Timing of exercise therapy when initiating adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a randomized trial.

AIMS: The most appropriate timing of exercise therapy to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among patients initiating chemotherapy is not known. The effects of exercise therapy administered during, following, or during and following chemotherapy were examined in patients with breast cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a parallel-group randomized trial design, 158 inactive women with breast cancer initiating (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy were allocated to receive (1:1 ratio): usual care or one of three exercise regimens-concurrent (during chemotherapy only), sequential (after chemotherapy only), or concurrent and sequential (continuous) (n = 39/40 per group). Exercise consisted of treadmill walking three sessions/week, 20-50 min at 55%-100% of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) for ≈16 (concurrent, sequential) or ≈32 (continuous) consecutive weeks. VO2peak was evaluated at baseline (pre-treatment), immediately post-chemotherapy, and ≈16 weeks after chemotherapy. In intention-to-treat analysis, there was no difference in the primary endpoint of VO2peak change between concurrent exercise and usual care during chemotherapy vs. VO2peak change between sequential exercise and usual care after chemotherapy [overall difference, -0.88 mL O2·kg-1·min-1; 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.36, 1.59, P = 0.48]. In secondary analysis, continuous exercise, approximately equal to twice the length of the other regimens, was well-tolerated and the only strategy associated with significant improvements in VO2peak from baseline to post-intervention (1.74 mL O2·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference in CRF improvement between concurrent vs. sequential exercise therapy relative to usual care in women with primary breast cancer. The promising tolerability and CRF benefit of ≈32 weeks of continuous exercise therapy warrant further evaluation in larger trials.

Phase II Study of Paclitaxel and Dasatinib in Metastatic Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression and activation of tyrosine kinase Src has been linked to breast carcinogenesis and bone metastases. We showed the feasibility of combining the SRC inhibitor dasatinib with weekly paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and herein report the subsequent phase II trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients had received ≤ 2 chemotherapy regimens for measurable, HER2-negative MBC. Patients received paclitaxel and dasatinib (120 mg daily) and were assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors for overall response rate (ORR), the primary end point. Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A 30% ORR (n = 55) was deemed worthy of further investigation. Exploratory biomarkers included N-telopeptide (NTX) and plasma vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 as predictors of clinical benefit. RESULTS: From March 2010 to March 2014, 40 patients, including 2 men enrolled. The study was stopped early because of slow accrual. Overall, 32 patients (80%) had estrogen receptor-positive tumors and 23 (58%) had previously received taxanes. Of the 35 assessable patients, 1 (3%) had complete response and 7 (20%) partial response, resulting in an ORR of 23%. The median PFS and OS was 5.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9-9.9) and 20.6 (95% CI, 12.9-25.2) months, respectively. As expected, fatigue (75%), neuropathy (65%), and diarrhea (50%) were common side effects, but were generally low-grade. Median baseline NTX was similar in patients who had clinical benefit (8.2 nmol BCE) and no clinical benefit (10.9 nmol BCE). Similarly, median baseline VEGF levels were similar between the 2 groups; 93.0 pg/mL versus 83.0 pg/mL. CONCLUSION: This phase II study of dasatinib and paclitaxel was stopped early because of slow accrual but showed some clinical activity. Further study is not planned.

Hidden estrogen production from ovarian remnants leading to progression of disease in metastatic breast cancer.

In premenopausal women with hormone dependent breast cancers, ovarian suppression is an important part of treatment, and is often achieved with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). However, this procedure can lead to ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS), a rare condition where the adnexal tissue is not completely removed and can produce estrogen. We describe a case of ORS in a patient with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer who had progression of disease after undergoing a BSO, despite optimal therapy. ORS therefore poses a significant treatment challenge in premenopausal ER+ breast cancer patients thought to be rendered menopausal with a BSO.

A phase I trial of ganetespib in combination with paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Targeted therapies in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer significantly improve outcomes but efficacy is limited by therapeutic resistance. HER2 is an acutely sensitive Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) client and HSP90 inhibition can overcome trastuzumab resistance. Preclinical data suggest that HSP90 inhibition is synergistic with taxanes with the potential for significant clinical activity. We therefore tested ganetespib, a HSP90 inhibitor, in combination with paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: In this phase I dose-escalation study, patients with trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer received weekly trastuzumab (2 mg/kg) and paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28-day cycle with escalating doses of ganetespib (100 mg/m2, 150 mg/m2, and a third cohort of 125 mg/m2 if needed) on days 1, 8, and 15. Therapy was continued until disease progression or toxicity. The primary objective was to establish the safety and maximum tolerated dose and/or recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of this therapy. The secondary objectives included evaluation of the effects of ganetespib on the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel, and to make a preliminary assessment of the efficacy of the combination therapy. RESULTS: Dose escalation was completed for the two main cohorts without any observed dose-limiting toxicities. Nine patients received treatment. The median prior lines of anti-HER2 therapy numbered three (range 2-4), including prior pertuzumab in 9/9 patients and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in 8/9 patients. The most common grade 1/2 adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, and rash. There were no grade 4 AEs related to ganetespib. The overall response rate was 22% (2/9 patients had partial response) and stable disease was seen in 56% (5/9 patients). The clinical benefit rate was 44% (4/9 patients). The median progression-free survival was 20 weeks (range 8-55). CONCLUSION: The RP2D of ganetespib is 150 mg/m2 in combination with weekly paclitaxel plus trastuzumab. The combination was safe and well tolerated. Despite prior taxanes, pertuzumab, and T-DM1, clinical activity of this triplet regimen in this heavily pretreated cohort is promising and warrants further study in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02060253 . Registered 30 January 2014.

A Pilot Study of Dose-Dense Paclitaxel With Trastuzumab and Lapatinib for Node-negative HER2-Overexpressed Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Dual anti-HER2 therapy is effective for HER2-amplified breast cancer. Weekly paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and full-dose lapatinib (PTL) is not feasible because of grade 3 diarrhea. We conducted a phase II feasibility study of dose-dense (DD; every other week) PTL (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01827163). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had HER2-positive breast cancer, tumor size ≤ 3 cm, and negative nodes. Treatment included paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2) × 4, every 2 weeks with pegfilgrastim), trastuzumab (4 mg/kg load and then 2 mg/kg weekly), and lapatinib (1000 mg daily). After paclitaxel × 4, trastuzumab (6 mg/kg every 3 weeks) plus lapatinib were continued for 1 year. The primary endpoint was feasibility, defined as (1) > 80% of patients completing PTL without a dose delay or reduction, (2) grade 3 diarrhea rate < 20%, and (3) cardiac event rate < 4%. RESULTS: From May 2013 to November 2013, we enrolled 20 of 55 planned patients. The median age was 49 years (range, 34-74 years). One patient had immediate paclitaxel hypersensitivity and was deemed inevaluable. Only 13 of 19 evaluable patients (68%) completed PTL without a dose delay or reduction or unacceptable toxicities. Only 3 of 19 (16%) had grade 3 diarrhea. Rash was frequent, with all grades in 18 of 19 (95%) and grade 3 in 2 of 19 (11%). The study was stopped early because of excess toxicity. CONCLUSION: The discontinuation rate during DD PTL was high, owing, in part, to an unexpectedly high incidence of rash. The trial was halted, because the initial discontinuation rate from overall toxicity made it unlikely that full accrual would demonstrate feasibility.

Phase II study of paclitaxel given once per week along with trastuzumab and pertuzumab in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The CLEOPATRA (Clinical Evaluation of Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab) study demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival when pertuzumab was added to trastuzumab and docetaxel. Paclitaxel given once per week is effective and less toxic than docetaxel. We performed a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pertuzumab and trastuzumab with paclitaxel given once per week. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer with zero to one prior therapy were enrolled. Treatment consisted of paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2) once per week plus trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose → 6 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks plus pertuzumab (840 mg loading dose → 420 mg) once every 3 weeks, all given intravenously. The primary end point was 6-month PFS assessed by Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: From January 2011 to December 2013, we enrolled 69 patients: 51 (74%) and 18 (26%) treated in first- and second-line metastatic settings, respectively. At a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 3 to 38 months), 6-month PFS was 86% (95% CI, 75% to 92%). The median PFS was 19.5 months (95% CI, 14 to 26 months) overall. PFS was 24.2 months (95% CI, 14 months to not reached [NR]) and 16.4 months (95% CI, 8.5 months to NR) for those without and with prior treatment, respectively. At 1 year, Kaplan-Meier PFS was 70% (95% CI, 56% to 79%) overall, 71% (95% CI, 55% to 82%) for those without prior therapy, and 66% (95% CI, 40% to 83%) for those with prior therapy. Treatment was well-tolerated; there was no febrile neutropenia or symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel given once per week with trastuzumab and pertuzumab is highly active and well tolerated and seems to be an effective alternative to docetaxel-based combination therapy.

