Balancing Quality and Efficiency of Head and Neck Contour Revision for Online Adaptive Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The number of target and organs-at-risk (OAR) structures requiring contours is a barrier to online adaptive radiotherapy (oART) implementation for head and neck (H&N) cancer. In sharing our experience utilizing a cone beam CT-based oART system featuring automatic contours, we analyzed the system's clinical performance and the dosimetric benefits of human supervision to investigate the optimal balance between contour editing and plan quality.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We analyzed 44 H&N patients and 349 adaptive fractions treated on the oART system. The unsupervised (automatically generated) and supervised (edited by clinicians) target and OAR contours as well as the corresponding adaptive plans were acquired. Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff Distance (HD) used to assess the geometric extent of contour supervision. We mapped the clinically treated adaptive plan to the unsupervised contours to quantify the dosimetric effect of the contour edits, and the adaptive plan optimized from the unsupervised contours to the supervised contours to simulate an unsupervised workflow.

RESULTS

The targets were edited in >80.7% of the sessions, with the most changes seen in the primary GTV (DSC = 0.86 ± 0.09 and HD = 2.77 ± 1.58 mm) and the least in the nodal CTV (DSC = 0.92 ± 0.06, HD = 2.29 ± 1.49 mm). Among OARs, oral cavity was the most frequently edited (49.0%) and brainstem the least (2.2%). In general, OAR edits were minor (mean DSC > 0.95 with std Dosimetric quantification of the edits (Table 1) showed that while the unsupervised targets resulted in significant coverage loss, the change in unsupervised OAR dose was not as pronounced, with 81.5-96.8% still meeting the preplan constraints. Edits corresponding to major dose changes were mostly adjacent to or inside targets. The unsupervised workflow underdosed the targets and overdosed the OARs, and therefore is not recommended.

CONCLUSION

While target contours needed physician supervision in H&N oART, edits to automatic OAR contours were minor. An alternative contour workflow could be adopted to focus on the targets and reduce time spent on the OARs. For OAR close to or overlapping with the targets, strategic cropping could potentially minimize time for editing and improve the robustness of the adapted plan quality.

Disposable versus reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes: a national survey of UK ENT surgical trainees and a single-centre cost-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study primarily assessed ENT surgical trainees' preferences for the qualities of disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes. Secondary aims included eliciting trainees' views on ENT surgery and climate change, and creating a single-centre per-use cost analysis for disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was formulated. An online survey consisting of multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions was distributed nationally. Cost analysis was performed using 2021-2022 data from the host institution.

RESULTS

Twenty-four trainees responded. Data on disposable fibre-optic nasendoscopes showed no difference in overall satisfaction (p = 0.244). Reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes had a lower cost per use compared with disposable nasendoscopes at 5 years (4.7 per cent reduction) and 10 years (7.1 per cent reduction). Of the trainees, 79.2 per cent were supportive of climate-friendly initiatives within ENT surgery, and 25 per cent felt supported by their departments.

CONCLUSION

Trainees' satisfaction with disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes is similar. Cost analysis favours reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes in the long term at the host institution. Empowering departments and trainees to pursue climate-friendly initiatives should be encouraged.

Using the lactate-to-albumin ratio to predict mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether the lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) can predict mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted on December 16, 2021, for relevant articles that provided the predictive performance of LAR for mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock.

RESULTS

Eight studies encompassing a total of 4,723 patients were included in this paper. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of the LAR for predicting mortality were 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.84), 0.68 (95% CI: 0.58-0.76) and 5.23 (95% CI: 2.62-10.45), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70-0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggests that LAR is moderately predictive of mortality among patients with sepsis or septic shock and may be beneficial to identify high-risk patients.

225 First Contact: A Series of Zoom-Based, Virtual on Call Shifts

Aim

COVID-19 has resulted in reduced exposure to on-call shifts where medical students could increase confidence and proficiency in task prioritisation and decision making. Existing ‘simulated on-calls’ provide a substitute in a controlled environment, however in person teaching has also been limited by COVID-19. Our virtual on-call sessions use ZOOM to replicate the higher-level learning experiences normally conferred by live simulation.

Method

We designed a series of virtual ‘on-calls’ for medical students. Participants were ‘on-call’, receiving ‘bleeps’ which were ‘answered’ by calling a facilitator via ZOOM. The facilitator would roleplay a scenario and the ‘Electronic Patient Record’ (EPR) on Google Forms contained patient notes and observations. Students needed to collect information from the facilitator and document a management plan into the EPR. Participants received ‘bleeps’ of varying complexity, urgency and relevance and were expected to prioritise and triage tasks accordingly. Evaluation was via a pre/post session quiz with separate feedback forms.

Results

23 students from 18 universities participated. Students reported increased confidence in managing on-call scenarios, and average scores improved in the post session quiz. Positive feedback was paid to the variety of scenarios, the EPR system and the feeling of realism elicited from the need to triage and prioritise jobs.

Conclusions

Our framework uses readily accessible technology to provide interactive learning experience. Feedback suggested students engaged in higher order learning and thinking, achieving our stated aims. We aim to incorporate technologies such as automation software which will allow for a scalable, free, and accessible virtual on call.

Network meta-analysis (NMA) of second-line (2L) treatment options in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

337

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, in combination either with a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 or tyrosine kinase inhibitor are approved for first-line (1L) therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Of those, several have been shown to improve median progression-free survival (mPFS) in the 2L. A recent NMA by Irbaz et al. (PMID 33824031) identified the most effective 1L treatments for mRCC. In the absence of head-to-head randomized clinical trials (RCT), we performed an indirect comparison of 2L treatments for mRCC. Methods: We conducted literature searches in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify RCTs evaluating 2L treatments in mRCC. We extracted the mPFS hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used a normal likelihood model that incorporates log HRs of the treatment differences for conducting the NMA. P-scores, measuring the certainty that one treatment is better than another averaged over all competing treatments, were used to rank treatments. Higher p scores indicate better outcomes. Data were analyzed with R netmeta package v.1.5-0. Results: All 8 therapies included in this analysis showed benefits in mPFS over placebo (Table). The combination of lenvatinib+everolimus had the lowest hazard of disease progression or death and pazopanib was the highest compared to placebo. Lenvatinib+everolimus ranked highest with a p-score of 0.96 followed by cabozantinib (0.88), and lenvatinib (0.79); with others having p-scores of 0.60 or less (placebo p-score 0.00). Conclusions: This NMA revealed that lenvatinib+everolimus and cabozantinib are most likely to produce the highest PFS benefit in 2L in mRCC. Future studies are needed to evaluate 1L and 2L sequencing options to further inform clinical practice. [Table: see text]

1426 Assessing the Impact Of COVID-19 On ENT Referrals at A West London General Practice

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in initial GP consultations being conducted via telephone. This quality improvement initiative quantified this impact on ENT referrals conducted at a West London GP, using education to improve awareness of the relevant NICE guidance to reduce inappropriate referrals.

Method

An initial retrospective audit comparing number and urgency of ENT referrals and the appropriateness of ENT referrals (using NICE guidance) during the face to face (F2F) period (August 2019 – February 2020) and telephone period (March – September 2020) was performed. Results were presented locally to GPs, with education measures on relevant NICE guidance implemented. Further PDSA cycles occurred during October and November 2020.

Results

In total, 16 ENT referrals were made during the F2F period (routine n = 15; urgent n = 1); 3 were inappropriate. 31 referrals were made between March and September 2020 (routine n = 27, urgent n = 2, 2WW n = 2); 4 were inappropriate. Further cycles in October 2020, and November 2020 identified 13 referrals (routine n = 10, 2WW n = 3), and 2 referrals (routine n = 2) respectively. 1 inappropriate referral was made during October and none in November.

Conclusions

Locally, it appears that the number of routine referrals has increased since the advent of the initial lockdown. This may be partially explained by the practice losing the ability to perform some ENT services, such as ear wax micro-suctioning. Education to increase awareness of relevant guidance has been shown to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals to ENT services.

1372 Thrombocytosis and Malignancy: Management in Primary Care

Introduction

The diagnosis of cancer relies within primary care to recognise this possibility in patients. Studies have shown an association of thrombocytosis with cancer, in particular lung, renal, uterine and colorectal cancer. Subsequently, suspected cancer pathways incorporate thrombocytosis in stratifying risk. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate and improve the approach of GPs at a West London practice in managing thrombocytosis.

Method

A retrospective study evaluated patients with a most recent platelet count of > 450x109/L. Furthermore, a survey was sent to all GPs within the practice to establish their understanding and concerns. Results were presented locally, and intervention applied following the end of the first cycle.

Results

The survey showed 75% (n = 9) of staff were aware of the association of thrombocytosis and malignancy. In absence of specific symptoms, 64% would consider a chest X-ray, 41% a faecal occult blood test and 16% would consider transvaginal USS in women. 28 patients were identified with thrombocytosis. Of these, 4 had underlying malignancy, 3 had an underlying haematological condition. 2 cases had a concurrent inflammatory process. Of the remaining 19 patients, 5 were referred on for specialist service. In the remaining 14, although filed as “to repeat blood test” or “speak to doctor”, 12 had yet to be actioned.

Conclusions

The management of thrombocytosis at a local level in primary care has room for improvement. An alert was designed and created on the online system used by the practice to safeguard missed recalls for blood tests and prompts to consider the possibility of malignancy.

1389 Axillary Staging in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ with Microinvasion: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) is a rare subtype of DCIS, with a foci of tumour cells penetrating through the basement membrane. A conundrum for surgeons is that definitive diagnosis is made upon histological examination of the final specimen. In the UK, there are no specific guidelines on the role of axillary staging in the management of DCISM cases.

Method

A systematic review was conducted on the databases MEDLINE and Embase using the keywords: breast, DCISM, microinvasion, “ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion”, sentinel lymph node biopsy, SLNB, axillary staging was performed. 23 studies were selected for analysis. Primary outcome was the positivity of lymph node metastases; secondary outcome looked at characteristics of DCISM that may affect node positivity.

Results

2959 patients were included. Significant heterogeneity was observed amongst the studies with regards to metastases (I2=61%; P < 0.01). Lymph node macrometastases was estimated to be 2%. Significant subgroup difference was not observed between SLNB technique and lymph node macrometastases (Q = 0.74; p = 0.69). Statistical significance was observed between the focality of the DCISM and lymph node macrometastases (Q = 8.71; p = 0.033).

Conclusions

DCISM is not linked with higher rates of clinically significant metastasis to axillary lymph nodes. Survival rates are very similar to those seen in cases of DCIS. Current evidence suggests that axillary staging in cases of DCISM will not change their overall management. A conscientious multidisciplinary team approach evaluating pre-operative clinical and histological information to tailor the management specific to individual cases of DCISM would be a preferred approach than routine axillary staging.

