Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Patients With Penile Carcinoma: A Sub-Analysis From Meet-URO 23 (I-RARE) Registry Study

INTRODUCTION

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare tumor with an aggressive behavior. The Meet-URO 23/I-RARE registry includes rare genitourinary malignancies. We extracted patients with PSCC to conduct a retrospective study aimed at assessing clinical outcomes and prognostic factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Primary endpoints were overall survival and progression-free survival. Prognostic factors for OS and PFS were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. From the Meet-URO 23/I-RARE database, we extracted 128 patients with diagnosis of PSCC. About 48% of patients underwent first-line of therapy.

RESULTS

In the overall population, median OS from diagnosis was 34.6 months. Significant differences in median OS were observed according to ECOG PS at diagnosis (57.3 months vs. 8.3 months; P < .001), and median age (≤77y 88.8 months vs. >77y 26 months; P = .013). At multivariate analysis, ECOG PS 2-4 at diagnosis (HR 3.04) and lymph node metastases (HR 2.49) were independently associated with a higher risk of death. Among patients undergoing first-line therapy (n = 61), median OS was 12.3 months, and a statistically significant difference was found according to type of response to first-line (DCR 24.4 months vs. PD 7.1 months; P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that only age >77 years was associated with a worse OS (HR 2.16). A statistically significant difference in PFS was found according to platinum plus 5-fluorouracil versus platinum plus taxane (4.9 vs. 3.4 months; P = .036) and regimens with 2 versus 3 drugs (3.4 vs. 8.6 months; P = .019). At the multivariate analysis only regimens with platinum plus taxane were associated with worse PFS (HR 2.83).

CONCLUSION

In our registry study, PSCC is confirmed to be an aggressive disease. Poor ECOG PS, presence of lymph node metastases, and higher age at diagnosis appear to be associated with worse survival outcomes.

Role of enhancement modifications in evaluating tumor response to immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Evaluation of tumor response according only to dimensional criteria may underestimate treatment benefit in patients treated for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In this study we evaluated the role of lesion enhancement modifications and Choi criteria in patients affected by renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy.

METHODS

We collected data of 60 consecutive patients (with a total of 154 measurable lesions) treated with immunotherapy (nivolumab or ipilimumab plus nivolumab) at a single Institution. We evaluated tumour response using both RECIST1.1 criteria and Choi criteria at the first radiological assessment; we subsequently associated response with progression free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

Choi criteria found a higher rate of objective response compared to RECIST criteria (38.3% vs 18.3%). An objective response according to both criteria was associated with longer progression free survival and overall survival. Response rate for Choi did not vary according to lesion site.

CONCLUSION

Choi criteria seemed to be able to predict clinical benefit in a higher proportion of patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy than RECIST criteria. Partial response according to RECIST was confirmed as a predictor of longer progression-free survival and overall survival.

The prognostic Value of Thyroid Hormone Levels in Immunotherapy-Treated Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

A low fT3/fT4 ratio has been associated with a poorer prognosis in patients treated for different solid malignancies. However, the prognostic role of baseline thyroid function in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) has not yet been established.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 72 consecutive immunotherapy-treated patients with mUC from a single institution. We recorded clinical data, baseline blood test results, and oncological outcomes. We stratified patients into three groups according to the fT3/fT4 ratio value and analyzed differences in progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and radiological response in the three groups. We also conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to identify prognostic factors for PFS and OS.

RESULTS

The median PFS in the low, intermediate, and high fT3/fT4 ratio groups was 2.2, 4.1, and 8.2 months, respectively (P < 0.01). The median OS in the low, intermediate, and high fT3/fT4 groups was 3.6, 10.3, and 19.1 months, respectively (P < .01). The low fT3/fT4 ratio maintained its prognostic role independently of other prognostic factors. Patients with a high fT3/fT4 ratio had an increased radiological response.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid hormone impairment, as measured by the fT3/fT4 ratio, is a strong prognostic factor in patients treated with immunotherapy for urothelial carcinoma.

Advanced Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatments and Survival: A Real-World Single-Centre Experience

BACKGROUND

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) is a heterogeneous group of cancer. Treatment recommendations are extrapolated from ccRCC and lack solid evidence. Here, we review advanced nccRCC patients treated at our institute.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected retrospective data on all advanced nccRCC pts treated at the Istituto Oncologico Veneto from January 2008. We compared overall response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) according to histological subtypes and type of systemic treatments. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and Cox regression were used to estimate and compare PFS and OS.

RESULTS

Of 1370 RCC patients, 289 had a diagnosis of nccRCC and 121 were eligible for the analysis. Fifty-three pts showed papillary histology (pRCC), 15 chromophobe; 37 unclassified RCC (NOS-RCC), 16 other histologies. Pts with chromophobe and other hystologies showed poorer survival rates compared to pRCC and NOS-RCC (mOS 10.7 vs. 20.7 vs. 30.7, p = 0.34). Pts treated with combination regimens achieved a better OS (30.7 vs. 13.7, p = 0.10), PFS (12.7 vs. 6.4, p = 0.10) and ORR (42.4% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.002) than those treated with monotherapy. IMDC and Meet-URO score retained their prognostic value.

CONCLUSION

Our retrospective real-life cohort of advanced nccRCC patients shows that immunotherapy-based combinations could improve ORR, PFS and OS compared to TKI monotherapy. Prospective trials for nccRCC patients utilizing novel therapies are ongoing and their results eagerly awaited.

Prognostic role of systemic inflammation indexes in metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with immunotherapy

Aims

Inflammation indexes had been associated with overall survival (OS) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Materials & methods

in 72 patients treated with ICIs for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) we evaluate differences in OS, response rate and toxicities, according to baseline inflammation indexes values.

Results

neutrophil-to-lymphocite ratio (NLR) <3 was associated to longer progression-free survival (PFS; 4.9 vs 3.1 months) and OS (15.7 vs 7.6 months); monocyte-to-lymphocite ratio (MLR) <0.4 was associated to longer PFS (4.6 vs 2.8 months). Overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) were higher in these patients. Patients with an irAE had longer PFS and OS.

Conclusion

baseline inflammatory indexes are prognostic for mUC patients treated with ICIs.

Geographical differences in the management of metastatic de novo renal cell carcinoma in the era of immune-combinations

BACKGROUND

The upfront treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has been revolutionized by the introduction of immune-based combinations. The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in these patients is still debated. The ARON-1 study (NCT05287464) was designed to globally analyze real-world data of mRCC patients receiving first-line immuno-oncology combinations. This sub-analysis is focused on the role of upfront or delayed partial or radical CN in three geographical areas (Western Europe, Eastern Europe, America/Asia).

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective observational study in mRCC patients treated with first-line immune combinations from 55 centers in 19 countries. From 1152 patients in the ARON-1 dataset, we selected 651 patients with de novo mRCC. 255 patients (39%) had undergone CN, partial in 14% and radical in 86% of cases; 396 patients (61%) received first-line immune-combinations without previous nephrectomy.

RESULTS

Median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis of de novo mRCC was 41.6 months and not reached (NR) in the CN subgroup and 24.0 months in the no CN subgroup, respectively (P<0.001). Median OS from the start of first-line therapy was NR in patients who underwent CN and 22.4 months in the no CN subgroup (P<0.001). Patients who underwent CN reported longer OS compared to no CN in all the three geographical areas.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences in terms of patients' outcome seem to clearly emerge, even if the rate CN and the choice of the type of first-line immune-based combination varies across the different Cancer Centers participating in the ARON-1 project.

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in elderly patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with cabozantinib within the multicenter prospective trial ZEBRA/Meet-URO 9

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Background: The oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor Cabozantinib (CABO) is frequently used to treat patients with metastatic RCC. Polypharmacy is common in elderly pts, thus several drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with cabozantinib may ensue. Methods: ZEBRA /MEET-URO 9 was a prospective, real world trial enrolling pts ≥ 70 years with mRRC treated with CABO at 13 Italian Oncology Centers. All concomitants drugs administered to pts were collected and categorized according to active principles and indication. DDIs were identified through a dedicated software (Lexicomp), scientific databases (Sider4.1) and published articles. Results: we enrolled 104 pts, median age 75.8 years (range 70.2-87.4 yrs). Overall, 91.4% of the cohort was treated at a reduced dose either upfront or due to side effects. Pts took a median of 6 concomitant drugs (IQR: 4-9), for a total of 131 active principles. Software analysis identified 4 DDIs (warfarin, apixaban, diltiazem and furosemide); whereas scientific reports allowed us to identify 15 additional DDIs involving metoprolol, nebivolol, olmesartan, amiloride, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, polyenoic omega-3 fatty acids, loperamide, metoclopramide, metformin, dutasteride, dexamethasone, prednisone, cetirizine and doxazosin. Seventy pts with potential DDIs experienced a trend for higher rate of grade 3-4 adverse events compared to other pts, although difference was not statistically significant (48.7% v 23.5 %, p=0.485). The table summarizes the main DDIs and suggestions to avoid or mitigate their effects Conclusions: the risk of DDIs was not negligible in our cohort of elderly mRCC pts treated with CABO, although the frequent dose reductions of CABO probably confounded their impact on toxicities. Unremitting attention to concomitant medications in the elderly is thus warranted. [Table: see text]

Safety and tolerability of pembrolizumab/axitinib combination in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): A multicentric prospective analysis (ProPAXI study)

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Background: Pembrolizumab/axitinib (PAXI) combination is an approved option as first-line therapy of mRCC. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate safety profile of PAXI combo in the real-world experience in Italy. Methods: This is a prospective study including patients (pts) diagnosed with mRCC who received PAXI as first-line therapy in recruiting Italian Centers. Safety data about clinically significant adverse events (AEs), defined as AE requiring corticosteroids, hormone replacement, drug delay, discontinuation or dose reduction were collected. Results: Data from 122 pts treated from January 2021 to September 2022 have been analyzed. With a median follow-up of 10 mos (range 0.2 - 21) and treatment interruption in 35 pts (29%), at landmark 6-mos and 12-mos the treatment was ongoing in 76% (95%CI 0.67-0.83) and 66% of pts (95%CI 0.56-0.75) respectively. In 11% of pts a starting dose of Axi <5mg was reported (8% higher starting dose). 2% of pts experienced Axi dose titration while 37% of pts had a dose reduction. Pts completed a mean of 10 (1 - 31) cycles of Pembro. Toxicity led to treatment discontinuation in 20% (7/35) of cases. Clinically significant AEs occurred in 61% of pts (74), managed with corticosteroids use in 32% (24/74) of pts, hormone replacement (mainly levothyroxine) in 11% (8/74), drug delay in 64% (47/74), discontinuation in 41% (30/74) or dose reduction 18% (13/74). When required, the most used steroid was prednisone (48%) following by dexamethasone (22%), prednisolone (17%), methylprednisolone (13%). Grade 3-4 clinically significant AEs occurred in 25% (18) and 3% (2) of pts respectively, with hepatic injury 33% (6/18) and hypertension 17% (3/18) as the most common reported G3 events. The two G4 AEs reported were pancreatitis and hepatic injury. No treatment-related deaths emerged. In 20% of cases AE were related to Pembro and in 47% of cases to Axi, in 14% to both drugs. In 28% of pts (34/122) a second clinically significant AE occurred, requiring corticosteroids 27% (9/34), hormone replacement 9% (3/34), drug delay 59% (20/34), discontinuation 41% (14/34) or dose reduction 21% (7/34). Grade-3 clinically significant AEs occurred in 29%, with hepatic injury and hypertension (both 3 pts) as the most common events. No grade 4 AEs were reported. The second AE in 21% of cases was related to Pembro and in 59% of cases to Axi, in (9%) to both drugs. Conclusions: PAXI combination had a tolerable safety profile in mRCC, with few high-grade clinically significant AEs, no new toxicities were identified.

