Febrile neutropenia prophylaxis, G-CSF physician preferences: discrete-choice experiment

OBJECTIVES

Febrile neutropenia (FN) commonly occurs during cancer chemotherapy. Prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) is known to reduce the severity and incidence of FN and infections in patients with cancer. Despite the proven efficacy, G-CSFs are not always prescribed as recommended. We performed a discrete-choice experiment (DCE) to determine what factors drive the physician preference for FN prophylaxis in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

Attributes for the DCE were selected based on literature search and on expert focus group discussions and comprised pain at the injection site, presence of bone pain, associated fever/influenza syndrome, efficacy of prophylaxis, biosimilar availability, number of injections per chemotherapy cycle and cost. Oncologists, in a national database, were solicited to participate in an online DCE. The study collected the responses to the choice scenarios, the oncologist characteristics and their usual prescriptions of G-CSFs in the context of breast, lungs and gastrointestinal cancers.

RESULTS

Overall, the responses from 205 physicians were analysed. The physicians were mainly male (61%), with ≤20 years of experience (76%) and working only in public hospitals (73%). The physicians prescribe G-CSF primary prophylaxis for 32% of patients: filgrastim in 46% and pegfilgrastim in 54%. The choice of G-CSF for primary and secondary prophylaxis was driven by cost and number of injections. Biosimilars were well accepted.

CONCLUSION

Cost and convenience of G-CSF drive the physician decision to prescribe or not G-CSF for primary and secondary FN prophylaxes. It is important that these results be incorporated in the optimisation of G-CSF prescription in the clinical setting.

Hot-clot artifact in the lung parenchyma on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography mimicking malignancy with a homolateral non-small cell lung cancer

¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) is an important tool widely used in the oncology to stage and restage various malignancies. Intense focal FDG uptake in the lung parenchyma associated with the absence of anatomical lesion detected on CT can be explained by a lung microembolism, known as hot-clot artifact. We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first case describing a single hot-clot artifact located in the same lung as a histologically proven non-small cell lung cancer.

Efficacy and Safety of Bevacizumab Combined With First-Line Chemotherapy in Elderly (≥75 Years) Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Real-World Study

BACKGROUND

Although elderly patients are the first concerned by colorectal cancer (CRC), they are underrepresented in clinical trials. The real-world CASSIOPEE study was thus conducted in elderly patients treated for metastatic CRC (mCRC).

METHODS

This French prospective, multicenter, noninterventional study aimed to estimate 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and describe treatments, patient autonomy (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; Balducci scale), and safety over 24 months, in patients older than 75 with mCRC, starting first-line bevacizumab plus chemotherapy (NCT01555762).

RESULTS

From 2012 to 2014, 402 patients were included (safety population: n = 383, efficacy population: n = 358). Patient characteristics were as follows: mean age, 81 ± 4 years (<80 years, 46%; 80-85 years, 44%; >85 years, 10%); men, 52%; colon primary tumor, 80%; main metastatic site, liver 66%; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance 0-1, 81%. Median PFS was 9.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.3-10.2). It was superior for patients ≤85 years (<80 years: 9.3 months; 80-85 years: 9.5 months) compared with patients >85 years (8.3 months). Median OS was 19.0 months (95% CI, 16.5-21.5) and decreased in the 2 oldest groups (20.6, 17.8, and 13.0 months). Autonomy assessments decreased over time leading to nonconclusive results. Twenty-six percent of patients experienced serious adverse events (SAEs): 7% bevacizumab-related SAEs, and 6% bevacizumab-targeted SAEs. Two fatal bevacizumab-related adverse events were reported (hemorrhagic stroke and intestinal ischemia).

CONCLUSIONS

This large French real-world study showed that medically fit older patients with mCRC could have a benefit/risk balance similar to that of younger patients when treated with first-line bevacizumab plus chemotherapy. Improvements in geriatric assessments are needed to better define this population.