Institutional chart review on same-day pegfilgrastim administration in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients receiving myelotoxic chemotherapy

71

Background: Pegfilgrastim administration is recommended at least 24 hours after the end of chemotherapy (CTX) treatment for prevention of chemotherapy-induced (febrile) neutropenia (CIN/FN). Published studies have found no differences in the risk of FN between same-day and next-day pegfilgrastim administrations in certain cancers. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of same-day compared to next-day pegfilgrastim administration in SCLC patients, we evaluated our own institutional data. Methods: Using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes for SCLC, electronic health records were reviewed retrospectivey for the period 11/1/2013-8/31/2018 at the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC). Inclusion criteria were age 18 or older, biopsy confirmed SCLC diagnosis, treated at UACC, and pegfilgrastim administration on the same day as CTX. Outcomes collected in the first cycle and all cycles of CTX were: FN incidence, CIN grade 3/4, and treatment delay or hospitalizations due to CIN/FN. Results: Out of 1,181 patient records, 34 patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 67.5 years, 23.5% of patients had stage 3 or 4 SCLC while 50% had 0-1 ECOG status. 44.1% of patients had a risk based on the type of CTX. Average baseline absolute neutrophil count was 5.55x109cells/L (SD=1.27x109cells/L). A total of 104 CTX cycles were given. Outcomes are summarized in the Table below. After the first cycle, the incidence rate of CIN grade 3/4 was 5.88%, but 0% for all other outcomes. Conclusions: After the first cycle, there were s of FN and no patients experienced treatment delays or hospitalizations related to CIN/FN; only two cases for CIN grade 3/4 were observed. Across all cycles, CIN grade 3/4 was observed in 17 cycles. In only two cycles, treatment was delayed or patient was hospitalized due to CIN/FN, not involving same patients. FN was observed in only 3/104 cycles. All observed rate were comparable or lower than known rates for next-day pegfilgrastim administration. Future studies including randomized trials should be further evaluated.[Table: see text]

Erratum: Azimuthal Anisotropy of K_{S}^{0} and Λ+Λ[over ¯] Production at Midrapidity from Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=130 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 132301 (2002)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.132301.

Erratum: Azimuthal Anisotropy at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider: The First and Fourth Harmonics [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 062301 (2004)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.062301.

P–370 RPL-protease A as a potential biomarker for predicting recurrent pregnancy loss

Study question

Could the reduction of RPL-protease A be involved in the dysfunctional trophoblast for resulting in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Summary answer

Low expression of RPL-protease A may result in RPL and low serum RPL-protease A level may be a potential biomarker for predicting RPL.

What is known already

The RPL-protease A is expressed and secreted by placenta. The RPL-protease A is involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, and the serum RPL-protease A level is higher in the patients with pre-eclampsia than that of normal groups. In our previous study, we identified that the RPL-protease A mRNA level was lower in the villi of patients with RPL than that of normal groups.

Study design, size, duration

Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, the RPL-protease A gene knockout BeWo cell (BeWo KO) line was established, and the wild type (BeWo WT) and BeWo KO cells were applied to investigate the roles of RPL-protease A in trophoblasts. The human serum RPL-protease A levels were investigated by Western blot analysis and ELISA kit.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The cell-cell fusion, cell counting analysis, invasion and scratch wound assays, cell cycle analysis, and immunocytochemical analysis were used to investigate cellular functions of RPL-protease A in trophoblast. The sera were obtained from 32 normal pregnant women and 60 women with RPL. The Western blot analysis and ELISA were used for detection of serum RPL-protease A levels.

Main results and the role of chance

The β-hCG was detected in fused BeWo WT cells, while the BeWo KO cells cannot fuse and did not express the β-hCG. The ability of invasion was decreased, but the capacity of migration and proliferation was higher in BeWo KO cells than BeWo WT cells. Cell fusion related factor (β-hCG), and cell invasion related factors (MMP–2 and MMP–9) were highly expressed in BeWo WT cells, and cell related factor (FAK), and cell proliferation related factors (ERK, p38, JNK, MKK3, MKK6, Raf, and Ras) were highly expressed in BeWo KO cells. The Western blot analysis and ELISA indicate that the serum RPL-protease A level was decreased in patients with RPL compared to that of normal groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The results of this study have the limitation of RPL-protease A functions in vitro.

Wider implications of the findings: The cellular functions of RPL-protease A in trophoblasts were investigated to explain the pathogenesis of RPL, and low serum RPL-protease A level can be used for a potential biomarker predicting RPL.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Cost evaluation of adjunctive osimertinib use in resected epidermal growth factor receptor-positive non-small cell lung cancer

