FOLFOX6 and bevacizumab in non-optimally resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

In patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) R0 resection significantly improves overall survival (OS).

METHODS

In this report, we present the results of a phase II trial of FOLFOX6+bevacizumab in patients with non-optimally resectable CLM. Patients received six cycles of FOLFOX6+ five of bevacizumab. Patients not achieving resectability received six additional cycles of each. A PET-CT was performed at baseline and again within 1 month after initiating treatment.

RESULTS

From September 2005 to July 2009, 21 patients were enrolled (Male/Female: 15/6; median age: 65 years). An objective response (OR) was documented in 12 cases (57.1%; complete responses (CRs): 3, partial response (PR): 9); one patient died from toxicity before surgery. Thirteen patients underwent radical surgery (61.9%). Three (23%) had a pathological CR (pCR). Six patients (46.1%) experienced minor postsurgical complications. After a median 38.8-month follow-up, the median OS was 22.5 months. Patients achieving at least 1 unit reduction in Standard uptake value (SUV)max on PET-CT had longer progression-free survival (PFS) (median PFS: 22 vs 14 months, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

FOLFOX6+bevacizumab does not increase postsurgical complications, yields high rates of resectability and pCR. Early changes in PET-CT seem to be predictive of longer PFS.

FOLFOX6 and bevacizumab in non-optimally resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

In patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) R0 resection significantly improves overall survival (OS).

METHODS

In this report, we present the results of a phase II trial of FOLFOX6+bevacizumab in patients with non-optimally resectable CLM. Patients received six cycles of FOLFOX6+ five of bevacizumab. Patients not achieving resectability received six additional cycles of each. A PET-CT was performed at baseline and again within 1 month after initiating treatment.

RESULTS

From September 2005 to July 2009, 21 patients were enrolled (Male/Female: 15/6; median age: 65 years). An objective response (OR) was documented in 12 cases (57.1%; complete responses (CRs): 3, partial response (PR): 9); one patient died from toxicity before surgery. Thirteen patients underwent radical surgery (61.9%). Three (23%) had a pathological CR (pCR). Six patients (46.1%) experienced minor postsurgical complications. After a median 38.8-month follow-up, the median OS was 22.5 months. Patients achieving at least 1 unit reduction in Standard uptake value (SUV)max on PET-CT had longer progression-free survival (PFS) (median PFS: 22 vs 14 months, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

FOLFOX6+bevacizumab does not increase postsurgical complications, yields high rates of resectability and pCR. Early changes in PET-CT seem to be predictive of longer PFS.

Prognostic role of EGFR gene copy number and KRAS mutation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy

Background:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), evaluated by immunohistochemistry, has been shown to have prognostic significance in patients with colorectal cancer. Gene copy number (GCN) of EGFR and KRAS status predict response and outcome in patients treated with anti-EGFR therapy, but their prognostic significance in colorectal cancer patients is still unclear.

Methods:

We have retrospectively reviewed the baseline EGFR GCN, KRAS status and clinical outcome of 146 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Pathological response evaluated by Dworak's tumour regression grade (TRG), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed.

Results:

Tumour regression grade 4 and TRG3–4 were achieved in 14.4 and 30.8% of the patients respectively. Twenty-nine (19.9%) and 33 patients (19.2%) had an EGFR/nuclei ratio >2.9 and CEP7 polisomy >50% respectively; 28 patients (19.2%) had a KRAS mutation. Neither EGFR GCN nor KRAS status was statistically correlated to TRG. 5-year DFS and OS were 63.3 and 71.5%, respectively, and no significant relation with EGFR GCN or KRAS status was found.

Conclusion:

Our data show that EGFR GCN and KRAS status are not prognostic factors in LARC treated with preoperative chemoradiation.

Sorafenib in patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma: a phase II trial

BACKGROUND

Advanced biliary tract carcinoma has a very poor prognosis, with chemotherapy being the mainstay of treatment. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor of VEGFR-2/-3, PDGFR-beta, B-Raf, and C-Raf, has shown to be active in preclinical models of cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

We conducted a phase II trial of single-agent sorafenib in patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma. Sorafenib was administered at a dose of 400 mg twice a day. The primary end point was the disease control rate at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients were treated. In all, 26 (56%) had received chemotherapy earlier, and 36 patients completed at least 45 days of treatment. In intention-to-treat analysis, the objective response was 2% and the disease control rate at 12 weeks was 32.6%. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.3 months (range: 0-12 months), and the median overall survival was 4.4 months (range: 0-22 months). Performance status was significantly related to PFS: median PFS values for ECOG 0 and 1 were 5.7 and 2.1 months, respectively (P=0.0002). The most common toxicities were skin rash (35%) and fatigue (33%), requiring a dose reduction in 22% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Sorafenib as a single agent has a low activity in cholangiocarcinoma. Patients having a good performance status have a better PFS. The toxicity profile is manageable.

EGFR gene copy number, KRAS and BRAF status, PTEN and AKT expression analysis in patients with metastatic colon cancer treated with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies ± chemotherapy

e15055

Background: Cetuximab and panitumumab have proven to be effective in metastatic colon cancer (mCRC). KRAS mutation has been demonstrated to be a biomarker of resistance to both monoclonal antibodies. However the status and expression of other biomarkers of the RAS-RAF-MAPK signalling pathway can have a crucial role in sensitivity to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed tumor tissue biomarkers including EGFR gene copy number (GCN) by FISH, KRAS and BRAF status by PCR-based sequencing, PTEN and AKT expression by IHC in patients with mCRC treated with cetuximab and panitumumab ±chemotherapy. Response to treatment, TTP and OS were evaluated. Results: Sixty-three patients (pts) have been analyzed. Median age was 59 years (34–80); 53 pts had received cetuximab and 10 pts panitunumab. Concomitatnt chemotherapy was FOLFIRI, CPT-11, FOLFOX4 and Xeliri in 35, 13, 6 and 4 pts respectively. Five pts had received monoclonal antibodies only. Twenty- one pts were treated in 1st-2nd line and 42 pts in 3rd-4th line. So far EGFR GCN is available on 55 pts, KRAS and BRAF on 63 pts, PTEN in primary tumor (PT) on 36 pts and in metastatic (MTS) site on 24 pts, AKT on 19 pts. EGFR/nuclei ratio was > 2.9 in 31 % of the pts, KRAS and BRAF were mutated in 36.5 % and 3 % of the pts respectively; PTEN was positive in 42 % and 79 % in PT and MTS respectively. Moreover 21.8 % of the pts had EGFR/nuclei > 2.9 and CEP7 Polisomy > 50 %. Four pts achieved a partial remission (6.3 %). Partial response rate was 17 % vs. 2.6 % in pts with high and low EGFR GCN respectively (p: 0.007) and 13 % vs. 2.5 % in pts with WT and mutated KRAS respectively (p: 0.048). Median TTP was 3 months (0.83–32.9). It was 4.2 vs. 2.3 mos in pts with WT and mutated KRAS respectively (p: 0.001). Median OS was 9.7 mos (2.03–49.0) and no statistically significant differences were observed according to the biomarkers status. However a trend was observed for pts with KRAS WT 10.6 vs. 7.8 mos and for PTEN positive in PT: 9.0 vs. 5.67 mos. Conclusions: Our data confirm the predictive role of EGFR gene copy number and KRAS status on the response and survival. Complete biomarker characterization is ongoing and an analysis for interaction will be performed.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Epidermal growth factor receptor gene copy number, K-ras mutation and pathological response to preoperative cetuximab, 5-FU and radiation therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Cetuximab improves activity of chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Gene copy number (GCN) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been suggested to be a predictive factor of response to cetuximab in patients (pts) with mCRC; on the contrary, K-ras mutation has been associated with cetuximab resistance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We have conducted a phase II study with cetuximab administered weekly for 3 weeks as single agent and then with 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy as neo-adjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). EGFR immunohistochemistry expression, EGFR GCN and K-ras mutation were evaluated on diagnostic tumor biopsy. Dworak's tumor regression grade (TRG) was evaluated on surgical specimens.

RESULTS

Forty pts have been treated; 39 pts are assessable. TRG 3 and 4 were achieved in nine (23.1%) and three pts (7.7%) respectively; TRG 3-4 rate was 55% and 5.3% in case of high and low GCN, respectively (P 0.0016). Pts with K-ras mutated tumors had lower rate of high TRG: 11% versus 36.7% (P 0.12). In pts with wild-type K-ras, TRG 3-4 rate was 58.8% versus 7.7% in case of high or low GCN, respectively (P 0.0012).

CONCLUSIONS

In pts with LARC, EGFR GCN is predictive of high TRG to cetuximab plus 5-FU radiotherapy. Moreover, our data suggest that a wild-type K-ras associated with a high EGFR GCN can predict sensitivity to cetuximab-based treatment.

