Colorectal surveillance outcomes from an institutional longitudinal cohort of lynch syndrome carriers

Objective

Lynch Syndrome (LS) carriers have a significantly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) during their lifetimes. Further stratification of this patient population may help in identifying additional risk factors that predispose to colorectal carcinogenesis. In most LS patients CRC may arise from adenomas, although an alternative non-polypoid carcinogenesis pathway has been proposed for PMS2 carriers. Using data from our institutional LS cohort, our aim was to describe our current colorectal screening outcomes with a focus on the incidence of adenomas in the context of different MMR genotypes and patient demographics such as gender, race, and ethnicity.

Design

We collected demographics, genetic, colonoscopy, and pathology results from a total of 163 LS carriers who obtained regular screening care at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Data were extracted from the electronic health records into a REDCap database for analysis. Logistic regressions were performed to measure the association between MMR variants and the likelihood of adenomas, advanced adenomas, and CRC. Then, we analyzed the cumulative incidences of these outcomes for the first 36 months following enrollment using Kaplan-Meier incidence curves, and Cox proportional hazard regressions.

Results

On multivariate analysis, age (≥45 years old) was associated with an increased risk of developing adenomas (P=0.034). Patients with a prior or active cancer status were less likely to develop adenomas (P=0.015), despite of the lack of association between surgical history with this outcome (P=0.868). We found no statistically significant difference in likelihood of adenoma development between MLH1 and MSH2/EPCAM, MSH6, and PMS2 carriers. Moreover, we observed no statistically significant difference in the likelihood of advanced adenomas or CRC for any measured covariates. On Cox proportional hazard, compared to MLH1 carriers, the incidence of adenomas was highest among MSH2/EPCAM carriers during for the first 36-months of follow-up (P<0.001). We observed a non-statistically significant trend for Hispanics having a higher and earlier cumulative incidence of adenomas compared to non-Hispanics (P=0.073). No MMR carrier was more likely to develop advanced adenomas. No difference in the incidence of CRC by MMR gene (P=0.198).

Conclusion

Screening recommendations for CRC in LS patients should be based on specific MMR variants and should also be tailored to consider patient demographics.

A phase II randomized double blinded trial evaluating the efficacy of curcumin with pre-operative chemoradiation for rectal cancer

Background

In vivo studies demonstrate that curcumin increases radioresponse of colorectal cancers. To demonstrate efficacy in humans, we performed a randomized double-blind study of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients receiving pre-operative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) ± curcumin. We used pathologic complete response (pCR) rate as a surrogate for clinical outcome.

Methods

From 2008-2010, LARC patients were randomized to placebo/curcumin in a 1:2 ratio. Patients received CRT [50.4 gray in 28 fractions; capecitabine (825 mg/m² twice daily)] followed by surgery. Curcumin (4 grams orally, twice daily) or placebo was given throughout CRT and 6 weeks afterward. Toxicity was monitored weekly. Blood samples taken pre- and 1-hour post-ingestion and tissue biopsies (both collected at CRT week 2) were analyzed for pharmacokinetics. The primary outcome was surgical pCR rate.

Results

Of 22 enrolled patients, 15 received curcumin. Median age was 61 years and the majority were male (n=13; 59%). The median serum curcumin concentrations before (3.04 ng/mL; range, 1.24-18.88 ng/mL) and 1 hour after (3.32 ng/mL; range, 0.84-5.36 ng/mL) curcumin intake did not differ significantly (P=0.33). Serum curcumin concentrations both increased and decreased 1-hour post-administration (range as percentage of baseline: 8.8-258.1%). Twelve curcumin patient tissue biopsies had median curcumin concentration of 33.7 ng/mg tissue (range, 0.1-4,765.7 ng/mg). Two placebo and 1 curcumin patient achieved pCRs (P=0.18). One grade 3 toxicity (infection) was experienced.

Conclusions

The addition of curcumin to CRT did not increase pCR rates for LARC patients. The unpredictable bioavailability of curcumin contributes to continued uncertainties regarding curcumin efficacy.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00745134.

Benchmarking Outcomes for Definitive Treatment of Young-Onset, Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE

There has been an increase in the incidence of rectal cancer diagnosed in young adults (age < 50 years). We evaluated outcomes among young adults treated with pre-operative long course chemoradiation (CRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME).

METHODS

The medical records of 219 patients, age 18-49, with non-metastatic, cT3-4, or cN1-2 rectal adenocarcinoma treated from 2000 to 2017 were reviewed for demographic and treatment characteristics, as well as pathologic and oncologic outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier test, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate survival outcomes.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 44 years. CRT followed by TME and post-operative chemotherapy was the most frequent treatment sequence (n = 196), with FOLFOX (n = 115) as the predominant adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no difference in sex, stage, MSS/pMMR, or pCR by age (< 45 years [n = 111] vs. ≥ 45 years [n = 108]). The 5-year rates of DFS were 77.2% for all patients, 69.8% for age < 45 years and 84.7% for age ≥ 45 years (P = .01). The 5-year rates of OS were 89.6% for all patients, 85.1% for patients with age < 45 years and 94.3% for patients with age ≥ 45 years (P = .03). Age ≥ 45 years was associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence or death on multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.97, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Among young adults, patients with age < 45 years had lower rates of DFS and OS, compared to those with age ≥ 45 years. These outcomes could serve as a benchmark by which to evaluate newer treatment approaches.

Definitive Intensity-Modulated Chemoradiation for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Outcomes and Toxicity of 428 Patients Treated at a Single Institution

Background

Although intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is considered the standard of care for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), few large series have reported oncologic outcomes and toxicities. In this retrospective report, we aim to describe outcomes and toxicities after IMRT-based chemoradiation (CRT) for the treatment of SCCA, evaluate the impact of dose escalation (&gt;54 Gy), and compare concurrent fluoropyrimidine in combination with either mitomycin or with cisplatin as chemosensitizers.

Methods

Patients treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2018 with IMRT-based CRT were included. Median time to locoregional recurrence, time to colostomy, and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 428 patients were included; median follow-up was 4.4 years. Three hundred and thirty-four patients (78.0%) were treated with concurrent cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine, and 160 (37.4%) with &gt;54 Gy. Two- and 5-year freedom from locoregional failure, freedom from colostomy failure, and overall survival were 86.5% and 81.2%, respectively, 90.0% and 88.3%, respectively, and 93.6% and 85.8%, respectively. Neither dose escalation nor mitomycin-based concurrent chemotherapy resulted in improved outcomes. Mitomycin-based concurrent chemotherapy was associated with in approximately 2.5 times increased grade 3 or greater acute toxicity. Radiation dose &gt;54 Gy was associated with approximately 2.6 times increased Grade 3 or greater chronic toxicity.

Conclusions

Our results suggest IMRT-based CRT with concurrent fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin is a safe and feasible option for patient with SCCA and may cause less acute toxicity. The role for radiation dose escalation is unclear and requires further study.

Colorectal cancer during pregnancy or postpartum: Case series and literature review

Background

Colorectal cancer in young adults is on the rise. This rise combined with delayed childbearing increases the likelihood of colorectal cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.

Methods

Electronic health records were used to identify individuals with colorectal cancer in pregnancy or the postpartum period from 1 August 2007 to 1 August 2019.

Results

Forty-two cases were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 33 years. Most (93%) were diagnosed in an advanced stage (III or IV) and had left-sided colorectal cancer tumors (81%). Molecular analysis was completed in 18 (43%) women with microsatellite status available in 40 (95%). The findings were similar to historical controls. Sixty percent were diagnosed in the postpartum period. Common presenting symptoms were rectal bleeding and abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Currently there is no consensus recommendation regarding how to manage colorectal cancer during pregnancy. Given the overlapping symptoms with pregnancy, patients often present with advanced disease. We encourage all health care professionals caring for pregnant women to fully evaluate women with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms to rule out colorectal cancer.

