Regional hyperthermia with cisplatin added to gemcitabine versus gemcitabine in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: The HEAT randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Regional hyperthermia (RHT) with cisplatin added to gemcitabine showed efficacy in gemcitabine-pre-treated patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We conducted a randomised clinical trial to investigate RHT with cisplatin added to gemcitabine (GPH) compared with gemcitabine (G) in the adjuvant setting of resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

This randomised, multicentre, open-label trial randomly assigned patients to either GPH (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² on day 1, 15 and cisplatin 25 mg/m² with RHT on day 2, 3 and 15,16) or to G (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² on day 1,8,15), four-weekly over six cycles. Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary end-point. Secondary end-points included overall survival (OS) and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 117 eligible patients (median age, 63 years) were randomly allocated to treatment (57 GPH; 60 G). With a follow-up time of 56.6 months, the median DFS was 12.7 compared to 11.2 months for GPH and G, respectively (p = 0.394). Median post-recurrence survival was significantly prolonged in the GPH-group (15.3 versus 9.8 months; p = 0.031). Median OS reached 33.2 versus 25.2 months (p = 0.099) with 5-year survival rates of 28.4% versus 18.7%. Excluding eight patients who received additional capecitabine in the G-arm (investigators choice), median OS favoured GPH (p = 0.052). Adverse events CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) grade ≥3 occurred in 61.5% (GPH) versus 63.6% (G) of patients. Two patients in the G-group died because of treatment-related toxic effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The randomised controlled Hyperthermia European Adjuvant Trial study failed to demonstrate a significant difference in DFS. However, it suggests a difference in post-recurrence survival and a trend for improved OS.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, number NCT01077427.

Dual Targeting of the EGFR/HER2 Pathway in Combination with Systemic Chemotherapy in Refractory Pancreatic Cancer-The CONKO-008 Phase I Investigation

Background: Primary objective of this present trial was to define the maximum tolerable dose of lapatinib in combination with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and folinic acid (OFF) in refractory pancreatic cancer. The secondary objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of lapatinib plus OFF. Methods: We conducted a phase I trial using an accelerated dose escalation design in patients with refractory pancreatic cancer. Lapatinib was given on days 1 to 42 in combination with folinic acid 200 mg/m² day + 5-fluorouracil 2000 mg/m² (24 h) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, and oxaliplatin 85 mg/m² days 8 and 22 of a 43-day cycle (OFF). Toxicity and efficacy were evaluated. Results: In total, eighteen patients were enrolled: dose level 1 (1000 mg) was assigned to seven patients, dose level 2 (1250 mg), five patients; and dose level 3 (1500 mg), six patients. Dose-limiting toxicities were diarrhea and/or neutropenic enterocolitis observed in two of six patients: one diarrhea III°, one diarrhea IV°, as well as neutropenic enterocolitis. The maximum tolerable dose of lapatinib was 1250 mg OD. Conclusions: The combination of lapatinib 1250 mg OD with platinum-containing chemotherapy is safe and feasible in patients with refractory pancreatic cancer and warrants further investigation.

Randomized phase III trial of induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy alone for nonresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer: First results of the CONKO-007 trial

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Background: Chemotherapy (CT) is the standard of care in nonresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The CONKO-007 trial studied the role of sequential CT and chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: In this randomized multicenter phase III trial resectability was judged by an independent surgical board. Patients (pts) received induction chemotherapy (IC) for 3 months (3 cycles gemcitabine (Gem, 1000 mg/m² d1, 8, 15, q4w) or FOLFIRINOX (6 cycles, q2w)). After IC pts without progression were randomized to either continuing CT for another 3 months or receiving CRT (cumulative dose of 50.4Gy, single dose 1.8Gy + Gem 300 mg/m² weekly, followed by 1 cycle of Gem 1000 mg/m² at d1, 8, 15). The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS) since the begin of IC. Determination of sample size calculated 590 pts to be randomized. Due to the exclusion of pts with progressive disease after IC a total of 830 pts should be enrolled. Due to delayed patient accrual the primary endpoint was changed to R0 resection rate resulting in an estimated sample size of 525 pts. Results: Between 04/2013 and 02/2021 a total of 525 pts were enrolled in 47 sites. 402 pts received IC with FOLFIRINOX and 93 pts with Gem. After IC 190 pts were excluded due to progression or toxicity, 335 were randomized, their median FU was 16 months. Hematological toxicities were significantly increased in the CRT arm, non-hematological toxicities were comparable. R0 CRM- resection rate and pCR rate was significantly higher in the CRT arm. R1-resections occurred significantly more often in the CT arm. Median progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 0.919, 95% CI 0.702-1.203, p=0.540) and OS (HR 0.964, 95% CI 0.760-1.225, p=0.766) did not differ significantly in both arms, whereas the PFS rate tended to be higher in the CRT arm after 2 years. OS rates for CRM- R0 surgery with 87.5. ± 0.05% (1y) and 67.2 ± 0.05% (2y) were significantly higher (p<0.01) than for CRM+ R0 surgery with 66.7 ± 0.15% (1y) and 41.2 ± 0.1% (2y) as well as for patients without or incomplete surgery with 68.5 ± 0.03% (1y) and 26.4 ± 0.03% (2y). Conclusions: The addition of radiotherapy after IC improves the R0 CRM - resection and pCR rate without significant change in R0 resection rate (primary endpoint). Pts with R0 CRM - resections had a better prognosis compared to patients with either R0 CRM+ or incomplete or without surgery. However, this effect on resectability did not translate into a statistically significant PFS or OS benefit in the whole cohort. Clinical trial information: NCT01827553. [Table: see text]

Progranulin mediates immune evasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through regulation of MHCI expression

Immune evasion is indispensable for cancer initiation and progression, although its underlying mechanisms in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are not fully known. Here, we characterize the function of tumor-derived PGRN in promoting immune evasion in primary PDAC. Tumor- but not macrophage-derived PGRN is associated with poor overall survival in PDAC. Multiplex immunohistochemistry shows low MHC class I (MHCI) expression and lack of CD8⁺ T cell infiltration in PGRN-high tumors. Inhibition of PGRN abrogates autophagy-dependent MHCI degradation and restores MHCI expression on PDAC cells. Antibody-based blockade of PGRN in a PDAC mouse model remarkably decelerates tumor initiation and progression. Notably, tumors expressing LCMV-gp33 as a model antigen are sensitized to gp33-TCR transgenic T cell-mediated cytotoxicity upon PGRN blockade. Overall, our study shows a crucial function of tumor-derived PGRN in regulating immunogenicity of primary PDAC.

Immune responses to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma can be inhibited by cancer cells. Here the authors show that high levels of progranulin in PDAC inhibits immune responses by reducing MHC class I antigen presentation through enhanced degradation of MHC class I via autophagy.

Mucin-1 Protein Is a Prognostic Marker for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Results From the CONKO-001 Study

Background

The Mucin-family protein, MUC1, impacts on carcinogenesis and tumor invasion. We evaluated the impact of MUC1 expression on outcome in a cohort of 158 patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) in the CONKO-001 study (adjuvant gemcitabine [gem] vs. observation [obs]).

Methods

The percentage of MUC1-positive tumor cells by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the staining intensity were evaluated by two observers blinded to outcome. The numeric values of both parameters were multiplied, resulting in an immunoreactivity score (IRS) ranging from 0 to 12. The level of MUC1 expression was defined as follows: IRS 0–4 (low) vs IRS >4 (high). Outcomes in terms of disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank tests and Cox regressions.

Results

In total, tumors of 158 study patients were eligible for immunohistochemistry of MUC1. High cytoplasmic MUC1 expression was associated with impaired DFS and OS in the overall study population (hazard ratio (HR) for DFS: 0.49, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.78, p = .003; HR for OS: 0.46, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.73, p = .001). In the study arms, prognostic effects of MUC1 were also evident in the observation group (HR for DFS: 0.55; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.04, p = .062; HR for OS: 0.34, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.67, p = .001) and trending in the gem group (HR for DFS: 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.95, p = .041; HR for OS: 0.56, 95% CI 0.28 to1.11, p = .093).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that MUC1 expression is a powerful prognostic marker in patients with PDAC after curatively intended resection.

Impact of completeness of adjuvant gemcitabine, relapse pattern, and subsequent therapy on outcome of patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - A pooled analysis of CONKO-001, CONKO-005, and CONKO-006 trials

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the most fatal malignancies worldwide. It is suggested that survival in PDAC depends, among other things, on pattern of disease recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis of the adjuvant therapy studies CONKO-001, CONKO-005, and CONKO-006, including a total of 912 patients with regard to prognostic factors in patients with recurrent disease. Overall survival from disease recurrence (OS 2) and disease-free survival (DFS) from the day of surgery were expressed by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank testing and Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 912 patients treated within the previously mentioned CONKO trials, we identified 689 patients with disease recurrence and defined site of relapse. In multivariable analysis, the presence of isolated pulmonary metastasis, low tumour grading, and low postoperative level of CA 19-9 remained significant factors for improved OS 2 and DFS. Furthermore, completeness of adjuvant gemcitabine-based treatment (OS 2: P = 0.006), number of relapse sites (OS 2: P = 0.015), and type of palliative first-line treatment (OS 2: P < 0.001) significantly affected overall survival after disease recurrence in PDAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Determining tumour subgroups using prognostic factors may be helpful to stratify PDAC patients for future clinical trials. In case of disease recurrence, the site of relapse may have a prognostic impact on subsequent survival. Further investigations are needed to identify differences in tumour biology, reflecting relapse patterns and the differing survival of PDAC patients.

R0 resection following chemo (radio)therapy improves survival of primary inoperable pancreatic cancer patients. Interim results of the German randomized CONKO-007± trial

Purpose

Chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy is the standard in patients with initially nonmetastatic unresectable pancreatic cancer. Additional surgery is in discussion. The CONKO-007 multicenter randomized trial examines the value of radiotherapy. Our interim analysis showed a significant effect of surgery, which may be relevant to clinical practice.

Methods

One hundred eighty patients received induction chemotherapy (gemcitabine or FOLFIRINOX). Patients without tumor progression were randomized to either chemotherapy alone or to concurrent chemoradiotherapy. At the end of therapy, a panel of five independent pancreatic surgeons judged the resectability of the tumor.

Results

Following induction chemotherapy, 126/180 patients (70.0%) were randomized to further treatment. Following study treatment, 36/126 patients (28.5%) underwent surgery; (R0: 25/126 [19.8%]; R1/R2/Rx [n = 11/126; 6.1%]). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly better for patients with R0 resected tumors (median DFS and OS: 16.6 months and 26.5 months, respectively) than for nonoperated patients (median DFS and OS: 11.9 months and 16.5 months, respectively; p = 0.003). In the 25 patients with R0 resected tumors before treatment, only 6/113 (5.3%) of the recommendations of the panel surgeons recommended R0 resectability, compared with 17/48 (35.4%) after treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Tumor resectability of pancreatic cancer staged as unresectable at primary diagnosis should be reassessed after neoadjuvant treatment. The patient should undergo surgery if a resectability is reached, as this significantly improves their prognosis.

Phase III APACT trial of adjuvant nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (nab-P + Gem) versus gemcitabine (Gem) alone for patients with resected pancreatic cancer (PC): Outcomes by geographic region

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Background: The APACT trial was one of the largest and most geographically diverse trials of adjuvant chemotherapy for resected PC, allowing for comparison of outcomes by geographic region. In this analysis, we report updated overall survival (OS) results for the intent-to-treat (ITT) population and examine outcomes by geographic region. Methods: Treatment-naive patients with histologically confirmed PC, macroscopic complete resection, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 < 100 U/mL were eligible. Stratification factors were resection status (R0/R1) and lymph node status (positive/negative). Treatment was initiated ≤ 12 weeks postsurgery. Patients received nab-P 125 mg/m2 + Gem 1000 mg/m2 or Gem 1000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of six 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival by independent review. Secondary endpoints were OS and safety. Results: The updated OS analysis (data cutoff date, January 2020) revealed a median OS of 41.8 months with nab-P + Gem compared with 37.7 months with Gem alone (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68 - 0.97; nominal P = 0.047; Table). In each geographic region, the median OS with nab-P + Gem was numerically longer than with Gem alone. Conclusions: The updated OS analysis of the ITT population supports the previously reported trend favoring nab-P + Gem. The geographic regional analyses reveal numerically longer OS with nab-P + Gem vs Gem alone and variable outcomes by region; however, the differences do not support the trend observed in the ITT population, potentially due to limited sample sizes. Registration: EudraCT (2013-003398-91). Clinical trial information: NCT01964430 . [Table: see text]

TP53 Mutations Predict Sensitivity to Adjuvant Gemcitabine in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Next-Generation Sequencing Results from the CONKO-001 Trial

PURPOSE

We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the CONKO-001 phase III trial to identify clinically relevant prognostic and predictive mutations and conducted a functional validation in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) sequencing data.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients of the CONKO-001 trial received curatively intended surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine (Gem) or observation only (Obs). Tissue samples of 101 patients were evaluated by NGS of 37 genes. Cox proportional hazard models were applied for survival analysis. In addition, functional genomic analyses were performed in an NGS and RNA-sequencing dataset of 146 pancreatic tumors from TCGA.

RESULTS

The most common mutations in the CONKO cohort were KRAS (75%), TP53 (60%), SMAD4 (10%), CDKNA2 (9%), as well as SWI/SNF (12%) complex alterations. In untreated patients, TP53 mutations were a negative prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS; HR mut vs. WT 2.434, P = 0.005). With respect to gemcitabine treatment, TP53 mutations were a positive predictive factor for gemcitabine efficacy [TP53mut: HR for DFS Gem vs. Obs, 0.235 (0.130 - 0.423; P < 0.001); TP53wt: HR for DFS Gem vs. Obs, 0.794 (0.417 - 1.513; P = 0.483)] with a significant test for interaction (P = 0.003). In the TCGA dataset, TP53 mutations were associated with shortened DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

In CONKO-001, the benefit from adjuvant gemcitabine was confined to the TP53mut patient group. This potentially clinical relevant observation needs to be confirmed in independent prospective studies. The sensitivity of TP53mut PDAC to gemcitabine in CONKO-001 provides a lead for further mechanistic investigations.

Consensus in determining the resectability of locally progressed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - results of the Conko-007 multicenter trial

Background

One critical step in the therapy of patients with localized pancreatic cancer is the determination of local resectability. The decision between primary surgery versus upfront local or systemic cancer therapy seems especially to differ between pancreatic cancer centers. In our cohort study, we analyzed the independent judgement of resectability of five experienced high volume pancreatic surgeons in 200 consecutive patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Pretherapeutic CT or MRI scans of 200 consecutive patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer were evaluated by 5 independent pancreatic surgeons. Resectability and the degree of abutment of the tumor to the venous and arterial structures adjacent to the pancreas were reported. Interrater reliability and dispersion indices were compared.

Results

One hundred ninety-four CT scans and 6 MRI scans were evaluated and all parameters were evaluated by all surgeons in 133 (66.5%) cases. Low agreement was observed for tumor infiltration of venous structures (κ = 0.265 and κ = 0.285) while good agreement was achieved for the abutment of the tumor to arterial structures (interrater reliability celiac trunk κ = 0.708 P < 0.001). In patients with vascular tumor contact indicating locally advanced disease, surgeons highly agreed on unresectability, but in patients with vascular tumor abutment consistent with borderline resectable disease, the judgement of resectability was less uniform (dispersion index locally advanced vs. borderline resectable p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Excellent agreement between surgeons exists in determining the presence of arterial abutment and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The determination of resectability in borderline resectable patients is influenced by additional subjective factors.

Trial registration

EudraCT:2009-014476-21 (2013-02-22) and NCT01827553 (2013-04-09).

Galunisertib plus gemcitabine vs. gemcitabine for first-line treatment of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer

Background

Galunisertib is the first-in-class, first-in-human, oral small-molecule type I transforming growth factor-beta receptor (ALK5) serine/threonine kinase inhibitor to enter clinical development. The effect of galunisertib vs. placebo in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer was determined.

Methods

This was a two-part, multinational study: phase 1b was a non-randomised, open-label, multicentre, and dose-escalation study; phase 2 was a randomised, placebo- and Bayesian-augmented controlled, double-blind study in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma considered candidates for first-line chemotherapy with gemcitabine. Patients were randomised 2:1 to galunisertib–gemcitabine (N = 104) or placebo-gemcitabine (N = 52). Gemcitabine dose was 1000 mg/m² QW. Primary endpoints for phases 1b and 2, respectively, were phase 2 dose and overall survival. Secondary objectives included tolerability and biomarkers.

Results

Dose-escalation suggested a 300-mg/day dose. Primary objective was met: median survival times were 8.9 and 7.1 months for galunisertib and placebo, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.79 [95% credible interval: 0.59–1.09] and posterior probability HR < 1 = 0.93). Lower baseline biomarkers macrophage inflammatory protein-1-alpha and interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 were associated with galunisertib benefit.

Conclusions

Galunisertib–gemcitabine combination improved overall survival vs. gemcitabine in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, with minimal added toxicity. Future exploration of galunisertib in pancreatic cancer is ongoing in combination with durvalumab.

Tumour buds determine prognosis in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognostic effect of tumour budding was retrospectively analysed in a cohort of 173 patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) of the prospective clinical multicentre CONKO-001 trial.

METHODS

Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained whole tissue slides were evaluated. In two independent approaches, the mean number of tumour buds was analysed according to the consensus criteria in colorectal cancer, in one 0.785 mm2 field of view and additionally in 10 high-power fields (HPF) (HPF = 0.238 mm2).

RESULTS

Tumour budding was significantly associated with a higher tumour grade (p < 0.001) but not with distant or lymph node metastasis. Regardless of the quantification approach, an increased number of tumour buds was significantly associated with reduced disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (10 HPF approach DFS: HR = 1.056 (95% CI 1.022-1.092), p = 0.001; OS: HR = 1.052 (95% CI 1.018-1.087), p = 0.002; consensus method DFS: HR = 1.037 (95% CI 1.017-1.058), p < 0.001; OS: HR = 1.040 (95% CI 1.019-1.061), p < 0.001). Recently published cut-offs for tumour budding in colorectal cancer were prognostic in PDAC as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour budding is prognostic in the CONKO-001 clinical cohort of patients. Further standardisation and validation in additional clinical cohorts are necessary.

