Phase II study of oral S-1 and cisplatin with concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Comparison of post-chemoradiotherapy pneumonitis between Asian and non-Asian patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Pneumonitis is a common complication for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergoing definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). It remains unclear whether there is ethnic difference in the incidence of post-CRT pneumonitis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies from January 1, 2000 to April 30, 2023. The outcomes of interest were incidence rates of pneumonitis. The random-effect model was used for statistical analysis. This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023416490).

Findings

A total of 248 studies involving 28,267 patients were included. Among studies of CRT without immunotherapy, the pooled rates of pneumonitis for Asian patients were significantly higher than that for non-Asian patients (all grade: 66.8%, 95% CI: 59.2%-73.9% vs. 28.1%, 95% CI: 20.4%-36.4%; P < 0.0001; grade ≥2: 25.1%, 95% CI: 22.9%-27.3% vs. 14.9%, 95% CI: 12.0%-18.0%; P < 0.0001; grade ≥3: 6.5%, 95% CI: 5.6%-7.3% vs. 4.6%, 95% CI: 3.4%-5.9%; P = 0.015; grade 5: 0.6%, 95% CI: 0.3%-0.9% vs. 0.1%, 95% CI: 0.0%-0.2%; P < 0.0001). Regarding studies of CRT plus immunotherapy, Asian patients had higher rates of all-grade (74.8%, 95% CI: 63.7%-84.5% vs. 34.3%, 95% CI: 28.7%-40.2%; P < 0.0001) and grade ≥2 (34.0%, 95% CI: 30.7%-37.3% vs. 24.6%, 95% CI: 19.9%-29.3%; P = 0.001) pneumonitis than non-Asian patients, but with no significant differences in the rates of grade ≥3 and grade 5 pneumonitis. Results from subgroup analyses were generally similar to that from the all studies. In addition, the pooled median/mean of lung volume receiving ≥20 Gy and mean lung dose were relatively low in Asian studies compared to that in non-Asian studies.

Interpretation

Asian patients are likely to have a higher incidence of pneumonitis than non-Asian patients, which appears to be due to the poor tolerance of lung to radiation. Nevertheless, these findings are based on observational studies and with significant heterogeneity, and need to be validated in future large prospective studies focusing on the subject.

Funding

None.

A phase II study of S-1 and cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy followed by durvalumab for unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Japan (SAMURAI study): primary analysis

Background

The standard of care for unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by durvalumab, based on the PACIFIC study. Although multiple Japanese phase II studies have shown high efficacy and tolerability of CRT with cisplatin plus S-1 (SP), no prospective study using durvalumab after SP-based CRT has been reported.

Objectives

We conducted a multicenter phase II study of this approach, the interim analysis of which showed a high transition rate to durvalumab consolidation therapy. Here, we report the primary analysis results.

Design

In treatment-naïve LA-NSCLC, cisplatin (60 mg/m², day 1) and S-1 (80-120 mg/body, days 1-14) were administered with two 4-week cycles with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy (60 Gy) followed by durvalumab (10 mg/kg) every 2 weeks for up to 1 year.

Methods

The primary endpoint was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS). The expected 1-year PFS and its lower limit of the 80% confidence interval (CI) were set as 63% and 47%, respectively, based on the results of TORG1018 study.

Results

In all, 59 patients were enrolled, with 51 (86.4%) proceeding to durvalumab. The objective response rate throughout the study was 72.9% (95% CI: 59.7-83.6%). After median follow-up of 21.9 months, neither median PFS nor OS was reached. The 1-year PFS was 72.5% (80% CI: 64.2-79.2%, 95% CI: 59.1-82.2%), while the 1-year overall survival was 91.5% (95% CI: 80.8-96.4%). No grade 5 adverse events were observed throughout the study. The most common adverse event during the consolidation phase was pneumonitis (any grade, 78.4%; grade ⩾3, 2.0%). Eventually, 52.5% of patients completed 1-year durvalumab consolidation therapy from CRT initiation.

Conclusion

This study of durvalumab after SP-based CRT met its primary endpoint and found a 1-year PFS of 73% from CRT initiation. This study provides the first prospective data on the prognosis and tolerability of durvalumab consolidation from the initiation of CRT.

Trial registration

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs031190127, registered 1 November, 2019, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs031190127.

Consolidation Systemic Therapy in Locally Advanced, Inoperable Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer-How to Identify Patients Which Can Benefit from It?

BACKGROUND

Consolidation systemic therapy (ST) given after concurrent radiotherapy (RT) and ST (RT-ST) is frequently practiced in locally advanced inoperable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Little is known, however, about the fate of patients achieving different responses after concurrent phases of the treatment.

METHODS

we searched the English-language literature to identify full-length articles on phase II and Phase III clinical studies employing consolidation ST after initial concurrent RT-ST. We sought information about response evaluation after the concurrent phase and the outcome of these patient subgroups, the patterns of failure per response achieved after the concurrent phase as well as the outcome of these subgroups after the consolidation phase.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven articles have been initially identified, of which 20 studies were excluded for various reasons, leaving, therefore, a total of 67 studies for our analysis. Response evaluation after the concurrent phase was performed in 36 (54%) studies but in only 14 (21%) response data were provided, while in 34 (51%) studies patients underwent a consolidation phase regardless of the response. No study provided any outcome (survivals, patterns of failure) as per response achieved after the concurrent phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Information regarding the outcome of subgroups of patients achieving different responses after the concurrent phase and before the administration of the consolidation phase is still lacking. This may negatively affect the decision-making process as it remains unknown which patients may preferentially benefit from the consolidation of ST.

Prospective analysis of factors precluding the initiation of durvalumab from an interim analysis of a phase II trial of S-1 and cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy followed by durvalumab for unresectable, locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer in Japan (SAMURAI study)

Background:

The standard of care for unresectable, locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by durvalumab, based on the PACIFIC trial. Disease progression and pneumonitis were reported as the main reasons to preclude the initiation of durvalumab in multiple retrospective studies. However, the transition rate and the reasons for failure to proceed to consolidation therapy with durvalumab after CRT were not evaluated prospectively. Although phase II studies in Japan have shown high efficacy and tolerability of CRT with cisplatin + S-1 (SP), no prospective study using durvalumab after SP-based CRT has yet been reported. We therefore conducted a phase II study to verify the efficacy and safety of durvalumab following SP-based CRT. In this interim analysis, we report the transition rate and the reasons for its failure.

Methods:

In treatment-naïve LA-NSCLC, cisplatin (60 mg/m², day 1) and S-1 (80–120 mg/body, days 1–14) were administered with two 4-week cycles with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy (60 Gy) followed by durvalumab every 2 weeks for up to 12 months. The primary endpoint was 12 month progression-free survival rate.

Results:

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled, of whom 86.4% (51/59) proceeded to durvalumab. All of them initiated durvalumab within 42 days after CRT [median 18 days (range: 3–38)], including 27.5% (14/51) in <14 days. Common reasons for failure to proceed to durvalumab were disease progression (2/59, 3.4%) and adverse events (6/59, 10.2%). Among the latter cases, four resumed treatment and proceeded to durvalumab within 42 days on off-protocol. The objective response rate and the disease control rate were 62.7% and 93.2%, respectively. The incidences of ⩾grade 3 pneumonitis, febrile neutropenia, and esophagitis were 0%, 8.5%, and 3.4%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Regarding durvalumab after CRT, this interim analysis of the SAMURAI study clarified the high transition rate, early introduction, and reasons for failure to proceed to consolidation therapy, which were not determined in the PACIFIC trial.

Trial registration:

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs031190127, registered 1 November, 2019, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs031190127.

A phase II study of S-1 and cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy followed by durvalumab for unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Japan (SAMURAI study)

Background:

Based on the results of the PACIFIC study, chemoradiotherapy followed by 1-year consolidation therapy with durvalumab was established as the standard of care for unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). However, some topics not foreseen in that design can be explored, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after the start of chemoradiotherapy, the proportion of patients who proceeded to consolidation therapy with durvalumab, and the optimal chemotherapeutic regimens. In Japan, the combination regimen of S-1 + cisplatin (SP), for which the results of multiple clinical studies have suggested a good balance of efficacy and tolerability, is frequently selected in clinical settings. However, the efficacy and safety of consolidation therapy with durvalumab following this SP regimen have not been evaluated. We therefore planned a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, phase II study.

