuous infusion days 1 and 2, every 14 days, plus pegfilgrastim 6 mg on day 3. Patients aged ≥65 years received the same schedule with a dose reduction of 30 %.

RESULTS

Study duration: December 2007-November 2010. Forty-six consecutive patients were enrolled (78 % male, 22 % female; median age, 66 years, range, 38-76 years; ECOG PS: 0, 48 %, 1, 46 %). Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). A median of four cycles (range, one to six) was administered. Forty-three patients were evaluated for response (93.5 %) and all for toxicity: 3 complete response (CR), 25 partial response (PR), 10 stable disease (SD), and 5 progressive disease (PD) were observed, for an ORR by intention to treat (ITT) of 61 % (95 % CI 47-75). Median overall survival (OS) was 17.63 months (95 % CI, 13.67-20.67); median progression-free survival was 8.9 months (95 % CI, 6.5-13.4). Twenty-one patients (46.0 %) were treated at full doses without any delay, thus respecting the dose-dense criterion. Most frequent grade 3-4 toxicities were neutropenia (20 %), leukopenia (4 %), thrombocytopenia (2 %), anemia (2 %), febrile neutropenia (6 %), asthenia (22 %), diarrhea (4 %), nausea/vomiting (11 %), and hypokalemia (6 %). Overall, TCF-dd was shown to be safe.

CONCLUSIONS

The TCF-dd regimen in locally advanced or MGC is confirmed to be feasible and very active and needs to be further tested in randomized studies.

Carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic esophageal or gastric cancer

Survival in patients with metastatic esophageal and gastric cancer is dismal. No standard treatment has been established. Carboplatin/paclitaxel is active in both advanced gastric and esophageal cancer. Here we retrospectively present our single center experience. Between 1998 and 2013, a total of 134 patients with metastatic esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel (carboplatin predominantly area under the curve 5 and paclitaxel predominantly 175 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks as first-line therapy were identified. Baseline characteristics, response to therapy, toxicities, and survival in this patient population were evaluated. Overall survival was defined as date from diagnosis to death or last follow up, and progression-free survival was defined at time from cycle 1 to, progression or last follow up. Kaplan-Meier curves were fit to estimate overall and progression-free survival. Of the 134 patients evaluated, the median age at diagnosis was 65 years. Disease control rate was 62.6% (complete response: 11%, partial response: 28%, stable disease: 33%). Median overall survival from date of initial diagnosis was 15.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.5). Median progression-free survival from date of initiation of carboplatin and paclitaxel was 5.3 months (95% CI 0.34-0.5). Grade III or greater toxicity occurred in 26.1% of patients. The most common grade III toxicities were neutropenia and neuropathy, present in 14.2% and 3.7% of the total study population, respectively. In patients with metastatic or unresectable esophageal or gastric cancer, the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel is well tolerated with comparable overall survival and progression-free survival to existing regimens in this population.

The role of hepatectomy in the management of metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer has a high mortality, with many patients presenting with advanced disease. Many patients who undergo curative gastrectomy will subsequently develop metastatic disease. Hepatectomy has an established place in treating metastases from a variety of cancers but its role in gastric cancer is not clear. This review sought to systematically appraise the literature to establish the role of hepatectomy in treating gastric cancer metastases.

METHOD

Medline and EMBASE were searched for all papers publishing data on survival of patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with 438 patients were included. There were no randomised controlled trials. Perioperative mortality was 2%, with morbidity between 17 and 60%. Patients with solitary metastases appeared to have better survival. Other favourable survival characteristics included unilobar disease, and metachronous presentation. No advantage was demonstrated with either adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

DISCUSSION

Few patients with hepatic metastases from gastric cancer are suitable for hepatectomy, but for those suitable there appears to be survival benefit. Patients with synchronous, multiple or bilobar metastases have worse survival.

CONCLUSION

The evidence supporting the role of hepatectomy in the treatment of hepatic metastases from gastric cancer is weak. However in a selected group there appears to be a survival advantage; patients with solitary metastases had better survival outcomes than those with multiple metastases and metachronous presentation was associated with a better prognosis than synchronous presentation. Hepatectomy should be considered in these patients in the setting of a randomised trial.

