Nutrition knowledge, weight loss practices, and supplement use in senior competition climbers

Introduction

Sport climbing has gained increased scientific attention, including studies investigating the dietary habits and nutritional requirements of climbers; however, significant gaps in the literature remain. An assessment of nutritional knowledge, weight loss for competition, and supplement use has not been previously reported in senior competition climbing athletes.

Methods

Fifty climbers (26 male, 24 female; BMI 21.6 ± 1.9; 23.7 ± 5.2 years) participated in the study. Participants answered a 72-item questionnaire, comprised of demographic data and three main sections to assess general and sports nutrition knowledge, weight loss strategies, and supplement use.

Results

The mean nutrition knowledge score was 'average', with considerable individual variation (53.5 ± 11.1 %). There were no significant sex differences in the general (GNK) or sport (SNK) nutrition knowledge scores, or effect of age. Significantly higher knowledge was demonstrated by national vs. international athletes for the GNK scores (11.09 ± 1.58 vs. 9.58 ± 1.75; p = 0.028). Participants scored well in questions concerning protein, carbohydrates, alcohol, and supplements, and conversely, performed poorly in hydration and micronutrient related questions. Less than one-fifth of respondents had access to a dietitian. Forty-six percent of males and 38% of female climbers reported intentional weight loss for competition on at least one occasion. Of those, ~76% reported utilizing concerning practices, including methods that conform with disordered eating and/or eating disorders, dehydration, vomiting, and misuse of laxatives. Approximately 65% of athletes reported using at least one nutritional supplement in the previous 6 months, with 44% reporting multiple supplement use. There was no significant difference in supplement use between sexes or competition level.

Discussion

Due to the established importance of nutritional intake on athlete health and performance, educational support should be employed to improve knowledge in climbers and address shortcomings. Moreover, intentional weight loss for climbing competition is common, with most athletes achieving ~3-8% body weight loss over ≥2 weeks. It is crucial that professionals working with competitive climbers are vigilant in identifying athletes at risk of concerning weight management and establish referral pathways to the appropriate specialist services. High quality intervention trials to assess the efficacy of ergogenic aids in climbing remains inadequate.

Prevalence of amenorrhea in elite female competitive climbers

Elite competitive sport climbers exhibit a high strength-to-weight ratio and are reported in the literature to be lighter and leaner than their athletic counterparts. Current research regarding nutrition among climbers is sparse but suggests that they may be at high risk for low energy availability and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). The prevalence of amenorrhea, one of the primary indicators of RED-S, is unknown in this athletic population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of current (previous 12 months) amenorrhea among elite level competitive sport climbers.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was distributed via email to 1,500 female climbers registered as competitors within the International Federation of Sport Climbing to assess the prevalence of amenorrhea over the past 12 months.

Results

A total of 114 female sport climbers answered all survey questions regarding menstrual function and 18 athletes (15.8%) presented with current amenorrhea. The majority of the athletes (72%; n = 82) were categorized with eumenorrhea. An additional 14 athletes (12.3%) provided information that indicated irregular cycles, but answers to all menstrual cycle questions were not congruent to elicit a classification of amenorrhea and these athletes were categorized with a menstrual status of unsure. The average BMI for climbers with eumenorrhea was 20.8 ± 1.8 kg/m2 and 19.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2 for those with amenorrhea. A higher percentage of climbers with amenorrhea revealed they currently struggle with an eating disorder compared to those without amenorrhea (13.5 vs. 22.2%, respectively).

Conclusion

This study indicates that some female climbers competing at the World Cup level do have menstrual disturbances with relatively normal BMIs and some currently struggle with one or more eating disorders. Even though World Cup competitions use BMI critical margins to screen competitors, this research highlights the need for more medical supervision of competitive elite female sport climbers in order to protect their overall health, including menstrual function. Further research is required to clarify how many climbers suffer from endocrine abnormalities related to RED-S. With more scientific evidence in this area practitioners will be better equipped to educate the athlete and coach with evidence-based nutrition recommendations.

Aktuelle Ist-Analyse zur Situation des nichttraumatologischen Schockraummanagements in Deutschland

Einleitung

In Notaufnahmen kommen bundesweit nichttraumatologische kritisch kranke Patienten zur Aufnahme. Zur Struktur, Organisation und Ausstattung des nichttraumatologischen Schockraummanagements ist bisher wenig bekannt. Mittels einer Umfrage sollte daher der Ist-Zustand analysiert werden.