Methods:

In treatment-naïve LA-NSCLC, two cycles of combination chemotherapy with S-1 (80–120 mg/body, Days 1–14) + cisplatin (60 mg/m², Day 1) will be administered at an interval of 4 weeks, with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy (60 Gy). Responders will then receive durvalumab every 2 weeks for up to 1 year. The primary endpoint is 1-year PFS rate.

Discussion:

Compared with the conventional standard regimen in Japan, the SP regimen is expected to be associated with lower incidences of pneumonitis, esophagitis, and febrile neutropenia, which complicate the initiation of consolidation therapy with durvalumab, and have higher antitumor efficacy during chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, SP-based chemoradiotherapy is expected to be successfully followed by consolidation therapy with durvalumab in more patients, resulting in prolonged PFS and OS. Toxicity and efficacy results of the SP regimen in this study will also provide information important to the future establishment of the concurrent combination of chemoradiotherapy and durvalumab.

Trial registration:

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs031190127, registered 1 November 2019, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs031190127

Randomized phase II trial of S-1 plus cisplatin or docetaxel plus cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy for inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer

Cisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy is considered standard treatment for unresectable locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (LA‐NSCLC). This study examined two regimens of chemotherapy in concurrent chemoradiation. Eligible patients with unresectable, radically irradible LA‐NSCLC were randomized to either the SP (S‐1 and cisplatin) or DP (docetaxel and cisplatin) arms with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy of 60 Gy, comprising 2 Gy per daily fraction. The primary endpoint was the overall survival (OS) rate at 2 years (the 2‐year OS rate). From May 2011 to August 2014, 110 patients were enrolled. Of 106 eligible patients, the 2‐year OS rates were 79% (95% CI: 66%–88%) and 69% (95% CI: 55%–80%) the SP and DP arms, respectively. The median progression‐free survival was 11.6 months for the SP arm and 19.9 months for the DP arm, while the median survival time was 55.2 months for the SP arm and 50.8 months for the DP arm. Grade 3/4 leukopenia were more frequent in DP arm. The incidences of febrile neutropenia and pneumonitis tended to be higher in DP arm. There were no treatment‐related deaths in either arm. The primary endpoint was met in both arms. The SP arm as a future reference regimen will be chosen due to fewer toxicities and better OS.

Randomized phase II study of chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin + S-1 versus cisplatin + pemetrexed for locally advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: SPECTRA study

OBJECTIVES

SPECTRA is a multicenter, randomized phase II study of chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) plus S-1 versus CDDP plus pemetrexed (PEM) in combination with thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) for locally advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, in order to determine which of these two regimens might be preferable for comparison with standard therapies in a future phase III study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive CDDP + S-1 (CDDP 60 mg/m² on day 1 and S-1 80 mg/m2 on days 1-14, every 4 weeks, up to 4 cycles) or CDDP + PEM (CDDP 75 mg/m² + PEM 500 mg/m² on day 1, every 3 weeks, up to 4 cycles) combined with TRT (60 Gy in 30 fractions). The primary endpoint was the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate. The sample size had been set at 100 patients.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were randomized to receive CDDP + S-1 or CDDP + PEM (CDDP + S-1, n = 52; CDDP + PEM, n = 50) between January 2013 and October 2016. The results in the CDDP + S1 group and CDDP + PEM group were as follows: completion rates of TRT (60 Gy)/chemotherapy (4 cycles) was 92 %/73 % and 98 %/86 %, respectively; the response rates were 60 % and 64 %, respectively; median PFS after a median follow-up of 32.1 months, 12.7/13.8 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.16; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.84); 2-year PFS rate, 36.5 % (95 % CI, 23.5-49.6)/32.1 % (95 %CI, 18.9-45.4); median OS, 48.3/59.1 months (HR = 1.05; 95 %CI, 0.58-1.90); 2-year OS rate, 69.2 % (95 %CI, 56.7-81.8)/66.4 % (95 %CI, 53.0-79.9); Grade 3 toxicities: febrile neutropenia (12 %/2 %), anorexia (8 %/16 %), diarrhea (8 %/0 %), esophagitis (6 %/8 %), and neutropenia (35 %/50 %); Grade 2 or worse radiation pneumonitis, 15 % (8 patients)/4 % (2 patients).

CONCLUSION

The 2-year PFS rate in the CDDP + S-1 arm was higher than that in the CDDP + PEM arm. Both treatments were safe, with manageable toxicities.

Carboplatin, S-1 and concurrent thoracic radiotherapy for elderly patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter Phase I/II study

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a Phase I/II study of carboplatin, S-1 and concurrent thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) for elderly patients (71 years or older) with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients received carboplatin (AUC 3-5) on Day 1 and S-1 (30-40 mg/m2 two times daily) on Days 1-14, every 2 weeks, for up to four cycles, plus concurrent TRT at a total dose of 60 Gy. The primary endpoint for the Phase II study was the 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were enrolled in the Phase I study. Febrile neutropenia, a decreased platelet count and esophagitis were dose-limiting toxicities. The recommended doses for the Phase II study were determined to be an AUC of 3 for carboplatin, 40 mg/m2 twice daily for S-1. Twenty-eight patients were evaluated in the Phase II study. The 1-year PFS rate was 57.1% (90% CI 41.6-71.4%), and the median PFS was 16.8 months (95% CI 7.8-not assessable [NA]). The lower limit of the 90% CI for 1-year PFS exceeded the prespecified threshold value of 30%; therefore, the primary endpoint was met. Grades 3-4 toxicities included thrombocytopenia (21%) and hyponatremia (11%). Grade 3 radiation pneumonitis was observed in 18% of patients. No treatment-related deaths were observed.

CONCLUSION

Combination chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin plus S-1 and concurrent TRT had a promising efficacy in elderly patients with locally advanced NSCLC; however, radiation pneumonitis was frequently observed.

Chemoradiotherapy of locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Analysis of radiation dose-response, chemotherapy and survival-limiting toxicity effects indicates a low α/β ratio

PURPOSE

To analyse changes in 2-year overall survival (OS_2yr) with radiotherapy (RT) dose, dose-per-fraction, treatment duration and chemotherapy use, in data compiled from prospective trials of RT and chemo-RT (CRT) for locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

OS_2yr data was analysed for 6957 patients treated on 68 trial arms (21 RT-only, 27 sequential CRT, 20 concurrent CRT) delivering doses-per-fraction ≤4.0 Gy. An initial model considering dose, dose-per-fraction and RT duration was fitted using maximum-likelihood techniques. Model extensions describing chemotherapy effects and survival-limiting toxicity at high doses were assessed using likelihood-ratio testing, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and cross-validation.

RESULTS

A model including chemotherapy effects and survival-limiting toxicity described the data significantly better than simpler models (p < 10^-14), and had better AIC and cross-validation scores. The fitted α/β ratio for LA-NSCLC was 4.0 Gy (95%CI: 2.8-6.0 Gy), repopulation negated 0.38 (95%CI: 0.31-0.47) Gy EQD2/day beyond day 12 of RT, and concurrent CRT increased the effective tumour EQD2 by 23% (95%CI: 16-31%). For schedules delivered in 2 Gy fractions over 40 days, maximum modelled OS_2yr for RT was 52% and 38% for stages IIIA and IIIB NSCLC respectively, rising to 59% and 42% for CRT. These survival rates required 80 and 87 Gy (RT or sequential CRT) and 67 and 73 Gy (concurrent CRT). Modelled OS_2yr rates fell at higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Fitted dose-response curves indicate that gains of ~10% in OS_2yr can be made by escalating RT and sequential CRT beyond 64 Gy, with smaller gains for concurrent CRT. Schedule acceleration achieved via hypofractionation potentially offers an additional 5-10% improvement in OS_2yr. Further 10-20% OS_2yr gains might be made, according to the model fit, if critical normal structures in which survival-limiting toxicities arise can be identified and selectively spared.

Comparative efficacy and safety for different chemotherapy regimens used concurrently with thoracic radiation for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

It remains unknown which is the most preferable regimen used concurrently with thoracic radiation for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We performed a network meta-analysis to address this important issue.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and major international scientific meetings were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Overall survival (OS) data was the primary outcome of interest, and progression-free survival (PFS), and serious adverse events (SAEs) were the secondary outcomes of interests, reported as hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

14 RCTs with a total of 2975 patients randomized to receive twelve categories of treatments were included in the meta-analysis. Direct comparison meta-analysis showed that etoposide-cisplatin (EP) was more effective than paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin (PC) in terms of OS (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77–0.94) and PFS (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47–0.95). In network meta-analysis, all regimen comparisons did not produce statistically significant differences in survival. Based on treatment ranking of OS and the benefit-risk ratio, S-1-cisplatin (SP) was likely to be the most preferable regimen for its best efficacy and low risk of causing SAEs. Uracil/tegafur-cisplatin (UP) and pemetrexed-cisplatin/carboplatin (PP) were ranked the second and third respectively. Gemcitabine-cisplatin (GP) and PC + Cetuximab (PC-Cet) appeared to be the worst and second-worst regimens for their poor efficacy and poor tolerability.

Conclusions

Based on efficacy and tolerability, SP is likely to be the most preferable regimen used concurrently with thoracic radiation for locally advanced NSCLC, followed by UP and PP. Further direct head-to-head studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13014-019-1239-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A randomised phase II trial of S-1 plus cisplatin versus vinorelbine plus cisplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy for unresectable, locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: WJOG5008L

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This trial evaluated two experimental regimens that combine chemotherapy with concurrent radiotherapy.

METHODS

Eligible patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC were randomised to either the SP arm (S-1 and cisplatin) or VP arm (vinorelbine and cisplatin), with early concurrent thoracic radiotherapy of 60 Gy, comprising 2 Gy per daily fraction. The primary endpoint was the overall survival rate at 2 years (2-year overall survival (OS)) (Study ID: UMIN000002420).

RESULTS

From September 2009 to September 2012, 112 patients were enroled. Of the 108 eligible patients, the 2-year OS was 75.6% (80% confidence interval (CI), 67-82%) in the SP arm and 68.5% (80% CI: 60-76%) in the VP arm. The hazard ratio (HR) for death between the two arms was 0.85 (0.48-1.49). The median progression-free survival was 14.8 months for the SP arm and 12.3 months for the VP arm with an HR of 0.92 (0.58-1.44). There were four treatment-related deaths in the SP arm and five in the VP arm.

CONCLUSIONS

The null hypotheses for 2-year OS were rejected in both arms. The West Japan Oncology Group will employ the SP arm as the investigational arm in a future phase III study.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin and S-1 or vinorelbine for patients with stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the preferred treatment for stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there have been few reports on combination chemotherapy with radiation for second- and third-generation antitumor drugs, although clinical guidelines have recommended the use of these drugs along with platinum agents.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin and either S-1 or vinorelbine for treating stage III unresectable NSCLC patients who were treated with CCRT.

RESULTS

Between September 2006 and May 2014, 56 patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC were treated with CCRT with S-1 and cisplatin (median age: 63 years) and 58 patients were treated with CCRT with vinorelbine and cisplatin (median age: 61 years). The median follow-up time was 14.6 months in the S-1 arm and 28.0 months in the vinorelbine arm. We found no significant difference in progression-free survival (15.8 months vs. 10.1 months; p=0.15) and overall survival (33.7 months vs. 31.1 months; p=0.63) between the S-1 and vinorelbine arms, respectively. Severe (more than grade 3) leukopenia (35.7% vs. 98.2%; p<0.01), neutropenia (44.6% vs. 98.2%; p<0.01), and febrile neutropenia (1.8% vs. 46.6%, p<0.01) were significantly less frequent in the S-1 arm than in the vinorelbine arm. Treatment-related deaths were not observed in either arm.

CONCLUSIONS

CCRT with both S-1 or vinorelbine with cisplatin appears feasible based on their efficacy and toxicity profiles. Both treatments may be recommended as treatment options for patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC.

Implementation of modern therapy approaches and research for non-small cell lung cancer in Japan

The genetic backgrounds of the Japanese (or Asians) are, at least in part, different from those of Caucasians. It is necessary to recognize this difference to develop medicine that is both optimized and individualized. In particular, the consideration of ethnic differences is becoming increasingly important for lung cancer medicine. Japanese clinical practice guidelines indicate that some clinical biomarkers, such as epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations, echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase genotypes should be determined in appropriate lung cancer patients. At the present time, tests for these biomarkers are covered by the Japanese national health-care programme, as is treatment with certain targeted drugs and cytotoxic agents. Therefore, most patients with lung cancer in Japan receive these tests as part of daily practice if their performance status and organ function are judged to be eligible. In addition, ethnic differences in bone marrow toxicity caused by cytotoxic drugs are reflected in treatment choice, and the requirements for the development of treatment modalities suitable for rare targeted populations are also increasing. To meet these requirements, many collaborative groups in Japan that have improved their infrastructure for investigator-initiated trials and conducted important activities need to provide further optimal treatment modalities for Japanese and Asian patients with lung cancer. Here, the characteristics of lung cancer in Japanese patients, general aspects of medical treatment and the care system in Japan, and representative studies on lung cancer in Japan are reviewed.

Recent Advances in Platinum (IV) Complex-Based Delivery Systems to Improve Platinum (II) Anticancer Therapy

Cisplatin and its platinum (Pt) (II) derivatives play a key role in the fight against various human cancers such as testicular, ovarian, head and neck, lung tumors. However, their application in clinic is limited due to dose- dependent toxicities and acquired drug resistances, which have prompted extensive research effort toward the development of more effective Pt (II) delivery strategies. The synthesis of Pt (IV) complex is one such an area of intense research fields, which involves their in vivo conversion into active Pt (II) molecules under the reducing intracellular environment, and has demonstrated encouraging preclinical and clinical outcomes. Compared with Pt (II) complexes, Pt (IV) complexes not only exhibit an increased stability and reduced side effects, but also facilitate the intravenous-to-oral switch in cancer chemotherapy. The overview briefly analyzes statuses of Pt (II) complex that are in clinical use, and then focuses on the development of Pt (IV) complexes. Finally, recent advances in Pt (IV) complexes in combination with nanocarriers are highlighted, addressing the shortcomings of Pt (IV) complexes, such as their instability in blood and irreversibly binding to plasma proteins and nonspecific distribution, and taking advantage of passive and active targeting effect to improve Pt (II) anticancer therapy.

A phase II study of S-1 chemotherapy with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: the Okayama Lung Cancer Study Group Trial 0801

BACKGROUND

Although thoracic irradiation (TRT) is a standard treatment for elderly patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), treatment outcomes are poor. We previously reported a phase I trial combining S-1, an oral 5-fluorouracil derivative, and thoracic radiation, which yielded safe and effective outcomes.

METHODS

In this phase II trial, 30 patients aged 76 years or older with LA-NSCLC received S-1 (80 mg/m(2) on days 1-14 and 29-42) and TRT (60Gy). The primary end-point was the response rate.

RESULTS

The median age and pre-treatment Charlson score were 79 years and 1, respectively. The mean proportions of the actual doses of S-1 and TRT delivered relative to the planned doses were 95% and 98%, respectively. Partial responses were observed in 19 patients (63%; 95% confidence interval: 45-82%), which did not attain the end-point. At a median follow-up time of 23.7 months, the median progression-free survival and median survival times were 13.0 months and 27.9 months, respectively. No difference in efficacy was observed upon stratification by tumour histology. Toxicities were generally mild, except for grade 3 or greater febrile neutropenia and pneumonitis in 7% and 10% of patients, respectively. No patient developed severe oesophagitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the primary end-point was not met, concurrent S-1 chemotherapy and radiotherapy yielded favourable survival data. Also, the combined treatment was well-tolerated in elderly patients with LA-NSCLC.

Enhanced anti-angiogenic effect of E7820 in combination with erlotinib in epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer xenograft models

Most non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are initially responsive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs); however, they invariably develop resistance to these drugs. E7820 is an angiogenesis inhibitor that decreases integrin-α2 expression and is currently undergoing clinical trials. We investigated whether E7820 in combination with erlotinib, an EGFR-TKI, could overcome EGFR-TKI-resistance in the NSCLC cell lines A549 (KRAS; G12S), H1975 (EGFR; L858R/T790M), and H1650 (PTEN; loss, EGFR; exon 19 deletion), which are resistant to erlotinib. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out in xenografted tumors to investigate anti-angiogenesis activity and endothelial cell apoptosis levels by endothelial cell marker CD31 and TUNEL staining, respectively. Treatment with E7820 (50 mg/kg) with erlotinib (60 mg/kg) showed a synergistic antitumor effect in three xenograft models. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that combined treatment with E7820 and erlotinib significantly decreased microvessel density and increased apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells compared with use of only one of the agents. This combination increased apoptosis in HUVECs through activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways in vitro. The combination of E7820 with erlotinib is an alternative strategy to overcome erlotinib resistance in NSCLC by enhancement of the anti-angiogenic activity of E7820.