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58 Background: Use of oral chemotherapy is expanding and offers advantages but introduces unique safety challenges. ASCO and ONS addressed these issues with inclusion of oral chemotherapy in published chemotherapy administration safety standards. Methods: The updated ASCO/ONS standards offered a framework for the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center to evaluate and improve our practice with the goal of full compliance with these standards. Gap analysis revealed noncompliance with five and partial compliance with eleven standards. We divided areas for improvement into three foci: patient education, workflow, and information technology. Multidisciplinary groups addressed each area generating twenty-five recommendations. Important changes included: defining chemotherapy, standardization of patient and caregiver education, mandated use of standardized electronic order sets incorporating safety checks, and standardizing dose modification documentation. The revised electronic process allows for prospective order review of all oral chemotherapy by pharmacists and supports automated processes for assessing adherence and toxicities utilizing a library of scripted drug specific materials. Results: Prior to implementation of new processes we estimated that only 39% of our oral chemotherapy was delivered with potential demonstrable compliance with ASCO/ONS standards. Audit of oral chemotherapy orders from February to July 2015 now shows compliance with use of electronic chemotherapy plans in 244/251 (97.5%) of cases. Prospective pharmacist order review resulted in one or more interventions in 24% of these cases.Identification of patients to receive adherence and toxicity monitoring calls is 100%. Conclusions: Closure of significant gaps between institutional practice and published standards was accomplished for our oral chemotherapy practice. Key elements of success included: multidisciplinary approach, defining chemotherapy, leveraging our electronic health record with mandated use of standardized order sets, and standardization of clinical and educational processes. We are disseminating this approach across our regional network and we believe our tools are broadly applicable.

620 Background: Spheroid cultures are now being used to investigate the biology of multiple types of cancer. This technique allows for a cost-effective, efficient and reliable means to culture tissues of interest. Recent investigations have demonstrated that spheroids maintain high mutational concordance with the cancers they are derived. We sought to determine if spheroid techniques could be utilized to perform translational investigations into subtypes of gastrointestinal malignancies. Methods: Transgenic mice carrying conditional mutations in key genes known to have important roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis and progression were treated with a Cre-expressing adenovirus to initiate tumorigenesis. The mutant genes of interest included Apc, Trp53, KRAS, Pik3ca, and/or BRAF. Biopsies of these cancers were obtained with the murine endoscope and the tissue processed for spheroid culture. In addition, transgenic E6 and E7 mice were treated with DMBA and the resulting anal squamous cell carcinomas were harvested for spheroid culture. Cultured spheroids were imaged to characterize growth rate and changes in architecture. In addition, studies assessing response to therapeutics were performed and correlated with in vivo response. Human operative specimens were also obtained for culturing. Results: Multiple lines of murine CRC spheroids were able to be generated with a greater than 90% efficiency rate. These cultures maintained phenotypic characteristics of the cancers from which they were derived. Bright field imaging pre- and post-treatment was able to be utilized for quantification of treatment response. The median relative change in spheroid diameter was compared across treatment groups and correlated with response in vivo. Heterogeneity in the response of individual spheroids to treatment strategies was detected with this method. Murine squamous cell anal carcinoma was spheroid lines were generated similarly. Human CRC and anal cancers were also generated with high efficiency. Conclusions: Spheroid cultures from CRC and anal cancers can be generated with high efficiency and hold great promise for furthering treatment options for patients with cancer.

Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine used for cancer treatment. It is generally well tolerated. A patient who had previously received adjuvant 5-fluorouracil without neurotoxicity had a severe adverse reaction when later given capecitabine in the metastatic setting. She presented with the acute onset of neuromuscular symptoms, the most prominent being trismus but also including slurred speech, confusion, gait abnormalities, and ocular changes. Her symptoms completely resolved with discontinuation of capecitabine.

