Randomized Phase III Trial of Irinotecan Plus Cisplatin versus Etoposide Plus Cisplatin in Chemotherapy-Naïve Korean Patients with Extensive-Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer

Effect of trilaciclib administered before chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: A pooled analysis of four randomized studies

BACKGROUND

Trilaciclib is a transient cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor that reduces the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM). In this pooled analysis, we evaluated the multilineage myeloprotection, antitumor efficacy, and safety of trilaciclib treatment in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Moreover, myeloprotection effect in 1 L, 2 L/3 L population and effect by risk category were explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with ES-SCLC who received trilaciclib were included. Trilaciclib was administered before chemotherapy in four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (NCT02499770, NCT03041311, NCT02514447, and NCT04902885), and data were subsequently extracted. The primary endpoints were the duration of severe neutropenia (DSN) in cycle 1 and/or the incidence of severe neutropenia (SN).

RESULTS

The data from 325 patients receiving trilaciclib (n = 164) or placebo (n = 161) were pooled. Trilaciclib demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant reduction in DSN in cycle 1 and in the incidence of SN and febrile neutropenia (FN) in the overall, 1 L, 2 L/3 L populations. The myeloprotection effect was greater in patients with a higher number of FN risk categories. Overall, the median progression-free survival was 5.3 months in the trilaciclib and 4.9 months in the placebo group. The median overall survival was 10.9 months in the trilaciclib and 10.1 months in the placebo group. Trilaciclib showed better capability of reducing CIMs incidence compared with prophylactic G-CSF in the overall and 1 L population.

CONCLUSIONS

Trilaciclib prior to chemotherapy in patients with ES-SCLC reduced incidence of CIM and need for supportive care in CIM across all treatment settings.

MICRO ABSTRACT

Area and reason for the study: Extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). To analyze the effect of trilaciclib on Chinese and Caucasian patients. Approach taken, including aspects such as the sample size: This pooled analysis included one study in China and three studies in western countries, and the overall sample size was 325. Overall result: Trilaciclib provides protection from CIM. General significance of the findings: The consistent efficacy of trilaciclib can be observed from pooled data across different treatment lines. All information should be accessible to a nonexpert audience.

Camptothecin and Its Derivatives from Traditional Chinese Medicine in Combination with Anticancer Therapy Regimens: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives, irinotecan and topotecan, are integral components of cancer chemotherapy, often used in combination therapies. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of CPT-based combination treatments in cancer patients. Methods: We systematically searched the literature database using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist for articles published between 2000 and 2022. Published studies were retrieved through an electronic search on the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 138 studies were downloaded and examined, and 71 eligible studies were selected for meta-analysis after excluding studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Results: Ultimately, a total of 71 studies were included in the analysis, comprising non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (COLRC), oesophageal/gastric cancer (O/GC), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). For NSCLC, the objective response rate (RR) was 31.8% (95% CI: 27.3-37.1%, p = 0.025), with irinotecan plus cisplatin showing significantly higher efficacy compared to other irinotecan-based combinations. In COLRC, irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin plus bevacizumab demonstrated superior efficacy with a RR of 44% (95% CI: 34-58, p < 0.001) and minimal haematological toxicity. In O/GC, irinotecan-based combinations showed an average RR of 43% (95% CI: 27-70, p < 0.001) and average overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 10.2 and 5.5 months, respectively. For SCLC, irinotecan-based combinations had a higher control response than topotecan-based ones, while the latter exhibited higher rates of stable and progressive disease. The overall RR for SCLC was 45% (95% CI: 34.3-60.2, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The existing evidence underscored the potential of CPT-based combination therapy in various cancers. Among the various combinations discussed in this analysis, irinotecan plus cisplatin demonstrated the highest objective RR in 12 trials focused on NSCLC. This study provides valuable insights into potential treatment strategies for various types of cancer, emphasising the importance of personalised and tailored approaches to maximise efficacy and minimise adverse effects.

Clinical Benefits of new Systemic Therapy for Small-Cell Lung Cancer Over Two Decades: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. This study aimed to examine the clinical benefits of new systemic therapies derived from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2002 to 2023 based on the magnitude of clinical benefit scale developed by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO-MCBS).

METHODS

We searched PubMed for Phase 3 RCTs on systemic therapy for SCLC published between January 2002 and December 2023. Therapeutic benefit was graded from 5 to 1 according to the ESMO-MCBS framework, with a score of 4 or 5 representing a meaningful clinical benefit. The statistical power of the trial design was also assessed using ESMO-MCBS.

