Prognostic significance of human papillomavirus in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: an analysis of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trials.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article was to study the association of human papillomavirus (HPV) with clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Archival baseline tumor specimens were obtained from patients treated on two clinical trials in recurrent or metastatic SCCHN: E1395, a phase III trial of cisplatin and paclitaxel versus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, and E3301, a phase II trial of irinotecan and docetaxel. HPV DNA was detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) with a wide-spectrum probe. p16 status was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Clinical outcomes of interest were objective response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: We analyzed 64 patients for HPV ISH and 65 for p16. Eleven tumors (17%) were HPV+, 12 (18%) were p16+, whereas 52 (80%) were both HPV- and p16-. The objective response rate was 55% for HPV-positive versus 19% for HPV-negative (P = 0.022), and 50% for p16-positive versus 19% for p16-negative (P = 0.057). The median survival was 12.9 versus 6.7 months for HPV-positive versus HPV-negative patients (P = 0.014), and 11.9 versus 6.7 months for p16-positive versus p16-negative patients (P = 0.027). After adjusting for other covariates, hazard ratio for OS was 2.69 (P = 0.048) and 2.17 (P = 0.10), favoring HPV-positive and p16-positive patients, respectively. The other unfavorable risk factor for OS was loss of ≥5% weight in previous 6 months (P = 0.0021 and 0.023 for HPV and p16 models, respectively). CONCLUSION: HPV is a favorable prognostic factor in recurrent or metastatic SCCHN that should be considered in the design of clinical trials in this setting. CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER: NCT01487733 Clinicaltrials.gov.

Induction cetuximab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin followed by chemoradiation with cetuximab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin for stage III/IV head and neck squamous cancer: a phase II ECOG-ACRIN trial (E2303).

BACKGROUND: E2303 evaluated cetuximab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin used as induction therapy and concomitant with radiation therapy in patients with stage III/IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) determining pathologic complete response (CR), event-free survival (EFS), and toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with resectable stage III/IV HNSCC underwent induction therapy with planned primary site restaging biopsies (at week 8 in clinical complete responders and at week 14 if disease persisted). Chemoradiation (CRT) began week 9. If week 14 biopsy was negative, patients completed CRT (68-72 Gy); otherwise, resection was carried out. p16 protein expression status was correlated with response/survival. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled; 63 were eligible. Forty-four (70%) were free of surgery to the primary site, progression, and death 1-year post-treatment. Following induction, 41 (23 CR) underwent week 8 primary site biopsy and 24 (59%) had no tumor (pathologic CR). Week 14 biopsy during chemoradiation (50 Gy) in 34 (15 previously positive biopsy; 19 no prior biopsy) was negative in 33. Thus 90% of eligible patients completed CRT. Overall survival and EFS were 78% and 55% at 3 years, respectively. Disease progression in 23 patients (37%) was local only in 10 (16%), regional in 5 (8%), local and regional in 2 (3%), and distant in 5 patients (8%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Toxicity was primarily hematologic or radiation-related. p16 AQUA score was not associated with response/survival. CONCLUSIONS: Induction cetuximab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin followed by the same drug CRT is safe and induces high primary site response and promising survival. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT 00089297.

A 3'-UTR KRAS-variant is associated with cisplatin resistance in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: A germline mutation in the 3'-untranslated region of KRAS (rs61764370, KRAS-variant: TG/GG) has previously been associated with altered patient outcome and drug resistance/sensitivity in various cancers. We examined the prognostic and predictive significance of this variant in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 103 HNSCCs collected from three completed clinical trials. KRAS-variant genotyping was conducted for these samples and 8 HNSCC cell lines. p16 expression was determined in a subset of 26 oropharynx tumors by immunohistochemistry. Microarray analysis was also utilized to elucidate differentially expressed genes between KRAS-variant and non-variant tumors. Drug sensitivity in cell lines was evaluated to confirm clinical findings. RESULTS: KRAS-variant status was determined in 95/103 (92%) of the HNSCC tumor samples and the allelic frequency of TG/GG was 32% (30/95). Three of the HNSCC cell lines (3/8) studied had the KRAS-variant. No association between KRAS-variant status and p16 expression was observed in the oropharynx subset (Fisher's exact test, P = 1.0). With respect to patient outcome, patients with the KRAS-variant had poor progression-free survival when treated with cisplatin (log-rank P = 0.002). Conversely, KRAS-variant patients appeared to experience some improvement in disease control when cetuximab was added to their platinum-based regimen (log-rank P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The TG/GG rs61764370 KRAS-variant is a potential predictive biomarker for poor platinum response in R/M HNSCC patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT00503997, NCT00425750, NCT00003809.

Chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer: phase III randomized Intergroup study 0099.

PURPOSE: The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) coordinated an Intergroup study with the participation of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). This randomized phase III trial compared chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone in patients with nasopharyngeal cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiotherapy was administered in both arms: 1.8- to 2.0-Gy/d fractions Monday to Friday for 35 to 39 fractions for a total dose of 70 Gy. The investigational arm received chemotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 22, and 43 during radiotherapy; postradiotherapy, chemotherapy with cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1 and fluorouracil 1,000 mg/m2/d on days 1 to 4 was administered every 4 weeks for three courses. Patients were stratified by tumor stage, nodal stage, performance status, and histology. RESULTS: Of 193 patients registered, 147 (69 radiotherapy and 78 chemoradiotherapy) were eligible for primary analysis for survival and toxicity. The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 15 months for eligible patients on the radiotherapy arm and was not reached for the chemo-radiotherapy group. The 3-year PFS rate was 24% versus 69%, respectively (P < .001). The median survival time was 34 months for the radiotherapy group and not reached for the chemo-radiotherapy group, and the 3-year survival rate was 47% versus 78%, respectively (P = .005). One hundred eighty-five patients were included in a secondary analysis for survival. The 3-year survival rate for patients randomized to radiotherapy was 46%, and for the chemoradiotherapy group was 76% (P < .001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that chemoradiotherapy is superior to radiotherapy alone for patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancers with respect to PFS and overall survival.

Phase II trial of docetaxel-irinotecan combination in advanced esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical evidence suggests synergy between docetaxel and irinotecan, two drugs active in esophagogastric cancer. We previously demonstrated the safety of docetaxel 35 mg/m2 and irinotecan 50 mg/m2 given on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day schedule. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had unresectable/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of zero to two, and normal bilirubin were eligible. Tumor assessment was carried out every three cycles. RESULTS: We enrolled 29 chemotherapy-naive (CN) and 15 chemotherapy-exposed (CE) eligible patients. Principal toxic effects were diarrhea, neutropenia, and hyperglycemia. There were no toxic deaths. There was one early death, from myocardial infarction. Among 26 CN and assessable patients, there were seven (26.9%) with a partial response (PR) and one (3.8%) with a complete response (CR). There were two PRs and one CR among the patients with CE disease. Median time to progression for CN patients was 4.0 months and for CE patients 3.5 months. Median survival for CN eligible patients was 9.0 months and for CE patients 11.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Docetaxel-irinotecan combination given on a weekly x 2 of 3 schedule is promising in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.

A randomized phase II study of ixabepilone (BMS-247550) given daily x 5 days every 3 weeks or weekly in patients with metastatic or recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group study.

Ixabepilone is a tubulin-polymerizing agent with potential activity in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Patients were eligible who had incurable, measurable SCCHN and less than two prior regimens for metastatic/recurrent disease. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of less than or equal to one and adequate renal/hepatic/hematological function were required. Patients were randomly assigned to receive ixabepilone 6 mg/m(2)/day x 5 days every 21 days (arm A) or 20 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle (arm B). Each arm accrued taxane-naive and -exposed strata in a two-stage design. The primary end point was response. Eighty-five eligible patients entered; there was one response in a taxane-exposed patient among 32 patients on arm A. Five of 35 taxane-naive patients on arm B had partial responses (14%). No taxane-exposed patient on arm B responded. Common grades 3 and 4 toxic effects were fatigue, neutropenia, and sensory/motor neuropathy. Median survival for arm A taxane-naive and taxane-exposed patients is 5.6 and 6.5 months; for arm B, taxane-naive and taxane-exposed patients is 7.8 and 6.5 months. Weekly ixabepilone 20 mg/m(2) is active in taxane-naive patients with SCCHN. A high incidence of motor and sensory grade 3 neuropathy resulted at this dose and schedule. Further development of ixabepilone in previously treated head and neck cancer is not warranted on the basis of these data.

