Safety of pregnancy after breast cancer in young women with hormone receptor-positive disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing evidence on the safety of pregnancy after anticancer treatments in breast cancer survivors, many physicians and patients remain concerned about a potential risk of pregnancy specifically in the case of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane library with no language or date restriction up to 31 March 2023 was carried out. To be included, articles had to be retrospective and prospective case-control and cohort studies as well as clinical trials comparing survival outcomes of premenopausal women with or without a pregnancy after prior diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were the outcomes of interest. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (n. CRD42023394232).

RESULTS

Out of 7796 screened studies, 8 were eligible to be included in the final analysis. A total of 3805 patients with hormone receptor-positive invasive early breast cancer were included in these studies, of whom 1285 had a pregnancy after breast cancer diagnosis. Median follow-up time ranged from 3.8 to 15.8 years and was similar in the pregnancy and non-pregnancy cohorts. In three studies (n = 987 patients) reporting on DFS, no difference was observed between patients with and those without a subsequent pregnancy (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75-1.24, P = 0.781). In the six studies (n = 3504 patients) reporting on OS, patients with a pregnancy after breast cancer had a statistically significant better OS than those without a pregnancy (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.77, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies provides updated evidence that having a pregnancy in patients with prior history of hormone receptor-positive invasive early breast cancer appears safe without detrimental effect on prognosis.

Safety of assisted reproductive techniques in young women harboring germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 with a pregnancy after prior history of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Knowledge is growing on the safety of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in cancer survivors. No data exist, however, for the specific population of breast cancer patients harboring germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study across 30 centers worldwide including women diagnosed at ≤40 years with stage I-III breast cancer, between January 2000 and December 2012, harboring known germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. Patients included in this analysis had a post-treatment pregnancy either achieved through use of ART (ART group) or naturally (non-ART group). ART procedures included ovulation induction, ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and embryo transfer under hormonal replacement therapy.

RESULTS

Among the 1424 patients registered in the study, 168 were eligible for inclusion in the present analysis, of whom 22 were in the ART group and 146 in the non-ART group. Survivors in the ART group conceived at an older age compared with those in the non-ART group (median age: 39.7 versus 35.4 years, respectively). Women in the ART group experienced more delivery complications compared with those in the non-ART group (22.1% versus 4.1%, respectively). No other apparent differences in obstetrical outcomes were observed between cohorts. The median follow-up from pregnancy was 3.4 years (range: 0.8-8.6 years) in the ART group and 5.0 years (range: 0.8-17.6 years) in the non-ART group. Two patients (9.1%) in the ART group experienced a disease-free survival event (specifically, a locoregional recurrence) compared with 40 patients (27.4%) in the non-ART group. In the ART group, no patients deceased compared with 10 patients (6.9%) in the non-ART group.

CONCLUSION

This study provides encouraging safety data on the use of ART in breast cancer survivors harboring germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2, when natural conception fails or when they opt for ART in order to carry out preimplantation genetic testing.

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer: a position paper from the AYA Working Group of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE)

It is well recognised that adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer have inequitable access to oncology services that provide expert cancer care and consider their unique needs. Subsequently, survival gains in this patient population have improved only modestly compared with older adults and children with cancer. In 2015, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) established the joint Cancer in AYA Working Group in order to increase awareness among adult and paediatric oncology communities, enhance knowledge on specific issues in AYA and ultimately improve the standard of care for AYA with cancer across Europe. This manuscript reflects the position of this working group regarding current AYA cancer care, the challenges to be addressed and possible solutions. Key challenges include the lack of specific biological understanding of AYA cancers, the lack of access to specialised centres with age-appropriate multidisciplinary care and the lack of available clinical trials with novel therapeutics. Key recommendations include diversifying interprofessional cooperation in AYA care and specific measures to improve trial accrual, including centralising care where that is the best means to achieve trial accrual. This defines a common vision that can lead to improved outcomes for AYA with cancer in Europe.

Risk of cancer after assisted reproduction: a review of the available evidences and guidance to fertility counselors

OBJECTIVE

Infertile women requiring ovarian stimulation and assisted reproduction techniques (ART) are faced with difficult issues. The fear that using hormones could increase their risk of cancer is the most significant. One of the main challenges for assessing cancer risk after ART is the difficulty to separate it from the underlying condition of infertility per se. The delay or the inability to achieve a pregnancy is an important risk factor for breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer. We analyzed the current literature on the topic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The published literature in Medline and Cochrane was screened using the following keywords: ovulation induction, reproductive techniques, clomiphene, in vitro fertilization, fertility agents, female/adverse effects, female/toxicity gonadotropins/ adverse effects or gonadotropins/toxicity and "neoplasms or cancer".

RESULTS

A total of 95 articles were evaluated. Limited evidence suggests that high doses or many cycles of clomiphene citrate could increase the risk of endometrial cancer, although the confounding factors of polycystic ovarian disease and overweight are not always considered. In some studies, ART modestly increased the risk of borderline ovarian cancer. Fertility treatments do not increase the risk of breast, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers, thyroid, melanoma and colon cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Women can be reassured that fertility drugs do not appear to significantly increase the risk of invasive ovarian, endometrial, breast or other cancers, while achieving a pregnancy at an earlier age is a significant protective factor.

The risk of extra-ovarian malignancies among women with endometriosis: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis of studies reporting on the risk of extra-ovarian malignancies among women with endometriosis. Summary relative risk (SRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated through random effect models. We explored causes of between-studies heterogeneity and assessed the presence of publication bias. We included 32 studies published between 1989 and 2018. We found an increased risk of endometrial (SRR 1.38, 95%CI 1.10-1.74) and thyroid cancer (SRR 1.38, 95%CI 1.17-1.63), and inverse association with cervical cancer (SRR 0.78, 95%CI 0.60-0.95). No association emerged for breast cancer (SRR 1.04, 95%CI 0.99-1.09) and melanoma (SRR 1.31, 95%CI 0.86-1.96). Between-study heterogeneity was large for breast and endometrial cancer and melanoma. Associations were generally stronger in case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies with internal control group, compared to cohort studies with external control group. No indication for publication bias was found. Our conclusions need to be confirmed in properly designed cohort studies with clinical confirmation of endometriosis.

Is ovulation induction with letrozole in breast cancer patients still safe even if it could increase progesterone levels?

Very high progesterone levels (mean 186.6 ± 43.6 ng/mL) during the luteal phase were found in a small study of breast cancers patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with letrozole plus recombinant FSH. Results highlight the need to further evaluate this in larger series. While waiting, the clinical significance of high progesterone levels can be drawn from epidemiological and experimental data here reviewed in order to give reassurance to the clinician involved in fertility preservation. If the progesterone increase will be confirmed, epidemiological and experimental data do not seem to indicate a detrimental effect or they could even be protective. As this possible rise of levels is a very short event in the very long lasting and multifactorial breast carcinogenesis, it is unlikely that it will significantly influence breast cancer prognosis.

Abstract OT2-01-08: POSITIVE: A study evaluating pregnancy and disease outcome and safety of interrupting endocrine therapy for young women with endocrine responsive breast cancer who desire pregnancy (IBCSG 48-14/BIG 8-13)

Background

Young breast cancer (BC) patients often face the disease before completing their family planning. The best available retrospective evidence suggests that pregnancy after BC does not negatively impact disease outcome in patients with endocrine sensitive BC and is safe for the offspring. However, given the need for prolonged adjuvant endocrine therapy for 5-10 years, it is not feasible to wait until completion of therapy in most of these women and thus there is a need to explore the safety of temporary interruption of endocrine therapy to allow pregnancy. To date, no definitive prospective study has been conducted in young women desiring future pregnancy.

Trial Design

Young patients with endocrine responsive early BC and pregnancy desire will interrupt endocrine treatment for up to 2 yrs to attempt pregnancy. As resumption of menses and conception depends on many factors, e.g. patient's age and adjuvant treatment received, the 2-yr interruption period is approximate, intended to include treatment wash-out (3 mos) conception (∼3-6 mos), delivery (∼9 mos), breast feeding (∼6 mos). Patients will be strongly advised to resume ET as soon as pregnancy attempts are concluded, and to complete 5-10 yrs ET at the local investigator discretion.

Major Eligibility Criteria

-Histologically-proven stage I-III endocrine-responsive BC.

-Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 42 years at enrollment.

-Adjuvant endocrine therapy (SERM alone, GnRH analogue plus SERM or AI) for ≥18 months but ≤30 months, stopped within 1 month prior to enrollment.

-Patient wishes to become pregnant.

-Premenopausal status at BC diagnosis.

Specific Aim

To assess the risk of BC relapse associated with temporary interruption of ET to permit pregnancy and to evaluate pregnancy success.

Statistical Methods

A true risk of BC recurrence of 2% per year is assumed for patients who do not interrupt endocrine treatment. With 500 patients enrolled in 4.0 yrs and an additional 1.6 yrs of follow up, there will be approximately 1600 patient-yrs of follow up and a median follow up of approximately 3 yrs at the time of the primary analysis, anticipated to occur 5.6 yrs after enrollment of the first patient. If the true risk of BC recurrence is 2% per yr, we anticipate 31 BC recurrences and an estimated 3-yr breast cancer free interval (BCFI) failure of 5.6% (95% CI 4.0% to 7.9%).

Translational Research will investigate different ovarian function parameters; uterine evaluation; and circulating tumor DNA. FFPE tissue of the primary tumor will be collected to integrate different parameters related to biology of BC arising in young women. All material will be banked centrally.

Psycho-oncological Companion Study on fertility concerns, psychological well-being and decisional conflicts is mandatory in the United States and open to interested centers elsewhere.

Accrual: Target: 500; Actual: 4 (31 May 2015)

Contact Information

POSITIVE is conducted and sponsored by the International Breast Cancer Study Group. Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is US sponsor for NCTN network. Contact Trial Coordinators at ibcsg48_positive@fstrf.org.

Citation Format: Pagani O, Partridge A, Azim Jr HA, Peccatori FA, Ruggeri M, Sun Z. POSITIVE: A study evaluating pregnancy and disease outcome and safety of interrupting endocrine therapy for young women with endocrine responsive breast cancer who desire pregnancy (IBCSG 48-14/BIG 8-13). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-01-08.

Ovarian suppression using luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists during chemotherapy to preserve ovarian function and fertility of breast cancer patients: a meta-analysis of randomized studies

BACKGROUND

The role of temporary ovarian suppression with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LHRHa) in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) is still controversial. Our meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) investigates whether the use of LHRHa during chemotherapy in premenopausal breast cancer patients reduces treatment-related POF rate, increases pregnancy rate, and impacts disease-free survival (DFS).

METHODS

A literature search using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, and the proceedings of major conferences, was conducted up to 30 April 2015. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for POF (i.e. POF by study definition, and POF defined as amenorrhea 1 year after chemotherapy completion) and for patients with pregnancy, as well hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI for DFS, were calculated for each trial. Pooled analysis was carried out using the fixed- and random-effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 12 RCTs were eligible including 1231 breast cancer patients. The use of LHRHa was associated with a significant reduced risk of POF (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.57; P < 0.001), yet with significant heterogeneity (I(2) = 47.1%, Pheterogeneity = 0.026). In eight studies reporting amenorrhea rates 1 year after chemotherapy completion, the addition of LHRHa reduced the risk of POF (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.73, P < 0.001) without heterogeneity (I(2) = 0.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.936). In five studies reporting pregnancies, more patients treated with LHRHa achieved pregnancy (33 versus 19 women; OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.02-3.28, P = 0.041; I(2) = 0.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.629). In three studies reporting DFS, no difference was observed (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.49-2.04, P = 0.939; I(2) = 68.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

Temporary ovarian suppression with LHRHa in young breast cancer patients is associated with a reduced risk of chemotherapy-induced POF and seems to increase the pregnancy rate, without an apparent negative consequence on prognosis.

Obstetrical, fetal and postnatal effects of gestational antiblastic chemotherapy: how to counsel cancer patients

At least one in a thousand pregnancies is complicated by cancer and, as the maternal age at pregnancy increases, numbers are growing. If chemotherapy cannot be postponed, both doctors and patients face complex medical and ethical issues. There is a conflict between optimal maternal therapy and fetal wellbeing. Treatment during the first trimester increases the risk of congenital malformations, spontaneous abortions and fetal death. Second and third trimester exposure is less risky, but it can cause intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. Other effects on pregnancy after the first trimester include premature birth, stillbirth, impaired functional development, myocardial toxicity and myelosuppression. Counseling and management of these cases are difficult, because literature is mostly represented by case reports or retrospective series while randomized prospective studies or guidelines are lacking. Moreover, personal experience is often scanty due to the rarity of the condition. This article reviews the available data regarding the different aspects of systemic treatment of cancer during pregnancy to help oncologist and obstetricians in counseling their patients and treat them accordingly.

Antiblastic treatment of haematological malignancies during pregnancy: a crucial decision

Antiblastic treatment of hematological malignancies during pregnancy poses a number of issues related to the curability of the maternal disease, the need of a prompt treatment and the potential toxicity of chemotherapy for the fetus. Here we report the results of a systematic literature search about the management of the most frequent hematological malignancies that may occur during pregnancy, focusing on specific issues related to gestational age at diagnosis, fetal toxicity and efficacy on the maternal side. The standard approach in non-pregnant women is illustrated as reference.

Abstract P6-07-14: Mutational and transcriptomic characterization of breast cancer (BC) arising in young patients (pts) and during pregnancy and their associations with long-term outcome

Background: BC arising in young age is biologically distinct. Whether diagnosis during pregnancy has an impact on prognosis and tumor biology remains to be elucidated. We report for the first time mutational and transcriptomic profiling of BC arising in young pts and the impact of diagnosis during pregnancy. We also correlate these findings with clinical outcome.

Methods: 65 pts with BC during pregnancy diagnosed at the European Institute of Oncology in the period 1999–2009 were matched to 130 BC pts who were diagnosed and treated at the same period/institute. We screened for 84 somatic hotspot mutations on 17 cancer-related genes using mass spectroscopy-based sequencing (Sequenom). We evaluated the pattern of mutations in the two cohorts and according to BC subtype defined using central immunohistochemistry as follows: Luminal A (ER+, HER2−, Ki67 &lt;14%), Luminal-B (ER+, HER2−, Ki67 &gt;14%), HER2+ (HER2+ irrespective of ER), and triple negative (ER−, PgR−, HER2−). Survival endpoints included distant relapse free survival (DRFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results: Median age at diagnosis was 36 years (range: 28–47). At a median follow-up of 74 months (IQR: 42–96), 44 (23%) and 29 (15%) pts developed a DRFS and OS event respectively. Pts diagnosed during pregnancy had inferior DRFS (HR: 3.2 [1.5–6.7]) and OS (HR: 2.9 [1.1–7.9]) after adjusting for pT, pN, grade, BC subtype, and therapy. Mutational profiling was successful in 97% of pts. A total of 57 hotspot mutations (30%) were detected in 51 pts (15 [23%] pregnant and 36 [28%] controls). The differences in mutations between the two groups are summarized in the table.

P4-11-03: Prognosis of Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis Involving 39,415 Patients

Background

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC), defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or one year after is a relatively rare disease and hence considerable controversy exists regarding its prognosis compared to non-pregnancy-related breast cancer.

Methods: Two of the authors independently performed a literature search on MEDLINE and Cochrane Library with no date or language restrictions. Eligible studies were control-matched, population-based and hospital-based studies that have addressed the outcome of patients diagnosed during pregnancy or one-year afterwards. The control group was defined as patients diagnosed with breast cancer not related to pregnancy. The primary and secondary end-points were overall and disease-free survival respectively. Pooling of data was done using the random effect model. To control for potential differences between the two groups in systemic treatment and clinico-pathological features (e.g. tumor size, nodal status, ER, etc …) that could affect prognosis, we performed a sensitivity analysis by pooling the hazard ratios (HRs) of the adjusted multivariate models within each study. We also analyzed differences according to time of diagnosis (during pregnancy or post-partum), type of study and year of reporting the study. Finally, we communicated with the authors of the eligible studies to collect unpublished statistics relevant to our analysis to further refine our findings.

Results: 29 studies were included in this meta-analysis (2903 cases and 36, 512 controls). Women diagnosed with PABC had a significantly higher risk of death compared to those diagnosed with non-pregnancy-related breast cancer (pooled hazard ratio (pHR): 1.47 [95% CI: 1.30−1.65]). A sensitivity analysis including 11 studies (1222 PABC cases, 19231 controls) adjusted for differences in tumor size, nodal status and systemic treatment showed the same result (pHR: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.17−1.77]). These findings were consistent in patients diagnosed either during pregnancy (pHR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.01−1.67]) or in the post-partum period (pHR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.08−2.26]) with no heterogeneity observed (p=0.43). Sensitivity analyses according to the type and year of study showed the same findings. Regarding the secondary end-point, only ten studies (531 cases, 1842 controls) provided sufficient information to estimate disease-free survival, and indeed PABC patients had a higher risk of relapse compared to breast cancer controls [pHR: 1.59 (95%CI: 1.23−2.07)]. Collection of unpublished data is currently ongoing and further analyses will be presented at the meeting.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest analysis addressing the prognosis of PABC. Our results confirm that PABC is independently associated with a worse prognosis whether diagnosis is made during pregnancy or in the post-partum period. This underscores the possible impact of pregnancy on breast cancer biology. In this regard, we are currently interrogating potential biological differences between PABC patients and matched breast cancer controls at the gene expression level to elucidate the biology of this relatively rare, yet very challenging disease.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-11-03.

Efficacy of Vinblastine, Bleomycin, Methotrexate (VBM) Combination Chemotherapy with Involved Field Radiotherapy in Early Stage (I-IIA) Hodgkin Disease Patients

Vinblastine, bleomycin, methotrexate (VBM) combination chemotherapy (CT) with involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) was first described by the Stanford group as an active regimen in early stage Hodgkin's disease (HD). Here, we report our retrospective experience of a modified VBM schedule + IFRT in a similar group of patients. From 1988, 49 patients with stage I-IIA HD received vinblastine (VBL) 6 mg/m2, bleomycin (BLM) 10 IU/m2, methotrexate (MTX) 30 mg/m2 day 1,8 every four weeks for three cycles; IFRT was delivered four weeks later followed by three additional cycles of VBM with a dose reduction of BLM (6 IU/m2). The regimen was well tolerated, with grade 3-4 neutropenia occurring in 20 patients. No acute or late pulmonary toxicity was recorded in our series. Estimated Freedom from Progression (FFP) and Overall Survival (OS) at five years are 75% (95% CI, 60.1%-92.2%) and 85% (95% CI, 73.6%-98.1%), respectively. In this retrospective analysis, VBM + IFRT treatment with bleomycin dose reduction seems safe and active. Such combination could be considered as first line treatment for early stage HD patients with favorable prognosis and/or not suitable for anthracyclines-containing regimens.

Prognostic role of interim 18FDG-PET in Hodgkin lymphoma: A single-center experience

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Background: The role of FDG-PET for staging and response assessment in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is still evolving. We report our experience with the intent of evaluate prognostic role of 18FDG-PET in terms of long term complete remission (CR). Methods: We retrospectively analysed 65 consecutive pts affected by newly diagnosed HL. Median age was 36 yrs. Histology included 50 classical and 10 lymphocyte predominance HL. According to Hasenclever index, 58 out of 65 pts were considered at low risk, 5 at intermediate and 2 at high risk. 30/65 pts showed good prognosis (defined as IA-IIA, < 3 nodal sites, ERS < 50) and received 4 cycles of VBM followed by involved field (IF) radiotherapy (RT); the remaining 35 pts received hybrid ChlVPP/ABVVP for 6 cycles followed by IF RT in case of bulky disease. All patients underwent 18FDG-PET scans at diagnosis, after the fourth cycle in the VBM group, after the third cycle in the ChlVPP/ABVVP (interim 18FDG-PET), at the end of treatment in all patients. Fisher exact test was used to compare percentages between groups. Results: CR was recorded in 60 (92%) pts. Interim 18FDG-PET was negative in 52 out of 65 pts (80%), all in CR at the end of treatment. Eight out of 13 pts with positive interim 18FDG-PET obtained a CR at the end of treatment (100% versus 62%, Fisher exact text p<0.01). Six out of 65 pts relapsed: interim 18FDG-PET was negative in 5 of them, positive in 1 case. Two deaths occurred, one among pts with negative and one with positive interim 18FDG-PET. After a median follow-up of 30 months, 3-year freedom from treatment failure was 83% and 62% in pts with negative and positive interim 18FDG-PET, respectively (Log-rank test p<0.01, Hazard Ratio 4.9 (95%CI 1.4–16.1)). Conclusions: In our experience interim 18FDG-PET demonstrate a predictive role regarding the achievement of CR and treatment failure, at least as relevant as Hasenclever index, but failed to predict clinical result in 12 (18%) pts. Its role in defining the best therapeutical approach in HL pts must be further investigated in randomized clinical trials.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

ACOD, a modified CHOP regimen for elderly patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The aim of this study is to verify the feasibility and the clinical activity of a new CHOP-like schedule (ACOD) with a fractionated days 1 and 8 administration in elderly patients. This regimen was chosen in the attempt to allow a sufficient dose intensity (DI) of each drug with better compliance. Fifty-two patients, (74 years, median age), with diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were retrospectively evaluated. Patients received ADM 25 mg/sqm, CTX 500 mg/sqm, VCR 1.2 mg/sqm (max 2 mg intravenously) days 1 and 8 and PDN 50 mg orally, days 1-8. Results showed that 54% of patients reached a complete remission, 21% a partial remission with an overall response rate of 75%. Two-thirds of the patients received at least 70% of the planned dose of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin and 50% of vincristine and prednisone. The median duration of follow up was 12.6 months (range 0.7-61.4). The estimated median OS was 15.2 months (95%CI = [11.6, not estimable]); the estimated median PFS was 5.7 months (95%CI = [5.12, not estimable]). After 2 years, the proportion of patients alive was 47% (95%CI = 34-64%) and the proportion of patients free from progression was 39% (95%CI = 27-57%). Grade 3-4 leukopenia was observed in 61% of patients with 11% of febrile neutropenia. In conclusion, the ACOD chemotherapy regimen seems safe and feasible in elderly patients. This schedule allowed a sufficient DI of chemotherapic agents with clinical results very similar to those recorded with the standard CHOP regimen in young adults.

Evaluation of acute toxicities associated with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell reinfusion in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy

Peripheral blood progenitor cell reinfusion (PBPC) in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) for poor prognosis malignancies, has been described as causing possible acute gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting), allergic (oedema, bronchospasm, anaphyl- axis), renal (proteinuria, haematuria) and/or cardiovascular (hypotension, arrhythmia, conduction disturbances, transient ischaemic phenomena) toxicities. To establish the clinical relevance of these observations and the possible relationship with different HDC regimens used, we performed a clinical and instrumental evaluation on 33 patients with advanced breast cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, relapsed ovarian cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, extragonadal germinal tumour and small cell lung cancer. They underwent at least one reinfusion each for a total of 51 studied procedures. No patient had a previous history of cardiovascular disease or significant intercurrent illness such as diabetes or liver, renal or neurologic impairment. All patients had totally implanted central venous catheters, through which the transplants had been collected and reinfused without technical consequences. To evaluate cardiovascular function, we continuously monitored 12-lead ECGs, with arterial pressure (AP) measurements every 5 min from the beginning of the procedure to 15 min after the reinfusion ended. We did not observe any significant differences between basal and subsequent steps in AP, heart rate, PQ and QTc time, P wave and QRS complex duration or P wave and QRS electrical axes. No patient showed any ST-T tract pathological abnormality, but one patient developed a transient ectopic atrial rhythm, without any haemodynamic disfunction and with spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm. No patient complained of symptoms of haemodynamic failure. Gastrointestinal side-effects appeared to be strictly related to speed of reinfusion and to the number of packs reinfused, probably reflecting on the amount of dimethylsulphoxide infused. In one patient a tonic-clonic seizure occurred during a vomiting episode, but no patient developed allergic or renal toxicities. We conclude that PBPC reinfusion, if managed according to the procedure we propose in patients without organic impairment, is a safe procedure not associated either with increased risk of acute arrhythmias or ischaemic or significant systemic acute toxicities. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 173-177.