Phase II trial of chemotherapy, external and intraluminal radiation plus surgery for oesophageal cancer

Perioperative sargramostim (recombinant human GM-CSF) induces an increase in the level of soluble VEGFR1 in colon cancer patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery

INTRODUCTION

Experimentally, laparotomy is associated with increased tumor growth. In humans, abdominal surgery is associated with immunosuppression and elevated plasma VEGF levels that might stimulate tumor growth early after surgery. Avoidance of these surgery-related changes and their consequences may be advantageous. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) is a non-specific immune system up-regulator that has also been associated, experimentally, with increased release of soluble VEGF Receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) which is an endogenous inhibitor of VEGF. This study's purpose was to determine the impact of perioperatively administered recombinant human GMCSF (rhu-GMCSF) on both immune function and plasma sVEGFR1 levels in colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

This randomized placebo-controlled study included 36 colorectal cancer patients who underwent minimally invasive resection (17 GMCSF, 19 Placebo). Patients received 7 subcutaneous injections of either rhu-GMCSF, 125 microg/m2, or saline on preoperative days 3, 2 and 1 and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 2, 3 and 4. A number of immune parameters were followed and plasma levels of soluble VEGF Receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) and VEGF were determined.

RESULTS

The total WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, and monocyte counts were significantly higher after surgery in the GMCSF group; no differences were noted for the other immune parameters. In the GMCSF group, median plasma sVEGFR1 levels were significantly elevated on POD 1 (188.1 pg/ml), and on POD 5 (142.8 pg/ml) when compared to pre-GMCSF levels (0 pg/ml) (p-value<0.05 for all comparisons). In the placebo group, the POD5 median sVEGFR1 level (116.3 pg/ml) was elevated and of borderline significance (p=0.05) vs the pre-treatment result (0 pg/ml). Of note, both groups had significantly elevated median plasma VEGF levels on POD 5 (Control 435.7 pg/ml; GMCSF 385.3 pg/ml) when compared to their preoperative results (Control 183.3 pg/ml, p=0.0013; GMCSF 171.5 pg/ml, p=0.0055).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative GMCSF was not associated with an immune function benefit in this study, however, such treatment leads to increased plasma sVEGFR1 levels. Colorectal resection, with or without GMCSF, was also associated with increased VEGF levels postoperatively. Increased plasma levels of sVEGFR1 after surgery might limit the pro-angiogenic tumor stimulatory effects of VEGF. Further study of GMCSF's impact on angiogenesis appears warranted.

Phase I-II study of 5-fluorouracil, recombinant interferon alpha2a, and cisplatin in combination with external beam radiation therapy followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the esophagus

Multimodality therapy has been demonstrated to be superior to external beam radiation therapy and possibly surgery alone for the treatment of carcinoma of the esophagus. The combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, and recombinant interferon alpha2a (IFN) has yielded 65% response rates in metastatic and regionally advanced carcinoma of the esophagus. A phase I-II study was performed to assess the feasibility of combining 5-FU, IFN, and cisplatin with external beam radiation therapy followed by surgery in potentially resectable patients. Eligibility included biopsy-proven stage II-III squamous cell or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus with no prior therapy. External beam radiation therapy was administered concurrently with chemotherapy beginning on day 1, 5 days per week, twice a day with 1.5 Gy/fraction to a total dose of 45 Gy. 5-FU was administered at 750 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 after the administration of IFN and cisplatin. IFN was given at a dose of 6 million units subcutaneously three times per week beginning on day 1. Dose levels I, II, and III of cisplatin were 25, 30, and 35 mg/m2 administered on days 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. The sequence of administration was IFN followed by cisplatin followed immediately by 5-FU. Dose escalation between patient cohorts occurred if 0/3 or < or = 1/6 patients had dose-limiting toxicity, i.e., grade II-III toxicity attributable to cisplatin. A phase II trial was planned using the maximum tolerated dose of cisplatin determined from the phase I trial. Patients who successfully completed therapy underwent thoracic exploration to resect residual disease. Twelve patients were enrolled; all were eligible. The demographics of the population were median age, 60 years (range, 44-77); nine male and three female patients; nine squamous cell carcinoma, one adenocarcinoma, and two adenosquamous histology; stage II:III, 2:10. Grade 3-4 toxicities included granulocytopenia (12 patients), thrombocytopenia (six), anemia (three), infection (six), diarrhea (two), mucositis (two), and renal and hepatic toxicities (one). Five patients had a clinical complete response, among whom four underwent surgery. At surgery, one patient had no evidence of residual disease and three patients had microscopic disease only. Two patients had progressive disease and five could not complete the therapy because of toxicities. Two patients are alive and disease free at 25 and 23 months, respectively. This regimen, though active, demonstrated an unfavorable toxicity profile and cannot be recommended for further study.

Phase II clinical trial with 5-fluorouracil, recombinant interferon-alpha-2b, and cisplatin for patients with metastatic or regionally advanced carcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND

Recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN) augments the cytotoxicity of both 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin in vitro. A phase II study of 5-FU and IFN resulted in response rates of 25-27% in patients with metastatic esophageal carcinoma.

METHODS

A Phase II trial was initiated to determine the clinical utility of a three-drug combination (FIP) in patients with regionally advanced or metastatic esophageal carcinoma. Eligibility included biopsy-proven Stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus with no prior chemotherapy, adequate performance status, nutritional status, bone marrow, hepatic and renal function, and signed informed consent. Patients were treated in the exact sequence of IFN==>cisplatin==>5-FU. Patients received 5-FU, 750 mg/m2/day for 5 days followed by weekly bolus therapy at the same dose; cisplatin, 100 mg/m2 on Day 1, followed by weekly therapy, 25 mg/m2 over the course of 1 hour; and IFN, 10 MU subcutaneously 3 times/week beginning on Day 1. All patients received sargramostim (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, Escherichia coli-derived), 5 micrograms/kg subcutaneously 5 times/week. No patients received radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were enrolled; 23 were eligible, and 1 was excluded on pathology review (patient was found to have a leiomyoblastoma). The demographics of the population were: median age, 63 years (range, 43-73 years); 18 male patients; squamous cell carcinoma: adenocarcinoma ratio, 22:1, and Stage III:IV ratio, 10:13. Grade 3-4 National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria toxicities included: leukopenia (13), thrombocytopenia (14), and infection (9). Grade 3 diarrhea, mucositis, and vomiting occurred in 6 patients, 4 patients, and 1 patient, respectively. There were two instances of sudden death, likely related to tumor progression. Major responses occurred in 15 of 23 patients (65%; 95% confidence interval, 43%, 85%) (1 complete response, 14 partial responses). The median survival was 8.6 months; with a median follow-up of 26 months, estimated 30-month survival was 31%.

CONCLUSIONS

This regimen, although moderately toxic, has substantial activity in metastatic and regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Further investigations should be conducted to determine the role of IFN in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma.