Angiogenic activity in sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of several connective tissue diseases. There is, however, relatively little information available on the role of angiogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate the angiogenic activity in sera of patients with SLE and to determine the association between angiogenic activity and clinical complications. Sera from 66 Tunisian females with SLE and from 32 healthy blood donors were studied for their angiogenic activity using the in-vitro tube formation test on Matrigel. Samples were divided into five groups according to their angiogenic activity, which was scored from 0 (no angiogenesis) to 4 (high angiogenic activity). Samples from each group were then tested randomly to assess serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). No correlation was found between angiogenic activity scores and serum VEGF levels. Considering angiogenesis assessment in-vitro, sera of patients with SLE showed a much higher angiogenic activity than healthy controls since a high angiogenic score (score 4) is present in 43.9% of patients and in 6.3% of controls ( P < 0.0002). This high angiogenic activity is not correlated with disease activity; however, SLE patients with anti-dsDNA antibodies and those with nephritis showed higher angiogenic activity compared with patients without these complications since score 4 is found in 50.9% and 67.9% versus 9.1% ( P = 0.017) and 26.3% ( P < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, our study showed that high serum angiogenic activity in SLE was not correlated with the VEGF levels. We suggest the use of the ‘in-vitro’ tube formation test as a better tool to study the angiogenic potential of sera. We found that in patients with SLE, serum angiogenic activity is increased compared with healthy controls. This high angiogenic activity is associated with renal complications and with the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies. These findings suggest an involvement of angiogenesis disturbance in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Phase I/II study of the association of sorafenib and temozolomide (extended schedule) in patients with metastatic melanoma: A new clinical response profile with massive tumor necroses

9062

Background: Recent progress in melanoma research identified a wide variety of different melanomas in term of biology, clinical behavior and chemosensitivity profiles. This phase I/II study of association of sorafenib (SOR) and temozolomide (TMZ) evaluates the safety and efficacy of this association in patients with metastatic melanoma and tries to correlate clinical responses to early biological and imaging parameters. We report the ph I results and preliminary results of the ph II (still recruiting pts). Methods: Safety was the primary objective of the phase I and three escalating dose levels were tested. Primary objective of the phase II is PFS at 12 weeks and 32 patients were recruited at the recommended (45 planned). Secondary objectives evaluate tumour vascularization by dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US), PK profile of TMZ, number and function of circulating lymphocytes, melanoma RNA expression profiles and mutational status (BRAF, NRAS, c-KIT, PTEN, PI3K, βcat), circulating endothelial and progenitor cells. Results: 13 evaluable pts were included in the phase I. The recommended doses are SOR: 400 mg bid and TMZ: 150 mg/m2 /d every other week. Toxicity was manageable. SOR did not influence TMZ PK. RECIST evaluation showed 1 CR (+ 12 months), 1 PR (+ 13 months), 3 SD, 8 PD. Among the 23 evaluable pts included in the phase II, 1 PR, 11 SD and 11 PD were observed. Five pts presented rapid and massive metastases necrosis with obvious tumour cavitation on CT which is very unusual during the course of melanoma treatment. Devascularization seen on DCE-US after 1 month was predictive of tumour response. Integrated correlative biological parameters are being analyzed and will be presented. Conclusions: SOR+TMZ association is well tolerated and gives promising results in some patients with metastatic melanoma. Unexpected major tumour necrosis has been observed in 5 patients. Early tumour devascularization observed by DCE-US seems predictive for tumour response. Extensive biological studies are being performed and might give useful clues allowing the identification of melanoma subtypes that are sensitive to this treatment regimen.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Comparative use of perioperative chemotherapy (CT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 2004 and 2007

7564

Background: Adjuvant (ADJ) platinum-based CT has become a new standard of care for patients (pts) with resected stage II and III NSCLC, and is discussed in selected stage IB pts. Impact of positive randomized trials which showed significant survival improvement (first published in 2004) on the use of ADJ CT has been poorly studied to date. Methods: A retrospective study of consecutive pts with NSCLC who underwent curative surgery during the first half of year 2004 and 2007 in the surgical center Marie Lannelongue (France) was conducted. Logistic regression models were employed to identify cofactors associated with the use of ADJ CT (excluding stage IV). Odds ratio (OR) > 1 corresponds to a more frequent use than in reference group. Results: A total of 240 pts (116 in 2004, 124 in 2007) underwent curative surgery for NSCLC (11% IA; 30% IB; 27% II; 27% III; 5% IV). Among all pts, 12 % received neoADJ CT (less in 2007, 8% vs 16% p=.04), 35% ADJ (4% both). Reasons for not receiving ADJ CT included stage I (34%), death (11%), comorbidities (10%), poor performance status (10%), advanced age (8%), post-operative complications (7%), patient refusal (3%). More ADJ CT was prescribed in 2007 (41% vs 30% in 2004, p=.009). Overall, 45% of pts with stage II-III received ADJ CT in 2004 versus 69% did so in 2007. In multivariate analysis (194 pts), ADJ CT was associated with the year of inclusion (OR=2.67 p=.009), stage (stage II, OR=6.77, stage III, OR=16.85; p<.0001), serious medical history (OR=.41 p=.01) and salvage surgery (OR=.26 p=.03). Cisplatin was the preferred platinum compound in 76% of neoADJ regimens (mostly cisplatin-docetaxel), and 70% of ADJ CT (mostly cisplatin-vinorelbine). Conclusions: The presentation and publication of “positive” ADJ CT trials had significantly increased prescription of ADJ CT in pts with stage II-III NSCLC. Nevertheless 31% of the stage II-III did not received CT mostly because of comorbidities, highlighting the need of a personalized CT.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Functional imaging using DCE-US: Which parameter for the early evaluation of antiangiogenetic therapies?

3524

Background: The early evaluation of anti-angiogenic treatments is a challenge in oncology. Functional imaging methods based on the measure of tumoral vascularization have been developed using different modalities (CT, MRI, US). We analyzed the response in four studies using different targeted treatments with dynamic contrast enhanced-ultrasonography (DCE-US). Seven parameters characterizing tumoral perfusion were estimated. The objective of the study was to determine which parameter is the most appropriate to confirm earlier the efficacy of treatments. Methods: A total of 823 DCE-US were performed in 117 patients included in 4 following studies (multikinase inhibitor targeting angiogenic-receptor with a cytotoxic or thyrosine-kinase inhibitor targeted angiogenic-receptor and C-kit or monoclonal antibody anti-VEGFR). Each DCE-US was performed using contrast agent (Sonovue, Bracco) with perfusion and quantification softwares (Toshiba) from raw linear data with a high temporal resolution: 4 frames per second during 3 minutes. Seven quantitative parameters of perfusion were estimated: peak intensity (PI) and area under the total curve (AUC), area under the wash-in (AUWI), area under the wash-out (AUWO), time to peak intensity, mean transit time (MTT), wash-in slope. DCE-US were performed before treatment and after D3, D 8, 15, 21 (according each study design) and every 2 months. Patients were classified in good responders and bad responders according the response (RECIST on CT-scan) after 2 cycles or 2 months. Results: Among the 7 parameters, 2 parameters related to the blood volume studies (AUC and AUWO) were always earlier significantly modified (p = 0.04 to p = 0.004). One was never modified: MTT. For the 4 others, it's depending of each study. Conclusions: DCE-US appears as a sensitive tool to evaluate tumoral response to anti-angiogenic drugs. Functional parameters related to the blood volume are more pertinent and represent a key add value to early evaluation of these therapies studies.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Interest of DCE-US with quantification to demonstrate the VDA effect on vascularization in patients with advanced solid tumors treated with AVE8062

e14522

Background: To determine the optimal time for the assessment of the perfusion in patients receiving AVE8062 (Vascular Disrupting Agent) at different doses combined with a fixed dose of cisplatin and then to correlate these results with the tumor response. Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors, treated with AVE8062 (from 11.5 to 30 mg/m2) in combination with 75 mg/m2 cisplatin given every 3 weeks, were prospectively followed by DCE-US. DCE-US was performed before treatment, at 3 time points (0, 6 and 24 hours (h)) on Day 1 of the first (C1) and second cycle (C2), then every 2 cycles thereafter. Contrast uptake was acquired using VRI perfusion software after SonoVue bolus injection. Time-Intensity Curves (TIC) were determined using linear raw- data from CHI-Q (Toshiba) software. Peak Intensity (PI) representing the blood volume was calculated from automatic modeling of TIC. CT-scans performed before treatment and every 2 cycles were reviewed and tumor response assessed (RECIST). Results: A total of 96 DCE-US were performed in 13 pts, 11 of whom had data for both cycle 1 and cycle 2. Among these 11 patients, 8 presented with a dramatic decrease of PI and 3 with an increase of PI. At cycle 1, mean change from baseline in PI was -36% at 6h and -47% at 24h after AVE8062 infusion. Greater decreases were observed at cycle 2, -70% at 6 h and 78% at 24 h. No pt had a clinical response, but by cycle 2, the 8 pts with a decrease in PI at 24h went on to have stable disease as best response; 3 pts with increased PI 24h after their second treatment all had disease progression as best response. Conclusions: The best timing to observe the effect of AVE8062 on the PI seems to be 24 hours after drug administration at cycle 2. These preliminary results suggest that 24 hr PI at cycle 2 could be useful for determining pts who are more likely to have disease progression as best response to AVE8062. If confirmed, the assessment of PI variation may predict the clinical response to AVE8062. Further studies are needed to assess the possible predictive value of DCE-US on duration of progression-free survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Safety and early efficacy results from a phase I study of volociximab (V) in combination with carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (P) in patients (pts) with advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

e13513

Background: Volociximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that blocks fibronectin binding to α5β1 and induces apoptosis in proliferating endothelial cells. Its anti-angiogenic actions are independent of the VEGF pathway. This is the first clinical study of voloxicimab in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: This phase 1b multi-center open-label, dose-escalation study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of V in combination with full doses of C (AUC=6mg/ml.min) P (200mg/m2) with cycles repeated every 3 wks for a maximum of 6 cycles followed by a maintenance treatment with V alone. Eligible pts had histologically confirmed untreated stage IIIb or IV NSCLC. In cohorts 1 and 2, pts received V at 10 mg/kg and 20mg/kg IV, respectively, on days 1 and 8, of the first 21 day cycle then every 21 days. In cohort 3, pts received V 30 mg/kg IV every 21 days from day 1. We present here the interim safety analysis and RECIST response data of the combination therapy. Results: A total of 22 patients (9, 6 and 7 in cohorts 1, 2 and 3 respectively) who received at least one dose of treatment constitute the safety population. Reported salient adverse events (any grade) were constipation (68%), asthenia (64%), nausea (59%), arthralgia (55%) and paresthesia (46%). Grade 3 bowel obstruction in one patient was considered a DLT in cohort 2. No DLT's were observed in cohort 3. Seven pts reported at least one serious adverse event (all Grade 3) including deep vein thrombosis (1), peripheral arterial occlusion (1), proteinuria (1), pneumonitis (1), small intestinal obstruction (1), pleural effusion (1), hypoxia (1), dehydration (1) and orthostatic hypotension (1). Partial response was seen in 6 pts and stable disease in 12 out of 18 pts who were evaluable for response by RECIST. Conclusions: The highest dose of V tested (30 mg/kg q3w) in combination with CP appears well tolerated and the regimen has promising clinical activity in advanced NSCLC.

[Table: see text]

Comparison between RECIST evaluations and variations in tumor growth dynamics in patients included in phase I trials

2515

Background: Monitoring of treatment efficacy is mainly based on RECIST post-treatment evaluations. We investigated the impact of pre-treatment tumor growth dynamics on the evaluation of response to treatment in phase I trials. Methods: Response at 12 weeks was evaluated using RECIST criteria in 76 patients treated in phase I trials. All patients had a scannographic evaluation at the start of the experimental treatment (D0), at least 2 evaluations before D0 and one evaluation after D0. The mean time between evaluations was 6 weeks. Tumor growth rate (GR=% change in tumor volume per month) was calculated for the pre-treatment period (from the 1st available evaluation to D0), and the experimental period (after D0). GR was compared to RECIST and to time to progression. Disease control (DC) was defined as stable disease, partial response or complete response. We also classified patients according to the variation in GR. Results: A total of 550 evaluations were performed: 256 before D0, 76 at D0 and 218 after. Tumor GR differed according to the time period: 26.6% per month during pre-treatment period vs. 6.6% in experimental period (P<0.01). The GR was significantly higher in patients without DC during pre-treatment (30% vs. 19%; P=0.003) and experimental time periods (+13% vs. -9%; P=0.0005). There was a significant association between a time to progression > 12 weeks and a decrease in GR during the experimental period (P=0.01). Several discordances however were noted. Eight patients with a time to progression >12 weeks (8/46=17%) had an increased GR with the experimental treatment. Thirteen patients who progressed <12 weeks (13/22=59%) had a decreased GR with the experimental treatment. Conclusions: Pre-treatment growth dynamic may directly impact RECIST evaluation of tumor response and thus should be carefully documented. Patients with slow growing tumors tend to experience DC, even if treatment has little effect. The evaluation of response to treatment should take into account pre-treatment tumor GR.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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]

Vasculogenic mimicry of acute leukemic bone marrow stromal cells

Angiogenesis is thought to be involved in the development of acute leukemia (AL). We investigated whether bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) derived from stem cells might be responsible for the increase in microvascular density (MVD), and compared 13 bone marrow samples from AL patients with 23 samples from patients in complete remission (controls). We demonstrated that AL-derived BMSC secreted more insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and SDF-1alpha than controls. In addition, in contrast to normal adherent BMSCs, adherent BMSCs derived from CD133+/CD34+ stem cells from AL patients were able to form capillary-like structures ('vasculogenic mimicry') on Matrigel. The increase in vasculogenic mimicry occurred through PI3 kinase and rho GTPase pathway as inhibitors of these signaling pathways (wortmannin and GGTI-298, respectively) were able to reduce or prevent capillary tube formation. In normal BMSC, addition of exogenous IGF-1 generated capillary-like tubes through the same pathway as observed spontaneously in AL-derived BMSC. The involvement of IGF-1 in the mimicry process was confirmed by the addition of a neutralizing antibody against IGF-1R or a IGF-1R pathway inhibitor (picropodophyllin). In conclusion, AL-derived BMSC present functional abnormalities that may explain the increase in MVD in the bone marrow of AL patients.

Expression of extracellular matrix proteins fibulin-1 and fibulin-2 by human corneal fibroblasts

PURPOSE

The fibulins are a family of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules that regulate the organ shape along with other growth factors and stromal cells. We report here the in vitro expression of ECM proteins fibulin-1 and fibulin-2 by human corneal fibroblasts. The ability of fibulin-1 to modulate cell motility was investigated.

METHODS

Fibulin-1 and fibulin-2 mRNA and proteins expression were analyzed in primary and immortalized human corneal fibroblasts (CHN) respectively by gene array, RT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry. The motility and adhesion of the cells transfected with fibulin-1 siRNA were analyzed on tissue culture polystyrene coated with Matrigel or ECM secreted by those fibroblasts.

RESULTS

(1) The microarray analysis shows the expression of fibulin-1, fibulin-2, and their binding partners (i.e., fibronectin, nidogen-1, aggrecan, fibrilin-1, endostatin, and laminin alpha-2 chain). Interestingly, a matrix metalloprotease, ADAMTS-1, for which fibulin-1 acts as a cofactor, was also detected in CHN. (2) The synthesis by CHN of fibulin-1 and 2 mRNA and proteins was confirmed respectively by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. (3) Transfection of CHN by fibulin-1 siRNA has no effect on cell adhesion but increases cell migration compared with that of the control cells. This observation suggests an important role of fibulin-1 on cell motility.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of fibulins and that of their binding partners by human corneal fibroblasts indicate the important role of these proteins in the organization of supramolecular ECM structures of cornea. The variation of their expression and the structural changes of fibulins remain to be determined in corneal pathology.

Erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor coexpression is associated with poor survival in stage I non-small cell lung cancer

7655

Background: The role of erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor (EPO-R) in tumor biology is under active investigation. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic impact of EPO and EPO-R expression in stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: EPO and EPO-R expression in 158 tumor samples from resected stage I NSCLC was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and tissue-array technology. Disease specific survival time was calculated from the date of surgery to death from cancer-related causes. Results: EPOR and EPO were highly expressed in 20.9% and 35.4% of the tumors respectively. High EPO-R compared to negative or low level of expression was associated with a poor 5-year disease specific survival (60.6% versus 80.8%, logrank test: p=0.01). High EPO compared to negative and low level of expression was associated with a trend toward a poor 5-year disease specific survival (69.6% versus 80.4%, logrank test: p=0.13). High level of EPO-R and EPO coexpression compared to other groups of patients was associated with a poor 5- year disease specific survival (50.0% versus 80.0% of survival at the end of follow-up, logrank test: p=0.005). In multivariate analysis for disease specific survival, high level of EPO-R and EPO coexpression was an independent prognostic factor for disease specific survival (HR 2.214, 95% CI: 1.012–4.848, p=0.046). Conclusions: These results establish for the first time the pejorative prognostic value of EPO and EPO-R expression in early stage resected NSCLC and suggest a potential paracrine and/or autocrine role of endogenous EPO in NSCLC aggressiveness.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Increased incidence of brain metastases in ERCC1-negative NSCLC patients treated with adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy

7581

Background: We have recently demonstrated that ERCC1 is a predictor of the benefit of cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-squamous carcinomas have an increased risk of brain metastases (BM). Since brain is considered as a sanctuary site for chemotherapy, we hypothesised that there was an increased incidence of BM in ERCC1- negative non-squamous NSCLC patients treated with adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Methods: Incidence of BM and histo- clinical parameters were analyzed in a population of 783 patients enrolled in the IALT trial. A subgroup analysis was performed in ERCC1 negative non-squamous NSCLC patients. Results: One hundred and one patients out of 783 (13%) developed BM alone or in association with other metastatic sites. In multivariate analysis, the clinical parameters associated with the occurrence of BM were nodal status (p=0.02), histological type (p=0.001) and pleural invasion (p=0.02). There is no effect of chemotherapy on BM (HR 1.38 [0.91–2.07], p=0.13). In patients with non-squamous histology (n=335) adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with an increased risk of BM (HR=2.10, [1.01–4.32], p=0.04) for ERCC1-negative tumours whereas there was no evidence of an effect on brain metastasis for ERCC1-positive tumours (HR=1.07 [0.38–2.99] p=0.90). These 2 effects are nevertheless not different (p for interaction=0.30) possibly by lack of power in this subsample. Conclusions: This study would suggest that cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with an increased risk of BM in resected NSCLC patients with chemosensitive tumors. This data, if confirmed, could provide a rationale to evaluate prophylactic strategies in this subset of patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Sorafenib (S) and dacarbazine (D) combination in patients (pts) with advanced malignant solid tumors: Phase I study with tumor biopsy genomic analysis and dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US)

3556

Background: S is a multikinase inhibitor targeting VEGFR-1, -2, -3, PDGFR-a and -β and Raf kinase. The combination of S (400 mg bid) and D (1,000 mg/m2, 21-day [d] cycle [C]) was previously defined as maximum tolerated dose. Objectives were to define the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of D ± S, assess safety of the combination and collect antitumor activity data by genomic analysis and by DCE-US. Methods: All pts received D (1,000 mg/m2 by 1-hr infusion) with continuous oral S 400 mg bid (except Day1C1). PK was performed during 1st and 2nd infusions. RNA expression profiling was performed on sequential tumor biopsies at baseline (BL) and Day 21. DCE-US was assessed at BL and Day 8, 21 of C1. Results: 23 pts treated (median age 59 y) had melanoma (4), leiomyosarcoma (4), adenocarcinoma (5), mesothelioma (3), neuro-endocrine tumor (3) and other (4). 22 had = 1 prior chemotherapy (range, 1–7). Median (range) number of D cycles was 4 (1–9), median (range) duration of S treatment was 15 wks (3–48). Toxicities were manageable and included diarrhea (48% any grade [G], no G3/4), hand-foot skin reaction (48% any G, 4% G3), fatigue (26% G3), thrombopenia (22% G4), and neutropenia (13% G4). Of 22 evaluable pts, 1 (melanoma) had confirmed PR, 13 pts had SD as best response, with a median (range) duration of 161 d (75–258). 7 pts continue with SD. PK (n=15) showed increased mean AUC by 41% and mean Cmax of AIC (an inactive D metabolite that is formed in an equal proportion to the active moiety, diazomethane, that cannot be analytically measured) by 45%. Genomic analysis in 10 pts with PFS =3 mos and in 7 with PFS <3 mos identified a subset of 4 genes whose modulation differentiates these groups with 100% accuracy. 99 DCE-US performed in 17 pts showed 3/7 with short PFS had increased volume on Day 21 and in 3 an increase in maximal intensity >50% on Day 8. Of 10 pts with long PFS, maximal intensity decreased by >50% on Day 21 in 8 pts. Conclusion: Combination of D and S is manageable with clear evidence of antitumor activity. Preliminary data strongly suggest a new paradigm based on sequential tumor genomic analysis allowing early identification of responders. Early stage DCE-US may predict PFS duration.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Functional imaging by DCE-US as a surrogate for response in phase I/II of different targeted therapies by DCE-US: Which quantitative parameter and which timing

14093

Background: The early evaluation of targeted treatments is a major challenge in oncology. Functional approaches based on the measure of tumoral vascularization have been developed using different modalities of imaging (CT, MRI, US). We analyzed the response of tumors in three studies using different targeted treatments with dynamic contrast enhanced-ultrasonography (DCE-US). Seven parameters characterizing tumor perfusion were estimated. The objective of the study was to determine which parameter is the most appropriate and when to use it to confirm earlier the efficacy of treatment. Methods: A total of 157 DCE-US were performed in 30 responding patients (PFS>3 months) selected from 3 following studies (multikinase inhibitor targeting angiogenic-receptor with a cytotoxic, thyrosine-kinase inhibitor targeted angiogenic-receptor and C-kit, VEGF monoclonal antibody). Each DCE-US was performed using contrast agent (Sonovue,Bracco) with perfusion and quantification softwares (Toshiba) from raw linear data. Seven quantitative parameters of perfusion were estimated: peak intensity (PI) and area under the curve (AUC), area under the wash-in (AUWI), area under the wash-out (AUWO), time to PI, mean transit time (MTT), wash-in slope. DCE-US were performed before treatment and after during 5 periods (P) : 1–12 days(P1), 13–22 days(P2), 23–43 days(P3), 44–110 days (P4), > 111 days(P5). Results: 1099 parameters have benefited a statistical analysis. Significant modifications (P<0.05) of 4 parameters (PI, AUC, AUWI, AUWO) were observed for the 3 treatments. The earliest significant modifications were observed during the 3rd period for the first 2 studies and during the 4th period for the 3rd study. Conclusions: DCE-US is a sensitive tool to evaluate early tumor response to targeted drugs. Four functional parameters were significantly modified patients responding to treatment: PI, AUC, AUWI, AUWO. Those modifications appear earlier for the multikinase inhibitor targeting angiogenic receptor and the thyrosine-kinase inhibitor targeted angiogenic receptor and C-kit ( (23–43 d) compared to VEGF monoclonal antibody (44 -110 d). DCE- US represent a key add value to early evaluation of targeted therapies.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.