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e18063 Background: Despite a number of effective first-line regimens, virtually all patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC will relapse. A second line therapy with docetaxel or pemetrexed, according to tumour histotype, represents the standard treatment for pts with a good performance status (PS). The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for pre-treated NSCLC pts have added a valid option in this setting. Methods: We have analyzed outcome data of 85 NSCLC pts (table), who received after a platinum-based chemotherapy, a second-line therapy with docetaxel, pemetrexed, erlotinib or gefitinib (expanded access program), in order to assess and compare their efficacy and tolerability in this setting. Results: As regards chemotherapy, pemetrexed was superior to docetaxel in all measures (RR 45% vs 5 %, TTP 5.5 vs 4.5 months, median survival 13.8 vs 9.9 months), but only RR was statistically significant (p=0.003). Gefitinib obtained a better TTP and OS than erlotinib, although the differences were not sta...

e12005 Background: Elderly breast cancer patients have an increased risk of toxicity from chemotherapy, especially from anthracycline-based regimens. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) has shown a better tolerability profile also in combination with gemcitabine (GEM), as evidenced in several phase II trials. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the safety and activity of this combination in chemo-naïve or pre-treated elderly patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: From January 2006 to March 2008, 39 patients (pts) with age ≥ 65 received, at our institution, PLD 25 mg/m2 (day 1, q21) and GEM 800 mg/m2 (days 1 and 8, q21). Median age was 72 (range, 65–79). ECOG PS was 0/1/2 in 14/23/2 pts, respectively. 12 pts (31%) were chemo-naïve, 20 (51%) received prior adjuvant anthracycline-based regimens, and 7 (18%) received other chemotherapies. PLD-GEM combination was administered as first line in 35 pts (90%). Median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline was 61% (range, 50%-75%). 28 patients (72%) had metastatic disease: 10 in liver, 6 in lung, 2 in skin, and 10 in multiple sites. Estrogen receptor was positive in 32 pts (82%); HER-2+ in 5 pts; 7 pts were triple negative. Results: A total of 206 cycles were administered with a mean number of cycles per patient of 5.2 (range, 3–12). Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 4 (10%) and 3 patients (8%), respectively; grade 3 anemia in two pts (5%). Non-hematological toxicity was mild, with 5 cases (13%) of grade 3 mucositis, and 2 cases (5%) of grade 2 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome. No modifications in LVEF or toxic deaths were documented. We observed 1 CR (2.5%) and 11 PR (28.2%). Eighteen (44%) patients experienced SD for 16 weeks and an overall clinical benefit of 76.8%. Conclusions: The combination of PLD and GEM has a favorable tolerability and a safety profile with an evident clinical benefit and should represent an interesting treatment option in elderly women with advanced breast cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

15036 Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in the folate metabolism pathway. Two common genetic polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) are associated with reduced MTHFR activity. The aim of our study was to analyze the distribution of C677T and A1298C MTHFR gene polymorphisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (pts), to evaluate their role as predictive markers of 5-FU toxicity in adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of 23 pts, using Puregene Genomic DNA Purification System. Pts (9 M/14 F) with histologically confirmed CRC, were treated with 5-FU containing adjuvant therapy. Median age was 61.5 (range 39–75). Genotyping for MTHFR polymorphism was carried out by DG-DGGE (double gradient-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). Results: The distribution of MTHFR T677 mutated allele in our population was 41.3%. Genotype frequencies were 47.8% for heterozygous CT677, 34.8% for the wild-type CC677 and 17.4% for the homozygous ...