Impact Of Treatment-related Toxicity Research Articles

MONARCC: a randomised phase II study of panitumumab monotherapy and panitumumab plus 5-fluorouracil as first-line therapy for RAS and BRAF wildtype metastatic colorectal cancer: a study by the Australasian Gastrointestinal Trials Group (AGITG)

BackgroundDoublet chemotherapy in combination with a biologic agent has been a standard of care in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer for over a decade. The evidence for a “lighter” treatment approach is limited to mono-chemotherapy plus bevacizumab in the RAS unselected population. Anti-EGFR antibodies have activity as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy in RAS wildtype metastatic colorectal cancer; however their role in first-line treatment in combination with 5-fluorouracil monotherapy or when given alone has not been well studied. MONARCC aims to investigate this approach in an elderly population.Methods/designMONARCC is a prospective, open-label, multicentre, non-comparative randomised phase II trial. Eligible patients aged ≥70 with unresectable metastatic, untreated, RAS/BRAF wildtype metastatic colorectal cancer will be randomised 1:1 to receive panitumumab alone or panitumumab plus infusional 5-fluorouracil. RAS and BRAF analyses will be performed in local laboratories. Comprehensive Health Assessment and Limited Health Assessments will be performed at baseline and at 16 weeks, respectively, to assess frailty. The Patient Symptom Questionnaire and Overall Treatment Utility are to be undertaken at different timepoints to assess the impact of treatment-related toxicities and quality of life. Treatment will be delivered every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity (as determined by treating clinician or patient), delay of treatment of more than 6 weeks, or withdrawal of consent. The primary end point is 6-month progression-free survival in both arms. Secondary end points include overall survival, time to treatment failure, objective tumour response rate as defined by RECIST v1.1 and safety (adverse events). Tertiary and correlative endpoints include the feasibility and utility of a comprehensive geriatric assessment, quality of life and biological substudies.DiscussionMONARCC investigates the activity and tolerability of first-line panitumumab-based treatments with a view to expand on current treatment options while maximising progression-free and overall survival and quality of life in molecularly selected elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.Trial registrationAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618000233224, prospectively registered 14 February 2018.

A single center experience of the impact of treatment-related toxicity in the clinical outcomes of elderly patients with metastatic germ cell tumors.

e16048 Background: Germ cell tumours (GCT) are predominantly a disease of the young, with < 10% of cases being diagnosed at ≥45 years. Platinum based chemotherapy is the gold standard in treating these patients. Data regarding outcomes and treatment toxicities in elderly patients is lacking. We studied the efficacy, toxicities and survival rates in a cohort of men diagnosed with GCT aged ≥45 years receiving chemotherapy in a metastatic setting. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from 48 patient’s ≥45 years with GCT’s identified at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, London. The histology, stage and international germ cell consensus (IGCC) risk classification was identified in all patients. Data was collected regarding chemotherapy regimens, number of cycles completed, toxicities and complications that led to treatment modifications or early cessation. Treatment toxicities were evaluated using the common terminology criteria for adverse events (ctCAE) grading. We then assessed progression free survival, relapse rates and overall survival (OS). Results: We identified 48 patients diagnosed with GCTs aged ≥45 years. The median age at diagnosis was 52 (range 45-70) and 75% of patients were aged ≥50. Classic seminoma and nonseminomatous GCTs were seen in 65% and 35% of patients, respectively. 75% of patients were ≥stage II at diagnosis. In total 29 patients received BEP, 4 EP, 7 Carboplatin AUC10, 2 Carboplatin AUC7 and 5 received POMBACE. 73 % (35/48) of patients experienced one or more complication/s from chemotherapy (15/48 ctCAE grade ≥3), of which the most common were neuropathies (27%), thromboembolism (10%) and tinnitus (10%). In 8 cases omissions or dose reductions had to be made and treatment delays occurred in 3 cases. Only 2 patients did not complete all intended cycles. Over 70% (35/48) of patients had an OS of > 5 years. One patient died during chemotherapy due to gastro-intestinal bleed. Conclusions: Survival rates in patients with GCTs aged ≥45 treated with chemotherapy are good with the majority achieving a > 5 year OS. Although age is not a prognostic factor, these patients are more prone to toxicities and have underlying comorbidities. This data will be of value to oncologists weighing up the risks versus benefits of treatment in this older cohort of patients in combination with similar studies.

Endpoints in clinical trials: What do patients consider important? A survey of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

In order to understand the patient's perspective in regards to meaningful surrogate clinical trial endpoints and the impact of treatment-related toxicity, and quality of life, we surveyed women with gynecological cancers to ascertain their preferences. A 28-question anonymous online survey was posted on the OCNA website (www.ovariancancer.org). Survey questions included demographic factors, tumor data, and patients' preference regarding side effects and therapy endpoints. Data was analyzed for frequency and percentage of each response. Student t-test, Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sums were preformed. There were 1413 survey responses. Participants reported that for a new agent to be meaningful, the minimum extension of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) should be five or more months, 77% and 85% of the time, respectively. Most subjects (55%, n=612) were interested in an agent that would keep tumor growth relatively static without change in OS. Addressing the impact of adverse aspects from a hypothetical new agent as a function of response, there was significant migration (p<0.0001) to acceptance of greater toxicity and cost under the scenario of a 5-6months OS gain, despite three-fold higher neurotoxicity, as compared to a PFS gain of 3-4months/no OS gain without toxicity. Response patterns weren't altered by recurrence status. Herein, we show that magnitude of outcome is a desired effect, even given the prospect of significant toxicity and cost. However, these preferences appear to differ between those with primary and recurrent disease.

Quality of Life and Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients have a substantially reduced Health related Quality of Life (HQOL) at diagnosis (dx) due to disease related symptoms like bone pain (58%) and fatigue (32%). HQOL monitoring is becoming increasingly important, owing to improved survival and the impact of treatment-related toxicity. As a result HQOL assessments are increasingly being used in clinical trials, but the literature regarding the relationship between HQOL and outcomes in MM is sparse. We used the Mayo Clinic “Hematology Patient Reported Symptom Screen” (HPRSS) to assess the impact of HQOL on outcomes in newly dx patients with MM.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed charts of 453 patients with newly dx MM seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from 2009 to 2014. All patients who visit Mayo clinic hematology clinic complete a 3-point questionnaire (HPRSS) on pain, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) (scored on a scale of 0-10; with 0 being the least fatigue or pain and 10 being the best QOL). Pain, fatigue and QOL scores documented at the time of dx and at 6 months were collected. JMP version 10 was used for the data analysis.Results: The median age at diagnosis was 67 years (range, 33-95); 60% were male. The estimated median OS for the cohort was 21 m (95% CI19, 23); 387 (85%) of the patients were alive at last follow up and the median OS for the population was not reached. The median (IQR) scores for pain, fatigue and QOL were 4 (2, 6), 3 (1, 5), and 7 (5, 9), respectively. First, we examined the relationship between each of the scores (dichotomized at the median) and the baseline characteristics. Higher fatigue scores were associated with lower Hb and serum albumin and higher beta 2 microglobulin, LDH and marrow plasmacytosis. Higher pain scores were seen in female patients, and associated with higher B2M, serum calcium and lytic bone lesions. Lower QOL scores were associated with lower absolute lymphocyte count and serum albumin levels. Next, we examined the relationship between the scores and the OS from diagnosis. The overall survival was inferior for patients with higher pain scores, fatigue scores and lower QOL scores (Figure). In a multivariable analysis, fatigue scores were most strongly associated with survival outcome. Patients with adverse scores in two or more of pain, fatigue and QOL had significantly inferior outcomes (Figure). In univariate analysis, age, B2M, LDH, FISH high risk and the presence of two or more adverse scores were all significantly associated with poorer OS. In a multivariable analysis, age, LDH and the presence >=2 adverse scores were all associated with shorter OS.Of the 453 patients included in the study, 222 patients had pain, fatigue and QOL scores at 6 month from diagnosis. At 6 months, the median (IQR) scores for pain, fatigue and QOL were 2 (1, 5), 4 (2, 5), and 7 (5, 9), respectively; suggesting improved pain, worsened fatigue and static QOL scores. Improvement in the scores by at least one point was seen in 50%, 49% and 38% for the fatigue, pain and QOL scores. While the pain and fatigue scores at 6 months correlated inversely with OS, improvements in the scores in any of the three were not associated with any improved outcomes.Conclusion: A simple, patient reported scoring system for pain, fatigue, and overall perceived QOL at the time of diagnosis is a powerful predictor of survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed MM and should be considered routinely in clinical practice. The results of these patient reported measures can be utilized to develop risk-adapted trials in patients with MM. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Impact of treatment-related toxicity on outcome of HCV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in rituximab era

Novelty and ImpactThis first study compares the survival of HCV-positive DLBCL treated with and without rituximab which showed in toxicity and the outcome.BackgroundThe effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on prognosis and hepatic toxicity in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era is unclear. The treatment and the outcome of patients with DLBCL and HCV infection are still a matter of debate.MethodsWe analyzed 137 DLBCL patients positive to HCV, treated with chemotherapy regimens include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) ± rituximab. Survival outcomes and hepatic toxicity were compared in DLBCL patients positive to HCV infection according to CHOP ± rituximab.ResultOur result showed that the group of patients treated with R-CHOP has significant high incidence of hepatic toxicity grade (3–4) (28 vs. 18%, P value 0.001) and worse progression-free survival (55 vs. 80%, P value 0.002) in comparison with the group treated with CHOP, and also there is significant difference between both groups in overall survival. This first study compares the survival of HCV-positive DLBCL treated with and without rituximab which showed significant differences.ConclusionWe conclude that HCV-positive patients with DLBCL treated with rituximab plus CHOP have high incidence in hepatic toxicity. Specific protocols evaluating antiviral therapy should be designed for these patients

Review of health-related quality of life data in multiple myeloma patients treated with novel agents.

In multiple myeloma (MM), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data is becoming increasingly important, owing to improved survival outcomes and the impact of treatment-related toxicity on HRQoL. Researchers are more frequently including HRQoL assessments in clinical trials, but analysis and reporting of this data has not been consistent. A systematic literature review assessed the effect of novel agents (thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide) on HRQoL in MM patients, and evaluated the subsequent reporting of these HRQoL results. A relatively small body of literature addresses HRQoL data in MM patients treated with novel MM therapeutic agents: 9 manuscripts and 15 conference proceedings. The literature demonstrates the complementary value of HRQoL when assessing clinical response, progression, overall survival and toxicity. However, weaknesses and inconsistencies in analysis and presentation of HRQoL data were observed, often complicating interpretation of the impact of treatment on HRQoL in MM. Further evaluation of HRQoL in MM patients treated with novel agents is required in larger cohorts, and ideally in head-to-head comparative studies. Additionally, the development of standardised MM-specific best practice guidelines in HRQoL data collection and analysis is recommended. These would ensure that future data are more useful in guiding predictive models and clinical decisions.

Unanticipated toxicities from anticancer therapies: Survivors’ perspectives

Improved therapies in oncology have resulted in increased survival across numerous malignancies, shifting attention to other aspects of the cancer experience. In particular, the impact of treatment-related toxicities has gained considerable attention, due to their physical and psychosocial effects, and possible impact on clinical outcome. These untoward events have not been examined from the survivors' perspective. To identify and describe treatment-related toxicities having a negative effect on quality of life from the perspective of cancer survivors. Quantitative study using written questionnaires and content analysis. Cancer survivors' workshop across the United States. A total of 379 participants from six survivor groups: breast (n = 250), ovarian (n =27), lung (n = 23), colorectal (n = 15), genitourinary (n = 23), and other cancers (n = 45). Survivors' perceptions on treatment-related dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and constitutional toxicities. Survivors reported an increased concern regarding dermatologic toxicities, including irritated and dry skin, after receiving their cancer treatment. These events had a negative effect on their lives. Although gastrointestinal and constitutional toxicities also had a negative effect, the concern over their development was unchanged prior to and after treatments. The impact of dermatologic toxicities is unanticipated prior to cancer treatments. Since these events have a negative effect on survivors' lives, pretreatment counseling and effective interventions are vital in order to maximize quality of life and minimize unnecessary treatment interruptions or discontinuations.

COST-UTILITY ANALYSIS OF THE CYBERKNIFE SYSTEM FOR METASTATIC SPINAL TUMORS

Using decision analysis, a cost-utility study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of CyberKnife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in comparison to external beam radiation therapy in the treatment of metastatic spinal malignancies. The published literature provided evidence on the effectiveness of the comparator interventions in the absence of primary outcomes data. Costs of care were derived from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services fee schedules. A Markov model was constructed from the payer perspective to simulate the outcomes of patients undergoing nonchemotherapeutic interventions for metastatic spinal tumors. Because cancer therapies bear significant health and economic consequences, the impact of treatment-related toxicities was integrated into the model. Given the terminal nature of these conditions and the limited life expectancy of the patient population, the time horizon for the analysis was limited to 12 months. Patients treated with CyberKnife SRS gained an additional net health benefit of 0.08 quality-adjusted life year; the calculated cost of CyberKnife SRS was $1933 less than external beam radiation therapy for comparable effectiveness. The incremental cost per benefit for this strategy ($41 500 per quality-adjusted life year) met payers' willingness-to-pay criteria. Cost-utility analysis demonstrated that CyberKnife SRS was a superior, cost-effective primary intervention for patients with metastatic spinal tumors compared with conventional external beam radiation therapy.