PET to assess early metabolic response and to guide treatment of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction: the MUNICON phase II trial

Locally advanced gastro-oesophageal cancer: Recent therapeutic advances and research directions

Gastric (GC) and gastro-oesophageal (GOJC) adenocarcinomas are often considered as a single entity, even though differences exist in epidemiology, clinical presentation, molecular biology and treatment options. Locally advanced, resectable disease represents a particularly challenging scenario, as many critical issues need to be addressed. In both GC and GOJC among Western countries, systemic chemotherapy demonstrated the greatest benefit when administered before and after surgery and perioperative chemotherapy has been set as a standard in this setting. Nonetheless, multiple chemotherapy regimens have been tested and direct comparisons have been only recently presented. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is an option as well, but several trials have questioned its role when more effective combination regimens are used. With regards to GOJC, preoperative chemoradiotherapy is an alternative to perioperative chemotherapy, as it is associated with higher pathologic responses and a different toxicity profile: however, a definitive comparison with chemotherapy is ongoing. Herein, we review the current options for the treatment of resectable GC and GOJC and the main open questions in the management of these patients, trying to depict an update of the available algorithms for everyday practice. Moreover, we summarize the design and preliminary results of the randomized trials in progress that will hopefully give definitive answers to the most debated issues in the field.

Is There a Precise Adjuvant Therapy for Esophagogastric Carcinoma?

Esophagogastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The prognosis for patients with locally advanced disease is poor and the majority of patients with operable tumors treated with surgery alone will have recurrent disease. A multimodal approach to treatment with adjunctive chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is therefore the standard of care for these patients. However, there is no global consensus on the optimal treatment strategy and international guidelines vary. National clinical trials inform local practice: neoadjuvant, perioperative, and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy combinations are all possible treatment options in the management of resectable esophagogastric cancer. A number of clinical trials are ongoing, which seek to directly compare multimodal treatment options and hope to provide clarity in this area. Furthermore, increased understanding of the molecular and genetic features of esophagogastric cancer may help to guide management of operable disease by determining optimal patient selection through identification of predictive biomarkers of response and the application of novel targeted agents.

18FDG-PET-CT identifies histopathological non-responders after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric and cardia cancer: cohort study

Background

Pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neoCTX) is a prognostic factor in many cancer types, and early prediction would help to modify treatment. In patients with gastric and esophagogastric junction (AEG) cancer, the accuracy of FDG PET-CT to predict early pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neoCTX) is currently not known.

Methods

From a consecutive cohort of 72 patients, 44 patients with resectable, locally-advanced gastric cancer or AEG Siewert type II and III received neoCTX after primary staging with endoscopic ultrasound, PET-CT and laparoscopy. Overall, 14 patients did not show FDG uptake, and the remaining 30 were restaged by PET-CT 14 days after the first cycle of neoCTX. Metabolic response was defined as decrease of tumor standardized uptake value (SUV) by ≥35%. Major pathologic regression was defined as less than 10% residual tumor cells.

Results

Metabolic response after neoCTX was detected in 20/30 (66.7%), and non-response in 10/30 (33.3%) patients. Among metabolic responders, n = 10 (50%) showed major and n = 10 (50%) minor pathologic regression. In non-responders, n = 9 (90%) had minor and 1 (10%) a major pathologic regression. This resulted in a sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity 47.3%, positive predictive value 50%, negative predictive value 90% and accuracy of 63.3%.

Conclusion

Response PET-CT after the first cycle of neoCTX does not accurately predict overall pathologic response. However, PET-CT reliably detects non-responders, and identifies patients who should either immediately proceed to resection or receive a modified multimodality therapy.

Trial registration

The trial was registered and approved by local ethics committee PB_2016–00769.

Multimodality treatment of operable gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: evaluating neoadjuvant, adjuvant and perioperative approaches

INTRODUCTION

Treatment patterns for locally advanced operable gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma vary, with the optimal approach an area of debate within oncology. Strategies for treatment include a variety of neo-adjuvant, adjuvant and peri-operative regimens involving differing chemotherapy and radiotherapy combinations. Areas covered: This review will critically appraise the evidence base underpinning the main treatment approaches in operable oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma, highlighting variations in treatment by factors such as geographical area and primary tumor site. Expert commentary: The expert commentary will focus on the optimal evidence-based approaches for clinicians at the present time and explore how increased understanding of the molecular and genetic determinants of the disease may lead to refinements in treatment through the development of both biomarker-driven approaches and the application of novel targeted and immune-modulating agents to early treatment.

[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and prediction of histopathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to assess whether [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET can be used to predict histopathological response early in the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction.

Methods

Following the PET response criteria in solid tumours (PERCIST 1.0) as a standardized method for semiquantitative assessment of metabolic response, FDG-PET/CT was performed before (PET1) and after (PET2) initiation of the first cycle of chemotherapy. The relative changes in the peak standardized uptake value (ΔSUL) and total lesion glycolysis (ΔTLG) between PET1 and PET2 were correlated with histopathological response, defined as less than 50 per cent viable tumour cells in the resection specimen. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the optimal cut-off value with the highest accuracy of histopathological response prediction.

Results

PET2 was performed a median of 16 (range 12–22) days after the start of chemotherapy. Some 27 of 90 patients who underwent surgery had a histopathological response. There was no association between the median ΔSUL or median ΔTLG and the histopathological response. A post hoc analysis in 47 patients with PET2 performed 16 days or less after the start of chemotherapy showed that ΔTLG, but not ΔSUL, was associated with the histopathological response (P = 0·009). The optimal cut-off value of ΔTLG was 66 per cent or more.

Conclusion

FDG-PET/CT after the first cycle of chemotherapy does not predict histopathological response in patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction.

Personalized therapy based on image for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

Preoperative therapy is the gold standard for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Positron emission tomography (PET) is not only essential for tumor staging, but changes in glucose consumption correspond with response to therapy and correlated with prognosis. Therefore, with further refinement, PET parameter can serve as a tool for personalized therapy. For instance, the Municon trials suggested the possibility of PET-response guided therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients, however there are limitations. New PET parameters such as total lesion glycolysis (TLG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide better response prediction. Furthermore, PET parameters combined with genomic profiling might enhance better treatment selection, prediction, and prognostication. Here, we summarized the current state of understanding and future possibilities.

Early Metabolic Change after Induction Chemotherapy Predicts Histologic Response and Prognosis in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Early metabolic response after preoperative induction chemotherapy (IC) appears to predict histologic response and prognosis in esophageal cancer (EC), but the usefulness of this approach needs further development.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated metabolic response after one cycle of IC using positron emission tomography (PET) to correlate PET response and outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed PET data from a randomized phase 2 trial (NCT00525915) of chemoradiation and surgery with or without IC for the treatment of EC. PET was performed at baseline, after one cycle of IC, and 5-7 weeks after chemoradiation. The relationship between PET response (≥35% reduction in standardized uptake value [SUV]) after IC and treatment response was analyzed.

RESULTS

In 63 patients who received IC, the mean initial SUVmax prior to treatment was 11.9 ± 8.04 and mean SUVmax after one cycle of IC was 6.47 ± 4.45. The mean SUV reduction after IC was 39.3%. Eleven of 37 PET responders achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR), but only two of 22 PET non-responders did (univariate logistic regression; odds ratio: 4.25, 95% confidence interval: 0.83-21.77; p = 0.08). PET responders to IC had significantly longer overall survival (OS) than PET nonresponders (log-rank p = 0.009). PET response after chemoradiation was not correlated with OS (log-rank p = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

Early PET response after IC is prognostic, but subsequent PET changes (for example, after chemoradiation) are not prognostic. Early PET response might have the potential of predicting pCR.

Interim 18F-FDG-PET/CT during chemo-radiotherapy in the management of oesophageal cancer patients. A systematic review

Oesophageal cancer is an aggressive disease. The possibility to early stratify patients as responsive and non-responsive with a non-invasive method is extremely appealing. The uptake of Fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) in tumours, provided by positron emission tomography (PET) images, has been proved to be useful to assess the initial staging of the disease, recurrence, and response to chemotherapy and chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). In the last years, efforts have been focused on the possibility to use ad interim ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT (PET_int) to evaluate response during radiation therapy. However, controversial findings have been reported, although some relevant results would support its use for individual therapeutic decision. The present review assembles the comprehensive literature of the last decade to evaluate whether and in which cases PET_int may offer predictive potential in oesophageal cancer. All the analysed studies (13 studies, 697 patients) denoted PET_int as a challenging examination for early assessment of outcomes during CRT. In particular, 8 studies advocated the predictivity of PET_int, whilst 5 did not find any correlation between the interim variation of PET parameters and the pathological complete response and/or the clinical outcome. The reasons that possibly have caused contradictions among the studies demand further research with prospective and uniform protocols and methods of analysis to assess the predictive and prognostic value of PET_int in oesophageal cancer.

Beyond Correlations, Sensitivities, and Specificities: Case Examples of the Evaluation of Advanced Imaging in Oncology Clinical Trials and Cancer Treatment

Although advanced imaging is an important component of oncology clinical trials, there has not been a lot of success in advancing its use from a research perspective. One likely reason is the lack of consensus on the methodology used to study advanced imaging in trials, which results in a disconcerted research effort and produces data that are difficult to collate for use in validating the imaging components being studied. Imaging is used in cancer clinical trials for various indications, and the study design needed to evaluate the imaging in a particular indication will vary. Through case examples, this paper will discuss how advanced imaging is currently being investigated in oncology clinical trials, categorized by the potential clinical indication for the imaging tool and offer suggestions on how development should proceed to further evaluate imaging in the given indication. Available National Cancer Institute resources that can assist in this process will also be discussed.

PET/Computed Tomography Scanning and Precision Medicine: Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer commonly has a poor prognosis, which requires an accurate diagnosis and early treatment to improve outcome. Other modalities for staging, such as endoscopic ultrasound imaging and computed tomography (CT) scans, have a role in diagnosis and staging. However, PET with fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose/CT (FDG PET/CT) scanning allows for improved detection of distant metastatic disease and can help to prevent unnecessary interventions that would increase morbidity. FDG PET/CT scanning is valuable in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy assessment and predicting survival outcomes subsequent to surgery. FDG PET/CT scanning detects recurrent disease and metastases in follow-up.

Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide and is therefore a major global health challenge. The two major subtypes of oesophageal cancer are oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), which are epidemiologically and biologically distinct. OSCC accounts for 90% of all cases of oesophageal cancer globally and is highly prevalent in the East, East Africa and South America. OAC is more common in developed countries than in developing countries. Preneoplastic lesions are identifiable for both OSCC and OAC; these are frequently amenable to endoscopic ablative therapies. Most patients with oesophageal cancer require extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy and/or surgical resection. Patients with advanced or metastatic oesophageal cancer are treated with palliative chemotherapy; those who are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive may also benefit from trastuzumab treatment. Immuno-oncology therapies have also shown promising early results in OSCC and OAC. In this Primer, we review state-of-the-art knowledge on the biology and treatment of oesophageal cancer, including screening, endoscopic ablative therapies and emerging molecular targets, and we discuss best practices in chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, surgery and the maintenance of patient quality of life.

Recent advances in preoperative management of esophageal adenocarcinoma

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence, and the prognosis of patients treated by surgery alone remains dismal. Preoperative treatment can modestly prolong overall survival. Preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation is the standard of care for resectable esophageal cancer (greater than clinical stage I and less than clinical stage IV). One of the challenges is to predict complete response in the surgical specimen from preoperative therapy and to avoid surgery in some patients but also predict ineffectiveness of preoperative therapy if the tumor is resistant and avoid such therapies altogether. In-depth understanding of the molecular biology could lead to personalized therapy, and in the future, clinical trials designed according to molecular features are expected. Here, we summarize preoperative treatment for esophageal adenocarcinoma and their potential.

Management of Locally Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer: Still a Multidisciplinary Global Challenge?

The outcome of patients with locally advanced, resectable gastric cancer, or adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction is poor. In clinical trials, multimodality therapy, such as perioperative chemotherapy, preoperative or postoperative chemoradiation, or adjuvant chemotherapy led to significant increments in survival. Therefore, experts agree that patients with stage II or III disease should be offered a multidisciplinary treatment approach. However, patients are treated somewhat differently in the different regions of the world and survival rates remain far from being satisfactory. Efforts to further improve outcome are highly warranted.

Serial imaging using [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and histopathologic assessment in predicting survival in a population of surgically resectable distal oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant therapy

Background and objectives

We retrospectively evaluated the value of PET/CT in predicting survival and histopathological tumour-response in patients with distal oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant treatment.

Methods

Twenty-one patients with resectable distal oesophageal adenocarcinoma and 14 with gastric adenocarcinoma between January 2002 and December 2011, who had undergone serial PET before and after neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, were enrolled. Maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and metabolic tumour volume were measured and correlated with tumour regression grade and survival.

Results

Histopathological tumour response (PR) is a stronger predictor of overall and disease-free survival compared to metabolic response. ∆%SUVmax ≥70% was the only PET metric that predicted PR (82.4% sensitivity, 61.5% specificity, p = 0.047). Histopathological non-responders had a higher risk of death (HR 8.461, p = 0.001) and recurrence (HR 6.385, p = 0.002) and similarly in metabolic non-responders for death (HR 2.956, p = 0.063) and recurrence (HR 3.614, p = 0.028). Ordinalised ∆%SUVmax showed a predictive trend for OS and DFS, but failed to achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions

PR was a stronger predictor of survival than metabolic response. ∆%SUVmax ≥70% was the best biomarker on PET that predicted PR and survival in oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Ordinalisation of ∆%SUVmax was not helpful in predicting primary outcomes.

Prognostic value of metabolic response measured by 18F-FDG-PET in oesophageal cancer patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG)-PET for predicting overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in oesophageal cancer patients after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and prognostic importance of metabolic response detected by post-treatment PET at least 3 months after completing CRT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 58 oesophageal cancer patients receiving definitive CRT were retrospectively analysed. Post-treatment F-FDG-PET was delivered at a median of 3.2 (range, 3.0-6.4) months after CRT. The impact of metabolic response determined by post-treatment F-FDG-PET, maximum post-treatment standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and percent SUV change (pretreatment to post-treatment) on survival was analysed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 19.7 (range, 4.2-91.9) months for all patients and 28.2 (range, 13.7-91.9) months for survivors. The mean pretreatment and post-treatment SUVmax and the median percent SUV decrease were 18.6±6.4, 6.2±4.6 and -73% (+13 to -100%). Pretreatment SUVmax was higher in patients with locoregional or distant failure than in those without (P<0.001). Pretreatment SUVmax was lower in patients with a complete response (CR) than in those without a CR (P=0.006). Two-year OS and DFS were higher in patients with CR compared with those without CR (P<0.001). CR rates detected by post-treatment F-FDG-PET were lower in patients with lymph node metastases or longer tumours than in those with shorter tumours or no metastases. During multivariate analysis, post-treatment SUVmax was a significant predictor for OS, and post-treatment SUVmax, percent SUV decrease and tumour length were significant prognostic factors for DFS.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic response assessed by post-treatment F-FDG-PET at least 3 months after CRT showed that post-treatment SUVmax and percent SUV change were important survival predictors.

Prediction of disease-free survival using relative change in FDG-uptake early during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for potentially curable esophageal cancer: A prospective cohort study

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has been investigated as a tool for monitoring response to neoadjuvant chemo- and chemoradiotherapy (CT and CRT, respectively) and as a predictor for survival in patients with esophageal cancer. In contrast to patients who undergo neoadjuvant CT, it is not known whether patients who are clinically identified as responders after neoadjuvant CRT show better disease-free survival (DFS) than patients identified as nonresponders. The aim of the study was to determine the predictive value of FDG-uptake measured prior to and early during neoadjuvant CRT. Patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT between 2004 and 2009 within a randomized trial were included. FDG-uptake was measured at baseline and after 14 days of CRT. According to the PERCIST-criteria, patients were allocated to have metabolic response, stable disease, or progression. Patients were followed until recurrence of disease or death. The predictive value of FDG-PET was determined with univariable and multivariable analysis in patients who underwent potentially curative surgery. One-hundred and six patients were included in the analysis. Minimal follow-up for surviving patients was 60 months. No significant differences in DFS were found between patients with metabolic response, stable disease, or progression, with 5-year DFS rates of 66%, 53%, and 67%, respectively (P = 0.39). Relative change in FDG uptake after 14 days of CRT is not associated with DFS in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. These measurements should not be used for prognostication in this specific group of patients.

Update on Neoadjuvant Regimens for Patients with Operable Oesophageal/Gastrooesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Survival outcomes following multimodal treatment of operable oesophageal and gastrooesophageal cancer remain disappointingly poor. Although an appreciation of the impact of both tumour location and histological subtype is now shaping the design of clinical trials, there has been a lack of consensus of the optimal neoadjuvant treatment strategy. This update article will review recent advances in the use of both neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. The emerging role of PET imaging to direct appropriate neoadjuvant treatment regimens and the additive benefit of biological agents are also discussed.

Current concepts and future potential in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer

Many trials have evaluated preoperative chemotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC). Most studies were small with conflicting results and no clear evidence of survival advantage. However, two large trials that included squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the esophagus produced opposite outcomes with one showing limited benefit and the other showing none. Recent meta-analyses suggest only a modest benefit from induction chemotherapy in the treatment of LAEC. Two factors associated with prolonged survival are: (1) an R0 resection and (2) pathological complete remission. Preoperative chemotherapy is preferred in Europe for adenocarcinomas; however, chemoradiation has been the treatment of choice in the US. The individualization and optimization of therapy for esophageal cancer patients may come from an in-depth understanding of molecular biology and the development of predictive biomarkers. The use of targeted and immunotherapy agents in the preoperative setting are also promising and warrant further evaluation.

Persistent Dysphagia After Induction Chemotherapy in Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Predicts Poor Post-Operative Outcomes

PURPOSE

Preoperative therapy is frequently employed in the management of esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, many patients are found to have advanced pathologic stage and have poor outcomes. A prognostic factor which identifies this patient population before surgery would be desirable, as alternative treatment strategies may be warranted.

METHODS

Between 2/08 and 1/12, 60 evaluable patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma enrolled in single-arm phase II trial of induction chemotherapy, surgery, and post-operative adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). A clinical stage of T3, N1, or M1a (AJCC 6th) was required for eligibility. Induction chemotherapy with epirubicin 50 mg/m² d1, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² d1, and fluorouracil 200 mg/m²/day continuous infusion for 3 weeks, was given every 21 days for 3 cycles and was followed by surgical resection. Adjuvant CRT consisted of 50-55 Gy @ 1.8-2.0 Gy/day and 2 cycles of cisplatin (20 mg/m²/day) and fluorouracil (1000 mg/m²/day) given as 96-h infusions during weeks 1 and 4 of radiotherapy. Dysphagia was assessed at baseline and after induction chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Persistent dysphagia was associated with worse distant metastatic control [HR 3.48 (1.43-8.43), p = 0.006], recurrence free survival [HR 3.04 (1.34-6.92), p = 0.008], and overall survival [HR 3.31 (1.43-7.66), p = 0.005]. Persistent dysphagia was associated with more advanced pathologic T descriptor (pT) (p = 0.048) and N descriptor (pN) (p = 0.002), a greater median number of involved lymph nodes (3 v 1, p = 0.003), and greater residual tumor viability (p = 0.05). No patients with persistent dysphagia had pT0-T2 or pN0 disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent dysphagia after induction chemotherapy is associated with more advanced pathologic stage and inferior outcomes.

Metabolic Activity by 18F-FDG-PET/CT Is Prognostic for Stage I and II Pancreatic Cancer

PURPOSE

Metabolic activity, as defined by F-FDG uptake on PET, is a prognostic marker for multiple malignancies; however, no study has examined the prognostic value of imaging with FDG PET in stage I and II pancreatic cancer. We examined the value of PET FDG uptake in early-stage pancreatic cancer patients.

METHODS

We identified patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer (I-II) who had FDG PET scan performed as part of their preoperative evaluation. The patients were divided into either high or low FDG uptake according to the median primary tumor standard uptake value (SUVmax). Our primary end points were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Kaplan-Meier estimate was used for survival analysis. Pathologic data were compared using the Fisher exact and χ tests.

RESULTS

One hundred five patients were identified: 51 patients with low FDG uptake and 54 patients with high FDG uptake. Eighty-five patients (81%) had PET avid tumors, whereas 20 (19%) patients did not. High FDG uptake correlated with pathologic stage (P = 0.012). Patients with low FDG uptake had significantly better median OS than patients with high FDG uptake (28 vs. 16 months; P = 0.036). Patients with low-FDG uptake had significantly longer median RFS than patients with high FDG uptake (14 vs. 12 months; P = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Low FDG uptake in PET scans in patients with stage I and II pancreatic cancer correlates with improved OS and RFS. This supports the concept that glucose metabolic pathways are important in pancreatic cancer biology and that PET scan activity can be used as a prognostic biomarker after pancreatectomy.

Impact of PET/CT on radiation treatment in patients with esophageal cancer: A systematic review

PURPOSE

With the advances in radiotracers, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is recognized as a useful adjunct to anatomic imaging with CT, MRI and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). The objective of this review was to comprehensively analyze the roles of PET/CT for the radiotherapy of esophageal cancer.

METHODS

In this review, we focused on issues concerning the application of PET/CT in TNM staging, target volume delineation and response to therapy, both for the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes. Furthermore, the following questions were addressed: how does PET/CT guide appropriate treatment protocols, how does it allow accurate tumor delineation and how does it guide prognosis and future treatment decisions.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

For the staging of esophageal cancer, PET/CT played a crucial role in exploring distant malignant lymph nodes and metastasis with high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. PET/CT using different radiotracer provided a serial of thresholding methods based on standardized uptake value (SUV) to assist in auto-contouring the gross tumor volume (GTV). The change in SUV may offer a potential paradigm of personalized treatment to definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). In total, PET/CT has sought to further optimize radiotherapy treatment planning for patients with esophageal cancer.

Potentially Curable Cancers of the Esophagus and Stomach

Gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas continue to be a major health burden globally and collectively represent the third leading cause of cancer death. Among patients with metastatic disease, most die of their cancer because of the limited number of modestly effective treatment regimens available today. The progress against these cancers has been slow compared with many other solid tumors despite many attempts. In-depth molecular profiling has also not been completed. Even when these cancers are localized, they impose considerable challenges for the patient, relatives, and treatment team alike. Localized gastric or gastroesophageal cancer is best managed with a multidisciplinary approach. This review focuses on the management of localized cancers by reviewing the current literature and explaining certain principles that help guide therapy for these patients. The future, however, will afford numerous opportunities, including exploitation of initial data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, to identify novel targets and drugs, harness the prowess of the immune system, and customize therapy for each patient.

Recent insights in the therapeutic management of patients with gastric cancer

Gastric cancer remains frequent and one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. In this article, we aimed to comprehensively review recent insights in the therapeutic management of gastric cancer, with focus on the surgical and perioperative management of resectable forms, and the latest advances regarding advanced diseases. Surgical improvements comprise the use of laparoscopic surgery including staging laparoscopy, a better definition of nodal dissection, and the development of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The best individualized perioperative management should be assessed before curative-intent surgery for all patients and can consists in perioperative chemotherapy, adjuvant chemo-radiation therapy or adjuvant chemotherapy alone. The optimal timing and sequence of chemotherapy and radiation therapy with respect to surgery should be further explored. Patients with advanced gastric cancer have a poor prognosis. Nevertheless, they can benefit from doublet or triplet chemotherapy combination, including trastuzumab in HER2-positive patients. Upon progression, second-line therapy can be considered in patients with good performance status. Although anti-HER2 (trastuzumab) and anti-VEGFR (ramucirumab) may yield survival benefit, anti-EGFR and anti-HGFR therapies have failed to improve outcomes. Nevertheless, combination regimens containing cytotoxic drugs and targeted therapies should be further evaluated; keeping in mind that gastric cancer biology is different between Asia and the Western countries.

Use of positron emission tomography scan response to guide treatment change for locally advanced gastric cancer: the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center experience

BACKGROUND

Early metabolic response on 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) during neoadjuvant chemotherapy is PET non-responders have poor outcomes whether continuing chemotherapy or proceeding directly to surgery. Use of PET may identify early treatment failure, sparing patients from inactive therapy and allowing for crossover to alternative therapies. We examined the effectiveness of PET directed switching to salvage chemotherapy in the PET non-responders.

