Strategy for Oligometastatic Recurrence of Cardia Adenocarcinoma: Liver Radiofrequency Ablation Associated with PIPAC Inducing Response Permitting Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC

Management of oligometastatic disease (OMD) in esophagogastric junction cancer is complex due to anatomical location and adenocarcinoma pathway. Specific curative strategy is mandatory to increase survival. A multimodal approach combining surgery, systemic and peritoneal chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and radiofrequency could be envisaged. We report a strategy proposed for a 61-year-old male with cardia adenocarcinoma, initially treated with chemotherapy and superior polar esogastrectomy. He developed at later stage an OMD with peritoneal metastasis, single liver metastasis, and single lung metastasis. Considering that peritoneal metastases were unresectable at first, he was given multiple Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) with oxaliplatin, associated with intravenous docetaxel. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was performed during the first PIPAC procedure. Peritoneal response allowed a secondary Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

Prognostic value of circulating tumour DNA in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients: post-hoc analyses of two clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

The prognostication of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) patients remains uncertain, mainly based on carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), with limited utility. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has been suggested as a prognostic factor, but its added value has been poorly explored. The objective was to determine whether ctDNA is an independent factor for the prognostication of mPDAC.

DESIGN

Translational study based on two prospective collections of plasma samples of mPDAC patients naïve for chemotherapy. One used as a test series and the other as validation series coming from two randomised trials (Prodige 35 and Prodige 37). CtDNA was assessed by digital droplet PCR targeting two methylated markers (HOXD8 and POU4F1) according to a newly developed and validated method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed according to ctDNA status.

RESULTS

Of 372 plasma samples available, 354 patients were analyzed for survival. In the validation series, 145 of 255 patients were found ctDNA positive (56.8%), Median PFS and OS were 5.3 and 8.2 months in ctDNA-positive and 6.2 and 12.6 months in ctDNA-negative patients, respectively. ctDNA positivity was more often associated with young age, high CA19-9 level and neutrophils lymphocytes ratio. In multivariate analysis including these previous markers, ctDNA was confirmed as an independent prognostic marker for PFS (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.5, CI 95% [1.03-2.18], p = 0.034) and OS (HR 1.62, CI 95% [1.05-2.5], p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

In this first ctDNA assessment in a large series of mPDAC derived from clinical trials, ctDNA was detectable in 56.8% of patients and confirmed as an independent prognostic marker.

Trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients: An AGEO prospective “real life” study

4036

Background: Regorafenib (R) and trifluridine/tipiracil (T) have proved their efficacy in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) refractory to standard chemotherapy and targeted therapies. However, it remains unclear which drug should be administered first. Methods: This observational study was prospectively conducted in 13 centers between 6/2017 and 9/2019 in France. All consecutive pts with chemoresistant mCRC and receiving T and/or R were eligible. The aim of this study was to describe efficacy and tolerability of T and/or R. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of pts receiving T then R (T/R) and the opposite sequence (R/T) were also assessed. Results: A total of 237 pts (25% R and 75% T) were enrolled (109 male, median age: 67 years (32-91), mean previous lines of treatment: 2.5 (1-7)). Baseline ECOG PS was 0-1 in 77% of pts. As compared to R pts, T pts were significantly older (68 years vs 63; p = 0.033) and with > 3 metastatic sites (44% vs 30%, p = 0.018). Median OS were 6.6 and 6.2. months in the T and R group, respectively (NS). Median PFS were 2.4 and 2.1 months in the T and R group, respectively (NS). After matching 46 paired pts according to primary tumor resection, age and number of metastatic sites, a trend to a longer OS (9.5 vs 6.8 months; p = 0.17) and a significantly longer PFS (2.8 vs 2 months; p = 0.048) were observed in the T group. Among the overall population, 24% of pts received R/T or T/R sequence. Median OS from first treatment were 10.7 months in the R/T group and 9.8 months in the T/R (NS). Treatment sequence was not an independent prognostic factor for OS or PFS in multivariable analysis. Tolerability profiles were similar to previously published data, but dose reductions were more frequent in the R group (44 vs 27%, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Efficacy and safety results in this real life prospective study are in line with those published phase III trials. Both treatments seem similar in term of efficacy favoring T for clinical use as shown by the higher number of patients receiving this drug.

Withholding the Introduction of Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: Impact on Outcomes in RAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Tumors: A Multicenter AGEO Study (the WAIT or ACT Study)

BACKGROUND

Patients with RAS wild-type (WT) nonresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) may receive either bevacizumab or an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) combined with first-line, 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Without the RAS status information, the oncologist can either start chemotherapy with bevacizumab or wait for the introduction of the anti-EGFR. Our objective was to compare both strategies in a routine practice setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective, propensity score-weighted study included patients with a RAS WT nonresectable mCRC, treated between 2013 and 2016 by a 5-FU-based chemotherapy, with either delayed anti-EGFR or immediate anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Primary criterion was overall survival (OS). Secondary criteria were progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

A total of 262 patients (129 in the anti-VEGF group and 133 in the anti-EGFR group) were included. Patients receiving an anti-VEGF were more often men (68% vs. 56%), with more metastatic sites (>2 sites: 15% vs. 9%). The median delay to obtain the RAS status was 19 days (interquartile range: 13-26). Median OS was not significantly different in the two groups (29 vs. 30.5 months, p = .299), even after weighting on the propensity score (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-1.08, p = .2024). The delayed introduction of anti-EGFR was associated with better median PFS (13.8 vs. 11.0 months, p = .0244), even after weighting on the propensity score (HR = 0.74, 95% CI, 0.61-0.90, p = .0024). ORR was significantly higher in the anti-EGFR group (66.7% vs. 45.6%, p = .0007).

CONCLUSION

Delayed introduction of anti-EGFR had no deleterious effect on OS, PFS, and ORR, compared with doublet chemotherapy with anti-VEGF.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

For RAS/RAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, patients may receive 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy plus either bevacizumab or an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In daily practice, the time to obtain the RAS status might be long enough to consider two options: to start the chemotherapy with bevacizumab, or to start without a targeted therapy and to add the anti-EGFR at reception of the RAS status. This study found no deleterious effect of the delayed introduction of an anti-EGFR on survival, compared with the introduction of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor from cycle 1. It is possible to wait one or two cycles to introduce the anti-EGFR while waiting for RAS status.

Methylated circulating tumor DNA (Met-DNA) as an independent prognostic factor in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPAC) patients

4136

Background: Circulating tumor DNA has emerged as prognostic biomarker in oncology. Many different genes can be mutated within a tumor, complicating procedures, even with highly sensitive next-generation sequencing (NGS). DNA methylation in promotor of specific genes is an early key epigenetic change during oncogenesis. Specific methylated genes could be a potential relevant cancer biomarker that may substitute for NGS panels. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of Met-DNA in mPAC. Methods: Prognostic value of Met-DNA was assessed in a prospective cohort (PLAPAN) of mPAC (training cohort), correlated with NGS, then in two prospective independent validation cohorts from two randomized phase II trials (PRODIGE 35 and 37). Plasma samples were collected before chemotherapy on EDTA-coated tubes. Met-DNA was quantified using two specific markers of pancreatic DNA methylation by digital droplet PCR and correlated with prospectively registered patient (pts) characteristics and oncologic outcomes (progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)). Results: 330 patients (pts) were enrolled. 60% (n = 58) of the 96 pts of the training cohort had at least one Met-DNA marker. The correlation with NGS assessment was R = 0.93 (Pearson; p < 0.001). 59.5% (n = 100/168) and 59% (n = 39/66) of pts had detectable Met-DNA in the 2 validation cohorts. In the training cohort, Met-DNA was correlated with poor OS (HR = 1.82; 95%CI 1.07-2.42; p = 0.026). In validation cohorts, Met-DNA was a prognostic factor of PFS (HR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.17-2.25, p = 004) and OS (HR = 1.79; 95%CI 1.28-2.49, p < 0.001) in PRODIGE 35, as in PRODIGE 37: PFS HR = 1.79 (95%CI 1.07-2.99; p = 0.026) and OS HR = 2.08 (95%CI [1.18-3.68], p = 0.01), respectively. In multivariate analysis adjusted on gender, age, CA19-9 > 40UI.mL, treatment arm, number of metastatic sites and stratified on center, Met-DNA was independently associated with poor OS in both trials: HR = 1.81 (95%CI 1.10-2.98; p = 0.02) and HR = 3.62 (95%CI: 1.32-9.93; p = 0.01). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that Met-DNA is a strong independent prognostic factor in mPAC. These results argue for patient’s stratification on ctDNA status for further randomized trials. Clinical trial information: NCT02827201 and NCT02352337.

Withholding anti-EGFR, the impact on outcome in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal tumors (WAIT or ACT trial)

626

Background: First line of RAS wild-type (WT) unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) can be doublet chemotherapy with an anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), or an anti-EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor). Waiting for RAS status, many oncologists initiate chemotherapy and add the anti-EGFR secondly. The objective was to compare the delayed introduction of the anti-EGFR to the immediate introduction of the anti-VEGF in first-line treatment of RAS WT mCRC. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis from 2013 to 2016, multicentric with 28 health care centers. We included patients with RAS WT unresectable mCRC treated between 2013 and 2016 by a doublet chemotherapy with the anti-VEGF introduced immediately or with the anti-EGFR introduced at C2 or C3. Progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and response rate (RR) for the two cohorts were compared. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were estimated with cox regression models weighted on propensity score to deal with potential confounders. Results: A total of 262 patients were included, 129 in the immediate anti-VEGF group and 133 in the delayed anti-EGFR group. Median follow-up was 37.9 months. Ninety-two patients had the anti-EGFR introduced at C2, 40 at C3. The median delay of RAS analysis was 19 days (q1-q3: 13-26). Patients treated with anti-VEGFs were more likely men (68% versus 56%), with more metastatic sites ( > 2 sites: 15% versus 9%). A propensity score including the number of metastatic sites and a possible previous treatment was built. Delayed anti-EGFRs were associated with longer PFS compared to immediate anti-VEGFs: 13.8 versus 11.0 months, p = 0.0244. After weighting, delayed anti-EGFRs were still associated with better PFS: HR 0.74, 95%CI [0.61 – 0.90], p = 0.0024. OS was not different between the two arms (30.5 for anti-VEGF versus 29.9 months, p = 0.3934), even after weighting (HR 0.86, 95%CI [0.69 – 1.08], p = 0.2024). There was a better RR with delayed anti-EGFRs: 66.7% versus 45.6%, p = 0.0007. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, while waiting for RAS status, the delayed introduction of the anti-EGFR is a valid option, compared to the immediate introduction of the anti-VEGF.

Clinical outcome of portal vein thrombosis in patients with digestive cancers: A large AGEO multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cancer patients remains discussed.

AIMS

The objective of this multicenter retrospective study was to investigate the management and outcome of PVT in patients with digestive cancers other than hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHOD

Main inclusion criteria were trunk or branch PVT in patients with locally advanced or metastatic digestive cancers. Predictive factors of bleeding and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Between 2012 and 2016, 118 patients with PVT and digestive cancers were identified. The majority had a pancreatic cancer (50%). Sixty-six percent of patients had trunk PVT location. Endoscopic screening of portal hypertension was performed in only 7 patients (1%) and 5 had esophageal varices. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 22 patients (19%) and 12 patient deaths (17%) were related to a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Metastatic disease (HR=2.83 [95%CI 1.47-5.43], p<0.01) and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (HR=1.68 [95%CI 1.01-2.78], p=0.04) were associated with OS in multivariate analysis. Only trunk PVT location was significantly associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage in multivariate analysis (HR=5.56 [95%CI 1.18-26.32], p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

A high rate of variceal bleeding leading to death was found in this cohort. Endoscopic screening and the efficacy of prophylactic treatment of variceal bleeding remain to be evaluated in a prospective study.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prostate cancer risk: results from the EPICAP study

Chronic inflammation may play a role in prostate cancer carcinogenesis. In that context, our objective was to investigate the role of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in prostate cancer risk based on the EPICAP data. EPICAP is a population‐based case–control study carried out in 2012–2013 (département of Hérault, France) that enrolled 819 men aged less than 75 years old newly diagnosed for prostate cancer and 879 controls frequency matched to the cases on age. Face to face interviews gathered information on several potential risk factors including NSAIDs use. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression models. All‐NSAIDs use was inversely associated with prostate cancer: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.98, especially in men using NSAIDs that preferentially inhibit COX‐2 activity (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28–0.79). Nonaspirin NSAIDs users had a decreased risk of prostate cancer (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.99), particularly among men with an aggressive prostate cancer (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.89) and in men with a personal history of prostatitis (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07–0.59). Our results are in favor of a decreased risk of prostate cancer in men using NSAIDs, particularly for men using preferential anti‐COX‐2 activity. The protective effect of NSAIDs seems to be more pronounced in aggressive prostate cancer and in men with a personal history of prostatitis, but this needs further investigations to be confirmed.

Elderly patients with colorectal cancer: treatment modalities and survival in France. National data from the ThInDiT cohort study

BACKGROUND

Few data exist on how elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are actually treated in real-life practice. Based on a national cohort, we analysed routine treatment modalities of the elderly who were diagnosed with CRC in France in 2009.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The characteristics of patients and tumours and the cancer treatments received during the first year of all national incident cases of CRC diagnosed between 1st April and 31st December 2009, were compared between a 'younger group' (YG), under 75 years of age (N = 18,410 patients), and an 'older group' (OG), aged 75 and over (N = 13,255 patients). In the OG with metastases at baseline, we analysed two-year overall survival (OS) according to the treatment received (e.g. chemotherapy, surgery) and well-known prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Among patients with localised CRC (N = 25,353), surgery was equally performed in both groups in more than 80% of the cases (p=0.52); time to surgery was shorter in the OG (8 versus 23 days) because there was more emergency surgery for occlusion among the OG. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 15% of the OG (versus 29% in the YG) and consisted of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) monotherapy in more than 50% of OG patients. Among patients with metastatic CRC (N = 6,312), palliative chemotherapy was given to 48% of the OG versus 85% of the YG. Chemotherapy regimens included 30% monotherapy with 5FU, 30% oxaliplatin combination and 20% bevacizumab combination in the OG; compared to 10%, 34% and 35%, respectively, in the YG. The median OS for the OG was 8.4 months (versus 22.3 months in the YG) and 17.1 months among elderly patients who received chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

CRC is more frequently complicated at diagnosis among elderly patients. Adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy is less frequently prescribed among elderly patients. This could be explained by the fact that unfit elderly patients do not deserve chemotherapy, but certainly also reflect the fact that some fit elderly patients are undertreated.

Elderly patients with colorectal cancer: Treatment modalities and survival in France from the ThInDiT observational cohort study

e14065

Background: More than 40% of the colorectal cancers (CRC) occur in elderly patients. Epidemiological data suggests that treatment modalities in this population differ from younger patients. We analysed the management of CRC patients in the real life in France using the French national health insurance system database. Methods: ThInDiT (Therapeutic Innovations in Digestive Tumors) is an observational cohort of 31 665 incident CRC diagnosed between April 1st and December 31th 2009 and registered in the French national health insurance system database. Using this cohort, we compared disease characteristics and treatment modalities within the first year of diagnosis between elderly (age >= 75) and younger patients (<75 years). Results: Elderly patients (pts) represented 42% (13 255/31 665) of the cases. They had more frequently an advanced stage at diagnosis (synchronous metastases: 20.5% vs 19.5% p=0.02, occlusion: 17% vs 11% p<0.0001). Pts with a localised disease (n=25 353): Surgery was performed in more than 80% of the cases in both age groups, delay between diagnosis and surgery was significantly shorter in elderly pts (8 vs 23 days p<0.0001) suggesting that emergency surgery was more frequent in this age group. An adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) was less frequently prescribed among elderly pts (15% vs 29% p<0.0001), 50% of the elderly received a 5FU alone whereas 79% of the younger pts had an oxaliplatin-based adjuvant CT. Pts with synchronous metastases (n= 6 312): Administration of palliative CT in elderly vs younger pts: 48% vs 85%, p<0.0001. CT regimen: LV5FU2 or capecitabine (30% vs 10%), Oxaliplatin-5FU (30% vs 34%), CT + bevacizumab (20% vs 35%) respectively. Elderly pts received less frequently a second or third line of CT than younger pts. Median overall survival was 8.4 months in elderly and 22.1 months in younger pts. Conclusions: Elderly patients represent more than 40% of incident CRC in France, they have a more advanced disease at diagnosis than younger pts. Treatment modalities are different among elderly and younger pts. Elderly pts have a worse prognosis than younger pts.

First-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer with bevacizumab in France: The ThInDiT observational cohort study

655

Background: ThInDiT (Therapeutic Innovations in Digestive Tumors) is an ambispective observational cohort study based on the database of the French national health insurance system. Using this database, we analysed the use of bevacizumab in the front-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods: Patients and treatment characteristics were collected for 4 273 incident cases of colorectal cancer with synchronous metastases diagnosed between April 1st and September 30th 2009. A logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of non-prescription of bevacizumab among patients receiving chemotherapy within the first three months.

Results: 2 757 (64.5%) received chemotherapy, in combination with bevacizumab in 827 patients (30% of the treated patients). Median age was 64 years in the bevacizumab group against 70 years in the no bevacizumab group (p<0.0001). Major factors significantly associated with the non-prescription of bevacizumab in multivariate analysis were: age ≥ 75 years (OR= 2.47, IC95% 1.9-3.1), unresected primary tumour (OR=1.44, IC95% 1.2-1.8), rectal site (OR= 1.37, IC95% 1.1-1.8), peritoneal carcinosis (OR=1.37, IC95% 1.1-1.7), radiotherapy within the last month (OR=3.59, IC95% 2.1-6.1), arterial (OR= 1.72, IC95% 1.1-2.6) or venous (OR=2.04, IC95% 1.3-3.1) thromboembolic event within 6 months, arterial hypertension (OR=1.37, IC95% 1.1-1.7), wound (OR=3.35, IC95% 1.3-8.7), chronic bronchopneumopathy (OR=1.66, IC95%: 1.0-2.7), nephropathy (OR=2.69, IC95% 1.5-4.7). Brain metastasis and colonic endoprothesis were not associated. 1-year overall survival rate was 81% in the bevacizumab group and 76% in the no bevacizumab group.

Conclusions: Based on the database of the national health insurance system, this analysis reports data on the use of chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab in the French population, reflecting the real life practice among non-selected patients. About 2/3 of the patients with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer are treated with chemotherapy, in combination with bevacizumab in 30% of the cases. Patients receiving bevacizumab are younger with less comorbidities.