Phase II Study of Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin in Combination With Bevacizumab in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1898-1903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew X. Zhu ◽  
Lawrence S. Blaszkowsky ◽  
David P. Ryan ◽  
Jeffrey W. Clark ◽  
Alona Muzikansky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Vascular Tumor ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Transient Elevation

Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a vascular tumor with poor prognosis. Given the reported activity of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in HCC and the potential benefits of targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway with bevacizumab (B), a phase II study of GEMOX-B was undertaken to define efficacy and toxicity profiles in HCC patients. Patients and Methods Eligible patients had pathologically proven measurable unresectable or metastatic HCC. For cycle 1 (14 days), bevacizumab 10 mg/kg was administered alone intravenously on day 1. For cycle 2 and beyond (28 days/cycle), bevacizumab 10 mg/kg was administered on days 1 and 15, gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 was administered as a dose rate infusion at 10 mg/m2/min followed by oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m2 on days 2 and 16. Results Thirty-three patients were enrolled and 30 patients were assessable for efficacy. The objective response rate was 20%, and 27% of patients had stable disease. Median overall survival was 9.6 months (95% CI, 8.0 months to not available) and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.3 months (95% CI, 3.7 to 8.7 months); the PFS rate at 3 and 6 months was 70% (95% CI, 54% to 85%) and 48% (95% CI, 31% to 65%), respectively. The most common treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicities included leukopenia/neutropenia, transient elevation of aminotransferases, hypertension, and fatigue. Conclusion GEMOX-B could be safely administered with close monitoring and had moderate antitumor activity for patients with advanced HCC. The high 6-month PFS rate is encouraging, and this regimen is worthy of further investigation.

scholarly journals Efficacy, Safety, and Potential Biomarkers of Sunitinib Monotherapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Phase II Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (18) ◽  
pp. 3027-3035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew X. Zhu ◽  
Dushyant V. Sahani ◽  
Dan G. Duda ◽  
Emmanuelle di Tomaso ◽  
Marek Ancukiewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Advanced Hcc ◽  
Sunitinib Treatment

PurposeTo assess the safety and efficacy of sunitinib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore biomarkers for sunitinib response.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a multidisciplinary phase II study of sunitinib, an antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in advanced HCC. Patients received sunitinib 37.5 mg/d for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of rest per cycle. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate vascular changes in HCC after sunitinib treatment. Circulating molecular and cellular biomarkers were evaluated before and at six time points after sunitinib treatment.ResultsThirty-four patients were enrolled. The objective response rate was 2.9%, and 50% of patients had stable disease. Median PFS was 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.6 to 6.9 months), and overall survival was 9.8 months (95% CI, 7.4 months to not available). Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included leukopenia/neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevation of aminotransferases, and fatigue. Sunitinib rapidly decreased vessel leakiness, and this effect was more pronounced in patients with delayed progression. When evaluated early (at baseline and day 14) as well as over three cycles of treatment, higher levels of inflammatory molecules (eg, interleukin-6, stromal-derived factor 1α, soluble c-KIT) and circulating progenitor cells were associated with a poor outcome.ConclusionSunitinib shows evidence of modest antitumor activity in advanced HCC with manageable adverse effects. Rapid changes in tumor vascular permeability and circulating inflammatory biomarkers are potential determinants of response and resistance to sunitinib in HCC. Our study suggests that control of inflammation might be critical for improving treatment outcome in advanced HCC.

Sorafenib-Regorafenib Sequential Therapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Institute Experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 611-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuomi Ueshima ◽  
Naoshi Nishida ◽  
Masatoshi Kudo
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Sequential Therapy ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Effective Treatment Option ◽  
Sorafenib Treatment ◽  
Advanced Hcc ◽  
Grade 3

Objectives: Previously, no therapeutic agent has been known to improve the overall survival compared with placebo in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who have progressed after sorafenib. In this patient population, regorafenib was first demonstrated to confer a survival benefit in the RESORCE trial, and subsequently it was approved as a second-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC. An open-label expanded access program (EAP) of regorafenib was implemented for compassionate use. We investigated the efficacy and safety of regorafenib based on our experience of the RESORCE trial and the EAP. Methods: Data from 5 patients from the RESORCE trial and 6 from the EAP were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had tolerated prior sorafenib and were progressing during sorafenib treatment. Results: The median progression-free survival was 9.2 months (95% CI 2.3-16.1). One patient achieved a partial response and 7 achieved stable disease. The objective response rate was 9.1%, and the disease control rate was 72.7%. No treatment-associated mortalities were observed. Grade 3 hypophosphatemia was observed in 2 patients, grade 2 anorexia was observed in 5 patients, and grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 2 patients. Grade 2 and grade 3 thrombocytopenia were observed in 2 and 3 patients, respectively. All treatment-related adverse events were improved by reduction or interruption of regorafenib. Five patients showed decreased serum albumin levels. Conclusion: Sorafenib and regorafenib sequential therapy presents a safe and effective treatment option for patients with advanced HCC.

A phase II study of sunitinib in recurrent or metastatic endometrial carcinoma: A trial of the PMH Phase II Consortium

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5576-5576
Author(s):  
S. Welch ◽  
H. J. Mackay ◽  
H. Hirte ◽  
G. F. Fleming ◽  
R. Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Ii ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Best Response ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Ecog Ps

5576 Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression in EC correlates with poor outcome, thus targeting VEGF is a rational therapeutic approach. We have conducted a two-stage open-label phase II study in advanced EC with sunitinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of multiple VEGF receptors. Methods: Eligible pts have recurrent or metastatic EC and have received up to 1 prior chemotherapy (CT) regimen for metastatic disease. Sunitinib is given at 50 mg daily (OD) for 4 consecutive weeks (wks) followed by 2 wks off. Dose could be reduced to 37.5 mg OD and then 25 mg OD in the setting of toxicity. Imaging is repeated every 12 wks. Primary objectives are objective response rate (ORR by RECIST) and rate of 6-month progression-free survival (PFS). If 1 or more responses occur in the first 15 evaluable pts, the study would continue to a second stage (total = 30 pts). Secondary objectives are time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: We report the results of the first stage of this study. Sixteen pts have been treated (median age: 63; range 41–74) with 37 cycles of sunitinib (median 2; range: 1–7). Baseline ECOG PS was 0 (7 pts), 1 (8 pts), or 2 (1 pt). Histology was endometrioid (7 pts), serous (5 pts), clear cell (1 pt), or mixed/other (3 pts). Most pts had high-grade histology (G3: 8; G2: 4; G1: 2; GX: 2). Nine pts had prior adjuvant CT, 8 pts had 1 prior CT for advanced EC, 4 pts had prior hormones and 7 pts had prior radiotherapy. Partial response was achieved by 2 pts (ORR = 12.5%), and 2 other pts had a best response of stable disease; 3 of these pts remained progression-free > 6 months. Median TTP = 2.5 months (95% CI: 2.47-NR), and median OS = 6.2 months (95% CI: 5.1-NR). Grade 3/4 adverse events (AE) in >10% of pts were fatigue (7 pts, 44%) and hypertension (5 pts, 31%). Dose reduction was required for 11 of 16 pts (69%). Two pts were inevaluable after receiving <2 cycles due to AE (grade 4 hyponatremia; grade 3 fatigue) and 1 other pt has yet to complete 2 cycles. Conclusions: Sunitinib shows preliminary activity in EC. This trial will proceed to a second stage of accrual to further explore the efficacy and safety of sunitinib in advanced EC. [Table: see text]

Phase II study of intrabuccally-administered amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15573-e15573
Author(s):  
F. P. Costa ◽  
A. C. de Oliveira ◽  
R. Meirelles ◽  
M. M. Machado ◽  
R. Surjan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Advanced Hcc ◽  
Independent Review

e15573 Background: Over the past few years we have identified tumor-specific frequencies for several common forms of cancer. The goal of this study was to assess the tolerability and effectiveness of electromagnetic fields amplitude-modulated at tumor-specific frequencies and administered by means of an intrabuccal spoon-shaped probe in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: From October 2005 to July 2007, patients with advanced HCC and Child-Pugh A or B were recruited in a phase II study. Three daily 60 min outpatient treatments were administered until disease progression or death. Imaging studies were performed every eight weeks. The primary efficacy end point was progression-free survival ≥ 6 months. Secondary efficacy end points were progression-free survival and overall survival. Results: A total of 41 patients were enrolled, 17 had Child-Pugh A, 20 Child-Pugh B disease. The median age was 64.0 years. Seventeen patients (34.1%) were progression-free for more than 6 months. Median progression-free and overall survivals were 4.8 months (95% CI 2.3–6.0) and 6.9 months (95 CI 4.8–11.1). As of December 2008, four patients are alive and two patients, who are still undergoing therapy, remain progression-free for 30.4 and 30.7 months, respectively. Four patients had partial response (9.8%) and sixteen had stable disease for at least 12 weeks (39.0%) according to the RECIST criteria resulting in 48.8% disease control. All responses were confirmed by independent review. There were no NCI grade 2, 3 or 4 toxicities. One patient developed grade 1 mucositis and one patient grade 1 fatigue. Conclusions: In patients with advanced HCC and impaired hepatic function, treatment with amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields is safe, well tolerated, and shows evidence of anti-tumor effects, which are long-lasting in some patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Sorafenib versus cytotoxic chemotherapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective, single-institution study.

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 339-339
Author(s):  
S. Lee ◽  
S. Yoon ◽  
S. Shin ◽  
H. Choi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Chemotherapy Group ◽  
Sorafenib Group ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Novel Target

339 Background: Prior to the sorafenib era, most of the advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients had to rely only on conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. But the introduction of sorafenib in 2008 had given HCC patients additional option for their treatment. However, given that sorafenib has been a nonreimbursable drug under the Korea public health system, most of treatment strategy has largely been determined by patients' affordability of the drug rather than by difference in efficacy and toxicity of the two treatments. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and toxicity of the two treatments by observing HCC patients. Methods: From January 2002 to December 2009, 173 patients with unresectable HCC had been retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 44 (25.4%) had been treated with sorafenib and the remaining had received cytotoxic chemotherapy. We evaluated objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity profiles. Results: The median OS of sorafenib group was 23.0 weeks (95% CI, 8.1-37.9) vs. 43.6 weeks (95% CI, 34.0-37.9) for cytotoxic chemotherapy group. The median PFS for sorafenib group was 11.1 weeks (95% CI, 6.5-15.8) versus 12.4 weeks (95% CI, 8.1-16.7) for cytotoxic chemotherapy group. However, the difference in both findings had not been statistically significant (p=0.105 and p=0.496, respectively). ORR and DCR for sorafenib group were 2.3% and 52.3% versus 6.2% and 43.4% for cytotoxic chemotherapy group, respectively. Patients treated with chemotherapy had shown higher frequencies of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, 19.7%, (vs. 0% for sorafenib). However, the group with sorafenib had reported a higher rate of all grade dermatologic toxicities such as hand-foot skin reaction, rash and pruritus. Conclusions: Our analysis indicates that efficacy of conventional chemotherapy is not inferior to that of sorafenib. Further research including novel target agent and cytotoxic chemotherapy is needed to improve clinical outcomes for advanced HCC. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of temozolomide in combination with topotecan (TOTEM) in relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma and other pediatric solid malignancies: A European ITCC study.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9517-9517
Author(s):  
Angela Di Giannatale ◽  
Kieran Mc Hugh ◽  
Nathalie Dias ◽  
Annick Devos ◽  
Birgit Geoerger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Topoisomerase I ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Alkylating Agents ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Disease Stabilization ◽  
Grade 3

9517 Background: Temozolomide and topotecan have shown activity in several pediatric cancers, including neuroblastoma. Resistance to alkylating agents due to MGMT expression, MMR deficiency or microsatellite instability may be overcome through the combination with topoisomerase I inhibitors. The combination of temozolomide and topotecan (TOTEM) was well tolerated and showed preliminary activity in children with neuroblastoma and glioma (Rubie et al, 2010). Methods: This multicenter, non-randomized, multi-cohort Phase II study included children with neuroblastoma according to a 2-stage Simon design, and patients with central nervous system (CNS) and extra-cranial solid tumors in a descriptive design. Temozolomide was administered orally at 150 mg/m2 followed by topotecan at 0.75 mg/m2 intravenously for 5 consecutive days every 28 days. The main endpoint was objective response (OR), i.e., Complete or Partial Response (CR+PR), evaluated after 2 cycles according to WHO criteria, or INRC criteria for neuroblastoma patients with mIBG-positive lesions, by an independent radiological review. Independent review of mIBG imaging is pending. Results: 103 patients, median age 9.4 years (range 1-21), were treated between June 2009 and May 2011 in 18 centers: 38 neuroblastoma, 33 CNS tumors and 32 other solid tumors. Overall 420 cycles were administered (median 3 per patient; range 1-12). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was frequent (55% courses), though only 6% of patients developed febrile neutropenia. In the neuroblastoma cohort, 1 CR and 7 PR were observed, leading to an estimated OR rate of 21% (95%CI, 10-37%). Additionally 22 patients had disease stabilization (SD), leading to an overall tumor control (CR+PR+SD) of 79% (63-90%), and a 12-month progression-free survival rate of 47% (31-64%). Overall, 17/102 evaluable patients achieved an OR (17%, 10-25%), with 1 CR and 3 PR in 9 medulloblastoma (44%, 14-79%), 2 PR in 4 PNET, 1 PR in 12 malignant glioma, and 2 PR in 9 RMS. Conclusions: Temozolomide-topotecan combination results in significant tumor control in children with neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma/PNET with favorable toxicity profile.

Clinical, pharmacodynamic (PD), and pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation of cediranib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): A phase II study (CTEP 7147).

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4112-4112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew X. Zhu ◽  
Marek Ancukiewicz ◽  
Jeffrey G. Supko ◽  
Lawrence Scott Blaszkowsky ◽  
Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Advanced Hcc ◽  
Baseline Levels ◽  
Grade 3

4112 Background: Sorafenib remains the only approved systemic therapy in HCC. We performed a phase II study of cediranib (AZD2171)—a more potent and selective pan-VEGF receptor inhibitor—in advanced HCC patients (pts). Methods: Eligibility criteria included unresectable or metastatic measurable HCC, ECOG PS ≤2, CLIP score ≤3, and adequate organ function. Patients received cediranib at 30 mg po qd continuously (4-wk cycle). The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS). We also assessed overall survival (OS) and response rates, steady-state PK of cediranib, and blood circulating biomarkers. Results: Since 6/16/09, we have enrolled the targeted 17 pts required for the first stage of the planned study: ECOG 0/1/2=5/11/1, CLIP 1/2/3=6/4/7, Child A/B=14/3, BCLC C=17. Nine pts had prior sorafenib. The best response was stable disease in five pts (29%). The median PFS was 5.3 months (95% CI: 3.5-9.7). The median OS was 11.7 months (95% CI: 7.5-13.6). Grade 3 toxicities included hypertension (29%), hyponatremia (12%), elevated SGOT (12%) and one pt each (6%) in SGPT, fatigue, hyperbilirubinemia, cardiac ischemia, and proteinuria. Grade 4 pulmonary embolism and brainstem hemorrhage occurred in 1 pt each. Steady-state PK parameters (mean±SD) were, Cmin, 22±21 ng/mL; Cmax, 55±33 ng/mL; AUCτ, 887±503 ng*h/mL. Plasma levels of VEGF and PlGF increased and sVEGFR1, sVEGFR2 and Ang-2 decreased significantly after cediranib treatment (p<0.05). PFS was inversely correlated with baseline levels of bFGF, sVEGFR2 and VEGF, and OS was inversely correlated with baseline levels of sVEGFR1, Ang-2, TNF-alpha and CD34+CD133+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (p<0.05). Conclusions: Cediranib at 30 mg daily is associated with high frequency of grade 3 hypertension and shows preliminary evidence of antitumor activity in advanced HCC pts. Exploratory studies confirmed potential PD and response biomarkers of anti-VEGF therapy. Cediranib exhibits similar PK in HCC pts as in those with other tumor types and normal/near normal hepatic function. This study was stopped by AstraZeneca after discontinuation of cediranib development for unrelated factors.

Real-Life Clinical Practice with Sorafenib in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience Second Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 728-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadaaki Arizumi ◽  
Kazuomi Ueshima ◽  
Mina Iwanishi ◽  
Hirokazu Chishina ◽  
Masashi Kono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Grade 3

