Quantitative cerebrospinal fluid circulating tumor cells are a potential biomarker of response for proton craniospinal irradiation for leptomeningeal metastasis

BACKGROUND

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) involves cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) seeding of tumor cells. Proton craniospinal irradiation (pCSI) is potentially effective for solid tumor LM. We evaluated whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the CSF (CTCCSF), blood (CTCblood), and neuroimaging correlate with outcomes after pCSI for LM.

METHODS

We describe a single-institution consecutive case series of 58 patients treated with pCSI for LM. Pre-pCSI CTCs, the change in CTC post-pCSI (Δ CTC), and MRIs were examined. Central nervous system progression-free survival (CNS-PFS) and overall survival (OS) from pCSI were determined using Kaplan Meier analysis, Cox proportional-hazards regression, time-dependent ROC analysis, and joint modeling of time-varying effects and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

The median CNS-PFS and OS were 6 months (IQR: 4-9) and 8 months (IQR: 5-13), respectively. Pre-pCSI CTCCSF < 53/3mL was associated with improved CNS-PFS (12.0 vs 6.0 months, P < .01). Parenchymal brain metastases (n = 34, 59%) on pre-pCSI MRI showed worse OS (7.0 vs 13 months, P = .01). Through joint modeling, CTCCSF was significantly prognostic of CNS-PFS (P < .01) and OS (P < .01). A Δ CTC-CSF≥37 cells/3mL, the median Δ CTC-CSF at nadir, showed improved CNS-PFS (8.0 vs 5.0 months, P = .02) and further stratified patients into favorable and unfavorable subgroups (CNS-PFS 8.0 vs 4.0 months, P < .01). No associations with CTCblood were found.

CONCLUSION

We found the best survival observed in patients with low pre-pCSI CTCCSF and intermediate outcomes for patients with high pre-pCSI CTCCSF but large Δ CTC-CSF. These results favor additional studies incorporating pCSI and CTCCSF measurement earlier in the LM treatment paradigm.

RADT-05. CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PROTON CRANIOSPINAL IRRADIATION FOR PATIENTS WITH LEPTOMENINGEAL CARCINOMATOSIS

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a devastating complication of metastatic tumors. Radiotherapy (RT) is integral to LC treatment, and proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) may make RT more effective by targeting the entire central nervous system (CNS) compartment. We evaluated outcomes in patients treated with proton CSI for LC. We identified 56 patients treated with proton CSI for LC between 2018 and 2020 at our institution. Data on patient demographics, disease and treatment history, cerebrospinal fluid circulating tumor cells (CSF CTCs), and gene alterations were collected. Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox regression models were used to compare correlates with CNS time to progression (TTP), CNS progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Most patients had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, n=27, 48%) or breast cancer (n=21, 38%). The median age was 58 (30-77), and median KPS was 80 (60-90). The median RT dose was 30Gy (25-36). The median follow-up was 12 months (1-22), with 26 (46%) patients alive at the last follow-up. Of 35 (63%) patients who progressed, 6 (11%) progressed in the CNS, 13 (23%) progressed systemically, and 16 (29%) progressed in both. The median TTP, PFS and OS was 8 months (1-21), 6 months (1-21) and 8 months (1-22), respectively. No difference in PFS (7 vs. 6 months, p=0.6) and OS (8 vs. 7 months, p=0.3) was observed between patients with NSCLC and breast cancer. Of patients alive at 3 months, 79% showed stable or improved functional status after CSI. Decreased CSF CTCs immediately post CSI had significantly improved PFS (8 vs. 5 months with no CTC decrease, HR=0.3, p=0.02). Lastly, we identified genetic correlates with survival outcomes. Proton CSI appears to be a promising treatment for LC in select patients, resulting in prolonged CNS disease control and survival. A randomized trial is currently underway to assess its efficacy prospectively.

IASLC Multidisciplinary Recommendations for Pathologic Assessment of Lung Cancer Resection Specimens After Neoadjuvant Therapy

Currently, there is no established guidance on how to process and evaluate resected lung cancer specimens after neoadjuvant therapy in the setting of clinical trials and clinical practice. There is also a lack of precise definitions on the degree of pathologic response, including major pathologic response or complete pathologic response. For other cancers such as osteosarcoma and colorectal, breast, and esophageal carcinomas, there have been multiple studies investigating pathologic assessment of the effects of neoadjuvant therapy, including some detailed recommendations on how to handle these specimens. A comprehensive mapping approach to gross and histologic processing of osteosarcomas after induction therapy has been used for over 40 years. The purpose of this article is to outline detailed recommendations on how to process lung cancer resection specimens and to define pathologic response, including major pathologic response or complete pathologic response after neoadjuvant therapy. A standardized approach is recommended to assess the percentages of (1) viable tumor, (2) necrosis, and (3) stroma (including inflammation and fibrosis) with a total adding up to 100%. This is recommended for all systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, chemoradiation, molecular-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or any future novel therapies yet to be discovered, whether administered alone or in combination. Specific issues may differ for certain therapies such as immunotherapy, but the grossing process should be similar, and the histologic evaluation should contain these basic elements. Standard pathologic response assessment should allow for comparisons between different therapies and correlations with disease-free survival and overall survival in ongoing and future trials. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has an effort to collect such data from existing and future clinical trials. These recommendations are intended as guidance for clinical trials, although it is hoped they can be viewed as suggestion for good clinical practice outside of clinical trials, to improve consistency of pathologic assessment of treatment response.

ERBB activation modulates sensitivity to MEK1/2 inhibition in a subset of driver-negative melanoma

Melanomas are characterized by activating “driver” mutations in BRAF, NRAS, KIT, GNAQ, and GNA11. Resultant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling makes some melanomas susceptible to BRAF (BRAF V600 mutations), MEK1/2 (BRAF V600, L597, fusions; NRAS mutations), or other kinase inhibitors (KIT), respectively. Among driver-negative (“pan-negative”) patients, an unexplained heterogeneity of response to MEK1/2 inhibitors has been observed. Analysis of 16 pan-negative melanoma cell lines revealed that 8 (50%; termed Class I) are sensitive to the MEK1/2 inhibitor, trametinib, similar to BRAF V600E melanomas. A second set (termed Class II) display reduced trametinib sensitivity, paradoxical activation of MEK1/2 and basal activation of ERBBs 1, 2, and 3 (4 lines, 25%). In 3 of these lines, PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathway signaling is abrogated using the ERBB inhibitor, afatinib, and proliferation is even further reduced upon the addition of trametinib. A potential mechanism of ERBB activation in Class II melanomas is minimal expression of the ERK1/2 phosphatase, DUSP4, as ectopic restoration of DUSP4 attenuated ERBB signaling through potential modulation of the ERBB ligand, amphiregulin (AREG). Consistent with these data, immunohistochemical analysis of patient melanomas revealed a trend towards lower overall DUSP4 expression in pan-negative versus BRAF- and NRAS-mutant tumors. This study is the first to demonstrate that differential ERBB activity in pan-negative melanoma may modulate sensitivity to clinically-available MEK1/2 inhibitors and provides rationale for the use of ERBB inhibitors, potentially in combination with MEK1/2 inhibitors, in subsets of this disease.

Interview: Progress and promise in the therapy of lung cancers

Dr Mark Kris* speaks to Marco De Ambrogi, Commissioning Editor: Dr Mark Kris is currently serving as William and Joy Ruane Chair in Thoracic Oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center (NY, USA), where he has been on the staff since 1983. He also is a Professor of Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College (NY, USA). After serving as Chief of the Thoracic Oncology Service at MSK Cancer Center since 1990, Dr Kris has recently been named Lead Physician for the MSK–IBM Watson Collaboration. He specializes in thoracic malignancies including lung cancer, thymoma and cancers of an unknown primary site. His research interests include targeted therapies for lung cancer, multimodality therapy, the development of new anticancer drugs and symptom management with a focus on preventing emesis, the most dreaded side effect of cancer and cancer treatment. Dr Kris received his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College, completed residencies at the New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center/MSK Cancer Center program, and performed his fellowship at MSK Cancer Center. An American Society of Clinical Oncology member since 1983, Dr Kris has served on and led numerous committees. He received an American Society of Clinical Oncology Statesman Award in 2010 in recognition of his service to the society.

Acupuncture for the treatment of post-chemotherapy chronic fatigue: a randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial

PURPOSE

Many cancer patients experience persistent fatigue after the completion of chemotherapy. A previous single-arm study provided evidence for an effect of acupuncture in this population. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether acupuncture reduces post-chemotherapy chronic fatigue more effectively than sham acupuncture.

METHODS

Cancer patients reporting significant fatigue persisting for at least 2 months following the completion of chemotherapy were randomized to receive once weekly true or sham acupuncture for 6 weeks. Fatigue was evaluated before and after treatment using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI, the primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-General (FACT-G) scores.

RESULTS

One hundred one patients were randomized with 74 (34 true acupuncture; 40 sham control) evaluated for the primary endpoint. BFI scores fell by about one point between baseline and follow-up in both groups with no statistically significant difference between groups. HADS and FACT-G scores also improved in both groups, but there was no significant difference between groups. Patients in the sham acupuncture group crossed over to receive true acupuncture in week 7. No long-term reduction of fatigue scores was observed at the 6-month evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

True acupuncture as provided in this study did not reduce post-chemotherapy chronic fatigue more than did sham acupuncture. The study is limited by the number of patients lost to follow-up. We also cannot exclude the possibility that a more intensive treatment regimen may be more effective.

Abstract A23: HER2 levels affect sensitivity and resistance to EGFR inhibition in EGFR mutant lung cancer

EGFR mutant lung cancers eventually become resistant to treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as erlotinib. The combination of an irreversible EGFR TKI, afatinib, and the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, depletes both phosphorylated and total EGFR and can overcome resistance in mouse lung tumor models and human patients with acquired resistance. Since afatinib is also a potent HER2 inhibitor, here we investigated the role of HER2 in EGFR mutant tumor cells. We show in vitro and in vivo that afatinib plus cetuximab or the related antibody, panitumumab, significantly inhibits HER2 phosphorylation. HER2 overexpression or knockdown confers resistance or sensitivity, respectively, in all studied cell line models. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis revealed that HER2 was amplified in 3 of 26 (12%) tumors with acquired resistance versus only 1 of 99 (1%) untreated lung adenocarcinomas (p=0.03 Fisher's exact test). Notably, HER2 amplification and EGFR T790M were mutually exclusive (0 of 17 T790M-positive versus 3 of 9 T790M-negative cases (p=0.02 Fisher's exact test)). Collectively, these results reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of resistance to EGFR TKIs and provide a rationale to assess the status and possibly target HER2 in EGFR mutant tumors with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs.

Clinical cancer advances 2008: major research advances in cancer treatment, prevention, and screening--a report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology

A message from ASCO'S president: Nearly 40 years ago, President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act, mobilizing the country's resources to make the "conquest of cancer a national crusade." That declaration led to a major investment in cancer research that has significantly improved cancer prevention, treatment, and survival. As a result, two thirds of people diagnosed with cancer today will live at least 5 years after diagnosis, compared with just half in the 1970s. In addition, there are now more than 12 million cancer survivors in the United States--up from 3 million in 1971. Scientifically, we have never been in a better position to advance cancer treatment. Basic scientific research, fueled in recent years by the tools of molecular biology, has generated unprecedented knowledge of cancer development. We now understand many of the cellular pathways that can lead to cancer. We have learned how to develop drugs that block those pathways; increasingly, we know how to personalize therapy to the unique genetics of the tumor and the patient. Yet in 2008, 1.4 million people in the United States will still be diagnosed with cancer, and more than half a million will die as a result of the disease. Some cancers remain stubbornly resistant to treatment, whereas others cannot be detected until they are in their advanced, less curable stages. Biologically, the cancer cell is notoriously wily; each time we throw an obstacle in its path, it finds an alternate route that must then be blocked. To translate our growing basic science knowledge into better treatments for patients, a new national commitment to cancer research is urgently needed. However, funding for cancer research has stagnated. The budgets of the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute have failed to keep pace with inflation, declining up to 13% in real terms since 2004. Tighter budgets reduce incentives to support high-risk research that could have the largest payoffs. The most significant clinical research is conducted increasingly overseas. In addition, talented young physicians in the United States, seeing less opportunity in the field of oncology, are choosing other specialties instead. Although greater investment in research is critical, the need for new therapies is only part of the challenge. Far too many people in the United States lack access to the treatments that already exist, leading to unnecessary suffering and death. Uninsured cancer patients are significantly more likely to die than those with insurance, racial disparities in cancer incidence and mortality remain stark, and even insured patients struggle to keep up with the rapidly rising cost of cancer therapies. As this annual American Society of Clinical Oncology report of the major cancer research advances during the last year demonstrates, we are making important progress against cancer. But sound public policies are essential to accelerate that progress. In 2009, we have an opportunity to reinvest in cancer research, and to support policies that will help ensure that every individual in the United States receives potentially life-saving cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Sincerely, Richard L. Schilsky, MD President American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Patient versus clinician symptom reporting using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events

