scholarly journals Weekly Chemotherapy as First Line Treatment in Frail Head and Neck Cancer Patients in the Immunotherapy Era

Author(s):  
Andrea Botticelli ◽  
Giulia Pomati ◽  
Alessio Cirillo ◽  
Giulia Mammone ◽  
Fabio Ciurluini ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: First-line therapy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC) has been revolutionized by the introduction of anti-checkpoint monoclonal antibodies, that have shown a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) gaining the approval in first line setting. Efficacy and safety of first-line weekly chemotherapy, compared to three-weeks treatment, was retrospectively evaluated in frail patients’ population with R/M HNSCC with the aim to evaluate its role as part of a personalized first-line approach.Methods: A total of 124 patients with locally incurable R/M HNSCC receiving weekly (21) or three-weekly (103) chemotherapy plus cetuximab in first line setting from December 2010 to September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment outcomes in terms of objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), OS and toxicities were analyzed.Results: Patients in the three-week subgroup were ECOG PS 0 (39) and 1 (64) while patients (21) in weekly group were all PS 2. No significant differences were reported in terms of age, sex, smoking and previous alcohol abuse considering the two distinct subgroups. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found in PFS and OS between the two treatment subgroups. The response rate was 35 % (36 patients) and 34 % (7 patients) in three-week and weekly treatment group, respectively. Seventy patients (68%) in the three-week group experienced chemotherapy-related toxicities, predominantly G3. In the weekly group a predominantly low-grade toxicity was found in a lower number of patients (52%).Conclusion: The weekly schedule appears an active and safe strategy in frail patients with R/M HNSCC. Based on our data, the weekly schedule could currently be considered in all frail patients and study of combination of weekly chemotherapy and immunotherapy should be performed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Botticelli ◽  
Giulia Pomati ◽  
Alessio Cirillo ◽  
Giulia Mammone ◽  
Fabio Ciurluini ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective First-line therapy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC) has been revolutionized by the introduction of anti-checkpoint monoclonal antibodies, which have shown a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) gaining approval in a first line setting. Efficacy and safety of first-line weekly chemotherapy, compared to 3-weeks treatment, was retrospectively evaluated in a frail patient population with R/M HNSCC with the aim to evaluate its role as part of a personalized first-line approach. Methods A total of 124 patients with locally incurable R/M HNSCC receiving weekly (21) or three-weekly (103) chemotherapy plus cetuximab in a first line setting from December 2010 to September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment outcomes in terms of objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicities were analysed. Results Patients in the three-week subgroup were ECOG PS 0 (39) and 1 (64) while patients in weekly group (21) were all PS 2. No significant differences were reported in terms of age, sex, smoking and previous alcohol abuse considering the two distinct subgroups. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found in PFS and OS between the two treatment subgroups. The response rate was 35% (36 patients) and 34% (7 patients) in three-week and weekly treatment group, respectively. Seventy patients (68%) in the three-week group experienced chemotherapy-related toxicities, predominantly G3. In the weekly group a predominantly low-grade toxicity was found in a lower number of patients (52%). Conclusion The weekly schedule appears to be an active and safe strategy in frail patients with R/M HNSCC. Based on these data, a weekly schedule could be considered as a first line treatment in all frail patients excluded from pembrolizumab treatment and a study on the combination of weekly chemotherapy and immunotherapy should be performed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e17500-e17500
Author(s):  
Haythem Y. Ali ◽  
Zaid Abdel Rahman ◽  
Jawad Sheqwara

