Phase II study of external irradiation and weekly paclitaxel for nonmetastatic, unresectable pancreatic cancer: RTOG-98-12

Natural Radiosensitizers in Radiotherapy: Cancer Treatment by Combining Ionizing Radiation with Resveratrol

Conventional cancer treatment is mainly based on the surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. When surgical removal is not possible, radiotherapy and, less often, chemotherapy is the only way to treat patients. However, despite significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and developments in modern radiotherapy techniques, radiotherapy (alone or in combination) does not always guarantee treatment success. One of the main causes is the radioresistance of cancer cells. Increasing the radiosensitivity of cancer cells improves the processes leading to their elimination during radiotherapy and prolonging the survival of cancer patients. In order to enhance the effect of radiotherapy in the treatment of radioresistant neoplasms, radiosensitizers are used. In clinical practice, synthetic radiosensitizers are commonly applied, but scientists have recently focused on using natural products (phytocompounds) as adjuvants in radiotherapy. In this review article, we only discuss naturally occurring radiosensitizers currently in clinical trials (paclitaxel, curcumin, genistein, and papaverine) and those whose radiation sensitizing effects, such as resveratrol, have been repeatedly confirmed by many independent studies.

Reducing the Toxicity of Radiotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer With Magnetic Resonance-guided Radiotherapy

Pancreatic cancer is a highly fatal malignancy for which surgery is currently considered to be the only curative treatment. However, less than a quarter of patients have disease amenable to definitive surgical resection. Local treatment with radiation therapy is a promising alternative to surgery for those patients with unresectable disease. However, conventional radiation techniques with computed tomography (CT)-guided therapy have yielded disappointing results due to the inability to deliver ablative doses of ionizing radiation, while sparing the radiosensitive adjacent organs at risk. Magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) has emerged as an alternative to CT-guided radiation treatment which allows for the delivery of higher doses of radiation with low toxicity to surrounding structures. Further study into the use of MRgRT and dose escalation for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer is needed.

Targeted MRI and chemotherapy of ovarian cancer with clinic available nano-drug based nanoprobe

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and chemotherapy, as its main treatment, has side effects in clinical application due to lack of targeting selectivity to tumor tissues. Theranostic nanomaterials have shown wonderful functions for the diagnosis and therapy of disease benefitting from the controllability of nanomaterials. However, there is still little available for clinical transformation due to the uncertain biocompatibility. It is urgent to develop nanoprobes possessing bright transformation potentials. This study reports a facile biomineralization route to synthesize the theranostic nanoprobe using the clinic available nano-drug (trademark Abraxane). Further profiting from the binding ability of albumin to metal cations, we successfully prepared biocompatible nanoprobe, BSA-Gd₂O₃/PTX@Anti-HE4 mAb, for the targeted magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy of ovarian carcinoma. The obtained nanoprobe has the advantages of uniform particle size, good dispersibility and favorable stability. In vivo and in vitro experiment results showed that the nanoprobe can realize targeted magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy of ovarian carcinoma. Such a novel multifunctional nanoprobe based on clinic nano-drug might be promising for clinic transformation.

Radiation as a Single-Modality Treatment in Localized Pancreatic Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is managed with multimodality therapy. We aim to evaluate the outcome of single-modality radiation therapy for LAPC.

METHODS

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients were identified between 2004 and 2013 using the National Cancer Database excluding patients who received chemotherapy or surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 6590 patients were included. The mean age was 73.5 (range, 28-90) years, 83.2% were white, and 54.4% were female. Tumors of 4 cm or greater (>T3 stage) accounted for 52.7%. The median radiation dose was 39.6 Gy. Stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) delivered to 64 patients and external-beam/intensity modulated radiotherapy in 416 patients. Radiation therapy was associated with improved overall survival (OS) compared with no treatment in univariate and multivariable analyses. The medians OS for patients who received SBRT, external-beam/intensity modulated radiotherapy, or no radiation were 8.6, 6.7, and 3.4 months, respectively (P < 0.001). There is a significant difference in 12-month OS for the SBRT cohort (31.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.9%-43.5%) compared with patients who received no radiation (15.1%; 95% CI, 14.2%-16.0%), and on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.38-0.65; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggests potential benefit for radiation therapy alone in comparison with no treatment in LAPC.

Conventionally fractionated radiation therapy versus stereotactic body radiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (CRiSP): An international systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to characterize the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) versus conventionally fractionated radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy (CFRT) for the definitive treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The primary outcome measure was efficacy, defined by 2-year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were incidence of any grade 3/4 toxicity and 1-year OS.

METHODS

A PICOS/PRISMA/MOOSE selection protocol was used to identify eligible studies. Inclusion criteria were: 1) patients diagnosed with locally advanced N0-1 M0 pancreatic cancer; 2) CFRT 1.8 to 2.0 Gy/fraction with chemotherapy per protocol or SBRT ≥5 Gy/fraction in ≤5 fractions; 3) either no control group or another definitive chemotherapy or radiation therapy arm; 4) at least 1 of the outcome measures reported; and 5) single or multi-arm phase 2/3 prospective study for CFRT and/or phase 1/2 or retrospective study for SBRT. Neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant chemotherapy was prescribed per protocol specifications. Weighted random effects meta-analyses were conducted using the DerSimonian and Laird method to characterize summary effect sizes for each outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 470 studies were initially screened; of these, 9 studies assessed SBRT and 11 studies assessed CFRT. For SBRT, the median dose was 30 Gy, and the most common regimen was 30 Gy/5 fractions. For CFRT, doses ranged from 45 to 54 Gy in 1.8- to 2.0-Gy fractions, with the majority of studies delivering 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions with concurrent gemcitabine. The random effects estimate for 2-year OS was 26.9% (95% CI, 20.6%-33.6%) for SBRT versus 13.7% (95% CI, 8.9%-19.3%) for CFRT and was statistically significant in favor of SBRT. The random effects estimate for 1-year OS was 53.7% (95% CI, 39.3%-67.9%) for SBRT versus 49.3% (95% CI, 39.3%-59.4%) for CFRT, and was not statistically significant. The random effects estimate for acute grade 3/4 toxicity was 5.6% (95% CI, 0.0%-20.0%) for SBRT versus 37.7% (95% CI, 24.0%-52.5%) for CFRT and was statistically significant in favor of SBRT. The random effects estimate for late grade 3/4 toxicity was 9.0% for SBRT (95% CI, 3.3%-17.1%) versus 10.1% (95% CI, 1.8%-23.8%) for CFRT, which was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that SBRT for LAPC may result in a modest improvement in 2-year OS with decreased rates of acute grade 3/4 toxicity and no change in 1-year-OS or late toxicity. Further study into the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy for these patients is needed.

Stereotactic Body Radiation and Interleukin-12 Combination Therapy Eradicates Pancreatic Tumors by Repolarizing the Immune Microenvironment

Over 80% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients are diagnosed with non-resectable late-stage disease that lacks effective neoadjuvant therapies. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has shown promise as an emerging neoadjuvant approach for treating PDA, and here, we report that its combination with local interleukin-12 (IL-12) microsphere (MS) immunotherapy results in marked tumor reduction and cures in multiple preclinical mouse models of PDA. Our findings demonstrate an increase of intratumoral interferon gamma (IFNγ) production following SBRT/IL-12 MS administration that initiates suppressor cell reprogramming and a subsequent increase in CD8 T cell activation. Furthermore, SBRT/IL-12 MS therapy results in the generation of systemic tumor immunity that is capable of eliminating established liver metastases, providing a rationale for follow-up studies in advanced metastatic disease.

Can we downstage locally advanced pancreatic cancer to resectable? A phase I/II study of induction oxaliplatin and 5-FU chemoradiation

BACKGROUND

Half of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) present with regionally advanced disease. This includes borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable tumors as defined by current NCCN guidelines for resectability. Chemoradiation (CH-RT) is used in this setting in attempt to control local disease, and possibly downstage to resectable disease. We report a phase I/II trial of a combination of 5FU/Oxaliplatin with concurrent radiation in patients presenting with borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Patients with biopsy-proven borderline resectable or locally advanced unresectable PC were eligible. Chemotherapy included continuous infusion 5FU (200 mg/m2) daily and oxaliplatin weekly for 5 weeks in dose escalation cohorts, ranging from 30 to 60 mg/m2. Concurrent radiation therapy consisted of 4,500 cGy in 25 fractions (180 cGy/fx/d) followed by a comedown to the tumor and margins for an additional 540 cGy ×3 (total dose 5,040 cGy in 28 fractions). Following completion of CH-RT, patients deemed resectable underwent surgery; those who remained unresectable for cure but did not progress (SD, stable disease) received mFOLFOX6 ×6 cycles. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. End-points of the phase II portion were resectability and overall survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 24 subjects (15 men and 9 women, mean age 64.5 years) were enrolled between June 2004 and December 2009 and received CH-RT. Seventeen patients were enrolled in the Phase I component of the study, fifteen of whom completed neoadjuvant therapy. Reasons for not completing treatment included grade 3 toxicities (1 patient) and withdrawal of consent (1 patient). The highest dose of oxaliplatin (60 mg/m2) was well tolerated and it was used as the recommended phase II dose. An additional 7 patients were treated in the phase II portion, 5 of whom completed CH-RT; the remaining 2 patients did not complete treatment because of grade 3 toxicities. Overall, 4/24 did not complete CH-RT. Grade 4 toxicities related to initial CH-RT were observed during phase I (n=2, pulmonary embolism and lymphopenia) and phase II (n=3, fatigue, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia). Following restaging after completion of CH-RT, 4 patients had progressed (PD); 9 patients had SD and received additional chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 (one of them had a dramatic response after two cycles and underwent curative resection); the remaining 7 patients (29.2%) were noted to have a response and were explored: 2 had PD, 4 had SD, still unresectable, and 1 patient was resected for cure with negative margins. Overall 2 patients (8.3%) in the study received curative resection following neoadjuvant therapy. Median overall survival for the entire study population was 11.4 months. Overall survival for the two resected patients was 41.7 and 21.6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined modality treatment for borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer with oxaliplatin, 5FU and radiation was reasonably well tolerated. The majority of patients remained unresectable. Survival data with this regimen were comparable to others for locally advanced pancreas cancer, suggesting the need for more novel approaches.

Perioperative outcomes and survival following neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) versus intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To compare outcomes in patients receiving neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with those receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We analyzed patients receiving neoadjuvant SBRT for borderline resectable (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) (2012-2016). Differences in baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared.

RESULTS

Seventy-five (82.4%) patients received SBRT and 16 (17.6%) received IMRT. There were no differences in surgical resection rates in the SBRT (n = 38, 50.7%) and IMRT (n = 11, 68.8%) groups (P = 0.188). Among resected patients, there was no difference in postoperative outcomes or pathologic outcomes including lymph node status, margin status, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, or pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment (P > 0.05). Among all patients, median PFS and OS were 9.9 and 23.5 months in the SBRT group, respectively, and 15.3 and 21.8 months in the IMRT group, respectively (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no difference in PFS or OS between groups when stratified by BRPC, LAPC, and surgically resected patients (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the neoadjuvant setting, SBRT and IMRT appear to have similar rates of resection, perioperative outcomes, and survival outcomes, but additional studies with increased sample size and longer follow up are needed.

Facile Deposition of Manganese Dioxide to Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel Nanoparticles for Modulation of Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment To Improve Chemoradiation Therapy

Tumor microenvironment with hypoxia and excess hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) tremendously limits the effect of chemoradiation therapy of colorectal cancer. For the first time, we developed a facile method to deposit manganese dioxide (MnO₂) on the surface of albumin bound paclitaxel nanoparticles (ANPs-PTX) to obtain MnO₂-functioned ANPs-PTX (MANPs-PTX). In the tumor microenvironment, MANPs-PTX could consume excess hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to produce abundant oxygen for tumor oxygenation and improve chemoradiation therapy. Meanwhile, the released Mn²⁺ from MANPs-PTX had excellent T₁ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performances for tumor detection. Notably, the obtained MANPs-PTX would be a promising theranostic agent and have potential clinical application prospects.

Outcomes for patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy versus conventionally fractionated radiation

BACKGROUND

As systemic therapy has improved for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), efforts to improve local control with optimal radiotherapy may be critical. Although conventionally fractionated radiation therapy (CFRT) has more recently shown a limited role in LAPC, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an emerging approach with promising results. With no studies to date comparing SBRT with CFRT for LAPC, this study used the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) to evaluate these 2 modalities.

METHODS

With the NCDB, patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer cT2-4/N0-1/M0 adenocarcinoma of the pancreas diagnosed from 2004 to 2013 were analyzed. Radiation therapy delivered at ≤2 Gy was deemed CFRT, and radiation therapy delivered at ≥4 Gy per fraction was considered SBRT. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank testing, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were performed with overall survival (OS) as the primary outcome. Propensity score matching was used.

RESULTS

Among 8450 patients, 7819 (92.5%) were treated with CFRT, and 631 (7.5%) underwent SBRT. Receipt of SBRT was associated with superior OS in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.93; P < .001). With propensity score matching, 988 patients in all were matched, with 494 patients in each cohort. Within the propensity-matched cohorts, the median OS (13.9 vs 11.6 months) and the 2-year OS rate (21.7% vs 16.5%) were significantly higher with SBRT versus CFRT (P = .0014).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective review using a large national database, SBRT was associated with superior OS in comparison with CFRT for LAPC, and these findings remained significant in a propensity-matched analysis. Further prospective studies investigating these hypothesis-generating results are warranted. Cancer 2017;123:3486-93. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Phase I Trial of Consolidative Radiotherapy with Concurrent Bevacizumab, Erlotinib and Capecitabine for Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose

To determine the safety, tolerability and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of addition of erlotinib to bevacizumab and capecitabine-based definitive chemoradiation (CRT) in unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Seventeen patients with CT-staged, biopsy-proven unresectable pancreatic cancer were enrolled between 3/2008 and 10/2010. Prior chemotherapy was permitted. Two patients each were enrolled at dose levels (DLs) 1–4 and 9 patients at DL 5. All patients received 50.4 Gy (GTV only) in 28 fractions with concurrent capecitabine, bevacizumab and erlotinib. Dose of each drug was escalated in 5 DLs using the continual reassessment method. Bevacizumab was escalated from 5mg/Kg q2weeks (DLs 1–4) to 10mg/Kg q2weeks (DL 5); daily erlotinib from 100mg/day (DLs 1–2) to 150 mg/Kg (DLs 3–5); and capecitabine from 400mg/m² twice daily on days of radiation (DL 1) to 650mg/m² (DLs 2–3) to 825 mg/m² (DLs 4–5). Reassessment for potential resection was performed 6–8 weeks later.

Results

Sixteen patients received gemcitabine-based chemotherapy prior to CRT. With a median clinical follow-up of 10 months, no grade 3 toxicities were observed in DLs 1–4. Three (33%) patients at DL 5 developed a grade 3 acute toxicity (2 diarrhea, 1 rash). No grade 4 or 5 toxicities were seen. DL 4 was selected as the MTD; therefore, the recommended doses in combination with radiation are: bevacizumab, 5mg/Kg q2weeks; erlotinib, 150 mg/Kg daily; and capecitabine, 825mg/m² BID. Median survival was 17.4 months. Of the five patients who underwent resection, 4 were originally deemed locally advanced and 1 was borderline resectable. Three patients had excellent pathological response (2 complete response and 20% viable tumor) at surgery, and the 2 patients with complete response are still alive at 61 and 67 months of follow up with no local or distant failures.

Conclusions

This chemoradiation regimen at the recommended dose levels is safe and tolerable for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer and merits further evaluation.

