Tracheoesophageal Fistula Formation in Patients With Lung Cancer Treated With Chemoradiation and Bevacizumab

Purpose Tracheoesophageal fistulae are rare complications of thoracic cancers and their treatments. Novel antiangiogenic agents in cancer treatment such as bevacizumab potentially impact wound healing and may contribute to tracheoesophageal fistula development. Patients and Methods We conducted two independent phase II clinical trials in small-cell lung cancer and non–small-cell lung cancer using bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Both trials were intended to assess preliminary efficacy and safety outcomes. Results For the limited-stage small-cell lung cancer trial, 29 patients were enrolled beginning April 2006, and closed early due to toxicity in March 2007 (14-month median follow-up). The locally advanced, non–small-cell lung cancer trial opened with enrollment limited to five patients in February 2007, and closed early due to safety in December 2007. In each trial, we observed tracheoesophageal fistulae development and related morbidity and mortality, prompting early trial clo...