Survival impact of sequential chemotherapy following pembrolizumab for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pembrolizumab alone or combined with chemotherapy is the standard of care for first-line treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) with positive programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive scores. However, data on second-line chemotherapy following pembrolizumab are scarce.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective study was conducted to determine the efficacies of pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatments and the efficacy of second-line chemotherapy for patients with R/M HNSCC who were refractory or intolerant to first-line treatment.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were treated with pembrolizumab, and 29 received second-line therapy, with 27 opting for cetuximab-containing regimens. The median progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and PFS on next-line therapy for first-line treatment were 4.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-8.7), 22.1 (95% CI, 12.6-not reached), and 15.6 months (95% CI, 9.7-not reached) in the pembrolizumab group and 5.4 (95% CI, 3.3-6.8), 15.8 (95% CI, 8.6-not reached), and 13.7 months (95% CI, 8.1-not reached) in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group, respectively. The overall response rate and median PFS for second-line treatment were 48.3% (95% CI, 30.4-67.0) and 6.1 months (95% CI, 2.30-8.84). The median OS for patients who received second-line treatment was 18.4 months, which was superior to the median OS of 6.0 months for patients who received the best supportive care (log-rank p = 0.10).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that cetuximab-containing second-line chemotherapy can improve outcomes in R/M HNSCC, even after first-line therapy failure or intolerance.

Safety and Efficacy of Gemcitabine Plus Cisplatin Against Recurrent/Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Although gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) prolongs survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC) compared with fluorouracil plus cisplatin, no study has evaluated the efficacy and safety of GC in nonendemic regions, including Japan, yet. Therefore, we assessed the safety and efficacy of GC in Japanese patients with R/M NPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with R/M NPC who received GC treatment at the Aichi Cancer Center Hospital from January 2017 to March 2020. The main eligibility criteria were histologically confirmed NPC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0-2, and locally recurrent disease unsuitable for local treatment or metastatic disease. The regimen was administered every 3 weeks (gemcitabine, 1,000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8; cisplatin, 80 mg/m2 on day 1).

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (median age, 58 years) were included in the study. Two patients had an ECOG PS of 2 and 11 exhibited nonkeratinizing histology. Of the eight patients with measurable lesions, one exhibited complete response and seven exhibited partial response, with an objective response rate of 75%. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 7.7 and 24.2 months, respectively. Common grade 3 or 4 adverse events included neutropenia (64%), thrombocytopenia (14%), and febrile neutropenia (14%). The median relative dose intensity of gemcitabine and cisplatin was 62% and 60%, respectively. No treatment-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

The GC regimen demonstrates promising activity and is tolerable in Japanese patients with R/M NPC.

Dexamethasone-sparing on days 2-4 with combined palonosetron, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, and olanzapine in cisplatin: a randomized phase III trial (SPARED Trial)

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the non-inferiority of dexamethasone (DEX) on day 1, with sparing on days 2-4 in cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with malignant solid tumors who were treated with cisplatin (≥50 mg/m²) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either DEX on days 1-4 (Arm D4) or DEX on day 1 (Arm D1) plus palonosetron, NK-1 RA, and olanzapine (5 mg). The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) during the delayed (24-120 h) phase. The non-inferiority margin was set at -15%.

RESULTS

A total of 281 patients were enrolled, 278 of whom were randomly assigned to Arm D4 (n = 139) or Arm D1 (n = 139). In 274 patients were included in the efficacy analysis, the rates of delayed CR in Arms D4 and D1 were 79.7% and 75.0%, respectively (risk difference -4.1%; 95% CI -14.1%-6.0%, P = 0.023). However, patients in Arm D1 had significantly lower total control rates during the delayed and overall phases, and more frequent nausea and appetite loss. There were no significant between-arm differences in the quality of life.

CONCLUSION

DEX-sparing is an alternative option for patients receiving cisplatin; however, this revised administration schedule should be applied on an individual basis after a comprehensive evaluation.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY NUMBER

UMIN000032269.

An extremely energetic cosmic ray observed by a surface detector array

Cosmic rays are energetic charged particles from extraterrestrial sources, with the highest-energy events thought to come from extragalactic sources. Their arrival is infrequent, so detection requires instruments with large collecting areas. In this work, we report the detection of an extremely energetic particle recorded by the surface detector array of the Telescope Array experiment. We calculate the particle's energy as [Formula: see text] (~40 joules). Its arrival direction points back to a void in the large-scale structure of the Universe. Possible explanations include a large deflection by the foreground magnetic field, an unidentified source in the local extragalactic neighborhood, or an incomplete knowledge of particle physics.

Bevacizumab, Irinotecan, and Biweekly Trifluridine/Tipiracil for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: MODURATE, a Phase Ib Study

BACKGROUND

In this phase Ib study MODURATE, we optimized the dosing schedule and tested the efficacy and safety of trifluridine/tipiracil, irinotecan, and bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin treatment failure.

METHODS

We included a dose escalation (3 + 3 design) and an expansion cohort. Patients were administered trifluridine/tipiracil (25-35 mg/m2 twice daily, days 1-5), irinotecan (150-180 mg/m2, day 1), and bevacizumab (5 mg/kg, day 1) every 2 weeks. The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) in the dose escalation cohort was administered to at least 15 patients in both cohorts combined.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. Five dose-limiting toxicities were observed. RP2D was defined as trifluridine/tipiracil 35 mg/m2, irinotecan 150 mg/m2, and bevacizumab 5 mg/kg. Of 16 patients who received RP2D, 86% (14/16) experienced grade ≥3 neutropenia without febrile neutropenia. Dose reduction, delay, and discontinuation occurred in 94%, 94%, and 6% of patients, respectively. Three patients (19%) showed partial response and 5 had stable disease for >4 months, with a median progression-free and overall survival of 7.1 and 21.7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Biweekly trifluridine/tipiracil, irinotecan, and bevacizumab administration may have moderate antitumor activity with high risk of severe myelotoxicity in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer [UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000019828) and Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs041180028)].

Differential Efficacy of Targeted Monoclonal Antibodies in Left-Sided Colon and Rectal Metastatic Cancers

BACKGROUND

The recommended first-line chemotherapy for RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is bevacizumab (BEV)-containing therapy for right-sided colon cancer (R) and antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibody (anti-EGFR)-containing therapy for left-sided colon cancer (L) or rectal cancer (RE). However, anatomical or biological heterogeneity reportedly exists between L and RE. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacies of anti-EGFR and BEV therapies for L and RE, respectively.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 265 patients with KRAS (RAS)/BRAF wild-type mCRC treated with fluoropyrimidine-based doublet chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR or BEV as the first-line treatment at a single institution. They were divided into 3 groups: R, L, and RE. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate, and conversion surgery rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients had R (anti-EGFR/BEV: 6/39), 137 patients had L (45/92), and 83 patients had RE (25/58). In patients with R, both median (m) PFS and OS were superior with BEV therapy (mPFS, anti-EGFR vs. BEV: 8.7 vs. 13.0 months, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.90, P = .01; mOS, 17.1 vs. 33.9 months, HR: 1.54, P = .38). In patients with L, better mPFS and comparable mOS with anti-EGFR therapy were observed (mPFS, 20.0 vs. 13.4 months, HR: 0.68, P = .08; mOS, 44.8 vs. 36.0 months, HR: 0.87, P = .53), whereas, in patients with RE, comparable mPFS and worse mOS with anti-EGFR therapy were observed (mPFS, 17.2 vs. 17.8 months, HR: 1.08, P = .81; mOS, 29.1 vs. 42.2 months, HR: 1.53, P = .17).

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacies of anti-EGFR and BEV therapies may differ between patients with L and RE.

Health technology assessment for cancer medicines across the G7 countries and Oceania: an international, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Criticisms have emerged that cancer medicines offer modest benefits at increasingly high prices. Reimbursement decisions made by health technology assessment (HTA) agencies have become a complex endeavour for cancer medicines. Most high-income countries (HICs) use HTA criteria to identify high-value medicines for reimbursement under public drug coverage plans. We compared HTA criteria specific for cancer medicines in economically similar HICs, to understand how these criteria contribute to reimbursement decisions.

METHODS

We did an international, cross-sectional analysis in collaboration with author investigators across eight HICs, from the Group of Seven (known as G7; Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan) and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). Publicly available data from HTA agency reports and official documentation were extracted and analysed between Aug 15, 2021, and July 31, 2022. We collected data pertaining to the decision-making criteria used by the national HTA agency; HTA reimbursement status for 34 medicine-indication pairs corresponding to 15 unique US top-selling cancer medicines; and HTA reimbursement status for 18 cancer medicine-indication pairs (13 unique medicines) with minimal clinical benefit (score of 1 on the European Society of Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale). Descriptive statistics were used to compare HTA decision criteria and drug reimbursement recommendations (or for Germany and Japan, final reimbursement status) across the eight countries.

FINDINGS

Therapeutic impact related to clinical outcomes of the new medicine was a uniform criterion across the eight countries, whereas quality of evidence (under the remit of therapeutic impact assessment) and equity were infrequently cited criteria. Only the German HTA agency mandated that surrogate endpoints be validated in therapeutic impact assessment. All countries except Germany included formal cost-effectiveness analyses within HTA reports. England and Japan were the only countries that specified a cost-effectiveness threshold. Of the 34 medicine-indication pairs corresponding to US top-selling cancer medicines, Germany reimbursed the maximum (34 [100%]), followed by Italy (32 [94%] recommended for reimbursement), Japan (28 [82%] reimbursed), Australia, Canada, England, and France (27 [79%] recommended for reimbursement), and New Zealand (12 [35%] recommended for reimbursement). Of the 18 cancer medicine-indication pairs with marginal clinical benefit, Germany reimbursed 15 (83%) and Japan reimbursed 12 (67%). France recommended nine (50%) for reimbursement, followed by Italy (seven [39%]), Canada (five [28%]), and Australia and England (three [17%] each). New Zealand did not recommend any medicine-indications with marginal clinical benefit for reimbursement. Considering the overall cumulative proportion across the eight countries, 58 (21%) of 272 indications for the US top-selling medicines and 90 (63%) of 144 marginally beneficial medicine-indications were not recommended for reimbursement or reimbursed.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings indicate discordance in public reimbursement decisions across economically similar countries, despite overlapping HTA decision criteria. This suggests a need for improved transparency around the nuances of the criteria to ensure improved access to high-value cancer medicines, and deprioritisation of low-value cancer medicines. Health systems have opportunities to improve their HTA decision-making processes by learning from the systems in other countries.

FUNDING

None.

Clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary or malignancy of undefined primary origin who were referred to a regional cancer center

BACKGROUND

A regional cancer hospital has been identified to be crucial in the management of malignancies of undefined primary origin (MUO) and cancer of unknown primary (CUP). This hospital primarily consists of oncologists with expertise in CUP, pathologists, and interventional radiologists. Early consultation or referral of MUO and CUP to a cancer hospital is deemed important.

METHODS

This study retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical, pathological, and outcome data of all patients (n = 407) referred to the Aichi Cancer Center Hospital (ACCH) in Japan over an 8-year period.

RESULTS

In total, 30% of patients were referred for a second opinion. Among 285 patients, 13% had non-neoplastic disease or confirmed primary site and 76% had confirmed CUP (cCUP), with 29% of cCUP being identified as favorable risk. In 155 patients with unfavorable-risk CUP, 73% had primary sites predicted by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and distribution of metastatic sites, whereas 66% of them received site-specific therapies based on the predicted primary sites. The median overall survival (OS) was found to be poor in patients with MUO (1 month) and provisional CUP (6 months). In addition, the median OS of 206 patients with cCUP treated at the ACCH was 16 months (favorable risk, 27 months; unfavorable risk, 12 months). No significant difference was noted in OS between patients with non-predictable and predictable primary-sites (13 vs 12 months, p = 0.411).

CONCLUSION

The outcome of patients with unfavorable-risk CUP remains to be poor. Site-specific therapy based on IHC is not recommended for all patients with unfavorable-risk CUP.

Association between financial toxicity and health-related quality of life of patients with gynecologic cancer

OBJECTIVES

Patients often struggle with their financial situation during cancer treatment due to treatment-related costs or loss of income. This resulting negative effect is called financial toxicity, which is a known as a side effect of cancer care. This study aimed to evaluate the association between financial toxicity and health-related quality of life among patients with gynecologic cancer using validated questionnaires.

METHODS

In this multicenter study, patients with gynecologic cancer receiving anti-cancer drug treatment for > 2 months were recruited. Patients answered the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) tool, EORTC-QLQ-C30, disease-specific tools (EORTC-QLQ-OV28/CX24/EN24), and EQ-5D-5L. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to determine associations.

RESULTS

Between April 2019 and July 2021, 109 cancer patients completed the COST questionnaire. The mean COST score was 19.82. Strong associations were observed between financial difficulty (r = - 0.616) in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and body image (r = 0.738) in the EORTC-QLQ-CX24, while weak associations were noted between the global health status/quality of life (r = 0.207), EQ-5D-5L index score (r = 0.252), and several function and symptom scale scores with the COST score.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater financial toxicity was associated with worse health-related quality of life scores, such as financial difficulty in gynecologic cancer patients and body image in cervical cancer patients as strong associations, and weakly associated with general health-related quality of life scores and several function/symptom scales.

Impact of omitting fluorouracil from FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as second-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus bevacizumab is the standard second-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who are refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin. However, the benefits of incorporating fluoropyrimidines into second-line chemotherapy for patients with mCRC who are refractory to fluoropyrimidines are unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with mCRC who were administered irinotecan plus bevacizumab or FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as second-line chemotherapy at a single institution from January 2010 to April 2020. We compared the efficacy and safety of irinotecan plus bevacizumab (IRI group) with those of FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (FOLFIRI group).

RESULTS

Of the 255 enrolled patients, 107 (IRI/FOLFIRI group, 31/76 patients) were eligible for analysis. After a median follow-up of 13.1 months (range 1.2-48.4) and 14.3 months (range 0.9-46.5) for the IRI and FOLFIRI groups, respectively, the median progression-free survival was 6.4 months and 5.8 months [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-1.34, p = 0.44] and the median overall survival was 16.6 months and 16.5 months (aHR, 1.01; 95% CI 0.59-1.69; p = 0.97) in the IRI and FOLFIRI groups, respectively. All-grade nausea, stomatitis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, Grade 3/4 neutropenia, and febrile neutropenia occurred more frequently in the FOLFIRI group than in the IRI group.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests omitting fluorouracil from FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as the second-line chemotherapy decreases adverse events without affecting the treatment efficacy in patients with mCRC who are refractory to fluoropyrimidines. Further randomized prospective studies are warranted to validate our result.

Cross-sectional study of patients' (pts) and physicians' needs and the financial toxicity of systemic treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Japan

702

Background: There is an increasing awareness of the importance of pt-centricity in cancer treatments. To achieve pt-centricity in mRCC treatment, it is important to clarify the differences of preferences between pts and physicians in terms of efficacy, safety, quality of life, and healthcare economics. However, these data are currently lacking for Japanese pts with RCC. This study aims to identify any differences in preferences for drug treatments between pts with mRCC and physicians in Japan, as well as assess the financial toxicity of mRCC and its influencing factors among pts. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study collected data via a web survey of pts with mRCC and physicians. The primary endpoint was to identify the differences in drug-treatment preferences between pts and physicians. The secondary endpoints included identification of the side effects that were most distressing to the pts and those that were most difficult to communicate to the physicians, and the reasons for this. We also evaluated the financial toxicity using the “COST” tool as an exploratory endpoint. Fisher's exact test was used in the evaluation of differences between pts and physicians. Background factors for financial toxicity were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the correlation between COST score and FACT-G score. Results: 83 Pts and 165 physicians were included in the analysis. For pts, “eliminating all evidence of disease” ( P < 0.001) was the most important drug-treatment outcome, while for physicians, it was “longer survival” ( P < 0.001). The item of most concern about drug treatment was “disturbing daily activities due to the side effect” for both pts and physicians; while pts were more concerned than physicians about “financial burden” ( P < 0.01) and “lack of the knowledge for the treatment” ( P < 0.001). Diarrhea, fatigue, and vomiting were the most distressing side effects for pts; 51% of pts had difficulty in telling their physicians about side effects such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. The median COST score was 19 (range, 3–36) and multivariate analysis showed that age and private insurance were independent factors in financial toxicity. In addition, the COST score was positively correlated with the FACT-G total score ( r = 0.40, P < 0.001). Conclusions: There is a gap between pts with mRCC and physicians in their preferences and concerns about drug treatment. Japanese pts with mRCC suffer from side effects, some of which are not shared with physicians, and experience adverse financial impacts even under the universal health insurance coverage system available in Japan. This study highlights the importance of communicating well with pts in clinical practice to achieve pt-centricity in systemic treatment for mRCC.

The impact of combined PD-L1 positive score on clinical response to nivolumab in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Nivolumab is recommended for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (aESCC) refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy regardless of the tumor proportion score (TPS). However, the role of combined positive score (CPS) in predicting nivolumab efficacy remains unclear. We aimed to study whether TPS or CPS is a more suitable biomarker for predicting nivolumab efficacy in these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data from patients with aESCC treated with fluoropyrimidines and platinum and subsequently received nivolumab monotherapy between January 1, 2014 and September 15, 2020. Next, we evaluated the efficiencies of TPS and CPS in predicting the clinical response to nivolumab using PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay.

RESULTS

This study included 50 patients (CPS groups: ≥ 10/1-10/ < 1, n = 24/18/8, respectively; TPS groups, ≥ 10%/1%-10%/ < 1%, n = 17/8/25, respectively). The median progression-free survival was 3.2, 2.5, and 1.5 months in the ≥ 10, 1-10 [hazard ratio (HR) vs. CPS of ≥ 10 group, 1.01; p = 0.98; adjusted HR, 1.33; p = 0.56], and < 1 CPS groups (HR vs. CPS of ≥ 10 group, 3.44; p = 0.006; adjusted HR, 1.67; p = 0.41), respectively. For the patients with CPS of ≥ 10/1-10/ < 1 and TPS of ≥ 10%/1%-10%/ < 1%, the objective response rate was 30%/25%/0% and 36%/0%/19% and the disease control rate was 60%/50%/12% (p = 0.06) and 65%/40%/38% (p = 0.30), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a CPS of < 1 is not a strong predictor of efficacy but can predict the absence of response to nivolumab in patients with aESCC.

Use of Anticancer Therapies and Economic Burden Near the End of Life in Japan: Results From Claims Database

PURPOSE

In patients with cancer, aggressive treatment near the end of life (EOL) may decrease quality of life and increase medical costs. In this study, we examined the use of anticancer therapies near the EOL in Japan.

METHODS

We used a commercial database of health insurance claims in Japan, to examine patient data on cancer and death until August 2020. We assessed the proportion of patients using anticancer therapies within 14 days of death, associated factors, and medical costs from the payer's perspective.

RESULTS

The database documented 5,759 patients with cancer who died between December 2013 and August 2020. Among them, 4.8% of patients and 3.9% of age-adjusted patients received anticancer therapy within 14 days of death. Patients age < 60 years were associated with a high probability of receiving anticancer therapy near the EOL. The estimated annual anticancer therapy and related costs were Japanese yen 1,296 million (US dollars 12.6 million).

CONCLUSION

We found the percentage of patients receiving anticancer therapies within 14 days of death in Japan, its associated factors, and economic burden. Our findings can serve as a benchmark for optimizing EOL care.

Validity of the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) in patients with gynecologic cancer

OBJECTIVE

Financial toxicity is a financial burden of cancer care itself, which leads to worse quality of life and higher mortality and is considered an adverse effect. The COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) tool is a patient-reported outcome measurement used to evaluate financial toxicity. We aimed to validate the internal consistency and reproducibility of the COST tool in patients with gynecologic cancer.

METHODS

In this multicenter study covering the period April 2019 to July 2021, using the COST tool in Japan, patients diagnosed with ovarian, cervical, or endometrial cancer receiving systemic anti-cancer drug therapy for more than 2 months were eligible. Patients with no out-of-pocket costs for direct medical costs were excluded. The patients answered the initial test and a retest, which was completed from 2 to 14 days after the initial test. Internal consistency and reproducibility were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Cronbach's alpha ≥0.8 indicates good internal consistency, and ICC ≥0.8 is highly reliable.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients (ovarian: 50, cervical: 26, endometrial: 36) responded to the initial test, and 89 patients answered the retest from 2 to 14 days after the initial test. The median patient age was 58 (range, 28-78) years. The median COST score was 19. Cronbach's alpha showed good internal consistency at 0.83 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.87). The ICC at 0.850 (95% CI 0.777 to 0.900) showed high reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The COST tool has good internal consistency and reliable reproducibility in patients with gynecologic cancer in Japan. The COST tool quantifies financial toxicity in the insurance system, where patients have limited out-of-pocket direct medical costs. The results support the use of the COST tool in patients with gynecologic cancer.

Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for gastrointestinal cancers with SWI/SNF complex genetic alterations

346

Background: SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex is encoded by multi-gene families that are recurrently mutated in cancer. Previous studies reported that tumors harboring SWI/SNF complex genetic alterations (GA) are sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but the clinical significance of SWI/SNF complex GA in patients with gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) is unclear. Methods: We reviewed patients with metastatic GICs who underwent comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and received ICIs at our institution between July 2014–June 2021. SWI/SNF complex GA were defined as ARID1A, ARID1B, ARID2, PBRM1, SMARCA4, and SMARCB1 alterations. Results: Of 292 patients receiving CGP, 136 patients received ICIs, of which 10 (7.4%) had SWI/SNF GA, including 8 ARID1A (5.9%), 1 ARID2 (0.7%) and 2 SMARCA4 (1.5%) alterations. The subjects included 50 esophageal cancers, 84 gastric cancers, and 2 small intestine cancers. The patients with SWI/SNF complex GA had significantly higher proportions of microsatellite instability-high ( p = 0.004) and lower proportions of esophageal cancer ( p = 0.002), compared with patients without SWI/SNF complex GA. During the median follow-up time of 7.5 months (M), the median overall survival (OS), time-to-treatment failure (TTF), and progression-free survival (PFS) in all patients was 13.2 M ([95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7-21.8 M), 2.2 M (95%CI, 1.8-2.5 M), and 2.3 M (95%CI, 1.9-2.8 M), respectively. The patients with SWI/SNF complex GA had better OS (median, not reached vs 10.3 M; hazard ratio [HR], 0.40 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19–0.86]; p = 0.019) than those without SWI/SNF complex GA. The patients with SWI/SNF complex GA tended to have longer TTF (median, 4.7 M vs 2.1 M; HR, 0.67 [95%CI 0.38–1.17]; p = 0.16) and PFS (median, 5.4 M vs 2.2 M; HR, 0.70 [95%CI 0.39–1.27], p = 0.24) than those without SWI/SNF GA. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) in all patients was 13.2% (95%CI, 8.0-20.1) and 40.4% (95%CI, 32.1-49.2), respectively. The ORR and DCR of patients with SWI/SNF complex GA tended to be higher than those without SWI/SNF complex GA (ORR, 30.0% vs 11.9%; p = 0.13: DCR, 70.0% vs 38.1%; p = 0.09), with 1 complete response and 2 partial responses in the patients with SWI/SNF complex GA. Conclusions: The patients with GICs who had SWI/SNF complex GA were more likely to benefit from ICI therapy, suggesting that novel ICI-containing chemotherapies targeting SWI/SNF complex GA are needed for GICs.[Table: see text]

Impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on coronary flow reserve by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography 1-year after the intervention in severe aortic stenosis patients

Background

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) which is one of indexes reflecting coronary microcirculation in patients without significant epicardial coronary lesions can be impaired in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). It has been shown that CFR is an independent predictor for future cardiovascular events in AS patients. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has rapidly become widespread and is becoming the standard treatment for severe AS. This procedure may have a good effect on CFR due to reduction of severe afterload in patients with severe AS. Although the recent reports evaluated change in CFR immediately and 6 months after TAVI, it has not been evaluated whether impaired CFR improves 1-year after TAVI in AS patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether impaired CFR improves 1-year after TAVI in severe AS patients with preserved LVEF.

Methods

The study population consists of consecutive 105 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI. Exclusion criteria were atrial fibrillation, old myocardial infarction, history of coronary artery bypass grafting, significant lesions in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), moderate or severe mitral valve disease, history of valve replacement, LVEF &lt;50% and preoperative CFR &gt;2.2. CFR was obtained from coronary flow velocity by transthoracic echocardiography at rest and maximal hyperemia in LAD before, immediately and 1-year after TAVI. We compared CFR between before and after TAVI in the study patients who did not meet the exclusion criteria.

Results

After exclusion of 76 patients who met the exclusion criteria, the final study patients consist of 29 patients (8 male, 84.9±5.2 years). There was no significant difference in LVEF (61.3±3.4% vs 61.6±4.4%, P=0.667) and LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVI; 58.2±9.2 mL/m2 vs 55.8±9.0 mL/m2, P=0.089) between before and immediately after TAVI. LVEF (61.0±2.8%, P=0.721) and LVEDVI (58.0±9.1 mL/m2, P=0.949) 1-year after TAVI were similar to those before TAVI. There was no significant difference in coronary flow velocity at rest between before and immediately after TAVI (27.4±8.9 vs 24.4±7.0 cm/s, P=0.051) and between before and 1-year after TAVI (25.9±8.3 cm/s, P=0.396). Coronary flow velocity at maximal hyperemia 1-year after TAVI significantly increased compared with that before TAVI (from 48.8±13.9 to 67.9±21.0 cm/s, P&lt;0.001) while there was no significant difference between before and immediately after TAVI (52.0±12.0 cm/s, P=0.186). Impaired CFR before TAVI (1.82±0.28) increased immediately (2.03±0.39, P=0.009) and 1-year after TAVI (2.69±0.57, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

The present results suggest that impaired CFR in patients with preserved LVEF improves 1-year after TAVI. TAVI may have a good effect on CFR in severe AS patients with preserved LVEF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Second-line Chemotherapy for Previously Treated Metastatic Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Metastatic small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare disease with poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of second-line chemotherapy for patients with SBA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of 27 metastatic patients with SBA after progression on first-line chemotherapy. The patients were divided into Cohort A, receiving second-line chemotherapy, and Cohort B, receiving best supportive care.

RESULTS

Patients in Cohort B had higher age, worse performance status, and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio compared with those in Cohort A. Cohort A showed significantly better overall survival (OS) compared with Cohort B (median OS, 15.6 vs. 3.4 months; p=0.002). Objective response rate, disease control rate, and median progression-free survival (PFS) for Cohort A were 7%, 74%, and 5.0 months, respectively. Patients who underwent irinotecan-based chemotherapy showed longer PFS and OS compared with those who underwent taxane-based chemotherapy. No significant adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Second-line chemotherapy for metastatic SBA demonstrated clinical activity with acceptable toxicities.

Development of an application tool to support returnees in Fukushima

To promote radiation protection and health promotion among returning residents (returnees) in coastal areas of Fukushima, eHealth principles were used to develop a new application tool (app) that can record radiation exposure and health status while providing comprehensive support to returnees. Intended users are returnees and health and welfare workers. After assessing their needs, a flowchart and prototype for operational logic were created using commercially available software tools. Professional developers will focus on improving the user interface and ensuring data security. The finished app will be compatible with mobile telephones and tablets. Utility and ease of use are paramount to serve returnees of all ages effectively.

Impact of PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) on clinical response to nivolumab in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

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Background: The ATTRACTION-3 trial showed that nivolumab (Nivo) significantly improved overall survival (OS) of patients (pts) with previously treated advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) regardless of tumor programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression assessed with tumor proportion score (TPS). On the other hand, pembrolizumab prolonged OS in advanced esophageal carcinoma pts with combined positive score (CPS) of ≥ 10 in the KEYNOTE-181 trial. Whether CPS can predict clinical outcome of Nivo in advanced ESCC pts remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated advanced ESCC pts who received Nivo at a single institution between January 2014 and September 2020. The main eligibility criteria were as follows: refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidines and platinum, no prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody treatment, no comorbid malignancies, and available tissue specimens obtained before initiation of Nivo. PD-L1 immunostaining was performed using PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay, and the tumors were classified into three groups depending on CPS (≥ 10, 1–10, < 1). The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were calculated using a multivariate Cox model that contained variables with p values < 0.05 in the univariate analysis. Results: Among 69 pts, 50 were eligible (CPS ≥ 10/CPS 1–10/CPS < 1, 23/18/9). Patient characteristics were as follows (CPS ≥ 10/CPS 1–10/CPS < 1): age, ≥ 65, 70/67/67%; male, 83/67/78%; PS ≥ 1, 61/72/44%; second-line treatment, 65/61/56%; disease status, recurrent, 61/33/78%; prior esophagectomy, 65/33/44%; prior radiotherapy, 57/56/56%; prior taxane, 52/28/44%; the number of metastatic sites, ≥ 2, 48/61/89%; lymph node metastasis, 78/83/89%, lung metastasis, 26/22/56%; liver metastasis, 17/17/44%. Among 42 pts (84%) with disease progression after Nivo treatment, 24 pts received salvage-line chemotherapy. The adjustment factor for PFS was liver metastasis, while that for OS was not detected. The median PFS was 4.1 months (mo) in CPS ≥ 10 and 2.5 mo in CPS 1–10 (HR vs. CPS ≥ 10, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.51–2.17; p = 0.864; aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.54–2.36; p = 0.713), and 1.4 mo in CPS < 1 (HR vs. CPS ≥ 10, 3,78; 95% CI, 1.53–8.92; p = 0.005; aHR, 1.91; 95% CI, 0.67–5.39; p = 0.223). The median OS was 12.3 mo in CPS ≥ 10, 10.2 mo in CPS 1–10 (HR vs. CPS ≥ 10, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.75–4.00; p = 0.201), and 9.0 mo in CPS < 1 (HR vs. CPS ≥ 10, 2.31; 95% CI, 0.92–5.69; p = 0.075). Objective response rate (CPS ≥ 10/CPS 1–10/CPS < 1) in 40 pts who had measurable lesions were 32/25/0%, respectively. Conclusions: The pts with CPS of < 1 did not respond to Nivo. Our study suggests that CPS is useful for predicting response to Nivo in pts with advanced ESCC.[Table: see text]

Angiogenesis-related factors associated with nivolumab efficacy in patients with advanced gastric cancer after refractory or intolerant to ramucirumab-based therapy

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Background: Nivolumab (Nivo) is a standard therapy after ramucirumab (RAM)-based second-line chemotherapy in patients (pts) with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, the relationship between angiogenesis-related factors and the efficacies of immune-checkpoint inhibitors after anti-angiogenic chemotherapy is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated pts with AGCs who received Nivo after RAM-based second-line chemotherapy at a single institution from Nov 2017 to Aug 2019. Clinical benefit of Nivo was defined as CR, PR, or >4 months of SD and non-CR/non-PD. In addition, preserved serum samples at time points of pre-RAM, pre-Nivo, and post-Nivo (within 12 weeks from the start of Nivo) were analyzed by using the designated panel, containing vascular endothelial growth factor-A/D (VEGF-A/D), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1/2/3 (sVEGFR-1/2/3), Interleukin-6/8 (IL-6/8), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), angiopoietin-2, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interferon gamma (INF-γ), osteopontin (OPN), soluble neuropilin-1, and thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2). We investigated the association between angiogenesis-related factors and clinical outcomes with Nivo. Results: We evaluated 167 samples from 58 pts, including 10 pts (17.2%) exhibiting clinical benefit. Characteristics of pts were as follows: median age, 68; male, 74%; PS, 0/1-2, 17/83%; HER2 positive, 16%; prior gastrectomy, 40%; histology, intestinal/diffuse, 16/84%; disease status, metastatic/recurrent, 69/31%; lung metasstasis, 14%; liver metasstasis, 26%; peritoneum metastasis, 67%; lymph node metastasis, 31%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of Nivo were 1.7 and 6.2 months, respectively, with a median follow-up of 5.0 months. There were no correlations between pre-Nivo levels of angiogenesis-related factors and clinical benefit; however, the median post-Nivo/pre-Nivo VEGF-A ratio was significantly lower in pts with clinical benefit than in those without clinical benefit (0.44 versus 0.94, p = 0.008). By multivariate analysis using characteristics of pts and data from pre-Nivo samples, VEGF-A above the median level of 1400 pg/mL and sVCAM-1 below the median level of 1640000 pg/mL were independent prognostic factors for poor PFS (hazard ratio, 1.90, p = 0.033) and OS (hazard ratio, 2.02, p = 0.037), respectively. Conclusions: Our study suggests that rapid decline of serum VEGF-A level after Nivo and higher VEGF-A before Nivo were respectively associated with the clinical benefit of Nivo and poor survival in pts with AGC treated with Nivo after RAM-based second-line chemotherapy.

Impact of omitting fluorouracil from FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as second-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer patients

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Background: FOLFIRI + bevacizumab (FOLFIRI + BEV) is a standard second-line chemotherapy (Cx) for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts) who are refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidines (FPs) and oxaliplatin (OX). However, the efficacy of continuing FPs as second-line Cx for pts who are refractory to FPs in first-line Cx remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated mCRC pts who received irinotecan (IRI) + BEV or FOLFIRI + BEV as second-line Cx at a single institution from Jan 2010 to Apr 2020. The main eligibility criteria were ECOG performance status (PS) of 0-2, known KRAS status, a standard initial dose of fluorouracil (5-FU) (bolus 400 mg/m2, infusional 2400 mg/m2) in FOLFIRI + BEV and IRI (150 mg/m2), refractory to FPs, no prior use of IRI, and prior use of OX. We compared the efficacy and safety of IRI + BEV with those of FOLFIRI + BEV. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using a multivariate Cox model that contained variables with p < 0.05 in the univariate analysis to reduce the imbalance between both the treatments. Results: Among the 261 pts, 107 were eligible (IRI + BEV/FOLFIRI + BEV, 31/76 pts). Pt characteristics were as follows (IRI + BEV/FOLFIRI + BEV): median age, 67/62; ECOG PS, 1–2, 55/46%; KRAS mutant, 45/50%; BRAF V600E mutant, 6/11%; right-sided tumor, 19/43%; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥ 400 U/L, 13/12%; PFS of first-line Cx < 6 month (m), 39/30%; prior use of BEV, 84/63%. Relative dose intensity (RDI) (IRI + BEV/FOLFIRI + BEV) of IRI and BEV was similar in the groups; median RDI (range) of IRI, 80 (44–100) /83 (49–100) %; p = 0.560; median RDI of BEV, 86 (35–100) /83 (20–100) %; p = 0.681. Efficacies (IRI + BEV/FOLFIRI + BEV) after a median follow-up of 13.1/14.3 m were as follows: median PFS, 6.4/5.8 m (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.57–1.38; p = 0.64; aHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50-1.34; p = 0.44); median OS, 16.6/16.5 m (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.51-1.32; p = 0.44; aHR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.59-1.69; p = 0.97); objective response rate, 25.9/11.3%. Adjustment factors for PFS were prior colorectomy, number of metastatic sites, ECOG PS, liver metastasis, and the level of LDH, while those for OS were prior colorectomy, number of metastatic sites, liver metastasis, peritoneal metastasis, and the level of LDH. All subgroup analyses for PFS and OS according to the pt characteristics also showed no significant differences in the groups. All grade nausea (32/58%) and stomatitis (13/36%) and grade 3–4 neutropenia (23/58%) and febrile neutropenia (0/3%) were less common in the IRI + BEV than in the FOLFIRI + BEV group. Conclusions: Our study suggests that omitting 5-FU from FOLFIRI + BEV as second-line Cx for mCRC pts who are refractory to FPs may lower the occurrence of adverse events without impairing the treatment efficacy.

Prospective Survey of Financial Toxicity Measured by the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity in Japanese Patients With Cancer

PURPOSE

We previously reported on the pilot study assessing the feasibility of using the Japanese translation of the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) tool to measure financial toxicity (FT) among Japanese patients with cancer. In this study, we report the results of the prospective survey assessing FT in Japanese patients with cancer using the same tool.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were receiving chemotherapy for a solid tumor for at least 2 months. In addition to the COST survey, socioeconomic characteristics were collected by using a questionnaire and medical records.

RESULTS

Of the 191 patients approached, 156 (82%) responded to the questionnaire. Primary tumor sites were colorectal (n = 77; 49%), gastric (n = 39; 25%), esophageal (n = 16; 10%), thyroid (n = 9; 6%), head and neck (n = 4; 3%), and other (n = 11; 7%). Median COST score was 21 (range, 0 to 41; mean ± standard deviation, 12.1 ± 8.45), with lower COST scores indicating more severe FT. On multivariable analyses using linear regression, older age (β, 0.15 per year; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.28; P = .02) and higher household savings (β, 8.24 per ¥15 million; 95% CI, 4.06 to 12.42; P < .001) were positively associated with COST score; nonregular employment (β, -5.37; 95% CI, -10.16 to -0.57; P = .03), retirement because of cancer (β, -5.42; 95% CI, -8.62 to -1.37; P = .009), and use of strategies to cope with the cost of cancer care (β, -5.09; 95% CI, -7.87 to -2.30; P < .001) were negatively associated with COST score.

CONCLUSION

Using the Japanese version of the COST tool, we identified various factors associated with FT in Japanese patients with cancer. These findings will have important implications for cancer policy planning in Japan.

A Phase II Study of Modified FOLFOX6 for Advanced Gastric Cancer Refractory to Standard Therapies

INTRODUCTION

In patients with advanced gastric cancer refractory to chemotherapy, the treatment options are limited. Via this phase II study, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil and l-leucovorin (modified FOLFOX6).

METHODS

Patients who had histologically confirmed metastatic gastric cancer refractory to ≥ two previous chemotherapy regimens were included. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) by an independent central review. According to an assumption of a threshold ORR of 10% and expected ORR of 25%, with α = 0.05 and β = 0.20, at least 33 patients were required. The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), quality of life measured by EQ-5D, and safety.

RESULTS

Among the 35 enrolled patients, 33 were included in the primary analysis. All patients previously received fluoropyrimidines, cisplatin, and taxanes, and 24 (73%) were pretreated with irinotecan. The confirmed ORR was 27% [95% confidence interval (CI) 13-46]. The median PFS and OS were 2.2 (95% CI 1.2-3.2) and 5.6 (95% CI 4.1-7.0) months, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, immunotherapy within 90 days and a Glasgow Prognostic Score of 0 were associated with better treatment outcomes. The most common grade ≥ 3 adverse event was neutropenia (36%), and no febrile neutropenia was observed. The median EQ-5D scores did not change from baseline at 2, 4, and 8 weeks (p value = 0.38, 0.79, and 0.98, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) showed substantial activity and acceptable toxicity for chemotherapy-refractory advanced gastric cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000016416).

Clinical impact of oral intake on second-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer

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Background: Trifluridine/tipiracil, an oral drug, was approved in Japan for patients (pts) with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Insufficient oral intake (INSUF) is one of the most common complications. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and impact of oral intake during 2nd line chemotherapy (CT). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated AGC pts receiving 2nd line CT from January 2012 to December 2018 at a single institution. We defined “INSUF” as a requirement for daily intravenous fluids or hyperalimentation and “improvement of oral intake (IMP)” as no such requirement for > 1 week. Exacerbation (EXA) was defined as a change from “sufficient oral intake (SUF)” to INSUF. Results: We enrolled 495 pts, of which 67 (13%) and 428 (87%) pts had INSUF and SUF at the start of 2nd line CT, respectively. Patient characteristics are summarized in the Table. There was no difference in the cytotoxic drugs of 2nd line CT. The causes of INSUF were peritoneal metastases (79%), cachexia (15%), and primary complications (3%). The objective response rates of INSUF and SUF pts were 9% and 26%, respectively. INSUF pts had poorer progression-free survival (PFS) (1.7 vs. 3.7 months [M]; adjusted HR [aHR], 1.51; p < 0.001) and overall survival (3.2 vs. 10.1 M; aHR, 2.01; p < 0.001) than SUF pts. At the end of 2nd line CT, 147 (32%) and 314 (68%) pts had INSUF and SUF, respectively. In SUF pts, the factors correlated with EXA were poor ECOG PS (odds ratio [OR], 5.26; p < 0.001), massive or moderate ascites (OR, 2.04; p = 0.031), palliative operation history (OR, 2.90; p = 0.007), and ramucirumab use (OR, 0.50; p = 0.034). Median PFS was shorter after CT in pts with EXA than in those without (1.7 vs. 4.2 M; aHR, 2.05; p < 0.001). Among INSUF pts, 11 pts (16%) achieved IMP; the rate of IMP did not differ according to regimen. Median PFS was shorter in pts without IMP than in pts with IMP (1.1 vs. 3.3 M; aHR, 4.97; p = 0.001). Subsequent CT was administered to 29% and 71% of INSUF and SUF pts, respectively. Conclusions: INSUF at the start of 2nd line CT was a poor prognostic factor. For appropriate use of oral drugs, CT should be changed in SUF pts with factors associated with EXA. [Table: see text]

Efficacy of Cytotoxic Agents After Progression on Anti-PD-(L)1 Antibody for Pre-treated Metastatic Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The efficacy of treatment using the anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD-1) antibody for metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) has been established previously. Exploratory analyses in various types of tumours suggest that prior exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors can enhance the efficacy of subsequent cytotoxic chemotherapy (CTx). Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CTx for mGC after progression on anti-PD-(ligand) 1 [anti-PD-(L)1] antibody.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with mGC who underwent CTx. The patients received CTx after progression on anti-PD-(L)1 antibody (cohort A) or as a third-line treatment without prior exposure to anti-PD-(L)1 antibody (cohort B). We evaluated: i) clinical characteristics, ii) efficacies, iii) prognoses, and iv) adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

In cohorts A and B, 16 and 68 patients fulfilled the criteria, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the overall response rate was significantly higher in cohort A compared to cohort B (31% vs. 10%, respectively; Odds Ratio:3.96, 95% Confidence Interval:1.06-14.8, p=0.040). The multivariate analysis showed a similar trend. Immune-related AEs did not worsen and were manageable, while new immune-related AEs were not observed.

CONCLUSION

CTx after progression on anti-PD-(L)1 antibody demonstrated a favourable efficacy in intensively treated patients with mGC.

Negative impact of cachexia during chemotherapy on survival as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer

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Background: Sarcopenia and muscle loss during chemotherapy (Cx) have a poor prognosis in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). It is unclear whether cachexia during Cx has a survival impact. Methods: mCRC patients (pts) receiving first-line Cx at a single institution between Jan 2010 and Jun 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Pts receiving doublet Cx with bevacizumab or anti-EGFR agents, ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0–2, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) before and after initiating first-line Cx at least once were included and classified pts into those with (cachexia group) or without (non-cachexia group) cachexia. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated from the CT cross-section area at L3 divided by the length squared. Muscle loss was defined as a < 5% reduction in the SMI. The association between muscle loss and cachexia during Cx, time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) was determined by univariate and multivariate analysis including muscle loss, primary tumor location, ECOG PS, number of metastatic sites, ALP, WBC, LDH, KRAS status, and BRAF status as independent variables. Results: Of 562 included pts, 185 were eligible and 69 (37%) experienced cachexia. Differences in all patient characteristics such as muscle loss, ECOG PS 2, KRAS mutant, and BRAF mutant (28%, 8%, 32%, and 10% with cachexia group and 27%, 3%, 32%, and 8% with non-cachexia group) were not significant. Median follow-up was 26.8 months. Muscle loss was not associated with TTF (13.3 vs. 15.5 months, HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.76–1.45, p = 0.76). OS was shorter (24.4 vs. 29.9 months, HR = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.86–1.76, p = 0.25), but the difference was not significant in univariate and multivariate analysis. However, cachexia group presented significantly shorter TTF [median TTF 11.9 vs. 16.9 m; HR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12-2.07, p < 0.01; adjusted HR (aHR) 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12-2.11, p < 0.01] and shorter OS (median OS 21.4 vs. 34.1 m; HR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.29-2.55, p < 0.01; aHR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.38-2.81, p < 0.01) than non-cachexia group. Conclusions: Cachexia during Cx may have a negative impact on survival in pts with mCRC.

P2700Impact of instantaneous wave-free ratio on graft failure after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background

It has been reported that preoperative fractional flow reserve (FFR) is associated with graft patency after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and the patency is excellent when a bypass graft is anastomosed on a vessel with positive FFR. However, the association with graft patency has not yet been investigated in its novel counterpart, instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), and iFR sometimes contradicts FFR results.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess an impact of preoperative iFR on a graft failure after CABG in patients with coronary arteries showing positive FFR (≤0.80).

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients who had undergone preoperative coronary angiography in conjunction with resting and hyperemic intra-coronary pressure measurements, CABG, and graft evaluation by coronary computed tomography angiography. After excluding vessels with negative FFR (>0.80), vessels were divided into two groups: negative iFR group (iFR >0.89) and positive iFR group (iFR ≤0.89). The rate of graft failure within 1 year after CABG was compared between the two groups.

Results

We analyzed 131 vessels in 89 patients (35 vessels in the negative iFR group and 96 vessels in the positive iFR group). The negative iFR group showed significantly higher iFR (0.92±0.02 vs. 0.74±0.13, P<0.0001) and FFR (0.72±0.06 vs. 0.63±0.09, P<0.0001) than the positive iFR group, although percent diameter stenosis (%DS) was comparable (57±10 vs. 56±9, P=0.47). The graft failure significantly often occurred in the negative iFR group than in the positive iFR group (28.6% vs. 8.3%, P=0.0029). In order to reduce the imbalance in the baseline characteristics except for iFR, 70 vessels were selected by using propensity score matching (n=35 in each group). The propensity score matched vessels also demonstrated significantly higher rate of graft failure in the negative iFR group than in the positive iFR group (28.6% vs. 5.7%, p=0.026) despite much more balanced FFR (0.72±0.06 vs. 0.69±0.07, p=0.02) and %DS (57±10 vs. 57±9, p=1.000).

Conclusions

Even when FFR is positive, the graft failure is likely to occur when a bypass graft is anastomosed on a vessel with negative iFR compared to a vessel with positive iFR.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

Modified Gant-Miwa-Thiersch procedure (mucosal plication with anal encircling) for rectal prolapse

AIM

Rectal prolapse (RP) is usually associated with elderly women and is well recognized as having a detrimental effect on quality of life. A number of surgical procedures for RP are available, but morbidity and mortality are substantial. The Gant-Miwa-Thiersch procedure (GMT) has been frequently used for RP in Japan. However, as GMT has a high recurrence rate it is not widely used elsewhere. The aim of this study was to evaluate a modified version of GMT (mGMT) in comparison with other procedures.

METHOD

mGMT was performed under spinal or local anaesthesia in 187 patients with RP. No normal mucosa was left between the tags and lateral wounds were created in the Thiersch procedure. Morbidity, mortality and recurrence rates were recorded.

RESULTS

No serious postoperative complications and no operative deaths occurred after mGMT. Eight per cent of patients suffered from infection of the strings. The overall recurrence rate after mGMT was 7.5% with a median follow-up period of 13.8 years.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of these results, we consider that mGMT has a number of advantages: it is minimally invasive, does not require general anaesthesia, is technically simple to perform and is associated with satisfactory outcomes and low morbidity. mGMT should be considered an option for the treatment of RP in elderly patients.

Durable response to the ALK inhibitor alectinib in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the head and neck with a novel SQSTM1-ALK fusion: a case report

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that typically develops in the lungs and seldom in the head and neck region. It is often related to the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene. Crizotinib, a first-generation ALK inhibitor, has been shown to have a notable response in patients with ALK-positive IMT. Here, we report the first case of a 46-year-old man with IMT harboring a novel SQSTM1-ALK fusion gene who demonstrated marked response to alectinib. The patient presented a right neck mass (5-cm diameter) that progressively enlarged and expanded to the upper mediastinum. ALK-rearranged IMT was diagnosed after complete tumor resection. Spindle cells displayed diffuse cytoplasmic staining for ALK on immunohistochemistry. A fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed the translocation of a part of the ALK gene locus at chromosome 2p23. FoundationOne CDx™ assay identified an SQSTM1-ALK gene fusion. After a year, right cervical, subclavian, and mediastinal lymph node metastases, considered unresectable, developed. Notably, the patient exhibited a marked response to alectinib treatment and has sustained for 17 months following systemic therapy initiation without significant adverse events. This report highlights the possibility of alectinib being a reasonable option for advanced IMT with the SQSTM1-ALK fusion.

The impact of the Glasgow Prognostic Score on survival in second-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer patients with BRAF V600E mutation

BACKGROUND

BRAF (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1) V600E mutant colorectal cancer is associated with short survival. Recently, clinical trials have been conducted to improve outcomes of second or later lines of chemotherapy. However, there is a paucity of reference data pertaining to outcomes of second-line chemotherapy and prognostic factors that are relevant only to BRAF mutant patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed metastatic colorectal cancer patients with BRAF V600E mutation who underwent second-line chemotherapy between January 2007 and March 2017. We evaluated treatment outcomes and performed prognostic analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients were included. The median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.91-4.11] and 6.5 (95% CI = 4.30-9.63) months, respectively. Overall response and disease control rates were 7% and 48%, respectively. All the regimens which elicited a partial response included BRAF inhibitors in combination with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies. Therefore, the overall response was 0% after exclusion of patients treated with study drugs. Multivariate analysis for OS revealed that the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and poor performance status were independent prognostic factors. In particular, survival curves according to the GPS stratified the patients into distinct risk groups. The median OSs in patients with GPS of 0, 1, and 2 were 9.9, 5.0, and 1.9 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of second-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer patients with BRAF V600E mutation were extremely poor. GPS may be useful in future clinical trials.

Recurrent Membranous Nephropathy After Kidney Transplantation Associated With Phospholipase A2 Receptor and Successfully Treated With Rituximab: A Case Report

Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease mainly caused by autoantibodies acting against the podocyte antigen M-type phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R). Herein we present the clinical and histologic findings, including PLA2R staining, of early recurrent MN after kidney transplantation that was successfully treated with rituximab. A 60-year-old Japanese man had end-stage renal failure due to steroid-resistant primary MN and underwent ABO-incompatible living donor kidney transplantation. At 1 month after transplantation, a protocol biopsy revealed positive granular staining of IgG, C4d, and PLA2R on glomerular capillaries (GCs) without any abnormalities on light microscopy (LM). Although the patient had low-level proteinuria, recurrent MN was suspected based on the positive PLA2R staining; he was treated with an angiotensin receptor blocker and a single dose of 200 mg rituximab. However, proteinuria gradually increased to 877 mg/d. At 21 months after transplantation, a graft biopsy revealed spikes along the outer aspects of GC on LM, with stronger staining for PLA2R than that at 1 month after transplantation. A single dose of 500 mg rituximab was added, which effectively reduced proteinuria, and clinical remission continued until 3 years after transplantation. The latest graft biopsy showed reduced staining of PLA2R. The disease activity and therapeutic effect were well-reflected in the intensity of PLA2R staining. An approach intending an early diagnosis by protocol biopsy using PLA2R immunostaining is made and early treatment with rituximab will help reduce the risk of kidney graft loss due to recurrent primary MN.