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Background The development of carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) is still relatively unclear. It is difficult to define an optimal follow‐up for patients without any cardiac involvement at baseline. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and natural history of CaHD by annual echocardiographic examinations. Methods and Results We studied 137 consecutive patients (61±12 years, 53% men) with proven digestive endocrine tumor and carcinoid syndrome between 1997 and 2017. All patients underwent serial conventional transthoracic echocardiographic studies. Right‐sided and left‐sided CaHD were systematically assessed. We used a previous validated echocardiographic scoring system of severity for the assessment of CaHD. An increase of 25% of the score was considered to be significant. Mean follow‐up was 54±45 months. Prevalence of CaHD was 27% at baseline and 32% at 5‐year follow‐up. Disease progression was reported in 28% of patients with initial CaHD followed up for >2 years (n=25). In patients without any cardiac involvement at baseline, occurrence of disease was 21%. CaHD occurred >5 years from the initial echocardiographic examination in 42% of our cases, especially in patients presenting with new recurrence of a digestive endocrine tumor. An increase of urinary 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid by 25% during follow‐up was identified as an independent predictor of CaHD occurrence during follow‐up (hazard ratio [HR], 5.81; 95% CI, 1.19–28.38; P =0.03), as well as a maximum value of urinary 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid >205 mg/24 h during follow‐up (HR, 8.41; 95% CI, 1.64–43.07; P =0.01). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that in patients without initial CaHD, cardiac involvement may occur late and is related to serotonin. Our data emphasize the need for cardiologic follow‐up in patients with recurrence of the tumor process.

Purpose:Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been suggested as a major prognostic factor in resected stage-III colon cancer. We analyzed ctDNA of patients randomized in the phase III IDEA-France trial.Experimental Design:ctDNA was tested for WIF1 and NPY by droplet digital PCR with method developed and validated for colorectal cancer. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed via multivariable analysis in patients with ctDNA samples and in sub-groups according to treatment duration (3/6 months) and disease stage (high/low-risk stage III).Results:Of 2,010 randomized patients, 1,345 had available ctDNA samples (1,017 collected both post-surgery and pre-chemotherapy). More Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 (78% versus 69%) and T4 and/or N2 (40% versus 36%) were observed in patients studied (n = 1017) versus not analyzed (n = 993). There were 877 ctDNA-negative (86.2%) and 140 ctDNA-positive (13.8%) patients; their baseline characteristics were similar. With a median follow-up of 6.6 years, the 3-year DFS rate was 66.39% for ctDNA-positive patients and 76.71% for ctDNA-negative patients (P = 0.015). ctDNA was confirmed as an independent prognostic marker for DFS (adjusted HR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.13–2.12, P = 0.006) and OS (HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.12–2.43, P = 0.011). ctDNA was prognostic in patients treated for 3 months and with T4 and/or N2 tumors, but not in those treated for 6 months and with T1–3/N1 tumors.Conclusions:In this first ctDNA assessment of a large series of patients with stage III colon cancer enrolled in phase III trial, post-surgery ctDNA was found in 13.8% of them and was confirmed as an independent prognostic marker.See related commentary by Bent and Kopetz, p. 5449

IF 7.191 (2017); International audience; BACKGROUND:Previous studies showed that high and low body mass index (BMI) was associated with worse prognosis in early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC), and low BMI was associated with worse prognosis in metastatic CRC (mCRC). We aimed to assess efficacy outcomes according to BMI.PATIENTS AND METHODS:A pooled analysis of individual data from 2085 patients enrolled in eight FFCD first-line mCRC trials from 1991 to 2013 was performed. Comparisons were made according to the BMI cut-off: Obese (BMI ≥30), overweight patients (BMI ≥ 25), normal BMI patients (BMI: 18.5-24) and thin patients (BMI

Purpose Reduction of adjuvant treatment duration may decrease toxicities without loss of efficacy in stage III colon cancer. This could offer clear advantages to patients and health care providers. Methods In International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) France, as part of the IDEA international collaboration, patient with colon cancer patients were randomly assigned to 3 and 6 months of modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6: infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) by physician choice. The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS), and analyses were descriptive. Results A total of 2,010 eligible patients received either 3 or 6 months of chemotherapy (modified intention-to-treat population); 2,000 (99%) had stage III colon cancer (N1: 75%, N2: 25%); 1,809 (90%) received mFOLFOX6, and 201 (10%) received CAPOX. The median age was 64 years, and the median follow-up time was 4.3 years. Overall, 94% (3 months) and 78% (6 months) of patients completed treatment (fluoropyrimidines ± oxaliplatin). Maximal grade 2 and 3 neuropathy rates were 28% and 8% in the 3-month arm and 41% and 25% in the 6-month arm ( P < .001). Final rates of residual neuropathy greater than grade 1 were 3% in the 3-month arm and 7% in the 6-month arm ( P < .001). There were 578 DFS events: 314 and 264 in the 3- and 6-month arms, respectively. The 3-year DFS rates were 72% and 76% in the 3- and 6-month arms, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.46; P = .0112). In the 3 and 6-month arms, respectively, for patients who received mFOLFOX6, the 3-year DFS rates were 72% and 76% (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.51); for the T4 and/or N2 population, they were 58% and 66% (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.82); and for the T1-3N1 population, they were 81% and 83% (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.49). Conclusion IDEA France, in which 90% of patients received mFOLFOX6, shows superiority of 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy compared with 3 months, especially in the T4 and/or N2 subgroups. These results should be considered alongside the international IDEA collaboration data.

BACKGROUND Clinical trials are valuable in advancing cancer care through the investigation of ways in which to better prevent, detect and diagnose, and/or treat cancer. Recruitment of adults into clinical trials has historically been low. OBJECTIVE To survey adult cancer patients who reside in New York state to better understand their participation in and attitudes about clinical trials. METHODS From January 2012-April 2013, we conducted a one-time survey about clinical trials in 8 cancer-treatment or cancer-patient support organizations in the state. Surveys were offered in person and online to adults with a past or current cancer diagnosis. Analysis was limited to adults who resided in the state and provided a self-reported status of previous participation in clinical trials. RESULTS Of the 1,832 participants who completed the survey, 1,475 were included in the analysis. Our sample represented all regions of the state. Most of the respondents (68.1%) had never participated in a clinical trial. Almost 32% said they had never received information about research studies. Most (84%) felt that patients should be asked to participate in clinical trials, but fewer (70%) were willing to be approached about participation. LIMITATIONS The sample is predominantly white and female and overrepresents breast and hematologic cancers. CONCLUSIONS Increased outreach coupled with a team approach to educate and enroll patients in clinical trials may be the necessary first steps to increase participation in trials and ensure a diverse sample of participants.

Les traitements locaux des metastases hepatiques (MH) des adenocarcinomes colorectaux (CCR) prennent une place de plus en plus importante dans les strategies therapeutiques des patients ayant des MH non resecables limitees ou predominantes au foie. La chimiotherapie intraarterielle hepatique (CIAH) a demontre tres tot son efficacite. Sa combinaison avec des polychimiotherapies systemiques a permis de doubler les taux de reponse et d’augmenter les taux de resection secondaires et la survie des patients. L’efficacite des chimioembolisations (CE) et des radioembolisations (RE) a surtout ete etablie a partir d’etudes de phase II ou de phase III les ayant evaluees a des stades tres avances, ou la survie sans progression et la survie globale etaient augmentees. La place de ces traitements a des stades plus precoces est en cours d’evaluation, et devrait permettre d’optimiser la prise en charge des patients avec MH. Ces traitements locaux doivent etre aujourd’hui utilises en combinaison avec des traitements systemiques efficaces et/ou des resections, et le choix des meilleures strategies et protocoles doit etre fait en RCP specialisees.

Background ctDNA has been recently suggested as a major prognostic factor in resected stage II and III colon cancer patients (pts)1,2. Its predictive value for adjuvant treatment intensity or duration is currently unknown. We have analyzed here ctDNA from pts enrolled in the IDEA-FRANCE trial3, its prognostic value and its predictive value for treatment duration (3 or 6 months). Methods ctDNA was tested by using the detection of 2 methylated markers (WIF1 and NPY) by digital droplet PCR accordingly to a method developed and validated for colorectal cancer 4-6. Comparisons for pts and tumour characteristics and DFS will be done between the ctDNA tested pts and the full study population and between ctDNA positive and negative pts. DFS has been analyzed in the 6 and 3M treatment arms according to ctDNA results. Subgroup analyses for high- and low-risk pts were pre-planned. Results Of the 1345/2010 pts that consented to the IDEA translational research program, with available blood sample for ctDNA testing, 805 have been sampled before chemotherapy start and fully analyzed. More PS 0 (77% vs 71%) and more T4 and/or N2 (28% vs 23%) were observed in the 805 pts studied here than in the 1205 pts left. 696 pts were found ctDNA- and 109 ctDNA + (13.5%). ctDNA+ pts were more often T4, poorly differentiated and with tumour perforation. 2-year DFS was 64% vs 82% in ctDNA+ and – pts, respectively (HR :1.75 (95%CI 1.25-2.45) p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis including Age, Gender, MSI, perforation, T stage, N stage and treatment arm, ctDNA was confirmed as an independent prognostic marker (adj.HR: 1.85 (95%CI 1.31 to 2.61) p Conclusions In this first ctDNA assessment on a large series coming from a phase III clinical trial we found 13.5% of pts with ctDNA post-surgery. ctDNA was confirmed as an independent prognostic marker. In this series, 6 months of treatment seems better in both ctDNA+ and- pts. [1]Tie J, et al. Circulating tumor DNA analysis detects minimal residual disease and predicts recurrence in patients with stage II colon cancer.Sci Transl Med. 2016 Jul 6;8(346):346ra92. [2]Scholer LV, et al. Clinical Implications of Monitoring Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients with Colorectal Cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2017 Sep 15;23(18):5437-5445. [3] Andre T, et al.Three Versus 6 Months of Oxaliplatin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer: Disease-Free Survival Results From a Randomized, Open-Label, International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant (IDEA) France, phase III Trial.J Clin Oncol. 2018 May 20;36(15):1469-1477. [4] Garrigou S, et al. A Study of Hypermethylated Circulating Tumor DNA as a Universal Colorectal Cancer Biomarker. Clin Chem. 2016;62:1129-1139. [5] Garlan F, et al. Early Evaluation of Circulating Tumor DNA as Marker of Therapeutic Efficacy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients (PLACOL Study). Clin Cancer Res.2017;23:5416-5425. [6] Bachet JB, et al. RAS mutation analysis in circulating tumor DNA from patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: the AGEO RASANC prospective multicenter study. Ann Oncol. 2018May 1;29(5):1211-1219. Clinical trial identification NCT00958737. Legal entity responsible for the study Gercor-Prodige. Funding Clinical trial: INCa, GERCOR; Translational project: ARC (Association de Recherche contre le Cancer, Paris, France). Disclosure J. Taieb: Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: roche; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: merck; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: amgen; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Servier; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: pierre fabre; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Lilly; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Sanofi. D. Vernerey: Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: HalioDX; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: Celgene; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: Janssen. J. Bennouna: Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: MSD; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Roche; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: Boehringer Ingelheim. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

The development of ovarian metastases from gastric cancer indicates a turning point of the disease progression and is usually associated with poor prognosis. Efficacy of modern chemotherapy protocols in ovarian metastases from gastric cancer is unknown. In this case series, we have evaluated the chemosensitivity of ovarian metastases from gastric cancer in eight consecutive patients treated in our institution between January 2000 and April 2012. Median age at gastric cancer diagnosis was 48.3 years and ovarian metastases were mainly metachronous (88%). Patients were treated with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI protocols in first-line and with EOX protocol in second-line chemotherapy. These protocols of chemotherapy used in first- and second-line treatment were able to control the disease in 33.3% for ovarian metastases compared to 66.7% for extraovarian metastases. Mean overall survival (OS) from ovarian metastases diagnosis was 14.2 months. The four patients treated by bilateral oophorectomy had a longer mean OS (16 months) than the four patients who did not experienced surgery (12.3 months). In conclusion, this case series suggests that ovarian metastases from gastric cancer are less sensitive than extraovarian metastases to modern protocol of chemotherapy. To confirm these observations, a large retrospective study is ongoing.

