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Summary Background Palbociclib added to endocrine therapy improves progression-free survival in hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative, metastatic breast cancer. The PALLAS trial aimed to investigate whether the addition of 2 years of palbociclib to adjuvant endocrine therapy improves invasive disease-free survival over endocrine therapy alone in patients with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative, early-stage breast cancer. Methods PALLAS is an ongoing multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 study that enrolled patients at 406 cancer centres in 21 countries worldwide with stage II–III histologically confirmed hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, within 12 months of initial diagnosis. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 0 or 1. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) in permuted blocks of random size (4 or 6), stratified by anatomic stage, previous chemotherapy, age, and geographical region, by use of central telephone-based and web-based interactive response technology, to receive either 2 years of palbociclib (125 mg orally once daily on days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle) with ongoing standard provider or patient-choice adjuvant endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor, with or without concurrent luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonist), or endocrine therapy alone, without masking. The primary endpoint of the study was invasive disease-free survival in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all randomly assigned patients who started palbociclib or endocrine therapy. This report presents results from the second pre-planned interim analysis triggered on Jan 9, 2020, when 67% of the total number of expected invasive disease-free survival events had been observed. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02513394) and EudraCT (2014-005181-30). Findings Between Sept 1, 2015, and Nov 30, 2018, 5760 patients were randomly assigned to receive palbociclib plus endocrine therapy (n=2883) or endocrine therapy alone (n=2877). At the time of the planned second interim analysis, at a median follow-up of 23·7 months (IQR 16·9–29·2), 170 of 2883 patients assigned to palbociclib plus endocrine therapy and 181 of 2877 assigned to endocrine therapy alone had invasive disease-free survival events. 3-year invasive disease-free survival was 88·2% (95% CI 85·2–90·6) for palbociclib plus endocrine therapy and 88·5% (85·8–90·7) for endocrine therapy alone (hazard ratio 0·93 [95% CI 0·76–1·15]; log-rank p=0·51). As the test statistic comparing invasive disease-free survival between groups crossed the prespecified futility boundary, the independent data monitoring committee recommended discontinuation of palbociclib in patients still receiving palbociclib and endocrine therapy. The most common grade 3–4 adverse events were neutropenia (1742 [61·3%] of 2840 patients on palbociclib and endocrine therapy vs 11 [0·3%] of 2903 on endocrine therapy alone), leucopenia (857 [30·2%] vs three [0·1%]), and fatigue (60 [2·1%] vs ten [0·3%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 351 (12·4%) of 2840 patients on palbociclib plus endocrine therapy versus 220 (7·6%) of 2903 patients on endocrine therapy alone. There were no treatment-related deaths. Interpretation At the planned second interim analysis, addition of 2 years of adjuvant palbociclib to adjuvant endocrine therapy did not improve invasive disease-free survival compared with adjuvant endocrine therapy alone. On the basis of these findings, this regimen cannot be recommended in the adjuvant setting. Long-term follow-up of the PALLAS population and correlative studies are ongoing. Funding Pfizer.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (henceforth, neuropathy) is often dose limiting and is generally managed by empirical dose modifications. We aimed to (1) identify an early time point that is predictive of future neuropathy using a patient-reported outcome and (2) propose a dose-adjustment algorithm based on simulated data to manage neuropathy. In previous work, a dose-neuropathy model was developed using dosing and patient-reported outcome data from Cancer and Leukemia Group B 40502 (Alliance), a randomized phase III trial of paclitaxel, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel or ixabepilone as first-line chemotherapy for locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. In the current work, an early time point that is predictive of the future severity of neuropathy was identified based on predictive accuracy of the model. Using the early data and model parameters, simulations were conducted to propose a dose-adjustment algorithm for the prospective management of neuropathy in individual patients. The end of the first 3 cycles (12 weeks) was identified as the early time point based on a predictive accuracy of 75% for the neuropathy score after 6 cycles. For paclitaxel, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel, and ixabepilone, simulations with the proposed dose-adjustment algorithm resulted in 61%, 48%, and 35% fewer patients, respectively, with neuropathy score ≥8 after 6 cycles compared to no dose adjustment. We conclude that early patient-reported outcome data on neuropathy can be used to guide dose adjustments in individual patients that reduce the severity of future neuropathy. Prospective validation of this approach should be undertaken in future studies.

Patients in rural areas face limited access to medical and oncology providers, long travel times, and low recruitment to clinical trials, all of which affect quality of care and health outcomes. Rural counties also have high rates of cancer-related mortality and other negative treatment outcomes. On April 10, 2019, ASCO hosted Closing the Rural Cancer Care Gap, the second event in its State of Cancer Care in America series. The event focused on two aspects of rural cancer care: a review of the major issues and concerns in delivering rural cancer care and a discussion of creative solutions to address rural-nonrural disparities. This article draws from the event and supporting literature to summarize the challenges to delivering high-quality care in rural communities, update ASCO’s workforce data on the geographic distribution of oncologists, and highlight 3 institutional approaches to addressing these challenges in diverse rural settings. The experience of the 3 institutions featured in the article suggests that increasing rural patients’ access to care requires expanding services and decreasing travel distances, mitigating financial burdens when insurance coverage is limited, opening avenues to clinical trial participation, and creating partnerships between providers and community leaders to address local gaps in care. Because the characteristics of rural communities, health care resources, and patient populations are not homogeneous, rural health disparities require local solutions that are based on community needs, available resources, and trusting and collaborative partnerships.

PURPOSE Primary endocrine therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) as a potential alternative to surgery has been understudied. This trial explored the feasibility of a short-term course of letrozole and sought to determine whether treatment results in measurable radiographic and biologic changes in estrogen receptor (ER)–positive DCIS. PATIENTS AND METHODS A phase II single-arm multicenter cooperative-group trial was conducted in postmenopausal patients diagnosed with ER-positive DCIS without invasion. Patients were treated with letrozole 2.5 mg per day for 6 months before surgery. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The primary end point was change in 6-month MRI enhancement volume compared with baseline. RESULTS Overall, 79 patients were enrolled and 70 completed 6 months of letrozole. Of these, 67 patients had MRI data available for each timepoint. Baseline MRI volumes ranged from 0.004 to 26.3 cm3. Median reductions from baseline MRI volume (1.4 cm3) were 0.6 cm3 (61.0%) at 3 months ( P < .001) and 0.8 cm3 (71.7%) at 6 months ( P < .001). Consistent reductions were seen in median baseline ER H-score (228; median reduction, 15.0; P = .005), progesterone receptor H-score (15; median reduction, 85.0; P < .001), and Ki67 score (12%; median reduction, 6.3%; P = .007). Of the 59 patients who underwent surgery per study protocol, persistent DCIS remained in 50 patients (85%), invasive cancer was detected in six patients (10%), and no residual DCIS or invasive cancer was seen in nine patients (15%). CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of postmenopausal women with ER-positive DCIS, preoperative letrozole resulted in significant imaging and biomarker changes. These findings support future trials of extended endocrine therapy as primary nonoperative treatment of some DCIS.

Background: CALGB 40502/NCCTG N063H (Alliance) compared weekly NP or Ix to P; most patients received bevacizumab. Ix was inferior to P, and NP was not superior with a trend toward inferiority. Toxicity was increased in the experimental arms compared to P (Rugo et al, JCO 2015). We report long-term follow-up (FU) of this trial with an unplanned subset analysis in hormone receptor positive (HR+) and triple negative (TNBC) breast cancer. Methods: Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive P (90 mg/m2), Ix (16 mg/m2) or NP (150 mg/m2) on a 3 week (wk) on, 1 wk off schedule, stratified by prior adjuvant taxane use and hormone receptor status. B was initially given to all patients, but became optional in 3/2011 and was added to stratification. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints included safety and overall survival (OS). With a target N=900 patients, the study was powered to detect a hazard ratio of 1.36 (median PFS 10 vs 13.6 months). Eligibility included no prior chemotherapy for MBC, >12 mo from adjuvant P and measurable disease. Results: 799 patients were randomized between 11/08 and11/11 (283 to P, 271 to NP, 245 to Ix); 98% received bevacizumab. 68% (546) had HR+ disease, 25% (201) had TNBC. Median FU is 5 years. Median PFS is unchanged at 10.8, 9.2 and 7.4 mo for P, NP and Ix with hazard ratios (95% CIs) of 1.13 (0.94-1.34) and 1.44 (1.2-1.72) for NP and Ix to P, respectively. Median OS was 27.1, 24.2 and 23.6 months for P, NP and Ix with hazard ratios of 1.10 (0.91-1.34) and 1.3 (1.07-1.57) for NP and Ix to P, respectively. The effects of NP vs P on PFS and OS were significantly modified by subtype (interaction p=0.0018 and 0.0073), whereas Ix vs P was unchanged (interaction p's > 0.9, Table). More patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events in the experimental arms (14 vs 27 vs 23% for P, NP and Ix). Table P (mo)NP (mo)NP to P; HR (95% CI)Ix (mo)Ix to P, HR (95% CI)TNBC, PFS6.47.40.79 (0.55-1.12)15.61.39 (0.99-1.96)3HR+, PFS12.29.61.29 (1.04-1.59)181.5 (1.21-1.86)3TNBC, OS15.3210.74 (0.51-1.07)215.11.28(0.9-1.82)4HR+, OS33.226.61.25 (0.99-1.58)225.41.35(1.07-1.714Interaction tests: 1. p=0.0018; 2. p=0.0073; 3. p=0.96; 4. p=0.92 mo: months; HR: hazard ratio·· Conclusion: In patients with chemotherapy-naive MBC, Ix was inferior to P for PFS, and P was better tolerated than either NP or Ix. In this retrospective subset analysis, Ix and NP were inferior to P in HR+ disease, with a suggestion of improved PFS and OS with NP in patients with TNBC. Further investigation is required to explain and validate the subtype specificity seen in this exploratory analysis. Support: U10CA180820, U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U10CA180888. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00785291 Citation Format: Rugo HS, Barry WT, Moreno-Aspitia A, Lyss A, Huebner L, Mayer EL, Naughton M, Layman RM, Carey LA, Somer RA, Toppmeyer D, Velasco M, Perez EA, Hudis CA, Winer E. Long-term follow-up of CALGB 40502/NCCTG N063H (Alliance): A randomized phase III trial of weekly paclitaxel (P) compared to weekly nanoparticle albumin bound nab-Paclitaxel (NP) or ixabepilone (Ix) +/- bevacizumab as first-line therapy for locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS3-06.

PURPOSE Pemetrexed or bevacizumab is used for maintenance therapy of advanced nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The combination of bevacizumab and pemetrexed has also demonstrated efficacy. We conducted a randomized study to determine the optimal maintenance therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC and no prior systemic therapy received carboplatin (area under the curve, 6), paclitaxel (200 mg/m2), and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) for up to four cycles. Patients without progression after four cycles were randomly assigned to maintenance therapy with bevacizumab (15 mg/kg), pemetrexed (500 mg/m2), or a combination of the two agents. The primary end point was overall survival, with bevacizumab serving as the control group. RESULTS Of the 1,516 patients enrolled, 874 (57%) were randomly assigned after induction therapy to one of the three maintenance therapy groups. With a median follow-up of 50.6 months, median survival with pemetrexed was 15.9 months, compared with 14.4 months with bevacizumab (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; P = .12); median survival with pemetrexed and bevacizumab was 16.4 months (HR, 0.9; P = .28); median progression-free survival was 4.2, 5.1 (HR, 0.85; P = .06), and 7.5 months (HR, 0.67; P < .001) for the three groups, respectively. Incidence of worst grade 3 to 4 toxicity was 29%, 37%, and 51%, respectively, for bevacizumab, pemetrexed, and the combination regimen. CONCLUSION Single-agent bevacizumab or pemetrexed is efficacious as maintenance therapy for advanced nonsquamous NSCLC. Because of a lack of survival benefit and higher toxicity, the combination of bevacizumab and pemetrexed cannot be recommended.

12003 Background: AIMSS are common and frequently lead to early discontinuation of adjuvant AI therapy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes have been associated with AIMSS and AI discontinuation. The primary objective of E1Z11 was to validate previously identified associations between 10 specific SNPs in candidate genes and AI discontinuation due to AIMSS in a community-based, racially diverse cohort. Methods: Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive stage I-III breast cancer enrolled onto a prospective multi-site cohort study, the majority through the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). Participants received anastrozole 1 mg oral daily, and completed patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. AIMSS was defined as >20% increase in Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score over baseline occurring within 1 year of AI therapy. We projected 40% would develop AIMSS and 25% would discontinue AI treatment within 1 year, informing a planned enrollment of 1000 women with a fixed number per strata (600 Caucasian, 200 African-American [AA] & 200 Asian) to provide 80% power to detect an effect size of 1.5-4. SNPs include ESR1 (rs2234693, rs2347868, rs9340835), CYP19A1 (rs1062033, rs4646), TCL1A (rs11849538, rs2369049, rs7158782, rs7159713), and HTR2A (rs2296972). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was evaluated within each racial subset. SNP genotypes were coded as additive effects on the log odds ratio by coding as 0, 1 or 2 for the count of the minor allele. A Cochran-Armitage trend test was used with a 1-sided alpha of 0.0025 (Bonferroni correction for 10 tests). Results: We enrolled 999 evaluable women (616 Caucasian, 184 AA, 199 Asian). Genotyping was successful in 974 (98%). AIMSS developed in 43%, and AI therapy was discontinued in 12% within 1 year. While more AA and Asians developed AIMSS compared to Caucasians (48% vs 38%, p=0.017; 50% vs 38%, p=0.004), AI discontinuation rates were similar across racial groups. HWE was satisfied for all SNPs at the 5% alpha level, except for TCL1A/rs11849538 (p=0.002) in the AA cohort. None of the 10 SNPs were significantly associated with AI discontinuation or development of AIMSS in the overall population, or in any of the 3 cohorts. Conclusions: Although AIMSS were more common in AA and Asians, AI discontinuation rates were similar in the 3 cohorts. We were unable to prospectively validate 10 SNPs in 4 genes previously associated with AI discontinuation due to AIMSS. Future analyses will include other predictors of AIMSS, PROs, and additional genetic markers for the entire cohort and by race. Support: NCI UG1CA189828, UG1CA233196, UG1CA233277, UG1CA233320, UG1CA233178, UG1CA233160, UG1CA232760, UG1CA233341, UG1CA233329, U10CA180821, UG1CA189821, UG1CA189830, U10CA180888, UG1CA189859, UG1CA189863, UG1CA189971. Clinical trial information: NCT01824836.

Despite newer agents, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) continues to remain a distressing side effect to a proportion of patients undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy.We recently performed an unplanned secondary analysis on a previously reported negative phase III trial (N08C3) looking at the efficacy of gabapentin/placebo in combination with dexamethasone and a 5HT3 receptor antagonist in the prevention of CINV for 413 patients undergoing regimens with highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). In the current study, we attempted to better understand the higher than expected rate of overall patient satisfaction, despite a low complete response rate in both arms. Additionally, we looked at patient variables and their relationship to rates of CINV.Approximately one third of patients experienced more than mild nausea and reported scores on the Functional Living Index-Emesis that indicated interference with activities. Thirty-five percent reported nausea greater than 2.5 on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being none), 19 % reported at least one emetic episode, and 49 % reported taking rescue medication. Nausea and vomiting on day 1, cisplatin therapy, and history of motion sickness significantly predicted delayed CINV. Age, combination chemotherapy (HEC with moderately emetogenic), and getting treatment for breast cancer predicted CINV on day 1.These data confirm previous reports that subgroups of patients may be more prone to acute and delayed CINV. Future CINV study design may benefit from a more individualized approach to CINV management, targeting those patients who are truly at risk for CINV despite continued drug development efforts.

