Cancer incidence, stage shift and survival during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study in Belgium

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a profound decline in cancer diagnoses in 2020 in Belgium. Disruption in diagnostic and screening services and patient reluctance to visit health facilities led to fewer new cases and concerns that cancers may be diagnosed at more advanced stages and hence have poorer prognosis. Using data from mandatory cancer registration covering all of Belgium, we predicted cancer incidence, stage distribution and 1-year relative survival for 2020 using a Poisson count model over the preceding years, extrapolated to 2020 for 11 common cancer types. We compared these expected values to the observed values in 2020 to specifically quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for background trends. A significantly lower incidence was observed for cervical, prostate, head and neck, colorectal, bladder and breast cancer, with limited or no recovery of diagnoses in the second half of 2020 for these cancer types. Changes in stage distribution were observed for cervical, prostate, bladder and ovarian and fallopian tube tumours. Generally, changes in stage distribution mainly represented decline in early-stage than in late-stage tumours. One-year relative survival was lower than predicted for lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Stage shifts are hypothesised to result from alterations in access to diagnosis, potentially due to prioritisation of symptomatic patients, and patient reluctance to contact a physician. Since there were over 5000 fewer cancer diagnoses than expected by the end of 2020, it is critical to monitor incidence, stage distribution and survival for these cancers in the coming years.

Data-driven optimization of version 9 American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for anal cancer

INTRODUCTION

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system undergoes periodic revisions to maintain contemporary survival outcomes related to stage. Recently, the AJCC has developed a novel, systematic approach incorporating survival data to refine stage groupings. The objective of this study was to demonstrate data-driven optimization of the version 9 AJCC staging system for anal cancer assessed through a defined validation approach.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed with anal cancer in 2012 through 2017. Kaplan-Meier methods analyzed 5-year survival by individual clinical T category, N category, M category, and overall stage. Cox proportional hazards models validated overall survival of the revised TNM stage groupings.

RESULTS

Overall, 24,328 cases of anal cancer were included. Evaluation of the 8th edition AJCC stage groups demonstrated a lack of hierarchical prognostic order. Survival at 5 years for stage I was 84.4%, 77.4% for stage IIA, and 63.7% for stage IIB; however, stage IIIA disease demonstrated a 73.0% survival, followed by 58.4% for stage IIIB, 59.9% for stage IIIC, and 22.5% for stage IV (p <.001). Thus, stage IIB was redefined as T1-2N1M0, whereas Stage IIIA was redefined as T3N0-1M0. Reevaluation of 5-year survival based on data-informed stage groupings now demonstrates hierarchical prognostic order and validated via Cox proportional hazards models.

CONCLUSION

The 8th edition AJCC survival data demonstrated a lack of hierarchical prognostic order and informed revised stage groupings in the version 9 AJCC staging system for anal cancer. Thus, a validated data-driven optimization approach can be implemented for staging revisions across all disease sites moving forward.

Survival outcomes used to generate version 9 American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for anal cancer

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for all cancer sites, including anal cancer, is the standard for cancer staging in the United States. The AJCC staging criteria are dynamic, and periodic updates are conducted to optimize AJCC staging definitions through a panel of experts charged with evaluating new evidence to implement changes. With greater availability of large data sets, the AJCC has since restructured and updated its processes, incorporating prospectively collected data to validate stage group revisions in the version 9 AJCC staging system, including anal cancer. Survival analysis using AJCC eighth edition staging guidelines revealed a lack of hierarchical order in which stage IIIA anal cancer was associated with a better prognosis than stage IIB disease, suggesting that, for anal cancer, tumor (T) category has a greater effect on survival than lymph node (N) category. Accordingly, version 9 stage groups have been appropriately adjusted to reflect contemporary long-term outcomes. This article highlights the changes to the now published AJCC staging system for anal cancer, which: (1) redefined stage IIB as T1-T2N1M0 disease, (2) redefined stage IIIA as T3N0-N1M0 disease, and (3) eliminated stage 0 disease from its guidelines altogether.

Demographics, pattern of practice and clinical outcomes in rectal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the baseline clinical features, treatment patterns and outcomes in rectal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

METHOD

This is a retrospective study of patients with rectal SCC treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Canada) between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2020. Clinical factors associated with locoregional failure (LRF), distant metastases (DM), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), such as age, sex, HIV status, T-category, nodal status, grade and primary treatment, were investigated with univariate analysis (UVA).

RESULTS

Twenty nine patients with rectal SCC were analysed with a median follow-up of 7.4 years (range 0.3-20.4 years). The median age at diagnosis was 52 years, with the majority presenting with clinical T3 disease or higher (n = 21, 72%) and positive regional lymph nodes (n = 16, 55%), while more than quarter of patients (28%) had metastatic disease. Definitive chemoradiation was the treatment modality of choice in more than half of all cases (n = 17, 59%) with a response rate of 100%. The 10-year cumulative incidence of LRF and DM was, respectively, 12% (95% CI 1.8%-32.9%) and 31% (95% CI: 12.0%-52.6%). The 5- and 10-year OS was 82% (95% CI 66.1%-100%). UVA revealed a trend towards an association of male gender (hazard ratio = 4.65, 95% CI 0.9%-24.1; p = 0.067) and primary surgical treatment (hazard ratio = 0.76, 95% CI 0.09-6.34; p = 0.061) with DFS.

CONCLUSION

Definitive chemoradiation is an effective and preferred treatment for rectal SCC allowing for sphincter preservation with complete clinical response observed in all patients.

Patient Reported and Clinical Outcomes from 5 Fraction SBRT for Oligometastases - a Prospective Single Institution Study

PURPOSE

To describe the long-term outcomes of a five-fraction normal tissue tolerance adapted strategy for the management of oligometastases (OM).

METHODS & MATERIALS

Patients with histologically confirmed solid tumors, ≤5 extra-cranial metastases, suitable for a definitive approach for all metastatic lesions, at least one lesion suitable for SBRT, ECOG ≤2 were eligible. Treatment intervention was a 5-fraction (25- 55Gy) normal tissue adapted dosing strategy. The primary outcome was cumulative local progression rate at 12 months.

RESULTS

Between Mar 2013- Jan 2018, 137 patients started SBRT. Median FU was 35.7 months. 107 (78%) patients had a solitary OM. The mean PTV D₉₅ was 39.6 [SD 8.8]; BED₁₀ 70.8) Gy. Mean PTV D₉₅ was highest for lung lesions [48.7 (SD4.7); BED₁₀ 96.1] Gy, but was <40Gy for all other anatomical sites. Two Grade 3 toxicities (GI bleed) were observed with stomach D_0.05 30.3Gy and 30.4Gy. The cumulative local progression rate at 12/36 months was 16.1 (95% CI 10-22)% and 38.3 (95% CI 30-46.7) %; OS was 90% and 37%, and PFS was 58% and 19% respectively. Mean Symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Total Score) worsened in patients with progressive disease (+8.8) at 12 months and was paralleled by changes in mean EORTC QLQ30 Summary Score and Global Health Quality of Life Score. Systemic therapy was initiated in 55% of patients at an average of 12.7 (SD12.4) months.

CONCLUSIONS

If long term PFS is the primary goal of therapy, SBRT for OM achieved this in less than 20% of patients attributable to a high risk of distant failure. Favorable local progression free survival is accompanied by preservation of QoL, avoidance of symptom progression and reduced need of antineoplastic therapies at 12 months. Information on symptom burden, QoL, as well as pattern of antineoplastic therapy use following progressive disease is useful to support conversations between patients, families and health care providers. Strategies to improve patient selection and reduce distant progression rate remain a priority for further study.

Evaluation of a multiparametric MRI scoring system for histopathologic treatment response following preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the performance of a multiparametric (mp) MRI scoring system for assessment of tumour response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHOD

Fifty-nine consecutive patients with LARC who had rectal MRI before and after CRT followed by surgery were included. Two radiologists retrospectively assessed tumour response using a proposed mpMRI scoring system. Treatment response was classified as complete, near complete, partial or poor. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were calculated and inter-reader agreements were assessed. Pathologic tumour regression grade (pTRG) was the reference standard.

RESULTS

Treatment response was correctly predicted by both readers in 32.2%-40.7% of patients. Overestimation was more common than underestimation. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for pathologic complete response (pCR) among both readers was 16.7-33.0 %, 88.7-94.2 %, 14.3-40.0 % and 92.5-94.2 % respectively. Sensitivity and PPV for both readers improved to 56.0-60.0 % and 53.6-66.7 % respectively when complete response and near complete response categories (good responders) were combined. Inter-reader agreement using the scoring system was fair (κ = 0.383). Agreement between mpMRI score and pathological tumour response was poor to fair for both readers (κ = 0.050 to 0.258) but improved when complete and near complete response categories (good responders) were combined (κ = 0.214 to 0.362).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite low agreement between radiological tumour response and pTRG, the proposed mpMRI-based scoring system appears useful in identifying good responders who may benefit from nonoperative management strategies.

Current and future cancer staging after neoadjuvant treatment for solid tumors

Until recently, cancer registries have only collected cancer clinical stage at diagnosis, before any therapy, and pathological stage after surgical resection, provided no treatment has been given before the surgery, but they have not collected stage data after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Because NAT is increasingly being used to treat a variety of tumors, it has become important to make the distinction between both the clinical and the pathological assessment without NAT and the assessment after NAT to avoid any misunderstanding of the significance of the clinical and pathological findings. It also is important that cancer registries collect data after NAT to assess response and effectiveness of this treatment approach on a population basis. The prefix y is used to denote stage after NAT. Currently, cancer registries of the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer only partially collect y stage data, and data on the clinical response to NAT (yc or posttherapy clinical information) are not collected or recorded in a standardized fashion. In addition to NAT, nonoperative management after radiation and chemotherapy is being used with increasing frequency in rectal cancer and may be expanded to other treatment sites. Using examples from breast, rectal, and esophageal cancers, the pathological and imaging changes seen after NAT are reviewed to demonstrate appropriate staging.

Oncocytic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Oncocytic Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Clinical Features, Uptake, and Response to Radioactive Iodine Therapy, and Outcome

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to review the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome of patients with oncocytic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and oncocytic poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). The secondary objective was to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of RAI use in this population.

METHODS

Patients with oncocytic PTC and PDTC who were treated at a quaternary cancer centre between 2002 and 2017 were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. All patients had an expert pathology review to ensure consistent reporting and definition. The cumulative incidence function was used to analyse locoregional failure (LRF) and distant metastasis (DM) rates. Univariable analysis (UVA) was used to assess clinical predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

In total, 263 patients were included (PTC [n=218], PDTC [n=45]) with a median follow up of 4.4 years (range: 0 = 26.7 years). Patients with oncocytic PTC had a 5/10-year incidence of LRF and DM, respectively, of 2.7%/5.6% and 3.4%/4.5%. On UVA, there was an increased risk of DM in PTC tumors with widely invasive growth (HR 17.1; p<0.001), extra-thyroidal extension (HR 24.95; p<0.001), angioinvasion (HR 32.58; p=0.002), focal dedifferentiation (HR 19.57, p<0.001), and focal hobnail cell change (HR 8.67, p=0.042). There was additionally an increased risk of DM seen in male PTC patients (HR 5.5, p=0.03).The use of RAI was more common in patients with larger tumors, angioinvasion, and widely invasive disease. RAI was also used in the management of DM and 43% of patients with oncocytic PTC had RAI-avid metastatic disease. Patients with oncocytic PDTC had a higher rate of 5/10-year incidence of LRF and DM (21.4%/45.4%; 11.4%/40.4%, respectively). Patients with extra-thyroidal extension had an increased risk of DM (HR 5.52, p=0.023) as did those with angioinvasion. Of the patients with oncocytic PDTC who received RAI for the treatment of DM, 40% had RAI-avid disease.

CONCLUSION

We present a large homogenous cohort of patients with oncocytic PTC and PDTC, with consistent pathologic reporting and definition. Patients with oncocytic PTC have excellent clinical outcomes and similar risk factors for recurrence as their non-oncocytic counterparts (angioinvasion, large tumor size, extra-thyroidal extension, and focal dedifferentiation). Compared with oncocytic PTCs, the adverse biology of oncocytic PDTCs is supported with increased frequency of DM and lower uptake of RAI.

Development of paediatric non-stage prognosticator guidelines for population-based cancer registries and updates to the 2014 Toronto Paediatric Cancer Stage Guidelines

Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) generate measures of cancer incidence and survival that are essential for cancer surveillance, research, and cancer control strategies. In 2014, the Toronto Paediatric Cancer Stage Guidelines were developed to standardise how PBCRs collect data on the stage at diagnosis for childhood cancer cases. These guidelines have been implemented in multiple jurisdictions worldwide to facilitate international comparative studies of incidence and outcome. Robust stratification by risk also requires data on key non-stage prognosticators (NSPs). Key experts and stakeholders used a modified Delphi approach to establish principles guiding paediatric cancer NSP data collection. With the use of these principles, recommendations were made on which NSPs should be collected for the major malignancies in children. The 2014 Toronto Stage Guidelines were also reviewed and updated where necessary. Wide adoption of the resultant Paediatric NSP Guidelines and updated Toronto Stage Guidelines will enhance the harmonisation and use of childhood cancer data provided by PBCRs.

Long-term outcomes following salvage surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer: A 15-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is a complex problem requiring multidisciplinary consultation and specialized surgical care. Given the paucity of published longer-term survival data, skepticism persists regarding the benefit of major extirpative surgery. We investigated ultra-long-term (~15 years) outcomes following radical resection of LRRC and sought relevant clinicopathologic prognostic variables.

METHODS

A cohort of 52 consecutive patients who underwent resection of LRRC at our institution between 1997 and 2005 were followed with serial exams and imaging up to the point of death, or 30/06/2019.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 16.5 years (9.9-18.3) for patients who were alive at last follow-up; only one patient was lost to follow-up, at 9.9 years. For the entire cohort of 52 patients, disease-specific survival (DSS) at 5, 10, and 15 years following salvage surgery was 41%, 33%, and 31%, respectively. All patients who had distant metastatic disease at the time of LRRC resection (n = 6) subsequently died of cancer, at a median of 21 months (4-46). In those without distant metastases at time of salvage surgery (n = 46), DSS at 5, 10, and 15 years was 47%, 38%, and 35%, respectively, median 60 months. Negative resection margin (R0) was independently predictive of superior outcomes. In patients with M0 disease who had R0 resection (n = 37), DSS at 5, 10 and 15 years was 58%, 47%, and 44%, respectively, median 73 months. No patient developed re-recurrence after 5.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates exceptionally durable long-term cancer-free survival following salvage surgery for LRRC, indicating that cure is possible.

Intergroup Randomized Phase III Study of Postoperative Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin Versus Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Bevacizumab for Patients with Stage II or III Rectal Cancer Receiving Preoperative Chemoradiation: A Trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Research Group (E5204)

BACKGROUND

The addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy improved outcomes for patients with metastatic colon cancer. E5204 was designed to test whether the addition of bevacizumab to mFOLFOX6, following neoadjuvant chemoradiation and definitive surgery, could improve overall survival (OS) in patients with stage II/III adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS

Patients with stage II/III rectal cancer who had completed neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil-based chemoradiation and had undergone complete resection were enrolled. Patients were randomized to mFOLFOX6 (Arm A) or mFOLFOX6 with bevacizumab (Arm B) administered every 2 weeks for 12 cycles.

