Simons, W. Robert

1055^ Background: Key properties of QoL instruments in a clinical trial setting are reliability, the ability to detect a change, and content validity. Using data from the Study 301 phase III breast cancer trial, we report here content validity and ability to detect a change for the EORTC QLQ-C30 and breast cancer-specific QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. Methods: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer were randomized to 21-day cycles of either eribulin mesylate 1.4 mg/m2 given on Days 1 and 8, or capecitabine 1.25 g/m2BID orally on Days 1-14. QoL questionnaires were completed at baseline and at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Objective tumor response was evaluated (complete response [CR]; partial response [PR]; stable disease [SD]; progressive disease [PD]). Univariate and multivariate longitudinal analyses using weighted generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the responsiveness of the QoL scales to objective tumor response. Results: 1,102 patients were randomized (554 eribulin, 548 capecitabine). Global health status (GHS)/QoL scores were low at baseline (55). GHS/QoL scores were highest for patients with CR (70.8), followed by those patients with PR (63.5), SD (60.5), and PD (58.1). Physical functioning followed the same pattern: CR (98.3); PR (79.1); SD (72.8); PD (71.0). Role and social functioning scores were also responsive. Pain increased, while fatigue and body image worsened, with poorer tumor responses. Using the weighted generalized estimating equations, there were improvements in physical (34.78; p<0.01), cognitive (27.29; p<0.01), and social (22.04; p<0.01) functioning, and future perspective 11.47 (p<0.01), in patients who responded (CR and PR) to treatment compared with non-responders. Pain decreased significantly by 28.62 (p<0.01) on a 0-100 scale. Patients who responded also gained appetite and had fewer breast symptoms. Conclusions: These results suggest content validity of the EORTC QLQ-30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires as they correlate with changes in objective tumor assessments. Clinical trial information: NCT00337103.

1050^ Background: In a phase III trial comparing eribulin (E) vs. capecitabine (C) in pts with locally advanced or MBC, a trend for improved OS was observed but a statistically significant superiority was not demonstrated with E vs. C for OS or PFS. The AE profiles were consistent with known side effects. We now report QoL results from this trial. Methods: Pts received eribulin mesylate 1.4 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8, or C 1.25 g/m2 BID orally on Days 1-14, of a 21-day cycle. Eligible pts had received prior therapy including an anthracycline and taxane, and were receiving study drug as 1st-, 2nd-, or 3rd-line therapy for advanced disease. QoL, a secondary objective, was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires at baseline, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after starting treatment (or until progressive disease or treatment change), and at unscheduled visits. Longitudinal analyses were carried out using weighted generalized estimating equations adjusted for non-random attrition due to death within 12 months. Model covariates were time (visit), region, and baseline QoL. The primary endpoint was change from baseline for Global Health Status (GHS)/overall QoL; exploratory endpoints were change from baseline for each functional domain, and signs/symptoms. Results: 1,102 pts were randomized (E 554; C 548). GHS/QoL scores were low at baseline for E (56.3) and C (54.7) on a scale of 0 (worse) to 100 (best). GHS/QoL and cognitive functioning improved significantly more in pts receiving E vs. C, (6.5 [p=0.048] and 15.3 [p<0.001], respectively). Emotional functioning improved significantly for pts receiving C vs. E (3.3; p=0.033). Pain was comparable at baseline, and was lower at subsequent visits with both treatments. Patient-reported signs/symptoms in favor of E included nausea and vomiting (E1.9; p=0.043) and diarrhea (-3.7; p=0.001); systemic side effects (5.2; p<0.001) and upset by hair loss (9.3; p=0.023) favored C. Conclusions: GHS/QoL scores improved more in pts receiving E than C. E showed advantages in terms of gastrointestinal effects while C had advantages in relation to hair loss. Clinical trial information: NCT00337103.