Trastuzumab without chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer: subgroup results from a large observational study.

BACKGROUND: The topic of trastuzumab therapy without chemotherapy in early breast cancer (EBC) has been repeatedly discussed at international consensus meetings, but is compromised by the lack of solid evidence from clinical studies. METHODS: An observational study database of patients with EBC receiving trastuzumab-containing (neo)adjuvant therapy was screened to identify those patients who did not receive cytostatic agents. RESULTS: Of 3935 patients, 232 (6%) were identified who received no chemotherapy, being characterized by older age, worse performance status, and/or less aggressive histology. Relapse-free survival in this cohort was 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 78-89%) at 3 years and 80% (95% CI 74-87%) at 5 years. However, these rates were significantly worse than those in the group of patients who received chemotherapy (hazard ratio 1.49; 95% CI 1.06-2.09; P = 0.022). A similar pattern was observed for overall survival, with marginally non-significant inferiority in the group receiving no chemotherapy (hazard ratio 1.56; 95% CI 1.00-2.44; P = 0.052). Survival rates in patients receiving no chemotherapy were 93% (95% CI 88-97%) and 87% (95% CI 81-93%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively. These findings were confirmed by a propensity score analysis accounting for selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Trastuzumab plus chemotherapy should remain the preferred option in all patients with HER2-positive EBC with an indication for adjuvant treatment. However, a limited proportion of patients will need an alternative treatment approach, either because of contraindications or the patient's preference. In these selected patients, trastuzumab monotherapy, eventually combined with endocrine agents, might be a reasonable option offering favorable long-term outcomes by addressing the high-risk profile associated with HER2-positive disease.

Trastuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Results of a Prospective, Noninterventional Study on Routine Treatment Between 2006 and 2012 in Germany.

PURPOSE: Trastuzumab is part of the standard treatment in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive early breast cancer in addition to (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. This German prospective noninterventional study, which included major patient cohorts underrepresented in the pivotal randomized studies, examined the generalizability of the results of those studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2012, 4,027 patients were enrolled and treated with trastuzumab; they were unselected regarding age or concomitant/sequential adjuvant chemotherapy. Long-term outcome data were obtained in yearly intervals. All analyses were descriptive in nature. RESULTS: Among 3,940 evaluable patients, 26% were elderly (older than 65 years of age). More than half of the population had pN0 tumor stage. Ninety-four percent received chemotherapy: 78% as adjuvant treatment and 14% as neoadjuvant treatment, 2% both. Anthracyclines were administered in 87% and taxanes in 66%. Trastuzumab was stopped prematurely in 9% (because of cardiotoxicity in 3.5%). Recurrence-free survival was 90.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.9%-91.1%) and 82.8% (95% CI, 81.2%-84.4%) after 3 and 5 years, respectively. The corresponding figures for overall survival were 96.8% (95% CI, 96.1%-97.6%) and 90.0% (95% CI, 88.6%-91.4%). Pathological primary tumor size, lymph node involvement, and hormone receptor status had the greatest independent effect on recurrence risk. Cardiac function toxicity of National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria grade ≥2 and ≥3 was observed in 2.5% and less than 1% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The maturing follow-up data seem to confirm the beneficial results of trastuzumab treatment for early breast cancer from the randomized studies. Moreover, these findings support use of trastuzumab-based therapy in patients groups less commonly included in the phase III trials (e.g., elderly patients and those with stage I disease). The Oncologist 2017;22:131-138Implications for Practice: On the basis of the results of large pivotal phase III studies, the inclusion of trastuzumab in adjuvant treatment regimens for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer is standard of care. However, in these trials, elderly patients, those with comorbidities, and/or those with contraindications or refusal of cytotoxic chemotherapy are typically underrepresented. This study provides data on observed treatment options, outcomes, and risks in a wider, unselected patient population (including more than 1,000 patients with stage I disease), treated routinely in several institutions of varying size and location across Germany.

The Impact of Age on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Comparative Analysis From the Prospective Multicenter Randomized ADEBAR trial.