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced resectable FDG-avid gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma received bevacizumab 15 mg/kg, epirubicin 50 mg/m(2), cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) day 1, and capecitabine 625 mg/m(2) bid (ECX) every 21 days. PET scan was obtained at baseline and after cycle 1. PET responders, (i.e., ≥35% reduction in FDG uptake at the primary tumor) continued ECX + bev. Non-responders switched to docetaxel 30 mg/m(2), irinotecan 50 mg/mg(2) day 1 and 8 plus bevacizumab every 21 days for 2 cycles. Patients then underwent surgery. The primary objective was to improve the 2-year disease free survival (DFS) from 30% (historical control) to 53% in the non-responders.

RESULTS

Twenty evaluable patients enrolled before the study closed for poor accrual. Eleven were PET responders and the 9 non-responders switched to the salvage regimen. With a median follow-up of 38.2 months, the 2-year DFS was 55% [95% confidence interval (CI), 30-85%] in responders compared with 56% in the non-responder group (95% CI, 20-80%, P=0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that changing chemotherapy regimens in PET non-responding patients may improve outcomes. Results from this pilot trial are hypothesis generating and suggest that PET directed neoadjuvant therapy merits evaluation in a larger trial.

Effect of Pathologic Tumor Response and Nodal Status on Survival in the Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy Trial

PURPOSE

The Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy (MAGIC) trial established perioperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil chemotherapy as a standard of care for patients with resectable esophagogastric cancer. However, identification of patients at risk for relapse remains challenging. We evaluated whether pathologic response and lymph node status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are prognostic in patients treated in the MAGIC trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pathologic regression was assessed in resection specimens by two independent pathologists using the Mandard tumor regression grading system (TRG). Differences in overall survival (OS) according to TRG were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards method established the relationships among TRG, clinical-pathologic variables, and OS.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty resection specimens were analyzed. In chemotherapy-treated patients with a TRG of 1 or 2, median OS was not reached, whereas for patients with a TRG of 3, 4, or 5, median OS was 20.47 months. On univariate analysis, high TRG and lymph node metastases were negatively related to survival (Mandard TRG 3, 4, or 5: hazard ratio [HR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.39; P = .0209; lymph node metastases: HR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.88 to 7.0; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, only lymph node status was independently predictive of OS (HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.70 to 6.63; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Lymph node metastases and not pathologic response to chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of survival after chemotherapy plus resection in the MAGIC trial. Prospective evaluation of whether omitting postoperative chemotherapy and/or switching to a noncross-resistant regimen in patients with lymph node-positive disease whose tumor did not respond to preoperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil may be appropriate.

Increased Expression of the Glucose Transporter Type 1 Gene Is Associated With Worse Overall Survival in Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

There is currently no reliable method to predict the risk of relapse after curative resection of early-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Increased glucose metabolism observed on F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) by malignant cells, the Warburg effect, is a well-known characteristic of the malignant phenotype. We investigated the role of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT-1) gene expression, a glucose cell plasma membrane transporter, in early-stage pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Associations between GLUT-1 gene expression with PET maximum standardized uptake values and histologic grade were investigated in early-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine predictors of prognosis. Cox proportional hazard model was used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients had GLUT-1 gene analysis performed, and 50 patients had both GLUT-1 analysis and PET scan. Patients with high GLUT-1 gene expression had a decreased overall survival by univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model (hazard ratio, 2.82; P = 0.001) and remained significant on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 2.54; P = 0.03). There was no correlation of GLUT-1 gene expression with histologic grade or PET maximum standardized uptake values.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased GLUT-1 gene expression was associated with a decreased overall survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This supports increased GLUT-1 gene expression as a potential prognostic marker in resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Chemoradiotherapy in tumours of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction

Oesophageal cancer remains a malignancy with a poor prognosis. However, in the recent 10-15 years relevant progress has been made by the introduction of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for tumours of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction. The addition of neo-adjuvant CRT to surgery has significantly improved survival and locoregional control, for both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. For irresectable or medically inoperable patients, definitive CRT has changed the treatment intent from palliative to curative. Definitive CRT is a good alternative for radical surgery in responding patients with squamous cell carcinoma and those running a high risk of surgical morbidity and mortality. For patients with an out-of-field solitary locoregional recurrence after primary curative treatment, definitive CRT can lead to long term survival.

Change in chemotherapy during concurrent radiation followed by surgery after a suboptimal positron emission tomography response to induction chemotherapy improves outcomes for locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan after induction chemotherapy before preoperative chemoradiation and surgery for esophageal adenocarcinoma predicts outcomes. Some patients with progression on PET after induction chemotherapy had long-term overall survival (OS) when they were changed to alternative chemotherapy during radiation.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed esophageal adenocarcinoma patients who received induction chemotherapy and chemoradiation before planned surgery; all had undergone a PET scan before and after induction chemotherapy.

RESULTS

There were 201 patients, and 113 (56%) were PET responders (≥35% decrease in the maximum standardized uptake value of the tumor). All PET responders received the same chemotherapy during radiation, whereas 38 of the 88 PET nonresponders (43%) changed chemotherapy. Among the 152 patients who underwent surgery, the pathologic complete response rate was 15% for PET responders and 3% for PET nonresponders who did not change chemotherapy (P = .046). The median progression-free survival (PFS; 18.9 vs 10.0 months, P < 0.01) and OS (37 vs 25.3 months, P = .02) were significantly better for PET responders versus PET nonresponders who did not change chemotherapy. The median PFS for PET nonresponders who changed chemotherapy was 17.9 months, and it was superior to the median PFS for PET nonresponders who did not change chemotherapy (P = .01). For PET nonresponders, the 5-year OS rates were 37% for those who changed chemotherapy and 25% for those who did not change chemotherapy (P = .18).

CONCLUSIONS

A PET scan after induction chemotherapy predicts outcomes for locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma patients who undergo chemoradiation and surgery. The median PFS is improved, and trends toward improved OS appear possible in PET nonresponders who change chemotherapy during radiation. The fully accrued Cancer and Leukemia Group B 80803 study (NCT01333033) is evaluating this strategy. Cancer 2016;122:2083-90. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

What to do after R1-resection of adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The management of R1-resected adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is unclear. We aimed to identify risk factors and prevalence of R1 resections, their recurrence and prognosis, and efficacy of postoperative therapy.

METHODS

A single center cohort of 766 consecutive patients undergoing curative intent resection for AEG was analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

R1-resection rate was 13%. Poorer tumor differentiation, higher T-, N-, and UICC/AJCC-stages were associated with R1-resections. Compared to R0-resected patients, R1-resected patients had a higher incidence of tumor recurrence (77% vs. 32%; P < 0.001) and worse overall survival (5-year overall survival 43% vs. 10%; P < 0.001). The pattern of recurrence did not differ between R0- and R1-resections with distant metastases in 90% and 87% of patients with tumor recurrence. We found a trend towards better overall survival for R1-resected patients receiving postoperative therapy compared to R1-resected patients without postoperative therapy (median 17.4 vs. 14.6 months, P = 0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of R1-resections with poor tumor characteristics allows for identification of patients at risk for R1-resection. As in R0-resections, tumor recurrence in R1-resections is mainly systemic, not local. The potential benefit of additive local postoperative therapies in R1-resected patients must be balanced against overall prognosis and therapy-specific morbidity and mortality. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:428-433. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Standardized Uptake Decrease on [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Is a Prognostic Classifier for Long-Term Outcome After Multimodality Treatment: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial for Resectable Stage IIIA/B Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

A confirmatory analysis was performed to determine the prognostic value of metabolic response during induction chemotherapy followed by bimodality/trimodality treatment of patients with operable locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with potentially operable stage IIIA(N2) or selected stage IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer received three cycles of cisplatin/paclitaxel (induction chemotherapy) followed by neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT) to 45 Gy (1.5 Gy twice per day concurrent cisplatin/vinorelbine) within the ESPATUE (Phase III Study of Surgery Versus Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Boost in Patients With Resectable Stage IIIA[N2] and Selected IIIB Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer After Induction Chemotherapy and Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy) trial. Positron emission tomography scans were recommended before (t0) and after (t2) induction chemotherapy. Patients who were eligible for surgery after neoadjuvant RCT were randomly assigned to definitive RCT or surgery. The prognostic value of percentage of maximum standardized uptake value (%SUVmax) remaining in the primary tumor after induction chemotherapy-%SUVremaining = SUVmax(t2)/SUVmax(t0)-was assessed by proportional hazard analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 161 patients were randomly assigned (155 from the Essen and Tübingen centers), and 124 of these received positron emission tomography scans at t0 and t2. %SUVremaining as a continuous variable was prognostic for the three end points of overall survival, progression-free survival, and freedom from extracerebral progression in univariable and multivariable analysis (P < .016). The respective hazard ratios per 50% increase in %SUVremaining from multivariable analysis were 2.3 (95% CI, 1.5 to 3.4; P < .001), 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3 to 2.5; P < .001), and 1.8 (95% CI, 1.2 to 2.7; P = .006) for the three end points. %SUVremaining dichotomized at a cut point of maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity from receiver operating characteristic analysis at 36 months was also prognostic. Exploratory analysis revealed that %SUVremaining was likewise prognostic for overall survival in both treatment arms and was more closely associated with extracerebral distant metastases (P = .016) than with isolated locoregional relapses (P = .97).

CONCLUSION

%SUVremaining is a predictor for survival and other end points after multimodality treatment and can serve as a parameter for treatment stratification after induction chemotherapy or for evaluation of adjuvant new systemic treatment options for high-risk patients.

Management of Locally Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus and Gastroesophageal Junction: Finally a Consensus

Opinion statement: Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is increasing in incidence in Western nations leading to increased interest in and opportunity to study optimal management. Randomized trials have now robustly demonstrated the preoperative therapy with chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy alone improves survival outcome for the bulk of curable patients, those with locally advanced T1N1M0 and T2-3 N0-1 M0 disease. Evidence suggests but does not confirm that radiation-containing regimens are more beneficial. Clinical staging is designed to exclude patients with T1N0M0 disease who may be treated with surgery alone and those with metastatic disease who may not benefit from intensive local therapy. The approach to clinical staging includes endoscopy with ultrasound and fine needle aspirate to assess local and regional disease, supplemented by CT and PET scanning primarily to exclude metastatic disease. Minimally invasive approaches to esophagectomy may be used with the goal of reducing complications, but there is no evidence that mortality or ultimate outcome is improved.

Immediate tumor resection in patients with locally advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma with nonresponse to chemotherapy after 4 weeks of treatment versus resection after completion of chemotherapy (OPTITREAT trial, DRKS00004668): study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard of care for patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and stomach in Europe, but still only 20–40 % respond to therapy and the critical issue; how to treat nonresponding patients is still unclear. So far, there is no randomized trial evaluating the impact of early termination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immediate tumor resection in nonresponding patients with locally advanced gastroesophageal cancer on postoperative outcome. With this exploratory pilot trial, we want to get first estimates about the effect of discontinuation of chemotherapy with the aim to plan and conduct a further definitive trial.

Methods/design

OPTITREAT is designed as a single-center, randomized controlled pilot trial with two parallel study groups. Four weeks after starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy in all patients, clinical response will be assessed by endoscopy and endosonographic ultrasound. Then, nonresponding patients (n = 84) will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to intervention group with stopping chemotherapy and immediate tumor resection or control group with completion of chemotherapy before surgery. Outcome measures are overall survival, R0 resection rate, perioperative morbidity and mortality, histopathological response, and quality of life. Statistical analysis will be based on the intention-to-treat population. Due to the study design as an explorative pilot trial, no formal sample size calculation was performed. The planned total sample size of 120 patients is considered ethical and large enough to show the feasibility and safety of the concept. First data on differences between the study groups in the defined endpoints will also be generated.

Discussion

Individualized therapy is of utmost interest in the treatment of locally advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma as less than half of the patients show objective response to current chemotherapy regimens. The findings of the OPTITREAT trial will help to get first data about clinical response evaluation followed by immediate tumor resection in nonresponding patients after 4 weeks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Based on the results of this pilot study, a future confirmatory trial will be planned to prove efficacy and evaluate significance.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register number: DRKS00004668

PET-CT in the UK: current status and future directions

Combined positron-emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) has taken the oncological world by storm since being introduced into the clinical domain in the early 21(st) century and is firmly established in the management pathway of many different tumour types. Non-oncological applications of PET-CT represent a smaller but steadily growing area of interest. PET-CT continues to be the focus of a large number of research studies and keeping up-to-date with the literature is important but represents a challenge. Consequently guidelines recommending PET-CT usage need to be revised regularly to encompass new developments. The purpose of this article is twofold: first, it provides a detailed review of the evidence-base underpinning the major uses of PET-CT in clinical practice, which may be of value to a wide-range of individuals, including those directly involved with PET-CT and to a much larger group with limited exposure, but for whom a précis of the current state-of-play may help inform other radiology and multidisciplinary team (MDT) work; the second purpose is as a companion to revised guidelines on evidence-based indications for PET-CT in the UK (being published concurrently) providing a detailed commentary on new indications with a summary of emerging data supporting these additional clinical uses of the technique.

Individualized radiotherapy by combining high-end irradiation and magnetic resonance imaging

Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) has been integrated into daily clinical routine and can today be considered the standard especially with high-dose radiotherapy. Currently imaging is based on MV- or kV-CT, which has clear limitations especially in soft-tissue contrast. Thus, combination of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and high-end radiotherapy opens a new horizon. The intricate technical properties of MR imagers pose a challenge to technology when combined with radiation technology. Several solutions that are almost ready for routine clinical application have been developed. The clinical questions include dose-escalation strategies, monitoring of changes during treatment as well as imaging without additional radiation exposure during treatment.

[Prognostic value of the metabolically active tumour volume]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of different parameters on pretreatment fluorodeoxyglucose [((18)F)-FDG] positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in patients with localized oesophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed 83 cases of localised oesophageal cancer treated in our institution. Patients were treated with curative intent and have received chemoradiotherapy alone or followed by surgery. Different prognostic parameters were correlated to survival: cancer-related factors, patient-related factors and parameters derived from PET-CT (maximum standardized uptake value [SUV max], metabolically active tumor volume either measured with an automatic segmentation software ["fuzzy locally adaptive bayesian": MATVFLAB] or with an adaptive threshold method [MATVseuil] and total lesion glycolysis [TLGFLAB and TLGseuil]).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 21.8 months (range: 0.16-104). The median overall survival was 22 months (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 15.2-28.9). There were 67 deaths: 49 associated with cancer and 18 from intercurrent causes. None of the tested factors was significant on overall survival. In univariate analysis, the following three factors affected the specific survival: MATVFLAB (P=0.025), TLGFLAB (P=0.04) and TLGseuil (P=0.04). In multivariate analysis, only MATVFLAB had a significant impact on specific survival (P=0.049): MATVFLAB<18 cm(3): 31.2 months (95%CI: 21.7-not reached) and MATVFLAB>18 cm(3): 20 months (95%CI: 11.1-228.9).

CONCLUSION

The metabolically active tumour volume measured with the automatic segmentation software FLAB on baseline PET-CT was a significant prognostic factor, which should be tested on a larger cohort.

The role of PET and PET-CT scanning in assessing response to neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The response to neoadjuvant (radio-)chemotherapy for esophageal carcinoma is often assessed with the aid of positron-emission tomography (PET), either alone or in combination with computed tomography (PET-CT). In this review, we discuss the diagnostic validity and clinical benefit of these imaging techniques.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing PET-CT with conventional techniques such as endosonography and CT. We then determined the diagnostic validity of these methods on the basis of information from published systematic reviews, updated with further information from more recent primary studies.

RESULTS

We did not find any RCTs that addressed the question of the patient-relevant benefit of PET-CT. We found 20 studies of diagnostic methods, carried out on a total of 854 patients, of whom 82.2% were male. These studies had a high potential for bias. In two of them, PET-CT was directly compared with endosonography or CT. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity varied widely across studies. 54% of all patients (median value across studies) had no histopathological response to therapy at the end of treatment. Taking a reduction of the standard uptake value (SUV) by at least 35% as a threshold criterion, we found that the median negative predictive value of PET across all studies was 86.5.

CONCLUSION

There is no robust evidence for a patient-relevant benefit of PET and PET-CT in patients with esophageal carcinoma. PET could potentially be used to distinguish treatment responders from non-responders after the first cycle of treatment. RCTs with patient-relevant endpoints will be needed in order to determine whether this is useful.

Dysphagia is not a Valuable Indicator of Tumor Response after Preoperative Chemotherapy for R0 Resected Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction

Background:

Monitoring treatment response to preoperative chemotherapy is of utmost importance to avoid treatment toxicity, especially in non-responding patients. Currently, no reliable methods exist for tumor response assessment after preoperative chemotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate dysphagia as a predictor of tumor response after preoperative chemotherapy and as a predictor of recurrence and survival.

Methods:

Patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, treated between 2010 and 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. Dysphagia scores (Mellow-Pinkas) were obtained before and after three cycles of perioperative chemotherapy together with clinicopathological patient characteristics. A clinical response was defined as improvement of dysphagia by at least 1 score from the baseline. The tumor response was defined as down staging of T-stage from initial computer tomography (CT) scan (cT-stage) to pathologic staging of surgical specimen (pT-stage). Patients were followed until death or censored on June 27th, 2014.

Results:

Of the 110 included patients, 59.1% had improvement of dysphagia after three cycles of perioperative chemotherapy, and 31.8% had a chemotherapy-induced tumor response after radical resection of tumor. Improvement of dysphagia was not correlated with the tumor response in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.23). Moreover, the presence of dysphagia was not correlated with recurrence (p = 0.92) or survival (p = 0.94) in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

In our study, improvement of dysphagia was not valid for tumor response evaluation after preoperative chemotherapy and was not correlated with the tumor response. The presence of dysphagia does not seem to be a predictor of recurrence or survival.

Multimodal treatment of gastric cancer in the west: Where are we going?

The incidence of gastric cancer (GC) is decreasing worldwide, especially for intestinal histotype of the distal third of the stomach. On the contrary, proximal location and diffuse Lauren histotype have been reported to be generally stable over time. In the west, no clear improvement in long-term results was observed in clinical and population-based studies. Results of treatment in these neoplasms are strictly dependent on tumor stage. Adequate surgery and extended lymphadenectomy are associated with good long-term outcome in early-stage cancer; however, results are still unsatisfactory for advanced stages (III and IV), for which additional treatments could provide a survival benefit. This implies a tailored approach to GC. The aim of this review was to summarize the main multimodal treatment options in advanced resectable GC. Perioperative or postoperative treatments, including chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapies, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy have been reviewed, and the main ongoing and completed trials have been analyzed. An original tailored multimodal approach to non-cardia GC has been also proposed.

Change in volume parameters induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy provide accurate prediction of overall survival after resection in patients with oesophageal cancer

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prognostic value of volumetric parameters measured with CT and PET/CT in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and resection for oesophageal cancer (EC).

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced EC, who were treated with NACT and resection, were retrospectively analysed. Data from CT volumetry and (18) F-FDG PET/CT (maximum standardized uptake [SUVmax], metabolic tumour volume [MTV], and total lesion glycolysis [TLG]) were recorded before and after NACT. The impact of volumetric parameter changes induced by NACT (MTVRATIO, TLGRATIO, etc.) on overall survival (OS) was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were assessed using CT volumetry; of those, 50 also had PET/CT before and after NACT. Low post-treatment CT volume and thickness, MTV, TLG, and SUVmax were all associated with longer OS (p < 0.05), as were CTthicknessRATIO, MTVRATIO, TLGRATIO, and SUVmaxRATIO (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only MTVRATIO (Hazard ratio, HR 2.52 [95% Confidence interval, CI 1.33-4.78], p = 0.005), TLGRATIO (HR 3.89 [95%CI 1.46-10.34], p = 0.006), and surgical margin status (p < 0.05), were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

MTVRATIO and TLGRATIO are independent prognostic factors for survival in patients after NACT and resection for EC.

KEY POINTS

• Change in PET parameters shows close correlation to survival in oesophageal cancer. • Association with OS is independent of changes in SUVmax and CT volume. • Metabolic parameters after NACT correlate with pathologic response and nodal status. • Metabolic parameters may be better suited than SUVmax for response assessment.

Role of fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in gastrointestinal cancers

Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has become a routine imaging modality for many malignancies and its use is currently increasing. In the present review article, we will summarize the evidence for FDG-PET/CT use in digestive cancers (excluding neuroendocrine tumours), and review the existing recommendations. While PET/CT is nowadays considered to be an important tool in the initial workup of oesophageal and anal cancers, new data are emerging regarding its use in assessing therapeutic efficacy, radiotherapy treatment planning, and detection of recurrence in case of isolated tumour marker elevation. Moreover, PET/CT may help decision making by detecting distant metastatic sites especially in potentially resectable metastatic colorectal cancer and, to a lesser extent, in localized gastric and pancreatic cancers. Finally, incidental focal colonic FDG uptakes require exploration by colonoscopy, as they are often associated with premalignant or malignant lesions.

Post-therapeutic response evaluation by a combination of endoscopy and CT scan in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma after chemotherapy: better than its reputation

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an accepted standard of care for locally advanced esophagogastric cancer. As only a subgroup benefits, a response-based tailored treatment would be of interest. The aim of our study was the evaluation of the prognostic and predictive value of clinical response in esophagogastric adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

Clinical response based on a combination of endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan was evaluated retrospectively within a prospective database in center A and then transferred to center B. A total of 686/740 (A) and 184/210 (B) patients, staged cT3/4, cN0/1 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and were then re-staged by endoscopy and CT before undergoing tumor resection. Of 184 patients, 118 (B) additionally had an interim response assessment 4-6 weeks after the start of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

In A, 479 patients (70%) were defined as clinical nonresponders, 207 (30%) as responders. Median survival was 38 months (nonresponders: 27 months, responders: 108 months, log-rank, p < 0.001). Clinical and histopathological response correlated significantly (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, clinical response was an independent prognostic factor (HR for death 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.8, p = 0.032). In B, 140 patients (76%) were nonresponders and 44 (24%) responded. Median survival was 33 months, (nonresponders: 27 months, responders: not reached, p = 0.003). Interim clinical response evaluation (118 patients) also had prognostic impact (p = 0.008). Interim, preoperative clinical response and histopathological response correlated strongly (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative clinical response was an independent prognostic factor in center A, while in center B its prognostic value could only be confirmed in univariate analysis. The accordance with histopathological response was good in both centers, and interim clinical response evaluation showed comparable results to preoperative evaluation.

Interim endoscopy results during neoadjuvant therapy for gastric cancer correlate with histopathological response and prognosis

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer leads to major histopathological response in less than 30 % of patients. Data on interim endoscopic response assessment do not exist. This exploratory prospective study evaluates early endoscopy after 50 % of the chemotherapy as predictor for later response and prognosis.

METHODS

Forty-seven consecutive patients were included (45 resected; 33 R0 resections). All patients received baseline endoscopy and CT scans, after 50 % of their chemotherapy (EGD-1, CT-1) and after completion of chemotherapy (EGD-2, CT-2). Interim endoscopic response (EGD-1) was assessed after having received 50 % (6 weeks) of the planned 12 weeks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Post-chemotherapy response was clinically assessed by a combination of CT scan (CT-2) and endoscopy (EGD-2). Histopathological response was determined by a standardized scoring system (Becker criteria). Endoscopic response was defined as a reduction of >75 % of the tumor mass.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were responders at EGD-1 and 13 at EGD-2. Nine patients (19.1 %) were clinical responders and 7 patients (15.6 %) were histopathological responders after chemotherapy. Specificity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of the interim EGD-1 for subsequent histopathological response were 31/38 (82 %), 36/47 (76 %), and 31/33 (93 %); and for recurrence or death, 28/30 (93.3 %), 38/47 (80.9 %), and 28/35 (80.0 %). Response at EGD-1 was significantly associated with histopathological response (p = 0.010), survival (p < 0.001), and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Interim endoscopy after 6 weeks predicts response and prognosis. Therefore, tailoring treatment according to interim endoscopic assessment could be feasible, but the findings of this study should be validated in a larger patient cohort.