PERSIAN trial (NCT05717660): an ongoing randomized trial testing androgen deprivation therapy, apalutamide and stereotactic body radiotherapy. An alternative "triplet" for oligometastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer patients

Earlier treatment intensification with systemic potent androgen receptor inhibition has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer. Nonetheless, oligometastatic patients may benefit from local treatment approaches such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Aiming to explore the benefit of SBRT in this scenario, we designed this trial to specifically test the hypothesis that SBRT will improve clinical outcomes in select population affected by metachronous oligometastatic HSPC treated with androgen deprivation therapy + apalutamide. Enrolled patients will be randomized to receive the standard systemic treatment alone or in combination with SBRT on all metastatic sites of disease. Here we report the protocol design and an overview of the ongoing trials testing different integration strategies between RT and systemic therapies.

Pattern of recurrence after stereotactic body radiotherapy for para-aortic oligo-recurrent prostate cancer, a multicentric analysis

BACKGROUND

M1a disease represents an intermediate status between loco-regional relapse and bone metastatic disease. Metastasis directed therapy (MDT), through stereotactic body RT (SBRT) may be offered to patients, aiming to exclusively treat sites of macroscopic relapse and avoiding wide prophylactic treatment volumes. This appears as a viable treatment, especially after the rise of PSMA tailored treatment approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data about patients treated in two different institutions were retrieved from a prospectively collected dataset. All included patients were affected by oligo-recurrent M1a disease after definitive RT or radical prostatectomy, defined as ≤ 3 nodal lesions situated above aortic bifurcation and below renal arteries. Both castration resistant PCa (CRPC) and castration sensitive (CSPC) PCa patients were included. All imaging methods were allowed to detect recurrence (CT scan, Choline or PSMA PET/CT).All sites of recurrences were treated with SBRT.

RESULTS

Median PFS was 10 months (95% CI 8-17). Twelve patients died, with a median OS of 114 months (95% CI 85-114). Out of the 83 recurrences, 2 (2.4%), 11 (13.25%), 36 (43.37%) and 15 (18%) patients had respectively prostate bed only, pelvic nodal, para-aortic or distant relapse. Furthermore, 19 (22.9%) patients experienced a biochemical only relapse with negative imaging at re-staging.

DISCUSSION

MDT conferred a remarkable PFS outcome in a mixed cohort of CSPC and CRPC patients with m1a disease, with an optimal safety profile. Prospective trials are needed in order to compare MDT and ENRT for these patients, allowing to select the best treatment option.

The Role of Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Deferring the Need for Systemic Therapies in Patients with Progressive Oligometastatic Iodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is usually associated with a good prognosis, although development of metastases in iodine-refractory patients adversely affects quality of life and survival. The advent of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors drugs (TKI) allowed for a significant improvement in patients' outcome: however, in case of oligometastatic disease, a locoregional ablative approach such as Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SBRT) may be proposed. The aim of our study is to assess if SBRT in oligometastatic DTC patients could effectively control tumor progression and possibly defer the need of systemic therapies.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with differentiated oligometastatic iodine refractory thyroid cancer treated with SBRT in our Radiation Oncology Unit from 2011 to 2022. We collected demographics and treatment-related characteristics. Local Control (LC), Progression Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS) and the need for systemic therapy were evaluated. Patients with anaplastic histology, incomplete treatment or without follow-up information were excluded.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were included in our analysis, accounting for 63 tumors: 26 were located in bones (41,2%), 21 in lymph nodes (33,3%), 7 in the brain (11,1%), 6 in the lungs (9,5%) and 3 visceral (4,7%). SBRT was delivered in 1-8 fractions, with a median dose of 30Gy (range 24-60Gy). Median follow-up was 36,8 months (range 6,1-130,9 months). After SBRT we observed a complete response in 29 lesions (46,0%), partial response in 20 (31,7%), stable disease in 13 (20,6%) and only 1 progressive lesion (1,6%). We observed 10 local recurrences (15,8%) with an actuarial LC of 92,4% and 76,1% at 24 and 48 months respectively, while PFS was 62,8% and 52,3% at 12 and 24 months respectively. The OS at 24 and 48 months was 89,2% and 82,3% respectively. Patients with oligoprogressive disease were treated with further SBRT, while patients with polymetastatic progression of disease or oligoprogression not suitable for ablative treatment received systemic therapy. Eleven patients (50%) needed to start TKI treatment (6 Lenvatinib, 3 Sunitinib and 2 Sorafenib) for progressive disease: median time to first systemic treatment from SRT was 18,5 months (range 0,5-67 months). At the time of this analysis, 11 patients (50%) were still without systemic therapy, showing a good disease control after a median follow-up of 26,2 months (range 5,7-83). Freedom from systemic therapy rate from the time of SBRT was 85,6% and 57,6% at 12 and 24 months respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, SBRT yields satisfying local control rates in oligometastatic Iodine-refractory DTC, potentially allowing for a deferral of systemic therapies, and should always be considered in these patients.

