Induction Carboplatin Research Articles

Carboplatin Induction Chemotherapy in Clinically Lymph Node–positive Bladder Cancer

BackgroundThere are currently no guideline recommendations regarding the treatment of cisplatin-ineligible, clinically lymph node–positive (cN+) bladder cancer (BCa). ObjectiveTo investigate the oncological efficacy of gemcitabine/carboplatin induction chemotherapy (IC) in comparison to cisplatin-based regimens in cN+ BCa. Design, setting, and participantsThis was an observational study of 369 patients with cT2–4 N1–3 M0 BCa. InterventionIC followed by consolidative radical cystectomy (RC). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary endpoints were the pathological objective response (pOR; ypT0/Ta/Tis/T1 N0) rate and the pathological complete response (pCR; ypT0N0) rate. We applied 3:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce selection bias. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared across groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations between the treatment regimen and survival endpoints were tested in multivariable Cox regression analyses. Results and limitationsAfter PSM, a cohort of 216 patients was available for analysis, of whom 162 received cisplatin-based IC and 54 gemcitabine/carboplatin IC. At RC, 54 patients (25%) had a pOR and 36 (17%) had a pCR. The 2-yr CSS was 59.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.9–69%) for patients who received cisplatin-based IC versus 38.8% (95% CI 26–57.9%) for those who received gemcitabine/carboplatin. For the pOR (p = 0.8), ypN0 status at RC (p = 0.5), and cN1 BCa subgroups (p = 0.7), there was no difference in CSS between cisplatin-based IC and gemcitabine/carboplatin. In the cN1 subgroup, treatment with gemcitabine/carboplatin was not associated with shorter OS (p = 0.2) or CSS (p = 0.1) on multivariable Cox regression analysis. ConclusionsCisplatin-based IC seems to be superior to gemcitabine/carboplatin and should be the standard for cisplatin-eligible patients with cN+ BCa. Gemcitabine/carboplatin may be an alternative treatment for selected cisplatin-ineligible patients with cN+ BCa. In particular, selected cisplatin-ineligible patients with cN1 disease may benefit from gemcitabine/carboplatin IC. Patient summaryIn this multicenter study, we found that selected patients with bladder cancer and clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis who cannot receive standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy before surgery to remove their bladder may benefit from chemotherapy with gemcitabine/carboplatin. Patients with a single lymph node metastasis may benefit the most.

Carboplatin induction chemotherapy in clinically lymph node-positive bladder cancer

Carboplatin induction chemotherapy in clinically lymph node-positive bladder cancer

Efficacy and safety of induction weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin in esophageal cancer: A retrospective study

Background: Induction therapy, both neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, has improved outcomes in localized and locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, there is a lack of clear evidence regarding the optimal systemic therapy regimen for compromised individuals including those with significant comorbidities, poor performance status, and advanced age.Objectives: Our primary objective was to assess the overall survival of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who received paclitaxel and carboplatin once-a-week as induction chemotherapy. The secondary endpoints were the progression-free survival, objective response rate, surgical resectability rate, and toxicity.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India, in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who were planned for radical intent therapy (surgery or chemoradiotherapy) and who received induction chemotherapy with once-a-week paclitaxel and carboplatin between November 2012 and December 2019. We retrospectively assessed the efficacy and toxicity of the once-a-week paclitaxel and carboplatin induction chemotherapy regimen. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, and the requirement for written informed consent was waived.Results: We included 141 patients in the study. Histology was squamous in 123 patients (87%). The disease was considered resectable in 44 (32.5%), borderline resectable in 65 (48.1%), and unresectable in 26 (19.2%) patients. Indications for the once-a-week induction chemotherapy regimen included age ≥70 years (89, 63%), renal dysfunction (40, 28%), comorbidities (17, 12%), poor performance status (27, 19%), and other (25, 17%). Median number of chemotherapy cycles was 6 (IQR, 5–9). Chemotherapy consisted of intravenous paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 2 once-a-week for 6–8 weeks. The objective response rate was 61%. Radical intent therapy was delivered to 81 patients (57%); surgical resection rate was 35%. The R0 resection rate was 95% and the pathological complete response rate was 10.8%. The median progression-free and overall survival were 15 (95% CI, 11–26) months and 20 (95% CI, 12–29) months, respectively. Thirty patients (21%) developed grade 3/4 toxicities (predominantly hematological) and 8 patients (6%) developed febrile neutropenia.Conclusion: Once-a-week paclitaxel and carboplatin is an active induction chemotherapy regimen with low toxicities. It can be delivered relatively easily in compromised patients; comparison of this regimen with standard induction regimen is warranted.

