Nasser H. Hanna

The Differential Efficacy of Pemetrexed According to NSCLC Histology: A Review of Two Phase III Studies

BACKGROUND Recent studies of pemetrexed have identified a predictive role for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) histology. We further reviewed the differential efficacy of pemetrexed according to histology in two large, phase III NSCLC trials. METHODS One study tested pemetrexed versus docetaxel in previously treated patients (n = 571) and the other tested cisplatin plus pemetrexed versus cisplatin plus gemcitabine in chemotherapy-naive patients (n = 1,725) with advanced NSCLC. Cox proportional hazard models were used to test for covariate-adjusted treatment-by-histology interactions (THIs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). For each histologic subgroup, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate unadjusted within-arm medians, and Cox models were used to estimate covariate-adjusted between-arm hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS In both studies, treatment arms were well balanced for histology. THIs were statistically significant (p < .005) for both OS and PFS. Nonsquamous patients treated with pemetrexed-based therapy experienced longer survival than the comparators (HR, 0.78 and 0.84, respectively), whereas squamous patients had shorter survival (HR, 1.56 and 1.23, respectively). Whereas the efficacy of pemetrexed regimens differed according to histology, it did not differ for docetaxel or for cisplatin plus gemcitabine. Pemetrexed was well tolerated across histologic groups. CONCLUSIONS The consistency of these results across studies confirms the predictive effect of histology for pemetrexed and the survival advantage for pemetrexed in patients with nonsquamous histology. These analyses suggest pemetrexed should not be recommended for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, but, because of efficacy and safety advantages, pemetrexed may be preferable to other agents for treatment of patients with nonsquamous NSCLC.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Policy Statement From the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Combustible tobacco use remains the number-one preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which include electronic cigarettes, are devices capable of delivering nicotine in an aerosolized form. ENDS use by both adults and youth has increased rapidly, and some have advocated these products could serve as harm-reduction devices and smoking cessation aids. ENDS may be beneficial if they reduce smoking rates or prevent or reduce the known adverse health effects of smoking. However, ENDS may also be harmful, particularly to youth, if they increase the likelihood that nonsmokers or former smokers will use combustible tobacco products or if they discourage smokers from quitting. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recognize the potential ENDS have to alter patterns of tobacco use and affect the health of the public; however, definitive data are lacking. The AACR and ASCO recommend additional research on these devices, including assessing the health impacts of ENDS, understanding patterns of ENDS use, and determining what role ENDS have in cessation. Key policy recommendations include supporting federal, state, and local regulation of ENDS; requiring manufacturers to register with the US Food and Drug Administration and report all product ingredients, requiring childproof caps on ENDS liquids, and including warning labels on products and their advertisements; prohibiting youth-oriented marketing and sales; prohibiting child-friendly ENDS flavors; and prohibiting ENDS use in places where cigarette smoking is prohibited. This policy statement was developed by a joint writing group composed of members from the Tobacco and Cancer Subcommittee of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Science Policy and Government Affairs (SPGA) Committee and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Tobacco Cessation and Control Subcommittee of the Cancer Prevention Committee (CaPC). The statement was reviewed by both parent committees (ie, the AACR SPGA Committee and the ASCO CaPC) and was approved by the AACR Boards of Directors on August 6, 2014, and the ASCO Executive Committee on September 18, 2014. This policy statement was published jointly by invitation and consent in both Clinical Cancer Research and Journal of Clinical Oncology. Copyright 2015 American Association for Cancer Research and American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or storage in any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission by the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Recent issues in first-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Results of an International Expert Panel Meeting of the Italian Association of Thoracic Oncology

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, randomized trials have recently demonstrated the efficacy of several new drugs (pemetrexed, bevacizumab, cetuximab, erlotinib, gefitinib) in this setting. Hence, the choice of optimal treatment is no longer limited to the different platinum-based doublets. In order to guide clinical management of patients with advanced NSCLC, assess the strengths and limitations of available evidence, and to suggest priorities for clinical research, the Italian Association of Thoracic Oncology organized an International Expert Panel Meeting on the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC, which took place in Sperlonga (Italy) in May 2009. Experts recommended that every effort should be made to obtain adequate tumor tissue before initiating treatment. Tumor histology/cytology subtyping is now important for the correct choice of treatment. In particular, considering efficacy data obtained with pemetrexed and safety concerns with bevacizumab, a division between squamous and non-squamous tumors is necessary. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis, at present, is not recommended in all patients, but should be performed in subgroups of patients characterized by higher prevalence of sensitizing mutations (Asians, never smokers, women, adenocarcinoma). When a mutation is present, first-line treatment with single-agent EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor may be considered. Finally, the potential benefit of maintenance treatment for patients without progression at the end of first-line should be carefully discussed with each patient. Although the number of treatment options for patients with advanced NSCLC has increased recently, their results remain modest and further research is mandatory.

Dose–Volume Analysis of Radiation Pneumonitis in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Concurrent Cisplatinum and Etoposide With or Without Consolidation Docetaxel

PURPOSE To examine the rates and risk factors for radiation pneumonitis (RP) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS We reviewed dosimetry records from Stage III NSCLC patients treated on a prospective randomized trial. Patients received concurrent cisplatinum/etoposide with radiation therapy to 59.4 Gy. A total of 243 patients were enrolled; 167 did not experience progression and were randomized to observation (OB) or consolidation docetaxel (CD). Toxicity was coded based on the presence of Grade 0 to 1 vs. Grade 2 to 5 RP using the Common Toxicity Criteria and Adverse Events (CTCAE) v3.0. RESULTS Median age and follow-up were 63 years and 16 months, respectively. Overall, Grade 0 to 1 and Grade 2 to 5 RP were reported in 226 patients and 17 patients (7%) respectively. Median mean lung dose (MLD), V5, V20, and V30 for evaluable patients were 18 Gy, 52%, 35%, and 29%. MLD in Grade 0 to 1 and Grade 2 to 5 patients was 1,748 c Gy and 2,013 cGy in respectively (p = 0.12). Grade 2 to 5 RP developed in 2.2% and 19% of patients with MLD < 18 Gy and MLD > 18 Gy, respectively (p = 0.015). Mean V20 was 33.7% and 37.7% for Grade 0 to 1 and Grade 2 to 5 groups, respectively (p = 0.29). Grade 2 to 5 RP developed in 4.8% and 17% of patients with V20 < 35% and V20 > 35%, respectively. The OB and CD groups had similar MLD and V20, and the RP rates were 3.6% and 14.6%, respectively (p = 0.015). Patients who developed Grade 0 to 1 and Grade 2 to 5 RP had similar mean V5, V10, V15, V20, V25, V30, age, smoking history, and tumor characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The overall rate of Grade 2 to 5 RP was 7% in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. In this analysis, predictive factors for RP were MLD > 18 Gy and treatment with CD.

Phase 2 Trial of Linifanib (ABT-869) in Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: This study assessed activity and safety of linifanib (ABT-869), a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: In this open-label trial (NCT00517790), patients who received one to two prior lines of systemic therapy were randomized to oral linifanib 0.10 mg/kg (low dose) or 0.25 mg/kg (high dose) once daily. Tumor responses were assessed by independent central imaging review every 8 weeks. The primary end point was progression-free rate at 16 weeks. Secondary end points included objective response rate, time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Safety was also assessed. Results: Between August 2007 and October 2008, 139 patients were enrolled; 60% had two or more prior regimens, and 88% had nonsquamous cell carcinoma. The objective response rate (low dose and high dose) was 5.0% (3.1 and 6.8%), progression-free rate at 16 weeks was 33.1% (32.3 and 33.8%), median time to progression was 3.6 months (3.6 and 3.7 months), median progression-free survival was 3.6 months (3.5 and 3.6 months), and median overall survival was 9.0 months (10.0 and 8.3 months). The most common linifanib-related adverse events were fatigue (42%), decreased appetite (38%), hypertension (37%), diarrhea (32%), nausea (27%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (24%), and proteinuria (22%). These events were more common in the high-dose group. The most common linifanib-related grade 3 or 4 adverse event was hypertension (14%). Conclusions: Linifanib is active in advanced non-small cell lung cancer as second- or third-line therapy. Increased adverse event rates were observed at the high dose of linifanib.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Policy Statement from the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Combustible tobacco use remains the number one preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which include e-cigarettes, are devices capable of delivering nicotine in an aerosolized form. ENDS use by both adults and youth has increased rapidly, and some have advocated these products could serve as harm-reduction devices and smoking cessation aids. ENDS may be beneficial if they reduce smoking rates or prevent or reduce the known adverse health effects of smoking. However, ENDS may also be harmful, particularly to youth, if they increase the likelihood that nonsmokers or formers smokers will use combustible tobacco products or if they discourage smokers from quitting. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recognize the potential ENDS have to alter patterns of tobacco use and affect the publics health; however, definitive data are lacking. AACR and ASCO recommend additional research on these devices, including assessing the health impacts of ENDS, understanding patterns of ENDS use, and determining what role ENDS have in cessation. Key policy recommendations include supporting federal, state, and local regulation of ENDS; requiring manufacturers to register with the FDA and report all product ingredients, requiring childproof caps on ENDS liquids, and including warning labels on products and their advertisements; prohibiting youth-oriented marketing and sales; prohibiting child-friendly ENDS flavors; and prohibiting ENDS use in places where cigarette smoking is prohibited. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 514–25. ©2015 AACR. American Association for Cancer Research and American Society of Clinical Oncology.

A phase II study of weekly gemcitabine and paclitaxel in patients with previously untreated stage IIIb and IV non-small cell lung cancer

Platinum-based combination chemotherapy has become the standard treatment for good performance patients with stage IIIb and IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, newer agents such as gemcitabine and paclitaxel appear to have superior single agent activity and are more easily tolerated in comparison to the older platinum compounds. Therefore, we conducted this phase II study to evaluate the activity and toxicity of the combination paclitaxel and gemcitabine in advanced NSCLC. Gemcitabine was given at 1,000 mg/m(2) intravenously over 30 min followed by paclitaxel at 110 mg/m(2) intravenously over 1 h on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days for a maximum of 6 cycles. Between April 1998 and June 1999, 40 of 42 patients entered were eligible and received chemotherapy. Data was available on 39 patients. Toxicities included Grade 3/4 neutropenia in 43% of patients, while thrombocytopenia (13%) and anemia (7%) were less frequent. Five (12.5%) patients developed neutropenic fever. Four (10%) patients developed bilateral interstitial shadows with hypoxia suggestive of a drug-induced pneumonitis. There were 4 treatment-related deaths (1 from pneumonitis, 3 from neutropenic complications). Five patients were not evaluable due to early death. Therefore, 34 patients were evaluable with 12 (35.3%) achieving a partial remission and 1 achieving a complete remission for an overall response rate of 38.2% (32.5% on an intention-to-treat basis). The median progression free survival was 107 days (range, 14-391), median survival was 148 days (range, 12-495) and 1-year survival was 26%. In conclusion, weekly gemcitabine with paclitaxel in patients with advanced NSCLC is an active regimen; however, toxicity and poor survival precludes the use of this regimen as an experimental arm on a future phase III study.

Testicular Cancer: A Reflection on 50 Years of Discovery

Introduction The advances in the treatment of testicular cancer are among the great achievements in medicine. Cancer researchers from around the globe have asked and answered nearly every fundamental question about the treatment of patients with testicular cancer. The results are astonishing: cure in 95% of all patients; refined surgical techniques that preserve sexual function; minimization of short-term and longterm toxicities of therapy; FDA approval of several agents due entirely or in part from trials in testicular cancer including vinblastine in the 1960’s, bleomycin in 1973, cisplatin in 1978, etoposide in 1983, and ifosfamide in 1988. This article will help the reader understand this journey to a cure, which in many ways mirrors the history of drug development and cancer management during the 20th century. The basic tenets of cancer care were established, reinforced, or challenged during the methodical study of testicular cancer. These tenets include the use of randomized clinical trials to minimize toxicity and maximize outcomes; the rational utilization of combination chemotherapy; and the integration of care involving medical and surgical specialties.

A Double-Blind Randomized Discontinuation Phase-II Study of Sorafenib (BAY 43–9006) in Previously Treated Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study E2501

Introduction: Sorafenib is a raf kinase and angiogenesis inhibitor with activity in multiple cancers. This phase-II study in heavily pretreated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (≥ 2 prior therapies) used a randomized discontinuation design. Methods: Patients received 400 mg of sorafenib orally twice daily for two cycles (2 months) (step 1). Responding patients on step 1 continued on sorafenib; progressing patients went off study, and patients with stable disease were randomized to placebo or sorafenib (step 2), with crossover from placebo allowed upon progression. The primary endpoint of this study was the proportion of patients having stable or responding disease 2 months after randomization. Results: There were 299 patients evaluated for step 1; of these, 81 eligible patients were randomized on step 2 and received sorafenib (n = 50) or placebo (n = 31). The 2-month disease control rates after randomization were 54% and 23% for patients initially receiving sorafenib and placebo, respectively, p = 0.005. The hazard ratio for progression on step 2 was 0.51 (95% [confidence interval] CI 0.30, 0.87, p = 0.014) favoring sorafenib. A trend in favor of overall survival with sorafenib was also observed (13.7 versus 9.0 months from time of randomization), hazard ratio 0.67 (95% CI 0.40–1.11), p = 0.117. A dispensing error occurred, which resulted in the unblinding of some patients, but not before completion of the 8-week initial step 2 therapy. Toxicities were manageable and as expected. Conclusions: The results of this randomized discontinuation trial suggest that sorafenib has single-agent activity in a heavily pretreated, enriched patient population with advanced NSCLC. These results support further investigation with sorafenib as a single agent in larger, randomized studies in NSCLC.

Paclitaxel Plus Bevacizumab in Patients with Chemosensitive Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy Study from the Hoosier Oncology Group

Introduction: Bevacizumab when combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel improves response rates (RRs) and overall survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Paclitaxel has single-agent activity in relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Angiogenesis seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of SCLC. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel plus bevacizumab in patients with chemosensitive relapsed SCLC. Methods: Patients with relapsed chemosensitive SCLC with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1 were eligible. They received paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15. Bevacizumab was administered at 10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 15. Cycles were every 28 days. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included RRs, toxicity, and overall survival. Correlative studies evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms. Results: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in the study. Median age was 66.5 (range, 38–88) years, male:female: 61.8%:38.2%, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0:1 47.1%:52.9%. Median progression-free survival was 14.7 weeks (equivalent to historical controls). Median survival time was 30 weeks. The overall RR was 18.1%. Stable disease rate was 39.3%, and 45.4% of patients had progressive disease. No unexpected toxicities were noted, and grade 3/4 toxicities were limited to neutropenia, fatigue, and dyspnea. None of the vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms evaluated were significantly associated with response. Conclusions: The addition of bevacizumab to paclitaxel does not improve outcomes in relapsed chemosensitive SCLC.