Τετάρτη 21 Φεβρουαρίου 2018

Open-label randomised phase III trial of vinflunine versus an alkylating agent in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer

Abstract
Background
There is no standard treatment after progression on second-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We compared vinflunine with physician's choice of alkylating agent (AA) for patients with heavily pretreated MBC.
Patients and methods
In this open-label phase III trial, patients with MBC were included if they had received at least two prior chemotherapy regimens for MBC and had received anthracycline, taxane, antimetabolite and vinca alkaloid therapy. Patients were no longer candidates for these chemotherapies because of resistance and/or intolerance. Patients were randomised to either vinflunine 280 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks (q3w) or AA monotherapy q3w. Stratification factors were performance status, number of prior chemotherapy lines for MBC, disease measurability and study site. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 594 patients were randomised (298 to vinflunine, 296 to AA). There was no difference between treatment arms in OS (hazard ratio 1.04, P = 0.67; median 9.1 months for vinflunine versus 9.3 months for AA), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.94, P = 0.49; median 2.5 versus 1.9 months, respectively) or overall response rate (6% versus 4%, respectively). However, the disease control rate was significantly higher with vinflunine than AA (44% versus 35%, respectively; P = 0.04). The most common adverse events (any grade) were haematological and gastrointestinal disorders and asthenia in both arms. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (19% versus 11% with vinflunine versus AA, respectively) and asthenia (10% versus 4%).
Conclusions
Vinflunine 280 mg/m2 q3w did not improve OS compared with the physician's choice of AA as third- or later-line therapy for MBC. Vinflunine demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, suggesting that vinflunine 320 mg/m2 merits evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01091168.

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Computational prediction of neoantigens: do we need more data or new approaches?

Abstract
Personalized cancer immunotherapy may benefit from improved computational algorithms for identifying neoantigens. Recent results demonstrate that machine learning can improve accuracy. Additional improvements may require more genomic data paired with in vitro T cell reactivity measurements, and more sophisticated algorithms that take into account T cell receptor specificity.

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Open-label randomised phase III trial of vinflunine versus an alkylating agent in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer

Abstract
Background
There is no standard treatment after progression on second-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We compared vinflunine with physician's choice of alkylating agent (AA) for patients with heavily pretreated MBC.
Patients and methods
In this open-label phase III trial, patients with MBC were included if they had received at least two prior chemotherapy regimens for MBC and had received anthracycline, taxane, antimetabolite and vinca alkaloid therapy. Patients were no longer candidates for these chemotherapies because of resistance and/or intolerance. Patients were randomised to either vinflunine 280 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks (q3w) or AA monotherapy q3w. Stratification factors were performance status, number of prior chemotherapy lines for MBC, disease measurability and study site. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 594 patients were randomised (298 to vinflunine, 296 to AA). There was no difference between treatment arms in OS (hazard ratio 1.04, P = 0.67; median 9.1 months for vinflunine versus 9.3 months for AA), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.94, P = 0.49; median 2.5 versus 1.9 months, respectively) or overall response rate (6% versus 4%, respectively). However, the disease control rate was significantly higher with vinflunine than AA (44% versus 35%, respectively; P = 0.04). The most common adverse events (any grade) were haematological and gastrointestinal disorders and asthenia in both arms. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (19% versus 11% with vinflunine versus AA, respectively) and asthenia (10% versus 4%).
Conclusions
Vinflunine 280 mg/m2 q3w did not improve OS compared with the physician's choice of AA as third- or later-line therapy for MBC. Vinflunine demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, suggesting that vinflunine 320 mg/m2 merits evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01091168.

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Computational prediction of neoantigens: do we need more data or new approaches?

Abstract
Personalized cancer immunotherapy may benefit from improved computational algorithms for identifying neoantigens. Recent results demonstrate that machine learning can improve accuracy. Additional improvements may require more genomic data paired with in vitro T cell reactivity measurements, and more sophisticated algorithms that take into account T cell receptor specificity.

http://ift.tt/2CBOFh3

Adverse mental health outcomes in a population-based cohort of survivors of childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

The elevated risk for physical late effects in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is well documented, but their risk for mental health problems is less well described.

METHODS

The authors assembled a cohort of all 5-year CCS who were diagnosed before age 18 years and treated in an Ontario pediatric cancer center between 1987 and 2008. Patients were matched to population controls and linked to health administration databases. The authors calculated rates of mental health care visits (family physician, psychiatrist, emergency department, hospitalization) and the risk for a severe mental health event (emergency department, hospitalization, suicide). Outcomes were compared using recurrent event and survival analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with 20,269 controls, 4117 CCS had a higher rate of mental health visits (adjusted relative rate [RR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.52). Higher rates were associated with female gender (RR, 1.39; CI, 1.10-1.75; P = .006) and being diagnosed at ages 15 to 17.9 years (compared with ages 0-4 years: RR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.17-2.80; P = .008). Cancer type, treatment intensity, and treatments targeting the central nervous system were not significant predictors. Survivors were at increased risk for a severe event compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00-1.28; P = .045). CCS who were diagnosed with cancer at age 4 years or younger were at greatest risk: 16.3% (95% CI, 13.2%-19.8%) had experienced a severe event by age 28 years.

CONCLUSIONS

CCS experienced higher rates of mental health visits and a greater risk for a severe event than the general population. Survivors of adolescent cancer have a higher rate of mental health visits overall, whereas survivors of cancer before age 4 years have a markedly elevated risk of severe events. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.



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Adverse mental health outcomes in a population-based cohort of survivors of childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

The elevated risk for physical late effects in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is well documented, but their risk for mental health problems is less well described.

METHODS

The authors assembled a cohort of all 5-year CCS who were diagnosed before age 18 years and treated in an Ontario pediatric cancer center between 1987 and 2008. Patients were matched to population controls and linked to health administration databases. The authors calculated rates of mental health care visits (family physician, psychiatrist, emergency department, hospitalization) and the risk for a severe mental health event (emergency department, hospitalization, suicide). Outcomes were compared using recurrent event and survival analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with 20,269 controls, 4117 CCS had a higher rate of mental health visits (adjusted relative rate [RR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.52). Higher rates were associated with female gender (RR, 1.39; CI, 1.10-1.75; P = .006) and being diagnosed at ages 15 to 17.9 years (compared with ages 0-4 years: RR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.17-2.80; P = .008). Cancer type, treatment intensity, and treatments targeting the central nervous system were not significant predictors. Survivors were at increased risk for a severe event compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00-1.28; P = .045). CCS who were diagnosed with cancer at age 4 years or younger were at greatest risk: 16.3% (95% CI, 13.2%-19.8%) had experienced a severe event by age 28 years.

CONCLUSIONS

CCS experienced higher rates of mental health visits and a greater risk for a severe event than the general population. Survivors of adolescent cancer have a higher rate of mental health visits overall, whereas survivors of cancer before age 4 years have a markedly elevated risk of severe events. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.



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CLL2-BXX Phase II trials: sequential, targeted treatment for eradication of minimal residual disease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Future Oncology, Ahead of Print.


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Peripheral blood clinical laboratory variables associated with outcomes following combination nivolumab and ipilimumab immunotherapy in melanoma

Abstract

Both the combination of nivolumab + ipilimumab and single-agent anti-PD-1 immunotherapy have demonstrated survival benefit for patients with advanced melanoma. As the combination has a high rate of serious side effects, further analyses in randomized trials of combination versus anti-PD-1 immunotherapy are needed to understand who benefits most from the combination. Clinical laboratory values that were routinely collected in randomized studies may provide information on the relative benefit of combination immunotherapy. To prioritize which clinical laboratory factors to ultimately explore in these randomized studies, we performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with advanced melanoma who received nivolumab + ipilimumab either as part of a clinical trial (n = 122) or commercial use (n = 87). Baseline routine laboratory values were correlated with overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR). Kaplan–Meier estimation and Cox regression were performed. Median OS was 44.4 months, 95% CI (32.9, Not Reached). A total of 110 patients (53%) responded (CR/PR). Significant independent variables for favorable OS included the following: high relative eosinophils, high relative basophils, low absolute monocytes, low LDH, and a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. These newly identified factors, along with those previously reported to be associated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy outcomes, should be studied in the randomized trials of nivolumab + ipilimumab versus anti-PD-1 monotherapies to determine whether they help define the patients who benefit most from the combination versus anti-PD-1 alone.

Thumbnail image of graphical abstract

The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab is a highly effective treatment for patients with melanoma, and little is known about the patients who do the best after treatment. For the first time, we report basic clinical laboratory variables which are associated with overall survival following treatment.



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CLL2-BXX Phase II trials: sequential, targeted treatment for eradication of minimal residual disease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Future Oncology, Ahead of Print.


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Peripheral blood clinical laboratory variables associated with outcomes following combination nivolumab and ipilimumab immunotherapy in melanoma

Abstract

Both the combination of nivolumab + ipilimumab and single-agent anti-PD-1 immunotherapy have demonstrated survival benefit for patients with advanced melanoma. As the combination has a high rate of serious side effects, further analyses in randomized trials of combination versus anti-PD-1 immunotherapy are needed to understand who benefits most from the combination. Clinical laboratory values that were routinely collected in randomized studies may provide information on the relative benefit of combination immunotherapy. To prioritize which clinical laboratory factors to ultimately explore in these randomized studies, we performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with advanced melanoma who received nivolumab + ipilimumab either as part of a clinical trial (n = 122) or commercial use (n = 87). Baseline routine laboratory values were correlated with overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR). Kaplan–Meier estimation and Cox regression were performed. Median OS was 44.4 months, 95% CI (32.9, Not Reached). A total of 110 patients (53%) responded (CR/PR). Significant independent variables for favorable OS included the following: high relative eosinophils, high relative basophils, low absolute monocytes, low LDH, and a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. These newly identified factors, along with those previously reported to be associated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy outcomes, should be studied in the randomized trials of nivolumab + ipilimumab versus anti-PD-1 monotherapies to determine whether they help define the patients who benefit most from the combination versus anti-PD-1 alone.

Thumbnail image of graphical abstract

The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab is a highly effective treatment for patients with melanoma, and little is known about the patients who do the best after treatment. For the first time, we report basic clinical laboratory variables which are associated with overall survival following treatment.



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Radiation Biology and Circulating Tumor Cells

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Brian Marples, Scott M. Welford




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In Regard to Kumar et al

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Pervin Hurmuz, Mustafa Cengiz, Faruk Zorlu, Fadil Akyol




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Radiation Therapy in a Time of Disaster

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Sue S. Yom, Anthony L. Zietman




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Puerto Rico: After María

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Angélica Pérez-Andújar




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Natural Disasters and the Importance of Minimizing Subsequent Radiation Therapy Interruptions for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Michael C. Roach, Cliff G. Robinson, Jeffrey D. Bradley




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Issue Highlights

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4





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When Disaster Strikes: Mitigating the Adverse Impact on Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Sue S. Yom, Paul M. Harari




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Role of Overall Treatment Time in the Management of Prostate Cancer Patients: How to Manage Unscheduled Treatment Interruptions

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Howard M. Sandler




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Radiation Oncology in the Face of Natural Disaster: The Experience of Houston Methodist Hospital

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Matthew Mireles, Ramiro Pino, Bin S. Teh, Andrew Farach, Adrienne Joseph, E. Brian Butler




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Radiation Oncology and Related Oncology Fields in the Face of the 2011 “Triple Disaster” in Fukushima, Japan

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Akihiko Ozaki, Masaharu Tsubokura




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Meetings

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4





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Our Role in Radiation Disaster Preparedness

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Andrew L. Salner




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Hippocampal Sparing During Craniospinal Irradiation: What Did We Learn About the Incidence of Perihippocampus Metastases?

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Laetitia Padovani, Frédérique Chapon, Nicolas André, Mohamed Boucekine, Anne Geoffray, Franck Bourdeau, Julien Masliah-Planchon, Line Claude, Aymeri Huchet, Anne Laprie, Stephane Supiot, Bernard Coche-Dequéant, Christine Kerr, Claire Alapetite, Julie Leseur, Tandat Nguyen, Sophie Chapet, Valerie Bernier, Pierre-Yves Bondiau, Georges Noel, Jean Louis Habrand, Stephanie Bolle, François Doz, Christelle Dufour, Xavier Muracciole, Christian Carrie
PurposeTo identify the incidence of patients with perihippocampal metastases to assess the risk of brain relapse when sparing the hippocampal area. Medulloblastoma (MB) represents 20% of pediatric brain tumors. For high-risk MB patients, the 3- to 5-year event-free survival rate has recently improved from 50% to >76%. Many survivors, however, experience neurocognitive side effects. Several retrospective studies of patients receiving whole brain irradiation (WBI) have suggested a relationship between the radiation dose to the hippocampus and neurocognitive decline. The hippocampal avoidance-WBI (HA-WBI) approach could partially reduce neurocognitive impairment in children treated for high-risk MB.Methods and MaterialsFrom 2008 to 2011, 51 patients with high-risk MB were treated according to the French trial primitive neuroectodermal tumor HR+5. Hippocampal contouring was manually generated on 3-dimensional magnetic resonance images according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0933 atlas. The distribution of metastases was assessed relative to the hippocampus: 0 to 5 mm for the first perihippocampal area and 5 to 15 mm for the rest of the perihippocampal area.ResultsThe median patient age was 8.79 years (33% female). After a follow-up of 2.4 years, 43 patients were alive; 28 had had brain metastasis at diagnosis and 2 at relapse, with 16% in the first perihippocampal area and 43% in the rest of the perihippocampal area. Of the 18 patients without brain metastases at diagnosis, including M1 patients, none developed secondary lesions within the first or the rest of the perihippocampal area, after receiving 36 Gy. No clinical or biological factor was significantly associated with the development of perihippocampal metastases.ConclusionsOur results suggest the HA-WBI strategy should be evaluated for the subgroup of high-risk MB patients without metastatic disease.



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Are We Now Able to Define Guidelines for Moderate Hypofractionation in Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy?

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): David J. Brenner, Eric J. Hall




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CTV Guidance for Head and Neck Cancers

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Beth M. Beadle, Carryn M. Anderson




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Phase 1 Dose Escalation Trial of Ipilimumab and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Nora Sundahl, Katrien De Wolf, Vibeke Kruse, Annabel Meireson, Dries Reynders, Els Goetghebeur, Mireille Van Gele, Reinhart Speeckaert, Benjamin Hennart, Lieve Brochez, Piet Ost
PurposeTo report the results of a phase 1 trial evaluating the safety of the ipilimumab/radiation therapy combination in patients with metastatic melanoma.Patients and MethodsThirteen patients with metastatic melanoma were enrolled. Trial treatment consisted of 4 cycles of ipilimumab in combination with concurrent dose-escalated high-dose radiation therapy to 1 lesion administered before the third cycle of ipilimumab.ResultsGrade 3 or 4 ipilimumab-related adverse events occurred in 25% of patients. The maximum tolerated radiation therapy dose was not reached. Local control of the irradiated lesions was achieved in 11 of 12 irradiated patients (1 patient had progressive disease before irradiation and dropped out of the trial). Evaluation of the nonirradiated lesions demonstrated that 3 of 13 patients experienced clinical benefit, with 1 patient developing a partial response and 2 patients having confirmed stable disease. Immunomonitoring data showed that in patients without clinical benefit, factors linked to immunotolerance increased early after the initiation of ipilimumab, suggesting that early initiation of radiation therapy might be more effective if combined with ipilimumab.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the combination of ipilimumab and high-dose radiation therapy is feasible and safe.



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Decision-Making Strategy for Rectal Cancer Management Using Radiation Therapy for Elderly or Comorbid Patients

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Shang-Jui Wang, Lara Hathout, Usha Malhotra, Nell Maloney-Patel, Sarah Kilic, Elizabeth Poplin, Salma K. Jabbour
Rectal cancer predominantly affects patients older than 70 years, with peak incidence at age 80 to 85 years. However, the standard treatment paradigm for rectal cancer oftentimes cannot be feasibly applied to these patients owing to frailty or comorbid conditions. There are currently little information and no treatment guidelines to help direct therapy for patients who are elderly and/or have significant comorbidities, because most are not included or specifically studied in clinical trials. More recently various alternative treatment options have been brought to light that may potentially be utilized in this group of patients. This critical review examines the available literature on alternative therapies for rectal cancer and proposes a treatment algorithm to help guide clinicians in treatment decision making for elderly and comorbid patients.



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Radiation Biology and Circulating Tumor Cells

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Brian Marples, Scott M. Welford




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In Regard to Kumar et al

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Pervin Hurmuz, Mustafa Cengiz, Faruk Zorlu, Fadil Akyol




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Radiation Therapy in a Time of Disaster

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Sue S. Yom, Anthony L. Zietman




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Puerto Rico: After María

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Angélica Pérez-Andújar




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Natural Disasters and the Importance of Minimizing Subsequent Radiation Therapy Interruptions for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Michael C. Roach, Cliff G. Robinson, Jeffrey D. Bradley




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Issue Highlights

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4





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When Disaster Strikes: Mitigating the Adverse Impact on Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Sue S. Yom, Paul M. Harari




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Radiation Necrosis and White Matter Lesions in Pediatric Patients With Brain Tumors Treated With Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Beat Bojaxhiu, Frank Ahlhelm, Marc Walser, Lorenzo Placidi, Ulrike Kliebsch, Lorentzos Mikroutsikos, Petra Morach, Alessandra Bolsi, Tony Lomax, Alessia Pica, Damien C. Weber
PurposeTo assess the rate of radiation necrosis (RN) and white matter lesions (WMLs) in pediatric patients with primary brain tumors treated with pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy (PT) with or without concomitant chemotherapy at the PSI.Methods and MaterialsBetween 1999 and 2015, 171 pediatric patients (age <18 years) were treated with PT. Median age at diagnosis was 3.3 years (range, 0.3-17.0 years), and the median delivered dose was 54 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) (range, 40.0–74.1 Gy). Radiation necrosis and WMLs were defined as a new area of abnormal signal intensity on T2-weighted images or increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and contrast enhancement on T1 occurring in the brain parenchyma included in the radiation treatment field, which did not demonstrate any abnormality before PT. Radiation necrosis and WMLs were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. The median follow-up period for the surviving patients was 49.8 months (range, 5.9-194.7 months).ResultsTwenty-nine patients (17%) developed RN at a median time of 5 months (range, 1-26 months), most of them (n = 17; 59%) being asymptomatic (grade 1). Grade 2, 4, and 5 toxicities occurred in 8, 2, and 2 patients, respectively. Eighteen patients (11%) developed WMLs at a median time of 14.5 months (range, 2-62 months), most of them (n = 13; 72%) being asymptomatic (grade 1). White matter lesion grade 2 and 3 toxicities occurred in 4 and 1 patient(s), respectively. The 5-year RN-free and WML-free survival was 83% and 87%, respectively. In univariate analysis, neoadjuvant (P = .025) or any (P = .03) chemotherapy, hydrocephalus before PT (P = .035), and ependymoma (P = .026) histology were significant predictors of RN.ConclusionsChildren treated with PT demonstrated a low prevalence of symptomatic RN (7%) or WML (3%) compared with similar cohorts treated with either proton or photon radiation therapy. Chemotherapy, ependymomal tumors and hydrocephalus as an initial symptom were significant risk factors for RN.



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Role of Overall Treatment Time in the Management of Prostate Cancer Patients: How to Manage Unscheduled Treatment Interruptions

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Howard M. Sandler




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Radiation Oncology in the Face of Natural Disaster: The Experience of Houston Methodist Hospital

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Matthew Mireles, Ramiro Pino, Bin S. Teh, Andrew Farach, Adrienne Joseph, E. Brian Butler




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Radiation Oncology and Related Oncology Fields in the Face of the 2011 “Triple Disaster” in Fukushima, Japan

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Akihiko Ozaki, Masaharu Tsubokura




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Meetings

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4





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Our Role in Radiation Disaster Preparedness

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Andrew L. Salner




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Hippocampal Sparing During Craniospinal Irradiation: What Did We Learn About the Incidence of Perihippocampus Metastases?

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Laetitia Padovani, Frédérique Chapon, Nicolas André, Mohamed Boucekine, Anne Geoffray, Franck Bourdeau, Julien Masliah-Planchon, Line Claude, Aymeri Huchet, Anne Laprie, Stephane Supiot, Bernard Coche-Dequéant, Christine Kerr, Claire Alapetite, Julie Leseur, Tandat Nguyen, Sophie Chapet, Valerie Bernier, Pierre-Yves Bondiau, Georges Noel, Jean Louis Habrand, Stephanie Bolle, François Doz, Christelle Dufour, Xavier Muracciole, Christian Carrie
PurposeTo identify the incidence of patients with perihippocampal metastases to assess the risk of brain relapse when sparing the hippocampal area. Medulloblastoma (MB) represents 20% of pediatric brain tumors. For high-risk MB patients, the 3- to 5-year event-free survival rate has recently improved from 50% to >76%. Many survivors, however, experience neurocognitive side effects. Several retrospective studies of patients receiving whole brain irradiation (WBI) have suggested a relationship between the radiation dose to the hippocampus and neurocognitive decline. The hippocampal avoidance-WBI (HA-WBI) approach could partially reduce neurocognitive impairment in children treated for high-risk MB.Methods and MaterialsFrom 2008 to 2011, 51 patients with high-risk MB were treated according to the French trial primitive neuroectodermal tumor HR+5. Hippocampal contouring was manually generated on 3-dimensional magnetic resonance images according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0933 atlas. The distribution of metastases was assessed relative to the hippocampus: 0 to 5 mm for the first perihippocampal area and 5 to 15 mm for the rest of the perihippocampal area.ResultsThe median patient age was 8.79 years (33% female). After a follow-up of 2.4 years, 43 patients were alive; 28 had had brain metastasis at diagnosis and 2 at relapse, with 16% in the first perihippocampal area and 43% in the rest of the perihippocampal area. Of the 18 patients without brain metastases at diagnosis, including M1 patients, none developed secondary lesions within the first or the rest of the perihippocampal area, after receiving 36 Gy. No clinical or biological factor was significantly associated with the development of perihippocampal metastases.ConclusionsOur results suggest the HA-WBI strategy should be evaluated for the subgroup of high-risk MB patients without metastatic disease.



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Are We Now Able to Define Guidelines for Moderate Hypofractionation in Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy?

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): David J. Brenner, Eric J. Hall




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CTV Guidance for Head and Neck Cancers

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Beth M. Beadle, Carryn M. Anderson




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Phase 1 Dose Escalation Trial of Ipilimumab and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Nora Sundahl, Katrien De Wolf, Vibeke Kruse, Annabel Meireson, Dries Reynders, Els Goetghebeur, Mireille Van Gele, Reinhart Speeckaert, Benjamin Hennart, Lieve Brochez, Piet Ost
PurposeTo report the results of a phase 1 trial evaluating the safety of the ipilimumab/radiation therapy combination in patients with metastatic melanoma.Patients and MethodsThirteen patients with metastatic melanoma were enrolled. Trial treatment consisted of 4 cycles of ipilimumab in combination with concurrent dose-escalated high-dose radiation therapy to 1 lesion administered before the third cycle of ipilimumab.ResultsGrade 3 or 4 ipilimumab-related adverse events occurred in 25% of patients. The maximum tolerated radiation therapy dose was not reached. Local control of the irradiated lesions was achieved in 11 of 12 irradiated patients (1 patient had progressive disease before irradiation and dropped out of the trial). Evaluation of the nonirradiated lesions demonstrated that 3 of 13 patients experienced clinical benefit, with 1 patient developing a partial response and 2 patients having confirmed stable disease. Immunomonitoring data showed that in patients without clinical benefit, factors linked to immunotolerance increased early after the initiation of ipilimumab, suggesting that early initiation of radiation therapy might be more effective if combined with ipilimumab.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the combination of ipilimumab and high-dose radiation therapy is feasible and safe.



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Decision-Making Strategy for Rectal Cancer Management Using Radiation Therapy for Elderly or Comorbid Patients

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Volume 100, Issue 4
Author(s): Shang-Jui Wang, Lara Hathout, Usha Malhotra, Nell Maloney-Patel, Sarah Kilic, Elizabeth Poplin, Salma K. Jabbour
Rectal cancer predominantly affects patients older than 70 years, with peak incidence at age 80 to 85 years. However, the standard treatment paradigm for rectal cancer oftentimes cannot be feasibly applied to these patients owing to frailty or comorbid conditions. There are currently little information and no treatment guidelines to help direct therapy for patients who are elderly and/or have significant comorbidities, because most are not included or specifically studied in clinical trials. More recently various alternative treatment options have been brought to light that may potentially be utilized in this group of patients. This critical review examines the available literature on alternative therapies for rectal cancer and proposes a treatment algorithm to help guide clinicians in treatment decision making for elderly and comorbid patients.



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Cholesterol Depletion by TASIN-1 Induces Apoptotic Cell Death through the ER Stress/ROS/JNK Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells

TASIN-1 (Truncated APC Selective INhibitor-1) is a recently identified small molecule that selectively kills colorectal cancer cells that express truncated APC by reducing cellular cholesterol levels. However, the downstream mechanism responsible for its cytotoxicity is not well understood. In this study, we show that TASIN-1 leads to apoptotic cell death via inducing ER stress-dependent JNK activation in human truncated APC colon cancer cells, accompanied by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, TASIN-1 inhibits Akt activity through a cholesterol-dependent manner. Human colon tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice also show the same TASIN-1 induced molecular mechanisms of tumor cell death as observed in vitro. Taken together, cholesterol depletion by TASIN-1 treatment induces apoptotic cell death through activating ER stress/ROS/JNK axis and inhibiting Akt pro-survival signaling in colon cancer cells with truncated APC both in vitro and in vivo.



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JAK2 inhibitor SAR302503 abrogates PD-L1 expression and targets therapy resistant non-small cell lung cancers

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Approximately 85% of all lung cancers are non-small-cell histology (NSCLC). Modern treatment strategies for NSCLC target driver oncogenes and immune checkpoints. However, less than fifteen percent of patients survive beyond five years. Here, we investigated the effects of SAR302503 (SAR), a selective JAK2 inhibitor, on NSCLC cell lines and tumors. We show that SAR is cytotoxic to NSCLC cells which exhibit resistance to genotoxic therapies, such as ionizing radiation, cisplatin, and etoposide. We demonstrate that constitutive interferon-stimulated gene expression, including an Interferon-Related DNA Damage Resistance Signature (IRDS), predicts for sensitivity to SAR. Importantly, tumor cell-intrinsic expression of PD-L1 is interferon-inducible and abrogated by SAR. Taken together, these findings suggest potential dual roles for JAK2 inhibitors, both as a novel monotherapy in NSCLCs resistant to genotoxic therapies, and in tandem with immune checkpoint inhibition.



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Pharmacological and structural characterizations of naquotinib, a novel third generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in EGFR mutated non-small-cell lung cancer

Multiple epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been developed to effectively inhibit EGFR-derived signals in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we assessed the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs, including a novel third-generation inhibitor naquotinib (ASP8273), in clinically relevant EGFR mutations, including L858R, exon 19 deletion, L858R+T790M, exon 19 deletion+T790M with or without a C797S mutation, and several exon 20 insertion mutations. Using structural analyses, we also elucidated the mechanism of activation and sensitivity/resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. The efficacy of naquotinib in cells with L858R, exon 19 deletion, and exon 19 deletion+T790M was comparable to that of osimertinib. Interestingly, naquotinib was more potent than osimertinib for L858R+T790M. Additionally, naquotinib and osimertinib had comparable efficacy and a wide therapeutic window for cells with EGFR exon 20 insertions. Structural modeling partly elucidated the mechanism of activation and sensitivity/resistance to EGFR-TKIs in two EGFR exon 20 insertion mutants, A767_V769dupASV and Y764_V765insHH. In summary, we have characterized the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs for NSCLC using in vitro and structural analyses, and suggested the mechanism of activation and resistance to EGFR-TKIs of EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. Our findings should guide the selection of appropriate EGFR-TKIs for the treatment of NSCLC with EGFR mutations, and help clarify the biology of EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.



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Cholesterol Depletion by TASIN-1 Induces Apoptotic Cell Death through the ER Stress/ROS/JNK Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells

TASIN-1 (Truncated APC Selective INhibitor-1) is a recently identified small molecule that selectively kills colorectal cancer cells that express truncated APC by reducing cellular cholesterol levels. However, the downstream mechanism responsible for its cytotoxicity is not well understood. In this study, we show that TASIN-1 leads to apoptotic cell death via inducing ER stress-dependent JNK activation in human truncated APC colon cancer cells, accompanied by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, TASIN-1 inhibits Akt activity through a cholesterol-dependent manner. Human colon tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice also show the same TASIN-1 induced molecular mechanisms of tumor cell death as observed in vitro. Taken together, cholesterol depletion by TASIN-1 treatment induces apoptotic cell death through activating ER stress/ROS/JNK axis and inhibiting Akt pro-survival signaling in colon cancer cells with truncated APC both in vitro and in vivo.



http://ift.tt/2EYAAiI

JAK2 inhibitor SAR302503 abrogates PD-L1 expression and targets therapy resistant non-small cell lung cancers

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Approximately 85% of all lung cancers are non-small-cell histology (NSCLC). Modern treatment strategies for NSCLC target driver oncogenes and immune checkpoints. However, less than fifteen percent of patients survive beyond five years. Here, we investigated the effects of SAR302503 (SAR), a selective JAK2 inhibitor, on NSCLC cell lines and tumors. We show that SAR is cytotoxic to NSCLC cells which exhibit resistance to genotoxic therapies, such as ionizing radiation, cisplatin, and etoposide. We demonstrate that constitutive interferon-stimulated gene expression, including an Interferon-Related DNA Damage Resistance Signature (IRDS), predicts for sensitivity to SAR. Importantly, tumor cell-intrinsic expression of PD-L1 is interferon-inducible and abrogated by SAR. Taken together, these findings suggest potential dual roles for JAK2 inhibitors, both as a novel monotherapy in NSCLCs resistant to genotoxic therapies, and in tandem with immune checkpoint inhibition.



http://ift.tt/2sK7dMf

Pharmacological and structural characterizations of naquotinib, a novel third generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in EGFR mutated non-small-cell lung cancer

Multiple epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been developed to effectively inhibit EGFR-derived signals in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we assessed the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs, including a novel third-generation inhibitor naquotinib (ASP8273), in clinically relevant EGFR mutations, including L858R, exon 19 deletion, L858R+T790M, exon 19 deletion+T790M with or without a C797S mutation, and several exon 20 insertion mutations. Using structural analyses, we also elucidated the mechanism of activation and sensitivity/resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. The efficacy of naquotinib in cells with L858R, exon 19 deletion, and exon 19 deletion+T790M was comparable to that of osimertinib. Interestingly, naquotinib was more potent than osimertinib for L858R+T790M. Additionally, naquotinib and osimertinib had comparable efficacy and a wide therapeutic window for cells with EGFR exon 20 insertions. Structural modeling partly elucidated the mechanism of activation and sensitivity/resistance to EGFR-TKIs in two EGFR exon 20 insertion mutants, A767_V769dupASV and Y764_V765insHH. In summary, we have characterized the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs for NSCLC using in vitro and structural analyses, and suggested the mechanism of activation and resistance to EGFR-TKIs of EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. Our findings should guide the selection of appropriate EGFR-TKIs for the treatment of NSCLC with EGFR mutations, and help clarify the biology of EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.



http://ift.tt/2EWHaGr

Short overview on the current standard of treatment in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Summary

The treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, from near uniform application of chemotherapy to a patient performance status- and risk-based approach. Furthermore, initiation of treatment criteria have evolved from a pure end-organ damage-based definition to include risk factors of transformation to frank myeloma. Besides, the mainly cytogenetically defined Multiple Myeloma (MM) risk status, transplant eligibility of patients still serves primarily to allocate patients within a rational treatment algorithm.

While all transplant-eligible MM patients should receive a triplet induction therapy followed by autologous transplantation and, in most cases, lenalidomide maintenance, other therapeutic elements (e. g., other maintenance strategies, consolidation, tandem transplantation,..) have to be decided on an individualized appraisal of risk and toxicities. Standard-risk patients should never be undertreated, as they derive the highest relative benefit from using the best available registered therapies. However, high-risk patients should be preferentially treated inside clinical trials testing additive innovative treatments, as the improvement in the prognosis of this group of patients by standard therapies has been underwhelming. Furthermore, the evaluation process of non-transplant-eligible patients should always comprise an evaluation of performance status, frailty, and comorbidities (e. g., a comprehensive geriatric assessment) to facilitate the allocation of individualized therapies.



http://ift.tt/2EUGDVE

Correction to: Report from the WCLC 2017 Congress, Yokohama, 15th–18th October, 2017

Correction to:

memo 2017

http://ift.tt/2EYYUBd

Unfortunately, the title of this article was published incorrect.

The correct title is: Report from the WCLC 2017 Congress, Yokohama, 15th–18th October, 2017.

The original article has been …



http://ift.tt/2sNJeM2

Novel guidelines on surveillance for breast cancer, cardiomyopathy, male gonadotoxicity, and premature ovarian insufficiency from the PanCare and International Guideline Harmonization Group on long-term follow-up after cancer in childhood

Summary

Survival after childhood cancer has improved substantially; therefore, the number of childhood cancer survivors is increasing. This growing population of childhood cancer survivors, however, is at risk of a spectrum of adverse health outcomes. Unfortunately, until now, there was a lack of comprehensive follow-up recommendations. The purpose of this article is to provide information on recently developed harmonized evidence-based guidelines on surveillance investigations to screen for the early detection of breast cancer, cardiomyopathy, male gonadotoxicity, and premature ovarian failure in childhood cancer survivors. We point out the need for a multidisciplinary pediatric and adult specialist team, who together develop multidisciplinary long-term follow-up clinics.



http://ift.tt/2sNJdaW

Pleural effusion in 11:14 translocation q1 multiple myeloma in the setting of proteasome inhibitor presents therapeutic complexity

Summary

Background

Primary malignant pleural effusion has been reported in about 134 cases of multiple myeloma (MM). Associated pleural effusions in cases of MM portend a poor prognosis and identifying them is highly relevant. Reported is the case of a man diagnosed with MM who developed primary myelomatous pleural effusion in the setting of multiple relapses and subsequent mortality within 2 months of the pleural effusion diagnosis.

Presentation

A 61-year-old African American man was diagnosed with MM in 2011. He received induction therapy of lenalidomide and dexamethasone and an autologous stem cell transplant in 2012. Over the next 5 years, the patient went through alternating periods of remission and relapse that were treated with two rounds of thoracic spine radiation therapy and chemotherapeutic agents. In September 2017, the patient presented with worsening dyspnea and was found to have pleural effusion. Fluid analysis showed plasma cell dyscrasia. Fluid drainage was performed, then the patient was discharged after 1 week which was followed by rapid re-accumulation of fluid and rehospitalization about 10 days after discharge. The patient passed away a few weeks after the second admission.

Conclusion

Pleural effusion carries a differential diagnosis which may include malignancy but is commonly thought to be less specific to multiple myeloma but should still remain in the differential diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE) that was reported after multiple relapses of MM. MPE is a very rare complication of MM, and its presence is a strong indicator of imminent mortality and need for comfort care in case of multiple relapses. End-stage pleural effusion in MM in the setting of proteasome inhibitor adds more therapeutic and diagnostic challenges.



http://ift.tt/2EWVTBb

Practice-changing developments in early use of chemohormonal therapy in metastatic prostate cancer

Summary

The STAMPEDE and CHAARTED trials brought about practice-changing innovation in the management of patients with metastatic, castration-naive prostate cancer (CNPC). These trials reported a clinically meaningful overall survival benefit of chemohormonal therapy consisting of the addition of six cycles of docetaxel to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in high-volume metastatic CNPC. Moreover, the STAMPEDE study also transformed our thinking about conducting clinical trials through its adaptive, multigroup, multistage trial design. With the recent results of the LATITUDE trial and publication of another STAMPEDE cohort, the combination of ADT and abiraterone/prednisone became a viable alternative to chemohormonal therapy. Results of these trials have been exhaustively scrutinized and finally incorporated in recent guidelines, although the appropriate selection of patients who will benefit from either therapeutic option remains to be discussed individually. As both combinations lead to an almost identical survival benefit, the decision is often based on patient-related factors and/or personal preferences. This short review provides evidence to support decision-making between chemohormonal therapy and the combination of ADT plus abiraterone/prednisone as well as an outlook on current therapeutic developments in advanced prostate cancer.



http://ift.tt/2sL3GgO

Short overview on the current standard of treatment in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Summary

The treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, from near uniform application of chemotherapy to a patient performance status- and risk-based approach. Furthermore, initiation of treatment criteria have evolved from a pure end-organ damage-based definition to include risk factors of transformation to frank myeloma. Besides, the mainly cytogenetically defined Multiple Myeloma (MM) risk status, transplant eligibility of patients still serves primarily to allocate patients within a rational treatment algorithm.

While all transplant-eligible MM patients should receive a triplet induction therapy followed by autologous transplantation and, in most cases, lenalidomide maintenance, other therapeutic elements (e. g., other maintenance strategies, consolidation, tandem transplantation,..) have to be decided on an individualized appraisal of risk and toxicities. Standard-risk patients should never be undertreated, as they derive the highest relative benefit from using the best available registered therapies. However, high-risk patients should be preferentially treated inside clinical trials testing additive innovative treatments, as the improvement in the prognosis of this group of patients by standard therapies has been underwhelming. Furthermore, the evaluation process of non-transplant-eligible patients should always comprise an evaluation of performance status, frailty, and comorbidities (e. g., a comprehensive geriatric assessment) to facilitate the allocation of individualized therapies.



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Correction to: Report from the WCLC 2017 Congress, Yokohama, 15th–18th October, 2017

Correction to:

memo 2017

http://ift.tt/2EYYUBd

Unfortunately, the title of this article was published incorrect.

The correct title is: Report from the WCLC 2017 Congress, Yokohama, 15th–18th October, 2017.

The original article has been …



from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sNJeM2
via IFTTT

Novel guidelines on surveillance for breast cancer, cardiomyopathy, male gonadotoxicity, and premature ovarian insufficiency from the PanCare and International Guideline Harmonization Group on long-term follow-up after cancer in childhood

Summary

Survival after childhood cancer has improved substantially; therefore, the number of childhood cancer survivors is increasing. This growing population of childhood cancer survivors, however, is at risk of a spectrum of adverse health outcomes. Unfortunately, until now, there was a lack of comprehensive follow-up recommendations. The purpose of this article is to provide information on recently developed harmonized evidence-based guidelines on surveillance investigations to screen for the early detection of breast cancer, cardiomyopathy, male gonadotoxicity, and premature ovarian failure in childhood cancer survivors. We point out the need for a multidisciplinary pediatric and adult specialist team, who together develop multidisciplinary long-term follow-up clinics.



from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sNJdaW
via IFTTT

Pleural effusion in 11:14 translocation q1 multiple myeloma in the setting of proteasome inhibitor presents therapeutic complexity

Summary

Background

Primary malignant pleural effusion has been reported in about 134 cases of multiple myeloma (MM). Associated pleural effusions in cases of MM portend a poor prognosis and identifying them is highly relevant. Reported is the case of a man diagnosed with MM who developed primary myelomatous pleural effusion in the setting of multiple relapses and subsequent mortality within 2 months of the pleural effusion diagnosis.

Presentation

A 61-year-old African American man was diagnosed with MM in 2011. He received induction therapy of lenalidomide and dexamethasone and an autologous stem cell transplant in 2012. Over the next 5 years, the patient went through alternating periods of remission and relapse that were treated with two rounds of thoracic spine radiation therapy and chemotherapeutic agents. In September 2017, the patient presented with worsening dyspnea and was found to have pleural effusion. Fluid analysis showed plasma cell dyscrasia. Fluid drainage was performed, then the patient was discharged after 1 week which was followed by rapid re-accumulation of fluid and rehospitalization about 10 days after discharge. The patient passed away a few weeks after the second admission.

Conclusion

Pleural effusion carries a differential diagnosis which may include malignancy but is commonly thought to be less specific to multiple myeloma but should still remain in the differential diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE) that was reported after multiple relapses of MM. MPE is a very rare complication of MM, and its presence is a strong indicator of imminent mortality and need for comfort care in case of multiple relapses. End-stage pleural effusion in MM in the setting of proteasome inhibitor adds more therapeutic and diagnostic challenges.



from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2EWVTBb
via IFTTT

Practice-changing developments in early use of chemohormonal therapy in metastatic prostate cancer

Summary

The STAMPEDE and CHAARTED trials brought about practice-changing innovation in the management of patients with metastatic, castration-naive prostate cancer (CNPC). These trials reported a clinically meaningful overall survival benefit of chemohormonal therapy consisting of the addition of six cycles of docetaxel to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in high-volume metastatic CNPC. Moreover, the STAMPEDE study also transformed our thinking about conducting clinical trials through its adaptive, multigroup, multistage trial design. With the recent results of the LATITUDE trial and publication of another STAMPEDE cohort, the combination of ADT and abiraterone/prednisone became a viable alternative to chemohormonal therapy. Results of these trials have been exhaustively scrutinized and finally incorporated in recent guidelines, although the appropriate selection of patients who will benefit from either therapeutic option remains to be discussed individually. As both combinations lead to an almost identical survival benefit, the decision is often based on patient-related factors and/or personal preferences. This short review provides evidence to support decision-making between chemohormonal therapy and the combination of ADT plus abiraterone/prednisone as well as an outlook on current therapeutic developments in advanced prostate cancer.



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Impact of pictorial warning labels on tobacco products among patients attending outpatient department of a dental college in Bangalore city: A cross-sectional study

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N Vanishree, RR Narayan, N Naveen, D Bullapa, D Vignesh, NM P Raveendran

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):461-466

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and impact of pictorial warnings present on tobacco packets among patients attending outpatient department of a dental college of Bangalore city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 patients through convenience sampling, using a structured close-ended questionnaire containing 35 questions. The participants were approached and invited to participate voluntarily. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and ANOVA. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 28.1 ± 7.06 years. Out of total 419 participants, 62.8% were tobacco users. About 40.6% of the participants had average knowledge and only 22.9% had positive attitude regarding the pictorial warnings. Nearly 77.9% of tobacco users had previously attempted decreased frequency of tobacco use and 63.7% had tried quitting the habit. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05 Chi-square test and ANOVA). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that most of study participants have noticed the warnings on tobacco products, and most of them believe that they could understand warning labels. This study also showed that most of study participants believed that pictorial health warnings create awareness about probable health hazards of tobacco use and that these pictorial presentations on tobacco packs positively assist in reducing or quitting tobacco smoking.

http://ift.tt/2EXMCZW

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for unresectable oral cancers: Optimizing outcomes?

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T Puri

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):394-396



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From the new editors.....

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Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):393-393



http://ift.tt/2EU8Iwq

Clinico-pathological profile of colorectal cancer in first two decades of life: A retrospective analysis from tertiary health center

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D Sharma, G Singh

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):397-400

AIM: This retrospective observational study was done to analyze age, gender, site of primary tumor and histological characterstics in patients of colorectal carcinoma in the first two decades of life. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 373 patients of colorectal patients were registered in the Department of Radiation Oncology from January 2010 to December 2015. Patients who were <20 years of age were analyzed for clinicopathological characteristic. RESULTS: In our study, a total of 29 out of 373 patients (7.75%) were ≤20 years. Male to female distribution was 2.2:1. Younger age group presented with advanced Stage III and IV 58.62% and 10.34% patients, respectively. Only 9 (30.5%) patients were of Stage I and II. The most common involved site was rectum in 21 (72.41%) patients, followed by rectosigmoid involvement in 5 (17.24%). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal carcinoma in young adults is usually locally advanced or metastatic. Therefore, the diagnosis of CRC should be done at early and curable stage. Bleeding per rectum in a younger age group should not be ignored but must be properly evaluated.

http://ift.tt/2sJt2eO

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical cancer among women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Department: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey in South India

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G Narayana, M Jyothi Suchitra, G Sunanda, J Dasaratha Ramaiah, B Pradeep Kumar, KV Veerabhadrappa

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):481-487

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer-related deaths among women in India are often due to late diagnosis of disease. Knowledge about disease and early screening is the most effective measure for cervical cancer prevention. Lack of awareness, negative attitude, and poor practice about cervical cancer and screening are the major causes to increase the incidence of disease. AIM: The study is designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward cervical cancer, screening, and prevention. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted in women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of a secondary care referral hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 403 subjects were enrolled and subjected for interview using prevalidated KAP questionnaire on cervical cancer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were used to represent the sociodemographic characteristics and KAP levels. Association of sociodemographic variables with KAP levels is determined using Chi-square test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Most of (301; 74.6%) the respondents had heard about cervical cancer and majority of them are heard from media (168; 41.6%) and friends (83; 20.5%). Most women knew symptoms (259; 64.2%), risk factors (253; 62.7%), screening methods (310; 76.9%), and preventive measures (249; 61.7%) for cervical cancer. More than half of the women (252; 62.5%) having positive attitude toward screening. More than three-fourth of women (349; 86.6%) are not having practice toward cervical cancer screening. Sociodemographic characteristics are strongly associated with KAP levels. CONCLUSION: Although women are having good knowledge, positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening and prevention still there is a gap to transform it into practice. There is a need for more educational programs to connect identified knowledge slits and uplift of regular practice of cervical cancer screening.

http://ift.tt/2EYR8qX

Histopathologic review of 400 biopsies and resection specimens of trunk and extremity-based soft tissue tumors

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R Badanale, B Rekhi, NA Jambhekar, A Gulia, J Bajpai, S Laskar, N Khanna, G Chinnaswamy, A Puri

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):401-408

AIMS: To review various pathologic parameters in diagnosed cases of trunk and extremity-based soft tissue tumors (STTs), in order to identify concordance rate between initial biopsy and resection specimen and discrepancies between initial and review diagnosis, by a specialist pathologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 2-year-period, 400 retrospectively diagnosed STTs (553 specimens) including referral and "in-house" cases were studied. The reviewing specialist pathologist was blinded to the initial diagnoses. Discordances including discrepancies and deficiencies were defined as major and minor. Major discrepancies included those that could lead to significant treatment changes. True discrepancies were those related to sampling issues between the biopsies and resection specimens. Deficiencies relating to tumor subtyping, sarcoma grading, documentation of tumor size, and marginal status (in resections) were subdivided as major and minor. RESULTS: Most cases (328, 82%) were sarcomas (most common, synovial sarcoma; most common Stage, III), followed by benign tumors (36, 9%) (most common, schwannoma) and intermediate malignancies (32, 8%) (most common, fibromatosis). Within STTs, liposarcomas, neural tumors, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas were relatively more frequently associated with discrepancies. Percentage of cases with major discordances between the referral reports (100 cases) and review diagnosis was 60%. Percentage of cases with major discordances between the specialist and other oncopathologists was 11%. True discrepancies were observed in 20 (5%) cases. The association of type of specimen with the rate of discordance was not significant (P = 0.114). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnoses of STTs are fraught with errors mostly from general pathologists, followed by nonspecialist oncopathologists. These findings reinforce the need for reporting of STTs, especially sarcomas, by specialist pathologists.

http://ift.tt/2sMYZTy

Carboplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients who are unfit for cisplatin therapy

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V Noronha, V Sharma, A Joshi, VM Patil, SG Laskar, K Prabhash

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):453-457

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin-based chemoradiation (CTRT) is the standard of care in locally advanced head and neck cancers. Limited treatment options are available in patients unfit for cisplatin. AIMS: This audit was carried out to study the toxicities, tolerance, and outcomes of carboplatin-based CTRT in patients who are not eligible for cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 63 locally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated between January 2011 and October 2015 were administered carboplatin-based CTRT. The dose of carboplatin was equivalent to area under the curve equivalent to 2 administered once a week for a maximum of 7 cycles. Toxicity was coded as per the CTCAE version 4.03. SPSS software version 16 was used for statistical analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics was performed. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used for identifying factors affecting PFS and OS. RESULTS: The reasons for patients being unfit for cisplatin were low serum creatinine clearance in 41 (65.07%), sensorineural hearing loss in 18 (28.57%), uncontrolled medical comorbidities in 3 (4.76%), and old age in 1 patient (1.6%). 53 patients (84.1%) completed planned radiotherapy. The median number of chemotherapy cycles administered was 6. Grade 3–4 toxicities were seen in 32 patients (50.8%). The median OS and PFS were 28 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.9–34.6 months) and 17 months (95% CI: 08.2–25.7 months), respectively. Age was the only factor significantly affecting OS and PFS. CONCLUSION: Carboplatin-based CTRT is well tolerated in patients unfit for cisplatin and seems to have superior outcomes than those reported in radical radiotherapy studies.

http://ift.tt/2EYFvAe

Reirradiation for recurrent primary central nervous system tumors: Eight-year audit from a tertiary cancer care center in South India

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D Menon, PG Chelakkot

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):409-414

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is a major treatment option in the management of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, though recurrences after primary treatment, especially in high-grade glial tumors, is a challenge for treating physician. Advances in the field of radiation have made reirradiation a feasible option in recurrent CNS tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Details of patients with primary CNS lesions who presented between 2009 and 2016, with recurrent CNS lesions, and who were treated with reirradiation were retrieved from electronic medical records, as a departmental audit, and the outcome was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients received reirradiation. Median follow-up was 112.7 months. Median age at presentation was 36 years. On completing initial treatment, 42.4% had no residual disease. Median time to symptomatic recurrence was 51.33 months. For reirradiation, stereotactic radiotherapy was used in 27.3%, stereotactic radiosurgery in 12.1%, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy in 36.4%. Mean cumulative 2 Gy equivalent dose (EQD2) was 111.00 ± 15.287 Gy. At the last follow-up, 57.6% of patients were alive, and 27.3% had succumbed to the disease. Median OS was 187.67 months. Three-year survival after reirradiation was 74.1%. CONCLUSION: Our study is probably one of the first from the Indian subcontinent analyzing a series of reirradiation in primary CNS tumors. Our survival subsequent to reirradiation is comparable to that in available literature; which are also mostly retrospective. Our analysis also substantiates that younger patients, longer intervals between the two sets of radiation and biologically effective dose <100 Gy and EQD2Cumulativeof <100 Gy are factors that favorably improve the survival after reirradiation as has been shown in literature.

http://ift.tt/2sGIsRi

Statins and risk of cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

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MK Kim, SK Myung, BT Tran, B Park

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):470-477

PURPOSE: Several meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported no association between the use of statins and the risk of cancer. However, they included open-label RCTs, which did not use placebo as a control group. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of statins on cancer risk using a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RDBPCTs). METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library in March 2016. Two individual authors reviewed and selected RDBPCTs based on selection criteria. RESULTS: Out of 676 retrieved articles, a total of 21 RDBPCTs with 65,196 participants (32,618 in the statin group and 32,578 in the placebo group) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, we found that there was no significant association between the use of statins and the risk of cancer (relative risk 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.92–1.02, I2 = 0.0%) in a fixed-effect meta-analysis. In addition, in the subgroup meta-analyses, no beneficial effect of statins was observed when analyzed by statin type, country, follow-up period, methodological quality, underlying diseases/population, and type of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis of RDBPCTs found that there was no association between the use of statins and the risk of cancer.

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Retrospective analysis of patients with relapsed or refractory testicular nonseminous germ cell tumors treated with autologous stem cell transplantation

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F Yilmaz, N Soyer, R Uslu, AP Erdogan, B Karaca, G Saydam, F Sahin, F Vural

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):415-420

BACKGROUND AND AIM: About 20-25% of the testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are relapsed or refractory after first line therapy and optimal treatment for this group is poorly defined. We aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in this patient group.Material and METHODS: 19 patients with 28 ASCT were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with BEP (Bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) as first line therapy and TIP(paclitexalifosfamide, cisplatin) was given as salvage chemotherapy. Stem cell collection was performed with TIP and granulocyte stimulating factor. ASCT was performed with carboplatin(700mg/m2) and etoposite(750mg /m 2). The results were provided as median(min-max). P<0.05 was accepted as statistical significant level. RESULTS: After ASCT, complete(CR) and partial remission (PR) rates were 47.3% and 31 .5% respectively. The median overall survival(OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were 18(0-37.4 months) and 7(0-15months) months respectively. Estimated 2-year OS was 47.4% and PFS was 35.3%. Grade 3/4 toxicities including diarrhea, mucositis, and toxic hepatitis were observed in 5 patients. Only one patient died due to complication of transplantation. CONCLUSION: Although the number of the patients in this study is limited, ASCT seems to be a safe and effective treatment modality in relapsed refractory non-seminomatousTGCT with an acceptable OS, PFS and mortality rates.

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Autobiography of a bosom

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RF Chinoy

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):489-489



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Utilization of pelvic lymph node dissection in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in India versus the United States – A Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database analysis

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F Abdollah, S Arora, T Jindal, P Gild, A Sood, TB Yuvaraja, RK Ahlawat, NP Gupta, M Bhandari, M Menon

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):421-425

BACKGROUND: The utilization and extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) varies depending on the disease and practice patterns. AIMS: This study compares practice patterns in utilization of PLND between Indian and United States (US) practices. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We focused on 415 patients (204 India; 211 US) prostate cancer patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, between 2015 and 2016, within the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Utilization of PLND and number of nodes removed were evaluated for the entire cohort, and after stratifying for Country of treatment and D'Amico risk groups. Logistic regression tested the relationship between PLND and country of treatment, after adjusting for disease risk. RESULTS: Indian patients had a higher risk distribution (D'Amico high-risk 53.4% in India vs. 27% in the US; P< 0.001) compared to their US counterparts. Overall, 193/204 (94.6%) Indian patients underwent PLND versus 181/211 (85.8%) US patients (P = 0.003). When stratified based on disease risk, PLND was performed more frequently in Indian patients with low-risk disease (81.0% vs. 41.4%,P= 0.008), but not in those with intermediate and high-risk disease. On multivariable analysis, Indian patients had a 2.57-fold higher probability of undergoing PLND than their US counterparts (P = 0.02). The analysis of the number of lymph nodes removed showed similar trends. CONCLUSIONS: Indian patients are more likely to undergo PLND than US patients. This is, especially true for patients with low-risk disease, who are unlikely to benefit from this procedure. Efforts should focus on optimizing the utilization of PLND, and deliver it only when there is clinical indication.

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Quality of life outcome measures using University of Washington questionnaire version 4 in early T1/T2 anterior tongue cancers with and without radiotherapy: A cross-sectional study

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P Sakthivel, DV K Irugu, CA Singh, H Verma, R Yogal, B Jat, A Chadran, K Sikka, A Thakar, SC Sharma

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):447-452

CONTEXT: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) outcome measures in disease-free survivors of pathological T1/T2 tongue cancers and to compare QOL in patients treated with only surgery and with adjuvant treatment. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All pathological T1/T2 anterior tongue cancer cases with follow-up from January 2011 till December 2015, who had locoregionally controlled disease with a minimum disease-free survival period of 1 year, were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients, 28 are males and 8 are females with an age range of 24–66 years (median age of 43) were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into two groups with (n = 26) and without adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy (RT) (n = 10) and the University of Washington-QOL questionnaire version 4 for physical and social domains, global questions and three important domains were analyzed. On the physical and social domain scores, the surgery-alone group outscored the combined modality group on all scales and the differences were statistically significant for specific physical domains such as saliva (0.0001), taste (P = 0.0001), chewing (P = 0.0004), swallowing (P = 0.0026), and social domains such as mood (0.0001), pain (P = 0.0001), and shoulder function (P = 0.0061). The overall global QOL scores were also better for the surgical group compared with group which received adjuvant RT but was not statistically significant. All patients chose saliva as their top priority domain in the group which received radiation, and 60% chose "swallowing ability" as the preferred top priority domain in the only surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: Although locoregional control and disease-free survival are the major treatment-related endpoints for cancer management, QOL outcome measures have to assess to determine the impact of a treatment modality on patients well-being and for better rehabilitation of cancer-free patients.

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Microsatellite Instability in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia using D17S261 and D3S643 markers: A Pilot Study in Gujarat Population

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TN Patel, M Chakraborty, P Bhattacharya

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):426-429

CONTEXT: Tumor progresses through a series of genetic alterations that involve proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes – the gatekeeper, caretakers, and landscaper genes. Microsatellites are short tandem repeat sequences, present over the span of human genome and are known to be variable at multiple loci due to errors in DNA Mismatch Repair machinery. AIM: The present study was aimed to evaluate the association between Microsatellite Instability (MSI) and evolution of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) – genetically a rare event but profound in this pilot study. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: We explore the possibility of MSI in primary CML patients confirmed by t(9;22) using capillary electrophoresis. Fifteen CML patients and healthy individual samples, respectively, were used to study the markers D17S261 and D3S643. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DNA was amplified using tagged and nontagged primers and further subjected to bioanalysis and fragment analysis. RESULTS: While the results from bioanalyzer fluctuated, fragment analysis indicated the presence of microsatellite variability in 80% of the patients' samples as compared to no MSI in normal individuals for both the markers. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MSI is a genetic event that may have a role in CML progression or evolution. Further studies are warranted to understand the plausible underlying causes.

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Barriers affecting adherence to radiation treatment and strategies to overcome those barriers

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R Rangarajan, K Jayaraman

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):458-460

BACKGROUND: The WHO defines adherence as the extent to which a patient's behavior coincides with recommendations from a health-care provider. Nonadherence to cancer treatment has a major impact on the therapeutic outcome. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the prevalence of nonadherence to radiation regimen and to analyze the factors that affect adherence to cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving radiation treatment in our hospital were screened for adherence to appointment keeping and to the prescribed radiation regimen and patients who had unplanned treatment breaks during treatment were interviewed. Between January and July 2013, we identified 61 patients who had unplanned breaks during treatment. We analyzed the social, emotional, educational, economic, and therapeutic barriers that led to nonadherence. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients who had unplanned breaks during treatment, 54% were males and 46% were females. Fifty-seven percent of patients had head and neck cancers and 25% had gynecological cancers. Seventy-one percent of patients were planned for concurrent chemoradiation. The number of days of unplanned treatment breaks ranged from 3 to 27 days. Social and therapeutic barriers were found to be the most common factor that led to nonadherence in these patients. CONCLUSION: Identification of barriers that lead to nonadherence, designing strategies to overcome such barriers and effective communication becomes imperative to ensure uninterrupted treatment. Based on the above analysis, we have designed several strategies to improve adherence to treatment among our patients.

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Long-term outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Impact of biosimilar rituximab and radiation

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P Ganesan, TG Sagar, K Kannan, V Radhakrishnan, S Rajaraman, A John, S Sundersingh, V Mahajan, TS Ganesan

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):430-435

INTRODUCTION: Rituximab (R)-CHOP improves survival over CHOP in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The availability of biosimilar rituximab in India has increased access of this drug. We report on the impact of treatment on outcomes with special emphasis on the impact of biosimilar rituximab and radiation. METHODS: Outcomes of adults (age 15–60 years) treated with CHOP+/- Rituximab radiation were analyzed retrospectively to look at baseline features, treatment, and event-free and overall survival (EFS and OS). RESULTS: In the period 2000–2013, 444 patients (median age 47 years: 15–60; males: 288 [65%]; Stage III/IV: 224 [50%]; age-adjusted international prognostic index [aaIPI] Score 2 or 3 in 50%) received either CHOP (n = 325 [73%]) or RCHOP (n = 119 [27%]) therapy. Biosimilar rituximab and the original were used in 95 (80%) and 24 (20%) patients, respectively. Radiation was given in 134 (30%) patients (Stages I and II, 100/220 [45%] and Stages III and IV, 34/224 [15%]). After a median follow-up of 46 (0.2–126) months, the 5-year EFS and OS were 59% and 68%, respectively. The factors predicting inferior EFS and OS were age >40 years, performance status 2–4, Stage III/IV, hemoglobin <12 g/dL, the aaIPI Score 2 or 3, and nonuse of rituximab and radiation. Radiation used in early stage disease benefitted all subgroups regardless of bulky disease, use of rituximab, or the number of cycles of chemotherapy. Addition of rituximab improved survival across all categories of aaIPI. CONCLUSION: Availability of biosimilar rituximab has increased access and survival of patients with DLBCL in India. Radiotherapy improved outcomes in early stages.

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Role change as breadwinner in cancer caregiving

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C Sivakumar

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):467-469

INTRODUCTION: Indian families are known for adopting the role of caregiver naturally when someone in the family falls ill to cancer. Although there were strong family structure and system existed here, now the changing family pattern and structure are challenging the role of cancer caregiving as well. OBJECTIVE: This study analyses the life situation of caregivers of cancer survivors during the course of treatment and attempts to explore the areas of interventions for caregivers themselves. METHODS: A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 40 respondents was chosen for the study through purposive sampling technique. RESULTS: Majority of the caregivers were females (75%) and fell into the age group of 35 to 45 years (65%). The education among the caregivers was varying between illiteracy to postgraduation. Majority of 95% of them adapted the dual role voluntarily and 85% of them felt that they were finding it very difficult to cope with the dual responsibility. About 60% of them felt that they would fail in their roles and were not satisfied with their performances dually. CONCLUSION: Adaptation to a dual role involves time factor and as part of care to the caregiver, a guided interaction and orientation towards managing these roles would help them better ways to adapt. Given the scarcity of support system on Indian settings, the caregivers who do dual role have huge responsibility and challenges to deliver quality caregiving and fulfill their other roles as well. It is the duty of the complete health care system to seriously take this into consideration and to act on it.

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ROS1 rearranged nonsmall cell lung cancer and crizotinib: An Indian experience

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V Noronha, MV Chandrakanth, AP Joshi, V Patil, A Chougule, A Mahajan, AK Janu, R Chanana, K Prabhash

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):436-438

ROS1 rearrangement acts as a driver mutation in 1-2% of NSCLC. Crizotinib is approved in this situation both in treatment naïve and pre-treated patients. Here we report our experience with crizotinib in patients with advanced NSCLC harbouring ROS1 rearrangement. Eleven patients were included in our study. More than half of our patients had associated comorbidities and one fourth of them had a compromised performance status. Out of 11 patients, 5 of them were exposed to crizotinib .The response rates among crizotinib treated patients was 80%. With a median follow up of 9 months, median PFS and OS were 5.4 months and 8.5 months respectively for the entire population. Analyzing the outcomes separately , median PFS and OS was not reached for those who received crizotinib compared to median PFS of 2.5 months and median OS of 4.2 months in those who were not exposed to crizotinib. The difference was statistically significant. Estimated 1 year OS was 80% for those who received crizotinib compared to 18% for who did not receive crizotinib. In conclusion, crizotinib is effective with acceptable side effect profile in patients with ROS1 rearranged NSCLC in our population.

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Novel use of bioelectric impedence technique to detect alterations in body composition in advanced small cell lung cancer

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A Mohan, R Poulose, A Ansari, K Madan, V Hadda, GC Khilnani, R Guleria

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):478-480

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is frequent in lung cancer and is measured using various tools, including the novel bioelectric impedance technique for measuring body composition. However, the validation of this technique for assessing body composition in advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is untested. METHODS: Forty-one treatment naïve patients (all males) and an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated by anthropometric measurements of skinfold thicknesses and body composition parameters such as body fat%, fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and total body water (TBW). RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the patient group was 55.7 (7.5) years, median pack-years was 20 (range, 0-80), and mean (SD) duration of symptoms was 152.6 (153.7) days. Median Karnofsky Performance Scale was 70 (range, 50–90). Majority of our patients (68.3%) were Stage IV followed by Stage III (31.7%). The percentage of patients with low, normal, and high body mass index (BMI) was 31.7%, 61%, and 7.3%, respectively. All components of body composition, i.e., body fat%, FFM, and TBW were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. However, the body composition in patients and controls with normal BMI was similar. The phenomenon of sarcopenia as a cause of cancer cachexia may explain these findings, whereas the combination of loss of body fat and lean body mass may lead to weight loss and reduced BMI. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that body composition is markedly altered in Indian patients with advanced SCLC. The impact of these parameters on clinically relevant outcomes needs further evaluation.

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Perioperative complications of esophagectomy: Postneoadjuvant treatment versus primary surgery – Our experience and review of literature

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AS Patil, NV Gulavani, NP Dharmadhikari, KC Polavarapu, SS Sharma, RC Mistry

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):439-441

AIMS: To compare perioperative complications in esophagectomy after neoadjuvant therapy v/s primary surgery. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of perioperative complications in a prospectively maintained data base of patients who underwent esophagectomy as Primary surgery or after neoadjuvant therapy was done. METHODS AND MATERIAL: 238 cases of esophagectomies performed for esophageal carcinoma were analysed and compared, out of which 125(52.5%) were given neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery and 113(47.5%) underwent primary surgery. Surgical procedure was standard for both the groups. All the cases were analysed for perioperative complications. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data was analysed using Open Epi soft ware. Association between the two study group was assessed with Chi square test. RESULTS: On comparison, both the groups were comparable in demographic profile and type of surgery performed. However, tumour stage was higher for cases who received neoadjuvant therapy as expected. On analysis there was no significant difference in overall morbidity and 30 days mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant Chemo/chemoradiotherapy is a feasible option in esophageal carcinoma without increase in incidence of peri operative morbidity or mortality.

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Utilization of pelvic lymph node dissection in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in India versus the United States – A Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database analysis

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F Abdollah, S Arora, T Jindal, P Gild, A Sood, TB Yuvaraja, RK Ahlawat, NP Gupta, M Bhandari, M Menon

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):421-425

BACKGROUND: The utilization and extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) varies depending on the disease and practice patterns. AIMS: This study compares practice patterns in utilization of PLND between Indian and United States (US) practices. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We focused on 415 patients (204 India; 211 US) prostate cancer patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, between 2015 and 2016, within the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Utilization of PLND and number of nodes removed were evaluated for the entire cohort, and after stratifying for Country of treatment and D'Amico risk groups. Logistic regression tested the relationship between PLND and country of treatment, after adjusting for disease risk. RESULTS: Indian patients had a higher risk distribution (D'Amico high-risk 53.4% in India vs. 27% in the US; P< 0.001) compared to their US counterparts. Overall, 193/204 (94.6%) Indian patients underwent PLND versus 181/211 (85.8%) US patients (P = 0.003). When stratified based on disease risk, PLND was performed more frequently in Indian patients with low-risk disease (81.0% vs. 41.4%,P= 0.008), but not in those with intermediate and high-risk disease. On multivariable analysis, Indian patients had a 2.57-fold higher probability of undergoing PLND than their US counterparts (P = 0.02). The analysis of the number of lymph nodes removed showed similar trends. CONCLUSIONS: Indian patients are more likely to undergo PLND than US patients. This is, especially true for patients with low-risk disease, who are unlikely to benefit from this procedure. Efforts should focus on optimizing the utilization of PLND, and deliver it only when there is clinical indication.

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Impact of pictorial warning labels on tobacco products among patients attending outpatient department of a dental college in Bangalore city: A cross-sectional study

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N Vanishree, RR Narayan, N Naveen, D Bullapa, D Vignesh, NM P Raveendran

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):461-466

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and impact of pictorial warnings present on tobacco packets among patients attending outpatient department of a dental college of Bangalore city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 patients through convenience sampling, using a structured close-ended questionnaire containing 35 questions. The participants were approached and invited to participate voluntarily. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and ANOVA. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 28.1 ± 7.06 years. Out of total 419 participants, 62.8% were tobacco users. About 40.6% of the participants had average knowledge and only 22.9% had positive attitude regarding the pictorial warnings. Nearly 77.9% of tobacco users had previously attempted decreased frequency of tobacco use and 63.7% had tried quitting the habit. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05 Chi-square test and ANOVA). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that most of study participants have noticed the warnings on tobacco products, and most of them believe that they could understand warning labels. This study also showed that most of study participants believed that pictorial health warnings create awareness about probable health hazards of tobacco use and that these pictorial presentations on tobacco packs positively assist in reducing or quitting tobacco smoking.

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Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for unresectable oral cancers: Optimizing outcomes?

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T Puri

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):394-396



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From the new editors.....

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Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):393-393



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Clinico-pathological profile of colorectal cancer in first two decades of life: A retrospective analysis from tertiary health center

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D Sharma, G Singh

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):397-400

AIM: This retrospective observational study was done to analyze age, gender, site of primary tumor and histological characterstics in patients of colorectal carcinoma in the first two decades of life. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 373 patients of colorectal patients were registered in the Department of Radiation Oncology from January 2010 to December 2015. Patients who were <20 years of age were analyzed for clinicopathological characteristic. RESULTS: In our study, a total of 29 out of 373 patients (7.75%) were ≤20 years. Male to female distribution was 2.2:1. Younger age group presented with advanced Stage III and IV 58.62% and 10.34% patients, respectively. Only 9 (30.5%) patients were of Stage I and II. The most common involved site was rectum in 21 (72.41%) patients, followed by rectosigmoid involvement in 5 (17.24%). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal carcinoma in young adults is usually locally advanced or metastatic. Therefore, the diagnosis of CRC should be done at early and curable stage. Bleeding per rectum in a younger age group should not be ignored but must be properly evaluated.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical cancer among women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Department: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey in South India

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G Narayana, M Jyothi Suchitra, G Sunanda, J Dasaratha Ramaiah, B Pradeep Kumar, KV Veerabhadrappa

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):481-487

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer-related deaths among women in India are often due to late diagnosis of disease. Knowledge about disease and early screening is the most effective measure for cervical cancer prevention. Lack of awareness, negative attitude, and poor practice about cervical cancer and screening are the major causes to increase the incidence of disease. AIM: The study is designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward cervical cancer, screening, and prevention. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted in women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of a secondary care referral hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 403 subjects were enrolled and subjected for interview using prevalidated KAP questionnaire on cervical cancer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were used to represent the sociodemographic characteristics and KAP levels. Association of sociodemographic variables with KAP levels is determined using Chi-square test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Most of (301; 74.6%) the respondents had heard about cervical cancer and majority of them are heard from media (168; 41.6%) and friends (83; 20.5%). Most women knew symptoms (259; 64.2%), risk factors (253; 62.7%), screening methods (310; 76.9%), and preventive measures (249; 61.7%) for cervical cancer. More than half of the women (252; 62.5%) having positive attitude toward screening. More than three-fourth of women (349; 86.6%) are not having practice toward cervical cancer screening. Sociodemographic characteristics are strongly associated with KAP levels. CONCLUSION: Although women are having good knowledge, positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening and prevention still there is a gap to transform it into practice. There is a need for more educational programs to connect identified knowledge slits and uplift of regular practice of cervical cancer screening.

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Histopathologic review of 400 biopsies and resection specimens of trunk and extremity-based soft tissue tumors

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R Badanale, B Rekhi, NA Jambhekar, A Gulia, J Bajpai, S Laskar, N Khanna, G Chinnaswamy, A Puri

Indian Journal of Cancer 2017 54(2):401-408

AIMS: To review various pathologic parameters in diagnosed cases of trunk and extremity-based soft tissue tumors (STTs), in order to identify concordance rate between initial biopsy and resection specimen and discrepancies between initial and review diagnosis, by a specialist pathologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 2-year-period, 400 retrospectively diagnosed STTs (553 specimens) including referral and "in-house" cases were studied. The reviewing specialist pathologist was blinded to the initial diagnoses. Discordances including discrepancies and deficiencies were defined as major and minor. Major discrepancies included those that could lead to significant treatment changes. True discrepancies were those related to sampling issues between the biopsies and resection specimens. Deficiencies relating to tumor subtyping, sarcoma grading, documentation of tumor size, and marginal status (in resections) were subdivided as major and minor. RESULTS: Most cases (328, 82%) were sarcomas (most common, synovial sarcoma; most common Stage, III), followed by benign tumors (36, 9%) (most common, schwannoma) and intermediate malignancies (32, 8%) (most common, fibromatosis). Within STTs, liposarcomas, neural tumors, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas were relatively more frequently associated with discrepancies. Percentage of cases with major discordances between the referral reports (100 cases) and review diagnosis was 60%. Percentage of cases with major discordances between the specialist and other oncopathologists was 11%. True discrepancies were observed in 20 (5%) cases. The association of type of specimen with the rate of discordance was not significant (P = 0.114). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnoses of STTs are fraught with errors mostly from general pathologists, followed by nonspecialist oncopathologists. These findings reinforce the need for reporting of STTs, especially sarcomas, by specialist pathologists.

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