Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center, multinational study on the safety and efficacy of 6% Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) sOlution versus an Electrolyte solutioN In patients undergoing eleCtive abdominal Surgery: study protocol for the PHOENICS study

Background

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used for volume therapy to treat hypovolemia due to acute blood loss and to maintain hemodynamic stability. This study was requested by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to provide more evidence on the long-term safety and efficacy of HES solutions in the perioperative setting.

Methods

PHOENICS is a randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center, multinational phase IV (IIIb) study with two parallel groups to investigate non-inferiority regarding the safety of a 6% HES 130 solution (Volulyte 6%, Fresenius Kabi, Germany) compared with a crystalloid solution (Ionolyte, Fresenius Kabi, Germany) for infusion in patients with acute blood loss during elective abdominal surgery. A total of 2280 eligible patients (male and female patients willing to participate, with expected blood loss ≥ 500 ml, aged > 40 and ≤ 85 years, and ASA Physical status II–III) are randomly assigned to receive either HES or crystalloid solution for the treatment of hypovolemia due to surgery-induced acute blood loss in hospitals in up to 11 European countries. The dosing of investigational products (IP) is individualized to patients’ volume needs and guided by a volume algorithm. Patients are treated with IP for maximally 24 h or until the maximum daily dose of 30 ml/kg body weight is reached.

The primary endpoint is the treatment group mean difference in the change from the pre-operative baseline value in cystatin-C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), to the eGFR value calculated from the highest cystatin-C level measured during post-operative days 1-3. Further safety and efficacy parameters include, e.g., combined mortality/major post-operative complications until day 90, renal function, coagulation, inflammation, hemodynamic variables, hospital length of stay, major post-operative complications, and 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality.

Discussion

The study will provide important information on the long-term safety and efficacy of HES 130/0.4 when administered according to the approved European product information. The results will be relevant for volume therapy of surgical patients.

Trial registration

EudraCT 2016-002162-30. ClinicalTrials.govNCT03278548

Vinorelbine and cisplatin in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus: response, toxicity, quality of life and survival

BACKGROUND

Vinorelbine and cisplatin are active against squamous cell oesophageal carcinoma. The purpose of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vinorelbine plus cisplatin in previously untreated patients with metastatic squamous cell oesophageal carcinoma and to estimate the progression-free survival, overall survival and quality of life (QoL) of the patient population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-one eligible patients were entered into a study of vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 plus cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1, every 3 weeks. Degree of dysphagia relief was monitored and QoL was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30.

RESULTS

All eligible patients were assessed for response and 24 achieved a confirmed partial response (33.8%; 95% confidence interval 23-46); the median duration of response was 6.8 months, progression-free survival was 3.6 months and median survival of the whole group was 6.8 months. Toxicity was mainly related to neutropenia (grade 3/4 in 41% of patients). At cycle 2, 43% of the patients reported at least a moderate improvement in global health status/QoL and 25% experienced a large improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Vinorelbine plus cisplatin represents a well-tolerated active palliative regimen for patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. This combination may offer a better therapeutic index than cisplatin-5-fluorouracil.

Caelyx in malignant mesothelioma: a phase II EORTC study

BACKGROUND

The use of doxorubicin has shown some activity in malignant mesothelioma but prolonged administration is hampered by cardiotoxicity. Caelyx, a new liposomal and pegylated form of doxorubicin has shown a better pharmacokinetic and toxic profile then doxorubicin. In a phase II study, the efficacy and toxicity of Caelyx was tested in previously untreated patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-three patients who had measurable or evaluable histologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma were included in the study. Caelyx (45 mg/m2) was given i.v. on outpatient base every four weeks for nine cycles or till progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred.

RESULTS

Of the 33 patients, 32 were evaluable for toxicity and 31 for response. Two patients had a partial response (6%, 95% confidence interval: 0.2%-20.2%). The median survival was 13 months. Forty percent of the patients received >6 cycles. Toxicity was mild with palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia being most pronounced (62% grade 1-2, 6% grade 3) and of limited duration. Ten percent of patients had grade 3 anemia and 3% grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Two patients (6%) had grade 3 or 4 cardiac toxicity, which was not drug related.

CONCLUSION

At the prescribed dose, single agent Caelyx is well tolerated but its activity in chemotherapy-naive mesothelioma patients does not warrant further investigation as a single agent.