Ayumu Hosokawa

Randomized phase III study of bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI and bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX6 as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (WJOG4407G)

BACKGROUND FOLFIRI and FOLFOX have shown equivalent efficacy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but their comparative effectiveness is unknown when combined with bevacizumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS WJOG4407G was a randomized, open-label, phase III trial conducted in Japan. Patients with previously untreated mCRC were randomized 1:1 to receive either FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (FOLFIRI + Bev) or mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab (mFOLFOX6 + Bev), stratified by institution, adjuvant chemotherapy, and liver-limited disease. The primary end point was non-inferiority of FOLFIRI + Bev to mFOLFOX6 + Bev in progression-free survival (PFS), with an expected hazard ratio (HR) of 0.9 and non-inferiority margin of 1.25 (power 0.85, one-sided α-error 0.025). The secondary end points were response rate (RR), overall survival (OS), safety, and quality of life (QoL) during 18 months. This trial is registered to the University Hospital Medical Information Network, number UMIN000001396. RESULTS Among 402 patients enrolled from September 2008 to January 2012, 395 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. The median PFS for FOLFIRI + Bev (n = 197) and mFOLFOX6 + Bev (n = 198) were 12.1 and 10.7 months, respectively [HR, 0.905; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.723-1.133; P = 0.003 for non-inferiority]. The median OS for FOLFIRI + Bev and mFOLFOX6 + Bev were 31.4 and 30.1 months, respectively (HR, 0.990; 95% CI 0.785-1.249). The best overall RRs were 64% for FOLFIRI + Bev and 62% for mFOLFOX6 + Bev. The common grade 3 or higher adverse events were leukopenia (11% in FOLFIRI + Bev/5% in mFOLFOX6 + Bev), neutropenia (46%/35%), diarrhea (9%/5%), febrile neutropenia (5%/2%), peripheral neuropathy (0%/22%), and venous thromboembolism (6%/2%). The QoL assessed by FACT-C (TOI-PFC) and FACT/GOG-Ntx was favorable for FOLFIRI + Bev during 18 months. CONCLUSION FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab was non-inferior for PFS, compared with mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab, as the first-line systemic treatment for mCRC. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER UMIN000001396.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal neoplasms using the stag beetle knife

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an accepted standard treatment for early gastric cancer but is not widely used in the esophagus because of technical difficulties. To increase the safety of esophageal ESD, we used a scissors-type device called the stag beetle (SB) knife. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of ESD using the SB knife. We performed a single-center retrospective, uncontrolled trial. A total of 38 lesions were excised by ESD from 35 consecutive patients who were retrospectively divided into the following two groups according to the type of knife used to perform ESD: the hook knife (hook group) was used in 20 patients (21 lesions), and the SB knife (SB group) was used in 15 patients (17 lesions). We evaluated and compared the operative time, lesion size, en bloc resection rate, pathological margins free rate, and complication rate in both groups. The operative time was shorter in the SB group (median 70.0 minutes [interquartile range, 47.5-87.0]) than in the hook group (92.0 minutes [interquartile range, 63.0-114.0]) (P = 0.019), and the rate of complications in the SB group was 0% compared with 45.0% in the hook group (P = 0.004). However, the lesion size, en bloc resection rate, and pathological margins free rate did not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, ESD using the SB knife was safer than that using a conventional knife for superficial esophageal neoplasms.

The efficacy of uracil DNA glycosylase pretreatment in amplicon-based massively parallel sequencing with DNA extracted from archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded esophageal cancer tissues

Advances in mutation testing for molecular-targeted cancer therapies have led to the increased use of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumors. However, DNA extracted from FFPE tumors (FFPE DNA) is problematic for mutation testing, especially for amplicon-based massively parallel sequencing (MPS), owing to DNA fragmentation and artificial C:G > T:A single nucleotide variants (SNVs) caused by deamination of cytosine to uracil. Therefore, to reduce artificial C:G > T:A SNVs in amplicon-based MPS using FFPE DNA, we evaluated the efficacy of uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) pretreatment, which can eliminate uracil-containing DNA molecules, with 126 archived FFPE esophageal cancer specimens. We also examined the association between the frequency of C:G > T:A SNVs and DNA quality, as assessed by a quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based assay. UDG pretreatment significantly lowered the frequency of C:G > T:A SNVs in highly fragmented DNA (by approximately 60%). This effect was not observed for good- to moderate-quality DNA, suggesting that a predictive assay (i.e., DNA quality assessment) needs to be performed prior to UDG pretreatment. These results suggest that UDG pretreatment is efficacious for mutation testing by amplicon-based MPS with fragmented DNA from FFPE samples.

Prognostic significance of thymidylate synthase in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who receive protracted venous infusions of 5-fluorouracil

BackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of thymidylate synthase (TS) expression in the tumor tissue of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) who received protracted venous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the prognostic value of TS expression as compared with other clinical prognostic factors in 57 patients with metastatic CRC.ResultsOn univariate analysis, survival was significantly related to TS expression (low vs high; P = 0.0015), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level (<300 vs ≥300 IU/l; P = 0.0037), performance status (0 or 1 vs 2 or 3; P = 0.0073), and white blood cell count (<10 000/mm3 vs ≥10 000/mm3; P = 0.0001), with number of metastatic sites (1 vs ≥2; P = 0.06) approaching significance. On multivariate analysis, survival was significantly related to TS expression (hazard ratio [HR], 2.97) and ALP level (HR, 2.26).ConclusionIn patients with metastatic CRC who received protracted venous infusions of 5-FU, TS expression was related to survival independently of other established clinical prognostic factors.

Predictive value of optimal morphologic response to first-line chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Background: It has been reported that morphologic response to preoperative chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor in patients who undergo hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of morphologic response to first-line chemotherapy in patients with CLM. Methods: We assessed 41 patients with CLM who received fluorouracil-based chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab as the first-line chemotherapy between April 2006 and June 2012. Three blinded radiologists evaluated computed tomography images and classified them as optimal, incomplete or no response according to the morphologic criteria. Response to systemic chemotherapy was also evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Predictive factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) were identified in multivariate analysis. Results: Twenty-three patients (56%) received chemotherapy with bevacizumab, while 18 patients (44%) received chemotherapy without bevacizumab. Optimal morphologic response was observed in 11 patients (48%) treated with bevacizumab and in 5 patients (28%) treated without bevacizumab (p = 0.19). Eight patients (20%) underwent hepatic resection after chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 31.3 months. The median PFS was 13.3 months for patients with optical morphologic response and 8.7 months in those with incomplete/no morphologic response (p = 0.0026). On multivariate analysis, performance status and morphologic response were significant independent predictors of PFS. Conclusion: Optimal morphologic response was significantly associated with PFS in patients with CLM who were treated with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy as the first-line chemotherapy.

Long-Term Follow-Up Outcome of Imatinib Mesylate Treatment for Recurrent and Unresectable Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Background: The follow-up study of up to 71 months of a randomized phase II B2222 trial has demonstrated a long-term survival in patients with recurrent or unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). One subset of the patients (17.7%) has been alive for over 9 years with continuous imatinib mesylate (imatinib) treatment. Here, we report the retrospective analysis of recurrent or unresectable GIST patients with imatinib treatment at our institution. Methods: We summarized the data of 20 patients with recurrent or unresectable GIST treated with imatinib. Results: Patients were followed for a median of 40 months (range 2.5–103) under imatinib treatment. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 89 months and overall survival for 8 years was 67%. Fifteen patients showed continuous partial response or stable disease with imatinib treatment. The median PFS was 45 months and the median size of the primary tumor was 7.6 cm (range 2.8–18). Four patients showed progressive disease. The median PFS was 56 months and the median size of the primary tumor was 11.9 cm (range 6.7–19). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in neutropenia (10%), anemia (15%) and renal dysfunction (5%). However, all patients were well managed by supportive treatment and none were discontinued from imatinib treatment due to toxicity or adverse events. Conclusion: Imatinib had a high efficacy in patients with unresectable and recurrent GIST during long-term follow-up. All patients were well managed by supportive treatment against adverse events and they were able to take imatinib without discontinuation. The management of adverse events was a key factor for achieving a long-term survival. In addition, the potential risk of imatinib-resistant GISTs tends to depend on the size of the primary GISTs.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic indicator of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with arterial cisplatin plus continuous 5-fluorouracil.

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAIC) therapy may be a therapeutic option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in addition to administration of sorafenib, which is the only currently established standard regimen for this disease. Survival benefit of HAIC has been reported in patients positive for antitumor response. Therefore, the prediction of antitumor response is important in decision‐making for HAIC treatment.

Comparison of Lafutidine and Rabeprazole in 7-day Second-line Amoxicillin- and Metronidazole-Containing Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori: A Pilot Study

Background:  Lafutidine is an H2‐receptor antagonist with gastroprotective action through capsaicin‐sensitive afferent neurons and relatively inexpensive compare to proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs). A 7‐day course of PPIs–amoxicillin–metronidazole is recommended as standard second‐line Helicobacter pylori therapy and is covered by national health insurance in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of second‐line eradication using the H2‐receptor antagonist lafutidine as a substitute for a PPI.

Retrospective Cohort Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Bevacizumab with Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients: The HGCSG0801 Study

OBJECTIVE After approval of bevacizumab in Japan, post-marketing surveillance studies reported on safety. However, few reports have shown the efficacy of bevacizumab as used in daily practice. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer patients in daily practice. METHODS All unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer patients who began receiving bevacizumab in participating facilities from June 2007 to October 2008 were retrospectively analyzed for safety and efficacy. Adverse events were assessed by the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Response Evaluation in Solid Tumors criteria, version 1.0, was used for the tumor response rate. RESULTS A total of 212 patients from 17 institutions were assessed. Grade 3 or higher adverse events related to bevacizumab included gastrointestinal perforation in 3, thrombosis in 7, hypertension in 30 and gastrointestinal bleeding in 2. Response rates were 62.5, 30.1 and 11.8% overall among patients receiving bevacizumab as first-, second- and third-line or greater therapy. Median progression-free survival was 14.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.8-18.1], 7.8 (95% CI: 6.5-9.1) and 6.0 (95% CI: 4.6-7.3) months, and median overall survival was 32.5 (95% CI: 24.6-40.3), 16.4 (95% CI: 14.4-18.5) and 11.8 (95% CI: 8.6-15.0) months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The general cohort of patients in HGCSG0801 showed a similar efficacy and safety profile of bevacizumab as seen in clinical trials. Although the sample size was small and there were several study limitations, these results suggest that colorectal cancer patients in Japan might safely receive and benefit from bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in daily practice, as is seen in patients in other countries.

Phase I/II study of irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and l-leucovorin combination therapy (modified Saltz regimen) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

BackgroundA combination of irinotecan 125 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 500 mg/m2, and leucovorin (LV) 20 mg/m2 (Saltz regimen; treatment on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 every 6 weeks) is widely used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. A modified schedule with chemotherapy on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle was recommended in 2001 because of early treatment-related mortality. We conducted a phase I/II study of this modified Saltz regimen as first-line therapy in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended dose of 5-FU when given with fixed doses of l-LV and irinotecan, and to evaluate the efficacy and the feasibility of this regimen.MethodsIrinotecan, 5-FU, and l-LV were administered on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Irinotecan 100 mg/m2 was given intravenously over the course of 90 min on day 1, followed by l-LV 10 mg/m2, and then 5-FU. The dose of 5-FU was escalated from 400 mg/m2 (level 1) to 500 mg/m2 (level 2). If neither level met the criteria for the MTD, the recommended dose was defined as level 2, and dose escalation was discontinued, because the maximum approved weekly dose of irinotecan alone in Japan is 100 mg/m2 and the dose of 5-FU in the original Saltz regimen was 500 mg/m2.ResultsOne patient had grade 4 neutropenia with fever at level 1, and four patients had grade 3 neutropenia at level 2. There was no treatment-related death. Level 2 did not meet the criteria for the MTD. The relative dose intensities of the first five cycles were 91% for both 5-FU and irinotecan at level 1 and 86% for 5-FU and 93% for irinotecan at level 2. The response rates were 58% for all patients, and 69% for patients at level 2.ConclusionOur results confirm that the modified Saltz regimen is safe and efficacious for Japanese patients. The recommended doses for phase II studies are irinotecan 100 mg/m2, 5-FU 500 mg/m2, and l-LV 10 mg/m2.