Modified FOLFIRINOX versus CisGem first-line chemotherapy for locally advanced non resectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer (AMEBICA)-PRODIGE 38: Study protocol for a randomized controlled multicenter phase II/III study.

INTRODUCTION: Combination of cisplatine and Gemcitabine (CisGem) is the reference 1st line Chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary cancer. FOLFIRINOX demonstrated an overall survival superiority when compared to gemcitabine in 1st line for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Because of similarities between pancreatic and biliary cancers, we proposed a randomized trial comparing mFOLFIRINOX and CisGEm.

AIM: PRODIGE38-AMEBICA is a phase II/III trial evaluating efficacy of modifed FOLFIRINOX (D1 bolus removed) or CisGEm on patients with locally advanced non resectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Main inclusion criteria are histologically or cytologically proven biliary tract tumor (intra or extra hepatic or hilar or gallbladder carcinoma), measurable disease (metastases and/or primary tumor), Bilirubin <1,5 N and transaminases <5 N. The randomization (ratio 1:1) will be stratified on center, stage of the disease, tumor localization and previous adjuvant treatment. The Phase II trial has an objective of 73% patients alive and without progression at 6 months for Folfirinox (versus 59% for Gemcis). 128 additional patients should be added in the phase III trial with an objective of overall survival improvement of 4 months in favor of mFOLFIRINOX.

CONCLUSION: The study is opened in France (EudraCT no.: 2015-002282-35). All the patients (188) of the phase II part are currently randomized.