Oxaliplatin in metastatic colorectal cancer: Does hepatic arterial infusion reduce sensitive neuropathy compared to the intravenous route?

Abstract

95 Background: Oxaliplatin, a major drug in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC), is responsible for a cumulative and limiting peripheral neuropathy (PN). Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy, which makes sense in cases of exclusive or predominant liver metastases, increases the intratumor concentration of the administered drug(s) to improve efficacy and limit systemic toxicity. Methods: We compared the frequency and severity of NP in oxaliplatin-naive patients with MCRC included in trials that evaluated treatment with oxaliplatin administered either by HAI (CHOICE, OSCAR, and PACHA-01 trials) or by intravenous (IV) route (FFCD 2000-05 trial). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of clinically significant NP (grade 2-4) according to the cumulative dose of oxaliplatin received. The secondary endpoints were the occurence of severe NP (grade 3-4) and time to onset of NP. Results: 342 patients were included (IV oxaliplatin: 300; HAI: 42). 180 patients in the IV group (60%) and 24 patients in the HAI group (57%) developed clinically significant NP, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.85). 95 patients in the IV group (32%) and 8 patients in the HAI group (19%) developed severe NP, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.082). NP appeared earlier in the HAI group, with more treatment discontinuations for neurotoxicity. Conclusions: The administration of oxaliplatin HAI rather than IV in the treatment of MCRC does not seem to reduce the incidence, precocity and severity of NP.