Search

Background. The use of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is controversial for rectal adenocarcinoma. Both international and national guidelines display a great span varying from recommending no adjuvant chemotherapy at all, over single drug 5-fluororuacil (5-FU), to combinations of 5-FU/oxaliplatin.Methods. A review of the literature was made identifying 24 randomized controlled trials on adjuvant treatment of rectal cancer based on about 10 000 patients. The trials were subdivided into a number of clinically relevant subgroups.Results. As regards patients treated with preoperative (chemo) radiotherapy, four randomized studies were found where use of adjuvant chemotherapy showed no benefit in survival. Three trials were found in which a subset of patients received preoperative (chemo) radiotherapy. Two of these trials showed a statistically significant benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. Twenty trials were identified in which the patients did not receive preoperative (chemo) radiotherapy, including five Asian studies in which a statistically significant benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy was reported.Conclusions. Most of the data found did not support the use of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for patients already treated with preoperative (chemo) radiotherapy. For patients not treated preoperatively, several studies support the use of single agent 5-FU chemotherapy. Treatment guidelines seem to differ according to if preoperative chemoradiation is considered of importance for use of adjuvant chemotherapy and if adjuvant colon cancer studies are considered transferrable to rectal cancer patients regardless of the molecular differences.

Circulating forms of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are associated with prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Preclinical studies have shown that uPAR can influence the state of phosphorylation and signalling activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a ligand-independent manner. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether plasma soluble intact and cleaved uPAR(I-III)+(II-III) levels could identify a subpopulation of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) where treatment with cetuximab would have a beneficial effect. Plasma samples were available from 453 patients treated in the NORDIC VII study. Patients were randomized between FLOX and FLOX + cetuximab. The levels of uPAR(I-III)+(II-III) were determined by time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay. We demonstrated that higher baseline plasma uPAR(I-III)+(II-III) levels were significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.30, 1.14-1.48, p = 0.0001) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.75, 1.52-2.02, p

Oxaliplatin causes disabling acute and chronic peripheral neuropathy. We explored the preventive effects of calmangafodipir, mimicking the mitochondrial enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress, in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded randomised phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov.NCT01619423) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).mCRC patients treated with modified FOLFOX-6 (folinic acid 200 mg/mEleven patients were included in phase I without any detectable toxicity to calmangafodipir. In the phase II study, 173 patients were randomised to placebo (n = 60), calmangafodipir 2 µmol/kg (n = 57) and calmangafodipir 5 µmol/kg (n = 45, initially 10 µmol/kg, n = 11). Calmangafodipir-treated patients (all three doses pooled) had less physician graded neurotoxicity (odds ratio (90% confidence interval one-sided upper level) 0.62(1.15), p = .16), significantly less problems with cold allodynia (mean 1.6 versus 2.3, p .05) and significantly fewer sensory symptoms in the Leonard scale (cycle 1-8 mean 1.9 versus 3.0, p .05 and during follow-up after 3 and 6 months, mean 3.5 versus 7.3, p .01). Response rate, progression-free and overall survival did not differ among groups.Calmangafodipir at a dose of 5 µmol/kg appears to prevent the development of oxaliplatin-induced acute and delayed CIPN without apparent influence on tumour outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Preventing loss of muscle mass and function is an enduring challenge in malnourished patients with incurable cancer. The benefit of supplemental home parenteral nutrition has not been firmly established. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of supplemental home parenteral nutrition, the primary endpoint being fat free mass (FFM) and secondary: muscle function, quality of life and overall survival.DESIGN AND METHODS: In a single centre open-label randomised controlled trial, patients with incurable gastrointestinal cancer, nutritionally at risk, were randomly assigned to either; a) best practice nutritional care and dietetic counselling (non-sHPN) or b) dietetic counselling and supplemental home parenteral nutrition (sHPN group). Treatment duration was 24 weeks with visits every six weeks for five scheduled visits. Main outcome was gain in bioelectrical impedance analyses (BIA) estimated FFM. Secondary outcomes were muscle strength, quality of life and survival.RESULTS: Eligible for inclusion were 234 patients, 47 of these accepted enrolment; 25 were randomized to non-sHPN and 22 to sHPN according to performance status, age and diagnoses. Median age was 66.9 (41.5-88.2), BMI 21.3 (14.8-35.7) and (91%) were receiving palliative chemotherapy. Median FFM and fat free mass index increased in the sHPN group. At 12 weeks a significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between the groups; in the sHPN group 69% of the patients (versus 40%) increased their FFM. Handgrip strength increased in both groups but without significance between the two. Quality of life at 12 weeks was significantly better (p < 0.05) in the sHPN group. No difference was noticed in survival, median 169 (CI 88-295) days versus 168 (CI 80-268) days. Study completion was accomplished by 36%; 60% died before end of study.CONCLUSIONS: Providing supplemental home parenteral nutrition may prevent loss of FFM, and it is even possible to increase FFM in patients with incurable gastrointestinal cancer. Supplementation with parenteral nutrition might have a temporarily positive impact on quality of life.TRIAL REGISTRATION: (NCT02066363) www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Background Mutation status of RAS and BRAF, as well as serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), are biomarkers used in clinical management of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. This study aimed to examine the prognostic role of these biomarkers in a patient population that started first-line chemotherapy for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the NORDIC-VII study. Methods CEA and CA 19-9 were measured in serum samples from 545 patients obtained before the start of chemotherapy. Four hundred and ninety-four patients had detectable levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9). RAS (exons 2–4) and BRAF (V600E) mutation status were available from 440 patients. Overall survival (OS) was estimated in patient groups defined by serum CEA or CA 19-9 levels using cut-off values of 5 µg/L and 35 kU/L, respectively, in the total population and in subgroups according to RAS and BRAF mutation status. Results For both CEA and CA 19-9, elevated serum levels were associated with reduced OS in adjusted analyses which included RAS and BRAF mutation status, baseline World Health Organization performance status, and levels of alkaline phosphatase and C-reactive protein. The negative prognostic information provided by an elevated CA 19-9 level was particularly marked in patients with BRAF mutation (hazard ratio = 4.35, interaction P = 0.003, in an adjusted model for OS). Conclusions High baseline serum concentrations of CEA and CA 19-9 provide independent information of impaired prognosis in mCRC. In patients with BRAF-mutant tumours, elevated serum CA 19-9 may identify a subgroup with highly aggressive disease and could contribute to improving therapeutic decisions.

BACKGROUND: Brain metastases (BM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are rare, but the incidence is suspected to rise as treatment of metastatic (m) CRC improves. The aim of this study was to identify possible biological and clinical characteristics at initial presentation of mCRC that could predict later risk of developing BM. Furthermore, we wished to estimate the incidence of BM in long-term surviving patients.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on a Danish multicenter cohort of patients with mCRC who received cetuximab and irinotecan (CetIri) as third-line treatment. All patients had previously progression on 5-FU, irinotecan and oxaliplatin containing regimens and received CetIri treatment independent of RAS mutations status. We subsequently performed KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PTEN, ERBB2 and EGFR sequencing of DNA extracted from primary tumor tissue.RESULTS: Totally, 480 patients were included in our study. BM were diagnosed in 42 [8.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.4-11.6%] patients. Patients with BM had a significantly longer survival from mCRC diagnosis than non-BM patients (median = 32 versus 28 months, p = 0.001). On univariate cox regression analysis, the risk of developing BM was significantly increased in patients with rectal cancer (HR = 3.9; 95% CI = 1.2-13.3), metachronous metastatic disease (HR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.2-4.4) and lung metastases (HR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.2-7.9). On multivariate cox regression analysis only lung metastases were significantly associated BM (HR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.8-6.8). None of the investigated mutations were associated with BM.CONCLUSION: The incidence of BM was 8.8% in patients with mCRC who received third-line therapy. The most important risk factor for developing BM was lung metastases. Furthermore, rectal cancer, metachronous metastatic disease and long survival were linked to BM development.

Patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) from pancreatic cancer have a short life expectancy. Systemic combination chemotherapy leads to a median overall survival of 7–8 months. Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a treatment alternative, where studies in patients with PM from ovarian, gastric and colorectal cancer show a high safety profile and interesting results. This case study report data on the PIPAC treatment in patients with PM from pancreatic cancer. In a standard laparoscopy, chemotherapeutics (cisplatin and doxorubicin) are nebulized within the peritoneal cavity. After 30 min, the chemotherapeutics are evacuated through a closed system. The PIPAC procedure is repeated every 4–6 weeks. Five patients with PM from pancreatic cancer were treated with a total of 16 PIPAC procedures. All patients received >1 PIPAC and were eligible for evaluation of histological regression. Four patients demonstrated histological regression, and one patient had stable disease. Three patients are still alive, and the median overall survival is 14 months (range 10–20) since the diagnosis of PM. The histological regression and survival figures in this pilot study suggest activity of PIPAC with low-dose cisplatin and doxorubicin in pretreated peritoneal metastasis of pancreatic origin. This should now be evaluated in prospective studies.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cetuximab on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the NORDIC-VII trial on metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and to assess HRQoL in relation to RAS and BRAF mutation status and inflammatory biomarkers. Patient and methods HRQoL was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) at baseline, after every fourth cycle of chemotherapy, and at the end of treatment. HRQoL during 12 cycles of chemotherapy was evaluated over time, compared between treatment arms, and assessed for association with tumour mutation status and inflammatory markers. Results QLQ-C30 was completed by 512 patients (90%) before start of treatment. HRQoL variables were well balanced across treatment arms at baseline, and no statistically significant differences during treatment were seen. Patients with BRAF -mutated tumours reported poorer HRQoL at baseline and subsequent time points than patients with RAS -mutated or RAS / BRAF wild-type tumours. Patients with high serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) or C-reactive protein (CRP) had markedly impaired HRQoL compared to patients with normal levels. There was a statistically significant association between reduction in IL-6 and CRP levels and improvement in HRQoL during treatment from baseline to cycle 4. Conclusion The addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy did not affect HRQoL in mCRC patients. Patients with BRAF -mutated tumours have both a worse prognosis and a poor HRQoL. The associations between levels of systemic inflammatory markers and reduced HRQoL suggest that the patients might benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment.

To the Editor,The oral fluoropyrimidine capecitabine is widely used in cancer therapy for solid tumours. It is often preferred over intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) due to its patient convenience ...

PURPOSE: Oxaliplatin causes disabling acute and chronic peripheral neuropathy. We explored the preventive effects of calmangafodipir, mimicking the mitochondrial enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress, in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded randomised phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov.NCT01619423) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).PATIENT AND METHODS: mCRC patients treated with modified FOLFOX-6 (folinic acid 200 mg/m(2), 5-fluorouracil bolus 400 mg/m(2), oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) and 5-fluorouracil 2400 mg/m(2) continuous infusion for 46 h) every fortnight for 8 cycles in first or second line were eligible. Calmangafodipir was given in a phase I dose-finding and in a phase II placebo-controlled study, as a 5-min infusion 10 min prior to oxaliplatin. Neurotoxicity was evaluated by the physician using the Oxaliplatin Sanofi Specific Scale and by the patient using the cold allodynia test and the Leonard scale.RESULTS: Eleven patients were included in phase I without any detectable toxicity to calmangafodipir. In the phase II study, 173 patients were randomised to placebo (n = 60), calmangafodipir 2 µmol/kg (n = 57) and calmangafodipir 5 µmol/kg (n = 45, initially 10 µmol/kg, n = 11). Calmangafodipir-treated patients (all three doses pooled) had less physician graded neurotoxicity (odds ratio (90% confidence interval one-sided upper level) 0.62(1.15), p = .16), significantly less problems with cold allodynia (mean 1.6 versus 2.3, p CONCLUSIONS: Calmangafodipir at a dose of 5 µmol/kg appears to prevent the development of oxaliplatin-induced acute and delayed CIPN without apparent influence on tumour outcomes.

BackgroundNo biomarker exists to guide the optimal choice of chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. We examined the copy numbers (CN) of topoisomerase I (TOP1) as well as the ratios of TOP1/CEN-20 and TOP1/CEN-2 as biomarkers for irinotecan efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.MethodsFrom a national cohort, we identified 163 patients treated every third week with irinotecan 350 mg/m2 as second-line therapy. Among these 108 were eligible for analyses and thus entered the study. Primary tumors samples were collected and tissue microarray (TMA) blocks were produced. FISH analysis was performed using two probe-mixes: TOP1/CEN-20 and TOP1/CEN-2. Only samples harboring all three signals (TOP1, CEN-20 and CEN-2) using FISH were included in the analyses.ResultsIn the TOP1/CEN-20 probe-mix the median TOP1- and CEN-20 CN were 4.46 (range: 1.5–9.5) and 2.00 (range: 0.55–4.55), respectively. The median TOP1- and CEN-2 CN in the TOP1/CEN-2 probe-mix, were 4.57 (range: 1.82–10.43) and 1.98 (range: 1.22–6.14), respectively. The median TOP1/CEN-20 ratio and TOP1/CEN-2 ratio were 1.25 (range: 0.92–2.90) and 2.05 (range: 1.00–6.00), respectively. None of the markers TOP1 CN, TOP1/CEN-20-ratio or TOP1/CEN-2-ratio were associated with progression free survival, overall survival or baseline characteristics. Yet, we observed a borderline association for a stepwise increase of the TOP1 CN in relation to objective response as hazard ratio were 1.35 (95% CI 0.96–1.90; p = 0.081).ConclusionsWe verified a borderline significant association between increasing TOP1 CN and objective response as previously reported. Applying the probes representing CEN-20 and CEN-2, in order to investigate the ratios of TOP1/CEN-20 and TOP1/CEN-2 provided no further information in search of a biomarker driven patient stratification. Other biomarkers to be paired with TOP1 CN are therefore highly warranted.

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of several standard chemotherapy regimens for patients with advanced gastro-esophageal adenocarcinoma (aGEA) in Europe. To enable outpatient treatment, we evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended dose (RD), dose limiting toxicity (DLT) and safety of docetaxel in combination with oxaliplatin (O) and S-1 (DOS) in Caucasian patients with aGEA.METHODS: We present final results of two parallel phase 1/2a studies (3 + 3 design). Escalating doses of docetaxel and S-1 with fixed dose O were given for 18 weeks every second week (DOS2w) or every third week (DOS3w) followed by S-1 maintenance therapy.RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (18 in DOS2w and 16 in DOS3w) were enrolled between October 2013 and June 2015. Median age was 65 years (range 49-78). DLT was most often febrile neutropenia. Most common severe non-hematological adverse events were diarrhea (9%) and fatigue (6%). The RD of DOS3w was: docetaxel 50 mg/m(2), O 100 mg/m(2) and S-1 25 mg/m(2) twice daily and of DOS2w was: docetaxel 40 mg/m(2), O 70 mg/m(2) and S-1 35 mg/m(2) twice daily. Overall, response rate was 56%; median progression-free survival was 9.1 months; and median overall survival was 13.2 months in 34 patients.CONCLUSIONS: At the RD, DOS2w and DOS3w showed an acceptable safety profile in patients with aGEA. Clinical trials ID: NCT-01928524 and EudraCT 2012-005187-10.

UNLABELLED: Oxaliplatin, irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil in combination with or without targeted therapies are well-documented treatment options for first- and second-line treatments of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, there are much less data on the beneficial effect on systemic therapy in the third-line setting. We therefore performed a systematic review of the current literature on third or later lines of treatment to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after the use of approved drugs or combinations.METHODS: A computer-based literature search was carried out using Pubmed and data reported at international meetings. Original studies reporting ≥15 patients who had previously received 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan were included. Furthermore, patients with KRAS wild type tumours should had received EGFR-directed therapy.RESULTS: Conventional chemotherapeutic agents as capecitabine, mitomycin C, and gemcitabine have limited or no activity. Retreatment with oxaliplatin might be an option in selected patients. In addition, rechallenge with EGFR-directed therapy might be a valuable strategy. Data also suggest that angiogenetic drugs may postpone further progression and prolong survival. Lately, regorafinib has been approved. In conclusion, our current knowledge is based on many retrospective studies, some phase II studies and very few randomized clinical trials. Further prospective phase III trials comparing an investigational drug or combination with best supportive care in third- or later lines of treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer are highly warranted. Identification of predictive biomarkers and improvement of our understanding of molecular mechanisms is crucial.

Background MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs. Circulating miRs in plasma are deregulated in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The aim was to find prognostic circulating miRs for overall survival (OS) in patients with mCRC treated with chemotherapy and cetuximab. Methods A prospective biomarker study was conducted. A full plasma miR-panel was tested with TaqMan Human MicroRNA assay in 151 patients treated with 3rd line irinotecan and cetuximab (Discovery cohort, Biweekly study). Significant miRs were validated with Fluidigm arrays, in 95 patients, treated with 1st line chemotherapy and cetuximab (Validation cohort, NORDIC-7.5 study1). Cox regression analysis was conducted, and multivariate analyses performed with adjustment for sidedness, number of metastatic sites, RAS/BRAF mutation status, age and performance status. Consecutive samples after 3 months of treatment were available for 117 and 86 patients in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. Results Baseline high expression of miR-1247 in the discovery and validation cohorts, was significantly associated with short OS (hazard ratio [HR]) = 2.33, p = 0.0005) based on the multivariate analysis in the validation cohort. High miR-1290 expression after 3 months was prognostic for short progression free-survival (HR = 1.57, p = 0.0465) in both cohorts. In both cohorts, we found a statistically significant decrease in, miR-1290 (p = 0.0051), miR-200b (p = 0.036), and miR-375 (p = 0.00005), from baseline to 3 month-sample, in patients with partial/complete (n = 78) response compared to patients with progressive disease (n = 72). Conclusions High expression of miR-1247 was prognostic for short OS in the multivariate analysis in a discovery and validation cohort of patients treated with chemotherapy and cetuximab in both first and third line. A decrease in miR-1247 and miR-1290 during treatment was associated with favorable response. 1Pfeiffer et al, Clin Colorectal Cancer 2015. Legal entity responsible for the study Jakob Vasehus Scho. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Background Cetuximab (cet) improves efficacy of first-line FOLFIRI in pts with RAS/RAFwt metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Triplet chemotherapy improves efficacy further but with increased toxicity. Alternating FOLFIRI/FOLFOX is a different way to administer all 3 cytotoxic drugs. We report the updated results from Nordic 8, a multi-centre, randomised trial comparing cet with FOLFIRI (arm A) or with FOLFIRI alternating with FOLFOX (arm B). Methods In this investigator initiated randomised trial, 173 chemo-naive mCRC patients received cet with FOLFIRI or cet with FOLFIRI (2 cycles) alternating with FOLFOX until PD. Main inclusion criteria were PS 0 or 1, RASwt and ESMO group 1-3 (prior to April 2014 only ESMO group 1 when 36 patients had been included)). The primary endpoint was RR (increase from 60% to 75%) and secondary endpoints were PFS, OS and safety. All endpoints were evaluated by the local investigator. Results From May 2012 to May 2018, 173 patients were randomized. Median age was 64 years (25% were at least 70 years), female 34%, PS 0 61%, ESMO group 1/2/3 64%/23%/13%. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the two groups. Median duration of therapy was 6.2 months in both arms and patients received a median of 11 and 12 cycles, respectively, without any difference in dose-intensity. In arm A and B overall RR was 69% and 78% (p = 0.17), median PFS was 11.9 (arm A) and 11.8 months (arm B) (HR 1.10; p = 0.60), and median OS was 40.7 and 39.2 months (HR 1.05; p = 0.82), respectively. Most important grade ≥ 3 adverse events were neutropenia (15% vs 17%), rash (9% vs 15%), diarrhoea (7% vs 11%), fatigue (7% vs 7%), and febrile neutropenia (3% vs 1%); 20% in arm B experienced neuropathy grade 2 (no grade 3). Final and updated PFS and OS with sub-group analysis will be presented. Conclusions Cet every two weeks in combination with FOLFIRI or alternating FOLFIRI/FOLFOX is well tolerated with high RR and long OS. We recommend FOLFIRI + cet every 2 weeks in patients with RAS and BRAFwt mCRC. Clinical trial identification 2011-004188-65. Legal entity responsible for the study Nordic Biomodulation Group. Funding Merck. Disclosure C. Kersten: Research grant / Funding (institution), Licensing / Royalties, Relationship is unrelated to this study: Merck KGaA. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

TPS3616 Background: Oxaliplatin (OXA), is approved in combination with 5-FU/FA (5-fluorouracil/folinic acid; FOLFOX) for metastatic as well as in adjuvant colo-rectal cancer (CRC) treatment. CIPN is a common adverse event, after OXA treatment. The incidence of chronic CIPN is approximately 15% after a cumulative dose of 780 to 850 mg/m² and 50% after a cumulative dose of 1170 mg/m². OXA induced neuropathy, results in greatly reduced nitrated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity. Treatment with a superoxide dismutase mimetic, such as calmangafodipir (CAL), prevents and reverses oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies. This has been demonstrated in the PLIANT study, with CAL (Glimelius et al. 2017). Methods: The POLAR program is a Phase 3, multicenter, placebo (PLC)-controlled program of CAL to prevent CIPN, recruiting in US, Europe (B, D, ES, F,ES, I and UK) and Asia (J, SK, TW and HK) and is described below; POLAR A Patients with CRC, treatment of patients with Stage III or high-risk Stage II who are indicated for adjuvant modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) chemotherapy for up to 6 months, randomized in a 1:1 ratio, each arm n = 140: A: CAL (5 µmol/kg) + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy B: PLC + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy POLAR M Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), who are indicated for first-line mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy for at least 3 months, without any pre-planned treatment breaks and will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio, each arm n = 140: A: CAL (2 µmol/kg) + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy B: CAL (5 µmol/kg) + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy C: PLC + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy Primary objective is to compare CAL vs PLC with respect to the proportion of patients with moderate or severe chronic CIPN. The primary endpoint is; Patient reported symptoms as proportion of patients scoring 3 or 4 in at least 1 of the first 4 items of the FACT/GOG-NTX-13 (i.e., FACT/GOG-NTX-4), targeting numbness, tingling or discomfort in hands and/or feet, assessed 9 months after the first dose of chemotherapy. In addition to conventional safety endpoints, Progressive Free Survival and Overall Survival are assessed in the POLAR M study. In the POLAR A study Disease Free Survival is one additional safety endpoint assessed. Results are expected during second half 2020. Clinical trial information: NCT03654729.

TPS722 Background: Oxaliplatin (OXA), is approved in combination with 5-FU/FA (5-fluorouracil/folinic acid; FOLFOX) for metastatic as well as in adjuvant colo-rectal cancer (CRC) treatment. CIPN is a common adverse event, after OXA treatment. The incidence of chronic CIPN is approximately 15% after a cumulative dose of 780 to 850 mg/m² and 50% after a cumulative dose of 1170 mg/m². OXA induced neuropathy, results in greatly reduced nitrated manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity. Treatment with a superoxide dismutase mimetic, such as calmangafodipir (CAL), prevents and reverses oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies. This has been demonstrated in the PLIANT study (Glimelius et al. 2017). Methods: The POLAR program is a phase III, multicenter, placebo (PLC)-controlled program of CAL to prevent CIPN, initiated in US, Europe and Asia: POLAR A patients with CRC, treatment of patients with stage III or high-risk stage II who are indicated for adjuvant modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) chemotherapy for up to 6 months, randomized in a 1:1 ratio, each arm n = 140: A: CAL (5 µmol/kg) + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy B: PLC + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy POLAR M Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), who are indicated for first-line mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy for at least 3 months, without any pre-planned treatment breaks and will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio, each arm n = 140: A: CAL (2 µmol/kg) + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy B: CAL (5 µmol/kg) + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy C: PLC + mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy. Primary objective is to compare CAL versus PLC with respect to the proportion of patients with moderate or severe chronic CIPN. The primary endpoint is; patient reported symptoms as proportion of patients scoring 3 or 4 in at least 1 of the first 4 items of the FACT/GOG-NTX-13 (i.e., FACT/GOG-NTX-4), targeting numbness, tingling or discomfort in hands and/or feet, assessed 9 months after the first dose of chemotherapy. In addition to conventional safety endpoints, Progressive Free Survival and Overall Survival are assessed in the POLAR M study. In the POLAR A study Disease Free Survival is one additional safety endpoint assessed. Results are expected during second half of 2020. Clinical trial information: NCT03654729.

In metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) trials, median survival has increased from 6 months to above 20 months during the previous decades. Uncertainty exists in how this survival improvement has translated to the general mCRC population.Survival data from patients with synchronous mCRC were collected from the Norwegian (1980-2008), Swedish (1996-2008) and Danish (2001-09) cancer registries.A total of 29 628 patients were identified. From 1980-1985 to 2006-2008, median survival increased from 5 to 10 months for Norwegian patients. Three-year survival increased from 7% to 21% and 5-year survival from 4% to 9%. For patients60 years, median survival was doubled to 16 months, 3-year survival increased fourfold up to 28% and 5-year survival threefold up to 14%. Similar improvements were seen in Sweden and Denmark. In all countries, the improved outcome was seen especially for younger patients and much less for patients75 years of age.An increase in median and long-term survival over time was found in unselected population-based registries of patients with synchronous mCRC. The improved outcome in survival was especially seen in younger patients, raising concerns over our ability to adapt available treatment options for elderly patients.

Background: To clarify if early reduction in standard uptake value (SUV) could predict metabolic response, radiologic response and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving third-line treatment. Material and methods: Patients were regardless of KRAS status, included in this phase II trial. They were treated with the monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, and the chemotherapeutic drug, irinotecan, every second week. A F18-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was scheduled before the first and second treatment, respectively, and then after every fourth treatment. Early metabolic response after one treatment and best overall metabolic response was calculated according to EORTC criteria (responders: ≥15% decrease in ∑SUVmax) and PERCIST (responders: ≥30% decrease in SULpeak). Best overall radiologic response was calculated according to RECIST 1.0. Results: By EORTC criteria, early metabolic response predicted partial metabolic response (PMR) with a high positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.875 and a high negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.714. Partial radiologic response was predicted with a low PPV of 0.368 but a high NPV of 1.0. By PERCIST, PMR was predicted with a high PPV of 0.826 and an intermediate NPV of 0.667 and partial radiologic response was predicted with a low PPV of 0.5 but a high NPV of 1.0. Median OS was nearly the same with the two criteria sets; 14.1 months for early metabolic responders and 9.9 months for non-responders using EORTC criteria and 13.5 and 10.1 months, respectively, using PERCIST. Conclusions: With both EORTC criteria and PERCIST, early reduction in FDG uptake was predictive of a later partial metabolic and partial radiologic response to treatment. It was also predictive of significantly longer survival of early metabolic responders compared to non-responders. However, the sensitivities and specificities were not high enough to support clinical routine use.

To clarify if early reduction in standard uptake value (SUV) could predict metabolic response, radiologic response and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving third-line treatment.Patients were regardless of KRAS status, included in this phase II trial. They were treated with the monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, and the chemotherapeutic drug, irinotecan, every second week. A F18-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was scheduled before the first and second treatment, respectively, and then after every fourth treatment. Early metabolic response after one treatment and best overall metabolic response was calculated according to EORTC criteria (responders: ≥15% decrease in ∑SUVmax) and PERCIST (responders: ≥30% decrease in SULpeak). Best overall radiologic response was calculated according to RECIST 1.0.By EORTC criteria, early metabolic response predicted partial metabolic response (PMR) with a high positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.875 and a high negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.714. Partial radiologic response was predicted with a low PPV of 0.368 but a high NPV of 1.0. By PERCIST, PMR was predicted with a high PPV of 0.826 and an intermediate NPV of 0.667 and partial radiologic response was predicted with a low PPV of 0.5 but a high NPV of 1.0. Median OS was nearly the same with the two criteria sets; 14.1 months for early metabolic responders and 9.9 months for non-responders using EORTC criteria and 13.5 and 10.1 months, respectively, using PERCIST.With both EORTC criteria and PERCIST, early reduction in FDG uptake was predictive of a later partial metabolic and partial radiologic response to treatment. It was also predictive of significantly longer survival of early metabolic responders compared to non-responders. However, the sensitivities and specificities were not high enough to support clinical routine use.

PURPOSE:Cetuximab inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and papulopustular eruptions is a frequent side effect. Vitamin K3 (menadione) has preclinically shown to be a potential activator of the EGFR by phosphorylating the receptor (pEGFR). The present randomised study investigated the effect of a vitamin K3 cream on cetuximab-induced rash.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Thirty patients were included in this double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Patients receiving cetuximab 500 mg/m2 every second week plus chemotherapy for metastatic cancer were included. In each patient, vitamin K3 cream and placebo were applied twice daily on two separate areas of the skin of minimum 10 × 10 cm for up to 2 months. Papulopustular eruptions were evaluated clinically and monitored by clinical photos. Skin biopsies, from ten patients taken before and after 1 month of treatment from each treatment area, were stained for EGFR and pEGFR.RESULTS:Application of vitamin K3 cream twice daily during treatment with cetuximab did not reduce the number of papulopustular eruptions, and this was independent of the use of systemic tetracycline. No significant changes in the staining of EGFR or pEGFR were observed in the skin of the vitamin K3-treated area compared to the placebo area.CONCLUSION:The present data do not support any clinical or immunohistochemical benefit of using vitamin K3 cream for cetuximab-induced rash. PURPOSE: Cetuximab inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and papulopustular eruptions is a frequent side effect. Vitamin K3 (menadione) has preclinically shown to be a potential activator of the EGFR by phosphorylating the receptor (pEGFR). The present randomised study investigated the effect of a vitamin K3 cream on cetuximab-induced rash.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were included in this double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Patients receiving cetuximab 500 mg/m2 every second week plus chemotherapy for metastatic cancer were included. In each patient, vitamin K3 cream and placebo were applied twice daily on two separate areas of the skin of minimum 10 × 10 cm for up to 2 months. Papulopustular eruptions were evaluated clinically and monitored by clinical photos. Skin biopsies, from ten patients taken before and after 1 month of treatment from each treatment area, were stained for EGFR and pEGFR.RESULTS: Application of vitamin K3 cream twice daily during treatment with cetuximab did not reduce the number of papulopustular eruptions, and this was independent of the use of systemic tetracycline. No significant changes in the staining of EGFR or pEGFR were observed in the skin of the vitamin K3-treated area compared to the placebo area.CONCLUSION: The present data do not support any clinical or immunohistochemical benefit of using vitamin K3 cream for cetuximab-induced rash.

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a new treatment option in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). PIPAC has proven efficacious in the treatment of PC from ovarian, colon and gastric cancer. PIPAC has a favourable profile regarding safety for patients and occupational health aspects. This study reviews the current evidence of PIPAC as a step towards implementation and evaluation in Denmark.

Introduction: Regional and hospital decision-makers increasingly require analyses assessing the cost-benefit profile of new cancer drugs. This analysis evaluates the cost-benefit profile of nano albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) in pancreatic cancer, versus other drugs indicated in high-unmet need solid tumour indications in Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden). Methods: For a selected number of cancer dugs, approved for metastatic cancer or non-curable treatment intention patients by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) after 2000, and indicated in high-unmet need solid tumours (defined as OS in first line for trial comparator ≤12 months), a regression analysis was conducted. Overall treatment costs of cancer drugs, divided by OS and PFS months, were related to the clinical improvement offered versus trial comparator. Results: Eleven of 42 drugs (26.2%) with at least one indication in solid tumours met inclusion criteria. On average, a good (R 2 = 0.5359) fit between costs per OS month and OS relative benefit versus trial comparator was observed. Nab-paclitaxel offered an OS improvement of +27% versus trial comparator (average improvement: +31%), at a cost per OS month of €1,684 (average cost: €2,247). Correlation between costs per PFS month and relative PFS benefit versus trial comparator was still observed, but the goodness of fit was lower (R 2 = 0.1853) than for the OS analysis. Conclusion: Treatment costs of new cancer therapies should reflect their clinical value, consistently among different indications with comparable characteristics. Nab-paclitaxel, recently approved in pancreatic cancer, showed a similar cost per OS or PFS month ratio compared to other drugs for high-unmet need solid tumours.

UNLABELLED: ᅟ: The overall purpose of this study is to provide proof of concept for introducing the anthracycline epirubicin as an effective, biomarker-guided treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients who are refractory to treatment with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and have TOP2A gene amplification in their tumor cells.BACKGROUND: Epirubicin is an anthracycline that targets DNA topoisomerase 2-α enzyme encoded by the TOP2A gene. It is used for treatment of several malignancies, but currently not in CRC. TOP2A gene amplifications predict improved efficacy of epirubicin in patients with breast cancer and thus could be an alternative option for patients with CRC and amplified TOP2A gene. We have previously analysed the frequency of TOP2A gene aberrations in CRC and found that 46.6 % of these tumors had TOP2A copy gain and 2.0 % had loss of TOP2A when compared to adjacent normal tissue. The TOP2A gene is located on chromosome 17 and when the TOP2A/CEN-17 ratio was applied to identify tumors with gene loss or amplifications, 10.5 % had a ratio ≥ 1.5 consistent with gene amplification and 2.6 % had a ratio ≤ 0.8 suggesting gene deletions. Based on these observations and the knowledge gained from treatment of breast cancer patients, we have initiated a prospective clinical, phase II protocol using epirubicin (90 mg/m2 iv q 3 weeks) in mCRC patients, who are refractory to treatment with oxaliplatin.METHODS/DESIGN: The study is an open label, single arm, phase II study, investigating the efficacy of epirubicin in patients with oxaliplatin refractory mCRC and with a cancer cell TOP2A/CEN-17 ratio ≥ 1.5. TOP2A gene amplification measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization. A total of 25 evaluable patients (15 + 10 in two steps) will be included (Simon's two-stage minimax design). Every nine weeks, response is measured by computed tomography imaging and evaluated according to RECIST 1.1. The primary end-point of the study is progression-free survival.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Eudract no. 2013-001648-79 .

Background Age is the strongest risk factor for developing cancer. The aim of the present analysis is to give an overview of the trends in cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence, and relative survival in Denmark from 1980 to 2012 focusing on age, comparing persons aged 70 years or more with those aged less than 70 years. Material and methods Data derived from the NORDCAN database with comparable data on cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence and relative survival in the Nordic countries. The Danish data originate from the Danish Cancer Registry and the Danish Cause of Death Registry with follow-up for death or emigration until the end of 2013. Results Incidence and mortality rates of all sites, but non-melanoma skin cancer, were higher and relative survival was lower among persons aged 70 years or more than those aged less than 70 years. The age distribution (age group-specific percentages of total number of incident cases) remained constant over time while the percentage of persons dying from cancer decreased with time up to the age of 79 years but increased for those aged 80 years or more, in whom about a third of all cancer deaths occurred in 2012. In 2003-2007, the five-year relative survival was 48% for men aged 70-79 years, 38% for men aged 80-89 years, and 29% for men aged 90 years or more and the corresponding figures for women were 46%, 39%, and 36%, respectively. There was a substantial increase in the number of prevalent cancer cases aged 70 years or older, especially among those aged 90 years or more. Conclusion An increase in elderly cancer patients is expected over the coming 20 years due to an increasing elderly population. Healthcare providers need to focus on developing specific strategies for treatment of elderly cancer patients in the future.

Background Upper gastro-intestinal cancer (UGIC) includes malignancies in esophagus, stomach and small intestine, and represents some of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. The aim of the present analysis was to describe incidence, mortality and survival in UGIC patients in Denmark from 1980 to 2012 according to differences in age and time periods.Material and methods UGIC was defined as ICD-10 codes C15-C17. Data derived from the NORDCAN database with comparable data on cancer incidence mortality, prevalence and relative survival in the Nordic countries, where the Danish data were delivered from the Danish Cancer Registry and the Danish Cause of Death Registry with follow-up for death or emigration until the end of 2013.Results The proportion of male patients over the age of 70 years diagnosed with esophageal cancer was constant over time (around 42%) but increased in females to 49% in 2012. Incidence rates increased with time and continued to rise in all ages. Mortality rates were clearly separated by age groups with increasing mortality rates by increasing age group for both sexes. Relative survival increased slowly over time in all age groups. The proportion of older male and female patients with stomach cancer increased to 50% and 54%, respectively, in 2012. Incidence rates decreased steadily with time, especially from 1980 to 1990 but continued to decrease in all age groups. Mortality rates decreased considerably from 1980 to 90 and have been almost constant during the last decade for both women and men. Relative survival increased modest over time in both genders and all age groups. In 2012, only 1471 persons were alive after a diagnosis of stomach cancer.Conclusion There is a need for clinical trials focusing on patients over the age of 70 years with co-existing comorbidity.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease of the older population. The current demographic ageing leads to more elderly patients and is expected to further increase the number of patients with CRC. The objective of the present paper is to outline incidence, mortality and prevalence from 1980 to 2012 and survival data from 1968 to 2012 in Danish CRC patients focusing on the impact of ageing. Material and methods Data were derived from the NORDCAN database with comparable data on cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence and relative survival in the Nordic countries, where the Danish data are delivered from the Danish Cancer Registry and the Danish Cause of Death Registry with follow-up for death or emigration until the end of 2013. This study focuses on the elderly population categorized in six age groups. Results The incidence of CRC has increased over the past three decades. Incidence rate has increased in patients with colon cancer, but showed a decreasing trend in the oldest patients with rectal and anal cancer. Mortality has diminished in younger patients with colon cancer, but increased with increasing age. However, mortality did not increase proportionally to incidence. In rectal and anal cancer mortality has decreased, except among the oldest patients. This correlates to a decreasing incidence rate. Prevalence is widely increasing mainly because of increased incidence and longer survival, which is reflected in the increasing one- and five-year age-specific relative survival after a diagnosis of colon, rectal and anal cancer. Conclusion The incidence of CRC is increasing, especially in older citizens, and mortality increases with older age. There is limited knowledge on how to optimize treatment in older CRC patients and future focus must be how to select and tailor the treatment for older CRC patients.

Biomarkers for early diagnosis of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) are needed. Our aim was to identify panels of miRNAs in serum in combination with CA 19-9 for use in the diagnosis of PC. Four hundred seventeen patients with PC were included prospectively from Denmark (n = 306) and Germany (n = 111). Controls included 59 patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and 248 healthy subjects (HS). MiRNAs were analyzed in pretreatment serum samples from 3 cohorts: discovery cohort (754 human miRNAs, TaqMan(®) Human MicroRNA assay, Applied Biosystem; PC n = 133, controls n = 72); training cohort (34 miRNAs, real-time qPCR using the Fluidigm BioMark™ System; PC n = 198, controls n = 184); validation cohort (13 miRNAs, real-time qPCR using the Fluidigm BioMark™ System; PC n = 86, controls n = 51). We found that 34 miRNAs in serum from PC patients in the discovery cohort were expressed differently than in controls. These miRNAs were tested in the training cohort, and four diagnostic panels were constructed that included 5 or 12 miRNAs (miR-16, -18a, -20a, -24, -25, -27a, -29c, -30a.5p, -191, -323.3p, -345 and -483.5p). Diagnostic accuracy of detecting PC in the training cohort was AUC (Index I 0.85; II 0.87; III 0.85; IV 0.95; CA 19-9 0.93); specificity (I 0.71; II 0.76; III 0.66; IV 0.90 (fixed sensitivity at 0.85); CA 19-9 0.93). Combining serum CA 19-9 and Index II best discriminated Stages I and II PC from HS [AUC 0.93 (0.90-0.96), sensitivity 0.77 (0.69-0.84), specificity 0.94 (0.90-0.96) and accuracy 0.88 (0.84-0.91)]. In conclusion, we identified four diagnostic panels based on 5 or 12 miRNAs in serum that could distinguish patients with PC from HS and CP.

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a new treatment option in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). PIPAC has proven efficacious in the treatment of PC from ovarian, colon and gastric cancer. PIPAC has a favourable profile regarding safety for patients and occupational health aspects. This study reviews the current evidence of PIPAC as a step towards implementation and evaluation in Denmark.

Contains fulltext : 165965.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in Western countries. Over the last 20 years, and the last decade in particular, the clinical outcome for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) has improved greatly due not only to an increase in the number of patients being referred for and undergoing surgical resection of their localised metastatic disease but also to a more strategic approach to the delivery of systemic therapy and an expansion in the use of ablative techniques. This reflects the increase in the number of patients that are being managed within a multidisciplinary team environment and specialist cancer centres, and the emergence over the same time period not only of improved imaging techniques but also prognostic and predictive molecular markers. Treatment decisions for patients with mCRC must be evidence-based. Thus, these ESMO consensus guidelines have been developed based on the current available evidence to provide a series of evidence-based recommendations to assist in the treatment and management of patients with mCRC in this rapidly evolving treatment setting.

// Line S. Tarpgaard 1, * , Maj Sofie Orum-Madsen 2, * , Ib J. Christensen 3 , Cathrine Nordgaard 2 , Julie Noer 2 , Tormod K. Guren 4 , Bengt Glimelius 5 , Halfdan Sorbye 6, 7 , Tone Ikdahl 8 , Elin H. Kure 9 , Kjell M. Tveit 8 , Hans J. Nielsen 10 , Per Pfeiffer 1, # , Nils Brunner 2, # , Jose M. A. Moreira 2, # 1 Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark 2 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark 3 The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark and Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark 4 Department of Oncology and K. G. Jebsen Centre for Colorectal Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway 5 Departments of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala and Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden 6 Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway 7 Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway 8 Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway 9 Department of Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway 10 Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark * These authors contributed equally to this work # These authors share senior authorship Correspondence to: Jose M. A. Moreira, email: jomo@sund.ku.dk Keywords: metastatic colorectal cancer, plasma TIMP-1, KRAS mutations, prognosis, prediction Received: April 14, 2016 Accepted: June 17, 2016 Published: August 08, 2016 ABSTRACT It is now widely accepted that therapeutic antibodies targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can have efficacy in KRAS wild-type advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. What remains to be ascertained is whether a subgroup of KRAS -mutated CRC patients might not also derive benefit from EGFR inhibitors. Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) is a pleiotropic factor predictive of survival outcome of CRC patients. Levels of TIMP-1 were measured in pre-treatment plasma samples ( n = 426) of metastatic CRC patients randomized to Nordic FLOX (5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) +/− cetuximab (NORDIC VII study). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant interaction between plasma TIMP-1 protein levels, KRAS status and treatment with patients bearing KRAS mutated tumors and high TIMP-1 plasma level (> 3rd quartile) showing a significantly longer overall survival if treated with cetuximab (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.93). To gain mechanistic insights into this association we analyzed a set of five different CRC cell lines. We show here that EGFR signaling induces TIMP-1 expression in CRC cells, and that TIMP-1 promotes a more aggressive behavior, specifically in KRAS mutated cells. The two sets of data, clinical and in vitro , are complementary and support each other, lending strength to our contention that TIMP-1 plasma levels can identify a subset of patients with KRAS -mutated metastatic CRC that will have benefit from EGFR-inhibition therapy.

Perivascular cells (PC) were recently implied as regulators of metastasis and immune cell activity. Perivascular heterogeneity in clinical samples, and associations with other tumor features and outcome, remain largely unknown. Here we report a novel method for digital quantitative analyses of vessel characteristics and PC, which was applied to two collections of human metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Initial analyses identified marker-defined subsets of PC, including cells expressing PDGFR-beta or alpha-SMA or both markers. PC subsets were largely independently expressed in a manner unrelated to vessel density and size. Association studies implied specific oncogenic mutations in malignant cells as determinants of PC status. Semi-quantitative and digital-image-analyses-based scoring of the NORDIC-VII cohort identified significant associations between low expression of perivascular PDGFR-alpha and -beta and shorter overall survival. Analyses of the SPCRC cohort confirmed these findings. Perivascular PDGFR-alpha and -beta remained independent factors for survival in multivariate analyses. Overall, our study identified host vasculature and oncogenic status as determinants of tumor perivascular features. Perivascular PDGFR-alpha and -beta were identified as novel independent markers predicting survival in mCRC. The novel methodology should be suitable for similar analyses in other tumor collections.

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) and social support influences cancer survival. If SES and social support affects cancer treatment has not been thoroughly explored. Methods: A cohort consisting of all patients who were initially diagnosed with or who developed metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC, n=781) in three Scandinavian university hospitals from October 2003 to August 2006 was set up. Clinical and socioeconomic data were registered prospectively. Results: Patients living alone more often had synchronous metastases at presentation and were less often treated with combination chemotherapy than those cohabitating (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04–0.85, P=0.03). Surgical removal of metastases was less common in patients living alone (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10–0.86, P=0.02) but more common among university-educated patients (HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.10–4.49, P=0.02). Smoking, being married and having children did not influence treatment or survival. Median survival was 7.7 months in patients living alone and 11.7 months in patients living with someone (P

Consensus is that patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) should receive long-term chemoradiotherapy (CRT) before surgery. With the intent to offer the patients intensified concomitant chemotherapy (CT) to improve outcome and to assess tolerability and toxicity of oxaliplatin (Ox) a phase I trial of high dose pelvic radiotherapy (RT), fixed dose of oral UFT/l-leucovorin and increasing doses of weekly Ox were performed.Pelvic RT with 48.6 Gy/27 fractions was given to the primary tumour and the regional lymph nodes and a concurrent boost of 5.4 Gy/27 fractions with a final boost of 6 Gy/3 fractions was given to the gross tumour volume (GTV) (60 Gy/30 fractions). Concurrent with RT patients received a daily dose of UFT 300 mg/m(2) plus fixed dose l-leucovorin 22.5 mg 5/7 days and increasing weekly doses of Ox with 10 mg/m(2)/week from a start dose of 30 mg/m(2)/week to a maximum of 60 mg/m(2)/week. In addition, before and after CRT the patients received one course of TEGAFOX (UFT 300 mg/m(2) with l/leucovorin 22.5 mg Days 1-14 and Ox 130 mg/m(2) given on Day 1). Surgery was planned at least six weeks after the completion of the CRT.From May 2005 to March 2009, 18 patients with LARC (16 primary, two recurrent) were included in this phase I trial. Toxicity was low with only 5-17% grade 3-4 toxicity. Fifteen patients (83%) were operated (14 R0 resection and 1 R1 resection) after completion of CRT. Five (33%) patients had a pathological complete response (ypCR). When ypCR was combined with yp few residual cells, the rate was 60%. Thirteen patients are still alive December 2011.Preoperative high-dose RT and concomitant UFT with increasing doses of Ox up to 60 mg/m(2)/week was feasible with low toxicity, high ypCR rates and promising OS in patients with non-resectable LARC.

Purpose The NORDIC-VII multicenter phase III trial investigated the efficacy of cetuximab when added to bolus fluorouracil/folinic acid and oxaliplatin (Nordic FLOX), administered continuously or intermittently, in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The influence of KRAS mutation status on treatment outcome was also investigated. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard Nordic FLOX (arm A), cetuximab and FLOX (arm B), or cetuximab combined with intermittent FLOX (arm C). Primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Overall survival (OS), response rate, R0 resection rate, and safety were secondary end points. Results Of the 571 patients randomly assigned, 566 were evaluable in intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. KRAS and BRAF mutation analyses were obtained in 498 (88%) and 457 patients (81%), respectively. KRAS mutations were present in 39% of the tumors; 12% of tumors had BRAF mutations. The presence of BRAF mutations was a strong negative prognostic factor. In the ITT population, median PFS was 7.9, 8.3, and 7.3 months for the three arms, respectively (not significantly different). OS was almost identical for the three groups (20.4, 19.7, 20.3 months, respectively), and confirmed response rates were 41%, 49%, and 47%, respectively. In patients with KRAS wild-type tumors, cetuximab did not provide any additional benefit compared with FLOX alone. In patients with KRAS mutations, no significant difference was detected, although a trend toward improved PFS was observed in arm B. The regimens were well tolerated. Conclusion Cetuximab did not add significant benefit to the Nordic FLOX regimen in first-line treatment of mCRC.

BACKGROUND: Until recently there has been no proven second-line therapy for patients with advanced gastro-esophageal cancer (GEC). Since 2004, Denmark has had a national health program where non-proven therapy can be offered to patients with advanced cancer, after approval by an expert panel appointed by the National Board of Health. This program has accelerated the introduction and implementation of new therapies in Denmark. Inspired by therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer, a combination of cetuximab and irinotecan (Cetiri) was chosen for second-line therapy in GEC patients. We report our experience with Cetiri as second-line therapy in patients with GEC. METHODS: All patients had histologically confirmed GEC and all patients had progressive disease during or after first-line platinum-containing chemotherapy. The patients received cetuximab 500 mg/m(2) on day 1 and irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) on day 1 every 2nd week until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Toxicity was prospectively evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 3.0. RESULTS: From December 2007 to February 2009, 50 consecutive patients received Cetiri as second-line therapy. Median performance status (PS) was 1. The median number of courses was seven. Seven patients (14%) had a partial response. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.3 months and overall survival (OS) was 5.5 months; two patients are still alive without progressive disease. Major toxicities were: diarrhea (8%), fatigue (10%), neutropenia (16%), and febrile neutropenia (2%). CONCLUSION: Cetiri every two weeks is a convenient and well-tolerated second-line regimen in GEC patients. A promising effect was seen in patients with PS 0-1 and in patients who developed a rash.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the association between plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving XELOX (combination chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin) as first-line treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients were included. Blood samples were collected before treatment and 3 weeks later before the next treatment cycle. Plasma TIMP-1 and serum CEA levels were correlated to treatment outcome. RESULTS: No significant associations between baseline TIMP-1 or CEA levels and best response to treatment or progression-free survival (PFS) could be demonstrated. In contrast, high baseline plasma TIMP-1 levels were associated with poor overall survival (OS), P = 0.008, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.80 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-2.78]. Furthermore, increase in TIMP-1 levels from baseline to immediately before the second cycle of chemotherapy had a significant negative effect on survival (P = 0.03, HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02-1.65) while a decrease in TIMP-1 was significantly associated with a higher objective response rate (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Both high baseline and subsequent increase in TIMP-1 levels were associated with shorter OS in patients with mCRC receiving XELOX as first-line treatment, whereas baseline TIMP-1 levels were not associated with response or PFS following XELOX treatment.

Background: Most patients (pts) with mCRC are older than 70 years, but they are underrepresented in clinical trials. NORDIC9 evaluated efficacy of palliative treatment strategies based on S-1, which has previously demonstrated less toxicity but similar efficacy as 5FU, and here we present initial results.Methods: Older mCRC pts (≥70 years) who were not candidates for full-dose combination therapy, were randomized to full-dose monotherapy (Arm A: S-1 30 mg/m2 po bid d 1-14 q3w, followed by irinotecan upon progression) or reduced (80\ combination therapy (Arm B: S-1 20 mg/m2 po bid d 1-14 + oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 iv d 1 q3w, followed by S-1 + irinotecan q3w). Addition of bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg iv d 1) before randomization was optional. Geriatric screening tools (G-8, VES-13, handgrip strength, Timed-Up-and-Go), Charlson Comorbidity Index and quality of life were evaluated at baseline. Blood samples and tumor tissue were prospectively collected. Primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints were response rate, survival and correlations between screening tools, efficacy and safety.

Background: Reliable biomarkers in patients (pts) with pancreatic cancer (PC) are highly warranted. The aim of this prospective-retrospective biomarker study was to investigate the clinical value of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in pts with PC.Methods: A total of 377 consecutive pts with histologically confirmed PC and 94 healthy controls were included. Total cfDNA levels were determined by a direct fluorescent assay in EDTA plasma samples obtained before operation (stage I and II) or start of palliative chemotherapy (stage III and IV). Serum CA19-9 (IMMULITE 2000, Siemens), hyaluronic acid (HA) (ELISA, R\amp;D), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (ELISA, R\amp;D) and YKL-40 (ELISA, Quidel) were measured. The main outcome was association of cfDNA with overall survival (OS) for pts with PC. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95\% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression.

Following the discovery that mutant KRAS is associated with resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies, the tumours of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer are now profiled for seven KRAS mutations before receiving cetuximab or panitumumab. However, most patients with KRAS wild-type tumours still do not respond. We studied the effect of other downstream mutations on the efficacy of cetuximab in, to our knowledge, the largest cohort to date of patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy in the pre-KRAS selection era.1022 tumour DNA samples (73 from fresh-frozen and 949 from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) from patients treated with cetuximab between 2001 and 2008 were gathered from 11 centres in seven European countries. 773 primary tumour samples had sufficient quality DNA and were included in mutation frequency analyses; mass spectrometry genotyping of tumour samples for KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, and PIK3CA was done centrally. We analysed objective response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival in molecularly defined subgroups of the 649 chemotherapy-refractory patients treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy.40.0% (299/747) of the tumours harboured a KRAS mutation, 14.5% (108/743) harboured a PIK3CA mutation (of which 68.5% [74/108] were located in exon 9 and 20.4% [22/108] in exon 20), 4.7% (36/761) harboured a BRAF mutation, and 2.6% (17/644) harboured an NRAS mutation. KRAS mutants did not derive benefit compared with wild types, with a response rate of 6.7% (17/253) versus 35.8% (126/352; odds ratio [OR] 0.13, 95% CI 0.07-0.22; p0.0001), a median PFS of 12 weeks versus 24 weeks (hazard ratio [HR] 1.98, 1.66-2.36; p0.0001), and a median overall survival of 32 weeks versus 50 weeks (1.75, 1.47-2.09; p0.0001). In KRAS wild types, carriers of BRAF and NRAS mutations had a significantly lower response rate than did BRAF and NRAS wild types, with a response rate of 8.3% (2/24) in carriers of BRAF mutations versus 38.0% in BRAF wild types (124/326; OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.02-0.51; p=0.0012); and 7.7% (1/13) in carriers of NRAS mutations versus 38.1% in NRAS wild types (110/289; OR 0.14, 0.007-0.70; p=0.013). PIK3CA exon 9 mutations had no effect, whereas exon 20 mutations were associated with a worse outcome compared with wild types, with a response rate of 0.0% (0/9) versus 36.8% (121/329; OR 0.00, 0.00-0.89; p=0.029), a median PFS of 11.5 weeks versus 24 weeks (HR 2.52, 1.33-4.78; p=0.013), and a median overall survival of 34 weeks versus 51 weeks (3.29, 1.60-6.74; p=0.0057). Multivariate analysis and conditional inference trees confirmed that, if KRAS is not mutated, assessing BRAF, NRAS, and PIK3CA exon 20 mutations (in that order) gives additional information about outcome. Objective response rates in our series were 24.4% in the unselected population, 36.3% in the KRAS wild-type selected population, and 41.2% in the KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, and PIK3CA exon 20 wild-type population.While confirming the negative effect of KRAS mutations on outcome after cetuximab, we show that BRAF, NRAS, and PIK3CA exon 20 mutations are significantly associated with a low response rate. Objective response rates could be improved by additional genotyping of BRAF, NRAS, and PIK3CA exon 20 mutations in a KRAS wild-type population.Belgian Federation against Cancer (Stichting tegen Kanker).

Background: Clinical trials in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have shown few patients with microsatellite instable high (MSI-H) tumors and BRAF mutations (mutBRAF). Recent data show that patients with MSI-H tumors benefit from immunotherapy and there are promising data of adding BRAF inhibitors to standard treatment in patients with mutBRAF. It is therefore important to know the frequency of these molecular changes and their importance for outcome in unselected populations of mCRC. Methods: A prospectively collected population-based cohort of 798 mCRC patients from three geographic areas in Scandinavia was studied. Gene analysis was available for 446 cases for BRAF and KRAS analysis, MSI analysis was done for mutBRAF only. Immunohistochemistry was performed for BRAF and MMR in 611 patients. Kaplan-Meier method, logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analyses. Results: Totally 8 % (46/589 patients) were MSI-H and 20 % (119/586 patients) were mutBRAF. MSI-H tumours harboured mutBRAF in 76 % of cases and 29 % of mutBRAF was MSI-H. MSI-H correlated to female sex, age >75 years, right-sided tumor, mutBRAF, lymph node metastasis and less often lung and liver metastasis. Patients with MSI-H received less often chemotherapy compared to MSS patients; 46 % vs. 64 % received 1st line, 13 % vs. 38 % received 2nd line and 2 % vs. 17 % received 3rd line chemotherapy, respectively. Patients with MSI-H had poorer prognosis, however only significant in BRAF wildtype (wtBRAF) patients, and the negative prognostic potential of mutBRAF was only valid in MSS tumors. Median overall survival (OS) was 4 months in MSI-H vs. 11 months in MSS tumors (p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis of OS in patients given 1st line chemotherapy MSI-H and mutBRAF was independent poor prognostic factors with HR 2.2 (95 % CI: 1.09, 4.60, p = 0.028) and HR 1.9 (95 % CI: 1.24, 2.97, P = 0.004) respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) during 1st line chemotherapy was 4 months for MSI-H vs. 8 months for MSS tumors (p = 0.087), and multivariate analysis of PFS showed HR 2.21 (95 % CI: 1.10, 4.44, p = 0.027). MSI-H and wtBRAF patients (n=10) had the worst prognosis with median OS of 1 month (p Conclusion: In unselected patients with mCRC, MSI-H and mutBRAF are more common than previously reported, and consequently more patients could benefit from immunotherapy and BRAF inhibitor treatments. Most MSI-H patients harbored mutBRAF (non-Lynch) in contrast to patients in recent mCRC immunotherapy trials, and further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of immunotherapy in this subgroup. Chemotherapy had minimal effect in MSI-H patients and fewer received 2-line palliative chemotherapy indicating that these patients could be considered for immunotherapy as 1st line treatment. Citation Format: Kristine Aasebø, Anca Dragomir, Magnus Sundström, Per Pfeiffer, Per-Henrik Edqvist, Geir Eide, Fredrik Ponten, Camilla Qvortrup, Bengt Glimelius, Halfdan Sørbye. Consequences of a high incidence of microsatellite instability (non-Lynch) and BRAF mutated tumors in a population based cohort of metastatic colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2610.

Results of continuous sunitinib, in combination with cetuximab and irinotecan every other week (SIC) for compassionate use in heavily pre-treated patients with mCRC are presented.Patients with mCRC resistant to oxaliplatin, irinotecan, 5-FU and cetuximab received SIC at two Danish oncologic departments. The regimen consisted of sunitinib given as a continuous-dosing in combination with cetuximab and irinotecan every other week (CetIri). The first six patients started with a daily oral dose of sunitinib of 12.5 mg. Subsequent patients started at a daily dose of 25 mg with the possibility to escalate to 37.5 mg.Twenty-nine patients received SIC. No patient had an objective response, but 13 patients had subjective relief and 42% had stable disease. The median time to progression was 3.2 months and median overall survival was 7.4 months. Fatigue and leukopenia were the most frequently reported severe adverse event (18% grade 3 and 18% grade 3/4, respectively).Sunitinib continuous-dosing with 25 mg/day can safely be combined with CetIri administered every other week.

e15587Background: Podocalyxin-like 1 (PODXL) is an anti-adhesive transmembrane protein associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and poor prognosis in numerous malignancies, including colorecta...

BACKGROUND: Preclinically, protein kinase C and AKT activation can be inhibited by enzastaurin and reduce tumor growth of colorectal cancer cells. In asymptomatic patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), enzastaurin activity was evaluated by measuring the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate in a window study design. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Chemonaive patients with asymptomatic mCRC who did not require immediate chemotherapy-induced tumor reduction received a 400-mg thrice daily loading dose of enzastaurin on day 1 of cycle 1, followed by 500 mg once daily for the remaining 28-day cycles. Progression was assessed on the basis of radiographic imaging, rise in carcinoembryonic antigen or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels or by appearance of clinical symptoms. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients received daily enzastaurin. The 6-month PFS rate was 28% [95% confidence interval (CI) 13%-45%] and median PFS was 1.9 months (95% CI 1.8-4.5 months). Twelve (43%) patients had stable disease with a median duration of 6.1 months. The survival rate at 20 months was 77% (95% CI 47%-92%). No grade 4 toxicity was reported and grade 3 toxic effects were observed in three patients with one patient showing probable drug-related elevation of liver transaminases. CONCLUSION: The window design in asymptomatic patients with mCRC can be safely applied to assess the activity and safety of novel cytostatic agents like enzastaurin.