Cabozantinib in the elderly with metastatic renal cell carcinoma undergoing geriatric G8 screening test: A prospective multicenter observational study (ZEBRA/MEET-URO 9)

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Background: Cabozantinib (CABO) is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor registered for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) for the first or subsequent lines. Tolerability in real world elderly patients is poorly documented. G8 is a short test for vulnerability gaining increased interest as a screening tool for trials in geriatric oncology. Methods: ZEBRA/MEET-URO 9 was a prospective multicenter study of safety and activity of CABO administered to pts ≥70 years with mRCC, either in the first or subsequent lines of treatment, until progression or unacceptable toxicity. All pts underwent G8 score at baseline, with a cut-off for vulnerability of 14 or below. Data on tolerability and activity were collected prospectively after signature of informed consent. Results: A total of 104 pts started CABO at 13 Italian Centers, 38,5% as first line. Median age was 75.8 yrs (range 70.2-87.4 yrs, 26 pts ≥80 yrs), 73.1% males. IMDC score was good 19.2%, intermediate 53.9%, poor 26.9%. Primary tumor had been removed in 82.7% of pts, histology was clear cell 78.8%, papillary 8.7%, chromophobe 5.8%, unclassified 6.7%. G8 score was ≤14 in 65.4% of pts. Up-front dose reduction of CABO was more frequent in pts with low G8 score (79.4 vs 41.7%, p=0.003), but eventually the majority of pts (91.4%) underwent dose reductions of CABO. After a median treatment of 6.4 months (0.5-26.1 months), 38.4% of pts developed G3-4 toxicities, 22.1% interrupted treatment due to adverse events, 2.8% (3 pts) died due to cardiovascular or thromboembolic events. Median PFS was 7.6 months (95% CI=5.8-12.6 months) in first line, 10.0 months (5.8-15.6) in second or further lines, median OS was 20.1 months (11.1-not reached) and 15.6 months (12.5-not reached), respectively. G8 score ≤14 did not correlate with rate of temporary interruptions >7 days, hospitalization, incidence of G3-5 toxicities, as well as with PFS. Pts with G8 score ≤14 had a trend for reduced OS, but difference was not statistically significant both in the first and further lines of treatment. Conclusions: Screening G8 test was positive in more than a half of pts, underlying the need for detailed geriatric assessment and increased clinical monitoring of such patients. A G8 score ≤14 correlated with up-front dose reduction of CABO but not with G3-5 toxicities probably due to the high rates of dose reductions in the whole cohort. Correlation between low G8 score and OS could not be demonstrated in this population.

Pembrolizumab Plus Axitinib for Metastatic Papillary and Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma: NEMESIA (Non Clear MEtaStatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Pembrolizumab Axitinib) Study, a Subgroup Analysis of I-RARE Observational Study (Meet-URO 23a)

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) represents a heterogeneous histological group which is 20-25% of those with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients with nccRCC have limited therapeutic options due to their exclusion from phase III randomized trials. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of pembrolizumabaxitinib combination in chromophobe and papillary metastatic RCC (mRCC) patients enrolled in the I-RARE (Italian Registry on rAre genitor-uRinary nEoplasms) observational ongoing study (Meet-URO 23). Baseline characteristics, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicities were retrospectively and prospectively collected from nccRCC patients treated in 14 Italian referral centers adhering to the Meet-Uro group, from December 2020 to April 2022. Only patients with chromophobe and papillary histology were considered eligible for the present pre-specified analysis. There were 32 eligible patients who received pembrolizumab-axitinib as first-line treatment, of whom 13 (40%) had chromophobe histology and 19 (60%) were classified as papillary RCC. The DCR was 78.1% whereas ORR was 43.7% (11 patients achieved stable disease and 14 patients obtained partial response: 9/19 papillary, 5/13 chromophobe). Six patients (18.7%) were primary refractory. Median PFS was 10.8 months (95%CI 1.7-11.5). Eleven patients (34.3%) interrupted the full treatment due to immune-related adverse events (irAEs): G3 hepatitis (n = 5), G3 hypophisitis (n = 1), G3 diarrhea (n = 1), G3 pancreatitis (n = 1), G3 asthenia (n = 1). Twelve patients (37.5%) temporarily interrupted axitinib only due to persistent G2 hand-foot syndrome or G2 hypertension. Pembrolizumab-axitinib combination could be an active and feasible first-line treatment option for patients with papillary or chromophobe mRCC.

Nivolumab drug holiday in patients treated for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A real-world, single-centre experience

Introduction

Immunotherapy with nivolumab (a monoclonal antibody that targets the programmed cell death protein 1, PD1) has become the standard treatment for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) after progression to single-agent tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, the optimal duration of immunotherapy in this setting has not yet been established.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with nivolumab at our institution from January 2014 to December 2021 and identified those who discontinued treatment for reasons other than disease progression (PD). We then associated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival following treatment cessation with baseline clinical data.

Results

Fourteen patients were found to have discontinued treatment. Four patients (28.6%) ceased treatment due to G3/G4 toxicities, whereas the remaining ten (71.4%) opted to discontinue treatment in agreement with their referring clinicians. The median duration of the initial treatment with nivolumab was 21.7 months (7.5-37.3); during treatment, two patients (14.3%) achieved stable disease as the best response, and the remaining twelve (85.7%) a partial response. At a median follow-up time of 24.2 months after treatment discontinuation, 7 patients (50%) were still progression-free. The median PFS from the date of discontinuation was 19.8 months (15.2 - not reached); a radiological objective response according to RECIST and treatment duration of more than 12 months were associated with a longer PFS. Three patients were re-treated with Nivolumab after disease progression, all of whom achieved subsequent radiological stability.

Conclusion

In our experience, the majority of patients who discontinued treatment in the absence of PD were still progression-free more than 18 months after discontinuation. Patients whose initial treatment duration was less than 12 months or who did not achieve a radiological objective response had a greater risk of progression. Immunotherapy rechallenge is safe and seems capable of achieving disease control.

Randomized phase II study of niraparib plus best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC alone as maintenance treatment in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) whose disease did not progress after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (PBCT): The Meet-URO12 trial

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Background: Niraparib is an oral inhibitor of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) enzymes. Based on the association of mutations in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes with platinum sensitivity, aim of this phase II trial was to compare maintenance treatment with niraparib plus BSC vs. BSC alone in pts with advanced UC who obtain objective response (OR) or stable disease (SD) with first-line PBCT. Methods: Meet-URO12 is a randomized phase II multicentre trial enrolling pts with advanced transitional cell UC, without evidence of progression after 4-6 cycles of first-line PBCT (cisplatin or carboplatin). Pts were randomized (2:1) to experimental arm A (niraparib 300 or 200 mg daily according to body weight and baseline platelets, plus BSC) or control arm B (BSC alone). Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). 77 pts were planned and 65 PFS events were needed to detect Hazard Ratio 0.57, with 80% power and one-tailed alpha 0.1. Accrual was prematurely stopped due to availability of avelumab in the same setting, and protocol was amended to perform analysis with ≥ 40 PFS events. Molecular characteristics, including alteration of HRR genes, were assessed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour samples using the FoundationOne CDx assay. Results: Between Aug 2019 and Mar 2021, 58 pts were randomized in 14 Italian centers (39 assigned to arm A and 19 to arm B); 1 pt assigned to arm A did never start niraparib. Median age was 69y (44-84); ECOG PS0 65.5%/ PS1 34.5%; best response with PBCT OR 55.2%/ SD 44.8%. As of Aug 2021, after a median follow-up of 8.5 mos, 47 PFS events were recorded. Median PFS was 2.1 mos in arm A and 2.4 mos in arm B (HR 0.92; 95%CI 0.49 – 1.75, p=0.81). 6-months progression-free rate was 28.2% and 26.3%, respectively. Time to treatment failure for pts who started niraparib was 2.4 mos. Out of 47 pts with molecular info, 21 (44.7%) had HRR alterations: 6 (12.8%) known pathogenic mutations and 15 (31.9%) variants of unknown significance. In pts with pathogenic mutations, median PFS was 2.0 mos in arm A and 1.9 mos in arm B. In pts with any HRR mutation, median PFS was 2.0 mos in arm A and 2.0 mos in arm B. Any grade≥3 treatment-emergent adverse event (AE) was reported in 25/38 pts (65.8%) in arm A and in 3/19 pts (15.8%) in arm B. 18/38 pts (47.4%) needed dose reduction of niraparib. Most common AEs with niraparib were anemia (50.0%, G3 10.5%), thrombocytopenia (36.8%, G3-4 15.8%), neutropenia (21.1%, G3 5.3%), fatigue (31.6%, G3 15.8%), constipation (31.6%, G3 2.6%), mucositis (13.2%, G3 2.6%), nausea (13.2%, G3 2.6%). Conclusions: Maintenance niraparib plus BSC did not prolong PFS, as compared with BSC alone, among pts with urothelial cancer without progression after first-line PBCT. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier. NCT03945084. Clinical trial information: NCT03945084.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors rechallenge in urological tumors: An extensive review of the literature

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have led to a significant change in the treatment of urological tumors where several agents are currently approved. Yet, most patients discontinue treatment due to disease progression or after the onset of severe immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). Following promising results in melanoma patients, retreatment with an ICI is receiving increasing attention as an attractive option for selected patients. We performed a literature review focusing on the feasibility, safety, timing and activity of ICI rechallenge in genitourinary cancers where very little information is available. We classified the different ICI retreatment strategies into three main clinical scenarios: retreatment after terminating a prior course of ICI while still on response; retreatment after interruption due to IRAEs; retreatment after progression while on ICI therapy. The pros and cons of these options in the field of urological tumors are then discussed, and critical suggestions proffered for the design of future clinical trials.

Patient Reported Outcomes, Paternity, Relationship, and Fertility in Testicular Cancer Survivors: Results from a Prospective Observational Single Institution Trial

PURPOSE

Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common solid tumor in young adults. 95% of patients are cured, but they may experience late adverse effects (anxiety, fear of recurrence, and sexual dysfunction) with an impact on daily life. We attempted to assess Patient Reported Outcomes (PROMs), long-term sexual disorders, and difficulties in achieving fatherhood in a cohort of TC survivors, as well as their possible correlation with previous cancer treatments.

METHODS

Different questionnaires, such as the Impact of Cancer (IOC) and the Body Image Scale (BIS), were used to investigate the distinct areas of the PROMs. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF15) and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) focused on sexuality and fertility. Patients were prospectively recruited between February 2020 and February 2022.

RESULTS

144 participants completed all the questionnaires. Results showed a good QoL, a moderate fear of TC recurrence, a good satisfaction with their personal body image, low incidence of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. 19.5% of patients who had a testicular implant reported general dissatisfaction. Only 18% of patients had unsuccessfully attempted fatherhood, while the majority had not yet tried, and 23.4% succeeded. A low percentage of patients used procedures assisted reproduction and adoption.

CONCLUSION

This trial supports the use of various questionnaires as a multifactorial tool capable of investigating all the aspects of long-term cancer survivorship. The assessment of medical and psychosocial sequelae is an essential part of patient care and is important for the development of a comprehensive care plan for TC survivors.

Role of Bone Metastases in Patients Receiving Immunotherapy for Pre-Treated Urothelial Carcinoma: The Multicentre, Retrospective Meet-URO-1 Bone Study

BACKGROUND

Considerable numbers of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) develop bone metastases (BoM). Their impact on the efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is not yet investigated.

METHODS

Between July 2014 and August 2020 data on pts treated with single-agent ICIs after failure of at least 1 previous line of chemotherapy for advanced disease, were retrospectively collected across 14 Italian centers. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was performed evaluating potential prognostic factors for OS and PFS. Each factor was evaluated in univariable (UVA) and multivariable analysis (MVA).

RESULTS

A total of 208 evaluable patients treated with ICIs were identified, including 122 (59%) without BoM (BoM-) and 86 (41%) with bone metastases (BoM+). After a median follow-up of 22.3 months, BoM+ patients showed shorter OS (median 3.9 vs 7.8 months, HR 1.59 [95%CI, 1.15-2.20], P = .005) and shorter PFS (median 2.0 vs 2.6 months, HR 1.76 [95%CI, 1.31-2.37], P < .001). Probability of being alive was 62% vs 40% after 6 months, 38% vs 23% after 1 year and 24% vs 13% after 2 years, in BoM- and BoM+ respectively. Within each Bellmunt score, OS and PFS of BoM+ patients were shorter. Both presence of BoM and higher Bellmunt risk score were significantly associated with shorter OS and PFS in UVA and MVA.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with single-agent ICIs for BoM+ mUC have a dismal prognosis compared to BoM-. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism behind these outcomes.

High dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for advanced germ cell tumors: State of the art and a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Evidence for the choice of second line, standard vs high dose chemotherapy, (SDCT, HDCT) for patients with relapsed germ cell tumors (GCTs) comes mainly from retrospective studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

relevant literature was reviewed, considering as endpoints both survival and long term quality of life (QoL). Patients with metastatic GCT progressing after first-line treatment at our Institution were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

HDCT seems to achieve a higher rate of long-term remissions. QoL data for this group of patients are lacking. Our experience on 29 patients was in line with these results. Two-year OS for the 18 patients treated with one or two HDCT/PBSCT procedures was 47.5 %, while 2-year PFS was 44 %. For the 11 receiving SDCT 2-year OS was 36.4 %, and 2-year PFS was 32.7 %.

CONCLUSIONS

HDCT/PBSCT confirmed to be effective in treating patients with relapsed GCT, but prospective studies are needed.

Feasibility of multiple immunoexpression assay for immune tumor micrornvironment (I-TME) on matched metastatic and primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for patient prognostication and predictiveness to immunotherapy (preliminary analyses of the Meet URO 18 study)

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Background: The Meet-URO 18 study is ongoing to assess the prognostic role of I-TME in advanced RCC patients treated with ≥second line nivolumab divided into two cohorts according to clinical benefit [progression-free survival ≥ 12 and ≤ 3 months]. We primarily assessed the feasibility of multiple antibody testing related to I-TME on matched metastases and primary tumor. Methods: Immunohistochemical analyses were used for the TME assessment of T-lineage (CD3, CD4, CD8), FOXP-3, granulocytes (CD15), macrophage-lineage (CD68), natural killer (NK)-cells (CD56), tumor cells (TCs) (CD56), B-lineage (CD20) and phosphorylated mTOR (phmTOR). TCs were quantitatively assessed for CD15, CD56 and phmTOR positivity. For T-, B- and CD68 cells within TC nests, the number of immunoreactive cells were counted with a microscopic field of x200 (0.933 mm2). Results: Overall, 42 tumor tissue samples (primary tumors, metastases) were available and for 17 patients both metastatic and primary tumor tissues were assessable for matched analyses. Among these patients, 12 had clear cell, 1 papillary and 4 mucinous tubular and spindle cell histotype according to WHO 2016 classification. Intratumoral T/CD8 cells ranged from 32 to >400 spots (mean 240; >400 in 7 samples) and intratumoral T/CD4 cells from 4 to >400 spots (mean 168; >400 in 5 samples). Nine samples showed absence of phmTOR expression, while 8 ranged from 10% to 90% of positive TCs. We did not observe countable NK-cells, whereas CD56 was visible in 5 samples (mean 55% of positive TCs). Intratumoral CD68 cells ranged from 34 to >400 spots (mean 175, >400 in 3 patients). Agreement of CD15 method of reporting granulocytic presence was high, thus only CD15 neoplastic expression was reported and ranged from 12% to 55% (mean 30%) in 15 patients. TME multiple analysis resulted equally clustered in 8 patients (<20% variability of single immuno-test) whereas the remaining 9 patients showed significant differences as percentage of immuno-tissue expression in at least one of the 5 immuno-indicators (T/CD8-CD4, C15, CD68, CD56, phmTOR). The remaining 8 samples of patients without matched analyses were used to test the feasibility of multiple analyses; among all antibodies exclusion of the CD20 and FOXP-3 final evaluation was needed, due to technical standardization. According to the 5 immuno-indicators, double-triple positive or penta-positive TME indicators may be identified and graded. Conclusions: Providing multiple immunoexpression platforms on a single specimen may be used as routine workflow. Profiling I-TME, especially CD56, CD15 on TCs and CD68 cells and phmTOR, deserves investigation with extensive control groups. A validation cohort will be tested at tissue level and in correlation with peripheral blood markers.

Inflammatory indices and clinical factors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with nivolumab: the development of a novel prognostic score (Meet-URO 15 study)

Background:

Despite the survival advantage, not all metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients achieve a long-term benefit from immunotherapy. Moreover, the identification of prognostic biomarkers is still an unmet clinical need.

Methods:

This multicenter retrospective study investigated the prognostic role of peripheral-blood inflammatory indices and clinical factors to develop a novel prognostic score in mRCC patients receiving at least second-line nivolumab. The complete blood count before the first cycle of therapy was assessed by calculating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI). Clinical factors included pre-treatment International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score, line of therapy, and metastatic sites.

Results:

From October 2015 to November 2019, 571 mRCC patients received nivolumab as second- and further-line treatment in 69% and 31% of cases. In univariable and multivariable analyses all inflammatory indices, IMDC score, and bone metastases significantly correlated with overall survival (OS). The multivariable model with NLR, IMDC score, and bone metastases had the highest c-index (0.697) and was chosen for the developing of the score (Schneeweiss scoring system). After internal validation (bootstrap re-sampling), the final index (Meet-URO score) composed by NLR, IMDC score, and bone metastases had a c-index of 0.691. It identified five categories with distinctive OSs: group 1 (median OS – mOS = not reached), group 2 (mOS = 43.9 months), group 3 (mOS = 22.4 months), group 4 (mOS = 10.3 months), and group 5 (mOS = 3.2 months). Moreover, the Meet-URO score allowed for a fine risk-stratification across all three IMDC groups.

Conclusion:

The Meet-URO score allowed for the accurate stratification of pretreated mRCC patients receiving nivolumab and is easily applicable for clinical practice at no additional cost. Future steps include its external validation, the assessment of its predictivity, and its application to first-line combinations.

Prognostic Stratification of Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Abiraterone and Enzalutamide Through an Integrated Analysis of Circulating Free microRNAs and Clinical Parameters

Androgen Receptor-Targeted Agents (ARTA) have dramatically changed the therapeutic landscape of metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC), but 20–40% of these patients progress early after start of ARTA treatment. The present study investigated the potential utility of plasma cell-free microRNAs (cfmiRNAs) as prognostic markers by analyzing a prospective cohort of 31 mCRCP patients treated with abiraterone (N = 10) or enzalutamide (N = 21). Additional potential prognostic factors were extracted from clinical records and outcome was evaluated as overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). cfmiRNAs were measured in plasma samples using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Linear correlation among clinical factors and cfmiRNAs was assessed using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The association with survival was studied using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Continuous variables were dichotomized with the cut points corresponding to the most significant relation with the outcome. Univariate analysis indicated that plasma levels of miR-21-5p, miR-141-3p and miR-223-3p, time to development of castration-resistance (tCRPC), and blood hemoglobin (Hb) levels strongly correlated with both PFS and OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that low plasma levels of miR-21, shorter tCRPC, and lower Hb values were independent factors predicting reduced PFS and OS. These findings suggest that the integrated analysis of cfmiRNAs, tCRPC, and Hb may provide a promising, non-invasive tool for the prognostic stratification of mCRPC patients treated with ARTA.

