Carboplatin and Etoposide for the Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer with or without Neuroendocrine Features: A French Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy using carboplatin and etoposide (CE) is frequently pragmatically proposed to treat metastatic prostate cancer (mPC), both primary small-cell neuroendocrine (PSC-NE) carcinoma and adenocarcinoma with or without neuroendocrine (NE) marker elevation. However, the real benefit of CE is poorly reported in the recent therapeutic context.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and tolerance of CE chemotherapy in these three different groups of mPC patients. Efficacy endpoints included radiological response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), as well as PSA response and PFS2/PFS1 ratio in patients with adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were included in this single-center study (N = 18 with PSC-NE carcinoma and 51 with adenocarcinoma with (N = 18) or without (N = 33) NE marker elevation). Patients with adenocarcinoma were highly pretreated with next-generation hormonal agents (NHAs) and taxanes. In patients with adenocarcinoma, a PSA response ≥50% was observed in six patients (15.8%), four of whom had NE marker elevation. The radiological response was higher in PSC-NE and tended to be higher in adenocarcinoma when NE marker elevation was present. Comparing patients with adenocarcinoma with vs. without NE marker elevation, the median PFS was 3.7 and 2.1 months and the median OS was 7.7 and 4.7 months, respectively. Overall, 62.3% of patients experienced grade 3-4 adverse events (mainly hematological), and three treatment-related deaths were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Reports of the clinical results of CE suggest that we should not mix PSC-NE and castration-resistant adenocarcinoma of the prostate. In patients with heavily pretreated adenocarcinoma, the benefit/risk ratio of CE chemotherapy seems unfavorable due to poor response and high toxicity.

A phase I study of the combination of atezolizumab, tiragolumab, and stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with metastatic multiorgan cancer

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is a standard of care in a number of metastatic malignancies, but less than a fifth of patients are expected to respond to ICIs (Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors). In a clinical trial, combining the anti-TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains) Mab (monoclonal antibody) tiragolumab with atezolizumab improved outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer. In preclinical models, SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) could increase expression levels of the inhibitory co-receptors TIGIT and PD-L1. We aim to assess the combination of tiragolumab with atezolizumab and SBRT in metastatic, previously treated by ICIs, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cell cancer.

METHODS

This phase I study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05259319) will assess the efficacy and safety of the combination of atezolizumab with tiragolumab and stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with histologically proven metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell cancer, bladder cancer, and head and neck cancer previously treated. First part: 2 different schedules of SBRT in association with a fixed dose of atezolizumab and tiragolumab will be investigated only with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients (cohort 1). The expansion cohorts phase will be a multicentric, open-label study at the recommended scheme of administration and enroll additional patients with metastatic bladder cancer, renal cell cancer, and head and neck cancer (cohort 2, 3 and 4). Patients will be treated until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, intercurrent conditions that preclude continuation of treatment, or patient refusal in the absence of progression or intolerance. The primary endpoint of the first phase is the safety of the combination in a sequential or concomitant scheme and to determine the expansion cohorts phase recommended scheme of administration. The primary endpoint of phase II is to evaluate the efficacy of tiragolumab + atezolizumab + SBRT in terms of 6-month PFS (Progression-Free Survival). Ancillary analyses will be performed with peripheral and intratumoral immune biomarker assessments.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05259319, since February 28th, 2022.

Factors Associated with Survival in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study from the ENDOCAN-TUTHYREF Network

Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and frequently fatal type of thyroid cancer. The degree of heterogeneity in survival rates for ATC is incompletely studied. This study evaluated the factors associated with overall survival (OS) of patients with ATC using multicenter real-world data from a national tertiary care center network in France. Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective cohort study, all patients with ATC diagnosed between 2010 and 2020 were identified from the national database of the French ENDOCAN-TUTHYREF network. Factors associated with OS were examined in multivariable analyses using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The study included 360 patients. Of these, 220 (61%) were female and the median age was 72 years (interquartile range: 62-80). The percentages of patients with pure and mixed (synchronously-transformed) ATC (p-ATC and st-ATC) were 62.5% and 26.7%, respectively. The median OS was 6.8 months [confidence interval, CI: 5.5-8.1]: not reached for stage IVa, 11.4 months [8.2-17.8] for IVb, and 4.6 months [3.5-5.7] for IVc. Surgery, radiation therapy to the neck, chemotherapy, and best supportive care were administered to 69 (19.2%), 214 (59.4%), 254 (70.6%), and 66 (18.3%) patients, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, including stage IVb-IVc patients, significantly higher OS was observed in patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance-status of 0-1 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.6; [CI, 0.4-0.9], p < 0.02), stage IVb [HR, 0.5; CI, 0.4-0.8, p < 0.001], and multimodal treatment (surgery and chemoradiotherapy) [HR, 0.07; CI, 0.04-0.1, p < 0.001]. Variables associated with significantly worse OS included: p-ATC (vs. st-ATC) [HR, 1.83; CI, 1.33-2.51, p = 0.001] and a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >5.05 [HR, 2.05, CI, 1.39-3.05, p < 0.001]. Conclusions: Factors independently associated with improved OS in ATC included: European Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, disease stage, multimodality treatment, synchronously transformed ATC, and lower NLR. Long-term OS was observed in selected patients with ATC who underwent multimodal treatment.

Parallel evolution and differences in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody between patients with cancer and health care workers in a tertiary cancer centre during the first and second wave of COVID-19 pandemic: canSEROcov-II cross-sectional study

Background

Patients with cancer are a population at high risk of severe infection from SARS-CoV-2. Patients with cancer regularly attend specialised healthcare centres for management and treatment, where they are in contact with healthcare workers (HCWs). Numerous recommendations target both patients with cancer and HCWs to minimise the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during these interactions.

Objective

To investigate the parallel evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic in these 2 populations over time, we studied the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after both the first and second waves of the pandemic, and in both cancer patients and HCWs from a single specialised anti-cancer centre. Factors associated with seropositivity were identified in both populations.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study after the second wave of the COVID pandemic in France. All participants were invited to undergo serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 and complete a questionnaire collecting data about their working conditions (for HCWs) or medical management (for patients) during this period. Results after the second wave were compared to those of a previous study among 1011 patients with cancer and 663 HCWs performed in the same centre after the first wave, using the same evaluations.

Findings

We included 502 HCWs and 507 patients with cancer. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was higher after the second wave than after the first wave in both HCWs (15.1% versus 1.8%; p < 0.001), and patients (4.1% versus 1.7%; p = 0.038). By multivariate analysis, the factors found to be associated with seropositivity after the second wave for HCWs were: working in direct patient care (p = 0.050); having worked in a dedicated COVID-19 unit (p = 0.0036); contact with a person with COVID-19-positive in the workplace (p = 0.0118) or outside of the workplace (p = 0.0297). Among patients with cancer, only a contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 was found to be significantly associated with positive serology. The proportion of reported contacts with individuals with COVID-19-positive was significantly lower among patients with cancer than among HCWs (7.6% versus 40.7%, respectively; p < 0.0001)

Interpretation

Between the first and second waves of the epidemic in France, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies increased to a lesser extent among patients with cancer than among their HCWs, possibly due to better self-protection, notably social distancing. The risk factors for infection identified among HCWs plead in favour of numerous intra-hospital contaminations, especially for HCWs in contact with high-risk patients. This underlines the compelling need to pursue efforts to implement strict hygiene and personal protection measures (including vaccination) to protect HCWs and patients with cancer.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Paranasal Sinuses with Unexpected Location and Clinical Presentation and Occupational Exposure: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 56-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Small cell carcinoma head and neck

Symptoms: Initial clinical digestive presentation • occupational exposure to sawdust

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Oncology • Otolaryngology • Pulmonology

Efficacy and safety of erdafitinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: long-term follow-up of a phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

Erdafitinib, a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was shown to be clinically active and tolerable in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and prespecified FGFR alterations in the primary analysis of the BLC2001 study at median 11 months of follow-up. We aimed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of the selected regimen of erdafitinib determined in the initial part of the study.

METHODS

The open-label, non-comparator, phase 2, BLC2001 study was done at 126 medical centres in 14 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with locally advanced and unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, at least one prespecified FGFR alteration, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, and progressive disease after receiving at least one systemic chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy or were ineligible for cisplatin. The selected regimen determined in the initial part of the study was continuous once daily 8 mg/day oral erdafitinib in 28-day cycles, with provision for pharmacodynamically guided uptitration to 9 mg/day (8 mg/day UpT). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed confirmed objective response rate according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1. Efficacy and safety were analysed in all treated patients who received at least one dose of erdafitinib. This is the final analysis of this study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02365597.

FINDINGS

Between May 25, 2015, and Aug 9, 2018, 2328 patients were screened, of whom 212 were enrolled and 101 were treated with the selected erdafitinib 8 mg/day UpT regimen. The data cutoff date for this analysis was Aug 9, 2019. Median efficacy follow-up was 24·0 months (IQR 22·7-26·6). The investigator-assessed objective response rate for patients treated with the selected erdafitinib regimen was 40 (40%; 95% CI 30-49) of 101 patients. The safety profile remained similar to that in the primary analysis, with no new safety signals reported with longer follow-up. Grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events of any causality occurred in 72 (71%) of 101 patients. The most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events of any cause were stomatitis (in 14 [14%] of 101 patients) and hyponatraemia (in 11 [11%]). There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

With longer follow-up, treatment with the selected regimen of erdafitinib showed consistent activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and prespecified FGFR alterations.

FUNDING

Janssen Research & Development.

Phase I Dose-Escalation Trial of an Innovative Chemotherapy Regimen Combining a Fractionated Dose of Irinotecan Plus Bevacizumab, Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Folinic Acid (bFOLFIRINOX-3) in Chemorefractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

Treatment of non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) involves chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan and monoclonal antibodies targeting VEGF or EGFR. After an initial progression, it is usual to change the chemotherapy regimen and targeted therapy, with rather moderate results. Several studies have focused on the interest of using again already used molecules and rechallenge with oxaliplatin and irinotecan bi fractionation (FOLFIRI3) have previously shown efficacy in chemorefractory patients, but desynchronized triplet chemotherapy was never tested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new regimen so-called: FOLFIRINOX-3 bevacizumab in chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer.

Abstract

The care of metastatic colorectal cancers is based on combination chemotherapies including 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and monoclonal antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor or vascular endothelial growth factor. The regimen is determined based on the patient’s molecular biology and general condition. Irinotecan bifractionation showed efficacy in chemorefractory patients in a previous study, FOLFIRI-3, but a desynchronized triplet has never been tested. The aim of bFOLFIRINOX-3 is to determine the safety, tolerance, and efficacy of a new regimen (FOLFIRINOX-3 bevacizumab) in chemorefractory patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FOLFIRINOX-3 bevacizumab in chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A standard phase I, “3 + 3” design study was performed. The standard protocol comprised simplified FOLFOX 4 (folinic acid 400 mg/m²), 5-fluorouracil (a 400 mg/m² bolus followed by 2400 mg/m² for 46 h), oxaliplatin (85 mg/m²) and irinotecan (administered before and after 5-fluorouracil infusion), plus bevacizumab (5 mg/kg). In a “3 + 3” design, three different doses of irinotecan were tested: 60, 70 and 90 mg/m². The primary endpoint was the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of irinotecan. The secondary endpoints included the objective response (at 8 and 16 weeks) according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria and progression free survival. Thirteen patients were enrolled, and twelve patients were finally evaluated for dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The dose level defined was 70 mg/m² irinotecan. A total of three DLTs were observed (grade 3 diarrhea): two DLTs at the 90 mg/m² dose level and one at the 70 mg/m² dose level. The most frequently described adverse events were asthenia (93%), diarrhea (77%), nausea (62%) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (46%). The most frequent biological event was thrombopenia (54%). Regarding efficacy, among the 11 evaluable patients, no progression was observed at 8 weeks, and the partial response rate was 18.2%. At 16 weeks, a partial response rate of 27.3% was observed, and five patients had a stable disease. The new regimen of bFOLFIRINOX-3 with irinotecan at 70 mg/m² was well tolerated. In chemorefractory patients, this protocol shows a high response rate.

A phase II study of monalizumab in patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: The I1 cohort of the EORTC-HNCG-1559 UPSTREAM trial

PURPOSE

Monalizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the inhibitory natural killer group 2A (NKG2A) receptor localised on natural killer (NK) and T cells. Its ligand, the human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E), is overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). By targeting the HLA-E-NKG2A pathway, monalizumab may enhance NK and T cell activity.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The UPSTREAM trial is a biomarker-driven umbrella trial studying targeted therapies and immunotherapies in patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) SCCHN progressing after platinum therapy. The immunotherapy 1 (I1) cohort was a phase II, single-arm substudy evaluating monalizumab (10 mg/kg intravenously on day 1 of a 14-day cycle). The primary end-point was the objective response (OR) rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours 1.1) over the first 16 weeks. A two-stage Simon design was used (H1 15%, H0 3%, α 8%, power 90%) with pre-planned interruption of accrual if no OR was observed after the first 25 patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-six eligible patients were enrolled. Seventeen (65%) patients had received ≥2 previous lines of systemic treatment, and 15 (58%) patients were PD(-L)1 inhibitor pretreated. No OR was observed. Stable disease was observed in 6 patients (23%) with a median duration of 3.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-NE). The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 1.7 months (95% CI: 1.5-1.8) and 6.7 months (95% CI: 3.0-9.6), respectively. The most frequent treatment-related adverse event was grade I/II fatigue (19%).

CONCLUSIONS

Monalizumab monotherapy has limited activity in R/M SCCHN. The I1 cohort did not meet its primary objective. Monalizumab combined with durvalumab is under investigation within UPSTREAM.

Everolimus or sunitinib as first-line treatment of metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma: A retrospective study of the GETUG group (Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs Uro-Génitales)

BACKGROUND

Two phase II trials (NCT00688753 and NCT00541008) reported efficacy data of sunitinib and everolimus in first-line treatment of metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma (mpRCC). Although most patients receive sunitinib or a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor in first- and second-line treatment, the optimal strategy remained unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 23 centres of the Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs Urogénitales group, after centralised pathological review, we analysed retrospectively progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with mpRCC treated in first-line treatment (PFS-1) with sunitinib or everolimus (primary end-point), PFS in second-line treatment (PFS-2), overall survival (OS), objective response rate, disease control rate (DCR), overall sequence and prognostic factors for OS (secondary end-points).

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-eight patients (119 men and 19 women), median age 62.5 years, with mpRCC type 1 (n = 24) or non-type 1 (n = 114), received first-line sunitinib (n = 107) or everolimus (n = 31). With a median follow-up of 92 months, we found no significant difference between the treatment groups in terms of PFS-1 (5.5 versus 6.2 months) and DCR (69% versus 83%). Ninety-eight patients received a second-line treatment, 69% with mTOR inhibitors after sunitinib and 100% with tyrosine kinase inhibitors after everolimus, with similar DCR (64% versus 58%), median PFS-2 (3.4 versus 4.8 months) and OS (16.0 versus 20.3 months). No factor was prognostic for PFS-1, whereas leukocytosis, anaemia and the time from diagnosis to first systemic therapy < 1 year were prognostic for OS. We found no prognostic difference between both pRCC subtypes. The International Metastatic Renal Cell Database Consortium risk factors were prognostic for OS.

CONCLUSION

Sunitinib and everolimus had similar efficacy in first-line treatment of patients with mpRCC.

Phase I dose-escalation study of desynchronized irinotecan plus bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and folinic acid (bFOLFIRINOX-3) administration in chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients

e15573

Background: Treatment of non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) involves chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan and monoclonal antibodies targeting VEGF or EGFR. Rechallenge with oxaliplatin and irinotecan bi fractionation (FOLFIRI3) have previously shown efficacy in chemorefractory patients but desynchronized triplet chemotherapy was never tested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new regimen so-called: FOLFIRINOX-3 bevacizumab in chemorefractory mCRC. Methods: A phase I study to test bFOLFIRINOX 3 regimen was designed using Standard “3 + 3” design for dose escalation. Patients enrolled, >18years and ECOG 0 or 1, have a pathologically confirmed mCRC and experienced treatment failure after standard chemotherapy that include 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Absence of residual neuropathy and previous grade 3 irinotecan related toxicity was manditory. Regimen tested consisted of bevacizumab (5mg/kg) plus simplified FOLFOX4 (folinic acid (400mg/m2), 5-fluorouracil (400mg/m2 bolus followed by 2400mg/m2 for 46h), oxaliplatin (85mg/m2) and irinotecan (administered before and after infusional 5-fluorouracil). Three irinotecan levels were planned at 60, 70 and 90 mg/m² (day 1 and day 3). Dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were identified during the first 2 cycles. Primary endpoint was assessment of maximum tolerable dose trough evaluation of acute toxicities (CTCAE v4.03). Secondary endpoints included objective response (RECIST 1.1), progression free survival, overall survival and late toxicity. Results: Thirteen patients received experimental treatment on this study. The RP2D was irinotecan 70mg/m² day 1 and day 3. Two patients experienced DLTs (G3 diarhea ) at dose level 90mg/m² and one DLT occured (G3 diarrhea) at 70mg/m² level. The most common drug-related adverse events (all grades) were fatigue (92.3%), diarrhea (76.9%), nausea (61.5%), peripheral neuropathy (61.5%), thrombopenia (46.1%) and anemia (15.3%). Among 11 response-evaluable patients, we noticed 4 partial responses, 7 stable disease and no progression as best response. Conclusions: The combination of bFOLFIRINOX-3 at the RP2D of 70mg/m² day 1 and day 3. was well tolerated and feseably. The regimen resulted in high response rate in chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Phase II is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03795311.

Cetuximab, docetaxel, and cisplatin versus platinum, fluorouracil, and cetuximab as first-line treatment in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (GORTEC 2014-01 TPExtreme): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Results from a phase 2 trial of the TPEx chemotherapy regimen (docetaxel-platinum-cetuximab) showed promising results, with a median overall survival of 14·0 months in first-line recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We therefore aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the TPEx regimen with the standard of care EXTREME regimen (platinum-fluorouracil-cetuximab) in this setting.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 2 trial, done in 68 centres (cancer centres, university and general hospitals, and private clinics) in France, Spain, and Germany. Eligible patients were aged 18-70 years with histologically confirmed recurrent or metastatic HNSCC unsuitable for curative treatment; had at least one measurable lesion according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1; and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1 or less. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using the TenAlea website by investigators or delegated clinical research associates to the TPEx regimen or the EXTREME regimen, with minimisation by ECOG performance status, type of disease evolution, previous cetuximab treatment, and country. The TPEx regimen consisted of docetaxel 75 mg/m² and cisplatin 75 mg/m², both intravenously on day 1, and cetuximab on days 1, 8, and 15 (intravenously 400 mg/m² on day 1 of cycle 1 and 250 mg/m² weekly subsequently). Four cycles were repeated every 21 days with systematic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) support at each cycle. In case of disease control after four cycles, intravenous cetuximab 500 mg/m² was continued every 2 weeks as maintenance therapy until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The EXTREME regimen consisted of fluorouracil 4000 mg/m² on day 1-4, cisplatin 100 mg/m² on day 1, and cetuximab on days 1, 8, and 15 (400 mg/m² on day 1 of cycle 1 and 250 mg/m² weekly subsequently) all delivered intravenously. Six cycles were delivered every 21 days followed by weekly 250 mg/m² cetuximab as maintenance therapy in case of disease control. G-CSF support was not mandatory per the protocol in the EXTREME regimen. The primary endpoint was overall survival in the intention-to-treat population; safety was analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of chemotherapy or cetuximab. Enrolment is closed and this is the final analysis. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02268695.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 10, 2014, and Nov 29, 2017, 541 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the two treatment regimens (271 to TPEx, 270 to EXTREME). Two patients in the TPEx group had major deviations in consent forms and were not included in the final analysis. Median follow-up was 34·4 months (IQR 26·6-44·8) in the TPEx group and 30·2 months (25·5-45·3) in the EXTREME group. At data cutoff, 209 patients had died in the TPEx group and 218 had died in the EXTREME group. Overall survival did not differ significantly between the groups (median 14·5 months [95% CI 12·5-15·7] in the TPEx group and 13·4 months [12·2-15·4] in the EXTREME group; hazard ratio 0·89 [95% CI 0·74-1·08]; p=0·23). 214 (81%) of 263 patients in the TPEx group versus 246 (93%) of 265 patients in the EXTREME group had grade 3 or worse adverse events during chemotherapy (p<0·0001). In the TPEx group, 118 (45%) of 263 patients had at least one serious adverse event versus 143 (54%) of 265 patients in the EXTREME group. 16 patients in the TPEx group and 21 in the EXTREME group died in association with adverse events, including seven patients in each group who had fatal infections (including febrile neutropenia). Eight deaths in the TPEx group and 11 deaths in the EXTREME group were assessed as treatment related, most frequently sepsis or septic shock (four in each treatment group).

INTERPRETATION

Although the trial did not meet its primary endpoint, with no significant improvement in overall survival with TPEx versus EXTREME, the TPEx regimen had a favourable safety profile. The TPEx regimen could provide an alternative to standard of care with the EXTREME regimen in the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, especially for those who might not be good candidates for up-front pembrolizumab treatment.

FUNDING

Merck Santé and Chugai Pharma.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the staff and patients of a French cancer centre after first lockdown: The canSEROcov study

Background

In view of the potential gravity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection for patients with cancer, epidemiological data are vital to assess virus circulation among patients and staff of cancer centres. We performed a prospective study to investigate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and patients with cancer at a large cancer centre, at the end of the period of first national lockdown in France and to determine factors associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

After the first lockdown, all medical and non-medical staff, as well as all patients attending the medical oncology department were invited to undergo serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 between 11 May and 30 June 2020. All participants were also invited to complete a questionnaire collecting data about their living and working conditions, and for patients, medical management during lockdown.

Findings

A total of 1,674 subjects (663 staff members, 1011 patients) were included. Seroprevalence was low in both staff (1.8%) and patients (1.7%), despite more features of high risk for severe forms among patients. None of the risk factors tested in our analysis (working or living conditions, comorbidities, management characteristics during lockdown) was found to be statistically associated with seroprevalence in either staff or patients. There was no significant difference in the proportion of symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects between staff and patients. Only fever, loss of smell, and loss of taste were significantly more frequent among seropositive patients, in both staff and patients.

Interpretation

We report very low seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the staff (caregiving and non-caregiving) and patients of a large cancer care centre in which strict hygiene, personal protection, and social distancing measures were implemented.

Urbanization and increased cases of scorpionism in Brazilian cities

Introduction

Scorpionism is a growing problem in Brazil; the hot climate in most of the country makes it suitable for the proliferation in urban and domestic regions alike. The temperatures, low levels of basic sanitation and disorganized urbanization result in an perfect environment for scorpionic accidents.

Objectives

Analyze the urbanization of scorpion accidents in the State of São Paulo - SSP as a public health problem.

Methods

Observational and descriptive study with data from the National System of Notifiable Diseases - SINAN of the Department of Health of Brazil, with direct risk calculation, from the analysis of the incidence of accidents with scorpions in urban areas of SSP, in the period from 1975 to 2019.

Results

In SSP, accidents with scorpions increased 642% between the years 1975 and 2019 in the most densely urbanized nuclei: the cities of São Paulo, Guarulhos, Campinas, São Bernardo do Campo and Santo André. These cases are associated with increased mortality in children and the elderly and corresponded to 56.63% of the total accidents with venomous animals in the SSP. This increase in the occurrence of scorpionic accidents is associated with the behavior of the animal, which finds conditions for its proliferation in the urban environment facilitated by the absence of predators and becomes a relevant public health problem.

Conclusions

Urban areas have become a propitious environment to scorpions' proliferation. Urban dynamics, garbage and other urban waste displacement, human habitation, combined with deficiencies in infrastructure and basic sanitation, created the conditions for the emergence of accidents with scorpions in urban areas as a relevant public health problem with significant mortality numbers, especially vulnerable groups of elderly people and children, in the large urban centers of SSP, Brazil.

Key messages

Discuss the synanthropy and proliferation of venomous animals in urban centers. New public health challenges with the change of accidents with venomous animals from rural to urban areas.

Monitoring HSP70 exosomes in cancer patients' follow up: a clinical prospective pilot study

Exosomes are nanovesicles released by all cells that can be found in the blood. A key point for their use as potential biomarkers in cancer is to differentiate tumour-derived exosomes from other circulating nanovesicles. Heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) has been shown to be abundantly expressed by cancer cells and to be associated with bad prognosis. We previously showed that exosomes derived from cancer cells carried HSP70 in the membrane while those from non-cancerous cells did not. In this work, we opened a prospective clinical pilot study including breast and lung cancer patients to determine whether it was possible to detect and quantify HSP70 exosomes in the blood of patients with solid cancers. We found that circulating exosomal HSP70 levels, but not soluble HSP70, reflected HSP70 content within the tumour biopsies. Circulating HSP70 exosomes increased in metastatic patients compared to non-metastatic patients or healthy volunteers. Further, we demonstrated that HSP70-exosome levels correlated with the disease status and, when compared with circulating tumour cells, were more sensitive tumour dissemination predictors. Finally, our case studies indicated that HSP70-exosome levels inversely correlated with response to the therapy and that, therefore, monitoring changes in circulating exosomal HSP70 might be useful to predict tumour response and clinical outcome.

NISCAHN: A phase II, multicenter nonrandomized trial aiming at evaluating nivolumab (N) in two cohorts of patients (pts) with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) salivary gland carcinoma of the head and neck (SGCHN), on behalf of the Unicancer Head & Neck Group

6083

Background: SGCHN are rare tumors including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and non-ACC, with no standard systemic treatment for R/M pts. We evaluated N monotherapy in R/M SGCHN pts. Methods: R/M SGCHN pts (ACC or non-ACC) not eligible to local treatment and with centrally confirmed RECIST 1.1 disease progression over the last 6 months were enrolled and received N 3 mg/kg IV, every 2 weeks for a maximum of 12 months (mo). Possibility was given to re-start N in case of progression during the 2-year follow-up phase. Primary endpoint was 6-mo non-progression Rate (NPR6m) as per RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints included ORR, PFS, OS, and safety. Considering that N would be uninteresting if NPR6m ≤ 20% and promising if ≥ 40% and using a Fleming’s single-stage design (α: 5% unilateral, power: 90%), at least 14 successes/42 evaluable pts were required for each cohort to be positive. Results: 46 ACC and 52 Non-ACC pts (median age 61 yrs (range 29-81), 43.9% female, 55.1% PS1 and 2.0% PS2) were enrolled and received at least one dose of N. Median treatment duration was 5.5 mo (ACC) and 3.3 (Non-ACC). Median FU was 10.8 mo (ACC) and 8.3 mo (Non-ACC). 95 patients were evaluable for the primary endpoint. NPR6m was 15/45 pts (33.3%, 90%CI :21.8;46.6) and 7/50 pts (14.0%, 90%CI:6.8;24.7) for ACC and non-ACC pts respectively. 4 (8.7%) partial responses (PR) and 26 (56.5%) stable diseases (SD) were observed in ACC cohort while 2 (3.8%) PR and 22 (42.3%) SD were observed in non-ACC. Median PFS was 4.9 mo (95%CI = 3.4;5.6) in ACC pts and 1.8 mo (95%CI = 1.7;3.5) in non-ACC pts. The most common related adverse events (AE) ( > 10% by cohort) were asthenia, hyperthyroidism, diarrhea, rash, pruritus and hypothyroidism. 7/98 pts (7.1%) presented at least one related AE Grade 3-4 (mainly hepatic) and 9 pts (9.2%) prematurely discontinued Nivolumab due to toxicity. Conclusions: Limited efficacy was observed with N in R/M SGCHN pts. N in combination might be of interest and deserves exploration in ACC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03132038.

A safety study of nivolumab in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic platinum-refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN): Interim analysis on 199 patients—The TOPNIVO study on behalf of the GORTEC and the Unicancer Head & Neck Group

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Background: In the randomized phase III Study CA209141, Nivolumab (N) demonstrated significant overall survival (OS) benefit with favorable safety profile for platinum refractory R/M SCCHN and is now approved for these patients (pts). The objectives of the study are to provide additional insight into the frequency of high-grade AEs related to N and the efficacy of N in real life. Methods: Between August and December 2017, 203 pts were included in the multicenter, non-controlled phase II TOPNIVO. The main inclusion criteria were patients with platinum refractory R/M SCCHN with progressive disease, ECOG 0-2. Pts received N 3mg/kg every 2 weeks intravenously over 30 minutes. Four pts did not receive N. We report here the safety during the first 6 months (mo) after inclusion and OS results on the first 199 treated pts. Results: Median age was 62 yr, 83% were male, 84% were ECOG 0-1, 16% 2. The primary site of cancer was oral cavity 26%, oropharynx 38%, larynx 16%, hypopharynx 21%. 33% had loco regional relapse, 32% metastatic disease and 35% both. 49% had received one prior line of chemotherapy and 30% two prior lines. 157 (79%) pts ended their treatment within the first six mo: 5 for AE related to N (pneumonitis 3 pts, hepatitis 1 pt, diarrhea 1 pt), 107 for progression, 33 for death (24 related to progression, 9 to intercurrent disease), 12 other. 132 pts (66%) experienced at least 1 AE grade ≥3. On the 226 AEs grade 3-4, 21 (mainly pneumopathy, lipase increase and asthenia) were related to N and occurred in 18 pts. On the 51 AEs grade 5, 3 were considered related to N (2 pneumonitis, 1 cardiac arrest). The median OS was 7.7 mo (CI 95% [6.0; 9.5]) in the whole population; 9.2 mo [6.8; 12.1] in the 167 pts with ECOG 0-1, 3.0 mo [1.1; 6.0] in the 32 pts with ECOG 2; 12.1 mo [7.6; NR] in the 64 pts with metastatic disease, 7.7 mo [5.0; 9.6] in the 66 pts with locoregional disease and 4.6 mo [3.1; 7.9] in the 69 pts with both. OS was similar in pts older or younger 70 yr. Conclusions: The interim analysis of the TOPNIVO study shows no additional toxicities of N compared to what has been described previously, confirms the previous results of OS and provides new survival data in subgroups of pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03226756.

