Durvalumab (MEDI 4736) with extended neoadjuvant regimens in rectal cancer: A randomised phase II trial (PRIME-RT)

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Background: Advances in multi-modality treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) have resulted in low local recurrence rates, but many patients still die from distant disease. There is increasing recognition that with neoadjuvant treatment some patients achieve a complete response and may avoid surgical resection. PRIME-RT tests the inclusion of neoadjuvant immunotherapy with the aim of enhancing complete response rates, improving stoma-free survival and reducing distant relapse. Methods: PRIME-RT is a multi-centre, open label, phase II, randomised trial for patients with newly diagnosed LARC. Eligible patients are randomised to Arm A: short course radiotherapy (25 Gray in 5 fractions) with concomitant durvalumab, followed by durvalumab and FOLFOX chemotherapy, or Arm B: long course chemoradiotherapy (50 Gray to primary tumour, 45 Gray to elective nodes, in 25 fractions with capecitabine) with concomitant durvalumab followed by FOLFOX and durvalumab. The primary endpoint is complete response rate in each arm. Bio-specimens including serial tumour biopsies and peripheral blood samples are collected prior to, during, and following treatment to explore the molecular and immunological factors underpinning treatment response. The main trial will recruit up to 42 patients and commence after a safety run-in which is recruiting patients with metastatic disease. After opening in January 2021, the four patients completed the safety run in and the main trial commenced in March 2022. The trial is currently open across 5 UK sites. Up to date recruitment details will be provided at the time of presentation but at the time of writing this is ahead of target. Early recruitment to PRIME-RT has shown that adding immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting for LARC is feasible. Furthermore, on treatment biospecimen collection is also feasible across multiple sites. The expectation is that the trial will provide efficacy and safety information which allows the optimal treatment approach to be tested within a larger phase clinical trial. Core funding (Glasgow CRUK CTU) and trial-specific funding (Astrazeneca). Clinical trial: NCT04621370; ISRCTN18138369. Clinical trial information: ISRCTN18138369 .

Durvalumab (MEDI 4736) with extended neoadjuvant regimens in rectal cancer: A randomized phase II trial (PRIME-RT)

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Background: Advances in multi-modality treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) have resulted in low local recurrence rates, but many patients still die from distant disease. There is increasing recognition that with neoadjuvant treatment some patients achieve a complete response and may avoid surgical resection. The PRIME-RT trial tests the inclusion of neoadjuvant immunotherapy with the aim of enhancing complete response rates, improving stoma-free survival and reducing distant relapse. Methods: PRIME-RT is a multi-centre, open label, phase II, randomised trial for patients with newly diagnosed LARC. Eligible patients are randomised to Arm A: short course radiotherapy (25 Gray in 5 fractions) with concomitant durvalumab, followed by durvalumab and FOLFOX chemotherapy, or Arm B: long course chemoradiotherapy (50 Gray to primary tumour, 45 Gray to elective nodes, in 25 fractions with capecitabine) with concomitant durvalumab followed by FOLFOX and durvalumab. The primary endpoint is complete response rate in each arm. Bio-specimens including serial tumour biopsies and peripheral blood samples are collected prior to, during, and following treatment to explore the molecular and immunological factors underpinning treatment response. The main trial will recruit up to 42 patients and commence after a safety run-in (n≥6) which is recruiting patients with metastatic disease. After opening in January 2021, three patients have been treated within the safety run-in; 2 in Arm A and 1 in Arm B. Early recruitment to PRIME-RT has shown that adding immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting for LARC is feasible. The expectation is that the trial will provide efficacy and safety information which allows the optimal treatment approach to be tested within a larger phase clinical trial. Funding information Core funding (Glasgow CRUK CTU) and trial specific funding (Astrazeneca). Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04621370 (Registered 9 Nov 2020) ISRCTN18138369 (Registered 27 October 2020) Clinical trial information: NCT04621370.

Real-world experience of pembrolizumab in microsatellite instability-high CRC: A Scottish multicenter analysis

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Background: KEYNOTE-177 established pembrolizumab as a new standard of care in untreated microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Patients within clinical trials are not always representative of the general population. This underpins the importance of real-world data to offer insights into the outcomes achieved with anti-cancer therapies in routine practice. We report the initial efficacy and safety outcomes of patients treated with pembrolizumab for MSI-H CRC in Scotland. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients with advanced MSI-H CRC treated with pembrolizumab in the Scottish National Health Service was undertaken. Patient demographic and clinico-pathological data were collated via a standardised collection tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. Results: 39 patients were identified (37 metastatic, 2 with locally advanced unresectable disease). All but 2 patients were treated in the first line setting. The median age was 68 years (range 48-82). 23 (59%) were age ≥65 years. 12 (30.7%) of patients were of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0, 23 (58.9%) of PS 1 and 4 (10.2%) of PS 2. 21 (53.8%) had BRAF V600E mutations. The median duration of pembrolizumab therapy was 24 weeks (range 2-104). After a median follow-up of 36 weeks (range 3-193), 5 deaths had occurred. The median progression free survival had not been reached. The overall response rate was 51% (20/39 patients), with 1 complete response observed. Radiological disease progression occurred in 7 patients (18%), 6 (86%) of which were BRAF V600E mutant. Treatment failure (radiologically confirmed disease progression or clinical suspicion of progression without radiological confirmation) occurred in 15 patients (38%). 3 out of 4 patients with PS 2 achieved a partial response. There were no grade ≥3 immune related adverse events. There was 1 treatment suspension due to grade 2 immune toxicity but no permanent discontinuations. Conclusions: Our real-world Scottish population was of poorer performance status than those recruited to KEYNOTE-177 (31% PS 0 vs. 49% in KEYNOTE-177). They were also older (59% age ≥65 years vs. 48% in the trial). Patients of PS 2 were excluded from the study, however 3 of our 4 PS 2 patients demonstrated a partial response to treatment, suggesting that PS 2 should not be an absolute contraindication to treatment. Our observed overall response rate was greater than that observed in KEYNOTE-177 (43.8%). Pembrolizumab was safe and well tolerated in this setting. These preliminary findings support the results of KEYNOTE-177. Long term survival data in our population is awaited. Further follow-up and patient numbers will allow for determination of possible clinico-pathological predictors (BRAF and KRAS status, Glasgow Prognostic Score, metastatic burden) of response to immunotherapy in this population.

Abstract LB129: Stratification of radiotherapy and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy from multi-omic profiling in rectal cancer biopsies

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is commonly used to treat rectal cancer but patients have different levels of response and/or toxic effects.

As part of the Stratification in COloRecTal cancer (S:CORT) programme, we collected 257 rectal biopsies from two cohorts: Grampian (single hospital) and Aristotle (clinical trial). All patients had been subsequently treated with identical regimen of neoadjuvant radiotherapy and capecitabine. We performed trancriptomic, mutation and copy number profiling and aimed to identify biomarkers associated with the robust pathological endpoint of complete response (CR). Key biological determinants were identified by linear regression of different pre-defined, hypothesis-driven biomarkers for radiotherapy response, adjusted by the known confounders T and N stage. A novel RNA signature was derived using a personalised bioinformatical pipeline using a wide range of machine learning approaches. Results were validated in a publicly available transcriptomic cohort of 107 patients treated with similar dose of radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil infusion. Further comparision of the biological determinants and the novel RNA signature were performed in the same cohorts and also TCGA by linear regression. Previously published transcriptomic signatures were retrieved and assessed in the validation, unseen cohort.

Grampian and Aristotle cohorts had similar statistical power and showed similar associations of CR with biological candidates, 10 of them being significant or borderline (p<0.1). Accordingly, both cohorts were merged into a single discovery set to better assess which ones would show additive, independent association. Following multivariable stepwise regression the final model was composed of the immune biomarkers cytotoxic lymphocytes and CMS1 for radiosensitivity while the stromal TGFb Fibroblasts and epithelial APC mutations were for radioresistance. The first three variables were validated in the transcriptomic validation set (Cyt lymph OR 7.09, p=0.01; CMS1 OR 5.39, p=0.02; TGFb Fib OR 0.27, p=0.04). In parallel, a 33-gene signature, trained in the discovery cohort by a comprehensive machine learning pipeline, showed excellent predictive ability in the validation cohort (0.9 AUC; 88% accuracy, 90% sensitivity, 86% specificity). Most genes were associated with at least one of the four biological features identified in the discovery set, validation set and a third cohort of colorectal cancer resections. Our novel signature showed much better predictive ability than other previously published transcriptomic signatures in the validation, unseen cohort.

The immune, stromal and epithelial components of rectal tumours are important players for prediction of CR to radiotherapy in rectal cancer. A 33-gene transcriptomic biomarker can be used to effectively select patients that are highly likely to achieve CR allowing organ preservation while modulation of the relevant biological features in the other patients may be tested to improve their poor outcome with current treatment strategies.

Citation Format: Enric Domingo, Sanjay Rathee, Andrew Blake, Leslie M. Samuel, Graeme I. Murray, David Sebag-Montefiore, Simon Gollins, Nicholas West, Rubina Begum, Marian Duggan, Laura White, Susan Richman, Philip Quirke, James Robineau, Keara Redmond, Aikaterini Chatzipli, Ultan McDermott, Ian Tomlinson, Philip Dunne, Francesca Buffa, Tim Maughan. Stratification of radiotherapy and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy from multi-omic profiling in rectal cancer biopsies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB129.

ARISTOTLE: A phase III trial comparing concurrent capecitabine with capecitabine and irinotecan (Ir) chemoradiation as preoperative treatment for MRI-defined locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)

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Background: Phase II studies reported high pathological complete response (pCR) rates and acceptable toxicity using irinotecan and fluoropyrimidine chemoradiation in LARC (ISRCTN:09351447). Methods: This phase III, multicentre, open-label trial funded by Cancer Research UK, randomly assigned (1:1) patients with MRI defined LARC threatening or involving resection margins without metastases, to pre-operative radiotherapy (RT) 45Gy/25 fractions combined with either capecitabine 900mg/m2(CRT) or 650 mg/m2 bd weekdays with Irinotecan iv once-weekly 60mg/m2 weeks 1-4 (IrCRT). The primary endpoint is disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary endpoints include treatment compliance, safety and pCR. Results: 75 UK sites randomised 564 eligible patients from Oct/11 to July/18; 284 to CRT and 280 to IrCRT. 370 (66%) male; median age 61 years (range:29-83). Staging in both arms was similar: mrT3 (432/564(77%), mrT4 (89/564(16%); mrCRM involved (275/564(49%); threatened ≤1mm (215/564(38%). Compared with CRT, IrCRT patients were less likely to receive 45Gy RT (207/276(75%) vs 251/283(89%), p < 0.001) or receive ≥90% capecitabine dose in 188/276(68%) vs 253/283(89.4%)p < 0.001). A total of 204/276(74%) received ≥90% irinotecan dose. The grade 3-4 gastrointestinal adverse event rate was 21%(58/276) with IrCRT and 12%(34/283) with CRT (p = 0.004). Patients receiving IrCRT had significantly more diarrhoea 38/276(13.8%) vs 10/283(3.5%)p < 0.001) and neutropenia 27/276(9.8%) vs 3/283 (1.1%) p < 0.001). Two CRT and three IrCRT patients experienced a treatment related death. 237/276(86%) IrCRT and 241/283(85%) CRT patients had surgery. The median time from end of RT to surgery(10.6 weeks), the surgical procedure APE 262/478(55%), AR 189/478(40%), Hartmann’s 10/478(2%); and the surgical complications(any event) 38%(181/478) were similar in both arms. The pCR rate is available in > 95% patients and is 20.2%(46/228) for IrCRTvs.17.4%(40/230) for CRT (p = 0.45), A > 84% CRM-ve resection rate is similar in both arms. Conclusions: For patients with MRI defined high risk LARC low rates of CRM involvement were observed in both arms reflecting high quality multidisciplinary care. The addition of irinotecan did not significantly improve the pCR rate, was associated with a decrease in the RT and capecitabine compliance and a higher rate of adverse events. Surgical procedure or complications were unaffected. Longer follow-up is required to assess DFS and translational data. Clinical trial information: 09351447 .

Abstract 4446: Assessment of tissue composition with digital pathology in colorectal cancer

Background: The tumor microenvironment is a key feature to understand cancer biology and may be used clinically. Quantification of tissue composition is usually based either on visual pathological review (VPR) or deconvolution of whole genome molecular data. Although the former is a direct measurement it has modest reproducibility while the latter is an indirect measurement of unclear accuracy, expensive and not always available. Here we test digital pathology coupled with machine learning as a new tool to assess tissue composition.

Methods: As part of the Stratification in COloRecTal cancer (S:CORT) programme, a set of over 500 colorectal cancer (CRC) archival paraffin blocks from resections and biopsies were sequentially sectioned for Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&E), RNA extraction, a second H&E and DNA extraction. RNA expression microarrays, targeted DNA sequencing and DNA methylation arrays were applied. Tissue composition from the H&Es was obtained by VPR of expert pathologists and by a deep neural net (DNN) algorithm after supervised training on &gt;1,500 tissue areas from S:CORT, TCGA, TEM and CORGI CRC cohorts. Tumor purity estimates were obtained from RNA and methylation arrays.

Results: DNN estimates including area and cell counts were obtained for tumor, desmoplastic stroma, inflamed stroma, mucin/hypocellular stroma, muscle, necrosis and white space. An average of 6.8x105 total cells (range: 1.2x104-2.8x106) and 1.2x105 (range: 7.2x104-1.8x106) were classified for resections and biopsies respectively. Analyses performed twice on the same H&Es obtained matching results (r=1.0). Comparison of the paired first and second H&E showed very high correlations (r~0.9) and total cell counts correlated with DNA and RNA extraction yields (r~0.6). Tumor purity estimates by VPR mildly correlated with DNN (r~0.5) but they were underestimated and very variable. As a result, copy number adjusted by VPR purity tended to be overestimated compared to adjustment with DNN estimates. The improved performance of DNN is reflected in an accurate capture of non-linear association between area and cell counts in invasive cancer. In contrast, tumor purity estimates derived from RNA or DNA methylation arrays showed better correlations compared with DNN (r~0.6) but both overestimated purity in cases with low cell counts by up to a three-fold difference.

Conclusions: Tissue composition analysis with DNN allows analytical robustness, automatization and standardization and provides very high reproducibility at single cell resolution. DNN-based estimation of tumor purity is more accurate than VPR or extrapolation from molecular data derived from genome-wide omic platforms which tend to under and overestimate tumor purity respectively. DNN could be used to better plan and asses downstream molecular analyses and to investigate tissue-based metrics as potential clinical biomarkers in clinical trials.

Citation Format: Enric Domingo, Aikaterini Chatzipli, Susan Richman, Andrew Blake, Claire Hardy, Celina Whalley, Keara Redmon, Ian Tomlinson, Philip Dunne, Steven Walker, Andrew Beggs, Ultan McDermott, Graeme I. Murray, Leslie M. Samuel, Matthew Seymour, Philip Quirke, Tim Maughan, Viktor H. Koelzer. Assessment of tissue composition with digital pathology in colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4446.

Stochastic Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling for Assessing the Systemic Health Risk of Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)

A phase 1 dose-escalation trial assessed the chemotherapeutic potential of ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO). Forty-nine primarily solid-tumor cancer patients who failed standard therapy received weekly APFO doses (50-1200 mg) for 6 weeks. Clinical chemistries and plasma PFOA (anionic APFO) were measured predose and weekly thereafter. Several clinical measures including total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (fT4), relative to PFOA concentrations were examined by: Standard statistical analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) and a probabilistic analysis using probability distribution functions (pdf) at various PFOA concentrations; and a 2-compartment pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model to directly estimate mean changes. Based on the GEE, the average rates of change in total cholesterol and fT4 associated with increasing PFOA were approximately -1.2×10-3 mmol/l/μM and 2.8×10-3 pmol/l/μM, respectively. The PK/PD model predicted more closely the trends observed in the data as well as the pdfs of biomarkers. A decline in total cholesterol was observed, with a clear transition in shape and range of the pdfs, manifested by the maximum value of the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence, that occurred at plasma PFOA between 420 and 565 μM (175 000-230 000 ng/ml). High-density lipoprotein was unchanged. An increase in fT4 was observed at a higher PFOA transition point, albeit TSH was unchanged. Our findings are consistent with some animal models and may motivate re-examination of the epidemiologic studies to PFOA at levels several orders of magnitude lower than this study. These observational studies have reported contrary associations, but currently understood biology does not support the existence of such conflicting effects.

Natural killer-like signature observed post therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer is a determinant of pathological response and improved survival

Around 12-15% of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergo a pathologically complete response (tumor regression grade 4) to long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy; the remainder exhibit a spectrum of tumor regression (tumor regression grade 1-3). Understanding therapy-related transcriptional alterations may enable better prediction of response as measured by progression-free and overall survival, in addition to aiding the development of improved strategies based on the underlying biology of the disease. To this end, we performed high-throughput gene expression profiling in 40 pairs of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded rectal cancer biopsies and matched resections following long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy (discovery cohort). Differential gene expression analysis was performed contrasting tumor regression grades in resections. Enumeration of the tumor microenvironment cell population was undertaken using in silico analysis of the transcriptional data, and real-time PCR validation of NCR1 undertaken. Immunohistochemistry and survival analysis was used to measure CD56+ cell populations in an independent cohort (n=150). Gene expression traits observed following long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy in the discovery cohort suggested an increased abundance of natural killer cells in tumors that displayed a clinical response to CRT in a tumor regression grade-dependent manner. CD56+ natural killer-cell populations were measured by immunohistochemistry and found to be significantly higher in tumor regression grade 3 patients compared with tumor regression grade 1-2 in the validation cohort. Furthermore, it was observed that patients positive for CD56 cells after therapy had a better overall survival (HR=0.282, 95% CI=0.109-0.729, χ2=7.854, P=0.005). In conclusion, we have identified a novel post-therapeutic natural killer-like transcription signature in patients responding to long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, patients with a higher abundance of CD56-positive natural killer cells post long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy had better overall survival. Therefore, harnessing a natural killer-like response after therapy may improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Finally, we hypothesize that future assessment of this natural killer-like response in on-treatment biopsy material may inform clinical decision-making for treatment duration.

Short course radiotherapy (SCRT) and delayed surgery by 8-10 weeks for MRI defined high-risk rectal cancer

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Background: Pelvic MRI can identify rectal cancer patients at risk of an incomplete (R1) resection, allowing pre-operative treatment, usually with pelvic chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) over 5 weeks. Co-morbidities (eg IHD) may make CRT high risk, & SCRT with delayed surgery 8-10 weeks later may be an option, but with relatively little published data on efficacy. Methods: Between 2004 & 2016 our database identified 573 patients with MRI defined high risk rectal adenocarcinomas, and 55 (9.6%) had SCRT & delayed surgery. Results: Patient characteristics: m 35, F 20, mean age 75 years (55- 90). Main co-morbidities were active IHD & frailty. Major post-operative complications were an anastomic leak in 1 (1.8%) patient & septicaemia/shock in 1 (1.8%) patient, with the latter being the only 30 day post-operative death (1.8%). The R1 resection rate was 7 (12.7%), affecting the circumferential resection margin (CRM) in 6, with 2 subsequently developing local recurrence. 4 CRM +ve patients are dead, all of systemic relapse. Distal margin involved in 1 patient, alive with no recurrence on follow up. Local recurrence (with systemic relapse) occurred in 1 patent with a clear CRM, 4 years after SCRT/surgery. Overall local recurrence rate was 5.4%. Pathology response was minimal 4 (7.3%), partial 28 (51%), good partial 15 (27%), & complete (pCR) 8 (14.5%). The 5 year disease specific survival rates, accepting small numbers in each group, were 60% for minimal, 96% for partial, 93% for good partial & 100% for pCR patients respectively. Systemic relapse occurred in 12 (22%) patients, with liver surgery & liver ablation in 2 patients respectively. 18 (33%) patients have died, 10 of infection, 2 of IHD, 2 of progressive disease, 2 of separate cancers, & 2 unknown. Conclusions: In a MRI defined high risk rectal cancer population & co-morbidities, the outcomes from SCRT with delayed surgery 8-10 weeks later are similar to CRT, & a reasonable option to consider.

Final results of the McCAVE trial: A double-blind, randomized phase 2 study of vanucizumab (VAN) plus FOLFOX vs. bevacizumab (BEV) plus FOLFOX in patients (pts) with previously untreated metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC)

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Background: VEGF-A and ANG-2 have complementary roles in regulation of tumor angiogenesis. Targeting VEGF-A with BEV in combination chemotherapy (CT) in mCRC has proven to increase PFS and OS. ANG-2 is overexpressed and associated with poor outcome of mCRC pts receiving BEVcontaining treatment. Hence, dual blockade of VEGF-A and ANG-2 by the bispecific mAb VAN with standard CT may improve clinical activity in mCRC. Methods: All pts received mFOLFOX-6 and were randomized 1:1 to also receive intravenous VAN 2000 mg every other week (Q2W) (Arm A) or BEV 5 mg/kg Q2W (Arm B). The primary end point was investigator assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Key eligibility criteria included pts with non-resectable mCRC, no prior therapy for advanced disease, PS 0-1, adequate organ functions, and no history of GI fistula/perforation or intraabdominal abscess within the last 6 months. Results: 192 pts were randomized (Arms A/B, n = 95/97) by 39 sites in 7 countries, between Oct 2014 and May 2016. Median follow-up was 17.6 months (range 2.8 – 20.7). In the ITT population (n = 189; Arms A/B, n = 94/95), median PFS in Arms A and B was 11.3 and 11.0 months (stratified hazard ratio (HR) 1.00 (95%CI 0.64-1.58; p = 0.985)), respectively. Objective response rate was 52.1% vs 57.9%. Relevant prognostic factors incl. RAS/BRAF status and tumor sidedness were balanced between arms and did not significantly influence outcome. Baseline plasma ANG-2 levels were prognostic in both arms but not predictive for response to VAN. The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) grade ≥ 3 was similar (Arms A/B, 83.9%/82.1%); AEs grade ≥ 3 attributed to the mode of action of VAN/BEV included hypertension (37.6%/18.9%), hemorrhage (2.2%/1.1%), thromboembolic events (venous 6.5%/2.1%; arterial 1.1%/3.2%) and GI perforations incl. GI fistula & abdominal abscess (10.6%/8.4%). Conclusions: The combination of VAN and FOLFOX did not improve PFS and was associated with a marked increase in hypertension compared with BEV plus FOLFOX. Our results strongly suggest that ANG-2 is not a relevant therapeutic target in the setting of first line mCRC. Clinical trial information: NCT02141295.

The expression and prognostic significance of bcl-2-associated transcription factor 1 in rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy

AIMS

bcl-2-associated transcription factor 1 (BCLAF1) is a nuclear protein that binds to bcl-related proteins and can induce apoptosis and autophagy. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of BCLAF1 in a series of rectal cancers following neoadjuvant therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry was performed on a post-neoadjuvant therapy rectal cancer tissue microarray. It contained rectal cancers (n = 248), lymph node metastases (n = 76), and non-neoplastic rectal mucosal samples (n = 73). A monoclonal antibody against BCLAF1 that we have developed was used. Non-neoplastic rectal epithelium showed nuclear localization of BCLAF1 in both crypt and surface epithelial cells, whereas rectal cancers showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic BCLAF1 expression. Most rectal cancers showed moderate or strong nuclear immunoreactivity, but showed weak cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Cytoplasmic BCLAF1 expression was increased in primary rectal cancers as compared with non-neoplastic rectal mucosa (P = 0.008). Negative and weak nuclear BCLAF1 expression was associated with a poor prognosis [hazard ratio (HR) 0.502, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.269-0.939, χ(2) = 4.876, P = 0.027]. Nuclear BCLAF1 expression was independently prognostic in a multivariate model (HR 0.431, 95% CI 0.221-0.840, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that both cytoplasmic BCLAF1 expression and nuclear BCLAF1 expression are increased in post-neoadjuvant therapy rectal cancer, and that negative and weak nuclear BCLAF1 expression are independently associated with a poor prognosis.

