BRCA mutations and outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC): experience in ethnically diverse groups

BACKGROUND

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients with BRCA mutations have better prognosis than nonhereditary cases matched for histology and stage and age at diagnosis, especially Ashkenazi Jews (AJ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data on 700 highly ethnically heterogeneous patients diagnosed with stage Ic-IV EOC and evaluated for BRCA status between 1995 and 2009 in American, Israeli, and Italian medical centers.

RESULTS

The ethnicities of the 190 patients (median age 55.5 years, range 31-83 years) were AJ, Jewish non-Ashkenazi, Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, or unknown. Ninety were BRCA1/2 carriers (71 BRCA1 and 19BRCA2). The most common mutations in AJ and non-AJ origins were 185delAG and 6174delT. Non-Jewish Caucasians exhibited the widest variation (>20 mutation subtypes). BRCA carriers had significantly prolonged median overall survival (93.6 months) compared with noncarriers (66.6 months; 95% confidence interval 44.5-91.7, P = 0.0081). There was no difference in progression-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate a wide variety of BRCA mutations in a highly ethnically diverse EOC population, and confirm that EOC BRCA mutation carriers have better prognosis with longer median survival than patients with nonhereditary disease. The contribution of unclassified BRCA variants to cancer etiology remains undetermined.

Platinums: Extending Their Therapeutic Spectrum

Three decades since the introduction of cisplatin into clinical cancer treatment, this drug and its second generation analogues, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, form an integral part of recent evolving achievements in the treatment of solid tumors. For example, landmark studies have established a role for cisplatin after resection in lung cancer, and improved survival from platinum-based chemoradiation in cancer of the uterine cervix and combination chemotherapy in mesothelioma, small cell lung, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Colon cancer survival has improved with the addition of oxaliplatin to its treatment. Here we summarize how insights into the mechanism of action of platinum compounds and studies of their structure-activity relationships may identify platinums with unusual selectivity towards tumors such as melanoma, renal cell, and breast cancer and other cancers not usually treated with existing platinums. Both new drug development and mechanistic studies with established drugs should lead to the next generation of clinical studies with platinum compounds, and their integration with emerging 'targeted therapies'.

Idiotype vaccine therapy (BiovaxID) in follicular lymphoma in first complete remission: Phase III clinical trial results

2

Background: In previous trials, tumor-specific purified idiotype (Id) protein conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) administered with granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) induced follicular lymphoma (FL)-specific immune responses and molecular remissions (Nat Med. 1999;5:1171–7). Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter phase III study of patient-specific autologous tumor-derived Id vaccine in advanced stage previously untreated FL patients (pts) with a lymph node adequate for vaccine production (≥ 2cm). Pts achieving complete response (CR) or complete response unconfirmed (CRu) after chemotherapy (PACE: prednisone, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide) were stratified by International Prognostic Index risk group and randomized 2:1 to receive either vaccination with Id-KLH/GM-CSF or control (KLH/GM-CSF). The primary endpoint was disease free survival. Results: 234 pts were enrolled; 177 (76%) achieved CR/CRu and were randomized. Of 177 randomized pts, 117 maintained CR/CRu ≥ 6 mo per protocol requirement and then received at least one dose of vaccine, 55 relapsed before vaccination, 4 were vaccine manufacturing failures, and 1 violated protocol. Pts who received ≥ one vaccine dose constituted the modified intent-to-treat population for determination of efficacy. 76 pts received Id-KLH/GM-CSF and 41 pts received the control (KHL/GM-CSF). No serious adverse events were attributed to Id vaccination. At a median follow-up of 56.6 mo (range 12.6 –89.3 mo), median time to relapse after randomization for the Id-KLH/GM-CSF arm was 44.2 mo, versus 30.6 mo for the control arm (p = 0.045; HR = 1.6). Conclusions: Id vaccination after a chemotherapy-induced remission of ≥ 6 mo prolongs remission duration in pts with FL. Compared to other phase III Id vaccine trials, the positive outcome of this study may reflect application of Id vaccine in pts in CR/CRu or use of hybridomas to produce Id. Genomic and immune response analyses are planned on residual autologous tumor and blood samples. Additional studies of this patient-specific vaccine in FL pts pretreated with anti-CD20 antibody-containing chemotherapy are indicated.

[Table: see text]

Idiotype vaccine therapy (BiovaxID) in follicular lymphoma in first complete remission: Phase III clinical trial results

2

The full, final text of this abstract will be available in Part II of the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings, distributed onsite at the Meeting on May 30, 2009, and as a supplement to the June 20, 2009, issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

[Table: see text]

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) with bevacizumab (B) in second-line treatment of ovarian cancer (OC): Pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and preliminary outcome results