Long Term Clinical Outcomes of a Cohort of Lung-Only Oligometastatic HNSCC Patients Treated with SBRT

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Oligometastatic disease in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a rare setting. Local ablative therapies are the most adopted strategies although no evidence-based recommendations are currently published. The aim of our analysis was to update and report on long-term clinical outcomes of a cohort of HNSCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung-only oligometastatic disease.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eligible patients had 1 to 5 lung metastases. The oligometastatic pattern was classified as "de novo" (suitable for SBRT only) or "oligoprogressive" (after first line of systemic therapy). We evaluated time to progression (TTP) as the time from the last day of SBRT to disease progression or death from any cause. Predictive factors of better clinical outcome and survival analysis were performed by Cox regression and Kaplan Meier methods, respectively.

RESULTS

A cohort of 46 patients and 47 metastases were retrospectively evaluated. The median age was 67 years (range 37-86) and 87% of patients had a ECOG PS 0-1. HPV negative status (77%) and "de novo" oligometastatic pattern (78%) were reported by the majority of patients. After a median follow up of 28 months (range 2-88), median TTP and overall survival (OS) were 18 months (95% CI 4.8 - 31.2) and 62 months (95% CI 10,8 - 113.2), respectively. The median volume of planning target volume (PTV) was 20.4 cc (range 7.1-55.3). At univariate analysis, patients aged > 70 years reported a better TTP (p 0.013). No statistically significant correlation was observed in respect with gender (p 0.23), ECOG PS (p 0.34), oligometastatic pattern (p 0.13) and p16/HPV status (p 0.22). Out of 26 histologically proven metastases, we collected only 2 patients reporting concordance between p16/HPV positive status of primary tumor and lung metastases. Overall, 6 patients reported grade (G) 1-2 acute toxicity and no acute G3 adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that SBRT may improve clinical outcome prolonging time to progression and to systemic treatments in a properly selected cohort of HNSCC patients with lung-only oligometastatic disease. Distant metastases from HPV-related primary HNSCC should be tested for p16/HPV status given the clinical implications of HPV positivity for diagnosis and treatment.

Study protocol and preliminary results from a mono-centric cohort within a trial testing stereotactic body radiotherapy and abiraterone (ARTO-NCT03449719)

Background

ARTO trial was designed to evaluate the difference in terms of outcomes between patients affected by oligo metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with Abiraterone acetate and randomized to receive or not SBRT on all sites of disease. Here, we present a preliminary analysis conducted on patients enrolled at promoting institution.

Objective

To present a preliminary overview about population features, clinical outcomes, adverse events, quality of life and explorative translational research.

Design, setting, and participants

ARTO (NCT03449719) is a phase II trial including patients affected by oligo mCRPC, randomized to receive standard of care (GnRH agonist or antagonist plus abiraterone acetate 1000 mg and oral prednisone 10 mg daily) with or without SBRT on all metastatic sites of disease. All subjects have < 3 bone or nodal metastases. All patients are treated in I line mCRPC setting, no previous lines of treatment for mCRPC are allowed.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Data about a mono-centric cohort of 42 patients enrolled are presented in the current analysis, with focus on baseline population features, PSA drop at 3 months, biochemical response, and quality of life outcomes. Descriptive statistics regarding translational research are also presented.

Results and limitation

Significant difference in terms of PSA drop at three months was not detected (p = 0.68). Biochemical response (PSA reduction > 50%) was reported in 73.7 versus 76.5% of patients in control vs SBRT arm, respectively (p = 0.84). All patients are alive. Progression occurred in 1 versus 0 patients in the control versus SBRT arm, respectively. After 3 months, an average decrease of 13 points in terms of Global Health Score was reported for the overall population. However, complete recovery was noticed at 6 months. Circulating tumor cells detection rate was 40%.

Conclusions

SBRT + Abiraterone treatment was safe and well tolerated, non-significant trend in terms of PSA drop and biochemical response at 3 months was detected in SBRT arm. Interestingly, CTCs detection in this selected cohort of oligo-mCRPC was lower if compared to historical data of unselected mCRPC patients.

Dose-escalated pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer in definitive or postoperative setting

PURPOSE

Given the absence of standardized planning approach for clinically node-positive (cN1) prostate cancer (PCa), we collected data about the use of prophylactic pelvic irradiation and nodal boost. The aim of the present series is to retrospectively assess clinical outcomes after this approach to compare different multimodal treatment strategies in this scenario.

METHODS

Data from clinical records of patients affected by cN1 PCa and treated in six different Italian institutes with prophylactic pelvic irradiation and boost on pathologic pelvic lymph nodes detected with CT, MRI or choline PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed and collected. Clinical outcomes in terms of overall survival (OS) and biochemical relapse-free survival (b-RFS) were explored. The correlation between outcomes and baseline features (International Society of Urological Pathology-ISUP pattern, total dose to positive pelvic nodes ≤ / > 60 Gy, sequential or simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) administration and definitive vs postoperative treatment) was explored.

RESULTS

ISUP pattern < 2 was a significant predictor of improved b-RFS (HR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1220-0.7647, P = 0.0113), while total dose < 60 Gy to positive pelvic nodes was associated with worse b-RFS (HR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.3245-9.741, P = 0.01). Conversely, treatment setting (postoperative vs definitive) and treatment delivery technique (SIB vs sequential boost) were not associated with significant differences in terms of b-RFS (HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.338-2.169, P = 0.743, and HR = 2.39, 95% CI 0.93-6.111, P = 0.067, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Results from the current analysis are in keeping with data from literature showing that pelvic irradiation and boost on positive nodes are effective approaches. Upfront surgical approach was not associated with better clinical outcomes.

Prospective assessment of AR splice variant and PSMA detection on circulating tumor cells of mCRPC patients: preliminary analysis of patients enrolled in PRIMERA trial (NCT04188275)

In our institution, a prospective observational trial testing micro-RNA (miRNA) and ARV7 mutational status in metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), is currently recruiting (PRIMERA trial, NCT04188275). A pre-planned interim analysis was performed when 50% of the planned accrual was reached. In this report, we explored the predictive value of Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) detection in mCRPC patients undergoing 1st line therapy. Moreover, ARV7, ARFL, PSMA and PSA expression on CTC was reported to explore potential correlation with patient prognosis and response to therapy. PRIMERA is a prospective observational trial enrolling mCRPC patients undergoing standard treatment (ARTA + ADT) after I line ADT failure. Clinical and pathological features were collected. Outcomes selected for this preliminary analysis were time to castration resistance (TTCR), PSA at 8 weeks after ARTA therapy start, PSA drop at 8 weeks, Overall PSA drop, PSA nadir. Correlation between these outcomes and CTC detection was tested. Expression of ARV7, ARFL, PSA and PSMA was explored in CTC+ patients to assess their prevalence in this cohort and their impact on selected outcomes. Median TTCR was significantly shorter in CTC+ vs CTC− patients (32.3 vs 75 months, respectively, p = 0.03) and in ARFL+ vs ARFL− patients (30.2 vs 51.1 months, respectively, p = 0.02). ARV7, PSMA and PSA expression on CTC had no impact on median TTCR, nor on biochemical response to therapy. Patients in whom CTC and ARFL expression were detected had significant reduced TTCR. However, PSA response was not influenced by CTCs detection and specific biomarkers expression.

