Citations

9019 Background: Pemetrexed is a new multi-targeted antifol that inhibits enzymes involved in the de novo biosynthesis of thymidine and purine nucleotides. Methods: A phase 1 dose escalation and pharmacokinetic study (PK) was performed in children with refractory solid tumors to define the dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) and a recommended phase 2 dose. Pemetrexed was administered as a 10 min iv infusion every 21 days. All patients received folic acid (400 mcg/day po), vitamin B12 (500–1000 mcg every 3rd course IM) and dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg/dose bid × 3 days each course) . Cohorts of 3 to 6 children were enrolled at dose levels of 400, 520, 670, 870, 1,130, 1,470, 1,910 and 2,480 mg/m2. DLT was defined as any Gr. 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicity (except nausea/vomiting, alopecia, or AST/ALT elevation that returns to Gr. 1), Gr. 4 neutropenia or Gr. 4 thrombocytopenia ≥ 7 days. Results: 33 subjects (31 fully evaluable for toxicity), median age of 12 yrs (range, 1–21), with diagnoses including osteosarcoma (12), Ewing’s sarcoma (3), hepatoblastoma (2), renal cell carcinoma (2), brainstem glioma (3), glioma (3), and other (n=8) were enrolled. DLT occurred in 1/6 patients at 1,470 mg/m2 (Gr. 3 AST and ALT), and in 2/4 at 2,480 mg/m2 (Gr. 3 ANC and Gr. 3 rash in both). Other DLTs at 2,480 mg/m2 that occurred in 1 patient included Gr. 3 diarrhea and rectal hemorrhage, and Gr. 4 thrombocytopenia, lipase, GGT, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia and hyponatremia. At 1,910 mg/m2, 0/6 patients had DLT. The median number of courses administered was 1 (range 1 to 17). No CRs or PRs have been observed. Results of PK and other correlative studies will be presented. Conclusions: The recommended phase 2 dose of pemetrexed for children and adolescents with recurrent solid tumors is 1,910 mg/m2 administered q21 days with dexamethasone, folic acid and B12 supplementation. A phase II COG study is planned. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

9017 Background: Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) that has demonstrated significant growth inhibition in several pre-clinical models of pediatric solid tumors. However, the agent has never been tested in pediatric patients. Methods: A phase I dose escalation study in children with refractory solid tumors was conducted to define the dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), and to determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) and recommended phase II dose of bevacizumab administered by IV infusion every 2 weeks in 28-day cycles. Cohorts were enrolled at dose levels of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg; the final dose level was expanded to include at least 3 children <6 years of age. Serial blood samples were collected for PK, plasma VEGF concentration, and circulating mature and progenitor endothelial cells (CECs/CEPs). Results: 20 patients (10 male), median age 13 yrs (range 1–21), were enrolled at dose levels 5 (n=3), 10 (n=3), and 15 (n=14) mg/kg. 18 patients were fully evaluable for toxicity (one withdrew consent prior to treatment and the second was removed for rapid disease progression). A total of 67 cycles were administered with a median of 3 per patient (range 1–16). Treatment was well tolerated and no DLTs were observed. Only one grade 3 toxicity, lymphopenia, was attributed to drug. Non-dose limiting, grade 1–2 toxicities included infusional reaction (n=3), rash (n=3), mucositis (n=2), and proteinuria (n=3). There was no hypertension, hemorrhage or thrombosis reported. There were no partial or complete responses; 3 pts with Ewings and 2 pts with soft tissue sarcoma had disease stabilization for > 3 months. The serum exposure to bevacizumab as measured by AUC appeared to increase in proportion to dose. The median clearance of bevacizumab was 4.1 ml/day/kg (range 3.2–15.9), and the median T1/2 was 11.8 days (range 3.9–14.6). In some patients, a rapid rate of rise in plasma VEGF, increase in mature CECs or decrease in CEPs was observed. Conclusion: Bevacizumab at doses up to 15mg/kg every two weeks is well tolerated in children with solid tumors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

