Phase III, Randomized Study of Dual Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Blockade With Lapatinib Plus Trastuzumab in Combination With an Aromatase Inhibitor in Postmenopausal Women With HER2-Positive, Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: ALTERNATIVE

Purpose Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeting plus endocrine therapy (ET) improved clinical benefit in HER2-positive, hormone receptor (HR)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) versus ET alone. Dual HER2 blockade enhances clinical benefit versus single HER2 blockade. The ALTERNATIVE study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dual HER2 blockade plus aromatase inhibitor (AI) in postmenopausal women with HER2-positive/HR-positive MBC who received prior ET and prior neo(adjuvant)/first-line trastuzumab (TRAS) plus chemotherapy. Methods Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive lapatinib (LAP) + TRAS + AI, TRAS + AI, or LAP + AI. Patients for whom chemotherapy was intended were excluded. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS; investigator assessed) with LAP + TRAS + AI versus TRAS + AI. Secondary end points were PFS (comparison of other arms), overall survival, overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, and safety. Results Three hundred fifty-five patients were included in this analysis: LAP + TRAS + AI (n = 120), TRAS + AI (n = 117), and LAP + AI (n = 118). Baseline characteristics were balanced. The study met its primary end point; superior PFS was observed with LAP + TRAS + AI versus TRAS + AI (median PFS, 11 v 5.7 months; hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.88; P = .0064). Consistent PFS benefit was observed in predefined subgroups. Overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, and overall survival also favored LAP + TRAS + AI. The median PFS with LAP + AI versus TRAS + AI was 8.3 versus 5.7 months (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.98; P = .0361). Common adverse events (AEs; ≥ 15%) with LAP + TRAS + AI, TRAS + AI, and LAP + AI were diarrhea (69%, 9%, and 51%, respectively), rash (36%, 2%, and 28%, respectively), nausea (22%, 9%, and 22%, respectively), and paronychia (30%, 0%, and 15%, respectively), mostly grade 1 or 2. Serious AEs were reported similarly across the three groups, and AEs leading to discontinuation were lower with LAP + TRAS + AI. Conclusion Dual HER2 blockade with LAP + TRAS + AI showed superior PFS benefit versus TRAS + AI in patients with HER2-positive/HR-positive MBC. This combination offers an effective and safe chemotherapy-sparing alternative treatment regimen for this patient population.

Phase III, Randomized Study of Dual Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Blockade With Lapatinib Plus Trastuzumab in Combination With an Aromatase Inhibitor in Postmenopausal Women With HER2-Positive, Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: ALTERNATIVE

Purpose Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeting plus endocrine therapy (ET) improved clinical benefit in HER2-positive, hormone receptor (HR)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) versus ET alone. Dual HER2 blockade enhances clinical benefit versus single HER2 blockade. The ALTERNATIVE study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dual HER2 blockade plus aromatase inhibitor (AI) in postmenopausal women with HER2-positive/HR-positive MBC who received prior ET and prior neo(adjuvant)/first-line trastuzumab (TRAS) plus chemotherapy. Methods Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive lapatinib (LAP) + TRAS + AI, TRAS + AI, or LAP + AI. Patients for whom chemotherapy was intended were excluded. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS; investigator assessed) with LAP + TRAS + AI versus TRAS + AI. Secondary end points were PFS (comparison of other arms), overall survival, overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, and safety. Results Three hundred fifty-five patients were included in this analysis: LAP + TRAS + AI (n = 120), TRAS + AI (n = 117), and LAP + AI (n = 118). Baseline characteristics were balanced. The study met its primary end point; superior PFS was observed with LAP + TRAS + AI versus TRAS + AI (median PFS, 11 v 5.7 months; hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.88; P = .0064). Consistent PFS benefit was observed in predefined subgroups. Overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, and overall survival also favored LAP + TRAS + AI. The median PFS with LAP + AI versus TRAS + AI was 8.3 versus 5.7 months (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.98; P = .0361). Common adverse events (AEs; ≥ 15%) with LAP + TRAS + AI, TRAS + AI, and LAP + AI were diarrhea (69%, 9%, and 51%, respectively), rash (36%, 2%, and 28%, respectively), nausea (22%, 9%, and 22%, respectively), and paronychia (30%, 0%, and 15%, respectively), mostly grade 1 or 2. Serious AEs were reported similarly across the three groups, and AEs leading to discontinuation were lower with LAP + TRAS + AI. Conclusion Dual HER2 blockade with LAP + TRAS + AI showed superior PFS benefit versus TRAS + AI in patients with HER2-positive/HR-positive MBC. This combination offers an effective and safe chemotherapy-sparing alternative treatment regimen for this patient population.