La transformation maligne d’une duplication rectale est une situation exceptionnelle; le premier cas decrit dans la litterature remonte a 1932. Nous rapportons un nouveau cas de degenerescence d’une duplication rectale chez un patient âge de 45 ans, opere d’une duplication rectale. Six ans plus tard, des sciatalgies bilaterales paralysantes revelent un envahissement sacre par un adenocarcinome colorectal. Le patient beneficie d’une laminectomie sacree avec radiochimiotherapie. Malgre la rarete de ces cas de degenerescence sur duplication rectale, notre observation plaide en faveur d’une surveillance dont les modalites restent a definir.

Le pronostic des cancers du pancreas (CP) resecables reste extremement pejoratif avec une survie a 5 ans de l'ordre de 4 %. La majorite des patients decedent dans les 2 premieres annees du fait d'une recidive apres resection chirurgicale. La place de la radio-chimiotherapie adjuvante n'est plus reconnue; les series randomisees recentes n'ayant pas montre de reel benefice en survie, avec des traitements relativement lourds, mais les schemas therapeutiques employes dans ces essais n'etaient pas optimum. La chimiotherapie, active dans les CP en terme de qualite de vie et de survie dans les formes localement avancees ou metastatiques est devenue le standard en situation adjuvante. L'essai ESPAC1 a demontre un benefice significatif en terme de survie pour les patients ayant recu une chimiotherapie postoperatoire (5 Fluoro-uracile et acide folinique) et un essai allemand a rapporte a l'ASCO 2005, des resultats positifs en terme de survie sans recidive avec la Gemcitabine utilisee en monotherapie en traitement adjuvant qui devient ainsi un standard. Cependant d'autres essais testant de nouvelles combinaisons de chimiotherapie ou d'association de radio-chimiotherapie en situation adjuvante sont necessaires afin d'ameliorer le pronostic des CP reseques.

Summary Exocrine pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis. R0 resection of the tumor is to date the only potentially curative approach, but less than 20% of patients are eligible for a curative surgery at diagnosis. Until recently, gemcitabine was the standard treatment for advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, since it was shown more than a decade ago to induce clinical benefit and to improve survival when compared to weekly bolus 5-fluorouracil. In order to improve patients’ outcome many trials have, during the last 10 years, explored the pharmacokinetic modulation of gemcitabine and combination therapies with gemcitabine and other anti-cancer agents with consistent negative results. It is finally a trial assessing the efficacy of a combination chemotherapy without gemcitabine: the FOLFIRINOX regimen, reported this year, that has shown for the first time a significant improvement in progression free and overall survivals. In parallel, many trials testing new targeted agents in these patients are currently ongoing. After 10 years without significant progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients, the hope that a significant improvement in the outcome of these patients can be achieved has been raised.

The Institute of Medicine has described the ``deathdenying character of American society'' and surely, there is an opportunity to change this character. Despite our understandable concern with costs, end-of-life care options must be variously considered from economic, ethical, and legislative perspectives. We consider these multiple perspectives of end-of-life care in an attempt to inform current thinking on the part of legislators, policy makers, providers, patients, families/ caregivers, and insurers on the issue of end-of-life care. Society must be educated to understand that death can be peaceful and that end-of-life planning and care is an integral part of society's continuum of care. Enabling affordability, expanding availability, and ensuring access are the only ways of realizing that outcome.

Although health care providers are integral to the recruitment and enrollment of cancer patients in clinical trials, there is limited literature which has explored the differences between personal and practice characteristics

Purpose Gemcitabine (Gem) is the standard treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer. Given the promising phase II results obtained with the Gem-oxaliplatin (GemOx) combination, we conducted a phase III study comparing GemOx with Gem alone in advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were stratified according to center, performance status, and type of disease (locally advanced v metastatic) and randomly assigned to either GemOx (gemcitabine 1 g/m2 as a 100-minute infusion on day 1 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 as a 2-hour infusion on day 2 every 2 weeks) or Gem (gemcitabine 1 g/m2 as a weekly 30-minute infusion). Results Three hundred twenty-six patients were enrolled; 313 were eligible, and 157 and 156 were allocated to the GemOx and Gem arms, respectively. GemOx was superior to Gem in terms of response rate (26.8% v 17.3%, respectively; P = .04), progression-free survival (5.8 v 3.7 months, respectively; P = .04), and clinical benefit (38.2% v 26.9%, respectively; P = .03). Median overall survival (OS) for GemOx and Gem was 9.0 and 7.1 months, respectively (P = .13). GemOx was well tolerated overall, although a higher incidence of National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3 and 4 toxicity per patient was observed for platelets (14.0% for GemOx v 3.2% for Gem), vomiting (8.9% for GemOx v 3.2% for Gem), and neurosensory symptoms (19.1% for GemOx v 0% for Gem). Conclusion These results confirm the efficacy and safety of GemOx, but this study failed to demonstrate a statistically significant advantage in terms of OS compared with Gem. Because GemOx is the first combined treatment to be superior to Gem alone in terms of clinical benefit, this promising regimen deserves further development.

