Liquid biopsy detects genomic drivers in NSCLC without EGFR mutations by single-plex testing: WJOG13620L

BACKGROUND

Actionable tumor genomic alterations, primarily EGFR mutations, occur in nearly 70% of Japanese advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Standard assessment of tumor tissue includes rapid testing for EGFR mutations, ALK fusions and ROS1 fusions. We conducted a prospective observational study (WJOG13620L) of follow-on next-generation sequencing of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients without driver alterations after EGFR testing.

METHODS

Patients with untreated advanced (Stage IIIB-IV or relapsed) nonsquamous NSCLC without EGFR mutations according to single-plex testing of tumor tissue, were enrolled into this study. Patients with other known driver mutations or who underwent comprehensive genomic profiling were excluded. Plasma was analyzed by Guardant360, and the primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with pathogenic gene alterations in at least one of nine genes.

RESULTS

Among the 72 patients enrolled, ALK and ROS1 fusions were tested in 86.1% and 65.2%, respectively. Alterations in pre-defined genes were detected in 21 patients (29.2%; 95% confidence interval: 19.0-41.1, p < 0.001 [one-sided null hypothesis proportion of 10%]), including RET fusion (n = 1) and mutations in KRAS (n = 11), EGFR (n = 5), ERBB2 (n = 3), and BRAF (n = 1). Median time from sample submission to results was 8 days (range, 5-17 days).

CONCLUSION

Rapid follow-on comprehensive testing of ctDNA should be considered prior to first-line treatment for patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC when no alterations are detected after single-plex tissue testing.

Development of a mobile laboratory system in hydrogen fuel cell buses and evaluation of the performance for COVID-19 RT-PCR testing

We designed and developed two new types of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) buses (motorcoach and minibus) with a mobile laboratory system. Feasibility studies have been performed for mobile laboratory testing, particularly for the laboratory performance of COVID-19 RT-PCR (PCR). We evaluated the driving range capability, PCR sample size capacity, turnaround time (TAT), and analytical performance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Saliva samples were used for the current study, and the analytical performance was compared with that of the reference PCR. The estimated driving range and sample size capacity of the HFC and HFC minibus were 432 km and 2847 samples, respectively, for the HFC motorcoach and 313 km and 1949 samples for the HFC minibus. For the TAT, the median time between sample submission and completion of PCR was 86 min for the motorcoach and 76 min for the minibus, and the median time between sample submission and electronic reporting of the result to each visitor was 182 min for the motorcoach and 194 min for the minibus. A secondary analysis of 1574 HFC mobile laboratory testing samples was conducted, and all negative samples were found to be negative by reference PCR. Furthermore, all samples were confirmed to be positive by reference PCR or other molecular examinations.

Prospective study of three saliva qualitative antigen testing kits for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 among mainly symptomatic patients in Japan

INTRODUCTION

Rapid qualitative antigen testing has been widely used for the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 with nasopharyngeal samples. Saliva samples have been used as alternative samples, but the analytical performance of those samples for qualitative antigen testing has not been sufficiently evaluated.

METHODS

A prospective observational study evaluated the analytical performance of three In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) approved COVID-19 rapid antigen detection kits for saliva between June 2022 and July 2022 in Japan using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) as a reference. A nasopharyngeal sample and a saliva sample were simultaneously obtained, and RT-qPCR was performed.

RESULTS

In total, saliva samples and nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 471 individuals (RT-qPCR-positive, n = 145) for the analysis. Of these, 96.6% were symptomatic. The median copy numbers were 1.7 × 10⁶ copies/mL for saliva samples and 1.2 × 10⁸ copies/mL for nasopharyngeal samples (p < 0.001). Compared with the reference, the sensitivity and specificity were 44.8% and 99.7% for ImunoAce SARS-CoV-2 Saliva, 57.2% and 99.1% for Espline SARS-CoV-2 N, and 60.0% and 99.1% for QuickChaser Auto SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The sensitivities of all antigen testing kit were 100% for saliva samples with a high viral load (>10⁷ copies/mL), whereas the sensitivities were <70% for high-viral-load nasopharyngeal samples (>10⁷ copies/mL).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 rapid antigen detection kits with saliva showed high specificity, but the sensitivity varied among kits, and were also insufficient for the detection of symptomatic COVID-19 patients.

Diagnostic performance of microscopic stool examination in Campylobacter infection performed by different medical specialties

Background

Microscopic examination of stool samples can contribute to the early diagnosis of Campylobacter gastroenteritis. However, it is unclear whether the diagnostic performance is reliable when performed by physicians.

Methods

This prospective study included fresh stool samples collected from patients with gastroenteritis between August 2018 and March 2020. The samples were used for microscopic examination through Gram staining. Two physicians, a clinical laboratory technician, and microbiologists performed the examinations. In addition, antigen tests (QuickNavi-Campylobacter; Denka Co., Ltd.) were evaluated for the samples collected between May 2019 and March 2020. Infection with Campylobacter spp. was confirmed when stool cultures or polymerase chain reaction tests provided positive results.

Results

Microscopic examination was performed on 205 samples, of which 46 (22.4%) were positive for Campylobacter spp. For the microscopic examination, the sensitivity and specificity were 53.5% and 98.1% for physician A, 46.7% and 96.2% for physician B, 63.0% and 100% for the clinical laboratory technician, and 67.4% and 100% for microbiologists, respectively. The antigen testing was evaluated in 131 of the 205 samples and showed a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 99.0%.

Conclusions

Microscopic examination of the stool samples showed high specificity. The sensitivity when the examinations were performed by the physicians was insufficient. The rapid antigen tests can reliably detect Campylobacter spp. in stool samples.

Analytical performance of the rapid qualitative antigen kit for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 during widespread circulation of the Omicron variant

INTRODUCTION

Rapid qualitative antigen testing is essential in the clinical management of COVID-19. However, most evaluations of antigen tests have been performed before the emergence of the Omicron variant.

METHODS

This prospective observational study evaluated QuickNavi-COVID19 Ag, a rapid antigen detection test between December 2021 and February 2022 in Japan, using real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR as a reference. Two nasopharyngeal samples were simultaneously collected for antigen testing and for RT-PCR. Variant analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing was also performed.

RESULTS

In total, nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 1073 participants (417 positive; 919 symptomatic; 154 asymptomatic) for analysis. Compared with those of RT-PCR, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 94.2% (95% CI: 91.6%-96.3%), 99.5% (95% CI: 98.7%-99.9%), 99.2% (95% CI: 97.8%-99.8%), and 96.5% (95% CI: 94.8%-97.7%), respectively. The sensitivity among symptomatic individuals was 94.3% (95% CI: 91.5%-96.4%). Overall, 85.9% of sequences were classified as Omicron sublineage BA.1, 12.4% were Omicron sublineage BA.2, and 1.6% were Delta B.1.617.2. (Delta variant). Most of the samples (87.1%) had Ct values of <25, and the sensitivity was 47.4% for low viral load samples (Ct ≥ 30); a similar trend has been observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The QuickNavi-COVID19 Ag test showed sufficient diagnostic performance for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2 from nasopharyngeal samples. However, the current study was mainly performed in symptomatic patients and the results are not sufficiently applicable for asymptomatic patients.

Clinical Performance of the cobas Liat SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B Assay in Nasal Samples

Background and Objective

Point-of-care type molecular diagnostic tests have been used for detecting SARS-CoV-2, although their clinical utility with nasal samples has yet to be established. This study evaluated the clinical performance of the cobas Liat SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B (Liat) assay in nasal samples.

Methods

Nasal and nasopharyngeal samples were collected and were tested using the Liat, the cobas 6800 system and the cobas SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B (cobas), and a method developed by National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan (NIID).

Results

A total of 814 nasal samples were collected. The Liat assay was positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 113 (13.9%). The total, positive, and negative concordance rate between the Liat and cobas/NIID assays were 99.3%/98.4%, 99.1%/100%, and 99.3%/98.2%, respectively. Five samples were positive only using the Liat assay. Their Ct values ranged from 31.9 to 37.2. The Ct values of the Liat assay were significantly lower (p < 0.001) but were correlated (p < 0.001) with those of other molecular assays. In the participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on the Liat assay using nasopharyngeal samples, 88.2% of their nasal samples also tested positive using the Liat assay.

Conclusion

The Liat assay showed high concordance with other molecular assays in nasal samples. Some discordance occurred in samples with Ct values > 30 on the Liat assay.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40291-022-00580-8.

A prospective clinical evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test using anterior nasal samples

Introduction

The diagnostic accuracy of antigen testing of anterior nasal (AN) samples for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has not been evaluated in the Japanese population. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the Roche SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test (rapid antigen test) using AN samples.

Methods

Two AN samples and one nasopharyngeal (NP) sample were collected from individuals undergoing screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results of the rapid antigen test and the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test using AN samples were compared to those of RT-PCR tests using NP samples.

Results

Samples were collected from 800 participants, 95 and 110 of whom tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR tests of AN and NP samples, respectively. The overall sensitivity/specificity of the AN rapid antigen test and AN RT-PCR were 72.7%/100% and 86.4%/100%, respectively. In symptomatic cases, the sensitivities of the AN rapid antigen test and AN RT-PCR were 84.7% and 94.9%, respectively. In asymptomatic cases, the sensitivities of the AN rapid antigen test and AN RT-PCR were 58.8% and 76.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of the AN rapid antigen test was over 80% in cases with cycle threshold (Ct) values < 25; it significantly decreased with an increase in the Ct values (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The rapid antigen test with AN samples had a favorable sensitivity, especially in symptomatic cases or in cases with Ct values < 25. It gave no false-positive results. Compared with AN-RT PCR, the AN rapid antigen test had a modestly lower sensitivity in asymptomatic cases.

The evaluation of the utility of the GENECUBE HQ SARS-CoV-2 for anterior nasal samples and saliva samples with a new rapid examination protocol

INTRODUCTION

GENECUBE® is a rapid molecular identification system, and previous studies demonstrated that GENECUBE® HQ SARS-CoV-2 showed excellent analytical performance for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) with nasopharyngeal samples. However, other respiratory samples have not been evaluated.

METHODS

This prospective comparison between GENECUBE® HQ SARS-CoV-2 and reference real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using anterior nasal samples and saliva samples. Additionally, we evaluated a new rapid examination protocol using GENECUBE® HQ SARS-CoV-2 for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 with saliva samples. For the rapid protocol, in the preparation of saliva samples, purification and extraction processes were adjusted, and the total process time was shortened to approximately 35 minutes.

RESULTS

For 359 anterior nasal samples, the total-, positive-, and negative concordance of the two assays was 99.7% (358/359), 98.1% (51/52), and 100% (307/307), respectively. For saliva samples, the total-, positive-, and negative concordance of the two assays was 99.6% (239/240), 100% (56/56), and 99.5% (183/184), respectively. With the new protocol, total-, positive-, and negative concordance of the two assays was 98.8% (237/240), 100% (56/56), and 98.4% (181/184), respectively. In all discordance cases, SARS-CoV-2 was detected by additional molecular examinations.

CONCLUSION

GENECUBE® HQ SARS-CoV-2 provided high analytical performance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in anterior nasal samples and saliva samples.

Role of debulking surgery in combination with immune therapy: A successfully treated case of locally advanced mucosal melanoma

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have markedly changed the treatment landscape for melanoma; however, their efficacy and applications are currently limited and medical requirements remain unmet. The present case study reports on a 85-year-old female patient who visited our outpatient clinic with a 1-month history of a buccal mucosa mass and was diagnosed with locally advanced mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. The patient's tumor progressed right after the administration of nivolumab, compromising oral intake. Palliative debulking surgery was performed. Subsequently, the other part of the melanoma on the hard palate slightly decreased in size without forming new lesions for more than one year after surgery. The present case exemplifies that tumor volume reduction surgery may increase the response to ICI and may prolong the duration of response. This combination therapy may be more effective in patients whose tumors increase in size after administration of ICIs or whose tumor is already large at the beginning of treatment. The combination of ICIs and debulking surgery may become an important treatment option in the future for locally advanced mucosal melanoma.

Evaluation and clinical implications of the time to a positive results of antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2

INTRODUCTION

Antigen tests for severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 sometimes show positive lines earlier than their specified read time, although the implication of getting the results at earlier time is not well understood.

METHODS

We prospectively collected additional nasopharyngeal samples from patients who had already tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription PCR. The swab was used for an antigen test, QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag, and the time periods to get positive results were measured.

RESULTS

In 84 of 96 (87.5%) analyzed cases, the results of QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag were positive. The time to obtain positive results was 15.0 seconds in median (inter quartile range: 12.0-33.3, range 11-736) and was extended in samples with higher cycle thresholds (p < 0.001). Positive lines appeared within a minute in 85.7% of cases and within 5 min in 96.4%.

CONCLUSION

QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag immediately showed positive results in most cases, and the time to a positive reaction may have indicated the viral load.

Diagnostic performance of a novel digital immunoassay (RapidTesta SARS-CoV-2): A prospective observational study with nasopharyngeal samples

Introduction

Digital immunoassays are generally regarded as superior tests for the detection of infectious disease pathogens, but there have been insufficient data concerning SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated a novel digital immunoassay (RapidTesta SARS-CoV-2). Two nasopharyngeal samples were simultaneously collected for antigen tests and Real-time RT-PCR.

Results

During the study period, 1127 nasopharyngeal samples (symptomatic patients: 802, asymptomatic patients: 325) were evaluated. For digital immunoassay antigen tests, the sensitivity was 78.3% (95% CI: 67.3%–87.1%) and the specificity was 97.6% (95% CI: 96.5%–98.5%). When technicians visually analyzed the antigen test results, the sensitivity was 71.6% (95% CI: 59.9%–81.5%) and the specificity was 99.2% (95% CI: 98.5%–99.7%). Among symptomatic patients, the sensitivity was 89.4% (95% CI; 76.9%–96.5%) with digital immunoassay antigen tests, and 85.1% (95% CI; 71.7%–93.8%) with visually analyzed the antigen test, respectively.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of digital immunoassay antigen tests was superior to that of visually analyzed antigen tests, but the rate of false-positive results increased with the introduction of a digital immunoassay device.

Predicting Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) pneumonia: epidemiological study of respiratory tract infection using multiplex PCR assays

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common illness that can lead to mortality. β-lactams are ineffective against atypical pathogen including Mycoplasma pneumoniae. We used molecular examinations to develop a decision tree to predict atypical pathogens with CAP and to examine the prevalence of macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma pneumoniae. We conducted a prospective observational study of patients aged ≥ 18 years who had fever and respiratory symptoms and were diagnosed with CAP in one of two community hospitals between December 2016 and October 2018. We assessed combinations of clinical variables that best predicted atypical pathogens with CAP by classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. Pneumonia was defined as respiratory symptoms and new infiltration recognized on chest X-ray or chest computed tomography. We analyzed 47 patients (21 females, 44.7%, mean age: 47.6 years). Atypical pathogens were detected in 15 patients (31.9%; 12 Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 3 Chlamydophila pneumoniae). Ten patients carried macrolide resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (macrolide resistant rate 83.3%). CART analysis suggested that factors associated with presence of atypical pathogens were absence of crackles, age < 45 years, and LD ≥ 183 U/L (sensitivity 86.7% [59.5, 98.3], specificity 96.9% [83.8, 99.9]). ur simple clinical decision rules can be used to identify primary care patients with CAP that are at risk for atypical pathogens. Further research is needed to validate its usefulness in various populations.Trial registration Clinical Trial (UMIN trial ID: UMIN000035346).

The evaluation of a novel digital immunochromatographic assay with silver amplification to detect SARS-CoV-2

Introduction

Rapid antigen tests are convenient for diagnosing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); however, they have lower sensitivities than nucleic acid amplification tests. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of Quick Chaser_® Auto SARS-CoV-2, a novel digital immunochromatographic assay that is expected to have higher sensitivity than conventional antigen tests.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted between February 8 and March 24, 2021. We simultaneously obtained two nasopharyngeal samples, one for evaluation with the QuickChaser_® Auto SARS-CoV-2 antigen test and the other for assessment with reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), considered the gold-standard reference test. The limit of detection (LOD) of the new antigen test was compared with those of four other commercially available rapid antigen tests.

Results

A total of 1401 samples were analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 was detected by reference RT-PCR in 83 (5.9%) samples, of which 36 (43.4%) were collected from symptomatic patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 74.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 64.0–83.6%), 99.8% (95% CI: 99.5–100%), 96.9% (95% CI: 89.2–99.6%), and 98.4% (95% CI: 97.6–99.0%), respectively. When limited to samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) < 30 or those from symptomatic patients, the sensitivity increased to 98.3% and 88.9%, respectively. The QuickChaser_® Auto SARS-CoV-2 detected 34–120 copies/test, which indicated greater sensitivity than the other rapid antigen tests.

Conclusions

QuickChaser_® Auto SARS-CoV-2 showed sufficient sensitivity and specificity in clinical samples of symptomatic patients. The sensitivity was comparable to RT-PCR in samples with Ct < 30.

Prospective analytical performance evaluation of the QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag for asymptomatic individuals

INTRODUCTION

Antigen testing may help screen for and detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in asymptomatic individuals. However, limited data regarding the diagnostic performance of antigen tests for this group are available.

METHODS

We used clinical samples to prospectively evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of the antigen test QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag. This study was conducted at a PCR center between October 7, 2020 and January 9, 2021. Two nasopharyngeal samples per patient were obtained with flocked swabs; one was used for the antigen test, and the other for real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The diagnostic performance of the antigen test was compared between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, and the RT-PCR results were used as a reference.

RESULTS

Among the 1934 collected samples, 188 (9.7%) demonstrated detection of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR; 76 (40.4%) of these 188 samples were from asymptomatic individuals, and over half of the total samples were asymptomatic (1073; 55.5%). The sensitivity of the antigen test was significantly lower for the asymptomatic group than for symptomatic patients (67.1% vs. 89.3%, respectively, p < 0.001). The specificity was 100% for both groups, and no false positives were observed among all 1934 samples. The median cycle threshold value for the asymptomatic group was significantly higher than that of the symptomatic group (24 vs. 20, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag showed lower sensitivity for the asymptomatic group than for symptomatic patients. However, its specificity was consistently high, and no false positives were found in this study.

Diagnostic performance and characteristics of anterior nasal collection for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen test: a prospective study

The clinical utility of antigen test using anterior nasal samples has not been well evaluated. We conducted a prospective study in a drive-through testing site located at a PCR center to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the antigen test QuickNavi-COVID19 Ag using anterior nasal samples and to compare the degrees of coughs or sneezes induction and the severity of pain between anterior nasal collection and nasopharyngeal collection. The study included a total of 862 participants, of which 91.6% were symptomatic. The median duration from symptom onset to sample collection was 2.0 days. Fifty-one participants tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) with nasopharyngeal samples, and all of them were symptomatic. In comparison to the findings of RT-PCR, the antigen test using anterior nasal samples showed 72.5% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 58.3-84.1%) and 100% specificity (95% CI 99.3-100%). Anterior nasal collection was associated with a significantly lower degree of coughs or sneezes induction and the severity of pain in comparison to nasopharyngeal collection (p < 0.001). The antigen test using anterior nasal samples showed moderate sensitivity in symptomatic patients who were at the early stages of the disease course but was less painful and induced fewer coughs or sneezes.

The evaluation of a newly developed antigen test (QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag) for SARS-CoV-2: A prospective observational study in Japan

Introduction

Several antigen tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed worldwide, but their clinical utility has not been well established. In this study, we evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag, a newly developed antigen test in Japan.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at a PCR center between October 7 and December 5, 2020. The included patients were referred from a local public health center and 89 primary care facilities. We simultaneously obtained two nasopharyngeal samples with flocked swabs; one was used for the antigen test and the other for real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Using the results of real-time RT-PCR as a reference, the performance of the antigen test was evaluated.

Results

A total of 1186 patients were included in this study, and the real-time RT-PCR detected SARS-CoV-2 in 105 (8.9%). Of these 105 patients, 33 (31.4%) were asymptomatic. The antigen test provided a 98.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98.0%–99.4%) concordance rate with real-time RT-PCR, along with a sensitivity of 86.7% (95% CI: 78.6%–92.5%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 99.7%–100%). False-negatives were observed in 14 patients, 8 of whom were asymptomatic and had a low viral load (cycle threshold (Ct) > 30). In symptomatic patients, the sensitivity was 91.7% (95% CI: 82.7%–96.9%).