Phase II trial to evaluate combination of folfox6 + bevacizumab in initially unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer (crc)

14603

Introduction: The gold standard treatment of CRC liver metastases is surgical resection. Bevacizumab has proved efficacy in advanced disease. Primary objective of the study is to evaluate resecability rate of liver metastases and incidence of major surgery complications. Secondary objective is to relate tumor and serum biomarkers (EGFR, VEGF, TS, Ki67, ERCC1, MSH2, MLH1 and VEGF ) to clinical outcome Methods: Baseline requires evaluation by CT-PET scan, biopsy of metastases; PET scan is needed after first administration to describe preliminary response. The treatment consists of FOLFOX6 regimen associated to Bevacizumab, 5mg/Kg, every two weeks; elective surgery is planned after 6 cycles (the last one excludes Bevacizumab dose) by CT-PET scan; if resection is appropriate, it will be performed, otherwise the treatment will continue to 12 cycles. Biomarkers are assessed at baseline, following the first administration and before surgery Results: Up to now 11 patients have been enrolled (M/F:6/5; median age:64, range:46–72); ECOG: 0/1. 10 patients reached surgical step while 1 patient is still on chemotherapy. Three patients (27%) were not suitable for resection and received further chemotherapy: 1 had PR, 1 PD and 1 became resectable after 12 cycles. In the other 7 patients (63%): 2 CR (18%) histologically confirmed; 4 macroscopic and curative resection of liver metastasis; 1 is receving two stage epathectomy (portal vein occlusion before major liver resection). Life threatening toxicities: 1 TVP causing discontinuation of Bevacizumab, 1 hospitalization for gastro-intestinal and G4 neutropenia both causing discontinuation of the whole therapy. Bevacizumab complications before major surgery did not occurred; 1 patient reported post operative delay wound healing. Less severe toxicities: haematological G3 in 2 patients (18%), G1 in 1 patient (9%); 3 gastrointestinal G2 (27%); neuropathic in 1 patient (9%). The VEGF serum decreased after the first dose of Bevacizumab in all specimens Conclusions: Systemic chemotherapy with combination regimens may downstage liver metastases and thus increase resecability rate without important surgery complications; biomarkers related to clinical outcome are in evaluation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Early analysis of toxicity and surgery in patients treated with cetuximab single agent followed by 5-fu, cetuximab and pelvic radiotherapy as neo-adjuvant treatment for operable, locally advanced rectal cancer (rc)

14531

Background: Pre-operative chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced RC has been used to improve local control and to facilitate sphincter-sparing surgery for distal tumors. Cetuximab, an anti EGFR monoclonal antibody, has proved efficacy in advanced colorectal cancer. Methods: Study design provided: 1) tumor biopsy to confirm diagnosis and to measure tumor biomarkers (EGFR, TS, p53, MAP kinase, Ki 67, p21, bcl-2; immunological cell profile at the tumor level: CD45RO, CD68, CD56 CD4+/CD25+, CD31, HLA-A, -B and -C), 2) Cetuximab single agent (400 mg/sqm loading dose, then 250 mg/sqm weekly) for 3 doses, 3) a second biopsy to evaluate tumor biomarkers, 4) Cetuximab 250 mg/sqm weekly plus 5FU (225 mg/sqm in continuous infusion) concomitantly with RT (50 Gy), 5) surgery. Tumor biomarkers are measured again on tumor specimen in non pCR patients (pts). 66 pts with resectable uT3/uT4 N0/+ RC will enter the study. Primary aim is: toxicity and activity (pathologic complete response). Secondary aim is: evaluation of biological parameters, rates of sphincter sparing surgery and disease free survival. Results: Up to now 29 pts are valuable for toxicity (M/F= 22/5; median age: 61; range: 35–74). Ultrasound staging at diagnosis is: uT3N0: 7; uT3N1: 20; uT4N1: 2. Four pts (14%) withdrew neo-adjuvant treatment after 1 administration of Cetuximab: 2 for hypersensitivity reactions (1 G3; 1 G4), 1 for progression and 1 for purulent arthritis. Twenty-two pts (75%) presented acne-like rash; treatment with Cetuximab was interrupted or reduced in 4 pts (14%): in 2 for acne-like rash grade 3 (NCI-CTC) and in 2 pts for refuse. Grade 1–2 gastro-intestinal toxicity (unrelated to Cetuximab) was observed in 13 pts (proctitis: 4; diarrhoea: 9); in 1 case: diarrhoea G4. Twenty pts are valuable for surgery: 18 pts (90%) underwent conservative surgery. Two pts (10%) experienced post-surgical complications: 1 anastomotic fistula and 1 colonic necrosis. Conclusions: Pre-operative treatment with 5FU, Cetuximab and pelvic RT is well tolerated and does not increase surgical complication rate. An update on efficacy data and biological markers evaluation will be presented at the meeting.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.