RESULTS

Sixty-four RCTs with 23 683 participants were eligible for inclusion. The number of RCTs related to molecular targeted therapy or immunotherapy has increased over the years. Among the 62 RCTs for which statistical power could be evaluated, 38 (61.3%) were designed to identify an effect size that would meet the ESMO-MCBS benefit threshold and were less likely to investigate second- or subsequent-line treatment (15.8% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.004), have noninferiority design (0% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.002) and set PFS (0% vs. 16.7%) or response rate (0% vs. 16.7%) as the only primary endpoint (p = 0.002). The ESMO-MCBS framework was applied in 29 RCTs reporting positive results, and only 8 (27.6%) met the threshold for a clinical benefit. The RCTs designed to detect differences that would meet the thresholds were more likely to demonstrate meaningful clinical benefit (87.5% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.099).

CONCLUSION

Most positive SCLC-RCTs did not meet the ESMO-MCBS threshold for meaningful clinical benefits. Strict power calculations should be adopted in the design of future RCTs.

Real world results of locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer patients treated with platinum doublet chemotherapy in first line: Moroccan cohort

BACKGROUND

Doublet platin-chemotherapy was the old standard treatment for different histology types of advanced and metastatic lung cancer (LC) and is still an option for patients who are not eligible for immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, in low- and middle-income countries, chemotherapy, either in monotherapy or in combination with platinum, is still the only accessible option in public institutions. The efficacy of different platin-based chemotherapy in patients with LC who are treatment-naïve is unknown.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we selected patients with advanced and metastatic (IIIB-IVB) non-squamous non-small cell LC (NSCLC), squamous NSCLC, and lung neuroendocrine tumours (small cell LC (SCLC), large cell neuroendocrine, and atypical carcinoid) aged beyond 18 years who received first-line chemotherapy (docetaxel, gemcitabine, etoposide, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, and vinorelbine) combined with platinum between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. Within the population with non-squamous NSCLC, squamous NSCLC, and neuroendocrine tumours, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary assessed endpoints. Hematologic safety was the secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

Overall, 611 patients were included. In the group of patients with non-squamous NSCLC (n = 390), there was no statistical difference between subgroups of patients who received first-line platin-chemotherapy. The median PFS was 182 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 167-208) days (hazard ratio for progression: NR [Not Reached]; p = 0.37), and the median OS was 446 (95 % CI, 405-559) days (hazard ratio for death: 1.31; 95 % CI, 0.94 - 1.82; p = 0.1). In the group of patients with squamous NSCLC (n = 149), we note the absence of statistical significance between subgroups of patients who received platin-based chemotherapy. The median PFS was 195 (95 % CI, 142-238; hazard ratio for progression: 1.21, 95 % CI, 0.29-5.02; p = 0.27), while the median OS was 428 (95 % CI, 324-940) days (hazard ratio for death: 1.76; 95 % CI, 0.93 to 3.3; p = 0.32). The absence of significance has been noticed in the neuroendocrine subgroup of patients who received first etoposide-platinum, vinorelbine-platinum, or paclitaxel-platinum (n = 72). The median PFS was 216 (95 % CI, 193-277) days; hazard ratio for progression: 1.74, 95 % CI, 0.41-7.27; p = 0.69, while the median OS was 273 (95 % CI, 241-459) days (hazard ratio for death: 2.95; 95 % CI, 0.4-21.7; p = 0.51). Grade 3-4 neutropenia grade was the predominant adverse event associated with chemotherapy in almost 11 % of patients.

CONCLUSION

Moving forward, treatment strategies must be refined for patients, with an emphasis on increasing the number of patients who can benefit from emergent approaches in order to guarantee a wider, deeper, and longer-lasting outcome.

Factors associated with posttraumatic stress and anxiety among the parents of babies admitted to neonatal care: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress (PTS) and anxiety are common mental health problems among parents of babies admitted to a neonatal unit (NNU). This review aimed to identify sociodemographic, pregnancy and birth, and psychological factors associated with PTS and anxiety in this population.

METHOD

Studies published up to December 2022 were retrieved by searching Medline, Embase, PsychoINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health electronic databases. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. This review was pre-registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021270526).

RESULTS

Forty-nine studies involving 8,447 parents were included; 18 studies examined factors for PTS, 24 for anxiety and 7 for both. Only one study of anxiety factors was deemed to be of good quality. Studies generally included a small sample size and were methodologically heterogeneous. Pooling of data was not feasible. Previous history of mental health problems (four studies) and parental perception of more severe infant illness (five studies) were associated with increased risk of PTS, and had the strongest evidence. Shorter gestational age (≤ 33 weeks) was associated with an increased risk of anxiety (three studies) and very low birth weight (< 1000g) was associated with an increased risk of both PTS and anxiety (one study). Stress related to the NNU environment was associated with both PTS (one study) and anxiety (two studies), and limited data suggested that early engagement in infant's care (one study), efficient parent-staff communication (one study), adequate social support (two studies) and positive coping mechanisms (one study) may be protective factors for both PTS and anxiety. Perinatal anxiety, depression and PTS were all highly comorbid conditions (as with the general population) and the existence of one mental health condition was a risk factor for others.

CONCLUSION

Heterogeneity limits the interpretation of findings. Until clearer evidence is available on which parents are most at risk, good communication with parents and universal screening of PTS and anxiety for all parents whose babies are admitted to NNU is needed to identify those parents who may benefit most from mental health interventions.

Dissecting the genetic variations associated with response to first-line chemotherapy in patients with small cell lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Chemotherapy has been the standard treatment for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) for decades. Nonetheless, patients are usually responsive to initial chemotherapy but quickly suffer from relapse, resulting in a poor long-term outcome. Treating advances that greatly ameliorate survival outcomes are historically finite, and credible biomarkers for therapeutic evaluation are deficient. As the genetic biology emerges, investigating biomarkers to optimize individualized treatment for SCLC is necessary.

Methods

Based on following inclusion criteria: (I) patients diagnosed as SCLC by pathology; (II) patients treated with first-line etoposide/cisplatin (EP) chemotherapy; (III) patients who received long-term follow-up and signed informed consent, a total of 24 SCLC patients receiving first-line standard chemotherapy were divided into progressive disease (PD) and partial response (PR) groups. They were regularly followed every 3 months with computed tomography (CT) scan until recurrences determined by CT scan results. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a panel of 1,406 cancer-related genes was conducted on the tumor tissue-derived DNA of patients to compare genetic variations, including deletions (indels), single nucleotide variations (SNVs), copy number variations (CNVs), and copy number instability (CNI) between the two groups.

Results

For the clinical characteristics of enrolled SCLC patients, except for significant differences in sex, age, clinical stage, and limited or extensive stage, PD patients showed distinctly shorter overall survival than those with PR (6.5 vs. 14.0 months, respectively, P=0.007). Genetic variations analysis discovered several common genes with CNV mutations between the PR and PD groups, and increased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene copy numbers gain was found in PR groups in comparing with PD patients (P=0.006). However, no significant differences in terms of SNVs, indels, genotypes associated with first-line chemotherapy, CNI of tumor tissue-derived DNA, and tumor mutational burden of tumor tissues were observed between two groups. Additionally, the relationship between EGFR gene mutation and clinicopathological features of SCLC indicated that EGFR gene mutation may be an independent indicator for SCLC patients.

Conclusions

Increased EGFR gene CNVs may be an independent indicator influencing the survival time and PR in SCLC patients receiving standard first-line chemotherapy.

Efficacy and toxicity profile of first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A Bayesian network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and toxicity profiles for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) are unclear. We aimed to address this gap through a Bayesian network meta-analysis.

METHODS

We performed network analysis from randomized controlled trials comparing these treatments: PD-(L)1 inhibitor, CTLA-4 inhibitor, CXCR inhibitor, PARP inhibitor, CDK inhibitor, chemotherapy, and their combinations. Pooled estimations of progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, and toxicity (systematic and specific) were conducted within the Bayesian framework.

RESULTS

Twenty-five trials involving 9 strategies were included. In terms of progression-free survival and overall survival, PD-(L)1 inhibitor combined with cisplatin/carboplatin (P) and etoposide (E) shown the acknowledged superiority than other treatments. The addition of CTLA-4 inhibitor (ipilimumab) to EP had the highest response rate among these regimens, and the combination of chemotherapy (irinotecan) and cisplatin/carboplatin had the greatest probability of performing considerable systematic security. The secondary endpoint was specific adverse events, including vomiting, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, constipation, and decreased appetite; hence we depicted the specific toxicity profile of each regimen. In addition, we identified the differences between PD-1 inhibitors and PD-L1 inhibitors in prolonging overall survival time for the central nervous system (CNS)/liver metastases patients.

CONCLUSIONS

EP combined with PD-(L)1 inhibitor followed by CTLA-4 inhibitors or anti-angiogenesis was the considerable treatment with considerable efficacy and safety for ES-SCLC. Each treatment has a unique specific toxicity profile, which needs more attention.

Computed tomography-guided iodine-125 radioactive seed implantation in small-cell lung cancer: A retrospective study

Purpose

To explore the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Material and methods

A total of 12 SCLC patients were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation therapy, and were followed up until death, the last visit time, or study end time. Primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were local control rate (LCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

All patients were successfully implanted with ¹²⁵I radioactive seeds. The ORR at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation was 83.3%, 63.6%, 50%, and 40%, respectively; the LCR at 1 and 2 years were 75% (6/8) and 60% (3/5), respectively; the median PFS and OS were 8 and 12 months, respectively; and the OS rate at 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation was 91.67%, 66.67%, and 41.67%, respectively. No surgery-related deaths occurred. During the follow-up period, mild complications were observed in patients, including worsening cough, hemoptysis, and pneumothorax.