A phase II open-label study of ganetespib, a novel heat shock protein 90 inhibitor for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ganetespib is a small molecule, nongeldanamycin HSP90 inhibitor with potent inhibitory effects on HSP90-dependent oncoproteins of relevance to breast cancer pathogenesis. We therefore tested ganetespib in an unselected cohort of patients with MBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were treated with single agent ganetespib at 200 mg/m(2) once weekly for 3 weeks, on a 28-day cycle. Therapy was continued until disease progression. The primary end point was ORR using Reponse Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were enrolled with a median age of 51(range, 38-70) years and a median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 (range, 0-1). Most patients had at least 2 previous lines of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. Most common toxicities, largely grade 1/2, were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and hypersensitivity reaction. The ORR in this unselected population was 9%, with all responses coming from the subset of patients with HER2-positive MBC (2/13; 15%). One patient with TNBC had objective tumor regression in the lung metastases. The clinical benefit rate (complete response + partial response + stable disease > 6 months) was 9%, median progression-free survival was 7 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI], 7-19), and median overall survival was 46 weeks (95% CI, 27-not applicable). CONCLUSION: The study did not meet the prespecified criteria for ORR in the first stage of the Simon 2-stage model in this heavily pretreated unselected population of MBC. However, activity was observed in trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive and TNBC. Ganetespib was well tolerated and responses in more targeted populations harboring specific HSP90-dependent oncoproteins justifies its further study, particularly as part of rational combinations.

Breast implant foreign body reaction mimicking breast cancer recurrence on FDG PET/CT.

A woman with bilateral breast cancer treated with bilateral mastectomies, implant reconstructions, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy underwent FDG PET/CT imaging. Imaging demonstrated sternal, nodal, and lung lesions which were stable or slowly increasing, as well as a parasternal chest wall mass which was enlarging much more rapidly and was excised. Pathology of the chest wall mass demonstrated only benign soft tissue with fat necrosis and foreign body giant cell reaction, without evidence of malignancy or implant rupture. This case demonstrates how a benign FDG-avid foreign body reaction, induced by an intact breast prosthesis, could easily be mistaken for malignancy.

Phase II trial of a novel capecitabine dosing schedule in combination with lapatinib for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Our group applied mathematical modeling to capecitabine dosing and predicted 7 days of treatment followed by 7 days of rest (7-7) would improve efficacy and minimize toxicity. The conventional schedule of capecitabine limits full dosing in combination with other agents due to toxicity. Lapatinib inhibits the tyrosine kinase of HER2 and has activity when added to conventionally scheduled capecitabine for the treatment of patients with trastuzumab-refractory, HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We performed this study to evaluate the activity and tolerability of capecitabine 7-7 with lapatinib in patients with trastuzumab-refractory MBC. Eligible patients had measurable, HER2-positive, MBC that progressed following exposure to trastuzumab. Treatment consisted of capecitabine 2,000 mg orally twice daily, 7-7 and lapatinib 1,250 mg orally daily. The primary endpoint was response rate. Secondary endpoints included toxicity, progression-free survival, and stable disease ≥ 6 months. Twenty-three patients were treated on study. More than 60% had prior chemotherapy for MBC and all had prior trastuzumab. After a median of 23 weeks (range 2-96+), five patients had partial responses (23; 95 CI, 7-44%) and six (27; 95 CI, 10-48%) had stable disease ≥ 6 months. Median progression-free survival was 9.4 months. The most common treatment-related toxicities ≥ grade (gr) 2 were hand-foot syndrome (gr 2 43%; gr 3 4% gr 4 0%), diarrhea (gr 2 26%; gr 3/4 0%), elevated liver chemistries (gr 2 17%; gr 3/4 0%), and anemia (gr 2 13%; gr 3 4%; gr 4 4%). No grade ≥ 3 nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea events occurred. This study demonstrated feasibility and after meeting biostatistical requirements for continued accrual was terminated in anticipation of slow enrollment. Capecitabine 7-7 with lapatinib was well tolerated with minimal gastrointestinal toxicity. Antitumor activity was observed in patients with trastuzumab-refractory MBC.

HSP90 inhibition is effective in breast cancer: a phase II trial of tanespimycin (17-AAG) plus trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer progressing on trastuzumab.

PURPOSE: HSP90 is a chaperone protein required for the stability of a variety of client proteins. 17-Demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) is a natural product that binds to HSP90 and inhibits its activity, thereby inducing the degradation of these clients. In preclinical studies, HER2 is one of the most sensitive known client proteins of 17-AAG. On the basis of these data and activity in a phase I study, we conducted a phase II study of 17-AAG (tanespimycin) with trastuzumab in advanced trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We enrolled patients with metastatic HER2(+) breast cancer whose disease had previously progressed on trastuzumab. All patients received weekly treatment with tanespimycin at 450 mg/m(2) intravenously and trastuzumab at a conventional dose. Therapy was continued until disease progression. The primary endpoint was response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were enrolled with a median age of 53 years and a median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) of 90%. The most common toxicities, largely grade 1, were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and headache. The overall response rate was 22%, the clinical benefit rate [complete response + partial response + stable disease] was 59%, the median progression-free survival was 6 months (95% CI: 4-9), and the median overall survival was 17 months (95% CI: 16-28). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first phase II study to definitively show RECIST-defined responses for 17-AAG in solid tumors. Tanespimycin plus trastuzumab has significant anticancer activity in patients with HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer previously progressing on trastuzumab. Further research exploring this therapeutic interaction and the activity of HSP90 inhibitors is clearly warranted.

A feasibility study of bevacizumab plus dose-dense doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in early-stage breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Bevacizumab confers benefits in metastatic breast cancer but may be more effective as adjuvant therapy. We evaluated the cardiac safety of bevacizumab plus dose-dense doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (ddAC) → nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 normal early-stage breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Eighty patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were enrolled. Bevacizumab was administered for 1 year, concurrently with ddAC → nab-paclitaxel then as a single agent. LVEF was evaluated at months 0, 2, 6, 9, and 18. This regimen was considered safe if fewer than three cardiac events or fewer than two deaths from left ventricular dysfunction occurred. Correlative studies of cardiac troponin (cTn) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were conducted. RESULTS: The median age was 48 years (range, 27-75 years), and baseline LVEF was 68% (53%-82%). After 39 months' median follow-up (5-45 months): median LVEF was 68% (53%-80%) at 2 months (n = 78), 64% (51%-77%) at 6 months (n = 66), 63% (48%-77%) at 9 months (n = 61), and 66% (42%-76%) at 18 months (n = 54). One patient developed symptomatic LV dysfunction at month 15. Common toxicities necessitating treatment discontinuation were hypertension (HTN, 4%), wound-healing complications (4%), and asymptomatic LVEF declines (4%). Neither cTn nor PRA predicted congestive heart failure (CHF) or HTN, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab with ddAC → nab-paclitaxel had a low rate of cardiac events; cTn and PRA levels are not predictive of CHF or HTN, respectively. The efficacy of bevacizumab as adjuvant treatment will be established in several ongoing phase III trials.

Dose dense cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil is feasible at 14-day intervals: a pilot study of every-14-day dosing as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/fluorouracil (CMF) is a proven adjuvant option for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Randomized trials with other regimens demonstrate that dose-dense (DD) scheduling can offer greater efficacy. We investigated the feasibility of administering CMF using a DD schedule. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with early-stage breast cancer were accrued from March 2008 through June 2008. They were treated every 14 days with C 600, M 40, F 600 (all mg/m2) with PEG-filgrastim (Neulasta®) support on day 2 of each cycle. The primary endpoint was tolerability using a Simon's 2-stage optimal design. The design would effectively discriminate between true tolerability (as protocol-defined) rates of ≤ 60% and ≥ 80%. RESULTS: The median age was 52-years-old (range, 38-78 years of age). Twenty-nine of the 38 patients completed 8 cycles of CMF at 14-day intervals. CONCLUSION: Dose-dense adjuvant CMF is tolerable and feasible at 14-day intervals with PEG-filgrastim support.

