Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation and surgery with and without cetuximab in patients with resectable esophageal cancer: a randomized, open-label, phase III trial (SAKK 75/08)

Background

This open-label, phase III trial compared chemoradiation followed by surgery with or without neoadjuvant and adjuvant cetuximab in patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma.

Patients and methods

Patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to two cycles of chemotherapy (docetaxel 75 mg/m2, cisplatin 75 mg/m2) followed by chemoradiation (45 Gy, docetaxel 20 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2, weekly for 5 weeks) and surgery, with or without neoadjuvant cetuximab 250 mg/m2 weekly and adjuvant cetuximab 500 mg/m2 fortnightly for 3 months. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

In total, 300 patients (median age, 61 years; 88% male; 63% adenocarcinoma; 85% cT3/4a, 90% cN+) were assigned to cetuximab (n = 149) or control (n = 151). The R0-resection rate was 95% for cetuximab versus 97% for control. Postoperative treatment-related mortality was 6% in both arms. Median PFS was 2.9 years [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0 to not reached] with cetuximab and 2.0 years (95% CI, 1.5-2.8) with control [hazard ratio (HR), 0.79; 95% CI, 0.58-1.07; P = 0.13]. Median overall survival (OS) time was 5.1 years (95% CI, 3.7 to not reached) versus 3.0 years (95% CI, 2.2-4.2) for cetuximab and control, respectively (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52-1.01; P = 0.055). Time to loco-regional failure after R0-resection was significantly longer for cetuximab (HR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.90; P = 0.017); time to distant failure did not differ between arms (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.64-1.59, P = 0.97). Cetuximab did not increase adverse events in neoadjuvant or postoperative settings.

Conclusion

Adding cetuximab to multimodal therapy significantly improved loco-regional control, and led to clinically relevant, but not-significant improvements in PFS and OS in resectable esophageal carcinoma.

Clinical trial information

NCT01107639.

Bevacizumab+chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in elderly patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: a randomized phase II trial-PRODIGE 20 study results

Background

Metastatic colorectal cancer frequently occurs in elderly patients. Bevacizumab in combination with front line chemotherapy (CT) is a standard treatment but some concern raised about tolerance of bevacizumab for these patients. The purpose of PRODIGE 20 was to evaluate tolerance and efficacy of bevacizumab according to specific end points in this population.

Patients and methods

Patients aged 75 years and over were randomly assigned to bevacizumab + CT (BEV) versus CT. LV5FU2, FOLFOX and FOLFIRI regimen were prescribed according to investigator’s choice. The composite co-primary end point, assessed 4 months after randomization, was based on efficacy (tumor control and absence of decrease of the Spitzer QoL index) and safety (absence of severe cardiovascular toxicities and unexpected hospitalization). For each arm, the treatment will be consider as inefficient if 20% or less of the patients met the efficacy criteria and not safe if 40% or less met the safety criteria.

Results

About 102 patients were randomized (51 BEV and 51 CT), median age was 80 years (range 75–91). Primary end point was met for efficacy in 50% and 58% and for safety in 61% and 71% of patients in BEV and CT, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 9.7 months in BEV and 7.8 months in CT. Median overall survival was 21.7 months in BEV and 19.8 months in CT. The 36-month overall survival rate was 27% in BEV and 10.1% in CT. Severe toxicities grade 3/4 were mainly non-hematologic toxicities (80.4% in BEV, 63.3% in CT).

Conclusion

Bevacizumab combined with CT was safe and efficient. Both arms met the primary safety and efficacy criteria.

Patterns of care and outcomes in oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for oesophageal cancer is a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to describe patterns of care and survival in a well-defined population for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) of the oesophagus.

DESIGN

Data were provided by the Digestive Cancer Registry of Burgundy (France). Recurrence, excess mortality and net survival were calculated.

RESULTS

Among non-metastatic patients, the proportion of patients resected for cure decreased between 2004 and 2013 from 16% to 9% for SCC and 48% to 22% for AC. The administration of chemoradiation increased from 45 to 53% for SCC and 21 to 30% for AC. A complete clinical response to chemoradiation was reported in 40% of the patients. Five-year net survival did not vary according to histology. It was 55% in the selected group of patients resected for cure, 44% in patients treated with chemoradiation with a complete clinical response. In multivariate analysis, treatment modality only was associated with survival. In metastatic patients, 3-year net survival was 14% for those treated with chemoradiation.

CONCLUSION

Chemoradiation has become the most frequently administered treatment. Cancelling or postponing surgery after chemoradiation with complete response should be assessed by a randomized clinical trial.

Late toxicities and clinical outcome at 5 years of the ACCORD 12/0405-PRODIGE 02 trial comparing two neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimens for intermediate-risk rectal cancer

Background

Outcome of intermediate risk rectal cancer may be improved by the addition of oxaliplatin during 5-fluoruracil concomitant neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the main clinical results of the ACCORD12 trial (NCT00227747) in rectal cancer after 5 years of follow-up.

Patients and methods

Inclusion criteria were as follows: rectal adenocarcinoma accessible to digital examination staged T3-T4 Nx M0 (or T2 Nx distal anterior rectum). Two neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimens were randomized: CAP45 (RT 45 Gy + capecitabine) and CAPOX50 (RT 50 Gy + capecitabine and oxaliplatin). Main end point was sterilization of the operative specimen. Acute and late toxicities were prospectively analyzed with dedicated questionnaires.

Results

Between November 2005 and July 2008, 598 patients were included in the trial. After a median follow-up of 60.2 months, there was no difference between treatment arms in multivariate analysis either for disease-free survival or overall survival (OS) [P = 0.9, hazard ratio (HR)=1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.76-1.36 and P = 0.3, HR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.66-1.15, respectively]. There was also no difference of local control in univariate analysis (P = 0.7, HR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.51-1.66). Late toxicities were acceptable with 1.6% G3 anal incontinence, and <1% G3 diarrhea, G3 rectal bleeding, G3 stenosis, G3-4 pain, G3 urinary incontinence, G3 urinary retention and G3 skeletal toxicity. There was a slight increase of erectile dysfunction over time with a 63% rate of erectile dysfunction at 5 years. There was no significant statistical difference for these toxicities between treatment arms.

Conclusions

The CAPOX50 regimen did not improve local control, disease-free survival and overall survival in the ACCORD12 trial. Late toxicities did not differ between treatment arms.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma: French intergroup clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatments and follow-up (SNFGE, FFCD, GERCOR, UNICANCER, SFCD, SFED, SFRO)

BACKGROUND

This document is a summary of the French intergroup guidelines regarding the management of small bowel adenocarcinoma published in October 2016.

METHOD

This collaborative work, co-directed by most French Medical Societies, summarizes clinical practice recommendations (guidelines) on the management of small bowel adenocarcinoma. Given the lack of specific data in the literature, all references are given by analogy with colon cancer. The classification used is the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) pTNM classification (7th edition 2009).

RESULTS

Small bowel adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis; less than 30% of patients survive for 5 years after the (first) diagnosis (5-year survival of less than 30%). Due to the rarity of the disease and the retrospective data, most recommendations are based on expert agreement. The initial evaluation is based on chest-abdomen-pelvis CT scan, CEA assay, GI endoscopy and colonoscopy in order detect lesions associated with a predisposing disease. Surgical treatment is currently the only curative option for stage I and II. Adjuvant chemotherapy can be discussed for Stage III and Stage II with T4 (expert agreement). With regard to metastatic tumors, treatment with fluoropyrimidine combined with platinum salts should be considered (expert agreement).

CONCLUSION

Few specific data exist in the literature on this type of tumor; most of the recommendations come from expert agreements or by analogy with colon cancer. Thus, each case must be discussed within a multidisciplinary team.

Classic or simplified LV5FU2 regimen: Multivariate analysis from a phase III study in metastatic colorectal cancer in elderly patients

3550

Background: In the early 2000s, classic LV5FU2 (C) (folinic acid, 5FU bolus, then 5FU infusion on D1 and D2) was replaced with simplified LV5FU2 (S) (folinic acid and 5FU bolus on D1 only), considered as effective and less toxic. No trial proved this assertion. The LV5FU2 companion in the FOLFIRI or FOLFOX regimen was C or S. The FFCD 2001-02 study compared in a 2 x 2 factorial design, in not-pretreated elderly patients (75+) with metastatic colorectal cancer, C or S, with or without irinotecan. No significant differences in PFS and OS were observed in the comparison with or without irinotecan. The median OS was 15.2 months in C versus 11.4 months in S, HR = 0.71 (0.55–0.92) and objective response rate was 37.1% in C vs S 25.6% in S, p = 0.004. The aim of this study was to present the factors associated with these differences. Methods: Prognostic factors associated with OS were studied using a Cox model. The multivariate analysis used the significantly different items from the univariate analysis and the differences observed at the inclusion. For each of these items, a subgroup analysis was performed. The second- and third-line treatments were analysed. Results: The 282 patients from the intent-to-treat study were included in the model. In OS, the prognostic factors were C versus S, number of metastatic sites, alkaline phosphatases (AP) and CEA. The interaction test in each subgroup for OS was not significant but C was significantly better in the following subgroup: age > 80 years, male, Karnofsky 100%, 1-2 Charlson index, AP ≤ 2N, leucocyte count > 11,000, CEA > 2N, CA 19-9 ≤2N. No differences were observed in the NCI toxicities but 130 serious adverse events in S versus 102 in C. A second-line was used for 55% patients in C, 46% in S, 81% of them with oxaliplatin or irinotecan in C, 76% after S. The third-line administration (20%) and targeted therapy (15%) were similar in C and S. Conclusions: C-LV5FU2 was superior both in subgroups with better and lower prognostics and this difference cannot be explained by an imbalance between the populations. The toxicity was not higher and a second-line was more often possible after C. The switch from C to S without scientific proof was perhaps a mistake in our practices. Clinical trial information: NCT00303771.

Intergroup phase III trial of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by chemoradiation and surgery with and without cetuximab in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma: First results from the SAKK 75/08 trial

4019

Background: We compared chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with the addition of neoadjuvant and adjuvant cetuximab (cetux) in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods: Pts with resectable esophageal cancer (T2N1-3;T3-4aNx) received two cycles of induction chemotherapy (docetaxel 75mg/m2, cisplatin 75mg/m2) followed by chemoradiation (45 Gy, docetaxel 20mg/m2 and cisplatin 25mg/m2 weekly) and surgery or the same treatment with addition of neoadjuvant cetux 250mg/m2 weekly and adjuvant cetux 500mg/m2 bi-weekly for three months. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). After a median follow-up of 4y 166 of the planned 180 events occurred (plateau reached). Results: 300 pts were treated between 2010-13: 88% male, median age 61y, 63% adenocarcinoma, 85% cT3/4a, 90% cN+. 84% completed neoadjuvant therapy, 87% were operated (cetux: 89%, control: 86%), 67% started and 50% completed adjuvant cetux-therapy. The R0 resection rate was 95% in the cetux-arm and 97% in the control-arm, there were 10 and 14 treatment-related deaths and 9 and 4 postoperative in-hospital deaths, respectively. Major differences in adverse events (grade >2) with addition of cetux were higher rate of allergic reactions and hypomagnesemia, but lower rate of dysphagia (-15%) and esophagitis (-4%) during chemoradiation. Conclusions: The addition of cetuximab to a multimodal therapy showed a statistically significant reduction of loco-regional recurrences which led to a statistically non-significant, but clinically relevant improvement of PFS and OS. Clinical trial information: NCT01107639. [Table: see text]

Rectal cancer: French Intergroup clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatments and follow-up (SNFGE, FFCD, GERCOR, UNICANCER, SFCD, SFED, SFRO)

INTRODUCTION

This document is a summary of the French Intergroup guidelines regarding the management of rectal adenocarcinoma published in February 2016.

METHOD

This collaborative work, under the auspices of most of the French medical societies involved in the management of rectal cancer, is based on the previous guidelines published in 2013. Recommendations are graded into 3 categories according to the level of evidence of data found in the literature.

RESULTS

In agreement with the ESMO guidelines (2013), non-metastatic rectal cancers have been stratified in 4 risk groups according to endoscopy, MRI or endorectal-ultrasonography. Locally-advanced tumors are limited to groups 3 and 4 (T3≥4cm or T3c-d or N1-2 or T4). These tumors are usually treated using neoadjuvant treatment and total proctectomy (TME). Adjuvant treatment depends on the pathological findings. Very early (group 1) or early (group 2) tumors are managed mainly by surgery, and organ preservation may be an option in selected cases. For metastatic tumors, the recommendations are based on less robust evidence and chemotherapy plays a major role.

CONCLUSION

Such recommendations are constantly being optimized and each individual case must be discussed within a Multi-Disciplinary Team.

An explorative study to assess the association between health-related quality of life and the recommended phase II dose in a phase I trial: idarubicin-loaded beads for chemoembolisation of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to explore the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the recommended phase 2 dose in a phase I clinical trial according to the Time to HRQoL deterioration approach (TTD).

