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Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) could potentially lead to tumor shrinkage, eradication of micrometastases, and prevention of tumor cell shedding during surgery. This retrospective study investigates the surgical and oncological outcomes of preoperative CT for LACC. Methods: Using the Netherlands Cancer Registry, data of patients with stage II or III colon cancer, diagnosed between 2008 and 2016 was collected. A propensity score matching (PSM; 1:2) was performed and compared patients with clinical tumor (cT) 4 colon cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant CT to patients with cT4 colon cancer treated with adjuvant CT (Fig. 1). Results: A total of 192 patients treated with neoadjuvant CT were compared to 1,954 patients that received adjuvant CT. After PSM, 149 patients in the neoadjuvant group were compared to 298 patients in the control group. No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics after PSM. After neoadjuvant CT, a significant response was observed in 13 (9%) patients with 5 (4%) patients showing a complete response. Complete resection margins (R0) were achieved in 77% in the neoadjuvant group versus 86% in the adjuvant treated group (p = 0.037). Significantly less tumor positive lymph nodes were found in the neoadjuvant group (median 0 vs. 2, p < 0.001). Major complication rates and 5-year overall survival did not differ between both groups (67–65%, p = 0.87). Conclusion: Neoadjuvant CT seems safe and feasible with similar long-term survival compared to patients who are treated with adjuvant CT.

BACKGROUND: Nearly a quarter of patients with locally advanced (T4 stage) or perforated colon cancer are at risk of developing peritoneal metastases, often without curative treatment options. We aimed to determine the efficacy of adjuvant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with locally advanced colon cancer.METHODS: This multicentre, open-label trial was done in nine hospitals that specialised in HIPEC in the Netherlands. Patients with clinical or pathological T4N0-2M0-stage tumours or perforated colon cancer were randomly assigned (1:1), with a web-based randomisation application, before resection of the primary tumour, to adjuvant HIPEC followed by routine adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (experimental group) or to adjuvant systemic chemotherapy alone (control group). Patients were stratified by tumour characteristic (T4 or perforation), age (FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2015, and Feb 20, 2017, 204 patients were randomly assigned to treatment (102 in each group). In the HIPEC group, two patients withdrew consent after randomisation. In this group, 19 (19%) of 100 patients were diagnosed with peritoneal metastases: nine (47%) during surgical exploration preceding intentional adjuvant HIPEC, eight (42%) during routine follow-up, and two (11%) during diagnostic laparoscopy at 18-months. In the control group, 23 (23%) of 102 patients were diagnosed with peritoneal metastases, of whom seven (30%) were diagnosed by laparoscopy at 18-months and 16 during regular follow-up (therefore making them ineligible for diagnostic laparoscopy). In the intention-to-treat analysis (n=202), there was no difference in peritoneal-free survival at 18-months (80·9% [95% CI 73·3-88·5] for the experimental group vs 76·2% [68·0-84·4] for the control group, log-rank one-sided p=0·28). 12 (14%) of 87 patients who received adjuvant HIPEC developed postoperative complications and one (1%) encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.INTERPRETATION: In patients with T4 or perforated colon cancer, treatment with adjuvant HIPEC with oxaliplatin did not improve peritoneal metastasis-free survival at 18 months. Routine use of adjuvant HIPEC is not advocated on the basis of this trial.FUNDING: Organization for Health Research and Development and the Dutch Cancer Society.

Contains fulltext : 203051.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) OBJECTIVES: Oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity can be a dose-limiting side effect to effective chemotherapy. Acute hyperexcitability causes cold-evoked sensory and motor symptoms, which resemble neuromyotonia. An accessible and non-invasive technique for early detection could help select patients for potential treatments. We assessed the use of a simple surface electromyography (sEMG) in patients directly after oxaliplatin infusion. METHODS: In patients with colorectal cancer, acute neurotoxicity was evaluated by means of a physical examination, a questionnaire, and sEMG directly after the second and fourth cycle of oxaliplatin. Questionnaires were also assessed 1 day after infusion. RESULTS: 14 patients were measured after the second cycle and 8 patients were also measured after the fourth cycle of oxaliplatin. All patients reported to a variable degree oxaliplatin induced neurotoxicity symptoms: sensitivity to touching cold or swallowing cold items were reported as most severe. Clinical signs of hyperexcitability were observed in 55% of the measurements. Spontaneous activity compatible with neuromyotonia was observed in 82% of the sEMG recordings. CONCLUSIONS: Patient reported symptoms, physical examination and simple sEMG are complementary measurements to detect acute oxaliplatin induced neurotoxicity. After further validation, sEMG recording can be used as a simple objective screenings tool to detect nerve hyperexcitability directly after oxaliplatin administration.

BackgroundMetastatic colorectal cancer patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR mCRC) benefit from immunotherapy. Interpretation of the single-arm immunotherapy trials is complicated by insignificant survival data during systemic non-immunotherapy. We present survival data on a large, comprehensive cohort of dMMR mCRC patients, treated with or without systemic non-immunotherapy.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty-one dMMR mCRC patients (n = 54 from three prospective Phase 3 CAIRO trials;n = 227 from the Netherlands Cancer Registry). Overall survival was analysed from diagnosis of mCRC (OS), from initiation of first-line (OS1) and second-line (OS2) systemic treatment. Cox regression analysis examined prognostic factors. As comparison for OS 2746 MMR proficient mCRC patients were identified.ResultsOf 281 dMMR patients, 62% received first-line and 26% second-line treatment. Median OS was 16.0 months (13.8–19.6) with antitumour therapy and 2.5 months (1.8–3.5) in untreated patients. OS1 was 12.8 months (10.7–15.2) and OS2 6.2 months (5.4–8.9) in treated dMMR patients. Treated dMMR patients had a 7.6-month shorter median OS than pMMR patients.ConclusionAvailable data from immunotherapy trials lack a control arm with standard systemic treatment. Given the poor outcome compared to the immunotherapy results, our data strongly suggest a survival benefit of immunotherapy in dMMR mCRC patients.

Background Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. Neuropathy is a frequent dose-limiting side-effect of oxaliplatin therapy, without preventive or curative strategies. Concomitant administration of intravenous lidocaine could be a promising treatment. However, the effect of intravenous lidocaine on oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics was never studied before. We evaluated the effect of lidocaine on the area under the curve and Cmax of oxaliplatin as a part of a larger study addressing the prevention and treatment of oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy with lidocaine. Methods In this prospective cross-over trial, patients received an oxaliplatin cycle with and without lidocaine (bolus 1.5 mg kg−1 followed by 1.5 mg kg−1 h−1 in 3 h). Levels of oxaliplatin, measured as ultrafiltrable platinum were determined at 10 min after cessation of oxaliplatin infusion and hourly thereafter. Outcomes are the difference in area under the curve of oxaliplatin (primary) and the difference in the Cmax of oxaliplatin (secondary). Results No difference in the %Δ area under the curve of oxaliplatin (–2.40 ± 7.66, 90% CI +10.50 to –15.31) was found. However, %Δ Cmax of oxaliplatin (–28.72 ± 6.01, 90% CI –18.59 to –38.85) was lower to a statistically significant extent in the chemotherapy cycle with lidocaine. No (serious) adverse events were reported. Conclusions Lidocaine does not affect the area under the curve of oxaliplatin, which is the most important parameter in drug interaction studies and for oxaliplatin treatment effect. The lower Cmax in the chemotherapeutic cycle with lidocaine is significant and remarkable, but with an unknown exact mechanism or clinical significance, making further research desirable.

Background At the time of surgery, approximately 10–20% of the patients with pancreatic cancer are considered unresectable because of unexpected liver metastasis, peritoneal carcinomatosis or locally advanced disease. This leads to futile surgical treatment with all the associated morbidity, mortality and costs. More than 50% of all liver metastases develop in the first six months postoperatively. These (subcentimeter) liver metastases are most likely already present at the time of diagnosis and have not been identified pre-operatively, due to the poor sensitivity of routine preoperative contrast-enhanced CT (CECT). Methods The DIA-PANC study is a prospective, international, multicenter, diagnostic cohort study investigating diffusion-weighted, contrast-enhanced MRI for the detection of liver metastases in patients with all stages of pancreatic cancer. Indeterminate or malignant liver lesions on MRI will be further investigated histopathologically. For patients with suspected liver lesions without histopathological proof, follow up imaging with paired CT and MRI at 3-, 6- and 12-months will serve as an alternative reference standard. Discussion The DIA-PANC trial is expected to report high-level evidence of the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for the detection of liver metastases, resulting in significant value for clinical decision making, guideline development and improved stratification for treatment strategies and future trials. Furthermore, DIA-PANC will contribute to our knowledge of liver metastases regarding incidence, imaging characteristics, their number and extent, and their change in time with or without treatment. It will enhance the worldwide implementation of MRI and consequently improve personalized treatment of patients with suspected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03469726. Registered on March 19th 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

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Background Low skeletal muscle index (SMI) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients is associated with poor outcomes. The prognostic impact of SMI changes during consecutive palliative systemic treatments is unknown. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of the phase 3 CAIRO3 study. The CAIRO3 study randomized 557 patients between maintenance capecitabine + bevacizumab (CAP‐B) or observation, after six cycles capecitabine + oxaliplatin + bevacizumab (CAPOX‐B). Upon first disease progression (PD1), CAPOX‐B was reintroduced until second progression (PD2). SMI was assessed by computed tomography (CT) (total 1355 scans). SMI and body mass index (BMI) changes were analyzed for three time‐periods; p1: during initial CAPOX‐B, p2: randomization to PD1, and p3: PD1 to PD2. The association between absolute and change in SMI and BMI (both per 1 standard deviation) during p1‐p3, with PD1, PD2, and survival was studied by Cox regression models. Results This analysis included 450 of the 557 patients randomized in the CAIRO3 study. Mean SMI decreased during p1: mean −0.6 SMI units [95% CI −1.07;‐0.26] and p3: −2.2 units [−2.7;‐1.8], whereas during p2, SMI increased + 1.2 units [0.8‐1.6]. BMI changes did not reflect changes in SMI. SMI loss during p2 and p3 was significantly associated with shorter survival (HR 1.19 [1.09‐1.35]; 1.54 [1.31‐1.79], respectively). Sarcopenia at PD1 was significantly associated with early PD2 (HR 1.40 [1.10‐1.70]). BMI loss independent of SMI loss was only associated with shorter overall survival during p3 (HR 1.35 [1.14‐1.63]). Conclusions In mCRC patients, SMI loss during palliative systemic treatment was related with early disease progression and reduced survival. BMI did not reflect changes in SMI and could not identify patients at risk of poor outcome during early treatment lines.

To explore the value of gadolinium-enhanced MRI combined with diffusion-weighted MRI (Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI) in addition to contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) for detection of synchronous liver metastases for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer. By means of a retrospective cohort study we included patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer on CECT, who underwent Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI between January 2012 and December 2016. A single observer evaluated MRI and CT and was blinded to imaging, pathology, and surgery reports. Liver lesions were scored in both modalities, using a 3-point scale: 1-benign, 2-indeterminate, 3- malignant (i.e., metastasis). The primary outcome parameters were the presence of liver metastases on Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI and the sensitivity of Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI for synchronous liver metastases. We included 66 patients (42 men, 24 women; median age 65 years, range 36–82 years). In 19 patients, liver metastases were present, which were confirmed by histopathology (n = 12), 18FDG-PET (n = 6), or surgical inspection (n = 1). Gd-enhanced MRI with DWI showed metastases in 16/19 patients (24%), which resulted in a sensitivity of 84% (95% CI 60–97%). Contrast-enhanced MRI showed 156 and DWI 397 metastases (p = 0.051), and 339 were particularly small (

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy may improve postoperative recovery compared with open pancreatoduodenectomy. However, there are concerns that the extensive learning curve of this complex procedure could increase the risk of complications. We aimed to assess whether laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy could reduce time to functional recovery compared with open pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: This multicentre, patient-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled phase 2/3 trial was performed in four centres in the Netherlands that each do 20 or more pancreatoduodenectomies annually; surgeons had to have completed a dedicated training programme for laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy and have done 20 or more laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomies before trial participation. Patients with a benign, premalignant, or malignant indication for pancreatoduodenectomy, without signs of vascular involvement, were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo either laparoscopic or open pancreatoduodenectomy using a central web-based system. Randomisation was stratified for annual case volume and preoperative estimated risk of pancreatic fistula. Patients were blinded to treatment allocation. Analysis was done according to the intention-to-treat principle. The main objective of the phase 2 part of the trial was to assess the safety of laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (complications and mortality), and the primary outcome of phase 3 was time to functional recovery in days, defined as all of the following: adequate pain control with only oral analgesia; independent mobility; ability to maintain more than 50% of the daily required caloric intake; no need for intravenous fluid administration; and no signs of infection (temperature

Introduction The neuroinflammatory response plays a key role in several pain syndromes. Intravenous (iv) lidocaine is beneficial in acute and chronic pain. This review delineates the current literature concerning in vitro mechanisms and in vivo efficacy of iv lidocaine on the neuroinflammatory response in acute and chronic pain. Databases and data treatment We searched PUBMED and the Cochrane Library for in vitro and in vivo studies from July 1975 to August 2014. In vitro articles providing an explanation for the mechanisms of action of lidocaine on the neuroinflammatory response in pain were included. Animal or clinical studies were included concerning iv lidocaine for acute or chronic pain or during inflammation. Results Eighty-eight articles regarding iv lidocaine were included: 36 in vitro studies evaluating the effect on ion channels and receptors; 31 animal studies concerning acute and chronic pain and inflammatory models; 21 clinical studies concerning acute and chronic pain. Low-dose lidocaine inhibits in vitro voltage-gated sodium channels, the glycinergic system, some potassium channels and Gαq-coupled protein receptors. Higher lidocaine concentrations block potassium and calcium channels, and NMDA receptors. Animal studies demonstrate lidocaine to have analgesic effects in acute and neuropathic pain syndromes and anti-inflammatory effects early in the inflammatory response. Clinical studies demonstrate lidocaine to have advantage in abdominal surgery and in some neuropathic pain syndromes. Conclusions Intravenous lidocaine has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic properties mediated by an inhibitory effect on ion channels and receptors. It attenuates the neuroinflammatory response in perioperative pain and chronic neuropathic pain.

Contains fulltext : 190939.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and severe side-effect in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This study assessed the association between habitual dietary intake of magnesium or calcium and prevalence and severity of chronic CIPN in CRC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. For this prospective cohort study, 196 CRC patients were considered. Magnesium and calcium intake was determined using a food frequency questionnaire at diagnosis, during and after chemotherapy. Chronic CIPN was assessed 12 months after diagnosis using the quality of life questionnaire CIPN20. Prevalence ratios were calculated to assess the association between magnesium or calcium intake and the prevalence of CIPN. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between magnesium or calcium intake and severity of CIPN. CIPN was reported by 160 (82%) patients. Magnesium intake during chemotherapy was statistically significantly associated with lower prevalence of CIPN (prevalence ratio (PR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32, 0.92). Furthermore, higher dietary intake of magnesium during (beta -1.08, 95% CI -1.95, -0.22) and after chemotherapy (beta -0.93, 95% CI -1.81, -0.06) was associated with less severe CIPN. No associations were found for calcium intake and the prevalence and severity of CIPN. To conclude, we observed an association between higher dietary magnesium intake and lower prevalence and severity of CIPN in CRC patients.

Summary Background After neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer, roughly half of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma and a quarter of those with adenocarcinoma have a pathological complete response of the primary tumour before surgery. Thus, the necessity of standard oesophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy should be reconsidered for patients who respond sufficiently to neoadjuvant treatment. In this study, we aimed to establish the accuracy of detection of residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with different diagnostic approaches, and the optimal combination of diagnostic techniques for clinical response evaluations. Methods The preSANO trial was a prospective, multicentre, diagnostic cohort study at six centres in the Netherlands. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had histologically proven, resectable, squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or oesophagogastric junction, and were eligible for potential curative therapy with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (five weekly cycles of carboplatin [area under the curve 2 mg/mL per min] plus paclitaxel [50 mg/m 2 of body-surface area] combined with 41·4 Gy radiotherapy in 23 fractions) followed by oesophagectomy. 4–6 weeks after completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, patients had oesophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies and endoscopic ultrasonography with measurement of maximum tumour thickness. Patients with histologically proven locoregional residual disease or no-pass during endoscopy and without distant metastases underwent immediate surgical resection. In the remaining patients a second clinical response evaluation was done (PET–CT, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies, endoscopic ultrasonography with measurement of maximum tumour thickness, and fine-needle aspiration of suspicious lymph nodes), followed by surgery 12–14 weeks after completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the correlation between clinical response during clinical response evaluations and the final pathological response in resection specimens, as shown by the proportion of tumour regression grade (TRG) 3 or 4 (>10% residual carcinoma in the resection specimen) residual tumours that was missed during clinical response evaluations. This study was registered with the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR4834), and has been completed. Findings Between July 22, 2013, and Dec 28, 2016, 219 patients were included, 207 of whom were included in the analyses. Eight of 26 TRG3 or TRG4 tumours (31% [95% CI 17–50]) were missed by endoscopy with regular biopsies and fine-needle aspiration. Four of 41 TRG3 or TRG4 tumours (10% [95% CI 4–23]) were missed with bite-on-bite biopsies and fine-needle aspiration. Endoscopic ultrasonography with maximum tumour thickness measurement missed TRG3 or TRG4 residual tumours in 11 of 39 patients (28% [95% CI 17–44]). PET–CT missed six of 41 TRG3 or TRG4 tumours (15% [95% CI 7–28]). PET–CT detected interval distant histologically proven metastases in 18 (9%) of 190 patients (one squamous cell carcinoma, 17 adenocarcinomas). Interpretation After neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer, clinical response evaluation with endoscopic ultrasonography, bite-on-bite biopsies, and fine-needle aspiration of suspicious lymph nodes was adequate for detection of locoregional residual disease, with PET–CT for detection of interval metastases. Active surveillance with this combination of diagnostic modalities is now being assessed in a phase 3 randomised controlled trial (SANO trial; Netherlands Trial Register NTR6803). Funding Dutch Cancer Society.

Background: Evidence is increasing that severe skeletal muscle (SM) loss (sarcopenia) is associated with reduced overall survival (OS) in mCRC pts. We recently found, using data of the randomized phase 3 CAIRO3 study (Lancet, 2015), that SM loss was related to shorter time to progression during first line maintenance treatment (Tx) with capecitabine+bevacizumab (CAP-B) or observation. Subsequently, SM loss during more intensive reinduction Tx by adding oxaliplatin (CAPOX-B) was associated to shorter overall survival (ASCO, 2017). As a potential risk factor for reduced survival we explored whether sarcopenia was associated with dose reductions at start of CAPOX-B reinduction Tx and dose limiting toxicities (DLT) during CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. Methods: Here, CAIRO3 pts were included who received CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. DLT were defined as any dose delay, reduction, or discontinuation of systemic treatment because of reported CTCAE (v3.0) toxicities at start or during Tx. Poisson regression models adjusted for relevant confounders were used to study the association between sarcopenia and DLT. Results: A total of 254 pts received CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. 39% of pts were sarcopenic and compared to normal SM pts we found no statistically significant differences in age and sex (sarcopenic vs normal SM: mean age 63.6±9.1 vs 61.9±8.5 yrs, p=.20 and 39% vs 31% females p=.31). BMI was significantly lower in sarcopenic pts, but pts were on average still overweight (25.9±3.8 vs 27.2±3.8 p=.01). Overall, 67% experienced ≥1 DLT. At start of CAPOX-B, 25% had already received a dose reduction and the risk of dose reduction at start was significantly higher for sarcopenic compared to normal SM pts (RR 1.8 95%CI 1.08-2.90). Despite more frequent dose reductions at start, sarcopenic pts did not have a significantly lower risk of DLT during CAPOX-B Tx (RR sarcopenic vs normal SM pts 0.86 95% CI 0.46-1.45). Conclusions: Sarcopenia was significantly associated with dose reductions at start of CAPOX-B reinduction Tx, and not with DLT during CAPOX-B reinduction Tx. Possible explanations for dose reductions at start might be more frequent toxicities during previous Tx including neuropathy.

Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) has been associated with poor survival compared with mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) and the more common adenocarcinoma (AC). Efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in SRCC has never been assessed. This study analyzes the prognostic impact of SRCC and determines whether colonic SRCC patients benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy equally compared with MC and AC patients. Data on 196,757 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in the period 1989-2010 was included in this Dutch nationwide population-based study. Five-year relative survival estimates were calculated and multivariate relative survival analyses using a multiple regression model of relative excess risk (RER) were performed. SRCC was found in 1,972 (1.0%) patients. SRCC patients presented more frequently with stage III or IV disease than AC patients (75.2% vs. 43.6%, p < 0.0001) and SRCC was more frequently found in the proximal colon (57.7 vs. 32.0%, p < 0.0001). SRCC patients had a poor 5-year relative survival of 30.8% (95% CI 28.1-33.6%) in the colon and 19.5% (95% CI 14.7-24.8%) in the rectum compared with 56.8% (95% CI 56.4-57.1%) and 58.5% (95% CI 57.9-59.1%) for AC. This survival difference was found in stage II, but was most prominent in stage III. Compared with AC, there was no significant interaction between SRCC and adjuvant chemotherapy (RER 1.10, 95% CI 0.81-1.51), suggesting a comparable benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in AC and SRCC. In conclusion, the prognostic impact of SRCC is dismal in both colon and rectal cancer patients, but adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival in AC, MC, and SRCC patients.

Background For selected patients with oligometastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), local treatment of metastases is standard of care based on retrospective reports showing long term survival rates. Local treatment of metastases is technically feasible in an increasing number of patients with multi-organ mCRC. It is unknown whether patients with extensive disease will benefit from tumor debulking when added to first line palliative chemotherapy. The aim of the ORCHESTRA trial (NCT01792934) is to improve overall survival (OS) with at least six months by maximal tumor debulking in combination with systemic therapy in patients with multi-organ mCRC. Trial design Patients with multi-organ mCRC are eligible if ≥ 80% tumor debulking is deemed feasible by resection, radiotherapy and/or thermal ablative therapy. All patients receive 5FU and oxaliplatin based chemotherapy ± bevacizumab. In case of response or stable disease at first evaluation (+/- 2 months), patients are randomized to continuation of chemotherapy or maximal tumor debulking followed by continuation of chemotherapy. A total of 478 patients will be included to meet the primary endpoint (≥ 6 months OS benefit, power 80%, 5% type I error rate two sided). We define local treatments feasible when they can be performed within a 3-month time period to prevent extensive delay of systemic therapy. Quality of life is an important secondary endpoint of the trial. Tissue and blood specimen are collected for translational research. Currently, 290 patients are included in 27 participating Dutch hospitals. Several centers in the United Kingdom will soon participate in the trial. Clinical trial identification NCT01792934. Legal entity responsible for the study Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc. Funding The ORCHESTRA trial is financially supported by KWF (Dutch Cancer Foundation), Blokker-Verwer foundation and Roche. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Purpose: Enzastaurin targets the protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathways to reduce tumor angiogenesis and cell proliferation and to induce cell death. A phase I trial was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of combining enzastaurin with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Experimental Design: Patients with advanced cancer received a 14-day lead-in treatment with oral enzastaurin followed by subsequent 21-day cycles of daily enzastaurin, gemcitabine on days 1 and 8, and cisplatin on day 1. Enzastaurin doses were escalated between 350 mg once daily to 500 mg twice daily, whereas gemcitabine doses were either 1,000 or 1,250 mg/m2 and cisplatin doses were either 60 or 75 mg/m2. Circulating endothelial cell numbers and CD146 and CD133 mRNA expression were evaluated as pharmacodynamic markers. Results: Thirty-three patients (median age, 58 years) were enrolled in seven dose levels. The maximum tolerated dose was not identified. Two dose-limiting toxicities (grade 2 QT interval corrected for heart rate prolongation and grade 3 fatigue) were reported. Other toxicities included grade 3/4 neutropenia (3 of 6 patients), thrombocytopenia (1 of 6 patients), grade 3 leukopenia (2 patients), and fatigue (5 patients). Enzastaurin twice daily (≥250 mg) resulted in more discontinuations and low-grade toxicities. In the combination, enzastaurin exposures decreased slightly but remained above the target of 1,400 nmol/L, whereas gemcitabine/cisplatin exposures were unaltered. Three patients (9.1%) had partial responses and 13 (39.4%) had stable disease. Measurement of circulating endothelial cell numbers and CD146 and CD133 mRNA expression did not contribute to decision-making on dose escalation. Conclusions: Recommended phase II dose is 500 mg enzastaurin once daily, 1,250 mg/m2 gemcitabine, and 75 mg/m2 cisplatin. This regimen is well tolerated with no significant alterations in the pharmacokinetic variables of any drug.

Contains fulltext : 153481.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Efforts to improve the outcome of liver surgery by combining curative resection with chemotherapy have failed to demonstrate definite overall survival benefit. This may partly be due to the fact that these studies often involve strict inclusion criteria. Consequently, patients with a high risk profile as characterized by Fong's Clinical Risk Score (CRS) are often underrepresented in these studies. Conceptually, this group of patients might benefit the most from chemotherapy. The present study evaluates the impact of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk patients with primary resectable colorectal liver metastases, without extrahepatic disease. Our hypothesis is that adding neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to surgery will provide an improvement in overall survival (OS) in patients with a high-risk profile. METHODS/DESIGN: CHARISMA is a multicenter, randomized, phase III clinical trial. Patients will be randomized to either surgery alone (standard treatment, arm A) or to 6 cycles of neo-adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, followed by surgery (arm B). Patients must be >/= 18 years of age with liver metastases of histologically confirmed primary colorectal carcinoma. Patients with extrahepatic metastases are excluded. Liver metastases must be deemed primarily resectable. Only patients with a CRS of 3-5 are eligible. The primary study endpoint is OS. Secondary endpoints are progression free survival (PFS), quality of life, morbidity of resection, treatment response on neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, and whether CEA levels can predict treatment response. DISCUSSION: CHARISMA is a multicenter, randomized, phase III clinical trial that will provide an answer to the question if adding neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to surgery will improve OS in a well-defined high-risk patient group with colorectal liver metastases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The CHARISMA is registered at European Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT), number: 2013-004952-39 , and in the "Netherlands national Trial Register (NTR), number: 4893.

3553 Background: For selected patients with oligometastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), local treatment of metastases is standard of care based on retrospective reports showing long term survival rates. Local treatment of metastases is technically feasible in an increasing number of patients with multi-organ mCRC. It is unknown if patients with extensive disease will benefit from tumor debulking when added to first line palliative chemotherapy. The ORCHESTRA trial (NCT01792934) was designed to prospectively evaluate overall survival (OS) benefit from tumor debulking in patients with multi-organ mCRC. Methods: Patients with multi-organ mCRC were eligible if > 80% tumor debulking was deemed feasible by resection, radiotherapy and/or thermal ablative therapy. All patients received oxaliplatin based chemotherapy ± bevacizumab. In case of stable disease or response at first evaluation (9 weeks), patients were randomized to continuation of chemotherapy or tumor debulking followed by chemotherapy. Adverse events were reported. If patient withdrawal after randomization was < 10%, the study was deemed feasible. Study continuation was based on the interim report on safety and feasibility after inclusion of 100 (of 478) patients. Results: Patients were randomized to the standard (N = 43) or intervention arm (N = 45). No patients withdrew after randomization. In 6.8% of patients debulking was not performed due to progressive disease (N = 5) or death (N = 1) prior to local treatment. Two patients had no lesions left to treat, 37 patients underwent tumor debulking. In 15 patients (40%) 21 serious adverse events related to debulking were reported, 83.7% of patients had no SAEs or recovered within 30 days. Postoperative 90-day mortality was 2.7% (N = 1). Chemotherapy was resumed in 86.5% of patients, median time to restart was 12.7 weeks (SD 5.6) and 78.4% completed ≥24 weeks of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Tumor debulking is feasible and safe and does not prohibit administration of palliative chemotherapy in the majority of patients with multi-organ mCRC. The ORCHESTRA trial will continue accrual to determine whether the aim of > 6 months OS benefit from tumor debulking will be achieved. Clinical trial information: NCT01792934.

10087 Background: Evidence for a strong link between skeletal muscle depletion and poor outcomes in mCRC is growing. However, the impact of SMI changes over time on progression and OS during palliative systemic Tx is not known. The CAIRO3 study (Simkens et al. Lancet 2015) randomized 556 mCRC patients after 6 cycles capecitabine+oxaliplatin+bevacizumab (CAPOX-B) to maintenance CAP-B Tx (Main) vs. observation (Obs). Upon 1st disease progression (PD1), CAPOX-B or other treatment was reintroduced until 2nddisease progression (PD2). This is the first analysis using scan data of multiple time-points to investigate SMI changes during palliative systemic treatment Tx and its association with survival. Methods: 1227 CT-scans of a random selection of 416 CAIRO3 patients (mean age 64±9 years, Main n = 206; Obs n = 210) were analyzed for SMI (skeletal muscle area at the L3 level in cm2/m2). Using mixed model analysis, SMI changes were analyzed for two intervals; interval 1: from randomization to PD1, and interval 2: from PD1 to PD2. Three Cox regression models were used to study the association between SMI loss and time to PD2 and death for interval 1, and time to death for interval 2. Main and Obs groups were combined in the analyses since the p-value for interaction was not significant. Hazard ratios (HR) were reported per 2 units change in SMI. Results: Median times from randomization to PD1, PD2 and death were 7.7, 13.5 and 24 months resp. During interval 1 (less intensive or no Tx) patients gained SMI on average (1.2 units; 95%CI 0.6-1.8), but 23% of patients still lost SMI. SMI loss was associated with shorter time to PD2 (HR 0.88; 0.81-0.98, p= .01), but not with shorter OS (HR 0.94; 0.86-1.02, p= .17). During interval 2 (more intensive Tx) average SMI loss was -2.2 units ( 1.5-2.8) and 63% of patients lost SMI. SMI loss was associated with shorter OS (HR 0.73; 0.62-0.86, p< .00). Conclusions: Loss of SMI was related to shorter time to progression during first line less intensive main Tx or obs and shorter overall survival during more intensive reinduction Tx. This large longitudinal study suggests that SMI preservation may be a therapeutic goal. Clinical trial information: NCT00442637.

Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) has been associated with poor survival compared with mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) and the more common adenocarcinoma (AC). Efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in SRCC has never been assessed. This study analyzes the prognostic impact of SRCC and determines whether colonic SRCC patients benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy equally compared with MC and AC patients. Data on 196,757 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in the period 1989-2010 was included in this Dutch nationwide population-based study. Five-year relative survival estimates were calculated and multivariate relative survival analyses using a multiple regression model of relative excess risk (RER) were performed. SRCC was found in 1,972 (1.0%) patients. SRCC patients presented more frequently with stage III or IV disease than AC patients (75.2% vs. 43.6%, p0.0001) and SRCC was more frequently found in the proximal colon (57.7 vs. 32.0%, p0.0001). SRCC patients had a poor 5-year relative survival of 30.8% (95% CI 28.1-33.6%) in the colon and 19.5% (95% CI 14.7-24.8%) in the rectum compared with 56.8% (95% CI 56.4-57.1%) and 58.5% (95% CI 57.9-59.1%) for AC. This survival difference was found in stage II, but was most prominent in stage III. Compared with AC, there was no significant interaction between SRCC and adjuvant chemotherapy (RER 1.10, 95% CI 0.81-1.51), suggesting a comparable benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in AC and SRCC. In conclusion, the prognostic impact of SRCC is dismal in both colon and rectal cancer patients, but adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival in AC, MC, and SRCC patients.

Poster: "ECR 2016 / B-0188 / Contrast-enhanced diffusion-weighted MRI vs contrast-enhanced CT for detecting liver metastases for potentially resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma" by: "J. J. Hermans, D. M. Riviere, E. J. M. van Geenen, M. van Zanten, S. Radema, C. J. H. M. van Laarhoven; Nijmegen/NL"

Mucosal cells from patients with Crohn's disease regularly express HLA-class II antigens, which are thought to be induced by cytokines, in particular interferon gamma, that are secreted by activated T-cells. Abberant MHC-class II expression by epithelial cells may play a role in diseases characterized by T-cell activation. Activated CD4-positive T-cells are present in the lamina propria of patients with Crohn's disease. In this study we report the results of an open label, single center anti-CD4 ~ trial in patients with steroid refractory Crohn's disease. A rapid and near complete loss of HLA-DR expression by mucosal cells was observed in 10 out of 12 patients, following infusion of the chimeric anti-CD4 antibody M-T412. These results suggest that CD4-positive T-cells are necessary for epithelial class II expression in patients with Crohn's disease.

Purpose: Breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) substantially limits the oral bioavailability of topotecan. Coadministration with elacridar, an inhibitor of breast cancer resistance protein–mediated drug transport, increases the bioavailability of topotecan. The aim of this study was to establish the lowest effective dose of elacridar to obtain maximum oral bioavailability of topotecan and to determine the optimal schedule of coadministration of oral topotecan and elacridar. In the second part of this study, dose-limiting toxicities and maximum tolerated dose of oral topotecan coadministered with elacridar, at a daily times five regimen administered every 21 days, were established. Experimental Design: In part I, 20 patients were randomized to receive 100, 300, 500, 700, or 1,000 mg of elacridar on days 1 and 8 1 h before or simultaneously with 2.0 mg oral topotecan, which was also randomized. On day 15, all patients were treated with 1.5 mg/m2 i.v. topotecan. In part II of the study, patients were treated daily with oral topotecan and with the lowest effective dose of elacridar following from part I. The maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity were determined in cohorts of three patients. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 8, and 15 of part I and on day 1 of cycles 1 and 2 of part II. Results: Complete apparent oral bioavailability of topotecan (102 ± 7%) for all treatment arms with elacridar in both schedules was seen in part I. In the topotecan dose escalation part, two dose-limiting toxicities were seen at the 2.5 mg topotecan dose level. Conclusion: The recommended schedule is 2.0 mg oral topotecan plus 100 mg elacridar administered concomitantly daily times five every 21 days.

Purpose ZD6126 is a novel vascular-targeting agent that induces selective effects on the morphology of endothelial cells by disrupting the tubulin cytoskeleton. This leads to cell detachment and tumor vessel congestion, resulting in extensive central necrosis in a range of tumor xenograft models. Results from a phase I dose-escalation study of ZD6126 are reported. Patients and Methods Thirty-two patients with advanced cancer received weekly ZD6126 infusion (5 to 28 mg/m2). Assessments for safety and pharmacokinetics were performed. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) were quantified as a pharmacodynamic marker of vascular damage. Results Maximum concentrations of the active species were observed 5 to 25 minutes from the start of infusion, and decayed in a biexponential manner with a half-life of 1 to 3 hours. Maximum serum concentration and area under the time-concentration curve increased with dose in a linear fashion across the dose range of 5 to 28 mg/m2. One patient treated at 10 mg/m2 with a history of ischemic heart disease experienced acute myocardial infarction 2 weeks after drug discontinuation. Four others had asymptomatic creatine phosphokinase–muscle-brain elevation. Maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was reached at 20 mg/m2/wk. Dose-limiting toxicities at 28 mg/m2 were hypoxia caused by pulmonary embolism and an asymptomatic decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction. No objective antitumor responses were observed. CEC levels increased in the hours after infusion, indicating potential effect of the compound on the vasculature. Conclusion ZD6126 administered as a weekly infusion was clinically well tolerated. The MTD was reached at 20 mg/m2.

2046 Background: Enzastaurin (Enz), an oral PKC inhibitor that also suppresses PI3K/AKT pathways, blocks tumor angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation and induces tumor cell death. Gemcitabine (Gem) and cisplatin (Cis) combination is often used for treatment of solid tumors. Addition of Enz to the regimen has the potential for enhanced clinical benefits without increasing toxicity. Methods: In this phase I, dose-escalation trial, patients (pts) with advanced, refractory, solid tumors received a lead-in treatment (cycle 1) with oral Enz for 14 days to achieve steady-state exposures. Starting with cycle 2, pts received Enz orally (350 mg qd to 500 mg bid) on days 1–21 combined with Gem (1000 or 1250 mg/m2) as a 30-min iv infusion on days 1,8 and Cis (60 or 75 mg/m2) as a 3-h iv infusion on day 1, every 21 days, for up to 7 cycles. Results: 33 pts (22 males, 11 females; ECOG: 0–2), with a median age of 58 yrs (range: 38–79 yrs), were enrolled in 7 dose levels. The MTD was not identified. Two DLTs were reported, 1 grade (Gr) 2 QTc interval prolongation and 1 Gr 3 fatigue, both during cycle 1 in bid cohorts. Laboratory toxicities included Gr 3/4 neutropenia (3/6 pts), thrombocytopenia (1/6 pts), and Gr 3 leukopenia (2 pts), hyperglycemia (1 pt), and creatinine (1 pt). Gr 3 toxicity reported in >1 pt was fatigue (5 pts). Enz bid (≥ 250 mg bid) was associated with more discontinuations in early cycles, more Enz dose adjustments, higher numbers of possibly-related SAEs, and increased numbers of low-grade CTC toxicities compared to the corresponding qd dosing. Exposures of Enz in the presence of Gem and Cis decreased slightly but the decrease was not clinically significant as the mean exposure remained above the targeted exposure of 1400 nM. Gem and Cis exposures were not altered when given in combination with enz, as compared to historical data. Of 24 evaluable pts, 3 pts (pancreatic, head/neck, and ovarian cancer) achieved a partial response, whereas 13 achieved stable disease for ≥ 2 cycles. Conclusions: Based on safety and PK data, the recommended phase II dose is Enz 500 mg qd, Gem 1250 mg/m2, and Cis 75 mg/m2. This regimen is generally well tolerated across all dose levels and there are no significant alterations in PK parameters of any drug, when given in combination. [Table: see text]

3129 Background: Enzastaurin HCl (LY317615, e-HCl), an acyclic bisindolylmaleimide, is a potent inhibitor of Protein Kinase C-β isozyme. The β isoform lies in the signal cascade of VEGF and inhibit...

2003 Background: Oral topotecan has a moderate (∼ 40%) and variable bioavailability (F). Complete apparent F can be obtained by combining topotecan with elacridar which inhibits BCRP and P-gp in the gut wall. The OBJECTIVES were 1] to determine the lowest effective dose (LED) of elacridar resulting in complete apparent F of topotecan and the optimal schedule of elacridar and topotecan and 2] to determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of topotecan in combination with the LED of elacridar at a dailyx5 schedule every 21 days. Methods of part 1: Patients (pts) were randomized to receive 1000, 700, 500, 300 or 100 mg of elacridar (tablets) plus 2 mg topotecan (capsules) after a standard breakfast. Elacridar was administered 60 minutes prior to topotecan or simultaneously with topotecan on day 1 and 8, which was randomized within patients. I.V. topotecan was given on day 15. Pharmacokinetics (PK) of topotecan (total and lactone form) and elacridar were obtained by validated L...