Changes in the multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer from 2009 to 2015 and associated improvements in short-term outcomes

AIM

Significant recent changes in management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) include preoperative staging, use of extended neoadjuvant therapies and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This study was aimed at characterizing these changes and associated short-term outcomes.

METHOD

We retrospectively analysed treatment and outcome data from patients with T3/4 or N+ LARC ≤ 15 cm from the anal verge who were evaluated at a comprehensive cancer centre in 2009-2015.

RESULTS

In total, 798 patients were identified and grouped into five cohorts based on treatment year: 2009-2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014-2015. Temporal changes included increased reliance on MRI staging, from 57% in 2009-2010 to 98% in 2014-2015 (P < 0.001); increased use of total neoadjuvant therapy, from 17% to 76% (P < 0.001); and increased use of MIS, from 33% to 70% (P < 0.001). Concurrently, median hospital stay decreased (from 7 to 5 days; P < 0.001), as did the rates of Grade III-V complications (from 13% to 7%; P < 0.05), surgical site infections (from 24% to 8%; P < 0.001), anastomotic leak (from 11% to 3%; P < 0.05) and positive circumferential resection margin (from 9% to 4%; P < 0.05). TNM downstaging increased from 62% to 74% (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Shifts toward MRI-based staging, total neoadjuvant therapy and MIS occurred between 2009 and 2015. Over the same period, treatment responses improved, and lengths of stay and the incidence of complications decreased.

Clinical and molecular characterization of patients with cancer of unknown primary in the modern era

Background

On the basis of historical data, patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) are generally assumed to have a dismal prognosis with overall survival of less than 1 year. Treatment is typically cytotoxic chemotherapy guided by histologic features and the pattern of metastatic spread. The purpose of this study was to provide a clinical and pathologic description of patients with CUP in the modern era, to define the frequency of clinically actionable molecular alterations in this population, to determine how molecular testing can alter therapeutic decisions, and to investigate novel uses of next-generation sequencing in the evaluation and treatment of patients with CUP.

Patients and methods

Under Institutional Review Board approval, we identified all CUP patients evaluated at our institution over a recent 2-year period. We documented demographic information, clinical outcomes, pathologic evaluations, next-generation sequencing of available tumor tissue, use of targeted therapies, and clinical trial enrollment.

Results

We identified 333 patients with a diagnosis of CUP evaluated at our institution from 1 January 2014 through 30 June 2016. Of these patients, 150 had targeted next-generation sequencing carried out on available tissue. Median overall survival in this cohort was 13 months. Forty-five of 150 (30%) patients had potentially targetable genomic alterations identified by tumor molecular profiling, and 15 of 150 (10%) received targeted therapies. Dominant mutation signatures were identified in 21 of 150 (14%), largely implicating exogenous mutagen exposures such as ultraviolet radiation and tobacco.

Conclusions

Patients with CUP represent a heterogeneous population, harboring a variety of potentially targetable alterations. Next-generation sequencing may provide an opportunity for CUP patients to benefit from novel personalized therapies.

Predicted vitamin D status and colon cancer recurrence and mortality in CALGB 89803 (Alliance)

Background

Observational studies suggest that higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and improved survival of colorectal cancer patients. However, the influence of vitamin D status on cancer recurrence and survival of patients with stage III colon cancer is unknown.

Patients and methods

We prospectively examined the influence of post-diagnosis predicted plasma 25(OH)D on outcome among 1016 patients with stage III colon cancer who were enrolled in a National Cancer Institute-sponsored adjuvant therapy trial (CALGB 89803). Predicted 25(OH)D scores were computed using validated regression models. We examined the influence of predicted 25(OH)D scores on cancer recurrence and mortality (disease-free survival; DFS) using Cox proportional hazards.

Results

Patients in the highest quintile of predicted 25(OH)D score had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for colon cancer recurrence or mortality (DFS) of 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.86), compared with those in the lowest quintile (Ptrend = 0.005). Higher predicted 25(OH)D score was also associated with a significant improvement in recurrence-free survival and overall survival (Ptrend = 0.01 and 0.0004, respectively). The benefit associated with higher predicted 25(OH)D score appeared consistent across predictors of cancer outcome and strata of molecular tumor characteristics, including microsatellite instability and KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and TP53 mutation status.

Conclusion

Higher predicted 25(OH)D levels after a diagnosis of stage III colon cancer may be associated with decreased recurrence and improved survival. Clinical trials assessing the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in the adjuvant setting are warranted.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT00003835.

A phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin plus sorafenib in patients with advanced biliary adenocarcinomas

Background:

This study evaluated the addition of sorafenib to gemcitabine and cisplatin in biliary adenocarcinoma first-line therapy.

Methods:

Patients with advanced biliary adenocarcinomas received gemcitabine 1000 mg m⁻² and cisplatin 25 mg m⁻² on a 2 weeks on/1 week off cycle and sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. After the initial 16 patients were enrolled, the chemotherapy doses were amended in view of grade 3 and 4 hand–foot skin reaction and haematologic toxicity. Subsequently, 21 patients received gemcitabine 800 mg m⁻², cisplatin 20 mg m⁻² and sorafenib 400 mg. The primary end point was an improvement in 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6) from historical 57–77% (90% power, type I error of 10%). Pretreatment pERK, evaluated by immunostaining, was correlated with clinical outcome.

Results:

A total of 39 patients were accrued. The most common grade 3–4 toxicities noted in >10% of patients were fatigue, elevated liver function tests and haematologic toxicities including thromboemboli, hyponatraemia and hypophosphataemia. Six-month progression-free survival was 51% (95% confidence interval (CI) 34–66%). Median PFS and overall survival were 6.5 (95% CI: 3.5–8.3) and 14.4 months (95% CI: 11.6–19.2 months), respectively. No correlation was observed between pERK and outcomes.

Conclusion:

The addition of sorafenib to gemcitabine and cisplatin in biliary adenocarcinomas did not improve efficacy over historical data, and toxicity was increased.

