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IMPORTANCE: Although quality of life (QOL) is an important clinical end point, cancer drugs are often approved based on overall survival (OS) or putative surrogate end points such as progression-free survival (PFS) without QOL data. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether cancer drug trials that show improvement in OS or PFS also improve global QOL of patients with cancer compared with the control treatment, as well as to assess how unchanged or detrimental QOL outcomes are reported in trial publications. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients with cancer in the advanced setting who were enrolled into phase 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of cancer drugs reporting QOL data and published in English language in a PubMed-indexed journal in the calendar year 2019. The systematic search of PubMed was conducted in July 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Association of QOL outcomes with OS and PFS, framing of unchanged QOL outcomes in trial publications, and the association of favorable framing with industry funding of the trials. RESULTS: A total of 45 phase 3 RCTs enrolling 24 806 participants (13 368 in the experimental arm and 11 438 in the control arm) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study analyses. Improvement in global QOL with the experimental agent was reported in 11 (24%) RCTs. The RCTs with improved QOL were more likely to also show improved OS vs trials with unimproved QOL (7 of 11 [64%] trials vs 10 of 34 [29%] trials; χ2 = 4.13; P = .04); there was no such association observed for PFS (6 of 11 [55%] trials vs 17 of 34 [50%] trials, χ2 = 0.03; P = .87). Six trials reported worsening QOL, of which 3 (50%) were trials of targeted drugs, and 11 trials reported improvement in QOL, of which 6 (55%) were trials of immunotherapy drugs. Of the 34 trials in which QOL was not improved compared with controls, 16 (47%) reported these results in a positive frame, an observation statistically significantly associated with industry funding (χ2 = 6.35; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, a small proportion of RCTs of cancer drugs showed benefit in global QOL with the experimental agent. These results showed an association between QOL benefit and OS benefit but no such association with PFS benefit. Trials that failed to show improved QOL often reported their QOL outcomes more favorably. Non–immunotherapy-targeted drugs led to worse QOL more often than did cytotoxic agents.

Despite both the increase in basic biologic knowledge and the fact that many new agents have reached various stages of development during the last 10 years, the number of new treatments that have been approved for patients has not increased as expected. We propose the multi-arm, multi-stage trial design as a way to evaluate treatments faster and more efficiently than current standard trial designs. By using intermediate outcomes and testing a number of new agents (and combinations) simultaneously, the new design requires fewer patients. Three trials using this methodology are presented.

Background: Clusterin is a cytoprotective chaperone protein that promotes cell survival and confers broad-spectrum treatment resistance. OGX-011 is a 2'-methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide that is complementary to clusterin mRNA and has been reported to inhibit clusterin expression and enhance drug efficacy in xenograft models. The primary objective of this clinical study was to determine a biologically effective dose of OGX-011 that would inhibit clusterin expression in human cancer. Methods: Subjects (n = 25) with localized prostate cancer with high-risk features who were candidates for prostatectomy were treated with OGX-011 by 2-hour intravenous infusion on days 1, 3, and 5 and then weekly from days 8-29 combined with androgen blockade starting on day 1; prostatectomy was performed on days 30-36. Six different doses were tested, from 40 to 640 mg. OGX-011 plasma and prostate tissue concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and the pharmacokinetics of OGX-011 were determined from these data. Prostate cancer tissue, lymph nodes, and serial samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed for clusterin expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Only grade 1 and 2 toxicities were observed. The plasma half-life of OGX-011 was approximately 2-3 hours, and the area under the concentration versus time curve and [C.sub.MAX] (peak plasma concentration) increased proportionally with dose ([P.sub.trend]

Background: New targeted, non-cytotoxic anticancer agents, such as small-molecule kinase inhibitors, pose challenges to the current phase I paradigm of dose selection based on toxicity. Moreover, increasing the drug dose to toxicity may be unnecessary for drug effect, making the use of maximum tolerated dose as a surrogate of effective dose inappropriate in the phase I setting. Because little is known about the optimal methods of recommended phase II dose selection of targeted, non-cytotoxic therapies, we reviewed the strategies that were used in completed phase I studies of these drugs. Methods: We retrieved 60 publications of phase I studies involving 31 single agents representative of the most common targets of interest in the oncology literature. For each publication, we abstracted data regarding patient population, starting dose, methods of dose escalation and determination of recommended phase II dose, and inclusion of correlative studies in study conduct. Results: Of the 60 completed phase I studies, 36 used toxicity and eight used pharmacokinetic data as endpoints for selection of the recommended phase II dose. Nontraditional endpoints, such as measures of molecular drug effects in tumor or surrogate tissue or functional imaging studies, were not routinely incorporated into the study design and rarely formed the primary basis for dose selection. Conclusions: To date, phase I studies of targeted anticancer agents have generally used traditional endpoints for selection of the recommended phase II dose. More research is needed to define suitable molecular measures of drug effect and the means to incorporate them in the early drug development process. [J Natl Cancer Inst 2004;96:990-7]