Contemporary Management of Borderline Resectable and Locally Advanced Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas remains a highly lethal disease, with less than 5% survival at 5 years. Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) account for approximately 30% of newly diagnosed cases of PC. The objective of BRPC therapy is to downstage the tumor to allow resection; the objective of LAPC therapy is to control disease and improve survival. There is no consensus on the definitions of BRPC and LAPC, which leads to major limitations in designing clinical trials and evaluating their results. A multimodality approach is always needed to ensure proper utilization and timing of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery in the management of this disease. Combination chemotherapy regimens (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and gemcitabine [FOLFIRINOX] and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) have improved overall survival in metastatic disease. The role of combination chemotherapy regimens in BRPC and LAPC is an area of active investigation. There is no consensus on the dose, modality, and role of radiation therapy in the treatment of BRPC and LAPC. This article reviews the literature and highlights the areas of controversy regarding management of BRPC and LAPC.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Pancreatic cancer is one of the worst cancers with regard to survival, even at early stages of the disease. This review evaluates all the evidence for the stages in which the cancer is not primarily resectable with surgery, known as borderline resectable or locally advanced unresectable. Recently, advancements in radiation techniques and use of better combination chemotherapies have improved survival and tolerance. There is no consensus on description of stages or treatment sequences (chemotherapy, chemoradiation, radiation), nor on the best chemotherapy regimen. The evidence behind the treatment paradigm for these stages of pancreatic cancer is summarized.

Treatment Approaches to Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

This article focuses on the management of locally advanced pancreatic cancer, which should be treated as a distinct entity separate from metastatic disease and borderline resectable disease. Although the role, timing, and sequencing of radiation relative to systemic therapy in this disease are controversial, an emerging treatment paradigm involves induction chemotherapy, followed by consolidative chemoradiation in patients who do not progress. In addition, new chemotherapy regimens as well as novel radiosensitizers have shown promise and need to be tested further in the locally advanced setting. Advances in radiotherapy have enabled stereotactic body radiotherapy and should continue to be prospectively evaluated.

Neoadjuvant gemcitabine, docetaxel, and capecitabine followed by gemcitabine and capecitabine/radiation therapy and surgery in locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

This prospective study was undertaken to assess toxicity, resectability, and survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients presenting with locally advanced, unresectable disease treated with neoadjuvant gemcitabine, docetaxel, and capecitabine (GTX) and gemcitabine and capecitabine (GX)/radiation therapy (RT).

METHODS

All patients presenting to the Pancreas Center were evaluated for eligibility. Forty-five patients (mean age, 64 years; range, 44-83 years)-34 patients deemed unresectable because of arterial involvement and 11 patients deemed unresectable because of extensive venous involvement-were treated with 6 cycles of GTX. Those with arterial involvement were treated with GX/RT after chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The GTX and GX/RT treatments were tolerated with the expected drug-related toxicities. There were no bowel perforations, cases of pancreatitis, or delayed strictures. Among those with arterial involvement, 29 underwent subsequent resection, with 20 (69%) achieving R0 resections. All 11 patients with venous-only involvement underwent resection, with 8 achieving R0 resections and 3 achieving complete pathologic responses. For the arterial arm, the 1-year survival rate was 71% (24 of 34 patients), and the median survival was 29 months (95% confidence interval, 21-38 months). Thirteen patients (38%) have not relapsed (range, 5-49+ months). For the venous arm, the median survival has not been reached at more than 42 months. Six patients (55%) in the venous arm did not experience recurrence (range, 6.2-42+ months).

CONCLUSIONS

GTX plus GX/RT is an effective neoadjuvant regimen that can be safely administered to patients up to at least the age of 83 years. It is associated with a high response rate, a high rate of R0 resections, and prolonged overall survival.

Radiation plus docetaxel and cisplatin in locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma: a non-comparative randomized phase II trial

BACKGROUND

We performed a randomized, non-comparative phase II study evaluating docetaxel in combination with either daily continuous (protracted IV) 5-fluorouracil or cisplatin administered weekly, concurrent to radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. Results of the docetaxel plus cisplatin regimen are reported.

METHODS

Forty chemotherapy-naive patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma were randomly assigned to receive 5-fluorouracil and docetaxel or docetaxel 20mg/m(2) and cisplatin 20mg/m(2)/week, plus concurrent radiotherapy for 6 weeks. The radiation dose to the primary tumour was 54Gy in 30 fractions. The trial's primary endpoint was the 6-month crude non-progression rate.

RESULTS

51 patients from 7 centres were included in the docetaxel-cisplatin treatment group. Six-month non-progression rate was 39% (95% confidence interval: 26-53). Median overall survival was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval: 2.4-60.7); 6 complete and 8 partial responses were obtained. Six patients survived more than 2 years after their inclusion in the trial. Grade ≥3 toxicity was reported in 63% of patients; no treatment-related death occurred. Severe toxicities were mainly anorexia (22%), vomiting (20%) and fatigue (24%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite inadequate efficacy according to the main end point, this regimen gave a satisfactory rate of objective response (27%) with tolerable toxicity.

Intensity modulated radiotherapy of upper abdominal malignancies: dosimetric comparison with 3D conformal radiotherapy and acute toxicity

Background

The goal of this study was to assess a possible dosimetric advantage of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of upper abdominal malignancies compared to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), and to assess the impact of IMRT on acute toxicity.

Methods

Thirty-one unselected consecutive patients with upper abdominal malignancies were treated with definitive (n =16) or postoperative (n =15) IMRT. Twenty-one patients (67.7%) received concomitant chemotherapy. 3DCRT plans were generated for comparison, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements was used to test for significant difference of dosimetric parameters. Acute toxicity was assessed weekly using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading scale.

Results

IMRT plans showed a small but statistically significant improvement of the conformity index compared to 3DCRT plans (difference (95% confidence interval), -0.06 (−0.109 to-0.005); p = 0.03). The homogeneity index was not significantly improved (p = 0.10). A significantly reduced high dose volume on cost of a significantly increased low dose volume was observed for the kidneys. The acute toxicity appeared to be less than commonly reported for corresponding patients treated with 3DCRT. No patient developed grade 3 or 4 non-hematological acute toxicity, and the most common grade 2 toxicity was vomiting (9.7%).

Conclusions

IMRT offers the potential of a clinically relevant dosimetric advantage compared to 3DCRT in terms of a reduced acute toxicity. Further optimization of the radiotherapy technique and more clinical trials are required before IMRT is routinely used for upper abdominal malignancies.

Radiosensitizers in pancreatic cancer--preclinical and clinical exploits with molecularly targeted agents

There has been an explosion in the number of molecularly targeted agents engineered to inhibit specific molecular pathways driving the tumorigenic phenotype in cancer cells. Some of these molecularly targeted agents have demonstrated robust clinical effects, but few result in meaningful durable responses. Therapeutic radiation is used to treat a majority of cancer patients with recent technologic and pharmacologic enhancements, leading to improvements in the therapeutic ratio for cancer care. Radiotherapy has a very specific role in select cases of postoperative and locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients, but control of metastatic disease still appears to be the major limiting factor behind improvements in cure. Recent rapid autopsy pathologic findings suggest a sub-group of advanced pancreatic cancer patients where death is caused from local disease progression and who would thus benefit from improved local control. One promising approach is to combine molecularly targeted agents with radiotherapy to improve tumor response rates and likelihood of durable local control. We review suggested recommendations on the investigation of molecularly targeted agents as radiosensitizers from preclinical studies to implementation in phase I–II clinical trials. We then discuss a select set of molecularly targeted therapies that we believe show promise as radiosensitizers in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Therapeutic advances in pancreatic cancer

Despite our improved understanding of pancreatic cancer biology and ability to perform more complex pancreatic cancer surgeries that produce better short-term outcomes, major progress toward increasing survival times has been painstakingly slow. Through the often-repeated, dismal survival statistics, it is easy to lose sight of real progress that has been made in pancreatic cancer therapy. It is particularly interesting to observe the extent to which these advances are interdependent and the effects they have had on practice. For example, during the past 5-10 years, we have seen widespread adoption of pancreatic imaging protocols that allow for objectively defined criteria of resectability. This has led to the definition of "borderline resectable pancreatic cancer"--a new clinical category that has affected the design of clinical trials. A major change in our surgical approach has been the move to minimally invasive pancreatectomy, which continues to gain broader acceptance and use, particularly for left-sided lesions. Although many new agents have been developed aimed at putative molecular targets, recent breakthroughs in therapy for advanced disease have arisen from our ability to safely give patients combination cytotoxic chemotherapy. We are now faced with the challenge of combining multidrug, cytotoxic chemotherapies with newer-generation agents. Ultimately, the hope is that drug combinations will be selected based on biomarkers, and strategies for pancreatic cancer therapy will be personalized, which could prolong patients' lives and reduce toxicity. We review the major advances in pancreatic cancer therapy during the last 5 years, and discuss how these have set the stage for greater progress in the near future.