Outcome of primary tumor in patients with synchronous stage IV colorectal cancer receiving combination chemotherapy without surgery as initial treatment

CRA4030

Background: In the absence of symptoms (bleeding, perforation, obstruction) or resectable metastatic disease, primary tumor resection in patients who present with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is of uncertain benefit. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of intervention necessary to palliate the intact primary tumor in patients who present with synchronous stage IV CRC and receive up-front modern combination chemotherapy without prophylactic surgery. Methods: Using a prospective institutional database, we identified 233 consecutive patients from 2000 through 2006 with synchronous metastatic CRC and an unresected primary tumor who received oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based, triple-drug chemotherapy (FOLFOX, IFL, or FOLFIRI) with or without bevacizumab as their initial treatment. The incidence of subsequent use of surgery, radiotherapy, and/or endoluminal stenting to manage primary tumor complications was recorded. Results: Of 233 patients, 217 (93%) never required surgical palliation of their primary tumor. Sixteen patients (7%) required emergent surgery for primary tumor obstruction or perforation, 10 patients (4%) required nonoperative intervention (stent or radiotherapy), whereas 213 (89%) never required any direct symptomatic management for their intact primary. Of those, 47 (20%) ultimately underwent elective colon resection at the time of metastasectomy and 8 (3%) during laparotomy for hepatic artery infusion pump placement. Neither use of bevacizumab, location of the primary tumor in the rectum, or metastatic disease burden were associated with increased intervention rate. In addition, when included as a time-varying covariate in a Cox regression model, the need for emergent intervention did not correlate with overall survival. Conclusions: Most patients with synchronous stage IV CRC who receive up-front modern combination chemotherapy never require palliative surgery for their intact primary. These data support the use of chemotherapy, without routine prophylactic resection, as the appropriate standard practice for patients with neither obstructed nor hemorrhaging primary colorectal tumors in the setting of metastatic disease.

[Table: see text]

Phase II study of bevacizumab in combination with cetuximab plus irinotecan in irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who have progressed on a bevacizumab-containing regimen (The BOND 2.5 Study)

4087

Background: We previously showed that adding bevacizumab (bev) to cetuximab (cetux) plus irinotecan (IRI) in bev-naïve, IRI-refractory CRC patients is feasible, and yielded a favorable response rate and time to tumor progression (TTP) compared with historical controls (Saltz: JCO, 2007). Since most CRC patients now receive a bev-containing regimen prior to cetux, we evaluated the addition of bev to cetux plus IRI (CBI) in patients with metastatic CRC who had previously progressed on chemo + bev. Methods: All patients were naïve to cetux. The importance of KRAS mutation was not appreciated when the trial was designed and this has not yet been evaluated. Patients received IRI at the same dose and schedule as last received prior to study, Cetux 400 mg/m2 loading dose, then weekly at 250 mg/m2, plus Bev 5 mg/kg given every two weeks or 7.5 mg/kg given every three weeks. Results: 33 received treatment. Median age was 58 (range 29–85). Median number of prior regimens was 2 (range 1–2). Median performance status was ECOG 1 (range 0–1). Patients received a median of 2 cycles (range 1–15). Grade 3/4 Toxicities: Acneiform Rash 18%, hypomagnesemia 6%, hypophosphatemia 6%, Neutropenia 15%, Diarrhea 6%. One patient developed neutropenic fever and one patient had a hypersensitivity reaction to cetux. At a median follow up of 32 months (range 21–32 months) in 33 evaluable patients, we observed 3 (9%) partial responses and 11 (33%) patients with stable disease for > 4 months. Median TTP was 3.9 months (95% CI: 1.3 - 6.8). Median survival was 10.6 months (95% CI: 6.6 - 13.8). Conclusions: The toxicity profile was similar to what would have been expected from the individual agents alone. Recognizing the limitations of cross-study comparisons, the response rates and TTP seen with CBI in patients who have previously progressed on bev do not appear to be as encouraging as the 37% response rate and 7.3 months TTP seen in the BOND 2 trial of bev-naïve CRC patients. Ongoing randomized trials, including SWOG 0600, will be needed to definitively determine the contribution of continued use of bev after progression on a bev-containing regimen. Supported by Genentech.

[Table: see text]

Outcome of primary tumor in patients with synchronous stage IV colorectal cancer receiving combination chemotherapy without surgery as initial treatment

CRA4030

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]

Adjuvant therapy report card: Patients with stage II/III colon cancer grade their oncologists

4045

Background: Our group previously reported on patient (Pt) recollections of adjuvant therapy (AT) for colon cancer and their grading of medical oncologists (MO) regarding various aspects of care. Overall, MO were highly rated, but grades for presenting information were lower, and patient expectations about side effects often did not match experiences. To further examine the Pt experience with AT, a prospective study was launched in Feb 2008. Methods: Pts with Stage II/III colon cancer about to begin or within 4 months of starting AT were recruited for a 4-part survey regarding sources and quality of treatment information and their experiences with AT. The survey also asked Pts to provide a grade (A-F) for their MO in 8 areas. Results: 85 Pts (71% female, 79% Stage III, median age 52 years) completed Part 1 of the survey. 93% stated that their MO explained the risks and benefits of AT. Of those, 92% stated they understood this information completely or almost completely (3 or 4 on a 0–4 scale) and 79% received numerical estimates of recurrence risk with and without treatment. When questioned about the potential absolute benefit of AT, 26% of Pts who received numerical estimates “had no idea” and other answers ranged from 3% to 100% for recurrence risk. Pt grade point averages for their MO ranged from 3.0 to 3.6 ( Table 1 ). As in the prior survey, expectations about side effects frequently did not accurately reflect experiences. For example, 54% of Pts expected alopecia but only 5% experienced it to a significant degree. 84% of Pts also sought information from websites, and 87% rated this as helpful and valuable (3 or 4 on a 0–4 scale). Conclusions: Pts are generally satisfied with their MO but less so with the presentation of treatment-related information and thus frequently consult additional resources, such as cancer information websites. This suggests an opportunity for improved information delivery within oncology offices and via the Internet.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

KRAS mutation, cancer recurrence, and patient survival in stage III colon cancer: Findings from CALGB 89803

4037

Purpose: KRAS mutation in stage IV colorectal cancer predicts resistance to anti-EGFR targeted treatment (cetuximab or panitumumab). However, whether the presence of KRAS mutation independently predicts the survival of colon cancer patients remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 508 cases identified among 1264 patients with stage III colon cancer who enrolled in a randomized adjuvant chemotherapy trial (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin with or without irinotecan) between April 1999 and May 2001 (CALGB 89803; Saltz et al. J Clin Oncol 2007). KRAS mutations were detected in 178 tumors (35%) by Pyrosequencing. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the significance of KRAS mutational status and adjusted for potential confounders including age, sex, tumor location, T stage, N stage, performance status, adjuvant chemotherapy arm and microsatellite instability (MSI) status. Results: When compared to patients with wild-type KRAS, those with a mutation in KRAS did not experience any difference in disease-free (DFS), recurrence-free (RFS), or overall survival (OS) (log-rank P>0.56 for DFS, RFS, and OS). Five-year DFS was 62% for KRAS-mutated and 63% for KRAS-wild-type patients. Five-year RFS was 64% for KRAS-mutated and 66% for KRAS- wild-type patients. Five-year OS was 74% for KRAS-mutated and 73% for KRAS-wild-type patients. The effect of KRAS mutation on patient survival did not differ according to clinical features, chemotherapy arm or MSI status, and the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy assignment on outcome did not differ according to KRAS status. Conclusions: In this large clinical trial of chemotherapy in patients with stage III colon cancer, KRAS mutational status was not associated with any significant influence on disease-free or overall survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

