A correlative biomarker study and integrative prognostic model in chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide

BACKGROUND

There is a considerable need to incorporate biomarkers of resistance to new antiandrogen agents in the management of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

METHODS

We conducted a phase II trial of enzalutamide in first-line chemo-naïve asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic mCRPC and analyzed the prognostic value of TMPRSS2-ERG and other biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), androgen receptor splice variant (AR-V7) in CTCs and plasma Androgen Receptor copy number gain (AR-gain). These biomarkers were correlated with treatment response and survival outcomes and developed a clinical-molecular prognostic model using penalized cox-proportional hazard model. This model was validated in an independent cohort.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were included. TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene was detected in 32 patients with no differences observed in efficacy outcomes. CTC detection was associated with worse outcome and AR-V7 in CTCs was associated with increased rate of progression as best response. Plasma AR gain was strongly associated with an adverse outcome, with worse median prostate specific antigen (PSA)-PFS (4.2 vs. 14.7 m; p < 0.0001), rad-PFS (4.5 vs. 27.6 m; p < 0.0001), and OS (12.7 vs. 38.1 m; p < 0.0001). The clinical prognostic model developed in PREVAIL was validated (C-Index 0.70) and the addition of plasma AR (C-Index 0.79; p < 0.001) increased its prognostic ability. We generated a parsimonious model including alkaline phosphatase (ALP); PSA and AR gain (C-index 0.78) that was validated in an independent cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

TMPRSS2-ERG detection did not correlate with differential activity of enzalutamide in first-line mCRPC. However, we observed that CTCs and plasma AR gain were the most relevant biomarkers.

[Lymphoepithelioma-like bladder tumor. A rare variant.]

INTRODUCTION

Lymphoepitheliomalikedifferentiation is a rare histological variant of urothelialbladder carcinoma, therefore its prognosis and treatmentare not clearly defined. A retrospective study of 5cases in the last 10 years in our center was performed.

CASE REPORT

cystectomy was performed in 4 of5 because they were non-metastatic muscle-invasivetumors at diagnosis, in the 5th TURB + BCG because itwas non-muscle-invasive. 2 patients received chemotherapyand 1 adjuvant radiotherapy, and 1 immunotherapyafter relapse. 2 had a pure lymphoepithelioma-like pattern, 2 predominant and 1 focal.

DISCUSSION

In predominant or pure forms, agood response to treatment with TURB and adjuvantchemotherapy has been described, even superior tocystectomy, as it is a variant with a very favorable responseto platinum. Immunotherapy is currently onlyindicated as second-line treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

adjuvant treatment plays an importantrole as it is a highly chemosensitive variant, but more studies are needed to define the best therapeuticstrategy.

A phase 2 study of the efficacy and safety of INCMGA00012 in advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSqCC): ORPHEUS

TPS8

Background: PSqCC is a rare tumor with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The current standard of care for advanced disease has been palliative platinum-based chemotherapy, with only marginal survival benefit. Recent data has shown that the majority of PSqCC patients present high levels of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The ORPHEUS trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of INCMGA00012 –a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antagonist– in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic PSqCC. Methods: ORPHEUS is an international, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial. Eligible patients are male aged ≥18 years with locally advanced or metastatic PSqCC, ECOG performance status of 0-1, adequate organ function, a life expectancy of ≥12 weeks, and with no prior treatment with PD-1 or PD-L1/2 agents. A total of 18 patients will be enrolled to receive INCMGA00012 500 mg administered intravenously on day 1 of each 28-day cycle. Treatment will continue until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. Tumor assessments per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune-related RECIST will be performed approximately every 8 weeks for the first 6 months and every 12 weeks thereafter until progressive disease. The primary endpoint is objective response rate. Secondary objectives include additional efficacy outcomes (clinical benefit rate, progression-free survival (PFS), 6-month PFS, duration of response, time to progression, overall survival, and maximum tumor shrinkage) and safety evaluated as per NCI-CTCAE 5.0. Exploratory objectives will evaluate efficacy based on immune-related RECIST; predictive and prognostic biomarkers; impact of INCMGA00012 on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) control in patients known to be HIV-positive. The sample size calculation is based on an exact binomial test. At least 4 responders (22.2%) among 18 patients will be adequate to justify further investigation of this strategy. The analyses were designed to attain an 80% power, with a 10% dropout rate assumption, at a nominal one-sided α level of 5%. The response probabilities for null (H0) and alternative hypotheses (H1) were H0: ≤ 5% and H1: ≥ 25%, respectively. All 18 planned patients have been enrolled since the trial began in March 2020. Clinical trial information: NCT04231981.

Atezolizumab for locally advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma within the compassionate use program in Spain: The IMcompass study

484

Background: Atezolizumab is a monoclonal antibody with proven efficacy in clinical trials for advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) after progression to platinum-based chemotherapy. Following EMA marketing authorization and before prizing and reimbursement was granted in Spain, the Spanish Medicines Agency authorized a compassionate use program. We describe the patient characteristics and atezolizumab effectiveness in this compassionate use program. Methods: It was a multicentre cohort study based on the retrospective chart review of patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic UC who received atezolizumab, following progression to platinum-based chemotherapy, under the compassionate use program in Spain. The primary endpoint was their demographic and clinical characterization. Secondary endpoints included the best response to atezolizumab, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: 109 evaluable patients were included, with a median age (interquartile range, IQR) of 68.0 years (62.0-75.0), 87 males (79.8%) and 96 Caucasians (88.1%). Median age (IQR) at diagnosis was 64.0 years (58.0-72.0) and 92 (84.4%) had pure urothelial carcinoma. Twenty-four (22.0%) had received BCG, 18 (16.5%) neoadjuvant treatment, 19 (17.4%) adjuvant treatment, and 19 (17.4%) radiotherapy for primary tumour. Regarding prior metastatic treatments, 98 (89.9%) had received first-line chemotherapy, 46 (42.2%) second line, 19 (17.4%) third line, and 5 (4.6%) more lines. When starting atezolizumab, median age (IQR) was 69.0 years (62.0-74.0) and 105 (96.3%) had metastases: 71 (65.1%) in lymph nodes and 64 (58.7%) visceral (skeletal n = 31, lung n = 29, liver n = 26, other n = 13). Atezolizumab was used for a median (IQR) of 2.8 (1.4-8.4) months and 5.0 (3.0-13.0) administered doses. The overall response rate was 23.8%, with 6 patients (5.5%) achieving complete response and 20 (18.3%) partial response. Stable disease was observed in 21 (19.3%), progression in 44 (40.4%) and response was not evaluable in 18 (16.5%). The median PFS (95% CI) was 3.7 months (2.8-5.8), with PFS rates at months 3, 6, 9 and 12 of 57.5%, 38.0%, 30.5% and 26.1%, respectively. The median OS (95% CI) reached 8.5 (6.6-12.6) months, with a 12-month OS of 43.4%. Twenty-three patients (21.1%) reported 26 delays (adverse event n = 16, intercurrent event n = 10) and 2 (1.8%) interruptions (adverse event n = 1, intercurrent event n = 1). Atezolizumab was discontinued in 64 (58.7%) due to disease progression (n = 43, 67.2%), death (n = 13, 20.3%), adverse events (n = 7, 10.9%) and lost to follow-up (n = 1, 1.6%). Conclusions: This study provides real-world evidence on the characteristics of patients with advanced or metastatic UC treated with atezolizumab under the Spanish compassionate use program, supporting its effectiveness in the clinical setting.

Clinical Factors Associated With Long-Term Benefit in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Axitinib: Real-World AXILONG Study

BACKGROUND

Axitinib monotherapy obtained approval in pre-treated mRCC patients and recently in combination with pembrolizumab or avelumab in the first-line setting. However, patient profiles that may obtain increased benefit from this drug and its combinations still need to be identified.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective multicentre analysis describing clinical characteristics associated with axitinib long-responder (LR) population by comparing two extreme-response sub-groups (progression-free survival [PFS] ≥9 months vs. disease progression/refractory patients [RP]). A multivariate logistic-regression model was used to analyse clinical factors. Efficacy and safety were also analysed.

RESULTS

In total, 157 patients who received axitinib in second or subsequent line were evaluated (91 LR and 66 RP). Older age at start of axitinib and haemoglobin levels > LLN were independent predictive factors for LR in multivariate analyses. In LR patients, median (m) PFS was 18.1 months, median overall survival was 36.0 months and objective response rate (ORR) was 45.5%. In 59 LR patients receiving axitinib in second-line, mPFS was 18.7 months, mOS was 44.8 months and ORR was 43.9%. mOS was significantly longer in second line compared to subsequent lines (44.8 vs. 26.5 months; P = .009). In LR vs. RP, mPFS with sunitinib in first-line was correlated with mPFS with axitinib in second-line (27.2 vs. 10.9 months P < .001). The safety profile was manageable and consistent with known data.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the long-term benefits of axitinib in a selected population, helping clinicians to select the best sequential approach and patients who could obtain a greater benefit from axitinib.

Randomized phase II study of docetaxel (D) + abiraterone acetate (AA) versus D after disease progression to first-line AA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): ABIDO-SOGUG Trial

