COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Decreased Imaging Utilization: A Single Institutional Experience

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Predictive models and anecdotal articles suggest radiology practices were losing 50%-70% of their normal imaging volume during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using actual institutional data, we investigated the change in imaging utilization and revenue during this public health crisis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Imaging performed within the 8-week span between March 8 and April 30, 2020 was categorized into the COVID-19 healthcare crisis timeframe. The first week of this date range and the 10 weeks prior were used to derive the normal practice expected volume. A rolling 7-day total value was used for volume tracking and comparison. Total imaging utilization was derived and organized by patient setting (outpatient, inpatient, emergency) and imaging modality (X-ray, CT, Mammography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine/PET, US). The three highest volume hospitals were analyzed. Revenue information was collected from the hospital billing system.

RESULTS

System-wide imaging volume decreased by 55% between April 7 and 13, 2020. Outpatient exams decreased by 68% relative to normal practice. Emergency exams decreased by 48% and inpatient exams declined by 31%. Mammograms and nuclear medicine scans were the most affected modalities, decreasing by 93% and 61%, respectively. The main campus hospital experienced less relative imaging volume loss compared to the other smaller and outpatient-driven hospitals. At its lowest point, the technical component revenue from main campus imaging services demonstrated a 49% negative variance from normal practice.

CONCLUSION

The trends and magnitude of the actual imaging utilization data presented will help inform evidence-based decisions for more accurate volume predictions, policy changes, and institutional preparedness for current and future pandemics.

Utilization of imaging in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients status post Whipple procedure

e16725

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) remains the third leading cause of cancer death in the Western world. The 5-year survival of patients with PAC remains at 4%. Proper utilization of imaging to detect recurrence is necessary in patients who have undergone a Whipple procedure. Currently, Carbohydrate (CA) 19-9 is used for screening and is the only biomarker approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sensitivity and specificity range from 79-81% and 82-90%. We intend to evaluate our single institute experience of imaging utilization, CA 19-9, and surgical specimen histopathologic features in the surveillance of PAC patients status post Whipple. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with a diagnosis of PAC who underwent imaging status post Whipple from 2008 - 2018 was completed. Cross-sectional imaging and clinical data was obtained from the electronic health record. Results: A total of 197 PAC patients status post Whipple were identified with mean age at diagnosis at 64.4 years and male to female ratio of 1.3. 85 patients were found to have died during treatment. The median survival for these patients was 68 years. Of the patients who died status post Whipple, postoperative CA 19-9 levels within 6 months of the procedure were elevated (p = 0.01). Patients who were found to have stage II to IV PAC at diagnosis were found to have a high CA 19-9 level within 6 months post-Whipple when compared to stage I patients (p < 0.05). Patients who were found to have less than 5 surveillance CTs status post Whipple were found to have higher CA 19-9 levels within 6 months status post Whipple (p < 0.01). There was no difference in number of CT scans between stages. Of those patients who died with stage I or II PAC at diagnosis, a large number were found to have less than 5 surveillance CT studies completed status post Whipple (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a higher cancer stage at diagnosis correlated with worse pathologic differentiation of the cancer (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Post Whipple CA 19-9 correlated with stage, recurrence, number of scans, and survival.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for Brain Metastases in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Primer for Radiologists

Treatment options for patients who develop brain metastases secondary to non-small-cell lung cancer have rapidly expanded in recent years. As a key adjunct to surgical and radiation therapy options, systemic therapies are now a critical component of the oncologic management of metastatic CNS disease in many patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The aim of this review article was to provide a guide for radiologists, outlining the role of systemic therapies in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer, with a focus on tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The critical role of the blood-brain barrier in the development of systemic therapies will be described. The final sections of this review will provide an overview of current imaging-based guidelines for therapy response. The utility of the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria will be discussed, with a focus on how to use the response criteria in the assessment of patients treated with systemic and traditional therapies.