p53 mutation and locoregional treatment failure in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The p53 gene (also known as TP53) may be the most common genetic target involved in the malignant transformation of human cells. Direct sequence analysis has demonstrated that alteration of this gene occurs in approximately 45% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The consequences of p53 mutations in these cancers with respect to tumor behavior and patient survival have not been rigorously determined. PURPOSE: We evaluated the implications of p53 mutations in relation to the control of locoregional disease and overall survival following radiation therapy. METHODS: Data from 110 consecutive patients with invasive disease who were treated with primary radiation therapy (given with curative intent) or with adjuvant radiation therapy (following complete surgical extirpation of gross disease) were included in the analysis. A 1.8-kilobase fragment of the p53 gene encompassing exons 5-9 was amplified from the DNA of stored (frozen) tumor specimens; the amplified DNA was cloned and sequenced by use of standard techniques. Overall survival and locoregional disease-free survival after the completion of radiation therapy were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method; survival comparisons were made by use of the logrank test or proportional hazards regression models. Reported P values are two-sided. RESULTS: Fortyeight (44%) of the 110 tumors had cells bearing p53 mutations. The risk of locoregional recurrence following either primary or adjuvant radiation therapy was significantly greater (i.e., the time to recurrence was shorter) for patients whose tumors contained mutant p53 genes (univariate model hazard ratio [HR] for p53 mutation versus wild-type = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-4.1; P = .02). The presence of regional lymph node metastases (presence versus absence, HR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.0-4.2; P = .05) and treatment type (primary radiation therapy versus surgery plus adjuvant radiation therapy, HR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.2-4.3; P = .01) were also associated with greater risks of locoregional failure. The presence of p53 mutations and lymph node metastases and treatment with primary, as opposed to adjuvant, radiation therapy remained significant risk factors in multivariate regression analysis. No relationship was demonstrated between p53 status and overall survival (mutant versus wild-type, HR = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.6-2.1; P = .66); however, a relationship was shown for tumor stage and overall survival (stages III and IV [more advanced] versus stages I and II [less advanced], HR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.0-10.8; P = .05). Mutation of the p53 gene was not associated with patient age, sex, tumor stage, primary tumor site, regional lymph node status, degree of tumor cell differentiation, or treatment method. CONCLUSIONS: Mutation of the p53 gene is associated with an increased risk of locoregional failure in patients with invasive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are treated with radiation therapy.

Pharmacokinetic and toxicity evaluation of five-day continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) in head and neck cancer patients.

We administered cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), 30 mg/m2/day for 5 days by continuous infusion to six patients with head and neck cancer, and compared the total and filterable plasma concentrations of platinum, and toxic effects, with those observed in five additional patients who received the same dose and schedule of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) by intermittent bolus. In the continuous infusion group, the total 5-day exposure to filterable platinum, determined from the area under the concentration-time curve, was 1.5 to 2-fold higher (P less than 0.01) than that observed in the intermittent bolus group although the maximum filterable platinum concentration achieved was 8-fold lower (P less than 0.01). These differences were not reflected by total platinum levels. Subclinical nephrotoxicity, as judged by monitoring the urinary excretion of the renal enzymes N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and alanine aminopeptidase, as well as ototoxicity, and the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting were similar in both groups. In contrast, myelosuppression, and hypomagnesemia were more frequent in the continuous-infusion patients, suggesting that the total exposure to free platinum contributes more to these toxicities than peak levels achieved. Considering the clinically acceptable toxicity observed after administration by continuous infusion, we recommend larger therapeutic trials to define the efficacy of increased tumor exposure to filterable platinum.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of hepsulfam (NSC 329680).

Hepsulfam (NSC 329680), a bifunctional alkylating agent structurally related to busulfan, has entered clinical trial based on its broader preclinical antitumor activity compared with that of busulfan and its i.v. formulation which may circumvent the many problems arising from the p.o. administration of busulfan, such as significant individual differences in bioavailability. In this Phase I study, 53 patients received 95 courses of hepsulfam at doses ranging from 30 to 480 mg/m2 administered i.v. over 30 min every 28 days. Hematological toxicity was dose limiting. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were dose related, delayed in onset, and sustained for long durations. Toxicity was cumulative in most patients receiving more than one course. This pattern of myelosuppression suggests that hepsulfam is cytotoxic to hematopoietic stem cells. Although hematological toxicity was not particularly severe during most courses, its lengthly duration precluded the prompt administration of subsequent courses. Minimal nonhematological effects were observed. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the clearance rate of hepsulfam is linear over the dose range studied and that its plasma disposition is biphasic with mean alpha and beta half-lives of 19 +/- 18 (SE) min and 337 +/- 248 (SE) min, respectively. The area under the plasma clearance curve correlated with the percentage of change in WBC using a sigmoidal Emax model and with the duration of thrombocytopenia in patients with hematological toxicity. Based on the protracted duration of the toxicity of multiple doses that were greater than 210 mg/m2, the recommended starting dose for Phase II trials is 210 mg/m2. However, these trials should be pursued with caution because of the protracted nature of hepsulfam's myelosuppression. Because hepsulfam produced minimal nonhematological toxicity, substantial dose escalation above 480 mg/m2 may be possible with hematopoietic stem cell support.

Cisplatin, vinblastine, and mitoguazone chemotherapy for epidermoid and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Thirty-six patients with adenocarcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus were entered into a phase II trial evaluating the combination of cisplatin 100 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) day 2, vinblastine 1.6 mg/m2 IV days 1 to 4, and mitoguazone (MGBG) 500 mg/m2 IV days 1 and 8. Twenty-nine patients (group A) were newly diagnosed with local-regional disease only and were candidates for transhiatal esophagectomy (THE). These patients received two courses of chemotherapy at 3-week intervals prior to surgery. Response was assessed by measuring changes in the primary tumor length and depth on serial biphasic contrast esophagrams and comparing this result with tumor measurements obtained from the surgical specimen. Complete (CR) and partial responders (PR) received three additional postoperative cycles. Seven patients had recurrent or metastatic disease (group B) and were treated every 4 weeks until disease progression. Of 34 patients evaluable for response, there was one pathologically confirmed CR and 15 PRs (47%). This consisted of 12 of 27 (44%) group A patients (seven of 11 epidermoid, five of 16 adenocarcinoma) and four of seven (57%) group B patients (two of four epidermoid, two of three adenocarcinoma). Toxicity included leukopenia in one third of treatment courses and thrombocytopenia in 21%. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 60% of patients, diarrhea in 18%, transient nephrotoxicity in 18%, peripheral neuropathy in 12%, and ototoxicity in 3%. Twenty-five group A patients underwent resection. Four chemotherapy nonresponders (NR) and one PR had known disease left at surgery; all others (80%) had gross total removal of their disease. The median survival time (MST) of the 29 group A patients was 14 months, with 21% alive at 36 months. The MST of group A chemotherapy responders was 15 months compared with 9 months for NRs (P = .032). Initial sites of recurrence in 14 patients were local-regional in six, distant only in six, both local-regional and distant in two. This regimen, administered in maximally tolerated doses, was active in epidermoid and adenocarcinoma histologies, recurrent disease and newly diagnosed patients. However, nearly all responses were PRs and the MST of resected patients was similar to a prior series of patients treated with esophagectomy alone. Observations from this pilot trial and those of others have led to a follow-up study, in progress, evaluating intensive preoperative chemotherapy and concurrent radiation therapy (RT).

Intra-arterial cisplatin and FUDR in advanced malignancies confined to the head and neck.

Twenty-seven patients with advanced malignancies confined to the head and neck region were treated with intra-arterial (IA) cisplatin and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR) using implantable pumps or injection ports. Tumor histologies were: 16 squamous cell, one mucoepidermoid, one adenocarcinoma, one neuroendocrine, four adenoid cystic, two acinic cell, one fibrosarcoma, and one melanoma. All primaries originated from tissues in the head and neck area. Nineteen patients had received prior treatment, including chemotherapy in 13; eight were newly diagnosed. Responses in 26 evaluable patients were two complete (CR), ten partial (PR), six minor (MR), and eight progressions. The median duration of response was 5 months, with a range of 2 to 11 months. Sites of progression were within the infused volume in 13 patients and to uninfused local-regional or distant sites in eight. The response rate in the subset of 15 patients with squamous cell head and neck cancer was 47%. Toxicity in the 26 patients included stomatitis in 88%, nausea and vomiting in 64%, myelosuppression in 15%, and grade 1 nephrotoxicity in 1%. A regional advantage for IA cisplatin and FUDR can be calculated based on total body clearance rates (CLTB) for these agents and estimates of external carotid artery (ECA) blood flow. However, frequent progression of disease outside the infused volume to regional and distant sites limits the usefulness of this approach in recurrent disease patients.

Preoperative chemoradiation followed by transhiatal esophagectomy for carcinoma of the esophagus: final report.

PURPOSE: In 1990 we published the results of an intensive 3-week preoperative chemoradiation regimen for locoregional esophageal cancer that suggested improved survival compared with historical controls. We now report the long-term results at a median follow-up of 78.7 months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients with locoregional squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or cardia were treated with fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, and bolus vinblastine concurrent with radiation administered over 21 days. Transhiatal esophagectomy was performed on day 42. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (95%) completed the preoperative treatment, and 36 (84%) had a potentially curative resection. Ten of 41 (24%) had no tumor in the resected esophagus and nodal tissues (path-negative group). The median survival duration of all 43 patients registered on study was 29 months; 34% were alive at 5 years. By histology, median survival durations were 32 months for 21 adenocarcinoma patients and 23 months for 22 squamous cell patients, with corresponding 5-year survival rates of 34% and 31%, respectively. Analysis of the 36 patients who underwent a potentially curative resection demonstrated median survival durations of 32 and 44 months and 5-year survival rates of 36% and 43%, respectively, for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell histologies. Path-negative (complete response [CR]) patients had a median survival duration of 70 months and 60% were alive at 5 years, while those patients with residual tumor in the resected esophagus had a median survival duration of 26 months and 32% were alive at 5 years (P = .114 by the log-rank test and P = .04 by the Wilcoxon test). CONCLUSION: The results of this regimen appear improved over those reported with surgery alone, with an approximate doubling of the 5-year survival rate. Thirty-two percent of patients with residual tumor in the esophageal specimen are long-term survivors, which suggests a benefit from esophagectomy. A randomized trial is in progress to compare this preoperative regimen with immediate surgery.

A phase I-II trial of carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy in advanced carcinoma of the head and neck.

Twenty-nine patients with recurrent or advanced, incurable head and neck cancer were entered into a phase I-II trial of carboplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 1,000 mg/m2/d continuous intravenous (IV) infusion for five days every 28 days. The initial dose of carboplatin was 300 mg/m2 for patients with Karnofsky performance scores greater than or equal to 70%, and 240 mg/m2 for patients with scores of 50% to 60%. Subsequent doses were modified to achieve grade 2 myelo-suppression: WBC, 2,000 to 2,999 cells/microL; granulocytes, 1,000 to 1,499 cells/microL; and platelets, 50,000 to 75,000 cells/microL. Dose levels were 180, 240, 300, 360, and 420 mg/m2. Twenty-eight patients had squamous-cell cancers and one had an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid. There were 26 patients with recurrent disease; 22 had received prior RT; only two had received other chemotherapy immediately before study entry. Three patients had newly diagnosed incurable stage IV disease. The median performance status was 80% (range, 60% to 90%). All patients had objectively measurable disease, and 28 were evaluable for response. There were three complete responses (CRs) and ten partial responses (PRs) (48% CR and PR); the median duration of response was 4.7 months (range, 1.5 to 15+ months). Dose-limiting toxicities were granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and stomatitis. Prolonged myelosuppression delayed retreatment in eight patients and delayed 19 of 107 (18%) courses. Stomatitis occurred in 61% and diarrhea in 29%. 5-FU dosage was decreased in ten patients (36%) for grade 2 or greater stomatitis or diarrhea. Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting occurred in 66% of patient trials in which no pretreatment antiemetics were administered. Other toxicities included phlebitis from 5-FU in 71%, skin toxicity in 11%, mild alopecia in 25%, and fatigue in 54% of patients. Nephrotoxicity (creatinine greater than 2.0 mg/dL) occurred in one patient. The dose of carboplatin resulting in grade 2 toxicity was 180 mg/m2 in one patient, 240 mg/m2 in one, 300 mg/m2 in seven, 360 mg/m2 in ten, and 420 mg/m2 in one. Based on these results, we recommend a starting dose of carboplatin, 300 mg/m2, in combination with five days of continuous infusion 5-FU. In this dose and schedule, this combination was well tolerated and demonstrated antitumor activity in head and neck cancer. To confirm these promising results, a Southwest Oncology Group prospective randomized trial is in progress comparing carboplatin and 5-FU, cisplatin and 5-FU, and standard-dose weekly methotrexate in recurrent-disease patients.

