Bokemeyer, Carsten

617 Background: There is limited, often conflicting evidence about AE timing, severity or associations with outcomes with the use of cytotoxic agents in cancer treatment. We investigated the impact on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of selected common AEs (neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, neuropathy) occurring in patients receiving first line oxaliplatin (Oxa)- and/or irinotecan(Iri)-based regimens for mCRC. Methods: The CTCAE grading scores of at least one AE of interest were available on 9812 pts treated with chemotherapy alone (median age 63; 62.4% male, 50.1% ECOG PS 0) from 17 1st-line randomized trials. Patients who also received biologics were excluded in the primary analyses. AEs occurring during the first 6 weeks of treatment and entire treatment were analyzed by stratified multivariable Cox models in relationship to OS/PFS. 55.7% pts received Oxa- regimens, 35.7% Iri-regimens, and 8.6% combined Oxa- and Iri-regimens. Results: Within the first 6 weeks of treatment, G3+ neutropenia (HRadj= 1.3, 95% CI, 1.06-1.59, padj 0.01), diarrhea (HRadj= 1.48, 95% CI, 1.23-1.79, padj < .0001), nausea (HRadj= 1.53, 95% CI, 1.17-1.99, padj 0.002) and vomiting (HRadj= 1.56, 95% CI, 1.18-2.07, padj 0.002) were associated with significantly worse OS for Iri-regimens, but only G3+ nausea predicted for worse OS for Oxa- regimens (HRadj= 1.61, 95% CI, 1.18-2.21, padj 0.003). For AEs experienced at any time, G3+ neutropenia and neuropathy were significantly associated with longer PFS and OS for Oxa-regimens, while G3+ vomiting and nausea were associated with worse OS for both Oxa- and Iri-based regimens. Sensitivity analysis showed largely concordant results by including pts who also received biologics. Conclusions: The association between more severe selected AEs and outcome varies between AEs and is influenced by timing of the occurrence. More severe selected AEs occurring early in treatment are associated with worse outcomes. In contrast, for AEs occurring at any time, G3+ neutropenia and neuropathy predicted for longer PFS and/or OS in Oxa-treated pts.

612 Background: mCRC is a heterogeneous disease leading to possible disparate responses among lesions in a single pt. This study assesses the heterogeneity of lesion responses and evaluates the prognostic value of LBR12 and its mortality risk discrimination beyond RECIST responses. Methods: Pts with ≥ 2 lesions and no new lesions at 12 weeks (wks) were eligible. For each pt, after 12 wks of Rx, each lesion was categorized as progressive disease (L-PD: ≥20% increase in the longest diameter [LD]), partial response (L-PR: ≥30% decrease in LD), or stable disease (L-SD: neither L-PD nor L-PR). LBR12 was defined, per patient, by the combination of lesion responses: homogeneous LBR12 (L-PD, L-SD, L-PR only) and heterogeneous LBR12 (mixture of L-PD/L-SD, L-PD/L-PR, L-SD/L-PR). LBR12 and overall survival (OS) were correlated using stratified multivariate Cox models after adjusting for age, gender, and ECOG PS. Results: Among 9,092 mCRCs (Rx: chemo alone 44%; chemo + VEGF inhibitor [VEGFi] 42%; chemo + EGFR inhibitor [EGFRi] 10%) from 16 1st-line studies. Median OS: 2.2 years. Per RECIST at 12 wks, CR 0%; PR 36.1%; SD 60.9%; PD 3.0%. Responses in 52% were heterogeneous (Table). VEGFi and EGFRi treated pts had the highest rate of L-SD/L-PR (45%) and L-PR only (22%) status, respectively. Median OS increased monotonically across pts with more L-PRs and fewer L-PDs (Table). Pts with L-SD/L-PR status, among which 51% had SD per RECIST, had longer OS than those with L-SD only status (HRadj.= .81, padj.< .0001), but shorter OS than those with L-PR only status (HRadj.= 1.46, padj.< .0001). Pts with L-PD/L-SD status, among which 71% were SD per RECIST, had shorter OS than those with L-SD only status (HRadj.= 2.22, padj.< .0001). These associations were consistent across treatment regimens. Conclusions: The lesion-based response captures the heterogeneity of within pt lesion responses and provides refinement in predicting outcome beyond RECIST response at 12 wks. [Table: see text]