9014 Background: MGd, a radiosensitizer that selectively accumulates in tumors, generates reactive oxygen species intracellularly. In preclinical experiments, MGd enhances RT-induced apoptosis. Methods: A multi-institutional Phase I dose escalation and pharmacokinetic (PK) study was performed in children with newly diagnosed BSG to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of MGd administered i.v. 2 to 5 hours prior to involved field radiotherapy (RT) (1.8 Gy/day, total 54 Gy). Cohort 1 received MGd, 1.7 mg/kg/dose M-F × 3 wks and cohort 2 received the same dose M, W and F × 6 wks. The 6 subsequent cohorts of 3 to 6 pts received MGd M-F × 6 weeks at doses of 1.9, 3.4, 4.4, 5.5, 7.1 and 9.2 mg/kg/dose. Serum for PK analysis, and MRI scans (MGd is detectable by MR), were obtained for analysis of drug accumulation and responses. Results: 44 pts (42 fully evaluable for toxicity) with a median age of 6 years (range 2–20) were enrolled. At the 9.2 mg/kg/dose, 2/2 pts experienced DLT. During subsequent expansion of the 7.1 and 5.5 mg/kg/dose cohorts, DLTs, including transaminitis, hypertension and urticaria, were observed in 2/5 and 2/6 pts. At the MTD of 4.4 mg/kg/dose, 1/6 pts had reversible grade 3 serum transaminase elevations. PK analysis showed biphasic elimination with a terminal t 1/2 of 6.4 h. At the MTD, serum MGd concentrations were >250 ng/ml for 24 h. Serum clearance and steady-state volume of distribution were 0.0243 L/h/kg and 0.162 L/kg. MRI for intra-tumoral MGd distribution is ongoing. One patient had a CR and 4 had a PR. The estimated median survival is 10.3 months (95% confidence interval: 8.1 months-11.5 months). Conclusions: The recommended phase II dose of MGd for children with BSG is 4.4 mg/kg/d administered M-F × 6 weeks with involved field RT. A COG phase II trial is planned. [Table: see text]

6018 Background: Disease free survival was significantly improved in women receiving letrozole after standard adjuvant tamoxifen in the MA.17 trial. Based on the results of MA.17 and of other trials of aromatase inhibitors in early stage breast cancer, chronic aromatase inhibitor therapy, in postmenopausal women free of breast cancer recurrence, is now being widely employed. We analyzed the toxicity of letrozole according to ethnic status among women enrolled in MA.17. Methods: The chi-square test was used for comparison of rates of side effects between the two groups, Caucasian vs. ethnic minority (defined as all non-Caucasians). In a subset of women, quality of life (QOL) was assessed by the SF-36 Health Survey. Mean change scores in QOL from baseline were compared between groups for summary measures and domains using the Wilcoxon test. Results: 352 minority women and 4,708 Caucasians were enrolled in MA.17, of which 183 minority women and 2,339 Caucasians were randomized to receive letrozole. Caucasians were older than minority women and had a slightly longer duration of treatment with prior tamoxifen. Tumor size and nodal status were not significantly different between the two groups. In women who received letrozole, minority women had significantly lower incidence of hot flashes (49% vs. 58%; p = 0.02), fatigue (29% vs. 39%; p = 0.005), and arthritis (2% vs. 7%; p = 0.006) compared with Caucasians. Mean QOL change scores of SF-36 domains for women who received letrozole were not different but minority women had better mental health at 6 month assessment (p = 0.02) and worse bodily pain at 12 month assessment (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Minority women tolerated letrozole considerably better than Caucasians in the MA.17 trial. These preliminary findings suggest that minority women respond differently to letrozole in terms of toxicity. Recent demonstration of genotypic variations in the aromatase gene in different ethnic groups plus likely pharmacogenomic differences suggests that further research is needed to clarify the clinical outcomes of aromatase inhibition in women of diverse ethnicities. Future research strategies should focus on examining in vivo genotype-phenotype correlations to determine the effects of genetic variation on response to anticancer therapy and on toxicities and end-organ effects. [Table: see text]

