RÉSUMÉ
Background: Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor shown to improve survival in advanced solid cancers. We evaluated the role of adjuvant bevacizumab in melanoma patients at high risk of recurrence. Patients and methods: Patients with resected AJCC stage IIB, IIC and III cutaneous melanoma were randomised to receive either adjuvant bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg i.v. 3 weekly for 1 year) or standard observation. The primary end point was detection of an 8% difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) rate; secondary end points included disease-free interval (DFI) and distant metastasis-free interval (DMFI). Tumour and blood were analysed for prognostic and predictive markers. Results: Patients (n=1343) recruited between 2007 and 2012 were predominantly stage III (73%), with median age 56 years (range 18-88 years). With 6.4-year median follow-up, 515 (38%) patients had died [254 (38%) bevacizumab; 261 (39%) observation]; 707 (53%) patients had disease recurrence [336 (50%) bevacizumab, 371 (55%) observation]. OS at 5 years was 64% for both groups [hazard ratio (HR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-1.16, P = 0.78). At 5 years, 51% were disease free on bevacizumab versus 45% on observation (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.99, P = 0.03), 58% were distant metastasis free on bevacizumab versus 54% on observation (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.78-1.07, P = 0.25). Forty four percent of 682 melanomas assessed had a BRAFV600 mutation. In the observation arm, BRAF mutant patients had a trend towards poorer OS compared with BRAF wild-type patients (P = 0.06). BRAF mutation positivity trended towards better OS with bevacizumab (P = 0.21). Conclusions: Adjuvant bevacizumab after resection of high-risk melanoma improves DFI, but not OS. BRAF mutation status may predict for poorer OS untreated and potential benefit from bevacizumab. Clinical Trial Information: ISRCTN 81261306; EudraCT Number: 2006-005505-64.
Sujet(s)
Bévacizumab/administration et posologie , Mélanome/thérapie , Récidive tumorale locale/prévention et contrôle , Tumeurs cutanées/thérapie , Adolescent , Adulte , Sujet âgé , Sujet âgé de 80 ans ou plus , Traitement médicamenteux adjuvant/méthodes , Procédures chirurgicales dermatologiques , Survie sans rechute , Calendrier d'administration des médicaments , Femelle , Études de suivi , Humains , Mâle , Mélanome/mortalité , Mélanome/anatomopathologie , Adulte d'âge moyen , Mutation , Récidive tumorale locale/épidémiologie , Stadification tumorale , Protéines proto-oncogènes B-raf/génétique , Tumeurs cutanées/mortalité , Tumeurs cutanées/anatomopathologie , Analyse de survie , Facteurs temps , Observation (surveillance clinique) , Jeune adulteRÉSUMÉ
We present a rare case of small cell carcinoma of the rectum presenting with rectal bleeding and discomfort in a fit 51-year-old gentleman. Our patient was treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and remains alive and free of disease 6 years after diagnosis. Our patient experience and review of the literature is presented highlighting the uncertainties regarding the biological behaviour and management.
