European clinical practice guidelines for the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of oligometastatic esophagogastric cancer (OMEC-4)

INTRODUCTION

The OligoMetastatic Esophagogastric Cancer (OMEC) project aims to provide clinical practice guidelines for the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of esophagogastric oligometastatic disease (OMD).

METHODS

Guidelines were developed according to AGREE II and GRADE principles. Guidelines were based on a systematic review (OMEC-1), clinical case discussions (OMEC-2), and a Delphi consensus study (OMEC-3) by 49 European expert centers for esophagogastric cancer. OMEC identified patients for whom the term OMD is considered or could be considered. Disease-free interval (DFI) was defined as the time between primary tumor treatment and detection of OMD.

RESULTS

Moderate to high quality of evidence was found (i.e. 1 randomized and 4 non-randomized phase II trials) resulting in moderate recommendations. OMD is considered in esophagogastric cancer patients with 1 organ with ≤ 3 metastases or 1 involved extra-regional lymph node station. In addition, OMD continues to be considered in patients with OMD without progression in number of metastases after systemic therapy. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging is recommended for baseline staging and for restaging after systemic therapy when local treatment is considered. For patients with synchronous OMD or metachronous OMD and a DFI ≤ 2 years, recommended treatment consists of systemic therapy followed by restaging to assess suitability for local treatment. For patients with metachronous OMD and DFI > 2 years, upfront local treatment is additionally recommended.

DISCUSSION

These multidisciplinary European clinical practice guidelines for the uniform definition, diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric OMD can be used to standardize inclusion criteria in future clinical trials and to reduce variation in treatment.

Fruquintinib versus placebo in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (FRESCO-2): an international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of effective systemic therapy options for patients with advanced, chemotherapy-refractory colorectal cancer. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib, a highly selective and potent oral inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) 1, 2, and 3, in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS

We conducted an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study (FRESCO-2) at 124 hospitals and cancer centres across 14 countries. We included patients aged 18 years or older (≥20 years in Japan) with histologically or cytologically documented metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma who had received all current standard approved cytotoxic and targeted therapies and progressed on or were intolerant to trifluridine-tipiracil or regorafenib, or both. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive fruquintinib (5 mg capsule) or matched placebo orally once daily on days 1-21 in 28-day cycles, plus best supportive care. Stratification factors were previous trifluridine-tipiracil or regorafenib, or both, RAS mutation status, and duration of metastatic disease. Patients, investigators, study site personnel, and sponsors, except for selected sponsor pharmacovigilance personnel, were masked to study group assignments. The primary endpoint was overall survival, defined as the time from randomisation to death from any cause. A non-binding futility analysis was done when approximately one-third of the expected overall survival events had occurred. Final analysis occurred after 480 overall survival events. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04322539, and EudraCT, 2020-000158-88, and is ongoing but not recruiting.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 12, 2020, and Dec 2, 2021, 934 patients were assessed for eligibility and 691 were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive fruquintinib (n=461) or placebo (n=230). Patients had received a median of 4 lines (IQR 3-6) of previous systemic therapy for metastatic disease, and 502 (73%) of 691 patients had received more than 3 lines. Median overall survival was 7·4 months (95% CI 6·7-8·2) in the fruquintinib group versus 4·8 months (4·0-5·8) in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·66, 95% CI 0·55-0·80; p<0·0001). Grade 3 or worse adverse events occurred in 286 (63%) of 456 patients who received fruquintinib and 116 (50%) of 230 who received placebo; the most common grade 3 or worse adverse events in the fruquintinib group included hypertension (n=62 [14%]), asthenia (n=35 [8%]), and hand-foot syndrome (n=29 [6%]). There was one treatment-related death in each group (intestinal perforation in the fruquintinib group and cardiac arrest in the placebo group).

INTERPRETATION

Fruquintinib treatment resulted in a significant and clinically meaningful benefit in overall survival compared with placebo in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. These data support the use of fruquintinib as a global treatment option for patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Ongoing analysis of the quality of life data will further establish the clinical benefit of fruquintinib in this patient population.

FUNDING

HUTCHMED.

Definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer: A Delphi consensus study in Europe

BACKGROUND

Local treatment improves the outcomes for oligometastatic disease (OMD, i.e. an intermediate state between locoregional and widespread disseminated disease). However, consensus about the definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop a multidisciplinary European consensus statement on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer.

METHODS

In total, 65 specialists in the multidisciplinary treatment for oesophagogastric cancer from 49 expert centres across 16 European countries were requested to participate in this Delphi study. The consensus finding process consisted of a starting meeting, 2 online Delphi questionnaire rounds and an online consensus meeting. Input for Delphi questionnaires consisted of (1) a systematic review on definitions of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer and (2) a discussion of real-life clinical cases by multidisciplinary teams. Experts were asked to score each statement on a 5-point Likert scale. The agreement was scored to be either absent/poor (<50%), fair (50%-75%) or consensus (≥75%).

RESULTS

A total of 48 experts participated in the starting meeting, both Delphi rounds, and the consensus meeting (overall response rate: 71%). OMD was considered in patients with metastatic oesophagogastric cancer limited to 1 organ with ≤3 metastases or 1 extra-regional lymph node station (consensus). In addition, OMD was considered in patients without progression at restaging after systemic therapy (consensus). For patients with synchronous or metachronous OMD with a disease-free interval ≤2 years, systemic therapy followed by restaging to consider local treatment was considered as treatment (consensus). For metachronous OMD with a disease-free interval >2 years, either upfront local treatment or systemic treatment followed by restaging was considered as treatment (fair agreement).

CONCLUSION

The OMEC project has resulted in a multidisciplinary European consensus statement for the definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancer. This can be used to standardise inclusion criteria for future clinical trials.

Pembrolizumab versus paclitaxel for previously treated PD-L1-positive advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer: 2-year update of the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-061 trial

BACKGROUND

In the phase 3 KEYNOTE-061 study (cutoff: 10/26/2017), pembrolizumab did not significantly prolong OS vs paclitaxel as second-line (2L) therapy in PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 1 gastric/GEJ cancer. We present results in CPS ≥ 1, ≥ 5, and ≥ 10 populations after two additional years of follow-up (cutoff: 10/07/2019).

METHODS

Patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for ≤ 35 cycles or standard-dose paclitaxel. Primary endpoints: OS and PFS (CPS ≥ 1 population). HRs were calculated using stratified Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

366/395 patients (92.7%) with CPS ≥ 1 died. Pembrolizumab demonstrated a trend toward improved OS vs paclitaxel in the CPS ≥ 1 population (HR, 0.81); 24-month OS rates: 19.9% vs 8.5%. Pembrolizumab incrementally increased the OS benefit with PD-L1 enrichment (CPS ≥ 5: HR, 0.72, 24-month rate, 24.2% vs 8.8%; CPS ≥ 10: 0.69, 24-month rate, 32.1% vs 10.9%). There was no difference in median PFS among treatment groups (CPS ≥ 1: HR, 1.25; CPS ≥ 5: 0.98; CPS ≥ 10: 0.79). ORR (pembrolizumab vs paclitaxel) was 16.3% vs 13.6% (CPS ≥ 1), 20.0% vs 14.3% (CPS ≥ 5), and 24.5% vs 9.1% (CPS ≥ 10); median DOR was 19.1 months vs 5.2, 32.7 vs 4.8, and NR vs 6.9, respectively. Fewer treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) occurred with pembrolizumab than paclitaxel (53% vs 84%).

CONCLUSION

In this long-term analysis, 2L pembrolizumab did not significantly improve OS but was associated with higher 24-month OS rates than paclitaxel. Pembrolizumab also increased OS benefit with PD-L1 enrichment among patients with PD-L1-positive gastric/GEJ cancer and led to fewer TRAEs than paclitaxel.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02370498.

Assessment of Pembrolizumab Therapy for the Treatment of Microsatellite Instability-High Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer Among Patients in the KEYNOTE-059, KEYNOTE-061, and KEYNOTE-062 Clinical Trials

Importance

Immunotherapy has been associated with improved outcomes among patients who have received previous treatment for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors.

Objective

To evaluate the antitumor activity of pembrolizumab therapy vs chemotherapy among patients with MSI-H advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancer regardless of the line of therapy in which it was received.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc analysis of the phase 2 KEYNOTE-059 (third-line treatment or higher) single-arm trial and the phase 3 KEYNOTE-061 (second-line treatment) and KEYNOTE-062 (first-line treatment) randomized trials included patients with advanced G/GEJ cancer from 52 sites in 16 countries enrolled in KEYNOTE-059, 148 sites in 30 countries enrolled in KEYNOTE-061, and 200 sites in 29 countries enrolled in KEYNOTE-062. Patients were enrolled from March 2, 2015, to March 26, 2016, in KEYNOTE-059; from June 4, 2015, to July 26, 2016, in KEYNOTE-061; and from September 18, 2015, to May 26, 2017, in KEYNOTE-062, with data cutoff dates of August 8, 2018; October 26, 2017; and March 26, 2019; respectively.

