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Title: Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant Bevacizumab and Radiotherapy for Resectable Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Journal Article · · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4];  [1];  [2]; ;  [5];  [6]; ;  [7];  [8];  [3];  [1];
  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)
  2. Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)
  3. Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School and Partners Center for Personalized Genetic Medicine, Boston, MA (United States)
  4. Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)
  5. Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)
  6. Departments of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (United States)
  7. Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)
  8. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)

Purpose: Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that angiogenesis inhibitors can increase the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT). We sought to examine the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab (BV) and RT in soft tissue sarcomas and explore biomarkers to help determine the treatment response. Methods and Materials: Patients with {>=}5 cm, intermediate- or high-grade soft tissue sarcomas at significant risk of local recurrence received neoadjuvant BV alone followed by BV plus RT before surgical resection. Correlative science studies included analysis of the serial blood and tumor samples and serial perfusion computed tomography scans. Results: The 20 patients had a median tumor size of 8.25 cm, with 13 extremity, 1 trunk, and 6 retroperitoneal/pelvis tumors. The neoadjuvant treatment was well tolerated, with only 4 patients having Grade 3 toxicities (hypertension, liver function test elevation). BV plus RT resulted in {>=}80% pathologic necrosis in 9 (45%) of 20 tumors, more than double the historical rate seen with RT alone. Three patients had a complete pathologic response. The median microvessel density decreased 53% after BV alone (p <.05). After combination therapy, the median tumor cell proliferation decreased by 73%, apoptosis increased 10.4-fold, and the blood flow, blood volume, and permeability surface area decreased by 62-72% (p <.05). Analysis of gene expression microarrays of untreated tumors identified a 24-gene signature for treatment response. The microvessel density and circulating progenitor cells at baseline and the reduction in microvessel density and plasma soluble c-KIT with BV therapy also correlated with a good pathologic response (p <.05). After a median follow-up of 20 months, only 1 patient had developed local recurrence. Conclusions: The results from the present exploratory study indicated that BV increases the efficacy of RT against soft tissue sarcomas and might reduce the incidence of local recurrence. Thus, this regimen warrants additional investigation. Gene expression profiles and other tissue and circulating biomarkers showed promising correlations with treatment response.

OSTI ID:
22054422
Journal Information:
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Vol. 81, Issue 4; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0360-3016
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English