Cabozantinib plus atezolizumab versus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (COSMIC-312): final results of a randomised phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the COSMIC-312 trial was to evaluate cabozantinib plus atezolizumab versus sorafenib in patients with previously untreated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. In the initial analysis, cabozantinib plus atezolizumab significantly prolonged progression-free survival versus sorafenib. Here, we report the pre-planned final overall survival analysis and updated safety and efficacy results following longer follow-up.

METHODS

COSMIC-312 was an open-label, randomised, phase 3 study done across 178 centres in 32 countries. Patients aged 18 years or older with previously untreated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma were eligible. Patients must have had measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1), and adequate marrow and organ function, including Child-Pugh class A liver function; those with fibrolamellar carcinoma, sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma, or combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma were ineligible. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1:1) using a web-based interactive response system to a combination of oral cabozantinib 40 mg once daily plus intravenous atezolizumab 1200 mg every 3 weeks, oral sorafenib 400 mg twice daily, or oral single-agent cabozantinib 60 mg once daily. Randomisation was stratified by disease aetiology, geographical region, and presence of extrahepatic disease or macrovascular invasion. Dual primary endpoints were for cabozantinib plus atezolizumab versus sorafenib: progression-free survival per RECIST 1.1, as assessed by a blinded independent radiology committee, in the first 372 randomly assigned patients (previously reported) and overall survival in all patients randomly assigned to cabozantinib plus atezolizumab or sorafenib. The secondary endpoint was progression-free survival in all patients randomly assigned to cabozantinib versus sorafenib. Outcomes in all randomly assigned patients, including final overall survival, are presented. Safety was assessed in all randomly assigned patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03755791.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 7, 2018, and Aug 27, 2020, 432 patients were randomly assigned to combination treatment, 217 to sorafenib, and 188 to single-agent cabozantinib, and included in all efficacy analyses. 704 (84%) patients were male and 133 (16%) were female. 824 of these patients received at least one dose of study treatment and were included in the safety population. Median follow-up was 22·1 months (IQR 19·3-24·8). Median overall survival was 16·5 months (96% CI 14·5-18·7) for the combination treatment group and 15·5 months (12·2-20·0) for the sorafenib group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·98 [0·78-1·24]; stratified log-rank p=0·87). Median progression-free survival was 6·9 months (99% CI 5·7-8·2) for the combination treatment group, 4·3 months (2·9-6·1) for the sorafenib group, and 5·8 months (99% CI 5·4-8·2) for the single-agent cabozantinib group (HR 0·74 [0·56-0·97] for combination treatment vs sorafenib; HR 0·78 [99% CI 0·56-1·09], p=0·05, for single-agent cabozantinib vs sorafenib). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 281 (66%) of 429 patients in the combination treatment group, 100 (48%) of 207 patients in the sorafenib group, and 108 (57%) of 188 patients in the single-agent cabozantinib group; the most common were hypertension (37 [9%] vs 17 [8%] vs 23 [12%]), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (36 [8%] vs 18 [9%] vs 16 [9%]), aspartate aminotransferase increased (42 [10%] vs eight [4%] vs 17 [9%]), and alanine aminotransferase increased (40 [9%] vs six [3%] vs 13 [7%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 223 (52%) patients in the combination treatment group, 84 (41%) patients in the sorafenib group, and 87 (46%) patients in the single agent cabozantinib group. Treatment-related deaths occurred in six (1%) patients in the combination treatment group (encephalopathy, hepatic failure, drug-induced liver injury, oesophageal varices haemorrhage, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and tumour lysis syndrome), one (<1%) in the sorafenib group (general physical health deterioration), and four (2%) in the single-agent cabozantinib group (asthenia, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, sepsis, and gastric perforation).

INTERPRETATION

First-line cabozantinib plus atezolizumab did not improve overall survival versus sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The progression-free survival benefit of the combination versus sorafenib was maintained, with no new safety signals.

FUNDING

Exelixis and Ipsen.

CONTACT-01: A Randomized Phase III Trial of Atezolizumab + Cabozantinib Versus Docetaxel for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After a Checkpoint Inhibitor and Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Although checkpoint inhibitors have improved first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a therapeutic need remains for patients whose disease does not respond or who experience disease progression after anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy. CONTACT-01 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04471428) evaluated atezolizumab plus cabozantinib versus docetaxel in patients with metastatic NSCLC who developed disease progression after concurrent or sequential treatment with anti-PD-L1/PD-1 and platinum-containing chemotherapy.

METHODS

This multicenter, open-label, phase III trial randomly assigned patients 1:1 to atezolizumab 1,200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks (q3w) plus cabozantinib 40 mg orally once daily or docetaxel 75 mg/m2 intravenously once every 3 weeks. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-six patients were assigned atezolizumab plus cabozantinib, and 180 docetaxel. Minimum OS follow-up was 10.9 months. Median OS was 10.7 months (95% CI, 8.8 to 12.3) with atezolizumab plus cabozantinib and 10.5 months (95% CI, 8.6 to 13.0) with docetaxel (stratified hazard ratio [HR], 0.88 [95% CI, 0.68 to 1.16]; P = .3668). Median progression-free survival was 4.6 months (95% CI, 4.1 to 5.6) and 4.0 months (95% CI, 3.1 to 4.4), respectively (stratified HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.59 to 0.92]). Serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in 71 (38.4%) patients receiving atezolizumab plus cabozantinib and 58 (34.7%) receiving docetaxel. Grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs occurred in 73 (39.5%) patients receiving atezolizumab plus cabozantinib and 58 (34.7%) receiving docetaxel. Grade 5 AEs occurred in 14 (7.6%) and 10 (6.0%) patients in the atezolizumab plus cabozantinib and docetaxel arms, respectively (treatment-related in four [2.2%] and one [0.6%], respectively).

CONCLUSION

Atezolizumab plus cabozantinib after disease progression following anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy and platinum-containing chemotherapy for metastatic NSCLC did not improve OS compared with docetaxel. Safety was consistent with known profiles of these agents.

First Dark Matter Search Results from the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment

The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment is a dark matter detector centered on a dual-phase xenon time projection chamber operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, USA. This Letter reports results from LUX-ZEPLIN's first search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with an exposure of 60 live days using a fiducial mass of 5.5 t. A profile-likelihood ratio analysis shows the data to be consistent with a background-only hypothesis, setting new limits on spin-independent WIMP-nucleon, spin-dependent WIMP-neutron, and spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross sections for WIMP masses above 9  GeV/c^{2}. The most stringent limit is set for spin-independent scattering at 36  GeV/c^{2}, rejecting cross sections above 9.2×10^{-48}  cm at the 90% confidence level.