Fertility discussions in young adult stage III colorectal cancer population: a single-center institution experience

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that usually occurs in older age individuals. However, CRC cases in young adults are on the rise, and this increase is expected to continue. Young adult CRC requires the healthcare team to familiarize themselves with the unique needs of this population, including concerns about treatment-related infertility. We performed a retrospective review to determine how often our patients, 18-39 years old (yo), had discussions regarding fertility preservation prior to starting stage III CRC treatment.

METHODS

Our electronic health record was utilized to identify adult patients < 40 yo with a stage III CRC diagnosis during 1/1/2015-9/1/2019. Fertility preservation discussions were determined by searching the patient's EHR chart. Progress notes from the medical oncology, surgery, and/or radiation oncology teams were reviewed. Additionally, notes from our fertility specialist's team were reviewed when consulted.

RESULTS

One hundred and three patients met criteria. Patients were 21-39 yo at diagnosis (median age of 34 yo). Fifty-two percent were male while the remaining 48% were female. Forty-six percent had stage III colon cancer while 54% had stage III rectal cancer. Search terms and progress notes were utilized to determine if discussions were documented. Fertility discussions were documented in 73% of cases while 27% of patients lacked documentation regarding fertility.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that most of our young adult stage III CRC population participate in fertility preservation discussions. However, in order to capture all patients, we recognize that a more formal approach is warranted. We additionally recommend these discussions occur with all patients of child-bearing age.

Are current family-history based colorectal cancer screening guidelines adequate for early detection and potential prevention of young-onset cases?

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Background: Strategies to detect and prevent young-onset colorectal cancer (YOCRC, diagnosed under age 50) are critical. Established high-risk screening guidelines (SGs) aim to detect/prevent YOCRCs arising from hereditary syndromes. For non-hereditary YOCRCs, average-risk screening is being considered at an earlier age, but family history (FH)-based increased-risk screening has been poorly studied. We aimed to define the proportion of non-hereditary YOCRC with a FH, and to determine whether existing SGs could have detected/prevented these cases. Methods: 394 consecutive YOCRC patients presenting for surgical resection were reviewed for tumor MMR status, pedigree and genetic testing. Those with known/suspected hereditary syndrome (by phenotype, MMR status, and/or germline mutation) were excluded (N = 65). Pedigrees (N = 329) were analyzed for first- or second-degree relatives (FDR, SDR) with CRC and the ages of diagnosis. The gap between the recommended age for FH-based CRC screening and the age of YOCRC diagnosis was calculated. Results: 89 (27%) non-hereditary YOCRC patients had a FH of CRC. The median age of diagnosis was 45; the tumors were mostly from the distal colon (22%) and rectum (60%), and stage III (48%) and IV (27%). Twenty-one (24%) patients had 22 FDRs with CRCs diagnosed at age 64 (median); and 71 (80%) patients had 92 SDRs with CRCs diagnosed at age 65 (median). Thirteen (15%) had a FH of YOCRC. The existing SGs consider 39 patients (44%) at increased-risk, and the remaining, average-risk (Table). Screening would have begun prior to the YOCRC diagnoses in 28 (31% [or 46, 52%]) patients. But YOCRC diagnosis preceded the recommended screening age in the remaining 61(69% [or 43, 48%]) patients by a median of 5.3 [or 3.9] years (Table). Conclusions: FH is found in 27% of the non-hereditary YOCRC patients; 15% has a FH of YOCRC. In nearly half of the patients, YOCRC was diagnosed several years earlier than the recommended age for FH-based screening, even assuming perfect SG adoption and starting average risk screening at age 45. Refining existing FH-based SGs can potentially be impactful.[Table: see text]

Clinical outcomes following definitive treatment of young-onset, locally advanced rectal cancer: A single institution experience

e15601

Background: We evaluated demographic, treatment, and survival outcomes of adults age 18 to 49 years treated at our institution with long course chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) for locally advanced rectal cancer. Additionally, we compared outcomes between those age < 45 vs. > 45 years. Methods: The records of 219 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic, clinical T3, T4, or node positive rectal adenocarcinoma and treated between April 2000 and November 2017 were reviewed for age, sex, and presenting symptoms; clinical stage and microsatellite stable (MSS)/DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proficiency status; treatments delivered and sequence; pathologic response to pre-operative therapies; and the development of locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastasis (DM), and secondary pelvic malignancy. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank test were used to calculate and compare disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates from the date of TME. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 44 years (range 19-49) and there was no sex predominance. Rectal bleeding was the most common presenting symptom (91%), with a median time to diagnosis of 5 months. Clinical tumor/nodal categories were T1-2 in 4%, T3 in 87%, T4 in 7%, N0 in 17%, and N1–2 in 80% of patients. MSS/MMR proficient disease was identified in 95% of tumors with status reported (n = 170). CRT followed by TME and post-operative chemotherapy was the most frequent treatment sequence (n = 196), with capecitabine (n = 176) and FOLFOX (n = 115) as the predominant concurrent and post-operative chemotherapies, respectively. Pathologic complete response at both primary and nodal sites occurred in 15% of all cases and 16% of MSS/MMR proficient cases. There was no difference in sex, tumor category, nodal category, MSS/MMR proficiency status, or pathologic complete response, by age ( < 45 years [n = 111] vs. > 45 years [n = 108]). At a median DFS follow-up time of 5.0 years, there were 11 LRR, 40 DM (including 11 DM detected prior to/at time of TME), and 1 synchronous presentation of LRR and DM. The 5-year rate of DFS was 70.4% for age < 45 years and 85.3% for age > 45 years ( P = 0.02). At an OS median follow-up time of 7.5 years, there were 38 deaths. The 5-year rate of OS was 87.7% for age < 45 years and 94.4% for age > 45 years ( P = 0.126). Two patients developed non-rectal pelvic malignancies. Conclusions: The outcomes reported here from one of the largest single-institution series for young-onset, locally advanced rectal cancer could serve as a benchmark to evaluate newer treatment approaches. Rectal bleeding was the leading presenting symptom, with approximately half-year delay from development of symptoms to diagnosis. Most tumors were MSS/MMR proficient. At 5 years’ follow-up time, the DFS rate was lower for patients age < 45 years when compared to those > 45 years. Secondary pelvic malignancies were a rare occurrence.

Diet, weight management, physical activity and Ovarian & Breast Cancer Risk in women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic Germline gene variants: systematic review

Introduction

Women with pathogenic germline gene variants in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 are at increased risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. While surgical and pharmacological approaches are effective for risk-reduction, it is unknown whether lifestyle approaches such as healthful dietary habits, weight management, and physical activity may also contribute to risk-reduction. We conducted a systematic review of evidence related to dietary habits, weight status/change, and physical activity on ovarian and breast cancer risk among women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov up to October 3, 2019. We identified 2775 records and included 21.

Results

There is limited evidence related to these factors and ovarian cancer risk. For breast cancer risk, evidence suggests higher diet quality, adulthood weight-loss of ≥10 pounds, and activity during adolescence and young-adulthood may be linked with decreased risk. Higher meat intake and higher daily energy intake may be linked with increased risk.

Conclusions

There is not enough evidence to suggest tailored recommendations for dietary habits or weight management among women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants compared to the general population for ovarian and breast cancer risk-reduction, and physical activity recommendations should remain the same.