Abstract P6-07-28: The 21-gene assay in the decision impact assessment of ER+, HER2- Breast cancer: A French real life prospective study

BACKGROUND: Tumour gene expression analysis is useful in predicting adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in breast cancer (BC). The 21-gene assay test is used to estimate the risk of recurrence and to predict the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) at an early stage of hormone-receptor-positive (ER+) BC. This study aims to examine the implications of RecurrenceScore (RS) testing within the routine clinical practices in France.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicentert study, with voluntary participation, involving women with ER+, HER2-, BC. Performing the assay was left at the discretionof the physicians. The final treatment decision was discussed pre and post assay among tumor board (TB). The therapeutic changes after knowledge of RS were collected. RS and classical BC prognostic markers were investigated in parallel including an estimate of the budget impact of the assay.

RESULTS: 603 patients were included in this analysis (tumor size ≤ 20 mm: 70.6%; node-negative patients: 61.2%; SBR 2: 74.9%). After the first TB, ACT was recommended for 529 patients (88.0%) and hormonotherapy (HT) alone for 74 patients (12.0%). The RS was low for 59.7% of the cases, intermediate for 34.0% and high for 6.3%. Based on RS results, second TB changed treatment decision for 70.48% of patients, avoiding CT in 64 % of cases. Only 24% received ACT while 76% received HT alone. The calculated budget impact as a minimal estimate according to the French healthcare payer perspective is estimated at a savings of € 570 per patient, corresponding to a global cost-saving of € 221,730.

CONCLUSION: The results of this “real life” study confirm that the 21-gene assay had a significant impact on therapeutic decision. These findings warrant further consideration for the use of this genomic assay in patients with early stage BC in France.

Citation Format: Gligorov J, Dohollou N, Mouysset JL, Laplaige P, Fignon A, Lafuma A, Michaud P. The 21-gene assay in the decision impact assessment of ER+, HER2- Breast cancer: A French real life prospective study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-28.

Aflibercept in combination with FOLFIRI for the second-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: First interim safety data from AFEQT trial

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Background: In the randomized phase 3 VELOUR trial, aflibercept + FOLFIRI demonstrated a statistically significant overall survival benefit compared with FOLFIRI alone in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts) previously treated with an oxaliplatin-based regimen. Evidence from the VELOUR trial supported the initiation of a French clinical trial; AFEQT [NCT01670721] to capture utility values from QoL instruments and collect safety data from a target population similar to that in VELOUR. Interim data collected by French investigators are reported. Methods: AFEQT is single-arm, open-label trial evaluating safety and health-related QoL of aflibercept in mCRC pts previously treated with an oxaliplatin-based regimen. Estimated total enrollment is 200 mCRC pts. Eligible pts received aflibercept (4 mg/kg) q2wks on day 1 of each cycle followed by FOLFIRI up to disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, or investigator/patient decision, whichever occurred first. FOLFIRI starting dose and subsequent additional dose modifications were at the discretion of the treating physician. Safety assessments followed each cycle and continued until 30 days after last drug administration. The percentage of pts with grade 3/4 adverse events (G3/4 AEs) in the safety population of AFEQT was compared with that of VELOUR. Results: At data cut-off, the safety population comprised 123 pts with at least 1 completed cycle of treatment. Median age of pts was 64.6 vs. 61 years in VELOUR. At least 1 G3/4 AE was experienced by 67.5% of pts vs. 83.5% in VELOUR. Most reported G3/4 AEs were G3. There were no reports of G4 hypertension or diarrhea. Additional data will be reported during the meeting. Conclusions: In VELOUR, AEs occurred early in treatment, were often of single occurrence, generally reversible, and consistent with AEs commonly seen by oncologists. Interim safety analysis from AFEQT did not identify any new safety signal. Clinical trial information: NCT01670721. [Table: see text]

A phase III adjuvant randomised trial of 6 cycles of 5-fluorouracil-epirubicine-cyclophosphamide (FEC100) versus 4 FEC 100 followed by 4 Taxol (FEC-T) in node positive breast cancer patients (Trial B2000)

BACKGROUND

Standard adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for patients with node positive (N+) breast cancer consisted of anthracycline followed by taxane. The European Association for Research in Oncology embarked in 2000 on a phase III trial comparing 6 cycles of FEC100 versus 4 FEC100 followed by 4 Taxol. Primary end-point was disease free survival. Secondary end-points were overall survival, local recurrence free interval, metastases free interval and safety.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March 2000 and December 2002, 837 patients were randomised between 6FEC100 for 6 cycles (417patients) or FEC100 for 4 cycles then Taxol 175mg/m(2)/3 weeks for 4 cycles (4FEC100-4T) (420 patients). One thousand patients had been planned initially but the trial was closed earlier due to slow accrual.

