bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phase Ib dose-escalation study of TRC105 (anti-endoglin antibody) in combination with capecitabine for advanced solid tumors (including patients with progressive or recurrent HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer).
Authors: Levine Ellis Glenn , Forero Andres , O'Connor Tracy , Seon Ben K. , Jivani Manoj A , Adams Bonne J. , Theuer Charles P. 
Published: March 2020

3057 Background: CD105 (endoglin) is an endothelial cell membrane receptor highly expressed on angiogenic tumor vessels that is essential for angiogenesis and upregulated by hypoxia and VEGF inhibition. TRC105 is an anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody being studied in phase II trials that potentiates chemotherapy in preclinical models. Methods: Pts with advanced solid tumors (for purposes of dose escalation) or pts with metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer (following completion of dose escalation), ECOG PS 0-1, and normal organ function were treated with intravenously administered TRC105 wkly plus capecitabine at 1,000 mg/m2 BID for 14 of every 21 days, and assessed for safety, PK, and response. Results: Fourteen patients (median age = 52; M:F 4:10; median of 3 prior regimens; 10 with breast and 4 with colorectal cancer) were enrolled. Dose escalation proceeded from 7.5 mg/kg TRC105 to the recommended single agent phase II dose of 10 mg/kg of TRC105 in combination with capecitabine, without development of dose limiting toxicity. Fourteen pts were treated at 7.5 mg/kg (n=4) or 10 mg/kg (n=10) TRC105 wkly + 1,000 mg/m2 BID/14d capecitabine of repeating 21 day cycles. Patients experienced expected TRC105 related adverse events of grade 1 or grade 2 infusion reaction, epistaxis, gingival bleeding, telangiectasia, headache, rash, and fatigue. Grade 3 headache and grade 3 vomiting were each seen in one patient. Adverse events characteristic of each individual drug were not increased in frequency or severity when the two drugs were administered together. Mucocutaneous telangiectasia, a marker of TRC105 target modulation, was observed at both dose levels. A heavily pretreated male breast cancer patient remained on study for 9 months with a RECIST-defined partial response. Stable disease beyond 9 weeks was observed in three patients. Conclusions: The recommended single agent phase II dose of 10 mg/kg TRC105 wkly was well tolerated in combination with capecitabine. The combination treatment could be advanced in HER2-negative breast or colorectal cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT01326481.
A phase Ib dose-escalation study of TRC105 (anti-endoglin antibody) in combination with bevacizumab (BEV) for advanced solid tumors.
Authors: Rosen Lee S. , Robert Francisco , Matei Daniela , Goldman Jonathan Wade , Mendelson David S. , Chiorean E. Gabriela , Strother Robert Matthew , Seon Ben K. , Alvarez Delia , Adams Bonne J. , Theuer Charles P. , Gordon Michael S. 
Published: March 2020

3059 Background: CD105 (endoglin) is an endothelial cell membrane receptor highly expressed on angiogenic tumor vessels that is essential for angiogenesis and upregulated by hypoxia and VEGF inhibition. TRC105 is an anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody that potentiates VEGF inhibitors in preclinical models. This study assessed safety, PK and preliminary efficacy of TRC105 in combination with BEV. Methods: Pts with advanced solid tumors, ECOG PS 0-1, and normal organ function were treated with escalating doses of IV TRC105 (3, 6, 8 or 10 mg/kg/wk) plus bevacizumab (BEV) at 15 mg/kg q3wk or 10 mg/kg q2wk. Results: Thirty one pts (median age = 62; M:F 14:17; median 4 prior regimens; primarily metastatic colorectal or ovarian cancer) were treated with TRC105 wkly + BEV. TRC105 3 mg/kg wkly + 15 mg/kg q3wk BEV was well tolerated. Concurrent administration of TRC105 6 mg/kg wkly + 15 mg/kg BEV q3wk resulted in headaches in 4 of 5 pts on cycle 1 day 1 (two grade 3). Dose escalation to the recommended single-agent phase II dose of 10 mg/kg TRC105 weekly + BEV (10 mg/kg q2wk) was tolerated when the initial TRC105 dose was introduced one week after BEV dosing and administered over 2 days. Headache was the only serious adverse drug reaction observed. Adverse events characteristic of each individual drug were not increased in frequency or severity. Target TRC105 serum concentrations were achieved at 6 mg/kg. Mucocutaneous telangiectasia, a marker of TRC105 target modulation, was observed beginning at 6 mg/kg and was dose proportional. Five of 19 heavily pretreated, BEV or VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) refractory pts with colorectal and ovarian cancer, each with marked tumor burden, experienced radiographic reductions in tumor volume (10-17%). Three of these patients remained on study longer than the prior VEGF inhibitor treatment and two are ongoing. Seven ongoing patients have been treated for 2-8 months. Conclusions: TRC105 10 mg/kg wkly was well tolerated with BEV 10 mg/kg q2wk. The combination demonstrated activity in BEV and VEGF TKI refractory pts. Randomized phase II trials of BEV +/- TRC105 have commenced in renal cell cancer and glioblastoma. Clinical trial information: NCT01332721.
Prognostic factors for the efficacy of catumaxomab in patients (pts) with malignant ascites (MA): Meta-analysis from two phase III studies.
Authors: Friccius-Quecke Hilke , Heiss Markus M. , Lordick Florian , Parsons Simon L. , Wimberger Pauline , Bokemeyer Carsten 
Published: March 2020

3078 Background: Data from two phase III studies (IP-REM-AC-01 and CASIMAS) were used for a meta-analysis to identify factors with a potential impact on the efficacy of catumaxomab (CATU) in pts with MA. Methods: 389 pts treated with CATU plus paracentesis and 88 control pts (paracentesis only) were included. Efficacy parameters were overall survival (OS), puncture-free survival (PuFS) and time to first puncture (TTPu). The impact of the prognostic factors Karnofsky Index (KI), total serum protein (protein) and presence/absence of distant metastases (metastases) at inclusion was analysed for these parameters. Results: Pts treated with CATU showed a significant prolongation of PuFS (44 vs 11 d, HR 0.34, p<0.0001), TTPu (88 vs 13 d, HR 0.26, p<0.0001) and OS (88 vs 68 d, HR 0.62, p=0.007) compared to control pts. Pts treated with CATU and a KI of 80–100 at inclusion had significantly better OS compared to those with a KI of 60–79 (120 vs 57 d, HR 0.55, p<0.001) and improved PuFS (55 vs 27 d, HR 0.61, p<0.001) but not improved TTPu (88 vs 96 d, HR 0.80, p=0.186). Linear Cox regression of KI as a co-variable showed a significantly positive impact of high KI on catumaxomab efficacy for OS (HR 0.97, p<0.001) and PuFS (HR 0.98, p<0.001) but not TTPu (HR 0.99, p=0.054). Cox regression analysis of the presence of distant metastases and low (< normal) total serum protein on CATU efficacy showed a negative impact on OS (metastases: HR 1.43; p<0.001; protein: HR 1.39, p=0.002), PuFS (metastases: HR 1.37, p=0.003; protein: HR 1.45, p<0.001) and TTPu (metastases: HR 1.28, p=0.069; protein: HR 1.41, p= 0.011). Treatment effects on PuFS and TTPu were observed in all subgroups for all factors but the effect on OS compared to controls was only found in pts with KI 80–100 and in those with no distant metastases and with normal/high total serum protein. Conclusions: Karnofsky Index, distant metastases and total serum protein at screening were identified as factors having a significant impact on OS in CATU-treated pts and better prognostic pts compared to controls. In contrast, the effect of CATU on ascites control (PuFS, TTPu) was observed in all subgroups irrespective of whether the pts were in the good or poor prognostic group.
Phase III randomized, placebo (PL)-controlled, double-blind study of intravenous calcium/magnesium (CaMg) to prevent oxaliplatin-induced sensory neurotoxicity (sNT), N08CB: An alliance for clinical trials in oncology study.
Authors: Loprinzi Charles L. , Qin Rui , Dakhil Shaker R. , Fehrenbacher Louis , Stella Philip J. , Atherton Pamela J. , Seisler Drew K. , Qamar Rubina , Lewis Grant Carlton , Grothey Axel 
Published: March 2020

3501 Background: Cumulative neurotoxicity commonly leads to early discontinuation of oxaliplatin-based therapy. In a relatively small, prematurely-discontinued, randomized study, IV CaMg was associated with reduced oxaliplatin-induced sNT (Grothey, JCO, 2011). N08CB was designed to definitively test whether IV CaMg significantly decreases cumulative oxaliplatin-related sNT. Methods: 353 pts with colon cancer undergoing adjuvant therapy with FOLFOX were randomized to 3 arms: IV CaMg (1g calcium gluconate, 1g magnesium sulfate) before and after oxaliplatin vs PL before and after vs CaMg before and PL after. The primary endpoint was cumulative sNT repeatedly measured by the sensory subscale of the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20. Secondary endpoints, using CTCAE 4.0 and an oxaliplatin specific neurotoxicity scale, were also assessed. Acute neuropathy data were also collected for 5 days following each oxaliplatin dose. The area under the curve (AUC) of the sensory subscale during the treatment cycles was used as summary measures for comparison. The Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were conducted for each treatment versus placebo arm, at 2.5%, adjusting for multiplicity using Bonferroni’s approach. Results: CaMg did not reduce cumulative sNT. Primary and secondary analyses data are summarized in the Table. In addition, there were no significant differences between arms regarding oxaliplatin administered doses or chemotherapy discontinuation rates. Also, there were no substantial differences in acute neuropathy scores or side-effects between study arms. Conclusions: This study does not demonstrate any activity of IV CaMg as a neuroprotectant against oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT01099449. [Table: see text]
Comprehensive pharmacogenetic profiling of advanced colorectal cancer.
Authors: Madi Ayman , Fisher David , Maughan Tim , Colley James , Meade Angela M. , Maynard Julie , Humpreys Vikki , Wasan Harpreet , Adams Richard A. , Idziaszczyk Shelley , Harris Rebecca , Nichols Laura L. , Kaplan Richard S. , Cheadle Jeremy 
Published: March 2020

3509 Background: Inherited genetic factors may influence a patient’s response to, and side effects from, chemotherapy and biological therapies. Here, we sought to generate a comprehensive inherited pharmacogenetic profile for advanced colorectal cancer (aCRC). Methods: We analysed 260 potentially functional coding region and promoter variants in genes within the 5-FU, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, EGFR and DNA repair pathways in 2183 patients with aCRC treated with oxaliplatin-fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy ± cetuximab (from the MRC COIN and COIN-B trials). Primary outcomes assessed were 12-week response, skin rash (SR) (for those receiving cetuximab), dose-reduction or delay in treatment due to any toxicity and peripheral neuropathy (PN). Results: For variants with minor allele frequencies >20%, we had >85% power to detect an effect on response / toxicity with an OR of 1.3. In patients treated with chemotherapy + cetuximab, 5 and 4 coding region variants in the EGFR pathway were associated with response and SR, respectively. The most significant associations were with variants in members of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit. In patients treated with chemotherapy ± cetuximab, 8 coding region variants in the 5-FU, capecitabine, oxaliplatin or DNA repair pathways were associated with response, 8 with any toxicity and 5 with PN. The most significant associations for response were with variants in DNA repair genes and, for any toxicity, with common variants in DPYD. Conclusions: Our study highlights the difficulty in identifying inherited biomarkers for the treatment of aCRC - despite using samples from the largest reported randomised trial for aCRC, with considerable power to detect alleles of small effects, none of the associations remained significant after rigorous correction for multiple testing.
A randomized phase III trial of S-1/oxaliplatin (SOX) plus bevacizumab versus 5-FU/l-LV/oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) plus bevacizmab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: The SOFT study.
Authors: Takahari Daisuke , Yamada Yasuhide , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Baba Hideo , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masato , Yoshida Motoki , Iwamoto Shigeyoshi , Takinishi Yasutaka , Sakata Yuh , Morita Satoshi , Shimada Yasuhiro , Komatsu Yoshito , Sasaki Yasutsuna , Satoh Taroh , Takahashi Keiichi , Mishima Hideyuki , Muro Kei , Watanabe Masahiko , Sugihara Kenichi ,   SOFT Study Group
Published: March 2020

3519 Background: Several studies of oxaliplatin plus S-1 combination therapy (SOX) conducted in Asia have shown promising efficacy and safety for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), suggesting the potential to replace mFOLFOX6. We performed a randomized phase III trial to determine whether SOX plus bevacizmab (SOX+Bev) is non-inferior to mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizmab (mFOLFOX6+Bev) in terms of progression-free survival (PFS). Methods: The SOFT study was a randomized, open-label, phase III trial. Chemotherapy-naïve patients (pts) with mCRC, an ECOG PS of 0-1, and adequate organ functions were randomized to receive either mFOLFOX6+Bev (5 mg/kg of bevacizumab, followed by 200 mg/m2 of l-leucovorin given simultaneously with 85 mg/m2 of oxaliplatin, followed by a 400 mg/m2 bolus of 5-FU on day 1 and then 2,400 mg/m2 of 5-FU over 46 h, every 2 weeks) or SOX+Bev (7.5 mg/kg of bevacizumab, 130 mg/m2 of oxaliplatin on day 1, and 40−60 mg of S-1 twice daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week rest). The primary endpoint was PFS. A sample size of 225 pts per group was estimated to be necessary based on a median PFS of 10.0 months in each group and an 80% power to demonstrate non-inferiority of SOX+Bev with a 2.5-month margin (hazard ratio, HR = 1.33) and a 2-sided alpha of 0.05. Results: A total of 512 pts were enrolled from February 2009 to March 2011. Data were analyzed after confirming >388 events as planned. Demographic factors were well balanced. Pts received a median of 12 cycles (1 cycle = 2 weeks) of mFOLFOX6+Bev and 8 cycles (1 cycle = 3 weeks) of SOX+Bev (range: 1−16). Median PFS was 11.5 months (95% CI: 10.7−13.2) with mFOLFOX6+Bev and 11.7 months (95% CI: 10.7−12.9) with SOX+Bev. The adjusted HR for PFS was 1.043 (95% CI: 0.860−1.266), and the p value for non-inferiority was 0.0139. Response rate was 62.7% with mFOLFOX6+Bev and 61.5% with SOX+Bev. Grade 3/4 toxicities (%) with mFOLFOX6+Bev/SOX+Bev were leukopenia 8.4/2.4, neutropenia 33.7/8.8, anorexia 1.2/5.2, and diarrhea 2.8/9.2. Conclusions: SOX+Bev is non-inferior to mFOLFOX6+Bev with respect to PFS as 1st-line treatment for mCRC and thus can replace mFOLFOX6+Bev. Clinical trial information: JapicCTI-090699.
Effect of adding oxaliplatin to adjuvant 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5FU/LV) in patients with defective mismatch repair (dMMR) colon cancer stage II and III included in the MOSIAC study.
