Ramucirumab and Paclitaxel Administered Every 2 Weeks (mRAINBOW Regimen) in Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: The RAINBOW trial established ramucirumab combined with paclitaxel as a second-line option in metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Ramucirumab was given on days 1 and 15 with paclitaxel on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. The median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer with ramuciru­mab plus paclitaxel (p = 0.017), and it led to 41% grade 3 or higher neutropenia. We review our experience with both ramucirumab plus paclitaxel given biweekly (mRAINBOW) to assess efficacy and safety. Objectives: The primary objective was to assess OS. Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response, and safety. Methods: We identified 129 patients retrospectively from our database between November 2014 and May 2017. Patients were included if they were followed up at our institution. Results: Median doses given were ramucirumab 8 mg/kg i.v. plus paclitaxel 110 mg/m² i.v. given once every 2 weeks. The median performance status was 1, and ∼60% had poorly differentiated histology; 55.8% had progression in < 6 months on first-line therapy, and the majority had measurable cancer. Median overall OS and PFS for the entire cohort was 9.4 months (95% CI: 8.05–10.74) and 3.68 months (95% CI: 2.73–4.5), respectively. Median OS was 9.46 months (95% CI: 8.05–14.95) and median PFS was 4.14 months (95% CI: 2.96–5.29) in those patients that received ramucirumab plus paclitaxel in the second-line setting. Conclusion: Biweekly administration of ramucirumab plus paclitaxel did not compromise efficacy. Delays, adjustments, or doses held were similar to the RAINBOW trial, with 31% requiring a dose or schedule modification.