Oxaliplatin plus Capecitabine in the Perioperative Treatment of Locally Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma in Combination with D2 Gastrectomy: NEO-CLASSIC Study

A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of low-dose olanzapine in preventing nausea and vomiting associated with oxaliplatin-based and irinotecan-based chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the clinical efficacy of a 5 mg dosage of olanzapine in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) among female patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal tract tumors.

METHODS

Patients undergoing the oxaliplatin/irinotecan chemotherapy regimen were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. The olanzapine group received a 5 mg dosage of olanzapine along with palonosetron and dexamethasone, while the control group received a standard two-combination regimen consisting of dexamethasone and palonosetron. The primary endpoints included the total protection (TP) rates for the entire age group and the subgroup aged 60 years and above. Secondary endpoints encompassed the total protection rates during the acute and delayed phases within the two age brackets, as well as the total control (TC) rates and complete remission (CR) rates across all three phases (total, acute, and delayed). Additionally, the study involved the assessment of quality of life and the collection of adverse events associated with the interventions.

RESULTS

1) Regarding the primary endpoint, the total phase TP rates within both the entire age group and the age group exceeding 60 years demonstrated superiority in the olanzapine group when compared to the control group (66.7% vs 37.25%, P = 0.003; 68.8% vs 44.4%, P = 0.044). 2) In terms of secondary endpoints, the olanzapine group exhibited superior acute phase TP rates in both age brackets when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The olanzapine group also demonstrated higher delayed-phase TP rates, TC rates across all three phases, and CR rates within the two age brackets, although the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the quality of life in the olanzapine group surpassed that of the control group for both age brackets (P < 0.05), characterized by enhanced appetite and a higher incidence of drowsiness in the patients treated with olanzapine when compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Olanzapine can enhance CINV induced by MEC regimen in female patients across all age groups, including the elderly, and therefore improve the quality of life for these patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html , identifier: ChiCTR20000368269, 25/08/2020.

Perioperative chemotherapy with docetaxel plus oxaliplatin and S-1 (DOS) versus oxaliplatin plus S-1 (SOX) for the treatment of locally advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma (MATCH): an open-label, randomized, phase 2 clinical trial

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether addition of docetaxel to the combination of a platinum and fluoropyrimidine could provide more clinical benefits than doublet chemotherapies in the perioperative treatment for locally advanced gastric/gastro-esophageal junction (LAG/GEJ) cancer in Asia. In this randomized, phase 2 study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of perioperative docetaxel plus oxaliplatin and S-1 (DOS) versus oxaliplatin plus S-1 (SOX) in LAG/GEJ adenocarcinoma patients.

METHODS

Patients with cT3-4 Nany M0 G/GEJ adenocarcinoma were randomized (1:1) to receive 4 cycles of preoperative DOS or SOX followed by D2 gastrectomy and another 4 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was major pathological response (MPR).

RESULTS

From Aug, 2015 to Dec, 2019,154 patients were enrolled and 147 patients included in final analysis, with a median age of 60 (26-73) years. DOS resulted in significantly higher MPR (25.4 vs. 11.8%, P = 0.04). R0 resection rate, the 3-year PFS and 3-year OS rates were 78.9 vs. 61.8% (P = 0.02), 52.3 vs. 35% (HR 0.667, 95% CI: 0.432-1.029, Log rank P = 0.07) and 57.5 vs. 49.2% (HR 0.685, 95% CI: 0.429-1.095, Log rank P = 0.11) in the DOS and SOX groups, respectively. Patients who acquired MPR experienced significantly better survival. DOS had similar tolerance to SOX.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative DOS improved MPR significantly and tended to produce longer PFS compared to SOX in LAG/GEJ cancer in Asia, and might be considered as a preferred option for perioperative chemotherapy and worth further investigation.

Perioperative toripalimab and chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer: a randomized phase 2 trial

Perioperative chemotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer, and the addition of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor is under investigation. In this randomized, open-label, phase 2 study (NEOSUMMIT-01), patients with resectable gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer clinically staged as cT3-4aN + M0 were randomized (1:1) to receive either three preoperative and five postoperative 3-week cycles of SOX/XELOX (chemotherapy group, n = 54) or PD-1 inhibitor toripalimab plus SOX/XELOX, followed by toripalimab monotherapy for up to 6 months (toripalimab plus chemotherapy group, n = 54). The primary endpoint was pathological complete response or near-complete response rate (tumor regression grade (TRG) 0/1). The results showed that patients in the toripalimab plus chemotherapy group achieved a higher proportion of TRG 0/1 than those in the chemotherapy group (44.4% (24 of 54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 30.9%-58.6%) versus 20.4% (11 of 54, 95% CI: 10.6%-33.5%)), and the risk difference of TRG 0/1 between toripalimab plus chemotherapy group and chemotherapy group was 22.7% (95% CI: 5.8%-39.6%; P = 0.009), meeting a prespecified endpoint. In addition, a higher pathological complete response rate (ypT0N0) was observed in the toripalimab plus chemotherapy group (22.2% (12 of 54, 95% CI: 12.0%-35.6%) versus 7.4% (4 of 54, 95% CI: 2.1%-17.9%); P = 0.030), and surgical morbidity (11.8% in the toripalimab plus chemotherapy group versus 13.5% in the chemotherapy group) and mortality (1.9% versus 0%), and treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events (35.2% versus 29.6%) were comparable between the treatment groups. In conclusion, the addition of toripalimab to chemotherapy significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving TRG 0/1 compared to chemotherapy alone and showed a manageable safety profile. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04250948 .

Chemotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma

Importance

Combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with chemotherapy improves outcomes in patients with metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma; however, whether this combination has activity in the perioperative setting remains unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and preliminary activity of perioperative chemotherapy and ICB followed by maintenance ICB in resectable G/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, single-stage, phase 2 nonrandomized controlled trial screened 49 patients and enrolled 36 patients with resectable G/GEJ adenocarcinoma from February 10, 2017, to June 17, 2021, with a median (range) follow-up of 35.2 (17.4-73.0) months. Thirty-four patients were deemed evaluable for efficacy analysis, with 28 (82.4%) undergoing curative resection. This study was performed at 4 referral institutions in the US.

Interventions

Patients received 3 cycles of capecitabine, 625 mg/m2, orally twice daily for 21 days; oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m2, intravenously and pembrolizumab, 200 mg, intravenously with optional epirubicin, 50 mg/m2, every 3 weeks before and after surgery with an additional cycle of pembrolizumab before surgery. Patients received 14 additional doses of maintenance pembrolizumab.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary end points included overall response rate, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

A total of 34 patients (median [range] age, 65.5 [25-90] years; 23 [67.6%] male) were evaluable for efficacy. Of these patients, 28 (82.4%) underwent curative resection, 7 (20.6%; 95% CI, 10.1%-100%) achieved pCR, and 6 (17.6%) achieved a pathologic near-complete response. Of the 28 patients who underwent resection, 4 (14.3%) experienced disease recurrence. The median DFS and OS were not reached. The 2-year DFS was 67.8% (95% CI, 0.53%-0.87%) and the OS was 80.6% (95% CI, 0.68%-0.96%). Treatment-related grade 3 or higher adverse events for evaluable patients occurred in 20 patients (57.1%), and 12 (34.3%) experienced immune-related grade 3 or higher adverse events.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this trial of unselected patients with resectable G/GEJ adenocarcinoma, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and pembrolizumab resulted in a pCR rate of 20.6% and was well tolerated. This trial met its primary end point and supports the development of checkpoint inhibition in combination with perioperative chemotherapy in locally advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02918162.

The largest lymph node defined response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy can predict long-term prognosis in locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The assessment of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) remain challenging. We aimed to explore the potential role of peri-NACT change of the largest lymph node (LN) and primary tumor (P-T) in the prediction of tumor response and patient overall survival (OS) in LAGC.

METHODS

A cohort of LAGC patients who underwent NACT followed by radical surgery from a prospective clinical trial were retrospectively analyzed. The percentage change of the largest LN and P-T from initial to post-NACT Computed Tomography (CT) were measured. Tumor response was defined by the change of LN (LN-response) and P-T (P-T-response), respectively. A multivariate Cox model was constructed to examine if P-T- and LN-determined response had significant predictive ability for OS when adjusting with other possible prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients, 28 (68.3%) was defined as LN-responders to NACT, and 17 (41.5%) patients was defined as P-T-responders. When the cohort was stratified by LN response standard, LN-responders showed a significant longer median OS than LN-nonresponders (p = 0.031, 20.6 vs 16.6 months). When stratified by primary tumor response, no significant difference in OS was observed between P-T-responders and P-T-nonresponders (p = 0.377, 18.5 vs 19.0 months). In the multivariate analysis, number of positive LN (p = 0.004, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.284), recurrence (p = 0.024, HR =3556), LN shrinkage (p = 0.022, HR = 0.930) and LN-response (p = 0.033, HR = 0.008) were observed with independent association with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Peri-NACT change of the largest LN could reflect tumor response to NACT, and LN-defined response was useful in predicting the long-term prognosis (OS) of LAGC patients who underwent NACT followed by radical surgery.

Safety and efficacy of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The combined use of programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors and chemotherapy has reshaped the treatment landscape of advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy in a neoadjuvant setting for locally advanced GC (LAGC).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with clinical stage II-III GC undergoing neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy were enrolled from December 2019 to July 2022. Clinicopathological characteristics, pathological information, and survival data were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 42 eligible patients were enrolled, of whom 37 (88.1%) had clinical stage III disease. All the patients underwent surgery, and the R0 resection rate was 90.5%. Major pathological response (MPR) and pathological complete response (pCR) rates were 42.9% and 26.2%, respectively. The overall TNM downstaging rate was 76.2%. A total of 36 (85.7%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 23.1 months, four patients died after tumor recurrence, and three were alive with recurrence. The 1-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 94.4% and 89.5%, respectively, and the median OS and DFS were not reached. Neoadjuvant treatment was well tolerated with no grade 4-5 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) observed. The most common grade 3 TRAEs were anemia and alanine aminotransferase increase (n = 2 each, 9.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

PD-1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy demonstrated promising efficacy, with encouraging pCR and survival outcomes in a neoadjuvant setting for patients with LAGC. The combined therapy also showed a good safety profile.

Perioperative TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: APOLLO-11 study

BACKGROUND

We investigated the feasibility of perioperative chemotherapy with S-1 and leucovorin (TAS-118) plus oxaliplatin in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients with clinical T3-4N1-3M0 gastric cancer received four courses of TAS-118 (40-60 mg/body, orally, twice daily for seven days) plus oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2, intravenously, day one) every two weeks preoperatively followed by gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy, followed by postoperative chemotherapy with either 12 courses of TAS-118 monotherapy (Step 1) or eight courses of TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin (Step 2). The primary endpoints were completion rates of preoperative chemotherapy with TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin and postoperative chemotherapy with TAS-118 monotherapy (Step 1) or TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin (Step 2).

RESULTS

Among 45 patients enrolled, the preoperative chemotherapy completion rate was 88.9% (90% CI 78.0-95.5). Major grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) were diarrhoea (17.8%) and neutropenia (8.9%). The R0 resection rate was 95.6% (90% CI 86.7-99.2). Complete pathological response was achieved in 6 patients (13.3%). Dose-limiting toxicity was not observed in 31 patients receiving postoperative chemotherapy (Step 1, n = 11; Step 2, n = 20), and completion rates were 90.9% (95% CI 63.6-99.5) for Step 1 and 80.0% (95% CI 59.9-92.9) for Step 2. No more than 10% of grade ≥ 3 AEs were observed in  patients receiving Step 1. Hypokalaemia and neutropenia occurred in 3 and 2 patients, respectively, receiving Step 2. The 3-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 66.7% (95% CI 50.9-78.4) and 84.4% (95% CI 70.1-92.3), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative chemotherapy with TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin with D2 gastrectomy is feasible.

