Abstract P6-12-08: Serum biomarkers identification using quantitative proteomics in patients with HER2-positive inflammatory breast cancer receiving trastuzumab plus bevacizumab-based chemotherapy (BEVERLY 2 trial)

Background

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare but aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer, the optimal systemic treatment of which is still discussed. Beverly 2 trial was a phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a preoperative regimen associating bevacizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy in 52 patients with non-metastatic HER2-positive IBC, reporting a promising rate of pathological complete response (pCR, 63.5%, 95% CI 49.4–77.5; Pierga et al, Lancet Oncol, 2012). During the study, serum samples were collected at baseline and subjected to proteomic-based approaches to identify circulating biomarkers predictive of treatment response.

Methods

Baseline serum samples from responsive (pCR, according to Sataloff classification, n = 12) and non-responsive (no pCR, n = 11) patients were subjected to isobaric Tag for Relative and Absolute Quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics. Samples were pooled according to pCR and hormone receptor (HR) status, to constitute 4 independent mixes (pCR/HR-positive, pCR/HR-negative, nopCR/HR-positive, nopCR/HR-negative). Each of them underwent immuno-depletion of highly abundant proteins, concentration, reduction, alkylation and tryptic digestion. Then, each mix was fractionated and subjected to iTRAQ identification and quantitation using nano-liquid chromatography (LC) and electrospray ionisation (ESI)-orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) (LTQ-orbitrap, Thermofisher). Differentially expressed proteins were analysed using IPA (IngenuitySystems) to highlight biological functions and signalling pathways that were most significantly enriched.

Results

iTRAQ-based measurements identified and quantified a total of 302 serum proteins. Among them, 48 proteins displayed a significant (fold-change > 1.5 and p-value < 0.05) differential expression between pCR and noPCR pts (18 proteins down-regultated and 30 proteins up-regulated in pCR patients), some of them previously described to be involved in breast cancer biology and/or angiogenesis, including : Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1, von Willebrand factor, Galectin-3-binding protein, serum amyloid A-1, Apolipoprotein E, Pigment epithelium-derived factor, Corticosteroid-binding globulin (down-regulated proteins in pCR patients); serum amyloid P-component, angiotensinogen, plasma serine protease inhibitor, carbonic anhydrase 1, mannose-binding protein C, hyaluronan-binding protein 2, peroxiredoxin-2, properdin, ADAMTS13, tetranectin, biotinidase, lumican (up-regulated proteins in pCR patients). Proteins with differential expression during treatment were involved in various biological processes, including cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, lipid metabolism, small molecule biochemistry, molecular transport, cellular function and maintenance as well as various canonical pathways such as acute phase response signalling, LXR/RXR activation and coagulation system.

Conclusion

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics identify serum proteins that could predict the therapeutic response to pre-operative trastuzumab plus bevacizumab-based chemotherapy in HER2-positive IBC.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-12-08.

P1-14-02: Correlation of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) and Circulating Endothelial Cells (CEC) with Pathological Complete Response (pCR) during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (CT) Combined with Bevacizumab in HER2 Negative Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Ancillary Study of Phase II Trial BEVERLY 1

Background: Prognostic value of CTC detection in blood has been reported in primary breast cancer with a rate around 20% in the neoadjuvant setting. No correlation between CTC and pCR to neoadjuvant CT in operable breast cancer has been reported (Pierga CCR 2008, Riethdorf CCR 2010). Predictive value of CEC for response to anti-angiogenic agents is unclear.

Methods: CTC and CEC were detected in 7.5 ml and 4 ml of blood respectively with CellSearch™ System in the neoadjuvant setting of HER2 negative IBC (T4d) patients (pts) enrolled in the phase II multicentre trial BEVERLY 1, evaluating bevacizumab (15mg/kg q3w) in combination with sequential neoadjuvant CT of 4 cycles of FEC followed by 4 cycles of Docetaxel. Patients received postoperatively 10 cycles of bevacizumab and hormonotherapy if tumor was ER+.

Results: From 12/08 to 09/10, 101 pts were included, 96 were evaluable for pCR and 92 for CTC and CEC. Out of 96 pts, 51 (53%) had triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). At baseline, 37 pts out of 92 had ≥ 1 detectable CTC (40%, 95%CI 30–50%).

Abstract PD04-07: Monitoring Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) and Circulating Endothelial Cells (CEC) during Neoadjuvant Combination of Trastuzumab and Bevacizumab with Chemotherapy in HER2 Overexpressing Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): An Ancillary Study of BEVERLY 2 Multicenter Phase II Trial

Introduction: CTC detection in peripheral blood is an independent prognostic factor in early breast cancer but with a low detection rate of 10% to 23% of the patients (B. Rack, ASCO 2010, FC Bidard, Ann Oncol 2010). Changes in the HER2 status of CTC compared to the primary tumor have been reported (Riethdorf S CCR 2010). Predictive value of CEC for response to anti-angiogenic agents is debated.

Material and methods: CTC and CEC were detected in 7.5 ml and 4 ml of blood respectively in IBC (T4d) patients enrolled in the phase II multicenter trial, BEVERLY 2. This study is evaluating the efficacy of bevacizumab (15mg/kg q3w given concurrently) in combination with sequential neoadjuvant chemotherapy of 4 cycles of FEC followed by 4 cycles of Docetaxel-Trastuzumab. Bevacizumab was stopped 4 weeks before and reintroduced 4 weeks (w) after mastectomy. All patients had non metastatic IBC and over expressed HER2 (3+ in IHC or FISH +). The CellSearch™ System, combining EpCAM immunomagnetic selection (IMS) followed by anti-cytokeratin (A45B/B3) and anti-HER2 fluorescently staining for CTC and CD146 IMS and CD105 staining for CEC, was used at baseline, before cycle 5, before and after surgery.

Results: From Oct 2008 to Oct 2009, 52 patients were included in this study and 51 were evaluable for CTC. At baseline, 18 patients out of 51 had ≥ one detectable CTC (35.3%, 95%CI 22-48%, range 1 to 92).

Pathological complete response rate according to local review was 33/47 (70%) or 15/22 (68%) for centrally reviewed cases. At baseline, CTC level was not correlated with CEC level, neither with other patients and tumor characteristics’ (age, nodal status, PeV) nor pCR (centrally reviewed in

24). All positive cases for CTC detection had HER2 positive CTC. Five pts out of 18 (28%) had both HER2+ and HER2 negative CTCs in their blood. A lower level of CEC (< 20/4ml) before C5 could be associated with a higher probability of pCR (Khi2 test, p=0.053). Conclusion: We observed a high CTC detection rate of 35% in this population of patients with HER2+ IBC and a dramatic drop in CTC level during treatment in concordance with the high efficiency of this combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy. We observed heterogeneity in the HER2 status of CTC in some patients. CEC levels increased progressively during neoadjuvant treatment and decreased after its interruption. Longer follow-up will show if CTC and CEC variations are early predictive factors for this highly efficient combination in HER2+ IBC.

Joint Disorders Frequency and Structural Changes during Anastrozole Adjuvant Treatment in Early Breast Cancer: A Prospective Trial (D5392L00013)

Background:Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are standard adjuvant endocrine-therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, main side effects reported are musculoskeletal symptoms. The pathogenic and anatomic features of AI-induced arthralgia have not been clearly defined. The objective of the study was to describe the joint symptoms and structural joint changes in women received adjuvant anastrozoleMethods: Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer were enrolled in this open, multicentre trial. Anastrozole was administrated 1mg/day p.o. All of them were naïve of AI and tamoxifen treatment. Patients were followed one year with clinical examination every 3 months, ultrasound (US) examination every 6 months, measurements of inflammation biomarkers and cartilage biomarkers of degradation U-CTX-II (urinary C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type II collagen) every 6 months and X-rays at baseline and 12 monthsResults: From June 2006 to December 2007, one hundred and fourteen patients (114) were included and 106, with a median age of 61.5 (49-79) years, were followed-up for 1 year.Overall, 33% of patients were previously treated by chemotherapy, (anthracyclines 97%, taxanes 63 %) and 40.6% were receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at tumour diagnosis. The prevalences of arthralgia were 40.6, 59.1 and 60.6 % at baseline, 6 months and 12 months respectively.Among the 63 (59.4%) patients without arthralgia at baseline, 37 patients presented with arthralgia during treatment (26 between baseline and M6, 11 between M6 and M12) with median time to onset of 4 months.In univariate logistic analysis, significant determinant factors of joint disorders at 12 months were previous osteoarthritis and personal history of arthralgia but not the previous HRT or previous adjuvant chemotherapy with taxanes. In multivariate analysis, none of those factors were significant.Clinical examination by rheumatologist and US examination did not show any significant changes of the number of synovitis and tenosynovitis over 12 months.There were no significant changes of the U-CTX-II levels and of joint damages assessed by radiographs. Inflammation biomarkers did not significantly change over 12 months.Conclusion: This prospective study with a systematic rheumatologist follow up of the patients showed that arthralgia occurs early after the beginning of anastrozole therapy (first 6 months); and suggest that joint disorders were not associated with any cartilage degradation after 1 year of treatment.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 801.

Use of progesterone receptor (PR) expression to predict benefit from prolonged adjuvant tamoxifen (TAM) in breast cancer: Results of a biomarker study from the TAM01 randomized Trial

536

Background: The optimal duration of endocrine therapy ranges between 5 and 7 years. Recent data suggest that a subset of patients could benefit from extended adjuvant TAM. The goal of this biomarker study was to identify potential candidates for extended TAM. Methods: After 2–3 yrs of adjuvant TAM, 3793 patients (pts) were randomized to continue TAM up to 10 yrs, or to stop treatment (Delozier, J Clin Oncol. 2000). The tumor blocks of 587/988 pts included at the Institut Gustave-Roussy, were used to construct a tissue micro-array (TMA). Immunohistochemical stainings were performed for ER, PR, bcl2, p53 (+: > 10% of stained cells), HER-2 (+: score 3+), EGFR1 (+: any positivity), PAK1, IGFR1 (+: intensity = 2 or 3). Median follow-up was 12 years. The prognostic values of biomarkers were assessed by a Cox model adjusted for clinical prognostic parameters and predictive values by interaction tests. Only statistical tests with P<0.01 were considered significant because of multi-hypothesis testing. Time-to-relapse (TTR), excluding contralateral cancer, was the main study endpoint. Results: Median age of the cohort included in the TMA was 63. Tumor characteristics : 54% node-positive, 85% ER+, 64% PR+, 7% HER-2+, 68% bcl2+, 14% p53+, 8% EGFR1+, 46% PAK1, 45% IGFR1. None of the biomarkers were prognostically significant. However, PR expression was strongly predictive for the efficacy of extended TAM on TTR (interaction test, p = 0.003). Long-term TAM was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.56, (95% CI: 0.30–1.03) and 1.94 (95%CI = 0.80–4.70) for PR+ and PR- pts respectively. A trend towards interaction between ER (p = 0.04), HER-2 (p = 0.05) and Bcl2 (p = 0.03) expression and a benefit from TAM was also observed, with a trend towards greater efficacy of prolonged TAM in ER+/HER-2-/ bcl2+ tumors. P53, EGFR1, PAK1, IGFR1 expression had no predictive value. Conclusions: PR expression, probably reflective of ER activation and functionality, strongly predicts benefit from continuation of TAM after 2–3 yrs. These data could provide a rationale for evaluating the efficacy of TAM after 5 years of anti-aromatase therapy in post-menopausal women with ER+/PR+/bcl2+/Her2-tumors.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Modalities of prescription of aromatase inhibitors (AI) in adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer: Analysis of daily practices in France

e11619

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely used as adjuvant therapy for HR+ breast cancer. This survey is an overview of clinical daily practices in France Methods: Multicentric survey conducted in October 2008 by Internet among a sample of 293 physicians specialized in breast cancer management (oncologists, radiotherapists, surgeons) prescribing adjuvant AIs in post-menopausal patients with HR+ breast cancer Results: When started upfront, 87% of physicians expressed that the optimal duration of AIs treatment is 5 years, and 7 % more than 5 years. Nevertheless only, 33% of physicians inform their patients of a total duration of AIs therapy of 5 years, and 66% of a possible adjustment according to the evolution of the scientific knowledge during the five years. AIs are prescribed after the end of chemotherapy by 97% of physicians, after the end of radiotherapy by 83%, and during radiotherapy by 15%. When started after two years of tamoxifen, 71 % of physicians expressed that the optimal duration of AIs treatment is 3 years, 22% 5 years, and 3% more than five years. When started after five years of tamoxifen, 48% of physicians expressed that the optimal duration of AIs treatment is less than three years, 15% 3 years, 15% 5 years, and 2% more than five years. The optimal duration of treatment with aromatase inhibitors is still subject to question for 73% of the physicians interviewed Conclusions: In France, most physicians declared an optimal duration of treatment with aromatase inhibitors in adjuvant setting in HR+ breast cancer in line with guidelines and/or approved indications. However, the optimal duration of treatment is still subject to question for many physicians

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Management of side effects of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) during adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer: Analysis of French practices

e11593

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely used as adjuvant therapy for HR+ breast cancer. Most frequently reported side effects are joint pain, osteoporosis and lipid disorders. Our aim was to describe how physicians in their clinical practice manage these side effects at initiation of treatment and during follow-up. Methods: Multicentric survey conducted in October 2008 by Internet among a sample of 293 physicians specialized in breast cancer management prescribing adjuvant AIs in post-menopausal women with HR+ breast cancer Results: At initiation of AI treatment, 97 % of the physicians interviewed declared informing their patients of the possible occurrence of joint pain; corresponding figures were 81 % for the increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, 66 % for lipid disorders, 59 % for asthenia, and only 16% for cognitive disorders. At initiation, 71% of the physicians assess fracture history, 83 % prescribe BMD, and 60 % lipid tests. Co-prescription of drugs in association with AIs from the onset of treatment is uncommon (24% of physicians interviewed), vitamin D and calcium being the most frequent prescription (19%); prescription of bisphosphonates was less frequently declared (10%). During the course of treatment, 90% of physicians assess BMD at least once, 41% repeat BMD two years after and 41% adapt monitoring of BMD according to the initial result. Lipid tests are monitored every six months by 29% of physicians, and every year by 29%. In case of joint pain, the initial therapeutic management includes: prescription of an analgesic and/or an anti-inflammatory for 66% of physicians, change of AI for 28%; the switch for tamoxifene is mentioned by only 1%. As a second step in case of failure of the initial measures, adjuvant treatment is modified by 70 % of physicians: change of AI by 50 %, switch for tamoxifene by 20 %. Conclusions: The possible side effects of aromatase inhibitors are taken into account by physicians from the initiation of treatment. They perform themselves the monitoring of the patient during follow-up, including the search for side effects. Bone-joint adverse events are managed by oncologists while the care of lipid disorders is transferred to the primary care physician.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Did survival of patients with distant metastasis from breast cancer improve during the last three decades? A cohort study on 4071 breast cancers

Abstract #3129

Introduction: During the last three decades we observed a dramatic improvement in disease free and overall survival in early breast cancer. The improvement of survival of patients who underwent distant metastases is not obvious.&#x2028; The objective of the study was to determine whether the survival of women with distant recurrent breast cancer has improved from 1973 to 2002.&#x2028; Method: We analyzed survival of 4071 women who developed distant metastasis from breast cancer between January 1973 and December 2002 whatever the primary tumor status and initial treatment were. Patients were divided into five groups based on year of breast cancer distant recurrence.&#x2028; Results: In the unadjusted analysis there was a slight but significant improvement in survival across the five groups (p&lt;0.0001), leading to a median survival time of 11.0, 13.9, 17.9, 16.2, 17.3 and 19.8 months respectively and a two-year survival probability of 27.2, 32.3, 39.6, 37.6, 38.7 and 41.0% respectively. In a multivariate analysis including other prognostic factors for metastatic breast carcinoma (age, tumor size, node involvement, tumor grade, estradiol receptors status, site of metastasis and delay from primary treatment), year of recurrence remain a prognostic factor (p=0,001).&#x2028; Survival improvement was more obvious for women with bone metastasis and for women under 70 years old when primary treatment did not include adjuvant chemotherapy.&#x2028; Conclusion: These results suggest that survival of women with distant recurrent breast cancer improved during the last three decades. Nevertheless this improvement is moderate and the long term survival probability is still weak.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3129.

A multicenter phase II trial of weekly paclitaxel (wPC) and epirubicin (E) in first line metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and pronostic impact of VEGF level

Abstract #6122

Background : wPC and E are effective in the treatment of MBC. The main objective was to determine the efficacy of combined induction with wPC and E followed by consolidation with wPC. Secondary objective were to determine tolerance survivals and characterize antiangiogenic PC activity and predictive values of plasmatic neurotrophic and endothelial factors, in terms of neurotoxicity and efficacy.&#x2028; Methods : patients (pts) with RECIST measurable metastasis were recruited from april 2004 to may 2006 : ages (18-75 y) PS≤2, prior neoadjuvant adjuvant chemotherapy (NA-A CT) was permited if &gt;6 month. 3 cycles [wPC 80 mg/m² (D1, D8, D15, reinduction D28) and epirubicine 100 mg/m² D15], were followed by wPC (no week rest). VEGF, IL6, IL6SR, BDNF were measured in plasma at baseline and C2. Evaluation was performed after 3 induction cycles and every 3 month. A Simon optimal two-stage design was performed with 13 objective responses, allowing to accrue 25 more patients (28 responses expected).&#x2028; Results : 54 patients: median age 58.5 (30-75); 81% had surgery, 53.7% radiotherapy and 40.7% had NA-A CT, 46.3% hormonotherapy. Metastatic sites were nodes (36) lung (36) liver (28) bone (23). 100% PC and 90% E dose were administered at C2 and C3. 49 patients were evaluable for response; 3 patients withdrawn for taxol hypersensitivity, 1 early death (GIII asthenia and dyspnea), 1 investigator's decision. ITT analysis was performed: 33 responses (ORR: 61 %) Median OS was 30 months. During induction, 16 grade III, 27 grade IV and 3 febrile neutropenia were reported. There were 13 serious adverse events.&#x2028; Consolidation was mainly associated with neurotoxicity n=28 (20pts), GIII (n=1; 3.6%) GIV (n=1; 3.6%), astenia n=26 (18pts) ), GIII n=1; 3.8% GIV n=1; 3.8%and onycholysis n=15 (13pts) ), GIII n=2 ; 13.4% GIV n=1; 6.7%.&#x2028; High initial VEGF plasma levels were correlated with poor survival s (PFS, OS) with an univariate cox model (OR=1.954, 95%CI 0.944-4.043, p=0.071 ; HR 4.437, 95%CI 1.731-11.371, p=0.0019). Thresholds were determined. No correlation were observed between neurotoxicity and IL6, IL6SR and BDNF plasma levels.&#x2028; Conclusion : Despite the significant but manageable haematologic toxicity, PC + E showed a high efficacy. VEGF plasma levels are predictive of the outcome and should be tested as antiangiogenic drugs targeting factors.This work was supported in part by BMS.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 6122.

Phase II trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide combination as first-line chemotherapy in older metastatic breast cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD; Caelyx)-cyclophosphamide combination in older metastatic breast cancer patients.

METHODS

A multicenter phase II trial was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age 65-75 years, ECOG 0-1 and left ventricular ejection fraction > or =50%. First-line chemotherapy was given to metastatic breast cancer patients resistant to hormonal therapy. The treatment schedule was PLD 40 mg/m(2) and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m(2) on day 1 every 4 weeks. Efficacy was the primary endpoint, while response duration and tolerance were the secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (median age 71.3 years) were enrolled. No treatment-related death, no congestive heart failure or decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction and no febrile neutropenia were reported.

TOXICITY

grade 3 dyspnea was found in 1 patient, neutropenia in 11 patients (7 grade 3, 4 grade 4), grade 3 mucositis in 4 patients, grade 3 hand-foot syndrome in 1 patient and a generalized rash in 1 patient. An objective response (complete and partial response) was achieved in 10 (28.6%) patients and disease control in 24 (69%) with a progression-free survival of 8.8 months and a median overall survival of 20.3 months.

CONCLUSION

The PLD-cyclophosphamide combination is moderately active and safe in elderly metastatic breast cancer patients, but cannot be recommended routinely due to myelotoxicity and mucositis hazards.

Phase II trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide combination as first-line chemotherapy in elderly metastatic breast cancer patients

19565

Background: Although the majority of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients (pts) responds to endocrine therapy, treatment failure is a concern, as well as front-line therapy for pts with ER/PR negative disease.The combination of anthracyclines (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) is active in younger pts, but cardiac toxicity of A in elderly MBC pts has to be considered. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) (Caelyx®) is active in MBC and has much less cardiotoxicity than A, and we present the preliminary data of the PLD/C in elderly MBC pts. Methods: This was a multicentric phase II trial. Inclusion criteria included: pts aged between 65 and 75, histologically proven measurable MBC, ECOG PS 0–1, LVEF = 50%, first-line chemotherapy for MBC. Prior adjuvant chemotherapy was allowed if stopped for = 6 or 12 months without and with anthracyclines, respectively. Endocrine therapy either in the adjuvant or metastatic setting had to be stopped for = 1 month. All pts gave a written informed consent. The treatment schedule was : PLD 40mg/m2 and C 500mg/m2 d1 every 4 weeks. Efficacy as well as response duration and tolerance were the primary and secondary end-points, respectively. Results: 35 patients were enrolled (Median age 71.3, range 65.6–75.9). A total of 166 cycles have been administered. The median number of cycles was 6 (range 1–9). No toxic death was reported, one patient died of diabetes mellitus decompensation. No congestive heart failure or decrease in LVEF was reported, although 1 pt experience grade 3 dyspnea and stopped treatment. Other (gr3–4) NCI-CTC toxicity included: neutropenia in 7 (gr3) and 3 (gr4) pts; gr3 mucositis (4). No febrile neutropenia was reported. Grade 3 hand-foot syndrome occurred in 1 pt, whereas treatment was stopped due to a generalized rash in 1 pt. An objective response (CR + PR) was achieved in 10 (28,6%) pts (1 CR and 8 PR), and a disease control in 24 (68.6%) with a progression free survival of 8.8 months and a median survival of 20.4 months Conclusions: The LPD-C combination is active in elderly MBC pts, with an acceptable toxicity profile.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Survival and safety of exemestane versus tamoxifen after 2-3 years' tamoxifen treatment (Intergroup Exemestane Study): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Early improvements in disease-free survival have been noted when an aromatase inhibitor is given either instead of or sequentially after tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with oestrogen-receptor-positive early breast cancer. However, little information exists on the long-term effects of aromatase inhibitors after treatment, and whether these early improvements lead to real gains in survival.

METHODS

4724 postmenopausal patients with unilateral invasive, oestrogen-receptor-positive or oestrogen-receptor-unknown breast cancer who were disease-free on 2-3 years of tamoxifen, were randomly assigned to switch to exemestane (n=2352) or to continue tamoxifen (n=2372) for the remainder of a 5-year endocrine treatment period. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival; overall survival was a secondary endpoint. Efficacy analyses were intention-to-treat. This study is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN11883920.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 55.7 months (range 0-89.7), 809 events contributing to the analysis of disease-free survival had been reported (354 exemestane, 455 tamoxifen); unadjusted hazard ratio 0.76 (95% CI 0.66-0.88, p=0.0001) in favour of exemestane, absolute benefit 3.3% (95% CI 1.6-4.9) by end of treatment (ie, 2.5 years after randomisation). 222 deaths occurred in the exemestane group compared with 261 deaths in the tamoxifen group; unadjusted hazard ratio 0.85 (95% CI 0.71-1.02, p=0.08), 0.83 (0.69-1.00, p=0.05) when 122 patients with oestrogen-receptor-negative disease were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that early improvements in disease-free survival noted in patients who switch to exemestane after 2-3 years on tamoxifen persist after treatment, and translate into a modest improvement in overall survival.

Celecoxib (Ce) + exemestane (Ex) versus placebo + Ex in post-menopausal (PM) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients (pts): A double-blind phase III GINECO study

565

Background: in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that COX-2 inhibitors have proper antitumor effect and could enhance the activity of aromatase inhibitors (AI). Methods: PM first-line MBC pts without previous adjuvant AI were randomized to receive per os until progression either A: Ce (400 mg bid) + Ex (25mg/d) or B: placebo (1 tablet bid) + Ex (25mg/d). PFS was the main end-point. The trial was prematurely stopped (Dec 2004) with 157/342 pts enrolled (A: 74, B: 83 pts) after occurrence of Ce cardio-vascular toxicity in other trials. Results: patient (median age, A:61, B:63 yrs) characteristics were well balanced between A and B (%) : ER and/or PR positive (93, 94), HER2 positive (4, 5), adjuvant chemotherapy (45, 53) or tamoxifen (57, 61), ECOG PS 0–1 (90, 90), visceral (63, 53) or bone involvement (35, 41). Tolerance: compared to placebo (B), pts treated with Ce (A) experienced less gr 2–3 CTCAE: pain (A:52, B:63%), arthralgias (19, 28), asthenia (20, 30), Gr 1–3 insomnia (32, 47), but more hypersentivity reactions (7,0) and oedema (8, 2). Gastro-intestinal toxicity was not increased in A. One episode of paroxystic arythmia occurred in the Ce arm, without complication in a patient with known cardiopathy. Overall response rate was significantly higher in A (35 vs 20%, p=.034). Median PFS in intent-to-treat analysis was similar in A (9.8 months) and B (9.8), but tend to be superior in A (A:12.2, B:9,8, p=.09) in pts who were included at least 3 months before early trial stopping. In addition, PFS was significantly longer in pts treated with Ce +Ex (A: 8.4 months, B: 4.7, p=.019) in the subgroup of pts who developed MBC under Tam or within 12 months after Tam stopping (A: 26, B: 29 pts). Conclusion: The combination of celecoxib and exemestane is promising and should be further explored in MBC with adequate cardiac monitoring.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Safety analysis from PACS 04—A phase III trial comparing 6 cycles of FEC100 with 6 cycles of ET75 for node-positive early breast cancer patients, followed by sequential trastuzumab in HER2+ patients: Preliminary results

632

Background: Following the BCIRG 001, PACS 01 and HERA trials, this randomised, multicentre, open-label, Phase III trial was designed to demonstrate the benefit of concomitant docetaxel and epirubicin versus anthracyclines, and evaluate the use of sequential trastuzumab. Methods: Patients (pts) with localised, resectable, unilateral breast cancer who met the following criteria were eligible: age <65 years, ≥1 positive node, M0, adequate heart and organ functions. Pts were randomised to receive either 6 cycles of 5-fluorouracil-epirubicin-cyclophosphamide (FEC100: F and C, 500 mg/m2, E 100 mg/m2) (Arm A) or epirubicin-docetaxel (ET75: E 75 mg/m2, T 75 mg/m2) (Arm B). Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF was not planned. Radiotherapy was mandatory after conservative surgery and tamoxifen was required in pts with hormone receptor-positive tumours. Pts with HER2-positive disease were then further randomised to observation only or to 1 year of trastuzumab monotherapy (6 mg/kg iv every 3 weeks). In HER2-positive pts receiving trastuzumab, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined at Cycles 2, 4, 8, 13, 18 and after 2 years. Otherwise, LVEF was determined at baseline and at 1 year post-surgery. Results: Of the 3010 pts recruited (2622 evaluable for safety to date), 1518 received FEC100 and 1492 received ET75 after the first randomisation. Haematologic toxicity was the most frequent toxicity in both arms. Grade 3–4 toxicities were similar for Arms A and B, except febrile neutropenia (10.3% and 31.4%, respectively) and nausea/vomiting (13.2% and 7.5%, respectively). Grade 2 clinical cardiac toxicity (decreased LVEF) was observed in 4 pts in Arm A and 5 in Arm B, with median LVEF scores of 63% in both arms at the end of chemotherapy. HER2-positive pts (n=500) were then randomised to either receive trastuzumab (n=259) or observation only (n=241). Conclusions: These preliminary safety data indicate that FEC100 and ET75 were both well tolerated, with acceptable cardiac safety values. The trial is ongoing and further analysis regarding the use of trastuzumab in this setting will be presented.

[Table: see text]

First mature analysis of the Intergroup Exemestane Study

LBA527

Background: We have previously shown that switching to exemestane (E) after 2–3 years tamoxifen (T) improves disease free survival (DFS) in postmenopausal (PM) women with early breast cancer (BC). We report results with 95% of patients (pts) having ≥3 years follow-up. Methods: 4724 PM pts (2352 E vs 2372 T) with ER +ve/unknown unilateral BC, disease-free after 2–3 years T, were randomized to continue T or switch to E to complete a total of 5 years adjuvant endocrine therapy. 122 pts (56 E vs 66 T) originally reported as ER unknown were later found to be ER −ve. In addition to intention to treat (ITT), we repeated analyses excluding ER −ve pts. Adverse events (pre relapse) by treatment received were analysed on treatment (TRT) and also including follow-up (TRTFU). In safety analyses P < 0.01 was taken as significant due to multiple testing. Results: With median follow up of 58 months there were 808 first events (disease relapse, contralateral breast cancer (CLBC), intercurrent death) and 483 deaths. See table for unadjusted hazard ratios (HR). In ER +ve/unknown pts, adjusting for pre-specified prognostic factors of nodal status, chemo use, HRT use, gave HR for DFS of 0.74 (0.64, 0.85); p < 0.0001 and for overall survival (OS) of 0.83 (0.69, 0.99); P = 0.04. There were 145 intercurrent deaths (65 E vs 80 T), including deaths from cardiac (14 E vs 13 T), vascular (17 E vs 11 T) and other cancers (20 E vs 35 T). No statistically significant differences in myocardial infarctions, angina, or cerebrovascular accidents were observed. In T pts there were more thromboembolic (TRT p = 0.006, TRTFU p = NS) and serious gynaecologic events (TRT p < 0.001, TRTFU p < 0.001) and less fractures (TRT p = NS, TRTFU p = 0.003). Conclusions: Switching to E following 2–3 years of T significantly improves DFS, reducing chance of first event, CLBC and distant recurrence. In ER +ve/unknown pts, the switching strategy with E significantly reduces the risk of dying.

[Table: see text] [Table: see text]

Clinical impact of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in cancer patients. A comparative study between dedicated camera and dual-head coincidence gamma camera

AIM

Positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) can be performed using a dedicated PET scanner (PET-I) or a dual-head coincidence gamma camera (CGC-I). The aim of this study was to comparatively assess the impact of PET-I and CGC-I on clinical management in cancer patients.

METHODS

From November 2000 to November 2002, PET-I and CGC-I were performed at an interval of 2 days in 151 patients with colorectal cancer (n=40), breast cancer (n=28), thyroid cancer (n=23), lung tumors (n=22), germ cell tumors (n=14), unknown primary cancer (n=7) and other cancers (n=17). PET-I and CGC-I were interpreted independently with knowledge of conventional imaging (CI). In June 2003, theoretical management, e.g. treatment modality/ies and treatment intent (curative or palliative), after CI, PET-I and CGC-I were stated during multidisciplinary sessions and were a posteriori considered as appropriate or inappropriate using pathological and follow-up data.

RESULTS

The theoretical management proposed after PET-I and after CGC-I was similar in 112/151 (74%; 95% CI: 66-81%) patients. In 125 assessable patients, theoretical management after PET-I was appropriate in 86% (95% CI: 79-92%), significantly higher (P=0.0033) than after CGC-I (70%; 95% CI: 62-78%). Both proportions were also higher than after CI (46%; 95% CI: 37-56%), (P<0.0001). A similar trend for higher proportions of appropriate management after PET-I than after CGC-I was observed for each tumor localization.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical impact of PET-I is superior to that of CGC-I in a large series of cancer patients. Although CGC-I could be considered as an acceptable alternative, PET-I remains the standard and should preferably equip nuclear medicine departments.

Vinorelbine alternating oral and intravenous plus epirubicin in first-line therapy of metastatic breast cancer: results of a multicentre phase II study

The combination of intravenous (i.v.) vinorelbine and epirubicin is highly active in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In an effort to improve patient convenience, we investigated a regimen alternating i.v. and oral vinorelbine in combination with epirubicin as first-line chemotherapy of patients with MBC. In all, 49 patients with MBC received, as first-line treatment, a combination regimen consisting of i.v. vinorelbine 25 mg m⁻² plus epirubicin 90 mg m⁻² given on day 1, and oral vinorelbine 60 mg m⁻² on day 8 (or day 15 if neutrophils <1500 mm⁻³) every 3 weeks, in an open-label, multicentre phase II study. Treatment was to be repeated for a maximum of six cycles. The study population had a median age of 55 years, half of the patients had received prior adjuvant chemotherapy and 86% presented a visceral involvement. In all, 25 responses were documented and validated by an independent panel review, yielding response rates of 51% (95% CI: 36–66) in the 49 enrolled patients and 54.5% (95% CI: 39–70) in the 44 evaluable patients. Median durations of progression-free survival and survival were 8 and 20 months, respectively. Neutropenia was the main dose-limiting toxicity, but complications were uncommon, four patients having experienced febrile neutropenia and six having developed neutropenic infection. Other frequently reported adverse events included stomatitis, nausea and vomiting, which were rarely severe. No toxic death was reported. Among patients who received six cycles, global score of quality of life remained stable. This regimen alternating oral and i.v. vinorelbine in combination with epirubicin is effective and safe. Oral vinorelbine on day 8 offers greater convenience to the patient, and decreases the need for i.v. injection and reduces time spent in hospital. Therefore, oral vinorelbine is a convenient alternative to the i.v. form in combination regimens commonly used to treat MBC.

Randomized trial of adjuvant ovarian suppression in 926 premenopausal patients with early breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The aim of this multicenter trial was to evaluate the role of ovarian suppression in patients with early breast cancer previously treated with local surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine hundred and twenty-six premenopausal patients with completely resected breast cancer and either axillary node involvement or histological grade 2 or 3 tumors were randomized after surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy alone (control arm) or adjuvant chemotherapy plus ovarian suppression (ovarian suppression arm). Ovarian suppression was obtained by either radiation-induced ovarian ablation or triptorelin for 3 years. The analyses were performed with Cox models stratified by center.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 9.5 years. Mean age was 43 years. Ninety per cent of patients had histologically proven positive axillary nodes, 63% positive hormonal receptors and 77% had received an anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen. Ovarian suppression was by radiation-induced ovarian ablation (45% of patients) or with triptorelin (48%). At the time of randomization, all patients had regular menses or their follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels indicated a premenopausal status. The 10-year disease-free survival rates were 49% [95% confidence interval (CI) 44% to 54%] in both arms (P = 0.51). The 10-year overall survival rates were 66% (95% CI 61% to 70%) for the ovarian suppression arm and 68% (95% CI 63% to 73%) for the control arm (P = 0.19). There were no variations in the treatment effect according to age, hormonal receptor status or ovarian suppression modality. However, in patients <40 years of age and with estrogen receptor-positive tumors, ovarian suppression significantly decreased the risk of recurrence (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this trial, after at least 10 years of follow-up, do not favor the use of ovarian suppression after adjuvant chemotherapy. The potential beneficial effect in younger women with hormono-dependent tumors should be further assessed.

Phase II multicentre randomised study of docetaxel plus epirubicin vs 5-fluorouracil plus epirubicin and cyclophosphamide in metastatic breast cancer

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel plus epirubicin (ET) and of 5-fluorouracil plus epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. A total of 142 patients (intent-to-treat (ITT)) with at least one measurable lesion were randomised to receive docetaxel 75 mg m⁻² plus epirubicin 75 mg m⁻² or 5-fluorouracil 500 mg m⁻² plus epirubicin 75 mg m⁻² and cyclophosphamide 500 mg m⁻² intravenously once every 3 weeks for up to eight cycles. Prophylactic granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor was only permitted after the first cycle, if required. Per-protocol analysis (n=132) gave an overall response rate for ET of 63.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 50–78%) and for FEC 34.3% (95% CI, 23–47%) after a median seven and six cycles, respectively. Intent-to-treat population (n=142) gave an overall response rate for ET of 59% (95% CI, 47–70%) and for FEC 32% (95% CI, 21–43%) after a median seven and six cycles, respectively. The median response duration for ET was 8.6 months (95% CI, 7.2–9.6 months) and for FEC 7.8 months (95% CI, 6.5–10.4 months). The median time to progression (ITT) for ET was 7.8 months (95% CI, 5.8–9.6 months) and for FEC 5.9 months (95% CI, 4.6–7.8 months). After a median follow-up of 23.8 months, median survival (ITT) for ET and FEC were 34 and 28 months, respectively. Nonhaematologic grade 3–4 toxicities were infrequent in both arms. Haematologic toxicity was more common with ET and febrile neutropenia was reported in 13 patients (18.6%) in the ET group. Two deaths in the ET group were possibly related to study treatment. In conclusion, both ET and FEC were associated with acceptable toxicity. ET is a highly active first-line therapy for metastatic breast cancer.

Immunohistochemical study of cell cycle regulatory proteins in intraductal breast carcinomas--a preliminary study

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins p21waf1 (p21), p53, Cyclin A, Cyclin D1 and Ki-67 to see whether they correlated with recurrence-free survival (RFS). From 1982 to 1996, 50 patients aged less than 51 years underwent lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy for a pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). For each case, the following immunohistochemical stains were carried out: Ki-67, Cyclin A, Cyclin D1, p53 and p21waf1 (p21). The percentage of positive nuclei was assessed. Multiple combinations of these factors were performed; in particular, we called the sum of Ki-67 and Cyclin A a global proliferation factor (GPF). Correlations with classical clinicopathological data were assessed. After a multivariate analysis, only GPF, Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VNPI) grade and mitotic index were independent predictive factors of recurrence in the whole population. In the population with close surgical margins, when the GPF level was less than the 25th percentile or more than the 75th percentile recurrence was low. In this preliminary study, GPF seems to be of interest to help in the decision process in the post-surgical management of the patient.

Phase II multicentre study of docetaxel plus 5-fluorouracil in patients with anthracycline-pretreated metastatic breast cancer

The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of docetaxel plus continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with metastatic breast cancer previously treated with anthracyclines. A total of 41 patients with histologically proven metastatic breast cancer and performance status 0-2, who had received at least one anthracycline-containing regimen, received docetaxel 85 mg m(-2) followed by continuous infusion of 5-FU 750 mg m(-2) day(-1) for 5 days every 3 weeks for up to eight cycles. All patients received corticosteroid premedication, but there was no prophylactic colony-stimulating factor support. The most frequent metastatic sites were the liver (61%), bone (29%), and lung (29%). All 41 patients were assessable for toxicity and 30 were eligible and assessable for efficacy. The objective response rate was 70.0% (95% CI: 53.6-86.4%) for the per protocol group and 53.7% (95% CI: 38.4-68.9%) for the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. For the ITT population, median duration of response was 8.4 months (95% CI: 6.7-12.2 months), median time to progression was 6.7 months (95% CI 5.5-8.6 months), and median survival was 17 months (95% CI: 12.3-not recorded months). Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 54% of patients, with febrile neutropenia in 24% of patients and 5% of cycles, but infections were rare. Stomatitis was frequent, grade 3 in 24% of patients and grade 4 in one patient (2%), but manageable. Diarrhoea was rare, grade 3 in 7% of patients and 1% of cycles. Other grade 3/4 nonhaematological toxicities were infrequent. In conclusion, this docetaxel/5-FU regimen is highly active and well tolerated in patients with anthracycline-pretreated metastatic breast cancer. The efficacy is particularly promising, as one-third of patients were either second-line and/or anthracycline-resistant/refractory.

Patterns of failure in a randomized trial of adjuvant chemotherapy in postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer treated with tamoxifen

BACKGROUND

We studied the effect of adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy in postmenopausal patients with resected early breast cancer treated with adjuvant tamoxifen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The trial included 835 patients with either axillary lymph node involvement, or tumors with histological grade II or III. They were randomized after local surgery to receive either tamoxifen (TAM group) or tamoxifen plus chemotherapy (TAM-CT group) consisting of six courses of 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FAC), or 5-fluorouracil, epidoxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC). Radiotherapy was given after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy in the TAM-CT group and after surgery in the TAM group.

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 73% in the TAM group and 79% in the TAM-CT group (log-rank test, P = 0.06). The 5-year overall survival rates were 82% and 87%, respectively (P = 0.06). The 5-year distant metastasis rates were 22% and 16% (P = 0.02), and the 5-year local recurrence rates were 6% and 4%, respectively (P = 0.23). There were no significant differences for contralateral breast cancer or other new primary malignancies. Chemotherapy tended to be more effective for patients who had tumors without estrogen receptors (trend test, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Anthracycline-based chemotherapy administered to postmenopausal patients receiving adjuvant tamoxifen gave a borderline significant benefit on overall and DFS, mainly by a reduction in distant metastases. Delaying radiotherapy after six courses of chemotherapy did not affect local control after up to 10 years of follow-up.

Oral vinorelbine: feasibility and safety profile

BACKGROUND

Patient preference as well as concerns and difficulties with intravenous access and pharmaco-economic issues have driven the development of oral vinorelbine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four phase II studies were conducted in chemotherapy-naive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and as first-line chemotherapy of advanced breast cancer (ABC). As recommended in the phase I dose-finding study, the first step used a weekly dose of 80 mg/m2. This regimen was associated with an excessive rate of early deaths (10%) due to complicated neutropenia and led to discontinuation of the first two studies. In a second step, the dose of 60 mg/m2/week was given for the first three courses and subsequently increased to 80 mg/m2/week, in the absence of severe neutropenia.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty eight patients (76 with NSCLC and 62 with ABC) received this regimen, of whom only five were unable to undergo dose escalation. The incidence of febrile neutropenia and neutropenic sepsis were low (2.9 and 3.6%, respectively). Although severe events were uncommon, nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea were frequent and primary prophylaxis with antiemetics should be recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the safety profile of oral vinorelbine at 60 mg/m2/week for the first three courses with escalation to 80 mg/m2 is qualitatively comparable to that of i.v. vinorelbine at standard doses. Similarly to i.v. chemotherapy, close haematological monitoring is necessary.

Improved survival after one course of perioperative chemotherapy in early breast cancer patients. long-term results from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Trial 10854

The aim of this study was to examine whether one course of perioperative polychemotherapy yields better results in terms of survival, progression-free survival (PFS) and locoregional control than surgery alone in early stage breast cancer. From 1986 to 1991, 2795 patients with stage I/II breast cancer were randomised to receive either one perioperative course of an anthracycline-containing chemotherapeutic regimen within 36 h after surgery or surgery alone. Patients were followed-up for overall survival, PFS and locoregional recurrence. The median follow-up period at time of the analysis was 11 years. PFS and locoregional control were significantly better (P=0.025 and P=0.004, respectively) in the perioperative chemotherapy arm. Node-negative patients seemed to benefit most from the perioperative FAC. Patients who received perioperative chemotherapy and locoregional therapy alone had significantly better overall survival rates than patients who received locoregional therapy alone (P=0.004). Patients who received additional systemic therapy did not seem to benefit from one course of perioperative chemotherapy (P=0.65). One course of perioperative polychemotherapy does improve PFS and locoregional control in early stage breast cancers. This effect is still present after 11 years of follow-up.

Epirubicin--docetaxel combination in first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer: final results of a dose-finding and efficacy study

The aim of the study was to define a regular and tolerable dose of the epirubicin-docetaxel combination in first-line chemotherapy of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Sixty-five women with measurable and/or evaluable disease were treated with epirubicin escalated from 60 to 110 mg/m(2) according to 5 dose levels, in combination with a fixed dose of 75 mg/m(2) docetaxel, every 21 days for 6 cycles, without preventive use of hematopoietic growth factors or antibiotics. Forty-three women received adjuvant chemotherapy, consisting of anthracyline- or anthracenedione-based regimens in 39 cases (60%). Twenty-seven women were treated in the phase I study (3 at epirubicin 60 mg/m(2), and 6 at each subsequent dose level). Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of grade III asthenia and febrile neutropenia (epirubicin 75 mg/m(2)), grade IV thrombopenia and grade III asthenia (epirubicin 90 mg/m(2)), grade IV stomatitis and grade III diarrhea (epirubicin 100 mg/m(2)), and grade III diarrhea (epirubicin 110 mg/m(2)). In the phase II study, an additional 38 women were treated at epirubicin 90 mg/m(2) and epirubicin 100 mg/m(2). During the 349 cycles delivered, grade IV neutropenia occurred in 90%; febrile neutropenia requiring hospitalization occurred in 62 (17.8%) and lasted more than 3 days in 12 (3.4%). Nonhematologic toxicity was acceptable. Three left ventricular ejection fraction depressions occurred and normalized during follow-up. The overall response rate in the 62 evaluable women was 69.4% (range: 58--81%), with a median duration of 7.8 months. After 26 months of follow-up, the median time to progression was 9.1 months and median overall survival was 22.7 months. On the basis of efficacy and toxicity, the recommended dose of the combination is epirubicin 100 mg/m(2) plus docetaxel 75 mg/m(2).

Results of a phase III prospective, randomised trial, comparing mitoxantrone and vinorelbine (MV) in combination with standard FAC/FEC in front-line therapy of metastatic breast cancer

This comparative phase III trial of mitoxantrone+vinorelbine (MV) versus 5-fluorouracil+cyclophosphamide+either doxorubicin or epirubicin (FAC/FEC) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer was conducted to determine whether MV would produce equivalent efficacy, while resulting in an improved tolerance in relation to alopecia and nausea/vomiting. This multicentre study recruited and randomised 281 patients with metastatic breast cancer; 280 were evaluable for response survival and toxicity (138 received FAC/FEC, 142 received MV). Patient characteristics were matched in each arm and stratification for prior exposure to adjuvant therapy was made prospectively. The overall response rate (ORR) was equivalent in the two arms (33.3% for FAC/FEC versus 34.5% for MV), but MV was more effective in patients who had received prior adjuvant therapy (13% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3-23) for FAC/FEC versus 33% (95% CI 20-47) for MV P=0.025) with a better progression-free survival (PFS) (5 months (range 1-18 months) versus 8 months (range 1-27 months); P=0.0007 for FAC/FEC versus MV, respectively) while FAC/FEC was more effective in previously untreated patients (ORR 43% (95% CI 33-53) versus 35% (95% CI 25-45), P=0.26; PFS 9 months (range 0-29 months) versus 6 months (range 0-26 months) P=0.014). Toxicity was monitored through the initial six cycles of therapy; febrile neutropenia and delayed haematological recovery was more frequent for MV (P=0.001), while nausea/vomiting of grades 3-4 was greater for FAC/FEC (P=0.031), as was alopecia (P=0.0001), cardiotoxicity was the same for the two regimens. MV represents a chemotherapy combination with equivalent efficacy to standard FAC/FEC and improved results for patients who have previously received adjuvant chemotherapy. Toxicity must be balanced to allow for increased haematological suppression and risk of febrile neutropenia with MV compared with a higher risk of subjectively unpleasant side-effects such as nausea/vomiting and alopecia with FAC/FEC.

[Evaluation of predictive factors, particularly the Van Nuys index, of local recurrence in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: study of 166 cases with conservative treatment and review of the literature]

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non metastazing lesion of the breast is more frequently observed due to the improvement of mammography and widespread use of screening. The most important risk of this disease is local recurrence. In about half of cases, it occurs as an infiltrating carcinoma. In a series of 166 DCIS treated by lumpectomy plus radiotherapy, we have studied clinico-pathological factors for the prognosis of local recurrences and particularly the Van Nuys Index criteria (nuclear grade, necrosis, size, margin width). After median follow up of 75 months, 21 recurrences were observed with 10 corresponding to an infiltrating carcinoma and one of them died. The size of DCIS evaluated on pathological documents (histological slides and shames), the Van Nuys Prognostic Index (VNPI) and the mitotic index were the main prognostic factors of local recurrence. We discuss these results and confront them to a review of the literature focalised on the delicate problem of the decision of conservative treatment. A multidisciplinary approach (Breast : Surgeon, Radiologist, Pathologist and Radiotherapist), a standardisation of pathological criteria (size, margin width) and the continuation of randomised trials are necessary to fine the best attitude of conservative therapy.

Intensification of adjuvant chemotherapy: 5-year results of a randomized trial comparing conventional doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with high-dose mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide with filgrastim in operable breast cancer with 10 or more involved axillary nodes

PURPOSE

To determine whether intensifying the dose of adjuvant chemotherapy improves the outcome of women with primary breast cancer and 10 or more involved axillary nodes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (n = 150) were randomized to receive either four cycles of standard doxorubicin 60 mg/m(2) plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks (arm A) or four courses of intensified mitoxantrone 23 mg/m(2) plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2), with filgrastim 5 g/kg/d from days 2 to 15, every 3 weeks (arm B). Disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and overall survival (OS) were determined using life-table estimates.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in DFS (P =.44), DDFS (P =.67), or OS (P =.99) between the two groups at 5 years; DDFS was 45% (arm A) versus 50% (arm B), and DFS was 41% versus 49%, respectively. Five-year survival was similar in both arms (61% v 60%, respectively). Failure to note an intergroup difference in outcome was unrelated to relative dose-intensity. Analysis of patients with 15 or more positive nodes revealed a significant difference in 5-year DDFS (19% v 49% in arm B; P =.01). Toxicity was generally mild in both groups, with no toxic death. The incidence of febrile neutropenia was low (0.3% v 3%). Alopecia was less frequent in arm B (P <.001).

CONCLUSION

This randomized trial confirms the feasibility of administering mitoxantrone 23 mg/m(2) with cyclophosphamide and filgrastim. Although there was no significant difference between conventional and intensified arms at 5 years, according to subgroup analysis, intensified treatment may decrease the risk of relapse in patients with 15 or more positive nodes compared with doxorubicin an cyclophosphamide.

Polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid plus locoregional radiotherapy versus chemotherapy with CMF in operable breast cancer: a 14 year follow-up analysis of a randomized trial of the Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte contre le Cancer (FNCLCC)

With a median follow-up of 14 years, the combination of polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid plus locoregional radiotherapy (257 patients) has significantly improved disease-free survival (p = 0.03) and significantly reduced the incidence of metastases (p = 0.04) when compared to CMF alone (260 patients), in women with operable breast cancer. The trial does not, however, permit an appreciation of the respective role of radiotherapy and PolyAU in these results.

Tamoxifen adjuvant treatment duration in early breast cancer: initial results of a randomized study comparing short-term treatment with long-term treatment. Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer Breast Group

PURPOSE

In 1986, The Fédération Nationale desCentres de Lutte Contre le Cancer Breast Group initiated a multicenter randomized trial to assess the usefulness of long-term adjuvant tamoxifen treatment. Short-term adjuvant tamoxifen treatment was to be compared with life long adjuvant tamoxifen treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who were disease-free after 2 to 3 years of adjuvant tamoxifen treatment were eligible for the trial. From September 1986 to May 1995, 3,793 patients were randomized from France, Belgium, and Argentina. A total of 1,882 patients stopped tamoxifen (short-term group), and 1,911 patients were to continue tamoxifen for life (long-term group) at the same dose as previously prescribed. The protocol was modified in February 1997, limiting tamoxifen treatment to 10 years after randomization, thus giving a comparison between a 2- to 3-year treatment and a 12- to 13-year treatment. To date, the median duration of tamoxifen treatment is 30 months in the short-term group, and 70 months in the long-term group.

RESULTS

Overall, longer tamoxifen treatment induced a 23% reduction in relapse rates, leading to a 7-year disease-free survival rate of 78%, compared with 72% in the shorter-treatment group. In contrast, overall survival did not differ between the two groups, with a 79% overall survival rate in both groups. This improvement in disease-free survival could be observed in node-positive patients (P: =.001); however, it was not found in node-negative patients. Prolonged tamoxifen treatment corresponded to a significant increase in disease-free survival in estrogen receptor-positive patients (P: =.03) as well as in estrogen receptor-negative patients (P: =.05). Furthermore, longer treatment reduced contralateral breast cancers and did not increase the number of endometrial cancers.

CONCLUSION

Although no survival advantage was noted, patients did benefit from longer tamoxifen treatment over 3 years and had significantly better disease-free survival compared with patients who stopped hormonal treatment. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess these results. Most patients in the long-term group are still receiving treatment. Comparison of results as time passes will enable conclusions to be made on the value of long-term treatment over 5 years compared with 2 to 3 years.

Delayed adjuvant tamoxifen: ten-year results of a collaborative randomized controlled trial in early breast cancer (TAM-02 trial)

AIM

Immediate adjuvant tamoxifen reduces disease recurrence and improves survival in patients with early breast cancer. However, is it too late to administer tamoxifen to patients who have already undergone treatment, but were unable to benefit from this adjuvant therapy? The French National Cancer Centers (FNCLCC) have investigated the efficacy of delayed tamoxifen administration in a randomized controlled trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From September 1986 to October 1989, women with primary breast cancer, who had undergone surgery, radiotherapy, and/or received adjuvant chemotherapy but not hormone therapy more than two years earlier, were randomized to receive either 30 mg/day tamoxifen or no treatment. The 10-year disease-free and overall survival rates of the two groups of patients and of various subgroups were determined according to the Kaplan-Meyer method and compared by the log-rank test.

RESULTS

This intention-to-treat analysis comprised 250 Introduction women in the tamoxifen group and 244 in the control group. Patient characteristics (age, T stage, number of positive nodes, receptor status, and interval since tumor treatment) were comparable in both groups. Delayed adjuvant tamoxifen significantly improved overall survival only in node-positive patients and in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) or progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) tumors. Disease-free survival, however, was significantly improved in the global population and in several patient subgroups (node-positive, ER+, PR+). Patients in whom the interval between primary treatment and delayed adjuvant tamoxifen was greater than five years also had significantly improved disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall and disease-free survival results indicate that delayed adjuvant tamoxifen administration (30 mg/day) is justified in women with early breast cancer, even if this treatment is initiated two or more years after primary treatment.

High-dose sequential chemotherapy with recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and repeated stem-cell support for inflammatory breast cancer patients: does impact on quality of life jeopardize feasibility and acceptability of treatment?

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the quality of life (QOL) of patients enrolled onto the High-Dose Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Study Group trial (PEGASE 02), a French pilot multicenter trial of the treatment of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) aimed at evaluating (1) toxicity and feasibility of sequential high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (filgrastim) and stem-cell support and (2) response to HDC in terms of pathologic response and survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

QOL measures were performed at inclusion and four times subsequently up to 1 year using an ad hoc side-effect questionnaire (19 physical symptoms) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).

RESULTS

Of the 95 patients entered, the overall QOL questionnaire completion compliance was 75.6%. During cycle 3 of HDC, the number of symptoms was high (mean +/- SD QOL score, 10 +/- 3), with fatigue, hair loss, appetite loss, nausea, change in taste, vomiting, fever, and weight loss reported by more than 60% of patients. Toxicity and distress associated with HDC were reflected in the decline of four EORTC QLQ-C30 scores: global QOL (P =.001), and physical, role, and social functioning (P <.001 for all statistics). However, QOL deterioration disappeared after treatment completion, except for physical functioning (P =.025). One year after inclusion, most QOL scores returned to baseline, and both emotional functioning and global QOL scores were even higher than baseline (P =.030 and P =.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION

If it is confirmed that improvements in pathologic response rates with HDC effectively translate into increased probabilities of survival for IBC patients, adoption of such treatment as PEGASE 02 will not involve crucial choices between length of life and QOL and should not be delayed for QOL arguments.