Comparison the efficacy of second-line modified EOX (epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine) and irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFIRI) regimens in metastatic gastric cancer patients that progressed on first-line modified docetaxel and cisplatin plus fluorouracil (DCF) regimen

Gastric cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stage. Palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care is recommended for patients with metastatic gastric patients. In several clinical trials, palliative chemotherapy improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), but the survival benefit of second-line chemotherapy was demonstrated in small cohort studies. The main aim of our study was to compare retrospectively the efficacy of second-line modified EOX (epirubicin, oxaliplatin and capecitabine) [mEOX] and irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFIRI) regimens in metastatic gastric cancer patients that progressed on first-line modified docetaxel-cisplatin-fluorouracil (DCF) regimen. Metastatic gastric cancer patients who progressed on modified DCF regimens were included. A total 105 patients were included to this study; 55 and 50 patients were treated with mEOX and FOLFIRI regimens, respectively. The clinicopathological and demographic characteristics of all patients were collected from the medical charts. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was carried out for PFS and OS. The median follow-up of our study was 16 (4-85) months. In both groups, all of the patients were treated with first-line mDCF. Median cycle of second-line chemotherapy was 3 (1-8) and 3.5 (1-6) in EOX and FOLFIRI groups, respectively (P = 0.44). Overall response rate was observed in 34.6 % and 42.0 % of patients second-line chemotherapy in mEOX and FOLFIRI arms, respectively (P = 0.17). Median PFS was 5.5 and 6.3 months in mEOX and FOLFIRI arms, respectively (P = 0.98). Median OS was 6.9 and 7.0 months in mEOX and FOLFIRI arms, respectively, from the time of beginning second-line chemotherapy protocol (P = 0.89). As compared with FOLFIRI regimen, mEOX regimen was associated with less neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Dose reduction and dose delay were significantly higher in FOLFIRI group compared to mEOX group (P < 0.001). In our trial, triplet regimens mEOX and FOLFIRI regimens have similar efficacy as second-line treatment for patients with metastatic gastric cancer. FOLFIRI regimen was associated with more hematological toxicity.

VEGFR-3 and CXCR4 as predictive markers for treatment with fluorouracil, leucovorin plus either oxaliplatin or cisplatin in patients with advanced esophagogastric cancer: a comparative study of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie (AIO)

BACKGROUND

Combination of fluoropyrimidines and a platinum derivative are currently standards for systemic chemotherapy in advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Nevertheless, individual likelihood for response to these therapeutic regimes remains uncertain. Even more, no predictive markers are available to determine which patients may benefit more from oxaliplatin versus cisplatin or vice versa. The new invasion and stem cell markers VEGFR-3 and CXCR4 have been linked prognostically with more aggressive esophagogastric cancer types. Thus, we aimed to assess correlations of VEGFR-3 and CXCR4 expression levels with clinical outcome in a randomized phase III study of patients with oxaliplatin/leucovorin/5-FU (FLO) versus cisplatin/leucovorin/5-FU (FLP).

METHODS

The patients data examined in this study (n = 72) were from the collective of the FLO vs. FLP phase III AIO trial. Tumour tissues were stained via immunohistochemistry for VEGFR-3 and CXCR4 expression and results were evaluated by two independent, blinded investigators.Outcome parameter: Survival analysis was calculated for patients receiving FLO vs. FLP in relation to VEGFR-3 and CXCR4 expression.

RESULTS

54% and 36% of the examined tumour tissues showed strong positive expression of VEGFR-3 and CXCR4 respectively. No superiority of each regime was detected in terms of overall survival (OS) in the whole population. Patients with strong expression of CXCR4 on their tumour tissues profited more in terms of OS under the treatment of FLP (mOS: 28 vs 15 months, p = 0.05 respectively). Patients with negative VEGFR-3 and CXCR4 expression had a trend to live longer when FLO regime was applied (mOS: 22 vs. 9 months, p = 0.099 and 20 vs. 10 months, p = 0.073 respectively). In an exploratory analysis of patients older than 60 years at diagnosis, we observed a significant benefit in overall survival for VEGFR-3 and CXCR4-positive patients when treated with FLP (p = 0.002, p = 0.021 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

CXCR4 positive patients profited in terms of OS from FLP, whereas FLO proved to be more effective in CXCR4 and VEGFR-3 negative patients. Our results suggest, despite the limited size of the study, a predictive value of these biomarkers concerning chemotherapy with FLP or FLO in advanced esophagogastric cancer.