Background We assessed bevacizumab (Bv), a monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF, in combination with chemotherapy in duodeno-pancreatic NET, in a multicenter, open-label, non-randomized, two-group phase II trial. Demographics and primary endpoint (PFS) will be presented at ASCO 2012 (abstract # 4036). Here we emphasize on response centralized review, PP analysis and safety data. Methods Patients (pts) with progressive, metastatic, well-differentiated duodeno-pancreatic NET (WHO 2000), ECOG PS ≤2 and Ki 67 index Results In the ITT population (n = 34), 22 (64.7%) pts were men, median age 55.3 years (37.0-77.6), ECOG-PS was 0/1 in 33 pts (97.1%). Ki-67 proliferative index was between 3 - 15% in 75.0% of pts. After a maximum of 24 months of follow-up per patient, median PFS assessed by investigators was 23.7 months [95%CI: 13.1; not reached] based on 18 events. Centralized review of tumor control rate was 100% (n= 33; 1 missing) including partial response in 17 (51.5%) pts and stable disease in 16 (48.5%) pts; similarly to investigators assessments. Survival rate at 24 months was 88%. Median OS was not reached. All efficacy results were comparable in the ITT and PP populations. All patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE). CTC grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 23 (67.6%) of pts, mainly digestive 5 (14.7%) pts (abdominal pain, 4 pts). G3/4 AEs of special interest to BV were hypertension in 7 (20.6%) pts and thromboembolism in 3 (8.8%), all venous. No grade 3/4 proteinuria was observed. Five patients died (4 of disease progression and 1 of thromboembolic event). Conclusions Efficacy results of Bv and 5-FU/stz, a novel approach in duodeno-pancreatic NET, are encouraging. The toxicity profile of the combination of Bv with streptozocin is acceptable and did not induce any unexpected events. These results warrant to be confirmed in a phase III study. Disclosure M.P. Ducreux: Consultant: Roche, Merck Serono Honoraries: Roche, Merck Serono, Amgen, Bayer, Fresenus, Pfizer, Sanofi Clinical research project: Pfizer, Chugai, Merck Serono. J. Seitz: Consultant: Keocyt Honoraries: Roche, Pfizer. C. Dromain: Consultant: Roche Honoraries: Roche. A. Gorana: Employment: Roche. E. Mitry: Honoraries: Roche. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

e14102 Background: HAI of chronomodulated irinotecan (I), 5-Fluorouracil (F) and oxaliplatin (O) (chronoIFO) as well as HAI of O combined with iv F and leucovorin allowed complete macroscopic resections of CRC liver metastases in patients with prior failure on systemic chemotherapy (Bouchahda, Cancer 2009; Goere, Ann Surg 2010). Purpose: To evaluate the resection rate of CRC liver metastases through combining HAI of IFO with cetuximab (Cet) in the first prospective European trial (Levi, ASCO 2010, TPS#198). Methods: Patients with wt KRAS CRC and unresectable liver metastases receive iv Cet (500 mg/m2, D 1 10:00-12:30) and chrono or conventional HAI of I (180 mg/m2 D1), F (2800 mg/m2/d D2-D3/4), and O (85 mg/m2 D2-3/4) q2 weeks. Grade 3-4 toxicities were managed with dose adaptation and/or supportive measures. Results: 23 patients (9F, 14 M; 33-76 y; PS 0-1) completed full assessment. They had bilateral liver lesions (82%), a median of 7 metastases [2-30; largest diameter, 38 mm (11-150)] and received ≥2 p...

19667 Background: A standardized geriatric evaluation is essential for the multidisciplinary discussion of elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancer. A geriatric as well as an oncological evaluation are mandatory to offer to these patients the best therapeutic option and improve their prognosis as well as their quality of life. A Geriatric Intervention Team (GIT) composed by nurses and geriatrician is working in our hospital. One of its function is to evaluate elderly patients with digestive neoplasms in collaboration with the Digestive Oncology unit (DOU). Methods: The Mini Mental State Examination, the mini-Geriatric Depression Scale and the Get up and go timed test were used for the geriatric evaluation. Results: GIT was solicited for 124 pts over a 3-year period. Their mean age was 79,1 ± 6,3 years old (65 to 96), 45% were men. The neoplasic localizations were: colorectal (53%), pancreatic (17%), esophagus (11%), hepatic carcinoma (7%) and other (12%). There was a clear prevalence of cognitive disorders identified by the Folstein MMSE. Among 65 workable files (complete MMSE), 61% of the patients had an abnormal (< 26). The observation of a time and/or space disorientation was noticed in 30% of the cases. The mini-GDS used to detect depression, was positive in 43% of the evaluations. The Timed Get Up and Go Test was used to evaluate the walking capacity self-sufficiency and the risk of falls. It was superior to 20 seconds in 40% of cases. For 77 geriatrics evaluation, the GIT was solicited before the decision of the best treatment to choose. In this population, we can clearly identify 3 clusters of patients: well-matched patients (34%) who received chimiotherapy; intermediate patients (26%) who needed a new geriatric assessment before decision; and frailed patients (40%) who received only palliative treatment. In the second group, after geriatrician intervention, 60% of patients finally received a chemotherapy. Conclusions: These results show the benefit of a close collaboration between geriatricians and oncologist. In the daily management of elderly patients, alteration are at least detected in 55% of patients by geriatric assessment. Moreover, the GIT is allow to securely classify the patients between the 3 categories and help to decision in the intermediate group. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

13533 Background: The BOND study demonstrated Cetuximab (Cx) activity in irinotecan-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (IRMCCR) patients (pts). Cx was approved in Europe early 2004 for this population. The aim of this study was to survey its efficacy in a unselected population of IRMCCR treated in 4 french academic centers. Methods: Data of all IRMCCR pts who had received Cx with or without irinotecan regimen between Jan 2004 and Sept 2005 were included in this survey. Exhaustivity of treated pts was established based on pharmacy registry. Primary end-point was time to tumor progression (TTP). Secondary end-points were overall survival (OS) and tumor response (RECIST). Results: Characteristics of the 76 included IRMCCR pts were : male/female : 44/32; median age 59.5 yrs (range 23 - 79); performance status : 0–1 (59 pts) and 2–3 (17); median number of tumor sites : 2 (1 - 5). The median number of chemotherapy regimens preceeding first Cx administration was 3 (range 1 to 5). At least one local treatment of the metastases (surgical resection and/or radiofrequency ablation) was a part of the strategy before Cx for 39 pts (51.3%). EGFR status was positive in 72 pts and negative in 4. Cx was administered : alone in 4 pts, combined with FOLFIRI in 4 and with irinotecan alone in 68 (89%). 10 pts received only one infusion Cx (early clinical progression : 6; patient decision : 2; early death : 2). Median number of Cx infusions was 10 (range 1 to 60). Median TTP (intent-to-treat) was 3.3 months [IC95% : 2.2–4.6]. Median OS since first-line chemotherapy and first Cx administration were 33.6 months [IC95% : 27.7–41.1] and 7.6 months [IC95% : 5.6–9.5], respectively. Tumor response (full population) was complete response 1.3%, partial response 19.7% (overall response 21%), stable disease 25% (disease control : 46%), progression 37% and not evaluable 17%. Conclusions: This therapeutic survey in a unselected population of IRMCCR are in accordance with the results of the BOND study for TTP, OS and tumor response. (supported by ADEBIOPHARM ER48). [Table: see text]

Waveguides containing dielectric inserts which do not extend across either of the waveguide transverse dimensions find applications in many waveguide components. In the general case, there is no analytical solution available and a numerical approach has to be used. This paper presents the solution for lossy cases. It requires the solution of a partial derivative, eigenvalue, vector, complex wave equation.