Interventions

Pembrolizumab monotherapy in KEYNOTE-059, pembrolizumab monotherapy or chemotherapy (paclitaxel) in KEYNOTE-061, and pembrolizumab monotherapy, pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine), or chemotherapy alone in KEYNOTE-062.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Response was assessed centrally using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST), version 1.1; MSI-H status was determined centrally by polymerase chain reaction testing.

Results

At data cutoff, 7 of 174 patients (4.0%) in KEYNOTE-059, 27 of 514 patients (5.3%) in KEYNOTE-061, and 50 of 682 patients (7.3%) in KEYNOTE-062 had MSI-H tumors. Among those with MSI-H tumors, the median overall survival was not reached (NR) for pembrolizumab in KEYNOTE-059, KEYNOTE-061, and KEYNOTE-062 or for pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in KEYNOTE-062. The median progression-free survival (PFS) for pembrolizumab was NR (95% CI, 1.1 months to NR) in KEYNOTE-059 and 17.8 months (95% CI, 2.7 months to NR) in KEYNOTE-061 (vs 3.5 months [95% CI, 2.0-9.8 months] for chemotherapy). In KEYNOTE-062, the median PFS was 11.2 months (95% CI, 1.5 months to NR) for pembrolizumab, NR (95% CI, 3.6 months to NR) for pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, and 6.6 months (95% CI, 4.4-8.3 months) for chemotherapy. The objective response rate (ORR) for pembrolizumab was 57.1% in KEYNOTE-059 and 46.7% (vs 16.7% for chemotherapy) in KEYNOTE-061. In KEYNOTE-062, the ORR was 57.1% for pembrolizumab , 64.7% for pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, and 36.8% for chemotherapy.

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings from this study indicate that MSI-H status may be a biomarker for pembrolizumab therapy among patients with advanced G/GEJ cancer regardless of the line of therapy in which it was received.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02335411, NCT02370498, and NCT02494583.

Changes in the quality of care of colorectal cancer in Estonia: a population-based high-resolution study

OBJECTIVES

Large disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) management and survival have been observed across Europe. Despite recent increases, the survival deficit of Estonian patients with CRC persists, particularly for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine diagnostic, staging and treatment patterns of CRC in Estonia, comparing clinical data from 1997 and 2011.

DESIGN

Nationwide population-based retrospective study.

SETTING

Estonia.

PARTICIPANTS

All incident cases of colon and rectal cancer diagnosed in 1997 and 2011 identified from the Estonian Cancer Registry. Clinical data gathered from medical records.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Differences in diagnostic, staging and treatment patterns; 5-year relative survival ratios.

RESULTS

The number of colon cancer cases was 337 in 1997 and 498 in 2011; for rectal cancer, the respective numbers were 209 and 349. From 1997 to 2011, large increases were seen in the use of colonoscopy and lung and liver imaging. Radical resection rate increased from 48% to 59%, but emergency surgeries showed a rise from 18% to 26% in colon and from 7% to 14% in rectal cancer. The proportion of radically operated patients with ≥12 lymph nodes examined pathologically increased from 2% to 58% in colon cancer and from 2% to 50% in rectal cancer. The use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy increased from 6% to 39% among stage II and from 20% to 50% among patients with stage III rectal cancer. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer increased from 42% to 63%. The 5-year RSR increased from 50% to 58% in colon cancer and from 37% to 64% in patients with rectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Major improvements were seen in the diagnostics, staging and treatment of CRC in Estonia contributing to better outcomes. Increase in emergency surgeries highlights possible shortcomings in timely diagnosis and treatment.