Update on Hodgkin lymphoma from a radiologist's perspective

Recent advances in the management of Hodgkin lymphoma, due to new staging and response assessment systems as well as new therapies, have redefined the role of imaging for this disease. The purpose of this article is to provide radiologists with an update on the current role of imaging in Hodgkin lymphoma from diagnosis to assessment of treatment response, in view of the new staging and response assessment system and current treatment strategies.

Overview of imaging findings associated with systemic therapies in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

To provide an overview for radiologists of the systemic agents used in the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and their associated toxicities.

RESULTS

EOC is a common gynecological malignancy, with the majority of patients presenting with advanced stage disease at the time of diagnosis. Although primary cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy are the principal treatments for EOC, recurrence rates of disease remain high. As several molecular targeted therapies have been developed in the last decade, various novel agents have shown efficacy in the treatment of advanced EOC. Advanced EOC will be discussed by outlining the relevant radiological features of toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the systemic therapies utilized in the treatment of advanced EOC and their associated radiological features is critical in diagnostic image interpretation.

E-cigarette use related lung disease, review of clinical and imaging findings in 3 cases

Electronic-cigarette use (vaping), has gained popularity among the young adult population, causing an alarming rise in electronic-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). The specific chemical agent(s) responsible for lung injuries remains to be further investigated, but tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana, and vitamin E acetate are involved in most cases. A variety of pulmonary diseases causing different imaging findings have been described with EVALI. The clinical and imaging findings of three cases recently seen in our emergency department are reviewed.

Cancer genome landscape: a radiologist's guide to cancer genome medicine with imaging correlates

The introduction of high throughput sequence analysis in the past decade and the decrease in sequencing costs has made available an enormous amount of genomic data. These data have shaped the landscape of cancer genome, which encompasses mutations determining tumorigenesis, the signaling pathways involved in cancer growth, the tumor heterogeneity, and its role in development of metastases. Tumors develop acquiring a series of driver mutations over time. Of the many mutated genes present in cancer, only few specific mutations are responsible for invasiveness and metastatic potential, which, in many cases, have characteristic imaging appearance. Ten signaling pathways, each with targetable components, have been identified as responsible for cancer growth. Blockage of any of these pathways form the basis for molecular targeted therapies, which are associated with specific pattern of response and toxicities. Tumor heterogeneity, responsible for the different mutation pattern of metastases and primary tumor, has been classified in intratumoral, intermetastatic, intrametastatic, and interpatient heterogeneity, each with specific imaging correlates. The purpose of this article is to introduce the key components of the landscapes of cancer genome and their imaging counterparts, describing the types of mutations associated with tumorigenesis, the pathways of cancer growth, the genetic heterogeneity involved in metastatic disease, as well as the current challenges and opportunities for cancer genomics research.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy-related Pneumonitis: Patterns and Management

In recent years, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has rapidly grown, with increasing U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals of a variety of agents used as first- and second-line treatments of various malignancies. ICIs act through a unique mechanism of action when compared with those of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. ICIs target the cell surface receptors cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, programmed cell death protein 1, or programmed cell death ligand 1, which result in immune system-mediated destruction of tumor cells. Immune-related adverse events are an increasingly recognized set of complications of ICI therapy that may affect any organ system. ICI therapy-related pneumonitis is an uncommon but important complication of ICI therapy, with potential for significant morbidity and mortality. As the clinical manifestation is often nonspecific, CT plays an important role in diagnosis and triage. Several distinct radiographic patterns of pneumonitis have been observed: (a) organizing pneumonia, (b) nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, (c) hypersensitivity pneumonitis, (d) acute interstitial pneumonia-acute respiratory distress syndrome, (e) bronchiolitis, and (f) radiation recall pneumonitis. Published guidelines outline the treatment of ICI therapy-related pneumonitis based on the severity of symptoms. Treatment is often effective, although recurrence is possible. This article reviews the mechanism of ICIs and ICI therapy complications, with subsequent management techniques and illustrations of the various radiologic patterns of ICI-therapy related pneumonitis.^©RSNA, 2019.