95

Background: Abiraterone acetate (AA) improves OS and rPFS in first line mCRPC patients (pts). After AA progression D is commonly used as standard second line therapy. However, the value of maintaining AA in combination with D despite progression has not been tested beyond small exploratory studies (Tagawa ST, Eur Urol 2016) ABIDO is a randomized-phase II trial that evaluates efficacy and safety of D + AA vs D after first-line AA progression in mCRPC. Methods: Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic mCRPC pts with no visceral metastases, ECOG PS 0-1, and adequate organ functions were included. The study has two stages: In stage I pts receive AA (1000 mg/d + prednisone (P) 10 mg qd) until radiological or unequivocal clinical progression. In stage II pts were randomized to D 75 mg/m2 q3wk in combination with AA 1000 mg/d (arm A) or without AA (arm B) The primary endpoint was rPFS and the secondary endpoints radiological response (RR), OS, PSA-response, PSA-PFS and safety. Results: 88 pts were randomized, (46 arm A, 42 Arm B). Median age was 69 y/o, 43% had ECOG 0 and 91%/11%/5% had bone, liver and lung metastases. Median rPFS was 11.4 months (m) in arm A vs 10.5 m in ARM B; 12-m rPFS was 43% vs 45%; Median PSA PFS was 6.2 vs 5.5 m and median OS was 17.3 vs 16.9 m. Twenty four pts (52%) in arm A and 19 (46%) in arm B achieve ≥50% PSA response. RR was achieved in 15% vs 7% of pts and disease control rate in 74% in both arms. No statistically significant differences were found in efficacy parameters. Half of pts received 10 cycles of D (median 7 and 8). D median dose intensity was 86% and 90% for each arm and 91% for AA. Eleven pts discontinued treatment due to non-hematological toxicity, 5 in arm A and 6 in arm B. Most frequent G3-4 toxicities per arm (A/B) were: neutropenia (57%/29%; P=0.027), febrile neutropenia (17%/10%), diarrhea (9%/7%), and asthenia (11%/10%). Conclusions: ABIDO trial was unable to demonstrate the significant clinical benefit of maintenance AA approach + D after AA first-line therapy. No differences were observed in RR, PSA PFS, rPFS and OS. In AA + D cohort, more frequent and severe hematological toxicity (neutropenia and febrile neutropenia) were reported. Clinical trial information: NCT02036060.

A phase II multicenter biomarker trial to study the predictive value of TMPRSS2-ERG before enzalutamide treatment in chemo-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

5040

Background: TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene is a common driver of prostate cancer. The PREMIERE study is a phase II, single arm open-label, multicentre, clinical trial designed to analyse the predictive/prognostic value of TMPRSS2-ERG in first-line chemo-naïve mCRPC patients treated with enzalutamide. Methods: We centrally evaluated TMPRSS2-ERG in diagnostic samples using PCR, FISH and IHC for ERG. Among exploratory biomarkers we included plasma DNA, AR copy number by ddPCR and CTC by AdnaTest. PCWG2 criteria were used for outcome evaluation. We correlated TMPRSS2-ERGand other exploratory biomarkers with mCRPC outcomes. Results: Ninety eight patients with median age 77 y (range 59-95), ECOG 0/1 (54/46%) with mts located in bone (82%), LN (48%) and visceral (17%). With a median FU of 37.3 months, PSA response was PSA50: 82% and PSA90: 53%; median PSA-PFS was 13.7m (95%CI 10.2-19.0), Rad-PFS 26.7m (95%CI: 22.0-NA) and OS 37.5m (95%IC: 33.7-NA). TMPRSS2-ERG was detected in 32 pts (33%), AR gain in 11 pts and CTCs in 35 pts. No differences were observed based on TMPRSS2-ERG status for PSA response (PSA50: 81% vs 83%; p=0.8), PSA-PFS (median 12.8 vs 14.7m; HR 0.98; 95%CI 0.58-1.67; p=0.95), Rad-PFS (median 28.4 vs 26.4m; HR 1.02; 95% 0.53-1.96, p=0.95) or OS (median 36.9 vs 38.1m; HR 1.23; 95%CI 0.69-2.21, p=0.48). Plasma AR gain was associated with worse PSA-PFS (median 4.2 vs 14.7 m; p<0.0001), Rad-PFS (median 3.6 vs 28.4m; p<0.0001) and OS (median 12.7 vs 38.1m; p<0.0001). Plasma DNA and CTCs were also associated with worse outcome. Multivariate analyses of exploratory biomarkers are included in the table. Conclusions: The fusion gene TMPRSS2-ERG is not predictive nor prognostic on enzalutamide treatment in first-line chemo-naïve mCRPC patients. Plasma AR gain and CTCs are strong independent biomarkers associated with adverse outcome. Multivariate analysis of exploratory biomarkers. Clinical trial information: NCT02288936. [Table: see text]

Androgen receptor gene status in plasma DNA associates with worse outcome on enzalutamide or abiraterone for castration-resistant prostate cancer: a multi-institution correlative biomarker study

BACKGROUND

There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers to guide personalized therapy in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We aimed to clinically qualify androgen receptor (AR) gene status measurement in plasma DNA using multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in pre- and post-chemotherapy CRPC.

METHODS

We optimized ddPCR assays for AR copy number and mutations and retrospectively analyzed plasma DNA from patients recruited to one of the three biomarker protocols with prospectively collected clinical data. We evaluated associations between plasma AR and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in 73 chemotherapy-naïve and 98 post-docetaxel CRPC patients treated with enzalutamide or abiraterone (Primary cohort) and 94 chemotherapy-naïve patients treated with enzalutamide (Secondary cohort; PREMIERE trial).

