Completion Rate Of Chemotherapy Research Articles

Perioperative TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: APOLLO-11 study

BackgroundWe investigated the feasibility of perioperative chemotherapy with S-1 and leucovorin (TAS-118) plus oxaliplatin in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.MethodsPatients with clinical T3–4N1–3M0 gastric cancer received four courses of TAS-118 (40–60 mg/body, orally, twice daily for seven days) plus oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2, intravenously, day one) every two weeks preoperatively followed by gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy, followed by postoperative chemotherapy with either 12 courses of TAS-118 monotherapy (Step 1) or eight courses of TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin (Step 2). The primary endpoints were completion rates of preoperative chemotherapy with TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin and postoperative chemotherapy with TAS-118 monotherapy (Step 1) or TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin (Step 2).ResultsAmong 45 patients enrolled, the preoperative chemotherapy completion rate was 88.9% (90% CI 78.0–95.5). Major grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) were diarrhoea (17.8%) and neutropenia (8.9%). The R0 resection rate was 95.6% (90% CI 86.7–99.2). Complete pathological response was achieved in 6 patients (13.3%). Dose-limiting toxicity was not observed in 31 patients receiving postoperative chemotherapy (Step 1, n = 11; Step 2, n = 20), and completion rates were 90.9% (95% CI 63.6–99.5) for Step 1 and 80.0% (95% CI 59.9–92.9) for Step 2. No more than 10% of grade ≥ 3 AEs were observed in patients receiving Step 1. Hypokalaemia and neutropenia occurred in 3 and 2 patients, respectively, receiving Step 2. The 3-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 66.7% (95% CI 50.9–78.4) and 84.4% (95% CI 70.1–92.3), respectively.ConclusionsPerioperative chemotherapy with TAS-118 plus oxaliplatin with D2 gastrectomy is feasible.

Exercise during CHemotherapy for Ovarian cancer (ECHO) trial: design and implementation of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionEpidemiological evidence supports an association between higher levels of physical activity and improved cancer survival. Trial evidence is now needed to demonstrate the effect of exercise in a clinical setting....

Distant Metastasis is the Dominant Cause of Treatment Failure after Lateral Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis: Results of the Large Multicenter Lateral Node Study in China.

Background: Lateral lymph node (LLN) metastases (LLNM) are often associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance and postoperative recurrence pattern in rectal cancer patients with LLNM after LLN dissection (LLND). Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective case-control study where propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was introduced. From January 2012 to December 2019, 259 patients with clinical suspicion of LLNM who underwent LLND without neoadjuvant therapy were included in the study. They were divided into the negative (n = 197) and positive (n = 62) LLN groups. Primary endpoints were 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Results: After PSM, the DMFS rate in the positive LLN group was significantly worse (67.9 vs. 52.5%, P = 0.012). Pathological LLNM (HR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.55-6.05; P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for DMFS. Patients in the positive LLN group had a higher proportion of distant metastases in all recurrence patterns (92.3% vs 82.6%). Among patients with LLN metastasis, metastases to the common iliac and external iliac arteries were the independent prognostic factor for DMFS (HR: 2.85; 95% CI, 1.31-4.67; P = 0.042). No significant different was observed for prognosis between patients with metastases to the obturator or internal iliac vessels and patients with a N2b stage. Conclusion: Distant metastasis is the main cause of treatment failure after LLND in patients with LLNM. Because of the low completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative chemotherapy or total neoadjuvant therapy may be considered before LLND. In addition, patients with metastasis to external iliac and common iliac vessels have an extremely poor prognosis, and systemic chemotherapy instead of LLND should be recommended.

Comparison of Hematotoxicity of Pegylated Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) Combined with Dual-Agent Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy and Cisplatin Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with cisplatin is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), but there are still some patients who have poor efficacy. Though dual-agent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT) can improve the efficacy, the higher hematotoxicity makes it difficult to be popularized in clinical. PEG-rhG-CSF has been recommended by relevant NCCN guidelines for CCRT of malignant tumors in recent years, however there are few reports in LACC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PEG-rhG-CSF on reducing hematotoxicity in LACC with dCCRT. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with LACC treated with CCRT in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. According to patients' clinical protocol, all patients were divided into three groups, single-agent concurrent chemoradiotherapy group(sCCRT), dCCRT group and PEG-rhG-CSF combined with dCCRT group (PEG+dCCRT). Patients in sCCRT received CCRT with cisplatin 40 mg/m² for four to six cycles and patients in dCCRT were treated with paclitaxel 135-175mg/m²+cisplatin 60-80mg/m² or lobaplatin 30mg/m² for two cycles. Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) 5ug/kg/d was given to patients in these two groups according to the instructions. Patients in PEG+dCCRT were received dCCRT, and PEG-rhG-CSF 6mg was given in 24 to 72 hours after chemotherapy each cycle. The incidence and duration of grade 3-4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) (according to CTCAE, V5.0) were the primary endpoints. The second endpoints were completion rate of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, time to complete radiotherapy. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 192 patients were enrolled between July 2019 and December 2021. 51 patients in sCCRT, 68 patients in dCCRT and 73 patients in PEG+dCCRT. The three groups were respectively compared for primary and second endpoints, and the results were shown below. The incidences of grade 3-4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia of the three groups (sCCRT, dCCRT and PEG+dCCRT) were 41.2%, 67.2%, 27.4% and 27.5%, 48.6%, 13.7%, respectively. The incidences of PEG+dCCRT were lowest in the three groups(P<0.05). In the three groups, the duration of grade 3-4 leukocytopenia and FN of PEG+dCCRT were observably reduced(P<0.05). There was no statistical difference of other primary and second endpoints in the three groups. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Prophylactic use of PEG-rhG-CSF during dCCRT makes hematotoxicity manageable, which may make dCCRT have better promotion and improves efficacy of LACC. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.

Pre-treatment levels of inflammatory markers and chemotherapy completion rates in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Chemotherapy efficacy is largely dependent on treatment adherence, defined by the relative dose intensity (RDI). Identification of new modifiable risk factors associated with low RDI might improve chemotherapy delivery. Here, we evaluated the association between low RDI and pre-chemotherapy factors, including patient- and treatment-related characteristics and markers of inflammation. This exploratory analysis assessed data from 267 patients with early-stage breast cancer scheduled to undergo (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy included in the Physical training and Cancer (Phys-Can) trial. The association between low RDI, defined as < 85%, patient-related (age, body mass index, co-morbid condition, body surface area) and treatment-related factors (cancer stage, receptor status, chemotherapy duration, chemotherapy dose, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) was investigated. Analyses further included the association between RDI and pre-chemotherapy levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in 172 patients with available blood samples. An RDI of < 85% occurred in 31 patients (12%). Univariable analysis revealed a significant association with a chemotherapy duration above 20weeks (p < 0.001), chemotherapy dose (p = 0.006), pre-chemotherapy IL-8 (OR 1.61; 95% CI (1.01; 2.58); p = 0.040) and TNF-α (OR 2.2 (1.17; 4.53); p = 0.019). In multivariable analyses, inflammatory cytokines were significant association with low RDI for IL-8 (OR: 1.65 [0.99; 2.69]; p = 0.044) and TNF-α (OR 2.95 [1.41; 7.19]; p = 0.007). This exploratory analysis highlights the association of pre-chemotherapy IL-8 and TNF-α with low RDI of chemotherapy for breast cancer. IL-8 and TNF-α may therefore potentially help to identify patients at risk for experiencing dose reductions. Clinical trial number NCT02473003 (registration: June 16, 2015).

Comparison of adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 with S-1 monotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Retrospective real-world data

BackgroundS-1 has been recognized as one of the standard adjuvant chemotherapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in East Asia, but the optimal adjuvant chemotherapy regimen has not been determined. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant gemcitabine plus S-1 (GS) with S-1 monotherapy for PDAC. MethodsPatients with resected PDAC who received adjuvant GS or S-1 chemotherapy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed. Data retrieved from medical records were used to evaluate efficacy and toxicity. ResultsA total of 241 patients were included, with 167 receiving GS and 74 receiving S-1. The patients who received GS were generally younger (median [range] age: 62 [36-78] versus 64 [44-87] years, p = 0.004), but chemotherapy began later (median [range] interval between chemotherapy and surgery: 49 [17-125] versus 40 [16-100] days, p < 0.001). The median disease-free survival (DFS, 15.1 versus 15.9 months, p = 0.52) and overall survival (OS, 34.8 versus 27.1 months, p = 0.34) did not differ significantly between the GS and S-1 groups, even after adjustment for the biases. However, the chemotherapy completion rate was higher in the patients treated with S-1 (52.4% versus 75.7%, p = 0.006), while grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred more frequently in the GS group (49.5% versus 18.2%, p = 0.015). ConclusionsAdjuvant S-1 monotherapy demonstrated noninferiority to the GS regimen in DFS and OS with better tolerability for PDAC following surgery.

Impact of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery on the Completion of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Following Lung Cancer Resection.

Background Adjuvant chemotherapy can further improve treatment outcomes following the resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in practice, some patients are unable to tolerate all prescribed chemotherapy. One of the factors which may implicate adjuvant chemotherapy completion is a surgical technique. We investigated the impact of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), a form of minimally invasive surgery, on chemotherapy completion. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of NSCLC patients who underwent adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy at our institution during 2010-2020. The primary outcome of interest was chemotherapy completion, defined as receiving all 4 cycles of chemotherapy. We also performed an exploratory analysis to identify factors associated with chemotherapy completion. Results Analyses included 165 patients: 95 patients underwent traditional thoracotomy, and 70 patients underwent RATS. Baseline characteristics were comparable except for smaller tumor size and lower stage in the RATS group. Median operative time was longer in the RATS group than in the thoracotomy group: 198 vs. 139 minutes, p<0.001. Chemotherapy completion rates were not significantly different between groups: 74.3% vs. 75.8%, p=0.83, respectively. In addition, no significant difference was found in the incidences of postoperative complications between groups. In a propensity score matched analysis, there was also no difference in the chemotherapy completion rates between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that independent factors predicting completion of adjuvant chemotherapy were body mass index, postoperative complications, year of treatment, and T-stage. Conclusion In this large cohort of NSCLC patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, no association was found between surgical technique and adjuvant chemotherapy completion.

Robotic approach mitigates the effect of major complications on survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary cancer.

Major complications (MCs) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are a known independent predictor of worse oncologic outcomes. There are limited data on the effect of major complications on long-term outcomes after robotic PD (RPD). The aim of this study is to compare the effect of MC on overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after RPD and open PD (OPD). This is a single-center, retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing PD for periampullary cancer including ampullary adenocarcinoma, distal cholangiocarcinoma, and duodenal carcinoma. Univariate analysis was performed on all clinical, pathologic, and treatment factors. MCs were defined as Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade 3. Kaplan-Maier survival analysis was performed with log-rank test for group comparison. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with overall survival (OS) in both the OPD and RPD groups. A total of 190 patients with ampullary carcinoma (n = 98), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 55), and duodenal adenocarcinoma (n = 37) were examined over the study period with 61.1% (n = 116) undergoing RPD and 38.9% (n = 74) undergoing OPD. There was no significant difference in patient demographics between the RPD and OPD cohorts. Furthermore, R0 resection rates, tumor size, and lymph node involvement were similar between the RPD and OPD cohorts. OPD had higher rate of MC (40.5% vs 28.3% in RPD, p = 0.011) including clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (25.7% vs 8.6%, p = 0.001) and wound infection (34.5% vs 13.8%, p < 0.001). MCs were associated with a lower OS in the OPD cohort (HR = 2.18, 95%CI 1.0-4.55, p = 0.038). MCs were not associated with OS in the RPD cohort (HR = 1.55, 95%CI 0.87-2.76, p = 0.14). MCs are associated with worse patient outcomes after OPD but not after RPD. Robotic approach mitigates and possibly abrogates the negative effects of MCs on patient outcomes after PD for malignancy and is associated with improved adjuvant chemotherapy completion rates.

377. NEOADJUVANT CARBOPLATIN/PACLITAXEL VERSUS 5-FLUOROURACIL/CISPLATIN IN COMBINATION WITH RADIOTHERAPY FOR ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: A MULTICENTER COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract Treatment options for esophageal cancer (EC) have rapidly expanded from surgery alone to multimodal approaches comprising surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. High-quality evidence from clinical trials indicated that both carboplatin/paclitaxel (CROSS) and cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (PF) regimens are significantly effective at improving survival. However, the most beneficial neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) combination for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Asia still remains uncertain. In this study we compared neoadjuvant CROSS versus PF regimen in combination with 41.4-50.4Gy of radiotherapy. Patients with ESCC were enrolled from three asian medical centers and stratified according to their nCRT regimen, i.e., CROSS+41.4-45Gy (CROSS) versus PF + 45Gy (PF4500) versus PF + 50.4Gy (PF5040). Propensity score analyses with stratification by inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied for nine baseline variables: gender, age, Charlson’s comorbidity index, clinical T and N stages, clinical stage, tumor length, tumor level and year of nCRT. Primary and secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and treatment-related complications. Compared to CROSS, patients who received PF regimens were expected to achieve comparable OS albeit more treatment-related complications. Before IPTW, 334 patients were included (CROSS, n = 124 versus PF4500, n = 105 versus PF5040, n = 105). The lowest chemotherapy completion rate was observed in the PF5040 group (76.2% versus 89.4% in CROSS and 92% in the PF4500 group). Compared with CROSS, both PF groups showed more severe weight loss during nCRT and a higher frequency of post-esophagectomy anastomotic leaks. PF5040 had the significantly highest pCR rate (45.3%). CROSS conferred a significant OS benefit over PF4500 (hazard ratio [HR] =1.30, 95% CI = 1.05-1.62) and similar survival compared with PF5040 (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.94-1.45). The same trends were found upon analysing recurrence free survival. (Figure). Prior investigations reporting on the safety and efficacy of CROSS are mainly conducted in western populations, generally consisting adenocarcinoma, limiting the generalisability of these findings to Asian patients with ESCC. In our study, the CROSS regimen conferred a significant survival benefit over PF4500 and similar survival figures compared with PF5040. Considering the lower incidences of severe weight loss and post-esophagectomy anastomotic leaks, CROSS represents a safe and effective neoadjuvant treatment in Asian patients with ESCC.

391P Traditional Chinese medicine jianpi-bushen formula enhancing completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II and III colon cancer: A multi-center randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in China

Adjuvant chemotherapy completion rate for colon cancer is 50%-60% in real-world setting, while lower treatment intensity was associated with poorer disease-free survival outcomes. In China,Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs Jianpi-Bushen formula (JPBS) was utilized to help patients reduce chemo-induced side effects and improve chemo completion, but there is still lack of evidence.

Total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BackgroundGastric cancer ranks high in terms of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multimodal therapy is therefore essential for locally advanced gastric cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that both perioperative chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can improve the prognosis of patients. However, the completion rate of chemotherapy after surgery remains low, which may affect survival. Thus, identifying the best way to combine radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery is important. The aim of this study was to explore the toxicity and efficacy of the total neoadjuvant therapy modality for locally advanced gastric cancer.MethodsThis study will be a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, phase II clinical trial. Patients diagnosed with locally advanced (stage cT3-4 and cN positive, AJCC 8th) gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma will be enrolled. Patients will initially receive radiotherapy (95% planned target volume: 45 Gy/25 f) and concurrent chemotherapy (S-1: 40–60 mg twice a day) followed by six cycles of consolidated chemotherapy (SOX, consisting of S-1 and oxaliplatin) and surgery. The primary objective will assess pathological complete response; the secondary objectives will include toxicities assessing surgical complications, the tumor downstaging rate and the R0 resection rate.DiscussionInvestigation of total neoadjuvant therapy in gastric cancer is limited. The goal of this trial is to explore the efficacy and toxicity of total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04062058, August 20, 2019).

Neoadjuvant Carboplatin/Paclitaxel versus 5-Fluorouracil/Cisplatin in Combination with Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multicenter Comparative Study

Simple SummaryThe most beneficial neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for Asian patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remains uncertain. Using propensity score matching by inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance the baseline variables, the neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel (CROSS) regimen versus the cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (PF) regimen in combination with 41.4–50.4 Gy of radiotherapy were compared. We found that Taiwanese patients treated with the CROSS regimen (Carboplatin + Paclitaxel + 41.4–45.0 Gy) had less treatment-related complications and more favorable survival figures. Collectively, these results suggest that CROSS is safe and effective.Background: The most beneficial neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) combination for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Asia remains uncertain. Herein, we compared the neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel (CROSS) regimen versus the cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (PF) regimen in combination with 41.4–50.4 Gy of radiotherapy. Methods: Patients were stratified according to their nCRT regimen: CROSS + 41.4–45.0 Gy (CROSS), PF + 45.0 Gy (PF4500) or PF + 50.4 Gy (PF5040). Propensity score matching by inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance the baseline variables. Results: Before IPTW, a total of 334 patients were included. The lowest chemotherapy completion rate was observed in the PF5040 group (76.2% versus 89.4% and 92.0% in the remaining two groups, respectively). Compared with CROSS, both PF groups showed more severe weight loss during nCRT and a higher frequency of post-esophagectomy anastomotic leaks. The use of PF5040 was associated with the highest rate of pathological complete response (45.3%). While CROSS conferred a significant overall survival benefit over PF4500 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.62, p = 0.018), similar survival figures were observed when compared with PF5040 (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.94 to 1.45, p = 0.166). Conclusions: The CROSS regimen conferred a significant survival benefit over PF4500, although the similar survival figures were similar to those observed with PF5040. Considering the lower incidences of severe weight loss and post-esophagectomy anastomotic leaks, CROSS represents a safe and effective neoadjuvant treatment for Taiwanese patients with ESCC.

187: EFFECT OF PERI-OPERATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY REGIMEN ON SURVIVAL IN THE TREATMENT OF LOCALLY ADVANCED GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA—FLOT VS ‘MAGIC’

Abstract Background and aim Peri-operative chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in patients with locally advanced oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma. Two commonly used regimens are epirubicin, cisplatin plus capecitabine or fluorouracil (MAGIC) and fluorouracil plus leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy regimen (FLOT vs MAGIC) on survival. We also aimed to assess pathological response, surgical complications, chemotherapy associated adverse events and chemotherapy completion rates. Methods Cohort study including 946 patients treated with peri-operative FLOT or MAGIC chemotherapy who underwent oesophagectomy or gastrectomy for oesophageal or gastric adenocarcinoma between 2002–2021 at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK or The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression. Results Patients treated with MAGIC had worse overall and disease-free survival compared with FLOT on multivariable analysis (overall survival HR 1.353 95% CI 1.039–1.763, disease-free survival HR 1.335 95% CI 1.025–1.739). Stratified analysis by tumour location revealed similar results for both oesophageal and gastric tumours. Patients treated with FLOT were more likely to have a favourable pathological response (Mandard 1–2) (11.1% MAGIC vs 21.8% FLOT, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Patients treated with FLOT were less likely to have a positive resection margin (19.1% FLOT vs 32.2% MAGIC, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Surgical complications, chemotherapy associated adverse events and chemotherapy completion rates were comparable between groups. Conclusion Patients with oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma treated with peri-operative FLOT had improved survival compared with those treated with peri-operative MAGIC. Surgical complications, chemotherapy associated adverse events and chemotherapy completion rates were comparable between groups. Table https://secure.sem-2000.it/semUpload/OLC/file/9203828791100911681076702/94509_Table.jpg.

A prospective observational study of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer in elderly patients (≥ 75years).

To examine the effects of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly (≥ 75years of age) patients with completely resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we conducted a multi-institutional and prospective observational study. Patients were recruited between January 2014 and December 2017, and assigned to two cohort groups based on the patients' choice either to receive postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (Cohort B) or not (Cohort A). All the patients were observed for 2years after enrollment. The primary endpoint was the postoperative change of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) at 2years. The secondary endpoints were postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) at 2years, and the completion rate of the adjuvant chemotherapy. Two hundred and seventy-two patients were enrolled (Cohort A, n = 225; Cohort B, n = 47). At any time point after surgery, no marked difference of KPS was observed between Cohort B and Cohort A. The RFS at 2years was 70.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.3-76.4) in Cohort A and 76.0% (95% CI 60.8-85.9) in Cohort B. The OS at 2years was 85.9% (95% CI 80.4-89.9) in Cohort A and 89.1% (95% CI 75.8-95.3) in Cohort B. The completion rate of planned chemotherapy was 49.9% (95% CI 34.1-63.9%). The elderly patients were not likely to choose to receive postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy; however, no significant adverse effect on postoperative KPS was identified. Clinical Trial Registration ID: UMIN000020736.

Efficacy of active hexose correlated compound on survival of patients with resectable/borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a study protocol for a double-blind randomized phase II study

BackgroundThe prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains very poor. One possible reason for the short survival of patients with this disease is malnutrition, which can be present at the initial diagnosis, and continue after pancreatectomy. Then, it is important to improve nutritional status and to decrease adverse events during neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia, and is considered a potent biological response modifier in the treatment of cancer. To evaluate the survival impact of AHCC on the patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we plan to perform this trial.MethodsThis is a prospective multicenter phase II trial in patients with resectable/borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to investigate the efficacy of AHCC regarding survival. Patients will begin taking AHCC or placebo on the first day of neoadjuvant therapy. AHCC or placebo will be continued until 2 years after surgery. The primary endpoint will be 2-year disease-free survival. The secondary endpoints are the completion rate, dose intensity, and adverse event profile of preoperative chemotherapy; response rate to preoperative chemotherapy; rate of decrease in tumor marker (carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen) concentrations during preoperative chemotherapy; entry rate, completion rate, dose intensity, and adverse event profile of adjuvant chemotherapy; safety of the protocol therapy (adverse effect of AHCC); 2-year overall survival rate; and nutrition score before and after preoperative chemotherapy, and before and after adjuvant chemotherapy. We will enroll 230 patients, and the study involves eight leading Japanese institutions that are all high-volume centers in pancreatic surgery.DiscussionAHCC is expected to function as a supportive food in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, to reduce the proportion of severe adverse events related to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to increase the completion proportion of multimodal treatments, resulting in improved survival.Trial registrationThe trial protocol has been registered in the protocol registration system at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (Trial ID: jRCTs051200029). At the time of the submission of this paper (October 2020), the protocol version is 2.0. The completion date is estimated to be November 2024.

Effect of Shengbai Decoction on Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression and Survival of Gastric Cancer Patients After Radical Resection: A Retrospective Study.

BackgroundMyelosuppression is one of the most common chemotherapy-induced adverse events and results in a series of clinical symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Shengbai decoction (SD) on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and survival of gastric cancer (GC) patients after radical resection.Material/MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 115 patients with stage II–III GC who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection between May 2015 and June 2017 in our hospital. Among these patients, 57 received Shengbai decoction along with adjuvant chemotherapy (SD group), while 58 received adjuvant chemotherapy alone (control group). Medical records, including adverse events, the treatment completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy, 3-year overall survival (OS), and 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), were compared.ResultsPatient characteristics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. No adverse events related to Shengbai decoction were reported in the SD group. Patients in the SD group had less neutropenia (P=0.0430), thrombocytopenia (P=0.0323), and anemia (P=0.0497). The SD group had a significantly lower probability of dose reduction (P=0.0448). The completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy of the SD group was considerably higher than that of the control group (P=0.0398). The SD group had a significantly better 3-year RFS (P=0.0369) and 3-year OS (P=0.0455) than the control group.ConclusionsShengbai decoction effectively improved postoperative survival of patients with GC by alleviating chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and improving the completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Systemic Therapy for Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: How Much is Enough?

Systemic therapy is an essential part of treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, not all patients receive every cycle of chemotherapy and even if they do, the impact of reduced dose density (DD) on survival is not known. A single institutional prospective database was queried for patients with PDAC who underwent curative resection between 2009 and 2018. The primary outcome was DD, defined as the percentage of total planned chemotherapy actually received and associated survival. Of the 126 patients included, 38.9% underwent a neoadjuvant approach, which was associated with a greater median number of completed chemotherapy cycles (5 cycles versus 4 cycles, p < 0.01) and a higher median total DD (93.0% versus 65.0%, p < 0.01), compared with an adjuvant treatment approach. In both groups, adjuvant chemotherapy completion rates were low, with only 55 patients completing all adjuvant cycles. After sequential survival analysis, patients who received a DD ≥ 80% had improved median overall survival (OS) (27.1 months versus 18.6 months, p = 0.01), compared with patients who achieved a DD < 80%. On multivariate Cox proportional-hazards modeling, only the presence of lymphovascular invasion (HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.04-2.99, p = 0.04) and DD < 80% (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.23-3.00, p = 0.01) were associated with decreased OS. In this cohort study, patients who received ≥ 80% DD had significantly better OS. DD should be considered an important prognostic metric in pancreatic cancer, and strategies are needed to improve chemotherapy tolerance to improve patient outcomes.

Effect of peri-operative chemotherapy regimen on survival in the treatment of locally advanced oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma – A comparison of the FLOT and ‘MAGIC’ regimens

BackgroundPeri-operative chemotherapy improves survival in patients with locally advanced oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma. Two regimens with proven survival benefits are epirubicin, cisplatin plus capecitabine or fluorouracil (Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy, MAGIC) and fluorouracil plus leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT). This study aimed to compare the effect of these regimens on survival (primary aim) and pathological response, surgical complications, adverse events and chemotherapy completion rates. MethodsCohort study including 946 patients treated with FLOT (n = 257) or MAGIC (n = 689) who underwent surgical resection for oesophageal (n = 743) or gastric (n = 203) adenocarcinoma between 2002 and 2021 at St Thomas’ Hospital or The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK. Survival analysis was performed using multivariable Cox regression, providing hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, sex, clinical T-stage, clinical N-stage, tumour grade and presence of signet ring cells. ResultsPatients treated with FLOT had better overall survival (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.94) and disease-free survival (HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.98) than MAGIC. Patients treated with FLOT were more likely to have a complete pathological response (9.5% FLOT versus 5.5% MAGIC, p = 0.027) and were less likely to have a positive resection margin (19.1% FLOT versus 32.2% MAGIC, p < 0.001). The stratified analysis revealed similar results for oesophageal and gastric tumours. Rates of surgical complications, chemotherapy-associated adverse events and completion were similarly distributed between treatment groups. ConclusionsPatients with oesophageal or gastric adenocarcinoma treated with peri-operative FLOT had better survival and pathological response than those treated with peri-operative MAGIC. Rates of surgical complications, adverse events and chemotherapy completion were comparable.

Clinical and Socioeconomic Factors that Predict Non-completion of Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer in a Rural Cancer Center.

Previous literature demonstrates correlations between comorbidities and failure to complete adjuvant chemotherapy. Frailty and socioeconomic disparities have also been implicated in affecting cancer treatment outcomes. This study examines the effect of demographics, comorbidities, frailty, and socioeconomic status on chemotherapy completion rates in colorectal cancer patients. This was an observational case-control study using retrospective data from Stage II and III colorectal cancer patients offered chemotherapy between January 01, 2013 and January 01, 2018. Data was obtained using the cancer registry, supplemented with chart review. Patients were divided based on treatment completion and compared with respect to comorbidities, age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, and insurance status using univariate and multivariate analyses. 228 patients were identified: 53 Stage II and 175 Stage III. Of these, 24.5% of Stage II and 30.3% of Stage III patients did not complete chemotherapy. Neither ECOG status nor any comorbidity predicted failure to complete treatment. Those failing to complete chemotherapy were older (64.4 vs 60.8 years, P = .043). Additionally, those with public assistance or self-pay were less likely to complete chemotherapy than those with private insurance (P = .049). Both factors (older age/insurance status) remained significant on multivariate analysis (increasing age at diagnosis: OR 1.03, P =.034; public insurance: OR 1.84, P = .07; and self-pay status: OR 4.49, P = .03). No comorbidity was associated with failure to complete therapy, nor was frailty, as assessed by ECOG score. Though frailty was not significant, increasing age was, possibly reflecting negative attitudes toward chemotherapy in older populations. Insurance status also predicted failure to complete treatment, suggesting disparities in access to treatment, affected by socioeconomic factors.

Strategy of Pancreatectomies for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in Patients with a History of Gastrectomy.

Recently, the incidence of pancreatectomy for patients with a history of upper abdominal surgery has been increasing. The clinical courses of 307 patients who underwent the pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were retrospectively reviewed to clarify the impact of a history of gastrectomy in patients undergoing a pancreatectomy for PDAC. Among 307 patients, 28 (9.1%) had a history of gastrectomy, while 279 did not. We compared the difference in clinical course and prognostic outcomes between the groups. In patients with a history of gastrectomy, the 5-year survival rate was 17.6%, which was relatively poorer than that of patients without it (33.4%, P = 0.1329). A multivariate analysis of factors associated with the overall survival rate identified the low preoperative body mass index [BMI < 20.3 kg/m2, hazard ratio (HR) 1.646, P = 0.0190] and adjuvant chemotherapy (not-completed, HR 1.652, P = 0.0170) as independent prognostic factors. In patients with a history of gastrectomy, there were significantly more patients with poor prognostic factors, including a low preoperative BMI (P = 0.0009) and low completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.0294) as compared with those without a history of gastrectomy. A low preoperative BMI significantly reduced the completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.0186), which may lead to poor prognostic outcomes. In conclusion, perioperative nutritional management is important to reduce postoperative BMI loss and obtain a better prognosis after a pancreatectomy for PDAC in patients with a history of gastrectomy.