Development and evaluation of a predictive algorithm and telehealth intervention to reduce suicidal behavior among university students

BACKGROUND

Suicidal behaviors are prevalent among college students; however, students remain reluctant to seek support. We developed a predictive algorithm to identify students at risk of suicidal behavior and used telehealth to reduce subsequent risk.

METHODS

Data come from several waves of a prospective cohort study (2016-2022) of college students (n = 5454). All first-year students were invited to participate as volunteers. (Response rates range: 16.00-19.93%). A stepped-care approach was implemented: (i) all students received a comprehensive list of services; (ii) those reporting past 12-month suicidal ideation were directed to a safety planning application; (iii) those identified as high risk of suicidal behavior by the algorithm or reporting 12-month suicide attempt were contacted via telephone within 24-h of survey completion. Intervention focused on support/safety-planning, and referral to services for this high-risk group.

RESULTS

5454 students ranging in age from 17-36 (s.d. = 5.346) participated; 65% female. The algorithm identified 77% of students reporting subsequent suicidal behavior in the top 15% of predicted probabilities (Sensitivity = 26.26 [95% CI 17.93-36.07]; Specificity = 97.46 [95% CI 96.21-98.38], PPV = 53.06 [95% CI 40.16-65.56]; AUC range: 0.895 [95% CIs 0.872-0.917] to 0.966 [95% CIs 0.939-0.994]). High-risk students in the Intervention Cohort showed a 41.7% reduction in probability of suicidal behavior at 12-month follow-up compared to high-risk students in the Control Cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictive risk algorithms embedded into universal screening, coupled with telehealth intervention, offer significant potential as a suicide prevention approach for students.

Ibrutinib as first-line therapy for mantle cell lymphoma: a multicenter, real-world UK study

ABSTRACT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ibrutinib with or without rituximab was approved in England for initial treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) instead of immunochemotherapy. Because limited data are available in this setting, we conducted an observational cohort study evaluating safety and efficacy. Adults receiving ibrutinib with or without rituximab for untreated MCL were evaluated for treatment toxicity, response, and survival, including outcomes in high-risk MCL (TP53 mutation/deletion/p53 overexpression, blastoid/pleomorphic, or Ki67 ≥ 30%). A total of 149 patients from 43 participating centers were enrolled: 74.1% male, median age 75 years, 75.2% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status of 0 to 1, 36.2% high-risk, and 8.9% autologous transplant candidates. All patients received ≥1 cycle ibrutinib (median, 8 cycles), 39.0% with rituximab. Grade ≥3 toxicity occurred in 20.3%, and 33.8% required dose reductions/delays. At 15.6-month median follow-up, 41.6% discontinued ibrutinib, 8.1% due to toxicity. Of 104 response-assessed patients, overall (ORR) and complete response (CR) rates were 71.2% and 20.2%, respectively. ORR was 77.3% (low risk) vs 59.0% (high risk) (P = .05) and 78.7% (ibrutinib-rituximab) vs 64.9% (ibrutinib; P = .13). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 26.0 months (all patients); 13.7 months (high risk) vs not reached (NR) (low risk; hazard ratio [HR], 2.19; P = .004). Median overall survival was NR (all); 14.8 months (high risk) vs NR (low risk; HR, 2.36; P = .005). Median post-ibrutinib survival was 1.4 months, longer in 41.9% patients receiving subsequent treatment (median, 8.6 vs 0.6 months; HR, 0.36; P = .002). Ibrutinib with or without rituximab was effective and well tolerated as first-line treatment of MCL, including older and transplant-ineligible patients. PFS and OS were significantly inferior in one-third of patients with high-risk disease and those unsuitable for post-ibrutinib treatment, highlighting the need for novel approaches in these groups.

From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors' experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy

PURPOSE

We explored survivors' experiences of chronic bowel symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy, strategies employed in living with these symptoms, effects on daily activities, and roles at home and in the workplace.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 individuals (10 gynaecological, 14 prostate, four anal/rectal cancer survivors) who had completed pelvic radiotherapy at least six months prior to data collection and who had experience of bowel symptoms during this post-treatment period. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken.

RESULTS

We propose four themes describing a process leading from experience of symptoms to withdrawal from activities and roles. These are (1) losing control (the experience of unintended anal leakage or discharge); (2) experiencing embarrassment and fear (the experience of embarrassment or fear of embarrassment as a result of discharge becoming public); (3) managing and reacting (acting to reduce the likelihood of discharge or to prevent this becoming public); and (4) restriction and withdrawal (avoiding specific activities or situations so as to reduce or remove the risk of embarrassment). Returning to the workplace presented additional challenges across these themes.

CONCLUSIONS

Impacts of chronic bowel symptoms can be severe. Survivors employ a variety of methods and strategies in living with their symptoms. Some of these support continued role fulfilment but some constitute a withdrawal from pre-treatment roles. Current healthcare provision and statutory protections fail to fully meet needs following pelvic radiotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

There is a need to develop and implement evidence-based services and supported self-management programmes for survivors experiencing chronic bowel problems post-radiotherapy.

Consensus recommendations for the assessment and treatment of perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A Delphi study

The perinatal period is one of increased vulnerability to parents experiencing the onset of, or an increase of existing, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Existing OCD and perinatal mental health best practice guidelines do not detail specific considerations relevant to OCD in the perinatal period ('Perinatal OCD'). Perinatal OCD risks being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and subsequently untreated or mistreated, with potential negative impacts for individuals and families experiencing this problem, highlighting the importance of specific guidance. This study employed a modified Delphi survey methodology to establish recommended best practice for the assessment and treatment of perinatal OCD. A literature review identified 103 initial best practice recommendations, and participants suggested 18 further recommendations. These recommendations were rated for importance over three survey rounds by two expert panels, comprising of 15 professionals with clinical or research expertise in perinatal OCD and 14 consumers with lived experience of perinatal OCD. One-hundred and two statements were endorsed for inclusion in the final set of recommendations for clinical best practice with perinatal OCD. These recommendations inform practice across eight themes; psychoeducation, screening, assessment, differential diagnosis, case care considerations, treatment, partners & families, and culture & diversity. This novel study is the first to collate and outline a set of clinical best practice recommendations, developed using the consensus perspectives of both individuals with lived experience and professionals with relevant expertise, for supporting individuals with perinatal OCD and their families. Differences between panel perspectives, and directions for future research are also discussed.

Development and operation of the defence COVID-19 lab as a SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic screening capability for UK military personnel

BACKGROUND

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Pathology combined to form the Defence Clinical Lab (DCL), an accredited (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 PCR screening capability for military personnel.

LABORATORY STRUCTURE AND RESOURCE

The DCL was modular in organisation, with laboratory modules and supporting functions combining to provide the accredited SARS-CoV-2 (envelope (E)-gene) PCR assay. The DCL was resourced by Dstl scientists and military clinicians and biomedical scientists.

LABORATORY RESULTS

Over 12 months of operation, the DCL was open on 289 days and tested over 72 000 samples. Six hundred military SARS-CoV-2-positive results were reported with a median E-gene quantitation cycle (Cq) value of 30.44. The lowest Cq value for a positive result observed was 11.20. Only 64 samples (0.09%) were voided due to assay inhibition after processing started.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a sustained effort and despite various operational issues, the collaboration between Dstl scientific expertise and Defence Pathology clinical expertise provided the UK military with an accredited high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 PCR test capability at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The DCL helped facilitate military training and operational deployments contributing to the maintenance of UK military capability. In offering a bespoke capability, including features such as testing samples in unit batches and oversight by military consultant microbiologists, the DCL provided additional benefits to the UK Ministry of Defence that were potentially not available from other SARS-CoV-2 PCR laboratories. The links between Dstl and Defence Pathology have also been strengthened, benefitting future research activities and operational responses.

P-333 The influence of hormonal stimulation on uterine peristalsis measured by ultrasound speckle tracking in women with IVF/ICSI treatment compared to normal ovulating women

Study question

To investigate possible effects of ovarian stimulation during IVF/ICSI on uterine peristalsis features using ultrasound speckle tracking compared to normal ovulating women.

Summary answer

Patients with a normal uterus treated with exogenous hormones during IVF/ICSI treatment show significantly increased contraction amplitude and power parameters compared to normal ovulating women.

What is known already

Uterine peristalsis plays a role in procreation. Subjective visual inspection of uterine peristalsis is extensively researched throughout the menstrual cycle. Studies on uterine peristalsis in IVF/ICSI patients show higher frequency of uterine contractions during the periovulatory phase. Recently, a new automated quantitative method was validated to objectively analyse uterine strain using speckle tracking. Besides objective insight in frequency, also information on amplitude, power and coordination of motion is available. The effect of exogenous hormones on uterine contraction features has not objectively been studied using this new method.

Study design, size, duration

This multicentre prospective observational cohort study was performed between 2020 and 2022 in the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Embryolab Fertility Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece and University of Naples, Federico II in Naples, Italy. 30 normal ovulating patients served as controls. The primary outcomes were the contraction features frequency, amplitude, direction, velocity, power and coordination in women undergoing IVF/ICSI on the day of follicle aspiration compared to controls on cycle day 9 – 14.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

19 women undergoing IVF/ICSI were included regardless of the treatment cycle number and stimulation protocol. Indication for IVF/ICSI treatment was male subfertility (n = 8), idiopathic subfertility (n = 5), tubal factor (n = 2), primary ovarian insufficiency (n = 2) or combined (n = 2), all women had normal uteri on transvaginal ultrasound. The control group consisted of 30 healthy pre-menopausal women with normal uteri on ultrasound and spontaneous regular cycles.

Main results and the role of chance

Each patient underwent a 2.5 – 4 minute transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus in mid-sagittal plane. The various contraction features were extracted using a quantitative dedicated speckle tracking algorithm analysis studying motion of the subendometrial junctional zone.

Mean age of IVF/ICSI patients was 32.7 years and mean BMI was 25.6. Mean age of healthy controls was 33.8 years, BMI was 23.4, and cycle length was 27.44 days. Characteristics of IVF/ICSI patients and healthy volunteers showed no statistically significant differences. Both groups predominantly consisted of nulliparous women.

In IVF/ICSI patients the contraction amplitude was significantly higher compared to controls (0.062 vs 0.040; p < 0.001). The contraction power (combination of amplitude and frequency) appeared to be significantly higher in IVF/ICSI patients compared to controls (1528.18 vs 683.44; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in contraction frequency and coordination. Even though the mean coordination did not show statistically significant differences, the values were less scattered in IVF/ICSI patients, with a much smaller range of coordination values (1.04 – 3.06) compared to healthy volunteers (1.02 – 50.33).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The reported difference between IVF/ICSI patients and controls in contraction amplitude and power may not solely be attributed to the administration of exogenous hormones. The difference may also be due to an underlying cause for infertility in these patients. Another limitation of this study is the small sample size.

Wider implications of the findings

Future research should explore which uterine contraction profile is associated with viable pregnancy: during the natural menstrual cycle, or when treated with hormones. The question arises whether it is preferred to transfer the embryo in the stimulated cycle or implement a freeze-all policy and transfer during the natural menstrual cycle.

Trial registration number

NCT02310802

P-305 Uterine contractile function across the menstrual cycle in healthy women: an exploration of objective reference values of sub-endometrial motion using speckle tracking

Study question

To explore the characteristics of normal uterine contractile function across the menstrual cycle in healthy women using a novel quantitative ultrasound method.

Summary answer

We confirm reproducible differences in uterine contractility across the menstrual cycle; highest activity seen in the periovulatory phase, and lowest in the late luteal phase.

What is known already

Uterine peristalsis is the rhythmic, wave-like motion of the subendometrial layer of the uterus. Various subjective methods using visual interpretation suggest that uterine peristalsis features are different in the various stages of the menstrual cycle, and they are thought to be important for fertility. However, no method has been developed which can assess all uterine contraction features simultaneously. Recently, a new automated quantitative method to measure uterine contractility was validated in IVF patients to analyse uterine peristalsis on transvaginal ultrasound recordings with speckle-tracking. With this method a new contraction feature – coordination – can be assessed alongside frequency, direction, amplitude.

Study design, size, duration

Multi-centre observational prospective cohort study carried out in the outpatient gynaecology department of the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, the University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, Italy and Embryolab Fertility centre in Thessaloniki, Greece. Patients were included from September 2020 up to January 2022. Primary outcomes were the contraction frequency (contractions/minute), amplitude, direction (Cervix-to-fundus, Fundus-to-cervix), and coordination.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

63 women were included from the gynaecological department of participating centres. Women were included if they were ≥18 years of age, premenopausal and had a normal, natural menstrual cycle. A normal cycle was defined as: regular (duration ± 28 days), no dysmenorrhea, no menometrorrhagia. Transvaginal ultrasounds were performed during the menstrual phase (M), late follicular (periovulatory) phase (LF), early luteal phase (EL, ovulation + 3 days) and/or late luteal phase (LL, ovulation + 7 days).

Main results and the role of chance

Uterine contractility features were extracted from the gathered ultrasound recordings using a quantitative dedicated speckle tracking algorithm previously developed by our group. Each patient underwent a four-minute ultrasound of the uterus in mid-sagittal section. Patients had a mean age of 32 years, cycle duration of 27.8, and BMI of 23.0. The majority of women was nulliparous. The majority of uterine contraction features differed significantly between menstrual cycle phases. Contraction frequency was highest in the LF phase and lowest in the M and LL phases (1.55 vs. 1.28/min, p = 0.001). A trend was found for contractions during the periovulatory and early luteal phases contractions to travel mainly from cervix-to-fundus direction, whilst the menstrual phase showed contractions mainly from the fundus to cervix (p > 0.05). No significant difference between phases was found for contraction amplitude. Contraction coordination (simultaneous contraction of the anterior and posterior walls in the same direction) was highest in the periovulatory phase (p = 0.002). Our results are in line with with previous published studies using subjective visual inspection.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is the first study investigating contraction coordination as a specific feature of uterine peristalsis. Not all patients were available for multiple ultrasounds during the same cycle, thereby a within-subjects comparison of the uterine contractions was not possible.

Wider implications of the findings

We explored further implementation of a quantitative method of uterine peristalsis measurement. Our investigation of a novel contraction characteristic - coordination - opens up possibilities for research and a potential etiological/treatment target. Further research using this method and suggested reference values will provide insight into contraction characteristics in abnormal uteri.

Trial registration number

NCT02310802

P–362 The effect of nolasiban on uterine contractility at the time of embryo transfer in in vitro fertilisation patients

Study question

What is the effect of nolasiban on the uterine contractility of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) patients prior to embryo transfer (ET) ?

Summary answer

A single oral dose of nolasiban 900 mg administered 4 h before ET significantly decreased contraction frequency and increased coordination compared to placebo.

What is known already

Nolasiban is an investigational oral oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTRa) being developed to improve the chance of pregnancy following ET. Increased uterine contraction frequency can influence embryo implantation, and the coordination of these uterine contractions is equally important. OTRa have been shown to decrease uterine contractions and increase endometrial perfusion. Recently, an automated and quantitative measurement tool using transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) to better characterise uterine contractility has been developed which can be used to quantify the effect of nolasiban on uterine contractility.

Study design, size, duration

This study is part of a completed multi-centre randomised placebo-controlled trial (IMPLANT 1 – NCT02310802) in IVF patients (n = 247) carried out in 2015. Our study retrospectively assessed a sub-set of patients with good quality TVUS recordings to evaluate their mechanical uterine motion that were randomised to receive either nolasiban 900mg (n = 39) or placebo (n = 42).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Subjects were < 37 years, undergoing ET on Day 3 following IVF/ICSI and with evidence of uterine contractions 4 h before ET. Nolasiban was administered 4 h before ET. Patients underwent TVUS immediately before drug administration and again immediately before ET. Uterine contraction frequency, amplitude, power and coordination were measured by applying dedicated speckle tracking and strain analysis. The Shapiro–Wilk test, followed by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were applied to compare features between treatment groups.

Main results and the role of chance

The mean (SD) frequency of uterine contractions was 1.54 (0.25) in the nolasiban group versus 1.57 (0.12) in the placebo group (p = 0.016). The mean (SD) coordination was 0.10 (0.17) in the nolasiban group versus 0.02 (0.16) in the placebo group (p = 0.034). The coordination feature was measured by assessing the presence of simultaneous movements of the anterior and posterior uterine walls, a higher value reflects increased coordination. There was no difference in contraction amplitude or power.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was a retrospective analysis of TVUS videos. The small sample size limits the generalisability of the findings. Furthermore, our initial results do not show how the changes in uterine motion may affect pregnancy rate after ET, meaning that the clinical relevance of our results remains to be proven.

Wider implications of the findings: Our results show that in patients taking one 900mg dose of nolasiban prior to ET, beneficial uterine contractions are seen, which could be promising for embryo implantation and pregnancy in IVF patients. Our quantitative TVUS measurement tool can be applied to different patient populations to accurately quantify uterine motion.

Trial registration number

NCT02310802

Self-Compassion, Wellbeing, and Distress in Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions: the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Difficulties

Objectives

Adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions report higher distress and lower wellbeing than their physically healthy peers. Previous research suggests that self-compassion is negatively correlated with distress and positively correlated with wellbeing among healthy young people, as well as adults with chronic medical conditions. The current study aimed to extend these findings to a sample of adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions. This study also aimed to replicate findings observed in other populations by testing emotion regulation difficulties as a mediator of this relationship.

Methods

Adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 25 with chronic physical medical conditions (N = 107) completed an online survey including measures of self-compassion, emotion-regulation, wellbeing, and distress. Two mediation models were tested using the PROCESS macro in SPSS, with distress and wellbeing as outcomes.

Results

Self-compassion had a significant direct negative association with distress and a significant direct positive association with wellbeing. While self-compassion and emotion regulation difficulties explained a large amount of variance in both wellbeing, R² = .31, p < .001, and distress, R² = .46, p < .001, no support was found for the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties between self-compassion and wellbeing. However, emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relationship between self-compassion and distress.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that an emotion regulation model of self-compassion may be applicable to young people with chronic medical conditions. Future research within this population may evaluate programs that develop self-compassion and emotion regulation skills.

Perceptions of knowledge, attitude and skills about non-suicidal self-injury: A survey of emergency and mental health nurses

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major public health concern and is also associated with increased risk of suicide. The type of care people with NSSI receive at the hospital impacts their health outcomes. This study explored emergency department (ED) and mental health nurses' (MHNs) understanding, attitudes, empathy and confidence to work with people presenting with NSSI. ED and MHNs who belonged to either the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia (CENA) or the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) were invited to complete an online survey through a group email from their college. One hundred and one nurses (56 ED and 45 MHNs) completed the survey. The results revealed that nurses from both groups had an accurate understanding of NSSI and had positive attitudes about patients who self-injure. However, confidence was higher among MHNs. Greater knowledge of NSSI was correlated with increased confidence, positive attitudes and empathy. For mental health nurses, but not ED nurses, years of clinical practice was associated with nurses' confidence. In contrast, ED nurses with more than 10 years' experience were less confident in addressing NSSI than ED nurses with less experience. Issues that affect both ED and MHNs' knowledge, attitude, empathy and confidence to care for patients who self-injure are multifactorial. Future education and training should focus on therapeutic interactions with people at risk of repeat NSSI. Further, more research is recommended to explore patients' perspectives of nurses' attitudes in care for people who self-injure.

Mental health nurses' perspectives of people who self-harm

Self-harm is a significant health issue, a leading cause of serious injury and is an indicator of psychological distress. Nurses play an important role in providing therapeutic care to people who self-harm. The aim of this study was to explore mental health nurses' (MHNs) experience of working with people who self-harm. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and transcribed verbatim from 14 MHNs across Australia. Elo and Kyngäs' inductive content analysis was used to extract meaning from the data which is reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for qualitative research guidelines (COREQ). Two categories were identified which captured the MHNs' experiences of working with people who self-harm: (i) Nurses' level of preparedness to work with people who self-harm; and (ii) The healthcare system. Several sub-categories were identified. Attitudes, knowledge, skills, and support from others influenced their experience of working with people who self-harm. Clinical and life experience, undergraduate programme preparation and ongoing education all contributed towards developing therapeutic care with this group of patients. Nurses are vital in the care of people who self-harm and an accurate understanding of the functions of self-harm focuses therapeutic interactions to manage psychological distress and reduce further self-harm and lessen the risk of suicide.

Emergency nurses' experience of providing care to patients who self-harm

BACKGROUND

Individuals who self-harm may present to emergency departments (EDs) for medical care. As first responders, emergency nurses can have a significant impact on the health outcomes of people who self-harm. This research explored emergency nurses' experiences of working with patients who self-harm.

METHODS

Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Elo and Kyngäs' inductive content analysis. Researcher checks ensured consensus of identified categories. Adherence to the research method and inclusion of participant citations added to the trustworthiness of findings.

RESULTS

Eighteen emergency nurses from across Australia participated in the research. The category "Nurses' level of preparedness to work with people who self-harm" emerged during data analysis with four sub-categories: (1) Nurses' level of comfort to work with people who self-harm; (2) Nursing role; (3) Barriers and facilitators to providing quality care; and (4) Education and training.

CONCLUSIONS

The ED is a challenging environment to provide care to people who present with self-harm. Nurses' level of comfort and attitudes towards caring for people who self-harm improved with knowledge, support and experience. Education and training in the area were important.

Health practitioners' recognition and management of postpartum obsessive-compulsive thoughts of infant harm

The postpartum period has been associated with elevated rates of onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among women, with a prevalence of 2-9%. Postpartum OCD is often characterized by recurrent, unwanted, and highly distressing thoughts, images, or impulses of deliberate infant harm. This study investigated health practitioners' recognition of, and clinical management strategies for, postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS). Ninety-four perinatal health practitioners from a range of disciplines and professional backgrounds completed a survey comprised of a hypothetical case vignette and questions eliciting their responses to a clinical presentation of postpartum infant harming obsessions. Almost 70% of participants did not accurately identify OCS within the case. Furthermore, the majority of practitioners endorsed at least one contraindicated clinical management strategy likely to aggravate postpartum OCS. Accurate recognition of OCS was associated with the selection of fewer contraindicated strategies. Some aspects of practitioner training and experience were associated with correct OCS identification. These findings underscore the need for targeted, interdisciplinary education to improve the detection and management of women experiencing postpartum OCS.

Patch repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is not at risk of poor outcomes

PURPOSE

Recurrence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was retrospectively evaluated after correction with or without a patch in an institution where tension-free repair is advocated.

METHODS

Demographics and outcomes of patients with a postero-lateral CDH repaired (2000-2016) were analyzed (univariate tests and binary logistic regression adjusting for time since start of study, gender, defect side, liver herniation, patch, surgical approach, absence of postero-lateral rim and length of follow-up).

RESULTS

Of 203 patients, 107 received a patch (P), and 96 were not patched (NP). Groups were not different for gestational age birthweight, gender, defect side and minimally invasive approach rate. Preoperative ECMO incidence (P:29.9% vs. NP:2.1%, p < 0.01), liver herniation (P:57.0% vs. NP:22.9%, p < 0.01) and absence of a postero-lateral rim (P:61.7% vs. NP:8.3%, p < 0.01) were higher in the P group. The mortality rate was 10.8% (P:15.0% vs. NP:6.2%, p = 0.07). Recurrence was not different (P:9.3% vs. NP:4.2%, p = 0.15). Multivariate analysis showed that recurrence was higher after thoracoscopy compared to open (OR = 12.2 [2.2-68], p < 0.01); neither the use of patch (OR = 2.3, [0.5-10.4], p = 0.28) nor any other factors were associated with recurrence.

CONCLUSION

In this single centre series where tension-free repair was advocated, patch repair of CDH was not associated with higher recurrence, though access route was.

TYPE OF STUDY

Cohort Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Online self-compassion training to improve the wellbeing of youth with chronic medical conditions: protocol for a randomised control trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic medical conditions (CMCs) affect up to 35% of children and adolescents. Youth with chronic medical conditions are at an increased risk of psychological distress and reduced health-related quality of life, and report rates of mental illness up to double that of their physically healthy peers. Accessible, evidence-based interventions for young people with chronic illness are urgently required to improve their mental health and daily functioning. Self-compassion involves taking a mindful, accepting approach to difficult experiences, being aware that one is not alone in one's suffering, and being kind and understanding with oneself during challenging times. Self-compassion shares strong associations with mental health outcomes among young people and preliminary work indicates that interventions that build self-compassion have the potential to substantially improve youth mental health. Self-compassion is also associated with better physical and mental health outcomes among individuals living with CMCs. While face-to-face self-compassion training is available, there are several barriers to access for youth with CMCs. Online self-compassion training potentially offers an accessible alternative for this high-risk group.

METHODS

Self-Compassion Online (SCO) is a self-compassion program that has been tested with a non-clinical adult group. For the proposed trial, a reference group of youth (16-25 years) with chronic illness reviewed the program and proposed adaptations to improve its suitability for youth with chronic illness. In alignment with the SPIRIT Checklist, this paper outlines the protocol for a CONSORT-compliant, single-blind randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of the adapted program, relative to a waitlist control, for improving self-compassion, wellbeing, distress, emotion regulation, coping and quality of life among young Australians with CMCs. Mechanisms of action and feasibility of SCO will be analysed using quantitative data and participant interviews, respectively. Finally, cost-utility will be analysed using health-related quality of life data.

DISCUSSION

The SCO program could provide a scalable solution for improving psychological outcomes and quality of life among youth with chronic illness. The proposed trial will be the first to determine its efficacy for improving these outcomes, relative to waitlist control.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on the 11th April 2019, ACTRN12619000572167. Protocol version: Version 2, 21 December 2019.

Splenic Rupture Secondary to Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Managed by Coil Embolization of the Splenic Artery

Aim  Atraumatic splenic rupture is uncommon and life-threatening. It may be related to underlying pathology and be the initial manifestation of the condition. Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (V-EDS) is a rare autosomal dominant collagen vascular disorder, associated with vessel fragility and rupture. We describe a child presenting with splenic rupture managed by embolization of the splenic artery. She was subsequently diagnosed with V-EDS. Case Description  A 11-year-old girl with thalassemia trait presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. There was no history of trauma. Following resuscitation, abdominal computed tomography showed hemoperitoneum and active splenic arterial extravasation. Angiography demonstrated four bleeding points, from irregular vessels supplying the upper two-thirds of the spleen. These were not amenable to supraselective embolization. Therefore, coil embolization of the main splenic artery was performed, with no splenic supply seen on the postembolization angiogram. Her postoperative recovery was complicated by pancreatitis secondary to partial ischemia of the pancreatic tail. Subsequent extensive investigations excluded hematological, myeloproliferative, and infective causes for her splenic rupture. A safeguarding investigation was completed, with no pertinent factors identified. Findings of thin skin, abnormal bruising, and hypermobile joints raised a clinical suspicion of a connective tissue disorder. Genetic testing revealed a de novo mutation of the COL3A1 gene. Conclusions  There are only four reports of V-EDS causing splenic rupture in the literature to date. These patients were all adults and only one had not previously been diagnosed with V-EDS. All underwent splenectomy. While V-EDS presenting with abdominal visceral rupture in children has been reported, this is the first report of a child with V-EDS presenting with splenic rupture. It is the only case of splenic rupture secondary to V-EDS that has been managed minimally invasively by embolization.

A systematic review of the current interventions available to support children living with parental cancer

OBJECTIVE

Children living with parental cancer are vulnerable to distress and developmental disruption. This review aims to identify current interventions to support cancer patients' children and summarise how effective these are based on children's reports.

METHODS

Between 25 May 2015 and 6 August 2018, a broad search strategy was used to identify relevant references. Seven databases were searched, and grey literature was also vetted. This review was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

Eight studies evaluating six interventions were retained. Research designs and interventions were heterogenous, and study quality was low. A limited number of significant results were reported by studies. These evidenced improvement for PTSD symptoms, emotional regulation, and depression. However, overall current interventions do not appear effective among patients' children.

CONCLUSION

Despite encouraging preliminary findings, interventions do not yet adequately support cancer patients' children. There is a need for more tailored and targeted interventions. A theoretical model conceptualising the impact of parental cancer may assist this.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Findings will assist future intervention research by promoting standardised levels of care among cancer patients' children, that is empirically supported, effective, and meets principles of non-maleficence.

Impaired cellular and humoral immunity is a feature of Diamond-Blackfan anaemia; experience of 107 unselected cases in the United Kingdom

Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome characterised by anaemia, congenital anomalies and cancer predisposition. Although infections are the second leading cause of mortality in non-transplanted patients, immune function is largely unexplored. We identified quantitative deficits in serum immunoglobulins and/or circulating T, natural killer and B lymphocytes in 59 of 107 unselected patients (55·1%) attending our centre over a 7-year period. Immune abnormalities were independent of ribosomal protein genotype and arose in both steroid-treated and steroid-untreated patients. In summary, these data highlight the high prevalence and spectrum of infections and immune defects in DBA.

The evaluation of nurse navigators in chronic and complex care

AIM

With increasing age and chronicity in populations, the need to reduce the costs of care while enhancing quality and hospital avoidance, is important. Nurse-led co-ordination is one such model of care that supports this approach. The aim of this research was to assess the impact that newly appointed Navigators have on service provision; social and economic impact; nurses' professional quality of life and compassion fatigue; and analysis of the change that has occurred to models of care and service delivery.

DESIGN

A concurrent mixed-method approach was selected to address the research aims.

METHODS

The research project was funded in July 2018 and will conclude in December 2020. Several cohorts will be studied including; patients assigned to a navigator, patients not assigned to a navigator, family members of patients assigned a navigator; and a sample sized estimated at 140 navigators.

DISCUSSION

This study provides a comprehensive international longitudinal and mixed method framework for evaluating the impact of nurse navigators on quality of care outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. IMPACT-WHAT PROBLEM WILL THE STUDY ADDRESS?: Even with specialty focused co-ordinated care, patients get lost in the system, increasing the incidence of non-compliance and exacerbation of condition. Navigators work with patients across service boundaries allowing for care that is patient responsive, and permitting variables in clinical, social and practical elements of care to be addressed in a timely manner. This novel nurse-led approach, supports hospital avoidance and patient self-management, while encouraging expansion and opportunity for the nursing and midwifery workforce.

Assessing Beliefs Underlying Rumination About Pain: Development and Validation of the Pain Metacognitions Questionnaire

Metacognitions, which are beliefs about our own thinking processes, can modulate worry and rumination and thereby influence emotional distress. This study aimed to develop a self-report measure of unhelpful pain-related metacognitions which might serve as a clinical and research tool to better understand pain catastrophizing, a significant risk factor for adverse pain outcomes. Two phases of validation are presented. Phase 1 reports on how the Pain Metacognitions Questionnaire (PMQ) was empirically developed through a qualitative study of 20 people with chronic back (n = 15) or knee (n = 5) pain in secondary or tertiary care and then validated in a large internet sample of people experiencing pain (N = 864). Rasch analysis yielded a 21-item scale with two dimensions (positive and negative metacognition) assessing how useful and problematic people believe rumination about pain to be, respectively. In Phase 2, further validation using a new sample (N = 510) replicated initial findings. Both PMQ subscales have good retest reliability (r = 0.76, r = 0.72) and internal consistency (0.86, 0.87). They correlate negatively with mindfulness and positively with pain intensity, disability, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, rumination, and metacognition. The PMQ also predicts unique variance in catastrophizing when other variables are controlled and predicts 'patient' status for pain catastrophizing. Sensitivity analysis yielded preliminary suggestions for clinically meaningful cut-offs. Unhelpful pain metacognitions can be validly and reliably measured using a self-report instrument. Future studies using the PMQ might shed new light on pain-related thinking processes to develop better interventions for people prone to worry and rumination about their pain.

Gastrointestinal bleeding as initial presentation of extramedullary plasma cell neoplasms: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Plasma-cell neoplasms rarely involve the gastrointestinal tract and manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding. Plasmablastic myeloma is an aggressive plasma cell neoplasm associated with poor outcomes. A small number of cases with gastrointestinal involvement is reported in the literature and therefore high index of suspicion is essential for avoiding delays in diagnosis and treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

Our aim is to present our experience of a 70-year-old patient with a secondary presentation of plasmablastic myeloma manifesting as unstable upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to review the literature with the view to consolidate and discuss information about diagnosis and management of this rare entity. In addition to our case, a literature search (PubMed database) of case reports of extramedullary plasma cell neoplasms manifesting as upper gastrointestinal bleeding was performed. Twenty-seven cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) involving the stomach and small bowel presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were retrieved. The majority of patients were males (67%). The average age on diagnosis was 62.7 years. The most common site of presentation was the stomach (41%), followed by the duodenum (15%). The most common presenting complaint was melena (44%). In the majority of cases, the EMPs were a secondary manifestation (63%) at the background of multiple myeloma (26%), plasmablastic myeloma (7%) or high-grade plasma cell myeloma (4%). Oesophagogastroscopy was the main diagnostic modality and chemotherapy the preferred treatment option for secondary EMPs.

CONCLUSION

Despite their rare presentation, upper gastrointestinal EMPs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding especially in the presence of systemic haematological malignancy.

Critical care usage after major gastrointestinal and liver surgery: a prospective, multicentre observational study

BACKGROUND

Patient selection for critical care admission must balance patient safety with optimal resource allocation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care admission, and postoperative mortality after abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This prespecified secondary analysis of a multicentre, prospective, observational study included consecutive patients enrolled in the DISCOVER study from UK and Republic of Ireland undergoing major gastrointestinal and liver surgery between October and December 2014. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associations between critical care admission (planned and unplanned) and mortality, and inter-centre variation in critical care admission after emergency laparotomy.

RESULTS

Of 4529 patients included, 37.8% (n=1713) underwent planned critical care admissions from theatre. Some 3.1% (n=86/2816) admitted to ward-level care subsequently underwent unplanned critical care admission. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.9% (n=133/4519), and the risk-adjusted association between 30-day mortality and critical care admission was higher in unplanned [odds ratio (OR): 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.51-19.97) than planned admissions (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43-3.85). Some 26.7% of patients (n=1210/4529) underwent emergency laparotomies. After adjustment, 49.3% (95% CI: 46.8-51.9%, P<0.001) were predicted to have planned critical care admissions, with 7% (n=10/145) of centres outside the 95% CI.

CONCLUSIONS

After risk adjustment, no 30-day survival benefit was identified for either planned or unplanned postoperative admissions to critical care within this cohort. This likely represents appropriate admission of the highest-risk patients. Planned admissions in selected, intermediate-risk patients may present a strategy to mitigate the risk of unplanned admission. Substantial inter-centre variation exists in planned critical care admissions after emergency laparotomies.

Mindful Self-Care and Resiliency (MSCR): protocol for a pilot trial of a brief mindfulness intervention to promote occupational resilience in rural general practitioners

INTRODUCTION

The Mindful Self-Care and Resiliency (MSCR) programme is a brief psychosocial intervention designed to promote resilience among various occupational groups. The intervention is based on the principles of mindfulness and also incorporates an educational self-care component. The current paper presents the protocol for a pilot study that will evaluate the effectiveness of this programme among general practitioners working in rural Queensland, Australia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will measure the impact of the MSCR programme on levels of employee resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale; State-Trait Assessment of Resilience STARS), compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue (Professional Quality of Life Scale), self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale) and mood (Positive and Negative Affect Scale). We will also assess the impact of the programme on job satisfaction (The Abridged Job in General Scale), absenteeism/presenteeism (The WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire) and general well-being (WHO Five Well-being Index). Repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to analyse the impact of the intervention on the outcome measures taken at pre, post, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. We will conduct individual interviews with participants to gather data on the feasibility and acceptability of the programme. Finally, we will conduct an initial cost-effectiveness analysis of the programme.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approval for this study was obtained from the Curtin University Human Research ethics committee and the study has been registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry. Results will be published and presented at national and international congresses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12617001479392p; Pre-results.

Self-Compassion Online: A Pilot Study of an Internet-Based Self-Compassion Cultivation Program for Psychology Trainees

OBJECTIVE

The current study sought to conduct a preliminary investigation of the effectiveness and feasibility of a novel, self-guided online self-compassion training for reducing psychological distress and increasing self-compassion and happiness among psychology trainees.

METHOD

A 6-week online self-compassion cultivation program was developed and delivered to Australian psychology trainees (n = 37), and a pre-experimental repeated-measures design was used to collect change data on self-compassion, happiness, perceived stress, emotion regulation difficulties as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

RESULTS

Participants reported significant increases in self-compassion and happiness and significant decreases in depression, stress, and emotion regulation difficulties between pretest and posttest, with the majority of changes maintained at 3-month follow up.

CONCLUSION

 This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness and acceptability of online self-compassion training as a positive, integrated, and meaningful way of reducing distress and promoting self-compassion and happiness among trainee psychologists.

Alcohol purchasing by ill heavy drinkers; cheap alcohol is no single commodity

Objectives

Potential strategies to address alcohol misuse remain contentious. We aim to characterise the drink purchases of one population group: heavy drinkers in contact with Scottish health services. We contrast our findings with national sales data and explore the impact of socio-economic status on purchasing behaviour.

Study design

Cross-sectional study comparing alcohol purchasing and consumption by heavy drinkers in Edinburgh and Glasgow during 2012.

Methods

639 patients with serious health problems linked to alcohol (recruited within NHS hospital clinics (in- and out-patient settings) 345 in Glasgow, 294 in Edinburgh) responded to a questionnaire documenting demographic data and last week's or a ‘typical’ weekly consumption (type, brand, volume, price, place of purchase). Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile was derived as proxy of sociodemographic status.

Results

Median consumption was 184.8 (IQR = 162.2) UK units/week paying a mean of 39.7 pence per alcohol unit (£0.397). Off-sales accounted for 95% of purchases with 85% of those <50 pence (£0.5 UK) per alcohol unit. Corresponding figures for the Scottish population are 69% and 60%. The most popular low-priced drinks were white cider, beer and vodka with the most common off-sales outlet being the corner shop, despite supermarkets offering cheaper options. Consumption levels of the cheapest drink (white cider) were similar across all quintiles apart from the least deprived.

Conclusions

Heavy drinkers from all quintiles purchase the majority of their drinks from off-sale settings seeking the cheapest drinks, often favouring local suppliers. While beer was popular, recent legislation impacting on the sale of multibuys may prevent the heaviest drinkers benefiting from the lower beer prices available in supermarkets. Non-etheless, drinkers were able to offset higher unit prices with cheaper drink types and maintain high levels of consumption. Whilst price is key, heavy drinkers are influenced by other factors and adapt their purchasing as necessary.

•

We surveyed drinking behaviour in 639 patients with alcohol-related harm.

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Consumption was predominantly from off-sale settings (median = 184.8 UK units/week).

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Popular drinks were cheap varieties of white cider and vodka.

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Price and location of point of sale were key drivers of consumption.

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85% of units cost less that the proposed minimum unit price for alcohol.

A randomized phase II study of PEP02 (MM-398), irinotecan or docetaxel as a second-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

PEP02 is a novel highly stable liposomal nanocarrier formulation of irinotecan. This randomized phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of single agent PEP02 compared with irinotecan or docetaxel in the second-line treatment of advanced oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with locally advanced/metastatic disease who had failed one prior chemotherapy regimen were randomly assigned to PEP02 120 mg/m(2), irinotecan 300 mg/m(2) or docetaxel (Taxotere) 75 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR). Simon's two-stage design was used and the ORR of interest was 20% (α = 0.05, type II error β = 0.10, null hypothesis of ORR was 5%).

RESULTS

Forty-four patients per arm received treatment, and 124 were assessable for response. The ORR statistical threshold for the first stage was reached in all arms. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, ORRs were 13.6% (6/44), 6.8% (3/44) and 15.9% (7/44) in the PEP02, irinotecan and docetaxel arms, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were similar between the trial arms. Commonest grade 3-4 adverse event reported was diarrhoea in the PEP02 and irinotecan groups (27.3% versus 18.2%).

CONCLUSION

The ORR associated with PEP02 was comparable with docetaxel and numerically greater than that of irinotecan. PEP02 warrants further evaluation in the advanced gastric cancer setting.

A retrospective observational study examining the characteristics and outcomes of tumours diagnosed within and without of the English NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

Background:

Colorectal cancer is common in England and, with long-term survival relatively poor, improving outcomes is a priority. A major initiative to reduce mortality from the disease has been the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP). Combining data from the BCSP with that in the National Cancer Data Repository (NCDR) allows all tumours diagnosed in England to be categorised according to their involvement with the BCSP. This study sought to quantify the characteristics of the tumours diagnosed within and outside the BCSP and investigate its impact on outcomes.

Methods:

Linkage of the NCDR and BCSP data allowed all tumours diagnosed between July 2006 and December 2008 to be categorised into four groups; screen-detected tumours, screening-interval tumours, tumours diagnosed in non-participating invitees and tumours diagnosed in those never invited to participate. The characteristics, management and outcome of tumours in each category were compared.

Results:

In all, 76 943 individuals were diagnosed with their first primary colorectal cancer during the study period. Of these 2213 (2.9%) were screen-detected, 623 (0.8%) were screening-interval cancers, 1760 (2.3%) were diagnosed in individuals in non-participating invitees and 72 437 (94.1%) were diagnosed in individuals not invited to participate in the programme due to its ongoing roll-out over the time period studied. Screen-detected tumours were identified at earlier Dukes’ stages, were more likely to be managed with curative intent and had significantly better outcomes than tumours in other categories.

Conclusion:

Screen-detected cancers had a significantly better prognosis than other tumours and this would suggest that the BCSP should reduce mortality from colorectal cancer in England.

Psychotherapy via videoconference: an Australian randomised controlled trial

Introduction

People who live in rural and remote regions often have little, if any, access to specialized mental health services. One way of addressing this issue is by providing such services via videoconference. Hence this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of psychotherapy provided in-person to via videoconference. This study is, to the author’s knowledge, the largest telepsychology adult project that has been conducted in Australia.

Method

Twenty-nine clients were recruited who had a primary DSM-IV diagnosis on the depression-anxiety spectrum. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 12 sessions of either in-person or videoconference-based treatment. The intervention provided was based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) manualized treatments but individualized to suit the unique needs of each client. Primary symptomology and quality of life was measured before, after and 6 weeks following treatment. Secondary outcome measures included working alliance, credibility of therapy and client satisfaction.

Results

Retention in both treatment conditions was similar. Statistical analysis using multi-level linear modeling indicated a significant reduction in client symptoms across time but no substantial differences between treatment conditions. There were also no substantial differences between conditions with regards to the working alliance, credibility of therapy and client satisfaction ratings.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CBT-based psychotherapy via videoconference can be effectively provided in a real-world clinical practice context.

Manualised Cognitive–Behavioural Therapy in the Intensive Treatment of Adolescent Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

This article offers a preliminary investigation of the delivery of an intensive version of manualised cognitive–behavioural therapy for adolescent obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim was to address issues of treatment accessibility within the area, including a shortage of therapists who feel competent and possess the expertise to successfully deliver these protocols. Two male adolescents, with a principal diagnosis of OCD, participated in eight weekly 150-minute sessions. A series of diagnostic, symptom severity, global functioning, and self-report measures were completed at pretreatment, across treatment weeks, at posttreatment, and at 6-week follow-up. Further, monitoring of multiple baselines across behaviours for each adolescent across treatment weeks served to extend results beyond mere end points. Process issues specific to each adolescent, his family, and the therapeutic relationship were considered. Along with the overall outcome results, such information aimed to provide useful data for clinicians interested in implementing the program. Reductions in OCD symptomology and symptom severity for both participants at posttreatment and at 6-week follow-up suggest that an intensive format of treatment delivery might benefit some adolescents.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography practice in district general hospitals in North East England: a Northern Regional Endoscopy Group (NREG) study

AIM

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is an important tool for the management of pancreato-biliary disease. The aim of this study was to compare the current practice of ERCP in North East England against the key 2004 National Confidential Enquiry Report into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) recommendations and the standards set by the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG).

METHODS

This was a prospective multicentre study involving all hospitals in North East England, coordinated through the Northern Regional Endoscopy Group (NREG).

RESULTS

Fourteen endoscopy units submitted data for 481 ERCPs. Mean dose of midazolam was 3.24 mg (standard deviation 1.35; range 1-8 mg). Coagulation profile results were available on 469 patients (97%). Radiological investigations were documented in 96% of the procedures (463 of 481) prior to ERCP. The most common indication for ERCP was related to choledocholithiasis and its complications.  All procedures were performed with a therapeutic intent. A total of 84% of all patients were either American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II. The selective biliary cannulation rate was 87.3%. The total completion rate of all procedures was 80.2% (381 of 475) and completion of therapy was 89.5% (425 of 475). The 30-day mortality rate was 2% (ten patients) and procedure-related complications occurred in 5% of patients. There were no deaths directly as a result of ERCP; all deaths were related to underlying medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of ERCP in North East England adheres to the key recommendations of the NCEPOD and the standards set by JAG. The rates of complications compare favourably with those reported internationally.

Randomized phase II study of PEP02, irinotecan, or docetaxel as a second-line therapy in gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

6

Background: PEP02 is a novel nanoparticle liposome formulation of irinotecan (CPT-11). In phase I studies, PEP02 has improved pharmacokinetics (PK) of CPT-11 and its active metabolite-SN38 with encouraging safety and tumor response in several cancer types including gastric cancer. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of PEP02 (P), irinotecan (I) or docetaxel (D) as a single agent in gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.

Methods: A randomized, 3 arms (1:1:1), Simon's 2-stage (2/21, 5/41 based on tumor response) study was conducted in Europe and Asia. Patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic disease, failed to one prior chemotherapy, ECOG PS ≤ 2, at least 1 measurable lesion, no prior CPT-11 or taxane, were treated with P - 120 mg/m2, I - 300 mg/m2, or D - 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. PK and pharmacogenetics (PGx) samples were collected for pts in P and I arms.

Results: A total of 135 pts were randomized with 132 (44 per arm) treated between Jan 2008 and Jun 2010. Pts demographics (P/I/D): median age: 56/62/58, male (%): 79.5/77.3/77.3, Pts from Europe (%): 54.6/52.3/56.8, metastatic (%): 97.7/90.9/97.7, gastric adenocarcinoma (%): 84.1/79.6/68.2, and ECOG 0 + 1 (%): 93.2/93.2/90.9. The confirmed responders of P/I/D were 6 (13.6%)/3 (6.8%)/7 (15.9%) and disease control were 27 (61.4%)/27 (61.4%)/24 (54.6%). These three arms have similar progression free survival and overall survival. If stratified by region, Asian pts had longer survival than European pts. Toxicities of P/I/D were: grade 3/4 neutropenia (%): 9.1/13.6/15.9. grade 3/4 diarrhea (%): 27.3/18.2/2.3, hand-foot syndromes (%): 0.0/6.8/18.2. It was notable that symptoms related to acute cholinergic syndrome were less reported in P arm than in I arm. The PK data showed the mean T1/2, Cmax and AUC0→∞ of SN-38 in P/I arms were 88.8/22.8 hr, 8.79/44.1 ng/mL and 879/440 hr x ng/mL.

Conclusions: This randomized phase II study suggests that PEP02 improves the PK profile and tumor response over irinotecan, and it is as efficacious as docetaxel in the 2nd-line treatment for gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma. PEP02 is worthy of further evaluation as either 1st- or 2nd-line setting in future gastric cancer studies.

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Protein–GAG interactions: new surface-based techniques, spectroscopies and nanotechnology probes

New approaches, rooted in the physical sciences, have been developed to gain a more fundamental understanding of protein–GAG (glycosaminoglycan) interactions. DPI (dual polarization interferometry) is an optical technique, which measures real-time changes in the mass of molecules bound at a surface and the geometry of the bound molecules. QCM-D (quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation), an acoustic technique, measures the mass and the viscoelastic properties of adsorbates. The FTIR (Fourier-transform IR) amide bands I, II and III, resulting from the peptide bond, provide insight into protein secondary structure. Synchrotron radiation CD goes to much shorter wavelengths than laboratory CD, allowing access to chromophores that provide insights into the conformation of the GAG chain and of β-strand structures of proteins. To tackle the diversity of GAG structure, we are developing noble metal nanoparticle probes, which can be detected at the level of single particles and so enable single molecule biochemistry and analytical chemistry. These new approaches are enabling new insights into structure–function relationships in GAGs and together they will resolve many of the outstanding problems in this field.