Response and Disease Dynamics in Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer With Bevacizumab-Based Sequential vs. Combination Chemotherapy—Analysis of the Phase 3 XELAVIRI Trial

Introduction

Early tumor shrinkage (ETS), depth of response (DpR), and time to DpR represent exploratory endpoints that may serve as early efficacy parameters and predictors of long-term outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We analyzed these endpoints in mCRC patients treated with first-line bevacizumab-based sequential (initial fluoropyrimidines) versus combination (initial fluoropyrimidines plus irinotecan) chemotherapy within the phase 3 XELAVIRI trial.

Methods

DpR (change from baseline to smallest tumor diameter), ETS (≥20% reduction in tumor diameter at first reassessment), and time to DpR (study randomization to DpR image) were analyzed. We evaluated progression-free survival and overall survival with ETS as stratification parameter according to treatment arm, molecular subgroup, and sex.

Results

In 370 patients analyzed, a higher rate of ETS (60.9% vs. 43.5%; p = 0.001) and significantly greater DpR (-40.0% vs. -24.7%; p < 0.001) were observed in the initial combination therapy arm. The improvement was pronounced in RAS/BRAF wild-type tumors. ETS correlated with improved survival irrespective of treatment arm (PFS: p < 0.001; OS: p = 0.012) and molecular subgroup (PFS: p < 0.001; OS: p < 0.001). Male patients in contrast to female patients with ETS had survival benefit (PFS: p < 0.001, HR 0.532; OS: p < 0.001, HR 0.574 vs. PFS: p = 0.107; OS: p = 0.965).

Conclusions

Initial irinotecan-based combination therapy with bevacizumab improved ETS and DpR in mCRC patients with a particularly high irinotecan sensitivity of RAS/BRAF wild-type tumors. ETS seems to be a suitable prognostic marker for fluoropyrimidine- and bevacizumab-based combinations in mCRC. This finding was rather driven by male patients, potentially indicating that ETS might be less predictive of long-term outcome in an elderly, female population.

Panitumumab Plus Fluorouracil and Folinic Acid Versus Fluorouracil and Folinic Acid Alone as Maintenance Therapy in RAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The Randomized PANAMA Trial (AIO KRK 0212)

PURPOSE

The randomized PANAMA trial investigated the efficacy of panitumumab (Pmab) when added to maintenance therapy with fluorouracil and folinic acid (FU/FA) in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Following first-line induction therapy with six cycles of FU/FA and oxaliplatin plus Pmab, responding patients (stable disease or partial or complete remission) were randomly assigned (1:1, open-label) to maintenance treatment with either FU/FA plus Pmab or FU/FA alone. The primary objective was to demonstrate superiority of progression-free survival (PFS, time from random assignment until progression or death) in favor of FU/FA plus Pmab with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75, a power of 80%, and a significance level of 10%. Secondary end points included overall survival, objective response rate of maintenance therapy, and toxicity. Survival end points were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test and Cox regressions. Dichotomous variables were compared by Fisher's exact test; odds ratios were indicated when appropriate. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01991873).

RESULTS

Overall, 248 patients were randomly assigned and received maintenance therapy with either FU/FA plus Pmab (125 patients) or FU/FA alone (123 patients). At data cutoff, with 218 events (of 218 needed), PFS of maintenance therapy was significantly improved with FU/FA plus Pmab (8.8 months v 5.7 months; HR, 0.72; 80% CI, 0.60 to 0.85; P = .014). Overall survival (event rate 54%) numerically favored the FU/FA plus Pmab arm (28.7 months v 25.7 months; HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.18; P = .32). Objective response rates were 40.8% in patients receiving FU/FA plus Pmab versus 26.0% in patients receiving FU/FA alone (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.36; P = .02). The most frequent Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event grade ≥ 3 event during maintenance therapy was skin rash (7.2%).

CONCLUSION

In RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, maintenance therapy with FU/FA plus Pmab induced a significantly superior PFS compared with FU/FA alone. If active maintenance therapy is aspired following induction therapy with FU/FA and oxaliplatin plus Pmab, FU/FA plus Pmab appears to be the most favorable option.

Consensus molecular subtypes in metastatic colorectal cancer treated with sequential versus combined fluoropyrimidine, bevacizumab and irinotecan (XELAVIRI trial)

BACKGROUND

The XELAVIRI trial compared sequential (fluoropyrimidine and bevacizumab; irinotecan (Iri) at progression) versus initial combination therapy (fluoropyrimidine, bevacizumab, Iri) of treatment-naïve metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In the confirmatory analysis, the primary end-point (non-inferiority of sequential therapy regarding time to failure of strategy, TFS) was not met. Nevertheless, significant differences regarding treatment efficacy were observed according to RAS status. Here, we evaluate the consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) as additional biomarkers for sequential versus combination therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gene expression was measured using NanoString after mRNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour specimens. CMS were predicted using multinomial regression and correlated with updated data for TFS, overall (OS) and progression-free survival.

RESULTS

CMS were predicted in 337 of 421 (80.0%) patients (CMS1: 18.4%; CMS2: 51.6%; CMS3: 2.7%; CMS4: 27.3%). CMS2 together with RAS/BRAF wild-type status was identified as potential predictive marker of benefit from initial combination therapy for OS (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.96, p = 0.036) and progression-free survival (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.29-0.79, p = 0.004) and also trending in TFS (HR 0.63, 90% CI 0.41-0.95, p = 0.066). In patients with RAS-mutated mCRC, CMS1 was associated with longer OS after initial combination therapy (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.95, p = 0.038). Interaction testing (two-sided) of CMS and RAS/BRAF status in favour of the combination treatment strategy was significant for OS (p = 0.012) CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC, CMS2 may serve as an additional biomarker of benefit from the initial combination therapy, including Iri.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration ID (clinicaltrials.gov) NCT01249638.

Preinfection laboratory parameters may predict COVID-19 severity in tumor patients

BACKGROUND

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to COVID-19, the course of which is highly variable and depends on numerous patient-specific risk factors. Patients with tumor diseases are considered to be more susceptible to severe COVID-19; however, they also represent a heterogeneous group of individuals with variable risk. Identifying specific risk factors for a severe course of COVID-19 in patients with cancer is of great importance.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with solid tumors or hematological malignancies and PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included into the multicentric ADHOK (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hämatologen und Onkologen im Krankenhaus e.V.) coronavirus tumor registry. Detailed information about the patients' cancer disease, treatment, and laboratory parameters prior to infection, was collected retrospectively. The outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 infection was graded according to the WHO.

RESULTS

A total of 195 patients (68% with solid neoplasms and 32% with hematological malignancies) were included in the registry. Overall, the course of the SARS-CoV-2 infection varied greatly, as 69% of all patients were either asymptomatic or encountered a mild to moderate course, while 23% of the cohort died from COVID-19. In multivariable analysis, preinfection laboratory parameters (determined at least 10 days and a median of 21 days before the first documentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection) significantly correlated with severe course of the disease. Out of these, the absolute neutrophil count prior to infection showed the strongest association with COVID-19-related death.

CONCLUSION

The course of COVID-19 in patients with tumor diseases is highly variable. Preinfection laboratory parameters may aid to identify patients at risk for severe COVID-19 at an early stage prior to infection with the virus. German Clinical Trials Register identification: DRKS00023012.

Trastuzumab in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel as perioperative treatment for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive locally advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma: A phase II trial of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie Gastric Cancer Study Group

Perioperative chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel (FLOT) is a mainstay in the treatment of esophagogastric adenocarcinomas (EGA). Trastuzumab improved survival when added to chemotherapy in patients with HER-2-positive metastatic EGA. We investigated the combination of trastuzumab and FLOT as perioperative treatment in patients with locally advanced EGA. A multicenter phase II study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of perioperative FLOT (24-hours 5-FU 2600 mg/m² , leucovorin 200 mg/m² , oxaliplatin 85 mg/mg² , docetaxel 50 mg/m² , trastuzumab 6 mg/kg then 4 mg/kg d1, repeated d15 for four cycles preoperatively and postoperatively followed by 9 cycles of trastuzumab monotherapy) in patients with HER-2 positive EGA. Patients had ≥cT2, any N, M0 EGA. The primary endpoint was the rate of centrally assessed pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints comprised disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS), R0 resection rate, toxicity and surgical morbidity. Fifty-six evaluable patients (median age 62 years) were included; n = 40 had tumors originating from the esophagogastric junction; T stage was (cT2/3/4/unknown): 4/42/8/2; n = 50 patients had cN+ disease. Main adverse events grades 3-4: leukopenia (17.9%), neutropenia (46.6%) and diarrhea (17.0%). All patients underwent tumor resections. R0 resection rate was 92.9%. Eight patients had anastomotic leakage. One postoperative death occurred. pCR was found in 12 patients (21.4%) and a further n = 14 patients (25.0%) had near complete response. Median DFS was 42.5 months and the 3-year OS rate was 82.1%. The primary endpoint of achieving a pCR >20% was reached. No unexpected safety issues were observed. Survival data are promising.

[Hospital inhouse contact tracing-significant impact to patient care during the coronavirus pandemic]

Hintergrund

Im Rahmen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie entwickelte sich der Kreis Heinsberg im Februar 2020 zu einem infektiologischen Epizentrum für Deutschland. Unser in unmittelbarer Nachbarschaft gelegenes Krankenhaus implementierte neben der Anpassung der Patientenversorgung sofort zusätzlich eine krankenhausinterne Organisationsstruktur zur Erfassung SARS-CoV-2-positiver Mitarbeiter, Patienten und deren Kontaktpersonen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die im Contact Tracing erfassten Infektionen wurden analysiert und anhand eines beispielhaften Ausbruchs Infektionsketten und Nachverfolgungsprozesse evaluiert.

Material und Methoden

Daten zu Kontakten, Abstrichergebnissen und Quarantänetagen wurden mittels einer eigenen Datenbank dokumentiert und retrospektiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

568 Mitarbeiter wurden vom krankenhausinternen Contact Tracing erfasst. 32 Mitarbeiter (1,2 %, n = 2567) wurden als SARS-CoV-2-positiv erfasst. 50 % (16) davon wurden im Rahmen der Kontaktpersonennachverfolgung positiv getestet, 15,6 % (5) durch Routineabstriche erfasst. 34,4 % (11) waren Reiserückkehrer. Auffällig waren variable PCR-Ergebnisse der Kontrollabstriche dieser positiven Mitarbeiter. Bei 18,8 % (6) wurden bei zunächst negativem Kontrollabstrich im folgenden Kontrollabstrich wieder positive PCR-Ergebnisse gefunden. Das eigene Contact Tracing konnte Infektionshäufungen auf Non-COVID-19-Stationen frühzeitig aufdecken und gemeinsam mit der Klinikhygiene und dem Gesundheitsamt umfassende Maßnahmen zur Begrenzung der Virusausbreitung einleiten. Infektionsketten konnten früh durchbrochen werden.

Diskussion

Ein krankenhausinternes Contact Tracing erweist sich vor allem bei nicht auszuschließenden zukünftigen Infektionswellen als ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des klinischen Pandemiemanagements und ist essenziell zur Aufdeckung von lokalen Infektionsclustern.

Zusatzmaterial online

In der Online-Version dieses Artikels (10.1007/s00103-021-03330-z) finden Sie ein Flußschema zur Kontaktverfolgung.

Treatment responses and disease dynamics in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer receiving bevacizumab-based sequential versus combination chemotherapy: Analysis of a phase 3 trial (AIO KRK0110, XELAVIRI study)

3571

Background: Early response parameters such as early tumor shrinkage (ETS), depth of response (DpR), and time to DpR represent exploratory endpoints that may serve as early efficacy endpoints and potential predictors of long-term outcome. We analyzed the association of these endpoints with bevacizumab-based sequential (initial fluoropyrimidines) versus combination (initial fluoropyrimidines plus irinotecan) chemotherapy within a randomized phase III trial. Methods: DpR (change from baseline to smallest tumor diameter), ETS (≥20% reduction in tumor diameter at first reassessment), and time to DpR (study randomization to DpR-image) were analyzed in the XELAVIRI-trial. Moreover, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated with ETS as stratification parameter (ETS vs. no ETS) according to treatment arm, molecular subgroup, and sex. Results: 370 patients were available for analysis of early treatment response parameters. A higher rate of ETS (60.9% vs. 43.5%; p = 0.001) and significantly greater DpR (-40.0% vs. -24.7%; p < 0.001) were observed in the initial combination compared to the sequential therapy arm, respectively. The improvement of ETS and DpR was pronounced in the subpopulation of RAS/ BRAF wildtype patients. Male in contrast to female patients significantly benefitted from initial combination treatment in terms of median DpR (male: -40.0% vs. -22.2%; p < 0.001; female: -34.0% vs. -24.4%; p = 0.13) and rate of ETS (male: 64.8% vs. 40.2%; p < 0.001; female: 52.5% vs. 49.3%; p = 0.73). Achievement of ETS correlated with improved survival irrespective of treatment arm (PFS: p < 0.001; OS: p = 0.012) and molecular subgroup (PFS: p < 0.001; OS: p < 0.001). Whereas the survival benefit in male patients achieving ETS was statistically significant (PFS: p < 0.001, HR 0.532 (0.409-0.692); OS: p < 0.001, HR 0.574 (0.437-0.756)), there were no significant differences in PFS (p = 0.107) and OS (p = 0.965) of female patients depending on ETS. Conclusions: In the XELAVIRI trial, initial irinotecan-based combination therapy with bevacizumab improves ETS and DpR in mCRC patients. Improvement in early response parameters appears pronounced in patients with RAS/ BRAF wildtype tumors suggesting a high sensitivity to irinotecan-based treatment. ETS was predictive of PFS and OS regardless of treatment arm. This finding was rather driven by male than female patients, potentially indicating that ETS might be less predictive of long-term outcome in an elderly, female population.

Prognostic value of pre-infection routine laboratory parameters for COVID-19 mortality in tumor patients: Results of the ADHOK Coronavirus Tumor Registry

10571

Background: Tumor patients (pts.) are considered susceptible to severe COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, they represent a heterogeneous group of individuals with variable risk. Identification of vulnerable subgroups is important for prioritization of vaccination strategies and possible early therapeutic intervention after infection. Methods: Tumor pts. with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the multicentric ADHOK registry by 22 institutions. Detailed information about tumor disease and treatment, as well as routine laboratory parameters determined at least 10 days prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection, was collected retrospectively. The primary endpoint was defined as the outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, graded according to the WHO: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, critical, and COVID-19-related death. Results: Until Feb. 5, 2021, 215 pts. (67% with solid tumors, 33% with hematological neoplasms) were included in the registry. 74% of the pts. had an active malignancy. The course of SARS-CoV-2 infection was rather variable: 66% of the pts. remained asymptomatic or showed a mild-to-moderate course, while the rest developed severe or critical disease. The COVID-19-related mortality rate was 24%. Pre-infection routine laboratory values were available for 104 pts., obtained at a median of 21 days before SARS-CoV-2 infection. Compared to COVID-19 survivors, COVID-19 non-survivors showed significantly higher median levels of absolute neutrophil count (ANC: 3.6 vs. 6.4 /nL; p = 0.006, n = 91), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR: 2.2 vs. 7.2; p = 0.005, n = 75), C-reactive protein (CRP: 9.9 vs. 42.0 mg/L; p = 0.001, n = 104), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH: 213.0 vs. 267.0 U/L; p = 0.016, n = 78). When categorized by a median split, COVID-19 mortality was significantly higher in pts. with ANC > 4.4 /nL (4% vs. 55%, p < 0.001), NLR > 4.1 (5% vs. 58%, p < 0.001), CRP > 15.4 mg/L (18% vs. 46%, p = 0.003), LDH > 236 U/L (15% vs. 49%, p = 0.003) and lymphocytes < 1.3 /nL (41% vs. 11% p = 0.002). In multivariable analysis, ANC and CRP showed a strong and significant association with COVID-19-related death (OR 23.0 and 7.7, p = 0.007 and 0.029, respectively). To develop an easy-to-apply pre-infection score, we combined ANC and CRP and were able to separate three groups of pts. with significantly different COVID-19 outcomes (p < 0.001) (Table). Conclusions: Our results unveil subgroups of tumor pts. who may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and point to pre-infection routine laboratory parameters with potential prognostic power: ANC and CRP may help identify pts. at risk for severe COVID-19 before SARS-CoV-2 infection.[Table: see text]

Maintenance therapy with 5-fluoruracil/leucovorin (5FU/LV) plus panitumumab (pmab) or 5FU/LV alone in RAS wildtype (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) - the PANAMA trial (AIO KRK 0212)

3503

Background: Planned discontinuation or stop-and-go use of oxaliplatin are established strategies in the systemic therapy of mCRC. Consequently, and irrespective of antibody use, 5FU/LV represents the standard backbone of most maintenance strategies. Unlike VEGF-targeted substances, there is limited evidence that EGFR-antibodies add efficacy to 5FU/LV maintenance in RAS wildtype ( RAS WT) mCRC patients. Methods: Following induction therapy with six cycles of 5FU/LV, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) and pmab, the trial randomized maintenance therapy with 5FU/LV plus pmab vs. 5FU/LV alone in a 1:1 fashion in patients (pts) with RAS WT mCRC. The primary endpoint was PFS (progression-free survival: time from randomization until progression or death). With 218 events needed for PFS, the trial was designed to demonstrate superiority of the 5FU/LV+ pmab arm vs. 5FU/LV alone with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75, power of 80% and a significance level of 10%. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response to induction- and maintenance therapy as well as quality of life. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01991873. Results: The full analysis set consists of 248 pts (125 pts 5FU/LV + pmab and 123 pts 5FU/LV) who were randomized and received maintenance therapy. Median age was 66 vs. 65 years, male patients were 69.6% vs. 63.4%, ECOG 0 was 56.8% vs. 60.2% in the respective trial arms (5FU/LV+ pmab vs. 5FU/LV). At data cut-off, with 218 events, PFS of maintenance therapy was improved with 5FU/LV+ pmab vs. 5FU/LV alone (8.8 (80% CI 7.6-10.2) months vs. 5.7 (80% CI 5.6-6.0) months, HR 0.72 (80%CI 0.60-0.85), p = 0.014). OS (event rate 54.4%) numerically favoured the 5FU/LV+ pmab arm (28.7 (95% CI 25.4-39.1) months) as compared to 5FU/LV alone (25.7 (95% CI 22.2-28.2) months), HR 0.84 (95% CI 0.60-1.18). Conclusion: In RAS WT mCRC, maintenance therapy with 5FU/LV+ pmab appears to be superior to 5FU/LV alone and should be regarded as standard of care maintenance regimen following induction therapy with FOLFOX plus pmab. Clinical trial information: NCT01991873.

RAMucirumab in combination with TAS102 versus TAS102 monotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: Safety results from the phase IIb part of the RAMTAS phase II/III trial of the German AIO (AIO-KRK-0316)

3566

Background: Patients (pts) with mCRC progressing on standard chemotherapy have limited therapeutic options. Trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS102) significantly improved survival in patients with refractory mCRC. Ramucirumab (ram) is approved in combination with FOLFIRI for second-line treatment. There is a strong rationale to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ram in combination with TAS102 in pts with refractory mCRC. Methods: This is a randomized, open-label, multicenter, starting as phase IIb and extended to a phase III study in pts with advanced mCRC. Eligible pts were randomized to receive either ram (8 mg/kg on d1+15, q4w) and TAS102 (35 mg/m² on d1-5 and d8-12, q4w, arm A) or TAS102 alone (arm B). The primary endpoint is overall survival. A total of 145 pts were enrolled into phase IIb. Here, we present the data from an interim safety analysis comprising the first 80 treated pts. The trial was extended to phase III including a total of 426 pts. Enrolment of additional 281 pts started in Dec 2020. The trial endpoints remained unchanged. Results: Pts (40 arm A, 40 arm B) received a median of 2.5 treatment cycles in arm A and 2 cycles in arm B; 31 pts in treatment arm A and 32 pts in arm B discontinued participation prematurely, mainly due to cancer progression. Most patients developed adverse events (AEs): grade 3 AEs were observed in 28 pts (70%) in arm A (24 treatment-related) and 27 pts (67%, 17 treatment-related) in arm B. More grade 4 AEs were seen in arm A (13 pts, 32.5%) than in arm B (5 pts, 12.5%). In total, 46 Serious AEs (SAEs) occurred, 27 in arm A (10 treatment-related) and 19 in Arm B (2 treatment-related). Five SAEs (3 in arm A, 2 in arm B) had a fatal outcome (one in arm A treatment-related). Within the analyzed population, no SUSAR occurred. Conclusions: This safety analysis demonstrates a minor increase in AEs in the experimental arm but no unexpected events. There were no excessive toxicity or unacceptable risks. In summary, a favorable risk-benefit-profile was confirmed. Based on these safety results and the ongoing need for efficient treatment in the tested population, the trial was extended to phase III. Clinical trial information: NCT03520946.

Gender-dependent survival benefit from first-line irinotecan in metastatic colorectal cancer. Subgroup analysis of a phase III trial (XELAVIRI-study, AIO-KRK-0110)

BACKGROUND

XELAVIRI compared sequential (Arm A) versus initial (Arm B) irinotecan in combination with fluoropyrimidine plus bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, trial identification: NCT01249638. In the full analysis set of the study, non-inferiority of time to failure of strategy (TFS) was not shown. The present analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of gender on treatment outcome and tolerability.

METHODS

The study end-points overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), TFS and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in female versus male patients and in molecular subgroups (i.e. RAS mutational status). Interaction of treatment and gender was tested by likelihood ratio tests.

RESULTS

In total, 281 male and 140 female patients (n = 421) were evaluated. Among the male patients, the ORR was 33.6% without and 58.3% with initial irinotecan (P < 0.001). PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-0.69; P < 0.001) and OS (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.47-0.85; P = 0.002) were also significantly better with initial irinotecan. Among the female patients, the ORR was 42.7% in Arm A and 43.1% in Arm B, PFS was similar (HR 1.09; 95% CI 0.76-1.55; P = 0.649) without and with initial irinotecan. A strong trend for inferior outcome with regard to OS with initial irinotecan was observed (HR 1.46; 95% CI 0.95-2.24; P = 0.081) and the trend reached significance in the multivariate analysis (HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.08-2.95; P = 0.02). Formal interaction of treatment and gender was observed for ORR (P = 0.018), PFS (P = 0.002) and OS (P = 0.001). Treatment-related adverse events were not significantly different between male and female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis suggests that gender interacts with efficacy of initial irinotecan when used in combination with fluoropyrimidines and bevacizumab. Although male patients derived a significant and clinically meaningful benefit from initial combination chemotherapy, this was not observed in female patients.

Quality of life in rectal cancer patients with or without oxaliplatin in the randomised CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

The CAO/ARO/AIO trial has shown that oxaliplatin added to preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy significantly improved disease-free survival in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Here, we present a post-hoc analysis of quality of life (QoL) in disease-free patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2006 and 2010, 1236 patients with LARC were randomly assigned either to preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision and postoperative chemotherapy (N = 623) or combined with oxaliplatin (N = 613). QoL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, colorectal module CR38) were completed at baseline, after postoperative chemotherapy and during follow-up. Analysis was performed according intent-to-treat.

RESULTS

Available questionnaires (baseline) were 82% (N = 512) in the control and 84% (N = 513) in the investigational group. Response rates were 49% (533 of 1086) at 1 year and 43% (403 of 928) at 3 years. Global health status (GHS) for disease-free patients was stable in both groups (range 0-100). At baseline: standard arm 62.0 (mean, SD 21.6; N = 491) versus oxaliplatin arm 63.2 (mean, SD 22; N = 503); at 3 years: 69.4 (SD 19.3; N = 187) versus 65.4 (SD 22.2; N = 202). After treatment and at 3 years, no significant differences (≥10 points) between groups were found in QoL subscales. Disease-free patients experiencing neurotoxic side-effects (grade 1-4) showed reduced GHS at 3 years versus patients without neurotoxicity (mean 59.2 versus 69.3; P < 0.001), while grade 3-4 rate was low.

CONCLUSION

The addition of oxaliplatin was not associated with worse overall QoL. This information is of interest to patients in many ongoing rectal cancer trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

NCT00349076.

Impact of age on efficacy and early mortality of initial sequential treatment versus upfront combination chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a subgroup analysis of a phase III trial (AIO KRK0110, XELAVIRI study)

INTRODUCTION

The XELAVIRI study compared application of fluoropyrimidine (FP) and bevacizumab (Bev) followed by sequential escalation to irinotecan (Iri), FP and Bev (arm A) to upfront combination therapy with FP, Iri and Bev (arm B) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). To elucidate the impact of age on survival, we evaluated efficacy and early mortality in the underlying trial.

METHODS

Patients were stratified for age in three cohorts (<65 years, 65-74 years and ≥75 years). Survival end-points were expressed by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank testing and Cox regression. Objective response and 60-day mortality were evaluated by chi-square testing.

RESULTS

The efficacy analyses suggest more substantial benefit from upfront combination chemotherapy in younger patients with mCRC. Elderly patients (≥75 years) derived limited benefit from upfront combination chemotherapy, particularly in terms of overall survival. Of 421 randomised patients, 13 patients (3.1%) died within 60 days after treatment initiation with the highest prevalence in elderly patients (1.6% < 65 years, 2.8% 65-74 years and 5.2% ≥ 75 years, p = 0.26). The frequency of 60-day mortality was significantly associated with age (with a maximum of 8.7% in patients aged ≥75 years) in patients undergoing upfront combination therapy (p = 0.027) but not in patients receiving sequential treatment (p = 0.63).

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy with FP, Iri and Bev does not substantially improve the outcome of patients aged ≥75 years as compared with sequential treatment algorithm. These patients appear to be at a relevant risk for 60-day mortality under Iri-based combination chemotherapy plus Bev.

Depth of response to isatuximab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (Isa-KRd) in front-line treatment of high-risk multiple myeloma: Interim analysis of the GMMG-CONCEPT trial

8508

Background: High-risk (HR) multiple myeloma (MM) still has a significant impaired prognostic outcome. Addition of CD38 monoclonal antibodies to standard-of-care regimens significantly improved response rates and depth of response in newly diagnosed (ND) and relapsed/refractory MM patients (pts). Here, we report the prespecified end of induction interim analysis (IA) of the investigator-initiated GMMG-CONCEPT trial (NCT03104842), evaluating the quadruplet regimen isatuximab plus carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Isa-KRd) in HR NDMM pts. Methods: 153 pts with HR NDMM are planned to be included into the trial. HR MM is defined by the presence of del17p or t(4;14) or t(14;16) or > 3 copies 1q21 and ISS 2 or 3 stage disease. Pts receive 6 cycles of Isa-KRd induction, 4 cycles of Isa-KRd consolidation and Isa-KR maintenance. Transplant eligible pts (arm A) undergo high-dose therapy. Transplant ineligible pts (arm B) receive 2 additional cycles of Isa-KRd induction. The primary endpoint is MRD negativity measured by next-generation flow after consolidation. This IA reports on overall response rates (ORR) after induction. Additional MRD analysis will be presented. Results: 50 pts (46 arm A, 4 arm B) were included in the IA population for ORR. HR MM was defined by del17p in 52%, t(4;14) in 38%, t(14;16) in 12% and > 3 copies 1q21 in 42%. 39/46 pts in arm A and 4/4 pts in arm B completed induction treatment. ORR was 100%, with 5 pts (10.0%) showing partial response (PR), 22 (44.0%; including 4 in arm B) very good partial response (VGPR) and 23 (46.0 %) complete response (CR). Median stem cell yield was 6.6 × 106CD34+ cells/kg. Grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (≥ 10%) with Isa-KRd included neutropenia (34.0%), leukopenia (26.0%) and thrombocytopenia (14.0%). Main non-hematologic toxicities grade 3/4 were hypertension (12.0%) and infection (8.0%). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time on a trial investigating solely HR NDMM and Isa-KRd quadruplet treatment. Isa-KRd induction induces deep responses in HR MM pts. The overall safety profile of Isa-KRd is expected and consistent with previous reports. The study is ongoing, with pts continuing to be included. Clinical trial information: 03104842 .

Impact of age on the efficacy of oxaliplatin in the preoperative chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy of rectal cancer: a post hoc analysis of the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase III trial

Background

The German rectal cancer trial CAO/ARO/AIO-04 has shown a significant benefit in 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) of adding oxaliplatin to a standard preoperative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The use of oxaliplatin as adjuvant treatment in elderly patients with colon cancer is controversial. We therefore investigated the impact of age on clinical outcome in the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase III trial.

Patients and methods

We carried out a post hoc analysis of the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase III trial evaluating primary and secondary end points according to age. Patient and tumor characteristics, NCI CTC adverse events grades 3-4 (version 3.0), dose intensities as well as survival and recurrence data were analyzed in three specified age groups (<60, 60-70, and ≥70 years). The influence of age as a continuous variable on DFS was modeled using a subpopulation treatment effect pattern plot (STEPP) analysis.

Results

A total of 1232 patients were assessable. With the exception of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status (P < 0.001), no differences in patient and tumor characteristics were noticed between age groups. Likewise, toxicity pattern, dose intensities of CRT and surgical results were similar in all age groups. After a median follow-up of 50 months, in patients aged <60 years a significant benefit of adding oxaliplatin to 5-FU-based CRT and adjuvant chemotherapy was observed for local (P = 0.013) and systemic recurrences (P = 0.023), DFS (P = 0.011), and even overall survival (OS; P = 0.044). The STEPP analysis revealed improved hazard ratios for DFS in patients aged 40-70 years compared with elderly patients treated with oxaliplatin.

Conclusion

The addition of oxaliplatin significantly improved DFS and OS in younger patients aged <60 years with advanced rectal cancer. Patients aged ≥70 years had no benefit.

Clinical Trials Number

NCT00349076.

Neoadjuvant rectal score as individual-level surrogate for disease-free survival in rectal cancer in the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 randomized phase III trial

Background

Surrogate end points in rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiation are lacking as their statistical validation poses major challenges, including confirmation based on large phase III trials. We examined the prognostic role and individual-level surrogacy of neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score that incorporates weighted cT, ypT and ypN categories for disease-free survival (DFS) in 1191 patients with rectal carcinoma treated within the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase III trial.

Patients and methods

Cox regression models adjusted for treatment arm, resection status, and NAR score were used in multivariable analysis. The four Prentice criteria (PC1-4) were used to assess individual-level surrogacy of NAR for DFS.

Results

After a median follow-up of 50 months, the addition of oxaliplatin to fluorouracil-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) significantly improved 3-year DFS [75.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.30% to 79.50%) versus 71.3% (95% CI 67.60% to 74.90%); P = 0.034; PC 1) and resulted in a shift toward lower NAR groups (P = 0.034, PC 2) compared with fluorouracil-only CRT. The 3-year DFS was 91.7% (95% CI 88.2% to 95.2%), 81.8% (95% CI 78.4% to 85.1%), and 58.1% (95% CI 52.4% to 63.9%) for low, intermediate, and high NAR score, respectively (P < 0.001; PC 3). NAR score remained an independent prognostic factor for DFS [low versus high NAR: hazard ratio (HR) 4.670; 95% CI 3.106-7.020; P < 0.001; low versus intermediate NAR: HR 1.971; 95% CI 1.303-2.98; P = 0.001] in multivariable analysis. Notwithstanding the inherent methodological difficulty in interpretation of PC 4 to establish surrogacy, the treatment effect on DFS was captured by NAR, supporting satisfaction of individual-level PC 4.

Conclusion

Our study validates the prognostic role and individual-level surrogacy of NAR score for DFS within a large randomized phase III trial. NAR score could help oncologists to speed up response-adapted therapeutic decision, and further large phase III trial data sets should aim to confirm trial-level surrogacy.

Rationale and design of the German-speaking myeloma multicenter group (GMMG) trial HD6: a randomized phase III trial on the effect of elotuzumab in VRD induction/consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma

Background

Despite major advances in therapy, multiple myeloma is still an incurable malignancy in the majority of patients. To increase survival, deeper remissions (i.e. CR) translating into longer PFS need to be achieved. Incorporation of new drugs (i.e. bortezomib and lenalidomide) as induction and maintenance treatment in an intensified treatment concept, including high dose melphalan (200 mg/m²), has resulted in increased CR rates, and is considered the standard of care for younger patients. Elotuzumab in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone has given better results as lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone in a phase III trial. The GMMG-HD6 trial will be the first phase III trial investigating the role of elotuzumab in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) induction/consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance within a high dose concept.

Methods

GMMG-HD6 is a randomized, open, multicenter phase III trial. The planned recruitment number is 564 NDMM patients. All patients will receive 4 VRD cycles as induction and undergo peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and harvesting. Thereafter they will be treated with high dose melphalan therapy plus autologous stem cell transplantation followed by 2 cycles of VRD consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance. Patients in arm B1 + B2 will additionally receive elotuzumab in the induction phase, whereas patients in A2 + B2 will be treated with elotuzumab added to consolidation and maintenance. The primary endpoint of the trial is PFS. Secondary objectives and endpoints are OS, CR rates after induction therapy comparing the two arms VRD (A1 + A2) vs VRD + elotuzumab (B1 + B2), CR rates after consolidation treatment, best response to treatment during the study, time to progression (TTP), duration of response (DOR), toxicity and quality of life.

Results

Since this is the publication of a study protocol of an ongoing study, no results can be presented.

Discussion

This phase III trial is designed to evaluate whether the addition of elotuzumab to an intensified treatment concept with high dose melphalan chemotherapy plus autologous stem cell transplantation and induction, consolidation and maintenance treatment with bortezomib and lenalidomide is able to improve PFS compared to the same concept without elotuzumab.

Trial registration

NCT02495922 on June 24th, 2015.

Gender and survival benefit from initial irinotecan in metastatic colorectal cancer: Analysis of the XELAVIRI (AIOKRK0110) study

3559

Background: XELAVIRI compared initial vs sequential irinotecan (iri) in combination with fluoropyrimidine (FP) plus bevacizumab (bev) in patients (pts) with mCRC, trial identification: NCT01249638. In the full analysis set of the study, non-inferiority of time to failure of strategy (TFS) was not shown (primary endpoint). Pts with RAS/BRAF wildtype (wt) tumors benefitted from initial iri. Methods: The study endpoints objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), time to failure of strategy (TFS) as well as overall survival (OS) were evaluated in female vs. male pts as well as molecular subgroups (i.e. RAS mutational status). Interaction of treatment and gender was tested by likelihood ratio tests. Results: Of 421 patients, 281/140 were male/female. In male patients, ORR was 33.6% without and 58.3% with initial iri (P < 0.001). PFS (HR: 0.54 (95%CI 0.42-0.69) P < 0.001) and OS (HR: 0.63 (95%CI 0.47-0.85), P = 0.002), were also significantly better with initial iri. In the subgroup analysis, this effect was especially pronounced in pts with RAS/BRAF wt tumors. In female pts, ORR was 43% in both arms, PFS was similar (HR: 1.09 (95%CI 0.76-1.55), P = 0.65) without and with initial iri. In OS, a strong trend for inferior outcome with initial iri was seen (HR: 1.46 (95%CI 0.95-2.24), P = 0.08) that reached significance in the multivariate analysis (HR: 1.73 (95%CI 1.04-2.86, P = 0.034). Female patients with RAS/BRAF wt tumors did not benefit from initial iri (HR 1.05 (95% CI 0.46-2.41), P = 0.903 for OS). Formal interaction of treatment and gender was seen for ORR (P = 0.018), PFS (P = 0.002) and OS (P = 0.001). There were some trends for more pronounced toxicities in female pts treated with Irinotecan. Conclusions: This unplanned exploratory analysis suggests that gender might interact with efficacy of initial iri when used in the context of FP and bev. While especially male RAS wild-type patients derived a significant and clinically meaningful benefit from initial use of iri, this was not observed in female patients with RAS wt tumors. Clinical trial information: NCT01249638.

A phase IIb study of ramucirumab in combination with TAS102 versus TAS102 monotherapy in metastatic, chemotherapy refractory colorectal cancer patients: The RAMTAS trial of the German AIO (KRK-0316)

TPS3617

Background: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with progressive disease on/after or who are intolerant to fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, anti-angiogenic and anti-EGFR therapies have limited therapeutic options and a dismal prognosis, with a median survival below 6 months. Recently, Trifluridin/Tipiracil (TAS102) significantly improved survival in patients with refractory mCRC and ramucirumab has been approved in combination with FOLFIRI for the treatment of patients with mCRC after prior FOLFOX/bevacizumab first line therapy. Previous studies on both components provide a strong rationale to conduct a randomized study evaluating the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab in combination with TAS102 in patients with refractory mCRC to improve efficacy and prevent resistance. Methods: This is an interventional, randomized, open label, multicenter, phase IIb study in patients with advanced mCRC. Eligible patients will be randomized 1:1 and receive either ramucirumab and TAS102 (ramucirumab 8 mg/kg on d1+15, q4w and TAS102 35 mg/m² on d1-5 and d8-12, q4w) or TAS102 alone. Primary endpoint is overall survival as assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method, assuming a 6 months survival probability of 70% with ramucirumab in combination with TAS102 and 58% with TAS102 alone. Treatment groups are compared using the log-rank test. A total of 144 patients will be enrolled at 30 sites (1-sided alpha 0.10, power 0.80). Main secondary endpoints are overall response rate, disease control rate, progression free survival and quality of life. In addition, a large comprehensive translational research program will be conducted to identify novel predictive and prognostic biomarkers. The study started in December 2018. By February 2019, a total of 3 patients have been enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT03520946.

Leukocytosis and neutrophilia as independent prognostic immunological biomarkers for clinical outcome in the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 randomized phase 3 rectal cancer trial

Peripheral blood leukocytosis and neutrophilia reflect cancer inflammation and have been proposed as prognostic immunological biomarkers in various malignancies. However, previous studies were limited by their retrospective nature and small patient numbers. Baseline peripheral blood leukocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, platelets, lactate dehydrogenase and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics, and clinical outcome in 1236 patients with rectal cancer treated with 5-FU-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) alone or with oxaliplatin followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy within the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 randomized phase 3 trial. Multivariable analyses were performed using Cox regression models. After a median follow-up of 50 months, baseline leukocytosis remained an independent adverse prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS; HR 1.457; 95% CI 1.163-1.825; p = 0.001), distant metastasis (HR 1.696; 95% CI 1.266-2.273; p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS; HR 1.716; 95% CI 1.264-2.329; p = 0.001) in multivariable analysis. Similar significant findings were observed for neutrophilia and high CEA levels. Conversely, treatment-induced leukopenia correlated with favorable DFS (p = 0.037), distant metastasis (p = 0.028) and OS (p = 0.012). Intriguingly, addition of oxaliplatin to 5-FU CRT resulted in a significant DFS improvement only in patients with neutrophilia and leukocytosis (p = 0.028 and p = 0.002). Our findings have important clinical implications and provide high-level evidence on the adverse prognostic role of leukocytes and neutrophils, and the impact of chemotherapy in the context of these biomarkers. These data could help guide patient stratification and should be further validated within prospective studies.