SETTING

This is a phase I dose-escalation trial of transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) with idarubicin-loaded beads performed in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients had to complete the EORTC QLQ-C30 HRQoL questionnaire at baseline and at days 15, 30 and 60 after TACE.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged ≥18 years with HCC unsuitable for curative treatments were evaluated for the study (N=21).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of idarubicin loaded after a single TACE session. MTD was defined as the dose level closest to that causing dose-limiting toxicity in 20% of patients. HRQoL was the secondary end point.

RESULTS

Between March 2010 and March 2011, 9, 6 and 6 patients were included at idarubicin dose levels of 5, 10 and 15 mg, respectively. Calculated MTD of idarubicin was 10 mg. At the 10 mg idarubicin dose, patients presented a longer TTD than at 5 mg, for global health status (HR=0.91 (95% CI 0.18 to 4.72)), physical functioning (HR=0.38 (0.04 to 3.22)), fatigue (HR=0.67 (0.18 to 2.56)) and pain (HR=0.47 (0.05 to 4.24)).

CONCLUSIONS

These HRQoL results were consistent with the estimated MTD, with a median TTD for global health status of 41 days (21 to NA) at 5 mg, 23 days (20 to NA) at 10 mg and 25 days (17 to NA) at 15 mg. These results show the importance of studying HRQoL in phase I trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01040559; Post-results.

First-Line Chemotherapy for Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinico-Biological Predictors of Disease Control

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify predictors of tumor control (TC) in metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

A development cohort of 68 patients from a prospective multicenter trial (NCT01248299) was used to identify predictors of TC at first radiological tumor assessment and to generate a predictive score for TC. That score was applied in an independent retrospective single-center validation cohort of 60 consecutive patients.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis identified three predictors of TC: body mass index ≥18.5 (OR 4.5, 95% CI 0.91-22.5), absence of bone metastasis (OR 4.6, 95% CI 0.91-23.2) and albumin ≥35 g/l (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.0-12.1). Based on the presence or absence of these three independent prognosticators, we built a predictive model using a score from 0 to 3. In the development cohort, the TC rates were 14.3 and 78.0% and in the validation cohort 12.5 and 44.2%, for scores of 0-1 and 2-3, respectively. With negative predictive values of 85 and 88% in the development and validation cohorts, respectively, we were able to identify patients with a very low probability of TC.

CONCLUSION

We have developed and validated a score that can be easily determined at the bedside to predict TC in metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

High-Dose FOLFIRI plus Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients with Two Different UGT1A1 Genotypes: FFCD 0504 Study

High-dose FOLFIRI has an acceptable safety profile and promising efficacy. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase: (UGT1A1) polymorphism may be predictive of toxicity and efficacy of irinotecan. This phase II study aimed to evaluate the combination of high-dose FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) based on their UGT1A1 genotype. Patients with the UGT1A1 *1/*1 (group 1) or *1/*28 (group 2) genotype received bevacizumab plus high-dose FOLFIRI every 2 weeks. Using the Bryant and Day design with objective response rate and toxicity as the primary endpoints, 54 patients in each group were required with a planned interim analysis after inclusion of 17 patients per group. We planned to stop the trial at the interim analysis if ≤ 7 patients exhibited an objective response (OR) and/or ≥ 3 patients exhibited severe toxicity. At the interim analysis, ORs were higher than the number expected: 52.9% (group 1) and 58.8% (group 2). More than three toxic events occurred in both groups and, according to the interim analysis rule, the trial was closed due to unacceptable toxicity. Recruitment was stopped when 86 patients were included and an analysis on overall population was done for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The median PFS was 10.7 months (group 1) and 10.4 months (group 2). The median OS was 25.5 months (group 1) and 23.9 months (group 2). This trial does not support the use of the intensive treatment with HD-FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab combination for MCRC in patients with the UGTA1*1/UGT1A1*1 or UGT1A1*1/UGT1A1*28 genotype.

Randomized phase III trial in elderly patients comparing LV5FU2 with or without irinotecan for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (FFCD 2001-02)

BACKGROUND

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) frequently occurs in elderly patients. However, data from a geriatric tailored randomized trial about tolerance to and the efficacy of doublet chemotherapy (CT) with irinotecan in the elderly are lacking. The benefit of first-line CT intensification remains an issue in elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Elderly patients (75+) with previously untreated mCRC were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design (four arms) to receive 5-FU (5-fluorouracil)-based CT, either alone (FU: LV5FU2 or simplified LV5FU2) or in combination with irinotecan [IRI: LV5FU2-irinotecan or simplified LV5FU2-irinotecan (FOLFIRI)]. The CLASSIC arm was defined as LV5FU2 or LV5FU2-irinotecan and the SIMPLIFIED arm as simplified LV5FU2 or FOLFIRI. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points were overall survival (OS), safety and objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

From June 2003 to May 2010, 71 patients were randomly assigned to LV5FU2, 71 to simplified LV5FU2, 70 to LV5FU2-irinotecan and 70 to FOLFIRI. The median age was 80 years (range 75-92 years). No significant difference was observed for the median PFS: FU 5.2 months versus IRI 7.3 months, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.84 (0.66-1.07), P = 0.15 and CLASSIC 6.5 months versus SIMPLIFIED 6.0 months, HR = 0.85 (0.67-1.09), P = 0.19. The ORR was superior in IRI (P = 0.0003): FU 21.1% versus IRI 41.7% and in CLASSIC (P = 0.04): CLASSIC 37.1% versus SIMPLIFIED 25.6%. Median OS was 14.2 months in FU versus 13.3 months in IRI, HR = 0.96 (0.75-1.24) and 15.2 months in CLASSIC versus 11.4 months in SIMPLIFIED, HR = 0.71 (0.55-0.92). More patients presented grade 3-4 toxicities in IRI (52.2% versus 76.3%).

CONCLUSION

In this elderly population, adding irinotecan to an infusional 5-FU-based CT did not significantly increase either PFS or OS. Classic LV5FU2 was associated with an improved OS compared with simplified LV5FU2.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV

NCT00303771.

Early surgery for failure after chemoradiation in operable thoracic oesophageal cancer. Analysis of the non-randomised patients in FFCD 9102 phase III trial: Chemoradiation followed by surgery versus chemoradiation alone

BACKGROUND

Two randomised trials concerning thoracic oesophageal cancer concluded that for squamous cell carcinoma, chemoradiation alone leads to the same overall survival (OS) as chemoradiation followed by surgery. One of these trials, FFCD 9102, randomised only fit, compliant and operable responders to induction chemoradiation between continuation of chemoradiation and surgery. In the present analysis, the outcome in the patients not eligible for randomisation was calculated to determine if attempt of surgery should be recommended.

