Tisotumab Vedotin in Combination With Carboplatin, Pembrolizumab, or Bevacizumab in Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer: Results From the innovaTV 205/GOG-3024/ENGOT-cx8 Study

PURPOSE

Tissue factor is highly expressed in cervical carcinoma and can be targeted by tisotumab vedotin (TV), an antibody-drug conjugate. This phase Ib/II study evaluated TV in combination with bevacizumab, pembrolizumab, or carboplatin for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (r/mCC).

METHODS

This open-label, multicenter study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03786081) included dose-escalation arms that assessed dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and identified the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of TV in combination with bevacizumab (arm A), pembrolizumab (arm B), or carboplatin (arm C). The dose-expansion arms evaluated TV antitumor activity and safety at RP2D in combination with carboplatin as first-line (1L) treatment (arm D) or with pembrolizumab as 1L (arm E) or second-/third-line (2L/3L) treatment (arm F). The primary end point of dose expansion was objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

A total of 142 patients were enrolled. In dose escalation (n = 41), no DLTs were observed; the RP2D was TV 2 mg/kg plus bevacizumab 15 mg/kg on day 1 once every 3 weeks, pembrolizumab 200 mg on day 1 once every 3 weeks, or carboplatin AUC 5 on day 1 once every 3 weeks. In dose expansion (n = 101), the ORR was 54.5% (n/N, 18/33; 95% CI, 36.4 to 71.9) with 1L TV + carboplatin (arm D), 40.6% (n/N, 13/32; 95% CI, 23.7 to 59.4) with 1L TV + pembrolizumab (arm E), and 35.3% (12/34; 19.7 to 53.5) with 2L/3L TV + pembrolizumab (arm F). The median duration of response was 8.6 months, not reached, and 14.1 months, in arms D, E, and F, respectively. Grade ≥3 adverse events (≥15%) were anemia, diarrhea, nausea, and thrombocytopenia in arm D and anemia in arm F (none ≥15%, arm E).

CONCLUSION

TV in combination with bevacizumab, carboplatin, or pembrolizumab demonstrated manageable safety and encouraging antitumor activity in treatment-naive and previously treated r/mCC.

CINOVA: a phase II study of CPC634 (nanoparticulate docetaxel) in patients with platinum resistant recurrent ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis with limited therapeutic options. Sub-therapeutic intra-tumoral drug concentrations may add to therapy resistance. CPC634 (docetaxel entrapped in CriPec nanoparticles) was designed to enhance tumor accumulation of drug with localized drug release at the target site to increase therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of CPC634 in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

METHODS

According to a Simon 2-stage design trial, the first stage included 13 patients, and 12 patients were enrolled in the second stage. Eligible patients had measurable disease and had progressed ≤6 months after the last platinum-based therapy. Platinum-refractory disease was excluded. In stage 1, the number of previous treatment lines was unlimited; in the second stage, a maximum of two prior lines altogether were allowed. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) V1.1. Secondary endpoints included safety, progression-free survival at 6 months, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) response, and disease control rate.

RESULTS

The patients' median age was 66 years (range 22-77) and most were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III (56%). The median number of previous treatment lines was 3 (range 3-5) in stage I and 2 (range 1-4) in stage II of the study. None of the patients had an objective response, one patient had a CA125 response (5%), and seven patients had stable disease at first evaluation (35%). Median progression-free survival was 1.4 months in stage 1 and 3.0 months in stage 2. Adverse events (all grades) were mainly gastrointestinal in 24 patients (96%), fatigue in 11 (44%), dyspnea in 10 (40%), and infections in 10 (40%) of patients. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 14 patients (36%), including gastrointestinal in 4 (16%), anemia in 3 (12%), and febrile neutropenia, fatigue, chronic kidney disease, dehydration, and hypertension each in 1 (4%) patient. The trial was stopped prematurely due to futility.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with CPC634 was feasible, but without apparent clinical activity in patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Side effects were mainly gastrointestinal in 24 (96%) patients, including nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite, fatigue, anemia, and dyspnea.

Multicentric development and evaluation of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI radiomics models to predict para-aortic lymph node involvement in locally advanced cervical cancer

PURPOSE

To develop machine learning models to predict para-aortic lymph node (PALN) involvement in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) before chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI radiomics combined with clinical parameters.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected 178 patients (60% for training and 40% for testing) in 2 centers and 61 patients corresponding to 2 further external testing cohorts with LACC between 2010 to 2022 and who had undergone pretreatment analog or digital 18F-FDG PET/CT, pelvic MRI and surgical PALN staging. Only primary tumor volumes were delineated. Radiomics features were extracted using the Radiomics toolbox®. The ComBat harmonization method was applied to reduce the batch effect between centers. Different prediction models were trained using a neural network approach with either clinical, radiomics or combined models. They were then evaluated on the testing and external validation sets and compared.

RESULTS

In the training set (n = 102), the clinical model achieved a good prediction of the risk of PALN involvement with a C-statistic of 0.80 (95% CI 0.71, 0.87). However, it performed in the testing (n = 76) and external testing sets (n = 30 and n = 31) with C-statistics of only 0.57 to 0.67 (95% CI 0.36, 0.83). The ComBat-radiomic (GLDZM_HISDE_PET_FBN64 and Shape_maxDiameter2D3_PET_FBW0.25) and ComBat-combined (FIGO 2018 and same radiomics features) models achieved very high predictive ability in the training set and both models kept the same performance in the testing sets, with C-statistics from 0.88 to 0.96 (95% CI 0.76, 1.00) and 0.85 to 0.92 (95% CI 0.75, 0.99), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiomic features extracted from pre-CRT analog and digital 18F-FDG PET/CT outperform clinical parameters in the decision to perform a para-aortic node staging or an extended field irradiation to PALN. Prospective validation of our models should now be carried out.

Randomized phase II BGOG/ENGOT-cx1 study of paclitaxel-carboplatin with or without nintedanib in first-line recurrent or advanced cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

Nintedanib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting, among others, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. The aim was to establish the role of nintedanib in addition to paclitaxel and carboplatin in first-line recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer.

METHODS

Double-blind phase II randomized study in patients with first-line recurrent or primary advanced (FIGO stage IVB) cervical cancer. Patients received carboplatin-paclitaxel with oral nintedanib 200 mg BID/placebo. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 1.5 years and α = 0.15, β = 80%, one sided.

RESULTS

120 patients (62 N, 58C) were randomized. Median follow-up was 35 months. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups (total population: squamous cell carcinoma 62%, prior radiotherapy 64%, primary advanced 25%, recurrent 75%). The primary endpoint was met with a PFS at 1.5 years of 15.1% versus 12.8% in favor of the nintedanib arm (p = 0.057). Median overall survival (OS) was 21.7 and 16.4 months for N and C, respectively. Confirmed RECIST response rate was 48% for N and 39% for C. No new adverse events were noted for N. However, N was associated with numerically more serious adverse events for anemia and febrile neutropenia. Global health status during and at the end of the study was similar in both arms.

CONCLUSION

The study met its primary endpoint with a prolonged PFS in the N arm. No new safety signals were observed.

Outcome analysis of HDR compared to PDR IGABT in locally advanced cervical cancer: a single-center cohort analysis

PURPOSE

This monocentric study aimed to assess the impact of technical advancement in brachytherapy (BT) on local control (LC) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

METHODS

Since 2010, 211 patients with LACC have been treated with 45/50.4 Gy or 60 Gy radiochemotherapy (RTCT) followed by image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) at the authors' institution. In 2013, combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (BT IC/IS) was implemented and in 2018, pulsed-dose-rate BT (PDR-BT) was replaced by high-dose-rate BT (HDR-BT). LC, CSS, and morbidity according to the RTOG/EORTC scoring system were analyzed. Dose-volume parameters for the high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) and organs at risk (OAR) were reported.

RESULTS

While 27 (12.8%) patients died of LACC, complete local remission was achieved in 199 (94.3%). Local relapse decreases with a high D95 in the HRCTV (hazard ratio, HR = 0.85, p = 0.0024). D95 in the HRCTV is lower after 60 Gy even if interstitial BT is used. Mean D95 in the HRCTV is 78.2 Gy, 83.3 Gy, and 83.4 Gy with PDR-BT IC, PDR-BT IC/IS, and HDR-BT IC/IS, respectively, after 45/50.4 Gy. D2 cc of OARs is significantly reduced by using interstitial BT. The mean rectum and sigmoid D2 cc are about 61.5 Gy with PDR-BT IC/IS and significantly decreased with HDR-BT IC/IS. This translates into a low fistula incidence. A very low rate of severe gastrointestinal (3.4%) and genitourinary (2.3%) toxicity was observed with HDR-BT IC/IS.

CONCLUSION

This large monocentric study provides further evidence that implementation of BT IC/IS has an impact on D95 in the HRCTV, LC, and CSS. There are no differences between HDR and PDR in terms of efficacy, D95 in the HRCTV, and toxicity grade ≥ 3.

Bilateral breast desmoid-type fibromatosis, case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Breast desmoid-type fibromatosis (BDF) is a rare mesenchymal tumor accounting for only 0.2% of solid breast tumors. It is classified as an intermediate tumor because it is locally aggressive but has no metastatic potential. Its diagnosis is often difficult because it shares many clinical and radiologic aspects with breast carcinomas and therefore relies on anatomopathological analysis which may be supplemented by genetic analysis. The treatment of BDF has considerably evolved in the past years. While surgery was the cornerstone of the management prior to the 2000s, recent data have shown the value of active surveillance (AS) from the time of diagnosis. Indeed, after 2 years of AS, the progression-free survival (PFS) of the disease is identical or superior to surgery. Moreover, spontaneous regression has been observed in 30% of patients undergoing AS. In case of disease progression, surgery can be considered on a case-by-case basis, as well as systemic treatments.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of bilateral BDF affecting a 20-year-old woman for whom the first suggested treatment was bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. After a second opinion, the decision was revised and AS was initiated. Almost 3 years after the onset of AS, tumors have shown a continuous regression.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates the need for experience in the management of mesenchymal tumors to avoid overtreatment by mutilating surgeries which promote recurrence. Moreover, to our knowledge, very few cases of bilateral BDF have been published to date. It thus seemed relevant for us to report this rare case which supports the interest of AS for DF, as recently advised by the Desmoid Tumor Working Group guidelines.

Recurrent or primary metastatic cervical cancer: current and future treatments

Despite screening programs for early detection and the approval of human papillomavirus vaccines, around 6% of women with cervical cancer (CC) are discovered with primary metastatic disease. Moreover, one-third of the patients receiving chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy for locally advanced disease will have a recurrence. At the end, the vast majority of recurrent or metastatic CC not amenable to locoregional treatments are considered incurable disease with very poor prognosis. Historically, cisplatin monotherapy, then a combination of cisplatin and paclitaxel were considered the standard of care. Ten years ago, the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy demonstrated favorable data in terms of response rate and overall survival. Even with this improvement, novel therapies are needed for the treatment of recurrent CC in first as well as later lines. In the last decades, a better understanding of the interactions between human papillomavirus infection and the host immune system response has focused interest on the use of immunotherapeutic drugs in CC patients. Indeed, immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, and others) have recently emerged as novel therapeutic pillars that could provide durable responses with impact on overall survival in patients in the primary (in addition to chemotherapy) or recurrent (monotherapy) settings. Tisotumab vedotin, an antibody–drug conjugate targeting the tissue factor, is another emerging drug. Several trials in monotherapy or in combination with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or bevacizumab showed very promising results. There is a high need for more potent biomarkers to better accurately determine which patients would receive the greatest benefit from all these aforementioned drugs, but also to identify patients with specific molecular characteristics that could benefit from other targeted therapies. The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network identified several genes significantly mutated, potentially targetable. These molecular data have highlighted the molecular heterogeneity of CC.

•

The majority of recurrent or metastatic CCs are considered incurable disease.

•

Combination of chemotherapy with bevacizumab and pembrolizumab (PD-L1 CPS ≥1) is the new standard of care in first line.

•

Tisotumab vedotin, an antibody–drug conjugate targeting the tissue factor, is another emerging drug.

•

Need for more potent biomarkers to accurately determine which patients would receive the greatest benefit from these drugs.

Homologous recombination repair deficiency (HRD) testing in newly diagnosed advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer: A Belgian expert opinion

Ovarian cancer (OC) has a poor prognosis as most patients present with non-specific symptoms and the disease is mostly diagnosed at advanced stages. Approximately 90% of cases are classified as epithelial OC (EOC), a category comprising histologically and molecularly distinct tumours. Identifying reliable biomarkers and employing personalised therapies in OC subgroups is crucial for battling the disease. EOCs are often characterised by homologous recombination repair deficiency (HRD), frequently caused by inactivation of the breast cancer susceptibility (BRCA) genes. These findings have led to the development of poly- (adenosine diphosphate [ADP])- ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), which are synthetically lethal to HRD tumour cells. Both patients with HRD and non-HRD tumours can benefit from PARPi therapy in the recurrent setting. Moreover, recent phase III trials in patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage OC have demonstrated greater clinical benefit from PARPi in treating HRD than non-HRD tumours. These findings offer new opportunities for the use of PARPi as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy based on the presence of HRD. In the current article, we provide recommendations for HRD testing and treatment of patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage EOC.

Prospective non-interventional BELOVA/BGOG-ov16 study on safety of frontline bevacizumab in elderly patients with FIGO stage IV ovarian cancer: a study of the Belgian and Luxembourg Gynaecological Oncology Group

Objective

Because elderly patients with ovarian cancer are underrepresented in randomized studies, this study aimed to expand our knowledge on the safety and effectiveness of frontline treatment with bevacizumab in combination with standard carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy in patients aged 70 years and older with a diagnosis of Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IV ovarian cancer in routine clinical practice in Belgium.

Methods

Patients aged 70 years and older with FIGO stage IV ovarian cancer were included in a multicenter, non-interventional prospective study

to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatment with bevacizumab in combination with frontline carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. Comprehensive geriatric assessments were performed at baseline and during treatment.

Results

The most frequently reported adverse events for bevacizumab were hypertension (55%), epistaxis (32%) and proteinuria (21%). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of progression-free survival was 14.5 months. The results of the comprehensive geriatric assessments during treatment indicated a slight improvement in the geriatric eight health status screening tool score for general health status and the mini-nutritional assessment score for nutritional status. The median change from baseline score was close to zero for the instruments measuring independency, activity of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and for the mobility-tiredness test measuring self-perceived fatigue.

Conclusions

No new safety signals were registered in this study in patients aged 70 years and older treated with bevacizumab and frontline carboplatin and paclitaxel for FIGO stage IV ovarian cancer. Elderly patients should not be excluded from treatment for advanced ovarian cancer based on age alone.

EU PAS register

ENCEPP/SDPP/13849.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT02393898.

[Aseptic loosening after knee mega-prostheses]

The use of mega-joint prostheses has become common practice in the field of reconstructive orthopedic surgery. These new implants are considered as the gold standard for reconstruction after joint and periarticular tumor and bone resections. The placement of these prostheses makes it possible, compared to an amputation, to preserve the pathological limb, but also to be able to ensure a solid assembly allowing immediate support and a quick functional recovery. However, the incidence of various complications following the placement of these implants remains higher compared to conventional joint replacement surgery. The most frequent can be classified into two distinct categories: mechanical and non-mechanical complications.

956 Retifanlimab (INCMGA00012) in patients with recurrent MSI-H or dMMR endometrial cancer: results from the POD1UM-101 study

Background

Management of patients with recurrent endometrial cancer after failure on platinum-based therapy remains a clinical challenge. Retifanlimab (INCMGA00012) is an investigational humanized immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1). We previously reported encouraging results from a preplanned interim analysis in patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) recurrent endometrial cancer treated with retifanlimab in POD1UM-101 [1]. Here, we provide top-line results from the full cohort of patients in the POD1UM-101 study.

Methods

Eligible patients have histologically proven, unresectable recurrent MSI-H or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) endometrial cancer (per local testing), ECOG PS ≤1, disease progression during or following 1 to ≤5 prior systemic treatments, measurable disease (per RECIST v1.1), and are naïve to prior immune checkpoint inhibitors. MSI-H and dMMR status were centrally confirmed using PCR and IHC, respectively. Patients receive retifanlimab 500 mg every 4 weeks for up to 2 years. The primary study endpoint is safety. Confirmed best overall response and duration of response (DOR) were evaluated by independent central review (ICR) using RECIST v1.1.

Results

As of July 6, 2021, 76 patients with centrally confirmed MSI-H (65 [85.5%]) or dMMR (11 [14.5%]) endometrial cancer had received ≥1 dose of retifanlimab; median age was 67.0 (49–88) years, 70 (92.1%) had endometrioid histology, 67 (88.2%) had metastatic disease, and 61 (80.3%) had visceral metastases. Sixty-eight (89.5%) patients had prior surgery or procedure, 54 (71.1%) patients were treated with radiotherapy, and 75 (98.7%) patients had received prior systemic therapy for advanced disease (33 [43.4%] received ≥2 prior systemic therapies for advanced disease). Median retifanlimab exposure was 7.4 (0.03–23.0) months. At data cutoff, 2 (2.6%) patients completed treatment and 30 (39.5%) were on treatment. Grade ≥3 treatment emergent AEs (TEAEs) occurred in 33 (43.4%) patients, including 10 (13.2%) with anemia and 7 (9.2%) with an immune-related AE (nephritis, n=2; autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis, myositis, rash, and pneumonitis, n=1 each). There were no treatment-related AEs with fatal outcome. Centrally confirmed objective responses were observed in 33 (43.4%) patients (95% CI, 32.1–55.3), with 11 (14.5%) complete and 22 (28.9%) partial responses. Of the 33 patients with objective response, 25 (75.8%) had DOR for ≥6 months; median DOR was not reached. Median follow-up time for response was 8.4 (range, 1.9–28.3) months.

Conclusions

Retifanlimab was well tolerated and demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity in patients with pretreated recurrent MSI-H or dMMR endometrial cancer, consistent with that achieved with other PD-1 therapies.

Acknowledgements

This study is sponsored by Incyte Corporation (Wilmington, DE).

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials

gov NCT03059823, EudraCT 2017-000865-63

Reference

Berton-Rigaud D, et al. J ImmunoTher Cancer 2020;8(Suppl 3):A164–A165 [Abstract 268].

Ethics Approval

This study was approved by institutional review boards or independent ethics committees in Belgium (Aan de Commissie Medische Ethiek University Hospitals Leuven [CEC: S62335]; Ethics Committee of Hospital-Faculty University of Liège [LEC: 2019/48]); Bulgaria (Ethics Committee for Clinical Trials, Sofia [RA: IAL-24443/08.06.2017; CEC: КИ-80/08.06.2017]); Finland (HUS Tutkimuseettiset toimikunnat Biomedicum Helsinki [RA: KLnro 124/2019]); France (CPP Île-de-France X Hôpital, Aulnay-sous-Bois cedex [RA: MED MSA NAT-2019-08-00080; CEC: CN-RIPH 19.02.17.56415/CPP 27-2019]); Germany (Ethik-Kommission der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg [RA: 3102/012; EC: 506/18]; Ethics Committee at the Technical University of Dresden, Dresden [RA: 3102/012; EC: EK 4854 AB]; Ethics Committee of the State of Berlin, Berlin [RA: 3102/012; EC: 17/0411 EK 12/15]); Italy (Comitato Etico del Policlinico Gemelli Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ”Agostino Gemelli”, Roma (RM) [no approval number issued by RA or EC]; Comitato Etico IRCCS di Candiolo, Candiolo-TO [no approval number issued by RA or EC]); Latvia (Ethics Committee for Clinical Research at Development Society of Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga [no approval number issued by RA or EC]); Lithuania (Lithuanian Bioethics Committee, Vilnius [no approval number issued by RA or EC]); Poland (Komisja Bioetyczna przy Uniwersytecie Medycznym, Poznań [RA: UR.DBL.474.0350.2017; CEC: 622/17]); Spain (Comité de Ética de Investigación con Medicamentos, Madrid Centro Actividades Ambulatoria [RA: 17-073 (Locator: 2VK42NE57D); CEC: 17/211]); Ukraine (Ethical Committee at Prykarpatsky Regional Clinical Oncology Center of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Rada, Ivano-Frankivsk [no approval number issued by RA or EC]); United States (IntegReview IRB, Austin, TX [no approval number issued by IRB]; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Review Board, Houston, TX [no approval number issued by IRB]).

Oncological patients' reactions to COVID-19 pandemic: A single institution prospective study

Background

The spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a rapid reorganization in all human and hospital activities, with impact on cancer patients.

Aim

An analysis of cancer patients fears, and awareness of COVID‐19 has been done in this study.

Methods and results

We analyzed cancer patients' reactions to the pandemic and their perception of oncological care reorganization, through a 12‐item survey, proposed at the peak of pandemic and 3 months later. Overall, 237 patients were included in the study. During the peak of pandemic 34.6% of patients were more worried about COVID‐19 than cancer versus 26.4% in the post‐acute phase (p = .013). Although 49.8% of patients in the acute phase and 42.3% in the post‐acute phase considered their risk of death if infected ≥50%, and more than 70% of patients thought to be at higher risk of complications, the majority of them did not consider the possibility to stop or delay their treatment. Patients were more interested in following news about COVID‐19 than cancer and they complied with all preventive measures in more than 90% of the cases.

Conclusions

Although cancer patients worried about COVID‐19 and evaluated the risk of complication or death due to COVID‐19 as extremely high, they were still asking for the best oncological treatment.

[Locally-advanced cervix cancer : multidisciplinary management]

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and is linked in over 95 % of cases to papillomavirus infection, the incidence of which has fallen in recent years due to screening and vaccination. Almost half of these cancers are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage with an overall 5-year survival of around 65 %. In recent decades, the management strategy of these locally advanced cancers has changed considerably and has allowed the improvement of survival but above all of local control as well as the reduction of toxicity, due to the implementation of imaging. Standard treatment consists of external beam radiation therapy combined with concomitant chemotherapy followed by intrauterine brachytherapy. The role of neo-adjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy is still being evaluated. New therapeutic approaches (particularly immunotherapy) in addition to standard treatment are also being studied.

Optimal treatment in locally advanced cervical cancer

Introduction: Locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009/2018 - stages IB2-IVA/IB3-IVA, respectively) is treated using a multimodal approach that includes chemoradiotherapy followed by brachytherapy.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the progress made over the past decade in the treatment of LACC. Prognostic factors, FIGO classification and the role of imaging staging will be discussed. Efficacy of external-beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy and chemotherapy will be detailed. Indications for para-aortic staging lymphadenectomy and adjuvant hysterectomy, as well as follow-up and special population, will be covered.Expert opinion: The initial workup is one of the most crucial steps in the optimal care of patients, which should be realized by a multidisciplinary expert team. With the implementation of modern conformal radiotherapy techniques, the local control rate has been optimized. Nevertheless, 40% of patients experience recurrence with distant metastasis and a dismal prognosis. Currently, a clear benefit of neo- and adjuvant chemotherapy has not been established. The future likely involves (1) improved selection of patients for whom treatment intensification is justified, (2) a combination of new drugs with chemoradiation that are currently being tested in trials, and (3) the development of tailored treatment based on molecular characteristics.

Recurrent cardiac intimal sarcoma misdiagnosed as a myxoma or malignant transformation of a cardiac myxoma?

Cardiac intimal sarcoma is extremely rare and aggressive primary malignant cardiac tumors. Here, we reported the case of a young man initially operated for a tumor of the left atrium, causing a dynamic obstruction of the mitral valve and (mis-)diagnosed as a myxoma at the histopathological analysis. Patient presented a local recurrence at 3 months and was reoperated. Pathology revealed this time the presence of an intimal sarcoma. Patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite a good local control, the 1-year follow-up positron emission tomography scan revealed the presence of a metastasis in the left adrenal gland that was surgically resected. This article aims to highlight the risk of misdiagnosis in case of cardiac tumors, the hypothetical concept of malignant transformation of a cardiac myxoma, the aggressive course of the extremely rare cardiac intimal sarcoma, and the therapeutic modalities available to treat this pathology.

Tumor total lesion glycolysis and number of positive pelvic lymph nodes on pretreatment positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) predict survival in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of metabolic parameters obtained at pretreatment [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. We hypothesize that these metabolic parameters could optimize the treatment decision and thus favor the outcome of patients suffering locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods

Patients with locally advanced cervical cancer underwent pretreatment PET/CT. Standard uptake values (maximum, mean, peak), metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis were measured in the tumor and in the hypermetabolic pelvic lymph nodes. The relationship between clinical, pathological, and PET/CT metabolic parameters with recurrence-free survival and overall survival was assessed by Cox regression analysis.

Results

115 patients with a median age of 52 years (range 23–77) presented with locally advanced cervical cancer. After a mean follow-up of 33.0 months after initiation of therapy, 26 patients (22.6%) recurred of which 17 patients had distant metastasis; 18 (15.7%) patients died. Recurrence-free survival at 2 and 5 years was 79.2% and 72.2%, respectively. The total lesion glycolysis of the tumor and the delay between diagnosis and treatment were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival in the multivariate analysis (HR 1.00, p=0.004, and HR 2.04, p=0.02, respectively). Only the total lesion glycolysis of the tumor ≥373.54 (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.15 to 5.38; p=0.02) remained significant after log rank testing. Overall survival at 2 and 5 years was 91.7% and 68.8%, respectively. The number of PET-positive pelvic lymph nodes was the only independent prognostic factor for overall survival in the multivariate analysis (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.81; p=0.003).

Conclusion

Tumor total lesion glycolysis and the number of positive pelvic lymph nodes on pretreatment PET/CT appear to be independent prognostic factors for recurrence and survival in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. This may help to select patients who may benefit from therapeutic optimization and closer surveillance.

Correlation between hematological parameters and outcome in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated by concomitant chemoradiotherapy

Background

Hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) blood counts may be correlated with outcomes in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods

Hb, WBC, and PMN counts were measured at diagnosis and during concomitant cisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in a retrospective sample of 103 patients between 2010 and 2017. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were also recorded. The associations between hematological variables and patient overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were assessed by Cox regression models.

Results

The 3‐year OS and RFS rates were 81.4% and 76.8%, respectively. In addition to tumor size and smoking, OS and RFS were found to be significantly associated with changes in WBC and PMN counts from the first to the last cisplatin cycle. Hb count throughout the treatment and RBC transfusions were not predictive of outcome.

Conclusions

This study found no association between Hb count or RBC transfusions and outcome. The daily practice of maintaining the Hb count above 12 g/dL during CCRT should be weighed against the potential risks of transfusions. Drops in WBC and PMN counts during treatment positively impacted OS and RFS and could, therefore, serve as biomarkers during CCRT to adapt the follow‐up and consider the need for adjuvant systemic treatments.

Treatment algorithm in patients with ovarian cancer

Most ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed only at advanced stages when survival outcomes are worse, andwhen therapeutic decisions might prove challenging. The fundamental treatment for women with ovarian cancerincludes debulking surgery whenever possible and appropriate systemic therapy (chemotherapy, targeted andantiangiogenic agents). In the last few years, knowledge about histological and molecular characteristics of ovariancancer subtypes and stages has increased considerably. This has enabled the development and improvement ofseveral options for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in a patient-tailored approach. Accordingly,therapeutic decisions are guided by the characteristics of the patient and the tumour, especially the molecularfeatures of the cancer subtype and disease stage. Particularly relevant are the advances in early genetic testing ofgermline and somatic mutations involved in DNA repair, and the clinical development of targeted agents. In orderto implement the best individual medical strategies, in this article, we present an algorithm of treatment options,including recently developed targeted agents, for primary and recurrent ovarian cancer patients in Belgium.

Impact of leucocyte modifications in patients with locally advanced cervical treated by chemoradiotherapy

e18014

Background: Concomitant cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), followed by image guided-adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) is the recommended treatment for patients suffering from locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Methods: Between January 2010 and May 2017, 103 patients with LACC (FIGO 2009-stages IB2-IVA) received CCRT followed by IGABT. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of white blood cells (WBC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) counts variations on outcomes. This variable was calculated by substraction between WBC or PMN levels at the first cycle (CB) and the last cycle (CL) of chemotherapy (CT)(DCB-CL). The data were reviewed retrospectively, with Cox regression for univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 50 years. The median tumor size at diagnosis was 47mm. The majority of the patients had FIGO stage II (60.2%) or stage I (21.4%) disease with squamous histology (88.3%). Patients received a median dose of external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) of 45 Gy (range 40-50.4 Gy) by 1.8-2 Gy fractions, with a median cumulative dose of all the radiotherapy of 85 Gy. The median duration of EBRT+IGABT was 51 days (range 31-94). All patients received at least one cycle of cisplatin, but the majority received 5 (40.4%) or 6 (39.4%) cycles. The median follow-up time for all patients was 30.1 months. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 3 years was 81,4% and 76,8% respectively. Univariate analysis associated higher DCB-CL WBC and DCB-CL PMN with better OS and RFS. Multivariate analysis confirmed that DCB-CL WBC (HR, 0.856; 95% CI, 0.737-0.986; p = 0.018) and DCB-CL PMN (HR, 0.863; 95% CI, 0.750-0.994; p = 0.041) were associated with better OS and RFS respectively. A linear regression analysis was performed to cross the DCB-CL WBC/PMN and the number of CT cycles. This analysis reveals that an increasing number of CT cycles is linked to an increased DCB-CL WBC/PMN. Conclusions: Our study reveals the impact of DCB-CL WBC and PMN on outcomes. These two tests could become biomarkers during CCRT to discuss adjuvant treatments, but also to adapt our follow-up.

Tisotumab Vedotin in Previously Treated Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer

PURPOSE

Tissue factor (TF) is a potential target in cervical cancer, as it is frequently highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis. Tisotumab vedotin, a first-in-class investigational antibody-drug conjugate targeting TF, has demonstrated encouraging activity in solid tumors. Here we report data from the cervical cancer cohort of innovaTV 201 phase I/II study (NCT02001623).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer received tisotumab vedotin 2.0 mg/kg every 3 weeks until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. The primary objective was safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives included antitumor activity.

RESULTS

Of the 55 patients, 51% had received ≥2 prior lines of treatment in the recurrent or metastatic setting; 67% had prior bevacizumab + doublet chemotherapy. Fifty-one percent of patients had squamous cell carcinoma. The most common grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were anemia (11%), fatigue (9%), and vomiting (7%). No grade 5 treatment-related AEs occurred. Investigator-assessed confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 24% [95% confidence interval (CI): 13%-37%]. Median duration of response (DOR) was 4.2 months (range: 1.0+-9.7); four patients responded for >8 months. The 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 29% (95% CI: 17%-43%). Independent review outcomes were comparable, with confirmed ORR of 22% (95% CI: 12%-35%), median DOR of 6.0 months (range: 1.0+-9.7), and 6-month PFS rate of 40% (95% CI: 24%-55%). Tissue factor expression was confirmed in most patients; no significant association with response was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Tisotumab vedotin demonstrated a manageable safety profile and encouraging antitumor activity in patients with previously treated recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer.

Adipsic diabetes insipidus revealing a bifocal intracranial germinoma

Adipsic diabetes insipidus is a rare complication of intracranial tumors in which impaired antidiuretic hormone secretion is associated with the loss of thirst sensation. Here, we present the case of a patient with bifocal intracranial germinoma, diagnosed due to symptoms mainly caused by adipsic diabetes insipidus. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of adipsic diabetes insipidus revealing an intracranial germinoma reported in the literature. We describe the diagnostic procedures and the three-year follow-up of this patient. Management of intracranial germ-cell tumors is made complex by the wide range of histological features. Although germinomas have a generally better prognosis than most nongerminomatous tumors, they can have severe or even life-threatening presentations. Adipsic diabetes insipidus is one such severe presentation and its rarity can make it difficult to recognize and manage. Awareness of this potential entity is therefore important for clinical practice.

[Carcinoma of unknown primary : a not so rare entity]

Carcinomas of unknown primary (CUP) form a whole group of heterogeneous neoplasias. CUP are defined as metastatic epithelial tumors in which the initial work up has failed to detect the primary site. Their frequency is 3-5 % of the adult solid neoplasias. The prognosis is poor with a life expectancy of a few months (inferior to 1 year). The treatment depends on the histology and, particularly, on the metastatic localiza¬tion. Surgery with or without radiotherapy is the preferred treatment option for isolated lesions. Systemic chemotherapy (with platinum compound) will be recommended for multiple lesions. The genetic expression profile of tumor cells could be useful in the future to determine the site of the primary tumor and/or to offer the best therapy for each patient.

Primary osteosarcoma of the breast: a case report

We report a rare case of primary osteosarcoma of the breast in a patient who presented a calcified fibroadenoma one year before the appearance of the malignant lesion. We describe the follow-up of the patient and the discovery of a similar osteosarcoma in the other breast one year later.

Clinical efficacy and toxicity of radio-chemotherapy and magnetic resonance imaging-guided brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer patients: A mono-institutional experience

BACKGROUND

To evaluate efficacy and toxicity of radio-chemotherapy (RCT) and MR-guided pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2007 and 2014 85 patients with FIGO stage 1B1 N+ or ≥ 1B2 cervical cancer were treated with RCT+ IGABT. The treatment consisted of a pelvic± paraaortic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (45-50.4 Gy ± 10 Gy boost to primary tumor and/or to pathologic lymph nodes) with concurrent cisplatin followed by 25-35 Gy of PDR IGABT in 30-50 pulses. The ratio of 3D-CFRT/IMRT was 61/24 patients. Dose-volume parameters of high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV), intermediate-risk clinical target volume (IR-CTV) and D2cm(3) organs at risk (OARs) were reported. Local control (LC), cancer-specific survival (CCS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed actuarially and morbidity crude rates were scored using CTCAEv4.0.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 36 months (range 6-94). The mean D90 and D98 for HR-CTV was 84.4 ± 9 Gy and 77 ± 8.1 Gy, while for IR-CTV was 69.1 ± 4.3 Gy and 64.8 ± 4.3 Gy, respectively. The mean D2cm(3) for OARs was the following: bladder: 77.3 ± 10.5 Gy, rectum: 65 ± 6.8 Gy, sigmoid: 63 ± 7.9 Gy and intestine: 64.0 ± 9.1 Gy. Three year LC, CSS and OS were: 94%, 85% and 81%. The three-year regional- and distant control rates were 95% and 74%. Node negative patients had significantly higher three-year CSS (100 vs. 72%, p = 0.016) and OS (92 vs. 72%, p = 0.001) compared to node positive ones. Three-year actuarial late Grade ≥ 3 morbidity was the following: GI: 8%, GU: 5%, Vaginal: 8%. The frequency of Grade ≥ 3 hematological toxicities including anemia/leukopenia/neutropenia/thrombocytopenia were 8.6%/34.7%/24.3%/24.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This large mono-institutional experience builds up further evidences that IGABT in conjunction with RCT should be the standard of care for patients suffering LACC.

[Management of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients]

The incidence of cancer is raising and the treatments are increasingly aggressive. Consequently, general practitioners, emergency departments, hematologists and oncologists are regularly facing a severe side-effect of cytotoxic therapy, febrile neutropenia (FN). FN is a serious complication of chemotherapy because it can be quickly fatal and causes a temporary or definitive cessation of treatment. In this article, we summarize the latest recommendations for the management of patients with FN under anti-cancer treatments.

[Multidisciplinary treatment of glioblastoma]

Glioblastoma is a primary brain tumor that occurs most often in elderly patients. Despite improved management, the prognosis of this cancer remains poor. This review describes the multidisciplinary management of the patient with glioblastoma. It includes surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Randomized multicenter phase II trial comparing two schedules of etirinotecan pegol (NKTR-102) in women with recurrent platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

Etirinotecan pegol (NKTR-102) is a unique, long-acting topoisomerase-I inhibitor with prolonged systemic exposure to SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin), the active metabolite of irinotecan. This randomized phase II trial investigated two dosing schedules of etirinotecan pegol in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 71 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive etirinotecan pegol 145 mg/m(2) every 14 or 21 days until progression or unacceptable adverse events (AEs). The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST (version 1.0). Secondary end points included response by Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup criteria, duration of ORR, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The overall confirmed ORR was 20% (95% CI, 10% to 30%): 20% for once every 14 days, and 19% for once every 21 days. Median response duration was 4.1 months for once every 14 days and 4.0 months for once every 21 days. Median PFS for every 14 and every 21 days was 4.1 and 5.3 months, respectively, and median OS was 10.0 and 11.7 months, respectively. Etirinotecan pegol was well tolerated, with the most common grade 3 to 4 AEs being dehydration (24%) and diarrhea (23%). Diarrhea, dehydration, nausea, and neutropenia were less frequent with the schedule of once every 21 days than with that of once every 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Both schedules of etirinotecan pegol showed activity in patients with heavily pretreated ovarian cancer, with encouraging ORR and PFS rates. The schedule of once every 21 days was better tolerated and had slightly longer PFS and OS rates. The treatment schedule of etirinotecan pegol 145 mg/m(2) once every 21 days was selected for the expanded phase II study and is preferred for future phase III studies. These findings provide support to directly compare etirinotecan pegol versus one of the approved drugs (eg, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or topotecan) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

[Clinical case of the month. Ovarian cancer metastasis to the pectoral muscle]

We report the case of a patient with a sero-papillary ovarian cancer and a pectoral muscle metastasis. Muscular metastases are more common than previously suspected; any physician could encounter this type of case in his daily practice. This paper summarizes the literature on the subject.

[New treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer]

Docetaxel chemotherapy is a standard treatment for fit men with symptomatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Unfortunately docetaxel resistant disease will systematically develop and second-line treatment may be appropriate. Until recently no standard treatment was approved in this setting and mitoxantrone was commonly used. Three new drugs have shown benefit in randomised phase 3 multicenter clinical trials published since 2010. Cabazitaxel, abiraterone and enzalutamide were shown to prolong overall survival of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with chemotherapy. Although still modest these results were deemed clinically significant and led to the reimbursement of Jevtana (cabazitaxel) and Zytiga (abiraterone) in Belgium in 2012.

[Peritoneal carcinomatosis of unknown origin]

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is defined as a secondary neoplastic invasion of the peritoneum. This entity may represent a significant challenge in terms of its diagnosis, its exploration and research of its origin and its treatment. This clinical history illustrates the difficulties generated by a case of peritoneal carcinomatosis and describes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. When the primary origin is unknown before the initiation of treatment, the peritoneal carcinomatosis is a form of carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP). When this condition affects a woman, it becomes a particular entity with a better outcome, for which a specific first-line treatment should be initiated.

[Pazopanib (Votrient) in the management of renal cell cancer and soft tissue sarcomas]

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all malignant tumors. Until a few years ago, immunotherapy (Interferon and/or Interleukin-2) was the only approved systemic treatment in the metastatic setting. Better knowledge of renal cell cancer biology drew attention on the fundamental role of angiogenesis. Several strategies targeting angiogenesis have been developed including VEGF and VEGFR inhibitors. They are now the standard treatment in first and second line. Pazopanib, a VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is one of the treatment options recommended for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, in first line and after cytokines failure. Since more recently, pazopanib is also approved in the treatment of metastatic soft tissue sarcoma, after failure of at least one line of chemoterapy. In this paper, we will review the mechanism of action and the clinical results of pazopanib in renal cell carcinoma and sarcoma.

[Does Radiotherapy have a role in end-of-life care?]

Up to 50% of cancer patients will receive radiation therapy as a part of their treatment. Radiation may be delivered with curative or palliative intent, according to the extent of disease, the patient's performance status and his wishes. The aim of palliative radiotherapy is to locally control primary tumor or metastasis and, thus, to slow down the disease. Another purpose is to decrease symptoms as part of the supportive care in the end of life. The total dose, the dose per fraction and the technique of irradiation used vary with the treatment aim. Indications of radiotherapy in the end of life are reviewed in this paper

[Trabectedin (ET-743/Yondelis) for treating soft tissue sarcomas and ovarian cancer]

Soft tissue sarcomas account for 1% of all malignant tumours. Until a few years ago, doxorubicine and ifosfamide were the only active chemotherapy drugs in the metastatic setting. Recently, a new drug has proven its efficacy after failure of standard treatments: the trabectedin; its activity is based on interference with ADN repair mechanisms. Trabectedin has just been also validated and reimbursed in patients with ovarian cancer, in partially sensitive recurrence. In this paper, we will review the mechanism of action and the clinical results of trabectedin.

Assessment of Response to Therapy for Bone Metastases: Is it Still a Challenge in Oncology?

Bone is one of the most common sites of metastases from cancer. Most anticancer treatments are highly toxic but only a fraction of all patients respond to them. Guidelines are needed to evaluate the response in the routine practice of oncology as well as in clinical trials in which new treatment options are evaluated. All current imaging procedures have major limitations. This article reviews old and new criteria for response evaluation. The major problem of accurate response evaluation in bone disease is discussed in detail. Some examples from our daily practice illustrate the difficulties. The indications for bone biopsy are also reviewed.

[Everolimus (RAD001/Afinitor) in the treatment of metastatic cell carcinoma]

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all malignant tumours. Until a few years ago, immunotherapy (interferon and/or interleukin-2) was the only approved option in the metastatic setting. Better knowledge of renal cell cancer biology drew attention on the fundamental role of angiogenesis. Several strategies targeting angiogenesis have been developed including VEGF ("Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor") and VEGFR inhibitors. They are now the usual treatment in first line. Until recently, no standard treatment was available after failure under or after these inhibitors. Everolimus (Afinitor), a mTOR ("mammalian Target Of Rapamycin") inhibitor, has just been validated and reimbursed in this setting. In this paper, we will review the mechanism of action and the clinical results of everolimus.

["Triple negative" breast cancer]

In western countries, every woman out of eight will develop breast cancer. Over the last two decades, the incidence has considerably increased, but mortality has remained stable and begins to decrease in Europe and the United-States, probably because of new therapy, changes in the use of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women and early diagnosis. Breast cancer is still the first cause of death by cancer in woman under 65. "Triple negative" a breast cancer, a subtype representing 10% of all breast cancers, is characterised by the absence of receptors to oestrogen, progesterone and no histochemical expression of HER-2 growth factor. This subtype carries a poor prognosis and a high incidence of early metastatic recurrence. Furthermore, no target therapy can be defined up to now in this subtype. Thus, identification of new target therapy and prediction of tumoral response to various treatments could help in the global understanding of patients affected by this particularly aggressive type of breast cancer.

[Angiosarcoma in chronic lymphoedema: a case of Stewart-Treves syndrome]

The Stewart-Treves Syndrome is defined as an angiosarcoma (very aggressive malignant tumor originating from endothelial cells) appearing in a specific clinical setting. This tumor develops in patients suffering from chronic lymphedema of the upper limb following mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. The diagnosis relies on medical history, clinical examination and a histological assesment (biopsy or resection). This syndrome represents a rare clinical entity. Unfortunately, the prognosis is poor. A large surgical resection is the treatment of choice if the patient is a candidate for a surgical resection with a curative intent Radiotherapy is sometimes used as a palliative local treatment. Chemotherapy is only used in more advanced cases, not curable by surgery alone.

[Monoclonal antibodies and breast cancer. Current therapeutic progress]

About 9,500 new breast cancers are diagnosed in Belgium every year. Improvement of our knowledge of altered molecular events leading to the proliferation of tumor cells has resulted in the development of targeted therapies in subgroups of cancers. One of the first validation of targeted therapy is the anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) in patients with overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) occurring in 20 to 25% of invasive breast carcinoma. Trastuzumab binds the extracellular juxtamembrane domain and is only active in tumor with HER2 gene amplification detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The results from randomized trials have rapidly lead to the approvement of the drug in the metastatic and then in the adjuvant setting. Another targeted therapy, also approved in the treatment of breast cancer, is the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab with an anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) activity. We will review the benefit of these targeted therapies in breast cancer and their role in the treatment of breast cancer.

[Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in hemato-oncology]

For many years, chemotherapy, hormonotherapy and immunotherapy were the mainstay of cancer treatment. Recent advances in our knowledge of cell biology and particularly of cancer cell transformation, growth and metastasis have led to the identification of specific pathways playing a role in the pathophysiology of cancer. New drugs specifically developed to control these targets are collectively named "targeted therapies". Two types of targeted therapies are available: kinase (mainly tyrosine kinase) inhibitors (suffix -nib) are small molecules binding directly to the intracellular kinase domain and acting as competitive inhibitor of ATP binding and monoclonal antibodies (suffix -mab) directed towards specific cell surface receptors or their ligands to prevent receptor activation. This paper will only review monoclonal antibodies (mabs). Thirty years after their discovery mAbs have become efficient therapeutic tools. Progress in molecular engineering as well as improved knowledge of cell signalling pathways together with a better selection of the targets turned them into valuable treatments. Several mAbs are currently licensed for the treatment of hematological or solid malignancies and many others are expected in the near future.

[Radiation recall dermatitis after oral cyclophosphamide]

Radiation recall dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction occurring in a previously irradiated field following the delivery of a promoting agent. It has been described after a number of antineoplastic agents such as gemcitabine, taxanes, anthracyclines. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer who developed two consecutive radiation recall dermatitis episodes triggered by oral cyclophosphamide. They occurred 4 to 5 weeks after palliative radiotherapy on bone metastasis. Spontaneous resolution was observed within 6 weeks after discontinuation of cyclophosphamide and with local supportive care. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of radiation recall dermatitis after oral cyclophosphamide.

[Chemotherapy of ovarian cancer: state of the art]

Epithelial ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at advanced-stage disease and chemotherapy is nearly always required. Optimally debulked patients may need adjuvant chemotherapy while, most of the time this chemotherapy will be given to those with advanced-stage disease. Also relapses will be treated differently whether they occur early or late in the course of the disease. This paper reviews medical treatment modalities according to stage based on published data. Maintenance and consolidation treatments are also discussed. Finally a brief insight into new therapeutic tools is also given.

[Current therapeutic progress in oncology: the development of targeted therapies]

Over the last decades, significant advances were make in basic research as concerns the malignant transformation of normal cells. As a result, new targets for treatment were identified. "Targeted therapies" indicates that treatments are directed against specific molecular targets that play a major role in the activation of cell division and in the growth and dissemination of tumors. In particular, targeted therapies were developed against epithelial growth factor receptors and angiogenesis. We can expect specifise therapies against many other targets in the near future. Several drugs have obtained a marketing license. Predictive factors for tumor response and long term outcome should be developed for a better selection of the patient population who will benefit from these treatments. New imaging techniques are under development in order to assess the molecular response to these new approaches.