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Sheng J, Pan H, Han W. Immunochemotherapy achieved a complete response for metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary based on gene expression profiling: a case report and review of the literature. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1181444. [PMID: 37153561 PMCID: PMC10154565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1181444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a malignant and aggressive tumor whose primary origin is still unknown despite thorough evaluation. CUP can be life-threatening with a median overall survival of less than 1 year based on empirical chemotherapy. Gene detection technology advances the driver gene detection of malignant tumors and the appropriate precise therapy. Immunotherapy has ushered in a new era in cancer therapy, changing the way advanced tumors, including CUP, are treated. Combined with comprehensive clinical and pathological investigations, molecular analysis of the original tissue and detection of potential driver mutations may provide therapeutic recommendations for CUP. Case presentation A 52-year-old female was admitted to hospital for dull abdominal pain, with peripancreatic lesions below the caudate lobe of the liver and posterior peritoneal lymph nodes enlargement. Conventional biopsy under endoscopic ultrasonography and laparoscopic biopsy both revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma based on immunohistochemical series. To help identify tumor origin and molecular characteristics, 90-gene expression assay, tumor gene expression profiling with Next-generation sequencing (NGS) method and Immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 were employed. Although no gastroesophageal lesions discovered by gastroenteroscopy, the 90-gene expression assay yielded a similarity score and prompted the most likely primary site was gastric/esophagus cancer. NGS revealed high TMB (19.3mutations/Mb) but no druggable driver genes identified. The Dako PD-L1 22C3 assay IHC assay for PD-L1 expression revealed a tumor proportion score (TPS) of 35%. Given the presence of negative predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy, including adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) c.646C>T mutation at exon 7 and Janus kinase 1(JAK1), the patient received immunochemotherapy instead of immunotherapy alone. She was successfully treated with nivolumab plus carboplatin and albumin-bound nanoparticle paclitaxel for six cycles and nivolumab maintenance, which achieved a complete response (CR) maintained for 2 years without severe adverse events. Conclusions This case highlights the value of multidisciplinary diagnosis and individual precision treatment in CUP. Further investigation is needed as an individualized treatment approach combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy based on tumor molecular characteristics and immunotherapy predictors is expected to improve the outcome of CUP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Sheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weidong Han,
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Abstract
In cancer of unknown primary (CUP), metastases are clinically and histologically confirmed, but the primary tumor site remains elusive after extensive work-up. CUPs make up for 2-3% of all epithelial malignancies. The two prevailing histologies are adenocarcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas, whereas squamous cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine carcinomas and rare histologies account for the remaining 10%. The diagnostic work-up in CUP relies strongly on a detailed immunohistological (IHC) analysis in order to characterize the tumor type, nowadays aided by molecular techniques. Diagnostics also include a thorough clinical examination, a basic lab draw with the most relevant tumor markers, and cross sectional imaging. Additional PET-CT is recommended in cervical lymph nodes suggestive of head and neck cancer and in limited metastases potentially treatable in curative intent. As for treatment, it is paramount to identify patients who fall into one of the six well defined "favorable" subset categories, namely extragonadal germ cell tumors, adenocarcinoma with isolated unilateral axillary lymph nodes in female patients, squamous cell carcinoma with neck lymph nodes, squamous cell carcinoma with inguinal lymph nodes, serous papillary peritoneal carcinomatosis in females and blastic bone metastasis in males with elevated PSA. These subsets are distinct both regarding the required treatment and the comparably favorable prognosis. Within the remaining "unfavorable" group, patients of colon and renal cancer type should be identified based on IHC and clinical picture, since the prognosis of these patients seems to improve with the use of therapy tailored to the presumed primary as well. For the few patients with limited metastases it should be assessed whether they are candidates for surgery, radiotherapy or surgery followed by irradiation in curative intent. The remaining majority of patients are treated with empiric palliative chemotherapy, typically a platinum - paclitaxel combination, though the level of evidence for this therapy recommendation is low. Gemcitabine alone or in combination can be used as an alternative. Decoding of the molecular profiles in CUP offers the prospect of targeted therapy with novel agents. However, there appears to be no uniform molecular pattern for CUP, and the observed molecular diversity thus poses a challenge to respective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilmann Bochtler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology / Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology / Oncology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Harald Löffler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology / Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology / Hematology / Palliative Care, Marienhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology / Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology / Oncology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Yu X, Li X, Song X, Dai D, Zhu L, Zhu Y, Wang J, Zhao H, Xu W. Advantages and disadvantages of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in carcinoma of unknown primary. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:3785-3792. [PMID: 27895731 PMCID: PMC5104165 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinoma of unknown primary is a type of malignant disease where the primary carcinoma cannot be identified by conventional examination, which presents challenges in diagnosis and therapy. This study aims to evaluate the detailed clinical value and indications of using fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) in a large sample. A total of 449 patients who were selected under strict standards were retrospectively included in this study. F-18 FDG PET/CT accurately detected the primary carcinoma in 115 of 449 patients whose primaries could not be detected by conventional examination (25.6%), with additional 27 false-positive patients. The most common primary site was the lung (34.8%). In addition, except for in metastatic melanoma (1/19, 5.3%) and axillary metastasis patients (2/49, 4.1%), F-18 FDG PET/CT had a comparative performance in detecting primary carcinoma in other pathological types and anatomical locations. The scan is able to guide treatment strategy modifications to some extent (130/449, 29.0%). We strongly recommend the use of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the early phase of examination. It is also recommended as a supplementary radiological method, and certain patients may benefit from its application in cases where regular examination is inconclusive. However, in metastatic melanoma or axillary metastasis patients where the primary site cannot be identified by routine examination, regular application of F-18 FDG PET/CT for the sole purpose of detecting the primary carcinoma should not be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhou Yu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiuyu Song
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Dong Dai
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Yanjia Zhu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Huiqin Zhao
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Wengui Xu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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Hainsworth JD, Daugaard G, Lesimple T, Hübner G, Greco FA, Stahl MJ, Büschenfelde CMZ, Allouache D, Penel N, Knoblauch P, Fizazi KS. Paclitaxel/carboplatin with or without belinostat as empiric first-line treatment for patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site: A randomized, phase 2 trial. Cancer 2015; 121:1654-61. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John D. Hainsworth
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology PLLC; Nashville Tennessee
| | - Gedske Daugaard
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - Thierry Lesimple
- Department of Medical Oncology; Eugene Marquis Center; Rennes France
| | - Gerdt Hübner
- Ostholstein Oncology-ohO; Oldenburg in Holstein; Germany
| | - F. Anthony Greco
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology PLLC; Nashville Tennessee
| | - Michael J. Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology; Essen Mitte Clinic; Essen Germany
| | | | - Djelila Allouache
- Department of Medical Oncology; Francois Baclesse Regional Center for the Fight Against Cancer; Caen France
| | - Nicolas Penel
- Department of General Oncology; Oscar Lambret Center; Lille France
| | - Poul Knoblauch
- Topotarget A/S; Symbion Science Park; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Karim S. Fizazi
- Gustave Roussy Institute; University of Paris South; Villejuif France
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Evaluation of survival benefits by platinums and taxanes for an unfavourable subset of carcinoma of unknown primary: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Cancer 2012; 108:39-48. [PMID: 23175147 PMCID: PMC3553519 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although chemotherapeutic regimens containing a taxane or platinum agent have been widely recommended for unfavourable carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP), no evidence exists for the superiority of any administered regimens. To date, the efficacy has been mostly assessed in the limited setting of phase II trials, and few attempts have been made to synthesise all available data for survival outcomes. Methods: Electronic databases were searched from 1980 to 2011. Survival results were combined for each pre-specified category of regimens using a random-effects model, and meta-regression models were used to adjust for heterogeneity in some known prognostic factors. Results: A total of 32 studies were included for meta-analysis. Tendency towards better survival outcome by platinums or taxanes was indicated. After adjustment for important prognostic factors, however, the difference between the platinum-based and non-platinum regimens became no longer significant. Survival benefits by the taxane-based regimens remained significant, with a prolonged median survival time of 1.52 months (P=0.03) and a higher 1-year survival rate of 6.25% (P=0.05), but the benefit did not sustain for 2 years. Conclusion: Although no effective therapies have been established, this meta-analysis helps to fill an important gap of evidence. However, caution should still be taken because of the potential unmeasured confounding.
