Phase III study of cisplatin (P) plus etoposide (E) with concurrent chest radiation (XRT) followed by docetaxel (D) vs. observation in patients (pts) with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): An interim toxicity analysis of consolidation therapy

7043

Background: Concurrent chemo radiotherapy is the standard treatment for pts with unresectable stage III NSCLC. A previously reported phase II study (Gandara et al J Clin Oncol 2003) suggests that consolidation D after concurrent PE/XRT may further improve survival. HOG LUN01–24, is an ongoing phase III clinical trial comparing chemo radiation. A preliminary analysis of the differences in toxicities between PE/XRT with or without consolidation D was performed. Methods: Eligible pts had previously untreated, unresectable stage III NSCLC, ECOG PS 0–1 at time of study entry (and PS 0–2 at the time of randomization), ≤ 5% weight loss in preceding 3 months, FEV-1 > 1 L. Treatment consisted of P 50 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 29, 36 with E 50 mg/m2 days 1–5 and 29–33, given concurrently with chest XRT to 5,940 cGy (180 cGy/day) beginning on day 1. Non-progressive pts were randomized (4–8 weeks after completing PE/XRT) to receive D 75 mg/m2 iv every 21 days for 3 cycles vs. observation. We report an interim toxicity analysis associated to consolidation D. Results: From 3/02 to 12/05 220 have been registered and 149 pts have been randomized to consolidation D (n=73) or observation (n=76). Median age was 63.6 years (range 33–86); male/female 34.1%/65.9%; PS 0/1 at study entry 59.1%/40.9%; stage III A/B 40.6%/59.4%; 50.2% had FEV-1 > 2 (range 1–4.2); 44.3% were current smokers. Randomized pts have PS 0/1/2 44.3%/53%/2.7. Selected grade 3/4 toxicities associated to D include: neutropenia 23.3%, febrile neutropenia 8.2%, and pulmonary toxicity 9.6%. In addition, 26.7% of pts had dose modifications or delays on D arm, 45.2% had at least one grade 3/4 toxicity and 20.5% were hospitalized due to D-related toxicity, including 4 pts (5.5%) whose death was considered therapy related. Conclusions: Concurrent PE/XRT followed by consolidation D is associated with a high rate of grade 3/4 toxicities and hospitalizations, including treatment-related deaths. Updated toxicity data will be presented at the ASCO meeting. Whether consolidation D confers a survival advantage is not yet known.

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A phase II study of the safety and efficacy of the MDR inhibitor VX-710 combined with doxorubicin and vincristine in small cell lung cancer

17001

Background: Tumors with multidrug resistance (MDR) frequently show upregulation of efflux proteins MDR protein (MRP-1) and P-glycoprotein (Pgp). MDR represents a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy treatment and can be reversed in Pgp or MRP1-expressing cells by the MDR inhibitor VX-710. A phase II study was designed to evaluate the safety/tolerability and efficacy of VX-710 combined with doxorubicin (D) and vincristine (V) in patients (pts) with relapsed SCLC. Methods: Eligible pts had progressive, measurable disease and a PS <2 after response to 1st-line chemotherapy. Stage I safety evaluation was done with planned expansion to a second stage if 9 responses were confirmed in the first 35 pts. Pts were treated with VX-710 (120 mg/m2/h) for 72 hours with D (45 mg/m2) and V (1.4 mg/m2) given 4 hours after the start of VX-710. Pts were treated q 21 days until progression or intolerable adverse events (AEs). Severe neutropenia was noted in the first 15 pts, so the protocol was amended to include prophylactic G-CSF or ciprofloxacin. Interim analysis was performed after 36 pts were treated. Results: 36 pts were enrolled from 12/98 to 12/00. Neutropenia was the major toxicity, occurring in 25/36 (69%) pts. This was more severe (30% vs. 20% grade 4) and occurred earlier (58% vs. 38% in cycle 1) among the 15 pts enrolled prior to an amendment requiring neutropenia prophylaxis vs. those enrolled afterward. Other common treatment-related AE’s: asthenia (53%), nausea (50%), constipation (44%), alopecia (42%), dyspnea (42%), anemia (42%). 67% were grade 1 or 2 in severity. Four pts died on study or within 30 days of termination: 2 from infections likely related to therapy and 2 from disease progression. Among 32 evaluable pts, 7 (22%) had partial responses; 6 of these sustained responses through 6 cycles (with one response lasting 3 years). Three additional pts had unconfirmed responses. Median survival was 6 months (95% CI 4–7 months). Conclusions: The addition of VX-710 to D and V therapy did not improve anti-tumor activity or survival. Hematologic toxicity was severe, causing 2 pt deaths from neutopenic fever. Although there were some durable responses, response criteria were not met to proceed with stage 2. Further development with VX-710 has since stopped.

[Table: see text]

Salvage chemotherapy with high dose carboplatin + etoposide (HDCE) and peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) in patients with germ cell tumors (GCT)

4549

Background: We began studies with HDCE for patients (pts.) with recurrent GCTs 20 years ago. During the past decade, better supportive care and use of PBSCT allowed outpatient therapy and more rapid hematopoietic recovery between the 2 courses of HDCE. Methods: Retrospective review of 184 consecutive pts. treated with HDCE at Indiana University from 2–96 to 12–04. Late relapse (> 2 years from prior therapy) and primary mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumor pts. were not offered HDCE. Cytoreduction with 0–2 courses of vinblastine + ifosfamide + cisplatin preceded HDCE. C dosage was 700 mg/M2 × 3 and E 750 mg/M2 × 3. A second course was given after hematologic recovery. Results: Toxicity was as previously described (JCO 18:3346, 2000). There were 3 drug- related mortalities. An additional 3 patients developed AML (2 fatal), and 1 glioma following CNS XRT for metastases. 11 pts. did not receive second course (8 due to progression or HDCE mortality). Median time to second course HDCE was 28 days (range 20 to 42). 116 of 184 pts. are alive and continuously (cont) NED (63%) with median followup 42 months (range 11 to 118). 113 (97%) of these are 12+ months NED. 5 additional pts. are currently NED with further therapy. Results are tabulated below. Conclusions: HDCE has a high cure rate with acceptable toxicity as salvage therapy for GCT pts.

[Table: see text]

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Emetic potential of daily oral etoposide

18618

Background: Chemotherapy agents are classified by their degree of emetogenicity. Agents with high or moderate emetogenicity are treated with a 5HT3 antagonist + dexamethasone to mitigate acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Intravenous etoposide (E) has low probability of nausea and/or vomiting. However, at the 2004 Perugia International Antiemetic Consensus meeting, oral E was listed as a moderately emetogenic drug (Supp Care Cancer 13:80–84, 2005). Daily oral E has been used to treat refractory germ cell cancer. We prospectively evaluated the emetic potential of daily oral etoposide in this patient (pt.) population. Methods: Between 8/03 and 12/05, 13 male pts. with refractory germ cell cancer were treated with single agent daily oral E 50 mg/M2 day × 21 days every 4 weeks. All had progressed following cisplatin combination chemotherapy and had previously received high dose chemotherapy with carboplatin + E (intraveneously) with peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Median age was 35 (range 14 to 54). No pt. received prophylactic antiemetics. Pts. completed a 6 question Multinational Association Supportive Care Cancer (MASCC) antiemetic tool each day they received E. Intensity and duration of nausea were recorded, with 0 being none and 10 being most severe. Additionally, pts. were asked if they experienced vomiting. The number of vomiting episodes as well as any antiemetic medications were recorded. Data on 25 pts. will be presented and we currently have information on 13 pts. Results: 13 pts. completed the MASCC form. Only 2 pts. required antiemetic support. 1 pt. experienced emesis × 1 on day 1 and 1 pt. experienced emesis × 1 on day 11. 1 pt. experienced nausea on days 9 through 20 with a MASCC rating of 3–6. 1 pt. documented nausea day 1 through 21 with a MASCC rating of 1–3. 2 pts. experienced a MASCC rating of 1 of their nausea, 1 pt. on day 1 and 1 pt. on day 2. Overall, 8 of 13 pts. had no nausea or vomiting despite the absence of any antiemetics and 2 other patients had only minimal nausea for a single day. Conclusions: Daily oral E has only a low probability of emesis and does not require prophylactic antiemetics.

[Table: see text]

A phase II trial of olanzapine and palonosetron for the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

8608

Background: Olanzapine has been shown to be a safe and effective agent for the prevention of CINV in chemotherapy naïve cancer patients. Palonosetron has been approved for the prevention of acute CINV and for the prevention of delayed CINV in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC). Methods: A phase II trial was performed for the prevention of CINV in chemotherapy naïve patients using the combination of olanzapine and palonosetron. The regimen was 10 mg of oral olanzapine, 0.25 mg of intravenous palonosetron, and dexamethasone (20 mg for highly emetogenic and 8 mg for moderately emetogenic chemotherapy) on the day of chemotherapy, day 1, and 10 mg/day of oral olanzapine alone on days 2–4 after chemotherapy. Forty patients (median age 60 yrs, range 38–84; 22 females; ECOG PS 0,1) consented to the protocol and all were evaluable. Results: The percentage of patients with a complete response (CR) (no emesis, no rescue) was 100% for the acute period (24 h post chemotherapy), 75% for the delayed period (days 2–5 post chemotherapy), and 75% for the overall period (0–120 h) for eight patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) (cisplatin > 70 mg/m2). CR was 97% for the acute period, 75% for the delayed period, and 72% for the overall period in 32 patients receiving MEC (doxorubicin, >50mg/m2). In the patients receiving HEC, the percentage of patients without nausea (0, scale 0–10, M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory) was 100% in the acute period, 50% in the delayed period, and 50% in the overall period. In patients receiving MEC, the percentage without nausea was 100% in the acute period, 78% in the delayed period, and 78% in the overall period. There were no Grade 3 or 4 toxicities and no significant pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep, memory changes, dyspnea, lack of appetite, drowsiness, dry mouth, mood changes or restlessness experienced by the patients. CR and control of nausea in subsequent cycles of chemotherapy (35 patients, cycle 2; 31 patients cycle 3; 23 patients, cycle 4) were equal to or greater than cycle one. Conclusions: The combination of olanzapine and palonosetron with dexamethasone given only on the day of chemotherapy was safe and highly effective in controlling acute and delayed CINV in patients receiving HEC and MEC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Palonosetron (PALO) + dexamethasone (DEX) for prevention of chemotherapy (CT)-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving multiple-day cisplatin CT for germ cell cancer

8607

Background: Fractionated cisplatin is highly emetogenic; despite 5HT3 receptor antagonists + DEX, patients still experience acute and delayed CINV. PALO, a novel 5HT3 antagonist, is superior to conventional 5HT3 antagonists in protecting patients from emesis with a 0.25-mg IV dose prior to single-day CT. To assess the efficacy and safety of PALO in 40 patients with germ cell tumors receiving multiple-day cisplatin-based CT, a phase II multicenter study is being conducted. Methods: Adult men receiving 5-day cisplatin-based (20 mg/m2/d) CT received PALO 0.25 mg IV 30 min before CT on days 1, 3, and 5 and DEX 20 mg qd (po or IV 30 min before CT) on days 1–2; 8 mg po bid on days 6–7; and 4 mg po bid on day 8. Rescue medication was allowed at investigator discretion. Endpoints included emetic episodes (EE), nausea intensity, and rescue use, recorded in diaries for 9 consecutive 24-h periods. Interference with functioning due to nausea on a 4-point scale (none, a little bit, quite a bit, very much) was assessed with the validated Osoba nausea module on days 1, 5, and 10; safety was assessed at all follow-up encounters. Results: To date, 32 patients are evaluated, median age 35 years, 81% CT-naïve. Prior to CT, 97% of patients reported no more than a little interference with functioning from nausea. Most patients reported no significant interference with functioning due to nausea on days 1–4 of cisplatin (73% reported none/a little bit) and days 5–9 (87% none/a little bit). PALO + DEX was well tolerated; treatment-related adverse events were mild-moderate headache (18.8%), constipation (6.3%), and abdominal pain (3.1%), none serious. Conclusions: Three doses of PALO + 5 doses of DEX over an 8-day period effectively prevented both emesis and significant nausea in the majority of patients with germ cell tumors receiving multiple-day cisplatin-based CT. This regimen appears to be an improvement over historical CINV control. [Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Can patients (pts.) with refractory germ cell tumors (GCT) be cured after progression following high dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with tandem transplant? Results with paclitaxel + gemcitabine

4588

Background: A previously published ECOG study of paclitaxel (P) plus gemcitabine (G) in refractory germ cell tumors achieved a 21% response rate (6 of 28 pts.) (JCO 20:1859, 2002). Two patients are continuously NED for 4+ years. Neither had prior HDCT. High dose salvage chemotherapy with carboplatin + etoposide and peripheral blood stem cell transplant has curative potential. Subsequent chemotherapy after progression following HDCT has only rarely achieved durable remission. We have retrospectively reviewed pts. treated at Indiana University with P + G after failure to cure with initial cisplatin combination chemotherapy and salvage HDCT (± other salvage regimens). Methods: 184 patients received salvage HDCT from February 1996 to December 2004. After further progression, 33 pts. were treated with P 100 mg/M2 over 1 hour and G 1000 mg/M2 over 30 minutes days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks for a maximum of 6 courses. Pts. were ineligible if they received prior P or G. 26 pts. received P + G as 3rd line, 6 as 4th line and 1 as 5th line chemotherapy. Results: Toxicity was primarily myelosuppression and neuropathy, as previously described with P + G (JCO 20:1859, 2002). There was no treatment related mortality. 10 of 33 pts. achieved objective response including 4 partial (2 to 6 months duration) and 6 complete responses (C.R.). 4 of the 6 C.R.s are continuously NED with P + G alone at 14+, 34+, 44+, and 45+ months from start of P + G. One additional C.R. is currently NED 54+ months after P + G, with 2 subsequent resections of carcinoma. Conclusions: Long-term disease free survival and potential cure is possible with P + G in this patient population after progression following HDCT.

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Survival outcomes of resected patients who demonstrate a pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer

A variety of strategies, using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection have been employed in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer. No strategy has proven superior, and poor long-term survival is anticipated. A survival benefit has been suggested for patients who achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. We examined the collective results at three institutions of patients who achieved a pCR following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. A retrospective, chart-based review was conducted. Kaplan-Meier calculations were used to determine overall and disease-free survival. Between 1995 and 2002, 229 patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery as a planned approach for locally advanced esophageal cancer. Forty-one patients (18%) demonstrated pCR and were the focus of this study. Histology was adenocarcinoma in 29, squamous in 10, and adenosquamous/undifferentiated in two patients. Forty patients were staged by endoscopic ultrasound prior to neoadjuvant therapy and all demonstrated a T-stage of 2 or higher, while 19 had evidence of nodal metastasis. Four patients died in the perioperative period. The remaining patients have been followed for an average of 46 months. Overall survival at 5 years was 56.4% and a median survival has not been reached. Esophageal cancer patients who demonstrate a pCR following neoadjuvant chemoradiation are a select subset who demonstrate excellent long-term survival. Identification of clinical variables or biomarkers predictive of pCR may therefore optimize treatment strategies of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Gefitinib in patients with chemo-sensitive and chemo-refractory relapsed small cell cancers: a Hoosier Oncology Group phase II trial

BACKGROUND

Gefitinib has demonstrated activity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical trials have not demonstrated a relationship between response to gefitinib and over-expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Although, EGFR is not over-expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), we postulated that gefitinib might affect tumor growth through other mechanisms. Agents that are active in NSCLC usually are also effective in SCLC.

METHODS

The primary objective was to assess the clinical control rate: complete response (CR) partial response (PR) and stable disease (SD > 90 days), of gefitinib in patients with chemo-resistant and chemo-sensitive small cell cancers. Eligibility criteria included pathologic proof of a neuroendocrine tumor, especially small cell cancer, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0-2, prior treatment with one or two prior chemotherapy regimens and adequate end-organ function. Patients received gefitinib, 250 mg p.o. daily until disease progression or intolerable side effects.

RESULTS

From April 2003 to March 2004, 19 patients were enrolled. Small cell lung cancer accounted for 18 of the 19 patients and one patient had metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. Twelve patients (63%) had chemo-sensitive disease, defined as progression greater than three months from completion of prior chemotherapy; 7 (37%) had chemo-refractory disease; 13 (68%) had one prior chemotherapy regimen. Other patient characteristics: mean age 64 years (range 52-79 years); ECOG PS 0/1/2 = 7/9/3, M:F = 9:10. Grade 3 toxicities included: fatigue in three patients (15.8%), pulmonary toxicities in three (15.8%) and one patient (5.3%) each with hyperglycemia or pain. Four patients had grade four toxicities: one patient (5.3%) with fatigue and three patients (15.8%) with dyspnea. There were no patients with grade 3 or 4 rash or diarrhea. Two patients had stable disease (<90 days) and 17 had progressive disease as their best response. This study was a two-stage design and because the continuing criterion for stage one was not met, stage 2 was not performed. Median time to progression (TTP) was 50 days (95% CI = 21-58 days). One year overall survival (OS) was 21% (95% CI = 6-45.6%).

CONCLUSION

Although gefitinib has activity in select patients with NSCLC, this study failed to demonstrate benefit in patients with small cell lung cancer.

Screening studies for fatigue and laboratory correlates in cancer patients undergoing treatment

BACKGROUND

To understand the pathogenesis of fatigue in cancer, we conducted a cross-sectional study using Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) instruments to measure fatigue and assessed laboratory studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

174 patients with cancer, who had undergone treatment within the last six months, answered the questionnaires and the Brief Version Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (BZSDS). Blood samples were drawn for hemoglobin, albumin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- alpha). Testosterone levels were checked in male patients.

RESULTS

Clinically significant fatigue with BFI > or =4 was present in 52.0% of patients. Measurement of laboratory parameters revealed the following: DHEAS levels <80 mcg/dl in males and <36 mcg/dl in females=54.1%; BZSDS scores > or =27=20.1%; testosterone levels <200 ng/dl=26.4% of male patients. Significant correlations were noted between BFI and FACT-F, albumin levels, hemoglobin levels and BZSDS scores. In addition, for male patients BFI correlated with DHEAS and testosterone levels. In multiple linear regression, hemoglobin, BZSDS scores and current opioid use were associated with response BFI. For male patients, DHEAS <80 mcg/dl, increased BZSDS and testosterone <200 ng/dl were associated with increased BFI.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue is common in this population and BFI correlates with more extensive measurements. Abnormalities such as decreased testosterone and DHEAS may lead to interventions that can be therapeutically exploited.

Ifosfamide in Germ Cell Tumors

Ifosfamide has always had significant single-agent activity in patients with germ cell tumors. We first began studies of cisplatin + ifosfamide combination chemotherapy as salvage chemotherapy in 1982. The regimen of etoposide (VP-16) + ifosfamide + cisplatin (VIP) was initially utilized as third-line chemotherapy. Even in this refractory setting, we were able to cure a small cohort of patients. Ifosfamide-cisplatin combination chemotherapy then became a standard second-line chemotherapy program, and achieved a 25% cure rate. Subsequent phase III studies compared VIP to bleomycin + etoposide + cisplatin (BEP) as initial chemotherapy. Although the results of the ifosfamide-based regimen were slightly better, there was no statistically significant difference and BEP was less toxic. However, for individual patients with concern for bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, VIP remains an attractive first-line regimen.

Combined anti-microtubule therapy: a phase II study of weekly docetaxel plus estramustine in patients with metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel and estramustine exert anti-tumor effects by inhibiting microtubule function. In vitro data suggest synergism with this combination. This phase II study evaluated the response rate and toxicity of docetaxel and estramustine in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were treated with docetaxel 35 mg/m(2) on day 2 and estramustine phosphate 280 mg p.o. tds days 1-3 weekly for 3 of 4 weeks, for a maximum of six treatment cycles.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were enrolled between August 1999 and March 2001; 36 were eligible. Of 31 evaluable patients, responses were observed in 15 patients (47%); two patients (6%) obtained a complete response. Median time to treatment failure was 6 months; median survival was 1 year. Thromboembolic toxicity occurred in 11% of patients: three experienced deep venous thromboses and one had a fatal pulmonary embolism. Myelosuppression was minimal with this regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite modest activity in metastatic breast cancer, the toxicity observed with the combination of estramustine and docetaxel precludes the routine use of this combination in the treatment of breast cancer. Further studies using this compound in metastatic breast cancer are not warranted.

A phase II Hoosier Oncology Group study of vinorelbine and estramustine phosphate in hormone-refractory prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to evaluate the combined anti-microtubular regimen of vinorelbine and estramustine phosphate (EMP) in hormone refractory prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Weekly vinorelbine 20 mg/m2 (or 15 mg/m2 if a history of prior pelvic radiotherapy) was combined with EMP at 280 mg orally tds for 3 days (the day before, the day of and the day after vinorelbine infusion). After 8 weeks of therapy the combination was given every other week.

RESULTS

From February 1998 to February 1999, 23 men were enrolled with a median age of 69 years (range 50-83 years). The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at entry was 160 ng/ml (range 0-802 ng/ml). A median of 13 weeks of therapy was administered and the median follow-up was 14.8 months. Eleven patients (48%) had lower extremity edema requiring diuretic therapy, two (9%) had grade 2 granulocytopenia and four patients [17%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5% to 39%] had a thromboembolic episode. There was no treatment-related mortality. Fifteen of 21 patients (71%; 95% CI 49% to 89%) had at least a 50% decrease in the PSA for at least 2 months with a median time to serologic progression of 3.5 months (range 0.75-10.5 months). One of eight patients (12.5%; 95% CI 0% to 53%) with measurable disease had a confirmed partial response. The estimated median survival was 15.1 months and the actual one year overall survival was 71% (95% CI 51% to 88%).

CONCLUSIONS

Weekly vinorelbine with short course oral EMP is an active regimen as evaluated by rate of PSA response, time to progression and median survival. However, the toxicities of EMP, even when given as a short course, are still problematic.

Maintenance daily oral etoposide versus no further therapy following induction chemotherapy with etoposide plus ifosfamide plus cisplatin in extensive small-cell lung cancer: a Hoosier Oncology Group randomized study

BACKGROUND

We performed this phase III study to determine whether the addition of 3 months of oral etoposide in non-progressing patients with extensive small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) treated with four cycles of etoposide plus ifosfamide plus cisplatin (VIP) improves progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with extensive SCLC with a Karnofsky performance score (KPS) > or =50, adequate renal function and bone marrow reserve were eligible. Patients with CNS metastasis were eligible and received concurrent whole-brain radiotherapy. All patients received etoposide 75 mg/m2, ifosfamide 1.2 g/m2 and cisplatin 20 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1-4 every 3 weeks for four cycles. Non-progressing patients were randomized to oral etoposide 50 mg/m2 for 21 consecutive days every 4 weeks for three courses versus no further therapy until progression.

RESULTS

From September 1993 to June 1998, 233 patients were entered and treated with VIP with 144 non-progressing patients subsequently randomized to oral etoposide (n = 72) or observation (n = 72). Minimum follow up for all patients is 2 years. Toxicity with oral etoposide was mild. There was an improvement in median PFS favoring the maintenance arm of 8.23 versus 6.5 months (P = 0.0018). There was a trend towards an improvement in median (12.2 versus 11.2 months), 1-year (51.4% versus 40.3%), 2-year (16.7% versus 6.9%) and 3-year (9.1% versus 1.9%) survival (P = 0.0704) favoring the maintenance arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Three months of oral etoposide in non-progressing patients with extensive SCLC was associated with a significant improvement in PFS and a trend towards improved overall survival.

Dramatic response of teratoma-associated non--germ-cell cancer with all-trans retinoic acid in a patient with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor

A patient with nonseminomatous germ cell cancer, treated with standard chemotherapy, subsequently developed a pathologically confirmed metastatic undifferentiated adenocarcinoma (non-germ-cell elements) arising from residual teratoma. Disease was present in both lobes of the liver and was deemed unresectable at the time of presentation. The patient was treated on a National Cancer Institute-sponsored institutional protocol with all-trans retinoic acid. After 60 days of oral therapy at a dose of 150 mg/m2/d (50 mg/m2 three times daily), the patient was found to have complete radiologic resolution of his hepatic metastases. He subsequently underwent surgery and his complete response was pathologically confirmed.

Clinical evaluation of once-weekly dosing of epoetin alfa in chemotherapy patients: improvements in hemoglobin and quality of life are similar to three-times-weekly dosing

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and clinical benefits of once-weekly epoetin alfa therapy as an adjunct to chemotherapy in anemic cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 3,012 patients with nonmyeloid malignancies who received chemotherapy were enrolled onto this multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized study conducted in 600 United States community-based practices. Patients received epoetin alfa 40,000 U once weekly, which could be increased to 60,000 U once weekly after 4 weeks dependent on hemoglobin response. Treatment was continued for a maximum of 16 weeks.

RESULTS

Among the 2,964 patients assessable for efficacy, epoetin alfa therapy resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin levels, decreases in transfusion requirements, and improvements in functional status and fatigue as assessed by the linear analog scale assessment (energy level, ability to perform daily activities, and overall quality of life) and the anemia subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia questionnaire. Improvements in quality-of-life parameters correlated significantly (P <.001) with increased hemoglobin levels. The direct relationship between hemoglobin and quality-of-life improvement was sustained during the 16-week study period, which is similar to findings of large community-based trials of three-times-weekly dosing. Once-weekly epoetin alfa was well tolerated, with most adverse events attributed to the underlying disease or concomitant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The results from this large, prospective, community-based trial suggest that once-weekly epoetin alfa therapy increases hemoglobin levels, decreases transfusion requirements, and improves quality of life in patients with cancer and anemia who undergo concomitant chemotherapy. Based on the results of this study, the clinical benefits and the adverse event profile of once-weekly epoetin alfa therapy in community-based practice are similar to those observed in the historical experience with the three-times-weekly dosage schedule.

Germ cell tumor associated primitive neuroectodermal tumors

PURPOSE

This retrospective review was done to assess the prognosis and response in patients presenting with primitive neuroectodermal tumor admixed with germ cell tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 40 patients treated at our institution from 1984 to 1999, 15 had initial stage I and 25 had initial metastatic disease. Median followup after the diagnosis was 25 months (range 4 to 142).

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients 15 presented with clinical stage I disease, including 9 treated with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and 6 who elected surveillance. Seven of the 9 patients had normal lymph nodes and all continuously had no evidence of disease. Two of the 9 patients had lymph nodes involved with teratoma with or without primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Retroperitoneal relapse in 5 of the 6 patients on surveillance was treated with cisplatin based chemotherapy followed by post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Residual primitive neuroectodermal tumor was noted in 4 of the 5 patients and only 3 of 6 are currently without disease at a median followup of 17 months (range 15 to 69). A total of 25 patients presented with metastatic disease, of whom 23 underwent cisplatin based chemotherapy. Only 3 patients achieved complete remission with chemotherapy alone and 2 of the 3 subsequently relapsed. Of the remaining 20 patients 16 underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, including 11 with primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the resected specimen. Two of these 11 patients have continuously had no evidence of disease, while an additional 3 currently have no evidence of disease after further therapy. Teratoma was present in the resected specimen in 5 of 16 patients, of whom 2 have continuously had no evidence of disease, while an additional 2 currently have no evidence of disease after further surgical resection. Therefore, 11 of 25 patients who presented with metastatic disease currently have no evidence of disease at a median followup of 19 months (range 2 to 111).

CONCLUSIONS

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the orchiectomy specimen has adverse prognostic significance. This condition in the retroperitoneum is potentially curable by retroperitoneal lymph node dissection but rarely eradicated by chemotherapy. Therefore, we recommend retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for all clinical stage I cases with primitive neuroectodermal tumor in the orchiectomy specimen. Patients who present with metastatic primitive neuroectodermal tumor should be treated aggressively with surgical resection as an integral part of the therapeutic strategy.