8515

Background: During NCI-sponsored clinical trials, clinicians elicit and report patient toxicity symptoms using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Alternatively, patients may be able to report this information directly, but it remains unclear how these patient reported outcomes (PROs) compare to clinician reports. Methods: Language from the CTCAE version 3 was adapted for patient self-reporting and pilot tested to assure comprehension. Then, a paper questionnaire containing 12 common CTCAE symptoms was administered to consecutive outpatients and their clinicians (physicians and nurses) in clinics specializing in lung or genitourinary malignancies at a specialty cancer center. Results: Between March and May 2005, 435 patients and their clinicians were approached in order to obtain 400 completed paired surveys. For most symptoms agreement was high and this was especially true for more observable symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) compared to more subjective areas (fatigue, dyspnea) (Table). Most discrepancies were within one point. Only rarely would differences have altered treatment decisions (grade <2 vs. ≥3). Patients more commonly assigned greater severity than clinicians. There was no significant difference when patients reported before versus after caregivers. Kappa values did not accurately measure agreement due to asymmetry in the marginal distribution of scores. Conclusion: Patients and clinicians generally agree on CTCAE symptom severity. Future research should examine the impact of symptom PROs on clinical outcomes and the use of real-time reporting for early detection of SAEs.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I/II study of ABI-007 as first line chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7105

Background: ABI-007 is a 130-nm albumin-bound form of paclitaxel. This study was designed to determine (1) the MTD and DLTs of ABI-007 in patients with stage IV chemotherapy-naive NSCLC and (2) the efficacy and safety of ABI-007 at the MTD. Methods: Eligibility requirement included ECOG PS 0–1, adequate organ function and sensory neuropathy ≤ grade 1. No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease was allowed. Prior EGFR TKI therapy was allowed. ABI-007 was administered on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days (IV over 30 min. without premedication). In the phase I portion, 3 dose levels were studied (100, 125 and 150 mg/m2) and in the phase 2 portion, 40 patients were treated at the MTD. Results: 50 patients received ABI-007; the median age was 70 yo and 76% of patients were ≥ 65 yo. No DLTs were observed at the 100 and 125 mg/m2 dose level. However at the 150 mg/m2 dose level 2/6 patients had a DLT (febrile neutropenia and sensory neuropathy, respectively) during cycle 1 such that the MTD was exceeded. The 125 mg/m2 dose level was identified as the MTD and expanded to 40 patients in the phase 2 portion of this study. Toxicity and efficacy data is presented for the phase 2 portion. Ten patients (25%) had received prior neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and 5 (13%) had received prior gefitinib or erlotinib. Sensory neuropathy was the most frequent toxicity with grade 2 and 3 toxicity occurring in 8% and 15% of patients. Grade 2 and 3 fatigue was observed in 8% and 13% of patients. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in 10% and 3% of patients with no febrile neutropenia observed. Response was assessed by RECIST. One CR and 14 PRs were observed for an overall response rate of 15/40 (38%). The median survival was 10.3 months. Conclusions: The MTD for ABI-007 administered over 30 min. on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days was 125 mg/m2. No hypersensitivity reactions were observed and no premedication was given. In the phase 2 portion, a 38% response rate and 10.3 month survival was observed. Non-hematologic toxicities were primarily sensory neuropathy and fatigue. Myelosuppression was minimal and no febrile neutropenia was observed. Further development of ABI-007 in NSCLC is warranted based on the encouraging single agent activity observed in this study.