Evaluation of growth hormone response to GHRH plus arginine test in children with idiopathic short stature: role of peak time

PURPOSE

To describe the course of growth hormone response to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) plus arginine provocative test in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) and to evaluate the role of peak time.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed analyzing 344 GHRH plus arginine provocative tests performed in children and adolescents with short stature. Serum GH levels were measured at four-time points (T0', T30', T45' and T60') and GH peak was defined as the maximum value at any time point. Mean (T30'-T60') GH value and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated.

RESULTS

When analyzing the time of peak at the provocative test, the most frequent peak time was T45' (53.8%) in the ISS group, with no differences in gender, age, and pubertal stage. Analyzing GHD subjects, the most frequent time of peak was T30 (50%). Analyzing the whole population, the GH T0' levels were significantly lower in subjects with the GH peak at T45' than those with the GH peak at T30' (1.7 ± 2.0 vs. 3.2 ± 4.0, p < 0.001). In subjects with GH peak at T45', the value of GH peak, AUC and mean GH were significantly higher than in those with GH peak at T30' and T60'. A direct correlation was found between the value of GH peak and growth velocity SDS (r = 0.127, p = 0.04) and a negative one between GH peak and GH level at T0' (r = - 0.111, p = 0.04), even when adjusted for gender, age, pubertal stage and BMI Z score.

CONCLUSIONS

The time peak at 45 min seems to be associated with a better response to the test considering GH peak, mean and AUC. Patients with a GH peak at 30 min more probably could have a derangement in GH secretion showing worst growth pattern and/or a GH deficiency and should be carefully observed.

Fluorouracil and bevacizumab plus anakinra for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to standard therapies (IRAFU): a single-arm phase 2 study

In preclinical models, IL-1β inhibition could enhance the efficacy of fluorouracil (5-FU). In this phase 2 study, we assessed the activity and safety of 5-FU plus bevacizumab and anakinra (an IL-1β and α inhibitor) in patients with metastatic colorectal (mCRC) refractory to chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy. Eligible patients had unresectable mCRC; were refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, anti-VEGF therapy, and anti-EGFR therapy (for tumors with wild-type KRAS). Patients were treated with a simplified acid folinic plus 5-FU regimen and bevacizumab (5 mg/kg) both administered by intravenous infusion for 30 min every 2 weeks. Anakinra (100 mg) was injected subcutaneously once daily. The primary endpoint was the 2-month response rate determined upon CHOI criteria. Thirty two patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were enrolled. Five patients demonstrated response (Choi criteria) and 22 patients had stable disease as the best 2-month overall response. Median progression-free and overall survival were 5.4 (95% CI, 3.6-6.6) and 14.5 months (95% CI, 9-20.6) respectively. Twenty patients experienced grade 3 toxicity. No grade 4 or 5 toxicity related to therapy occurred. The most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia in 8 (25%) patients, digestive side effects in 7 (21.9%) patients and hypertension in 6 (18.75%) patients. No treatment-related deaths or serious adverse events were reported.5-FU plus bevacizumab and anakinra has promising activity and a manageable safety profile, suggesting that this combination might become a potential treatment option for patients with refractory mCRC.

Phase Ib/II trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and immunological activity of durvalumab (MEDI4736) (anti-PD-L1) plus tremelimumab (anti-CTLA-4) combined with FOLFOX in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

5-Fluorouracil plus irinotecan or oxaliplatin alone or in association with target therapy are standard first-line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 demonstrated efficacy on mCRC with microsatellite instability but remain ineffective alone in microsatellite stable tumour. 5-Fluorouracil and oxaliplatin were known to present immunogenic properties. Durvalumab (D) is a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibits binding of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to its receptor. Tremelimumab (T) is a mAb directed against the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). This study is designed to evaluate whether the addition of PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibition to oxaliplatin, fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX) increases treatment efficacy.

METHODS

This phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03202758) will assess the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX/D/T association in patients with mCRC (n=48). Good performance status patients (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group <2) with untreated, RAS mutational status mCRC will be eligible. Prior adjuvant therapy is allowed provided recurrence is >6 months postcompletion. There is a safety lead in nine patients receiving FOLFOX/D/T. Assuming no safety concerns the study will go on to include 39 additional patients. Patients will receive folinic acid (400 mg/m²)/5-fluorouracil (400 mg/m² as bolus followed by 2400 mg/m2 as a 46-hour infusion)/oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2) every 14 days with D (750 mg) D1 every 14 days and T (75 mg) D1 every 28 days. After six cycles of FOLFOX only D/T will continue until disease progression, death, intolerable toxicity, or patient/investigator decision to stop. Primary endpoint is safety and efficacy according to progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints include overall response rate and quality of life. Hypothesis is that a PFS of 50% at 6 months is insufficient and a PFS of 70.7% is expected (with α=10%, β=10%). Blood, plasma and tumour tissue will be collected and assessed for potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP17A1 and SLCO2B1 genes and clinical outcome in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with abiraterone acetate: results of the ABIGENE prospective study

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Background: Abiraterone acetate (AA), a CYP17A1 inhibitor, has been approved in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Germline polymorphisms in genes involved in androgen biosynthesis or transport may influence response and survival in this setting. Methods: ABIGENE is a multicentric prospective non-randomized pharmacogenetic study (NCT01858441). The primary objective was to investigate the association between 13 SNPs in genes related to AA pharmacology (CYP17A1, SLCO2B1 and SLCO2B3) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), according to PCWG2 criteria, in pts with mCRPC treated with first-line AA + prednisone. The main secondary objectives were to evaluate the impact of these SNPs on radiographic and PSA response, overall survival (OS) and toxicity. SNPs were detected in blood samples before starting AA and analyzed by pyrosequencing or PCR-RFLP methods. Kaplan-Meyer’s curves with log-rank tests and cox regression models were used to identify relationships between SNPs and survival. Chi2 tests and student t-tests were used to identify association with response rate and toxicity. Results: 147 pts in 17 french centers were included between 2013 and 2017. Here are presented the results for the first 109 pts. The median follow-up was 28.7 months. Overall response rate (ORR) was 17%, and 74% pts had stable disease as the best response. Median rPFS was 10.9 months (95% CI 9.2-15.3). One SNP (rs10883782) in CYP17A1 was associated with rPFS on AA therapy (Table). Two other SNPs in CYP17A1 (rs4919683) and SLCO2B1 (rs1077858) were significantly associated with radiographic response. Data on PSA response, OS and toxicity will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: This is the first prospective dedicated study to show an association between SNPs related to androgen metabolism and clinical outcome in mCRPC treated with AA. Clinical trial information: NCT01858441. [Table: see text]

Utility of serum anti-cetuximab immunoglobulin E levels to identify patients at a high risk of severe hypersensitivity reaction to cetuximab

AIM

Cetuximab is an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are associated with cetuximab use. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of anti-cetuximab immunoglobulin E (IgE) detection in order to identify patients at risk of HSR to cetuximab.

METHODS

We included patients ready to receive a first cetuximab infusion in a prospective cohort carried out at nine French centres. Pretreatment anti-cetuximab IgE levels were measured. We compared the proportion of severe HSRs in the low anti-cetuximab IgE levels (≤29 IgE arbitrary units) subgroup with that in a historical cohort of 213 patients extracted from a previous study.

RESULTS

Of the 301 assessable patients (mean age: 60.9 ± 9.3 years, head-and-neck cancer: 77%), 66 patients (22%) had high anti-cetuximab IgE levels, and 247 patients received cetuximab (including 38 with high anti-cetuximab levels). Severe HSRs occurred in eight patients (five grade 3 and three grade 4). The proportion of severe HSRs was lower in the low anti-cetuximab IgE levels subgroup vs. the historical cohort (3/209 [1.4%] vs. 11/213 [5.2%], odds ratio, 0.27, 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.97), and higher in high vs. low anti-cetuximab IgE levels subgroup (5/38 [13.2%] vs. 3/209 [1.4%]; odds ratio, 10.4, 95% confidence interval, 2.4-45.6). Patients with severe HSRs had higher anti-cetuximab IgE levels than patients without reaction (median, 45 vs. 2 IgE arbitrary units, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of pretreatment anti-cetuximab IgE is feasible and helpful to identify patients at risk of severe cetuximab-induced HSRs.

Everolimus and sunitinib as first- and second-line treatments of patients with metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC): A retrospective study of the GETUG (Groupe Français d’Etude des Tumeurs Uro-Génitales)

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Background: pRCC accounts for 15% of all renal cancers. Two French prospective phase II trials demonstrated efficacy of both Sun and Eve in first-line treatment of metastatic disease (RAPTOR (NCT00688753) and SUPAP (NCT00541008)). Most patients (pts) usually receive the alternate drug at progression. We report the first series of drug sequencing in pRCCs. Methods: We updated clinical data of metastatic pts with pathologically documented pRCC, who were treated in firs line or more with Sun or Eve, from 2/06 to 6/15, in 24 GETUG centers. Results: 196 pts (166 men, 30 women), median aged of 61 years, with histological subtypes (HST) I (28 pts), II (122 pts) or unclassified (46 pts), were treated for metastatic pRCC in 1st-line: group 1 Su 50 mg daily 4/6 weeks (n=158 pts) ; group 2 Eve 10 mg daily (n=38 pts). 76 pts were included in the RAPTOR or SUPAP studies. The median follow-up was 59.5 months. We found no difference between the 2 groups in terms of patients’ characteristics, clinical benefit in first-line (CR+PR+SD) (71% vs 72%; p=0.95) or progression-free survival (PFS) (PFS-1: 5.7 vs 4.6 months; p=0.152). Reasons for treatment discontinuation were tumor progression (74% vs 70%) or toxicity (26 vs 30%) (p=0.58). 134 pts received the alternative drug in second-line (group 1: Eve; group 2: Sun) with similar clinical benefit (64% vs 58%; p=0.69) and median PFS (PFS-2: 3.5 vs 3.0 months p=0.98). Overall survival (OS) did not differ between the two groups (16.4 vs 17.6 months; p=0.58). Age, Karnofsky performance status < 80 (KPS-80), HST, platelet (Plts) and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), hemoglobin and calcium levels, time from diagnosis to metastases (TTM) were studied as prognostic variables. In multivariable analysis, only Plts and KPS-80 had prognostic impact on EFS-1, whereas ANC, KPS-80 and TTM were prognostic for OS. We found a trend in favor of HST I vs non I, with no statistical difference in terms of PFS or OS. Conclusions: In this large retrospective series of metastatic pRCC pts, Sun and Eve had good compliance and similar efficacy in terms of first-, second-line PFS and overall survival.

First-line treatment with sunitinib for type 1 and type 2 locally advanced or metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma: a phase II study (SUPAP) by the French Genitourinary Group (GETUG)†

BACKGROUND

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), type 1 and type 2, represents 10%-15% of renal cell carcinomas (RCC). There is no standard first-line treatment of metastatic PRCC (mPRCC). Anti-angiogenics have shown activity in retrospective studies but no prospective studies in pure papillary histology have been reported, but one with foretinib.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective phase II study evaluated sunitinib in first-line treatment of mPRCC. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Fifteen and 46 patients, respectively, with type 1 and type 2 mPRCC were enrolled. Using the MSKCC scoring system: 12 (20%), 33 (55%) and 9 (15%) patients were, respectively, in the favourable, intermediate or poor risk group and 7 undetermined. Median follow-up is 51.4 months. In type 1, 2 patients 13% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1-30.5] had a partial response (PR), 10 had stable disease (SD) with 5 (33%) ≥12 weeks. In type 2, 5 patients 11% (95% CI 1.9-20.3) had a PR, 25 had SD with 10(22%) ≥12 weeks. Median PFS was 6.6 months (95% CI 2.8-14.8) in type 1 and 5.5 months (95% CI 3.8-7.1) in type 2. Median OS was 17.8 (95% CI 5.7-26.1) and 12.4 (95% CI 8.2-14.3) months, respectively, in type 1 and 2. Safety was as expected with sunitinib for metastatic RCC.

CONCLUSION

Sunitinib showed activity in treatment of type 1 and 2 mPRCC but lower than in clear-cell mRCC. Both PFS and OS are longer in type I PRCC. Sunitinib represents an acceptable option in first-line treatment of mPRCC.

Vandetanib for the treatment of advanced medullary thyroid cancer outside a clinical trial: results from a French cohort

BACKGROUND

A randomized phase III trial demonstrated that vandetanib treatment is effective in patients with metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), leading to regulatory approval, but its use may be associated with toxicities that require specific monitoring and management. The objective of the present study performed in France was to describe the toxicity profile and efficacy of vandetanib treatment when given outside any trial.

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients were treated with vandetanib in the frame of a temporary use authorization (ATU) in France from August 2010 to February 2012, when the drug was available on request for patients with locally advanced or metastatic MTC. Patients were registered by the French health authorities, and characteristics, treatment parameters, toxicity profile, and efficacy were retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients were excluded from the analysis because vandetanib treatment was not administered (n=3), had been given in a trial before ATU (n=3), or was given for a non-MTC cancer (n=2).

RESULTS

Data from the 60 MTC patients were analyzed. Mean age was 58 years (range 11-83 years), 39 patients were male, and six had hereditary MTC. Fifty-six (93%) had metastatic disease in the mediastinum (82%), bones (65%), liver (53%), or lung (53%), and four had only locally advanced disease. At the time of study evaluation, with a median follow-up of 20 months and a median duration of treatment of 9.7 months (range 0.3-36 months), 15 patients were continuing vandetanib treatment (range 18-36 months). Median progression-free survival was 16.1 months. Twenty-five patients discontinued treatment for disease progression (range 0.3-29 months). Best tumor response was a complete response in one patient, a partial response in 12 (20%), stable disease in 33 (55%), and progression in seven patients (12%). All patients had at least one adverse event (AE) during treatment. The main AEs were skin toxicity, diarrhea, and asthenia. Sixteen patients (27%) discontinued treatment for toxicity, and one patient died from vandetanib-induced cardiac toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Vandetanib is an effective option for patients with advanced MTC. AEs should be monitored carefully and should be minimized by educating both patients and care providers and by applying symptomatic treatment and dose reduction.

Prognostic Factors for Survival in Noncastrate Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Validation of the Glass Model and Development of a Novel Simplified Prognostic Model

BACKGROUND

The Glass model developed in 2003 uses prognostic factors for noncastrate metastatic prostate cancer (NCMPC) to define subgroups with good, intermediate, and poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

To validate NCMPC risk groups in a more recently diagnosed population and to develop a more sensitive prognostic model.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

NCMPC patients were randomized to receive continuous androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with or without docetaxel in the GETUG-15 phase 3 trial. Potential prognostic factors were recorded: age, performance status, Gleason score, hemoglobin (Hb), prostate-specific antigen, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), metastatic localization, body mass index, and pain.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

These factors were used to develop a new prognostic model using a recursive partitioning method. Before analysis, the data were split into learning and validation sets. The outcome was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

For the 385 patients included, those with good (49%), intermediate (29%), and poor (22%) prognosis had median OS of 69.0, 46.5 and 36.6 mo (p=0.001), and 5-yr survival estimates of 60.7%, 39.4%, and 32.1%, respectively (p=0.001). The most discriminatory variables in univariate analysis were ALP, pain intensity, Hb, LDH, and bone metastases. ALP was the strongest prognostic factor in discriminating patients with good or poor prognosis. In the learning set, median OS in patients with normal and abnormal ALP was 69.1 and 33.6 mo, and 5-yr survival estimates were 62.1% and 23.2%, respectively. The hazard ratio for ALP was 3.11 and 3.13 in the learning and validation sets, respectively. The discriminatory ability of ALP (concordance [C] index 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.71) was superior to that of the Glass risk model (C-index 0.59, 95% CI 0.52-0.66). The study limitations include the limited number of patients and low values for the C-index.

CONCLUSION

A new and simple prognostic model was developed for patients with NCMPC, underlying the role of normal or abnormal ALP.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We analyzed clinical and biological factors that could affect overall survival in noncastrate metastatic prostate cancer. We showed that normal or abnormal alkaline phosphatase at baseline might be useful in predicting survival.

Patients' self-assessment versus investigators' evaluation in a phase III trial in non-castrate metastatic prostate cancer (GETUG-AFU 15)

BACKGROUND

Toxicity, which is a key parameter in the evaluation of cancer treatments, can be underestimated by clinicians. We investigated differences between patients and physicians in reporting adverse events of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with or without docetaxel in a multicentre phase III trial in non-castrate metastatic prostate cancer.

METHODS

The 385 patients included were invited to complete a 26-symptom questionnaire 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment, among which eighteen symptoms were also assessed by physicians, reported in medical records and graded using the Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute. Positive and negative agreements as well as Kappa concordance coefficients were computed.

FINDINGS

Data were available for 220 and 165 patients at 3 and 6 months respectively. Physicians systematically under-reported patients' symptoms. Positive agreement rates (at respectively 3 and 6 months) for the five most commonly reported symptoms were: 61.0% and 64.3% hot flushes, 50.0% and 43.6% fatigue, 29.4% and 31.1% sexual dysfunction, 24.4% and 14.4% weigh gain/loss, 16.7% and 19.3% for joint/muscle pain. For symptoms most frequently reported as disturbing or very disturbing by patients, the clinicians' failure to report them ranged from 50.8% (hot flushes) to 89.5% (joint/muscle pain) at 3 months, and from 48.2% (hot flushes) to 88.4% (joint/muscle pain) at 6 months.

INTERPRETATION

Physicians often failed to report treatment-related symptoms, even the most common and disturbing ones. Patients' self-evaluation of toxicity should be used in clinical trials to improve the process of drug assessment in oncology.

FUNDING

French Health Ministry and Institut National du Cancer (PHRC), Sanofi-Aventis, Astra-Zeneca, and Amgen.

[Reirradiations of head and neck cancers: state of the concept and ways of development]

The treatment of local recurrence or second primary developed in irradiated area in the field of head and neck carcinoma, should be planned and organized through multidisciplinary discussions. The outcome of such a clinical situations benefits from second line and advanced technology treatments. Only a few patients are amenable to salvage surgery, hence radiation therapy, combined or not with chemotherapy, takes a major role in these indications. This overview of the literature describes recent development in this field, aiming to improve local control while the sparing of organ at risk remains an important goal. Radiation therapy is currently implementing major new technologies set to improve external beam irradiation with new concepts on dose, fractionation, intensity modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic approach - as well as in brachytherapy. Apart from dedicated studies, the great heterogeneity of the treated patients should be underlined and taken into consideration. However, current data confirm the feasibility of reirradiation with acceptable local control and toxicity.

Phase I dose escalation study of oral lapatinib in combination with docetaxel in patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (LAMBC): Initial safety and tolerability results

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Background: Previous studies evidenced that the combination docetaxel (D) (75 mg/m²) + lapatinib (L) (1,250 mg/d) is well tolerated in heavily pretreated HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients (pts) in association with systematic G-CSF. This phase I study was conducted to assess safety, optimal tolerated regimen (OTR) and clinical activity of D + L in naïve treatment pts with HER-2 positive LAMBC without primary use of growth factor. Methods: Women with HER2+ LAMBC, naïve of treatment for advanced or metastatic disease, ECOG PS 0-2, were eligible for this study. Pts received once daily oral dosing of L with intravenous D on day 1 of every 3 week cycle. Initial dose was D (75 mg/m²) + L (1,250 mg/d) escalating up to D 100 mg/m² and L 1,500 mg/d until the Maximal Tolerated Dose (MTD) was reached. An expansion cohort of 6 pts was treated at the OTR level. Primary use of G-CSF was not permitted. Results: From Aug 2008 to Nov 2011, 17 pts were enrolled: median age 54.4 years [34.6-77], 59% were PS 0. All patients have metastatic disease with lung (29,4%), bone (41,2%), liver (76.5%) and lymph nodes (35.3%) metastasis. 7 pts received previously chemotherapy in adjuvant setting, 5 pts hormonotherapy and 7 pts radiotherapy. All but two pts were evaluable for dose limiting toxicities (DLT). 1 DLT/6 pts (FN) was observed at dose level (DL) 1 (D 75 mg/m² + L 1,250 mg/d) and 2 DLT/3 pts (gr 3 diarrhoea; gr4 neutropenia >7 d) at DL2 (D 75 mg/m² + L 1,500 mg/d). Only one DLT (FN) was observed in expansion cohort at OTR (D 75 mg/m² + L 1,250 mg/d; 6 pts). Over all C1, other significant toxicities (% pts) included gr4 neutropenia 53%, gr3 transaminase increase 6%, gr2 skin rash 36%, gr2 nausea/vomiting 18%, gr2 diarrhoea 12%, gr2 stomatitis 12%, gr2 hand-foot syndrome 6%; no decrease of cardiac function occurred. Conclusions: OTR for D and L was 75 mg/m² once every 3 weeks and 1,250 mg once daily respectively. This study demonstrates that this combination could be administered without systematic use of G-CSF in non pretreated pts with LAMBC. Additional safety data and preliminary evidence of activity are anticipated to be available at the time of presentation. Clinical trial information: NCT01044485.

Phase I study of OM-174, a lipid A analogue, with assessment of immunological response, in patients with refractory solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Lipids A, the lipophilic partial structure of lipopolysaccharides, induce regression of several tumor types in animal models. Rather than exerting direct cytotoxic effect, these compounds trigger the immune system which in turn stimulates secretion of cytokines, and activates the inducible nitric oxide synthase, as well as immune cell infiltration of tumors. OM-174 is an analogue of lipid A with dual action on Toll-like receptors 2 and 4. In an experimental model of peritoneal carcinomatosis induced in BDIX rats by intraperitoneal injection of syngeneic PROb colon cancer cells, it induced a complete regression of tumors. The present phase I trial was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose, the recommended phase II dose and biological response associated with OM-174 administered as intravenous infusion.

METHODS

Patients received OM-174 twice weekly for a total of 5, 10 or 15 injections of either 600, 800 or 1000 μg/m(2). Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis and cytokine dosages were collected. NK cells activity and Toll-like receptors 4 polymorphism analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included. The highest dose administered was 1000 μg/m(2) repeated in 15 injections. The most common toxicities were a chills, fever, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and headache. No patient experienced haematological side effects. As no dose limiting toxicity was observed, despite a grade 3 respiratory complication, the maximal tolerated dose and recommended dose were not established. Three patients exhibited disease stabilization with a mean duration of 4 months. Pharmacokinetic profile of OM-174 was characterized by a low distribution volume and clearance. Analysis of TLR 4 polymorphysm showed that most (16/17) patients carried the wild type alleles. A progressive increase in NK cell number and activity was observed only in patients receiving 1000 μg/m(2) of OM-174. A peak of IL-8 and IL-10 concentrations were observed after each OM-174 injection. Peaks of TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations were detected after the first infusion and decreased progressively suggesting tolerance.

CONCLUSION

OM-174 therapy was well tolerated at biologically active concentrations. Whereas the recommended dose was not determined, further studies are planned in combination with chemotherapy as animal models suggest a strong synergistic antitumor effect.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01800812 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier).

Identification of prognostic groups in patients with hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer at the present time: An analysis of the GETUG 15 phase III trial

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Background: Patients with upfront metastases at the time of prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis are less frequent than in the past in Western countries, but still represent 5-10% of all patients and almost one half of PC patients will eventually die of the disease. Prognostic factors (lymph node metastases/appendicular vs axial bone disease, performance status > 1, Gleason score > 8 and PSA > 65 ng/ml) have been proposed (Glass et al., 2003), leading to the definition of three subgroups with good, intermediate and poor prognosis. However, the current natural history of metastatic prostate cancer has not been well described. Methods: Patients with hormone sensitive metastatic PC were randomized to receive continuous androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus docetaxel (75 mg/m²/21d up to 9 cycles) and prednisone or ADT alone. Glass risk groups were used as stratification factors. Results: From October 2004 to December 2008, 385 pts were included. They were distributed into good (50%), intermediate (29%), and poor (21%) prognosis groups. The median follow up was 50 months [95% CI: 49 - 54]. The primary endpoint analysis showed no difference in overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.01 [95%CI: 0.75-1.36]) between the 2 arms but a significant PFS improvement was observed in the docetaxel group (HR: 0.75 [0.59-0.94] p=0.0147) (Gravis, ESMO 2012). The median OS in the ADT alone arm was 54 months [42-NR]. It was 69 [95% CI: 60.9-NR], 47 [95% CI: 37.7-NR, HR = 1.6] and 37 [95% CI: 28.5-58.9, HR = 2.12] months respectively in the good, intermediate, and poor prognosis groups (p=0.001) in the whole cohort. No interaction between prognosis groups and treatment was found. A detailed analysis using the Cox model will be presented. Conclusions: At the present time, median life expectancy of patients with metastatic PC seems to exceed 4 years. Subgroups with favorable or unfavorable outcome can be identified. Clinical trial information: NCT00055731.

Epistaxis in children under the age of two: possible marker of abuse/neglect? A retrospective study in North-Eastern Piedmont hospitals

AIM

Epistaxis is an extremely common event at all ages; however, under two years of age epistaxis is a very rare event and recent studies carried out in Great Britain concern this event as related to possible non-accidental trauma. To date, no other studies carried out in Italy are available on this topic.

METHODS

A file review of all cases of epistaxis occurred in children under the age of 2 who were admitted into the ED in our area over a period of two years was carried out.

RESULTS

We have collected data concerning 10 cases of epistaxis occurred in children under 2 years of age with an incidence of 10.4 cases per 10000 accessions to the ED of children under the age of 2. Four of the cases had attendances for head injury or facial trauma.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained are higher than the results of the British studies adopting the same methodology, but comparable to their surveillance data on the general population. Through the analysis of the collected data, two correlated assumptions have been made: a possible relationship between epistaxis and neglect, and a relation between epistaxis and domestic accidents.

Androgen-deprivation therapy alone or with docetaxel in non-castrate metastatic prostate cancer (GETUG-AFU 15): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Early chemotherapy might improve the overall outcomes of patients with metastatic non-castrate (ie, hormone-sensitive) prostate cancer. We investigated the effects of the addition of docetaxel to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for patients with metastatic non-castrate prostate cancer.

METHODS

In this randomised, open-label, phase 3 study, we enrolled patients in 29 centres in France and one in Belgium. Eligible patients were older than 18 years and had histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate and radiologically proven metastatic disease; a Karnofsky score of at least 70%; a life expectancy of at least 3 months; and adequate hepatic, haematological, and renal function. They were randomly assigned to receive to ADT (orchiectomy or luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonists, alone or combined with non-steroidal antiandrogens) alone or in combination with docetaxel (75 mg/m(2) intravenously on the first day of each 21-day cycle; up to nine cycles). Patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio, with dynamic minimisation to minimise imbalances in previous systemic treatment with ADT, chemotherapy for local disease or isolated rising concentration of serum prostate-specific antigen, and Glass risk groups. Patients, physicians, and data analysts were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Efficacy analyses were done by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00104715.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 18, 2004, and Dec 31, 2008, 192 patients were randomly allocated to receive ADT plus docetaxel and 193 to receive ADT alone. Median follow-up was 50 months (IQR 39-63). Median overall survival was 58·9 months (95% CI 50·8-69·1) in the group given ADT plus docetaxel and 54·2 months (42·2-not reached) in that given ADT alone (hazard ratio 1·01, 95% CI 0·75-1·36). 72 serious adverse events were reported in the group given ADT plus docetaxel, of which the most frequent were neutropenia (40 [21%]), febrile neutropenia (six [3%]), abnormal liver function tests (three [2%]), and neutropenia with infection (two [1%]). Four treatment-related deaths occurred in the ADT plus docetaxel group (two of which were neutropenia-related), after which the data monitoring committee recommended treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. After this recommendation, no further treatment-related deaths occurred. No serious adverse events were reported in the ADT alone group.

INTERPRETATION

Docetaxel should not be used as part of first-line treatment for patients with non-castrate metastatic prostate cancer.

FUNDING

French Health Ministry and Institut National du Cancer (PHRC), Sanofi-Aventis, AstraZeneca, and Amgen.