Conclusions

CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation therapy is a safe and effective supplementary treatment for SCLC patients, who cannot tolerate radiotherapy.

Impact of Value Frameworks on the Magnitude of Clinical Benefit: Evaluating a Decade of Randomized Trials for Systemic Therapy in Solid Malignancies

In the era of rapid development of new, expensive cancer therapies, value frameworks have been developed to quantify clinical benefit (CB). We assessed the evolution of CB since the 2015 introduction of The American Society of Clinical Oncology and The European Society of Medical Oncology value frameworks. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing systemic therapies for solid malignancies from 2010 to 2020 were evaluated and CB (Δ) in 2010–2014 (pre-value frameworks (PRE)) were compared to 2015–2020 (POST) for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR), and quality of life (QoL). In the 485 studies analyzed (12% PRE and 88% POST), the most common primary endpoint was PFS (49%), followed by OS (20%), RR (12%), and QoL (6%), with a significant increase in OS and decrease in RR as primary endpoints in the POST era (p = 0.011). Multivariable analyses revealed significant improvement in ΔOS POST (OR 2.86, 95% CI 0.46 to 5.26, p = 0.02) while controlling for other variables. After the development of value frameworks, median ΔOS improved minimally. The impact of value frameworks has yet to be fully realized in RCTs. Efforts to include endpoints shown to impact value, such as QoL, into clinical trials are warranted.

Advances in Treatment of Recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Insights for Optimizing Patient Outcomes from an Expert Roundtable Discussion

Second-line treatment options for patients with relapsed, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) are limited, and even with currently available treatments, prognosis remains poor. Until recently, topotecan (a topoisomerase I inhibitor) was the only drug approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of ES-SCLC following progression after first-line treatment with etoposide plus a platinum derivative (EP; carboplatin preferred). With the most recent approval of EP plus a programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor, there are now more therapeutic options for managing ES-SCLC. A number of novel agents have emerging data for activity in relapsed ES-SCLC, and single-agent lurbinectedin (an alkylating drug and selective inhibitor of oncogenic transcription and DNA repair machinery in tumor cells) has conditional FDA approval for use in this patient population. Trilaciclib, a short-acting cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor, has also been recently approved as a supportive intervention for use prior to an EP or a topotecan-containing regimen to diminish the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. The current review is based on a recent expert roundtable discussion and summarizes current therapeutic agents and emerging data on newer agents and biomarkers. It also provides evidence-based clinical considerations and a treatment decision tool for oncologists treating patients with relapsed ES-SCLC. This paper discusses the importance of various factors to consider when selecting a second-line treatment option, including prior first-line treatment, available second-line treatment options, tumor platinum sensitivity, and patient characteristics (such as performance status, comorbidities, and patient-expressed and perceived values).

Clinical significance of the cachexia index in patients with small cell lung cancer

Background

Cancer cachexia worsens the treatment outcomes of patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, no reliable biomarker of cancer cachexia is yet known.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated male SCLC patients who received induction chemotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The cachexia index (CXI) was calculated as skeletal muscle index × serum albumin level (g/dL)/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The CXI cutoff according to tumor stage was determined based on a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, and all patients were divided into low- and high-CXI groups.

Results

Of 267 patients, 83 and 24 patients with limited-stage disease (LD) and 123 and 37 patients with extensive-stage disease (ED) were assigned to the high- and low-CXI groups, respectively. Only one of 24 patients (4.2%) with LD in the low-CXI group achieved a complete response (CR), whereas 30 of 83 patients (36.1%) with LD in the high-CXI group achieved CRs (p = 0.004). More low-CXI patients required early discontinuation of treatment because of treatment-related toxicity compared to the high-CXI patients (37.5% vs. 16.9%, respectively, p = 0.030, for LD patients; 27.0% vs. 11.4%, respectively, p = 0.019, for ED patients). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly shorter in the low-CXI group than the high-CXI group (6.3 vs. 11.1 months and 7.5 vs. 20.6 months, respectively, both p <  0.001 for LD patients; 2.9 vs. 6.3 months and 5.8 vs. 12.8 months, respectively, both p <  0.001, for ED patients). On multivariate analysis, low-CXI status was an independent poor prognostic factor for both PFS and OS regardless of the tumor stage.

Conclusion

A low CXI was associated with treatment intolerance, poor treatment response rate, and poor prognosis in SCLC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08300-x.

Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with limited-disease small-cell lung cancer: a retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort study

Background

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly proliferative, rapidly growing tumor with a poor prognosis, even in cases of limited disease (LD). Timely and accurate high-intensity therapy is necessary. For concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), etoposide/platinum (EP)-based regimens are recommended, although irinotecan/platinum (IP)-based regimens are also effective with radiotherapy. This large-scale, retrospective, nationwide cohort study aimed to analyze the efficacy of CCRT in patients with LD-SCLC.

Methods

Population data registered between January 2008 and December 2018 was extracted from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea database. Survival outcomes of 4446 LD-SCLC patients who received CCRT were analyzed.

Results

Patients who received EP-CCRT (n = 4187) showed better time to first subsequent therapy (TFST: 11.2 months) and overall survival (OS: 22.2 months) than those who received IP-CCRT (n = 259; TFST: 9.6 months, P = 0.0477; OS: 16.4 months, P <  0.0001). When CCRT failed, dual-agent chemotherapy (n = 925; OS: 9.1 months) provided a better survival benefit than single-agent chemotherapy (n = 815; OS: 7.5 months). IP-based chemotherapy resulted in better OS (9.6 months) than EP-based chemotherapy (7.1 months, P = 0.017) in platinum-resistant relapsed patients; the opposite was observed for platinum-sensitive relapsed patients (OS: EP, 17.2 months; IP, 6.6 months; P <  0.0001). Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that age, EP-CCRT, and hypercholesterolemia retained significant associations with OS after adjustment for all variables.

Conclusion

In the Korean population, the effects of EP-CCRT on OS and TFST are significantly more favorable than those of IP-CCRT.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08082-2.

Treatment Outcomes of 9,994 Patients With Extensive-Disease Small-Cell Lung Cancer From a Retrospective Nationwide Population-Based Cohort in the Korean HIRA Database

To investigate the efficacy of irinotecan-based (IP) and etoposide-based (EP) platinum combinations, and of single-agent chemotherapy, for treatment of extensive-disease small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC), we performed a large-scale, retrospective, nationwide, cohort study. The population data were extracted from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea database from January 1, 2008, to November 30, 2016. A total of 9,994 patients were allocated to ED-SCLC and analyzed in this study. The primary objectives were to evaluate the survival outcomes of systemic first-line treatments for ED-SCLC. For first-line treatment, patients who received IP showed a better time to first subsequent therapy (TFST) of 8.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.50–9.40) than those who received EP, who had a TFST of 6.8 months (95% CI, 6.77–6.97, P < 0.0001). In terms of overall survival (OS), IP was superior to EP (median OS, 10.8 months; 95% CI, 10.13–11.33 vs. 9.5 months; 95% CI, 9.33–9.73; P < 0.0001). Taken together, in the Korean population, first-line IP combination chemotherapy had significantly favorable effects on OS and TFST.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapeutic Regimens with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors for Previously Untreated Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Improving therapeutic strategies for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) remains a challenge. To date, no reports have directly compared the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors plus platinum–etoposide (ICIs+EP) with platinum–irinotecan (IP) or directly compared different ICIs+EP for previously untreated ES-SCLC. This study used a Bayesian approach for network meta-analysis to compare efficacy and safety between ICIs+EP and IP and between each pair of three ICIs+EP. The six treatment arms were: pembrolizumab plus platinum–etoposide (Pem+EP), durvalumab plus platinum–etoposide (Dur+EP), atezolizumab plus platinum–etoposide (Atz+EP), platinum–amrubicin (AP), IP, and platinum–etoposide (EP). No significant differences in overall survival were observed between ICIs+EP and IP and between each pair of three ICIs+EP. The incidence of ≥grade 3 adverse events (G3-AEs) was significantly higher in ICIs+EP than IP, whereas no significant difference was found in G3-AEs between each pair of three ICIs+EP. The incidence of ≥grade 3 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia was significantly higher in ICIs+EP than IP, whereas the incidence of ≥grade 3 diarrhea was significantly lower in ICIs+EP than IP. These findings will help clinicians better select treatment strategies for ES-SCLC.

Systematic evaluation of the efficacy-effectiveness gap of systemic treatments in extensive disease small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess how clinical outcomes in real-world (effectiveness) correspond to the outcomes in clinical trials (efficacy) of systemic treatments for extensive disease small cell lung cancer (ED SCLC).

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with ED SCLC between 2008 and 2014 in six Dutch large teaching hospitals (Santeon network) were identified and followed-up from date of diagnosis until death or end of data collection. For every patient, an efficacy-effectiveness factor (EE factor) was calculated by dividing individual patients' overall survival (OS) by the pooled median OS assessed from clinical trials with the respective treatment.