METHODS

Eligible patients had operable T3-N0/N1-M0 thoracic oesophageal cancer. After initial chemoradiation, patients with no clinical response, or with contraindication to follow any attributed treatment, were not randomised. OS was studied first in the whole population of not randomised patients, and then specifically in clinical non-responders. The impact of surgery on OS was studied in these two populations.

FINDINGS

Of the 451 registered patients in the trial, 192 were not randomised. Among them, 111 were clinical non-responders. Median OS was significantly shorter for non-randomised patients (11.5 months) than for randomised patients (18.9 months; p=0.0024). However, for the 112 non-randomised patients who underwent surgery, median OS was not different from that in randomised patients: 17.3 versus 18.9 months (p=0.58). Concerning clinical non-responders, median OS was longer for those who underwent surgery compared to non-operated patients: 17.0 versus 5.5 months (hazard ratio (HR)=0.39 [0.25-0.61]; p<0.0001), and again was not different from that in responding, randomised patients (p=0.40).

INTERPRETATION

In patients with locally advanced thoracic oesophageal cancer, overall survival did not differ between responders to induction chemoradiation and patients having surgery after clinical failure of chemoradiation. Surgery should therefore be considered in those patients who are still operable.

Oesophageal cancer: exploring controversies overview of experts' opinions of Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands and Switzerland

Background

Oesophageal carcinoma is a rare disease with often dismal prognosis. Despite multiple trials addressing specific issues, currently, many questions in management remain unanswered. This work aimed to specifically address areas in the management of oesophageal cancer where high level evidence is not available, performing trials is very demanding and for many questions high-level evidence will not be available in the forseeable future.

Methods

Two experts of each national, oesophageal cancer research group from Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland were asked to provide statements to controversial issues. After an initial survey, further questions were formulated and answered by all experts. The answers were then discussed and qualitatively analysed for consensus and controversy.

Results

Topics such as indications for PET-CT, reasons for induction chemotherapy, radiotherapy dose, the choice of definitive chemo-radiotherapy versus surgery in squamous cell cancer, the role of radiotherapy in adenocarcinoma and selected surgical issues were identified as topics of interest and discussed.

Conclusion

Areas of significant controversy exist in the management of oesophageal cancer, mostly due to high-level evidence. This is not expected to change in the upcoming years.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13014-015-0418-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Phase III Study of Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Irinotecan Versus Epirubicin, Cisplatin, and Capecitabine in Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A French Intergroup (Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive, Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer, and Groupe Coopérateur Multidisciplinaire en Oncologie) Study

Purpose

To compare epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine (ECX) with fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) as first-line treatments in patients with advanced gastric or esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma.

Patients and Methods

This open, randomized, phase III study was carried out in 71 centers. Patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric or EGJ cancer were randomly assigned to receive either ECX as first-line treatment (ECX arm) or FOLFIRI (FOLFIRI arm). Second-line treatment was predefined (FOLFIRI for the ECX arm and ECX for the FOLFIRI arm). The primary criterion was time-to-treatment failure (TTF) of the first-line therapy. Secondary criteria were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity, and quality of life.

Results

In all, 416 patients were included (median age, 61.4 years; 74% male). After a median follow-up of 31 months, median TTF was significantly longer with FOLFIRI than with ECX (5.1 v 4.2 months; P = .008). There was no significant difference between the two groups in median PFS (5.3 v 5.8 months; P = .96), median OS (9.5 v 9.7 months; P = .95), or response rate (39.2% v 37.8%). First-line FOLFIRI was better tolerated (overall rate of grade 3 to 4 toxicity, 69% v 84%; P < .001; hematologic adverse events [AEs], 38% v 64.5%; P < .001; nonhematologic AEs: 53% v 53.5%; P = .81).

Conclusion

FOLFIRI as first-line treatment for advanced gastric and EGJ cancer demonstrated significantly better TTF than did ECX. Other outcome results indicate that FOLFIRI is an acceptable first-line regimen in this setting and should be explored as a backbone regimen for targeted agents.

Surgery alone versus chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for stage I and II esophageal cancer: final analysis of randomized controlled phase III trial FFCD 9901

PURPOSE

Although often investigated in locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC), the impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in early stages is unknown. The aim of this multicenter randomized phase III trial was to assess whether NCRT improves outcomes for patients with stage I or II EC.

METHODS

The primary end point was overall survival. Secondary end points were disease-free survival, postoperative morbidity, in-hospital mortality, R0 resection rate, and prognostic factor identification. From June 2000 to June 2009, 195 patients in 30 centers were randomly assigned to surgery alone (group S; n = 97) or NCRT followed by surgery (group CRT; n = 98). CRT protocol was 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks with two courses of concomitant chemotherapy composed of fluorouracil 800 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2). We report the long-term results of the final analysis, after a median follow-up of 93.6 months.

RESULTS

Pretreatment disease was stage I in 19.0%, IIA in 53.3%, and IIB in 27.7% of patients. For group CRT compared with group S, R0 resection rate was 93.8% versus 92.1% (P = .749), with 3-year overall survival rate of 47.5% versus 53.0% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.40; P = .94) and postoperative mortality rate of 11.1% versus 3.4% (P = .049), respectively. Because interim analysis of the primary end point revealed an improbability of demonstrating the superiority of either treatment arm (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.59; P = .66), the trial was stopped for anticipated futility.

CONCLUSION

Compared with surgery alone, NCRT with cisplatin plus fluorouracil does not improve R0 resection rate or survival but enhances postoperative mortality in patients with stage I or II EC.

Oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin with or without cetuximab in patients with resected stage III colon cancer (PETACC-8): an open-label, randomised phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Since the 1990s, fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy has significantly reduced the risk of tumour recurrence in patients with stage III colon cancer. We aimed to assess whether the addition of cetuximab to standard adjuvant oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin chemotherapy (FOLFOX4) in patients with stage III colon cancer improved disease-free survival (DFS).

