Additional weekly Cetuximab to concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma: Efficacy and safety outcomes of a randomized, multi-center phase II study investigating

Patient Selection and Outcomes for Hypofractionated Accelerated Radiation and Concurrent Chemotherapy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

Adoption of hypofractionated accelerated radiation therapy (HART) with concurrent chemotherapy has been limited by toxicity concerns. We aimed to describe outcomes of patients treated with HART and concurrent chemotherapy and to evaluate dosimetry to organs at risk to guide patient selection.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We evaluated a retrospective cohort of NSCLC patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy with HART (>2.2 Gy per fraction) or standard fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT; 2-2.2 Gy fractions). Dosimetric parameters to key organs at risk were compared, and toxicity, patterns of recurrence and survival were calculated for the cohorts.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients treated with HART were compared with 100 patients treated with SFRT. Median dose per fraction for the HART cohort was 2.75 Gy (range 2.4-3 Gy). HART patients had significantly lower doses to the lung, heart, and esophagus due to patient selection. The HART group and had rates of grade 2+ pneumonitis (9.4 vs. 19%, P = .16) and grade 2+ esophagitis (20.8 vs. 45%, P < .01) that compared favorably to SFRT. Cumulative incidence of in-field recurrence trended lower in the HART cohort (7.6% vs. 23.1%, P = .058). Among the HART group, 88.7% (47/53) met the newly proposed lung constraints based on the degree of hypofractionation CONCLUSION: In select patients with favorable dosimetry to organs at risk, definitive HART with concurrent chemotherapy achieved excellent local control with low toxicity. These results are being used to inform a prospective study on the safety and efficacy of HART with concurrent chemotherapy for select NSCLC patients.

Efficacy and safety of EGFR inhibitors and radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of EGFR inhibitors combined with (chemo)radiotherapy in unresectable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Materials & methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective trials was performed. Results: Twenty-eight studies of 1640 patients were included. In patients harboring EGFR-sensitive mutations, the pooled objective response rate, 1-year overall survival rate and 1-year progression-free survival rate of EGFR-TKIs + (chemo)radiotherapy were 0.803, 0.766 and 0.554, respectively. Compared with chemoradiotherapy, the addition of EGFR inhibitors did not significantly increase the risk of grade ≥3 pneumonitis and esophagitis. Conclusion: EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with (chemo)radiotherapy are tolerable and the clinical benefit is promising, especially in patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations.

Targeted therapy moves to earlier stages of non-small-cell lung cancer: emerging evidence, controversies and future challenges

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer mortality and a serious health problem despite the numerous advances made in the last decade and the rapid advance of research in this field. In recent years, there has been a decrease in mortality from lung cancer coinciding with the approval times of targeted therapy. To date, targeted therapy has been used in the context of advanced disease in clinical practice, with great benefits in survival and quality of life. The next step will be to incorporate targeted therapy into the treatment of earlier stages of non-small-cell lung cancer, and there is already a randomized trial showing a disease-free survival benefit. However, there are many questions that need to be resolved first. In the present review, the authors discuss the findings of published reports and ongoing clinical trials assessing the role of targeted therapies in nonmetastatic disease.

Combining radiotherapy with targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer: focus on anti-EGFR, anti-ALK and anti-angiogenic agents

The combination of radiotherapy (RT) with targeted agents in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been expected to improve the therapeutic ratio and tumor control. The EGFR blockade enhances the antitumor effect of RT. The ALK inhibition elicits anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and antiangiogenic effects in ALK-positive NSCLC cell lines, enhanced by the exposure to RT. The antiangiogenic agents normalize pathological tumor vessels, thus decrease tumor cell hypoxia and improve radiosensitivity. To date, however, none of the targeted agents combined with RT has shown proven clinical benefit over standard chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced NSCLC. The risk of potential excessive toxicity related to the therapeutic combination of RT and targeted agents cannot be ignored. Well-designed clinical trials may allow development of more effective combination strategies. Another potential application of combined RT and targeted therapies in oncogene-driven NSCLC is metastatic oligoprogressive or oligopersistent disease. The use of RT in oligoprogressive oncogene-driven NSCLC, while continuing first line targeted therapy, can potentially eradicate resistant cell clones and provide survival benefit. Likewise, the consolidation of oligopersistent foci (molecularly resistant to first line targeted therapy) may potentially interfere with the natural course of the disease by avoiding or delaying progression. We discuss here the molecular and radiobiological mechanisms of combining RT and targeted agents, and summarize current clinical experience.

Radiosensitization of NSCLC cells to X-rays and carbon ions by the CHK1/CHK2 inhibitor AZD7762, Honokiol and Tunicamycin

Although radiotherapy, especially carbon-ion radiotherapy, is an effective treatment modality against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), studies using radiation combined with sensitizer for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy are still needed. In this work, we aimed to investigate in NSCLC A549 and H1299 cell lines the effects of different linear energy transfer (LET) radiations combined with diverse sensitizing compounds. Cells pretreated with the CHK1/CHK2 inhibitor AZD7762, Honokiol or Tunicamycin were irradiated with low-LET X-rays and high-LET carbon ions. Cell survival was assessed using the clonogenic cell survival assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured with flow cytometry, and DNA double strand break (DSB) and repair were detected using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence staining. Our results revealed that AZD7762, Honokiol and Tunicamycin demonstrated low cytotoxicity to NSCLC cells and a pronounced radiosensitizing effect on NSCLC cells exposed to carbon ions than X-rays. Unrepaired DNA DSB damages, the abrogation of G2/M arrest induced by irradiation, and finally apoptotic cell death were the main causes of the radiosensitizing effect. Thus, our data suggest that high-LET carbon ion combined with these compounds may be a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for locally advanced NSCLC.

Local and regional treatment response by 18FDG-PET-CT-scans 4 weeks after concurrent hypofractionated chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced NSCLC

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To investigate associations of early post-treatment ¹⁸Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission-tomography (FDG-PET)-scans with local (LF), regional (RF), distant failure (DF) and overall survival (OS) in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC)-patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-seven stage IIIA-B NSCLC-patients included in a randomized phase II-trial (NTR2230) received 66 Gy (24x2.75 Gy) with low dose Cisplatin +/- Cetuximab. FDG-PET-scans were performed at baseline and 4 weeks post-treatment (range, 1.6-10.1). SUV_max, SUV_mean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and gross tumor volume were calculated separately for the primary tumor and the involved lymph nodes to generate baseline, post-treatment, and relative response metrics defined as (metric_pre-metric_post)/metric_pre. Univariable cox regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between PET-metrics and outcomes.

RESULTS

Metrics resulted from the post-treatment scan and relative response were associated with outcome, but baseline metrics were not. Primary tumor metrics were stronger associated with all outcomes than lymph node metrics. Both the volumetric (TLG/MTV) and intensity (SUV_max/SUV_mean) PET-metrics were associated with OS. The intensity metrics were associated with LF, while the volumetric PET-metrics were associated with RF/DF. This was in contrast to the nodal metrics, demonstrating only an association between RF and the relative response of TLG/MTV. No preference was found between PET volumetric and intensity metrics associated with outcome.

CONCLUSION

Early post-treatment PET-metrics are associated with treatment outcome in LA-NSCLC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. Both volumetric and intensity PET-metrics are useful, but more for the primary tumor than for lymph nodes.

Study protocols of three parallel phase 1 trials combining radical radiotherapy with the PARP inhibitor olaparib

BACKGROUND

Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are promising novel radiosensitisers. Pre-clinical models have demonstrated potent and tumour-specific radiosensitisation by PARP inhibitors. Olaparib is a PARP inhibitor with a favourable safety profile in comparison to clinically used radiosensitisers including cisplatin when used as single agent. However, data on safety, tolerability and efficacy of olaparib in combination with radiotherapy are limited.

METHODS

Olaparib is dose escalated in combination with radical (chemo-)radiotherapy regimens for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in three parallel single institution phase 1 trials. All trials investigate a combination treatment of olaparib and radiotherapy, the NSCLC trial also investigates a triple combination of olaparib, radiotherapy and concurrent low dose cisplatin. The primary objective is to identify the maximum tolerated dose of olaparib in these combination treatments, defined as the dose closest to but not exceeding a 15% probability of dose limiting toxicity. Each trial has a separate dose limiting toxicity definition, taking into account incidence, duration and severity of expected toxicities without olaparib. Dose escalation is performed using a time-to-event continual reassessment method (TITE-CRM). TITE-CRM enables the incorporation of late onset toxicity until one year after treatment in the dose limiting toxicity definition while maintaining an acceptable trial duration. Olaparib treatment starts two days before radiotherapy and continues during weekends until two days after radiotherapy. Olaparib will also be given two weeks and one week before radiotherapy in the breast cancer trial and HNSCC trial respectively to allow for translational research. Toxicity is scored using common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 4.03. Blood samples, and tumour biopsies in the breast cancer trial, are collected for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses.

DISCUSSION

We designed three parallel phase 1 trials to assess the safety and tolerability of the PARP inhibitor olaparib in combination with radical (chemo-)radiotherapy treatment regimens. PARP inhibitors have the potential to improve outcomes in patients treated with radical (chemo-)radiotherapy, by achieving higher locoregional control rates and/or less treatment associated toxicity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01562210 (registered March 23, 2012), NCT02227082 (retrospectively registered August 27, 2014), NCT02229656 (registered September 1, 2014).

Cetuximab for treating non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-dependent signaling plays a crucial role in epithelial cancer biology, and dictated the development of several targeting agents. The mouse-human chimeric antibody Cetuximab was among the first to be developed. After about two decades of clinical research it has gained a significant place in the management of advanced colorectal and head and neck cancers, whereas its development in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not led to a place in routine clinical practice, because of marginal clinical benefit despite statistically significant Phase III trials. Recent data from ongoing trials suggest that more careful selection based on molecular markers may identify good responders. Areas covered: In this article, the authors review the literature concerning basic science studies identifying EGFR as a therapeutic target, pharmacological development of Cetuximab, its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and clinical trials on Cetuximab in NSCLC, focusing on recent findings on putative predictive biomarkers. Expert opinion: Cetuximab currently has no role in NSCLC treatment outside of research settings. We argue that failure to identify a predictive biomarker early on has hampered its chances to enter routine practice. Although recent research suggests benefit in highly selected patient subsets, its potential impact is severely dampened by lack of regulatory body approval and the emergence of competitors for the same niches.

