Eric Winquist1, Intisar Al-Rasheedy2, Anthony C Nichols3, David A Palma4, Larry Stitt5. 1. London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: eric.winquist@lhsc.on.ca. 2. London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. 3. London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. 4. London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. 5. London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a standard treatment option for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (RMSCCHN), but its effectiveness is debatable. We hypothesized palliative chemotherapy efficacy has decreased due to intensification of primary treatment, and investigated this by examining time trends of objective response rates (ORRs) in published reports of randomized trials (RCTs). METHODS: RCTs with at least one arm studying chemotherapy alone in RMSCCHN patients and reporting ORR were identified and data extracted. Eligible regimens had at least 6 trial arms reporting ORR over 20 years. Weighted linear regressions of ORR by year of publication for eligible regimens were done, and predictors of ORR and survival were examined. RESULTS: Three regimens were eligible for analysis: low dose methotrexate, single agent cisplatin, and cisplatin plus infusional 5-fluorouracil (PF). Linear regression showed decreasing ORRs over time for all three regimens studied: 23.5 to 9.8% (1980-2010) for methotrexate (p=0.06), 19.6 to 8.8% (1980-2010) for cisplatin (p=0.0013), and 37.6 to 27.9% (1990-2010) for PF (p=0.11). Trial sample size, oropharynx cancer primary site, use of PF, and prior treatment increased over time. Use of PF and year of publication were the strongest predictors of ORR. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the limited effectiveness of currently available palliative chemotherapy regimens for RMSCCHN patients. Novel therapeutics offering improvements in quality and quantity of life are urgently needed for these patients. Based on these results, the study of such agents as first-line therapy in RMSCCHN patients is entirely justifiable.
BACKGROUND:Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a standard treatment option for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (RMSCCHN), but its effectiveness is debatable. We hypothesized palliative chemotherapy efficacy has decreased due to intensification of primary treatment, and investigated this by examining time trends of objective response rates (ORRs) in published reports of randomized trials (RCTs). METHODS: RCTs with at least one arm studying chemotherapy alone in RMSCCHN patients and reporting ORR were identified and data extracted. Eligible regimens had at least 6 trial arms reporting ORR over 20 years. Weighted linear regressions of ORR by year of publication for eligible regimens were done, and predictors of ORR and survival were examined. RESULTS: Three regimens were eligible for analysis: low dose methotrexate, single agent cisplatin, and cisplatin plus infusional 5-fluorouracil (PF). Linear regression showed decreasing ORRs over time for all three regimens studied: 23.5 to 9.8% (1980-2010) for methotrexate (p=0.06), 19.6 to 8.8% (1980-2010) for cisplatin (p=0.0013), and 37.6 to 27.9% (1990-2010) for PF (p=0.11). Trial sample size, oropharynx cancer primary site, use of PF, and prior treatment increased over time. Use of PF and year of publication were the strongest predictors of ORR. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the limited effectiveness of currently available palliative chemotherapy regimens for RMSCCHN patients. Novel therapeutics offering improvements in quality and quantity of life are urgently needed for these patients. Based on these results, the study of such agents as first-line therapy in RMSCCHN patients is entirely justifiable.
Authors: I Pajares Bernad; J Martínez Trufero; L Calera Urquizu; R A Pazo Cid; A Cebollero de Miguel; M J Agustin; M Lanzuela; A Antón Journal: Clin Transl Oncol Date: 2017-01-24 Impact factor: 3.340