IMPORTANCE: The randomized clinical trial (RCT) in oncology has evolved since its widespread adoption in the 1970s. In recent years, concerns have emerged regarding the use of putative surrogate end points, such as progression-free survival (PFS), and marginal effect sizes. OBJECTIVE: To describe contemporary trends in oncology RCTs and compare these findings with earlier eras of RCT design and output. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study of systemic therapy RCTs in breast, colorectal, and non–small cell lung cancer published in 7 major journals between 2010 and 2020. This strategy replicates prior work and allows for comparison of trends with RCTs published between 1995 to 2004 and 2005 to 2009. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Data on RCT design, funding, results, and reporting were extracted from the published RCT report. Findings from the current period (2010-2020) were compared with data from RCTs published from 1995 to 2004 and 2005 to 2009. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to analyze temporal trends. RESULTS: The cohort included 298 RCTs (132 [44%] breast, 111 [37%] non–small cell lung cancer, 55 [19%] colorectal cancer). Experimental treatment included molecular inhibitor (171 of 298 [57%]), cytotoxic (83 of 298 [28%]), hormone (15 of 298 [5%]), and immune (24 of 298 [8%]) therapies. Sixty-nine percent (206 of 298) of RCTs were of palliative intent. The most common primary end point is now PFS; this has increased substantially over time (from 0% [0 of 167] to 18% [25 of 137] to 42% [125 of 298]; P < .001). Of 298 RCTs, 265 (89%) are now funded by industry (previously 95 of 167 [57%] and 107 of 137 [78%]; P < .001). Fifty-eight percent (173 of 298) of trials met their primary end point. Among positive trials, median improvement in overall survival and PFS was 3.4 and 2.9 months, respectively. More than one-third (117 of 298 [39%]) of reports used a professional medical writer; this increased substantially during the study period (from 3 of 27 [11%] in 2010 to 12 of 18 [67%] in 2020; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This cohort study suggests that contemporary oncology RCTs now largely measure putative surrogate end points and are almost exclusively funded by the pharmaceutical industry. The increasing role of medical writers warrants attention. To demonstrate that new cancer treatments are high value, the oncology community needs to consider the extent to which study end points and target effect size provide meaningful benefit to patients.

IMPORTANCE: It is unclear whether patients with advanced cancer value surrogate end points, particularly progression-free survival (PFS). Despite this uncertainty, surrogate end points form the basis of regulatory approval for the majority of new cancer treatments. OBJECTIVE: To summarize and qualitatively assess studies evaluating whether patients with advanced cancer understand and value PFS. EVIDENCE REVIEW: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were searched from database inception to November 12, 2018. Articles eligible for inclusion investigated patient understanding, preference, or perceived value of disease progression or PFS in the setting of advanced cancer. Three authors independently reviewed and extracted data from all studies eligible for inclusion. FINDINGS: In total, 17 studies representing 3646 patients were included. Of these studies, 15 specifically aimed to assess patients’ values toward, and their willingness to trade off toxic effects for gains or losses in the end point of PFS. All studies examined used widely disparate definitions when attempting to describe the meaning of PFS to patients. Ten studies specifically presented patients with the term progression-free survival as an attribute choice. In the words used to define the attribute of PFS, 6 studies used the term survival. Five studies clarified that PFS may not translate into better overall survival, and 5 studies explained that improvements in PFS may not reflect how well the patient may feel. No study clarified that a PFS event could represent either progression or death, and no study defined for the patient what constituted progression. The studies assessed herein underrepresented ethnic and racial minorities (mean percentage of white patients, 88%; range, 77%-96%). Values and preferences may vary across cultural backgrounds given that different relative preferences were assigned to cost and efficacy outcomes in North American vs Asian studies, although only a few studies were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The existing literature evaluating patients’ understanding, preferences, and values toward the end point of PFS was severely limited by the heterogeneity of methods, attribute selection, and descriptions used to define PFS to patients. High-quality studies are needed that clearly define PFS for patients and that systematically document their understanding of the term. Only then can it be assessed whether PFS is an end point of value to patients with advanced cancer.

Background:Prolonged wait times are a worsening barrier to accessing specialist care in Canada and other countries across the globe. The flow of patients between primary care and specialists has been a recognized area for improvement (Liddy et al., 2020; Moir & Barua, 2021). Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has aimed to optimize referrals through the implementation of primary care management pathways (PCMPs). PCMPs are diagnostic and/or treatment algorithms, co-developed by local primary care physicians and specialists with input from patients. They are designed to support primary care providers in managing low risk medical conditions in the community while more quickly identifying patients with higher risk conditions to be seen by specialists.

Anticancer cytotoxic agents go through a process by which their antitumor activity--on the basis of the amount of tumor shrinkage they could generate--has been investigated. In the late 1970s, the International Union Against Cancer and the World Health Organization introduced specific criteria for the codification of tumor response evaluation. In 1994, several organizations involved in clinical research combined forces to tackle the review of these criteria on the basis of the experience and knowledge acquired since then. After several years of intensive discussions, a new set of guidelines is ready that will supersede the former criteria. In parallel to this initiative, one of the participating groups developed a model by which response rates could be derived from unidimensional measurement of tumor lesions instead of the usual bidimensional approach. This new concept has been largely validated by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Group and integrated into the present guidelines. This special article also provides some philosophic background to clarify the various purposes of response evaluation. It proposes a model by which a combined assessment of all existing lesions, characterized by target lesions (to be measured) and nontarget lesions, is used to extrapolate an overall response to treatment. Methods of assessing tumor lesions are better codified, briefly within the guidelines and in more detail in Appendix I. All other aspects of response evaluation have been discussed, reviewed, and amended whenever appropriate. [J Natl Cancer Inst 2000; 92:205-16]

Angiogenesis is a validated clinical target in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Cediranib is an oral antiangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1–3 inhibitor that has shown antitumour activity in recurrent ovarian cancer. We assessed efficacy and safety of cediranib in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and as continued maintenance treatment in patients with first relapse of platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.

