Adjuvant dose-dense doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide versus docetaxel-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide for high-risk breast cancer: First results of the randomised MATADOR trial (BOOG 2004-04)

BACKGROUND

Dose-dense administration of chemotherapy and the addition of taxanes to anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy have improved breast cancer survival substantially. However, clinical trials directly comparing the additive value of taxanes with dose-dense anthracycline-based chemotherapy are lacking.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the multicentre, randomised, biomarker discovery Microarray Analysis in breast cancer to Tailor Adjuvant Drugs Or Regimens (MATADOR) trial, patients with pT1-3, pN0-3 breast cancer were randomised (1:1) between six adjuvant cycles of doxorubicin 60 mg/m² and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m² every 2 weeks (ddAC) and six cycles of docetaxel 75 mg/m², doxorubicin 50 mg/m² and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m² every 3 weeks (TAC). The primary objective was to discover a predictive gene expression profile for ddAC and TAC benefit. Here we report the preplanned secondary end-point recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2012, 664 patients were randomised. At 5 years, RFS was 87% (95% confidence interval [CI] 83%-91%) in the ddAC-treated patients and 88% (84-92%) in the TAC-treated subgroup (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.28, P = 0.53). OS at 5 years was 93% (90%-96%) in the ddAC-treated and 94% (91%-97%) in the TAC-treated patients (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.57-1.39, P = 0.61). Anaemia was more frequent in ddAC-treated patients (62/327 patients [18.9%] versus 15/319 patients [4.7%], P < 0.001) and diarrhoea (21 [6.4%] versus 53 [16.6%], P<0.001) and peripheral neuropathy (15 [4.6%] versus 46 [14.4%], P < 0.001) were observed more often in TAC-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

With a median follow-up of 7 years, no significant differences in RFS and OS were observed between six adjuvant cycles of ddAC and TAC in high-risk breast cancer patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

ISRCTN61893718 and BOOG 2004-04.

Abstract P5-14-03: Adjuvant dose dense doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (ddAC) or docetaxel-AC (TAC) for high-risk breast cancer: First results of the randomized MATADOR trial (BOOG-2004-04)

Background: Anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy has substantially improved breast cancer survival. Both the addition of taxanes as well as using a dose dense treatment schedule can further ameliorate outcome, but inter-individual differences exist. Here we present the efficacy and toxicity of dose dense scheduled doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (ddAC) versus docetaxel/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (TAC), which is, to our knowledge, the first direct comparison of these treatment regimens.

Methods: In this Dutch, multicenter phase III trial (ISRCTN61893718), patients with pT1-3, pN0-3, M0 breast cancer were randomized between six cycles of either A60C600 every 2 weeks or T75A50C500 every 3 weeks. All patients received pegfilgrastim. Patients were evaluated for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Survival was compared in a Cox regression analysis and adjusted for known prognostic factors. These factors include age, type of surgery, tumor size, histological grade, ER/PR status, HER2 status, and lymph node status. Adverse events were reported according to the common toxicity criteria (CTCAE version 3.0).

Results: Between 2004 and 2012, 664 patients were enrolled of whom 531 (80%) had node positive disease. At a median follow up of 5 years, OS was 92% in the ddAC treated subgroup and 93% in the TAC treated subgroup (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-1.34, intention to treat population). Forty-two breast-cancer specific deaths were equally divided over both treatment arms. Similarly, no significant difference in RFS was observed between both treatment groups (adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.55-1.32). Molecular subtypes were defined by St. Gallen criteria: 548 patients (83%) had estrogen receptor positive disease and 102 patients (15%) triple negative disease. No heterogeneity regarding treatment efficacy was observed in these subtypes. In particular, there was no survival benefit for ddAC or TAC in the triple negative subtype. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated. Whereas anemia was more frequent in ddAC treated patients (19% vs 4.7%; p&lt;0.001), peripheral neuropathy occurred more frequently in TAC treated patients (4.6% vs 14.4%; p&lt;0.001). The frequency of febrile neutropenia was not significantly different between the treatment arms (11% vs 12.5%; n.s.). Six patients developed congestive heart failure: 2 ddAC treated patients, 4 TAC treated patients. One ddAC treated patient and one TAC treated patient were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after study treatment; another patient in the ddAC treatment group developed myelodysplastic syndrome.

Conclusions: At a median follow up of 5 years no significant survival differences were observed between adjuvant ddAC and TAC, in all patients and in molecular subgroups, including triple negative. Our findings are in line with the Oxford overview, which reported no significant differences between taxane-based chemotherapy and more, non-taxane based chemotherapy given in a dose dense schedule. ddAC could be a reasonable alternative for patients with a contra-indication for TAC.

Citation Format: van Rossum AGH, Oosterkamp HM, van Werkhoven E, Opdam M, Mandjes IAM, van Leeuwen-Stok E, van Tinteren H, Kok M, Imholz ALT, Portielje JEA, Bos MMEM, van Bochove A, Wesseling J, Rutgers EJ, Rodenhuis S, Linn SC. Adjuvant dose dense doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (ddAC) or docetaxel-AC (TAC) for high-risk breast cancer: First results of the randomized MATADOR trial (BOOG-2004-04) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-14-03.

Abstract S6-02: The efficacy and safety of the addition of ibandronate to adjuvant hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive early breast cancer. First results of the TEAM IIB trial (BOOG 2006-04)

Background:

Results of clinical trials concerning adjuvant bisphosphonates for the prevention of (bone) metastases in patients with early breast cancer are conflicting. A recent large meta-analysis, however, suggests that bisphosphonates reduce the incidence of (bone) metastases and improve skeletal-related events in early breast cancer patients. Subgroup analyses show that postmenopausal women seem to benefit the most. In this subgroup a modest overall survival benefit was observed with the addition of adjuvant bisphosphonates to standard adjuvant systemic therapy (EBCTCG, Lancet, 2015). TEAM IIB, a randomized phase III study (ISRCTN17633610), prospectively investigates the value of the addition of ibandronate to adjuvant hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Methods:

Postmenopausal women with stage I-III breast cancer and an indication for adjuvant hormonal treatment were randomized to receive at least 5 years of hormonal therapy (tamoxifen followed by at least 2-3 years exemestane, or in case of high risk at least 5 years of exemestane) with or without ibandronate 50mg orally, once daily for three years. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary endpoints included time to and rate of bone metastases, other sites of recurrence, overall survival and safety. The study was amended because of slower than anticipated accrual and the sample size calculations were amended accordingly in June 2009. To detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.615 with a 2-sided alpha of 0.05 and a power of 0.8, 139 DFS-events were required in the intention-to-treat population.

Results: Between February 2007 and May 2014, 1116 patients were enrolled in 37 hospitals in the Netherlands of whom 40% had positive axillary lymph nodes and 56% of all patients received (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy (&gt;95% anthracyclines, 69% taxanes). Baseline characteristics were well balanced. At September 9, 2016, 143 DFS events had been reported. Median follow-up was 4.6 years and 80 patients were still on ibandronate treatment. Adherence to 3 years ibandronate was 67%, 21 patients randomized to receive ibandronate never started. 19 patients, of whom 9 in the control group were excluded because of major ineligibility.

In the ibandronate treated group 3-year DFS was 94.4% versus 90.8% in the control group (HR 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-1.17). In total, 48 patients in the ibandronate versus 45 in the control group died, of whom 18 (37,5%) versus 28 (62,2%) of breast cancer. 3 years after randomization 1.6% of ibandronate treated patients developed bone metastases versus 4.6% in patients who were treated with adjuvant hormonal therapy only (HR 0.76; [CI] 0.43-1.32). 14 (29,2%) versus 9 (20%) of patients died because of secondary malignancies respectively.

There was no significant difference in creatinine clearance during the first three years after randomization. 36 Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in the ibandronate group versus 51 in the control group. Of patients randomized to ibandronate 4 developed osteonecrosis, but without residual complaints.

Conclusion: So far, at a median follow-up of 4.6 years there is no statistically significant benefit from adding ibandronate to adjuvant hormonal treatment in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive early breast cancer. However, since hazard rates are in favor of ibandronate longer follow-up is warranted before final conclusions can be drawn.

Citation Format: Vliek SB, Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg E, van Rossum AGJ, Tanis BC, Putter H, van der Velden AWG, Hendriks MP, van Bochove A, van Riet Y, van Leeuwen-Stok AE, Tjan-Heijnen VCG, Kroep JR, Nortier JWR, van de Velde CJH, Linn SC. The efficacy and safety of the addition of ibandronate to adjuvant hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive early breast cancer. First results of the TEAM IIB trial (BOOG 2006-04) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr S6-02.

Vitamin D (25-0H D3) status and pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage II/III breast cancer: Data from the NEOZOTAC trial (BOOG 10-01)

BACKGROUND

Serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D3 (vitamin D) have been shown to be prognostic for disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer. We investigated the predictive value of these levels for pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer taking part in the NEOZOTAC phase-III trial. Additionally, the effect of chemotherapy on vitamin D levels was studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum vitamin D was measured at baseline and before the last cycle of chemotherapy. The relationship between these measurements and clinical outcome, as defined by pathological complete response in breast and lymph nodes (pCR) was examined.

RESULTS

Baseline and end of treatment vitamin D data were available in 169 and 91 patients, respectively. Median baseline vitamin D values were 58.0 nmol/L. In patients treated with chemotherapy only, serum vitamin D levels decreased during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (median decrease of 16 nmol/L, P = 0.003). The prevalence of vitamin D levels < 50 nmol/L increased from 38.3% at baseline to 55.9% after chemotherapy. In the total population, baseline and end of therapy vitamin D levels were not related to pathological response. No associations were found between pCR and vitamin D level changes.

CONCLUSION

The significant decrease in vitamin D post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy suggests that vitamin D levels should be monitored and in case of decrease of vitamin D levels, correction may be beneficial for skeletal health and possibly breast cancer outcome.

Abstract P3-06-50: Thyroid function is associated with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: Results from the NEOZOTAC trial on behalf of the Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG 2010-01)

Background: Thyroid hormones, regulators of metabolism and development in healthy tissue, stimulate tumor growth in vitro and are associated with breast cancer risk. We investigated the effect of chemotherapy on thyroid function and the extent to which it can predict the pathological response in patients with HER2 negative stage II/III breast cancer taking part in the NEOZOTAC phase III trial, randomizing between 6 cycles of neoadjuvant TAC chemotherapy with or without additional zoledronic acid. Moreover, we examined the impact of thyroid function on chemotherapy toxicity.

Methods: Serum samples of 38 of the 105 patients who participated in the side study of the NEOZOTAC trial were available for analyses. Serum free thyroxin (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured at baseline and compared with fT4 and TSH levels before the 2nd and 6th chemotherapy cycle. FT4 and TSH levels were also compared between subjects with and without pathological complete response (pCR). The relation between toxicity, per side effect of any CTC grade, and the variation in fT4 and TSH levels during chemotherapy was tested.

Results: Serum samples at baseline, before the 2nd chemotherapy cycle and at end of treatment were available for 31, 30 and 21 patients, respectively. In the total population, the mean baseline fT4 level was 16,0pmol/L and the mean TSH level 1,11mU/L. There were no differences between subjects solely treated with TAC chemotherapy and subjects treated with zoledronic acid as an adjunct to TAC with respect to the mean fT4 and TSH at each time point. Baseline TSH levels tended to be higher in patients who achieved pCR (p=0.035 univariate analysis and p=0.074 multivariate analysis) (Table 1). During 6 cycles of chemotherapy, fT4 levels decreased (p&lt;0.000) and TSH levels increased significantly (p=0.019). Interestingly, the decrease of fT4 was significantly greater in patients without nausea, vomiting or sensory neuropathy, than in patients with those side effects (p=0.037, p=0.043 and p=0.050 respectively).

CharacteristicUnivariate analysisMultivariate analysis OR95%CIP valueOR95%CIP valueN stage: N0 vs. N+0.330.03-3.640.368T stage: &lt;5cm vs. &gt;5cm0.330.03-3.630.333ER receptor: Pos vs. Neg2.560.20-33.10.473fT40.780.43-1.420.4170.660.33-1.290.581TSH3.241.09-9.700.03517.30.76-3910.074Table 1. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models of baseline characteristics and TSH and fT4 predictive of pCR.

Conclusion: TSH levels at baseline were higher in breast cancer patients with pCR. Chemotherapy blunts thyroid function, and a large decline of fT4 was associated with less side effects. These data suggest that thyroid hormones may interact with chemotherapy to modulate treatment (side-) effects in patients with breast cancer.

Citation Format: S de Groot, A Charehbili, L GM Janssen, E M Dijkgraaf, V THBM Smit, L W Kessels, A van Bochove, H WM van Laarhoven, E Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg, A E van Leeuwen-Stok, G J Liefers, C JH van de Velde, J WR Nortier, J JM van der Hoeven, H Pijl, J R Kroep. Thyroid function is associated with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: Results from the NEOZOTAC trial on behalf of the Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG 2010-01) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-06-50.

Randomised Phase III study of biweekly 24-h infusion of high-dose 5FU with folinic acid and oxaliplatin versus monthly plus 5-FU/folinic acid in first-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

A phase III study was started to compare oxaliplatin/5FU/LV in the first-line with bolus FU/LV in metastatic colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

302 patients were randomised and received bolus 5-FU 425 mg/m(2) day 1-5, FA 20 mg/m(2) day 1-5, q 4 wk or oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2), 2 h-infusion, FA 200 mg/m(2), 1-h infusion. 5-FU 2600 mg/m(2), 24-h infusion day 1, q 2 wk. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR).

RESULTS

The median follow-up is 31.8 months, 90.4% of the patients have died. Confirmed RR, progression free survival (PFS; months) and median overall survival (OS; months) in 5FU/LV versus 5FU/LV/oxaliplatin were respectively 18.5% versus (vs) 33.8% (P = 0.004), 5.6 vs 6.7 (P = 0.016) and 13.3 vs 13.8 (P = 0.619). In the 5FU/LV/oxaliplatin arm less grade (3/4) toxicity was measured for diarrhoea, stomatitis, an increase in idiosyncratic side effects and neurosensory events compared with 5FU/LV. The quality of life (QOL) was equal in both arms. Second line treatment was given in 62% of the patients, crossover of 5FU/LV to 5FU/LV/oxaliplatin occurred in 14%.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxaliplatin in the first-line resulted in an increased RR and PFS with less grade 3/4 mucositis/diarrhoea compared with 5FU/LV alone. Idiosyncratic side effects deserve attention with oxaliplatin. Despite a low treatment cross over rate, OS in both groups was comparable.

Concurrent chemotherapy (carboplatin, paclitaxel, etoposide) and involved-field radiotherapy in limited stage small cell lung cancer: a Dutch multicenter phase II study

To improve the prognosis of limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) the addition of concurrent thoracic radiotherapy to a platinum-containing regimen is important. In the Netherlands, we initiated a multicenter, phase II study, of the combination of four cycles of carboplatin (AUC 5), paclitaxel (200 mg m⁻²) and etoposide (2 × 50 mg orally for 5 days) combined with 45 Gy (daily fractions of 1.8 Gy). The radiation was given to the involved field and concurrently with the second and third chemotherapy cycle. Patients with a partial or complete response received prophylactic cranial irradiation to a dose of 30 Gy. From January 1999 to December 2001, 37 of the 38 patients with LS-SCLC entered were eligible for toxicity analysis and response. Grade 3 and 4 haematological toxicity occurred in 57% (21/37) with febrile neutropenia in 24% (9/37). There were no treatment-related deaths or other grade 4 toxicity. Grade 3 toxicities were oesophagitis (27%), radiation pneumonitis (6%), anorexia (14%), nausea (16%), dyspnea (19%) and lethargy (22%). The objective response rate was 92% (95% confidence interval (CI) 80–98%) with a median survival time of 19.5 months (95% CI 12.8–29.2). The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rate was 70, 47 and 27%, respectively. In field local recurrences occurred in six patients. Distant metastases were observed in 19 patients of which 13 in the brain. This study indicates that combination chemotherapy with concurrent involved-field radiation therapy is an effective treatment for LS-SCLC. Despite PCI, the brain remained the most important site of recurrence.