8525

Background: About 30% of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor positive (EGFR+) non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are eligible for surgical resection. Osimertinib, a first line therapy for advanced EGFR+ NSCLC (stages 1B, 2, 3A), has shown clinical efficacy compared to placebo as an adjunctive therapy post resection. We evaluated the cost effectiveness/utility of this regimen. Methods: A two health state Markov model was built (disease free vs. disease recurrence or death). Disease free survival (DFS) curves were digitized and fitted to exponential function. 3 year timeline as patients received osimertinib for 3 years in published data. US payer perspective and 3% discount rate were applied. Drug costs were per Redbook whole acquisition cost and monitoring costs were from published data (US$ 2020). No adverse events > 5% were reported hence none were included. Life years (LY) and quality adjusted life years (QALY) were estimated for each stage. Incremental cost-effectiveness and utility ratios (ICER/ICUR) for LY and QALY gained were estimated in base case (BCA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Results: Shown in the table are BCA and (PSA) results. Using LY as outcome, for stage 1B, incremental DFSLY of 0.40 (0.39) and incremental cost of $500,782 ($501,034) yielded an ICER/DFSLYG of ̃$1.3 million (M) (̃$1.2 M). For stage 2, incremental DFSLY of 0.79 (0.79) and incremental cost of $503,144 ($503,092) resulted in an ICER/DFSLYG of $636,913 ($638,278). For stage 3A, incremental of DFSLY of 0.18 (0.07) and incremental cost of $322,356 ($293,377) yielded an ICER/DFSLYG of ̃$1.2 M (̃1.2 M). The incremental costs are the same for QALY outcomes. Using QALY as outcome, for stage 1B, incremental of DFSQALY of 0.26 (0.27) yielded an ICUR/DFSQALY of ̃$1.9 M. In stage 2, incremental DFSQALY of 0.53 (0.53) resulted in an ICUR/DFSQALY of $950,616 ($952,654). For stage 1C, incremental DFSQALY of 0.18 (0.07) yielded an ICUR/DFSQALY of ̃$1.8 M (̃$3.7 M). Conclusions: The ICERs and ICURs indicate that cost effectiveness varies markedly across stages of disease. Stage 2 showed the lowest cost to outcome association. In general, the cost burden of adjunctive maintenance therapy with osimertinib in resected EGFR+ NSCLC is substantial relative to the observed clinical benefit. The incremental benefit of osimertinib in stage 2b is more evident than the ones in 1B and 3A.[Table: see text]

Economic evaluation of crizotinib, alectinib, ceritinib, and brigatinib in treatment naïve anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

e21102

Background: Crizotinib was approved by the FDA (2011) as the first ALK inhibitor for ALK+ NSCLC as the first line drug. This was followed by the approval as second line treatment of ceritinib (2014), alectinib (2015) and brigatinib (2017); and, following more data, now also as first line therapies in ALK+ NSCLC. With varying costs and clinical benefits for progression free survival (PFS), cost effectiveness/utility analyses were conducted. Methods: A 3 state Markov model was built including progression free, progression and death. PFS and overall survival curves were digitized and exponential functions were fit the curves for extrapolation beyond trial follow up. A lifetime horizon, US payer perspective, and a discount rate of 3% were applied. Drug costs were based on Redbook Wholesale Acquisition Cost while costs of adverse events, monitoring, disease progression were from literatures (US$ 2020). Adverse events reported at > 5% were included. Crizotinib was used as reference treatment. PFS life years (PFSLY), quality adjusted life years (PFSQALY), incremental cost-effectiveness and utility ratios (ICER/ICUR) of PFSLY and PFSQALY gained (PFSLYG, PFSQALYG) were estimated in base case (BCA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Results: Crizotinib was the reference drug in the following estimations. For alectinib, at incremental cost of $7,789 (PSA $7,719), the incremental PFSLY of 1.10 (1.10) and PFSQALY 1.07 (1.07) yielded an ICER of $7,109 ($7,030) / PFSLYG and an ICUR of $7,278 ($7.197) / PFSQALYG. For ceritinib, at incremental cost of $88,688 ($88,450), the incremental PFSLY of 1.02 (1.02) and PFSQALY of 1.01 (1.01) resulted in an ICER of $86,970 ($86,729) / PFSLYG and an ICUR of $87,472 / PFSQALYG. For brigatinib, at incremental cost of $84,680 ($83,986), the incremental PFSLY of 1.01 (1.01) and PFSQALY of 1.02 yielded an ICER of $83,774 ($83,073) / PFSLYG and an ICUR of $82,666 ($81,976) / PFSQALYG. Conclusions: Ceritinib had the highest lifetime cost and comparable PFSLY and PFSQALY to brigatinib. However, alectinib reported the highest PFSLY and PFSQALY gained while having lower costs than ceritinib and brigatinib, therefore being the most cost-effective treatment for naïve ALK+ NSCLC.[Table: see text]

An institutional evaluation of the safety and efficacy of same-day administration of pegfilgrastim in patients receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer

e18591

Background: Pegfilgrastim is recommended to be administered 24 hours after myelosuppressive chemotherapy (CTX) as prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced (febrile) neutropenia (CIN/FN). Recent studies have yielded equivocal data on same day versus next day administration of pegfilgrastim. There has been limited real world evidence addressing lung cancer (LC) patients and the use of same day pegfilgrastim. We evaluated our own institutional data on the safety of same day pegfilgrastim administration in LC patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed by searching electronic health records using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes corresponding with a lung cancer diagnosis between November 1, 2013 and August 31, 2018 at The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC). Patients included in the study were 18 years of age or older, diagnosed with biopsy-confirmed lung cancer, treated at UACC, and receiving chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim on the same day. The outcomes of interest included FN incidence after the first cycle and across all cycles of CTX, CIN grade 3/4 and CTX dose delays or hospitalizations due to CIN/FN after first cycle and across all cycles of CTX. Results: 1,181 patient records were reviewed and 114 patients met the inclusion criteria; 87 (76%) patients had non-small cell LC and 27 (24%) patients had small cell LC. The median age was 68 years, 52% of patients had cancer stage of 3 to 4, and 63% of patients had 0-1 ECOG status. The FN risk assessment was mild in 72% of patients. The mean (SD) of baseline absolute neutrophil count was 5.68 (3.09). In total 384 CTX cycles were received. The table shows the results of all intended outcomes. One patient experienced FN after the first cycle of CTX of irinotecan and 5 patients developed 6 FN episodes across all cycles; 2 patients were on carboplatin etoposide; 1 patient on cisplatin etoposide; 1 patient on vinorelbine and 1 patient was on pemetrexed and then on irinotecan CTX when the two FN episodes were developed. Conclusions: This study showing that same day administration of pegfilgrastim was as effective as next day administration in LC patients, without warranting any concerns for febrile neutropenia or delayed engraftment. Utilization of same day pegfilgrastim, in light of biosimilars and COVID, provides a unique opportunity for cancer care without concerns for FN as stated in previous studies.[Table: see text]

Economic evaluation of six and 12 month (m) treatment with isatuximab and carfilzomib and dexamethasone (IKd) versus daratumumab and carfilzomib and dexamethasone (DKd) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)

e20010

Background: Isatuximab and daratumumab target the CD38 transmembrane glycoprotein on MM cells. IKd and DKd regimens have shown reductions of HR=0.53 (95%CI 0.32-0.89) and HR=0.63 (95%CI 0.46-0.85) resp. in progression or death risk compared to Kd in RRMM. In the absence of a direct IKd vs DKd trial, we performed an indirect treatment comparison on progression free survival (PFS) to enable cost-effectiveness analyses. Methods: A 3-state (pre-progression, progression, death) partitioned survival model was specified. NMA-adjusted transition probabilities were estimated from fitted exponential functions (time horizon of 6 and 12 m; cycle length 28 days). Inputs included the Wholesale Acquisition Cost of IKd, DKd, and premedications; cost of medication administration; and cost of adverse event management. Utility inputs for pre-progression (0.65) and progression (0.61) were per literature. Costs and utilities were discounted at 3.5%/y. A payer perspective was adopted. Life years (LY), quality adjusted LY (QALY), and incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) and cost-utility ratios (ICUR) were estimated in base case (BCA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEAC) were generated. Results: As detailed in the Table, 6m of IKd treatment was associated with incremental gains of 0.01 (PSA 0.01) LYs but no gains in QALYs at cost savings of $24,188 ($23,762), yielding a dominant ICER of $ -2,418,800 ($-2,376,200) per LYg (ICUR not estimable). Further, 12m of IKd treatment was associated with incremental gains of 0.04 (PSA 0.04) LYs (or 0.48m) and 0.02 (0.03) QALYs at incremental cost of $1,585 ($2,239), yielding ICER of $39,625 ($55,975) per LYg and ICUR of $79,250 ($74,633) per QALYg. Per CEAC, IKd is the dominated strategy in the 6m model and had probability of 50% of being cost-effective at WTP of $100,000 in the 12m model. Conclusions: Clinically, compared to DKd, IKd is associated with slight incremental gains in LYs of 0.12m over 6m and 0.48m over 1y. The 6m clinical gain comes with cost savings of approximately $24,000 or about 15% of IKd therapy, while the 12m gain requires a minimal cost commitment of around $2,000 or 0.6% of DKd treatment. These findings imply a clinico-economic benefit of isatuximab compared to daratumumab containing regimens in RRMM. [Table: see text]

Ixazomib (IXA), carfilzomib (CAR), elotuzumab (ELO) or daratumumab (DAR) with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LEN+DEX) versus LEN+DEX only in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM): A comparative cost-effectiveness analysis

8043

Background: IXA, CAR, ELO and DARin combination with LEN+DEXhave been found superior in efficacy compared to LEN+DEX in the management of R/R MM. Applying indirect treatment comparisons from a network meta-analysis (NMA), this economic evaluation aimed to estimate the comparative cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of these four triplet regimens in terms of progression-free survival (PFS). Methods: In the absence of direct treatment comparison from a single clinical trial, NMA was used to indirectly estimate the comparative PFS benefit of each regimen. A 2-state Markov model simulating the health outcomes and costs was used to evaluate PFS life years (LY) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) with the triplet regimens over LEN+DEX and expressed as the incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) and cost-utility ratios (ICUR). Probability sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of parameter uncertainty on the model. Results: The NMA revealed that DAR+LEN+DEX was superior to the other triplet therapies, which did not differ statistically amongst them. As detailed in the Table, in our cost-effectiveness analysis, all 4 triplet regimens were associated with increased PFSLY and PFSQALY gained (g) over LEN+DEX at an additional cost. DAR+LEN+DEX emerged the most cost-effective with ICER and ICUR of $667,652/PFSLYg and $813,322/PFSQALYg, respectively. The highest probability of cost-effectiveness occurred at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $1,040,000/QALYg. Conclusions: Our economic analysis shows that all the triplet regimens were more expensive than LEN +DEX only but were also more effective with respect to PFSLY and PFSQALY gained. Relative to the other regimens, the daratumumab regimen was the most cost-effective.[Table: see text]

