Baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with survival and response to treatment with second-line chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer independent of baseline steroid use

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), proposed as an indicator of cancer-related inflammation, has known prognostic value in prostate cancer. We examine its association with survival (OS) and response in patients treated with second-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

We analysed patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated in the TROPIC trial, evaluating cabazitaxel versus mitoxantrone. Cox regression models were used to investigate the association of baseline NLR (BLNLR) with OS and the significance of a change in NLR count with treatment. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association of BLNLR counts with prostate specific antigen (PSA) and RECIST responses. The optimal NLR cut-off was established based on the concordance index of different values.

RESULTS

Data from 755, 654 and 405 patients was available for OS, PSA and RECIST response analysis respectively. Median OS was 14.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.2-14.8]. Median NLR was 2.9 (IQR: 1.9-5.1). BLNLR was associated with survival (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1, P = 0.011) in multivariable analysis (MVA) independently of variables included in the Halabi nomogram, treatment arm and corticosteroid use. The optimal cut-off for a dichotomous NLR was selected at 3.0 based on its higher c-index related to survival. BLNLR ≥3.0 was associated with lower PSA response (40.1% versus 59.9%; P < 0.001) and RECIST response (7.7% versus 15.6%, P = 0.022) in MVA. Conversion from high (≥3) to low (<3) NLR was associated with improved survival (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51-0.85; P = 0.001) and higher PSA response rates (66.4% versus 33.6%; P = 0.000). Use of corticosteroids at baseline did not modify the association between NLR and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

NLR is a valid prognostic biomarker in CRPC and is associated with survival, PSA and RECIST responses in patients treated with second-line chemotherapy. Changes in NLR counts with treatment may indicate benefit. NLR prognostic value is independent of prior use of corticosteroids.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV

NCT00417079.

Impact of cabazitaxel on 2-year survival and palliation of tumour-related pain in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated in the TROPIC trial

BACKGROUND

Cabazitaxel significantly improves overall survival (OS) versus mitoxantrone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer after docetaxel failure. We examined patient survival at 2 years and tumour-related pain with cabazitaxel versus mitoxantrone.

METHODS

Updated TROPIC data (cut-off 10 March 2010) were used to compare 2-year survival between treatment groups and assess patient demographics and disease characteristics. Factors prognostic for survival ≥2 years were assessed. Pain and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were evaluated in the overall patient population.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 25.5 months. After 2 years, more patients remained alive following cabazitaxel than mitoxantrone [odds ratio 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-3.33]. Treatment with cabazitaxel was prognostic for survival ≥2 years. Demographics/baseline characteristics were balanced between treatment arms irrespective of survival. Pain at baseline and pain response were comparable between treatment groups. Average daily pain performance index was lower for cabazitaxel versus mitoxantrone (all cycles; 95% CI -0.27 to -0.01; P = 0.035) and analgesic scores were similar. Grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathies were uncommon and comparable between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Cabazitaxel prolongs OS at 2 years versus mitoxantrone and has low rates of peripheral neuropathy. Palliation benefits of cabazitaxel were comparable to those of mitoxantrone. The study was registered with www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00417079).

Purified beta-glucan as an abiotic feed additive up-regulates the innate immune response in immature chickens against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis

Functionally, the innate immune system of immature chickens is inefficient during the first week posthatch. This immunological inefficiency enables pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) to invade and colonize the visceral organs of immature chickens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of purified beta-glucan as an immunomodulator of the innate immune response. beta-glucan, as a feed additive, significantly provided protection against SE organ invasion in young chickens (P<0.05). The functional efficiency of heterophils isolated from neonatal chickens fed a beta-glucan ration was significantly (P<0.05) up-regulated when compared to heterophils isolated from chickens fed a control ration as determined with an array of functional assays. Phagocytosis, bactericidal killing, and oxidative burst were significantly increased in heterophils isolated from chickens fed the purified beta-glucan ration (P<0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a purified beta-glucan feed additive significantly decreasing the incidence of SE organ invasion in immature chickens and up-regulating the functional abilities of heterophils isolated from immature chickens against an invading pathogen, SE.