How well do we communicate with patients concerning adjuvant systemic therapy? A survey of 150 colorectal cancer survivors

4020

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) presents a substantial patient education challenge to medical oncologists (MOs). Findings from our 2005 pilot survey suggest that a significant fraction of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are willing to undergo AC for modest treatment benefits, but their understanding of risks and benefits may be suboptimal. This project attempted to validate these findings by surveying patients with CRC (Pts) who previously received AC. Methods: 150 Pts who received AC for CRC in the last 5 years were recruited to listen to an audio program on AC featuring interviews with clinical investigators (CIs) and Pts who received AC. Based on this input, Pts were asked whether they would undergo the same AC again for varying absolute treatment benefits. A corresponding survey asked 24 CRC CIs and 150 MOs to predict how patients would respond. The survey also queried Pts about their expectations of and experiences with AC side effects. Results: About 1/3 of Pts would be treated again with AC for a 1% absolute reduction in recurrence risk (ARRR), and about 2/3 believed a 5% ARRR would justify treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between responses of males and females or between Pts receiving oxaliplatin (OX) and those receiving other regimens. ( Table 1 ) The corresponding estimates of CIs and MOs were lower. Additionally, AC side effects were different than expected: 57% and 66% of Pts experienced less GI toxicity and alopecia, respectively, while 38% and 46% of Pts receiving OX experienced greater cold intolerance and numbness. Conclusions: Many potential obstacles exist in communicating with Pts about AC including heterogeneity in Pts’ attitudes towards risk/benefit trade-offs and preconceptions about treatment side effects. The next step in this initiative will be to examine these issues prospectively by evaluating the impact of an audio/web education supplement on the decision-making process.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II study of the anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody (mAb), CP-675,206, in patients with refractory metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum

3035

Background: The antitumor activity of antibodies to cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) has been demonstrated in a variety of murine tumor models, including rejection of established tumors and secondary exposure to tumor cells. This suggests that blockade of the inhibitory effects of CTLA4 can promote effective antitumor immune responses. CP-675,206 has also been shown to induce durable tumor responses in patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical studies. The purpose of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of CTLA4 blockade with the fully human mAb CP-675,206 as single-agent therapy in pts with relapsed/ refractory colorectal cancer. Methods: A single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial of CP-675,206 was conducted in pts with measurable adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum failing standard treatments and with an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. Patients received 15 mg/kg Q90 days via IV infusion until disease progression. The primary objective was response rate by RECIST criteria. Secondary objectives included safety, duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Results: A total of 47 pts who received a median of 4 previous therapies (range, 1 to 9) were treated, and 46 experienced disease progression or death because of disease before reaching the planned second dose at 3 months. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events attributed to study drug were limited to diarrhea (n = 3, 6.4%) and idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (n = 1, 2.1%). Four pts (8.5%) had grade 2 diarrhea. Four pts received steroids and 2 received infliximab. One patient was removed for toxicity (diarrhea in the setting of what appeared to be treatment-related ulcerative colitis that was responsive to steroids). One patient (2%; 95% CI = 0%, 11%) had a stable ovarian mass and a substantial regression in an adrenal mass. This patient is continuing on study and has received a second dose. Conclusions: In heavily pretreated pts with colorectal cancer and good performance status, CP- 675,206 was tolerable. However, in this setting, CP-675,206 at 15 mg/kg did not demonstrate substantial single-agent activity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Prognostic factors (PF) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (AHCC): Multivariate analysis and comparison between staging systems (SS) in patients (pts) treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)

4601

Background: Several SS have been proposed in hepatocellular carcinoma. These include TNM, Okuda, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP), Chinese University Prognostic Index (CUPI), and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC). There is no consensus as to what constitutes the best SS for use by oncologists for pts with AHCC with no locoregional therapy options. We propose to define the PF and compare SS in this patient population. SS may help select pts for systemic therapy, predict outcome, and help in clinical trial design for AHCC. Methods: We retrospectively identified pts with AHCC treated at MSKCC between 2001 and 2006. Clinical, laboratory, tumor characteristics and all four SS were recorded. Survival (S) was measured from the date of development of AHCC to the date of death. S was estimated using Kaplan-Meier’s method, differences in S were tested using the log rank test. A Cox regression model was used for the multivariate analysis. A second Cox regression was done to compare SS and was expressed using the Akaike information (AI) criterion. AI helps determine which SS is the most informative of S. A low AI is favorable. Results: We identified 280 pts. Data on the first 101 pts analyzed are presented. Median age 61 years; 71% males, 29% females; 60% Caucasians, 9% Black, 24% Asians and 5% Hispanics. Etiologies included HCV 24%, HBV 38%, and alcohol 22%. Child Pugh score: A in 65% and B in 29% of pts. Multivariate analysis independent PF for S were albumin (p=0.0358), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p=0.001), identified etiology (p=0.008), abdominal pain (p=0.001) and liver tumor extent (more or less than 50% of the liver) (p=0.0043). AI ranked SS as follows: TNM 6th (588.991), TNM 5th (591.373), BCLC (541.095), Okuda (540.490), CLIP (537.8), and CUPI (526.483). CUPI S was 19.47 months (m) for low, 5.89 m for medium, and 1.36 m for high risk pts. Conclusions: Pts with AHCC who are treated by oncologists in this US-based population have distinct PF. CUPI provided the best prognostic information for our patient population. CUPI may be suggested as the SS to use clinically for AHCC. These results need prospective validation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Cetuximab use without chronic antihistamine premedication

