Perioperative FLOT Research Articles

Current Standards and Controversies in Multidisciplinary Management of Locoregional Gastroesophageal Junction Tumors.

There has been controversy in the management of gastroesophageal (GE) junction cancers with pre-operative chemoradiation and peri-operative chemotherapy as accepted practices. We aim to assess and compare the defining trials establishing current standards of care and discuss future directions seeking to further improve patient-centered outcomes in GE junction cancers. Over the last two decades, several large Phase III randomized trials have been conducted including GE junction cancers, showing superiority of 1) pre-operative chemoradiation over surgery (CROSS) and 2) peri-operative chemotherapy with FLOT over CROSS without radiotherapy (FLOT 4). While NEO-Aegis suggested equipoise between the CROSS vs. peri-operative chemotherapy, the recently presented ESOPEC trial demonstrated superiority of peri-operative FLOT versus CROSS in esophagus and GE junction adenocarcinomas. Based on the ESOPEC trial, peri-operative chemotherapy with FLOT appears to be a preferred regimen for patients with resectable GE junction adenocarcinomas in patients able to receive FLOT. There is evidence in support of other practices, such as induction chemotherapy, pre-operative chemoradiation, definitive chemoradiation for those not fitting ESOPEC criteria. Chemoradiation ± chemotherapy with non-operative intent represents a promising strategy for patients seeking organ preservation, and ongoing studies will better define its feasibility and long-term outcomes.

Real-World Outcomes for Localised Gastro-Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Cancer Treated with Perioperative FLOT and Prophylactic GCSF Support in a Single Asian Centre.

Perioperative FLOT (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and docetaxel) is a standard of care for patients with locally advanced gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) in Western guidelines, but its use is limited in Asian patients. We report outcomes from a single Asian centre of perioperative FLOT with concomitant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) prophylaxis. A retrospective analysis of all 56 stage II to III GEA patients treated with perioperative FLOT at the National Cancer Centre Singapore between June 2017 and February 2024 was performed. All patients were discussed at a multidisciplinary tumour board, underwent preoperative laparoscopic staging, and received prophylactic GCSF with perioperative FLOT. Surgery was performed across four partner institutions. The primary endpoints were the tolerability of FLOT and pathological complete response (pCR). A univariate analysis of factors associated with survival and adverse events was also performed. Overall, 33 patients (58.9%) completed eight cycles of pre- and postoperative FLOT, and 92.9% underwent resection. The commonest grade 3 to 4 adverse events (AEs) were diarrhoea (10.7%) and neutropenia (5.6%). The 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were 0% and 1.9%, respectively. In resected tumours, the pCR was 15.4%. The median DFS was 27.5 months, but the median OS was not reached. The values for 1-, 2-, and 3-year DFS were 74.6%, 61.0%, and 46.5%, respectively. The values for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were 85.0%, 67.4%, and 61.0%, respectively. In the univariate analysis of patients who underwent resection, an ECOG status of 0 was associated with better DFS, while ypN0, R0 resection, and pathological stages 0-II were associated with better DFS and OS. Patients ≥ 65 years benefited from FLOT similarly to those <65 years in terms of DFS (HR 1.03; p = 0.940) and OS (HR 1.08; p = 0.869), with similar rates of grade 3 to 4 AEs. Patients with a higher housing index (HI) were less likely to experience ≥grade 3 AEs compared to those with a lower HI (OR 0.16, p = 0.029). This study presents a unique real-world Asian experience of perioperative FLOT with prophylactic GCSF use, with low rates of G3 to 4 neutropenia. The tolerability of FLOT was similar to that reported in Western populations. Furthermore, similar survival and rates of grade 3 to 4 AEs were observed in elderly patients. Patients of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to experience severe AEs, highlighting the need to proactively support vulnerable groups during treatment.

Risk of cardiac arrhythmias and outcomes with perioperative FLOT vs CROSS regimens for esophageal adenocarcinoma

Risk of cardiac arrhythmias and outcomes with perioperative FLOT vs CROSS regimens for esophageal adenocarcinoma

Which pretreatment immunonutritional index best predicts overall survival in elderly patients with locally advanced gastric cancer treated with perioperative FLOT therapy?

Which pretreatment immunonutritional index best predicts overall survival in elderly patients with locally advanced gastric cancer treated with perioperative FLOT therapy?

Neoadjuvant sintilimab and apatinib combined with perioperative FLOT chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: A prospective, single-arm, phase II study.

