Guidelines for time-to-event end point definitions in sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) trials: results of the DATECAN initiative (Definition for the Assessment of Time-to-event Endpoints in CANcer trials)†

BACKGROUND

The use of potential surrogate end points for overall survival, such as disease-free survival (DFS) or time-to-treatment failure (TTF) is increasingly common in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in cancer. However, the definition of time-to-event (TTE) end points is rarely precise and lacks uniformity across trials. End point definition can impact trial results by affecting estimation of treatment effect and statistical power. The DATECAN initiative (Definition for the Assessment of Time-to-event End points in CANcer trials) aims to provide recommendations for definitions of TTE end points. We report guidelines for RCT in sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

METHODS

We first carried out a literature review to identify TTE end points (primary or secondary) reported in publications of RCT. An international multidisciplinary panel of experts proposed recommendations for the definitions of these end points. Recommendations were developed through a validated consensus method formalizing the degree of agreement among experts.

RESULTS

Recommended guidelines for the definition of TTE end points commonly used in RCT for sarcomas and GIST are provided for adjuvant and metastatic settings, including DFS, TTF, time to progression and others.

CONCLUSION

Use of standardized definitions should facilitate comparison of trials' results, and improve the quality of trial design and reporting. These guidelines could be of particular interest to research scientists involved in the design, conduct, reporting or assessment of RCT such as investigators, statisticians, reviewers, editors or regulatory authorities.

The roles of HOXD10 in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Background:

HOX gene expression is altered in many cancers; previous microarray revealed changes in HOX gene expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly HOXD10.

Methods:

HOXD10 expression was assessed by qPCR and immunoblotting in vitro and by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissues. Low-expressing cells were stably transfected with HOXD10 and the phenotype assessed with MTS, migration and adhesion assays and compared with the effects of siRNA knockdown in high-HOXD10-expressing cells. Novel HOXD10 targets were identified using expression microarrays, confirmed by reporter assay, and validated in tissues using IHC.

Results:

HOXD10 expression was low in NOKs, high in most primary tumour cells, and low in lymph node metastasis cells, a pattern confirmed using IHC in tissues. Overexpression of HOXD10 decreased cell invasion but increased proliferation, adhesion and migration, with knockdown causing reciprocal effects. There was no consistent effect on apoptosis. Microarray analysis identified several putative HOXD10-responsive genes, including angiomotin (AMOT-p80) and miR-146a. These were confirmed as HOXD10 targets by reporter assay. Manipulation of AMOT-p80 expression resulted in phenotypic changes similar to those on manipulation of HOXD10 expression.

Conclusions:

HOXD10 expression varies by stage of disease and produces differential effects: high expression giving cancer cells a proliferative and migratory advantage, and low expression may support invasion/metastasis, in part, by modulating AMOT-p80 levels.

Identification of a KIR antisense lncRNA expressed by progenitor cells

Human NK cells express cell surface class I MHC receptors (KIR) in a probabilistic manner. Previous studies have shown that a distal promoter acts in conjunction with a proximal bidirectional promoter to control the selective activation of KIR genes. We report here the presence of an intron 2 promoter in several KIR genes that produces a spliced antisense transcript. This lncRNA transcript contains antisense sequence complementary to KIR-coding exons 1 and 2 as well as the proximal promoter region of the KIR genes. The antisense promoter contains MZF-1 binding sites, a transcription factor found in hematopoietic progenitors and myeloid precursors. The KIR antisense lncRNA was only detected in progenitor cells or pluripotent cell lines, suggesting a function that is specific for stem cells. Overexpression of MZF-1 in developing NK cells led to decreased KIR expression, consistent with a role for the KIR antisense lncRNA in silencing KIR gene expression early in development.

Randomized phase II study of three doses of the integrin inhibitor cilengitide versus docetaxel as second-line treatment for patients (pts) with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