Imaging surveillance of gastrointestinal stromal tumour: current recommendation by National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Society of Medical Oncology-European Reference Network for rare adult solid cancers

Imaging plays an active role in the surveillance of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Risk stratification schemes, based on size, mitotic count, and anatomical site of origin of the GIST, help in planning preoperative and postoperative imaging strategies especially in determining the frequency and duration of surveillance; however, there is no clear consensus on the optimal imaging strategies in patients with GISTs who are completely cured by surgery and patients who are at risk of recurrence. In addition, current surveillance protocols depend on the resectability of the primary tumour and presence of metastatic disease. The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the role of the different imaging methods for surveillance of GISTs, focusing on the guidelines recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Society of Medical Oncology - European Network for Rare adult solid Cancers, and to propose practical guidelines for surveillance of GISTs for various risk categories.

An update on Burkitt lymphoma: a review of pathogenesis and multimodality imaging assessment of disease presentation, treatment response, and recurrence

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive, rapidly growing B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which manifests in several subtypes including sporadic, endemic, and immunodeficiency-associated forms. Pathologically, BL is classically characterized by translocations of chromosomes 8 and 14 resulting in upregulation of the c-myc protein transcription factor with upregulation of cell proliferation. BL affects nearly every organ system, most commonly the abdomen and pelvis in the sporadic form. Imaging using a multimodality approach plays a crucial role in the management of BL from diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of treatment response to therapy-related complications with ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography playing roles. In this article, we review the pathobiology and classification of BL, illustrate a multimodality imaging approach in evaluating common and uncommon sites of involvement within the trunk and head and neck, and review common therapies and treatment-related complications.

Multidisciplinary approach to immune related adverse events as a potential biomarker: Single institution experience in non-small cell lung cancer

e14124

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has emerged as a novel systemic treatment for advanced cancers. As ICI modulates immune signaling pathways by targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death-1 (PD-1) or its ligands (PD-L1), a number of immune related adverse events (IRAE) have been reported. Whether IRAE can be a predictor for treatment response has remained controversial and we evaluated the association between IRAE and outcome. Methods: Retrospective chart and Computed Tomography (CT) review of patients with stage IV NSCLC treated with single agent Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab was performed. Any abnormalities in lab values, imaging finding or clinical signs to suggest pneumonitis, thyroiditis, hepatitis, nephritis, pancreatitis, colitis, pleural/pericardial effusion, arthritis or myositis between the start of the therapy and six months after the end of the therapy were recorded in a binary fashion. Abnormality in the setting of baseline abnormal values or due to clear cause other than IRAE has been excluded. Overall survival as well as best response based on RECIST 1.1 was also recorded. Results: 88 patients treated between January 2012 and March 2017 were identified. 62 patients, 42 patients and 50 patients demonstrated abnormalities in lab values, CT and clinical signs, respectively. When each subcategory was correlated with OS using ANOVA, thyroid function test abnormality (n = 15) and liver function test abnormality (n = 36) were associated with increased OS (p = 0.021, p = 0.038, respectively). Interestingly, elevated C-reactive protein was associated with decreased OS (p = 0.01). Initially, each score was given depending upon the number of abnormal categories (lab, imaging or clinical signs), ranging from score 0 (n = 7), 1 (n = 19), 2 (n = 33) and 3 (n = 17). Increased score was associated with increased OS (p = 0.03). For more detailed analysis, we came up with scoring system which sums up each score given for any abnormality in each subcategory. On Multivariate analysis, there was significant positive correlation between higher score and increased OS (p = 0.001). Conclusions: We have identified several IRAE parameters that were associated with increased OS. Furthermore, scoring system used in the study which encompassed clinical, radiologic and laboratory aspect, showed positive association with increased OS, indicating IRAE’s potential role as a biomarker.

Sonographic and histopathologic characteristics of MMR-deficient endometrial cancer

e17111

Background: Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency has emerged as a key biomarker in endometrial cancer with roles in prognosis and guiding therapy. However, the differences of sonographic features between MMR-deficient and MMR-proficient endometrial cancers at initial presentation have not been established. Methods: Transvaginal ultrasound studies of 103 endometrial cancers (60 MMR-deficient, 43 MMR-proficient) at initial presentation were retrospectively analyzed by two experienced radiologists. Histopathologic findings and sonographic features of endometrial morphology recorded according to IETA terminology were compared using Likelihood Ratio Chi-Square and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: The MMR-deficient group comprised of 90% and the MMR-proficient group of 100% endometrioid subtypes. The following sonographic features were statistically different between MMR-deficient (age 45-95) and MMR-proficient (age 45-83) groups: uniform endometrial echogenicity/pattern, non-uniform endometrial echogenicity/pattern, endometrial midline morphology, presence of a bright edge, and endomyometrial junction morphology. Ultrasound findings of endometrial thickness, synechiae, intracavitary fluid, color Doppler score, and vascular pattern were not significantly different. Statistically significant differences in pathology features included FIGO grade, myometrial invasion, and lymphovascular invasion, while FIGO stage showed no difference. Conclusions: MMR-deficient endometrial cancer is characterized by several statistically different ultrasound and histopathologic features on initial presentation compared to MMR-proficient endometrial cancer.[Table: see text]

Role of ultrasound contrast agent in a tertiary cancer center: Experience in 75 patients with liver biopsy

e14671

Background: The sensitivity of B-mode ultrasound (US) in detecting hepatic lesions has been reported to be between 55-85%. A recently FDA approved US contrast agent has been shown to increase the detectability of liver lesions; yet, there is paucity of knowledge regarding its application in US guided biopsies. The aim of this study was to determine accuracy and applicability of contrast enhanced US (CEUS) guided biopsies of liver lesions in cancer patients. Methods: A prospective registry of 75 patients (M = 54%, F = 46%, Age: 63y±14), that underwent CEUS guided liver biopsy in 2017-2018, were retrospectively reviewed. The decision to apply US contrast was made based on pre-procedural and intra-procedural clinical findings. Lesions with negative biopsy results were reviewed in follow up imaging to determine any evidence of potential positive malignancy. Results: History of renal failure that precluded application of iodinated IV contrast was the main pre-procedural indication (17%). Intra-procedural indications included: poor visualization of lesions in B-mode US (78%), targeting enhancing part of lesions (necrotic, post ablation or cystic) (16%), and lesion selection (6%). Diameter of the lesions were ≤ 20mm in 46% of patients. Biopsy results were positive in 50 patients, and included 32% primary liver tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma) and 68% metastasis (pancreas: 24%, breast: 12%, GI tract: 10%, lung: 8% and other: 14%). Of the 25 patients with negative biopsy results, 6 did not have follow up imaging and 3 were later found to have positive malignancy (Negative predictive value: 84%, accuracy: 96%). Genomic sequencing was established in 34% of the patients. Based on the biopsy/genomics results, patients underwent systemic treatment (56%), locoregional treatment (16%), combination (6%) or surgery (2%). 10% of patients selected hospice care and 10% lost follow up. Conclusions: CEUS increases the accuracy of US guided biopsies of focal liver lesions, by improving visualization, targeting viable parts and also in patients with renal failure, or small lesions. Findings from these biopsies could improve management of cancer patients by categorizing them into different treatment groups.

Incidence and characteristics of emergency department presentations during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

e14164

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a novel class of anticancer agents with unique response and toxicity profiles. Oncology patients undergoing ICI therapy can present acutely with cancer- or treatment-related complications, but knowledge of these acute clinical presentations is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the features of emergency department (ED) presentations of patients undergoing ICI therapy. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 1044 adult oncology patients at a single institution from 2010-2018 who underwent treatment with one or more ICI. The number of patient visits to the ED during and up to one month following ICI treatment was recorded, in addition to various clinical and demographic data. These data were compared based on stratification by number of ED visits (0 visits, 1 visit, or ≥2 visits) using Likelihood Ratio Chi-Square and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: Mean age for the 1044 patients receiving ICI therapy was 64±13 years, with 57% males and 43% females. Primary cancer distribution included 42.0% lung, 24.2% melanoma, 6.9% head & neck, 5.1% kidney, 4.0% bladder, and 17.8% other malignancy. 83.4% of patients were treated with a single ICI, 14.9% with 2 ICIs, and 1.2% with 3-4 ICIs. 56.0% of patients had no ED visits during their treatment duration, 27.0% had 1 ED visit, and 17.0% had ≥2 ED visits. Patients with lung, kidney, and bladder cancer were more likely to present to the ED (p = < 0.001). Black ethnicity was the only demographic feature associated with more ED visits (p = 0.017). Patients receiving ≥2 ICIs or monotherapy with nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab more frequently presented to the ED compared to other ICIs (p = < 0.001). Patients with 1 or ≥2 ED visits had longer durations of ICI therapy (136±12 days and 216±15 days, respectively) compared to patients with no ED visits (127±8 days) (p = < 0.001). Patients with no ED visits also demonstrated better overall survival (p = < 0.001). Conclusions: More frequent ED visits during ICI therapy is statistically associated with several key clinical factors, including primary cancer type, ethnicity, specific ICI agent, ICI therapy duration, and overall survival.

Erlotinib monotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma: A single center experience with 187 patients from 2005-2018

e20718

Background: Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) bearing somatic mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain is an important molecular target in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). As such, first generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as erlotinib have been adopted as standard of care in the treatment of EGFR mutation positive advanced NSCLC. Herein we describe our experience with erlotinib monotherapy since its approval for clinical use in the United States in late 2004. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 187 patients with a diagnosis of NSCLC who underwent erlotinib monotherapy from 2005-2018 was performed. Clinical variables including patient age, disease stage, EGFR genomic status, adverse events and survival were analyzed. Likelihood Ratio Chi-Square test was applied and statistical significance was set to p < 0.05. Results: Among all patients who received erlotinib monotherapy (n = 187), treatment duration longer than 3 months was associated with EGFR mutant status (p < 0.001), increased rates of repeat lung biopsies (p < 0.002) as well as pulmonary (p = 0.008), gastrointestinal (p = 0.005) and cutaneous adverse events (p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis based on EGFR genomic status (n = 71) revealed that EGFR mutation positive patients remained on erlotinib for at least three months at a higher rate than wildtypes (p < 0.001), but also sustained higher rates of lung re-biopsy (p = 0.0121) and concomitant gastrointestinal (diarrhea) and cutaneous (acneiform, maculopapular rashes) adverse events (grades 1-3) (p = 0.003). EGFR mutant status was associated with increased rates of survival of 12 months or greater since the initiation of erlotinib (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Erlotinib monotherapy duration greater than 3 months and EGFR mutant status are associated with significantly higher rates of repeat lung biopsies and gastrointestinal and cutaneous adverse events. EGFR mutant status is further associated with survival of greater than 1 year.

Cross-sectional imaging utilization for EGFR, EML/ALK, and KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer

e20663

Background: Targeted therapies for specific genotypic subsets of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have had drastic effects on overall survival at all stages. However, the NCCN guidelines have remained relatively static with respect to initial evaluation, staging, response, and imaging surveillance. In this study we evaluated 3 cohorts of patients, two with a specific targetable mutation (EGFR and EML/ALK) and one without a targetable mutation available (KRAS), for cross-sectional imaging utilization in the initial presentation and surveillance of disease. Methods: Retrospective analysis of imaging studies for patients with NSCLC who received treatment and follow-up between 2007 and 2018 was completed. CT, MRI, and PET imaging data were collected from the picture archiving system. Additional clinical data collected included age, race, smoking history, and dates of diagnosis and death. Results: 153 NSCLC patients were identified with positive EGFR (n = 65), EML/ALK (n = 15), or KRAS (n = 73) mutations. Patients averaged an age of 64 at diagnosis, with a distribution of 38% male, 62% female, 29% current smokers, 48% former smokers, and 23% never smokers. Mean duration between date of diagnosis and death for each group was 1099 ± 770 days (EGFR), 1139 ± 924 days (EML/ALK), and 542 ± 602 days (KRAS). Compared to the KRAS group, the EML/ALK group had higher utilization of chest CTs (p = 0.044), pulmonary embolus CTs (p = < 0.001), abdominopelvic CTs (p = 0.004), and PET CTs (p = 0.006). The EGFR group had significantly fewer pulmonary embolus CTs (p = < 0.001) and higher numbers of non-brain MRIs (p = 0.004) compared to the KRAS group, as well as fewer abdominopelvic CTs (p = 0.034) compared to the EML/ALK group. Conclusions: Different genotypes of NSCLC with available targetable mutations show statistically significant differences in cross-sectional imaging utilization compared to those without targetable mutations. [Table: see text]

Appendicular skeleton MRI in multiple myeloma: Utility and clinical implications

e19527

Background: Skeletal MRI plays an integral role in diagnosing Multiple Myeloma and, in many cases, dictates need for treatment. While axial skeleton MRI is performed with established clinical utility, appendicular MRI is performed sparingly with utility not fully ascertained. We aim to assess the utility of appendicular MRI while establishing clinical factors which may predict outcomes. Methods: 107 appendicular skeleton MRIs were included for retrospective analysis over 15 years. No statistically significant age or gender related variability was noted. Variables including patient age, diagnosis, disease stage/activity, indication, transplant status, MRI result, treatment course, and survival were analyzed via Likelihood Ratio Chi-Square test or logistic regression. Results: Patient age, disease stage, presence of active marrow disease, history of relapse, and presence of axial or appendicular osseous disease were found to have a statistically significant correlation with MRI result. Disease stage and presence of active hematologic disease correlated with post MRI management alterations. Additionally, presence of active hematologic disease at time of MRI demonstrated a correlation with post MRI management strategy. Furthermore, MRI result was a predictor of downstream development of additional skeletal lesions. Interestingly, MRI result was not a predictor of survival. Conclusions: Several parameters may be used to determine a clinical pre-test probability of appendicular disease at the time of MRI. In addition, these clinical parameters and MRI results correlate with trends in subsequent patient treatment strategies. [Table: see text]

Major lab abnormalities as biomarkers in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A single institution study of 1044 patients

e14108

Background: Over the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have gained increased importance in modern cancer treatment. In this study we investigate the relationship between major lab abnormalities and ICI treatment duration. Methods: 1044 patients receiving ICIs between 2010-2018 were included in this retrospective study. The following parameters were analyzed: gender, age, race, cancer type, lab abnormalities for kidneys, pancreas, liver and thyroid, and treatment duration. Lab abnormalities were grouped and used in a scoring-system (0: no lab abnormalities, 1: one abnormal parameter, and 2: two or more abnormal parameters). For statistical analysis, Likelihood Ratio Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied. Results: The patient cohort included 386 female and 473 male patients with a mean age of 67.8±12.5 years. Primary cancer distribution included lung cancer (n = 439), melanoma (n = 253), head and neck cancer (n = 72), renal cancer (n = 53), lymphoma (n = 33), bladder cancer (n = 42), breast cancer (n = 28), and other malignancies (n = 124). Patients received one (n = 875) or a combination (n = 169) of ICIs for a mean of 152.2±215.8 days, with highest counts for nivolumab (n = 465), pembrolizumab (n = 275), ipilimumab (n = 95), and nivolumab & ipilimumab (n = 130) and others (n = 79). Patients with higher values in the scoring-system or more lab abnormalities had significantly longer treatment duration (Score 0: 107±170, 1: 159±199, 2: 244±282 days, p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients treated with ICI combination therapy demonstrated higher scores (1.1±0.8 vs. 0.5±0.7, p < 0.001) and longer treatment durations (236±304 vs. 127±175 days, p < 0.001). Patients with scores of ≥1 in the scoring system had improved overall survival (451±475 vs. 369±526 days, p < 0.001), and patients treated with two or more ICIs lived longer (563±524 vs. 377±496 days, p = 0.003). Therapy duration was also positively correlated with survival (Spearman’s rho correlation r = 0.64, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our current exploratory study demonstrates associations between major lab abnormalities and both treatment duration and overall survival in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Association between age, risk of severe (Grade 3-4) immune-related adverse events (sirAE), and mortality in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)

6597

Background: ICI are used in the treatment of advanced malignancies with on-target adverse events of non-tumor inflammation. Many studies have shown conflicting safety results with regard to older vs younger adults where 65 - 70 years of age has been used as the discrete cut-off variable. We sought to investigate the incidence and the association between age and sirAE using age as a continuous variable at a large tertiary cancer center. Methods: Under IRB approval, our ICI outcomes database was queried for those who were hospitalized and received an immunosuppressant. Charts were individually reviewed to identify hospital admissions due to a sirAE (a grade 3 or 4 AE per CTCAE v4.0) and all-cause mortality at 12 months post ICI start. Non-linear analyses using Cox regression models with penalized smoothed splines were performed to explore association between age and sirAE. Results: There were 6.3% of 1043 patients who had a sirAE, and a total of 83 sirAE events. Mean age was 64± 13 years.ICI included anti-PD-1 (77.8%), anti-CTLA-4 (18.1%), and anti PD-L1 (4.1%). Pts with sirAE had a thirty day, and one year mortality of 12% and 49%, respectively. These events included: colitis (30.1%), pneumonitis (16.9%), hepatitis (10.8%), hypophysitis (6%), and thyroiditis (6%). There were 5 neurologic and 4 myocarditis/myositis sirAEs. The 1-year cumulative incidences of sirAE and all-cause mortality were 8.4%, and 48%, respectively. Spline analysis showed a U-shaped association between age and hazard of sirAE (P = 0.03). Every 10 years above age 60 was associated with increased sirAE (HR 1.65 [1.14-2.40], P = 0.008), while every 10 years below 60 was associated with increased sirAE (HR 1.50 [0.99-2.27], P = 0.054). However, age and mortality showed a linear association (P = 0.003). Conclusions: We observed a curvilinear U-shaped association between age and the risk of sirAE, with minimum risk at age of 60, compared with a linear relationship between age and mortality. Further studies are needed to understand this relationship and its impact on outcomes, clinical care, and underlying host immune context.

Radiologic imaging utilization of small cell lung cancer staging and treatment

e20079

Background: Over the past several decades, first line therapy recommendations for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have remained relatively unchanged. Additionally, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines regarding initial evaluation, staging, response assessment, and surveillance of SCLC have also remained relatively static. To evaluate radiologic imaging utilization for SCLC, we reviewed patients imaging data and assessed their association with staging, metastatic sites at presentation, overall survival, and other clinical factors. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with a diagnosis of SCLC that received treatment and follow up from 2003 through 2018 was completed. Cross-sectional radiology imaging data including computed tomography of the chest abdomen and pelvis (CT CAP), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron-emission tomography (PET) was obtained from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and clinical data including age, sex, race, smoking history, extensive/limited stage, and metastatic sites at presentation was obtained from the electronic medical record. Results: The average age at diagnosis for all SCLC patients (n = 518) from 2003 to 2018 was 66 with a male to female ratio of 0.89. The mean overall survival of all SCLC patients was 410.2 days with extensive (n = 371) stage = 312.5 days and limited (n = 147) stage = 718.8 days. We found a significantly increased number of patients less than age 66 presented with brain metastasis compared to those greater than age 66 ( P< 0.01). The absolute total number of CT CAP and PET studies was significantly increased in limited stage patients compared to extensive stage ( P< 0.001). However, when accounting for mean overall survival, extensive stage patients received a significantly increased number of CT Brain ( P< 0.05), PET ( P< 0.01), CT CAP, and MRI Brain ( P< 0.001) studies compared to limited stage per year. Conclusions: Overall radiology imaging utilization is significantly different between limited and extensive stage SCLC patients over the past 15 years.

