Using trastuzumab and pertuzumab to improve survival in HER2+ esophageal cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of adding trastuzumab and pertuzumab to the standard neoadjuvant chemoradiation treatment for patients with resectable HER2-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma. Participants will be randomized to receive either the standard CROSS regimen or the CROSS regimen plus the targeted therapies. The primary goal is to determine if this combination improves overall survival rates compared to the standard treatment alone. The study aims to address the lack of targeted treatment options for this patient population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction, T1N+M0; or T2-T4a N0 or N+ M0).
* HER2-positive tumor defined as either IHC 3+ or IHC 2+, the latter in combination with ISH+, as assessed by the local laboratory on a primary tumor biopsy. HER2 status needs to be confirmed by the central laboratory, but does not affect start of treatment.
* Surgical resectability, as determined during multidisciplinary meeting. Tumors that cannot be passed with an endoscope for endoscopic ultrasound are eligible if all other criteria are fulfilled.
* If the tumor extends below the gastroesophageal (GE) junction into the proximal stomach, the bulk of the tumor must involve the esophagus or GE junction.
* Age ≥ 18.
* ECOG performance status 0 or 1 (cf. Appendix A).
* Adequate hematological, renal and hepatic functions defined as:

  * Neutrophils ≥ 1.5 x 109/L
  * Platelets ≥ 100 x 109/L
  * Hemoglobin ≥ 5.6 mmol
  * Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper normal limit
  * Creatinine clearance (Cockroft) \> 60 ml/min
* Adequate left ventricular ejection fraction defined as an LVEF of ≥55% determined by transthoracic echocardiography or MUGA.
* Written, voluntary informed consent
* Patients must be accessible to follow up and management in the treatment center

Exclusion Criteria:

* T1N0 tumors or in situ carcinoma.
* Past (within 5 years) or current history of malignancy other than entry diagnosis which has a worse expected prognosis than the current esophageal cancer.
* Previous chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment with an anti-HER2 antibody or with small molecule HER2 inhibitors for esophageal cancer or for any other cancer within 6 months of diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
* Previous radiation to the mediastinum precluding full dose radiation of the currently present esophageal tumor.
* Invasion of the tracheobronchial tree or presence of tracheoesophageal fistula.
* Pregnancy (positive serum pregnancy test), planning to become pregnant, and lactation.
* Not willing to use highly effective methods of contraception (per institutional standard) during treatment (male or female) and for 6 months after the end of treatment.
* Clinically significant cardiovascular disease (including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, symptomatic congestive heart failure, serious uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia) precluding major surgery.
* Pulmonary fibrosis and/or severely impaired lung function (FEV1 \< 1,5L) precluding major surgery.
* Serious underlying medical condition which would impair the ability of the patient to receive the planned treatment, including prior allergic reactions to drugs containing Cremophor, such as teniposide or cyclosporine.
* Dementia or altered mental status that would prohibit the understanding and giving of informed consent
* Inadequate caloric- and/or fluid intake despite consultation of a dietician and/or tube feeding.
* Evidence of interstitial lung disease or active, non-infectious pneumonitis.
* Active infection requiring systemic therapy which has not resolved 3 days (simple infection such as cystitis) to 7 days (severe infection such as pyelonephritis) prior to the first dose of trial treatment.
* Evidence of acute or chronic infection with hepatitis B, C or HIV.
* History of prior allogeneic stem cell or solid organ transplantation.
* Pre-existing motor or sensory neurotoxicity greater than or equal to CTC AE grade 2.

Where it's running

• Academic Medical Center
  Amsterdam, Netherlands Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.