1016 Background: The ph III EMBRACE trial of E vs physician’s choice of tx led to FDA approval of E as ≥3rd-line tx for MBC pts with prior exposure to anthracyclines/taxanes. The ph III BOLD 301 trial of E vs capecitabine in advanced BC treated with anthracyclines/taxanes showed a nonsignificant trend to improved median OS for all pts; pre-planned analysis by HER2 status revealed a nominally significant benefit for HER2- pts. Methods: RU011201I is an investigator initiated ph III trial with 1:1 randomization to E (1.4 mg/m2 D1,8 q21days) vs P (90 mg/m2 D1,8,15 q28days) within strata defined by (neo)adjuvant taxanes (yes/no), HR status (+/-), and line of tx (1st/2nd). Pts had measurable or non-measurable disease by RECIST v1.1; new or progressive mets; peripheral neuropathy (PN) gr3 mos were allowed. (Neo)adjuvant taxanes were allowed if >12 mos between tx completion and disease recurrence. Radiographic studies occur q12wks. Survival data are collected q12wks after the Off-Tx Visit. Pts reported side effects weekly; post-baseline symptomatic AE rates worse than baseline were compared between arms using Fisher’s exact tests. We report clinical outcomes and the primary objective related to PRO-CTCAE use. Results: 201 pts enrolled 3/2014 - 5/2018 with 33.8 mos median f/u; 3 are on tx as of 2/20/20 (1E, 2P). Pt characteristics were the same between E vs P: median age 62 yrs (range 27-85); 42% prior taxane; 78% ER+; 70% starting 1st line tx. Baseline lesion distribution was similar except for lung mets (37E, 53P). No difference was seen between E vs P in PFS (5.7 vs 5.9 mos; P=0.72), OS (18.1 vs 16.4 mos; P=0.75), TTF (5.3 vs 4.9 mos; P=0.82), DOR (10.8 vs 12.3 mos; P=0.84), or number of metastatic events (55 vs 54). 37E and 36P pts required ≥1 dose reduction. Hematologic toxicities ≥ gr 3 were higher with E (40 vs 22%). PN events were similar: 56 vs 58 total, 4 vs 7 motor, 52 vs 51 sensory. Median duration of PN and median time to 1st PN event were 74 vs 140 and 56 vs 41 days. Worsened numbness/tingling severity and other pt-reported AE rates were similar, but worsened numbness/tingling interference (63% vs 78%, P=0.04) and vomiting frequency (35% vs 57%, P=0.005) were lower with E. Conclusions: Clinical outcomes were equivalent with E vs P as 1st/2nd line tx for HER2- advanced BC. The nature and severity of PN were similar between arms, but time of onset, duration, and interference with daily living favor E. E may be a suitable treatment option in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT02037529 .

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting toxicity caused by several chemotherapeutic agents. Currently, CIPN is managed by empirical dose modifications at the discretion of the treating physician. The goal of this research is to quantitate the dose-CIPN relationship to inform the optimal strategies for dose modification. Data were obtained from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 40502 trial, a randomized phase III trial of paclitaxel vs. nab-paclitaxel vs. ixabepilone as first-line chemotherapy for locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. CIPN was measured using a subset of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gynecologic Oncology Group Neurotoxicity (FACT-GOG-NTX) scale. A kinetic-pharmacodynamic (K-PD) model was utilized to quantitate the dose-CIPN relationship simultaneously for the three drugs. Indirect response models with linear and Smax drug effects were evaluated. The model was evaluated by comparing the predicted proportion of patients with CIPN (score ≥8 or score ≥12) to the observed proportion. An indirect response model with linear drug effect was able to describe the longitudinal CIPN data reasonably well. The proportion of patients that were falsely predicted to have CIPN or were falsely predicted not to have CIPN was 20% or less at any cycle. The model will be utilized to identify an early time point that can predict CIPN at later time points. This strategy will be utilized to inform dose adjustments to prospectively manage CIPN. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00785291

Purpose Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC) was superior to doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) in a trial in early breast cancer. However, activity of TC relative to AC regimens with a taxane (TaxAC) is unknown. Methods In a series of three adjuvant trials, women were randomly assigned to TC for six cycles (TC6) or to a standard TaxAC regimen. US Oncology Research (USOR) 06-090 compared TC6 with docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC6). National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) B-46-I/USOR 07132 compared TC6, TAC6, or TC6 plus bevacizumab. NSABP B-49 compared TC6 with several standard AC and taxane combination regimens. Before any analysis of individual trials, a joint efficacy analysis of TC versus the TaxAC regimens was planned, with invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) as the primary end point. Patients who received TC6 plus bevacizumab on NSABP B-46-I/USOR 07132 were not included. A hazard ratio (HR) from a stratified Cox model that exceeded 1.18 for TC6 versus TaxAC was predefined as inferiority for TC6. The prespecified interim monitoring plan was to report for futility if the HR was > 1.18 when 334 IDFS events were observed (50% of 668 events required for definitive analysis). Results A total of 2,125 patients were randomly assigned to receive TC6 regimens and 2,117 patients were randomly assigned to receive TaxAC regimens. The median follow-up time was 3.3 years. There were 334 IDFS events, and the HR for TC6 versus TaxAC was 1.202 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.49), which triggered early reporting for futility. The 4-year IDFS was 88.2% for TC6 and was 90.7% for TaxAC ( P = .04). Tests for treatment interaction by protocol, hormone receptor status, and nodal status were negative. Conclusion The TaxAC regimens improved IDFS in patients with high-risk human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer compared with the TC6 regimen.

Purpose Cancer care spans the spectrum from screening and diagnosis through therapy and into survivorship. Delivering appropriate care requires patient transitions across multiple specialties, such as primary care, radiology, and oncology. From the program's inception, the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) sites were tasked with conducting cancer care delivery research (CCDR) that evaluates structural, organizational, and social factors, including care transitions that determine patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to describe the capacity of the NCORP to conduct multidisciplinary CCDR that includes radiology and primary care practices. Methods The NCORP includes 34 community and 12 minority and underserved community sites. The Landscape Capacity Assessment was conducted in 2015 across these 46 sites, composed of the 401 components and subcomponents designated to conduct CCDR. Each respondent had the opportunity to designate an operational practice group, defined as a group of components and subcomponents with common care practices and resources. The primary outcomes were the proportion of adult oncology practice groups with affiliated radiology and primary care practices. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of those affiliated radiology and primary care groups that participate in research. Results Eighty-seven percent of components and subcomponents responded to at least some portion of the assessment, representing 230 practice groups. Analyzing the 201 adult oncology practice groups, 85% had affiliated radiologists, 69% of whom participate in research. Seventy-nine percent had affiliated primary care practitioners, 31% of whom participate in research. Institutional size, multidisciplinary group practice, and ownership by large regional or multistate health systems was associated with research participation by affiliated radiology and primary care groups. Research participation by these affiliated specialists was not significantly different between the community and the minority and underserved community sites. Conclusions Research relationships exist between the majority of community oncology sites and affiliated radiology practices. Research relationships with affiliated primary care practices lagged. NCORP as a whole has the opportunity to encourage continued and expanded engagement where relationships exist. Where no relationship exists, the NCORP can encourage recruitment, particularly of primary care practices as partners.

Background Although preoperative chemotherapy (cisplatin-etoposide) and radiotherapy, followed by surgical resection, is considered a standard of care for superior sulcus cancers, treatment is rigorous and relapse limits long-term survival. The Southwest Oncology Group-Intergroup Trial S0220 was designed to incorporate an active systemic agent, docetaxel, as consolidation therapy. Methods Patients with histologically proven and radiologically defined T3 to 4, N0 to 1, M0 superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer underwent induction therapy with cisplatin-etoposide, concurrently with thoracic radiotherapy at 45 Gy. Nonprogressing patients underwent surgical resection within 7 weeks. Consolidation consisted of docetaxel every 3 weeks for 3 doses. The accrual goal was 45 eligible patients. The primary objective was feasibility. Results Of 46 patients registered, 44 were eligible and assessable; 38 (86%) completed induction, 29 (66%) underwent surgical resection, and 20 (45% of eligible, 69% surgical, and 91% of those initiating consolidation therapy) completed consolidation docetaxel; 28 of 29 (97%) underwent a complete (R0) resection; 2 (7%) died of adult respiratory distress syndrome. In resected patients, 21 of 29 (72%) had a pathologic complete or nearly complete response. The known site of first recurrence was local in 2, local-systemic in 1, and systemic in 10, with 7 in the brain only. The 3-year progression-free survival was 56%, and 3-year overall survival was 61%. Conclusions Although trimodality therapy provides excellent R0 and local control, only 66% of patients underwent surgical resection and only 45% completed the treatment regimen. Even in this subset, distant recurrence continues to be a major problem, particularly brain-only relapse. Future strategies to improve treatment outcomes in this patient population must increase the effectiveness of systemic therapy and reduce the incidence of brain-only metastases.

Introduction GATA3 is a critical transcription factor in maintaining the differentiated state of luminal mammary epithelial cells. We sought to determine the prognostic and predictive roles of GATA3 genotypes for breast cancer. Patients and Methods Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 2 breast cancer cohorts, including the SWOG S8897 trial where patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (CAF [cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil] vs. CMF [cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil]) or untreated, and the observational Pathways Study. Results In the S8897 trial, rs3802604 and rs568727 were associated with disease-free survival and overall survival in the treated group, regardless of chemotherapy regimen. The GG genotype of rs3802604 conferred poorer overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-4.05) and disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.99) compared with the AA genotype. Similar associations were found for rs568727. In contrast, no association with either SNP was found in the untreated group. Subgroup analyses indicated that these 2 SNPs more strongly influenced outcomes in the patients who also received tamoxifen. However, the associations in the subgroup with tamoxifen treatment were not replicated in the Pathways Study, possibly owing to substantial differences between the 2 patient cohorts, such as chemotherapy regimen and length of follow-up. Results from joint analyses across these 2 cohorts were marginally significant, driven by the results in S8897. Bioinformatic analyses support potential functional disruption of the GATA3 SNPs in breast tissue. Conclusions The present study provides some evidence for the predictive value of GATA3 genotypes for breast cancer adjuvant therapies. Future replication studies in appropriate patient populations are warranted.

Many challenges to clinical trial accrual exist, resulting in studies with inadequate enrollment and potentially delaying answers to important scientific and clinical questions.The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) cosponsored the Cancer Trial Accrual Symposium: Science and Solutions on April 29-30, 2010 to examine the state of accrual science related to patient/community, physician/provider, and site/organizational influences, and identify new interventions to facilitate clinical trial enrollment. The symposium featured breakout sessions, plenary sessions, and a poster session including 100 abstracts. Among the 358 attendees were clinical investigators, researchers of accrual strategies, research administrators, nurses, research coordinators, patient advocates, and educators. A bibliography of the accrual literature in these three major areas was provided to participants in advance of the meeting. After the symposium, the literature in these areas was revisited to determine if the symposium recommendations remained relevant within the context of the current literature.Few rigorously conducted studies have tested interventions to address challenges to clinical trials accrual. Attendees developed recommendations for improving accrual and identified priority areas for future accrual research at the patient/community, physician/provider, and site/organizational levels. Current literature continues to support the symposium recommendations.A combination of approaches addressing both the multifactorial nature of accrual challenges and the characteristics of the target population may be needed to improve accrual to cancer clinical trials. Recommendations for best practices and for future research developed from the symposium are provided.

To date, the few studies of associations between a functional polymorphism in the oxidative stress-related gene manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and breast cancer survival have been inconsistent. In a homogeneous patient population from a large cooperative group trial Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) 8897, we evaluated this polymorphism in relation to both treatment-related toxicity and disease-free survival (DFS). Among 458 women who received cyclophosphamide-containing adjuvant chemotherapy, those with variant C alleles, related to higher antioxidant activity, experienced less grade 3-4 neutropenia (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29-0.92) but had worse DFS (HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.99-2.55) than women with TT genotypes. No associations were observed among 874 women who were followed without adjuvant therapy. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that women with higher SOD2 antioxidant activity may experience less treatment-related toxicity but shorter time to disease recurrence or death after breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy, supporting the modifying effects of oxidative stress-related enzymes on cancer treatment toxicity and efficacy.

Purpose Myeloperoxidase (MPO) generates reactive oxygen species and also activates xenobiotics . In a rigorous clinical trial (Southwest Oncology Group SWOG-8897), we examined relationships between genotypes and disease-free survival (DFS) among women treated for breast cancer, as well as those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Patients were assigned to risk groups according to standard prognostic features; the low-risk group (n = 753 genotyped) received follow-up only, and the high-risk group (n = 401 genotyped) was randomly assigned to adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) or cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF), with or without tamoxifen. DNA from archived normal lymph node tissue was genotyped, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate DFS associated with MPO genotypes. Results Among women in the treatment arm, those with MPO G alleles had more than a two-fold reduction in hazard of recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for GA genotypes, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.99; HR for GG genotypes, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.77). Effects were greatest among women who were further randomly assigned to tamoxifen (HR for GA genotypes, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.69; HR for GG genotypes, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.45). There were no significant associations between genotypes and DFS among women in the untreated arm, and relationships between genotypes and DFS did not differ by CAF or CMF. Conclusion These results, observed in two independent study populations, indicate that high-activity MPO genotypes are associated with better survival among women receiving cyclophosphamide-containing therapy, particularly when followed by tamoxifen therapy. MPO can be inhibited and/or upregulated by commonly used drugs; thus, our findings merit further investigation for optimization of therapeutics for breast cancer.

Purpose: Numerous chemotherapeutic agents are cytotoxic through generation of reactive species, and variability in genes related to oxidative stress may influence disease-free survival (DFS). We examined relationships between DFS and variants in NOS3, as well as NQO1, NQO2, and CBR3, among treated and untreated breast cancer patients in a Southwest Oncology Group clinical trial (S8897). Experimental Design: In the parent trial, women were assigned according to prognostic features; the high-risk group was randomized to cyclophosphamide, i.v. methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil or to cyclophosphamide, i.v. doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil ± tamoxifen, and the low-risk group did not receive adjuvant therapy. We extracted DNA from normal lymph node tissue and examined functional polymorphisms in NOS3, NQO1, NQO2, and CBR3, in relation to DFS, using Cox proportional hazard model. Results: There were significant interactions between DFS, adjuvant therapy, and NOS3 Glu298Asp and −786 polymorphisms, alone and in combination (P for interaction = 0.008). When NOS3 genotypes were combined, women with genotypes encoding for lower nitric oxide who received chemotherapy had a >2-fold increase in hazard of progression (hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-4.25), whereas there was reduced risk for those who did not receive adjuvant therapy (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.95). There were no associations between the other genotypes and DFS in either group. Conclusion: Variants encoding lower activity of NOS3 may affect outcomes in breast cancer patients, with the direction of risk differing depending on chemotherapy status. These results may mirror the known dual functions of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase, depending on oxidative environment. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(16):5258–66) (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(16):5258–)

Purpose We compared nab-paclitaxel or ixabepilone once per week to paclitaxel with bevacizumab as first-line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer (BC) to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) for nab-paclitaxel or ixabepilone versus paclitaxel. Patients and Methods Eligible patients were age ≥ 18 years with chemotherapy-naive advanced BC. Patients were randomly assigned to bevacizumab with paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 (arm A), nab-paclitaxel 150 mg/m2 (arm B), or ixabepilone 16 mg/m2 (arm C), once per week for 3 of 4 weeks. Planned enrollment was 900 patients, which would give 88% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.73. Results In all, 799 patients were enrolled, and 783 received treatment (97% received bevacizumab). Arm C was closed for futility at the first interim analysis (n = 241), and arm A (n = 267) and arm B (n = 275) were closed for futility at the second interim analysis. Median PFS for paclitaxel was 11 months, ixabepilone was inferior to paclitaxel (PFS, 7.4 months; hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.93; P < .001), and nab-paclitaxel was not superior to paclitaxel (PFS, 9.3 months; hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.45; P = .054). Results were concordant with overall survival; time to treatment failure was significantly shorter in both experimental arms v paclitaxel. Hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity, including peripheral neuropathy, was increased with nab-paclitaxel, with more frequent and earlier dose reductions. Conclusion In patients with chemotherapy-naive advanced BC, ixabepilone once per week was inferior to paclitaxel, and nab-paclitaxel was not superior with a trend toward inferiority. Toxicity was increased in the experimental arms, particularly for nab-paclitaxel. Paclitaxel once per week remains the preferred palliative chemotherapy in this setting.

We compared nab-paclitaxel or ixabepilone once per week to paclitaxel with bevacizumab as first-line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer (BC) to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) for nab-paclitaxel or ixabepilone versus paclitaxel.

Purpose We evaluated the efficacy of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF) in node-negative breast cancer patients with and without tamoxifen (TAM), overall and by hormone receptor (HR) status. Patients and Methods Node-negative patients identified by tumor size (> 2 cm), negative HR, or high S-phase fraction (n = 2,690) were randomly assigned to CMF, CAF, CMF + TAM (CMFT), or CAF + TAM (CAFT). Cox regression evaluated overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for CAF versus CMF and TAM versus no TAM separately. Two-sided CIs and one-sided P values for planned comparisons were calculated. Results Ten-year estimates indicated that CAF was not significantly better than CMF (P = .13) for the primary outcome of DFS (77% v 75%; HR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.27). CAF had slightly better OS than CMF (85% v 82%, HR = 1.19 for CMF v CAF; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.43); values were statistically significant in the planned one-sided test (P = .03). Toxicity was greater with CAF and did not increase with TAM. Overall, TAM had no benefit (DFS, P = .16; OS, P = .37), but the TAM effect differed by HR groups. For HR-positive patients, TAM was beneficial (DFS, HR = 1.32 for no TAM v TAM; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.61; P = .003; OS, HR = 1.26; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.61; P = .03), but not for HR-negative patients (DFS, HR = 0.81 for no TAM v TAM; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.03; OS, HR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.05). Conclusion CAF did not improve DFS compared with CMF; there was a slight effect on OS. Given greater toxicity, we cannot conclude CAF to be superior to CMF. TAM is effective in HR-positive disease, but not in HR-negative disease.

BACKGROUND The Cancer and Leukemia Group B conducted a Phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel administered at a maximum dose density for patients with chemotherapy-naive, advanced-stage non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). METHODS Patients with Stage IIIB/IV or recurrent NSCLC, a performance status (PS) score of 0–1, and no history of chemotherapy exposure were eligible. Paclitaxel, 150 mg/m2, was administered over 3 hours during Weeks 1–6 of an 8-week cycle. Doses were modified for ANC < 1500/μL or for ≥ Grade 2 neuropathy on the day of therapy. Treatment continued until toxicity or disease progression. Pharmacokinetics were assessed at Weeks 1, 3, and 5 of Cycle 1. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients (median age, 64 years; range, 31–81 years) were treated. There were 21 males (PS = 0 for 17). Eleven patients had received previous radiation, 2 had brain metastases, 25 had adenocarcinoma, 23 had Stage IV disease, 6 had StageIIIB disease, and 9 had recurrent disease. Grade 3–4 granulocytopenia occurred in 39% of patients. There were no deaths due to toxicity. Grade 2 or 3 neuropathy occurred in 29% and 24% of patients, respectively. Ten (27%) patients had Grade 3 hyperglycemia (glucose concentration > 250 mg/dL). There were 16 partial responses (42%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26–59%). The median survival period was 12.3 months (95% CI, 7.9–19.6%), and the 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 52% (95% CI, 39–71%) and 26% (95% CI, 15–45%), respectively. Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics were consistent with published values and clearance was not induced. Older age and hyperglycemia were associated with greater neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Paclitaxel at 150 mg/m2 per week × 6 every 8 weeks can be administered safely in the cooperative group setting. These Phase II data are comparable to those associated with combination therapy. The weekly dose-dense schedule may be more active than conventional schedules. Cancer 2003;10:2480–6. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11375

Chemotherapy for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (E-SCLC) produces high response rates and improved survival but few cures. We tested three new regimens for E-SCLC that might merit further investigation in a subsequent phase III trial. Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9430 was a randomized phase II study evaluating 4 treatment arms in 57 evaluable, previously untreated E-SCLC patients. Each arm consisted of the following: Arm 1: cisplatin plus topotecan; Arm 2: cisplatin plus paclitaxel; Arm 3: paclitaxel 230 mg/m2 plus topotecan; and Arm 4: paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 plus topotecan. Because of an accrual time difference, Arm 2 will not be discussed in this manuscript. Arm 1 (12 patients) produced 1 complete response (CR, 8%) and an overall response rate (ORR) of 42%. Toxicity was excessive, with 3 deaths (25%). Arm 3 (13 patients) produced no CRs, 7 partial responses (PRs, 54%), median survival of 13.8 months, and failure-free survival (FFS) of 7.41 months, with 3 toxic deaths (25%). Among 32 evaluable patients on Arm 4, there were 2 CRs (6%) and 20 PRs (63%) for an ORR of 69%, median survival of 9.9 months, FFS of 5.21 months, and 1-year survival of 40%. There was 1 possible treatment-related death (3%). Topotecan plus cisplatin, in the doses and schedule employed, produced excessive toxicity and modest efficacy in E-SCLC patients. Paclitaxel (230 mg/m2 on day 1) plus topotecan (1 mg/m2 on days 1-5) produced excessive toxicity that was ameliorated with an attenuated paclitaxel dose (175 mg/m2). With the latter regimen (Arm 4) in patients with a performance status of 0/1, CR rates, FFS, overall survival, and 1-year survival were similar to standard etoposide plus cisplatin chemotherapy. Further exploration of topoisomerase inhibitors and taxanes in SCLC patients is warranted.

The historical strengths of community-based research and dedication to improving patients outcomes and cancer care experience provide the perseverance to face uncertainties such as advances in science and technology, changes in practice environment, and demonstrating quality and value-based performance.

BACKGROUND Capecitabine and paclitaxel are established effective treatments, alone and combined with other cytotoxic and targeted agents, for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Paclitaxel polyglumex (a macromolecular conjugate of paclitaxel bound to poly-L-glutamic acid) has potential advantages over conventional paclitaxel, including little alopecia, short infusion time with no premedication, enhanced tumor permeability/retention effect, and improved tolerability. We therefore examined tolerability and efficacy of paclitaxel polyglumex with capecitabine in patients with MBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a single-stage phase 2 study, with interim analysis conducted with endpoints of tumor response, adverse events (toxicities), time to progression, and overall survival. The main eligibility criteria were: age >18 years, no prior MBC chemotherapy, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score

Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) is a novel opioid formulation in which the potent synthetic mu-agonist fentanyl is embedded in a sweetened matrix that is dissolved in the mouth. It is undergoing investigation as a treatment for cancer-related breakthrough pain, a prevalent phenomenon defined as a transitory flare of moderate to severe pain that interrupts otherwise controlled persistent pain. There have been no controlled trials of other treatments for this condition. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ascending doses of OTFC, a novel controlled dose titration methodology was developed that applied blinding and randomization procedures to the evaluation of recurrent pains in the home environment. The study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind dose titration study in ambulatory cancer patients. The sample comprised adult patients receiving a scheduled oral opioid regimen equivalent to 60-1000 mg oral morphine per day, who were experiencing at least one episode per day of breakthrough pain and had achieved at least partial relief of this pain by use of an oral opioid rescue dose. After collection of 2 days of baseline data concerning the efficacy of the usual rescue drug, patients were randomly treated with either 200 or 400 microg OTFC unit doses in double-blind fashion. Up to two breakthrough pains each day could be treated with up to four OTFC unit doses per pain. OTFC in unit doses containing 200, 400, 600, 800, 1200 or 1600 microg of fentanyl citrate were available for the study. The unit dose was titrated upward in steps until the patient had 2 consecutive days on which breakthrough pain could be treated with the single unit dose, titration was ineffective at a 1600 microg unit dose, or 20 days elapsed. To maintain the double-blind, orders to titrate up were ignored one-third of the time according to a pre-defined randomization schedule accessible only to an unblinded study pharmacist. Main outcome measures included, numeric or categorical measures of pain intensity, pain relief, and global assessment of drug performance. Dose response relationships were found suggesting that the methodology was sensitive to opioid effects. Seventy-four percent of patients were successfully titrated. There was no relationship between the total daily dose of the fixed schedule opioid regimen and the dose of OTFC required to manage the breakthrough pain. Although the study was not designed to provide a definitive comparison between OTFC and the usual rescue drug, exploratory analyses found that OTFC provided significantly greater analgesic effect at 15, 30 and 60 min, and a more rapid onset of effect, than the usual rescue drug. Adverse effects of the OTFC were typically opioid-related, specifically somnolence, nausea and dizziness. Very few adverse events were severe or serious. This study demonstrated the feasibility of controlled trial methodology in studies of breakthrough pain. OTFC appears to be a safe and effective therapy for breakthrough pain, and dose titration can usually identify a unit dose capable of providing adequate analgesia. If the lack of a relationship between the effective OTFC dose and fixed schedule opioid regimen is confirmed, dose titration may be needed in the clinical use of this formulation. Further investigation of OTFC as a specific treatment for breakthrough pain is warranted.

Research in the community setting is essential for the translation of advances in cancer research into practice and improving cancer care for all populations. The National Cancer Institute is proposing a new community-based program, NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), which is the alignment of two existing programs, the Community Clinical Oncology Program, Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program, and their Research Bases, and the National Cancer Institute's Community Cancer Centers Program. NCROP will support cancer control, prevention, treatment, and screening clinical trials and expand its research scope to include cancer care delivery research. Cancer disparities research will be integrated into studies across the continuum of NCORP research. Input from current NCI-funded community investigators provides critical insight into the challenges faced by oncology practices within various organizational structures. Furthermore, these investigators identify the resources, both administrative and clinical, that will be required in the community setting to support cancer care delivery research and to meet the requirements for a new generation of clinical research. The American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has initiated a forum to focus on the conduct of clinical research in the community setting. Resources are being developed to help practices in managing cancer care in community settings.

Purpose: GATA3 is involved in estrogen signaling and mammary cell differentiation, and is frequently mutated in breast cancer. Germline variations of GATA3 are prognostic in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Thus, we sought to examine their prognostic and predictive role in breast cancer. Methods: SWOG S8897 comprised two groups of breast cancer patients. In the first high-risk group, women were randomly assigned to CAF vs. CMF, and secondarily randomized to tamoxifen or not. In the second low risk group, women did not receive any adjuvant therapy after surgery. Germline DNA was extracted from uninvolved axillary lymph nodes and 12 candidate GATA3 SNPs were genotyped. Associations of genotypes with treatment outcomes were evaluated in 441 women in the treated and 799 in the untreated groups separately. Hazard ratio (HR) for disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for each SNP was estimated using multivariate Cox hazard regression. Further stratified analyses by tamoxifen were performed in the treated group. Results: After correcting for multiple testing, we identified significant associations of two variants (rs3802604 and rs568727) with DFS and OS for patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. Women carrying the variant GG genotype at rs3802604 had significantly poorer DFS (HR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.27-2.99, p = 0.002) and OS (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.48-4.05, p = 0.0005), compared to women carrying the common AA genotype. Associations of similar magnitude were found for rs568727. In contrast, no association with either SNP was found in the untreated group. Subgroup analysis suggested that these two SNPs more strongly influenced treatment outcomes in the patients who also received tamoxifen. Seven additional variants were also associated with OS and DFS in the tamoxifen treated group. Only 3 of the 12 SNPs analyzed in GATA3 were not associated with survival in this subgroup; however, these three SNPs (rs3781093, rs3824662, and rs3802600) associated with OS in the group not treated with tamoxifen. Functional annotation revealed that several GATA3 SNPs, e.g., rs3802604, rs369421, and rs3824662, are likely to function by affecting transcription factor binding and/or altering regulatory chromatin states at this locus. Conclusions: GATA3 harbors common germline genetic variants that are related to survival following adjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Victoria L. Larsen, William E. Barlow, Jun J. Yang, Qianqian Zhu, Laura F. Hutchins, Susan A. Kadlubar, Kathy S. Albain, Robert B. Livingston, James M. Rae, I-Tien Yeh, Peter M. Ravdin, Silvana Martino, Alan P. Lyss, C. Kent Osborne, Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, Daniel F. Hayes, Christine B. Ambrosone, Song Yao. Germline genetic variants in GATA3 and breast cancer treatment outcomes in SWOG 8897 trial. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2032.

1000Background: The ABC adjuvant trials (5/2007-11/2013) were developed by USOR and NSABP to determine if a regimen of TC for 6 cycles is non-inferior to combination regimens of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with docetaxel or paclitaxel (TaxAC) in women with resected high-risk, HER2-negative breast cancer. 1870 patients (pts) from B-49 were combined with 1077 from the TaxAC and TC groups of B-46-I/USOR 07132, and 1295 from USOR 06-090, for a total of 4242. A detailed history of this collaborative effort will be discussed. Methods: The primary endpoint was invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), defined as time to local, regional or distant recurrence, invasive contralateral breast cancer, second primary cancer, or death. Pts were stratified for: parent trial, pos nodes (0, 1-3, 4-9, 10+), and hormonal status (neg, pos). A hazard ratio (HR) from a stratified Cox model of 1.18 or more was pre-defined as inferior. HRs above 1 favor TaxAC. Our pre-specified interim monitoring plan was to report early for futili...

Developing and maintaining an exemplary research team is essential to the success of a quality clinical research program.

Purpose: There are no established genetic markers for prediction of outcomes after cyclophosphamide (CP)-containing adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. In an ancillary study to a SWOG (Southwest Oncology Group) trial (S8897), we investigated functional polymorphisms in 4 genes in CP pharmacokinetic pathways in relation to hematologic toxicity and disease-free survival (DFS). Experimental Design: Germline DNA was available from 458 women who were at high risk of relapse and was randomized to CAF (CP, intravenous doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil) versus CMF (CP, intravenous methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil) ± tamoxifen, and from 874 women who had a presumed favorable prognosis and did not receive adjuvant therapy. Odds ratios for grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicity in the treated group and hazard ratios for DFS associated with selected functional polymorphisms in CYP2B6CYP3A4GSTA1and GSTP1were estimated by logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: Compared with women with AA genotypes, those with at least 1 GSTP1 variant G allele had reduced risk of grade 3 and 4 neutropenia [odds ratios (OR) = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41–0.97] and leucopenia (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39–0.89). No other associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and toxicity or survival were found in the treated or untreated group. Conclusion: Known genetic variants in genes involved in CP pharmacokinetics may not have major effects on DFS in breast cancer patients. The lower risk of developing high-grade hematologic toxicity among women with variant GSTP1alleles suggests that genetic markers in combination with clinical factors may be useful in defining a subgroup of women who are less susceptible to adverse hematologic toxicities with CP-containing therapies.

From April 2 to July 9, 1989, Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) conducted a Phase II study of etoposide and carboplatin in advanced (AJC Stage IIIb-IV) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients whose performance status (PS) was 0-2. The combination was given at the maximum tolerated dose as defined in a prior CALGB study. Of 76 eligible patients with follow-up data, complete responses were achieved in three patients (4%) and partial responses, in five patients (7%). One patient (1%) with evaluable disease showed improvement. There was only one partial response in the PS 2 patients. Performance status was a predictive factor for response or improvement (p = 0.0368). A high incidence (74%) of severe or life-threatening hematologic toxicity and fatal sepsis in four patients was a reflection of the intensity of the chemotherapeutic regime. The median survival from study entry was 7.4 months. Thirty-seven percent of the patients survived beyond 1 year; the median survival for the PS 0-1 patients was 11.7 months for the PS 2 patients, 4.1 months. Median time to treatment failure was 3.9 months, but treatment had not failed in 9% of the patients after 1 year, all of whom were PS 0-1 at time of study entry. Although the response rate with this dose-intensive chemotherapy regimen was disappointing, the median survival of PS 0-1 patients was equivalent to that of Stage III NSCLC patients in prior CALGB studies. In patients with NSCLC who are treated with chemotherapy, PS may be as important a prognostic factor as stage, when median survival is used as an endpoint.

Venous access has been a problem for the practicing oncologist. Previous approaches, such as arteriovenous fistulas, grafts, or percutaneous catheters, have not gained widespread acceptability. We report our experiences with 230 Port-a-Cath devices, a totally implantable venous access system. The catheters were placed in 218 general oncology patients for the administration of chemotherapy. One patient had three catheters placed and 10 patients had two catheters each. Most patients received standard bolus chemotherapy, while 25 patients were treated with continuous ambulatory infusions. The catheters were in place for an average of 271 days (range 2-1,427 days) for a total of 62,330 catheter days, representing the largest published experience with devices of this type in cancer patients. A total of 24 complications occurred in 22 patients. Catheter insertion was associated with four pneumothoraces, two of which required chest tube drainage. Five catheters were removed because of infection. There were 6 cases of venous thrombosis, but none resulted in pulmonary embolism. Other complications were manageable and included catheter occlusion, migration, and extravasation of chemotherapy agents. The Port-a-Cath is safe and is associated with a low rate of complications. Implantable venous access systems represent a significant advantage in the management of oncology patients with poor venous access.

Purpose Gemcitabine plus carboplatin (GC) is active as front-line treatment for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For patients without progression, timing of second-line chemotherapy for optimum clinical benefit remains uncertain. This phase III, randomized trial assessed the efficacy and safety of docetaxel administered either immediately after GC or at disease progression. Patients and Methods The chemotherapy-naïve patients enrolled had either stage IIIB NSCLC with pleural effusion or stage IV NSCLC. Gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) was administered on days 1 and 8 followed by carboplatin (area under the curve = 5) on day 1. After four 21-day cycles, patients who did not have progression were randomly assigned either to an immediate docetaxel group (docetaxel 75 mg/m2 on day 1 every 21 days, with maximum of six cycles) or to a delayed docetaxel group. The primary end point was overall survival (OS) measured from random assignment. Additional analyses included tumor response, toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and quality of life (QOL). Results Enrollment totaled 566 patients; 398 patients completed GC; 309 patients were randomly assigned equally to the two docetaxel treatment groups. Toxicity profiles were generally comparable for the docetaxel groups. Median PFS for immediate docetaxel (5.7 months) was significantly greater (P = .0001) than for delayed docetaxel (2.7 months). Median OS for immediate docetaxel (12.3 months) was greater than for delayed docetaxel (9.7 months), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .0853). QOL results were not statistically different (P = .76) between docetaxel groups. Conclusion We observed a statistically significant improvement in PFS and a nonstatistically significant increase in OS when docetaxel was administered immediately after front-line GC, without increasing toxicity or decreasing QOL.

Summary Purpose To assess the safety, tolerability, and clinical outcomes of an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen designed to incorporate a non-cross-resistant agent (paclitaxel, T) with a maximally dose-intensified regimen of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) in conjunction with hematopoietic growth factor support (recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor; G-CSF; Filgrastim). A secondary aim was to assess if a higher dose (10 mcg/kg/day) of G-CSF is more efficacious than the conventional dose (5 mcg/kg/day) in this setting. Patients and Methods Female patients with early-stage, node-positive invasive breast cancer were eligible for this multicenter, cooperative group feasibility trial that was designed as the pilot study for a larger randomized clinical trial. The protocol treatment comprised five cycles of dose-intensified AC (75 and 2000 mg/m 2 /cycle, respectively, intravenously every three weeks) with G-CSF support, followed by an additional four cycles of T (175 mg/m 2 by 3 h intravenous infusion, every three weeks). Patients were randomized to receive one of two dose levels of G-CSF (5 vs. 10 mcg/kg/day) during AC chemotherapy. Data on both short-term toxicity and long-term survival were collected. Results One hundred and seventy two node-positive patients with operable primary breast cancer were accrued to this trial between February 1993 and April 1994. 130 of the 172 patients (76%) completed all protocol-specified therapy. Of the 42 early study withdrawals, 23 were due to unacceptable acute treatment-related toxicity. No differences in toxicities or clinical outcomes were noted between the two different dose levels of G-CSF support. At 6.8 years median follow-up, relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all patients are 70% and 78%, respectively. Ten patients developed second malignancies during follow-up, including three cases with a hematologic malignancy (2% incidence). Conclusion The delivery of dose-intensified AC followed by T was feasible in this large-scale pilot trial, although significant acute toxicities were commonly encountered. The data confirmed the acceptable tolerability of T after aggressive myelotoxic therapy in the adjuvant setting, leading to a larger randomized clinical trial comparing three dose levels of doxorubicin in AC with or without the addition of T (CALGB 9344). Supportive care using twice the conventional dose of G-CSF did not significantly improve the tolerability or change the toxicities of this regimen, and the occurrence of secondary malignancies is consistent with the emerging risk profile of dose-intensive regimens with growth factor support. With long-term follow-up, the clinical outcomes remain relatively favorable and correlate with such expected prognostic factors as the number of involved nodes and hormone receptor status.

1041 Background: CALGB 40502 (Alliance) randomized patients (pts) with MBC to paclitaxel 90 mg/m2, nab-paclitaxel 150 mg/m2, or ixabepilone 16 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days, with or witho...

Fifty patients with histologically confirmed stage III breast cancer were enrolled in this study of doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and docetaxel 75 mg/m2 intravenously infused over 1 hour every 21 days with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for 4 cycles. This was followed by surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy) and 4 more cycles of doxorubicin/docetaxel postoperatively, then radiation and tamoxifen as indicated. Forty-six of the 50 patients (92%) completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 38 patients (76%) completed adjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical response (defined as > 50% decrease in size of tumor) was achieved after 2 cycles in 37 patients (74%) and after 4 cycles in 42 of the 46 patients (91%) who finished neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pathologic complete response (pCR; no pathologic invasive cancer) at the primary site was obtained in 7 of 46 patients (15%); 11 had no residual gross disease but did have microscopic persistence or microscopic complete response (mCR), for a combined pCR and mCR of 18 of 46 patients (39%). No treatment-related deaths occurred, but 3 patients died during treatment: 1 from progressive disease, 1 from a gastrointestinal bleeding, and 1 from unexplained sudden cardiac death. Dose-limiting toxicities were hematologic (grade 3 neutropenia in 5 patients and grade 4 in 23 patients). Congestive heart failure developed in 4 of 50 patients (8%), with a mean decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 20% in affected patients and 1 asymptomatic decrease in LVEF of 25%. At last follow-up, 10 patients had died of progressive disease, and 1 each from sudden cardiac death and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. In locally advanced breast cancer, neoadjuvant doxorubicin/docetaxel is a very active regimen that achieved pCR of 15% and a combined pCR and mCR of 39%, for an overall clinical response rate of 91%. Adjuvant chemotherapy was complicated by dropouts and congestive heart failure. This regimen should be used with close monitoring of cardiac function.

Purpose To prospectively evaluate the feasibility of delivering 70 Gy once-daily thoracic radiotherapy (TRT), concurrent with chemotherapy, in the treatment of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (L-SCLC). Materials and methods Eligible patients received two cycles of induction paclitaxel (175 mg/m 2 on Day 1) and topotecan (1 mg/m 2 on Days 1–5) with granulocyte colony stimulating factor support, followed by three cycles of carboplatin (area under the curve=5 on Day 1) and etoposide (100 mg/m 2 on Days 1–3). TRT (70 Gy, 2 Gy/fx/7 weeks) was initiated with the first cycle of carboplatin and etoposide. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was offered to patients achieving a complete response or good partial response. Results Ninety percent of patients (57 of 63) proceeded to protocol TRT. There was one treatment-related fatality. Nonhematologic Grade 3/4 toxicities affecting more than 10% of patients, during or after TRT, were dysphagia (16%/5%) and febrile neutropenia (12%/4%). The response rate to all therapy was 92% and the median overall survival is 22.4 months (95% confidence interval 16.1, ∞). Twenty-eight patients remain alive with a median follow-up of 24.7 months. Conclusion 70 Gy once-daily TRT can be delivered safely in the cooperative group setting for patients with L-SCLC. Initial efficacy data are encouraging. The hypothesis that high-dose once-daily TRT results in comparable or improved survival compared with twice-daily accelerated TRT warrants testing in a Phase III trial.

9513 Background: The need for more research in N/V control is exemplified by agents that are costly, interfere with cytochrome P450 metabolism, and inadequately address delayed N/V. Based on pilot data, there was justification for evaluating whether gabapentin could improve the prevention of delayed N/V from highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). Methods: Patients (pts) about to receive HEC were randomized to prophylactic treatment with 20 mg of dexamethasone (dex) and a 5HT3 receptor antagonist (RA) on the day of chemotherapy, followed by either gabapentin (gaba) 300 mg BID and dex or placebo (plac) and dex. Gaba/plac was started the evening of the day of chemotherapy and continued through day 5 of the first chemotherapy cycle. Dex was given at 8 mg BID days 2-3, then 4 mg BID for day 4, in both arms. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR), defined as no emesis and no rescue medications day 2-6, using a nausea and vomiting diary. The percent of CR were compared in each group by Fisher’s exact test. Secondary outcomes included the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE), satisfaction, and a side effect questionnaire. Results: 430 pts were enrolled in this study between 5/2009 and 2/2011. 47% of pts in the gaba arm and 41% in the plac arm had a CR (p=.23). At some time during days 2-6, 30% in the gaba and plac arms experienced emesis, and 45% and 53% in the gaba and plac arms, respectively, took rescue medication. Mean diary nausea scores over days 2-6 ranged from 0.9 – 1.2 (gaba arm) and 1.0-1.3 (plac arm)(7 = the worst); mean number of diary emetic episodes ranged from 0.1 -0.3 (gaba arm) and 0.1-0.2 (plac arm). The FLIE was not significantly different between arms. Mean vomiting satisfaction was 9.1 in both arms and for nausea was 8.3 for gaba, 8.1 for plac (10= totally satisfied). There were no significant differences in toxicities by CTCAE provider grading or by self-report. Conclusions: In this study, gaba did not improve delayed N/V. Overall, there was little emesis and nausea severity was low. Patients were satisfied with the control of their N/V, irrespective of arm. The use of standard prophylactic guidelines that include a 5HT3RA and dex provided good control of N/V for most patients. Clinical trial information: NCT00880191.

CRA1002 Background: Weekly P is superior to q 3 week (wk) dosing, and adding B improves progression free survival (PFS) (E2100). Ix is a potent epothilone that can be effective after microtubule inhibitor resistance. NP is a novel albumin-bound formulation of P with promising activity in the first-line MBC setting. In this phase III trial, the efficacy of weekly Ix or NP is compared to P, in combination with B in patients (pts) with chemotherapy (CTX) naïve MBC. Toxicity including >Grade 2 sensory neuropathy (SN) is compared to P. Methods: Pts were randomized 1:1:1 to receive P (90 mg/m2), Ix (16 mg/m2) or NP (150 mg/m2) on a 3 wk on, 1 wk off schedule, stratified by prior adjuvant taxane use and hormone receptor status. B was initially given to all pts, but became optional in 3/2011 and was added to stratification. The primary end point of PFS is defined as time from randomization to progression or all-cause death. With a target N=900 pts, the study was powered to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.36 (median PFS 10 vs 13.6 mos). Eligibility included no prior CTX for MBC, >12 mos from adjuvant P and measurable disease. Results: 799 pts were enrolled between 11/08-11/11 (283 to P, 271 to NP, 245 to Ix); 98% received B. 72% had ER+ disease, 44% received adjuvant P. At the 1st interim analysis (165 events) the comparison of Ix to P crossed the futility boundary (FB) and accrual to Ix was closed. At the 2nd interim analysis (236 events), NP to P crossed the FB and the study was closed on 11/30/11. Median PFS was 10.4, 9.6 and 7.6 mos for P, NP and Ix, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.94 (0.73-1.22) and 0.66 (0.51-0.84) for P to NP and Ix respectively. Grade 2+ SN was 48% for NP, 44% for Ix and 37% for P; Grade 3+ hematologic toxicity was 49% for NP, 20% for Ix, and 12% for P. Conclusions: In pts with CTX naive MBC, both NP and Ix are highly unlikely to be superior to P for PFS (when all are combined with B), and in combination with B, weekly P is the better tolerated drug. Toxicity including SN was greater in each experimental arm compared to P. Updated data will be presented, and correlative studies will be reported at a future date.

LBA7516 Background: Gemcitabine (G) plus carboplatin (C) therapy is active in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For nonprogressing patients, optimal timing of second-line therapy with a non-cross-resistant agent is unclear. This Phase III, randomized trial assessed the efficacy and safety of docetaxel (D) administered either immediately after GC induction therapy or upon disease progression (PD). Methods: Patients having either Stage IIIB with pleural effusion or Stage IV NSCLC were enrolled. Prior chemotherapy for NSCLC was not permitted. For GC induction, G 1000 mg/m2 was administered on Days 1, 8 followed by C AUC 5 on Day 1. After four 21-day cycles, nonprogressors were randomized to either the immediate D group (D 75 mg/m2 administered on Day 1 every 21 days, for a maximum of 6 cycles) or the delayed D group (patients given best supportive care after randomization and the same D regimen after first evidence of PD) treatment arms. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Additional analyses included response rates, toxicity and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Results are summarized in the table below. OS was not statistically different (p=0.071) between the two D arms. However, 31 patients (20.1%) in the delayed D arm and 38 patients (24.8%) in the immediate D arm were censored for OS analysis. PFS analysis (from randomization to first evidence of PD or death) showed a statistically significant (p= [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

7032 Background: GC is an active regimen in patients with advanced NSCLC. For non-progressors after induction treatment, optimal timing of sequential therapy is unclear. Is it best to sequence immediately to an active non-cross resistant agent or delay the introduction of this agent until time of disease progression (PD)? This trial was designed to answer this question. Methods: Pts with Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were enrolled. G 1000mg/m2 was administered on day 1,8 followed by C at AUC 5.0 on day 1. After 4 cycles, non-progressers were then randomized to immediate D (75mg/m2 administered on day 1 every 3 wks) or delayed D (pts were observed until first evidence of PD). Conclusions: This study confirms that it is possible to deliver docetaxel immediately following four cycles of GC without significantly increasing toxicity. The response rate of 42.1% and clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+SD) of 88.2% observed in the immediate D arm compares favorably with the rates of 6.1% and 60.6% of the delayed D arm. Additional toxicity and response information will be available at the time of the meeting. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

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