Objectives: Sorafenib has become a standard therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma following the demonstration of significant increase in progression-free survival as well as overall survival (OS) in the 2-phase III trials. We examined efficacy and adverse events (AEs) in patients treated with sorafenib over a 6-year period since approval in Japan. Methods: Two hundred and forty-one patients treated with sorafenib at the Kinki University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed clinically for the factors related to survival periods, tumor response evaluated by the Response Evaluation Criteria In Cancer of the Liver (RECICL) and AEs. Results: OS was 14.3 months. According to the RECICL, the objective response and disease control rates were 18.6% (43 of 241) and 61.1% (137 of 241), respectively. AEs were seen in 77.3% (187 of 241), with Grade 3 or higher in 23.6% (57 of 241). The most frequent AE was hand-foot skin reaction in 109 patients (45.0%), and 28 patients (11.8%) showed Grade 3 or higher. Significant factors contributing to the OS were treatment duration (p = 0.0204), up-to-7 criteria (p = 0.0400), increase of Child-Pugh score (p = 0.0008) and tumor response determined by the RECICL (p = 0.0007). Conclusion: Based on the analysis, using many cases at a single center, we concluded that continuation of treatment with sorafenib for ≥90 days without decrease of liver function was critical if tumor response was determined as stable disease or higher.

scholarly journals Gemcitabine Plus Carboplatin in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results of a Phase II Study

ISRN Oncology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Aly M. Azmy ◽  
Khalid E. Nasr ◽  
Nagy S. Gobran ◽  
M. Yassin
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Phase Ii Trial ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
Advanced Hcc ◽  
Disease Stabilization ◽  
Grade 3

Objectives. Assessment of gemcitabine/carboplatin combination in patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a phase II trial for safety and efficacy. Methods. Forty patients with previously untreated advanced-stage HCC were prospectively enrolled and subjected to gemcitabine/carboplatin regimen which consisted of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, and carboplatin AUC 6 on day 1. The treatment was repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression or limiting toxicity. Results. Forty patients were assessable for efficacy and toxicity. In all, 276 treatment cycles were administered. No toxic deaths occurred. Hematological grade 3-4 toxicity consisted of thrombocytopenia (27% of patients) and neutropenia (24%), including 2 febrile neutropenia and anemia (9%). Grade 3 carboplatin-induced neurotoxicity was observed in 3 (9%) patients. ORR was 23% (95% CI, 0.10–0.29) with 9 partial responses and disease stabilization was observed in 46% (95% CI, 0.22–0.42) of patients, giving a disease control rate of 69%. Median progression-free and overall survival times were, respectively, 5 months (95% CI: 3–8 months) and 8 months (95% CI: 6–18 months). Conclusion. The gemcitabine/carboplatin regimen seems to be effective, well tolerated, and active in advanced HCC.

scholarly journals Pembrolizumab as Second-Line Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Subgroup Analysis of Asian Patients in the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-240 Trial

Liver Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Kudo ◽  
Ho Yeong Lim ◽  
Ann-Lii Cheng ◽  
Yee Chao ◽  
Thomas Yau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Best Supportive Care ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Asian Patients ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Duration Of Response ◽  
Grade 3

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> KEYNOTE-240 investigated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab plus best supportive care (BSC) in sorafenib-treated patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Results for the subgroup of patients from Asia are described. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Adults with advanced HCC previously treated with sorafenib were randomized 2:1 to pembrolizumab or placebo plus BSC. Here, the Asian subgroup comprised patients enrolled in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) per blinded central imaging review and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) per blinded central imaging review, duration of response (DOR), and safety. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The Asian subgroup included 157 patients. As of January 2, 2019, the median follow-up in this subgroup was 13.8 months for pembrolizumab and 8.3 months for placebo. The median PFS was 2.8 months for pembrolizumab (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6–4.1) versus 1.4 months (95% CI 1.4–2.4) for placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% CI 0.32–0.70). The median OS was 13.8 months (95% CI 10.1–16.9) for pembrolizumab versus 8.3 months (95% CI 6.3–11.8) for placebo (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.37–0.80). ORR was 20.6% (95% CI 13.4–29.5) for pembrolizumab versus 2.0% (95% CI 0.1–10.6) for placebo (difference: 18.5%; 95% CI 8.3–27.6). The median DOR was 8.6 and 2.8 months for pembrolizumab and placebo, respectively. Any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 63 patients (58.9%) receiving pembrolizumab and 24 patients (48.0%) receiving placebo; 14 (13.1%) and 2 (4.0%) patients experienced grade 3–5 TRAEs, respectively. No treatment-related deaths occurred. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Pembrolizumab demonstrated antitumor activity and was well tolerated in the Asian subgroup of KEYNOTE-240. A trend toward greater benefit with pembrolizumab in the Asian subgroup was observed compared with the overall cohort, supporting further evaluation of pembrolizumab treatment in this population.

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