Randomized comparison of cisplatin plus fluorouracil and carboplatin plus fluorouracil versus methotrexate in advanced squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a Southwest Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE: The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) conducted a randomized comparison of cisplatin plus fluorouracil (5-FU) and carboplatin plus 5-FU versus single-agent methotrexate (MTX) in patients with recurrent and metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. The primary objective was to compare separately the response rates of each combination regimen to standard weekly MTX. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy-seven patients diagnosed with SCC of the head and neck were randomized to one of three treatments: (1) cisplatin 100 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on day 1 and 5-FU 1,000 mg/m2 per day for a 96-hour continuous infusion repeated every 21 days; (2) carboplatin 300 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and 5-FU 1,000 mg/m2 per day for a 96-hour continuous infusion repeated every 28 days; and (3) MTX 40 mg/m2 IV given weekly. RESULTS: All three treatment regimens were well tolerated. However, both hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities were significantly greater with cisplatin plus 5-FU compared with MTX (P = .001). Toxicity from carboplatin plus 5-FU was intermediate compared with the other regimens. The complete and partial response rates were 32% for cisplatin plus 5-FU, 21% for carboplatin plus 5-FU, and 10% for MTX. The comparison of cisplatin plus 5-FU to MTX was statistically significant (P less than .001), and the comparison of carboplatin plus 5-FU to MTX was of borderline statistical significance (P = .05). Median response durations and median survival times were similar for all three treatment groups. Logistic regression models showed that only treatment assigned was associated significantly with response (P = .001). Cox proportional hazards models indicated that only performance status was associated significantly with survival (P less than .01). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that combination chemotherapy resulted in improved response rates but was associated with an increased toxicity and no improvement in overall survival. Therefore, new treatments that may alter the course of disease in recurrent head and neck cancer patients still need to be identified.

Phase I and pharmacologic study of paclitaxel and cisplatin with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: neuromuscular toxicity is dose-limiting.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum-tolerated doses (MTD), the principal toxicities, and the pharmacologic behavior of high doses of Taxol (paclitaxel; Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York, NY) combined with cisplatin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Untreated and minimally pretreated solid-tumor patients received 24-hour infusions of Taxol on day 1 followed by cisplatin on day 2 and G-CSF, 5 micrograms/kg/d subcutaneously (SC), beginning on day 3. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. Starting doses of Taxol and cisplatin were 135 and 75 mg/m2, respectively. RESULTS: The development of a severe peripheral neuropathy and/or severe myalgias precluded the chronic administration of Taxol and cisplatin with G-CSF at doses greater than 250 mg/m2 and 75 mg/m2, respectively. At this dose, the mean Taxol steady-state plasma concentration (Css) exceeds concentrations capable of inducing pertinent antimicrotubule effects in vitro. The severity of the neuropathy was related to the cumulative dose of Taxol, the magnitude of the dose administered during each treatment, and the presence of a pre-existing medical disorder associated with peripheral neuropathy. A proximal myopathy of modest severity also was documented. Although severe neutropenia occurred frequently, especially at the MTD, it was rarely associated with fever (8% of courses), and absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) less than 500/microL never persisted for more than 5 days. Responses were noted in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck, breast, and esophageal cancers. CONCLUSION: Taxol and cisplatin doses of 250 mg/m2 and 75 mg/m2, respectively, can be administered repetitively with G-CSF to untreated and minimally pretreated patients. However, these doses are not recommended for patients with pre-existing neuropathies until additional experience in high-risk patients is obtained. Although this Taxol dose is nearly 85% higher than the dose that can be combined with cisplatin in the absence of G-CSF, this high-dose regimen should not be used outside the investigational setting until a dose-response relationship has been demonstrated for Taxol in randomized clinical trials.

Concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by transhiatal esophagectomy for local-regional cancer of the esophagus.

Forty-three patients with local-regional squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, cardia, or gastroesophageal junction were treated with concurrent cisplatin, vinblastine, fluorouracil (5-FU), and radiation therapy (RT) over 21 days. A transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) was planned on day 42. Seventy-nine percent had T2 primaries by clinical staging and 56% had enlarged regional nodes (N) on computed tomographic (CT) scan. Forty-one patients completed the preoperative treatment and went to surgery (95% operability rate), and 36 (84%) were completely resected. Ten of the 41 operative candidates had no evidence of tumor in the resected esophagus and nodal tissue (tumor0 node0; T0N0), 24% complete response (CR). Myelosuppression was the major toxicity with grade 3 or 4 leukopenia in 93% of patients and two preoperative treatment-related deaths. At a median follow-up of 26 months, the median survival time (MST) of all 43 patients registered on study has not been reached. The MST of the 36 completely resected patients and the 10 complete responders has not been reached; 70% and 100%, respectively, are alive at 24 months. The MST by histology is 21 months for the 22 squamous patients and has not been reached for the 21 adenocarcinoma patients registered on study. In a prognostic factor analysis, clinical N status, histology, and the percent of cisplatin and vinblastine tolerated were significant predictors for survival. These survival results suggest a significant improvement over the 14-month MST observed in our previous trial using preoperative chemotherapy only in a similar patient population, and a 12-month MST in a historic control group undergoing THE. A randomized trial is now in progress to convincingly determine if survival is prolonged by this therapy.

Intensive induction chemotherapy and radiation for organ preservation in patients with advanced resectable head and neck carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We designed a protocol to evaluate the possibility of organ preservation in patients with advanced, resectable carcinoma of the head and neck. The regimen consisted of intensive chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy alone for patients with good response to treatment. The end points of the study were response rate, organ preservation, toxicity, and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two eligible patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses were enrolled. Induction chemotherapy consisted of three cycles of mitoguazone, fluorouracil (5-FU), and high-dose continuous infusion cisplatin. Patients who had a complete response to chemotherapy, or whose tumor was downstaged to T1N1, were treated with definitive radiation therapy, to a total dose of 66 to 73.8 Gy. Patients with residual disease greater than T1N1 underwent surgery and postoperative radiation. RESULTS: The overall response rate to chemotherapy was 84%, with a 43% complete response rate, and a 68% complete response rate at the primary tumor site. Sixty-nine percent of patients (29 of 42) were initially spared surgery to the primary tumor site, and four of these patients (14%) required neck dissection only, after radiation therapy. These tumor sites included oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and sinuses. Eventually, five of these patients (17%) required salvage surgery and eight patients (28%) had unresectable or metastatic relapses. With a median follow-up duration of 38.5 months, 36% of all patients have had preservation of the primary tumor site and remain disease-free. The median survival duration is 26.8 months. Toxicity was substantial, with a 70% incidence of grade 3 to 4 granulocytopenia and two septic deaths. CONCLUSION: Organ preservation without apparent compromise of survival was achieved in patients with selected nonlaryngeal sites of head and neck carcinoma. Larger site-specific trials with less toxic regimens conducted in randomized fashion are required to extend these data.

Phase I and pharmacologic study of topotecan in patients with impaired renal function.

PURPOSE: To determine the toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and recommended doses of the topoisomerase I inhibitor, topotecan, in patients with varying degrees of renal excretory dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with normal renal function [creatinine clearance (CrCl) > or = 60 mL/min] and 28 patients with varying degrees of renal dysfunction were treated with topotecan 0.4 to 2.0 mg/m2/d as a 30-minute infusion for 5 consecutive days every 3 weeks. Plasma and urine samples were obtained to determine the disposition of topotecan. RESULTS: In patients with mild renal dysfunction (CrCl = 40 to 59 mL/min), dose-limiting hematologic toxicity was observed in three of eight patients receiving topotecan 1.0 mg/m2/d and in two of five patients receiving topotecan 1.5 mg/m2/d. In patients with moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl = 20 to 39 mL/min), dose-limiting hematologic toxicity was observed in three of eight patients who received topotecan 0.5 mg/m2/d, and in two of four patients receiving topotecan 1.0 mg/m2/d; these events were more frequently observed in extensively pretreated patients. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed significant correlations between CrCl and the plasma clearance of both total topotecan [Spearman's correlation coefficient (r2) = 0.65, P = .00001] and topotecan lactone (r2 = 0.65, P = .00003). Mean systemic plasma clearance of total topotecan was significantly reduced in patients with mild (P = .04) and moderate (P = .00006) renal dysfunction. There was no evidence of changes in the pharmacodynamic relationship between topotecan exposure (AUC) and myelotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Dose adjustments are required in patients with moderate, but not mild, renal impairment. For patients with moderate renal dysfunction, the recommended starting dose of topotecan is 0.75 mg/m2/d for 5 days every 3 weeks. Moreover, extensively pretreated patients need further dose reductions.

Phase III comparison of high-dose paclitaxel + cisplatin + granulocyte colony-stimulating factor versus low-dose paclitaxel + cisplatin in advanced head and neck cancer: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study E1393.

PURPOSE: To determine dose-response effects and the activity of paclitaxel combined with cisplatin in patients with incurable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred ten patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic disease were randomly placed in either Arm A, paclitaxel 200 mg/m(2) (24-hour infusion) + cisplatin 75mg/m(2) + granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, or Arm B, paclitaxel 135 mg/m(2) (24-hour infusion) + cisplatin 75 mg/m(2). Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks until progression or a total of 12 cycles for complete responses. Primary outcomes were event-free and overall survival. RESULTS: No significant differences in outcomes were observed between the high- and low-dose paclitaxel regimens. The estimated median survival was 7.3 months (95% confidence interval, 6.0 to 8.6). The 1-year survival rate was 29%, and event-free survival was 4.0 months. The objective response rate (complete response plus partial response) was 35% for the high-dose patients and 36% for the low-dose patients. Myelosuppression was the most frequent toxicity: grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia, 70% of patients in Arm A and 78% in Arm B; febrile neutropenia, 27% of patients in Arm A and 39% in Arm B. Grade 5 toxicities occurred in 22 patients (10.5%). Treatment was terminated early in 31% because of excessive toxicity or patient refusal. CONCLUSION: This phase III multicenter trial showed (1) no advantage for high-dose paclitaxel and (2) excessive hematologic toxicity associated with both regimens. Therefore, neither of the paclitaxel regimens evaluated in this trial can be recommended.

Sequences of taxol and cisplatin: a phase I and pharmacologic study.

Untreated and minimally pretreated solid tumor patients received alternating sequences of taxol and cisplatin. Sequential dose escalation of each agent using taxol doses of 110 or 135 mg/m2 and cisplatin doses of 50 or 75 mg/m2 resulted in four dosage permutations that induced grades 3 and 4 neutropenia in 72% to 84% and 50% to 53% of courses, respectively. Neutropenia was brief, and hospitalization for neutropenia and fever was required in 13% to 24% of courses. However, further escalation of taxol to 170 or 200 mg/m2 induced grade 4 neutropenia in 79% to 82% of courses. At the highest taxol-cisplatin dose level (200 mg/m2 to 75 mg/m2), the mean neutrophil count nadir was 98/microL, and hospitalization for neutropenia and fever was required in 64% of courses. The sequence of cisplatin before taxol, which has less antitumor activity in vitro, induced more profound neutropenia than the alternate sequence. Pharmacologic studies indicated that this difference was probably due to 25% lower taxol clearance rates when cisplatin preceded taxol. Although neurotoxicity was initially thought to be a potentially serious effect of the combination, mild to modest neurotoxicity occurred in only 27% of patients. Adverse effects also included myalgias, alopecia, vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, and asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia. Objective responses were noted in melanoma, as well as non-small-cell lung, ovarian, breast, head and neck, colon, and pancreatic carcinomas. Based on these results, the sequence of taxol before cisplatin at doses of 135 and 75 mg/m2, respectively, is recommended for phase II/III trials, with escalation of taxol to 170 mg/m2 if treatment is well tolerated.