Comparison of clinical outcomes and prognostic utility of risk stratification tools in patients with therapy-related vs de novo myelodysplastic syndromes: a report on behalf of the MDS Clinical Research Consortium

While therapy-related (t)-myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have worse outcomes than de novo MDS (d-MDS), some t-MDS patients have an indolent course. Most MDS prognostic models excluded t-MDS patients during development. The performances of the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), revised IPSS (IPSS-R), MD Anderson Global Prognostic System (MPSS), WHO Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS) and t-MDS Prognostic System (TPSS) were compared among patients with t-MDS. Akaike information criteria (AIC) assessed the relative goodness of fit of the models. We identified 370 t-MDS patients (19%) among 1950 MDS patients. Prior therapy included chemotherapy alone (48%), chemoradiation (31%), and radiation alone in 21%. Median survival for t-MDS patients was significantly shorter than for d-MDS (19 vs 46 months, P<0.005). All models discriminated survival in t-MDS (P<0.005 for each model). Patients with t-MDS had a significantly higher hazard of death relative to d-MDS in every risk model, and had inferior survival compared to patients with d-MDS within all risk group categories. AIC Scores (lower is better) were 2316 (MPSS), 2343 (TPSS), 2343 (IPSS-R), 2361 (WPSS) and 2364 (IPSS). In conclusion, subsets of t-MDS patients with varying clinical outcomes can be identified using conventional risk stratification models. The MPSS, TPSS and IPSS-R provide the best predictive power.

Comparison of risk stratification tools in predicting outcomes of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes treated with azanucleosides

Established prognostic tools in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were largely derived from untreated patient cohorts. Although azanucleosides are standard therapies for higher-risk (HR)-MDS, the relative prognostic performance of existing prognostic tools among patients with HR-MDS receiving azanucleoside therapy is unknown. In the MDS Clinical Research Consortium database, we compared the prognostic utility of the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), revised IPSS (IPSS-R), MD Anderson Prognostic Scoring System (MDAPSS), World Health Organization-based Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS) and the French Prognostic Scoring System (FPSS) among 632 patients who presented with HR-MDS and were treated with azanucleosides as the first-line therapy. Median follow-up from diagnosis was 15.7 months. No prognostic tool predicted the probability of achieving an objective response. Nonetheless, all five tools were associated with overall survival (OS, P=0.025 for the IPSS, P=0.011 for WPSS and P<0.001 for the other three tools). The corrected Akaike Information Criteria, which were used to compare OS with the different prognostic scoring systems as covariates (lower is better) were 4138 (MDAPSS), 4156 (FPSS), 4196 (IPSS-R), 4186 (WPSS) and 4196 (IPSS). Patients in the highest-risk groups of the prognostic tools had a median OS from diagnosis of 11-16 months and should be considered for up-front transplantation or experimental approaches.

Naive T-cells in myelodysplastic syndrome display intrinsic human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) deficiency

Telomeres are specialized structures providing chromosome integrity during cellular division along with protection against premature senescence and apoptosis. Accelerated telomere attrition in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occurs by an undefined mechanism. Although the MDS clone originates within the myeloid compartment, T-lymphocytes display repertoire contraction and loss of naive T-cells. The replicative lifespan of T-cells is stringently regulated by telomerase activity. In MDS cases, we show that purified CD3+ T-cells have significantly shorter telomere length and reduced proliferative capacity upon stimulation compared with controls. To understand the mechanism, telomerase enzymatic activity and telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), gene expression were compared in MDS cases (n=35) and healthy controls (n=42) within different T-cell compartments. Telomerase activity is greatest in naive T-cells illustrating the importance of telomere repair in homeostatic repertoire regulation. Compared with healthy controls, MDS cases had lower telomerase induction (P<0.0001) that correlated with significantly lower hTERT mRNA (P<0.0001), independent of age and disease stratification. hTERT mRNA deficiency affected naive but not memory T-cells, and telomere erosion in MDS occurred without evidence of an hTERT-promoter mutation, copy number variation or deletion. Telomerase insufficiency may undermine homeostatic control within the hematopoietic compartment and promote a change in the T-cell repertoire in MDS.

Lenalidomide promotes p53 degradation by inhibiting MDM2 auto-ubiquitination in myelodysplastic syndrome with chromosome 5q deletion

Allelic deletion of the RPS14 gene is a key effector of the hypoplastic anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chromosome 5q deletion (del(5q)). Disruption of ribosome integrity liberates free ribosomal proteins to bind to and trigger degradation of mouse double minute 2 protein (MDM2), with consequent p53 transactivation. Herein we show that p53 is overexpressed in erythroid precursors of primary bone marrow del(5q) MDS specimens accompanied by reduced cellular MDM2. More importantly, we show that lenalidomide (Len) acts to stabilize MDM2, thereby accelerating p53 degradation. Biochemical and molecular analyses showed that Len inhibits the haplodeficient protein phosphatase 2A catalytic domain alpha (PP2Acα) phosphatase resulting in hyperphosphorylation of inhibitory serine-166 and serine-186 residues on MDM2, and displaces binding of RPS14 to suppress MDM2 autoubiquitination whereas PP2Acα overexpression promotes drug resistance. Bone marrow specimens from del(5q) MDS patients resistant to Len overexpressed PP2Acα accompanied by restored accumulation of p53 in erythroid precursors. Our findings indicate that Len restores MDM2 functionality in the 5q- syndrome to overcome p53 activation in response to nucleolar stress, and therefore may warrant investigation in other disorders of ribosomal biogenesis.

Residual cancer burden in locally advanced breast cancer: a superior tool

Objectives

Locally advanced breast cancer (labc) poses a difficult clinical challenge with an overall poor long-term prognosis. The strength of the association between tumour characteristics, treatment response, and outcome is not well defined. In the present study, we attempted to gain further insight into labc by reviewing tumour characteristics of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and by studying the association of those characteristics with outcome. We calculated the residual cancer burden (rcb) score obtained at surgery and attempted to study its correlation with event-free survival (efs) and overall survival (os).

Methods

We studied patients diagnosed primarily with labc (n = 45). Pathologic and clinical responses were determined. Pathology slides were reviewed.

Results

Of the 45 study patients, 9% had stage iib disease; 29%, stage iiia; 51%, stage iiib; and 11%, stage iiic. Inflammatory breast cancer (ibc) was found in 16%. Pathologic complete response (pcr) was achieved in 22% of all patients. None of the patients with ibc achieved pcr. Patients with estrogen receptor–negative (er−)/progesterone receptor–negative (pr−) tumours were more likely to achieve pcr than were those with er+/pr+ tumours. Among patients with tumours that overexpressed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2/neu), 17% achieved pcr as compared with 25% of patients with non-overexpressing tumours; only 1 patient had received trastuzumab. The rcb scores were calculated in 32 patients and ranged between 0 and 4.6.

Conclusions

The present study examined practical issues related to the classification and management of labc and ibc. The rcb, defined from routine pathology materials, was easily quantifiable. It appears to be a better predictor than pcr of outcome following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in labc. Higher rcb scores were associated with lower efs and a lower rate of os. A continual quest for reliable predictive and correlative prognostic markers, and for better surrogate endpoints for outcome, is essential to advance our understanding of labc and to improve treatment outcomes.

Phase II trial of thalidomide, irinotecan and gemcitabine in chemonaive patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

This study aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of the combination of Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) day 1 & 8 and Irinotecan 100 mg/m(2) day 1 & 8 with escalating dose of thalidomide in chemonaive patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Among the 20 patients who met eligibility criteria and received treatment, two patients (10%) experienced partial response and 14 (70%) experienced stable disease. The median time to disease progression was 4 months (95% CI: 2.8-6.6). The 1 year and 2 year survival rates were 36% and 27%, respectively. This combination is active in advanced NSCLC with manageable toxicity profile.

Residual cancer burden (RCB) is practical and may be more informative than pathological response following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC)

21103

Background: Complete pathological response (pCR) has been considered a reliable endpoint to assess the benefit of NC. However, different pathological responses ranging from near complete response to resistance would likely indicate different prognostic groups. Method: We studied patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) who received NC between 2001–2006 at the University of Cincinnati. Pathological response to therapy was evaluated. In addition, RCB was quantified according to MD Anderson RCB Calculator index that combines pathologic measurements of primary tumor (size and cellularity) and nodal metastases (number and size). We examined the correlation between pCR, RCB, event-free survival (EFS) and over all survival (OS) by Cox regression analyses. Result: Pathological slides of 32 patients were analyzed. Median age 52, 38% white and 62% African American. Stage IIB 12% , Stage IIIA 19%, Stage IIIB 53% and Stage IIIC 16% . 72% invasive ducal, 6% invasive lobular and 22% inflammatory cancer. Forty seven percent of tumors were ER +/or PR+ , 53% ER-/PR-, 28% HER-2 /neu + ( IHC 3+ or FISH HER2 gene to chromosome 17 ration > 2.2). Tumor response was as follows: 22% (n=7) achieved pCR , RCB scores ranged between 0- 4.87. By univariate Cox regression analysis, RCB correlated with EFS {Hazard ratio (HR) 1.57 (95% CI 1.04–2.38), p-value 0.018}, and with OS {HR 1.74 (95% CI 0.91 -3.32), p value-0.09}. However, pCR did not seem to correlate with EFS {HR 0 .24 (95%CI 0.03 -1.86–2.38), p-value .172} or OS {HR 0.03 (95% CI 0–89),p value-0.40}. By multivariate Cox regression analysis, RCB was noted to be an independent predictive variable for EFS {HR 1.59 (95% CI 1.04–2.43), p value-0.033} while pCR was not {HR 0.90 (95% CI 0.52–1.57), p value-0.7. Conclusion: RCB was easily quantifiable and appears to be a better predictor of outcome following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in LABC compared to pCR. Higher RCB scores were associated with higher EFS and lower rate of OS. Prospective trials are needed to further evaluate the role of RCB as an endpoint following NC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A comparative analysis of angiogenesis between male and female breast cancers

21101

Background: Tumor angiogenesis and vascularization are essential for the growth and metastasis of tumors. VEGF-C expression and peritumoral lymphocyte density (PLD) are markers of angiogenesis. They have been correlated with poor prognosis in female breast cancer (FBC). The purpose of this study is to characterize VEGF-C expression and PLD in MBC and correlate with FBC specimens. Method: We reviewed records of patients diagnosed with MBC and FBC at the Cincinnati VAMC, from 1989 to 2006. Pathology slides were retrieved. We used VEGF-C (Host Rabbit, PAD: Z-CVC7) . Imunohistochemical stains of VEGF-C were given scores of 0 to 3+ based on nuclear stains. PLD was analyzed based on the number of lymphocyte cells surrounding the tumor; score of 0 to 3+. Slides were reviewed independently by two pathologists. Results: We found nine MBC cases and selected 9 FBC cases. Mean age was 72 in the male patients and 62 in the females. Stages of disease were distributed as follows in MBC versus FBC, 11% versus 22% stage 0, 23% versus 23% stage I, 44% versus 44% stage II, and 22% versus 11% stage IV. Ductal carcinoma was the predominant histology in 88% of FBC and 88% MBC. Other histological types included papillary (1 MBC) and lobular (1 FBC). Among the invasive MBC tumors , 75 % were ER+/PR +, 13% ER+/PR-, and 12% ER -/PR- , compared to 72 % ER+/PR+, 14% ER+/PR-, and 14% ER-/PR- in FBC. Eight out of the 9 MBC cases (89%) stained positive for VEGF-C expression, compared to one FBC case (11%). The 1 male breast intraductal carcinoma was positive for VEGF-C expression, compared to none of the two intraductal FBC. PLD was more intense in male than female tumors : score 0 or 1+: 44% in MBC versus 67% in FBC , score 2+: 22% in MBC Versus 22% in FBC, and score 3+: 22% in MBC versus 11% in FBC. VEGF-C expression did not seem to correlate with ER/PR status. The median survival for patients with MBC was 4.5 years and for patients with FBC 6.9 years. Conclusion: VEGF-C expression and PLD were more pronounced in MBC versus FBC. This finding may correlate with more aggressive behavior of breast tumor cells in male patients, more intense angiogenic reaction and lower median survival. Further studies are warranted to further elucidate the role of angiogenesis in male breast cancer and explore potential antiangiogenic therapeutic modalities.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Impact of screening on presentation and survival of colorectal cancer

1535

Background: There is an increasing emphasis and utilization of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We evaluated the effect of screening on CRC presentation and outcome. Methods: We reviewed all the invasive CRC cases diagnosed between Jan 1995-Dec 2005 at the Cincinnati Veteran’s Affairs hospital. Individual case records were reviewed and the data collected including patient demographics, treatment, outcome, mode of presentation as well as whether CRC was detected as a result of screening. Results: Altogether 288 patients were diagnosed with CRC during the study period. The median age at presentation was 69.3 years and 18.8% were African-Americans. Early stage CRC was diagnosed in 63.4% cases (stage 1: 32.7%, stage 2: 30.8%) and 33.3% were diagnosed at advanced stage (stage 3: 18.1% and stage 4: 15.3%). Seventy seven (26.7%) CRCs were asymptomatic at presentation and were diagnosed as a result of screening. Predominant screening modalities included fecal occult blood testing (46.8%) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (22.1%). The proportion of screen- detected cases increased from 19% in 1995–1999 to 32% in 2000–05 (p = 0.047). Demographics, including age and race, as well as the site of CRC were similar to symptomatic cases. Screen-detected cancers presented early, with 77.9% presenting at early stage (stage 1: 55.8%, stage 2: 22.1%), compared to 51.5% (stage 1: 21.0%, stage 2: 30.5%) of symptomatic cancers (p <0.01). Only 1.3% of screen-detected CRC was found to be metastatic as compared to 21.0% of the symptomatic cases. The screen-detected cancers had significant survival advantage compared to symptomatic cases; with median survival being 81 months vs. 43 months in the latter (p =0.018). A proportional hazard regression analysis indicated that this improvement in survival was related to the fact that screening resulted in earlier stage at diagnosis. Only 20.3% of screen-detected CRC received adjuvant chemotherapy compared to 41.4% of symptomatic cases (p=0.002). Conclusions: An increasing proportion of CRC is being diagnosed as a result of screening. These cancers present at an earlier stage and are associated with a significantly improved survival. However, most CRC still presents symptomatically and more effective population screening is needed.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Esophageal cancer at the VA: Does histology matter?

15069

Introduction: In recent years esophageal cancer has shown a shift from largely squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology to adenocarcinoma (AC). This is felt to be due to changing risk factor profiles among the American population. Methods: The VA Central Cancer Registry is a function of the Chief, Program Office for Oncology at VA Headquarters in Washington DC. We queried the VACCR database for all diagnosed esophageal cancer cases between 1995 and 2005 using ICD codes 150–159. The data was transformed, entered and analyzed using SPSS v.13.0. Results: There were a total of 6874 cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2005. Out of those, 2968 (43.2%) were diagnosed with AC and 2894 (42.1%) with SCC. Black patients were more likely to have SCC than AC. Baseline characteristics are summarized in table 1 . Staging information was available in 2823 (48.1%) patients. Patients with AC were more likely to present with metastatic disease than those with SCC (52.7% vs. 44.3%). Median survival in AC was better than SCC for non-metastatic disease (12.3 mo vs. 8.6 mo, p=0.0009). No difference in survival was seen in metastatic disease between the two histologies (AC 4.2 mo vs. SCC 3.97 mo p=0.537). In Cox- regression analysis using variables including race, histology, stage, grade and treatment, only histology, stage, grade and treatment were significant predictors of survival. Conclusions: In non-metastatic esophageal cancer at the VA, SCC has worse outcome compared to AC. However, in metastatic disease, SCC and AC have similar outcome. We recommend further studies to determine if the differences in histology are determined by biological or lifestyle differences.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the VA population: What is the optimal treatment modality

15042

Introduction: Surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been the mainstay of treatment despite dismal outcome and significant surgical complications. There is no standard treatment modality for esophageal SCC. Methods: The VA (veteran affairs) Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) is a function of the Chief, Program Office for Oncology at VA Headquarters in Washington DC. We queried the VACCR database for all diagnosed squamous cell esophageal cancer cases between 1995 and 2005 using ICD codes 150–159. The data was transformed, entered and analyzed using SPSS v.13.0. We analyzed, in a retrospective fashion, survival in VA patients with early disease (stages 1–2), and locally advanced (stage 3) SCC comparing the treatment modality: chemoradiation alone (CRT), surgical resection alone (SUR) or trimodality therapy (TMT) which includes all three treatment options. Results: Out of a total of 6874 patients diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma, 2894 patients had SCC. A total of 433 patients were included in this study that were staged as 1–3 and had complete treatment information available. Baseline characteristics were not different between the three groups and are summarized in table 1 . Out of those, 57 (13.2%) received SUR, 323 (74.6%) CRT, and 53 (12.2%) TMT. Kaplan Meier analysis for median survival in early disease was 14 mo for SUR, 17 mo in CR, and 79 mo in TMT (p = 0.0288). There was no difference in survival among patients with locally advanced disease between the treatment groups (p = 0.7079) Conclusion: In VA patients with early esophageal SCC, TMT confers better survival than SUR or CRT. However, in patients with advanced disease, SUR, CRT and TMT groups showed comparable outcome.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Do racial differences predict survival amongst VA patients with colon cancer?

3628

Background: Several reports suggested that African-American patients with colon cancer have poor survival. The outcome of colon cancer in patients treated within the VA system is not well studied. Patients treated in the VA usually share common features and socioeconomic class that will allow studying any potential effect of racial difference on outcome. Methods: We used the VA Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) to analyze VA patients with colon cancer diagnosed between 1995–2005. The reference date for data collection and reporting is January 1, 1995. Data are entered by tumor registrars at the VA medical centers. This site aggregates the data collected by the medical centers’ cancer registries. Data was analyzed using bio-statistical software SPSS. Results: There were a total of 14,816 cases with invasive adenocarcinoma.Majority of patients (98%) were males. Median age was 69 years among caucasian patients as compared to 67 years among African- American (p-value <0.005). There was no difference between the two groups with regards to sex, histological grade, histological subtype, use of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, African-Americans had less definitive surgery (84% vs. 86%) (p-value 0.003).The staging information was missing or unknown in 59% of the patients. In patients with known stage, no difference was observed.Median survival for caucasians was greater than African-Ameircans (42 months vs. 39 months)(p-value 0.009). Median survival for stage IV patients was not statistically significant between the two groups (8.8 months vs. 8.6 months);(p-value 0.53). Race was not statistically significant independent variable in Cox multiple regression analysis. Conclusions: In the VA system, African-American patients with colon cancer seem to have a trend towards inferior survival. However, race was not an independent prognostic variable. This slight difference could be due to other variables like definitive surgery.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Male breast cancer (MBC) in the VA population: A gender issue?

587

Background: The incidence of MBC continues to rise. Few studies have addressed the differences between MBC and female breast cancer (FBC). Treatment for MBC has ben extrapolated from FBC regimens. The VA cancer registry (VACCR) provides a unique source to study MBC. This retrospective analysis aims at comparing the characteristics and outcome of MBC and FBC in the VA population. Methods: We reviewed the VACCR database between 1995 and 2005, for 120 VA medical centers. Primary breast cancer site codes were identified (500–508). Data was entered and analyzed using bio-statistical software SPSS. Results: A total of 3025 patients :612 MBC and 2413 FBC were compared. Mean age at diagnosis was 67 for MBC and 57 for FBC (p <0.005). More MBC patients were black. MBC patients presented with a significantly higher stage of disease, more node positive(N+) and larger tumor size. In MBC, ductal histology was more common while lobular and ductal carcinoma in situ were less common than in FBC. ER + and PR + tumors were significantly more common in MBC (60% vs 52% and 53% vs 47%, P< 0.005). MBC patients received less chemotherapy while no statistical difference in hormonal treatment was observed. The median overall survival (OS) was lower for MBC (7 years vs 9.8 years, p<0.005). OS was not significantly different for stage III and IV while OS was inferior for MBC in stage I (7 yr vs not reached, p 0.005) and stage II (6 vs 8.6yr, p 0.001). In N- tumors, OS was inferior in MBC (6.1 vs 14.6 yr, p<0.005) but not statistically different for N+ tumors . In ER + and PR + tumors, OS was inferior in MBC (7yr vs 8yr and 7.3 yr vs 9.8 yr p<0.005); however, no statistical significance was observed in ER - or PR - tumors. Using Cox regression analysis age, sex, clinical stage, nodal status were statistically independent prognostic factors while race, histology and grade were not. Conclusion: This study suggests differences in the biology, pathology, presentation, and survival between male and female VA breast cancer patients. Survival of MBC patients appears inferior in early stage disease and N- tumors suggesting gender differences in the tumor pathogenesis and biology. In hormone receptor + MBC, survival was also inferior despite similar hormonal treatment practices. This observational study calls for different approach and treatment strategies in MBC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II trial of thalidomide (T), irinotecan (I) and gemcitabine (G) in chemonaive patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

17068

Background: Chemotherapy with platinum based doublets provides only a modest benefit in advanced NSCLC with a median overall survival (OS) of 8 months and 1-year survival rate of 33% (Schiller JH et al, N Engl J Med 2002). We performed a phase II study to determine the efficacy of thalidomide, an immunomodulatory agent with antiangiogenic activity, in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: Chemonaive patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC with ECOG PS≤ 2 and adequate organ function were treated with G (1000 mg/m2) and I (100 mg/m2) IV on days 1 and 8 of a 21 day cycle. Patients also received T (200 mg orally with escalation as tolerated to a maximum of 400 mg daily). Therapeutic anticoagulation with coumadin was given to the last 11 patients. Results: Twenty four patients were enrolled: median age 57 years (41–76); M:F=17:7; ECOG PS 0/1/2=13/7/3; stage IV: IIIB= 21:3 and CNS involvement: 6. Two pts died before treatment, 1 was ineligible and 1 was lost to follow up. The remaining 20 pts received a median of 4 treatment cycles (range 1–6). The regimen was generally well tolerated and the most common grade 3–4 toxicities encountered were: diarrhea (4); pneumonia (3) and thromboembolic events (3). There were no thromboembolic events after anticoagulation was initiated. Two patients (10%) experienced partial response, 14 (70%) experienced stable disease, 1 had progressive disease. Three patients (15%) were not evaluable for response due to early withdrawal. The median OS was 10.8 months (range 0.6–37+) and 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 37% and 16%, respectively. The median time to progression was 3.6 months (range 0.2–11+). Conclusions: The combination of thalidomide and chemotherapy is reasonably well tolerated and active in advanced NSCLC as evidenced by good OS and 1- and 2-year survival rates. The addition of thalidomide to a non-platinum based regimen appears to compare favorably to the results of the traditional platinum based doublets.

[Table: see text]