Vertical heterostructure of graphite-MoS2 for gas sensing

2D materials, given their form-factor, high surface-to-volume ratio, and chemical functionality have immense use in sensor design. Engineering 2D heterostructures can result in robust combinations of desirable properties but sensor design methodologies require careful considerations about material properties and orientation to maximize sensor response. This study introduces a sensor approach that combines the excellent electrical transport and transduction properties of graphite film with chemical reactivity derived from the edge sites of semiconducting molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) through a two-step chemical vapour deposition method. The resulting vertical heterostructure shows potential for high-performance hybrid chemiresistors for gas sensing. This architecture offers active sensing edge sites across the MoS2 flakes. We detail the growth of vertically oriented MoS2 over a nanoscale graphite film (NGF) cross-section, enhancing the adsorption of analytes such as NO2, NH3, and water vapor. Raman spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations and scanning probe methods elucidate the influence of chemical doping by distinguishing the role of MoS2 edge sites relative to the basal plane. High-resolution imaging techniques confirm the controlled growth of highly crystalline hybrid structures. The MoS2/NGF hybrid structure exhibits exceptional chemiresistive responses at both room and elevated temperatures compared to bare graphitic layers. Quantitative analysis reveals that the sensitivity of this hybrid sensor surpasses other 2D material hybrids, particularly in parts per billion concentrations.

Treatment outcomes in patients with Ewing sarcoma of the spine in a resource-challenged setting: 17-year experience from a single center in India

Ewing sarcoma (ES) of the spine is a rare childhood cancer with sparse literature on treatment outcomes. We aimed to describe survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with spinal ES treated at a single institute in a resource-challenged setting. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with spinal ES registered at a tertiary care oncology center between 2003-2019. Clinical patient data was retrieved from hospital records. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the association of baseline clinical parameters with event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). A cohort of 85 patients was analyzed including 38 (45%) patients with metastatic disease. The median age was 15 years with 73% being male. Local therapy was administered in 62 (72.9%) patients with surgery alone in 8 (9.4%), radiotherapy alone in 36 (42.4%) and both in 18 (21.2%) patients. A higher proportion of males received local therapy than females (80.3% versus 59.1%; p = 0.049). The median EFS and OS were 20.1 and 28.6 months, respectively. On univariable analysis, age ≤ 15 years, female sex, serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dL and hemoglobin ≤11 g/dL were associated with inferior EFS while younger age, female sex, hypoalbuminemia and metastatic disease were associated with inferior OS. On multivariable analysis, only hypoalbuminemia was predictive for inferior EFS (HR:2.41; p = 0.005) while hypoalbuminemia (HR:2.06;p = 0.033) and female sex (HR:1.83; p = 0.046) were associated with inferior OS. We concluded that hypoalbuminemia confers poor prognosis in ES spine. Survival outcomes are poorer in females treated in our setting, possibly due to prevailing sex-based biases.

Comprehensive characterization of the structure of Zr-based metallic glasses

Structure of metallic glasses fascinates as the generic amorphous structural template for ubiquitous systems. Its specification necessitates determination of the complete hierarchical structure, starting from short-range-order (SRO) → medium-range-order (MRO) → bulk structure and free volume (FV) distribution. This link has largely remained elusive since previous investigations adopted one-technique-at-a-time approach, focusing on limited aspects of any one domain. Reconstruction of structure from experimental data inversion is non-unique for many of these techniques. As a result, complete and precise structural understanding of glass has not emerged yet. In this work, we demonstrate the first experimental pathway for reconstruction of the integrated structure, forZr 67 Ni 33 andZr 52 Ti 6 Al 10 Cu 18 Ni 14 glasses. Our strategy engages diverse (× 7) multi-scale techniques [XAFS, 3D-APT, ABED/NBED, FEM, XRD, PAS, FHREM] on the same glass. This strategy complemented mutual limitations of techniques and corroborated common parameters to generate complete, self-consistent and precise parameters. Further, MRO domain size and inter-void separation were correlated to identify the presence of FV at MRO boundaries. This enabled the first experimental reconstruction of hierarchical subset: SRO → MRO → FV → bulk structure. The first ever image of intermediate region between MRO domains emerged from this link. We clarify that determination of all subsets is not our objective; the essence and novelty of this work lies in directing the pathway towards finite solution, in the most logical and unambiguous way.

Extramedullary Relapse of B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Bilateral Breasts Treated with Whole Breast Radiotherapy

Isolated extramedullary relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the breast is extremely rare. We herein report a case of a 38-year-old female with B cell ALL, who had isolated extramedullary relapse initially in the left breast and subsequently in the right breast, 3 and 4 years, respectively, after hematopoietic allogenic stem cell transplantation. She was successfully salvaged with bilateral whole breast radiotherapy, 24 Gy/12 fractions/2.5 weeks. This brief report highlights the importance of awareness of extramedullary leukemic relapse in the breast as one of the differential diagnoses of breast masses in the context of ALL. Since these tumors are extremely radioresponsive, radiation therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for isolated extramedullary relapse of ALL in the breast.

Fibrinogen Bonn (p. Arg510Cys) in the Aα-Chain Is Associated with High Risk of Venous Thrombosis

INTRODUCTION

 Inherited dysfibrinogenemia is a qualitative defect of fibrinogen caused by various mutations among three fibrinogen genes. Dysfibrinogenemia can be associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, bleeding, or both. Here, we report a 36-year-old female with dysfibrinogenemia who experienced two successful pregnancies under thromboprophylaxis after cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 In addition to plasmatic coagulation tests, fibrinogen genes FGA, FGB, and FGG were screened using direct genomic DNA sequencing. The structural-functional implications of the detected mutation were analyzed in silico.

RESULTS

 Inherited dysfibrinogenemia was diagnosed in an index patient after CVST in a risk situation. Anticoagulation with warfarin was stopped after 12 months when the first pregnancy was planned. Pregnancy and spontaneous delivery (2020) was uncomplicated. A second pregnancy was interrupted because of acute cytomegalovirus infection and the third pregnancy was successful in 2022. Pregnancies were accompanied by thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin 40 mg once daily until 6 weeks postpartum. Substitution of fibrinogen has not become necessary in the index patient so far. Genetic analysis revealed a novel missense mutation (p. Arg510Cys) in the FGA gene ("fibrinogen Bonn") in the index patient, as well as an asymptomatic sister, and their father who experienced recurrent pulmonary embolism. Surface exposure of wild-type Arg510 suggested the mutated Cys510 to form nonnative disulfide bonds with surface-exposed reactive cysteines from other plasma proteins like albumin leading to formation of aggregates and impaired fibrinolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

 Fibrinogen Bonn might be associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, possibly due to impaired polymerization.

Clinical Outcome and Patterns of Failure in Patients with Solitary Plasmacytoma Treated with Radical Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We intended to assess the patterns of care and failure in patients with solitary plasmacytoma (SP), treated at our institute from 2011-21.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Data pertaining to the management of patients with SP was abstracted by retrospective chart review. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were defined as the time intervals from the date of diagnosis to the date of progression (local, systemic or both) and death or last follow up, respectively. PFS and OS were analyzed by Kaplan Meier method.

RESULTS

Atotal of 72 patients were diagnosed with SP (61-bone plasmacytoma; 11-extramedullary plasmacytoma) in between 2011 and 2021. The median age at diagnosis was 52 years. The male: female ratio was 2.27. The ECOG PS were 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 1, 46, 11, 10, and 3 patients, respectively. The median diameter of the lesion was 6.7 cm (range 2.3-18.4 cm). The median M protein was 0.375 g/dl (range 0.63-5.3 g/dl). On bone marrow examination, 8 and 64 patients had no and minimal marrow involvement, respectively (median bone marrow plasma cells 4%). Radical radiotherapy (RT) was administered in 71 patients, the techniques being 2D-conventional in 35, 3D-conformal in 14, IMRT in 8 and VMAT in 5 patients (details not available in 9). The median RT dose was 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks (range 45-50 Gy). In addition, 5(7%) patients underwent surgery prior to RT and 6(8.5%) patients received systemic chemotherapy. After RT, the median quantum of symptom relief was 75% (range 0-100%). The best response to RT was CR, PR, SD and PD in 41(57.7%),18(25.4%),3(4.2%) and 4(5.6%) patients, respectively (response assessment could not be done in 5). Local control with primary RT was achieved in 58(81.7%) patients. No RT related grade 3/4 acute or late toxicity was reported. The median follow up was 48.3 months (range 1.3-141.6 months). A total of 28(39.4%) patients experienced disease progression (systemic in 15, local in 7 and both in 6), out of which 13 could be successfully salvaged with further systemic chemotherapy (mostly bortezomib, lenalidomide/pomalidomide and dexamethasone based) with or without local treatment. On progression to multiple myeloma, 9 patients underwent high dose chemotherapy(melphalan) followed by autologous stem cell transplant. Nine (12.7%) patients died, the causes being COVID-19 infection in 1, surgical complications in 1, PD in 2, second malignancies in 3 and unknown in 2. The actuarial rates of PFS & OS were 58.4% & 92.5% at 3 years and 50.3% & 89.4% at 5 years, respectively. Metachronous second malignancies were noted in 4 patients (B-ALL-1, lung cancer-1, metastatic carcinoma cervix-1, metastatic carcinoma gall bladder-1).

CONCLUSION

In patients with SP, radical RT with a modest dose (45-50 Gy) leads to satisfactory symptom relief, response and local control. Close to 40% patients eventually progress to multiple myeloma, out of which 50% can be successfully salvaged with further systemic chemotherapy. The 5-year OS approaches 90% in this cohort.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Evaluating the Impact of Hypo-Fractionated Palliative Quadshot Radiotherapy and Concurrent CDDP Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LAHNSCC), the main goal of treatment remains survival while improving quality of life (QOL). In recent decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the measurement of clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with cancer, focusing on the patient perspective by incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the improvement in quality of life with the use of cyclic hypo-fractionated palliative QUAD SHOT radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent cisplatin (CDDP) in previously untreated patients with incurable LAHNSCC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this prospective interventional phase- II study, 60 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, majority stage IVB, ECOG PS ≤ 3, were treated with QUAD SHOT RT (14 Gy/4 fractions/2 days - BD with 6-hour interval and concurrent CDDP at 6 mg/m2. This treatment was repeated at 4-week intervals for 2 additional cycles if tumor progression did not occur. Serial changes in HR -QoL were assessed using EORTC QLQ C-30 and H&N-35) at 4 different time points. Statistical methods such as the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test were used to compare QoL values at different time points with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons to control for type I errors.

RESULTS

The median global health score (GHS) at baseline was 41.667, with an initial increase in score at 4 weeks (50.00) and at 8 weeks (54.167) that did not continue at 12 weeks (41.667). Symptoms related to toxicities (speech, social contact, sticky saliva, dry mouth, senses in H&N 35) were lower after 4 weeks. Application of the Friedman test for four time points revealed significant improvement in role function at 4 weeks, which remained constant at 8 weeks but was not sustained at 12 weeks. Comparison of HN-35 symptom scores between the four time points showed improvement in symptoms such as pain, swallowing, and mouth opening at 4 and 8 weeks. The mean QLQ C30 summary score for these patients improved at four weeks but did not remain constant at 8 and 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed significant improvement in quality-of-life parameters and reduction in symptom burden at 4 and 8 weeks due to disease control and symptom palliation by QUADSHOT CTRT, while quality-of-life scores worsened and symptom scores were not maintained at 12 weeks due to disease progression and occurrence of acute toxicities. This phase II study may serve as the basis for designing a phase III randomized control trial to compare quality of life changes with QUADSHOT CTRT and other palliative CTRT regimens.

Hypo-Fractionated Palliative QUADSHOT Radiotherapy and Concurrent CDDP in Patients with LAHNSCC: Toxicities and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Shorter palliative hypo-fractionated radiotherapy regimens given concurrently with chemotherapy, preferably cisplatin (radiosensitizer), increase response rates with acceptable toxicity, leading to better compliance of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LAHNSCC) in whom late toxicities due to chemoradiotherapy are less relevant. This single institution prospective interventional phase II study was conducted with the goal of achieving high rates of locoregional control with acceptable treatment-related toxicity.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this prospective interventional phase- II study, 60 patients with LAHNSCC (treatment naive), the majority in stage IVB and ECOG PS ≤ 3, were treated with QUAD SHOT RT using the conventional 2D technique (14Gy in 4 fractions on 2 consecutive days twice daily with a 6-hour interval between the two fractions) and concurrent cisplatin (CDDP) at a dose of 6 mg/m2. This treatment was repeated at 4-week intervals for 2 additional cycles if tumor progression did not occur. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine survival probability for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Descriptive statistics with number and percentage were used for each toxicity and tumor response at different time points. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

In our study, all patients received at least one cycle of QUADSHOT chemoradiotherapy (CTRT), while 35 and 18 patients received the 2nd and 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, respectively. Of the patients who completed the first cycle of QUADSHOT CTRT, 27 (45%) patients had a partial response (PR) and 22 (36.7%) had stable disease (SD). Of the patients who completed the second cycle QUADSHOT CTRT, 77.2% had SD, while 11.4% had PR and 11.4% had PD. After the 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, 72.2% had SD, while 11.1% had PR and 16.7% had PD. The overall response rate (SD +PR) in our study was 81%, 88.6%, and 83% after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, respectively. After the 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, no patient showed grade 4 toxicity. Most patients had grade I/ II toxicities e.g., skin (grade I -83%), mucositis (grade II -50%), salivary gland toxicity (grade II -50%), grade I laryngitis (83.3%). Grade- III oral mucositis and pharyngitis were seen in 27% and 6.7% of patients, respectively. Median OS and PFS were 7.9 months and 6.2 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent chemotherapy acts as a radiosensitizer and provides a synergistic effect when coupled with hypo-fractionated radiation, resulting in more effective control of locoregional disease in locally advanced head and neck tumors with acceptable toxicities. This study is hypothesis-generating and may serve as a basis for developing optimal CTRT regimens for patients with LAHNSCC who are not suitable for curative treatment.

Zika virus in India: past, present and future

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus that presents with acute febrile illness associated with rash, arthralgia and conjunctivitis. After years of sporadic reports in Africa, the three major outbreaks of this disease occurred in Yap Islands (2007), French Polynesia (2013-14) and South Americas (2015-16). Although, serological surveys suggested the presence of ZIKV in India in 1950s, cross-reactivity could not be ruled out. The first four proven cases of ZIKV from India were reported in 2017. This was followed by major outbreaks in the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in 2018. Fortunately, the outbreaks in India were not associated with neurological complications. These outbreaks in India highlighted the spread of this disease beyond geographical barriers owing to the growing globalization, increased travel and ubiquitous presence of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical features and management of ZIKV in India.

Spinal atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor-narrative review and report of a rare case managed with multimodality approach

BACKGROUND

Spinal atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is an extremely rare tumor and represents less than 2% of all AT/RTs.

METHODS

Available medical literature on spinal AT/RT in English was retrieved from PubMed and comprehensively reviewed. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, prognosis, and outcome in patients with spinal AT/RT have been elucidated by citing a case of extradural AT/RT of the cervicodorsal spine.

RESULTS

The age at presentation is usually less than 3 years. The most common site is the cervicodorsal spine. The most frequent tumor location is intradural extramedullary. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the entire neuraxis is the imaging modality of choice. The incidence of leptomeningeal dissemination is high (15-30%). Histopathological examination shows an admixture of primitive neuroectodermal, mesenchymal, and epithelial elements along with rhabdoid cells. Loss of SMARCB1/INI1 is considered pathognomonic of AT/RT. Maximal safe resection of tumor is the initial management of choice. Thereafter focal radiotherapy for localized tumor or craniospinal irradiation for leptomeningeal dissemination should be considered. Post-operative intensive polychemotherapy including intrathecal and high-dose chemotherapy (with autologous stem cell rescue) is usually considered to optimize survival. Typically, the time to recurrence and overall survival are less than 6 and 12 months, respectively. However, with judicious multimodality management long-term survivors are increasingly being recognized. The illustrative patient was a 18-month-old girl diagnosed with extradural AT/RT of the cervicodorsal spine (C3-D1), who was managed with maximal safe resection of tumor, multiagent chemotherapy (ICE-ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide) and focal RT to the tumor bed-50.4 Gy/28 fractions/5.5 weeks. At the last follow-up visit, 30 months after surgery, she had complete clinicoradiological response.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal treatment comprising maximal safe resection of tumor, multiagent chemotherapy (ICE), and focal RT can lead to successful outcome in patients with localized spinal AT/RT, under the age of 3 years.

Role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Background

Liquid biopsy is emerging as a non-invasive tool, providing a personalized snapshot of a primary and metastatic tumour. It aids in detecting early metastasis, recurrence or resistance to the disease. We aimed to assess the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) as a predictive biomarker in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)).

Methodology

Thirty-five patients receiving palliative chemotherapy underwent blood sampling [2 mL in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) vial] at baseline and at 3 months intervals. The CTCs were isolated and evaluated using anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody-based enrichment using the OncoDiscover platform.

Results

CTCs isolated from 80% of patients (n = 28) showed the sensitivity of cell detection at the baseline and 3 months intervals. The median CTC count was 1/1.5 mL of blood and the concordance with clinic-radiological outcomes was 51.4%. The median CTC count (1 (range:0-4) to 0 (range:0-1)) declined at 3 months in responders, while the non-responders had an increase in levels (0 (range :0-2) to 1 (range :0-3)). Although CTCs positively correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), the association of CTCs did not show a significant difference with these parameters (PFS: 6 months versus 4 months; hazard ratio: 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-1.58, p = 0.323; OS: 10 months versus 8 months; hazard ratio: 0.54; 95% (CI):0.18-1.57 p = 0.216) between CTC positive and CTC negative patients at 3 months.

Conclusion

This study highlights the utility of CTC as a disease progression-monitoring tool in recurrent HNSCC patients. Our findings suggest the potential clinical utility of CTC and the need for exploration in upfront settings of the disease as well (NCT: CTRL/2020/02/023378).

Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Outcomes in Children With Wilms Tumor With Caval Thrombus: A Single Center Experience

AIM

The aim of our study is to present our experience in the management and outcome of Wilms tumor with intracaval thrombus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All children with Wilms tumor with intracaval thrombus who presented to us from July 2000 to December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated the tumor stage, management, and outcomes in these patients.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were included in the study. The median age of presentation was 48 months (11 to 84 mo). Preoperative chemotherapy was given in 32 (94%), with a median duration of 8 weeks. Intracaval thrombus completely resolved in 9 (26%) children after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Surgical intervention for residual inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus was performed in 32 patients. The median follow-up was 30 months (5 to 150 mo). At the last follow-up, 24 patients (70%) were alive and disease free. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival were 67% (95% confidence interval, 50% to 84%) and 59% (95% confidence interval, 42% to 76%). The OS in children with nonmetastatic disease (94%) was significantly higher than those with metastases (29%; P <0.01). The OS in children with complete resolution of IVC thrombus (100%) was significantly higher than those with persistent thrombus (48%; P =0.025). Analysis of survival outcomes in children with nonmetastatic disease (stage III) revealed no significant difference on comparison with cohort with stage III disease with absence of IVC thrombus. The P -value was 0.224 and 0.53 for 5-year OS and event-free survival, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The management of Wilms tumor can be complicated by the presence of caval thrombus. Patients with metastasis have a significantly poor outcome. Patients in whom, there is complete resolution of intracaval thrombus on neoadjuvant chemotherapy have a significantly higher OS.

Neuroimaging Features of Biotinidase Deficiency

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive condition caused by pathogenic variants in the BTD gene. Resultant deficiency of free biotin leads to impaired activity of the enzyme carboxylase and related neurologic, dermatologic, and ocular symptoms. Many of these are reversible on treatment, but early recognition and commencement of biotin supplementation are critical. This practice is especially important in countries where routine neonatal screening for biotinidase deficiency is not performed. In this report comprising 14 patients from multiple centers, we demonstrate the MR imaging patterns of this disorder at various age groups. Knowledge of these patterns in the appropriate clinical context will help guide early diagnosis of this treatable metabolic disorder.

Management and Outcomes of Children with Stage 4S (MS) Neuroblastoma: A Single-Center Experience from a Resource-Challenged Nation

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the clinical profile, management options, and outcomes of children with stage 4S neuroblastoma (NB 4S) diagnosed at a tertiary care center in a resource-challenged nation. The authors also intend to highlight the factors associated with an unfavorable prognosis in this series of patients.

METHODS

The archives for children with NB 4S, diagnosed over a 24-y period (January 1996-December 2019), were retrospectively retrieved. Data on patient characteristics, management protocols, oncologic outcomes, and overall survival (OS) were reviewed. Multivariate logistic- regression analysis was performed to identify the factors independently predicting unfavorable outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 22 children (59% males) were included. Adrenal was the most common (82%) primary site. Liver involvement (100%), bone marrow infiltration (23%), and subcutaneous nodules (9%) were observed upon evaluation. Management involved supportive treatment (22%), chemotherapy only (41%), chemotherapy and tumor excision (28%). Ventral hernia was created in two children (9%) due to abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Four children died (4/22; 18%) due to ACS (n = 2) and refractory coagulopathy (n = 2). There were no recurrences and all survivors were disease-free. The 5-y OS was 81.8% with a median follow-up duration of 31 mo (range 9 mo-22 y). Age < 2 mo (p = 0.002), respiratory distress at presentation (p < 0.001), and chemotherapy nonresponsiveness (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. All three factors were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Children with NB 4S have a favorable outcome with 5-y OS of 81.8%. Age < 2 mo, respiratory distress at presentation, and chemotherapy nonresponsiveness are independent predictors of a poor outcome.

Identification, validation and biological characterisation of novel glioblastoma tumour microenvironment subtypes: implications for precision immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

New precision medicine therapies are urgently required for glioblastoma (GBM). However, to date, efforts to subtype patients based on molecular profiles have failed to direct treatment strategies. We hypothesised that interrogation of the GBM tumour microenvironment (TME) and identification of novel TME-specific subtypes could inform new precision immunotherapy treatment strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A refined and validated microenvironment cell population (MCP) counter method was applied to >800 GBM patient tumours (GBM-MCP-counter). Specifically, partition around medoids (PAM) clustering of GBM-MCP-counter scores in the GLIOTRAIN discovery cohort identified three novel patient clusters, uniquely characterised by TME composition, functional orientation markers and immune checkpoint proteins. Validation was carried out in three independent GBM-RNA-seq datasets. Neoantigen, mutational and gene ontology analysis identified mutations and uniquely altered pathways across subtypes. The longitudinal Glioma Longitudinal AnalySiS (GLASS) cohort and three immunotherapy clinical trial cohorts [treatment with neoadjuvant/adjuvant anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or PSVRIPO] were further interrogated to assess subtype alterations between primary and recurrent tumours and to assess the utility of TME classifiers as immunotherapy biomarkers.

RESULTS

TME^High tumours (30%) displayed elevated lymphocyte, myeloid cell immune checkpoint, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 transcripts. TME^High/mesenchymal+ patients featured tertiary lymphoid structures. TME^Med (46%) tumours were enriched for endothelial cell gene expression profiles and displayed heterogeneous immune populations. TME^Low (24%) tumours were manifest as an 'immune-desert' group. TME subtype transitions upon recurrence were identified in the longitudinal GLASS cohort. Assessment of GBM immunotherapy trial datasets revealed that TME^High patients receiving neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 had significantly increased overall survival (P = 0.04). Moreover, TME^High patients treated with adjuvant anti-PD-1 or oncolytic virus (PVSRIPO) showed a trend towards improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS

We have established a novel TME-based classification system for application in intracranial malignancies. TME subtypes represent canonical 'termini a quo' (starting points) to support an improved precision immunotherapy treatment approach.

Autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma: Impact of melphalan dose on the transplant outcome

We evaluated impact of melphalan dose on transplant outcomes for multiple myeloma. Between 1995 and 2019 459 consecutive patients received a transplant; 69(15%) received melphalan ≤150 mg/m2 (Mel 150 cohort) and 390 (85%) melphalan 200 mg/m2 (MEL 200 cohort). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) from the date of transplant. Progression-free survival (PFS), engraftment, transplant response, and cumulative relapse at 2 years were secondary outcome measures. Patients in Mel 150 cohort had adverse clinical and laboratory parameters at base line. Transplant response was better for Mel 200 cohort (p < 0.024). Median OS at a median follow-up of 88 months was similar in the two cohorts; 100 Vs 102 months (Mel 200), p = 0.817. Median PFS (60.0 Vs 53 months, p = 0.746), relapse at two years (32.4% Vs 30.9%, p = 0.745) and grade 3-4 mucositis (p = 0.823) were similar. Initial treatment prepares patients better for subsequent similar transplant outcomes despite differences in baseline characteristics.

Real World Presentation and Treatment Outcomes with a Predominant Induction Chemotherapy Based Approach in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Sixteen Year Report from a Teaching Hospital in India

INTRODUCTION

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in India except in north-eastern states. We present our institutional experience of 16 years highlighting management, outcomes, responses and toxicities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NPC patients registered at our center during the period of 2000-2015. The primary objective of the study was to assess the overall survival (OS). Secondary outcome included determinations of response rates, progression free survival (PFS) and to assess treatment-related toxicity (CTCAE v4.0). Institute ethics committee approval was obtained prior to initiation of this study.

RESULTS

Data was retrieved from complete records of 222 patients out of 390 registered during study period. There were 163 males (73.4%) and 59 females (26.6%) with a male to female ratio of 2.8:1. The median age was 35 years (range 6-73). Only 5.6% (n = 12) presented in early-stage disease (stage I and II) while 89.6% (n = 199) were advanced stage (stage III, IVA, IVB). Five patients (2.2%) presented as metastatic disease. Majority of patients were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) {76.1%, n = 169}. Relapses were documented in 10.4% patients. 5% patients had loco-regional relapse while distant metastases were seen in 4% patients. The 3-year PFS and OS rates are 60.9% and 68.4%, respectively. Achieving a CR predicted superior OS on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

NPC is a rare malignancy and majority presented with advanced stages. This data outlines our experience and outcomes with a predominantly induction chemotherapy followed by definitive CCRT based approach.

Role of C and B4C barrier layers in controlling diffusion propagation across the interface of Cr/Sc multilayers

The optical performance of low-bilayer-thickness metallic multilayers (ML) can be improved significantly by limiting the intermixing of consecutive layers at the interfaces. Barrier layers are supposed to exhibit a decisive role in controlling diffusion across the interfaces. The element-specific grazing incidence extended X-ray absorption fine structure technique using synchrotron radiation has been used in conjunction with grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity and diffuse X-ray scattering measurements to study the impact of the two most common barrier layers, viz., C and B₄C, at the interfaces of Cr/Sc MLs. The diffusion propagation is reduced by both the barrier layers; however, it is found that the improvement is more significant with the B₄C barrier layer. It is seen that C forms an intermixed layer with Sc and leads to carbide formation at the interface, which then acts as shielding and prevents further interdiffusion, while B₄C hardly penetrates into Sc and stops the overlap between Sc and Cr directly by wetting the corresponding interface. Thus, the above measurements reveal crucial and precise information regarding the elemental diffusion kinetics at the interfaces of Cr/Sc MLs in a non-destructive way, which is very important for technological applications of these MLs as X-ray optical devices.

Subtle Malformation of the Cochlear Apex and Genetic Abnormalities: Beyond the "Thorny" Cochlea

With the routine use of high-resolution heavily T2-weighted sequences to evaluate patients with hearing deficits, new, subtle phenotypes of cochlear malformations are being discovered and an increasing number of genotype-phenotype correlations are being found through a reverse phenotype approach, which can help guide geneticists. In this brief report, we present subtle malformations of the apical turn of the cochlea related to 3 genetic mutations, emphasizing the importance of a careful assessment of the cochlear apex.