BACKGROUND: Elderly breast cancer patients are affected by poorer quality of life (QoL) compared to younger patients. Because QoL has a relevant impact on guideline-adherent treatment, elderly breast cancer patients are often undertreated, especially with regard to adjuvant chemotherapy, and overall survival is decreased. Thus, understanding the impact of chemotherapy on QoL in elderly patients is crucial. This study compared QoL in patients aged < 65 years and 65 to 70 years receiving adjuvant chemotherapy as a secondary outcome in the prospective randomized multicenter ADEBAR trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer were prospectively randomized for either sequential anthracycline-taxane or epirubicin/fluorouracil/cyclophosphamid chemotherapy (FEC) therapy. QoL was assessed at baseline (t1), before cycle 4 FEC, and cycle 5 epirubicin/cyclophosphamid-docetaxel (EC-DOC) (t2), 4 weeks after chemotherapy (t3), and 6 weeks after radiation (t4) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the Breast Cancer-Specific Module (QLQ-BR23). We compared patients aged < 65 years and 65 to 70 years with respect to QoL and discontinuation of chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 1363 patients were enrolled onto the ADEBAR trial, with 16.7% of the patients aged 65 to 70 years. In elderly patients, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was higher and global health status and physical functioning were lower at baseline. Global health status decreased between t1 and t3 by 7 points in patients < 65 years and by 11 points in patients 65 to 70 years, and physical functioning decreased in the same period by 13.4 points in patients aged < 65 years and by 15.9 points in patients 65 to 70 years. In both groups, at t4 global health status exceeded baseline by 6 points, and physical functioning was 1.3 points under baseline in patients < 65 years old and 3 points under baseline in patients 65 to 70 years. There was a trend to more fatigue in elderly patients and to more nausea and vomiting while receiving chemotherapy in younger patients at t3. There was a higher dropout rate in patients aged 65 to 70 years (25.7%) than in patients aged < 65 years (16.2%). CONCLUSION: There were only small or trivial differences in QoL in patients aged < 65 years versus 65 to 70 years who were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, although the dropout rate from chemotherapy was notably higher in elderly breast cancer patients.

Pretreatment quality of life, performance status and their relation to treatment discontinuation and treatment changes in high-risk breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: results from the prospective randomized ADEBAR trial.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (QoL) is a self-assessed construct indicating how people feel in regard to aspects of their health. Performance status (PS) is evaluated by the treating physician. We examined whether pretreatment QoL and PS are related to subsequent treatment discontinuation and treatment changes in high-risk breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study with data from a randomized phase III trial comparing FEC- and EC-DOC-chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer (ADEBAR). We examined the patient's request to discontinue the study, discontinuation due to toxicity, the prolongation of therapy, and dose reduction. Baseline QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30. PS was evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scale (ECOG). Four QoL scales were selected prior to analysis as outcomes: global health, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and fatigue. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to test for differences within the independent variables. MAIN RESULTS: 1322 patients were included. 1094 (82.8 %) patients completed therapy according to protocol. 6.3 % stopped therapy due to toxicity and 4.4 % refused treatment. Global health was not related to any of the four QoL outcomes. Physical functioning had the strongest impact on QoL, when comparing the fittest group to the lowest quintile [OR 2.14 (95 % CI 1.00-4.60)]. ECOG 0 compared to worse than 1 was strongly correlated to therapy discontinuation due to toxicity [OR 20.15 (95 % CI 9.48-42.83)] and treatment refusal [OR 8.32 (95 % CI 3.81-18.14)]. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment QoL, especially physical functioning, is associated with subsequent therapy discontinuation due to toxicity and with changes of the treatment protocol. Pretreatment performance status is strongly associated with therapy discontinuation due to toxicity and with treatment refusal.

Concordance rates of biomarkers uPA and PAI-1 results in primary breast cancer vs. consecutive tumor board decision and therapy performed in clinical hospital routine: Results of a prospective multi-center study at certified breast centers.

OBJECTIVE: Biomarkers uPA and PAI-1 are guideline recommended by ASCO (USA) and AGO (Germany) in primary breast cancer to avoid unnecessary CTX in patients at medium risk for recurrence. For clinical quality assurance of uPA/PAI-1 testing, analysis of test-therapy concordance was performed. METHODS: Prospective non-interventional multi-center study over 2 years among six Certified Breast Centers in Germany to investigate uPA/PAI-1 results in consecutive decision making for tumor board recommendation and actual therapy in uninfluenced clinical setting. Concordance and discordance rates of uPA/PAI-1 testing were calculated and individual reasons for decision making analyzed. RESULTS: Among n = 93 uPA/PAI-1 tests evaluated n = 42/93 (45.2%) were uPA + PAI-1 negative and n = 51/93 (54.8%) uPA and/or PAI-1 positive. In uPA + PAI-1 negative test results in n = 35/42 (83.3%) CTX was avoided as recommended. But in n = 7/42 (16.7%) CTX was performed despite, resulting in over treatment. In uPA and/or PAI-1 positive test results in n = 26/51 (51.0%) CTX was performed but in n = 25/51 (49.0%) not despite recommendation for CTX which is under treatment. The conformity of uPA/PAI-1 test result vs. tumor board decision was n = 73/93 (78.5%). The overall concordance of uPA/PAI-1 test result vs. consecutive therapy was n = 61/93 (65.6%). A variety of reasons for individual result-deviating decisions were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical quality assurance of uPA/PAI-1 biomarker testing showed inconsistency of test results with consecutive tumor board decision and/or final therapy performed in up to 1/3 of patients. To close this clinical quality gap in application of uPA/PAI-1 biomarkers, individual analysis of deviations is suggested with process optimization accordingly.

Short term quality of life with epirubicin-fluorouracil-cyclophosphamid (FEC) and sequential epirubicin/cyclophosphamid-docetaxel (EC-DOC) chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer - Results from the prospective multi-center randomized ADEBAR trial.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation for adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy in high risk primary breast cancer is heterogeneous among guidelines. Understanding the impact on QoL is thereby a crucial factor, especially if the benefit is potentially low. This study aims to assess QoL as a secondary outcome in the prospective randomized multi-center ADEBAR trial. METHODS: QoL was assessed at baseline (t1), before cycle 4 FEC and cycle 5 EC-DOC (t2), 4 weeks after chemotherapy (t3) and 6 weeks after radiation (t4) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the Breast Cancer-Specific Module (QLQ-BR23). RESULTS: 1306 patients were enrolled into the ADEBAR trial. 675 were assigned to the FEC and 688 to the EC-DOC arm. After the beginning of treatment, global QoL dropped in both arm by 3-4 points. In the EC-DOC arm, QoL dropped further at t3 by 7 points and stayed stable in the FEC arm. 6 weeks after radiation, QoL exceeded baseline in both arms by 6-8 points. The differences between treatment arms were strongest at t3 (53.0 vs. 49.5) but did not reach clinical relevance at any point in time. Physical functioning, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and systemic therapy side effects followed with some minor exceptions similar patterns but showed higher amplitudes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we could not detect a clinically relevant difference between the two treatment arms in global QoL, although the results consistently show that patients on EC-DOC report worse scores during the treatment.

Treosulfan in the Treatment of Advanced Ovarian Cancer - Results of a German Multicenter Non-interventional Study.

BACKGROUND: Data on routine systemic treatment of patients with ovarian cancer are currently available only to a limited degree. The alkylating agent treosulfan is approved in oral (p.o.) and intravenous (i.v.) form for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma. The present non-interventional study analyzed the clinical use of treosulfan in Germany, evaluating the mode of application, toxicity, and response and survival rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty-eight ovarian cancer patients in 57 Centers, who received treosulfan mainly either i.v. (5,000-8,000 mg/m(2) d1, q21d or q28d) or p.o. (400-600 mg/m(2) d1-14 or 21, q28d) for at least one therapy cycle were evaluable and were included in the study. RESULTS: With a median age of 70 years (range=36-92 years), predominantly elderly patients received treosulfan treatment. Most participants presented serous histology (131, 52.8%) and advanced-stage FIGO III (122, 49%) or IV (55, 22%) disease. Median ECOG status was 1 (range=0-2), whereas cardiac co-morbidity was common (31%). Treosulfan was usually administered as second- (26%), third- (21%) or fourth-line (17%) therapy. Two hundred and one patients received i.v. and 47 p.o. TREATMENT: The most common reason for dose modifications was due to hematological toxicity (46%). The main reason for a therapy discontinuation was progressive disease (38.5%). Response was observed in 25.8% of participants, disease stabilization in 28.6 % and progress in 45.6%. The median progression-free and overall survival was 196 and 405 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: In predominantly elderly and heavily pre-treated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, treosulfan featured a clinical relevant efficacy and well-manageable, mostly hematological, toxicity, which resulted in a positive therapeutic index.

Prospective multi-center study for quantification of chemotherapies and CTX-related direct medication costs avoided by use of biomarkers uPA and PAI-1 in primary breast cancer.

Biomarkers uPA/PAI-1 as recommended by ASCO and AGO are used in primary breast cancer to avoid unnecessary CTX in medium risk-recurrence patients. This study verified how many CTX cycles and CTX-related direct medication costs can be avoided by uPA/PAI-1 testing. A prospective, non-interventional, multi-center study was performed among six Certified Breast Centers to analyze application of uPA/PAI-1 and consecutive decision-making. CTX avoided were identified and direct costs for CTX, CTX-related concomitant medication and febrile neutropenia (FN) prophylaxis with G-CSF calculated. In n = 93 breast cancers n = 35 CTX (37.6%) with 210 CTX cycles were avoided according to uPA/PAI-1 test result. uPA/PAI-1 testing saved direct medication costs for CTX of 177,453 €, CTX-related concomitant medication of 27,482 € and FN prophylaxis of 20,599 €, overall 225,534 €. At test costs at 287.50 € uPA/PAI-1 testing resulted in additional costs of 26,737.50 €. uPA/PAI-1 has proven to be cost-effective at a return-on-investment ratio of 8.4:1. Indirect cost savings further increase this ROI. These results support decision-making for cost-effective diagnostics and therapy in breast cancer.

Toxicity Analysis in the ADEBAR Trial: Sequential Anthracycline-Taxane Therapy Compared with FEC120 for the Adjuvant Treatment of High-Risk Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Data from meta-analyses have shown taxane-containing therapies to be superior to anthracycline-based treatments for high-risk breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The ADEBAR trial was a multicenter phase III trial in which patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer were prospectively randomized for either sequential anthracycline-taxane or FEC120 therapy. Patients received 4× epirubicin (90 mg/m(2)) and cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks (q3w), followed by 4× docetaxel (100 mg/m(2)) q3w (EC-Doc arm), or 6× epirubicin (60 mg/m(2)) and 5-fluorouracil (500 mg/m(2)) on days 1 and 8 and cyclophosphamide (75 mg/m(2)) on days 1-14, q4w (FEC arm). We compared both arms with respect to toxicity and feasibility. RESULTS: Hematological toxicity was found significantly more often in the FEC arm. Febrile neutropenia was seen in 11.3% of patients in the FEC arm and in 8.4% of patients in the EC-Doc arm (p = 0.027). Non-hematological side effects of grade 3/4 were rarely seen in either arm. Therapy was terminated due to toxicity in 3.7% of the patients in the EC-Doc arm and in 8.0% of the patients in the FEC arm (p = 0.0009). CONCLUSION: The sequential anthracycline-taxane regimen is a well-tolerated and feasible alternative to FEC120 therapy.

Topotecan Weekly Versus Conventional 5-Day Schedule in Patients With Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer: a randomized multicenter phase II trial of the North-Eastern German Society of Gynecological Oncology Ovarian Cancer Study Group.

PURPOSE: Weekly administration of topotecan (Tw) is less toxic and widely considered a better treatment option than conventional 5-day therapy (Tc) in women with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. We conducted a randomized phase II trial (TOWER [Topotecan Weekly Versus Conventional 5-Day Schedule in Patients With Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer]) to better define the ratio between benefits and risks with either treatment approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to two independent two-stage protocols of Tw (4 mg/m(2)/wk administered on days 1, 8, and 15) or Tc (1.25 mg/m(2)/d on days 1 to 5). We evaluated risk ratios (RRs) for the primary end point of clinical benefit (complete response, partial response, and stable disease), the duration of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), associated hazard ratios (HRs), and RRs of toxicity with 95% CIs. RESULTS: In total, 194 patients were randomly assigned at 54 centers to Tw (n = 97) or Tc (n = 97). Clinical benefit was observed in 36 of 76 (47%; 95% CI, 36% to 59%) Tw and 46 of 80 (58%; 95% CI, 46% to 68%) Tc patients (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.64; P = .205). Patients in the Tw group had a slightly shorter PFS (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.76) but similar OS (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.45) compared with Tc. Tw was associated with significantly lower risks of anemia (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.79), neutropenia (RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.65), and thrombocytopenia (RR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.57). CONCLUSION: With regard to effectiveness in terms of response and PFS, Tc remains the standard of care in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. However, comparable OS rates and a favorable toxicity profile make Tw another viable treatment option in this setting.

A multicentric observational trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is active in metastatic breast cancer. This observational study evaluated the efficacy and safety of PLD in patients treated during routine clinical practice. METHODS: Eligible patients had metastatic breast cancer and were treated with PLD according to the dose and schedule determined by their physician as part of routine practice. The primary objectives were to analyze the efficacy and toxicity of PLD therapy. RESULTS: 125 patients were assessable. Median age was 62 years, 78% had performance status 0-1, and 60% had estrogen-receptor-positive disease. PLD treatment was second- or third-line in 69% of patients. Prior anthracyclines (adjuvant or metastatic) had been used in 56% of patients. The majority of patients (79%) received PLD every 4 weeks at a median dose of 40 mg/m2. Overall response rate was 43% in all patients and 34% in those previously treated with anthracyclines. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were skin toxicity/hand-foot syndrome (6%), and leukopenia (3%). CONCLUSIONS: This observational study supports the activity and tolerability of PLD in metastatic breast cancer as demonstrated in PLD clinical trials.