Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) was published in 2021. A special, hybrid guidelines meeting was convened by ESMO and the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO) in collaboration with nine other Asian national oncology societies in May 2022 in order to adapt the ESMO 2021 guidelines to take into account the differences associated with the treatment of MBC in Asia. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with MBC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Indonesia (ISHMO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO). The voting was based on the best available scientific evidence and was independent of drug access or practice restrictions in the different Asian countries. The latter were discussed when appropriate. The aim of these guidelines is to provide guidance for the harmonisation of the management of patients with MBC across the different regions of Asia, drawing from data provided by global and Asian trials whilst at the same time integrating the differences in genetics, demographics and scientific evidence, together with restricted access to certain therapeutic strategies.

A phase II randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of 6-gingerol as an anti-emetic in solid tumor patients receiving moderately to highly emetogenic chemotherapy

6-Gingerol is a natural compound extracted from ginger. Preclinical studies demonstrated that 6-gingerol has an anti-emetic activity by inhibiting neurokinin-1, serotonin, and dopamine receptors. Several clinical trials examined crude ginger powder for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), but none of them was conducted with a standardized bioactive compound. Patients who received moderately to highly emetogenic adjuvant chemotherapy were randomized to receive 6-gingerol 10 mg or placebo orally twice daily for 12 weeks. Ondansetron, metoclopramide, and dexamethasone were given to all patients. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate defined as no emesis or rescue treatment at any time. Eighty-eight patients were randomized to receive 6-gingerol (N = 42) or placebo (N = 46). Most patients received highly emetogenic chemotherapy (93%). Overall CR rate was significantly higher in 6-gingerol group as compared with that of the placebo (77 vs. 32%; P < 0.001). The difference in means of appetite score was significant (P = 0.001) and more noticeable over time. Mean FACT-G score indicating quality of life was significantly higher (86.21) in 6-gingerol group at 64 days as compared with that of placebo group (72.36) (P < 0.001). No toxicity related to 6-gingerol was observed. Patients treated with 6-gingerol reported significantly less grade 3 fatigue (2 vs. 20%; P = 0.020). 6-Gingerol significantly improved overall CR rate in CINV, appetite and quality of life in cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. A phase III randomized study of 6-gingerol is warranted to confirm these results.

Hospital-based Population of Elderly Cancer Cases in Northeastern Thailand

BACKGROUND

The proportion of aged Thais (≥65 years old) is expected to be 30% by 2030, leading to an increased number of elderly cancer cases. Older individuals have distinct patterns of cancer and treatment needs. We therefore conducted the present study of new cancer cases and trends to get a perspective on the elderly cancer situation in Northeast Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All new elderly cancer cases (≥65 years) registered in the hospital-based cancer registry at the Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University during 1993-2012 were included in the study.

RESULTS

Elderly patients accounted for 31.6% of all cancer patients and new cancer cases in the older age group increased 46% from the first to second decades. The absolute number of oldest old (80+ years) doubled. The top three cancers in males were liver and bile duct, lung, and colorectal. In females, the three most common cancers were liver and bile duct, oral cavity, and cervix. Cancers with the highest percentages of increase were thyroid, prostate, and colorectal.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly cancer cases are increasing. Treatment modalities and palliative care for older populations are urgently needed.

Exploration of pain management following implementation of WHO pain guidelines

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Background: Pain is among the most common symptoms encountered in cancer patients and remains the first priority of care. Methods: This cross sectional study aimed to explore a pattern of pain management at KKU Hospital by utilizing a numeric rating scale (0–10). Cancer pain patients were categorized based on prior analgesic exposure into two groups; Naïve group, and Routine group. Treatments were defined according to WHO as 1) drug treatment relevant to pain severity, 2) analgesics being prescribed as around-the- clock and 3) analgesics used for break-through pain for patients receiving strong opioid. Results: From Dec 2005 to Jul 2006, 261 patients were enrolled. 93.1% (n=243) were in advanced stages and 88.5% (n=231) were in moderate to severe pain. This pain interfered with patient’s daily life activities mildly to moderately as each pain score increased (p-value<0.01). In Naive group (n=159), 32.7% (n=52) were given analgesics following the WHO on both days 1 and day 3 of admission whereas 40.2% (n=64) patients were not. A decreased pain score was greater (2.61, SD±1.5) in a group following the WHO on day 1. Additionally, a decreased pain score was greater (3.91, SD±1.8) in a group following the WHO on day 3 (p-value <0.0001). This pain score decreased was also clinically significant as pain score reduced more than 3 points. In Routine group (n=102), 32 (31.4%) were given analgesics following the WHO guideline on both day 1 and day 3 of admission. In contrast, 36 (35.3%) were not. A decreased pain score was greater (2.59, SD±1.8) in a routine group following the WHO on day 1. Moreover, a decreased pain score was greater (3.95, SD±1.8) in a group following the WHO on day 3. The clinical significance of pain score reduced was also found on day 3. Of the 261 evaluable patients, the pattern of analgesics usage following the WHO guideline was increased in both groups comparing to at the beginning of the study. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that patients who received pain management following the WHO guideline reported significantly lower pain intensity than those not following the WHO.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Itraconazole in cryptococcal meningitis in pregnancy: a case report

A 25-year-old pregnant women with cryptococcal meningitis treated with itraconazole during the first few weeks and 12th-16th week of pregnancy is reported. She delivered a normal baby. Itraconazole should be another drug for treatment of fungal infection in pregnancy.