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Amela EY, Lauridant-Philippin G, Cousin S, Ryckewaert T, Adenis A, Penel N. Management of “unfavourable” carcinoma of unknown primary site: Synthesis of recent literature. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2012; 84:213-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Wason JMS, Mander AP. The choice of test in phase II cancer trials assessing continuous tumour shrinkage when complete responses are expected. Stat Methods Med Res 2011; 24:909-19. [PMID: 22179821 PMCID: PMC4668774 DOI: 10.1177/0962280211432192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, phase II cancer trials test a binary endpoint formed from a dichotomisation of the continuous change in tumour size. Directly testing the continuous endpoint provides considerable gains in power, although also results in several statistical issues. One such issue is when complete responses, i.e. complete tumour removal, are observed in multiple patients; this is a problem when normality is assumed. Using simulated data and a recently published phase II trial, we investigate how the choice of test affects the operating characteristics of the trial. We propose using parametric tests based on the censored normal distribution, comparing them to the t-test and Wilcoxon non-parametric test. The censored normal distribution fits the real dataset well, but simulations indicate its type-I error rate is inflated, and its power is only slightly higher than the t-test. The Wilcoxon test has deflated type I error. For two-arm designs, the differences are much smaller. We conclude that the t-test is suitable for use when complete responses are present, although positively skewed data can result in the non-parametric test having higher power.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M S Wason
- Hub for Trials Methodology Research, MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Adrian P Mander
- Hub for Trials Methodology Research, MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge, UK
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Song J, Zhong DX, Qian W, Hou XH, Chen JDZ. Short pulse gastric electrical stimulation for cisplatin-induced emesis in dogs. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011; 23:468-74, e178. [PMID: 21362107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2011.01684.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous study, we investigated the ameliorating effect of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) with a single set of parameters on emesis and behaviors suggestive of nausea induced by cisplatin in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GES with different parameters on cisplatin-induced emesis in dogs. METHODS Seven dogs implanted with gastric serosal electrodes were studied in six randomized sessions: one control session with cisplatin (2 mg kg(-1)) and five sessions with cisplatin plus GES of different parameters: GES-A: 14 Hz, 5 mA, 0.3 ms, 0.1 s on and 5 s off; GES-B: increased frequency and on-time; GES-C: increased frequency; GES-D: increased frequency and pulse width; and GES-E: increased frequency and amplitude. Gastric slow waves and emetic responses were recorded in each session. KEY RESULTS (i) Cisplatin induced emetic responses and gastric dysrhythmia. The peak time of the emetic response was during the fourth hour after cisplatin. (ii) GES with appropriate parameters reduced cisplatin-induced emesis. The number of vomiting times during the 6 h after cisplatin was 7.0 ± 1.4 in the control, 4.7 ± 1.2 with GES-A (P = 0.179), 4.2 ± 1.2 with GES-B (P = 0.109), 7.0 ± 0.8 with GES-C (P = 0.928), 2.1 ± 0.3 with GES-D (P = 0.005) and 4.7 ± 1.5 with GES-E (P = 0.129). However, none of the GES parameters could improve gastric dysrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Gastric electrical stimulation with appropriate parameters reduces cisplatin-induced emetic responses and behaviors suggestive of nausea in dogs. Among the tested parameters, GES with increased pulse width seems to produce better relief of cisplatin-induced emesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Moller AKH, Loft A, Berthelsen AK, Damgaard Pedersen K, Graff J, Christensen CB, Perell K, Petersen BL, Daugaard G. 18F-FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic tool in patients with extracervical carcinoma of unknown primary site: a literature review. Oncologist 2011; 16:445-51. [PMID: 21427201 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2010-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) represents a heterogeneous group of metastatic malignancies for which no primary tumor site can be identified after extensive diagnostic workup. Failure to identify the primary site may negatively influence patient management. The aim of this review was to evaluate (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) as a diagnostic tool in patients with extracervical CUP. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed and four publications were identified (involving 152 patients) evaluating (18)F-FDG PET/CT in CUP patients with extracervical metastases. All studies were retrospective and heterogeneous in inclusion criteria, study design, and diagnostic workup prior to (18)F-FDG PET/CT. RESULTS (18)F-FDG PET/CT detected the primary tumor in 39.5% of patients with extracervical CUP. The lung was the most commonly detected primary tumor site (∼50%). The pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of the primary tumor site were 87%, 88%, and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present review of currently available data indicates that (18)F-FDG PET/CT might contribute to the identification of the primary tumor site in extracervical CUP. However, prospective studies with more uniform inclusion criteria are required to evaluate the exact value of this diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kirstine Hundahl Moller
- Department of Oncology 5073, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Møller AKH, Pedersen KD, Abildgaard J, Petersen BL, Daugaard G. Capecitabine and oxaliplatin as second-line treatment in patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site. Acta Oncol 2010; 49:431-5. [PMID: 20235750 DOI: 10.3109/02841861003649240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site (CUP) remains a challenge, and no effective second-line treatment has been identified. In CUP patients who are non-responsive or relapse early after first-line platinum/taxane-based regimens, it is likely that gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumours may be overrepresented. These patients could be candidates for GI tract-directed therapy. We here report the results obtained with oxaliplatin and capecitabine as second-line therapy in 25 recurrent/refractory CUP patients following first-line treatment with paclitaxel, cisplatin and gemcitabine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received capecitabine orally (1000 mg/m(2)) twice daily, days 1-14, and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2)) intravenously on day 1 in a three-week schedule. RESULTS Twenty-five CUP patients received a median of three cycles of capecitabine and oxaliplatin as second-line treatment. Histopathological assessments suggested the primary site to be of GI tract origin in the majority of the patients (76%). We found an objective response rate of 13%, a median progression-free survival and overall survival rate of 2.3 and 3.9 months, respectively, and 32% of patients alive at one year after initiation of second-line therapy. The regimen was well tolerated by most patients. CONCLUSIONS This study, demonstrates that there is still a significant need for improved second-line therapy in CUP patients.
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