Phase II trial of weekly nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel with carboplatin and trastuzumab as first-line therapy for women with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: This multicenter phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of weekly nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel with carboplatin and weekly trastuzumab as first-line therapy for women with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer (MBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 32 patients who had measurable MBC that was HER2-positive defined by an immunohistochemical staining score of 3+ or gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization, required for those with an IHC of 2+. Patients were treated with albumin-bound paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 and carboplatin at area under the curve (AUC) = 2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Trastuzumab was administered at 2 mg/kg weekly after a loading dose of 4 mg/kg. Because of hypersensitivity reactions occurring during carboplatin infusion numbers 6-8 in 4 of the first 13 patients with this premedication-free regimen, the protocol was amended for carboplatin and dosed at AUC = 6 day 1 each 28-day cycle, in lieu of introducing steroid prophylaxis. Patients were treated with 6 cycles and allowed to continue with all 3 drugs or trastuzumab alone if free of progression and unacceptable toxicity after 6 cycles. RESULTS: The overall response rate (ORR) was 62.5% (95% CI, 45.7%-79.3%) with 3 confirmed complete responders (CRs; 9%) and 17 confirmed partial responses (PRs; 53%). An additional 6 patients (19%) had stable disease (SD) for greater than 16 weeks for a clinical benefit rate (ORR + SD > 16 weeks) of 81%. As of April 16, 2009, 20 patients (63%) had progressed with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 16.6 months (95% CI, 7.5-26.5 months). Antitumor activity was similar for patients treated with weekly carboplatin and every-4-week carboplatin (ORR, 65% vs. 67%, respectively). Hematologic toxicities were the only grade 4 toxicities noted and were infrequent with grade 4 neutropenia in 3 patients (9%) and 1 febrile neutropenia. Grade 2/3 peripheral neuropathy was uncommon (13%/3%). CONCLUSION: Weekly albumin-bound paclitaxel with carboplatin and trastuzumab is highly active in HER2-overexpressing MBC. In the absence of corticosteroid premedication, which we avoided with albumin-bound paclitaxel, carboplatin seems best dosed every 4 weeks rather than weekly because of carboplatin-associated hypersensitivity reactions. The regimen was very well tolerated with few grade 3 and 4 nonhematologic toxicities experienced, and severe hematologic toxicity and peripheral neuropathy were infrequent.

A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients commonly use dietary supplements to "boost immune function". A polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake extract) showed immunomodulatory effects in preclinical studies and therefore the potential for clinical use. Whether oral administration in human produces measurable immunologic effects, however, is unknown. METHODS: In a phase I/II dose escalation trial, 34 postmenopausal breast cancer patients, free of disease after initial treatment, were enrolled sequentially in five cohorts. Maitake liquid extract was taken orally at 0.1, 0.5, 1.5, 3, or 5 mg/kg twice daily for 3 weeks. Peripheral blood was collected at days -7, 0 (prior to the first dosing), 7, 14, and 21 for ex vivo analyses. The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability. RESULTS: No dose-limiting toxicity was encountered. Two patients withdrew prior to completion of the study due to grade I possibly related side effects: nausea and joint swelling in one patient; rash and pruritus in the second. There was a statistically significant association between Maitake and immunologic function (p < 0.0005). Increasing doses of Maitake increased some immunologic parameters and depressed others; the dose-response curves for many endpoints were non-monotonic with intermediate doses having either immune enhancing or immune suppressant effects compared with both high and low doses. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of a polysaccharide extract from Maitake mushroom is associated with both immunologically stimulatory and inhibitory measurable effects in peripheral blood. Cancer patients should be made aware of the fact that botanical agents produce more complex effects than assumed, and may depress as well as enhance immune function.

