Prognostic significance of raised serum tumor markers (STM) after 2 cycles of chemotherapy in men with intermediate- and poor-risk non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (NSGCT) treated at a single-centre in India

5036

Background: Testicular GCT is a rare malignancy, with excellent outcomes. However, approximately one-fourth of intermediate risk and half of the patients with poor risk disease succumb to recurrent GCT. We looked at the prognostic significance of raised serum tumor markers after 2 cycles of chemotherapy in patients with poor risk GCT. Methods: This is a chart-review based retrospective analysis of patients with intermediate and poor risk NSGCT diagnosed and treated at a tertiary care centre in New Delhi, India from 2015-2021. Risk categories were defined as per the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to analyse the prognostic impact of normal STM at the end of second cycle of chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS), while adjusted for measured confounders. Results: A total of 312 patients were identified with testicular NSGCT, of whom 109 were intermediate (n = 48, 44%) and poor risk (n = 61, 56%). The median age at diagnosis was 27 (interquartile range, 21-34) years. ECOG PS of patients was 0-1 in 51% and 2-4 in 49%, and poor risk patients were more likely to have a poor ECOG PS at diagnosis (70% vs 30%, P < 0.001). First-line chemotherapy was BEP in 86% patients and VIP in the remaining 14%, and surgery for residual disease was performed in 22%. Overall, 35% patients had normal STM after 2 cycles of chemotherapy, and patients with intermediate risk were likely to achieve normal STM at this time-point (50% vs 23%). At a median follow-up of 62 months, the 5-year RFS rate was 62% (poor risk 52% and intermediate risk 78%), and OS rate was 68% (58% and 80%, respectively). Men with normal STM after 2 cycles chemotherapy had a better RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.48-0.81; P < 0.001) and OS (HR,0.82; 95% CI 0.61-0.99; P = 0.04). After adjusting for risk category, and ECOG PS in a multivariable Cox regression model, patients with normal STM at the end of 2 cycles of chemo continued to have better outcomes (adjusted HR for RFS, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.77-0.89; P = 0.03, and adjusted HR for OS, 0.92; 95% CI,0.81-0.99; P = 0.05). Intermediate risk NSGCT and good ECOG PS also predicted better RFS and OS. Conclusions: Patients with NSGCT whose STMs do not normalize after 2 cycles of chemotherapy have worse RFS and OS compared to those with normal STM at this time-point. Further clinical trials will be needed to study the role of escalation or switch of chemotherapy in this subset of population.

Olanzapine versus fosaprepitant for prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving carboplatin (AUC ≥ 4) containing chemotherapy regimen: A phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

TPS12149

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common adverse effect affecting quality of life of patients of cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Carboplatin alone or in combination with various other chemotherapy drugs is one of the most commonly used drug in solid malignancies. It is categorised as a highly emetogenic drug in doses above AUC≥4 and multiple past studies revealed high CINV incidence. Current international antiemetic guidelines suggest NK1 receptor antagonist based triplet drugs as an effective regimen of CINV control in these patients. However, the nausea control rates are largely inadequate. Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, is another drug that has shown significant activity in CINV control and is an integral part of current chemotherapy induced emesis and nausea prevention. However, robust comparative studies of olanzapine based triplets with NK1 based combination have been lacking. Hence we planned this study to compare efficacy of olanzapine containing triplet with NK1 receptor antagonist (fosaprepitant) based triplet drug combination in a phase 3 randomised study. Methods: This study is an investigator initiated phase 3 prospective randomised double blind placebo controlled trial comparing efficacy of olanzapine, 5HT3 receptor antagonist(ondansetron) and dexamethasone (experimental arm) against fosaprepitant, 5HT3 receptor antagonist(ondansetron) and dexamethasone (standard arm) for prevention of CINV among chemo-naïve patients (aged ≥18 years) receiving carboplatin (AUC ≥4) based chemotherapy regimen. Primary objective is to compare the number of patients with no nausea during overall periods (0-120 hours post-chemotherapy). Secondary objectives are to compare complete response (no emetic episodes and no use of rescue medication) in the acute(0-24 hr), delayed(25-120 hr),overall periods(0-120 hr) and to assess the frequency of rescue medication use. The other secondary objective includes assessment of adverse events in both the arms. Statistical Design: Planned accrual is total 214 patients including 10% drop out rate. It is a superiority design with an absolute improvement of 20% in the proportion of patients with no nausea from a baseline prevalence of 40% in the standard arm and two sided alpha of 5% as well as power of 80%. Conduct to date :Study activation : March 2021. Enrolment : 138 subjects. Clinical trial information: CTRI/2021/03/032165.