Impact of COVID-19 on workload burden of a complex radiotherapy facility

Background and purpose

COVID-19 constitutes a worldwide threat, prompting Italian Government to implement specific measures on March 8, 2020, to protect patients and health workers from disease transmission. The impact of preventive measures on daily activity of a radiotherapy facility may hamper the ability to fulfill normal workload burden. Thus, we assessed the number of delivered treatments in a specific observation period after the adoption of preventive measures (since March 11 to April 24, 2020) and compared it with the corresponding period of the year 2019.

Materials and methods

Overall number of delivered fractions was related to actual time of platform daily activity and reported as a ratio between number of delivered fractions and activity hours (Fr/Hrs). Fr/Hrs were calculated and compared for two different periods of time, March 11–April 24, 2019 (Fr/Hrs1), and March 11–April 24, 2020 (Fr/Hrs2).

Results

Fr/Hrs1 and Fr/Hrs2 were 2.66 and 2.54 for year 2019 and 2020, respectively, for a Fr/Hrs^ratio of 1.07 (95% CI 1.03–1.12, p = 0.0005). Fr/Hrs1 was significantly higher than Fr/Hrs2 for Sli^R and Precise^R, with Fr/Hrs^ratio of 1.92 (95% CI 1.66–2.23, p < 0.0001) and 1.11 (95% CI 1.03–1.2, p = 0.003), respectively. No significant difference was reported for Synergy^R and Cyberknife^R with Fr/Hrs^ratio of 0.99 (95% CI 0.91–1.08, p = 0.8) and 0.9 (95% CI 0.77–1.06, p = 0.2), respectively. Fr/Hrs1 was significantly lower than Fr/Hrs2 for Tomotherapy^R, with Fr/Hrs^ratio of 0.88 (95% CI 0.8–0.96, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Preventive measures did not influence workload burden performed. Automation in treatment delivery seems to compensate effectively for health workers number reduction.

ARTO trial (NCT03449719), a randomized phase II trial enrolling oligometastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with first-line abiraterone acetate with or without stereotactic body radiation therapy: Preliminary results comprehensive of biochemical outcomes and circulating tumor cells analysis

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Background: Androgen Receptor Targeted Agents (ARTA) represent one of the main treatment options for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Addition of stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT) to ablate metastatic foci may improve clinical outcomes in oligometastatic setting. ARTO trial (NCT03449719) is a randomized phase II trial testing the benefit of upfront SBRT on all sites of metastatic disease in oligo-mCRPC patients undergoing I line therapy with Abiraterone Acetate (AA). In this preliminary analysis, we report results after 6 months of follow up, together with an exploratory analysis of androgen receptor splice variants (ARV7/ARFL) Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) expression on Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) detected in this cohort of patients. Methods: 31 patients affected by oligo-mCRPC (defined as < 3 non-visceral metastatic lesions) were randomized to receive I line AA therapy with or without SBRT on all metastatic sites. Baseline blood samples to detect CTCs and evaluate their ARV7, ARFL, PSA and PSMA expression were taken before AA treatment start. Assessments comprehensive of clinical examination and serum PSA were performed every three months. Toxicity was assessed by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events toxicity scale (CTCAE v.4.03). Results: Thirteen and 18 patients were enrolled in the treatment and control arm, respectively. Nineteen metastatic lesions were treated with SBRT in the treatment arm. At 6 months, complete response (defined as a serum PSA level < 0.2 ng/dl) and biochemical response (defined as a PSA reduction > 50% if compared to baseline) were achieved in 6 vs 4 and in 10 vs 8 patients in the treatment vs control arm, respectively. One patient in the treatment arm died for other causes, 1 biochemical progression occurred in the control arm. No adverse events occurred in both arms of treatment. CTCs analysis was available for 10 patients, out of whom 4 were found positive for CTCs (1 and 3 from the treatment and control arm, respectively). ARV7 and ARFL were expressed in 1 patient from the control arm, PSMA was expressed in all CTC positive patients, PSA was expressed in 2 patients from the control and one from the treatment arm. Conclusions: SBRT+AA in oligo-mCRPC patients was safe and yielded promising biochemical results. CTCs detection in this selected cohort of oligo-mCRPC was lower if compared to historical data of unselected mCRPC patients. Data about ARV7, ARFL, PSA and PSMA expression represent an interesting snapshot of biomarker arrangement in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03449719.

Re-irradiation for oligoprogression under Nivolumab in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A case report

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Immunotherapy is a new option for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

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Very limited data are available for concurrent radio-immunotherapy in recurrent disease.

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Our case report adds to this very limited series, focusing on oligopression under immunotherapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a recently introduced class of agents active in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). For a subgroup of patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, long-term benefit can be achieved: maintaining a sustained response to immunotherapy is therefore a critical factor for its efficacy at an individual level. In analogy to targeted agents, a limited pattern of progression, or “oligoprogression”, can occur. For locally recurrent HNSCC, the potential biologic interplay between the efficacy of ICIs and the design of radiation fields chosen for primary treatment is currently unknown. Here, we report on a patient who presented two subsequent oligoprogressions successfully treated with re-irradiation without interrupting Nivolumab. Both oligoprogressive lesions developed in previously unirradiated areas. We hypothesize the existence of a synergistic effect with optimal spatial cooperation between ICIs and re-irradiation for oligoprogressive disease under immunotherapy.

Preliminary results of a prospective assessment of androgen receptor splice variants in mCRPC patients undergoing androgen receptor targeted agents

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Background: Different treatment options for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are currently available, including Androgen Receptor Targeted Agents (ARTA) and Taxane based chemotherapy. However, selection criteria aiming to drive the therapeutic choice in this setting are lacking, and no standardized therapeutic sequence is validated. In our institution, a prospective study testing predictive value of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in patients (pts) receiving a first line ARTA for mCRPC is currently ongoing (PRIMERA). Here, we present preliminary results from the first enrolled cohort. Methods: Pts affected by mCRPC eligible for Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) plus ARTA were prospectively enrolled and underwent baseline determination of androgen-receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) and androgen-receptor-full length (ARFL) variants on CTC at baseline (ARTA start). Fisher Exact Test was conducted to explore the correlation between baseline features and CTC detection rate. Results: Overall, 26 pts were enrolled and baseline results are available for 13 pts. CTC were found in 5 (38.5%) pts. No significant difference was reported in terms of CTC detection probability for pts with high vs low burden of disease according to CHARTEED definition (p=0.42), neither for pts with PSA at CRPC diagnosis < or > 10 ng/ml, (p=0.2). However, a PSA > 10 ng/ml at ADT start in metastatic hormone sensitive setting (mHSPC) was significantly related to CTC detection probability (p=0.01). AR-V7 variants were found in 1 out 5 (20%) CTC-positive pts. Conclusions: PSA at ADT start may significantly be related to CTC detection rate. CTC detection could be particularly useful in pts with a high burden of disease at the beginning of systemic therapy. Metastatic disease could remain dormant until development of CRPC status, with consequent release of increased amount of CTC, more likely to be detected in this setting. AR-V7 expression was found in 20% of CTC positive pts, in line with literature data.[Table: see text]

Efficacy and Tolerability of CyberKnife Stereotactic Robotic Radiotherapy for Primary or Secondary Orbital Lesions: A Single-Center Retrospective Experience

Introduction:

Orbital lesions are rare, but are likely to become symptomatic and can impact on patients’ quality of life. Local control is often difficult to obtain, because of proximity to critical structures. CyberKnife stereotactic robotic radiotherapy could represent a viable treatment option.

Materials and Methods:

Data on patients treated for intraorbital lesions from solid malignancies were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent treatment with CyberKnife system. We analyzed local control, response rate, symptoms control, progression-free survival and overall survival, acute and late toxicity.

Results:

From January 2012 to May 2017, 20 treatments on 19 patients were performed, with dose ranging from 24 to 35 Gy in 1 to 5 fractions, prescribed at an average isodose line of 79.5% (range: 78-81). After a mean follow-up of 14.26 months (range: 0-58), overall response rate was 75%, with 2 and 4 patients presenting a partial and complete response, respectively. Mean time to best measured response was 15.16 months (range: 2-58). Thirteen patients were alive, with a local control rate of 79%. Mean time to local progression was 5 months (range: 3-7). Three patients reported improvement in symptoms after treatment. Mean planning target volume dose coverage was 97.2% (range: 93.5-99.7). Mean maximum dose (D max) to eye globe, optic nerve, optic chiasm, and lens was 2380.8 cGy (range: 290-3921), 1982.82 cGy (range: 777.3-2897.8), 713.14 cGy (range: 219.5-2273), and 867.9 cGy (range: 38-3118.5). Four patients presented acute toxicity.

Conclusion:

This current retrospective series demonstrated that CyberKnife robotic stereotactic radiotherapy is a feasible and tolerable approach for intraorbital lesions.

External accelerated partial breast irradiation for ductal carcinoma in situ: long-term follow-up from a phase 3 randomized trial

Introduction:

For a long time, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) effectiveness for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been debated, due to conflicting published results. Recent encouraging data from phase 3 trials reopened new perspectives for this radiation approach. The aim of the present study was to analyze the long-term efficacy and safety results of the series of patients with DCIS enrolled in the APBI arm of the APBI-IMRT-Florence phase 3 trial (NCT02104895).

Methods:

Patients were treated in a phase 3 randomized trial comparing whole breast irradiation (50 Gy in 25 fractions to the whole breast, plus 10 Gy in 5 fractions to the tumor bed) to APBI (30 Gy in 5 nonconsecutive fractions) using the intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique.

Results:

Overall, 22 patients were treated in the APBI arm. Median age was 62 years (mean 59; range 42–75 years). At a median follow-up of 9.2 years (mean 8.8; range 3.8–12.1 years), no contralateral invasive/DCIS occurrence, distant metastasis, or breast cancer–related death were recorded. The 5- and 10-year local recurrence, distant metastasis–free survival, and breast cancer–specific survival were 100%. The 10-year overall survival rate was 90.9%. No late toxicity at 5 and 10 years was recorded.

Conclusions:

Waiting for pending studies and mature follow-up, we confirmed the efficacy and safety of APBI for low-risk DCIS.

Influence of age and subtype in outcome of operable liposarcoma

AIM

Liposarcoma (LPS) is rare tumor deriving from adipocytes. LPS is classified into histological subtypes: well-differentiated (WDLPS), dedifferentiated (DDLPS), myxoid (MLPS) and pleomorphic (PLPS). A tailored approach taking into account the specificity of disease subtype and age at presentation could be helpful in delineating therapeutic management of liposarcoma. In this paper, we report a retrospective series of a single-institution cohort of patients with LPS, undergoing surgery and radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether clinical characteristics, tumor- and treatment-related features affect clinical outcome in patients treated with curative intent for non-metastatic liposarcoma.

METHODS

Data of patients with locally advanced, non-metastatic liposarcoma treated between 1990 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Data about patient, tumor and treatment features were collected. Two patients subgroups were identified according to age (cutoff: age < 65 years or > 65 years). Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlation between the above-cited variables and local recurrence-free survival (DFS-LR), distant metastasis-free survival, overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS); moreover, differences in clinical outcome between the two age groups were identified.

RESULTS

Data of 186 patients were collected. At diagnosis, 27.4% of patients were 65 years or older. At a median follow-up of 8.6 years (range 0.1-27.3 years), Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis showed that LR, DM, OS and DSS were 75.5%, 76.6%, 48.1% and 72.1%, respectively. KM analysis showed that age > 65, DDLPS and lower limb localization were related to LR (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Association between LR, age and DDLPS persisted both at univariate (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively) and multivariate Cox regression (CR) analysis (p = 0.024 and p = 0.002). Age, tumor depth and grading influenced distant recurrence, both at KM (p = 0.023, p = 0.026 and p = 0.016) and univariate CR (p = 0.026, p = 0.042 and p = 0.012). Age and grading were confirmed at multivariate analysis (p = 0.009 and p = 0.017). Patients with WDLPS and wide excision had significantly better OS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively), while histological G3 and age > 65 were related with worse OS (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Age, DDLPS and grade were related to OS at univariate (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.03, respectively) and multivariate CR analysis (p = 0.031, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, analyzing the specific causes of death, female died less often for tumor-related causes, with a DSS of 91.0% compared to 57.4% of male counterpart (p = 0.005). At Kaplan-Meier analysis, postoperative radiotherapy resulted in a statistically significant better disease-specific survival than postoperative radiotherapy (82.9% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.045). High grade correlated with poorer disease-specific survival (59.3%) than intermediate and low grade (73.4% and 91.6%, respectively) (p = 0.008). Association between DSS, sex and grade persisted both at univariate (p = 0.008 and p = 0.022, respectively) and multivariate Cox regression (CR) analysis (p = 0.014 and p = 0.038). Histotype-driven schedules of treatment should be developed to take into account biological heterogeneity of this disease. Further studies are needed to stratify patients subgroup and develop tailored treatment strategies (i.e., altered fractionations and different chemotherapy regimens in aggressive subtypes), in particular more prospective trials are needed to develop treatment guidelines in elderly STS, taking into account the frailty and the peculiarity of this subgroup.

Enhancement of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Cell Radiosensitivity by Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 Inhibitors

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 inhibitors (PARPi) enhance the cytotoxic effects of radiation. In this study, we evaluated the effect of PARPi on survival and DNA damage of irradiated STS cells. For clonogenic assays, STS cell lines were irradiated with or without olaparib, iniparib or veliparib pretreatment. The effect of PARP inhibition on γ-H2AX and Rad51 foci formation, on PARP-1, phospho-ERK and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression and on cell cycle progression was evaluated on irradiated rhabdomyosarcoma cells pretreated with olaparib. The results from this work showed that PARPi induced significant radiosensitization in STS cells. Rhabdomyosarcoma cells showed the highest increase in radiosensitivity, with a radiosensitization enhancement ratio at 50% survival (ER50) of 3.41 with veliparib. All PARPi exerted a synergistic effect when combined with radiation. Fibrosarcoma cells showed an ER50 of 2.29 with olaparib. Leiomyosarcoma and liposarcoma cells showed their highest ER50 with veliparib (1.71 and 1.84, respectively). In rhabdomyosarcoma, olaparib enhanced the formation of radiation-induced γ-H2AX/Rad51 foci and PARP-1 cleavage, induced slightly increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and reduced phospho-ERK expression. Moreover, the combination of olaparib and radiation resulted in a significantly enhanced cell cycle arrest in the G₂/M phase compared to the two treatments alone. In conclusion, we have shown that PARPi are potent radiosensitizers of human STS cells. These results support the pursuit of further investigations into the effects of PARPi combined with radiation on STS.

Abstract P6-09-07: Triple negative apocrine carcinomas as a distinct subtype of triple negative breast cancer: A case-control study

Introduction. Invasive apocrine carcinoma of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer (BC), pure apocrine carcinoma constitutes &lt;1% of all BC. Mammary apocrine epithelium has a characteristic steroid receptor profile that is negative for full length estrogen receptor-alpha and progesterone receptor and is androgen receptor positive. Conflicting data are available on the outcome of this type of disease: few studies reported significantly different prognosis of triple negative (TN) apocrine carcinomas when compared to most non-apocrine triple negative (NA-TN) tumors. The aim of this study is to report our long-term experience in a single-center series of TN apocrine tumors.

Methods. We analyzed clinical and pathological features of a series of TN apocrine carcinomas treated at our Centre in a 15-year period. Clinical and pathological characteristics and outcomes have been compared with a control series of NA-TN tumors treated during the same follow up period. Local relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) have been evaluated and compared between groups of patients.

Results. Forty-five TN apocrine carcinomas were analyzed. The mean age at diagnosis was 60 years (range 34-83 years). The proportions of apocrine tumor grades varied, with G1 being seen in 6.8% of patients, G2 in 51.1%, and G3 in 40.1%. The majority of apocrine carcinomas had small tumor size (T1: 72.7%; T2: 27.3%), and negative axillary nodal status (66.7%). The series was compared to a homogenous control group of 45 NA-TN patients. The mean age was 54 years (range 32-79 years), affected by high grade (G3: 53.7%), small tumor size (T1: 87.5%; T2: 12.5%), and mostly negative axillary nodal status (82.9%). LRFS in the apocrine group was 85% and 78% at 5- and 10-year, respectively. LRFS in the NA-TN group was 90% and 79% at 5- and 10-year, respectively. No difference was evidenced between groups (HR 1.44 95%CI 0.62-3.79; p=0.39). DMFS in the apocrine group was 85% and 85% at 5- and 10-years, respectively. DMFS in the NA-TN group was 85% and 75% at 5- and 10-year, respectively. DMFS was significantly better in the apocrine group (HR 0.69 95%CI 0.28-1.62). OS in the apocrine group was 86% and 83% at 5- and 10-year, respectively. OS in the NA-TN group was 86% and 63% at 5- and 10-years, respectively. OS was significantly better in the apocrine group (HR 0.57 95%CI 0.26-1.18).

Conclusions. Apocrine carcinomas represent a clinic-pathological distinct group of triple-negative BC, characterized by significantly more favorable clinical prognosis in terms of long-term disease-related morbidity or mortality when compared to NA-TN tumors.

Citation Format: Meattini I, Pezzulla D, Carta GA, Becherini C, Perna M, Grassi R, Garlatti P, Desideri I, Scotti V, Bernini M, Sanchez LJ, Orzalesi L, Nori J, Bianchi S, Livi L. Triple negative apocrine carcinomas as a distinct subtype of triple negative breast cancer: A case-control study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-07.

Systemic therapies and cognitive impairment for breast cancer: an overview of the current literature

Both endocrine and chemotherapy can be utilized for breast cancer patients' management, in multiple setting (i.e., primary systemic therapy, adjuvant, metastatic treatment). Health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors can be significantly influenced by cognitive impairment, which has been related in several previously reported experiences to systemic therapies administration. However, although the growing body of literature, the impact of both chemo- and endocrine therapy on cognitive function is currently unclear, due to many confounding factors (i.e., multiple therapies, duration of therapy, comorbidity, age). The aim of the present review is to present an overview of the current literature concerning the possible influence of endocrine and systemic therapy on breast cancer patients' cognitive impairment.