Methodik

Durch die Arbeitsgruppe „Schockraum“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft Interdisziplinäre Notfall- und Akutmedizin (DGINA) wurde mittels E‑Mail den 420 ärztlichen Leiter*Innen des DGINA-Mitgliederregisters eine Onlineumfrage zugesendet. Zwei Wochen nach initialem Anschreiben erfolgte eine Erinnerung. Die Ergebnisse wurden in einer anonymisierten Datenbank extrahiert und ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt lag die Rücklaufquote mit 131 verwertbaren Antworten bei 31 %. Die Umfrage erfasste Krankenhäuser der Basis- (24 %), erweiterten (39 %) und umfassenden Notfallversorgung (37 %). Korrespondierend zur Versorgungsstufe stiegen die jährlichen Patientenkontakte (21.000 vs. 31.000 vs. 39.000), die Monitorplätze in den Notaufnahmen (9 ± 4 vs. 13 ± 6 vs. 18 ± 10), die Betten der assoziierten Notaufnahmestationen (4 ± 5 vs. 10 ± 17 vs. 13 ± 12), die verfügbaren Schockräume (1 ± 1 vs. 2 ± 1 vs. 3 ± 1) und deren Größe (31 ± 16 vs. 35 ± 9 vs. 38 ± 14 m2) an. Hinsichtlich verschiedener Ausstattungsmerkmale (z. B. Röntgenlafette: 58 vs. 65 vs. 78 %, Computertomographie im Schockraum: 6 vs. 12 vs. 27 %) zeigten sich deutliche Unterschiede in Abhängigkeit von der Versorgungsstufe. Während Kühlungssysteme in 30 % in allen Versorgungsstufen vorgehalten wurden, fanden sich andere Ausstattungsmerkmale (z. B. Videolaryngoskopie: 65 vs. 80 vs. 86 %, Bronchoskopie: 29 vs. 22 vs. 45 %) und spezielle Notfallprozeduren (z. B. REBOA [„resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta“]: 3 vs. 5 vs. 12 %, ACCD [„automated chest compression device“]: 26 vs. 57 vs. 61 %) häufiger in höheren Versorgungsstufen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen erstmals den Ist-Zustand der nichttraumatologischen Schockraumversorgung in verschiedenen Versorgungsstufen in Deutschland. Empfehlungen zu Ausstattungsmerkmalen für das nichttraumatologische Schockraummanagement müssen zukünftig formuliert werden.

Incidence, prevalence, and survival trends for neuroendocrine neoplasms in Victoria, Australia, from 1982 to 2019: Based on site, grade, and region

AIMS

Neuroendorcine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors characterised by variable biology and delayed diagnosis. Several population studies have reported a marked increased incidence over time. The objectives of this analysis were to describe within Victoria (the second largest Australian state, 6.4 Million) the trends for NENs incidence/survival over nearly 38 years (1982-2019), and regional differences in survival.

METHODS

All NEN cases were identified from the Victorian Cancer Registry over four time periods: 1982-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2009, and 2010-2019. Data collected included primary tumor site, histological grade, gender, overall survival (OS), and place of residence. Incidence data were analyzed with the generation of annual standardized rates (ASR). OS was assessed for the entire cohort and between geographical regions.

RESULTS

The overall NEN population (1982-2019) included 8,106 patients: over 60% grade 1/2 NENs, especially small bowel and colorectal. The number of new diagnoses increased over three-fold over time for the overall cohort and by tumoral categories. The ASR increased similarly, especially pancreatic NENs (4.3-fold) and differed between genders. The 5-year OS rates and median OS increased over time for the overall cohort: from 52% to 67% (p < 0.001). OS was greater for NEN patients residing in major cities relative to regional/remote areas (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This population-wide analysis with over 38 years of data has confirmed the international trends of the increased incidence, prevalence, and OS of NEN patients regardless of primary site or histological grade. The analysis also observed a difference in survival outcome in rural/remote versus urban areas.

1371 “The Nosebleed Effect”: Advice Given to Epistaxis Patients Discharged from The Emergency Department

Introduction

Many patients with epistaxis are seen in the A&E department. A significant number are discharged without need for inpatient admission due to minor bleeds. Many are given limited information on management of further bleeds and even fewer are advised on the prevention of bleeds.

Aim

To evaluate the advice given to patients with epistaxis who are seen and discharged from A+E, to instigate an improvement in advice and to examine the subsequent effect on re-attendance rates

Method

Epistaxis patients discharged from A+E were audited over a 6-week period looking at advice given on discharge. A questionnaire was distributed to all A&E and ENT doctors probing current practice. A presentation on the management and prevention of epistaxis and the appropriate verbal/written advice to give was delivered and epistaxis advice sheets were made available. The practice regarding advice and the re-attendance rates were re-audited.

Results

53 patients presented to the A&E department with epistaxis. 31 patients presenting with epistaxis were seen and discharged by A&E doctors. The remaining seen by ENT. Only 9 patients received verbal advice and 1 received written advice. There were 13 re-attenders. After re-audit showed a significant increase in the proportion of patients receiving advice by A&E doctors. Verbal and written advice increased from 18% to 61% and 1% to 60% respectively. The number of re-attenders was reduced to 13 to 6.

An Experimental Study on the Rheological Behavior of Carbon Black-Boron Nitride Hybrid Nanofluids and Development of a New Correlation

Hybrid nanofluids, a new class of nanofluid has the ability to further enhance the thermo-physical properties by balancing the benefits of both kinds of nanomaterials as compared with nanofluids synthesized using only one kind of material. In this work, water-based nanofluids containing suspensions of carbon black (CB)-boron nitride (BN) (mass ratio = 50:50) nanoparticles are synthesized and studied for its rheological properties. The viscosity of CB-BN nanofluids are measured at temperatures between 30 °C-60 °C for volume concentrations 0.25 to 2 vol.%. The viscosity shows an increase with increasing particle concentration and decreases with temperature. A non-Newtonian nature with a dilatant behavior in the shear rate range of 5.4 s^-1 to 130 s^-1 is observed for all concentrations and temperatures. Also, it follows a power law model and its parameters, i.e., power index and consistency index are obtained by the curve fitting method. The non-Newtonian nature intensifies at low temperatures and concentrations. A new correlation is developed to predict the viscosity of CB-BN hybrid nanofluids.

Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Lower Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Limited therapy options exist for patients with treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal or anal cancers, prompting investigation into alternative therapies. Immunotherapy in the form of immune checkpoint blockade is one such emerging treatment that has demonstrated promising results in other tumour streams.x This review aims to assess the current use of immune checkpoint blockade in patients with lower gastrointestinal tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases were searched for included studies. Clinical trials published in English and utilising immune checkpoint blockade for primary tumours situated in the lower gastrointestinal tract were included. Databases were searched for studies reporting on at least one of overall survival, progression-free survival or response to therapy.

RESULTS

In total, 972 abstracts were screened, with 10 studies included in the final review. Eight trials (833 patients) assessed immune checkpoint blockade in the setting of colorectal cancers. These included pembrolizumab, nivolumab, durvalumab, atezolizumab, tremelimumab and ipilimumab. A total of 20 patients across all studies achieved a complete response, and 111 patients achieved a partial response to treatment. Two trials (62 patients) assessed immune checkpoint blockade in anal cancer, utilising nivolumab and pembrolizumab. Two patients across both studies achieved a complete response, and 11 patients achieved a partial response.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of patients with advanced lower gastrointestinal tumours achieved a complete response to treatment for what would otherwise be considered palliative disease. Presented data have highlighted that particular patients may benefit from first-line or combination immunotherapy, and thus, further investigation is warranted to individualise treatment.

Alters- und geschlechtsbezogene Verteilung von Zuführung, Ersteinschätzung, Entlassart und Verweildauer in der zentralen Notaufnahme

Einleitung

Jährlich stellen sich bundesweit zahlreiche Patienten in zentralen Notaufnahmen vor. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, alters- und geschlechtsabhängig Zuführung, Ersteinschätzung, Entlassart und Verweildauer an einem universitären Standort zu analysieren.

Material und Methodik

In dieser retrospektiven Studie wurden alle Patientenkontakte der zentralen Notaufnahme des Universitätsklinikums Düsseldorf des Jahres 2019 erfasst und anhand der Prozesskriterien Zuführung, Ersteinschätzung, Entlassart und Verweildauer kategorisiert und deren Verteilung untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Vom 01.01. bis 31.12.2019 wurden insgesamt 43.821 Patientenkontakte erfasst. Das durchschnittliche Alter der Patienten betrug 47 ± 24 Jahre (Median: 47, Min.–Max.: 0–106). Der Anteil weiblicher Patienten betrug 48 %. Ein Alter ≤ 17 Jahren wiesen 10 % der Patienten (♀ vs. ♂: 4 vs. 6 %, p < 0,0001) und ein Alter ≥ 70 Jahre 24 % auf (♀ vs. ♂: 13 vs. 11 %, p < 0,0001). Für beide Geschlechter nahm der Anteil der Triagekategorien „blau“ und „grün“ über die aufsteigenden Altersgruppen stetig ab. Ab der Altersgruppe der 50- bis 59-Jährigen lag für beide Geschlechter führend eine höhere Dringlichkeit („gelb“ bis „rot“) vor. Während im Alter ≤ 17 Jahren mit 84–90 % vorwiegend eine ambulante Behandlung erfolgte, reduzierte sich dieser Anteil über die weiteren Altersgruppen bis auf 22 % bei Männern und 28 % bei Frauen in der Altersgruppe der ≥ 90-Jährigen. Für die drei Entlassarten „ambulant“, „prästationär“ und „stationär“ stieg die Verweildauer bei beiden Geschlechtern mit dem Alter kontinuierlich an.

Schlussfolgerung

Es finden sich deutliche und vor allem altersabhängige Unterschiede in den Prozesskriterien Zuführung, Ersteinschätzung, Entlassart und Verweildauer. Rund 15 % der Patienten sind kritisch krank oder verletzt („orange“ und „rot“). Mit steigendem Alter nimmt der Anteil dieser Triagekategorien zu. Bei rund 30 % der Patienten besteht eine stationäre Aufnahmeindikation, entsprechende Bettenkapazitäten müssen täglich eingeplant werden.

