Vascular access device type for systemic anti-cancer therapies in cancer patients: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer can expect to receive numerous invasive vascular access procedures for intravenous therapy and clinical diagnostics. Due to the increased incidence and prevalence of cancer globally there will be significantly more people who require first-line intravenous chemotherapy over the next ten years.

METHODS

Our objective was to determine the types of evidence that exist for the vascular access device (VAD) type for the delivery of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) in cancer patients. We used JBI scoping review methodology to identify the types of VADs used for SACT and with a specific search strategy included articles from 2012-2022 published in the English language. We identify (i) type of VADs used for SACT delivery (ii) the type of insertion and post-insertion complications (iii) the geographical location and clinical environment (iv) and whether VAD choice impacts on quality of life (QOL). Findings were presented using the PAGER framework.

MAIN FINDINGS

Our search strategy identified 10,390 titles, of these, 5318 duplicates were removed. The remaining 5072 sources were screened for eligibility, 240 articles met the inclusion criteria. The most common design include retrospective study designs (n = 91) followed by prospective study designs (n = 31). We found 28 interventional studies with 21 registered in a clinical trial registry and identified no core outcome sets papers specific to VAD for SACT. The most prevalent publications were those that featured two or more VAD types (n = 70), followed by tunnelled intravenous VADs (n = 67). Of 38 unique complications identified, the most frequent catheter related complication was catheter related thrombosis (n = 178, 74%), followed by infection (n = 170, 71%). The county where the most publications originated from was China (n = 62) with one randomized controlled multicenter study from a comprehensive cancer centre. Of the thirty three studies that included QOL we found 4 which reported on body image. No QOL measurement tools specific to the process of SACT administration via VAD are available INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest a systematic review and meta-analysis of VAD use for intravenous SACT can be considered. However, the development of a core outcome set for SACT should be prioritised. Funding for high quality programs of research for VAD in cancer are needed. Comprehensive cancer centres should lead this research agenda.

O78: SARCOPENIA IN LOCALLY ADVANCED BREAST CANCER: PREVALENCE, AND IMPACT ON CLINICAL AND ONCOLOGIC OUTCOMES

Introduction

Sarcopenia in cancer may confer negative outcomes, but its prevalence and impact in the modern multimodal management of locally advanced breast cancer have not been systematically studied.

Method

Patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy and surgery for locally advanced breast cancer between 2010 and 2015 were studied. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and lean body mass (LBM) were determined. Sarcopenia was defined by computed tomography (CT) at L3 as SMI<38.5cm2/m2. Multivariable linear, logistic, and Cox regression analysis was undertaken to determine the independent impact of sarcopenia on clinical and oncologic outcome.

Result

258 patients were studied. Sarcopenia was present in 23.0%, 7.8% and 0.0% of patients with normal weight, overweight and obesity, respectively (P=0.001). Sarcopenia was not associated with baseline cT and cN stage, tumour grade, histologic type or receptor status. Patients with sarcopenia exhibited equivalent indices of neoadjuvant therapy response including ypT and ypN stage, pathologic complete response and Sataloff grade following surgical resection. Postoperatively, sarcopenia was not independently associated with comprehensive complications index (P=0.242), length of stay (P=0.716) or overall morbidity (P=0.365). However, on multivariable analysis, lower LBM independently predicted reduced invasive disease-free (P=0.049,HR0.93[95%CI0.87-1.00]) and overall (P=0.028,HR0.92[0.85-0.99]), but not disease-specific survival (P=0.070).

Conclusion

Consistent with a lack of association with baseline and post-treatment pathologic features, sarcopenia in locally advanced breast cancer is associated with reduced overall, but not disease-specific, survival. These data indicate that the prognostic impact of sarcopenia may be mediated by impaired performance status and increased non-cancer mortality.

Take-home message

Consistent with a lack of association with baseline and post-treatment pathologic features, sarcopenia in locally advanced breast cancer is associated with reduced overall, but not disease-specific, survival. These data indicate that the prognostic impact of sarcopenia may be mediated by impaired performance status and increased non-cancer mortality.

O39: THE HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR FEATURES OF BREAST CARCINOMA WITH HIGH-GRADE TUMOUR BUDDING

Background

Tumour budding (TB) is an adverse histological feature in many cancers. It is thought to represent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a key step in the metastatic process. The role of TB in breast carcinoma (BC) remains unclear.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between TB and other histological and molecular features of BC.

Method

A systematic search was performed to identify studies that compared features of BC based on the presence or absence of high-grade TB. Dichotomous variables were pooled as odds ratios (OR) using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel method. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).

Result

Seven studies with a total of 1040 patients (high grade TB n=519, 49.9%; low grade TB n=521, 50.1%) were included. A moderate- to high-risk of bias was noted. The median NOS was 7 (range 6-8). High-grade TB was significantly associated with lymph node involvement (OR 2.28, 95% c.i. 1.74 to 2.98, P<0.001) and lymphovascular invasion (OR 3.08, 95% c.i. 2.13 to 4.47, P<0.001). Regarding molecular subtypes, there was an increased likelihood of high-grade TB in oestrogen- (OR 1.66, 95% c.i. 1.21 to 2.29, P=0.002) and progesterone-receptor positive (OR 1.68, 95% c.i. 1.10 to 2.59, P=0.02) tumours. In contrast triple negative breast cancer had a reduced incidence of high-grade TB (OR 0.46, 95% c.i. 0.30 to 0.72, P=0.0006).

Conclusion

High-grade TB is enriched in hormone-positive BC and is associated with known adverse prognostic variables. TB may offer new insights into the metastatic processes of luminal BC.

Take-home message

High-grade TB is enriched in hormone-positive BC and is associated with known adverse prognostic variables. TB may offer new insights into the metastatic processes of luminal BC.

Role of circulating fibrocytes in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Background

Improved diagnostic biomarkers are required for acute appendicitis. The circulating fibrocyte percentage (CFP) is increased in inflammatory states, but has not been studied in acute appendicitis. This study aimed to determine CFP in acute appendicitis and compare diagnostic accuracy with standard serological biomarkers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out between June 2015 and February 2016 at University Hospital Limerick. The CFP was determined by dual‐staining peripheral venous samples for CD45 and collagen I using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and correlated with histopathological diagnoses. The accuracy of CFP in determining histological acute appendicitis was characterized and compared with the white cell count, C‐reactive protein concentration, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio.

Results

Of 95 adults recruited, 15 were healthy individuals and 80 had suspected appendicitis at presentation. Forty‐six of these 80 patients had an appendicectomy, of whom 34 had histologically confirmed appendicitis. The CFP was statistically higher in patients with pathologically proven acute appendicitis than in healthy controls (median 6·1 (i.q.r. 1·6–11·6) versus 2·3 (0·9–3·4) per cent respectively; P = 0·008). The diagnostic accuracy of CFP, as determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, was similar to that of standard biomarkers. In multinomial regression analysis, only raised CFP was retained as an independent prognostic determinant of acute appendicitis (odds ratio 1·57, 95 per cent c.i. 1·05 to 2·33; P = 0·027).

Conclusion

The CFP is increased in histologically confirmed acute appendicitis and is as accurate as standard serological biomarkers in terms of diagnosis.

International multicentre review of perioperative management and outcome for catecholamine-producing tumours

BACKGROUND

Surgery for catecholamine-producing tumours can be complicated by intraoperative and postoperative haemodynamic instability. Several perioperative management strategies have emerged but none has been evaluated in randomized trials. To assess this issue, contemporary perioperative management and outcome data from 21 centres were collected.

METHODS

Twenty-one centres contributed outcome data from patients who had surgery for phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma between 2000 and 2017. The data included the number of patients with and without α-receptor blockade, surgical and anaesthetic techniques, complications and perioperative mortality.

RESULTS

Across all centres, data were reported on 1860 patients with phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma, of whom 343 underwent surgery without α-receptor blockade. The majority of operations (78·9 per cent) were performed using minimally invasive techniques, including 16·1 per cent adrenal cortex-sparing procedures. The cardiovascular complication rate was 5·0 per cent overall: 5·9 per cent (90 of 1517) in patients with preoperative α-receptor blockade and 0·9 per cent (3 of 343) among patients without α-receptor blockade. The mortality rate was 0·5 per cent overall (9 of 1860): 0·5 per cent (8 of 517) in pretreated and 0·3 per cent (1 of 343) in non-pretreated patients.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial variability in the perioperative management of catecholamine-producing tumours, yet the overall complication rate is low. Further studies are needed to better define the optimal management approach, and reappraisal of international perioperative guidelines appears desirable.

Timing of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Administration in Breast Surgery and Post-Operative Haematoma Formation

Aims The aims of this study were to: identify current practice regarding low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis in elective breast surgery, to determine if timing of administration of LMWH prophylaxis or specific patient demographic factors impacts the rate of post-operative haematoma formation. Methods Retrospective cohort study involving 100 patients who underwent elective breast surgery in a tertiary centre in Ireland in 2017. Medical charts were reviewed to collect data on; timing of LMWH administration, incidence of post-operative haematoma and patient's age, BMI, smoking status and anti-coagulant use. Statistical analysis was then performed. Results Forty-two patients (42%) received enoxaparin pre-operatively and thirty-one patients (31%) post-operatively. Incidence of post-operative haematoma was 4% (n=4). Of the haematoma group, three patients (75%) received post-operative enoxaparin (p=0.166). Independent patient factors did not significantly impact rate of haematoma formation. Conclusions Post-operative haematoma rate is 4%. Timing of LMWH prophylaxis administration did not significantly affect this rate.

Role of micro-RNAs in breast cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

The management of breast cancer has changed dramatically in the molecular era. Micro-RNAs can contribute to multiple facets of cancer surgery.

METHODS

This narrative review, based on years of research on the role of micro-RNAs, focused on the potential of these small, robust RNAs to influence all aspects of breast cancer surgery.

RESULTS

Micro-RNAs have a potential role as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of response to therapy in breast cancer. They may also contribute to future therapeutic strategies.

CONCLUSION

The molecular era has changed understanding of cancer. Micro-RNAs have the potential for use in personalized cancer strategies.

Trends in breast reconstruction practices in a specialized breast tertiary referral centre

BACKGROUND

Breast reconstruction is an important component of multidisciplinary breast cancer management. The practice of breast reconstruction after mastectomy has evolved significantly in the past decade as a result of both increasing mastectomy rates and advances in reconstructive strategy. These changes have significantly influenced the contemporary surgical management of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine trends in breast reconstruction after mastectomy in an Irish population.

METHODS

Data were reviewed from a database of all patients who had mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction at Galway University Hospital, a tertiary breast cancer referral centre, between 2004 and 2014. Trends in breast reconstruction after mastectomy were explored with respect to patient demographics, clinicopathological features, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

Of 1303 patients who underwent mastectomy during interval studied, 706 (54.2 per cent) had breast reconstruction after mastectomy. In 629 patients (89·1 per cent), breast reconstruction was performed in the immediate setting. Reconstruction rates increased over time from 20·5 per cent in 2004 to 44·7 per cent in 2014. Reconstruction was more commonly performed in younger patients and those with benign, in situ and early-stage disease. A negative relationship between radiotherapy and reconstruction was observed. A pedicled flap with or without an implant was the most commonly used reconstructive approach in patients receiving radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy has become the standard of care in the surgical treatment of breast cancer. Recent trends show a transition favouring implant-based approaches.

Existential challenges experienced by lymphoma survivors: Results from the 2010 LIVESTRONG Survey

We sought to examine the existential challenges that cancer survivors may experience as they strive to make meaning, regain their self-identity, cope with fear of recurrence, and experience feelings of grief and guilt. Lymphoma survivors (n = 429) completed the 2010 LIVE STRONG: survey and provided responses about meaning, cancer worry, security, identity, grief, guilt, and perceived functional impairment due to these concerns. Most survivors (73%-86%) endorsed existential concerns, with 30-39 percent reporting related perceived functional impairment. Concerns were associated with being female, younger, unmarried, and having undergone stem cell transplantation. Lymphoma survivors experience existential challenges that impact their life even years after diagnosis.

Psychological variables potentially implicated in opioid-related mortality as observed in clinical practice

Opioid-related deaths in the United States have become a public health problem, with accidental and unintended overdoses being especially troubling. Screening for psychological risk factors is an important first step in safeguarding against nonadherence practices and identifying patients who may be vulnerable to the risks associated with opioid therapy. Validated screening instruments can aid in this attempt as a complementary tool to clinicians' assessments. A structured screening is imperative as part of an assessment, as clinician judgment is not the most reliable method of identifying nonadherence. As a complement to formal screening, we present for discussion and possible future study certain psychological variables observed during years of clinical practice that may be linked to medication nonadherence and accidental overdose. These variables include catastrophizing, fear, impulsivity, attention deficit disorders, existential distress, and certain personality disorders. In our experience, chronic pain patients with dual diagnoses may become "chemical copers" as a way of coping with their negative emotion. For these patients, times of stress could lead to accidental overdose. Behavioral, cognitive-behavioral (acceptance and commitment, dialectical behavior), existential (meaning-centered, dignity), and psychotropic therapies have been effective in treating these high-risk comorbidities, while managing expectations of pain relief appears key to preventing accidental overdose.

Effects of 2-week nocturnal oxygen supplementation and continuous positive airway pressure treatment on psychological symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized placebo-controlled study

Psychological symptom improvement has been observed after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Because CPAP normalizes both sleep disruption and oxyhemoglobin desaturation, the mechanism of psychological symptom improvement is unclear. Using a 3-arm placebo-controlled design, we parsed out the separate effects of treatment on psychological symptoms. OSA patients (N = 38) were monitored 2 nights with polysomnography and then randomized to 2-weeks therapeutic CPAP, placebo CPAP, or O(2) supplementation. Pre and post-treatment, patients completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI): Higher scores indicate greater severity. Repeated measures analysis of covariance reveals a Time x Treatment interaction for BSI Global Severity Index (GSI): significant pre- to post-treatment reductions in GSI with O(2) supplementation and therapeutic CPAP, but not placebo CPAP. A Time x Treatment interaction was also found for depression: Depression decreased with O(2) supplementation but not with therapeutic CPAP or placebo CPAP. Both therapeutic CPAP and O(2) supplementation resulted in decreased psychological symptoms. Results suggest hypoxemia may play a stronger role than sleep disruption vis-à-vis OSA related psychological distress.

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) in Non-diabetic and Diabetic Vascular Patients. Is HbA1C an Independent Risk Factor and Predictor of Adverse Outcome?

BACKGROUND

Plasma Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reflects ambient mean glycaemia over a 2-3 months period. Reports indicate that patients, with and without diabetes, with an elevated HbA1c have an increased risk of adverse outcome following surgical intervention. Our aim was to determine whether elevated plasma HbA1c level was associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing vascular surgical procedures.

METHODS

Plasma HbA1c was measured prospectively in 165 consecutive patients undergoing emergency and elective vascular surgical procedures over a 6-month period. Patients were categorized into four groups depending on whether their plasma HbA1c was < or =6%, 6.1-7%, 7.1-8% or >8% and clinical data was entered into a prospectively maintained database. Patients were also classified by diabetic status with suboptimal HbA1c in a patient without diabetes being >6 to < or =7% and suboptimal HbA1c in a patient with diabetes being >7%. Patients with plasma HbA1c >7% were reclassified as having undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. Composite primary endpoints were all cause 30-day morbidity and mortality and all cause 6-month mortality. Composite secondary endpoints were procedure specific complications, adverse cardiac events, stroke, infection and mean length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of the 165 patients studied, 43 (26.1%) had diabetes and the remaining 122 (73.9%) did not. The mean age was 72 years and 59% were male. Suboptimal HbA1c levels were found in 58% patients without diabetes and in 51% patients with diabetes. In patients without diabetes those with suboptimal HbA1c levels (6-7%) had a significantly higher incidence of overall 30-day morbidity compared to patients with HbA1c levels < or =6% (56.5 vs 15.7%, p<0.001). Similarly, for patients with diabetes those with suboptimal HbA1c levels (HbA1c >7%) had a significantly higher incidence of 30-day morbidity compared to those with HbA1c levels < or =7% (59.1% vs 19%, p=0.018). Multivariate analysis revealed that a plasma HbA1c level of >6 to < or =7% was a significant independent predictor of overall 30-day morbidity in patients without diabetes undergoing vascular surgical procedures. No difference in mortality, composite secondary endpoints, procedure specific complications, stroke or mean length of hospital stay was observed between any of the groups in the study.

CONCLUSION

Suboptimal HbA1c levels may hold prognostic significance in patients without diabetes undergoing vascular surgery.

Therapist competence ratings in relation to clinical outcome in cognitive therapy of depression

This study reports on the relationship of therapist competence to the outcome of cognitive-behavioral treatment in the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program. Outpatients suffering from major depressive disorder were treated by cognitive-behavioral therapists at each of 3 U.S. sites using a format of 20 sessions in 16 weeks. Findings provide some support for the relationship of therapist competence (as measured by the Cognitive Therapy Scale) to reduction of depressive symptomatology when controlling for therapist adherence and facilitative conditions. The results are, however, not as strong or consistent as expected. The component of competence that was most highly related to outcome is a factor that reflects the therapist's ability to structure the treatment.

Therapist competence ratings in relation to clinical outcome in cognitive therapy of depression

This study reports on the relationship of therapist competence to the outcome of cognitive-behavioral treatment in the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program. Outpatients suffering from major depressive disorder were treated by cognitive-behavioral therapists at each of 3 U.S. sites using a format of 20 sessions in 16 weeks. Findings provide some support for the relationship of therapist competence (as measured by the Cognitive Therapy Scale) to reduction of depressive symptomatology when controlling for therapist adherence and facilitative conditions. The results are, however, not as strong or consistent as expected. The component of competence that was most highly related to outcome is a factor that reflects the therapist's ability to structure the treatment.

Medical Status of Marshall Islanders in 1959, Five Years after Exposure to Fallout Radiation

A medical survey of the Marshallese people in March 1959, five years after exposure to fallout radiation, showed that the people had recovered from the acute effects of their radiation exposure and appeared to be generally in good health. The following specific statements can be made in regard to their radiation health status:

1. No illnesses or diseases were found that could be directly associated with acute radiation effects.

2. One case of cancer and three deaths have occurred, but with no direct relation to radiation effects.

3. Fertility does not appear to have been affected. The incidence of miscarriages and stillbirths appears to be somewhat higher than in the unexposed Marshallese, but a deficiency of vital statistics precludes definite conclusions as to whether or not this is a radiation effect.

4. Suggestive evidence of slight lag in growth and development of exposed children noted previously is being re-evaluated on the basis of better age data obtained during the latest survey.

5. Blood platelet levels are within the normal range but somewhat below that for the unexposed population.

6. Only 12 cases show residual changes in the skin from beta burns. None show any evidence of cancerous change.

7. Possible late effects of radiation such as shortening of life span, premature aging, increased incidence of leukemia and malignancies, increased incidence of degenerative diseases, opacities of the lens of the eyes, and genetic changes have not been detected.

8. The original body burdens of internally absorbed fission products appear to be too low to have produced any acute or to be causing long-term effects.

9. The return of the people to the slightly contaminated island of Rongelap has resulted in some increase in body burdens of Cesium137, Zinc65 and Strontium90. However, the levels are far below the accepted maximum permissible limits and it is not believed any untoward effects will result.