Neoadjuvant sintilimab and apatinib combined with perioperative FLOT chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: A prospective, single-arm, phase II study.

680. P02.06 MATTERHORN PCR BY REGION

Abstract Background FLOT was established as a perioperative therapy for GC/GEJC following the Phase 2/3 FLOT4 study conducted in Germany, with a pCR rate of 16% (Al-Batran et al, Lancet Oncol 2016). The global MATTERHORN study (NCT04592913) showed a statistically significant improvement in pCR with perioperative D+FLOT vs placebo (P) + FLOT in GC/GEJC at first interim analysis (Janjigian et al, ESMO Congress 2023). Subgroup analyses by region and country were completed to assess pCR rates with FLOT and benefit of D+FLOT across the global study population. Methods Participants (pts) with resectable GC/GEJC were randomized 1:1 to D 1500 mg or P every 4 weeks (Q4W) on Day 1 plus FLOT Q2W on Days 1 and 15 for 4 cycles (2 doses of D or P and 4 doses of FLOT pre- and post-operative), followed by D 1500 mg or P on Day 1 Q4W for 10 further cycles. Randomization was stratified by Asia vs non-Asia. pCR (Modified Ryan; central review) was assessed in prespecified (Asia) and post hoc regional subgroups, including 6 countries with the highest numbers of randomized pts. Results Of 948 pts randomized globally, 180 (19%) were in Asia. pCR outcomes with FLOT in Asia were consistent with global outcomes. pCR rates were improved with D+FLOT vs P+FLOT in all regions (Asia, Europe, North America and South America; Table), despite some imbalances in baseline characteristics and numerical differences in pCR rates by geographic location. The pCR rate with P+FLOT in the German subgroup (13%; 95% CI, 6.1–23.0) was similar to that with FLOT in the FLOT4 study. Improvement in pCR with D+FLOT vs P+FLOT was observed across subgroups by country. Similar trends across regional subgroups were observed for combined complete and near-complete response rate. Conclusions In MATTERHORN, pCR was consistently improved with the addition of D to perioperative FLOT in GC/GEJC across geographic regions. The study is ongoing for the primary objective of event-free survival.

Perioperative FLOT + immunotherapy for resectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

66 Background: The current standard of care for resectable gastric and GEJ cancers is perioperative chemotherapy with FLOT.Although its benefits in improving rates of pathologic complete response, increasing prospects of R0 resection, and improving survival have been proven, efforts to find novel strategies which can improve on its gains continue.The addition of an immune checkpoint inhibitor to FLOT has been a focal point of research in this field. This meta-analysis evaluated high-quality data from clinical trials to determine the efficacy of this chemoimmunotherapy combination. Methods: A systematic search of English-language articles on PubMed, Cochrane and Google scholar was done to identify randomized trials investigating the use of perioperative FLOT and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of resectable gastric and GEJ cancer. Quality of studies was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Inverse variance was the statistical method used with random effects as the analysis model in the production of the Forest plot and calculation of odds ratio at 95% CI. Results: Three RCTs (N = 1446), each with two arms, were included in the meta-analysis. The Phase II Dante Trial (N= 295)compared perioperative FLOT alone with perioperative atezolizumab + FLOT. The Phase III Keynote 585 trial(N=203) and the phase III Matterhorn trial (N=948) compared perioperative placebo + FLOT with perioperative pembrolizumab + FLOT, and perioperative Durvalumab + FLOT, respectively. Risk of bias and heterogeneity were low. Pooled results showed that in patients given perioperative FLOT + immunotherapy, there is statistically significant improvement in the rate of pathologic complete response (OR 2.60 95% CI 1.88-3.61, p &lt;0.0001). In terms of rate of R0 resection, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (OR 1.02 95% CI 0.75-1.38,p= 0.92). Conclusions: This analysis shows that adding immunotherapy to FLOT improves the rate of pathologic complete response, and maintains the high rate of R0 resection, in resectable gastric and GEJ cancers. Favorable results of pending survival outcomes from these trials may help re-shape the current standard of care in this field.

Prospective randomized multicenter phase III trial comparing perioperative chemotherapy (FLOT protocol) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CROSS protocol) in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (ESOPEC trial).

LBA1 Background: The most effective multimodal approach for treatment of resectable locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is under debate. A prior ranking question is if neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy or perioperative chemotherapy is superior. ESOPEC (NCT02509286) is a multicenter prospective randomized trial comparing neoadjuvant CROSS (41.4Gy plus carboplatin/paclitaxel) followed by surgery versus perioperative FLOT (5-FU/ leucovorin/oxaliplatin/docetaxel) and surgery for the curative treatment of EAC. Methods: Patients with cT1 cN+ cM0 or cT2-4a cNany cM0 resectable EAC were eligible. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS; 90% power; hazard ratio [HR] 0.645, 218 events needed; one sided significance level of 2.5%). Analysis is by intention-to-treat in all randomized patients. The effect of treatment on OS is estimated using Cox regression stratified by study site, and including N stage (N0, N+), and age as covariates. Results: Between Feb 2016 and Apr 2020, 438 patients from 25 sites in Germany were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (221 FLOT; 217 CROSS). Baseline characteristics (male sex 89.3%, median age 63 [range 30-86], cT3/4 80.5%; cN+ 79.7%) were well balanced between both arms. Neoadjuvant treatment was started in 403 patients (207 FLOT; 196 CROSS). Surgery was done in 371 patients (191 FLOT; 180 CROSS). R0 resection was achieved in 351 patients (180 FLOT; 171 CROSS). 90 days postsurgical mortality was 4.3% (3.2% FLOT; 5.6% CROSS). After a median follow up of 55 months, 218 patients had died (97 FLOT; 121 CROSS). Median OS was 66 (95% CI 36 – not estimable) months in the FLOT arm, and 37 (95% CI 28 – 43) months in the CROSS arm. The 3-year OS rates were 57.4% (95% CI 50.1 – 64.0%) for FLOT and 50.7% (95% CI 43.5 – 57.5%) for CROSS (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.92, p=0.012). In 359 patients with available tumor regression status, pathological complete response was achieved in 35 (19.3%, 95%-CI 13.9 – 25.9%) in FLOT and in 24 (13.5%, 95%-CI 8.8 – 19.4%) in CROSS. Conclusions: Perioperative FLOT improves survival in resectable EAC compared to neoadjuvant CROSS. Funding: The trial was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), project number 264590883. Clinical trial information: NCT02509286 .

A randomized, open-label phase II/III efficacy and safety study of atezolizumab in combination with FLOT versus FLOT alone in patients with gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction and high immune responsiveness: The IKF633/DANTE trial, a trial of AIO in collaboration with SAKK.

TPS4184 Background: Despite recent advances, long-term survival of patients with locally advanced, operable esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EGA) is below 50%. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the neoadjuvant setting of this tumor type have lately been shown to increase pathological responses in all comers (IKF633/DANTE pII, KEYNOTE-585, Matterhorn), but the effect on survival is still unknown. The IKF633/DANTE pIII trial evaluates the efficacy and clinical activity of atezolizumab (ATZ) with perioperative FLOT in patients (pts) with locally advanced, resectable EGA considered having an immune-responsive profile. Methods: IKF633/DANTE is conducted as a randomized, multinational, multicenter, prospective, investigator-initiated, open label phase II/III trial. For the phase III portion, pts with histologically confirmed EGA of a clinical stage ≥cT2 and/or cN+ without evidence of distant metastases and with at least one immune response criterium (MSI, PD-L1 CPS≥1, TMB ≥10/MB or EBV+) are eligible. Pts are stratified acc. to nodal stage (cN- vs. cN+), tumor site (GEJ type I vs. GEJ type II/III vs. gastric) and PD-L1 expression levels (CPS≥5 vs. CPS&lt;5). Pts are randomized 1:1 to receive 4 pre- and post-operative cycles FLOT/ATZ, followed by 8 cycles ATZ maintenance (Arm A) or 2x4 perioperative cycles FLOT alone (Arm B). In total, 556 pts will be enrolled, thereof 379 pts in phase III. This estimates to a recruitment time of 30 months plus 18 months follow-up for 80% statistical power and a significance level of p&lt;0.05 (two-sided log rank test). The primary endpoint is event-free survival (EFS) with a target hazard ratio of 0.72, reflecting a clinically relevant improvement to 41.65 months in arm A. Main secondary endpoints are pCR, overall survival (OS) also in high immune-responsive subgroups (CPS ≥5/ CPS≥ 10/ MSI), R0 resection rate and safety/tolerability. In addition, a prospective biomarker study with serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis accompanying therapy is performed to explore the prognostic impact of ctDNA on efficacy and survival parameters, as well as on relapse incidence. Recruitment of phase III started in Aug 2023 and is still ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03421288 .

Neoadjuvant immuno-chemo-radiotherapy in operable esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma with carboplatin, paclitaxel plus radiotherapy and avelumab (anti-PDL1 antibody): Neo-CREATE trial.

4086 Background: Neoadjuvant CROSS regimen followed by adjuvant nivolumab or perioperative FLOT are current standards of care for patients with curable esophageal/ gastroesophageal (GEJ) junction adenocarcinoma. We hypothesized that adding avelumab to neoadjuvant chemo-radiation (CRT-A) before surgery can further improve outcomes. Methods: Patients with cT1-3 and N0/N1 M0 esophageal or GEJ adenocarcinomas eligible for curative surgery received weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel concurrently with radiotherapy (41.4 Gy in 23 fractions) and bi-weekly avelumab (5 doses). The trial had a run-in phase of 10 patients to evaluate feasibility and safety and a planned futility analysis after 15 patients have undergone surgery. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR) (Mandard criteria) by central pathology review, secondary endpoints were major histological response and survival outcomes. Using an A’hern single stage design for efficacy forty-seven patients were required to rule out a lower limit of a 20% pCR rate (p0) and to demonstrate an increase to a 40% pCR rate (p1), with 90% power and significance level α=0.05. Tissue, blood, and stool samples were collected for corelative analysis. Results: 48 patients were enrolled between Sept 2019 to Oct 2022 across seven Australian sites. Median age 65 [44-81], 95% were male (n=45), with majority of cancers being esophageal/GEJ type I (n = 35), with GEJ type II (n = 13). Forty-seven (97%) patients completed CRT -A and 46 (95%) had surgery. CRT-A was well tolerated, with two patients having &gt; grade 2 adverse event of interest in the form of myocarditis attributed to avelumab. Notable toxicities included grade 2-4 myocarditis (4%), anastomotic leak (4%), infection (6%) and diarrhoea (6%). In 44 evaluable patients, pCR was 23%. MHR was 58.3% (95% CI, 43.3%-72.1%), complete or near complete response (Tumor Regression Grade 1-2) was 31%. Overall, 1-yr disease free survival was 83.8% and OS was 91.2%. 1-yr disease free survival was 91.7% for patients with MHR vs 73.3% without MHR, p=0.20. Conclusions: Combining avelumab with neoadjuvant CRT is feasible in patients with acceptable tolerability in locally advanced esophageal/ GEJ adenocarcinoma. Avelumab with CRT is active however observed pCR rate does not represent a signal of substantial improvement compared to historical controls. Exploratory analysis suggests improved outcomes in patients with optimal tumour regression after neoadjuvant CRT-A. Exploratory biomarker work to corelate with outcomes is underway. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12619000288123.

Updated results of perioperative PD-1 antibody toripalimab plus FLOT chemotherapy for locally advanced resectable gastric or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma: A one-arm open-table phase II trial.

e16128 Background: Perioperative chemotherapy is the standard treatment for resectable gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have activity in advanced gastric/GEJ cancer. This trial to assess the efficacy of the addition of toripalimab to FLOT for resectable patients and explore the immune microenvironment prospectively related to treatment response of neoadjuvant immunotherapy by multiplex immunohistochemistry. Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm, investigator-initiated phase II trial. Patients with histologically confirmed, resectable, gastric and GEJ adenocarcinoma (≥ cT2 or cN+) were enrolled to receive 4 pre- and post-operative cycles of toripalimab (240mg, q2w) plus FLOT (docetaxel 50 mg/m2; oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2; leucovorin 200 mg/m2; 5-Fu 2600 mg/m2, q2w). The primary endpoint were 3-year disease-free survival rate, overall survival and pathological complete response rate (pCR). Planned sample size of 36 operated patients. if the pCR rate is greater than 16% (n = 6), an additional 20 cases will be added. Multiplex immunohistochemistry is used to quantify in situ biomarker at subcellular resolution. Results: Study accrual completed at August 2022, 55 patients were enrolled, 40M/15F, age 57 (28-76), ECOG 0 (39) and 1 (16). 4 patients had not received surgery were excluded from efficacy analysis (Three patients withdrew consent after two treatment cycles and one refused surgery after 4 cycles pre-operative treatment). Fifty-one had completely neoadjuvant treatment and received surgery. Pathological response was TRG 0/ 1/ 2/ 3 in 10/ 6/ 21/ 14 patients with pCR seen in 10 (19.6%). Major pathologic response (TRG 0 and 1) was seen in 16 (31.4%) patients. At 36.6 (17.6-57.8) months follow up, the median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached for all patients. DFS rate at 1, 2, and 3 year is 78.4%, 56.9%, and 54.3%. OS rate at 1, 2, and 3 year is 94.1%, 69.5%, and 65.2%. Compared with TRG 2 or 3, patients with MPR showed significant longer survival (p = 0.01). Twenty-four patients underwent immune microenvironment analysis on their pre-treatment specimens by multiplex immunohistochemisty. Compared with TRG 2 or 3 (n = 11), NK cells with positive CD56 expression in tumor parenchyma microenvironment in patients with MPR (n = 13) were significant decreased (p = 0.024). Conclusions: Perioperative toripalimab in combination with FLOT showed promising efficacy with high pCR and MPR rate in patients with resectable gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma. MPR rate and NK cells in tumor microenvironment have a predictive on therapeutic efficacy, with deserves further study. Clinical trial information: NCT04354662 .

Implementation of perioperative FLOT compared to ECX/EOX chemotherapy regimens in resectable esophagogastric adenocarcinomas: an analysis of real-world data.

Perioperative 5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) is recommended in resectable esophagogastric adenocarcinoma based on randomised trials. However, the effectiveness of FLOT in routine clinical practice remains unknown as randomised trials are subject to selection bias limiting their generalisability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of FLOT in real-world patients. Retrospectively collected data were analysed in consecutive patients treated before or after the implementation of FLOT. The primary endpoint was complete pathological response (pCR) and secondary endpoints were margin-free resection (R0), overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS) tolerability of chemotherapy and surgical complications. Mean follow-up time for patients treated with FLOT (n = 205) was 37.7 versus 47.0 months for epirubicin, cis- or oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (ECX/EOX, n = 186). Surgical resection was performed in 88.0% versus 92.0%; pCR were observed in 3.8% versus 2.4%; and R0 resections were achieved in 78.0% versus 86.0% (p = 0.03) in the ECX/EOX and FLOT cohorts, respectively. Survival analysis indicated no significant difference in RFS (p = 0.17) or OS (p = 0.37) between the cohorts with a trend towards increased OS in performance status 0 (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-1.04). More patients treated with ECX/EOX completed chemotherapy (39% vs. 28%, p = 0.02). Febrile neutropenia was more common in the FLOT cohort (3.8% vs. 11%, p = 0.0086). 90-days mortality (1.2% vs. 0%) and frequency of anastomotic leakage (8% vs. 6%) were equal and low. Patients receiving FLOT did not demonstrate improved pCR, RFS or OS. However, R0 rate was improved and patients in good PS trended towards improved OS.

Perioperative Chemotherapy for Gastro-Esophageal or Gastric Cancer: Anthracyclin Triplets versus FLOT.

Background: The FLOT4-AIO trial (2019) showed improved survival with perioperative fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) compared to anthracyclin triplets in gastric cancer treatment. It is unclear whether these results extend to real-world scenarios in the Netherlands. This study aimed to compare outcomes of perioperative FLOT to anthracyclin triplets in a real-world Dutch gastric cancer population. Methods: Patients diagnosed with resectable (cT2-4a/cTxN0-3/NxM0) gastric or gastro-esophageal junction carcinoma between 2015-2021 who received neoadjuvant FLOT or anthracyclin triplets were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), analyzed through multivariable Cox regression. Secondary outcomes included pathological complete response (pCR), neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycle completion, surgical resection rates, and adjuvant therapy. Results: Adjusted OS showed no significant survival benefit (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.77-1.01, p = 0.07), even though the median OS was numerically improved by 8 months with FLOT compared to anthracyclin triplets (48.1 vs. 39.9 months, p = 0.16). FLOT patients were more likely to undergo diagnostic staging laparoscopies (74.2% vs. 44.1%, p < 0.001), had higher rates of completing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09-1.68, p = 0.007), receiving adjuvant therapy (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.66, p = 0.08), and achieving pCR (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.05-2.20, p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in (radical) resection rates. Conclusion(s): Real-world data showed no significant OS improvement for FLOT-treated patients compared to anthracyclin triplets, despite more staging laparoscopies. However, FLOT patients demonstrated higher rates of neoadjuvant therapy completion, proceeding to adjuvant therapy, and increased pCR rates. Therefore, we recommend the continued use of neoadjuvant FLOT therapy in the current clinical setting.

Impact of primary prophylaxis (PP) with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on the outcomes of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer treated with FLOT: A single-center retrospective analysis.

414 Background: The role of primary prophylaxis (PP) with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) treated with FLOT is currently unknown. Although original FLOT4 study did not recommend PP, the use of G-CSF is common in clinical practice to avoid serious complications. However, its use is associated with increased financial costs. Methods: This is a retrospective, single-institution study. We included patients with pathologically confirmed LAGC who received perioperative FLOT4. Patients were categorized in two groups: PP versus no- PP. Our objectives were to compare frequency of grades 3 or 4 neutropenia (G3/4N) and febrile neutropenia (FN) between PP and non-PP patients. We also evaluate the association between pathological complete response (pCR) and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) according to the use of PP. Binomial variables were compared using Fisher's exact test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate median DFS and OS and respective 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] and any difference assessed by the log-rank test. Results: From January 2019 until December 2022, 122 LAGC patients were treated with perioperative FLOT. Median age was 56 years, 53.2% were female and 84.4% were ECOG 0. Primary prophylaxis (PP) was used by 58 patients (47.5%); there was no difference between clinical and tumor features between both groups regarding age, sex, ECOG, T and N staging and Lauren’s subtype. PP costs raised treatment costs up to 15%. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred more frequently among patients without PP (65.6 vs. 1.7%; p &lt; 0.001). There was no difference in the frequency of FN between groups (7.8 vs. 0%; p = 0.06). Overall patients, pCR occurred in 11.8% os patients. Regarding the influence of PP in pathological response after FLOT chemotherapy, there was no difference between PP vs non-PP patients with pCR (14.3% vs 9.5%, p = 0.57). Median follow-up was 27.4 (range 2.8 – 70.6 months). Twenty-six patients (21.3%) died during follow-up. Median OS was 52.5 months (95% CI: 47.1-57.8). Median OS for patients in PP and no PP groups were 44.5 and 56.2 months (log-rank P =0.06), respectively. Median DFS was 43.1 months (95% CI: 37.2-48.9). Median DFS for patients in PP and no PP groups were 39.6 and 43.5 months (log-rank P =0.80), respectively. Conclusions: Despite the reduction in the frequency of G3/4N, rates of FN among patients treated with FLOT with G-CSF are too low to justify its use in a routine basis. Furthermore, PP is not associated with relevant clinical endpoints such as pCR neither OS or DFS. Based on this, PP in such situations should not be routinely used due to its financial costs.

Pathological complete response (pCR) to 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel (FLOT) with or without durvalumab (D) in resectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC): Subgroup analysis by region from the phase 3, randomized, double-blind MATTERHORN study.

LBA246 Background: FLOT was established as a perioperative therapy for GC/GEJC following the Phase 2/3 FLOT4 study conducted in Germany, with a pCR rate of 16% (Al-Batran et al, Lancet Oncol 2016). The global MATTERHORN study (NCT04592913) showed a statistically significant improvement in pCR with perioperative D + FLOT vs placebo (P) + FLOT in GC/GEJC at first interim analysis (Janjigian et al, ESMO Congress 2023). Subgroup analyses by region and country were completed to assess pCR rates with FLOT and benefit of D + FLOT across the global study population. Methods: Participants (pts) with resectable GC/GEJC were randomized 1:1 to D 1500 mg or P every 4 weeks (Q4W) on Day 1 plus FLOT Q2W on Days 1 and 15 for 4 cycles (2 doses of D or P and 4 doses of FLOT pre- and post-operative), followed by D 1500 mg or P on Day 1 Q4W for 10 further cycles. Randomization was stratified by Asia vs non-Asia. pCR (Modified Ryan; central review) was assessed in prespecified (Asia) and post hoc regional subgroups, including 6 countries with the highest numbers of randomized pts. Results: Of 948 pts randomized globally, 180 pts (19%) were in Asia. pCR outcomes with FLOT in Asia were consistent with the global outcomes. pCR rates were improved with D + FLOT vs P + FLOT in all regions (Asia, Europe, North America and South America; Table), despite some imbalances in baseline characteristics and numerical differences in pCR rates by geographic location. The pCR rate with P + FLOT in the German subgroup (13%; 95% CI, 6.1–23.0) was similar to that with FLOT in the FLOT4 study. Improvement in pCR with D + FLOT vs P + FLOT was observed across subgroups by country. Similar trends across regional subgroups were observed for combined complete and near-complete response rate. Conclusions: In MATTERHORN, pCR was consistently improved with the addition of D to perioperative FLOT in GC/GEJC across geographic regions. The study is ongoing for the primary objective of event-free survival. Clinical trial information: NCT04592913 .[Table: see text]

Safety of preventive HIPEC in combination with perioperative FLOT versus FLOT alone for resectable diffuse type gastric and gastroesophageal junction type II/III adenocarcinoma: An interim safety analysis from the phase III PREVENT trial of the AIO/CAOGI/ACO.

359 Background: Peritoneal relapse is seen in 60-70% of patients with diffuse type gastric cancer (gc), compared to 20-30% with intestinal type according to Laurens`s classification. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) is an increasingly used therapy method for patients (pts) with peritoneal metastases. The preventive use of HIPEC could represent an approach for diffuse type cell gc pts before macroscopic peritoneal seeding has evolved, since pts with operable disease are fit and may have potential risk of microscopic involvement, thus having a theoretical chance of cure with HIPEC even without the need for cytoreduction. Methods: This is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label phase III study including a total of 200 pts with localized and locally advanced diffuse type cell adenocarcinoma of the stomach and type II/III gastroesophageal junction (i.e. ≥cT3 any N or any T N positive). A negative diagnostic laparoscopy before treatment and 3-6 pre-operative cycles of FLOT are a prerequisite for enrollment (Docetaxel 50 mg/m2; Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2; Leucovorin 200 mg/m2; 5-FU 2600 mg/m2, q2wk). Pts were randomized 1:1 to receive surgery only and postoperative FLOT (Arm A-control arm) or surgery + intraoperative HIPEC (cisplatin 75mg/m2 solution at 42°C for 90 min) and postoperative FLOT (Arm B-experimental arm). Surgery is carried out as subtotal, total gastrectomy or transhiatal extended gastrectomy. The scope of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy as well as the safety and tolerability of the combination of perioperative chemotherapy combined with an intraoperative prophylactic HIPEC. Here, we show safety results from the pre-specified safety analysis after 20 pts had undergone surgical resection plus HIPEC and the corresponding 20 pts in the control arm. Results: Treatment arms were balanced regarding age, ECOG and tumor parameters like localization of the primary, of lymph nodes or cTN stage. Most pts in both arms received a subtotal or total gastrectomy. In 15 out of 20 arm B pts the HIPEC was 6 pts (30%) in Arm A and 7 pts (35%) in Arm B were seen with at least one SAE. Perioperative complications resulted in overall 7 SAEs in Arm A and in 4 SAEs in Arm B. One postoperative mortality (grade 5) was documented in Arm B due to septic complication. 11 pts showed no complications in both arms according to Clavien-Dindo-Classification. 6 pts in Arm A and 2 in Arm B showed grade 3. No patient was grade 4. Conclusions: The incidence of perioperative morbidity with surgical and/or medical complications were nearly equal in both treatment groups. The safety data showed no abnormalities or evidence increase in toxicity-rates including postoperative complications or increased severity of documented events within the experimental HIPEC arm. Clinical trial information: NCT04447352 .

Efficacy of perioperative FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy versus FLOT chemotherapy in patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction (SIEWERT types II–III, cT4aN0M0, T1–4cN+ cM0): preliminary results of the study

Introduction: The main current approach to the treatment of patients with resectable cancer of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is perioperative FLOT chemotherapy. The mFOLFIRINOX regimen has been shown to be effective and safe in disseminated adenocarcinoma of the stomach and GEJ. This article presents preliminary results of the efficacy and safety assessment of perioperative FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy in patients with resectable cancer of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction.Materials and Methods: The FOLFIRINOX / FLOT study is a phase 2 / 3 open-label, randomized trial. Study enrollment was started in January 2019 and is currently ongoing. The inclusion criteria are: histologically confirmed resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction, Siewert types II–III, clinical stage cT4aN0M0, cT1–4N1–3M0 or cT2–4N0–3M0, with total or subtotal involvement of the stomach. The following regimens were used for perioperative chemotherapy: FLOT — docetaxel 50 mg / m2 on day 1, oxaliplatin 85 mg / m2 on day 1, leucovorin 200 mg / 2 on day 1, 5FU 2600 mg / m2 × 24 hours starting on day 1, or mFOLFIRINOX — irinotecan 180 mg / m2 on day 1, oxaliplatin 85 mg / 2 on day 1, leucovorin 200 mg / m2 on day 1, 5FU 250 mg / m2 bolus on day 1 and then 2200 mg / m2 × 48 hours on day 1. The primary endpoint was 5‑year overall survival.Results: All planned preoperative courses of chemotherapy had been administered to 25 (86 %) patients in the FLOT group (n = 29) and 22 (92 %) patients in the FOLFIRINOX group (n = 24). Four (12 %) and 2 (8 %) patients in the FLOT and FOLFIRINOX groups, respectively, discontinued the treatment. The surgical staging was used in 48 patients (91 %) (25 [86 %] in the FLOT group and 23 [96 %] in the FOLFIRINOX group). Complete tumor regression (Mandard grade 1) had been achieved in 4 patients (2 [7 %] in the FLOT group and 2 [8 %] in the FOLFIRINOX group). Postoperative complications were detected in 2 patients (8 %) in the FLOT group and 4 (17 %) in the FOLFRIRNOX group. Thirty-three patients (62 %) received all scheduled postoperative treatment courses (n = 19, 66 % for FLOT and n = 14, 58 % for FOLFIRINOX).Conclusions: The preliminary results of the FOLFIRINOX / FLOT study showed comparable tolerability of the regimens and comparable complete pathological response rates. However, there was a higher incidence of postoperative complications detected among patients who received the FOLFIRINOX regimen compared to the FLOT group.

Efficacy of Perioperative FLOT Therapy in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer and the Associated Prognostic Factors

Efficacy of Perioperative FLOT Therapy in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer and the Associated Prognostic Factors

Pretreatment Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score for Predicting Prognosis and Survival in Elderly Patients with Gastric Cancer Treated with Perioperative FLOT.

The adverse effects of chemotherapy are more apparent in elderly patients and lead to worse prognosis and mortality. Identifying immunonutritional risk factors is of great importance in terms of treatment effectiveness, prognosis, and mortality in geriatric oncology. The modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) is an immunonutritional index based on serum CRP and albumin levels. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of mGPS in predicting prognosis and survival in elderly patients with gastric cancer receiving perioperative FLOT treatment. We retrospectively enrolled 71 patients aged over 65 years and grouped them according to their pretreatment mGPS score. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis showed overall survival was significantly worse in the mGPS 1 and mGPS 2 groups than in the mGPS 0 group (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to the mGPS 0 group, the mGPS 1 group had a 6.25 times greater risk of death (95% CI: 1.61-24.28, p = 0.008), and the mGPS 2 group had a 6.59 times greater risk of death (95% CI: 2.08-20.85, p = 0.001). High BMI was identified as a significant risk factor for being in the mGPS 2 group (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.018-1.425, p = 0.030). In conclusion, elevated pretreatment mGPS was associated with poor overall survival in elderly patients with gastric cancer treated with perioperative FLOT therapy. As such, pretreatment mGPS can be a simple and useful tool to predict mortality in this specific patient group.

Total neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFIRINOX regimen for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach and cardioesophageal junction: interim results

Purpose. To study the efficacy and safety of total neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with the FOLFIRINOX regimen for locally advanced gastric (GC) and cardioesophageal junction (CEJ) cancer.Patients and methods. Patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma and CEJ, clinical stage cT3 or higher and/or regional lymph node involvement (cN+), without evidence of distant metastasis were included in our open-label, single-centre, non-randomised study. In the FLOT control group, patients received 4 courses preoperatively and 4 postoperatively with follow-up. I In the FOLFIRINOX group 8 courses of chemotherapy were administered in neoadjuvant mode, followed by surgery and observation. The tumor regression grade was assessed in accordance with Becker, Mandard and G. A. Lavnikova scales.Results. The study included 136 patients, 119 of whom started treatment according to the protocol (ITT population). Fiſty-nine patients were enrolled into the FLOT group and 60 into the FOLFIRINOX group. One-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 67,5 % in the FLOT group and 90,4 % in the FOLFIRINOX group (p = 0,29). The estimated 2-year PFS in the FLOT group was 61,4 % [95 % CI, 48,4–77,9 %]. Median PFS and overall survival (OS) were not reached. The incidence of events (progression or death) was lower in the FOLFIRINOX group (odds ratio [OR] 0,40 [95 % CI 0,16–0,97, p = 0,047]). Adverse prognostic factors regardless of treatment were lymphatic (L1), vascular (V1) and perineural invasion (Pn1), and regional lymph node involvement aſter chemotherapy (ypN+) [p = 0,046; p = 0,014; p = 0,0021; p = 0,04, respectively]. There was no correlation between pathological complete response and survival rates.Conclusion. Total neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the FOLFIRINOX regimen for locally advanced GC/ CEJ demonstrated comparable to the perioperative FLOT one-year PFS rate. No association was found between tumor regression grade and survival outcomes.