[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of seizures in 75 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of seizures in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during chemotherapy.

METHODS

Children with ALL with seizures during chemotherapy admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital from January 2010 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data including the incidence of seizure, time at seizure onset, causes, management, and prognosis were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 932 children with ALL were admitted during the study period, of whom, 75 (8%) were complicated with seizures during the period of chemotherapy. There were 40 males and 35 females, with a median age of 7.5 (1-17) years, and 43 cases (57.3%) occurred within the first 2 months of chemotherapy. The underlying diseases were reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (n=15), cerebral hemorrhage (n=10, one of whom was complicated with venous sinus thrombosis), intrathecal or systemic methotrexate administration (n=11), brain abscess (n=7, fungal infection in 3 cases, and bacterial in 4), viral encephalitis (n=2), febrile seizure (n=7), hyponatremia (n=7), hypocalcemia (n=2), and unknown cause (n=14). Sixty-four children underwent neuroimaging examination after seizure occurrence, of whom 37 (57.8%) were abnormal. The electroencephalograhpy (EEG) was performed in 44 cases and was abnormal in 24 (54.4%). Fifty-five patients remained in long-term remission with regular chemotherapy, 8 patients received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, 9 died and 3 lost to follow-up. Symptomatic epilepsy was diagnosed in 18 cases (24%), and was well controlled in 16 with over 1 year of seizure-free. Whereas 2 cases were refractory to anti-seizure medications.

CONCLUSION

Seizures are relatively common in children with ALL, most commonly due to reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome, methotrexate-related neurotoxicity, and cerebral hemorrhage. Seizures occurred within 2 months of chemotherapy in most cases. Neuroimaging and EEG should be performed as soon as possible after the first seizure onset to identify the etiology and to improve the treatment regimen. Some cases developed symptomatic epilepsy, with a satisfactory outcome of seizure remission mostly after concurrent antiseizure medication therapy.

[Efficacy of venetoclax combined azacitidine in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia unfit for standard chemotherapy: a single center experience]

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the VA regimen, which combines venetoclax with azacitidine in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are not suitable candidates for conventional chemotherapy. Methods: In the Department of Hematology at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 66 AML patients who received venetoclax and azacitidine treatment from May 2020 to March 2022 were the subject of a retrospective study. The complete remission (CR) rate, cCR rate, ORR rate, MRD negative rate, the incidence of adverse events,1-year EFS, and OS were retrospectively analyzed. Patients subgroups with varying ages, ECOG scores, primary and secondary, risk stratifications, and gene mutation were compared for differences in efficacy and survival. Results: The median follow-up was 4.25 (0.9-19.9) months, and the median number of treatment courses was 2 (1-8) cycles. After the first cycle, the cCR rate was 78.8% , and the MRD negative rate was 51.9% . After prolonged treatment, the cCR rate was 81.8% and MRD negative rate was 66.7% . The median EFS and OS, respectively, were13.2 and 15.3 months. Secondary AML showed inferior efficacy and prognosis. IDH1/2 or NPM1 mutation groups had a significantly higher rate of CR than the control group (P<0.05) . The CR rate and MRD negative rate of patients with rebound thrombocytosis were significantly higher than those without rebound thrombocytosis (P<0.05) . Those who had epigenetic modification mutations (DNMT3, ASXL1, TET2) were more likely to benefit from ongoing therapy. The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Conclusions: In real-world patients with newly diagnosed AML who are not candidates for standard chemotherapy, the VA regimen produces rapid deep remission. Primary AML patients, rebound thrombocytosis, IDH1/2, and NPM1 gene mutations are favorable factors for treatment benefit, and adverse reactions were tolerable.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma after thirteen years’ follow-up: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular endothelial cell tumor of the liver, consisting of epithelioid and histiocyte-like vascular endothelial cells in mucus or a fibrotic matrix. Immunohistochemistry is usually positive for vascular markers, such as factor VIII-related antigen, CD31, and CD34. Hepatic EHE can have a varied clinical course; treatment includes liver transplantation, liver resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

CASE SUMMARY

A 46-year-old woman with abdominal discomfort and elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen was found to have multiple low-density lesions in the liver and lung on computed tomography (CT) evaluation. An ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed a fibrous stroma with dendritic cells, containing intracellular vacuoles. Immunohistochemical staining found that the tumor cells were positive for CD34, CD31, and factor VIII-related antigen. The patient received four courses of combined chemotherapy and was followed-up for 13 years, at which time the patient was in stable condition without disease progression and a confined neoplasm, as evidenced by CT scans.

CONCLUSION

The histology and immunohistochemical characteristics of hepatic EHE are well described. Chemotherapy may be effective in patients with extrahepatic lesions.

[Comparison of the efficacy of IA and HAD induction regimens in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia: a single-center study]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of two induction regimens, namely, idarubicin combined with cytarabine (IA) versus the combination of homoharringtonine, daunorubicin, and cytarabine (HAD) , in adult patients with newly diagnosed de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . Methods: From May 2014 to November 2019, 199 patients diagnosed with AML receiving either the IA or HAD regimens were assessed for overall survival (OS) , relapse-free survival (RFS) , as well as the CR rate and the MRD negative rate after induction therapy. The differences in prognosis between the two induction therapy groups was assessed according to factors, including age, white blood cell (WBC) count, NPM1 mutation, FLT3-ITD mutation, 2017 ELN risk stratification, CR(1) transplantation, and the use of high-dose cytarabine during consolidation therapy, etc. Results: Among the 199 patients, there were 104 males and 95 females, with a median age of 37 (15-61) years. Ninety patients received the IA regimen, and 109 received the HAD regimen. Comparing the efficacy of the IA and HAD regimens, the CR rates after the first induction therapy were 71.1% and 63.3%, respectively (P=0.245) , and the MRD negative rates after the first induction therapy were 53.3% and 48.6%, respectively (P=0.509) . One patient in the IA group and two in the HAD group died within 60 days after induction. The two-year OS was 61.5% and 70.6%, respectively (P=0.835) , and the two-year RFS was 51.6% and 57.8%, respectively (P=0.291) . There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that the ELN risk stratification was an independent risk factor in both induction groups; CR(1) HSCT was an independent prognostic factor for OS and RFS in the IA patients and for RFS in the HAD patients but not for OS in the HAD patients. Age, WBC level, NPM1 mutation, and FLT3-ITD mutation had no independent prognostic significance. Conclusion: The IA and HAD regimens were both effective induction regimens for AML patients.

[Efficacy and safety of IAC regimen for relapse/refractory acute myeloid leukemia: a prospective randomized controlled study]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity profiles of idarubicin, cytarabine, and cyclophosphamide (IAC) in relapse/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial with the registration number NCT02937662. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group was treated with an IAC regimen, and the regimen of the control group was selected by doctors according to medication experience. After salvage chemotherapy, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) was conducted as far as possible according to the situation of the patients. We aimed to observe the efficacy, safety, and toxicity of the IAC regimen in relapse/refractory AML and to explore which is the better regimen. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled in the clinical trial, with a median age of 36 years (IAC group, 22 cases and control groups, 20 cases) . ①The objective response rate was 71.4% in the IAC group and 40.0% in the control group (P=0.062) ; the complete remission (CR) rate was 66.7% in the IAC group and 40.0% in the control group (P=0.121) . The median follow-up time of surviving patients was 10.5 (range:1.7-32.8) months; the median overall survival (OS) was 14.1 (range: 0.6-49.1) months in the IAC group and 9.9 (range: 2.0-53.8) months in the control group (P=0.305) . The 1-year OS was 54.5% (95%CI 33.7%-75.3%) in the IAC group and 48.2% (95%CI 25.9%-70.5%) in the control group (P=0.305) , with no significant difference between these two regimens. ②The main hematologic adverse events (AEs) were anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. The incidence of grade 3-4 hematologic AEs in the two groups was 100% (22/22) in the IAC group and 95% (19/20) in the control group. The median time of neutropenia after chemotherapy in the IAC group and control group was 20 (IQR: 8-30) and 14 (IQR: 5-50) days, respectively (P=0.023) . ③The CR rate of the early relapse (relapse within 12 months) group was 46.7% and that of the late relapse (relapse after 12 months) group was 72.7% (P=0.17) . The median OS time of early recurrence was 9.9 (range:1.7-53.8) months, and that of late recurrence patients was 19.3 (range: 0.6-40.8) months (P=0.420) , with no significant differences between the two groups. The 1-year OS rates were 45.3% (95%CI 27.2%-63.3%) and 66.7% (95%CI 40.0%-93.4%) , respectively (P=0.420) . Survival analysis showed that the 1-year OS rates of the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation group and non-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation group were 87.5% (95%CI 71.2%-100%) and 6.3% (95%CI 5.7%-18.3%) , respectively. The OS rate of the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation group was significantly higher than that of the non-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation group (P<0.001) . Conclusion: The IAC regimen is a well-tolerated and effective regimen in relapsed/refractory AML; this regimen had similar efficacy and safety with the regimen selected according to the doctor's experience for treating relapsed/refractory AML. For relapsed/refractory patients with AML, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be attempted as soon as possible to achieve long-term survival.