3582 Background: The prognostic importance of the incidence, severity, type and duration of AEs pts experience during chemotherapy varies between tumor types, and the available evidence across the board is often conflicting. Here we investigated the impact of the overall severity of AEs among pts with mCRC receiving first-line oxaliplatin (Oxa)- and/or irinotecan(Iri)-based regimens. Methods: The overall severity of AE data (i.e., max grade (G) of all AEs) were available on 3,971 pts (median age 61; 60% male, 47% ECOG PS 1+; 57% 2+ metastatic sites) enrolled onto 6 1st-line randomized trials. Around 46%, 45%, and 9% of pts had received Oxa-, Iri-, and Oxa+Iri-based regimens, respectively. Pts receiving biologic agents were excluded. Stratified multivariate Cox models were used to assess the associations with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); adjusted hazard ratios (HRadj) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Results: Pts who only received Oxa-based treatment reported the lowest rate of G3+ AEs (p < .0001) compared to pts treated with Iri- or Oxa+Iri-based regimens. Older age, female gender, and PS 1 or 2+ were associated with higher grade AEs (all p < .0001). Considering AEs experienced within 6w after randomization, 10% and 61% of pts experienced G4+ and G2-3 AEs, respectively. G3+ AEs were associated with a shorter OS for both pts receiving Oxa- (HRadj= 1.2, 95% CI, 1.1-1.3, padj < .0001) and Iri-based regimens (HRadj= 1.4, 95% CI, 1.2-1.5, padj < .0001). For the entire treatment course, 19% and 72% of pts experienced G4+ and G2-3 AEs, respectively. For Oxa-based regimens, pts with G3+ AEs had a longer OS (HRadj= 0.86, 95% CI, 0.78-0.94, padj = .0016), whereas G3+ AEs were associated with a shorter OS (HRadj= 1.2, 95% CI, 1.1-1.4, padj = .0004) for pts treated with Iri-based regimens. Similar patterns were seen for PFS. Conclusions: Pts who reported higher grade AEs during initial treatment (≤6w) have significantly worse outcome than those who do not. Further analyses with treatment exposure/detailed dose-AE profile and its impact on survival are warranted.

3535 Background: CRC is known to be a heterogeneous disease. This study quantifies within pt heterogeneity in early lesion change rate (LCR) in the era of targeted agents compared to chemo alone and its potential impact on survival. Methods: Pts with 2-10 lesions measured at baseline were included. For each lesion, the early LCR was defined as the change in size (shrinking or growing) from baseline to 12 weeks on treatment. Within pt heterogeneity in early LCR among lesions was estimated by standard deviation (STD). A larger value of STD indicates larger variation of LCR per pt. Stratified multivariate Cox models were used to assess the associations between LCR STD with overall survival (OS). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRadj) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Results: Data were available on 9,092 mCRC pts (median age 61; 60% male, 55% ECOG PS 0; 61% 2+ metastatic sites) enrolled in 16 1st-line randomized trials, with 44%, 42%, and 10% of pts received chemo alone, + a VEGF inhibitor (VEGFi) or an EGFR inhibitor (EGFRi), respectively. LCR heterogeneity is the highest among pts received EGFRi but lowest among pts received VEGFi (Table). Overall, higher heterogeneity is associated with worst OS (HRadj1.22, 95% CI (1.16, 1.27)). The effect is most pronounced in pts received VEGFi (interaction p=0.0012). Conclusions: There was heterogeneity observed in lesion size changes within pts. Its magnitude varies across treatment approaches, and was associated with poor survival. This preliminary result reveals the great potentials to define novel response endpoint and refine treatment decision-making by incorporating heterogeneities in lesion changes. [Table: see text]

Purpose Factors contributing to early mortality after initiation of treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer are poorly understood. Materials and Methods Data from 22,654 patients enrolled in 28 randomized phase III trials contained in the ARCAD (Aide et Recherche en Cancérologie Digestive) database were pooled. Multivariable logistic regression models for 30-, 60-, and 90-day mortality were constructed, including clinically and statistically significant patient and disease factors and interaction terms. A calculator (nomogram) for 90-day mortality was developed and validated internally using bootstrapping methods and externally using a 10% random holdout sample from each trial. The impact of early progression on the likelihood of survival to 90 days was examined with time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models. Results Mortality rates were 1.4% at 30 days, 3.4% at 60 days, and 5.5% at 90 days. Among baseline factors, advanced age, lower body mass index, poorer performance status, increased number of metastatic sites, BRAF mutant status, and several laboratory parameters were associated with increased likelihood of early mortality. A multivariable model for 90-day mortality showed strong internal discrimination (C-index, 0.77) and good calibration across risk groups as well as accurate predictions in the external validation set, both overall and within patient subgroups. Conclusion A validated clinical nomogram has been developed to quantify the risk of early death for individual patients during initial treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. This tool may be used for patient eligibility assessment or risk stratification in future clinical trials and to identify patients requiring more or less aggressive therapy and additional supportive measures during and after treatment.

675 Background: Recent retrospective analysis of CALGB/SWOG 80405 showed that left-sided colon cancers (LCC) respond differently to biological therapy compared with right-sided tumors. However, differences between rectal cancers (RC) and LCC remain undefined. Herein, we report our exploration of differences between these two groups. Methods: Individual patient data from 4182 patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancers, enrolled onto 8 first-line randomized trials, were pooled. Only pts with tumor locations that were clearly defined as LCC (splenic flexure to sigmoid) or RC were included in this analysis. Differences in pt characteristics and disease factors according to LCC vs. RC were identified. The prognostic effect of primary tumor location on OS and PFS was quantified via multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling stratified by treatment arm within each study and adjusting for age, sex, performance status, and prior surgery. Results: In total, 2,479 (59%) pts with LCC and 1,703 (41%) pts with RC were identified. Pts with RC, compared with LCC, were more likely to be male (68% vs. 62%, p < 0.001), have lung metastases (mets) (56% vs. 37%, p < 0.001), and have 2 or more metastatic sites (64% vs. 60%, p < 0.02), whereas pts with LCC were more likely to have liver mets (84% vs. 76%, p < 0.001). RC had a greater frequency of KRAS mutations (41% vs. 37%, p = 0.04) than LCC but there were no differences in the frequency of BRAF mutations (5% vs. 4%, p = 0.2). In multivariable analysis, no differences in OS or PFS were observed between pts with LCC vs. RC. While risk of death did not differ by primary tumor location, across all pts with LCC or RC, those with liver mets had a 17% increased risk of death compared to those with lung mets (HR = 1.17, p = 0.03) after adjusting for effects of other variables. Forthcoming prognostic analysis of LCC vs. RC within grouped backbone treatments (e.g., FOLFOX and FOLFIRI) is underway. Conclusions: Tumors arising in the rectum may carry clinical and molecular features that are distinct from LCC. Further investigations are warranted to determine whether RC should be treated with the same chemo backbone and biological therapy as LCC.

Purpose In recent retrospective analyses of early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC), low and high body mass index (BMI) scores were associated with worsened outcomes. Whether BMI is a prognostic or predictive factor in metastatic CRC (mCRC) is unclear. Patients and Methods Individual data from 21,149 patients enrolled onto 25 first-line mCRC trials during 1997 to 2012 were pooled. We assessed both prognostic and predictive effects of BMI on overall survival and progression-free survival, and we accounted for patient and tumor characteristics and therapy type (targeted v nontargeted). Results BMI was prognostic for overall survival (P < .001) and progression-free survival (P < .001), with an L-shaped pattern. That is, risk of progression and/or death was greatest for low BMI; risk decreased as BMI increased to approximately 28 kg/m 2 , and then it plateaued. Relative to obese patients, patients with a BMI of 18.5 kg/m 2 had a 27% increased risk of having a PFS event (95% CI, 20% to 34%) and a 50% increased risk of death (95% CI, 43% to 56%). Low BMI was associated with poorer survival for men than women (interaction P < .001). BMI was not predictive of treatment effect. Conclusion Low BMI is associated with an increased risk of progression and death among the patients enrolled on the mCRC trials, with no increased risk for elevated BMI, in contrast to the adjuvant setting. Possible explanations include negative effects related to cancer cachexia in patients with low BMI, increased drug delivery or selection bias in patients with high BMI, and potential for an interaction between BMI and molecular signaling pathways.

PurposeProgression-free survival (PFS) has previously been established as a surrogate for overall survival (OS) for first-line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Because mCRC treatment has advanced in the last decade with extended OS, this surrogacy requires re-examination.MethodsIndividual patient data from 16,762 patients were available from 22 first-line mCRC studies conducted from 1997 to 2006; 12 of those studies tested antiangiogenic and/or anti–epidermal growth factor receptor agents. The relationship between PFS (first event of progression or death) and OS was evaluated by using R2statistics (the closer the value is to 1, the stronger the correlation) from weighted least squares regression of trial-specific hazard ratios estimated by using Cox and Copula models.ResultsForty-four percent of patients received a regimen that included biologic agents. Median first-line PFS was 8.3 months, and median OS was 18.2 months. The correlation between PFS and OS was modest (R2, 0.45 to 0.69). Analyses limited to trials that tested treatments with biologic agents, nonstrategy trials, or superiority trials did not improve surrogacy.ConclusionIn modern mCRC trials, in which survival after the first progression exceeds time to first progression, a positive but modest correlation was observed between OS and PFS at both the patient and trial levels. This finding demonstrates the substantial variability in OS introduced by the number of lines of therapy and types of effective subsequent treatments and the associated challenge to the use of OS as an end point to assess the benefit attributable to a single line of therapy. PFS remains an appropriate primary end point for first-line mCRC trials to detect the direct treatment effect of new agents.