Economic evaluation of crizotinib, alectinib, ceritinib, and brigatininb in anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as second-line treatment

e21104

Background: Crizotinib, alectinib, ceritinib, and brigatinib are approved as second line treatment for ALK+ NSCLC. Crizotinib was the first ALK inhibitor for first line therapy approved by Food and Drug Administration (2011) then ceritinib (2014), alectinib (2015), and brigatinib (2017) were approved as second line drugs. Following more data, these agents were approved as the first line therapy (2017 for ceritinib and alectinib; 2020 for brigatinib). These remain as a treatment option in patients who fail the first line therapy. Cost-effectiveness/utility analyses were conducted to assess clinical efficacy with varying costs of the agents. Methods: A three state Markov model were assumed (progression free, progression and death). Progression free survival (PFS) curves were digitized and fitted with exponential function. US payer perspective, a lifetime horizon, and discount rate of 3% were applied. Drug costs were Redbook wholesale acquisition cost. Other costs included were monitoring, adverse events and disease progression from published data (US$ 2020). Adverse events reported >5% in patients were included. Measured outcomes were PFS life years (PFSLY) and quality adjusted life years (PFSQALY). Crizotinib was the reference drug. Incremental cost-effectiveness and utility ratios (ICER/ICUR) of PFSLY and PFSQALY gained (PFSLYG, PFSQALYG) and lost were estimated. Base case (BCA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were conducted. Results: Crizotinib was the reference drug for the following outcomes. For alectinib, with the decremental cost of -$14,653 (-$14,712), the incremental PFSLY of 0.16 (0.16) and PFSQALY of 0.05 (0.05) resulted in an ICER / PFSLYG of -$89,337 (-$88,604) and an ICUR / PFSQALYG of -$269,835 (-$266,510). For brigatinib, with the decremental cost of -$14,975 (-$14,954), the incremental PFSLY of 0.01 (0.01) and PFSQALY of ̃0.01 (0.02) yielded an ICER / PFSLYG of -$1,982,962 (-$1,431,631) and an ICUR / PFSQALYG of -$2,140,534 (-$570,538). For ceritinib, with the incremental cost of $7,590 ($7,514), there were decremental PFSLY of -0.01 (-0.01) and PFSQALY of -0.03 (-0.03). Conclusions: As second line treatment, crizotinib, ceritinib, and brigatinib had comparable PFSLYs and PFSQALYs while alectinib had the most PFSLY and PFSQALY and the lowest cost. Therefore, alectinib is the most cost-effective treatment for treating ALK+ NSCLC as the second line therapy.[Table: see text]

Treatment with pembrolizumab after hypersensitivity reaction to nivolumab in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

The options for immunotherapy treatment are limited for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this case study, we report a case of successful alternation of one PD-1 inhibitor for another after a hypersensitivity reaction.

Summary

Nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb) has been Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for a variety of malignancies, including a recent approval for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Infusion-related reactions occur in less than 1% of patients, and although such reactions are rare, recognition of infusion-related reactions induced by nivolumab is an important aspect of its usage. The PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab is also FDA approved for subsequent-line therapy in treatment of HCC. Thus far, approximately 0.2% of patients experienced severe infusion-related reaction in studies using pembrolizumab. A 70-year-old male with HCC had an infusion reaction to nivolumab that presented as facial flushing, dyspnea, and back pain. The patient received prompt administration of diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone, which led to the amelioration of symptoms and allowed the patient to complete his immunotherapy treatment. For the third dose of nivolumab, the patient received premedications prior to treatment, including diphenhydramine, hydrocortisone, and famotidine. During his infusion, the patient experienced facial flushing, coughing, chest tightness, and an itchy throat. The patient again received diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone to treat infusion-related symptoms and his therapy was discontinued. Because of the nivolumab infusion-related reaction, nivolumab was discontinued, and the patient was started on pembrolizumab. The patient tolerated pembrolizumab without any subsequent infusion-related reactions. Prompt recognition and attention to immunotherapy infusion-related reactions could potentially prevent the fatal complication of anaphylaxis with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this report, we describe the successful transition from one anti–PD-1 therapy to another for continued immunotherapy treatment without any subsequent infusion reactions.

Conclusion

A patient with HCC was successfully treated with pembrolizumab after experiencing adverse effects with nivolumab.

Economic evaluation crizotinib, alectinib and brigatinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

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Background: Crizotinib and alectinib are approved as 1st and brigatinib as 2nd line (post crizotinib) therapy for ALK+ NSCLC. Alectinib and brigatinib are more expensive but potentially clinically more beneficial in terms of progression free survival (PFS). We performed cost-effectiveness/utility analyses based on published PFS data. Methods: The Bücher method was used to indirectly estimate comparative PFS hazard ratios (HR) for PFS between the 3 agents. A 2-state Markov model (progression, death) was specified, PFS survival curves were digitized, and Weibull distributions fitted with life time horizon. Drug costs were per RedBook (US$ 2018). Cost of adverse event management, disease progression and follow up were per published data. Outcomes included PFS life years (PFSLY) and quality adjusted life years (PFSQALY). Incremental cost effectiveness/utility ratios (ICER/ICUR) of PFSLY and PFSQALY gained were estimated. Deterministic results were verified by probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Analyses were from the US payer perspective. Results: In indirect comparisons, alectinib (HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.34-0.65) and brigatinib (HR 0.49, 95%CI 0.33-0.74) were superior, but equivalent to each other (HR 1.04, 95%CI 0.62-1.75), in PFS over crizotinib in their respective lines. Deterministic (probabilistic) PFSLY, PFSQALY and cost estimates were 0.86 (0.91), 0.54 (0.57) and $193,544 ($203,881) for crizotinib; 1.27 (1.36), 0.80 (0.85) and $236,279 ($251,183) for alectinib; 1.25 (1.33), 0.79 (0.83) and $492,681 ($522,533) for brigatinib. See Table for deterministic (probabilistic) ICER/ICUR results ($ in parentheses denote savings). Conclusions: In this independent economic evaluation not considering intracranial metastasis, brigatinib had the highest life time cost compared to alectinib and crizotinib (all drugs as approved). Comparable gains in PFSLY and PFSQALY for brigatinib can be achieved with alectinib at lower cost, making alectinib the most cost-effective treatment option for ALK+ NSCLC. [Table: see text]