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Background: Cilengitide (EMD 121974) is the most advanced compound in clinical development of a new class of oncology drugs, the integrin inhibitors. Integrins (heterodimeric transmembrane receptors) play key roles in cell interactions. Cilengitide selectively inhibits the cell-surface integrins αVβ3 and αVβ5 on activated endothelial cells during angiogenesis and on tumor cells. Methods: Multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase II study in 140 pts with relapsed stage IV NSCLC. Pts received 1 of 3 cilengitide doses (240 [n=35], 400 [n=35], or 600 [n=36] mg/m2) twice weekly or docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (n=34) once every 3-week cycle for 6 months. Responding pts could continue cilengitide for up to 1 year. Primary endpoint: progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Median age (range) was 60 (33–80) years; 94 pts were male (67%); 83% of pts had KPS ≥80%. Median PFS (95% CI) was 54 (43–64), 63 (53–66), 63 (42–67), and 67 (61–123) days for cilengitide 240, 400, 600, and docetaxel 75 mg/m2, respectively. Median OS (95% CI) was 173 (81–197), 117 (92–209), 181 (90–326), and 194 (135–298) days, respectively. One-year survival rate (95% CI) was 13% (1–24%), 13% (0–26%), 29% (12–37%), and 27% (10–43%), respectively. Survival was similar with cilengitide 600 mg/m2 and docetaxel 75 mg/m2: median OS 181 versus 194 days and 1-year survival rate (95% CI) 29% (12–37%) versus 27% (10–43%). Five docetaxel pts (15%) had a partial response. Most pts (98%) had ≥1 adverse event (AE). Most common AEs were dyspnea (33%), nausea (30%), tumor progression (29%), and cough (23%). Dyspnea and tumor progression were more common with cilengitide than with docetaxel. Grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs were more common with docetaxel (n=13, 41%) than cilengitide 240 (n=2, 6%), 400 (n=4, 11%), or 600 (n=4, 11%) mg/m2. For cilengitide, these were nausea, chest pain, dyspnea, and fatigue. Conclusions: PFS in the docetaxel group was greater than that of cilengitide at all doses. However, cilengitide monotherapy at a dose of 600 mg/m2 showed similar OS to docetaxel and better tolerability. Combination studies with standard chemotherapy and cilengitide are warranted.

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Phase I dose escalation pharmacokinetic study of erlotinib after failure of prior chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC who continue to smoke

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Background: The survival benefit associated with erlotinib is greater in never smokers than in current smokers. Former/never smokers experience a higher incidence of toxicity (e.g., rash) than current smokers, potentially due to greater erlotinib exposure. A higher dose of erlotinib, if feasible, may improve outcome in current smokers. Methods: A 2-part study was initiated to investigate the feasibility of escalating erlotinib to define the MTD in smokers and evaluate pharmacokinetics in patients (pts) dosed at this MTD versus 150 mg/d. Part I: sequential cohorts of advanced NSCLC pts currently smoking =10 cigarettes/d for = 1yr, ECOG PS 0–1, adequate organ function, and no prior EGFR inhibitor, received escalating doses of erlotinib for 14 days until DLT was seen in 2/6 pts. Part II: Upon identification of the MTD, pts were randomized between MTD and 150 mg/d erlotinib and PK assessed at D14. Pts could receive erlotinib beyond D14 until PD or toxicity. Results: Twenty-two pts were enrolled in Part I at 4 dose levels (#pts (MTD-evaluable pts)/dose level in mg/d): 3(3)/200, 6(3)/250, 8(6)/300 and 5(5)/350). Median/range age was 61 yrs (45–69) with 13 males and 9 females. Histology was Adenocarcinoma (9/22), Squamous (6/22) and other (7/22). Fourteen pts had prior RT and all had prior CT (median/range # prior regimens 1 (1–2)). Median/range # cigarettes smoked and duration of smoking was 18/d (10–40) and 42 yrs (10–54), respectively. DLT was observed in 1/6 MTD- evaluable pts at 300 mg/d (G3 rash) and 2/5 pts at 350 mg/d (G3 acneiform dermatitis and G3 fatigue/decreased ECOG PS). Otherwise treatment was well tolerated with common G1/2 toxicities limited to skin toxicity (59%), diarrhea (55%), and nausea, vomiting and metabolic or eye disorders (each 14%). Conclusions: The MTD of erlotinib in NSCLC pts who continue to smoke was 300 mg/d. Part II continues to compare the steady state PK of erlotinib at 300 versus 150 mg/d. The potential benefits of a higher dose of erlotinib in current smokers may warrant further evaluation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and dose intensification of V-ICE chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer: a prospective randomized study of 300 patients

PURPOSE

To assess whether granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy and alters delivered dose-intensity. To assess the feasibility of dose-intensification of chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and determine whether it has an impact on outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with good- or intermediate-prognosis SCLC entered a prospective multicenter study that involved a 2 x 2 factorial design with randomization to six cycles of chemotherapy with ifosfamide 5 g/m2, carboplatin 300 mg/m2, etoposide 120 mg/m2 intravenously (I.V.) on days 1 and 2 and 240 mg/m2 orally on day 3, and vincristine 0.5 mg/m2 I.V. on day 15 (V-ICE) every 3 weeks (intensified arm) or every 4 weeks (standard arm). A second double-blind randomization to subcutaneous GM-CSF (250 microg/m2/d) or placebo for 14 days between chemotherapy cycles was made.

RESULTS

Three hundred patients were entered. Myelosuppression was the main toxicity, with no significant difference in the incidence or grade between treatment groups. The incidence of febrile neutropenia and bacteriologically confirmed sepsis was unaffected by chemotherapy schedule or use of GM-CSF. Twenty-six percent greater dose-intensity was delivered in the intensified arm, with a trend for greater dose-intensity for those who received GM-CSF. Eighty-three percent of patients achieved a response (51% complete response [CR] rate), with no significant difference in response rates between treatment groups. Survival was significantly increased in the intensified compared with the standard arm (P = .0014); median survival rates were 443 versus 351 days and 2-year survival rates were 33% versus 18%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

GM-CSF does not reduce the incidence of complications from myelosuppression of aggressive chemotherapy. Dose intensification of V-ICE to a 3-week schedule in SCLC is not associated with increased toxicity, but appears to improve survival significantly. Future studies should aim to deliver chemotherapy in maximal-tolerated dose-intensities.

A previously undescribed mutation within the tetramerisation domain of TP53 in a family with Li-Fraumeni syndrome

We report details of a family with classic Li-Fraumeni syndrome in which there is a mutation in codon 344 of the tumour suppressor gene TP53. Codon 344 is a key residue within the tetramerisation domain, and the amino acid substitution of a proline for a leucine is predicted to have profound implications for tetramerisation and potentially DNA binding. This is the first report of a mutation at this residue in either sporadic tumours or in the germline and the first report of a germline mutation within the tetramerisation domain. The family does not appear to be remarkable in the spectrum of tumours, and there is loss of the wild-type allele in a leiomyosarcoma from the proband. A cell line has been established from the tumour of the proband and cytogenetic and molecular studies carried out, providing an extensive analysis in this family.

Increased frequency of HLA-DPB1*0301 in Hodgkin's disease suggests that susceptibility is HVR-sequence and subtype-associated

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is a complex lymphoma-like disease which occurs as four main subtypes, nodular sclerosing (NS), mixed cellularity (MC), lymphocyte predominant (LP) and lymphocyte depleted (LD). Suggestions from epidemiological studies that HD may represent an unusual response to infection imply that the lack of previous response could be due to genetic factors. Following recent reports suggesting that there is an increased frequency of HLA-DPB1*0301 in Hodgkins disease, we have studied DPB1 in two series of patients using molecular typing methods. One series is a retrospective group of 118 patients over the age of 15 years from a single centre, and the other is a multi-centre prospective group of 45 patients between the age of 16 and 24 years. In both series, the percentage of HD patients with DPB1*0301 is greater than in the controls, confirming that this seems to be an HD-susceptibility allele. However, extension of the analysis in relation to HD subtype shows that the increase in *0301 is present in nodular sclerosing (NS), mixed cellularity (MC) and lymphocyte predominant patients (LP) HD patients, but preliminary evidence suggests an increase in *0401, and possibly *0501 in MC- and LP-HD. The DPB1 hypervariable region (HVR) amino-acid motif Asp55, Glu56 (*0301-like, HVR-C) is increased in NS compared with non-NS (ie MC+LP), whereas the frequency of Ala55, Ala56 (*0401-like) is increased in non-NS compared with NS. Conversely, Asp84, Glu85Ala86(*0301-like, HVR-F) motif is more frequent in NS than non-NS patients, but there is no increase in Gly84, Gly855, Pro86 (*0401-like). These findings suggest that genetic susceptibility in HD may reside at the level of HVR-encoded DPB1 peptide-binding residues, rather than with a specific allele, and that this may in some way influence the HD subtype.

Molecular genetic analysis of a family with a history of Hodgkin's disease and dyschondrosteosis

We describe a family in which two sisters with the autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia, Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), developed Hodgkin's disease (HD) in late adolescence. In a preliminary attempt to identify HD susceptibility gene(s), HLA-typing and linkage analysis were carried out in the family. Using HLA molecular typing, both sisters were found to have inherited a variant of the HD-susceptibility allele, DPB1*0301, known as DPB1*2001. Following a previous report of a constitutional chromosome translocation (t(2q;8p)) in a family with LWD, preliminary linkage studies were carried out using chromosome 2q and 8p molecular markers. Regions covered by 7/10 chromosome 2 markers and 4/8 chromosome 8 markers were excluded as the location of a candidate LWD gene. Given the rarity of LWD and HD, their simultaneous occurrence is unlikely to have been due to chance. We suggest that a mutation in the LWD gene itself, or a gene closely linked to it, perhaps acting with increased susceptibility to infection conferred by DPB1*2001, resulted in HD in the two sisters.

Phase II study of liposomal muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (MTP/PE) in advanced soft tissue sarcomas of the adult. An EORTC Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group study

The EORTC Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group conducted a phase II study with intravenous muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (MTP/PE) at a dose of 4 mg once weekly in 20 patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcomas. Responses were not seen in 19 evaluable patients. Toxicity consisted mainly of a mild flu-like syndrome after 62% of drug administrations. It is concluded that MTP/PE at this dose and schedule has no activity in metastatic soft tissue sarcoma.