RESULTS

From 792 diagnosed patients, 568 (72%) started with first-line treatment. Overall, the median EE factor was 0.79 (P < .001 from 1.00). Poor performance status (ECOG≥2) and a higher age at diagnosis (age ≥ 65 years) were independent predictors for a lower EE factor. The EE gap was 43% in patients with both age ≥ 65 years and ECOG ≥2 (EE factor 0.57). The mean age and the proportion of patients with ECOG≥2 in real-world were different from those in clinical trials (mean age of 66 versus 62 years, and ECOG≥2 25% versus 17%; both P < .001).

CONCLUSION

OS of patients with ED SCLC treated with systemic therapy in real-world practice is 21% shorter than for patients included in trials. Age at diagnosis and performance status partly explain this gap.

A Retrospective Cohort Study on Pretreated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Prognosis of Small Cell Lung Cancer: Evidence of Effect Modification by Chemotherapy Regimen

Purpose

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been suggested as an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, it is still unknown whether there is a linear relationship between the NLR and the risk of death in SCLC. The objective of this study is to provide further results.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed among a total of 251 participants with SCLC. Smooth curve fitting and piecewise Cox regression model were used to determine the linear relationship between NLR and mortality risk. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to estimate the effects of NLR on OS. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to covariates.

Results

The analysis indicated no significant nonlinear relationship or threshold effect between NLR and hazard of death. Multivariate analysis revealed that every unit increase in NLR was associated with a 10% increase in mortality risk. High NLR (>3.5) at baseline was associated with poor OS (hazard ratio [HR]=1.97, P=0.009). The difference in median OS duration between the high and low NLR groups was statistically significant (9.1 months vs 14.6 months, P=0.0067). Furthermore, interaction analysis identified the chemotherapy regimen to play an interactive role in the association between NLR and hazard of death.

Conclusion

NLR was identified as an independent risk factor for OS in SCLC and the linear correlation was observed between them. Administration of etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) regimen in patients with low NLR resulted in better long-term outcome than that of etoposide plus carboplatin (EC) regimen, while administration of the EC regimen conferred longer OS than that of the EP regimen in patients with high NLR.

Systematic review of first-line chemotherapy for chemo-naïve extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Our goal was to organize the data from randomized controlled trials that evaluated first-line chemotherapy for chemo-naïve extensive disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC).

METHODS

The protocol following PRISMA methodology was submitted as PROSPERO 154049. We included individually randomized trials comparing two or more chemotherapy regimens as the first-line treatment for chemo-naïve ED-SCLC regardless of the age, sex, performance status, co-morbidities, and organ functions written in the English language since 2000. Molecular targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors were considered chemotherapy along with cytotoxic medications. We pooled the logarithm of hazard ratio (HR) and its standard error using the frequentist weighted least squares approach random-model network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 46 eligible trials that involved 11,987 patients were included. The primary endpoint, HR of overall survival (OS, HRos) of the selected comparisons was as follows: carboplatin+amrubicin (HRos 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.96), carboplatin+etoposide+atezolizumab (HRos 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.92), and carboplatin+irinotecan (HRos 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.91) were compared with carboplatin+etoposide. The carboplatin+etoposide+atezolizumab regimen was compared with carboplatin+irinotecan (HRos 0.97, 95% CI 0.68-1.37) and cisplatin+irinotecan regimen (HRos 0.87, 95% CI 0.58-1.31). "Selective carboplatin or cisplatin (CBDCA/CDDP)"+etoposide+durvalumab was compared with CBDCA/CDDP+etoposide (HRos 0.73, 95% CI 0.59-0.91). Platinum+etoposide+durvalumab was compared with platinum+irinotecan (HRos 0.88, 95% CI 0.67-1.15). Cumulative meta-analysis suggested that platinum+irinotecan was associated with better OS than platinum+etoposide as of 2010 through 40 out of 46 trials in our review that used platinum+etoposide as a reference regimen.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with carboplatin+amrubicin, carboplatin+etoposide+atezolizumab, CBDCA/CDDP+etoposide+durvalumab, and platinum+irinotecan showed better HRos than those treated with platinum+etoposide, one of the standard regimens.

Comparison of First-Line Treatments for Patients With Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Combinations of chemotherapy with immunotherapy or bevacizumab in first-line treatments of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) have been evaluated in various clinical trials. However, it remains unclear what the optimal combination regimen is.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify which first-line combination regimen is associated with the best tumor response among patients with ES-SCLC.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science) were systematically searched to extract eligible literature from database inception to December 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Head-to-head randomized clinical trials on first-line treatments for patients with ES-SCLC were included with outcomes and toxic effects reported, including objective response rate (ORR, involving complete response and partial response), disease control rate (DCR, involving complete response, partial response, and stable disease), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) of grades 3 to 5. Of 199 eligible articles, 14 were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were independently extracted and collected by 2 reviewers based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Main outcomes were OS, PFS, DCR, ORR, and TRAEs of grades 3 to 5.

