131 Background: Trimodality therapy is the standard of care for patients with resectable cancer of the esophagus. However, patients ≥75 years have been underrepresented or excluded from landmark clinical trials to date. We investigated the feasibility and safety of treatment of esophageal cancer with trimodality therapy in patients’ ≥ 75 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients ≥75 years who received trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer in 3 high volume tertiary cancer institutions from June 2007 to June 2013. All patients received neoadjuvant radiation with concomitant chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy. Toxicities and clinical outcomes were abstracted from the electronic medical record and partially from a prospectively maintained database. Overall and disease-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Five hundred seventy patients were treated with trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer from 2007-2013. Of these, 38 patients (7%) were 75 or older at the time of diagnosis. At diagnosis, comorbidities included coronary artery disease (32%), atrial fibrillation (11%) and COPD (13%). The majority of patients (87%) received 50.4Gy/28 fractions. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/cisplatin was the most common chemotherapy regimen (37%), followed by 5-FU/docetaxel (24%). A total of 13 patients (34%) developed acute grade ≥3 toxicity associated with neoadjuvant therapy. The most common acute grade 3 toxicities were haematological (10%), nausea (8%), esophagitis (5%) and fatigue (5%). Significant postoperative complications included respiratory (empyema, ARDS, pleural effusion) (39%), arrhythmia (32%), anastomotic leak (5%), and ileus (5%). There were 2 deaths (5%) within 90 days of surgery: one was secondary to empyema, the other developed DIC and sepsis. Median overall survival and disease free survival were 4.4 and 2.3 years respectively. Conclusions: Trimodality treatment is a reasonable approach for management of carefully selected elderly patients with esophageal cancer, with similar rates of cancer outcomes, and treatment related morbidity and mortality as compared to younger patients.
Pre-treatment pulmonary function testing as a predictor of cardiopulmonary toxicity in esophageal cancer patients treated with trimodality therapy.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 29, 2019 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 4_suppl | Pages: 121-121
121 Background: We evaluated the role of pre-treatment pulmonary function testing (PFT) in predicting the likelihood of cardiac and/or pulmonary toxicity for esophagus cancer patients receiving trimodality therapy. Methods: From 2007 to 2013, 64 patients with esophageal cancer received trimodality therapy at a single tertiary center with pre-treatment PFTs. The odds ratio of pre-treatment PFT as a predictor of cardiopulmonary toxicity was assess with univariate analysis (UVA). FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and DLCO (diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide) were assessed per 0.5-unit decrease. Percent FEV1 and DLCO predicted were assessed per 10% decrease. Results: The median age was 62 years (range, 41-79) with 88% male patients. A total of 70% of patients had adenocarcinoma with 66% having stage 3 disease. Most patients were former (43%) or current smokers (32%) and 18% had COPD. One or more cardiac comorbidities were observed in 54% of patients. The median RT dose was 50 Gy and the most frequent concurrent chemotherapy was cisplatin/5FU (53%). The median pre-treatment FEV1 and DLCO was 2.8 liters (range, 1-4.9) and 22.5 mL/min/mmHg (range, 17.2-25.5), respectively. This correlated to a median percent predicted value for FEV1 and DLCO of 85% (range, 30-124%) and 81.5% (range, 49-119%), respectively. The overall rate of any cardiac and pulmonary toxicity was 35% and 50%, respectively. Percent predicted value of both FEV1 and DLCO was statistically associated with pulmonary but not cardiac toxicity (Table). Conclusions: Patients with compromised pre-treatment pulmonary function are at higher risk of developing post-treatment pulmonary toxicities. Pulmonary function testing should be routinely performed prior to initiation of trimodality therapy for patient risk stratification. [Table: see text]
Results of the randomized phase II portion of NRG Oncology/RTOG 0848 evaluating the addition of erlotinib to adjuvant gemcitabine for patients with resected pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | September 6, 2018 | Volume: 35 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 4007-4007
4007 Background: NRG/RTOG 0848 is a 2-step study designed to determine whether erlotinib (E) added to gemcitabine (G) (randomized Ph II) &/or adjuvant radiation with concurrent 5-FU or capecitabine following 6 months of systemic chemotherapy (Ph III), improve survival in patients (pts) with resected pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. The erlotinib results are reported here. Methods: Eligible pts include those with resected pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, pathologic stage T1-T3, N0-1, M0; PS 0-1, & CA19-9 ≤ 180 IU/L. Pts in Arms 1 & 2 received G 1 gm/m2 weekly for 3 weeks in a 28-day cycle for 6 cycles. Pts in Arm 2 also received E 100 mg/day. The primary hypothesis for the E portion was that G+E would increase overall survival (OS) compared to G alone. With a 1-sided alpha of 0.15, 200 OS events provide 80%/90% power to detect a signal for an increase in median OS from 22 to 28.8/30.6 months (mos). OS was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method & arms compared using the log rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze treatment effect. Results: 336 pts were randomized from 11/17/2009 to 2/28/2014, with 163 pts evaluable for G and 159 for G+E. Median age was 63 years (39-86). Most pts had pathologic T3 disease (78%) & CA19-9 ≤ 90 (93%). There are 32 pts (20%) with grade 4 adverse events (AEs) & 2 pts (1%) with grade 5 AEs on G and 27 (17%) & 3 (2%) on G+E arm, respectively. There are fewer grade ≥ 3 GI AEs on the G arm (22%) as compared to the G+E arm (28%), and 110 (69.2%) & 93 (59.6%) pts received at least 85% of planned G dose for the G & G+E arms, respectively. 58% of E pts received at least 85% of planned E dose. The median follow-up for alive pts is 42.5 mos (min-max: < 1-75). With 203 deaths, median & 3-yr OS (95% CI) are 29.9 mos (21.7-33.4) & 39% (30, 45) for G and 28.1 mos (20.7-30.9) & 39% (31, 47) for G+E; log-rank p = 0.62. The hazard ratio (95% CI) comparing OS of G+E to G is 1.04 (0.79- 1.38). Conclusions: The addition of adjuvant E to G did not provide a signal for increased OS in pts with resected pancreatic head cancer compared to G alone. Accrual to the trial is continuing to answer the Ph III radiation question. Clinical trial information: NCT01013649.