METHODS

For this open-label, randomised phase 3 study done in nine European countries, we enrolled patients through an interactive voice response system to the central randomisation centre, with a central stratified permuted block randomisation procedure. We randomly assigned patients with resected (R0) stage III disease (1:1) to receive 12 cycles of FOLFOX4 twice a week with or without cetuximab. Patients were stratified by N-status (N1 vs N2), T-status (T1-3 vs T4), and obstruction or perforation status (no obstruction and no perforation vs obstruction or perforation or both). A protocol amendment (applied in June, 2008, after 2096 patients had been randomly assigned to treatment-restricted enrolment to patients with tumours wild-type at codons 12 and 13 in exon 2 of the KRAS gene (KRAS exon 2 wild-type). The primary endpoint was DFS. Analysis was intention to treat in all patients with KRAS exon 2 wild-type tumours. The study is registered at EudraCT, number 2005-003463-23.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 22, 2005, and Nov 5, 2009, 2559 patients from 340 sites in Europe were randomly assigned. Of these patients, 1602 had KRAS exon 2 wild-type tumours (intention-to-treat population), 791 in the FOLFOX4 plus cetuximab group and 811 in the FOLFOX4 group. Median follow-up was 3·3 years (IQR 3·2-3·4). In the experimental and control groups, DFS was similar in the intention-to-treat population (hazard ratio [HR] 1·05; 95% CI 0·85-1·29; p=0·66), and in patients with KRAS exon 2/BRAF wild-type (n=984, HR 0·99; 95% CI 0·76-1·28) or KRAS exon 2-mutated tumours (n=742, HR 1·06; 95% CI 0·82-1·37). We noted heterogeneous responses to the addition of cetuximab in preplanned subgroup analyses. Grade 3 or 4 acne-like rash (in 209 of 785 patients [27%] vs four of 805 [<1%]), diarrhoea (113 [14%] vs 70 [9%]), mucositis (63 [8%] vs 10 [1%]), and infusion-related reactions (55 [7%] vs 30 [4%]) were more frequent in patients treated with FOLFOX4 plus cetuximab than in those patients who received FOLFOX4 alone.

INTERPRETATION

The addition of cetuximab to FOLFOX4 did not improve DFS compared with FOLFOX4 alone in patients with KRAS exon 2 wild-type resected stage III colon cancer. This trial cannot conclude on the benefit of cetuximab in the studied population, but the heterogeneity of response suggests that further investigation of the role of FOLFOX4 plus cetuximab in specific patient subgroups is warranted.

FUNDING

Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive (FFCD), Merck KGaA, and Sanofi-Aventis.

Idarubicin-loaded beads for chemoembolisation of hepatocellular carcinoma: results of the IDASPHERE phase I trial

BACKGROUND

A phase I dose-escalation trial of transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) with idarubicin-loaded beads was performed in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIM

To estimate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and to assess safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and quality of life.

METHODS

Patients received a single TACE session with injection of 2 mL drug-eluting beads (DEBs; DC Bead 300-500 μm) loaded with idarubicin. The idarubicin dose was escalated according to a modified continuous reassessment method. MTD was defined as the dose level closest to that causing dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in 20% of patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were enrolled, including nine patients at 5 mg, six patients at 10 mg, and six patients at 15 mg. One patient at each dose level experienced DLT (acute myocardial infarction, hyperbilirubinaemia and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 5-, 10- and 15-mg, respectively). The calculated MTD of idarubicin was 10 mg. The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events were pain, elevated AST, elevated γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and thrombocytopenia. At 2 months, the objective response rate was 52% (complete response, 28%, and partial response, 24%) by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours. The median time to progression was 12.1 months (95% CI 7.4 months--not reached); the median overall survival was 24.5 months (95% CI 14.7 months--not reached). Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated the ability of DEBs to release idarubicin slowly.

CONCLUSIONS

Using drug-eluting beads, the maximum-tolerated dose of idarubicin was 10 mg per TACE session. Encouraging responses and median time to progression were observed. Further clinical investigations are warranted (NCT01040559).

Toxicity of oxaliplatin plus fluorouracil/leucovorin adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with stage III colon cancer: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Results concerning the side effects of oxaliplatin associated with fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX) in older patients are controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the use and the toxicity of FOLFOX in patients aged 70 years and older as administered in current practice.

METHODS

Among 305 stage III colon cancers registered in a well-defined population in Burgundy between 2004 and 2009, 210 had adjuvant chemotherapy, including 156 with FOLFOX. The cumulated rates of toxicity were calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. The risks of overall toxicity and of severe toxicity (grade 3 or 4) in patients less than 70 years and in older patients were compared by using a Cox model.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the group of the patients less than 70 years and the older age group for the cumulative incidence of hematologic, neurologic, digestive, and general toxicity. There was also no difference between the two groups for the severity of side effects (grade 3 or 4, 31.4 vs. 39.0 %; p = 0.576). The multivariate analysis indicated after adjustment on sex and the Charlson comorbidity score that there was no difference between the two age groups for toxicity (hazard ratio = 1.28; 95 % CI 0.68-2.41; p = 0.439).

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer registries can be used to evaluate the toxicity of chemotherapy at the population level. Tolerance to the FOLFOX regimen among elderly patients did not significantly differ from that in younger patients. This treatment should be considered regardless of patients' age alone, but consideration should be given to the capacity of patients to tolerate adverse events.

Definitive chemoradiotherapy with FOLFOX versus fluorouracil and cisplatin in patients with oesophageal cancer (PRODIGE5/ACCORD17): final results of a randomised, phase 2/3 trial

BACKGROUND

Definitive chemoradiotherapy is a curative treatment option for oesophageal carcinoma, especially in patients unsuitable for surgery. The PRODIGE5/ACCORD17 trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the FOLFOX treatment regimen (fluorouracil plus leucovorin and oxaliplatin) versus fluorouracil and cisplatin as part of chemoradiotherapy in patients with localised oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 2/3 trial of patients aged 18 years or older enrolled from 24 centres in France between Oct 15, 2004, and Aug 25, 2011. Eligible participants had confirmed stage I-IVA oesophageal carcinoma (adenocarcinoma, squamous-cell, or adenosquamous), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status 0-2, sufficient caloric intake, adequate haematological, renal, and hepatic function, and had been selected to receive definitive chemoradiotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either six cycles (three concomitant to radiotherapy) of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2), leucovorin 200 mg/m(2), bolus fluorouracil 400 mg/m(2), and infusional fluorouracil 1600 mg/m(2) (FOLFOX) over 46 h, or four cycles (two concomitant to radiotherapy) of fluorouracil 1000 mg/m(2) per day for 4 days and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) on day 1. Both groups also received 50 Gy radiotherapy in 25 fractions (five fractions per week). Random allocation to treatment groups was done by a central computerised randomisation procedure by minimisation, stratified by centre, histology, weight loss, and ECOG status, and was achieved independently from the study investigators. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Data analysis was primarily done by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00861094.

