A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of creatine for the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome (N02C4): an Alliance trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple pilot studies, including one in colorectal cancer patients, suggest that creatine, an amino acid derivative, augments muscle, improves strength, and thereby could palliate the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, incurable patients with this syndrome were assigned creatine (20 g/day load×5 days followed by 2 g/day orally) versus identical placebo. Patients were weighed once a week for 1 month and then monthly. Patients were also assessed over 1 month for appetite and quality of life (validated questionnaires), fist grip strength, body composition (bioelectrical impedance), and adverse events. The primary endpoint was 10% or greater weight gain from baseline during the first month.

RESULTS

Within this combined cohort of 263 evaluable patients (134 received creatine and 129 placebo), only 3 gained ≥10% of their baseline weight by 1 month: two creatine-treated and the other placebo-exposed (P = 1.00). Questionnaire data on appetite, quality of life, and activities of daily living showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Similarly, no statistically significant differences between groups were observed for fist-grip strength or body composition. Rates and severity of adverse events were comparable between groups. Finally, a median survival of 230 and 239 days were observed in the creatine and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.70).

CONCLUSION

Creatine, as prescribed in this trial, had no effect on the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome.

Risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome among older women receiving anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on Modern Cooperative Group Trials (Alliance A151511)

PURPOSE

We examined acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) events among 9679 women treated for breast cancer on four adjuvant Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology trials with >90 months of follow-up in order to better characterize the risk for AML/MDS in older patients receiving anthracyclines.

METHODS

We used multivariable Cox regression to examine factors associated with AML/MDS, adjusting for age (≥65 vs. <65 years; separately for ≥70 vs. <70 years), race/ethnicity, insurance, performance status, and anthracycline receipt. We also examined the effect of cyclophosphamide, the interaction of anthracycline and age, and outcomes for those developing AML/MDS.

RESULTS

On Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 40101, 49907, 9344, and 9741, 7290 received anthracyclines; 15% were in the age ≥65 and 7% were ≥70. Overall, 47 patients developed AML/MDS (30 AML [0.3%], 17 MDS [0.2%]); 83% of events occurred within 5 years of study registration. Among those age ≥65 and ≥70, 0.8 and 1.0% developed AML/MDS (vs. 0.4% for age <65), respectively. In adjusted analyses, older age and anthracycline receipt were significantly associated with AML/MDS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for age ≥65 [vs. <65] = 3.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-8.33; HR for anthracycline receipt [vs. no anthracycline] = 5.16, 95% CI 1.47-18.19). There was no interaction between age and anthracycline use. Deaths occurred in 70% of those developing AML/MDS.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an increased risk for AML/MDS for older patients and those receiving anthracyclines, though these events were rare. Our results help inform discussions surrounding anticipated toxicities of adjuvant chemotherapy in older patients.

A phase II study (ARCHER 1042) to evaluate prophylactic treatment of dacomitinib-induced dermatologic and gastrointestinal adverse events in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

ARCHER 1042, a randomized phase II trial, explored the impact of prophylactic treatment on select dermatologic adverse events of interest (SDAEI), diarrhea, and mucositis associated with dacomitinib, an oral irreversible pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) inhibitor, in development for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with advanced NSCLC treated with dacomitinib were enrolled in two cohorts. Cohort I patients were randomized 1:1 to receive oral doxycycline or placebo (4 weeks). Cohort II patients received oral VSL#3 probiotic plus topical alclometasone. Primary end points for Cohorts I and II were incidence of all grade and grade ≥2 SDAEI in the first 8 weeks of treatment and quality of life (QoL) assessed by the Skindex-16 survey. Additional primary end points for Cohort II were incidence of all grade and grade ≥2 diarrhea and mucositis in the first 8 weeks of treatment; QoL regarding diarrhea and mucositis incidence was assessed by the modified-Oral Mucositis Daily Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Cohort I randomized 114 evaluable patients: 56 in the doxycycline arm, 58 in the placebo arm. Cohort II enrolled 59 evaluable patients. Doxycycline significantly reduced the incidence of grade ≥2 SDAEI by 50% (P = 0.016) compared with placebo. The incidence of all grade SDAEI was lower with doxycycline than with placebo but did not reach statistical significance. Doxycycline was associated with less deterioration in QoL compared with placebo. Alclometasone was associated with less deterioration in QoL compared with placebo but did not statistically significantly reduce the incidence of all grade or grade ≥2 SDAEI. VSL#3 did not reduce the incidence of all grade or grade ≥2 diarrhea and did not impact mucositis scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Doxycycline was effective as a prophylactic treatment for dacomitinib-induced grade ≥2 SDAEI. Both doxycycline and alclometasone reduced the negative impact in patient-reported dermatologic AEs. The probiotic was not effective for preventing diarrhea or mucositis.

Abstract P6-09-10: All-cause survival estimates compared to observed survival in older women with breast cancer in CALGB 49907 and 369901 (Alliance A151503)

Background: Older adults represent 50% or more of all newly diagnosed cancer patients annually; these patients have multiple morbidities, complicating treatment decision-making.. Discussions about the risks and benefits of cancer treatments might be improved by having data on estimated all-cause survival. ePrognosis (http://eprognosis.ucsf.edu/carey2.php) is an online tool validated in older adults without cancer. We compared survival estimates using ePrognosis to observed survival in a population of women with early stage breast cancer who volunteered for cooperative group studies.

Methods: Participants in CALGB 49907 (n=194) and 369901 (n=809) who were age 70+ were included (total n=1003). Both studies had comparable eligibility: primary, newly diagnosed, invasive, non-metastatic breast cancer. In 49907, eligibly also included PS 0-2; in 369901 there were no PS restrictions, but women who failed a screening cognitive exam were excluded. The Carey 2-year Index from ePrognosis was used to estimate all-cause 2-year survival, based on age, sex, and daily function. Function (needing help from another person to bath and shop for groceries, difficulty walking several blocks and pushing or pulling a heavy object) was derived from the EORTC QLC-30. The Carey index from ePrognosis generates scores from 1-10, with higher scores indicating higher probability of death. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to obtain point estimates and confidence intervals for the observed 2-yr survival. A two sided z-test was used to test the hypothesis that the observed survival rate is equivalent to the predicted survival rate.

Results: At two years from study entry, 921 women were alive; 56 had died, and 26 were lost to follow-up/withdrawn. The population was, on average, 76 years old (SD 4.8), primarily white (89.3%), and the majority had hormone receptor positive tumors (79.4%). In our population, the Carey 2-years index predicated survival was not significantly different than observed rates in the 0-2 points and underestimated the survival rates for patients who had 3-6 points and 7-10 points.

ePrognosis Prediction49907 & 369901 PatientsPointsPredicted Probability of SurvivalNNumber of DeathsObserved Probability of Overall Survival at 2 years (%, 95% CI)p-value0-295%5332595% (93-97%)0.7433-688%4272394% (92-96%)&lt;0.0017-1064%43881% (65-90%)0.017

Conclusions: In this population of older women with breast cancer, using a few readily available data items, ePrognosis provided accurate survival estimates for women with a low probability of death (0-2 points) and underestimated all-cause survival in women with an increased probability of death (3-10 points). Further studies are needed to assess the validity of this tool in samples of cancer patients with higher risks of 2-year mortality. Extended follow-up to validate the tools in predicting 5- and 10-year all-cause and non-cancer mortality risk will further contribute to decision making in older patients.

Citation Format: Kimmick G, Pitcher B, Mandelblatt J, Clapp J, Ballman K, Barginear M, Freedman R, Artz A, Klepin H, Lafky J, Hopkins J, Winer E, Hudis C, Muss H, Cohen H, Jatoi A, Hurria A. All-cause survival estimates compared to observed survival in older women with breast cancer in CALGB 49907 and 369901 (Alliance A151503). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-10.

Disease-free ovarian cancer patients report severe pain and fatigue over time: prospective quality of life assessment in a consecutive series

objective: Among ovarian cancer patients, cancer treatment is aggressive and yet survival is often so limited; hence, this study sought to measure quality of life with the ultimate goal of identifying ways of improving it over the duration of these patients' lives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of all ovarian cancer patients who received some/all of their initial chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from late 2010 through 2012 were reviewed. Patient-reported quality of life was derived from the following ten-point linear analogue scale questions which had been administered to all patients: 1) How would you describe your degree of pain, on average? 2) How would you describe your level of fatigue, on average? 3) How would you describe your overall quality of life? Quality of life data were censored upon cancer recurrence.

RESULTS

Among 59 eligible patients, the median cumulative interval during which quality of life was serially assessed was 1.15 years (range: three months, 3.2 years). Area under the curve for pain, fatigue, and global quality of life showed no statistically significant differences between patients treated with dose-dense chemotherapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel (n = 10) versus three-week chemotherapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel (n = 36) versus other (n = 13). Although pain, fatigue, and global quality of life improved over time, 35 of 59 (59%) patients reported grade 4 or worse pain during follow up, and 47 of 59 (80%) reported grade 4 or worse fatigue (higher scores denote worse pain or fatigue). After completion of cancer treatment, 30 (51%) described grade 4 or worse pain or fatigue. The most common pain site was the abdomen/pelvis, followed by the back, followed by the hands, feet, fingers, and toes.

CONCLUSION

In ovarian cancer patients who remain cancer-free, severe pain and fatigue occur years after cancer treatment. Further research should focus on how best to address these symptoms.

Ostomies in rectal cancer patients: what is their psychosocial impact?

The resection of a low-lying rectal cancer can lead to the creation of an ostomy to discharge fecal material. In view of this reconfiguration of anatomy and life-changing modification of daily bodily functions, it is not surprising that a rapidly growing literature has examined ostomy patients' psychosocial challenges. The current study was designed (1) to systematically review the published literature on these psychosocial challenges and (2) to explore, in a single-institution setting, whether medical oncologists appear to acknowledge the existence of an ostomy during their post-operative evaluations of rectal cancer patients. This systematic review identified that social isolation, sleep deprivation; financial concerns; sexual inhibition; and other such issues are common among patients. Surprisingly, however, in our review of 66 consecutive rectal cancer patients, in 17%, the ostomy was not mentioned at all in the medical record during the first medical oncology visit; and, in one patient, it was never mentioned at all during months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Even in the setting of ostomy complications, the ostomy was not always mentioned. This study underscores the major psychosocial issues cancer patients confront after an ostomy and suggests that healthcare providers of all disciplines should work to remain sensitive to such issues.

Patient-reported fatigue and overall survival in locally advanced esophageal cancer: A Mayo Clinic Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Barrett's Esophagus Registry Consortium study

9

Background: We examined patient-reported fatigue scores and overall survival (OS) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Barrett's Esophagus Registry (EABE).

Methods: 1,481 patients enrolled in the EABE between September 2001 and January 2009 returned a baseline quality of life questionnaire including a Linear Analog Self Assessment (LASA) fatigue score which was scored on a 0-10 scale, with 0 as the most extreme fatigue. Patients were categorized as having clinically deficient fatigue (DF) if they reported a score of ≤ 5 and clinically non-deficient fatigue (nDF) if they reported a score of > 5. Kaplan-Meier methodology and Cox models explored OS in relation to fatigue scores in patients with EC.

Results: A total of 667 patients with EC were included in the EABE, of which 659 returned a registry questionnaire with a valid LASA fatigue score recorded. Median age at the time of registry entry was 65 years (range 23-92). A total of 392 (59%) and 267 patients (41%) reported DF and nDF, respectively. On univariate analysis, patients with nDF had improved 5-year survival compared to patients with DF. In patients having esophagectomy prior to LASA, those reporting nDF had improved survival compared to patients with DF. Similarly, in patients having no esophagectomy prior to LASA, those with nDF had improved survival compared to those with DF. Among the 368 patients with locally advanced EC (LAEC), those reporting nDF had improved 5-year overall survival compared to patients with DF (28% vs 17%, HR = 0.67, p = 0.003). This remained significant on multivariate analysis (HR = 0.71, p = 0.015).

Conclusions: Patient-reported fatigue is associated with overall survival in patients with LAEC. As a result, fatigue scores should be considered as a stratification factor in future clinical trial design.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Bone pain from granulocyte colony stimulating factor: does clinical trial sponsorship by a pharmaceutical company influence its reporting?

It is alleged that pharmaceutical companies sometimes unfairly present clinical trial results. To our knowledge, studies have not explored whether such alleged unfair reporting also occurs in the testing of palliative care agents in cancer patients, a particularly vulnerable group. Therefore, a systematic search was conducted to retrieve all published, prospective clinical trials that used granulocyte colony stimulating factor starting in 2003. Because granulocyte colony stimulating factor can cause severe bone pain - a concerning but historically under-reported symptom in cancer patients - this symptom was assessed to determine whether differences in reporting occurred based on pharmaceutical company-sponsorship. A total of 239 published clinical trials met the present study's eligibility criteria and were retrievable. Within this entire group of studies, 65 (27%) were pharmaceutical company-sponsored, and only 31 (13%) reported on bone pain. However, pharmaceutical company-sponsored trials reported on bone pain at a higher rate compared with other studies: 23% versus 9% (P= 0.005), and this conclusion did not change after adjusting for dose, use of the slow release formulation and year of publication. The reporting of adverse events from cancer symptom control and palliative care interventions should be improved - especially in trials not sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.

A phase II study of cetuximab and radiation in elderly and/or poor performance status patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (N0422)

BACKGROUND

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a disease of the elderly. Seeking a tolerable but effective regimen, we tested cetuximab + radiation in elderly and/or poor performance status patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Older patients [≥ 65 years with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1, or 2] or younger patients (performance status of 2) received cetuximab 400 mg/m(2) i.v. on day 1 followed by weekly cetuximab 250 mg/m(2) i.v. with concomitant radiation of 6000 cGy in 30 fractions. The primary end point was the percentage who lived 11+ months.

RESULTS

This 57-patient cohort had a median age (range) of 77 years (60-87), and 12 (21%) had a performance status of 2. Forty of 57 (70%) lived 11+ months, thus exceeding the anticipated survival rate of 50%. The median survival was 15.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.1-19.3 months], and the median time to cancer progression was 7.2 months (95% CI 5.8-8.6 months). No treatment-related deaths occurred, but 31 patients experienced grade 3+ adverse events, most commonly fatigue, anorexia, dyspnea, rash, and dysphagia, each of which occurred in <10% of patients.

CONCLUSION

This combination merits further study in this group of patients.

The value of combined modality therapy in elderly patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

19503

Background: This study was performed to assess the value of combined modality therapy in elderly patients by comparing the differences in outcome of those who received radiotherapy (RT) alone or RT plus chemotherapy for stage III NSCLC. Methods: North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) performed 2 recent phase III trials for stage III NSCLC. The first trial, 90–24–51, included 3 arms: once-daily radiotherapy (QDRT) alone, twice daily RT (BIDRT) alone, and concurrent chemotherapy plus BIDRT. The second trial, 94–24- 52 included 2 arms and compared concurrent chemotherapy with either QDRT or BIDRT. The chemotherapy arms of both trials included etoposide and cisplatin administered concurrently with RT. Only the patients ≥65 years of age (elderly) who participated in these trials were included in this analysis. Results: Of the 166 elderly patients included in this analysis, 37 received RT alone and 129 received concurrent chemotherapy plus RT. The median and 5-year survival rates were 10.5 months and 5.4% for the RT alone group compared to 13.7 months and 14.7% for the RT plus chemotherapy group (log-rank p=0.05). Patients who received RT plus chemotherapy experienced significantly greater severe (grade ≥3) toxicity than those who received RT alone (89.9% versus 32.4%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Elderly patients who participated in these trials appear to gain a survival advantage from RT and chemotherapy compared to RT alone. As is the case with younger patients, this benefit comes at the cost of additional toxicity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Does tetracycline prevent/palliate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor-induced rash? A phase III trial from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (N03CB)

LBA9006

Purpose: Many patients who receive EGFR inhibitors develop an acneiform rash, and anecdotal reports suggest tetracycline is effective in treating it. To our knowledge, however, no rigorous trials have ever been published to substantiate this approach. This double- blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the role of tetracycline in preventing EGFR inhibitor-induced rash and/or reducing its severity. Methods: 61 patients were randomly assigned to tetracycline 500 mg orally twice a day×4 weeks versus an identical, similarly prescribed placebo. Eligibility criteria required all patients to have begun an EGFR inhibitor </= 7 days prior with no rash at study entry. Patients were to be followed for 8 weeks. Physician assessments of rash incidence, severity, and adverse events, occurred at 4 and 8 weeks. Patients completed a weekly rash diary, quality of life questionnaire (SKINDEX-16), and EGFR inhibitor compliance questionnaire. Thirty patients per group provides 90% power to detect a difference in rash incidence (the primary endpoint) of 40% between groups and of rejecting the null hypothesis of equal proportions with a type I error of 5% (2-sided). Results: Treatment arms were balanced on baseline characteristics, drop out rates, and rates of discontinuation of the EGFR inhibitor. Rash incidence was comparable across arms. Physicians reported that 16 tetracycline-treated patients (70%) and 22 placebo-exposed patients (76%) developed a rash (p=0.61). However, tetracycline appears to have lessened rash severity. By week 4, physician-reported grade 2 rash occurred in 17% of tetracycline-treated patients (n=4) and 55% of placebo- exposed patients (n=16); (p=0.04). Tetracycline-treated patients reported better scores on certain quality of life parameters (SKINDEX-16), such as skin burning or stinging, skin irritation, and being bothered by a persistence/recurrence of a skin condition. Adverse events were comparable across arms. Conclusion: Tetracycline did not prevent EGFR inhibitor-induced rashes. However, diminished rash severity and improved quality of life suggest this antibiotic merits further study.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Non-traumatic vertebral fractures in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer: a previously unreported, unrecognized problem

Recent studies suggest cancer therapy may compromise bone integrity. What is the rate of vertebral fractures among patients who have received trimodality therapy (radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery) for locally advanced esophageal cancer? This single-institution, retrospective study attempted to answer this question, focusing on 337 patients who had received trimodality therapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer between 1996 and 2005. Reports of serial radiographs were reviewed to identify vertebral fractures. Duration of follow-up was gathered for all esophageal cancer patients with the intention of calculating fracture incidence rates. Fracture-related symptoms, types of intervention and fracture recurrence were also gleaned from the clinical records. First-time fractures were identified in 47 patients, and 45 of these were new since the cancer diagnosis. Thus, the first-time fracture incidence rate from the time of cancer diagnosis was 12 fractures per 100 patient years. The median time from cancer diagnosis to fracture was 9 months. Fifteen (33%) patients were symptomatic. Acknowledging that a retrospective study can inadvertently result in information omission, we report that pain medications were started in only seven patients (16%), and osteoporosis medication in only six (13%). Two patients were hospitalized, and two underwent vertebroplasty. The median survival after fracture diagnosis was 36 months. This report describes a seemingly high fracture incidence rate that requires confirmation. If confirmed, future studies should focus on identifying risk factors and optimal strategies for the prevention and treatment of vertebral fractures in patients with esophageal cancer.

Curing patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer: an update on multimodality therapy

Combining different treatment modalities--such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy--is often utilized to treat patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, it remains controversial how best to combine these modalities to provide patients with the greatest chance of cure. This review discusses recent studies in this field and outlines promising versus less promising therapeutic strategies.

The proteolysis-inducing factor: in search of its clinical relevance in patients with metastatic gastric/esophageal cancer

The proteolysis-inducing factor is a putative mediator of cancer-associated weight loss. The goal of this study was to examine for the first time: (i) its prevalence in patients with metastatic gastric/esophageal cancer; and (ii) whether it possibly correlated with weight loss and anorexia and whether it predicted tumor response and patient survival. This study recruited 41 patients as part of a phase II therapeutic, chemotherapy protocol for patients with metastatic gastric/esophageal cancer. Patient eligibility criteria were designed to select a group of patients who would tolerate treatment with the drugs capecitabine and oxaliplatin. Urine for assaying the proteolysis-inducing factor was obtained at registration and then 6 weeks later. Patients completed the FACT-E questionnaire every 6 weeks and had their weights checked at the same interval. Patients were followed prospectively for tumor response and patient survival. Twenty-three (56%) patients had the proteolysis-inducing factor in their urine at registration, and 18 (64%) had it at 6 weeks. There was no statistically significant correlation between the presence of the proteolysis-inducing factor and weight loss or between its presence and anorexia. Moreover, there was no evidence that the presence of the proteolysis-inducing factor in urine was able to predict tumor response or patient survival. The proteolysis-inducing factor in urine does not appear to be tied to weight loss, anorexia, tumor response, or patient survival in the clinical setting of metastatic gastric/esophageal cancer.

A placebo-controlled trial of etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, in patients with the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome. North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) trial N00C1

8534

Purpose: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a putative mediator of the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome. This study was designed to determine if etanercept (a dimeric fusion protein consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding portion of the human 75 kilodalton TNF receptor linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1) could palliate this syndrome. Methods: 63 evaluable patients were randomly assigned to etanercept 25 mg SQ twice/week versus a comparably-administered placebo, both of which were to be given for at least 12 weeks. All patients had an incurable malignancy, acknowledged loss of weight and/or appetite as a concern, and reported weight loss of > 5 pounds over 2 months and/or a daily intake of < 20 calories/kg body weight. The above sample size provided 81% power to detect a 24% difference in the percentage of patients who gained >/= 10% of baseline weight. Results: At baseline, groups were comparable on age, gender, tumor type, and degree of weight loss. Over time, weight gain was minimal in both groups; no patient gained >/= 10% baseline weight. Appetite questionnaires (the NCCTG Anorexia/Cachexia Questionnaire and FACT-AN) revealed negligible improvements in both groups. Median survival was comparable: 175 days versus 148 in etanercept-treated and placebo-exposed patients, respectively (p=0.82). Finally, preliminary data on adverse events showed that etanercept-treated patients had higher rates of neurotoxicity (29% versus 0%) but lower rates of anemia (0% versus 19%) and thrombocytopenia (0% versus 14%). Infection rates were negligible in both groups. Clinical correlative data on TNF genotyping will be available at the time of the meeting. Conclusion: This TNF inhibitor does not appear to palliate the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome. The study was supported by CA37404, the American Institute for Cancer Research, and Amgen.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Docetaxel and capecitabine in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction: a phase II study from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that the combination of docetaxel and capecitabine are worthy of further testing in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction. We therefore undertook this phase II study to test this combination in a multi-institutional, first-line clinical trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-four eligible patients with histologic or cytologic confirmation of the above malignancy were recruited. The cohort had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance scores of 0, 1 and 2 in 59%, 39% and 2% of patients, respectively. Median age was 57 years (range 32-77 years). Adequate organ function was a requirement for study entry. All patients were prescribed docetaxel 75 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 and capecitabine 825 mg/m2 orally twice a day on days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle.

RESULTS

The tumor response rate was 39% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23% to 55%]. There were two complete responses and the rest were partial. Median survival was 9.4 months (95% CI 6.3-10.7 months) and median time-to-tumor progression was 4.2 months (95% CI 3.6-5.6 months). There was one treatment-related death from a myocardial infarction and dysrhythmia. Commonly occurring grade 3 adverse events included neutropenia (11 patients), infection (five patients), constipation (three patients), thrombosis (three patients), dyspnea (three patients) and hand-foot syndrome (three patients). In addition, 24/45 patients developed grade 4 neutropenia.

CONCLUSIONS

The regimen docetaxel and capecitabine shows activity in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction. This regimen merits further study.

Oxaliplatin and capecitabine in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction and gastric cardia: a phase II study from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group

PURPOSE

The synergic combination of oxaliplatin and capecitabine has demonstrated activity against various gastrointestinal cancers, including colon cancer. We therefore undertook this phase II study to test this first-line combination in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction and gastric cardia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-three patients with histologic or cytologic confirmation of the above malignancy were recruited. The cohort had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance statuses of 0, 1 and 2 in 47%, 51%, and 2%, respectively. Median age was 61 years (range 32-80). All had adequate organ function. Initially, patients were prescribed 130 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 orally twice a day, on days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle. Four treatment-related deaths in the first 24 patients led to a reduction in capecitabine to 850 mg/m2 orally twice a day, days 1-14, for the remainder of the cohort.

RESULTS

The tumor response rate was 35% [95% confidence intervals (CI) 23% to 50%]. All responses were partial; seven of 24 occurred before the capecitabine dose reduction, and eight of 19 after. Median time to tumor progression was 4 months (95% CI 3.1-4.6), and median survival 6.4 months (95% CI 4.6-10). To date, there have been 36 deaths. Four were treatment-related (one infection, two myocardial infarctions, one respiratory failure), and all occurred before the capecitabine dose reduction. Notable grade 4 events from the entire cohort included diarrhea (two patients), vomiting (three), dyspnea (one), thrombosis (two) and anorexia (two). Grade 3 events included nausea (12 patients), diarrhea (12), fatigue (10), abdominal pain (seven), vomiting (six), dyspnea (six), hypokalemia (six), dehydration (five), hypokalemia (five) and infection (four).

CONCLUSIONS

Oxaliplatin and capecitabine in combination demonstrates activity in metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction and gastric cardia. The lower dose (capecitabine 850 mg/m2 orally twice a day, days 1-14, and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1) yielded an acceptable toxicity profile and merits further study.

Investigating four 'myths' surrounding dysphagia in patients with metastatic esophageal cancer. A multi-institutional study from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group

Eighty-five to 95% of esophageal cancer patients suffer dysphagia. Yet, few studies have focused on this symptom, and four 'myths' persist: (i) dysphagia cannot be measured; (ii) chemotherapy cannot palliate it; (iii) dysphagia predicts a poor prognosis; (iv) dysphagia is associated with a frustratingly insatiable appetite. Forty-four patients with metastatic esophageal cancer participated in this quality of life/translational component of a previously reported clinical trial. All were monitored for chemotherapy efficacy and toxicity and completed questionnaires on dysphagia and appetite at baseline and every 6 weeks. The appetite hormones, leptin and neuropeptide y, were also assessed. Forty-five per cent of patients could easily swallow solid foods; all others had varying dysphagia, thus enabling exploration of these four 'myths.' First, a single-item visual analog scale (Swallowing Scale), demonstrated excellent agreement with a previously validated questionnaire (81% at baseline), thus reminding us that dysphagia is measurable. Second, chemotherapy was associated with a trend towards improved dysphagia (P = 0.059). Third, dysphagia did not predict tumor response or survival. Fourth, dysphagia was not associated with appetite, leptin or neuropeptide y. This study helps to dispel these four 'myths' and underscores the need for further quality of life research on dysphagia.