RESULTS

Hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.99 for disease-free survival (DFS) (95%CI: 0.77-1.26; p=0.91), and 0.85 for overall survival (OS) (95%CI: 0.62-1.15; p=0.29). Nine-year DFS were 62.9% versus 62.5% for 6FEC100 and 4FEC100-4T, respectively. Nine-year OS were 73.9% versus 77% for 6FEC100 and 4FEC100-4T, respectively. Toxicity analyses based on 803 evaluable patients showed that overall grade 3-4 toxicities were similar in both arms (63% versus 58% for 6FEC100 arm and 4FEC100-4T arm, respectively; p=0.16).

CONCLUSION

In this trial replacing the last 2 FEC100 cycles of 6FEC100 regimen by 4 Taxol does not lead to a discernable DFS or OS advantage. The lack of a significant difference between the randomised treatment arms may however be due to a lack of power of this trial to detect small, yet clinically worthwhile, treatment benefits.

A prospective, observational study describing the haematological response in patients undergoing chemotherapy treated by tri-weekly darbepoetin alfa for anaemia

OBJECTIVE

This prospective, observational study investigated the haematological response to darbepoetin alfa (DA) administered every three weeks for the treatment of anaemia. Response was also assessed according to baseline characteristics including iron, folate and vitamin B12 status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Anaemic adult patients with malignant non-myeloid cancer, starting or having already undergone chemotherapy received DA on day of inclusionand were followed up for up to 24 weeks. Concentration of haemoglobin (Hb), as well as iron, vitamin B12 and folate status where available, were recorded at inclusion, after a treatment period of 9 weeks and up to a maximum of 24 weeks or cessation of DA treatment, whichever was sooner.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measure assessed in this study was the percentage of patients reaching a Hb concentration of at least 11 g/dL at least once at any time during the study.

RESULTS

A total of 2912 patients were included. The mean Hb concentration increased from 10.0 g/dL at inclusion to 11.4 g/dL at 9 weeks and 11.8 g/dL at 24 weeks. In 74.6% of patients the target Hb level of 11.0 g/dL or above was reached. After initiation of DA treatment, 9.5% of patients required a blood transfusion by week 9, and 5.6% thereafter. Vitamin B12 and folate status were unknown for 80.3% of patients and the iron status for 73.2% of patients. Compared with patients who remained untreated for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, a higher percentage of patients with vitamin status within normal limits achieved the target Hb concentration. However, achievement of target Hb level appeared not to be affected by iron status.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the mean Hb level increased in anaemic cancer patients treated with DA and the majority of patients achieved the target Hb level. In contrast to the recommendations of guidelines (EORTC) encouraging the measurement of iron and vitamin levels, the present study demonstrated that data were not routinely collected for these factors.

Analysis of the impact of growth factor on the haematological safety of dose-dense regimen in the randomized phase II adjuvant trial BO3

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Background: In a randomized phase II study, P. Piedbois et al. explored a dose-dense docetaxel (T) followed by epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC) every two weeks versus the reverse sequence, versus standard-dose docetaxel, epiribucin and cyclophosphamide (TEC) every 3 weeks. The main purpose of this second analysis was to further explore the haematological safety of each regimen in patients receiving primary prophylactic pegfilgrastim. Methods: One hundred patients with node-positive invasive breast adenocarcinoma were randomized between (arm A) docetaxel 75 mg/m2, epiribucin 75 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (TEC) every 3 weeks for 6 cycles (35 patients) or (arm B) epiribucin 100 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 2 weeks for 4 cycles, followed by T 100 mg/m2 (EC→T) every 2 weeks for 4 cycles (31 patients) or (arm C) T→ EC (34 patients). Among the 99 patients who received chemotherapy, 79 received pegfilgrastim 6 mg subcutaneous day 1 from the first cycle (27 in arm A, 23 in arm B and 29 in arm C). The safety data of these 79 patients were reported here. Results: Our results showed grade 3/4: neutropenia (arm A 30 %, arm B 39 %, arm C 31 %) and febrile neutropenia (FN) (arm A 11 %, arm B 13 %, arm C 3 %), grade 2–4: anaemia (arm A 26 %, arm B 61 %, arm C 55 %) and thrombocytopenia (arm A 15 %, arm B 9 %, arm C 3 %), respectively. Crude proportion and time to toxicity summaries showed that in dose-dense arms, patients allocated to the EC→ T sequence were more exposed to FN than patients allocated to the T→ EC. In the Cox model taking into account all allocated treatment and age, treatment was a predictor of grade 2–4 anaemia, whereas age was significantly correlated to grade 2–4 thrombocytopenia. There was no clear relationship between haematological toxicity and dose intensity across all treatment arms. Except for nausea (17 % versus 3 %) and neurological toxicity (13 % versus 3 %), non-haematological toxicities were similar in arm B and C. Conclusions: These analyzes confirmed that dose-dense regimens EC→ T or T→ EC are feasible with pegfilgrastim primary prophylaxis. The T→ EC sequence seems to be associated with a better haematological tolerance, and should be the preferred dose-dense regimen providing similar efficacy. The trial was supported by Amgen.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy in node-positive breast cancer: docetaxel followed by epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (T/EC), or the reverse sequence (EC/T), every 2 weeks, versus docetaxel, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (TEC) every 3 weeks. AERO B03 randomized phase II study

BACKGROUND

Adding a taxane to anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy prolongs survival in node-positive patients but optimal dose and schedule remain undetermined. This study aimed to select a dose-dense regimen for further assessment in phase III studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-nine patients with node-positive invasive breast adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to docetaxel (Taxotere) (T) 75 mg/m2, epirubicin (E) 75 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide (C) 500 mg/m2 (TEC)x6, every 3 weeks; E 100 mg/m2, C 600 mg/m2 x 4, then T 100 mg/m2 x 4 (EC-->T) or the reverse sequence (T-->EC), every 2 weeks, with pegfilgrastim support. The primary end point was the incidence of grade 4 toxicity.

RESULTS

Dose intensity was almost doubled with dose-dense regimens, compared with TEC. Twenty-seven patients experienced grade 4 toxicity: 26%, 40% and 18% with TEC, EC-->T and T-->EC, respectively, mainly neutropenia, but febrile neutropenia occurred only in 11%, 10% and 3%. Grade 3-4 nail disorders, hand-foot syndrome and peripheral neuropathy occurred in 46%, 73% and 68% of patients with TEC, EC-->T and T-->EC, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose-dense regimens yield more frequent and severe nonhematological toxic effects than standard dose TEC regimen. Though grade 4 toxicity rates appear acceptable with the T-->EC regimen, the incidence of grade 3-4 events makes it difficult to recommend either dose-dense regimen for further investigation.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) continuous intravenous infusion compared with bolus administration. Final results of a randomised trial in metastatic colorectal cancer

The aim of this Phase III, balanced randomised trial was to compare continuous intravenous infusion (CVI) of 5-FU with bolus (B) administration for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). One hundred and fifty-five non-pretreated patients were randomised to receive CVI 5-FU at a dose of 750 mg/m2/day (d), 7 d every 21 d (n = 77), or bolus 5-FU 500 mg/m2/d x 5 d every 28 d (n = 78). Incremental dose escalation at 50 mg per step was recommended in the absence of toxicity. All the patients had measurable metastatic disease (M), particularly, liver and a good performance status (WHO grade 0-1). Dose intensity was significantly higher in CVI than in the bolus group: 1369 mg/m2/week versus 558 mg/m2/week (P = 0.0001). Grade II-IV stomatitis was more frequent in the CVI group (31% versus 9%; P < 0.0001) as was hand and foot syndrome (14% versus 3%; P < 0.001). Diarrhoea (22% versus 12%) and grade III granulocytopenia (2% versus 6%) were comparable. Responses were more frequent in the CVI (26%) than in the bolus group (13%) (P < 0.04); progression-free survival was higher for the CVI group (P = 0.04), but there was no statistical difference in overall survival (median: 10 months (m) compared to 9 m), and 1 year survival (SD) 42% (6%) versus 40% (6%). In the multivariate analysis, survival was better for patients with a good PS, well-differentiated adenocarcinomas and a primary tumour without serosal extension. In conclusion, with a higher dose intensity, CVI 5-FU improved tumour control, but not overall survival.