Treatment options for advanced pancreatic cancer: a review

Advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma historically has a poor prognosis and the mortality rate has remained unchanged for over a decade. Common treatment options for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer include chemoradiation and/or chemotherapy. Single-agent gemcitabine has been considered the standard of care since 1997. Recently published findings indicate that the oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFIRINOX) treatment regimen significantly improves overall survival compared with gemcitabine. Research has shifted to focus on understanding the causes the resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy and potential methods to overcome it. This review will focus on the current treatment options, the evolution of targeted therapy, novel agents on the horizon and potential options to ameliorate chemoresistance.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy with concurrent full-dose gemcitabine for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a pilot trial demonstrating safety

Background

Concurrent chemoradiation is a standard option for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Concurrent conventional radiation with full-dose gemcitabine has significant toxicity. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may provide the opportunity to administer radiation in a shorter time frame with similar efficacy and reduced toxicity. This Pilot study assessed the safety of concurrent full-dose gemcitabine with SBRT for LAPC.

Methods

Patients received gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m² for 6 cycles. During week 4 of cycle 1, patients received SBRT (25 Gy delivered in five consecutive daily fractions of 5 Gy prescribed to the 75-83% isodose line). Acute and late toxicities were assessed using NIH CTCAE v3. Tumor response was assessed by RECIST. Patients underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy at baseline, 2, and 6 months to assess the duodenal mucosa. Quality of life (QoL) data was collected before and after treatment using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires.

Results

Between September 2009 and February 2011, 11 patients enrolled with one withdrawal during radiation therapy. Patients had grade 1 to 2 gastrointestinal toxicity from the start of SBRT to 2 weeks after treatment. There were no grade 3 or greater radiation-related toxicities or delays for cycle 2 of gemcitabine. On endoscopy, there were no grade 2 or higher mucosal toxicities. Two patients had a partial response. The median progression free and overall survival were 6.8 and 12.2 months, respectively. Global QoL did not change between baseline and immediately after radiation treatment.

Conclusions

SBRT with concurrent full dose gemcitabine is safe when administered to patients with LAPC. There is no delay in administration of radiation or chemotherapy, and radiation is completed with minimal toxicity.

Treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer: a 10-year experience

PURPOSE

We retrospectively analyzed the results of patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with either chemoradiation (CRT) or chemotherapy alone over the past decade.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between December 1998 and October 2009, 116 patients with LAPC were treated at our institution. Eighty-four patients received concurrent chemoradiation [RT (+) group], primarily 5-flourouracil based (70%). Thirty-two patients received chemotherapy alone [RT (-) group], the majority gemcitabine based (78%). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from date of diagnosis to date of first recurrence and to date of death or last follow-up, respectively. Univariate statistical analysis was used to determine significant prognostic factors for overall survival.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 67 years. Sixty patients were female (52%). Median follow-up was 11 months (range, 1.6-59.4 months). The RT (+) group received a median radiation dose of 50.4 Gy, was more likely to present with ECOG 0-1 performance status, and experienced less grade 3-4 toxicity. PFS was 10.9 versus 9.1 months (P=0.748) and median survival was 12.5 versus 9.1 months (P=0.998) for the RT (+) and RT (-) groups respectively (P=0.748). On univariate analysis, patients who experienced grade 3-4 toxicity had worse overall survival than those who did not (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal management for LAPC continues to evolve. Patients who developed treatment-related grade 3-4 toxicity have a poorer prognosis. Survival rates were not statistically significant between chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy groups.

Dose-painted intensity modulated radiation therapy improves local control for locally advanced pancreas cancer

Background. To evaluate the outcomes, adverse events, and therapeutic role of Dose-Painted Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (DP-IMRT) for locally advanced pancreas cancer (LAPC). Methods. Patients with LAPC were treated with induction chemotherapy (n = 25) and those without metastasis (n = 20) received DP-IMRT consisting of 45 Gy to Planning Treatment Volume 1 (PTV1) including regional lymph nodes with a concomitant boost to the PTV2 (gross tumor volume + 0.5 cm) to either 50.4 Gy (n = 9) or 54 Gy (n = 11) in 25 fractions. DP-IMRT cases were compared to three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) plans to assess the potential relationship of radiation dose to adverse events. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to calculate survival probabilities. The Fisher exact test and t-test were utilized to investigate potential prognostic factors of toxicity and survival. Results. Median overall and progression-free survivals were 11.6 and 5.9 months, respectively. Local control was 90%. Post-RT CA-19-9 levels following RT were predictive of survival (P = 0.02). Grade 2 and ≥grade 3 GI toxicity were 60% and 20%, respectively. In comparison to 3D-CRT, DP-IMRT plans demonstrated significantly lower V45 values of small bowel (P = 0.0002), stomach (P = 0.007), and mean liver doses (P = 0.001). Conclusions. Dose-escalated DP-IMRT offers improved local control in patients treated with induction chemotherapy for LAPC. Radiation-related morbidity appears reduced with DP-IMRT compared to 3D-CRT techniques, likely due to reduction in RT doses to organs at risk.

Compliance with therapeutic guidelines in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group prospective gastrointestinal clinical trials

BACKGROUND

This report analyzes the adherence to radiation therapy protocol guidelines in contemporary Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) gastrointestinal trials. We aim to provide insight into current standards and compliance of radiation therapy field design and administration.

METHODS

From 1994 to 2006, the Gastrointestinal Cancer Committee of the RTOG initiated and completed 15 phase I-III clinical trials utilizing radiation therapy in the multimodality treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. In each protocol, details for planning and executing radiation therapy were outlined and each protocol contained scoring criteria for these components of radiation therapy, characterized according to per-protocol, variation acceptable and deviation unacceptable. Review of treatment planning and implementation was performed in all studies following therapy completion.

RESULTS

Radiation therapy planning and implementation was reviewed in 2309 of 2312 (99.9%) patients. The mean rate of compliance over all for the 15 protocols was 65% (total of the 2309 analyzed patients). The mean variation acceptable rate was 21% whereas the mean deviation unacceptable rate was 5%. The mean "other" rate (no RT given or incomplete RT due to death, progression or refusal) was 8%. Two of the 15 trials (13%) had deviation unacceptable rates >10%. In four studies incorporating pre-treatment review of radiation therapy planning and treatment, compliance with protocol therapy was enhanced.

CONCLUSIONS

The fidelity of radiation planning and execution detailed in protocol to actual therapy is heterogeneous, with a mean per-protocol rate of 65%. As clinical trials evolve, available technology should permit efficient pre-treatment review processes, thus facilitating compliance to protocol therapy. These analyses should also permit prospective analysis of outcome measures by compliance to therapy.