5548

Background: PLD activity in platinum-resistant OC is modest. B, with its activity in platinum(Plat)-sensitive and Plat-resistant patients (pts), has not been combined with PLD. PLD intratumoral concentrations, if affected by B, might be reflected in PLD PK. This phase II study of PLD + B was started in 2007 to accrue 48 pts, unless 4 serious (> grade 3) adverse events (AEs) supervened. Methods: Improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 m from 25 to 40% at 6 m in Plat-resistant OC is primary endpoint. PK of PLD alone at 1h, d 7 and d 21 (cycle 1) vs with B (cycle 2), safety, and response rates (RECIST and CA125 criteria) were secondary endpoints. Dosing: PLD 30 mg/m2 followed by B 15 mg/kg on cycles 2–7 (with option to continue) d 1 every 3 w. Pts recurring within 6 m of platinum-based treatment for OC after < 3 prior regimens (but no PLD or B) were eligible. Exclusions: bowel obstruction, prior perforation, uncontrolled hypertension, or vascular disease. Hematologic, mucocutaneous and renal toxicities were evaluated prior to each cycle, MUGA scans every third cycle; disease status by CA125 and/or RECIST every third cycle. Results: 21 of 24 pts enrolled to date are evaluable. Median age is 65, range 52–83; most had 2 prior chemotherapy regimens. Median 6 (range 3–12) cycles were given with 6 off study with progression at 3–7 cycles. RECIST and CA125 responses are under review; in 11 pts with baseline CA125 of > 40 IU/mL, median increase was 31% by cycle 2; later falling to -57%. AEs did not exceed grade 3; hand-foot syndrome led to PLD dose reduction in 8 pts (33%); asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >10% in 3 pts were noted, with treatment discontinuation in 1. The mean (±SEM) secondary PK parameter estimates for Cmax, AUC, and elimination half life were 4.5 ± 0.5 ug/mL, 651.7 ± 61 ug/mL x h, and 93.3 ± 19.7 h, respectively. Conclusions: Cycles 1 and 2 PLD PK do not differ. PLD + B is tolerable with PLD dose modifications. Declines in LVEF in 1 institution have uncertain causality. Midway into the trial, safety and time on study encourage completion for study primary endpoint.

[Table: see text]

Intraperitoneal(IP) 5’-fluoro-2’deoxyuridine(FUDR): Safety and outcome when administered prior to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy(chemoRT) following R0 resection for gastric adenocarcinoma

4627

Background: ChemoRT after surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer improves overall and relapse-free survival (OS and RFS) compared to observation (NEJM 2000,345:725–30). However, loco-regional recurrences (>50%) remain high and we hypothesized that adding IP FUDR would further improve outcome. Methods: Patients (pts) ECOG performance status (PS) 0–2, gastric/gastroesphogeal(GEJ) adenocarcinoma stage Ib-IV (M0) undergoing R0 resection were eligible, and had insertion of IP catheters at surgery. IP FUDR(3gm/dose/day) was given on protocol days 1, 2, 3 and 15, 16, 17 prior to 5-FU/LV and external beam RT (45Gy) as in cited study. Simon 2-stage optimum design was used to demonstrate safety. Endpoints also included were loco-regional recurrence and survival. Results: 28 pts with gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma (25/3) were enrolled from 2002 to 2006 at 2 institutions: median age 59.5 years (range 39–81), M /F (21/7). R0 gastric resection was performed with dissection of median 22 (range 8–102) lymph nodes(LN’s). 22/28 pts were lymph node positive. Full dose IP FUDR was completed in 20/28 pts. 4 pts required dose reduction (1 for grade(gr) 2 hepatic enzyme elevation, 2 gr 2 neutropenia, 1 gr 4 neutropenia), 3 discontinued therapy (1 gr 3 abdominal pain, 1 GI abscess, and 1 bleeding arterial pseudoaneurysm). One pt received no IP treatment due to catheter failure. 24/28 pts completed chemoRT and had toxicity comparable to that previously reported in the Intergroup 0116 trial. At 26 month median follow up (range 2.8–43.4), of the 26 pts evaluable for response, 16 pts are NED, 6 alive with disease, 3 dead of disease, and 1 dead from other cause. 5 recurrences were intra-abdominal, 1 local, 2 distant, and 1 at multiple sites. At present analysis, the median RFS is 32.5 months. Conclusions: IP FUDR prior to chemoRT after R0 gastric cancer resection is well tolerated. A randomized study to test its role in reducing regional recurrence and improving outcome is warranted. (FDA Orphan Products grant# FD-R-2150–04)

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I study of bortezomib and oxaliplatin (BOX) in solid tumors: Improved neurotoxicity (NT) profile with lower bortezomib (B) dose

12007

Background: B inhibits proteasome function and may be synergistic in causing apoptotic death with platinum agents. We were interested in combining B with OX but concerned with dose limiting (DL) NT based on our prior B phase I study [Hamilton et al., JCO 2005]: therefore this Phase I dose-escalation study (alternating increases of B and OX) focusing on NT was planned. Methods: Patients (pts) with metastatic solid tumors, PS 0–2, platinum or taxane naive, no peripheral neuropathy and adequate organ function, received B (D1, 4, 15, 18) and OX (D1, 15) every 28 days in a dose escalation design (see table ). Baseline and monthly assessments were performed by an independent neurologist. Results: 27 (18 gastrointestinal, 3 melanoma, 3 ovarian, 3 others) were accrued; pt characteristics: 14 male/13 female; median age 55 years (range 35–75); 2 median cycles (range 1–10). NT was not DL because it did not occur within the first cycle. Late and limiting NT was observed in levels 2–5 after 2–9 cycles, but serial neurologic evaluations showed reversible NT. With an amended new dose level to lower B to 1.0 mg/m2 (level 6) to avoid late NT, NT was not observed. Of 22 evaluable pts, there were 3 partial responses (ampullary, GE junction, biliary), 6 stable disease, and 13 disease progression by RECIST criteria. Conclusions: biweekly BOX is tolerable at B 1.0 mg/m2 and OX 85 mg/m2 with no DL NT. Additional observations on late NT are ongoing. This suggests B is a major contributor to NT observed in dose levels 2–5 and may potentiate the effects of OX.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Report of first-stage accrual for NCI 5886, a phase II study of erlotinib, carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line treatment of ovarian cancer