Economic evaluation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors brigatinib, alectinib and crizotinib in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Analysis for intracranial metastasis-related progression free survival (CNSPFS)

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Background: ALK inhibitors (ALKI) have shown clinical benefit in preventing progression or death related to central nervous system (CNS) metastasis in NSCLC. We performed cost-effectiveness/utility analyses that consider CNS progression in comparing ALKIs. Methods: The Bücher method was used to indirectly estimate comparative hazard ratios (HR) for CNSPFS between the 3 agents. A 2-state Markov model (CNSPFS, CNS progression or death) was specified, survival curves were digitized, and Weibull distributions fitted with life time horizon. Drug costs were per RedBook (US$ 2018). Cost of adverse event management, disease progression and follow up were per published data. Outcomes included CNSPFS life years (CNSPFS LY) and quality adjusted life years (CNSPFS QALY). Incremental cost effectiveness/utility ratios (ICER/ICUR) of CNSPFS LY and CNSPFS QALY gained were estimated. Deterministic results were verified in probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Analyses were from the US payer perspective. Results: In indirect comparisons brigatinib was superior over crizotinib (CNSPFS HR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.13-0.54) but comparable to alectinib (CNSPFS HR = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.12-1.31) in CNSPFS; whereas alectinib was comparable to crizotinib (CNSPFS HR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.26-1.77). Deterministic (PSA) CNSPFS LY, CNSPFS QALY and cost estimates were 0.56 (0.69), 0.35 (0.42) and $126,430 ($153,870) for crizotinib; 0.68 (0.82), 0.39 (0.49) and $115,776 ($148,904) for alectinib; 0.80 (1.02), 0.51 (0.64) and $318,114 ($402,442) for brigatinib. See table for deterministic (PSA) ICER/ICUR results ($ in parentheses denote savings). Conclusions: This independent economic evaluation suggests that, despite the lower costs of per-label alectinib and crizotinib, greater gains in CNSPFS LYs and QALYs are achieved with per-label brigatinib in the setting of CNS metastasis. This assumes willingness to pay thresholds up to $1,152,445/CNSPFS LY and up to $1,198,025/CNSPFS QALY gained, which is above prevailing standards. [Table: see text]

Amalgam Strength Resistance to Various Contaminants

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to quantify the relative strength tolerance of 1-day and 30-day amalgam following saturation contamination with water, saliva, blood, and handpiece lubricant oil during condensation.

Methods and Materials:

Valiant PhD XT amalgam was tested with 300 shear-strength (N=15) and 120 compressive-strength (N=6) specimens, divided into 1-day and 30-day groups, each with control, water, saliva, blood, and lubricant oil contamination samples. Shear specimens were condensed in 4 × 4-mm anchor wells inundated with contaminant fluids before adding a ring mold with 3.5-mm-diameter central hole adapted immediately to the top for continued condensation under contaminant-submerged conditions. Compressive specimen samples were condensed while completely inundated by each contaminant using the American Dental Association Specification No. 1 amalgam mold apparatus. All specimens were tested with the Instron E3000 and E10000 at 0.5 mm/min, with data statistically evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis procedure with IBM SPSS v25 and Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results:

Shear test values (mean±SD) following intracapsular and extracapsular contamination after 30 days under 100% humidity at 37°C were as follows: control, 30.97±5.41 MPa; water, 30.63 ±4.41 MPa; saliva, 27.54 ±4.56 MPa; blood, 24.92 ±3.48 MPa; lubricant oil, 26.06 ±4.06 MPa. Compressive strengths (±SD) of similarly contaminated samples were as follows: control, 447.7 ±76.3 MPa; water, 343.6 ±70.1 MPa; saliva, 307.7 ±24.0 MPa; blood, 281.6 ±35.2 MPa; lubricant oil, 227.8 ±16.9 MPa.

Conclusions:

Saliva, blood, and handpiece oil diminish compressive strength significantly, but water shows no statistically significant effect (p>0.05). Amalgam 30-day shear strength is significantly altered by contamination with water, blood, or handpiece lubricant oil (p<0.05). Remaining amalgam strength after extensive contamination may still be clinically functional relative to a previous ADA recommendation and when compared with resin-based direct restorative materials.

Probabilistic dietary exposure to ethyl carbamate from fermented foods and alcoholic beverages in the Korean population

The occurrence of ethyl carbamate was investigated in fermented foods and alcoholic beverages of the Korean total diet study. The concentrations of ethyl carbamate ranged from not detected to 166.5 μg kg^-1. Dietary exposure to ethyl carbamate was estimated by the probabilistic method. Estimated intakes of ethyl carbamate from foods and alcoholic beverages were 4.12 ng kg^-1 body weight (bw) per day for average consumers and 12.37 ng kg^-1 bw/day for 95th percentile high consumers. The major foods contributing to ethyl carbamate exposure were soy sauce (63%), followed by maesilju (plum liqueur, 30%), whisky (5%), and bokbunjaju (black raspberry wine, 2%). On the basis of the benchmark dose lower confidence limit 10% (BMDL₁₀) of 0.3 mg kg^-1 bw/day, margins of exposure were 128,000 for mean exposure and 40,000 for 95th percentile exposure. This indicates that the exposure of the Korean general population for ethyl carbamate is of low concern. However, careful vigilance should be continued for high consumers of fermented foods and alcoholic beverages.

Major Histocompatibilty Complex-Restricted Adaptive Immune Responses to CT26 Colon Cancer Cell Line in Mixed Allogeneic Chimera

BACKGROUND

Although the induction of mixed allogeneic chimera shows promising clinical tolerance results in organ transplantation, its clinical relevance as an anti-cancer therapy is yet unknown. We introduced a mixed allogenic chimera setting with the use of a murine colon cancer cell line, CT26, by performing double bone marrow transplantation.

METHODS

We analyzed donor- and recipient-restricted anti-cancer T-cell responses, and phenotypes of subpopulations of T cells. The protocol involves challenging 1 × 10⁵ cells of CT26 cells intra-hepatically on day 50 after bone marrow transplantation, and, by use of CT26 lysates and an H-2L^d-restricted AH1 pentamer, flow cytometric analysis was performed to detect the generation of cancer-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells at various time points.

RESULTS

We found that immunocompetence against tumors depends heavily on cancer-specific CD8⁺ T-cell responses in a major histocompatibility complex-restricted manner; the evidence was further supported by the increase of interferon-γ-secreting CD4⁺ T cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that during the effector immune response to CT26 cancer challenge, there was a presence of central memory cells (CD62L^hiCCR7⁺) as well as effector memory cells (CD62L^loCCR7^-). Moreover, mixed allogeneic chimeras (BALB/c to C56BL/6 or vice versa) showed similar or heightened immune responses to CT26 cells compared with that of wild-type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the responses of primary immunocompetency and of pre-existing memory T cells against allogeneic cancer are sustained and preserved long-term in a mixed allogeneic chimeric environment.

Positive correlation of serum HDL cholesterol with blood mercury concentration in metabolic syndrome Korean men (analysis of KNANES 2008-2010, 2013)

PURPOSE

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) is anti-inflammatory in the basal state and pro-inflammatory during the acute-phase response. Blood mercury also has an inflammatory property. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum HDLC and blood mercury concentration in relation with metabolic syndrome (MS).

METHODS

The data of 7616 subjects (3713 men and 3903 women), over 20 years of age, from 2008 to 2013, Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were selected for cross-sectional analyses. Correlation and regression of serum HDLC and blood mercury were initially done. We compared serum HDLC concentration according to blood mercury quartile after adjustment for relevant variables in subjects with MS.

RESULTS

Mean blood mercury concentrations is 5.6 and 3.9 μg/dL in men and women, respectively. Blood mercury concentration in MS subjects was positively correlated with serum HDLC concentration, especially in men. In addition, HDLC concentration was significantly higher according to the higher blood mercury quartile.

CONCLUSION

Serum HDLC was positively associated with blood mercury concentration in MS Korean men. Therefore, elevated blood mercury may be a factor to increase serum HDLC concentration in MS men.

Evaluation of interface trap densities and quantum capacitance in carbon nanotube network thin-film transistors

The interface trap density in single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) network thin-film transistors (TFTs) is a fundamental and important parameter for assessing the electronic performance of TFTs. However, the number of studies on the extraction of interface trap densities, particularly in SWNT TFTs, has been insufficient. In this work, we propose an efficient technique for extracting the energy-dependent interface traps in SWNT TFTs. From the measured dispersive, frequency-dependent capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics, the dispersive-free, frequency-independent C-V curve was obtained, thus enabling the extraction and analysis of the interface trap density, which was found to be approximately 8.2 × 10(11) eV(-1) cm(-2) at the valence band edge. The frequency-independent C-V curve also allows further extraction of the quantum capacitance in the SWNT network without introducing any additional fitting process or parameters. We found that the extracted value of the quantum capacitance in SWNT networks is lower than the theoretical value in aligned SWNTs due to the cross point of SWNTs on the SWNT network. Therefore, the method proposed in this work indicates that the C-V measurement is a powerful tool for obtaining deep physical insights regarding the electrical performance of SWNT TFTs.

Human periodontal ligament stem cells suppress T-cell proliferation via down-regulation of non-classical major histocompatibility complex-like glycoprotein CD1b on dendritic cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from the periodontal ligament tissue were recently identified as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The capabilities of PDLSCs in periodontal tissue or bone regeneration have been reported, but their immunomodulatory role in T-cell immune responses via dendritic cells (DCs), known as the most potent antigen-presenting cell, has not been studied. The aim of this study is to understand the immunological function of homogeneous human STRO-1⁺ CD146⁺ PDLSCs in DC-mediated T-cell immune responses to modulate the periodontal disease process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We utilized highly purified (> 95%) human STRO-1⁺ CD146⁺ PDLSCs and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Each stem cell was co-cultured with human monocyte-derived DCs in the presence of lipopolysaccharide isolated from Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogenic bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, in vitro to examine the immunological effect of each stem cell on DCs and DC-mediated T-cell proliferation.

RESULTS

We discovered that STRO-1⁺ CD146⁺ PDLSCs, as well as BMSCs, significantly decreased the level of non-classical major histocompatibility complex glycoprotein CD1b on DCs, resulting in defective T-cell proliferation, whereas most human leukocyte antigens and the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 in/on DCs were not significantly affected by the presence of BMSCs or STRO-1⁺ CD146⁺ PDLSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study unveiled an immunomodulatory role of STRO-1⁺ CD146⁺ PDLSCs in negatively regulating DC-mediated T-cell immune responses, demonstrating their potential to be utilized in promising new stem cell therapies.