Neoadjuvant epirubicyn, oxaliplatin, capecitabine and radiation therapy (NEOX-RT) followed by surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC): A phase II multicentric study.

Abstract

4066 Background: This study evaluates the feasibility, safety and efficacy of a trimodality treatment, with surgery postponed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT), in LAGC. Methods: Patients (pts) with cT3-4 and/or N+ LAGC were eligible. Staging included endoscopic ultrasound, PET-CT and laparoscopy. Three cycles of EOX (Epirubicyn 50mg/m2,q21 days, Oxaliplatin 130mg/m2,q21 days, and Capecitabine 625mg/m2 bid, by continuous oral administration (c.a.), followed by IMRT with 45Gy/25 frs, concurrent Capecitabine 625mg/m2 bid c.a. and weekly Oxaliplatin 30mg/m2 for 5 wks, was planned. Early PET-CT was performed after the 2nd EOX cycle to assess response or disease progression. Restaging was repeated after CT and CRT. Surgery was planned 4-6 wks after CRT, 22 wks from the start of NEOX-RT. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was the primary endpoint. Results: From November 2008 to March 2016, 51 pts (5 G-E Junction, 17 Cardia, 15 Corpus, 14 Antrum) entered the study. The NEOX-RT program was completed in 46 pts (90%) who proceeded to surgery and are assessable. Grade 3-4 toxicity (NCI-CTC criteria v.3) occurred in 13/51 pts (25%) during EOX, including 1 toxic death, and 9.5% CT cycles required dose modification, resulting in a CT compliance of 90%. No pts had progression during CT. Persistent G2-G3 toxicity occurred in 32/46 pts (69%) during CRT. However, 41/46 pts (89%) received the planned 45Gy with Capecitabine at dose ≥75% and 4-5 cycles of weekly Oxaliplatin in 52% pts. Curative resection (R0) rate was 89%; 4 pts (8.7%) had peritoneal carcinomatosis at surgery done after a median of 23 wks. pCR was reported in 9/46 pts (19.6%). Major postop complications occurred in 5 pts (11%). At median f-up of 62 mos (23-109), 5-yr OS and DFS in all and pCR pts were 58%, 100% and 51%, 75%, respectively. Conclusions: This trimodality program was feasible and safe. Most pts completed the planned treatment. The pCR rate of 19.6% was remarkable and met the hypothesis of pCR = 20%. A high R0 rate was also reported and delayed surgery didn’t increase complications. The notable survival rates are available to be compared with ongoing phase III trials. Clinical trial information: 2008-002715-40.