Safety and efficacy of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone as neoadjuvant treatment for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: real-world experience with a consecutive patient cohort

Objectives

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy has recently been applied in the neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC), while its superiority over neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) alone remains to be explored. This study explored the safety and efficacy of NACT plus tislelizumab in patients with LAGC.

Methods

The data on patients with LAGC who received NACT combined with radical gastrectomy and NACT plus tislelizumab followed by radical gastrectomy was retrospectively collected. Clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 119 and 50 patients with gastric cancer treated with NACT and NACT plus tislelizumab, respectively, were enrolled. No significant difference was found between the baseline data of the two groups. The operative time (210.5 ± 70.4 min vs. 237.6 ± 68.4 min, P=0.732), intraoperative blood loss (157.8 ± 75.9 ml vs. 149.1 ± 92.5 ml, P=0.609), and number of dissected lymph nodes (24.7 ± 9.3 vs. 28.1 ± 10.3, P=0.195) was not statistically different between the two groups. In comparison to the NACT plus tislelizumab group, the R0 resection rate (100% vs. 89.9%, P=0.019) and pathologic complete response rate (26.0% vs. 3.4%, P<0.001) were significantly lower in the NACT group. The postoperative complication rates were 24.4% and 26.0% in the NACT and NACT plus tislelizumab groups with no significant difference (P=0.823). In subgroup analysis, tumor regression grade (TRG) (TRG 3: 72.3% vs. 23.5%, P<0.001) and ypN stage (stages 2-3: 46.8% vs. 5.9%, P=0.003) in the NACT group were significantly higher compared with the NACT plus tislelizumab group in esophagogastric junction carcinoma.

Conclusion

Compared with the S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) or 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) NACT regimen, NACT plus tislelizumab significantly improved the efficacy and R0 resection rate of LAGC without increasing the incidence of perioperative complications, particularly in esophagogastric junction carcinoma.

Efficacy and safety of sintilimab plus XELOX as a neoadjuvant regimen in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: A single-arm, open-label, phase II trial

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapies have been widely recommended in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). However, the evidence of combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy with anti–programmed death 1 (anti–PD-1) antibody therapy for patients with LAGC is lacking. Thus, we conducted a single-arm phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anti–PD-1 antibody sintilimab plus XELOX regimen (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) in patients with LAGC.

Methods

Patients with LAGC (cT3-4 N+ M0, CY0, P0) were enrolled and received four preoperative cycles of sintilimab (200 mg, IV, Q21d) plus XELOX (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m², IV, d1 with capecitabine 1,000 mg/m², bid, d1–d14, Q21d) therapy. The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. This clinical trial was registered at Chictr.org.cn (trial number: ChiCTR2000030414).

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled from March 2020 to July 2021, with a median age of 62 years (range, 30–72), and 18 (60.0%) were men. There were 19 (63.3%) patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1.The pCR rate was 33.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 17.3%–52.8%], and the major pathologic response (MPR) rate was 63.3% (95% CI, 43.9%–80.1%). All the patients underwent R0 resection. The objective response rate (ORR) and the disease control rate (DCR) were 70.0% (95% CI, 50.6%–85.3%) and 100% (95% CI, 88.4%–100%), respectively. Downstaging of the overall TNM stage was observed in 22 (73.3%) patients. The pCR rate in patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 and patients with PD-L1 CPS <1 was 42.1% vs. 18.2% (P = 0.246), whereas the MPR rate was 78.9% vs. 36.4% (P = 0.047). The potential immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were hypothyroidism (3.3%), pneumonia (10.0%), and dermatitis (6.7%). Grade3 common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were ALT increase (3.3%), AST increase (3.3%), and dermatitis (3.3%) during the neoadjuvant therapy. There were no severe complications or death related to the surgery.

Conclusion

Sintilimab plus XELOX as neoadjuvant therapy showed an encouraging pCR rate, MPR rate, and manageable safety. This combination of regimens might provide a new option for patients with LAGC.

Clinical Trial Registration: Chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2000030414.

Neoadjuvant apatinib combined with oxaliplatin and capecitabine in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of stomach or gastroesophageal junction: a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Adding anti-angiogenics to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for localized gastric cancer is recognized as a promising strategy, but its clinical value remains to be defined.

METHODS

This single-center, single-arm, phase 2 trial included patients with locally advanced (cT3/4aN+M0) adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) who received three cycles of intravenous oxaliplatin (135 mg/m² on day 1), oral capecitabine (1000 mg/m² twice daily on days 1 to 14), and oral apatinib for 21 days (250 mg once daily in the first two cycles, and further increased to 500 mg daily in the third cycle based on whether any adverse event of grade 3 or worse occurred), and an additional cycle of oxaliplatin plus capecitabine, followed by gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an objective response according to RECIST version 1.1.

RESULTS

Between April 28, 2017, and October 23, 2019, 37 patients were screened and 35 participants were included. Of the 32 patients assessable for efficacy and safety, objective responses were achieved in 25 (78.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 60.0% to 90.7%) patients. Thirty-one (96.9%) patients received R0 resection, two (6.3%) patients achieved pathological complete response, and 11 (34.4%) patients achieved pathological response. At the data cutoff date (September 30, 2021), the median event-free survival was 42.6 (95% CI, 16.2 to not reached) months, and the median overall survival was not reached. The most common grade 3 or 4 treatment-emergent adverse events were hypertension (9/32, 28.1%), thrombocytopenia (7/32, 21.9%), and neutropenia (5/32, 15.6%). Seven (21.9%) patients developed surgical complications, and the most common one was intra-abdominal abscess (4/32, 12.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant use of apatinib, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine as neoadjuvant therapy showed promising efficacy and manageable safety profile in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or GEJ, and further phase 3 study is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov ( NCT03229096 ).

Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant sintilimab, oxaliplatin and capecitabine in patients with locally advanced, resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: early results of a phase 2 study

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have greatly improved the prognoses of diverse advanced malignancies, including gastric and gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancer. However, the role of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 treatment in the neoadjuvant setting remains unclear. This phase 2 study aimed to evaluate sintilimab plus CapeOx as a neoadjuvant regimen in patients with advanced resectable G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. Eligible patients with resectable G/GEJ adenocarcinoma stage cT3-4NanyM0 were enrolled. Patients received neoadjuvant treatment with sintilimab (3 mg/kg for cases <60 kg or 200 mg for those ≥60 kg on day 1) plus CapeOx (oxaliplatin at 130 mg/m² on D1 and capecitabine at 1000 mg/m² two times per day on D1-D14) every 21 days, for three cycles before surgical resection, followed by adjuvant treatment with three cycles of CapeOx with the same dosages after surgical resection. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate, tumor regression grade per Becker criteria, survival and safety. As of July 30, 2020, 36 patients were enrolled. Totally 7 (19.4%) patients had GEJ cancer, and 34 (94.4%) patients were clinical stage III cases. A total of 35 (97.2%) patients completed three cycles of neoadjuvant treatment, and 1 patients received two cycles due to adverse events. All patients underwent surgery and the R0 resection rate was 97.2%. In this study, pCR and major pathological response were achieved in 7 (19.4%, 95% CI: 8.8% to 35.7%; 90% CI: 10.7% to 33.1%) and 17 (47.2%, 95% CI: 31.6% to 64.3%) patients, respectively. Thirty-one patients received adjuvant treatment. By December 20, 2021, three patients died after disease relapse, and two patients were alive with relapse. Median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. The 1-year DFS and OS rates were 90.3% (95% CI: 80.4% to 100.0%) and 94.1% (95% CI: 86.5% to 100.0%), respectively. The most common (>1 patient) grade 3 treatment-related adverse events during neoadjuvant treatment were anemia and neutropenia (n=5 each, 13.9%). No serious adverse events (AEs) or grade 4-5 AEs were observed. Sintilimab plus oxaliplatin/capecitabine showed promising efficacy with encouraging pCR rate and good safety profile in the neoadjuvant setting. This combination regimen might present a new option for patients with locally advanced, resectable G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. Trial registration; NCT04065282.

Laparoscopic vs open total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer following neoadjuvant therapy: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) has drawn increasing attention over the years. Although LTG has shown surgical benefits compared to open TG (OTG) in early stage gastric cancer (GC), little is known about the surgical and oncological outcomes of LTG for advanced GC following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).

AIM

To compare the long- and short-term outcomes of advanced GC patients who underwent LTG vs OTG following NAT.

METHODS

Advanced GC patients who underwent TG following NAT between April 2011 and May 2018 at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were enrolled and stratified into two groups: LTG and OTG. Propensity score matching analysis was performed at a 1:1 ratio to overcome possible bias.

RESULTS

In total, 185 patients were enrolled (LTG: 78; OTG: 109). Of these, 138 were paired after propensity score matching. After adjustment for propensity score matching, baseline parameters were similar between the two groups. Compared to OTG, LTG was associated with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (P = 0.012). The rates of R0 resection, lymph node harvest, and postoperative morbidity did not significantly differ between the two groups. Overall survival (OS) outcomes were comparable between the two groups. Pathological T and N stages were found to be independent risk factors for OS.

CONCLUSION

LTG can be a feasible method for advanced GC patients following NAT, as it appears to be associated with better short- and comparable long-term outcomes compared to OTG.

Superiority of Laparoscopic Gastrojejunostomy Combined With Multimodality Therapy for Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Advanced Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Data are limited concerning the survival outcomes of patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) caused by advanced gastric cancers according to laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ) combined with multimodality therapy (MMT). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of these therapies.

METHODS

This single-centered, retrospective analysis included data of 184 patients with GOO due to advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Treatment models were: laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy combined with multimodality therapy (LGJ+MMT), endoscopic metal stent placement combined with multimodality therapy (EMSP+MMT), and multimodality therapy (MMT).

RESULTS

Improved oral intake, better nutritional indices, and better response to chemotherapy were observed in the LGJ+MMT group. Subsequent gastrectomy was performed in 43 (61.4%) patients in the LGJ+MMT group, 23 (37.7%) in the EMSP+MMT group, and 11 (20.8%) in the MMT group (P<0.001). LGJ+MMT was associated with better long-term prognosis. As confirmed by propensity scores and multivariate analyses, the 3-year survival rates in the three treatment models were 31.4% with LGJ+MMT, 0% with EMSP+MMT, and 0% with MMT in conversion therapy, and 50.0% with LGJ+MMT, 33.3% with EMSP+MMT, and 23.5% with MMT in NAC. A forest plot revealed that LGJ+MMT was related to a decreased risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS

LGJ combined with MMT was associated with better nutritional status, higher rates of subsequent gastrectomy, and good prognosis. LGJ combined with MMT may improve the long-term survival of patients with GOO caused by AGC.

Comparison of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery vs. surgery alone for locally advanced gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly used in advanced gastric cancer, but the effects on safety and survival are still controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the overall survival and short-term surgical outcomes between neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (NACS) and surgery alone (SA) for locally advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

Databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) were explored for relative studies from January 2000 to January 2021. The quality of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was evaluated using the modified Jadad scoring system and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, respectively. The Review Manager software (version 5.3) was used to perform this meta-analysis. The overall survival was evaluated as the primary outcome, while perioperative indicators and post-operative complications were evaluated as the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty studies, including 1420 NACS cases and 1942 SA cases, were enrolled. The results showed that there were no significant differences in overall survival (P = 0.240), harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.200), total complications (P = 0.080), and 30-day post-operative mortality (P = 0.490) between the NACS and SA groups. However, the NACS group was associated with a longer operation time (P < 0.0001), a higher R0 resection rate (P = 0.003), less reoperation (P = 0.030), and less anastomotic leakage (P = 0.007) compared with SA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with SA, NACS was considered safe and feasible for improved R0 resection rate as well as decreased reoperation and anastomotic leakage. While unbenefited overall survival indicated a less important effect of NACS on long-term oncological outcomes.

Clinical efficacy and safety of self-made Jiedu Kangai decoction combined with chemotherapy in treatment of patients with advanced colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer is the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in China. Systematic therapy with chemicals and targeted agents have established their status as palliative treatment; however, they always resulted in limited efficacy and obvious toxicities.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of self-made Jiedu Kangai decoction in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced colon cancer.

METHODS

A total of 104 patients with advanced colon cancer who were admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected and divided into either a control group or an observation group (52 cases in each) using the random number table method. Both groups were given XELOX regimen chemotherapy, and the observation group was additionally given self-made Jiedu Kangai decoction. Outcomes including objective response rate (ORR), as well as changes in parameters including CA19-9, TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-17, ALT, AST, Cr, BUN, T cells, KPS, and VAS, were evaluated.

RESULTS

After two cycles of treatment in both groups, ORR was significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (67.31% vs 44.23%, P < 0.05). Serum levels of CEA, TK1, CA19-9, TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-17, as well as CD8⁺ T cells were significantly lower in the observation group (P < 0.05). However, CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells were significantly higher in the observation group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical differences observed for serum levels of ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN between the groups. KPS status and VAS scores were significantly better in the observation group (P < 0.05). The incidences of adverse events including leucopenia (23.08% vs 57.69%), neurotoxicity (19.23% vs 40.38%), and gastrointestinal toxicities (40.38% vs 71.15%) were significant lower in the observation group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy with self-made Jiedu Kangai decoction and chemotherapy has better efficacy, can better relieve pain, improve life quality, enhance T cell-mediated immunity, and suppress inflammation, and is association with lower incidence rates of adverse events compared to chemotherapy alone.

Perioperative trastuzumab, capecitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with HER2-positive resectable gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: NEOHX phase II trial

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative chemotherapy improves overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared with surgery alone in patients with resectable gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJA). The addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy improves outcomes in patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer (GC), and we aimed to explore its role in the perioperative setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This Spanish, multicentre, open-label phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of perioperative capecitabine, oxaliplatin and trastuzumab (XELOX-T) in patients with HER2-positive resectable GA or GEJA. The primary end-point was 18-months DFS; and secondary end-points included pathological complete response (pCR) rate, R0 resection rate, OS and toxicity (NCT01130337).

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were included. After three cycles of preoperative treatment, 14 patients (38% of the intention-to-treat population) had partial response and 18 (50%) had stable disease. Surgery was performed in 31 patients: 28 (90%) had R0 resection, three (9.6%) had a pCR and three (9.6%) died due to surgical complications. A total of 24 patients received post-operative XELOX-T, 22 of whom completed trastuzumab maintenance. Main grade III/IV toxicities included diarrhoea (33%), nausea and vomiting (8%). After a median follow-up of 24.1 months, 18-month DFS was 71% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53-83%); and an update after 102 months of follow-up showed a median OS of 79.9 months and a 60-month OS of 58% (95% CI, 40-73%).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that perioperative XELOX-T in patients with HER2-positive GA and GEJA is feasible and active. Further investigation in randomised studies is warranted.

Interpretation of the development of neoadjuvant therapy for gastric cancer based on the vicissitudes of the NCCN guidelines

Gastric cancer is one of the most common digestive system tumors in China, and locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) accounts for a high proportion of newly diagnosed cases. Although surgery is the main treatment for gastric cancer, surgical excision alone cannot achieve satisfactory outcomes in LAGC patients. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has gradually become the standard treatment for patients with LAGC, and this treatment can not only achieve tumor downstaging and improve surgical rate and the R0 resection rate, but it also significantly improves the long-term prognosis of patients. Peri/preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy are both recommended according to a large number of studies, and the regimens have also been evolved in the past decades. Since the NCCN guidelines for gastric cancer are one of the most authoritative evidence-based guidelines worldwide, here, we demonstrate the development course and major breakthroughs of NAT for gastric cancer based on the vicissitudes of the NCCN guidelines from 2007 to 2019, and also discuss the future of NAT.