Paternity, relationship, sexual activity and fertility in testicular cancer (TC) survivors (TCS): Results from a single institution observational prospective study

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Background: TC represents 1% of male neoplasms but it is the most common in young adults. Interdisciplinary management with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery has led to a 10-year relative survival rate of up to 95%. These treatments (Tx) have short- and long-term side effects. While sexual dysfunction can reduce fertility, psychosocial distress can create relationship problems and finally affect the ability to procreate. Methods: From February 2020, we submitted a series of questionnaires to all the patients (pts) currently followed-up at the Istituto Oncologico Veneto free from TC recurrence for at least 2 years from the last Tx. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) were used. We also set up a questionnaire to investigate paternity and family status. Data about disease and treatments were collected from medical records. Results: 84 TCS completed the questionnaires, clinical data are reported in the table below. 29,8% of pts fathered children before diagnosis with a strong correlation with older age at diagnosis (45,4 vs 30,8 years, p<0,001). After Tx, 14 pts had children: 9 of which naturally, 2 out 6 were successful via assisted reproductive technology (ART) (including one patient that received high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation), 3 via adoption. 89,3% of pts had stable relationships. Of pts who did not have children: 13,1% claimed to be due to lack of a partner, 39,3% claimed to be unready, while 14,3% had tried unsuccessfully to conceive. While 28,6% pts claim to currently have fertility issues, only 8,3% of pts reported to have these issues before diagnosis. 70,2% of pts performed a spermiogram after Tx, 10 pts had spermatogenic impairment. Higher rate of sexual dysfunction after Tx was detected by questionnaires while only 4 pts claimed to have had a pre-existing issue prior to TC diagnosis. PEDT shows that 38,1% had premature ejaculation and that in 22,6% this issue is highly probable. IIEF confirms a high rate of erectile dysfunction (14,3% severe and 10,7% mild or moderate). No correlations were identified between sexual dysfuntion and previous Tx. Conclusions: Most TCS had not planned fatherhood while 16,7% had children after Tx and 14.3% tried unsuccessfully to conceive. ART and adoption is possible but challenging and little used. PEDT and IIEF found high rates of sexual dysfunction but no association with previous Tx were found. [Table: see text]

A multicenter, retrospective study on impact of immunotherapy in urothelial carcinoma with bone metastases (Meet-Uro01 Study)

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Background: Considerable numbers of patients (pts) with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) (approximately 25-47%) develop bone metastases (BoM). Their impact on the efficacy of immunotherapy (IO) is not yet sufficiently investigated. We developed a national collaboration on this issue, with the aim to assess the effect of BoM on survival outcomes of immunotherapy-treated pts in a large retrospective cohort. Methods: Data on pts diagnosed with mUC and treated between 07/14 and 08/20 with single-agent immunotherapy (IO) after failure of at least 1 previous line of chemotherapy (CT) for advanced disease, or (neo-)adjuvant CT within 12 months were retrospectively collected across 14 centers. PFS and OS were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was performed evaluating potential prognostic factors for OS and PFS. Each factor was evaluated in univariable (UV) and multivariable (MVA) analysis. Results: A total of 208 evaluable pts treated with single-agent immunotherapy (anti PD-1 n=42; anti PD-L1 n=166) were identified, including 122 without BoM (59% BoM-) and 86 (41%) BoM+. 13% of pts had progressed within 12 months after (neo-)adjuvant CT and 79% after a previous line of platinum-based CT for advanced disease (cisplatin 42.8%; carboplatin 36.5%). The presence of BoM negatively affected performance status (PS) of patients at baseline (ECOG PS 0/1/2 in 58% / 37% / 5% in BoM- vs 38% / 52% / 9% in BoM+; p=0.017). Other baseline characteristics were comparable. BoM+ showed shorter PFS (median 2.0 vs 2.6 months, HR 1.76 [95%CI, 1.31-2.37], p<0.001) and OS (median 3.9 vs 7.8 months, HR 1.59 [95%CI, 1.15-2.20], p=0.005) than BoM-. Probability of being alive was 62% vs 40% after 6 months, 38% vs 23% after 1 year and 24% vs 13% after 2 years, in BoM- and BoM+ respectively. Within each Bellmunt score, PFS and OS of BoM+ pts were shorter compared to BoM-. Both BoM and higher Bellmunt risk score were significantly associated with shorter PFS and OS in UV and MV analyses (Table). Conclusions: Patients with mUC treated with single-agent immunotherapy for BoM+ advanced disease have a dismal prognosis compared with BoM-. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism behind these clinical outcomes. [Table: see text]

The prognostic value of pain in castration-sensitive prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related pain, usually associated with bone metastases, is a frequent and debilitating morbidity in patients with prostate cancer. To date there are only limited data regarding the prognostic role of pain in men with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). The objective of our analysis was to assess if the presence of pain can be considered an independent prognostic factor in mCSPC patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with mCSPC referring to six oncology centers in Italy. Clinical and pathological features were recorded. Patients were considered to have pain if this was reported within the patient's file or in case of a chronic analgesic therapy was found among the concomitant medications. Survivals were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared across groups using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard models, stratified according to the baseline characteristics, were used to estimate hazard ratios for overall survival (OS). All the variables were significant if p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Data about pain were available for 365 cases and pain was present in 34.8% of patients. Pain was mainly associated with high value of prostate-specific antigen, metastatic bone extension regardless of the site, and lymph node involvement. mCSPC patients with pain had in most of the cases high-volume or Hr disease, and significant shorter OS (27.0 vs. 58.2 months, p < 0.001) and PFS (10.1 vs. 17.4 months, p < 0.001) compared to those without pain. The negative impact of pain on OS remained significant even if adjusted for CHAARTED or LATITUDE classification, and other significant baseline prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis supports the poor prognostic role of cancer-related pain in the setting of mCSPC patients. A prospective validation is required.

Prognostic role of T3/T4 ratio in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): Preliminary results of the threeFOUR multicenter study (Meet-Uro 14)

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Background: Thyroid hormones metabolism can be altered in patients (pts) with chronic diseases and/or undergoing cancer treatments. The prognostic role of T3/T4 ratio has been investigated in metastatic colorectal cancer pts in whom a high T3/T4 ratio predicted longer survival. No data are available in mRCC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of pts with mRCC treated in first line for metastatic disease at 8 Italian Oncology Units before March 2017, having at least one response assessment and baseline complete thyroid panel data available. T3/T4 was calculated as the ratio of the two value of hormones and categorized in tertiles. Results: We identified 96 pts, median age 62 years (range 27-82), 72% males. Sunitinib wad administered in 56% of pts, pazopanib in 38%, nivolumab and ipilimumab in 6%. According to Heng Score, 33% of the pts were at favorable risk, 58% at intermediate risk, 9% at poor risk. With a median follow-up time of 42.8 months, median PFS was 24.8 months, estimated median OS was 71.6 months. Tertile distribution of patients was 36.4% in the high, 29.1% in the medium and 34.5% in the low subgroup. A baseline high tertile value (≥ 0.35) predicted longer PFS (39.4 vs 21.8 1vs 4.5 months, p = 0.01), while median OS has not been reached in the three tertiles, with survival at 24 months being 69.7%, 82.1% and 91.4%, respectively in the low, medium, high group (p = ns). The high T3/T4 ratio is also strongly associated with the chance to achieve a partial or complete response (42.8% vs 39.9% vs 21%, X squared test, p < 0.001). Heng prognostic model retained its prognostic role in this cohort (median OS was 77.1 vs 48.4 vs 22.3 months, p < 0.001, respectively for favorable, intermediate or poor risk group) and also predicted PFS (median PFS 38.2 vs 17.2 vs 8.4 months, p = 0.004). Baseline NLR ≥ 3 predicted shorter OS (46.5 vs 77.1 months, p = 0.02) in the whole group. Conclusions: In our retrospective multicenter experience, a high T3/T4 ratio was associated with longer PFS and a higher probability to respond to the treatment. Median OS had not been reached for all the subgroups, probably due to a favorable patients selection. A longer follow-up is needed to validate the prognostic value of T3/T4 ratio in this cohort.

Prognostic role of Oncological Multidimensional Prognostic Index (Onco-MPI) in elderly patients with urological cancers

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Background: MPI is an effective tool for geriatric assessment in elderly patients (pts). An oncological version of MPI (Onco-MPI) has been validated by our group in pts with cancer. We evaluate here the prognostic role of Onco-MPI in pts affected by urological cancer. Methods: Pts aged ≥70 years with prostate, renal and urothelial cancer (bladder or upper urinary tract) referred to the Medical Oncology 1 Unit from Jan 2005 to Aug 2019 received a basal comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Onco-MPI was calculated by a validated algorithm as a weighted linear combination of the CGA domains as previously described, identifying 3 different prognostic groups: low (scores 0.0-0.46), intermediate (scores 0.47-0.63) and high risk (scores 0.64-1.0). Results: A total of 643 pts were included; 382 with prostate, 121 renal and 140 urothelial cancer. Median age was 77 years (68-95). ECOG PS was 0 in 44%, 1 in 34.2% and >1 in 21.6%; 19.3% had stage I or II disease, 29.7% stage III and 51% stage IV. Median overall survival (OS) was 35.4 months (95% CI 29.5-41.2). Onco-MPI score (low vs medium vs high risk) was significantly associated with OS in the overall population as well as in the subgroups of patients with prostate, renal or urothelial cancer (table). In pts with prostate cancer the majority of pts were low risk (93%) and only few intermediate (7%), no one was high risk. Conclusions: Onco-MPI confirmed its prognostic role in elderly pts with prostate, renal and urothelial carcinoma. It may be therefore valuable both in clinical practice for driving decision-making, and in geriatric clinical trials thanks to its standardization.[Table: see text]

Immunotherapy and urothelial carcinoma: An overview and future prospectives

BACKGROUND

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common malignancy with a high mortality rate when metastatic. Traditionally, systemic therapy consisted in platinum-based regimens as first-line, with Taxanes or Vinflunine as further lines. Recently, checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) immunotherapy has emerged as a new therapeutic option.

METHODS

We searched in Medline, Pubmed and ClinicalTrial.gov databases for the relevant literature, reviewing the results of published trials and the design of ongoing studies involving CPIs in UC.

RESULT

Strong evidence supports the use of CPIs after failure of Cisplatin-based chemotherapy, although no predictive parameter is available so far. Expression of Programmed-Death-1-Ligand has given conflicting results, and is currently indicated only for the selection of Cisplatin-ineligible patients who should receive CPIs.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic landscape of UC is rapidly changing due to the availability of CPIs. Neoadjuvant trials with CPIs and trials combining two CPIs are promising and will further expand the use of immunotherapy.

Trabectedin Drug Holiday and Rechallenge in Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Report of 4 Cases and Literature Review

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare neoplasms, with a high mortality rate. Few drugs are available for the treatment of patients affected by metastatic sarcomas, who still have a 5-years survival rate lower than 20%. However, some of the more recent therapies can obtain long lasting responses in a portion of patients, such as Trabectedin. We analyzed four such cases treated at our Institute after progression to an anthracycline based regimen. In each case a therapeutic pause was proposed after at least 6 months of therapy with Trabectedin and in three out of four patients a re-challenge was proposed at progression, achieving again disease control or response. In two cases oligo-progressive sites were treated with localized therapies as stereotactic radiotherapy, delaying the systemic treatment re-start. In this article the reports of the patients involved are presented with a concise review of the relevant literature. Our findings support the favorable safety profile of Trabectedin and the feasibility of drug holidays, which should be at least discussed with the patient.

Does neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio correlate with toxicities and outcome of patients with genitourinary cancers treated with checkpoint inhibitors?

