Induction TPF followed by concomitant treatment versus concomitant treatment alone in locally advanced head and neck cancer. A phase II-III trial

Background

Platinum-based chemoradiation (CCRT) is the standard treatment for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous-Cell Carcinoma (LAHNSCC). Cetuximab/RT (CET/RT) is an alternative treatment option to CCRT. The efficacy of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by chemoradiation compared to chemoradiation alone has not been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. The goals of this phase II-III trial were to assess: (i) the overall survival (OS) of IC versus no-induction (no-IC) and (ii) the Grade 3-4 in-field mucosal toxicity of CCRT versus CET/RT. The present paper focuses on the analysis of efficacy.

Materials and methods

Patients with LAHNSCC were randomized to receive concomitant treatment alone [CCRT (Arm A1) or CET/RT (Arm A2)], or three cycles of induction docetaxel/cisplatin/5 fluorouracil (TPF) followed by CCRT (Arm B1) or followed by CET/RT (Arm B2). The superiority hypothesis of OS comparison of IC versus no-IC (Arms B1 + B2 versus A1 + A2) required 204 deaths to detect an absolute 3-year OS difference of 12% (HR 0.675, with 80% power at two-sided 5% significance level).

Results

414 out of 421 patients were finally analyzed: 206 in the IC and 208 in the no-IC arm. Six patients were excluded because of major violation and one because of metastatic disease at diagnosis. With a median follow-up of 44.8 months, OS was significantly higher in the IC arm (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.56-0.97; P = 0.031). Complete Responses (P = 0.0028), Progression Free Survival (P = 0.013) and the Loco-regional Control (P = 0.036) were also significantly higher in the IC arm. Compliance to concomitant treatments was not affected by induction TPF.

Conclusions

IC followed by concomitant treatment improved the outcome of patients with LAHNSCC without compromising compliance to the concomitant treatments. The degree of the benefit of IC could be different according to the type of the subsequent concomitant strategy.

Clinical Trial Number

NCT01086826, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the lung and of the head and neck: new insights on molecular characterization

Squamous cell carcinomas of the lung and of the head and neck district share strong association with smoking habits and are characterized by smoke-related genetic alterations. Driver mutations have been identified in small percentage of lung squamous cell carcinoma. In parallel, squamous head and neck tumors are classified according to the HPV positivity, thus identifying two different clinical and molecular subgroups of disease.This review depicts different molecular portraits and potential clinical application in the field of targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy personalization.

Complete response to weekly carboplatin-docetaxel chemotherapy in a 91-year-old woman with anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an unusual tumor with the worst prognosis among thyroid malignancies. Treatment of the patients diagnosed with ATC is not standardized and the feasible options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. ATC cannot be regarded as a very chemo-sensitive tumor. Herein, we reported a case of a 91-year-old woman with complete response after induction chemotherapy (weekly carboplatin and docetaxel) that underwent subsequent radiotherapy.

A phase II-III study comparing concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) versus cetuximab/RT (CET/RT) with or without induction docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (TPF) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LASCCHN): Efficacy results (NCT01086826)

6003

Background: This is the first phase III study directly comparing CRT vs CET/RT in LASCCHN. Primary endpoints of this study were to compare: 1) overall survival (OS) of induction vs. no induction arms; 2) Grade 3-4 in-field toxicity of CRT vs. CET/RT. Preliminary toxicity results of concomitant treatments (primary endpoint for this comparison) were reported at the 2012 ASCO meeting. Here we present response rate and survival data for the two concomitant treatments (CRT vs. CET/RT), irrespective of induction chemotherapy. Methods: Untreated patients with unresectable LASCCHN, stage III-IV, ECOG PS 0–1 were randomized to a 2x2 factorial design: Arm A1: CRT (2 cycles of cisplatin/5fluorouracil concomitant to RT); Arm A2: CET/RT; Arm B1: 3 cycles of TPF followed by the same CRT; Arm B2:3 cycles of TPF followed by CET/RT. Results: A total of421 patients were randomized: 261 received CRT (131 Arm A1+ 130 Arm B1) and 160 received CET/RT (80 Arm A2+ 80 Arm B2). 82% were male; median age was 60y; PS of 0 (79%) or 1 (21%). Stage was III (32%) or IV (68%). Sites of disease were: oral cavity 20%, oropharynx 57%, hypopharynx: 23%. No significant differences were observed in patients’ characteristics distribution. At a median follow-up of 32.9 months, a total of 174 deaths occurred (204 required for final OS analysis). Data on activity and efficacy of CRT and CET/RT are shown in the Table. Conclusions: No significant differences were observed in response rate, progression free survival and OS between CRT and CET/RT. Pts are still being followed-up to assess OS of induction vs. no induction arms. Clinical trial information: NCT01086826. [Table: see text]

CYP2D6 pharmacogenetic testing: Beliefs and psychological effects in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen (T)

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Background: Pharmacogenetic tests (PGT) are intended to predict the efficacy and toxicity of a specific treatment. There is a common concern that they may be misunderstood by patients (pts), confused with predictive tests for hereditary disorders and induce psychological distress. Methods: As part of a study aimed at correlating individual T activation capability with disease recurrence, CYP2D6 genotyping was offered to 203 early breast cancer pts. On enrolment, they received complete verbal and written information by their oncologist about the test and its purpose. Six months later they were asked to answer 4 questions concerning the nature and the possible psychogenic stress aroused by PGT. Their level of anxiety was assessed by the Zung-Self-Rating anxiety scale. Results: Anxiety was absent in 39%, within the normal limits in 50% or mild in 9% of pts. Only two pts had a moderate score. Anxiety was not associate with age or time from cancer diagnosis. Although not significantly, its score was higher in pts with larger tumors and positive lymph nodes. All pts agreed on the usefulness of PGT to enable the prediction of differences in drug response and toxicity. Some of them believed that they could predict some disease risks: the misperception was higher among elderly pts (> 70y, 50%) while was infrequent in younger pts (<39y, 12%). There was no association with the anxiety score. PTG related worries, although not generating a clinically detectable anxiety, were reported by 0%, 10% and 16% of all pts <39, 40-69 and >70 years old, respectively. Conclusions: CYP2D6 genotyping to predict tamoxifen activation was welcomed, well understood and was not associated with anxiety in the majority of breast cancer pts on adjuvant treatment. It seems that, when properly informed by their physician, patients show a positive attitude towards PG testing and no psychological distress. Funded by Regione Veneto. Clinical trial information: 532.

Analysis of clinical features of ovarian cancer (OC) and breast cancer (BC) among BRCA-mutated (BRCA+) and sporadic (NH) double tumours

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Background: The clinical outcome of double OC and BC is specifically unknown either BRCA+ and in double tumours NH patients. Methods: The present databases made of 106 patients, 67 cases of NH (negative, no-tested or ongoing test for BRCA1/2 mutations) and 39 of BRCA+, were constituted to identify the clinical and pathological features of BC and OC. The primary endpoint was to evaluate biological characteristics of both cancers and clinical outcome of OC in coexistence with BC. Patients were censored at last follow-up or death (any cause) for determination of overall survival (OS). OS were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test to compared the different levels of a variable. Pearson Chi-Square or Fisher’s exact test were used to compare relationship between variables in to groups and Mann-Whitney U test to compare the medians. Results: 32/39 (82 %) BRCA+ and 44/67 (66 %) NH had BC as their first malignancy. As regards the genetic test on NH patients, 28 were BRCA negative, 22 have not been tested and in 10 patients the test is still in progress. All BRCA2 patients had BC as first malignancy, while 20/22 of BRCA1. Bilateral BC was more frequent in BRCA+ than in NH (33 % vs 9 %), resulted in a fivefold higher risk (p = 0.002). III-IV stage OC at diagnosis was 79% in BRCA+ vs 55 % in NH (p = 0.013); indeed BRCA+ patients have a threefold higher risk (however moderate) to develop an advanced stage OC. Death for progression of ovarian cancer involved both groups, and third neoplasm was involved in death cause in 1/1 of BRCA and 5/6 of NH. Two BRCA1 with OC as first neoplasm are alive. Conclusions: III-IV stage OC is more frequent in BRCA+ than in NH, and the main cause of disease progression and death is due to OC. Eventually the most relevant conclusive assessment is the suggestion of a more conserving management for BC and an intensive follow-up for OC in patients with double tumours, irrespective of their pathological or genetic features. Prospective trials are also indicated.

Late onset (22 years) of simultaneous tonsillar and cervical lymph node metastases from breast ductal carcinoma

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide; the most common metastatic sites are lymph nodes, lung, liver, and brain. Tonsil metastases from breast cancer are extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of a 74-year-old woman with simultaneous occurrence of tonsillar and cervical lymph nodes metastases after a disease-free interval of 22 years.

Analysis of clinical features of ovarian cancer (OC) and breast cancer (BC) among BRCA-mutated (BRCA+) and sporadic (NH) double tumors

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Background: Women BRCA+ are at significant risk of developing both OC and BC. Double tumors could arise also in NH patients. Whether the clinical outcome of double OC and BC is different in BRCA+ and in NH subjects is unknown. Methods: The databases of the Istituto Oncologico Veneto (IOV), Medical Oncology Department of Mirano (VE) and Thiene (VI) were searched to identify the clinical and pathological features of (BC) and (OC) arisen in BRCA+ subjects as well as patients with both malignancy but tested negative/no-tested/unknown for BRCA1/2 mutation (NH). The primary endpoint was to establish if OC instead of BC needs a more intensive follow-up because it principally affects patient’s prognosis. Patients were censored at last follow-up or death (any cause) for determination of overall survival (OS). OS estimates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by means of log-rank test. The Fisher’s exact test and the t-test were used to compare frequencies and means between groups, respectively. Results: 24/31 (77%) BRCA+ and 30/49 (61%) NH had BC as their first malignancy (p=0.15). Among NH, 20 were BRCA test negative, 20 were untested and 9 unknown. BRCA+ were younger than NH at diagnosis of first malignancy (mean age 51 vs 56y, p=0.055). Bilateral BC was more frequent in BRCA+ than in NH (78.6% vs 28.6% p=0.001). Stage III-IV OC at diagnosis were 74% in BRCA vs 61% in NH (p=0.34). Locally advanced (stage II-III) BC was significantly more frequent in BRCA+ vs NH (75% vs 42%, p=0.03). No OS difference was observed between BRCA+ and NH subjects (P=0.99). Death for progression of ovarian cancer was observed in 11/31 (35%) in BRCA+ vs 10/49 (20%) patients in NH (p=0.19). No progression of breast cancer was reported in either groups. Conclusions: OC is the killer malignancy among patients affected by OC and BC, both in BRCA+ and in NH subjects. In patients with double tumors, irrespective of their pathological features, a more conserving management for BC and an intensive follow-up for OC are suggested.

Cetuximab/radiotherapy (CET+RT) versus concomitant chemoradiotherapy (cCHT+RT) with or without induction docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (TPF) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LASCCHN): Preliminary results on toxicity of a randomized, 2x2 factorial, phase II-III study (NCT01086826)

5513

Background: The standard treatment options for LASCCHN are cCHT+RT or CET+RT. Strategies to improve the efficacy with the integration of induction chemotherapy are being investigated. Primary endpoints of this study were to compare: 1) the overall survival (OS) of induction vs. no induction arms; 2) the Grade(G)3-4 in-field toxicity of cCHT+RT vs. CET+RT. Methods: Patients (pts) with unresectable LASCCHN, stage III-IV, ECOG PS 0–1 were randomized to a 2x2 factorial design: Arm A1: cCHT+RT (2 cycles of ciplatin/5fluorouracil); Arm A2: CET+RTX; Arm B1: 3 cycles of TPF followed by the same cCHT+RT; Arm B2: 3 cycles of TPF followed by CET+RT. A total of 204 deaths over 420 pts ( including the 101 randomized in the phase II part of the study comparing cCHT+RT with or w/o induction TPF) were required to detect a HR of death of 0.675 (A1+A2 vs. B1+B2; 2-sided a=0.05; b=0.20) and a 10% difference in G3-4 in-field mucosal toxicity (A1+B1 vs. A2+B2). Results: By February 2012, 387 pts over 413 pts were evaluable for toxicity. 82% of pts were male; median age was 60y; PS: 0=77.8% and 1=22.2%. Disease stage was III (31%) or IV (69%). Sites of disease were oral cavity (21.7%), oropharynx (54.8%), hypopharynx (23.5%). At a median follow-up of 21 months, 126 deaths occurred. Data on G3-4 in-field toxicity (primary endpoint) and compliance to cCHT+RT vs CET+RT are shown in the table. Conclusions: No advantage for CET+RT over cCHT+RT was observed regarding G3-4 in-field toxicities and feasibility. Pts are still being followed-up to assess OS. [Table: see text]

Laryngeal carcinoma prognosis after postoperative radiotherapy correlates with CD105 expression, but not with angiogenin or EGFR expression

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) respond very differently to radiotherapy (RT). Since clinical factors cannot accurately predict its effects, biological parameters have been investigated, including tumor hypoxia. CD105 is a hypoxia-inducible glycoprotein emerging as a potential prognostic indicator for several solid malignancies. Angiogenin is upregulated under hypoxic conditions and supports primary and metastatic tumor growth. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation stimulates tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the prognostic importance of hypoxia-inducible factors (CD105, angiogenin) and EGFR in a series of patients who underwent primary surgery followed by RT for laryngeal SCC. 25 consecutive patients with laryngeal SCC given postoperative RT have been investigated. CD105, angiogenin, and EGFR immunohistochemical expressions in primary laryngeal SCCs have been evaluated also with image analysis. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in SCC patients with a CD105 expression >10.0% (P = 0.012) and their disease-free survival (DFS) was shorter (P = 0.044). Neither angiogenin (in the carcinoma cells or endothelial cells) nor EGFR expression were associated with the prognosis in our patients after primary surgery followed by RT for laryngeal SCC. CD105 should be studied as a potentially predictive biomarker for identifying laryngeal SCCs at higher risk of early recurrence after postoperative RT. Targeted anti-CD105 therapy associated with RT should also be investigated in patients with laryngeal SCCs characterized by high CD105 expression.

Expression of MASPIN and angiogenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: novel preliminary clinico-pathological evidence

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies based on large series are necessary to investigate the role of MASPIN and angiogenin (ANG) in angiogenetic mechanisms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and their potential as prognostic markers.

OBJECTIVES

NPC is a malignancy with an incidence among Caucasians of < 1 per 100 000 per year. In NPC, the aberrations of many pathways and the alteration in expression of several proteins have been reported. Tumor angiogenesis is the result of an imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. MASPIN exerts several anti-tumor effects including inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis. ANG regulates angiogenesis under both physiological and pathological conditions supporting primary and metastatic tumor growth.

METHODS

For the first time, we preliminarily investigated by immunohistochemistry the subcellular localization and expression of MASPIN, and the expression of ANG (in both carcinoma cells and intra-tumor vessels) and Ki-67 in 15 Caucasian patients with NPC treated with the same chemo-radiotherapeutic protocol.

RESULTS

MASPIN-positive NPCs had a prevalent cytoplasmic localization pattern. A trend towards significant direct correlation between MASPIN presence and disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.08) and a trend towards significant inverse correlation between ANG expression and DFS (p = 0.07) were found. An association between MASPIN presence and lower ANG expression in carcinoma cells was disclosed (statistical trend, p = 0.10).

A case of anaplastic thyroid cancer with long-term survival

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) (less than 10% of all thyroid cancer) is a high-grade neoplasm, characterized by an aggressive clinical course and refractoriness to currently available local and systemic modalities of treatment. It is considered the most aggressive solid tumour, there is no adequate therapy for this disease and few patients with ATC live more than 1 year following diagnosis. We report herein an unusual case of ATC in a 59-year-old woman. She presented to our Institute in December 2004. She received many kinds of chemotherapeutical and multimodal treatment; we obtained a long period of localized disease (about two years) and an excellent response to therapy. She is still alive 58 months from diagnosis.

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy versus induction docetaxel, cisplatin and 5 fluorouracil (TPF) followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer: a phase II randomized study

BACKGROUND

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CT/RT) is the standard treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We evaluated the efficacy of induction docetaxel (Taxotere), cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) before CT/RT versus CT/RT alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with stage III-IVM0 SCCHN, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of zero to one, were randomly assigned to receive CT/RT alone (arm A: two cycles of cisplatin 20 mg/m(2), days1-4, plus 5-fluorouracil 800 mg/m(2)/day 96 h continuous infusion, during weeks 1 and 6 of radiotherapy) or three cycles of TPF (arm B: docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 80 mg/m(2), day 1, and 5-fluorouracil 800 mg/m(2)/day 96 h continuous infusion, every 3 weeks) followed by the same CT/RT. The primary end point was the rate of radiologic complete response (CR) at 6-8 weeks after the end of CT/RT.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients were randomly allocated to the study (51 arm A; 50 arm B). CR rates were 21.2% (arm A) versus 50% (arm B). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were, respectively, 19.7 and 33.3 months (arm A) and 30.4 and 39.6 months (arm B). Hematologic and non-hematologic toxic effects during CT/RT were similar in the two arms.

CONCLUSION

Induction TPF followed by CT/RT was associated with higher radiologic CR in patients with locally advanced SCCHN with no negative impact on CT/RT feasibility.

FNA cytology and frozen section examination in patients with follicular lesions of the thyroid gland

Patients with solitary thyroid nodules should have fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology as the initial screening test, but the most of those referred to a surgeon usually undergo frozen section examination (FS). The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the usefulness of FNA cytology and FS together in patients with a solitary thyroid nodule (TN). Two-hundred and ten patients with a TN and FNA cytology suggesting follicular neoplasm underwent intraoperative FS and subsequent hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy. There were 47 (22.4%) men and 163 (77.6%) women, with a median age of 43 years (range 18-76 years). In all patients, ultrasound-guided FNA was successfully performed using 22-G needle prior to surgery. Smears of the FNA samples were stained by May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain and evaluated immediately by the cytologist. Final histology was follicular carcinoma in 23 (10.9%), follicular adenoma in 181 (86.2%), and hyperplasia in 6 (2.9%) patients. No difference (p=NS) in age of the patients, and greatest diameter on the TN was found between groups. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 13.0%, 97.3%, 37.5%, 90.0%, and 88.1% for FNA cytology, and 17.4%, 100%, 100%, 90.8%, and 91.0% for FS, respectively. The combination of FNA plus FS did not significantly improve the results. In conclusion, both FNA cytology and FS are highly specific tests, but their sensitivity is low, even when they are used in combination. Thus, in patients with smears suggesting follicular neoplasm, FS should be considered unnecessary because it does not affect the intraoperative decision making. FS is most useful in those cases that are diagnosed as suspicious for papillary carcinoma by FNA.

MASPIN's prognostic role in patients with advanced head and neck carcinoma treated with primary chemotherapy (carboplatin plus vinorelbine) and radiotherapy: preliminary evidence

CONCLUSIONS

Our very preliminary results support the hypothesis that MASPIN expression in primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may be a valuable parameter for predicting patients' responses to a treatment based on carboplatin plus vinorelbine combined with radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES

The roles of induction chemotherapy and combined chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced unresectable HNSCCs have evolved rapidly. MASPIN has a unique tumour-suppressing activity. Experimental evidence has shown that MASPIN suppresses tumour growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. We investigated the potential prognostic roles of MASPIN and p53 in a series of HNSCCs treated with carboplatin plus vinorelbine combined with radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nineteen consecutive stage III or IV HNSCC patients were recruited. The treatment plan consisted of the administration of carboplatin on day 1 and vinorelbine on days 1 and 8. Four weeks later, carboplatin was administered concomitantly with radiation therapy. Expression of MASPIN and p53 was determined immunohistochemically in HNSCC diagnostic biopsies.

RESULTS

A significant inverse relation was found between MASPIN expression and cN staging (p = 0.003). From a prognostic viewpoint, MASPIN expression was directly correlated with chemoradiotherapy response (p = 0.041). Moreover, the log-rank test showed a significant relationship between higher MASPIN expression and longer disease-free survival (p = 0.03), overall survival (p = 0.006) and disease-specific survival (p = 0.007).

Triple negative breast cancer: Adjuvant treatment and outcome of 62 patients

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Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents around 12–20%. They are high risk in view of poorly differentiated tumor shortened survival, younger age, increased mortality rate in the first 5 years, increased risk of brain metastasis, rapid progression from distant recurrence to death of patients. To provide further insight we have undertaken a comprehensive multi year review of demographics tumor features adjuvant treatment and outcomes in this patients group. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients with TNBC treated by adjuvant chemotherapy between January 2000 and June 2008 was done though chart review. Results: Sixty-two patients were seen in our institution. The median age at diagnosis was 57 years (range 27–86 yrs). Forty-three patients underwent conservative breast cancer surgery, mastectomy 19 patients. All patients underwent axillary lymph nodes dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy. The stage of the disease at diagnosis was: I in 22, IIA in 22, IIB in 8, IIIA in 4, IIIB in 2 and stage 0 in 4 patients. After multidisciplinary evaluation 58 patients received adjuvant treatment with: anthracycline based regimen in 30, anthracycline plus taxane in 4 and 24 patients were treated with Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-Fluorouracil (CMF) regimen. After median 13 months (4–71), 8 (13.7%) relapses were observed: 6 out 8 were anthracycline based regimen treated. The pattern of disease spread was: local recurrence 5, lymph node 1, liver 2 patients. The median follow-up was 25 months (range 95–1). Conclusions: Treatment options for TNBC are limited because of lack of targeted treatment. Current, old and new drugs alone or in combination (anthracycline, taxanes, platinum salts, bevacizumab, erlotinib, dasatinib, cetuximab) are used in an experimental setting.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Clinical impact of false-negative sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer

AIMS

To evaluate the incidence of false-negative (FN) sentinel lymph node (SLN) cases, their correlation with a series of clinico-pathologic parameters and their impact on adjuvant treatment indications and on clinical axillary relapse in the setting of a multicentric clinical trial comparing SLN biopsy with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).

METHODS

A series of 697 patients with primary breast cancer < or = 3 cm were randomized to SLN biopsy associated with ALND (ALND arm) or to SLN biopsy followed by ALND only if the SLN was metastatic (SLN arm). The FN SLN rate was assessed in the ALND arm. A series of 11 clinico-pathological parameters were tested for a possible association with FN results. The indications for adjuvant treatments were evaluated by considering both the FN nodal stages, as indicated by the SLN, and the true positive axillary status, as indicated by completion ALND. The occurrence of clinically evident axillary recurrences was evaluated in the two arms.

RESULTS

The FN rate was 16.7%. Of the clinico-pathologic parameters tested, only a tumour size < or = 2 cm and the presence of a single metastatic axillary node was significantly associated with a risk of FN (p = 0.033 and p = 0.018, respectively). The FN SLN would have led to different adjuvant therapy indications in 12/18 cases. At 56 months, no clinically evident axillary nodal recurrences were present in the ALND arm patients, whereas one case of axillary recurrence was detected in the SLN arm patients.

CONCLUSIONS

FN SLN biopsy is not uncommon, especially in the presence of a small primary tumour with a single nodal metastasis. An FN finding can lead to less than optimal adjuvant treatment. However, the clinical impact of FN in terms of axillary recurrence at 56 months was minimal.

Neoadjuvant carboplatin and vinorelbine followed by chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck or oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a phase II study in elderly patients or patients with poor performance status

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of neo-adjuvant carboplatin and vinorelbine followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy in patients > or =70 years of age or with Karnofsky performance status (PS) 70-80, diagnosed with locally advanced head and neck (H&N) or oesophageal carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The treatment plan consisted of three courses of carboplatin AUC4 on day 1 and vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 on day 1 and 8, every 21 days, followed by chemoradiotherapy. Carboplatin 100 mg/m2 was delivered weekly for the duration of the radiation therapy (70 Gy, 2 Gy/daily).

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients with an average age of 68 years (range 42-85, 16 patients > or =70 years) were treated. Twenty-seven patients (77.1%) responded to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (2 complete and 25 partial responses). Haematological toxicity was grade 3-4 in 13 patients (37.2%), while gastrointestinal toxicity was grade 3-4 in 20 patients (57.1%). All the patients completed the chemoradiotherapy plan, with grade 4 mucositis plus febrile neutropenia in 3 patients (8.5%). Median time to progression (TTP) was 10.2 months, with 31.5% of patients being alive at two years.

CONCLUSION

The regimen of neo-adjuvant carboplatin and vinorelbine followed by chemoradiotherapy is feasible and active in older (> or =70 years) or low PS (Karnofsky 70-80) patients, although toxicity is not negligible and long-term outcome remains poor.

Tongue base metastasis from neuroendocrine endometrial small cell carcinoma

The endometrial small cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with an estimated prevalence of less than 1% of endometrial carcinomas. Endometrial small cell carcinoma is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis. Although the most common presenting sign of ESCC is definitely a peri- or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, we report for the first time the occurrence of tongue base bleeding as first manifestation of disseminated neuroendocrine ESCC. From a clinical viewpoint, tongue metastasis from primary endometrial carcinoma is a manifestation of widespread disease. Albeit, our patient underwent complete hysterectomy and postoperative chemotherapy, she died of disseminated disease 3 months after ESCC diagnosis.

Trastuzumab and paclitaxel or vinorelbine for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer: A retrospective study and analysis of economic cost

11517

Background: We analyses a mono institutional series of patients treated with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: From 2000 to 2006 forty consecutive patients affected by MBC were evaluated. The average age was 50 years (range: 30–79). All patients had HER2+ tumors (IHC 3+ or FISH+) and LVEF > 50%. Metastatic sites were: liver 18, lymph nodes 10, bone 9, skin 7, lung 5 pts. In 11 cases the sites of metastases were multiple (1–3). All patients were treated with Trastuzumab 4 mg/kg loading dose and 2 mg/kg weekly thereafter with weekly Paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 or weekly Vinorelbine 25 mg/m2; specifically, Paclitaxel was used in 26 patients and Vinorelbine in 14 patients. The endpoints were time to progression (TTP), duration of response, toxicity (including cardiologic) and overall survival. Results: A total of 1271 courses of weekly Trastuzumab were administered (average 28 courses per patient: range 8–72). There were 22 complete and partial responses (CR+PR=55%). In the association of Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel were seen :11 CR, 6 PR, 3 SD and 6 PD, (RR 65.3%). In the combination of Trastuzumab and Vinorelbine: 2 CR, 3 PR, 4 SD and 5 PD (RR 35.7%) . The most responsive sites were: liver 15 CR+PR (37.5%), lung 11 CR+PR (27.5%), lymph nodes 8 CR+PR (20%), and skin 6 CR+PR (15%). TTP was 7 months (2–27 months) and response duration 6.7 months (2–26 months). Overall survival at 5 years was estimated at 26.4 months. Toxicity rates were: hematological grade 4 in 2 pts, grade 3 in 3 pts, neurological grade 3 in 19 pts. No important cardiologic toxicity was observed: LVEF was reduced to 40% in 4 pts. Seven patients developed brain metastasis during therapy. The patients in PD continued Trastuzumab with other chemotherapy, no responses were observed. The median cost of treatment with Trastuzumab for patient was 16.147 € (range 3.987–39.959 €. Conclusions: Treatment with Trastuzumab plus chemotherapy has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated providing a good quality of life. The economic impact is important and is to define. The cost/benefit in this cohort of the patients is ongoing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Weekly docetaxel as second-line (palliative) chemotherapy in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN)

6067

Background: Relapse or distant metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is considered to have poor prognosis with survival time of less than one year. Presently, there s no standard treatment even if palliative chemotherapy is widely used. In this setting in recent years taxanes are among the most widely used agents. Methods: From December 2004 to October 2006 24 pts (20 male and 4 female, 12 over 60 yrs) with recurrent metastatic squamous cell carcinoma were consecutively accrued and treated with weekly docetaxel 35mg/m2 for 3 of 4 weeks. Median age was 59 (range 34–74). All had good performance status (ECOG 0- 1) and had received previous standard platinum-based regimen. Primary endpoints were response rate, duration of response, time to progression and toxicity evaluation. Results: A total of 83 courses of weekly docetaxel were administered (mean 3.5; range 1–10 courses). Six partial responses (25%) (RECIST criteria) with mean duration of 3.4 months, 6 stable and 12 progressive disease were observed; no complete responses were obtained. Time to progression was 3.2 months (range 1.2–9 months). Of note, response rates and toxicity were similar in patients above (12 pts) and below (12 pts) 60 yrs. Toxicity was mild: G4 mucositis in 3 pts and G3-G4 hematologic in 4 pts. Conclusions: These data suggest that a weekly schedule of docetaxel is active and tolerable as second line therapy in patients with metastatic/recurrent SCCHN. The response rate is slightly better than that described in the literature which averages 15–20%. The schedule is easy to administer to out patients and also seems possible for elderly patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Which benefit from adding gemcitabine to vinorelbine in elderly (≥70 years) women with metastatic breast cancer? Early interruption of a phase II study

BACKGROUND

Since vinorelbine and gemcitabine are both active in breast cancer with moderate toxicity, in 2002 we started a phase II trial with a combination regimen in elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To evaluate complete plus partial response rates and toxicity of first-line vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 plus gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks, in women>or=70 years with advanced breast cancer and measurable lesions. All patients underwent multidimensional geriatric assessment before enrollment. A two-step design was applied, and the trial would be completed if an overall response rate>or=30% was obtained with a grade 3-grade 4 (G3-G4) toxicity rate<or=25% (excluding neutropenia) in the first step.

RESULTS

Twelve eligible patients had a median age of 74 years. At MGA, eight patients were fit, three vulnerable, one frail due to major depression; only two patients had G3 comorbidities according to Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatric. Seventy-five percent of patients had visceral disease. We obtained only one partial remission (11.1%) and six stabilizations of disease in nine assessable patients, with a time to progression of 3 months. Three patients (25%) experienced G3 neutropenia, and three patients (25%) developed G3 anemia (one patient) and G3 gastrointestinal toxicity (two patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The promising response rates obtained with this combination by other authors could not be confirmed in our small cohort of older women with breast cancer, therefore the trial was prematurely terminated. We do not recommend the co-administration of gemcitabine to vinorelbine in women>or=70 years outside the setting of controlled clinical trials.

Multimodality therapeutic approach in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC): Study of 56 patients

5571

Background: To investigate the role of multimodality treatment in patients with ATC. Methods: From 1992 to 2005, 56 patients with a histologically or cytologically proven ATC were referred to the Thyroid Centre of Padua University General Hospital. There were 36 females and 20 males, median age 69 years (range 27–90). About one-third of patients had a history of prior nodular goitre. Aggressive local disease was present in 30 patients, distant metastases, mainly to the lung, were present in 32 at diagnosis or quickly developed during the observation period in all but one patient. Patients from our series can be subdivided into 3 groups: Group A: consisted of 19 patients in good general condition which were treated by radiotherapy (RT), total thyroidectomy (TT) and chemotherapy (CHT). All were treated with Cisplatin once a week and by RT 36 Gy in 18 fractions over 3 weeks, followed by TT and by further CHT with Adriamycin and Bleomycin. Additionally, five patients received weekly Docetaxel. Group B: consisted of 19 patients with distant metastasis at diagnosis, who received CHT (Platinum based combination). Group C: consisted of 18 elderly patients in poor general condition; 6 received local RT, while 12 did not receive any treatment. Results: Five complete responses were seen in patients from group A. Four patients had long-term survival (14, 15, 24 and 41 months) with a disease free survival interval of 6, 8, 11 and 32 months. From Group B one patient with a complete remission following antiblastic therapy was later treated by TT and metastasectomia and is still alive without disease after 74 months. Median survival rates for Groups A, B and C were 12, 5.7 and 4 months respectively. Conclusions: In some patients multimodality treatment is associated with increased survival. The best results were obtained in younger patients with less advanced disease. Early diagnosis is mandatory. Only a few patients responded to CHT confirming that anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is often resistant to anticancer drugs. Our experience with combination modalities suggests that aggressive and appropriate combinations of RT, TT and CHT may provide some benefit in patients with ATC. Preoperative RT and CHT may enhance surgical resectability of the primary tumor.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Randomized phase II trial of concomitant CT/RT versus TPF followed by concomitant CT/RT in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LASCCHN)

5518

Background: Concomitant CT/RT is the standard treatment for LASCCHN. Induction chemotherapy followed by CT/RT vs CT/RT alone have not yet been compared. The feasibility of TPF followed by CT/RT has been evaluated in a previous study (Int J Rad Oncol Biol Phys 2004, 59:481). Methods: Pts with inoperable stage III-IVa, PS 0–1, were randomized to CT/RT [2 cycles of Cisplatin 20 mg/sqm days 1–4, 5FU 800 mg/sqm 96 hours c.i. weeks 1 and 6 during RT (66–70 Gy)] (Arm A) or 3 cycles of neoadjuvant TPF (Docetaxel 75mg/sqm day1, Cisplatin 80mg/sqm day1, 5FU 800mg/sqm 96 hours c.i) followed by the same CT/RT (Arm B). Pts were stratified according to tumor site, T stage and nodal status. Neck dissection was performed in N2-N3 patients with pathological CR on primary tumor. The planned sample size was 96 pts to detect a difference in CR (primary endpoint) up to 15% in favour of arm B. The radiological responses were evaluated by an internal committee according to RECIST criteria. Results: Preliminary data are available for 84/96 randomized pts (42 arm A, 42 arm B). Pts/tumor characteristics are well balanced in the two arms. Toxicities during induction TPF consisted primarily of G3–4 granulocytopenia 56% (febrile neutropenia: 7.5%). Grade 3–4 toxicities during CT/RT in arm A and B were mucositis (42% and 26%), dysphagia (20% and 9%), skin reaction (12% and 8.6%), asthenia (5% and 3%); G3 weight loss (2% and 3%), G3 dry-mouth (0% and 3%). Duration of CT/RT was equivalent: 6.1 wks (4.2–8.7) in arm A and 6.3 wks (3.8–9.5) in arm B. At the end of CT/RT, in the 82 pts evaluable for efficacy, radiological CR were 20% (95% CI 8–37%) in arm A and 64% (95% CI 45–80%) in arm B. Conclusions: Three cycles of neoadjuvant TPF are feasible and don’t compromise subsequent concomitant CT/RT with comparable toxicity pattern. At the end of the treatment sequence serious adverse events were 31% in arm A and 34% in arm B. The difference in CR of 40% in favour of arm B justifies the following phase III study. Final results including pCR and DFS will be presented at the meeting.

[Table: see text]

Adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly patients (≥70 years) with early high-risk breast cancer: a retrospective analysis of 260 patients

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly women is currently perceived as one of the priorities in breast cancer (BC) research and, to date, we lack practical guidelines in this age group. Therefore we performed a retrospective analysis of the actual use of adjuvant chemotherapy according to each negative prognostic factor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Charts of all consecutive elderly patients aged 70 years or more with operable BC referred to our institution between 1999 and 2003 were reviewed for tumour stage and treatment, and compared with an equal cohort of younger randomly selected postmenopausal patients (control group).

RESULTS

A total of 260 elderly patients (mean age 75.6 years, age range 70-97 years) with histological diagnosis of early BC were eligible. Conserving surgery was performed in 54.6% of patients, nodal dissection in 84.6% and sentinel node biopsy in 5.8%. Tumour size was pT2-pT3 in 45.4% of patients; grading was G3 in 27.3%, hormonal status was negative (HR-) in 16.9% and lymph nodes were involved N+ in 36.1%. Of 188 patients presenting one or more risk factors (pT2-3, G3, N+, HR-), 48.4% were not proposed for adjuvant chemotherapy (compared with 7.2% in the control group), 39.8% of those with nodal involvement (compared with 4.3% of controls, P <0.0001) and 22.7% of those who were HR- (compared with 0.0% of controls, P=0.0002). Considering only patients receiving non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy, 20 elderly patients (25.9%) were unable to complete the planned number of cycles (compared with 4.7% of controls, P=0.0002). The 2-year disease-free survival was significantly decreased in N+ HR- patients compared with the remaining elderly patients (49.9% compared with 90.9%, P=0.0006).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly BC patients receive much less adjuvant chemotherapy, according to each prognostic factor. N+ HR- disease probably represents the most reasonable indication. As the toxicity of the CMF regimen frequently caused interruption of treatment, alternative regimens should be assessed in this age class.

Carboplatin and teniposide as third-line chemotherapy in patients with recurrent oligodendroglioma or oligoastrocytoma: a phase II study

BACKGROUND

This study was a phase II study of third-line chemotherapy with carboplatin plus teniposide in patients with recurrent oligodendroglioma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with oligodendroglioma progressive or recurrent after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with PCV (lomustine/procarbazine/vincristine) and temozolomide were treated with 350 mg/m(2) carboplatin on day 1, and 50 mg/m(2) teniposide on days 1-3, every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Response and toxicity were evaluated in all 23 patients enrolled in the study. Two had partial response [8.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8% to 28.6%] and 12 stable disease (52.17%; 95% CI 30% to 73%). Median time to progression was 19 weeks (95% CI 11.4-35.0), and 34.8% of the patients (95% CI 20.0% to 61.0%) had progression-free survival at 6 months. Median survival time was 60.7 weeks (95% CI 39.8 to not achieved) and 51% of the patients (95% CI 33.5% to 79.7%) were alive at 12 months. A total of 103 cycles were administered (on average 4.4 per patient; range 1-9). Toxicity was mild and mainly hematological, with grade 4 neutropenia and grade 4 thrombocytopenia in two (8.6%) and three patients (13%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the response rate of combined carboplatin and teniposide chemotherapy in heavily pretreated oligodendroglial tumors is moderate, the toxicity is manageable, and delay of progression in responders or stable patients may still confer a relevant clinical benefit.

Only pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves significantly the long term survival of patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: final report of a randomized, controlled trial of preoperative chemotherapy versus surgery alone

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the standard treatment for patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma, but the long term prognosis of these patients is unsatisfactory. Some randomized trials of preoperative chemotherapy suggest that the prognosis of patients who respond may be improved.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled trial compared patients with clinically resectable esophageal epidermoid carcinoma who underwent surgery alone (Arm A) with those who received preoperative chemotherapy (Arm B). Overall survival and the prognostic impact of major response to chemotherapy were analyzed. Forty-eight patients were enrolled in each arm. Chemotherapy consisted of two or three cycles of cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on Day 1) and 5- fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2 per day continuous infusion on Days 1-5). In both study arms, transthoracic esophagectomy plus two-field lymphadenectomy was performed. The two groups were comparable in terms of patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were evaluable in each arm. The curative resection rate was 74.4% (35 of 47 patients) in Arm A and 78.7% (37 of 47 patients) in Arm B. Treatment-related mortality was 4.2% in both arms. The response rate to preoperative chemotherapy was 40% (19 of 47 patients), including 6 patients (12.8%) who achieved a pathologic complete responses. Overall survival was not improved significantly. The 19 patients in Arm B who responded to chemotherapy and underwent curative resection had significantly better 3-year and 5-year survival rates (74% and 60%, respectively) compared with both nonresponders (24% and 12%, respectively; P = 0.0002) and patients in Arm A who underwent complete resection (46% and 26%, respectively; P = 0.01): Patients who achieved a pathologic complete response (P = 0.01), but not those who achieved a partial response (P = 0.2), had significantly improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and obtained a pathologic complete response had a significantly improved long term survival. Major efforts should be undertaken to identify patients before neoadjuvant treatments who are likely to respond.

Only pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves significantly the long term survival of patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: final report of a randomized, controlled trial of preoperative chemotherapy versus surgery alone

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the standard treatment for patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma, but the long term prognosis of these patients is unsatisfactory. Some randomized trials of preoperative chemotherapy suggest that the prognosis of patients who respond may be improved.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled trial compared patients with clinically resectable esophageal epidermoid carcinoma who underwent surgery alone (Arm A) with those who received preoperative chemotherapy (Arm B). Overall survival and the prognostic impact of major response to chemotherapy were analyzed. Forty-eight patients were enrolled in each arm. Chemotherapy consisted of two or three cycles of cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on Day 1) and 5- fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2 per day continuous infusion on Days 1-5). In both study arms, transthoracic esophagectomy plus two-field lymphadenectomy was performed. The two groups were comparable in terms of patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were evaluable in each arm. The curative resection rate was 74.4% (35 of 47 patients) in Arm A and 78.7% (37 of 47 patients) in Arm B. Treatment-related mortality was 4.2% in both arms. The response rate to preoperative chemotherapy was 40% (19 of 47 patients), including 6 patients (12.8%) who achieved a pathologic complete responses. Overall survival was not improved significantly. The 19 patients in Arm B who responded to chemotherapy and underwent curative resection had significantly better 3-year and 5-year survival rates (74% and 60%, respectively) compared with both nonresponders (24% and 12%, respectively; P = 0.0002) and patients in Arm A who underwent complete resection (46% and 26%, respectively; P = 0.01): Patients who achieved a pathologic complete response (P = 0.01), but not those who achieved a partial response (P = 0.2), had significantly improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and obtained a pathologic complete response had a significantly improved long term survival. Major efforts should be undertaken to identify patients before neoadjuvant treatments who are likely to respond.

Only pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves significantly the long term survival of patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: final report of a randomized, controlled trial of preoperative chemotherapy versus surgery alone

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the standard treatment for patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma, but the long term prognosis of these patients is unsatisfactory. Some randomized trials of preoperative chemotherapy suggest that the prognosis of patients who respond may be improved.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled trial compared patients with clinically resectable esophageal epidermoid carcinoma who underwent surgery alone (Arm A) with those who received preoperative chemotherapy (Arm B). Overall survival and the prognostic impact of major response to chemotherapy were analyzed. Forty-eight patients were enrolled in each arm. Chemotherapy consisted of two or three cycles of cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on Day 1) and 5- fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2 per day continuous infusion on Days 1-5). In both study arms, transthoracic esophagectomy plus two-field lymphadenectomy was performed. The two groups were comparable in terms of patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were evaluable in each arm. The curative resection rate was 74.4% (35 of 47 patients) in Arm A and 78.7% (37 of 47 patients) in Arm B. Treatment-related mortality was 4.2% in both arms. The response rate to preoperative chemotherapy was 40% (19 of 47 patients), including 6 patients (12.8%) who achieved a pathologic complete responses. Overall survival was not improved significantly. The 19 patients in Arm B who responded to chemotherapy and underwent curative resection had significantly better 3-year and 5-year survival rates (74% and 60%, respectively) compared with both nonresponders (24% and 12%, respectively; P = 0.0002) and patients in Arm A who underwent complete resection (46% and 26%, respectively; P = 0.01): Patients who achieved a pathologic complete response (P = 0.01), but not those who achieved a partial response (P = 0.2), had significantly improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and obtained a pathologic complete response had a significantly improved long term survival. Major efforts should be undertaken to identify patients before neoadjuvant treatments who are likely to respond.

[First-line chemo-radiotherapy neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced (T4) epidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus]

In the period 1993-1997 we performed two phase II pilot studies of first-line chemo-radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced (T4) SCC of the esophagus. The first protocol (3 cycles of DDP-VP16 + 45 Gy) was used in 37 patients: toxicity was not negligible; a clinical tumor downstaging was obtained in 54% of cases; an R0 resection surgery was performed in 40% of patients. The overall median survival of the whole group of 37 patients was 11 months, while it was > 36 months for patients undergoing R0 resection. The second protocol (4 cycles of DDP-5FU + 45 Gy) was used in 25 patients: a clinical tumor downstaging was obtained in 55% of cases, and R0 resection surgery was performed in 45% of patients. The overall median survival of the whole group was 11 months. To date, all patients but one (who died after 13 months) are alive with a median follow up of 13 months. The prognosis of both groups of patients was improved compared to patients with T4 SCC of the esophagus who did not undergo chemo and/or radiotherapy. The survival advantage was especially evident for those who were able to undergo an R0 resection. First line chemo-radiotherapy should be considered the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal SCC.

Continuous mitoxantrone infusion in pretreated epithelial ovarian cancer

Mitoxantrone has shown moderate activity in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer following intermittent i.v. administration. Experiments and clinical data suggest that long-term continuous drug infusion may achieve a better therapeutic result with less toxicity. This hypothesis was tested in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who had been pretreated with other agents. Mitoxantrone was infused continuously in 21-day courses beginning every 6 weeks. If severe toxicity did not occur, the infusion rate was increased by 0.1-0.2 mg/m2 per day. The mitoxantrone solution proved to be stable over the 21-day infusion period. For ethical reasons an optimal two-stage design was employed. The trial was interrupted at the end of the first recruitment stage because the target of 3 responses out of 13 patients had not been achieved (only 1 patient had a partial response). Hematologic toxicity was observed in 11 patients, and 2 of them had a catheter occlusion. In conclusion, we found that 21-day of infusion of mitoxantrone apparently has no clinical benefit as compared with bolus administration in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Prolonged survival (17 years) in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia after therapy for Hodgkin's disease

A case of secondary chronic myelogenous leukemia after successful therapy for Hodgkin's disease is reported. The patient was diagnosed as having stage IIIA Hodgkin's disease, at the age of 33. He underwent staging laparosplenectomy and was treated with radiotherapy plus chemotherapy. Forty three months after the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease, a Philadelphia-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia developed. It required periodic chemotherapy and each time a remission, lasting several months (up to 14 months), was obtained. The disease had an unusually prolonged clinical course, and the blast crisis, of lymphoid type, occurred only 17 years later.