13521

Background: Cetuximab is a human-murine chimeric monoclonal antibody against EGFR with approximately a 3% reported incidence of severe (≥ grade 3) anaphylactoid reactions. The overwhelming majority of such reactions have been reported with the initial dose of cetuximab. Diphenhydramine (Benedryl)or a related antihistamine is often given as a premedication for cetuximab, however this may cause fatigue or other side effects. Most early clinical trials of cetuximab permitted investigator discretion in use of premedication beyond the initial cetuximab dose. Methods: We obtained an IRB waiver of authorization to review the records of patients treated with cetuximab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the first year of commercial availability of cetuximb (Feb, 2004 through Feb, 2005). Computerized pharmacy records were reviewed to identify all patients who were treated with cetuximab (outside of a clinical trial) and use of premedication was then evaluated. Records of institutional adverse event reports regarding chemotherapy administration were reviewed, and, any moderate or severe/life-threatening reactions were evaluated for presence or absence of concurrent premedication. Results: As per our institutional guidelines, all patients received 50 mg of diphenhydramine prior to the initial loading dose of cetuximab, and 25 mg of diphenhydramine prior to the second dose. While there was inconsistency in terms of cessation of diphenhydramine, overall a total of 115 patients received one or more doses of cetuximab without premedication. A total of 746 doses of cetuxmab without diphenhydramine premedication were given over this time period. No severe/life-threatening reactions to cetuximab occurred during these doses given without premedication. Conclusions: Omission of diphenhydramine premedication after the initial two doses of cetuximab is our current institutional practice, and appears not to alter the safety profile of cetuximab. Considering the side effects of diphenhydramine, routine long tern use of antihistamine premedication with cetuximab administration does not appear to be warranted.

[Table: see text]

Simplification of bevacizumab (bev) administration: Do we need 90, 60, or even 30 minute infusion times?

3542

Background: Bev is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets VEGF. Due to concerns of infusion related hypersensitivity reactions, phase I trials of bev used an initial 90 minute infusion of bev, a 60 minutes for on the next dose, and 30 minutes for all doses thereafter. This has remained the administration schedule throughout development and registration. No significant infusion-related toxicities were reported in the pivotal phase III registration trial. We postulated therefore that bev could be safely given without initially prolonged infusion times. Methods: We obtained an IRB waiver of authorization to review the records of patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) who were treated with bev in the first 3 months of commercial availability (cut-off date 5/15/05). Our institutional adverse drug reaction reporting program was utilized to identify any infusion reactions related to bev. Additionally, patient medical records were reviewed for further confirmation. Results: Following initial commercial availability of bev in February 2004, 202 consecutive colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were treated with bev (5 mg/kg) at MSKCC starting as a 90 minute, then 60 minute, then 30 minute infusion. No hypersensitivity reactions were seen. A decision was then made to establish an institutional practice of using 30 minute infusion times for all doses, including initial doses, of bev. Subsequently, 212 consecutive CRC patients were treated with bev 5 mg/kg, initially as a 30 minute infusion. No infusion reactions were observed. Conclusions: Administration of the initial dose of bev over 30 minutes appears to be safe and well-tolerated. This has been the standard initial infusion time at MSKCC for 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg doses of bev. Based on our favorable experience with 30 minute infusions of 15 mg/kg (0.5 mg/kg/minute), as of Nov ’05 we have changed our institutional guidelines such that all non-protocol patients receiving bev are initiated at the infusion rate of 0.5 mg/kg/minute. Thus, our standard 5 mg/kg doses of bev are given over 10 minutes, 10 mg/kg doses are given over 20 minutes, and 15 mg/kg doses are given over 30 minutes. Active quality assurance and safety monitoring are maintained throughout. Data will be updated for the meeting.

[Table: see text]

A phase II trial of farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor SCH 66336, given by twice-daily oral administration, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan

BACKGROUND

ras genes encode Ras proteins that are important for signal transduction in cancer cells. Farnesyl protein transferase (FPTase) is an enzyme that is responsible for a critical post-translational modification of Ras.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report the results of a phase II trial of SCH 66336, an FPTase inhibitor, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. This is the first reported experience of an FPTase inhibitor in this disease. All patients were considered refractory to first- and second-line therapy. A total of 21 evaluable patients were treated with a starting dose of 200 mg b.i.d. given continuously.

RESULTS

The major side-effects were fatigue (grade 1 in 42%, grade 2 in 42% and grade 3 in 14%), diarrhea (grade 1 in 23% and grade 3 in 42%) and nausea (grade 2 in 16%). Elevations in serum creatinine (grade 2 or 3) were observed in 19% of patients and appeared to be related to dehydration induced by diarrhea. Significant hematological toxicity was not observed (only grade 1 thrombocytopenia in 19% and grade 2 or 3 anemia in 28%). Pharmacological studies revealed adequate mean pre-dose plasma concentrations in this group of patients on day 15 of therapy. No objective responses were observed, although stable disease was seen in three patients for several months. Administration of SCH 66336 was accompanied by gastrointestinal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Future development of this compound cannot be recommended as monotherapy in this disease.

Safe and cost effective use of alteplase for the clearance of occluded central venous access devices

PURPOSE

To determine whether cryopreserved solutions of the thrombolytic agent alteplase could be used as a safe, effective, and economically reasonable alternative to urokinase in patients presenting with occluded central venous access devices (CVADs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alteplase has been reported as an efficacious alternative to urokinase for treatment of occluded CVADs. However, the practicality of using alteplase as the thrombolytic of choice for this indication remained conjectural. To make this approach economically feasible, alteplase was diluted to 1 mg/mL and 2.5-mL aliquots were stored at -20 degrees C until use. A need to confirm that the cryopreserving and thawing of the reconstituted solution did not compromise the safety and efficacy reported from prior trials was recognized. A quality assessment initiative was undertaken to concurrently monitor the safety and efficacy of this approach. Patients presenting with occluded CVADs received a sufficient volume of the thawed alteplase solution to fill the occluded catheter(s). Data, including efficacy, adverse reactions, dwell time, and catheter type, were collected over a 5-month period.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-one patients accounting for 168 attempted clearances were assessable for safety and efficacy. One hundred thirty-six (81%) of the 168 catheter clearance attempts resulted in successful catheter clearance (95% confidence interval, 74% to 86%). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Cryopreserved 1-mg/mL aliquots of alteplase are safe and effective in the clearance of occluded CVADs when stored at -20 degrees C for 30 days. The ability to cryopreserve alteplase aliquots makes it an economically reasonable alternative to urokinase in the setting of CVAD occlusion.

A phase II study of irinotecan in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has a poor prognosis. In a Phase II clinical trial, two academic centers assessed irinotecan, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor with broad spectrum clinical activity, in patients who had advanced hepatocellular cancer.

METHODS

Patients who had had up to one prior chemotherapy regimen were eligible. Bidimensionally measurable disease, a good performance status, and adequate major organ function were required. At a starting dose of 125 mg/m2, irinotecan was administered weekly for 4 weeks followed by a 2 week break, which constituted 1 treatment cycle. Patients were restaged radiologically after two cycles of therapy. Dose attenuations were made as indicated for toxicity.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were enrolled over a 10-week period in 1997. There were ten males and four females. The median age was 58 years (range, 38-74 yrs). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group median performance status was 1 (range, 0-1). Two patients had prior chemotherapy (14%), and 1 patient (7%) had had radiation. A total of 30 cycles of therapy were delivered (median, 1; range, 1-6). Considerable toxicity was observed, mostly neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. All patients required at least one dose attenuation for toxicity. One partial response (7%; confidence interval, 0-20%) was noted to last 7 months. One patient had transient stable disease, and all others (86%) had progression of disease as their best response.

CONCLUSIONS

Irinotecan had modest activity in advanced hepatocellular cancer. Toxicity was substantial, presumably reflecting impaired underlying liver function or poor ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug. The current study indicated that continued new therapy assessment is warranted for this disease.

A phase II study of irinotecan in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has a poor prognosis. In a Phase II clinical trial, two academic centers assessed irinotecan, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor with broad spectrum clinical activity, in patients who had advanced hepatocellular cancer.

METHODS

Patients who had had up to one prior chemotherapy regimen were eligible. Bidimensionally measurable disease, a good performance status, and adequate major organ function were required. At a starting dose of 125 mg/m2, irinotecan was administered weekly for 4 weeks followed by a 2 week break, which constituted 1 treatment cycle. Patients were restaged radiologically after two cycles of therapy. Dose attenuations were made as indicated for toxicity.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were enrolled over a 10-week period in 1997. There were ten males and four females. The median age was 58 years (range, 38-74 yrs). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group median performance status was 1 (range, 0-1). Two patients had prior chemotherapy (14%), and 1 patient (7%) had had radiation. A total of 30 cycles of therapy were delivered (median, 1; range, 1-6). Considerable toxicity was observed, mostly neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. All patients required at least one dose attenuation for toxicity. One partial response (7%; confidence interval, 0-20%) was noted to last 7 months. One patient had transient stable disease, and all others (86%) had progression of disease as their best response.

CONCLUSIONS

Irinotecan had modest activity in advanced hepatocellular cancer. Toxicity was substantial, presumably reflecting impaired underlying liver function or poor ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug. The current study indicated that continued new therapy assessment is warranted for this disease.

A phase II study of irinotecan in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has a poor prognosis. In a Phase II clinical trial, two academic centers assessed irinotecan, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor with broad spectrum clinical activity, in patients who had advanced hepatocellular cancer.

METHODS

Patients who had had up to one prior chemotherapy regimen were eligible. Bidimensionally measurable disease, a good performance status, and adequate major organ function were required. At a starting dose of 125 mg/m2, irinotecan was administered weekly for 4 weeks followed by a 2 week break, which constituted 1 treatment cycle. Patients were restaged radiologically after two cycles of therapy. Dose attenuations were made as indicated for toxicity.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were enrolled over a 10-week period in 1997. There were ten males and four females. The median age was 58 years (range, 38-74 yrs). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group median performance status was 1 (range, 0-1). Two patients had prior chemotherapy (14%), and 1 patient (7%) had had radiation. A total of 30 cycles of therapy were delivered (median, 1; range, 1-6). Considerable toxicity was observed, mostly neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. All patients required at least one dose attenuation for toxicity. One partial response (7%; confidence interval, 0-20%) was noted to last 7 months. One patient had transient stable disease, and all others (86%) had progression of disease as their best response.

CONCLUSIONS

Irinotecan had modest activity in advanced hepatocellular cancer. Toxicity was substantial, presumably reflecting impaired underlying liver function or poor ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug. The current study indicated that continued new therapy assessment is warranted for this disease.

Phase I study of topoisomerase I inhibitor exatecan mesylate (DX-8951f) given as weekly 24-hour infusions three of every four weeks

Exatecan mesylate (DX-8951f) is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that has increased solubility and antitumor activity compared with other topoisomerase I inhibitors. The purpose of this study was to establish a safe dose of DX-8951f given as a weekly 24-h infusion 3 of every 4 weeks. DX-8951f was administered as a 24-h continuous infusion in escalating doses. Twenty-seven patients were treated with 81 courses of the drug. Dose-limiting toxicities included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and inability to administer all three doses in the first cycle. In minimally pretreated patients, a dose of 0.8 mg/m(2) was tolerable. In patients who were heavily pretreated, a slightly lower dose, 0.53 mg/m(2), was tolerated without any severe toxicities. Nonhematological toxicities were mild and consisted of mild diarrhea, asthenia, mild nausea, and constipation. Pharmacokinetic parameters could be well described with a one-compartment model in most patients, although the application of the one-compartment model probably resulted in an underestimated elimination half-life. In conclusion, the recommended Phase II dose for DX-8951f administered as a weekly 24-h infusion on a 3-of-4 week schedule is 0.8 mg/m(2) in minimally pretreated patients and 0.53 mg/m(2) in patients who are heavily pretreated.

Surgical debulking and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for established peritoneal metastases from colon and appendix cancer

BACKGROUND

Aggressive treatment of peritoneal metastases from colon cancer by surgical cytoreduction and infusional intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy may benefit selected patients. We reviewed our institutional experience to assess patient selection, complications, and outcome.

METHODS

Patients having surgical debulking and IP 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUDR) plus leucovorin (LV) for peritoneal metastases from 1987 to 1999 were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 64 patients with a mean age of 50 years. Primary tumor sites were 47 in the colon and 17 in the appendix. Peritoneal metastases were synchronous in 48 patients and metachronous in 16 patients. Patients received IP FUDR (1000 mg/m2 daily for 3 days) and IP leucovorin (240 mg/m2) with a median cycle number of 4 (range, 1-28). The median number of complications was 1 (range, 0-5), with no treatment related mortality. Only six patients (9%) required termination of IP chemotherapy because of complications. The median follow-up was 17 months (range, 0-132 months). The median survival was 34 months (range, 2-132); 5-year survival was 28%. Lymph node status, tumor grade, and interval to peritoneal metastasis were not statistically significant prognostic factors for survival. Complete tumor resection was significant on multivariate analysis (P = .04), with a 5-year survival of 54% for complete (n = 19) and 16% for incomplete (n = 45) resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical debulking and IP FUDR for peritoneal metastases from colon cancer can be accomplished safely and has yielded an overall 5-year survival of 28%. Complete resection is associated with improved survival (54% at 5 years) and is the most important prognostic indicator.

