Carboplatin-based doublet plus bevacizumab beyond progression versus carboplatin-based doublet alone in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer: a randomised, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab is approved in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer, either in first-line therapy or for patients with recurrent disease not previously treated with the same drug. We aimed to test the value of continuing bevacizumab beyond progression after first-line treatment with the same drug. METHODS: In our open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial done at 82 sites in four countries, we enrolled women (aged ≥18 years) who had previously received first-line platinum-based therapy including bevacizumab, and had recurrent (≥6 months since last platinum dose), International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stage IIIB-IV ovarian cancer with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a carboplatin-based doublet intravenously (carboplatin area under the concentration curve [AUC] 5 on day 1 plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 1, every 21 days; carboplatin AUC 4 on day 1 plus gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, every 21 days; or carboplatin AUC 5 on day 1 plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m2 on day 1, every 28 days), or a carboplatin-based doublet plus bevacizumab (10 mg/kg intravenous every 14 days combined with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-carboplatin, or 15 mg/kg every 21 days combined with gemcitabine-carboplatin or paclitaxel-carboplatin). Evaluable disease according to RECIST 1.1 guidelines was required before randomisation. Randomisation was done through the trial website with a minimisation procedure, stratified by centre, time of recurrence, performance status, and type of second-line chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01802749 and EudraCT 2012-004362-17. FINDINGS: Between Dec 6, 2013, and Nov 11, 2016, 406 patients were recruited (203 [50%] assigned to the bevacizumab group and 203 [50%] to the standard chemotherapy group). 130 patients (64%) in the bevacizumab group and 131 (65%) in the standard chemotherapy group had progressed after receiving a last dose of platinum more than 12 months before, and 146 patients (72%) in the bevacizumab group and 147 (72%) in the standard chemotherapy group had progressed after completion of first-line bevacizumab maintenance. 161 participants (79%) progressed in the standard chemotherapy group, as did 143 (70%) in the bevacizumab group. Median progression-free survival was 8·8 months (95% CI 8·4-9·3) in the standard chemotherapy group and 11·8 months (10·8-12·9) in the bevacizumab group (hazard ratio 0·51, 95% CI 0·41-0·65; log-rank p<0·0001). Most common grade 3-4 adverse events were hypertension (20 [10%] in the standard chemotherapy group vs 58 (29%) in the bevacizumab group), neutrophil count decrease (81 [41%] vs 80 [40%]), and platelet count decrease (43 [22%] vs 61 [30%]). 68 patients (33%) died in the standard chemotherapy group and 79 (39%) died in the bevacizumab group; two deaths (1%) in the standard chemotherapy group and one death (<1%) in the bevacizumab group were deemed to be treatment-related. INTERPRETATION: Continuing bevacizumab beyond progression combined with chemotherapy in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer improves progression-free survival compared with standard chemotherapy alone and might be considered in clinical practice. FUNDING: Hoffmann-La Roche and Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro.

Lurbinectedin versus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or topotecan in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: A multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label phase 3 study (CORAIL).

OBJECTIVE: The randomized phase 3 CORAIL trial evaluated whether lurbinectedin improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) or topotecan in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to lurbinectedin 3.2 mg/m2 1-h i.v. infusion q3wk (experimental arm), versus PLD 50 mg/m2 1-h i.v. infusion q4wk or topotecan 1.50 mg/m2 30-min i.v. infusion Days 1-5 q3wk (control arm). Stratification factors were PS (0 vs. ≥1), prior PFI (1-3 months vs. >3 months), and prior chemotherapy lines (1-2 vs. 3). The primary endpoint was PFS by Independent Review Committee in all randomized patients. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02421588. RESULTS: 442 patients were randomized: 221 in lurbinectedin arm and 221 in control arm (127 PLD and 94 topotecan). With a median follow-up of 25.6 months, median PFS was 3.5 months (95% CI, 2.1-3.7) in the lurbinectedin arm and 3.6 months (95% CI, 2.7-3.8) in the control arm (stratified log-rank p = 0.6294; HR = 1.057). Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were most frequent in the control arm: 64.8% vs. 47.9% (p = 0.0005), mainly due to hematological toxicities. The most common grade ≥ 3 AEs were: fatigue (7.3% of patients) and nausea (5.9%) with lurbinectedin; mucosal inflammation (8.5%) and fatigue (8.0%) in the control arm. CONCLUSIONS: The primary endpoint of improvement in PFS was not met. Lurbinectedin showed similar antitumor efficacy and was better tolerated than current standard of care in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Managing recurrent ovarian cancer in daily clinical practice: case studies and evidence review with a focus on the use of trabectedin.

Following the failure of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer, options for further therapy in potentially platinum-responsive patients are: carboplatin doublets with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, gemcitabine or paclitaxel in association with bevacizumab, followed by maintenance with bevacizumab (for nonpretreated patients); or maintenance monotherapy with a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor after a response. The choice of biological therapy depends on a patient's previous treatments and priority for a symptomatic response. In cases of a rapidly growing tumor or need for symptomatic relief, the addition of bevacizumab should be considered. Patients with limited potential sensitivity to platinum, such as those with a platinum treatment-free interval of 6-12 months, may benefit from intercalation with trabectedin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin to possibly restore platinum sensitivity.

Atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab and chemotherapy versus bevacizumab and chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer - a randomized phase III trial (AGO-OVAR 2.29/ENGOT-ov34).

BACKGROUND: Improvement in clinical outcomes of patients with platinum-resistant disease is an unmet medical need and trials in this population are urgently needed. Checkpoint-inhibitors have already shown activity in multiple other tumor entities and ovarian cancer, especially in the combination with anti-angiogenic treatment. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To test if the activity of non-platinum-based chemotherapy and bevacizumab could be improved by the addition of atezolizumab. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: The addition of atezolizumab to standard non-platinum combination of chemotherapy and bevacizumab improves median overall survival from 15 to 20 months. TRIAL DESIGN: Patients are randomized to chemotherapy (paclitaxel weekly or pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) + bevacizumab + placebo vs chemotherapy + bevacizumab + atezolizumab. Stratification factors are: number of prior lines, planned type of chemotherapy, prior use of bevacizumab, and tumor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status. MAJOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer with up to three prior therapies and a treatment-free interval after platinum of less than 6 months. Patients with three prior lines of chemotherapy are eligible irrespective of the platinum free-interval. A de novo tumor tissue sample biopsy for determination of PD-L1 status prior to randomization for stratification is mandatory. Major exclusion criteria consider bevacizumab-specific and immunotherapy-specific criteria. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: Overall survival and progression-free survival are co-primary endpoints. SAMPLE SIZE: It is planned to randomize 664 patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03353831.

Prognostic role of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in first-line treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. A pooled analysis of MITO2 and MITO7 trials.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) has been associated with improved prognosis in several cancer conditions. Contrasting data have been produced in ovarian cancer.

Treatments for relapsed, BRCA-wild type, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Although platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) is considered the standard treatment for relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, there is currently no standard treatment for these patients. We compared the effectiveness of modern and older therapies in relapsed platinum-sensitive, BRCA-wild type, and ovarian cancers using a network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was performed up to October 31, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared different second-line approaches were included. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and the secondary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: In total, 17 RCTs (n = 9405) comparing various strategies were included. The risk of death was significantly decreased with carboplatin + pegylated liposomal doxorubicin + bevacizumab compared to platinum-based doublet CT (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59, 95%CI 0.35, 1). Various strategies, including secondary cytoreduction followed by platinum-based CT, carboplatin + pegylated liposomal doxorubicin + bevacizumab, and platinum-based CT with bevacizumab or cediranib, were better than platinum-based doublets alone for PFS. CONCLUSIONS: This NMA showed that carboplatin + pegylated liposomal doxorubicin + bevacizumab seems to increase the efficacy of standard second-line CT. These strategies can be considered when treating patients with relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer without BRCA mutations. This study provides systematic comparative evidence for the efficacy of different second-line therapies for relapsed ovarian cancer.

Treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin: a reappraisal and critical analysis.

The vast majority of ovarian cancer relapses on front-line therapy and the optimal treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer remains controversial. This review is based on the relevant published literature indexed in PubMed on pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), either alone or in combination with other drugs, as one option in relapsed disease. PLD showed an improved pharmacokinetic profile, with a slower plasma clearance and a longer circulation time, compared to other conventional doxorubicin formulations. PLD is considered to have little potential for cardiotoxicity, even at prolonged and high cumulative doses, although there appears to be room for improvement in terms of maximal dose allowed. Notwithstanding, there remain some concerns about cardiac safety, and patient monitoring is generally advocated. No data are available on the possibility to rechallenge PLD treatment in recurrent ovarian cancer, as already known for other drugs. Optimization of treatment regimens with PLD will allow a more rational treatment in advanced ovarian cancers for which few therapeutic options are available.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-associated hand-foot syndrome: recommendations of an international panel of experts.

BACKGROUND: Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is dose-limiting and the most common cumulative toxicity associated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). It can cause considerable discomfort and lead to therapy interruption. Numerous approaches to HFS management have been reported, but there is no consensus. METHODS: Published literature (identified via Medline and internet search) and expert experience regarding HFS and its pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment in patients undergoing treatment with PLD were collected and reviewed by a panel of experts. A consensus technique was used to develop recommendations. FINDINGS: The pathogenesis of PLD-associated HFS has been recently elucidated. Systems used to grade, prevent and treat HFS in individuals treated with PLD vary widely. A randomised clinical study demonstrated that PLD dose intensity reduction can prevent HFS. While there is limited literature support, patient education and supportive measures were endorsed by the expert panel as effective strategies for HFS prevention and treatment. An easy to use HFS grading and management algorithm was developed, early signs and symptoms of HFS outlined and specific recommendations for supportive care developed. INTERPRETATION: The paucity of data on the management of PLD-associated HFS led the expert panel to develop consensus-based recommendations. Patient education and supportive measures are important elements in the management of HFS and dose intensity reduction has documented efficacy in prevention. At a PLD dose intensity not exceeding 10mg/m(2) weekly, HFS can be easily managed. Phase III research to support the efficacy other interventions is lacking.

ENGOT-ov-6/TRINOVA-2: Randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus trebananib or placebo in women with recurrent partially platinum-sensitive or resistant ovarian cancer.

AIMS: Trebananib, a peptide-Fc fusion protein, inhibits angiogenesis by inhibiting binding of angiopoietin-1/2 to the receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study evaluated whether trebananib plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: Women with recurrent ovarian cancer (platinum-free interval ≤12 months) were randomised to intravenous PLD 50 mg/m2 once every 4 weeks plus weekly intravenous trebananib 15 mg/kg or placebo. PFS was the primary end-point; key secondary end-points were objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Owing to PLD shortages, enrolment was paused for 13 months; the study was subsequently truncated. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-three patients were enrolled. Median PFS was 7.6 months (95% CI, 7.2-9.0) in the trebananib arm and 7.2 months (95% CI, 4.8-8.2) in the placebo arm, with a hazard ratio of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.68-1.24). However, because the proportional hazards assumption was not fulfilled, the standard Cox model did not provide a reliable estimate of the hazard ratio. ORR in the trebananib arm was 46% versus 21% in the placebo arm (odds ratio, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.78-6.64). Median DOR was improved (trebananib, 7.4 months [95% CI, 5.7-7.6]; placebo, 3.9 months [95% CI, 2.3-6.5]). Adverse events with a greater incidence in the trebananib arm included localised oedema (61% versus 32%), ascites (29% versus 9%) and vomiting (45% versus 33%). CONCLUSIONS: Trebananib demonstrated anticancer activity in this phase 3 study, indicated by improved ORR and DOR. Median PFS was not improved. No new safety signals were identified. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01281254.