Immunotherapy with nivolumab after progression on lenvatinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A real-world Indian experience

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Background: Firstline treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) till recently has been sorafenib or lenvatinib. Lenvatinib, due to its better tolerability and efficacy (in PFS) over sorafenib, is our preferred first line treatment. Nivolumab, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 14.3% and median duration of response of 16.6 months, was approved by FDA on the basis of the CheckMate-040 trial in patients who progressed or were intolerant to sorafenib. There is very limited data of immunotherapy on progression with lenvatinib. Methods: This is a single center, retrospective analysis of patients with advanced HCC who progressed on first line lenvatinib and received treatment with nivolumab. The endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity. Results: 15 patients who progressed on lenvatinib, received nivolumab at 3 mg/kg, 2 weekly as second line therapy between July 2019 to July 2021. There were 2 females and 13 males. Median age was 66 years (37-77 years). All patients were BCLC stage C. AFP was elevated in 11 patients. Child Pugh score was A in 10 patients, and B in 5 patients. 7 patients had background of hepatitis B and 1 had hepatitis C. The number of cycles of nivolumab ranged from 2 to 13 cycles. 3 patients (20%) had partial response, 2 had stable disease and 10 (66.6%) had progressive disease by recist criteria. The ORR was 20% and median PFS was 3 months. Median OS was 8 months. The common side effects were hypothyroidism in 7 (46.6%), fatigue in 4 (26.6%) and skin rashes in 3 (20%) patients. Conclusions: Immunotherapy with nivolumab showed limited efficacy in our patients of HCC who have progressed on lenvatinib. There were few patients who showed durable response, but there are no biomarkers to choose these patients. The immune related side effects were manageable. With the first line approval of combination therapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, single agent second line immunotherapy with its limited efficacy, may have a reduced role in HCC management.

Cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: Analysis from a multicentric national Indian HIPEC registry of 1,470 patients—An ISPSM Collaborative study

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Background: Improved long-term results can be achieved in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients using optimal cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Methods: Indian society of peritoneal surface malignancy (ISPSM) is a registered body which maintains prospective data of 26 centers across India who perform CRS –HIPEC. From February 2017 until January 2022, 1470 patients with advanced EOC were treated with CRS-HIPEC. He general practice patterns and the oncological outcomes in terms of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) & post-operative morbidity and mortality is reported. Results: Upfront (n = 156), interval (n = 645) and recurrent (n = 669) cytoreductions were performed based on the timeline at presentation. Mean age 54.5±10.74, PCI 13. 6±5.2, duration of surgery 10.6±1.h hrs. 36.4% had total peritonectomy, 12.7% had multivisceral resection, 41.8%had bowel resections and stoma rate was 7.4%. 60.3% had semiopen HIPEC, 83.1% used cisplatin for HIPEC and 83.1 % had HIPEC for 90 minutes. Overall G3-G5 morbidity was 25.4% with major ones being post-operative intra-abdominal collection (21.8%), electrolyte imbalance (16.4%), pulmonary (16.4%) followed by hematological (12.7%). Surgical morbidity was more in upfront cytoreduction group compared to interval group (20% versus 13.5%) and recurrent group (20% versus 15%), respectively. The 30 day mortality was 3.8%. With a median follow-up of 46 months, median PFS was 33 months in primary (upfront plus interval) group and 16 months in recurrent cytoreduction group. Median OS was not achieved in both primary and recurrent groups (4 year OS rates: 60 and 55%, respectively). Conclusions: This prospective database provides a collation and audit of the management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with CRS HIPEC in multiple centers registered under ISPSM. In advanced EOC patients, CRS plus HIPEC offers potential benefits in PFS and OS rates, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality and can be practiced even in resource constrained setting.

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) versus intravenous chemotherapy in unresectable peritoneal metastases secondary to platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: Interim analysis of Indian randomized control trial

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Background: PIPAC has emerged as a novel way to deliver intraperitoneal chemotherapy. PIPAC has shown improved response rate and quality of life in patients with inoperable peritoneal carcinomatosis. Methods: The trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI) REF/2018/08/021223. Interim analysis is presented here. Primary endpoint was to assess the objective response rate (With RECIST 1.1) between PIPAC and IV chemotherapy arm. Secondary endpoints were to assess quality of life (QLQ C-30) and morbidity (CTCAE 4.0 and Clavien dindo) between the two groups. PIPAC was done with dose of cisplatin 15mg /m2 and doxorubicin at 3mg/m2. The choice of chemotherapy was left at the discretion of treating physician. The response rate (With MRI & Ca-125) & quality of life assessment (QLQ C-30) of both the group was done periodically and recorded. Results: 40 patients underwent 105 PIPAC applications with nearly 25 (62.5%) had 3 cycles completed. 40 patients underwent IV chemotherapy same time with nearly 23 (57.5%) having received atleast 5 cycles. Mean age 57.3±8.05, PCI 24.45±6.39, with nearly 45.5% of patients had previous surgery and 72.5% of patients having received atleast 2 lines of prior chemotherapy and nearly 60 % having ascites. The objective response rate is 66.6% versus 22.5%, grade 3-4 events were 10.0% vs. 35.7 % in PIPAC and IV arm respectively. Histological regression was seen in 67.5% of patients with 3 cycles PIPAC. Functional, symptom and global health score at day 120 was significantly better with PIPAC arm when compared to IV arm. Conclusions: PIPAC is safe and feasible for patients with unresectable platinum resistant ovarian cancer. PIPAC showed better objective response rates and improved quality of life when compared to chemotherapy arm with acceptable morbidity. Clinical trial information: REF/2018/08/021223.