RESULTS

A total of 3 phase 2 and 11 phase 3 randomized clinical trials involving 4838 patients were included. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor (durvalumab and atezolizumab) plus etoposide-based chemotherapy, compared with etoposide-based chemotherapy alone, showed the most favorable OS (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.80) and the best DCR (odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21-0.81). Bevacizumab plus etoposide-based chemotherapy provided the best PFS compared with etoposide-based chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09-2.27), although this was not translated into OS benefit. The addition of PD-L1 inhibitors to etoposide-platinum chemotherapy caused no more toxic effects in general (compared with etoposide-based chemotherapy alone: OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.36-2.31), while bevacizumab plus etoposide-platinum regimen induced the most TRAEs grades 3 to 5 among all first-line treatments (eg, compared with irinotecan-platinum regimen: OR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.26-14.57). Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve value, PD-L1 inhibitor plus etoposide-platinum had the highest probability of being ranked first for OS (0.87) and DCR (0.97).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this systematic review and network meta-analysis suggest that the combination of a PD-L1 inhibitor (durvalumab and atezolizumab) and etoposide-based chemotherapy may be an optimal first-line treatment option for patients with ES-SCLC patients.

Etoposide and cisplatin versus irinotecan and cisplatin as the first-line therapy for patients with advanced, poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma: A randomized phase 2 study

Background

Platinum‐based chemotherapy is recommended for the treatment of advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (GEP‐NEC). The objective of the current phase 2 study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity between etoposide and cisplatin (EP) and irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) as first‐line treatment in patients with advanced GEP‐NEC.

Methods

Patients with advanced, poorly differentiated GEP‐NEC randomly were assigned to receive EP or IP. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival, overall survival, and toxicities.

Results

The planned size of the study population was 144 patients, but enrollment was terminated early at 66 patients because the premature analysis found similar responses in the 2 treatment arms. The ORRs of the EP and IP arms both were 42.4% (14 of 33 patients). The efficacy was similar for small cell NEC with EP or IP (63.2% and 61.5%, respectively; P = .61), whereas that of IP was slightly better in patients with non–small cell NEC (30% vs 14.3%; P = .42). The median progression‐free survival was 6.4 months and 5.8 months, respectively, for the EP and IP arms (P = .81), and the median overall survival was 11.3 months and 10.2 months, respectively, for the EP and IP arms (P = .37). The incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia was significantly higher in the EP arm compared with the IP arm (45.4% vs 12.1%; P = .002). Nonhematological toxicity was relatively mild and more frequent in the IP arm compared with the EP arm (54.5% vs 18.2%; P = .001). No toxicity‐related deaths were reported.

Conclusions

The results of the current study demonstrated that IP is not inferior to EP, with comparable efficacy for poorly differentiated NEC of the digestive system. In addition, both regimens appear to be well tolerated with diverse toxicity profiles.

The current randomized, phase 2 study demonstrates that although the combinations of etoposide and cisplatin (EP) and irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) have comparable efficacy among patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the digestive system, IP most likely has an advantage in patients with non–small cell NEC. In addition, both regimens are well tolerated despite their different toxicity profiles. The most common toxicities are myelosuppression in the EP arm and gastrointestinal toxicity in the IP arm.

IRS2 Amplification as a Predictive Biomarker in Response to Ceritinib in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing and malignant cancer that responds well to chemotherapy; however, the survival rate is less than 15% after 2 years of diagnosis. Therefore, novel therapeutic agents for treating SCLC patients need to be evaluated. This study aims to identify the therapeutic targets based on the comprehensive genomic profiling of SCLC patients. Among the molecular-profiled SCLC samples obtained using targeted sequencing, the array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) identified focal insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) amplification in the SCLC patients. IRS2 amplification was confirmed in 5% of 73 SCLC patients. To determine whether IRS2 amplification could act as a therapeutic target, we generated a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model and subsequently screened 43 targeted agents using the PDX-derived cells (PDCs). Ceritinib significantly inhibited the cell growth and impaired the tumor sphere formation in IRS2-expressing PDCs. Its effects were confirmed in various in vitro assays and were further validated in the mouse xenograft models. In this study, we present that IRS2 amplification and/or expression serve as preclinical implications for a novel therapeutic target in SCLC progression. Furthermore, we suggest that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor inhibitor-based therapy could be used for treating SCLC with IRS2 amplification.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a prognostic marker in patients with extensive-stage disease small cell lung cancer: Results from a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Clinical impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in patients with extensive-stage disease small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) have not previously been reported.

METHODS

This study analyzed 352 patients enrolled in a previous randomized phase III trial comparing the efficacy of irinotecan plus cisplatin with that of etoposide plus cisplatin as the first-line therapy for ED-SCLC. GNRI values were calculated using serum albumin levels and actual and ideal bodyweights. Patients with a GNRI > 98, 92-98, and <92 were grouped into no, low, and moderate/major risk groups, respectively.

RESULTS

The objective response rates were 63.2%, 52.6%, and 49.2% in the no, low, and moderate/major risk groups, respectively (P = 0.024). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was shorter in patients with a lower GNRI than in those with a higher GNRI (no vs. low vs. moderate/major risk group; 6.5 vs. 5.8 vs. 5.9 months, respectively; P = 0.028). There were significant differences in median overall survival (OS) according to GNRI (no vs. low vs. moderate/major risk group; 13.2 vs. 10.3 vs. 8.4 months, respectively; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that being in the moderate/major risk group was an independent poor prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.300, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012-1.670; P = 0.040) and OS (HR: 1.539; 95% CI: 1.069-2.216; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study shows that a low GNRI value was associated with a poor prognosis, and it supports the relationship between systemic inflammation, nutritional status, and clinical outcomes in patients with ED-SCLC.Key points SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: The lower GNRI group had a low response rate to chemotherapy for ED-SCLC. The HRs for PFS and OS were 1.300 and 1.539 in the patients with GNRI < 92.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

Low GNRI is associated with poor prognosis in ED-SCLC.

A novel mutation panel for predicting etoposide resistance in small-cell lung cancer

Purpose

Platinum-based chemotherapy, consisting of etoposide and cisplatin (EP), has been the cornerstone of therapy for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) for decades. Despite the marked initial sensitivity of SCLC to chemotherapy, EP regimens cannot avoid the emergence of drug resistance in clinical practice. With the rise of new chemotherapy regimens in recent years and the primary resistance or insensitivity of ES-SCLC to EP regimens, it is desirable to be able to identify patients with resistant or insensitive ES-SCLC.

Methods

The sequencing and drug sensitivity data of SCLC cell lines were provided by The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Project (GDSC). The data regarding sensitivity to etoposide of 54 SCLC cell lines were analyzed, and etoposide-sensitive cell lines and etoposide-resistant cell lines were differentiated according to the IC50 values defined by the GDSC. ROC curve analysis was performed on all mutations and combinations of mutations to select the optimal panel to predict resistance to etoposide.

Results

ROC analysis of etoposide resistance revealed that the most significant single gene mutation indicating resistance to etoposide was CSMD3, and the accuracy of predicting resistance to etoposide proved to be the highest when there was any mutation in CSMD3/PCLO/RYR1/EPB41L3, area under the curve =0.804 (95% confidence interval: 0.679–0.930,P<0.001).

Conclusion

This study found that a panel with four genes (CSMD3, EPB41L3, PCLO, and RYR1) can accurately predict sensitivity to etoposide. These findings provide new insights into the overall treatment for patients with ES-SCLC that is resistant or insensitive to etoposide.

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia after chemotherapy in extensive disease-small cell lung cancer

We experienced therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) in a patient with extensive disease-small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). This case is rare and has educational message because ED-SCLC has a poor prognosis and often cannot survive until developing therapy related hematological malignancy. Furthermore this case had unique chromosomal abnormalities. With recent advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the prognosis of lung cancer has improved, while t-AML has been increasing in frequency.

Irinotecan-platinum combination therapy for previously untreated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients: a meta-analysis

Background

There is still a debate regarding whether regimens combining irinotecan with platinum could replace regimens combining etoposide with platinum, as first-line chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). We performed a meta-analysis to compare these regimens as first-line chemotherapy for ES-SCLC.

Methods

A literature search for randomized controlled trials was performed using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase. The inverse variance method was used to estimate summary hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for overall survival and progression free survival. Relative risk was used to estimate the overall response rate, disease control rate, 1-year survival, 2-year survival, and adverse event data.

Result

Nine randomized controlled trials (2451 patients) were included. Regimens combining irinotecan and platinum improved overall survival, progression-free survival and overall response rate compared to combination etoposide and platinum regimens. Meanwhile, superior progression-free survival and overall response rate outcomes were observed in the Asian subgroup of patients. These patients receiving a combination irinotecan and platinum regimen experienced grade 3–4 diarrhea more frequently and experienced less hematologic toxic events than the non-Asian groups.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that a combination irinotecan and platinum regimen can prolong overall survival, progression-free survival and overall response rate for patients with ES-SCLC as compared to a combination etoposide and platinum regimen. And the Asian patients could benefit from irinotecan combined with platinum easier.