Conclusion

QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag showed high specificity and sufficient sensitivity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. This test is a promising potential diagnostic modality especially in symptomatic patients.

Opioid-induced constipation in patients with cancer pain in Japan (OIC-J study): a post hoc subgroup analysis of patients with lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the opioid-induced constipation burden in the subgroup of patients with lung cancer who participated in the observational Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients with Cancer Pain in Japan (OIC-J) study.

METHODS

The prospective, observational study, OIC-J, included 212 patients with various tumour types, 33% of whom had lung cancer. The incidence of opioid-induced constipation was evaluated using several diagnostic criteria, as well as the physician's diagnosis and patient's subjective assessment. Following initiation of opioids, patients recorded details of bowel movements (i.e. date/time, Bristol Stool Scale form, sensations of incomplete evacuation or anorectal obstruction/blockage and degree of straining) in a diary for 2 weeks. Relationships between patient characteristics and opioid-induced constipation onset and effects of opioid-induced constipation on quality of life were explored.

RESULTS

In total, 69 patients were included in this post hoc analysis. The incidence of opioid-induced constipation varied (39.1-59.1%) depending on which diagnostic criteria was used. Diagnostic criteria that included a quality component or a patient's feeling of bowel movement as an evaluation item (i.e. Rome IV, physician's diagnosis, Bowel Function Index, patient's assessment) showed higher incidences of opioid-induced constipation than recording the number of spontaneous bowel movements alone. Opioid-induced constipation occurred rapidly after initiating opioids and had a significant impact on Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms total score (P = 0.0031). Patient baseline characteristics did not appear to be predictive of opioid-induced constipation onset.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with lung cancer, opioid-induced constipation can occur quickly after initiating opioids and can negatively impact quality of life. Early management of opioid-induced constipation, with a focus on quality-of-life improvement and patient's assessments of bowel movements, is important for these patients.

Physicians' prediction for the assessment of atypical pathogens in respiratory tract infections

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute respiratory tract infections are frequently prescribed antimicrobials despite high rates of virus detection. Physicians may overprescribe antimicrobials owing to the concern of bacterial infections, including those because of atypical pathogens. We investigated the accuracy of clinical predictions concerning atypical pathogen infections.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled adult patients who presented with a fever and cough in outpatient clinics between December 2016 and August 2018. After taking a history and performing physical examinations, physicians predicted the possibility of respiratory infections because of atypical pathogens. Disease probabilities were categorized into 3 grades (high: ≥50%, intermediate: 20% ≥ and <50%, and low: <20%) and were judged by physicians who were taking care of the patients. Confirmation of atypical pathogens was performed by comprehensive molecular analyses of respiratory samples.

RESULTS

Atypical pathogens were detected in 21 of 210 patients. A close contact history (odds ratio [OR]: 11.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-53.5) and the presence of pneumonia (OR: 12.9, CI: 4.3-39.2) were associated with the detections. Atypical pathogens were detected in 32.3% of high-probability cases (10/31), while atypical pathogens were only detected in 8.8% of intermediate-probability cases (8/91) and 3.4% of low-probability cases (3/88) (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicates that physicians' predictions were associated with the detection of atypical pathogens; however, overestimation was observed.

Atrial Fibrillation is related with higher in-hospital morality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients from K-ACTIVE registry

Background

The prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation (AF) on in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is not fully understood in Japanese patients.

Methods

To elucidate the clinical significance of AF on in-hospital mortality in AMI patients, we analyzed the Japanese observational prospective multicenter registry of acute myocardial infarction (K-ACTIVE: Kanagawa ACuTe cardio Vacular rEgistry), which spans October 2016 to December 2019.

Results

A total of 3482 patients included 336 patients with AF and 3146 patients with sinus rhythm. Table 1 shows patient baseline characteristics. Patients with AF were significantly older than those with sinus rhythm (75 vs 67, P&lt;0.0001). Prevalence of hypertension and hemodialysis were significantly greater in patients with AF than patients with sinus rhythm while prevalence of dyslipidemia and smoking were significantly less in patients with AF than patients with sinus rhythm. Table 2 shows characteristics of AMI. There were no significant difference in prevalence of STEMI, area of MI, Peak CK/CK-MB and prevalence of multivessel disease. However, patients with AF showed lower systolic blood pressure, faster heart rate, worse Killip category, greater prevalence of OHCA. Need of mechanical support including IABP/ECMO were greater in patients with AF than patients with sinus rhythm. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with AF than in patients with sinus rhythm (Figure, 10.4% versus 5.2%, P=0.0005). This trend didn't change even after adjustment with age and sex (Odds ratio 1.6 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.4, P=0.02).

Conclusion

AF was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in Japanese AMI patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP15K09101.

Patients' Self-Assessment of the Symptoms and Impact of Opioid-Induced Constipation: Results From a Prospective Observational Cohort Study of Japanese Patients With Cancer

CONTEXT

Many patients who have cancer consider opioid-induced constipation (OIC) to be a burdensome side effect of opioid treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes in Japanese patients with cancer pain and OIC.

METHODS

This prospective observational study evaluated OIC incidence for two weeks in patients with cancer after they initiated strong opioid therapy. Rome IV diagnostic criteria, a physician's diagnosis, spontaneous bowel movements, Bowel Function Index score, and patients' daily self-assessments were used. Changes from baseline in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) scores were compared between patients with and without OIC. Patients and health care providers (HCPs) completed study-specific questionnaires regarding OIC burden, treatment satisfaction, and patient-provider communications.

RESULTS

Among 212 enrolled patients, the incidence of OIC was 47.6% by patients' self-assessments, with a cumulative incidence of 30.2% by Day 3 and 43.5% by Day 7. Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms and PAC-QOL overall scores from patients with OIC worsened significantly from baseline compared with patients without OIC by all diagnostic criteria, except for spontaneous bowel movement frequency for PAC-QOL. Patients and HCPs were generally satisfied with OIC treatment; however, 53.5% of patients and approximately 40.0% of HCPs reported that OIC affected pain management. Most patients and HCPs reported that OIC conditions were sufficiently or essentially communicated.

CONCLUSION

After starting opioid therapy, patients recognized OIC onset and its impact on cancer pain management, highlighting the need for effective patient-provider communications, diagnosis, and treatment of OIC to improve QOL for patients with cancer receiving opioid analgesics.

P17 In-hospital mortality and clinical features of Japanese patients with acute myocardial infarction diagnosed by universal definition in real world from kanagawa-acute cardiovascular registry (K-ACTIVE)

Background

Cardiac troponin (cTn) has been used as the preferred biomarker of myocardial injury for diagnosis of acute myocardial infraction (AMI) by universal definition. A large number of patients formerly classified by creatine kinase (CK) as unstable angina with the WHO criteria in Japan are now diagnosed by cTn as non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In this report, we aimed to understand its prevalence and clinical features of AMI diagnosed by using universal definition and the WHO criterial in real world. 

Method

This registry is a cross-sectional study of 53 facilities in Kanagawa prefecture of Japan. 4372 AMI patients were enrolled who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between October 1, 2015 and January 29, 2019. Patients were divided into 3 groups, 3268 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 628 patients with NSTEMI patients who satisfied the WHO criteria with CK elevation beyond twice upper limit of normal (NSTEMI + CK), and 476 patients with NSTEMI who didn’t satisfy the WHO criteria without CK elevation (NSTEMI-CK).

Result

Baseline clinical characteristics of the study patients are shown in Table 1. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients with NSTEMI-CK (1.9%) than in STEMI (6.0%, P &lt; 0.001) and NSTEMI + CK (5.3%, P &lt; 0.004) (Figure 1). Kaplan-Meier analyses for 0-30 days of cardiac death are shown in Figure 2. From day 0, the Kaplan-Meier curves began to diverge in favor of NSTEMI-CK for up to 30 days.

Conclusion

AMI patients showed distinct clinical features depends on the type. We should be aware of the difference for the diagnosis of AMI by using universal definitions.

Table 1. 　 STEMI (n = 3268) NSTEMI + CK (n = 628) NSTEMI-CK (n = 476) STEMI vs NSTEMI + CK P value STEMI vs NSTEMI-CK P value NSTEMI + CK vs NSTEMI-CK P value Age(years) 68(59-77) 69(61-78) 70(61-79) 　 　 　 Male 76% 77% 75% 0.54 0.74 0.47 Concomitant diseases 　 　 　 　 　 　 Hypertention 65.4% 70.5% 69.3% 0.013 0.097 0.65 Diabetes 33.5% 36.5% 37.3% 0.15 0.11 0.78 Dyslipidemia 56.1% 61.2% 61.3% 0.018 0.03 0.96 Hemodialysis 2.3% 2.1% 6.8% 0.86 &lt;0.001 0.01 Smoking 66.3% 63.1% 64.6% 0.13 0.48 0.62 Atrial fibrillation 9.6% 10.7% 14.4% 0.57 0.04 0.23 Previous MI 8.3% 17.3% 15.7% &lt;0.001 &lt;0.001 0.47 In-hospital mortality 6.0% 5.3% 1.9% 0.49 &lt;0.001 0.004

Abstract P17 Figure 1. 2.

Incidence of opioid-induced constipation in Japanese patients with cancer pain: A prospective observational cohort study

This multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study assessed opioid induced constipation (OIC) in Japanese patients with cancer. Eligible patients had stable cancer and an ECOG PS of 0-2. OIC incidence based on the Rome IV diagnostic criteria was determined by patient diary entries during the first 14 days of opioid therapy. The proportion of patients with OIC was calculated for each 1-week period and the overall 2-week study period. Secondary measurements of OIC included the Bowel Function Index (BFI) score (patient assessment administered by physician), spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) per week (patient assessment), and physician assessments. Medication for constipation was allowed. Two hundred and twenty patients were enrolled. The mean morphine-equivalent dose was 22 mg/day. By Rome IV criteria, the cumulative incidence of OIC was 56% (95% CI: 49.2%-62.9%); week 1, 48% (95% CI: 40.8%-54.6%); week 2, 37% (95% CI: 30.1%-43.9%). The cumulative incidence of OIC was lower in patients who received prophylactic agents for constipation (48% [95% CI: 38.1%-57.5%]) than in patients who did not (65% [95% CI: 55.0%-74.2%]). The cumulative incidences of OIC were 59% (95% CI: 51.9%-66.0%), 61% (95% CI: 54.3%-68.1%), and 45% (95% CI: 38.0%-51.8%) based on BFI scores, physician assessments, and SBM frequency, respectively. Frequency of BMs/week before starting opioids was the most influential factor for the occurrence of OIC. Utilization of prophylactic agents for constipation was associated with a modest effect on reducing the incidence of OIC. The incidences of OIC reported were variable depending on the diagnostic tool involved.

[Outcomes of FOLFIRINOX as First-Line Treatment for Recurrent or Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer]

We retrospectively analyzed adverse effects(AEs), overall survival(OS), and progression-free survival(PFS)in 15 consecutive patients treated with FOLFIRINOX as the first-line treatment for recurrent or unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma( PDAC)between February 2014 and December 2017 in our hospital. Eleven patients were treated for unresectable PDAC with distant metastases(UR-M), and 4 were treated for locally advanced unresectable PDAC(UR-LA). The median age was 56(range: 40-75)years. Nine patients were male, and 6 were female. The performance status was 0 or 1 in all patients. Tumors were located in the pancreas head in 8 cases and in the body-tail in 7 cases. Grade 5 AEs were observed in 1 case in which liver abscess causing sepsis resulted in mortality. The response rate was 20.0%, and the disease control rate was 66.7%. Two patients underwent conversion surgery after FOLFIRINOX treatment. Seven patients received a nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine regimen as second-line treatment. The median OS and PFS were 17.0 and 8.4 months, respectively, and the 1-year survival rate was 66.7%. FOLFIRINOX for recurrent and unresectable PDAC showed relatively good tumor control. However, strict attention is required for severe AEs. Conversion surgery might be effective in patients who are good responders even if they have metastatic disease.

Analytical and clinical evaluation of a point-of-care molecular diagnostic system and its influenza A/B assay for rapid molecular detection of the influenza virus

Recently, rapid molecular detection systems have been used for point-of-care testing for the diagnosis of influenza worldwide. Here, we evaluated the performance of the cobas Liat system and the cobas Influenza A/B assay (Liat) using fresh nasopharyngeal samples collected from a Japanese population between December 2017 and February 2018. The performance of the examination was compared with that of antigen testing and a conventional polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) method. A total of 159 patients were included in this study, and 77 tested positive using Liat. The concordance rate between Liat and nested PCR was 97.5%. The median time between the ordering of testing and completion of molecular analyses using Liat was 30 min (interquartile range: 28-35 min). The overall sensitivity and specificity of antigen testing were 57.1% and 100%, respectively. The duration from symptom onset to examination did not alter antigen testing sensitivity. The current study demonstrates the high performance of Liat for the rapid molecular identification of the influenza virus.

Use of ALK Immunohistochemistry for Optimal Therapeutic Strategy of Pulmonary Large-cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Identification of a Novel KIF5B-ALK Fusion Oncokinase

BACKGROUND

Patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung are routinely screened for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement because they can be treated by ALK-specific targeted therapy. The clinical and molecular characteristics of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) associated with ALK rearrangement are still unclear. Herein, we assessed the ALK status in a series of patients with LCNEC by testing methods commonly used for adenocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ALK expression was first examined by immunohistochemistry. For a positively stained tumor, molecular analyses were then conducted. The ALK fusion partner found in a patient with ALK rearrangement was further identified by direct DNA sequencing. Patient clinicopathological features were also analyzed, focusing on the ALK rearrangement-positive case.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry of seven patients identified strong ALK expression in one case of stage IV LCNEC. Molecular analysis identified a novel rearranged gene resulting from the fusion of kinesin family member 5B (KIF5B) exon 17 to ALK exon 20. The patient was treated with ALK-specific inhibitors, crizotinib and later, alectinib, and has remained alive for more than 24 months without disease progression. Three of the remaining six patients without ALK rearrangement had stage IV cancer and received cytotoxic chemotherapies. Their average overall survival was 5.4 months.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a KIF5B-ALK fusion gene in LCNEC. The patient was successfully treated with ALK inhibitors, suggesting that sensitivity to ALK inhibitor may define a specific LCNEC subtype. We propose that screening for ALK rearrangement in patients with LCNEC may assist in selecting potential candidates for targeted therapy.

Implementation of Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics for Mycoplasma pneumoniae Ensures the Correct Antimicrobial Prescription for Pediatric Pneumonia Patients

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading causative pathogen of pneumonia among pediatric patients, and its accurate diagnosis may aid in the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents. We established a rapid reporting system of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination for M. pneumoniae that enables physicians to obtain test results approximately 90 minutes after ordering the test. In this study, we evaluated the impact of this system on antimicrobial prescriptions for pediatric pneumonia patients after its implementation from May 2016 to April 2017. In total, we identified 375 pediatric pneumonia patients, and the results of the rapid PCR examinations for Mycoplasma pneumoniae were reported immediately in 90.7% of patients (340/375), with physicians able to use these results to decide on patients' management before the prescription of antimicrobial agents. Of the 375 pediatric pneumoniae patients, M. pneumoniae was detected in 223 (59.5%). Among the 223 M. pneumoniae-positive pneumonia cases, antimicrobial agents for atypical pathogens (macrolides, tetracyclines or quinolones) were prescribed in 97.3% (217/223) at the initial evaluation, and their prescription rates increased to 99.1% (221/223) during management. In contrast, antimicrobial agents for atypical pathogens were prescribed only in 10.5% of 152 M. pneumoniae-negative pneumonia cases at the initial evaluations, and only 1 additional case was prescribed clarithromycin for persistent symptoms during management. In conclusion, we show that molecular technology could be applicable in the field of point-of-care testing in infectious disease, and its implementation will ensure the correct antimicrobial prescription for pediatric pneumonia patients.

Thiamine Concentrations in Newly Hospitalized Elderly Patients with Infectious Diseases at a Community Hospital in Japan

The association between advanced age and the thiamine concentration has not been conclusively determined. A recent report from Japan showed that more than half of nursing home elderly residents at an institution had a low whole-blood thiamine concentration (<20 ng/mL). Therefore, a high incidence of low thiamine concentrations among hospitalized elderly has been anticipated in the Japanese population but never investigated. We evaluated the whole thiamine concentration in newly hospitalized elderly patients (≥65 y old) with infectious diseases. Evaluations were performed on admission and at days 6-8 of hospitalization with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). As a result, we enrolled a total of 471 patients from September 2015 to December 2016. The median thiamine concentration was 46 ng/mL (IQR, 37-58 ng/mL). Only 7 patients (1%) had thiamine concentrations below 20 ng/mL (66 nmol/L) on admission. Five of these patients were bedridden and unable to eat food by themselves, and the other two patients used loop diuretics for chronic heart failure. The thiamine concentration declined in most patients (84%) at days 6-8 of admission, regardless of their dietary intake during hospitalization. In conclusion, a low thiamine concentration was not prevalent among newly hospitalized elderly patients with infectious diseases. However, the thiamine concentration significantly decreased during the 6-8 d of hospitalization.

Clinical features and seasonal variations in the prevalence of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae

BACKGROUND

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common pathogen causing pneumonia; macrolide-resistant strains are rapidly spreading across Japan. However, the clinical features of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae pneumonia have not been well established. Here, we evaluated the clinical characteristics and seasonal variations in the prevalence of M. pneumoniae with macrolide-resistant mutations (MRM).

METHODS

The monthly prevalence of MRM in M. pneumoniae strains isolated from May 2016 to April 2017 was retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical characteristics of pneumonia cases with MRM were compared to those of cases without MRM. The M. pneumoniae isolates and point mutations at site 2063 or 2064 in domain V of 23S rRNA were evaluated by the GENECUBE system and GENECUBE Mycoplasma detection kit.

RESULTS

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was identified in 383 cases, including 221 cases of MRM (57.7%). The MRM prevalence was 86.3% (44/51) between May and July 2016, demonstrating an apparent decrease in September 2016, subsequently reaching 43.0% (34/79) in November 2016. Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia was diagnosed in 275 cases, including 222 pediatric and 53 adult cases. Macrolide use preceding evaluation was found to be the only feature of MRM pneumonia cases both in children (odds ratio [OR] 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.72-8.66) and in adults (OR 7.43, 95% CI: 1.67-33.1).

CONCLUSIONS

The determination rate of MRM varied widely throughout the year, and our study demonstrated the challenges in predicting M. pneumoniae with MRM based on clinical features at diagnosis. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the prevalence of MRM is warranted, which may help in selecting an effective treatment.

Multiplex genomic profiling of non-small cell lung cancers from the LETS phase III trial of first-line S-1/carboplatin versus paclitaxel/carboplatin: results of a West Japan Oncology Group study

Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor specimens were collected from advanced NSCLC patients enrolled in LETS phase III trial comparing first-line S-1/carboplatin with paclitaxel/carboplatin and subjected to multiplex genotyping for 214 somatic hotspot mutations in 26 genes (LungCarta Panel) and 20 major variants of ALK, RET, and ROS1 fusion genes (LungFusion Panel) with the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. MET amplification was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. A somatic mutation in at least one gene was identified in 48% of non–squamous cell carcinoma and 45% of squamous cell carcinoma specimens, with EGFR (17%), TP53 (11%), STK11 (9.8%), MET (7.6%), and KRAS (6.2%). Mutations in EGFR or KRAS were associated with a longer or shorter median overall survival, respectively. The LungFusion Panel identified ALK fusions in six cases (2.5%), ROS1 fusions in five cases (2.1%), and a RET fusion in one case (0.4%), with these three types of rearrangement being mutually exclusive. Nine (3.9%) of 229 patients were found to be positive for de novo MET amplification. This first multiplex genotyping of NSCLC associated with a phase III trial shows that MassARRAY-based genetic testing for somatic mutations and fusion genes performs well with nucleic acid derived from FFPE specimens of NSCLC tissue.

Pararenal Lymphatic Cyst Infection Caused by Helicobacter cinaedi

A 43-year-old man was referred to our hospital for an acute-onset fever and left flank pain. He had been previously diagnosed with lymphangioma, and abdominal computed tomography showed pararenal cysts with fat stranding around the left kidney, of which infection was subsequently confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. Gram-negative spiral bacilli were isolated from two sets of blood cultures, and Helicobacter cinaedi was identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. The patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone therapy without recurrence. A multilocus sequence typing analysis indicated the current H. cinaedi strain differed from previous strains isolated in Japan.