Tumor regression and pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker validation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with the ErbB/VEGFR inhibitor BMS-690514

8098

Background: BMS-690514 is an oral selective inhibitor of EGFR, HER2, and VEGFR1–3. Previous results from the phase I portion of this phase I/II study established 200 mg/day as safe and tolerable (ASCO 2008; abstr 2564). Methods: Erlotinib-naïve and erlotinib-resistant adult patients with advanced/metastatic, measurable NSCLC received BMS-690514 200 mg/d. Eligible patients had an ECOG PS ≤1 and adequate organ function. Objectives were to assess disease control rate (DCR; CR, PR, SD ≥4 months), safety, PK and potential predictive and PD biomarkers of BMS-690514. Response was assessed every 8 weeks (modified WHO criteria). Predictive biomarkers included EGFR copy number, and EGFR and KRAS mutations. PD biomarkers included immunohistochemistry of EGFR signaling proteins in skin biopsies, circulating sVEGFR2, blood pressure, skin rash and diarrhea. Results: For 60 patients treated, DCR were 11/28 (39%) and 7/32 (22%) for erlotinib-naive and -resistant patients, respectively. DCR was significantly higher among patients harboring an EGFR mutation (6/8) than those with WT EGFR (5/18). One erlotinib-naive patient had PR (57 wks) and subsequent surgical removal of remaining tumor. Regression (48%) was seen in one erlotinib-naive patient harboring a KRAS G13D mutation. One erlotinib-resistant patient had PR (66%, 31 wks). Two erlotinib-resistant patients with EGFR T790M mutations had SD with 6% and 31% decrease in tumor burden. Most frequent treatment-related AES were diarrhea (90%), skin rash (31%), asthenia (29%), anorexia (27%), hypertension (26%), and reversible acute renal insufficiency (11%). sVEGFR2 (14% decrease from baseline, n=14) and decreased pMAPK levels from skin biopsies (14 of 18 pts) were consistent with EGFR and VEGFR2 inhibition. Conclusions: BMS-690514 200 mg/d showed evidence of anti-tumor activity and disease control in patients with NSCLC, including erlotinib-resistant and those with WT EGFR, EGFR T790M or KRAS mutations. Predictive and PD clinical biomarkers confirmed inhibition of both EGFR and VEGFR signaling pathways by BMS-690514. A randomized phase II trial versus erlotinib in NSCLC is underway.

[Table: see text]

SOS1: a new player in the Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome

Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome is a rare condition with phenotypic overlap with Noonan syndrome (NS) and cherubism. PTPN11 gene mutations were described in several individuals with this phenotype, and it is recently considered as a variant phenotype of NS. Gain-of-function mutations in the SOS1 gene were recently described as the second major cause of NS. Here, we report for the first time the involvement of SOS1 gene in a family with the Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion phenotype.

Multi-centre observational study of buprenorphine use in 32 Italian drug addiction centres

AIM

To examine how buprenorphine is currently being used across Italy, and to identify simultaneously best practice protocols to guide physicians in optimising the safety and efficacy of this treatment option.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational, multi-centre study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 979 opioid-dependent patients were included from 32 centres involving the initiation of 1122 treatments.

FINDINGS

During the study period 33.4% of patients relapsed during the induction phase. Lower induction doses resulted in markedly higher relapse rates (51.2% of those who received 2 mg versus 20.6% of those who received 10mg of buprenorphine relapsed). Over 89% of patients who received 16 mg of buprenorphine during the induction phase successfully went on to maintenance treatment. The percentage of drug-positive urines also decreased over time on buprenorphine treatment (cocaine-positive urines decreased from 25.8% at study entrance to 0% at 24 months). Psychosocial support in addition to buprenorphine pharmacotherapy further decreased the risk of relapse and was associated with lower levels of heroin craving. Retention in treatment was increased by less-than-daily dosing of buprenorphine.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher induction doses of buprenorphine significantly decreased relapse rates and increased the percentage of patients achieving maintenance treatment. Psychosocial support and/or less-than-daily dosing also appeared to promote positive treatment outcomes.

Clinical results of cytoreduction and HIPEC for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Taken together, these reports provide very provocative and encouraging data that have prompted some to conclude that cytoreduction and HIPEC represents a "new standard of care" for patients with MPM [26]. Certainly, for selected patients who have good performance status (low operative risk) and in whom complete or near complete cytoreduction can be achieved, this form of therapy is associated with a very notable overall survival ranging from 67 to 92 months in 2 larger series. Patient selection remains the central criteria for successful outcome. Patients should be carefully evaluated for co-morbid illnesses that would make them an unacceptable operative risk. Subsequently, CT scan and possibly laparoscopy should be performed to assess resectability with the appreciation that patients with suboptimal resection do very poorly. Pre-operative assessment of disease resectability is difficult to ascertain but some useful information can be obtained from a careful review of the CT scan; some investigators have advocated routine laparoscopy. Technically, details of HIPEC vary from center to center to some degree with respect to type of chemotherapy, dose of chemotherapy, duration of HIPEC, degree of hyperthermia, and method of recirculating the chemotherapy using either the open or closed technique. The use of the HIPEC technique, however, is considered the optimal method of ensuring complete distribution of therapeutic agents to the peritoneal cavity. Hyperthermia is routinely used for its synergistic actions with chemotherapy and its direct tumoricidal activity in experimental models. However, the therapeutic contribution of HIPEC above the effects of successful cytoreduction cannot be determined with available data although palliation of ascites is observed with HIPEC even without cytoreduction. There are no data indicating that one intra-operative chemotherapy regimen is superior to any other. The centers that report use of prolonged induction or post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy do not appear to have superior outcomes to those centers that use a more simple treatment regimen. Finally, although the intensity of therapy is considerable, once recovered, the patients appear to enjoy a good HRQOL. Although not specific for patients with MPM, 2 reports have convincingly demonstrated that HRQOL is significantly improved after HIPEC.

An analysis of elderly patients (pts) treated on a phase III trial of cisplatin (P) plus etoposide (E) with concurrent radiotherapy (CRT) followed by docetaxel (D) vs observation (O) in pts with stage III non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

9037

Background: Concurrent CRT is standard treatment for pts with unresectable stage III NSCLC. HOG LUN01–24 is a phase III trial testing if consolidation D improves survival following EP/XRT. Few data are available on outcomes in elderly pts. We performed a subset analysis to determine the efficacy & tolerability of EP/XRT & consolidation D in elderly pts (≥70 yrs) vs younger (<70) pts. Methods: Patient (n=203), disease characteristics, survival & toxicity were compared for pts age ≥70 (n=52) vs <70 (n=151). Results: Median age for elderly was 73 vs 60 for younger pts. 34% of each group were women. Younger pts had a trend towards PS 0 (61% vs 53% elderly), FEV-1 > 2 L (48% vs 43% elderly), stage IIIB disease (61% vs 53% elderly). Younger pts were more likely to be current smokers (51% vs 15% elderly). 74% of younger pts were randomized vs 67% of elderly. During EP/XRT, elderly pts were more likely to discontinue treatment due to toxicity (12% vs 2%) & require hospitalization (40% vs 28%). Selected G3/4 toxicities during EP/XRT in elderly vs younger pts: neutropenia (42 vs 28%), anemia (9 vs 5%), febrile neutropenia (FN) (6 vs 11%), esophagitis (23 vs 15%), dehydration (15 vs 7%). Elderly pts were less likely to complete 3 cycles of consolidation D (76 vs 84%). Selected G 3/4 toxicities during consolidation D were similar between elderly (n=18) and younger pts (n=55), including FN (11.1 vs 10.9%). There was no difference in MST for older pts vs younger pts (17.2 vs 21.2 mos), p=0.3255. Conclusion: Chemoradiation is associated with higher rates of G 3/4 toxicities in elderly pts, including hospitalization rates. Elderly pts had lower rates of completing D, but similar incidence of D-related toxicity. There was no difference in MST between the age groups.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Multivariate analysis of prognostic variables associated with survival from a phase III study of cisplatin (P) plus etoposide (E) plus chest radiation (XRT) with or without consolidation docetaxel (D) in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7668

Background: Concurrent chemoradiation is standard treatment against stage III NSCLC. HOG LUN 01–24 examines whether consolidation therapy with D improves overall survival. We present an analysis investigating the association of patient characteristics with overall survival from patients on this study. Methods: Eligible patients had untreated stage III NSCLC, FEV1 ≥ 1 liter, PS of 0–1, and weight loss < 5%. Patients received P 50 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 29, 36 with E 50 mg/m2 days 1–5, 29–33, and concurrent 5,940 cGy XRT. Patients with non-progressive disease were randomized to D 75 mg/m2 q3wk X 3 cycles vs observation. A multivariable parametric accelerated failure time model was performed to identify factors that affected survival and to estimate the treatment effect adjusting for these factors. Results: A multivariate analysis was performed on 203 patients who were the subject of a DSMB interim analysis. Median follow up was 25.6 months. Variables analyzed included age (<70 vs ≥ 70), sex, race, body mass index, PS (0 vs 1), FEV-1 (> 2 vs ≤ 2), smoking status, hemoglobin (≥12 vs <12), and stage. A multivariable parametric accelerated failure time model demonstrated the association of age <70 vs =70 years (p=0.0447), FEV1 >2 vs =2 (p=0.0153), and pre-treatment hemoglobin values (p=0.0083) as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The median survival for hemoglobin <12 was 16.8 vs 21.5 months for hemoglobin ≥12 (p=0.0432). Similarly, the median survival with FEV >2L was 21.6 vs 18.9 months for FEV =2 L. Survival was not significantly influenced by smoking status, sex, race, PS, stage, or BMI. Conclusions: This analysis suggests that age <70, FEV-1 >2L and higher pre-treatment hemoglobin values are associated with improved overall survival in patients with stage III NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pemetrexed plus cetuximab in patients (pts) with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A phase I-IIa dose-ranging study from the Hoosier Oncology Group

7698

Background: Both pemetrexed (P) and cetuximab (C) have single agent activity in NSCLC, non-overlapping toxicities and different mechanisms of action, making the combination of P and C an attractive option to evaluate. This study evaluates the feasibility of combining these agents, and tests the activity and toxicity of this regimen in pts with recurrent NSCLC. Methods: Eligible pts had stage IIIB/IV NSCLC, previously treated ≥ 1 prior platinum containing regimen, PS 0–1. Prior use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors was permitted. The phase I portion determined the MTD (Bedano Proc ASCO et al., 2006). The primary endpoint of the phase II portion was to estimate TTP using Kaplan-Meier analysis (5% alpha, 80% beta), requiring 25 pts to demonstrate a TTP of ≥ 24 weeks vs. historical control of 12 weeks. Following a loading dose of C at 400 mg/m2 on week 1, pts received P at 750 mg/m2 iv q3wks and C at 250 mg/m2 iv weekly. Cycles were repeated every 21 days. After completing at least 4 cycles, pts with non-progressive disease (PD) were allowed to continue C alone until PD. Results: Eligible and treated phase II pts (n=23) received a median of 4 cycles (range 1–12). Pt characteristics: M:F 57%:43%; median age 64 (range 43–80), stage IIIB: IV 17%:83%; adeno:squamous cell 61%:30%; smoking status: current/former/never: 29%/62%/10%. Prior regimens, median 2 (range 1–6). G3/4/5 toxicities included: 4.3% neutropenia, 13% infection, 4.3% hemorrhage, 22% skin. There were no G3/4 episodes of anemia, TCP, febrile neutropenia, liver toxicity or diarrhea. Response data was available for 18 patients. Partial responses were seen in 2 pts (8.7 %), SD in 8 patients (34.8%). Median TTP was 25 weeks. Conclusion: It is feasible and safe to combine P at 750 mg/m2 every 21 days and C at 400 mg/m2 week 1 and 250 mg/m2 weekly thereafter. This combination resulted in longer TTP when compared with historical controls of P at 500 mg/m2 alone.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The impact of induction chemotherapy on the outcome of second-line therapy with pemetrexed or docetaxel in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Using data from a large phase III study of previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that showed similar efficacy for pemetrexed and docetaxel, this retrospective analysis evaluates the impact of first-line chemotherapy on the outcome of second-line chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 571 patients with advanced NSCLC were randomly assigned to receive pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) or docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Comparisons were made based on type of first-line therapy [gemcitabine + platinum (GP), taxane + platinum (TP), or other therapies (OT)], response to initial therapy, time since initial therapy, and clinical characteristics. The two second-line treatment groups were pooled for this analysis due to similar efficacy and were assumed to have no interaction with the first-line therapies.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were generally balanced. By multivariate analysis, gender, stage at diagnosis, performance status (PS), and best response to first-line therapy significantly influenced overall survival (OS). Additional factors by univariate analysis, histology, and time elapsed from first- to second-line therapy significantly influenced OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Future trials in the second-line setting should stratify patients by gender, stage at diagnosis, PS, and best response to first-line therapy.

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.

[Table: see text]

Survival update for the phase III study of pemetrexed vs docetaxel in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7133

Background: Results from a large, randomized, phase III study of pemetrexed vs docetaxel as second-line treatment for advanced NSCLC indicated that pemetrexed, a novel multitargeted antifolate, has a median survival time (8.3 months) similar to that of docetaxel (7.9 months) with a more favorable safety profile [JCO 2004;22:1589–97]. This updated analysis reflects data available 23 months after the original analysis, which was performed Jan 2003 (after 519 deaths). Methods: Pts (n = 571) were randomized from March 2001 to Feb 2002 to receive either pemetrexed (500 mg/m2 IV infusion), supplemented with vitamin B12 injections and folic acid, or docetaxel (75 mg/m2 IV infusion) on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. An unadjusted survival analysis was performed and a Cox multiple regression analysis (n = 532) was done to adjust for factors (other than treatment intervention) that affected survival including ECOG performance status (PS), disease stage, and time since last chemotherapy. Percent retention was performed using the Rothmann method. Results: The updated survival analysis (performed after 519 deaths) indicated similar median survival times for pemetrexed (8.3 months; 95% CI: 7.0–9.4) and docetaxel (8.0 months; 95% CI: 6.6–9.3), and comparable hazard ratios (HR) (original 0.99 [95% CI: .82–1.20] vs updated 0.97 [95% CI: .81–1.15]). Percent of docetaxel benefit over best supportive care retained by pemetrexed was similar in both analyses: original 102% (95% CI: 52%-157%) vs updated 106% (95% CI: 68%-163%). Cox multiple regression analysis again showed that the two drugs were similar in survival after adjusting for factors significantly associated with increased survival. Conclusions: These updated survival analyses consistently demonstrate that second-line pemetrexed has similar survival to docetaxel in pts with NSCLC. Given the continued finding of comparable therapeutic efficacy, pemetrexed may be considered a standard second line therapy.

[Table: see text]

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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.

Gefitinib plus celecoxib in chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A phase II study from the Hoosier Oncology Group

7066

Background: Gefitinib, an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, has single agent activity in NSCLC. Preclinical studies demonstrate significant interactions between the EGFR and cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) pathways and that simultaneous inhibition against NSCLC may have benefits over gefitinib alone. Methods: Eligibility required that pts were chemotherapy-naïve, had stage IIIb (with pleural effusion) or IV NSCLC and an ECOG PS 0–1. Pts received gefitinib 250mg orally daily plus celecoxib 400mg orally every 12 hours. Cycles consisted of 21 day treatment and continued until unacceptable toxicity or progression of disease. The primary objective of this single arm, two-stage, phase II study was to evaluate the overall response rate. If ≤ 10 out of 30 pts achieved a complete (CR) or partial response (PR), the study would be stopped early. If >10 out of 30 pts had a CR or PR, enrollment would continue to 50 pts. Results: From 1/04 to 11/04, 31 pts were enrolled: male/female 13/18; median age 70.8 years (range, 19–93); 67.7% had adenocarcinoma; ECOG PS 0/1 13/18; stage IIIb/IV 2/29; 5 were current smokers, 9 were remote (>30 years) or never smokers, 16 quit smoking > 3 months ago. Median number of cycles was 4 (range, 0–16). 6 pts (19.4%) discontinued therapy due to toxicity, including 3 who died due to treatment. Select grade 3/4 toxicities included: pulmonary (6.5%), hepatic (6.5%), diarrhea (6.5%), skin (3.2%). Responses included PR 5 (16.1%), stable disease 8 (25.8%), and progressive disease 18 (58.1%). Median duration of response, progression free survival, and overall survival was 5.7, 2.8, and 7.2 months, respectively. All responders were females with adenocarcinoma, 2 were remote or never smokers and 3 were former smokers. Conclusion: Gefitinib plus celecoxib in an unselected population of chemotherapy naïve patients with advanced NSCLC and a PS of 0–1 has a lower response rate and overall efficacy compared with historical controls of chemotherapy.

[Table: see text]

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.

Recombinant human angiostatin (rhAngiostatin) in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase II study from Indiana University

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human angiostatin (rhAngiostatin) functions as a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. This study combined rhAngiostatin with a standard chemotherapy regimen in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had chemotherapy-naïve stage IIIB (with pleural effusion) or IV NSCLC, performance status (PS) 0 or 1, no history of bleeding, brain metastasis or requirements for anti-coagulation. Patients received carboplatin (AUC 5) intravenously and paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) intravenously day 1 + subcutaneous rhAngiostatin at either 15 mg or 60 mg twice daily. Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks, for up to six cycles. Patients without progression after completing at least four cycles were continued on maintenance rhAngiostatin until disease progression.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics (n = 24) were: 16 males, median age 66 years (range 45-78), 54% PS 1, 83.3% stage IV and 62.5% adenocarcinoma. Grade 3/4 toxicities included: fatigue 47.8%, neutropenia 39.1%, dyspnea 39.1%, vascular 26.1% and infection 17.4%. The overall response rate was 39.1%, 39.1% stable disease and 21.7% progressive disease. Median time to progression was 144 days, and 1-year survival was 45.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

rhAngiostatin in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin is feasible and results in a high disease control rate in patients with advanced NSCLC.