5076

Background: Abnormalities in the EGFR pathway are thought to play a major role in the dysregulated growth of ovarian and related epithelial cancers. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of erlotinib (erl) to the standard first line regimen of paclitaxel (T) and carboplatin (CB) encourages pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients (pts) with ovarian (OC), fallopian tube (FTC) or primary peritoneal (PPC) cancers. Tolerability and toxicity data have been previously reported (ASCO 2005). Correlative studies of EGFR and related pathways are being performed, but data is insufficient currently for presentation. Methods: Pts with a histologic diagnosis of OC, FTC or PPC Stage III or IV with either optimal (≤ 1 cm) or suboptimal residual disease within 12 weeks of initial surgery were eligible for enrollment. Pts received T (175 mg/m2) and CB (AUC 6) every 21 days, along with erl (150 mg) by mouth, daily, continuously, for a planned 6 cycles, after which pts underwent surgical reassessment to determine pCR. Data were analyzed as two parallel phase II trials in the strata of Stage III optimal (Op) and Stage III suboptimal/Stage IV (S). Both trials followed Simon’s two-stage design, with planned first stage sample sizes of 28 (Op) and 19 (S). Early stopping rules applied for ≤ 11 pCR in Op pts, and ≤3 responses in S pts. Results: Since June 2003, 47 pts have been accrued, 29 Op and 18 S. In the Op stratum, 19 second looks (SL) were performed: 10 negative, revealing pCR, and 9 positive. Two patients elected not to have SL. Six Op pts discontinued treatment prior to completion, and four pts in this group continue treatment. In the S stratum, 7 pts were treated neoadjuvantly, and 1 pt is Stage IV. Surgical reassessment was performed in 5 of the 18 S pts, all of whom had dramatic responses, but not pCR. One pt’s disease did not respond enough to the regimen to warrant surgical reassessment. One pt was ineligible, 8 discontinued treatment, and 3 continue treatment. Conclusions: First stage accrual goals have been met, and demonstrate enough activity of erl, T and Cb in OC, FTC and PPC to proceed with second stage accrual. In the S cohort, criteria for proceeding with the study are being reassessed to account for early dropouts and neoadjuvant treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Proteasome Inhibition With Bortezomib (PS-341): A Phase I Study With Pharmacodynamic End Points Using a Day 1 and Day 4 Schedule in a 14-Day Cycle

Purpose

We performed a phase I study of a day (D) 1 and D4 bortezomib administration once every 2 weeks to determine the recommended phase II dose and toxicity profile, and the extent of 20S proteasome inhibition obtained.

Patients and Methods

Patients with solid tumors or lymphomas were treated with bortezomib at 0.25 to 1.9 mg/m2on D1 and D4, every 2 weeks. 20S proteasome levels in blood were assayed at baseline and at 1, 4, and 24 hours postdose in cycle 1.

Results

On this D1 and D4 every 2 weeks' schedule, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was evident at the 1.75 and 1.9 mg/m2dose levels, most commonly in patients receiving individual total doses ≥ 3.0 mg. The main DLT was peripheral neuropathy evident at the higher doses and in patients previously exposed to neurotoxic agents. Other DLTs included diarrhea and fatigue; grade 3 thrombocytopenia was also noted. Reversible inhibition of 20S proteasome activity was dose dependent and best fit a total dose (mg) per fraction rather than mg/m2; 70% of baseline activity was inhibited by a dose of 3.0 to 3.5 mg given on D1 and on D4 every other week. Antitumor effects short of confirmed partial responses were observed in patients with melanoma, non–small-cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

Bortezomib (PS-341) is a novel antineoplastic agent that is well tolerated at doses not exceeding 3.0 mg (equivalent to 1.75 mg/m2), repeated on D1 and D4 every other week. This dose correlates with 70% inhibition of 20S proteasome activity. DLTs include neuropathy, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Sequential single agents as first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: a strategy derived from the results of GOG-132

First-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer during the past decade has evolved toward the use of carboplatin and paclitaxel combinations. This has been based on randomized trials showing that combinations of these two drugs lead to a outcome similar to that obtained using cisplatin and paclitaxel (that had, in turn, proven superior in progression-free survival and overall survival to cisplatin and cyclophosphamide) but with less toxicity. Surprisingly, taxane-platinum combinations were not superior to control arms in two studies (ICON3 and GOG-132) utilizing carboplatin or cisplatin as the comparators. This has renewed interest in the role of single agents in first-line chemotherapy - a concept also supported by a number of prior clinical trials with single-agent platinum compounds yielding results not inferior to combinations. Early 'pre-emptive' crossover (prior to the stipulated clinical progression) to paclitaxel or a paclitaxel-containing regimen, however, occurred in 24% of patients initially treated with cisplatin on GOG-132. This has led to the interpretation of this trial as a combination versus sequential design. Although not subscribing to this interpretation, the results of GOG-132 and ICON3 not only raise doubts over a clear superiority of combinations over single agents but also lead to a consideration of sequential treatment designs for first line. Advantages of such designs are: (a) ability to provide 'dose-dense' platinums followed by 'dose-dense' paclitaxel and, perhaps, other drugs; and (b) the potential of acquiring biological data linked to the antitumor effects of a specific drug. Mathematical modeling and recent positive results in breast cancer adjuvant therapy support the use of 'dose-dense' strategies, and these should be considered in the design of future trials in ovarian cancer.