Pembrolizumab versus paclitaxel for previously treated patients with PD-L1–positive advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC): Update from the phase III KEYNOTE-061 trial

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Background: KEYNOTE-061 ( NCT02370498) is a global phase 3 study of pembrolizumab vs paclitaxel as second-line therapy for GC. At the time of primary analysis (data cutoff: Oct 26, 2017), in patients with PD-L1–positive status (combined positive score [CPS] ≥1), pembrolizumab did not significantly prolong overall survival (OS) vs paclitaxel (9.1 months vs 8.3 months) but did elicit a longer duration of response (DOR) and a favorable safety profile vs paclitaxel. We present results of KEYNOTE-061 in patients with CPS ≥1, ≥5, and ≥10 after 2 additional years of follow-up (cutoff: Oct 7, 2019). Methods: Adult patients with GC that progressed after platinum + fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy were randomly assigned 1:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles (~2 y) or standard-dose paclitaxel. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) in the CPS ≥1 population were the primary end points. Comparisons were made using stratified log-rank tests. Results: At the time of this analysis, 366/395 patients with CPS ≥1 had died (92.6%). Pembrolizumab prolonged OS vs paclitaxel in PD-L1–positive patients (Table). No significant differences appeared between groups in PFS (Table). Objective response rate (ORR) was higher for pembrolizumab in the CPS ≥10 group, and DOR was longer with pembrolizumab using all CPS cutoffs (Table). There were fewer drug-related adverse events (AEs) with pembrolizumab than paclitaxel in the overall population (53% vs 84%). Conclusions: This long-term analysis found that second-line pembrolizumab prolonged OS among patients with PD-L1–positive GC and led to fewer drug-related AEs vs paclitaxel. Clinical trial information: NCT02370498 . [Table: see text]

Pembrolizumab (pembro) in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancer by line of therapy

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Background: Pembro has demonstrated promising antitumor activity in patients (pts) with advanced G/GEJ cancer with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 and CPS ≥10 irrespective of MSI-H status. Here, we examine the antitumor activity of pembro monotherapy vs chemo in pts with MSI-H, advanced G/GEJ cancer in KEYNOTE (KN)-059 (NCT02335411), KN061 (NCT02370498), and KN062 (NCT02494583). Methods: Eligible pts with advanced G/GEJ cancer with ≥2 prior therapies (KN059 cohort 1; 3L+), 1 prior therapy (KN061; 2L), or no prior therapy (KN062; 1L) were enrolled. In KN059 cohort 1, pts received pembro only. In KN061 pts were randomized to pembro or paclitaxel (chemo), and in KN062 to pembro, pembro + cisplatin+5-FU/cape (chemo), or chemo. Pts received pembro 200 mg Q3W for up to 2 y. MSI-H status was determined centrally by PCR. Endpoints included OS, PFS, ORR, and safety. Data cutoff dates were Aug 8, 2018 (KN059), Oct 26, 2017 (KN061), and Mar 26, 2019 (KN062). Results: At data cutoff, 259 pts (n = 7 [3%] MSI-H) had enrolled in KN059 cohort 1 (3L+), 592 (27 [5%] MSI-H]) in KN061 (2L), and 763 (50 [7%] MSI-H] in KN062 (1L). Median follow-up was 5.6 mo, 7.9 mo, and 11.3 mo, respectively. For the overall study populations, median OS was 5.5 mo for pembro (3L+), 6.7 mo vs 8.3 mo for pembro vs chemo (2L), and 10.6 mo vs 11.0 mo for pembro vs chemo (1L). Median PFS was 2.0 mo (3L+), 1.5 vs 4.1 mo (2L), and 2.0 vs 6.4 mo (1L). ORR was 11.6% (3L+), 11.1% vs 12.5% (2L), and 14.8% vs 37.2% (1L), with median DOR of 16.1 mo, 18.0 vs 5.5 mo, and 13.7 vs 6.8 mo. In pts with MSI-H tumors, OS and PFS were prolonged with pembro vs chemo, with higher ORR (Table). Conclusions: As with PD-L1 expressers, MSI-H status is a predictive biomarker for pembro monotherapy in advanced G/GEJ cancer irrespective of line of therapy. Clinical trial information: (KN)-059 (NCT02335411), KN061 (NCT02370498), and KN062 (NCT02494583). Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.[Table: see text]

Cancer Patients' Symptom Burden and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) at Tertiary Cancer Center from 2006 to 2013: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

To observe changes in symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over 7 years among cancer patients at different stages of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study at the Helsinki University Hospital Cancer Center, was carried out in 2006 and repeated in 2013. All participants filled in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Altogether, 581 patients responded (49% in 2006 and 54% in 2013). The disease was local in 51% and advanced in 49% of patients. The HRQoL was significantly lower, except for emotional and cognitive functions, and the symptom burden more severe in advanced cancer. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (93% and 85%; moderate/severe 22% and 9%), pain (65% and 47%; moderate/severe 16% and 5%), and insomnia (64% and 60%; moderate/severe 20 and 21%), respectively. No changes in HRQoL or symptoms were found at 7 years.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for early integrated palliative care to improve HRQoL during cancer treatments.

Final Analysis of Outcomes and RAS/BRAF Status in a Randomized Phase 3 Study of Panitumumab and Best Supportive Care in Chemorefractory Wild Type KRAS Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Tumor rat sarcoma gene (RAS) status is a negative predictive biomarker for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We analyzed outcomes according to RAS and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) mutational status, and evaluated early tumor shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DpR) for patients with wild type RAS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed metastatic colon or rectum adenocarcinoma, wild type Kristen rat sarcoma gene tumor exon 2 status, clinical/radiologic disease progression or toxicity during irinotecan or oxaliplatin treatment, and no previous anti-EGFR therapy were randomized 1:1 to receive best supportive care (BSC) with or without panitumumab (6.0 mg/kg, intravenously, on day 1 of each 14-day cycle) in this open-label, multicenter, phase III study (20100007). RAS and BRAF mutation status were determined using Sanger sequencing. ETS was evaluated as maximum percentage change from baseline to week 8; DpR was calculated as the percentage change for tumor shrinkage at nadir versus baseline.

RESULTS

Overall, 270 patients had RAS wild type mCRC (panitumumab with BSC, n = 142; BSC, n = 128). For patients with wild type RAS tumors, median overall survival (OS; hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; P = .015) and progression-free survival (PFS; HR, 0.45; P < .0001) were improved with panitumumab with BSC versus BSC. Similar improvements were seen for patients with wild type RAS, and wild type BRAF tumors (OS: HR, 0.75; P = .04; PFS: HR, 0.45; P < .0001). Median DpR was 16.9% for the evaluable panitumumab with BSC wild type RAS population. Overall, 69.5% experienced any type of tumor shrinkage at week 8; 38.2% experienced ≥ 20% shrinkage. Similar improvements in OS and PFS were seen with stratification according to ETS.

CONCLUSION

This analysis showed that panitumumab improved outcomes in wild type RAS mCRC and indicated that ETS and DpR could be used as additional efficacy markers.

Early tumor shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DpR) in wild-type (WT) RAS tumors from the phase III trial of panitumumab (pmab) plus best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC in chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

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Background: Activating RAS mutation is a negative predictor of anti-EGFR therapy. In the final analysis of 20100007, the first phase 3 study to prospectively evaluate efficacy and safety of WT RAS ( KRAS and NRAS exons 2, 3, 4 ) mCRC, pmab + BSC continued to show improved survival (OS and PFS) and ORR. Recent data suggest that tumor burden reduction and ETS may contribute to improved OS. Previous studies have shown that pmab plus chemotherapy results in ETS, which correlates with OS benefit (Douillard et al, EJC, 2015; Rivera et al, JCO, 2015; Mansmann et al, JCO 2013). Here we report analyses of ETS and DpR and the effect on OS in patients (pts) with WT RAS mCRC treated with pmab monotherapy in the ‘0007 trial. Methods: Anti-EGFR naïve pts with WT KRAS exon 2 mCRC were randomized 1:1 to pmab + BSC or BSC. Pt tumors were further evaluated for RAS status, and DpR (percent tumor shrinkage at nadir or progression) and ETS (≥/< 0% or ≥/< 20% by week 8) were analyzed in WT RAS pts. OS and PFS were compared for each ETS group. Results: Of 377 pts with WT KRAS exon 2 mCRC, 270 were WT RAS (142 pmab + BSC, 128 BSC alone). In the pmab + BSC arm, 69.5% and 38.2% of pts had ≥0% and ≥20% ETS, respectively, and median (Q1, Q3) DpR was 16.9% (0%, 37.5%). OS was improved in pts with higher ETS (≥0% or ≥20%) compared with lower ETS (<0% or <20%; Table). Conclusions: In this post-hoc analysis, pmab monotherapy provided any ETS benefit (≥0%) in 69.5% of WT RAS mCRC pts, and ETS was associated with improved PFS and OS. Pmab should be considered both in combination and as monotherapy for its significant impact on OS and also for its ability for substantial ETS in pts with WT RAS mCRC. Validation is necessary to investigate the value and cutoff of ETS in a prospective study. Clinical trial information: NCT01412957. [Table: see text]