A pilot study of dose-dense adjuvant paclitaxel without growth factor support for women with early breast carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used in CALGB 9741 to support dose-dense sequential chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by paclitaxel (P) (Citron et al. J Clin Oncol 21:1431-1439, 2003). However, myelosuppression is not known to be dose or schedule limiting for paclitaxel. We therefore conducted this trial to determine the need for routine G-CSF, using the pegylated product (pG-CSF), support during the paclitaxel component of dose-dense sequential chemotherapy in women with early stage breast carcinoma (BC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients received dose-dense chemotherapy consisting of four cycles of AC followed by four cycles of P at two week intervals. pG-CSF (Neulasta) was administered after each of four cycles of AC but was held after P. Planned enrollment was 59 pts. RESULTS: Of the first 15 patients, nine completed therapy without delays due to neutropenia but 6 (40%) did not, leading to implementation of the pre-specified early termination rule. Overall, 85% of P doses were successfully delivered on time. The mean treatment delay for the entire group due to neutropenia was 0.75 days. There was no significant correlation between neutropenia and prior WBC, ANC, or concurrent treatment with trastuzumab. Pts with neutropenia tended to be younger (Mean age 43.5) and have a lower BSA (1.65 m(2)). There were no febrile episodes due to omission of pG-CSF. CONCLUSION: When paclitaxel is administered in a dose-dense fashion without growth factor support brief treatment delays are common. Further study is needed to identify the minimal pG-CSF administration that will avoid treatment delays.

A phase II trial of erlotinib in combination with bevacizumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of erlotinib plus bevacizumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Thirty-eight patients with MBC were enrolled and treated at two institutions with erlotinib, a small molecule EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (150 mg p.o. daily) plus bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody (15 mg/kg i.v. every 3 weeks). Patients had one to two prior chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease. The primary end point was response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria using a Simon 2-stage design. Secondary end points included toxicity, time to progression, response duration, and stabilization of disease of > or = 26 weeks. Correlative studies were done on tumor tissue, including EGFR expression and mutation analysis. RESULTS: One patient achieved a partial response for 52+ months. Fifteen patients had stable disease at first evaluation at 9 weeks; 4 of these patients had stable disease beyond 26 weeks. Median time to progression was 11 weeks (95% confidence interval, 8-18 weeks). Diarrhea of any grade was observed in 84% of patients (grade 3 in 3%); 76% experienced grade 1 or 2 skin rash, and 18% developed hypertension (grade 3 in 11%). The level of EGFR expression was not predictive of response to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of erlotinib and bevacizumab was well-tolerated but had limited activity in unselected patients with previously treated MBC. Biomarkers are needed to identify those MBC patients likely to respond to anti-EGFR/HER1 plus anti-VEGF therapy.

Prolonged dose-dense epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel in breast cancer is feasible.

PURPOSE: We conducted a pilot study of dose-dense epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC) x 6 --> paclitaxel (P) x 6 with pegfilgrastim. A previous dose-dense trial of FEC (5-fluorouracil [5-FU]/EC) x 6 with filgrastim --> by weekly paclitaxel alternating with docetaxel x 18 was not feasible because of pneumonitis (with dose-dense FEC) and pericardial/pleural effusion (taxane phase). Dose-dense EC (without the 5-FU) is not associated with pneumonitis, and dose-dense paclitaxel (alone) is feasible. Primary objective was feasibility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with resectable breast cancer were enrolled, regardless of surgery status, tumor size, or nodal status. Treatment regimen consisted of every-2-week EC (100/600 mg/m2) x 6 --> by 2-weekly P (175 mg/m2) x 6 with pegfilgrastim 6 mg on day 2. RESULTS: Between November 2004 and May 2005, 38 patients were enrolled. The median age was 47 years (range, 30-72 years); 33 of 38 (87%) were treated in the adjuvant setting and 27 of 33 (81%) had involved nodes (range, 1-46); 5 of 38 (13%) were treated pre-operatively; 33 of 38 (87%) completed all chemotherapy as planned; the remaining patients (13%) had treatment modifications for toxicity. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 6 of 38 patients (16 %) and only during EC. There were 12 hospitalizations in 9 of 38 patients (24%) enrolled. CONCLUSION: Dose-dense every-2-week EC x 6 --> P x 6 with pegfilgrastim is feasible based on our prospective definition.

