Physical activity behaviors in cancer survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy

AIM

There are many barriers to physical activity among cancer survivors. Survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy may develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and experience additional barriers related to sensorimotor and mobility deficits. This study examined physical activity behaviors, including physical activity predictors, among cancer survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 252 participants, 3-24 months after neurotoxic chemotherapy, was undertaken. Physical activity was self-reported (IPAQ). CIPN was self-reported (FACT/GOG-Ntx-13), clinically graded (NCI-CTCAE), and objectively measured using neurological grading scales and neurophysiological techniques (tibial and sural nerve conduction studies). Balance (Swaymeter) and fine motor skills (grooved pegboard) were assessed. Regression models were used to identify clinical, demographic and CIPN predictors of walking and moderate-vigorous physical activity.

RESULTS

Forty-four percent of participants did not meet recommended physical activity guidelines (≥150 min/week). Sixty-six percent presented with CIPN. Nineteen percent of participants with CIPN reported that symptoms interfered with their ability to be physically active. A lower proportion of survivors aged ≥60, with grade ≥1 CIPN or BMI ≥30, reported meeting physical activity guidelines (all p < .05). Regression models identified older age, higher BMI, and patient-reported CIPN associated with lower walking, while higher BMI and females were associated with lower moderate-vigorous physical activity. Neurologically assessed CIPN did not associate with walking or moderate-vigorous physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Cancer survivors exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapy have low physical activity levels. Further work should examine the factors causing physical activity limitations in this cohort and designing interventions to improve physical function and quality of life in survivors.

Polygenic risk of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: a genome-wide association study

BACKGROUND

Genetic risk factors for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a major dose-limiting side-effect of paclitaxel, are not well understood.

METHODS

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 183 paclitaxel-treated patients to identify genetic loci associated with CIPN assessed via comprehensive neuropathy phenotyping tools (patient-reported, clinical and neurological grading scales). Bioinformatic analyses including pathway enrichment and polygenic risk score analysis were used to identify mechanistic pathways of interest.

RESULTS

In total, 77% of the cohort were classified with CIPN (n = 139), with moderate/severe neuropathy in 36%. GWAS was undertaken separately for the three measures of CIPN. GWAS of patient-reported CIPN identified 4 chromosomal regions that exceeded genome-wide significance (rs9846958, chromosome 3; rs117158921, chromosome 18; rs4560447, chromosome 4; rs200091415, chromosome 10). rs4560447 is located within a protein-coding gene, LIMCH1, associated with actin and neural development and expressed in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). There were additional risk loci that exceeded the statistical threshold for suggestive genome-wide association (P < 1 × 10^-5) for all measures. A polygenic risk score calculated from the top 46 ranked SNPs was highly correlated with patient-reported CIPN (r² = 0.53; P = 1.54 × 10^-35). Overlap analysis was performed to identify 3338 genes which were in common between the patient-reported CIPN, neurological grading scale and clinical grading scale GWAS. The common gene set was subsequently analysed for enrichment of gene ontology (GO) and Reactome pathways, identifying a number of pathways, including the axon development pathway (GO:0061564; P = 1.78 × 10^-6) and neuronal system (R-HSA-112316; adjusted P = 3.33 × 10^-7).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the potential role of axon development and regeneration pathways in paclitaxel-induced CIPN.

Dose intensity and outcomes of VDC/IE chemotherapy for adolescent and adult patients with Ewing’s family sarcoma

