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Purpose Combining small-molecule inhibitors of different targets was shown to be synergistic in preclinical studies. Testing this concept in clinical trials is, however, daunting due to challenges in toxicity management and efficacy assessment. This study attempted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vatalanib plus everolimus in patients with advanced solid tumors and explore the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) studies as a predictive biomarker. Patients and Methods This single-center, phase I trial containing 70 evaluable patients consisted of a dose escalation proportion based on the traditional "3 + 3" design (cohort IA and IB) and a dose expansion proportion (cohort IIA and IIB). Toxicity was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events. Antitumor activity was assessed using the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Results The maximum tolerated doses were determined to be vatalanib 1250 mg once daily or 750 mg twice daily in combination with everolimus 10 mg once daily. No treatment-related death occurred. The most common toxicities were hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, fatigue, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. There was no complete response. Nine patients (12.9%) had partial response (PR) and 41 (58.6%) had stable disease (SD). Significant antitumor activity was observed in neuroendocrine tumors with a disease-control rate (PR + SD) of 66.7% and other tumor types including renal cancer, melanoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. Conclusions The combination of vatalanib and everolimus demonstrated reasonable toxicity and clinical activity. Future studies combining targeted therapies and incorporating biomarker analysis are warranted based on this phase I trial.

Background/Objectives Interplay between the Hedgehog (HH) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways modulating the outcome of their signaling activity have been reported in various cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, simultaneous targeting of these pathways may be clinically beneficial. This Phase I study combined HH and EGFR inhibition in metastatic PDAC patients. Methods Combined effects of HH and EGFR inhibition using Vismodegib and Erlotinib with or without gemcitabine in metastatic solid tumors were assessed by CT. Another cohort of patients with metastatic PDAC was evaluated by FDG-PET and tumor biopsies-derived biomarkers. Results Treatment was well tolerated with the maximum tolerated dose cohort experiencing no grade 4 toxicities though 25% experienced grade 3 adverse effects. Recommended phase II dose of Vismodegib and Erlotinib were each 150 mg daily. No tumor responses were observed although 16 patients achieved stable disease for 2–7 cycles. Paired biopsy analysis before and after first cycle of therapy in PDAC patients showed reduced GLI1 mRNA, phospho-GLI1 and associated HH target genes in all cases. However, only half of the cases showed reduced levels of desmoplasia or changes in fibroblast markers. Most patients had decreased phospho-EGFR levels. Conclusions Vismodegib and Erlotinib combination was well-tolerated although overall outcome in patients with metastatic PDAC was not significantly impacted by combination treatment. Biomarker analysis suggests direct targets inhibition without significantly affecting the stromal compartment. These findings conflict with pre-clinical mouse models, and thus warrant further investigation into how upstream inhibition of these pathways is circumvented in PDAC.

Red-fleshed kiwifruits are receiving increasing attention because of their high phenolic contents. However, detailed information on their phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities remains scarce. Here, six red-fleshed and six green-fleshed kiwifruits were investigated to determine their contents of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacities. The results showed chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were the main phenolic compounds found in kiwifruit. Most of red-fleshed kiwifruits contain higher amounts of total phenolics and anthocyanins, as well as higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). Moreover, they exhibited stronger antioxidant capacities than green-fleshed kiwifruits in ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibition assay showed the phenolics extracted from red-fleshed kiwifruit can better protect tobacco leaves against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage. This is because of their abundant anthocyanins which in vitro contribute more to H2O2 scavenging than the other phenolic compounds. Based on these findings, it is fair to conclude the red-fleshed kiwifruits are promising sources of antioxidants in human nutrition.

Background We hypothesized that the combination of bevacizumab, carboplatin, and pemetrexed will be an effective first-line regimen in fit, elderly patients with nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer. Methods Treatment-naive, stage IIIB/IV nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer patients more than 70 years old with good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1) and adequate organ function were eligible. Carboplatin area under the curve 6, pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 , and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg were administered on day 1 of each 21-day cycle (up to six cycles) followed by maintenance pemetrexed and bevacizumab. The primary end point of 6-month progression-free survival rate of at least 70% was assessed using a one-stage binomial design. Quality of life (QOL) questionnaires were administered. Polymorphisms in genes encoding relevant proteins (drug targets, transport, and metabolism proteins) were correlated with treatment outcome. Results Fifty-seven eligible patients were enrolled. Median age was 74.5 years. Median treatment cycles received was 6. The most common grade 3 or higher non-hematologic adverse events were fatigue (26%) and hypertension (11%); 16% had grade 4 neutropenia and 6.5% had grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Three patients experienced grade 3/4 hemorrhagic events (one pulmonary, two gastrointestinal). Primary end point of PFS6 was 60% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.9–73%). Median PFS was 7.0 months (95% CI: 5.9–10.1), median overall survival was 13.7 months (95% CI: 9.4–16.8). Polymorphic KDR and VEGFA variants correlated with survival and toxicity, respectively. There was no significant change in overall QOL scores over time. Conclusion This regimen is feasible and did not decrease the QOL in this study population. However, it did not meet the primary efficacy end point.

BACKGROUND: In patients with advanced lung cancer, overall survival is largely influenced by progression status. Because progression-free survival (PFS)-based endpoints are controversial, the authors evaluated the impact of the progression date (PD) determination approach on PFS estimates. METHODS: Individual patient data from 21 trials (14 North Central Cancer Treatment Group trials and 7 Southwest Oncology Group trials) were used. The reported PD (RPD) was defined as either the radiographic scan date or the clinical deterioration date. PD was determined using Method 1 (M1), the RPD; M2, 1 day after the last progression-free scan; M3, midpoint between the last progression-free scan and the RPD; and M4, an interval-censoring approach. PFS was estimated using Kaplan-Meier (M1-M3), and maximum-likelihood (M4) methods. Simulation studies were performed to understand the impact of the length of time elapsed between the last progression-free scan and the PD on time-to-progression estimates. RESULTS: PFS estimates using the RPD were the highest, and M2 was the most conservative. M3 and M4 were similar because the majority of progressions occurred during treatment (ie, frequent disease assessments). M3 was influenced less by the length of the assessment schedules (percentage difference from the true time-to-progression

Purpose Activation of EGFR can stimulate proliferative and survival signaling through mTOR. Preclinical data demonstrates synergistic activity of combined EGFR and mTOR inhibition. We undertook a phase I trial of temsirolimus (T, an mTOR inhibitor) and EKB-569 (E, an EGFR inhibitor) to determine the safety and tolerability. Methods The primary aim was to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of this combination in adults with solid tumors. Following the dose-escalation phase, (Cohort A), two subsequent cohorts were used to assess any pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction between the agents. Results Forty eight patients were enrolled. The MTD of this combination was E, 35 mg daily and T, 30 mg on days 1-3 and 15-17 using a 28-day cycle. The most common toxicities were nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia, stomatitis, rash, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Sixteen patients (36%) had at least one grade 3 toxicity. The most frequent grade 3/4 toxicities were diarrhea, dehydration, and nausea and vomiting (19% each). No grade 5 events were seen. Four patients had a partial response and 15 had stable disease. Clinical benefit was seen across a range of tumor types and in all cohorts. PK analysis revealed no significant interaction between E and T. Conclusions This combination of agents is associated with tolerable toxicities at doses that induced responses. PK studies revealed no interaction between the drugs. Further investigations of this targeting strategy may be attractive in renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, alveolar sarcoma, and carcinoid tumor.

Purpose We investigated the putative surrogate endpoints (PSEs) of best response (BR), complete response (CR), confirmed response (CoR), and progression-free survival (PFS) for associations with Overall Survival (OS), and as possible surrogate endpoints for OS.

HypothesisWe conducted this pooled analysis to assess the prognostic value of pretreatment Quality of Life (QOL) assessments on overall survival (OS) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsFour hundred twenty patients with advanced NSCLC (stages IIIB with pleural effusion and IV) from six North Central Cancer Treatment Group trials were included in this study. QOL assessments included the single-item Uniscale (355 patients), Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (217 patients), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (197 patients). QOL scores were transformed to a 0 to 100 scale with higher scores representing better status and categorized using the sample median or clinically deficient score (CDS, ≤50 versus >50). Cox proportional hazards models stratified by study were used to evaluate the prognostic importance of QOL on OS alone and in the presence of other prognostic factors such as performance status, age, gender, body mass index, and laboratory parameters.ResultsPretreatment QOL accessed by Uniscale was significantly associated with OS univariately (p < 0.0001). Uniscale (p < 0.0001; hazard ratio = 1.6 for the sample median and 2.0 for the CDS categorization) and body mass index were the only significant predictors of OS multivariately. The median survival of patients who had a Uniscale score less than or equal to the CDS (≤50) was 5.7 versus 11.1 months for the >50 group; and 7.8 versus 13 months for the less than or equal to sample median (≤83) group and >83 group, respectively. The Lung Cancer Symptom Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung total scores were not significant predictors of OS.ConclusionsPretreatment QOL measured by Uniscale is a significant and an independent prognostic factor for OS, and QOL should be routinely integrated as a stratification factor in advanced NSCLC trials.

Background A Phase I trial of the 2-drug regimen of everolimus plus gemcitabine (Cohort I) and the 3-drug regimen of everolimus plus gemcitabine and cisplatin (Cohort II) was performed to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of both combinations. An expansion cohort (Cohort III) of patients with cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder carcinoma was treated at the MTD. Methods A standard 3 + 3 design dose escalation was used. Everolimus was given on Monday/Wednesday/Friday or daily depending upon the dose level. Gemcitabine and cisplatin were administered on days 1 and 8 of each 21 day cycle. Results Twelve patients were entered in Cohort I and 15 in Cohort II. The MTD for Cohort I was everolimus 5 mg on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and gemcitabine 800 mg/m2. For Cohort II, it was everolimus 5 mg on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, gemcitabine 600 mg/m2, and cisplatin 12.5 mg/m2. All DLTs in this study were hematologic. Complete responses (CR) were seen in a patient with primary peritoneal carcinoma and another with recurrent pancreatic cancer. Partial responses (PR) were seen in 3 patients: breast, ampullary carcinoma and pheochromocytoma. Of 10 patients enrolled in Cohort III, six patients had stable disease and 4 had progressive disease. Conclusions This Phase I clinical trial has demonstrated that these 2-drug and 3-drug combinations are generally well tolerated and safely administered. The main DLTs in both regimens were hematologic, specifically thrombocytopenia. The 3-drug combination can be considered as a platform for future studies in specific tumor types.

Loss of appetite and weight predict poor outcomes in patients with advanced cancer. Effective and affordable palliative strategies are lacking; but because an emerging non-cancer literature suggests that alcohol can increase appetite and weight, this study explored associations between alcohol and clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients. Among 404 consecutive lung cancer patients enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Lung Cancer Cohort between 2004 and 2008, alcohol consumption (within 6 mo of diagnosis) was as follows: 199 (49%) used none, 158 (14%) were moderate users (7 drinks per wk or less), and 47 (12%) were heavier consumers (more than 7 drinks per wk). Only heavier consumers had a lower likelihood of anorexia (odds ratio: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.94; P = 0.03) and weight loss (odds ratio: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.91; P = 0.03) compared to those who consumed no alcohol. These conclusions were sustained in multivariate analyses. Neither moderate nor heavier consumption was associated with better or worse survival, although, in univariate analyses, a drop in alcohol consumption was associated with worse survival. This report suggests a need for further study of alcohol as a palliative agent for cancer-associated loss of appetite and weight.

Continued cigarette smoking after small cell lung cancer (SCLC) diagnosis has been shown to shorten patients' survival, but little is known about the impact of smoking and cessation on quality of life (QOL) profile (e.g., overall QOL, pain, fatigue, cough, dyspnea, appetite change, and performance status) in SCLC survivors (who survived at least 6 months post initial diagnosis). In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and QOL profiles in SCLC patients.A total of 223 survivors were classified into five groups: never smokers, former smokers (quit more than 1 year prior to diagnosis), recent quitters (quit within 1 year surrounding diagnosis), late quitters (quit after 1 year post diagnosis) and never quitters. One hundred and sixty-eight of these survivors were matched with 334 lung-cancer-free controls on age, gender, and smoking status for comparative analysis. QOL scales were scored from 0 (worse) to 100 (best). Conditional logistic regression, linear mixed-effect models, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used.SCLC survivors consistently showed a significant deficit in QOL profile; e.g., mean overall QOL in patients was 17.5 points worse than the controls (p0.0001). Among all smokers, former smokers reported the best QOL profile, while late or never quitters reported the worst. The recent quitters showed an improving trend in QOL profile and lower percent of reduced appetite (an average of 43%) compared to the late or never quitters (58%).Our study confirmed the negative impact of smoking on SCLC survivors' QOL and found that smoking cessation surrounding the time of diagnosis could improve overall QOL and symptoms. The findings of this study provide evidence for oncologists to recommend smoking cessation to their SCLC patients.

Introduction: Although the association between alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (α 1 ATD) carriers and lung cancer risk has been found, the effects of α 1 ATD carriers and serum alpha 1-antitrypsin (α 1 AT) concentration on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survival remained unclear. Methods: Patients were selected from the Epidemiology and Genetics of Lung Cancer Study at Mayo Clinic with the criteria of (1) primary NSCLC diagnosis and (2) available α 1 ATD carrier status tested by isoelectric focusing serum α 1 AT concentration by immunonephelometry. The effects of carrier status and serum α 1 AT concentration on survival were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards models with (1) a landmark approach, where overall survival was defined from the time of blood draw to death from any cause and (2) included only patients with blood draw time before initial treatment. Results: One thousand three hundred twenty-one patients were included in this study, with 179 α 1 ATD carriers and 1142 noncarriers. No differences in overall survival by α 1 ATD carrier status were found (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82–1.18). Nevertheless, serum α 1 AT concentration was significantly associated with survival among all patients in the landmark model (AHR per 50 mg/dl increments: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10–1.20) and among patients whose blood was drawn for serum α 1 AT level assessment before any treatment (AHR per 50 mg/dl increments: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.21–1.71). Conclusions: Being an α 1 ATD carrier had no significant effect on NSCLC survival. The increased serum α 1 AT concentration was a poor prognosis marker for NSCLC, regardless of carrier status.

The cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome commonly occurs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is characterized by loss of weight and appetite as well as diminished survival. The current study explored whether any of 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of certain previously implicated inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1RN, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor) are associated with this syndrome.All NSCLC patients who had been enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Lung Cancer Cohort, had completed a health-related questionnaire approximately 6 months after enrollment, and had blood drawn were included in this study, thus yielding a sample size of 471 patients.Sixty-six (14%) patients manifested weight loss shortly after diagnosis, and 152 (32%) reported appetite loss. Only tumor necrosis factor alpha rs800629 was associated with anorexia (odds ratio: 0.46; 95% confidence interval: 0.29, 0.72; p0.001); patients who were heterozygous and minor homozygous were less likely to suffer anorexia. Otherwise, there were no statistically significant associations between any of the other 21 SNPs and weight loss and/or anorexia. In univariate analyses, weight loss, anorexia, more advanced cancer stage, and interleukin-1 beta rs1143627 were associated with a worse survival, and interleukin-6 rs2069835 was associated with better survival. However, in multivariate analyses, cancer stage and patient age were the only statistically significant predictors of worse survival.No specific SNP was associated with all aspects of the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome, but rs800629 may merit further study in cancer-associated anorexia.

OBJECTIVE To describe the natural history of pelvic organ prolapse and risk factors for changes in vaginal descent in older women. METHODS This 4-year prospective observational study included 259 postmenopausal women with a uterus enrolled at one Women's Health Initiative clinical site who completed at least two annual pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examinations. We calculated 1-year and 3-year incidence and resolution risks for prolapse (defined as maximal vaginal descent to or beyond the hymen) and estimated progression and regression rates (1 cm or greater and 2 cm or greater changes in maximal vaginal descent) and risk factors. RESULTS Mean age was 68.1+/-5.5 years, and median vaginal parity was 4. Seventy-three (28%) women had four exams, 128 (49%) had three exams, and 58 (22%) had two exams. Prolapse waxed and waned yearly in individual women. Overall 1-year and 3-year prolapse incidences were 26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20-33%) and 40% (95% CI 26-56%); 1-year and 3-year prolapse resolution risks were 21% (95% CI 11-33%) and 19% (95% CI 7-39%). Rates of any change in maximal vaginal descent over time varied depending on baseline measurements. Over 3 years, the maximal vaginal descent increased by at least 2 cm in 11.0% (95% CI 4.9-20.5%) of the women and decreased by at least 2 cm in 2.7% (95% CI 0.3-9.5%). Increasing body mass index and grand multiparity increased the risk for vaginal descent progression. CONCLUSION Prolapse progresses and regresses in older women, although rates of vaginal descent progression are slightly greater than regression overall. Obesity is a risk factor for progression in vaginal descent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.

7605 Background: Overall survival (OS) can be partitioned into progression-free survival (PFS) and PPS. PPS helps to understand trial results, especially when PFS and OS data on trial treatment effects are discordant. At ASCO 2011, we reported that the magnitude of difference in the PFS estimates using different DP date methods was large enough to alter trial conclusions. Here, we investigate the impact of the DP date method on 1) PPS estimates, and 2) predictive utility of DP metrics on subsequent OS (SOS). Methods: Individual patient (pt) data from 14 trials were pooled. DP date was determined using: reported progression date (RPD) (method 1, M1), one day after last progression-free (PF) scan (M2), and midpoint between last PF scan and RPD (M3). PPS was estimated using the method of Kaplan-Meier for the 3 DP date methods. A flexible landmark analysis at 2, 4, and 6 months (mos) using Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the impact of DP status (progression versus no-progression) on SOS (using M1, M2, or M3). Results: Among NSCLC (SCLC), 87% (91%) of pts reported DP. As expected, the PPS estimates were the lowest for RPD, highest for M2, and in-between for M3 (a direct consequence of the DP date method); with no difference by arm for the randomized trials. Regardless of the DP date method, patients who were progression-free had improved SOS (NSCLC: Hazard ratio, HR

e13052 Background: The combination of GEM and CDDP has shown activity in a variety of cancers, including biliary tract/gallbladder. Preclinical testing shows a potential benefit to the addition of EV. Methods: Using a standard 3+3 design, the MTDs of GEM + EV (Cohort I) and GEM + CDDP + EV (Cohort II) were determined as shown in the table. The MTD was defined as the dose level below the lowest dose that induces a DLT in at least one-third of pts. At the MTD of Cohort II, 10 patients were enrolled with biliary tract/gallbladder cancer (Cohort III). A weekly CBC was obtained. Assessments occurred every 3 weeks and imaging for response at every other cycle. Results: In Cohort I (N=12), no DLT occurred at dose level 0, and in dose level 1, grade 3 thrombocytopenia was found in 2 of 6 pts. The MTD for Cohort I was determined to be dose level 0. Responses were seen in 3 pts: 2 CRs (primary peritoneal, pancreatic) and 1 PR (breast). In Cohort II (N=15) DLTs at dose level 0 were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 2 of 3 pts and at dose level -1, thrombocytopenia in 2 of 6 pts. At dose level -2, 1 of 6 pts experienced a DLT (grade 3 thrombocytopenia), establishing this dose level as the MTD. Responses were seen in 2 pts, both PRs (ampullary, pheochromocytoma). All 10 pts have been enrolled in Cohort III with 2 DLTs (neutropenia and thrombocytopenia). Stable disease seen in 5 of 7 evaluable pts. Conclusions: Gem + EV was well tolerated at dose level 0, though dose escalation was limited by thrombocytopenia. GEM + CDDP + EV had DLTs of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia leading to the MTD of dose level of -2. Cohort III is fully accrued and the 2 DLTs are hematologic. [Table: see text]

7555 Background: In a retrospective exploratory analysis of E4599, patients (pts) > 70 yo had a higher frequency of and more severe toxicities without apparent survival benefit from the addition of B to C+paclitaxel. We hypothesized that in this pt population, B will have better safety and efficacy profile when used in combination with C+P. Methods: Pts >/= 70 yo with previously untreated stage IIIB/IV (TNM 6th ed) nonsquamous NSCLC, ECOG PS 0-1, measurable disease and adequate organ function were eligible. C at AUC 6, P at 500 mg/m2 and B at 15 mg/kg were administered on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles followed by maintenance P+B in patients with CR, PR or SD. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. The treatment would be considered promising based on a single arm one-stage binomial design if 34 or more successes out of 55 patients were observed. This design had an exact significance level of 0.05 at 93% power to detect a true success rate of at least 70%. Polymorphisms in VEGFA, FPGS, GGH, SLC19A1 and TYMS in germline DNA were correlated with treatment outcome. Results: 58 eligible pts were enrolled; 29 males/29 females. Median age was 75. Median treatment cycles received was 6. Grade 3 or higher adverse events (AE) were reported in 49 (85%) pts. There were no treatment-related deaths. The most common grade 3/4 AEs(regardless of attribution) were hypertension (10%), fatigue (28%), dehydration (9%), neutropenia (43%) and thrombocytopenia (21%). There were 3 (5%) grade 3/4 hemorrhagic events. 8 (14%) had grade 4 neutropenia and 3 (5%) had grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Grade 3/4 ischemic/thromboembolic events occurred in 6 pts (10%). Thirty-four out of the first 54 (63%, 95% CI: 48.7-75.7%) evaluable pts met the primary endpoint (4 pts were lost to follow-up prior to 6 months). The confirmed ORR was 37.9% (95% CI: 25.5-51.6%). Median time to treatment failure was 4.8 months (95% CI: 3.9-6.4). Median PFS was 7.1 months (95% CI: 5.9-11.7), median OS was 13.7 months (95% CI: 9.4-15.7). Results of SNP analysis will be presented. Conclusions: C+P+B followed by maintenance P+B is an active and tolerable first-line regimen for elderly patients with good PS.

2546 Background: AFP464 (NSC 710464) is a lysyl derivative of aminoflavone metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 and CYP1A2 (Kuffel et al, Mol Pharmacol 62:143, 2002) to reactive species that cov...

e17523 Background: AT-101 is an oral inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic Bcl proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bcl-W, and Mcl-1) and potent inducer of the proapoptotic proteins noxa and puma. This multicenter, ...

TPS166 Background: Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and gemcitabine, a novel pyrimidine antimetabolite, have activity in a variety of cancers as single agents. The combination of the two drugs may provide a meaningful new treatment option for patients with cancer. The goals of this study are to: (1) determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of concurrently administered everolimus and gemcitabine in patients with advanced, refractory solid tumors; (2) describe the toxicity of the treatment combination; (3) describe any evidence of the antitumor activity of the treatment combination; (4) obtain pilot data on toxicity and efficacy outcomes in patients with cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder carcinoma. Methods: Main eligibility criteria include (1) age ≥ 18 years old; (2) histologic proof of cancer that is now unresectable and refractory to or refused all standard treatment for the disease; (3) ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0, 1, or 2; (4) for the MTD cohort, histologic proof of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma o...

8076 Background: To assess the prognostic importance of pre-treatment patient-reported QOL assessments for OS in the presence of other known prognostic factors including performance status, age, gender, hemoglobin level, absolute neutrophil count, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in A-NSCLC. Methods: 373 pts with A-NSCLC (stages IIIb with pleural effusion & IV) from 6 NCCTG trials were included. Treatment included various combinations of the following agents: vinblastine, adriamycin, cisplatin, filgrastim, edatrexate, LU 103793, docetaxel, gemcitabine, vinorelbine gefitinib, paclitaxel, carboplatin, and carboxyamino-triazole. QOL assessments included the single item Uniscale (355 pts), Lung Cancer Symptom Score (LCSS:217 pts), & Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L:197 pts). All QOL scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale (higher is better), and categorized using the sample median (≤median vs. >median) or clinically deficient score (≤50 vs. >50). Univariate and multivariate Cox Proportional Haza...

Introduction We investigated the relationships between progression-free survival (PFS), response, confirmed response, and failure-free survival (FFS) with overall survival (OS) to assess their suitability as primary endpoints in phase II trials for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Individual data of 284 patients from four phase II trials were pooled. Progression status and response were modeled as time dependent variables in a multivariable (adjusted for baseline age, gender, stage, and performance status) Cox proportional hazards model for OS, stratified by trial. Subsequently, Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of PFS, response, confirmed response, and FFS on subsequent survival, using landmark analysis at 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks. Model discrimination was evaluated using the concordance index (c-index). Results The overall median OS, PFS, and FFS were 9.6, 3.7, and 2.8 months, and the response and confirmed response rates were 21 and 15%, respectively. Both progression status and response as time dependent covariates were significantly associated with OS ( p p = 0.009). PFS and FFS at 12 weeks significantly predicted for subsequent survival with the strongest c-index and hazard ratio combination in landmark analyses (hazard ratio, c-index: PFS: 0.39, 0.67; FFS: 0.37, 0.67). The c-indices for response and confirmed response were low (0.59–0.60), indicating their inability to sufficiently discriminate subsequent patient survival outcomes. Conclusions FFS or PFS at 12 weeks is a stronger predictor of subsequent patient survival compared with tumor response and should be routinely used as endpoints in phase II trials for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

BackgroundAT-101 is an oral inhibitor of the antiapoptotic Bcl proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bcl-W, and Mcl-1) and an inducer of the pro-apoptotic proteins noxa and puma. We studied the efficacy of AT-101 in patients with recurrent chemosensitive extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC).MethodsPatients with recurrent “sensitive” SCLC (defined as no progression during and no disease recurrence