Ondansetron compared with granisetron in the prophylaxis of cyclophosphamide-induced emesis in out-patients: a multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, parallel-group study. Emesis Study Group for Ondansetron and Granisetron in Breast Cancer Patients

This is the first double-blind clinical trial in a homogenous group of patients to compare the recommended dosing schedules of ondansetron and granisetron in the control of prolonged emesis after cyclophosphamide-containing chemotherapy (48% CMF, 35% EC) for breast cancer. A total of 514 patients were recruited. Of the 488 patients included in the intent-to-treat analyses, 167 were randomised to group A [8 mg ondansetron intravenously (i.v.) + placebo by mouth (p.o.) before chemotherapy + 8 mg ondansetron p.o. twice daily (b.d.) until day 5], 155 to group B (placebo i,.v. + 8 mg ondansetron p.o. before chemotherapy + 8 mg ondansetron p.o. b.d. until day 5) and 166 to group C (3 mg granisetron i.v. + placebo p.o. before chemotherapy + placebo p.o. b.d. until day 5). On study day 1, the groups were comparable with respect to the proportion of patients experiencing up to 2 emetic episodes (group A: 89%; B: 86%; C: 91%) and in the severity of nausea (no nausea; group A: 51%; B: 55%; C: 54%). Over the 5-day study period significantly more patients were rescued or withdrawn due to lack of response after the granisetron regimen (26%) than after the i.v. + p.o. ondansetron regimen (11%; p < 0.001). Since there was no difference in these parameters on day 1, this reflects differences on days 2-5 and was also reflected in the all-oral ondansetron group over this period (group B: 12%; C: 22% on days 2-5). A significant difference in the severity of nausea after i.v. and p.o. ondansetron compared with granisetron was also observed over the 5-day study period (p = 0.009). This was reflected in a numerical difference in favour of the all-p.o. ondansetron regimen compared with the granisetron regimen (no nausea; group A: 33%; B: 34%; C: 25%). Again these differences reflected differences in nausea control on days 2-5, since no differences were observed on day 1. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for prognostic factors also revealed a significant difference (p = 0.011) in favour of the i.v. + ondansetron group compared with the granisetron group when complete plus major response was compared over days 2-5. No significant differences in the safety profiles of the three treatment groups were observed. There were no severe or unexpected drug-related adverse events and as is well established for the serotonin receptor antagonists, mild constipation (mean 8%) and mild headache (mean 8%) were most commonly reported.

Phase II trial of 7-day continuous 5-fluorouracil infusion in the treatment of advanced colorectal carcinoma

Thirty-eight patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma were entered on a phase II trial of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in continuous infusion, using a portable pump. Half of the patients had been pretreated (n = 19) and 16 of them had received intravenous bolus 5-FU alone or in combination. At the first cycle patients received continuous intravenous 5-FU at the dose of 650 mg/m2 per day for 7 consecutive days. Doses were escalated during the following cycles and adjusted according to the toxicities encountered in the previous cycle. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. A mean dose of 750 mg/m2/day (500-1,000) was administered for a mean number of 10 (1-25) cycles. We observed 1 complete response, 7 partial responses for a response rate of 21 +/- 13% (CI95%), 16 had stable disease (42%) and 14 a progression (37%). In 2 patients subsequently the residual tumors could be excised after chemotherapy. Median survival was 13.5 months. Toxicity was: grade 2 leukopenia in 1 patient (3%), mucositis grade 2-4 in 11 patients (29%), diarrhea grade 2-3 in 7 patients (18%), and hand and foot syndrome in 12 patients (31%). There was a correlation between the mean dose administered and the responses. However no clear correlation was found between toxicity and tumoral response for the first two cycles. These results confirm the limited efficacy of continuous intravenous 5-FU and its good tolerance in ambulatory patients.