Use of comprehensive geriatric assessment in older cancer patients: recommendations from the task force on CGA of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)

BACKGROUND

As more and more cancers occur in elderly people, oncologists are increasingly confronted with the necessity of integrating geriatric parameters in the treatment of their patients.

METHODS

The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) created a task force to review the evidence on the use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in cancer patients. A systematic review of the evidence was conducted.

RESULTS

Several biological and clinical correlates of aging have been identified. Their relative weight and clinical usefulness is still poorly defined. There is strong evidence that a CGA detects many problems missed by a regular assessment in general geriatric and in cancer patients. There is also strong evidence that a CGA improves function and reduces hospitalization in the elderly. There is heterogeneous evidence that it improves survival and that it is cost-effective. There is corroborative evidence from a few studies conducted in cancer patients. Screening tools exist and were successfully used in settings such as the emergency room, but globally were poorly tested. The article contains recommendations for the use of CGA in research and clinical care for older cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A CGA, with or without screening, and with follow-up, should be used in older cancer patients, in order to detect unaddressed problems, improve their functional status, and possibly their survival. The task force cannot recommend any specific tool or approach above others at this point and general geriatric experience should be used.

Rare cancers are not so rare: the rare cancer burden in Europe

PURPOSE

Epidemiologic information on rare cancers is scarce. The project Surveillance of Rare Cancers in Europe (RARECARE) provides estimates of the incidence, prevalence and survival of rare cancers in Europe based on a new and comprehensive list of these diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RARECARE analysed population-based cancer registry (CR) data on European patients diagnosed from 1988 to 2002, with vital status information available up to 31st December 2003 (latest date for which most CRs had verified data). The mean population covered was about 162,000,000. Cancer incidence and survival rates for 1995-2002 and prevalence at 1st January 2003 were estimated.

RESULTS

Based on the RARECARE definition (incidence <6/100,000/year), the estimated annual incidence rate of all rare cancers in Europe was about 108 per 100,000, corresponding to 541,000 new diagnoses annually or 22% of all cancer diagnoses. Five-year relative survival was on average worse for rare cancers (47%) than common cancers (65%). About 4,300,000 patients are living today in the European Union with a diagnosis of a rare cancer, 24% of the total cancer prevalence.

CONCLUSION

Our estimates of the rare cancer burden in Europe provide the first indication of the size of the public health problem due to these diseases and constitute a useful base for further research. Centres of excellence for rare cancers or groups of rare cancers could provide the necessary organisational structure and critical mass for carrying out clinical trials and developing alternative approaches to clinical experimentation for these cancers.

Motesanib diphosphate in progressive differentiated thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is characteristic of differentiated thyroid cancer and is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and a poor clinical outcome. Motesanib diphosphate (AMG 706) is a novel oral inhibitor of VEGF receptors, platelet-derived growth-factor receptor, and KIT.

METHODS

In an open-label, single-group, phase 2 study, we treated 93 patients who had progressive, locally advanced or metastatic, radioiodine-resistant differentiated thyroid cancer with 125 mg of motesanib diphosphate, administered orally once daily. The primary end point was an objective response as assessed by an independent radiographic review. Additional end points included the duration of the response, progression-free survival, safety, and changes in serum thyroglobulin concentration.

RESULTS

Of the 93 patients, 57 (61%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma. The objective response rate was 14%. Stable disease was achieved in 67% of the patients, and stable disease was maintained for 24 weeks or longer in 35%; 8% had progressive disease as the best response. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median duration of the response was 32 weeks (the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval [CI] was 24; the upper limit could not be estimated because of an insufficient number of events); the estimate of median progression-free survival was 40 weeks (95% CI, 32 to 50). Among the 75 patients in whom thyroglobulin analysis was performed, 81% had decreased serum thyroglobulin concentrations during treatment, as compared with baseline levels. The most common treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea (in 59% of the patients), hypertension (56%), fatigue (46%), and weight loss (40%).

CONCLUSIONS

Motesanib diphosphate can induce partial responses in patients with advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer that is progressive. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00121628.)

Comparison of the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (serotonin) antagonist ondansetron (GR 38032F) with high-dose metoclopramide in the control of cisplatin-induced emesis

To compare ondansetron (GR 38032F), a 5-hydroxytryptamine3-receptor antagonist, with metoclopramide in the prophylaxis of acute cisplatin-induced emesis, we conducted a double-blind crossover study in 97 patients scheduled to receive cisplatin (80 to 100 mg per square meter of body-surface area) for treatment of cancer. None had received chemotherapy before this trial. Among the 76 patients who satisfactorily completed both parts of the study, complete or nearly complete control of emesis (i.e., no episodes of emesis occurred, or only one or two) was achieved in 57 of 76 treatments (75 percent) with ondansetron and in 32 of 76 treatments (42 percent) with metoclopramide (P less than 0.001). Ondansetron was also more effective in controlling acute nausea, as assessed with a visual-analogue scale (P = 0.019) or a graded scale (P = 0.024). There was a significant preference among patients for ondansetron (55 vs. 26 percent; P = 0.006). Dystonic reactions were observed during three treatments with metoclopramide; both agents were otherwise well tolerated. We conclude that ondansetron is more effective than metoclopramide in the control of cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting, and that this suggests that serotonin is an important mediator of this side effect.

European consensus on diagnosis and treatment of germ cell cancer: a report of the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG)

Germ cell tumour is the most frequent malignant tumour type in young men with a 100% rise in the incidence every 20 years. Despite this, the high sensitivity of germ cell tumours to platinum-based chemotherapy, together with radiation and surgical measures, leads to the high cure rate of > or = 99% in early stages and 90%, 75-80% and 50% in advanced disease with 'good', 'intermediate' and 'poor' prognostic criteria (IGCCCG classification), respectively. The high cure rate in patients with limited metastatic disease allows the reduction of overall treatment load, and therefore less acute and long-term toxicity, e.g. organ sparing surgery for specific cases, reduced dose and treatment volume of irradiation or substitution of node dissection by surveillance or adjuvant chemotherapy according to the presence or absence of vascular invasion. Thus, different treatment options according to prognostic factors including histology, stage and patient factors and possibilities of the treating centre as well may be used to define the treatment strategy which is definitively chosen for an individual patient. However, this strategy of reduction of treatment load as well as the treatment itself require very high expertise of the treating physician with careful management and follow-up and thorough cooperation by the patient as well to maintain the high rate for cure. Treatment decisions must be based on the available evidence which has been the basis for this consensus guideline delivering a clear proposal for diagnostic and treatment measures in each stage of gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumour and individual clinical situations. Since this guideline is based on the highest evidence level available today, a deviation from these proposals should be a rare and justified exception.

Phase II study of safety and efficacy of motesanib in patients with progressive or symptomatic, advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer

PURPOSE

This phase II study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of motesanib, an investigational, highly selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3; platelet-derived growth factor receptor; and Kit in advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic, progressive or symptomatic MTC received motesanib 125 mg/d orally for up to 48 weeks or until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. The primary end point was objective response by independent review. Other end points included duration of response, progression-free survival, safety, pharmacokinetics, and changes in tumor markers.

RESULTS

Of 91 enrolled patients who received motesanib, two (2%) achieved objective response (95% CI, 0.3% to 7.7%); their duration of response was 32 weeks (censored) and 21 weeks (disease progressed). Eighty-one percent of patients had stable disease (48% had durable stable disease > or = 24 weeks), 8% had disease progression as best response, and 9% were not evaluated; 76% experienced a decrease from baseline in target lesion measurement. Median progression-free survival was 48 weeks (95% CI, 43 to 56 weeks). Among patients with tumor marker analysis, 69 (83%) of 83 and 63 (75%) of 84 had decreased serum calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen during treatment, respectively, compared with baseline. The most common treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea (41%), fatigue (41%), hypothyroidism (29%), hypertension (27%), and anorexia (27%). In pharmacokinetic analyses, motesanib trough concentrations were lower compared with differentiated thyroid cancer patients from the same study.

CONCLUSION

Although the objective response rate was low, a significant proportion of MTC patients (81%) achieved stable disease while receiving motesanib.

High-dose chemotherapy as salvage treatment in germ cell tumors: a multivariate analysis of prognostic variables

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic variables for response and survival in male patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and hematopoietic progenitor cell support.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred ten patients treated with HDCT at four centers in the United States and Europe were retrospectively evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis of patient, disease, and treatment characteristics were used for comparisons of response rates and failure-free survival (FFS).

RESULTS

The actuarial FFS rate was 32% at 1, 30% at 2, and 29% at 3 years. Multivariate analysis identified progressive disease before HDCT, mediastinal nonseminomatous primary tumor, refractory or absolute refractory disease to conventional-dose cisplatin, and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels greater than 1,000 U/L before HDCT as independent adverse prognostic variables for FFS after HDCT. These variables were used to identify patients with good, intermediate, and poor prognoses. In the good-risk category, the predicted FFS rate at 2 years was 51%, compared with 27% and 5% in the intermediate-risk and poor-risk categories (P < .001). The increased risk for treatment failure was due to both a significantly lower rate of favorable responses and a significantly higher rate of relapses. Within the prognostic categories, the particular HDCT regimen or higher dosages of carboplatin or etoposide did not have a significant influence on treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

Prognostic variables for treatment response after HDCT can be identified. The proposed prognostic model might help to optimize the use of HDCT in germ cell tumors and warrants validation in future trials.

Viable Malignant Cells After Primary Chemotherapy for Disseminated Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: Prognostic Factors and Role of Postsurgery Chemotherapy—Results From an International Study Group

PURPOSE: To assess the value of postsurgery chemotherapy in patients with disseminated nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (NSGCTs) and viable residual disease after first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcome of 238 patients was reviewed. Tumor markers had normalized in all patients before resection. A multivariate analysis of survival was performed on 146 patients.

RESULTS: The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 64% and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 73%. Three factors were independently associated with both PFS and OS: complete resection (P < .001), < 10% of viable malignant cells (P = .001), and a good International Germ Cell Consensus Classification (IGCCC) group (P = .01). Patients were assigned to one of three risk groups: those with no risk factors (favorable group), those with one risk factor (intermediate group), and those with two or three risk factors (poor-risk group). The 5-year OS rate was 100%, 83%, and 51%, respectively (P < .001). The 5-year PFS rate was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62% to 76%) and 52% (95% CI, 40% to 64%) in postoperative chemotherapy recipients and nonrecipients, respectively (P < .001). No significant difference was detected in 5-year OS rates. After adjustment on the three prognostic factors, postoperative chemotherapy was associated with a significantly better PFS (P < .001) but not with better OS. Patients in the favorable risk group had a 100% 5-year OS, with or without postoperative chemotherapy. Postoperative chemotherapy appeared beneficial in both PFS (P < .001) and OS (P = .02) in the intermediate-risk group but was not statistically beneficial in the poor-risk group.

CONCLUSION: A complete resection may be more critical than recourse to postoperative chemotherapy in the setting of postchemotherapy viable malignant NSGCT. Immediate postoperative chemotherapy or surveillance alone with chemotherapy at relapse may be reasonable options depending on the completeness of resection, IGCCC group, and percent of viable cells. Validation is necessary.

Management of prostate cancer in older patients: updated recommendations of a working group of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology

In 2010, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) developed treatment guidelines for men with prostate cancer who are older than 70 years old. In 2013, a new multidisciplinary SIOG working group was formed to update these recommendations. The consensus of the task force is that older men with prostate cancer should be managed according to their individual health status, not according to age. On the basis of a validated rapid health status screening instrument and simple assessment, the task force recommends that patients are classed into three groups for treatment: healthy or fit patients who should have the same treatment options as younger patients; vulnerable patients with reversible impairment who should receive standard treatment after medical intervention; and frail patients with non-reversible impairment who should receive adapted treatment.

Management of prostate cancer in older men: recommendations of a working group of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men and predominantly affects older men (aged >or=70 years). The median age at diagnosis is 68 years; overall, two-thirds of prostate cancer-related deaths occur in men aged >or=75 years. With the exponential ageing of the population and the increasing life-expectancy in developed countries, the burden of prostate cancer is expected to increase dramatically in the future. To date, no specific guidelines on the management of prostate cancer in older men have been published. The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) conducted a systematic bibliographic search based on screening, diagnostic procedures and treatment options for localized and advanced prostate cancer, to develop a proposal for recommendations that should provide the highest standard of care for older men with prostate cancer. The consensus of the SIOG Prostate Cancer Task Force is that older men with prostate cancer should be managed according to their individual health status, which is mainly driven by the severity of associated comorbid conditions, and not according to chronological age. Existing international recommendations (European Association of Urology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and American Urological Association) are the backbone for localized and advanced prostate cancer treatment, but need to be adapted to patient health status. Based on a rapid and simple evaluation, patients can be classified into four different groups: 1, 'Healthy' patients (controlled comorbidity, fully independent in daily living activities, no malnutrition) should receive the same treatment as younger patients; 2, 'Vulnerable' patients (reversible impairment) should receive standard treatment after medical intervention; 3, 'Frail' patients (irreversible impairment) should receive adapted treatment; 4, Patients who are 'too sick' with 'terminal illness' should receive only symptomatic palliative treatment.

A Phase I and Pharmacological Study of the Platinum Polymer AP5280 Given as an Intravenous Infusion Once Every 3 Weeks in Patients with Solid Tumors

PURPOSE

This Phase I study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose, profile of adverse events, and dose-limiting toxicity of AP5280 in patients with solid tumors. Furthermore, the platinum (Pt) pharmacokinetics after AP5280 administration and preliminary antitumor activity were evaluated. AP5280 is a Pt agent linked to the water-soluble, biocompatible copolymer N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide, which potentially increases Pt accumulation in tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. In this way, it is anticipated that a higher activity of therapeutic Pt can be reached. The pharmaceutical product contains approximately 8.5% of Pt by weight and has a molecular weight of approximately 25,000.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Adult patients with solid tumors received AP5280 as a 1-h i.v. infusion every 21 days. Pharmacokinetics of total and unbound Pt were determined during the first treatment course and before the start of each new cycle using noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Pt-DNA adduct concentrations in WBCs and, if available, in tumor tissue were quantified using a sensitive (32)P postlabeling assay.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were treated at eight dose levels (90-4500 mg Pt/m(2)). The dose-limiting toxicity was Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3 vomiting and was experienced at 4500 mg Pt/m(2) in two of six patients. The maximum tolerated dose on this schedule was therefore 4500 mg Pt/m(2), and the recommended dose for a Phase II study is 3300 mg Pt/m(2). Renal toxicity and myelosuppression, toxicities typically observed with cisplatin and carboplatin, were minimal for AP5280. The area under the curve of total Pt increased with increasing AP5280 dose. Plasma clearance of total Pt was 644 +/- 266 ml/h, and the terminal half-life was 116 +/- 46.2 h. After AP5280 administration, Pt-guanine-guanine DNA adduct concentrations in WBCs ranged from 70 to 1848 amol/microg DNA, concentrations that were substantially lower than concentrations measured after administration of therapeutic doses of cisplatin.

CONCLUSIONS

AP5280 can be administered safely as a 1-h i.v. infusion at a dose of 3300 mg Pt/m(2) once every 3 weeks and produces prolonged plasma exposure compared with any of the free Pt-containing drugs. However, it remains to be determined whether AP5280 can actually increase Pt delivery to the DNA of tumor cells in man as has been shown in experimental models.

Are older French patients as willing as older American patients to undertake chemotherapy?

PURPOSE

A view often held in Europe is that older Europeans are less willing than older Americans to undertake chemotherapy. This study assesses whether this view is valid.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three-hundred twenty outpatients aged 70 years and older were interviewed via anonymous questionnaires: French patients with and without cancer and American patients with and without cancer. The response rate was 61% (195 of 320 questionnaires). Ages ranged from 70 to 95 years (29% aged 80 years and older). Two scenarios were presented: a strong chemotherapy (platinum/taxane combination-like) and a milder chemotherapy (weekly vinorelbine-like). The options were to refuse chemotherapy or to accept for a threshold chance of cure, of life prolongation, or of symptom relief. Functional status, education, self-rated health, and depression were controlled for.

RESULTS

French noncancer patients (34%) were less willing to accept the strong chemotherapy than French cancer patients (77.8%), American noncancer patients (73.8%), and American cancer patients (70.5%) (P <.001 for each pair). This was also true for the moderate chemotherapy (67.9% v 100%, 95.2%, and 88.5%, respectively; P <.001). Age and sex did not correlate with response, but self-rated health, cancer status, and nationality did. Thresholds varied from patient to patient.

CONCLUSION

Whereas older French people without cancer are more reluctant than older Americans to envision chemotherapy, older cancer patients in both countries have the same amenability to treatment. Chemotherapy options should be fully discussed with older cancer patients, given that most are willing to consider them.

The growing teratoma syndrome: results of therapy and long-term follow-up of 33 patients

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is defined as an increase in tumour size during or after chemotherapy for germ cell tumour (GCT), and only mature teratoma at histological analysis of the resected tumour specimen. Between 1985 and 1997, 30 male patients fulfilling GTS criteria were included in the present study. 3 female patients were also included but analysed separately. A mature teratoma component was found in 86% of the primary GCT. 3 male patients (10%) had a complication at diagnosis of GTS. One male patient (4%) having undergone complete resection (n=24) had a recurrent GTS, compared with all but 1 patient (83%) in whom resection was partial (n=6) (P<0.001). 2 (8%) and 3 (50%) male patients treated with complete and partial resection subsequently developed a malignant NSGCT respectively (P=0.01). 2 female patients treated with partial resection presented a recurrent GTS. One of them died of this recurrent GTS. GTS is an entity in its own right with respect to complications and the natural history of the disease. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for GTS.

Management of Prostate Cancer in Elderly Patients: Recommendations of a Task Force of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology

CONTEXT

Prostate cancer is the most frequent male cancer. Since the median age of diagnosis is 66 yr, many patients require both geriatric and urologic evaluation if treatment is to be tailored to individual circumstances including comorbidities and frailty.

OBJECTIVE

To update the 2014 International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) guidelines on prostate cancer in men aged >70 yr. The update includes new material on health status evaluation and the treatment of localised, advanced, and castrate-resistant disease.

DATA ACQUISITION

A multidisciplinary SIOG task force reviewed pertinent articles published during 2013-2016 using search terms relevant to prostate cancer, the elderly, geriatric evaluation, local treatments, and castration-refractory/resistant disease. Each member of the group proposed modifications to the previous guidelines. These were collated and circulated. The final manuscript reflects the expert consensus.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Elderly patients should be managed according to their individual health status and not according to age. Fit elderly patients should receive the same treatment as younger patients on the basis of international recommendations. At the initial evaluation, screening for cognitive impairment is mandatory to establish patient competence in making decisions. Initial evaluation of health status should use the validated G8 screening tool. Abnormal scores on the G8 should lead to a simplified geriatric assessment that evaluates comorbid conditions (using the Cumulative Illness Score Rating-Geriatrics scale), dependence (Activities of Daily Living) and nutritional status (via estimation of weight loss). When patients are frail or disabled or have severe comorbidities, a comprehensive geriatric assessment is needed. This may suggest additional geriatric interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Advances in geriatric evaluation and treatments for localised and advanced disease are contributing to more appropriate management of elderly patients with prostate cancer. A better understanding of the role of active surveillance for less aggressive disease is also contributing to the individualisation of care.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Many men with prostate cancer are elderly. In the physically fit, treatment should be the same as in younger patients. However, some elderly prostate cancer patients are frail and have other medical problems. Treatment in the individual patient should be based on health status and patient preference.

Paraneoplastic glomerular diseases and malignancies

Paraneoplastic glomerulopathies are rare manifestations of neoplastic disease to be distinguished from iatrogenic renal damage. Solid tumors are preferentially associated with membranous nephropathy, whereas Hodgkin's lymphomas are associated with minimal change disease. The most common neoplasia associated with paraneoplastic glomerular disease are carcinomas of the lung and of the gastrointestinal tract. Nephrotic syndrome is the most frequent presentation of paraneoplastic glomerulopathy and the most critical glomerular disease regarding prognosis and patient care. Renal biopsy is recommended in patients with glomerular proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome and cancer, depending on life expectancy and therapeutic options. The primary treatment must be directed at the cancer in all cases. Symptomatic treatment of the nephrotic syndrome with diuretics and ACE inhibitors is justified. Prevention of nephrotic syndrome complications, i.e. thromboses and infections, should also be addressed and systematic regular renal follow-up is warranted. All treatments should be regularly reviewed to avoid toxicity, associated renal function loss or low albumin levels for patients receiving albumin-binding drugs. Epidemiologic studies have low evidence-based value. There is no widely accepted experimental model of the association of glomerulopathy and cancer. Thus, epidemiologic and mechanistic studies are needed to determine the true prevalence of paraneoplastic glomerulopathies and investigate new pathophysiologic approaches.

Refining the optimal chemotherapy regimen for good-risk metastatic nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors: a randomized trial of the Genito-Urinary Group of the French Federation of Cancer Centers (GETUG T93BP)

BACKGROUND

High cure rates are expected in good-risk metastatic nonseminomatous germ-cell tumor (NSGCT) patients with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients received either three cycles of BE500P or four cycles of E500P every 3 weeks. Disease was defined according to the Institut Gustave Roussy prognostic model. Patients were retrospectively assigned into the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification. A sample size of 250 patients was necessary for an expected favorable response rate (primary end point) of 90% and not more than a 10% difference between the two arms.

RESULTS

Among 257 assessable patients, 124 and 122 patients achieved a favorable response in the 3BE500P and 4E500P arms, respectively (P = 0.34). Median follow-up was 53 months. The 4-year event-free survival rates were 91% and 86%, respectively (P = 0.135). The 4-year overall survival rates were not significantly different [five deaths versus 12 deaths, respectively (P = 0.096)]. Similar nonsignificant trends were observed in good IGCCCG prognosis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Both regimens produced similar results in terms of favorable response rates. As the trial was underpowered for survival analyses, conclusive data would require a larger randomized trial. Unless such a study is done, 3BE500P is the treatment of choice for metastatic NSGCT patients.

Phase I clinical trial and pharmacokinetic evaluation of doxorubicin carried by polyisohexylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles

Doxorubicin (DXR) incorporated into biodegradable acrylate nanoparticles such as polyisohexylcyanoacrylate (PIHCA) has been shown to increase DXR cytotoxicity and reduce cardiotoxicity by modifying tissue distribution in preclinical studies. We have conducted a phase I clinical trial of DXR-PIHCA in 21 patients with refractory solid tumors (10 male, 11 female, median age: 53 years, median PS: 1, prior free-DXR therapy: 7 patients). A total of 32 courses at 28 day intervals were administered at 6 dose levels (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 mg/m2). The drug was given as a 10 minute IV infusion on day 1 to the first 5 patients: 2 of them presented a grade 2 allergic reaction (W.H.O. criteria) during infusion, which was rapidly reversible once drug administration was discontinued. Subsequently, in the other 16 patients, the administration was modified to a 60 minute i.v. perfusion diluted in 250 cc of Dextrose 5%: only 1 patient presented the same allergic reaction. Grade 2 fever and vomiting occurred in 9 patients and 7 patients respectively during the first 24 h after treatment. There was no cardiac toxicity among the 18 evaluable patients. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity occurred at the 75 and 90 mg/m2 dose level. The dose limiting toxicity was neutropenia. The maximum tolerated dose was 90 mg/m2 and the recommended phase II dose was 75 mg/m2. A pharmacokinetic evaluation of DXR-PIHCA was conducted in 3 patients each at a different dose level (60, 60 and 75 mg/m2) and was compared with free DXR given to the same patients in the same conditions.

Combination therapy for anaplastic giant cell thyroid carcinoma

Since 1981, 20 patients with anaplastic giant cell carcinoma of the thyroid have been prospectively treated according to a combination regimen of chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy. Two types of chemotherapy were used every 4 weeks, depending on the patient's age. For those younger than 65 years, a combination of doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) and cisplatin (90 mg/m2) was given, and for older patients mitoxantrone (14 mg/m2) was used. Radiotherapy was carried out between Day 10 and Day 20 of the first four cycles of chemotherapy. It delivered 17.5 Gy in 7 fractions to the neck and the superior mediastinum. Survival exceeding 20 months was observed in three patients. Complete neck tumor response was observed in five patients, among whom four had undergone previous operations. No response was seen in distant metastases, which were the cause of death in 14 patients. These treatment modalities are effective in some patients, both in terms of survival and of local control, avoiding death from local invasion. Gross tumor resection should be performed whenever possible but should not delay the commencement of this protocol. Toxicity was high and remains the main limiting factor.

Prognostic factors in primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A multivariate analysis, report of 106 cases, and review of the literature

The authors have reviewed 106 cases of primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (GI-NHL) treated at the Institut Gustave-Roussy (IGR), France, between 1975 and 1986. The occurrence was 55 in the stomach, 26 in the small intestine, ten ileocecal, seven in the large intestine, and eight patients had multiple involvement. Patients were clinically staged according to the Ann Arbor staging system using the modification of Musshoff for Stage IIE. All histologic material of the 106 patients were reviewed and graded according to the Working Formulation (WF) and the Kiel classifications. Most patients received combination chemotherapy as part or all of their primary treatment program (95 patients, 90%). Seventy five patients (71%) had a multimodality treatment. The overall 5-year survival rate was 60%. Sixteen variables were tested by univariate analyses for prognostic influence on survival. Of these, only clinical stage (P less than 0.001), the achievement of initial complete remission (CR) (P less than 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P = 0.01), mesenteric involvement (P = 0.03), and serosal infiltration (P = 0.05) were significant prognostic factors. Important variables were tested by a multivariate analysis using the Cox model taking into account different treatment modalities. Only three variables entered the regression analysis at a significant level: clinical stage (P = 0.02), surgical resection (P = 0.03), and histologic grade (Kiel) (P = 0.04). When the achievement of initial CR was introduced into the model, it was the most significant variable (P less than 0.001) whereas all other variables became nonsignificant except for the histologic grade (Kiel) (P = 0.004). Based on results of the multivariate analyses we propose two prognostic classifications of patients: one at the initial evaluation depending on clinical stage, surgical resectability, and histologic grade (Kiel); the other at the end of primary treatment depending on the achievement or not of CR and the histologic grade.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) family and prostate cancer

There is abundant in vitro, animal and epidemiologic evidence to suggest that the Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) family is a multi-component network of molecules which is involved in the regulation of both physiological and pathological growth processes in prostate. The IGF family plays a key role in cellular metabolism, differentiation, proliferation, transformation and apoptosis, during normal development and malignant growth. This family also seem essential in prostate cancer bone metastases, angiogenesis and androgen-independent progression. Therapeutic alternatives in men with progressive prostate cancer after androgen ablation are very limited. More effective therapies are needed for these patients. Pharmacologic interventions targeting the IGF family are being devised. Such strategies include reduction of IGF-I levels (growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists, somatostatin analogs), reduction of functional IGF-I receptor levels (antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA), inhibition of IGF-IR and its signalling (monoclonal antibodies, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins.

Early predicted time to normalization of tumor markers predicts outcome in poor-prognosis nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

PURPOSE

The prognostic relevance of the rate of decline of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) during the first 3 weeks of chemotherapy for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) was studied in the context of the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 653 patients prospectively recruited in clinical trials were studied. Tumor markers were obtained before chemotherapy and 3 weeks later. Decline rates were calculated using a logarithmic formula and expressed as a predicted time to normalization (TTN). A favorable TTN was defined when both AFP and HCG had a favorable decline rate, including cases with normal values.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 50 months (range, 2 to 151 months). Tumor decline rate expressed as a predicted TTN was associated with both progression-free survival (PFS; P <.0001) and overall survival (OS; P <.0001). The 4-year PFS rates were 64% and 38% in patients from the poor-prognosis group who had a favorable and an unfavorable TTN, respectively. The 4-year OS rates were 83% and 58%, respectively. This effect was independent from the initial tumor marker values, the primary tumor site, and the presence of nonpulmonary visceral metastases: tumor marker decline rate remained a strong predictor for both PFS (hazard ratio = 2.5; P =.01) and OS (hazard ratio = 4.6; P =.002) in patients from the IGCCCG poor-prognosis group in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Early predicted time to tumor marker normalization is an independent prognostic factor in patients with poor-prognosis NSGCT and may be a useful tool in the therapeutic management of these patients.

Phase II study of carboplatin and etoposide in patients with anaplastic progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with or without neuroendocrine differentiation: results of the French Genito-Urinary Tumor Group (GETUG) P01 trial

BACKGROUND

In the evolution of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), patients present visceral metastases with or without neuroendocrine differentiation in 20% of cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed the efficacy and toxicity of a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen in mCRPC patients with either neuroendocrine differentiation defined by high serum levels of chromogranin A (CgA) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) or visceral metastases. Patients received the combination of carboplatin and etoposide every 3 weeks. Efficacy end points included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and neuroendocrine marker response, objective response and toxicity.

RESULTS

Of the 60 patients included from April 2005 to January 2008, 78.6% had bone metastases, 46.4% had lymph node involvement and 57.1% had liver and/or lung localizations. The objective response rate was 8.9% in the 46 patients with measurable disease. A neuroendocrine response was observed in 31% of cases for NSE and 7% for CgA. The PSA response rate was 8%. The most common grade 3-4 treatment-related toxic effects were neutropenia (65.5%), thrombocytopenia (32.7%) and anemia (27.3%). There was 7.2% febrile neutropenia, with one toxicity-related death. The median follow-up was 9.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-27.1] and the median overall survival 9.6 months (95% CI 8.7-12.7).

CONCLUSION

The benefit-risk ratio of this regimen seems unfavorable due to poor response and high toxicity.

Open-label phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of two doses of pertuzumab in castrate chemotherapy-naive patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 50% decline rate within 24 weeks of starting treatment with single-agent pertuzumab in castrate patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two independent Simon's two-stage designs were used to evaluate two doses of pertuzumab administered intravenously once every 3 weeks. An interim analysis of the first 23 assessable patients in the first cohort treated at 420 mg (loading dose of 840 mg) allowed termination of additional enrollment if three patients had a 50% decline in PSA after all patients had completed at least three cycles of therapy or withdrew due to insufficient therapeutic response, death, or study-related toxicity before completing three cycles. A second cohort of patients treated at 1,050 mg could be enrolled with the same design, and if more than three patients had a 50% decline in PSA, 27 more patients would be treated at 1,050 mg.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight castrate, chemotherapy-naive men with HRPC were enrolled. A total of 35 patients were treated at 420 mg; no PSA declines 50% were observed at the interim analysis and recruitment was stopped. A total of 33 patients were then treated at 1,050 mg, and no PSA declines 50% were observed at the interim analysis. Pertuzumab was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Pertuzumab has no clinically significant single-agent activity in castrate patients with HRPC at either of the tested dose levels. This may reflect the continued presence of significant levels of intraprostatic androgen driving androgen receptor signaling.