Challenges in first line chemotherapy and targeted therapy in advanced gastric cancer

Chemotherapy prolongs survival in advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The challenges involved in this procedure are providing a framework to aid in determining the best single or combined chemotherapy protocols for targeted agents in front-line therapy for patients in a clinical setting. A review of Phase II-III studies published or referenced in major oncology congress publications from 1970 to 2013 was performed. Cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine remain the reference regimen. Fluoropyrimidine combined with oxaliplatin or irinotecan may also be employed in special situations. There are no comparative studies of the same regimens with or without anthacyclines; thus, the effectiveness of anthacyclines remains under debate. The introduction of trastuzumab in the front-line therapy of HER2-positive patients and ramucirumab in refractory patients ushered in an age of targeted therapy for this disease.

Efficacy and safety of early G-CSF administration in patients with head and neck cancer treated by docetaxel-cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF protocol): a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel-cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) for locally advanced head and neck cancers (HNC) is associated with a high risk of severe neutropenia or febrile neutropenia (FN). We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of administering granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on day 3 (D3) during chemotherapy (early G-CSF stimulation) versus after the end of chemotherapy, as per current guidelines (i.e., after the end of 5-FU perfusion; D7), and its impact on patient outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients ≥19 years old, with advanced HNC who received DCF induction chemotherapy (D and P 75 mg per meter squared (mg/m(2)) on day 1 and 5-FU 750 mg/m(2)/day from D1 to D5), were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Data of 70 patients were analyzed from 01 January 2003 to 01 December 2010. Mean age was 56 years (range 45 to 77 years). Thirty-six patients (51.4 %) received pegfilgrastim on D7, and 28 (40 %) started G-CSF prophylaxis during chemotherapy; 12 (17.1 %) had daily filgrastim and 16 (22.9 %) pegfilgrastim on D3. Overall response rate (ORR) was 89.6 % (three early deaths due to infectious complications; 4.3 %). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 72.8 %. FN rate was 14.3 % and chemotherapy delay was 12.9 %. In the D7 G-CSF arm, incidence of grade 3-4 neutropenia (p = 0.023), FN (p = 0.029), and cycle delays (p = 0.006) was statistically higher than the "early" G-CSF arm. A decrease of OS was observed at 2 years (from 85.1 to 63.5 %) of chemotherapy discontinuation or FN (p = 0.0348).

DISCUSSION

Early administration of G-CSF is safe and seems to be more effective than D7. Future prospective trials are required to confirm our results.

Biweekly docetaxel, fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (TEF) as first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: safety and efficacy in a multicenter cohort

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel-cisplatin-5-FU chemotherapy is superior to 5-FU-cisplatin in terms of response rate and survival in advanced gastric cancer (AGC), but is more toxic. Oxaliplatin is better tolerated than cisplatin, which it can effectively replace in this setting. We hypothesize that incorporating docetaxel into a simplified FOLFOX regimen should be a tolerable and effective option in first-line treatment of AGC.

METHODS

Data were collected at six French centers from patients with metastatic or local AGC who received docetaxel, fluorouracil, leucovorin, or oxaliplatin (TEF) as first-line treatment. TEF was administered as follows: docetaxel (50 mg/m(2)), oxaliplatin (85 mg/m(2)), and leucovorin (40 mg/m(2)) on day 1, and 5-FU continuous infusion for 48 h (2400 mg/m(2)) every 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were enrolled. Performance status was grade 0 and 1 in respectively 27 and 58 % of patients; 17 patients had adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction; 37 patients had metastatic disease, 22 had a poorly differentiated or diffuse type. Objective response rate was 66 %, with a complete response in two patients (5 %). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were respectively 6.3 and 12.1 months. Tolerability was acceptable with no treatment-related deaths. The most frequent grade 3-4 toxicities were neutropenia (30 %) and neuropathy (12.5 %). Curative intent surgery after response to TEF was performed in seven patients (17 %).

CONCLUSION

TEF is an effective first-line treatment with an acceptable toxicity profile for patients with AGC. It may allow curative resection in initially unresectable patients. TEF should now be evaluated in prospective randomized trials.

