A phase II trial of induction epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and flourouracil, surgery and post-operative concurrent cisplatin and fluorouracil chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients (pts) with loco-regionally advanced (LRA) adenocarcinoma (ACA) of the esophagus (E) and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ).

Abstract

4087 Background: In pts with LRA ACA of the E/GEJ, CRT and surgery results in excellent locoregional control. Distant failure remains common, however, suggesting potential benefit from additional chemotherapy. This single arm phase II study investigated the addition of induction chemotherapy to surgery and post-operative CRT. Methods: Pts with an ultrasound-based clinical stage of T3, N1 or M1a (AJCC 6th) ACA of the E/GEJ were eligible. Induction chemotherapy with epirubicin 50mg/m2 d1, oxaliplatin 130mg/m2 d1, and flourouracil 200mg/m2/day continuous infusion for 3 weeks, was given every 21 days for 3 courses and was followed by surgical resection. Adjuvant CRT consisted of 50-55Gy at 1.8-2.0 Gy/d and 2 courses of cisplatin (20mg/m2/d) and flourouracil (1000mg/m2/d) given as 96 hour infusions during weeks 1 and 4 of radiotherapy. Results: Between 2/08 and 1/12, 60 evaluable pts enrolled; 95% male, 97% white and 78% with GEJ tumors. Resection was accomplished in 54 pts (90%) and adjuvant CRT in 48 (80%). Toxicity included 1 death during induction (2%), and 2 post-operative deaths (4%). Unplanned hospitalization was required in 18% of pts during induction and 19% during adjuvant CRT. Induction chemotherapy produced a symptomatic response in 79% of pts, a clinical (ultrasound) response in 48% and a pathologic response in 41% (5% complete). With a median follow-up of 31 months, the Kaplan-Meier 3-year projected locoregional control (LRC) is 84%, distant metastatic control (DMC) 44%, relapse-free survival (RFS) 39%, and overall survival (OS) 42%. Symptomatic response to induction and the percentage of remaining viable tumor at surgery proved the strongest predictors of DMC, RFS, and OS. Conclusions: Induction chemotherapy, surgery and adjuvant CRT is feasible and produces outcomes similar to other multimodality treatment schedules in LRA E/GEJ ACA. Despite excellent LRC, projected DMC and OS remain poor. A symptomatic response to induction and less residual viable tumor at surgery are associated with improved outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT00601705.