Health-related quality of life in oropharyngeal cancer survivors - a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare QoL of oropharyngeal cancer survivors who had received different treatments.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We contacted 954 survivors. Each survivor received the QoL questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35.

RESULTS

A total of 263 survivors completed the questionnaires (28% responses). Forty-five of them had undergone surgery, 20 had received definitive radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy, 85 surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, and 111 surgery plus adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Survivors who had received adjuvant radiotherapy and surgery reported significantly more problems with swallowing (B=13.43 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.83-25.03]), senses (B=24,91 [CI 11.86-37.97]), eating (B=16.91 [CI 3.46-30.36]), dry mouth (B=26.42 [CI 12.17-40.67]), sticky saliva (B=22.37 [CI 6.23-38.50]) and nutritional supplements (B=18.59 [CI 0.62-36.56]) than those who had received surgery only. Survivors who had received adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and surgery reported significantly many more problems with dry mouth (B=34.15 [CI 18.91-49.39]) and sticky saliva (B=22.90 [CI 5.65-40.16]), and fewer problems with physical functioning (B=-12.07 [CI 0.49-23-64]).

CONCLUSION

Survivors who participated in this survey and who had undergone surgery alone reported in some head- and neck-specific domains a better health-related quality of life than patients who had undergone multi-modal treatment or adjuvant radiotherapy.

Current Status of a Medical Information System

A pilot medical information system is being implemented and currently is providing services for limited categories of patient data. In one year, physicians’ diagnoses for 500,000 office visits, 300,000 drug prescriptions for outpatients, one million clinical laboratory tests, and 60,000 multiphasic screening examinations are being stored in and retrieved from integrated, direct access, patient computer medical records.

This medical information system is a part of a long-term research and development program. Its major objective is the development of a multifacility computer-based system which will support eventually the medical data requirements of a population of one million persons and one thousand physicians. The strategy employed provides for modular development. The central system, the computer-stored medical records which are therein maintained, and a satellite pilot medical data system in one medical facility are described.

Aktuelle Versorgungsstrukturen in der Psychoonkologie

Eine psychoonkologische Betreuung hat sich zu einem integrierten Bestandteil der Versorgung von Tumorpatienten entwickelt. Sie umfasst das gesamte Spektrum von psychosozialer Beratung bis hin zu einer spezifischen Psychotherapie. Um den individuellen Bedarf für die psychoonkologischen Interventionen festzustellen, liegen validierte Instrumente der Diagnostik vor. Insbesondere haben sich Screening-Instrumente für den klinischen Alltag bewährt. Die psychoonkologische Behandlung ist dem supportiven Psychotherapiekonzept zuzuordnen und baut auf einer engen interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit auf. In Deutschland hat sich die psychoonkologische Versorgung innerhalb der letzten beiden Jahrzehnte deutlich verbessert, wobei sie in den drei Sektoren Akutversorgung, Rehabilitation und ambulante Nachsorge unterschiedlich ausgebaut ist. Insbesondere in den letzten Jahren konnten Standards sowie Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung entwickelt werden, die in Form einer evidenzbasierten Leitlinie weiter ausgearbeitet wird.

Abstract PR16: Multiplatform analysis of paired primary and recurrent well- and dedifferentiated liposarcoma samples defines copy number alterations as dominant drivers of initiation and progression

Objective: Initiation of well-differentiated (WD) and dedifferentiated (DD) liposarcoma is driven by 12q13-15 amplification and consequent MDM2 and CDK4 overexpression, but mechanisms that regulate the variable biologic behavior of WD/DD tumors remain poorly understood. We used a multiplatform analysis of paired WD and DD samples to identify genomic events with potential to contribute to liposarcomagenesis.

Methods: From serial tumor resections performed on the same patient, we collected paired WD/DD (n=7) or WD/WD (n=2) test samples and normal tissue. Samples were analyzed using whole-exome sequencing, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), Solexa small RNA sequencing, and, in a subset, RNA-seq. Findings were validated in WD/DD cohorts analyzed by custom capture array (n=201), aCGH (n=210), Affymetrix U133A microarrays (n=146), and Solexa (n=118). Lentivirus was used to deliver shRNA to WD cells in vitro; proliferation was assayed by CyQuant, differentiation by immunoblot/oil red O staining, and gene expression by Illumina microarrays.

Results: 12q13-15 amplification was observed in all WD/DD test and validation samples. Among WD samples, 1q21-24 and 6q23-25 amplifications were found in test samples and in 28% and 18% of the validation set, respectively. Of genes upregulated in WD vs. normal fat test samples, 465 were validated in the larger cohort [≥2-fold change (FC), FDR<0.05]. 53% of these genes lie within regions of copy number alteration (CNA); 8% were predicted targets of 12q-encoded miRNAs. shRNA targeting of MDM2 or drug inhibition of CDK4 in vitro negatively regulated 11% of the genes, including AURKA and its regulators TPX2 and KIF11. 6q23-25 amplification was associated with local recurrence (LR) after primary WD resection (HR 10.9, p<0.001) and with overexpression of CCDC28A and TAB2, an AP-1 regulator (1.7- and 1.9-FC, FDRs<0.05). In 6q23-25-amplified WD cells, shRNA-mediated TAB2 inhibition reduced proliferation by >90%. Comparison of matched WD/DD samples showed retained amplification of 12q13-15 and 6q23-25 after progression. In contrast to WD, DD showed strong association of the 6q23-25 CNA with increased expression of 6q genes TCF21 and HBS1L (16- and 4-FC, FDRs<0.001), but not TAB2 or CCDC28A, suggesting that additional progression events alter the oncogenic effects of initiation-associated CNAs in DD vs WD. Direct comparison of paired DD/WD test samples revealed recurrent 13q loss arising during dedifferentiation (n=3). 13q loss was found in 28% of the DD validation set and associated with reduced expression of 13q genes MYCBP2 and IRS2, regulators of insulin signaling. shRNA inhibition of MYCBP2 or IRS2 in vitro had little effect on WD differentiation, but inhibition of both genes decreased levels of PPARG, FABP4, PLIN and oil red O staining (70% reduction). Uncommon mutations in genes regulating steroid-hormone activation (e.g., NCOA6, KMT2C), adaptive immunity (e.g., LILRA1, NFKB1), and RTK signaling (e.g., NRG1, FGFR1) were identified in 11%, 6%, and 11% of WD/DD samples, respectively, but did not associate with differentiation.

Conclusions: Genes upregulated during WD initiation are commonly located in regions of CNA or regulated by 12q23-25 oncogenes MDM2 and CDK4 (e.g., AURKA, a potential therapeutic target). 6q23-26 amplification, observed in subsets of both WD and DD, associates with LR of WD, but expression of 6q23-26 genes with potential to modulate oncogenesis (e.g., TAB2 vs TCF21) differs in WD and DD tumors, suggesting that the CNA may differentially modulate early and late disease. Losses affecting broad chromosome regions such as 13q likely mediate progression by affecting multiple regulators of adipogenesis pathways (e.g., insulin signaling), while mutations have little effect on dedifferentiation.

Citation Format: Aimee M. Crago, Nicholas D. Socci, Li-Xuan Qin, Fatima Wilder, Rachael O'Connor, Amanda Craig, Willem van Houdt, Nils Weinhold, Cyriac Kandoth, Agnes Viale, Cristina Antonescu, Sam Singer. Multiplatform analysis of paired primary and recurrent well- and dedifferentiated liposarcoma samples defines copy number alterations as dominant drivers of initiation and progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Conference on Advances in Sarcomas: From Basic Science to Clinical Translation; May 16-19, 2017; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(2_Suppl):Abstract nr PR16.

Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) in the Era of Imatinib: Organ Preservation and Improved Oncologic Outcome

BACKGROUND

Approximately 5% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originate in the rectum, and historically, radical resection was commonly performed. Little is known about the outcome for rectal GIST in the era of imatinib.

METHODS

Using a prospectively maintained database, this study retrospectively analyzed 47 localized primary rectal GISTs treated at our center from 1982 to 2016, stratified by when imatinib became available in 2000. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Rectal GISTs represented 7.1% of 663 primary GISTs. The findings showed 17 patients in the pre-imatinib era and 30 patients in the imatinib era. The two groups had similar follow-up evaluation, age, gender, Miettinen risk, and distance to the anal verge. In the imatinib era, tumors were smaller at diagnosis (median 4 vs. 5 cm; p = 0.029), and 24 of the 30 patients received perioperative imatinib. In the high-risk patients, organ preservation and negative margins were more common among the 13 patients treated with neoadjuvant imatinib than among the 21 patients treated directly with surgery. High-risk patients who received perioperative imatinib (n = 15) had greater (or nearly significantly greater) 5-year OS, DSS, local RFS, and distant RFS than those who did not (n = 19) (91, 100, 100, and 71% vs. 47, 65, 74, and 41%; p = 0.049, 0.052, 0.077, 0.051, respectively). In the imatinib era, no patient has had a local recurrence or death due to GIST.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of imatinib is associated with organ preservation and improved oncologic outcome for patients with rectal GIST.

Aqueous humor endothelin-1 and total retinal blood flow in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the association between aqueous ET-1 levels and total retinal blood flow (TRBF) in patients with non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and early non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).Patients and methodsA total of 15 age-matched controls and 15 T2DM patients with NPDR were recruited into the study. Aqueous humor (~80-120 μl) was collected before cataract surgery to measure the levels of ET-1 using suspension multiplex array technology. Four weeks post surgery, six images were acquired to assess TRBF using the prototype RTVue Doppler FD-OCT (Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA, USA) with a double circular scan protocol. At the same visit, forearm blood was collected to determine plasma glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) levels.ResultsAqueous ET-1 was significantly elevated in the NPDR group compared with the control group (3.5±1.8 vs 2.2±0.8, P=0.02). TRBF was found to be significantly reduced in the NPDR group compared with the control group (34.5±9.1 vs 44.1±4.6 μl/min, P=0.002). TRBF and aqueous ET-1 were not correlated within the NPDR group (r=-0.24, P=0.22). In a multivariate analysis, high A1c was associated with reduced TRBF and aqueous ET-1 levels across control and NPDR groups (P<0.01).ConclusionAqueous ET-1 levels were increased while TRBF was reduced in patients with NPDR compared with the control group. Although not directly associated, the vasoconstrictory effects of ET-1 are consistent with a reduced TRBF observed in early DR. ET-1 dysregulation may contribute to a reduction in retinal blood flow during early DR.

F-18 labelled PSMA-1007: biodistribution, radiation dosimetry and histopathological validation of tumor lesions in prostate cancer patients

PURPOSE

The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted positron-emitting-tomography (PET) tracer 68Ga-PSMA-11 shows great promise in the detection of prostate cancer. However, 68Ga has several shortcomings as a radiolabel including short half-life and non-ideal energies, and this has motivated consideration of 18F-labelled analogs. 18F-PSMA-1007 was selected among several 18F-PSMA-ligand candidate compounds because it demonstrated high labelling yields, outstanding tumor uptake and fast, non-urinary background clearance. Here, we describe the properties of 18F-PSMA-1007 in human volunteers and patients.

METHODS

Radiation dosimetry of 18F-PSMA-1007 was determined in three healthy volunteers who underwent whole-body PET-scans and concomitant blood and urine sampling. Following this, ten patients with high-risk prostate cancer underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT (1 h and 3 h p.i.) and normal organ biodistribution and tumor uptakes were examined. Eight patients underwent prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. Uptake in intra-prostatic lesions and lymph node metastases were correlated with final histopathology, including PSMA immunostaining.

RESULTS

With an effective dose of approximately 4.4-5.5 mSv per 200-250 MBq examination, 18F-PSMA-1007 behaves similar to other PSMA-PET agents as well as to other 18F-labelled PET-tracers. In comparison to other PSMA-targeting PET-tracers, 18F-PSMA-1007 has reduced urinary clearance enabling excellent assessment of the prostate. Similar to 18F-DCFPyL and with slightly slower clearance kinetics than PSMA-11, favorable tumor-to-background ratios are observed 2-3 h after injection. In eight patients, diagnostic findings were successfully validated by histopathology. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT detected 18 of 19 lymph node metastases in the pelvis, including nodes as small as 1 mm in diameter.

CONCLUSION

18F-PSMA-1007 performs at least comparably to 68Ga-PSMA-11, but its longer half-life combined with its superior energy characteristics and non-urinary excretion overcomes some practical limitations of 68Ga-labelled PSMA-targeted tracers.

Factors associated with non-participation and dropout among cancer patients in a cluster-randomised controlled trial

We investigated the impact of demographic and disease related factors on non-participation and dropout in a cluster-randomised behavioural trial in cancer patients with measurements taken between hospitalisation and 6 months thereafter. The percentages of non-participation and dropout were documented at each time point. Factors considered to be potentially related with non-participation and dropout were as follows: age, sex, marital status, education, income, employment status, tumour site and stage of disease. Of 1,338 eligible patients, 24% declined participation at baseline. Non-participation was higher in older patients (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.1, CI: 0.6-0.9) and those with advanced disease (OR 2.0, CI: 0.1-1.3). Dropout by 6 months was 25%. Dropout was more frequent with increased age (OR 2.8, CI: 0.8-1.2), advanced disease (OR 3.0, CI: 1.0-1.2), being married (OR 2.4, CI 0.7-1.1) and less frequent with university education (OR 0.4, CI -1.3 to -0.8) and middle income (OR 0.4, CI -0.9 to -0.7). When planning clinical trials, it is important to be aware of patient groups at high risk of non-participation or dropout, for example older patients or those with advanced disease. Trial designs should consider their special needs to increase their rate of participation.

Patients with soft tissue sarcoma comprise a higher probability of comorbidities than cancer-free individuals. A secondary data analysis

Soft tissue sarcoma comprises a heterogeneous group of solid malignant tumours. Comorbidities are important prognostic factors for survival and adversely impact quality of life. We examined the complex relationship between soft tissue sarcoma and comorbidities over time in a large population-based sample. The study uses routine data from the German statutory healthcare system (n = 2,615,865). Case identification of soft tissue sarcoma and comorbid diseases was based on ICD-10 codes and diagnostic modifiers. Uni- and multivariate regression models were used to obtain risk estimates for chronic somatic and mental comorbidities in soft tissue sarcoma patients compared to a cancer-free control group. At diagnosis, patients with soft tissue sarcoma were significantly more likely to be affected with prevalent bronchial asthma, ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, angina pectoris, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and thrombosis), back pain, depression, anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder than cancer-free controls. During the course of disease, sarcoma patients were at a significantly higher risk to develop incident depression, anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder. Comorbidities need to be considered in clinical decision making regarding the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma patients. Psycho-oncological treatment should be incorporated into medical care of patients with sarcoma.

[Minimally invasive surgery in childhood]

Similar to surgery in adults, minimally invasive techniques have also become established in pediatric surgery for a wide variety of indications and partially replaced the corresponding conventional open surgical procedures. This applies not only to laparoscopy for abdominal surgical interventions but also to thoracoscopic procedures. The therapy spectrum in pediatric surgery includes all congenital and acquired diseases of the growing organism, from neonates to adolescents and for this reason the indications that are suitable for minimally invasive surgical procedures are corresponding versatile. According to the literature almost every operation in pediatric surgery was performed via a minimally invasive access route. Of course, not every generally feasible minimally invasive technique can be considered as being suitable to replace proven and established open conventional procedures in pediatric surgery.

Course of psychiatric comorbidity and utilization of mental health care after laryngeal cancer: a prospective cohort study

In a German multi-center prospective cohort study, we wanted to assess the course of psychiatric comorbidity, utilization of mental health care and psychosocial care needs in laryngeal cancer patients during the first year after partial laryngectomy (PRL). Structured interviews with patients were conducted before surgery, 1 week (1 w), 3 months (3 m) and 1 year (12 m) after PRL. Psychiatric comorbidity was assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). Psychosocial care needs and utilization of mental health care were evaluated with standardized face-to-face interviews. In 176 patients, psychiatric disorders were prevalent in 11 % (1 w), 15 % (3 m) and 14 % (12 m), respectively, of which 4 % (12 m) underwent psychiatric treatment or psychotherapy. Two percent had acute, 15 % emerging and 6 % chronic psychiatric comorbidity. Chronically mental ill patients were more frequently younger than 65 years (p = 0.026), female (p = 0.045) and experienced more often a need for psychological counseling (p ≤ 0.001). One year after surgery, 27 % of the comorbid psychiatric patients expressed a need for additional psychological counseling. Alcohol-related disorders were diagnosed in 3 % (1 w), 3 % (3 m) and 8 % (12 m), respectively. Only one of these patients received psychological treatment, while 14 % expressed a need for psychological counseling and 7 % for additional medical consultations. The non-treatment of alcohol-related disorders measured in our sample indicates a major problem since continued alcohol consumption in laryngeal cancer patients is associated with reduced global quality of life, increased functional impairments and reduced overall survival. Screening instruments integrated into acute care are necessary to detect harmful drinking behavior.

Abstract P1-12-03: Short term quality of life with epirubicin-fluorouracil-cyclophosphamid (FEC) and sequential epirubicin/cyclophosphamid-docetaxel (EC-DOC) chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer – Results from the prospective multi-center randomized Adebar trial

Background:

The grade of recommendation for adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy in patients with high risk primary breast cancer is heterogeneous among international guidelines. Understanding the impact on quality of life (QOL) by adjuvant dose dense chemotherapy in comparison to standard adjuvant chemotherapy is thereby a crucial factor, especially if the benefit is potentially low. This study aims to assess the impact on QOL by adjuvant dose dense chemotherapy in the prospective randomized multi-center ADEBAR trial.

Methods:

QOL was assessed at baseline (t1), before cycle 4 FEC (Epirubicin 60mg/m2 i.v. d 1 + 8, 5-Fluoruracil 500mg/m2 i.v. d 1 + 8, Cyclophosphamide 75mg/m2 p.o. d 1–14, q4w x 6) and cycle 5 EC-DOC (Epirubicin 90mg/m2 plus Cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2 q3w x 4, sequentially followed by Docetaxel 100mg/m2 q3w x 4) (t2), 4 weeks after chemotherapy (t3), 6 weeks after radiation (t4) and 1 year after baseline (t5) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the Breast Cancer-Specific Module (QLQ-BR23). A multivariate mixed model was fitted to test for differences between the two treatment arms. Primary endpoint was global QOL, secondary endpoints physical functioning, nausea&vomiting, fatigue and systemic therapy side effects. A minimum clinically meaningful difference was considered to be 10 points.

Results:

1306 patients were recruited between 3/2002 and 5/2005 675 were assigned to the FEC and 688 to the EC-DOC arm. Compliance to QOL assessment was 74% at baseline and 58% four weeks after therapy, but dropped to 11% after one year follow up. After the beginning of treatment global QOL dropped in both arm by 3 to 4 points. In the EC-DOC arm QOL dropped further at t3 by 7 points and stayed stable in the FEC arm. 6 weeks after radiation QOL exceeded baseline in both arms by 6 to 8 points. The differences between treatment arms were strongest at t3 (54.1 vs. 49.7) but did not reach clinical relevance at any point in time. Physical functioning, nausea vomiting, fatigue and systemic therapy side effects followed with some minor exceptions similar patterns, but showed higher amplitudes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion we could not detect a statistically significant difference between the two treatment arms in QOL parameters, indicating that dose dense adjuvant chemotherapy did not impact QOL at a clinically relevant level compared to standard adjuvant chemotherapy.

Citation Format: Schwentner L, Harbeck N, Singer S, Eichler M, Rack B, Forstbauer H, Wischnik A, Scholz C, Fink V, Huober J, Friedl T, Weissenbacher T, Härtl K, Kiechle M, Janni W. Short term quality of life with epirubicin-fluorouracil-cyclophosphamid (FEC) and sequential epirubicin/cyclophosphamid-docetaxel (EC-DOC) chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer – Results from the prospective multi-center randomized Adebar trial. [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 P1-12-03.

Mental disorders and psychosocial support during the first year after total laryngectomy: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the frequency of mental disorders and the use of psychosocial services in laryngectomised patients during the first year after surgery.

DESIGN

Multicentre prospective study including six interviews. Data regarding psychiatric comorbidity 3 months (3 m) and 1 year (12 m) after total laryngectomy (TLE) are reported in this study.

SETTING

Structured interviews were conducted at nine hospitals and three rehabilitation centres in Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and seventy-one patients were interviewed at both time-points.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID).

RESULTS

Mental disorders were diagnosed in 25% of the patients (3 m) and in 22% of the patients (12 m), respectively. Six per cent of the patients developed a mental disorder during the first year after total laryngectomy. In general, male and female patients suffered from mental disorders with equal frequency (3 m: 23% versus 37%; P = 0.26; 12 m: 22% versus 21%; P = 1.00). Women suffered more often than men from post-traumatic stress disorder (3 m) (P = 0.01) and generalised anxiety disorder (12 m) (P = 0.01).Of the patients who had acquired no voice, 20% suffered from alcohol dependence (P = 0.01) [corrected]. There were no differences between men and women in receiving any kind of counselling (P = 0.79) or psychotherapy/psychiatric treatment (P = 0.47). Of those patients diagnosed with any mental disorder 3 months after total laryngectomy, 7% had received psychotherapy 1 year after total laryngectomy. None of the patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence received psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental disorders occur in laryngectomees as frequently in men as they do in women. Total laryngectomised patients who were mentally ill did not receive enough psychotherapeutic or psychiatric support. As mental health seems to be related to successful voice restoration, future research should develop and evaluate special psychosocial supportive programmes for patients with laryngeal cancer, especially regarding alcohol dependence treatment.