Quality of life in patients with advanced gastric cancer sequentially treated with docetaxel and irinotecan with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid (leucovin)

With a median overall survival of only 9-13 months in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC), the quality of life (QoL) during the palliative treatment remains a key issue. Furthermore, when combinations of two or three drugs are used, the impact on QoL should be carefully evaluated. This was studied within the GATAC trial in patients sequentially treated with docetaxel and irinotecan with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-Fu/Lv). Patients with previously untreated advanced GC were randomly assigned to start with docetaxel 45 mg/m(2) (arm T) or irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) (arm C) with bolus and 44 h infusion of 5-Fu/Lv (D1, q2 weeks). After four courses, there was a prescheduled crossover to the alternative regimen for four additional courses. QoL was measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at the start of the treatment, at crossover and after completing treatment with both regimens. Eighty-one patients were randomized, and 78 patients started treatment. A total of 191 completed QoL questionnaires were collected. There were no statistically significant differences in QoL scores between the two treatment groups and no changes in mean scores during the 16 weeks of treatment. During the last 8 weeks of treatment, a significantly larger portion of patients with radiological response reported sustained or better QoL scores than those with no radiological response (82 vs. 50%, p = 0.007). Chemotherapy in advanced GC did not affect QoL average scores. Patients with non-responding tumours reported more often a decline in the global QoL score. The concept of the pre-scheduled switch of chemotherapy regimens prior to progression should be further studied in this disease, as it appears effective, tolerable and not to negatively affect QoL.

Gastric cancer pharmacogenetics: progress or old tripe?

Gastric cancer remains the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality. While surgery is traditionally the initial treatment for early-stage disease, the addition of chemotherapy has been shown to significantly increase overall survival and progression-free survival in advanced and metastatic stages of disease. However, despite the incorporation of newer chemotherapies and regimens into gastric cancer clinical trials, the response rate and median overall survival for treated patients has not significantly improved throughout the years; therefore, newer therapeutic approaches to improve upon the medication selection process are warranted. Treatment and dose selection based on patient factors, such as genetic variation, may provide a more rational and potentially more powerful means of personalizing chemotherapy. This review provides an update on the current status of pharmacogenetic studies regarding germline DNA mutations that may alter response to chemotherapeutic agents used to treat gastric cancer, including perspectives on clinical translation and future work.

Second-line therapy for esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a highly lethal disease, with most patients presenting with unresectable or metastatic disease. Since metastatic esophageal cancer is an incurable disease, the goals for chemotherapy are to palliate symptoms and improve survival. Although some patients may achieve symptomatic improvement with the use of standard first-line chemotherapy regimens, response rates are usually low and short lasting. Virtually all patients with metastatic esophageal cancer will develop progressive disease following front-line therapy. With the availability of several chemotherapeutic agents with more tolerable side effects, a number of patients who retain a good performance status after the initial treatment remain candidates for additional therapy. This review summarizes the recent advances in second-line therapy for esophageal cancer.

High antitumor activity of pladienolide B and its derivative in gastric cancer

The antitumor activity of pladienolide B, a novel splicing inhibitor, against gastric cancer is totally unknown and no predictive biomarker of pladienolide B efficacy has been reported. We investigated the antitumor activity of pladienolide B and its derivative on gastric cancer cell lines and primary cultured cancer cells from carcinomatous ascites of gastric cancer patients. The effect of pladienolide B and its derivative on six gastric cancer cell lines was investigated using a MTT assay and the mean IC50 values determined to be 1.6 ± 1.2 (range, 0.6-4.0) and 1.2 ± 1.1 (range, 0.4-3.4) nM, respectively, suggesting strong antitumor activity against gastric cancer. The mean IC50 value of pladienolide B derivative against primary cultured cells from 12 gastric cancer patients was 4.9 ± 4.7 nM, indicative of high antitumor activity. When 18 SCID mice xenografted with primary cultured cells from three patients were administered the pladienolide B derivative intraperitoneally, all tumors completely disappeared within 2 weeks after treatment. Histological examination revealed a pathological complete response for all tumors. In the xenograft tumors after treatment with pladienolide B derivative, immature mRNA were detected and apoptotic cells were observed. When the expressions of cell-cycle proteins p16 and cyclin E in biopsied gastric cancer specimens were examined using immunohisctochemistry, positivities for p16 and cyclin E were significantly and marginally higher, respectively, in the low-IC50 group compared with the high-IC50 group, suggesting the possibility that they might be useful as predictive biomarkers for pladienolide B. In conclusion, pladienolide B was very active against gastric cancer via a mechanism involving splicing impairment and apoptosis induction.

