Radiotherapy or Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for Primary CNS Lymphoma in Patients Age 60 Years and Younger: Long-Term Results of the Randomized Phase II PRECIS Study.

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.We previously reported the results of a randomized phase II study in patients with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma (age 18-60 years). Patients were treated with high-dose methotrexate-based induction chemotherapy followed by whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or high-dose chemotherapy (thiotepa-busulfan-cyclophosphamide) with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The median follow-up was 33 months. In this report, we provide long-term data (median follow-up, 8 years) regarding the outcomes and toxicities. Fifty-three and 44 patients received induction chemotherapy followed by WBRT or ASCT, respectively. Their 8-year event-free survival from random assignment was 67% and 39% in the ASCT and WBRT arms, respectively (P = .03), with a significantly lower risk of relapse after ASCT (hazard ratio, 0.13; P < .001). One third of patients who relapsed after WBRT were alive after salvage treatment. Five and four patients died of ASCT and WBRT-related toxicities, respectively. The 8-year overall survival was 69% and 65% in the ASCT and WBRT arms, respectively (not significant). Balance (52% v 10%, P ≤ 0.001) and neurocognition (64% v 13%, P < .001) significantly deteriorated after WBRT compared with ASCT during the follow-up. This study shows that 40 Gy WBRT should be avoided in first-line treatment because of its neurotoxicity and suboptimal efficacy in reducing relapses while ASCT appears to be highly efficient in preventing relapses.

Systemic treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck: what is the best therapeutic sequence?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients is revolutionized by the advent of anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors. RECENT FINDINGS: Indeed, Pembrolizumab is approved as monotherapy or used in combination with platin and fluorouracil for first-line patients with tumors expressing PD-L1. Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab are also approved in second line of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, the substitution of fluorouracil for a taxane in the TPEx regimen has shown improvement in safety profile when compared with EXTREME regimen. SUMMARY: Here we carry out a review of the main results of pivotal trials and discuss the pros and cons of the three possible scenarios when considering the therapeutic sequence (first and second line).

Intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs). Therapeutic outcomes in real life-experience of the French Network.

We analysed the therapeutic outcomes of all consecutive patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) registered in the prospective French database for PCNSL and treated with intensive chemotherapy (IC) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (IC-ASCT) between 2011 and November 2019 (271 patients recruited, 266 analysed). In addition, treatment-related complications of thiotepa-based IC-ASCT were analysed from the source files of 85 patients from 3 centers. Patients had received IC-ASCT either in first-line treatment (n = 147) or at relapse (n = 119). The median age at IC-ASCT was 57 years (range: 22-74). IC consisted of thiotepa-BCNU (n = 64), thiotepa-busulfan (n = 24), BCNU-etoposide-cytarabine-melphalan (BEAM, n = 36) and thiotepa-busulfan-cyclophosphamide (n = 142). In multivariate analysis, BEAM and ASCT beyond the first relapse were adverse prognostic factors for relapse risk. The risk of treatment-related mortality was higher for ASCT performed beyond the first relapse and seemed higher for thiotepa-busulfan-cyclophosphamide. Thiotepa-BCNU tends to result in a higher relapse rate than thiotepa-busulfan-cyclophosphamide and thiotepa-busulfan. This study confirms the role of IC-ASCT in first-line treatment and at first-relapse PCNSL (5-year overall survival rates of 80 and 50%, respectively). The benefit/risk ratio of thiotepa-busulfan/thiotepa-busulfan-cyclophosphamide-ASCT could be improved by considering ASCT earlier in the course of the disease and dose adjustment of the IC.

Observational, prospective, phase 4 study in patients with first-line recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with cetuximab and platinum-based therapy: DIRECT.

BACKGROUND: Cetuximab plus platinum-based therapy (PBT) followed by cetuximab maintenance until progression (EXTREME) is a guideline-recommended first-line treatment option in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN). DIRECT (Dose Intensity RElative to CeTuximab) was the first phase 4 observational study evaluating EXTREME administration in the real-world setting. AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to assess the relative dose intensity of cetuximab in patients with R/M SCCHN treated with first-line cetuximab according to the EXTREME regimen. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were ≥18 years old and eligible to receive cetuximab/PBT. Primary endpoint was cetuximab relative dose intensity (RDI). Of prospectively enrolled patients (n = 157), 119 received ≥1 cycle of EXTREME. Practices differing from the EXTREME trial were 5-fluorouracil omission (14%), maintenance cetuximab given every other week (54%), prior cetuximab, disease-free interval <6 months. 64% of patients reached cetuximab RDI ≥80%; mean cetuximab RDI was 88%. 46% of patients received maintenance cetuximab (mean RDI, 91%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 4.5 and 9.4 months. No new/unexpected safety findings were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The DIRECT study showed that first-line cetuximab plus PBT was a feasible, beneficial first-line treatment regimen in patients with R/M SCCHN in the real-world setting.

Concurrent ibrutinib plus venetoclax in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma: the safety run-in of the phase 3 SYMPATICO study.

Ibrutinib plus venetoclax, given with an ibrutinib lead-in, has shown encouraging clinical activity in early phase studies in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The ongoing phase 3 SYMPATICO study evaluates the safety and efficacy of concurrently administered, once-daily, all-oral ibrutinib plus venetoclax in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL. A safety run-in (SRI) cohort was conducted to inform whether an ibrutinib lead-in should be implemented for the randomized portion. Patients received concurrent ibrutinib 560 mg continuously plus venetoclax in a 5-week ramp-up to venetoclax 400 mg for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint was occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). The SRI cohort enrolled 21 patients; six and 15 were in low- or increased-risk categories for TLS, respectively. During the 5-week venetoclax ramp-up, three patients had DLTs, and one patient at increased risk for TLS had a laboratory TLS; no additional TLS events occurred during follow-up. With a median follow-up of 31 months, the overall response rate was 81% (17/21); 62% (13/21) of patients had a complete response. SRI data informed that the randomized portion should proceed with concurrent ibrutinib plus venetoclax, with no ibrutinib lead-in. Ibrutinib plus venetoclax demonstrated promising efficacy; no new safety signals were observed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03112174. Registered 13 April 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03112174 .

Metachronous second primary neoplasia in oropharyngeal cancer patients: Impact of tumor HPV status. A GETTEC multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) display a significant risk to develop a metachronous second primary neoplasia (MSPN). HPV and non-HPV-related OPSCC are 2 distinct entities with biological, clinical and prognostic differences. The aims of our study were to analyze the impact of tumor HPV status and other relevant clinical factors, such as tobacco and/or alcohol (T/A) consumption, on the risk and distribution of MSPN in OPSCC patients and to assess the impact of MSPN on patient survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All OPSCC patients treated from 2009 to 2014 were included in this multicentric retrospective study. P16 immunohistochemical expression was used as a surrogate maker of tumor HPV status. The impact of tumor p16 status on the risk of MSPN was assessed in uni- and multivariate analyses. Overall survival (OS) was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Among the 1291 patients included in this study, 138 (10.7%) displayed a MSPN which was preferentially located in the head and neck area (H&N), lung and esophagus. Multivariate analyses showed that p16- tumor status (p = 0.003), T/A consumption (p = 0.005) and soft palate tumor site (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with a higher risk of MSPN. We found no impact of p16 tumor status on the median time between index OPSCC diagnosis and MSPN development, but a higher proportion of MSPN arising outside the H&N, lung and esophagus was found in p16 + than in p16- patients. MSPN development had an unfavorable impact (p = 0.04) on OS only in the p16 + patient group. CONCLUSION: P16 tumor status and T/A consumption were the main predictive factors of MSPN in OPSCC patients. This study provides crucial results with a view to tailoring global management and follow-up of OPSCC patients.

Current perspectives for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efficacy improvement in patients with active treatment against cancer.

A higher risk of death from coronavirus disease 19 has been shown for patients with solid cancers or haematological malignancies (HM). Thanks to the accelerated development of anti-SARS-SoV-2 vaccines in less than a year since the start of the global pandemic, patients with cancer were quickly prioritised in early 2021 for vaccination, however dependent on the very unequal availability at the global level. Impaired immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in immunocompromised patients was rapidly reported as early as April 2021, although the vaccination fortunately appears to be generally effective without increasing the spacing. Worryingly, the humoral response of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is, however, considered insufficient in patients followed for HM, in particular when they are on anti-CD20 treatment. Thus, improving vaccination coverage by strengthening immune stimulation should be evaluated in patients under active treatment against cancer. Here, we discuss three different approaches: a third dose of early vaccine (repeated immune stimulation), heterologous prime-boost vaccination (multimodal immune stimulation) and a double-dose strategy (maximisation of immune response). Dedicated therapeutic trials, currently almost non-existent, seem rapidly necessary.