Background: Tumor shrinkage is a common end point used in screening new cytotoxic agents. The standard World Health Organization criterion for partial response is a 50% or more decrease in the sum of the products of two measurements (the maximum diameter of a tumor and the largest diameter perpendicular to this maximum diameter) of individual tumors. However, theoretically, the simple sum of the maximum diameters of individual tumors is more linearly related to cell kill than is the sum of the bidimensional products. It has been hypothesized that the calculation of bidimensional products is unnecessary, and a 30% decrease in the sum of maximum diameters of individual tumors (assuming spherical shape and equivalence to a 50% reduction in the sum of the bidimensional products) was proposed as a new criterion. We have applied the standard response and the new response criteria to the same data to determine whether the same number of responses in the same patients would result. Methods: Data from 569 patients included in eight studies of a variety of cancers were reanalyzed. The two response criteria were separately applied, and the results were compared using the K statistic. The importance of confirmatory measurements and the frequency of nonspherical tumors were also examined. In addition, for a subset of 128 patients, a unidimensional criterion for disease progression (30% increase in the sum of maximum diameters) was applied and compared with the standard definition of a 25% increase in the sum of the bidimensional products. Results: Agreement between the unidimensional and bidimensional criteria was generally found to be good. The K statistic for concordance for overall response was 0.95. Conclusion: We conclude that one dimensional measurement of tumor maximum diameter may be sufficient to assess change in solid tumors. [J Natl Cancer Inst 1999; 91:523-8]

The Task Force on Methodology for the Development of Innovative Cancer Therapies is an expert forum established to discuss methodological issues in the early clinical development of new molecular-targeted cancer therapeutics. This paper describes the mission, structure and organization of the Task Force and its achievements thus far. Experts from academia, industry and regulatory agencies participate in Task Force meetings and discussions. Since it was established in 2006, the Task Force has met annually and has published recommendations on various design aspects of early-phase cancer clinical trials as well as on decision criteria to continue development from preclinical to Phase I and from Phase I to Phase II studies.

Multiple myeloma is a disease in which angiogenesis is postulated to be a target for therapy. Based on this hypothesis, we conducted a phase II trial of ZD6474 (Zactima™; a VEGFR inhibitor) 100 mg p.o. daily in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. The primary efficacy endpoint was objective response as assessed by reduction in M protein. There were 18 patients with a mean age of 64 years. One patient was ineligible and one was not evaluable. Overall, ZD6474 was well tolerated and pharmacokinetic testing demonstrated that adequate drug levels were achieved. The most common drug-related adverse events were nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rash, pruritis, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, and sensory neuropathy, all of which were Grade I–II in severity. There were no drug-related serious adverse events. Laboratory adverse events were infrequent: one patient had Grade III anemia, and there were no Grade III changes in biochemistry. No significant QTc interval changes were seen. There were no responses in M protein levels. In conclusion, ZD6474 was well tolerated at a dose of 100 mg per day and achieved plasma levels predicted to inhibit VEGF signaling. However, this was not reflected in clinical benefit since none of the patients had a reduction in M protein.Multiple myeloma is a disease in which angiogenesis is postulated to be a target for therapy. Based on this hypothesis, we conducted a phase II trial of ZD6474 (Zactima™; a VEGFR inhibitor) 100 mg p.o. daily in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. The primary efficacy endpoint was objective response as assessed by reduction in M protein. There were 18 patients with a mean age of 64 years. One patient was ineligible and one was not evaluable. Overall, ZD6474 was well tolerated and pharmacokinetic testing demonstrated that adequate drug levels were achieved. The most common drug-related adverse events were nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rash, pruritis, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, and sensory neuropathy, all of which were Grade I–II in severity. There were no drug-related serious adverse events. Laboratory adverse events were infrequent: one patient had Grade III anemia, and there were no Grade III changes in biochemistry. No significant QTc interval changes were seen. There were no responses in M protein levels. In conclusion, ZD6474 was well tolerated at a dose of 100 mg per day and achieved plasma levels predicted to inhibit VEGF signaling. However, this was not reflected in clinical benefit since none of the patients had a reduction in M protein.

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) methylate DNA, promoting local chromatin condensation and consequent repression of gene expression. The purpose of this two-stage phase II trial was to assess the antitumor activity of MG98, a second generation antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibitor of human DNMT 1, in patients with metastatic renal carcinoma (MRC). Untreated adult patients with measurable MRC were treated with MG98 at a dose of 360 mg/m2via 2-h iv infusion twice weekly for three consecutive weeks out of four. The primary endpoint was objective response or absence of progression for at least eight weeks. Pharmacokinetics and DNMT1 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also analyzed at pre-specified intervals. Seventeen eligible patients received a median of two cycles of treatment (range, 1–7), and no objective responses were seen. Nine patients had progressive disease, six had stable disease, and the study was stopped after the first stage. The most common symptomatic toxicities were rigors, fatigue, fever, and nausea. Hematological toxicity was mild. Seven patients treated with prior nephrectomy had grade 3 or 4 elevations in hepatic transaminases. Significantly higher Cmax and AUC(0→inf)values were observed in these patients. No conclusive pattern of decreased DNMT1 activity in PBMCs was detected post MG98 treatment. The lack of objective responses observed may be explained by a lack of target effect or the choice of tumor type. Transaminitis was observed in patients with prior nephrectomy and appeared to be associated with altered drug exposure in these patients.DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) methylate DNA, promoting local chromatin condensation and consequent repression of gene expression. The purpose of this two-stage phase II trial was to assess the antitumor activity of MG98, a second generation antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibitor of human DNMT 1, in patients with metastatic renal carcinoma (MRC). Untreated adult patients with measurable MRC were treated with MG98 at a dose of 360 mg/m2via 2-h iv infusion twice weekly for three consecutive weeks out of four. The primary endpoint was objective response or absence of progression for at least eight weeks. Pharmacokinetics and DNMT1 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also analyzed at pre-specified intervals. Seventeen eligible patients received a median of two cycles of treatment (range, 1–7), and no objective responses were seen. Nine patients had progressive disease, six had stable disease, and the study was stopped after the first stage. The most common symptomatic toxicities were rigors, fatigue, fever, and nausea. Hematological toxicity was mild. Seven patients treated with prior nephrectomy had grade 3 or 4 elevations in hepatic transaminases. Significantly higher Cmax and AUC(0→inf)values were observed in these patients. No conclusive pattern of decreased DNMT1 activity in PBMCs was detected post MG98 treatment. The lack of objective responses observed may be explained by a lack of target effect or the choice of tumor type. Transaminitis was observed in patients with prior nephrectomy and appeared to be associated with altered drug exposure in these patients.

Purpose: To assess the response rate and toxicity of the alkylphosphocholine analogue, perifosine, in patients with metastatic or recurrent malignant melanoma.

Purpose: A multi-centre phase II study of SarCNU—a novel chloroethylnitrosourea (CNU)—in patients with recurrent malignant glioma to assess response rate, survival and effects of treatment.

Purpose:To test the activity of the cyclin dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor flavopiridol in malignant melanoma, a disease with frequent abnormalities of the cyclin dependent kinase system. Patients and methods:Patients had histologically proven, unidimensionally measurable malignant melanoma, incurable by standard therapy. Prior adjuvant immunotherapy was allowed, but patients were otherwise untreated for advanced disease. Flavopiridol was administered at a dose of 50 mg/m2IV over 1 hour daily × 3 days every 3 weeks. Patients were assessed for response every 2 cycles. Results:17 patients were accrued over 5 months. No objective responses were documented in the 16 patients evaluable for response. Seven patients (44%) had stable disease after 2 cycles, with a median of 2.8 months (range 1.8–9.2). The most common treatment-related non-hematologic toxicities were diarrhea (82%), nausea (47%), fatigue (41%), anorexia (35%) and vomiting (29%). Most treatment-related toxicities were mild, except for diarrhea (grade 3 in 3 patients, grade 4 in 1 patient), nausea (grade 3 in 1 patient) and tumor pain (grade 3 in 1 patient). Hematologic toxicities were minimal, none worse than grade 2. Eighty-eight percent of patients received ≥90% planned dose intensity; 2 patients had dose reductions for gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Conclusions:Flavopiridol is well tolerated at the dose regimen used in this study, with an acceptable (primarily GI) toxicity profile. Although 7 of the 16 patients had stable disease ranging from 1.8 to 9.2 months in duration, there was no evidence of significant clinical activity in malignant melanoma by objective response criteria.

Fostriecin (CI-920) is a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and protein phosphatase 4(PP4) found to have anticancer activity in preclinical testing. A phase I study was conducted to evaluate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity profile, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of this drug. Forty-six patients were treated with escalating doses of fostriecin (2–47 mg/m2) administered as a daily bolus infusion for five consecutive days. PK studies were performed at different time points following administration of fostriecin. Dose-limiting toxicities included: elevation of creatinine, bilirubin, and hepatic transaminases; nausea, anorexia, lethargy, and hypotension. PK studies were compatible with a two-compartment model. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between dose and clearance; however, the r2value was only 0.168 indicating a low predictive value for the model. No significant difference was seen in PK parameters with repeated dosing during the same cycle. Although no tumor responses were seen, 16 patients had stable disease with a median duration response of 2.6 months. The study was closed before reaching MTD due to problems with the supply of fostriecin from the National Cancer Institute of the United States (NCI US). New methods for synthesizing fostriecin have recently been described and therefore further development of this unique anticancer agent may be warranted.

To determine the efficacy and toxicity of a novel chemotherapeutic approach with topotecan, a camptothecin analog, for progressive or recurring anaplastic oligodendroglioma or mixed oligoastrocytoma. Patients from seven centers with recurrent or progressive disease were treated with topotecan, 1.5 mg/m2intravenously (i.v.), 30 min daily×5 days every 3 weeks. Efficacy and toxicity were assessed clinically and radiologically. The study was planned to accrue up to 30 evaluable patients if there was at least one response among the first 15 patients treated. Sixteen eligible patients entered the study. No response was documented in 14 evaluable patients. Eleven patients had stable disease of a median of 3.8 months and three had progressive disease. Sixteen patients were evaluable for toxicity. The most significant toxic effect was myelosuppression. Grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia was experienced by 15 of 16 patients and led to dose reduction in nearly half of the cycles delivered. Other adverse effects were fatigue, nausea, stomatitis, alopecia, and vomiting. Topotecan, delivered in the daily×5 regimen, is relatively well tolerated. We could not demonstrate significant activity among the population studied to justify completing accrual to 30 patients. Topotecan did not demonstrate, with this small sample size, efficacy as a salvage chemotherapy monotherapy after exposure to procarbazine, CCNU and vincristine. Further trials with different agents in this indication are certainly warranted.

Purpose:MG98 is a second generation phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotide which is a highly specific inhibitor of translation of the mRNA for human DNA MeTase I (DNMT 1). This phase I study examined the toxicity and pharmacologic profile of MG98 administered as a continuous 21-day intravenous infusion every 4 weeks. Patients and methods:Fourteen patients with solid cancers received a total of 25 cycles of MG98 at doses ranging from 40 to 240 mg/m2/day. Steady-state concentrations of MG98 were measured as were several pharmacodynamic assessments including mRNA of the target gene, DNMT1, in PBMC. In addition, other potential surrogate markers of drug effects were explored, including hemoglobin F, Vimentin and GADD45. Results:Dose limiting effects were drug-related reversible transaminase elevation and fatigue seen at doses of 240, 200 and 160 mg/m2/day. The dose level of 80 mg/m2/day was felt to be safe and tolerable when delivered on this schedule. No evidence of antitumor activity was observed. Although pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that at the higher dose levels, mean Css values of MG98 were approximately 10-fold times the IC50values associated with target inhibition in vitro, the extent of MG98 penetration into target tumors in this trial was not determined. No consistent, dose-related changes in correlative markers including DNMT1 mRNA, hemoglobin F, Vimentin and GADD45, were observed. Conclusions:This schedule of MG98 given as a 21-day continuous intravenous infusion every 4 weeks was poorly tolerated in the highest doses; therefore, further disease-site specific evaluation of the efficacy of this agent will utilize a more favorable, intermittent dosing schedule. Pharmacodynamic evaluations undertaken in an attempt to explore and validate the biological mechanisms of MG98 did not show dose-related effects.

Objectives: To determine thetolerability and efficacy of daily oralmarimastat (BB-2516 in patients withmetastatic melanoma and to determine thematrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity,tumour necrosis, peri- and intra-tumoralfibrosis and tumor inflammation in pre- and post-treatmenttumor biopsies. Patients and methods: Patients withmeasurable metastatic melanoma who hadreceived no more than one priorchemotherapy regimen and lesions accessiblefor biopsy were eligible. The first 18 weretreated with 100 mg p.o. twice daily and thenext 11 received a reduced dose of 10 mgp.o. twice daily because of musculoskeletaltoxicity. Response was assessed accordingto standard criteria. Results: Twenty-nine patients were entered and 28 wereeligible. Five had early progression (< 4 weeks oftherapy), 2 experienced a partial responsespersisting for 3.2 months and 3.6 months, 5had stable disease and 16 progressivedisease. Eleven patients had both pre- andpost-treatment biopsies. In 3, no tumortissue was present in one or the otherbiopsy. Two patients showed a clearincrease in peri-tumoral fibrosis and twoothers showed an increase in tumornecrosis, but no consistent pattern inhistologic changes was seen. In onepatient, who later developed a PR,apoptosis was increased. Conclusion: Marimastat has onlylimited activity in patients withmetastatic malignant melanoma. However,the observation of two partial responseswas interesting given that this agent mighthave been expected to cause tumor stasisrather than regression. Additional studieswill be required to determine if thedevelopment of peri-tumoral fibrosis ortumor necrosis antedates a clinicalresponse to marimastat.

