Strengthened capacity of India´s bedaquiline Conditional Access Programme for introducing new drugs and regimens

BACKGROUND: Addressing TB in India is critical to meeting global targets. With the scale-up of diagnostic networks and the availability of new TB drugs, India had the opportunity to improve the detection and treatment outcomes in drug-resistant TB (DR-TB).OBJECTIVE: To document how the introduction of new drugs and regimens is helping India improve the care of DR-TB patients.DESIGN: In 2016, India´s National TB Programme (NTP) introduced bedaquiline (BDQ) under a Conditional Access Programme (BDQ-CAP) at six sites after providing extensive training and strengthening laboratory testing, pre-treatment evaluation, active drug safety monitoring and management (aDSM) and follow-up systems.RESULTS: An interim analysis reflected earlier and better culture conversion rates: 83% of the 620 patients converted within a median time of 60 days. However, 248 serious adverse events were reported, including 73 deaths (12%) and 100 cardiotoxicity events (16.3%). Encouraged by the evidence of safety and efficacy of BDQ, the NTP took steps to systematically expand its access to cover the entire population by 2018.CONCLUSION: The cautious yet focused approach used to introduce BDQ under BDQ-CAP paved the way for the rapid introduction of delamanid, as well as the shorter treatment regimen and the all-oral regimen for DR-TB.

Safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy

Esophagectomy is associated with substantial morbidity. Robotic surgery allows complex resections to be performed with potential benefits over conventional techniques. We applied this technology to transthoracic esophagectomy to assess safety, feasibility, and reliability of this technology. A retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (RAIL) from 2009 to 2014 was conducted. Clinicopathologic factors and surgical outcomes were recorded and compared. All statistical tests were two-sided and a P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. We identified 147 patients with an average age 66 ± 10 years. Neoadjuvant therapy was administered to 114 (77.6%) patients, and all patients underwent a R0 resection. The mean operating room (OR) time was 415 ± 84.6 minutes with a median estimated blood loss (EBL) of 150 (25-600) mL. Mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 2.00 ± 4.5 days, median length of hospitalization (LOH) was 9 (4-38) days, and readmissions within 90 days were low at 8 (5.5%). OR time decreased from 471 minutes to 389 minutes after 20 cases and a further decrease to mean of 346 minutes was observed after 120 cases. Complications occurred in 37 patients (25.2%). There were 4 anastomotic (2.7%) leaks. Thirty and 90-day mortality was 0.68% and 1.4%, respectively. This represents to our knowledge the largest series of robotic esophagectomies. RAIL is a safe surgical technique that provides an alternative to standard minimally invasive and open techniques. In our series, there was no increased risk of LOH, complications, or death and re-admission rates were low despite earlier discharge.

Dose escalated neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with dose-painting intensity-modulated radiation therapy and improved pathologic complete response in locally advanced esophageal cancer

We compared pathologic complete response (pCR) rate, toxicity, and postoperative complications between patients treated preoperatively with 50.4 Gy versus dose escalation with dose-painting intensity-modulated radiation therapy (dp-IMRT) to 56 Gy in locally advanced esophageal cancer. We evaluated esophageal cancer patients treated between 2006 and 2014 with preoperative IMRT chemoradiation to a dose of 50.4 Gy versus 56 Gy. The endpoints were pCR and toxicity. We identified 113 patients (50.4 Gy: n = 40; 56 Gy: n = 73). There were no significant differences in tumor or patient characteristics. Patients treated with 56 Gy demonstrated a higher pCR rate (56.2% vs. 30.0%) and lower pathologic nonresponse rate (4.1% vs. 20.0%) compared to patients treated to 50.4 Gy (P = 0.008). This remained significant on multivariate analysis (OR 3.375 95%CI 1.3-8.8, P = 0.013). Patients treated to 56 Gy also had an improved 3-year locoregional control rate compared to those treated to 50.4 Gy (93.8% vs. 78.5%; P = 0.022). The estimated 3-year freedom from failure was also superior in the 56 Gy arm (73.7% vs. 52.2%; P = 0.051), approaching significance. There were no differences in treatment related grade ≥3 toxicities, hospital admissions, feeding tube, esophageal stent placement, or dilation. There was, however, a statistically significant increase in postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients treated with 56 Gy (30.1% vs. 12.5%; P = 0.036). There was no difference in postoperative 30 or 60 day mortality. Dose escalation to 56 Gy with dp-IMRT is safe and results in significantly higher complete pathologic response rates in esophageal cancer without an increase in treatment-related toxicity. Prospective trials using dp-IMRT are needed to address the role of dose escalation on pCR rate and survival in esophageal cancer.

Carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic esophageal or gastric cancer

Survival in patients with metastatic esophageal and gastric cancer is dismal. No standard treatment has been established. Carboplatin/paclitaxel is active in both advanced gastric and esophageal cancer. Here we retrospectively present our single center experience. Between 1998 and 2013, a total of 134 patients with metastatic esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel (carboplatin predominantly area under the curve 5 and paclitaxel predominantly 175 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks as first-line therapy were identified. Baseline characteristics, response to therapy, toxicities, and survival in this patient population were evaluated. Overall survival was defined as date from diagnosis to death or last follow up, and progression-free survival was defined at time from cycle 1 to, progression or last follow up. Kaplan-Meier curves were fit to estimate overall and progression-free survival. Of the 134 patients evaluated, the median age at diagnosis was 65 years. Disease control rate was 62.6% (complete response: 11%, partial response: 28%, stable disease: 33%). Median overall survival from date of initial diagnosis was 15.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.5). Median progression-free survival from date of initiation of carboplatin and paclitaxel was 5.3 months (95% CI 0.34-0.5). Grade III or greater toxicity occurred in 26.1% of patients. The most common grade III toxicities were neutropenia and neuropathy, present in 14.2% and 3.7% of the total study population, respectively. In patients with metastatic or unresectable esophageal or gastric cancer, the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel is well tolerated with comparable overall survival and progression-free survival to existing regimens in this population.

Comparative outcomes for three-dimensional conformal versus intensity-modulated radiation therapy for esophageal cancer

Emerging data suggests a benefit for using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for the management of esophageal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed patients treated at our institution who received definitive or preoperative chemoradiation with either IMRT or 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) between October 2000 and January 2012. Kaplan Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate survival outcomes. We evaluated a total of 232 patients (138 IMRT, 94 3DCRT) who received a median dose of 50.4 Gy (range, 44-64.8) to gross disease. Median follow up for all patients, IMRT patients alone, and 3DCRT patients alone was 18.5 (range, 2.5-124.2), 16.5 (range, 3-59), and 25.9 months (range, 2.5-124.2), respectively. We observed no significant difference based on radiation technique (3DCRT vs. IMRT) with respect to median overall survival (OS) (median 29 vs. 32 months; P = 0.74) or median relapse free survival (median 20 vs. 25 months; P = 0.66). On multivariable analysis (MVA), surgical resection resulted in improved OS (HR 0.444; P < 0.0001). Superior OS was also associated on MVA with stage I/II disease (HR 0.523; P = 0.010) and tumor length ≤5 cm (HR 0.567; P = 0.006). IMRT was also associated on univariate analysis with a significant decrease in acute weight loss (mean 6% + 4.3% vs 9% + 7.4%, P = 0.012) and on MVA with a decrease in objective grade ≥3 toxicity, defined as any hospitalization, feeding tube, or >20% weight loss (OR 0.51; P = 0.050). Our data suggest that while IMRT-based chemoradiation for esophageal cancer does not impact survival there was significantly less toxicity. In the IMRT group there was significant decrease in weight loss and grade ≥3 toxicity compared to 3DCRT.

The feasibility, safety, and technique of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fiducial marker placement for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

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Background: Fiducial markers implanted into tumors that move with respiration facilitate planning for SBRT. To date, there is little evidence regarding the safety and utility of EUS implanted markers for “borderline resectable” pancreatic cancer.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of 13 patients (7 men and 6 women) with “borderline resectable” pancreatic cancer as per NCCN guidelines. EUS-guided fiducial placement for stereotactic body radiation therapy was performed between January 2009 and September 2010. Gold cylindrical fiducials (0.35mmx 10mm or 0.75 mm X 10 mm; VISICOIL) were loaded into a 22g or 19 g EUS needle. With the needle in the target, the fiducial was deployed by retracting the needle and advancing the stylet. EUS confirmed fiducial position after deployment. A mean of 3 fiducials were placed (range 1-6) per patient. Fiducial position was analyzed at 4D CT simulation and daily cone beam imaging prior to SBRT.

Results: Fiducial placement was successful in all. Technical difficulty was encountered in 2 patients secondary to retained food in stomach and uncinate tumors. Smaller (10x0.35mm) fiducials were successfully placed in these 2 patients. 3 patients had abdominal pain lasting < 12 hours after fiducial placement but none had any acute complications. In 2 patients, change in fiducial position was noted on follow-up cone beam CT. This apparent change in position was related to biliary drainage, gastric distension and a pre-existing pseudocyst. Though this is not indicative of fiducial migration, it impacts radiation planning and delivery. No complications were noted at the end of a mean follow-up period of 6 months.

Conclusions: EUS fiducial placement to assist with stereotactic body radiation for “borderline resectable” pancreatic cancer is safe, feasible, and technically successful in most cases. True migration did not occur but other factors may cause an apparent change in fiducial position. Further studies are planned to optimize the best configuration of fiducial placement by virtue of tumor location for SBRT planning and treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Outcomes associated with T4 esophageal cancer

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Background: Esophageal cancer often presents as locally advanced disease with 15% of patients having T4 tumors upon diagnosis. Esophagectomy was often reserved for palliation given the dismal survival rates and high rates of R1/R2 resections. However, neoadjuvant therapy (NT) has the potential to significantly downstage esophageal cancers and thus increase complete resection rates. We report our experience with surgically resected T4 cancers of the esophagus.

Methods: Using a comprehensive esophageal cancer database, we identified patients who underwent an esophagectomy for T4 tumors between 1994 and 2008. Neoadjuvant therapy and pathologic response were recorded and denoted as complete (pCR), partial (pPR), and non-response (NR). Clinical and pathologic data were compared using Fisher's exact and chi-square when appropriate while Kaplan Meier estimates were used for survival analysis.

Results: We identified 39 patients with T4 tumors who underwent esophagectomy of which 38 (97%) underwent NT. The median age was 61 (31-79) years with a median follow-up of 32 (5-97) months. There were 3 (7.9%) pCR, 17 (44.7%) pPR, and 18 (47.4%) NR. R0 resections were accomplished in 37 (94.9%). Two patients had incomplete resections. One patient had a R2 resection after NT and was deemed as NR. An additional patient had a R1 resection after NT and was a pPR with a residual 0.2 cm tumor on permanent pathology. There were 14 (35.9%) recurrences with a median time to recurrence of 19.5 (4-71) months. Complete pathologic response represented 1 (7.1%), whereas pPR and NR represented 6 (42.9%), and 7 (50%) respectively of all recurrences. The overall and disease free survival for all patients with T4 tumors was 28% and 34% respectively. Patients achieving a pCR had a 5-year overall and disease free survival of (43% and 47%), compared to pPR (30% and 21%) while there were no 5-year survivors in the NR cohort.

Conclusions: T4 esophageal cancer often portends a dismal prognosis even after surgical resection. Historical incomplete resections and dismal survival rates often make surgery palliative rather then curative. However, we have demonstrated that neoadjuvant therapy and down staging of T4 tumors leads to increased R0 resections and improvements in overall and disease free survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for borderline resectable pancreas cancer: Moffitt Cancer Center initial experience

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Background: Our institution has reported a strategy of using neoadjuvant GTX (gemcitabine, docetaxel, and capecitabine) chemotherapy followed by 5FU-based intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for borderline resectable pancreas cancer. We now report our early experience with induction chemotherapy followed by stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Methods: This retrospective review evaluates our initial 5 fraction SBRT experience in 15 patients following induction chemotherapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Staging included pancreatic protocol CT, endoscopic ultrasound, and PET/CT scan. Induction regimens consisted of GTX for 3 cycles in 12 patients and gemcitabine alone in 3. Daily SBRT was delivered to the pancreas at least 1 week after completing systemic chemotherapy. Endoscopically implanted fiducial markers and daily cone beam CT were used for image guidance. Treatment was delivered on a Varian Trilogy unit using 6-15 MV photons. Doses were selected based on dose painting the portion of tumor adjacent to the vasculature to a higher dose while meeting normal tissue constraints. The entire gross tumor received a dose of 5-6 Gy per fraction while the portion of the tumor adjacent to the vasculature resulting in the borderline designation received up to 8 Gy per fraction. Patients were re-imaged 3-4 weeks after SBRT for consideration of surgery.

Results: There were no acute or late grade 3 toxicities. At the time of this analysis, not all treated patients have reached the restaging time point, but 9 of 15 (60%) were candidates for resection. Six patients have gone to resection with negative margins and without any increased complications. Two patients were found to have disease surrounding the vasculature preventing resection. One patient had cardiac issues at surgery and resection was aborted. One patient was explored and found to have liver metastases.

Conclusions: Integration of SBRT in conjunction with systemic therapy is well-tolerated and appears to facilitate margin-negative resection in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effect of neoadjuvant dose-painted IMRT to 56 Gy for locally advanced esophageal cancer on outcomes

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Background: Standard of care chemoradiation doses of 50.4 Gy for locally advanced (T3, T4, and/or node positive) esophageal cancer is associated with a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 40% at our institution. We evaluated whether pCR would be increased with 4D CT planning scans, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) delivery with motion management, and dose painting to 56 Gy in 28 fractions.

Methods: This retrospective review of 9 patients who have undergone esophagogastrectomy (7 adenocarcinoma, 2 squamous cell) evaluates our initial experience with neoadjuvant dose painted IMRT to 56 Gy. Pre-treatment workup included PET scan, chest and abdomen CT scans, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and EUS-guided fiducial marker placement. Fiducial markers were placed superior and inferior to the gross endoscopic tumor volume to facilitate analysis of tumor motion with 4D CT simulation. Internal target volumes (ITVs) of gross disease were generated to account for motion. Once the GITV was generated, a clinical target volume (CTV) encompassing a 3-4 cm superior margin and 3-4 cm distal margin was contoured. Two planning target volumes (PTVs) were created for dose painting: PTV 50.4 and PTV 56 Gy in 28 fractions. IMRT was utilized for all patients with either a weight belt or with compensators. Concurrent cisplatin and continuous infusion 5-FU were delivered with radiotherapy and patients were restaged 3-6 weeks after completion for response evaluation.

Results: Treatment was well tolerated without any grade 3 acute morbidity. Surgical complications were not increased in this group overall. However, there was 1 patient with a chyle leak and radiation pneumonitis, but her case was complicated by having a remote history of radiotherapy. Six of the 9 treated patients were found to have a pCR (4 adenocarcinoma, 2 squamous cell). Two had a near CR with < 5 mm of residual disease. One additional patient with an initial bulky T4N1 tumor had 9 mm of viable tumor.

Conclusions: With motion management, dose painted IMRT to 56 Gy is feasible and may be associated with improved rates of pathologic complete or near complete response.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Lymph node ratio and survival for gastric cancer: A retrospective analysis of the SEER database

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Purpose: To determine the prognostic significance of the lymph node ratio (ratio of number of positive lymph nodes to number of dissected lymph nodes) in gastric cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10,176 gastric patients from 1990–2003 who underwent curative gastrectomy from the SEER database. Survival curves were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed with log-rank test. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors related to survival was performed by the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: The lymph node ratio (LNR) was a strong predictor of survival. LNR was equally predictive of survival whether the analysis was restricted to patients with <15 lymph nodes dissected or >15 lymph nodes dissected. Survival of patients with a LNR of 0.1–5% was not significantly different than node negative patients; however, survival of patients with a LNR of 5–10% was significantly different than node negative patients. Multivariate analysis showed that LNR, T-stage, tumor size, and number of lymph nodes positive were independent prognostic predictors of death and that LNR was the strongest predictor for death. Multivariate analysis showed that the number of lymph nodes dissected was an independent prognostic factor for survival. Moreover, LNR was an independent prognostic factor for N1 and N2 patients by AJCC staging. LNR trended toward significance in AJCC N3 patients. Conclusions: LNR was the strongest predictor of death in gastric cancer patients when compared to T-stage, number of lymph nodes positive, and tumor size. LNR is equally predictive regardless of the adequacy of the lymph node dissection.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A role for candidate tumor-suppressor gene TCEAL7 in the regulation of c-Myc activity, cyclin D1 levels and cellular transformation

The pathophysiological mechanisms that drive the development and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer remain obscure. Recently, we identified TCEAL7 as a transcriptional regulatory protein often downregulated in epithelial ovarian cancer. However, the biological significance of such downregulation in cancer is not currently known. Here, we show that TCEAL7 is downregulated frequently in many human cancers and that in immortalized human ovarian epithelial cells this event promotes anchorage-independent cell growth. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TCEAL7 associates with cyclin D1 promoter containing Myc E-box sequence and transcriptionally represses cyclin D1 expression. Moreover, downregulation of TCEAL7 promotes DNA-binding activity of Myc-Max, and upregulates the promoter activity of c-Myc-target gene, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), whereas enhanced expression of TCEAL7 inhibits Myc-induced promoter activity of ODC. Our findings suggest that TCEAL7 may restrict ovarian epithelial cell transformation by limiting Myc activity. These results also suggest a potential, alternative mechanism by which c-Myc activity may be deregulated in cancer by the downregulation of TCEAL7.