The role of irinotecan in colorectal cancer

Irinotecan, also known as CPT-11, is a topoisomerase I inhibitor currently approved for use as a second-line agent in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Preliminary reports from randomized studies exploring combinations of CPT-11 plus 5-fluorouracil have shown improved antitumor activity versus 5-fluorouracil-based treatments alone, and suggest a first-line role for these combination regimens. The role of CPT-11/5-fluorouracil regimens in the adjuvant setting is now being actively explored. Studies of single-agent CPT-11 in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer have shown activity; however response rates do not appear to be superior to those seen with standard first-line 5-fluorouracil-based regimens. The use of specific molecular markers as prognostic indicators of response or resistance to specific chemotherapies may, however, permit the identification of a selected population of patients with tumor characteristics that would specifically favor consideration of up-front use of single-agent CPT-11.

New therapies, new directions: advances in the systemic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death and it is clear that patients with metastatic disease have better quality of life and survival when given treatment. Despite four decades of experience of treating patients with fluorouracil, there remains considerable controversy about the optimum dose and scheduling, as well as biomodulation with leucovorin and methotrexate. However, irrespective of the dose and schedule, overall survival times are poor--about 1 year. Disappointingly, oral agents with similar mechanisms to fluorouracil do not improve survival rates in comparison with fluorouracil and leucovorin treatment. Irinotecan and oxaliplatin are newer agents that have improved the response rates for patients with metastatic disease when they are added to flurouracil and leucovorin. The combination of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin has also improved overall survival. These are small advances in the fight against colorectal cancer, and further drug development is necessary.

Irinotecan plus fluorouracil/leucovorin for metastatic colorectal cancer: a new survival standard

BACKGROUND

Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that prolongs survival in patients with colorectal cancer refractory to fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV). This demonstrated activity of irinotecan as effective second-line therapy for colorectal cancer led to evaluation of combination irinotecan/5-FU/LV as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic disease. The results of two prospective phase III randomized, controlled, multicenter, multinational clinical trials in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer served as the basis for U.S. and European approval of irinotecan/5-FU/LV for this indication. An overview of the findings of these two pivotal studies provides insights regarding the application of this new combination in clinical practice.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive 5-FU/LV, either alone, or with concurrent irinotecan. The study conducted primarily in North America (study 1), employed bolus 5-FU/LV schedules, while the study performed primarily in Europe (study 2), employed infusional 5-FU/LV regimens. Major endpoints included tumor response rate, time to tumor progression (TTP), overall survival, quality of life, and safety.

RESULTS

In study 1, the respective confirmed response rates for irinotecan/5-FU/LV versus 5-FU/LV were 39% and 21% (p <.001); median TTPs were 7.0 months and 4.3 months, respectively (p =.004). In study 2, response rates for irinotecan/5-FU/LV versus 5-FU/LV alone were 35% and 22% (p =.005); median TTPs were 6.7 months and 4.4 months, respectively (p <.001). Survival time increased significantly with irinotecan/5-FU/LV versus 5-FU/LV alone in both studies (study 1: median 14.8 months versus 12.6 months, p =.042; study 2: median 17.4 months versus 14.1 months, p =.032). The combined analysis of the data from the two studies showed median survivals of 15.9 months versus 13.3 months, favoring the irinotecan-containing combinations (stratified-by-study p =.003). Patients in study 1 had a 36% lower risk of tumor progression and a 20% lower risk of death with the irinotecan combination than with 5-FU/LV alone; comparable risk reduction values in study 2 were 42% and 23%. While grade 3 diarrhea and vomiting were more common with irinotecan/5-FU/LV, grade 4 neutropenia, neutropenic fever, and mucositis were less common with irinotecan/5-FU/LV than with the Mayo Clinic 5-FU/LV regimen.

CONCLUSION

The combination of irinotecan/5-FU/LV is superior to 5-FU/LV alone as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, offering consistently improved tumor control and prolonged survival. Irinotecan-based combination therapy sets a new survival standard for the treatment of this life-threatening disease.

A phase II trial of irinotecan (CPT-11) for unresectable biliary tree carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Unresectable adenocarcinomas of the biliary tree have a very poor prognosis. No good chemotherapeutic regimen is available. Irinotecan has not yet been fully tested in this disease. We evaluated its activity in unresectable bile duct cancers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive eligible patients at our two institutions were treated with irinotecan at a starting dose of 125 mg/m2. A cycle consisted of once-a-week treatments for four consecutive weeks, followed by two weeks of rest. All patients were required to have histologically confirmed diagnosis, clinically documented metastatic or unresectable carcinoma and measurable disease. Patients were evaluated for response, toxicity, and survival.

RESULTS

A total of 83 cycles of therapy were delivered. Two patients had a partial response (8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0%-18%) and ten additional patients had stable disease for at least two months (40%; 95% CI: 20.8%-59.2%). The therapy was well tolerated, with moderate myelosuppression and diarrhea as the main toxicities. The overall median survival was 10 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Irinotecan has minimal activity in biliary tree carcinomas, but is well tolerated with appropriate supportive care, and produces occasional objective responses.

A phase II study of irinotecan in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has a poor prognosis. In a Phase II clinical trial, two academic centers assessed irinotecan, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor with broad spectrum clinical activity, in patients who had advanced hepatocellular cancer.

METHODS

Patients who had had up to one prior chemotherapy regimen were eligible. Bidimensionally measurable disease, a good performance status, and adequate major organ function were required. At a starting dose of 125 mg/m2, irinotecan was administered weekly for 4 weeks followed by a 2 week break, which constituted 1 treatment cycle. Patients were restaged radiologically after two cycles of therapy. Dose attenuations were made as indicated for toxicity.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were enrolled over a 10-week period in 1997. There were ten males and four females. The median age was 58 years (range, 38-74 yrs). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group median performance status was 1 (range, 0-1). Two patients had prior chemotherapy (14%), and 1 patient (7%) had had radiation. A total of 30 cycles of therapy were delivered (median, 1; range, 1-6). Considerable toxicity was observed, mostly neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. All patients required at least one dose attenuation for toxicity. One partial response (7%; confidence interval, 0-20%) was noted to last 7 months. One patient had transient stable disease, and all others (86%) had progression of disease as their best response.

CONCLUSIONS

Irinotecan had modest activity in advanced hepatocellular cancer. Toxicity was substantial, presumably reflecting impaired underlying liver function or poor ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug. The current study indicated that continued new therapy assessment is warranted for this disease.

Irinotecan plus fluorouracil and leucovorin for metastatic colorectal cancer. Irinotecan Study Group

BACKGROUND

The combination of fluorouracil and leucovorin has until recently been standard therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Irinotecan prolongs survival in patients with colorectal cancer that is refractory to treatment with fluorouracil and leucovorin. In a multicenter trial, we compared a combination of irinotecan, fluorouracil and leucovorin with bolus doses of fluorouracil and leucovorin as first-line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. A third group of patients received irinotecan alone.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive irinotecan (125 mg per square meter of body-surface area intravenously), fluorouracil (500 mg per square meter as an intravenous bolus), and leucovorin (20 mg per square meter as an intravenous bolus) weekly for four weeks every six weeks; fluorouracil (425 mg per square meter as an intravenous bolus) and leucovorin (20 mg per square meter as an intravenous bolus) daily for five consecutive days every four weeks; or irinotecan alone (125 mg per square meter intravenously) weekly for four weeks every six weeks. End points included progression-free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

Of 683 patients, 231 were assigned to receive irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin; 226 to receive fluorouracil and leucovorin; and 226 to receive irinotecan alone. In an intention-to-treat analysis, as compared with treatment with fluorouracil and leucovorin, treatment with irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival (median, 7.0 vs. 4.3 months; P=0.004), a higher rate of confirmed response (39 percent vs. 21 percent, P<0.001), and longer overall survival (median, 14.8 vs. 12.6 months; P=0.04). Results for irinotecan alone were similar to those for fluorouracil and leucovorin. Grade 3 (severe) diarrhea was more common during treatment with irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin than during treatment with fluorouracil and leucovorin, but the incidence of grade 4 (life-threatening) diarrhea was similar in the two groups (<8 percent). Grade 3 or 4 mucositis, grade 4 neutropenia, and neutropenic fever were less frequent during treatment with irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin. Adding irinotecan to the regimen of fluorouracil and leucovorin did not compromise the quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Weekly treatment with irinotecan plus fluorouracil and leucovorin is superior to a widely used regimen of fluorouracil and leucovorin for metastatic colorectal cancer in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival.

High-dose-rate intraoperative brachytherapy for recurrent colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Management of locally recurrent colorectal adenocarcinoma represents a significant challenge. Many of these tumors adhere to or invade into vital pelvic structures rendering surgery or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as palliative treatment. Therefore, a treatment approach was developed to evaluate the role of high-dose-rate intraoperative brachytherapy (HDR-IORT) and surgery as a component of therapy in the management of locally recurrent colorectal cancer. This is an update of our preliminary report with longer follow-up and larger patient numbers.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between January 1992 and September 1998, 74 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer were treated with surgery and HDR-IORT. Additional EBRT was given to 29 patients, and 33 patients received 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy. All patients underwent complete gross resection, and 21 of 74 had positive microscopic margin. The dose of HDR-IORT ranged from 10 to 18 Gy.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 22 months, the 5-year local control, distant metastasis disease-free, disease-free, and overall survival rates were 39%, 39%, 23%, and 23%, respectively. The only predictor of improved local control was a negative margin of resection with a 5-year local control rate of 43%, compared to 26% in those with positive margin (p = 0.02). For overall survival, a negative microscopic margin (p = 0.04) and the use of IORT + EBRT (p = 0.04) were significant predictors of improved survival. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy was 16%.

CONCLUSION

The results with HDR-IORT in this group of patients are encouraging. Further improvements in local and distant control are still needed.

Oral chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer

A number of novel oral chemotherapeutic agents are entering practice or are under development in the United States. Many of these agents display significant clinical activity against colorectal cancer. Many classes of compounds, including fluoropyrimidine analogs, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, and others, are being developed for oral administration. This manuscript describes the progress of clinical development of these agents and also explores the relative merits and challenges of these approaches. Economic issues, patient preference, and patient selection issues surrounding oral chemotherapy for colorectal cancer will also be discussed.

MethyLight: a high-throughput assay to measure DNA methylation

Cytosine-5 DNA methylation occurs in the context of CpG dinucleotides in vertebrates. Aberrant methylation of CpG islands in human tumors has been shown to cause transcriptional silencing of tumor-suppressor genes. Most methods used to analyze cytosine-5 methylation patterns require cumbersome manual techniques that employ gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, radiolabeled dNTPs or hybridization probes. The development of high-throughput technology for the analysis of DNA methylation would significantly expand our ability to derive molecular information from clinical specimens. This study describes a high-throughput quantitative methylation assay that utilizes fluorescence-based real-time PCR (TaqMan) technology that requires no further manipulations after the PCR step. MethyLight is a highly sensitive assay, capable of detecting methylated alleles in the presence of a 10,000-fold excess of unmethylated alleles. The assay is also highly quantitative and can very accurately determine the relative prevalence of a particular pattern of DNA methylation. We show that MethyLight can distinguish between mono-allelic and bi-allelic methylation of the MLH1 mismatch repair gene in human colorectal tumor specimens. The development of this technique should considerably enhance our ability to rapidly and accurately generate epigenetic profiles of tumor samples.

Failure to confirm major objective antitumor activity for streptozocin and doxorubicin in the treatment of patients with advanced islet cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The combination regimen of streptozocin plus doxorubicin is the current standard chemotherapeutic treatment of symptomatic or progressing metastatic islet cell carcinoma. This regimen previously has been reported to have a major objective response rate of 69% in a randomized cooperative group trial. However, the authors believed that this favorable response rate was not consistent with their institutional experience at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of all islet cell carcinoma patients under care at MSKCC who were treated with streptozocin plus doxorubicin since the publication of the study mentioned earlier. Sixteen such patients treated between February 1992 and February 1998 were identified. Their clinical characteristics, sites of measurable disease, response to treatment, time to treatment failure, and survival status were reviewed.

RESULTS

All patients were treated with the starting doses as outlined by the published cooperative group report. All had bidimensionally measurable disease on computed tomography (CT) scans. Only 1 of 16 patients (6%; 95% confidence interval, 0-30%) achieved a major objective response by standard CT response criteria, with response ongoing during treatment at 18 months. Nine patients (56%) had stable disease while receiving treatment (range of treatment, 2-17+ months). Six patients (38%) had progression of disease as their best response while receiving treatment. The median overall survival of this patient group had not yet been reached at last follow-up, with > 60% of patients alive with follow-up ranging from 10-67+ months.

CONCLUSIONS

A retrospective analysis of the authors' 6-year experience with the combination of streptozocin plus doxorubicin in patients with islet cell carcinoma failed to confirm the high objective response rate previously reported for this regimen. There remains an urgent need for improved chemotherapeutic alternatives for patients with this disease.

CpG island hypermethylation in human colorectal tumors is not associated with DNA methyltransferase overexpression

The molecular basis of aberrant hypermethylation of CpG islands observed in a subset of human colorectal tumors is unknown. One potential mechanism is the up-regulation of DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferases. Recently, two new mammalian DNA methyltransferase genes have been identified, which are referred to as DNMT3A and DNMT3B. The encoded proteins differ from the predominant mammalian DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 in that they have a substantially higher ratio of de novo to maintenance methyltransferase activity. We have used a highly quantitative 5' nuclease fluorogenic reverse transcription-PCR method (TaqMan) to analyze the expression of all three DNA methyltransferase genes in 25 individual colorectal adenocarcinoma specimens and matched normal mucosa samples. In addition, we examined the methylation patterns of four CpG islands [APC, ESR1 (estrogen receptor), CDKN2A (p16), and MLH1] to determine whether individual tumors show a positive correlation between the level of DNA methyltransferase expression and the frequency of CpG island hypermethylation. All three methyltransferases appear to be up-regulated in tumors when RNA levels are normalized using either ACTB (beta-actin) or POLR2A (RNA pol II large subunit), but not when RNA levels are normalized with proliferation-associated genes, such as H4F2 (histone H4) or PCNA. The frequency or extent of CpG island hypermethylation in individual tumors did not correlate with the expression of any of the three DNA methyltransferases. Our results suggest that deregulation of DNA methyltransferase gene expression does not play a role in establishing tumor-specific abnormal DNA methylation patterns in human colorectal cancer.

Phase II clinical trial of 13-cis-retinoic acid and interferon-alpha-2a in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Interferon in combination with 5-fluorouracil has been shown to be active in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) of the esophagus. 13-cis-retinoic acid (CRA) has chemopreventive activity in SCC of the head and neck, and, in combination with interferon, has antitumor activity in SCC of the skin and cervix.

METHODS

The activity and toxicity of CRA and interferon-alpha-2a (IFN) in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma was evaluated in a Phase II single institution trial. Patients had unresectable or metastatic AC or SCC of the esophagus. One prior chemotherapy regimen was allowed. IFN was given by daily subcutaneous injection at a dose of 3 million U and CRA was taken orally at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses. Treatment was given in cycles of 4 weeks and continued until documented disease progression.

RESULTS

Of the 19 patients entered, 15 were evaluable for response and toxicity. One patient was evaluable for response only and one patient was evaluable for toxicity only. Evaluable patients were predominantly male (15 patients), and had AC (13 patients). All had AJCC Stage IV disease and 12 were pretreated. Patients completed an average of two cycles of therapy (range, one to six cycles) prior to progression of disease. National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Grade 3/4 toxicity was notable for nausea (25%) and fatigue (31%). No major objective responses were recorded. Eleven patients with AC and 3 patients with SCC had rapid progression of disease. One patient with AC was found to have a minor response for 22 weeks and 1 patient with AC had stable disease for 45 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This regimen had no significant activity in patients with advanced AC of the esophagus. Further evaluation of IFN plus CRA, using this dose and schedule, is not recommended. In comparison with prior trials of this therapy, a surprising amount of severe nausea and fatigue was observed in this trial.

A phase II trial of interferon alpha-2a and carboplatin in patients with advanced malignant mesothelioma

We defined the antitumor activity, toxicity, and tolerability of a combined chemoimmunotherapy approach in patients with advanced malignant mesothelioma using daily low-dose interferon alpha-2a and carboplatin given every 4 weeks. This was a phase II study of 15 patients with surgically unresectable or metastatic malignant mesothelioma. All patients had measurable or assessable disease. No prior chemotherapy or immunotherapy was allowable. Carboplatin was given at 150 mg/m2 daily on days 1-3 and interferon alpha-2a at 3 million units subcutaneously daily throughout the study. Treatment was recycled every 28 days. Therapy was continued until disease progression. Fifteen patients were assessable for toxicity and 14 for response. One partial response (7%, 95% CI, 0-20%), with a response duration of 40 weeks, was seen. Most patients had early progression of disease. Toxicity was tolerable, and grade III/IV toxicity was uncommon. The median time to progression was 14 weeks (range, 1-52 weeks). The median survival was 25 weeks (range, 8-66 weeks). The combination of low-dose interferon alpha-2a and carboplatin did not result in greater antitumor activity than that reported for single-agent carboplatin in advanced malignant mesothelioma. Although toxicity was mild, carboplatin and low-dose interferon, given at this dose and schedule, cannot be recommended for this patient group.

Phase II clinical trial of 13-cis-retinoic acid and interferon-alpha-2a in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Interferon in combination with 5-fluorouracil has been shown to be active in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) of the esophagus. 13-cis-retinoic acid (CRA) has chemopreventive activity in SCC of the head and neck, and, in combination with interferon, has antitumor activity in SCC of the skin and cervix.

METHODS

The activity and toxicity of CRA and interferon-alpha-2a (IFN) in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma was evaluated in a Phase II single institution trial. Patients had unresectable or metastatic AC or SCC of the esophagus. One prior chemotherapy regimen was allowed. IFN was given by daily subcutaneous injection at a dose of 3 million U and CRA was taken orally at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses. Treatment was given in cycles of 4 weeks and continued until documented disease progression.

RESULTS

Of the 19 patients entered, 15 were evaluable for response and toxicity. One patient was evaluable for response only and one patient was evaluable for toxicity only. Evaluable patients were predominantly male (15 patients), and had AC (13 patients). All had AJCC Stage IV disease and 12 were pretreated. Patients completed an average of two cycles of therapy (range, one to six cycles) prior to progression of disease. National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Grade 3/4 toxicity was notable for nausea (25%) and fatigue (31%). No major objective responses were recorded. Eleven patients with AC and 3 patients with SCC had rapid progression of disease. One patient with AC was found to have a minor response for 22 weeks and 1 patient with AC had stable disease for 45 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This regimen had no significant activity in patients with advanced AC of the esophagus. Further evaluation of IFN plus CRA, using this dose and schedule, is not recommended. In comparison with prior trials of this therapy, a surprising amount of severe nausea and fatigue was observed in this trial.