Role of taxanes in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers and is characterized by a poor prognosis. Single agent gemcitabine, despite its limited activity and modest impact on disease outcome, is considered as the standard therapy in pancreatic cancer. Most of the combination regimens used in the treatment of this disease, also including the targeted agents, did not improve the outcome of patients. Also, taxanes have been tested as single agent and in combination chemotherapy, both in first line and as salvage chemotherapy, as another possible option for treating pancreatic cancer. The inclusion of taxanes in combination with gemcitabine as upfront therapy obtained promising results. Accordingly, taxanes, and above all, new generation taxanes, appear to be suitable candidates for further testing to assess their role against pancreatic cancer in various clinical settings.

Weekly paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and external irradiation followed by randomized farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) multi-institutional Phase II study 98-12, evaluating paclitaxel and concurrent radiation (RT) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, demonstrated a median survival of 11.3 months and a 1-year survival of 43%. The purpose of the randomized Phase II study by RTOG 0020 was to evaluate the addition of weekly low- dose gemcitabine with concurrent paclitaxel/RT and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 following chemoradiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with unresectable, nonmetastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were eligible. Patients in Arm 1 received gemcitabine, 75 mg/m(2)/week, and paclitaxel, 40 mg/m(2)/week, for 6 weeks, with 50.4 Gy radiation (CXRT). Patients in Arm 2 received an identical chemoradiation regimen but then received maintenance R115777, 300 mg twice a day for 21 days every 28 days (CXRT+R115777), until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-five patients were entered into this study, and 184 were analyzable. Grade 4 nonhematologic toxicities occurred in less than 5% of CXRT patients. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity from R115777 was myelosuppression; however, grade 3/4 hepatic, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and neurologic toxicities were also reported. The median survival time was 11.5 months and 8.9 months for the CXRT and CXRT+R115777 arms, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The CXRT arm achieved a median survival of almost 1-year, supporting chemoradiation as an important therapeutic modality for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Maintenance R115777 is not effective and is associated with a broad range of toxicities. These findings provide clinical evidence that inhibition of farnesylation affects many metabolic pathways, underscoring the challenge of developing an effective K-ras inhibitor.

Aggressive local treatment containing intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for patients with isolated local recurrences of pancreatic cancer: a retrospective analysis

Background

To evaluate the use of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in the multimodality treatment of patients with isolated local recurrences of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 36 patients with isolated local recurrences of pancreatic cancer who have been treated with a combination of surgery, IORT and EBRT. Median time from initial treatment to recurrence was 20 months. All patients were surgically explored. In 18 patients a gross total resection was achieved, whereas the other half received only debulking or no resection at all. All patients received IORT with a median dose of 15 Gy. Additional EBRT was applied to 31 patients with a median dose of 45 Gy, combined with concurrent, mainly gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.

Results

Median follow-up in surviving patients was 23 months. Local progression was found in 6 patients after a median time of 17 months, resulting in estimated 1- and 2-year local control rates of 91% and 67%, respectively. Distant failure was observed in 23 patients, mainly in liver or peritoneal space. The median estimated progression-free survival was 9 months with 1- and 2-year rates of 40% and 26%, respectively. We found an encouraging estimated median overall survival of 19 months, transferring into 1- and 2-year rates of 66% and 45%. Notably 6 of 36 patients (17%) lived for more than 3 years. Severe postoperative complications were found in 3 and chemoradiation-related grade III toxicity in 6 patients. No severe IORT related toxicity was observed.

Conclusion

Combination of surgery, IORT and EBRT in patients with isolated local recurrences of pancreatic cancer resulted in encouraging local control and overall survival in our cohort with acceptable toxicity. Our approach seems to be superior to palliative chemotherapy or chemoradiation alone and should be further investigated in a prospective setting specifically addressing isolated local recurrences of pancreatic cancer.

Comparison of radiation treatment delivery for pancreatic cancer: Linac intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus helical tomotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has been shown to reduce dose to organs at risk (OAR) while adequately treating tumour volume. This study quantitatively compares the dosimetric differences from step-and-shoot IMRT compared with helical tomotherapy (HT) for pancreatic head cancer.

METHODS

Twelve consecutive patients with non-metastatic, stage T3 or T4, unresectable pancreatic head cancer were planned for step-and-shoot IMRT as well as HT. Radiotherapy was planned to deliver 45.9 Gy to the clinical target volume in 30 fractions with an integrated boost to 54 Gy to the gross tumour volume (planning target volume 5400 including a 1-cm set-up margin). The uniformity index (UI) and conformity index (CI) were used to compare the quality of target coverage, while the quality index (QI) compared the dosimetric performance for OAR.

RESULTS

Both methods were effective at covering the tumour with no significant difference in UI or CI. However, HT dosimetry exhibited superior sparing of OAR with significantly less stomach (mean QI(StomV30) = 0.84, P = 0.006) and small bowel dosing (mean small bowel QI(SBV30) = 0.84, P = 0.005). HT reduced dose to the kidney receiving the highest dose but the overall volume of kidney receiving 18 Gy was not significantly different between the two systems, indicating that HT spread the dose more uniformly through the kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS

Target coverage is equivalent between the two systems; however, HT shows significantly better sparing of the stomach and small bowel. The decreased dose to OAR with HT is likely to improve the therapeutic ratio in the radiotherapy of pancreatic head cancers.

Treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer: the role of radiation therapy

Pancreatic cancer remains associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Surgical resection can be curative, but the majority of patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Treatment for patients with locally advanced disease is controversial. Therapeutic options include systemic therapy alone, concurrent chemoradiation, or induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation. We review the evidence to date regarding the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), as well as evolving strategies including the emerging role of targeted therapies. We propose that if radiation is used for patients with LAPC, it should be delivered with concurrent chemotherapy and following a period of induction chemotherapy.

Gemcitabine alone versus gemcitabine plus radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the role of radiation therapy with concurrent gemcitabine (GEM) compared with GEM alone in patients with localized unresectable pancreatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with localized unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were randomly assigned to receive GEM alone (at 1,000 mg/m(2)/wk for weeks 1 to 6, followed by 1 week rest, then for 3 of 4 weeks) or GEM (600 mg/m(2)/wk for weeks 1 to 5, then 4 weeks later 1,000 mg/m(2) for 3 of 4 weeks) plus radiotherapy (starting on day 1, 1.8 Gy/Fx for total of 50.4 Gy). Measurement of quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary questionnaire was also performed.

RESULTS

Of 74 patients entered on trial and randomly assigned to receive GEM alone (arm A; n = 37) or GEM plus radiation (arm B; n = 34), patients in arm B had greater incidence of grades 4 and 5 toxicities (41% v 9%), but grades 3 and 4 toxicities combined were similar (77% in A v 79% in B). No statistical differences were seen in quality of life measurements at 6, 15 to 16, and 36 weeks. The primary end point was survival, which was 9.2 months (95% CI, 7.9 to 11.4 months) and 11.1 months (95% CI, 7.6 to 15.5 months) for arms A and B, respectively (one-sided P = .017 by stratified log-rank test).

CONCLUSION

This trial demonstrates improved overall survival with the addition of radiation therapy to GEM in patients with localized unresectable pancreatic cancer, with acceptable toxicity.

Docetaxel- and 5-FU-concurrent radiotherapy in patients presenting unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a FNCLCC-ACCORD/0201 randomized phase II trial's pre-planned analysis and case report of a 5.5-year disease-free survival

Background

To explore possible improvement in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) we performed a randomized, non-comparative phase II study evaluating docetaxel - plus either daily continuous 5 FU or weekly cisplatin concurrent to radiotherapy. We report here the results of the docetaxel plus 5 FU regimen stopped according to the interim analysis. The docetaxel plus cisplatin arm was continued.

Methods

Forty (40) chemotherapy-naive patients with unresectable LAPC were randomly assigned (1:1) to either continuous fluorouracil (5-FU) 200 mg/m²/day (protracted IV) and docetaxel (DCT) 20 mg/m²/week or DCT 20 mg/m² and cisplatin (CDDP) 20 mg/m², plus concurrent radiotherapy for a period of 6 weeks. The radiation dose to the primary tumor was 54 Gy in 30 fractions. The trial's primary endpoint was the 6-month crude non-progression rate (NPR). Secondary endpoints were tolerance, objective response rate, and overall survival. Accrual was to be stopped if at 6 months more than 13 disease progressions were observed in 20 patients.

Results

Eighteen (18) progressions occurred at 6 months in the 5-FU-DCT arm. Six-month NPR was 10% (95%CI: 0-23). Six and 12-month survivals were 85% (95%CI: 64-95) and 40% (95%CI: 22-61); median overall survival was 10.1 months. Median progression-free survival was 4.3 months. We report the case of one patient who was amenable to surgery and has been in complete response (CR) for 5.5 years. Toxicities grade ≥ 3 were reported in 75% of patients; no treatment-related death occurred. Severe toxicities were mainly vomiting (35%), abdominal pain (10%) and fatigue (10%).

Conclusions

Combination of 5-FU, docetaxel and radiotherapy has inadequate efficacy in the treatment of LAPC despite good tolerance for the 5-FU-DCT regimen.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00112697

A phase 2 trial of gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, and radiation therapy in locally advanced nonmetastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma : cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 80003

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and gemcitabine administered concurrently with radiation in patients with locally advanced, nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Eligible patients had histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma deemed locally unresectable without evidence of metastatic disease. In addition, all patients underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy before study entry to rule out peritoneal carcinomatosis. Patients received radiation therapy (50.4 Gy) with concurrent infusional 5FU (200 mg/m(2) 5 days/week) and weekly gemcitabine (200 mg/m(2) ). After a 3-week break, patients received weekly gemcitabine at 1000 mg/m(2) for 3 of 4 weeks, for 4 cycles. The primary endpoint of the trial was the proportion of patients surviving 9 months from study entry. Secondary endpoints included objective tumor response, CA19-9 response, overall survival (OS) time to progression (TTP), and toxicity.

RESULTS

Between November 2001 and October 2004, 81 patients were enrolled, 78 of whom were eligible for analysis. With a median follow-up of 55.2 months, the median OS was 12.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.9-14.9) and the median TTP was 10 months (95% CI, 6.4-12.0). An objective tumor response was seen in 19 patients (25%), and among 56 patients with an elevated CA19-9 at baseline, 29 (52%) had a sustained CA19-9 response. Overall, 41% of patients had grade 3 or greater treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of 5FU, gemcitabine, and radiation is well tolerated. Survival is comparable with the best results of other recent studies of 5FU and radiation or gemcitabine and radiation.

Induction gemcitabine and stereotactic body radiotherapy for locally advanced nonmetastatic pancreas cancer

PURPOSE

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been used successfully to treat patients with locally advanced pancreas cancer. However, many patients develop metastatic disease soon after diagnosis and may receive little benefit from such therapy. We therefore retrospectively analyzed a planned strategy of initial chemotherapy with restaging and then treatment for those patients with no evidence of metastatic progression with SBRT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty-seven patients received gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m(2) per week for 3 weeks then 1 week off) until tolerance, at least six cycles, or progression. Patients without metastases after two cycles were treated with SBRT (tolerance-based dose of 24-36 Gy in 3 fractions) between the third and fourth cycles without interrupting the chemotherapy cycles.

RESULTS

Eight of the 47 patients (17%) were found to have metastatic disease after two cycles of gemcitabine; the remaining 39 patients received SBRT. The median follow-up for survivors was 21 months (range, 6-36 months). The median overall survival for all patients who received SBRT was 20 months, and the median progression-free survival was 15 months. The local control rate was 85% (33 of 39 patients); and 54% of patients (21 of 39) developed metastases. Late Grade III toxicities such as GI bleeding and obstruction were observed in 9% (3/39) of patients.

CONCLUSION

For patients with locally advanced pancreas cancer, this strategy uses local therapy for those who are most likely to benefit from it and spares those patients with early metastatic progression from treatment. SBRT delivers such local therapy safely with minimal interruption to systemic chemotherapy, thereby potentially improving the outcome in these patients.

Single-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy and sequential gemcitabine for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

This Phase II trial evaluated the toxicity, local control, and overall survival in patients treated with sequential gemcitabine and linear accelerator-based single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty patients with locally advanced, nonmetastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma were enrolled on this prospective single-institution, institutional review board-approved study. Gemcitabine was administered on Days 1, 8, and 15, and SBRT on Day 29. Gemcitabine was restarted on Day 43 and continued for 3-5 cycles. SBRT of 25 Gy in a single fraction was delivered to the internal target volume with a 2- 3-mm margin using a nine-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique. Respiratory gating was used to account for breathing motion. Follow-up evaluations occurred at 4-6 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and every 3 months after SBRT.

RESULTS

All patients completed SBRT and a median of five cycles of chemotherapy. Follow-up for the 2 remaining alive patients was 25.1 and 36.4 months. No acute Grade 3 or greater nonhematologic toxicity was observed. Late Grade 3 or greater toxicities occurred in 1 patient (5%) and consisted of a duodenal perforation (G4). Three patients (15%) developed ulcers (G2) that were medically managed. Overall, median survival was 11.8 months, with 1-year survival of 50% and 2-year survival of 20%. Using serial computed tomography, the freedom from local progression was 94% at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Linear accelerator-delivered SBRT with sequential gemcitabine resulted in excellent local control of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Future studies will address strategies for reducing long-term duodenal toxicity associated with SBRT.

CA 19-9 level as indicator of early distant metastasis and therapeutic selection in resected pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

In patients with pancreatic cancer treated with curative resection, we evaluated the effect of clinicopathologic parameters on early distant metastasis within 6 months (DM6m) to identify patients who might benefit from surgery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study involved 84 patients with pancreatic cancer who had undergone curative resection between August 2001 and April 2009. The parameters of gender, age, tumor size, histologic differentiation, T classification, N classification, pre- and postoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 level, resection margin, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy were analyzed to identify the risk factors associated with DM6m.

RESULTS

Of the 84 patients, locoregional recurrence developed in 35 (41.7%) and distant metastasis in 58 (69%). Of the 58 patients with distant metastasis, DM6m had developed in 27 (46.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative CA 19-9 level was significantly associated with DM6m (p<.05). Of all 84 patients, DM6m was observed in 9.1%, 50%, and 80% of those with a preoperative CA 19-9 level of ≤100 U/mL, 101-400 U/mL, and >400 U/mL, respectively (p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative CA 19-9 level might be a useful predictor of DM6m and to identify those who would benefit from surgical resection.

Postoperative Gemcitabine Alone and Concurrent with Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma

Aims and background

To evaluate the treatment results of gemcitabine alone and concurrent with radiotherapy after R0/R1 resection of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods and study design

From 1999 to 2005, 55 patients with stage II resected pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine-based radiochemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Initially, one cycle of induction gemcitabine was administered and followed by weekly gemcitabine concurrent with radiotherapy. After the completion of radiochemotherapy, patients received 3 additional courses of gemcitabine.

Results

Thirteen patients were stage IIA and 42 were stage IIB. Forty-six patients (83.6%) had R0 and 9 patients (16.4%) had R1 resection. All of the patients received induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy, all but 3 received concurrent radiochemotherapy, and 46 (84%) patients received maintenance chemotherapy. During induction, concurrent and maintenance phases of the protocol, 11%, 13.5% and 19.5% of the patients had at least one ≥grade 3 toxicity, respectively. Within a median 47 months (range, 34–105) of follow-up, 4 (7.3%) patients had isolated local recurrence, 5 (9%) patients had local recurrence and distant metastases, and 27 (49%) had only distant metastases. Median disease-free survival and overall survival were 13 (range, 4-105) and 19 months (range, 6-105), respectively. In multivariate analysis, nodal stage, AJCC stage and number of lymph nodes dissected were the significant factors affecting disease-free survival whereas Karnofsky performance status was the only significant factor for overall survival.

Conclusions

The prognosis for pancreatic cancer remains poor despite adjuvant radiochemotherapy. More aggressive treatments should be considered in patients with unfavorable prognostic factors.

Phase II study of oral S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

S-1 is an oral fluoropyrimidine derivative that has demonstrated favorable antitumor activity in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with histopathologically proven, unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer were eligible. Radiotherapy was delivered in 1.8 Gy daily fractions to a total dose of 50.4 Gy over 5.5 weeks. S-1 was administered orally twice a day at a dose of 80 mg/m(2)/day from day 1 to 14 and 22 to 35. Two weeks after the completion of chemoradiotherapy, maintenance chemotherapy with S-1 was administered for 28 days every 6 weeks until progression.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this study. The most common Grade 3 toxicities during chemoradiotherapy were anorexia (24%) and nausea (12%). The overall response rate was 41% (95% confidence interval, 25%-58%) and overall disease control rate (partial response plus stable disease) was 97%. More than 50% decrease in serum CA 19-9 was seen in 27 of 29 evaluable patients (93%). The median progression-free survival was 8.7 months. The median overall survival and 1-year survival rate were 16.8 months and 70.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy exerted a promising antitumor activity with acceptable toxicity in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This combination therapy seems to be an attractive alternative to conventional chemoradiotherapy using 5-fluorouracil infusion.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy and gemcitabine for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Patients with nonmetastatic locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer have a dismal prognosis. Conventional concurrent chemoradiotherapy requires 6 weeks of daily treatment and can be arduous. We explored the safety and effectiveness of a 3-day course of hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) followed by gemcitabine in this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 36 patients with nonmetastatic, locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer with ≥12 months of follow-up were included. They received three fractions of 8, 10, or 12 Gy (total dose, 24-36 Gy) of SBRT according to the tumor location in relation to the stomach and duodenum, using fiducial-based respiratory motion tracking on a robotic radiosurgery system. The patients were then offered gemcitabine for 6 months or until tolerance or disease progression.

RESULTS

With an overall median follow-up of 24 months (range, 12-33), the local control rate was 78%, the median overall survival time was 14.3 months, the median carbohydrate antigen 19-9-determined progression-free survival time was 7.9 months, and the median computed tomography-determined progression-free survival time was 9.6 months. Of the 36 patients, 28 (78%) eventually developed distant metastases. Six patients (17%) were free of progression at the last follow-up visit (range, 13-30 months) as determined by normalized tumor markers with stable computed tomography findings. Nine Grade 2 (25%) and five Grade 3 (14%) toxicities attributable to SBRT occurred.

CONCLUSION

Hypofractionated SBRT can be delivered quickly and effectively in patients with nonmetastatic, locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer with acceptable side effects and minimal interference with gemcitabine chemotherapy.

Results of a phase I trial of 12 patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma combining gefitinib, paclitaxel, and 3-dimensional conformal radiation: report of toxicity and evaluation of circulating K-ras as a potential biomarker of response to therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the toxicity of daily gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and prospectively evaluate plasma k-ras as a potential marker of response to gefitinib and CRT.

METHODS

Eleven of 12 eligible patients enrolled received a 7-day induction of gefitinib (250 mg PO) followed by daily gefitinib with concurrent CRT. Patients received 50.4 Gy/28 fractions of external beam radiation with weekly paclitaxel (40 mg/m IV) followed by maintenance on gefitinib. Plasma k-ras codon 12 mutations were detected using a two-stage restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction assay on patients' plasma both before and after therapy. Mutations were confirmed by direct sequencing.

RESULTS

Common adverse events included grade 1 skin rash (63%), grade 1 to 2 gastrointestinal symptoms including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea occurred in 63% of patients, grade 3 nausea occurred in 45% of patients. Three patients did not complete therapy, only one was possibly associated with study drug. K-ras mutations were detected in the pre-gefitinib plasma of 5/11 patients and in the matched tumor tissue of 3/4 patients. In patients where k-ras mutations were undetectable post-treatment, survival times were favorable.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of daily gefitinib with concurrent CRT in this locally advanced pancreatic cancer population was reasonably tolerated. Rapid changes in serum k-ras may provide critical information as to the efficacy of a novel agent and assist in tailoring treatment for cancers of the pancreas.

A systematic review of resectability and survival after concurrent chemoradiation in primarily unresectable pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to determine the effect on resection rate and survival of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for primarily unresectable locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODS

A systematic review of recently published literature was performed. Resection rates and survival data were derived from reports published from 2000 onwards. Only recent studies, based on radiotherapy with standard dose and fractionation, have been analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies with a total of 510 patients met selection criteria. A resection rate of 8.3-64.2% was reported (median, 26.5%). Of the operated patients, 57.1-100% (median, 87.5%) had R0 tumor resection. Most papers reported occasional pathological complete responses (CR, 3.0-8.8%). When outcome in all patients was considered, median survival ranged from 9 to 23 (median, 13.3) months, comparing favorably with literature data based on concurrent chemoradiation alone (range, 8.6-13 months). Surprisingly, in patients with unresectable tumor at presentation, median survival after surgery ranged from 16.4 to 32.3 (median, 23.6) months.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of a high proportion of R0 resection among all resections performed confirms the activity of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and should not be neglected. Based on these data, patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer without disease progression after chemoradiotherapy should be considered for radical surgery.

Phase II study of bevacizumab with concurrent capecitabine and radiation followed by maintenance gemcitabine and bevacizumab for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group RTOG 0411

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this study was to assess the 1-year survival of patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with the combination of bevacizumab, capecitabine, and radiation. Secondary end points were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and response rate (RR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer without duodenal invasion were treated with 50.4 Gy per 28 fractions to the gross tumor with concurrent capecitabine 825 mg/m(2) orally twice daily on days of radiation and bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on days 1, 15, and 29 followed by maintenance gemcitabine 1 g/m(2) weekly for 3 weeks and bevacizumab 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks, both in 4-week cycles until progression. Treatment plans were reviewed for quality assurance (QA).

RESULTS

Between January 2005 and February 2006, 82 eligible patients were treated. The median and 1-year survival rates were 11.9 months (95% CI, 9.9 to 14.0 months) and 47% (95% CI, 36% to 57%). Median PFS was 8.6 months (95% CI, 6.9 to 10.5), and RR was 26%. Overall, 35.4% of patients had grade 3 or greater treatment-related gastrointestinal toxicity (22.0% during chemoradiotherapy, 13.4% during maintenance chemotherapy). Unacceptable radiotherapy protocol deviations (ie, inappropriately generous volume contoured) correlated with grade 3 or greater gastrointestinal toxicity during chemoradiotherapy (45% v 18%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.7; 95% CI, 0.98 to 14.1; P = .05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of bevacizumab to chemoradiotherapy followed by bevacizumab and gemcitabine resulted in a similar median survival to previous Radiation Therapy Oncology Group studies in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Prospective QA may help limit toxicity in future trials.

Inhibition of cell proliferation by a resveratrol analog in human pancreatic and breast cancer cells

Resveratrol has been reported to possess cancer preventive properties. In this study, we analyzed anti-tumor activity of a newly synthesized resveratrol analog, cis-3,4',5-trimethoxy-3'-hydroxystilbene (hereafter called 11b) towards breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines. 11b treatments reduced the proliferation of human pancreatic and breast cancer cells, arrested cells in the G2/M phase, and increased the percentage of cells in the subG1/G0 fraction. The 11b treatments also increased the total levels of mitotic checkpoint proteins such as BubR1, Aurora B, Cyclin B, and phosphorylated histone H3. Mechanistically, 11b blocks microtubule polymerization in vitro and it disturbed microtubule networks in both pancreatic and breast cancer cell lines. Computational modeling of the 11b-tubulin interaction indicates that the dimethoxyphenyl group of 11b can bind to the colchicine binding site of tubulin. Our studies show that the 11b treatment effects occur at lower concentrations than similar effects associated with resveratrol treatments and that microtubules may be the primary target for the observed effects of 11b. These studies suggest that 11b should be further examined as a potentially potent clinical chemotherapeutic agent for treating pancreatic and breast cancer patients.

