Tecemotide in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer in the phase III START study: updated overall survival and biomarker analyses

BACKGROUND

Tecemotide is a MUC1-antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy. The phase III START study did not meet its primary end point but reported notable survival benefit with tecemotide versus placebo in an exploratory analysis of the predefined patient subgroup treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Here, we attempted to gain further insight into the effects of tecemotide in START.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

START recruited patients who did not progress following frontline chemoradiotherapy for unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer. We present updated overall survival (OS) data and exploratory analyses of OS for baseline biomarkers: soluble MUC1 (sMUC1), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte count, and HLA type.

RESULTS

Updated OS data are consistent with the primary analysis: median 25.8 months (tecemotide) versus 22.4 months (placebo) (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.77-1.03, P = 0.111), with ∼20 months additional median follow-up time compared with the primary analysis. Exploratory analysis of the predefined subgroup treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy revealed clinically relevant prolonged OS with tecemotide versus placebo (29.4 versus 20.8 months; HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.98, P = 0.026). No improvement was seen with sequential chemoradiotherapy. High sMUC1 and ANA correlated with a possible survival benefit with tecemotide (interaction P = 0.0085 and 0.0022) and might have future value as biomarkers. Interactions between lymphocyte count, NLR, or prespecified HLA alleles and treatment effect were not observed.

CONCLUSION

Updated OS data support potential treatment benefit with tecemotide in patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Exploratory biomarker analyses suggest that elevated sMUC1 or ANA levels correlate with tecemotide benefit.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV NUMBER

NCT00409188.

Cilengitide combined with cetuximab and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients: results of an open-label, randomized, controlled phase II study (CERTO)

BACKGROUND

This multicentre, open-label, randomized, controlled phase II study evaluated cilengitide in combination with cetuximab and platinum-based chemotherapy, compared with cetuximab and chemotherapy alone, as first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive cetuximab plus platinum-based chemotherapy alone (control), or combined with cilengitide 2000 mg 1×/week i.v. (CIL-once) or 2×/week i.v. (CIL-twice). A protocol amendment limited enrolment to patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) histoscore ≥200 and closed the CIL-twice arm for practical feasibility issues. Primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS; independent read); secondary end points included overall survival (OS), safety, and biomarker analyses. A comparison between the CIL-once and control arms is reported, both for the total cohorts, as well as for patients with EGFR histoscore ≥200.

RESULTS

There were 85 patients in the CIL-once group and 84 in the control group. The PFS (independent read) was 6.2 versus 5.0 months for CIL-once versus control [hazard ratio (HR) 0.72; P = 0.085]; for patients with EGFR histoscore ≥200, PFS was 6.8 versus 5.6 months, respectively (HR 0.57; P = 0.0446). Median OS was 13.6 for CIL-once versus 9.7 months for control (HR 0.81; P = 0.265). In patients with EGFR ≥200, OS was 13.2 versus 11.8 months, respectively (HR 0.95; P = 0.855). No major differences in adverse events between CIL-once and control were reported; nausea (59% versus 56%, respectively) and neutropenia (54% versus 46%, respectively) were the most frequent. There was no increased incidence of thromboembolic events or haemorrhage in cilengitide-treated patients. αvβ3 and αvβ5 expression was neither a predictive nor a prognostic indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of cilengitide to cetuximab/chemotherapy indicated potential clinical activity, with a trend for PFS difference in the independent-read analysis. However, the observed inconsistencies across end points suggest additional investigations are required to substantiate a potential role of other integrin inhibitors in NSCLC treatment.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ID NUMBER

NCT00842712.

Prognostic factors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: data from the phase III FLEX study

The FLEX study demonstrated that the addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the FLEX intention to treat (ITT) population, we investigated the prognostic significance of particular baseline characteristics. Individual patient data from the treatment arms of the ITT population of the FLEX study were combined. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to investigate variables with potential prognostic value. The ITT population comprised 1125 patients. In the univariable analysis, longer median survival times were apparent for females compared with males (12.7 vs 9.3 months); patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 compared with 1 compared with 2 (13.5 vs 10.6 vs 5.9 months); never smokers compared with former smokers compared with current smokers (14.6 vs 11.1 vs 9.0); Asians compared with Caucasians (19.5 vs 9.6 months); patients with adenocarcinoma compared with squamous cell carcinoma (12.4 vs 9.3 months) and those with metastases to one site compared with two sites compared with three or more sites (12.4 months vs 9.8 months vs 6.4 months). Age (<65 vs ≥65 years), tumor stage (IIIB with pleural effusion vs IV) and percentage of tumor cells expressing EGFR (<40% vs ≥40%) were not identified as possible prognostic factors in relation to survival time. In multivariable analysis, a stepwise selection procedure identified age (<65 vs ≥65 years), gender, ECOG PS, smoking status, region, tumor histology, and number of organs involved as independent factors of prognostic value. In summary, in patients with advanced NSCLC enrolled in the FLEX study, and consistent with previous analyses, particular patient and disease characteristics at baseline were shown to be independent factors of prognostic value. The FLEX study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00148798.

A phase III randomized study of gemcitabine and cisplatin with or without PF-3512676 (TLR9 agonist) as first-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

This open-label phase III study assessed the addition of Toll-like receptor 9-activating oligodeoxynucleotide PF-3512676 to gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-naive patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were randomized (1:1) to receive six or fewer 3-week cycles of i.v. gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) and cisplatin alone (75 mg/m2 on day 1, control arm) or combined with s.c. PF-3512676 0.2 mg/kg on days 8 and 15 of each chemotherapy cycle and weekly thereafter until progression or unacceptable toxicity (experimental arm). No crossover was planned. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 839 patients were randomized. Baseline demographics were well balanced. Median OS (11.0 versus 10.7 months; P=0.98) and median progression-free survival (PFS) (both 5.1 months) were similar between groups. Grade≥3 hematologic adverse events (AEs), injection-site reactions, and influenza-like symptoms were more frequently reported among patients receiving PF-3512676. At the first-interim analysis, the Data Safety Monitoring Committee recommended study discontinuation. Administration of PF-3512676 was halted based on efficacy futility and increased grade≥3 AEs (experimental arm).

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of PF-3512676 to gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy did not improve OS or PFS but did increase toxicity.

Biomarker analysis in a phase III study of pemetrexed-carboplatin versus etoposide-carboplatin in chemonaive patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Clinical results of a randomized phase III trial comparing pemetrexed-carboplatin (PC) with etoposide-carboplatin (EC) in chemonaive patients with extensive-stage disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) resulted in trial closure for futility; biomarker analyses using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are described herein.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thymidylate synthase (TS), excision repair cross complementing-1 (ERCC1), glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT), and folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) were investigated using IHC (n=395). SNPs were genotyped for TS, FPGS, γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), folate receptor-α FR-α, and solute carrier 19A1 (SLC19A1; n=611).

RESULTS

None of the IHC biomarkers (folate pathway or ERCC1) were found to be predictive or prognostic in this setting. rs2838952 (adjacent to SLC19A1) had significant treatment-independent association with overall survival (OS; hazard ratio 0.590, P=0.01). Nine GGH-associated SNPs interacted with rs3788205 (SLC19A1) for OS on the PC arm. rs12379987 (FPGS) interacted with treatment for OS (interaction P=0.036).

CONCLUSION

Potential ERCC1 and folate pathway IHC biomarkers failed to predict outcome in either study arm in ED-SCLC. SNPs in regions including FPGS and SLC19A1 and interacting SNPs in GGH and SLC19A1 were associated with differences in OS; however, none of these SNPs predicted for greater survival with PC over EC.

Prognostic factors in advanced NSCLC: Experience from the FLEX trial

8083

Background: The FLEX trial demonstrated superior survival for cisplatin/vinorelbine plus cetuximab versus cisplatin/vinorelbine alone in patients with advanced EGFR-positive NSCLC. Here we report on the prognostic factors observed in the trial independent of cetuximab treatmentMethods: 1125 patients were randomized to cisplatin/vinorelbine plus cetuximab or cisplatin/vinorelbine alone. Prognostic factors were determined by both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Patient baseline characteristics were: 70% male, median age 59 (18–83) years, 31% older than 65 years, 94% stage IV, 47% adenocarcinoma, 34% squamous cell carcinoma, 83% ECOG 0/1. The trial confirmed the following prognostic factors in the univariate analysis: gender, performance status, histology, smoking status, and ethnicity. Females had longer survival than males (12.7 versus 9.3 months). Patients with ECOG performance status 0, 1, and 2 had median survival times of 13.5, 10.6 and 5.9 months, respectively. Patients with adenocarcinomas had a median survival of 12.4 months and those with squamous cell carcinomas had a median survival of 9.3 months. Smokers, former smokers, and never-smokers had median survival times of 9.0, 11.1 and 14.6 months, respectively. Outcome was better for Asians (n=121) compared to Caucasians (n=946) (median 19.5 versus 9.6 months). Age <65 and age ≥65 did not indicate prognosis. Multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic significance of performance status, gender, smoking status, region (Europe versus Australasia), and histology. Conclusions: The FLEX trial confirmed several prognostic factors, including gender, performance status, histological subtype, ethnicity, and smoking status for patients with advanced NSCLC.

[Table: see text]

SATURN: A double-blind, randomized, phase III study of maintenance erlotinib versus placebo following nonprogression with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC

8001

Background: Erlotinib (E), a small-molecule EGFR TKI, is proven to extend survival versus placebo (P) in 2nd/3rd-line advanced NSCLC. The phase III SATURN study (BO18192) was initiated to evaluate E as maintenance therapy after standard 1st-line platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) in advanced NSCLC. Methods: Patients with no evidence of disease progression after 4 cycles of CT were randomized to receive either E 150 mg/day or P until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in all patients and the co-primary endpoint was PFS in EGFR immunohistochemistry-positive (IHC+) patients. Results: A total of 1,949 patients entered the CT phase, of whom 889 were randomized to E (n=438) or P (n=451). Median age was 60 years for both arms. Baseline characteristics for E and P arms (%): male/female: 73/27 and 75/25; adenocarcinoma + BAC/squamous-cell/other: 47/38/15 and 44/43/13; stage IIIB/IV: 26/74 and 24/76; Caucasian/Asian/other: 84/14/2 and 83/15/2; ECOG PS 0/1: 31/69 and 32/68; current/former/never smoker: 55/28/18 and 56/27/17. PFS (by investigator assessment; confirmed by independent review) was significantly prolonged with E versus P in all patients (HR 0.71 [95% CI 0.62–0.82]; p<.0001) and in EGFR IHC+ patients (HR 0.69 [95% CI 0.58–0.82]; p<.0001). Subgroup analyses will be reported. Response rate was 12% with E versus 5% with P. Disease control rate (complete response + partial response + stable disease >12 wks) was 40.8% with E versus 27.4% with P (p<.0001). OS data are not yet mature. E was well tolerated: the majority of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were grade 1/2. AEs reported in ≥10% of all patients were rash (60% with E versus 9% with P) and diarrhea (20% with E versus 5% with P); again, most were grade 1/2. Only 2.3% of patients receiving E had a serious treatment-related AE and 2.8% withdrew due to a treatment-related AE. Conclusions: The SATURN study met its primary and co-primary endpoints with high statistical significance. Erlotinib in the 1st-line maintenance setting is well tolerated, and significantly improves disease control and delays progression versus placebo across patient subgroups.

[Table: see text]

Randomized phase II study of cetuximab plus cisplatin/vinorelbine compared with cisplatin/vinorelbine alone as first-line therapy in EGFR-expressing advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The Lung Cancer Cetuximab Study is an open-label, randomized phase II pilot study of cisplatin and vinorelbine combined with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted monoclonal antibody cetuximab versus cisplatin and vinorelbine alone, in patients with advanced EGFR-expressing, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). End points of the study are activity, safety and pharmacokinetics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Following randomization, for a maximum of eight cycles, patients received three-weekly cycles of cisplatin (80 mg/m(2), day 1) and vinorelbine (25 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8) alone or following cetuximab treatment (initial dose 400 mg/m(2), followed by 250 mg/m(2) weekly thereafter).

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients were randomly allocated to the study (43 per arm). Confirmed response rates were 28% in the cisplatin/vinorelbine arm (A) and 35% in the cetuximab plus cisplatin/vinorelbine arm (B). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.6 months in arm A and 5.0 months in arm B, with PFS rates at 12 months of 0% and 15%, respectively. Median survival was 7.3 months in arm A and 8.3 months in arm B. The 24-month survival rates were 0% and 16%, respectively. The cetuximab combination was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

In the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC, the combination of cetuximab plus cisplatin/vinorelbine demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and the potential to improve activity over cisplatin/vinorelbine alone.

Phase III study of vinflunine versus docetaxel in patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with a platinum-containing regimen

7511

Background: Vinflunine (VFL) is a new microtubule inhibitor of the vinca alkaloid class with clinical activity in NSCLC (J. Bennouna, BJC, 2006). Single-agent efficacy and safety of VFL and docetaxel (DTX) were compared in the 2nd line chemotherapy. Methods: Open-label, multi-center, randomised, phase III study in platinum pre-treated locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC pts. At least 275 pts were to be randomized by arm to receive VFL (320 mg/m2, 20-min IV infusion) or DTX (75 mg/m2, 1-hour IV infusion with dexamethasone over 3 days) every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS), with a non-inferiority analysis based on a 10% difference (types I and II error rates: 5%, 20%). Results: From 06/03 to 03/05, 551 pts were randomized (VFL: 274; DTX: 277) and 547 treated (411 men, 136 women); median age 61 years [range 22–83]; ECOG PS 0–1: 89%; metastatic: 90%. All pts were platinum pre-treated, in combination with a vinca alkaloid (22%), paclitaxel (21%), or gemcitabine (48%). A total of 950 [1–20] and 1,025 [1–18] cycles were given with VFL and DTX respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities were low in both arms: neutropenia (33% vs 30%), anemia (8% vs 3%), thrombocytopenia (2% vs <1%), febrile neutropenia (3% vs 5%), fatigue (11% vs 6%), vomiting (2% vs 1%), abdominal pain (4% vs <1%), constipation (7% vs <1%). Overall incidence of alopecia was: 20% vs 35%, nail disorders 1% vs 6%, injection site reaction 25% vs 1%, peripheral neuropathy 11% vs 15%, diarrhea 6% vs 12%. Efficacy: All efficacy endpoints were similar: median PFS (2.3 vs 2.3 months, HR:1.004 [95% CI: 0.841–1.199]), independent review response rate (4.4% vs 5.5%), stable disease (36.0% vs 39.6%), disease control (40.4 vs 45.1), median overall survival (6.7 vs 7.2 months, HR: 0.973 [0.805–1.176]). Conclusion: VFL shows efficacy equivalent to docetaxel in 2nd line NSCLC chemotherapy. Low, manageable but different toxicity profiles were observed in either arm. Vinflunine offers a new and useful alternative for the 2nd line treatment of pts with this disease.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase III study comparing cisplatin/vinorelbine plus cetuximab versus cisplatin/vinorelbine as first-line treatment for patients with epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-expressing advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (FLEX)

7109

Background: Cisplatin plus vinorelbine is a commonly used regimen for first-line therapy of advanced NSCLC, achieving response rates of 20–30% and median survival times of 6 to 11 months (mths). An earlier phase II trial investigated cetuximab in combination with cisplatin and vinorelbine in this setting and found improved response rates in the cetuximab arm, warranting this larger phase III trial. Methods: Patients (pts) with EGFR-expressing advanced NSCLC (stage IIIB with documented malignant pleural effusion and stage IV) were randomized 1:1 either to Group A (cetuximab 400 mg/m2 initial dose then 250 mg/m2 weekly, cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1, vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 on day 1 and 8) or to Group B (cisplatin and vinorelbine as before) for a maximum of 6 three-weekly cycles. Cetuximab was administered until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint is overall survival time; secondary endpoints are progression-free-survival, tumor response, disease control, safety, and quality of life. Enrollment of 1,100 pts was planned to show an increase of median survival time of 25% with 90% power. The Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) performed an independent preplanned safety analysis from the first 370 pts. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 weeks (2 cycles). Results: Since November 2004, 1,037 pts have been randomized, 689 are under treatment, and 348 pts have discontinued the study. Demographics of the first 370 pts reflected known advanced NSCLC characteristics: 91% stage IV, median age 60 yrs (31–79), 38% female, 80% ECOG PS 0/1, 52% adenocarcinoma, 30% squamous cell carcinoma; 29% never-smokers, 17% Asian. The ten most frequent adverse events were: nausea, neutropenia, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, constipation, anemia, febrile neutropenia, rash, and diarrhoea. Conclusions: The trial continued after review of all relevant baseline and safety information from the first 370 pts. Recruitment is ongoing.

[Table: see text]

A phase II study of DJ-927 administered orally once every three weeks as second line therapy to subjects with locally advanced or metastatic non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of platinum-based non-taxane regimen

17006

Background: For the treatment of NSCLC (1st and 2nd line) effective oral formulations of drugs are currently investigated. DJ-927 is a semi-synthetic novel taxane with in vitro activity against NSCLC cells lines. Phase I studies show active plasma concentrations after oral administration with hematologic dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). This multi-centre phase II study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the DJ-927 in patients (pts) with recurrent NSCLC. Methods: Pts with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have received one prior platinum (non-taxane) containing treatment regimen, performance status 0 -2, and adequate organ function were enrolled. Pts received an initial DJ-927 dose of 27 mg/m2 on day 1 of cycle 1, orally, every 3-weeks. If < 2 DLTs occurred at this dose, the next cohort of 6 pts would start at a dose of 35 mg/m2, every 3 weeks, and all subsequent pts would be treated at that dose level. The primary endpoint was to assess the response rate. Pts were also assessed for time to disease progression (TTP), survival and safety. Results: 36 pts were enrolled, male/female 27/9; median age of 57 years (range 33–75); ECOG 0/1/2 7/21/8; stage IIIB/IV 12/24. Histology included adenocarcinoma 5; squamous cell 16; large cell 3; undifferentiated 3; other 7; unknown 2. Thirty-four pts received DJ-927; the median number of cycles was 2 (range 1–8). The optimal dosing level was confirmed at 27 mg/m2 as no dose escalation was performed based on toxicity data from parallel studies. Response in evaluable pts (completed Course 1) included CR 1, PR 1, SD 15, PD 8; for an overall response rate of 7 % and a disease control rate (CR, PR and SD) of 61%. Toxicity, ≥ grade 3, in evaluable pts (n = 32) included neutropenia (15), anaemia (6), thrombocytopenia (2), fatigue (2), nausea (2), anorexia (2), pneumonitis (1). Conclusions: In a 3-weekly setting, an oral dose 27 mg/m2 of DJ-927 shows limited efficacy in 2nd line therapy for NSCLC with neutropenia, gastrointestinal toxicity and fatigue as major side effects.

[Table: see text]

Docetaxel-based induction therapy prior to radiotherapy with or without docetaxel for non-small-cell lung cancer

This trial aimed to assess the feasibility and tumour control of concurrent chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone after docetaxel-based induction chemotherapy in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC received two 21-day cycles of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel (85 mg m(-2), day 1) plus cisplatin (40 mg m(-2), days 1 and 2). Patients without disease progression on day 43 were randomised to radiotherapy (2 Gy for 5 days week(-1); total 60 Gy) alone or with docetaxel 20 mg m(-2) once weekly every 6 weeks. Of 108 patients who received induction chemotherapy, 104 were evaluable for response. After induction chemotherapy, the overall response rate (ORR) was 44%; 91 (88%) patients had no disease progression and 89 were subsequently randomised to local treatment. After randomised therapy, the ORR was 53% (chemoradiotherapy 58%; radiotherapy 48%). Median survival and time to progression were 14.9 and 7.8 months, respectively, for chemoradiotherapy and 14.0 and 7.5 months, respectively, for radiotherapy. The most common toxicities during induction chemotherapy and randomised therapy were grades 3-4 neutropenia and grade 3 lymphocytopenia, respectively. Docetaxel-cisplatin induction therapy followed by concurrent docetaxel and thoracic radiotherapy is a feasible treatment option, showing good clinical activity and tolerability, for locally advanced NSCLC.

Randomized study of vinorelbine--gemcitabine versus vinorelbine--carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

The objective of this trial was to compare two vinorelbine-based doublets with carboplatin (CBDCA-VC) or with gemcitabine (VG) in patients with stage IIIB-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 316 patients with advanced NSCLC previously untreated were randomized to either vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2) D1,8 with carboplatin AUC 5 D1 (VC) or vinorelbine 25mg/m(2) with gemcitabine (VG) 1000 mg/m(2) both given D1,8 every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was response rate with secondary parameters being survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tolerance and clinical benefit.

RESULTS

The median number of cycles was four in each arm with a total of 1268 cycles. The objective response (OR) on intent-to-treat was 20.8% in VC and 28% in VG (p=0.15). Median PFS was 3.9 months in VC and 4.4 months (mo) in VG (p=0.18). Median survival was significantly longer (p=0.01) for VG with 11.5 mo compared to 8.6 mo in VC with 1 year survival at 48.9 and 34.4%, respectively. Tolerance was better in the VG arm as compared to the VC patients. Four toxic deaths were recorded in the VC group. Clinical benefit response rate was 32.4% compared to 40.9% in 111 and 110 evaluable patients in VC and VG, respectively.

CONCLUSION

VG compared to VC resulted in a similar overall response rate, favourable median survival and a better toxicity profile. For non-cisplatin-based chemotherapy, VG is a useful alternative.

Vinorelbine alternating oral and intravenous plus carboplatinin advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: results of a multicentre phase II study

BACKGROUND

Vinorelbine and carboplatin are both active agents in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Vinorelbine has recently been developed in an oral formulation, which is as active as the intravenous (i.v.) form.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-two chemonaive patients with unresectable localised or metastatic NSCLC received i.v. vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) plus carboplatin (AUC 5) 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.

RESULTS

A total of 224 cycles were given, with the median number per patient of four (range one to eight). Eight responses out of 52 enrolled patients were documented and validated by an independent panel review, yielding a response rate of 18.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.8-29.6%] in the evaluable population. This response rate was balanced by a high rate of disease control (78.9% in the intention-to treat population and 90.9% in the evaluable population). The median progression-free and median survival were 5.1 months (95% CI 4.3-8.1) and 9.3 months (95% CI 6.8-11.4), respectively. Overall, the safety profile of the combination regimen alternating i.v. and oral vinorelbine appeared similar to that expected for each individual agent. Some lung cancer-specific items (pain, dyspnoea) improved or were stabilised by assessment using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of carboplatin with an alternating regimen of i.v./oral vinorelbine is a well tolerated regimen with a low level of toxicity and a low rate of serious adverse events. A high rate of disease control (partial response + no change) was achieved. Progression-free survival and overall survival fell within the expected range. This regimen is convenient and safe for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients.

[Pulmonary blastoma and related primary malignant pulmonary neoplasms]

During the last decade more diagnoses of pulmonary blastoma were made worldwide than in previous decades. Whether this increased frequency is caused by better diagnostic procedures (immunochemistry, electron microscopy) or by the growing number of patients having this neoplasm is difficult to distinguish. We present controversies concerning pulmonary blastoma and related biphasic primary pulmonary neoplasms. We agree with Wick et al. that cases in children (called pleuropulmonary blastoma) should be differentiated from cases in adults, which show many similarities to bronchogenic lung cancer. However, our opinion is that the new classification system proposed by Wick et al. does not take into account cases of PB in young adults with intropulmonary growth of the tumor.

Biomarkers of carcinogenesis in humans exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The frequencies of micronuclei (MN) in cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes of 91 steel foundry workers were analysed. On the basis of ambient PAH levels at the work stands and 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations in the urine, the coke-oven workers were the most exposed as compared to the rollers reference group. The difference in results for the two groups studied was not statistically significant, although MN were slightly higher for coke-oven workers. The frequency of MN did not increase with exposure: after some increase in 1-10 years, a decreasing tendency was observed.

[8-year natural history of squamous cell lung cancer]

We report a patient with recognised squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, who refused of surgical treatment, and who was observed for next 8 years. In the last year of the disease the laser coagulation and palliative radiotherapy were used for recanalization the right bronchus. The patient died 8 years and 6 months after diagnosis was made.