Sequential single agents as first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: a strategy derived from the results of GOG-132

First-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer during the past decade has evolved toward the use of carboplatin and paclitaxel combinations. This has been based on randomized trials showing that combinations of these two drugs lead to a outcome similar to that obtained using cisplatin and paclitaxel (that had, in turn, proven superior in progression-free survival and overall survival to cisplatin and cyclophosphamide) but with less toxicity. Surprisingly, taxane–platinum combinations were not superior to control arms in two studies (ICON3 and GOG-132) utilizing carboplatin or cisplatin as the comparators. This has renewed interest in the role of single agents in first-line chemotherapy – a concept also supported by a number of prior clinical trials with single-agent platinum compounds yielding results not inferior to combinations. Early ‘pre-emptive’ crossover (prior to the stipulated clinical progression) to paclitaxel or a paclitaxel-containing regimen, however, occurred in 24% of patients initially treated with cisplatin on GOG-132. This has led to the interpretation of this trial as a combination versus sequential design. Although not subscribing to this interpretation, the results of GOG-132 and ICON3 not only raise doubts over a clear superiority of combinations over single agents but also lead to a consideration of sequential treatment designs for first line. Advantages of such designs are: (a) ability to provide ‘dose-dense’ platinums followed by ‘dose-dense’ paclitaxel and, perhaps, other drugs; and (b) the potential of acquiring biological data linked to the antitumor effects of a specific drug. Mathematical modeling and recent positive results in breast cancer adjuvant therapy support the use of ‘dose-dense’ strategies, and these should be considered in the design of future trials in ovarian cancer.

Complement activation following first exposure to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil): possible role in hypersensitivity reactions

BACKGROUND

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) has been reported to cause immediate hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) that cannot be explained as IgE-mediated (type I) allergy. Previous in vitro and animal studies indicated that activation of the complement (C) system might play a causal role in the process, a proposal that has not been tested in humans to date.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with solid tumors (n = 29) treated for the first time with Doxil were evaluated for HSRs and concurrent C activation. HSRs were classified from mild to severe, while C activation was estimated by serial measurement of plasma C terminal complex (SC5b-9) levels. Increases in SC5b-9 were compared in patients with or without reactions, and were correlated with Doxil dose rate.

RESULTS

Moderate to severe HSRs occurred in 45% of patients. Plasma SC5b-9 at 10 min after infusion was significantly elevated in 92% of reactor patients versus 56% in the non-reactor group, and the rise was greater in reactors than in non-reactors. We found significant association between C activation and HSRs, both showing direct correlation with the initial Doxil dose rate.

CONCLUSIONS

C activation may play a key role in HSRs to Doxil. However, low-level C activation does not necessarily entail clinical symptoms, highlighting the probable involvement of further, as yet unidentified, amplification factors.

Role of complement activation in hypersensitivity reactions to doxil and hynic PEG liposomes: experimental and clinical studies

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) and 99mTc-HYNIC PEG liposomes (HPL) were reported earlier to cause hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) in a substantial percentage of patients treated i.v. with these formulations. Here we report that (1) Doxil, HPL, pegylated phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE)-containing empty liposomes matched with Doxil and HPL in size and lipid composition, and phosphatidylglycerol (PG)-containing negatively charged vesicles were potent C activators in human serum in vitro, whereas small neutral liposomes caused no C activation. (2) Doxil and other size-matched PEG-PE and/or PG-containing liposomes also caused massive cardiopulmonary distress with anaphylactoid shock in pigs via C activation, whereas equivalent neutral liposomes caused no hemodynamic changes. (3) A clinical study showed more frequent and greater C activation in patients displaying HSR than in non-reactive patients. These data suggest that liposome-induced HSRs in susceptible individuals may be due to C activation, which, in turn, is due to the presence of negatively charged PEG-PE in these vesicles.

Phase I and pharmacologic study of i.v. hydroxyurea infusion given with i.p. 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine and leucovorin

Preclinical data suggests that the action of fluoropyrimidines may be enhanced by the addition of hydroxyurea. We developed a phase I trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of i.v. hydroxyurea (HU) in combination with i.p. 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUdR) and leucovorin (LV). Eligible patients had metastatic carcinoma confined mostly to the peritoneal cavity, and adequate hepatic, renal and bone marrow function. Patients were treated with a fixed dose of FUdR (3 g) and LV (640 mg) administered on days 1--3. HU was administered as a 72-h infusion starting simultaneously with i.p. therapy on day 1. The following dose levels were studied: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.6 g/m(2)/day. Pharmacokinetics were studied in blood and peritoneal fluid. Twenty-eight patients were accrued. Steady-state plasma and peritoneal fluid HU levels increased with increasing dose, and steady state was achieved within 12 h of continuous dosing. The steady-state HU plasma:peritoneal fluid concentration ratio ranged from 1.06 x 10(3) to 1.25 x 10(3) and the plasma HU clearance ranged from 4.63 to 5.81 l/h/m(2). Peritoneal fluid AUC = 137,639 +/- 43,914 microg/ml x min, t(1/2) = 100.9 +/- 56.4 min and Cl = 25.29 +/- 10.88 ml/min. Neutropenia represented the dose-limiting toxicity. We conclude that i.p. FUdR and LV in combination with i.v. HU is well tolerated. The addition of systemic HU increased the incidence of myelosuppression.

