Efficacy of Chemotherapy Rechallenge Versus Regorafenib or Trifluridine/Tipiracil in Third-Line Setting of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Comparative Study

PURPOSE

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a significant global health burden. This retrospective study compared the effectiveness of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI), regorafenib, and chemotherapy rechallenge for third-line mCRC treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 132 patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib, FTD/TPI, or a rechallenge with the initial chemotherapy regimen in a third-line setting from four different institutions. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points were objective response rate and overall survival (OS) across the three treatment approaches.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients received chemotherapy rechallenge, and 103 received FTD/TPI or regorafenib. Patients' characteristics were comparable, except for a lower number of left-sided primaries and KRAS wild-type tumors in the FTD/TPI-regorafenib group. The median PFS for the entire group was 3.0 months, and the median OS was 13.7 months. Chemotherapy rechallenge has resulted in a median PFS of 3.1 months and a median OS of 21.2 months, compared with 2.9 months (PFS) and 12.6 months (OS) for the FTD/TPI-regorafenib group. Multivariate analyses identified male sex and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0-1 as independent prognostic factors for better PFS, whereas chemotherapy rechallenge, localized stage at diagnosis, and an ECOG PS of 0-1 were significant prognostic factors for better OS.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that chemotherapy rechallenge may provide a survival benefit in the third-line treatment of mCRC. However, patient characteristics, such as sex and ECOG PS, should also be considered in treatment decisions. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Phase II Trial of FOLFIRINOX in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), characterized by poor prognosis and limited treatment options, are increasingly prevalent malignancies with a five-year survival rate of less than 20% for advanced-stage disease. The standard first-line chemotherapy combining gemcitabine and cisplatin offers modest survival benefits, necessitating the exploration of more effective therapies. This study reports the results of a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial assessing the efficacy and safety of fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRINOX) as a first-line treatment for metastatic or locally advanced unresectable BTC.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 with measurable disease and adequate organ function were enrolled, receiving biweekly FOLFIRINOX for up to 12 cycles with follow-up imaging every four cycles. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR), with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety as secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were enrolled from December 2016 to September 2021 before early termination due to slow accrual and the emergence of immunotherapy. The ORR was 54%, with a disease control rate of 77%. Median PFS and OS were 6.8 and 19.25 months, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities were predominantly hematologic, with neutropenia being the most common severe adverse event.

CONCLUSION

The trial suggests that FOLFIRINOX is a potentially effective first-line therapy for unresectable or metastatic BTC with a manageable safety profile. However, the early termination of the study and the introduction of immunotherapy warrant further research to confirm these findings.

Characteristics and treatment results of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in a tertiary care centre

BACKGROUND

Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) are rare neoplasms with limited reported data from the Middle East. Our study aims to report the clinicopathological feature, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of patients with GEP-NET from our part of the world.

METHODS

Medical records of patients diagnosed with GEP-NET between January 2011 and December 2016 at a single center in Saudi Arabia were reviewed retrospectively, and complete clinicopathological and treatment data were collected. Patients' survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients were identified with a median age of 51 years (range 27-82) and male-to-female ratio of (1.1). The most common tumor location was the pancreas (29.1%), followed by small bowel (25%), stomach (12.5%), rectum (8.3%), colon (8.3%), and appendix (6.9%). Forty-one patients (57%) had well-differentiated grade (G)1, 21 (29%) had G2, and 4 (6%) had G3. In five patients, the pathology was neuroendocrine carcinoma and in one it could not be classified. 54.2% of the patients were metastatic at diagnosis. Forty-two patients underwent surgical resection as primary management while 26 underwent systemic therapy, three patients were put on active surveillance, and one was treated endoscopically with polypectomy. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survivals were 77.2% and 49%, respectively, for the whole group. Patients with G1 and 2 disease, lower Ki-67 index, and surgically treated as primary management had significantly better survival outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the most common tumor locations are similar to western reported data. However, there seems to be a higher incidence of metastatic disease at presentation than in the rest of the world.

Characteristics and outcomes of small bowel adenocarcinoma: 14 years of experience at a single tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is an extremely rare cancer type. In the present study, the patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed and treated for SBA at a single tertiary hospital were reported. All patients diagnosed and managed between 2007 and 2020 were reviewed. Regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with the metastatic stage at diagnosis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival and the log-rank test was used to determine factors associated with survival outcomes. Out of 137 cases of small bowel primary tumor, 43 consecutive patients with SBA were diagnosed with a median age of 53 years and the majority (76.7%) were males. The common initial presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (58.8%) and bowel obstruction (30.2%). The most common primary site was the duodenum (60.5%) and the majority (65.1%) were diagnosed with stage III/IV disease. Patients with a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (≥0.85) were more likely to be in the metastatic stage at diagnosis (P=0.01). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates based on stage were 100% (I), 85% (II), 53% (III) and 33.9% (IV) (P=0.001). In addition to the stage, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (P<0.001), NLR (P<0.001), hypoalbuminemia (P=0.02) and chemotherapy in a metastatic setting (P=0.02) were prognostic factors for OS. In conclusion, NLR is a potential prognostic biomarker for a metastatic stage at diagnosis. Advanced stage, lower performance status score, low albumin level and high NLR are associated with short OS.

Thyroid Abscess in a Young Postpartum Female

Due to the characteristics of the thyroid gland that prevent infiltration of pathogens, suppurative thyroid gland infections causing thyroid gland abscess are rarely encountered. Herein, we report a young female who presented to our hospital with pulmonary tuberculosis and Klebsiella pneumonia complicated with empyema. During her admission, she developed a rapidly enlarging and tender thyroid gland that produced respiratory obstructive symptoms. Upon clinical examination and radiological imaging, the diagnosis of thyroid abscess was confirmed. Surgical incision and drainage of the abscess was performed along with proper coverage of antibiotics. Thereafter, the patient's clinical status improved dramatically. Although thyroid gland abscesses are rare in clinical practice, a rapidly enlarging thyroid gland in a patient with overt bacterial infection should raise the suspicion of thyroid abscess. Timely diagnosis and proper management can be life-saving in such cases.

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Metastatic Gastric Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) carries a poor survival outcome despite the availability of many therapeutic agents active in treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the survival outcomes of metastatic GC treatment from a single center in Saudi Arabia and identify possible prognostic factors.

Methodology

Data on patients diagnosed with metastatic GC between December 2009 and November 2013 were collected and analyzed.

Results

During this period, 41 patients were diagnosed with a median age at diagnosis of 52 years, and 56.1% of patients were males. Only four (9.2%) patients had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression. Overall, 83% were treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 4.1 and 15.4 months, respectively. Female sex was an independent prognostic factor for better PFS and OS. Normal lymphocyte count was associated with improved PFS.

Conclusions

Our study highlights poor outcomes in patients with metastatic GC and the need for further research in this field.

Pazopanib as Treatment Option for Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report

Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma (PHE) also known as epithelioid sarcoma-like hemangioendothelioma (ES-H) is a vascular lesion of intermediate grade biologically behaving between benign hemangioma and malignant angiosarcoma. We present a 35-year-old male with an unremarkable medical history, who was referred to a sarcoma clinic complaining of right heel pain with equinus deformity and a mass in his right lower limb for 6 months. Biopsy was performed and reported as Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma. The patient was started on pazopanib with a favorable clinical and radiological response. Long-term follow-up is still needed, however further studies are vital to clarify the role of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor therapy.

Thromboembolic Events Burden in Patients With Solid Tumors and Their Predisposing Factors

Introduction: The relationship between cancers and thromboembolic events is well established. In our study, we aim to determine the burden of thromboembolic events in patients with solid tumors and identify the risk factors related to their development.

Materials & Methods: Data on patients with solid tumors and thromboembolism between January 2013 and September 2014 were collected and analyzed.

Results: During the study period 174 patients were identified. Of which, 172 (98.9%) had venous thrombus embolism, 137 (79%) were diagnosed with deep vein thromboses, 67 (38.5%) with pulmonary embolism, 84 (48.3%) were symptomatic and 90 (51.7) were incidental at diagnosis. The most common patients and disease characteristics were female sex, high body mass index (BMI), metastatic stage, colorectal and breast primaries, and anti-neoplastic therapy.