Rilotumumab plus epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine as first-line therapy in advanced MET-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer (RILOMET-1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Rilotumumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the ligand of the MET receptor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of rilotumumab combined with epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine, and to assess potential biomarkers, in patients with advanced MET-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study was done at 152 centres in 27 countries. We recruited adults (aged ≥18 years) with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, MET-positive tumours (≥25% of tumour cells with membrane staining of ≥1+ staining intensity), and evaluable disease, who had not received previous systemic therapy. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via a computerised voice response system to receive rilotumumab 15 mg/kg intravenously or placebo in combination with open-label chemotherapy (epirubicin 50 mg/m² intravenously; cisplatin 60 mg/m² intravenously; capecitabine 625 mg/m² orally twice daily) in 21-day cycles for up to ten cycles. After completion of chemotherapy, patients continued to receive rilotumumab or placebo monotherapy until disease progression, intolerability, withdrawal of consent, or study termination. Randomisation was stratified by disease extent and ECOG performance status. Both patients and physicians were masked to study treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was overall survival, analysed by intention to treat. We report the final analysis. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01697072.

FINDINGS

Between Nov 7, 2012, and Nov 21, 2014, 609 patients were randomly assigned to rilotumumab plus epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine (rilotumumab group; n=304) or placebo plus epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine (placebo group; n=305). Study treatment was stopped early after an independent data monitoring committee found a higher number of deaths in the rilotumumab group than in the placebo group; all patients in the rilotumumab group subsequently discontinued all study treatment. Median follow-up was 7·7 months (IQR 3·6-12·0) for patients in the rilotumumab group and 9·4 months (5·3-13·1) for patients in the placebo group. Median overall survival was 8·8 months (95% CI 7·7-10·2) in the rilotumumab group compared with 10·7 months (9·6-12·4) in the placebo group (stratified hazard ratio 1·34, 95% CI 1·10-1·63; p=0·003). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events in the rilotumumab and placebo groups were neutropenia (86 [29%] of 298 patients vs 97 [32%] of 299 patients), anaemia (37 [12%] vs 43 [14%]), and fatigue (30 [10%] vs 35 [12%]). The frequency of serious adverse events was similar in the rilotumumab and placebo groups (142 [48%] vs 149 [50%]). More deaths due to adverse events occurred in the rilotumumab group than the placebo group (42 [14%] vs 31 [10%]). In the rilotumumab group, 33 (11%) of 298 patients had fatal adverse events due to disease progression, and nine (3%) had fatal events not due to disease progression. In the placebo group, 23 (8%) of 299 patients had fatal adverse events due to disease progression, and eight (3%) had fatal events not due to disease progression.

INTERPRETATION

Ligand-blocking inhibition of the MET pathway with rilotumumab is not effective in improving clinical outcomes in patients with MET-positive gastric or gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

FUNDING

Amgen.

EGFR mutation prevalence in Asia-Pacific and Russian patients with advanced NSCLC of adenocarcinoma and non-adenocarcinoma histology: The IGNITE study

OBJECTIVES

Limited understanding exists of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation frequency in less common subgroups of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]), and to what extent local practices exclude patients from EGFR testing based on their clinical characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IGNITE (non-comparative/-interventional; NCT01788163) was conducted in 90 centres (Asia-Pacific/Russia). Eligible patients: local/metastatic aNSCLC; chemotherapy-naïve, newly-diagnosed/recurrent disease after resection; ineligible for curative treatment. Patients provided a tissue/cytology (all) and a blood plasma (China/Russia/South Korea/Taiwan) sample. Primary endpoint: EGFR mutation frequency in aNSCLC patients (adenocarcinoma [ADC]/non-ADC), as per local practices.