Comparison of panendoscopy directed biopsies with percutaneous and image-guided biopsies during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

e14084

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of a several cancers. Response to ICI therapy is varied. The goal of this study was to examine the role of pan-endoscopy guided biopsies as well as image-guided and percutaneous biopsies as a means to tailor treatment regimens for patients receiving ICI therapy. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on oncology patients at a single institution from 2010 from 2018 undergoing treatment with ICI (n = 1044). Patients undergoing biopsies within the treatment period and up to one month following conclusion of treatment were analyzed and separated into a pan-endoscopy guided biopsy cohort or image-guided/percutaneous biopsy cohort. Data regarding biopsy results and subsequent treatment plans was then gathered and compared. Results: 5.3% of patients underwent pan-endoscopy guided biopsy (n = 55). 6.0% of patients underwent image-guided/percutaneous biopsy (n = 63). The most common endoscopic procedures included EGD 42.6%, bronchoscopy 38.9%, and flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy 20.4%. The most common image/percutaneously sampled tissues included skin/soft tissue 24.6%, lymph nodes 19.7%, and liver 16.4%. Breakdown of treatment complications in the pan-endoscopy group included pneumonitis 3.2%, inflammatory or infectious esophagitis 6.4%, or colitis 4.3%. Treatment complications in the image guided/percutaneous group included skin reactions 2.2% and inflammatory mediastinal changes 1.1%. Conclusions: In our cohort, Pan endoscopy and image guided/percutaneous biopsies were successfully performed along multiple cancer cell lines and helped in the decision making process.[Table: see text]

Overview of systemic treatment in recurrent and advanced cervical cancer: a primer for radiologists

Imaging has a central role in surveillance of cervical cancer, guiding decision on when to initiate treatment for recurrent disease and to guide management in advanced cervical cancer. Due to the increased availability of pelvic radiation therapy, the rate of atypical presentation of recurrent disease has increased. Simultaneously, the array of systemic therapies now available for advanced cervical cancer has considerably expanded in the last few years, with therapies now available in mid and low-income countries. While pelvic recurrences are amenable of loco-regional treatment, recurrent disease may present with metastases to the thoracoabdominal organs, lymph nodes, bones, skin and brain, for which systemic treatment represent the standard of care. Besides combined chemotherapy regimens, alternative chemotherapies, biosimilars and immune checkpoint inhibitors are now available, each associated with a definite pattern of response and toxicity. In this review, after describing the typical and atypical presentations of recurrent and advanced cervical carcinoma on cross-sectional imaging, we will discuss systemic treatment for recurrent or advanced disease and their associated radiographic sequelae, in light of the newly available therapies.

Serum tumor markers and testicular germ cell tumors: a primer for radiologists

Serum tumor markers (STMs) play a critical role in the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of both seminomatous and nonseminomatous testicular germ cell neoplasms. Levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), especially those measured after orchiectomy, also have implications for patient prognosis. Given that testicular germ cell tumors represent the most common solid tumor in men aged 20-34, radiologists must have familiarity with the clinical utilization and implications of these STMs. This article will review the classical patterns of STM elevation most commonly seen in pure seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors while also providing case-based examples highlighting the importance of STM correlation with imaging. The role of STMs in clinical staging and disease surveillance will also be discussed.