Optimizing chemotherapy for frail and/or elderly patient with advanced gastroesophageal cancer (AGOAC): the GO2 phase III trial (2019)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Swinson D.E.; Hall P.; Seymour M.; Lord S.; Marshall H.; Ruddock S.; Cairns D.; Waters J.; Wadsley J.; Falk S.; Roy R.; Joseph M.; Nicoll J.; Vellios Kamposioras K.; Tillett T.; Cummins S.; Grumett S.; Stokes Z.; Waddell T.; *Chatterjee A.; Garcia A.; Allmark C.; Khan M.; Petty R.

Citation:
Journal of Geriatric Oncology; Nov 2019; vol. 10 (no. 6), Supplement 1, S8

Abstract:
Introduction: aGOAC patients are frequently elderly and/or frail.
Objective(s): (i) find the optimum dose of oxaliplatin capecitabine (OCap) for this population; (ii) explore the use of an objective geriatric assessment to individualize dose for maximum overall treatment utility (OTU), a composite of clinical benefit, tolerability, quality of life (QL) and patient value.
Method(s): Patients with aGOAC were eligible if there was uncertainty of the appropriate dose of chemotherapy. Baseline assessment included global QL; symptoms; functional scales; comorbidity; frailty. Randomization was 1:1:1 to dose Level A (Ox 130 mg/m2 d1, Cap 625 mg/m2 bd d1-21, q21d), B (80% Level A) or C (60% Level A). At 9 weeks, patients were scored for OTU. Non-inferiority (vs A) was assessed using PFS, censored at 12 months, with upper boundary HR 1.34 (based on patients' and clinicians' discussions), needing 284 PFS events per two-way comparison. In a separate sub-study, when there was uncertainty regarding the use of chemotherapy, patients were randomized between level C and supportive care alone (SCA).
Results and Conclusion(s): 512 patients were randomized, 2014-2017, at 61 UK centers. Age, performance status and frailty were similar in all arms. Non-inferiority of PFS is confirmed for Level B vs A (HR 1.09, CI 0.89-1.32) and for Level C vs A (HR 1.10, CI 0.90-1.33). Level C patients had the least toxicity and best OTU outcomes. When analyzed by baseline age, frailty and PS no group was identified who benefit more from higher treatment doses. A further 46 patients were randomized between chemotherapy and SCA. A non-significant trend to improved survival was observed (HR=0.69, CI 0.32-1.48) and QL deteriorated less with chemotherapy. This is the largest RCT specifically investigating frail and/or elderly aGOAC patients, and should guide future treatment. The lowest dose tested was non-inferior in terms of PFS, produced less toxicity and better overall treatment utility.