Sorafenib (S) alone versus S combined with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in first-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Final analysis of the randomized phase II GONEXT trial (UNICANCER/FFCD PRODIGE 10 trial).

Abstract

4028 Background: HCC is a vascular tumor with poor prognosis. Although S has been shown to improve survival, its ability to induce tumor shrinkage is very low. Given the activity of Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in HCC, a phase II trial combining S with GEMOX was undertaken to define efficacy and safety profile. Methods: Patients with inoperable advanced and/or metastatic HCC (BCLCC B or C), with or without prior palliative chemoembolization, Child pugh score A, WHO performance status (PS) 0-1, were eligible for this two-stage, randomized phase II trial. Patients received S (400 mg BID) alone (arm A) or in combination with GEMOX every 2 weeks (gem. 1000 mg/m² [10 mg/m²/min] on D1; oxaliplatin, 100 mg/m² on D2) (arm B). Randomization was stratified according to CLIP score (0-1 vs. 2-3) and center. Primary endpoint was crude 4-mo Progression-Free Survival (PFS) rate (H0, < 50%; H1, ≥ 70%; α = 10%; 1- β= 90%). Results: From Dec 2008 to Oct. 2011, 94 pts were enrolled: median age, 64 yrs; male, 88%; PS 0 (69%) 1(31%), CLIP 0-1 (48%) 2-3 (52%), cirrhosis (63%), portal vein thrombosis (29%), extra liver metastasis (69%). These characteristics were well balanced in both arms. Median duration and dose intensity of S were 4 mo (1-27) and 81% in both arms, respectively. Median number of GEMOX cycles was 7 (1-12) in arm B. Main severe (grade 3-4) toxicity (arm A/B) consisted of neutropenia (grade 3-4: 0%/7%), fatigue (18%/24%), thrombocytopenia (0%/9%), diarrhea (grade 2-4: 10%/21%), peripheral neuropathy (grade 2-3: 0%/10%), and hand foot syndrome (grade 2-3: 13%/7%). For evaluable pts (n = 83), ORR was 9% / 16% and DCR was 70%/77% in arms A/B, respectively. For all pts (median follow-up, 17.6 mo), 4-mo PFS rate was 54%/61%, median PFS was 4.6 (3.9-6.2)/6.2 (3.8-6.8) mo, and median OS was 13.0 (10.4-22.2) /13.5 (7.5-19.1) mo in arms A/B, respectively. Conclusions: S plus GEMOX was feasible in HCC. This trial met its primary endpoint (4-mo PFS ≥ 50%) and ORR, median PFS and OS were encouraging data. Exploratory analyses are underway to identify subgroups of patients likely to derive most benefit from this combination. Clinical trial information: NCT00941967.