Prone position for acute respiratory distress syndrome and the hazards of meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Researchers have tried unsuccessfully for many years using randomized controlled trials to show the efficacy of prone ventilation in treating ARDS. These failed attempts were of use in designing the successful PROSEVA trial, published in 2013. However, the evidence provided by meta-analyses in support of prone ventilation for ARDS was too low to be conclusive. The present study shows that meta-analysis is indeed not the best approach for the assessment of evidence as to the efficacy of prone ventilation.

METHODS

We performed a cumulative meta-analysis to prove that only the PROSEVA trial, due to its strong protective effect, has substantially impacted on the outcome. We also replicated nine published meta-analyses including the PROSEVA trial. We performed leave-one-out analyses, removing one trial at a time from each meta-analysis, measuring p values for effect size, and also the Cochran's Q test for heterogeneity assessment. We represented these analyses in a scatter plot to identify outlier studies influencing heterogeneity or overall effect size. We used interaction tests to formally identify and evaluate differences with the PROSEVA trial.

RESULTS

The positive effect of the PROSEVA trial accounted for most of the heterogeneity and for the reduction of overall effect size in the meta-analyses. The interaction tests we conducted on the nine meta-analyses formally confirmed the difference in the effectiveness of prone ventilation between the PROSEVA trial the other studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical lack of homogeneity between the PROSEVA trial design and the other studies should have discouraged the use of meta-analysis. Statistical considerations support this hypothesis, suggesting that the PROSEVA trial is an independent source of evidence.

Gemcitabine-erlotinib versus gemcitabine-erlotinib-capecitabine in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer: Efficacy and safety results of a phase IIb randomised study from the Spanish TTD Collaborative Group

BACKGROUND

Gemcitabine and erlotinib have shown a survival benefit in the first-line setting in metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). The aim of this study was to assess whether combining capecitabine (C) with gemcitabine + erlotinib (GE) was safe and effective versus GE in patients with mPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Previously untreated mPC patients were randomised to receive G (1000 mg/m², days 1, 8, 15) + E (100 mg/day, days 1-28) + C (1660 mg/m², days 1-21) or GE, q4 weeks, until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary end-point: progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end-points: overall survival (OS), response rate, relationship of rash with PFS/OS and safety.

RESULTS

120 patients were randomised, median age 63 years, ECOG status 0/1/2 33%/58%/8%; median follow-up 16.5 months. Median PFS in the gemcitabine-erlotinib-capecitabine (GEC) and GE arms was 4.3 and 3.8 months, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-1.31; p = 0.52). Median OS in the GEC and GE arms was 6.8 and 7.7 months, respectively (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.72-1.63; p = 0.69). Grade 3/4 neutropenia (GEC 43% versus GE 15%; p = 0.0008) and mucositis (GEC 9% versus GE 0%; p = 0.03) were the only statistically significant differences in grade 3/4 adverse events. PFS and OS were significantly longer in patients with rash (grade ≥1) versus no rash (grade = 0): PFS 5.5 versus 2.0 months (HR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.26-0.6; p < 0.0001) and OS: 9.5 versus 4.0 months (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.33-0.77; p = 0.0014).

CONCLUSION

PFS with GEC was not significantly different to that with GE in patients with mPC. Skin rash strongly predicted erlotinib efficacy. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01303029.

Aflibercept (Z) in combination with FOLFIRI for second-line treatment of patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Safety and quality of life (QoL) data from the Spanish subgroup of the Aflibercept Safety and Quality-of-Life Program (ASQoP)

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Background: In the VELOUR trial, adding Z to FOLFIRI improves OS, PFS and RR in mCRC pts progressing after oxaliplatin ±biologic agents. The ASQoP trial (NCT01571284) was designed to gather safety and QoL data from mCRC in real-life setting. We report data collected by the Spanish investigators. Methods: ASQoP is single-arm, open-label trial evaluating safety and QoL of Z in mCRC pts as 2nd line. Eligible pts received Z (4mg/kg) q2wks on day 1/cycle, followed by FOLFIRI (dosing was at physician’s discretion) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, or investigator/pt decision. The EQ-5D was used for utility index (UI) measure and the EORTC QLQ-C30 as generic cancer instrument. QoL population consisted of pts completing the questionnaire at baseline and ≥1 assessment post-baseline and received ≥1 part of 1 dose of study treatment. Results: The safety population comprised 77 pts with ≥1 completed cycle of treatment. Grade (G)3/4 AEs were reported in 72.7% of pts (vs 83.5% in VELOUR), being G3 most commonly reported. There was no G4 hypertension, stomatitis, or proteinuria. G4 Diarrhea was found in 1.3% of pts. Mean baseline UI was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.63-0.78) in 51 pts, and remained relatively stable at cycles 3 (n=39) and 7 (n=24), with a mean (±SD) change from baseline of 0.03 (±0.26) and -0.06 (±0.35), respectively. Mean baseline global health status score was 63.1 (95% CI, 55.8-70.4) in 54 pts, and remained stable up to cycle 9 with a mean (±SD) change from baseline of 4.17 (±38). Conclusions: Thisanalysis has identified no new safety signals and suggests an acceptable toxicity profile with a relatively stable UI and QoL in Spanish mCRC pts in the real-life setting. [Table: see text]

Analysis and follow-up of the patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma in the Parc Taulí Hospital, Sabadell, between 2010 and 2013

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Background: The primary endpoint of this study was to know the incidence and treatment of gastric carcinoma in our area. Other secondary endpoints were percentage of treated patients, overall survival (OS), survival in subgroups, and more frequent treatments. Methods: Since 2010 to 2013 all the patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma and treated at the hospital Parc Taulí from Sabadell were registered. The clinical information was compiled and analyzed. Survivals curves were determined with Kaplan-Meier functions Results: 168 patients were studied, with 79 metastatic (47%). 56% men and median age 67 years. Localizations were gastric body 52%, gastro-esophageal junction 20%, and antrum 25%. OS of the series was 5,05 months (95% CI, 2,99-7,10). 60% of the patients were treated with first line chemotherapy (CT). From them, 42% had a second line and 25% a third line. DFS were respectively 6,62 months (4,06-9,17), 4,29 months (2,28-6,30), and 2,88 months (1,12-4,64) for every line of treatment. OS of the patients that received chemotherapy was 9.7 months (6,40-13,00). CT more used in first line were triplets of fluropyrimidines, platinum and taxanes, in 45% (21 patients). Also just fluoropyrimidines and platinum without taxanes, in 38%. As a second line the predominant CT is also platinum and fluoropyrimidines (37%), and irinotecan (30%). In third line, 50% are combinations based on irinotecan. Conclusions: The OS of the patients who received CT is significantly prolonged respect the ones who didn’t. The data obtained matches the data already published in the literature, even the more frequent chemotherapy.

Phase II study of preoperative bevacizumab, capecitabine, and radiotherapy for resectable locally advanced rectal cancer

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Background: Bevacizumab into chemoradiotherapy appears safe and active in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).This study evaluates whether the addition of bevacizumab to capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy in the preoperative treatment of LARC improves pathological complete response rate (pCR).

Methods: Open-label, unicentric, phase II study in patients with resectable LARC (stage II or III), with or without nodal involvement and no evidence of distant metastases. Treatment schedule of 4-cycles: bevacizumab administered iv on day 1 (10 mg/kg in the first cycle and 5 mg/kg in the following 3 cycles) and capecitabine (900mg/m2/bid) in the 2nd cycle (5 d/wk) concomitantly with radiotherapy 45Gy (25 fractions of 1.8Gy/day) over 5 weeks. Surgical resection was scheduled 6-8 weeks after therapy completion. Preliminary results from ITT analysis are presented.

Results: Of the 43 patients included, 41 comprised ITT population. Baseline characteristics: median age 63 (55-67) years; male 76%; ECOG 0/1 49%/51%; stage T3/N1 80.5%/58.5%; nodal metastases 85%. 39 patients underwent surgery, 9 abdominoperineal and 30 anterior resection. No evidence of metastasis after surgery in 97%. Total mesorectal excision was performed in 69% of patients and 85% underwent R0 resection. Sphincter-preservation was achieved in 79.5%. Downstaging occurred in 82%. Among 39 patients evaluable for pathological response, 7.7% experienced pCR, 69.2% partial response and 20.5% stable disease. Grade 3/4 toxicities: 9.8% lymphopenia (all related to capecitabine and 4.9% to bevacizumab), 2.4% neutropenia (capecitabine-related), 2.4% radiodermatitis (related to RT and capecitabine) and 2.4% vasospastic angina (bevacizumab and capecitabine-related). 13 patients had postoperative complications not treatment-related. The most common were wound infection (6), intra-abdominal collection (3), wound dehiscence (2) and paralytic ileus (2).

Conclusions: Preoperative regimen with bevacizumab, capecitabine and RT is active for LARC with promising results of R0 resection, sphincter- preservation and tumour downstaging as well as manageable toxicity. Further studies are ongoing to confirm these data.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Role of chemoradiotherapy alone in the management of unfit patients with nonmetastatic locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

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Background: Surgery is considered the best treatment for patients (pts) with non-metastatic locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus who have responded to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in terms of locoregional control. However, in these pts PFS and OS have not been proved superior to those achieved by CRT alone. Besides, the addition of surgery to CRT increases treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Unfit pts are usually declined for surgical procedures and included in definitive CRT programs. The aim of this study was to define the role of non-surgical strategies (CRT, CT or RT) in unfit pts considered non-optimal for surgical procedures.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 90 pts with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus who had been diagnosed and treated at our institution from January 2004 to December 2009. Fifty-one pts were non-metastatic among which 19 underwent surgery and 32 a non-surgical procedure (CRT, CT, RT or BSC). Our aim was to identify OS, PFS, RR, data on comorbidity and toxicity in these 32 pts.

Results: Thirty out of the 32 pts were men with a median age of 62 years (range 41-90). Comorbidity was detected in 17 pts (53%) as means of respiratory disorders (21.9%), cardiopathy (12.5%), hepatopathy (21.9%), synchronic tumors (25%) and metachronic tumors (25%). Seventeen pts received CRT, 7 received CT, 1 received RT and 7 received BSC alone (53%, 22%, 3% and 22% respectively). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were observed in 15 pts (46.9%) as means of mucositis (18.8%), oesophagitis (15.6%), diarrhoea (12.5%) and neutropaenia (12.5%). One patient in the CRT group died of toxicity. RR was 43.8% (70.6% for CRT, 14.3% for CT alone). Median follow-up was 17.2 months. Median PFS was 11.3 ± 6.12 months (17.9 for CRT, 5.1 for CT alone). Median OS was 15.6 ± 7.6 months (6.9 for CT alone).

Conclusions: Our experience with CRT alone in unfit pts with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus supports its use with a median PFS of 17.9 months and controllable toxicity. Data on median OS are lacking due to pending long-term follow-up.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A multifaceted approach to psychodrama in a day treatment center

Staff at the day treatment center at Norristown (Pa.) State Hospital have found several ways of using psychodrama to facilitate information gathering, diagnostic decision-making, and treatment planning and implementation. They use behavioral techniques such as role rehearsal and modeling. In addition they use techniques such as the mirror image, in vivo dramas, and slight deception to facilitate catharsis. These approaches, which broaden the applicability of psychodrama, are illustrated by case examples.