Phase II trial of docetaxel, cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy in locally advanced and metastatic penis cancer (CRUK/09/001)

BACKGROUND

Penis cancer is rare and clinical trial evidence on which to base treatment decisions is limited. Case reports suggest that the combination of docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-flurouracil (TPF) is highly active in this disease.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous carcinoma of the penis were recruited into a single-arm phase II trial from nine UK centres. Up to three cycles of chemotherapy were received (docetaxel 75 mg m(-2) day 1, cisplatin 60 mg m(-2) day 1, 5-flurouracil 750 mg m(-2) per day days 1-5, repeated every 3 weeks). Primary outcome was objective response (assessed by RECIST). Fourteen or more responses in 26 evaluable patients were required to confirm a response rate of 60% or higher (Fleming-A'Hern design), warranting further evaluation. Secondary endpoints included toxicity and survival.

RESULTS

10/26 evaluable patients (38.5%, 95% CI: 20.2-59.4) achieved an objective response. Two patients with locally advanced disease achieved radiological complete remission. 65.5% of patients experienced at least one grade 3/4 adverse event.

CONCLUSION

Docetaxel, cisplatin and 5FU did not reach the pre-determined threshold for further research and caused significant toxicity. Our results do not support the routine use of TPF. The observed complete responses support further investigation of combination chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting.

Hyperglycaemia-induced chemoresistance of prostate cancer cells due to IGFBP2

Clinically relevant prostate cancer (PCa) is more frequent in Westernised societies and increasingly men have co-morbidities associated with a Western lifestyle, primarily diabetes, characterised by hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia. IGFs and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) are important mediators of the effects of nutrition on growth and play a key role in the development of PCa. We used DU145, PC3 and LNCaP PCa cell lines to examine how hyperglycaemia altered their response to docetaxel. Trypan Blue dye-exclusion assay was used to determine the percentage of cell death. Protein abundance was determined using western immunoblotting. Levels of IGFBP2 were measured using an ELISA. IGFBP2 gene silencing was achieved using siRNA technology. DNA methylation was assessed using combined bisulphide restriction analysis. Acetylation status of histones H3 and H4 associated with IGFBP2 gene was assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Hyperglycaemia reduced docetaxel-induced apoptosis by 40% for DU145 cells and by 88% for LNCaP cells. This reduced cell death was mediated by a glucose-induced up-regulation of IGFBP2, as silencing IGFBP2 negated the survival effect of high glucose. Glucose increased IGFBP2 via increasing the acetylation of histones associated with the IGFBP2 gene promoter. This finding could have important implications in relation to therapeutic strategies as epigenetic modulation could be reversible.

Cost of skeletal-related events in European patients with solid tumours and bone metastases: data from a prospective multinational observational study

OBJECTIVES

Patients with bone metastases often experience skeletal-related events (SREs: radiation or surgery to bone, pathologic fracture, and spinal cord compression). This study examined health resource utilization and costs associated with SREs.

METHODS

Data presented are from the European cohort (Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) of patients with solid tumours enrolled in a multi-national, prospective, observational study in patients with solid tumours or multiple myeloma. Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score 0-2 and life expectancy ≥6 months, who experienced an SRE up to 97 days before enrolment, were eligible. Health resource utilization associated with SREs (including number/length of inpatient stays, numbers of procedures and outpatient visits) were collected through chart review for up to 97 days before enrolment and prospectively during follow-up. Country-specific cost calculations were performed.

RESULTS

In total, 478 eligible patients contributed 893 SREs to this analysis. Radiation to bone occurred most frequently (66% of total). Spinal cord compression (7%) and surgery to bone (10%) were the least common events, but most likely to require inpatient stays. The most costly SREs were also spinal cord compression (mean per SRE across countries, €4884-€12,082) and surgery to bone (€3348-€9407). Inpatient stays were the main cost drivers.

LIMITATIONS

Health resource utilization used to calculate the costs associated with SREs may have been under-estimated as a result of exclusion of patients with low performance status or life expectancy; unavailable information and exclusion of resource consumption associated with pain. Thus, the estimate of associated costs is likely to be conservative.

CONCLUSIONS

SREs result in considerable health resource utilization, imposing a substantial financial burden driven by inpatient stays. Treatments that prevent/delay SREs may help ease this burden, thereby providing cost savings across European healthcare systems.

Prevalence and trends of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancer in a predominantly north Indian population

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) remains variable and studies have estimated that up to 60% may be positive.

METHODS

One hundred five treatment-naïve oropharyngeal SCC patients were included. HPV genotyping was done by consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line-blot hybridization assay. HPV prevalence was co-related with sex, age, tobacco consumption, alcohol use, and high-risk sexual behavior.

RESULTS

HPV prevalence was 22.8%. No significant associations were seen between tobacco or alcohol consumption with HPV status. The mean number of lifetime sexual partners and indulgence in high-risk sexual behavior was significantly more in patients who are HPV positive. There were no significant associations between the 2 groups with respect to the stage of the tumor.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study confirms that patients who are HPV positive are younger, and with high-risk sexual behavior. We did not find any impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on HPV status.

Inhibition of FASN and ERα signalling during hyperglycaemia-induced matrix-specific EMT promotes breast cancer cell invasion via a caveolin-1-dependent mechanism

Since disturbed metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes can be critical determinants of breast cancer progression and therapeutic failure, we aimed to determine the mechanism responsible for their pro-oncogenic effects. Using non-invasive, epithelial-like ERα-positive MCF-7 and T47D human breast cancer cells we found that hyperglycaemia induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key programme responsible for the development of metastatic disease. This was demonstrated by loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin together with increases in mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, fibronectin and the transcription factor SLUG, together with an enhancement of cell growth and invasion. These phenotypic changes were only observed with cells grown on fibronectin and not with those plated on collagen. Analyzing metabolic parameters, we found that hyperglycaemia-induced, matrix-specific EMT promoted the Warburg effect by upregulating glucose uptake, lactate release and specific glycolytic enzymes and transporters. We showed that silencing of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and the downstream ERα, which we showed previously to mediate hyperglycaemia-induced chemoresistance in these cells, resulted in suppression of cell growth: however, this also resulted in a dramatic enhancement of cell invasion and SLUG mRNA levels via a novel caveolin-1-dependent mechanism.

Treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma in the UK: insights from the RECCORD registry

BACKGROUND

The aim of the RECCORD registry was to gather real-world UK data on the use of targeted therapies in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and assess clinical outcomes. Here, demographic and outcome data are presented with the treatment patterns and demographic profile of patients on the registry.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were retrospectively identified at seven UK hospitals with large cancer centres in England (5), Scotland (1) and Wales (1). Anonymised data were collected through an online registry covering demographics, treatments and outcomes. Five hundred and fourteen UK adult patients with metastatic RCC were included in the study for analysis. Patients were included if they were treated for metastatic RCC at one of the seven centres, and started systemic anti-cancer treatment from March 2009 to November 2012 inclusive. In addition to demographic factors, the principal outcome measures were overall survival (OS), time to disease progression and toxicity.

RESULTS

The majority of first-line treatment was with sunitinib; first-line use of pazopanib increased as the study progressed. 15.8% of patients received second-line treatment, half of whom were prescribed everolimus. Median OS (from initiation of first-line treatment) was 23.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 18.6-29.1 months), similar to that reported for clinical trials of targeted RCC therapies [Ljungberg B, Campbell SC, Choi HY et al. The epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma. Eur Urol 2011; 60: 615-621; Abe H, Kamai T. Recent advances in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Int J Urol 2013; 20: 944-955; Motzer RJ, Hutson TE, Tomczak P et al. Overall survival and updated results for sunitinib compared with interferon alfa in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27: 3584-3590]. OS was significantly longer for those who received second-line treatment after disease progression (33.0 months; 95% CI 30.8-35.2 months) than those who did not (20.9 months; 95% CI 16.4-25.3 months; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

RECCORD is a large 'real-world' database assessing metastatic RCC treatment patterns and outcomes. Treatment patterns changed over time as targeted therapies were approved and became widely available; survival data in RECCORD are consistent with those reported for systemic treatments in clinical trials. Kaplan-Meier analysis of results demonstrated that receiving second-line therapy was a major prognostic factor for longer OS.

Long-term outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a single-center experience from AIIMS, India

AIM

To analyze clinicopathological characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and to evaluate long-term outcome of these patients presented to single tertiary care center in India.

METHODS

We evaluated outcomes of 480 patients (age 8-60 years), classified into good, intermediate and poor risk according to cytogenetic results. Standard "3 + 7" induction therapy with dose of daunorubicin ranging from 45 to 90 mg/m(2) followed by two to three courses of high-dose cytarabine (12-18 g/m(2) ) as consolidation therapy was given to majority.

RESULTS

The complete remission rate of the treated population (407 patients) was 70% with 84.8% in good risk, 67.9% in intermediate risk and 54.2% in poor risk (P = 0.0001). Induction mortality was 18.4%. One hundred twenty-nine patients relapsed with median treatment free interval of 10.4 months. At a median follow-up of 34.5 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 20.6 months with an estimated 5-year survival rate of 35.5%. No difference was found in OS between the three risk groups; however, patients with intermediate risk had a better leukemia-free survival (LFS) in comparison to good risk. Multivariate analysis showed age, performance status, treatment completion and hematopoietic stem cell transplant affecting OS, while only treatment completion affected LFS.

CONCLUSION

This is one of the largest single-center studies reflecting more accurately the outcome of AML in India. These results are likely due to uniform treatment protocols, intensification of induction and post-remission treatments with comprehensive supportive care.

Hyperglycaemia-induced chemoresistance in breast cancer cells: role of the estrogen receptor

Breast cancer patients with diabetes respond less well to chemotherapy; in keeping with this we determined previously that hyperglycaemia-induced chemoresistance in estrogen receptor (ERα) positive breast cancer cells and showed that this was mediated by fatty acid synthase (FASN). More recent evidence suggests that the effect of metabolic syndrome and diabetes is not the same for all subtypes of breast cancer with inferior disease-free survival and worse overall survival only found in women with ERα positive breast cancer and not for other subtypes. Here we examined the impact of hyperglycaemia on ERα negative breast cancer cells and further investigated the mechanism underlying chemoresistance in ERα with a view to identifying strategies to alleviate hyperglycaemia-induced chemoresistance. We found that hyperglycaemia-induced chemoresistance was only observed in ERα breast cancer cells and was dependent upon the expression of ERα as chemoresistance was negated when the ERα was silenced. Hyperglycaemia-induced an increase in activation and nuclear localisation of the ERα that was downstream of FASN and dependent on the activation of MAPK. We found that fulvestrant successfully negated the hyperglycaemia-induced chemoresistance, whereas tamoxifen had no effect. In summary our data suggests that the ERα may be a predictive marker of poor response to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients with diabetes. It further indicates that anti-estrogens could be an effective adjuvant to chemotherapy in such patients and indicates the importance for the personalised management of breast cancer patients with diabetes highlighting the need for clinical trials of tailored chemotherapy for diabetic patients diagnosed with ERα positive breast cancers.

Does the cancer drugs fund lead to faster uptake of cost-effective drugs? A time-trend analysis comparing England and Wales

Background:

The Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) provides £200 million annually in England for ‘anti-cancer' drugs.

Methods:

We used a controlled pre-/post-intervention design to compare IMS Health dispensing data for 15 cancer drugs (2007–2012) in England vs Wales, stratified by pre-CDF NICE drug approval status (rejected, mixed recommendations, recommended, not appraised).

Results:

The CDF was associated with increased prescribing in England for three of five drugs rejected or with mixed NICE recommendations. The prescribing volume ratios (PVR) ranged from 1.29 (95% CI 1.00, 1.67) for sorafenib to 3.28 (2.59, 4.14) for bevacizumab (NICE rejected) and 0.93 (0.81, 1.06) and 1.35 (1.21, 1.49) for sunitinib and imatinib respectively (mixed recommendations). Post CDF prescribing in England increased for both drugs awaiting NICE appraisal pre-CDF (lapatinib PVR=7.44 (5.81, 9.54), panitumumab PVR=5.40 (1.20, 24.42)) and subsequently rejected. The CDF was not associated with increased prescribing in England of NICE-recommended drugs. The three most recently launched, subsequently recommended drugs were adopted faster in Wales (from pazopanib PVR=0.51 (0.28, 0.96) to abiraterone PVR=0.78 (0.61–0.99)).

Interpretation:

These data indicate that the CDF is used to access drugs deemed not cost-effective by NICE. The CDF did not expedite access to new cost-effective cancer agents prior to NICE approval.

Guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention and management of chemical- and radiation-induced cystitis

Objective

Haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a relatively common complication of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the pelvic area, but can be a challenging condition to treat, particularly since there is currently a lack of UK-led guidelines available on how it should optimally be defined and managed.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive literature search was undertaken to evaluate the evidence for the diagnosis, prevention and management of cancer treatment-induced HC.

Results

Recommendations and a proposed management algorithm for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HC, as well as the management of intractable haematuria, have been developed based on the expert opinion of the multidisciplinary consensus panel following a comprehensive review of the available clinical data.

Conclusion

These guidelines are relevant and applicable to current clinical practice and will help clinicians optimally define and manage this potentially serious condition.

Clear cell meningioma of the fourth ventricle in a child: a case report and literature review

Clear cell meningiomas are rare meningioma variants and are recognized as World Health Organization grade II tumours. They may be difficult to manage given their propensity to recur early especially if present in surgically challenging locations. We describe a rare case of a fourth ventricular clear cell meningioma without dural attachment in a 14-year-old boy with an unusual presentation of failure to thrive. The case is presented in detail and a review of the recent literature is discussed.

Acute onset flaccid quadriparesis in pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma: vincristine induced or Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Immunological involvement of peripheral nervous system in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is very rare and it may be difficult to differentiate it from vincristine-induced neuropathy. We report clinical and electrophysiological findings of an 8-year-old male with NHL who developed acute onset fulminant motor sensory autonomic neuropathy during induction chemotherapy which included vincristine. Characteristic clinical picture and nerve conduction studies favored Guillain-Barré syndrome. The patient improved rapidly with intravenous immunoglobulin and supportive care. It is possible that an immune mechanism damaged the peripheral nervous system in the patient without ruling out the adverse effects of vinca alkaloids.

The management of ductal carcinoma in situ: current controversies and future directions

The incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has increased in recent decades, primarily due to the widespread implementation of breast cancer screening. Traditionally, the management of DCIS has mirrored that of invasive breast cancer, with a focus on adequate surgical excision, breast-conserving surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy and endocrine therapy. However, an increasing understanding of the biology of this spectrum of conditions many mean that some cases may be managed more conservatively, reserving aggressive therapies for those patients at high risk of progression to invasive disease, ultimately aiming for a personalised approach based on individual risk factors. This overview highlights the key evidence behind current practice and discusses the rationale for current and future clinical trials in DCIS.

2023 Update of Indian National Association for Study of the Liver Consensus on Management of Intermediate and Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Puri III Recommendations

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant treatment challenges despite considerable advancements in its management. The Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL) first published its guidelines to aid healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC in 2014. These guidelines were subsequently updated in 2019. However, INASL has recognized the need to revise its guidelines in 2023 due to recent rapid advancements in the diagnosis and management of HCC, particularly for intermediate and advanced stages. The aim is to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations tailored to the Indian context. To accomplish this, a task force was formed, and a two-day round table discussion was held in Puri, Odisha. During this event, experts in their respective fields deliberated and finalized consensus statements to develop these updated guidelines. The 2023 INASL guidelines offer a comprehensive framework for the diagnosis, staging, and management of intermediate and advanced HCC in India. They represent a significant step forward in standardizing clinical practices nationwide, with the primary objective of ensuring that patients with HCC receive the best possible care based on the latest evidence. The guidelines cover various topics related to intermediate and advanced HCC, including biomarkers of aggressive behavior, staging, treatment options, and follow-up care.

Hyperglycaemia-induced resistance to Docetaxel is negated by metformin: a role for IGFBP-2

The incidence of many common cancers varies between different populations and appears to be affected by a Western lifestyle. Highly proliferative malignant cells require sufficient levels of nutrients for their anabolic activity. Therefore, targeting genes and pathways involved in metabolic pathways could yield future therapeutics. A common pathway implicated in energetic and nutritional requirements of a cell is the LKB1/AMPK pathway. Metformin is a widely studied anti-diabetic drug, which improves glycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes by targeting this pathway. We investigated the effect of metformin on prostate cancer cell lines and evaluated its mechanism of action using DU145, LNCaP, PC3 and VCaP prostate cancer cell lines. Trypan blue dye-exclusion assay was used to assess levels of cell death. Western immunoblotting was used to determine the abundance of proteins. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) and AMPK genes were silenced using siRNA. Effects on cell morphology were visualised using microscopy. IGFBP-2 gene expression was assessed using real-time RT-PCR. With DU145 and LNCaP cells metformin alone induced cell death, but this was reduced in hyperglycaemic conditions. Hyperglycaemia also reduced the sensitivity to Docetaxel, but this was countered by co-treatment with metformin. LKB1 was required for the activation of AMPK but was not essential to mediate the induction of cell death. An alternative pathway by which metformin exerted its action was through downregulation of IGFBP-2 in DU145 and LNCaP cells, independently of AMPK. This finding could have important implications in relation to therapeutic strategies in prostate cancer patients presenting with diabetes.