A phase II trial of gefitinib for recurrent or metastatic cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction.

BACKGROUND: Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are of limited benefit in patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). We report results from a phase II trial in this population using gefitinib, an oral epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligibility required a diagnosis of esophageal or GEJ adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, which was either metastatic or recurrent and incurable after initial therapy. No more than one prior chemotherapy regimen was permitted. Treatment consisted of gefitinib 250 mg daily for a minimum of 8 weeks. RESULTS: Between April 2003 and January 2010, 58 patients, including 18 who were chemotherapy-naïve, were entered into this trial. Toxicity was modest, although most experienced grade 1-2 diarrhea and/or skin rash. There were 4 partial responders (7%) and 10 patients with stable disease (17%). The clinical benefit (partial response and stable disease) lasted for a median 6.1 months. Median survival for all patients was 5.5 months with survival projections at 1-year of 24.6% and at 2-years of 12.5%. CONCLUSION: Gefitinib was well tolerated but of limited efficacy in patients with recurrent or metastatic esophageal or GEJ cancer. Further study of this or similar agents will require better patient selection.

Impact of routine surveillance imaging on detecting recurrence in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the utility of surveillance imaging in detecting locoregional failures (LRF), distant failures (DF) and second primary tumors (SPT) in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: An institutional database identified 225 patients with biopsy proven, non- metastatic HPV+ OPC treated with definitive CRT between 2004 and 2015, whose initial post-treatment imaging was negative for disease recurrence (DR). Two groups were defined: patients with <2 scans/year Group 1 and patients with ≥2 scans/year Group 2. The Mann-Whitney test or Chi-square was used to determine differences in baseline characteristics between groups. Fine & Gray regression was used to detect an association between imaging frequency, DR and diagnosis of SPT. RESULTS: Median follow up was 40.8 months. 30% of patients had ≥T3 disease and 90% had ≥ N2 disease (AJCC 7th edition). Twenty one failures (9.3%) were observed, 7 LRF and 15 DF. Six LRF occurred within 24 months and 14 DF occurred within 36 months of treatment completion. Regression analysis showed Group 2 had increased risk of DR compared to Group1 (HR 10.3; p = 0.002) albeit with more advanced disease at baseline. Five SPT were found (2 lung, 2 esophagus, and 1 oropharynx) between 4.5 and 159 months post-CRT. CONCLUSION: Surveillance imaging seems most useful in the first 2-3 years post treatment, and is particularly important in detecting DF. Surveillance scans for SPT has a low yield, but should be considered for those meeting lung cancer screening guidelines.

Persistent Dysphagia After Induction Chemotherapy in Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Predicts Poor Post-Operative Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Preoperative therapy is frequently employed in the management of esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, many patients are found to have advanced pathologic stage and have poor outcomes. A prognostic factor which identifies this patient population before surgery would be desirable, as alternative treatment strategies may be warranted. METHODS: Between 2/08 and 1/12, 60 evaluable patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma enrolled in single-arm phase II trial of induction chemotherapy, surgery, and post-operative adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). A clinical stage of T3, N1, or M1a (AJCC 6th) was required for eligibility. Induction chemotherapy with epirubicin 50 mg/m2 d1, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 d1, and fluorouracil 200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion for 3 weeks, was given every 21 days for 3 cycles and was followed by surgical resection. Adjuvant CRT consisted of 50-55 Gy @ 1.8-2.0 Gy/day and 2 cycles of cisplatin (20 mg/m2/day) and fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2/day) given as 96-h infusions during weeks 1 and 4 of radiotherapy. Dysphagia was assessed at baseline and after induction chemotherapy. RESULTS: Persistent dysphagia was associated with worse distant metastatic control [HR 3.48 (1.43-8.43), p = 0.006], recurrence free survival [HR 3.04 (1.34-6.92), p = 0.008], and overall survival [HR 3.31 (1.43-7.66), p = 0.005]. Persistent dysphagia was associated with more advanced pathologic T descriptor (pT) (p = 0.048) and N descriptor (pN) (p = 0.002), a greater median number of involved lymph nodes (3 v 1, p = 0.003), and greater residual tumor viability (p = 0.05). No patients with persistent dysphagia had pT0-T2 or pN0 disease. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent dysphagia after induction chemotherapy is associated with more advanced pathologic stage and inferior outcomes.

The relationship between pathologic nodal disease and residual tumor viability after induction chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma receiving a tri-modality regimen.

BACKGROUND: A complete pathologic response to induction chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) has been identified as a favorable prognostic factor for patients with loco-regionally advanced (LRA) adenocarcinoma (ACA) of the esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction (E/GEJ). Nodal involvement at the time of surgery has been found to be prognostically unfavorable. Less is known, however, about the prognostic import of less than complete pathologic regression and its relationship to residual nodal disease after induction chemotherapy. METHODS: Between February 2008 and January 2012, 60 evaluable patients with ACA of the E/GEJ enrolled in a phase II trial of induction chemotherapy, surgery, and post-operative CRT. Eligibility required a clinical stage of T3-T4 or N1 or M1a (AJCC 6(th)). Induction chemotherapy with epirubicin 50 mg/m(2) d1, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) d1, and fluorouracil 200 mg/m(2)/day continuous infusion for 3 weeks, was given every 21 days for three courses and was followed by surgical resection. Adjuvant CRT consisted of 50-55 Gy at 1.8-2.0 Gy/d and two courses of cisplatin (20 mg/m(2)/d) and fluorouracil (1,000 mg/m(2)/d) over 4 days during weeks 1 and 4 of radiotherapy. Residual viability (RV) was defined as the amount of remaining tumor in relation to acellular mucin pools and scarring. RESULTS: Of the 60 evaluable patients, 54 completed induction therapy and underwent curative intent surgery. The Kaplan-Meier projected 3-year overall survival (OS) for patients with pathologic N0 (n=20), N1 (n=12), N2 (n=13), and N3 (n=9) disease is 73%, 57%, 35%, and 0% respectively (P<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier projected 3-year OS of patients with low (0-25%, n=19), intermediate (26-75%, n=26), and high (>75%, n=9) residual tumor viability was 67%, 42%, and 17% respectively (P=0.004). On multivariable analysis (MVA), both the pN descriptor and RV were independently prognostic for OS. In patients with less nodal dissemination (N0/N1), RV was prognostic for OS [3-year OS 85% (0-25% viable) vs. 51% (>25% viable), P=0.028]. Outcomes were poor, however, for patients with advanced nodal disease (N2/N3) regardless of RV [3-year OS 20% (0-25% viable) vs. 21% (>25% viable), P=0.55]. CONCLUSIONS: RV and the pN descriptor after induction chemotherapy are independent pathologic prognostic factors for OS in patients with LRA ACA of the E/GEJ. Patients with extensive nodal disease, however, have poor outcomes irrespective of residual tumor viability.

Randomized phase III study of 2 cisplatin-based chemoradiation regimens in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: impact of changing disease epidemiology on contemporary trial design.

BACKGROUND: Chemoradiotherapy results in excellent outcomes in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This trial compared 2 chemoradiotherapy regimens. METHODS: Patients with locally advanced HNSCC were treated with radiation (70-74.4 Gy), and randomized to arm A: cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) on radiotherapy (RT) days 1, 22, and 43, or arm B: cisplatin (20 mg/m(2) /day) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; 1000 mg/m(2) /day) continuous 96-hour infusions on RT weeks 1 and 4. The primary endpoint was relapse-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Between February 2008 and October 2011, 69 patients were enrolled in this study. The study prematurely closed when a scheduled interim analysis showed superior outcomes in both arms and futility of continuation. Eighty-three percent of patients had oropharyngeal cancer, of these, 86% were human papillomavirus (HPV)/p16+. The 3-year Kaplan-Meier outcome estimates (median follow-up, 41 months) for arms A and B were: RFS 87% versus 80% (p = .24), overall survival 97% versus 85% (p = .013), locoregional control 96% versus 94% (p = .52), and distant metastatic control 91% versus 87% (p = .9). CONCLUSION: Multiagent was not superior to single-agent chemoradiotherapy. Overrepresentation of HPV/p16+ patients resulted in better than expected outcomes.

A phase II trial of induction epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and fluorouracil, followed by surgery and postoperative concurrent cisplatin and fluorouracil chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy improves local control in patients with locoregionally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Distant failure remains common, however, suggesting potential benefit from additional chemotherapy. This phase II study investigated the addition of induction chemotherapy to surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Patients with cT3-4 or N1 or M1a (American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th edition) adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and GEJ were eligible. Induction chemotherapy, with epirubicin 50 mg/m/d, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m/d, and fluorouracil 200 mg/m/d continuous infusion for 3 weeks, was given every 21 days for three courses, followed by surgery. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy consisted of 50 to 55 Gy at 1.8 to 2.0 Gy/d and two courses of cisplatin (20 mg/m/d) and fluorouracil (1000 mg/m/d) during weeks 1 and 4 of radiotherapy. RESULTS: Between February 2008 and January 2012, 60 evaluable patients enrolled. Resection was accomplished in 54 patients (90%) and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in 48 (80%) patients. Toxicity included unplanned hospitalization in 18% of patients during induction chemotherapy and 19% of patients during adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. There was one chemotherapy-related and two postoperative deaths. With a median follow-up of 43 months, the projected 3-year locoregional control is 88%, distant metastatic control 46%, relapse-free survival 41%, and overall survival 47%. Symptomatic response to chemotherapy and the percentage of remaining viable tumor at surgery proved the strongest predictors of survival and distant control. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy are feasible and produce outcomes similar to other multimodality treatment schedules in locoregionally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and GEJ. Symptomatic response and less residual tumor at surgery were associated with improved outcomes.

Single-arm phase II study of multiagent concurrent chemoradiotherapy and gefitinib in locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: This phase II study tested the addition of the oral epidermal growth factor receptor gefitinib to multiagent concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimen in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). METHODS: Patients with stage III-IV HNSCC received hyperfractionated radiation (72-74.4 Gy at 120 cGy twice daily), with concurrent 96-hour infusions of cisplatin 20 mg/m(2) /day and fluorouracil 1000 mg/m(2) /day given during weeks 1 and 4. Daily gefitinib 250 mg was started on day 1 of radiation and continued for 2 years. Results were retrospectively compared with our previous study using identical chemoradiotherapy without gefitinib. RESULTS: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study; 80% had stage IV disease and 68% had oropharyngeal primary tumors. The full course of gefitinib was not tolerated by 42%; there were 5 treatment-related deaths (8%). With a median follow-up of 54 months, 2- and 3-year overall survival estimates were 80% and 71%, respectively. Projected distant metastatic control at 2 and 3 years was 88%. When compared with our historical cohort, acute toxicities including renal dysfunction and unplanned rehospitalization were worse in the study patients. Projected outcome estimates did not differ between the 2 cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of gefitinib to concurrent chemoradiotherapy was difficult to complete, did not improve outcomes, and increased toxicity.

Multi-agent concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The reported decreasing benefit with increasing age from concurrent chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients prompted this retrospective review. METHODS: Two courses of cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy were given to fit patients ≥70 years with locoregionally advanced cancers. Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were compared with those for an identically treated cohort <70 years. RESULTS: There were 44 patients ≥70 and 137 patients <70 years. Clinical characteristics, treatment and toxicities were similar except that the elderly were less likely to receive both chemotherapy courses, experienced more myelosuppression, required more unplanned hospitalization, and were feeding-tube dependent longer. Projected 5-year disease-specific survival (71% vs 74%) and freedom from recurrence (69% v. 71%) were nearly identical. CONCLUSIONS: Although these selected elderly patients experienced greater myelosuppression and supportive care requirements, outcomes were the same as in younger patients. Age alone should not be considered a contraindication to aggressive chemoradiotherapy for this disease.

A phase II study of perioperative concurrent chemotherapy, gefitinib, and hyperfractionated radiation followed by maintenance gefitinib in locoregionally advanced esophagus and gastroesophageal junction cancer.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locoregionally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer produces high locoregional control rates but suboptimal distant metastatic control (DMC) and overall survival. This phase II study added gefitinib (G) to our previously tested CCRT regimen in an effort to improve these outcomes. METHODS: Eligibility required T3, N1, or M1a esophageal or gastroesophageal junction squamous cell or adenocarcinoma staged by esophageal ultrasound and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Four-day continuous intravenous infusions of cisplatin (20 mg/m/d) and fluorouracil (1000 mg/m/d) began on day 1 of preoperative radiation (30 Gy and 1.5 Gy bid). Surgery followed in 4 to 6 weeks, and an identical course of CCRT 6 to 10 weeks postoperatively. G 250 mg/d was given with preoperative CCRT for 4 weeks and restarted with postoperative therapy for 2 years. Results were retrospectively compared with our historical series of 93 patients given CCRT without G. RESULTS: Between April 2003 and July 2006, 80 patients were enrolled. Patient and tumor characteristics were similar to our historical series. G did not increase toxicity except for development of rash in 42 (53%) and diarrhea in 44 (55%) 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimates (G versus non-G treated patients) included: overall survival (42% versus 28%, p = 0.06), DMC (40% versus 32%, p = 0.33), and locoregional control (76% versus 77%, p = 0.74). Intolerance for G maintenance occurred in 48% of patients. Patients who experienced G related diarrhea appeared to have improved outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although G did not worsen CCRT toxicity, maintenance therapy proved difficult. This contemporary cohort of patients enjoyed superior survival, which does not solely reflect a decrease in DMC and merits further investigation.

Mature results from a phase II trial of postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy for poor prognosis cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.

INTRODUCTION: Mature results are presented from a phase II trial of postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with poor-prognosis cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction after primary surgical resection. METHODS: Resected patients with a pathologic stage of T3, N1, or M1a were eligible for this trial. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was begun between 6 and 10 weeks after surgery and consisted of radiotherapy (1.8 Gy/d to a planned dose of 50.4-59.4 Gy), concurrent with two cycles of 5-fluorouracil (1000 mg/m/d) and cisplatin (20 mg/m/d), both given as 4-day continuous intravenous infusions during the first and fourth weeks of the radiation. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2006, 50 patients were enrolled. The median age was 59 (range, 33-76) years, and most patients were male (86%), Caucasian (96%), and had undergone a transthoracic esophagogastrectomy (74%) for what proved to be a node positive (86%) adenocarcinoma (86%). Postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy was accompanied by neutropenia requiring hospitalization for fever in only four patients (8%) and no toxic deaths. With a median follow-up of 47 (range, 36-124) months, the Kaplan-Meier 4-year projected overall survival is 51%, freedom from recurrence 50%, distant metastatic control 56%, and locoregional control 86%. An earlier pathologic stage was the only predictor for a better outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This schedule of postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy has acceptable toxicity for patients with poor-prognosis esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer after surgery. Outcomes are better than historical results after surgery alone and justify further investigation of this approach.