Phase II study of bevacizumab with concurrent capecitabine and radiation followed by maintenance gemcitabine and bevacizumab for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group RTOG 0411

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this study was to assess the 1-year survival of patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with the combination of bevacizumab, capecitabine, and radiation. Secondary end points were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and response rate (RR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer without duodenal invasion were treated with 50.4 Gy per 28 fractions to the gross tumor with concurrent capecitabine 825 mg/m(2) orally twice daily on days of radiation and bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on days 1, 15, and 29 followed by maintenance gemcitabine 1 g/m(2) weekly for 3 weeks and bevacizumab 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks, both in 4-week cycles until progression. Treatment plans were reviewed for quality assurance (QA).

RESULTS

Between January 2005 and February 2006, 82 eligible patients were treated. The median and 1-year survival rates were 11.9 months (95% CI, 9.9 to 14.0 months) and 47% (95% CI, 36% to 57%). Median PFS was 8.6 months (95% CI, 6.9 to 10.5), and RR was 26%. Overall, 35.4% of patients had grade 3 or greater treatment-related gastrointestinal toxicity (22.0% during chemoradiotherapy, 13.4% during maintenance chemotherapy). Unacceptable radiotherapy protocol deviations (ie, inappropriately generous volume contoured) correlated with grade 3 or greater gastrointestinal toxicity during chemoradiotherapy (45% v 18%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.7; 95% CI, 0.98 to 14.1; P = .05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of bevacizumab to chemoradiotherapy followed by bevacizumab and gemcitabine resulted in a similar median survival to previous Radiation Therapy Oncology Group studies in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Prospective QA may help limit toxicity in future trials.

Surgical resection versus palliative chemoradiotherapy for the management of pancreatic cancer with local venous invasion: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Benefit from pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) combined with superior mesenteric-portal vein (SMV-PV) resection in the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with local venous invasion remains controversial.

METHODS

Using formal decision analysis, we compared survival associated with PD plus SMV-PV resection when applied to patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma with isolated local venous invasion (Group 1) versus that achieved with palliative chemoradiotherapy when applied to patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (Group 2). Individual studies were identified using Medline. A total of 1,324 and 709 patients were analyzed for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Patients with distant metastases were excluded.

RESULTS

Overall decision analysis favored surgical resection (Group 1) over palliative chemoradiotherapy (Group 2). Sensitivity analyses indicated that this decision is sensitive to the perioperative mortality rate and the percentage of surgical resections with microscopic (R1) or macroscopic (R2) residual tumor at the resection margin. In contrast, sensitivity analysis revealed that the decision is not sensitive to the percentage of cases in which true venous invasion by cancer is documented histologically.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection may confer a survival advantage over palliative chemoradiotherapy in select patients with pancreatic cancers with presumed local venous invasion.

Gemcitabine chemotherapy and single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Fractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer achieves only modest local control. This prospective trial evaluated the efficacy of a single fraction of 25 Gy stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) delivered between Cycle 1 and 2 of gemcitabine chemotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 16 patients with locally advanced, nonmetastatic, pancreatic adenocarcinoma received gemcitabine with SBRT delivered 2 weeks after completion of the first cycle. Gemcitabine was resumed 2 weeks after SBRT and was continued until progression or dose-limiting toxicity. The gross tumor volume, with a 2-3-mm margin, was treated in a single 25-Gy fraction by Cyberknife. Patients were evaluated at 4-6 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and every 3 months after SBRT.

RESULTS

All 16 patients completed SBRT. A median of four cycles (range one to nine) of chemotherapy was delivered. Three patients (19%) developed local disease progression at 14, 16, and 21 months after SBRT. The median survival was 11.4 months, with 50% of patients alive at 1 year. Patients with normal carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 levels either at diagnosis or after Cyberknife SBRT had longer survival (p <0.01). Acute gastrointestinal toxicity was mild, with 2 cases of Grade 2 (13%) and 1 of Grade 3 (6%) toxicity. Late gastrointestinal toxicity was more common, with five ulcers (Grade 2), one duodenal stenosis (Grade 3), and one duodenal perforation (Grade 4). A trend toward increased duodenal volumes radiated was observed in those experiencing late effects (p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

SBRT with gemcitabine resulted in comparable survival to conventional chemoradiotherapy and good local control. However, the rate of duodenal ulcer development was significant.

Induction chemotherapy selects patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer for optimal benefit from consolidative chemoradiation therapy

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to determine whether there were differences in outcome for patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who received treatment with chemoradiation therapy (CR) versus induction chemotherapy followed by CR (CCR).

METHODS

Between December 1993 and July 2005, 323 consecutive patients with LAPC were treated at the authors' institution with radiotherapy and concurrent gemcitabine or fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Two hundred forty-seven patients received CR as initial treatment, and 76 patients received a median of 2.5 months of gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy prior to CR. Most patients received a radiation dose of 30 grays in 10 fractions (85%) concurrently with infusional 5-fluorouracil (41%), gemcitabine (39%), or capecitabine (20%).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 5.5 months (range, 1-63 months). For all patients, the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 9 months and 5 months, respectively, and the 2-year estimated OS and PFS rates were 9% and 5%, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 8.5 months and 4.2 months, respectively, in the CR group and 11.9 months and 6.4 months, respectively, in the CCR group (both P < .001). The median times to local and distant progression were 6.0 months and 5.6 months, respectively, in the CR group and 8.9 and 9.5 months, respectively, in the CCR group (P = .003 and P = .007, respectively). There was no significant difference in the patterns of failure with the use of induction chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this analysis indicated that, by excluding patients with rapid distant progression, induction chemotherapy may select patients with LAPC for optimal benefit from consolidative CR. The authors believe that this strategy of enriching the population of patients who receive a locoregional treatment modality merits prospective randomized evaluation.

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a review

It is anticipated that there will be 37,170 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in the United States this year, resulting in approximately 33,370 deaths from the disease. Approximately 40% of these patients will present with locally advanced, non-metastatic disease. Treatment regimens that incorporate conventional radiation therapy for local tumor control, and chemotherapy to prevent distant failure in this metastasis-prone malignancy, are the current standard of care. A number of clinical studies have been undertaken to establish the optimal definitive chemoradiation treatment in this setting. Other potential treatment strategies include chemoradiation incorporating novel chemotherapeutic agents, intraoperative radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and the integration of combined therapies that utilize targeted molecular agents. This review summarizes the current status, controversies, and future prospects for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Gemcitabine with a specific conformal 3D 5FU radiochemotherapy technique is safe and effective in the definitive management of locally advanced pancreatic cancer

The aim of this phase II study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a specific three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy technique with concurrent continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (CI 5FU) sandwiched between gemcitabine chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients with inoperable cancer in the pancreatic head or body without metastases were given gemcitabine at 1000 mg m(-2) weekly for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week rest and a 6-week period of radiotherapy and concurrent CI 5FU (200 mg m(-2) day(-1)). The defined target volume was treated to 54 Gy in 30 daily fractions of 1.8 Gy. After 4 weeks' rest, gemcitabine treatment was re-initiated for three cycles (days 1, 8, 15, q28). Forty-one patients were enrolled. At the end of radiotherapy, one patient (2.4%) had a complete response and four patients (9.6%) had a partial response; at the end of treatment, three patients (7.3%) had a complete response and two patients (4.9%) had a partial response. Median survival time was 11.7 months, median time to progression was 7.1 months, and median time to failure of local control was 11.9 months. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 46.3 and 9.8%, respectively. Treatment-related grade 3 and 4 toxicities were reported by 16 (39.0%) and four (9.8%) patients, respectively. Sixteen out of 41 patients did not complete the planned treatment and nine due to disease progression. This approach to treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer is safe and promising, with good local control for a substantial proportion of patients, and merits testing in a randomised trial.