Key Prognostic Factors Create a Composite Risk Score to Stratify Patients into High- and Low-Treatment Benefit Groups: A Multicenter, Retrospective Data Analysis of 84 Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Regorafenib as Part of the CORRECT and CONSIGN Trials.

Introduction: In further-line mCRC treatment, median progression-free survival (PFS) is rather short, and many patients do not benefit from any antitumor treatment and should therefore be treated according to best-supportive care. A risk score based on standard laboratory values using markers of tumor inflammation aims to define a patient cohort with high treatment benefit and might offer insights into tumor biology. As regorafenib has been dropped off the German market due to an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio, patient selection is key for any further-line treatment option.

Response and Disease Dynamics in Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer With Bevacizumab-Based Sequential vs. Combination Chemotherapy-Analysis of the Phase 3 XELAVIRI Trial.

Introduction: Early tumor shrinkage (ETS), depth of response (DpR), and time to DpR represent exploratory endpoints that may serve as early efficacy parameters and predictors of long-term outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We analyzed these endpoints in mCRC patients treated with first-line bevacizumab-based sequential (initial fluoropyrimidines) versus combination (initial fluoropyrimidines plus irinotecan) chemotherapy within the phase 3 XELAVIRI trial.

Methods: DpR (change from baseline to smallest tumor diameter), ETS (≥20% reduction in tumor diameter at first reassessment), and time to DpR (study randomization to DpR image) were analyzed.

Exact Primary Tumor Location in mCRC: Prognostic Value and Predictive Impact on Anti-EGFR mAb Efficacy.

Primary tumor sidedness (left vs. right) has prognostic and predictive impact on anti-EGFR agent efficacy and thus management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This analysis evaluates the relevance of primary tumor location (PTL) in wild-type mCRC patients, when dividing the colorectal frame into six segments.

Mutational profiles of metastatic colorectal cancer treated with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab or bevacizumab before and after secondary resection (AIO KRK 0306; FIRE-3).

Secondary resection of metastases is recommended in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Data describing changes in mutational profiles of corresponding primary tumor and metastatic tissue after conversion treatment are limited. Next generation sequencing was performed in formalin-fixed mCRC samples from patients of the FIRE-3 trial (FOLFIRI plus cetuximab or bevacizumab) before treatment start (baseline) and after secondary resection of metastases (post baseline).

NeoRAS wild-type in metastatic colorectal cancer: Myth or truth?-Case series and review of the literature.

Upfront KRAS and NRAS gene testing ('RAS') is the standard of care for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), to guide first-line treatment. The presence of RAS mutation (MT) is a negative predictor for the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibodies and the use of cetuximab and panitumumab is restricted to RAS wild-type (WT) mCRC. Conversion from RAS WT to RAS MT mCRC after treatment with anti-EGFR antibodies is a known and well-described acquired resistance mechanism.

Single-nucleotide variants, tumour mutational burden and microsatellite instability in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Next-generation sequencing results of the FIRE-3 trial.

Background: Molecular biomarkers and primary tumour sidedness guide treatment decisions in metastatic colorectal cancer. Comprehensive molecular profiling aims to identify targetable alterations and measure tumour mutational burden (TMB) to enable precision oncology.

Material And Methods: FoundationOne® next-generation sequencing identified single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number alterations, high TMB (TMB-H) and high-grade microsatellite instability (MSI-H) in patients treated in the FIRE-3 trial.

Impact of age on efficacy and early mortality of initial sequential treatment versus upfront combination chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a subgroup analysis of a phase III trial (AIO KRK0110, XELAVIRI study).

Introduction: The XELAVIRI study compared application of fluoropyrimidine (FP) and bevacizumab (Bev) followed by sequential escalation to irinotecan (Iri), FP and Bev (arm A) to upfront combination therapy with FP, Iri and Bev (arm B) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). To elucidate the impact of age on survival, we evaluated efficacy and early mortality in the underlying trial.

Methods: Patients were stratified for age in three cohorts (<65 years, 65-74 years and ≥75 years).

Predictive and prognostic value of magnesium serum level in FOLFIRI plus cetuximab or bevacizumab treated patients with stage IV colorectal cancer: results from the FIRE-3 (AIO KRK-0306) study.

Magnesium wasting is a frequent side effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-antibody treatment as magnesium-absorption mechanisms are dependent on EGFR signaling. EGFR-inhibition results in decreased renal reabsorption. There is evidence that hypomagnesemia during cetuximab treatment correlates with response.

Current treatment options in RAS mutant metastatic colorectal cancer patients: a meta-analysis of 14 randomized phase III trials.

Purpose: Although biomarkers for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer exist, the benefit patients with RAS mutated tumors derive from established regimens is unclear.

Methods: Efficacy of therapeutic strategies available for RAS mutated patients (addition of chemotherapeutic agents and/or anti angiogenic agents) were investigated in fourteen randomized controlled phase III trials at trial level by meta-analysing individual study hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS).

Results: 6810 of 10,748 patients (63.

Frameless Single Robotic Radiosurgery for Pulmonary Metastases in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Background Surgical intervention and radiation therapy are common approaches for pulmonary metastasectomy. The role of minimally invasive techniques in pulmonary metastases remains unclear. Frameless single robotic radiosurgery [CyberKnife (CK); Accuray Incorporated, Sunnyvale, CA] of pulmonary metastases in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients offers high precision local radiation therapy.

Factors That Influence Conversion to Resectability and Survival After Resection of Metastases in RAS WT Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): Analysis of FIRE-3- AIOKRK0306.

Background: Tumor assessments after first-line therapy of RAS wild-type mCRC with cetuximab (cet) versus bevacizumab (bev) in combination with FOLFIRI were evaluated for factors influencing resectability, conversion to resectability, and survival after best response.

Methods: Conversion to resectability was defined as conversion of initially unresectable to resectable disease at best response as determined by retrospective assessment. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were fitted with resectability at best response as response variable.

Treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancer with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stem cells: Results from the phase 1/2 TREAT-ME-1 trial.

TREAT-ME-1, a Phase 1/2 open-label multicenter, first-in-human, first-in-class trial, evaluated the safety, tolerability and efficacy of treatment with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), MSC_ apceth_101, in combination with ganciclovir in patients with advanced gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. Immunological and inflammatory markers were also assessed. All patients (3 in Phase 1; 7 in Phase 2) received three treatment cycles of MSC_apceth_101 at one dose level on Day 0, 7, and 14 followed by ganciclovir administration according to the manufacturer's instructions for 48─72 h after MSC_apceth_101 injection.

Exploring the effect of primary tumor sidedness on therapeutic efficacy across treatment lines in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: analysis of FIRE-3 (AIOKRK0306).

Purpose: To assess the impact of primary tumor sidedness on outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) across treatment lines.

Patients And Methods: Patients of the FIRE-3 trial (initial FOLFIRI plus either cetuximab or bevacizumab) were separately evaluated according to primary tumor site differentiating left-sided (LPT) from right-sided primary tumors (RPT). Efficacy (i.

Treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancer with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stem cells - TREAT-ME-1 - a phase I, first in human, first in class trial.

Purpose: This phase I, first in human, first in class clinical study aimed at evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of treatment with genetically modified mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in combination with ganciclovir (GCV). MSC_apceth_101 are genetically modified autologous MSCs used as vehicles for a cell-based gene therapy in patients with advanced gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.

Experimental Design: The study design consisted of a dose-escalation 3 + 3 design.

Relevance of liver-limited disease in metastatic colorectal cancer: Subgroup findings of the FIRE-3/AIO KRK0306 trial.

In metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), liver-limited disease (LLD) is associated with a higher chance of metastectomy leading to long-term survival. However, limited data describes the prognostic and predictive relevance of initially unresectable LLD with regard to targeted first-line therapy. The present analysis investigated the relevance of initially unresectable LLD in mCRC patients treated with targeted therapy against either the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF).

Pattern and Dynamics of Distant Metastases in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Background: Few studies report the incidence of metastatic patterns in colorectal cancer. Furthermore, little is known about dynamic aspects of these metastases during the course of disease.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 385 patients who received anti-tumor treatment at our institution (Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany) for metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma between 2007 and 2014.

Relation of early tumor shrinkage (ETS) observed in first-line treatment to efficacy parameters of subsequent treatment in FIRE-3 (AIOKRK0306).

We explored the association of early tumor shrinkage (ETS) and non-ETS with efficacy of first-line and consecutive second-line treatment in patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated in FIRE-3. Assessment of tumor shrinkage was based on the sum of longest diameters of target lesions, evaluated after 6 weeks of treatment. Shrinkage was classified as ETS (shrinkage by ≥ 20%), mETS (shrinkage by 0 to <20%), mPD (minor progression >0 to <20%) and PD (progression ≥20%).

Treatment of advanced gastrointestinal tumors with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (TREAT-ME1): study protocol of a phase I/II clinical trial.

Background: Adenocarcinoma originating from the digestive system is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths worldwide. Tumor recurrence, advanced local growth and metastasis are key factors that frequently prevent these tumors from curative surgical treatment. Preclinical research has demonstrated that the dependency of these tumors on supporting mesenchymal stroma results in susceptibility to cell-based therapies targeting this stroma.

Assessing novel prognostic serum biomarkers in advanced pancreatic cancer: the role of CYFRA 21-1, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and 25-OH vitamin D3.

The present prospective single-center study investigated the prognostic role of novel serum biomarkers in advanced pancreatic cancer (PC). Patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic PC treated with first-line palliative chemotherapy were included. Among others, the serum markers CYFRA 21-1, haptoglobin, serum-amyloid A (SAA), and 25-OH vitamin D3 were determined at baseline and categorized by pre-defined cut-offs [median values (MV), upper limits of normal (ULN), lower limits of normal (LLN), or the natural logarithm (ln)] and correlated with overall survival (OS).

In vivo monitoring of sorafenib therapy effects on experimental prostate carcinomas using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and macromolecular contrast media.

Purpose: To investigate dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with macromolecular contrast media (MMCM) to monitor the effects of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib on subcutaneous prostate carcinomas in rats with immunohistochemical validation.

Materials And Methods: Copenhagen rats, implanted with prostate carcinoma allografts, were randomized to the treatment group (n = 8) or the control group (n = 8). DCE-MRI with albumin-(Gd-DTPA)35 was performed at baseline and after 1 week using a clinical 3-Tesla system.

Outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer depends on the primary tumor site (midgut vs. hindgut): analysis of the FIRE1-trial (FuFIRI or mIROX as first-line treatment).

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of midgut versus hindgut as the primary tumor site in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving chemotherapy with FuFIRI or mIROX. We analyzed 423 patients from a phase III trial that randomized patients in a 1 : 1 fashion to either FuFIRI or mIROX. The cohort was grouped into midgut (n=82) and hindgut (n=341) primary tumors.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis after pemetrexed and cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer in a patient with sharp syndrome.

Background: Pemetrexed is an antifolate drug approved for maintenance and second-line therapy, and, in combination with cisplatin, for first-line treatment of advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer. The side-effect profile includes fatigue, hematological and gastrointestinal toxicity, an increase in hepatic enzymes, sensory neuropathy, and pulmonary and cutaneous toxicity in various degrees.

Case Report: We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with history of Sharp's syndrome and adenocarcinoma of the lung, who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis after the first cycle of pemetrexed, including erythema, bullae, extensive skin denudation, subsequent systemic inflammation and severe deterioration in general condition.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging biomarkers correlated with immunohistochemistry for monitoring the effects of sorafenib on experimental prostate carcinomas.

Objectives: To investigate dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) for monitoring the effects of sorafenib on experimental prostate carcinomas in rats by quantitative assessments of tumor microcirculation parameters with immunohistochemical validation.

Material And Methods: Prostate carcinoma allografts (MLLB-2) implanted subcutaneously in male Copenhagen rats (n=16) were imaged at baseline and after a 1-week treatment course of sorafenib using DCE-CT with iopromide (Ultravist 370, Bayer Pharma, Berlin, Germany) on a dual-source 128-slice CT (Somatom Definition FLASH, Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany). Scan parameters were as follows: detector width, 38.