Pemetrexed disodium (Alimta [Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN], LY231514, multitargeted antifolate) is a new multitargeted antifolate agent that inhibits multiple enzymes in the folate pathway. Phase II trials showed single-agent response rates of 16% and 23% in untreated patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). This study was undertaken to determine the response to pemetrexed disodium given in combination with cisplatin. Previously untreated patients were eligible if they had Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, performance status 0, 1, or 2, adequate hematology and biochemistry and bidimensionally measurable lesions. Patients with brain metastases or neuropathy higher than Grade 2 were excluded. Pemetrexed disodium 500 mg/m² was given over 10 minutes, and cisplatin 75 mg/m² with hydration and mannitol diuresis was administered on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. Dexamethasone 4 mg was taken orally once every 12 hours starting 24 hours before treatment and continuing for 6 doses after treatment. Four patients had detailed pemetrexed disodium pharmacokinetic analysis performed. Between May 1998 and June 1999, 31 patients were treated on the study. There were 20 males and 11 females; median age was 60 years (range, 35–75 years); there were 5 Stage IIIB, 26 Stage IV, 26 performance status 0 or 1, and 5 performance status 2. In 29 patients evaluable for response, there were 13 partial responses (PRs; overall response rate [ORR], 95%; confidence interval [CI]: 26–64%) of median duration 6.1 months (1.6–7.8 months). Three of four evaluable patients with performance status 2 achieved PR, and 11 of 24 evaluable Stage IV patients responded (ORR, 45.8% in Stage IV). Eighteen patients died. The median survival rate was 8.9 months (range, 1–15+ months). A total of 160 courses were delivered (median, 6 for both cisplatin and pemetrexed disodium). Grade 3 and 4 anemia was observed in 5 and 1 patients, respectively, and Grade 3 and 4 granulocytopenia in 7 and 4 patients, respectively. Grade 3 nausea and emesis occurred in only 2 patients, Grade 3/4 diarrhea in 3 patients, and 2 patients had Grade 3 motor neuropathy. Nine patients had Grade 2 infections, and there was one case of febrile neutropenia. Pharmacokinetic results showed Cmax, clearance and Vss values to be similar to data from single-agent pemetrexed disodium given in the same dose. The combination of pemetrexed disodium and cisplatin is active against advanced NSCLC and is a well-tolerated convenient outpatient regimen. It deserves further study to compare it with other standard regimens for NSCLC. Cancer 2001;92:595–600. © 2001 American Cancer Society.

The nucleoside analogue, pentostatin, has demonstrated high complete response rates and long relapse-free survival times in patients with hairy cell leukemia, a disease that historically had been unresponsive to treatment. Long-term data on duration of overall survival and relapse-free survival and incidence of subsequent malignancies with this agent are lacking. Patients completing the treatment phase of a randomized, intergroup study who received pentostatin as an initial treatment or who crossed over after failure of interferon alpha were followed for survival, relapse, and diagnosis of subsequent malignancies. Two hundred forty-one patients treated with pentostatin as initial therapy (n?=?154) or who crossed over after failure of interferon alpha (n?=?87) were followed for a median duration of 9.3 years. Estimated 5- and 10-year survival rates (95% confidence interval) for all patients combined were 90% (87%-94%) and 81% (75%-86%), respectively. In the 173 patients with a confirmed complete response to pentostatin treatment, 5- and 10-year relapse-free survival rates were 85% (80%-91%) and 67% (58%-76%), respectively. Survival curves for patients initially treated with pentostatin and those crossed over were similar. Only 2 of 40 deaths were attributed to hairy cell leukemia. The mortality rate and incidence of subsequent malignancies were not higher than expected in the general population. Pentostatin is a highly effective regimen for hairy cell leukemia that produces durable complete responses. Subsequent malignancies do not appear to be increased with pentostatin treatment.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Clinical Trials Group conducted a phase II study of the oral antiandrogen flutamide in 33 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Eight patients had received no prior systemic therapy for their metastatic disease and 13 had only one site of metastasis. Toxicity occurred in 18 of the 33 patients and was primarily gastrointestinal. It ranged in severity from mild to severe with 4 patients discontinuing treatment early because of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomatitis. One response, of 8 weeks duration, was noted in 29 evaluable patients. We conclude that flutamide does not have meaningful anti-tumour activity in breast cancer and plan no further trials of the drug in this disease.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Clinical Trials Group has carried out a phase II study of acivicin given as a 72-hour continuous infusion in previously untreated patients with measurable metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Toxicity in 24 patients was mild to moderate and consisted primarily of GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or CNS changes including drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness. No responses were seen in 23 evaluable patients. We did not find acivicin given as described to be effective in colorectal carcinoma.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group conducted a phase II study of spirogermanium given daily for 5 days every 3 weeks to patients with poor prognosis non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. All patients had had a maximum of one prior treatment regimen. No responses were seen in 13 evaluable patients. Toxicity was primarily neurologic and mild or moderate in most patients. There is no evidence of activity of spirogermanium given in this schedule in this subset of lymphoma patients.

We have carried out a phase II study of intravenous menogaril given every four weeks in a group of patients with breast cancer who had received no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting and local reactions were seen frequently. Six partial responses (median duration 154 days) were seen in 24 eligible patients. We conclude menogaril is active in breast cancer and recommend that because it can be delivered in high doses orally, future trials in this disease should focus on intense oral schedule.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada conducted a Phase II study of tiazofurin 1100 to 1375 mg/m2 IV daily x 5 days in adults with grade 2, 3, and 4 gliomas. No responses were seen. Five of sixteen evaluable patients had stable disease for 38 to 147 days (median, 75 days). Treatment was generally well tolerated, and hence the dose was escalated from 1100mg/m2/day to 1375 mg/m2/day after the first twelve patients were entered. Treatment-induced hypertension requiring pharmacological intervention was seen in four patients. Gastrointestinal toxicity was generally mild. Treatment-related headache was seen in thirteen patients, and drowsiness or weakness was seen in seven patients.

DUP-937 is a new anthrapyrazole intercalator that inhibits DNA synthesis. A phase I trial was conducted in which DUP-937 was given in an intravenous bolus weekly for 3 weeks. Cycles were repeated every 5 weeks. Twenty men and 13 women with median ECOG performance status of 1 completed 74 cycles. The starting dose was 0.55 mg/m2/week and doses were escalated to 16 mg/m2/week. Non-hematological toxicity was generally mild or moderate and consisted mainly of gastro-intestinal effects, fatigue, alopecia and local-reactions. Grade 3 neutropenia was first documented at 7.36 mg/m2 and became more common at higher dose levels. Three of four patients had = grade 3 neutropenia at the 16 mg/m2 dose level. Thrombocytopenia was minimal. The dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia and the maximum tolerated dose was 16 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. Mean area under the curve (AUC) values increased with dose. Linear pharmacokinetics were observed as total body clearance (CLtb), half-life (t1/2) and volume of distribution (Vss) did not change with increasing doses. One partial remission in a patient with prostate carcinoma was documented.

Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that induces apoptosis in primary Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) cells and WM cell lines. To date, 3 clinical trials of single-agent bortezomib in WM have been published. Of the 64 patients pooled from these studies (most with relapsed/refractory disease), a 25% or greater reduction of IgM was achieved in 78%–85%. Responses were rapid in onset, suggesting a role for bortezomib in the management of hyperviscosity or other settings where rapid IgM reduction is indicated. Neuropathy appears more severe and frequent in WM than in myeloma or other indolent lymphomas treated with bortezomib. Bortezomib-based combination therapies, with consideration for attenuated or intermittent dosing of bortezomib to minimize neuropathy, are under investigation.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Clinical Trials Group has carried out a phase II study of VP-16 100 mg/m2 daily x 3 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 daily x 3 in untreated patients with malignant mesothelioma. Twenty-seven eligible patients were entered on the trial and the majority had pleural and/or soft tissue disease. Myelosuppression and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common toxicities, and were usually mild or moderate in severity. Only 3 partial responses were seen in the 26 patients evaluable (12%). We conclude that the combination of VP-16 and cisplatin when used in this fashion has only minimal activity in mesothelioma.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group conducted a phase II study of spirogermanium given daily for 5 days every 3 weeks to previously untreated patients with malignant melanoma. In 21 evaluable patients one complete response was seen (response rate 5%). Disease progression occurred in the other 20 patients. Toxicity was primarily neurologic and mild or moderate in most patients, though there was one treatment related death. In this schedule spirogermanium has extremely limited activity against malignant melanoma and will not contribute significantly to the systemic therapy of this disease.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group undertook a phase II study of 2'-deoxycoformycin in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. When 2'-deoxycoformycin 4 mg/m2 was administered intravenously weekly for three weeks then every two weeks no significant antitumor activity was noted in 19 evaluable patients. Toxic effects experienced were as expected, consisting primarily of nausea/vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy. It is concluded that 2'-deoxycoformycin at this dose and schedule has no clinical activity in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Summary Deoxycoformycin (dCF) is a promising new antineoplastic agent in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, particularly hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Skin toxicity in the form of a maculopapular eruption has previously been reported but has not clearly been associated with idiosyncratic reactions. We present five cases of dCF-related hypersensitivity reactions in which additional systemic manifestations indicated an allergic etiology. The value of dCF in treating lymphoid neoplasms suggests that further study of the treatment of these reactions is indicated.

The objective of this multicenter phase II study was to evaluate the activity of docetaxel in previously untreated small cell lung cancer. Fourteen patients were treated at a dose of 75 mg/m2 intravenously every three weeks. Of the 12 patients evaluable for response, one had a partial response for a duration of 12 weeks for a response rate of 8.3%. Toxicity was mild. We conclude that docetaxel has, at the dose given in this study, little activity in previously untreated small cell lung cancer.

Elsamitrucin (BMY-28090) a novel fermentation product has demonstrated pre-clinical anti-tumour activity against a number of cell lines. The dose limiting toxicity in phase I studies was a reversible increase in hepatic transaminase. This study was initiated to determine the activity of elsamitrucin in patients with previously untreated, bi-dimensionally measurable, cytologically or histologically proven, non-small cell lung cancer who were not curable by surgery. Elsamitrucin at a dose of 25 mg/m2 was administered intravenously over 5–10 min weekly for a minimum of 6 weeks. Seventeen patients were entered on study, 15 were evaluable for toxicity and 14 evaluable for response. No responses were documented in the 14 patients evaluable for response. Both hematological and non-hematological toxicities were mild to moderate in severity. The commonest being nausea, vomiting, lethargy and local skin reactions at the site of the infusion. These results indicate that elsamitrucin when given in this dose and schedule to patients with surgically incurable non-small cell lung cancer has no activity.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group carried out a phase II trial of trimetrexate given in a daily × 5 intravenous bolus schedule every 3 weeks in patients with measurable metastatic malignant melanoma who had not received previous chemotherapy. Significant hematologic toxicity was observed and was not obviously related to the dose of trimetrexate. No responses were seen in 18 patients. We did not find trimetrexate given as described to be effective in metastatic malignant melanoma.

There are limited effective treatment options for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma who relapse post autologous stem cell transplant or are transplant-ineligible. The detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF )A, B and C isoforms and their receptors on many large cell lymphoma samples suggests that the VEGF pathway is critically important and may contribute to disease progression. Sunitinib maleate, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), -2, and -3, PDGFR-α and β as well as KIT, FLT3, RET and CSF-1 (Chow, LQ JCO 2007). We tested the efficacy, safety and biomarker activity of sunitinib in patients with relapsed diffuse large B cell lymphoma in a multi-center prospective phase II study.Eligibility included age 18 or older, histologically confirmed relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL), primary mediastinal (PMBCL), or transformed indolent lymphoma, at least one and no more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens (one anthracycline-containing). The primary endpoint was objective response defined by 1999 Cheson criteria. The secondary endpoints were progression-free and overall survival, toxicity and the effect of sunitinib on peripheral blood circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and their precursors (CEPs). Patients self administered sunitinib 37.5 mg po daily with no breaks in 4 week cycles for up to 1 year. CT imaging was performed every 2 cycles and CEC/CEP assays were done at baseline, day 1 of cycles 2, 3 then q 3 months thereafter. A Simon 2-stage design was used with at least 1 response needed after 15 evaluable patients to complete a planned accrual of 25 patients total.Between Feb 2007 and September 2008 we enrolled 19 patients at 7 Canadian sites - 17 were eligible and are evaluable for toxicity and 15 are evaluable for response. The median age was 65 and patients were a median of 20.3 months(m) from diagnosis (range 5.8–132 m). Fourteen (82%) had a diagnosis of DLBCL, 10 (58%) had responded to their preceding line of chemotherapy - 5 (29%) had relapsed post high dose chemotherapy. The median number of cycles of sunitinib received was 2 (1–5) with only 5 patients remaining on drug for 3 or more cycles. Only 35% of patients received > 90% planned dose intensity with 14 patients missing doses and 5 undergoing dose reductions necessitated by toxicities. Hematological toxicity (grade 3 neutropenia in 5 pts, grades 3–4 thrombocytopenia in 6 pts) and was the most common reason for dose omission. Of the 15 evaluable pts, no objective responses were seen, and 9 achieved stable disease (median duration 3.4 m); and 6 had primary progressive disease. As a result, the study was closed at the end of the first stage. With limited serial sampling, there was no discernable relationship between the change in absolute or apoptotic CEC over time with clinical response as measured by best response or change in bi-dimensional measurements.Sunitinib 37.5 mg po daily showed no evidence of anti-tumour activity in relapsed/refractory large B cell lymphoma and is associated with greater than expected hematological toxicity.Buckstein: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: It is being tested in NHL.

We report the results of a phase II trial of an investigational new drug bortezomib (PS-341, Velcade) for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. Advanced stage previously untreated patients or those given up to two prior chemotherapy regimens were eligible. Additional entry criteria included measurable nodal disease, minimum laboratory requirements, and written informed consent. Central pathology review, to confirm eligibility and the presence of cyclin D1, was required after study entry. Accrual was closed July 2004 having reached the preplanned target of 30 patients. Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 IV bolus was given days 1, 4, 8 and 11 in 3-week cycles. Patients were assessed by CT scanning after every two cycles of therapy and response assessed according to International Working Group recommendations (Cheson B, J Clin Oncol 1999). Non progressors were to receive a maximum of 4 cycles. Responding patients were to receive bortezomib for 2 cycles following documentation of maximal partial response (PR) or complete response (CR). To date demographic data are available on 26 patients. The median age was 67 (48–78 yrs), all had stage 3 or 4 disease (55% bone marrow involvement), 7 were female and 10 had received no prior chemotherapy. A median of 4 treatment cycles has been given (range 1–7) and 25 patients are evaluable for toxicity. Grade ≥ 2 adverse effects thought to be related to study drug occurred as follows: anorexia 8%, nausea 16%, vomiting 4%, diarrhea 20%, fatigue 60%, dizziness 4%, sensory neuropathy 12%, edema 8%, hypotension 4%, vascular leak syndrome 4%, arthralgia 12%, myalgia 12%, neuropathic pain 12%, dyspnea 12%, rash 12%. Nine patients discontinued therapy because of toxic effects (6 of whom had neuropathy or myalgia). During accrual of the first 14 patients, 5 serious adverse events occurred in patients with pre-existing edema, dyspnea, and/or effusion. Therefore, the eligibility criteria were amended to exclude such patients thereafter and no further serious adverse events have occurred. To date, 24 patients are evaluable for response. Of the 10 patients having no prior chemotherapy there were 3 PR (range 2.5–14.8m) 6 SD (1.3–13.6m) and 1 PD for a response of 30%. Of the 14 previously treated patients we obtained 1 CRu (14.1m), 4 PR (2.4–13.1m), 7 SD (1.2–14.3m) and 2 PD. The overall response rate is 33% (95% C.I. 16–55%) but interestingly it is similar in both previously untreated and treated groups. We conclude that bortezomib is an active agent in mantle cell lymphoma, but at this dose and schedule complete remission is rare. Since higher doses will not be possible given the frequency of neuropathy and myalgia, alternative schedules or novel combinations with other active agents will be of interest to pursue.