RESULTS

E5204 registered only 355 patients (17% of planned accrual goal) as it was terminated prematurely owing to poor accrual. At a median follow-up of 72 months, there was no difference in 5-year overall survival (88.3% vs. 83.7%) or 5-year disease-free survival (71.2% vs. 76.5%) between the two arms. The rate of treatment-related grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) was 68.8% on Arm A and 70.7% on Arm B. Arm B had a higher proportion of patients who discontinued therapy early as a result of AEs and patient withdrawal than did Arm A (32.4% vs. 21.5%, p = .029).The most common grade 3-4 treatment-related AEs were neutropenia, leukopenia, neuropathy, diarrhea (without prior colostomy), and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

At 17% of its planned accrual, E5204 did not meet its primary endpoint. The addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOX6 in the adjuvant setting did not significantly improve OS in patients with stage II/III rectal cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

At 17% of its planned accrual, E5204 was terminated early owing to poor accrual. At a median follow-up of 72 months, there was no significant difference in 5-year overall survival (88.3% vs. 83.7%) or in 5-year disease-free survival (71.2% vs. 76.5%) between the two arms. Despite significant advances in the treatment of rectal cancer, especially in improving local control rates, the risk of distant metastases and the need to further improve quality of life remain a challenge. Strategies combining novel agents with chemoradiation to improve both distant and local control are needed.

Impact of an inter-professional clinic on pancreatic cancer outcomes: The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) experience

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Background: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have limited treatment options. Management of complex symptoms and psychosocial implications requires an interprofessional approach as prognosis is often measured in months. A multidisciplinary approach has been associated with improvement in clinical outcomes including survival. We aimed to evaluate the impact of an inter-professional approach for PDAC patients at the Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer (WMCPC) at PM on their management and clinical outcomes. Methods: We undertook retrospective review of all patients with PDAC seen at PM two years before (July ‘12 – June ‘14) and two years after (July ‘14 – June ‘16) establishment of the WMCPC. Standard therapies (surgical approach, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) were the same during both time periods. Comparison of overall survival (OS), stage at diagnosis, surgical outcomes, waiting times, and proportion seen by social worker, dietician and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) was explored with descriptive statistic and survival analysis. Results: A total of 993 patients were reviewed; 482 patients pre- and 511 patients post-WMCPC. Age (median 67 yrs), sex (54% men) and stage III/IV (52%) were similar in both groups. There was a trend to improved OS in the post-WMCPC group (9.6 vs. 10.9 m; p = 0.055); multivariable analysis found a significant improvement in OS after adjustment for performance status and stage (p = 0.023; HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98). Rate of R0 versus R1/R2 resection for curative surgery (n = 264, 28%) was similar in both groups. Time from referral to first clinic visit significantly decreased from 13.4 to 8.8 days in the post-WMCPC group (p < 0.001) as did time from first clinic appointment to diagnostic biopsy (25.9 vs. 16.9 days, p = 0.022). Patients in the post-WMCPC were more frequently seen by a social worker, dietician or CNS (8% vs. 38%, 9% vs. 35% and 31% vs. 50% respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Establishment of an interprofessional clinic for the treatment of PDAC patients at PM has streamlined diagnosis, aided symptom management and improved overall survival. This has implications for planning care delivery models and proves the value of this intervention.

Early stage hepatocellular carcinoma treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy: A pooled analysis from two North American institutions

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Background: To report outcomes of pooled data from patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) at two North American Institutions. Methods: An IRB approved collaborative review of patients with HCC treated with radical intent SBRT was conducted. Inclusion criteria included patients with Stage I-IIIA HCC (UICC/AJCC 7th Ed.) treated with SBRT (≥ 4.5 Gy/ fraction) from June 2003 until Dec 2016. Patients who were treated with SBRT were ineligible for resection, percutaneous ablative or hepatic intravascular therapies. Patients with vascular invasion and those treated with palliative intent (e.g. HCC rupture) were excluded. Overall survival, local control and toxicity of treatment were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Of 310 eligible patients, 23% were Child-Pugh (CP) class B/C (21%/2%), and 40% had failed prior liver directed therapies. The median HCC diameter was 2.4 cm (range 0.5-18.1 cm), and the median prescribed dose was 39 Gray (Gy) in 5 fractions (range: 14 - 60 Gy in 2-6 fractions). Median BED was 78.75 Gy (Range: 23.8-180.0 Gy). 8.4% of patients underwent liver transplant after SBRT. Local control at 1, 3 and 5 years was 91.5%, 82.6% and 82.6%. On multivariable analysis (MVA), the use of breath-hold motion management, but not T stage, size or dose, was significantly associated with local control (p = 0.0098). The 1, 3, and 5 year overall survival (OS) was 77.3%, 37.9% and 23.5%. Factors associated with improved OS on MVA included baseline CP A score (HR = 0.58, p < 0.0045), AFP < 10 µg/L (HR = 0.66, p = 0.0094), and transplant post SBRT (HR = 0.05, p < 0.0001). The median survival of CP A vs. B/C patients was 30.3 and 17.6 months respectively. CTCAE (v4.0) grade 3 or higher luminal gastrointestinal organ toxicity occurred in 2.5% of patients, while a decline in CP score ≥ 2 points was seen in 16.7% of patients at 3 months post SBRT. Grade 3 and above elevated liver enzymes were seen in 12.6% and 8.1% of patients at baseline and at 3 months post SBRT. Conclusions: Similar to Asian series, this North American pooled analysis found high sustained local control and excellent survival in patients with early stage HCC treated with SBRT.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion

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Background: In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), macrovascular invasion (MVI) is associated with a poor prognosis. This study describes long-term outcomes of patients with HCC and MVI treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods: Patients with HCC and MVI who were treated with SBRT from January 2003 to December 2016 were eligible for analysis. Patients who had extrahepatic disease or who had prior liver transplant were excluded. Demographical, clinical, and treatment variables were collected, under IRB approval. The degree of vascular invasion was quantified into two categories: main portal vein branch/IVC and distal portal/hepatic vein. Results: 128 eligible pts with HCC and MVI were treated with SBRT ( > 4.5 Gy/fraction). The median age was 61 yrs (range: 39 to 90 yrs). Underlying liver disease was hepatitis B in 23%, hepatitis C in 45%, other in 20%; no known liver disease in 12%. Baseline Child-Pugh (CP) score was A5 in 67%, A6 in 20%, B7 or higher in 13%. 35% received previous liver-directed therapies. Median HCC volume was 153.7 mL (range: 3.9 to 1,813.5 mL). Median AFP was 205 ug/L (range: 1 to 171,154 ug/L). Median SBRT dose was 33.3 Gy (range: 27 to 54 Gy) in 6 fractions. Local control at 1 year was 87.4% (95% CI 78.6 to 96.1%). SBRT dose or HCC volume were not significant on univariate analysis. Median overall survival was 18.3 months (95% CI 11.2 to 21.4 months). ECOG PS > 1 (HR:1.73, p = 0.03), CP score (HR: 1.67, p = 0.04), and treatment between 2004 and 2010 (HR: 2.28, p = 0.0009) were significant on multivariable analysis, while SBRT dose, HCC volume, and degree of vascular invasion were not. In 35 patients who received sorafenib following SBRT, median survival was 38.5 months (95% CI 17.23 to 43.16 months). 4/128 pts. developed GI bleeding and 35/112 patients with liver function evaluable at baseline and 3 months had a deterioration in CP class. Conclusions: SBRT was associated with excellent outcomes for patients with HCC and MVI. Randomized phase III trials of SBRT are warranted and ongoing.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Subsequent Malignant Neoplasm Risk After Radioactive Iodine Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

Background: The potential risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) after radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment of thyroid cancer (TC) is an important concern. Methods: A systematic review was updated comparing the risk of SMNs in TC patients treated with RAI to TC patients without RAI. Six electronic databases were searched (up to March, 2018), supplemented with a hand search. Two reviewers independently screened citations, reviewed full-text papers, and critically appraised/abstracted data. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using crude data and data statistically adjusted for confounders. The outcomes were any SMN and specific SMNs for which sufficient data were available. Results: In total, 3506 unique electronic search citations and 93 full-text papers were examined, including 17 studies (3 systematic reviews and 14 original studies). Published knowledge syntheses were limited by inclusion of small numbers of studies, with two systematic reviews suggesting an increased risk of any SMN and one meta-analysis suggesting a reduced risk of breast SMN after RAI treatment. In a meta-analysis of crude data, the risk ratio of any SMN in RAI-treated TC patients was 0.98 ([confidence interval (CI) 0.76-1.27]; n = 10 studies of 65,539 individuals, heterogeneity Q = 64.26, degrees of freedom [df] = 9, p < 0.001, I² = 85.99). The pooled risk ratio for any SMN, adjusted for confounders, was 1.16 ([CI 0.97-1.39]; n = 6 studies, data from at least 11,241 TC patients, Q = 10.86, df = 5, p = 0.054, I² = 53.96). In secondary analyses examining specific SMNs, although relatively rare, the risk of subsequent leukemia was increased, but the risk of multiple myeloma was reduced in RAI-treated TC patients. There was no significant increased relative risk of breast cancer, salivary cancer, or combined hematologic malignancies according to RAI treatment status. Conclusions: The body of evidence on whether ¹³¹I treatment of thyroid cancer is associated with the primary outcome of any SMN is highly heterogeneous and complex. More research examining the long-term risk of specific SMNs after ¹³¹I treatment is needed.

Survival outcomes for de novo versus relapsed stage IV gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma

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Background: In gastric/GEJ cancer, 40% of patients (pts) are metastatic at diagnosis ( de novo stage IV) and up to 70% with locoregional disease recur (relapsed stage IV). We compared survival outcomes between de novo vs relapsed stage IV. Methods: A retrospective observational study of stage IV gastric/GEJ pts was conducted (2012-2015). Overall survival (OS) was from date of stage IV diagnosis. PFS1 defined the period from stage IV diagnosis to first progression. PFS2 was from first to second progression. For relapsed stage IV pts, disease-free interval (DFI) was the period from initial diagnosis to metastatic relapse. Cox proportional hazards models compared OS, PFS1 and PFS2 between de novo vs relapsed stage IV pts, stratified by DFI [ < 6, 6-12 and > 12 months (mo)] and controlled for baseline patient characteristics. Results: Of 198 pts, 62% were male and median age was 64 years (26-93), with 64% gastric and 36% GEJ adenocarcinomas. Primary therapy for locoregional pts included surgery (75%), perioperative chemotherapy (42%) and radiotherapy (42%). De novo and relapsed stage IV pts represented 68% and 32% of the cohort respectively. Median follow-up was 13 mo. Controlled for age, performance status and Charlson comorbidity index, there were no significant differences in OS (median OS 12.5 ( de novo) vs 12.2 mo (relapsed); HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.83-1.77, p = 0.31), PFS1 (6.8 vs 7.4 mo; HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.65-1.56, p = 0.98) or PFS2 (3.8 vs 3.0 mo; HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.44-2.41, p = 0.95). Median OS for relapsed stage IV patients were different by DFI groups (log-rank p = 0.02): 22.9 mo (for DFI > 12mo; n = 31), 11.2 mo (DFI 6-12; n = 19) and 7.5 mo (DFI < 6; n = 14). Additionally, OS was significantly better if the DFI was greater than 12 mo, compared with de novo stage IV (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.88, p = 0.02). Conclusions: There was no observed difference in the natural history of de novo vs relapsed stage IV gastric/GEJ pts. DFI was strongly prognostic with median OS (from date of relapse) approaching 2 years for relapsed pts with DFI > 12 mo. In addition to implications for treatment strategy, tumor biology within subgroups should be examined to identify novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Management of metastatic gastric and esophageal cancer in older adults

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Background: Older adults are under-represented or excluded from pivotal trials of palliative chemotherapy for metastatic gastric and esophageal (GE) cancers. Little is known about how older patients are treated in the real world. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of age on treatment and survival. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years were identified from a retrospective database of patients with metastatic GE cancer (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; 2011-2016). The impact of age ≥75 years (old-old) versus (vs.) 65-74 years (young-old) on treatment and survival was assessed using multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression models, respectively, adjusted for known prognostic factors including sex, comorbidity, primary site, histology, grade, stage at initial diagnosis, metastatic sites, and chemotherapy use. Results: Of 183 patients, median age was 72 (range 65-92) years; 31% were old-old. Old-old patients were less likely to be treated with any chemotherapy (12.3% vs. 45.2% young-old; adjusted odds ratio = 0.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05-0.31)). With a median follow-up of 5.7 months, 135 (74%) had died during follow-up; median overall survival (OS) was 5.2 months (mo) for the old-old vs. 8.4 mo (young-old). There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups after adjustment for known prognostic factors (old-old vs. young-old: univariable hazard ratio (HR) 1.75 (95% CI 1.2-2.5); adjusted HR 1.1 (95% CI 0.7-1.7). Treatment with any chemotherapy was associated with an improvement in survival: adjusted HR 0.34 (95%CI 0.22-0.52). Conclusions: In this single-centre study of older adults with metastatic GE cancer, there was an overall low rate of treatment with chemotherapy; those ≥75 were rarely treated. After accounting for known prognostic factors, there was no observed difference in survival between patients ≥75 and those 65 to 74. Comprehensive geriatric assessment may improve treatment selection in the older population. [Table: see text]

Impact of age and frailty on survival in older adults with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus

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Background: Patients with anal cancer (AC) can achieve long-term disease control with chemoradiation (CRT), however, the treatment has serious adverse effects. Most patients with AC are ≥65 but little is known about cancer outcomes in this population. Frailty measures have been proposed to determine the risk of treating older adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of age and frailty on outcomes in patients with AC. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients age ≥65 with non-metastatic AC treated from 2007-2016 at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. A 44-item Cumulative Deficit Score was constructed to quantify frailty as per the Rockwood model. The impact of age and frailty on treatment toxicity and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and survival models, respectively, adjusting for ECOG performance status (PS), stage and treatment modality. Results: Among 92 patients, median age was 72 and 42.4% were age ≥75. Seventy (76.1%) patients were treated with CRT and 17 with radical radiotherapy (RT). After a median follow-up of 34.9 mo (range 0.5-103.9) 34 patients died – 16 from metastatic AC, 16 from other or unknown causes, and 2 treatment-related deaths. For patients treated with CRT or RT (N = 87), 53 (60.9%) required treatment modification due to toxicity. Twenty patients (22.9%) had an emergency room visit or hospitalization. Frailty did not significantly increase the risk of toxicity in multivariable analysis (OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.35-10.8). Treatment with CRT increased the risk of toxicity compared to RT alone (OR 9.5, 95% CI 1.7-53.8). Patients ≥75 had shorter OS on univariable analysis (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.8) but not on multivariable modeling (HR 1.5, 95% CI 0.72-3.4). Factors associated with shorter OS were increased frailty (HR 3.8 CI 1.4-10.2) and ECOG ≥2 (HR 3.9, 95% CI 1.7-9.1). There was good discrimination of the model with a C-statistic of 0.77. Conclusions: Older adults with AC experience a high rate of treatment toxicity especially with CRT relative to RT alone. OS was significantly associated with frailty as well as PS but not age. Frailty assessment may improve treatment planning and understanding survival for older patients with AC.

Differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: Major changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE This is a review of the major changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual, eighth edition, for differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. All patients younger than 55 years have stage I disease unless they have distant metastases, in which case, their disease is stage II. In patients aged 55 years or older, the presence of distant metastases confers stage IVB, while cases without distant metastases are further categorized based on the presence/absence of gross extrathyroidal extension, tumor size, and lymph node status. Patients aged 55 years or older whose tumor measures 4 cm or smaller (T1-T2) and is confined to the thyroid (N0, NX) have stage I disease, and those whose tumor measures greater than 4 cm and is confined to the thyroid (T3a) have stage II disease regardless of lymph node status. Patients aged 55 years or older whose tumor is confined to the thyroid and measures 4 cm or smaller (T1-T2) with any lymph node metastases present (N1a or N1b) have stage II disease. In patients who demonstrate gross extrathyroidal extension, the disease is considered stage II if only the strap muscles are grossly invaded (T3b); stage III if there is gross invasion of the subcutaneous tissue, larynx, trachea, esophagus, or recurrent laryngeal nerve (T4a); or stage IVA if there is gross invasion of the prevertebral fascia or tumor encasing the carotid artery or internal jugular vein (T4b). The same T definitions will be used for both differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer, but the basic premise of the anatomic stage groups will remain the same. CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:55-63. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

An Exploratory Study of Fatigue and Physical Activity in Canadian Thyroid Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is common among cancer survivors, but fatigue in thyroid cancer (TC) survivors may be under-appreciated. This study investigated the severity and prevalence of moderate and severe fatigue in TC survivors. Potential predictive factors, including physical activity, were explored.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, written, self-administered TC patient survey and retrospective chart review were performed in an outpatient academic Endocrinology clinic in Toronto, Canada. The primary outcome measure was the global fatigue score measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-7 day (IPAQ-7). Predictors of BFI global fatigue score were explored in univariate analyses and a multivariable linear regression model.

RESULTS

The response rate was 63.1% (205/325). Three-quarters of the respondents were women (152/205). The mean age was 52.5 years, and the mean time since first TC surgery was 6.8 years. The mean global BFI score was 3.5 (standard deviation 2.4) out of 10 (10 is worst). The prevalence of moderate-severe fatigue (global BFI score 4.1-10 out of 10) was 41.4% (84/203). Individuals who were unemployed or unable to work due to disability reported significantly higher levels of fatigue compared to the rest of the study population, in uni-and multivariable analyses. Furthermore, increased physical activity was associated with reduced fatigue in uni- and multivariable analyses. Other socio-demographic, disease, or biochemical variables were not significantly associated with fatigue in the multivariable model.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate or severe fatigue was reported in about 4/10 TC survivors. Independent predictors of worse fatigue included unemployment and reduced physical activity.

Patterns of failure in anaplastic and differentiated thyroid carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The radiotherapy (rt) volumes in anaplastic (atc) and differentiated thyroid carcinoma (dtc) are controversial.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the patterns of failure after postoperative intensity-modulated rt for atc and dtc. Computed tomography images were rigidly registered with the original rt plans. Recurrences were considered in-field if more than 95% of the recurrence volume received 95% of the prescribed dose, out-of-field if less than 20% received 95% of the dose, and marginal otherwise.

RESULTS

Of 30 dtc patients, 4 developed regional recurrence: 1 being in-field (level iii), and 3 being out-of-field (all level ii). Of 5 atc patients, all 5 recurred at 7 sites: 2 recurrences being local, and 5 being regional [2 marginal (intramuscular to the digastric and sternocleidomastoid), 3 out-of-field (retropharyngeal, soft tissues near the manubrium, and lateral to the sternocleidomastoid)].

CONCLUSIONS

In dtc, locoregional recurrence is unusual after rt. Out-of-field dtc recurrences infrequently occurred in level ii. Enlarged treatment volumes to level ii must be balanced against a potentially greater risk of toxicity.

Comparison of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) versus cisplatin/5-FU (CF) for esophageal or gastroesophageal junctional (GEJ) cancer

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Background: For resectable esophageal or GEJ cancer, trimodality therapy improves survival compared to surgery alone and represents the current standard of care. The optimal CRT regimen for neoadjuvant or definitive treatment of locoregional esophageal or GEJ cancer remains uncertain. Methods: A retrospective comparison of CF and CP for locoregional esophageal or GEJ cancer (2011-2015) was performed. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, controlling for age, performance status and Charlson comorbidity index. Results: 101 patients (pts) were identified (61 CF, 40 CP). 75% were male. Median age was 62 years (range 30-84). Primary sites were esophageal (52%, with 65% squamous histology) and GEJ (48%). Surgery was undertaken in 34 (56%) CF and 27 (68%) CP pts. Median follow-up was 43 months. Overall, there was a non-significant trend for improved OS with CF compared to CP (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.33-1.14, p = 0.12). In the subgroup having surgery (N = 61), we found no significant difference in OS (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.39-2.55, p = 0.99). In the subgroup without surgery (N = 40), CF was significantly superior to CP (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.53, p < 0.001). Comparing only pts in this subgroup who received equitable radiation doses (N = 33), CF was still significantly superior to CP (HR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03-0.32, p < 0.001). OS was similar by histology (adenocarcinoma/squamous) in all-comers (p = 0.54), and in CF (p = 0.90) and CP subgroups (p = 0.63). DFS results corresponded with OS. There was a non-significant numerical difference in pCR rates between CF (31%) and CP (18%) (p = 0.35), which were lower than previously reported. Conclusions: Survival is similar for CF and CP CRT regimens in pts undergoing trimodality therapy, but for those who do not proceed to surgery, it appears that CF is more effective than CP. Clinicians may prefer CP for surgical candidates given its favourable toxicity profile. However, when treating with definitive CRT, CF may be preferable to CP as a standard regimen.

Outcomes for patients ≥75 years with localized gastroesophageal cancer: Experience from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

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Background: The optimal treatment and outcome for elderly patients (pts) with localized gastroesophageal (GE) cancer remains unclear as they are underrepresented in clinical trials. We aimed to assess survival in pts ≥75 years according to treatment received. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for all pts aged ≥75 years with GE cancer treated in 2012-2014. Frailty was measured using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and ECOG performance status (PS). Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed via uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for demographics. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors impacting treatment choices. Results: Of 105 pts, median age was 81 years (range: 75-99), primary sites were esophageal (55%, with 43% squamous histology) and gastric (45%). Baseline characteristics included: PS: 0 (31%), 1 (42%), 2 (16%), 3 (10%), 4 (1%); and CCI: 0 (34%), 1 (25%), 2 (19%), ≥3 (22%). Treatment received included radiotherapy alone (RT) (31%); surgery alone (29%); surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo) and/or RT (14%); chemoradiation alone (7%) and supportive care (18%). In univariable analyses; age < 85 (p = 0.003), PS < 2 (p = 0.03) and surgery (p < 0.001) were associated with improved OS. Chemo and RT, either alone or in combination, did not significantly improve OS. In multivariable analyses; surgery (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21-0.70, p = 0.002) was the only independent predictor for improved OS. Patients with good PS (p = 0.01), gastric disease site (p = 0.01) and adenocarcinoma histology (p = 0.02) were more likely to undergo surgery. Conclusions: At our institution, relatively few pts ≥75 years received multimodality therapy for localized GE cancers. Those pts ≥75 years who underwent surgery had excellent outcomes, but they were well-selected. Comprehensive assessment should be considered for pts ≥75 years with localized GE cancer to ensure optimal treatment selection, particularly given the potential benefit of surgery.

Outcomes for patients ≥75 years with localized gastroesophageal cancer: Experience from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

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Background: The optimal treatment and outcome for elderly patients (pts) with localized gastroesophageal (GE) cancer remains unclear as they are underrepresented in clinical trials. We aimed to assess survival in pts ≥ 75 years according to treatment received. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for all pts aged ≥ 75 years with GE cancer treated in 2012 and 2013. Frailty was measured using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and ECOG performance status (PS). Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed via uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for demographics. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors impacting treatment choices. Results: Of 70 pts, median age was 82 years (range: 75-98), primary sites were esophageal (40%, with 61% squamous histology), GE junction (24%) and gastric (36%). Baseline characteristics included: PS: 0 (40%), 1 (39%), 2 (14%), 3 (7%); and CCI: 0 (36%), 1 (20%), 2 (21%), ≥ 3 (23%). Treatment received included surgery (33%), radiotherapy (RT) (31%); surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo) and/or RT (9%); chemoradiation alone (7%) and 20% had no active treatment. In univariable analysis; age < 85 (p = 0.007) and surgery (p = 0.022) were associated with improved OS. Chemo and RT, either alone or in combination, did not significantly improve OS. In multivariable analysis; age < 85 (HR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23-0.94, p = 0.034), surgery (HR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14-0.74, p = 0.008) and CCI < 2 (HR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27-0.99, p = 0.048) were identified as independent predictors for improved OS. Age ≥ 85 was significantly associated with omission of surgery (OR 3.61, 95% CI: 1.13-14.01, p = 0.041) but in contrast, PS ≥ 2 (p = 0.475) and CCI ≥ 2 (p = 0.939) were not predictive. Conclusions: At our institution, very few pts ≥ 75 years received multimodality therapy for localized GE cancers. Surgery was the only treatment modality associated with a significant survival advantage, and additional chemo and/or RT did not further improve OS. The only predictor for having surgery was age. Consequently, future studies should consider comprehensive assessment for surgery so that eligible elderly pts can benefit.

Comparison of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) versus cisplatin/5-FU (CF) for esophageal or junctional cancer: Experience from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

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Background: The optimal CRT regimen for neoadjuvant or definitive treatment of locoregional esophageal or gastroesophageal junctional (GEJ) cancer is uncertain. There has been no direct comparison between concurrent Cisplatin/5-FU (CF) as per the CALGB 9781 trial (50.4 Gy) or Carboplatin/Paclitaxel (CP) as per the CROSS trial (41.4 Gy). Methods: A retrospective analysis comparing CF and CP was performed in all patients (pts) with locoregional esophageal or GEJ cancer treated in 2012-2014. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed via uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for age, performance status and Charlson comorbidity index. Pathological complete response (pCR) rates were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: 64/86 (74%) pts were male. Median age was 64 years (range: 34-84). Primary sites were esophageal (56%, with 60% squamous histology) and GEJ (44%, with 11% squamous). 22 pts received CRT in 2012 (100% CF), 33 pts in 2013 (58% CF, 42% CP) and 31 pts in 2014 (16% CF, 84% CP). Surgery was undertaken in 19 (41%) CF and 27 (68%) CP pts. Median follow-up was 38 months. We found no significant OS difference between CF and CP overall (HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.43-1.56, p = 0.55) or in the subgroup having surgery (n = 46; HR 2.01, 95% CI: 0.62-6.55, p = 0.25). However, in the subgroup without surgery (n = 40), CF (n = 27) was superior to CP (n = 13)(HR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.38, p < 0.001). OS was similar by histology (adenocarcinoma/squamous) in all-comers (p = 0.96), and in CF (p = 0.66) and CP subgroups (p = 0.66). DFS results were similar to OS. There was a non-significant numerical difference in pCR rates between CF (31%) and CP (18%) (p = 0.45). Conclusions: Survival is similar for CF and CP CRT regimens in patients undergoing trimodality therapy. pCR rates were comparable but lower than previously reported. In contrast, in the absence of surgical resection, CP given for CRT results in significantly inferior outcomes. Clinicians may prefer CP for surgical candidates given its toxicity profile. However, when treating with definitive CRT, CF may be preferable to CP as a standard regimen.

The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy as a bridge to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

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Background: Approximately 30% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on the wait list for liver transplant (LT) fall off the transplant list due to progressive HCC. Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) has been used as a “bridge” to LT in patients who are not amenable to RFA or TACE. Methods: Baseline patient characteristics, radiotherapy details and outcomes were reviewed in HCC patients who received SBRT as a bridge to LT. Results: Between July 2004 and Dec. 2014, 601 patients with HCC were listed for LT, of which 400 (66.5%) received bridging therapy. 38 patients, at high risk for HCC progression, were unsuitable for RFA or TACE, receiving SBRT as a bridging therapy. Median SBRT dose was 36Gy in 6 fractions (range 8.5-48Gy in 1 – 6 fractions), including 1 patient who was transplanted after receiving one fraction. 25 of 38 patients (67%) had all lesions treated (median number of lesions 2 {1-8}); 13 patients received SBRT only to the dominant lesion at highest risk of growing or rupturing. At the time of SBRT, 42% had HCC within Milan criteria, and median Child Pugh score was A6 (range A5-B8). 5 patients (13%) dropped off the transplant wait list due to development of metastatic disease (4) and macrovascular invasion with progressive disease (1). Median irradiated HCC volume was 60.5cc (range 7-216cc). Median liver volume (minus HCC) was 1491cc (737-2728cc). Median mean dose to the liver minus HCC was 11.2Gy (2.8-18.6Gy) and median effective liver volume irradiated was 28% (11-66%). 1 patient was admitted 2 months post SBRT with hepatic pain - possibly attributable to SBRT and another patient developed a rib fracture 8 months post SBRT (max rib dose 43Gy in 6 fractions). No other specific SBRT toxicity was noted. The 1-, 3- and 5-year disease free survival and actuarial survival of HCC patients treated with SBRT who went on to have transplant was 93%, 79% and 79%, and 89%, 76% and 76% respectively. Including patients who dropped off the transplant list, the intent-to-treat 1-, 3 - and 5-year survival was 89%, 65% and 65%. There was no reported increase in operative morbidity at the time of transplant in patients treated with SBRT. Conclusions: SBRT can be used safely and effectively in HCC patients as a bridge to liver transplant.

Prospective evaluation of quality of life (QOL) during a phase I/II study of adjuvant chemotherapy with image-guided high-precision radiotherapy for completely resected gastric cancer

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Background: Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy improves overall and relapse free survival in patients with completely resected gastric cancer, but confers toxicity. This prospective phase I/II clinical trial assessed the toxicity, efficacy and QOL when adding bi-weekly cisplatin to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Phase I data showed promising outcomes with acceptable toxicity. Methods: Treatment comprised 45 Gy in 25 fractions of image-guided 3D-CRT or IMRT concurrently with weeks 3-7 of 12 weeks of infusional 5-FU. Cisplatin (up to bi-weekly) was added in a standard dose-escalation protocol. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 at baseline, end of radiotherapy, 4 weeks post chemotherapy and at 1 and 2 years. Results: Among 55 participants (mean age 54, range 28 to 77; 55% male; median follow-up 3.03 years), QOL compliance ranged from 93% at baseline to 70% at 4 weeks post-treatment. Maximal tolerable dose of cisplatin was 40 mg/m2 bi-weekly for 4 cycles. OS and DFS rates are 85% and 74% respectively at 2 years. Mean scores for global QOL (median difference = -25, p < 0.0001), role and social functioning, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and appetite declined at completion of radiation; physical functioning showed a statistically significant decline of borderline clinical importance (median difference = -6.7, p <.0001). All scales recovered by 4 weeks after chemotherapy except fatigue, which returned to baseline by one year. Conclusions: Adjuvant gastric chemoradiotherapy incorporating cisplatin worsened global QOL, fatigue, nausea and vomiting and appetite. Most scales recovered by 4 weeks post-chemotherapy. This regimen is tolerable not only by observer rated toxicity, but also by patient reported QOL measures. Clinical trial information: NCT00188266.

External-beam radiotherapy for differentiated thyroid cancer locoregional control: A statement of the American Head and Neck Society

The use of external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is debated because of a lack of prospective clinical data, but recent retrospective studies have reported benefits in selected patients. The Endocrine Surgery Committee of the American Head and Neck Society provides 4 recommendations regarding EBRT for locoregional control in DTC, based on review of literature and expert opinion of the authors. (1) EBRT is recommended for patients with gross residual or unresectable locoregional disease, except for patients <45 years old with limited gross disease that is radioactive iodine (RAI)-avid. (2) EBRT should not be routinely used as adjuvant therapy after complete resection of gross disease. (3) After complete resection, EBRT may be considered in select patients >45 years old with high likelihood of microscopic residual disease and low likelihood of responding to RAI. (4) Cervical lymph node involvement alone should not be an indication for adjuvant EBRT.

Changes in Liver Volume Observed Following Sorafenib and Liver Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to quantify unexpected liver volume reductions in patients treated with sorafenib prior to and during liver radiation therapy (RT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Fifteen patients were treated in a phase 1 study of sorafenib for 1 week, followed by concurrent sorafenib-RT (in 6 fractions). Patients had either focal cancer (treated with stereotactic body RT [SBRT]) or diffuse disease (treated with whole-liver RT). Liver volumes were contoured and recorded at planning (day 0) from the exhale CT. After 1 week of sorafenib (day 8), RT image guidance at each fraction was performed using cone beam CT (CBCT). Planning liver contours were propagated and modified on the reconstructed exhale CBCT. This was repeated in 12 patients treated with SBRT alone without sorafenib. Three subsequent patients (2 sorafenib-RT and 1 non-sorafenib) were also assessed with multiphasic helical breath-hold CTs.

RESULTS

Liver volume reductions on CBCT were observed in the 15 sorafenib-RT patients (median decrease of 68 cc, P=.02) between day 0 and 8; greater in the focal (P=.025) versus diffuse (P=.52) cancer stratum. Seven patients (47%) had reductions larger than the 95% intraobserver contouring error. Liver reductions were also observed from multiphasic CTs in the 2 additional sorafenib-RT patients between days 0 and 8 (decreases of 232.5 cc and 331.7 cc, respectively) and not in the non-sorafenib patient (increase of 92 cc). There were no significant changes in liver volume between planning and first RT in 12 patients with focal cancer treated with SBRT alone (median increase, 4.8 cc, P=.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver volume reductions were observed after 7 days of sorafenib, prior to RT, most marked in patients with focal liver tumors, suggesting an effect of sorafenib on normal liver. Careful assessment of potential liver volume changes immediately prior to SBRT may be necessary in patients in sorafenib or other targeted therapies.

Reassessing the NTCTCS Staging Systems for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer, Including Age at Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer is unique for having age as a staging variable. Recently, the commonly used age cut-point of 45 years has been questioned.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed alternate staging systems on the outcome of overall survival, and compared these with current National Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cooperative Study (NTCTCS) staging systems for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

METHODS

A total of 4721 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer were assessed. Five potential alternate staging systems were generated at age cut-points in five-year increments from 35 to 70 years, and tested for model discrimination (Harrell's C-statistic) and calibration (R(2)). The best five models for papillary and follicular cancer were further tested with bootstrap resampling and significance testing for discrimination.

RESULTS

The best five alternate papillary cancer systems had age cut-points of 45-50 years, with the highest scoring model using 50 years. No significant difference in C-statistic was found between the best alternate and current NTCTCS systems (p = 0.200). The best five alternate follicular cancer systems had age cut-points of 50-55 years, with the highest scoring model using 50 years. All five best alternate staging systems performed better compared with the current system (p = 0.003-0.035). There was no significant difference in discrimination between the best alternate system (cut-point age 50 years) and the best system of cut-point age 45 years (p = 0.197).

CONCLUSIONS

No alternate papillary cancer systems assessed were significantly better than the current system. New alternate staging systems for follicular cancer appear to be better than the current NTCTCS system, although they require external validation.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: NTCTCS Registry Analysis 1987-2012

CONTEXT

Initial treatments for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer are supported primarily by single-institution, retrospective studies, with limited follow-up and low event rates. We report updated analyses of long-term outcomes after treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to examine effects of initial therapies on outcomes.

DESIGN/SETTING

This was a prospective multi-institutional registry.

PATIENTS

A total of 4941 patients, median follow-up, 6 years, participated.

INTERVENTION

Interventions included total/near-total thyroidectomy (T/NTT), postoperative radioiodine (RAI), and thyroid hormone suppression therapy (THST).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Main outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival using product limit and proportional hazards analyses.

RESULTS

Improved OS was noted in NTCTCS stage III patients who received RAI (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; P = .04) and stage IV patients who received both T/NTT and RAI (RR, 0.66 and 0.70; combined P = .049). In all stages, moderate THST (TSH maintained subnormal-normal) was associated with significantly improved OS (RR stages I-IV: 0.13, 0.09, 0.13, 0.33) and disease-free survival (RR stages I-III: 0.52, 0.40, 0.18); no additional survival benefit was achieved with more aggressive THST (TSH maintained undetectable-subnormal). This remained true, even when distant metastatic disease was diagnosed during follow-up. Lower initial stage and moderate THST were independent predictors of improved OS during follow-up years 1-3.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm previous findings that T/NTT followed by RAI is associated with benefit in high-risk patients, but not in low-risk patients. In contrast with earlier reports, moderate THST is associated with better outcomes across all stages, and aggressive THST may not be warranted even in patients diagnosed with distant metastatic disease during follow-up. Moderate THST continued at least 3 years after diagnosis may be indicated in high-risk patients.

Thyroid cancer patient perceptions of radioactive iodine treatment choice: Follow-up from a decision-aid randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Patient decision aids (P-DAs) inform medical decision making, but longer term effects are unknown. This article describes extended follow-up from a thyroid cancer treatment P-DA trial.

METHODS

In this single-center, parallel-design randomized controlled trial conducted at a Canadian tertiary/quaternary care center, early-stage thyroid cancer patients from a P-DA trial were contacted 15 to 23 months after randomization/radioactive iodine (RAI) decision making to evaluate longer term outcomes. It was previously reported that the use of the computerized P-DA in thyroid cancer patients considering postsurgical RAI treatment significantly improved medical knowledge in comparison with usual care alone. The P-DA and control groups were compared for the following outcomes: feeling informed about the RAI treatment choice, decision satisfaction, decision regret, cancer-related worry, and physician trust. In a subgroup of 20 participants, in-depth interviews were conducted for a qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-five percent (70 of 74) of the original population enrolled in follow-up at a mean of 17.1 months after randomization. P-DA users perceived themselves to be significantly more 1) informed about the treatment choice (P = .008), 2) aware of options (P = .009), 3) knowledgeable about treatment benefits (P = .020), and 4) knowledgeable about treatment risks/side effects (P = .001) in comparison with controls. There were no significant group differences in decision satisfaction (P = .142), decision regret (P = .199), cancer-related worry (P = .645), mood (P = .211), or physician trust (P = .764). In the qualitative analysis, the P-DA was perceived to have increased patient knowledge and confidence in decision making.

CONCLUSIONS

The P-DA improved cancer survivors' actual and long-term perceived medical knowledge with no adverse effects. More research on the long-term outcomes of P-DA use is needed.

Exploring the relationship between patients' information preference style and knowledge acquisition process in a computerized patient decision aid randomized controlled trial

Background

We have shown in a randomized controlled trial that a computerized patient decision aid (P-DA) improves medical knowledge and reduces decisional conflict, in early stage papillary thyroid cancer patients considering adjuvant radioactive iodine treatment. Our objectives were to examine the relationship between participants’ baseline information preference style and the following: 1) quantity of detailed information obtained within the P-DA, and 2) medical knowledge.

Methods

We randomized participants to exposure to a one-time viewing of a computerized P-DA (with usual care) or usual care alone. In pre-planned secondary analyses, we examined the relationship between information preference style (Miller Behavioural Style Scale, including respective monitoring [information seeking preference] and blunting [information avoidance preference] subscale scores) and the following: 1) the quantity of detailed information obtained from the P-DA (number of supplemental information clicks), and 2) medical knowledge. Spearman correlation values were calculated to quantify relationships, in the entire study population and respective study arms.

Results

In the 37 P-DA users, high monitoring information preference was moderately positively correlated with higher frequency of detailed information acquisition in the P-DA (r = 0.414, p = 0.011). The monitoring subscale score weakly correlated with increased medical knowledge in the entire study population (r = 0.268, p = 0.021, N = 74), but not in the respective study arms. There were no significant associations with the blunting subscale score.

Conclusions

Individual variability in information preferences may affect the process of information acquisition from computerized P-DA’s. More research is needed to understand how individual information preferences may impact medical knowledge acquisition and decision-making.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12911-015-0168-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The value of collecting population-based cancer stage data to support decision-making at organizational, regional and population levels

The stage of a patient's cancer at diagnosis is essential to predict the prognosis and plan the treatment. Since 2008, stage data have been collected on all Ontario patients with breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers and are linked to other data collected by Cancer Care Ontario. Here, an analysis of such data is presented. How it can be used to assess the value of screening programs, inform resource allocation, evaluate compliance with treatment guidelines, compare survival trends and enhance the spectrum of cancer control activities across the province is demonstrated. International comparisons can also be made.

Prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer in relation to serum thyrotropin and thyroglobulin antibody status at time of diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration and thyroid autoimmunity may be of prognostic importance in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Preoperative serum TSH level has been associated with higher DTC stage in cross-sectional studies; data are contradictory on the significance of thyroid autoimmunity at the time of diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess whether preoperative serum TSH and perioperative antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) were associated with thyroid cancer stage and outcome in DTC patients followed by the National Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cooperative Study, a large multicenter thyroid cancer registry.

METHODS

Patients registered after 1996 with available preoperative serum TSH (n=617; the TSH cohort) or perioperative TgAb status (n=1770; the TgAb cohort) were analyzed for tumor stage, persistent disease, recurrence, and overall survival (OS; median follow-up, 5.5 years). Parametric tests assessed log-transformed TSH, and categorical variables were tested with chi square. Disease-free survival (DFS) and OS was assessed with Cox models.

RESULTS

Geometric mean serum TSH levels were higher in patients with higher-stage disease (Stage III/IV=1.48 vs. 1.02 mU/L for Stages I/II; p=0.006). The relationship persisted in those aged ≥45 years after adjusting for sex (p=0.01). Gross extrathyroidal extension (p=0.03) and presence of cervical lymph node metastases (p=0.003) were also significantly associated with higher serum TSH. Disease recurrence and all-cause mortality occurred in 37 and 38 TSH cohort patients respectively, which limited the power for survival analysis. Positive TgAb was associated with lower stage on univariate analysis (positive TgAb in 23.4% vs. 17.8% of Stage I/II vs. III/IV patients, respectively; p=0.01), although the relationship lost significance when adjusting for age and sex (p=0.34). Perioperative TgAb was not an independent predictor of DFS (hazard ratio=1.12 [95% confidence interval=0.74-1.69]) or OS (hazard ratio=0.98 [95% confidence interval=0.56-1.72]).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative serum TSH level is associated with higher DTC stage, gross extrathyroidal extension, and neck node metastases. Perioperative TgAb is not an independent predictor of DTC prognosis. A larger cohort is required to assess whether preoperative serum TSH level predicts recurrence or mortality.

A randomized controlled trial of lorazepam to reduce liver motion in patients receiving upper abdominal radiation therapy

PURPOSE

Reduction of respiratory motion is desirable to reduce the volume of normal tissues irradiated, to improve concordance of planned and delivered doses, and to improve image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). We hypothesized that pretreatment lorazepam would lead to a measurable reduction of liver motion.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Thirty-three patients receiving upper abdominal IGRT were recruited to a double-blinded randomized controlled crossover trial. Patients were randomized to 1 of 2 study arms: arm 1 received lorazepam 2 mg by mouth on day 1, followed by placebo 4 to 8 days later; arm 2 received placebo on day 1, followed by lorazepam 4 to 8 days later. After tablet ingestion and daily radiation therapy, amplitude of liver motion was measured on both study days. The primary outcomes were reduction in craniocaudal (CC) liver motion using 4-dimensional kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the proportion of patients with liver motion ≤5 mm. Secondary endpoints included motion measured with cine magnetic resonance imaging and kV fluoroscopy.

RESULTS

Mean relative and absolute reduction in CC amplitude with lorazepam was 21% and 2.5 mm respectively (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.9, P=.001), as assessed with CBCT. Reduction in CC amplitude to ≤5 mm residual liver motion was seen in 13% (95% CI 1%-25%) of patients receiving lorazepam (vs 10% receiving placebo, P=NS); 65% (95% CI 48%-81%) had reduction in residual CC liver motion to ≤10 mm (vs 52% with placebo, P=NS). Patients with large respiratory movement and patients who took lorazepam ≥60 minutes before imaging had greater reductions in liver CC motion. Mean reductions in liver CC amplitude on magnetic resonance imaging and fluoroscopy were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Lorazepam reduces liver motion in the CC direction; however, average magnitude of reduction is small, and most patients have residual motion >5 mm.

Outcomes of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in pathologically lymph node positive (ypN+) rectal cancer

e14664

Background: Standard therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer( LARC) with pre-operative chemoradiation(CRT) followed by curative surgery and adjuvant 5-flourouracil (5-FU) has resulted in a 5-year local relapse (LR) rate of less than 10% and incidence of distant metastases of about 36%. Accumulating data suggests that pathological lymph node status post CRT (ypN) is a major prognostic factor for long term outcomes in LARC .The role of adjuvant oxaliplatin-based therapy has not yet been well defined in ypN+ patients and is the focus of this study. Methods: Patients with ypN+ rectal cancer who underwent fluoropyrimidine-based preoperative CRT followed by curative surgery and received adjuvant oxaliplatin- (group 1) or fluoropyrimidine-based (group 2) chemotherapy at Princess Margaret Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.The study end point was comparison of three year disease free survival(DFS) and freedom from distant metastasis (FDM) in group 1 vs 2 using log-rank test. Results: Between 2003 and 2010, 25 pts in group 1 (adjuvant FOLFOX, n=23 and FOLFOX/bevacizumab, n=2) and 38 pts in group 2 ( adjuvant 5-FU/LV, n =37; capecitabine, n=1) were reviewed. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups except more pts in group 2 had < 12 lymph nodes (LNs) retrieved (p=0.02), whereas more pts in group 1 were female (p=0.03)and had ypN2 vs ypN1 (p=0.01). Median follow-up was 33 months in group 1 and 38 months in group 2 (range: 3-86). Median age: 58 years. Male: 51, 80%. Five pts (8%) in the entire cohort experienced LR and 20 pts (31.7%) had distant metastasis. A trend toward better three-year DFS was observed in favour of oxaliplatin-based therapy (76% in group 1 vs. 51% in group 2; HR=0.4, 95%CI = 0.1-1.0; P=0.05). Corresponding three-year FDM rates were 83% and 58%, respectively (HR=0.23; 95% CI = 0.6-0.8; p= 0.01). In multivariate analysis, number of LNs retrieved of ≥12 and adjuvant oxaliplatin-based therapy were independent prognostic factors for improved DFS and FDM, respectively. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that in ypN+ rectal cancer, addition of oxaliplatin to adjuvant therapy is associated with better outcomes. A prospective confirmatory randomized trial would be informative.

Outcomes following stereotactic body radiotherapy for patients with Child-Pugh B/C hepatocellular carcinoma

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Background: Assessment of outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Child-Pugh B or C liver function treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Methods: From 2004 – July 2012, 39 patients with HCC and Child-Pugh B/C liver function were treated with SBRT. Inclusion criteria included Child-Pugh B/C, treatment with SBRT, 5 to 15 fractions, and radical or palliative intent. Univariate analyses (UVA) were performed to assess relationships of patient demographics, liver function tests and treatment characteristics on overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP). Results: The majority of the 39 patients had Child-Pugh B7 liver function (69%), performance status ECOG 0-1 (82%), radiological evidence of tumor vascular thrombosis (62%) and hepatitis C as underlying liver disease (49%). 10 patients treated as bridge-to-transplant. The median dose was 3300 cGy in 6 fractions (range: 2000-4500 cGy in 5-15 fractions), individualized based on spared liver volume and underlying liver function. The median survival for all patients was 9.9 months (95% CI: 3.4-18.4). UVA demonstrated significantly reduced survival with Child-Pugh score > B7, baseline AFP > 1049 ng/mL (upper quartile) and gross tumor volume > 93 cm3. The median survival of patients treated with SBRT as a bridge-to-transplant versus the non-bridge-to–transplant patients was 30.7 months (95% CI: 0.6-not reached) versus 7.9 months (95% CI: 3.4-15.1; p=0.008). No HCC tumors treated with SBRT demonstrated local progression during the follow-up time. The median TTP for all patients was 18.8 months (95% CI: 6.2-not reached). Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score > 12 was the only factor associated with reduced TTP on UVA. 31% of patients had a decline in Child-Pugh score by 2 or more points at 3 months. No acute treatment related toxicities of grade 3 or higher were reported. Conclusions: SBRT may be considered as a treatment option for HCC with impaired liver function. Survival is best in patients who are treated as a bridge-to-transplant, have smaller tumors, are Child-Pugh class B7, and have lower AFP levels. Randomized trials of radiation therapy in HCC patients with impaired liver function are warranted.