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Background: Few data are available concerning the role of neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in predicting toxicities and outcome in patients (pts) with genitourinary cancer treated with recent immunotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of all pts with metastatic renal cell (RCC) or urothelial cancer (UC) treated at our Institute with immunotherapy(Nivolumab with or without Ipilimumab, Atezolizumab, Durvalumab, Pembrolizumab), having at least one response assessment after starting treatment. Results: We identified 117 pts treated from May 2015 onwards, median age: 68 years (range 39-84), 72% males, 53% with UC. Incidence of G3/4 toxicities was 17%, while 23.9% of pts needed an high dose steroid treatment because of immune-related toxicities (IrT). Median PFS and OS were 7.0 and 24.1 months, respectively for RCC, and 2.8 and 7.1 months, respectively for UC. 56 pts had progressive disease at best response. Baseline value of neutrophils or lymphocytes does not correlate with IrT (t test, p = 0.399, p = 0.728, respectively). In the IrT events, no significant increase of lymphocytes was detected (p = 0.160). The incidence of a IrT which needed steroid treatment positively impact in PFS (p = 0.03) but not in OS (p = 0.74). The use of steroid therapy was not associated with a different outcome in terms of OS (p = 0.49 for UC and p = 0.18 for RCC) and associated with a better PFS in RCC (p = 0.018). Steroid use was associated with the probability of non-progressive disease at first assessment (Chi-squared test, p = 0.015). In our cohort, baseline neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 3 correlate with a shorter PFS and OS in UC (p = 0.026 and p = 0.003 respectively), while it does not in RCC (p = 0.104 and p = 0.678 respectively). In our cohort, baseline neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 3 correlate with a shorter PFS and OS in UC (p = 0.026 and p = 0.003 respectively), while it does not in RCC (p = 0.104 and p = 0.678 respectively). In UC, the positivization of NLR after 2 cycles predicts a shorter PFS for UC (p = 0.008) and a trend for OS. Conclusions: In our retrospective single-center experience, NLR confirms its role in UC even in a cohort treated with immunotherapy and its variation predicts shorter outcome, while neutrophils or lymphocytes do not relate with IrT. The use of steroid for IrT is safe since it does not impact on survival and is associated with a higher probability of non-progressive disease at first assessment.

Prognostic and predictive role of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in elderly patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) treated with sunitinib (SUN) or pazopanib (PAZ): A single center experience

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Background: Few data are available concerning the prognostic and predictive role of CGA in elderly pts ≥70 years with metastatic RCC treated with either Sun or Paz. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all elderly pts with advanced RCC treated at our Institute with either Sun or Paz, with at least 6 months follow-up after starting treatment. Every pt received at baseline a CGA and was classified as fit, vulnerable or frail according to Balducci’s Criteria. Results: We identified 73 pts who started therapy from January 2006 to March 2018, median age 76 years (range 70-89), 63% males; 42.5% fit and 57.5% unfit pts (38.3% vulnerable, 19.2% frail). Sun to Paz ratio was 40 to 33 pts with a median duration of treatment of 10.8 months; incidence of G1/2 toxicities was 85% vs 93.9% (p = 0.28), G3/4 was 37.5% vs 30.3% (p = 0.63), dose reduction was necessary in 77.5% vs 78.8% of pts (p = 0.9), respectively. Median PFS and OS with Sun or Paz were 13.6 vs 9.4 months (p = 0.152) and 27 vs 22.3 months (p = 0.641), respectively. CGA fit category predicted longer PFS (p = 0.039) and OS (p = 0.001) in the whole cohort. We found no significant differences between fit and unfit pts according to incidence of G1/2 adverse events, incidence of dose reduction or necessity to early suspend treatment due to toxicity, while the incidence of G3/4 events was lower in the fit subgroup (p = 0.026). Out of 67 pts progressing after first line therapy, 27 (40.3%) received a second line consisting in Nivolumab (22.4%), Everolimus (13.4%) and Sorafenib (4.5%), while 40 (59.7%) received only palliative treatments. CGA fit category significantly correlated with a higher chance of receiving a second line treatment (p = 0.004). Conclusions: In our retrospective single-center experience, CGA has a strong prognostic value in terms of OS and has the ability to discriminate pts at higher risk of experiencing G3/4 toxicities with Sun or Paz, with shorter PFS and lower chance of receiving a second line treatment. There were no striking differences in terms of toxicity rates between Sun or Paz, although different in type and possibly biased by patient selection.

Prognostic and predictive role of CTCs and AR-V7+ CTCs expression in metastatic catrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): A feasibility study

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Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTC) counts ≥ 5/7.5 mL predict shorter survival in patients (pts) with mCRPC. Moreover, the presence of androgen receptor splice variant-7 mRNA (AR-V7) in CTCs is thought to play a relevant role in the development of primary or acquired resistance to enzalutamide (E) or abiraterone (A). We developed a new immunofluorescence-based assay for AR-V7+ CTCs and tested its association with PFS and OS. Methods: We performed a single-centre observational prospective trial enrolling pts with mCRPC candidate to receive E or A. CTC samples have been collected at baseline, after 1 month (mo) and every 3 mos thereafter until progression or at 12 mos without progression. CTCs have been enumerated with CellSearch System. We integrated the standard assay with a mAb able to recognize the AR-V7 protein. Slides from samples underwent automated immunofluorescent staining and AR-V7+ CTCs were enumerated. Results: Since Sep 2016, 31 pts have been enrolled (Table). We compared CTC counts between standard and the integrated assay and found no differences in the mean total CTC number ± (Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, p= 0.31). 16 out of 28 evaluable pts (57%) had ≥ 1 CTCs at baseline, 9 pts (32%) had ≥ 5 CTCs/7.5 ml, 4 pts (14.3%) were AR-V7+ before any exposure to A or E. After a median follow-up time of 8.1 mos, 6 pts have progressed and 4 died. No association has been found between CTCs ≥ 5/7.5 mL and survival. The presence of at least 1 AR-V7+ CTC at baseline did not correlate with PSA response, but had a weak association with shorter PFS (log-rank test, p = 0.055) and a significant impact (p = 0.02) on OS. Conclusions: We developed a new integrated assay for AR-V7+ CTCs, based on an automated platform that permits serial sampling with low inter- / intra-test variability. The clinical utility in anticipating the resistance to E or A is under study. [Table: see text]

Isolation and characterization of photosystem II subcomplexes from cyanobacteria lacking photosystem I

A photosystem II (PSII) core complex lacking the internal antenna CP43 protein was isolated from the photosystem II of Synechocystis PCC6803, which lacks photosystem I (PSI). CP47-RC and reaction centre (RCII) complexes were also obtained in a single procedure by direct solubilization of whole thylakoid membranes. The CP47-RC subcore complex was characterized by SDS/PAGE, immunoblotting, MALDI MS, visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, and absorption detected magnetic resonance. The purity and functionality of RCII was also assayed. These preparations may be useful for mutational analysis of PSII RC and CP47-RC in studying primary reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis.