International Validation of the EORTC QLQ-ANL27, a Field Study to Test the Anal Cancer-Specific Health-Related Quality-of-Life Questionnaire

PURPOSE

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) health-related quality of life questionnaire for anal cancer (QLQ-ANL27) supplements the EORTC cancer generic measure (QLQ-C30) to measure concerns specific to people with anal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy. This study tested the psychometric properties and acceptability of the QLQ-ANL27.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

People with anal cancer were recruited from 15 countries to complete the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-ANL27 and provide feedback on the QLQ-ANL27. Item responses, scale structure (multitrait scaling, factor analysis), reliability (internal consistency and reproducibility) and sensitivity (known group comparisons and responsiveness to change) of the QLQ-ANL27 were evaluated.

RESULTS

Data from 382 people were included in the analyses. The EORTC QLQ-ANL27 was acceptable, comprehensive, and easy to complete, taking an average 8 minutes to complete. Psychometric analyses supported the EORTC QLQ-ANL27 items and reliability (Cronbach's α ranging from 0.71-0.93 and test-retest coefficients above 0.7) and validity of the scales (particularly nonstoma bowel symptoms and pain/discomfort). Most scales distinguished people according to treatment phase and performance status. Bowel (nonstoma), pain/discomfort, and vaginal symptoms were sensitive to deteriorations over time. The stoma-related scales remained untested because of low numbers of people with a stoma. Revisions to the scoring and question ordering of the sexual items were proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The QLQ-ANL27 has good psychometric properties and is available in 16 languages for people treated with chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer. It is used in clinical trials and has a potential role in clinical practice.

Prevalence of nodal involvement in rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ypN+ status according to ypT category in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision, and to assess the impact of ypN+ on disease recurrence and survival by pooled analysis of individual-patient data.

METHODS

Individual-patient data from 10 studies of chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer were included. Pooled rates of ypN+ disease were calculated with 95 per cent confidence interval for each ypT category. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were undertaken to assess influence of ypN status on 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Data on 1898 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 50 (range 0-219) months. The pooled rate of ypN+ disease was 7 per cent for ypT0, 12 per cent for ypT1, 17 per cent for ypT2, 40 per cent for ypT3, and 46 per cent for ypT4 tumours. Patients with ypN+ disease had lower 5-year DFS and OS (46.2 and 63.4 per cent respectively) than patients with ypN0 tumours (74.5 and 83.2 per cent) (P < 0.001). Cox regression analyses showed ypN+ status to be an independent predictor of recurrence and death.

CONCLUSION

Risk of nodal metastases (ypN+) after chemoradiotherapy increases with advancing ypT category and needs to be considered if an organ-preserving strategy is contemplated.

Body Composition and Dose-limiting Toxicity in Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment; a Systematic Review of the Literature. Could Muscle Mass be the New Body Surface Area in Chemotherapy Dosing?

Chemotherapy dosing is traditionally based on body surface area calculations; however, these calculations ignore separate tissue compartments, such as the lean body mass (LBM), which is considered a big pool of drug distribution. In our era, colorectal cancer patients undergo a plethora of computed tomography scans as part of their diagnosis, staging and monitoring, which could easily be used for body composition analysis and LBM calculation, allowing for personalised chemotherapy dosing. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of muscle mass on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), among different chemotherapy regimens used in colorectal cancer patients. This review was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from 1946 to August 2019. The primary search terms were 'sarcopenia', 'myopenia', 'chemotherapy toxicity', 'chemotherapy dosing', 'dose limiting toxicity', 'colorectal cancer', 'primary colorectal cancer' and 'metastatic colorectal cancer'. Outcomes of interest were - DLT and chemotoxicity related to body composition, and chemotherapy dosing on LBM. In total, 363 studies were identified, with 10 studies fulfilling the selection criteria. Seven studies were retrospective and three were prospective. Most studies used the same body composition analysis software but the chemotherapy regimens used varied. Due to marked study heterogeneity, quantitative data synthesis was not possible. Two studies described a toxicity cut-off value for 5-fluorouracil and one for oxaliplatin based on LBM. The rest of the studies showed an association between different body composition metrics and DLTs. Prospective studies are required with a larger colorectal cancer cohort, longitudinal monitoring of body composition changes during treatment, similar body composition analysis techniques, agreed cut-off values and standardised chemotherapy regimens. Incorporation of body composition analysis in the clinical setting will allow early identification of sarcopenic patients, personalised dosing based on their LBM and early optimisation of these patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Impact of compliance to chemoradiation on long-term outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma of the anus: results of a post hoc analysis from the randomised phase III ACT II trial

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiation is standard-of-care for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. Poor compliance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy treatment interruptions and unplanned breaks may impact adversely on long-term outcomes.

METHODS

The ACT II trial recruited 940 patients with localised squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, and assigned patients to mitomycin (week 1) or cisplatin (weeks 1 and 5), with fluorouracil (weeks 1 and 5) and radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions over 38 days). This post hoc analysis examined the association between baseline factors (age, gender, site, T stage and N stage), and compliance to treatment (radiotherapy and chemotherapy), and their effects on locoregional failure-free survival, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Compliance was categorised into groups. Radiotherapy: six groups according to total dose and overall treatment time (OTT). Chemotherapy: three groups (A = per-protocol; B = dose reduction or delay; C = omitted).

RESULTS

A total of 931/940 patients were assessable for radiotherapy and 936 for chemotherapy compliance. Baseline glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min and cisplatin were significantly associated with poor week 5 compliance to chemotherapy (P = 0.003 and 0.02, respectively). Omission of week 5 chemotherapy was associated with significantly worse locoregional failure-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.53 (1.33-4.82) P = 0.005]. Dose reductions/delays or omission of week 5 chemotherapy were associated with significantly worse PFS {HR: 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-2.06], P = 0.002 and HR: 2.39 (95% CI: 1.44-3.98), P = 0.001, respectively} and OS [HR: 1.92 (95% CI: 1.41-2.63), P < 0.001 and HR: 2.88 (95% CI: 1.63-5.08), P < 0.001, respectively]. Receiving the target radiotherapy dose in >42 days is associated with worse PFS and OS [HR: 1.72 (95% CI: 1.17-2.54), P =0.006].

CONCLUSION

Poor compliance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy were associated with worse locoregional failure-free survival, PFS and OS. Treatment interruptions should be minimised, and OTT and total dose maintained.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

ISRCTN 26715889.

The optimal timing for the interval to surgery after short course preoperative radiotherapy (5 ×5 Gy) in rectal cancer - are we too eager for surgery?

BACKGROUND

The improved overall survival (OS) after short course preoperative radiotherapy (SCPRT) using 5 × 5 Gy reported in the early rectal cancer trials could not be replicated in subsequent phase III trials. This original survival advantage is attributed to poor quality of surgery and the large differential in local recurrence rates, with and without SCPRT. Immuno-modulation during and after SCPRT and its clinical implications have been poorly investigated. We propose an alternative explanation for this survival benefit in terms of immunological mechanisms induced by SCPRT and the timing of surgery, which may validate the concept of consolidation chemotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and studies of SCPRT from 1985 to 2019. We aimed to examine the precise timing of surgery in days following SCPRT and identify evidence for immune modulation, neo-antigens and memory cell induction by radiation.

RESULTS

Considerable variability is reported in randomised trials for median overall treatment time (OTT) from start of SCPRT to surgery (8-14 days). Only three early trials showed a benefit in terms of OS from SCPRT, although the level of benefit in preventing local recurrence was consistent across all trials. Different patterns of immune effects are observed within days after SCPRT depending on the OTT, but human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-1 expression was not upregulated.

CONCLUSIONS

SCPRT has a substantial immune-stimulatory potential. The importance of the timing of surgery after SCPRT may have been underestimated. An optimal interval for surgery after 5 × 5 Gy may lead to better outcomes, which is possibly exploited in total neoadjuvant therapy schedules using consolidation chemotherapy. Individual patient meta-analyses from appropriate SCPRT trials examining outcomes for each day and prospective trials are needed to clarify the validity of this hypothesis. The interaction of SCPRT with tumour adaptive immunology, in particular the kinetics and timing, should be examined further.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy without Radiation in Colorectal Cancer

In colon cancer, primary surgery followed by postoperative chemotherapy represents the standard of care. In rectal cancer, the standard of care is preoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiation, which significantly reduces local recurrence but has no impact on subsequent metastatic disease or overall survival. The administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) before surgery can increase the chance of a curative resection and improves long-term outcomes in patients with liver metastases. Hence, NACT is being explored in both primary rectal and colon cancers as an alternative strategy to shrink the tumor, facilitate a curative resection, and simultaneously counter the risk of metastases. Yet, this lack of clarity regarding the precise aims of NACT (downstaging, maximizing response, or improving survival) is hindering progress. The appropriate cytotoxic agents, the optimal regimen, the number of cycles, or duration of NACT prior to surgery or in the postoperative setting remains undefined. Several potential strategies for integrating NACT are discussed with their advantages and disadvantages.

Identification of Cancer-Associated Circulating Cells in Anal Cancer Patients

Whilst anal cancer accounts for less than 1% of all new cancer cases, incidence rates have increased by up to 70% in the last 30 years with the majority of cases driven by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Standard treatment for localised anal cancer is chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Localised progression is the predominant pattern of relapse but well under 50% of cases are salvaged by surgery, predominantly because confirming recurrence within post-radiation change is very challenging. Identifying cancer-associated circulating cells (CCs) in peripheral blood could offer a corroborative method of monitoring treatment efficacy and identifying relapse early. To study this, nucleated cells were isolated from the blood of patients with anal cancer prior to, during, and after CRT and processed through the Amnis^® ImageStream^®X Mk II Imaging Flow Cytometer, without prior enrichment, using Pan-cytokeratin (PCK), CD45 antibodies and making use of the DNA dye DRAQ5. Analysis was undertaken using IDEAS software to identify those cells that were PCK-positive and DRAQ5-positive as well as CD45-negative; these were designated as CCs. CCs were identified in 7 of 8 patients; range 60-876 cells per mL of blood. This first report of the successful identification of CCs in anal cancer patients raises the possibility that liquid biopsies will find a future role as a prognostic/diagnostic tool in this patient group.

International Rare Cancers Initiative Multicenter Randomized Phase II Trial of Cisplatin and Fluorouracil Versus Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in Advanced Anal Cancer: InterAAct

PURPOSE

To compare cisplatin plus fluorouracil (FU) versus carboplatin plus paclitaxel in chemotherapy-naïve advanced anal cancer to establish the optimal regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who had not received systemic therapy for advanced anal cancer were randomly assigned 1:1 to intravenous cisplatin 60 mg/m2 (day 1) plus FU 1,000 mg/m2 (days 1-4) every 21 days or carboplatin (area under the curve, 5; day 1) plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 (days 1, 8, and 15) every 28 days for 24 weeks, until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). Primary and secondary end points were assessed in a hierarchic model to compare the regimens and pick the winner.

RESULTS

We conducted an international multicenter randomized phase II study in 60 centers between December 2013 and November 2017. Median follow-up was 28.6 months. A total of 91 patients were randomly assigned: 46 to cisplatin plus FU and 45 to carboplatin plus paclitaxel. ORR was 57% (95% CI, 39.4% to 73.7%) for cisplatin plus FU versus 59% (95% CI, 42.1% to 74.4%) for carboplatin plus paclitaxel. More serious adverse events were noted in the cisplatin plus FU arm (62%) compared with the carboplatin plus paclitaxel arm (36%; P = .016). Median progression-free survival was 5.7 months (95% CI, 3.3 to 9.0 months) for cisplatin plus FU compared with 8.1 months (95% CI, 6.6 to 8.8 months) for carboplatin plus paclitaxel. Median overall survival was 12.3 months for cisplatin plus FU (95% CI, 9.2 to 17.7 months) compared with 20 months (95% CI, 12.7 months to not reached) for carboplatin plus paclitaxel (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.15 to 3.47; P = .014).

CONCLUSION

This is the first international randomized trial to our knowledge conducted in chemotherapy-naïve advanced anal cancer. Although there was no difference in ORR, the association with clinically relevant reduced toxicity and a trend toward longer survival suggest that carboplatin plus paclitaxel should be considered as a new standard of care.

Trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer ineligible for intensive therapy: the randomized TASCO1 study

BACKGROUND

We designed an open-label, noncomparative phase II study to assess the safety and efficacy of first-line treatment with trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab (TT-B) and capecitabine plus bevacizumab (C-B) in untreated patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who were not candidates for combination with cytotoxic chemotherapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 29 April 2016 to 29 March 2017, 153 patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either TT-B (N = 77) or C-B (N = 76). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). The primary PFS analysis was performed after 100 events (radiological progression or death) were observed. Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), quality of life (QoL; QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 questionnaires), and safety.

RESULTS

Median (range) duration of treatment was 7.8 (6.0-9.7) months and 6.2 (4.1-9.1) months in the TT-B and C-B groups, respectively. Median (range) PFS was 9.2 (7.6-11.6) and 7.8 (5.5-10.1) months, respectively. Median (range) OS was 18 (15.2 to NA) and 16.2 (12.5 to NA) months, respectively. QoL questionnaires showed no relevant changes over time for either treatment. Therapies were well tolerated. Patients receiving TT-B had more grade ≥3 neutropenia (47% versus 5% with C-B). Patients receiving C-B had more grade ≥3 hand-foot syndrome (12% versus 0% with TT-B) and grade ≥3 diarrhea (8% versus 1% with TT-B), consistent with the known safety profiles of these agents.

CONCLUSION

TT-B treatment showed promising clinical activity in untreated patients with unresectable mCRC ineligible for intensive therapy, with an acceptable safety profile and no clinically relevant changes in QoL.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

NCT02743221 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Patient deprivation and perceived scan burden negatively impact the quality of whole-body MRI

AIM

To evaluate the association between the image quality of cancer staging whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) and patient demographics, distress, and perceived scan burden.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of patients recruited prospectively to multicentre trials comparing WB-MRI with standard scans for staging lung and colorectal cancer were invited to complete two questionnaires. The baseline questionnaire, administered at recruitment, collated data on demographics, distress and co-morbidity. The follow-up questionnaire, completed after staging investigations, measured perceived WB-MRI scan burden (scored 1 low to 7 high). WB-MRI anatomical coverage, and technical quality was graded by a radiographic technician and grading combined to categorise the scan as "optimal", "sub-optimal" or "degraded". A radiologist categorised 30 scans to test interobserver agreement. Data were analysed using the chi-square, Fisher's exact, t-tests, and multinomial regression.

RESULTS

One hundred and fourteen patients were included in the study (53 lung, 61 colorectal; average age 65.3 years, SD=11.8; 66 men [57.9%]). Overall, 45.6% (n=52), scans were classified as "optimal" quality, 39.5% (n=45) "sub-optimal", and 14.9% (n=17) as "degraded". In adjusted analyses, greater deprivation level and higher patient-reported scan burden were both associated with a higher likelihood of having a sub-optimal versus an optimal scan (odds ratio [OR]: 4.465, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.454 to 13.709, p=0.009; OR: 1.987, CI: 1.153 to 3.425, p=0.013, respectively). None of the variables predicted the likelihood of having a degraded scan.

CONCLUSIONS

Deprivation and patients' perceived experience of the WB-MRI are related to image quality. Tailored protocols and individualised patient management before and during WB-MRI may improve image quality.

Unintended consequences of treating early rectal cancers for complete clinical response with chemoradiotherapy

The aim was to examine the current trend in rectal cancer, which is to extend ’watch-and-wait’ to earlier-stage tumors, not normally treated with chemoradiotherapy, to define the up-side and down-side regarding quality of life (QOL) and anorectal/sexual/urinary function from this approach. We reviewed the literature regarding a ‘watch-and-wait’ strategy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The primary outcome measure was complete clinical response. Secondary measures included colostomy rate, functional outcomes and QOL. There is a trend to use chemoradiotherapy in earlier tumors using dose-escalation of radiation and/or additional chemotherapy, resulting in high rates of complete clinical response, which may impact adversely on QOL if radical surgery is subsequently required. Focusing on organ-preservation as the primary goal of treatment rather than overall functional outcomes and QOL for the whole population, may not provide patients with sufficient information for optimal decision-making.

UK national cohort of anal cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy: One-year oncological and patient-reported outcomes

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for anal cancer. Following national UK implementation of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), this prospective, national cohort evaluates the one-year oncological outcomes and patient-reported toxicity outcomes (PRO) after treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A national cohort of UK cancer centers implementing IMRT was carried out between February to July 2015. Cancer centers provided data on oncological outcomes, including survival, and disease and colostomy status at one-year. EORTC-QLQ core (C30) and colorectal (CR29) questionnaires were completed at baseline and one-year followup. The PRO scores at baseline and one year were compared.

RESULTS

40 UK Cancer Centers returned data with a total of 187 patients included in the analysis. 92% received mitomycin with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine. One-year overall survival was 94%; 84% were disease-free and 86% colostomy-free at one-year followup. At one year, PRO results found significant improvements in buttock pain, blood and mucus in stools, pain, constipation, appetite loss, and health anxiety compared to baseline. No significant deteriorations were reported in diarrhea, bowel frequency, and flatulence. Urinary symptom scores were low at one year. Moderate impotence symptoms at baseline remained at one year, and a moderate deterioration in dyspareunia reported.

CONCLUSIONS

With national anal cancer IMRT implementation, at this early pre-defined time point, one-year oncological outcomes were reassuring and resulted in good disease-related symptom control. one-year symptomatic complications following CRT for anal cancer using IMRT techniques appear to be relatively mild. These PRO results provide a basis to benchmark future studies.

MRI heterogeneity analysis for prediction of recurrence and disease free survival in anal cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of image heterogeneity analysis of standard care magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) to predict chemoradiotherapy (CRT) outcome. The ability to predict disease recurrence following CRT has the potential to inform personalized radiotherapy approaches currently being explored in novel clinical trials.

METHODS

An IRB waiver was obtained for retrospective analysis of standard care MRIs from ASCC patients presenting between 2010 and 2014. Whole tumor 3D volume-of-interest (VOI) was outlined on T2-weighted (T2w) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) of the pre- and post-treatment scans. Independent imaging features most predictive of disease recurrence were added to the baseline clinico-pathological model and the predictive value of respective extended models was calculated using net reclassification improvement (NRI) algorithm. Cross-validation analysis was carried out to determine percentage error reduction with inclusion of imaging features to the baseline model for both endpoints.

RESULTS

Forty patients who underwent 1.5 T pelvic MRI at baseline and following completion of CRT were included. A combination of two baseline MR heterogeneity features (baseline T2w energy and DWI coefficient of variation) was most predictive of disease recurrence resulting in significant NRI (p = 0 < 0.001). This was confirmed in cross-validation analysis with 34.8% percentage error reduction for the primary endpoint and 18.1% reduction for the secondary endpoint with addition of imaging variables to baseline model.

CONCLUSION

MRI heterogeneity analysis offers complementary information, in addition to clinical staging, in predicting outcome of CRT in anal SCC, warranting validation in larger datasets.

The Management and Prevention of Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Our aim is to discuss the current established management of care and associated prevention strategies of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). In general, the development of SCCA is commonly linked to a prior history of HPV. Unfortunately, HPV vaccination continues to be underutilized in the United States versus other countries. Increased acknowledgment of the importance of HPV vaccination as an anticancer vaccine should be encouraged. The present standard of care is primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT), which results in a high level of disease control for small, early-stage SCCA. More advanced cancers still fare poorly with this treatment, and the disease relapses locoregionally in the majority of cases (30%-50% of patients), resulting in an abdominoperineal resection. Current treatment recommendations are associated with substantial morbidity; alternative radiation doses and/or novel combinations of agents with CRT are needed to improve quality of life and oncologic outcomes. Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the standard of care for treatment-naïve patients with metastatic disease, with a possible new treatment paradigm of carboplatin/weekly paclitaxel. In addition, immune checkpoint inhibition appears to have a promising role in the setting of patients with refractory disease. Several clinical trials with immunotherapeutic and vaccine approaches for locally advanced and metastatic anal cancer are ongoing, as are HPV-agnostic umbrella trials. Whenever possible, clinical trial enrollment is always encouraged for further therapeutic development in the setting of a rare cancer, given the potentially substantial global impact for other HPV-associated malignancies.

Late gastrointestinal toxicity after radiotherapy for anal cancer: a systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

There is a paucity of data on incidence and mechanisms of long-term gastrointestinal consequences after chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer. Most of the adverse effects reported were based on traditional external beam radiotherapy whilst only short-term follow-ups have been available for intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and there is lack of knowledge about consequences of dose-escalation radiotherapy.

METHOD

A systematic literature review.

RESULTS

Two thousand nine hundred and eighty-five titles (excluding duplicates) were identified through the search; 130 articles were included in this review. The overall incidence of late gastrointestinal toxicity was reported to be 7-64.5%, with Grade 3 and above (classified as severe) up to 33.3%. The most commonly reported late toxicities were fecal incontinence (up to 44%), diarrhea (up to 26.7%), and ulceration (up to 22.6%). Diarrhea, fecal incontinence and buttock pain were associated with lower scores in radiotherapy specific quality of life scales (QLQ-CR29, QLQ-C30, and QLQ-CR38) compared to healthy controls. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy appears to reduce late toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Late gastrointestinal toxicities are common with severe toxicity seen in one-third of the patients. These symptoms significantly impact on patients' quality of life. Prospective studies with control groups are needed to elucidate long-term toxicity.

BACCHUS: A randomised non-comparative phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)

BACKGROUND

Chemoradiation (CRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) are standard treatments for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). We evaluated the efficacy/safety of two neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) regimens as an alternative prior to total mesorectal excision (TME).

METHODS/DESIGN

This multi-centre, phase II trial in patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined high-risk LARC (>cT3b, cN2+ or extramural venous invasion) randomised patients (1:1) to FOLFOX + Bevacizumab (Arm 1) or FOLFOXIRI + bevacizumab (Arm 2) every 14 days for 6 cycles prior to surgery. Patients were withdrawn if positron emission tomography (PET) standardised uptake value (SUV) after 3 cycles failed to decrease by >30% or increased compared to baseline. Primary endpoint was pathological complete response rate (pCR). Secondary endpoints included adverse events (AE) and toxicity. Neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) scores based on "T" and "N" downstaging were calculated.

FINDINGS

Twenty patients aged 18-75 years were randomised. The trial stopped early because of poor accrual. Seventeen patients completed all 6 cycles of NACT. One stopped due to myocardial infarction, 1 poor response on PET (both received CRT) and 1 committed suicide. 11 patients had G3 AE, 1 G4 AE (neutropenia), and 1 G5 (suicide). pCR (the primary endpoint) was 0/10 for Arm 1 and 2/10 for Arm 2 i.e. 2/20 (10%) overall. Median NAR score was 14·9 with 5 (28%), 7 (39%), and 6 (33%) having low, intermediate, or high scores. Surgical morbidity was acceptable (1/18 wound infection, no anastomotic leak/pelvic sepsis/fistulae). The 24-month progression-free survival rate was 75% (95% CI: 60%-85%).

INTERPRETATION

The primary endpoint (pCR rate) was not met. However, FOLFOXIRI and bevacizumab achieved promising pCR rates, low NAR scores and was well-tolerated. This regimen is suitable for testing as the novel arm against current standards of SCRT and/or CRT in a future trial.

Optimal management of localized rectal cancer in older patients

In advising the optimal management for older patients, health care professionals try to balance the risks from frailty, vulnerability, and comorbidity against the patient's ultimate prognosis, potential functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL). At the same time it is important to involve the patient and incorporate their preferences. But how can we present and balance the potential downside of radical radiotherapy and risks of unsalvageable recurrence against the potential risks of postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with radical surgery? There are currently no nationally approved and evidence-based guidelines available to ensure consistency in discussions with older adults or frail and vulnerable patients. In this overview we hope to provide an insightful discussion of the relevant issues and options currently available.

Toxicity, Tolerability, and Compliance of Concurrent Capecitabine or 5-Fluorouracil in Radical Management of Anal Cancer With Single-dose Mitomycin-C and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: Evaluation of a National Cohort

PURPOSE

Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is established as the standard of care for the radical treatment of patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). The use of the oral fluoropyrimidine-derivative capecitabine is emerging as an alternative to 5-FU despite limited evidence of its tolerability and toxicity.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A national cohort evaluation of ASCC management within the United Kingdom National Health Service was undertaken from February to July 2015. The toxicity rates were prospectively recorded. For the present analysis, we report data from ASCC patients who underwent intensity modulated RT and a single dose of MMC with either 5-FU (5-FU/MMC) or capecitabine (capecitabine/MMC). All were treated with radical intent and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was delivered in accordance with UK guidance.

RESULTS

Of the 242 patients received from 40 centers across the United Kingdom, 147 met the inclusion criteria; 52 of whom were treated with capecitabine/MMC and 95 with 5-FU/MMC. No treatment-related deaths and no overall difference were found in the proportion of patients experiencing any grade ≥3 toxicity between the capecitabine and 5-FU groups (45% vs 55%; P = .35). However, significantly fewer patients in the capecitabine/MMC group experienced grade 3 hematologic toxicity (4% vs 27%; P = .001). A lower proportion of patients completed their planned chemotherapy course in the capecitabine cohort, although this did not reach statistical significance (81% vs 90%; P = .21). The median RT duration was 38 days (interquartile range 38-39) for both groups. No difference was found in the 1-year oncologic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Capecitabine/MMC resulted in similar levels of grade 3/4 toxicity overall compared with 5-FU/MMC as CRT for ASCC, although differences were found in the patterns of observed toxicities, with less hematologic toxicity with capecitabine. Further studies of capecitabine/MMC are required to understand the acute toxicity profile and long-term oncologic outcomes of this combination with intensity modulated RT for ASCC.

Ablative stereotactic radiotherapy for oligometastatic colorectal cancer: Systematic review

BACKGROUND

SBRT is a novel modality in treatment for oligometastatic colorectal cancer. We aimed to perform a systematic review of results of SBRT in maintaining LC (local control) for CRC liver and lung oligometastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The review was performed according to PRISMA and PICO guidelines. Database search using keywords: stereotactic, colon, colorectal, cancer, sbrt, sabr returned 457 results. 15 were included in the study. Only cohorts with CRC histology and reported LC were included.

RESULTS

For liver LC rates ranged from 50% to 100% after 1 year and 32% to 91% after 2 years. BED range 40.5-262.5 Gy (Gray). For lung LC rates ranged from 62% to 92% after 1 one year and from 53% to 92% after 2 years. BED range 51.3-262.5 Gy.

CONCLUSIONS

SBRT of oligometastatic CRC offers high LC with low morbidity and toxicity. It requires more observational studies and randomized trials but available data on clinical efficacy is promising, however not yet matured.

Session 4: What should we do for poor responders after chemoradiotherapy: bad biology or should the fight go on?

Just over 50% of patients with advanced rectal cancer have a poor response to chemoradiotherapy with resultant poor outcomes. Professor Glimelius reviews the evidence base for defining such patients and the potential role, if any, of further treatment.

Development and external validation of a nomogram and online tool to predict bowel dysfunction following restorative rectal cancer resection: the POLARS score

OBJECTIVE

Bowel dysfunction is common following a restorative rectal cancer resection, but symptom severity and the degree of quality of life impairment is highly variable. An internationally validated patient-reported outcome measure, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score, now enables these symptoms to be measured. The study purpose was: (1) to develop a model that predicts postoperative bowel function; (2) externally validate the model and (3) incorporate these findings into a nomogram and online tool in order to individualise patient counselling and aid preoperative consent.

DESIGN

Patients more than 1 year after curative restorative anterior resection (UK, median 54 months; Denmark (DK), 56 months since surgery) were invited to complete The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30 version3 (EORTC QLQ-C30 v3), LARS and Wexner incontinence scores. Demographics, tumour characteristics, preoperative/postoperative treatment and surgical procedures were recorded. Using transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines, risk factors for bowel dysfunction were independently assessed by advanced linear regression shrinkage techniques for each dataset (UK:DK).

RESULTS

Patients in the development (UK, n=463) and validation (DK, n=938) datasets reported mean (SD) LARS scores of 26 (11) and 24 (11), respectively. Key predictive factors for LARS were: age (at surgery); tumour height, total versus partial mesorectal excision, stoma and preoperative radiotherapy, with satisfactory model calibration and a Mallow's Cp of 7.5 and 5.5, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pre-Operative LARS score (POLARS) is the first nomogram and online tool to predict bowel dysfunction severity prior to anterior resection. Colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologist and nurse specialists may use POLARS to help patients understand their risk of bowel dysfunction and to preoperatively highlight patients who may require additional postoperative support.

Genital marginal failures after intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in squamous cell anal cancer: no higher risk with IMRT when compared to 3DCRT

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is considered the preferred option in squamous cell canal cancer (SCAC), delivering high doses to tumor volumes while minimizing dose to surrounding normal tissues. IMRT has steep dose gradients, but the technique is more demanding as deep understanding of target structures is required. To evaluate genital marginal failure in a cohort of patients with non-metastatic SCAC treated either with IMRT or 3DCRT and concurrent chemotherapy, 117 patients with SCAC were evaluated: 64 and 53 patients were treated with IMRT and 3DCRT techniques, respectively. All patients underwent clinical and radiological examination during their follow-up. Tumor response was evaluated with response evaluation criteria in solid tumors v1.1 guideline on regular basis. All patients' data were analyzed, and patients with marginal failure were identified. Concomitant chemotherapy was administered in 97 and 77.4% of patients in the IMRT and 3DCRT groups, respectively. In the IMRT group, the median follow-up was 25 months (range 6-78). Progressive disease was registered in 15.6% of patients; infield recurrence, distant recurrence and both infield recurrence and distant recurrence were identified in 5, 4 and 1 patient, respectively. Two out of 64 patients (3.1%) had marginal failures, localized at vagina/recto-vaginal septum and left perineal region. In the 3DCRT group, the median follow-up was 71.3 months (range 6-194 months). Two out of 53 patients (3.8%) had marginal failures, localized at recto-vaginal septum and perigenital structures. The rate of marginal failures was comparable in IMRT and 3DCRT groups (χ² test p = 0.85). In this series, the use of IMRT for the treatment of SCAC did not increase the rate of marginal failures offering improved dose conformity to the target. Dose constraints should be applied with caution-particularly in females with involvement of the vagina or the vaginal septum.

Streamlining staging of lung and colorectal cancer with whole body MRI; study protocols for two multicentre, non-randomised, single-arm, prospective diagnostic accuracy studies (Streamline C and Streamline L)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Rapid and accurate cancer staging following diagnosis underpins patient management, in particular the identification of distant metastatic disease. Current staging guidelines recommend sequential deployment of various imaging platforms such as computerised tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) which can be time and resource intensive and onerous for patients. Recent studies demonstrate that whole body magnetic resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) may stage cancer efficiently in a single visit, with potentially greater accuracy than current staging investigations. The Streamline trials aim to evaluate whether WB-MRI increases per patient detection of metastases in non-small cell lung and colorectal cancer compared to standard staging pathways.

METHODS

The Streamline trials are multicentre, non-randomised, single-arm, prospective diagnostic accuracy studies with a novel design to capture patient management decisions during staging pathways. The two trials recruit adult patients with proven or highly suspected new diagnosis of primary colorectal (Streamline C) or non-small cell lung cancer (Streamline L) referred for staging. Patients undergo WB-MRI in addition to standard staging investigations. Strict blinding protocols are enforced for those interpreting the imaging. A first major treatment decision is made by the multi-disciplinary team prior to WB-MRI revelation based on standard staging investigations only, then based on the WB-MRI and any additional tests precipitated by WB-MRI, and finally based on all available test results. The reference standard is derived by a multidisciplinary consensus panel who assess 12 months of follow-up data to adjudicate on the TNM stage at diagnosis. Health psychology assessment of patients' experiences of the cancer staging pathway will be undertaken via interviews and questionnaires. A cost (effectiveness) analysis of WB-MRI compared to standard staging pathways will be performed.

DISCUSSION

We describe a novel approach to radiologist and clinician blinding to ascertain the 'true' diagnostic accuracy of differing imaging pathways and discuss our approach to assessing the impact of WB-MRI on clinical decision making in real-time. The Streamline trials will compare WB-MRI and standard imaging pathways in the same patients, thereby informing the most accurate and efficient approach to staging.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Streamline C ISRCTN43958015 (registered 25/7/2012). Streamline L ISRCTN50436483 (registered 31/7/2012).