The University of Wisconsin Chemotherapy Council (UWCC) monitors the uniformity and appropriateness of chemotherapy administration at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics through a peer-review process. One aspect involves approval of "patient specific requests" (PSRs) that involve treatments not included in the institution's core regimens. Providers are asked to submit published evidence, information regarding pt. comorbidities, and clinical justification to support the application. However there is no current stipulation regarding demonstration of value, although implicit in this review process is to avoid futile, expensive or potentially harmful treatments. Given the ever burgeoning chemotherapeutic choices available for patients with any stage of disease, and the complexity of selecting an optimal therapeutic regimen, we hypothesized that some approved PSRs might have provided limited benefit to the pts who received them. Therefore, we undertook an analysis of PSRs specifically submitted for patients with leukemia and multiple myeloma (MM) between 1/1/2011 and 7/31/2014 to exam reasons for the submission as well as outcomes after the new therapy was initiated. METHODS: A total of 307 PSRs were reviewed by the UWCCC during this time period. Forty-one were specifically submitted and approved for patients with leukemia or MM. Reason for PSR, status at initiation, previous transplant, and days of hospitalization after PSR and 1 year survival were calculated. Table 1.DiagnosisNumberStatus at time of PSRPrevious TransplantMedian No previous regimensReason for PSR submissionPSR RegimenMean Survival After PSR starts1 yr. survivalAML, relapsed 8Refractory relapse88%3No SOC1Various236d (range 88-575d)12%AML, other2Remission01Nonstandard Transplant regimenTransplant regimen533 d100%CML, relapsed2RefractoryNo3Failed all previous regimensTransplant regimen289d50%ALL, newly diagnosed5UntreatedNA0Adult treated on pediatric regimen (n=3); elderly (n=2)Various551d (range 365-981d)100%ALL, relapsed5Relapsed20%3 (range 1-8)No SOC1CVP2, TKI3 based;, BFM4408d (range 167-735d)40%MM15Relapsed, refractory (n=15) 100%73% (auto)7 (range 2-10)Not core regimen (n=13) Rare subtype(n=2)PCP5 (n=3); CRD6 (n-4) other272 d ( range 74-661)60%APL4untreatedN/AN/ANot Core RegimenATRA/Arsenic, other788d (range 692-910d)100% 1SOC; 2cyclophosphamide, vincristine prednisone; 3tyrosine kinase inhibitor; 4Berlin/Frankfurt/Munich; 5Pomalidomide, cyclophosphamide, prednisone; 6carfilzomib, lenalidomide dexamethasone RESULTS: A total of 41 PSRs were examined. The most common reasons for submission of the PSR was request for a non-core regimen including a recently FDA approved use of an agent (n= 11); no current SOC established (n=13); salvage therapy with older regimen ((n=2). Median 1 yr. survival varied from 12% to 100% depending on diagnosis. Not surprisingly, APL pts displayed the best overall survival, followed by AML, transplanted with a nonstandard conditioning regimen. AML patients relapsing after previous allogeneic transplant had the worst survival, regardless of salvage regimen; only 1 pt. survived longer than 6 months. The median length of hospital stay in these patients following start of PSR was 43 d (range 14-54). Relapsed ALL pts also fared poorly, with 1 year survival of 40% and median days of hospitalization after PSR of 48d (range 0-117). Relapsed refractory MM pts had a variable outcome, with some pts surviving more than 3 years and others for only several months. CONCLUSION: Use of peer reviewed PSRs resulted in reasonable outcomes in most patients with leukemia and myeloma. However, pts with AML relapsing after allogeneic transplant and those with relapsed ALL fared particularly poorly despite treatment with a peer reviewed treatment plan, presumably chosen for best outcome. Furthermore, these salvage treatments were associated with lengthy hospital stays. Such patients are unlikely to benefit from any currently available regimens and may be more appropriately considered for clinical trials or supportive/ palliative care at time of relapse. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

BACKGROUND Satraplatin is an oral platinum analog with demonstrated activity in a range of malignancies. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of varying degrees of renal impairment on the safety and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of satraplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced solid tumors, refractory to standard therapies, were eligible. The study included four cohorts of patients with varying levels of renal function, and eight patients per cohort: Group 1 (G1) = normal renal function; G2 = mild renal impairment [creatinine clearance (CrCl) 50-80 ml/min]; G3 = moderate impairment (CrCl 30 to

Introduction. Notch1 has been shown to be a tumor suppressor in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Previous in vitro studies in NET cell lines have also suggested that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, can induce Notch1 and that Notch1 activation correlates with a decrease in tumor markers for NETs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of VPA in treating NETs and to determine whether VPA induced the Notch signaling pathway signaling in vivo. Patients and Methods. Eight patients with low-grade NETs (carcinoid and pancreatic) were treated with 500 mg of oral VPA twice a day with dosing adjusted to maintain a goal VPA level between 50 and 100 μg/mL. All patients were followed for 12 months or until disease progression. Results. Notch1 signaling was absent in all tumors prior to treatment and was upregulated with VPA. One patient had an unconfirmed partial response and was noted to have a 40-fold increase in Notch1 mRNA levels. Four patients had stable disease as best response. Tumor markers improved in 5 out of 7 patients. Overall, treatment with VPA was well tolerated. Conclusion. VPA activates Notch1 signaling in vivo and may have a role in treating low-grade NETs.

Background. Low-grade neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) respond poorly to chemotherapy; effective, less toxic therapies are needed. Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β has been shown to regulate growth and hormone production in NETs. Use of lithium chloride in murine models suppressed carcinoid cell growth, reduced GSK-3β levels, and reduced expression of chromogranin A. This study assessed the efficacy of lithium chloride in patients with NETs. Design. Eligible patients had low-grade NETs. A single-arm, open-label phase II design was used. Lithium was dosed at 300 mg orally three times daily, titrated to serum levels of 0.8–1.0 mmol/L. The primary endpoint was objective tumor response by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, progression-free survival, GSK-3β phosphorylation, and toxicity. Results. Fifteen patients were enrolled between October 3, 2007 and July 17, 2008, six men and nine women. The median age was 58 years. Patient diagnoses were carcinoid tumor for eight patients, islet cell tumor for five patients, and two unknown primary sites. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status scores were 0 or 1. Two patients came off study because of side effects. The median progression-free survival interval was 4.50 months. There were no radiographic responses. Because of an early stopping rule requiring at least one objective response in the first 13 evaluable patients, the study was closed to further accrual. Patients had pre- and post-therapy biopsies. Conclusions. Lithium chloride was ineffective at obtaining radiographic responses in our 13 patients who were treated as part of this study. Based on the pre- and post-treatment tumor biopsies, lithium did not potently inhibit GSK-3β at serum levels used to treat bipolar disorders.

Satraplatin is a novel platinum agent with favorable clinical attributes including oral bioavailability and lack of significant treatment-associated neuropathy and nephropathy. Furthermore, preclinical studies have shown that satraplatin is active is cisplatin-resistant tumors. We retrospectively evaluated the activity of satraplatin in patients with cisplatin or carboplatin-refractory urothelial carcinoma and demonstrated lack of significant antitumor activity in this population.Satraplatin is an oral platinum analogue with antitumor activity in cisplatin-resistant cells lines. The activity of satraplatin in patients with metastatic cancers of the urothelial tract refractory to standard platinum agents has not previously been reported.We previously reported a phase I study of the safety and pharmacokinetics of satraplatin in patients with refractory solid tumors and varying degrees of renal impairment. Given that the majority of patients enrolled in the study had metastatic cancers of the urothelial tract, and all patients were treated with a uniform dose and schedule, we performed a retrospective analysis to describe the activity of satraplatin in this cohort.A total of 12 patients with metastatic cancers of the urothelial tract were enrolled. The majority (83%) had transitional cell carcinomas, whereas 2 patients (17%) had adenocarcinomas. All patients were treated previously with platinum agents; 6 patients (50%) had previously received cisplatin and 8 patients (67%) had previously received carboplatin. Patients were treated with a median of 1.5 cycles of satraplatin (range, 1-4). There were no objective responses; 1/12 (8%) patients experienced transient stable disease and 11/12 (92%) experienced disease progression as best response.Treatment with satraplatin in patients with metastatic cancers of the urothelial tract who had progressed on standard platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in negligible antitumor activity. These conclusions are limited by the retrospective nature of the analysis and the phase I population from which the data were derived. The activity of satraplatin in patients with metastatic cancers of the urothelial tract who have been less heavily pretreated is unknown.

Purpose We present the results of a randomized multicenter clinical trial of adjuvant zoledronic acid (ZA) in postmenopausal women with high-risk breast cancer. The primary objective was change in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck at 1 year. Secondary objectives included change in calcaneal BMD, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Patients and Methods Postmenopausal women with stage II/III breast cancer diagnosed up to 5 years previous were eligible and randomized to either observation or ZA 4 mg intravenous every 3 months. Bone mineral density testing was performed at 0, 6, and 12 months. Results Sixty-eight women were enrolled (36 ZA and 32 observation). The population was a median of 2 years from diagnosis and the majority received tamoxifen during the study. There was a significant difference in the mean change from baseline to 1 year follow-up for lumbar spine (increased by 4.28% ± 0.62%; P = .01), total femur (increased by 1.9% ± 0.4%; P = .03), trochanter (increased by 2.97% ± 0.69%; P = .03), and calcaneal BMD (increased by 2% ± 0.57%; P = .01) in favor of the ZA arm. No significant difference in the mean change for the femoral neck was seen. No significant differences in DFS or OS were observed. Conclusion Zoledronic acid significantly improved the BMD at multiple skeletal sites in postmenopausal women largely on tamoxifen. No new safety signals were noted. There were insufficient events to comment on DFS or OS.

Capecitabine has shown similar efficacy to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); a regimen containing 2 weeks of capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CapOx) has demonstrated noninferiority to infusional 5-FU/oxaliplatin/leucovorin (FOLFOX) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This phase II study explores the efficacy and safety of a 2-day course of oxaliplatin/capecitabine (2DOC), with oxaliplatin given on day 1 and capecitabine given orally every 8 hours in high doses over 6 doses, mimicking FOLFOX6.This phase II study was conducted by the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. Eligible patients with mCRC received oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 intravenously (I.V.) over 2 hours followed by leucovorin 20 mg/m2 I.V. bolus and 5-FU 400 mg/m2 I.V. bolus on day 1 and day 15. Capecitabine was administered at 1500 mg/m2 orally every 8 hours over 6 doses starting on day 1 and day 15.A total of 45 patients were enrolled; 44 were evaluated for response. Seventeen patients (39%) had objective responses. Median time to progression was 6.8 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 17.5 months. The most common side effects were grade 1/2 neuropathy, fatigue, and nausea. Severe hand-foot syndrome (HFS) was rare.The overall response rate with the 2DOC regimen is similar to published CapOx regimens, and time to progression and OS are similar. The incidence of HFS, diarrhea, and mucositis were lower compared with published results of 2-week schedules of capecitabine. The 2DOC regimen merits further study as a more convenient regimen than infusional 5-FU with less HFS when compared with a 2-week administration of capecitabine.

Background: A phase I study of high-dose capecitabine given over 2 days, along with oxaliplatin, bolus 5FU and leucovorin (LV), was designed to simulate FOLFOX6 without the need for infusional 5FU. Methods: Schedule A included oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2, 5FU 400 mg/m2, and LV 20 mg/m2 (all given IV on days 1 and 15, 28 day cycle). Capecitabine was administered orally every 8 h × 6 doses, days 1 and 15. Schedule B excluded 5FU and LV, maintaining oxaliplatin and capecitabine. Pharmacokinetics were performed for capecitabine for 6 patients on each schedule. Results: 36 patients were treated. The dose-limiting toxicities seen included nausea, dehydration, fatigue, hypotension and confusion. Minimal palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia was seen. Myelosuppression was common, but not a dose limiting toxicity. The pharmacokinetic parameters for capecitabine were unaltered. Conclusion: Using capecitabine to mimic FOLFOX6 is feasible and well tolerated with a toxicity profile that differs from standard 14-day capecitabine dosing, with less palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. The phase II dose for capecitabine in combination with oxaliplatin, 5FU, and LV is 1,500 mg/m2/dose or 2,250 mg/m2/dose in the absence of bolus 5FU/LV.

To define dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine with fixed-dose rate (FDR) gemcitabine.Eligible adults (advanced solid tumor; performance statusor=2) received capecitabine 500 mg/m(2) PO BID days 1-14 and FDR gemcitabine (400-1,000 mg/m(2) escalated by 200 mg/m(2) increments) at 10 mg/m(2)/min days 1 and 8 on a 21-day cycle. A traditional 3 + 3 cohort design was used to determine the MTD.Thirty patients (median age 59 years) were enrolled. The predominant gradeor=3 toxicity was myelosuppression, particularly neutropenia. At dose level 4 (1,000 mg/m(2) gemcitabine), two out of five evaluable patients had a DLT (grade 4 neutropeniaor=7 days). At dose level 3 (800 mg/m(2) gemcitabine), one patient had a DLT (grade 3 neutropeniaor=7 days) among six evaluable patients. Therefore, the MTD and recommended phase II dose was designated as capecitabine 500 mg/m(2) PO BID days 1-14 with 800 mg/m(2) FDR gemcitabine days 1 and 8 infused at 10 mg/m(2) per min on a 21-day cycle. Partial responses occurred in pretreated patients with esophageal, renal cell and bladder carcinomas.This regimen was well tolerated and may deserve evaluation in advanced gastrointestinal and genitourinary carcinomas.

Animal models suggest that growth hormone participates in hepatocarcinogenesis.To correlate the effect of octreotide long-acting release (LAR) on insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and -II (IGF-II) with response and survival in patients with unresectable and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.We conducted a phase II, single-institution trial of octreotide-LAR (30 mg intramuscularly every 4 weeks) in 15 patients while monitoring serum IGF-I and -II levels.Patients (median CLIP score 2, Okuda stage II, and ECOG performance status 1) were treated for a median of 2.0 cycles. No responses occurred. Median overall survival was 116 days (range, 27-937 days) and median progression-free survival was 60 days (range, 27-444 days). One patient had prolonged stable disease (16 months). There were no grade 4 and four grade 3 toxicities: abdominal cramping, elevated creatinine, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Median serum IGF-I decreased from baseline (42.2 ng/mL; range, 14.2-109 ng/mL) to day 29 (27.9 ng/mL; range, 5.7-71.1 ng/mL), and median serum IGF-II decreased from baseline (25,000 ng/mL; range, 12,400-93,600 ng/mL) to day 29 (18,400 ng/mL; range, 4,061-79,400 ng/mL; 2-sided P.006 and P.04, respectively; Wilcoxon signed rank test). This suppression did not correlate with clinical activity. Baseline serum IGF-I30 ng/mL was associated with greater progression-free survival and overall survival (P=.0005 and P=.0173, respectively; 2-sided log-rank test).Octreotide-LAR lowered serum IGF-I and -II levels; however, this lowering did not correlate with clinical activity. There were no responses, and progression-free survival and overall survival were similar to historical patients not on treatment. Baseline serum IGF-I predicted prognosis.

Introduction: Current standard therapy for advanced pancreas cancer includes the use of gemcitabine or a gemcitabine-based chemotherapy regimen. Based on pre-clinical data, the combination of CEP-701, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases including Flt-3, TRK-A/B and JCK-2, with gemcitabine appeared promising. Methods: Two clinical sites were chosen for this phase I trial, one scheduled to start gemcitabine prior to CEP-701 and one scheduled to start CEP-701 prior to gemcitabine. Gemcitabine was given at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 min each week for 3 weeks in a row followed by 1 week off. CEP 701 was taken orally twice daily at doses ranging from 20 mg bid to 40 mg bid. Pharmacokinetics of both drugs were determined to assess for any drug–drug interactions. Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled and 17 received at least one dose of study drug. Nine patients experienced serious adverse events, but only one patient’s toxicity was attributed as possibly secondary to study drug. No radiologic responses were seen. No significant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed between gemcitabine and CEP 701. The combination was well-tolerated, and the MTD was not reached in this study. Conclusions: No unexpected toxicities were seen for this combination. Although too few patients were enrolled to fully evaluate efficacy, there was not significant evidence for pursuing this combination further in pancreas cancer. The maximum tolerated dose of the combination was not determined secondary to the early termination of the study.