RESULTS

In the primary cohort, AR gain was observed in 10 (14%) chemotherapy-naïve and 33 (34%) post-docetaxel patients and associated with worse OS [hazard ratio (HR), 3.98; 95% CI 1.74-9.10; P < 0.001 and HR 3.81; 95% CI 2.28-6.37; P < 0.001, respectively], PFS (HR 2.18; 95% CI 1.08-4.39; P = 0.03, and HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.23-3.11; P = 0.01, respectively) and rate of PSA decline ≥50% [odds ratio (OR), 4.7; 95% CI 1.17-19.17; P = 0.035 and OR, 5.0; 95% CI 1.70-14.91; P = 0.003, respectively]. AR mutations [2105T>A (p.L702H) and 2632A>G (p.T878A)] were observed in eight (11%) post-docetaxel but no chemotherapy-naïve abiraterone-treated patients and were also associated with worse OS (HR 3.26; 95% CI 1.47-not reached; P = 0.004). There was no interaction between AR and docetaxel status (P = 0.83 for OS, P = 0.99 for PFS). In the PREMIERE trial, 11 patients (12%) with AR gain had worse PSA-PFS (sPFS) (HR 4.33; 95% CI 1.94-9.68; P < 0.001), radiographic-PFS (rPFS) (HR 8.06; 95% CI 3.26-19.93; P < 0.001) and OS (HR 11.08; 95% CI 2.16-56.95; P = 0.004). Plasma AR was an independent predictor of outcome on multivariable analyses in both cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Plasma AR status assessment using ddPCR identifies CRPC with worse outcome to enzalutamide or abiraterone. Prospective evaluation of treatment decisions based on plasma AR is now required.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT02288936 (PREMIERE trial).

Association of CTC detection by AdnaTest with outcome on enzalutamide in chemotherapy-naïve castration-resistant prostate cancer: Exploratory results from PREMIERE—A SOGUG trial

5052

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enumeration using CellSearch correlates with clinical outcome in prostate cancer, but is limited for gene expression analysis. AdnaTest ProstateCancer is a commercially available CTC immune-enrichment and PCR-related detection method that allows gene expression studies (Antonarakis E, NEJM 2014). It has demonstrated incremental detection of CTCs in patients with no CTCs identified by CellSearch (Samoila A, ASCO 2013) but needs to be clinically qualified. There is a strong need for studies to assess the association with the clinical outcome in CRPC. Methods: Between February and November 2015, 98 asymptomatic or oligo-symptomatic chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC pts were recruited in 16 institutions. Although initially designed to study the predictive value of TMPRSS2-ETS, data emerging after the trial was initiated led the group to prioritize alternative predefined exploratory biomarkers, including plasma AR (Grande E, ASC0 2017 #) and CTC characterization (Grande E, ESMO 2016). Outcome measures included PSA-PFS (sPFS), radiographic PFS (rPFS) and OS. Cox regression was used for survival analyses and Fisher’s exact test for PSA response. Results: Ninety-eight patients had CTC blood samples available. CTCs were detected at baseline, 12 weeks and progression in 36% (35/98), 27% (26/95) and 78% (32/41), respectively. The CTC conversion rate (positive to negative after 12 w) was 43% (15/35). All CTC conversions had ≥50% decline in PSA (15/15) whereas only 35% (7/20) of pts with persistent CTCs. At first interim analysis, with a median follow-up of 10.6 months, detection of CTCs at baseline was associated with worse sPFS (median, 7.59 m versus NR, HR, 3.67; 95% CI 1.90-7.10; P < 0.001), rPFS (median, 12.9 m versus NR; HR, 7.61; 95% CI, 2.80-20.64; P < 0.001) and OS (medians NR, HR, 9.51; 95% CI, 1.11-81.52; P = 0.0398). CTC positive pts were less likely to have a ≥90% decline in PSA (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.13-7.72; P = 0.02). Conclusions: CTC detection using AdnaTest is associated with an adverse outcome in chemotherapy-naïve asymptomatic or oligo-symptomatic mCRPC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT02288936.

Predictors of radiologic progression free survival (rPFS) during abiraterone acetate (AA) treatment in a randomized phase II study of AA maintenance in combination with docetaxel (D) after disease progression to AA in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): ABIDO-SOGUG trial

e16536

Background: AA improves OS and rPFS in asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic mCRPC patients. D is currently one of the standard treatments after progression to AA. However, the value of maintaining AA along with D despite progression to AA has not been tested. ABIDO trial aims to evaluate efficacy and safety of AA + D maintenance after disease progression to first line AA in mCRPC. Clinicopathologic features associated with rPFS during first line AA are presented. Methods: ABIDO trial is a randomized, phase II, open-label study with two stages. In stage I pts receive AA (1000 mg + prednisone (P) 10 mg qd) until progressive disease. In the stage II pts will be randomized to receive three-weekly D 75 mg/m2plus P 10 mg/d with (arm A) or without (arm B) AA 1000 mg/d. Pts had no visceral metastases, ECOG PS 0-1, and adequate organ functions. Clinicopathological predictors for rPFS to first line AA were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and independent associations were evaluated using Cox regression models. Results: 143 pts were included. Analyzed variables were: median age was 70y, 60% of pts had ECOG 0, 84% bone metastases (18% > 4), 42% BPI score 2-3, 53% Gleason > = 8, 30% PSA > 80 ng/mL, 38% node involvement and 11% had at least one lymph node > = 3 cm; 53% of pts achieved 4 weeks PSA reduction > 50%.Median rPFS was 18 months. Univariate analysis identified as significant variables: PSA, BPI, Gleason, node involvement, 4 weeks PSA reduction > 50%, and total volume of lymph node metastasis. On multivariate analysis, BPI (0-1 vs 2-3) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.81; p = 0.039), Gleason ( < 8 vs > = 8) (HR 2.51; p = 0.005), node involvement (no nodes, nodes < 3 cm and at least 1 node > = 3 cm (HR 2.8; p = 0.001 and 3.57; p = 0.009) and PSA reduction > 50% (HR 3.06; p < 0.001) were independently associated with rPFS. Median rPFS was superior in pts with 3 or more good prognostic factors (14m vs not reached; p < 0.001). Conclusions: BPI, Gleason, node involvement and 4-week PSA response were identified as independent prognostic factors for rPFS in first line AA treated patients. Clinical trial information: NCT02036060.