Effects of early intervention with epoetin alfa on transfusion requirement, hemoglobin level and survival during platinum-based chemotherapy: Results of a multicenter randomised controlled trial

This work was conducted to evaluate the effect of early intervention with epoetin alfa (EPO) on transfusion requirements, hemoglobin level (Hb), quality of life (QOL) and to explore a possible relationship between the use of EPO and survival, in patients with solid tumors receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Three hundred and sixteen patients with Hb12.1g/dL were randomised 2:1 to EPO 10000 IU thrice weekly subcutaneously (n = 211) or best supportive care (BSC) (n = 105). The primary end point was proportion of patients transfused while secondary end points were changes in Hb and QOL. The protocol was amended before the first patient was recruited to also prospectively collect survival data. EPO therapy significantly decreased transfusion requirements (P < 0.001) and increased Hb (P < 0.005). EPO-treated patients had significantly improved QOL compared with BSC patients (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed no differences in 12-month survival (P = 0.39), despite a significantly greater number of patients with metastatic disease in the EPO group (78% vs. 61%, P = 0.001). EPO was well tolerated. This study has shown that early intervention with EPO can result in a significant reduction of transfusion requirements and increases in Hb and QOL in patients with mild anemia during platinum-based chemotherapy.

A phase I dose-escalating study of docetaxel plus folinic acid and 5-fluorouracil in anthracycline-pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Since the need for nonanthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimens increases with the increased use of anthracyclines in earlier stages of breast cancer, we investigated the feasibility of the combination of docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with folinic acid (FA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Anthracycline-pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer were eligible. Docetaxel was administered as a one-hour infusion every three weeks on day 1, FA 500 mg/m2 (fixed dose) as a two-hour infusion on days 1 and 15 and 5-FU as a 24-hour infusion on days 1 and 15. The dose levels tested were (docetaxel/5FU in mg/m2): 60/1800, 75/1800, 85/1800, 100/1800, and 100/2100.

RESULTS

Altogether 28 patients were accrued and treated in this multicentre open-label study. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were not observed at dose level I, and in two patients in each of the higher dose levels. DLTs observed were grade III/IV infection (n=4), febrile neutropenia (n=2), diarrhoea (n=1) and erythema (n=1). Partial responses were observed in 10 out of 24 evaluable patients (42%, 95% confidence interval 22.1 to 63.4%). Dose escalation beyond the highest dose level (100/2100) was deemed inappropriate, because these dose levels correspond to recommended dose levels for each drug as a single agent.

CONCLUSION

Combination of docetaxel (100 mg/m2, one-hour infusion q3 weeks on day 1), FA (500 mg/m2, two-hour infusion on days 1 and 15) and 5-FU (2100 mg/m2, 24-hour infusion on days 1 and 15) is a feasible regimen with encouraging activity in anthracycline-pretreated patients.

[Colonic varices: an unusual cause of occult blood loss]

A man aged 81 known to suffer from atrial fibrillation - the treatment for which included acetylsalicylic acid - and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was hospitalized because of a respiratory infection. Since he had iron deficiency anaemia and the case history mentioned "intestinal bleeding', supplementary examinations were carried out. Endoscopy revealed colonic varices; because of the absence of portal hypertension and other disorders related to colonic varices, the varices were classified as idiopathic. In view of the extensiveness of the lesions, it was decided to refrain from endoscopic sclerotherapy and to adopt an expectative policy.

The pharmacokinetic plasma profile of mitomycin C, measured after sequential intermittent intravenous administration

The pharmacokinetic plasma profile of mitomycin C (MMC) was studied during sequential courses in man. MMC was given repeatedly as i.v. bolus injections at fixed dose levels to the same patient either as a single agent or as part of different combination chemotherapy regimens. Large interindividual variations between the various pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between average pharmacokinetic parameters when comparing the first and the second MMC injection, except for the total body clearance (Cltot). The Cltot was higher for the second injection when compared to the first injection in a group of patients who received MMC as a single agent (10 patients). For a group of patients receiving MMC as part of a combination therapy the average values of Cltot of the first when compared to the second injection were not statistically different (nine patients). This observation could not be correlated with clinical observations on toxicities.