Metachronous colorectal pathology among survivors of young-onset colorectal cancer: Implications for postresection colonoscopic surveillance

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Background: Patients with sporadic young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) are postulated to have a more biologically active colorectum prone to malignant transformation earlier in life. It is unknown whether there is elevated risk for metachronous colorectal pathology after the index cancer. We aimed to define this risk, to inform their post-resection endoscopic surveillance. Methods: Consecutive CRC patients (aged 18-50, n = 728) were prospectively followed after surgical resection between 2009 and 2017. Patients presenting with hereditary CRC, recurrent disease, or without endoscopy follow-up were excluded. All endoscopy records were subjected to natural language processing and further reviewed. Metachronous colorectal pathology of interest included: high-risk adenoma (≥1cm in size, > 3 in number, or tubulovillious/high-grade dysplasia histology), second CRC, and endoscopically detectable local recurrence. Results: During a 48-month (median) follow-up, 457 patients underwent 1,192 person-years of colonoscopic follow-up. The median age at CRC diagnosis was 44 years. Disease arose from the proximal colon in 9.4%, distal colon in 23.0% and rectum in 67.6%, and was stages I/II in 191 (41.8%), III in 185 (40.4%), and IV in 81 (17.7%). The majority (95.8%) underwent segmental resection, while the remainder had extended resections for synchronous pathology not amendable to preoperative endoscopic clearance. The overall incidence of metachronous pathology was 32 per 1000 person-years: 31 patients developed high-risk adenomas (6.8%), 1 had a second CRC (0.2%), and 7 had luminal recurrences (1.5%). The median time to metachronous pathology was 13.9 (IQR: 11.8-33.1) months, with 21 (53.8%) detected between 12 and 48 months post-resection. Conclusions: For young-onset CRC survivors, the incidence of metachronous colorectal pathology was 32 per 1000 person-years of follow-up. Given the time pattern of detection, adding an interval colonoscopy between the current recommended post-resection surveillance at 12 and 48 months may be beneficial.

[Table: see text]

Health and lifestyle behaviors in colorectal cancer survivors with and without Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome (LS), a hereditary cancer syndrome, accounts for approximately 3% of colorectal cancers (CRC). Positive health behaviors and surveillance are preventive strategies, but research on whether recommended behavioral guidelines are followed by individuals with LS is limited. Additional health education and promotion could be beneficial to the improved survivorship of CRC survivors. Explore health and lifestyle behaviors in CRC survivors with and without LS. We conducted a case-control study of CRC survivors with and without LS using a mailed questionnaire. Recruitment was conducted via patient registries at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (cases n = 33; controls n = 75) and through social media (cases n = 42). CRC survivors with and without LS in our study had substantially lower smoking prevalence (5.5% and 2.7%) compared to national prevalence (18.0%). However, they had higher levels of alcohol consumption (36.8% and 10.3% for male and female LS survivors, respectively, and 35.8% and 22.0% for male and female sporadic survivors, respectively) compared to national prevalence of 13.88% for males and 6.02% for females. Both groups of CRC survivors participate in negative health behaviors that impact survivorship. More research is needed to examine the relationship between personal engagement in preventive behaviors and patient-provider relationships to improve health behaviors and explore strategies for intervention. Additionally, better health education and lifestyle change recommendations would promote and reinforce positive health outcomes in the CRC population and especially in LS survivors.

Exploring the genetic basis of Lynch-like syndrome through paired germline and tumor exome sequencing

3592

Background: Lynch-like syndrome (LLS) is characterized by a diagnosis of mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) malignancy where somatic bi-allelic mutations in canonical MMR pathway genes ( MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) have been identified as the main cause. Yet, a substantial proportion of cases remain unexplained by MMR somatic bi-allelic events or germline mutations. We hypothesize that LLS cases with young-onset cancers carry cryptic germline alterations in other pathways. To explore this contribution, we performed analyses of the germline and tumor mutation landscapes in LLS patients diagnosed with dMMR cancers. Methods: 18 probands with young-onset (age <50 years) dMMR colorectal or uterine cancers were selected from a familial cancer registry. The absence of deleterious germline MMR mutation and/or somatic MLH1inactivation was confirmed by standard clinical testing. We performed whole-exome sequencing (Illumina HiSeq) of germline (peripheral blood) DNA. Variant calls, quality-control, allele-frequency filtering (<1% in reference cohorts), and in silicoannotation were performed using the GATK and polyphen/SIFT tools. Pathway analysis was performed using the DAVID suite. For 16 of 18 patients, targeted exon sequencing of 408 cancer-related genes was performed on paired tumor/normal tissue samples (Ion Torrent AmpliSeq) and analyzed with VarScan 2. Results: 237,055 rare germline variants were detected in our cohort. We enriched a subset of 758 variants with putative frameshift (45.1%), stop gain or loss (25%), or splice site alteration (29.9%). Pathway analysis of genes altered by this subset revealed excess events in DNA damage repair (e.g. ERCC5, POLM, POLN, EXO5) and mRNA splicing (e.g. SCAF1, SRSF4) pathways. Preliminary analysis of somatic mutations profiles shows frequent alteration of known drivers including APC(64%) and NOTCH1(36%). Conclusions: Our exploratory analysis provides novel evidence that LLS patients may harbor an excess of deleterious germline mutations in DNA damage repair- and mRNA splicing-related genes. Future studies will identify genes which are targeted by both germline and somatic mutation with the goal of nominating putative causal genes. Defining additional mechanisms of dMMR in LLS cancers may help to refine prevention strategies for (un)affected individuals.

Outcomes of disease-specific next-generation sequencing gene panel testing in adolescents and young adults with colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Adolescents and young adults with colorectal cancer (CRC) have attracted recent attention, with a hereditary syndrome identified in one-third of patients diagnosed ≤ 35. We aimed to study this population to determine if a CRC-specific gene panel increased the yield of testing.

METHODS

Patients with CRC ≤ 35 evaluated from 05/2014-11/2017 were identified from the genetic counseling database. Records were reviewed for personal/family history and genetic counseling outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-three patients with CRC ≤ 35 were included. One hundred four (72.7%) underwent CRC panel testing. Thirty-nine (27.2%) had syndrome-directed testing, declined, or were lost to follow-up. Forty-two patients had a genetic syndrome (29.4%). Twenty-four of the 42 hereditary patients (57.1%) were identified via syndrome-directed testing. Mutations identified via panel testing were consistent with patient personal/family history. Thirty-three patients had at least one variant of uncertain significance.

CONCLUSION

Hereditary syndromes were identified in 29.4% of patients. Panel testing in patients without a phenotype did not increase diagnostic yield, but identified variants in one-third. Disease-specific panel testing is of low yield in young patients without a suggestive personal/family history. Testing broader panels may increase the yield of mutation pick-up in this population, although at the expense of identifying variants.

Detection of Pathogenic Germline Variants Among Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Tumor Genomic Profiling for Precision Medicine

BACKGROUND

Genomic profiling of colorectal cancer aims to identify actionable somatic mutations but can also discover incidental germline findings.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to report the detection of pathogenic germline variants that confer heritable cancer predisposition.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary-referral institution.

PATIENTS

Between 2012 and 2015, 1000 patients with advanced cancer underwent targeted exome sequencing of a 202-gene panel. The subgroup of 151 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who underwent matched tumor-normal (blood) sequencing formed our study cohort.

INTERVENTIONS

Germline variants in 46 genes associated with hereditary cancer predisposition were classified according to a defined algorithm based on in silico predictions of pathogenicity. Patients with presumed pathogenic variants were examined for type of mutation, as well as clinical, pedigree, and clinical genetic testing data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured detection of pathogenic germline variants.

RESULTS

A total of 1910 distinct germline variants were observed in 151 patients. After filtering, 15 pathogenic germline variants (9.9%) were found in 15 patients, arising from 9 genes of varying penetrance for colorectal cancer (APC (n = 2; 13%), ATM (n = 1; 6%), BRCA1 (n = 2; 13%), CDH1 (n = 2; 13%), CHEK2 (n = 4; 27%), MSH2 (n = 1; 7%), MSH6 (n = 1; 7%), NF2 (n = 1; 7%), and TP53 (n = 1; 7%)). Patients with pathogenic variants were diagnosed at a younger age than those without (median, 45 vs 52 y; p = 0.03). Of the 15 patients, 7 patients (46.7%) with variants in low/moderate- penetrant genes for colorectal cancer would likely have not been tested based on clinical and pedigree criteria, where 2 harbored clinically actionable variants (CDH1 and NF2, 28.5% of 7).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its small sample size and advanced-stage patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor-normal sequencing can incidentally discover clinically unsuspected germline variants that confer cancer predisposition in 9.9% of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Precision medicine should integrate clinical cancer genetics to inform and interpret the actionability of germline variants and to provide follow-up care to mutation carriers. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A906.

Universal screening for Lynch syndrome in a large consecutive cohort of Chinese colorectal cancer patients: High prevalence and unique molecular features

The prevalence of Lynch syndrome (LS) varies significantly in different populations, suggesting that ethnic features might play an important role. We enrolled 3330 consecutive Chinese patients who had surgical resection for newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. Universal screening for LS was implemented, including immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, BRAF^V600E mutation test and germline sequencing. Among the 3250 eligible patients, MMR protein deficiency (dMMR) was detected in 330 (10.2%) patients. Ninety-three patients (2.9%) were diagnosed with LS. Nine (9.7%) patients with LS fulfilled Amsterdam criteria II and 76 (81.7%) met the revised Bethesda guidelines. Only 15 (9.7%) patients with absence of MLH1 on IHC had BRAF^V600E mutation. One third (33/99) of the MMR gene mutations have not been reported previously. The age of onset indicates risk of LS in patients with dMMR tumors. For patients older than 65 years, only 2 patients (5.7%) fulfilling revised Bethesda guidelines were diagnosed with LS. Selective sequencing of all cases with dMMR diagnosed at or below age 65 years and only of those dMMR cases older than 65 years who fulfill revised Bethesda guidelines results in 8.2% fewer cases requiring germline testing without missing any LS diagnoses. While the prevalence of LS in Chinese patients is similar to that of Western populations, the spectrum of constitutional mutations and frequency of BRAF^V600E mutation is different. Patients older than 65 years who do not meet the revised Bethesda guidelines have a low risk of LS, suggesting germline sequencing might not be necessary in this population.

Health-related quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors: are there differences between sporadic and hereditary patients?

Purpose

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors with sporadic CRC to those with hereditary cancer, specifically Lynch syndrome (LS).

Methods

Participants completed a mailed self-administered questionnaire that assessed, among other things, demographics, clinical characteristics, and health-related quality of life. Using a case-case design, CRC survivors with LS or sporadic cancer were matched on age, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer stage, geography, and time since diagnosis. Participants were recruited from patient registries at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) (n = 33 LS; n = 75 sporadic) and through social media (n = 42 LS). The final sample included 71 LS and 74 sporadic CRC survivors.

Results

For LS patients, the mean FACT-C HRQoL score was 84.8 (11.9) [Median = 86.0; Interquartile Range-17] compared to sporadic patients mean score of 85.8 (16.7) [Median = 92.0; Interquartile Range-21], which indicates high quality of life for both groups. LS patients and sporadic CRC patients had similar HRQoL mean scores across 7 different HRQoL metrics, with no significant differences between groups. Exploratory regression analyses indicate some differences in known predictors of HRQoL by group despite no bivariate differences.

Conclusions

HRQoL is an important component of survivorship in CRC patients. Given the clinical distinctions between LS and sporadic patients, we expected to find significant differences between these patients. However, the patients’ experiences/quality of life does not appear to illustrate such a clear dissimilarity within CRC survivors. Given the limited data in this area, larger studies, ideally with data obtained from multiple sites, is needed to better investigate the alignment between clinical determination and patient experience as well as to explore the relationship between HRQOL, treatment regimens, and health outcomes.

CEA as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for metastatic anal cancer

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Background: While carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a tumor marker is frequently used in the management of colorectal adenocarcinoma, its clinical utility in squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) has never been reported. Indeed, no tumor markers have been validated for monitoring tumor burden in the course of any HPV-associated malignancy like SCCA. We hypothesized that CEA levels might be preferentially elevated in patients with metastatic SCCA. Methods: Charts from 212 patients with SCCA were reviewed under an IRB-approved protocol for correlations between CEA levels and corresponding oncologic status. Clinical status was categorized as newly diagnosed non-metastatic (D), after chemoradiation with no evident remnant disease (N), recurrent/resectable SCCA (R), locally advanced/unresectable SCCA (U), metastatic SCCA to lymph nodes only (M-LN), or metastatic SCCA to visceral organs (M-V). Mean CEA levels were compared between subgroups via student t-tests, and frequencies of elevated CEA were compared via Chi-squared analyses. Results: 118 SCCA patients had metastatic disease (98 M-V, 19 M-LN). Mean CEA levels by clinical status were 5.4 (D), 2.0 (N), 2.3 (R), 4.6 (U), 6.0 (M-LN), and 22.2 (M-V), with a higher (statistically insignificant) mean CEA level in the M-V relative to other populations. However, patients with visceral metastases were more likely to have an elevated CEA at presentation (40.4%) relative to patients with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic SCCA (17.6%, p = .07) or recurrent SCCA (11.1%, p = .02). For patients with metastatic SCCA, a significant association existed between change in CEA and corresponding change in radiographic tumor dimensions (OR 24, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Trends in CEA correlate with dynamic changes in tumor burden for patients with metastatic SCCA, and patients with metastatic SCCA were more likely to have an elevated CEA. Given that immune checkpoint blockade agents like nivolumab have proven benefit for metastatic SCCA, these data provide rationale for use of newer generation immunotherapeutic approaches like CEA-T cell bispecific antibodies, which target CEA-expressing tumors, in clinical trials for patients with metastatic SCCA.

Short course radiation as a component of definitive multidisciplinary treatment for select patients with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma

Background

Select patients with rectal adenocarcinoma with metastatic disease at presentation can be cured with multimodality management. However, the optimal components and sequencing of therapy is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes for patients treated with chemotherapy, short course radiation therapy (SCRT) and surgical resection.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma who received SCRT from 2010-2016 were identified. All patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team and deemed candidates for treatment with curative intent. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Patient, tumor and treatment characteristics were evaluated as prognostic factors using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Thirty-four patients were included with a median [interquartile range (IQR)] follow-up of 25 (14.75-42.25) months; 26 patients (76.5%) received definitive surgery for their rectal tumor, and 24 patients (70.6%) received definitive local management of metastatic disease. One-, 2- and 3-year OS were 97%, 86.2% and 76.0%, respectively, and 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS were 52.1%, 22.7% and 17%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, definitive management of metastases was associated with improved OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.33]; P=0.003, and ≤2 months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with decreased OS (HR 11.7, 95% CI: 2.11-106; P=0.004).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SCRT can be successfully integrated into a definitive, multidisciplinary approach to metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma. Benefits to this approach include decreased time off systemic therapy as compared to standard course RT. Further study is needed to determine the optimum interval between SCRT and surgery.

Identification of a novel PMS2 alteration c.505C>G (R169G) in trans with a PMS2 pathogenic mutation in a patient with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome (CMMRD) is a rare autosomal recessive predisposition to colorectal polyposis and other malignancies, often childhood-onset, that is caused by biallelic inheritance of mutations in the same mismatch repair gene. Here, we describe a patient with a clinical diagnosis of CMMRD based on colorectal polyposis and young-onset endometrial cancer who was identified to have two alterations in trans in PMS2: one known pathogenic mutation (c.1831insA; p.Ile611Asnfs*2) and one novel variant of uncertain significance (c.505C>G; p.Arg169Glu), a missense alteration. We describe the clinical and molecular features in the patient harboring this novel alteration c.505C>G, who meets clinical criteria for CMMRD and exhibits molecular evidence supporting a diagnosis of CMMRD. Although experimental validation is needed to confirm its pathogenicity, PMS2 c.505C>G likely has functional consequences that contributes to our patient's phenotype based on the patient's clinical presentation, tumor studies, and bioinformatics analysis.