[Table: see text]

EGF receptor gene mutations are common in lung cancers from "never smokers" and are associated with sensitivity of tumors to gefitinib and erlotinib

Somatic mutations in the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are reportedly associated with sensitivity of lung cancers to gefitinib (Iressa), kinase inhibitor. In-frame deletions occur in exon 19, whereas point mutations occur frequently in codon 858 (exon 21). We found from sequencing the EGFR TK domain that 7 of 10 gefitinib-sensitive tumors had similar types of alterations; no mutations were found in eight gefitinib-refractory tumors (P = 0.004). Five of seven tumors sensitive to erlotinib (Tarceva), a related kinase inhibitor for which the clinically relevant target is undocumented, had analogous somatic mutations, as opposed to none of 10 erlotinib-refractory tumors (P = 0.003). Because most mutation-positive tumors were adenocarcinomas from patients who smoked <100 cigarettes in a lifetime ("never smokers"), we screened EGFR exons 2-28 in 15 adenocarcinomas resected from untreated never smokers. Seven tumors had TK domain mutations, in contrast to 4 of 81 non-small cell lung cancers resected from untreated former or current smokers (P = 0.0001). Immunoblotting of lysates from cells transiently transfected with various EGFR constructs demonstrated that, compared to wild-type protein, an exon 19 deletion mutant induced diminished levels of phosphotyrosine, whereas the phosphorylation at tyrosine 1092 of an exon 21 point mutant was inhibited at 10-fold lower concentrations of drug. Collectively, these data show that adenocarcinomas from never smokers comprise a distinct subset of lung cancers, frequently containing mutations within the TK domain of EGFR that are associated with gefitinib and erlotinib sensitivity.

ZD1839, a selective oral epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is well tolerated and active in patients with solid, malignant tumors: results of a phase I trial

PURPOSE

To investigate the tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of the oral, selective epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD1839 in patients with solid malignant tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was an open, phase I, escalating multiple-dose tolerability and pharmacokinetic trial. ZD1839 was administered once daily for 14 consecutive days followed by 14 days off treatment. Dose escalation started at 50 mg/d and continued to 925 mg or until consistent dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were entered at eight dose levels. The most frequent dose-related grade 1 and 2 adverse events were an acne-like (or folliculitis) rash, nausea, and diarrhea. Three of nine patients treated at 700 mg/d developed DLT (reversible grade 3 diarrhea); grade 3 and 4 events were uncommon. Exposure to ZD1839 was dose proportional, and the mean terminal half-life was 48 hours (range, 37 to 65). Four of 16 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had objective partial responses observed from ZD1839 300 to 700 mg/d. Overall, 16 patients remained on study for > or = 3 months, with seven of these patients (five with NSCLC, including three of the patients with partial response) remaining on study for > or = 6 months.

CONCLUSION

ZD1839 was well tolerated, with DLT observed at a dose well above that at which antitumor activity was seen. Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed that ZD1839 was suitable for administration as a once-daily oral tablet formulation. Phase II monotherapy and phase III combination trials in NSCLC are being conducted to investigate further the efficacy, tolerability, and optimal daily dose of ZD1839.

Randomized phase III trial of docetaxel versus vinorelbine or ifosfamide in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy regimens. The TAX 320 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Study Group

PURPOSE

To confirm the promising phase II results of docetaxel monotherapy, this phase III trial was conducted of chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had previously failed platinum-containing chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 373 patients were randomized to receive either docetaxel 100 mg/m(2) (D100) or 75 mg/m(2) (D75) versus a control regimen of vinorelbine or ifosfamide (V/I). The three treatment groups were well-balanced for key patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall response rates were 10.8% with D100 and 6.7% with D75, each significantly higher than the 0.8% response with V/I (P =.001 and P =.036, respectively). Patients who received docetaxel had a longer time to progression (P =.046, by log-rank test) and a greater progression-free survival at 26 weeks (P =.005, by chi(2) test). Although overall survival was not significantly different between the three groups, the 1-year survival was significantly greater with D75 than with the control treatment (32% v 19%; P =.025, by chi(2) test). Prior exposure to paclitaxel did not decrease the likelihood of response to docetaxel, nor did it impact survival. There was a trend toward greater efficacy in patients whose disease was platinum-resistant rather than platinum-refractory and in patients with performance status of 0 or 1 versus 2. Toxicity was greatest with D100, but the D75 arm was well-tolerated.

