Bevacizumab and wound-healing complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: The next evolution in expanding access to liver transplantation

Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, several phase III trials of immunotherapy in combination with surgical or locoregional therapies for early-to intermediate-stage HCC have recently reported positive results, and other phase III trials in the same patient population are currently in progress. As the application of immunotherapy is shifting to include patients with earlier stages of HCC, one looming question now emerges: What is the role of immunotherapy in the pre-liver transplant population? Liver transplantation is a potentially curative therapy for HCC and confers the additional advantage of restoring a normal, healthy liver. In pre-transplant patients, immunotherapy may improve downstaging success and tumour control at the cost of some immunologic risks. These include immune-related toxicities, which are particularly relevant in a uniquely vulnerable population with chronic liver disease, and the possibility of acute rejection after transplantation. Ultimately, the goal of immunotherapy in this population will be to effectively expand access to liver transplantation while preserving pre- and post-transplant outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms supporting combination immunotherapy, summarise key recent clinical data from major immunotherapy trials, and explore how immunotherapy can be applied in the neoadjuvant setting prior to liver transplantation in selected high-risk patients.

Nucleic acid cancer vaccines targeting tumor related angiogenesis. Could mRNA vaccines constitute a game changer?

Tumor related angiogenesis is an attractive target in cancer therapeutic research due to its crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Different agents were developed aiming to inhibit this process; however they had limited success. Cancer vaccines could be a promising tool in anti-cancer/anti-angiogenic therapy. Cancer vaccines aim to initiate an immune response against cancer cells upon presentation of tumor antigens which hopefully will result in the eradication of disease and prevention of its recurrence by inducing an efficient and long-lasting immune response. Different vaccine constructs have been developed to achieve this and they could include either protein-based or nucleic acid-based vaccines. Nucleic acid vaccines are simple and relatively easy to produce, with high efficiency and safety, thus prompting a high interest in the field. Different DNA vaccines have been developed to target crucial regulators of tumor angiogenesis. Most of them were successful in pre-clinical studies, mostly when used in combination with other therapeutics, but had limited success in the clinic. Apparently, different tumor evasion mechanisms and reduced immunogenicity still limit the potential of these vaccines and there is plenty of room for improvement. Nowadays, mRNA cancer vaccines are making remarkable progress due to improvements in the manufacturing technology and represent a powerful potential alternative. Apart from their efficiency, mRNA vaccines are simple and cheap to produce, can encompass multiple targets simultaneously, and can be quickly transferred from bench to bedside. mRNA vaccines have already accomplished amazing results in cancer clinical trials, thus ensuring a bright future in the field, although no anti-angiogenic mRNA vaccines have been described yet. This review aims to describe recent advances in anti-angiogenic DNA vaccine therapy and to provide perspectives for use of revolutionary approaches such are mRNA vaccines for anti-angiogenic treatments.

The Real-Life Impact of Primary Tumor Resection of Synchronous Metastatic Colorectal Cancer-From a Clinical Oncologic Point of View

AIM

The complex medical care of synchronous metastatic colorectal (smCRC) patients requires prudent multidisciplinary planning and treatments due to various challenges caused by the primary tumor and its metastases. The role of primary tumor resection (PTR) is currently uncertain; strong arguments exist for and against it. We aimed to define its effect and find its best place in our therapeutic methodology.

METHOD

We performed retrospective data analysis to investigate the clinical course of 449 smCRC patients, considering treatment modalities and the location of the primary tumor and comparing the clinical results of the patients with or without PTR between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 at the Institute of Oncotherapy of the University of Pécs.

RESULTS

A total of 63.5% of the 449 smCRC patients had PTR. Comparing their data to those whose primary tumor remained intact (IPT), we observed significant differences in median progression-free survival with first-line chemotherapy (mPFS1) (301 vs. 259 days; p < 0.0001; 1 y PFS 39.2% vs. 26.6%; OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.36-0.87)) and median overall survival (mOS) (760 vs. 495 days; p < 0.0001; 2 y OS 52.4 vs. 26.9%; OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.33-0.53)), respectively. However, in the PTR group, the average ECOG performance status was significantly better (0.98 vs. 1.1; p = 0.0456), and the use of molecularly targeted agents (MTA) (45.3 vs. 28.7%; p = 0.0005) and rate of metastasis ablation (MA) (21.8 vs. 1.2%; p < 0.0001) were also higher, which might explain the difference partially. Excluding the patients receiving MTA and MA from the comparison, the effect of PTR remained evident, as the mOS differences in the reduced PTR subgroup compared to the reduced IPT subgroup were still strongly significant (675 vs. 459 days; p = 0.0009; 2 y OS 45.9 vs. 24.1%; OR 0.37 (95% CI 0.18-0.79). Further subgroup analysis revealed that the site of the primary tumor also had a major impact on the outcome considering only the IPT patients; shorter mOS was observed in the extrapelvic IPT subgroup in contrast with the intrapelvic IPT group (422 vs. 584 days; p = 0.0026; 2 y OS 18.2 vs. 35.9%; OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.18-0.89)). Finally, as a remarkable finding, it should be emphasized that there were no differences in OS between the smCRC PTR subgroup and metachronous mCRC patients (mOS 760 vs. 710 days, p = 0.7504, 2 y OS OR 0.85 (95% CI 0.58-1.26)).

CONCLUSIONS

The role of PTR in smCRC is still not professionally justified. Our survey found that most patients had benefited from PTR. Nevertheless, further prospective trials are needed to clarify the optimal treatment sequence of smCRC patients and understand this cancer disease's inherent biology.

Insights into the management of penile squamous cell carcinoma: from conventional approaches to emerging novel therapies

INTRODUCTION

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC), a rare genitourinary cancer, is associated with poor outcomes due to limited treatment effectiveness, especially in advanced stages.

AREAS COVERED

While chemotherapy and/or surgery remain the standard of care, emerging therapies like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and human papillomavirus (HPV) directed therapies show promise. Key to advancing treatment is understanding the immune microenvironment to gain insights into tumor resistance mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The scarcity of data on PSCC is a major obstacle in advancing research for this rare cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Future research should prioritize collaborative efforts across various research centers and countries. Enhancing data sharing and pooling resources can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of PSCC, ultimately supporting the development of precision medicine strategies tailored to this specific cancer type. This collaborative approach is essential for making significant strides in PSCC treatment and care.

Perioperative Chemotherapy Including Bevacizumab in Potentially Curable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Long-Term Follow-Up of the ASSO-LM1 Trial

In 2007, the ASSO-LM1 trial, a multicenter prospective study, was initiated to investigate the resectability (R0) rate following preoperative combination therapy with XELOX and bevacizumab in patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases. Six cycles of systemic therapy were administered preoperatively, although the sixth cycle did not include bevacizumab, resulting in 5 weeks between the last bevacizumab dose and surgery. Treatment with bevacizumab plus XELOX was restarted for another six cycles postoperatively. In total, 43 patients were enrolled in the ASSO-LM1 trial. Eight patients were ineligible for resection due to protocol violation and progression in two patients. The resectability of operated patients was 97% with 34 R0 resections and one R1 resection. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 22% of patients, of which three operative revisions were related to the primary tumor resection. Efficacy results for response in 38 eligible patients confirmed an ORR of 66%, 31% SD and 3% PD according to RECIST. Preoperative grade 3/4 adverse events were 17% diarrhea, 5% HFS and 5% thromboembolic events. Overall survival significantly differed depending upon the fulfillment of adjuvant treatment in curative resected patients (59.1 mo vs. 30.8 mo). In conclusion, the ASSO-LM1 trial is a hypothesis-generating study confirming the prognostic benefits of perioperative therapy with XELOX and bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer confined to the liver.

Five years of safety profile of bevacizumab: an analysis of real-world pharmacovigilance and randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor. It has a wide range of clinical applications in various cancers and retinal diseases. The drugs entered the Chinese market by a large margin in 2017, and the user population changed to some extent. This study reevaluated the safety of bevacizumab through an analysis of the World Pharmacovigilance database (Food and Drug Administration Open Vigil 2.1) in conjunction with a comprehensive meta-analysis of RCTs.

METHODS

Real-world pharmacovigilance data originating from case reports were mined using Open Vigil and coded at the preferred term (PT) level using the Standardized MedDRA Query. Proportional reporting ratios (PRR) and reporting odds ratios (ROR) were used to detect safety signals. Eligible items were screened by searching PubMed, Wanfang, and Web of Science, and data were extracted for systematic review and meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS

Analysis of the drug pharmacovigilance database revealed that the most significant PRRs were limb decortication syndrome (PRR = 2926), stomal varices (PRR = 549), anastomotic (PRR = 457) and ureteral fistula (PRR = 406). Most safety signals at the PT level emerged as various types of injuries, toxicities, operational complications, systemic diseases, various reactions at the administration site, hematological and lymphatic disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Adverse reactions such as nasal septal perforation (PRR = 47.502), necrotizing fasciitis (PRR = 20.261), and hypertensive encephalopathy (PRR = 18.288) listed as rare in drug specifications should not be ignored with a high signal in the real world. A total of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis, and the overall risk of adverse reactions following bevacizumab administration was relatively low, indicating a good safety profile (HR = 1.19, 95% CI:0.85 ~ 1.65, p = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

The frequent adverse reactions of bevacizumab occurring in the real world are consistent with the data provided in RCTs and drug specifications. However, adverse reactions such as nasal septum perforation, necrotizing fasciitis, hypertensive encephalopathy and so on, listed as rare in drug specifications, may have a high signal of correlation in the real world, which all requires active monitoring and timely adjustment of bevacizumab posology during its clinical use.

Antiangiogenic exclusion rules in glioma trials: Historical perspectives and guidance for future trial design

Background

Despite the lack of proven therapies for recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG), only 8%-11% of patients with glioblastoma participate in clinical trials, partly due to stringent eligibility criteria. Prior bevacizumab treatment is a frequent exclusion criterion, due to difficulty with response assessment and concerns for rebound edema following antiangiogenic discontinuation. There are no standardized trial eligibility rules related to prior antiangiogenic use.

Methods

We reviewed ClinicalTrials.gov listings for glioma studies starting between May 2009 and July 2022 for eligibility rules related to antiangiogenics. We also reviewed the literature pertaining to bevacizumab withdrawal.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-seven studies for patients with recurrent glioma were reviewed. Most were phase 1 (n = 145, 49%), non-randomized (n = 257, 87%), evaluated a drug-only intervention (n = 223, 75%), and had a safety and tolerability primary objective (n = 181, 61%). Fifty-one (17%) excluded participants who received any antiangiogenic, one (0.3%) excluded participants who received any non-temozolomide systemic therapy. Fifty-nine (20%) outlined washout rules for bevacizumab (range 2-24 weeks, 4-week washout n = 35, 12% most common). Seventy-eight required a systemic therapy washout (range 1-6 weeks, 4-week washout n = 34, 11% most common). Nine permitted prior bevacizumab use with limitations, 18 (6%) permitted any prior bevacizumab, 5 (2%) were for bevacizumab-refractory disease, and 76 (26%) had no rules regarding antiangiogenic use. A literature review is then presented to define standardized eligibility criteria with a 6-week washout period proposed for future trial design.

Conclusions

Interventional clinical trials for patients with HGG have substantial heterogeneity regarding eligibility criteria pertaining to bevacizumab use, demonstrating a need for standardizing clinical trial design.

Portal hypertension and variceal bleeding in patients with liver cancer: Evidence gaps for prevention and management

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Portal hypertension (PHT) and HCC are 2 major complications of cirrhosis that often coexist in the same patient and impact the prognosis, especially in patients with acute variceal bleeding. In this review, we aim to discuss the best strategy for PHT screening and primary prophylaxis, as well as the management of acute variceal bleeding, to improve the management of PHT in HCC patients.

RESULTS

Recent therapeutic advances observed in the management of HCC, notably through the advent of immunotherapy, have led to a clear improvement in the survival of patients. The prevention of complications related to underlying cirrhosis, such as PHT and acute variceal bleeding, is now part of the management of HCC patients. The Baveno VII conference recently redefined screening and prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis. However, data regarding the applicability of these criteria in patients with HCC have been sparse. From our point of view, the Baveno criteria are not appropriate to exclude high-risk esophageal varices (EV) in HCC patients, and endoscopy should be performed except in HCC patients with a liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥25 kPa, who should benefit from nonselective beta-blockers (NSSBs) without performing endoscopy. We are also in favor of using NSBBs as primary prophylaxis in patients with EV regardless of the size and with gastric varices since these patients display clinically significant PHT.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate evaluation and treatment of PHT remain major issues in improving the outcomes of HCC patients. Many questions remain unanswered, opening the field to many areas of research.

An Oroauricular Fistula After Mandibular Osteosarcoma Resection

Bone tumors are rare malignancies and osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor. However, only 6% of all osteosarcomas occur in the mandible and maxilla 1. The location of these tumors also presents a unique set of challenges during resection and repair when compared to long bone tumors.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Conversion Therapy in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This retrospective multicenter study analyzed 244 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with lenvatinib (LEN) and atezolizumab + bevacizumab (Atezo + Bev) to examine the characteristics, treatment courses, and prognoses. The cases of patients who could achieve HCC downstaging from Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B or C to A or zero indicated the need for conversion therapy. The patients' prognoses with and without conversion therapy were compared. Of the 244 patients, 12 (4.9%) underwent conversion therapy, six out of 131 (4.6%) were treated with LEN, and six out of 113 (5.3%) were treated with Atezo + Bev. Eleven patients (91.7%) with a modified albumin bilirubin (mALBI) grade 1 or 2a and BCLC-B stage showed significantly higher rates of transition during conversion therapy (p < 0.05). The patients undergoing conversion therapy had a significantly longer median overall survival rate than those receiving chemotherapy alone (1208 [1064-NA] vs. 569 [466-704] days, p < 0.01). A comparison of the patients who achieved a partial response with and without conversion was evaluated using propensity score matching to reduce the confounding factors, showing a significant survival benefit in the conversion group (1208 [1064-NA] vs. 665 days, p < 0.01). Among the patients with u-HCC who were treated with LEN and Atezo + Bev, those with mALBI 1 + 2a and BCLC-B were likely to achieve conversion therapy with downstaging.

An obstetrician-gynecologist's review of hernias: risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and repair

Management of obstetrical and gynecologic patients with hernias poses challenges to providers. Risks for hernia development include well-described factors that impair surgical wound healing and increase abdominal pressure. Among the diverse populations cared for by obstetricians and gynecologists, pregnant patients and those with gynecologic malignancies are at the highest risk for hernia formation. This article provides an overview of the existing literature, with a focus on patients cared for by obstetrician-gynecologists and commonly encountered preoperative and intraoperative scenarios. We highlight scenarios when a hernia repair is not commonly performed, including those of patients undergoing nonelective surgeries with known or suspected gynecologic cancers. Finally, we offer multidisciplinary recommendations on the timing of elective hernia repair with obstetrical and gynecologic procedures, with attention to the primary surgical procedure, the type of preexisting hernia, and patient characteristics.

Clinical Significance of Early Venous Filling Detected via Preoperative Angiography in Glioblastoma

Preoperative angiography in glioblastoma (GBM) often shows arteriovenous shunts and early venous filling (EVF). Here, we investigated the clinical implications of EVF in GBM as a prognostic and vascular mimicry biomarker. In this retrospective multicenter study, we consecutively enrolled patients who underwent angiography with a GBM diagnosis between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2021. The primary and secondary endpoints were the differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively, between cases with and without EVF. Of the 133 initially enrolled patients, 91 newly diagnosed with GBM underwent preoperative angiography and became the study population. The 6-year OS and PFS were significantly worse in the EVF than in the non-EVF group. Moreover, 20 GBM cases (10 with EVF and 10 without EVF) were randomly selected and evaluated for histological vascular mimicry. Except for two cases that were difficult to evaluate, the EVF group had a significantly higher frequency of vascular mimicry than the non-EVF group (0/8 vs. 5/10, p = 0.04). EVF on preoperative angiography is a robust prognostic biomarker for GBM and may help detect cases with a high frequency of histological vascular mimicry.

Two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma successfully treated by carbon ion radiotherapy after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment

We herein report two cases of huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that were successfully treated by carbon ion radiotherapy after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment. Case 1, an 84-year-old man, was diagnosed with HCC (maximum diameter: 11 cm) with portal invasion and presented HCC rupture. After obtaining hemostasis with transcatheter embolization, three cycles of atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy were administered, and marked shrinkage of the HCC was confirmed. However, he developed jaundice, liver damage and cerebral subcortical hemorrhage. Thus, atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy was discontinued. Total bilirubin, transaminase levels, and physical activity improved well with prednisolone, an antihypertensive agent, and rehabilitation. Thus, treatment with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) was added, and the treatment effect at 4 months after CIRT was judged as a complete response (CR) according to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST). Case 2, a 68-year-old man, was diagnosed with HCC (maximum diameter: 14 cm). Hepatic resection was difficult because the residual liver volume after treatment would be insufficient. Five cycles of atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy were performed, and marked shrinkage of the HCC to a maximum diameter of 9 cm was confirmed. The treatment was converted to CIRT, and atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy resumed one month after CIRT. The treatment effect at 3 months after CIRT was judged as CR according to mRECIST. Although conversion therapy after atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy, including surgery and radiofrequency ablation, have been reported, CIRT may be a promising new tool for conversion therapy for HCC.

Chemotherapy and Abdominal Wall Closure Technique Increase the Probability of Postoperative Ventral Incisional Hernia in Patients With Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is associated with postoperative ventral incisional hernia (PVIH) after right hemicolectomy (RHC) for colon cancer, and abdominal wall closure technique may affect PVIH. We sought to identify clinical predictors of PVIH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RHC for colon cancer from 2008-2018 and later developed PVIH. Time to PVIH was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier analysis, clinical predictors were identified with multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling, and the probability of PVIH given chemotherapy and the suture technique was estimated with Bayesian analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 399 patients (209 no adjuvant chemotherapy and 190 adjuvant chemotherapy), with an overall PVIH rate of 38%. The 5-year PVIH rate was 55% for adjuvant chemotherapy, compared with 38% for none (log-rank P < .05). Adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.31, P < .01), age (HR .99, 95% CI .97-1.00, P < .01), body mass index (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04, P < .01), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.21-3.00, P < .01) were independently associated with PVIH. Postoperative ventral incisional hernia was more common overall in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (46% compared with 30%, P < .01). In patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, the probability of PVIH for incision closure with #1 running looped polydioxanone was 42%, compared with 59% for incision closure with #0 single interrupted polyglactin 910.

DISCUSSION

Exposure to chemotherapy increases the probability of PVIH after RHC, and non-short stitch incision closure further increases this probability, more so than age or body mass index. The suture technique deserves further study as a modifiable factor in this high-risk population.

Conversion surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus after successful atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy: a case report

BACKGROUND

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requires diverse and multidisciplinary approaches. In recent years, new agents with good antitumor effects have emerged for systemic chemotherapy, and conversion surgery (CS) after systemic chemotherapy is expected to be an effective treatment strategy for unresectable HCC. We herein report a case of unresectable HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in which atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy induced PVTT regression, followed by CS with R0 resection.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 79-year-old man with S2/S3 HCC who was referred to our department due to tumor re-growth and PVTT after two rounds of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. The PVTT extended from the left portal vein to the main trunk, and it was determined that the resection of the left portal vein would be difficult to perform with R0 status. Based on the diagnosis of unresectable HCC, treatment with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was initiated. After two courses of treatment, contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the PVTT had regressed to the peripheral side of the left portal vein, and R0 resection became possible. The patient developed grade 3 skin lesions as an immune-related adverse event, and it was determined that the continuation of chemotherapy would be difficult. Four weeks after the second course of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab administration, left lobectomy was performed. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to confirm the location of the tumor thrombus in the left portal vein during the resection, and a sufficient surgical margin was obtained. The histopathological findings showed that primary tumor and PVTT were mostly necrotic with residues of viable tumor cells observed in some areas. The liver background was determined as A1/F4 (new Inuyama classification). The resection margins were negative, and R0 resection was confirmed. There were no postoperative complications. No recurrence was observed as of five months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

CS with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy has potential utility for the treatment of unresectable HCC with PVTT.

A case of conversion hepatectomy for huge hepatocellular carcinoma with adrenal metastasis and vascular invasion after atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment

We herein report a case of huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with adrenal metastasis and vascular invasion successfully treated by conversion hepatectomy after atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment. A 77-year-old male patient with chest pain was admitted. He had a history of HCC treatment; however, the patient stopped receiving follow-up treatment based on his own decision. This time, he visited the emergency department of our hospital for the first time in 5 years. The tumor at the right lobe had grown into a lump with adrenal metastases and was 15 cm in diameter. It had invaded the inferior vena cava. Atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment was selected for HCC treatment. Before starting treatment, his liver function was preserved (Child-Pugh A5). His alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) levels were 759.0 ng/mL and 5,681 mAU/mL, respectively. Atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment resulted in a marked decrease in tumor marker levels and tumor staining. After nine courses of atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment, it became difficult to continue the administration of bevacizumab because of proteinuria. Because the tumor had decreased in size and the tumor markers were in the normal range, we decided to perform conversion hepatectomy. The tumor was completely removed by combined resection of the diaphragm, and pathological analyses showed a complete response to atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment. No viable tumor cells remained on histological analyses. The patient is doing well without any signs of recurrence at 3 months after conversion surgery.

Systemic Therapy and Its Surgical Implications in Patients with Resectable Liver Colorectal Cancer Metastases. A Report from the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference

The Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) convened virtually on 4 November 2021. The WCGCCC is an interactive multi-disciplinary conference attended by health care professionals, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists; radiologists; and allied health care professionals from across four Western Canadian provinces, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. They participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing recommendations on the role of systemic therapy and its optimal sequence in patients with resectable metastatic colorectal cancer.

Gastrointestinal Surgical Emergencies in the Neutropenic Immunocompromised Patient

Surgeons encounter neutropenic patients through elective or emergency consultation with increasing regularity. As medical management continues to extend the lives of patients with benign hematologic diseases, hematologic malignancies, solid malignancies, or iatrogenic neutropenia, more patients are presenting with infectious complications caused and/or complicated by their neutropenia. This leaves surgeons in the difficult position of managing medically fragile patients with unusual presentations of common disease processes. These patients often fall outside of classical guidelines and treatment pathways. Many studies addressing these issues are retrospective and non-randomized. Here, we review common emergency gastrointestinal surgery scenarios and their management in the setting of a neutropenic patient. While biliary disease, appendicitis, anorectal disease, and perforations will be covered in detail, an extensive appreciation of a patient's medical or oncologic disease course and appropriate utilization of consultants such as interventional radiology, gastroenterology, and hematology is often necessary.

Adipose-derived stromal cells for nonhealing wounds: Emerging opportunities and challenges

Wound healing complications affect thousands of people each year, thus constituting a profound economic and medical burden. Chronic wounds are a highly complex problem that usually affects elderly patients as well as patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, cancer (surgery, radiotherapy/chemotherapy) or autoimmune diseases. Currently available methods of their treatment are not fully effective, so new solutions are constantly being sought. Cell-based therapies seem to have great potential for use in stimulating wound healing. In recent years, much effort has been focused on characterizing of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) and evaluating their clinical use in regenerative medicine and other medical fields. These cells are easily obtained in large amounts from adipose tissue and show a high proregenerative potential, mainly through paracrine activities. In this review, the process of healing acute and nonhealing (chronic) wounds is detailed, with a special attention paid to the wounds of patients with diabetes and cancer. In addition, the methods and technical aspects of AD-MSCs isolation, culture and transplantation in chronic wounds are described, and the characteristics, genetic stability and role of AD-MSCs in wound healing are also summarized. The biological properties of AD-MSCs isolated from subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue are compared. Additionally, methods to increase their therapeutic potential as well as factors that may affect their biological functions are summarized. Finally, their therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetic and oncological wounds is also discussed.

Radiotherapy and Surgical Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Spine Tumors: A Narrative Review

Spine tumors encompass a wide range of diseases with a commensurately broad spectrum of available treatments, ranging from radiation for spinal metastases to highly invasive en bloc resection for primary vertebral column malignancies. This high variability in treatment approaches stems both from variability in the goals of surgery (e.g., oncologic cure vs. symptom palliation) and from the significant advancements in surgical technologies that have been made over the past 2 decades. Among these advancements are improvements in surgical technique, namely minimally invasive approaches, increased availability of focused radiation modalities (e.g., proton therapy and linear accelerator devices), and new surgical technologies, such as carbon fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone rods. In addition, several groups have described nonsurgical interventions, such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for spinal instability secondary to pathologic fracture, and lesion ablation with spinal laser interstitial thermoablation, radiofrequency ablation, or cryoablation. We provide an overview of the latest technological advancements in spinal oncology and their potential usefulness for modern spinal oncologists.

High output cardiac failure in 3 patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and hepatic vascular malformations, evaluation of treatment

BACKGROUND

This report addresses how patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and high output cardiac failure (HOCF) due to hepatic vascular malformations, should be evaluated and could be treated. HHT is a genetic disorder, leading to vascular abnormalities with potentially serious clinical implications. In the liver, arteriovenous malformations occur in more than 70% of patients, but only about 8% present clinical symptoms such as HOCF with pulmonary hypertension and less commonly portal hypertension, biliary ischemia and hepatic encephalopathy.

RESULTS

Three female patients with HHT type 2 and HOCF caused by severe arteriovenous malformations in the liver are presented in this case series. The patients were seen at the HHT-Centre at Odense University Hospital. Treatment with either orthotopic liver transplantation (one patient) or bevacizumab (two patients) was initiated. All patients experienced marked symptom relief and objective improvement. New York Heart Association-class were improved, ascites, peripheral edema and hence diuretic treatment was markedly reduced or discontinued in all three patients. Bevacizumab also resulted in notable effects on epistaxis and anemia.

CONCLUSION

Our findings substantiate the importance of identification of symptomatic arteriovenous malformations in the liver in patients with HHT. Bevacizumab may possibly, as suggested in this case series and supported by previous case studies, postpone the time to orthotopic liver transplantation or even make it unnecessary. Bevacizumab represents a promising new treatment option, which should be investigated further in clinical trials.

Restorative oncodermatology: Diagnosis and management of dermatologic sequelae from cancer therapies

The long-term survival of patients with cancer has risen dramatically during the last few decades. Despite this remarkable success, the same treatments that have enabled cure or remission often secondarily affect the skin, hair, and nails. Conditions including scarring, striae distensae, persistent alopecia, pigmentary changes, nail alterations, chronic radiation dermatitis, and radiation fibrosis have been associated with anxiety, depression, decreased quality of life, and impaired function. These dermatologic changes are cosmetically disfiguring, may limit activities, and are a visual reminder of past illness. Interventions toward improving these untoward sequelae and restoring the appearance and function of skin and appendages are critical for normalization and may contribute to improved quality of life in cancer survivors. Here, we outline dermatologic sequelae of cancer therapies with a review of medical and procedural treatment strategies to restore dermatologic health in the survivorship population.

Mobile Mitral and Aortic Valvular Masses in Patients With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Receiving Intravenous Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is now an emerging treatment option for severe hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia–related bleeding including epistaxis and gastrointestinal tract bleeding. The impact of long-term intravenous bevacizumab therapy on cardiac structure and function is unknown. We describe 3 patients receiving intravenous bevacizumab therapy for severe hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia–related bleeding who were found to have abnormal mobile masses on the mitral valve (n=2) and aortic valve (n=1). The clinical impact of these findings is unknown and requires further study.

Complex Wound Management Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and Dwell Time in a Cancer Care Setting

INTRODUCTION

Unresolved wound healing represents a major health care cost with a negative impact on patient quality of life, especially among oncology patients who exhibit a delay in the wound healing cascade due to chemotherapy and radiation. In order to address this problem, the author utilized negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) to cleanse wounds of debris and help promote healing.

OBJECTIVE

The author examines the impact of NPWTi-d on multiple indicators of wound healing progress in 6 cancer patients with complex wounds and multiple comorbidities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NPWTi-d was initiated with instillation of normal saline or 0.125% hypochlorite solution, which was allowed to dwell for 3 to 20 minutes, followed by 2 to 3.5 hours of -125 mm Hg continuous negative pressure. Dressing changes were performed every 2 to 3 days. Debridements, incision and drainage, and antibiotics were administered as necessary.

RESULTS

A total of 1 woman and 5 men (average age, 62 years; range, 53-78 years) presented with the following wounds: surgical dehiscence (n = 3), pressure injury (n = 1), chronic seroma (n = 1), and abdominal wall abscess (n = 1). Malignancy was not detectable in any wounds. Patient comorbidities included diabetes, hypertension, and past treatment for cancers. The NPWTi-d was applied for 1 to 2 weeks, after which the wounds exhibited a reduction in slough, an improvement in granulation tissue, and a decrease in wound volume. Wounds were closed with a flap or transitioned to conventional NPWT prior to discharge home or to a rehabilitation facility for outpatient recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

As shown in this case series, NPWTi-d was a beneficial tool for cleansing the wound bed, thus creating a moist, closed wound environment conducive to healing. Using NPWTi-d supported the formation of a healthy wound bed and contributed to rapid, positive outcomes in this patient population.

Specific humoral response in cancer patients treated with a VEGF-specific active immunotherapy procedure within a compassionate use program

BACKGROUND

CIGB-247 is a cancer therapeutic vaccine that uses as antigen a variant of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mixed with the bacterially-derived adjuvant VSSP. CIGB-247 has been already evaluated in two phase I clinical trials (CENTAURO and CENTAURO-2), showing to be safe and immunogenic in advanced cancer patients selected under well-defined and controlled clinical conditions. Surviving patients were submitted to monthly re-immunizations and some of them showed objective clinical benefits. Based on these results, a compassionate use program (CUP) with CIGB-247 was initiated for patients that did not meet the strict entry criteria applied for the CENTAURO and CENTAURO-2 clinical trials, but could potentially benefit from the application of this cancer therapeutic vaccine.

RESULTS

Polyclonal IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies specific for VEGF were detected by ELISA in serum samples from patients vaccinated with 400 μg of antigen combined with 200 μg of VSSP. Polyclonal antibody response showed no cross reactivity for other VEGF family member molecules like VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Serum from immunized individuals was able to block the binding of VEGF to its receptors VEGFR2 and VEGFR1. IgG fraction purified from immune sera shared the aforementioned characteristics and also inhibited the interaction between VEGF and the therapeutic recombinant antibody bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic drug approved for the treatment of different tumors. No serious adverse events attributable to CIGB-247 have been documented yet in participants of the CIGB-247 CUP. The present paper is a first report of our findings concerning the humoral response and safety characteristics in treated CIGB-247 CUP cancer patients. The study has provided the unique opportunity of not only testing CIGB-247 in a broader clinical spectrum sample of Cuban cancer patients, but also within the context of the day-to-day clinical practice and treatment settings for these diseases in Cuban medical institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

The CIGB-247 CUP has demonstrated that immunization and follow-up of a variety of cancer patients, under day-to-day clinical practice conditions in several Cuban medical institutions, replicate our previous findings in clinical trials: CIGB-247 is safe and immunogenic.

Carbapenems vs alternative antibiotics for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) are universal reasons for hospitalization, and highly likely to develop into sepsis or septic shock. Carbapenem antibiotics with potentially higher efficacy or with fewer and milder side effects have increased in popularity, but evidence is limited by a scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different carbapenem antibiotics for cUTI. Network meta-analysis is a useful tool to compare multiple treatments when there is limited or no direct evidence available.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of different carbapenems with alternative antibiotics for the treatment of cUTI.

METHODS

Pubmed, Medline, CENTRAL, and Embase were searched in November 2018. Studies of cUTI patients receiving carbapenem were included. We performed network meta-analysis to estimate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% credible interval (CrI) from both direct and indirect evidence; traditional meta-analysis was also performed. Primary outcomes were clinical and microbiological treatment success.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies and 7380 patients were included in the analysis. Doripenem (DOPM) was associated with lower clinical treatment success rates than other carbapenems. Although the efficacy of other carbapenems by RRs with 95% CrIs did not show statistical differences, the cumulative rank probability indicated that meropenem/vaborbactam (MV), ertapenem (ETPM), and biapenem (BAPM) had higher clinical and microbiological treatment success rates; imipenem/cilastatin (IC) and MV showed higher risk of adverse events (AEs).

CONCLUSIONS

MV was associated with higher treatment success rates for cUTI, especially for cUTI caused by carbapenem-resistant uropathogens, but also with higher risk of AEs. Our findings suggest MV as a first-choice treatment of carbapenem-resistant cUTI. ETPM, BAPM, and meropenem (MEPM) is another reasonable choice for cUTI empiric therapy.

Potential Antiangiogenic Treatment Eligibility of Patients with Squamous Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: EPISQUAMAB Study (GFPC 2015-01)

BACKGROUND

Antiangiogenic agents have improved the prognosis of non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), even though all the patients are not eligible to receive them because of counterindications linked to the tumor's characteristics or comorbidities. Much less information is available about the eligibility of patients with squamous non-small-cell lung cancers (SQ-NSCLCs) to receive antivascular endothelial growth-factor (VEGF) treatments, even though such molecules are being developed for this histology. This study was undertaken to determine the percentage of advanced SQ-NSCLC patients who would be eligible to receive an antiVEGF agent as second-line systemic therapy.

METHODS

This observational, multicenter, prospective study evaluated advanced SQ-NSCLC patients' criteria for ineligibility to receive an antiVEGF during a multidisciplinary meeting to choose their standard second-line systemic therapy.

RESULTS

Among the 317 patients included, 53.6% had at least one ineligibility criterion, and ~20% had at least two, with disease extension to large vessels (39.8%), tumor cavitation (20.5%), cardiovascular disease (11%) and/or hemoptysis (7.2%) being the most frequent. Patients with an ECOG performance score of 1/2 had more cardiovascular contraindications that those with scores of 0.

CONCLUSION

Almost half of the SQ-NSCLC patients included in this study would have been eligible to receive an antiVEGF agent. The development of these molecules for these indications should be encouraged.

Outcome analysis of surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases in long-term cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

As patients with metastatic cancer live longer, an increased emphasis is placed on long-term therapeutic outcomes. The current study evaluates outcomes of long-term cancer survivors following surgery for spinal metastases.

METHODS

The study population included patients surgically treated at a tertiary cancer center between January 2010 and December 2015 who survived at least 24 months postoperatively. A retrospective chart and imaging review was performed to collect data regarding patient demographics; tumor histology; type and extent of spinal intervention; radiation data, including treatment dose and field; long-term sequelae, including local tumor control; and reoperations, repeat irradiation, or postoperative kyphoplasty at a previously treated level.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were identified, of whom 44 were male, with a mean age of 61 years. The mean clinical follow-up for the cohort was 44.6 months (range 24.2-88.3 months). Open posterolateral decompression and stabilization was performed in 67 patients and percutaneous minimally invasive surgery in 21. In the total cohort, 84% received postoperative adjuvant radiation and 27% were operated on for progression following radiation. Posttreatment local tumor progression was identified in 10 patients (11%) at the index treatment level and 5 additional patients had a marginal failure; all of these patients were treated with repeat irradiation with 5 patients requiring a reoperation. In total, at least 1 additional surgical intervention was performed at the index level in 20 (23%) of the 88 patients: 11 for hardware failure, 5 for progression of disease, 3 for wound complications, and 1 for postoperative hematoma. Most reoperations (85%) were delayed at more than 3 months from the index surgery. Wound infections or dehiscence requiring additional surgical intervention occurred in 3 patients, all of which occurred more than a year postoperatively. Kyphoplasty at a previously operated level was performed in 3 cases due to progressive fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Durable tumor control can be achieved in long-term cancer survivors surgically treated for symptomatic spinal metastases with limited complications. Complications observed after long-term follow-up include local tumor recurrence/progression, marginal tumor control failures, early or late hardware complications, late wound complications, and progressive spinal instability or deformity.

Safety and efficacy of combined use of propofol and etomidate for sedation during gastroscopy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sedation with etomidate or propofol alone during gastroscopy has many side effects. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combined use of propofol and etomidate for sedation during gastroscopy.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Medline (via Ovid SP), Cochrane library databases, CINAHL (via EBSCO), China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc), Wanfang, VIP, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the combined use of propofol and etomidate vs etomidate or propofol alone for sedation during gastroscopy. Data were pooled using the random-effects models or fixed-effect model based on heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with 2973 participants were included in the analysis. Compared to propofol alone, the combined use of propofol and etomidate possibly increased recovery time (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.04-0.24; P = .005), and the risk for myoclonus (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.73-5.44; P < .001), injection pain, and nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, compared to propofol alone, the combination of propofol and etomidate produced an apparent beneficial effect for mean arterial pressure (MAP) after anesthesia (SMD = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.38-2.26; P = .006), SPO2 after anesthesia (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.43-1.55; P < .001), apnea or hypoxemia (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.08-0.33; P < .001), injection pain, and body movement. Further, compared to etomidate alone, the combination of propofol and etomidate reduced the risk for myoclonus (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.11-0.22; P < .001), body movement, and nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION

The combination of propofol and etomidate might increase recovery time vs that associated with propofol, but it had fewer side effects on circulation and respiration in patients undergoing gastroscopy. The combined use of propofol and etomidate can improve and produce an apparent beneficial effect on the adverse effects of propofol or etomidate alone, and it was safer and more effective than propofol or etomidate alone.

Naproxen for the treatment of neoplastic fever: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of naproxen on the treatment of neoplastic fever is still unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the effect of naproxen in the treatment of cancer fever or suspicion. Besides, the latest and most convincing evidence was provided for the earlier use of naproxen in treating cancer patients with fever of unknown origin.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to identify all published studies on the naproxen for the treatment of neoplastic fever. Electronic databases (eg, PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library) were searched until October 2018. Data were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed by 2 authors independently. Standard meta-analyses on the rate of successful treatment were conducted using a random-effects model, and relative risks were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies, recruiting 582 participants, were included, which were 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT), 1 non-RCT, 3 cross-sectional studies, and 10 case-series studies. The result of our meta-analysis revealed that the success rate on the treatment of neoplastic fever using naproxen was 94.1% (95% CI: 87.6%-97.3%). The success rate of the suspected neoplastic fever was 79.8%; for fever of unknown origin, it also reached 67.7%. In this meta-analysis, the success rate was 98.1% (95% CI: 95.0%-99.3%) in the dosage of 250 mg twice a day. Besides, a small dose of 125 mg naproxen, 375 mg twice a day and 250 mg 3 times a day were also useful. The result of the subgroup analysis revealed that the difference was not statistically significant in the treatment success rate for solid tumors and hematologic malignant.

CONCLUSIONS

The result of our meta-analysis suggested that naproxen exhibited a highly successful rate for the treatment of neoplastic fever. Besides, naproxen was also satisfactory in improving symptoms of suspected neoplastic fever and fever of unknown origin. The earlier use of naproxen might be able to mitigate cancer patient's suffering and enhanced their quality of life. These findings, however, rely primarily on observational data and should be interpreted rigorously. Further well-conducted trials are required to assess naproxen for the treatment of neoplastic fever.

Hernia and Cancer: The Points Where the Roads Intersect

Introduction: This review aimed to present common points, intersections, and potential interactions or mutual effects for hernia and cancer. Besides direct relationships, indirect connections, and possible involvements were searched. Materials and Methods: A literature search of PubMed database was performed in July 2018 as well as a search of relevant journals and reference lists. The total number of screened articles was 1,422. Some articles were found in multiple different searches. A last PubMed search was performed during manuscript writing in December 2018 to update the knowledge. Eventually 427 articles with full text were evaluated, and 264 included, in this review. Results: There is no real evidence for a possible common etiology for abdominal wall hernias and any cancer type. The two different diseases had been found to have some common points in the studies on genes, integrins, and biomarkers, however, to date no meaningful relationship has been identified between these points. There is also some, albeit rather conflicting, evidence for inguinal hernia being a possible risk factor for testicular cancer. Neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapeutic modalities like chemotherapy and radiotherapy may cause postoperative herniation with their adverse effects on tissue repair. Certain specific substances like bevacizumab may cause more serious complications and interfere with hernia repair. There are only two articles in PubMed directly related to the topic of "hernia and cancer." In one of these the authors claimed that there was no association between cancer development and hernia repair with mesh. The other article reported two cases of squamous-cell carcinoma developed secondary to longstanding mesh infections. Conclusion: As expected, the relationship between abdominal wall hernias and cancer is weak. Hernia repair with mesh does not cause cancer, there is only one case report on cancer development following a longstanding prosthetic material infections. However, there are some intersection points between these two disease groups which are worthy of research in the future.

Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Treatment with Bevacizumab, Liposomal Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Paclitaxel Combination in Locally/Regionally Advanced, HER2-Negative, Grade III at Premenopausal Status Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study

BACKGROUND

In the era of personalized therapy, targeted treatment in specific patient populations is mandated.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant treatment on locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with a monoclonal agent against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bevacizumab plus chemotherapy combination of liposomal doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel (PLAC-B).

METHODS

Patients enrolled were at premenopausal status and characterized by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, hormone-receptor positive (estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor-positive [ER/PR+]) or triple-negative (TNBC), LABC (T > 3 cm), with high-grade ductal carcinoma. Patients had to have a measurable disease and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0, with adequate hematologic, renal, and hepatic function. Patients received intravenous liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m², cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m², paclitaxel 120 mg/m², and bevacizumab 8 mg/kg on day 1 of 15-day cycles for four cycles (four administrations as neoadjuvant treatment). The primary endpoint was complete clinical (cCR) and pathologic (pCR) response rates, while secondary endpoints included safety, breast-conserving surgery (BCS) conversion rate, and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Sixty-two women were enrolled; 20 were ER/PR+ and 42 had TNBC. All underwent surgery, six received mastectomy, and 56 (90.3%) received BCS, with an equal conversion rate from initial indication for mastectomy. cCR was 25.8%. pCR in the breast and axilla occurred in 24 patients (38.7%). pCR was 42.9% for TNBC and 30% for ER/PR+. Hematologic adverse events (AEs) included neutropenia (74.2% total; 22.6% grade 3 [G3]) and febrile neutropenia (6.5% G3); non-hematologic G3 AEs included nausea (6.5%), mucositis (9.7%), and infection (3.2%), all of which were managed without negative sequelae. Over a 3-year follow-up, all patients were alive and DFS was 87.1%.

CONCLUSION

PLAC-B as neoadjuvant treatment of this subpopulation with TNBC and ER/PR+ patients is effective and safe. Further studies are necessitated.

Decrease in VEGF-Induced Pericardial Adhesion Formation Using Bevacizumab After Surgery

Objectives. Some degrees of postoperative cardiac adhesions occur in response to the first cardiac surgery in patients that may limit surgeons for subsequent operations and increase the risk of heart injury. In this article, we established a model of postoperative pericardial adhesions, and because vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to initiate adhesion formation through inflammatory responses, we used an anti-VEGF antibody, that is, bevacizumab, to examine its effects on postoperative adhesion formation. Methods. Twenty Wistar rats were divided in 2 groups: control and bevacizumab. After chest opening, pericardial sac was opened and the heart was fully exposed. In the bevacizumab group, bevacizumab (2.5 mg/kg) was applied locally on the heart and then the chest was closed. The control group received saline solution as placebo. After 42 days, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in peripheral blood was measured, and re-sternotomy was performed to measure severity of pericardial adhesions. Then, the hearts were collected from all rats to evaluate percentage of CD-31-positive cells (as a marker of angiogenesis) using immunohistochemical staining. Results. When the bevacizumab group was compared with the control group, we found that the mean score of adhesion (0.89 ± 0.38 vs 2.56 ± 0.41) and CD-31 expression (27.45 ± 3.75% vs 56.26 ± 1.98%) was decreased significantly after bevacizumab administration. However, we did not find any difference in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels of control and bevacizumab animals. Conclusion. In the current study, bevacizumab administration could effectively reduce adhesion formation after first sternotomy by preventing VEGF-induced angiogenesis through CD-31 downregulation.

Clinical management of cutaneous adverse events in patients on targeted anticancer therapies and immunotherapies: a national consensus statement by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology

Progress in the understanding of many tumors has enabled the development of new therapies, such as those targeted at specific molecules involved in cell growth (targeted therapies) or intended to modulate the immune system (immunotherapy). However, along with the clinical benefit provided by these new treatments, new adverse effects have also appeared. Dermatological toxicities such as papulopustular eruptions, xerosis, and pruritus are common with EGFR inhibitors. Other adverse effects have also been described with PDGFR, BCR-ABL, and MAPK tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antiangiogenic drugs, and inhibitors at immune checkpoints such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1. Onset of these adverse effects often causes dose reductions and/or delays in administering the prescribed therapy, which can affect patient survival and quality of life. It is, therefore, important to prevent the occurrence of these adverse effects, or to treat unavoidable ones as soon as possible. This requires cooperation between medical oncologists and dermatologists. This article reviews the various dermatological toxicities associated with targeted therapies and immunotherapies, along with their diagnosis and therapeutic management.

ESCMID Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH) Consensus Document on the safety of targeted and biological therapies: an infectious diseases perspective (Cell surface receptors and associated signaling pathways)

BACKGROUND

The present review is part of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH) consensus document on the safety of targeted and biologic therapies.

AIMS

To review, from an infectious diseases perspective, the safety profile of therapies targeting cell surface receptors and associated signaling pathways among cancer patients and to suggest preventive recommendations.

SOURCES

Computer-based Medline searches with MeSH terms pertaining to each agent or therapeutic family.

CONTENT

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted agents (bevacizumab and aflibercept) are associated with a meaningful increase in the risk of infection, likely due to drug-induced neutropaenia, although no clear benefit is expected from the universal use of anti-infective prophylaxis. VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors (i.e. sorafenib or sunitinib) do not seem to significantly affect host's susceptibility to infection, and universal anti-infective prophylaxis is not recommended either. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab or panitumumab) induce neutropaenia and secondary skin and soft tissue infection in cases of severe papulopustular rash. Systemic antibiotics (doxycycline or minocycline) should be administered to prevent the latter complication, whereas no recommendation can be established on the benefit from antiviral, antifungal or anti-Pneumocystis prophylaxis. A lower risk of infection is reported for anti-ErbB2/HER2 monoclonal antibodies (trastuzumab and pertuzumab) and ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (including dual-EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitors such as lapatinib or neratinib) compared to conventional chemotherapy, presumably as a result of the decreased occurrence of drug-induced neutropaenia.

IMPLICATIONS

With the exception of VEGF-targeted agents, the overall risk of infection associated with the reviewed therapies seems to be low.

Aerosol Gemcitabine after Amputation Inhibits Osteosarcoma Lung Metastases but Not Wound Healing

Background

In newly diagnosed osteosarcoma (OS) patients, the time between surgery and resumption of chemotherapy is 2-7 weeks. Delays > 16 days are associated with increased risk of relapse and decreased overall survival. Identifying an effective therapy that can be used postoperatively may prevent relapse. We investigated whether aerosol gemcitabine (GCB) initiated after tumor resection inhibited the growth of OS lung metastases without affecting the wound-healing process.

Methods

Mice were injected intratibially with OS cells. Amputation was performed when the tumor reached 1.5 cm. Full-thickness excisional wounds were also made on the dorsal skin and tail. Aerosol GCB or PBS was initiated 48 hours after amputation (3 times/week for 3 weeks). Wound sections were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 (proliferation), CD31 (vessels), VEGF, IL-10, bFGF, mast cells, macrophages, and M1/M2 macrophage ratios. The lungs were analyzed for macro- and micrometastases.

Results

Aerosol GCB inhibited the growth of the lung metastases but had no effect on the 3 phases of wound healing in the dorsal skin, tail, or bone. Production of cytokines at the wound sites was the same.

Conclusion

These data indicate that initiating aerosol GCB postoperatively may kill residual lung metastases thereby preventing relapse and improve survival.

Surgical Complications of Presurgical Systemic Therapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Background

Locally advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with poor survival outcomes. The integration of presurgical systemic therapy with targeted molecular agents prior to surgical resection of RCC tumors has been utilized to improve on these outcomes. These agents may be associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications due to their action on angiogenesis and cell proliferation.

Objective

To examine the evidence for the incidence and severity of perioperative complications following presurgical targeted therapy for locally advanced or metastatic RCC.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of retrospective studies, prospective clinical trials, and meta-analyses using key search terms in PubMed and Medline. Studies were screened for eligibility and data were extracted by the authors. A qualitative analysis was performed and the complications for available targeted agents was reported.

Results

Retrospective analyses and small prospective trials indicate varying complication rates and types based on presurgical therapies. While some studies indicate a possible increase in wound-related complications, other studies did not show similar results. Additional unique complications reported include an increase in surgical adhesions. There was not any significant difference in overall or bleeding complications.

Conclusions

Overall, these studies demonstrate an acceptable level of surgical complications that should not discourage the clinician considering presurgical therapy. The results of pending trials looking at presurgical therapies will provide further information.

Sulfonylurea for the treatment of neonatal diabetes owing to KATP-channel mutations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The effect of sulfonylurea for the treatment of neonatal diabetes (NDM) is remain uncertain. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of sulfonylurea for NDM and to provide the latest and most convincing evidence for developing clinical practice guidelines of NDM. A literature review was performed to identify all published studies reporting the sulfonylurea on the treatment of neonatal diabetes. The search included the following databases: PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was the success rates of treatment, change of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-peptide. Data results were pooled by using MetaAnalyst with a random-effects model. Ten studies (6 cohort studies and 4 cross-sectional studies) involving 285 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled estimated success rate by the random-effects model was 90.1%(95% CI: 85.1%-93.5%). HbA1c had a significantly lower compared with before treatment. The pooled estimate of MD was -2.289, and the 95% CI was -2.790 to -1.789 (P < 0.001). The subgroup analysis showed a similar result for cohort studies and in cross-sectional studies. The common mild side effect is gastrointestinal reaction. The present meta-analysis suggested that sulfonylurea had a positive effect for treatment NDM due to K_ATP channel mutations. In addition, sulfonylurea also displayed sound safety except the mild gastrointestinal reaction. However, the findings rely chiefly on data from observational studies. Further well-conducted trials are required to assess sulfonylurea for NDM.

A new paradigm for antiangiogenic therapy through controlled release of bevacizumab from PLGA nanoparticles

Monoclonal antibodies have deserved a remarkable interest for more than 40 years as a vital tool for the treatment of various diseases. Still, there is a raising interest to develop advanced monoclonal antibody delivery systems able to tailor pharmacokinetics. Bevacizumab is a humanized immunoglobulin IgG1 used in antiangiogenic therapies due to its capacity to inhibit the interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor. However, bevacizumab-based antiangiogenic therapy is not always effective due to poor treatment compliance associated to multiples administrations and drug resistance. In this work, we show a promising strategy of encapsulating bevacizumab to protect and deliver it, in a controlled manner, increasing the time between administrations and formulation shelf-life. Nanoencapsulation of bevacizumab represents a significant advance for selective antiangiogenic therapies since extracellular, cell surface and intracellular targets can be reached. The present study shows that bevacizumab-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles does not impair its native-like structure after encapsulation and fully retain the bioactivity, making this nanosystem a new paradigm for the improvement of angiogenic therapy.

[Application of Bevacizumab in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

At present, non-small cell lung cancer is one of the highest incidence of cancers in the world, and its incidence increased year by year, this situation prompted people to continue to seek a variety of treatment in order to extend the survival of patients and improve the quality of life of patients. This review aims to discuss the progress of bevacizumab in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, through the clinical data so far to explore the clinical use of the drug, the choice of patients and the future direction of development.