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Background: Ewing’s family sarcoma (EFS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with peak incidence in the second decade of life. Treatment is multimodal, involving local surgery and/or radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, typically with VDC/IE (Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide alternating with Ifosfamide, Etoposide). There is paucity of data in the adult setting, with treatment protocols extrapolated mainly from the paediatric setting. We assessed chemotherapy dose intensity and outcomes across four Australian sarcoma centres (three adult and one paediatric centre). Methods: Using the Australia New Zealand Sarcoma Association national database (ACCORD) and medical records, we identified patients aged ≥10 years diagnosed with EFS between 2010-2020. Clinical characteristics, treatment and survival information were collected for those receiving Ewing protocol with VDC/IE backbone. Received Dose Intensity (RDI) of chemotherapy was calculated using planned and actual doses received and time taken. RDI ≥85% was considered acceptable, consistent with published literature. We compared survival outcomes based on RDI. Clinical predictors of achieving an acceptable RDI were explored using logistic regression. Results: Of 146 patients with EFS identified, 76 received VDC/IE (59% male). The median age was 25 years, with age distribution 24% aged 10-19, 58% aged 20-39, and 18% aged 40-59. Majority had extraskeletal Ewing’s (57%), non-extremity primary site (64%) and localised disease (stage, II 37%; III 28%; IV 28%). Treatment received included surgery (74%), radiotherapy (66%) and chemotherapy (100%). Over two-thirds (70%) completed their scheduled chemotherapy and 57% achieved an acceptable RDI (67% aged 10-19, 61% aged 20-39, 29% aged 40-59). Compared to those aged 10-19, the odds ratio (OR) of an acceptable RDI for patients aged 20-39 was 0.79 (95% CI 0.24-2.46, p = 0.70) and for patients aged 40-59 was 0.20 (95% CI 0.04-0.86, p = 0.04). The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 14 (range, 2-17). Dose reductions were mostly within 20% cumulative target dose (91%), and were predominantly for neutropenia (47%), thrombocytopenia (30%) and/or anaemia (28%), and less frequently for cardiotoxicity (7%). Median follow-up was 37.3 months. Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 56% for acceptable RDI, compared to 30% for low RDI (p = 0.001), with two-year overall survival (OS) rates respectively 88% versus 49% (p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, Ewing’s type, primary site and stage, RDI remained an important prognostic factor (PFS HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.82; OS HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.63). Conclusions: Survival outcomes in EFS were contingent on achieving an acceptable RDI. It was more difficult to maintain VDC/IE chemotherapy dose intensity in adults aged over 40 years, due to myelosuppression. Optimal treatment strategy for older adults remains to be defined.

Impact of cancer susceptibility gene (CSG) mutations in advanced NSCLC (aNSCLC)

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Background: Next generation sequencing (NGS) is used widely to identify somatic oncogenic driver mutations in aNSCLC to guide treatment. Comprehensive profiling has led to identification of multiple gene mutations of unclear significance, including germline genes associated with cancer risk, termed CSG. Using data from two randomized trials comparing atezolizumab to docetaxel, we investigated the prognostic and predictive values of CSG in aNSCLC. Methods: We used publicly available data from the OAK (NCT02008227) and POPLAR (NCT01903993) trials. At baseline, plasma was analyzed for cfDNA using FoundationOne CDx NGS assay. We defined CSGs as pathogenic variants of APC, BAP1, BRCA1/2, BRIP1, CDH1, CDKN2A, CHEK2, FH, FLCN, MEN1, MET, MSH2/6, MLH1, PMS2, PALB2, PTCH1, PTEN, RAD51, RB1, SDHB, SMARCA4, STK11, TSC1/2 and VHL. Cox models with treatment covariate, CSG status (mutant [mt] vs wild-type [wt]) and their interaction was used to assess the predictive value by treatment of CSG mt for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) using univariate and multivariate models. Similar analysis was performed for objective response rate (ORR). Results: Of 1137 patients, 853 with sufficient tumor content formed the analysis population. In total, 295 (35%) had a known/likely pathogenic CSG mt. The variant allele frequencies (vAF) of CSG mt ≥30%, 10-30%, and <10% were 8% (N=23), 25% (N=73), and 67% (N=199) respectively. Patients with CSG mt were more likely to be smokers (89% vs 81%, P=0.005), had squamous tumors (37% vs 26%, P=0.001) with higher blood-based tumor mutation burden (mean 13.8 vs 10.2 per megabase, P<0.001). CSG mt was not predictive of greater OS benefit with atezolizumab over docetaxel (Table). CSG mt was associated with 35% increase risk of death in univariable analysis (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.15-1.59). CSG mt was associated with inferior OS in multivariable analysis adjusting for performance status, smoking status, tumor histology, age, sex and number of organ sites of metastasis (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07-1.48). Conclusions: Plasma CSG mt is an independent poor prognostic factor in two large aNSCLC clinical trial datasets. Majority of vAF of CSG were low, suggesting that very few were potentially germline in origin, but dedicated sequencing for confirmation will be required. If confirmed, CSG status could be used as a stratification factor in future aNSCLC trials. [Table: see text]

PD-L1 expression as a prognostic marker in patients treated with chemotherapy for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer

Background: In metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC), PD-L1 expression is associated with benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, the significance of PD-L1 expression in chemotherapy-treated patients is uncertain. Methods: Using the chemotherapy control arm of first-line randomized trials, a meta-analysis of the association between efficacy outcomes and PD-L1 status was performed, stratified by assay due to inter-assay differences. Results: Across 12 trials and 4378 patients, overall survival (OS) was superior in high PD-L1 versus negative tumors and low versus negative according to 22C3/28-8 assays. When classified by SP142 assay, no significant difference in response or survival was seen between PD-L1 groups. Conclusion: In mNSCLC, high PD-L1-expressing tumors are associated with longer OS and improved objective rate when treated with chemotherapy. Inter-assay variability impacts outcome results.

Pre- and on-treatment lactate dehydrogenase as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The survival outcomes of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are variable. This study investigated whether pre‐ and on‐treatment lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) could better prognosticate and select patients for ICI therapy.

METHODS

Using data from the POPLAR and OAK trials of atezolizumab versus docetaxel in previously treated advanced NSCLC, the authors assessed the prognostic and predictive value of pretreatment LDH (less than or equal to vs greater than the upper limit of normal). They further examined changes in on‐treatment LDH by performing landmark analyses and estimated overall survival (OS) distributions according to the LDH level stratified by the response category (complete response [CR]/partial response [PR] vs stable disease [SD]). They repeated pretreatment analyses in subgroups defined by the programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) status.

RESULTS

This study included 1327 patients with available pretreatment LDH. Elevated pretreatment LDH was associated with an adverse prognosis regardless of treatment (hazard ratio [HR] for atezolizumab OS, 1.49; P = .0001; HR for docetaxel OS, 1.30; P = .004; P for treatment by LDH interaction = .28). Findings for elevated pretreatment LDH were similar for patients with positive PD‐L1 expression treated with atezolizumab. Persistently elevated on‐treatment LDH was associated with a 1.3‐ to 2.8‐fold increased risk of death at weeks 6, 12, 18, and 24 regardless of treatment. Elevated LDH at 6 weeks was associated with significantly shorter OS regardless of radiological response (HR for CR/PR, 2.10; P = .04; HR for SD, 1.50; P < .01), with similar findings observed at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

In previously treated advanced NSCLC, elevated pretreatment LDH is an independent adverse prognostic marker. There is no evidence that pretreatment LDH predicts ICI benefit. Persistently elevated on‐treatment LDH is associated with worse OS despite radiologic response.

This analysis of 1327 patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer from the POPLAR and OAK randomized controlled trials has found that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a useful pre‐ and on‐treatment prognostic marker that can assist clinicians in counselling patients undergoing second‐ or later‐line atezolizumab or docetaxel. However, the findings fail to support the use of LDH as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and reinforce the importance of rigorous validation of promising predictive biomarkers using randomized data.

Standard-Dose Osimertinib in EGFR-Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Adenocarcinoma With Leptomeningeal Disease

PURPOSE

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung adenocarcinoma is associated with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Osimertinib is a potent third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor with confirmed CNS penetration. This study reports on outcomes of patients with EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer who developed LMD and were subsequently treated with osimertinib.

METHODS

We identified patients treated with osimertinib 80 mg PO daily under a compassionate access scheme across nine tertiary Australian institutes between July 2017 and July 2020. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment history were collected. Median overall survival, median progression-free survival, disease control rates (DCR), and overall response rates (ORR) were assessed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed and descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were analyzed of which 74% were female. Exon 19 deletions (49%) and L858R point mutations (41%) were the most common EGFR mutations. Forty-nine percentage of patients were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 1. The median duration of osimertinib therapy was 6 months. The extracranial DCR and ORR were 60% and 54%, and the intracranial DCR and ORR were 68% and 53%, respectively. Median overall survival was 10.5 months (95% CI, 8.17 to 15.05 months).

CONCLUSION

There are limited treatment options for LMD in EGFR-positive lung cancer, and osimertinib at a dose of 80 mg daily is an active therapeutic option for these patients.

Corneal dendritic cells and the subbasal nerve plexus following neurotoxic treatment with oxaliplatin or paclitaxel

Immune cell infiltration has been implicated in neurotoxic chemotherapy for cancer treatment. However, our understanding of immune processes is still incomplete and current methods of observing immune cells are time consuming or invasive. Corneal dendritic cells are potent antigen-presenting cells and can be imaged with in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy. Corneal dendritic cell densities and nerve parameters in patients treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy were investigated. Patients treated for cancer with oxaliplatin (n = 39) or paclitaxel (n = 48), 3 to 24 months prior to assessment were recruited along with 40 healthy controls. Immature (ImDC), mature (MDC) and total dendritic cell densities (TotalDC), and corneal nerve parameters were analyzed from in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy images. ImDC was increased in the oxaliplatin group (Median, Md = 22.7 cells/mm2) compared to healthy controls (Md = 10.1 cells/mm2, p = 0.001), but not in the paclitaxel group (Md = 10.6 cells/mm2). ImDC was also associated with higher oxaliplatin cumulative dose (r = 0.33, p = 0.04) and treatment cycles (r = 0.40, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in MDC between the three groups (p > 0.05). Corneal nerve parameters were reduced in both oxaliplatin and paclitaxel groups compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). There is evidence of elevation of corneal ImDC in oxaliplatin-treated patients. Further investigation is required to explore this potential link through longitudinal studies and animal or laboratory-based immunohistochemical research.

A multi-centre case series of alectinib-related erythrocyte membrane changes and associated haemolysis

Alectinib is an orally bioavailable anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor indicated for ALK mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This case series documents the development of significant erythrocyte membrane changes associated with alectinib use in six patients. Morphological findings found on blood film examination include moderate-marked acanthocytes, spheroacanthocytes, and one case demonstrated moderate schistocytes. Two patients in this multi-centre case series developed grade 1 anaemia, and four patients developed grade 2 anaemia. Two patients suffered significant non-immune-related haemolysis. One patient had a co-existing β thalassaemia trait and required treatment cessation due to severe haemolysis. Low-grade anaemia was seen in 22% of patients using alectinib in the ALEX trial and 5% developed ≥ grade 3 anaemia. Alterations in erythrocyte morphology and membrane structure have not been reported in the safety data and clinical trials to date. Drug-induced acanthocytosis is a rare phenomenon and has previously been reported with high-dose prostaglandin administration only. This case series highlights this important laboratory finding with alectinib use and associated clinical sequelae. Alectinib-associated acanthocytosis is likely to be more prevalent than previously recognised. We also highlight the need for vigilance in haematopathology departments for unexpected laboratory findings associated with novel therapies. These findings can be detected in the post-marketing surveillance phase and may have serious clinical implications for patients.

An HPLC–PDA method for determination of alectinib concentrations in the plasma of an adolescent

Alectinib is a central nervous system-active small molecule anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor that is effective in the treatment of patients with ALK positive tumors, including advanced non-small cell lung cancers and lymphomas. A simple, isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography–photo diode array detection (HPLC–PDA) assay for measurement of alectinib in human plasma is described. Alectinib is extracted from the plasma matrix by addition of methanol, followed by centrifugation and acidification with 0.1% formic acid. It elutes with a run time of 4.6 min using a 250 mm × 4.6 mm RP-C18 column with 0.1% aqueous formic acid and methanol (35:65, v/v) and a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Detection was at 339 nm. Linear calibration plots were achieved in the range of 0.1–20 μg/mL for alectinib (r2 = 0.9996). With limits of detection and quantification of 0.05 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively, and excellent precision (%CV < 10%), accuracy (bias < ±12%), and recovery (>97%) within the 1–20 μg/mL concentration range, this assay was suitable for measuring pre-dose alectinib concentrations in an adolescent receiving 600-mg doses twice daily.

Balance Deficits and Functional Disability in Cancer Survivors Exposed to Neurotoxic Cancer Treatments

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) persists after treatment in up to 40% of cancer survivors and has been linked with increased balance deficits, disabilities, and fall occurrences. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the links between CIPN, balance deficits, and functional disability and to inform the development of clinical screening tools for patients at risk of these events.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 190 cancer survivors exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapies (age, 57 ± 13 years; average time from completion of neurotoxic therapy, 12 ± 11 months) attended a neurology research clinic for a single cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported and objective CIPN, standing balance in 4 conditions of increasing difficulty, and functional disability.

RESULTS

Most patients (68%) reported CIPN symptoms at assessment. Symptomatic patients displayed increased functional disability (F=39.4; P<.001) and balance deficits (F=34.5; P<.001), with degree of balance impairments consistent with a healthy elderly population (age ≥65 years) reporting multiple falls over the subsequent year. Increasing CIPN severity correlated with increasing functional disability (clinically assessed R2=0.46; patient-reported R2=0.49; P<.001) and balance deficits (clinically assessed R2=0.41; patient-reported R2=0.30; P<.001). A 5-factor model of key independent correlates-patient-reported numbness/tingling, weakness, and balance deficit; age; and vibration perception-was strongly linked to balance deficits (R2=0.46; P<.001) and functional disability (R2=0.56; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms links between increasing CIPN severity and increasing balance deficits and functional disability using comprehensive CIPN assessment methodology. The extent of balance deficits in patients with CIPN underscores the functional consequences of neurotoxicity. A 5-factor model provides a foundation for clinical screening tools to assess balance deficits and functional disability in patients exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapies.

Predictive value of PD-L1 and other clinical factors for chemoimmunotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

We investigate if PD-L1 expression and other clinical characteristics predict chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) benefits versus chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of CIT versus chemotherapy identified through electronic searches. In seven randomized controlled trials (n = 4170), CIT prolonged progression-free survival over chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.58–0.67; p < 0.00001). The treatment benefits differed between PD-L1-high (HR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.34–0.49) and PD-L1 low (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.55–0.72; interaction-p = 0.00002) and PD-L1-high and PD-L1-negative (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.65–0.80; interaction-p < 0.00001). Similar benefits were observed regardless of gender, EGFR/ALK status and histological subtype. PD-L1 status is predictive of CIT benefit and may assist patient selection and design of future trials.

Mobility in survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and utility of the 6-min walk test

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant and often lasting side effect of cancer treatment, with increasing CIPN severity associated with increasing deficits in balance, gait, and mobility. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a widely validated and utilized measure of general physical functioning and mobility, although its utility in a CIPN context is unclear. This study aimed to determine the utility of the 6MWT as an assessment of mobility deficits in a CIPN cohort and utilize the 6MWT to compare mobility data from CIPN patients to those of healthy and clinical populations.

METHODS

Cancer survivors exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapies (N = 100; mean 17 ± 13 months post-treatment; mean age 59 ± 13 years) completed a single cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported and objective CIPN, mobility (6MWT), and disability.

RESULTS

CIPN symptoms were reported in the majority of the cohort (87%). Increasing age, patient-reported and objective CIPN symptoms, and disability were associated with decreasing 6MWT distance (.48 ≤ R ≤ .63; p < .001) in bivariate models. Multiple regression models of 6MWT distance included age, sex, and patient-reported or objective CIPN severity as significant independent correlates (.62 ≤ R ≤ .64; p < .03). 6MWT distances in patients with CIPN symptom severity above the cohort mean were consistent with mean values reported in diabetic neuropathy and clinical populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased CIPN symptoms are associated with increased mobility deficits. The 6MWT demonstrates promising utility as a mobility assessment in a CIPN cohort.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The impact of the progression of CIPN on mobility deficits in survivors emphasizes the need for effective interventions to treat and prevent CIPN.

Emergency department presentations in early stage breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy

(Neo)adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer is associated with side-effects, resulting in increased emergency department (ED) presentations. Treatment-related toxicity can affect quality of life, compromise chemotherapy delivery and treatment outcomes, and increase healthcare use. We performed a retrospective study of ED presentations in patients receiving curative chemotherapy for early breast cancer to identify factors contributing to ED presentations. Of 102 patients, 39 (38%) presented to ED within 30 days of chemotherapy, resulting in 63 ED presentations in total. Most common reasons were non-neutropenic fever (17 presentations/27%), neutropenic fever (15/24%), pain (9/14%), drug reaction (6/10%) and infection (4/6%). Factors significantly associated with ED presentation were adjuvant chemotherapy timing compared to neoadjuvant timing (P = 0.031), prophylactic antibiotics (P = 0.045) and docetaxel-containing regimen (P = 0.018).

Alectinib is effective, safe and tolerable in an adolescent with stage IVB ALK-rearranged adenocarcinoma of the lung

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors such as crizotinib and alectinib have been shown to have significant activity in ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). There are no data for alectinib's safety or efficacy in younger patients, though it is superior to crizotinib in adult trials. We present a 14-year old girl diagnosed with stage IV-B ALK-positive adenocarcinoma of the lung after presenting with cough and fever. She was commenced on alectinib at adult dose and has had sustained complete metabolic remission for 9 months. She is the youngest patient with lung adenocarcinoma to be treated with alectinib.

Randomized Evaluation of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Graded Exercise Therapy for Post-Cancer Fatigue

CONTEXT

Cancer-related fatigue is prevalent and disabling. When persistent and unexplained, it is termed post-cancer fatigue (PCF). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) may improve symptoms and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of a randomized controlled trial, which assigned patients with post-cancer fatigue to education, or 12 weeks of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET).

METHODS

Three months after treatment for breast or colon cancer, eligible patients had clinically significant fatigue, no comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions that explained the fatigue, and no evidence of recurrence. The CBT/GET arm included individually tailored consultations at approximately two weekly intervals. The education arm included a single visit with clinicians describing the principles of CBT/GET and a booklet. The primary outcome was clinically significant improvement in self-reported fatigue (Somatic and Psychological HEalth REport 0-12), designated a priori as greater than one SD of improvement in fatigue score. The secondary outcome was associated improvement in function (role limitation due to physical health problems-36-Item Short Form Health Survey 0-100) comparing baseline, end treatment (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks).

RESULTS

There were 46 patients enrolled, including 43 women (94%), with a mean age of 51 years. Fatigue severity improved in all subjects from a mean of 5.2 (±3.1) at baseline to 3.9 (±2.8) at 12 weeks, suggesting a natural history of improvement. Clinically significant improvement was observed in 7 of 22 subjects in the intervention group compared with 2 of 24 in the education group (P < 0.05, χ²). These subjects also had improvement in functional status compared with nonresponders (P < 0.01, t-test).

CONCLUSION

Combined CBT/GET improves fatigue and functional outcomes for a subset of patients with post-cancer fatigue. Further studies to improve the response rate and the magnitude of the benefit are warranted.

Quality and impact of eviQ Cancer Treatments Online (www.eviq.org.au): the medical oncologist's perspective

INTRODUCTION

eviQ Cancer Treatments Online is a free, web-based resource providing access to over 600 evidence-based treatment protocols in medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology and cancer genetics. With over 60 000 registrants from 148 countries, eviQ is widely used by cancer clinicians globally. The aim of this study was to examine the perceived quality of eviQ by Australian medical oncologists, the impact it had on their knowledge and practice, and the effect it had on their patients.

METHODS

A web-based survey was administered to members of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia by email. Two reminders emails were sent to encourage participation.

RESULTS

Of the 97 respondents (15%), all but one, were practicing in Australia, with varying years of oncology experience (<2 years: 25%, 2-10 years: 36%, >10 years: 39%). eviQ was most frequently used as a source for providing patient information sheets on chemotherapy side effects, with 57% of respondents using eviQ for this purpose. Other uses included accessing side effect information (27%), checking drug doses (26%) and guiding dose adjustments (22%). The majority of respondents rated eviQ as current, accurate and relevant with over 90% agreeing that eviQ was of a high quality. Most of the respondents reported that they provided better care with enhanced patient experiences as a result of using eviQ.

CONCLUSIONS

eviQ was highly regarded by Australian medical oncologists who responded to our survey. The results suggested that usage of eviQ had a positive impact on individual knowledge, practice and promoted better patient-centered care.

A phase III randomized trial of adding topical nitroglycerin to first-line chemotherapy for advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer: the Australasian lung cancer trials group NITRO trial

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine whether the substantial benefits of topical nitroglycerin with first-line, platinum-based, doublet chemotherapy in advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seen in a phase II trial could be corroborated in a rigorous, multicenter, phase III trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients starting one of five, prespecified, platinum-based doublets as first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC were randomly allocated treatment with or without nitroglycerin 25 mg patches for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days after, each chemotherapy infusion. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point.

RESULTS

Accrual was stopped after the first interim analysis of 270 events. Chemotherapy was predominantly with carboplatin and gemcitabine (79%) or carboplatin and paclitaxel (18%). The final analysis included 345 events in 372 participants with a median follow-up of 33 months. Topical nitroglycerin had no demonstrable effect on PFS [median 5.0 versus 4.8 months, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-1.32, P = 0.55], overall survival (median 11.0 versus 10.3 months, HR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.24, P = 0.94), or objective tumor response (31% versus 30%, relative risk = 1.03, 95% CI 0.82-1.29, P = 0.81). Headache, hypotension, syncope, diarrhea, dizziness, and anorexia were more frequent in those allocated nitroglycerin.

CONCLUSION

The addition of topical nitroglycerin to carboplatin-based, doublet chemotherapy in NSCLC had no demonstrable benefit and should not be used or pursued further.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number ACTRN12608000588392.

Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy: potential association of MAPT and GSK3B genotypes

Background

Paclitaxel treatment produces dose-limiting peripheral neurotoxicity, which adversely affects treatment and long-term outcomes. In the present study, the contribution of genetic polymorphisms to paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity were assessed in 21 patients, focusing on polymorphisms involved in the tau-microtubule pathway, an important target of paclitaxel involved in neurotoxicity development.

Methods

Polymorphisms in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene (haplotype 1 and rs242557 polymorphism) and the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) gene (rs6438552 polymorphism) were investigated. Neurotoxicity was assessed using neuropathy grading scales, neurophysiological studies and patient questionnaires.

Results

A significant relationship between the GSK-3B rs6438552 polymorphism and paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity was evident.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in tau-associated genes may contribute to the development of paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity, although larger series will be necessary to confirm these findings.

Accelerated BEP for metastatic germ cell tumours: a multicenter phase II trial by the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)

BACKGROUND

This Australian single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial evaluated feasibility, tolerability and activity of accelerated bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP) as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic germ cell tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were planned to receive cisplatin 20 mg/m(2) and etoposide 100 mg/m(2) days 1-5, and pegfilgrastim 6 mg day 6, all repeated every 2 weeks for four cycles (three cycles for good prognosis). Bleomycin was given at 30 000 IU weekly to a total of 12 doses (9 doses for good prognosis). Primary end point was feasibility, defined as the proportion of patients able to complete the etoposide and cisplatin components of BEP and be eligible to receive a fourth cycle of BEP by day 50.

RESULTS

Twelve poor, 16 intermediate and 15 good prognosis (n = 43) eligible patients were enrolled. Two patients aged >40 years were ineligible and excluded from analyses. The regimen was feasible in 86%, not feasible in 7% and not assessable in 7% of patients. Most common grade 3/4 adverse events were non-neutropenic infection (16%) and febrile neutropenia (12%). Complete response (CR) to chemotherapy and surgery was achieved in 33% poor-prognosis, 81% intermediate-prognosis and 100% good-prognosis patients. At median follow-up of 27 months (range 6-42), the 2-year progression-free survival was 50% for poor-prognosis, 94% for intermediate-prognosis and 92% for good-prognosis patients.

CONCLUSION

Accelerated BEP is feasible and tolerable. Efficacy data appear to be promising. This trial and a similar UK study provide the rationale for a randomised trial comparing accelerated versus standard BEP. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Registration number. ACTRN 12607000294459.

The attitudes of people with sarcoma and their family towards genomics and incidental information arising from genetic research

Purpose

The study aimed to examine attitudes of individuals diagnosed with sarcoma and their family members towards genetics, genomic research and incidental information arising as a result of participating in genetic research.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 1200 individuals from the International Sarcoma Kindred Study (ISKS). Respondents were divided into three groups: individuals affected with sarcoma (probands), their spouses and family members.

Results

Approximately half of all research participants felt positively towards new discoveries in human genetics. Overall, more were positive in their attitudes towards genetic testing for inherited conditions (60%) but family members were less so. Older participants reported more highly positive attitudes more often than younger participants. Males were less likely to feel positive about new genetic discoveries and more likely to believe they could modify genetic risk by altering lifestyle factors. Almost all ISKS participants believed participants would like to be given ancillary information arising as a result of participating in genetic research.

Conclusions

The only difference between the study groups was the decreased likelihood of family members being highly positive about genetic testing. This may be important if predictive testing for sarcoma becomes available. Generally ISKS research participants supported the notion of returning incidental genetic information to research participants.

Abstract PD04-03: Is breast conservation therapy an option for young women with operable breast cancer? Local recurrence rates in young women following surgery: a single centre experience

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is less common in young women (defined here as ≤ 40 years age), but is associated with more aggressive biological features, higher risk of local recurrence (LR) and poorer overall survival. This study examines and compares the incidence of LR following breast conservation therapy (BCT) versus mastectomy in women with operable BC treated at our centre.

Methods: The POWCC breast cancer database was retrospectively reviewed for the period January 1995 to December 2008. 2250 eligible women with BC undergoing primary breast surgery were identified. LR rate was compared between young women and older women (age &gt; 40 years), and according to type of surgery. Data were analysed using a competing risk Cox model to account for distant recurrence and death as competing events for local recurrence.

Results: Median follow-up was 70 months. Of 2250 women, 246 (11%) were young women, and the mastectomy rate was 49.2%. In older women (89%), mastectomy rate was 41.7%. LR occurred in 17 (6.9%) and 57 (2.8%) in young and older women respectively (p = 0.001). Amongst the young women, 12 (9.6%) and 5 (4.1%) patients recurred locally in BCT and mastectomy respectively (p = 0.09). Amongst the older women, 43 (3.7%) and 14 (1.7%) patients recurred locally in BCT and mastectomy respectively (p = 0.008). In univariate Cox analysis, significant risk factors for LR were BCT (p = 0.003), positive surgical margins (p = 0.03), age ≤ 40 years (p = 0.001), premenopausal status (p = 0.003) and no adjuvant systemic therapy (0.02). Age remains a significant predictor of LR in multivariate Cox analysis (Table). There was no significant interaction between age and type of surgery on LR (p = 0.72).

Discussion: Our results demonstrate that young women who undergo BCT have the highest risk of early LR. Adjuvant systemic therapy is protective of early LR. This study is hypothesis-generating and a definitive prospective clinical trial is required to better determine the optimal type of breast surgery in young women.

Early, progressive, and sustained dysfunction of sensory axons underlies paclitaxel-induced neuropathy

Paclitaxel is used in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. It induces disabling and potentially long-lasting sensory neuropathy. This study systematically and prospectively investigated sensory function, using clinical grading scales, quantitative sensory testing, and neurophysiological and nerve excitability studies in 28 patients with early-stage breast cancer. After administration of 529 ± 41 mg/m(2) paclitaxel, 71% of patients developed neuropathic symptoms by 6 weeks of treatment. Early and progressive increases in stimulus threshold (P < 0.05) and reduction in sensory amplitudes from 47.0 ± 3.3 μV to 42.4 ± 3.4 μV (P < 0.05) occurred by 4 weeks, with a further reduction by final treatment (33.7 ± 3.0 μV, P < 0.001). The majority of patients (63%) did not experience recovery of neuropathic symptoms at follow-up. Axonal disruption did not relate to membrane conductance dysfunction. We found that paclitaxel produces early sensory dysfunction and leads to persistent neuropathy. Importantly, significant axonal dysfunction within the first month of treatment predated symptom onset, suggesting a window for neuroprotective therapies.

Amyloidosis of the breast mimicking recurrence in a previously treated early breast cancer

Amyloid involvement of the breast is infrequently reported and may have clinical and radiological features suspicious for a primary breast malignancy. We describe a case of amyloid of the breast in which asymptomatic mammographic findings were suspicious for locally recurrent disease in a patient with previously treated breast cancer.

Regional radiotherapy may improve outcomes in patients with early stage breast cancer undergoing breast conservation therapy

BACKGROUND

Breast conservation therapy (BCT) is recommended as standard management of early breast cancer. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the results of BCT to identify prognostic factors predictive of treatment outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four hundred and ninety-eight eligible women with unilateral stage I-II breast cancer who had undergone BCT were analyzed.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of local recurrence (LR) was 1.9% and 3.7% at 3- and 5-years respectively. The 5-year disease-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival (DFS, CSS, OS) were 80.0%, 87.3% and 85.4% respectively. Significant independent predictors for LR included young age and absence of chemotherapy. Regional nodal radiotherapy was significantly associated with improved DFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed the efficacy of BCT in the treatment of early breast cancer and indicated that inclusion of regional nodal areas within the radiotherapy field might be beneficial in the BCT setting, particularly for patients with adverse risk features.

B-cell stimulation and prolonged immune deficiency are risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in people with AIDS

OBJECTIVES

To identify risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in people with HIV infection.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Case-control study in Sydney, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and nineteen patients with AIDS-related NHL were compared with 219 HIV-infected controls without NHL, matched for CD4 positive cell count and date of specimen collection. Data on demographic, infectious, treatment-related and immunological factors were abstracted by medical record review. The association between demographic factors, sexually transmissible diseases, HIV-related opportunistic infections, anti-viral therapy, duration of immune deficiency and indices of immune stimulation and risk of NHL were derived for these groups.

RESULTS

In a multivariate model, there were two independent groups of predictors of NHL risk. The first was duration of immunodeficiency, as measured by longer time since seroconversion (P for trend 0.008), and lower CD4 positive cell count 1 year prior to the time of NHL diagnosis (P for trend 0.009). The second predictor was B-cell stimulation, as indicated by higher serum globulin (a surrogate marker for serum immunoglobulin, P for trend 0.044) and HIV p24 antigenaemia [odds ratio (OR) for p24 positivity, 1.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-2.88]. Indices of B-cell stimulation preceded the diagnosis of NHL by several years. Factors not related to NHL risk included clinical indices of Epstein-Barr virus infection and receipt of individual nucleoside analogue antiretroviral agents. Combination therapy with these agents was associated with a non-significant reduction in NHL risk (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.39-1.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Markers of long-standing immune deficiency and B-cell stimulation were associated with an increased risk of developing NHL. Unless the strongest risk factor for NHL, immune deficiency, can be reversed, NHL is likely to become proportionately more important as a cause of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV infection.

Mature results of a randomized trial of two doses of cisplatin for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Scottish Gynecology Cancer Trials Group

PURPOSE

In 1992, we reported the first results of a randomized study in ovarian cancer, comprising two doses of cisplatin and indicated a significant difference (P = .0008) in median survival. Four years later, we now describe the results of this trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After a median follow-up of 4 years and 9 months, 115 of 159 cases of advanced ovarian cancer, originally randomized to receive six cycles of cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 and either a high dose (HD) of 100 mg/m2 cisplatin or a low dose (LD) of 50 mg/m2 (LD) cisplatin, have now died.

RESULTS

The overall survival for HD and LD patients is 32.4% and 26.6%, respectively, and the overall relative death rate is 0.68 (P = .043). This represents a reduction in overall benefit with longer follow-up compared with the first 2 years (relative death rate of 0.52). Toxicity, particularly neurotoxicity, is still evident in the fourth year (10/31 on HD compared with 1/24 on LD).

CONCLUSION

Our recommended dose of cisplatin in combination schedule is therefore 75 mg/m2, representing the optimal balance between efficacy and toxicity.