Purpose: To assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of continuous weekly-administered paclitaxel and BMS-214662, a novel farnesyl transferase inhibitor. Experimental Design: Patients were treated every week as tolerated with i.v. paclitaxel (fixed dose, 80 mg/m2/wk) administered over 1 h followed by i.v. BMS-214662 (escalating doses, 80–245 mg/m2/wk) over 1 h starting 30 min after completion of paclitaxel. Results: Twenty-six patients received 94 courses (one course, 21 days) of study treatment. Two patients received five courses of BMS-214662 as a weekly 24-h infusion (209 mg/m2/wk). The most common toxicities were grade 1 to 2 nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea. DLTs observed at or near the MTD (200 mg/m2/wk) were grade 4 febrile neutropenia with sepsis occurring on day 2 of course 1 (245 mg/m2/wk), reversible grade 3 to 4 serum transaminase increases on day 2, and grade 3 diarrhea (200 and 245 mg/m2/wk). Objective partial responses were observed in patients with pretreated head and neck, ovarian, and hormone-refractory prostate carcinomas, and leiomyosarcoma. The observed pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel and BMS-214662 imply no interaction between the two. Significant inhibition (>80%) of farnesyl transferase activity in peripheral mononuclear cells was observed at the end of BMS-214662 infusion. Conclusions: Pretreated patients with advanced malignancies can tolerate weekly paclitaxel and BMS-214662 at doses that achieve objective clinical benefit. Due to multiple DLTs occurring at the expanded MTD, the recommended phase 2 dose and schedule is paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 over 1 h) and BMS-214662 (160 mg/m2 over 1 h) administered weekly.

e15261 Background: The combination of nab-paclitaxel (nab-P) and gemcitabine (G) is a standard of care for patients (pts) with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). This regimen was shown to improve PFS and OS for pts with PDA and was well-tolerated in the first-line setting. Limited data are available describing the use of this regimen in a general population and in the second-line setting. Methods: A single-institution retrospective chart review of pts who received the combination of nab-P and G for PDA from 2011-2014 was performed after Institutional Review Board approval. Results: A total of 27 pts were treated with this regimen. The median age was 59 years old (33-81) and the ECOG PS was 0 (22%), 1 (74%), and 2 (4%). 9/27 pts were treated in the first-line setting and a PFS of 5.5 months (mos) and an OS of 7.6 mos was observed. The benefit from nab-P and G in the second-line setting depended on the prior therapy. Nab-P and G were given following adjuvant G in 10 pts with a PFS of 2.3 mos...

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall response rate, toxicity and overall survival in patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer treated with gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin. Patients and Methods: Patients with either adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus could enroll; however, patients could not have received prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Treatment cycles consisted of infusions of all three agents at days 1, 8 and 15, repeated every 28 days. Patients received gemcitabine 1,000, leucovorin 25 and 5-FU 600 mg/m2. Tumor assessment was performed every 2 cycles. Responses were assessed using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group solid tumor response criteria. Results: Thirty-five patients with metastatic or locally advanced esophageal cancer enrolled. One complete response and ten partial responses were observed for an overall response rate of 31.4%. An additional 11 patients had stable disease as their best response. The median survival was 9.8 months with a 1-year survival rate of 37.1%. Toxicity was predominately hematologic, with 58% of patients experiencing grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Conclusion: The combination of gemcitabine, 5-FU and leucovorin had activity in advanced esophageal cancer. Patients tolerated the regimen well, with myelosuppression occurring most commonly. The combination merits further investigation as a treatment for esophageal cancer.

Oxaliplatin is an approved agent with clinical activity in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Preliminary pharmacokinetic evidence suggests that oxaliplatin is predominantly cleared by renal excretion; however, formal dosing guidelines in patients with renal impairment are lacking. The National Cancer Institute Organ Dysfunction Working Group initiated the following dose-escalation pharmacokinetic trial of oxaliplatin in patients with varying degrees of renal function. Thirty-seven patients with various solid tumor malignancies were stratified into four renal dysfunction groups based on their measured 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance (CrCL). Patients in group A (controls) all had a CrCLor= 60 mL/min; group B patients had mild renal dysfunction with CrCLs ranging from 40 to 59 mL/min; group C patients had moderate renal dysfunction with CrCLs of 20 to 39 mL/min; and patients with a CrCL20 mL/min were entered into the group D severe cohort. The starting oxaliplatin dose for patients in the normal group A was 130 mg/m(2), while lower doses of 105, 80, and 60 mg/m(2) were used in groups B, C, and D, respectively. Patients received a 2-hour intravenous infusion of oxaliplatin every 3 weeks, and doses were escalated in cohorts of three patients in each renal dysfunction group in the absence of any severe dose-limiting toxicity. Oxaliplatin-associated platinum pharmacokinetics were monitored in both plasma (bound + unbound) and plasma ultrafiltrates (unbound). Full single-agent doses of oxaliplatin of 130 mg/m(2) were well tolerated by patients with normal, mild, and moderate renal dysfunction in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Only one patient was enrolled in group D. Unbound platinum clearance significantly correlated with CrCL (r =.884), but the increased systemic exposures to circulating platinum were not associated with increased clinical toxicities. These data suggest that dose reductions of single-agent oxaliplatin are not necessary in patients with CrCLs20 mL/min.

It has previously been reported by the authors that the induction of a series of cytokines by 41.8 degrees C Whole Body Hyperthermia (WBH), i.e., interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). As cytokine levels are known to fluctuate as a function of time, i.e. circadian rhythm, the influence of circadian time structure on specific haemotopoetic growth factors is studied, i.e. granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), G-CSF and IL-3. Samples derived from four cancer patients undergoing extracorporeal WBH resulted in the following observations: G-CSF is induced by WBH, but unaffected by circadian rhythm, IL-3 fluctuates with circadian rhythm, but is unaffected by WBH. Specifically, a biphasic temporal pattern of IL-3 (i.e. with a peak at 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. and a nadir concentration at 5:00 p.m.) was found by analysis of variance. GM-CSF was below the lower detection limit pre and post WBH. The data show the importance of measuring cytokines as a function of time to circumvent conflicting results in the inter-relationship of 'true' cytokine induction and circadian rhythm. The implications of the differential induction of G-CSF, GM-CSF, and IL-3 for myeloprotection after WBH are discussed.

Preclinical data is consistent with the concept that the timing of chemotherapy during radiant heat-whole body hyperthermia (WBH) should affect therapeutic index. In order to test this hypothesis, a controlled clinical investigation was initiated. Patients received carboplatin (CBDCA) on an early or late schedule with respect to achieving target temperature (i.e. 41.8 °C) in alternating treatment cycles. The first cycle was randomized between patients regarding the early or late schedule for two planned sets per patient (i.e. four cycles). Ifosfamide, etoposide and granulocyte colony stimulating factor were delivered during all cycles with a standardized schedule. A total of 53 cycles involving 17 patients were analyzed. Detailed toxicity evaluation (i.e. delay in therapy secondary to thrombocytopenia, need for platelet transfusions, and days of hospitalization) taken collectively demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant advantage to delivering CBDCA 10 min after target temperature, during the plateau phase of WBH.

3101 Background: RO4929097 is a oral inhibitor of gamma-secretase, which results in Notch signaling inhibition. Prior work has demonstrated that Notch-signaling inhibition enhances chemosensitivity of colon cancer cells. This study sought to combine RO4929097 with capecitabine (cape) and determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicities and efficacy. Preclinical and prior phase I work demonstrated possible autoinduction of RO4929097, so pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation of RO4929097 and cape was planned. Methods: Adult patients with refractory solid tumors were eligible and received RO4929097 and cape at a fixed dose of 1000 mg/m2 BID with escalating doses of RO4929097 on a 21-day cycle according to a 3+3 design. Cape was administered for 14 days and the RO49029097 once daily, 3 days per week. RO4929097 plasma concentrations were evaluated by LC/MS/MS on days 3 and 10 of cycle 1, and PK parameters analyzed with WinNonLin version 5.2. Results: 4 dose levels have been completed (20, 30, 45 and 68 mg); 18 of 19 patients are evaluable for toxicity and PK data is available for 11 patients. One DLT has been observed (intolerable grade 2 fatigue) at 68 mg. There have been 2 confirmed partial responses: fluoropyrimide-refractory colon cancer (for 12 cycles) and cervical cancer (for 6 cycles). The half-life, Cmax and AUC of RO4929097 all significantly decreased on day 10 compared to day 3, with an increase in clearance for all doses. The half-life was significantly shorter in dose level 3 (p=0.0012) and dose level 4 (p=0.0126) compared to dose level 1. Conclusions: RO4929097 plus cape was well tolerated. Activity was seen in cervical and colon cancer. Autoinduction of RO4929097 was seen both with increasing cycle number and increasing dose. However, all plasma concentrations of RO4929097 were above those needed for Notch inhibition (1.9 ng/mL based on prior studies). Dose level 1 (cape 1000 mg/m2 BID and RO4929097 20 mg daily) is the recommended phase II dose. [Table: see text]

Abstract 3975 Background: Bortezomib (btz, VELCADE®) is approved in the US for the treatment of patients (pts) with multiple myeloma, and for the treatment of pts with mantle cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior therapy. Btz is oxidatively metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes to pharmacologically inactive deboronated metabolites. Thus, btz pharmacokinetics (PK) may be altered in pts with hepatic impairment (HI). This phase 1 study was undertaken to evaluate the PK and safety of btz in pts with varying grades of HI and to inform dosing recommendations in these subpopulations. Here we present the available interim results. Methods: Pts with advanced malignancies were assigned to four groups based on hepatic function (bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] levels relative to the upper limit of normal [ULN]) using the classification developed for organ dysfunction studies by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. Normal function was defined as bilirubin and AST ≤ULN. Pts with mild HI had bilirubin ≤ULN and AST >ULN, or bilirubin >1.0–1.5 × ULN (with any AST). Moderate and severe HI were defined as bilirubin >1.5–3 × ULN and >3 × ULN, respectively, with any AST. Pts received btz on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of 21-day cycles. Pts with normal hepatic function received btz at the standard dose of 1.3 mg/m2. Pts with severe, moderate, and mild HI received escalating doses of btz from starting doses of 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mg/m2, respectively, via a standard 3+3 design to 1.3 mg/m2. Serial blood samples were collected for 24 hours post-dose on days 1 and 8 of cycle 1 for measurement of btz plasma concentrations. Individual values of dose-normalized (DN) area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to the point of last quantifiable concentration (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were calculated by noncompartmental analysis. PK parameters were summarized by hepatic function and subject to an analysis of variance to estimate the ratio of geometric means and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for each HI group relative to the control group. Results: A total of 53 pts were treated, 14 with normal hepatic function, and 16, 9, and 14 with mild, moderate, and severe HI, respectively. Median age was 62 years (range 30–85), 53% were female, 94% were white, and 11/58/30% had ECOG performance status 0/1/2. Dose escalation proceeded to 1.3 mg/m2 in pts with mild HI; data collection is ongoing at 1.0 mg/m2 in pts with moderate and severe HI. The most common adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (53%), nausea (42%), and dyspnea (32%). For most AEs, no association was apparent between increased incidence and poorer hepatic function; the incidence of elevated AST was 7, 25, 33, and 36% in the normal group and mild, moderate, and severe HI groups, respectively. PK data were available for 51 pts. Geometric mean DN AUC was 30.2, 23.0, 50.3, and 47.7 (ng.hr/mL)/(mg/m2) on day 1 and 52.2, 51.9, 83.4, and 80.3 (ng.hr/mL)/(mg/m2) on day 8 in pts with normal hepatic function and mild, moderate, and severe HI, respectively. Respective values for geometric mean DN Cmax were 56.7, 38.2, 66.0, and 84.2 (ng/mL)/(mg/m2) on day 1, and 88.9, 79.6, 59.2, and 96.1 (ng/mL)/(mg/m2) on day 8. Geometric least square mean ratios for DN AUC and DN Cmax between groups are shown in the table. Compared to pts with normal hepatic function, mild HI did not alter DN AUC and DN Cmax. However, mean DN AUC was increased by approximately 60% in pts with moderate or severe HI. Conclusions: Pts with mild HI do not require a starting dose adjustment and should be treated per the recommended dose of btz. Pts with moderate or severe HI should be started at a reduced dose of 0.7 mg/m2 during the first cycle, and a subsequent dose escalation to 1.0 mg/m2 or further dose reduction to 0.5 mg/m2 may be considered based on pt tolerance. These data have resulted in an update to the US Prescribing Information for VELCADE®. Comparison vs normal Geometric least square mean ratio (90% CI) Day 1 Day 8 DN AUC Mild HI 0.833 (0.603–1.151) 0.954 (0.664–1.371) Moderate HI 1.662 (1.136–2.430) 1.538 (0.969–2.440) Severe HI 1.578 (1.139–2.186) 1.477 (1.046–2.085) Average of moderate/severe HI 1.619 (1.199–2.186) 1.507 (1.075–2.113) DN Cmax Mild HI 0.697 (0.446–1.090) 0.879 (0.528–1.463) Moderate HI 1.162 (0.688–1.962) 0.612 (0.318–1.178) Severe HI 1.483 (0.947–2.323) 1.023 (0.633–1.653) Average of moderate/severe HI 1.313 (0.868–1.986) 0.791 (0.493–1.271) Disclosures: Venkatakrishnan: Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Off Label Use: Discussion of Velcade in patients with advanced non-hematologic malignancies is included. Takimoto:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership. Neuwirth:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Parasuraman:Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. LoRusso:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

19558 Introduction: Osteoporotic fracture represents a major source of morbidity in PmW. Breast cancer patients can be at additional risk because of treatment related estrogen deprivation. The favorable effects of bisphosphonates in osteoporosis and potential reduction of metastases warrant evaluation of ZA in PmW at high risk for breast cancer relapse. We assessed whether ZA 4 mg IV every 12 weeks x 4 doses was associated with an increase in BMD. Secondary objectives included defining ZA’s toxicity profile in this setting, and assessing for differences in overall cancer relapse. Methods: PmW with node positive or stage III breast cancer diagnosed less than 5 years earlier were randomized to ZA or observation. BMD was assessed by dual energy xray absorptiometry (DXA) for all subjects at 0 and 12 months. A toxicity evaluation was performed pre- and post-treatment for patients receiving ZA. Study endpoint occurred when subjects completed the DXAs, had disease progression or declined further treatment. We calculated change in BMD between 0 and 12 months at the L1–4 spine and femur neck. Results: 66 women have enrolled since 2000; 49 women have completed DXAs at 0 and 12 months (observation 23, ZA 26). Median age was 52 (range 40–81 yr), median ECOG performance status was 0 (range 0–1), and most women received concurrent tamoxifen (observation 74%, ZA 61%). Over 12 months, L1–4 spine BMD decreased in the observation arm (-0.006 ± 0.034 g/cm2) and increased in the ZA arm (p2). No significant BMD change occurred at the femur neck. Only three grade 3 events occurred (2 arthralgia, 1 myalgia). Side effects were mild and transient, but as frequent as 87% following dose 1. The most common side effects were fatigue, myalgia and arthralgia. No clinically significant changes in creatinine or calcium occurred. Osteonecrosis of the jaw was not observed. Of the 66 women enrolled, 7 have relapsed (observation 4, ZA 3) but time since diagnosis is less than 10 years for most patients. Conclusions: ZA administered every 12 weeks for 4 doses leads to a statistically and clinically significant change in BMD at the lumbar spine. Toxicity was mild but common. There are as yet no significant differences in cancer relapse. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

2058 Background: The combination of oxaliplatin with bolus and infusional 5-FU has shown high activity in 1st and 2nd line therapy of advanced colon cancer. A phase I study has been completed evaluating the combination of oxaliplatin, bolus 5-FU, LV, and capecitabine administered on a novel high dose intensity schedule designed to mimic FOLFOX-6. Methods: 36 patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors received 1 of 2 regimens: A) oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2, 5-FU bolus 400 mg/m2, and LV 200 mg/m2 all given IV on days 1 and 15 of a 28 day schedule, and capecitabine in escalating doses given orally three times daily for 6 doses on days 1–2 and 15–16 of same cycle; or B) oxaliplatin at same dose and schedule as above with escalating doses of capecitabine only. Schedule B was adopted to determine whether greater dose intensity of capecitabine could be achieved in the absence of bolus 5-FU and LV. Pharmacokinetic parameters for capecitabine and its metabolites have been collected. Full pharmacokinetic analysis...

3771 Background: Concurrent 5-FU-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) have an established role in the pre-operative management of locally advanced rectal cancer. Pathologic complete response (CR) rates have been reported from 10% to 50%. We sought to examine the efficacy and toxicity of capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug, with concurrent RT for this disease. Methods: Between 1/02 and 12/03, 22 patients were enrolled and clinically staged by endorectal US, and CT or MRI. Patients with T3, T4, or lymph node (LN) positive adenocarcinoma of the rectum were eligible. RT was administered in 1.8 Gy fractions to a total dose of 50.4 Gy. Capecitabine (1650 mg/m2/d) was administered by mouth divided in two daily doses Monday through Friday during the entire course of radiation. Surgery was performed 6 to 8 weeks following completion of radiation. Four to 6 weeks after surgery an adjuvant course of capecitabine (2500 mg/m2/d) was administered for 14 days of a 3 week cycles for a total of 6 cycle...

3103 Background: KRAS mutations have been recognized as clinically important predictors of resistance to EGFR-directed therapies in CRC. Oncogenic activation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascade mediates proliferation independent of growth factor receptor signaling. We hypothesized that targeting MEK with selumetinib could overcome resistance to cet in KRAS mutant CRC. A phase I study (NCT01287130) was undertaken to determine the tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profiles of the combination of selumetinib and cet, with an expanded cohort in KRAS mutant CRC at the MTD dose to evaluate preliminary anti-tumor activity. Methods: In the dose escalation portion, patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors received fixed dose cet with escalating doses of selumetinib in cohorts of 3-6 pts. In the expansion cohort, 14 pts with KRAS mutant CRC were enrolled at the MTD level. Results: 15 pts (9 M, 6 F), average age of 60 (41-73) years were treated at 3 dose levels in the dose escalation cohort and 14 pts were treated in the expansion cohort. Pts had the following tumor types: CRC 73%, NSCLC 13%, and H&N 13%, and had received a median of 4 (1-8) prior lines of therapy. 33% (only CRC) had prior EGFR-directed therapies. ECOG PS 0 (40%), 1 (53%), 2 (7%). 13 of 15 pts were evaluable for tolerability and response. One DLT for grade 4 hypomagnesemia occurred, and no other grade 4 toxicities were seen. Grade 3 (20%) toxicities included; rash, hyponatremia, and headache. The most common cycle 1 grade 1 and 2 adverse events included acneiform rash (100%), fatigue (54%), nausea/vomiting, (54%), diarrhea (54%), dry skin (46%), fever (23%), and hypomagnesemia (15%). Most pts (60%) required no dose modifications. The MTD was established at selumetinib 75 mg PO BID and cet 250 mg/m2 weekly following a 400 mg/m2load. Best response included 2 PR in pts with CRC and SD in 4 pts (1 SCC of the tonsil, 1 NSCLC, and 2 CRC). Conclusions: The combination of selumetinib and cet is well tolerated, and preliminary anti-tumor activity was observed in multiple pts. Results of the KRAS mutant CRC expansion cohort will be presented.