STELLAR-303: A phase 3 study of XL092 in combination with atezolizumab versus regorafenib in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

TPS267

Background: The prognosis of patients with mCRC is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of 14% (American Cancer Society 2020). Patients who have progressed after front-line chemotherapy have limited treatment options. Regorafenib or trifluridine-tipiracil are approved for patients in the third- or later-line setting, but survival benefit is limited. While immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is approved (nivolumab ± ipilimumab, and pembrolizumab) in patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) mCRC, the MSI-H phenotype is limited to ~5% of mCRC patients. In phase 1/2 trials, ICIs in combination with VEGFR2 multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs) have demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in mCRC, including atezolizumab and durvalumab (ICIs) in combination with the MKI cabozantinib, with data suggesting a greater benefit in RAS wild-type (wt) vs mutant (mut) disease (Abrams TA, et al. ASCO GI 2022:Abs 121; Saeed A, et al. ASCO GI 2022:Abs 135). XL092 is a novel MKI, targeting MET, VEGFR2, and the TAM kinases AXL and MER; the relatively short half-life (~21 hours) of XL092 is favorable for once-daily (QD) dosing and dose modification to manage tolerability. STELLAR-303 is a phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of XL092 + atezolizumab versus regorafenib in patients with previously treated RASwt or RASmut mCRC. Methods: STELLAR-303 (XL092-303; NCT05425940) is a global, open-label, randomized phase 3 study. Eligible patients are ≥18 years old and have mCRC that is measurable per RECIST v1.1, are documented not to have MSI-H or dMMR disease, and have an ECOG performance status of 0–1 and adequate organ function. RAS and MSI/dMMR status must be determined by a tissue-based analysis. Patients must have progressed during/after or be intolerant to standard-of-care treatments for mCRC; prior regorafenib, trifluridine/tipiracil, or PD-L1/PD-1 ICIs are not allowed. Patients are randomized 1:1 to XL092 100 mg PO QD + atezolizumab 1200 mg IV Q3W or to regorafenib 160 mg PO QD (21 days of 28-day cycle); randomization is stratified by geographic region (Asia vs other), RAS status (wt vs mut), and liver metastases (yes/no). The study plans to enroll 600 patients (400 RASwt and 200 RASmut). The primary endpoint is overall survival in the RASwt population, with additional efficacy endpoints of progression-free survival, objective response rate, and duration of response per RECIST v1.1 by investigator; efficacy endpoints will also be assessed in the overall study population and in patients with RASmut mCRC. Additional endpoints will assess safety, quality of life, changes in biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity of atezolizumab, and healthcare utilization. Enrollment is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05425940 .

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of herpes zoster

Background

There have been several case reports of herpes zoster (HZ) following COVID-19 disease and vaccination. We conducted a non-systematic literature search to elucidate the global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of HZ.

Methods

The literature search was performed in October 2021 using PubMed and Embase. The search string was herpes zoster AND COVID-19. Publications were manually reviewed; case reports were removed.

Results

Three retrospective studies reported the risk of HZ following COVID-19 disease. One study (Bhavsar, 2021) used two US databases and found higher risk of HZ following COVID-19 disease (relative risk [RR]=1.15) and COVID-19 hospitalisation (RR = 1.21), respectively. A strong association between HZ and COVID-19 disease (RR = 5.27) was also reported in a study of the University of Florida patient registry (Katz, 2021). The third study (Barda, 2021) reported no association between COVID-19 disease and risk of HZ (RR = 0.82). In two of the three observational studies in Israel (Furer, 2021 and Barda, 2021), the incidence of HZ was increased following COVID-19 vaccination. The third study (Shasha, 2021) found no association (RR = 1.07). Other studies included a report in Brazil (Maia, 2021) that demonstrated a 35% increase in HZ diagnoses during the pandemic versus pre-pandemic and a published model (La, 2021) that estimated the declining uptake of recombinant zoster vaccine in the US may result in 63,117 avoidable HZ cases in those who remain unvaccinated in 2021.

Conclusions

Emerging data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased the risk of HZ and negatively impacted HZ vaccine uptake. Therefore, there is an important need to increase awareness of HZ and HZ vaccination during the pandemic.

Key messages

• There is a need to increase awareness of HZ and HZ vaccination during the COVID-19 era.

• Further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of HZ.

Healthy ageing: Herpes zoster infection and the role of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine

Background

Increases in life expectancy over the last 50 years has been matched by an increase in the burden of diseases (e.g. herpes zoster (HZ)) in adults ≥50 years of age (YOA). Without intervention, around 30% of individuals can expect to develop HZ in their lifetime, which would impact their daily activities and healthy ageing.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review on published literature on the impact of developing HZ on healthy ageing and the ability of vaccination to prevent the burden of disease due to HZ. Specifically, we describe HZ impact on quality of life (QoL), and impact of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) on reducing the burden of HZ in adults ≥50 YOA.

Results

In adults ≥50 YOA with HZ, 65.1% and 15.8% reported severe pain and worst imaginable pain, respectively. Pain persisted for up to 90 days (defined as post-herpetic neuralgia) in 10-20% of HZ patients, and occasionally for years after initial symptoms. Pain due to HZ impacted all domains of QoL (psychological, physical and social). Evidence suggested that RZV reduced HZ burden of illness and burden of interference on daily activities by &gt; 90%. Reports also suggested that RZV retained vaccine efficacy of &gt; 90% in all frailty subgroups, who typically respond poorly to other vaccinations. Long-term follow-up data reported vaccine efficacy against HZ of 84.1% (95% confidence interval, 64.4% - 94.0%), 8 years post-vaccination. Modelling studies demonstrated that vaccination resulted in reduced hospitalization and other healthcare visits related to HZ.

Conclusions

Vaccination with RZV can protect older adults from HZ, thus maintaining QoL and promoting active and healthy ageing.

Key messages

• There is significant burden of disease due to HZ among adults ≥50 YOA due to ageing and immunosenescence.

• Vaccination can reduce burden of disease among the elderly and frail individuals and maintain QoL.

Cabozantinib (C) plus atezolizumab (A) or C alone in patients (pts) with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) previously treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI): Results from Cohorts 7 and 20 of the COSMIC-021 study

9005

Background: C, a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), promotes an immune-permissive environment that may enhance ICI activity. COSMIC-021 (NCT03170960) is a multicenter phase 1b study evaluating C + A in advanced solid tumors. In COSMIC-021, C + A demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in the cohort of pts with aNSCLC previously treated with ICIs (cohort 7 [C7]) (Neal. ASCO 2020. Abstr 9610). Updated outcomes of C + A in expanded C7 and outcomes for C alone in exploratory cohort 20 (C20) are presented. Methods: Pts with stage IV nonsquamous NSCLC without mutations in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, or BRAF V600E who progressed on one prior ICI and ≤2 prior lines of systemic anticancer therapy but no prior VEGFR TKI were eligible. Cohorts were not accrued contemporaneously. Pts received C 40 mg PO QD plus A 1200 mg IV Q3W (C7) or C alone 60 mg PO QD (C20). Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1 by investigator. Other endpoints included safety, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). CT/MRI scans were performed Q6W for the first year and Q12W thereafter. Results: A total of 81 and 31 pts received C + A and C, respectively; baseline characteristics were as follows: median age, 67 y, 70 y; male, 57%, 58%; ECOG PS 1, 64%, 71%; liver metastasis, 21%, 23%; refractory to prior ICI (progressive disease [PD] as best response), 32%, 45%; median number of prior systemic therapies, 3 and 3. As of Nov 30, 2021, median follow-up (range) (mo) was 24.7 (10.7, 42.8) and 21.5 (17.3, 27.6) for C + A and C, respectively, with 6 (7%) and 1 (3%) on study treatment. Clinical activity was observed for C + A and C alone (Table). Most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade for C + A and C, respectively, included diarrhea (40%, 42%), nausea (22%, 45%), decreased appetite (25%, 26%), vomiting (14%, 23%), and fatigue (28%, 19%); grade 3/4 TRAEs occurred in 44% and 52% and one grade 5 TRAE occurred in each cohort (pneumonitis [C + A] and gastric ulcer hemorrhage [C]). Conclusions: C + A and C demonstrated encouraging clinical activity with manageable toxicity in pts with aNSCLC previously treated with ICIs. A phase 3 trial (CONTACT-01; NCT04471428) of C + A vs docetaxel is ongoing in NSCLC previously treated with an ICI and platinum-containing chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03170960. [Table: see text]

Cabozantinib (C) in combination with atezolizumab (A) in urothelial carcinoma (UC): Results from Cohorts 3, 4, 5 of the COSMIC-021 study

4504

Background: C, a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), promotes an immune-permissive environment that may enhance response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). COSMIC-021, a multicenter phase 1b study, is evaluating C + A (anti‒PD-L1 therapy) in various solid tumors (NCT03170960). C + A demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in cohort 2 of COSMIC-021 in patients (pts) with UC previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy (chemo) (Pal S et al. ASCO 2020. Abstract 5013). Outcomes of C + A from 3 other UC cohorts (C3, C4, C5) are presented. Methods: Pts with inoperable locally advanced/metastatic UC with transitional cell histology and ECOG PS 0‒1 were eligible. Pts enrolled in C3 and C4 had no prior therapy and were cisplatin-based chemo ineligible (C3) or eligible (C4). C5 enrolled pts with one prior ICI and no prior VEGFR-TKI therapy. Pts received C 40 mg PO QD and A 1200 mg IV Q3W. CT/MRI scans were performed Q6W for first year and Q12W thereafter. The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1 by investigator. Other endpoints: safety, duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Results: Thirty pts each were enrolled in C3 and C4, and 31 in C5. Baseline characteristics for C3, C4, and C5, respectively: median age, 74 y, 66 y, 68 y; male, 67%, 73%, 55%; ECOG PS 1, 63%, 57%, 74%; lung/liver metastasis; 33%/17%, 40%/20%, 58%/23%; ≥3 tumor sites, 30%, 43%, 45%; bladder as primary site, 67%, 70%, 71%. As of Nov 30, 2021, the median follow-up for C3, C4, and C5 was 27.9, 19.1, and 32.9 mo, respectively, with 1, 6, and 1 pts on treatment. C + A demonstrated clinical benefit across all cohorts (Table). Most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade across C3, C4, and C5, respectively, were diarrhea (43%, 33%, 35%), nausea (27%, 17%, 26%), fatigue (27%, 27%, 48%), and decreased appetite (33%, 27%, 39%); grade 3/4 TRAEs occurred in 63%, 43%, and 45%, and there was no grade 5 TRAE. Conclusions: C + A demonstrated encouraging clinical activity with manageable toxicity in inoperable locally advanced/metastatic UC as first-line systemic therapy in cisplatin-based chemo eligible/ineligible pts and as second- or later line in pts who received prior ICI. Clinical trial information: NCT03170960. [Table: see text]

Cabozantinib in Combination With Atezolizumab for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results From the COSMIC-021 Study

[Figure: see text].

An investigation of the effects of procalcitonin testing on antimicrobial prescribing in respiratory tract infections in an Irish university hospital setting: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic uncertainty and a high prevalence of viral infections present unique challenges for antimicrobial prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Procalcitonin (PCT) has been shown to support prescribing decisions and reduce antimicrobial use safely in patients with RTIs, but recent study results have been variable.

METHODS

We conducted a feasibility study of the introduction of PCT testing in patients admitted to hospital with a lower RTI to determine if PCT testing is an effective and worthwhile intervention to introduce to support the existing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programme and safely decrease antimicrobial prescribing in patients admitted with RTIs.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients were randomized to the intervention PCT-guided treatment group and 40 patients to the standard care respiratory control group. The addition of PCT testing led to a significant decrease in duration of antimicrobial prescriptions (mean 6.8 versus 8.9 days, P = 0.012) and decreased length of hospital stay (median 7 versus 8 days, P = 0.009) between the PCT and respiratory control group. PCT did not demonstrate a significant reduction in antimicrobial consumption when measured as DDDs and days of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

PCT testing had a positive effect on antimicrobial prescribing during this feasibility study. The successful implementation of PCT testing in a randomized controlled trial requires an ongoing comprehensive education programme, greater integration into the AMS programme and delivery of PCT results in a timely manner. This feasibility study has shown that a larger randomized controlled trial would be beneficial to further explore the positive aspects of these findings.

Cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients previously treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor: Results from cohort 7 of the COSMIC-021 study

9610

Background: First-line immunotherapy with/without chemotherapy is standard of care for patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC; however, there is a need for effective treatment options after progression on a prior immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). Cabozantinib (C) may augment response to ICI by inhibiting kinases implicated in suppressing immune cell responses and has shown encouraging clinical activity in combination with ICI in other tumor types including RCC and HCC. COSMIC-021, a multicenter phase 1b study, is evaluating the combination of C with atezolizumab (A) in various solid tumors (NCT03170960). We report results from cohort 7 in NSCLC pts after prior ICI therapy. Methods: Eligible pts had ECOG performance status (PS) 0-1 and radiographic progression after one prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 ICI given alone or in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic non-squamous NSCLC. Up to 2 lines of prior systemic anticancer therapies were permitted. Pts received C 40 mg PO QD and A 1200 mg IV Q3W. CT/MRI scans were performed Q6W for the first year and Q12W thereafter. Primary endpoint is ORR per RECIST 1.1 by investigator. Other endpoints include safety, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival, and overall survival. Results: Thirty pts with advanced NSCLC were enrolled. Median age was 67 yrs (range 41, 81), 43% were male, 57% had ECOG PS 1, and 23% had liver metastases. Median duration of prior ICI therapy was 4.8 months (mo; range 0.8, 29), and 15 (50%) pts were refractory to prior ICI (progressive disease as best response). As of December 20, 2019, the median follow-up was 8.9 mo (range 5, 20) with 9 (30%) pts continuing study treatment. The most common treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade were diarrhea (53%), fatigue (37%), nausea (23%), decreased appetite (20%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (20%) and vomiting (20%). Grade 3/4 TRAEs occurred in 14 (47%) pts, and 1 (3.3%) had grade 5 TRAEs of myocarditis and pneumonitis. Confirmed ORR per RECIST 1.1 was 23% (7 of 30 pts; all partial responses including 3 pts refractory to prior ICI). Time to response was 1.4 mo (range 1, 3), and median DOR was 5.6 mo (range 2.6, 6.9). DCR (CR+PR+SD) was 83%. Conclusions: The combination of C and A had an acceptable safety profile and showed encouraging clinical activity in pts with advanced NSCLC who had progressed after prior ICI therapy. The response rate was greater than previously observed with C monotherapy. Due to the promising data, enrollment in this cohort has been expanded and is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03170960 .

Cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Results of cohort 6 of the COSMIC-021 study

5564

Background: Cabozantinib (C) may enhance response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) by promoting an immune-permissive microenvironment and has shown encouraging activity in combination with ICIs in tumor types including RCC and HCC. C and atezolizumab (A) have shown low objective response rates as monotherapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (Smith JCO 2012; Kim JCO 2018). COSMIC-021 (NCT03170960), a multinational phase 1b study, is evaluating the combination of C + A in various solid tumors. We report results for Cohort 6 in mCRPC. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) were required to have radiographic progression in soft tissue after enzalutamide and/or abiraterone, measurable disease, and an ECOG PS of 0 or 1. Prior chemotherapy for mCSPC was permitted. Pts received C 40 mg PO QD and A 1200 mg IV Q3W. CT/MRI scans were performed Q6W for the first year and Q12W thereafter. The primary endpoint is ORR per RECIST 1.1. Other endpoints include safety, ORR per irRECIST, duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Results are presented for the first 44 pts enrolled. Results: Median follow-up as of Dec 20, 2019 was 12.6 mo (range 5, 20) for the 44 mCRPC pts. Median age was 70 y (range 49, 90), 50% had ECOG PS 1, 34% had visceral metastases, and 61% had extrapelvic lymph node metastases. 27% had prior docetaxel and 52% had 2 prior novel hormonal therapies. The most common any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were fatigue (50%), nausea (43%), decreased appetite (39%), diarrhea (39%), dysgeusia (34%), and PPE (32%). One grade 5 TRAE of dehydration was reported in a 90 y/o. Median duration of treatment was 6.3 mo. ORR per RECIST 1.1 among all 44 pts was 32% (2 CRs [4.5%] and 12 PRs [27%]); 21 (48%) pts had SD resulting in a disease control rate of 80% in all pts. One pt with PD per RECIST 1.1 had an irPR per irRECIST. ORR per RECIST 1.1 was 33% in 36 pts with high-risk disease (visceral and/or extrapelvic lymph node metastases). Median DOR for all pts with response per RECIST 1.1 was 8.3 mo (range 2.8, 9.8+). 17 (50%) of 34 pts with post-baseline PSA evaluation had a decrease in PSA. In 12 responders with post-baseline PSA evaluation, 8 (67%) had a PSA decrease ≥50%. Tumor PD-L1 expression will also be reported. Conclusions: The combination of C + A had a tolerable safety profile and demonstrated clinically meaningful activity with durable responses in men with mCRPC. Given the encouraging activity in these pts, especially in those with high-risk disease, further evaluation of C + A in men with mCRPC is being pursued. Clinical trial information: NCT03170960 .

Cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab in urothelial carcinoma previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy: Results from cohort 2 of the COSMIC-021 study

5013

Background: Cabozantinib (C), an inhibitor of MET, AXL, and VEGFR, has been shown to promote an immune-permissive environment and has shown promising clinical activity in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in solid tumors including renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma (UC). ICI monotherapy is approved for patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic UC with disease progression after platinum-containing chemotherapy. COSMIC-021, a multi-center phase 1b study, is evaluating the combination of C with atezolizumab (A) in various solid tumors (NCT03170960). We report results from Cohort 2 in UC pts with prior platinum-containing chemotherapy. Methods: Eligible pts had ECOG PS 0-1 and had progressed on or after a platinum-containing chemotherapy (including pts with disease recurrences < 12 months after the end of perioperative chemotherapy). Pts received C 40 mg PO QD and A 1200 mg IV Q3W. CT/MRI scans were performed Q6W for first year and Q12W thereafter. The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1 by investigator. Other endpoints include safety, duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Results: As of Dec 20, 2019, 30 pts with advanced UC were enrolled with a median follow-up of 16.5 mo (range 12, 21). Median age was 66 yrs (range 44, 84), 73% were male, and 60% had ECOG PS 1. Primary tumor sites were bladder (80%), renal pelvis (10%), and ureter (10%); the most frequent metastatic sites included lung (40%) and liver (27%). Fourteen pts (47%) had received ≥2 prior systemic anticancer therapies. The most common treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) of any grade were asthenia (37%), diarrhea (27%), decreased appetite (23%), increased transaminases (23%), and mucosal inflammation (20%). Grade 3/4 TRAEs occurred in 57% of pts, with no grade 5 TRAEs. Confirmed ORR per RECIST v1.1 was 27% (8 of 30 pts), including 2 pts with CR. DCR (CR+PR+SD) was 64%. Median DOR was not reached, with the longest DOR ongoing at 14.3+ mos. Median PFS was 5.4 mo (range 0.0+, 17.3+). Conclusions: C in combination with A demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in pts with advanced UC with an acceptable safety profile. Additional cohorts of pts with advanced UC are being explored in the study. Clinical trial information: NCT03170960 .

Cabozantinib (C) in combination with atezolizumab (A) in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Results of Cohort 6 of the COSMIC-021 Study

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Background: C may enhance response to immune checkpoint inhibitors by promoting an immune-permissive microenvironment. COSMIC-021 (NCT03170960), a multinational phase 1b study, is evaluating the combination of C with A in various solid tumors. We report interim results from Cohort 6 in mCRPC. Methods: Eligible pts were required to have radiographic progression in soft tissue after enzalutamide and/or abiraterone, measurable disease, and an ECOG PS of 0 or 1. Prior chemotherapy for mCSPC was permitted. Pts received C 40 mg PO qd and A 1200 mg IV q3w. CT/MRI scans were performed q6w for 52w and q12w thereafter. Bone scans were performed q12w. The primary endpoint is ORR per RECIST 1.1. Other endpoints include safety, ORR per irRECIST, duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Results: As of Oct 2019, 44 mCRPC pts were enrolled with a median follow-up of 10.6 mo (range 3.4+, 17.9). Median age was 70 y (range 49, 90), 50% had ECOG PS 1, 34% had visceral metastases, and 61% had extrapelvic lymph node metastases. 27% of pts had prior docetaxel and 52% had ≥2 prior novel hormonal therapies. The most common any grade TEAEs were fatigue (57%), nausea (48%), decreased appetite (45%), diarrhea (39%), PPE (32%), and vomiting (32%). One Grade 5 TRAE of dehydration was reported in a 90 y/o. Median duration of treatment was 5.3 mo. The ORR per RECIST 1.1 among all pts was 32% (2 CRs [4.5%] and 12 PRs [27%]); 21 (48%) pts had SD giving a disease control rate of 80% in all pts. One pt with initial PD per RECIST 1.1 had an irPR per irRECIST. ORR per RECIST 1.1 was 33% in 36 pts with high-risk clinical features (visceral and/or extrapelvic lymph node metastases). Median DOR for all pts with response per RECIST 1.1 was 8.3 mo (range 1.38+, 9.76+). In 12 responders with at least 1 post-baseline PSA evaluation, 8 (67%) had a PSA decline ≥50%. Conclusions: The combination of C+A had a tolerable safety profile and demonstrated clinically meaningful activity with durable responses in men with mCRPC. Given the encouraging activity in these pts, especially in those with visceral and/or extra pelvic lymph node metastases, further evaluation of C+A in men with mCRPC is being pursued. Clinical trial information: NCT03170960.

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of New Medical Treatments in Advanced Colorectal Cancer. Results of a Workshop Organized by the Eortc Gitccg

During the last few years several factors have contributed to an increasing change in the medical treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Among them are the more general acceptance of the impact of chemotherapy on quality of life and survival in first as well as in second-line treatment, the introduction of new drugs and the definition of novel endpoints which can roughly be defined as “patient benefit”. For this reason the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Cooperative Group (GITCCG) felt it was appropriate to organize a workshop with experts from different countries and national groups to discuss in depth several aspects concerning the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

An open label, single-arm, phase II multicenter study of the safety and efficacy of CG0070 oncolytic vector regimen in patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Interim results

OBJECTIVES

CG0070 is a replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus that targets bladder tumor cells through their defective retinoblastoma pathway. Prior reports of intravesical CG0070 have shown promising activity in patients with high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who previously did not respond to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). However, limited accrual has hindered analysis of efficacy, particularly for pathologic subsets. We evaluated interim results of a phase II trial for intravesical CG0070 in patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC who refused cystectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

At interim analysis (April 2017), 45 patients with residual high-grade Ta, T1, or carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) ± Ta/T1 had evaluable 6-month follow-up in this phase II single-arm multicenter trial (NCT02365818). All patients received at least 2 prior courses of intravesical therapy for CIS, with at least 1 being a course of BCG. Patients had either failed BCG induction therapy within 6 months or had been successfully treated with BCG with subsequent recurrence. Complete response (CR) at 6 months was defined as absence of disease on cytology, cystoscopy, and random biopsies.

RESULTS

Of 45 patients, there were 24 pure CIS, 8 CIS + Ta, 4 CIS + T1, 6 Ta, 3 T1. Overall 6-month CR (95% CI) was 47% (32%-62%). Considering 6-month CR for pathologic subsets, pure CIS was 58% (37%-78%), CIS ± Ta/T1 50% (33%-67%), and pure Ta/T1 33% (8%-70%). At 6 months, the single patient that progressed to muscle-invasive disease had Ta and T1 tumors at baseline. No patients with pure T1 had 6-month CR. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) at 6 months were most commonly urinary bladder spasms (36%), hematuria (28%), dysuria (25%), and urgency (22%). Immunologic treatment-related AEs included flu-like symptoms (12%) and fatigue (6%). Grade III treatment-related AEs included dysuria (3%) and hypotension (1.5%). There were no Grade IV/V treatment-related AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

This phase II study demonstrates that intravesical CG0070 yielded an overall 47% CR rate at 6 months for all patients and 50% for patients with CIS, with an acceptable level of toxicity for patients with high-risk BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. There is a particularly strong response and limited progression in patients with pure CIS.

Increasing incidence of chronic subdural haematoma in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a condition predominantly affecting the elderly. We reported an incidence of 8.2 per 100 000 per year in people above the age of 65 in 2002.

AIM

Since recent studies have demonstrated a higher incidence, we repeated our study to estimate the current incidence of CSDH amongst people above the age of 65 in North Wales.

DESIGN

We used radiological reports to identify patients with CSDH over a 1-year period.

METHODS

We collected data on demographics, clinical presentations, indications for brain imaging, drug history and 30-day outcome from the case notes and electronic records.

RESULTS

The population of North Wales was 687 937 of which 138 325 (20%) were above 65. There were 66 cases of CSDH giving an incidence of 48 per 100 000 per year. Mean age was 81 and there were 32 males and 34 females. Falls and confusion were the commonest indications to request a CT scan (90%). Other indications were drowsiness (9%) and focal neurological deficit (4%). 17 were on antiplatelets and 20 were on warfarin. Ten underwent surgical intervention. At 30 days 28 were discharged, 22 were still in hospital and 16 died.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CSDH is much higher than previously reported. Reasons include a low threshold for imaging patients with recurrent falls and confusion, increasing use of anti-thrombotics and ageing population. In many older patients CSDH is a marker of underlying co-morbidities rather than a primary event.

The intensity of QuantiFERON TB-gold response does not differentiate active from latent tuberculosis

We analyzed positive QuantiFERON (QFT) assays, performed between July 2009 and April 2011 in the Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland, which included, 94 patients with latent tuberculosis (LTBI) and 35 patients with active tuberculosis. There was no difference in the intensity of response between patients with LTBI and active tuberculosis (p = 0.1589). In patients with LTBI, there were no correlations between age (p = 0.353), sex (p = 0.476), smoking (p = 0.323), contact (p = 0.612), Mantoux response (p = 0.055), Irish nationality (p=0.768), previous BCG vaccination (p = 0.504), WCC (p = 0.187), lymphocyte count (p = 0.786), neutrophil count (p = 0.157) and the intensity of QFT response. Similarly in patients with active TB, there were no correlations between these variables and QFT response. The intensity of QFT response does not help to differentiate active from LTBI. The intensity of QFT response is not influenced by age, sex, smoking, remoteness of contact history, Mantoux response, nationality, CXR abnormalities, BCG vaccination and peripheral lymphocyte count.

Quality of life of patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy plus cetuximab first line for recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background: A phase III trial demonstrated that cetuximab is the first agent in 30 years to improve survival when added to platinum-based chemotherapy (platinum-fluorouracil) first line for recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). This analysis of the trial assessed the impact of treatment on quality of life (QoL).

Patients and methods: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and QLQ-Head and Neck 35 (QLQ-H&N35) module were used to assess QoL.

Results: Of 442 patients randomly assigned, 291 (QLQ-C30) and 289 (QLQ-H&N35) patients completed at least one evaluable questionnaire. For QLQ-C30, cycle 3 and month 6 mean scores for platinum–fluorouracil plus cetuximab were not significantly worse than those for platinum–fluorouracil. Pattern-mixture analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the global health status/QoL score in the cetuximab arm (P = 0.0415) but no treatment differences in the social functioning scale. For QLQ-H&N35, the mean score for the cetuximab arm was not significantly worse than that for the chemotherapy arm for all symptom scales at all post-baseline visits. At cycle 3, some symptom scores significantly favored the cetuximab arm (pain, swallowing, speech problems, and social eating).

Conclusion: Adding cetuximab to platinum–fluorouracil does not adversely affect the QoL of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN.

A secure web-based approach for accessing transitional health information for people with traumatic brain injury

A web-based transitional health record was created to provide regional healthcare professionals with ubiquitous access to information on people with brain injuries as they move through the healthcare system. Participants included public, private, and community healthcare organizations/providers in Eastern Ontario (Canada). One hundred and nineteen service providers and 39 brain injury survivors registered over 6 months. Fifty-eight percent received English and 42% received bilingual services (English-French). Public health providers contacted the regional service coordinator more than private providers (52% urban centres, 26% rural service providers, and 22% both areas). Thirty-five percent of contacts were for technical difficulties, 32% registration inquiries, 21% forms and processes, 6% resources, and 6% education. Seventeen technical enquiries required action by technical support personnel: 41% digital certificates, 29% web forms, and 12% log-in. This web-based approach to clinical information sharing provided access to relevant data as clients moved through or re-entered the health system. Improvements include automated digital certificate management, institutional health records system integration, and more referral tracking tools. More sensitive test data could be accessed on-line with increasing consumer/clinician confidence. In addition to a strong technical infrastructure, human resource issues are a major information security component and require continuing attention to ensure a viable on-line information environment.

Effect of 4-aminopyridine on gait in ambulatory spinal cord injuries: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Animal and human research have shown that the drug 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) may improve gait in spinal cord lesions by enhancing nerve transmission to affected muscles.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of 4-AP in improving lower limb muscle strength and biomechanical gait patterns of chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI).

SETTING

The Rehabilitation Centre (Ottawa, Canada).

METHODS

In all, 15 chronic, ambulatory SCI persons were randomized to an initial 2 weeks of 40 mg/day, oral medication of either placebo or immediate-release, 4-AP and subsequently crossed over to the alternate medication for the following 2 weeks. Evaluations were conducted at baseline (before starting 4-AP or placebo medication), 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Measures included dynamometer lower limb isometric muscle force and biomechanical gait measures including temporal-spatial parameters, electromyographic activation patterns, joint kinematics and kinetics. Subjective impressions of the drug by the participants were obtained from an exit survey.

RESULTS

Despite some positive comments from subjects, statistical and clinical analyses showed no within-subject differences between placebo and 4-AP measures of lower limb muscle force and objective gait analyses (ANOVA statistic P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrated the importance of placebo-controlled trials and quantitative outcome measures for the evaluation of 4-AP aimed to enhance gait for chronic, ambulatory SCI persons. Energy expenditure measures and mood may relate more to subjective comments and is suggested for future investigations.

Quality of life in breast cancer patients aged over 70 years, participating in the EORTC 10850 randomised clinical trial

Mastectomy and breast-conserving treatment have proven equally effective in terms of survival in early breast cancer, but studies continue to provide evidence that patients undergoing breast-conserving procedures have a better quality of life (QOL). Age is not considered to be a contraindication for breast-conserving treatment, but retrospective studies have indicated that elderly patients are less likely to be treated conservatively. In the present study, survival, QOL and treatment preference have been investigated in a multicentre, randomised clinical trial of elderly patients with early breast cancer undergoing mastectomy or tumour excision plus tamoxifen. Eligible patients were aged 70 years or more and had histologically- or cytologically-confirmed operable breast cancer. A QOL questionnaire consisting of 36 items was constructed covering 9 scales assessing different QOL domains. Patients completed their assessment between 2 and 12 months after randomisation. 136 patients (65 in the mastectomy arm and 71 in the local excision arm) from six centres filled out a QOL form during the first year of follow-up. No significant difference in the duration of survival between the two treatment arms was observed when including patients included in the QOL sub-study (P=0.33). Patients undergoing tumour excision and tamoxifen did not differ from those undergoing mastectomy in terms of fatigue, emotional functioning, fear of recurrence, social support, physical functioning and leisure time activities. However, conservatively treated patients reported fewer arm problems (P=0.04) and a shift, although borderline significant, in the direction of a benefit in body image (P=0.06). As QOL seems to be better after conservative treatment, such treatment is to be preferred in both elderly and younger patients.

Prognostic factors of mycological cure following treatment of onychomycosis with oral antifungal agents

BACKGROUND

There is considerable literature on the efficacy and safety of various drugs used in treating onychomycosis; however, little information is available regarding prognostic factors which may be associated with non-response to conventional treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To identify parameters influencing mycological cure at 72 weeks following treatment of toenail onychomycosis with oral antifungal agents.

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis from a randomized double-blind controlled trial including 496 patients with toenail onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes.

RESULTS

Baseline parameters including patient's age, gender, weight, number of toenails involved, percentage of nail involvement, duration of infection, history of previous treatment were not associated with mycological cure. In the multivariate prognostic factor analysis based on factors assessed at week 12, positive mycological culture at 12 weeks [odds ratio (OR): 0.583; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.370-0.918] was negatively associated with mycological cure at 72 weeks. Similarly, in the multivariate prognostic factor analysis based on factors assessed at week 24, positive direct microscopy at 24 weeks (OR: 0.373; 95% CI: 0.211-0.659) and mycological culture at 24 weeks (OR: 0.293; 95% CI: 0.168-0.513) were negatively associated with mycological cure at 72 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Mycological culture at 12 and 24 weeks and direct microscopic examination at 24 weeks can help in early identification of patients failing to respond to conventional oral antifungal treatment.

Analysing longitudinal continuous quality of life data with dropout

Quality of Life (QL) is becoming an increasingly popular endpoint in phase III cancer clinical trials. However, there is still no agreement as to what is the optimal approach to analysis. In this paper we review some concepts which should be considered during a QL analysis. We present two modelling approaches that have been substantively developed in other research fields: selection models and pattern-mixture models. These models are compared using data from an EORTC clinical trial in poor-prognosis prostate cancer patients. It is illustrated that, although selection models and pattern mixture are probabilistically equivalent, they may shed completely different light on data from a modeller's point of view.

Phase II study of a combination of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cisplatin in advanced fallopian tube carcinoma. An EORTC gynecological cancer group study. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical activity and toxicity of a combination chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide (C), adriamycin (A) and cisplatin (P) for patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the Fallopian tube having FIGO stage III-IV disease.

METHODS

The CAP-regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, adriamycin 45 mg/m2, and cisplatin 50 mg/m2 administered intravenously on day one every 28 days.

RESULTS

Twenty-four eligible patients with histologically-confirmed Fallopian tube adenocarcinoma were entered in the trial. Fourteen patients had FIGO stage III, and ten had stage IV disease. The median number of CAP cycles was six. Ten patients had a complete and six had a partial response (response rate: 67%, 95% confidence limits: 45-84%). WHO grade III-IV side-effects included haematological toxicity, nausea/vomiting and alopecia. Furthermore, mild signs of cisplatin-related peripheral neurotoxicity were observed. At a median follow-up of 40 months, nine patients were alive and 15 had died due to malignant disease. The median time to progression was 13 months for all patients. The median overall survival was 24 months and the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival and their 95% confidence limits were 73% (54-92%), 25% (4-46%) and 19% (0-38%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present data confirm the therapeutic activity of the CAP-regimen in primary Fallopian tube adenocarcinoma. The response rate is moderate and the toxicity profile is acceptable.

Sensitivity analysis of longitudinal binary quality of life data with drop-out: an example using the EORTC QLQ-C30

Analysing quality of life data (QOL) may be complicated for several reasons. Quality of life data not only involves repeated measures but is also usually collected on ordered categorical responses. In addition, it is evident that not all patients provide the same number of assessments, due to attrition caused by death or other medical reasons. In the recent statistical literature, increasing attention is given to methods which can handle non-continuous outcomes in the presence of missing data. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect on statistical conclusions of applying different modelling techniques to QOL data generated from an EORTC phase III trial. Treatment effects and treatment differences are of major concern. First, a random-effects model is fitted, relating a binary longitudinal response (derived from the physical functioning scale of the QLQ-C30) to several covariates. In a second approach, marginal models are fitted, retaining the response variable and the mean structure used before. The fitted marginal models only differ with respect to the considered estimation procedure: generalized estimating equations (GEE); weighted generalized estimating equations (WGEE), and maximum likelihood (ML).

A retrospective analysis of the results of p(65) + Be neutrontherapy for the treatment of prostate adenocarcinoma at the cyclotron of Louvain-la-Neuve. Part I: Survival and progression-free survival

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate survival, progression-free survival (PFS) and biological response in a series of patients irradiated with mixed neutron/photon beams for locally advanced prostate cancer in our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and eight patients were treated between January 1990 and December 1996. Fifty-five of these were recruited for pT3 or pN1 tumors after radical prostatectomy. Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation was given in 106 patients. The treatment protocol consisted of a mixed photon/neutron irradiation in a two-to-three proportion, up to a total equivalent dose of 66 Gy (assuming a clinical RBE value of 2.8). Pre- and post-treatment PSA determinations were available in practically all cases. Study endpoints were overall survival (OAS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to investigate the prognostic value of baseline characteristics on survival and progression-free survival were a progression was defined as local, regional, metastatic or biological progression. Mean age was 69 years (49-86); mean pretreatment PSA was 15 (0.5-330) in all patients and 14 (0.5-160) in those receiving neoadjuvant hormonotherapy; seven patients only had an initial PSA < or = 4 ng/mL; 15% were T1, 46% were T2, 28% were T3 or pT3 and 4% were T4 (7% unspecified); WHO grade of differentiation was I in 38%, II in 38% and III in 14% (5% unspecified).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 2.8 years (0-7.8). Five-year overall survival (OAS) was 79% (95% CI: 71-87%) and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 64% (95% CI: 54-74%) for the entire series. PFS in patients with an initial PSA > or = 20 ng/mL was the same. PFS could be predicted by two optimal Cox regression models, one including histological grade (p = 0.003) and initial PSA (p = 0.0009) as cofactors, the other including histological grade (p = 0.003) and T stage (p = 0.02). The main prognostic factors for overall survival were PSA and age. Biological responses with PSA < 1.5 ng/mL, < 1 ng/mL and < 0.5 ng/mL at any time after treatment were documented in 70%, 61% and 47% of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Five-year OAS was 79%, PFS was 64%, and biological response was 70% for prostate cancer patients treated with mixed photon/neutron beams as applied at Louvain-la-Neuve, which are good results as compared with the literature. The usual prognostic factors were confirmed.

Treatment of brain metastases of small-cell lung cancer: comparing teniposide and teniposide with whole-brain radiotherapy--a phase III study of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Lung Cancer Cooperative Group

PURPOSE

Approximately 60% of patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) develop brain metastases. Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) gives symptomatic improvement in more than 50% of these patients. Because brain metastases are a sign of systemic progression, and chemotherapy was found to be effective as well, it becomes questionable whether WBRT is the only appropriate therapy in this situation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a phase III study, SCLC patients with brain metastases were randomized to receive teniposide with or without WBRT. Teniposide 120 mg/m(2) was given intravenously three times a week, every 3 weeks. WBRT (10 fractions of 3 Gy) had to start within 3 weeks from the start of chemotherapy. Response was measured clinically and by computed tomography of the brain.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty eligible patients were randomized. A 57% response rate was seen in the combined-modality arm (95% confidence interval [CI], 43% to 69%), and a 22% response rate was seen in the teniposide-alone arm (95% CI, 12% to 34%) (P<.001). Time to progression in the brain was longer in the combined-modality group (P=.005). Clinical response and response outside the brain were not different. The median survival time was 3.5 months in the combined-modality arm and 3.2 months in the teniposide-alone arm. Overall survival in both groups was not different (P=.087).

CONCLUSION

Adding WBRT to teniposide results in a much higher response rate of brain metastases and in a longer time to progression of brain metastases than teniposide alone. Survival was poor in both groups and not significantly different.

Attitudes of terminally ill patients toward euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide

BACKGROUND

In jurisdictions that permit euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide, patients with cancer comprise the largest group to die by these methods. We investigated the personal attitudes toward these practices of patients receiving palliative care for advanced cancer.

METHODS

Seventy patients (32 men and 38 women; median survival, 44.5 days) took part in a survey using in-depth semistructured interviews. The interviews were audiotaped for transcription and content analysis of themes.

RESULTS

Most participants (73%) believed that euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide should be legalized, citing pain and the individual's right to choose as their major reasons. Participants who were opposed to legalization cited religious and moral objections as their central concerns. Forty (58%) of the 69 participants who completed the entire interview also believed that, if legal, they might personally make a future request for a hastened death, particularly if pain or physical symptoms became intolerable. Eight of these individuals (12%) would have made such a request at the time of the interview. These 8 participants differed from all others on ratings of loss of interest or pleasure in activities, hopelessness, and the desire to die (Ps<.02). They also had a higher prevalence of depressive disorders (P<.05). However, they did not differ on ratings of pain severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients with advanced cancer favor policies that would allow them access to both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide if pain and physical symptoms became intolerable. For patients who would actually make requests for a physician-hastened death, however, psychological considerations may be at least as salient as physical symptoms.

A 12 country field study of the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) and the head and neck cancer specific module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) in head and neck patients. EORTC Quality of Life Group

This study tests the reliability and validity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) head and neck cancer module (QLQ-H&N35) and version 3.0 of the EORTC Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) in 622 head and neck cancer patients from 12 countries. The patients completed the QLQ-C30, the QLQ-H&N35 and a debriefing questionnaire before antineoplastic treatment or at a follow-up. 232 patients receiving treatment completed a second questionnaire after treatment. Compliance was high and the questionnaire was well accepted by the patients. Multitrait scaling analysis confirmed the proposed scale structure of the QLQ-H&N35. The QLQ-H&N35 was responsive to differences between disease status, site and patients with different Karnofsky performance status, and to changes over time. The new physical functioning scale (with a four-point response format) of version 3.0 of the QLQ-C30 was shown to be more reliable than previous versions. Thus, the QLQ-H&N35, in conjunction with the QLQ-C30, appears to be reliable, valid and applicable to broad multicultural samples of head and neck cancer patients.

Randomised trial of paclitaxel versus doxorubicin as first-line chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer: quality of life evaluation using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Rotterdam symptom checklist

The aim of the study was to compare the quality of life (QL) of patients treated with single-agent paclitaxel versus doxorubicin as first-line chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. 331 patients with advanced breast cancer were randomised, with 294 eligible for analysis. Patients completed both the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL) with six additional items, at baseline and after the third, fifth and seventh cycles of chemotherapy. A significant difference in progression-free survival in favour of doxorubicin caused a bias in the data with differences in expected completion rates of questionnaires beyond cycle three. Therefore, statistical comparisons were performed only for the first three cycles. Baseline compliance was 64% and 61% for the QLQ-C30 and RSCL questionnaires, respectively. Doxorubicin was associated with significantly more nausea/vomiting (P=0.001), loss of appetite (P=0.010) and a greater burden of disease and treatment (P=0.044), but with less bone pain (P=0.042) and rash (P=0.045) than paclitaxel. Both treatments were associated with improved emotional function and reduction in psychological distress at cycle 3. Longitudinal data suggested that doxorubicin was associated with less pain, specifically bone pain. Doxorubicin was more active but may have had more side-effects during the first three cycles. Long-term QL outcomes could not be assessed.

Identification and interpretation of clinical and quality of life prognostic factors for survival and response to treatment in first-line chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer

The aim of the project was to identify clinical and quality of life (QL) factors that together predict survival and response to chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer. Potential prognostic factors were studied in 187 women with baseline QL data from a trial of paclitaxel versus doxorubicin as first-line chemotherapy. Demographic and clinical factors studied were age, performance status, dominant site of disease and preceding disease-free interval (DFI). Factors from the EORTC QLQ-C30 were all function scales, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnoea, insomnia, loss of appetite and global QL. The proportional hazards regression model with stratification for treatment, and the logistic regression model adjusting for treatment arm were used for univariate and multivariate analyses of survival and response to treatment, respectively. For survival, multiple sites of visceral disease, pain, global QL and fatigue were significant prognostic factors in the univariate analysis. The final multivariate model predicted poor survival with multiple sites of visceral disease (P=0.003), DFI </=2 years (P=0.026) and pain (P=0.003). For response, age, dyspnoea, fatigue and global QL were significant predictive factors in the univariate analysis. The final multivariate model for response selected DFI (P=0.009), multiple sites of visceral disease (P=0.037) and dyspnoea (P=<0.001) using forward selection, but model instability was indicated by the inclusion of fatigue and emotional function in the final model when backward selection was used. In addition to known clinical factors, patient-assessed QL variables appear to be prognostic for survival and response to chemotherapy in women with advanced breast cancer. However, identification of prognostic factors from responses to questionnaires may be unstable, and their reliability and clinical utility should be tested prospectively.