RESULTS

3382 patients were enrolled. EGFR mutation frequencies for evaluable tissue/cytology samples in Asia-Pacific and Russian patients: 49.3% (862/1749) and 18.0% (90/500) for ADC tumours; 14.1% (74/525) and 3.7% (15/402) for non-ADC; 9.9% (40/403) and 3.7% (13/349) for SCC. Of Russian patients with SCC tumours harbouring common, activating EGFR mutations, 6/9 were never-/former-smokers. Mutation status concordance between 2581 matched tissue/cytology and plasma samples: 80.5% (sensitivity 46.9%, specificity 95.6%).

CONCLUSION

EGFR mutation testing should be considered in all Asian aNSCLC patients. Also, as activating EGFR mutations were observed in a small number of Caucasian squamous NSCLC patients, testing here may be appropriate, particularly in those with no/remote smoking history. Circulating free tumour-derived DNA is feasible for mutation analysis employing well-validated and sensitive methods, when tumour samples are unavailable.

Molecular Modeling, de novo Design and Synthesis of a Novel, Extracellular Binding Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 Inhibitor Alofanib (RPT835)

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) play a key role in tumor growth and angiogenesis. The present report describes our search for an extracellularly binding FGFR inhibitor using a combined molecular modeling and de novo design strategy.

METHODS

Based upon crystal structures of the receptor with its native ligand and knowledge of inhibiting peptides, we have developed a computational protocol that predicts the putative binding of a molecule to the extracellular domains of the receptor. This protocol, or scoring function, was used in combination with the de novo synthesis program 'SYNOPSIS' to generate high scoring and synthetically accessible compounds.

RESULTS

Eight compounds belonging to 3 separate chemical classes were synthesized. One of these compounds, alofanib (RPT835), was found to be an effective inhibitor of the FGF/FGFR2 pathway. The preclinical in vitro data support an allosteric inhibition mechanism of RPT835. RPT835 potently inhibited growth of KATO III gastric cancer cells expressing FGFR2, with GI50 value of 10 nmol/L.

CONCLUSION

These results provide strong rationale for the evaluation of compound in advanced cancers.

EGFR analysis of 21,039 patients with NSCLC: Age-related gradual increase of the L858R mutation frequency in adenocarcinomas and high occurrence of ex19del/L858R mutations in squamous cell carcinomas from females and/or nonsmokers

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Background: EGFR testing in Russia is carried out upon the patronage of Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO), and the results are accumulated in a centralized database. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) constitute 60-70% of NSCLC incidence in Russia, however physicians are often discouraged to send NSCLC-SCC for EGFR testing due to low frequency of mutations. Methods: We considered all NSCLC patients analyzed by means of PCR for the presence of EGFR mutations (ex19del and L858R) within years 2012-2017. Results: 21,039 NSCLC patients were tested. EGFR analysis was successful in 20,768 patients (98.7%). EGFR mutations were detected in 3566/17717 (20.1%) adenocarcinomas (AdCa) of the lung (ex19del: 2203 (12.4%); L858R: 1363 (7.7%)). There was an evident age-related increase in the frequency of L858R substitution in AdCa patients (p =0.000, Table). This set of patients included 1,139 NSCLC-SCC cases, and the EGFR mutation was observed in 41 (3.6%) subjects. Among 189 females with NSCLC-SCC, ex19del or L858R were detected in 25 (13.2%) cases. Stratification by smoking status revealed EGFR mutation in 19/242 (7.9%) non-smokers. Conclusions: Elderly NSCLC patients have particularly increased probability to be diagnosed with L858R mutation. In the real-world setting, patients with NSCLC-SCC may have high frequency of EGFR mutations, either due to imprecise histological subtyping or due to yet unknown reasons. All female and non-smoking patients with NSCLC have to undergo EGFR testing irrespectively of tumor histology. [Table: see text]

Comprehensive analysis of germline and somatic BRCA1/2 mutations in ovarian cancer population: Interim results of OVATAR prospective study

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Background: The most promising method for the detection of BRCA 1/2 mutations is next-generation sequencing (NGS). There is no enough data about prevalence of large deletions of BRCA mutations and somatic alterations in ovarian cancer (OC). NGS technology is important approach for somatic mutations search in tissue samples. Methods: 498 pts with serous and endometrioid OC were enrolled in OVATAR study (NCT02122588). NGS testing of BRCA1/2 in blood and tumor tissue, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions in blood were employed. Results: Interim analysis included pair tumor and blood samples from 336 pts (median age 54 (22 - 84) years; family history in 79 (23.5%). The total rate of BRCA1/2 mutations was 29.2% (98/336) pts including 80.6% (79/98) germline mutations and 19.4% (19/98) somatic mutations. Hotspot mutations were detected in 42/98 (42.8%) pts, among them 5382insC mutation was observed in 29.6% (29/98). Blood MLPA was performed in 142 (42.2%) pts; germline large deletions were found in 2 (1.4%) cases. Differences in NGS results for tumor and blood are listed in the table. Conclusions: Application of NGS revealed rare mutations in 57.2% among all detected mutations in OC pts; moreover, NGS in tumor tissue provided a significant increase in BRCA mutations of 19% due to somatic alterations. Large deletions in BRCA1/2 are rare event in OC in our study. [Table: see text]

Clinical predictors of second-line chemotherapy (ChT) benefit in pancreatic cancer (PC)

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Background: Second line ChT is shown to improve outcome in selected patients with PC; however there are no approved models predicting its benefit. This retrospective study was aimed to evaluate prognostic factors in patients with PC who had disease progression following 1st line ChT and their value in prediction of 2nd line ChT benefit. Methods: Records of PC patients treated in N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center since 2000 to 2015 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria for this retrospective analysis were: morphologically confirmed PC, disease progression after 1st line ChT or adjuvant / induction ChT with ChT-free interval <6 months. The most common clinical factors were evaluated for prognostic significance in the Cox proportional hazards model with overall survival (OS) as the end-point. OS was calculated from the date of progression following previous ChT. Cutoff values for quantitative variables were determined using ROC curve analyses. Results: Records of 172 patients matched the inclusion criteria. Second line ChT was administered in 110 (64%) patients (47% of them received gemcitabine- and/or platinum-based doublets). The Cox multivariate analysis identified two independent prognostic factors: Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≤70% and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >5 at the time of disease progression after 1st line ChT (Table). Administration of 2nd line ChT improved outcome of patients with favorable prognosis (score ≤1): median OS increased from 1.7 to 5.5 months in groups without (n=23) and with (n=90) ChT, respectively (p=0.02). In patients with poor prognosis (score>1) there were no benefit by administration of 2nd line ChT: medians OS were 2.3 and 1.7 months in groups with (n=20) and without (n=39) ChT, respectively (p=0.23). Conclusions: This novel prognostic model can potentially predict 2nd line ChT benefit in patients with PC, however it needs to be validated in further trials. [Table: see text]

Phase III study of lapatinib (L) plus trastuzumab (T) and aromatase inhibitor (AI) vs T+AI vs L+AI in postmenopausal women (PMW) with HER2+, HR+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC): ALTERNATIVE

1004

Background: Combination ofHER2-targeted therapy+AI improved clinical benefit in patients (pts) with HER2+, HR+ MBC vs AI alone in two previous trials, median progression free survival (mPFS) 4.8 vs 2.4 mo (TAnDEM), and 8.2 vs 3.0 mo (EGF30008). Dual HER2 blockade enhances clinical benefit vs single HER2 blockade. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of dual vs single HER2 blockade (L+T vs T/L)+AI in HER2+, HR+ MBC progressing on (neo)adjuvant/first-line T+chemotherapy (CT). HER2 and HR status were assessed for eligibility at local lab. Methods: PMW were randomized 1:1:1 to receive T (8mg/kg followed by 6mg/kg IV Q3W)+L (1000mg/d)+AI or T+AI or L (1500mg/d)+AI. AI was per investigator’s choice. Pts were excluded if they were intended for CT. The primary endpoint was to assess superiority of PFS with L+T vs T. Secondary endpoints included PFS (L vs T), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety. Results: 369 pts were enrolled; current analysis included 355 pts (data cutoff, March 11, 2016); L+T (n = 120), T (n = 117) or L (n = 118). Final PFS data were analyzed after 137 events. Baseline characteristics were balanced across all treatment (tx) arms. The primary endpoint was met; superior PFS was observed with L+T vs T (mPFS, 11 vs 5.7 mo; HR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.45, 0.88], P= 0.0064). This benefit of L+T was consistent in key subgroups. mPFS with L vs T was 8.3 vs 5.7 mo (HR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.51, 0.98], P= 0.0361). ORR with L+T, T, and L was 32%, 14%, and 19% respectively. OS data are immature. Most common adverse events (AEs) with L+T, T and L (≥15%, any arm) were diarrhea (69%, 9%, 51%), rash (36%, 2%, 28%), nausea (22%, 9%, 22%), and paronychia (30%, 0, 15%). Hepatic abnormalities of > 3 ULN ALT/AST levels were noted in 4%, 6%, and 16% respectively. Incidence of tx-related SAEs was 5%, 2%, and 4% and on-tx deaths was 3%, 4%, and 5%, respectively. Conclusions: Dual HER2 blockade with L+T+AI showed superior PFS benefit vs T+AI, in pts with HER2+, HR+ MBC. Incidence of AEs was increased with L+T. This combination can potentially offer an effective CT-sparing tx option in subgroup of HER2+, HR+ pts without aggressive disease and who are not candidates for CT. Clinical trial information: 2010-019577-16.

Evaluation of the quality of cancer treatment in a population of patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in routine clinical practice in different regions of Russia

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Background: In Russia, there are no federal screening programs for detecting early stage of colon cancer; therefore we can assess the impact of various factors that could potentially affect the mortality of pts with mCRC Methods: We conducted a survey with 13 question according treatment of pts with CRC in 17 regional comprehensive cancer centers in 14 regions of Russia, with a total population of 26.347 billion. Results of the survey were conducted by methods of descriptive statistics. Effects of factors on mortality rate in regions were analyzed by a regression model Results: Only 34% pts with stage II-III received adjuvant chemotherapy. Mutation status of KRAS gene has been evaluated only in 33% pts with mCRC. In 2013, metastasectomy was performed only 13% of pts. Only 80% of pts who needed systemic treatment received chemotherapy (CT): doublets of CT (XELOX/FOLFOX/FLOX or FOLFIRI/XELIRI/IFL) - 49%, monotherapy of fluoropyrimidines - 39% of pts, bevacizumab – in 14% and anti-EGFR antibodies - 5% pts. Only 14% of pts with mCRC was placed central vein devices. Second line CT was performed in 47% pts: doublets – in 54%, monotherapy of fluoropyrimidines - in 24% pts, bevacizumab - 13% and anti-EGFR antibody - 8%. Third-line treatment was performed in 25% of pts: anti-EGFR antibodies - in 7.5%. According to regression analysis adjuvant chemotherapy (р = 0.01), bevacizumab only in the 1st line (р = 0.01), and installation of central venous devises (р = 0.07) and anti-EGFR antibody in the 1st line (р = 0.1) in wtKRAS pts had independent positive effect on the mortality rate in regions. We revealed a significant reverse connection between a high mortality rate in the region and administration of fluoropyrimidine monotherapy as 1st line treatment of metastatic disease (p = 0.01) Conclusions: The mortality with colorectal cancer is depended of complex factors that reflect the health care organization in the region, both at the stage of treatment of pts with early-stage and metastatic disease. We revealed that targeted agents are the most effective only in the 1st line settings.

