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Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Sagopilone (ZK 219477), a lipophylic and synthetic analog of epothilone B, that crosses the blood-brain barrier has demonstrated preclinical activity in glioma models. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with first recurrence/progression of glioblastoma were eligible for this early phase II and pharmacokinetic study exploring single-agent sagopilone (16 mg/m(2) over 3 h every 21 days). Primary end point was a composite of either tumor response or being alive and progression free at 6 months. Overall survival, toxicity and safety and pharmacokinetics were secondary end points. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (evaluable 37) patients were included. Treatment was well tolerated, and neuropathy occurred in 46% patients [mild (grade 1) : 32%]. No objective responses were seen. The progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months was 6.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-18.7], the median PFS was just over 6 weeks, and the median overall survival was 7.6 months (95% CI 5.3-12.3), with a 1-year survival rate of 31.6% (95% CI 17.7-46.4). Maximum plasma concentrations were reached at the end of the 3-h infusion, with rapid declines within 30 min after termination. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence of relevant clinical antitumor activity against recurrent glioblastoma could be detected. Sagopilone was well tolerated, and moderate-to-severe peripheral neuropathy was observed in despite prolonged administration. 01 september 2011

2009 Background: Although bevacizumab (BEV) is frequently used in recurrent grade II and III glioma without 1p/19q co-deletion, this use is without evidence from randomized trials. Methods: The TAVAREC trial (NCT01164189) is a randomized phase II study in locally diagnosed non-1p/19q co-deleted grade II or III glioma, with a first and contrast-enhancing recurrence after initial radiotherapy. Prior chemotherapy was allowed provided patients were at least 6 months off treatment. Patients were treated with either 200mg/m2 temozolomide (TMZ) day 1-5 every 4 weeks for a maximum of twelve cycles, or with the same TMZ regimen in combination with BEV 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks until progression. Response, Quality of Life (QOL, using the EORTC QOL C30/BCM20 questionnaire) and neurocognitive function (NCF) using a standardized test battery with Hopkins Verbal Learning, Trail Making test A/B and Controlled Oral Word Association were evaluated every 3 months. Primary endpoint is the Overall Survival (OS) rate at 12 months (OS12). Tumor samples were centrally analyzed for MGMT status (Illumina methylation arrays) and IDH1/2 mutations ( IDHmt). Results: Between 8/2/2011 and 31/7/2015, 155 patients were randomized; median age was 44 years, 88 (70%) of 125 tested tumors showed an IDHmt, 27% of patients had received prior chemotherapy. OS12 was 61% in the TMZ arm and 55% in the TMZ+BEV arm, with overlapping OS and progression free survival (PFS) Kaplan Meier curves and similar response rates (TMZ: 42%; TMZ + BEV: 49%). Post-progression, 33% of the TMZ and 17% of the TMZ + BEV patients received BEV. OS was longer in IDHmt tumors compared to IDH wild type tumors (15 mo vs 10.7 mo, p = 0.001) but PFS was clinically similar (6.7 mo vs 5.1 mo, p = 0.056). IDH mutational status was not predictive for benefit to BEV. Compliance to NCF testing and QOL was above 60% in the 1st year. At the group level, NCF was similar in the TMZ and in the TMZ+BEV patients. QOL and MGMTresults will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: The addition of BEV to TMZ does not improve OS, PFS, or cognitive function in recurrent grade II and III 1p/19q intact gliomas; regardless of IDH mutational status. Clinical trial information: NCT01164189.

BACKGROUND: Following maximal safe resection, radiation (RT) with concurrent and 6 cycles (C) of adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) [Stupp NEJM 2005] has been established as standard of care for newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). This regimen has been adopted with variations, including extending TMZ beyond 6 cycles. The optimal duration of maintenance therapy remains a matter of debate. OBJECTIVES: Compare outcomes of patients who completed 6C of TMZ and discontinued treatment to those of patients who continued TMZ >6C. METHODOLOGY: We performed a pooled analysis of 4 randomized trials (EORTC/NCIC 26981-CE.3; EORTC26071-CENTRIC; EMD-CORE; RTOG 0525-Intergroup). All patients received the standard of care (TMZ/RT with TMZ). All patients who completed TMZ 6C and had not progressed within 28 days were included. Based on local practice and the discretion of the investigator TMZ could be continued for up to 12C. Patients were grouped into those who completed 6C TMZ and those who continued >6C; progression-free and overall survival were analyzed, adjusted by age, performance status, resection extent, and MGMT status. Exploratory analyses with and without MGMT data imputation were performed at 5% significance. RESULTS: Independent of evaluated prognostic factors, treatment with >6C TMZ was significantly associated with improved PFS [HR 0.77 (0.61-0.97), p = 0.03]. This effect was more pronounced in patients with methylated MGMT [HR 0.64 (0.47-0.88), p 6C groups were well-balanced, except MGMT methylation status; methylated status was less frequent in patients receiving >6C (39% vs 62%). Prognostic factors including age, MGMT methylation, extent of resection, and performance status had an expected impact on outcomes. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of cycles of TMZ beyond 6 months is not shown to increase OS. PFS was improved, more so in patients with MGMT-methylated tumors.

Summary Background Cilengitide is a selective αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrin inhibitor. Data from phase 2 trials suggest that it has antitumour activity as a single agent in recurrent glioblastoma and in combination with standard temozolomide chemoradiotherapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma (particularly in tumours with methylated MGMT promoter). We aimed to assess cilengitide combined with temozolomide chemoradiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma with methylated MGMT promoter. Methods In this multicentre, open-label, phase 3 study, we investigated the efficacy of cilengitide in patients from 146 study sites in 25 countries. Eligible patients (newly diagnosed, histologically proven supratentorial glioblastoma, methylated MGMT promoter, and age ≥18 years) were stratified for prognostic Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis class and geographic region and centrally randomised in a 1:1 ratio with interactive voice response system to receive temozolomide chemoradiotherapy with cilengitide 2000 mg intravenously twice weekly (cilengitide group) or temozolomide chemoradiotherapy alone (control group). Patients and investigators were unmasked to treatment allocation. Maintenance temozolomide was given for up to six cycles, and cilengitide was given for up to 18 months or until disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects. The primary endpoint was overall survival. We analysed survival outcomes by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00689221. Findings Overall, 3471 patients were screened. Of these patients, 3060 had tumour MGMT status tested; 926 patients had a methylated MGMT promoter, and 545 were randomly assigned to the cilengitide (n=272) or control groups (n=273) between Oct 31, 2008, and May 12, 2011. Median overall survival was 26·3 months (95% CI 23·8–28·8) in the cilengitide group and 26·3 months (23·9–34·7) in the control group (hazard ratio 1·02, 95% CI 0·81–1·29, p=0·86). None of the predefined clinical subgroups showed a benefit from cilengitide. We noted no overall additional toxic effects with cilengitide treatment. The most commonly reported adverse events of grade 3 or worse in the safety population were lymphopenia (31 [12%] in the cilengitide group vs 26 [10%] in the control group), thrombocytopenia (28 [11%] vs 46 [18%]), neutropenia (19 [7%] vs 24 [9%]), leucopenia (18 [7%] vs 20 [8%]), and convulsion (14 [5%] vs 15 [6%]). Interpretation The addition of cilengitide to temozolomide chemoradiotherapy did not improve outcomes; cilengitide will not be further developed as an anticancer drug. Nevertheless, integrins remain a potential treatment target for glioblastoma. Funding Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

BACKGROUND: TG02 is an oral multi-cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor that is thought to inhibit tumor growth mainly through CDK9-dependent depletion of oncoproteins such as MCL-1 and MYC. MCL-1 and MYC are frequently overexpressed in glioblastoma (up to 80%). Several studies including analyses of patient-derived glioma cell lines have demonstrated profound inhibitory activity (IC50 range = 25–150 nM). Clinical pharmacokinetics from a phase 1b study in multiple myeloma patients demonstrate that TG02 exposures in humans are sufficient for achieving inhibitory concentrations required in the majority of the glioma cell lines tested. Preclinical studies in mice have demonstrated that TG02 is a good candidate for development in gliomas. METHODS: Based on these data, the EORTC Brain Tumor Group, in cooperation with Tragara, is currently conducting the phase 1b STEAM trial (EORTC 1608), a three parallel group (A,B,C) open-label, non-randomized, multicenter study. The recommended phase II dose of TG02 in elderly patients with IDH1R132H-non mutant newly diagnosed glioblastoma will be determined in a classical 3 + 3 design dose-escalation and safety study of TG02 in combination with either hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) or temozolomide (TMZ) in arms A and B. Patient allocation to treatment in arms A and B will be determined by MGMT promoter methylation status centrally determined according to EANO guidelines for the treatment of elderly patients with glioblastoma. Arm C will explore single agent TG02 activity in anaplastic astrocytoma or glioblastoma at first relapse after initial treatment with TMZ/RTTMZ with a primary endpoint of progression-free survival at 6 months. Secondary objectives include efficacy, quality of life, safety, and correlation with molecular markers. The study is currently open in 2 sites and shall be opened until SNO in 5 additional EORTC sites in Europe. Patient enrolment is planned to start in June 2018. An update will be provided at the SNO conference. NCT03224104

BACKGROUND: It is currently unknown whether increasing radiotherapy volumes have a negative impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of low-grade glioma (LGG) patients on the short-term. The aim of this study was to examine if the size of the target volume is independently associated with HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients treated with radiotherapy in the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 22033–26033 study, and who completed a baseline HRQoL form, were included. This phase 3 trial of radiotherapy vs. temozolomide chemotherapy in high-risk LGG requiring treatment did not show a progression free survival difference. HRQoL was measured at baseline and every 3 months thereafter until progression, using the EORTC QLQ-C30 core questionnaire and QLQ-BN20 brain module. Associations between radiation volumes and (changes in) four preselected HRQoL scales (global health status, cognitive and social functioning, and fatigue) were determined. Also, it was determined if radiation volumes were independently associated with a change in HRQoL over time. RESULTS: A total of 195 out of the 240 patients randomized to radiotherapy (81.3%) were included in this analysis. The brain volume receiving radiotherapy was not associated with (changes in) HRQoL during the first 24 months after radiotherapy. Over time, radiation volumes were also not independently associated with HRQoL. Although treatment with radiotherapy resulted in worse functioning, and more fatigue three months after treatment, pre-treatment levels were reached thereafter and maintained during further follow-up. Particularly the occurrence of tumour progression was found to be associated with clinically relevant worse social functioning (Beta: -13.7, 95% CI:-19.5 to -7.9), and more fatigue (Beta: 13.2, 95% CI:7.8–18.5) during 24 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The volume of brain receiving focal radiotherapy does not seem to be an important determinant for the level of HRQoL in high-risk LGG patients on the short-term. From this point of view, safety margins do not need to be reconsidered. However, the impact of radiation volumes on long-term HRQoL, as well as neurocognitive functioning, remains to be investigated.

BACKGROUND Between 1995 and 2002 the EORTC Brain Tumor Group conducted a prospective phase III study on adjuvant procarbazine, CCNU and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy in anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AOD). A mature follow-up presented in 2012 showed survival benefit of the addition of PCV, in particular in 1p/19q co-deleted tumors and tumors with MGMT promoter methylation. We now present very long term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were eligible if locally diagnosed with a newly diagnosed AOD. They were randomized between radiotherapy (RT, 33 x 1.8 Gy) and the same RT followed by 6 cycles PCV (RT/PCV). Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). 1p/19q status (FISH) was determined in 300 patient. Kaplan- Meier technique and Cox modeling were used for long term survival analysis. Primary analyses were adjusted for known prognostic factors. For other analyses no adjustment was performed. RESULTS With 368 patients included, a median follow-up of 18.4 years and 307 (83%) survival events, median and 20-year survival after RT/PCV versus RT alone were 42.3 mo and 16.8% vs 30.6 months and 10.1% (HR 0.78; 95% CI (0.63, 0.98), adjusted p=0.06). Eighty patients were 1p/19q codel of which 26 (33%) were still alive, in this subgroup median and 20-year survival after RT/PCV versus RT alone were 14 years and 37.1% versus 9.3 years and 13.6% (HR 0.60, 95% CI (0.35, 1.03), unadjusted p=0.06). Twenty year PFS in 1p/19q codel was 31.3% in RT/PCV treated patients and 10.8% in RT only treated patients (HR 0.49, 95% CI (0.29, 0.83), unadjusted p=0.007). In the 1p/19q codel subgroup age, WHO PS and necrosis at pathology were identified to be of independent prognostic value for OS. CONCLUSION This long term analysis confirms the earlier conclusions and provides data on long term survival in this patient group. In 1p/19q codel patients treated with RT/PCV, the 20-year PFS and OS rates are 31% and 37% respectively.

BACKGROUND The standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma includes maximal debulking surgery followed by radiotherapy (RT), and concomitant as well as maintenance therapy with the alkylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ). However, the prognosis remains poor and novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. Targeting the proteasome has been considered a promising anti-cancer approach for several years. Marizomib is a novel, irreversible and pan-proteasome inhibitor, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been assessed in phase I trials in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS EORTC 1709/CCTG CE.8 is a randomized, controlled, open label phase III superiority trial. Patients with histologically confirmed newly diagnosed glioblastoma and a performance status >70 are eligible. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive standard of care (TMZ/RT→TMZ) alone or TMZ/RT→TMZ plus marizomib. The study aims at enrolling 750 patients. Stratification factors include study site, age, performance status and extent of resection. The primary objective of this trial is to compare overall survival in patients receiving marizomib in addition to standard of care with those receiving standard treatment only. The testing strategy specifies the determination of this objective in the intent-to-treat population as well as the subgroup of patients with MGMT-unmethylated tumors. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, safety, neurocognitive function and quality of life. A translational research program has been set up. The study will be activated at approximately 50 EORTC sites across Europe, 25 sites in Canada and additional sites in the US. Patient recruitment started in June 2018 and as of April 29, 2019, a total of 164 patients have been randomized. An update on the enrolment status will be provided at the EANO meeting. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03345095

Background: Depatux-M (ABT-414) is an antibody-drug-conjugate consisting of an antibody (ABT-806) bound to the toxin monomethylauristatin-F. A randomized phase II trial on EGFR-amplified recurrent glioblastomas (GBMs) showed an improvement (p=0.06 in the primary analysis, p=0.024 in follow-up analysis) in overall survival in the Depatux-M+TMZ arm when compared to the control arm (CCNU or TMZ). In this study, we performed targeted next generation sequencing and correlated molecular features with response to treatment in order to better identify patients that benefit from the combination. Material and Methods: DNA and RNA was isolated from samples, collected at initial diagnosis, and selected for regions with highest tumor content. Target selection was done using the Trusight 170 gene panel (Illumina) which interrogates somatic variants and copy number, RNA levels and fusion genes in a set of known cancer genes. Variant calling was done using the Illumina Basespace sequence hub. For this trial, patients were eligible with centrally confirmed EGFR amplification, defined as EGFR/CEP 7 (centromere) ratio ≥ 2 in 15% of cells (FISH). Results: DNA and RNA data were generated from 233 and 234 samples respectively (of the 260 study patients). High-copy gene amplification was detected in EGFR (n=202), MDM2 (n=20), MDM4 (n=22), CDK4 (n=24) and CDK6 (n=5) which correlated with high expression levels. With this assay, 17 tumors did not show EGFR copy number (cn) aberrations (cn < 2.8), a further 14 showed copy number changes consistent with trisomy only (2.8< cn < 4). Most EGFR amplified tumors also had additional genetic changes in the EGFR locus including point mutations (111/202), splice variants (132/202, the most common being EGFRvIII n=96) or fusion genes (13/202). Twenty-one samples did not contain additional genetic changes and expressed only EGFRwt. Response (OS) to treatment was not correlated to EGFR gene expression or amplification levels though, since EGFR amplification was a pre-requisite for inclusion, the majority of cases expressed high levels of EGFR (not shown). Preliminary analysis suggests that subjects with EGFR amplification but without EGFRvIII expression had a trend towards superior clinical benefit from Depatux-M +TMZ (median survival 14.3 v. 8.9 and 8.1 months in the Depatux-M +TMZ, TMZ|CCNU and Depatux M arms respectively; HR 0.56, P=0.047 v. Depatux M monotherapy and HR 0.54, P=0.055 v. TMZ|CCNU ). Conclusion: Depatux-M in combination with TMZ showed a trend towards improved OS in EGFR amplified recurrent glioblastoma. This trend may be greater for subjects with an absence of EGFRvIII expression. Citation Format: Pim J. French, Johan M. Kros, Iris de Heer, Marica Eoli, Juan Manuel Sepulvada, Annemiek Walenkamp, Jean-Sebastian Frenel, Alba Brandes, Paul Clement, Michael Weller, Peter Ansell, Jim Looman, Earle Bain, Lisa Roberts-Rapp, Marie Morfouace, Thierry Gorlia, Vassilis Golfinopoulos, Martin van den Bent. Patients with EGFR amplification but without EGFRvIII expression have improved benefit compared to those with EGFRvIII expression in samples of the INTELLANCE2/EORTC1410 randomized phase II trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4886.

TPS2072 Background: The standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma comprises maximum safe surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and concomitant and up to six cycles of maintenance temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy (TMZ/RT→TMZ). Despite this intense therapy, the prognosis remains poor and there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic options. Marizomib is a novel, irreversible and brain-penetrant pan-proteasome inhibitor. Following its successful assessment in phase I trials in patients with newly diagnosed as well as recurrent glioblastoma, marizomib is now being investigated in a phase III trial. Methods: EORTC 1709/CCTG CE.8 is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open label phase III superiority trial. Eligibility criteria include histologically confirmed newly diagnosed glioblastoma and a performance status ≥70. Approximately a total of 750 patients will be enrolled and randomized 1:1. Stratification factors include institution, age, Karnofsky performance status and extent of surgery. The primary objective of this study is to compare overall survival in patients receiving marizomib in addition to standard of care (TMZ/RT→TMZ) with patients receiving standard treatment only. The testing strategy specifies the determination of this objective in both the intent-to-treat population and the subgroup of patients with tumors harboring an unmethylated MGMT promoter. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, safety, neurocognitive function and quality of life. The study is accompanied by a translational research program. The study will be opened at 50 EORTC sites in Europe and done as an intergroup collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) with 25 sites in Canada and additional sites in the US. Patient enrolment started in June 2018 and as of January 29, 2019, a total of 85 patients have been randomized. An update on the enrolment status will be provided at the ASCO conference. Clinical trial information: NCT03345095.

2007 Background: EORTC-1320-BTG investigated the activity, safety and quality of life of therapy with the tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid trabectedin (Yondelis) in patients with recurrent higher-grade meningiomas. Trabectedin was originally derived from the Caribbean sea squirt, Ecteinascidia turbinata, and currently is manufactured by total synthesis. Methods: Adult patients with histological diagnosis of WHO grade II or III meningioma and radiologically documented progression after maximal feasible surgery and radiotherapy were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive intravenous trabectedin (1.5 mg/m2every three weeks) or local standard of care (LOC). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Within 22.1 months, we randomized a total of 90 patients (n=29 in LOC arm, n=61 in trabectedin arm) in 35 institutions and nine countries. In the LOC arm, the following treatments were administered: hydroxyurea (n=11), bevacizumab (n=9), none (n=4), chemotherapy (n=3), somatostatin analogue (n=1), combined chemotherapy and somatostatin analogue (n=1). With 71 PFS events, median PFS was 4.17 months in the LOC and 2.43 months in the trabectedin arm (hazard ratio [HR] for progression, 1.42; 80% CI, 1.00-2.03; p=0.204) with a PFS-6 rate of 29.1% (95% CI, 11.9%-48.8%) in the LOC and 21.1% (95% CI, 11.3%-32.9%) in the trabectedin arm. Median OS was 10.61 months in the LOC and 11.37 months in the trabectedin arm (HR for death, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.54-1.76; p=0.94).Grade 3 to 5 adverse events occurred in 44.4% (18.5% related, 4 serious adverse events, 0 lethal events) of the patients in the LOC and 59% (32.8% related, 57 serious adverse events and 2 toxic deaths) of patient in the trabectedin arm. Conclusions: In this first prospective randomized trial performed in recurrent grade II or III meningioma, trabectedin did not improve PFS and OS and was associated with significantly higher toxicity as compared to LOC treatment. The data collected in this study may serve as benchmark for future clinical trials in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT02234050.

2000 Background: The 1st interim analysis of the CATNON trial showed benefit from adjuvant (adj) temozolomide (TMZ) on overall survival (OS) but remained inconclusive about concurrent (conc) TMZ. A 2nd interim analysis was planned after 356 events. Methods: The 2x2 factorial design phase III CATNON trial randomized 751 adult patients with newly diagnosed non-codeleted anaplastic glioma to either 59.4 Gy radiotherapy (RT) alone; the same RT with concTMZ; the same RT and 12 cycles of adjTMZ or the same RT with both concTMZ and adjTMZ ( doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31442-3). MGMT promoter methylation ( MGMTmeth) status was re-assessed with the Infinium Methylation EPIC Beadchip using the MGMT_STP27 model. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 ( IDH) mutation (mt) status was assessed with glioma targeted Agilent SureSelect baits sequence using an Illumina HiSeq2500 Rapid PE100. Results: With a median follow-up of 56 months and 356 events, the hazard ratio (HR) for OS adjusted for stratification factors after concTMZ was 0.968 (99.1% CI 0.73, 1.28). 5-year OS was 50.2% with and 52.7% without concTMZ (95% CI [44.4, 55.7] and [46.9, 58.1]). An IDHmt was found in 335 of 480 assessed cases (70%). Median OS was 19 mo (95% CI 16.3, 22.3) in IDHwt tumors and 116 mo (95% CI 82.0, 116.6) in IDHmt tumors. HR for OS after concTMZ in patients with known IDH status. Clinical trial information: NCT00626990. IDHmt was predictive of benefit from adjTMZ ( IDHmt HR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.27, 0.64; IDHwt: HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.73, 1.52; interaction test p = 0.001). In IDHmt patients that received adjTMZ, the HR for OS after concTMZ was 0.71 (95% CI 0.35, 1.42, p=0.32). MGMTmeth was found in 288 of 410 assessed cases (70%), interaction test for concTMZ (p = 0.092) and adjTMZ (p = 0.166) did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: In the entire study cohort, concTMZ did not increase OS. However, in IDHmt tumors a trend towards benefit of concTMZ is present. AdjTMZ increased OS in IDHmt but not in IDHwt tumors. The ongoing molecular analyses and further follow-up will allow full assessment of efficacy in the molecular subgroups.[Table: see text]

Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a heterogeneous group of primary, diffuse, and slowly growing glial brain tumors. These tumors often remain clinically stable for many years, and patients are commonly only followed clinically without specific antitumor therapy. Based on retrospective studies suggesting an improved survival with early, extensive, and maximal tumor resections, radical surgery is often advocated. Prospective controlled studies evaluating the role of surgery are lacking, and a large part of the benefit presumed from extensive resection may be due to patient selection. If tumor location makes the surgery difficult or even impossible, a biopsy is performed to ascertain the nature of the tumor and establish a pathological diagnosis. Immediate (postoperative) radiotherapy has not been shown to offer an advantage in overall survival (OS) over deferred radiotherapy; although progression-free survival (PFS) is lengthened, the optimal timing remains debatable. There is no apparent effect of dose; 2 randomized studies by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG)/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Intergroup showed no significant difference in survival when researchers compared lower and higher irradiation doses (45 vs 59.4 Gy and 50.4 vs 64.8 Gy, respectively).1,2,8 The role of postoperative chemotherapy alone or in combination with radiation therapy remains investigational.3 Individual prognosis of patients is highly variable. In order to choose the best strategy for a patient among the various treatment options, prognostic models and scores can be useful. A major limitation in addressing prognostic models for LGG is the considerable interobserver variability in both the grading and the typing of these tumors.4,5 The widely used EORTC prognostic scoring model for LGG was based on 2 prospective randomized clinical trials. However, patient inclusion into these trials relied upon a diagnosis made by the local pathologist, which was often not confirmed by central pathology review.6 The external validity of the EORTC scoring system was recently evaluated in a dataset of LGG patients treated in a North American Intergroup trial (NCCTG 86-72-51).7 In that dataset, the distinction between the low-risk and the high-risk group was predominantly determined by the prognostic impact of histology and tumor size; other factors, like age and extent of surgery, did not contribute significantly. A major difference between the US and European trials was the mandatory central pathology review prior to inclusion in the American trials. Thus, we reanalyzed the pooled data from the 2 EORTC studies, restricting the analysis to patients with LGG whose histology had been confirmed upon central pathology review. Patients with histologies other than grade II glioma and patients from whom no tumor tissue was available for central review were excluded. We subsequently assessed the external validity of the EORTC studies with the individual patient data from large studies conducted by 2 US cooperative groups (RTOG and NCCTG).8,9 Based on this analysis, we developed prognostic calculators for PFS and OS that provide estimates for both median and fixed time probabilities of survival.

Purpose Anaplastic oligodendroglioma are chemotherapy-sensitive tumors. We now present the long-term follow-up findings of a randomized phase III study on the addition of six cycles of procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy to radiotherapy (RT). Patients and Methods Adult patients with newly diagnosed anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors were randomly assigned to either 59.4 Gy of RT or the same RT followed by six cycles of adjuvant PCV. An exploratory analysis of the correlation between 1p/19q status and survival was part of the study. Retrospectively, the methylation status of the methyl-guanine methyl transferase gene promoter and the mutational status of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene were determined. The primary end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival based on intent-to-treat analysis. Results A total of 368 patients were enrolled. With a median follow-up of 140 months, OS in the RT/PCV arm was significantly longer (42.3 v 30.6 months in the RT arm, hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.95). In the 80 patients with a 1p/19q codeletion, OS was increased, with a trend toward more benefit from adjuvant PCV (OS not reached in the RT/PCV group v 112 months in the RT group; HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.03). IDH mutational status was also of prognostic significance. Conclusion The addition of six cycles of PCV after 59.4 Gy of RT increases both OS and PFS in anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors. 1p/19q-codeleted tumors derive more benefit from adjuvant PCV compared with non–1p/19q-deleted tumors.

Purpose Intrinsic glioma subtypes (IGSs) are molecularly similar tumors that can be identified based on unsupervised gene expression analysis. Here, we have evaluated the clinical relevance of these subtypes within European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 26951, a randomized phase III clinical trial investigating adjuvant procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy in anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors. Our study includes gene expression profiles of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) clinical trial samples. Patients and Methods Gene expression profiling was performed in 140 samples, 47 fresh frozen samples and 93 FFPE samples, on HU133_Plus_2.0 and HuEx_1.0_st arrays, respectively. Results All previously identified six IGSs are present in EORTC 26951. This confirms that different molecular subtypes are present within a well-defined histologic subtype. Intrinsic subtypes are highly prognostic for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). They are prognostic for PFS independent of clinical (age, performance status, and tumor location), molecular (1p/19q loss of heterozygosity [LOH], IDH1 mutation, and MGMT methylation), and histologic parameters. Combining known molecular (1p/19q LOH, IDH1) prognostic parameters with intrinsic subtypes improves outcome prediction (proportion of explained variation, 30% v 23% for each individual group of factors). Specific genetic changes (IDH1, 1p/19q LOH, and EGFR amplification) segregate into different subtypes. We identified one subtype, IGS-9 (characterized by a high percentage of 1p/19q LOH and IDH1 mutations), that especially benefits from PCV chemotherapy. Median OS in this subtype was 5.5 years after radiotherapy (RT) alone versus 12.8 years after RT/PCV (P = .0349; hazard ratio, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.06 to 4.50). Conclusion Intrinsic subtypes are highly prognostic in EORTC 26951 and improve outcome prediction when combined with other prognostic factors. Tumors assigned to IGS-9 benefit from adjuvant PCV.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Histopathological diagnosis of diffuse gliomas is subject to interobserver variation and correlates modestly with major prognostic and predictive molecular abnormalities. We investigated a series of patients with locally diagnosed anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors included in the EORTC phase III trial 26951 on procarbazine/lomustine/vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy to explore the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) in diffuse glioma and to assess the prognostic impact of FUBP1 and CIC mutations. METHODS: Mostly formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were tested with targeted NGS for mutations in ATRX, TP53, IDH1, IDH2, CIC, FUBP1, PI3KC, TERT, EGFR, H3F3A, BRAF, PTEN, and NOTCH and for copy number alterations of chromosomes 1p, 19q, 10q, and 7. TERT mutations were also assessed, with PCR. RESULTS: Material was available from 139 cases, in 6 of which results were uninformative. One hundred twenty-six tumors could be classified: 20 as type II (IDH mutation [mut], "astrocytoma"), 49 as type I (1p/19q codeletion, "oligodendroglioma"), 55 as type III (7+/10q- or TERTmut and 1p/19q intact, "glioblastoma"), and 2 as childhood glioblastoma (H3F3Amut), leaving 7 unclassified (total 91% classified). Molecular classification was of clear prognostic significance and correlated better with outcome than did classical histopathology. In 1p/19q codeleted tumors, outcome was not affected by CIC and FUBP1 mutations. MGMT promoter methylation remained the most predictive factor for survival benefit of PCV chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Targeted NGS allows a clinically relevant classification of diffuse glioma into groups with very different outcomes. The diagnosis of diffuse glioma should be primarily based on a molecular classification, with the histopathological grade added to it. Future discussion should primarily aim at establishing the minimum requirements for molecular classification of diffuse glioma.

Summary Background Temozolomide chemotherapy versus radiotherapy in patients with a high-risk low-grade glioma has been shown to have no significant effect on progression-free survival. If these treatments have a different effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), it might affect the choice of therapy. We postulated that temozolomide compromises HRQOL and global cognitive functioning to a lesser extent than does radiotherapy. Methods We did a prospective, phase 3, randomised controlled trial at 78 medical centres and large hospitals in 19 countries. We enrolled adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with histologically confirmed diffuse (WHO grade II) astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, or mixed oligoastrocytoma, with a WHO performance status of 2 or lower, without previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, who needed active treatment other than surgery. We randomly assigned eligible patients (1:1) using a minimisation technique, stratified by WHO performance status (0–1 vs 2), age ( vs ≥40 years), presence of contrast enhancement on MRI, chromosome 1p status (deleted vs non-deleted vs indeterminate), and the treating medical centre, to receive either radiotherapy (50·4 Gy in 28 fractions of 1·8 Gy for 5 days per week up to 6·5 weeks) or temozolomide chemotherapy (75 mg/m 2 daily, for 21 of 28 days [one cycle] for 12 cycles). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (results published separately); here, we report the results for two key secondary endpoints: HRQOL (assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer's [EORTC] QLQ-C30 [version 3] and the EORTC Brain Cancer Module [QLQ-BN20]) and global cognitive functioning (assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]). We did analyses on the intention-to-treat population. This study is closed and is registered at EudraCT, number 2004-002714-11, and at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00182819. Findings Between Dec 6, 2005, and Dec 21, 2012, we randomly assigned 477 eligible patients to either radiotherapy (n=240) or temozolomide chemotherapy (n=237). The difference in HRQOL between the two treatment groups was not significant during the 36 months' follow-up (mean between group difference [averaged over all timepoints] 0·06, 95% CI −4·64 to 4·75, p=0·98). At baseline, 32 (13%) of 239 patients who received radiotherapy and 32 (14%) of 236 patients who received temozolomide chemotherapy had impaired cognitive function, according to the MMSE scores. After randomisation, five (8%) of 63 patients who received radiotherapy and three (6%) of 54 patients who received temozolomide chemotherapy and who could be followed up for 36 months had impaired cognitive function, according to the MMSE scores. No significant difference was recorded between the groups for the change in MMSE scores during the 36 months of follow-up. Interpretation The effect of temozolomide chemotherapy or radiotherapy on HRQOL or global cognitive functioning did not differ in patients with low-grade glioma. These results do not support the choice of temozolomide alone over radiotherapy alone in patients with high-risk low-grade glioma. Funding Merck Sharp & Dohme-Merck & Co, National Cancer Institute, Swiss Cancer League, National Institute for Health Research, Cancer Research UK, Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, National Health and Medical Research Council, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Cancer Research Fund.

BACKGROUND: Outcome of low-grade glioma (WHO grade II) is highly variable, reflecting molecular heterogeneity of the disease. We compared two different, single-modality treatment strategies of standard radiotherapy versus primary temozolomide chemotherapy in patients with low-grade glioma, and assessed progression-free survival outcomes and identified predictive molecular factors. METHODS: For this randomised, open-label, phase 3 intergroup study (EORTC 22033-26033), undertaken in 78 clinical centres in 19 countries, we included patients aged 18 years or older who had a low-grade (WHO grade II) glioma (astrocytoma, oligoastrocytoma, or oligodendroglioma) with at least one high-risk feature (aged >40 years, progressive disease, tumour size >5 cm, tumour crossing the midline, or neurological symptoms), and without known HIV infection, chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, or any condition that could interfere with oral drug administration. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either conformal radiotherapy (up to 50·4 Gy; 28 doses of 1·8 Gy once daily, 5 days per week for up to 6·5 weeks) or dose-dense oral temozolomide (75 mg/m(2) once daily for 21 days, repeated every 28 days [one cycle], for a maximum of 12 cycles). Random treatment allocation was done online by a minimisation technique with prospective stratification by institution, 1p deletion (absent vs present vs undetermined), contrast enhancement (yes vs no), age (

Since the creation of the EORTC Headquarters in 1974, major advances have been made in the methodology used in the design and analysis of cancer clinical trials. However, the speed of these developments in the fields of biology, medicine, and statistics has greatly increased since the turn of the 21st century. These changes have all become possible because of the increased computer power now available. The landscape of therapeutic anti-cancer development changed completely with the advent of the so-called “targeted agents” that treat the underlying molecular basis of the disease rather than the symptoms of tumor proliferation. The new challenges posed by the clinical development of these numerous new agents that are expected to work in often yet-to-be-identified subgroups of patients induced a new wave of methodological developments. Some of these were readily embraced by the EORTC Headquarters statistics department, while others met with opposition. Our assessment is still in progress in many areas. Trials tend to become increasingly complex so that their planning relies on an increasing number of unknown parameters that need to be monitored during the trial itself, one development being “adaptive” design methodology. Because the knowledge required to design these new and more complex clinical trials and associated research program spans more disciplines (biology, genomics, radiology) and involves specialized knowledge within those disciplines, continued success requires further developing our partnerships with specialized departments (imaging, bio-informatics, biology, etc.) within EORTC Headquarters and in EORTC affiliated centers as well as collaborations with specialized statisticians from academia.

Preusser M, Hoeftberger R, Woehrer A, Gelpi E, Kouwenhoven M, Kros J M, Sanson M, Idbaih A, Brandes A A, Heinzl H, Gorlia T, Hainfellner J A & van den Bent M (2012) Histopathology 60, 885–894 Prognostic value of Ki67 index in anaplastic oligodendroglial tumours – a translational study of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Brain Tumor Group Aims: To evaluate the prognostic value and clinical utility of Ki67 tumour cell proliferation index in anaplastic oligodendroglial tumours (AOT). Methods and results: We performed anti-Ki67 immunostaining (MIB-1 antibody) of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumour tissue specimens of 128 patients with newly diagnosed AOT that were treated in a randomized Phase III trial. Ki67 index was assessed by three independent observers and was correlated to clinical, histopathological and molecular features (including 1p/19q co-deletion, epithelial growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) amplification, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) mutations, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene (MGMT) promoter methylation, and patient survival times. Intra- and inter-observer agreement of Ki67 index assessment was excellent. Univariable analysis (n = 79) showed that patients with a low Ki67 index had significantly more favourable progression-free survival (PFS) (P-value = 0.004, log-rank test) and overall survival (OS) (P-value = 0.003, log-rank test) than patients with a high Ki67 index, respectively. On multivariable analysis (n = 43), Ki67 index showed no independent association with PFS or OS. Conclusions: In AOT the Ki67 index has a strong prognostic impact on univariable analysis, but no independent influence on multivariable analysis. However, further prospective studies including larger numbers of cases and standardized evaluation of Ki67 index in conjunction with other relevant prognostic parameters are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Item does not contain fulltext Glioblastoma (GBM) is a morphologically heterogeneous tumor type with a median survival of only 15 months in clinical trial populations. However, survival varies greatly among patients. As part of a central pathology review, we addressed the question if patients with GBM displaying distinct morphologic features respond differently to combined chemo-radiotherapy with temozolomide. Morphologic features were systematically recorded for 360 cases with particular focus on the presence of an oligodendroglioma-like component and respective correlations with outcome and relevant molecular markers. GBM with an oligodendroglioma-like component (GBM-O) represented 15% of all confirmed GBM (52/339) and was not associated with a more favorable outcome. GBM-O encompassed a pathogenetically heterogeneous group, significantly enriched for IDH1 mutations (19 vs. 3%, p = 0.003) and EGFR amplifications (71 vs. 48%, p = 0.04) compared with other GBM, while co-deletion of 1p/19q was found in only one case and the MGMT methylation frequency was alike (47 vs. 46%). Expression profiles classified most of the GBM-O into two subtypes, 36% (5/14 evaluable) as proneural and 43% as classical GBM. The detection of pseudo-palisading necrosis (PPN) was associated with benefit from chemotherapy (p = 0.0002), while no such effect was present in the absence of PPN (p = 0.86). In the adjusted interaction model including clinical prognostic factors and MGMT status, PPN was borderline nonsignificant (p = 0.063). Taken together, recognition of an oligodendroglioma-like component in an otherwise classic GBM identifies a pathogenetically mixed group without prognostic significance. However, the presence of PPN may indicate biological features of clinical relevance for further improvement of therapy. 01 juni 2012

Background: Prognostic models have been developed to predict survival of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). To improve predictions, models should be updated with information at the recurrence. We performed a pooled analysis of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) trials on recurrent glioblastoma to validate existing clinical prognostic factors, identify new markers, and derive new predictions for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Methods: Data from 300 patients with recurrent GBM recruited in eight phase I or II trials conducted by the EORTC Brain Tumour Group were used to evaluate patient's age, sex, World Health Organisation (WHO) performance status (PS), presence of neurological deficits, disease history, use of steroids or anti-epileptics and disease characteristics to predict PFS and OS. Prognostic calculators were developed in patients initially treated by chemoradiation with temozolomide. Results: Poor PS and more than one target lesion had a significant negative prognostic impact for both PFS and OS. Patients with large tumours measured by the maximum diameter of the largest lesion (>= 42 mm) and treated with steroids at baseline had shorter OS. Tumours with predominant frontal location had better survival. Age and sex did not show independent prognostic values for PFS or OS. Conclusions: This analysis confirms performance status but not age as a major prognostic factor for PFS and OS in recurrent GBM. Patients with multiple and large lesions have an increased risk of death. With these data prognostic calculators with confidence intervals for both medians and fixed time probabilities of survival were derived. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item does not contain fulltext The treatment of patients with recurrent glioblastoma remains a major oncologic problem, with median survival after progression of 7-9 months. To determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), the combination of dasatinib and cyclonexyl-chloroethyl-nitrosourea (CCNU) was investigated in this setting. The study was designed as multicenter, randomized phase II trial, preceded by a lead-in safety phase. The safety component reported here, which also investigated pharmacokinetics and preliminary clinical activity, required expansion and is therefore considered a phase I part to establish a recommended dosing regimen of the combination of CCNU (90-110 mg/m(2)) and dasatinib (100-200 mg daily). Overall, 28 patients were screened, and 26 patients were enrolled. Five dose levels were explored. DLTs, mainly myelosuppression, occurred in 10 patients. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was recorded in 7 patients (26.9%) and thrombocytopenia in 11 patients (42.3%). No significant effect of CCNU coadministration on dasatinib pharmacokinetics was found. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.35 months (95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.4) and 6-month PFS was 7.7%. In this phase I study of recurrent glioblastoma patients, the combination of CCNU and dasatinib showed significant hematological toxicities and led to suboptimal exposure to both agents.

Despite similar morphological aspects, anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors (AOTs) form a heterogeneous clinical subgroup of gliomas. The chromosome arms 1p/19q codeletion has been shown to be a relevant biomarker in AOTs and to be perfectly exclusive from EGFR amplification in gliomas. To identify new genomic regions associated with prognosis, 60 AOTs from the EORTC trial 26951 were analyzed retrospectively using BAC-array-based comparative genomic hybridization. The data were processed using a binary tree method. Thirty-three BACs with prognostic value were identified distinguishing four genomic subgroups of AOTs with different prognosis (p

Objective: This analysis was performed to assess whether antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) modulate the effectiveness of temozolomide radiochemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Methods: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 26981-22981/National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) CE.3 clinical trial database of radiotherapy (RT) with or without temozolomide (TMZ) for newly diagnosed glioblastoma was examined to assess the impact of the interaction between AED use and chemoradiotherapy on survival. Data were adjusted for known prognostic factors. Results: When treatment began, 175 patients (30.5%) were AED-free, 277 (48.3%) were taking any enzyme-inducing AED (EIAED) and 135 (23.4%) were taking any non-EIAED. Patients receiving valproic acid (VPA) only had more grade 3/4 thrombopenia and leukopenia than patients without an AED or patients taking an EIAED only. The overall survival (OS) of patients who were receiving an AED at baseline vs not receiving any AED was similar. Patients receiving VPA alone (97 [16.9%]) appeared to derive more survival benefit from TMZ/RT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.63) than patients receiving an EIAED only (252 [44%]) (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.90) or patients not receiving any AED (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.93). Conclusions: VPA may be preferred over an EIAED in patients with glioblastoma who require an AED during TMZ-based chemoradiotherapy. Future studies are needed to determine whether VPA increases TMZ bioavailability or acts as an inhibitor of histone deacetylases and thereby sensitizes for radiochemotherapy in vivo. Neurology (R) 2011;77:1156-1164

Although low-grade gliomas (LGG) have a less aggressive course than do high-grade gliomas, the outcome of these tumours is ultimately fatal in most patients. Both the tumour and its treatment can cause disabling morbidity, particularly of cognitive functions. Because many patients present with seizures only, with no other signs and symptoms, maintenance of quality of life and function constitutes a particular challenge in LGG. The slow growth pattern of most LGG, and the rare radiological true responses despite a favourable clinical response to treatment, interferes with the use of progression-free survival as the primary endpoint in trials. Overall survival as an endpoint brings logistical challenges, and is sensitive to other non-investigational salvage therapies. Clinical trials for LGG need to consider other measures of patient benefit such as cognition, symptom burden, and seizure activity, to establish whether improved survival is reflected in prolonged wellbeing. This Review investigates clinical and imaging endpoints in trials of LGG, and provides response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) criteria for non-enhancing tumours. Additionally, other measures for patients with brain tumours that assess outcome are described. Similar considerations are relevant for trials of high-grade gliomas, although for these tumours survival is shorter and survival endpoints generally have more value than they do for LGG.

Purpose: The MGMT promoter methylation status has been suggested to be predictive for outcome to temozolomide chemotherapy in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Subsequent studies indicated that MGMT promoter methylation is a prognostic marker even in patients treated with radiotherapy alone, both in GBMs and in grade III gliomas. Experimental Design: To help determine the molecular mechanism behind this prognostic effect, we have conducted genome-wide methylation profiling and determined the MGMT promoter methylation status, 1p19q LOH, IDH1 mutation status, and expression profile on a series of oligodendroglial tumors [anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AOD) and anaplastic oligoastrocytomas (AOA)] within EORTC study 26951. The series was expanded with tumors of the same histology and treatment from our own archive. Results: Methylation profiling identified two main subgroups of oligodendroglial brain tumors of which survival in the CpG island hypermethylation phenotype (CIMP+) subgroup was markedly better than the survival of the unmethylated (CIMP−) subgroup (5.62 vs. 1.24 years; P < 0.0001). CIMP status correlated with survival, MGMT promoter methylation, 1p19q LOH, and IDH1 mutation status. CIMP status strongly increases the predictive accuracy of survival in a model including known clinical prognostic factors such as age and performance score. We validated our results on an independent data set from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Conclusion: The strong association between CIMP status and MGMT promoter methylation suggests that the MGMT promoter methylation status is part of a more general, prognostically favorable genome-wide methylation profile. Methylation profiling therefore may help identify AODs and AOAs with improved prognosis. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7148–55. ©2011 AACR.

BACKGROUND: Depatux-M is an antibody-drug-conjugate consisting of an antibody (ABT-806) specific to the activated conformation of EGFR bound to the toxin monomethylauristatin-F. In the primary analysis on EORTC 1410 we reported a trend (p = 0.06) towards improved overall survival (OS) in patients with EGFR-amplified (amp) recurrent glioblastoma treated with Depatux-M in combination with temozolomide. METHODS: Eligible were patients with centrally confirmed EGFRamp glioblastoma at 1st recurrence after temozolomide chemo-irradiation. Patients were randomized to either a) Depatux-M 1.0 mg/kg every 2 weeks intravenously, or b) the same treatment combined with temozolomide 150–200 mg/m2 day 1–5 every 4 weeks, or c) either lomustine or temozolomide (TMZ/LOM) depending on the time of relapse. Primary endpoint was OS. Pharmacokinetic sampling was part of the study design, all samples were used to calculate the Depatux-M average concentration during course 1 (CavgC1). The level of EGFRamp was re-analysed using next generation sequencing. RESULTS: In February 2018, an updated OS comparison performed after 220 observed deaths of Depatux-M in combination with TMZ versus TMZ/LOM using log-rank test and cox models stratified by stratification factors at randomization showed a HR of 0.68 (95%CI [0.48, 0.95]; p = 0.024) and 1-year OS rates of 40% versus 28%. In multivariate analysis CavgC1 was a significant predictor for OS (HR 0.96, 95% CI [0.93, 0.98], p = 0.0013). In Depatux-M treated patients, EGFR status (high vs low level amplification) did not correlate with OS. At the meeting the follow-up from Aug 2018 will be presented, obtained more than 24 months after the end of accrual. CONCLUSION: This updated OS analysis of Depatux-M in combination with temozolomide confirmed the OS improvement in EGFRamp recurrent glioblastoma. In Depatux-M treated patients, higher drug levels during course 1 were associated with improved OS, but high levels of EGFR amplification at first diagnosis were not.

INTRODUCTION: Current efforts to improve patient survival in recurrent glioblastomas (GBMs) are often based on targeting the tumors acquired genetic changes. However, most molecular data is derived from the initial tumor: resections of recurrent GBMs are seldom performed. This study aims to assess whether genetic traits of initial GBMs are still present at recurrence. METHODS: DNA/RNA was isolated from pairs of initial and recurrent Stupp-treated GBM tumor samples (FFPE) and sequenced on a panel of 365 cancer genes. MGMT promotor methylation was determined by MS-PCR, EGFRvIII by RT-PCR and TERT-promotor mutations by SNaPshot. RESULTS: 276 patients from ten medical centers in six countries were identified with median age of 54.1 years. Median survival was 23.7 months, and median time to second surgery 13.0 months. Only 10 of 186 sequenced matched tumor pairs were IDH-mutated (5.4%). Overall, genetic traits of initial GBMs were stable with a median retention rate of coding mutations of 81.8%. Similarly, copy number changes (CNVkit/GISTIC) generally were retained at tumor recurrence. However, the retention rate was also ~80% in all of the major GBM driver pathways (TP53 signaling, RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK, RTK signaling). This is important as decreases 20% of loss of a marker requires a doubling of the number of included patients to achieve a similar power (assuming an objective response rate of 40% as a positive outcome). One noticeable change was a loss of TERT-promoter mutations in 7.5% of recurrent samples. Only four tumors were hypermutated (> 100 coding mutations) at recurrence, though more samples (n=12) acquired mutations in MSH2 and MSH6. Only one EGFR-amplified tumor was hypermutated. CONCLUSION: EGFR-amplified GBMs seldom transform into hypermutated tumors which suggests immune-checkpoint inhibitors have limited clinical use in recurrent GBMs. Re-sampling should be considered prior to inclusion in targeted therapy trials to ensure proper patient selection.

INTRODUCTION: Symptom management in glioma patients remains a challenge, as patients suffer from various concurrent occurring symptoms. This study aimed to identify symptom clusters and to examine the relation between these symptom clusters and functioning. METHODS: We prospectively included individual patient data from previously published international randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in glioma patients. Symptom prevalence and level of functioning were assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 questionnaires. The magnitude of the associations between symptoms were examined with Spearman correlation coefficients and correlation matrices. Hierarchical cluster analyses (looking at euclidean distances) were performed to identify symptom clusters. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to analyze associations between the symptom clusters and functioning, adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS: Data of 3595 newly diagnosed glioma patients who completed the questionnaires before randomization indicated that many patients (44%) suffered from 5–10 symptoms simultaneously. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue, drowsiness and motor dysfunction, experienced by 86%, 59% and 55% of the patients respectively. Five symptom clusters were identified with hierarchical cluster analyses: motor cluster, fatigue cluster, headache cluster, gastrointestinal/seizures cluster and hair loss/itchy skin cluster. Having symptoms in the motor cluster had a clinically relevant and significant negative influence (≥10points difference) on the global health status/quality of life scale, and physical, role, cognitive and social functioning (Beta’s ranged from -10.9 to -18.6, all p

Purpose To evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) administered in an intensified 1-week on/1-week off schedule plus indomethacin in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Patients and Methods A total of 41 adult patients (median Karnofsky performance status, 90%; median age, 56 years) were treated with preirradiation TMZ at 150 mg/m 2 (1 week on/1 week off), involved-field radiotherapy combined with concomitant low-dose TMZ (50 mg/m 2 ), maintenance TMZ starting at 150 mg/m 2 using a 1-week on/1-week off schedule, plus maintenance indomethacin (25 mg twice daily). Results The median follow-up interval was 21.7 months. Grade 4 hematologic toxicity was observed in 15 patients (36.6%). Treatment-related nonhematologic Grade 4-5 toxicity was reported for 2 patients (4.9%). The median progression-free survival was 7.6 months (95% confidence interval, 6.2–10.4). The 1-year survival rate was 73.2% (95% confidence interval, 56.8–84.2%). The presence of O 6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter methylation in the tumor tissue was associated with significantly superior progression-free survival. Conclusion The dose-dense regimen of TMZ administered in a 1-week on/1-week off schedule resulted in acceptable nonhematologic toxicity. Compared with data from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/National Cancer Institute of Canada trial 26981-22981/CE.3, patients with an unmethylated MGMT gene promoter appeared not to benefit from intensifying the TMZ schedule regarding the median progression-free survival and overall survival. In contrast, data are promising for patients with a methylated MGMT promoter.

2023Background: Depatux-M is a tumor-specific antibody-drug-conjugate consisting of an antibody (ABT-806) bound to the toxin monomethylauristatin-F. In the primary analysis on EORTC 1410 we reporte...

Background: Glioblastoma is a highly vascularised tumour with a high expression of both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGFR. PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK, vatalanib), a multiple VEGF receptor inhibitor, blocks the intracellular tyrosine kinase activity of all known VEGF receptors and is therefore suitable for long-term therapy of pathologic tumour neovascularisation. Patients and methods: The study was designed as an open-label, phase I/II study. A classic 3 + 3 design was selected. PTK/ZK was added to standard concomitant and adjuvant treatment, beginning in the morning of day 1 of radiotherapy (RT), and given continuously until disease progression or toxicity. PTK/ZK doses started from 500 mg with subsequent escalations to 1000 and 1250 mg/d. Adjuvant or maintenance PTK after the end of radiochemotherapy was given at a previously established dose of 750 mg twice daily continuously with TMZ at the standard adjuvant dose. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicities at a once daily dose of 1250 mg were grade 3 diarrhoea (n = 1), grade 3 ALT increase (n = 2), and myelosuppression. with grade 4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia (n = 1). The recommended dose of PTK/ZK in combination with radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) is 1000 mg once a day. This treatment is safe and well tolerated. Conclusion: In our phase I study once daily administration of up to 1000 mg of PTK/ZK in conjunction with concomitant temozolomide and radiotherapy was feasible and safe. Prolonged administration of this oral agent is manageable. The planned randomised phase II trial was discontinued right at its onset due to industry decision not to further develop this agent. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Purpose: Recent studies have shown the prognostic significance of IDH1 mutations in glioma. It is yet unclear if IDH1 mutations are predictive for outcome to chemotherapy. We determined the effect of IDH1 mutations on progression-free survival and overall survival (OS), and its correlation with other clinical and molecular features in the prospective randomized European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer study 26951 on adjuvant procarbazine, 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea, and vincristine (PCV) in anaplastic oligodendroglioma. Experimental Design: IDH1 and IDH2 alterations of the mutational hotspot codons R132 and R172 were assessed by the bidirectional cycle sequencing of PCR-amplified fragments. MGMT promoter methylation was assessed using methylation-specific multiplex ligation–dependant probe amplification based on methylation-sensitive restriction analysis. Loss of chromosomes 1p, 19q, 10, and 10q and the gain of 7 and the EGFR gene were assessed with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: From 159 patients, sufficient material was available for IDH1 analysis. In 151 and 118 of these patients, respectively, the 1p/19q status and the MGMT promoter methylation status were known. In 73 cases (46%), an IDH1 mutation was found and only one IDH2 mutation was identified. The presence of IDH1 mutations correlated with 1p/19q codeletion and MGMT promoter methylation, and inversely correlated with loss of chromosome 10, EGFR amplification, polysomy of chromosome 7, and the presence of necrosis. IDH1 mutations were found to be prognostic in the radiotherapy- and the radiotherapy/PCV-treated patients, for both progression-free survival and OS. With Cox proportional hazard modeling for OS with stepwise selection, IDH1 mutations and 1p/19q codeletion but not MGMT promoter methylation were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: In this homogeneously treated group of anaplastic oligodendroglioma patients, the presence of IDH1 mutations was found to carry a very strong prognostic significance for OS but without evidence of a predictive significance for outcome to PCV chemotherapy. IDH1 mutations were strongly associated with 1p/19q codeletion and MGMT promoter methylation. Clin Cancer Res; 16(5); 1597–604

Recent studies have shown that the clinical outcome of anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors is variable, but also that the histological diagnosis is subject to interobserver variation. We investigated whether the assessment of 1p/19q codeletion, polysomy of chromosome 7, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene amplification (EGFR(amp)), and loss of chromosome 10 or 10q offers additional prognostic information to the histological diagnosis and would allow molecular subtyping. For this study, we used the clinical data and tumor samples of the patients included in multicenter prospective phase III European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) study 26951 on the effects of adjuvant procarbazine, chloroethyl cyclohexylnitrosourea (lomustine), and vincristine chemotherapy in anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to assess copy number aberrations of chromosome 1p, 19q, 7, 10, and 10q and EGFR. Three different analyses were performed: on all included patients based on local pathology diagnosis, on the patients with confirmed anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors on central pathology review, and on this latter group but after excluding anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AOA) with necrosis. As a reference set for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), patients from the prospective randomized phase III study on GBM (EORTC 26981) were used as a benchmark. In 257 of 368 patients, central pathology review confirmed the presence of an anaplastic oligodendroglial tumor. Tumors with combined 1p and 19q loss (1p(loss)19q(loss)) were histopathologically diagnosed as anaplastic oligodendroglioma, were more frequently located in the frontal lobe, and had a better outcome. Anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors with EGFR amp were more frequently AOA, were more often localized outside the frontal lobe, and had a survival similar to that for GBM. Survival of patients with AOA harboring necrosis was in a similar range as for GBM, while patients with AOA with only endothelial proliferation had better overall survival. In univariate analyses, all molecular factors except loss of 10q were of prognostic significance, but on multivariate analysis a histopathological diagnosis of AOA, necrosis, and 1p(loss)19q(loss) remained independent prognostic factors. AOA tumors with necrosis are to be considered WHO grade IV tumors (GBM). Of all molecular markers analyzed in this study, especially loss of 1p/19q carried prognostic significance, while the others contributed little prognostic value to classical histology. Neuro-Oncology 11, 737-746, 2009 (Posted to Neuro-Oncology [serial online], Doc. D08-00260, February 17, 2009. URL http://neuro-oncology.dukeiournals.org; DOI: 10.1215/15228517-2009-011)

The rest-activity circadian rhythm (CircAct) reflects the function of the circadian timing system. In a prior single-institution study, the extent of CircAct perturbation independently predicted for survival and tumor response in 192 patients receiving chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Moreover, the main CircAct parameters correlated with several health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scales. In this prospective study, we attempted to extend these results to an independent cohort of chemotherapy-naive metastatic colorectal cancer patients participating in an international randomized phase III trial (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 05963). Patients were randomized to receive chronomodulated or conventional infusion of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients from nine institutions completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 and wore a wrist accelerometer (actigraph) for 3 days before chemotherapy delivery. Two validated parameters (I |0.25|; P < 0.01). I

Contains fulltext : 80810.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: In 2004, a randomised phase III trial by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC) reported improved median and 2-year survival for patients with glioblastoma treated with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide and radiotherapy. We report the final results with a median follow-up of more than 5 years. METHODS: Adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma were randomly assigned to receive either standard radiotherapy or identical radiotherapy with concomitant temozolomide followed by up to six cycles of adjuvant temozolomide. The methylation status of the methyl-guanine methyl transferase gene, MGMT, was determined retrospectively from the tumour tissue of 206 patients. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT00006353. FINDINGS: Between Aug 17, 2000, and March 22, 2002, 573 patients were assigned to treatment. 278 (97%) of 286 patients in the radiotherapy alone group and 254 (89%) of 287 in the combined-treatment group died during 5 years of follow-up. Overall survival was 27.2% (95% CI 22.2-32.5) at 2 years, 16.0% (12.0-20.6) at 3 years, 12.1% (8.5-16.4) at 4 years, and 9.8% (6.4-14.0) at 5 years with temozolomide, versus 10.9% (7.6-14.8), 4.4% (2.4-7.2), 3.0% (1.4-5.7), and 1.9% (0.6-4.4) with radiotherapy alone (hazard ratio 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.7; p

Purpose Glioblastomas are notorious for resistance to therapy, which has been attributed to DNA-repair proficiency, a multitude of deregulated molecular pathways, and, more recently, to the particular biologic behavior of tumor stem-like cells. Here, we aimed to identify molecular profiles specific for treatment resistance to the current standard of care of concomitant chemoradiotherapy with the alkylating agent temozolomide. Patients and Methods Gene expression profiles of 80 glioblastomas were interrogated for associations with resistance to therapy. Patients were treated within clinical trials testing the addition of concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide to radiotherapy. Results An expression signature dominated by HOX genes, which comprises Prominin-1 (CD133), emerged as a predictor for poor survival in patients treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy (n = 42; hazard ratio = 2.69; 95% CI, 1.38 to 5.26; P = .004). This association could be validated in an independent data set. Provocatively, the HOX cluster was reminiscent of a “self-renewal” signature (P = .008; Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) recently characterized in a mouse leukemia model. The HOX signature and EGFR expression were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis, adjusted for the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation status, a known predictive factor for benefit from temozolomide, and age. Better outcome was associated with gene clusters characterizing features of tumor-host interaction including tumor vascularization and cell adhesion, and innate immune response. Conclusion This study provides first clinical evidence for the implication of a “glioma stem cell” or “self-renewal” phenotype in treatment resistance of glioblastoma. Biologic mechanisms identified here to be relevant for resistance will guide future targeted therapies and respective marker development for individualized treatment and patient selection.

Summary Background A randomised trial published by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Clinical Trials Group (trial 26981-22981/CE.3) showed that addition of temozolomide to radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma significantly improved survival. We aimed to undertake an exploratory subanalysis of the EORTC and NCIC data to confirm or identify new prognostic factors for survival in adult patients with glioblastoma, derive nomograms that predict an individual patient's prognosis, and suggest stratification factors for future trials. Methods Data from 573 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma who were randomly assigned to radiotherapy alone or to the same radiotherapy plus temozolomide in the EORTC and NCIC trial were included in this subanalysis. Survival modelling was done in three patient populations: intention-to-treat population of all randomised patients (population 1); patients assigned temozolomide and radiotherapy (population 2, n=287); and patients assigned temozolomide and radiotherapy who had assessment of MGMT promoter methylation status and who had undergone tumour resection (population 3, n=103). Cox proportional hazards models were fitted with and without O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase ( MGMT ) promoter methylation status. Nomograms were developed to predict an individual patient's median and 2-year survival probabilities. No nomogram was developed in the radiotherapy-alone group because combined treatment is now the new standard of care. Findings Independent of the MGMT promoter methylation status, analysis in all randomised patients (population 1) identified combined treatment with temozolomide, more extensive tumour resection, younger age, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 27 or higher, and no corticosteroid treatment at baseline as independent prognostic factors correlated with improved survival outcome. In patients assigned temozolomide and radiotherapy (population 2), younger age, better performance status, more extensive tumour resection, and MMSE score of 27 or higher were associated with better survival. In patients who had tumours resected, who were assigned temozolomide and radiotherapy, and who had available MGMT promoter methylation status (population 3), methylated MGMT , better performance status, and MMSE score of 27 or higher were associated with improved survival. Nomograms were developed and are available at http://www.eortc.be/tools/gbmcalculator. Interpretation MGMT promoter methylation status, age, performance status, extent of resection, and MMSE are suggested as eligibility or stratification factors for future trials in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Stratifying by MGMT promoter methylation status should be mandatory in all glioblastoma trials that use alkylating chemotherapy. Nomograms can be used to predict an individual patient's prognosis, and they integrate pertinent molecular information that is consistent with a paradigm shift towards individualised patient management.

Background: In a previous randomised EORTC study on adjuvant dibromodulcitol (DBD) and bichloroethylnitrosourea (BCNU) in adults with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), a clinically significant trend towards a longer overall survival (OS) and a progression-free survival (PFS) was observed in the subgroup of AA. The aim of the present study was to test this adjuvant regimen in a larger number of AA patients. Methods: Continuation of the previous phase III trial for newly diagnosed AA according to the local pathologist. Patients were randomised to either radiotherapy only or to radiotherapy in combination with BCNU on day 2 and weekly DBD, followed by adjuvant DBD and BCNU in cycles of six weeks for a maximum total treatment duration of one year. OS was the primary end-point. Results: Patients (193) with newly diagnosed AA according to local pathological assessment were randomised to radiotherapy (RT) alone (n = 99), or to RT plus DBD/BCNU (n = 94); 12 patients were considered not eligible. At central pathology review, over half (53%) of the locally diagnosed AA cases could not be confirmed. On intent-to-treat analysis, no statistically significant differences in OS (p = 0.111) and PFS (p = 0.087) were observed, median OS after RT was only 23.9 months 95% confidence interval (CI), [18.4-34.0] after RT plus DBD/ BCNU 27.3 months 95% CI [21.4-46.8]. Conclusion: No statistically significant improvement in survival was observed after BCNU/ DBD adjuvant chemotherapy in AA patients. The trend towards improved survival is consistent with previous reports. Central pathology review of grade 3 tumours remains crucial. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contains fulltext : 69651.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) The chromosome (chr) 1p deletion is a favorable biomarker in oligodendroglial tumors and is even more powerful a marker when combined with chr 19q loss. As a result, the 1p deletion is taken into account more and more in clinical trials and the management of patients. However, the laboratory technique implemented for detection of this biomarker has been a topic of debate. To illustrate the usefulness of evaluating multiple loci, we here report two anaplastic oligodendrogliomas that were investigated using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Indeed, segmental analysis using FISH, limited to chr 1p36 was unable to discriminate between complete and partial deletions of chrs 1p. However, complete and partial deletions of 1p are reported to have distinct clinical outcomes. Our results illustrate that aCGH (or other multiple loci technologies) provide complementary information to single locus technologies such as FISH because multiple loci technologies can evaluate the extent of the chr 1p deletion.