CONCLUSION

This first randomized trial in this setting demonstrates that D75 every 3 weeks can offer clinically meaningful benefit to patients with advanced NSCLC whose disease has relapsed or progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.

The clinical course of lung carcinoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Although patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have an increased risk of developing second primary malignancies, including lung carcinoma, there is virtually no information about their clinical outcomes. To evaluate this, the authors reviewed their 20-year institutional experience with CLL patients who also had lung carcinoma.

METHODS

The records of patients with diagnoses of both CLL and lung carcinoma seen between January 1977 and July 1998 were reviewed. The data collected included patient demographics, the tumor histology and stage, the type of treatment for both CLL and lung carcinoma, the presence of a third malignancy, the disease status at last follow-up, and the first site of relapse. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

From January 1977 to July 1998, 1329 patients with CLL were seen at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Twenty-six (1.9%) also had lung carcinoma (19 males and 7 females). The median age of patients at the time CLL was diagnosed was 61 years, and for patients with lung carcinoma it was 68 years. Twenty-two patients (85%) were current or former smokers. Histologically, the lung carcinomas included 6 squamous cell carcinomas, 19 nonsquamous carcinomas, and 1 small cell carcinoma. Ten patients (38%) had a third malignancy; these malignancies included melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, laryngeal carcinoma, and colon carcinoma. Thirteen patients underwent surgical resection and 13 were treated nonsurgically for lung carcinoma. A poor performance status precluded surgery for 3 patients with Stage I tumors and limited chemotherapy for all patients with advanced disease. The median survival following the diagnosis of lung carcinoma for patients treated surgically was 25 months, and for those treated nonsurgically it was 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 2% of patients with CLL develop lung carcinoma. In this study, 85% of the patients were smokers. These patients had a high risk of a third primary malignancy. Lung carcinoma was diagnosed a decade after CLL. Patients who develop both diseases die of lung carcinoma and not CLL or other solid tumors. CLL and poor performance status limit treatment, particularly for patients with unresectable lung carcinoma.

Quality-of-life benefit in chemotherapy patients treated with epoetin alfa is independent of disease response or tumor type: results from a prospective community oncology study. Procrit Study Group

PURPOSE

To evaluate prospectively the effectiveness of epoetin alfa as an adjunct to chemotherapy in patients with cancer based on changes in quality-of-life parameters and hemoglobin levels, and to correlate these changes with antitumor response.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two thousand three hundred seventy patients with nonmyeloid malignancies who received chemotherapy were enrolled onto this study from 621 US community-based practices. Patients received epoetin alfa 10,000 U three times weekly, which could be increased to 20,000 U three times weekly depending on the hemoglobin response at 4 weeks. Treatment continued for a maximum of 16 weeks in patients who showed evidence of hematologic response.

RESULTS

Two thousand two hundred eighty-nine patients (97%) were eligible for efficacy analyses. Epoetin alfa therapy was associated with improved quality-of-life parameters; these improvements correlated significantly with hemoglobin levels and were independent of tumor response. Provider-reported Karnofsky performance scores did not correlate with the improved quality-of-life changes. Epoetin alfa therapy was also associated with a significant increase in hemoglobin levels and decrease in transfusion use. Tumor type, chemotherapy agent/regimen, prior chemotherapy, baseline hemoglobin level, and baseline erythropoietin level were not predictive of a positive response to treatment. Epoetin alfa was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Epoetin alfa appears to have a beneficial impact on patient-reported functional capacity and quality of life in patients with cancer who received chemotherapy independent of tumor response. Concordantly, epoetin alfa appeared to increase hemoglobin levels and decrease transfusion use. Patients responded across all tumor types. The results suggest that epoetin alfa effectively improves functional outcomes in patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy.