Co-alteration of EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer: Case series

RATIONALE

Current guidelines for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recommend the use of targeted agents for specific driver genes after confirming genetic alterations. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement are usually mutually exclusive, EGFR and ALK co-alterations have been reported increasingly in cases of NSCLC. However, the optimal treatment for these cases has not been established.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This case series describes three patients diagnosed with advanced non-squamous NSCLC who harbored EGFR and ALK co-alterations. The complaints for each case are as follows: 57-year-old woman with coughing and dyspnea in case 1, 32-year-old man with diplopia in case 2 and 77-year-old woman with chest discomfort in case 3.

DIAGNOSES

Three never-smokers were diagnosed pathologically with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung. Subsequent molecular studies revealed the EGFR L858R mutation gene and ALK rearrangement, which were proven by real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively.

INTERVENTIONS

All 3 patients received first-line therapy with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Cases 1 and 2 were treated with ALK-TKIs as second-line therapy and received additional EGFR-TKIs as third- and fourth-line regimens.

OUTCOMES

The patients achieved partial responses to EGFR-TKIs according to radiologic findings. However, second-line ALK-TKI therapy was ineffective in cases 1 and 2.

LESSONS

Cases of NSCLC with concomitant EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement are rare, and the selection of an optimal targeted therapy is challenging. Here, EGFR-TKI appeared to yield better outcomes than ALK-TKI in patients with NSCLC who harbored EGFR/ALK co-alterations.

Serum miR-214 as a novel biomarker for ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

Serum microRNA (miR) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients has been rarely identified. The objective of this study was to find AS-specific miR in sera of patients with AS.

METHODS

Total RNAs were isolated from whole sera of patients with AS, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and healthy controls (HC) using miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit. The presence of miR was assayed using Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer Small RNA assay. Each RNA sample was used for miR microarray. To verify microarray results, candidate circulating miRs were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using samples from patients with AS (n = 65), patients with RA (n = 25), and HCs (n = 39). Cycle threshold values were converted to copy numbers by drawing a standard curve using a synthetic chemical standard. All clinical values were also evaluated at the time of miR isolation.

RESULTS

A total of 887 miRs were screened for three groups. Lower expression of miR-214 in AS than in HC and RA was observed after normalization of raw data. Finally, lower expression of serum miR-214 was confirmed in AS after validation by qPCR. Correlation analysis showed that the level of miR-214 of AS was significantly associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C-reactive protein (r = 0.299, P = 0.02). However, other disease-specific variables showed no statistical significance: gender (P = 0.286), peripheral arthritis (P = 0.634), enthesitis (P = 0.464), dacylitis (P = 0.750), psoriasis (P = 0.552), inflammatory bowel disease (P = 0.369), human leukocyte antigen-B27 positivity (P = 0.473), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (P = 0.448), and use of tumor necrosis factor-blocker in the last 3 months (P = 0.505).

CONCLUSION

miR-214 may serve as a noninvasive biomarker for diagnosis of AS. In addition, expression level of miR-214 was associated with disease activity.

Adherence to the GOLD Guideline in COPD Management of South Korea: Findings from KOCOSS Study 2011-2018

The guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment are important for the management of the disease. However, studies regarding the treatment adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines have been scarce in Korea. Therefore, to examine the adherence to the GOLD guidelines, we examined the patterns of prescribed medication in COPD patients from 2011 to 2018. Patients were classified as having been appropriately and inappropriately treated (overtreatment or undertreatment) for the GOLD group. Appropriate medical therapy was defined as using the first choice or alternative choice drug recommended in the GOLD guidelines. Inappropriate therapy was classified as overtreatment or undertreatment in accordance with the categorization in the GOLD guidelines. According to treatment of 2011 GOLD guidelines, there was inappropriate treatment in 52.3% in group A, 47.3% in group B, 56.3% in group C, and 17.8% in group D. According to treatment of 2017 GOLD guidelines, there was inappropriate treatment in 66.7% in group A, 45.3% in group B, 14.3% in group C, and 24.0% in group D. The common type of inappropriate COPD treatment is overtreatment, with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) containing regimens. In conclusions, adherence to the GOLD guideline by the pulmonologist in clinical practice is still low in Korea. Therefore, we need better strategies to both optimize the use of the guidelines and adhere to the guidelines as well.

Feasibility of re-biopsy and EGFR mutation analysis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Background

In cases of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) failure, re‐biopsy may be useful to understand resistance mechanisms and guide further treatment decisions. However, performing re‐biopsy is challenging because of several hurdles. We assessed the feasibility of re‐biopsy in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathologic data of advanced NSCLC patients who experienced disease progression after previous treatment with EGFR‐TKIs at a single tertiary hospital in Korea between January 2014 and December 2016. Re‐biopsy specimens included small biopsy, surgical tissue, or liquid‐based cytology. EGFR mutation was tested using peptide nucleic acid‐mediated clamping PCR.

Results

Of the 230 NSCLC patients that experienced progression after EGFR‐TKI therapy, 105 (45.7%) underwent re‐biopsy. Re‐biopsy was successfully performed in 94 (89.5%) patients, and 11 patients were diagnosed with no malignancy. The complication rate was 8.6%, including seven cases of pneumothorax. EGFR mutation testing was performed on 75 patients using re‐biopsy specimens. Of the 57 patients who had sensitizing mutations at diagnosis, T790M mutations were found in 19 (33.3%), while 38 (66.7%) had no T790M mutation. Multivariate analysis showed that the re‐biopsy group was younger (P = 0.002) and exhibited a previous response to EGFR‐TKIs (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Re‐biopsy in advanced NSCLC is feasible in real world clinical practice, particularly in younger patients and those who achieved a previous response to EGFR‐TKIs.

Bedaquiline and delamanid for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a multicentre cohort study in Korea

Relatively little is known about the efficacy and safety of the programmatic use of bedaquiline and delamanid in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment.

This study evaluated 61 patients with MDR-TB treated with bedaquiline (n=39), delamanid (n=11) or both, either sequentially (n=10) or in coadministration (n=1), for >1 month, combined with a World Health Organization-recommended regimen.

Of these, 49 (80.3%) were male and 12 (19.7%) were female. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age was 53 (38.5–61.0) years. 42 (68.9%) patients had fluoroquinolone-resistant MDR-TB and 16 (26.2%) had extensively drug-resistant TB. The median (IQR) duration of treatment with bedaquiline and/or delamanid was 168 (166.5–196.5) days, with 33 (54.1%) receiving linezolid for a median (IQR) of 673 (171–736) days. Of the 55 patients with positive sputum cultures at the start of bedaquiline and/or delamanid treatment, 39 (70.9%) achieved sputum culture conversion within a median of 119 days. Treatment was halted in four patients (6.6%) because of prolonged Fridericia's corrected QT interval.

Bedaquiline and delamanid were effective and safe for treating MDR-TB, with initial evidence of sequential administration of these two drugs as a viable treatment strategy for patients when an adequate treatment regimen cannot be constructed.

Comparison of the Analgesic Effect of an Ice Cube versus 4% Lidocaine Cream in Intradermal Antibiotic Skin Testing

Objective

This study was performed to compare the analgesic effect of an ice cube with that of 4% lidocaine cream (L.M.X.4®) for intradermal skin testing.

Methods

In this prospective randomised study, healthy adult volunteers were divided into ice cube and lidocaine analgesic pretreatment groups. Randomisation was performed using a randomisation table in blocks of four. Intradermal skin testing was performed after applying ice in the ice cube group and 5 mg of lidocaine cream in the lidocaine group. After the intradermal skin test, the pain intensity was investigated using the visual analog scale (VAS) on questionnaires. We calculated that a minimum of 24 subjects were required for statistical power of 80% at a significance level of 0.05 (two-sided). The groups' VAS scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results

The study population consisted of 35 volunteers: 17 in the ice cube group and 18 in the lidocaine group. There were no differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. The median VAS score was 20 (interquartile range: 0-35) in the ice cube group and 70 (interquartile range: 50-80) in the lidocaine group (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The results suggested the utility of an ice cube as analgesic pretreatment for intradermal skin testing in the emergency department.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on indeterminate results of the QuantiFERON TB Gold In-Tube test: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

The sensitivity of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection could be affected by conditions of immune dysregulation. For this reason, diabetes mellitus (DM) may increase the frequency of indeterminate results of IGRAs. However, there have been inconsistent reports of role of DM on indeterminate IGRA results.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube testing (QFT-GIT) at Chonnam National University Hospital. We collected the clinical and laboratory data of these patients.

RESULTS

Of all 3,391 subjects, 1,265 (37.3%) had a positive QFT-GIT result, 266 (7.8%) had an indeterminate result, and 1,860 (54.9%) had a negative result. The mean age was 54.8 ± 18.1 years and 55.0% of the patients were male. There were 512 (15.1%) patients with DM. Multivariable analysis revealed that systemic corticosteroid use, tuberculosis, lymphocytopenia, low serum albumin, and high serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly associated with indeterminate QFT-GIT results. However, DM was not associated with indeterminate QFT-GIT results (adjusted odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-1.41; P = 0.939). After propensity score matching, DM was not associated with indeterminate results of QFT-GIT.

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort study, DM does not affect the incidence of indeterminate results of QFT-GIT.

Review of Sarcoidosis in a Province of South Korea from 1996 to 2014

Background

Since the introduction of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)–guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal lymph nodes, the incidence of histopathologically-confirmed sarcoidosis has increased.

Methods

The electronic medical records of Chonnam National University (CNU) Hospital and CNU Hwasun Hospital (CNUHH) were searched for confirmed cases of sarcoidosis diagnosed between 1996 and 2014. Cases were selected using a combination of clinical, radiological, and pathological evidence. Of 115 cases with the relevant disease codes, 16 cases were excluded, as they had not been confirmed pathologically or had no definitive clinical features of sarcoidosis.

Results

Among 99 cases of confirmed sarcoidosis, only nine patients were diagnosed with sarcoidosis before 2008; the rest were diagnosed from 2008 onward, after the introduction of EBUS-TBNA. EBUS-TBNA was used in 75.8% of patients, open surgical biopsy in 13.2%, and mediastinoscopic biopsy in 5.1%. At the time of diagnosis, 42.4% of sarcoidosis cases were at stage I, 55.6% at stage II, and 2% at stage III. Spontaneous remission of sarcoidosis was observed in 33.3% of cases, and stable disease in 37.4%; systemic steroid treatment was initiated in 23.2% of cases. Of the patients treated with systemic steroids, 69.6% showed improvement. The median duration of steroid treatment was 5 months.

Conclusion

Following the introduction of EBUS-TBNA, the number of newly diagnosed sarcoidosis patients has increased. Clinical features of sarcoidosis were similar to those previously reported. Spontaneous remission occurred in about one-third of patients, while one-fourth of patients required systemic steroid treatment.

Clinical factors associated with weaning failure in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

For patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV), weaning is difficult and mortality is very high. PMV has been defined recently, by consensus, as constituting ≥21 consecutive days of mechanical ventilation (MV) for ≥6 hours per day. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical factors predicting weaning failure in patients undergoing PMV in medical intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 127 patients who received MV for more than 21 days in the medical ICU at Chonnam National University Hospital in South Korea between January 2005 and December 2014. Patients who underwent surgery or experienced trauma were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

Among the 127 patients requiring PMV, 41 (32.3%) were successfully weaned from MV. The median age of the weaning failure group was higher than that of the weaning success group (74.0 vs. 70.0 years; P=0.003). The proportion of male patients was 58.5% in the weaning success group and 72.1% in the weaning failure group, respectively. The most common reasons for ICU admission were respiratory causes (66.1%) followed by cardiovascular causes (16.5%) in both groups. ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality rates were 55.1% and 55.9%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, respiratory causes of ICU admission [odds ratio (OR), 3.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.29-12.30; P=0.016] and a high sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on day 21 of MV (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.17-1.85; P=0.001) were significantly associated with weaning failure in patients requiring PMV. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the SOFA score on day 21 of MV for predicting weaning failure was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67-0.87; P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory causes of ICU admission and a high SOFA score on day 21 of MV could be predictive of weaning failure in patients requiring PMV.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome and chemical burns after exposure to chlorine-containing bleach: a case report

Chlorine-containing bleach can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chemical burns. However, simultaneous occurrence of the two conditions caused by this agent is very rare. We describe the case of a 74-year-old female who presented with shortness of breath and hemoptysis following accidental exposure to chlorine-containing bleach. She had second- to third-degree chemical burns on both buttocks and thighs, and received mechanical ventilation because of the development of ARDS. Mechanical ventilation was discontinued on day 6 of hospitalization because of the rapid improvement of hypoxemia, and the patient was transferred to another hospital for further management of the chemical burns on day 18.

Metformin Facilitates Amyloid-β Generation by β- and γ-Secretases via Autophagy Activation

The evidence of strong pathological associations between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased in recent years. Contrary to suggestions that anti-diabetes drugs may have potential for treating AD, we demonstrate here that the insulin sensitizing anti-diabetes drug metformin (Glucophage®) increased the generation of amyloid-β (Aβ), one of the major pathological hallmarks of AD, by promoting β- and γ-secretase-mediated cleavage of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, we show that metformin caused autophagosome accumulation in Tg6799 AD model mice. Extremely high γ-secretase activity was also detected in autophagic vacuoles, apparently a novel site of Aβ peptide generation. Together, these data suggest that metformin-induced accumulation of autophagosomes resulted in increased γ-secretase activity and Aβ generation. Additional experiments indicated that metformin increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which activates autophagy by suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The suppression of mTOR then induces the abnormal accumulation of autophagosomes. We conclude that metformin, an anti-diabetes drug, may exacerbate AD pathogenesis by promoting amyloidogenic AβPP processing in autophagosomes.

Factors associated with rhinostomy shape after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors associated with rhinostomy shape after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and two cases in 70 patients were included in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

All cases were classified into three groups according to the healed appearance of the rhinostomy: flat, ladle and ice scoop type. The flat shape was characterised by an opening with a flat surrounding and no clear border between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. The ladle shape had a depressed base without markings of a lacrimal sac. The ice scoop shape had a depressed base with a clear border between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. Anatomic success was defined as patency with syringing and endoscopic evidence of ostial patency. Functional success was defined as visualisation of fluorescein dye at the ostium and relief from epiphora. Clinical information and intra- and postoperative endoscopic video findings were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

Of the 102 cases, 19 flat, 37 ladle and 46 ice scoop type rhinostomies were observed during the follow-up examinations. Among the variables studied, patient demographics and rhinostomy size and location did not differ between the three groups. However, intraoperative lacrimal sac findings (sac size, wall thickness and mobility), postoperative ostial shrinkage and rhinostomy movement were associated with postoperative rhinostomy shape (all P < 0.05). With regard to surgical outcomes, there were no differences in anatomical patency between the three groups. However, the flat group had a worse functional success rate (73.7%) than the ladle (91.9%) and ice scoop (97.8%) groups (P = 0.008). A higher degree of ostial shrinkage and poor rhinostomy movement was observed with the flat shape appearance, which had a small, thick and poorly mobile lacrimal sac.

CONCLUSIONS

Lacrimal sac characteristics play a prominent role in determining rhinostomy shape after endoscopic DCR. The rhinostomy shape, along with the degree of ostial shrinkage and rhinostomy movement, is predictive of functional success after endoscopic DCR.

Progastrin-releasing peptide as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker of small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Progastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP) is a recently identified biomarker of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We evaluated the usefulness of plasma proGRP level as a tumor marker for diagnosis and treatment monitoring in patients with SCLC.

METHODS

Plasma samples were collected prospectively from 452 [212 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 105 SCLC, and 135 other diseases] patients who visited the hospital for tissue diagnosis. Plasma proGRP levels were measured using a two-step automated immunoassay.

RESULTS

The median proGRP level was significantly higher in patients with SCLC (892.7 pg/mL) than those with NSCLC (32.6 pg/mL, P<0.001) and other diseases (26.6 pg/mL, P<0.001). At cutoff level of 63 pg/mL, proGRP shows 85.7% sensitivity, 90.2% specificity, 72.5% positive predictive value and 95.4% negative predictive value in patients with SCLC. The area under the curve values were 0.93 for distinguishing SCLC from NSCLC, and 0.943 for distinguishing SCLC from the other conditions. Median proGRP level was higher in extensive disease (1,055.2 pg/mL) than limited disease (253.8 pg/mL, P=0.005). Median OS was significantly shorter in patients with extensive disease (6.0±0.7 months) than limited disease (12.7±4.5 months, P<0.01). Among the 39 patients with SCLC who were followed, the median proGRP levels of the 23 responders decreased after chemotherapy (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma proGRP level could be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring biomarker for patients with SCLC and the initial level may help with SCLC tumor staging.

Microbiological Characteristics and Predictive Factors for Mortality in Pleural Infection: A Single-Center Cohort Study in Korea

Background

Identification and understanding of the pathogens responsible for pleural infection is critical for appropriate antibiotic treatment. This study sought to determine the microbiological characteristics of pleural infection and to identify potential predictive factors associated with mortality.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed patient data from 421 cases of parapneumonic effusion. A total of 184 microorganisms were isolated from 164 patients, using two culture systems: a standard method and a method using pairs of aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles.

Results

The most frequently isolated microorganisms were streptococci (31.5%), followed by staphylococci (23.4%), gram-negative bacteria (18.5%) and anaerobes (10.3%). Streptococci were the main microorganisms found in standard culture (41.9%) and community-acquired infections (52.2%), and were susceptible to all antimicrobial agents in drug sensitivity testing. Staphylococci were the most frequently isolated pathogens in blood cultures (30.8%) and hospital-acquired infections (38.3%), and were primarily multidrug-resistant (61.8%). In multivariate analysis, the following were significant predictive factors for 30-day mortality among the total population: CURB-65 ≥ 2 (aOR 5.549, 95% CI 2.296–13.407, p<0.001), structural lung disease (aOR 2.708, 95% CI 1.346–5.379, p = 0.004), PSI risk class IV-V (aOR 4.714, 95% CI 1.530–14.524, p = 0.007), no use of intrapleural fibrinolytics (aOR 3.062, 95% CI 1.102–8.511, p = 0.014), hospital-acquired infection (aOR 2.205, 95% CI 1.165–4.172, p = 0.015), age (aOR 0.964, 95% CI 0.935–0.994, p = 0.018), and SOFA score ≥2 (aOR 2.361, 95% CI 1.134–4.916, p = 0.022).

Conclusion

In this study, common pathogens causing pleural infection were comparable to previous studies, and consisted of streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes. CURB-65 ≥2, structural lung disease, PSI risk class IV-V, no use of intrapleural fibrinolytics, hospital-acquired infection, older age, and SOFA score ≥ 2 are potential predictors of mortality in pleural infection.

Different characteristics associated with intensive care unit transfer from the medical ward between patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with and without pneumonia

BACKGROUND

The rate of hospitalization due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is increasing. Few studies have examined the clinical, laboratory and treatment differences between patients in general wards and those who need transfer to an intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical, laboratory, and treatment characteristics of 374 patients who were initially admitted to the general ward at Chonnam National University Hospital in South Korea due to AECOPD (pneumonic, 194; non-pneumonic, 180) between January 2008 and March 2015. Of these patients, 325 were managed at the medical ward during their hospitalization period (ward group), and 49 required ICU transfer (ICU group). We compared the clinical, laboratory, and treatment characteristics associated with ICU transfer between patients with AECOPD with and without pneumonia.

RESULTS

Male patients were 86.5% in the ward group and 79.6% in the ICU group. High glucose levels [median 154.5 mg/dL, interquartile range (IQR) 126.8-218.3 in ICU group vs. median 133.0, IQR 109.8-160.3 in ward group], high pneumonia severity index scores (median 100.5, IQR 85.5-118.5 vs. median 86.0, IQR 75.0-103.5), low albumin levels (median 2.9 g/dL, IQR 2.6-3.6 vs. median 3.4, IQR 3.0-3.7), and anemia (73.3% vs. 43.3%) independently increased the risk of ICU transfer in the pneumonic AECOPD group. High PaCO2 levels (median 53.1 mmHg in ICU group, IQR 38.5-84.6 vs. median 39.7, IQR 34.2-48.6 in ward group) independently increased the risk of ICU transfer in the non-pneumonic AECOPD group. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids (≥30 mg of daily prednisolone) during hospitalization in the medical ward independently reduced the risk of ICU transfer in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics associated with ICU transfer differed between the pneumonic and non-pneumonic AECOPD groups, and systemic corticosteroids use was associated with lower rate of ICU transfer in both groups.

Endobronchial amyloidosis mimicking bronchial asthma: a case report and review of the literature

Among two tracheobronchial forms (local and diffuse) and two parenchymal forms (nodular and alveolar septal) that were reported in previous literature, localized endobronchial amyloidosis is an uncommon disease of unknown cause. Bronchial amyloid deposits can occur as focal nodules or multifocal infiltration of the submucosa. We report the case of a 47-year-old man who had complained of dyspnea and wheezing for 1 month and who had been treated for severe asthma at another hospital. Endobronchial amyloidosis was confirmed by histological examination of the bronchial biopsies.

Abstract P1-14-15: A randomized phase lll trial of neoadjuvant sequential chemotherapy with 4 cycles of adriamycin plus cyclophosphamide followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel (AC4-D4) versus shorter 3 cycles of FEC followed by 3 cycles of docetaxel (FEC3-D3) in node-positive breast cancer (Neo-Shorter): First report of efficacy & toxicity profile

Background: The addition of a taxane to anthracycline-based chemotherapy provided an improved outcome in neoadjuant setting. Two neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 4 cycles of AC followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel (AC4-D4) and 3 cycles of FEC followed by 3 cycles of docetaxel (FEC3-D3) are widely used. Short duration of chemotherapy, 6 cycles rather than 8 cycles might be an attractive approach.

Methods: This is a randomized, single-center, prospective, parallel group, comparative phase III trial (NCT02001506). Patients (pts) with breast cancer of clinically stage II or III, or sized  1.5 cm with histologically proven lymph-node involvement were included. Pts were stratified according to hormone receptor and HER2 expression status and randomized to AC4-D4 and 3 cycles of FEC3-D3 treatment. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response, defined as the absence of invasive disease in the breast and axillary lymph nodes, analyzed by intention to treat.

Results: At the time of submission, a total of 207 pts were enrolled; 1 pt failed screening; 25 pts dropped out (5 pts in AC4-D4 arm and 2 pts in FEC3-D3 arm discontinue treatment due to progressive disease); 39 pts are still receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 142 pts, who received surgery, were included for this analysis. In AC4-D4 arm, among 64 pts, 57 pts achieved clinical response (6 complete response [CR] and 51 partial response [PR]) and among them 9 pts achieved pathologic complete response [pCR]. In FEC3-D3 arm, among 78 pts, 66 pts achieved clinical response (7 CR and 59 PR) and among them 11 pts achieved pCR. Addition of docetaxel increased clinical response in both arms. The most common adverse event was febrile neutropenia. Without prophylactic G-CSF, grade ≥3 febrile neutropenia (FN) occurred 23/661 cycles (3.5%) in AC4-D4 arm and 23/552 cycles (4.2%) in FEC3-D3 arm, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities other than FN were reported at expected levels in both groups. Sixty-one severe adverse events were reported; 33 (including 23 FN) in AC4-D4 arm and 28 (including 23 FN) in FEC3-D3 arm.

Conclusion: Compared to AC4-D4, shorter duration of FEC3-D3 neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed similar efficacy of pCR rate of 14.0% (versus 14.1% in AC4-D4 arm). The most common and important adverse event was febrile neutropenia in both arms. Updated study findings will be provided.

Citation Format: Kim JE, Ahn J-H, Jung KH, Lee HJ, Gong G-Y, Lee E-M, Ha EJ, Son B-H, Ahn S-H, Ahn SD, Kim H-H, Shin HJ, Kim S-B. A randomized phase lll trial of neoadjuvant sequential chemotherapy with 4 cycles of adriamycin plus cyclophosphamide followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel (AC4-D4) versus shorter 3 cycles of FEC followed by 3 cycles of docetaxel (FEC3-D3) in node-positive breast cancer (Neo-Shorter): First report of efficacy & toxicity profile. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-14-15.

Predictors of Default from Treatment for Tuberculosis: a Single Center Case-Control Study in Korea

Default from tuberculosis (TB) treatment could exacerbate the disease and result in the emergence of drug resistance. This study identified the risk factors for default from TB treatment in Korea. This single-center case-control study analyzed 46 default cases and 100 controls. Default was defined as interrupting treatment for 2 or more consecutive months. The reasons for default were mainly incorrect perception or information about TB (41.3%) and experience of adverse events due to TB drugs (41.3%). In univariate analysis, low income (< 2,000 US dollars/month, 88.1% vs. 68.4%, P = 0.015), absence of TB stigma (4.3% vs. 61.3%, P < 0.001), treatment by a non-pulmonologist (74.1% vs. 25.9%, P < 0.001), history of previous treatment (37.0% vs. 19.0%, P = 0.019), former defaulter (15.2% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.005), and combined extrapulmonary TB (54.3% vs. 34.0%, P = 0.020) were significant risk factors for default. In multivariate analysis, the absence of TB stigma (adjusted odd ratio [aOR]: 46.299, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.078-265.365, P < 0.001), treatment by a non-pulmonologist (aOR: 14.567, 95% CI: 3.260-65.089, P < 0.001), former defaulters (aOR: 33.226, 95% CI: 2.658-415.309, P = 0.007), and low income (aOR: 5.246, 95% CI: 1.249-22.029, P = 0.024) were independent predictors of default from TB treatment. In conclusion, patients with absence of disease stigma, treated by a non-pulmonologist, who were former defaulters, and with low income should be carefully monitored during TB treatment in Korea to avoid treatment default.

Efficacy of Pre- and Postoperative Chemotherapy in Patients with Osteosarcoma of the Extremities

PURPOSE

We evaluated the treatment efficacy including survival and recurrence, and factors associated with recurrence in osteosarcoma patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty nine patients with osteosarcoma were treated with preoperative chemotherapy with intra-arterial cisplatin and adriamycin infusion for 3 cycles, followed by surgery. According to the pathologic response, if tumor was necrotized more than 90%, the same adjuvant chemotherapy was reintroduced for 3 cycles, and if the response was not enough, then the salvage regimen was introduced. Plain chest film and chest CT scan were taken monthly and every 3 months, respectively. When tumor recurred, the metastasectomy was performed whenever possible.

RESULTS

Forty three patients were evaluable with amedian follow up of 53 months. Five-year disease-free and overallsurvival rate was 47.0% and 66.9%, respectively. The recurrence was observed in 22 patients (51.2%) with median time of 12.5 months. Baseline alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was the only significant factor for recurrence (p=0.03) and the patients with the possibility of metastasectomy recurrence showed higher post-relapse survival compared to other treatment modalities (26 momths vs 5~12 months).

CONCLUSION

These results indicates that pre- and postoperative chemotherapy with intra-arterial cisplatin and adriamycin infusion showed comparable treatment efficacy and acceptable toxicities.

The effect of tranexamic acid on blood coagulation in total hip replacement arthroplasty: rotational thromboelastographic (ROTEM®) analysis

We evaluated changes in rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM(®) ) parameters and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing total hip replacement arthroplasty, with concomitant infusions of tranexamic acid and of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4. Fifty-five patients were randomly assigned to either the tranexamic acid (n = 29) or the control (n = 26) group. Hydroxyethyl starch was administered in the range of 10-15 ml.kg(-1) during the operation in both groups. In the control group, the clot formation time and maximum clot firmness of APTEM showed significant differences when compared with those of EXTEM at one hour postoperatively, suggestive of fibrinolysis. In the tranexamic acid group, there was no significant difference between each postoperative EXTEM and APTEM parameter. In the tranexamic acid and control group, postoperative blood loss was 308 ml (210-420 [106-745]) and 488 ml (375-620 [170-910], p = 0.002), respectively, and total blood loss was 1168 ml (922-1470 [663-2107]) and 1563 ml (1276-1708 [887-1494], p = 0.003). Haemoglobin concentration was higher in the tranexamic acid group on the second postoperative day (10.5 (9.4-12.1 [7.9-14.0]) vs. 9.6 (8.9-10.5[7.3-16.0]) g.dl(-1) , p = 0.027). In patients undergoing total hip replacement arthroplasty, postoperative fibrinolysis aggravated by hydroxyethyl starch was attenuated by co-administration of 10 mg.kg(-1) tranexamic acid, which may have led to less postoperative blood loss.

Clinically beneficial continued treatment with gefitinib after asymptomatic progression of lung adenocarcinoma

We report a case showing the long-term clinical benefit of the continued use of gefitinib in a patient with asymptomatic progression of lung adenocarcinoma harboring an exon 19 deletion of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. Although follow-up studies showed smoldering progression of metastatic lesions, continued treatment with gefitinib controlled pulmonary adenocarcinoma for more than six years.

Treatment of Drug Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, and the incidence of TB cases has not significantly decreased over the past decade in Korea. The standard short course regimen is highly effective against TB, but requires multiple TB-specific drugs and a long treatment duration. Recent studies using late-generation fluoroquinolones and/or high-dose rifapentine-containing regimens to shorten the duration of TB treatment showed negative results. Extending the treatment duration may be considered in patients with cavitation on the initial chest radiograph and positivity in sputum culture at 2 months of treatment for preventing TB relapse. Current evidence does not support the use of fixed-dose combinations compared to separate drugs for the purpose of improving treatment outcomes. All patients receiving TB treatment should be monitored regularly for response to therapy, facilitation of treatment completion, and management of adverse drug reactions. Mild adverse effects can be managed with symptomatic therapy and changing the timing of the drug administration, but severe adverse effects require a discontinuation of the offending drugs.