550 Background: 5187 postmenopausal women were originally randomized to NCIC CTG MA.17 to receive letrozole (LET) or placebo (PLAC) after 5 years of tamoxifen. The hazard ratio (HR) for disease-free survival (DFS) was 0.58 (0.450.76, p=0.00004) after a median follow-up of 30 months (mo). The trial was unblinded in October 2003 after the first interim analysis. Women randomized to PLAC were offered LET at the time of unblinding. The goal of this analysis was to determine whether women switching from PLAC to LET benefit in terms of disease outcome and to evaluate treatment related toxicities. Methods: LET and PLAC-LET have been compared to PLAC, based on the hazard ratio and adjusting for baseline patient and disease variables including, among others, tumor size, nodal status and prior adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: Information about their follow-up treatment after unblinding was available on 2268 women originally assigned to PLAC and who were free of recurrence and alive at the time of unblinding. Among them, 1655 crossed over from PLAC to LET while 613 elected no treatment. With 54 mo f/up the HR for DFS was 0.31 (0.18, 0.55: p<0.0001) favoring patients who crossed over to LET compared to those who stayed on no treatment. The treatment switch was well tolerated with no significant difference in bone fractures or cardiovascular events. An updated analysis of DFS, DDFS and OS by nodal and tumor receptor status, prior chemotherapy, menopausal status at the start of tamoxifen, and duration of prior tamoxifen therapy will be presented at the meeting. Conclusion: Women with hormone dependent breast cancer prescribed LET after a prolonged delay from completing tamoxifen experienced a significant improvement in outcome (DFS, DDFS, OS) and should be considered for this therapy. [Table: see text]

549 Background: MA.17 evaluated letrozole (LET) or placebo (PLAC) after 5 years of tamoxifen (Tam) and showed [median follow-up 30 months (mos)] significant improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) for LET [hazard ratio (HR) 0.57, p = 0.00008]. The trial was unblinded and PLAC patients (pts) were offered LET. An ITT analysis of all outcomes, before and after unblinding, based on the original randomization was performed. Methods: A stratified log-rank test was used to compare DFS, distant (D)DFS, overall survival (OS) and incidence of contra-lateral breast cancer (CBC). The Cox regression model used baseline stratification variables and two prespecified factors, menopausal status at the start of Tam and time on Tam. Subgroup analyses for DFS and OS were performed for the two prespecified subsets. All p-values were two-sided Results: 5187 pts were randomized at baseline and, at unblinding, 1655 of 2268 PLAC pts accepted LET. At median follow-up of 54 mos (range,16–86) 363 recurrences or CBC’s (144 LET and 219 PLAC) occurred; 118 LET and 176 PLAC pts had recurrent disease and 26 LET and 43 PLAC pts had CBC. 4 year DFS was 94.3% (LET) and 91.4% (PLAC) (HR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.52 - 0.79; p = 0.00002). Corresponding 4 year DDFS was 96.2% and 94.9% (HR 0.76; 0.58–0.99; p = 0.041). 4 year OS was 95.0% (LET) and 95.1% (PLAC) (HR 1.00; 0.78–1.28; p = 0.99). LET was equally effective in node +ve and -ve pts (i.e., similar HRs) in DFS. OS was not significantly different for LET and PLAC in any subgroup. The annual rate of CBC was 0.29% LET (0.18–0.40) and 0.47% PLAC (0.34–0.61); HR 0.61 (0.38–0.98) p = 0.037. 255 pts had died as of the data cut-off (128 LET and 127 PLAC). Conclusions: In this ITT analysis, pts originally randomized to LET within 3 months of stopping Tam did better than PLAC pts in DFS, DDFS and CBC, despite 73% of PLAC pts crossing to LET after unblinding. This highlights the strong beneficial effect of extended adjuvant therapy with LET. [Table: see text]

510 Background: CALGB 9344 showed 4 cycles of paclitaxel (T) after 4 cycles of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC) improved disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to 4 cycles of AC. Higher dose of A had no benefit (Henderson JCO ’03). Prior studies suggest HER2 is associated with benefit from standard vs low dose of C&A (Dressler JCO ’05). We hypothesized that HER2 might predict benefit from higher dose of A or from T, and that HER2 might refine the observed negative interaction of T with estrogen receptor (ER). Methods: 3121 node + women in CALGB 9344 received 4 q3wk cycles of AC (A: 60, 75, or 90 mg/m2) and then 4 cycles of T (175 mg/m2 q3wk) or no T. Blocks were collected from ∼2800 subjects. 2 sets of 750 patients each were randomly selected from these cases: Set 1 to develop hypotheses; Set 2 for validation. Tissue specimens were available from 643 (set1) and 679 (set2) cases (20% & 22% total enrolled in 9344 respectively). HER2 was evaluated by FISH and by IHC (by antibody cb11 and by Herceptest). Statistical analyses used Cox proportional hazards models, including interaction terms, and Kaplan-Meier estimates for comparing 5-yr DFS by treatment group. Results: In Set 1, all 3 assays suggested that T improved DFS for HER2+ but not for HER2-. For this single set the interaction was not statistically significant. There appeared to be an interaction of HER2, T and ER. IHC using cb11 was applied to Set 2, revealing nearly identical results. In the two sets combined (n=1322), the interaction between HER2 and T was statistically significant (p=0.013). The 3-way interaction of HER2, ER and T was hypothesis-generating and not tested statistically. Differences in 5-yr DFS rates (95% CI) for T vs. no T by HER2 and ER (both sets combined) There was no interaction between HER2 and dose of A. Conclusions: These results suggest that the benefit of adding T to AC is greater for HER2+ tumors, even if ER+, while T was of no apparent benefit in the ER+, HER2- group. Further validation is needed from remaining cases in 9344 and from other trials involving T. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

504 Background: CYP2D6 genetic variants and concurrent administration of potent inhibitors (Inh) of the enzyme markedly reduce the plasma concentrations of endoxifen (Jin. JNCI 2005;97:30–9). We have shown that genetic variation in CYP2D6 is associated with a higher risk of relapse in Tam treated patients (pts) (Goetz. JCO 2005;23:9312–18), but the impact of CYP2D6 inhibition on Tam clinical outcome is unknown. Methods: Using the North Central Cancer Treatment Group 89–30–52 adjuvant Tam trial (1989–1994), we evaluated the effect of co-administration of CYP2D6 Inh and CYP2D6*4 genotype on relapse in pts receiving tam alone. Patient charts were reviewed at each randomizing site to record the following known CYP2D6 Inh: fluoxetine (F), paroxetine (P), sertraline (S), cimetidine (C), amiodarone (A), doxepin (D), ticlopidine (T) and haloperidol (H). Poor metabolizers (PM) were defined as pts who were CYP2D6 *4/*4 and/or known to receive a CYP2D6 Inh. Intermediate metabolizers (IM) were defined as WT/*4 without CYP2D6 Inh, and extensive metabolizers (EM) as WT/WT without CYP2D6 Inh. The association between CYP2D6 status and Tam clinical outcome was determined using the log-rank test. Multivariate Cox modeling was performed using traditional prognostic factors. Results: CYP2D6*4 genotype was obtained in 190 of 256 eligible pts, with a CYP2D6*4/*4 genotype frequency of 6.8% as described previously (Goetz JCO 2005). Medication history was available in 171/256 eligible pts and in 143/190 pts with CYP2D6 genotype. Eleven of 173 patients were concomitantly administered these CYP2D6 Inh: F(2), P(2), S(2), H(1), C(4), and D(1). The median duration of use was 2.5 yrs. Twenty-four pts met criteria for PM [13 by *4/*4 genotype and 11 by CYP2D6 Inh (7 WT/WT, 1 WT/*4, and 3 unknown genotype)], 21 for IM, and 102 for EM. Compared with either IM or EM, PMs had significantly worse time to recurrence and disease free survival in both the univariate (HR 2.5, p=0.02; and 2.2, p=0.01) and multivariate (HR 2.7, p=0.01; and HR 2.2 p=.02) analyses utilizing tumor size, nodal status, and tumor grade. Conclusion: Our data indicate that CYP2D6 status can be used to identify pts who should receive tam therapy and tam treated pts should not be co-administered potent CYP2D6 inhibitors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

9563 Background: Both temozolomide (TEM) and vincristine (VCR) can increase the preclinical activity of low-dose protracted irinotecan (IRN) against pediatric solid tumors. Because these drugs have different dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and mechanisms of action, we combined these three agents and sought to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of orally administered IRN when given with fixed- dose TEM and VCR in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors, using the antibiotic cefixime to reduce IRN-associated diarrhea. Methods: We studied two dose levels of oral IRN (35 or 50 mg/m2) administered on days 1–5 and 8–12, combined with oral TEM 100 mg/m2 on days 1–5 and intravenous VCR 1.5 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8. Courses were repeated every 21 days. Oral cefixime was started 5 days before chemotherapy and continued daily. Results: Of 21 patients enrolled, 17 (ages 3–21, median 14 yrs) were evaluable for toxicity and have to date received 46 courses (range 1–8, median 2). At the IRN dose of 50 mg/m2/d, 4 of 12 patients had DLT, including elevated ALT/AST (1), abdominal pain (1), hypokalemia (1), anorexia (1), thrombocytopenia (1), and fatal liver failure in a patient with metastatic disease in the liver and porta hepatis (1). In contrast, none of 5 patients treated at the dose of 35 mg/m2/d experienced first-course DLT, defining this dose as the MTD. UGT1A1 genotype did not correlate with DLT in this small trial. The median SN-38 lactone area under the curve (0–6h) at the IRN dose of 50 mg/m2/day was 13.5 ng/ml*h (range 3.8 to 30.9); pharmacokinetic analysis of patients treated at 35 mg/m2/day is ongoing. Six patients with the following tumors received more than 2 courses: neuroblastoma, ependymoma, hepatoblastoma, fibrillary astrocytoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma. Central review of response data is underway. Three patients continue on therapy at the MTD. Conclusions: Oral administration of IRN together with TEM and VCR was feasible and well tolerated at the MTD of 35 mg/m2 given dx5x2. Further study using a shorter 5-day course of oral IRN is planned. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

576 Background: In node-negative, ER + breast cancer, gene expression profiling can identify level of risk and, in the case of ODX, may also identify pts with a higher chance of benefiting from adjuvant chemotherapy. Because the gene profile in ODX includes an assessment of ER, HER2, and proliferation, we hypothesized that clinicians using standardized criteria could discriminate risk (high versus low/intermediate) as specified by ODX. Methods: We identified Mayo Clinic patients with node-negative, ER + breast cancer, for whom ODX scores were available. Tumor slides were reviewed by an expert breast pathologist to confirm tumor size, histology, and tumor grade. Both ER and PR were quantitated; HER-2 was determined by IHC (FISH, if 2+). These clinical cases were presented to six academic oncologists, blinded to the ODX score, to predict ODX risk (low, intermediate, or high) and give their recommendation for chemotherapy (CTX) (yes/no). Afterwards, they were presented with the same cases with the actual ODX score, to give recommendations regarding CTX. Results: ODX scores in tumors from 31 patients were low in 18 pts, intermediate in 10 pts, and high in 3 pts. Concordance between predicted and actual ODX scores being low/intermediate vs high exceeded 87% for each oncologist. The most frequent discrepancies were actual low scores predicted as intermediate (31/80 discordant) and actual intermediate scores predicted as low (29/80 discordant). Overall agreement of predicted scores (high vs low/intermediate) among the oncologists was substantial (kappa=0.75, p<0.0001). CTX recommendations following provision of the ODX scores changed on average 18.2% (range 12.9%-25.8%) of the time, with slightly fewer changing for, versus against, a CTX recommendation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the proper evaluation and interpretation of traditional prognostic criteria will identify most node negative, ER + patients at high risk of recurrence (as predicted by ODX) but poorly discriminate low versus intermediate risk. The provision of ODX data changed the recommendation for CTX in approximately 20% of cases. No significant financial relationships to disclose.