mFOLFOX6 vs. mFOLFOX6 + Aflibercept as Neoadjuvant Treatment in MRI-defined T3-rectal Cancer

Phase 2

Completed

• Conditions: Rectal Cancer; Rectosigmoid Cancer
• Interventions: Drug: Oxaliplatin; Drug: 5-FU; Drug: Leucovorin; Biological: Aflibercept

• Registration Number: NCT03043729
• Lead Sponsor: AIO-Studien-gGmbH

Brief Summary

Patients with locally advanced rectal or rectosigmoid cancer staged cT3 CRM-negative with MRI will receive 6 cycles of neoadjuvant treatment with mFOLFOX6 (Arm A) vs. mFOLFOX6 + aflibercept (Arm B) followed by surgery.

Detailed Description

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer are generally recommended to receive preoperative radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. The advantage of combined-modality therapy in rectal cancer is that it has reduced local pelvic recurrence - a dreaded and morbid event - to rates of about 10%. There is good quality evidence that preoperative radiotherapy reduces local recurrence but there is little if any impact on overall survival. One strategy to reduce the distant recurrence rate, and thereby increase the cure rate, would be to introduce systemic treatment earlier to prevent dissemination of micrometastases. The present trial is designed to compare two neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens in patients with non-metastatic T3 CRM-negative rectal cancers using quality-controlled MRI of the pelvis as a main inclusion criterion. This strategy is believed to reduce acute and long-term toxicity caused by preoperative radiotherapy and to administer effective systemic chemotherapy early in the course of disease as neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2017-01-31
• Study First Submitted QC: 2017-02-02
• Study First Posted: 2017-02-06
• Study Start: 2017-03-06
• Primary Completion: 2021-01-11
• Study Completion: 2022-06-01
• Status Verified: 2023-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-02-03
• Last Update Posted: 2023-02-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 119

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age ≥ 18 years on day of signing informed consent

2. Signed and dated informed consent, and willing and able to comply with protocol requirements

3. WHO/ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0-1

4. Diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma

5. Candidate for sphincter-sparing surgical resection prior to neoadjuvant therapy according to the primary surgeon, i.e. no patient will be included for whom surgeon indicates need for abdomino-perineal resection (APR) at baseline.

6. Clinical staging is based on the combination of the following assessments:

   • Physical examination by the primary surgeon
   • CT scan of the chest/abdomen
   • Pelvic MRI
   • Rigid rectoscopy / endoscopic ultrasound (ERUS).
   • Both examinations (i.e. MRI and ERUS) are mandatory.

7. The tumor has to fulfill the following criteria:

   • No symptomatic bowel obstruction

   • Locally advanced rectal and rectosigmoid cancer, i.e. lower border of tumor > 5 cm and < 16 cm from anal verge as determined by rigid rectoscopy

   • MRI criteria:

     1. Lower border of tumor below a line defined by promontorium and symphysis, regardless of the criterion "< 16 cm from anal verge as determined by rigid rectoscopy".
     2. No evidence that tumor is adjacent to (defined as within 2 mm of) the mesorectal fascia on MRI (i.e. CRM > 2 mm)
     3. Only T3-tumors are included, i.e infiltration into perirectal fat < 10 mm provided CRM > 2 mm
     4. Note: MRI criteria are used for the definition of T3 tumor (i.e. exclusion of T2 and T4 situation).

8. Hematological status:

   • Neutrophils (ANC) ≥ 2 x 10^9/L
   • Platelets ≥ 100 x 10^9/L
   • Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL (previous transfusion of packed blood cells allowed)

9. Adequate renal function:

   • Serum creatinine level ≤ 1.5 x upper limit normal (ULN) or ≤ 1.5 mg/dl
   • Creatinine clearance ≥ 30 ml/min

10. Adequate liver function:

    • Serum bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit normal (ULN)
    • Alkaline phosphatase < 3 x ULN
    • AST and ALT < 3 x ULN

11. Proteinuria < 2+ (dipstick urinalysis) or ≤ 1 g/24hour or ≤ 500mg/dl

12. Regular follow-up feasible

13. For female patients of childbearing potential, negative pregnancy test within 1 week (7 Days) prior of starting study treatment

14. Female patients of childbearing potential (i.e. did not undergo surgical sterilization - hysterectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, or bilateral oophorectomy - and is not post-menopausal for at least 24 consecutive months) must commit to using high effective and appropriate methods of contraception until at least 6 months after the end of study treatment such as combined (estrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, intrauterine device (IUD), intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS), bilateral tubal occlusion, vasectomized partner, sexual abstinence. If an oral contraception is used, a barrier method of contraception (e.g. male condom, female condom, cervical cap, diaphragm, contraceptive sponge) has to be applied additionally

15. Fertile male patients with a partner of childbearing potential must commit to using high effective and appropriate methods of contraception (details see above) until at least 9 months after the end of study treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Distant metastases (CT scans of thorax and abdomen are mandatory)

2. cT2 and cT4 tumors (defined by MRI criteria)

3. Exclusion of potentially compromised CRM as defined by MRI criteria (i.e. > 2 mm distance from CRM)

4. Prior antineoplastic therapy for rectal cancer

5. History or evidence upon physical examination of CNS metastasis

6. Uncontrolled hypercalcemia

7. Pre-existing permanent neuropathy (NCI-CTCAE grade ≥ 2)

8. Uncontrolled hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure > 150 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg), or history of hypertensive crisis, or hypertensive encephalopathy

9. Concomitant protocol unplanned antitumor therapy (e.g. chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy)

10. Treatment with any other investigational medicinal product within 28 days prior to study entry

11. Known dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency

12. Treatment with CYP3A4 inducers unless discontinued > 7 Days prior to randomization

13. Any of the following in 3 months prior to inclusion:

    • Grade 3-4 gastrointestinal bleeding
    • Treatment resistant peptic ulcer disease
    • Erosive esophagitis or gastritis
    • Infectious or inflammatory bowel disease
    • Diverticulitis

14. Any active infection within 2 weeks prior to study inclusion

15. Vaccination with a live, attenuated vaccine within 4 weeks prior to the first administration of the study medication

16. Other concomitant or previous malignancy, except:

    • Adequately treated in-situ carcinoma of the uterine cervix
    • Basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
    • Cancer in complete remission for > 5 years

17. Any other serious and uncontrolled non-malignant disease, major surgery or traumatic injury within the last 28 days prior to study entry

18. Pregnant or breastfeeding women

19. Patients with known allergy to any constituent to study drugs

20. History of myocardial infarction and/or stroke within 6 months prior to randomization, NYHA class III and IV congestive heart failure

21. Severe renal insufficiency (creatinin clearance < 30 ml/min)

22. Bowel obstruction

23. Contra-indication to the assessment by MRI

24. Involvement in the planning and/or conduct of the study (applies to both Sanofi staff and/or staff of Sponsor and study site)

25. Patient who might be dependent on the sponsor, site or the investigator

26. Patient who has been incarcerated or involuntarily institutionalized by court order or by the authorities § 40 Abs. 1 S. 3 Nr. 4 AMG

27. Patients who are unable to consent because they do not understand the nature, significance and implications of the clinical trial and therefore cannot form a rational intention in the light of the facts [§ 40 Abs. 1 S. 3 Nr. 3a AMG].

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Arm A	5-FU	6 cycles chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m\^2 and Leucovorin 350 mg/m\^2 i.v. as 2h infusion on Day 1 and 5-FU 400 mg/m\^2 i.v. as bolus on Day 1 and 2400 mg/m\^2 as 46 h infusion q2w followed by surgery 4 weeks after last neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment
Arm B	Oxaliplatin	6 cycles chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m\^2 and Leucovorin 350 mg/m\^2 i.v. as 2h infusion on Day 1 and 5-FU 400 mg/m\^2 i.v. as bolus on Day 1 and 2400 mg/m\^2 as 46 h infusionq2w + Aflibercept 4 mg/kg BW i.v. on Day 1 q2w (6th cycle without Aflibercept) followed by surgery 4 weeks after last neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment
Arm B	Leucovorin	6 cycles chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m\^2 and Leucovorin 350 mg/m\^2 i.v. as 2h infusion on Day 1 and 5-FU 400 mg/m\^2 i.v. as bolus on Day 1 and 2400 mg/m\^2 as 46 h infusionq2w + Aflibercept 4 mg/kg BW i.v. on Day 1 q2w (6th cycle without Aflibercept) followed by surgery 4 weeks after last neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment
Arm B	Aflibercept	6 cycles chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m\^2 and Leucovorin 350 mg/m\^2 i.v. as 2h infusion on Day 1 and 5-FU 400 mg/m\^2 i.v. as bolus on Day 1 and 2400 mg/m\^2 as 46 h infusionq2w + Aflibercept 4 mg/kg BW i.v. on Day 1 q2w (6th cycle without Aflibercept) followed by surgery 4 weeks after last neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment
Arm A	Oxaliplatin	6 cycles chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m\^2 and Leucovorin 350 mg/m\^2 i.v. as 2h infusion on Day 1 and 5-FU 400 mg/m\^2 i.v. as bolus on Day 1 and 2400 mg/m\^2 as 46 h infusion q2w followed by surgery 4 weeks after last neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment
Arm A	Leucovorin	6 cycles chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m\^2 and Leucovorin 350 mg/m\^2 i.v. as 2h infusion on Day 1 and 5-FU 400 mg/m\^2 i.v. as bolus on Day 1 and 2400 mg/m\^2 as 46 h infusion q2w followed by surgery 4 weeks after last neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment
Arm B	5-FU	6 cycles chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m\^2 and Leucovorin 350 mg/m\^2 i.v. as 2h infusion on Day 1 and 5-FU 400 mg/m\^2 i.v. as bolus on Day 1 and 2400 mg/m\^2 as 46 h infusionq2w + Aflibercept 4 mg/kg BW i.v. on Day 1 q2w (6th cycle without Aflibercept) followed by surgery 4 weeks after last neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pathologic complete response (pCR)	20 weeks	number of patients with a pCR finding divided by the number of patients in the analysis set pCR will be assessed in a standardized manner independently by a central pathology

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Rate of patients with R1 resection (according to CRM definitions in S3 guideline-Version 1.1 August 2014)	20 weeks	The R0- and R1 resection as well as downstaging and downsizing using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading) will be analyzed descriptively by means of frequencies and percentages.
Rate of number of patients with R0-wide, R0-narrow (according to CRM definitions in S3 guideline-Version 1.1 August 2014), R1 and locoregional R2 resection	20 weeks	The R0- and R1 resection as well as downstaging and downsizing using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading) will be analyzed descriptively by means of frequencies and percentages.
Disease-free survival (DFS)	44 weeks	Disease-free survival rate will be analyzed using a two-sided Fisher's exact test at a 5% significance level. In addition, two-sided 95% confidence intervals for DFS rates and difference in rates between both treatment arms will be calculated.
Dose intensities of study medication	12 weeks	The dose intensities of study medication will be calculated over the whole study duration and will be summarized descriptively by summary statistics.
Type, incidence and severity of AEs, SAEs	20 weeks	AEs will be coded according to the NCI-CTC Criteria Version 4.03. For the analysis, all AEs will be classified as related and not related. AEs will be summarized by presenting the number and percentages of patients having any AE and having an AE in each NCI-CTC category. Summaries will also be presented for AEs by severity and relationship to study medication. Tables will be broken down by study arm. All deaths and serious adverse events will be listed and briefly described.
Dose reduction or discontinuation of study drug due to adverse events	20 weeks	The dose intensities of study medication will be calculated over the whole study duration and will be summarized descriptively by summary statistics.
Rate of treatment discontinuation due to toxicity	20 weeks	Summaries will also be presented for AEs by severity and relationship to study medication. Tables will be broken down by study arm.; All deaths and serious adverse events will be listed and briefly described.
Type, incidence and severity of laboratory abnormalities	20 weeks	For relevant laboratory parameters, the distribution over time as well as changes from randomization will be calculated and analyzed descriptively.
Rate of patients with R0-wide resection (according to CRM definitions in S3 guideline-Version 1.1 August 2014)	20 weeks	The R0- and R1 resection as well as downstaging and downsizing using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading) will be analyzed descriptively by means of frequencies and percentages.
Rate of patients with R0-narrow resection (according to CRM definitions in S3 guideline-Version 1.1 August 2014)	20 weeks	The R0- and R1 resection as well as downstaging and downsizing using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading) will be analyzed descriptively by means of frequencies and percentages.
Relapse-free survival (RFS) in resected patients	44 weeks	Relapse-free survival: The length of time after completion of primary treatment (neoadjuvant chemotherapy + surgery) until documented relapse (i.e. local relapse, liver metastasis, systemic metastases).
Mortality after surgery	20 weeks	Perioperative medical events as well as mortality within 28 days after surgery will be summarized by frequencies and percentages broken down per treatment arm.
Physical examination	20 weeks	Physical examination as well as WHO/ECOG will be analyzed by calculating frequencies and percentages broken down per treatment group and visit.
Rate of patients with locoregional R2 resection (according to CRM definitions in S3 guideline-Version 1.1 August 2014)	20 weeks	The R0- and R1 resection as well as downstaging and downsizing using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading) will be analyzed descriptively by means of frequencies and percentages.
Overall survival (OS) rate	44 weeks	Overall survival: Survival will be calculated from the date of subject enrollment until the date of death from any cause. If no event is observed (e.g. lost to follow-up) OS is censored at the day of last subject contact.
Downstaging ability in resected patients using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading)	20 weeks	The R0- and R1 resection as well as downstaging and downsizing using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading) will be analyzed descriptively by means of frequencies and percentages.
Vital signs	20 weeks	Vital signs will be analyzed using summary statistics broken down per treatment group and visit.
Downsizing ability in resected patients using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading)	20 weeks	The R0- and R1 resection as well as downstaging and downsizing using a standardized regression grading (Dworak regression grading) will be analyzed descriptively by means of frequencies and percentages.
Type, incidence and severity of perioperative medical events within 28 days after surgery are assessed. Perioperative morbidity is categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo-Classification	20 weeks	Perioperative medical events as well as mortality within 28 days after surgery will be summarized by frequencies and percentages broken down per treatment arm.
ECOG	20 weeks	Physical examination as well as WHO/ECOG will be analyzed by calculating frequencies and percentages broken down per treatment group and visit.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Tagestherapiezentrum am ITM & III. Med. Klinik; 🇩🇪 Mannheim, Germany