An open label, randomized phase III trial evaluating the treatment (tx) effects of panitumumab (pmab) + best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC in chemorefractory wild-type (WT) KRAS exon 2 metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and in WT RAS mCRC

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Background: An overall survival (OS) benefit in WT KRAS exon 2 mCRC was not seen with pmab monotherapy in study 20020408 possibly due to crossover of patients (pts) in the BSC arm. Retrospective analyses have indicated that other KRAS and NRAS mutations beyond KRAS exon 2 are predictive of anti-EGFR tx effects. Study 20100007 assesses the OS benefit of pmab in chemorefractory WT KRAS exon 2 mCRC and is the first phase 3 trial to prospectively evaluate pmab tx effects in WT RAS (exons 2, 3, and 4 of KRAS and NRAS) mCRC. Methods: Anti-EGFR naive pts were randomized 1:1 to receive pmab (6 mg/kg Q2W) + BSC or BSC. KRAS exon 2 and RAS mutation status of tumors were determined centrally. The primary endpoint was OS in WT KRAS exon 2 mCRC. Secondary endpoints were OS in WT RAS mCRC and progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety in both WT KRAS exon 2 and WT RAS groups. Crossover was not permitted. Results: 377 pts with WT KRAS exon 2 mCRC were enrolled. RAS ascertainment rate was 86%. OS was significantly improved with pmab + BSC vs BSC in both WT KRAS exon 2 (HR=0.73, 95% CI=0.57-0.93, P=0.0096) and WT RAS (HR=0.70, 95% CI=0.53-0.93, P=0.0135) mCRC (results in table). Pts with mutant RAS mCRC did not benefit from pmab tx (OS HR=0.99, 95% CI=0.49-2.00). No new safety signals were seen. Conclusions: Pmabsignificantly improved OS in chemorefractory WT KRAS exon 2 mCRC. The tx effects in OS and PFS were more pronounced in those with WT RAS mCRC, further substantiating the importance of RAS testing at diagnosis to best inform the use of pmab to treat mCRC. Clinical trial information: NCT01412957. [Table: see text]

Electrocardiography changes during adjuvant breast cancer therapy: incidence and risk factors

BACKGROUND/AIM

Breast cancer survivors have a higher cardiovascular morbidity/mortality rate, when compared with healthy age-matched general population. Electrocardiography (ECG) changes have been found to be associated with chemo- and radiation therapy. In the present study we investigated changes in ECG patterns following modern adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded at rest three times (prior and after adjuvant therapy) and retrospectively analyzed in 414 breast cancer patients, who participated in the open prospective phase III randomized trial (BREX) of exercise training 2005-2007.

RESULTS

New electrocardiographic changes in the T-wave or ST-segment (depression or elevation) after the adjuvant therapy were recorded in 49 patients (13%). In multivariate analyses, hypertension treated with anti-hypertensive medication was the only significant factor associated with irreversible ECG changes (OR=4.71; 95% CI=1.36-16.38; p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

New irreversible pathological electrocardiographic changes, which acquired during the adjuvant therapy, had a clear relationship with hypertension This patients subgroup needs to be studied further.

Obesity and physical inactivity are related to impaired physical health of breast cancer survivors

AIM

The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of obesity and physical activity on the health and wellbeing of patients with breast cancer shortly after the adjuvant treatments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 537 women aged 35 to 68 years with newly-diagnosed breast cancer were enrolled into the exercise intervention study. The physical activity, physical performance (2-km walking test), cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life (EORTC-QoL-C30), co-morbidities and body-mass index (BMI) were measured after the adjuvant treatments.

RESULTS

Overall, 191 (39%) patients were overweight (BMI=25-30) and 85 (17%) obese (BMI ≥ 30). Physical activity and performance (p<0.001 and p<0.001), QoL (p<0.001) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol decreased (p<0.001) whereas age (p=0.009), co-morbidities (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.011), metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p=0.0043), triglycerides (p<0.001), glucose (p<0.001) and insulin (p<0.001) increased linearly with BMI. Higher waist circumference (p=0.0011), triglyceride (p=0.020), insulin (p=0.0098), rate of metabolic syndrome (p=0.028), and lower HDL-cholesterol (p=0.012) and QoL (p<0.001) were associated with low physical activity. Physical activity and BMI were the most important determinants of physical performance (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are related to poor physical performance, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and impaired QoL, leading to a vicious circle, which impairs patients' physical health and QoL.

Effectiveness of a 12-month exercise program on physical performance and quality of life of breast cancer survivors

AIM

The study aimed at determining whether physical exercise training improves the quality of life (QoL) and physical fitness of breast cancer survivors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 573 breast cancer survivors were randomized into an exercise or a control group, 12-months after adjuvant treatments. EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR-23 questionnaires were used for evaluation of QoL, FACIT-F for fatigue and the Finnish modified version of Beck's 13-item depression scale (RBDI) for depression. Physical fitness was assessed by a 2-km walking test, and a figure-8 running test and physical activity (PA) by metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week (MET-h/wk).

RESULTS

Figure-8 running time improved significantly among the patients of the intervention group compared with the controls (p<0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in 2-km walking time, in PA, EORTC-QLQ-C30, BR-23, FACIT-F or BDI. However, there was a linear relationship between increased PA and improved QoL (p=0.006), irrespective of the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Increase in physical activity was associated with improved QoL, but no effect of the exercise intervention was observed.

Effect of supervised and home exercise training on bone mineral density among breast cancer patients. A 12-month randomised controlled trial

The ability of combined step aerobic- and circuit-training to prevent bone loss after breast cancer treatments was related to skeletal site and patients' menopausal status. Among premenopausal breast cancer survivors, a 12-month exercise intervention completely prevented bone loss at the femoral neck, whereas no exercise effect was seen at lumbar spine or at neither site in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of this randomised clinical trial was to determine the preventive effect of supervised weight-bearing jumping exercises and circuit training on bone loss among breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Of 573 breast cancer survivors aged 35-68 years randomly allocated into exercise or control group after adjuvant treatments, 498 (87%) were included in the final analysis. The 12-month exercise intervention comprised weekly supervised step aerobic- and circuit-exercises and similar home training. Bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine and femoral neck were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance was assessed by 2-km walking and figure-8 running tests, and the amount of physical activity was estimated in metabolic equivalent-hours/week.

RESULTS

In premenopausal women, bone loss at the femoral neck was prevented by exercise, the mean BMD changes being -0.2% among the trainees vs. -1.4% among the controls (p = 0.01). Lumbar bone loss could not be prevented (-1.9% vs. -2.2%). In postmenopausal women, no significant exercise-effect on BMD was found either at the lumbar spine (-1.6% vs. -2.1%) or femoral neck (-1.1% vs. -1.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

This 12-month aerobic jumping and circuit training intervention completely prevented femoral neck bone loss in premenopausal breast cancer patients, whereas no effect on BMD was seen in postmenopausal women.

Quality of life and physical performance and activity of breast cancer patients after adjuvant treatments

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed at investigating the quality of life (QoL) and physical performance and activity, and their interrelations, in Finnish female breast cancer patients shortly after adjuvant treatments.

METHODS

A total of 537 disease-free breast cancer survivors aged 35-68 years were surveyed at the beginning of a one year randomized exercise intervention. The patients were interviewed using EORTC QLQ-C30, FACIT-F, RBDI, and WHQ (for vasomotor symptoms) questionnaires. Physical performance was tested by a 2 km walking test. Physical activity was measured by a questionnaire and a prospective two-week diary. Multivariate analysis was used to study the factors associated with QoL.

RESULTS

About 26% of the patients were rated as depressed, 20.4% as fatigued, and 82% suffered from menopausal symptoms. The global QoL was lower than in general population (69.4 vs 74.7, p<0.001). About 62% of the walking test results were below the population average. Fatigue (p<0.001), depression (p<0.001), body mass index (p = 0.016) and comorbidity (p = 0.032) impaired, and physical activity (p = 0.003) improved QoL. Physical activity level correlated positively to physical performance (r = -0.274, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The QoL of the patients shortly after adjuvant treatments was impaired and the physical performance poor as compared to general population. In particular, depression and fatigue were related to impaired QoL. Physical performance and activity level were the only factors that correlated positively to QoL. Thus, physical exercise could be useful in rehabilitation of cancer survivors, especially for depressed and fatigued patients.