A curative intent trimodality approach for advanced isolated abdominal nodal metastasis in metastatic colorectal cancer: Update of a single-institutional experience.
Journal of Clinical Oncology | September 6, 2018 | Volume: 35 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 3556-3556
3556 Background: To define and update survival rates and relapse patterns in patients (pts) with isolated advanced abdominal nodal metastasis secondary to colorectal cancer (CRC), treated with curative intent using aggressive trimodality therapy. Methods: Fifty-seven pts with isolated advanced abdominal lymph node metastasis (retroperitoneal and mesenteric) secondary to colorectal cancer received trimodality therapy defined as chemotherapy delivered in conjunction with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by lymphadenectomy and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Infusional 5-FU was the most common radiosensitizer used (66%, 38 pts). The median dose of EBRT was 50 Gy & the median dose of intraoperative radiotherapy was 12.5 Gy. End points included distant metastasis, toxicities, local failure within EBRT field, recurrence within the intraoperative radiotherapy field, and survival. Results: 49% of pts were male, median age 50.5 yrs. All patients had ECOG ≤ 1. 27 pts had primary right sided colon cancer, 16 left sided colon cancer and 14 rectal primaries. Median time from initial CRC diagnosis to development of abdominal lymph node metastatic disease was 24 months (95% CI, 23.5-45.1 months). 84% (48 pts) had paraaortic nodal metastases, 12% (7 pts) had mesenteric nodal metastases, and 3% (2 pts) had both. With a median follow up of 89.4 months, the median overall survival and 5-year estimated survival rate were 53.2 months (95% CI, 46.4-78.8 months) and 42%, respectively. Median progression free survival was 19.3 months (95% CI, 15.6-32.8 months). 21 (37%) pts never developed distant disease. Outcome was not affected by disease sidedness, rectal primary, or mutational profile. Treatment was well tolerated without any grade 3/4 toxicities. Conclusions: The use of trimodality therapy including EBRT with radiosensitizing chemotherapy, lymphadenectomy and IORT produces sustainable long-term survival in selected metastatic CRC pts presenting with isolated retroperitoneal/mesenteric nodal relapse.
Knowledge of endoscopic ultrasound-delivered fiducial composition and dimension necessary when planning proton beam radiotherapy
Endoscopy International Open | June 5, 2018 | Volume: 06 | Issue: 06 | Pages: E766-E768
Abstract Background and study aims Little consideration has been given to selection of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fiducials for proton radiotherapy and the resulting perturbations in the therapy dose and pattern. Our aim was to assess the impact of perturbations caused by six fiducials of different composition and dimensions in a phantom gel model. Materials and methods The phantom was submerged in a water bath and irradiated with a uniform 10 cm × 10 cm field of 119.7 MeV monoenergetic spot scanning protons delivered through a 45 mm range shifter. The proton “Bragg Peak” was evaluated. Results Dose perturbations manifesting as dose reductions up to 30 % were observed. A carbon composite (1 × 5 mm) and gold (0.4 × 10 mm) fiducial with backload potential rather than dedicated EUS pre-loaded gold fiducial needles had the best performance in terms of minimizing the dose perturbation. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that a carbon composite fiducial has a less untoward effect on proton therapy dose distribution than dedicated EUS pre-loaded gold fiducial needles. Such information is important to consider when selecting fiducials specifically for proton therapy.
A Curative-Intent Trimodality Approach for Isolated Abdominal Nodal Metastases in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Update of a Single-Institutional Experience
The Oncologist | February 14, 2018 | Volume: 23 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 679-685
Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to define survival rates in patients with isolated advanced abdominal nodal metastases secondary to colorectal cancer (CRC), treated with curative-intent trimodality therapy. Materials and Methods Sixty-five patients received trimodality therapy, defined as chemotherapy delivered with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by lymphadenectomy and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Infusional 5-fluorouracil was the most common radiosensitizer used (63%, 41 patients). The median dose of EBRT was 50 Gy, and the median dose of IORT was 12.5 Gy. We evaluated time to distant metastasis, toxicities, local failure within the EBRT field, recurrence within the IORT field, and survival. Results Fifty-two percent of patients were male; patients’ median age was 50.5 years. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≤1. Twenty-nine patients had right-sided colon cancer, 22 had left-sided colon cancer, and 14 had rectal primaries. The median time from initial CRC diagnosis to development of abdominal nodal metastatic disease was 20.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.2–40.8 months). Seventy-eight percent (51 patients) had para-aortic nodal metastases, 15% (10 patients) had mesenteric nodal metastases, and 6% (4 patients) had both. With a median follow-up of 77.6 months, the median overall survival and 5-year estimated survival rate were 55.4 months (95% CI, 47.2–80.9 months) and 45%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 19.3 months (95% CI, 16.5–32.8 months). Twenty-six (40%) patients never developed distant disease. The outcome was not affected by disease sidedness or rectal primary. Treatment was well tolerated without grade 3 or 4 toxicities. Conclusion Trimodality therapy produces sustainable long-term survival in selected patients with metastatic CRC presenting with isolated retroperitoneal or mesenteric nodal relapse. Implications for Practice This article reports a unique trimodality approach incorporating external beam radiotherapy with radiosensitizing chemotherapy, surgical resection, and intraoperative radiotherapy provides durable survival benefit with significant curative potential for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who present with isolated abdominal nodal (mesenteric and/or retroperitoneal) recurrence.
Data collection of patient outcomes: one institution’s experience
Journal of Radiation Research | February 13, 2018 | Volume: 59 | Issue: suppl_1 | Pages: i19-i24
Objective: To determine the impact of histology on pathologic response, survival outcomes, and recurrence patterns in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Summary of Background Data: There is a paucity of data regarding comparative outcomes after neoadjuvant CRT between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma. Methods: Between 2002 and 2015, 895 EC patients who underwent neoadjuvant CRT followed by esophagectomy at 3 academic institutions were retrospectively reviewed, including 207 patients with SCC (23.1%) and 688 patients with adenocarcinoma (76.9%). Pathologic response, survival, recurrence pattern, and potential prognostic factors were compared. Results: Pathologic complete response (pCR) rate was significantly higher for SCC compared with adenocarcinoma (44.9% vs 25.9%, P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 52.9 months, 71 patients (34.3%) with SCC versus 297 patients (43.2%) with adenocarcinoma had recurrent disease (P = 0.023). For patients who achieved a pCR, no significant differences were found in recurrence pattern, sites, or survival end-points between the 2 histology groups. For non-pCR patients, the SCC group demonstrated significantly higher regional and supraclavicular recurrence rates but a lower hematogenous metastasis rate than adenocarcinoma patients, whereas the adenocarcinoma patients had a more favorable locoregional failure-free survival (P = 0.005) and worse distant metastasis-free survival (P = 0.024). No differences were found in overall survival (P = 0.772) or recurrence-free survival (P = 0.696) between groups. Conclusions: SCC was associated with a significantly higher pCR rate than adenocarcinoma. Recurrence pattern and survival outcomes were significantly different between the 2 histology subtypes in non-pCR patients.
Gemcitabine (Gem), cisplatin (Cis) and radiation therapy (RT) for patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (ACA): A North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) phase II study
Journal of Clinical Oncology | April 5, 2017 | Volume: 22 | Issue: 14_suppl | Pages: 4121-4121
AbstractPurposeLocal control for Ewing sarcoma (ES) has improved in modern studies. However, it is unclear if these gains have also been achieved for pelvis tumors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate local control and survival in pelvis ES patients treated in the modern era.MethodsAll pelvis ES patients diagnosed from 1990 to 2012 and seen at Mayo Clinic were identified. Factors relevant to survival and local control were analyzed.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 48 patients. Fifty‐two percent had metastatic disease at diagnosis. The 5‐year overall survival and event‐free survival was 73% and 65%, respectively, for localized disease. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of local recurrence was 19%, with a 26% incidence for radiation, 13% for surgery, and 0% for surgery + radiation (P = 0.54). All local failures occurred in‐field. Sacral involvement by tumor trended toward a higher incidence of local recurrence (hazard ratio 3.06, P = 0.09). Patients treated with definitive radiation doses ≥5,600 cGy had a lower incidence of local recurrence (17% vs. 28%, P = 0.61).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates excellent survival for localized tumors in the modern era. Anatomical localization within the pelvis likely correlates with outcomes. Local control remains problematic, especially for patients treated with definitive radiation. Though statistically not significant, surgery + radiation and definitive radiation dose ≥5,600 cGy were associated with the lowest incidence of local failure, suggesting treatment intensification may improve local control for pelvis ES.