[Dose-enhanced immunochemotherapy followed by first-line autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for young patients with high-risk aggressive B-cell lymphoma: an efficacy and prognostic factor analysis]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of dose-enhanced immunochemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in young patients with newly diagnosed high-risk aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to examine the clinical and survival data of young patients with high-risk aggressive B-cell lymphoma who received dose-enhanced immunochemotherapy and ASCT as first-line treatment between January 2011 and December 2018 in Blood Diseases Hospital. Results: A total of 63 patients were included in the study. The median age range was 40 (14-63) years old. In terms of the induction therapy regimen, 52 cases received R-DA-EP (D) OCH, and the remaining 11 received R-HyperCVAD/R-MA. Sixteen (25.4% ) patients achieved partial response in the mid-term efficacy assessment, and ten of them were evaluated as complete response after transplantation. The median follow-up was 50 (8-112) months, and the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate were (83.9±4.7) % and (90.4±3.7) % , respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that age-adjusted international prognostic index ≥2 scores was a negative prognostic factor for OS (P=0.039) , and bone marrow involvement (BMI) was an adverse prognostic factor for OS (P<0.001) and PFS (P=0.001) . However, multivariate analysis confirmed that BMI was the only independent negative predictor of OS (P=0.016) and PFS (P=0.001) . Conclusions: The use of dose-enhanced immunochemotherapy in combination with ASCT as first-line therapy in the treatment of young, high-risk aggressive B-cell lymphoma results in good long-term outcomes, and BMI remains an adverse prognostic factor.

Effect of peri-operative chemotherapy regimen on survival in the treatment of locally advanced oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma - A comparison of the FLOT and 'MAGIC' regimens

BACKGROUND

Peri-operative chemotherapy improves survival in patients with locally advanced oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma. Two regimens with proven survival benefits are epirubicin, cisplatin plus capecitabine or fluorouracil (Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy, MAGIC) and fluorouracil plus leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT). This study aimed to compare the effect of these regimens on survival (primary aim) and pathological response, surgical complications, adverse events and chemotherapy completion rates.

METHODS

Cohort study including 946 patients treated with FLOT (n = 257) or MAGIC (n = 689) who underwent surgical resection for oesophageal (n = 743) or gastric (n = 203) adenocarcinoma between 2002 and 2021 at St Thomas' Hospital or The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK. Survival analysis was performed using multivariable Cox regression, providing hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, sex, clinical T-stage, clinical N-stage, tumour grade and presence of signet ring cells.

RESULTS

Patients treated with FLOT had better overall survival (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.94) and disease-free survival (HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.98) than MAGIC. Patients treated with FLOT were more likely to have a complete pathological response (9.5% FLOT versus 5.5% MAGIC, p = 0.027) and were less likely to have a positive resection margin (19.1% FLOT versus 32.2% MAGIC, p < 0.001). The stratified analysis revealed similar results for oesophageal and gastric tumours. Rates of surgical complications, chemotherapy-associated adverse events and completion were similarly distributed between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with oesophageal or gastric adenocarcinoma treated with peri-operative FLOT had better survival and pathological response than those treated with peri-operative MAGIC. Rates of surgical complications, adverse events and chemotherapy completion were comparable.

Chemotherapy Treatments for Burkitt Lymphoma: Systematic Review of Interventional Studies

BACKGROUND

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive hematologic cancer. This study synthetized the evidence about the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy treatments used in patients with BL using the World Health Organization classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of interventional studies was performed. A search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with additional manual and gray literature searches. The methodological quality of articles was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

We identified 1358 studies; 9 nonrandomized studies satisfied the eligibility criteria (n = 544 patients). The BL epidemiologic variants were sporadic BL (44.5%), endemic BL (47.2%), and immunodeficiency-associated BL (8.3%). Regarding chemotherapy protocols, 4 groups were identified: based on CODOX-M/IVAC (n = 4), EPOCH (n = 1), BFM (n = 1), and simplified treatment schemes used in African countries (n = 3). Most studies had moderate quality. Empirically and qualitatively, the best options for adults with sporadic BL were 'DA-EPOCH-R' (7-year overall survival [OS], 100%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 82-100), 'HDR + LD into CODOX-M/IVAC' (2-year OS, 84%), and 'RD-CODOX-M/IVAC' (4-year progression-free survival, 92%; 95% CI, 77-100); in pediatric patients, the 'BFM-NHL-90-like' showed promising results (3-year OS, 90%). For immunodeficiency-associated BL, the 'SC-EPOCH-RR' demonstrated a good therapeutic profile (6-year OS, 90%; 95% CI, 60-98). The 'Malawi 2012-2014' (1-year OS, 73%; 95% CI, 61-85) could be the treatment choice in endemic BL (African countries). The main adverse events were hematologic.

CONCLUSION

Selecting chemotherapy protocols for BL should be grounded in its epidemiologic variants. Further studies with greater methodological quality are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Prognostic factors in patients with locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: chemotherapy vs. chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE

To identify common and unique pre-treatment prognostic factors in patients with borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), treated with chemotherapy (CTx) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

We enrolled 215 patients with BR/LA PDAC, who were treated with either CTx (n = 82) or CRT (n = 133) as a first-line treatment between 2013 and 2016. Clinical data and CT imaging findings for predicting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 > 1000 U/mL (hazard ratio [HR] 1.91; p = 0.001) and non-homogeneous enhancement (HR 1.95; p < 0.001) were associated with shorter OS in all study populations. There was no significant difference in median OS (15.3 vs 16.8 months, p = 0.297) and PFS (10.0 vs 11.7 months, p = 0.321) between the CTx and CRT groups. Non-homogeneous enhancement (HR 2.04; p = 0.006) and presence of positive lymph node on CT (HR 2.38; p = 0.036) were associated with poor OS in the CTx group, while CA 19-9 > 1000 U/mL (HR 2.38; p = 0.001) and non-homogeneous enhancement (HR 1.73; p = 0.006) were independent predictors for poor OS in the CRT group.

CONCLUSION

Enhancement pattern on CT was a common prognostic factor for patients with PDAC treated with either CTx or CRT. Presence of positive lymph nodes on CT was a poor prognostic factor for the CTx group only, whereas CA 19-9 > 1000 U/mL was a poor prognostic factor for the CRT group only.

Improved Outcomes of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Total Body Irradiation-Based Myeloablative Conditioning in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The optimal myeloablative conditioning (MAC) for patients undergoing haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT) is unknown. We studied the outcomes of total body irradiation (TBI)-based versus chemotherapy (CT)-based MAC regimens in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study included 427 patients who underwent first haplo-HCT with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy), following TBI-based (n = 188; 44%) or CT-based (n = 239; 56%) MAC. The median patient age was 32 years. Fludarabine-TBI (72%) and thiotepa-busulfan-fludarabine (65%) were the most frequently used TBI- and CT-based regimens, respectively. In the TBI and CT cohorts, 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) was 45% versus 37% (P = .05), overall survival (OS) was 51% versus 47% (P = .18), relapse incidence (RI) was 34% versus 32% (P = .44), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was 21% versus 31% (P < .01). In the multivariate analysis, TBI was associated with lower NRM (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.86; P = .01), better LFS (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.98; P =.04), and increased risk for grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.34; P = .02) compared with CT-based MAC. The type of conditioning regimen did not impact RI, chronic GVHD, OS, or GVHD-free, relapse-free survival after adjusting for transplantation-related variables. TBI-based MAC was associated with lower NRM and better LFS compared with CT-based MAC in patients with ALL after haplo-HCT/PTCy.

Successful treatment of a high-risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumor using etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine: A case report

BACKGROUND

Choriocarcinoma is an infrequent entity and the most aggressive subtype of germ-cell tumors. Because of early metastatic spread and rapid disease progression, choriocarcinoma patients display poor prognosis. Although etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (EMA-CO) regimen is widely used to treat gestational trophoblastic tumors in females, its role in treating male choriocarcinoma is seldom reported.

CASE SUMMARY

A 32-year-old man was diagnosed with burned-out primary germ cell tumors (GCT) with retroperitoneum, liver and lung metastases. Biopsy of the liver revealed pure choriocarcinoma. The patient received bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin chemotherapy. After two cycles of treatment, response evaluation revealed the mixed response. EMA-CO regimen was used in the second-line therapy. After eight cycles, the patient showed a potentially resectable state and thus, all residual masses were surgically removed. The patient was completely cured, and 10 years later, he is leading a healthy life without complications.

CONCLUSION

This paper is the first case of high-risk nonseminomatous GCT in a male patient to be successfully treated with the EMA-CO regimen. The EMA-CO regimen can be used actively in patients with high-risk nonseminomatous GCT.

[Rituximab combined with short-course and intensive regimen for Burkitt leukemia: efficacy and safety analysis]

目的

探讨利妥昔单抗联合短疗程、高强度方案治疗成人Burkitt白血病患者的疗效和安全性。

方法

收集2006年1月30日至2018年9月12日中国医学科学院血液病医院收治的11例Burkitt白血病患者病例资料，分析统计患者的临床特征、完全缓解（CR）率、总生存率、无复发生存率及不良事件。

结果

11例患者中位年龄34（15~54）岁，其中男6例，女5例。发病时中位WBC 12.28（2.21~48.46）×10⁹/L，HGB 113（74~147）g/L，PLT 35（13~172）×10⁹/L，乳酸脱氢酶2 721（803~17 370）U/L，外周血中位原始细胞比例0.40（0.03~0.76），骨髓中位原始细胞比例0.840（0.295~0.945）。10例患者接受利妥昔单抗联合短疗程、高强度化疗，其中2例患者巩固化疗后行自体造血干细胞移植。所有治疗患者1个疗程CR率为100%，4年总生存率为90%，4年无复发生存率为90%。所有治疗患者中，只有1例患者在诱导化疗中出现肿瘤溶解综合征，经血液透析等治疗后肾功能恢复。无治疗相关性死亡病例。

结论

利妥昔单抗联合短疗程、高强度方案治疗成人Burkitt白血病疗效及安全性均较为理想。

[Analysis of treatment response and prognostic factors of T-LBL patients treated with pediatric-like ALL therapy following HSCT]

目的

探讨经急性淋巴细胞白血病（ALL）儿童方案治疗达到完全缓解（CR）和部分缓解（PR）的T淋巴母细胞淋巴瘤（T-LBL）患者应用造血干细胞移植巩固治疗的疗效及预后因素。

方法

收集2013年1月至2017年1月于唐都医院血液病中心接受治疗的T-LBL患者的临床资料，将达到CR或PR的患者纳入研究，进行回顾性分析。

结果

①48例患者接受了ALL儿童方案治疗，经2个疗程的诱导化疗后39例达CR，9例达PR。其中接受自体造血干细胞移植（auto-HSCT）者14例，接受异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）者7例，21例患者移植后造血功能均顺利重建。②中位随访时间31（9～16）个月。3年总生存（OS）率为61.0%（95% CI 53.7%～68.3%），3年无进展生存（PFS）率为54.8%（95% CI 47.1%～62.2%）。③移植组和未移植组3年OS率分别为84.7%和42.8%（P＝0.006），两组3年PFS率分别为75.4%和38.9%（P＝0.004）。④auto-HSCT组与allo-HSCT组患者的OS率、PFS率差异均无统计学意义（P值分别为0.320、0.597）。⑤骨髓侵犯、未接受造血干细胞移植是影响患者长期预后的独立危险因素［ HR＝5.804（95% CI 1.140～29.549），P＝0.034；HR＝5.871（95% CI 1.711～20.140），P＝0.005］。

结论

ALL儿童方案化疗序贯造血干细胞移植治疗T-LBL疗效确切，安全性好。auto-HSCT与allo-HSCT患者的OS率及PFS率差异均无统计学意义。骨髓侵犯、未接受造血干细胞移植是影响T-LBL患者长期预后的独立危险因素。

[Accuracy comparision of abdominal enhanced CT and endoscopic ultrasound in the staging of gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial]

Objective: To compare the accuracy of abdominal enhanced CT and endoscopic ultrasound in the staging of gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (yc stage). Methods: Clinic data of 86 locally advanced gastric cancer patients admitted in Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute from April 2015 to November 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Totally 86 patients completed both abdominal enhanced CT and endoscopic ultrasound after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. There were 60 males and 26 females, aged (57.8±9.7) years (range: 32 to 76 years). The diagnostic accuracy of abdominal enhanced CT and endoscopic ultrasound for yc stage were calculated by the area under the multiclass receiver operation characteristic curve (M-AUC), retrospectively. McNemar test was used to compared the diagnostic sensitivity. Results: The M-AUC of ycT stage evaluated by abdominal enhanced CT (CT-ycT stage) and by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS-ycT stage) was 0.614 and 0.704, respectively. For middle and lower gastric cancer, the M-AUC of CT-ycT stage was 0.599 and 0.613, respectively, while EUS-ycT stage was 0.558 and 0.709, respectively. For tumor in the lesser and non-lesser curvature, the M-AUC of CT-ycT stage was 0.630 and 0.607, respectively, while EUS-ycT stage was 0.616 and 0.749, respectively. For patients in CT-ycT1-CT-ycT4, there was no statistically significant difference in the sensitivity between CT-ycT stage and EUS-ycT stage (2/18, 2/15, 52.8%(19/36), 8/13 vs. 0, 4/15, 55.6%(20/36), 7/13; χ(2)=2.00, P=0.157; χ(2)=2.00, P=0.157; χ(2)=0.08, P=0.782; χ(2)=0.33, P=0.564). The M-AUC of ycN stage evaluated by abdominal enhanced CT (CT-ycN stage) was 0.654, while ycN stage evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS-ycN stage) was 0.533. For patients in CT-ycN0, there was statistically significant difference in the sensitivity between CT-ycN stage and EUS-ycN stage (12.7%(7/55) vs. 5.5%(3/55); χ(2)=4.00, P=0.046). For patients in CT-ycN1, N2, and N3, there was no statistically significant difference in the sensitivity between CT-ycN stage and EUS-ycN stage (2/19, 1/10, 0 vs. 1/19, 1/10, 0; χ(2)=1.00, P=0.317; the other P cannot be estimated). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the diagnostic efficacy of abdominal enhanced CT and endoscopic ultrasound for yc stage of gastric cancer. Considering the invasiveness of ultrasound gastroscopy, it should not be recommend for patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy routinely.

Scalp cooling to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia causes an important impact on cancer patients and its risk of persistence is currently a considerable issue in cancer survivors. Of the various interventions proposed for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia, scalp cooling has emerged as an effective and safe strategy. This paper aims to provide an overview on scalp cooling and chemotherapy-induced alopecia prevention.

[Interstitial pneumonia in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving RCHOP and RCDOP regimens]

目的

比较RCHOP和RCDOP方案治疗弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）后间质性肺炎的发生情况。

方法

回顾性分析2013年1月至2018年8月上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院血液科收治的DLBCL患者836例，其中接受RCDOP方案者114例，根据年龄、性别、IPI评分等因素1∶1配对，选出114例接受RCHOP方案的患者作为对照组。收集患者的基础疾病状况、性别、年龄、有无B症状、IPI评分、疾病分期、血LDH、血β2-微球蛋白等相关临床资料，进一步分析间质性肺炎发生的危险因素。

结果

RCHOP方案和RCDOP方案治疗DLBCL后间质性肺炎的发生率分别为2.60％和28.95％，差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。RCDOP方案中，随着脂质体阿霉素剂量自25～30 mg/m²增加至35~40 mg/m²，患者的完全缓解率自76.90％增至85.50％（P>0.05），间质性肺炎的发生率也自17.30％增至38.71％（P<0.05）。多因素回归分析显示，应用RCDOP方案、治疗前Ann Arbor分期高是患者预后不良的独立危险因素。

结论

应用RCDOP方案治疗DLBCL时需加强对间质性肺炎的预防和监测。

Treatment beyond four cycles of first line Platinum and Etoposide chemotherapy in real-life patients with stage IV Small Cell Lung Cancer: a retrospective study of the Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer network

Background

Dose intensity and dose density of first line Platinum and Etoposide (PE) do not influence Overall Survival (OS) of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients. The effect of treatment length, however, remains unclear. Current guidelines recommend treating beyond 4 cycles -up to 6-, in patients that respond to and tolerate systemic treatment. This has led to variable practice both in clinical practice and clinical research. Here we aimed at quantifying the possible clinical benefit of the extended regimen in our real-life patients treated with PE doublet.

Methods

Of all patients with SCLC treated in our network with non-concurrent first line PE chemotherapy between 2008 and 2015, we identified and described patients that received 4 cycles (4c) or more (> 4c), and analysed patients with stage IV disease.

Results

Two hundred forty-one patients with stage IV had 4c and 69 had > 4c. The latter were more likely to have sequential thoracic radiotherapy, which suggested a lower metastatic burden. Nevertheless, there were no statistically significant differences when comparing clinical outcomes. The median Duration of Response (DoR; time from last chemotherapy cycle to progression) was 5 months in both groups (HR 1.22; 95% CI 0.93–1.61). Median Progression Free Survival (PFS; time from diagnosis to radiological progression) was 8 months (4c) versus 9 months (> 4c) (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.66–1.13) and median OS was 11 versus 12 months (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.66–1.14).

Conclusion

Our results highlight a lack of clinical benefit by extending first line PE treatment in stage IV disease, and support limiting treatment to 4 cycles until superiority of a longer regimen is identified in a randomised study.

Superiority of the triple combination of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone versus cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, eligible for transplantation

Background

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved significantly in the past decade, and new drug combinations have improved the response rates and prolonged survival. Studies comparing different induction chemotherapy regimens have shown that triple combinations have better results than double combinations. However, comparisons among different triple combinations are rare in the literature.

Methods

We retrospectively compared two triple combinations comprising bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD) versus thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (CTD), and aimed at identifying which of the two combinations would yield better response rates following four induction cycles prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with untreated multiple myeloma.

Results

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 311 patients from 24 different centers.The VCD regimen was used as induction therapy by 117 (37.6%) patients, whereas 194 (62.4%) patients received the CTD regimen. After four cycles of induction on an intention-to-treat basis, 54% of the patients in the VCD group achieved at least very good partial response versus 42.8% in the CTD group (p = 0.05). We observed no difference in neuropathy or thrombotic events rates among the two regimens.

Conclusion

Our results corroborate the superiority of the triple combination regimes containing bortezomib over the triple combination with thalidomide as pre ASCT induction therapy in MM.

[Chemotherapy combined with androgen-deprivation therapy in high-volume metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer: a short-term efficacy and safety analysis]

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy and adverse events of chemotherapy combined with androgen-deprivation therapy in high-volume metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer. Methods: From March 2015 to August 2017, 55 patients with high-volume metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer were enrolled at Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center receiving chemotherapy combined with androgen-deprivation therapy. The age was 65(8) years (M(Q(R))) (range: 46 to 79 years). Patients were enrolled in the study for continuous androgen-deprivation therapy (medical or surgical castration), combined with docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) intravenous injection on the first day, repeated every 21 days (6 cycles). Endpoints included overall survival, progression-free survival of prostate cancer, prostate specific antigen (PSA) response rate, and adverse events. Results: The follow-up time was 21.2(11.7) months. The PSA value before chemotherapy was 144.9(415.3) μg/L. The days in patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy before chemotherapy was 14(23) days. Four patients (7.3%) presented 0 in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scoring system and 51 patients(92.7%) presented 1. Thirty-nine patients (70.9%) completed more than 6 cycles of combined chemotherapy, 17 patients (30.9%) showed PSA<0.2 μg/L at 6 months after treatment, and 14 patients (25.5%) showed PSA<0.2 μg/L at 12 months after treatment. Twenty-eight patients (50.9%) had grade 3 to 4 neutropenia and 1 patient (1.8%) developed infectious neutropenia and died. Nausea and vomit occurred in 16 patients (29.1%). Twelve patients (21.8%) underwent dose adjustment due to adverse events in blood system. Conclusions: The short-term effect was confirmed in high-volume metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer using chemotherapy combined androgen-deprivation therapy, and the long-term effect remains to be seen. Myelosuppression during chemotherapy requires close attention, and taking timely examination is recommended.

[Analysis of prognostic factors and therapeutic patterns of recurrent stage Ⅰb-Ⅱa cervical squamous carcinoma treated with radical hysterectomy]

Objective: To analyze the prognosis and appropriate treatment modalities of the patients with recurrence of early stage (Ⅰb-Ⅱa) cervical squamous cancer primarily treated with radical hysterectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage Ⅰb and Ⅱa recurrent cervical squamous cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy primarily from January 2007 to July 2015. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were performed to analyze related prognostic factors of overall survival and progression-free survival, which included age, postoperative therapy, the site of recurrence, therapy-free interval (TFI) and treatment modality. The patients who were treated with palliative chemotherapy after recurrence were selected as a subgroup. The responses of palliative chemotherapy were evaluated and analyzed among different factors, included TFI, the site of recurrence and chemotherapy regime. Results: Of the 2 071 patients, 116 relapsed Ⅰb-Ⅱa cervical squamous cancer were included in the study with the average age of (45.6±7.2) years old. 3-year progression-free survival rate and 3-year overall survival rate after recurrence were 30.2% and 42.2%, respectively. Univariate analysis implied that postoperative radiotherapy, recurrence site, TFI and treatment modality were associated with progression-free survival (P<0.05), while postoperative radiotherapy, TFI and treatment modality with overall survival (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that TFI and treatment modality were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (P<0.05), while postoperative radiotherapy at initial treatment, TFI and treatment modality were independent prognostic variables for overall survival (P<0.05). In the analysis of treatment modality, 3-year progression-free survival rate and 3-year overall survival rate of 47 patients who were treated with definitive local therapy were significantly higher than that of 69 patients who were treated with palliative chemotherapy (P<0.01). In the subgroup analysis of palliative chemotherapy, 15 patients achieved complete response (21.7%) and 16 displayed partial response (23.2%). The overall response rate (ORR) was 44.9%. TFI (P<0.01) and chemotherapy regime (P<0.05) were significant factors associated with ORR. The ORR of TFI ≥12 months was significantly higher than that of TFI <12 months. Besides, the ORR of paclitaxel plus platinum chemotherapy was prominently higher than that of other regimens, while there was no significant difference between the ORR of paclitaxel plus cisplatin and other platinum (P=0.408). Conclusions: For recurrent stageⅠb-Ⅱa cervical squamous carcinoma treated with radical hysterectomy, use of definitive local therapy for suitable patients is advised to achieve better prognosis. In terms of palliative chemotherapy, longer TFI may mean better ORR and the combination of paclitaxel plus platinum is preferred.

[Radiotherapeutic studies of head and neck cancer-highlights of the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting]

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy is an important treatment option in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. At the 2018 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), study results were presented that could further develop and modify existing therapy concepts in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All ASCO abstracts and presentations concerning radiotherapy of head and neck cancer were screened and the most interesting abstracts were selected for further review.

RESULTS

One major topic was the combination of radiation with immunotherapy. Presented trials included combination treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies and platin-based chemoradiotherapy, as well as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibodies in combination with platin-based chemoradiotherapy or cetuximab radiotherapy. In one study, the impact of adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy for overall survival of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancer with low to intermediate risk was analyzed. Additionally, studies focusing on the prophylaxis or reduction of radiation-mediated oral mucositis were presented.

CONCLUSION

The data presented do not justify a change of current treatment paradigms just yet. However, interesting developments can be expected in the coming years, particularly in the field of immunotherapy.

[Gastrectomy with either wedge resection of the pancreas or pancreaticosplenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction invading the pancreas: a comparison study]

Objective: To compare the outcomes of gastrectomy with either wedge resection of the pancreas or pancreaticosplenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) invading pancreas. Methods: From May 2005 to December 2015, a total of 64 patients with AEG invading pancreas underwent gastrectomy with either wedge resection of pancreas (n=25) or pancreaticosplenectomy (n=39) at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University. There were 53 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 60.2 years (range: 39 to 77 years). According to the AJCC esophageal cancer staging system, 8(th) edition, there were 27 patients in phase T4N0M0, 18 in phase T4bN1M0, 9 in phase T4bN2M0 and 10 in phase T4bN3M0. Follow-up was carried out every 6 months. The t-test for the measurement data and the χ(2) test, Fisher exact test or Wilcoxon ran-sum test for the enumeration data were used between the two groups. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared using the Log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was undertaken using the Cox proportional hazard model (forward stepwise regression). Results: In 39 patients who underwent pancreaticosplenectomy, incision infection occurred in 5 patients, anastomotic leak, peritoneal infection, lung infarction each occurred in 1 patient. There was 1 respiratory failure and 1 peritoneal infection in 25 patients undergoing wedge resection of the pancreas. There were no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the 2 groups (8/39 vs. 2/25, P=0.292), and no postoperative death in the study. Fifty-seven patients were followed up, with a follow-up rate of 89.1%. The 5-year overall survival rate was 32.3% in patients who underwent simultaneous gastrectomy and pancreaticosplenectomy, compared to 0 in those who underwent gastrectomy and wedge resection of the pancreas (χ(2)=4.484, P=0.034). The 5-year overall survival rate for patients who undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy was 32.3%, compared to 17.2% in whom underwent surgery alone (χ(2)=4.186, P=0.041). Conclusions: Survival benefit from R0 resection by simultaneous gastrectomy and pancreaticosplenectomy for AEG invading the pancreas can be achieved. Adjuvant chemotherapy is necessary for these patients.

[Efficacy of RCDOP regimen in the treatment of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of RCDOP (Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, liposome doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) regimen in patients with de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), especially in those patients with multiple extra-nodal involvement or Bulky diseases. Methods: A total of 87 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients who received RCDOP regimen from October 2012 to October 2017 were enrolled into this study. Survival functions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test, and χ(2) tests were used for categorical data. Results: Among the 87 DLBCL patients treated with RCDOP regimen, 81 patients achieved complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR), with ORR as 93.1%. Patients were further classified into groups, according to the risk factors, such as IPI scores, multiple extra-nodal involvement, bulky disease, age>60, tumor Ki-67>80%, elevated serum LDH level and advanced Ann Arbor stage. The progression-free survival (PFS, P=0.084) and overall survival (OS, P=0.515) had no statistical difference among the IPI low risk (0-1 score) group, intermediate risk (2-3 scores) group and high risk (4-5 scores) group. Similarly, no statistical difference were fou nd in PFS and OS of patients with extra-nodal involvements ≥2 (P=0.303 and P=0.624), with bulky disease (P=0.518 and P=0.466), with age>60 (P=0.600 and P=0.183), with elevated serum LDH level (P=0.054 and P=0.880), with advanced Ann Arbor stage (P=0.075 and P=0.286), and with tumor Ki-67 over 80% (P=0.190 and P=0.109), when compared with those of patients without these risk factors. Conclusion: RCDOP can improve the therapeutic effect and prognosis of DLBCL patients with certain high risk factors, such as intermediate and high IPI risks, multiple extra-nodal involvements, bulky disease, age over 60, elevated LDH level, advanced Ann Arbor stage and tumor Ki-67 over 80%.

[Comprehensive geriatric assessment can predict the clinical outcomes of elderly patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma in China]

Objective: To validate comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) system in Chinese elderly diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Methods: Patients ≥ 65 years of age who had been diagnosed with de novo DLBCL were screened for eligibility (n=99). CGA was performed during staging procedures through application of the following instruments: age, comorbidity score according to the Cumulative Illness Rating Score for Geriatrics(CIRS-G), activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Results: All patients were classified as "ft" , "unfit" , and "frail" . Forty-nine (49.5%), 14 (14.1%), and 34 (36.4%) patients were categorized into the fit, unfit, and frail groups, respectively. The overall response rate was 91.8%, 64.3%, and 69.5% in fit, unfit, and frail group, respectively (χ(2)=9.311, P=0.007). Eleven (22.4%), 7 (50.0%), and 16(44.4%) patients showed disease relapse/progression in fit, unfit, and frail group, respectively (χ(2)=6.309, P=0.040). The 2-year probability of overall survival was 90.6%, 43.0%, and 58.5% in fit, unfit, and frail group, respectively (χ(2)=14.774, P=0.001). The 2-year probability of progression-free survival was 72.9%, 32.5%, and 37.3% in fit, unfit, and frail group, respectively (χ(2)=11.038, P=0.004). Conclusion: The CGA index can predict the clinical outcomes of elderly DLBCL patients in China.

[Clinical analysis of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of advanced/recurrent nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of asparaginase based chemotherapy bridging autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in the treatment of 16 patients with nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Methods: From January 2012 to June 2017, 16 patients with nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma reached complete remission by L-asparaginase based regimens, and then received auto-HSCT. Results: ①Of the 16 patients, 12 were males and 4 females, with a median age of 35.5 (14-61) years. There were 11 patients in the first complete remission (CR1) and 5 in the second CR (CR2) before transplantation, respectively. EB virus (EBV) DNA (EBV-DNA) was negative and positive in 13 and 3 cases respectively before transplantation. ②Hematopoietic reconstitution was achieved in all 16 cases. The median time for neutrophils implantation was 12 (8-17) days, and that of platelet implantation was 15.5 (12-24) days. ③To the last follow-up, there were no transplant related deaths, 3 patients died of disease progression. The median overall survival (OS) time and progression-free survival time (PFS) were not reached. Seven patients lived with no disease progression more than 2 years. ④The OS and PFS of patients at CR(1) before auto-HSCT are better than that of patients at CR(2), but there was no statistically significant difference (P=0.162, P=0.123). There was no significant difference in OS and PFS between EBV-DNA negative and positive patients before transplantation (P=0.280, P=0.244). Conclusions: L-asparaginase based regimens bridging auto-HSCT is a safe and highly effective for advanced-stage and relapsed ENKTL treatment.

[Long term efficacy of COPADM regimen in the treatment of 20 patients with Burkitt lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the long term efficacy of COPADM regimen in the treatment of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Methods: The clinical data of 39 patients with BL from April 2006 to June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different chemotherapy regimens, the patients were divided into COPADM group and control group. Results: ①Of 39 BL patients, 26 were male and 13 female. The median age was 30 (11-63) years old, including 25 younger than 40 and 14 older than 40. Among them, 33 patients were in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, 13 patients had B symptoms and 25 patients were IPI score≥3. ② Twenty patients treated with COPADM regimen (COPADM group), the 3 year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were (83.5±2.6)% and (73.2±3.1)%, respectively. Nineteen patients in the control group had a 3-year OS and EFS of (47.4±2.4) % and (42.1±2.4) %, respectively. There were significant differences in OS and EFS between the two groups (all P<0.001). ③Of the 20 patients in COPADM group, 12 were younger patients (age≤40 years), their 3-year OS and EFS were (93.7±3.9)% and (83.3±5.4)%, respectively. The other 8 patients were older than 40 years old, and their 3-year OS and EFS were (48.3±8.5) %, (37.6±6.0) %, respectively. Both OS and EFS in younger patients was significantly better than older patients (P=0.004, P=0.045). ④ There were 24 patients treated with combination of Rituximab, their 3-year OS and EFS were (73.9±9.2)% and (69.9±9.6)%, respectively. The other 15 patients were treated without Rituximab, and their 3-year OS and EFS were (51.3±13.3) % and (38.1±12.9) %, respectively. There were significant differences in OS and EFS between the two groups (P=0.042, P=0.008). Conclusion: COPADM regimen may improve the efficacy of BL. COPADM combined with Rituximab enables BL patients with greater benefit. The prognosis is significantly worse in patients older than 40 years old than in those less than 40 years old.

[The efficacy and safety of the patients of myelodysplastic syndromes-refractory anemia with excess blasts treated with decitabine alone or CAG/HAG regimen]

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of the patients of myelodysplastic syndromes-refractory anemia with excess blasts (MDS-REAB) treated with decitabine alone or based on low dose cytarabine (Ara-C) regimen CAG/HAG [aclarubrci (ACR) /homoharring-tonine (HHT) +cytarabine+granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) ]. Methods: Totally 121 patients with MDS-REAB were retrospectively analyzed, including 59 patients treated with decitabine alone (20 mg·m(-2)·d(-1) for 5 days) , the rest 62 ones treated with low-dose Ara-C-based regimen CAG/HAG. Overall response rate (ORR) , overall survival (OS) and adverse events of the two groups were analyzed and compared retrospectively. Results: The ORR of decitabine alone or CAG/HAG were 66.2% and 56.4% respectively, with no statistically significant differences (χ(2)=1.185, P=0.276) . Initial response rate detected by the end of first cycle of CAG/HAG was higher than that of decitabine alone (94.3% vs 69.2%) , there was statistically significant difference in the overall comparison of two groups (χ(2)=7.612, P=0.009) . The median OS of decitabine alone was 19.5 (95% CI 10.5-28.4) months, the median OS of CAG/HAG was 20.3 (95% CI 10.7-29.9) months, with no statistically significant differences (χ(2)=0.004, P=0.947) . Grade 3-4 cytopenia and infection were the most prevalent adverses of two group patients. Grade 3-4 cytopenia rate of CAG/HAG was higher than that of decitabine alone (100.0% vs 64.4%, P<0.001) . The infection rate detected at third cycle of CAG/HAG was higher than that of decitabine alone (52.9% vs 15.2%, P=0.008) . Conclusion: The efficacy of treating MDS-RAEB with decitabine alone or CAG/HAG was equivalent. CAG/HAG treatment came into effect faster, but decitabine alone treatment was safer.

[Clinical characteristics of 6 patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm]

目的

探讨母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤（BPDCN）的临床特征、治疗和预后。

方法

回顾性分析2008年1月至2016年5月北京协和医院确诊的6例BPDCN患者的临床资料。

结果

6例患者起病时均有皮肤受累，常见表现包括骨髓受累（5例）、淋巴结肿大（4例）、脾大（4例）和肝大（3例）。皮肤外的结外器官受累包括乳腺、上颌窦、椎体和中枢神经系统各1例。肿瘤细胞特征性的免疫表型CD4、CD56、CD123均为阳性。治疗均采用急性淋巴细胞白血病样方案，4例达到完全缓解。中位随访9.5（7~37）个月，中位无进展生存期7个月，中位总生存期9个月。死亡3例，均在诊断后1年内死于原发病复发或进展。

结论

BPDCN侵袭性强，常以皮肤受累为首发症状，骨髓受累、淋巴结和肝脾大较为常见；特征性免疫标志包括CD4、CD56和CD123；目前缺乏有效、标准的治疗方案，预后不良。

Salvage Chemotherapy With Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide, and Cisplatin for Relapsed Germ Cell Cancer

BACKGROUND

Metastatic germ cell tumors remain potentially curable when treated with salvage chemotherapy at first relapse. In the present phase I/II study, we sought to improve on the response rate and duration of the TIP (paclitaxel, ifosfamide, cisplatin) regimen by adding gemcitabine (Gem-TIP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients were recruited after failure of first-line cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. The primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine when combined with TIP and to establish the dose intensity of the TIP drugs in this combination. The secondary objectives were the response rates, failure-free survival, and overall survival.

RESULTS

The maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine was 1200 mg/m2. The mean relative dose intensity was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.2%-99.2%) for gemcitabine, 96% (95% CI, 92.9%-98.7%) for paclitaxel, 92% (95% CI, 84.5%-98.8%) for ifosfamide, and 94% (95% CI, 89.3%-99.0%) for cisplatin. The overall complete response rate was 50%; another 30% of the patients achieved a partial response. The 1-year failure-free survival and overall survival rates were 68% (95% CI, 43%-84%) and 89.5% (95% CI, 64%-97%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Gemcitabine can be added to TIP chemotherapy at the full dose, with manageable toxicity and no detrimental effect on the dose intensity of the TIP drugs. The response rate and duration were improved compared with those reported from the Medical Research Council TIP trial; further evaluation is warranted.

[Efficacy and prognostic analysis of 98 cases of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with second-line regimens]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and prognostic factors of second-line regimens for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 98 patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL who were treated with salvage regimens in Rui Jin Hospital from July 2004 to June 2016. Overall response rate (ORR) was evaluated after all treatment finished. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate by Cox proportional hazards models. Results: There were 60 males and 38 females with a median age of 55.5 (15-77) years. 48 (49.0%) patients responded to chemotherapy, and 32 (32.7%) patients achieved complete remission (CR). Factors affecting ORR were progression disease or refractory/relapse status less than 12 months after diagnosis (χ(2)=5.878, P=0.015) , IPI intermediate-high/high risk (χ(2)=5.930, P=0.015) and NCCN-IPI intermediate-high/high risk (χ(2)=4.961, P=0.026). No significance difference was observed in ORR between germinal-center B-cell type (GCB) and non-GCB (χ(2)=0.660, P=0.417). One-year and 2-year OS rates were 51.0% and 31.5%, with median OS at 13.17 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated NCCN-IPI intermediate-high/high risk[HR=2.176 (95%CI 1.338-3.538) , P=0.002] and response to chemotherapy [HR=0.273 (95%CI 0.165-0.452) , P<0.001] were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion: NCCN-IPI is a valid predictor of outcome for patients with relapse/refractory DLBCL. Response to chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor for better survival.

[The state-of-the-art development in research on oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy]

Chemotherapy is one of the effective methods to treat cancer. However, the chemotherapy agents may cause a series of adverse reactions due to the nonselective characteristics that affect not only tumor cells, but also normal cells. Oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy is a common oral complication caused by chemotherapy in clinic. It brings great suffering to the patients and also interferes with the procedure of chemotherapy. Because of its high incidence in patients receiving chemotherapy and the significant influence, there are more researches on oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy which let us have further understanding of it. This review article will introduce the pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, assessments, treatment and prevention of oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy.

[EMA/CO regimen for chemotherapy 24 patients with ultra high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia]

Objective: To evaluate etoposide, methotrexate and dactinomycin (EMA) /cyclophosphamide and vincristine (CO) regimen for treatment of ultra high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) . Methods: A total of twenty-four ultra high-risk patients who had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) prognostic scores greater or equal to 12 with liver, brain, or extensive metastases did poorly when treated with primary chemotherapy admitted in Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from January 2001 to December 2015. All of the patients were treated by EMA/CO regimen and followed up to death or December 2017. The clinical data of patients were analyzed retrospectively and the efficacy and toxicity of EMA/CO were evaluated. Results: All of the cases with ultra high-risk GTN had FIGO prognostic scores ≥12 (ranged 12-18, median 13.0) . Twenty patients (83%, 20/24) received EMA/CO regimen as primary treatment and 4 patients (17%, 4/24) had a history of failed chemotherapy. Seven patients (29%, 7/24) had metastasis of liver or brain and 17 patients (71%, 20/24) had no metastasis of liver and brain. Twenty-four patients received totally 167 courses of EMA/CO regimen (average 7.0 courses) . Sixteen patients achieved complete remission and 8 patients showed drug-resistant. The complete remission rate was 67% (16/24) and the resistance rate was 33% (8/24) . Of the 16 patients who got complete remission, 6 cases were treated with EMA/CO regimen alone, and 10 cases were treated by chemotherapy combined with surgery. For the 8 patients who showed drug-resistant to EMA/CO, 5 cases of them received EMA/etoposide and cisplatin (EP) regimen and 3 cases got remission, 1 case received methotrexate, dactinomycin and cyclophosphamide (MAC) regimen and got remission, 2 cases gave up treatment because of economic factors. The side effects of EMA/CO mainly included Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree neutropenia, anemia and alopecia. The incidence of Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree neutropenia during the treatment of EMA/CO was 21.6% (36/167) , the incidence of anemia was 96.4% (161/167) , and the incidence of alopecia was 60.5% (101/167) . In these 24 ultra high-risk GTN patients, 4 patients died during follow-up. In the 20 patients who got complete remission, no recurrence or secondary tumor by chemotherapy were occurred. Conclusion: EMA/CO is an effective regimen with manageable toxicity for patients with ultra high-risk GTN.

[Impact of chemotherapy on ovarian function and quality of life of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia]

Objective: Using a questionnaire to evaluate different regimens of chemotherapy on ovarian function and quality of life of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) . Methods: At least 6 months after completion of chemotherapy, 200 patients with GTN treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2010 to June 2017 were randomly selected to fill up the questionnaire. The questionnaire items were included the patient's menstrual cycles, sexual life, gestational issues and common health. The patients were divided into 3 groups by chemotherapy regimens: actinomycin D (Act-D) group, floxuridine+Act-D+vincristine (FAV) or floxuridine+Act-D+etoposide+vincristine (FAEV) group (FAV-FAEV group) , and etoposide+methotrexate+Act-D (EMA) /vincristine+cyclophosphamide (CO) or EMA/ etoposide+cisplatin (EP) group (EMA/CO-EMA/EP group) . Chi-square test was used with a significance level of P-value less than 0.05. Results: One hundred and seventy-three (86.5%,173/200) of the patients completed the questionnaire. Forty three point two percent (43.2%, 19/44) in the EMA/CO-EMA/EP group had a normal menstrual cycle, which were significantly lower than those of Act-D group (84.6%,22/26) and FAV-FAEV group (71.2%, 37/52; all P<0.05) . Amenorrhea rate was also significantly higher in EMA/CO-EMA/EP group (25.0%, 11/44) than in Act-D group (0) and FAV-FAEV group (17.3%, 9/52; all P<0.05) . The sexual life parameters were comparable among 3 groups. Ten out of thirty-two patients conceived after chemotherapy, 2 had miscarriages and 8 had full-term delivery of healthy babies. The common health and labor capacity were significantly decreased after chemotherapy (all P<0.05) . Conclusions: EMA/CO or EMA/EP regimen have a worse impact on ovarian function than Act-D and FAV or FAEV regimen. Gynecologic oncologist should be concerned about the ovarian function and quality of life of GTN patients.

[The roles of holothurian glycosaminoglycan combined with cisplatin on proliferation and chemotherapeutic response in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of Holothurian Glycosaminoglycan (hGAG) alone in combination with cisplatin (DDP) on apoptosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell A549. Methods: A549 cells were separately treated with blank, hGAG, DDP and hGAG combined with DDP (hGAG + DDP). The cell morphology in 4 groups was observed using light microscope. CCK8 assay was used to determine the cell viability. Flow cytometry by Hoechst 33258 and AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot was then used to detect the protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, survivin and caspase-3. Results: After treatment for 24 h, the inhibitory rates of A549 cells in control, hGAG, DDP and hGAG + DDP groups were 0, (19.74±5.39)%, (42.01±2.57)% and (53.89±4.58)%, respectively. Moreover, after treatment for 48 h and 72 h, the inhibitory rates in each group were 0, (23.17±4.78)% and (29.17±4.21 )%, (54.00±7.64)% and (59.35±7.31)%, as well as (77.58±4.26)% and (79.94±4.58)%, respectively. The cell viability was significantly lower in drug treatment groups compared with those in control group at the same time point (P<0.05). Hochest 33258 staining showed that no obvious apoptotic cells were detected in the control group, while apoptotic cells were visible in hGAG, cisplatin and combination groups. Flow cytometry showed that cell apoptotic rates were (2.38±0.59)%, (12.59±4.22)%, (16.36±3.63)% and (44.60±5.45)% in the control, hGAG, DDP and hGAG + DDP groups, respectively. The cell apoptosis was significantly lower in drug treatment groups compared with those in control group at the same time point (P<0.05). Furthermore, western blot results showed that the expression of Bax and caspase-3 protein was increased (P<0.05), whereas Bcl-2 and survivin was decreased (P<0.05) in the hGAG+ DDP group compared with cisplatin alone (P<0.05). Conclusions: HGAG can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Meanwhile, it can strengthen the chemosensitivity of A549 cells to DDP via up-regulation of Bax, caspase-3 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and survivin.

[A clinical analysis of 10 cases with cardiac lymphoma]

目的

分析心脏淋巴瘤的发病情况、临床特征、治疗效果及预后。

方法

收集2000年1月至2016年6月期间确诊并有心脏累及的10例淋巴瘤患者的资料，对患者的一般资料、临床表现、病理诊断、实验室检查、心脏累及方式、心脏并发症、治疗方式、疗效及预后进行分析。

结果

3 918例淋巴瘤患者中，心脏累及者10例，其中原发性心脏淋巴瘤（PCL）1例（主要累及左右心房，以心肌内多发结节包块为主），继发性心脏淋巴瘤（SCL）9例（主要为心包包块，其中出现心包积液5例，心肌肿块2例）。男性6例，女性4例，中位年龄55（19~88）岁，主要临床表现为呼吸困难7例，胸痛5例，乏力、水肿各2例。病理类型包括弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）7例，T淋巴母细胞淋巴瘤、霍奇金淋巴瘤、Burkitt淋巴瘤各1例。心脏并发症包括充血性心力衰竭7例，心律失常4例（主要为窦性心动过速、心房颤动和房室传导阻滞）。除1例高龄、一般状况差未接受治疗外，其余9例患者均接受治疗（单纯化疗4例，化疗联合放疗5例）。中位随访时间为9（1~28）个月。1例PCL患者化疗后获部分缓解（PR），无进展生存（PFS）期为6个月，总生存（OS）期为21个月。SCL患者中6例起病累及心脏者，治疗后1例获完全缓解，5例获PR，中位PFS期为5个月，中位OS期为19个月；3例病情进展累及心脏者，2例治疗后获PR，1例未治疗者死亡，中位PFS期为4个月，OS因数据截尾，未能获得。

结论

心脏淋巴瘤为少见类型，DLBCL为最常见类型，呼吸困难、胸痛为最常见临床表现，并易出现充血性心力衰竭和心律失常，治疗以系统化疗为主，总体预后差。

[The status quo and analysis of quality control of cancer chemotherapy in 76 hospitals in Beijing]

Objective: Investigated the status quo of quality control of cancer chemotherapy in hospitals in Beijing to discover the main problems and provide the improvement measures. Methods: One medical record of cancer chemotherapy was taken every month for examination of quality control, and a total of 10 medical records in each hospital were examined. A total of 756 medical records from 76 hospitals were examined. Results: The results of analysis showed that the overall standardization and quality control of cancer chemotherapy was positively correlated with the grade of hospital. Only 36.8% of the hospitals were equipped with Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services (PIVAS). In terms of quality control of chemotherapy and medicine, the department of oncology had better performance than other departments (P<0.01). The scores of quality control of chemotherapy and medicine in the hospitals with clinical specialist pharmacists were 50.6 and 14.5, significantly higher than 47.2 and 12.7 of those without clinical specialist pharmacists (P<0.05). Conclusion: We should focus on the quality control of cancer chemotherapy in secondary hospitals, reinforce the training of oncology specialists, establish the admission system of oncologists, enhance the training of oncology clinical pharmacists and promote the standardization of cancer chemotherapy.

[Outcome of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery alone for patients with stage pT1b-3N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus]

Objective: To compare the outcome of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery alone for stage pT1b-3N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thoracic esophagus. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-eight patients who underwent esophagectomy for stage pT1b-3N0M0 SCC of the thoracic esophagus in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University between January 2008 and February 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. These included postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for 118 patients and surgery alone for 120 patients. In postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy arm, 3 or 4 cycles of taxol+ cisplatin (TP, n=33) or fluorouracil+ cisplatin (FP, n=85) regimens were given commencing from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis for prognostic factors was performed by Log-rank test and multivariate by Cox regression model. Results: The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 57.9% and 53.8%, respectively for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy patients, compared to 40.4% and 32.5% for patients who underwent surgery alone (χ²=11.973, P=0.001). The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 64.4% and 55.9% in postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy patients, and 46.7% and 33.5% in surgery alone patients (χ²=13.110, P=0.000). Stratification analysis showed that there was significant difference in stage T3 patients (χ²=7.895, P=0.006), but not in stage T1b (χ²=0.762, P=0.383) and T2 (χ²=1.259, P=0.262) patients between adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery alone. Both DFS rate (χ²=1.748, P=0.186) and OS rate (χ²=2.200, P=0.138) of TP group were similar with FP group. Conclusion: In lymph node negative esophageal SCC patients, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy shows survival benefits in stage T3 patients.

Efficacy of weekly administration of paclitaxel and carboplatin for advanced ovarian cancer patients with poor performance status

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to reveal the efficacy of weekly administration of paclitaxel and carboplatin for advanced ovarian cancer patients with poor performance status (PS).

METHODS

FIGO stage III/IV ovarian cancer or fallopian tube cancer patients who underwent interval debulking surgery (IDS) followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups based on NAC: weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin (W-TC) and 3 weeks of paclitaxel and carboplatin (TW-TC). Toxicity, efficacy of NAC, surgery outcome, and prognosis were assessed by comparing the two groups.

RESULTS

Twenty patients treated with W-TC and 18 patients treated with TW-TC were analyzed. All of the W-TC patients were poor PS (PS ≥ 2), and all of the TW-TC patients were good PS (PS ≤ 1). The overall clinical response rates were 70% in W-TC and 83.4% in TW-TC. In the W-TC group, Grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia and greater than grade 2 neuropathy were significantly reduced compared to TW-TC patients. A frequency of treatment delay greater than 7 and 14 days, G-CSF support, blood transfusion, and dose reduction or regimen change were also significantly reduced in the W-TC group. The rate of IDS, optimal debulking surgery, complications during operation, and blood transfusion were similar between the W-TC and TW-TC groups. Progression-free survival and overall survival were also similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that NAC with W-TC for poor PS patients with non-treated ovarian cancer reduced the toxicity of chemotherapy and had the same efficacy as TW-TC.

Meta-analysis of Modified FOLFIRINOX Regimens for Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

We performed a meta-analysis of previous reports evaluating the effect of mFIO (modified FOLFIRINOX; leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) regimens in advanced pancreatic cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of reported studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (1950-2016) in December 2016. The inclusion criteria were randomized trials, prospective or retrospective cohorts, patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the use of mFIO or FOLFIRINOX (FIO) chemotherapy, and available information for ≥ 1 efficacy endpoint (response rate, progression-free survival, and/or overall survival). The outcomes were compared according to the chemotherapy regimen using a random effects model. We also performed a meta-regression analysis to evaluate the effect of dose reductions on outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 2525 abstracts, 32 were considered eligible. Modifications in the FIO regimen included omission of the 5-fluorouracil bolus and/or dose reductions in infusional 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and/or oxaliplatin. mFIO was not associated with inferior response rates (32% vs. 33%; P = .879), lower rates of survival at 11 months (47% vs. 50%; P = .38), or lower 6-month progression-free survival rates (47% vs. 53%; P = .38). The meta-regression of the percentage of dose reduction failed to show any association.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present meta-analysis with a combined sample size of 1461 patients suggest that it is reasonable to consider mFIO regimens for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

[Ki-67 expression and its effect on response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in invasive breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) among different molecular subtypes of breast cancers using molecular classification with Ki-67 (ER+ PR+ HER2+ Ki-67) or without Ki-67 (ER+ PR+ HER2). Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven cases of invasive breast cancer confirmed by core needle biopsy before NAC were collected from January 2007 to December 2009 and diagnosed at West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The cases were classified into different molecular subtypes using molecular classifications with or without Ki-67. Their clinical and pathological response to NAC was evaluated and compared. Results: The different subtypes using both molecular classifications showed significant difference in clinical response(with Ki-67: χ(2)=22.40, P<0.01; without Ki-67: χ(2)=9.202, P=0.027)but not pathological(P>0.05) response to NAC. By multivariate analysis, Ki-67 was predictive for a clinical complete response (P=0.041) and clinical overall response (P<0.01); also Ki-67 was the only clinicopathological factor predictive of pathological response(P=0.041). Conclusion: The molecular classification with Ki-67 is better to predict breast cancers responsiveness to NAC than the molecular classification without Ki-67.

[Retrospective analysis of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in pregnancy]

Objective: To investigate the principles of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy. Methods: Clinical data of patients with breast cancer during pregnancy admitted to Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University between January 2012 to July 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 17 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer in pregnancy, the median age was 32 years (range from 25 to 45 years old), pathological staging revealed 2 patient with stage 0, 1 with stage Ⅱa, 7 with stage Ⅱb, 1 with stage Ⅲa, 2 with stage Ⅲc, 4 with stage Ⅳ. Results: Thirteen patients received surgical treatment in pregnancy, the gestational age at surgery was (27.7±4.6) weeks; 2 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ received mastectomy, 11 patients with breast cancer underwent modified radical mastectomy. In patients undergoing surgery during pregnancy, no prophylactic contractions were used in 4 patients who had been treated earlier, there were 2 patients with frequent contractions within 24 hours after operation in these patients. Follow-up 9 patients were given oral nifedipine to prevent contractions, no obvious contractions occurred after the operation. Seven patients received chemotherapy during pregnancy; the chemotherapy of 4 cases of triple negative breast cancer was weekly paclitaxel sequential epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, the chemotherapy of the other three patients was docetaxel sequential epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. Fifteen patients underwent cesarean section to terminate pregnancy, 2 patients underwent spontaneous labor. The gestational age of birth was (36.9 ±1.3) weeks. Less than 35 weeks of termination of pregnancy occurred in one patient, the fetus was delivered to the neonatal intensive care unit due to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and suffered from congenital dysaudia. The prognosis of the other 16 survived infants was good. The median follow-up time was 10 months (range from 4 to 27) months, in 13 patients of stage 0 to Ⅲc, one patient were diagnosed with bone metastasis at 12 months after surgery, the remaining 12 patients had no disease progression, the progression free survival rate was 12/13, the overall survival rate was 13/13. Among the 4 patients with stage Ⅳ, one died in 7 months after delivery, one had new liver metastasis in 8 months after delivery. The remaining 2 patients were in stable condition. Conclusions: Breast cancer in pregnancy can be treated effectively, multidisciplinary cooperation and detailed assessment of maternal-fetal risks and benefits are necessary. Chemotherapy during pregnancy is safe for maternal-fetal, but it needed a large sample of clinical studies and long-term follow-up. The neonatal outcome was associated with gestational age, and therefore premature delivery was avoided as much as possible during treatment.

[Exploration of the rational therapeutic regimen for advanced lung cancer patients with mild tumor enlargement]

Objective: To investigate the factors that impacts of therapeutic effect in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with mild tumor enlargement and the rational therapeutic strategy for them. Methods: The clinicopathological features and prognostic data of advanced NSCLC patients whose sum of tumor longest diameters with 0 to 20% increase were retrospectively explored, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the independent prognostic factors in patients. Results: The median progression-free survival (PFS) of 54 patients with the original regimen was 87 days, significantly less than 168 days of the median PFS of 49 patients with replacing regimen (P<0.001). The median PFS of other chemotherapeutic regiems (154 days) and the targeted therapy (287 days) were longer than the origional therapy (P<0.05 for all). The left 7 patients received radiotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated a significant difference in the PFS when the maximal cut-off value of tumor enlargement ratio was 7%. Univariate analysis of patients with targeted therapy after disease progression showed that gender, pathological type, clinical stage, lung metastasis and tumor enlargement ratio were the prognostic factors (all of P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the tumor enlargement ratio was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.001). Single factor analysis showed that the chemotherapeutic regimens before and after disease progression were prognostic factors of patients received chemotherapy after disease progression (P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that the chemotherapeutic regimen after disease progression was an independent prognostic factor of patients (P=0.004). In the patients whose tumor enlargement ratio was 0 to 7%, Univariate analysis showed that chemotherapeutic regimen before tumor enlargement was a prognostic factor (P=0.030), while Cox multivariate analysis showed that it was not an independent prognostic factor (P=0.560). In the patients whose tumor enlargement ratio was 7.1% to 20%, single factor analysis showed that pathological type, bone metastasis and chemotherapeutic regimen after disease progression were prognostic factors (all of P<0.05), and Cox multivariate analysis showed that all of them were independent prognostic factors of these patients (all of P<0.05). Conclusions: To the advanced NSCLC patients whose tumor enlargement ratio is 0 to 20%, the PFS of patients receive replacing regimen is longer than that of patients receive original regimen. There is a significant difference in the PFS when the maximal cut-off value of tumor enlargement ratio is 7%. To patients undergo second-line chemotherapy before disease progression and the tumor enlargement ratio is 7.1% to 20%, the PFS of patients receive replacing regimen is significantly extended. Dual drug replacing regimen is especially benefit to the adenocarcinoma patients without bone metastasis.

[Effect of 21-gene recurrence score on chemotherapy decisions for patients with estrogen receptor-positive, epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative and lymph node-negative early stage-breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect of 21-gene recurrence score on adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-negative and lymph node (LN)-negative early stage-breast cancer. Methods: One hundred and forty-eight patients with ER+ , HER-2- and LN- early stage breast cancer were recruited in the Ruijin hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The 21-gene recurrence score (RS)assay was performed and systemic therapeutic decisions were made before and after knowing the RS results under multidisciplinary discussion. The effects of RS assay and the other influential factors on adjuvant chemotherapy decision were further analyzed. Results: After knowing the RS results, treatment decisions were changed in 26 out of 148 patients(17.6%). Among them, 9 out of 26 patients were not recommended for chemotherapy; 16 of 26 had treatment recommendation changed to chemotherapy, and chemotherapy regimen was changed in the last one patient. Multivariate analysis showed that RS, age and histological grade were independent factors of decision-making for adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 21-gene recurrence score significantly influences decision making for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with ER+ , HER-2- and LN- early stage breast cancer.

[Patterns of recurrence in patients with stage Ⅲ thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radical resection]

Objective: To evaluate the patterns of recurrence and their value on target delineation for postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in patients with stage Ⅲ thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after esophagectomy. Methods: 395 patients (302 male and 93 female) of stage Ⅲ thoracic ESCC after radical resection were enrolled in this study. Among them, 375 patients were treated with two-field and other 20 with three-field esopahgectomy. 97 patients were treated with surgery alone, 212 with adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy (CT), 56 with radiotherapy (RT) and 30 with CT plus RT. Diagnosis of recurrence was primarily based on CT images, some of which were biopsy confirmed. The location and patterns of tumor recurrence were analyzed. Results: The overall failure rates was 75.7% (299/395). Locoregional recurrence (LR) was found in 48.4% of the patients, distant metastasis (DM) in 16.2%, and LR plus DM in 4.3%. There were 208 patients occurred with LR, 26.9% (56) recurred in supraclavicular/neck (51 in supraclavicular), 69.7% (145) in mediastinum (88.7% in upper-mediastinum), and 19.7% (41) in upper abdomen (38 in para-aortic lymph node). Chi-square test and logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that TNM stage and adjuvant therapy were significantly associated with LR (P<0.05). Postoperative RT reduced LR (mainly LR in mediastinum), but postoperative CT did not decrease LR. Conclusions: The recurrence rate is very high in stage Ⅲ thoracic ESCC patients, LR is the main pattern of failure. TNM stage is one of the most important factors for LR. Postoperative radiotherapy can reduce LR but postoperative chemotherapy does not decrease LR. Upper-mediastinum is the most common site of recurrence, followed by supraclavicular and para-aortic regions; these areas should be considered as the key target of postoperative radiotherapy.

[Analysis of the factors influencing adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for triple negative breast cancer]

Objective: To analyze adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and explore the influencing factors in the multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) modality. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed. The cases with invasive TNBC who underwent surgery and MDT discussion for adjuvant treatment in Ruijin Hospital, from April 2013 to June 2015, were recruited. The patients' clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed and adjuvant treatment suggestions from MDT were obtained. Here the chemotherapy decision alteration was defined as a disagreement in chemotherapy or not, or inconsistence in regimens between the attending doctor and the multidisciplinary team. Results: A total of 194 patients aged ≤70 years old were enrolled in the multidisciplinary discussion, and 187 patients (96.4%) were suggested to receive chemotherapy. When compared the opinions of the attending doctor to suggestions of the multidisciplinary team, we found that the percentage of chemotherapy decision alteration reached 22.7% (39/172), of which 94.9% (37/39) were inconsistence in chemotherapy regimens. There were 119 patients who were recommended to receive epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by docetaxel (T) or weekly paclitaxel (wP) regimens. Before the announcement of results for the E1199 trial, EC-T accounted for 62.5% (55/88), and EC-wP accounted for 37.5% (33/88) for this group of patients. After that, the proportion of EC-T was decreased to 22.6% (7/31) and proportion of EC-wP increased to 77.4%(24/31) (P<0.001). In addition, a total of 20 patients were suggested to receive platinum based chemotherapy. The proportions were 9.3% in cases with invasive ductal carcinoma, and 33.3% in cases with metaplastic carcinoma, respectively (P=0.016). Conclusions: The adjuvant chemotherapy decision for TNBC patients is altered in 22.7% of the patients after MDT discussion. After the announcement of SABCS E1199 results, more patients are suggested to receive EC followed by weekly paclitaxel. There is a lack of detailed evidence for platinum based adjuvant chemotherapy for TNBC, and more patients with metaplastic carcinoma receive platinum based adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Efficacy and safety of CTD and PCD regimens in treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma]

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of CTD (cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, dexamethasone) and PCD (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone) regimens in treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) . Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 88 cases of NDMM patients admitted to our hospital from July 2013 to January 2016, including 49 cases in CTD group and 39 cases in PCD group. The outcomes of two different regimens were analyzed, including response, prognosis, and adverse events. Results: The total overall remission rates (ORR, better than PR) of CTD and PCD were 65.3% (32/49) and 84.6% (33/39) , while very good partial response (VGPR) were 30.6% (15/49) and 53.8% (21/39) , and differences were statistically significant (P=0.041, P=0.028) . The median follow-up was 11.5 (3-33) months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was (23.0±4.5) months in CTD groups, but it was not achieved in PCD group, with statistically significant differences (P=0.050) . Medial overall survival was not achieved in both two groups, without statistically significant difference (P=0.257) . There were statistical differences between patients with minor response (MR) and patients without MR in medium OS in CTD group (P=0.005) , and there were statistical difference between patients with VGPR and without VGPR in medium OS in CTD group (P=0.042) . Infection was a common adverse event in two groups. The incidences of peripheral neuropathy and herpes zoster were markedly higher in PCD group than CTD group, and the incidences of thrombus, palpation and rash, etc., were higher in CTD group. Conclusion: Both CTD and PCD regimens were effective first-line induction chemotherapy choice for NDMM. PCD regimen is better than CTD in treatment power and deep remission.

[Clinical significance and distribution of BRCA genes mutation in sporadic high grade serous ovarian cancer]

Objective: To investigate the mutations of BRCA genes in sporadic high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and study its clinical significance. Methods: Sixty-eight patients between January 2015 and January 2016 from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were collected who were based on pathological diagnosis of ovarian cancer and had no reported family history, and all patients firstly hospitalized were untreated in other hospitals before. (1) The BRCA genes were detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. (2) The serum tumor markers included carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA(125), CA(199), and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) were detected by the chemiluminescence methods, and their correlation was analyzed by Pearson linear correlation. Descriptive statistics and comparisons were performed using two-tailed t-tests, Pearson's chi square test, Fisher's exact tests or logistic regression analysis as appropriate to research the clinicopathologic features associated with BRCA mutations, including age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, platinum-based chemotherapy sensitivity, distant metastases, serum tumor markers (STM) . Results: (1) Fifteen cases (22%, 15/68) BRCA mutations were identified (BRCA1: 11 cases; BRCA2: 4 cases), and four novel mutations were observed. (2) The levels of CEA, CA(199), and HE4 were lower in BRCA mutations compared to that in control group, while no significant differences were found (P>0.05), but the level of CA(125) was much higher in BRCA mutation group than that in controls (t=-3.536, P=0.003). Further linear regression analysis found that there was a significant linear correlation between CA(125) and HE4 group (r=0.494, P<0.01), and the same correlation as CEA and CA(199) group (r=0.897, P<0.01). (3) Single factor analysis showed that no significant differences were observed in onset age, FIGO stage, distant metastasis, and STM between BRCA(+) and BRCA(-) group (P>0.05), while significant differences were found in CA(125) and sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy between the patients with BRCA mutation and wild type (P<0.05). The multiple factors analysis showed that the high level of CA(125) was a independent risk factor of BRCA mutations in sporadic HGSOC (P=0.007). Conclusion: The combination of CA(125) with BRCA have great clinical significance, the mutation of BRCA gene could guild the clinical chemotherapy regiments.

A prognostic model for platinum-doublet as second-line chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients

Poor prognosis of advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and the promising therapeutic effect of platinum urge the oncologists to evaluate the role of platinum doublet as second‐line chemotherapy and establish the definition of platinum sensitivity in NSCLC. We retrospectively analyzed 364 advanced NSCLC patients who received platinum‐doublet regimens as second‐line chemotherapy after platinum‐based first‐line treatment. Patients were divided into four groups by their time‐to‐progression (TTP) after first‐line chemotherapy: 0–3, 4–6, 7–12, and >12‐month group, respectively. Treatment efficacy of patients' overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and response rate (RR), as well as treatment‐related toxicity, were compared among the four groups. A prognosis score system and a nomogram were established by Cox proportional hazard model, and validated by concordance index (c‐index). Median OS was 14.0, 16.0, 20.0, 25.0 months for patients in the 0–3, 4–6, 7–12, >12‐month group, respectively. Age ≤60 years (P = 0.002), female (P = 0.019), and TTP>12 months (P = 0.003) were independent prognostic factors. Prognostic score was calculated by adding 1 point each for any of the above three indicators, with a c‐index of 0.590 (95% confidential interval [CI], 0.552–0.627). Median OS were equal to 25.0, 16.0, and 11.0 months for best (2–3 points), intermediate (1 point) and worst (0 point) category, respectively (P < 0.0001). A nomogram that integrated patient's age, gender, and TTP for OS has a c‐index of 0.623 (95% CI, 0.603–0.643). Female, younger than 60 years, and TTP greater than 12 months may indicate prolonged survival after platinum‐doublet second‐line chemotherapy in advanced NSCLCpatients.

Dose modifications in Asian cancer patients with hepatic dysfunction receiving weekly docetaxel: A prospective pharmacokinetic and safety study

Hepatic dysfunction may modify the safety profile and pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in cancer patients, but no validated guideline exists to guide dose modification necessitated by this uncommon comorbidity. We carried out the first prospective study of a personalized dosage regimen for cancer patients with liver dysfunction treated with docetaxel. Weekly dosages were stratified by hepatic dysfunction classification as such: Category 1, normal; Category 2, mild – alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and/or alanine aminotransferase ≤5× upper limit of normal (ULN), and total bilirubin within normal range; and Category 3, moderate – any alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase ≤5–10× ULN, and/or total bilirubin ≤1–1.5× ULN. Category 1, 2 and 3 patients received starting dosages of 40, 30, and 20 mg/m² docetaxel, respectively. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated on day 1 and 8 of the first treatment cycle, and entered into a multilevel model to delineate interindividual and interoccasion variability. Adverse event evaluation was carried out weekly for two treatment cycles. We found that docetaxel clearance was significantly different between patient categories (P < 0.001). Median clearance was 22.8, 16.4, and 11.3 L/h/m² in Categories 1, 2, and 3, respectively, representing 28% and 50% reduced clearance in mild and moderate liver dysfunction patients, respectively. However, docetaxel exposure (area under the concentration–time curve) and docetaxel‐induced neutropenia (nadir and the maximum percentage decrease in neutrophil count) were not significantly different between categories. Median area under the concentration–time curve was 1.74, 1.83, and 1.77 mg·h/L in Categories 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The most common Grade 3/4 toxicity was neutropenia (30.0%). An unplanned comparison with the Child–Pugh and National Cancer Institute Organ Dysfunction Working Group grouping systems suggests that the proposed classification system appears to more effectively discriminate patients by docetaxel clearance and dose requirements. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT00703378).