In Silico Systems Biology Analysis of Variants of Uncertain Significance in Lynch Syndrome Supports the Prioritization of Functional Molecular Validation

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a genetic condition secondary to germline alterations in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes with 30% of changes being variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Our aim was to perform an in silico reclassification of VUS from a large single institutional cohort that will help prioritizing functional validation. A total of 54 VUS were detected with 33 (61%) novel variants. We integrated family history, pathology, and genetic information along with supporting evidence from eight different in silico tools at the RNA and protein level. Our assessment allowed us to reclassify 54% (29/54) of the VUS as probably damaging, 13% (7/54) as possibly damaging, and 28% (15/54) as probably neutral. There are more than 1,000 VUS reported in MMR genes and our approach facilitates the prioritization of further functional efforts to assess the pathogenicity to those classified as probably damaging. Cancer Prev Res; 10(10); 580-7. ©2017 AACR.

Impact of Recurrence and Salvage Surgery on Survival After Multidisciplinary Treatment of Rectal Cancer

Purpose After preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer, patients who experience local or systemic relapse of disease may be eligible for curative salvage surgery, but the benefit of this surgery has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to characterize recurrence patterns and investigate the impact of salvage surgery on survival in patients with rectal cancer after receiving multidisciplinary treatment. Patients and Methods Patients with locally advanced (cT3-4 or cN+) rectal cancer who were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision at our institution during 1993 to 2008 were identified. We examined patterns of recurrence location, time to recurrence, treatment factors, and survival. Results A total of 735 patients were included. Tumors were mostly midrectal to lower rectal cancer, with a median distance from the anal verge of 5.0 cm. The most common recurrence site was the lung followed by the liver. Median time to recurrence was shorter in liver-only recurrence (11.2 months) than in lung-only recurrence (18.2 months) or locoregional-only recurrence (24.7 months; P = .001). Salvage surgery was performed in 57% of patients with single-site recurrence and was associated with longer survival after recurrence in patients with lung-only and liver-only recurrence ( P < .001) but not in those with locoregional-only recurrence ( P = .353). Conclusion We found a predilection for lung recurrence in patients with rectal cancer after multidisciplinary treatment. Salvage surgery was associated with prolonged survival in patients with lung-only and liver-only recurrence, but not in those with locoregional recurrence, which demonstrates a need for careful consideration of the indications for resection.

Health4Families: An intervention to improve weight and health behaviors in families with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer or Lynch syndrome

1555

Background: Physical activity, diet, and healthy weight may reduce cancer risk in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and Lynch syndrome (LS) families. Evidence-based programs to help affected families make these behavioral changes are lacking. We evaluated data from a 16-week family-centered lifestyle intervention trial for individuals with HBOC or LS germline gene mutations and their relatives. Methods: Index cases with HBOC- or LS-associated mutations were recruited from an institutional registry and advocacy organizations, and identified relatives to participate with them in the study. Those eligible had BMI>25 and/or did not meet recommendations for exercise or fruit/vegetable consumption. Participants were randomized to multiple conditions including text messaging, online weight/diet monitoring, an online social network, and E-mail or telephone coaching. All monitored activity using Fitbits. Behavioral outcomes were assessed online at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: 65 HBOC index cases with 63 family members, and 35 LS index cases with 36 family members participated in the study. At 8 weeks, participants lost 3.2 pounds on average (p<.0001) and increased weekly physical activity from 126 to 172 minutes (p=.0012). LS participants decreased self-reported sedentary time (p=.0126). Program effects did not differ between index cases and family members. Participants reported high program satisfaction; 78% would recommend it to a family member. Conclusions: Hereditary cancer families can benefit from behavioral interventions to improve weight and physical activity. Data show that distance-based methods are effective, and are ideally suited for families with a hereditary predisposition to cancer but who are often geographically dispersed. Clinical trial information: NCT02194387. [Table: see text]

Preoperative radiation dose escalation for rectal cancer using a concomitant boost strategy improves tumor downstaging without increasing toxicity: A matched-pair analysis

Purpose

Pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is associated with improved outcomes for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Increased response rates have been reported with higher radiation doses, but these studies often lack long-term outcome and/or toxicity data. We conducted a case-control analysis of patients with LARC who underwent definitive CRT to determine the efficacy and safety of intensified treatment with a concomitant boost (CB) approach.

Methods and materials

From 1995 to 2003, a phase 2 protocol examined CRT with 5-fluorouracil and CB radiation therapy (52.5 Gy in 5 weeks) for patients with LARC. Seventy-six protocol patients were matched (case-control approach) for surgery type, tumor (T) stage, and clinical nodal (N) stage with patients who received standard dose (SD) CRT (5-fluorouracil, 45 Gy). A chart review was performed. McNemar's test and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The SD and CB groups did not differ in tumor circumferential involvement and length, but the tumors of CB patients were closer to the anal verge (4.7 vs 5.7 cm; P = .02). Although tumor downstaging was higher in the CB cohort (76% vs 51%; P < .01), pathologic complete response rates did not differ (CB, 17.1% vs SD, 15.8%, P = 1.00). The incidence of grade ≥3 radiation-related toxicities was low and similar in both groups (CB, 10% vs SD, 3%, P = .22). Postoperative (anastomotic leak, wound complications/abscess, bleeding) and late (small bowel obstruction, stricture) complication rates did not differ between the groups (P > .05). The median follow-up was 11.9 years. The 5-year local control rates were higher for CB (100.0%) compared with SD (90.0%) patients (P = .01). CB patients had higher rates of 10-year progression-free survival (71.9% vs 57.6%, P < .01) and overall survival (71.6% vs 62.4%, P = .01) compared with SD patients.

Conclusions

CRT dose escalation for patients with LARC is safe and effective. The improved T-downstaging and local control observed in CB patients should encourage further dose escalation studies.

A comparison between Lynch syndrome and sporadic colorectal cancer survivors' satisfaction with their healthcare providers

This study evaluated provider satisfaction in a sample of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors with and without Lynch syndrome (LS). Participants were case–case‐matched CRC survivors with (n = 75) or without (n = 75) LS (mean age of 55; range: 27–93). Participants completed a mailed questionnaire assessing demographics, clinical characteristics, healthcare utilization, psychosocial variables, and provider satisfaction. LS CRC survivors reported lower provider satisfaction scores on three subscales of the Primary Care Assessment Survey: communication (78.14 vs. 83.96; P < 0.05), interpersonal treatment (78.58 vs. 85.30; P < 0.05), and knowledge of the patient (60.34 vs. 69.86; P < 0.01). Among LS CRC survivors, predictors for mean communication and trust subscale scores were location of treatment and socioeconomic status. Higher mean depression scores also were associated with trust, while social support predicted higher satisfaction with communication. Sporadic CRC survivor satisfaction is driven largely by age (communication, interpersonal treatment) and patient anxiety (communication), while seeing a provider more often was associated with increased satisfaction with knowledge of the patient. LS CRC survivors reported lower levels of provider satisfaction than sporadic CRC survivors. LS survivors who received care at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a comprehensive cancer center (CCC), reported higher satisfaction than those receiving care at other institutions. Depressive symptoms and socioeconomic status may impact provider satisfaction ratings. Exploration of other potential predictors of provider satisfaction should be examined in this population. Additionally, further research is needed to examine the potential impact of provider satisfaction on adherence to medical recommendations in LS CRC survivors, particularly those being treated outside of CCCs.

Longitudinal trajectory of cancer survivorship in patients with recurrent rectal cancer: Anatomy of recurrence in relation to quality of life and pain

679

Background: Multiple treatment modalities are utilized for patients with recurrent rectal cancer (RRC). While recurrent pelvic tumor can be highly symptomatic, treatments often carry significant morbidity risks. Patient reported outcomes such as quality of life (QoL) and pain can supplement traditional clinical endpoints in assessing the effectiveness of salvage treatments, and thus aid in treatment decision making. We aimed to examine the longitudinal trajectory of cancer survivorship in RRC. Methods: A prospective protocol enrolled patients diagnosed with RRC between 2008 and 2015. Participants prospectively self-reported QoL (measured by the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR29) and pain (measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, BPI), at presentation, and then every 6 months for 5 years. After accounting for repeated measures, trajectory of mean scores over time was assessed for patients amenable to surgical salvage vs those who were not, using linear mixed-effects modeling. Results: A total of 104 patients were enrolled of which 73 (70.2%) were amenable to salvage surgery with curative intent. Surgical salvage was associated with 30 day morbidity of 68.5% (13.7% and 5.5%, Grade 3 and 4 respectively). Three year overall survival was 56.7% (68.5% in surgical and 29.0% in non-surgical patients). Mean baseline QoL scores did not differ between surgical vs nonsurgical patients but were significantly impacted by the anatomical site of recurrent disease (lowest scores in posterior pelvic recurrence; P=0.012). On longitudinal analysis with a median followup of 33 months, surgically salvaged patients showed gradual sustained improvement in QoL but not pain scores. Anatomy of initial recurrence had an ongoing impact on QoL long term with posterior recurrences having the worst scores. Both QoL and pain scores worsened in patients not amendable to surgical salvage. Conclusions: Disease anatomy determines QoL at baseline and long term in patients with RRC. Surgery improves QoL but not pain in selected resectable cases.

Locally Recurrent Disease Related to Anal Canal Cancers

Surgery for anal cancer is usually reserved for patients with persistent disease or local recurrence after definitive chemoradiation therapy. Patients with local recurrence should be re-evaluated for evidence of metastatic disease using positron emission tomography-computed tomography, and the local anatomy should be delineated with MRI. Eligible patients should undergo tailored surgery with the aim of achieving an R0 resection. Management is best undertaken within a specialized multidisciplinary setting. Careful patient selection and shared decision making are paramount for achieving acceptable patient-centered outcomes.

Serum exosomal miR-4772-3p is a predictor of tumor recurrence in stage II and III colon cancer

PURPOSE

The study was aimed to evaluate the prognostic or predictive value of serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) for tumor recurrence and response to adjuvant therapy in stage II and stage III colon cancer.

RESULTS

145 differentially expressed mature miRNAs were identified (P<0.05) and 10 top hits were carried forward in validation test. MiR-4772-3p was significantly under-expressed in 27 patients with recurrence compared to in 57 patients without recurrence (P=0.002). The reduced expression was significantly related to increased risk of tumor recurrence and risk of death. As a predictor for tumor recurrence, ROC analysis revealed the AUC (95% CI) was 0.72 (0.59-0.85, P=0.001) for lower level of miR-4772-3p compared to 0.63 (0.51-0.75, P=0.062) for tumor site and 0.65 (0.51-0.78,P=0.034) for lymph node status. Among 66/84 patients who received FOLFOX adjuvant therapy, 9/10 (90%) patients with a lower level and 10/56 (18%) patients with a higher level of miR-4772-3p had tumor recurrence (P<0.001).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were prospectively collected from84 patients with stage II/III colon cancer after tumor resection and before adjuvant therapy. Serum exosomal miRNA profiles were determined by RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed mature miRNAs were identified between patients with or without tumor recurrence. The top hits were validated in individual RNA samples using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced expression of serum exosomal miR-4772-3p is a prognostic biomarker for tumor recurrence in stage II and stage III colon cancer patients. The predictive value of this marker for response to FOLFOX adjuvant therapy needs further investigation.

Comparative effectiveness of primary tumor resection in patients with stage IV colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Although the safety of combination chemotherapy without primary tumor resection (PTR) in patients with stage IV colon cancer has been established, questions remain regarding a potential survival benefit with PTR. The objective of this study was to compare mortality rates in patients who had colon cancer with unresectable metastases who did and did not undergo PTR.

METHODS

An observational cohort study was conducted among patients with unresectable metastatic colon cancer identified from the National Cancer Data Base (2003-2005). Multivariate Cox regression analyses with and without propensity score weighting (PSW) were performed to compare survival outcomes. Instrumental variable analysis, using the annual hospital-level PTR rate as the instrument, was used to account for treatment selection bias. To account for survivor treatment bias, in situations in which patients might die soon after diagnosis from different reasons, a landmark method was used.

RESULTS

In the total cohort, 8641 of 15,154 patients (57%) underwent PTR, and 73.8% of those procedures (4972 of 6735) were at landmark. PTR was associated with a significant reduction in mortality using Cox regression (hazard ratio [HR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.47) or PSW (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0. 44-0.49). However, instrumental variable analysis revealed a much smaller effect (relative mortality rate, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.96). Although a smaller benefit was observed with the landmark method using Cox regression (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.55-0.64) and PSW (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.54-0.64), instrumental variable analysis revealed no survival benefit (relative mortality rate, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87-1.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with unresectable metastatic colon cancer, after adjustment for confounder effects, PTR was not associated with improved survival compared with systemic chemotherapy; therefore, routine noncurative PTR is not recommended. Cancer 2017;123:1124-1133. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

DNA Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Rectal Cancer: Benchmarking Its Impact on Prognosis, Neoadjuvant Response Prediction, and Clinical Cancer Genetics

PURPOSE

DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) hallmarks consensus molecular subtype 1 of colorectal cancer. It is being routinely tested, but little is known about dMMR rectal cancers. The efficacy of novel treatment strategies cannot be established without benchmarking the outcomes of dMMR rectal cancer with current therapy. We aimed to delineate the impact of dMMR on prognosis, the predicted response to fluoropyrimidine-based neoadjuvant therapy, and implications of germline alterations in the MMR genes in rectal cancer.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2012, 62 patients with dMMR rectal cancers underwent multimodality therapy. Oncologic treatment and outcomes as well as clinical genetics work-up were examined. Overall and rectal cancer-specific survival were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 41 years. MMR deficiency was most commonly due to alterations in MSH2 (53%) or MSH6 (23%). After a median follow-up of 6.8 years, the 5-year rectal cancer-specific survival was 100% for stage I and II, 85.1% for stage III, and 60.0% for stage IV disease. Fluoropyrimidine-based neoadjuvant chemoradiation was associated with a complete pathologic response rate of 27.6%. The extent of surgical resection was influenced by synchronous colonic disease at presentation, tumor height, clinical stage, and pelvic radiation. An informed decision for a limited resection focusing on proctectomy did not compromise overall survival. Five of the 11 (45.5%) deaths during follow-up were due to extracolorectal malignancies.

CONCLUSION

dMMR rectal cancer had excellent prognosis and pathologic response with current multimodality therapy including an individualized surgical treatment plan. Identification of a dMMR rectal cancer should trigger germline testing, followed by lifelong surveillance for both colorectal and extracolorectal malignancies. We herein provide genotype-specific outcome benchmarks for comparison with novel interventions.

A Prospective Six Sigma Quality Improvement Trial to Optimize Universal Screening for Genetic Syndrome Among Patients With Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Improving the quality of health care is a national priority, and providing patient-centered care is one of the 6 key areas for quality improvement. In the setting of patients with young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), appropriate genetic workup and testing for potential underlying inherited CRC syndromes is fundamental to patient-centered care. Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common of these inherited syndromes, and current recommendations from the NCCN and other professional societies advocate universal screening for LS among young patients with CRC. However, practical implementation of these guidelines often falls short.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective quality improvement intervention trial to optimize universal screening for LS in young (age <50 years) patients, involving 356 eligible patients during the 12-month preintervention period and 299 patients during the postintervention.

RESULTS

Applying the Six Sigma conceptual framework, we demonstrated a significant increase in use of tumor-based molecular testing and subsequent confirmatory germline mutation testing for LS. This led to identification of more patients to be managed as having LS and of more first- and second-degree relatives to benefit from the testing results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the successful application of a quality improvement conceptual framework for the universal adoption of molecular biomarker testing in patients with cancer, and for improving adherence to NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for CRC Screening. As molecular and genetic testing is becoming increasingly common, we present a prototype study for improving the adoption of molecular studies and the provision of guideline-based patient-centered care.

Impact of multimodal therapy in locally recurrent rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The practice of salvaging recurrent rectal cancer has evolved. The aim of this study was to define the evolving salvage potential over time among patients with locally recurrent disease, and to identify durable determinants of long-term success.

METHODS

The study included consecutive patients with recurrent rectal cancer undergoing multimodal salvage with curative intent between 1988 and 2012. Predictors of long-term survival were defined by Cox regression analysis and compared over time. Re-recurrence and subsequent treatments were evaluated.

RESULTS

After multidisciplinary evaluation of 229 patients, salvage therapy with curative intent included preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (73·4 per cent; with 41·3 per cent undergoing repeat pelvic irradiation), surgical salvage resection with or without intraoperative irradiation (36·2 per cent), followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (38·0 per cent). Multivisceral resection was undertaken in 47·2 per cent and bone resection in 29·7 per cent. The R0 resection rate was 80·3 per cent. After a median follow-up of 56·5 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 50 per cent in 2005-2012, markedly increased from 32 per cent in 1988-1996 (P = 0·044). Long-term success was associated with R0 resection (P = 0·017) and lack of secondary failure (P = 0·003). Some 125 patients (54·6 per cent) developed further recurrence at a median of 19·4 months after salvage surgery. Repeat operative rescue was feasible in 21 of 48 patients with local re-recurrence alone and in 17 of 77 with distant re-recurrence, with a median survival of 19·8 months after further recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The long-term salvage potential for recurrent rectal cancer improved significantly over time, with the introduction of an individualized treatment algorithm of multimodal treatments and surgical salvage. Durable predictors of long-term success were R0 resection at salvage operation, avoidance of secondary failure, and feasibility of repeat rescue after re-recurrence.

An international randomised trial of celecoxib versus celecoxib plus difluoromethylornithine in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce colorectal adenoma burden in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), the utility of combining chemopreventive agents in FAP is not known. We conducted a randomised trial of celecoxib (CXB) versus CXB+diflouromethylornithine (DFMO) to determine the synergistic effect, if any.

METHODS

The primary endpoint was % change in adenoma count in a defined field. Secondary endpoints were adenoma burden (weighted by adenoma diameter) and video review of entire colon/rectal segments. Adverse event (AEs) were monitored by National Cancer Institution toxicity criteria.

RESULTS

112 subjects were randomised: 60 men and 52 women at a mean age of 38 years. For the 89 patients who had landmark-matched polyp counts available at baseline and 6 months, the mean % change in adenoma count over the 6 months of trial was -13.0% for CXB+DFMO and -1.0% for CXB (p=0.69). Mean % change in adenoma burden was -40% (CXB+DFMO) vs -27% (CXB) (p=0.13). Video-based global polyp change was -0.80 for CXB+DFMO vs -0.33 for CXB (p=0.03). Fatigue was the only significant AE, worse on the CXB arm (p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

CXB combined with DFMO yielded moderate synergy according to a video-based global assessment. No significant difference in adenoma count, the primary endpoint, was seen between the two study arms. No evidence of DFMO-related ototoxicity was seen. There were no adverse cardiovascular outcomes in either trial arm and no significant increase in AEs in the CXB+DFMO arm of the trial. Differences in outcomes between primary and secondary endpoints may relate to sensitivity of the endpoint measures themselves.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov number N01-CN95040.

Post-treatment surveillance in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the anal canal: A global subspecialist survey

573

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal will be diagnosed in 28,000 individuals globally. Considered a rare cancer, the incidence of anal carcinoma continues to rise annually. Majority of patients present with locally advanced disease in which concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) will be provided with curative intent. The Anal Cancer IRCI Working Group was created to pursue novel approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of patients. Yet, surveillance following completion of CRT is not well established and varies as per NCCN (v2.2015) and ESMO guidelines. Methods: A 22-question survey provided to anonymous international GI subspecialists in various fields. Questions pertained to timing and type of diagnostic imaging, surveillance interval, approach to detection of complete response (CR), and prevention of sexual dysfunction. Results: Survey distribution was initiated in March 2015 and still ongoing. Thus far, 96 physicians responded. Conclusions: Carcinoma of the anal canal continues to rise in incidence annually. Surveillance following completion of CRT is warranted; however, global variability in practice patterns for surveillance exists. As such, the IRCI Anal Cancer Working Group intends to provide an international consensus surveillance statement. [Table: see text]

Overtreatment of young adults with colon cancer: more intense treatments with unmatched survival gains

IMPORTANCE

Colon cancer is increasing among adults younger than 50 years. However, the prognosis of young-onset colon cancer remains poorly defined given significant age-related demographic, disease, and treatment differences.

OBJECTIVE

To define stage-specific treatments and prognosis of colon cancer diagnosed in young adults (ages 18-49 years) vs older adults (ages 65-75 years) outside of the clinical trial setting while accounting for real-world age-related variations in patient, tumor, and treatment factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A nationwide cohort study was conducted among US hospitals accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Participants were 13 102 patients diagnosed as having young-onset colon adenocarcinoma aged 18 to 49 years and 37 007 patients diagnosed as having later-onset colon adenocarcinoma aged 65 to 75 years treated between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2005, and reported to the National Cancer Data Base.

EXPOSURES

Patients who underwent surgical resection and postoperative systemic chemotherapy of curative intent.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was stage-specific relative survival, an objective measure of survival among patients with cancer, adjusting for baseline mortality rates and independent of the data on cause of death. The secondary end point was stage-specific likelihood of receiving postoperative systemic chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Most young-onset colon cancer was initially seen at advanced stages (61.8% had stage III or IV). After adjusting for patient-related and tumor-related factors, young patients were more likely to receive systemic chemotherapy, particularly multiagent regimens, at all stages relative to those with later-onset disease. These odds ratios were 2.88 (95% CI, 2.21-3.77) for stage I, 3.93 (95% CI, 3.58-4.31) for stage II, 2.42 (95% CI, 2.18-2.68) for stage III, and 2.74 (95% CI, 2.44-3.07) for stage IV. The significantly more intense treatments received by younger patients were unmatched by any survival gain, which was nil for stage II (relative risk, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.69-1.17) and marginal for stage III (relative risk, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97) and stage IV (relative risk, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Young adults with colon cancer received significantly more postoperative systemic chemotherapy at all stages, but they experienced only minimal gain in adjusted survival compared with their older counterparts who received less treatment. This mismatch suggests that attention should be given to long-term cancer survivorship in young adults with colon cancer because they likely face survivorship needs that are distinct from those of their older counterparts.

High Prevalence of Hereditary Cancer Syndromes in Adolescents and Young Adults With Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE

Established guidelines recommend evaluation for hereditary cancer syndromes in patients younger than 50 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). This group has been well described in the literature; however, patients diagnosed as adolescents and young adults are not well represented in CRC studies. Here, we define the clinical profile, including the extent of hereditary cancer syndromes and family history of cancer, in patients diagnosed with CRC at age 35 or younger.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed patients who underwent genetic counseling at our institution during 5 years (2009 to 2013). Data were collected regarding demographics, clinicopathologic information, tumor and genetic testing, and family history. Patients with an identified hereditary cancer syndrome were compared with those without a syndrome.

RESULTS

Of the 193 patients with evaluable data, 35% had an identifiable hereditary cancer syndrome, including 23 with Lynch syndrome, 22 with mutation-negative Lynch syndrome, 16 with familial adenomatous polyposis, two with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency, two with biallelic MUTYH mutations, and one with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Patients without a hereditary syndrome more frequently presented with metastatic disease, whereas patients with a syndrome were more likely to present at earlier stages and to have a family history of cancer. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of the hereditary syndromes (19%) were diagnosed in individuals with no family history of the disease.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that patients diagnosed with CRC at age 35 years or younger should receive genetic counseling regardless of their family history and phenotype.

Time trend analysis of primary tumor resection for stage IV colorectal cancer: less surgery, improved survival

IMPORTANCE

With the advent of effective modern chemotherapeutic and biologic agents, primary tumor resection for patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) may not be routinely necessary.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the secular patterns of primary tumor resection use in stage IV CRC in the United States.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cohort study using data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results CRC registry. Demographic and clinical factors were compared for 64,157 patients diagnosed with stage IV colon or rectal cancer from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2010, who had undergone primary tumor resection and those who had not. Rates of primary tumor resection and median relative survival were calculated for each year. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine when a significant change in trend in the primary tumor resection rate had occurred. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with primary tumor resection.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Difference in primary tumor resection rates over time.

RESULTS

Of the 64,157 patients with stage IV CRC, 43,273 (67.4%) had undergone primary tumor resection. The annual rate of primary tumor resection decreased from 74.5% in 1988 to 57.4% in 2010 (P<.001), and a significant annual percentage change occurred between 1998-2001 and 2001-2010 (-0.41% vs -2.39%; P<.001). Factors associated with primary tumor resection were age younger than 50 years, female sex, being married, higher tumor grade, and presence of colon tumors. Median relative survival rate improved from 8.6% in 1988 to 17.8% in 2009 (P<.001); the annual percentage change was 2.18% in 1988-2001 and 5.43% in 1996-2009 (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The majority of patients with stage IV CRC had undergone primary tumor resection but, beginning in 2001, a trend toward fewer primary tumor resections was seen. Despite the decreasing primary tumor resection rate, patient survival rates improved. However, primary tumor resection may still be overused, and current treatment practices lag behind evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Increasing disparities in the age-related incidences of colon and rectal cancers in the United States, 1975-2010

IMPORTANCE

The overall incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been decreasing since 1998 but there has been an apparent increase in the incidence of CRC in young adults.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate age-related disparities in secular trends in CRC incidence in the United States.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

A retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) CRC registry. Age at diagnosis was analyzed in 15-year intervals starting at the age of 20 years. SEER*Stat was used to obtain the annual cancer incidence rates, annual percentage change, and corresponding P values for the secular trends. Data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute's SEER registry for all patients diagnosed as having colon or rectal cancer from January 1, 1975, through December 31, 2010 (N = 393 241).

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE

Difference in CRC incidence by age.

RESULTS

The overall age-adjusted CRC incidence rate decreased by 0.92% (95% CI, -1.14 to -0.70) between 1975 and 2010. There has been a steady decline in the incidence of CRC in patients age 50 years or older, but the opposite trend has been observed for young adults. For patients 20 to 34 years, the incidence rates of localized, regional, and distant colon and rectal cancers have increased. An increasing incidence rate was also observed for patients with rectal cancer aged 35 to 49 years. Based on current trends, in 2030, the incidence rates for colon and rectal cancers will increase by 90.0% and 124.2%, respectively, for patients 20 to 34 years and by 27.7% and 46.0%, respectively, for patients 35 to 49 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

There has been a significant increase in the incidence of CRC diagnosed in young adults, with a decline in older patients. Further studies are needed to determine the cause for these trends and identify potential preventive and early detection strategies.

Risk-adjusted pathologic margin positivity rate as a quality indicator in rectal cancer surgery

PURPOSE

Margin positivity after rectal cancer resection is associated with poorer outcomes. We previously developed an instrument for calculating hospital risk-adjusted margin positivity rate (RAMP) that allows identification of performance-based outliers and may represent a rectal cancer surgery quality metric.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of patients with rectal cancer within the National Cancer Data Base (2003 to 2005). Hospital performance was categorized as low outlier (better than expected), high outlier (worse than expected), or non-RAMP outlier using standard observed-to-expected methodology. The association between outlier status and overall risk of death at 5 years was evaluated using Cox shared frailty modeling.

RESULTS

Among 32,354 patients with cancer (mean age, 63.8 +/-13.2 years; 56.7% male; 87.3% white) treated at 1,349 hospitals (4.9% high outlier, 0.7% low outlier), 5.6% of patients were treated at high outliers and 3.0% were treated at low outliers. Various structural (academic status and volume), process (pathologic nodal evaluation and neoadjuvant radiation therapy use), and outcome (sphincter preservation, readmission, and 30-day postoperative mortality) measures were significantly associated with outlier status. Five-year overall survival was better at low outliers (79.9%) compared with high outliers (64.9%) and nonoutliers (68.9%; log-rank test, P < .001). Risk of death was lower at low outliers compared with high outliers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.75) and nonoutliers (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.83). Risk of death was higher at high outliers compared with nonoutliers (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.23).

CONCLUSION

Hospital RAMP outlier status is a rectal cancer surgery composite metric that reliably captures hospital quality across all levels of care and could be integrated into existing quality improvement initiatives for hospital performance.

Functional deficits and symptoms of long-term survivors of colorectal cancer treated by multimodality therapy differ by age at diagnosis

BACKGROUND

With advances in multimodality therapy, colorectal cancer survivors are living longer. However, little is known about the quality of their long-term survival. We investigated the functional outcomes and symptoms among long-term survivors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1,215 long-term (>5 years) colorectal cancer survivors was conducted using a validated disease-specific questionnaire. Younger onset survivors (18-50 years) were matched 1:2 to later onset survivors (>50 years). Standardized mean scores were compared using one-way ANOVA. Key patient and treatment factors that impact function and symptoms were assessed by multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

Eight hundred thirty survivors responded at an interval of 10.8 ± 3 years from diagnosis (68% response rate). Younger onset survivors underwent more surgery (97.9 vs. 93.6%, P < 0.001) and received more chemotherapy (86.1 vs. 77.7%, P = 0.004). Anxiety, body image, sexual dysfunction, embarrassment by bowel movements, micturition problems, and impotence were significant concerns. Younger onset survivors reported worse anxiety, body image, and embarrassment with bowel movements, whereas later onset survivors highlighted sexual dysfunction, micturition problems, and impotence. Age at diagnosis was a key independent determinant of long-term function and symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survivors of CRC face ongoing functional deficits and symptoms, and their survivorship experience differs by age. Age at diagnosis should serve as a basis for tailored, personalized survivorship care plans.

Role of microsatellite instability-low as a diagnostic biomarker of Lynch syndrome in colorectal cancer

Lynch syndrome is the most common Mendelian disorder predisposing persons to hereditary colorectal cancer. Carriers of MSH6 mutations constitute less than 10% of the total of cases with Lynch syndrome and present with a weaker clinical phenotype, including low levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-L) in colorectal tumors. The frequency of MSH6 mutation carriers among patients presenting with MSI-L colorectal cancer has yet to be determined, as has the appropriate genetic workup in this context. We have reviewed here the clinicopathologic characteristics, immunohistochemistry, and genetic testing results for 71 patients at a single institution diagnosed with MSI-L colorectal cancers. Of 71 patients with MSI-L tumors, 21 underwent genetic testing for MSH6 mutations, three of whom presented with loss of staining of MSH6 and only one of whom carried a pathogenic germline MSH6 mutation in exon 4 (c.2677_2678delCT; p.Leu893Alafs*6). This latter patient had a significant family history of cancer and had a rectal primary tumor that showed instability only in mononucleotide markers. In this cohort of MSI-L patients, we detected no notable clinicopathologic or molecular characteristic that would help to distinguish a group most likely to harbor germline MSH6 mutations. Therefore, we conclude that the prevalence of MSH6 mutations among patients with MSI-L tumors is very low. Microsatellite instability analysis combined with immunohistochemistry of mismatch repair proteins adequately detects potential MSH6 mutation carriers among MSI-L colorectal cancers.