Cetuximab combined with paclitaxel or paclitaxel alone for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progressing after EXTREME.

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains poor. The addition of cetuximab, to platinum and fluorouracil chemotherapy (EXTREME regimen) has been shown to improve patients' outcomes in first-line settings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study, including HNSCC that progressed after a first line of platinum-based chemotherapy and cetuximab, treated either by paclitaxel + cetuximab (PC) or paclitaxel alone (P), between January 2010 and April 2018. The end points were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rates (ORR). Patients were matched according to their propensity scores, estimated with a logistic regression model. The secondary objectives were to study the safety profile and to look for prognostic and predictive factors of effectiveness. RESULTS: Of the 340 identified patients, 262 were included in the analysis, 165 received PC, and 97 received P. In unmatched population, ORR was 16.4% with PC and 6.2% for P. Median PFS was 2.9 months [95% Confidence Interval 2.7-3.0] for PC versus 2.5 months [2.2-2.7] for P, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.770 [0.596-0.996]. Median OS was 5.5 months [4.4-6.9] for PC versus 4.2 months [3.4-4.8] for P, HR = 0.774 [0.590-1.015]. In multivariate analysis, PC was associated with better PFS and OS. These results were consistent in matched-paired population. Previous cetuximab maintenance for more than 3 months was predictive of better OS with PC. CONCLUSION: Although the continuation of cetuximab in combination with paclitaxel after EXTREME provides moderate benefit, it could be an interesting option for selected patients.

Systemic treatment of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: proposal for management changes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Worldwide, head and neck carcinomas account for 5% of all malignancies. Two-thirds of patients relapse after initial multimodal therapy. Until early 2010, the median overall survival (OS) of metastatic patients was about 10 months. RECENT FINDINGS: New drugs have been incorporated in patient management, thus enabling an increase in OS. Several first and second line protocols are now available but the lack of direct comparison makes the choice difficult between them. SUMMARY: This work aims to define the comprehensive medical management of patients with relapsing head and neck carcinoma. In September 2020, the French head and neck groups GORTEC, Unicancer head and Neck group, GROCC and GETTEC decided to promote a one-day meeting to propose how to incorporate these new regimens in first and second line treatment for recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer (R/M SCCHNC). Twelve French medical oncologist involved in the management of R/M SCCHNC for more than 10 years examined the literature and proposed a simple and practical management based on five criteria: age, delay from last platinum injection, combined positive score expression level, FIT or UNFIT patient according to physician decision, fast response needed or not.

Subcutaneous Rituximab-MiniCHOP Compared With Subcutaneous Rituximab-MiniCHOP Plus Lenalidomide in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma for Patients Age 80 Years or Older.

PURPOSE: The prognosis of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is worse than that of young patients. An attenuated dose of chemotherapy-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus rituximab (R-miniCHOP)-is a good compromise between efficacy and safety in very elderly patients. In combination with R-CHOP (R2-CHOP), lenalidomide has an acceptable level of toxicity and may mitigate the negative prognosis of the non-germinal center B-cell-like phenotype. The Lymphoma Study association conducted a multicentric, phase III, open-label, randomized trial to compare R-miniCHOP and R2-miniCHOP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients of age 80 years or older with untreated DLBCL were randomly assigned into the R-miniCHOP21 group or the R2-miniCHOP21 group for six cycles and stratified according to CD10 expression and age. The first cycle of rituximab was delivered by IV on D1 after a prephase and then delivered subcutaneously on D1 of cycles 2-6. Lenalidomide was delivered at a dose of 10 mg once daily on D1-D14 of each cycle. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 249 patients with new DLBCL were randomly assigned (127 R-miniCHOP and 122 R2-miniCHOP). The median age was 83 years (range, 80-96), and 55% of the patients were classified as non-GCB. The delivered dose for each R-miniCHOP compound was similar in both arms. Over a median follow-up of 25.1 months, the intention-to-treat analysis revealed that R2-miniCHOP did not improve OS (2-year OS 66% in R-miniCHOP and 65.7% in R2-miniCHOP arm, P = .98) in the overall population or in the non-GCB population. Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 53% of patients with R-miniCHOP and in 81% of patients with R2-miniCHOP. CONCLUSION: The addition of lenalidomide to R-miniCHOP does not improve OS. Rituximab delivered subcutaneously was safe in this population.

