Capecitabine and oxaliplatin in the preoperative multimodality treatment of rectal cancer: surgical end points from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial R-04

Preoperative Chemoradiation With VMAT-SIB in Rectal Cancer: A Phase II Study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)-simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) in preoperative combined treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer.

METHODS

Radiation therapy was performed using the VMAT-SIB technique. The dose to mesorectum and pelvic lymph nodes was 45 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction). A concomitant boost was delivered on GTV + 2-cm margin with a total dose of 57.5 Gy (2.3 Gy/fraction). The following concomitant chemotherapy was administered: capecitabine (825 mg/m² twice daily, 5 days per week) and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m² on days 1, 17, and 35). Efficacy was evaluated in terms of complete pathological response (pCR). Acute toxicities were evaluated according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients (7 women; median age 62 years; clinical stage: 4 local recurrences, 6 cT4, 5 cT3, 3 cT2, 2 cN0, 7 cN1, 9 cN2) were enrolled. Sixteen patients underwent surgical resection (9 low anterior resection, 6 abdominal perineal amputations; 1 transanal excision) and 2 patients did not undergo surgery for early metastatic progression or death from acute pulmonary edema. R0 resection was achieved in all patients who underwent surgery. Overall, 4 patients had a pCR and 7 patients only a microscopic residual of disease (pT0-Tmic: 11/18 = 61.1%; 95% CI, 36.2-86.1). Acute grade ≥ 3 toxicity was as follows: 1 case of leukopenia, 1 skin toxicity, 1 genitourinary toxicity, and 5 gastrointestinal toxicities, with an overall incidence of 8 (44.4%) of 18 patients. One-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative local control was 100%, 68.6%, and 68.6%, respectively. One-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative disease-free survival was 88.9%, 66.7%, and 66.7%, respectively. One-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative overall survival was 85%, 63.8%, and 63.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The regimen used in this study showed excellent results in terms of pathologic responses. However, despite the use of the VMAT technique, more than one-third of patients had severe acute toxicity.

A multicenter phase I study of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 and irinotecan for locally advanced lower rectal cancer (SAMRAI-1)

Background and purpose

Preoperative 5-fluorouracil-based chemoradiotherapy is a standard treatment for locally advanced lower rectal cancer (LALRC). We performed a phase I study to develop a new regimen combining irinotecan and S-1.

Materials and methods

Patients with LALRC (T3-4, N0-2) were studied. The radiation dose was 45 Gy in 25 fractions. S-1 (80 mg/m²/day) was administered on days 1–5, 8–12, 22–26, and 29–33. Irinotecan was administered on days 1, 8, 22, and 29. The dose of irinotecan was initially 60 mg/m² (level 1). Surgery was performed 6–10 weeks after the chemoradiotherapy.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled, of whom 18 patients were analyzed. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) did not occur in the first 3 patients treated with irinotecan at 80 mg/m² (level 2), but developed in 3 of the 6 patients who received irinotecan at 90 mg/m² (level 3). Then DLT occurred in 3 other patients at level 2. At level 2 or 3, DLT comprised neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and diarrhea. Level 2 was designated as the maximum tolerated dose, and level 1 as a recommended dose (RD). The pathological complete response rate was 28%, and the down-staging rate was 56%.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the RD of irinotecan when combined with preoperative S-1 and pelvic radiation was 60 mg/m².

Translation of Targeted Radiation Sensitizers into Clinical Trials

Over the past century, technologic advances have promoted the evolution of radiation therapy into a precise treatment modality allowing for the maximal administration of dose to tumors while sparing normal tissues. Coinciding with this technological maturation, systemic therapies have been combined with radiation in an effort to improve tumor control. Conventional cytotoxic agents have improved survival in several tumor types but cause increased toxicity due to effects on normal tissues. An increased understanding of tumor biology and the radiation response has led to the nomination of several pathways whose targeted inhibition has the potential to radiosensitize tumor cells with lesser effects on normal tissues. These pathways include those regulating the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, and mitogenic signaling. Few drugs targeting these pathways are in clinical practice, although many are in clinical trials. This review will describe the rationale for combining agents targeting these pathways with radiation, provide an overview of the current landscape in the clinical pipeline and attempt to outline the future steps.

Drug Combinations in Preoperative Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer

Preoperative radiotherapy has an accepted role in reducing the risk of local recurrence in locally advanced resectable rectal cancer, particularly when the circumferential resection margin is breached or threatened, according to magnetic resonance imaging. Fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiation can obtain a significant down-sizing response and a curative resection can then be achieved. Approximately, 20% of the patients can also obtain a pathological complete response, which is associated with less local recurrences and increased survival. Patients who achieve a sustained complete clinical response may also avoid radical surgery. In unresectable or borderline resectable tumors, around 20% of the patients still fail to achieve a sufficient down-staging response with the current chemoradiation schedules. Hence, investigators have aspired to increase pathological complete response rates, aiming to improve curative resection rates, enhance survival, and potentially avoid mutilating surgery. However, adding additional cytotoxic or biological agents have not produced dramatic improvements in outcome and often led to excess surgical morbidity and higher levels of acute toxicity, which effects on compliance and in the global efficacy of chemoradiation.

Phase 1 Study of Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy With Temozolomide and Capecitabine in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE

Preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with capecitabine is a standard treatment strategy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Temozolomide improves the survival of patients with glioblastoma with hypermethylated O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT); MGMT hypermethylation is one of the colorectal carcinogenesis pathways. We aimed to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and recommended dose (RD) of temolozomide in combination with capecitabine-based preoperative CRT for LARC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Radiation therapy was delivered with 45 Gy/25 daily fractions with coned-down boost of 5.4 Gy/3 fractions. Concurrent chemotherapy comprised fixed and escalated doses of capecitabine and temozolomide, respectively. The MGMT hypermethylation was evaluated in pretreatment tumor samples. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov with the number NCT01781403.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with LARC of cT3-4N0 or cTanyN1-2 were accrued. Dose level 3 was chosen as the RD because DLT was noticeably absent in 10 patients treated up to dose level 3. An additional 12 patients were recruited in this group. Grade III adverse events were noted, and pathologic complete response (pCR) was observed in 7 patients (31.8%); MGMT hypermethylation was detected in 16. The pCR rate was 37.5% and 16.7% in the hypermethylated and unmethylated MGMT groups, respectively (P=.616).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a tendency toward higher pCR rates in patients with hypermethylated MGMT. Future randomized studies are therefore warranted.

Irradiation of Very Locally Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Adjuvant therapy with chemoradiation or short-course radiation in addition to improvements in surgical technique has led to improved outcomes for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Local recurrence rates of less than 10% and 5-year survival rate of 60% or higher is expected. However, for patients with very locally advanced primary or locally recurrent disease in whom surgical resection is likely to be associated with incomplete resection, survival and disease control rates are poor and standard doses of adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation are relatively ineffective. Dose-escalation approaches with intraoperative radiation (IORT) have been explored in both the primary and recurrent setting. Although high-level evidence is lacking, available data suggest improvements in local and distant control leading to improved survival with IORT approaches. This review summarizes the evidence for dose-escalation approaches with IORT for patients with very locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer.

Advancing Techniques of Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer

Since the advent of radiation therapy for rectal cancer, there has been continual investigation of advancing technologies and techniques that allow for improved dose conformality to target structures while limiting irradiation of surrounding normal tissue. For locally advanced disease, intensity modulated and proton beam radiation therapy both provide more highly conformal treatment volumes that reduce dose to organs at risk, though the clinical benefit in terms of toxicity reduction is unclear. For early stage disease, endorectal contact therapy and high-dose rate brachytherapy may be a definitive treatment option for patients who are poor operative candidates or those with low-lying tumors that desire sphincter-preservation. Finally, there has been growing evidence that supports stereotactic body radiotherapy as a safe and effective salvage treatment for the minority of patients that locally recur following trimodality therapy for locally advanced disease. This review addresses these topics that remain areas of active clinical investigation.

Early results of multicenter phase II trial of perioperative oxaliplatin and capecitabine without radiotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer: CORONA I study

BACKGROUNDS

Perioperative introduction of developed chemotherapy into the treatment strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) may be a promising option. However, the most prevalent treatment for high-risk LARC remains preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in Western countries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A phase II trial was undertaken to evaluate safety and efficacy of perioperative XELOX without radiotherapy (RT) for patients with high-risk LARC. Patients received 4 cycles of XELOX before and after surgery, respectively. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival.

RESULTS

We enrolled 41 patients between June 2012 and April 2014. The completion rate of the preoperative XELOX was 90.3%. Twenty-nine patients (70.7%) could start postoperative XELOX, 15 of these patients (51.7%) completed 4 cycles. Allergic reaction to oxaliplatin was experienced by 5 patients (17.2%) during postoperative XELOX. One patient received additional RT after preoperative XELOX. Consequently, the remaining 40 patients underwent primary resection. Major complications occurred in 6 of 40 patients (15.0%). Pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 12.2%, and good tumor regression was exhibited in 31.7%. N down-staging (cN+ to ypN0) and T down-staging were detected in 56.7% and 52.5%, respectively. Clinical T4 tumor was a predictor of poor pathological response (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We could show the favorable pCR rate after preoperative XELOX alone. However, the T and N down-staging rate was likely to be insufficient. When tumor regression is essential for curative resection, the use of preoperative CRT is likely to be recommended. For patients with massive LN metastasis, the additional Bev to NAC might be a promising option.

The best timing for administering systemic chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

Over the past several decades, outcomes for patients with rectal cancer have improved considerably. However, several questions have emerged as survival times have lengthened and quality of life has improved for these patients. Currently patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are often recommended multimodality therapy with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (CT) and radiation followed by total mesorectal excision (TME), with consideration given to FOLFOX before chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Recently, Garcia-Aguilar and colleagues reported in Lancet Oncology that the addition of mFOLFOX6 administered between CRT and surgery affected the number of patients achieving pathologic complete response (pathCR), which is of great interest from the standpoint of pursuit of optimal timing of systemic CT delivery. This was a multicenter phase II study consisting of 4 sequential treatment groups of patients with LARC, and they reported that patients given higher number CT cycles between CRT and surgery achieved higher rates of pathCR than those given standard treatment. There was no association between response improvement and tumor progression, increased technical difficulty, or surgical complications. Ongoing phase III clinical trial further assessing this strategy might result in a paradigm shift.

RETRACTED: Robust Proton Pencil Beam Scanning Treatment Planning for Rectal Cancer Radiation Therapy

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted for failure to comply with the University of Pennsylvania's standards for publishing team-based research following a formal investigation by that institution.

Current topics in the multimodality treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer

The multimodality approach to the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer has evolved to include neoadjuvant radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy, total mesorectal excision and adjuvant fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. Though this broad strategy has yielded improvements in local control compared with historical data, overall survival remains largely unchanged. Current investigations focus on improving patient selection through new imaging modalities, improving surgical techniques, incorporating more aggressive systemic treatment regimens and the selective use of radiation. Here, we review emerging data regarding newer staging techniques, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, optimal timing of surgery, selective use of radiation and nonoperative approaches to the management of locally advanced rectal cancers.

Oxaliplatin-containing Preoperative Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Local Response, Toxicity and Long-term Outcome

AIMS

This non-randomised study was undertaken to examine oxaliplatin as possibly an intensifying component of sequential neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer for improved local and metastatic outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-seven patients (57 T2-3 cases, 40 T4 cases) received two cycles of the Nordic FLOX regimen (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) day 1 and bolus 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m(2) and folinic acid 100 mg days 1 and 2) before long-course chemoradiotherapy with concomitant oxaliplatin and capecitabine, followed by pelvic surgery. Treatment toxicity, local tumour response and long-term outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Good histologic tumour regression was obtained in 72% of patients. Implementing protocol-specific dose adjustments, tolerance was acceptable and 95% of patients received the total prescribed radiation dose. Estimated 5 year progression-free and overall survival were 61% and 83%, respectively. T4 stage was associated with an inferior local response rate, which again was highly associated with impaired long-term outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of rectal cancer patients dominated by T4 and advanced T3 cases given sequential oxaliplatin-containing preoperative therapy with acceptable toxicity, high tumour response rates and overall survival were obtained, consistent with both local and systemic effects. However, tumour response and long-term outcome remained inferior for a significant number of T4 cases, suggesting that the T4 entity is biologically heterogeneous with subgroups of patients eligible for further individualisation of therapy.

Definitive Chemoradiotherapy ("Watch-and-Wait" Approach)

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision has been the standard of care for locally advanced patients with rectal cancer. Some patients achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) to CRT and the oncologic outcomes are particularly favorable in this group. The role of surgery in patients with a pCR is now being questioned as radical rectal resection is associated with significant morbidity and long-term effects on quality of life. In an attempt to better tailor therapy, there is an interest in a "watch-and-wait" approach in patients who have a clinical complete response (cCR) after CRT with the goal of omitting surgery and allowing for organ preservation. However, a cCR does not always indicate a pCR, and improved clinical and imaging modalities are needed to better predict which patients have achieved a pCR and therefore can safely undergo a "watch-and-wait" approach. This article reviews the current data on nonoperative management and on-going controversies associated with this approach.

Phase I study of pre-operative continuous 5-FU and sorafenib with external radiation therapy in locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

The standard of care in locally advanced rectal cancer is preoperative treatment with fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy. Sorafenib works synergistically with radiation and inhibits Ras/Raf, PDFGR, and VEGFR. This phase I study evaluated the safety and efficacy of sorafenib with infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and radiation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with confirmed stage II or III rectal cancer were recruited in 4 cohorts of 3 patients per dose level, with an expansion cohort at the maximum tolerated dose. A 3+3 dose escalation design was used. Radiation was given in 28 fractions at 1.8 Gy (50.4 Gy) day 1-5 at all dose levels. Initial dose of sorafenib was 200mg qd and titrated up to 400mg BID to determine the MTD. Standard dose of infusional 5-FU was used (225 mg/m(2)/24h). Patients underwent surgery 6-10 weeks after neoadjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

Between August 2011 and August 2014, 17 patients (median age of 54 years) were enrolled. After toxicities requiring dose interruptions were observed in cohort 1 (2 patients with grade 2 (G2) and grade 3 (G3) hand foot skin reaction and 1 patient with G2 mucositis), the protocol was amended, changing administration of chemotherapy and sorafenib from daily to days 1-5 only. With the amended protocol, the primary G3 toxicity was hypertension in 2 patients at the 200-mg adjusted dose level (day1-5) and 1 patient at the 400-mg twice daily dose level. One patient had G3 ALT elevation at 400mg, and no grade IV toxicities were observed. G1 and G2 toxicities included hand-foot skin reaction, diarrhea, mucositis, nausea, fatigue, and proctitis. No perioperative complications were seen. Two patients refused to undergo surgery. The pathological complete remission (pCR) rate was 33%, and downstaging was observed in 85.7% of patients. Median neoadjuvant rectal cancer score was 8.7.

CONCLUSIONS

With the changed dosing schedule, this regimen was very well tolerated. The tumor pCR and downstaging rates are encouraging and support further clinical investigation of this regimen.

Fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy with or without oxaliplatin for stage II/III rectal cancer: a 3-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy has become the standard treatment for stage II/III rectal cancer. In order to improve the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), we added oxaliplatin to the standard treatment, and compared the effectiveness of these two treatment patterns.

METHODS

A total of 206 patients enrolled in the prospective study had histologically confirmed rectal cancer of clinical stage II/III during July 2007 to July 2010. They were randomized into the experimental group received oxaliplatin and capecitabine in combination with radiotherapy, and the control group received capecitabine in combination with radiotherapy. All patients received surgery in 6-10 weeks after chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6. The primary endpoints were DFS and OS, and the secondary endpoints included toxicity, compliance, and histopathological response.

RESULTS

The 3-year OS in the experimental group and the control group was 90.29% vs. 86.41% (P>0.05), and the 3-year DFS was 80.58% vs. 69.90% (P>0.05). The pathological complete remission (pCR) rates were 23.30% and 19.42%, respectively (P=0.497). The 3-year local recurrence rates were 4.85% vs. 5.83% (P=0.694), and the 3-year distant metastasis rates were 16.50% and 28.16%, respectively (P=0.045). There were no significant differences in most grade 3-4 toxicities between two groups, however, grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 16.50% (17/103) of the experimental group, compared with 6.80% (7/103) of the control group (P=0.030). Also, the total grade 3-4 acute toxicity showed a significant difference (10.68% vs. 21.36%, P=0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental treatment did not lead significantly improved OS and DFS, and thus longer follow-up is warranted for our patient cohort. Adding oxaliplatin to capecitabine-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy can significantly reduce metastasis, but has only minimal impact on local recurrence. Although grade 3-4 toxicity rate increased (primarily gastrointestinal toxicity), patients can stand to be followed up with allopathic treatment.

Multimodal Rectal Cancer Treatment: In Some Cases, Less May Be More

A series of clinical trials in the last several decades has resulted in the development of multimodality treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer that includes neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemoradiotherapy, total mesorectal excision, and postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Owing to this regimen, patients with locally advanced rectal cancer have better survival rates than patients with colon cancer, but at the cost of substantial morbidity and reduced quality of life. The challenge is to identify treatment approaches that maintain or even improve oncologic outcomes while preserving quality of life. We have identified different tumor characteristics that are associated with recurrence and probability of survival for locally advanced rectal cancer. This risk stratification, based on baseline clinical staging and tumor response to chemoradiotherapy, has led us to question whether all patients with locally advanced rectal cancer require every component of the multimodal regimen. In this article, we will review recent evidence that some patients with locally advanced rectal cancer can be spared one or more treatment modalities without compromising long-term oncologic outcomes and while preserving quality of life.

Pilot Study of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy with Three Cycles of 5-Fluorouracil Plus Leucovorin for Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with total mesorectal excision is the main treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, because distant metastasis remains the major challenge in the management of LARC, we proposed an additional one cycle of chemotherapy before surgery to improve systemic control.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-eight patients with clinical stage II and III rectal cancer were enrolled at Kyungpook National University Medical Center (Daegu, Korea) between January 2011 and December 2013 and were considered the study group. In addition, 160 patients were retrospectively reviewed as the historical control group. All the patients underwent total mesorectal excision at 8 weeks after completing the radiotherapy and receiving a total of six cycles of 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin.

RESULTS

Overall, 155 (96.9%) of the 168 patients completed their planned six cycles of study treatment. Dose modification at any cycle was observed in 18 patients (10.7%). The grade 3 to 4 treatment-related toxicity rate was 27.3%, and the most common grade 3 to 4 hematologic adverse event was neutropenia. With a median follow-up duration of 38 months, the estimated 3-year disease-free survival and OS rates were 79.5 and 86.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding one cycle of chemotherapy during the resting period between chemoradiotherapy and surgery was found to be feasible in patients with LARC in terms of the chemotherapy-related adverse events and postoperative complications. These results warrant further investigation in future prospective randomized trials.

Widespread lymph node recurrence of major duodenal papilla cancer following pancreaticoduodenectomy

Major duodenal papilla cancer (MDPC) represents the primary type of duodenal cancer, and is typically considered a periampullary carcinoma as most tumors arise in this region. This report describes an extremely rare case involving a patient with rapidly and extensively recurrent MDPC following pancreaticoduodenectomy, who achieved complete response by concurrent image-guided radiation and intravenous oxaliplatin plus oral capecitabine therapies. The patient was a 50-year-old female who was admitted to our hospital 6 wk after resection for MDPC for evaluation of a nontender and enlarged node in the left side of her neck. After clinical work-up, the patient was diagnosed with postoperatively recurrent MDPC with widespread lymph node metastases at the bilateral cervix, mediastinum, abdominal cavity, and retroperitoneal area. She was administered whole field image-guided radiation therapy along with four cycles of the intravenous oxaliplatin plus oral capecitabine regimen. A complete response by positron emission tomography with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose was observed 4 months after treatment. The patient continues to be disease-free 2 years after the diagnosis of recurrence.

Optimal therapy for resectable rectal cancer

A lot can be gained by improving our understanding of the optimal sequence of existing therapies in rectal cancer, with the more difficult task of balancing the morbidity of recurrence with the morbidity of prescribed therapies that are particularly toxic owing to tumour location. This review aims to highlight a recent shift in treatment strategies in the opposite direction, with a focus on earlier, more intense systemic treatments with reduced local therapies. Understanding the rationale for and evidence to support this shift will help identify gaps, shape future trials, and ultimately answer the question of whether this is indeed the right path to follow with regards to maintaining local control rates and long-term outcomes for patients, and improving distal disease control and local treatment-related morbidities without compromising quality of life.

Organ preservation for clinical T2N0 distal rectal cancer using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and local excision (ACOSOG Z6041): results of an open-label, single-arm, multi-institutional, phase 2 trial

Background

Local excision is an organ-preserving treatment alternative for patients with stage I rectal cancer. However, local excision alone is associated with a high risk of local recurrence and inferior survival compared to transabdominal rectal resection. Here we investigate the oncologic and functional outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and local excision for T2N0 rectal cancer.

Methods

This was a prospective, multi-institutional, single arm phase 2 trial for patients with clinically-staged T2N0 distal rectal cancer, treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy consisting of capecitabine (original dose 825mg/m², twice daily, on days 1-14 and 22-35) , oxaliplatin (50mg/m² weeks 1, 2, 4, 5), and radiation (5 days/week at 1.8 Gy/day for 5 weeks to a dose of 45 Gy, then a boost, for a total dose of 54 Gy) followed by local excision. Due to adverse events during chemoradiotherapy, the dose of capecitabine was reduced to 725 mg /m², twice daily, 5 days/week, for 5 weeks, and the total dose of radiation to 50.4 Gy. Patients were followed at scheduled intervals and evaluated for recurrence and survival. Anorectal function (ARF) and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and one year after surgery, using validated instruments. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival for all eligible patients and for patients who completed chemotherapy and radiation, and had ypT0, ypT1, or ypT2 tumors, and negative resection margins. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00114231.

Findings

Seventy-nine eligible patients were accrued to the trial, and started nCRT. Three patients did not complete nCRT or LE per-protocol. Four additional patients completed protocol treatment, but one had a positive margin and three had ypT3 tumours. Median follow-up was 56 months. Of the 79 patients, five (6%) developed distant recurrence, and three (4%) recurred locally. All but two underwent salvage surgery. Three-year disease-free survival and overall survival for the entire group were 88% (0.88 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.96) and 95% (95% CI: 0.90, 1.00), respectively. Overall 14 (29%) of 79 patients had grade 3-4 gastrointestinal adverse events, 12 (16%) of 79 patients had grade 3-4 pain as an adverse event, 12 (16%) of 79 patients had grade 3-4 hematological adverse events, and 9 (11%) of 79 patients had grade 3 dermatologic adverse events during chemoradiation. Six (8%) of the 77 patients who had surgery had grade 3 pain, 3(4%) of 77 patients had grade 3-4 hemorrhage, 3 (4%) of 77 patients had gastrointestinal adverse events, 2 (3%) of 77 patients had infectious/febrile neutropenia, 2 (3%) of 77 patients had hematological adverse events, and one (1%) had neurological adverse events. The rectum was preserved in 72 of the 79 (91%) patients. ARF and QOL were unchanged one year after surgery compared to baseline.

Interpretation

Most patients with T2N0 rectal cancer treated with nCRT and LE achieved organ preservation without deterioration of their quality of life. The estimated 3-year DFS rate was within the defined margin of efficacy. Our data suggest that nCRT followed by LE may be considered as an organ-preserving alternative in carefully selected patients with clinically-staged T2N0 tumours who refuse, or are not candidates for, transabdominal resection.

Combination chemotherapy versus single-agent chemotherapy during preoperative chemoradiation for resectable rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer represents 10% of all cancers and is the third most common cause of death in women and men. Almost two-thirds of all bowel cancers are cancers of the colon and over one-third (34%) are cancers of the rectum, including the anus. Surgery is the cornerstone for curative treatment of rectal cancer. Mesorectal excision decreases the rate of local recurrences; however, it does not improve the overall survival of people with locally advanced rectal cancer. There have been significant research efforts since the mid-1990s to optimise the treatment of rectal cancer. Based on the findings of clinical trials, people with T3/T4 or N+ rectal tumours are now being treated preoperatively with radiation and chemotherapy, mainly fluoropyrimidine. However, the incidence of distant metastases remains as high as 30%. Combination chemotherapy regimens, similar to those used in metastatic disease with the addition of oxaliplatin and irinotecan, have been tested to improve the prognosis of people with rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To compare outcomes (including overall survival, disease-free survival and toxicity) between two 5-fluorouracil-containing chemotherapy regimens in people with stage II and III rectal cancer who are receiving preoperative chemoradiation.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group Specialised Register (January 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2015, Issue 1), Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to January 2015), Ovid EMBASE (1974 to January 2015) and LILACS (1982 to January 2015). We reviewed the reference lists of included studies, checked clinical trials registers and handsearched relevant journal proceedings. We applied no language or publication restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing single-agent chemotherapy (fluoropyrimidine) versus combination chemotherapy (fluoropyrimidine plus another agent including, but not limited to, oxaliplatin) during preoperative radiochemotherapy in people with resectable rectal cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors (HMR, EMKS) independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. When necessary, we requested additional information and clarification of published data from the authors of individual trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four RCTs involving 3875 people with resectable rectal cancer. In the preoperative period, the participants of these studies were randomised to receive chemoradiation either with a single fluoropyrimidine agent (capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil) or with a combination of drugs (fluoropyrimidine plus oxaliplatin). The only study that reported overall survival and disease-free survival found no significant differences between the intervention and control groups; we considered this evidence very low quality. For pathological complete response after preoperative treatment (ypCR) there was high quality evidence favouring the intervention group (odds ratio (OR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 1.46), but there was also moderate quality evidence suggesting a higher risk for early toxicity in the intervention group (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.27). Moderate to high quality evidence suggested that the control group had better compliance to radiotherapy (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.75). There were no significant differences between groups in postoperative mortality within 60 days, postoperative morbidity, resection margins, abdominoperineal resection and Hartmann procedures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There was very low quality evidence that people with resectable rectal cancer who receive combination preoperative chemotherapy have no improvements in overall survival or disease-free survival. There was high quality evidence that suggested that combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin may improve local tumour control in people with resectable rectal cancer, but this regimen also caused more toxicity. The review included four RCTs but only one reported survival; therefore, we cannot make robust conclusions or useful clinical recommendations. The publication of more survival data from these studies will contribute to future analyses.

Neoadjuvant 5-FU or Capecitabine Plus Radiation With or Without Oxaliplatin in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project R-04 was designed to determine whether the oral fluoropyrimidine capecitabine could be substituted for continuous infusion 5-FU in the curative setting of stage II/III rectal cancer during neoadjuvant radiation therapy and whether the addition of oxaliplatin could further enhance the activity of fluoropyrimidine-sensitized radiation.

METHODS

Patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer undergoing preoperative radiation were randomly assigned to one of four chemotherapy regimens in a 2x2 design: CVI 5-FU or oral capecitabine with or without oxaliplatin. The primary endpoint was local-regional tumor control. Time-to-event endpoint distributions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Among 1608 randomized patients there were no statistically significant differences between regimens using 5-FU vs capecitabine in three-year local-regional tumor event rates (11.2% vs 11.8%), 5-year DFS (66.4% vs 67.7%), or 5-year OS (79.9% vs 80.8%); or for oxaliplatin vs no oxaliplatin for the three endpoints of local-regional events, DFS, and OS (11.2% vs 12.1%, 69.2% vs 64.2%, and 81.3% vs 79.0%). The addition of oxaliplatin was associated with statistically significantly more overall and grade 3-4 diarrhea (P < .0001). Three-year rates of local-regional recurrence among patients who underwent R0 resection ranged from 3.1 to 5.1% depending on the study arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous infusion 5-FU produced outcomes for local-regional control, DFS, and OS similar to those obtained with oral capecitabine combined with radiation. This study establishes capecitabine as a standard of care in the pre-operative rectal setting. Oxaliplatin did not improve the local-regional failure rate, DFS, or OS for any patient risk group but did add considerable toxicity.

Molecular phenotypes of colorectal cancer and potential clinical applications

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease, arising from many possible etiological pathways. This heterogeneity can have important implications for CRC prognosis and clinical management. Epidemiological studies of CRC risk and prognosis—as well as clinical trials for the treatment of CRC—must therefore be sensitive to the molecular phenotype of colorectal tumors in patients under study. In this review, we describe four tumor markers that have been widely studied as reflections of CRC heterogeneity: (i) microsatellite instability (MSI) or DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, (ii) the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and somatic mutations in (iii) BRAF and (iv) KRAS. These tumor markers have been used to better characterize CRC epidemiology and, increasingly, may be used to guide clinical decision-making. Going beyond these traditional tumor markers, we also briefly review some more novel markers likely to be of clinical significance. Lastly, recognizing that none of these individual tumor markers are isolated attributes but, rather, a reflection of broader tumor phenotypes, we review some of the hypothesized etiological pathways of CRC development and their associated clinical differences.

NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0822: A Phase 2 Study of Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy Using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in Combination With Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin for Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rate of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity of neoadjuvant chemoradiation with capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in cT3-4 rectal cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with localized, nonmetastatic T3 or T4 rectal cancer <12 cm from the anal verge were enrolled in a prospective, multi-institutional, single-arm study of preoperative chemoradiation. Patients received 45 Gy with IMRT in 25 fractions, followed by a 3-dimensional conformal boost of 5.4 Gy in 3 fractions with concurrent capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CAPOX). Surgery was performed 4 to 8 weeks after the completion of therapy. Patients were recommended to receive FOLFOX chemotherapy after surgery. The primary endpoint of the study was acute grade 2 to 5 GI toxicity. Seventy-one patients provided 80% probability to detect at least a 12% reduction in the specified GI toxicity with the treatment of CAPOX and IMRT, at a significance level of .10 (1-sided).

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were accrued, of whom 68 were evaluable. Sixty-one patients (89.7%) had cT3 disease, and 37 (54.4%) had cN (+) disease. Postoperative chemotherapy was given to 42 of 68 patients. Fifty-eight patients had target contours drawn per protocol, 5 patients with acceptable variation, and 5 patients with unacceptable variations. Thirty-five patients (51.5%) experienced grade ≥ 2 GI toxicity, 12 patients (17.6%) experienced grade 3 or 4 diarrhea, and pCR was achieved in 10 patients (14.7%). With a median follow-up time of 3.98 years, the 4-year rate of locoregional failure was 7.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0%-13.7%). The 4-year rates of OS and DFS were 82.9% (95% CI: 70.1%-90.6%) and 60.6% (95% CI: 47.5%-71.4%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The use of IMRT in neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer did not reduce the rate of GI toxicity.

Neoadjuvant Rectal (NAR) Score: a New Surrogate Endpoint in Rectal Cancer Clinical Trials

The conduct of clinical trials in colorectal cancer has historically relied upon endpoints such as disease-free (DFS) or overall survival (OS). While ideal, these endpoints require long-term follow-up, thus contributing to a slow pace of scientific progress in clinical research. Identification of short-term endpoints to serve as surrogates for DFS and OS would enable more rapid determination of success or failure of an experimental intervention and thus facilitate more scientific discovery and progress leading to clinical practice improvements. In rectal cancer clinical trials, there have been few validated alternatives to DFS and OS, including pathologic complete response (ypCR). The neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score was developed as a composite short-term endpoint for clinical trials involving neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. The NAR score is based upon variables routinely collected and available to clinical investigators during the conduct of prospective studies. Based upon two independent validation datasets, the NAR score predicts OS in rectal cancer clinical trials better than ypCR. While final dataset validation is ongoing, the NAR score offers an opportunity to incorporate a novel surrogate endpoint into early phase rectal cancer clinical trials.

Clinical parameters predicting pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

Introduction

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), followed by total mesorectal excision, has become the standard of care for patients with clinical stages II and III rectal cancer. Patients with pathologic complete response (pCR) to preoperative CRT have been reported to have better outcomes than those without pCR. However, the factors that predict the response to neoadjuvant CRT have not been well defined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of clinical parameters on the development of pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 323 consecutive patients from a single institution who had clinical stage II or III rectal cancer and underwent a long-course neoadjuvant CRT, followed by curative surgery, between 2005 and 2013 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to their responses to neoadjuvant therapy: the pCR and non-pCR groups. The clinical parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses, with pCR as the dependent variable.

Results

Of the 323 patients, 75 (23.2%) achieved pCR. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, body mass index, tumor stage, tumor location, tumor differentiation, radiation dose, and chemotherapy regimen. On multivariate analysis, a pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of ≤5 ng/mL [odds ratio (OR) = 2.170, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.195–3.939, P = 0.011] and an interval of >7 weeks between the completion of chemoradiation and surgical resection (OR = 2.588, 95% CI = 1.484–4.512, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased rate of pCR.

Conclusions

The pretreatment CEA level and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy-surgery interval were independent clinical predictors for achieving pCR. These results may help clinicians predict the prognosis of patients and develop adaptive treatment strategies.

Is more not better?: combination therapies in colorectal cancer treatment

The treatment of colorectal cancer has evolved dramatically in recent years with the availability of new chemotherapeutic agents and inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor- and epidermal growth factor-signaling pathways. The incremental benefit of each individual line of therapy for advanced disease is relatively small. Advances in our ability to select patients should improve the cost-effectiveness of our treatment strategies (avoiding unnecessary toxicity in the patients who are unlikely to benefit and accepting the potential for adverse events in the patients who stand to benefit the most from a given regimen).

Accuracy of computed tomography in nodal staging of colon cancer patients

AIM

To predict node-positive disease in colon cancer using computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I-III colon cancer patients who underwent curavtive-intent colectomy between 2007-2010 were identified at a single comprehensive cancer center. All patients had preoperative CT scans with original radiology reports from referring institutions. CT images underwent blinded secondary review by a surgeon and a dedicated abdominal radiologist at our institution to identify pericolonic lymph nodes (LNs). Comparison of outside CT reports to our independent imaging review was performed in order to highlight differences in detection in actual clinical practice. CT reviews were compared with final pathology. Results of the outside radiologist review, secondary radiologist review, and surgeon review were compared with the final pathologic exam to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, false positive and negative rates, and accuracy of each review. Exclusion criteria included evidence of metastatic disease on CT, rectal or appendiceal involvement, or absence of accompanying imaging from referring institutions.

RESULTS

From 2007 to 2010, 64 stageI-III colon cancer patients met the eligibility criteria of our study. The mean age of the cohort was 68 years, and 26 (41%) patients were male and 38 (59%) patients were female. On final pathology, 26 of 64 (40.6%) patients had node-positive (LN+) disease and 38 of 64 (59.4%) patients had node-negative (LN-) disease. Outside radiologic review demonstrated sensitivity of 54% (14 of 26 patients) and specificity of 66% (25 of 38 patients) in predicting LN+ disease, whereas secondary radiologist review demonstrated 88% (23 of 26) sensitivity and 58% (22 of 38) specificity. On surgeon review, sensitivity was 69% (18 of 26) with 66% specificity (25 of 38). Secondary radiology review demonstrated the highest accuracy (70%) and the lowest false negative rate (12%), compared to the surgeon review at 67% accuracy and 31% false negative rate and the outside radiology review at 61% accuracy and 46% false negative rate.

CONCLUSION

CT LN staging of colon cancer has moderate accuracy, with administration of NCT based on CT potentially resulting in overtreatment. Active search for LN+ may improve sensitivity at the cost of specificity.

Early increase in circulating carbonic anhydrase IX during neoadjuvant treatment predicts favourable outcome in locally advanced rectal cancer

Background

Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) comprises heterogeneous tumours with predominant hypoxic components. The hypoxia-inducible metabolic shift causes microenvironmental acidification generated by carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and facilitates metastatic progression, the dominant cause of failure in LARC.

Methods

Using a commercially available immunoassay, circulating CAIX was assessed in prospectively archived serial serum samples collected during combined-modality neoadjuvant treatment of LARC patients and correlated to histologic tumour response and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Patients who from their individual baseline level displayed serum CAIX increase above a threshold of 224 pg/ml (with 96 % specificity and 39 % sensitivity) after completion of short-course neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) prior to long-course chemoradiotherapy and definitive surgery had significantly better 5-year PFS (94 %) than patients with below-threshold post-NACT versus baseline alteration (PFS rate of 56 %; p < 0.01). This particular CAIX parameter, ΔNACT, was significantly correlated with histologic ypT0–2 and ypN0 outcome (p < 0.01) and remained an independent PFS predictor in multivariate analysis wherein it was entered as continuous variable (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that low ΔNACT, i.e., a weak increase in serum CAIX level following initial neoadjuvant treatment (in this case two cycles of the Nordic FLOX regimen), might be used as risk-adapted stratification to postoperative therapy or other modes of intensification of the combined-modality protocol in LARC.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00278694

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1557-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Oxaliplatin added to fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy of locally advanced rectal cancer (the German CAO/ARO/AIO-04 study): final results of the multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with infusional fluorouracil, total mesorectal excision surgery, and postoperative chemotherapy with fluorouracil was established by the German CAO/ARO/AIO-94 trial as a standard combined modality treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Here we compare the previously established regimen with an investigational regimen in which oxaliplatin was added to both preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy.

METHODS

In this multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 study we randomly assigned patients with rectal adenocarcinoma, clinically staged as cT3-4 or any node-positive disease, to two groups: a control group receiving standard fluorouracil-based combined modality treatment, consisting of preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy in 28 fractions plus infusional fluorouracil (1000 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 29-33), followed by surgery and four cycles of bolus fluorouracil (500 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 29); or to an investigational group receiving preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy in 28 fractions plus infusional fluorouracil (250 mg/m(2) on days 1-14 and 22-35) and oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 22, and 29), followed by surgery and eight cycles of oxaliplatin (100 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15), leucovorin (400 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15), and infusional fluorouracil (2400 mg/m(2) on days 1-2 and 15-16). Randomisation was done with computer-generated block-randomisation codes stratified by centre, clinical T category (cT1-3 vs cT4), and clinical N category (cN0 vs cN1-2) without masking. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival, defined as the time between randomisation and non-radical surgery of the primary tumour (R2 resection), locoregional recurrence after R0/1 resection, metastatic disease or progression, or death from any cause, whichever occurred first. Survival and cumulative incidence of recurrence analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle; toxicity analyses included all patients treated. Enrolment of patients in this trial is completed and follow-up is ongoing. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00349076.

FINDINGS

Of the 1265 patients initially enrolled, 1236 were assessable (613 in the investigational group and 623 in the control group). With a median follow-up of 50 months (IQR 38-61), disease-free survival at 3 years was 75·9% (95% CI 72·4-79·5) in the investigational group and 71·2% (95% CI 67·6-74·9) in the control group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·79, 95% CI 0·64-0·98; p=0·03). Preoperative grade 3-4 toxic effects occurred in 144 (24%) of 607 patients who actually received fluorouracil and oxaliplatin during chemoradiotherapy and in 128 (20%) of 625 patients who actually received fluorouracil chemoradiotherapy. Of 445 patients who actually received adjuvant fluorouracil and leucovorin and oxaliplatin, 158 (36%) had grade 3-4 toxic effects, as did 170 (36%) of 470 patients who actually received adjuvant fluorouracil. Late grade 3-4 adverse events in patients who received protocol-specified preoperative and postoperative treatment occurred in 112 (25%) of 445 patients in the investigational group, and in 100 (21%) of 470 patients in the control group.

INTERPRETATION

Adding oxaliplatin to fluorouracil-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy (at the doses and intensities used in this trial) significantly improved disease-free survival of patients with clinically staged cT3-4 or cN1-2 rectal cancer compared with our former fluorouracil-based combined modality regimen (based on CAO/ARO/AIO-94). The regimen established by CAO/ARO/AIO-04 can be deemed a new treatment option for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

FUNDING

German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe).

Effect of adding mFOLFOX6 after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer: a multicentre, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who achieve a pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation have an improved prognosis. The need for surgery in these patients has been questioned, but the proportion of patients achieving a pathological complete response is small. We aimed to assess whether adding cycles of mFOLFOX6 between chemoradiation and surgery increased the proportion of patients achieving a pathological complete response.

METHODS

We did a phase 2, non-randomised trial consisting of four sequential study groups of patients with stage II-III locally advanced rectal cancer at 17 institutions in the USA and Canada. All patients received chemoradiation (fluorouracil 225 mg/m(2) per day by continuous infusion throughout radiotherapy, and 45·0 Gy in 25 fractions, 5 days per week for 5 weeks, followed by a minimum boost of 5·4 Gy). Patients in group 1 had total mesorectal excision 6-8 weeks after chemoradiation. Patients in groups 2-4 received two, four, or six cycles of mFOLFOX6, respectively, between chemoradiation and total mesorectal excision. Each cycle of mFOLFOX6 consisted of racemic leucovorin 200 mg/m(2) or 400 mg/m(2), according to the discretion of the treating investigator, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) in a 2-h infusion, bolus fluorouracil 400 mg/m(2) on day 1, and a 46-h infusion of fluorouracil 2400 mg/m(2). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a pathological complete response, analysed by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00335816.

FINDINGS

Between March 24, 2004, and Nov 16, 2012, 292 patients were registered, 259 of whom (60 in group 1, 67 in group 2, 67 in group 3, and 65 in group 4) met criteria for analysis. 11 (18%, 95% CI 10-30) of 60 patients in group 1, 17 (25%, 16-37) of 67 in group 2, 20 (30%, 19-42) of 67 in group 3, and 25 (38%, 27-51) of 65 in group 4 achieved a pathological complete response (p=0·0036). Study group was independently associated with pathological complete response (group 4 compared with group 1 odds ratio 3·49, 95% CI 1·39-8·75; p=0·011). In group 2, two (3%) of 67 patients had grade 3 adverse events associated with the neoadjuvant administration of mFOLFOX6 and one (1%) had a grade 4 adverse event; in group 3, 12 (18%) of 67 patients had grade 3 adverse events; in group 4, 18 (28%) of 65 patients had grade 3 adverse events and five (8%) had grade 4 adverse events. The most common grade 3 or higher adverse events associated with the neoadjuvant administration of mFOLFOX6 across groups 2-4 were neutropenia (five in group 3 and six in group 4) and lymphopenia (three in group 3 and four in group 4). Across all study groups, 25 grade 3 or worse surgery-related complications occurred (ten in group 1, five in group 2, three in group 3, and seven in group 4); the most common were pelvic abscesses (seven patients) and anastomotic leaks (seven patients).

INTERPRETATION

Delivery of mFOLFOX6 after chemoradiation and before total mesorectal excision has the potential to increase the proportion of patients eligible for less invasive treatment strategies; this strategy is being tested in phase 3 clinical trials.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute.

Neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review

We reviewed the history and the current status of neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) in Western countries and Japan. The introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) and preoperative radiotherapy (RT) were treatment revolutions that resulted in improved local control after curative resection for rectal cancer. However, local relapses still occur, even in the era of TME, and remain a cause of recurrence worldwide. The high rate of distant metastasis after curative resection remains a problem. Furthermore, the introduction of newly developed cytotoxic agents into the LARC treatment strategy continues to be an ongoing challenge. Shifting part of an adjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) regimen to the preoperative period is a promising strategy. Currently, various novel methods, such as induction CTx, consolidation CTx, concomitant administration with RT, and neoadjuvant CTx without RT, have been attempted worldwide. Although some strategies have shown favorable short-term outcomes, the long-term efficacy of the treatments needs be evaluated. At the same time, we must investigate clinical and/or molecular biomarkers to predict the therapeutic effects of each treatment, which is the fastest route to providing ideal personalized therapy for patients with LARC.

The Globalization of Cooperative Groups

The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-supported adult cooperative oncology research groups (now officially Network groups) have a longstanding history of participating in international collaborations throughout the world. Most frequently, the US-based cooperative groups work reciprocally with the Canadian national adult cancer clinical trial group, NCIC CTG (previously the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group). Thus, Canada is the largest contributor to cooperative groups based in the United States, and vice versa. Although international collaborations have many benefits, they are most frequently utilized to enhance patient accrual to large phase III trials originating in the United States or Canada. Within the cooperative group setting, adequate attention has not been given to the study of cancers that are unique to countries outside the United States and Canada, such as those frequently associated with infections in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Global collaborations are limited by a number of barriers, some of which are unique to the countries involved, while others are related to financial support and to US policies that restrict drug distribution outside the United States. This article serves to detail the cooperative group experience in international research and describe how international collaboration in cancer clinical trials is a promising and important area that requires greater consideration in the future.

Predictors of Pathologic Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) for rectal cancer is associated with better long-term outcomes, and is used as an early indicator of response to novel agents. To assess the rate and predictors of pCR, we performed a retrospective multicenter study involving 5 Canadian cancer centers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cancer registries identified consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, and the Dr H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre who received fluoropyrimidine-based CRT and had curative intent surgery from 2005 to 2012. Patient, tumor, and therapy characteristics were correlated with response.

RESULTS

Of the 891 patients included, 885 patients had pCR data available. Of the included patients, 161 (18.2%) had a pCR to CRT, and 724 (81.8%) did not. Patients with a pCR had a lower pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and higher hemoglobin level in univariate analysis. In multivariable analysis, statin use at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-2.92; P = .04), lower pretreatment CEA level (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P = .03), and distance closer to anal verge (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15; P = .04) were significant predictors of pCR. The 3-year disease-free survival was 86% in those with a pCR versus 62.5% in those without a pCR (P < .0001) and pCR was associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.17-0.51; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Lower pretreatment CEA level, proximity to anal verge, and statin use are predictors of pCR in our large retrospective cohort. Clinical trials to investigate statins combined with neoadjuvant CRT might be warranted.

Multidisciplinary Management of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer--An Evolving Landscape?

For many years, the multidisciplinary approach of neoadjuvant radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision and adjuvant fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy has remained the accepted standard management for locally advanced rectal cancers. Over this time period, many new systemic treatment options have become available, including: additional chemotherapeutic agents (oxaliplatin) and targeted therapies (vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors), which can be added to neoadjuvant and adjuvant regimens or given in combination with radiotherapy as radio-sensitizing agents. Here we review the current literature, examining emerging data related to the impact of multiple modifications to the standard approach, including the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the addition of new agents to standard chemoradiation, and postoperative fluoropyrimidine-based treatment, the optimal timing of surgery, and nonoperative approaches to the management of locally advanced rectal cancers.

A perspective on the current treatment strategies for locally advanced rectal cancer

The introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) and preoperative multimodality treatment have substantially improved the management of rectal cancer reducing local recurrence and increasing sphincter-saving surgery; distant metastases however remain a clinical challenge. Besides, although surgery remains the mainstay for cure of rectal cancer with the multimodality approach (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery) being the standard of care for the majority of rectal cancer patients, there is a need of individualized risk-adapted treatment schemes based on clinico-pathological features because of treatment-induced morbidity and quality of life deterioration. This short viewpoint describes the emerging strategies addressing all these issues.

Capecitabine-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis under neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced colorectal cancer

We describe a case of capecitabine-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis in a patient with locally advanced rectal cancer under curative neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation using capecitabine. After 5 days of the initiation of capecitabine the patient developed a pruritic maculopapular rash in her extremities consistent with vasculitis which was confirmed on skin biopsy without any signs of systemic involvement. Capecitabine was held and the rash was treated with topical steroids with complete resolution of both rash and pruritus. Due to a lack of other alternative chemotherapeutic options and the cutaneous-only involvement of vasculitis, the capecitabine was re-introduced. Two days later, the patient developed an identical maculopapular rash with a similar distribution. Prednisone was initiated while the capecitabine was continued with complete resolution of the rash. The patient successfully completed her curative neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy treatment without the need to permanently discontinue the capecitabine.

Advances and challenges in treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer

Dramatic improvements in the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer have occurred over the past 30 years. Advances in surgical pathology, refinements in surgical techniques and instrumentation, new imaging modalities, and the widespread use of neoadjuvant therapy have all contributed to these improvements. Several questions emerge as we learn of the benefits or lack thereof for components of the current multimodality treatment in subgroups of patients with nonmetastatic locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). What is the optimal surgical technique for distal rectal cancers? Do all patients need postoperative chemotherapy? Do all patients need radiation? Do all patients need surgery, or is a nonoperative, organ-preserving approach warranted in selected patients? Answering these questions will lead to more precise treatment regimens, based on patient and tumor characteristics, that will improve outcomes while preserving quality of life. However, the idea of shifting the treatment paradigm (chemoradiotherapy, total mesorectal excision, and adjuvant therapy) currently applied to all patients with LARC to a more individually tailored approach is controversial. The paradigm shift toward organ preservation in highly selected patients whose tumors demonstrate clinical complete response to neoadjuvant treatment is also controversial. Herein, we highlight many of the advances and resultant controversies that are likely to dominate the research agenda for LARC in the modern era.

Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine for locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

We previously conducted a prospective phase II clinical trial studying a unique 22-fraction neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine treatment followed by total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the efficacy, toxicity, and surgical complications following intensity-modulated radiotherapy in patients who have rectal cancer.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING

Data were gathered from a surgical database.

PATIENTS

This study included patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy with gross tumor volume/clinical target volume of 50.6/41.8 Gy in 22 fractions with concurrent capecitabine treatment over a period of 30 days, after which the patients underwent surgery for rectal cancer in Peking University Cancer Hospital (2007-2013).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end points were acute toxicity, postoperative complications, and complete response rate.

RESULTS

A total of 260 patients were included in our analysis. The median age was 55 years (range, 21-87 years), and 68.5% of the patients were male. The yield complete response rate was 18.5% (48/260). There were no grade 4 toxicity and perioperative mortality. The grade 3 toxicity rate was 5.8%, which included diarrhea (4.2%), neutropenia (1.2%), and radiation dermatitis (0.4%). The 30-day postoperative and severe complication (≥grade 3) rates were 23.1% and 2.7%. The anastomotic leakage rate was 3.3% (5/152). Perineal wound complications (29.2%, 28/96) represented the most common problem following abdominoperineal resection. The estimated 3-year local recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival rates were 94.2% (95% CI, 90.1%-98.3%), 92.2% (95% CI, 87.5%-97.0%), and 81.4% (95% CI, 75.4%-87.4%).

LIMITATION

The retrospective nature and the single-arm design was the limitation of the study.

CONCLUSION

The 22-fraction neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy regimen used to treat rectal cancer in this study has a high efficacy rate and a low toxicity rate. Further studies are needed to better define the role of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for rectal cancer treatment in a neoadjuvant setting.

How can we determine the best neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimen for rectal cancer?

SUMMARY 

The current management of patients with clinically defined ‘locally advanced rectal cancer’ often involves fluoropyrimidine-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision. The focus remains primarily on reducing local recurrence, and improving survival, with organ preservation an increasing target. The best neoadjuvant CRT is the most effective regimen, balanced against the tolerability and late functional consequences, which should be selected for the individual according to their individual risk of local and distant recurrence. Hence, what makes the best neoadjuvant treatment depends on the activity and toxicity of the particular schedule, the aims of treatment, the individual disease characteristics and the individual patient pharmacogenomics. Current research efforts focus on enhancing the efficacy of CRT by integrating additional cytotoxics and biologically targeted agents.