Impact of cabazitaxel on 2-year survival and palliation of tumour-related pain in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated in the TROPIC trial

BACKGROUND

Cabazitaxel significantly improves overall survival (OS) versus mitoxantrone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer after docetaxel failure. We examined patient survival at 2 years and tumour-related pain with cabazitaxel versus mitoxantrone.

METHODS

Updated TROPIC data (cut-off 10 March 2010) were used to compare 2-year survival between treatment groups and assess patient demographics and disease characteristics. Factors prognostic for survival ≥2 years were assessed. Pain and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were evaluated in the overall patient population.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 25.5 months. After 2 years, more patients remained alive following cabazitaxel than mitoxantrone [odds ratio 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-3.33]. Treatment with cabazitaxel was prognostic for survival ≥2 years. Demographics/baseline characteristics were balanced between treatment arms irrespective of survival. Pain at baseline and pain response were comparable between treatment groups. Average daily pain performance index was lower for cabazitaxel versus mitoxantrone (all cycles; 95% CI -0.27 to -0.01; P = 0.035) and analgesic scores were similar. Grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathies were uncommon and comparable between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Cabazitaxel prolongs OS at 2 years versus mitoxantrone and has low rates of peripheral neuropathy. Palliation benefits of cabazitaxel were comparable to those of mitoxantrone. The study was registered with www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00417079).

Second-line treatment options in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a comparison of key trials with recently approved agents

Standard first-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is docetaxel plus prednisone; however, patients will usually experience disease progression during or after docetaxel treatment due to inherent or acquired resistance. Before 2010, second-line options for mCRPC were limited. However, cabazitaxel, abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide have since been approved for patients with mCRPC whose disease has progressed during or after receiving docetaxel, based on the Phase III trials TROPIC, COU-AA-301 and AFFIRM. In all three trials, an overall survival benefit (primary endpoint) was seen in the experimental arm compared with the control arm: 15.1 vs. 12.7months for cabazitaxel plus prednisone compared with mitoxantrone plus prednisone in TROPIC (hazard ratio [HR] 0.70; P<0.0001); 14.8 vs. 10.9months for abiraterone acetateplus prednisone compared with placebo plus prednisone in COU-AA-301 (HR 0.65; P<0.001); and 18.4 vs. 13.6months for enzalutamide compared with placebo alone in AFFIRM (0.63; P<0.001). However, differences in patient populations, comparators, and selection and/or definition of secondary endpoints make it difficult to draw direct cross-trial comparisons. Radium-223 dichloride has also been approved for patients with mCRPC with metastases to bone but not other organs. To date, no comparative trials or sequencing studies with newer agents have been performed. Without such data, treatment decisions must be based on evaluation of the existing evidence. This commentary compares and contrasts study designs and key data from each of these Phase III trials, and also discusses recent and ongoing clinical trials with new agents in the first- and second-line settings in mCRPC.

Postoperative radiotherapy in periampullary cancers: a brief review

BACKGROUND

The treatment of periampullary cancers is complex and challenging. Adjuvant therapy for resected periampullary and pancreatic cancers has been the subject of intense clinical investigations for several decades. Periampullary cancer management has often been clubbed with pancreatic cancers.

DISCUSSION

Following surgery, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been widely accepted as standard of care in the USA, although different prospective and retrospective studies have shown conflicting results. Controversy regarding the effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy exists in the literature, both in terms of survival as well as toxicity. However, conventional postoperative radiotherapy practice needs to be reviewed in view of changes and developments in radiation techniques in the last decade. In this article, we review the management of periampullary cancers with special emphasis on the adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy.

Interim safety analysis of a compassionate-use program (CUP) and early-access program (EAP) providing cabazitaxel (Cbz) plus prednisone (P) to patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) previously treated with docetaxel

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Background: Cbz + P provides a significant survival benefit vs mitoxantrone + P in pts with mCRPC (Phase III TROPIC study [NCT00417079]; hazard ratio 0.70; p < 0.0001). These findings supported the initiation of ongoing Sanofi-funded CUP and EAP (NCT01254279) to provide access to Cbz prior to commercialization and to collect real-life safety data. Methods: Expected enrollment is ~1600 pts with mCRPC from 250 centers worldwide. Pts receive Cbz (25 mg/m2 Q3W) + P (10 mg oral QD) until progressive disease (PD), death, unacceptable toxicity, physician/pt decision or Cbz commercial availability. Pts are followed until 30 days after last dose. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) use is recommended as per ASCO guidance. Results: Interim baseline and safety data from the first 1301 pts treated in 37 countries are now available. Mean age was 68 yrs (22% were ≥ 75 yrs). All pts had an ECOG performance status ≤ 2. Median time from initial prostate cancer diagnosis was 57.6 months and 60% of pts had ≥ 2 metastatic sites; the most common were bone (91%) and lymph nodes (regional 30%, distant 27%). In total, 17% had PD whilst on docetaxel. The median number of Cbz cycles was 6 (range 1–22); median relative dose intensity was 99%. Overall, 837 pts (64%) received G-CSF (n = 123 curative [C], n = 765 prophylactic [P] and n = 99 [C + P]). Of 1142 pts (88%) who discontinued Cbz + P, the most common reasons were PD (44%), adverse event (AE; 27%), physician decision (13%) and commercial availability of Cbz (7%). Grade 3–4 AEs possibly related to Cbz + P occurred in 43% of pts; the most frequent were clinical neutropenia (18%), febrile neutropenia (FN; 7%) and diarrhea (4%). Of 80 pts (6%) with AEs leading to death, the AE was related to Cbz + P in 39 pts (3%). Conclusions: These results provide valuable data on Cbz + P treatment in routine clinical practice, confirming the safety results of clinical trials and showing that treatment with Cbz + P is associated with a manageable safety profile. The incidence of FN seems slightly lower than in TROPIC, owing to more frequent use of G-CSF prophylaxis in the CUP and EAP. Clinical trial information: NCT01254279.

Safety of everolimus by treatment duration in patients with advanced renal cell cancer in an expanded access program

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the effects of treatment duration on outcomes of everolimus treatment of patients in the RAD001 Expanded-Access Clinical Trial in RCC (REACT) program.

METHODS

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma refractory to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor received everolimus (10 mg once daily), with dosing interruption or modifications allowed for toxicity. All serious and grade 3/4 adverse events and grade 1/2 adverse events leading to a change in drug administration were reported. Tumor response was evaluated using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors.

RESULTS

The study stratified 1367 evaluable patients into treatment duration groups of <3 months, ≥3 and <6 months, ≥6 months and <1 year, and ≥1 year. Pneumonia, noninfectious pneumonitis, and hyperglycemia occurred more frequently in patients receiving everolimus for ≥1 year but did not result in treatment discontinuations. First occurrence of adverse events presented early in the treatment course for most patients. Treatment duration of ≥6 months was associated with improved disease control rates.

CONCLUSION

Everolimus is well tolerated in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma for treatment durations≥1 year and not associated with cumulative toxicity.

The management of ductal carcinoma in situ: current controversies and future directions

The incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has increased in recent decades, primarily due to the widespread implementation of breast cancer screening. Traditionally, the management of DCIS has mirrored that of invasive breast cancer, with a focus on adequate surgical excision, breast-conserving surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy and endocrine therapy. However, an increasing understanding of the biology of this spectrum of conditions many mean that some cases may be managed more conservatively, reserving aggressive therapies for those patients at high risk of progression to invasive disease, ultimately aiming for a personalised approach based on individual risk factors. This overview highlights the key evidence behind current practice and discusses the rationale for current and future clinical trials in DCIS.

Cabazitaxel for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Final quality-of-life (QOL) results with safety data from the United Kingdom (UK) Early Access Programme (EAP) (NCT01254279)

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Background: Several drugs can now improve survival in mCRPC after docetaxel, including cabazitaxel, a next generation taxane. TROPIC (NCT00417079) showed an overall survival benefit of 2.4 months for cabazitaxel compared with mitoxantrone for mCRPC. The UK EAP provided patients access to cabazitaxel; detailed QOL and safety data were recorded. Interim analysis suggested improvements in QOL, particularly pain scores and a good safety profile. We report final QOL and updated safety data. Methods: 108 patients recruited at 12 centres received cabazitaxel 25mg/m2intravenously every 3 weeks with oral prednisolone 10mg daily. EQ-5D questionnaires and health state visual analogue scale (VAS) were completed at baseline, at alternate cycles and at 30 days post treatment. Safety assessments followed each cycle. Results: According to EQ-5D and VAS scores, QOL was stable with an overall trend towards improvement in patients who continued treatment. Paired ‘within patient’ analyses also support this trend. Improved pain was noted more frequently than deterioration at all time points and pain scores were at least stable in 96% of patients at cycle 10. A median of 6 cycles were given. 34 patients (31%) received 10 or more cycles. Grade 3/4 adverse events were uncommon, the most frequent being fatigue (9.3%), diarrhoea (2.8%) and neutropenic sepsis (1.9%). 85% received prophylactic granulocyte colony stimulating factor. Conclusions: Almost 1/3 of patients completed 10 or more cycles in the UK EAP. QOL was stable with trends to improved EQ-5D and VAS scores. Improved or stable pain was observed in the majority of patients continuing therapy. The UK EAP provides the first data on QOL benefit with cabazitaxel in mCRPC post docetaxel and demonstrates manageable toxicity. Final safety data will be available for presentation. Clinical trial information: NCT01254279. [Table: see text]

Thromboembolic events with cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy for transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder

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Background: Cancer is associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombo-embolic events (TEEs), including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident and unstable angina/myocardial infarction. Several factors are known to influence the incidence of TEEs including chemotherapy agents, particularly cisplatin. Czaykowski et al reported 12.9% of patients receiving multiagent cisplatin based chemotherapy for transitional cell carcinoma between 1986 and 1996 developed TEE. Moore et al found that the rate of TEE in a similar cohort of patients receiving the same treatment to be 18.2% (6/33 patients). Methods: Retrospective case note review from an electronic database of patients allocated a cisplatin based neo-adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder between April 2009 and April 2012. TEE was recorded as a chemotherapy related event if it occurred between the first dose of cisplatin and 4 weeks after the last administered dose. Results: 44 received treatment in the neoadjuvant setting. 11 out of 44 patients (25%) receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy developed TEE. 7 out of these 11 patients were male, 4 were female. 9 of the 11 TEEs (82%) in the neoadjuvant setting were arterial or peripheral arterial thrombi, including pulmonary emboli and thrombi within the aorta, left ventricle and iliac arteries. 5 of these thrombi were asymptomatic and only discovered on routine scanning. 2 out of the 11 TEEs were leg deep vein thromboses – both of which were symptomatic. 64% of TEEs occurred after the second cycle of cisplatin, the remainder after the third cycle. Conclusions: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is being adopted as the standard of care for patients with muscle-invasive TCC of bladder. The higher rate of TEE in our series compared to previous publications probably reflects the asymptomatic TEE being diagnosed on scans done for assessing response to chemotherapy. The significant rates of TEEs in this setting highlights the need to consider this complication as it may have a bearing on outcome from treatment, in particular delay in radical cystectomy.

Dosimetric comparison of doses to organs at risk using 3-D conformal radiotherapy versus intensity modulated radiotherapy in postoperative radiotherapy of periampullary cancers: implications for radiation dose escalation

CONTEXT

Postoperative periampullary cancers with high risk features are managed with adjuvant chemo radiotherapy. Doses of 40-50 Gy have generally been used in conventional radiotherapy. Dose escalation with conventional radiotherapy has been restricted due to surrounding critical organs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this dosimetric analysis was to evaluate the dose of radiation received by organs at risk using 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

METHODS

Ten postoperative patients of periampullary cancers were selected for this dosimetric analysis. Planning CT scans films were taken with slice thickness of 2.5 mm and transferred to Eclipse treatment planning system. The clinical target volume (CTV) included the postoperative tumor bed and draining lymph nodal areas. A 1 cm margin was taken around the CTV to generate the planning target volume (PTV). Critical structures contoured for evaluation included bowel bag, bilateral kidneys, liver, stomach and spinal cord. IMRT plans were generated using seven field coplanar beams and 3DCRT planning was done using one anterior and two lateral fields. A dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions was prescribed to the PTV.

RESULTS

V45 for bowel bag was 212.3 ± 159.0 cc (mean volume ± standard deviation) versus 80.9 ± 57.4 cc in 3DCRT versus IMRT (P=0.033). The V28 dose analysis for bilateral kidneys showed a value of 32.7±23.5 cc (mean volume ± standard deviation) versus 7.9 ± 7.4 cc for 3DCRT versus IMRT, respectively (P=0.013). The D60 for liver using 3DCRT and IMRT was 28.4 ± 8.6 Gy (mean dose ± standard deviation) and 19.9 ± 3.2 Gy, respectively (P=0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Doses to bowel bag, liver and kidneys was significantly reduced using IMRT leaving ample scope for dose escalation.

Cost of skeletal-related events in European patients with solid tumours and bone metastases: data from a prospective multinational observational study

OBJECTIVES

Patients with bone metastases often experience skeletal-related events (SREs: radiation or surgery to bone, pathologic fracture, and spinal cord compression). This study examined health resource utilization and costs associated with SREs.

METHODS

Data presented are from the European cohort (Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) of patients with solid tumours enrolled in a multi-national, prospective, observational study in patients with solid tumours or multiple myeloma. Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score 0-2 and life expectancy ≥6 months, who experienced an SRE up to 97 days before enrolment, were eligible. Health resource utilization associated with SREs (including number/length of inpatient stays, numbers of procedures and outpatient visits) were collected through chart review for up to 97 days before enrolment and prospectively during follow-up. Country-specific cost calculations were performed.

RESULTS

In total, 478 eligible patients contributed 893 SREs to this analysis. Radiation to bone occurred most frequently (66% of total). Spinal cord compression (7%) and surgery to bone (10%) were the least common events, but most likely to require inpatient stays. The most costly SREs were also spinal cord compression (mean per SRE across countries, €4884-€12,082) and surgery to bone (€3348-€9407). Inpatient stays were the main cost drivers.

LIMITATIONS

Health resource utilization used to calculate the costs associated with SREs may have been under-estimated as a result of exclusion of patients with low performance status or life expectancy; unavailable information and exclusion of resource consumption associated with pain. Thus, the estimate of associated costs is likely to be conservative.

CONCLUSIONS

SREs result in considerable health resource utilization, imposing a substantial financial burden driven by inpatient stays. Treatments that prevent/delay SREs may help ease this burden, thereby providing cost savings across European healthcare systems.

Multicentric sinus histicytosis (Rosai-Dorfman Disease): Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging findings

Sinus histicytosis (Rosai–Dorfman disease) is a rare, benign granulomatous disease that typically presents with massive cervical lymphadenopathy. Extranodal involvement along with concomitant nodal disease occurs in about 43% of cases. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old male with cervical, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, associated with renal and pituitary sellar masses.

Locally ablative non-surgical management of colo-rectal liver metastasis

BACKGROUND

Liver is one of the commonest sites of metastasis in colorectal cancer patients. Solitary liver metastasis or oligometastasis are traditionally treated by surgical resection or chemotherapy.

DISCUSSION

There may be a subgroup of these patients who are not suitable for surgery or chemotherapy due to various co-morbid factors. These patients can be treated by novel minimally invasive or noninvasive ablative techniques like interstitial brachytherapy, extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation.

Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer: dawn of a new age of management

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) was historically considered to be an aggressive disease resistant to conventional anticancer therapy. Within the last decade the outlook has changed beyond recognition; docetaxel chemotherapy is now firmly established as a well-tolerated treatment with significant survival benefits. Building on this, more recently there have been several landmark developments using various approaches in patients whose disease has progressed despite previous chemotherapy. Cabazitaxel chemotherapy offers survival and health-related quality of life (HRQL) improvements in this setting, as does the CYP inhibitor abiraterone acetate. Significant clinical benefits are also seen with novel radioisotope and immunotherapeutic approaches. There have been many developments in the management of this condition within the last 2 years, with several landmark studies showing new treatments that offer survival and HRQL benefits even in the setting of advanced disease, which has been heavily pretreated. This review article summarises these important developments and gives the reader an overview of current practice, recent changes and future directions. With current and forthcoming developments in the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) post-docetaxel, we are embarking on an age of potential 'chronic' management of this disease. It is hoped that the survival benefits associated with the various treatments, cytotoxic, hormonal and immunotherapeutic, will prove to be additive, providing a multimodal continuum of care. If so, it will be necessary to determine the optimal sequence and timing of the new treatments. One key factor in this regard is likely to be the patient's performance status and hence his eligibility for cytotoxic intervention. If chemotherapy is offered early in the post-docetaxel pathway, the patient may still be able to benefit from non-chemotherapeutic options subsequently. However, if this stage of management begins with a non-chemotherapeutic option, there is a risk that the patient's performance status will decline before he has an opportunity to benefit from chemotherapy. Further studies and ongoing clinical experience are likely to clarify this important issue, and help clinicians to maximise the survival of men with mCRPC post-docetaxel.