FINDINGS

134 participants were randomly allocated to the FOLFOX group and 133 to the fluorouracil and cisplatin group (intention-to-treat population), and 131 patients in the FOLFOX group and 128 in the fluorouracil and cisplatin group actually received the study drugs (safety population). Median follow-up was 25·3 months (IQR 15·9-36·4). Median progression-free survival was 9·7 months (95% CI 8·1-14·5) in the FOLFOX group and 9·4 months (8·1-10·6) in the fluorouracil and cisplatin group (HR 0·93, 95% CI 0·70-1·24; p=0·64). One toxic death occurred in the FOLFOX group and six in the fluorouracil-cisplatin group (p=0·066). No significant differences were recorded in the rates of most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events between the treatment groups. Of all-grade adverse events that occurred in 5% or more of patients, paraesthesia (61 [47%] events in 131 patients in the FOLFOX group vs three [2%] in 128 patients in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group, p<0·0001), sensory neuropathy (24 [18%] vs one [1%], p<0·0001), increases in aspartate aminotransferase concentrations (14 [11%] vs two [2%], p=0·002), and increases in alanine aminotransferase concentrations (11 [8%] vs two [2%], p=0·012) were more common in the FOLFOX group, whereas serum creatinine increases (four [3%] vs 15 [12%], p=0·007), mucositis (35 [27%] vs 41 [32%], p=0·011), and alopecia (two [2%] vs 12 [9%], p=0·005) were more common in the fluorouracil and cisplatin group.

INTERPRETATION

Although chemoradiotherapy with FOLFOX did not increase progression-free survival compared with chemoradiotherapy with fluorouracil and cisplatin, FOLFOX might be a more convenient option for patients with localised oesophageal cancer unsuitable for surgery.

FUNDING

UNICANCER, French Health Ministry, Sanofi-Aventis, and National League Against Cancer.

Predictors of disease control in patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapies for metastatic squamous-cell esophageal cancer: First results of the e-DIS trial

95

Background: There is little evidence that chemotherapy (CT) impacts on outcome of patients with MSEC. We designed an ongoing randomized phase 2 trial to detect a progression-free survival benefit of CT continuation over CT discontinuation in disease-controlled and ECOG≤2 patients at 6 weeks after an initial CT treatment. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of disease control at 6 weeks (DC6wkx) in MSEC patients receiving platinum-based CTs as first-line treatment for metastatic disease. Methods: Among 68/70 evaluable patients included between 1/2011 and 7/2013 who received at least 1 CT cycle, 58 were evaluable for disease assessment at 6 weeks. Ten patients were not evaluable (early death: 4, patient’s decision: 2, concomitant disease 1, early progressive disease 1, other reasons: 2). Baseline demographic, clinical, biological, and tumor characteristics were tested for prediction of DC6wkx. Significant variables for DC6wkx were identified with the chi-squared test and logistic regression. Results: Baseline patients characteristics were as follows: median age: 61.5yo; male: 57/68; ECOG 0/1/2: 13/42/13; metachronous/synchronous MSEC: 38/30; number of metastatic sites 1/2/>2: 35/20/13; metastatic location: lung 36, liver 23, bone 11, nodes 37, other 11; prior exposure to CT: 37/68; time from previous CT exposure: ≤ 6m 6/37, 6-12m 14/37, > 12m 17/37; gr>2 dysphagia (Atkinson) 19/67; BMI<18.5kg/m²: 13/68. Current CTs were FU-CDDPq3w 2/68, LV5FU2-CDDPq2w 15/68, FOLFOX 51/68, and patients received the following number of cycles 1/2/>2: 5/7/54. DC6wkx rate was 65.7%, with 16/68 PR (23.5%) and 28/68 SD (42.2%). Albumin (p<0.01), BMI (p<0.02), bone metastases (p<0.005), gender (p<0.047) and ECOG status (p<0.05) were predictive of DC6wkx. Normal or overweight BMI, grade 0 albumin, and no bone metastases, were predictive of DC6wkx in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: DC at 6 wks was 65.7% in MSEC receiving platinum-based CTs as first line treatment for metastatic disease. Normal or overweight BMI, normal albumin, and the absence of bone metastasis were significant predictors of DC6wkx in this prospective phase 2 trial. Clinical trial information: NCT01248299.

Adjuvant treatments for gastric cancer: from practice guidelines to clinical practice

BACKGROUND

For gastric cancers, the benefits of adjuvant radiochemotherapy and of perioperative chemotherapy have been demonstrated since 2001 and 2006 respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diffusion of adjuvant treatments in a French population.

METHODS

334 incident gastric cancers UICC Stage IB, II, III or IVM0 resected for cure and recorded in the Burgundy digestive cancer registry were retrospectively included. Patients were classified as having received an effective adjuvant treatment if they had been treated by adjuvant radiochemotherapy since 2001 or perioperative chemotherapy since 2006.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients treated with an effective adjuvant treatment increased from 21.8% (2001-2005) to 40.1% (2006-2009). Patients treated in 2006-2009 were twice as likely to receive effective adjuvant treatment as those treated during the period 2001-2005. During the 2004-2009 period, 62.4% of cases were presented in a multidisciplinary team meeting. These patients were almost three times more likely to receive effective adjuvant treatment than patients excluded from multidisciplinary team consultation. Age was a significant factor, independent of comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Administration of adjuvant treatment is still far from being considered a reference regimen in routine practice for R0 resected gastric cancer. The increase in multidisciplinary team meetings should improve the situation.

Primary prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) in Gilbert’s disease patients treated with FOLFIRI first line for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Final results of the FFCD 0604 study

3614

Background: Gilbert’s disease patients (pts) (homozygotous for the UGT1A1*28 allele) have a major risk (>30%) of severe, life-threatening, neutropenia when treated with Irinotecan (IRI). The aim of this study was to demonstrate that, in these pts, treated with IRI 1st line for mCRC, primary prevention with GCSF (lenograstim) reduces under 10% the risk of grade 4 or febrile neutropenia. Methods: This is a prospective, multicenter, phase II study of FOLFIRI + bevacizumab 1st line (IRI 180 mg/m² every 2 weeks) and primary prophylactic GCSF (D5 to D11 each course) in mCRC pts with Gilbert’s disease. Pre-chemotherapy UGT1A1 genotyping was centralized and standardized using a biological molecular technique applied on DNA blood-extracted lymphocytes. Using a 2-step Fleming design, (α=5% and β=90%), 30 pts had to be included with an interim analysis (IA) planned after 20 pts and 4 months of follow-up. Results: Twenty pts from 7 centers were included between 10/2007 and 02/2012 and 19 analysed for the IA. Median pts age was 63 years (range: 45-73), 60% were females, 90% were PS 0 or 1, 80% had a colic primary site and 73% hepatic metastases. The primary site was non- resected in 1/3 of pts. The total number of administered courses of chemotherapy was 229 with a median of 12 per pt (range: 1-40). Among all these courses, 213 were administered with GCSF. IRI was administered as defined by the protocol with a nearly 100% rate of received /theoretical dose. Grade 3 neutropenia rate was 10.5%. No grade 3-4 diarrhea, no grade 4 or febrile neutropenia and no toxic death were observed. No declared SAEs were related to GCSF. In term of best response at 6 months, 7 pts were in complete or partial response and 9 had stable disease. Median progression free survival and overall survival were respectively 8.7 months (4.9; 13.4) and 24.4 months (12.6; ND). Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that a pharmacogenetic approach based on a simple genetic test easy to perform can achieve a high rate of safe and performant administration of IRI in high risk mCRC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT00541125.

Subgroup analyses results of the PETACC8 phase III trial comparing adjuvant FOLFOX4 with or without cetuximab (CTX) in resected stage III colon cancer (CC)

3525^

Background: Potential benefit of adding CTX to the current standard treatment for stage III CC, was assessed. Subgroup analyses of demographic, clinical and molecular data may improve our understanding of this patient population. Methods: Patients (pts) were randomized 28-56 days following resection. They received 12 biweekly cycles of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 day (d) 1, with leucovorin 200 mg/m2, 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus IV, followed by 5-FU 600 mg/m2 22-hr IV on d1-2 (FOLFOX4), without (arm A) or with weekly CTX (arm B) 250 mg/m2 (initial dose 400 mg/m2). Primary endpoint was disease free survival time (DFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), treatment compliance and safety. Enrolment was restricted to KRAS wt pts in 06/2008. Planned accrual of 1,407 KRAS wild-type (wt) pts provided 90% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75 with 2-sided α=0.05, with interim analyses after 65% of planned events. Preplanned subgroup analyses were performed. Results: 1,602 KRAS wt pts (811 arm A, 791 arm B) and 742 mutated (m) KRAS (prior to the amendment), were randomized. BRAF status was determined in 1134 (71%) KRAS wt pts. Median follow-up was 40 months. This interim analysis showed no difference between arms for DFS (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.85-1.29; p=0.66) or OS (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.81-1.47; p=0.55) in KRAS wt pts or for DFS (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.75-1.28; p=0.91) or OS (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.67-1.44; p=0.92) in KRAS/BRAF wt pts (n=984). Similar results were seen in KRAS mutant (mt) pts without any detrimental effect. In KRAS wt pts worse outcomes were seen with CTX in pts >70 years (n=149, DFS: HR 1.97, 95% CI 0.99-3.93; p=0.05), in females (n=666, HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.03-2.03; p=0.03) and in pts with right-sided CC (n=570, HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.94; p=0.04). Conversely, a better outcome was seen in pts with pT4pN2 CC (n=146, HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.89; p=0.01). Conclusions: Adding CTX to FOLFOX4 offered no benefit to pts with resected stage III KRAS wt, KRAS/BRAF wt and KRAS mt CC. Subgroup analyses suggest that KRAS wt pts with pT4pN2 tumors may derive benefit from CTX. MSI status determination is ongoing to explore its potential interaction with poor outcome in female and/or with right-sided tumors pts. Clinical trial information: NCT00265811.

A randomised phase III intergroup trial comparing high-dose infusional 5-fluorouracil with or without folinic acid with standard bolus 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid in the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer: the Pan-European Trial in Adjuvant Colon Cancer 2 study

PURPOSE

To investigate whether infusional high-dose 5-flurouracil (HD-FU) provides a significant improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with a standard bolus 5-FU regimen (Mayo Clinic) in patients with curatively resectable stage III colon cancer.

METHODS

Patients (n=1601) were randomised to receive either the Mayo Clinic regimen or one of the three HD-FU regimens; LV5FU2, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie (AIO) or the Grupo Espaňol para el Tratamiento Digestivos (TTD), the data from which were combined to provide the HD-FU arm for final analysis.

RESULTS

Patients were evenly balanced for age, TMN, tumor grade and vascular and lymphatic invasion. Median follow-up was approximately 42months, RFS (hazard ratio [HR]=0.997) and OS (HR=0.96) (primary end-point) were not statistically different between the two treatment arms. Infusional HD-FU was generally better tolerated than bolus 5-FU regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Infusional HD-FU does not improve RFS and OS in curatively resected stage III colon cancer patients compared to the Mayo Clinic regimen, but is less toxic.

Clinical outcome of the ACCORD 12/0405 PRODIGE 2 randomized trial in rectal cancer

PURPOSE

The ACCORD 12 trial investigated the value of two different preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CT-RT) regimens in T3-4 Nx M0 resectable rectal cancer. Clinical results are reported after follow-up of 3 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between November 2005 and July 2008, a total of 598 patients were randomly assigned to preoperative CT-RT with CAP45 (45-Gy RT for 5 weeks with concurrent capecitabine) or CAPOX50 (50-Gy RT for 5 weeks with concurrent capecitabine and oxaliplatin). Total mesorectal excision was planned 6 weeks after CT-RT. The primary end point was sterilization of the operative specimen, which was achieved in 13.9% versus 19.2% of patients, respectively (P = .09). Clinical results were analyzed for all randomly assigned patients according to the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

At 3 years, there was no significant difference between CAP45 and CAPOX50 (cumulative incidence of local recurrence, 6.1% v 4.4%; overall survival, 87.6% v 88.3%; disease-free survival, 67.9% v 72.7%). Grade 3 to 4 toxicity was reported in four patients in the CAP45 group and in two patients in the CAPOX50 group. Bowel continence, erectile dysfunction, and social life disturbance were not different between groups. In multivariate analysis, the sterilization rate (Dworak score) of the operative specimen was the main significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.50).

CONCLUSION

At 3 years, no significant difference in clinical outcome was achieved with the intensified CAPOX regimen. When compared with other recent randomized trials, these results indicate that concurrent administration of oxaliplatin and RT is not recommended.

Impact of primary tumour resection on survival of patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous metastases treated by chemotherapy: results from the multicenter, randomised trial Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive 9601

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of primary tumour resection on overall survival (OS) of patients diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC).

DESIGN

Among the 294 patients with non-resectable colorectal metastases enrolled in the Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive (FFCD) 9601 phase III trial, which compared different first-line single-agent chemotherapy regimens, 216 patients (73%) presented with synchronous metastases at study entry and constituted the present study population. Potential baseline prognostic variables including prior primary tumour resection were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Progression-free survival (PFS) and OS curves were compared with the logrank test.

RESULTS

Among the 216 patients with stage IV CRC (median follow-up, 33 months), 156 patients (72%) had undergone resection of their primary tumour prior to study entry. The resection and non-resection groups did not differ for baseline characteristics except for primary tumour location (rectum, 14% versus 35%; p=0.0006). In multivariate analysis, resection of the primary was the strongest independent prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio (HR), 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-0.8; p=0.0002) and OS (HR, 0.4; CI, 0.3-0.6; p<0.0001). Both median PFS (5.1 [4.6-5.6] versus 2.9 [2.2-4.1] months; p=0.001) and OS (16.3 [13.7-19.2] versus 9.6 [7.4-12.5]; p<0.0001) were significantly higher in the resection group. These differences in patient survival were maintained after exclusion of patients with rectal primary (n=43).