Liposomal encapsulated anthracyclines: new therapeutic horizons

After two decades of work in liposomal formulations for clinical use, two preparations containing doxorubicin (Doxil, ALZA, Pablo Alto, CA; and Evacet, The Liposome Company, Princeton, NJ), and one containing daunorubicin (DaunoXome; Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA) have been undergoing widespread clinical study. Results have lived up to the promise that liposomal encapsulation may lead to toxicity attenuation, while retaining or even enhancing the efficacy of the parent anthracyclines. The eventual role of these agents in clinical practice is being defined in a number of studies that are reviewed herein. Already, approved indications have been achieved for doxorubicin against Kaposi's sarcoma and ovarian cancers, and for daunorubicin against Kaposi's sarcoma. The three compounds vary widely in their pharmacology, and these differences may contribute to their preferential localization into certain tumors. Additional indications for these liposomal encapsulated anthracyclines are likely to be established in the ensuing years.

Treatment of patients with ovarian carcinoma with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin: analysis of toxicities and predictors of outcome

BACKGROUND

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is a new formulation with activity against epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). The authors sought to determine patient characteristics that may predict for response to this treatment and favorable time to failure as well as survival.

METHODS

Eight patients in a Phase I study and 44 patients in two consecutive Phase II studies who were treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (40-60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for the first two cycles and 40 mg/m2 every 4 weeks thereafter) after failing initial platinum-based chemotherapies for ovarian carcinoma were analyzed. Associations were sought for response, time to failure (TTF), and survival after the treatment and various pretreatment characteristics.

RESULTS

Treatment with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin yielded 23% objective responses in measurable disease and 31% overall responses, including serum CA 125-defined responses. The median TTF was 5.2 months (95% confidence interval, 4.1-6.9 months) in all patients, and the median response duration in all responders was 13.2 months (95% confidence interval, 11.9-18.5 months). The overall median survival was 15 months (95% confidence interval, 11-40 months). The main predictive factors were tumor size and baseline hemoglobin level for TTF, and these plus Karnofsky performance status were the main predictive factors for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is an effective drug when it is given as secondary therapy to patients with EOC. Lack of bulky disease is the major predictor for a favorable response, TTF, and survival. The role of this treatment in combination with other effective drugs should be explored in both previously treated and untreated patients with ovarian carcinoma.

Phase I trial of paclitaxel and etoposide for recurrent ovarian carcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

A phase I study was performed to determine the maximum tolerated doses of intravenous etoposide and paclitaxel for women with previously treated persistent or recurrent ovarian cancer. Starting doses were paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 during 24 hours and etoposide 50 mg/m2/day for 3 consecutive days. The study was designed to escalate first the dose of etoposide, and then the dose of paclitaxel, in successive cohorts of patients. In an attempt to determine whether toxicity was affected by sequence of the drugs, the order of administration of the two drugs was reversed on alternate cycles. The starting doses of paclitaxel (135 mg/m2/24 hours) and etoposide (50 mg/m2/day x 3) caused severe neutropenia even with the addition of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and the trial was amended to administer the paclitaxel during 3 hours. However, this also proved too myelosuppressive without growth factor support. Twenty-one women were treated. A complete response was observed in one of nine patients with measurable disease, and a major decrease in CA-125 was noted in two patients who did not have measurable disease. Because of the severe myelosuppression observed in most patients, dose reduction was often required after the first cycle. The power to detect sequence-dependent variation in toxicity was minimal; however, no large differences were observed. A combination of the usual doses of these drugs will be difficult to administer in patients who have received previous chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Phase II study of liposomal doxorubicin in advanced gynecologic cancers

OBJECTIVE

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) may have enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity compared with the parent compound. This phase II study further evaluates the activity of Doxil in patients with ovarian cancer and explores activity in other gynecologic cancers.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients were treated with Doxil 50 mg/m(2) infused over 1 h; 44 were evaluable. Forty-eight had epithelial ovarian cancer and all received prior treatment with cisplatin and paclitaxel: 27 received two to six prior regimens, 44 were platinum resistant, 21 patients had measurable disease, and 27 had evaluable disease only.

RESULTS

The overall survival of these patients was 10 months (range, 0.25-33); progression-free survival was 3 months (range, 0.25-18). The response rate among those with measurable disease was 19%, with a median duration of 4.5 months (range, 3-12). The response rate of 22 patients with elevated CA-125 was 59%; median duration was 3.5 months (range, 1-12). Also, 27% achieved prolonged stabilization of disease for a median of 7 months (range, 5-18). Overall, treatment was well tolerated in this heavily pretreated population. Grade 3 and 4 toxic effects were: 5 grade 3 stomatitis, 3 grade 3 skin, 1 each grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, 5 admits for infection, and no neutropenic fever; nausea and vomiting were uncommon in 204 cycles to ovarian cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the activity of Doxil in heavily pretreated patients with ovarian cancer and poor prognostic features and confirms the prolonged responses and favorable toxicity profile. Encouraging findings were also observed in the patients with nonovarian gynecologic cancers.

Challenges posed by non-random missing quality of life data in an advanced-stage colorectal cancer clinical trial

Effects of variations in agent, dose, and route of treatment administration on patient reported quality of life (QOL) were examined for 279 patients enrolled on a seven-arm randomized clinical trial (S8905) of 5-FU and its modulation for advanced colorectal cancer. Patients completed QOL questionnaires at randomization and weeks 6, 11, and 21 post-randomization with five QOL endpoints considered primary: three treatment-specific symptoms (stomatitis, diarrhea, and hand/foot sensitivity); physical functioning; and emotional functioning. Patient compliance with the QOL assessment schedule was good, supporting the feasibility of including QOL measures in cooperative group trials. However, death and deteriorating health produced substantial missing data. Cross-sectional analyses indicated that the seven therapeutic arms did not differ in their impact on QOL. Unfortunately, longitudinal analyses of the QOL data were inappropriate given non-random missing data. Graphical presentation of non-random missing data identified the seriousness of this problem and its effect on potential conclusions about QOL during treatment. This problem appears to be particularly challenging in the context of advanced-stage disease. Failure to recognize the presence of non-random missing data can lead to serious overestimates of patient QOL over time.

BRCA1 germline mutation presenting as an adenocarcinoma of unknown primary

BACKGROUND

The work-up of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary usually includes history, physical examination, radiographic imaging, tumor markers, and more recently molecular and genetic information. We report here on how the suggestion by family history of a BRCA1 mutation guided the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary.

METHODS

BRCA1 mutation was screened for by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis. Primers for PCR amplification included selected BRCA1 exons 2, 110, 11L, 13, and 20. The PCR product was cloned into a PCRII vector and sequenced with a Sequenase Version 2.0 Sequencing Kit.

RESULTS

Single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis suggested a mutation in the region of exon 20 and sequencing confirmed the presence of a germline mutation 5382insC.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates an unusual presentation of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary in a patient with a germline BRCA1 mutation, the use of a suspected germline mutation to guide the work-up and treatment, and finally the value of positron emission tomography scanning in the work-up of an unknown primary.

Phase II study of combination taxol and estramustine phosphate in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme

Taxol has activity in the treatment of high grade gliomas but estramustine phosphate (EMP) has not been used in this setting. In vitro data demonstrates that EMP is cytotoxic to glioma cell lines and estramustine binding proteins are expressed by glioma cells. The combination of Taxol and EMP is reported to be active in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer and in taxane-resistant breast and ovarian cancer. We therefore performed a phase II study to assess the activity and toxicity of this combination in high grade gliomas. Taxol was given at a dose of 225 mg/m2 intravenously over three hours on day 1 and EMP was given at a dose of 900 mg/m2 orally on days 1 through 3. Cycles were repeated every three weeks. Twenty patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) were enrolled: 11 male, median age 45 years. All patients received anti-epileptic medications and 17 (80%) had received prior chemotherapy. Of 18 evaluable patients, two had partial responses (11) and six had stable disease (33%) for a minimum of eight weeks. Treatment was well tolerated with grade 3 neutropenia occurring in only three patients. There were no other grade 3 or 4 toxicities. The median time to progression for the cohort was only six weeks (range 3-60+ weeks). The median overall survival was 12 weeks (range 3-60+ weeks). In conclusion, the combination of Taxol and EMP is well tolerated and has modest activity in the treatment of recurrent GBM.

Phase III randomized study of cisplatin versus paclitaxel versus cisplatin and paclitaxel in patients with suboptimal stage III or IV ovarian cancer: a gynecologic oncology group study

PURPOSE

To assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with suboptimally debulked epithelial ovarian cancer receiving cisplatin (100 mg/m(2)) or 24-hour infusion paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2)) or the combination of paclitaxel (135 mg/m(2)) followed by cisplatin (75 mg/m(2)).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After stratification for disease measurability, patients were randomized to receive six cycles of one of the treatments every 3 weeks. If measurable, complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) was determined.

RESULTS

Six hundred fourteen of 648 patients who entered onto the trial were eligible. Monotherapies were discontinued more frequently (cisplatin because of toxicity or patient refusal [17%], and paclitaxel because of progression [20%]) compared with the combination therapy (7% and 6%, respectively). Neutropenia, fever, and alopecia were more severe with paclitaxel-containing regimens; whereas anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and gastrointestinal toxicity were more severe with cisplatin-containing regimens. The CR/PR rates on paclitaxel monotherapy were significantly lower compared with the cisplatin regimens (42% v 67%, respectively; P <.001). The relative hazard (RH) of first progression or death was significantly greater among those randomized to paclitaxel (RH = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 1.73; P <.001) when compared with cisplatin; however, RH did not differ significantly between the two cisplatin regimens (RH = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.895 to 1.30). Relative to cisplatin, the death rate on paclitaxel was 15% greater (RH = 1.15; 95% CI, 0. 929 to 1.42), and the death rate on the combination treatment was 1% less (RH = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.795 to 1.23). These differences among treatment groups were not statistically significant (P =.31).

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin alone or in combination yielded superior response rates and PFS relative to paclitaxel. However, OS was similar in all three arms, and the combination therapy had a better toxicity profile. Therefore, the combination of cisplatin and paclitaxel remains the preferred initial treatment option.

Phase I study of AG 331, a novel thymidylate synthase inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid tumors

PURPOSE

This was a phase I study of AG 331 to determine systemic tolerance and pharmacokinetics following single and multiple escalating intravenous doses.

METHODS

The study was an open-label phase I trial that was divided into two components. In phase IA (single dose), six dose levels from 12.5 to 225 mg/m2 were administered to 18 patients (3 at each dose level) and serial blood samples were collected for 72 h. Upon achieving satisfactory pharmacologic parameters, the multiple dosing component (phase IB) was initiated. Six dose levels from 50 to 800 mg/m2 per day were administered for 5 consecutive days to 18 patients. Pre- and postdose blood samples were obtained on days 1-4 and serial blood samples were collected over 24 h following dose 5. Nonhematologic and hepatic toxicities were assessed, serum AG 331 concentrations were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters determined.