Association of androgen receptor (AR) gene status in plasma DNA with outcome on enzalutamide in chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Exploratory results from the PREMIERE trial—On behalf of SOGUG

5016

Background: Building on previous discoveries studying AR status in plasma (Carreira S, Sci Transl Med 2014, Romanel A, Sci Transl Med 2015) and following a road-map for biomarker development, we aimed to clinically qualify AR status in chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC using an optimized multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay (Condeduca et al.;ASCO2017;Abstract#). Methods: Between February and November 2015, 98 asymptomatic or oligo-symptomatic chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients were recruited in 16 Spanish hospitals. Tissue and blood samples were required at study entry. Although initially designed to study the predictive value of TMPRSS2-ETS, data emerging after the trial was initiated led the group to prioritize alternative predefined exploratory biomarkers, including plasma ARand CTC characterization (Grande E. ESMO 2016 & Font A. et al; ASCO2017; Abstract #). Outcome measures included PSA-progression-free survival (sPFS), radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox regression was used for survival analyses and Fisher’s exact test for PSA response. Results: Ninety-four patients had plasma DNA available for analysis. At baseline, AR gain was present in 11 pts (12%) and CTCs in 35 (37%). AR gain in CTC-positive and negative patients was 20% and 7%, respectively. At first interim analysis and with a median follow-up of 10.6 months, detection of AR gain was associated with worse sPFS (median, 3.60 versus 15.5 m, HR, 4.33; 95% CI 1.94-9.68; P < 0.001), rPFS (median, 3.90 m versus not reached HR, 8.06; 95% CI, 3.26-19.93; P < 0.001) and OS (medians not reached, HR, 11.08; 95% CI, 2.16-56.95; P = 0.004). These results were independently associated in multivariate analysis including cfDNA and CTCs for all described endpoints. AR gain patients were less likely to have a ≥50% decline in PSA (OR, 4.93; 95% CI, 1.30-18.75; P = 0.025). Conclusions: Detection of AR gain in plasma using a robust multiplex ddPCR method predicts an adverse outcome in chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02288936.

Characterization and follow-up of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction detected by high resolution manometry

BACKGROUND

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a newly described diagnostic entity growing in importance due to the use of high resolution manometry (HRM). There is little knowledge regarding its incidence, etiopathogeny, long-term evolution, and most suitable treatment. Our objective was to increase the awareness of EGJOO to optimize the management of these patients.

METHODS

We conducted a historical (retrospective and prospective) study of patients diagnosed with EGJOO using HRM combined with multichannel intraluminal impedance, comparing their manometric and impedance characteristics with those of a control group. Symptoms, etiology of obstruction, acid exposure, clinical course (and its associated factors), and response to treatment were also evaluated in the EGJOO group.

KEY RESULTS

Forty-four subjects were included (28 patients and 16 controls). Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction patients presented incomplete esophageal transit more frequently than controls. Patients with structural obstruction had dysphagia more frequently than patients with functional obstruction, and different manometric, impedance, and pH-metric patterns. Over one-third of the EGJOO patients presented a spontaneous resolution of symptoms without EGJOO treatment. In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with this spontaneous symptomatic resolution included typical symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease or epigastralgia as the main symptom and resting or basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter <50 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The majority of EGJOO patients presented intact peristalsis which may compensate for the lack of EGJ relaxation. In the EGJOO patients presenting favorable factors associated with a spontaneous resolution of symptoms, invasive treatments should be considered with special caution. Structural etiologies are more amenable to management, while the remainder may improve without intervention.