CONCLUSION

Resection of the primary tumour may be associated with longer PFS and OS in patients with stage IV CRC starting first-line, single-agent chemotherapy.

Phase III randomized trial of definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with FOLFOX or cisplatin and fluorouracil in esophageal cancer (EC): Final results of the PRODIGE 5/ACCORD 17 trial

LBA4003

Background: CRT is one of the best treatment options for localized EC. As new combinations are required to improve safety and survival, we launched a randomized phase II study to assess the complete response (CR) rate of CRT with FOLFOX versus 5FU/cisplatin in 97 pts with localized EC (Conroy 2010). The trial having met its objectives, it has been pursued as a phase III trial. Stratified randomization was performed centrally in a 1:1 ratio according to histological type, pretreatment weight loss in the prior 6 months (<10% vs ≥10%), ECOG PS (0 vs 1 vs 2), and center. Methods: Pts with technically unresectable cancer or those with surgical contraindications or who refused to undergo surgery were eligible. Eligibility criteria also included age >18 years (y), PS ≤ 2, previously untreated adenocarcinoma or squamous cell EC (any T, N0 or N1, M0 or M1a). The radiation dose was 50 Gy (2Gy/fr) 5 d/wk for 5 wks in both arms. In Arm A, pts received 6 bimonthly cycles (cy): oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 d1 and leucovorin 200 mg/m2 followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus d1 then 1,600 mg/m2 46h continuous infusion (ci) ; the first 3 cy were delivered during RT, the 3 other after. In Arm B, pts received 4 cy: cisplatin 75 mg/m2 d1 followed by 5FU 1,000 mg/m2/d ci d1-4, the first 2 cy during RT and 2 other after. The primary endpoint was PFS. Main secondary endpoints were OS, grade 3-4 toxicities, and quality of life. A total of 266 pts would provide 90% power to detect a 20% 3y-PFS difference (α=0.05). Results: 267 pts were enrolled between 10/2004 and 08/2011. Treatment cohorts were well balanced: male 81%; median age 61 y; PS 0 53%, squamous cell 85.8%, stage III 52%, IVA 6.0% and IVB 3.0%. Full treatment was delivered to 67.9% and 72.2% of pts in arms A/B, respectively. 7 toxic deaths occurred in each arm. Grade 3/4 toxicities per pt (%) in arms A/B were neutropenia 30.6/31.3, febrile neutropenia 5.3/7.0, anemia 5.4/11.0, asthenia 17.6/10.2, respectively. The median FU time was 25.3 mos. 3y-PFS was 18.2/17.4 % (HR=1.07; 95%CI =0.80-1.43) and median OS was 20.2 /17.5 m (HR=1.06; 95%CI =0.77-1.46). Conclusions: CRT with FOLFOX does not improve PFS compared to cisplatin and 5-FU and has similar toxicities.

Phase III randomized trial of definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with FOLFOX or cisplatin and fluorouracil in esophageal cancer (EC): Final results of the PRODIGE 5/ACCORD 17 trial

LBA4003

The full, final text of this abstract will be available at abstract.asco.org at 12:01 AM (EDT) on Saturday, June 2, 2012, and in the Annual Meeting Proceedings online supplement to the June 20, 2012, issue of Journal of Clinical Oncology. Onsite at the Meeting, this abstract will be printed in the Saturday edition of ASCO Daily News.

Clinical results at 3 years of the ACCORD 12 randomized trial in rectal cancer

389

Background: The main end point of this trial was pathological response and published in 2010. We present the main clinical outcome after 3 years follow up.

Methods: A total of 598 patients were included by 56 different French institutions between 2005 and 2008. Inclusion criteria were: resectable rectal adenocarcinoma accessible to digital examination and staged T3,4 Nx M0. Low anterior T2 were also eligible.Two neoadjuvant treatments were compared: CAP 45 (Radiotherapy 45 Gy/5 weeks with concurrent chemotherapy: capecitabine 1 600 mg/m2/day) versus CAPOX 50 (RT 50 Gy/5weeks with the same capecitabine plus oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 /q week). Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to 253 patients and well balanced between both arms. All patients were analysed according to the intent to treat principle.

Results: With a median follow up time of 36 months the main clinical results are presented in the table . There was no significant difference in local control, survival, toxicity and functional results. In an exploratory analysis, clinical complete response (24 pts) before surgery and pathological complete response (92 pts) were associated with an excellent disease free survival at 3 years respectively 92% and 90%. These results must be interpreted in reference with 3 other recent randomized trials involving the same patients: STAR 01 (Italy) NSABP R 04 (USA) (Table) CAO/ARO 04 (Germany).

Conclusions: It is possible to conclude from this trial and the 3 other trials that: (1) oxaliplatin should not be included in the protocol (increased early toxicity and no effect on the pCR rate) (2) capecitabine is as efficient as fluorouracil (3) RT dose escalation to 50 Gy is improving pCR without increasing toxicity. A “CAP 50” regimen appears as safe and efficient in this neoadjuvant situation.

[Table: see text]

Phase II study of first-line FOLFIRI for progressive metastatic well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic endocrine carcinomas are rare and heterogeneous. Published results concerning treatment of advanced tumours are inconsistent and responses to standard chemotherapy remain unsatisfactory.

AIM

To investigate the ability of the FOLFIRI regimen to manage progressive unresectable metastatic well-differentiated endocrine carcinomas of the pancreas as first-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

20 patients with metastatic or advanced well-differentiated endocrine carcinomas of the pancreas and progressive disease were enrolled in a prospective multicentre phase II trial to receive chemotherapy with FOLFIRI schedule (irinotecan 180mg/m(2) infusion combined with simplified LV5FU2) every 14 days. The primary end point was the non-progression rate at 6 months.

RESULTS

The 6-month non-progression rate was 80% (95% confidence interval [56-94%]), with stabilisation in 15 patients and 1 objective response. Overall survival at 24 months was 65% [40-82%]. Median progression-free survival was 9.1 months [6.5-17.3 months]. The median number of administered cycles was 12 [range 1-28]. Grade 3/4 haematologic toxicity occurred in 5 patients (25%) and grade 3 digestive toxicity in 11.

CONCLUSION

The FOLFIRI regimen, as first-line chemotherapy, achieved stabilisation in most patients whose tumours had been progressing and was well-tolerated. It could be an alternative therapy for advanced well-differentiated endocrine carcinomas of the pancreas.