Complete pathological response in rectal cancer utilising novel treatment strategies for neo-adjuvant therapy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced rectal cancer is routinely treated with neo-adjuvant long course chemoradiotherapy or short course radiotherapy, followed by total mesorectal excision. Not all patients respond to this treatment and there has been an emergence of novel treatment strategies designed to improve outcomes for these patients. This systematic review aims to assess the current novel neo-adjuvant treatment strategies being utilised in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer and how these impact pathological complete response (pCR) rates.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate pathological response in patients with rectal cancer receiving novel neo-adjuvant therapy. EMBASE and Medline electronic databases were searched for relevant articles. Articles published between January 2008 and February 2019 were retrieved. Included studies underwent critical appraisal and complete pathological response rates were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the initial 1074 articles identified, 217 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of these 60 articles (4359 patients) were included. Neo-adjuvant therapy delivered included novel long course chemoradiation therapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, addition of a biological agent, total neo-adjuvant therapy, novel short course radiation therapy and studies utilising biomarkers to select patients for therapy. Complete pathological response rates ranged from 0 to 60%.

CONCLUSION

A validated novel neo-adjuvant therapy that significantly increases pCR rates in patients with rectal cancer has not been identified.

Association between imaging response and survival following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

The association between the imaging response (structural or metabolic) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neoCT) before colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and survival is unclear.

METHOD

A total of 201 patients underwent their first CRLM resection. A total of 94 (47%) patients were treated with neoCT. A multivariable, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to compare overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between response groups.

RESULTS

Multivariable regression analysis of the CT/MRI (n = 94) group showed no difference in survival (OS and PFS) in patients who had stable disease/partial response (SD/PR) or complete response (CR) versus patients who had progressive disease (PD) (OS: HR, 0.36 (95% CI: 0.11-1.19) p = .094, HR, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.13-4.50) p = .780, respectively), (PFS: HR, 0.70 (95% CI: 0.36-1.35) p = .284, HR, 0.51 (0.18-1.45) p = .203, respectively). In the FDG-PET group (n = 60) there was no difference in the hazard of death for patients with SD/PR or CR versus patients with PD for OS or PFS except for the PFS in the small CR subgroup (OS: HR, 0.75 (95% CI: 0.11-4.88) p = .759, HR, 1.21 (95% CI: 0.15-9.43) p = .857), (PFS: HR, 0.34% (95% CI: 0.09-1.22), p = .097, HR, 0.17 (95% CI: 0.04-0.62) p = .008, respectively).

CONCLUSION

There was no convincing evidence of association between imaging response to neoCT and survival following CRLM resection.

Dural Venous Sinus Stenosis: Why Distinguishing Intrinsic-versus-Extrinsic Stenosis Matters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Dural venous sinus stenosis has been associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and isolated venous pulsatile tinnitus. However, the utility of characterizing stenosis as intrinsic or extrinsic remains indeterminate. The aim of this retrospective study was to review preprocedural imaging of patients with symptomatic idiopathic intracranial hypertension and pulsatile tinnitus, classify the stenosis, and assess a trend between stenosis type and clinical presentation while reviewing the frequencies of other frequently seen imaging findings in these conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MRVs of 115 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and 43 patients with pulsatile tinnitus before venous sinus stent placement were reviewed. Parameters recorded included the following: intrinsic or extrinsic stenosis, prominent emissary veins, optic nerve tortuosity, cephalocele, sella appearance, poststenotic fusiform enlargement versus saccular venous aneurysm, and internal jugular bulb diverticula. χ² cross-tabulation statistics were calculated and recorded for all data.

RESULTS

Most patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (75 of 115 sinuses, 65%) had extrinsic stenosis, and most patients with pulsatile tinnitus (37 of 45 sinuses, 82%) had intrinsic stenosis. Marked optic nerve tortuosity was more common in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Cephaloceles were rare in both cohorts, with an increased trend toward the presence in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Empty sellas were more common in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Cerebellar tonsils were similarly located at the foramen magnum level in both cohorts. Saccular venous aneurysms were more common in pulsatile tinnitus. Internal jugular bulb diverticula were similarly common in both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, most patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension had extrinsic stenosis, and most patients with pulsatile tinnitus had intrinsic stenosis. Awareness and reporting of these subtypes may reduce the underrecognition of potential contributory stenoses in a given patient's idiopathic intracranial hypertension or pulsatile tinnitus.

Prognostic factors influencing survival in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for isolated colorectal peritoneal metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer confer the worst survival among all metastatic sites. The adoption of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can offer selected patients with isolated colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) a favourable long-term survival. There are numerous factors postulated to influence survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC. The aim of this study was to identify the key perioperative prognostic factors that influence survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM.

METHOD

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate prognostic factors influencing survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies fitted the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, with 25 studies included in the meta-analysis. On pooled analysis, incomplete cytoreduction, increasing peritoneal carcinoma index (PCI) and lymph node involvement were significantly associated with a worse survival. Additionally, a rectal primary [hazard ratio (HR) 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.37], adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.93) and perioperative grade III/IV morbidity (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17-2.16) were also found to significantly influence survival. Notably, tumour differentiation and signet ring cell histology did not influence survival on pooled analysis.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis confirms that in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM, incomplete cytoreduction, high PCI and lymph node involvement have a negative influence on survival. In addition, a rectal primary, adjuvant chemotherapy use and grade III/IV morbidity are important factors that also significantly influence survival.

Impact of gas micro-nano-bubbles on the efficacy of commonly used antimicrobials in the food industry

AIM

To study the impact of incorporating micro-nano-bubbles (MNBs) in commonly used food antimicrobials (AMs) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) and Listeria monocytogenes (LM).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Air, carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) and nitrogen (N₂ ) were used to incorporate MNBs in city water. AM solution (with or without MNBs) of 9 ml was individually taken into sterile test tubes and mixed with 1 ml of inoculum grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth to get the net AM concentrations of 28·4 ppm peracetic acid (PAA), 200 ppm chlorine (Cl₂ ), 5·4% citric acid (CA) and 4·5% lactic acid (LA). After treatment time of 1·5 and 3·0 min, 1 ml of sample was neutralized using Dey-Engley neutralizing broth and plated on BHI agar. For EC, Cl₂ -CO₂ solutions resulted in significantly greater log reductions (5·2 logs) compared to that of Cl₂ solutions without MNBs (3·8 logs). For LM, PAA-CO₂ solutions resulted in significantly greater log reductions (4·4 logs) compared to that of PAA solutions without MNBs (1·7 logs).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the efficacy of Cl₂ and PAA AM solutions could be increased by incorporating CO₂ -MNBs against EC and LM in microbiological growth medium.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Incorporation of CO₂ -MNBs in AM solutions could increase the efficacy of AMs against pathogens on/in food matrices, which should be tested in future research.

Does Care for Australians With Pancreatic Cancer Compare Favourably to a Consensus-Based Standard of Optimal Care?

Background: Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancer types, with an incidence to mortality ratio approaching one. People with pancreatic cancer experience a rapid decline in health characterized by pain, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. For most people, the disease is detected at an advanced stage and the focus of treatment is palliative. In Victoria, Australia, knowledge regarding patterns of care for people with pancreatic cancer is out-of-date, but central to quality improvement initiatives targeting unwarranted variations in care and improvement in supports that are consistent with patient preferences. Aim: Our aim was to compare care received by patients with pancreatic cancer with a consensus-based standard representing optimal care to identify deviations from best practice and highlight processes that may improve the quality and safety of care provided. Methods: Eligible patients included those with pancreatic cancer, first treated in 2015, at one of three tertiary hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Once identified, dates and details of events indicated by the optimal care pathway were extracted from the medical record of each patient. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and process maps: a visualization method that illuminates gaps, duplication, deviations from best practice and processes that may be amenable to improvement. Results: Thirty-two of 165 care pathways have been mapped to date. The nature and timing of care received appears highly variable. Only nine of 32 patients (28%) received all of their cancer care at a single institution; the remainder (n=23, 72%) received care in multiple tertiary and community facilities. Apart from four (13%) emergency presentations, referrals for specialist care came from general/primary practitioners (n=26, 81%). The timeframe for general/primary practitioner investigations ranged from one to 57 days. Once referred to a tertiary setting, most patients (n=23, 72%) were discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting and received standard therapies. Only four had resectable disease. Nineteen patients (60%) had documented referrals to hospital- or community-based palliative care services. Where observed, deviations from the consensus-based standard tended to be related to the difficult nature of diagnosing pancreatic cancer, and determining appropriate care for patients with an advanced cancer with nonspecific symptoms. Conclusion: Process mapping provided a useful and efficient means of comparing care received with a consensus-based standard; however, the assessment of adherence to optimal timeframes and specific care events was complicated by missing data. Implications for quality improvement activities will be considered in the context of study limitations. We will also emphasize the importance of engaging patients and carers in setting improvement priorities.

Gender differences in doxorubicin pharmacology for subjects with chemosensitive cancers of young adulthood

PURPOSE

For many cancers, adolescents and young adults (AYA) have worse outcomes than for children and adults. Many factors may contribute to the AYA survival gap, including differences in biology, therapeutic intent, and adherence to therapy. It has been observed that male AYAs have poorer outcomes than females. The purpose of this work was to test the proposition that gender-related pharmacologic factors may account for a component of the AYA survival gap.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, multi-institutional pharmacologic study of 79 patients in total with chemosensitive cancers (Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma and Hodgkin lymphoma) was conducted, with conventional doxorubicin treatment. Pharmacokinetic data of 13 children, 40 AYAs and 13 adults were valid for analysis. Population pharmacokinetics models were developed for doxorubicin and its metabolite doxorubicinol based on the data created in this study. Consequently, model-based analysis was conducted to investigate the relevant topics.

RESULTS

The clearance of doxorubicinol (normalized to body surface area), the main active metabolite of doxorubicin, appears faster in male AYAs than female (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.1-3.9 L/h). The exposure of doxorubicinol (normalized to dose) is lower in male AYA than female (p = 0.03, 95% CI - 0.005 to - 0.0002 h/L). These might be correlated to the observed difference on nadir neutrophil count between male AYA and female (p = 0.027, 95% CI 0.09-1.4).

CONCLUSION

Gender-related differences in doxorubicin pharmacology may account for worse outcomes for male AYAs with chemosensitive cancers compared to females. These findings may reduce the AYA survival gap compared to other age groups.

Prognostic value of tumour regression grade in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision. There is a spectrum of response to neoadjuvant therapy; however, the prognostic value of tumour regression grade (TRG) in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) is inconsistent in the literature.

METHOD

This study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was undertaken using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were Stage II and III locally advanced rectal cancer treated with long-course CRT followed by radical surgery. The aim of the meta-analysis was to assess the prognostic implication of each TRG for rectal cancer following neoadjuvant CRT. Long-term prognosis was assessed. The main outcome measures were DFS and OS. A random effects model was performed to pool the hazard ratio (HR) from all included studies.

RESULTS

There were 4875 patients from 17 studies, with 775 (15.9%) attaining a pathological complete response (pCR) and 719 (29.9%) with no response. A significant association with OS was identified from a pooled-estimated HR for pCR (HR = 0.47, P = 0.002) and nonresponding tumours (HR = 2.97; P < 0.001). Previously known tumour characteristics, such as ypN, lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion, were also significantly associated with DFS and OS, with estimated pooled HRs of 2.2, 1.4 and 2.3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the degree of TRG was of prognostic value in predicting long-term outcomes. The current challenge is the development of a high-validity tests to predict pCR.

Midpole Ureterocalycostomy for Renal Transplant Salvage: A Pediatric Case Report

BACKGROUND

Ureteral obstruction is the most common urological complication of kidney transplantation. Obstruction secondary to ureteral stenosis can be an early or late complication.

CASE REPORT

We present a patient in whom ureteral obstruction was initially identified at 2.5 months after transplant for which she underwent a midpole ureterocalycostomy between the midpole calyx of the transplant kidney and the native left ureter.

Systematic review of the influence of chemotherapy-associated liver injury on outcome after partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The impact of chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CALI) on postoperative outcome in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to clarify the effect of CALI (sinusoidal dilatation (SD), steatosis and steatohepatitis) on postoperative morbidity and mortality by investigating a large data set from multiple international centres.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for studies published between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013 with keywords 'chemotherapy', 'liver resection', 'outcome' and 'colorectal metastases' to identify potential collaborating centres. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using binary logistic regression models, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A consolidated database comprising 788 patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM in eight centres was obtained. In multivariable analyses, severe SD was associated with increased major morbidity (Dindo-Clavien grade III-V; OR 1·73, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 2·95; P = 0·043). Severe steatosis was associated with decreased liver surgery-specific complications (OR 0·52, 95 per cent c.i. 0·27 to 1·00; P = 0·049), whereas steatohepatitis was linked to an increase in these complications (OR 2·08, 1·18 to 3·66; P = 0·012). Subgroup analysis showed that lobular inflammation was the sole component associated with increased overall morbidity (OR 2·22, 1·48 to 3·34; P = 0·001) and liver surgery-specific complications (OR 3·35, 2·11 to 5·32; P < 0·001). Finally, oxaliplatin treatment was linked to severe SD (OR 2·74, 1·67 to 4·49; P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

An increase in postoperative major morbidity and liver surgery-specific complications was observed after partial hepatectomy in patients with severe SD and steatohepatitis. Postoperative liver failure occurred more often in patients with severe SD.

FOLFOX and intensified split-course chemoradiation as initial treatment for rectal cancer with synchronous metastases

BACKGROUND

Optimal initial management of rectal carcinoma with synchronous metastases (RCSM) is controversial - both for patients being treated with curative and palliative intent. This study aims to evaluate the use of an upfront treatment strategy combining FOLFOX chemotherapy with split-course pelvic chemoradiation (FOLFOX + CRT) for patients with RCSM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An analysis of all patients who commenced treatment with FOLFOX + CRT at our institutions between January 2009 and June 2014 was performed. The regimen consisted of a total of 12 weeks of treatment with split-course pelvic chemoradiation (50.4Gy with concurrent oxaliplatin and 5-FU) alternating with FOLFOX chemotherapy. Restaging imaging was performed following treatment, with subsequent management as per local standard of care.

RESULTS

78 patients (15 with resectable liver-only metastases) were identified. 77 (99%) completed at least 45Gy of radiation and 87% completed ≥75% of planned dose intensity of both oxaliplatin and 5FU. Two (2.6%) patients died within 30 days of treatment. Rates of radiological complete or partial response for local and metastatic disease were 90% and 66%, respectively. 24% patients had radiological disease progression of metastatic disease. Median overall survival for patients with unresectable metastatic disease at baseline was 23 months (95%CI: 19-28). 12 patients underwent radical surgery to both the rectum and liver and had an estimated 3-year overall survival rate of 62% (95%CI: 37-100). For those patients who did not proceed to rectal surgery, only 7% required palliative re-irradiation or surgery at a later date and all >20months from initial treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with unresectable metastatic disease, FOLFOX + CRT provides durable pelvic control for the majority without the need for additional local treatment. For patients with an advanced primary tumor and synchronous resectable liver-only metastases, FOLFOX + CRT can be considered a feasible and tolerable upfront treatment option.

ID: 113: THE ENDOTHELIAL PHD2/HIF-2 AXIS REGULATES PULMONARY ARTERY PRESSURE IN MICE

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a common clinical problem characterized by increased pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, is frequently triggered by hypoxia. Key mediators of cellular hypoxia responses are hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF)-1 and -2, the activity of which is regulated by prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain (PHD) proteins, with PHD2 being the main oxygen sensor that controls HIF activity under normoxia. Although both transcription factors are expressed in the lung, little is known about their cell type-specific roles in the pathogenesis of PH.

Methods and Results

Here we used a genetic approach to investigate the role of endothelial PHD2/HIF axis in the regulation of PA pressure. Endothelial cell specific HIF activation was achieved by crossing Vecadherin (Cdh5)-Cre transgenics to Phd2 floxed mice (ePhd2), while the contribution of each HIF isoform was assessed by generating double mutants lacking Phd2 and Hif-2 (ePhd2Hif2) or Phd2 and Hif-1 (Phd2Hif1). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured via insertion of a 1.4F Mikro-tip catheter transducer into a surgically exposed right internal jugular vein. ePhd2 mice showed activation of HIF-signaling as shown by immunoblot analysis of lung tissue for HIF-1 and HIF-2. These mice developed spontaneous PH (RVSP, ePhd2: 54.3±6.9 vs Cre-: 24.8±2.2 mm Hg, P=0.005), which was associated with right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) (Fulton Index, ePhd2: 0.52 vs Cre-: 0.28, P=0.0004) and early mortality. While morphologic analysis of ePhd2 lungs did not demonstrate plexiform or lumen-obliterating lesions, enhanced muscularization of peripheral PAs was detected in mutants compared to controls, as indicated by an increase in the number of arteries with diameters <100 µm that stained positive for αSMA (22.1±1.6 vs. 7.6±1.5 muscularized vessels/10 hpf, P<0.0001). The PH phenotype was maintained in ePhd2Hif1 mutants but was reversed in ePhd2Hif2 mutants. To assess the contribution of endothelial HIF-2 in hypoxia induced PH, endothelial Hif2 single mutants or Cre-littermates were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (10% O2) for 4 weeks. In contrast to controls, eHif2 mutants were protected from development of PH and RVH. Bone marrow transplantation studies showed no contribution from hematopoietic HIF-2 in hypoxia induced PH. Because hypoxia regulates endothelin 1 (EDN1), a potent vasoconstrictor but also apelin (APLN), a vasodilatory peptide acting through binding to the apelin G-protein-coupled receptor (APLNR), we assessed the role of endothelial HIF-2 axis in the regulation of these molecules. Endothelial deletion of Phd2 resulted in 6.4-fold induction of pulmonary Edn1 mRNA (P=0.029), but not Apln mRNA. In contrast, Aplnr was downregulated by 2.5-fold in ePhd2 mutants (P=0.037). A similar pattern of expression was detected in ePhd2Hif1 mice, whereas simultaneous deletion of Hif2a and Phd2 reversed these changes. To investigate the differences between acute and chronic hypoxia, we examined the effects of acute HIF activation on Edn1 and Apln/Aplnr gene expression in vivo. To model acute hypoxia, we subjected WT mice to 8% O2 for 48 hrs and maintained controls in room air. Acute hypoxia resulted in a 4.3-fold and 1.6-fold up-regulation of Edn1 and Apln transcripts respectively (P=0.0011 for Edn1, P=0.08 for Apln) while Aplnr was reduced by 4.3-fold (P=0.0005). We observed similar gene expression changes in mice treated with a prolyl-4-hydroxylase inhibitor (PHI) that results in global HIF activation.

Conclusions

Our studies identify endothelial HIF-2 as a key transcription factor in the pathogenesis of PH and suggest that HIF-2 regulates PA pressure by modulating the expression of vasoactive molecules. Our findings identify the PHD2/HIF2 axis as a potential target for PH therapies.

Phase II trial evaluating the feasibility of interdigitating folfox with chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced and metastatic rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients (pts) with metastatic rectal cancer and symptomatic primary, require local and systemic control. Chemotherapy used during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is adequate for radiosensitisation, but suboptimal for systemic control. The aim of this phase II study was to assess tolerability, local/systemic benefits, of a novel regimen delivering interdigitating intensive chemotherapy with radical CRT.

METHODS

Eligible pts had untreated synchronous symptomatic primary/metastatic rectal cancer. A total of 12 weeks of treatment with split-course pelvic CRT (total 50.4 Gy with concurrent oxaliplatin and 5-FU infusion) alternating with FOLFOX chemotherapy. All pts staged with CT, MRI and FDG-PET pre and post treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-six pts were treated. Rectal primary MRI stage: T3 81% and T4 15%. Liver metastases in 81%. Twenty-four pts (92%) completed the 12-week regimen. All patients received planned RT dose, and for both agents over 88% of patients achieved a relative dose intensity of >75%. Grade 3 toxicities: neutropenia 23%, diarrhoea 15%, and radiation skin reaction 12%. Grade 4 toxicity: neutropenia 15%. FDG-PET metabolic response rate for rectal primary 96%, and for metastatic disease 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of interdigitating chemotherapy with radical CRT was feasible to treat both primary and metastatic rectal cancer. High completion and response rates were encouraging.

Assessment of predictors of response and long-term survival of patients with neuroendocrine tumour treated with peptide receptor chemoradionuclide therapy (PRCRT)

PURPOSE

To review the response and outcomes of (177)Lu-DOTA-octreotate chemoradionuclide therapy (LuTate PRCRT) in patients with neuroendocrine tumour (NET) expressing high levels of somatostatin receptors with uncontrolled symptoms or disease progression.

METHODS

A total of 68 patients (39 men; 17 - 76 years of age) who had completed an induction course of at least three cycles of LuTate PRCRT between January 2006 and June 2010 were reviewed. Ten patients were treated for uncontrolled symptoms and 58 had disease progression despite conventional treatment. The majority had four induction LuTate cycles (median treatment duration 5 months and cumulative activity 31 GBq), and 63 patients had concomitant 5-FU radiosensitizing infusional chemotherapy. Factors predicting overall survival were assessed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Of those treated for uncontrolled symptoms, 70 % received benefit maintained for at least 6 months after treatment. Among patients with progressive disease 68 % showed stabilization or regression on CT, 67 % on molecular imaging and 56 % biochemically up to 12 months after treatment; 32 patients died. Overall survival rates at 2 and 5 year were 72.1 % and 52.1 %, respectively. Median overall survival was not estimable at a median follow-up of 60 months (range 5 - 86 months). Nonpancreatic primary sites, dominant liver metastases, lesion size <5 cm and the use of 5-FU chemotherapy were statistically significantly associated with objective response. A disseminated pattern and a high disease burden (whole-body retention index) were associated with an increased risk of death. Objective biochemical, molecular imaging and CT responses were all associated with longer overall survival.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of patients with progressive NET or uncontrolled symptoms received therapeutic benefit from LuTate with concomitant 5-FU chemotherapy. The achievement of objective biochemical, molecular or CT responses within 12 months was associated with improved overall survival. Patients with a primary pancreatic site and larger lesions (>5 cm) appeared to have lower objective response rates and may need a more aggressive treatment approach.

Access to anticancer drugs: many evidence-based treatments are off-label and unfunded by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

BACKGROUND

The off-label use of a drug refers to a use outside the terms of its approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It is also possible to prescribe unlicensed drugs under the TGA's special access scheme. A high rate of off-label prescribing has previously been reported in cancer. Our study aimed to document the disparity between evidence-based clinical guidelines for anticancer therapy, product approval and funding status of these agents within an academic tertiary/quaternary cancer centre.

METHODS

All chemotherapy protocols approved for use in our specialist oncology centre were assessed to determine if the drugs were off-label or unlicensed for that indication based on review of their current product information. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) funding status for each protocol was subsequently assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 448 protocols containing 82 different drugs across 15 tumour groups was identified. Overall, 189 (42.2%) of protocols were off-label, and three (0.7%) were unlicensed. This resulted in all 192 protocols being unfunded by the PBS. Of the 189 off-label protocols, 132 (69.9%) were based on established evidence-based treatment guidelines, and a further 39 (20.6%) was based on phase II or III clinical trial data.

CONCLUSION

Over 90% of off-label protocols are supported by established treatment guidelines or published peer-reviewed research even though the medications are not approved for that particular use by the TGA. However, these off-label protocols are unfunded by the PBS; this results in a marked inequality of access to appropriate medications for cancer patients across Australia.

Mammography, sonography and MRI for detection and characterization of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast

Imaging of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is more challenging than other types of breast cancer because of its spider web like growth pattern. Mammography has a relevant number of false negative exams, especially in dense breasts. Mammographic appearance of ILC is often subtle. Distinct mass like aspects are absent more often when compared with other types of breast cancer, and lesions are frequently only mildly opaque. Microcalcifications are uncommon. The addition of an ultrasound exam can improve rates of detection and diagnosis of ILC, but even when combining modalities ILC can be missed. If clinical signs are suspicious, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to detect ILC. MRI should also be considered in preoperative staging if treatment with breast conservation is favoured, particularly to assess maximal tumor dimensions. Mammographic findings do not correlate well with pathological tumor size. Additional tumor sites detected by MRI only should be validated cautiously, and guidelines established for multicentricity detected by mammography should not be used in the same way.

Against all odds: a qualitative study of rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injury in Afghanistan

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional, survey.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the challenges in rehabilitating patients with spinal cord injury in the orthopaedic centres of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan.

SETTING

Afghanistan (Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad, Gulbahar), April 2012.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and professional staff of ICRC and other concerned organizations/institutions (Ministries, hospitals, non-governmental organizations), and with people with SCI and their families. Quantitative data were extracted from routine statistics.

RESULTS

A reported annual incidence of roughly 21 SCI cases per million in Afghanistan could be established for the year 2011. Acts of violence were the most frequent cause, followed by spinal tuberculosis. Despite very elementary prehospital and hospital care, SCI individuals are rehabilitated within the limits set by available technology and socio-economic factors. Support to community reintegration is effective for the ones living within a radius determined by distance and security.

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation of SCI patients would be ineffective without covering at least part of the services usually provided during the phases of acute hospital care and community reintegration. The question of whether services currently provided by foreign-based or funded organizations can be extended into a potential postconflict period, and by whom, remains open.