Comparing diagnosis, management, and outcomes of synchronous versus metacrhonus brain metastases from testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT): Multinstitutional experience from the Spanish Germ Cell Cancer Group (SGCCG)

4560

Background: Metastases of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) to brain are a rare event. Prognostic is poor and there is little evidence on optimal management of these patients. Methods: A retrospective review of case records of germ cell tumor patients within the Spanish Germ Cell Cancer Group from 1994 to 2012 was conducted. Results: Thirty-tree cases of testicular germ cell tumors from 17 institutions were reported. Nineteen patients (57%) presented with brain metastases at primary diagnosis (group 1: synchronous), thirteen (40%) developed brain metastases at relapse (group 2: metachronous) and only one patient developed brain metastasis during cisplatin based-chemotherapy (3%) (excluded from the analysis). Main demographics and comparison between series are shown on table. Median serum BHCG levels at initial diagnosis were higher in group 1(279.083 versus 175.873), whereas those of AFP were higher in group 2(1320 versus 4181). The most common histology in the primary tumor was choriocarcinoma for group; versus embryonal carcinoma for group 2. Patients had neurological symptoms at diagnosis of brain metastases (63% synchronic/93% metachronus). Performance status was also poor (PS 2-3: 52,6%group 1-62,2% group 2). Four patients (21%) in group 1 had a solitary brain lesion vs seven (54%) on group 2. Median time since last dose of cisplatin to development of brain metastases on group 2 was 6 months (3-22).Median overall survival was 16 months (95% CI 5,3-26,6): group 1: 16 (95% CI 13,9-18);23 group 2 (95% CI 0-165). We have not found significant differences in survival between both groups. Overall 37,5% of patients achieved long-term survival (38,9% in group 1 versus 38,5% in group 2). Patients achieving complete response of brain metastases had a better survival (log rank p:0,003). Conclusions: Long term survival can be achieved in approximately 1/3 of patients with brain metastases. Chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment. Selection bias because of the retrospective nature of review should make us be careful with the conclusions.

Vinflunine (VFL) as second-line chemotherapy for patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (TCCU): A multicenter retrospective study

e15620

Background: VFL is the standard chemotherapy in second-line advanced TCCU in Europe (EMA approval 21/09/2009). We set up a multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of VFL in patients (pts) with advanced TCCU after platinum failure within the framework of routine practice. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study in pts who had demonstrated prior progression to a platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen at 7 centers. VFL standard dose (280-320/m2 every three weeks) was administered until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Objective response was evaluated according to RECIST criteria v.1.1. Results: Between April 2010 and December 2012, a total of 45 pts with median age of 68 years (range 47-83) were analyzed. Main characteristics: ECOG 0-1-2 in 7pts (15.6%), 33pts (73.3%), 5pts (11.1%). Mean creatinine clearance was 59 ml/min. Primary sites of disease were bladder 39pts (86.7%), renal pelvis 5pts (11.1%) and prostatic urethra 1pt (2.2%). All pts had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy as a first-line treatment (cisplatin in 45% of pts). Metastatic locations were: 27pts (60%) lymph nodes, 18pts (40%) lung, 13pts (29%) bone and 10pts (22%) liver. The median number of cycles of VFL was 5 (1-18). All pts were assessed for response, one (2.2%) patient presented complete response (CR), 11pts (24.4%) partial response (PR), 18pts (40%) stable disease (SD) and 15pts (33.4%) progressive disease (PD). Median progression-free survival was 4 months (95% CI, 2.2-5.7). Median overall survival (OS) was 11 months (95% CI, 3.5-18). OS at 6 months was 45%. Liver metastasis was the main prognostic factor for OS (p=0.04). Grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia 6pts (13%), constipation 4pts (9%), abdominal pain 4pts (9%) and nausea/vomiting 3pts (6%). Conclusions: This retrospective analysis confirm VFL as an active agent in pts progressing after platinum-based combination for advanced TCCU in a daily clinical practice in Spain. As ESMO (Bellmunt J, 2011) and Spanish (Castellano D, 2012) guidelines recommend vinflunine, it should be offered in this setting or alternatively, treatment within a clinical trial.

[Spontaneous closure of a residual fistula after surgical closure of a traumatic aorto-right ventricular fístula. Report of one case]

We report a 16-year-old boy, who suffered a right vent ride penetrating injury caused by a sharp blade that evolved to cardiac tampon. He underwent surgery and was discharged four days later. Thirteen days later, a cardiac murmur was found. An echocardiography showed an aorta-right ventricular fistula. Surgical closure was performed through an aortotomy on cardiopulmonary by pass. The control echocardiography showed a small residual fistula, which closed spontaneously three months later.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to cholestatic liver disease

When cholestatic liver disease is present, liver ultrasound should be performed to ascertain if cholestasis is extrahepatic or intrahepatic. If bile ducts appear dilated and the probability of interventional treatment is high, endoscopic retrograde cholagio-pancreatography (ERCP) or trans-hepatic cholangiography (THC) should be the next step. If the probability of interventional therapeutics is low, cholangio-MRI should be performed. Once bile duct dilation and space occupying lesions are excluded, a work up for intrahepatic cholestasis should be started. Some specific clinical situations may be helpful in the diagnostic strategy. If cholestasis occurs in the elderly, drug-induced cholestatic disease should be suspected, whereas if it occurs in young people with risk factors, cholestatic viral hepatitis is the most likely diagnosis. During the first trimester of pregnancy cholestasis may occur in hyperemesis gravidorum, and in the third trimester of gestation cholestasis of pregnancy should be suspected. A familial history of recurrent cholestasis points to benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis. The occurrence of intrahepatic cholestasis in a middle-aged woman is a frequent presentation of primary biliary cirrhosis, whereas primary sclerosing cholangitis should be suspected in young males with inflammatory bowel disease. The presence of vascular spider nevi, ascites, and a history of alcohol abuse should point to alcoholic hepatitis. Neonatal cholestasis syndromes include CMV, toxoplasma and rubinfections or metabolic defects such as cystic fibrosis, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, bile acid synthesis defects, or biliary atresia. The treatment of cholestasis should include a management of complications such as pruritus, osteopenia and correction of fat soluble vitamin deficiencies. When hepatocellular failure or portal hypertension-related complications occur, liver transplantation should be considered.

Tuberculous meningitis in children: clinical features and outcome in 40 cases

In order to assess the epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of tuberculous meningitis, a retrospective review of patients was conducted between January 1989 and December 1995. Forty cases (representing 10%, of all paediatric patients with tuberculosis) were included. Mean age was 46 months (range 1-165 months). Eighteen (45%) children were classified as stage I (non-specific febrile illness without neurological signs), 16 (40%) as stage II (neurological signs without marked changes in sensorium) and 6 (15%) as stage III (major neurological signs with sensorial changes and/or coma). Twenty-seven (67%) patients had received BCG vaccination and 14 (35%) displayed an induration zone higher than 10 mm after a 2-TU PPD test. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was recovered from 24 (61%) patients. Hydrocephalus was demonstrated by cranial computed tomography in 31 (78%) children. Overall, 18 (45%) children had a full recovery. Mild, moderate and severe neurological sequelae were shown by 7 (18%), 3 (8%) and 9 (22%) of the patients, respectively. Three fatal cases (7%) were observed. The presence of seizures (RR 15.6, 2.02-119.1) and absence of extrameningeal foci (RR 4.95, 1.10-22.1) were identified as risk factors by multivariate analysis. These findings emphasize the need quickly to diagnose tuberculosis in children in order to give appropriate and early treatment.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection-associated histologic chronic gastritis in the Spanish population

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection-associated chronic gastritis in an unselected Spanish population. Between November 1990 and May 1991, consecutive patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy due to severe upper abdominal complaints were studied. Only patients with chronic gastritis were included. Four biopsy specimens were taken (two for histologic examination, one for a rapid urease test, and one for culture of H. pylori). A total of 3094 patients from 17 Spanish Autonomic Communities 1817 men (58.7%) and 1277 women (41.3%) were studied by endoscopy. The mean age of the patients overall was 51.4 years. Of these 3094 patients, 1642 had symptomatic chronic gastritis. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in chronic gastritis patients in Spain was 85% (pooled data of the three methods above), and there was at a close correlation between severity of gastritis and H. pylori infection.

Significant increase in eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori infection with two consecutive dual therapies (omeprazole and amoxycillin or omeprazole and clarithromycin). A randomized study in 450 Spanish patients

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcer disease and chronic gastritis, and eradication of the microorganism markedly reduces the recurrence of peptic ulcer. However, a major problem is the choice of a treatment that is effective, has high eradication rate, and is well tolerated by patients. We evaluated the eradication of H. pylori infection in patients with chronic gastritis (CG), duodenal ulcer (DU), and gastric ulcer (GU) after two dual therapies (omeprazole with either amoxycillin or clarithromycin). Of 450 patients initially included in the study, 207 had CG, 187 DU and 56 GU, and all presented with H. pylori infection. Diagnosis was made from endoscope examination, biopsy samples, rapid urease test and 13C-urea breath test (UBT). H. pylori infection was considered to be present when two of the tests had positive results. All patients were randomized to one of two regimens: (A) omeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.) plus amoxycillin (750 mg t.i.d.) or (B) omeprazole (40 mg b.i.d.) plus clarithromycin (500 mg t.i.d.). The duration of each of the regimens was 2 weeks. Fifty-eight patients who showed H. pylori infection after the first treatment (27 with CG, 24 with DU, and 7 with GU) were allocated to a second therapy. H. pylori eradication was assessed by UBT, 6 weeks after the end of the therapies; positive values were those higher than 5 delta units. A second consecutive dual therapy of omeprazole plus an antibiotic (amoxycillin or clarithromycin) not used in the first therapy improved on the eradication rates obtained with the first regimen. The overall eradication rates were also higher, but no significant differences were found between amoxycillin and clarithromycin. The best results were obtained in those patients with GU.

Antimicrobial therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection versus long-term maintenance antisecretion treatment in the prevention of recurrent hemorrhage from peptic ulcer: prospective nonrandomized trial on 125 patients

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of therapy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) on the prevention of recurrent bleeding in patients with recent upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from peptic ulcers.

METHODS

We performed a prospective follow-up study without randomization on 125 consecutive patients (83 males and 42 females) who had presented with their first major episode of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from peptic ulcer (22 gastric and 103 duodenal ulcers). All 125 patients were HP-positive. During the acute phase of bleeding, all patients were treated with standard supportive measures. After the acute bleeding phase, patients were allocated to two treatment groups: 1) antimicrobial therapy-84 patients received one of the following three regimens: 1) amoxicillin 500 mg t.i.d. for 10 days + omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. for 30 days; 2) clarythromycin 500 mg t.i.d. for 12 days + omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. for 30 days; or 3) amoxicillin 500 mg t.i.d. for 10 days + metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. for 10 days + colloidal bismuth subcitrate 240 mg b.i.d. for 30 days. For long-term antisecretion maintenance treatment, 41 patients were allocated to either omeprazole 20 mg once a day or ranitidine 150 mg once a day, for 1 yr.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, peptic ulcers recurred in six patients in the antibiotic group (7.14%) and 13 patients in the maintenance group (31.7%) (p < 0.001). The fraction of patients without recurrent bleeding was greater in the antibiotic group than in the maintenance group. Two patients in the antibiotic group (2.3%) and five in the maintenance group (12.1%) had recurrent hemorrhages (p < 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Cure of HP infection reduces the recurrence of peptic ulcer and of rebleeding from ulcer disease more effectively than does long-term maintenance therapy.

[Is the carbohydrate antigen Ca 19.9 useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma?]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the tumor marker Ca 19.9 in subjects with suspected pancreatic cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Levels of Ca 19.9 antigen were measured by enzymeimmunoassay during a 3 year period to 72 patients investigated for suspected pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

A threshold of 100 U/ml resulted in sensitivity of 94.7%, specificity of 39.6%, positive predictive value of 36% and negative predictive value of 95.4%.

CONCLUSION

Levels of Ca 19.9 antigen > 100 U/ml are suggestive of malignancy in patients investigated for suspected pancreatic cancer.

[Wilm's tumor in adults. Review of the literature on prognostic factors and treatment]

The incidence of adult Wilms' tumor is difficult to determine but the lesion is rare. The prognosis is poorer than in children, but in adults is often diagnosed at a higher clinical stage and with an unfavorable histologic type. There may be other reasons for the poor prognosis as well. A 33-year-old woman with metastatic disease (bilateral kidney tumors, pulmonary and multiples lymph nodes metastases) is described. Treatment with chemotherapy consisted of doxorubicin, ifosfamide and etoposide which resulted in complete remission that persisted for only three months. The factors that probably contributed to rapid progression included un favorable histology (predominant nodular blastematous elements which were anaplastic) and advanced disease. The precise histologic diagnosis was late precluding to plan the correct treatment.

[Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty and open mitral commissurotomy: comparison of 2 techniques in immediate results]

The aim of this study was to assess the real usefulness of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV). Eighty patients aged less than 56 years old, with symptomatic pure mitral stenosis, with an hemodynamic and echocardiographic area < 1.5 cm2, without associated valvular or coronary lesions and without surgical contraindications were studied. These were randomized in two groups of similar age, sex, symptomatology, cardiac rhythm, severity of stenosis and valve anatomy, that were subjected to PMV (n = 38) using a double balloon technique or to mitral commissurotomy (n = 42) with extracorporeal circulation (MC). Mitral areas (calculated using modified Gorlin's formula) increased in 1.15 +/- 0.28 and 1.72 +/- 0.34 cm2 in patients subjected to PMV and MC respectively. No patient died, there was one technical failure with PMV and two patients subjected to MC had a surgical wound infection. Mitral regurgitation increased in more than one degree in two patients treated with PMV (5%) and in 6 patients treated with MC (15%). It is concluded that PMV and MC are highly effective and safe procedures for the treatment of mitral stenosis. Mitral areas obtained with MC are higher than with PMV, however a significant improvement of the disease is achieved with both procedures and MC produces mitral regurgitation with a higher frequency.

Isolation of moderately penicillin-susceptible strains of Neisseria meningitidis in Argentina

Four strains that were moderately susceptible to penicillin and/or ampicillin were found among 54 consecutive isolates of meningococci recovered from patients in one pediatric hospital in Argentina from October 1991 to December 1992. Disk diffusion tests performed with 2 U of penicillin failed to detect one strain. These findings suggest that attention should be paid to changes in the susceptibility patterns of meningococci in order to anticipate therapeutic failures in the future.

[Mitral commisurotomy in extracorporeal circulation: long term follow-up with clinical and hemodynamic control]

We reviewed the clinical and hemodynamic findings in 52 patients undergoing open mitral commisurotomy. 85% were female and the mean age was 31 + 9 years. Before operation 21% were in functional class II, 73% in class III and 56% in class IV. Pure mitral stenosis was found in 61% and congestive heart failure in 42%. The mitral valve area was less than 1 cm2 in 61%, the wedge pressure over 25 mmHg in 59% and the pulmonary artery systolic pressure over 50 mmHg in 59%. There was no operative morbidity in 79% of cases. Operative mortality was 2% (1 patient). All survivors were followed for a mean of 40 + 26 months. At the final visit 79% were improved in their functional class and only 13% remained in heart failure. The mitral valve area increased from 0.98 + 0.26 to 1.5 + 0.48 cm2. Pulmonary wedge pressure was under 25 mmHg in 79% and pulmonary artery systolic pressure under 50 mmHg in 73%. We conclude that open mitral commisurotomy offers a low morbidity and mortality and good longterm results for the treatment of mitral stenosis.