Conclusion: Our study confirmed the high burden of thromboembolic events in cancer patients and the relevant factors associated with its development.

Prognostic significance of peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer treated with first-line triplet chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) carries a poor prognosis in most studies. The majority of those studies used either a single-agent or doublet chemotherapy regimen in the first-line setting.

AIM

To investigate the prognostic significance of peritoneal metastasis in a cohort of patients treated with triplet chemotherapy in the first-line setting.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in 51 patients with metastatic CRC treated in a prospective clinical trial with capecitabine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab in the first-line setting according to the presence and absence of peritoneal metastasis. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses for PFS and OS were performed to assess the prognostic significance of peritoneal metastasis at the multivariate level.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were treated with the above triplet therapy. Fifteen had peritoneal metastasis. The patient characteristics of both groups showed a significant difference in the sidedness of the primary tumor (left-sided primary tumor in 60% of the peritoneal group vs 86% in the nonperitoneal group, P = 0.03) and the presence of liver metastasis (40% for the peritoneal group vs 75% for the nonperitoneal group, P = 0.01). Univariate analysis for PFS showed a statistically significant difference for age less than 65 years (P = 0.034), presence of liver metastasis (P = 0.046), lung metastasis (P = 0.011), and those who underwent metastasectomy (P = 0.001). Only liver metastasis and metastasectomy were statistically significant for OS, with P values of 0.001 and 0.002, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age (less than 65 years) and metastasectomy were statistically significant for PFS, with P values of 0.002 and 0.001, respectively. On the other hand, the absence of liver metastasis and metastasectomy were statistically significant for OS, with P values of 0.003 and 0.005, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal metastasis in patients with metastatic CRC treated with first-line triple chemotherapy does not carry prognostic significance at univariate and multivariate levels. Confirmatory larger studies are warranted.

Population-based survival for cancer patients in Saudi Arabia for the years 2005-2009

The Saudi Cancer Registry reported in 2007 the 5-year observed survival for the most common cancer sites for the years 1994-2004. In this report we looked at the cancer survival in the period 2005-2009 and evaluated the trend over the 15 years period from 1994 to 2009. Cases of the top 14 cancer sites reported by the population based Saudi Cancer Registry from 1 January 2005 to December 31, 2009, were submitted for survival analysis. The vital status of those patients was collected. Analysis of survival for the above period was compared with the prior reported 2 periods (1994-1999, 2000-2004). In addition, analysis was done according to age, sex, disease stage and the province. Data of 25,969 patients of the commonest cancer sites were submitted. Of those 14,146 patients (54%) had complete demographic data available and vital status was reported. Thyroid cancer had the highest 5- year observed survival of 94% (95% confidence interval (CI) 93-95%)), followed by Breast (72%, 95% CI 71-74%). In hematological malignancies, Hodgkin's Lymphoma had the highest 5-year survival of 86% (95% CI 84-88%). Survival rates has improved in most of the cancers sites for the studied periods except for lung, uterine and Hodgkin's lymphoma which plateaued. Our study confirms a steady improvement in the 5-year observed survival over time for the majority of cancers. Our survival data were comparable to western countries. This data should be used by policy makers to improve on cancer care in the kingdom.

Patient's characteristics and outcome of small bowel adenocarcinoma in Saudi Arabia

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Background: Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare disease. We aim to describe patient's characteristics and clinical outcomes among Saudi patients. Methods: All patients with SBA diagnosed between 2007 - 2020 were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with metastasis at diagnosis, and a log-rank test was used to compare factors associated with survival. Results: Forty-three patients were eligible for analysis, and (76.7%) were males. The median age at diagnosis was 53 years. History was significant for colon cancer in two patients, celiac disease in three patients, Lynch syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Non-APC in one patient, and cholecystectomy in seven patients. The common initial presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (58.8%), bowel obstruction (30.2%), Overt gastrointestinal bleeding (9.3%). Tumor markers were elevated in 21 patients. EGD was used for diagnosis in 60.5%, while CT scan in 23.3%. The most common primary site was duodenum 60.5%, jejunum 27.9%, ilium 7%. Stage IV was (41.9%). The most common site for metastases was the liver in 10 patients. Patients' ECOG performance status was 0/1 in 51% at diagnosis. Univariate analysis did not reveal that patients with high Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) (≥0.85) are more likely to be metastatic; P = 009. There was no association of sex, presenting complaints, tumor markers with the stage at diagnosis. Surgery was performed for 53.4% of patients (RO, 73%), and the median DFS was 49 vs. 8 months in R0 vs. R1 group, respectively (p = 0.01). FOLFOX Chemotherapy regimen was given for 10 patients as adjuvant treatment and for 8 patients for metastatic sitting. The median duration of follow-up was 12 months. The median overall survival (OS) for localized stages was not reached, and for the metastatic stage was 10 months. The 3 years OS based on stages were 100% (I), 85% (II), 53% (III) and 35% for (IV), p = 0.001. Other factors associated with survival were ECOG Performance status (p < 0.001), NLR ( < 0.001), CA19-9 (p = 0.04), and receiving chemotherapy in a metastatic setting (p = 0.02). Conclusions: SBA is diagnosed at a younger age in Saudi patients and more in males. The advanced stage, lower performance status score, high CA19-9, and high NLR at diagnosis are associated with poor OS. NLR could be a prognostic factor for a metastatic stage at diagnosis.

Efficacy and prognostic significance of triflurodine/tipiracil beyond oxaliplatin and irinotecan based chemotherapy in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: An observational multicenter study

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Background: In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been increased over the past few years. The optimal treatment beyond the second line is not fully understood. To the best of our knowledge, the efficacy and disease outcomes of triflurodine/tipiracil in Saudi patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC) has not been studied yet. Our study is a real-life practice evaluation of the efficacy of triflurodine/tipiracil in patients with refractory mCRC. Moreover, the prognosis and the prognostic significance of the different clinical variables have been analyzed. Methods: A retrospective, multi-centers ( 5 centers representative of Saudi Arabia )observational study in patients with mCRC who have received triflurodine/tipiracil beyond oxaliplatin & Irinotecan-based chemotherapy between December 2018-December 2020.We aimed to assess the response to triflurodine/tipiracil, to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS ), the overall survival (OS), and the associated factors of prognostic significance. Results:The data of 100 patients with refractory mCRC who has received triflurodine/tipiracil have been analyzed. The mean age was 55.2 +11.8 years. Forty-two patients were (42%) females and 58 (58%) were male patients. Sigmoid was the most common primary site of cancer in 35 (35%) patients, followed by rectum 29 (29%). Peritoneal metastasis was present in 17 (23.3%) patients ,liver in 51(56.6%) and lung in 39 (50.7%). Metastatic sites were ≥ 2 in 45 (45%) patients. Metastatic lesions were ≥ 5 in 65 (65%) patients. Xelox chemotherapy regimen was the most commonly used first-line chemotherapy which represents 43%, while Folfiri or Xeliri combination was the most used second line in 57 (60%). For the third line, Folfox or Xelox was used in 81 (83.5%) patients. The fourth line was given to 49 (67.1%). For first-line biological agents, Cetuximab was used most frequently 31 (46.3%).Evaluation of the response to treatment with triflurodine/tipiracil revealed one patient (1%) with a complete response,3 patients (3%) with partial response, 28 (28%) patients with stable disease, and 66 (66%) showed progressive disease. The estimated median progression-free survival was 5 months ( 3.839 - 6.161) and the median overall survival was 12 months (9.732-14.268). The log-rank analysis showed that the baseline neutrophils ≤ 75 % ( P-value= 0.0092) and low hemoglobin level (P-value= 0.0245) were strongly associated with a higher survival. By multivariate Cox regression analysis, the neutrophil count ≤ 75 % was the only independent predictor for survival. Conclusions: Trifluridine/tipiracil is effective in patients with refractory mCRC. The low neutrophil count might predict a better overall survival.