e17500 Background: Metastatic head and neck cancer is a diagnosis with poor prognosis and very little in terms of available active therapy. Until recently the mainstay of therapy was chemotherapy with or without cetuximab. The regimen of cetuximab (C), platinum (P) and 5FU has a response rate(RR) of 36% in the first line setting, and a PFS of 5.6 months and OS of 10.1 months. In the setting of post first line therapy immunotherapeutic agents (IO) have average RR of 15% and median OS of 8 months. Methods: We studied all patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer who were treated with an IO at our institution between May 2016 and July 2018 evaluating their entire history of therapy. 19 patient were treated with IO at our institution in the designated period of whom 9 received nivolumab (N) and 10 received pembrolizumab ( P ). Patients treated on trials were excluded. Patients who received less than 1 cycle of therapy were also excluded. 7 of the 19 patients received an IO in the first line setting after being refractory or resistant to platinum containing definitive therapy, 7 received the IO after a cetuximab (C) containing first line regimen, 1 patient received IO in second line but was naïve to C and 4 received IO in the third line setting. Results: 3 of 19 patients treated with IO had partial response, there were no complete responses, 6 patients had stable disease as their best response and 10 patients progressed at the time of their first evaluation. 11 of 19 patients received additional therapy post IO. 10 patients received taxane based therapy 5 of whom the taxane was combined with C. Of the 5 patients who received a taxane and C combination 2 had CR, 2 had PR and one had PD. Of the 5 who received other taxane regimens, 1 had PR 1 had SD and 1 had PD, 2 expired prior to their first evaluation. The patient who received a non taxane regimen all had progressive disease. Of the 4 responding patients to C regimens 1 had SD during IO therapy and 3 had PD. The longest response duration to a C regimen post IO was 628 days. Conclusions: We observe an unusual response rate among patients treated with a combination of taxanes and cetuximab after IO therapy. This finding may relate to a modifying effect of IO on sensitivity to subsequent therapy. This observation merits further investigation.


1992 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 338-340
Author(s):  
Emilio Alba ◽  
Esperanza Blanco ◽  
Enrique Aranda ◽  
Roberto Lasso ◽  
Lorenzo Alonso ◽  
...  

Forty-six patients with metastatic breast cancer who had not received previous chemotherapy for advanced disease entered a phase II trial of weekly chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2) + epirubicin (25 mg/m2) for 16 weeks. The overall response rate was 61 % (95 % confidence limits, 47-75 %), with 10 complete and 17 partial responses. Toxicity was mild and confined to nausea and vomiting and asymptomatic neutropenia (except in 2 cases). Sixty-three per cent of patients had no side effects. Weekly cyclophosphamide + epirubicin is an active and nontoxic regimen for patients with metastatic breast cancer who have had no prior anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4739-4739
Author(s):  
Ewa Kalinka ◽  
Jaroslaw Wajs ◽  
Kazimierz Sulek ◽  
Tadeusz Robak ◽  
Maria Blasinska-Morawiec ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of the study was to comparatively assess first-line treatment with cladribine alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide (CCR, cladribine-containing regimens) and COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone) in different subtypes of low-grade lymphoma. End points were complete remission (CR), overall response rate (ORR), incidence of chemotherapy-related side effects as well as freedom from progression (FFP) and overall survival (OS). From June’2000 to June’2005, 178 previously untreated patients (pts) were randomly allocated to receive 6 monthly courses of either CCR or COP in 17 centers in Poland. This analysis included 107 pts who have completed scheduled chemotherapy, including 45 pts with small lymphocytic (SLL, median age=64 years), 26 marginal zone (MZL, median age=58 years) and 36 follicular (FL, median age=65 years) lymphoma. Compared to COP, CCR induced higher CR rates in all treated groups (65% vs 15%, p=.005; 57% vs 10%, p=.02; 58% vs 12%, p=.03, respectively) but differences in ORR were not significant (92% vs 69%; 92% vs 60%; 79% vs 62%, respectively). Incidence of side effects did not differ significantly in CCR- as compared to COP-treated pts, e.i. infections (10% vs 7%; 14% vs 20%; 15% vs 0%, respectively), myelosuppression (31% vs 7%; 21% vs 20%; 30% vs 0%, respectively), and non-hematological adverse events (10% vs 14%; 7% vs 30%; 7% vs 22%, respectively). With a median follow-up of 12 months, median FFP was superior in CCR- as compared to COP-treated treated pts with SLL (43 vs 12 months, log-rank p<.03) or MZL (37 vs 7 months, log-rank p<.03) but not with FL (17 vs 22 months). Although the median OS has not been reached in any of the histological group so far, no difference in its duration is detected between CCR- or COP-treated pts. In summary, for pts with SLL, MZL and FL, first-line CCR regimens provided better CR and similar toxicity rates as compared to COP, which translated into longer FFP in SLL and MZL but not in FL pts. Although these results warrant larger number of pts and longer follow-up, they might suggest the choice of different front-line chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy in particular histological subtypes of low-grade lymphoma.


2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (14_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5559-5559 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Knecht ◽  
H. Tesch ◽  
M. Baghi ◽  
M. Hambek ◽  
N. Zamboglou ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. LBA5033-LBA5033 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Pignata ◽  
G. Scambia ◽  
A. Savarese ◽  
R. Sorio ◽  
E. Breda ◽  
...  

LBA5033 Background: CP is standard first-line chemotherapy for AOC. MITO-2 (Multicentre Italian Trials in Ovarian Cancer) is an academic multicenter randomized phase III study, testing whether C-PLD is more effective than CP. Methods: AOC chemo-naïve patients (pts), stage IC-IV, aged≤75, ECOG PS≤2, were randomized to CP (C AUC5 + P 175 mg/m2,d1q3w) or to C-PLD (C AUC5 + PLD 30 mg/m2,d1q3w), both for 6 cycles. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), response rate, toxicity and quality of life (QoL). To have 80% power in detecting a 0.80 HR in PFS, with 2-sided α error 0.05, 632 events were needed and 820 pts were planned. Response rate and toxicity have been reported at ASCO 2009 (abs #LBA5508). All analyses are based on intention to treat. Results: From Jan ’03 to Nov ’07, 820 pts were randomized, 410 to each arm. Median age was 57 yrs (range 21-77). Stage III (60%) and IV (21%) were prevalent. A plateau in PFS events was reached before obtaining the planned number. Thus, following an IDMC recommendation, the final analysis was done with 556 events occurred as of December 31, 2009. This size is consistent with HR to be detected equal to 0.79, with 80% power. With a median follow-up of 40.2 months, median PFS was 19.0 and 16.8 months with C-PLD and CP, respectively (HR 0.95, 95%CI 0.81-1.13, log-rank p value=0.58). Lack of significant difference was confirmed (HR 0.96, 95%CI 0.81-1.14) at multivariable analysis adjusted by stage, PS, residual disease, age and size of the institution. There was no heterogeneity of treatment effect among major subgroups. With 313 deaths recorded, median OS was 61.6 and 53.2 months with C-PLD and CP, respectively (HR 0.89, 95%CI 0.72-1.12, log-rank p value=0.32). QoL data will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: In the MITO-2 trial, C-PLD was not found to be superior to CP, which remains the standard first-line chemotherapy for AOC.However, given the observed confidence interval and the different toxicity profile, C-PLD could be considered an alternative to standard therapy. Study was partially supported by Schering-Plough. [Table: see text]


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 623-623
Author(s):  
S. Lee ◽  
J. Park ◽  
S. Park ◽  
W. Kang ◽  
H. Lim ◽  
...  

623 Background: Fluoropyrimidine-based combination chemotherapy, in combination with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan, have demonstrated efficacy and tolerability against advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). Methods: Between Jan 2006 and Dec 2007, 478 ACC patients were treated with combination chemotherapy in first-line setting: 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX, n=172), 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid plus irinotecan (FOLFIRI, n=95), capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX, n=155), and capecitabine plus irinotecan (XELIRI, n=56). FOLFOX and FOLFIRI were repeated every 2 weeks, whereas XELOX and XELIRI were repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred or until a patient chose to discontinue treatment. Results: The median age was 58 years (range, 19-84 years) and the median chemotherapy duration for FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, XELOX and XELIRI were 4.9, 4.5, 5.7 and 5.4 months, respectively. Combination chemotherapy regimens were generally well tolerated. The estimated median PFS for all patients was 6.8 months (95% confidence interval, 6.3-7.3 months). No statistically significant difference in PFS was found each regimen used as first-line chemotherapy. Sixty-percent (n=290) of patients received second or further lines of therapy after failure. Conclusions: Fluoropyrimidine-based combination chemotherapy regimens appear to be equally active and tolerable as first-line therapy for ACC. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1087-1087
Author(s):  
Zhongsheng Tong ◽  
Shufen Li ◽  
Yehui Shi ◽  
Xu Wang ◽  
Chen Wang ◽  
...  

1087 Background: Paclitaxel/carboplatin combinations are highly active in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We conducted a randomized, phase III, non-inferiority trial comparing paclitaxel/carboplatin (TP) with paclitaxel/epirubicin (TE) as first-line therapy for MBC. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary efficacy endpoint. Secondary endpoints included response rate, overall survival, tolerability, and quality of life (QoL). Methods: From June 2009 to January 2015, 231 patients were randomly assigned, 115 of whom were randomized to TP and 116 to TE. Baseline characteristics were relatively well-balanced in the two treatments. Results: After a median follow-up of 29 months, no significant difference was observed between the two treatments in objective response rate (ORR) (38.3% vs. 39.7%, respectively). Both the progression-free survival (p=0.158) and overall survival (p=0.369) were very similar between the two treatments. Both regimens were well tolerated. The main toxicities were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reactions, and alopecia. TP showed higher grades 3–4 alopecia and higher nausea (p<0.05). TE showed higher incidence of myelosuppression than TP (p<0.05) (Table). Those patients whose epirubicin cumulative dose was more than 1000 mg/m2 did not suffer worse cardiotoxicity. Conclusions: Our study suggests that TP arm is an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with MBC, especially in those previously exposed to epirubicin in the adjuvant setting. TP has some advantages, such as less cost and less side effects (myelosuppression and fatigue). Clinical trial information: NCT02207361. [Table: see text]


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Oya ◽  
Tatsuya Yoshida ◽  
Kazuhiro Asada ◽  
Tetsuya Oguri ◽  
Naoki Inui ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) genotyping in plasma using the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 (cobas) is the first liquid biopsy as a companion diagnosis to identify the EGFR T790M mutation (T790M) after the failure of treatment of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (1st generation, gefitinib [G] and erlotinib [E] and 2nd generation, afatinib [A]). This study investigated the clinical utility of a liquid biopsy for patients who acquired resistance to afatinib.Methods: We prospectively collected plasma from 51 patients who had acquired resistance to afatinib between April 2015 and November 2016 to evaluate the frequency of T790M by cobas and digital droplet PCR (UMIN000025112). Additionally, we retrospectively reviewed 38 patients who tested by cobas in plasma after G/E failure to compare for T790M detection between A and with G/E.Results: The detection rate of EGFR-driver and T790M in plasma in patients treated with A (A group) as a first-line EGFR-TKI was lower than with G/E followed by A (G/E→A group), although the differences were not significant (EGFR-driver: 41% [A] vs. 67% [G/E→A], P=0.1867; and T790M: 8% [A] vs. 17% [G/E→A], P=0.5798). In first-line setting, the detection rate for EGFR-driver and T790M in plasma by cobas was lower in A group than in G/E group, although there was no significant difference (EGFR-driver: 34% [A] vs. 52% [G/E], P=0.2072; and T790M: 10% [A] vs. 27% [G/E], P=0.1161).Conclusion: The detection of EGFR-driver and T790M in plasma by cobas in patients treated with afatinib might be lower than with G/E in a real-world setting.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8080-8080 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Raefsky ◽  
F. A. Greco ◽  
D. R. Spigel ◽  
S. Litchy ◽  
V. Gian ◽  
...  

8080 Background: Single agent rituximab produces a high response rate when used as first-line treatment, and maintenance rituximab prolongs remission duration. Active immunotherapy is a promising treatment approach, when administered following remission induction by initial therapy. In this phase II trial, we evaluate the feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of administering concurrent maintenance rituximab plus Id-KLH vaccine in pts with low-grade NHL. Methods: Pts with previously untreated low-grade NHL (grade 1/2 follicular or SLL) who were judged to be candidates for single agent rituximab therapy were eligible. All pts had initial biopsy for production of the Id-KLH vaccine. All pts received rituximab 375mg/m2 IV, weekly × 4. Pts with CR/CRu, PR, or stable disease at 8 weeks proceeded with maintenance rituximab (standard 4 week courses at 6 month intervals for 3 courses) and Id-KLH vaccination (Id-KLH 1cc day 1; GMCSF 250μg SQ days 1–4) monthly × 8, beginning month 3, then every 2 months during the second year. Pts were monitored for response rate, progression- free survival, and toxicity. Results: To date, 36 of a planned 56 pts have been enrolled. Idiotype vaccine was successfully manufactured in 27 of 32 pts (84%), with 4 in production. Of the 27 pts for whom Id-KLH was successfully manufactured, 2 progressed during rituximab. 19 of 25 pts (14FL;5SLL) have had response determined after rituximab: 8 PR (42%), 11 stable (58%; 4 of 5 SLL). Pts have now received rituximab maintenance therapy plus Id-KLH for durations of 6 - 34 months. 6 of 19 pts (3 SLL) progressed at months 5, 6, 9, 9, 10, and 12, respectively. Treatment has been well tolerated, with no unusual toxicities observed. Rituximab-related hypotension and atrial fibrillation occurred in 1 pt. The most common Id-KLH related adverse event has been injection site reaction. Conclusions: Concurrent maintenance therapy with rituximab plus Id-KLH is safe and well tolerated. At present, 6 of 25 pts (24%) have progressed (including 3 of the 5 SLL pts) with a median followup of 19 months. This trial is continuing. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


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