CONKO-005: Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Gemcitabine Plus Erlotinib Versus Gemcitabine Alone in Patients After R0 Resection of Pancreatic Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Phase III Trial

Purpose Gemcitabine is standard of care in the adjuvant treatment of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib in combination with gemcitabine has shown efficacy in the treatment of advanced PDAC and was considered to improve survival in patients with primarily resectable PDAC after R0 resection. Patients and Methods In an open-label, multicenter trial, patients were randomly assigned to one of two study arms: gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m² days 1, 8, 15, every 4 weeks plus erlotinib 100 mg once per day (GemErlo) or gemcitabine (Gem) alone for six cycles. The primary end point of the study was to improve disease-free survival (DFS) from 14 to 18 months by adding erlotinib to gemcitabine. Results In all, 436 patients were randomly assigned at 57 study centers between April 2008 and July 2013. A total of 361 instances (83%) of disease recurrence were observed after a median follow-up of 54 months. Median treatment duration was 22 weeks in both arms. There was no difference in median DFS (GemErlo 11.4 months; Gem 11.4 months) or median overall survival (GemErlo 24.5 months; Gem 26.5 months). There was a trend toward long-term survival in favor of GemErlo (estimated survival after 1, 2, and 5 years for GemErlo was 77%, 53%, and 25% v 79%, 54%, and 20% for Gem, respectively). The occurrence or the grade of rash was not associated with a better survival in the GemErlo arm. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, CONKO-005 is the first study to investigate the combination of chemotherapy and a targeted therapy in the adjuvant treatment of PDAC. GemErlo for 24 weeks did not improve DFS or overall survival over Gem.

Cytotoxic tumour-infiltrating T lymphocytes influence outcome in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

We studied the prognostic effect of CD3-, CD8- and CD103-positive T lymphocytes in a cohort of 165 patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) of the treatment group (adjuvant gemcitabine) and the untreated control group of the CONKO-001 study.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical stainings on tissue microarrays (TMAs) against CD3, CD8 and CD103 were performed according to standard procedures.

RESULTS

A high number of CD8-positive lymphocytes were significantly and independently associated with longer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the overall study population. Median DFS/OS were 7.4/18.1 months for patients with a low number of CD8-positive intratumoural lymphocytes (≤42 per 1 mm tissue core) and 12.7/25.2 months for patients with high numbers (>42 per 1-mm tissue core; p = 0.008/0.020; HR 0.62/0.65). The ratio of intraepithelial to total CD103-positive lymphocytes, but not total numbers of CD103-positive lymphocytes or CD103-positive intraepithelial lymphocytes, was associated with significantly improved DFS and OS in the overall study population (p = 0.022/0.009). Median DFS/OS was 5.9/15.7 for patients with a ratio of intraepithelial to total CD103-positive intratumoural lymphocytes higher than 0.3 and 11.6/24.7 for patients with a lower ratio.

CONCLUSION

T-lymphocyte subpopulations might be prognostic in resectable PDAC but need standardization and verification by further studies.

Influence of cytotoxic tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes on outcome in resectable pancreatic cancer: Results from the CONKO 001 trial

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Background: The role of T lymphocytes, frequently found in the tumor microenvironment, on development and behavior of several solid tumors is well recognized. Studies on breast cancer and colon carcinoma showed the prognostic and predictive impact of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs) while there are no similar studies on pancreatic cancer (PC) until now. Methods: We evaluated the prognostic effect of CD8 and CD103 positive TILs in a cohort of PC patients in the CONKO-001 study treated with adjuvant Gemcitabine or observed only. In 165 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples suitable for tissue microarray construction, CD 8 und CD 103 positive TILs were identified by immunohistochemical staining and counted manually; a ratio of intraepithelial to total CD 103 positive TILs was calculated. Results: The mean number of CD8 positive TILs was 69, a high number ( > 42 TILs) of CD8 positive lymphocytes was significantly associated with longer disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the overall study population (high vs low median DFS 12.8 vs 7.4 months; p = 0.007, median OS 26.7 vs 18.1 months; p = 0.018). Furthermore, a ratio of intraepithelial to total CD103 positive lymphocytes < 0.3 was associated with significantly improved DFS and OS in the overall study population (high vs low median DFS 6.5 vs 11.8 months; p = 0.031, median OS 16.6 vs 24.7 months; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the presence of TILs is important for prognosis in resected PC. We showed for the first time a prognostic effect of CD 8 and CD 103 expressing lymphocytes in PC. Therefore, we suggest further analysis of lymphocyte populations in this dismal entity.

Administration of Gemcitabine After Pancreatic Tumor Resection in Mice Induces an Antitumor Immune Response Mediated by Natural Killer Cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Even after potentially curative R0 resection, patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a poor prognosis owing to high rates of local recurrence and metastasis to distant organs. However, we have no suitable transgenic animal models for surgical interventions.

METHODS

To induce formation of pancreatic tumor foci, we electroporated oncogenic plasmids into pancreata of LSL-KrasG12D × p53fl/fl mice; mutant Kras was expressed in p53fl/fl mice using a sleeping beauty transposon. We co-delivered a transposon encoding a constitutively active form of Akt2 (myrAkt2). Carcinogenesis and histopathologic features of tumors were examined. Metastasis was monitored by bioluminescence imaging. Tumors were resected and mice were given gemcitabine, and tumor recurrence patterns and survival were determined. Immune cells were collected from resection sites and analyzed by flow cytometry and in depletion experiments.

RESULTS

After electroporation of oncogenic plasmids, mice developed a single pancreatic tumor nodule with histopathologic features of human PDAC. Pancreatic tumors that expressed myrAkt2 infiltrated the surrounding pancreatic tissue and neurons and became widely metastatic, reflecting the aggressive clinical features of PDAC in patients. Despite early tumor resection, mice died from locally recurring and distant tumors, but adjuvant administration of gemcitabine after tumor resection prolonged survival. In mice given adjuvant gemcitabine or vehicle, gemcitabine significantly inhibited local recurrence of tumors, but not metastasis to distant organs, similar to observations in clinical trials. Gemcitabine inhibited accumulation of CD11b+Gr1intF4/80int myeloid-derived suppressor cells at the resection margin and increased the number of natural killer (NK) cells at this location. NK cells but not T cells were required for gemcitabine-mediated antitumor responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Gemcitabine administration after resection of pancreatic tumors in mice activates NK cell-mediated antitumor responses and inhibits local recurrence of tumors, consistent with observations from patients with PDAC. Transgenic mice with resectable pancreatic tumors might be promising tools to study adjuvant therapy strategies for patients.

Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer and Hyperbilirubinaemia: Review and German Expert Opinion on Treatment with nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine

In patients with advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer, the prognosis is generally poor. Within recent years, new treatment options such as the FOLFIRINOX regimen (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) or the combination of nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine have shown a clinically relevant survival benefit over the standard gemcitabine in patients with good performance status. Unfortunately, patients with hyperbilirubinaemia, who constitute a substantial proportion of the pancreatic cancer patients, have been excluded from most clinical studies. Consequently, our knowledge on the appropriate medical treatment of this patient group is limited. In a meeting of German medical oncology experts, the available clinical evidence and own clinical experience regarding the management of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and hyperbilirubinaemia was discussed. The present publication summarises the discussion outcomes with regard to appropriate management of these patients, including consensus-based recommendations for nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine treatment, according to the best available evidence. In summary, knowledge of the underlying aetiology of hyperbilirubinaemia and the metabolisation routes of the cytotoxic drugs is crucial before initiating chemotherapy. As effective treatment options should also be made available to patients with comorbid conditions, including hyperbilirubinaemia, the experts provide advice for an initial dose reduction of chemotherapy with nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine based on the total bilirubin level in patients with biliary obstruction or extensive liver metastasis.

Prognostic significance of DNA cytometry for adjuvant therapy response in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The continuous progress in treatment options for pancreatic adenocarcinoma has lead to a re-evaluation of prognostic markers. In this study the prognostic relevance of DNA Index and classical histopathological parameters with regard to disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed within the CONKO-001 patient population.

METHODS

One hundred forty three fresh-frozen paraffin-embedded tissue samples of the resected tumor specimen of the CONKO-001 patient population were available for DNA index analysis to evaluate its impact on patient outcome.

RESULTS

Median DFS (7.3 vs. 14.3 months; P = 0.004) and median OS (16.6 vs. 29.2 months; P = 0.011) were significantly decreased in patients with a high DNA index (>1.4). Multivariate analysis revealed both DNA index (DFS: P = 0.002; OS: P = 0.019) and tumor grading (DFS: P = 0.004; OS: P = 0.004) as individual prognostic markers for DFS and OS. The following prognostic subgroups were identified: good (low DNA Index + G1/2 tumor grading), intermediate (low DNA Index + G3 tumor grading or high DNA Index + G1/2 tumor grading), poor (high DNA Index + G3 tumor grading).

CONCLUSION

The DNA index/tumor grading constellation may serve as a helpful guide for personalized treatment recommendations for adjuvant therapy of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Efficacy of Prophylactic Low–Molecular Weight Heparin for Ambulatory Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Outcomes From the CONKO-004 Trial

Purpose

Advanced pancreatic cancer (APC), in addition to its high mortality, accounts for the highest rates of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). Enoxaparin, a low–molecular weight heparin, is effective in prevention and treatment of VTEs. Some small studies have indicated that this benefit might extend to patients with cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients with histologically proven APC were randomly assigned to ambulant first-line chemotherapy and prophylactic use of enoxaparin or chemotherapy alone to investigate the probable reduction in symptomatic VTEs and the impact on survival.

Results

A total of 312 patients were recruited as one of the protocol end points was reached. Within the first 3 months, the numbers of symptomatic VTEs were as follows: 15 of 152 patients in the observation group and two of 160 patients in the enoxaparin group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.52; χ2 P = .001). The numbers of major bleeding events were as follows: five of 152 patients in the observation arm and seven of 160 patients in the enoxaparin arm (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.35 to 3.72; χ2 P = 1.0). Overall cumulative incidence rates of symptomatic VTEs were 15.1% (observation) and 6.4% (enoxaparin; HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.83; P = .01). Progression-free (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.32; P = .64) and overall survival (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.38; P = .44) did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the high efficacy and feasibility of primary pharmacologic prevention of symptomatic VTEs in outpatients with APC. Treatment efficacy was not affected by simultaneous treatment with enoxaparin in this trial setting.

Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 expression analysed by the clone SP 120 rabbit antibody is not predictive in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with adjuvant gemcitabine - Results from the CONKO-001 trial

BACKGROUND

High expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) is considered to predict survival in patients treated with adjuvant gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer. A standard evaluation system for immunohistochemical analysis (antibody, scoring system) has not yet been established.

METHODS

CONKO-001, a prospective randomised phase III study investigated the role of adjuvant gemcitabine (gem) as compared to observation (obs). Tumour samples of 156 patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry with the rabbit monoclonal antibody SP120 (Ventana Medical Systems) for expression of hENT1. Kaplan-Meier analyses for median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed in dependence of hENT1 expression measured analogously to Farrell et al. 2009 and Poplin et al. 2013.

RESULTS

For the 88 gem and 68 obs patients, median DFS/OS was 12.9/22.7 months and 6.2/19.1 months. High hENT1 expression was not associated with improved median DFS (Farrell: no hENT1 22.2 months, low hENT1 13.7 months, high hENT1 12.1 months, p=0.248; Poplin: low hENT1 13.2 months versus high hENT1 11.5 months, p=0.5) or median OS (Farrell: no hENT1 21.7 months, low hENT1 24.7 months, high hENT1 19.5, p=0.571; Poplin: low hENT1 24.4 months versus high hENT1 19.7 months, p=0.92;) in the gem group or in the obs group (median DFS Farrell: no hENT1 5.1 months, low hENT1 6.2 months, high hENT1 7.5 months, p=0.375; Poplin: low hENT1 6.2 months versus high hENT1 5.9 months, p=0.83; median OS Farrell: no hENT1 20.2months, low hENT1 17.7 months, high HENT1 19.1 months, p=0.738; Poplin: low hENT1 17.7 months versus high hENT1 20.4 months, p=0.65) measured by the Farrell or Poplin Score.

CONCLUSIONS

We cannot confirm a predictive role of hENT1 measured by the clone SP120 rabbit antibody in our study population. Reproducible standard procedures are urgently needed prior to the implementation or exclusion of hENT1 as a predictive biomarker in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN34802808.