High-level copy number gains of established and potential drug target genes in gastric cancer as a lead for treatment development and selection

PURPOSE

The overall survival rate of patients with advanced gastric cancer is poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment options for these patients. The identification of drug target genes located on DNA regions exhibiting high-level copy number gains (CNG) may be an effective approach, as has e.g. previously been shown for HER2. The aim of the present study was to identify putative drug targets in patients with gastric cancer by applying this strategy.

METHODS

Genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) data available from 183 primary gastric cancer samples were analyzed through Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to assess whether any established or potential anticancer drug target genes showed high-level CNG, including focal amplifications.

RESULTS

A total of 147 high-level gained regions were identified in the gastric cancer samples, harboring 167 genes that had previously been annotated as drug target genes. Thirty (18 %) of these genes showed high-level gains in at least 2 % of the tumors. The identified drug target genes included those for drugs known to be active in advanced (gastric) cancer, targets for targeted therapies in clinical development, as well as targets for drugs currently used for other indications but of potential interest for anticancer treatment. In addition, 12 potential drug target genes were identified, including genes involved in growth factor signaling and cell cycle regulation.

CONCLUSION

The majority of gastric cancers carried one or more high-level CNGs or focal amplifications encompassing putative drug target genes. A number of the associated drugs are currently not being considered for treatment of gastric cancer. Based on these results we hypothesize that DNA copy number profiling may be a useful tool to identify new drug targets and to guide individualized treatment strategies in patients with gastric cancer.

Mind the gap: a survey of how cancer drug carriers are susceptible to the gap between research and practice

With countless research papers using preclinical models and showing the superiority of nanoparticle design over current drug therapies used to treat cancers, it is surprising how deficient the translation of these nano-sized drug carriers into the clinical setting is. This review article seeks to compare the preclinical and clinical results for Doxil®, PK1, Abraxane®, Genexol-PM®, Xyotax™, NC-6004, Mylotarg®, PK2, and CALAA-01. While not comprehensive, it covers nano-sized drug carriers designed to improve the efficacy of common drugs used in chemotherapy. While not always available or comparable, effort was made to compare the pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and efficacy between the animal and human studies. Discussion is provided to suggest what might be causing the gap. Finally, suggestions and encouragement are dispensed for the potential that nano-sized drug carriers hold.

Addition of docetaxel to S-1 without platinum prolongs survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer: a randomized study (START)

Purpose

Cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil has been globally accepted as a standard regimen for the treatment for advanced gastric cancer. However, cisplatin has several disadvantages, including renal toxicity and the need for admission. S-1 plus cisplatin has become a standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer in East Asia. This phase III study was designed to evaluate the potential benefits of adding docetaxel to S-1 without a platinum compound in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive docetaxel plus S-1 or S-1 alone. The docetaxel plus S-1 group received docetaxel on day 1 and oral S-1 on days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle. The S-1 alone group received oral S-1 on days 1–28 of a 42-day cycle. The primary end point was overall survival.

Results

Of the 639 patients enrolled, 635 were eligible for analysis. The median overall survival was 12.5 months in the docetaxel plus S-1 group and 10.8 months in the S-1 alone group (p = 0.032). The median progression-free survival was 5.3 months in the docetaxel plus S-1 group and 4.2 months in the S-1 alone group (p = 0.001). As for adverse events, neutropenia was more frequent in the docetaxel plus S-1 group, but remained manageable.

Conclusion

As first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer, docetaxel plus S-1 significantly improves median overall and progression-free survival as compared with S-1 alone. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00287768).

Liquid gradient in two-dimensional matrix for high throughput screening

Based on the ingenious combination of two different gradient generation mechanisms, this work reports a novel approach for a high throughput linear liquid gradient in a two-dimensional (2D) matrix. Specifically, a typical Christmas Tree structure with two inlets was designed as the first mixture gradient generator, upon which the second diffusion gradient generator was coupled to produce the desired concentration series on the basis of the distance difference. Rather than a simple 1D line, the integration of the two generators would result in an innovative 2D matrix of reservoirs, which was then characterized both theoretically and experimentally. Theoretically, calculation of fluid field demonstrated the formation of a concentration gradient, which was then confirmed by the dye solution visualization analysis. For high throughput screening application, doxorubicin (Dox) was then selected as model medicine to treat the acute myeloblastic leukemia (HL-60) cells. Cell viability displayed that cell death rate enhanced with the increase of drug concentration, and this result was higher than that on a 96-well plate, and the corresponding mechanism was properly discussed. Subsequently, Dox and quercetin were employed simultaneously to generate an overlapping gradient and its effect on HL-60 cells was investigated. Due to the automatic formation of concentration gradient that could improve the work efficiency, this work provides a promising tool for future high throughput drug screening.

S-1 plus oxaliplatin vs. S-1 as first-line treatment in patients with previously untreated advanced gastric cancer: a randomized phase II study

This randomized phase II study was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin combined with S-1 (OXS regimen) with S-1 alone in the management of advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Ninety-four patients were 1:1 randomly assigned to S-1 on days 1-14 of a 3-week cycle or S-1 on days 1-14 plus oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2) i.v.) on day 1 of the 3-week cycle. S-1 was orally administered in a fixed quantity according to body surface area. The median survival time with OXS versus S-1 monotherapy was 14·0 versus 11·0 months (P = 0·03), progression-free survival was 6·5 versus 4·0 months (P = 0·02), and the 1-year survival rate was 63·8% versus 48·9%, respectively. The response rate was significantly higher for OXS than for S-1 monotherapy (51·1% vs. 27·7%, P = 0·03). OXS was well tolerated with no treatment-related death. In conclusion, the OXS regimen evidenced a relatively high efficacy and was well tolerated as a first-line therapy for AGC patients.

Comparison of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) versus subcutaneously implanted port-chamber catheters by complication and cost for patients receiving chemotherapy for non-haematological malignancies

PURPOSE

Indwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) have been increasingly used to enable delivery of intravenous chemotherapy. We aimed to compare the safety and cost of two commonly used CVCs, peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICCs) and ports, in the delivery of chemotherapy in patients with non-haematological malignancies.

METHODS

Seventy patients were randomly assigned to receive either a PICC or a port. The primary endpoint was occurrence of major complications, which required removal of the CVC and secondary endpoints included occurrence of any complications.

RESULTS

Port devices were associated with fewer complications compared with PICC lines (hazard ratio of 0.25, CI, 0.09-0.86, P = 0.038). Major complication rate was lower in the port arm compared to the PICC arm (0.047 versus 0.193 major complications/100 catheter days, P = 0.034) with 6 versus 20 % of patients experiencing major complications, respectively. Thrombosis, the most common complication, was significantly higher in the PICC arm compared to the port arm (25 versus 0 %, P = 0.013). Quality of life and cost estimates did not differ significantly between the two arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Port devices are associated with a lower risk of complications, with no difference in cost, compared to PICC lines in patients with non-haematological malignancies receiving intravenous chemotherapy.

FOLFOX-4 Regimen as First-Line Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Safety Study

Gastric cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stage (AGC) and in elderly patients. Current chemotherapies induce severe toxicity and are difficult to deliver. Some authors have shown the activity and safety of oxaliplatin with various 5-fluorouracil (FU) and leucovorin (LV) infusions in AGC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of the FOLFOX-4 regimen in elderly patients with AGC. From 6/2003 to 7/2005, 33 patients (median age 74 years, range 66-79 years) were enrolled into the study. 31 patients were assessable for the safety analysis and for response. We recorded complete response in 4 patients (13%), partial response in 6 patients (19%), 9 (29%) stable disease and 12 progressive disease for an overall response rate of 32% (95% CI, 16% to 48%). At median follow-up of 20 months the median time to progression was 6.4 months. The therapy was well tolerated, the main G1/2 toxicities were nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Only 2 patients suffered from severe vomiting. Severe hematologic toxicities were uncommon. Anemia G3 was recorded in 3 patients, neutropenia G3 in 6 patients and febrile neutropenia in 1 patient. G1 and G2 neurotoxicity were a common event while G3 sensorial neuropathy was not reported. We conclude that although our patients were elderly and most had a PS 2, the regimen was manageable, easy to deliver, well accepted by the patients and active.

Cure for peritoneal metastases? An evidence-based review

There is now a considerable body of published evidence supporting the use of a multimodal approach consisting of cytoreductive surgery (CS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of peritoneal metastases (PM) arising from selected gastrointestinal tract malignancies. In the absence of systemic metastases, it is thought that disease confined to the peritoneum may be eradicated through optimum cytoreduction. This review critically evaluates the current body of published evidence for the use of CS/HIPEC in the treatment of advanced colorectal, appendiceal and gastric cancer. Although its role remains less defined in patients with gastric PM, current evidence provides a compelling argument for its use in PM of colorectal and appendiceal origin. With a low mortality and acceptable morbidity rate, CS/HIPEC may offer hope of long-term survival and cure in a defined group of patients with this disease.

Bimonthly regimen of high-dose leucovorin, infusional 5-fluorouracil, docetaxel, and cisplatin (modified DCF) in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) is an effective but highly toxic regimen for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. To improve tolerability while maintaining the efficacy of the DCF regimen, we developed a modified DCF regimen including an infusional 5-fluorouracil administration according to the de Gramont regimen.

METHODS

In this study, 70 patients with advanced gastric cancer were treated. Each 2-week cycle consisted of docetaxel (60 mg/m(2)), cisplatin (50 mg/m(2)), a 5-fluorouracil (400 mg/m(2)) i.v. bolus, and 5-fluorouracil (2,400 mg/m(2)) i.v. over 46 h plus leucovorin (400 mg/m(2)) i.v. over 2 h.

RESULTS

The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 9.0 months (95% CI, 7.1-10.9) and 10.8 months (95% CI, 7.4-14.2), respectively; the 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates were 46.3 and 18.4%, respectively. Twenty-nine (41.4%) partial responses, 19 (27.1%) stable disease, and 22 (31.4%) progression of disease were observed. Grade 3-4 toxicities included neutropenia (37.1%), febrile neutropenia (15.7%), thrombocytopenia (10.0%), anemia (8.6%), nausea and vomiting (10.0%), stomatitis (5.7%), infection (8.6%), and diarrhea (2.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that a de Gramont-based DCF regimen may have tolerable toxicities and be an effective and convenient palliative treatment for advanced gastric cancer.

Chemotherapeutic options for gastroesophageal junction tumors

A doublet of a fluoropyrimidine and a platinum compound remains the reference regimen in palliative chemotherapy for esophagogastric cancers. Newer regimens involve the substitution of infusional 5-fluorouracil (FU) for a shorter infusional schedule or oral 5-FU prodrugs and the replacement of cisplatin with oxaliplatin. Although the addition of epirubicin to the standard 2-drug regimen is part of routine practice, there are no randomized data to support a benefit. In contrast, the docetaxel-based docetaxel/cisplatin/5-FU regimen has been shown to modestly improve survival compared with 5-FU/cisplatin alone but at the expense of significant additional toxicity, which has hindered widespread acceptance of this regimen. Irinotecan-containing regimens have also been evaluated in a few phase III evaluations but are not clearly superior to 5-FU/cisplatin or even infusional 5-FU alone. Nevertheless, their favorable toxicity profile indicates that infusional 5-FU/irinotecan regimens also represent a first-line therapy option. In addition to its primary role in palliative therapy, there are also now established peri- or postoperative chemotherapy strategies that increase survival rates by approximately 10-15% compared with surgery alone. Preoperative chemoradiation in esophageal and gastroesophageal junction tumors has also been shown to improve outcomes.

A phase I trial of bortezomib in combination with epirubicin, carboplatin and capecitabine (ECarboX) in advanced oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

The protease inhibitor bortezomib attenuates the action of NF-κB and has shown preclinical activity alone and in combination with chemotherapy.

DESIGN

A Phase I dose-escalation study was performed administering bortezomib (0.7, 1.0, 1.3 and 1.6 mg m(-2) on days 1 and 8 from cycle 2 onwards) in combination with Epirubicin 50 mg m(-2) intravenously on day 1, Carboplatin AUC 5 day 1 and Capecitabine 625 mg m(-2) BD days 1-21 every 21 days (VECarboX regimen), in patients with advanced oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma. The primary objective was to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of Bortezomib when combined with ECarboX.

RESULTS

18 patients received bortezomib 0.7 (n = 6), 1.0 (n = 3), 1.3 (n = 6) and 1.6 mg m(-2) (n = 3) and a protocol amendment reducing the capecitabine dose to 500 mg m(-2) BD was enacted due to myelotoxicity. Common treatment-related non-haematological adverse events of any grade were fatigue (83.3 %), anorexia (55.6 %), constipation (55.6 %) and nausea (55.6 %). Common Grade 3/4 haematological toxicities were neutropenia (77.8 %) and thrombocytopenia (44.4 %). Objective responses were achieved in 6 patients (33.3 %) and a further 5 patients (27.8 %) had stable disease for >8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of Bortezomib to ECarboX is well tolerated and response rates are comparable with standard chemotherapy.