Surgical Oncology Practice in the Wake of COVID-19 Crisis

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has placed unprecedented challenges globally dismantling healthcare systems and forcing rapid transformations of healthcare services. In patients with cancer, these changes are having profound effects on vital aspects of their care. It has been advised that hospitals discontinue elective surgery and work on triage of nonemergent surgical procedures during the pandemic. The purpose of this article is to highlight the recommendations and adapted workflow from the private and public tertiary level hospitals in India advising on the best practices and views on better patient management, redesigning of SOPs for OR, surgeon, and staff safety and resumption of cancer care especially from surgical perspective. Different concerns are addressed that are necessary to optimize the quality of care provided to COVID-19 patients and to reduce the risk of viral transmission to other patients or healthcare workers.

Overview of Breast Cancer and Implications of Overtreatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: An Indian Perspective

The prevalence and mortality of breast cancer is increasing in Asian countries, including India. With advances in medical technology leading to better detection and characterization of the disease, it has been possible to classify breast cancer into various subtypes using markers, which helps predict the risk of distant recurrence, response to therapy, and prognosis using a combination of molecular and clinical parameters. Breast cancer and its therapy, mainly surgery, systemic therapy (anticancer chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy), and radiation therapy, are associated with significant adverse influences on physical and mental health, quality of life, and the economic status of the patient and her family. The fear of recurrence and its devastating effects often leads to overtreatment, with a toxic cost to the patient financially and physically in cases in which this is not required. This article discusses some aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis and its impact on the various facets of the life of the patient and her family. It further elucidates the role of prognostic factors, the currently available biomarkers and prognostic signatures, and the importance of ethnically validating biomarkers and prognostic signatures.

CanAssist breast: An affordable breast cancer prognostic test validated on Asian patients

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Background: Treatment decisions for early stage HR+/HER2neu- breast cancer patients in the West routinely depend on prognostic tests that predict risk of recurrence. However, such tests are rarely used in Asia due to prohibitive costs and lack of validation data on Asian patients. Chemotherapy is thus often a default treatment leading to physiological and financial toxicity. To address these, we have developed CanAssist Breast (CAB) as an affordable IHC-based prognostic test, retrospectively validated on ~1400 patients, 63% South Asians and rest Caucasians. To date CAB has been prescribed by 180+ doctors across 30 cities in India for ~600 patients in clinics, enabling personalized treatment decisions. Methods: Primary surgical FFPE blocks and clinical follow-up data were obtained from hospitals. GraphPad Prism and MedCalc were respectively used for Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox logistic regression to calculate hazard ratios. Results: The median age of diagnosis in the validation cohort was 56 years, 63% patients with stage II disease and 60% node negative tumors. Distant Metastasis Free Survival (DMFS) in the low-risk category of the validation cohort was 95%, and 84% in high-risk (P < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained with the Caucasian subgroup, as also with the chemotherapy-naive subgroup (30% of the cohort), demonstrating that risk stratification by CAB is unaffected by race or chemotherapy. Next, the performance of CAB was compared with Oncotype DX (ODX). 83% patients stratified as low risk by ODX (RS 0-25) in a sub-cohort of 109 were also stratified as low-risk by CAB. To assess the impact of CAB in treatment decision making, we assessed the data of 589 patients who have undergone CAB testing so far, 288 were identified as low-risk. 93% of these CAB low-risk patients were not given chemotherapy, demonstrating the clinical impact of CAB. Conclusions: CAB is the first test of its kind to be retrospectively validated in Asia. It shows high concordance with ODX in risk stratification of patients. CAB has been in clinical practice in India and near-India markets for 2 years and is helping clinicians and patients in making affordable treatment decisions.

Palbociclib in hormone positive metastatic breast cancer: A real world multicenter Indian experience

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Background: Palbociclib, a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, in combination with hormonal therapy has become the standard of care in the treatment of hormonal positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). There is limited efficacy and safety data in Indian patients. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective study of real world experience of patients with HR+, Her 2 neu negative MBC who received Palbociclib in 5 centers of south India between Oct 2016 and Aug 2019. Endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) and toxicity. Results: 133 patients received Palbociclib; 83 (62.4%) in the first line setting (hormone naïve MBC) and 50 (37.6%) in the second line (MBC progressed on at least one line of hormonal therapy). Median age was 56 years (range 48-76). All patients started with 125mg/day. In the 83 first line patients, 46 (55.4%) had denovo MBC, 37 (44.6%) had post-adjuvant relapse. 38 (45.8%) had bone only and 45 (54.2%) had visceral metastases. Letrozole was the companion drug in 76%, Fulvestrant in 18%, Exemestane in 6%. 5 (6%) patients achieved complete response (CR), 54 (65%) partial response (PR), 12 (14.5%) stable disease (SD) and 12 (14.5%) had progressive disease (PD). ORR was 71%. At a median followup of 18 months, the median PFS was not reached (maximum ongoing followup 38 months). The median PFS in the denovo metastatic disease versus relapsed disease was not reached versus 18 months (p = 0.021). The median PFS was significantly better in bone only versus visceral metastases (not reached versus 28 months, p = 0.007). In the 50 second line patients, 15 (30%) had bone only and 35 (70%) had visceral metastases. Companion drug was Fulvestrant in 64%, Letrozole in 20%, Exemestane in 16%. 60% received prior chemotherapy. Best response was CR 3 (6%), PR 23 (46%), SD 4 (8%), PD 17 (34%), not assessed 3 (6%). ORR was 52%. The median PFS was 14 months. PFS in bone only versus visceral disease was 14 months versus 13 months (p = 0.382). Neutropenia was present in 75.2%, thrombocytopenia in 19.5%, anaemia in 18%. Neutropenia was grade 1 in 26%, grade 2 in 51%, grade 3 in 23%; with no febrile neutropenia. 30% had dose delays and 8.2% had dose reduction. Conclusions: Palbociclib has resulted in similar efficacy and safety in Indian patients as the PALOMA trials. Neutropenia was the commonest side effect, which was uncomplicated and easily managed with dose delays. Using CDK4/6 inhibitors with hormonal therapy has become the standard of care in HR+ MBC Indian patients.

CRS + HIPEC in stage IIIc epithelial ovarian cancer and comparison of oncological outcome only with CRS and IV chemotherapy and CRS + IP chemotherapy

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Background: Our study aims to describe role of CRS & HIPEC in stage IIIC epithelial ovarian malignancy & compare the oncological outcome (DFS & OS) of extensive CRS+ HIPEC in comparison with CRS & IV chemotherapy & CRS + IP chemotherapy. Methods: Patients diagnosed of stage IIIc EOC underwent extensive CRS + HIPEC. All data prospectively entered in the HIPEC registry was analysed. Outcome of CRS & IV group (n = 50), CRS + IP group (n = 60) operated around same period was compared with the CRS & HIPEC group. Results: Out of 135 patients, upfront, interval and secondary cytoreduction plus HIPEC was done in 29.6%, 44.4% & 25.9% & mean PCI was 14.1, 9.6 & 13.0 respectively. Multi-visceral resection, diaphragmatic resection & bowel resection was required in 12.7%, 50% & 41.8% respectively. Overall G3- G5 morbidity was seen in 25.4% with major being electrolyte imbalance 16.3%, hematological 12.7% & surgical 11.8%. Mean ICU & hospital stay 1.5 & 11 days respectively. Overall 30 day mortality was 4.5%. With a median follow up of 42 months DFS was 30, 33 & 16 months and OS was 70%, 67% & 51% at 4 year for upfront, interval and the recurrent settings respectively. Detailed description presented in Table. Most of the recurrences in CRS & IV group were in peritoneum whereas the other two groups had lesser peritoneal & systemic recurrence. Conclusions: Optimal cytoreduction & some form of IP therapy is needed to improve outcomes. CRS+ HIPEC is feasible in all groups of ovarian cancer with acceptable morbidity & mortality. However the role of single HIPEC in comparison to 6 cycles of IP chemotherapy needs to be evaluated with a well-designed multi-institutional randomised study. [Table: see text]

Real-world experience with Lenvatinib in the management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A single-center Indian experience

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Background: Sorafenib has been the standard first line treatment for more than a decade in advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Lenvatinib is a novel oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor which inhibits VEGF receptors 1-3, FGF receptors 1-4, PDGF receptor alpha, RET and KIT, and has activity in multiple cancers. In the recent phase III REFLECT trial, Lenvatinib was non-inferior to Sorafenib in the first line management of advanced HCC. It showed better response rates, improved progression free survival (PFS) with similar overall survival (OS). There is no data of Lenvatinib in Indian patients. Methods: This is a single center, retrospective study, which included patients with metastatic or unresectable HCC who received treatment with Lenvatinib at our center. The endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), PFS and toxicity. Results: 31 patients received Lenvatinib from Dec 2017 to Oct 2019. Patients greater than 60kg received 12mg/day and those less than 60kg received 8mg/day. There were 5 females and 26 males. Median age was 60 years (29-78 years). All patients were BCLC stage C. Child Pugh score was A in 20 patients, B in 9 patients and C in 2 patients. AFP was elevated in 25 (80.6%) patients. 26 patients received Lenvatinib as initial therapy, 3 received it after Sorafenib progression, and 2 received after Sorafenib and Nivolumab progression. 6 patients (19.35%) achieved partial response (PR), 12 (38.7%) had stable disease and 13 (41.9%) had progressive disease by recist criteria. ORR was 19.35% and disease control rate was 58%. 2 patients underwent TACE after achieving PR. The median PFS was 7 months. The common adverse events were hypertension, weight loss, palmar plantar rashes, dysphonia and fatigue. Grade 3 AEs occurred in 8 patients (25.8%). 10 patients (32.2%) required dose reduction due to side effects. Conclusions: Lenvatinib has demonstrated a high response rate and disease control rate in our patients. Achieving a PFS of 7 months is an improvement over our previous Sorafenib experience. Further followup will demonstrate the overall survival. It is well tolerated and most side effects can be managed with patient education. The major advantage has been that in contrast to Sorafenib, only 32.2% patients required dose reduction due to side effects. These results are practice changing and Lenvatinib has become our first line regimen in advanced HCC. Lenvatinib would provide a good backbone to combine immunotherapy as first line treatment in future.

Pressurized intra peritoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) vs. intravenous chemotherapy to assess quality of life & response rates in unresectable peritoneal metastases secondary to platinum resistant ovarian cancer: A comparative study

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Background: The primary objective of this study is to assess Qol & response rates in platinum resistant ovarian cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis treated with PIPAC procedure in comparison with conventional systemic intravenous chemotherapy. Methods: Between October 2017 and December 2019, 31 PIPAC applications were done in 15 patients with cisplatin 10.5mg/m2 and doxorubicin 2.1mg/m2. During same period 20 patients received systemic chemotherapy with clinician’s choice of drug ((mono-therapy consisting of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or topotecan or gemcitabine or paclitaxel weekly with or without bevacizumab).The response rate (With MRI & Ca-125) & quality of life assessment (QLQ C-30) of both the group was done periodically and recorded. Results: Overall 35 patients were analysed in this study. The results have been presented in Table. Conclusions: PIPAC in comparison to intravenous chemotherapy for platinum resistant ovarian cancer with peritoneal metastasis showed better response rates (66.6 vs. 22.4%) and improved quality of life score. PIPAC has shown promising results and should be in the arsenal of the clinicians managing patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. [Table: see text]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (TPF regimen) followed with robotic surgery and its impact on outcome in management of esophageal cancers: Indian experience

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Background: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy coupled with robotic three stage esophagectomy have shown promising results in esophageal cancer. Methods: 136 patients diagnosed with squamous cell cancer esophagus were included to analyze the benefit of NACT with DCF (docetaxel 75mg/m2 day 1, cisplatin 75mg/m2 day 1, 5-FU 750mg/m2 per day 1-4) regimen 3 cycles followed by three stage robotic esophagectomy. Esophagus, assessed by EUS and PET-CT scan, pre-chemo and post-chemo, in biopsy proven Squamous cell Carcinoma Oesophagus. All the data pertaining to chemotherapy and surgery were prospectively maintained in a data base. Results: Median age 62.7 years, male to female 5.9:4.1. T2 4%, T3 90% & T4 6%. N0 10% & N+90%. Post NACT, Partial response of 50.8%, and a complete pathological response of 27.6% was observed with response rate of 66.3%. 20 pts. had mucositis, but none had grade 3 toxicity, neutropenia in 24 pts. and febrile neutropenia in 7 pt., vomiting and fatigue in 35 pts. Mean blood loss 256.5±85.8ml, duration of surgery 322.4±28.4min, ICU stay 1.5±0.8-day, hospital stay 10.5±2.1 day. Proximal and distal margin was negative for all whereas only 2 patients had a positive CRM. Mean Lymph node yield was 22.4±3.5 nodes. All patients had complete robotic surgery with no conversions and major intraoperative complication. Post-operatively Minor complication was noted in 5 patients temporary vocal cord palsy, 10 delayed gastric emptying, wound infection in 3 and minor lung infection 9. Major complication in form of leak (3), stenosis (5), chylous leak (4) was noted. 30-day mortality 4.5%. With the longest follow up of 50 months, 3 year DFS and OS was 75.4% & 68% respectively. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotheraphy with TPF regimen showed excellent response rates with minimal G3 toxicity and is well tolerated in Indian patients. Combination of NACT with robotic esophagectomy has excellent outcome with low morbidity & mortality.

Bowel anastomosis before or after HIPEC: A prospective comparative study in patients undergoing CRS+HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancy at a tertiary care cancer center in India

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Background: To do bowel anastomosis before or after HIPEC has been debated since the time heat is being used for intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery. We report our experience of impact of heat on anastomosis and leak rates. Methods: All patients diagnosed with peritoneal surface malignancy eligible for CRS+ HIPEC as per institution protocol had bowel restoration being performed with stapler & second layer taken. Our institution has two teams, of which one performs anastomosis before and one after HIPEC. All the data was entered prospectively in the HIPEC registry and is being analyzed to see the effect of heat on anastomosis. Results: 220 patients underwent CRS+ HIPEC of which organ of origin was colorectal 39%, stomach 20%, mesothelioma 11%, ovary 20% and others 10%. Upfront cases were 12%, interval 58% & recurrent 30%. Prior surgical score was 0 (62%), 1 (11%), 2 (23%), 3 (4%). 100 patients were in group that had anastomosis before HIPEC and 120 patients in other. Mean PCI 13.4±4.5, blood loss 1250±553.9 ml, duration of surgery 9.5±2.4 hrs, duration of hospital stay 9±3.5 days. Overall 57.05% had bowel resections, of which large bowel was 47.8%, small bowel 17.7%, stomach 6.13%. 19.6% required multivisceral resection & stoma rate was 11.1% for whole group. Both the group had almost same number of total (55.4 %vs 58.6%), small (15.3%vs16.5%) & large bowel resections (44.3%vs 49.5%). We had 4 (1.84%) leak overall, of which 2 were in either groups. Overall G3-4 morbidity was 28.4%, surgical G3-4 was 12.5%, perforation 3.6%, obstruction 1.84%, re exploration was 9.2%. 30-day mortality was 4.9%. Conclusions: We conclude that anastomotic integrity, leak rates & complications related to small or large bowel restoration is same either before or after HIPEC as we observed no difference in our study. However, since this is not a randomized study a well-designed multi-institutional randomized study needs to be planned for stronger evidence of the same.

Delay in time to adjuvant chemotherapy and its impact on outcome in completely resected advanced ovarian malignancies treated with CRS, CRS+IP and CRS +HIPEC

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Background: The relationship between initiation time of adjuvant chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and prognosis has remained controversial. This study was done to determine whether time from optimal cytoreductive surgery (CRS) to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy impacts disease free & overall survival in advanced ovarian carcinoma. Methods: Total of 185 patients with primary advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (Stage IIIc or selected Stage IV), underwent optimal cytoreduction (either as upfront or interval) & adjuvant chemotherapy. The analysis of interval between day of surgery and start of adjuvant chemotherapy and its impact on outcome was done. Results: CRS with intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy either in the form of IP port or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was done in 135patients (60+ 75) and CRS alone in 50 patients. The median delay in starting adjuvant chemotherapy was 35 days for the whole cohort (32 days in the CRS group, 34 days in CRS+ IP group and 41 days in CRS+ HIPEC group). Delay in chemotherapy, as defined by more than 42 days had significant impact on DFS in CRS alone group (36 months vs 17 months: p = 0.02) had some impact in patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy (38 versus 28 months; p = 0.78) & no impact on CRS+HIPEC group (35 vs 32 months; p = 0.17). In comparison to HIPEC vs non HIPEC group (CRS & CRS+IP), there was a meaningful impact on DFS with reference to delay in non HIPEC group ( 38 vs 22 months p = .08 whereas in the HIPEC group delay didn’t have any impact(35vs 32 months p = 017). There was trend towards better OS (88 vs 71 months p = 0.49). Conclusions: Delay in starting adjuvant chemotherapy certainly had impact on outcome with respect to CRS & CRS + IP arm (non HIPEC group) whereas the delay didn’t have an impact in the HIPEC group owing to the fact that single dose of chemotherapy during surgery in heated environment may substitute for the delay. However well designed clinical studies needs to be designed to evaluate the impact of single dose of intraperitoneal heated therapy & its interplay in delay on starting adjuvant chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors in mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) cancers: Looking for a needle in a haystack— But, joy on finding one

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Background: Pembrolizumab is approved for deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) metastatic solid tumors with objective response rate (ORR) of 39.6% and response lasting for more than 6 months in 78% patients. Nivolumab is also approved in dMMR metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC) with ORR of 28% and response lasting greater than 6 months in 67% patients. But finding these patients is difficult as only about 5% of metastatic cancers have dMMR. There is limited data from India in this population. We report our experience with testing and treatment in these patients. Methods: This is a single centre, retrospective study of metastatic solid tumors which had progressed on standard treatment. 137 patients were tested between May 2017 and Dec 2018. MMR testing was done by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The aim was to identify patients with dMMR; and to see their ORR, progression free survival (PFS) at 1 year, and adverse events on treatment with Nivolumab. Results: 137 metastatic cancer patients were tested. 75 had colorectal cancer (mCRC), 30 gastric, 10 hepatobiliary, 10 pancreatic, 8 endometrial, 2 small bowel cancer and 2 had breast cancer. 15 (11%) patients had dMMR. 3 (37%) of endometrium, 5 (16.6%) of stomach, 6 (8%) of mCRC and 1(10%) of hepatobiliary tree cancer had dMMR. 5 of the 15 dMMR patients received immunotherapy with Nivolumab - 2 in mCRC, 2 in stomach and 1 in endometrium. ORR was 60% with 3 partial responses, stable disease was seen in 1 (20%) and progression in 1 (20%). PFS at 1 year was 80%. Treatment was well tolerated.1 patient had hypothyroidism and 1 patient had grade 1 skin toxicity. Conclusions: Testing for dMMR is important in metastatic solid tumors as these patients are ideal for treatment with immunotherapy. But finding dMMR is difficult due to its infrequent presentation, and has been seen in 11% of our unselected patients. We recommend testing for dMMR by IHC in our Indian patients, as this is fast and cost effective. Finding dMMR cancers, and then treating with immunotherapy is rewarding irrespective of the site of origin. High ORR of 60% and 1 year PFS of 80% is very heartening to see in this relapsed metastatic patient group. Treating more dMMR patients and longer followup, will further elucidate the benefit of immunotherapy in our patients.

Immunotherapy with nivolumab in metastatic renal cell carcinoma in resource constraint settings: Impact of increasing intervals between standard doses, and stopping treatment early in responding patients

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Background: Nivolumab is now a standard 2nd line treatment for patients of metastatic Renal cell cancer (mRCC) who progress on 1st line Sunitinib or Pazopanib. Most western centers use Nivolumab for either 2 years duration, or indefinitely, or till severe side effects. Due to high drug cost and lack of insurance, it is difficult for most of our Indian patients to afford this duration of treatment. So, we decided to study the impact of increasing intervals between standard doses of Nivolumab, and stopping treatment early in responding patients of mRCC. Methods: This is a single centre, retrospective study of mRCC patients. Nivolumab was given at either 3 mg/kg or 240mg at 2 weekly intervals for the initial 6 cycles. If the patient were found to have either Complete Response (CR), Partial Response (PR) or stable disease, the interval between cycles was extended to 3 weeks (at same dose). After 9 months, the doses were extended to 4 weekly intervals (at same dose). The treatment was stopped at 18 doses in patients with CR or PR. The endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AE). Results: Between May 2016 and Dec 2018, 28 patients received Nivolumab. 24 patients had received oral TKIs initially- 13 Sunitinib, 10 Pazopanib, and 1 Sorafinib. 4 patients received Nivolumab as 1st line therapy (2 as single agent, 2 with oral TKI). Response was assessed by RECIST criteria. 3 patients (11%) achieved CR, 7(25%) achieved PR, 7 (25%) had stable disease and 11(39%)had progressive disease. Treatment was stopped after 18 doses in the 3 patients who had CR. The duration of followup after stopping treatment ranges from 8 months to 18 months, and all 3 patients continue to be in CR. 3 patients with stable disease have received more that 18 cycles (1 at 22 cycles, 2 at 19 cycles). OS at 1 year is 60% and median OS has not been reached. Conclusions: In our experience, Nivolumab is an effective agent in mRCC, even when the dosage intervals are increased, and when the treatment is stopped early in responding patients. An ORR of 36% and a OS at 1 year of 60% is the best we have seen. Long-lasting responses, even after discontinuing therapy, have been seen. This enables us to reduce the cost of treatment without possibly losing efficacy, and this could be an important step forward for treating more patients with Nivolumab in our resource constraint setting.

A prospective blinded study of 1000 cases analyzing the role of artificial intelligence: Watson for oncology and change in decision making of a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MDT) from a tertiary care cancer center

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Background: Artificial intelligence is being used to provide support for information-intensive decision making. In this report, we present our experience in explaining how artificial intelligence adds value to MDT’s decision making ability & paves way for personalized therapy. Methods: 1000 cases involving breast, lung, and colorectal cancer were evaluated by a multidisciplinary tumor board at a major cancer center in India between 2016 and 2018. After the tumor board decision was made, MDT was presented with the Watsons recommendations contemporaneously. MDT reviewed their decision after going through Watson’s recommendations and also the evidences that it put forth supporting its decision. Cases in which decision was changed, objective assessment was done by asking MDT to quote the reasons for reviewing and changing their decision. Results: Of 1000 cases, breast, lung, colon & rectal cancers were 620, 130,126 & 124 respectively. There were 712 non-metastatic & 288 metastatic cases. Mean age of the patients was 54.3 ± 12.2. Treatment concordance was observed in 92% for all cancers combined, 93% for rectal cancer, 92% for breast cancer, 89% for lung cancer, and 81% for colon cancer.MDT changed their decision in 136 cases (13.6%). The reasons for tumour board to change their decision was, Watson provided recent evidences for newer treatment in 55%, better personalized alternative in 30% & new insights from genotypic and phenotypic data and evolving clinical experiences in 15% of time. Conclusions: The study suggest that cognitive computing decision support system holds substantial promise to reduce the cognitive burden on oncologists by providing expert, updated, recent evidence-based insights for treatment-related decision-making. The 13.6 % incremental advantage over and above in a tertiary cancer centre with functioning MDT speaks in itself the value of having a learned colleague like Watson for oncology at our disposal. It will certainly add more value in settings lacking ready access to high quality cancer expertise and information. These systems can be valuable adjuncts to strong patient-clinician relationships in the delivery of high quality cancer care.

Triple blinded prospective study assessing the impact of genomics: EndoPredict and artificial intelligence Watson for Oncology (WFO) on MDT’s decision of adjuvant systemic therapy for hormone receptor positive early breast carcinoma

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Background: : Decision on adjuvant systemic therapy in hormone positive early breast carcinoma is the only grey area in breast carcinoma management. This study was done to investigate the concordance between the results of genomic test, artificial intelligence and tumor board decision and implications of the same in clinical practice. Methods: This was a triple blinded, prospective study. Decision regarding the adjuvant systemic therapy was done by the multidisciplinary tumor board (MDT)after reviewing the pathology reports & the results correlated with Endopredict test reports & artificial intelligence(Watson for Oncology). Results: Total of 42 patients included. Mean age was 58.3 years, 71.4% were post-menopausal. Breast conservation was done in 47.6%. 64.2% were T1-2N0 stage. Infiltrating ducal carcinoma was major type (83.3%). Decision by MDT to give adjuvant chemotherapy was for 25 patients (59.5%) & hormonal therapy for rest. Recommendation by Watson for oncology was to give adjuvant chemotherapy in 50%. Endopredict score (EPclin) resulted in a low-risk group of 22 patients (52.3%), while 15(47.6%) had a high risk EPclin score. Discordance between the endopredict test, Watson & tumor board was for 11 patients (26.1%): 3 patients had high risk score, but the tumor board decision was to give hormonal therapy due to the age factor. 8 patients had low risk score, but tumor board decision was to give adjuvant chemotherapy. Extremes of age, premenopausal status, intermediate grade & high Ki 67% values were the factors associated with discordance. The treatment decision changed for 4 patients (4/11, 36%) after reviewing the endopredict test and Watson recommendation. Conclusions: Tumor board decision can be more scientific & evidence based with the help of genomics & a learnt colleague in the form of Watson for Oncology. Even though the clinical experience is the important determinant of adjuvant therapy, genomic test with artificial intelligence, which includes the scientific evidence, will guide in decision making. Long term follow up is needed for the validation in our clinical setting.

Abstract P6-07-03: A live tissue platform allows dynamic measurement of neovascularization and prediction of clinical response in human breast cancer samples, ex vivo

Background: Outgrowth of new blood vessels (neovascularization) allows tumors to supply themselves with oxygen and nutrients, and to rapidly metastasize throughout the body. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is particularly susceptible to neovascularization. However, success with anti-angiogenics is highly variable and often patient-specific. This is particularly true as anti-angiogenics are being combined with immunotherapies. Thus, there is a huge unmet need for clinicians to test and predict clinical efficacy of anti-angiogenics at the individual patient level, prior to treatment.

Methods: Here, we characterize a patient-autologous, ex-vivo tumor model, termed CANscript, as a platform to study the intratumor microvascular density (iMVD) of breast cancer samples (N=15). To profile iMVD we used immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of CD34, an early biomarker of neovascularization. We then introduced anticancer and anti-angiogenic agents (e.g. Avastin) for 72 hours, and subsequently quantified phenotypic response to drugs by testing viability, cell death, proliferation and morphology. These quantitative data were then fed into a machine learning algorithm that provides a clinical response prediction (M-Score).

Results: We determined that ex-vivo culture reliably retains baseline heterogeneity of iMVD based on expression of CD34+ nodes per visual field by IHC. Furthermore, we show that anticancer and anti-angiogenic agents will dynamically alter iMVD, ex-vivo, in a patient-specific manner. Finally, we show that prediction of clinical response using the 'M-Score' algorithm associates with diminished expression of CD34 per visual field of IHC after drug pressure.

Summary: Neovascularization and iMVD are features of aggressive cancers, such as TNBC. CANscript provides a rapid assessment of clinical response to anticancer drugs, many of which induce their antitumor effect by targeting the tumor vasculature. We show that pharmacodynamics of antiangiogenics can be captured during acute ex-vivo culture under drug pressure, which associate to clinical response prediction. Therefore, we highlight the ability of CANscript as a platform to predict clinical response to anti-angiogenic drugs, and may therefore be a logical 'testing ground' to predict clinical efficacy of antiangiogenic drugs combined with immunotherapies.

Citation Format: Smalley M, Alam N, Murmu N, Somashekhar S, Ulaganathan B, Thayakumar A, Maciejko L, Ganesh J, Lawson M, Gertje H, Shanthappa BU, Goldman A. A live tissue platform allows dynamic measurement of neovascularization and prediction of clinical response in human breast cancer samples, ex vivo [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-03.

Abstract P3-03-40: A prospective two arm comparative study of indo-cyanine green (ICG) enhanced fluorescence imaging vs conventional methods (blue dye and radiocolloid/hand held gamma probe) for sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer - Going beyond the horizon

Background:

The dual technique with radio colloid and blue dye is the gold standard in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to stage axilla in breast cancer. However due to cost & infrastructural demands of nuclear medicine department most of the oncology centers are not doing slnb or are doing SLNB with blue dye which is not a standard of care. Indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been used as a method of identifying sentinel lymph nodes. Studies have shown that ICG fluorescence imaging alone or in combination with the blue dye method or the radionuclide method is a safe and easy technique. The objective of the present study was to assess the diagnostic performance of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using the indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence method compared with that using the conventional method in detection of sentinel lymph nodes.

Material & Methods:

60 patients diagnosed with early breast cancer underwent the SLNB procedure using technetium-99m radio colloid (R), methylene blue dye (MB), and ICG. Fluorescence imaging was done using an indigenously designed , very economical fluorescence imaging system, Irilic.nm fluorescence imaging along with Indocyanine green. All SLNs that were removed during surgery were labelled as hot, blue or/and fluorescent and sent for pathological examination. The detection rate of SLNs and positive SLNs, and the number of SLNs of ICG, MB+ R, ICG + MB, ICG + R were compared. Injection safety of ICG and MB was evaluated.

Results:

Sentinel Lymph Node was identified in all 60 cases. Total Sentinel lymph nodes removed was 145 (Mean=2, Range 2-5), ICG was able to identify more nodes than the dual dye technique. The identification rate with the dual dye technique was 95%, with blue dye alone 93.6% and with radioisotope alone 96.8% whereas with ICG alone was 100%, with ICG + MB was 96.6% & ICG + R was 96.6 %. 28(46.6%) out of 60 patients had positive nodes which was identified by both dual dye & ICG. None of the patients had any local or systemic reaction with ICG, 3 patients with blue dye had tattooing & staining of skin.

Conclusion:

ICG is as effective as the dual dye for SLNB. ICG is safe & reliable. In addition, as a near-infrared dye, it has the advantages of real-time visualization, lower cost, and wider availability. It can be a boon for developing countries & second tier referral centers of developed country where there is limited access to nuclear medicine department & radiocolloid and even if its accesible the cost involved is too high which comes with added radiation exposure to medical personnel handling them. A combination of blue dye and ICG is useful dual approach when radioisotope is unavailable.

ICG verus Conventional Dye Clinical Profile ICGRadio-colloid+ B;ue DyeDetection Rate100%95%Sensitivity100% (CI 83.16% to 100.00%)100% (CI 83.16% to 100.00%)Positive Predictive Value100%100%Accuracy100%100%

Citation Format: Somashekhar S, Rohit Kumar C, Zaveri S, Rajgopal A, Rakshit S, Ali SH. A prospective two arm comparative study of indo-cyanine green (ICG) enhanced fluorescence imaging vs conventional methods (blue dye and radiocolloid/hand held gamma probe) for sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer - Going beyond the horizon [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-40.

“Should we be generous in peritonectomy?”: First prospective comparative analysis of total versus involved field parietal peritonectomy in CRS-HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancies from COLO-rectal cancer—ISPSM collaboration study

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Background: Peritonectomy is the important components in management of peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM). Immunofluoresecne study done after involved field peritonectomy (IFP) has showed diease in areas not suspected on gross examination stressing the need for total parietal peritonectomy (TPP) for complete cytoreduction. The aim of this study was to assess the morbidity & mortality, recurrence pattern & oncological outcomes of extent of parietal peritonectomy with CRS & HIPEC for colorectal carcinoma. Methods: Patients with PSM from CRC underwent TPP or IFP with CRS- HIPEC. Pre & intraoperative data were analyzed with main focus on postoperative morbidity, mortality, recurrence pattern and oncological outcomes. Results: 40 cases of CRC of which four upfront, 17 interval and 19 recurrent cases. 19 & 21 patients underwent TPP & IFP respectively. Base line characteristics were comparable except median PCI (17 versus 12). TPP group had longer duration of surgery (11 vs 9), more blood loss (1300 vs 700 ml) increased diaphragmatic resections ( 46.2% vs 14.2%), multivisceral resection ( 46.2% vs 28.5%). Number of bowel resections, anastomosis and stoma were comparable. Overall TPP group had more G3-G5 morbidity (46.1% vs 35.7%) & surgical morbidity (30.7% vs 21.5%) . TPP group had increased pleural & intra-abdominal collections which needed intervention. With a median follow up of 30 months, DFS was significantly higher in TPP group (12months vs 8months, p < 0.01) and median overall survival was 21 months in IFP group (yet to be achieved in TPP group). TPP group had most of the recurrences in visceral liver & lung (50.0%) followed by peritoneal (37.5%) & nodal (12.5%) whereas in IFP it was peritoneum (42.8%), visceral ( 38.4%) & nodal (15.3%). Conclusions: It is the first prospective comparative study done on total parietal peritonectomy in PSM of colorectal cancer origin. TPP group had significantly higher DFS, with comparable postoperative morbidity. However, longer follow up and a prospective multi-institutional randomized study needs to be designed for more evidence of the same.

A prospective study of robotic rectal surgery for carcinoma rectum assessing the functional and oncological outcomes: Hype or hope?

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Background: Robotic surgical systems have dramatically changed minimally invasive surgery as they could potentially address limitations of laparoscopic rectal surgery. This prospective observational study is conducted to evaluate the safety, technique, and outcomes (operative, postoperative,functional and oncological long term) of robotic-assisted rectal surgery for carcinoma rectum in the Indian set up. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted between 2010 and 2018, including 135 patients, diagnosed of rectal carcinoma. Patients underwent robotic rectal cancer surgery in form of either low anterior resection (LAR) or abdominoperineal resection (APR). Intraoperative, postoperative data were analysed. Results: Out of 135 patients, 67.5% were male, aged between 34-80 years, 85% had ECOG 0. All patients had adenocarcinoma rectum, with 15% mid rectum and 55% in lower rectum. 85% had stage III disease. 77.5% had received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. 82.5% had LAR and 17.5% APR. Average operative time including docking time and surgery time was 226.32 min (170-300 min), mean blood loss was 146.76 ml (120-200 ml), there were 3 conversion to open surgery. Bowel sounds appeared on average on 3rd day. All margins were negative in all patients, mesorectal grade was complete in 95% and near complete in 5%. Mean number of lymph nodes harvested is 9.5 (2-32). Complete pathological response rate was 39%. 2 patients had anastomotic dehiscence after 1 month. Minor complications were noticed in 10% patients. All had acceptable quality of life and well retained bladder function, with 18% sexual dysfunction. Five year DFS was 85% and OS was 94%. Local recurrence was 2.1%. Conclusions: This is one of the largest single center Indian data available. In conclusion, robotic rectal surgery has several benefits in the treatment and should be part of the armamentarium of the experienced surgeon dealing with rectal cancer. We conclude that the robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery is safe and an oncologically feasible technique with well retained functional outcomes and has lived up to its hope.

Early tumor shrinkage and depth of response as predictors of favorable treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with FOLFOX/FOLFIRI plus cetuximab

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Background: Early tumor shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DoR) predict overall survival (OS) in first-line chemotherapy + anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This association and the predictive accuracy of response measurements were investigated in the first-line setting for FOLFOX/FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. Methods: We performed a study of FOLFOX/FOLFIRI plus cetuximab as first-line treatment in Indian patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR), and secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Radiologic assessments at week 8 were used to calculate the relative change in the sum of the longest diameters of the target lesions. Cox regression models analysis investigated associations between ETS and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Sixty (78.9 %) of 76 patients had ETS, which was associated with prolonged PFS and OS. Both ETS and DoR were able to predict survival as accurately as RECIST response. Both ETS and DoR were associated with PFS and OS at the univariate analyses and in the multivariate models stratified for other prognostic variables. In the study patients, the RR, median PFS, and OS were 68.4 %, 13.1 months, and 30.6 months, respectively. Median DpR was 52%. The DpR correlated with OS as well as PFS. FOLFOX plus cetuximab was active as a first-line, with no major toxicities. Conclusions: Our prospective evaluation of chronological tumor shrinkage showed that ETS and DpR correlate with outcomes in patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC who receive cetuximab-based chemotherapy. Achieving rapid and deep tumor shrinkage consistently delays tumor progression and prolongs survival in patients treated with first-line chemotherapy plus cetuximab. ETS is a promising and valuable end point for clinical trials’ design deserving further investigation.

Randomized control trial comparing quality of life of patients with end-stage peritoneal metastasis treated with pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) and intravenous chemotherapy

Background

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a common occurrence in gynaecological and gastrointestinal cancers and is associated with poor survival. Patients typically present with ascites, abdominal pain, malnutrition, nausea, emesis, and bowel obstruction which significantly compromise the quality of life (QoL). The treatment remains a particular challenge, with palliative systemic chemotherapy being the standard of care. However, the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy is poor but with high potential for side effects and complications. QoL plays an important role in patients with PM and is deteriorating continuously until death. Thus, there is an obvious medical need for better therapeutic options in PM for prolonging survival and preserving QoL by reducing both disease-related symptoms and therapy side effects. Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a novel technique for delivering pressurized normothermic chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity as an aerosol. This concept seems to enhance the effectiveness of intraperitoneal chemotherapy by taking advantage of the physical properties of gas and pressure by generating an artificial pressure gradient and enhancing tissue uptake and distributing drugs homogeneously within the closed and expanded peritoneal cavity.

Methods

The primary objective of this study is to assess QoL and symptoms in a consecutive cohort of patients with PM treated with PIPAC procedure in comparison with conventional systemic intravenous chemotherapy. QoL is assessed prospectively using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30(Version 3.0) questionnaire. QLQ-C30 is a 30-question self-administered questionnaire inquiring about global health status, 9 individual symptoms, and 5 functional scales. Baseline QoL is measured using the global physical health functional score, and symptom scores derived from EORTC QLQ30 questionnaire before starting therapy, followed by at 60, 120, and 180 days after the first intervention. Calculated sample size is 119 and rounded to 120. For each treatment group, sample size of 60 will be enrolled; Intervention model: IV chemotherapy group (control group) and PIPAC group (experimental group); Study type: prospective randomized control intervention trial

Discussion

All consecutive patients diagnosed with advanced end-stage PM are randomized to be treated with PIPAC or IV chemotherapy. The primary objective of this study is to determine the QoL after three cycles of PIPAC in comparison with six cycles of systemic chemotherapy. The secondary outcome measures include morbidity and mortality. Analysis is by intention to treat.

Results

The effect of systemic chemotherapy remains limited on the peritoneum due to poor vascularization and low penetration. Side effects after systemic chemotherapy for PM are relatively frequent. QoL plays an important role in these patients and is deteriorating continuously due to the disease or therapy related. Thus, there is need for better therapeutic options for prolonging survival and preserving QoL by reducing both disease-related symptoms and therapy side effects. PIPAC is a novel minimally invasive repeatable treatment modality which demonstrated potentially encouraging tumour response and only minimal toxicity in patients with PM of various origins. It can optimize local drug delivery and improve clinical outcome due to superior pharmacological properties as compared to systemic chemotherapy.

Trial registration

REF/2018/08/021225 Registered on Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI); www.ctri.nic.in

Early experience with IBM Watson for Oncology (WFO) cognitive computing system for lung and colorectal cancer treatment

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Background: IBM Watson for Oncology is an artificial intelligence cognitive computing system that provides confidence-ranked, evidence-based treatment recommendations for cancer. In the present study, we examine the level of agreement for lung and colorectal cancer therapy between the multidisciplinary tumour board from Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Bangalore, India, and Watson for Oncology. Methods: Watson for Oncology is a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, USA) trained cognitive computing system that uses natural language processing and machine learning to provide treatment recommendations. It processes structured and unstructured data from medical literature, treatment guidelines, medical records, imaging, lab and pathology reports, and the expertise of Memorial Sloan Kettering experts to formulate therapeutic recommendations. Treatment recommendations are provided in three categories: recommended, for consideration and not recommended. In this report we provide the results of the independent and blinded evaluation by the multidisciplinary tumour board and Watson for Oncology of 362 total cancer cases comprised of 112 lung, 126 colon and 124 rectal cancers seen at the Centre within the last three years. The recommendations of the two agents were compared for agreement and considered concordant when the tumour board recommendation was included in the recommended or for consideration categories of the treatment advisor. Results: Overall, treatment recommendations were concordant in 96.4% of lung, 81.0% of colon and 92.7% of rectal cancer cases. By tumour stage, treatment recommendations were concordant in 88.9% of localized and 97.9% of metastatic lung cancer, 85.5% of localized and 76.6% of metastatic colon cancer, and 96.8% of localized and 80.6% of metastatic rectal cancer. Conclusions: Treatment recommendations made by the Manipal multidisciplinary tumour board and Watson for Oncology were highly concordant in the cancers examined. This cognitive computing technology holds much promise in helping oncologists make information intensive, evidence based treatment decisions.