18F-fluorothymidine (FLT) PET-CT for early response assessment in advanced pancreatic cancer.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21093-e21093
Author(s):  
Amarnath Challapalli ◽  
Harpreet S Wasan ◽  
Adil Al-Nahhas ◽  
Eric Aboagye ◽  
Charles Coombes ◽  
...  

e21093 Background: Advanced pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis with a median survival of 6-10 months. There is a need for early non-invasive assessment of treatment response. We evaluated FLT PET-CT combined with a kinetic spatial filtering method (FLT-PETKSF) for detecting response to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: Dynamic FLT PET-CT data were collected from patients with confirmed locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer before and 2 weeks after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Changes in tumor FLT-PET variables with treatment were determined. Standardized uptake value (SUV) reduction of 18% was taken as cut-off for response. Voxel quantification of each tumor volume was performed on the filtered data. Each voxel-intensity was normalised by injected dose, body weight and decay corrected to obtain the SUV for the voxel. Changes in high intensity voxels (HiVox: SUV ≥ 2) - were computed. Results: Results of the first 5 patients are discussed. There were 4 primary and 9 metastatic tumors. FLT-PETKSF improved tumor-to-background ratio and enabled visualisation of all the primary and metastatic tumors. The mean (± SD) average and maximum SUV at 60 min (SUV60, av & SUV60, max) of the primary lesions was 2.10 (±0.38) & 4.85 (±1.55) and that of the metastatic lesions was 3.74 (±1.49) & 6.90 (±2.05) respectively. The mean (± SD) percentage reduction in the SUV60, av & SUV60, max, HIVox was 26 (±44), 18 (±38) and 23 (±50) respectively. The changes in the voxel occurrences correlated strongly with the changes in both SUV60, av & SUV60, max (Pearson r-0.9, p=0.001) .Overall, there were 2 partial responders and 3 with stable disease. These responses concurred with response evaluation on mid-treatment CT scan. Conclusions: FLT-PET and FLT-PETKSF enables visualisation of the pancreatic tumors and the liver metastases, and could be used to monitor response to therapy.

2012 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Picchio ◽  
Elisabetta Giovannini ◽  
Paolo Passoni ◽  
Elena Busnardo ◽  
Claudio Landoni ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15594-e15594 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Cohen ◽  
T. Ryan ◽  
T. Moskovits ◽  
N. Cazeau ◽  
E. Newman ◽  
...  

e15594 Background: The addition of E to G results in improved survival for patients(pts) with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Many pancreatic tumors have constitutively activated ras/raf pathways and overexpress VEGF. Sorafenib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor which targets VEGR 1–3, PDGFR-α and β and the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, when combined with G and E may synergize with these agents resulting in a more complete blockade of the signal transduction cascade in pancreatic cancer growth and progression and therefore improve outcome. Methods: Pts with previously untreated, histologically confirmed, unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ECOG PS 0–1, and adequate organ function were eligible and received G 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 min weekly × 3 every 4 weeks. E 150 mg PO daily and S 400 mg PO bid were given continuously. CT scans were performed every 2 cycles (8 weeks). Endpoints included safety and tolerability of the novel combination, PFS at 4 months, response rate, and OS. Results: Between 9/07–12/08 19 pts were enrolled with a median age 59 (range 45- 75), M/F 13/6, PS (0/1) 14/5. All 19 had metastatic disease. 17 pts are evaluable for toxicity and efficacy. The median number of cycles on treatment was 2 (range 1–10). The most common grade (gr) 3 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (24%), venous thrombosis (12%), and hyperbilirubinemia (12%). The most common gr 4 toxicity was infection (12%). 1 pt each experienced gr 3 HFSR, gr 3 diarrhea, gr 3 bleeding (epistaxis) and 1 had a non-fatal bowel perforation. There was 1 PR and 6 SD for an overall RR of 6% and a DCR of 41%. Conclusions: The combination of G and E plus S in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer is a well tolerated regimen without significant increased toxicity as compared to gemcitabine alone, except for very manageable cutaneous reactions. Further follow up is required to determine the combination's efficacy, though some patients have achieved prolonged disease stabilization. Supported in part by grants from Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals/Onyx and OSI. [Table: see text]


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 195-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bloomston ◽  
C. Marsh ◽  
J. Walker ◽  
W. Coyle ◽  
H. Marx ◽  
...  

195 Background: More than 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with locally advanced or metastatic disease and have a median survival of only 6 months. Immunotherapy approaches may improve outcomes. Gene Mediated Cytotoxic Immunotherapy (GMCI) is an approach that generates a systemic anti-tumor vaccine effect through intra-tumoral delivery of an adenoviral vector expressing the HSV-thymidine kinase gene (AdV-tk) followed by anti-herpetic prodrug and synergy with chemoradiation. The mechanisms of action involve tumor cytotoxicity, activation of antigen presenting cells and stimulation of systemic anti-tumor T-cell immunity. Safety with potential efficacy has been demonstrated in multiple clinical studies. This is the first application of GMCI in pancreatic cancer. Methods: This study evaluated 4 dose levels of AdV-tk (3x1010 to 1x1012 vector particles) injected into locally advanced tumors via EUS or CT-guidance before and during week 3 of standard 5-FU-chemoradiation. Valacyclovir (Valtrex, GSK) prodrug was given for 14 days after each of 2 AdV-tk injections. Results: The study completed accrual with 13 patients enrolled and 12 completing therapy with 3 at each of the 4 dose levels. One patient refused further participation during course 1 after recovering from azotemia. Median age was 64 years (range 55-81) and median baseline CA19-9 was 1634 U/ml. No dose limiting toxicities and no injection related complications occurred. Possibly related grade 3-4 toxicities, all of which were transient, included dehydration, azotemia and worsening elevation of bilirubin and AST. Kaplan-Meier estimated median survival is 12.2 months with 6 patients still alive at 8-20 months. Two patients achieved a partial response by RECIST criteria. One occurred in week 6 despite discontinuing 5-FU/radiation during week 1. The other had gradual decrease of a 7 cm tumor over 11 months. Serum CA19-9 levels decreased in 8/8 evaluable patients by 32-91% at 3 months after treatment initiation. Conclusions: AdV-tk can be safely injected into pancreatic tumors and combined with standard chemoradiation. Early results are highly encouraging and justify further evaluation in a phase II study. [Table: see text]


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 375-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Tuli ◽  
Benedick Fraass ◽  
Wensha Yang ◽  
Howard Mark Sandler ◽  
Andrew Hendifar ◽  
...  

375 Background: Accurate assessment of radiographic response following radiotherapy (RT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma is challenging. Morphologic and textural features of FDG-PET have been shown to correlate with pathologic response and clinical outcomes in other solid tumors (PMID 23204495). The goal of this study was to develop a predictive algorithm derived from textural features of PET scans to predict response to RT. Methods: With IRB approval, we reviewed 10 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (25-30 Gy in 5 daily fractions). 18FDG-PET/CT scans were obtained 2 weeks pre-RT and 6 weeks post-RT. Pre-RT PET/CT images were deformably registered to the RT planning CT. Tumor volumes of interest were divided into (4.8mm)^3 subvolumes and characterized by mean SUV uptake, RT dose and comprehensive texture analysis. These pre-RT variables were correlated to post-RT mean SUV to identify potential predictors of treatment response. Response prediction was modeled by logistic regression with the Lasso algorithm and validated by 10-fold cross-validation. Model performance was assessed using cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Results: Mean uptake, RT dose and 6 texture features (energy, correlation, variance, sum mean, cluster tendency, and inverse variance) on pre-RT PET scans were significant in predicting treatment response (AUC 0.85). Within this model, each of the above noted variables was predictive of post-RT response (p<.05). Conclusions: Subvolume-based metabolic and texture features of pre-treatment PET scans were predictive of response following RT. Studies are ongoing to further correlate these variables to RECIST and pathologic response. This should serve as a useful model to help direct response-driven adaptive radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4122-4122
Author(s):  
Bradley Norman Reames ◽  
Alex Blair ◽  
Robert Wallace Krell ◽  
James Padussis ◽  
Sarah P. Thayer ◽  
...  

4122 Background: Recent reports suggest patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) may become candidates for curative resection following neoadjuvant therapy, with encouraging survival outcomes. Yet the optimal management approach for LAPC remains unclear. We sought to investigate surgeon preferences for the management of patients with LAPC. Methods: An extensive electronic survey was systematically distributed by email to an international cohort of pancreas surgeons. Data collected included surgeon practice characteristics, preferences for staging and management, and 6 clinical vignettes (with detailed videos of post-neoadjuvant arterial and venous imaging) to assess attitudes regarding eligibility for surgical exploration. Results: A total of 150 eligible responses were received from 4 continents. Median duration in practice was 12 years (IQR 6-20) and 75% respondents work in a university setting. Most (84%) are considered high volume, 33% offer a minimally-invasive approach, and 48% offer arterial resection in selected patients. A majority (70%) always recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 62% prefer FOLFIRINOX. Preferences for duration of neoadjuvant therapy varied widely: 39% prefer ≥2 months, 41% prefer ≥4 months, and 11% prefer 6 months or more. Forty-one percent frequently recommend neoadjuvant radiation, and 51% prefer standard chemoradiotherapy. Age ≥80 years and CA 19-9 of ≥1000 U/mL were commonly considered contraindications to exploration. In 5 clinical vignettes of LAPC, the proportion of respondents that would offer exploration following neoadjuvant varied extensively, from 15% to 54%. In a vignette of oligometastatic pancreatic liver metastases, 32% would offer exploration if a favorable biochemical and imaging response to therapy is observed. Conclusions: In an international cohort of high volume pancreas surgeons, there is substantial variation in attitudes regarding staging preferences and surgical management of LAPC. These results underscore the importance of coordinated multi-disciplinary care, and suggest an evolving concept of “resectability.” Patients and their oncologists should have a low threshold to consider a second opinion for the surgical management of LAPC, if desired.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16731-e16731
Author(s):  
Mariacristina Di Marco ◽  
Claudio Ricci ◽  
Riccardo Carloni ◽  
Elisa Grassi ◽  
Stefania De Lorenzo ◽  
...  

e16731 Background: Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is usually treated with chemoradiotherapy with poor results, thus additional therapies have been proposed. Of the latter, electrochemotherapy (ECT) represents a non-thermal ablation method, which combines the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs with permeabilizing electric pulses for cell membrane electroporation. The present study is the first to assess the short and long-term results, and the quality of life of the patients who underwent ECT for LAPC. Methods: Observational study of patients affected by LAPC who underwent intraoperative ECT after chemoradiotherapy. The inclusion criteria were: 1- patients with LAPC (defined according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2019), 2- previous chemoradiotherapy and 3- absence of disease progression at restaging. Data at diagnosis and at restaging were collected for each patient. The Quality of life was evaluated using the Euro Quality of Life Group Association Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). The questionnaire was administered to all patients before and after ECT. Results: From May 25, 2018 to November 26, 2019 five patients underwent ECT: in 4 cases, the tumors were located in the head and, in one, in the body of the pancreas. Preoperative chemotherapy consisted mainly of 6 cycles of modified folfirinox, while the radiotherapy consisted of 54 Gy (27 fractions). At restaging, the serum value of CA 19-9 and tumor size were reduced; however, the vascular involvement did not change. No downstaging was recorded. Intravenous bleomycin 15,000IU/m2 was given as a bolus, the ECT procedure was performed using at least 4 needles with a mean duration time of 27 minutes, (range 15-40). No postoperative mortality or major complications were reported. The mean length of stay was 8 days (range 5-14). Four patients were alive and well at the end of the study while one patient died from disease progression. The mean follow-up was 20.8 months (range 9-34) from diagnosis and 9.4 months (range 2-19) from ECT. The quality of life was good (EQ-5D-5L scale > 50 in all cases) and there was improvement in pain/discomfort with respect to the pre-treatment period in 3 out of 5 patients. Conclusions: Electrochemotherapy can be considered a simple, feasible and safe palliative additional treatment in LAPC without progression after chemoradiotherapy, and it seems to allow a good quality of life and pain improvement.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Joan Vidal-Jove ◽  
Marta Garcia-Bernal ◽  
Eloi Perich ◽  
Manuel Alvarez del Castillo

We describe results in unresectable pancreatic tumors treated with USgHIFU hyperthermia ablation plus adjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and Methods. Thirty two cases of nonresectable pancreatic tumors were treated from March 2010 to March 2012, and all of them underwent systemic chemotherapy. Clinical responses (thermal ablation achieved) were measured by image techniques. There were 23 stage III cases and 9 stage IV cases. Complications were also analyzed. Results. Clinical responses (ablation obtained) were 82% in all cases, sustained at 8 weeks of the procedure. We obtained 8 complete responses (25%) at the end of the combined treatment, 7 from stage III patients and 1 from stage IV. Major complications included (1) severe pancreatitis with GI bleeding and (2) skin burning grade III that required plastic surgery. No deaths were registered. Median survival was 12.5 month (6 months–2.5 year). Conclusion. HIFU plus SC is a potentially effective and safe modality for the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer.


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