A multicenter phase II study of the efficacy and safety of quisinostat (an HDAC inhibitor) in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy (CT) in patients (pts) with recurrent platinum resistant high grade serous epithelial ovarian, primarily peritoneal or fallopian tube carcinoma cancer (OC)

5541

Background: Quisinostat is an orally bioavailable potent pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor. Combinations of HDAC inhibitors with paclitaxel or cisplatin demonstrate promising results in preclinical models with cisplatin and paclitaxel resistant OC. In phase Ib study the dosage of Quisinostat in combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin recommended for the phase II study was 12 mg. We report results of the phase II study of Quisinostat in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in pts with recurrent platinum resistantOC. Methods: the main inclusion criteria was tumor progression observed not less than 1 month and no more than 6 months after completion of the planned number of cycles of 1st line platinum/paclitaxel based CT. Quisinostat was administered at dose 12 mg p.o. each 3 week cycle on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 with of paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC5) on Day 7 of each cycle, for 2ndline. Pts received up to 6 cycles. The primary efficacy endpoint is the objective response rate (ORR) verified by the ICR. The secondary endpoints include safety, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival. The study design implies the use of the two-stage Simon model: 29 patients who underwent treatment would provide 80% power for hypothesis testing in order to frequency of the ORR 30% (α = 0.05). Results: 31 pts were enrolled (30 pts evaluated). Median age was 57 years. Twenty one pts (67.7%) received all 6 cycles of therapy. ORR was 50.0% (15 pts). Median duration of response was 5 months (4.2-5.7). Median PFS - 6 months (95%CI 4.4-7.6). Any SAE were seen in 16.1% pts, AE of grade 3 and 4 – in 71% and 48.4% pts temporarily discontinued therapy due to AE. Dose reduction of CT due to AE was performed in 22.6% pts. The most common adverse events were neutropenia – 67,7%, nausea – 61.3%, weakness – 29%, thrombocytopenia – 22.6%, neuropathy – 19.4%, vomiting – 19.4%. Conclusions: Quisinostat in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in pts with recurrent platinum resistant ovarian cancer showed high efficacy and good tolerability Clinical trial information: NCT02948075.

Role of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma after preoperative chemoradiotherapy: Single center experience

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Background: Various national guidance provide different approaches in adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal carcinoma initially treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy. We evaluated the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy depending on the clinical stage of disease (prior to chemoradiotherapy) and yp stage (after surgery). Methods: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy was administered in 457 patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma. Radiotherapy was performed in pts receiving capecitabine (64%), intravenous administration of 5-FU (16%) or combination fluoropyrimidines with oxaliplatin (20%). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 98 patients (21%) (fluoropyrimidines alone (20%) or in combination with oxaliplatin (80% patients). Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. Statistical analysis was performed in IBM SPSS statistics v.20 software package. Results: the mean age of patients was 56.6 years, male - 56%. Median of follow up was 42 months (2-141). Adjuvant chemotherapy did not result to better OS in any of clinical stage (p = 0.6 HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.1). However adjuvant chemotherapy tended to improve disease free survival (DFS) in stage ypT0-4N1-2M0 (р=0.1, HR=0.6, 95%CI 0.4-1.1). Subanalysis showed significant improvement of DFS in patients with ypT1-4N2M0: median of DFS in patients with adjuvant chemotherapy was 62 months, in patients from group of surveillance – 16 months (р<0.01, HR=0.3, 95%CI 0.14-0.7) and a tendency to improvement of OS (table). Conclusions: Our retrospective data confirmed the results of ADORE prospective trial, and showed that adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy should be administered only in patients with residual positive lymph nodes (yp stage III). [Table: see text]

Alofanib, an allosteric FGFR2 inhibitor, has potent effects on ovarian cancer growth in preclinical studies

SUMMAY

Purpose Early data suggest that combining FGFR2 inhibitors with platinum-containing cytotoxic agents for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer may yield increased antitumor activity. We investigated antitumor activity of alofanib (RPT835), a novel allosteric FGFR2 inhibitor, in ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. Methods Equal amounts of ovarian cancer cell (SKOV3) lysates were analyzed for FGFR1-3 protein expression using Wes. To assess the efficacy of alofanib on FGF-mediated cell proliferation, SKOV3 cells were incubated and were treated with serially diluted alofanib. Basic FGF was added at a concentration of 25 ng/ml. Control wells were left untreated. Cell growth inhibition was determined using Promega's Cell Titer-Glo® assay. Immunocompromised mice were used for xenotransplantation of SKOV3 cancer cells. Seventy animals with measurable tumors were selected on day 10 and randomized into control groups (no treatment or chemotherapy alone (paclitaxel + carboplatin) and treatment groups (alofanib orally or intravenously (different dose levels) in combination with chemotherapy). Measurements of tumor volume (mm3) were performed by digital calipers every 3 days during 31 days after tumor inoculation. Number of tumor vessels and Ki-67 index were calculated. Results SKOV3 cells express FGFR1 and FGFR2 but not FGFR3. Basic FGF increased proliferation of the ovarian cancer cells in untreated control group (P = 0.001). Alofanib inhibited growth of FGFR2-expressing SKOV3 cells with GI50 value of 0.37 μmol/L. Treatment with alofanib in combination with paclitaxel/carboplatin resulted in tumor growth delay phenotype in all treatment groups compared to control non-treatment groups. Compound exhibited a dose-dependent effect on tumor growth. Daily intravenous regimen of alofanib (total maximum dose per week was 350 mg/kg) demonstrated significant effect (inhibiting growth by 80 % and by 53 % in comparison with vehicle and chemotherapy group alone, respectively (P < 0.001). Alofanib decreased number of vessels in tumor (-49 %; P < 0.0001) and number of Ki-67-positive SKOV3 cells (-42 %, P < 0.05). There were tumor necrosis and cell degeneration in alofanib group. Conclusions We suggest that FGFR2 inhibition has potent effects on ovarian cancer growth in preclinical studies.

Final results and outcomes by prior bevacizumab exposure, skin toxicity, and hypomagnesaemia from ASPECCT: randomized phase 3 non-inferiority study of panitumumab versus cetuximab in chemorefractory wild-type KRAS exon 2 metastatic colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

The primary analysis of the ASPECCT study demonstrated that panitumumab was non-inferior to cetuximab for overall survival (OS) in patients with chemotherapy-refractory wild-type KRAS exon 2 metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Here, we report the final analysis results of ASPECCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with wild-type KRAS exon 2 mCRC who progressed on or were intolerant to irinotecan- or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were randomised to receive panitumumab 6 mg/kg once every 2 weeks or cetuximab (400 mg/m²) followed by 250 mg/m² weekly. The primary end-point was OS assessed for non-inferiority. Patients were followed for survival for 24 months after the last patient was randomised and a final analysis was conducted. No formal hypothesis testing was done. Post hoc analyses of outcomes by prior bevacizumab exposure, worst-grade skin toxicity (0-1 versus 2-4) and worst-grade hypomagnesaemia (0 versus 1-4) were conducted.

RESULTS

Nine hundred ninety-nine patients were randomised and received ≥1 treatment dose (panitumumab, n = 499; cetuximab, n = 500). Median OS was 10.2 months with panitumumab versus 9.9 months with cetuximab (hazard ratio = 0.94; 95% confidence interval = 0.82-1.07). Median progression-free survival was 4.2 months with panitumumab and 4.4 months with cetuximab (hazard ratio = 0.98; 95% confidence interval = 0.87-1.12). Longer OS was observed for patients with increased skin toxicity and with hypomagnesaemia in both arms. Furthermore, OS was longer for patients with prior bevacizumab exposure treated with panitumumab than with cetuximab. The observed safety profiles were consistent with previous studies.

CONCLUSION

Consistent with the primary analysis, the final analysis of ASPECCT showed panitumumab was non-inferior to cetuximab for OS for patients with chemotherapy-refractory, wild-type KRAS exon 2 mCRC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01001377.