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Vitale P, De Falco V, Addeo R. Is the use of cetuximab in the first-line treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer still important? Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:481-484. [PMID: 38733083 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2354772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Vitale
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, Frattamaggiore, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Falco
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, Frattamaggiore, Italy
| | - Raffaele Addeo
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, Frattamaggiore, Italy
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Kunz V, Wichmann G, Wald T, Dietz A, Wiegand S. Frailty and Increased Levels of Symptom Burden Can Predict the Presence of Each Other in HNSCC Patients. J Clin Med 2023; 13:212. [PMID: 38202219 PMCID: PMC10779894 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Frailty is an important risk factor for adverse events (AEs), especially in elderly patients. Therefore, assessing frailty before therapy is recommended. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, frailty is prognostic for severe postoperative complications and declining quality of life (QoL) after HNSCC treatment. Thus, assessment of frailty may help to identify individuals at risk for AE caused by oncologic therapy. We investigated the relationship between frailty and symptom burden to better understand their interaction and impact on HNSCC patients. In this prospectively designed cross-sectional study, the presence of frailty and symptom burden was assessed by using the Geriatric 8 (G8) and Minimal Documentation System (MIDOS2) questionnaires. A total of 59 consecutively accrued patients with a first diagnosis of HNSCC before therapy were evaluated. Patients were considered frail at a total G8 score ≤ 14. The MIDOS2 symptom burden score was considered pathological with a total score ≥ 4 or any severe symptom (=3). Statistical correlations were analyzed using Spearman and Pearson correlation. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the potential of predicting frailty and MIDOS2. p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. A total of 41 patients (69.5%) were considered frail, and 27 patients (45.8%) had increased symptom burden. "Tiredness" was the most common (overall rate 57.8%) and "Pain" was the most often stated "severe" symptom (5 patients, 8.5%). G8 and MIDOS2 correlated significantly (ρ = -0.487, p < 0.001; r = -0.423, p < 0.001). Frailty can be predicted by MIDOS2 symptom score (AUC = 0.808, 95% CI 0.698-0.917, p < 0.001). Vice versa, the G8 score can predict pathological symptom burden according to MIDOS2 (AUC = 0.750, 95% CI 0.622-0.878, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The strong link between frailty and increased symptom burden assessed by G8 or MIDOS2 indicates a coherence of both risk factors in HNSCC patients. Considering at least one of both scores might improve the identification of individuals at risk and achieve higher QoL and reduced complication rates by decision making for appropriate therapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Kunz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (G.W.); (A.D.); (S.W.)
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Roesch J, Oertel M, Wegen S, Trommer M, Schleifenbaum J, Hering D, Mäurer M, Knippen S, Dobiasch S, Waltenberger M, von der Grün J, Medenwald D, Süß C, Hoeck M, Käsmann L, Fleischmann DF, Rühle A, Nicolay NH, Fabian A, Löser A, Heß S, Tamaskovics B, Vinsensia M, Hecht M. Dose-escalated re-irradiation improves outcome in locally recurrent head and neck cancer - Results of a large multicenter analysis. Radiother Oncol 2023; 181:109380. [PMID: 36273736 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To determine efficacy and prognostic parameters of definitive re-irradiation of locoregionally recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with locoregionally recurrent or second primary HNSCC undergoing re-irradiation with modern radiotherapy technique were eligible for this multicentric retrospective analysis. Main endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and locoregional control (LC). Univariate analyses were performed using the Kaplan Meier Method (log-rank). For multivariable analysis, Cox regression was used. RESULTS A total of 253 patients treated between 2009 and 2020 at 16 university hospitals in Germany were included. The median follow up was 27.4 months (range 0.5-130). The median OS and PFS were 13.2 (CI: 10.7 - 15.7) months and 7.9 (CI: 6.7 - 9.1) months, respectively, corresponding to two-year OS and PFS rates of 29 % and 19 %. Rates of locoregional progression and "in-field-failure" were 62 % and 51 % after two years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified good ECOG performance status and high radiation dose as independent prognostic parameters for OS. Doses above 50 Gy (EQD2) achieved longer median OS of 17.8 months (vs 11.7 months, p < 0.01) and longer PFS of 9.6 months (vs 6.8 months, p < 0.01). In addition, there was a trend for worse survival in patients with tracheostomy (multivariable, p = 0.061). Concomitant systemic therapy did not significantly impact PFS or OS. CONCLUSION Re-irradiation of locally recurrent or second primary HNSCC is efficient, especially if doses above 50 Gy (EQD2) are delivered. ECOG performance score was the strongest prognostic parameter for OS and PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Roesch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Simone Wegen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maike Trommer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Schleifenbaum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Hering
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matthias Mäurer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Knippen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sophie Dobiasch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Waltenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens von der Grün
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Medenwald
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Christoph Süß
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hoeck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel F Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Rühle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils H Nicolay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fabian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anastassia Löser
- Outpatient Center of the University Medical Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology) and Department of Oncology, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with the Section Pneumology (Centre for Oncology), University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Heß
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bálint Tamaskovics
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Düsseldorf University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria Vinsensia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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[Highlights from the 2021 ASCO and ESMO annual meetings on radiotherapy of head and neck cancer]. HNO 2022; 70:258-264. [PMID: 35294576 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-022-01150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
At this year's annual meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), several studies on radiotherapy of locally advanced head and neck cancer were presented. For the indication of definitive radiochemotherapy, particularly the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors concomitant to radiotherapy was investigated. In the phase III GORTEC-REACH trial, combined inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and programmed death-ligand (PD-L1) concomitant to radiotherapy of locally advanced head and neck cancer was inferior to platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. However, this therapeutic approach may be more efficient than radiotherapy with simultaneous EGFR inhibition alone. The concept of the phase II CheckRad-CD8 trial with induction chemoimmunotherapy followed by chemotherapy-free radioimmunotherapy after appropriate patient selection also proved to be highly efficient. In initial phase II trials, dose de-escalation of radiotherapy seems feasible for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer after appropriate patient selection both postoperatively (ECOG-ACRIN E3311 trial) and after induction therapy (Optima II trial). However, dose de-escalation should currently not be performed outside of clinical trials. In addition, first studies indicate a benefit of functional imaging (diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] or F‑fluoromisonidazole positron-emission tomography [FMISO-PET]) to establish personalized dose concepts in radiotherapy.
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Klinghammer K, Lorini L, Nevens D, Simon C, Machiels JP, Bossi P. Treatment Stratification in First-Line Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer, on Behalf of the EORTC Young Investigator Head and Neck Cancer Group. Front Oncol 2022; 12:730785. [PMID: 35155222 PMCID: PMC8830482 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.730785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple factors differentially influence treatment decisions in the first line treatment of recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. The EORTC Young investigator group launched a survey among treating physicians to explore the main influencing factors for treatment stratification. The questionnaire was posted as a web-survey link from May to August 2020. Next to defining the factors that mostly influence therapeutic decision the survey was complemented by a clinical case discussion of five patient cases. A total of 118 responses from 19 countries were collected. The key factors identified to guide treatment decision were performance status, PD-L1 Expression, time from last systemic treatment above or below 6 months, and disease burden. Prospective evaluation of patient characteristics and additional potential predictive biomarkers for novel treatment options remains an important question to stratify personalized treatment for RM HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Klinghammer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luigi Lorini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daan Nevens
- Iridium Netwerk, Radiation Oncology Department, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christian Simon
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Lausanne, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pascal Machiels
- Institut Roi Albert II, Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc and Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale (Pole MIRO), UC Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Kordbacheh F, Farah CS. Current and Emerging Molecular Therapies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215471. [PMID: 34771633 PMCID: PMC8582411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer affects nearly 750,000 patients, with more than 300,000 deaths annually. Advances in first line surgical treatment have improved survival rates marginally particularly in developed countries, however survival rates for aggressive locally advanced head and neck cancer are still poor. Recurrent and metastatic disease remains a significant problem for patients and the health system. As our knowledge of the genomic landscape of the head and neck cancers continues to expand, there are promising developments occurring in molecular therapies available for advanced or recalcitrant disease. The concept of precision medicine is underpinned by our ability to accurately sequence tumour samples to best understand individual patient genomic variations and to tailor targeted therapy for them based on such molecular profiling. Not only is their purported response to therapy a factor of their genomic variation, but so is their inclusion in biomarker-driven personalised medicine therapeutic trials. With the ever-expanding number of molecular druggable targets explored through advances in next generation sequencing, the number of clinical trials assessing these targets has significantly increased over recent years. Although some trials are focussed on first-line therapeutic approaches, a greater majority are focussed on locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic disease. Similarly, although single agent monotherapy has been found effective in some cases, it is the combination of drugs targeting different signalling pathways that seem to be more beneficial to patients. This paper outlines current and emerging molecular therapies for head and neck cancer, and updates readers on outcomes of the most pertinent clinical trials in this area while also summarising ongoing efforts to bring more molecular therapies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kordbacheh
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA 02142, USA;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Camile S. Farah
- The Australian Centre for Oral Oncology Research & Education, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Genomics for Life, Milton, QLD 4064, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, Australian Clinical Labs, Subiaco, WA 6009, Australia
- Head and Neck Cancer Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Wimmer S, Deloch L, Hader M, Derer A, Grottker F, Weissmann T, Hecht M, Gostian AO, Fietkau R, Frey B, Gaipl US. Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Upregulates Several Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Independently of the HPV Status While ICOS-L Is Upregulated Only on HPV-Positive Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179114. [PMID: 34502022 PMCID: PMC8430967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) with radiotherapy (RT) is complemented more and more by immunotherapy in clinical trials, little is known about the impact of the human papillomavirus (HPV) status or the applied RT scheme on the immune phenotype of the tumor cells. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of the HPV status of four human HNSCC cell lines on cell death and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) after RT with either hypofractionation irradiation (5x3.0Gy) or a high single dose (1x19.3Gy) via multicolor flow cytometry and quantitative PCR at an early time point after therapy. In our study, 5x3.0Gy RT induced high numbers of early and late apoptotic cells independent of the HPV status, but necrosis was only increased in the HPV-positive UM-Scc-47 cells. Generally, the immune stimulatory ICMs (CD70, CD137-L, ICOS-L) were less affected by RT compared to the immune suppressive ones (PD-L1, PD-L2, and the herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM)). A significant higher surface expression of the analyzed ICMs was found after hypofractionated RT compared to a single high dose; however, regardless of the HPV status, with the exception of ICOS-L. Here, HPV-positive HNSCC tumor cells showed a stronger response to 5x3.0Gy than HPV-negative ones. On the RNA level, only minor alterations of ICMs were observed following RT, with the exception of the HPV negative cell line CAL33 treated with 5x3.0Gy, where PD-L2, HVEM and CD70 were significantly increased. We conclude that the HPV status may not distinctly predict immunological responses following RT, and thus cannot be used as a single predictive marker for therapy responses in HNSCC. In contrast, the patient-specific individual expression of ICMs following RT is preferable for the targeted patient selection for immune therapy directed against distinct ICM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Wimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lisa Deloch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Hader
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Derer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fridolin Grottker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Weissmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Antoniu-Oreste Gostian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Frey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Udo S. Gaipl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.W.); (L.D.); (M.H.); (A.D.); (F.G.); (T.W.); (M.H.); (R.F.); (B.F.)
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8544-258; Fax: +49-9131-8539-335
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A Prospective Real-World Multi-Center Study to Evaluate Progression-Free and Overall Survival of Radiotherapy with Cetuximab and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy with Cetuximab in Locally Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143413. [PMID: 34298628 PMCID: PMC8305667 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite recent developments in immune checkpoint inhibitors, the treatment of locoregionally recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) remains challenging. Prospective data comparing re-irradiation with systemic treatment are not available. The SOCCER trial represents a prospective non-interventional multicenter trial that enrolled patients with locoregionally recurrent HNSCC treated with cetuximab in combination with re-radiotherapy or chemotherapy. A total of 192 patients were analyzed. Radiotherapy combined with cetuximab had superior progression-free and overall survival compared to chemotherapy with cetuximab. This highlights the high efficacy of local re-radiotherapy in combination with cetuximab in patients with locoregionally recurrent HNSCC. Abstract Treatment options of locoregional recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) include both local strategies as surgery or re-radiotherapy and systemic therapy. In this prospective, multi-center, non-interventional study, patients were treated either with platinum-based chemotherapy and cetuximab (CT + Cet) or re-radiotherapy and cetuximab (RT + Cet). In the current analysis, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared in patients with locoregional recurrence. Four hundred seventy patients were registered in 97 German centers. After exclusion of patients with distant metastases, a cohort of 192 patients was analyzed (129 CT + Cet, 63 RT + Cet). Radiotherapy was delivered as re-irradiation to 70% of the patients. The mean radiation dose was 51.8 Gy, whereas a radiation dose of ≥60 Gy was delivered in 33% of the patients. Chemotherapy mainly consisted of cisplatin/5-flurouracil (40%) or carboplatin/5-flurouracil (29%). The median PFS was 9.2 months in the RT + Cet group versus 5.1 months in the CT + Cet group (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.40, 95% CI, 0.27–0.57, p < 0.0001). Median OS was 12.8 months in the RT + Cet group versus 7.9 months in the CT + Cet group (hazard ratio for death, 0.50, 95% CI, 0.33–0.75, p = 0.0008). In conclusion, radiotherapy combined with cetuximab improved survival compared to chemotherapy combined with cetuximab in locally recurrent HNSCC.
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Faulhaber EM, Jost T, Symank J, Scheper J, Bürkel F, Fietkau R, Hecht M, Distel LV. Kinase Inhibitors of DNA-PK, ATM and ATR in Combination with Ionizing Radiation Can Increase Tumor Cell Death in HNSCC Cells While Sparing Normal Tissue Cells. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:925. [PMID: 34204447 PMCID: PMC8235750 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Kinase inhibitors (KI) targeting components of the DNA damage repair pathway are a promising new type of drug. Combining them with ionizing radiation therapy (IR), which is commonly used for treatment of head and neck tumors, could improve tumor control, but could also increase negative side effects on surrounding normal tissue. (2) The effect of KI of the DDR (ATMi: AZD0156; ATRi: VE-822, dual DNA-PKi/mTORi: CC-115) in combination with IR on HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC and healthy skin cells was analyzed. Cell death and cell cycle arrest were determined using flow cytometry. Additionally, clonogenic survival and migration were analyzed. (3) Studied HNSCC cell lines reacted differently to DDRi. An increase in cell death for all of the malignant cells could be observed when combining IR and KI. Healthy fibroblasts were not affected by simultaneous treatment. Migration was partially impaired. Influence on the cell cycle varied between the cell lines and inhibitors; (4) In conclusion, a combination of DDRi with IR could be feasible for patients with HNSCC. Side effects on healthy cells are expected to be limited to normal radiation-induced response. Formation of metastases could be decreased because cell migration is impaired partially. The treatment outcome for HPV-negative tumors tends to be improved by combined treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Faulhaber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tina Jost
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Symank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julian Scheper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix Bürkel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luitpold V. Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.-M.F.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.); (R.F.); (M.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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10
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Ionna F, Bossi P, Guida A, Alberti A, Muto P, Salzano G, Ottaiano A, Maglitto F, Leopardo D, De Felice M, Longo F, Tafuto S, Della Vittoria Scarpati G, Perri F. Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Big and Intriguing Challenge Which May Be Resolved by Integrated Treatments Combining Locoregional and Systemic Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2371. [PMID: 34069092 PMCID: PMC8155962 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is a complex group of malignancies, posing several challenges to treating physicians. Most patients are diagnosed with a locally advanced disease and treated with strategies integrating surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. About 50% of these patients will experience a recurrence of disease. Recurrent/metastatic SCCHN have poor prognosis with a median survival of about 12 months despite treatments. In the last years, the strategy to manage recurrent/metastatic SCCHN has profoundly evolved. Salvage treatments (surgery or re-irradiation) are commonly employed in patients suffering from locoregional recurrences and their role has gained more and more importance in the last years. Re-irradiation, using some particularly fractionating schedules, has the dual task of reducing the tumor mass and eliciting an immune response against cancer (abscopal effect). In this review, we will analyze the main systemic and/or locoregional strategies aimed at facing the recurrent/metastatic disease, underlining the enormous importance of the multidisciplinary approach in these types of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Ionna
- Otolaryngology Unit, INT IRCCS Foundation G. Pascale, Naples. Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.I.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (P.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Agostino Guida
- U.O.C. Odontostomatologia, A.O.R.N. Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Andrea Alberti
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (P.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Paolo Muto
- Radiation Therapy Unit, INT IRCCS Foundation G Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Salzano
- Otolaryngology Unit, INT IRCCS Foundation G. Pascale, Naples. Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.I.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, SSD-Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Cancers, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale” Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Fabio Maglitto
- Otolaryngology Unit, INT IRCCS Foundation G. Pascale, Naples. Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.I.); (G.S.); (F.M.)
| | - Davide Leopardo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Anna e S. Sebastiano, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (D.L.); (M.D.F.)
| | - Marco De Felice
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Anna e S. Sebastiano, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (D.L.); (M.D.F.)
| | - Francesco Longo
- Otolaryngology and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Tafuto
- Sarcoma and Rare Tumors Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale” Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Francesco Perri
- Medical and Experimental Head and Neck Oncology Unit, INT IRCCS Foundation G Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
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11
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Oliveira TB, Mesía R, Falco A, Hsieh JCH, Yokota T, Saada-Bouzid E, Schmitz S, Elicin O, Giacomelli L, Bossi P. Defining the needs of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer: An expert opinion. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 157:103200. [PMID: 33321152 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical and biological heterogeneity of head and neck cancer (HNC) is paralleled by a plethora of different symptoms that affect the patient's quality of life. These symptoms include, for instance, pain, fatigue, nutritional issues, airways obstruction, voice alterations and psychological distress. In addition, patients with HNC are prone to a high risk of infection, and may also suffer from acute complications, such as hypercalcemia, spine compression by bone metastasis or bleeding. Prolonging survival is also an inherent expectation for all patients. Addressing the above needs is crucial in all patients with HNC, and especially in those with recurrent and/or metastatic (RM) disease. However, research on how to address patients' needs in RM-HNC remains scarce. This paper defines patients' needs for RM HNC and presents an Expert Opinion on how to address them, proposing also some lines of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricard Mesía
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology - Badalona, B-ARGO Group, IGTP, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustin Falco
- Medical Oncology Department, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jason Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Tomoya Yokota
- Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, 1007 Shimonagakubo, Nagaizumi, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka, 411-8777, Japan
| | - Esma Saada-Bouzid
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Sandra Schmitz
- Departments of Medical Oncology and Head and Neck Surgery, Institut Roi Albert II, Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale (Pole MIRO), Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Catholic University of Louvain, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Olgun Elicin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Giacomelli
- Polistudium srl, Milan, Italy; Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diangostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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