Progress in the knowledge and treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer: from benchside to bedside

Ever since a pivotal study in 1997 demonstrated superiority of gemcitabine over 5-FU, gemcitabine monotherapy has, until recently, comprised the standard of care in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. However, the emerging recognition of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, including the particularly abundant stroma, as playing a key role in disease progression and resistance to chemotherapy has marked somewhat of a paradigm shift in the way treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer is viewed, with these very same biological defenses conversely offering an Achilles heel with which to combat this aggressive disease. Recently, this approach was validated for the first time in a pivotal phase III trial in which patients received nab-paclitaxel, a stroma-targeted drug, with gemcitabine. Overall survival was significantly (p<0.001) prolonged in the combination arm, compared with gemcitabine alone, and thus these convincing results pave the way forward for future treatment regimens that employ a multipronged approach, targeting not only the primary tumor but the surrounding microenvironment as well.

Second-line oxaliplatin, folinic acid, and fluorouracil versus folinic acid and fluorouracil alone for gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer: outcomes from the CONKO-003 trial

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of a second-line regimen of oxaliplatin and folinic acid-modulated fluorouracil in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who have experienced progression while receiving gemcitabine monotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized, open-label, phase III study was conducted in 16 institutions throughout Germany. Recruitment ran from January 2004 until May 2007, and the last follow-up concluded in December 2012. Overall, 168 patients age 18 years or older who experienced disease progression during first-line gemcitabine therapy were randomly assigned to folinic acid and fluorouracil (FF) or oxaliplatin and FF (OFF). Patients were stratified according to the presence of metastases, duration of first-line therapy, and Karnofsky performance status.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 54.1 months, and 160 patients were eligible for the primary analysis. The median overall survival in the OFF group (5.9 months; 95% CI, 4.1 to 7.4) versus the FF group (3.3 months; 95% CI, 2.7 to 4.0) was significantly improved (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.91; log-rank P = .010). Time to progression with OFF (2.9 months; 95% CI, 2.4 to 3.2) versus FF (2.0 months; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.3) was significantly extended also (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.94; log-rank P = .019). Rates of adverse events were similar between treatment arms, with the exception of grades 1 to 2 neurotoxicity, which were reported in 29 patients (38.2%) and six patients (7.1%) in the OFF and FF groups, respectively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Second-line OFF significantly extended the duration of overall survival when compared with FF alone in patients with advanced gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer.

SPARC expression in resected pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine: results from the CONKO-001 study

BACKGROUND

Previous investigations in pancreatic cancer suggested a prognostic role for secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) expression in the peritumoral stroma but not for cytoplasmic SPARC expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SPARC expression in pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine compared with untreated patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CONKO-001 was a prospective randomized phase III study investigating the role of adjuvant gemcitabine when compared with observation. Tissue samples of 160 patients were available for SPARC immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays to evaluate its impact on patient outcome.

RESULTS

Strong stromal SPARC expression was associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the overall study population (DFS: P = 0.005, OS: P = 0.033). Its negative prognostic impact was restricted to patients treated with gemcitabine (DFS: P = 0.007, OS: P = 0.006). High cytoplasmic SPARC expression also was associated with worse patient outcome (DFS: P = 0.041, OS: P = 0.011). Again the effect was restricted to patients treated with gemcitabine (DFS: P = 0.002, OS: P = 0.003). In multivariable analysis, SPARC expression was independently predictive of patient outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the prognostic significance of SPARC expression after curatively intended resection. The negative prognostic impact was restricted to patients who received adjuvant treatment with gemcitabine, suggesting SPARC as a predictive marker for response to gemcitabine.

Nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer: clinical outcomes and potential mechanisms of action

For almost 15 years there has been stagnation in the systemic treatment of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recently, several developments seem to indicate clinically relevant improvements in the treatment of patients with metastatic disease. One of these developments is the introduction of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) into the firstline treatment of metastatic disease. In this review, underlying preclinical and clinical data are discussed, with a special focus on mechanisms of action, the potential interaction with albumin and calcium-binding matricellular glycoproteins, such as the secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), as well as the clinical outcome associated with the use of nab-paclitaxel.

Adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and long-term outcomes among patients with resected pancreatic cancer: the CONKO-001 randomized trial

IMPORTANCE

The prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer is poor, even after resection with curative intent. Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy is standard treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer, but its effect on survival in the adjuvant setting has not been demonstrated.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze whether previously reported improvement in disease-free survival with adjuvant gemcitabine therapy translates into improved overall survival.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

CONKO-001 (Charité Onkologie 001), a multicenter, open-label, phase 3 randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine in patients with pancreatic cancer after complete tumor resection. Patients with macroscopically completely removed pancreatic cancer entered the study between July 1998 and December 2004 in 88 hospitals in Germany and Austria. Follow-up ended in September 2012.

INTERVENTIONS

After stratification for tumor stage, nodal status, and resection status, patients were randomly assigned to either adjuvant gemcitabine treatment (1g/m2 d 1, 8, 15, q 4 weeks) for 6 months or to observation alone.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was disease-free survival. Secondary end points included treatment safety and overall survival, with overall survival defined as the time from date of randomization to death. Patients lost to follow-up were censored on the date of their last follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 368 patients were randomized, and 354 were eligible for intention-to-treat-analysis. By September 2012, 308 patients (87.0% [95% CI, 83.1%-90.1%]) had relapsed and 316 patients (89.3% [95% CI, 85.6%-92.1%]) had died. The median follow-up time was 136 months. The median disease-free survival was 13.4 (95% CI, 11.6-15.3) months in the treatment group compared with 6.7 (95% CI, 6.0-7.5) months in the observation group (hazard ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.44-0.69]; P < .001). Patients randomized to adjuvant gemcitabine treatment had prolonged overall survival compared with those randomized to observation alone (hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.61-0.95]; P = .01), with 5-year overall survival of 20.7% (95% CI, 14.7%-26.6%) vs 10.4% (95% CI, 5.9%-15.0%), respectively, and 10-year overall survival of 12.2% (95% CI, 7.3%-17.2%) vs 7.7% (95% CI, 3.6%-11.8%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with macroscopic complete removal of pancreatic cancer, the use of adjuvant gemcitabine for 6 months compared with observation alone resulted in increased overall survival as well as disease-free survival. These findings provide strong support for the use of gemcitabine in this setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN34802808.

Does long-term survival in patients with pancreatic cancer really exist? Results from the CONKO-001 study

BACKGROUND

Long-term survival (LTS) in patients (pts) with pancreatic cancer is still uncommon, little data is available to identify long-term survivors. The CONKO-001 study, which established gemcitabine after resection as adjuvant therapy, may provide data to answer this question.

METHODS

CONKO-001 pts with an overall survival ≥5 years were compared to those who survived <5 years. Central re-evaluation of primary histology was performed. Univariate analysis with the χ(2) -test identified qualifying factors. Logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of these covariates on LTS.

RESULTS

Of the evaluable 354 CONKO-001 pts, 54 (15%) with an overall survival ≥5 years were identified. It was possible to obtain tumor specimens of 39 pts (72%). Histological re-evaluation confirmed adenocarcinoma in 38 pts, 1 showed a high-grade neuroendocrine tumor. Univariate analysis for all 53 LTS pts with adenocarcinoma compared to the remaining 300 non-LTS pts revealed as relevant active treatment, tumor grading, tumor size, lymph nodes. No significance could be demonstrated for resection margin, sex, age, Karnofsky performance status, CA 19-9 at study entry. In multivariate analysis, tumor grading, active treatment, tumor size, lymph node involvement were independent prognostic factors for LTS.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival can be achieved in adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Results of the CARMA study to investigate catumaxomab therapy for ascites related to peritoneal carcinomatosis in clinical practice

TPS3119^

Background: The trifunctional antibody CATU (catumaxomab) is approved in the EU for intraperitoneal (IP) treatment of malignant ascites (MA) in patients (pts) with EpCAM-positive carcinomas. Clinical data for CATU are based on 2 phase III and several phase I/II trials. However, the routine use of CATU has not been evaluated systematically. Therefore, a prospective observational study (CARMA) was started in 2010 investigating the administration of CATU in a total of 160 pts with MA under routine conditions. Participating centers were hospitals and oncologic practices in Germany and Austria. Hereby, we report on the results of the 2nd interim CARMA analysis. Methods: This analysis included 103 pts with MA due to EpCAM-positive carcinomas: ovarian, n=37; gastric, n=13; pancreatic, n=10; colorectal, n=6, miscellaneous, n=37. Pts were treated with CATU at a routine setting at 4 increasing dosages over a 2-week interval. The primary endpoint was puncture-free interval (PFI), secondary endpoints included safety and overall survival (OS). Results: The study population mainly comprised pts with advanced-stage disease. In 65% distant metastases were present. Therapy was given in 24 hospitals (73 %) and 9 outpatient facilities (27 %). Pts suffered from typical MA related symptoms such as abdominal swelling (77%), pain (56%), dyspnea (27%), anorexia (31%), constipation (13%). In 67 pts (65%), CATU was given as planned, 36 pts (35%) received <4 infusions. Most frequent adverse events (AE) were fever (20%), nausea (14%) and diarrhea (6%).The median PFI was 57 days (d), the median OS was 100 d. For the subgroups ovar/non-ovar, a median PFI of 93/41 d and a median OS of 115/72 d was observed. Conclusion: CARMA represents the first systematic evaluation of CATU therapy given for MA under routine conditions. In accordance to previous prospective trials, the presented 2nd interim-analysis was able to demonstrate a clinically meaningful benefit of CATU, particularly impressive in ovarian cancer pts. CATU showed an acceptable safety profile, thus allowing for treatment at an outpatient setting in an adequately selected group of pts. The final CARMA analysis after including 160 pts is thus eagerly awaited. Clinical trial information: DRKS00000458.

SPARC in pancreatic cancer: Results from the CONKO-001 study

4016

Background: Previous investigations in pancreatic cancer suggested an important prognostic role for SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) expression in the peritumoral stroma but not for cancer-cell cytoplasmic SPARC expression. So far no data from prospective studies in patients after curatively intended surgery are available. Methods: CONKO-001, a prospective randomized phase III study, investigated the role of adjuvant gemcitabine as compared to observation. Tissue samples of 160 patients were collected and analysed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of SPARC in the peritumoral stroma (strong versus not strong [=moderate to negative]) and in the tumor cell cytoplasm (immunoreactive score IRS 0-12, 0-2 = negative, 3-12 = positive) by a pathologist blinded to clinical outcome. Kaplan-Meier analyses for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed in dependence of SPARC expression. Results: Strong stromal SPARC expression was associated with worse DFS and OS in the overall study population (strong vs not-strong DFS 9.0 vs 12.6 months, p=0.005; OS 19.8 vs 26.6 months (p=0.033). It was highly prognostic in the subgroup treated with gemcitabine (strong vs not-strong DFS 12.1 vs. 18.4 months; p=0.007, OS 17.9 vs 30.2 months, p=0.006), but not in the observation group (strong vs not strong DFS 6.6 vs 7.3 months p=0.767; OS 21.5 vs 18.2 months, p=0.765). Cytoplasmic SPARC expression in the adenocarcinoma cells was also associated with worse patient outcome (positive vs negative DFS 7.4 vs 12.1 months, p=0.041; OS 14.1 vs 25.6 months, p=0.011), again the effect was restricted to patients treated with gemcitabine (positive vs negative DFS 8.3 vs 15.3 months, p=0.002; OS 11.0 vs 28.8 months, p= 0.003; control group DFS 5.8 vs 7.6 months, p=0.844; OS 14.9 vs 20.8 months, p=0.519). Conclusions: Our data confirm the prognostic significance of SPARC expression and demonstrate a significant prognostic factor of SPARC in patients with pancreatic cancer after curatively intended resection. The prognostic impact was restricted to patients who received adjuvant treatment with gemcitabine. In difference to former published data this was found for peritumoral SPARC as well as for SPARC expression in tumor cells.

Transforming growth factor beta in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer has high incidence and mortality rates, and effective treatment remains a clinical challenge. As deregulation of the cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) contributes to the progression of pancreatic carcinoma, the TGF-β pathway has been targeted using various strategies, including small molecule inhibitors of TGF-βRI, TGF-β-specific neutralizing antibodies and antisense compounds. As increased TGF-β2 levels in serum or tumor tissue of patients with pancreatic cancer correlated with poor prognosis, inhibition of TGF-β2 synthesis via the antisense oligonucleotide trabedersen (AP 12009) is a promising approach.

Evaluation of predictive factors for thromboembolic events in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: Evaluation of the CONKO-004 (PROSPECT) study cohort

4044

Background: Patients (pts) with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) often suffer from symptomatic thromboembolic events (sVTE). The CONKO-004 trial showed that the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin reduces sVTE (p<0.05, number needed to treat: 12) without increasing the rate of major bleeding when prophylactically applied. Our goal was to identify predictive factors for sVTE in pts with APC undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Methods: We analyzed the 152 (out of 312) pts randomized in the observation group.SVTE incidence was 9.9%. To identify foremost risk factors we used clinical parameters like performance status, stage, grading, primary or recurrent, gender, age, body mass index, erythropoietin stimulating agents (darbepoetin), as well as baseline laboraty parameters such as creatinine, hemoglobin, WBC, platelets, INR, ptt, CEA, carboanhydrat 19-9, AST, ALT, AP and GGT. The multivariate logistic regression model with forward stepwise selection process was used for this estimation. With reference to a previously proposed scoring system (Khorana et al; Blood 2008) we evaluated the score as well. Results: No single parameter could be isolated demonstrating significant influence on the incidence of sVTE in pts with APC. We verified the Kohrana scoring model with our 152/312 pts. Applying the score to our pts we didn’t discriminate pts between the two high risks groups (Table). Conclusions: Predictive models may help to identify cancer pts at high risk for sVTE to consider preventive anticoagulation. Within a cancer entity at high risk for sVTE such as pts with APC we did not succeed in the identification of single predictive parameters.For pts with APC undergoing first line chemotherapy primary prevention with LMWH should therefore be considered for the whole group of pts for at least three months. [Table: see text]

Long-term survival in patients with pancreatic cancer: Relevant factors in CONKO-001

4020

Background: Long-term survival (LTS) in patients with pancreatic cancer is still rare, even in resectable and potentially curative stages. Few prospective data are available to identify predictive factors. The CONKO-001 study establishing adjuvant gemcitabine (GEM) may provide data to answer this question. Methods: CONKO-001 patients (pts) with an overall survival > 5 years were included in this analysis and compared to those with < 5 years. Central re-evaluation of the primary histology was done to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Univariate analysis with the x²-test identified qualifying factors (p<0.10). Logistic regression with a stepwise selection process was used to investigate the influence of these covariates on LTS. Results: Of the 354 pts included in the intention-to-treat analysis of CONKO-001, 53 (15%) pts with an overall survival of more than 5 years could be identified, for 39 (74%) tumor specimens could be obtained. In 38 (97% of pts with LTS) the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was confirmed, 1 showed a high-grade neuroendocrine tumor. Relevant factors for all 53 pts with LTS compared to remaining 301 non-LTS pts in univariate analysis were active treatment (GEM) (68% in LTS pts vs 48% in non-LTS pts; p=0.006), tumor grading (G1 17% vs 3%, G2 64% vs 55%, G3 17% vs 40%; p=0.000), tumor-size (T2 15% vs 9%, T3 74% vs 84%; p=0.004) and lymph nodes (N0 47% vs 25% N1 53% vs 74%; p=0.003. Significance could not be demonstrated for resection margin (R0 vs R1), sex, age, Karnofsky performance status (<80% vs 80% vs >80%) and CA 19-9 (40-100 U/ml vs <40 U/ml) at study entry. In the multivariate analysis tumor grading (gr) (odds ratio gr 3 vs gr 1=0.07; gr 3 vs gr 2= 0.38; p=0.017) and active treatment (odds ratio GEM vs observation=0.38; p=0.004) were the only independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: Long-term survival can be achieved in adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. In pts with completely resected pancreatic cancer, tumor grading and active treatment with GEM were the only predictive factor for LTS.

Final results of a phase I/II study in patients with pancreatic cancer, malignant melanoma, and colorectal carcinoma with trabedersen

4034

Background: TGF-β2 overexpression in solid tumors triggers key cancer pathomechanisms, i.e. suppression of antitumor immune responses system and metastasis. Trabedersen specifically inhibits TGF-β2 expression. In the clinical Phase I/II study we evaluate MTD, safety, pharmakokinetics (PK), and efficacy of i.v. trabedersen in patients with advanced tumors. Methods: A total of 61 patients with pancreatic cancer (PancCa, n=37), malignant melanoma (MM, n=19), or colorectal carcinoma (n=5) were treated with i.v. trabedersen as 2nd to 4th-line therapy with escalating doses in 2 treatment schedules. (1st schedule: 7d on, 7d off; 2nd schedule: 4d on, 10d off; up to 10 cycles). Within the 1st schedule, the MTD was established at 160 mg/m2/d. In the 2nd schedule dose-escalation was stopped before reaching MTD. In the Phase II-part of the study further PancCa and MM patients were treated with 140 mg/m2/d. For assessment of PK parameters, plasma time profiles were analyzed for trabedersen and its n-1 to n-5 metabolites by non-compartimental analysis. Results: Trabedersen was safe and well-tolerated. The only expected adverse reaction identified is non-serious and transient thrombocytopenia. Only 2 SAEs (gastrointestinal hemorrhage und pyrexia) were considered as possibly related to study medication. Further clinical development will focus on PancCa patients receiving 140 mg/m2/d trabedersen as 2nd-line treatment. Survival analysis of these patients revealed a mOS of 13.4 months (n=9; 95% CI: 2.2, 39.7). One PanCa patient had a complete response of liver metastases and is still alive after 75 months. Promising efficacy data were also seen in MM patients enrolled into the last cohort (140 mg/m2/day) with a current mOS of 9.3 months (n=14; 95% CI: 6.5, 12.2). PK analyses showed for both treatment schedules that exposure to trabedersen was in the expected range for all doses and half-life of trabedersen (1.12 to 2.08 hrs) as well as clearance (2.22-4.37 L/h*m2) were independent of dose. Conclusions: Trabedersen showed excellent safety and encouraging survival results in the Phase I/II clinical study. A randomized, active-controlled study in 2nd line stage IV PanCa patients is in preparation.