LBA64 - nab-paclitaxel + carboplatin induction followed by nab-paclitaxel maintenance in squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Results from the ABOUND.sqm study

LBA64 - nab-paclitaxel + carboplatin induction followed by nab-paclitaxel maintenance in squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Results from the ABOUND.sqm study

A European randomised controlled trial of the addition of etoposide to standard vincristine and carboplatin induction as part of an 18-month treatment programme for childhood (≤16 years) low grade glioma – A final report

BackgroundThe use of chemotherapy to manage newly diagnosed low grade glioma (LGG) was first introduced in the 1980s. One randomised trial has studied two- versus four-drug regimens with a duration of 12 months of treatment after resection. MethodsWithin the European comprehensive treatment strategy for childhood LGG, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology–Low Grade Glioma (SIOP LGG) Committee launched a randomised trial involving 118 institutions and 11 countries to investigate the addition of etoposide (100 mg/m2, days 1, 2 & 3) to a four-course induction of vincristine (1.5 mg/m2 × 10 wkly) and carboplatin (550 mg/m2 q 3 weekly) as part of 18-month continuing treatment programme. Patients were recruited after imaging diagnosis, resection or biopsy with progressive disease/symptoms. Some 497 newly diagnosed patients (M/F 231/266; median age 4.26 years (interquartile range (IQR) 2.02–7.06)) were randomised to receive vincristine carboplatin (VC) (n = 249) or VC plus etoposide (VCE) during induction (n = 248), stratified by age and tumour site. FindingsNo differences between the two arms were found in term of survival and radiological response. Response and non-progression rates at 24 weeks for VC and VCE, were 46% versus 41%, and 93% versus 91% respectively; 5-year Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were 46% (StDev 3.5) versus 45% (StDev 3.5) and 89% (StDev 2.1) versus 89% (StDev 2.1) respectively. Age and diencephalic syndrome are adverse clinical risk factors for PFS and OS. 5-year OS for patients in early progression at week 24 were 46% (StDev 13.8) and 49% (StDev 16.5) in the two arms, respectively. InterpretationThe addition of etoposide to VC did not improve PFS or OS. High non-progression rates at 24 weeks justify retaining VC as standard first-line therapy. Infants with diencephalic syndrome and early progression need new treatments to be tested. Future trials should use neurological/visual and toxicity outcomes and be designed to discriminate between the impact on disease outcomes of ‘duration of therapy’ and ‘age at stopping therapy’.

Lymphocyte apoptosis as a predictive biomarker for radiotherapy de-intensification in EBV-associated nasopharynx cancer.

e17545 Background: Emerging evidence in viral-associated head and neck cancers supports the concept of dose de-intensification in these radiosensitive tumors, but different strategies exist in selecting patients for treatment de-intensification. We hypothesize that patients who develop severe late toxicities (LT) to radiation (RT) have better tumor control, due to a common radiosensitivity index. Here, we investigate the utility of a normal tissue radiosensitivity assay (RT-induced lymphocyte apoptosis, RILA) in predicting clinical outcomes (tumor control and normal tissue toxicity) of patients with EBV-associated nasopharynx cancer (NPC). Methods: RILA assay was assessed in a cohort of locally advanced NPC patients from a randomized controlled phase III trial (N = 172, NCC0901) of cisplatin-RT with or without induction gemcitabine, carboplatin and paclitaxel. LT was assessed by CTCAE v.2 at the following intervals (2 mo yr 1, 4 mo yr 2, 6 mo yr 3-5, annually thereafter). We performed the RILA assay (48 h post 8 Gy) in a subset of cases (N = 87). Results: At a median follow-up of 5.7y, DFS (3y 74.9% GCP vs 67.4% Control, p = 0.362) and incidence of severe Grade ≥3 LT did not differ between the treatment arms. In keeping with our hypothesis, onset of severe LT was associated with reduced risk of disease relapse; OR 0.19 (95% CI = 0.02 – 1.59, p = 0.168). High %RILA, stratified by top quartile, was associated with severe LT (OR 1.92 [95% CI = 0.67-5.5], p = 0.26); and lower rate of recurrence (4.5% (1/22), high %RILA vs19.7% (12/61), low %RILA, p = 0.086). Interestingly, subset analyses revealed that CD8+, but not CD4+ subpopulation of immune cells, was strongly associated with recurrence; OR 8.58 for low %CD8-RILA (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Herein, we showed that %RILA may be a useful biomarker for tumor and normal tissue radiosensitivity of EBV-associated NPC. If validated, this predictive assay will enable precision matching of RT-sensitive patients for de-intensification in EBV- and other viral-associated head and neck cancers. The association between tumor control and CD8-subset of immune cells suggests an immune dependency for RT.

Phase III study of gefitinib or pemetrexed with carboplatin in EGFR-mutated advanced lung adenocarcinoma

ObjectiveOral tyrosine kinase inhibitor has been shown to prolong progression-free survival (PFS) in epidermal growthfactor receptor (EGFR) mutation positive adenocarcinoma; however, the comparator arm has not included the current standard adenocarcinoma regimen (pemetrexed carboplatin induction followed by maintenance pemetrexed) and patients from Indian subcontinent. Hence, this study was carried out in Indian patients to compare gefitinib with the above-mentioned chemotherapy regimen.MethodsThis was an open-labelled, randomised, parallel group study comparing gefitinib (250 mg orally daily) with pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve 5) doublet intravenous induction chemotherapy regimen followed by maintenance pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) in patients with EGFR-activating mutation-positive stage IIIB or stage IV adenocarcinoma lung in the first-line setting. The primary endpoint for the study was PFS. 260 patients were required to demonstrate a 50% improvement in PFS of gefitinib over chemotherapy, with 80% power and 5% type 1 error. With an expected 5% dropout rate, the sample size was 290 patients.ResultsThe median PFS in gefitinib arm was 8.4 months (95% CI 6.3 to 10.5 months) compared with 5.6 months (95% CI 4.2 to 7.0 months) in pemetrexed–carboplatin arm (HR: 95% CI 0.513 to 0.851; p −0.001). The impact of gefitinib on PFS was seen across all subgroups.There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the two arms. Haematologicalgrade3–4toxicities likeanaemia,neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia were common in the pemetrexed–carboplatin arm while grade3–4 acneiform rash and diarrhoeawere common in the gefitinib arm.ConclusionThe study confirms the superiority of gefitinib in prolonging PFS against the most active chemotherapy regimen of pemetrexed–carboplatin followed by maintenance pemetrexed in EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. The median PFS in Indian patients in gefitinib arm is similar to that reported in east Asians and Caucasians.

Long-term Outcomes of Induction Carboplatin and Gemcitabine Followed by Concurrent Radiotherapy With Low-dose Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine for Stage III Non–small-cell Lung Cancer

BackgroundStandard treatment for unresectable stage III non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is concurrent chemo-radiation (CRT). A regimen of induction carboplatin and gemcitabine followed by CRT was developed at the McGill University Health Centre to prevent delays in treatment initiation. We report the long-term outcomes with this regimen based on a pooled analysis of both protocol patients from a phase II study and nonprotocol patients. Methods and MaterialsOutcomes and toxicity data were retrieved for 142 patients with stage III NSCLC: 43 patients treated on protocol between January 2003 and November 2004, and 101 patients treated off-protocol between December 2004 and August 2013. Patients received 2 cycles of carboplatin with an area under the curve of 5 intravenously (IV) on day 1 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks, followed on day 50 by CRT, 60 Gy/30 over 6 weeks, concomitantly with 2 cycles of paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 IV and gemcitabine 100 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks. ResultsThe median overall survival was 23.2 months. With a median follow-up of 23.8 months, the 3-, 4-, and 5-year overall survival was 38%, 30%, and 26%, respectively. The median and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 12.5 months and 25%, respectively. Rates of grade ≥ 3 hematologic, esophageal, and respiratory toxicity were 20%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. Forty-eight patients received further lines of chemotherapy. ConclusionThe present analysis affirms the favorable toxicity profile of this novel induction chemotherapy, without apparent compromise in clinical outcomes, when compared with regimens using immediate concurrent CRT.

Using low-dose radiation to potentiate the effect of induction chemotherapy in head and neck cancer: Results of a prospective phase 2 trial

PurposeLow-dose fractionated radiation therapy (LDFRT) induces effective cell killing through hyperradiation sensitivity and potentiates effects of chemotherapy. We report our second investigation of LDFRT as a potentiator of the chemotherapeutic effect of induction carboplatin and paclitaxel in locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN). Experimental designTwo cycles of induction therapy were given every 21 days: paclitaxel (75 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15; carboplatin (area under the curve 6) day 1; and LDFRT 50 cGy fractions (2 each on days 1, 2, 8, and 15). Objectives included primary site complete response rate; secondary included overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), disease-specific survival, and toxicity. ResultsA total of 24 evaluable patients were enrolled. Primary sites included oropharynx (62.5%), larynx (20.8%), oral cavity (8.3%), and hypopharynx (8.3%). Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (20%), leukopenia (32%), dehydration/hypotension (8%), anemia (4%), infection (4%), pulmonary/allergic rhinitis (4%), and diarrhea (4%). Primary site response rate was 23/24 (95.8%): 15/24 (62.5%) complete response, 8/24 (33.3%) partial response, and 1/24 (4.2%) stable disease. With median follow-up of 7.75 years, 9-year rates for overall survival were 49.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.5-79.9), PFS was 72.2% (CI, 55.3-94.3), and disease-specific survival was 65.4% (44.3-96.4). ConclusionChemopotentiating LDFRT combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin is effective in SCCHN and provided an excellent median overall survival of 107.2 months, with median PFS not yet reached in this locally advanced SCCHN cohort. This compares favorably to prior investigations and caused fewer grade 3 and 4 toxicities than more intensive, 3-drug induction regimens. This trial demonstrates the innovative use of LDFRT as a potentiator of chemotherapy.

Abstract OT1-03-10: A phase I followed by a randomized phase II trial of two cycles carboplatin-olaparib followed by olaparib monotherapy versus capecitabine in BRCA-1 or -2 mutated Her2 negative advanced breast cancer as first line treatment (REVIVAL study)

Abstract Background Preclinical studies revealed that the combination of platinum compounds and olaparib is additive and possibly even synergistic in cell models with BRCA1 or -2 mutations. Early clinical trials suggested high benefit of olaparib with induction carboplatin in BRCA1 and -2 mutation carrier enriched populations. However, there is no evidence yet that carboplatin-olaparib has a superior benefit-risk compared to current standard therapy in advanced breast cancer in BRCA1 and -2 mutation carriers. Trial design We initiated a phase-I/II study due to an olaparib formulation change from capsule to tablet. During phase-I a traditional 3+3 dose escalation study is performed. Carboplatin will be dose escalated in 1 step from AUC 3 to AUC 4 with a constant olaparib dose of 25 mg BID. Olaparib is then dose escalated in 3 steps to 50, 75 and 100 mg BID until > 1/6 patients develop a DLT, the previous safe dose-level will be determined the MTD. After the MTD is established a randomised phase-II trial will be initiated where patients are randomised between standard capecitabine 1250 mg/m2 BID day 1-14, q day 22 or 2 cycles carboplatin-olaparib followed by olaparib monotherapy 300mg BID. After progression, patients in the experimental arm receive capecitabine, all other patients receive physicians choice of paclitaxel, vinorelbine or eribulin at standard dose. A compassionate use program with olaparib is available for patients in the standard arm after progression on second line treatment. Eligibility criteria In phase-II patients with histological or cytological proof of advanced BRCA1 or -2 mutated HER2 negative breast cancer are eligible if they are ≥18 years, have measureable disease according to RECIST 1.1 criteria, a WHO performance status of 0–2, a life expectancy ≥ 3 months and a negative pregnancy test. Pretreatment should contain an anthracycline and/or taxane in the (neo)adjuvant setting, unless not indicated. In the advanced setting only hormonal pre-treatment is allowed. Minimal laboratory values ANC ≥ 1.5 x 109 /L, Hb ≥ 6.2 mM (no transfusions in the last 28 days), platelet count ≥ 100 x 109 /L, serum bilirubin < 1.5 x ULN, ASAT and ALAT < 2.5 x ULN and a serum creatinine < 1.5 x ULN or creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min. Aims In phase-1 we establish the MTD for treatment in phase-II where we study progression free survival on first line treatment(PFS1) compared with standard of care capecitabine. Statistical methods Toxicity analysis in phase-I can take place after all patients completed their 28 day DLT period. A total of 104 events in 110 patients on first line treatment need to be observed in phase-II to detect a clinical meaningful improvement in median PFS1 in the experimental arm from 4 to 7 months, assuming an accrual of 2 years and a follow-up of ≥6 months, providing a power of 80% (two-sided significance level of 5%). An interim analysis for futility and efficacy will be performed when 52 events have been observed. Accrual It is expected that 15-20 patients are needed in phase-I, inclusion is due around November 2015. Phase-II will be multicentre and is expected to start accrual December 2015. Citation Format: Dackus GMHE, Schouten PC, Geenen JJ, Marchetti S, Sonke GS, Linn SC, Schellens JHM. A phase I followed by a randomized phase II trial of two cycles carboplatin-olaparib followed by olaparib monotherapy versus capecitabine in BRCA-1 or -2 mutated Her2 negative advanced breast cancer as first line treatment (REVIVAL study). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-03-10.

Commentary on “Carboplatin based induction chemotherapy for nonorgan confined bladder cancer—a reasonable alternative for cisplatin unfit patients?” Mertens LS, Meijer RP, Kerst JM, Bergman AM, van Tinteren H, van Rhijn BW, Horenblas S, Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands: J Urol 2012;188(4):1108-13 [Epub 2012 Aug 15

PurposeWe investigated induction carboplatin based chemotherapy in patients with nonorgan confined urothelial carcinoma who were considered unfit for cisplatin. A comparison was made with patients who received induction cisplatin based combination chemotherapy. Materials and methodsWe identified 167 patients with nonorgan confined urothelial carcinoma who received induction cisplatin based combination chemotherapy (126) or gemcitabine and carboplatin (41) at our hospital between 1990 and 2010. Of the patients 124 completed 4 cycles of cisplatin based combination chemotherapy or gemcitabine and carboplatin. Clinical response (ycTNM) was evaluated according to RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) 1.1. Radical cystectomy and bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection were performed in 106 patients. A pathological complete response was defined as no evidence of disease (ypT0N0). Disease specific survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed. ResultsComplete clinical response rates did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. A pathological complete response was seen in 33.7% of specimens in the cisplatin based combination chemotherapy group vs 30.3% in the gemcitabine and carboplatin group (p = 0.808). We found no significant difference in disease specific survival between patients who started cisplatin based combination chemotherapy and those who started gemcitabine and carboplatin. For patients who completed 4 cycles and underwent radical cystectomy there was also no significant difference in disease specific survival between the groups. On multivariate analysis a pathological complete response was the only variable significantly associated with disease specific survival (p<0.045). ConclusionsInduction gemcitabine and carboplatin for nonorgan confined urothelial carcinoma achieves clinical and pathological response rates, and survival outcomes comparable to those of the cisplatin based combination chemotherapy schemes. Our data suggest that a carboplatin based regimen can be considered a reasonable alternative for cisplatin unfit patients in the preoperative setting.

Induction chemotherapy followed by weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin with concurrent radiotherapy in inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancers: results of a phase II trial

Objective several trials have suggested the superiority of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. It has been hypothesized that the addition of systemic dose sequential chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy, as induction or as consolidation, might further improve survival rates. So we sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of induction paclitaxel and carboplatin followed by weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin with concurrent radiotherapy in inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

A phase II study of induction carboplatin and gemcitabine followed by chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

To investigate the tolerability and feasibility of induction gemcitabine and carboplatin chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Twenty-eight patients with previously untreated non-keratinising nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with stage IIb to IV disease were enroled to receive three cycles of carboplatin AUC 5 and gemcitabine 1 g/m(2) day 1 and 8 every 21-days, followed by 70 Gy of radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin 20 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days of weeks 1, 4 and 7. 26/28 (93.0%) patients received all three cycles of induction chemotherapy. All 27 patients who commenced chemoradiotherapy received 70 Gy in 35 fractions of radiotherapy with at least two cycles of concurrent cisplatin. The three-year time to locoregional failure rate was 92.9% (95% CI: 75.5-98.2%) and the three-year overall survival rate was 89.3% (95% CI: 71.6-96.5%). Induction chemotherapy was well tolerated with 5/28 (17.9%) patients experiencing grade 3 non-haematological toxicities and no reported episodes of febrile neutropenia or grade 4 toxicity. For the 27 patients who received radiotherapy, no acute grade 4 radiation toxicities and only 2/27 (7.4%) late grade 4 radiation adverse events were observed. The use of induction carboplatin and gemcitabine followed by chemoradiotherapy is feasible, with acceptable toxicity, and is a promising regimen for the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Long-term results of weekly paclitaxel carboplatin induction therapy: An effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

BackgroundWeekly paclitaxel/cisplatin is effective in platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). To reduce toxicity, paclitaxel/cisplatin was replaced by paclitaxel/carboplatin. Patients and methodsPatients with progressive EOC after prior 3-weekly paclitaxel/carboplatin were treated with six cycles weekly paclitaxel 90mg/m2 and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 4mg/ml/min, followed by six cycles 3-weekly paclitaxel/carboplatin. End-points were progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response rate (RR) and toxicity. ResultsMedian progression free interval after last platinum was 9 (0–81) months in 108 patients; 43 were platinum-resistant, of whom 13 started weekly paclitaxel/carboplatin <6months after progression. During 633 weekly cycles grade 3/4 toxicity included; thrombocytopenia 8%, neutropenia 30%, febrile neutropenia 0.5%. Non-haematologic toxicity was low. Treatment was delayed in 16%, and dose reduced in 2% of cycles. RR was 58% for platinum-resistant and 76% for platinum-sensitive patients, median PFS were 8 (range 1–21) and 13 (1–46) months, median OS 15 (1–69) and 26 (4–93) months, respectively. The 13 platinum-resistant patients with a platinum-therapy free interval <6months had a significant shorter PFS (4 versus 10months, p=0.035) and OS (9 versus 15months, p=0.002). ConclusionSix cycles weekly paclitaxel/carboplatin followed by six 3-weekly cycles is well-tolerated and highly active in platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive patients.

Weekly Paclitaxel and Carboplatin Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

To perform a phase II trial evaluating dose dense induction chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer. Thirty-five patients received 6 weekly doses of carboplatin (area under the curve=2) and paclitaxel (135 mg/m) followed by concurrent weekly paclitaxel (40 mg/m) and carboplatin (area under the curve=1) and daily radiation (66-72 Gy). There was 1 induction death from neutropenic sepsis and 1 sudden death during chemoradiotherapy. The overall response rate with induction was 79%. With >40 months of follow-up, the 36-month overall survival was 67% and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck survival 84%. Patients undergoing biopsy of the primary tumor site after the therapies had 17/18 (94%) pathologic complete response rate. The locoregional relapse rate was 40% (24 mo 28%) and distant relapse rate was 8% with only 1 distant site. Therapy was active but patients must be carefully selected and monitored. Compared with the historical controls, dose dense and intense induction chemotherapy decreased distant failure rate without compromising the locoregional control.

Pulmonary Toxicity in Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With High-Dose (74 Gy) 3-Dimensional Conformal Thoracic Radiotherapy and Concurrent Chemotherapy Following Induction Chemotherapy: A Secondary Analysis of Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Trial 30105

Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 30105 tested two different concurrent chemoradiotherapy platforms with high-dose (74 Gy) three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) after two cycles of induction chemotherapy for Stage IIIA/IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients to determine if either could achieve a primary endpoint of >18-month median survival. Final results of 30105 demonstrated that induction carboplatin and gemcitabine and concurrent gemcitabine 3D-CRT was not feasible because of treatment-related toxicity. However, induction and concurrent carboplatin/paclitaxel with 74 Gy 3D-CRT had a median survival of 24 months, and is the basis for the experimental arm in CALGB 30610/RTOG 0617/N0628. We conducted a secondary analysis of all patients to determine predictors of treatment-related pulmonary toxicity. Patient, tumor, and treatment-related variables were analyzed to determine their relation with treatment-related pulmonary toxicity. Older age, higher N stage, larger planning target volume (PTV)1, smaller total lung volume/PTV1 ratio, larger V20, and larger mean lung dose were associated with increasing pulmonary toxicity on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis confirmed that V20 and nodal stage as well as treatment with concurrent gemcitabine were associated with treatment-related toxicity. A high-risk group comprising patients with N3 disease and V20 >38% was associated with 80% of Grades 3-5 pulmonary toxicity cases. Elevated V20 and N3 disease status are important predictors of treatment related pulmonary toxicity in patients treated with high-dose 3D-CRT and concurrent chemotherapy. Further studies may use these metrics in considering patients for these treatments.

Impact of chemotherapy compliance on the therapeutic efficacy of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the impact of chemotherapy compliance on the therapeutic efficacy of induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus induction chemotherapy plus radiotherapy alone for patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma （ NPC ）. Methods Based on intention to treat analysis （ITT） for 400 patients, 314 patients were analyzed by per protocol （PP） analysis. The patients were divided into induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy group （IC/CCRT, 127 patients） or induction chemotherapy plus radiotherapy group （IC/RT, 187 patients）. The patients who completed 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy and at least 2 cycles of concurrent chemotherapy in the IC/CCRT group and the patients who completed 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy in the IC/RT group were analyzed. Radiotherapy was given by two-dimensional technique with γ-ray. X-ray and electron beams. The chemotherapy regimen was FUDR plus carboplatin for induction chemotherapy and carboplatin alone for concurrent chemotherapy. Results The follow-up rate was 96.2%. 295 patients were followed to at 3 years. Based on PP analysis, Grade 3/4 toxicity was found in 23.6% of the patients in IC/CCRT group and 13.4% in the IC/RT group （χ^2 = 5.50, P = 0. 019）. No grade 4 toxicity was found in the IC/RT group. The median follow-up time was 3.9 years, and no significant difference was found between the two groups in 3-year overall survival （78.1% ： 84.6% ;χ^2 =0.61 ,P =0. 435） , disease-free survival （74.3% ： 70. 1% ; χ^2 = 0. 12, P= 0.731 ）, locoregional relapse-free survival （89.7% ： 89.5% ; χ^2 = 0. 10, P= 0.748） , or distant metastasis-free survival （78.9%： 76.5% ;χ^2 =0.05,P=0.825）. Condusions With more severe toxicities, the IC/CCRT regimen does not improve the overall survival in locally advanced NPC patients compared with the IC/RT regimen. Key words: Nasopharyngeal neoplasms/chemoradiotherapy ; Radiotherapy, two-dimensional ; Chemotherapy,induction ; Chemotherapy,concurrent ; Prognosis

Vorinostat increases carboplatin and paclitaxel activity in non‐small cell lung cancer cells

We observed a 53% response rate in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with vorinostat plus paclitaxel/carboplatin in a Phase I trial. Studies were undertaken to investigate the mechanism (s) underlying this activity. Growth inhibition was assessed in NSCLC cells by MTT assay after 72 hr of continuous drug exposure. Vorinostat (1 microM) inhibited growth by: 17% +/- 7% in A549, 28% +/- 6% in 128-88T, 39% +/- 8% in Calu1 and 41% +/- 7% in 201T cells. Vorinostat addition to carboplatin or paclitaxel led to significantly greater growth inhibition than chemotherapy alone in all 4 cell lines. Vorinostat (1 microM) synergistically increased the growth inhibitory effects of carboplatin/paclitaxel in 128-88T cells. When colony formation was measured after drug withdrawal, vorinostat significantly increased the effects of carboplatin but not paclitaxel. The % colony formation was control 100%; 1 microM vorinostat, 83% +/- 10%; 5 microM carboplatin, 41% +/- 11%; carboplatin/vorinostat, 8% +/- 4%; 2 nM paclitaxel, 53% +/- 11%; paclitaxel/vorinostat, 46% +/- 21%. In A549 and 128-88T, vorinostat potentiated carboplatin induction of gamma-H2AX (a DNA damage marker) and increased alpha-tubulin acetylation (a marker for stabilized mictrotubules). In A549, combination of vorinostat with paclitaxel resulted in a synergistic increase in alpha-tubulin acetylation, which reversed upon drug washout. We conclude that vorinostat interacts favorably with carboplatin and paclitaxel in NSCLC cells, which may explain the provocative response observed in our clinical trial. This likely involves a vorinostat-mediated irreversible increase in DNA damage in the case of carboplatin and a reversible increase in microtubule stability in the case of paclitaxel.

Incorporation of bevacizumab (B) and erlotinib (Er) with induction (Ind) and concurrent (Conc) carboplatin (Cb)/paclitaxel (P) and 74 Gy of thoracic radiotherapy in stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7528 Background: Therapies directed at both the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways have been shown to improve survival in NSCLC and also have radiosensitizing properties. Methods: Pts receive Ind Cb (AUC 6), P (225 mg/m2) and B (15 mg/kg) on d1 and 22. PET scans are done pre- and post-I. On day 43, pts receive weekly Cb (AUC 2 x 7) and P (45 mg/m2 x 7) with 74 Gy (2 Gy/d) of thoracic conformal radiotherapy (TCRT). Cohort I (n=5) received B at 10 mg/kg q2wks during C therapy. Cohorts II and III (both n=5) received the same dose of B as in cohort I but also received Er at 100 mg and 150 mg po Tuesday - Friday of each week of C therapy, respectively. The primary endpoint is PFS at 1 year. All histologies are allowed including squamous (SQ) (an early stopping rule is in place for pulmonary hemorrhagic (PH) complications in SQ pts). Results: Thus far, 31 eligible PS 0–1 pts have been accrued (med age 62 yrs, range 41–74, 19 non- squamous, 12 SQ, 63% IIIA, 37% IIIB). Ind CbP + B has been well tolerated (1 gr 3 hypertension). No PH during Ind has been seen (including the 12 SQ cell pts). Response after Ind, 37% PR, 59% SD, 4% PD. Tumor volumes and PET SUVs have significantly decreased comparing pre- and post-Ind studies (p=0.0001 and p=0.0002, respectively). Cohort II has been expanded as the phase II regimen. To date, 25 of 26 (96%) pts have achieved the dose of 74 Gy (1 pt stopped at 60 Gy due to ILD). During Conc therapy, the principal toxicity has been esophagitis (53.8% gr 2, 19.2% gr 3). One grade 3 PH occurred in 1 SQ pt. One gr 5 late (&gt; 2 mos after treatment) PH occurred in a SQ pt. Overall response rate following treatment - 68.2% (95% CI, 45–86%). The PFS at 1 year is 58% (95% CI, 34–76%) with an estmated 1-year overall survival rate of 79% (95% CI, 53–92%) which compares favorably to our historical experience. Conclusions: Preliminarily, we conclude that 1) Incorporation of B and E into this treatment paradigm appears feasible, 2) Esophagitis remains the primary toxicity, 3) Phase II accrual continues but early analysis of survival appears promising. Further details regarding the TCRT parameters and toxicity will be presented. [Table: see text]

Correlation of body mass index with toxicity and survival in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy

6074 Background: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) offers high functional organ preservation rates for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (LRAHNC) patients, but is associated with significant acute and chronic speech and swallowing toxicity. Recently, body mass index (BMI) has been suggested as a predictor of head and neck cancer patient outcome. In this analysis we sought to determine the impact of BMI on survival and toxicity outcomes in LRAHNC patients treated with CRT. Methods: 220 LRAHNC patients were treated on a multiinstitutional protocol consisting of induction carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by CRT. CRT was delivered for 4–5 cycles; each 14-day cycle consisted of 5 days concurrent paclitaxel, continuous infusion 5-FU, hydroxyurea, and 1.5 Gy twice daily radiation followed by 9 days without any treatment. Each patient's pre-treatment BMI was classified as overweight (BMI &gt;= 25) or non-overweight (BMI &lt; 25). As an independent variable, BMI was analyzed as a predictor of IndCT or CRT toxicity, locoregional control, and overall survival. BMI was analyzed as categorical variable, and also a continuous variable in a multivariate proportional hazards model. Results: There was no association between BMI and IndCT toxicity. During CRT overweight patients had significantly lower rates (24/103 vs 42/112) of grade 3 or higher neutropenia (p = 0.027), mucositis (p = 0.05), dermatitis (p = 0.028) and higher rates of anorexia (p = 0.05). Overweight patients had 12% long term PEG tube rate, compared to 34% of non-overweight patients (p &lt; 0.001). On pooled survival analysis, patients with BMI &gt; 25 had significantly better overall survival outcomes (mean 81.2 months, 95% CI 75.1–87.3 months) than patients with BMI &lt; 25 (median 58.2 months; mean 56.5 months, 95% CI 49.6–63.3 months) (log-rank p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggest patients with pre-treatment BMI &gt; 25 experience lower rates of toxicity commonly associated with chemoradiation, and have a significantly better prognosis than patients with BMI &lt; 25. Although the mechanism of BMI as an independent predictor of outcomes is unclear, we are continuing to explore mechanisms underlying this association. No significant financial relationships to disclose.