Upfront surgery or definitive radiotherapy for p16+ oropharyngeal cancer. A GETTEC multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the initial therapeutic strategy on oncologic outcomes in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. METHODS: All p16-positive OPSCCs treated from 2009 to 2014 in 7 centers were retrospectively included and classified according to the therapeutic strategy: surgical strategy (surgery ± adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy) vs. non-surgical strategy (definitive radiotherapy ± chemotherapy). Univariate, multivariate propensity score matching analyses were performed to compare overall (OS), disease-specific (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: 382 patients were included (surgical group: 144; non-surgical group: 238). Five-year OS, DSS and RFS were 89.2, 96.8 and 83.9% in the surgical group and 84.2, 87.1 and 70.4% in the non-surgical group, respectively. These differences were statistically significant for DSS and RFS after multivariate analysis, but only for RFS after propensity score matching analysis. CONCLUSION: In p16+ OPSCC patients, upfront surgery results in higher RFS than definitive radiotherapy ± chemotherapy but does not impact OS.

Oropharyngeal cancer: First relapse description and prognostic factor of salvage treatment according to p16 status, a GETTEC multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Although Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-driven oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) prognosis is significantly better than that of other head and neck cancers, up to 25% of cases will recur within 5 years. Data on the pattern of disease recurrence and efficiency of salvage treatment are still sparse. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational study of all recurrent OPCs diagnosed, following a curative intent treatment, in seven French centers from 2009 to 2014. p16 Immunohistochemistry was used to determine HPV status. Clinical characteristics, distribution of recurrence site, and treatment modalities were compared by HPV tumor status. Overall survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression modeling. RESULTS: 350 recurrent OPC patients (246 p16-negative and 104 p16-positive patients). The site of recurrence was more frequently locoregional for p16-negative patients (65.4% versus 52.9% in p16-positive patients) and metastatic for p16-positive patients (47.1% versus 34.6% in p16-patients, p = 0.03). Time from diagnosis to recurrence did not differ between p16-positive and p16-negative patients (12 and 9.6 months, respectively, p-value = 0.2), as the main site of distant metastasis (all p-values ≥0.10). Overall and relapse-free survival following the first recurrence did not differ according to p16 status (p-values from log-rank 0.30 and 0.40, respectively). In multivariate analysis, prognosis factors for overall survival in p16-negative patients were distant metastasis (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.30-3.43) and concurrent local and regional recurrences (HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.24-3.88). CONCLUSION: With the exception of the initial site of recurrence, the pattern of disease relapse and the efficiency of salvage treatment are not different between p16-positive and negative OPCs.

Upfront surgery or definitive radiotherapy for patients with p16-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A GETTEC multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) is still debated. Since the role of HPV was demonstrated, few studies have focused on HPV-negative OPSCC. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of therapeutic strategy (surgical vs. non-surgical) on oncologic outcomes in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All p16-negative OPSCCs treated from 2009 to 2014 in 7 tertiary-care centers were included in this retrospective study and were classified according to the therapeutic strategy: surgical strategy (surgery ± adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy) vs. non-surgical strategy (definitive radiotherapy ± chemotherapy). Patients not eligible for surgery (unresectable tumor, poor general-health status) were excluded. Univariate, multivariate and propensity score matching analyses were performed to compare overall (OS), disease-specific (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-four (474) patients were included in the study (surgical group: 196; non-surgical group: 278). Five-year OS, DSS and RFS were 76.5, 81.3 and 61.3%, respectively, in the surgical group and 49.9, 61.8 and 43.4%, respectively, in the non-surgical group. The favorable impact of primary surgical treatment on oncologic outcomes was statistically significant after multivariate analysis. This effect was more marked for locally-advanced than for early-stage tumors. Propensity score matching analysis confirmed the prognostic impact of primary surgical treatment for RFS. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic strategy is an independent prognostic factor in patients with p16-negative OPSCC and primary surgical treatment is associated with improved OS, DSS and RFS. These results suggest that surgical strategy is a reliable option for advanced stage OPSCC.

Synchronous primary neoplasia in patients with oropharyngeal cancer: Impact of tumor HPV status. A GETTEC multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) display a significant risk of synchronous primary neoplasia (SPN) which could impact their management. The aims of this study were to evaluate the risk and distribution of SPN in OPSCC patients according to their HPV (p16) status, the predictive factors of SPN and the impact of SPN on therapeutic strategy and oncologic outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All OPSCC patients treated from 2009 to 2014 were included in this multicentric retrospective study. Univariate analyses were conducted using Chi-2 and Fisher exact tests. For multivariate analyses, all variables associated with a p ≤ 0.10 in univariate analysis were included in logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among the 1291 patients included in this study, 75 (5.8%) displayed a SPN which was preferentially located in the upper aerodigestive tract, lung and esophagus. Comorbidity level (p = 0.03), alcohol (p = 0.005) and tobacco (p = 0.01) consumptions, and p16 tumor status (p < 0.0001) were significant predictors of SPN. In multivariate analysis, p16+ status was significantly associated with a lower risk of SPN (OR = 0.251, IC95% [0.133;0.474]). Patients with a SPN were more frequently referred for non-curative treatment (p = 0.02). In patients treated with curative intent, there was no impact of SPN on the therapeutic strategy (surgical vs. non-surgical treatment). We observed no overall survival differences between patients with or without SPN. CONCLUSION: P16 tumor status is the main predictive factor of SPN in OPSCC patients. This study provides crucial results which should help adapt the initial work-up and the global management of OPSCC patients.

Commercial anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy for patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B cell lymphoma in a European center.

Two autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T cells (axicabtagene ciloleucel [axi-cel] and tisagenlecleucel [tisa-cel]) are commercially approved in Europe for relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We performed a retrospective study to evaluate patterns of use, efficacy and safety for axi-cel and tisa-cel. Data from 70 patients who underwent apheresis for commercial CAR T cells between January 2018 and November 2019 in our institution were retrospectively collected. Sixty-one patients were infused. The median age at infusion was 59 years old (range 27-75 years). The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range, 2-6). The overall response rates (ORRs) at 1 month and 3 months were 63% and 45%, respectively, with 48% and 39% achieving a complete response (CR), respectively. After a median follow-up after infusion of 5.7 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.0 months (95% CI, 2.8-8.8 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was 11.8 months (95% CI, 6.0-12.6 months). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with poor PFS were the number of previous lines of treatment before CAR T cells (≥4) (P = .010) and a C reactive protein (CRP) value >30 mg/L at the time of lymphodepletion (P < .001). Likewise, the only factor associated with a shorter OS was CRP >30 mg/L (P = .009). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) of any grade occurred in 85% of patients, including 8% of patients with CRS of grade 3 or higher. Immune cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) of any grade occurred in 28% of patients, including 10% of patients with ICANS of grade 3 or higher. Regarding efficacy and safety, no significant difference was found between axi-cel and tisa-cel. This analysis describes one of the largest real-life cohorts of patients treated with axi-cel and tisa-cel for R/R aggressive B cell lymphoma in Europe.

DPD status and fluoropyrimidines-based treatment: high activity matters too.

BACKGROUND: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) status is an indicator of a marked risk for toxicity following fluoropyrimidine (FP)-based chemotherapy. This notion is well-established for low DPD status but little is known about the clinical impact of high DPD activity. This study examined the possible link between high intrinsic lymphocytic DPD activity and overall survival, progression free survival and response to FP-based treatment in patients treated in our institution. METHODS: Lymphocytic DPD activity was assessed in a group of 136 patients receiving FP-based chemotherapy from 2004 to 2016. There were 105 digestive (77.2%), 24 breast (17.6%) and 7 head and neck cancers (5.2%). Cox or logistic regression models were applied with adjustment on all confounding factors that could modify OS, PFS or response. All models were stratified on the three cancer locations. A cut-off for DPD activity was assessed graphically and analytically. RESULTS: An optimal cut-off for DPD activity at 0.30 nmol/min/mg protein was identified as the best value for discriminating survivals and response. In multivariate analysis, individual lymphocytic DPD activity was significantly related to overall survival (p = 0.013; HR: 3.35 CI95%[1.27-8.86]), progression-free survival (p < 0.001; HR: 3.15 CI95%[1.75-5.66]) and response rate (p = 0.033; HR: 0.33 CI95%[0.12-0.92]) with a marked detrimental effect associated with high DPD activity. CONCLUSIONS: DPD status screening should result in a two-pronged approach with FP dose reduction in case of low intrinsic DPD and, inversely, an increased FP dose for high intrinsic DPD. In a context of personalized FP-based treatment, this innovative strategy needs to be prospectively validated.

Performance of CT Compared with 18F-FDG PET in Predicting the Efficacy of Nivolumab in Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Background CT and fluorine 18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT performances following immune therapy are not well known in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (RRHL). Purpose To compare CT and PET/CT for prognostic value of early response evaluation following nivolumab therapy. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included patients from 34 institutions who underwent early imaging response evaluation from July 2013 to April 2017. Three experienced readers classified imaging response by using Cheson et al and 2016 Lymphoma Response to Immunomodulatory Therapy Criteria as follows: complete (metabolic) response, partial (metabolic) response, stable disease or no metabolic response, or progressive (metabolic) disease. Primary CT and PET assessments were performed at a median of 2.0 months (interquartile range, 1.7-3.7 months) after nivolumab initiation. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the relationship of primary CT and PET assessment response categories to overall survival (OS). Agreements between primary and secondary imaging assessments were assessed by using κ analysis. Results A total of 45 patients (median age, 37 years; range, 18-77 years; 25 men) underwent a primary assessment using CT and PET/CT; 36 patients also underwent a subsequent assessment. Eleven patients (24%) died after a median follow-up of 21.2 months. CT and PET response categories were associated with OS (P = .03 for primary CT assessment; P = .02 for primary PET assessment). There was no pseudoprogression at primary CT and PET assessments. At the primary assessment, response categories by using CT were reclassified by using PET in 44% (20 of 45) of patients. Among these, 55% (11 of 20) were reclassified to complete metabolic response (complete metabolic response rate: 29% [13 of 45 patients] vs complete response rate: 4% [two of 45 patients]), with a 2-year OS probability of 100%. At the secondary assessment, complete response rate using CT increased to 17% (six of 36 patients), hence a better agreement with PET (κ = 0.78; P < .001). Conclusion Early CT and PET/CT at a median of 2 months after initiation of nivolumab predicted overall survival in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. Early PET detected additional patients with complete metabolic response. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Scott and Wang in this issue.

Cetuximab is efficient and safe in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective, multicentre study.

There is no standard of care for unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Chemotherapy, alone or combined with radiotherapy, is commonly used mostly as palliative treatment; moreover, its poor safety profile limits its use most of the time, especially in elderly patients. Thus, alternative options are needed. Targeted molecular inhibitors, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cetuximab, seem promising, but data are limited. We retrospectively evaluated clinical outcomes of cetuximab as a single agent in this indication. The primary endpoint was the Disease Control Rate (DCR) at 6 weeks according to RECIST criteria. Secondary endpoints included DCR at 12 weeks, objective response rate (ORR) at 6 and 12 weeks, progression-free-survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety profile. Fifty-eight patients received cetuximab as monotherapy. The median age was 83.2 (range, 47.4 to 96.1). The majority of patients was chemotherapy naïve. The median follow-up was 11.7 months (95% CI: 9.6-30.1). The DCR at 6 and 12 weeks was 87% and 70%, respectively. The ORR was 53% and 42%, respectively, at 6 and 12 weeks. The median PFS and OS were 9.7 months (95% CI: 4.8-43.4) and 17.5 months (95% CI: 9.4-43.1), respectively. Fifty-one patients (88%) experienced toxicity, and 67 adverse events related to cetuximab occurred. Most of them (84%) were grade 1 to 2. Our study shows that cetuximab is safe and efficient for the treatment of patients, even elderly ones, with advanced cSCC. These results indicate that cetuximab is a promising agent to test in new combinations, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 agents.