Combination of novel systemic agents and radiotherapy for solid tumors - part I: An AIRO (Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology) overview focused on treatment efficacy

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. In parallel with this technological maturation, the rapid expansion in understanding the basic biology and heterogeneity of cancer has led to the development of several compounds that target specific pathways. Many of them are in advanced steps of clinical development for combination treatments with radiotherapy, and can be incorporated into radiation oncology practice for a personalized approach to maximize the therapeutic gain. This review describes the rationale for combining novel agents with radiation, and provides an overview of the current landscape focused on treatment efficacy.

Combination of novel systemic agents and radiotherapy for solid tumors - Part II: An AIRO (Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology) overview focused on treatment toxicity

Clinical development and use of novel systemic agents in combination with radiotherapy (RT) is at nowadays most advanced in the field of treatment of solid tumors. Although for many of these substances preclinical studies provide sufficient evidences on their principal capability to enhance radiation effects, the majority of them have not been investigated in even phase I clinical trials for safety in the context of RT. In clinical practice, unexpected acute and late side effects may emerge especially in combination with RT. As a matter of fact, despite combined modality treatment holds potential for enhancing the therapeutic ratio, some concerns are raised from the lack of high-quality clinical data to guide the care of patients who are treated with novel compounds in conjunction with RT. The aim of this review is to provide, from a radio-oncological point of view, an overview of the most advanced combined treatment concepts for solid tumors focusing on treatment toxicity.

Hypofractionated Concomitant Chemoradiation in Inoperable Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Report on 100 Patients and a Systematic Review

AIMS

Concomitant chemoradiation is the standard of care in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyse the survival outcome and toxicity data of using hypofractionated chemoradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients were treated from June 2011 to November 2016. Treatment consisted of 55 Gy in 20 daily fractions concurrently with split-dose cisplatin vinorelbine chemotherapy over 4 weeks followed by two cycles of cisplatin vinorelbine only. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression was carried out for known prognostic factors. A systematic search of literature was conducted using Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases and relevant references included.

RESULTS

In total, 97% of patients completed radiotherapy and 73% of patients completed all four cycles of chemotherapy. One patient died of a cardiac event during consolidative chemotherapy. There were two cases of grade 4 toxicities (one sepsis, one renal impairment). Grade 3 toxicities included nausea/vomiting (17%), oesophagitis (15%), infection with neutropenia (12%) and pneumonitis (4%). Clinical benefit was seen in 86%. Two-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 49% and 58%, respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 23.4 and 43.4 months, respectively. The only significant prognostic factor was the number of chemotherapy cycles received (P = 0.02). The systematic review identified 13 relevant studies; a variety of regimens were assessed with variable reporting of outcomes and toxicity but with overall an improvement in survival over time.

CONCLUSION

Our experience compared with the original phase II trial showed improved treatment completion rates and survival with acceptable morbidity. With appropriate patient selection this regimen is an effective treatment option for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This study helps to benchmark efficacy and toxicity rates while considering the addition of new agents to hypofractionated concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The agreement of a standard regimen for assessment in future trials would be beneficial.

Inhibition of NF-κB improves sensitivity to irradiation and EGFR-TKIs and decreases irradiation-induced lung toxicity

Resistance to radiotherapy and to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), as well as therapy-related lung toxicity, are serious problems in the treatment of lung cancer. NF-κB has been reported to be associated with radioresistance. Therefore, we evaluated its effects on sensitivity to irradiation and to EGFR-TKIs; irradiation-induced lung toxicity; and the effects of irradiation on sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs. We used IKKβ inhibitor IMD 0354 or p65 depletion to explore their effects on sensitivity to irradiation and to EGFR-TKIs in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the efficacy of IMD 0354 in a radiation-induced pulmonary-fibrosis mouse model. Irradiation enhanced activation and expression of MET and therefore suppressed the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to irradiation or EGFR-TKIs. Inhibition of NF-κB by IMD 0354 or by p65 depletion reversed irradiation-induced MET activation and increased the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to irradiation, to EGFR-TKIs and to the combination thereof in vitro and in vivo. In addition, IMD 0354 significantly reduced lung toxicity in a murine model of irradiation-induced pneumonia and lung fibrosis. These findings indicated that NF-κB inhibition can improve sensitivity to irradiation and to EGFR-TKIs and can decrease irradiation-induced lung toxicity in lung cancer.

Hypofractionated radiation therapy in the management of locally advanced NSCLC: a narrative review of the literature on behalf of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO)-Lung Working Group

A systematic literature was performed to assess the benefit in terms of effectiveness and feasibility of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HypoRT), with or without chemotherapy (CT), in the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have identified all studies, published from 2007 onwards, on patients with locally advanced NSCLC treated with HypoRT with radical intent, with a minimal dose per fraction of 2.4 Gy, with or without concurrent chemotherapy. Twenty-nine studies were identified, for a total of 2614 patients. Patients were divided in the concurrent chemo-radiation therapy group (CT-RT) and radiotherapy alone (RT). In RT group, the delivered dose ranged from 45 to 85.5 Gy, with a dose/fraction from 2.4 to 4 Gy. Actuarial 2-year PFS ranged from 13 to 57.8%, and 1, 2- and 3-year overall survival (OS) ranged from 51.3 to 95%, from 22 to 68.7%, and from 7 to 32%, respectively. Acute Grade ≥ 3 esophagitis occurred in 0-15%, while late esophageal toxicity was 0-16%. Acute pneumonitis occured in 0-44%, whereas late pneumonitis occured in 0-47%, most commonly grade ≤ G3. In CT-RT group, the delivered dose ranged from 52.5 to 75 Gy, with a dose/fraction ranging from 2.4 to 3.5 Gy. Actuarial 2-year PFS ranged from 19 to 57.8%, and OS at 1, 2 and 3 years ranged from 28 to 95%, 38.6 to 68.7%, and 31 to 44%, respectively. Acute Grade 2 and 3 esophagitis occurred in 3-41.7%, while late esophageal toxicity occurred in 0-8.3%. Acute pneumonitis ranged from 0 to 23%, whereas late pneumonitis occured 0-47%. HypoRT seems to be safe in patients with locally advanced NSCLC. The encouraging survival results of several studies analyzed suggest that hypofractionated radiation schemes should be further investigated in the future.

EGFR-directed monoclonal antibodies in combination with chemotherapy for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer: an updated review of clinical trials and new perspectives in biomarkers analysis

Lung cancer still represents one of the most common and fatal neoplasm, accounting for nearly 30% of all cancer-related deaths. Targeted therapies based on molecular tumor features and programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1) blockade immunotherapy have offered new therapeutic options for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-pathway promotes tumor growth and progression, including angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and inhibition of apoptosis, providing a strong rationale for targeting this pathway. EGFR expression is detected in up to 85% of NSCLC and has been demonstrated to be associated with poor prognosis. Two approaches for blocking EGFR signaling are available: prevention of ligand binding to the extracellular domain with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and inhibition of the intracellular tyrosine kinase activity with small molecules. There is a strong rationale to consider the tumor's level of EGFR expression as one of the most significant predictive biomarkers in this setting. In this paper we provide an update focusing on the current status of EGFR-directed mAbs use for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC, through a review of all clinical trials involving anti-EGFR mAbs in combination with chemotherapy (CT) for advanced disease and with chemo-radiotherapy for stage III disease. Here we also discuss the current status of predictive biomarkers for anti-EGFR mAbs when added to first-line CT in patients with advanced NSCLC. Finally, we focused on the relevance of EGFR fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)+ and immunohistochemistry (IHC)-Score ≥ 200 as predictive biomarkers for the selection of patients who would be most likely to derive a clinical benefit from treatment with CT in combination with anti-EGFR mAbs, with particular reference also to histology.

Skin toxicity with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of 65 randomized controlled trials

We performed a meta-analysis to fully investigate the skin toxicities of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (EGFR-MoAbs) in cancer patients. The relevant studies of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in cancer patients treated with EGFR-MoAbs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for articles published till November 2017. The relevant RCTs in cancer patients treated with EGFR-MoAbs were retrieved and the systematic evaluation was conducted. 65 RCTs and 25994 patients were included. The current meta-analysis suggests that the use of EGFR-MoAbs significantly increases the risk of developing all-grade and high-grade skin toxicity, such as rash, hand-foot syndrome, dry skin and oral mucositis. Rash was the most common skin toxicity. Patients receiving nimotuzumab were associated with the least risk of skin toxicity. The risk of high-grade skin toxicity tended to be higher in the study in which the EGFR-MoAbs treatment duration was longer. The available data suggested that the use of EGFR-MoAbs significantly increases the risk of developing skin toxicity. Physicians should be aware of skin toxicity and should monitor cancer patients when receiving EGFR-MoAbs.

Local Control and Toxicity of Adaptive Radiotherapy Using Weekly CT Imaging: Results from the LARTIA Trial in Stage III NSCLC

INTRODUCTION

Anatomical change of tumor during radiotherapy contributes to target missing. However, in the case of tumor shrinkage, adaptation of volume could result in an increased incidence of recurrence in the area of target reduction. This study aims to investigate the incidence of failure of the adaptive approach and, in particular, the risk for local recurrence in the area excluded after replanning.

METHODS

In this prospective study, patients with locally advanced NSCLC treated with concomitant chemoradiation underwent weekly chest computed tomography simulation during treatment. In the case of tumor shrinkage, a new tumor volume was delineated and a new treatment plan outlined (replanning). Toxicity was evaluated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer scale. Patterns of failures were classified as in field (dimensional and/or metabolic progression within the replanning planning target volume [PTV]), marginal (recurrence in initial the PTV excluded from the replanning PTV), and out of field (recurrence outside the initial PTV).

RESULTS

Replanning was outlined in 50 patients selected from a total of 217 patients subjected to weekly simulation computed tomography in our center from 2012 to 2014. With a median follow-up of 20.5 months, acute grade 3 or higher pulmonary and esophageal toxicity were reported in 2% and 4% of cases and late toxicity in 4% and 2%, respectively. Marginal relapse was recorded in 6% of patients, and 20% and 4% of patients experienced in-field and out-of-field local failure, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced toxicity and the documented low rate of marginal failures make the adaptive approach a modern option for future randomized studies. The best scenario to confirm its application is probably in neoadjuvant chemoradiation trials.

Individual isotoxic radiation dose escalation based on V20 and advanced technologies benefits unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy: long term follow-up

Under the assumption that the highest therapeutic ratio could be achieved by increasing the total tumor dose (TTD) to the limits of normal tissues, the phase I trial was conducted in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, to determine the feasibility and effects of individual isotoxic radiation dose escalation based on bilateral lung V20 and advanced technologies. Consecutive eligible patients were assigned to cohorts of eight. V20 of each cohort was increased from 27% to 30%, 33%, 35%, 37%, and so on. The criterion for cessation of dose escalation was defined as ≥ 2 patients in each cohort experienced dose limiting toxicity. Isotoxic dose escalation was based on V20, functional imaging was used to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy. To test the power of escalation dose, patients with TTD over 66 Gy were assigned to the higher dose group (HD), while the others to the standard dose one (SD). In result, the recommended value of V20 was 35%. For all patients, follow-up ranged from 1 to 112 months, median overall and progression free survivals were 25.0 and 13.0 months, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 8-year overall survival (OS) rates were 72.5%, 22.5%, 17.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. Especially, the OS and local recurrence-free survival of patients in HD group were significantly longer than those in SD one (P=0.035, P=0.007, respectively) without increasing severe toxicity. Thus, individual isotoxic dose escalation based on V20 with advanced technologies was feasible and effective.

[Outcomes and Toxicity of Concurrent Radiotherapy with Carboplatin/Paclitaxel Administrated Every Three Weeks in Inoperable Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study from A Single Center]

BACKGROUND

Standard care for patients with inoperable advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The ideal concurrent chemotherapy regimen has not been determined. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of concurrent radiotherapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel administrated every three weeks (PC three-week regimen) in inoperable advanced NSCLC and compare them with the results of cisplatin/etoposide.

METHODS

The 43 patients with inoperable advanced NSCLC receiving concurrent chemotherapy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2012 to June 2014 were enrolled and analyzed. Of them, 15 patients received carboplatin/paclitaxel with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy; the other 28 patients received cisplatin/etoposide. Clinical characteristic, efficacy and toxicity data were compared in these two groups.

RESULTS

For the overall population, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 41.9% and 90.7% respectively. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 10.6 months (95%CI: 7.4-13.8). And the median overall survival (OS) was 19.2 months (95%CI: 15.3-23.1). There were no significant differences in response rates (ORR: 33.3% vs 46.4%; DCR: 86.7% vs 92.9%, P=0.638), PFS (6.6 months vs 12.2 months, P=0.389), or OS (16.1 months vs 22.1 months, P=0.555) in either group. The adverse events were generally manageable and no treatment-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with PE, PC three-week regimen concurrent thoracic radiotherapy for inoperable advanced NSCLC has the similar efficacy and acceptable toxicity profile, which can be used in clinical setting.

Tumor-penetration and antitumor efficacy of cetuximab are enhanced by co-administered iRGD in a murine model of human NSCLC

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality, worldwide. For this reason, novel therapies are required for the treatment of this devastating disease. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed in a variety of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The therapeutic efficacy of cetuximab for NSCLC is limited to use as a monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. The objective of the present study was to develop a novel strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cetuximab for NSCLC by a co-administration with the tumor-penetrating internalizing RGD peptide (iRGD). Human NSCLC subcutaneous xenograft models established with the A549 cell line in nude mice were treated with 30 mg/kg cetuximab, 4 mg/kg iRGD, cetuximab plus iRGD or phosphate-buffered saline. The tumor-penetration, in vivo therapeutic efficacy and involved mechanism were evaluated. The present study showed that the A549 xenograft model is sensitive to the co-administration of cetuximab and iRGD. Treatment with cetuximab plus iRGD resulted in a significant increase in the tumor-penetration of cetuximab and tumor reduction compared with cetuximab monotherapy. In conclusion, iRGD enhances the effects of co-administered cetuximab in an NSCLC model. The combined application of cetuximab and iRGD may be a novel strategy to enhance the clinical therapeutic efficacy of cetuximab for the treatment of NSCLC.

Long-term follow-up of patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer receiving concurrent hypofractionated chemoradiotherapy with or without cetuximab

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Radiation dose escalation using hypofractionation might improve overall survival (OS). We investigated OS in a phase II multicenter study in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) patients treated with hypofractionated concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 2-armed phase II, multi-center study (NTR2230) was performed with the aim to assess the effect of cetuximab to concurrent chemoradiotherapy in LA-NSCLC patients (stage II/IIIA/B). Arm A received high dose radiotherapy (24 × 2.75 Gy) and concurrent daily low-dose cisplatin (6 mg/m(2)). Arm B received an identical treatment regimen with additional weekly cetuximab. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and 1-, 2- and 5-year OS proportions were calculated.

RESULTS

Between February 2009 and May 2011, 102 patients were randomly allocated in two arms. Median OS was 31.5 months (range 12.8-52.3), not significantly different between arms A and B; 33.0 (range 17.0-57.0) and 30.0 (11.0-52.0) months. 1-, 2- and 5-year OS rates were 74.5%, 59.4% and 37.3%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, worse performance score, V35 of the esophagus and the existence of comorbidities were significantly (P-value<0.05) associated with a shorter OS.

DISCUSSION

In this phase II trial, the median OS for the entire group was remarkably high; 31.5 months. Furthermore, 5-year OS was still 37.3%. Hypofractionation might contribute to improved OS in LA-NSCLC patients.

Combined Modality Therapy for Thoracic and head and Neck Cancers: A Review of Updated Literature Based on a Consensus Meeting

Purpose

Combined modality therapy is a mainstay option for thoracic malignancies and head and neck cancers. The integration of different strategies is based on the multidisciplinary approach of modern clinical oncology. Radiation oncologists have to be educated, trained, and updated to provide state-of-the-art care to cancer patients and thus educational meetings are crucial.

Methods

The Italian Association of Radiation Oncology Young Members Working Group (AIRO Giovani) organized its 8th national meeting, focused on combination therapy in lung, esophageal, and head and neck cancer (with a specific focus on larynx-preservation strategies for larynx/hypopharynx tumors), involving young professionals working in Italy. The meeting was addressed to young radiation oncologists, presenting state-of-the-art knowledge, based on the latest evidence in this field. We performed a review of the current literature based on the highlights of the Congress.

Results

The multimodality approach of head and neck and thoracic malignancies includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but also has to take into account new information and data coming from basic and translational research and including molecular biology, genetics, and immunology. All these aspects are crucial for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer and esophageal, esophagogastric junction, and larynx/hypopharynx malignancies. The integration of different treatments in the clinical decision-making process to combine therapies is crucial.

Conclusions

Combination therapy has proved to be a consolidated approach in these specific oncologic settings, highlighting the importance of multimodality management in modern clinical oncology. Dedicated meetings on specific topics are helpful to improve knowledge and skills of young professionals in radiation oncology.

Improved progression free survival for patients with diabetes and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using metformin during concurrent chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim was to investigate whether the use of metformin during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) improved treatment outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 682 patients were included in this retrospective cohort study (59 metformin users, 623 control patients). All received cCRT in one of three participating radiation oncology departments in the Netherlands between January 2008 and January 2013. Primary endpoint was locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS), secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS).

RESULTS

No significant differences in LRFS or OS were found. Metformin use was associated with an improved DMFS (74% versus 53% at 2 years; p=0.01) and PFS (58% versus 37% at 2 years and a median PFS of 41 months versus 15 months; p=0.01). In a multivariate cox-regression analysis, the use of metformin was a statistically significant independent variable for DMFS and PFS (p=0.02 and 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin use during cCRT is associated with an improved DMFS and PFS for locally advanced NSCLC patients, suggesting that metformin may be a valuable treatment addition in these patients. Evidently, our results merit to be verified in a prospective trial.

Pathways to improving combined modality therapy for stage III nonsmall-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, having caused an estimated 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2012 [Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Dikshit R et al. Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. Int J Cancer 2015; 136: E359-E386].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Although the majority of patients are not cured with currently available therapies, there have been significant improvements in stage-specific outcomes over time [Videtic G, Vokes E, Turrisi A et al. The survival of patients treated for stage III non-small cell lung cancer in North America has increased during the past 25 years. In The 39th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO 2003, Chicago, IL. Abstract 2557. p. 291]. This review focuses on past progress and ongoing research in the treatment of locally advanced, inoperable nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

RESULTS

In the past, randomized trials revealed advantages to the use of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) and then, the addition of induction chemotherapy. This was followed by studies that determined concurrent chemoradiotherapy to be superior to sequential therapy. A recent large phase III trial found that the administration of 74 Gy of conventionally fractionated photon-based TRT provided poorer survival than did the standard 60 Gy. However, further research on other methods of applying radiotherapy (hypofractionation, adaptive TRT, proton therapy, and stereotactic TRT boosting) is proceeding and may improve outcomes. The molecular characterization of tumors has provided more effective and less toxic targeted treatments in the stage IV setting and these agents are currently under investigation for earlier stage disease. Similarly, immune-enhancing therapies have shown promise in stage IV disease and are also being tested in the locally advanced setting.

CONCLUSION

For locally advanced, inoperable NSCLC, standard therapy has evolved from TRT alone to combined modality therapy. We summarize the recent clinical trial experience and outline promising areas of investigation in an era of greater molecular and immunologic understanding of cancer care.

A phase I/II study of bortezomib in combination with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and concurrent thoracic radiation therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer: North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG)-N0321

INTRODUCTION

Despite the advances in radiation techniques and chemotherapy, survival with current platinum-based chemotherapy and concomitant thoracic radiation remains dismal. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, modulates apoptosis and cell cycle through disruption of protein degradation. The combination of bortezomib and carboplatin/paclitaxel and concurrent radiation in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer was evaluated in this phase I/II study.

METHODS

Patients with histologic or cytologic confirmed stage III nonmetastatic non-small-cell lung cancer who were candidates for radiation therapy were eligible. In the phase I portion, patients received escalating doses of bortezomib, paclitaxel, and carboplatin concomitantly with thoracic radiation (60 Gy/30 daily fractions) using a modified 3 + 3 design. The primary endpoint for the phase II portion was the 12-month survival rate (12MS). A one-stage design with an interim analysis yielded 81% power to detect a true 12MS of 75%, with a 0.09 level of significance if the true 12MS was 60% using a sample size of 60 patients. Secondary endpoints consisted of adverse events (AEs), overall survival, progression-free survival, and the confirmed response rate.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients enrolled during the phase I portion of the trial, of which four cancelled before receiving treatment, leaving 27 evaluable patients. Of these 27 patients, two dose-limiting toxicities were observed, one (grade 3 pneumonitis) at dose level 1 (bortezomib at 0.5 mg/m, paclitaxel at 150 mg/m, and carboplatin at area under the curve of 5) and one (grade 4 neutropenia lasting ≥8 days) at dose level 6 (bortezomib 1.2 mg/m, paclitaxel 175 mg/m, and carboplatin at area under the curve of 6). During the phase I portion, the most common grade 3 of 4 AEs were leukopenia (44%), neutropenia (37%), dyspnea (22%), and dysphagia (11%). Dose level 6 was declared to be the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and the phase II portion of the study opened. After the first 26 evaluable patients were enrolled to the RP2D, a per protocol interim analysis occurred. Of these 26 patients, 23 (88%) survived at least 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 70-98%), which was enough to continue to full accrual per study design. However, due to slow accrual, the study was stopped after 27 evaluable patients were enrolled (6-phase I RP2D; 21-phase II). Of these 27 patients, the 12MS was 73% (95% CI, 58-92%), the median overall survival was 25.0 months (95% CI, 15.6-35.8), and the median progression-free survival was 8.4 months (95% CI, 4.1-10.5). The confirmed response rate was 26% (seven of 27; 95% CI, 11-46%), consisting of four partial responses and three complete responses. Grade 3+ and grade 4+ AEs occurred in 82% and 56% of patients, respectively. One patient experienced grade 5 pneumonitis that was possibly related to the treatment. Grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicities were observed in 82% and 56% patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of bortezomib to concurrent carboplatin/paclitaxel and radiation seemed to be feasible, although associated with increased hematological toxicities. A favorable median overall survival of 25 months suggests a potential benefit for this regimen.

EGFR targeted therapies and radiation: Optimizing efficacy by appropriate drug scheduling and patient selection

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in tumor progression and treatment resistance for many types of malignancies including head and neck, colorectal, and nonsmall cell lung cancer. Several EGFR targeted therapies are efficacious as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy. Given the toxicity associated with chemoradiation and poor outcomes seen in several types of cancers, combinations of EGFR targeted agents with or without chemotherapy have been tested in patients receiving radiation. To date, the only FDA approved use of an anti-EGFR therapy in combination with radiation therapy is for locally advanced head and neck cancer. Given the important role EGFR plays in lung and colorectal cancer and the benefit of EGFR inhibition combined with chemotherapy in these disease sites, it is perplexing why EGFR targeted therapies in combination with radiation or chemoradiation have not been more successful. In this review we summarize the clinical findings of EGFR targeted therapies combined with radiation and chemoradiation regimens. We then discuss the interaction between EGFR and radiation including radiation induced EGFR signaling, the effect of EGFR on DNA damage repair, and potential mechanisms of radiosensitization. Finally, we examine the potential pitfalls with scheduling EGFR targeted therapies with chemoradiation and the use of predictive biomarkers to improve patient selection.

Quantification of CT-assessed radiation-induced lung damage in lung cancer patients treated with or without chemotherapy and cetuximab

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Prediction models for radiation-induced lung damage (RILD) are still unsatisfactory, with clinical toxicity endpoints that are difficult to quantify objectively. We therefore evaluated RILD more objectively, quantitatively and on a continuous scale measuring the lung tissue density changes per voxel.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone, sequential and concurrent chemo-RT with and without the addition of cetuximab were studied. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans were co-registered using deformable registration to baseline CT scans. CT density changes were correlated to the RT dose delivered in every part of the lungs.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventeen lung cancer patients were included. Mean dose to tumor was 60 Gy (range 45-79.2 Gy). Dose response curves showed a linear increase in the dose region between 0 and 65 Gy having a slope (based on coefficients of the multilevel model) expressed as a lung density increase per dose of 0.86 (95% CI 0.73-0.99), 1.31 (95% CI 1.19-1.43), 1.39 (95% CI 1.28-1.50) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.93-2.21) for patients treated only with RT (N=19), sequential chemo-RT (N=30), concurrent chemo-RT (N=49), and concurrent chemo-RT with cetuximab (N=19), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CT density changes allow quantitative assessment of lung damage after fractionated RT, giving complementary information to standard used clinical endpoints. Patients receiving cetuximab showed a significantly larger dose response compared with other treatments.

Feasibility of image-guided radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer

A retrospective review of 32 patients with stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer who underwent chemoradiation with image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) was recorded. Acute grade 3-4 hematologic and esophageal toxicities developed in 6 and 13 patients respectively. At a median follow-up of 14.5 months, only one patient developed grade 3 pneumonitis. The median survival was estimated to be 17 months. Five patients (15%) developed loco-regional recurrences, and 17 patients (53%) distant metastases. Grade 3-4 toxicities remained significant during chemoradiation with IGRT. However, the reduced rate of severe pneumonitis despite a high tumor dose is encouraging and needs to be investigated in future prospective studies.

A phase I study of concurrent individualized, isotoxic accelerated radiotherapy and cisplatin-vinorelbine-cetuximab in patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

In this open-label phase I study, the maximum-tolerated dose of cetuximab with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C-CRT) in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer together with individualized, isotoxic accelerated radiotherapy (RT) was investigated.

METHODS

Patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer, World Health Organization performance status 0-1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second more than 50%, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity more than 50%, weight loss less than 10%, and no severe comorbidity were enrolled. Patients without progression after one to two cycles of gemcitabine-carboplatin were included and treated with cetuximab 400 mg/kg d7 and 250 mg/kg weekly together with RT and cisplatin (50 mg/m d1, 8; 40 mg/m d22)-vinorelbine for 5 weeks. Vinorelbine was escalated in three steps; (1) 10 mg/m d1, 8 and 8 mg/m d22, 29; (2) 20 mg/m d1, 8 and 8 mg/m d22, 29; (3) 20 mg/m d1, 8; 15 mg/m d22, 29. An individualized prescribed RT dose based on normal tissue dose constraints was applied (e.g., mean lung dose 19 Gy). The primary endpoint was the maximum-tolerated dose 3 months after the end of C-CRT; secondary endpoints were toxicity and metabolic response as assessed by positron emission tomography.

RESULTS

Between September 2007 and October 2010, 25 patients (12 men, 13 women, mean age 59 years) were included. The mean RT dose was 62 ± 6.6 Gy. The vinorelbine dose could be escalated to dose level 3. Twelve of 25 patients experienced greater than or equal to grade 3 toxicity (esophagitis 3, rash 1, diarrhea 1, cough 1, dyspnea 1, vomiting 1, and pulmonary embolism 1). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. One patient with a complete pathological response in dose level 3 developed a fatal hemoptysis 4 months after RT. Metabolic remissions were observed in 19 of 22 patients.

CONCLUSION

C-CRT with cetuximab and cisplatin-vinorelbine is safe to deliver at full dose. The recommended phase II dose is therefore cetuximab 400 mg/m d7 and 250 mg/m weekly, cisplatin 50 mg/m d1, 8; 40 mg/m d22 and vinorelbine 20 mg/m d1, 8; 15 mg/m d22, 29 for 5 weeks together with RT.

Incidence and risk of severe infections associated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) have been widely used in a variety of malignancies. Severe infections (≥grade 3) are potentially life-threatening adverse events with these drugs. However, the contribution of anti-EGFR MoAbs to infections is still unknown. We performed this meta-analysis to determine the overall incidence and risk of severe infections in cancer patients treated with these drugs.

METHODS

The databases of PubMed and abstracts presented at oncology conferences and published in the proceedings were searched for relevant studies from January 2000 to May 2014. Summary incidences, relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using either random effects or fixed effect models according to the heterogeneity of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 14,066 patients from 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The use of anti-EGFR-MoAbs significantly increased the risk of developing severe infections (RR 1.34, 95%CI: 1.10 to 1.62, P=0.003) in cancer patients, but not for fatal infections (RR 1.62, 95%CI: 0.81 to 3.26, P=0.18). Meta-regression indicated the infections might possibly occur early in the treatment with anti-EGFR MoAbs. On sub-group analysis, the risk of severe infections significantly varied with tumor type (P=0.001). When stratified by specific anti-EGFR MoAbs, a significantly increased risk of infections with cetuximab was observed (P<0.001), but not for panitumumab (P=0.98). Additionally, the use of anti-EGFR MoAbs significantly increased the risk of severe infections when used in conjunction with cisplatin (RR 1.48, 95%CI 1.22 to 1.79, P<0.001) or irinotecan (RR 1.53, 95%CI 1.12 to 2.10, P=0.008). When stratified by specific infectious events, anti-EGFR-MoAbs significantly increased the risk of developing severe sepsis (RR 4.30, 95%CI: 1.80 to 10.27; P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-EGFR MoAbs treatment significantly increases the risk of developing severe infectious events in cancer patients. The risk may vary with tumor types. Clinicians should be aware of the risks of severe infections with the administration of these drugs in cancer patients.

Infectious complications in cancer patients treated with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials have reported a substantial variation in the risk of infection related to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) cetuximab and panitumumab. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the infection risk in cancer patients treated with anti-EGFR mAbs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed and the ASCO online database of meeting abstracts up to January 2014 for relevant clinical trials. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cetuximab and panitumumab that reported adequate safety data for grade 3-4 infection or febrile neutropenia (FN). The summary incidence, relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 14,957 patients from 28 trials were included. Treatment with anti-EGFR mAbs was associated with an increased risk of high-grade infection (RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.33-1.66; P<0.001) and FN (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.09-1.48; P=0.002). The incidence of high-grade infection and FN due to anti-EGFR mAbs was 9.3% (95% CI, 7.2-12.0%) and 5.3% (95% CI, 3.3-8.3%), respectively. A significantly increased risk of high-grade infection was observed in all subgroups analyses (type of anti-EGFR mAb, therapy of control arm and duration of treatment) except for tumor type (only colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) groups had the increased risk). Subgroup analyses revealed a significantly increased risk of FN in the following subgroups: cetuximab, NSCLC and treatment duration longer than the median of all trials (3.1months).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of anti-EGFR mAbs is associated with a significantly higher risk of high-grade infection and febrile neutropenia.

EGFR expression and survival in patients given cetuximab and chemoradiation for stage III non-small cell lung cancer: a secondary analysis of RTOG 0324

PURPOSE

We investigated whether expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was associated with survival and disease control in this secondary analysis of a phase II trial of cetuximab+chemoradiation for stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Patients received cetuximab weekly before and during radiation (63 Gy/35 fractions/7 weeks) with weekly carboplatin + paclitaxel. We analyzed EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in pretreatment biopsy specimens and compared findings with overall and progression-free survival (OS, PFS) and time to progression (TTP).

RESULTS

Specimens for IHC and FISH were collected from 51 and 45 of 87 evaluable patients. Pretreatment characteristics did not differ for patients with (n = 51) or without (n= 36) EGFR IHC data, or with (n = 45) or without (n = 42) FISH data. However, patients without IHC data had worse OS (HR = 1.63, P = 0.05), worse PFS (HR = 1.88, P = 0.008), and worse TTP [HR = 1.99, P = 0.01] than those with IHC data. EGFR protein expression was not related to pretreatment characteristics or OS; FISH-positive disease was associated with better performance status but not with OS, PFS, or TTP.

CONCLUSIONS

Surprisingly, outcomes differed not by EGFR expression but by the availability of samples for analysis, underscoring the importance of obtaining biopsy samples in such trials.