Conservative surgery vs. duodeneopancreatectomy in primary duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): a retrospective review of 114 patients from the French sarcoma group (FSG)

BACKGROUND

Duodenal GISTs represent 3-5% of all GISTs with limited understanding of patient outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of primary localized duodenal GISTs.

METHODS

Patients were identified via a survey from 16 FSG centers (n = 105), and a group of 9 patients enrolled in the BFR14 trial. Data were collected from the original database and patient files, in agreement with French legislation.

RESULTS

114 patients were included, with a median age of 57. Tumors originated mainly in D2 (33%), or D3 (24%), with a median size of 5 cm. 109 patients had resection of the primary tumor; with a Local Resection (LR, n = 82), a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD, n = 23), and data were missing for 4 patients. Resections were R0 (n = 87, 79%), R1 (n = 8, 7%), R2 (n = 6). Tumor characteristics were: KIT+ (n = 104), CD34+ (n = 58). Miettinen risk was low (n = 43), and high (n = 52). Imatinib was administered preoperatively (n = 11) and post-operatively (n = 20). With a median follow-up of 36 months (2-250), 98 patients are alive, and 33 relapsed. The 5-year OS and EFS rates are 86.5% and 54.5%. EFS was similar for patients in the LR and the PD groups (P > 0.05). In multivariate analysis, ECOG PS, and CD34 expression are independent prognostic factors on OS. Miettinen risk and spindle cell type are independent predictive factors for relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with resected duodenal GIST have a reasonably favorable prognosis. This study favors a preservation of pancreas when there are no anatomical constraints. LR exhibit similar survival and smaller morbidity then PD.

Primary localized rectal/pararectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: results of surgical and multimodal therapy from the French Sarcoma group

BACKGROUND

Rectal and pararectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare. The optimal management strategy for primary localized GISTs remains poorly defined.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 41 patients with localized rectal or pararectal GISTs treated between 1991 and 2011 in 13 French Sarcoma Group centers.

RESULTS

Of 12 patients who received preoperative imatinib therapy for a median duration of 7 (2-12) months, 8 experienced a partial response, 3 had stable disease, and 1 had a complete response. Thirty and 11 patients underwent function-sparing conservative surgery and abdominoperineal resection, respectively. Tumor resections were mostly R0 and R1 in 35 patients. Tumor rupture occurred in 12 patients. Eleven patients received postoperative imatinib with a median follow-up of 59 (2.4-186) months. The median time to disease relapse was 36 (9.8-62) months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 86.5%. Twenty patients developed local recurrence after surgery alone, two developed recurrence after resection combined with preoperative and/or postoperative imatinib, and eight developed metastases. In univariate analysis, the mitotic index (≤5) and tumor size (≤5 cm) were associated with a significantly decreased risk of local relapse. Perioperative imatinib was associated with a significantly reduced risk of overall relapse and local relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative imatinib therapy was associated with improved disease-free survival. Preoperative imatinib was effective. Tumor shrinkage has a clear benefit for local excision in terms of feasibility and function preservation. Given the complexity of rectal GISTs, referral of patients with this rare disease to expert centers to undergo a multidisciplinary approach is recommended.

Primary cardiac sarcomas: a retrospective study of the French Sarcoma Group

INTRODUCTION

Primary cardiac sarcomas (PCS) are rare tumours of dismal prognosis.

METHODS

Data of 124 patients with PCS referred to institutions of the French Sarcoma Group (FSG) from 1977 and 2010 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Median age was 48.8years. PCS were poorly-differentiated sarcomas (N=45, 36.3%), angiosarcomas (N=40, 32.3%), leiomyosarcomas (N=16, 12.9%) and others (N=23, 18.6%). At diagnosis, 100 patients (80.6%) were localised and 24 (19.4%) metastatic. Tumours were located in the right (N=47, 38.8%), left atrial cavities (N=45, 37.2%) or encompassed several locations in nine cases (7.4%). Surgery was performed in 81 cases (65.3%). Heart transplant was performed in five patients. Radiotherapy adjuvant (N=18, 14.5%) or alone (N=6, 4.8%) was performed in non-metastatic patients only (N=24, 19.4%). With a median follow-up of 51.2months, median overall survival (OS) was 17.2months for the entire cohort, 38.8months after complete resection versus 18.2 after incomplete resection and 11.2months in non-resected patients. Radiotherapy was associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS) on multivariate analysis. Chemotherapy was significantly associated with better OS only in non-operated patients but not in operated patients. In non-metastatic patients, surgery (hazard ratio [HR]=0.42, p<0.001), male gender (HR=0.56, p=.032) was associated with better OS and surgery (HR=0.61; p=.076), radiotherapy (HR=0.43; p=.004) and chemotherapy (HR=0.30, p=.003) improved PFS.

CONCLUSION

Only surgical resection is associated with a perspective of prolonged survival. Chemotherapy is associated with a better outcome in non-resected patients.

Advanced chondrosarcomas: role of chemotherapy and survival

BACKGROUND

There are limited data about the role of chemotherapy in patients with advanced chondrosarcomas.

METHODS

The medical charts of 180 patients with advanced chondrosarcomas having received chemotherapy in 15 participating institutions between 1988 and 2011 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Median age was 52 years. Sixty-three percent of patients had conventional chondrosarcoma and 88% had metastatic disease. Combination chemotherapy was delivered in 98 cases (54.5%). One hundred and thirty-one patients (73%) received an anthracycline-containing regimen. Using RECIST, the objective response rate was significantly different according to histological subtype, being 31% for mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, 20.5% for dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, 11.5% for conventional chondrosarcoma and 0% for clear-cell chondrosarcoma (P = 0.04). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 3-6.5]. Performance status (PS) ≥2, number of metastatic sites ≥1 and single-agent regimen were independently associated with poor PFS. Median overall survival (OS) was 18 months (95% CI 14.5-21.6). PS, number of metastatic sites and palliative surgery were independently associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional chemotherapy have very limited efficacy in patients with advanced chondrosarcoma, the highest benefit being observed in mesenchymal and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. These data should be used as a reference for response and outcome in the assessment of investigational drugs in advanced chondrosarcoma.

Territorial inequalities in management and conformity to clinical guidelines for sarcoma patients: an exhaustive population-based cohort analysis in the Rhône-Alpes region

BACKGROUND

Sarcomas are rare cancers with great variability in clinical and histopathological presentation. The main objective of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is to standardize diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

From March 2005 to February 2007, all patients diagnosed with localized sarcoma in the Rhône-Alpes region were included in a cohort-based study, to evaluate the compliance of sarcoma management with French guidelines in routine practice and to identify predictive factors for compliance with CGPs.

RESULTS

634 (71 %) patients with localized sarcoma satisfying the inclusion criteria were included out of 891 newly diagnosed sarcomas. Taking into account initial diagnosis until follow-up, overall conformity to CPGs was only 40 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) = 36-44], ranging from 54 % for gastrointestinal stromal tumor to 36 % for soft tissue sarcoma and 42 % for bone sarcoma. In multivariate analysis, primary tumor type [relative risk (RR) = 4.42, 95 % CI = 2.79-6.99, p < 0.001], dedicated multidisciplinary staff before surgery (RR = 4.19, 95 % CI = 2.39-7.35, p < 0.001) and management in specialized hospitals (RR = 3.71, 95 % CI = 2.43-5.66, p < 0.001) were identified as unique independent risk factors for conformity to CPGs for overall treatment sequence.

CONCLUSIONS

With only 40 % of total conformity to CPGs, the conclusions support the improvement of initial sarcoma management and its performance in specialized centres or within specialized dedicated networks.

A large retrospective analysis of trabectedin in 885 patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma

10563

Background: Trabectedin (Yondelis) is the first marine-derived antineoplastic drug approved in Europe for the treatment of patients with recurrent ASTS or for patients unsuited to receive anthracyclines and ifosfamide. We retrospectively analyzed the RetrospectYon database with patients’ data treated with trabectedin between Jan 2008 - Dec 2011. Methods: Trabectedin was given at the approved dose of 1.5 mg/m2 as a 24-h infusion every 3 weeks. Patients who achieved partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) after 6 cycles could receive maintaining trabectedin treatment. Uni- and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed. Results: 885 patients (486 women) from 26 centers in France with ASTS with a median age of 54 years (range 12-84) were included. Most had leiomyosarcoma (36%), liposarcoma (18%) or synovial STS (11%). At baseline, performance status (PS) was 0 in 26%, 1 in 47% and >1 in 27% of patients. A median of 4 trabectedin cycles (range 1-28) was given as a 2nd (41%), 3rd (39%) or ≥4th (20% of patients) treatment line. Toxic death and unscheduled re-hospitalization occurred in 0.5% and 8% of patients, respectively.The objective response rate was 15% (6 complete and 127 PR), and SD rate was 45.5% (n=403). After a median follow-up of 22.6 months (range 0.03-51.2), the patients who received trabectedin as 2nd, 3rd or ≥4th line had the median PFS of 4.3, 4.2 and 3.4 months, respectively, and the median OS of 12.9, 12.3 and 9.5 months. Multivariate analysis identified liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, angiosarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) and trabectedin line as independent prognostic factors for PFS, and UPS, angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, gender, PS and trabectedin line for OS. After 6 cycles, 205 of the 273 patients with non-progressive disease received trabectedin as maintenance treatment and obtained a superior PFS (median 11 vs. 7.2 months, p=0.0001) and OS (median 25.1 vs. 16.9 months, p<0.0001) that those who stopped trabectedin after 6 cycles. Conclusions: Patients with ASTS treated with trabectedin had PFS and OS comparable or better to those observed in phase II/III trials. Trabectedin maintenance beyond 6 cycles is associated with improved OS and warrants further exploration.

Long-term outcome and effect of maintenance therapy in patients with advanced sarcoma treated with trabectedin: an analysis of 181 patients of the French ATU compassionate use program

BACKGROUND

The long term outcome of advanced sarcoma patients treated with trabectedin outside of clinical trials and the utility of maintenance treatment has not been reported.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2008, patients with advanced sarcoma failing doxorubicin could be treated within a compassionate use program (ATU, Temporary Use Authorization) of trabectedin in France using the standard 3-weekly regimen. Data from 181 patients (55%) were collected from 11 centres and analyzed.

RESULTS

Trabectedin was given in first, second, third or fourth line in metastatic phase in 6%, 37%, 33% and 23% of patients respectively. With a median follow-up of 6 years, median PFS and OS were 3.6 months and 16.1 months respectively. The median number of cycles was 3 (range 1-19). Best response were partial response (PR, n = 18, 10%), stable disease (SD, n = 69, 39%) and progressive disease (PD, n = 83, 46%), non evaluable (NE, n = 9, 5%). Thirty patients (17%) had to be hospitalized for treatment- related side effects. Independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (Cox model) were myxoid LPS and line of trabectedin for PFS, and myxoid LPS and retroperitoneal sarcomas for OS. Patients in PR or SD after 6 cycles continuing treatment had a better PFS (median 5.3 vs 10.5 months, p = 0.001) and OS (median 13.9 vs 33.4 months, p = 0.009) as compared to patients who stopped after 6 cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

In this compassionate use program, trabectedin yielded similar or better PFS and OS than in clinical trials. Maintenance treatment beyond 6 cycles was associated with an improved survival.

Phase II study of sorafenib mesylate (So) in patients (pts) with evolutive and advanced epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) or hemangiopericytoma/solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)

10020

Background: There is no standard of care for both rare sarcomas. Regarding, the important vascularization of EHE and SFT, we explored the activity/toxicity of So in pts with these sarcomas. Methods: We conducted a multicenter one-step phase II trial of So (800 mg/d). The primary endpoint was the 9-months progression-free rate (9-PFR). According to EORTC criteria, So is considered as promising drug if 6-PFR≥14%. All pts have had documented progressive disease at entry. Results: 20 pts (15 EHE & 5 SFT) were enrolled from June 2009 to February 2011 in the 8 participating institutions. 12 men and 8 women. Median age was 57. The most common primaries were superficial trunk (8 cases) and liver (4 cases). PS were 0 in 10 cases, 1 in 7 cases and 2 in 3 cases. 16 pts had metastasic disease , especially in lung (15), liver (6) and bone (4). Eight pts received prior chemotherapy (Doxorubicin : n= 8 cases and taxane : n =3). The median So treatment duration was 124 days. 9 pts experienced grade-3 toxicities; the most frequent grade-3 toxic events were hand foot syndrome (5 pts), myalgia (1), stomatitis (1), anorexia (1), diarrhea (1) and arterial hypertension (1).Because of this toxicity, treatment discontinuation was necessary in 6 cases and dose reduction was necessary in 5 pts. The 9-PFR was 6/18 (33.3% [11.5-55.1]). The 2, 4 and 6 PFR were 15/18 (83.3%), 8/18 (44.4%) and 7/18 (38.8) respectively We observed 2 partial responses lasting 2 and 9 months in 2 pts with EHE. Analysis of the predictive value of circulating pre-angiogenetic biomarkers is ongoing. Conclusions: According to the STBSG-EORTC criteria (3-PFR≥40% & 6-PFR≥14%), So is a promising drug for EHE and SFT pts. Further trials is needed, especially a discontinuation randomized trial.

Primary localized gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) of the duodenum: Final results of a French Sarcoma Group (FSG) retrospective review of 110 patients (pts)

10078

Background: Duodenal GISTs represent 3-5% of all GISTs with limited understanding of patient outcomes from small series. We conducted a retrospective analysis of primary localized duodenal GISTs over the past 18 years. Methods: Pts were identified in two ways: a group of 101 pts reported via survey from 20 FSG centers, and a group of 9 pts enrolled in the BFR14 trial. Results: Pts were:55 females, 55 males, with a median age of 57 years (30-84), and median ECOG 0 (0-3). Abdominal pain, anemia, and GI bleeding were the most common symptoms. Tumors (T) originated mainly in D2 (41%), or D3 (27%), with a median size of 5 cm (1.5-30). All pts except four had resection of the primary T. Surgical procedures were: local resection (LR) [segmental duodenectomy (n=31), wedge local resection (n=31), local excision (n=6)], and duodenopancreatectomy (DP, n=20). Resections were R0 in 84 pts (79%), R1 in 6 pts (6%). T characteristics included: KIT+ (n=100), CD34 + (n= 54), mitoses/50 HPF ≤ 5 (n= 70), or > 5 (n=24), Miettinen low-risk (n=37), and high-risk (n=19), necrosis (n=29), spindle cell (n=84). Genotype was evaluated in 36 cases: KIT exon 11 mutant (n=30), no mutation (n=4), and KIT exon 9 mutant (n=2). 12 pts received neoadjuvant imatinib (IM) therapy resulting in 6 PR, 3 SD, 1 PD. 17 pts received adjuvant IM therapy. With a median FU of 32 months (1-250), 95 pts (86%) are alive. Twenty-eight (26%) pts relapsed: 6 LR, and 26 metastases. The 4-year OS and EFS rates were 89.5% and 68.2 %. The 6-year OS and EFS rates were 89.5% and 36.5%. Univariate analysis showed that: age and ECOG PS have an impact on OS (p= 0.008, p <0.001), necrosis, spindle-cell type, T size, mitoses/50 HPF, and Miettinen risk were predictive of relapse (p< 0.001). In multivariate analysis tumor size and mitoses/ 50 HPF only were predictive of relapse (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Pts with resected duodenal GIST have a reasonably favourable prognosis. LR rather than DP should be pursued if possible to preserve optimal pancreas function. Neoadjuvant IM may potentially allow a proportion of patients requiring DP to undergo LR. Adjuvant IM should be systematically discussed with a patient based on the individual-risk of recurrence.

Sorafenib for patients with advanced angiosarcoma: a phase II Trial from the French Sarcoma Group (GSF/GETO)

BACKGROUND

Angiosarcomas account for <2% of all soft tissue sarcomas. This subtype is one of the most aggressive forms of soft tissue sarcoma. The prognosis for angiosarcoma patients in the advanced phase remains poor with current cytotoxic agents (progression-free survival [PFS] time of ∼4 months and overall survival [OS] time of ∼8 months). We investigated the antitumor activity of sorafenib in patients with metastatic or advanced angiosarcomas in a phase II trial.

METHODS

We conducted a stratified phase II trial. The primary endpoint was the progression-free rate (PFR) at 9 months according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A two-stage design (optimal Simon design) was used. Patients received sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) for 9 months until unacceptable toxicity or tumor progression. Central pathological and radiological reviews were performed. Data on stratum A (superficial angiosarcoma) and stratum B (visceral angiosarcoma) are currently available. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier, NCT00874874).

FINDINGS

Strata A and B recruited 26 and 15 patients, respectively. The median age was 63 years (range, 31-82 years), with 17 male and 24 female patients. Fourteen cases arose in irradiated fields. Thirty patients (73.0%) had been pretreated with conventional chemotherapy. No unexpected toxicity occurred. The PFR at 9 months was 3.8% in stratum A and 0.0% in stratum B. The median PFS times were 1.8 months and 3.8 months, respectively, whereas the median OS times were 12.0 months and 9.0 months, respectively. No responses were observed in chemotherapy-naïve patients, whereas a 40% tumor control rate and 23% response rate were observed in the pretreated population. In this cohort, no activating mutation of the KDR gene (exons 15, 16, 24) was detected.

INTERPRETATION

Sorafenib showed limited antitumor activity in pretreated patients only, for both visceral and superficial angiosarcoma, but tumor control was of short duration.

Chemotherapy in patients with desmoid tumors: a study from the French Sarcoma Group (FSG)

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the role of chemotherapy (CT) in patients with recurrent and/or unresectable desmoid tumors (DTs) are scarce.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records of patients with DT who were treated with CT in centers from the French Sarcoma Group were reviewed.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients entered the study. The two most common locations were extremities (35.5%) and internal trunk (32.5%). Twelve patients (19.5%) were diagnosed with Gardner syndrome. Thirty-seven patients (54.7%) received previously one or more lines of systemic therapies (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: 43.5%, antiestrogens: 43.5% and imatinib: 30.5%). Combination CT was delivered in 44 cases (71%) and single agent in 18 patients (29%), respectively. Thirteen patients (21%) received an anthracycline-containing regimen. The most frequent nonanthracycline regimen was the methotrexate-vinblastine combination (n=27). Complete response, partial response, stable disease and progressive disease were observed in 1 (1.6%), 12 (19.4%), 37 (59.6%) and 12 (19.4%) patients, respectively. The response rate was higher with anthracycline-containing regimens: 54% versus 12%, P=0.0011. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 40.8 months. The sole factor associated with improved PFS was the nonlimb location: 12.1 months (95% confidence interval 5.6-18.7) versus not reached, P=0.03.

CONCLUSIONS

CT has significant activity in DT. Anthracycline-containing regimens appear to be associated with a higher response rate.

Trabectedin for advanced sarcomas failing doxorubicin: Analysis of 189 unreported patients in a compassionate use program

10574

Background: Between 2005 and 2008, 387 patients (pts) with advanced sarcoma failing doxorubicin were treated in a compassionate use program (ATU) of trabectedin in France using the standard 1.5mg/m2/CI 24h q21d regimen. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of pts treated in this program. Methods: From 2005 to 2008, 87 centers (ctrs) included at least 1 pt in the ATU program. Inclusion criteria were those of the EORTC trial (J Clin Oncol, 2005;23:5276), with no restriction on the previous number of lines. A simple CRF with 22 items was used to collect pts characteristics and outcome. One hundred eighty-nine pts files were collected as of December 20, 2008. Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors was performed. Results: Two hundred thirty-five pts were included in the 17 ctrs in which >4 pts were treated. Forty-four ctrs treated only 1 pt. Fifty-two percent were female; major histological subgroups were leiomyosarcoma (29%) and liposarcoma (20%). All pts had been treated with doxorubicin and ifosfamide, 3 (1.5%) in adjuvant setting only. Trabectedin was given in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th line in metastatic phase in n=8, 69, 66, 42 pts respectively (median: 3rd line). The median number of courses were 3 (range 1–24). Best response reported were PR, n=15 (8%), SD, n=68 (36%) and PD, n=94 (50%), NE, n=11 (6%). With a median follow-up of 805 days (d), median PFS and OS were 91 d and 309 d respectively. 27/127 (20%) evaluable pts had to be hospitalized for treatment related side effects. PFS was superior in myxoid liposarcoma (MyxLPS) (median 192 d vs 69 d, p=0.003), retroperitoneal sarcomas (median 104 d vs 69 d, p=0.006), and grade 1 tumors (median 141 d vs 70 d, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis (Cox model), tumor site, grade 1, histotype were the only independent prognostic factors for PFS. For OS, favorable prognostic factors in univariate analysis were histotypes (MyxLPS, MFH), grade 1 lesions, retroperitoneal site, no hospitalisation for toxicity (p<0.01 all) while Cox model identified female gender, tumor site, histotype as the only independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: In this compassionate use program for heavily pretreated pts with advanced sarcomas, trabectedin yielded PFS and OS close to those observed in phase II and III trial. PFS and OS are superior in myxLPS, retroperitoneal sarcomas, and grade 1 tumors.

[Table: see text]

Liver abscess due to clostridium septicum. A case report and review of the literature

The onset of liver abscess due to Clostridium septicum -an anaerobic gram-positive bacillus- is a rare condition, generally arising in cancer patients. The radiological picture is that of gas-containing pyogenic abscess, that predominates within preexisting liver metastases. We report a case of a 50-year-old patient with metastatic colon cancer who was referred with multiple Clostridium septicum liver abscesses. The patient underwent parenteral antibiotherapy as well as transcutaneous drainage of the largest liver abscess. However the outcome was unfavorable in a clinical picture of liver failure that was likely due to disease progression rather than sepsis. Clostridium septicum liver abscess is a life-threatening condition that occurs in fragile patients, mostly with metastatic cancers. A review of the reported cases is presented and treatment options are discussed.

[Standards, options and recommendations for the use of medical analgesics for the treatment of pain arising from excess nociception in adults with cancer (update 2002): opioid analgesics with the exception of morphine by mouth and the rotation]

CONTEXT

The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French cancer centers, and specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. The methodology is based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery.

OBJECTIVES

To develop clinical practice guidelines for the use of opioid analgesics with the exception of oral morphine and for opioid rotation related to the treatment of nociceptive pain in adults with cancer according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project.

METHODS

In 1996, a working group, set up by the FNCLCC published clinical practice guidelines for pain management in adult and paediatric patients with cancer: In the light of the evolution of knowledge, and practice these guidelines need to be updated The section on "médical analgesic treatments" in the document published in 1996 was examined by the working group to identify which questions should be updated. These questions and the relevant key words were used to develop a search strategy which was used to search Medline, and for particular questions, Embase, from January 1994 to March 1999, for relevant references, published in English or French.

RESULTS

For this update, only a few randomised clinical trials were identified, and their conclusions were generally weak. Thus much of the information in this document is based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and represents the "state of the art" on this subject in France and is supported by expert agreement. Some changes to the original SOR are presented, particularly for the prescription of new opioids and opioid rotation. The full text of this SOR is available on the FNCLCC web site (http ://www.fnclcc.fr).

[Standards, options and recommendations for the use of medical analgesics for the treatment of pain arising from excess nociception in adults with cancer (update 2002)]

CONTEXT

The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of french cancer centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French cancer centers, and specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. The methodology is based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery.

OBJECTIVES

To develop clinical practice guidelines for the use of medical analgesics for the treatment of pain arising from excess nociception in adults with cancer according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project.

METHODS

In 1996, a working group, set up by the FNCLCC published clinical practice guidelines for pain management in adult and paediatric patients with cancer. In the light of the evolution of our knowledge, and practice these guidelines need to be updated. The section on "medical analgesic treatments" in the document published in 1996 was examined by the working group to identify which questions should be updated. These questions and the relevant key words were used to develop a search strategy which was used to search Medline , and for particular questions, Embase , from January 1994 to March 1999, for relevant references, published in English or French.

RESULTS

For this update, only a few randomised clinical trials were identified, and their conclusions were generally weak. Thus much of the information in this document is based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and represents the "state of the art" on this subject in France and is supported by expert agreement. Some changes to the original SOR are presented, eg. methods of titration, prescription of new opioids, opioid rotation. We also present a synthesis of recent pharmacological and regulatory data. The integral version is available on the FNCLCC web site (http://www.fnclcc.fr/sor.htm).