GAIN-(C): Efficacy and safety analysis of imgatuzumab (GA201), a novel dual-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), in combination with FOLFIRI compared to cetuximab plus FOLFIRI in second-line KRAS exon 2 wild type (e2WT) or with FOLFIRI alone in mutated (e2MT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

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Background: Imgatuzumab, a humanized engineered IgG1 anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mAb designed to enhance ADCC, showed promising clinical activity in a phase I trial including KRAS MT mCRC. This multicenter phase II study (NCT01326000) aimed to compare the combination of imgatuzumab with FOLFIRI to cetuximab plus FOLFIRI or FOLFIRI alone as second-line treatment in patients with both KRAS e2WT or e2MT mCRC. Methods: Patients underwent a mandatory fresh tumor biopsy at screening to assess KRAS exon 2 status. KRAS e2WT patients were randomized (1:1) to treatment groups 1 or 2 to receive imgatuzumab (1,400 mg IV on day 1 and 8 then q2-weekly) or cetuximab (400 mg/m2 IV on day 1 followed by 250 mg/m2 IV q-weekly) respectively plus FOLFIRI (standard IV chemotherapy). KRAS e2MT patients were randomized to groups 3 and 4 to receive imgatuzumab plus FOLFIRI or FOLFIRI alone respectively. Patients were stratified by EGFR expression, time to disease progression on first line treatment and prior treatment with bevacizumab. A run-in phase (n=6/group) was performed to confirm tolerability before recruitment proceeded. Results: 169 patients with an evaluable fresh tumor biopsy were randomized. Median PFS (Investigator reported) was 7.3 months in group 1 versus 6.1 in group 2 (HR, 1.13; 95% CI 0.69-1.86) and 5.2 months in group 3 versus 4.3 in group 4 (HR, 0.94; 95% CI 0.57-1.54). Adverse events of ≥ grade 3 included rash (42.5%, 9.8%, 31.8%, 0% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively), hypomagnesemia (30.0%, 4.9%, 22.7%, 0% respectively) and neutropenia (20.0%, 29.3%, 25.0%, 21.4% respectively). Conclusions: The outcome was negative with respect to the primary efficacy endpoint (PFS) with no benefit seen for the addition of imgatuzumab to FOLFIRI in second-line in both KRAS e2WT and e2MT populations. We demonstrated that collection of fresh tumor biopsy is feasible in pretreated CRC. Clinical trial information: NCT01326000.

Increased lymph node yield in colorectal cancer is not necessarily associated with a greater number of lymph node positive cancers

The presence of lymph node metastasis is a key prognostic factor in colorectal cancer and lymph node yield is an important parameter in assessing the quality of histopathology reporting of colorectal cancer excision specimens. This study assesses the trend in lymph node evaluation over time in a single institution and the relationship with the identification of lymph node positive tumours. It compares the lymph node yield of a contemporary dataset compiled from the histopathology reports of 2178 patients who underwent surgery for primary colorectal cancer between 2005 and 2012 with that of a historic dataset compiled from the histopathology reports of 1038 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at 5 yearly intervals from 1975 to 2000. The mean lymph node yield was 14.91 in 2005 rising to 21.38 in 2012. In 2012 92.9% of all cases had at least 12 lymph nodes examined. Comparison of the mean lymph node yield and proportion of Dukes C cases shows a significant increase (Pearson correlation = 0.927, p = 0.001) in lymph node yield while there is no corresponding significant trend in the proportion of Dukes C cases (Pearson correlation =  -0.138, p = 0.745). This study shows that there is increasing yield of lymph nodes from colorectal cancer excision specimens. However, this is not necessarily associated with an increase number of lymph node positive cancers. Further risk stratifying of colorectal cancer requires consideration of other pathological parameters especially the presence of extramural venous invasion and relevant biomarkers.

Pretreatment and postresection epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway mutations in a prospective phase II trial (EXCITE) of preoperative cetuximab-containing chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)

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Background: Little data exists comparing pre- and post-CRT EGFR pathway mutations in LARC. Methods: Patients had MRI-defined LARC threatening or involving the surgical resection margin. CRT used pelvic radiotherapy (RT) 45Gy in 25 daily fractions with concurrent capecitabine (650mg/m2 bid PO 5 days/week), IV cetuximab (400mg/m2 one week prior then weekly at 250mg/m2 weeks 1-5) and IV irinotecan (weekly at 60mg/m2weeks 1-4). Surgery was 8 weeks after CRT. EGFR pathway mutations were not assessed prospectively. After study completion DNA was extracted from pre-treatment biopsies and post-resection specimens by macrodissecting areas of greatest tumour cell density. KRAS codons 12, 13, 61, 146, NRAS codons 12, 13, 61, PIK3CA codons 542, 545, 546, 1047 and the BRAF V600E hotspot were then pyrosequenced. Results: From 04/09-10/11, 80 patients commenced RT. 76 patients had surgery, with pathological complete response (CR) in 14 (18%) and near-complete (microfoci) in 6 (8%). Four patients had no surgery due to clinical CR. Pre-treatment mutation status was available in 78 patients with a KRAS codon mutation in 34 patients, BRAF in 3, NRAS in 3, PIK3CA in 10 and pathway (any mutation) in 45 (58%). Post-resection data in 54 patients showed 35 mutated codons in 32 patients (59%). 18 patients (33%) showed a discrepancy compared to pre-treatment biopsy. In 17 this was at a single codon, from wild-type (wt) to mutant (mut) in 9 (7x KRAS 12, 1x KRAS 13, 1x PIK3CA 542), from mut to mut in 1 (KRAS 12 c.35G>A to c.34G>T) and mut to wt in 7 (1x KRAS 12, 2x KRAS 13, 2x KRAS 146, 1x PIK3CA 542, 1x PIK3CA 545). One patient changed in 3 codons (mut to wt at KRAS 146 and PIK3CA 545 and wt to mut at KRAS 12). In 12 patients (22%) this changed overall EGFR pathway status (6x wt to mut and 6x mut to wt). Conclusions: Intratumour heterogeneity may explain the EGFR pathway codon changes causing sequencing from single areas of macrodissection to underestimate the tumour genomic landscape and presenting a challenge to personalised medicine. Cetuximab may also drive growth of undetectable mutant clones to detectable levels on pyrosequencing. Clinical trial information: 2007-006701-25.

Microarray gene expression study of the RESPECT trial for the identification of prognostic and predictive markers

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Background: The RESPECT trial (n = 198) tested the addition of Sorafenib to standard mFOLFOX6 treatment in first line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients but resulted in no statistical significant improvement in progression free survival, and no evidence for overall benefit. Sorafenib inhibits several Raf kinases (including B-Raf). Samples with high BRAF-mutant-like score were previously shown to identify a subset of colon tumors with a similar biology and outcome to BRAF mutant patients (Popovici et al. J. Clin. Oncol., 30(12):1288–95, 2012). Methods: A subset of 125 patients from the trial was available for gene expression analysis from their primary tumor FFPE samples, using the Colon DSA gene expression arrays from Almac. Mutation status for KRAS and BRAF was previously assessed. The potential prognostic and/or predictive effect of a high BRAF-mutant-like score was assessed. The analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves. The logrank test was used to compare the survival distributions (significance level: 5%). Results: Molecular profiling was performed on FFPE tissue samples from primary tumors of 125 mCRC patients, 95 samples (47 in the combined arm; 3 BRAF mutants) were successfully processed. Limitations in amount of material available in this retrospective analysis led to failure to reach the required RNA amount for amplification in 30 samples (dropout rate = 24%). The collected gene expression data was of good quality: all 95 array profiles could be used (10 were flagged for slightly inferior quality). The BRAF-mutant-like score was recognized as marker of poor OS in a Cox regression model (HR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.12 - 2.13], 1 unit = 1 IQR, P = 0.007). The HR difference between the two arms (combined arm: HR = 1.36; reference arm: HR = 1.41) is not significant. Conclusions: The poor survival of metastatic colorectal cancer patients with a BRAF-mutated-like tumor is confirmed, but no predictive effect was found. FFPE tissues are well-suited for this kind of study and allow to accurately test the hypotheses of interest. Further analyses are planned to generate hypotheses about markers of sensitivity to mFOLFOX6 or Sorafenib.

Tumor-related and treatment-related colostomy-free survival (CFS) following chemoradiation (CRT) using mitomycin (MMC) or cisplatin (CisP), with or without maintenance 5FU/CisP chemotherapy (CT) in squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA): Results of ACT II

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Background: Concurrent CRT is standard treatment for patients (pts) with SCCA. We explore tumor- and treatment-related CFS in a phase III trial (ACT II), which mandated standardised radiation fields and a uniform dose (50.4Gy in 28 daily fractions of 1.8Gy). Methods: The ACT II trial (940 pts) compared both CisP (n=468) versus MMC (n=472) combined with 5-FU/CRT, and 2 cycles of maintenance CT (Maint, n=448) versus none (No-maint, n=446). We investigated the association between CFS and baseline factors (age, sex, T stage, size of tumour, nodal status) and treatment using Cox regression. CFS events included baseline colostomies not reversed at first follow up after treatment and post-treatment colostomies. Results: Median follow-up (all pts) was 5.1 years. Median age: 58 years; tumour site – canal (84%), margin (14%); stage T1-T2 (52%), T3-T4 (46%); N+ (32%), N0 (62%). Of 884 evaluable patients only 20/118 (17%) baseline colostomies were reversed within 8 months, and 37 later. 112 pts had a post-treatment colostomy due to persistent disease (98) or morbidity (14). The 5-year CFS rates by stage were 86% T1, 77% T2, 57% T3 and 47% T4; 72% N0, 60% N+; by treatment arm 68% MMC/Maint, 70% CisP/Maint, 68% MMC/No-maint and 65% CisP/No-maint respectively. The 5-year CFS rates were 72% and 60% for N0 and N+ respectively. The most significant predictors of colostomy in multivariable Cox regression analyses were T stage, sex and baseline haemoglobin (p<0.001 for all). Men were more at risk than women (adjusted HR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.14). Age, site of primary or treatment did not impact on CFS. Although significant in univariate analysis, nodal status did not influence CFS when adjusted for other baseline factors. Conclusions: In the largest trial in anal cancer, neither the type of CRT (5FU/CisP vs. 5FU/MMC) nor maintenance chemotherapy improved CFS. 34% (61/177) of all colostomies were baseline fashioned prior to treatment and never reversed after all treatments. The major predictive factors for CFS were T stage, sex and haemoglobin levels. Clinical trial information: NCT00025090.

Patient evaluation of community nurse-led follow-up clinics for colon cancer

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Background: Health services face an ever increasing demand for quality patient focussed healthcare with limited financial resources. Our group has designed and implemented, using non-specialist community nurses, a nurse led follow up service for patients with potentially cured colon and prostate cancers in 4 community hospitals in North East Scotland. Nurses use a structured questionnaire, take tumour specific blood tests & order some imaging. Results communicated to patients via letter from oncologist. Methods: A user-group & professionals were consulted and a customised questionnaire designed. Topic sections were-basic demographic data; mode of transport; perceptions of parking; travel; continuity of care; timing of appointments; satisfaction with service attributes; any concerns; suggestions for improvement and an overall rating score. Details of the evaluation were considered by the ethics committee as 'service evaluation'. Results: The questionnaire was successfully piloted in 5 patients. The main study targetted 100 patients, & data-collection ran from August 2010 until July 2011, the 4th year of the service. 103 questionnaires returned, all useable, from 216 sent out across 4 community clinic sites. The 48% return rate was consistent across all sites. The findings were grouped together rather than presented by clinic, due to lack of response variation by site. Verbatim comments were recorded. Returns from colon cancer patients were 75% of the total (47% M, 28% F) & 25% prostate patients. Median age 71, range 41 - 90 years. Travel was by car 87%, foot 8% & public transport 5%. Topics covered included, own health 96%, appt times 79%, tests & results 75%, patient support 37%, carer support 12% & 'other' 16%. Ranking of statements suggests 90% satisfaction with administration & 94% quality of clinic, and 85% prefer local proximity of clinic. Only 36% accompanied to clinic, less than when at central clinic. Only 8% expressed concerns, usually about scan results. Conclusions: an overwhelmingly positive patient evaluation provides evidence that non-specialist community nurses can deliver a follow up service in the community for potentially cured colon (& prostate) cancer patients.

The GAIN-C study (BP25438): Randomized phase II trial of RG7160 (GA201) plus FOLFIRI, compared to cetuximab plus FOLFIRI or FOLFIRI alone in second-line KRAS wild type (WT) or mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

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Background: GA201 is a novel, dual-acting, humanized, glycoengineered IgG1 anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity in combination with signal inhibition. GA201 demonstrates significantly enhanced in vitro/vivo activity compared to cetuximab (cet) both as a single agent and in combination with irinotecan, in both KRAS mutant and BRAF mutant models and promising clinical activity in ph I and neo-adjuvant trials (Paz Ares et al, JCO 2011) including KRAS mutant mCRC. A randomized ph II program was launched: one study in NSCLC and GAIN-C in mCRC (NCT01326000), which is presented here. Methods: Main inclusion criteria are progression on 1L containing oxaliplatin, ECOG 0-1, and adequate hematological and liver function. Main exclusion criteria: prior anti-EGFR treatment. A total of 160 patients in 2L mCRC (stratified for EGFR expression, disease progression before or after 6 months after starting 1L, prior treatment with bevacizumab Y vs N) will be randomized to receive either GA201 (day 1, 8 of cycle 1 then q2W) or cet (qW) + FOLFIRI q2W (KRAS WT) or to receive GA201+ FOLFIRI or FOLFIRI alone (KRAS mutant). Collection of archival tumor plus a mandatory fresh tumor biopsy at baseline were implemented because ph I data showed that EGFR expression is not concordant between the two specimen types and to optimize assessment of potential immune related biomarkers. The fresh tumor biopsy will be centrally analyzed for EGFR (immunohistochemistry) and KRAS status. Primary objective is progression free survival; secondary endpoints are to define objective response rates, the safety profile, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A comprehensive biomarker program (blood and tumor), mainly immune-phenotyping, immunohistochemistry in tumor samples (Ventana) and immune functional tests (including adaptive responses) were set up to investigate potential predictive biomarkers and the mode of action of GA201. Study is ongoing worldwide in 9 countries with the safety run-in phase completed in Nov 2011. Recruitment is planned to be completed by end of April 2012.

Toward shared care for people with cancer: developing the model with patients and GPs

BACKGROUND

The number of people surviving cancer for extended periods is increasing. Consequently, due to workload and quality issues, there is considerable interest in alternatives to traditional secondary care-led cancer follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the views of potential recipients of shared follow-up of cancer. To conduct a modelling exercise for shared follow-up and to explore the opinions and experiences of both the patients and GPs involved.

METHODS

Semi-structured audio-taped telephone or face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 patients with a range of cancers currently attending for structured follow-up in secondary care. Six GPs and five patients (four with melanoma and one with stable metastatic colorectal cancer) took part in a shared follow-up modelling exercise. During the modelling exercise, the GPs attended 4 review meetings, which included brief training seminars, and at the conclusion 10 individuals took part in semi-structured audio-taped telephone or face-to-face interviews.

RESULTS

Many rural patients, and some urban patients, would appreciate follow-up being available nearer to home with the associated benefits of time saved and easier parking and continuity of care. Patients have concerns related to the level of extra training received by the GP and loss of contact with their consultant. GPs have concerns about gaining and maintaining the clinical skills needed to conduct follow-up, especially if the numbers of patients seen are small. They also have concerns about lack of support from other GPs, and some administrative and organizational issues.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients would be willing to have GPs share their cancer follow-up with the caveat that they had received extra training and were appropriately supported by secondary care specialists. Patients attending shared care clinics appreciated a local service and longer appointment times. GPs stress the importance of maintaining their own clinical skills and reliable clinical and administrative support from secondary care.

APRIL is a novel clinical chemo-resistance biomarker in colorectal adenocarcinoma identified by gene expression profiling

BACKGROUND

5-Fluorouracil(5FU) and oral analogues, such as capecitabine, remain one of the most useful agents for the treatment of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Low toxicity and convenience of administration facilitate use, however clinical resistance is a major limitation. Investigation has failed to fully explain the molecular mechanisms of resistance and no clinically useful predictive biomarkers for 5FU resistance have been identified. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of clinical 5FU resistance in colorectal adenocarcinoma patients in a prospective biomarker discovery project utilising gene expression profiling. The aim was to identify novel 5FU resistance mechanisms and qualify these as candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

METHODS

Putative treatment specific gene expression changes were identified in a transcriptomics study of rectal adenocarcinomas, biopsied and profiled before and after pre-operative short-course radiotherapy or 5FU based chemo-radiotherapy, using microarrays. Tumour from untreated controls at diagnosis and resection identified treatment-independent gene expression changes. Candidate 5FU chemo-resistant genes were identified by comparison of gene expression data sets from these clinical specimens with gene expression signatures from our previous studies of colorectal cancer cell lines, where parental and daughter lines resistant to 5FU were compared. A colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue microarray (n = 234, resected tumours) was used as an independent set to qualify candidates thus identified.

RESULTS

APRIL/TNFSF13 mRNA was significantly upregulated following 5FU based concurrent chemo-radiotherapy and in 5FU resistant colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines but not in radiotherapy alone treated colorectal adenocarcinomas. Consistent with APRIL's known function as an autocrine or paracrine secreted molecule, stromal but not tumour cell protein expression by immunohistochemistry was correlated with poor prognosis (p = 0.019) in the independent set. Stratified analysis revealed that protein expression of APRIL in the tumour stroma is associated with survival in adjuvant 5FU treated patients only (n = 103, p < 0.001), and is independently predictive of lack of clinical benefit from adjuvant 5FU [HR 6.25 (95%CI 1.48-26.32), p = 0.013].

CONCLUSIONS

A combined investigative model, analysing the transcriptional response in clinical tumour specimens and cancers cell lines, has identified APRIL, a novel chemo-resistance biomarker with independent predictive impact in 5FU-treated CRC patients, that may represent a target for novel therapeutics.

The spectrum of 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity

Cardiotoxicity is a rare but serious complication of 5-fluorouracil therapy. Coronary vasospasm and, less frequently, acute myocarditis have been identified as underlying mechanisms. We report a case of severe toxicity in a relatively young and fit male patient being treated for metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma displaying characteristics that cannot be explained by either mechanism alone.

A phase II study of mitomycin C, cisplatin and protracted infusional 5-fluorouracil in advanced pancreatic carcinoma: efficacy and low toxicity

BACKGROUND

The effective treatment of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma represents a formidable challenge. There is a need to develop systemic therapies which combine efficacy with acceptable toxicity. The current 'gold standard' gemcitabine gives an objective response rate of the order of 20% and median survival up to 6 months. Here we have evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of mitomycin C, cisplatin and protracted infusional 5-fluorouracil (MCF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-five patients with locally advanced (13 patients) or metastatic (32 patients) pancreatic carcinoma were treated with mitomycin C 7 mg/m(2) 6 weekly, cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) 3 weekly and protracted venous infusion 5-FU 300 mg/m(2)/day. Patients were evaluated for response after three cycles and received six cycles in total in the absence of progressive disease or poor tolerance. Median age was 62 (45-75) years; 41 patients were World Health Organization performance status 0-1.

RESULTS

Treatment was well tolerated with 36 (84%) patients completing three or more cycles. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were uncommon: anaemia in three patients (7%), mucositis in two (5%), nausea and vomiting in three (7%) and diarrhoea in one (1%). An objective response was seen in 21 (46%) patients. There was one complete response. The median survival overall was 7.1 months and 10.5 months in responders. The median duration of response was 4.3 months. One-year survival was 29%, 2-year survival was 18%.

CONCLUSIONS

MCF combines efficacy with low toxicity in the treatment of advanced pancreatic carcinoma. The efficacy is at least comparable and may be superior to single-agent gemcitabine and MCF may therefore provide a cost-effective alternative.

A phase II study of mitomycin C, cisplatin and continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (MCF) in the treatment of patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site

Carcinoma of unknown primary site remains a common clinical diagnosis, accounting for between 5 and 10% of all cancer patients. Numerous combination chemotherapy regimens have been used in the management of carcinoma of unknown primary site, resulting in response rates of 0-48%. We present the results of a single centre phase II study of the use of the combination of mitomycin C (7 mg m(-2) on day 1 of cycles 1, 3 and 5) cisplatin (60 mg m(-2) on day 1) and continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (300 mg m(-2) daily), MCF, delivered as a 21-day cycle, in patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site. Thirty-one patients with a diagnosis of carcinoma of unknown primary site were treated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary between 1997 and 2001 with MCF. In total, 136 cycles of MCF were delivered (median of 5 cycles per patient). Toxicity was acceptable, with 19% grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, 16% grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and 13% grade 3 or 4 nausea and vomiting. No cases of neutropenic sepsis were seen and there were no treatment-related deaths, however, six patients developed thrombotic complications. The overall response rate was 27% (CR 3%; PR 23%). Median time to progression was 3.4 months (95% CI 1.1-5.6 months) and median overall survival was 7.7 months (95% CI 5.7-9.8 months). Survival at 1 year was 28%, and at 2 years, 10%. MCF is a tolerable regimen with comparable toxicity, response rates and survival data to most platinum-based combination chemotherapy regimens in use for this devastating disease.

Primary non-Hodgkins lymphoma of muscle

A retrospective analysis was made of all patients with primary muscle non-Hodgkin's lymphomas registered with the Scotland and Newcastle Lymphoma Group over a 15-year period. Only eight patients were identified. The median age was 69 years (range 27-93). Five patients were male and six lymphomas were of high grade histology. The glutei and upper arm muscles were the main sites of origin, with the additional involvement of adjacent bone in four patients; only three had lymph node involvement at presentation. Most patients (6/8) received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The median survival was 33 months. The conclusion is that this is a small group of patients whose outlook is not as poor as has been suggested in previous reports.

Pleurocutaneous fistula as a complication of radiation treatment in locally advanced breast cancer

We report the first case of a pleurocutaneous fistula as a consequence of megavoltage radiation therapy for a recurrent locally advanced breast cancer. Several factors, such as previous surgery, blood supply, fraction size, and perhaps increased radiosensitivity, which influence the tolerance of the late reacting normal tissues to radiotherapy, may have predisposed our patient to this rare complication.

A rapidly enlarging keratinised 'skull-cap'

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Massive cutaneous large cell T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the pinna

We report a patient with a cutaneous large cell T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the pinna, a condition that has not been reported before. Despite the large dimensions of the tumour, the patient's ear was restored by electron therapy.

Phase II trial of procarbazine, vincristine and lomustine (POC) chemotherapy in metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma

40 patients with symptomatic metastatic melanoma were treated with procarbazine, vincristine and lomustine (POC). 4 patients had received chemotherapy previously. Responses were seen in 8 patients (20%), 4 of whom had a complete remission. All responding patients had some tumour shrinkage after one cycle. The median duration of response was 27 weeks, with 2 patients remaining in complete remission at 6 and 6.5 years. The median survival for the whole group was 22 weeks, whilst that of the responding patients was 35 weeks. Using conventional anti-emetics, the principal toxicities were nausea and vomiting, severe in 15% of cycles. Other nonhaematological toxicity was uncommon. Neutropenia (WHO grade 3 or 4) occurred in 11% of cycles and thrombocytopenia in 8%. The response rate of metastatic melanoma to POC chemotherapy was similar to other cytotoxic regimens though toxicity, other than nausea and vomiting, was minimal. The rapid response allows patients with unresponsive disease to be identified early, avoiding continuing toxicity.