RESULTS

Other than fatigue, no severe toxicities were encountered in phase IA. Liver toxicity was manifested by elevations in transaminase first noted at multiple doses of 200 mg/m2 per day for 5 days. Fever and malaise but no myelosuppression were noted. The mean terminal t1/2 following single doses was significantly shorter than the t1/2 following multiple dosing (6.8 vs 9.9 h) and clearance was significantly faster following single doses than following multiple dosing (81.7 vs 30.4 l/h), but no significant difference in Vd was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The dose-related toxicity profile precludes further clinical development at this time. The pharmacokinetics of AG 331 following single and multiple doses showed significant differences.

A phase II study of Doxil (liposomal doxorubicin): lack of activity in poor prognosis soft tissue sarcomas

BACKGROUND

Liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx, Doxil) delivers doxorubicin to a tumor, but has a vastly altered pharmacology and attenuated acute and chronic toxicities. Therefore, its efficacy in soft tissue sarcomas is worth exploring.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with recurrent or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas who had not failed prior doxorubicin were accrued into this phase II study. Patients were treated with Doxil at a dose of 50 mg/m2 every four weeks.

RESULTS

No responses were seen but three patients were removed from study after only one cycle of treatment. Moreover, leiomyosarcoma was the most common histology and most patients had low grade, and bulky, disseminated tumors. Treatment was well tolerated with no episodes of grade 4 toxicity and only five episodes of grade 3 toxicities: two episodes of neutropenia and one each of stomatitis, dermatologic toxicity and nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSIONS

Doxil's lack of activity in this study of patients with adult soft tissue sarcoma may be related to the poor prognostic features of our population. We confirm its favorable toxicity profile and suggest that additional studies be done in patients with other characteristics.

Cellular but not plasma pharmacokinetics of lometrexol correlate with the occurrence of cumulative hematological toxicity

Lometrexol inhibits the first folate-dependent enzyme in de novo purine biosynthesis and is avidly polyglutamated and retained in tissues expressing folylpolyglutamate synthetase. Although clinical studies have been limited by cumulative toxicity, preclinical studies show that pretreatment with folic acid can protect normal tissue while maintaining tumor cytotoxicity. Therefore, a Phase I study of lometrexol every 21 days preceded by i.v. folic acid was initiated. Lometrexol was studied in six patients at 15 mg/m2, in six patients at 20 mg/m2, in three patients at 25 mg/m2, and in nine patients at 30 mg/m2. Patients received either 5 mg of folic acid 1 h before or 25 mg/m2 3 h before lometrexol. Blood samples were obtained around the first course and weekly thereafter for determination of plasma and erythrocyte (RBC) lometrexol concentrations. Bioactive folates in plasma and RBCs were determined in a subset of patients. Lometrexol pharmacokinetics were best described by a three-compartment model. Mean clearance and volume of distribution were 1.6 +/- 0.6 liters/h/m2 and 8.9 +/- 4.1 liters/m2. Mean half-lives were 0.23 +/- 0.1, 2.9 +/- 1.4, and 25.0 +/- 48.7 h. Pharmacokinetics were independent of either lometrexol or folic acid dose. In the weekly blood samples, RBC lometrexol levels rose, long after plasma lometrexol was undetectable. RBC lometrexol levels were independent of folic acid or lometrexol dose. Bioactive folates measured in plasma and RBCs during this same time period did not accumulate. Rising RBC levels were correlated with a fall in hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet count. This study indicates that the cumulative toxicity of lometrexol is related to tissue concentration and not plasma pharmacokinetics. RBC lometrexol may be an indicator of cumulative drug exposure and effect.

Phase I and pharmacologic study of estramustine phosphate and short infusions of paclitaxel in women with solid tumors

PURPOSE

We sought to determine the tolerance of estramustine phosphate (EMP) combined with a 3-hour paclitaxel infusion in women with solid paclitaxel-pretreated solid tumors. Paclitaxel pharmacology was to be studied at the recommended phase II dose.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Paclitaxel was administered to cohorts of at least three assessable patients at doses of 150, 180, 210, and 225 mg/m2, while EMP was given at 900 and 1,200 mg/m2/d in divided doses orally for 2 days preceding and on the day of paclitaxel. The pharmacologic study was performed at 225 mg/m2 paclitaxel given in the absence and 3 weeks later in the presence of EMP 900 mg/m2/d.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients received a total of 178 courses. Grade 3 nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were common at EMP 1,200 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 225 mg/ m2; this was considered the maximum-tolerated dose. Since these toxicities appeared related to EMP, the pharmacologic study used a dose of 900 mg/m2 of this agent with 225 mg/m2 paclitaxel. Antitumor activity was documented against breast and ovarian cancers at all levels. Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics without and with EMP did not differ.

CONCLUSION

EMP 900 mg/m2 for 3 days and 225 mg/m2 paclitaxel by 3-hour infusion are well tolerated; antitumor activity was seen in women with paclitaxel-pretreated solid tumors. This apparent enhancement of antitumor effects is unlikely to be mediated by P-glycoprotein.

Camptothecins: a review of their development and schedules of administration

Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, camptothecin was rediscovered in the 1950s during a search for compounds that could be used as a source for steroid synthesis. Due to its limited water solubility, a sodium salt was used in the early clinical trials. The severe toxicity and erratic absorption relegated this compound to the research laboratory until the 1980s when the topoisomerase enzyme was identified as the cellular target of camptothecin, the topoisomerase enzyme was found to be overexpressed in cancer cells and a structure-activity relationship was determined for camptothecin. These new developments brought the camptothecins back to the clinical setting for further testing. The various analogues that have been most studied to date include: irinotecan (CPT-11), and its derivative SN-38, topotecan, and 9-aminocamptothecin. Numerous trials have been conducted in an attempt to establish the efficacy in various tumour types, to determine the dose-limiting toxicity and to define the optimal schedule of administration. It seems that large doses of these drugs given on intermittent schedules are not effective. Our hypothesis is that the camptothecins require a prolonged schedule of administration given continuously at low doses or frequent intermittent dosing schedules to be most effective. With these schedules, normal haematopoietic cells and mucosal progenitor cells with low topoisomerase I levels may be spared, while efficacy is preserved.

Gemcitabine plus cisplatin combination given with amifostine (GAP) to heavily pretreated patients with gynecologic and peritoneal cancers: tolerance and activity in ovarian cancer

Nine patients with cancers of gynecologic or peritoneal origin were treated with a combination of gemcitabine, amifostine and cisplatin (GAP). The rationale of including amifostine was primarily related to the amount of prior cisplatin the patients had received and the need to protect against additional neurotoxicity. After encouraging activity and tolerance had been noted, entry of three patients with severely compromised bone marrow was also allowed. These three patients required dose reductions and did not tolerate treatment more often than every other week, but nevertheless, one of them experienced a partial response lasting 9 months. Another two of the nine patients had CA125 decreases fulfilling Rustin's definition of response and one had elimination of ascites. Future studies of this combination are warranted.

Tomudex (ZD1694, NSC 639186) in platinum-pretreated recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: a phase II study by the Gynecologic Oncology Group

PURPOSE

Tomudex is a second-generation folate analogue that when polyglutamated is a potent inhibitor of thymidylate synthase (TS).

METHODS

Based on indications of antitumor activity in phase I trials, the Gynecologic Oncology Group initiated a phase II study of Tomudex 3 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, who had been pretreated with platinum drugs, and had subsequently recurred more than 6 months following such treatment.

RESULTS

Of 30 patients entered into the trial, 2 were pathologically ineligible, leaving 28 fully evaluable. In this patient population, Tomudex was generally well tolerated, but only three objective (partial) responses were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

With the level of activity seen, the drug was not considered for further clinical development in ovarian cancer by the Gynecologic Oncology Group. However, it may be worthwhile to explore whether quantitation of TS could lead to selection of patients more likely to respond to this TS inhibitor.

Complement activation by Cremophor EL as a possible contributor to hypersensitivity to paclitaxel: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients treated with the anticancer drug, paclitaxel (Taxol) often experience mild to severe hypersensitivity reactions. It is not known how these reactions are induced and whether the inducer is paclitaxel or its vehicle (i.e., Cremophor EL in 50% ethanol). Molecules present in Cremophor EL are similar in structure to certain nonionic block copolymers that activate complement proteins (i.e., proteins involved in various immune processes). To explore the role of complement in the observed hypersensitivity reactions, we studied the effects of paclitaxel and Cremophor EL plus ethanol on human complement in vitro.

METHODS

Serum specimens from healthy individuals and cancer patients were incubated with paclitaxel or with relevant control compounds (Cremophor EL with ethanol, ethanol only, docetaxel, and cyclosporine), and markers of complement activation (SC5b-9 and Bb) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Similar incubations were performed in the presence of inhibitors of complement activation (i.e., EGTA/Mg2+ and soluble complement receptor type 1 [sCR1]).

RESULTS

Paclitaxel in Cremophor EL plus ethanol caused increased formation of SC5b-9 in serum specimens from 10 of 10 healthy control subjects and from five of 10 cancer patients. Experiments with one or more individual sera indicated the above effect was due to Cremophor EL plus ethanol, that increased formation of Bb also occurred, that the drug-induced rise in SC5b-9 was inhibited by sCR1, and that EGTA/Mg2+ partially inhibited SC5b-9 formation and stimulated Bb formation.

IMPLICATION

The role of complement activation in hypersensitivity reactions associated with administration of paclitaxel in Cremophor EL plus ethanol should be studied in vivo.

Tolerance of paclitaxel 3-hour infusion with and without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on a biweekly schedule

The object of this study was to define the toxicity and maximum tolerated dose of paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) administered on a biweekly schedule, without and with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. Eligible patients had a diagnosis of recurrent or metastatic carcinoma and had received no more than one prior chemotherapy regimen. Patients were treated with paclitaxel administered as a 3-hour infusion. Entry dose level was 150/mg/m2. Subsequent dose levels were 175, 200, and 225 mg/m2. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was added at the two highest dose levels beginning on day 4, until absolute neutrophil count was above 10 x 10(9)/L. Forty-six patients were entered. Up to 175 mg/m2 could be safely administered every 2 weeks. Previously treated patients experienced severe dose-limiting neutropenia at 200 mg/m2, and at 225 mg/m2 all patients experienced treatment delays due to grade 3/4 neutropenia. Dose intensity was maintained in all patients due to the addition of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Escalation to 250 mg/m2 does not appear desirable, due to neurotoxicity.