Authors: Flejou Jean-François , André Thierry , Chibaudel Benoist , Scriva Aurelie , Hickish Tamas , Tabernero Josep , Van Laethem Jean-Luc , Banzi Maria , Maartense Eduard , Shani Adi , Carlsson Göran , Scheithauer Werner , Papamichael Demetris , Moehler Markus , Landolfi Stefania , Demetter Pieter , Duval Alex , Lee Mark , Colote Soudhir , De Gramont Aimery 
Published: March 2020

3524 Background: The MOSAIC study (André T, N Engl J Med, 2004) demonstrated that adding oxaliplatin to adjuvant 5FU and LV improved three-year disease-free survival (DFS) in stage II and III resected CC. Efficacy of FOLFOX4 in pts with dMMR stage III was suggested in a retrospective study (Zaanan A, Ann Oncol 2010). Methods: Of the 2,246 pts included in MOSAIC study, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks or slides from 1,019 pts were obtained. Thirty-three samples with insufficient tumor tissue were excluded from this translational study. MMR status was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of the protein products of MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6 genes. Results: A total of 986 pts (44%) were evaluable for MMR status and MMR status was not evaluable for 1,260 pts (56%). Relapse-free survival (RFS), DFS and overall survival (OS) were similar in both, MMR and MMR not evaluable population. Ninety (9.1%) and 896 (90.9%) pts had dMMR and proficient MMR (pMMR) CC, respectively. Of the patients with 90 dMMR CC, 45 pts had stage II and 45 stage III. Hazard Ratios (HRs) for stage II and III dMMR are 0.52 (0.21–1.28) for RFS, 0.52 (0.24–1.14) for DFS, and 0.45 (0.19–1.05) for OS, respectively. HR for stage III dMMR are 0.56 (0.19–1.61) for RFS, 0.51 (0.18–1.41) for DFS, and 0.44 (0.15–1.34) for OS, respectively. HR for stage II dMMR are 0.64 (0.11–3.70) for RFS, 0.60 (0.17–2.09) for DFS, and 0.52 (0.13–2.10) for OS, respectively. Conclusions: Analyses ofcolon cancerMMR status in pts included in the MOSAIC study support the use of FOLFOX4 in pts with dMMR stage III cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT00275210. [Table: see text]
Gene expression profiles and tumor locations in colorectal cancer (left vs. right vs. rectum).
Authors: Maus Martin K. H. , Hanna Diana L. , Stephens Craig , Grimminger Peter Philipp , Epstein Melinda , Astrow Stephanie H. , Yang Dongyun , Loupakis Fotios , Hsiang Jack , Zeger Gary , Wakatsuki Takeru , Barzi Afsaneh , Lenz Heinz-Josef 
Published: March 2020

3527 Background: Recent data suggests that CRC from different locations show distinct genetic profiles. Right-sided tumors have a worse prognosis and may have less benefit from targeted therapies. We investigated the tumor locations and genetic profiles (KRAS and BRAF mutation status and ERCC1, TS, EGFR and VEGFR2 mRNA expression) in 580 CRC tumors. Methods: FFPE tumor specimen from 580 patients with advanced CRC adenocarcinoma were microdissected and DNA and RNA were extracted. Specifically designed primers and probes were used to detect 7 different base substitutions in codon 12 and 13 of KRAS, V600E mutations in BRAF and the mRNA expression levels of ERCC1, TS, EGFR and VEGFR2 by RT-PCR. These values were analyzed according to tumor location (left vs. right vs. rectum). Results: BRAF mutations were significantly more common in the right colon (15%), followed by rectum (3.8%) and left colon (2.5%). KRAS mutations occurred at similar frequencies throughout the colon. Gene expression of ERCC1 was significantly higher in right-sided than left-sided colon tumors in KRAS wild-type colon cancers. The highest expression levels for all genes were seen in rectum. These differences reached significant levels for ERCC1 (rectum vs. right and rectum vs. left, p<0.001), TS (rectum vs. left, p<0.036) and VEGFR2 (rectum vs. right and rectum vs. left, p<0.001). Conclusions: Tumor location in CRC is associated with specific mutation and expression profiles. Differences in chemosensitivity may be explained by mutation status and mRNA levels in right vs. left CRC. Rectum cancers showed a distinct genetic profile when compared to colon which indicates different tumor biology and may be related to differences in the microflora.
Location of colon cancer (right-sided [RC] versus left-sided [LC]) as a predictor of benefit from cetuximab (CET): NCIC CTG CO.17.
Authors: Brule Stephanie Yasmin , Jonker Derek J. , Karapetis Christos Stelios , O'Callaghan Christopher J. , Moore Malcolm J. , Wong Ralph , Tebbutt Niall C. , Underhill Craig , Yip Desmond , Zalcberg John Raymond , Tu Dongsheng , Goodwin Rachel Anne 
Published: March 2020

3528 Background: RC and LC differ with respect to biology, pathology, and epidemiology. Further, recent SEER data suggests a mortality difference between RC and LC that varies by stage: stage II and III RC having lower and higher mortality, respectively. We examined if the primary tumour site can also predict for outcome in pre-treated, chemotherapy refractory, metastatic colon cancer (MCC). We compared RC vs. LC as a predictor for efficacy of EGFR inhibition with CET. Methods: Using CO.17 (CET vs. BSC), we coded the primary tumour site for 399 pts as RC (cecum to transverse colon) or LC (splenic flexure to rectosigmoid). Fisher’s exact test assessed the association between site of cancer and baseline characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) by site of cancer were performed using Cox regression models. Results: Pts with RC (150/399) had more poorly differentiated tumours, mutant KRAS status, and peritoneal rather than liver and lung metastases, and they more often entered the study less than two years after initial diagnosis. Among pts receiving BSC, tumour location (RC vs. LC) was not prognostic for PFS (HR 1.07 [0.79, 1.44], p=0.67) or OS (HR 0.96 [0.70, 1.31], p=0.78). Among pts with KRAS wild type tumour status, site of cancer was a predictor of benefit from CET, with much greater PFS observed for LC (interaction p=0.002). Conclusions: In refractory MCC, tumour location within the colon (RC vs. LC) is not a prognostic factor, but is a strong predictor of PFS benefit from CET therapy. Additional research is needed to understand the molecular differences between RC and LC and their interaction with EGFR inhibition. [Table: see text]
Preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin versus capecitabine alone in locally advanced rectal cancer: First results of the PETACC-6 randomized phase III trial.
Authors: Schmoll Hans-Joachim , Haustermans Karin , Price Timothy Jay , Nordlinger Bernard , Hofheinz Ralf , Daisne Jean-Francois , Janssens Jozef , Brenner Baruch , Schmidt Peter , Reinel Hans , Hollerbach Stephan , Caca Karel , Fauth Florian W.B. , Hannig Carla , Zalcberg John Raymond , Tebbutt Niall C. , Mauer Murielle E. , Messina Carlo G. M. , Lutz Manfred P. , Van Cutsem Eric ,   for the EORTC GITCG, AIO, AGITG, EORTC ROG, BGDO, FFCD
Published: March 2020

3531 Background: The PETACC-6 trial investigates whether the addition of oxaliplatin to preoperative oral fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiation (CRT) followed by postoperative adjuvant fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (CT) improves disease-free survival (DFS) in locally advanced rectal cancer. We present results of the early secondary endpoints. Methods: Between 11/2008 and 09/2011, patients with rectal cancer within 12 cm from the anal verge, T3/4 and/or node-positive, with no evidence of metastatic disease and considered either resectable at the time of entry or expected to become resectable after preoperative CRT, were randomly assigned to receive 5 weeks of preoperative CRT (45 Gy in 25 fractions) with capecitabine (825 mg/m² twice daily), followed by 6 cycles of adjuvant CT with capecitabine (1000 mg/m2twice daily/days 1-15 every three weeks) (arm 1) or to receive the same regimen with the addition of oxaliplatin before (50 mg/m²/days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) and after surgery (130 mg/m²/day 1, every three weeks) (arm 2). Additional RT before surgery (5.4 Gy/days 36-38) using the same fields or as a boost with capecitabine was an option. Primary endpoint is DFS. Results: 1094 patients were randomized (547 in each arm). 98% and 92% of patients, respectively, received at least 45 Gy of preoperative RT in arm 1 and arm 2. More than 90% of full dose concurrent CT was delivered in 91% and 63% of patients, respectively, in arm 1 and arm 2. Preoperative grade 3/4 toxicity occurred in 15.1% of patients in arm 1 vs. 36.7% in arm 2; 1 vs. 3 patients died before surgery. R0 resection rate was 92.0% in arm 1 and 86.3% in arm 2. The pCR rate (ypT0N0) was equal in both arms with 11.3% in arm 1 and 13.3% in arm 2 (p=0.31). The anal sphincter was preserved in 70% vs. 65% (p=0.09) in arm 1 and 2. Postoperative complications were not different between arms (38% vs. 41%; 5 vs. 4 patients died following surgery). Definitive numbers will be presented at the congress. Conclusions: The addition of oxaliplatin to preoperative fluoropyrimidine-based CRT led to decreased treatment compliance and increased toxicity, but did not improve surgical outcome. Clinical trial information: NCT00766155.