The safety of dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel with trastuzumab in HER-2/neu overexpressed/amplified breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Dose-dense (dd) doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by paclitaxel (P) is superior to every 3-weekly AC followed by P. Given the demonstrated cardiac safety for trastuzumab (T) with conventionally scheduled AC followed by P, we tested the safety of dd AC followed by P with T. The primary end point was cardiac safety, and the secondary end points were time to recurrence and overall survival. METHODS: Patients with HER-2/neu immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)-amplified breast cancer and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of >or= 55% were enrolled, regardless of tumor size or nodal status. Treatment consisted of AC (60/600 mg/m(2)) x 4 followed by P (175 mg/m(2)) x 4 every 2-weekly with pegfilgrastim (6 mg on day 2) + T x1 year. LVEF by radionuclide scan was obtained at baseline, at months 2, 6, 9, and 18. RESULTS: From January 2005 to November 2005, 70 patients were enrolled. The median age was 49 years (range, 27 to 72 years); median LVEF at baseline was 68% (range, 55% to 81%). At month 2 in 70 of 70 patients, the median LVEF was 67% (range, 58% to 79%); at month 6 in 67 of 70 patients, it was 66% (range, 52% to 75%); at month 9 in 68 of 70 patients, it was 65% (range, 50% to 75%); and at month 18 in 48 of 70 patients, it was 66% (range, 57% to 75%). As of December 1, 2007, the median follow-up was 28 months (range, 25 to 35 months). One patient (1%) experienced congestive heart failure (CHF). There were no cardiac deaths. CONCLUSION: Dose-dense AC followed by P/T followed by T is feasible and is not likely to increase the incidence of cardiac events compared to established regimens.

Randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the immediate and long-term effects of true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture on hot flash frequency in women with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-two women with breast cancer experiencing three or more hot flashes per day were randomly assigned to receive either true or sham acupuncture. Interventions were given twice weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Hot flash frequency was evaluated at baseline, at 6 weeks, and at 6 months after initiation of treatment. Patients initially randomly assigned to the sham group were crossed over to true acupuncture starting at week 7. RESULTS: The mean number of hot flashes per day was reduced from 8.7 (standard deviation [SD], 3.9) to 6.2 (SD, 4.2) in the true acupuncture group and from 10.0 (SD, 6.1) to 7.6 (SD, 5.7) in the sham group. True acupuncture was associated with 0.8 fewer hot flashes per day than sham at 6 weeks, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (95% CI, -0.7 to 2.4; P = .3). When participants in the sham acupuncture group were crossed over to true acupuncture, a further reduction in the frequency of hot flashes was seen. This reduction in hot flash frequency persisted for up to 6 months after the completion of treatment. CONCLUSION: Hot flash frequency in breast cancer patients was reduced following acupuncture. However, when compared with sham acupuncture, the reduction by the acupuncture regimen as provided in the current study did not reach statistical significance. We cannot exclude the possibility that a longer and more intense acupuncture intervention could produce a larger reduction of these symptoms.

Increased dose density is feasible: a pilot study of adjuvant epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel, at 10- or 11-day intervals with filgrastim support in women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Because Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9741 trial showed a benefit for every 14-day administration of chemotherapy compared with every 21-day treatment, we hypothesized that even greater dose density would be more effective. We conducted a pilot trial to assess the feasibility of dose-dense chemotherapy consisting of a standard regime at 10- to 11-day intervals in the adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting. A 2-day window was allowed for scheduling logistics. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Thirty-nine women with early-stage breast carcinoma were accrued from April 2004 to October 2004. Median age was 47 years (range, 26-67 years). Patients received therapy with 100 mg/m(2) epirubicin and 600 mg/m(2) cyclophosphamide (EC) q 10 to 11 days for four cycles followed by 175 mg/m(2) paclitaxel q 10 to 11 days for four cycles, all with filgrastim support (300 microg s.c. daily) from day 2 to 24 h before the next treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five (90%) patients completed all planned therapy. The median intertreatment interval was 10 days (range, 8-28 days). Cycles (80.7%) were delivered at no more than 10- to 11-day intervals. There were five dose reductions of 25% for grade 3 nonhematologic toxicity in five patients. Six (16%) patients developed febrile neutropenia defined as temperature >38 degrees C with absolute neutrophil count <1,000/microL. All febrile neutropenia was during therapy with EC. Other grade 3 toxicities included bone pain, hand and foot syndrome, neuropathy, mucositis, nausea, and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with EC for four cycles followed by paclitaxel for four cycles at 10- to 11-day intervals is feasible. The approximately 30% reduction in intertreatment interval compared with every 14-day treatment could increase the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy.