Evaluation of the impact of tumor HPV status on outcome in patients with locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil with or without docetaxel: a subset analysis of EORTC 24971 study.

BACKGROUND: EORTC 24971 was a phase III trial demonstrating superiority of induction regimen TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) over PF (cisplatin/5-fluorouracil), in terms of progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in locoregionally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data aiming to evaluate whether only HPV(-) patients (pts) benefit from adding docetaxel to PF, in which case deintensifying induction treatment in HPV(+) pts could be considered. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pretherapy tumor biopsies (blocks or slides) were assessed for high-risk HPV by p16 immunohistochemistry, PCR and quantitative PCR. HPV-DNA+ and/or p16+ tumors were subjected to in situ hybridization (ISH) and HPV E6 oncogene expression qRT-PCR analysis. Primary and secondary objectives were to evaluate the value of HPV/p16 status as predictive factor of treatment benefit in terms of PFS and OS. The predictive effect was analyzed based on the model used in the primary analysis of the study with the addition of a treatment by marker interaction term and tested at two-sided 5% significance level. RESULTS: Of 358, 119 pts had available tumor samples and 58 of them had oropharyngeal cancer. Median follow-up was 8.7 years. Sixteen of 119 (14%) evaluable samples were p16+ and 20 of 79 (25%) evaluable tumors were HPV-DNA+. 13 of 40 pts (33%) assessed with HPV-DNA ISH and 12 of 28 pts (43%) assessed for HPV E6 mRNA were positive. The preplanned analysis showed no statistical evidence of predictive value of HPV/p16 status for PFS (P = 0.287) or OS (P = 0.118). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of HPV positivity was low in the subset of EORTC 24971 pts analyzed. In this analysis only powered to detect a large treatment by marker interaction, there was no statistical evidence that treatment effect found overall was different in magnitude in HPV(+) or HPV(-) pts. These results do not justify selection of TPF versus PF according to HPV status.

Development of a selective cell capture and release assay: impact of clustered RGD ligands.

There is a growing interest in isolating tumor cells from biological samples. Considering that circulating tumor cells can be rare in blood, it appears challenging to capture these cells onto a surface with high selectivity and sensitivity. In the present paper, we describe the design of functionalized surfaces aimed at selectively capturing tumor cells by using an RGD peptide ligand with either a tetrameric or a monomeric presentation. ß-Cyclodextrin-coated self-assembled monolayers were used as platforms for the binding of RGD ligands endowed with a redox ferrocene cluster. The dissociation of the inclusion complex on the surface accounts for the release of the captured cells upon the electrochemical oxidation of ferrocene. For this purpose, we determined suitable RGD densities for both monovalent and tetravalent ligand presentations. The results indicate that the clustered RGD architecture efficiently improves selective cell capture at a very low RGD surface density (∼10 RGD per µm2) compared to the monovalent presentation (∼1000 RGD per µm2).

A randomized, phase II study of afatinib versus cetuximab in metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Afatinib is an oral, irreversible ErbB family blocker that has shown activity in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung cancer. We hypothesized that the agent would have greater antitumor activity compared with cetuximab in recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, whose disease has progressed after platinum-containing therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An open-label, randomized, phase II trial was conducted in 43 centers; 124 patients were randomized (1 : 1) to either afatinib (50 mg/day) or cetuximab (250 mg/m(2)/week) until disease progression or intolerable adverse events (AEs) (stage I), with optional crossover (stage II). The primary end point was tumor shrinkage before crossover assessed by investigator (IR) and independent central review (ICR). RESULTS: A total of 121 patients were treated (61 afatinib, 60 cetuximab) and 68 crossed over to stage II (32 and 36 respectively). In stage I, mean tumor shrinkage by IR/ICR was 10.4%/16.6% with afatinib and 5.4%/10.1% with cetuximab (P = 0.46/0.30). Objective response rate was 16.1%/8.1% with afatinib and 6.5%/9.7% with cetuximab (IR/ICR). Comparable disease control rates were observed with afatinib (50%) and cetuximab (56.5%) by IR; similar results were seen by ICR. Most common grade ≥3 drug-related AEs (DRAEs) were rash/acne (18% versus 8.3%), diarrhea (14.8% versus 0%), and stomatitis/mucositis (11.5% versus 0%) with afatinib and cetuximab, respectively. Patients with DRAEs leading to treatment discontinuation were 23% with afatinib and 5% with cetuximab. In stage II, disease control rate (IR/ICR) was 38.9%/33.3% with afatinib and 18.8%/18.8% with cetuximab. CONCLUSION: Afatinib showed antitumor activity comparable to cetuximab in R/M HNSCC in this exploratory phase II trial, although more patients on afatinib discontinued treatment due to AEs. Sequential EGFR/ErbB treatment with afatinib and cetuximab provided sustained clinical benefit in patients after crossover, suggesting a lack of cross-resistance.

Short-term health-related quality of life and symptom control with docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (TPF), 5-fluorouracil (PF) for induction in unresectable locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer patients (EORTC 24971/TAX 323).

BACKGROUND: The EORTC 24971/TAX 323, a phase III study of 358 patients with unresectable locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, showed an improved progression-free and overall survival (OS) with less toxicity when docetaxel (T) was added to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF) for induction and given before radiotherapy (RT). The impact of the addition of docetaxel on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and symptoms was investigated. METHODS: HRQOL was assessed at baseline, at end of cycle 2, and 4, 6, and 9 months after completion of RT using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (QLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ Head and Neck Cancer-Specific Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35). The primary HRQOL scale was global HRQOL per protocol. RESULTS: Compliance to HRQOL assessments was 97% at baseline, but dropped to 54% by 6 months. Data were analysed up to 6 months. There was a trend towards improved global HRQOL during the treatment period. At 6 months after the end of RT, global HRQOL was higher in the TPF arm than in the PF arm, but the low compliance does not allow to draw definitive conclusions. Swallowing and coughing problems decreased more in the TPF arm than in the PF arm at the end of cycle 2, but to a limited extent. CONCLUSION: Induction chemotherapy with TPF before RT not only improves survival and reduces toxicity compared with PF but also seems to improve global HRQOL in a more sustainable manner.

Megestrol acetate versus metronomic cyclophosphamide in patients having exhausted all effective therapies under standard care.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the antitumour activity and safety of metronomic cyclophosphamide vs megestrol acetate in progressive and advanced cancer patients having exhausted all effective therapies under standard care. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive orally metronomic cyclophosphamide (50 mg b.i.d) or megestrol acetate (160 mg only daily) until intolerance or progression (RECIST 1.0). The primary efficacy end point was a 2-month progression-free rate (PFR(2m)). According to Optimal Simon's design and the following assumptions, namely, P0=5%, P1=20%, alpha=beta=10%, the treatment is considered as effective if atleast 5 out of 44 patients achieved PFR(2m). RESULTS: Between September 2006 and January 2009, 88 patients were enrolled. Two patients experienced grade 3-4 toxicities in each arm (4%). One toxic death occurred in the megestrol acetate arm as a consequence of thrombosis. The metronomic cyclophosphamide arm reached the predefined level of efficacy with a PFR(2m) rate of 9 out of 44 and a PFR(4m) rate of 5 out of 44. The MA arm failed to achieve the level of efficacy with a PFR(2m) of 4 out of 44 and a PFR(4m) of 1 out of 44. The median overall survival was 195 and 144 days in the metronomic cyclophosphamide arm and megestrol acetate arm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Metronomic cyclophosphamide is well tolerated and provides stable disease in such vulnerable and poor-prognosis cancer patients. This regimen warrants further evaluations.

Phase II study of OSI-211 (liposomal lurtotecan) in patients with metastatic or loco-regional recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. An EORTC New Drug Development Group study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity and safety of OSI-211, the liposomal form of lurtotecan, in patients ineligible for curative surgery or radiotherapy and with metastatic/locoregional recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and target lesions either within a previously irradiated field ("within") or outside a previously irradiated field ("outside"). OSI-211 was given intravenously over 30 min on days 1 and 8 at 2.4 mg/m2/day, repeated every 21 days (1 cycle). From July 2001 to March 2002, 32 patients from 14 institutions were enrolled in the "within" arm and 18 in the "outside" arm. In the "within" arm, two patients were ineligible because their tumour site was not allowed in the protocol (nasopharynx, skin) and two other patients never started treatment. Of the 46 eligible patients who started treatment, there was one objective response (response rate: 2.2% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): [0-11.5%]). Twelve patients in the "within" arm and 6 in the "outside" arm had stable disease, with a median duration of 18 weeks, 95% CI (12.7-25.7). The median time to progression was 6 weeks (95%CI: [5.9-12.7] weeks). Haematological toxicity was moderate in both arms. The most common haematological toxicity was grade 1-2 anaemia in 79% of patients. Non-haematological toxicity was mild in both arms. The most common grade 3-4 non-haematological toxicity was infection in 8.5% of patients. OSI-211 administered on d1 and d8, every 3 weeks, is well tolerated, but shows only minimal activity in locally advanced/metastatic SCCHN.

Pemetrexed disodium in recurrent locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

This phase II study determined response rate of patients with locally advanced or metastatic head and neck cancer treated with pemetrexed disodium, a new multitargeted antifolate that inhibits thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase. 35 patients with local or metastatic relapse of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (31 male, 4 female; median age 53 years) were treated with pemetrexed 500 mg m(2)administered as a 10-minute infusion on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Patients received 1 to 8 cycles of therapy. 9 patients (26.5%) had an objective response, with a median response duration of 5.6 months (range 2.9-20 months). 15 (44.1%) had stable disease, and 8 (23.5%) had progressive disease. 2 patients were not assessable for response. Median overall survival was 6.4 months (range 0.7-28.1 months; 95% CI: 3.9-7.7 months). 24 patients (68.6%) experienced grade 3/4 neutropenia, with febrile neutropenia in 4 (11.4%). Grade 3/4 anaemia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 11 (34.3%) and 6 (17.1%) patients, respectively. The most frequent non-haematological toxicity was grade 3/4 mucositis (17.1%; 6 patients). In conclusion, pemetrexed is active in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Although substantial haematological toxicities were experienced by patients, subsequent studies have shown that these toxicities can be proactively managed by folic acid and vitamin B(12)supplementation.

[Fever and solid tumor: diagnostic value of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein]. / Fièvre et tumeur solide: valeur diagnostique de la procalcitonine et de la protéine C réactive.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the clinical utility of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as diagnostic of paraneoplastic fever. METHOD: A prospective analysis of serum levels of PCT and CRP has been conducted on 68 consecutive febrile patients with solid tumour and no neutropenia. The samples were collected at hospital admission. RESULTS: Out of 68 patients, 57 had head and neck cancer. Forty-three patients had signs of infection and 19 had paraneoplastic fever. CRP was not significantly different between the two groups (infected patients: median: 134 mg/L, extremes: 20-569; paraneoplastic fever patients: median: 154 mg/L, extremes: 26-267; P = 0.75 with Mann-Whitney test). On the other hand, PCT was significantly higher in case of infection (median: 0.44 ng/mL, extremes: 0.09-57.4) than in the case of paraneoplastic fever (median: 0.26 ng/mL, extremes: 0.05-1.17; P = 0.01 with Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSION: In our study, no paraneoplastic fever patient had PCT level equal or above 2 ng/mL (negative predictive value of 100%).

[Are there criteria for the diagnosis of paraneoplastic fever?]. / Existe-t-il des critères diagnostiques en faveur d'une fièvre paranéoplasique?

INTRODUCTION: This study was aimed at reviewing useful criteria for the diagnosis of fever of paraneoplastic origin in patients with cancer. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: Apart from episodes of neutropenia, hyperthermia is observed in approximately 60% of patients with cancer. Fever is often due to infection and, as a contraindication, may hamper treatment. The differential diagnosis, i.e., fever of paraneoplastic or infectious origin, may be difficult. Paraneoplastic fever is mostly observed in patients with advanced cancer. It is related to the production of inflammatory cytokines, especially interleukin 6, and is not specific. Neither current markers of inflammation, nor X-ray, nor naproxen confirm diagnosis. The diagnosis of fever of paraneoplastic origin in patients with cancer should rely on a network of arguments to exclude other causes of fever, especially infectious causes. FUTURE AND PROJECTS: Further evaluation of the specificity of procalcitonin will determine whether or not it is a useful tool for the diagnosis of fever of paraneoplastic or infectious origin.

Serum parathyroid hormone-related protein levels and response to bisphosphonate treatment in hypercalcemia of malignancy.

The pathogenesis of hypercalcemia of malignancy comprises increased net bone resorption and enhanced renal tubular reabsorption of calcium (Ca). To evaluate the prevalence of an increased renal tubular reabsorption of Ca index [tubular reabsorption of calcium index (TRCaI)] in cancer patients with hypercalcemia and of elevated circulating levels of PTH-related protein (PTHrP), which is recognized as a major mediator of this syndrome, we investigated 315 well rehydrated patients, aged 58.1 +/- 0.7 yr (mean +/- SEM), with hypercalcemia [albumin-corrected plasma Ca (pCa), >2.7 mmol/L] secondary to histologically proven malignancy. Changes in pCa and, therefore, various Ca filtered loads were obtained by different degrees of bone resorption inhibition achieved with a single infusion of the bisphosphonate ibandronate, given at various doses on a randomized, double blind basis. PTHrP was determined at baseline in 147 of the patients and 7 days after bisphosphonate therapy in 73. Before ibandronate therapy, pCa was 3.36 +/- 0.02 mmol/L, mean TRCaI was increased at 3.09 +/- 0.03 mmol/L glomerular filtration rate (GFR; normal, 2.40-2.90), and 65% of patients had TRCaI above 2.90 mmol/L GFR. Mean serum PTHrP levels were 4.9 +/- 0.5 pmol/L (normal, <2.5) and values above the normal range were found in 53% of the patients (76% in lung and upper respiratory tract malignancies). By 7 days after the infusion of ibandronate, a decrease in pCa of 0.69 +/- 0.03 mmol/L (20.0 +/- 0.7%; P < 0.001) and in bone resorption [mean change in fasting urinary Ca, 0.09 +/- 0.04 mmol/L GFR (47.6 +/- 8.6%; P < 0.001) and 14.4 +/- 1.7 nmol/mmol (27.6 +/- 10.6%; P < 0.01) in deoxypyridinoline] was observed. TRCaI was slightly lowered by 0.30 +/- 0.09 mmol/L GFR. Mean changes in PTHrP, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and PTH were +0.7 +/- 0.4 (P = NS), +27.6 +/- 3.0 (P < 0.001), and +2.9 +/- 0.8 (P < 0.005) pmol/L, respectively. After ibandronate treatment, the relative risk of relapsing hypercalcemia was particularly increased (3.43-fold) in lung and upper respiratory tract malignancies. These results obtained in a large cohort of patients indicate a significant prevalence of an increased renal tubular reabsorption of calcium index in hypercalcemia of malignancy and a substantial proportion of patients with detectable PTHrP.

An EORTC-ECSG phase II study of vinorelbine in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Vinorelbine is an active drug in the treatment of lung and breast cancers and has a favorable toxicity profile. Many clinical trials have demonstrated its antitumor activity in other tumor types including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of vinorelbine in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN, previously untreated by chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with locoregional recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN were treated with vinorelbine at a dose of 30 mg/m2/week i.v. by short-duration infusion on an out-patient basis. Doses were adjusted according to tolerance. RESULTS: Two complete and seven partial responses were observed among 56 evaluable patients, yielding a response rate of 16% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8%-28%). The overall response rate of all eligible patients (63) was 14%. The responses were seen in recurrent tumors, lymph nodes and in lung metastases, and their median duration was 19 weeks (12-63). The main toxicity, severe and reversible neutropenia (grade 3-4) occurred in 53% of the 69 evaluable (for toxicity) patients. Twelve patients developed severe bronchopulmonary infections, which caused two early deaths. Constipation was observed in 31 patients (45%). Other gastrointestinal toxicities, asthenia, acute pain syndrome and peripheral sensory neuropathy, were mild to moderate. The median number of treatments was seven cycles and the median relative dose intensity of vinorelbine was 85% (25.5 mg/m2/week). CONCLUSIONS: Vinorelbine is an active drug, with acceptable toxicity, in recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN, at the dose and schedule administered in the present study. Further evaluation in association with other agents and/or radiotherapy is warranted.

Randomized phase II trial comparing different doses of the bisphosphonate ibandronate in the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hypocalcemic effect and safety of three different doses of the bisphosphonate ibandronate in tumor-associated hypercalcemia, and to identify factors predicting response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-four cancer patients with a serum calcium level greater than 2.7 mmol/L (10.8 mg/dL) were enrolled onto the trial. If hypercalcemia persisted after fluid repletion, patients were randomly assigned to treatment with 0.6 mg, 1.1 mg, and 2.0 mg of ibandronate. Response, defined as restoration of normocalcemia, was evaluated by an intent-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three (99%) patients were assessable for toxicity and 151 (87%) for efficacy. The administration of 0.6 mg (group A), 1.1 mg (group B), or 2.0 mg (group C) of ibandronate led to response rates of 44%, 52%, and 67%, respectively. Significantly more patients in group C responded than in group A (P = .0276). Of the various parameters examined, only the initial serum calcium level (P < .0001; odds ratio, 0.083) and the dose of ibandronate (P = .0162; odds ratio, 2.094) correlated with response. One hundred ninety-five adverse events (AEs) were reported, 99 classified as serious and 96 as nonserious. Three serious and sixteen nonserious AEs were considered related to ibandronate treatment. The three serious AEs were one case with thrombocytopenia, one with nausea, and one with fever. CONCLUSION: Ibandronate therapy led to a dose-dependent reduction in serum calcium levels. The response to ibandronate treatment correlated negatively with the initial serum calcium level and positively with the dose administered. A dose of 2 mg was necessary to achieve a response rate comparable to that in previous studies with the bisphosphonates pamidronate and clodronate. Because the incidence of drug-associated AEs was low, a dose escalation of ibandronate can be recommended for further clinical trials.

[Hypercalcemia and squamous cell carcinoma of the upper respiratory-digestive tracts. Incidence and prognosis]. / Hypercalcémie et carcinomes épidermoïdes des voies aérodigestives supérieures. Fréquence et valeur pronostique.

We performed a retrospective analysis on all head and neck cancers with hypercalcemia seen between January 1988 and June 1993 at the Centre Oscar-Lambret, cancer center of northern France. Hypercalcemia, non albumin-corrected, higher than 2.60 mmol/l was observed in 173 of 3,394 consecutive patients (5%). Median age of patients with hypercalcemia was 53 years and 97% of these patients were males. All patients with hypercalcemia had advanced or recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN); 31 of them were not pretreated. There was no significant difference in histology between patients with or without hypercalcemia, but hypercalcemia was most commonly associated with lesions of the oropharynx (p = 0.00001). The median of calcemia was of 2.83 mmol/l (2.61-4.70). Gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms respectively occurred in 24% and in 14% of patients and bone metastases in 25% of patients. Median survival after the first determination of hypercalcemia was of 7 weeks (0-128) for the overall group of 173 patients and of 12 weeks (1-128) for those 31 patients with hypercalcemia at initial diagnosis. Prognosis associated factors were: efficacy of antitumour treatment, performance status and hypercalcemia superior or not to 3 mmol/l. We concluded that hypercalcemia in head and neck cancer is usually a late manifestation associated with advanced, recurrent and/or metastatic disease and carries a poor prognosis. The prolongation of survival can be obtained in some patients if an effective antitumour treatment is feasible.

A clinical screening cooperative group phase II evaluation of lobaplatin (ASTA D-19466) in advanced head and neck cancer.

We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of lobaplatin, a new platinum compound, given at the dose of 50 mg/m2 by i.v. bolus every 4 weeks, in 49 patients with advanced and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). One complete and 2 partial responses were observed in 43 eligible patients for an overall response rate of 7% (95% confidence interval: 1-19%). The duration of responses was 11, 16 and 32 weeks. Toxicities of WHO grade > or = 3 were hematologic: thrombocytopenia in 26%, granulocytopenia in 12% and anemia in 12% of patients. There was no therapy-related death. Nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea and paresthesia were mild and rare. In conclusion, lobaplatin was well tolerated, but its efficacy in advanced SCCHN at the presented dose and schedule, was marginal.

Vinorelbine (navelbine) as a salvage treatment for advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Vinorelbine (Navelbine), a new vinca alkaloid, is an effective drug in breast cancer. Our study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and tolerance of Navelbine in refractory advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer (AMBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred heavily pretreated patients with AMBC entered the study and were scheduled to receive 30 mg/m2 of Navelbine weekly by a 20 min i.v. infusion with dose adjustments according to tolerance. All patients had previously received at least one chemotherapy regimen including an anthracycline for advanced disease. RESULTS: Sixteen of the 100 assessable patients responded (1 complete response and 15 partial responses), for an overall response rate of 16% (IC 95: 8%-23%). The median duration of response was 5 months (3-18). Responses were seen in lymph nodes (13/27), breast (11/34), soft tissue and skin (13/36), lung (3/14) and liver (2/25), but not in bone metastases. The main toxicities (WHO grade > or = 3) were granulocytopenia and anemia in, respectively, 51% and 9% of all 100 eligible patients. Thrombocytopenia and other non-haematological toxicities consisting of peripheral neuropathy, constipation, nausea/vomiting, alopecia and phlebitis were rare and mild. CONCLUSION: Vinorelbine is an active drug in AMBC, particularly in breast, lymph nodes and skin/soft tissue sites, with an excellent tolerance. Since the mean dose intensity was 19.7 mg/m2/week, a dose of 20 mg/m2/week is recommended for heavily pretreated patients (radiotherapy and chemotherapy).