First-in-Human Experience With 177Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 Therapy in an Uncommon Case of Aggressive Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Clinically Mimicking as Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

ABSTRACT

A 56-year-old man was diagnosed with calcitonin negative, plasma chromogranin A-positive, immunohistochemistry-negative, high-grade MTC (medullary thyroid cancer) behaving clinically like anaplastic thyroid cancer and presented with progressive disease after conventional therapies. A theranostic approach of 68Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi-guided 177Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 radionuclide therapy was administered on compassionate grounds as per the Declaration of Helsinki because known standard lines of treatment were ineffective. Treatment with a single cycle of 1.65 GBq 177Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 demonstrated a sustainable reduction in the neck mass with significant improvement in the quality of life of the patient. 177Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)2 is a potential theranostic option for high-grade MTC refractory to standard therapeutic options.

Long-Term Outcomes and Safety Trends of Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Report From A Tertiary Care Center in India

Published experience with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from the Indian subcontinent is extremely limited. Here, we describe the activity and outcomes of this treatment modality at a large tertiary care center in India.

Bendamustine in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A phase II trial

Treatment of patients with resistant/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is an unmet need. In this phase II study, we evaluated the role of bendamustine, pomalidomide and dexamethasone combination in this setting. Between February 2020 and December 2021, 28 patients were recruited. Patients received bendamustine 120 mg/m² day 1, pomalidomide 3 mg days 1-21, and dexamethasone 40 mg days 1, 8, 11, 22, regimen given for a maximum of six cycles. The median (range) age of the patients was 54 (30-76) years and 15 (53.6%) were males. Patients had received a median (range) of three (two-six) prior lines and 85.7% were refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib. The primary end-point was the overall response rate (ORR) defined as ≥partial response after at least three cycles. Secondary objectives were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression and overall survival (OS). An intent-to-treat analysis was done. An ORR of 57.6% was achieved. Patients with extramedullary myeloma had a better response rate. At a median follow-up of 8.6 months, the median PFS and OS were 6.2 and 9.7 months respectively. Toxicity was manageable; mainly haematological (neutropenia, 46.4%; anaemia, 42.8%; and thrombocytopenia, 7.1%). Bendamustine, pomalidomide and dexamethasone could be a novel combination for the heavily pretreated, lenalidomide-refractory myeloma population.

Comparison of quality of life (QoL) in survivors of testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) with age-matched controls using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire

413

Background: Testicular NSGCT is typically diagnosed in young males, and is a highly curable cancer. Data pertaining to the quality of life of testicular NSGCT survivors are limited. Methods: Patients aged 18 or more years with a diagnosis of testicular NSGCT treated in a large tertiary care centre in New Delhi, India between January 2015 and July 2019 were eligible to participate. Patients had to be disease free for at least two years for QoL assessment using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Raw scores were transformed as per the EORTC scoring manual. Controls were healthy age-matched adults recruited from the patient accompanying population. Results: We identified 55 survivors and 100 controls. Median age was 32 (range, 18-65) years and 58.2% of patients stage III disease, while the rest were equally divided in stage I and II. Chemotherapy was administered in 94% patients, while 25% had retroperitoneal lymph node resection for residual disease and relapse occurred in 11%, who were treated with salvage chemotherapy and resection of the residual disease. Emotional, social and global scores were significantly lower in survivors as compared to controls. Among symptom scales, fatigue, pain, dyspnoea, insomnia, appetite loss, and financial difficulty were significantly increased in patients as compare to survivors (Table). On a multivariate analysis, neither stage of disease nor treatment were found to be associated significantly with QOL scores. Conclusions: Survivors of testicular NSGCT have lower emotional, social and global functioning and a higher symptom burden. Since NSGCT affects young males, aggressive measures may be needed to improve the QoL in such patients.[Table: see text]

Differential effect of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes of patients treated with docetaxel in prostate cancer - An exploratory analysis

OBJECTIVE

There are contradictory data on differential effect of docetaxel based on BMI in patients with breast and prostate cancer. We performed an exploratory analysis to determine if the benefit of docetaxel in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is modified by BMI.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of the data retrieved from the ENTHUSE M1C study. BMI (kg/m²) was categorized as: 18.5 to <25 as lean; 25 to <30 as overweight; and ≥30 as obese. Cox regression models were constructed to determine the impact of BMI on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 466 patients were eligible for the current analysis. The median PFS was 7.3, 7.7 and 8.4 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 1.06; P = 0.261) in lean, overweight and obese patients. The median OS was 16.6, 20.1 and 21.4 months (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.89; P = 0.002) for lean, overweight and obese patients. After adjusting for baseline and tumor characteristics, there was no association of BMI with PFS (overweight, HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.13; P = 0.353; obese, HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.13; P = 0.277) while overweight (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.89; P = 0.006) and obese (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.83; P = 0.003) patients had significantly better OS compared with lean patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no effect of BMI on PFS in patients with mCRPC receiving docetaxel. Interestingly, overweight and obese patients had a longer OS compared with lean patients, which is in contradiction to a recent study in breast cancer; and warrants further investigation.

Characteristics & outcomes of cancer patients with COVID-19: A multicentre retrospective study from India

Background & objectives

High mortality has been observed in the cancer population affected with COVID-19 during this pandemic. We undertook this study to determine the characteristics and outcomes of cancer patients with COVID-19 and assessed the factors predicting outcome.

Methods

Patients of all age groups with a proven history of malignancy and a recent diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on nasal/nasopharyngeal reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR tests were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were compared between survivors and non-survivors groups, with respect to observed mortality.

Results

Between May 11 and August 10, 2020, 134 patients were included from the three centres and observed mortality was 17.1 per cent. The median age was 53 yr (interquartile range 39-61 yr) and thirty four patients (25%) were asymptomatic. Solid tumours accounted for 69.1 per cent and breast cancer was the most common tumour type (20%). One hundred and five patients (70.5%) had received chemotherapy within the past four weeks and 25 patients (19.3%) had neutropenia at presentation. On multivariate analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) 7.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-54.00); P=0.033], haemoglobin [OR 6.28 (95% CI 1.07-37.04); P=0.042] neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio [OR 12.02 (95% CI 2.08-69.51); P=0.005] and baseline serum albumin [OR 18.52 (95% CI 2.80-122.27); P=0.002], were associated with higher mortality. Recent chemotherapy, haematological tumours type and baseline neutropenia did not affect the outcome.

Interpretation & conclusions

Higher mortality in moderate and severe infections was associated with baseline organ dysfunction and elderly age. Significant proportion of patients were asymptomatic and might remain undetected.

Novel Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-Based Targeted Theranostics for Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: This exploratory study was meant to assess clinical and safety data with a novel fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-based targeted theranostics as a salvage treatment option in radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR-DTC) patients who had progressed on tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods: Patients with metastatic RR-DTC who progressed on sorafenib/lenvatinib were prospectively recruited. If [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan demonstrated moderate-to-excellent uptake in metastases, and patients had given informed consent, they received intravenous [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)₂ as therapy at eight-weekly intervals. The primary endpoints were thyroglobulin (Tg) response and functional imaging response. The secondary endpoints were visual analog score (VAS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. The grading of toxicities was performed by using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAEV5.0). The sequential images were acquired by a dual-headed gamma camera, and dosimetric calculations were performed by using OLINDA/EXM V2.1. Results: Fifteen patients were recruited [age: 55 ± 9 years (range: 39-67)]. [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)₂ had median whole-body Teff of 88.06 hours (interquartile range [IQR]: 86.6-99). The colon was identified as a critical organ. The whole-body effective dose was 1.62E-01 ± 1.53E-02 mSv/MBq. A total of 45 cycles were administered, and the median cumulative administered activity was 8.2 ± 2.7 GBq (range 5.5-14 GBq). The median absorbed doses to the tumor lesions were 1.08E+01 (IQR: 4.16E+00 to 8.97E+01) mSv/MBq per cycle. The Serum Tg level significantly decreased after treatment [(median Tg: baseline-10,549 ng/mL (IQR: 3066.5-39,450) versus at the time of assessment: 5649 ng/mL (IQR: 939.5-17,099), p = 0.0005)]. Molecular response assessment revealed no complete response; however, partial response was documented in four, and stable disease in three patients. The VASmax scores [pre-therapy: 9 (IQR: 8-10) versus follow-up: 6 (3-6) (p-0.0001)], and ECOG [3, (IQR: 2-3 vs. 2, (IQR: 2-3) (p-0.0078)] performance scores significantly improved after treatment. None of the patients experienced grade III/IV hematological, renal, or hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that the novel molecule [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTAGA.(SA.FAPi)₂ is safe, seems effective, and, most importantly, opens up a new avenue for the treatment of aggressive RR-DTC patients who have exhausted all standard line of treatments.

Efficacy and safety of 225Ac-DOTATATE targeted alpha therapy in metastatic paragangliomas: a pilot study

PURPOSE

In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ²²⁵AC-DOTATATE targeted alpha therapy in advanced-stage paragangliomas (PGLs).

METHODS

Nine (6 males and 3 females) consecutive patients with histologically proven PGLs were treated with ²²⁵Ac-DOTATATE targeted alpha therapy (TAT) and concomitant radiosensitizer, capecitabine, at 8-weekly intervals up to a cumulative activity of ~ 74 MBq. The primary endpoint included evaluating therapy response and disease control rate (DCR) using the RECIST 1.1 criteria. Additional secondary endpoints comprised clinical response assessment using EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaire, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG), analgesic score (AS), dose alterations of anti-hypertensive drugs (anti-HTN), and the safety and side-effect profile evaluation as per CTCAE criteria version 5.0.

RESULTS

Following ²²⁵Ac-DOTATATE treatment, morphological response revealed partial response in 50%, stable disease in 37.5%, and disease progression in 12.5%, with a DCR of 87.5%. Similarly, the symptomatic response was remarkable, and anti-HTN drugs were stopped in 25% and reduced in 37.5%. Another significant finding in our study revealed a morphologic DCR of 66.6% (2/3) in patients who failed previous lutetium-177 peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (¹⁷⁷Lu-PRRT). Regarding the KPS, ECOG, and AS performance scores, a notable improvement was observed post-²²⁵Ac-DOTATATE treatment. The QLQ-H&N35 symptom scores evaluated in seven H&N PGL patients showed significant improvement in all aspects. No improvement in sexual function was noted (P = 0.3559). Despite the significant reduction in the analgesic score post-treatment (P = 0.0031), the QLQ-H&N35 revealed only marginal significance concerning the intake of pain killers (P = 0.1723). No grade III/IV hematological, renal, and hepatological toxicities were noted.

CONCLUSION

The evidence from this study suggests ²²⁵Ac-DOTATATE therapy is effective and safe in the treatment of advanced-stage PGLs and also reports a clear benefit even in patient's refractory to the previous ¹⁷⁷Lu-PRRT.

Proposal and clinical application of molecular genetic risk scoring system, "MRplus", for BCR-ABL1 negative pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia- report from a single centre

INTRODUCTION

We propose "MRplus", a molecular genetic risk score and check its clinical application in the risk-stratification of pediatric B-ALL.

METHODS

The genomic DNA of untreated pediatricBCR-ABL1 negative B-ALL patients was analyzed for deletions of IKZF1, PAX5, CDKN2A/B, BTG1, RB1, ETV6, EBF1, ERG, pseudoautosomal region(PAR) genes using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, along with the routine genetic work-up. The patients were assigned an 'M'score- 0 (M0) for low and 1 (M1) for high genetic-risk as per the criteria by Moorman et al., and another score "IKplus"-1 (IKplus1) for IKZF1plus as per the criteria by Stanulla et al., and 0 (IKplus0) for other patients. The final "MRplus" risk-score of 0 (MRplus0), 1 (MRplus1) or 2 (MRplus2) was obtained by adding both these scores. The association of risk scores with overall survival (OS) and event free survival(EFS) was seen using Cox proportion hazard model. The overall goodness of fit of the model was done using Cox-Snell residuals.

RESULTS

The median age of 320 patients was 6 years (1-18 years). The patients with score M1 were 139 (43.4 %), M0-181 (56.6 %); IKplus1-32 (10 %) and IKplus0-288 (90 %). The final "MRplus" score of 0,1,or 2 was obtained in 181(56.6 %), 107(33.4 %) and 32(10 %) patients respectively. The post-induction remission rate was 90.7 %, 77.8 %, 73.9 % (p = 0.004); 4-year OS 67 %, 48 %, 27 % (p < 0.001); and 4-year EFS 56 %, 34 %, 19 %(p < 0.001) in patients with "MRplus" score 0,1,and 2 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed "MRplus" scoring at baseline could identify three distinct risk groups-good (MRplus0), intermediate (MRplus1) and poor (MRplus2), with different outcomes; in pediatricBCR-ABL1 negative B-ALL. This may help in better risk-stratification and selection of patients for alternative treatment approaches.

Critical evaluation of the utility of pre- and post-therapy immunophenotypes in assessment of measurable residual disease in B-ALL

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is an important parameter to predict outcome in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Two different approaches have been used for the assessment of MRD by multiparametric flow cytometry that include the "Leukemia Associated Aberrant Immunophenotype (LAIP)" and "Difference from Normal (DFN)" approach. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 539 samples obtained from 281 patients of which 258 were paired samples and the remaining 23 samples were from post-induction time point only, to explore the utility of baseline immunophenotype (IPT) for MRD assessment. Single-tube 10-color panel was used both at diagnosis and MRD time points. Out of 281 patients, 31.67% (n = 89) were positive and 68.32% (n = 192) were negative for MRD. Among 258 paired diagnostic and follow-up samples, baseline IPT was required in only 9.31% (24/258) cases which included cases with hematogone pattern and isolated dim to negative CD10 expression patterns. Comparison of baseline IPT with post-induction MRD positive samples showed a change in expression of at least one antigen in 94.04% cases. Although the immunophenotypic change in expression of various antigens is frequent in post-induction samples of B-ALL, it does not adversely impact the MRD assessment. In conclusion, the baseline IPT is required in less than 10% of B-ALL, specifically those with hematogone pattern and/or dim to negative expression of CD10. Hence, a combination of DFN and LAIP approach is recommended for reliable MRD assessment.

Convalescent plasma therapy for Covid-19: A systematic review

Background

Covid-19 has emerged as a pandemic affecting more than 20 million people till date with few, if any, proven therapy. Convalescent plasma (CP) containing antibodies against the virus has been used with some success. We did a systematic review to synthesize the available data on CP therapy for treatment of Covid-19 to study the efficacy and safety outcomes.

Methods

Two reviewers searched the published and pre-published literature between 1 January 2019 and 23 June 2020 for studies comparing the use of CP with standard therapy for Covid-19 patients. Data from the selected studies were abstracted and analysed for efficacy and safety outcomes. Critical appraisal of the evidence was done by using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool and the quality of evidence was graded as per GRADE.

Results

We found 13 case series and 1 randomized trial that fulfilled our search criteria. Of the 12 case series with a total of 264 patients that reported the efficacy outcomes, 11 studies showed favourable results with survival benefit. The only RCT with 103 patients did not show any mortality benefit but was terminated early prior to complete enrolment. A single large study of 5000 patients reported safety outcomes and showed no major adverse events in patient streated with CP.

Conclusion

There is very low-quality evidence to suggest efficacy and safety of CP in patients with Covid-19 infection. Well-designed randomized trials are urgently needed to provide robust data.

Efficacy and safety of antivirals for Covid-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has led to a severe medical, social and economic crisis globally. Use of antivirals has given inconsistent results; thus systematic summaries of available evidence are required for any recommendations for treatment. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of antivirals for Covid-19.

Methods

The databases we searched were-Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and Medrxiv. Title/abstract screening, full-text screening and data abstraction were carried out in duplicate by two researchers. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method of random effects for meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty studies were found eligible for inclusion: 6 randomized controlled trials, 9 cohort studies and 5 case series. Moderate-quality evidence suggests a likely clinical benefit from the use of remdesivir in improving the number of recoveries (RR 1.18; 95% CI 1.07-1.31; I² = 0%) and time to recovery in days (median -3.02; 95% CI -4.98 to -1.07; I² = 97%). A possibility of lower mortality is suggested by low-quality evidence with remdesivir (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.40-1.37, I² = 58%). Moderate-quality evidence suggests no certain benefit of using lopinavir/ritonavir for Covid-19 compared to arbidol, lopinavir/ritonavir combined with arbidol or other medications used as controls.

Conclusion

Further evidence from randomized controlled trials is required for all antivirals to treat Covid-19. At present, remdesivir seems more promising than other antivirals.

Metastatic colo-rectal cancer: real life experience from an Indian tertiary care center

Background

No data exist for the long-term outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) from the Southern part of Asia. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the survival outcome of mCRC from an Indian tertiary care center. The study also aims to highlight the treatment pattern practiced and the unique clinico-pathologic characteristics.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective observational study done at a large referral tertiary care center in North India. All patients with synchronous or metachronous mCRC who received at least one dose of chemotherapy for metastatic disease, registered between 2003 to 2017 were included. Primary outcome measures were overall survival and progression-free survival and prognostic factors of overall survival. Descriptive analysis was done for the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment patterns. Kaplan Meier method for overall survival and progression-free survival. Cox regression analysis was performed for the determination of the prognostic factors for overall survival.

Result

Out of 377 eligible patients, 256 patients (68%) had de novo metastatic disease and the remaining 121 (32%) progressed to metastatic disease after initial treatment. The cohort was young (median age, 46 years) with the most common primary site being the rectum. A higher proportion of signet (9%) and mucinous histology (24%). The three common sites of metastasis were the liver, peritoneum, and lung. In the first line, most patients received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (70%). Only 12.5% of patients received biologicals in the first-line setting. The median follow-up and median overall survival of study cohort were 17 months and 18.5 months. The factors associated with poor outcome for overall survival on multivariate analysis were ECOG performance status of > 1, high CEA, low albumin, and the number of lines of chemotherapy received (< 2).

Conclusion

The outcome of mCRC is inferior to the published literature. We found a relatively higher proportion of patients with the following characteristics; younger, rectum as primary tumor location, the signet, and mucinous histology, higher incidence of peritoneum involvement. The routine use of targeted therapies is limited. Government schemes (inclusion of targeted therapies in the Ayushman scheme), NGO assistance, and availability of generic low-cost targeted drugs may increase the availability.

Seminomatous and non-seminomatous mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCT): A real-world analysis from two tertiary care centers in India

e18726

Background: Mediastinal germ cell tumor (MGCT) is a rare entity and comprises 10-15% of all mediastinal tumors. We describe the real-world treatment patterns and outcomes of MGCT treated at two tertiary care centres in India. Methods: Patients diagnosed with GCT (any site) at two large tertiary care centres from January 2010 to December 2020 in India were identified using the ICD-09 code (C-62) from prospectively kept databases. From these databases, a manual search was performed to identify MGCT patients. A chart review was done to retrieve demographic, tumor-related (serum tumor marker levels as per International germ cell cancer consensus (IGCCC)) and treatment details. Relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated and compared for seminomatous and non-seminomatous MGCT. Results: A total of 54 patients were identified and all were males with a median age of 25 years (interquartile range, 18-45). Common presenting symptoms included cough (81.4%) shortness of breath (64.8%), chest pain (25.9%), superior vena cava obstruction (20.3%), pleural effusion (18.5%) and pericardial effusion (5.6%). Approximately one-thirds (n = 17) were seminomatous, while two-thirds were non-seminomatous (n = 37). Serum tumors markers levels were S0 (7.4%),S1 (42.6%),S2 (29.6%) and S3 (20.4%). Treatment was primarily by multiagent chemotherapy [ Bleomycin/Etoposide/cisplatin(BEP) 63.0%, EP (Etoposide/Cisplatin) 18.5%, VIP (etoposide/ifosfamide/cisplatin) 13.0%). Median number of cycles administered was 3 (Range 1-6). Three patients did not receive chemotherapy (all seminoma) and were treated with upfront surgery. In total, 11 patients (20.4%) underwent surgery, and eight (14.8%) received radiation. Three patients were not evaluable for response, 33.3% achieved complete response (CR),44.4% achieved partial response (PR), 9.3% had SD (stable disease) and 7.4% progressed on first line chemotherapy. Median follow up was 14.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.03 -26.16). Three year relapse free survival was 64.0% in overall population, and 100% in seminoma vs 41.5% in non-seminoma (P < 0.001). Three year OS was 80.2% in all patients and 94.1% for seminoma versus 70.0% in non-seminoma (P = 0.178). Conclusions: In this largest real-world analysis of MGCT, we found excellent long-term survival rates for patients with seminomatous MGCT, while further optimization of treatment is needed for those with non-seminomatous MGCT.

Retrospective analysis of a novel molecular genetic risk score, “MRplus”, in BCR-ABL1 negative pediatric B-ALL: A single-center experience

7029

Background: Currently, the molecular risk scoring is variably used in the management algorithms of B-ALL across various clinical cohorts. Unlike AML, the usage of molecular genetic abnormalities in the risk-stratification of B-ALL is limited and a consensus is yet to be reached. We have retrospectively analyzed the utility of molecular genetic risk criteria, previously described by Moorman et al. (2014), and Stanulla et al. (2018), in our cohort and hereby propose a novel molecular risk score, “MRplus”, obtained by combining both criteria, as a useful way to improve the risk-stratification of BCR-ABL1 negative pediatric B-ALL. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, the genomic DNA of untreated BCR-ABL1 negative pediatric B-ALL cases was analyzed at baseline for copy number alterations of IKZF1, PAX5, CDKN2A/B, BTG1, RB1, ETV6, EBF1, ERG, pseudoautosomal region (PAR) genes– (CRLF2, CSF2RA, IL3RA), using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA)- P335, P202 and P327 kits (MRC Holland). The cases were assigned a score- 0 for low and 1 for high genetic-risk as per the criteria by Moorman et al., and another score as per the criteria by Stanulla et al., 1 for IKZF1plus cases and 0 for other cases. The final “MRplus” risk-score of 0 (low), 1 (intermediate) or 2 (high) was given by adding both these scores. All patients were treated using Indian Childhood Collaborative Leukemia Group protocol (ICICLE). The post-induction remission status, overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) was noted for all patients. Results: Out of 320 cases with median age of 6 years (1-18 years), 141 (44.1%) cases had high genetic-risk (score 1) as per the Moorman’s criteria. Thirty-two (10%) cases fulfilled the criteria of IKZF1plus (score 1) as per the criteria of Stanulla et al. The final “MRplus” score of 0, 1 and 2 was obtained in 179 (55.9%), 109 (34.1%) and 32 (10%) cases respectively. Out of these, 284 received treatment including 160, 101, and 23 cases with “MRplus” score 0, 1, and 2 respectively. The follow up period was upto 80 months with a median of 34.6 months. The post-induction remission rate was 90.6%, 78.2%, 73.9% (p = 0.008); 4-year OS 68%, 48%, 27% (p < 0.001); and 4-year EFS 57%, 36%, 19% (p < 0.001) in cases with “MRplus” score 0,1, and 2 respectively. Conclusions: The proposed novel “MRplus” scoring at baseline could identify three distinct risk- groups-low, intermediate and high, in BCR-ABL1 negative pediatric B-ALL. This may help in better identification of patients for alternative treatment approaches and also triage patients for further detailed genomic analysis for disease biology; with particular emphasis on those with intermediate and high “MRplus” score. Acknowledgement: Institute Research Grants [A-193 (2013-15), A-413 (2016-18) and A-600 (2018-20)] from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, INDIA.

Long-term outcome of 177Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy in heavily pre-treated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients

Objective

Investigators have extensively explored the short-term safety and efficacy data on ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy (RLT) in mCRPC patients. However, scarce literature is reported on the long-term outcome of these patients. The current goal of this study is focused on the long-term outcome of mCRPC patients treated with ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 RLT.

Methods

Among 135 patients, 121 mCRPC patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. Patients received a median of 3 cycles of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 RLT at 6 to 12-week intervals. Primary endpoint included overall survival (OS) and secondary endpoints involved progression-free survival (PFS), predictive factors of OS and PFS, PSA response rate, molecular response, clinical response, and toxicity assessment.

Results

The median administered cumulative activity was 20 GBq (3.7–37 GBq). The median follow-up duration was 36 months (6–72 months). The estimated median PFS and OS were 12 months (mo) (95% CI: 10.3–13 mo) and 16 mo (95% CI: 13–17 mo), respectively. Any PSA decline and PSA decline >50% was achieved in 73% and 61% of the patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed only failure to achieve >50% PSA decline as a significant factor associated with a poor PFS. Prognostic factors associated with reduced OS included, failure to experience >50% PSA decline, heavily pre-treated patient cohort who received >2 lines of prior treatment options, and patient sub-group treated with ≥2 lines of chemotherapy. Patients re-treated with additional treatment options after attaining ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA refractory disease showed a remarkably prolonged OS. A significant clinical benefit was achieved post ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 RLT. The most common toxicities observed were fatigue (34.7%), followed by nausea (33%), and dry mouth (24.7%).

Conclusion

The current study supports the short-term safety and efficacy results of high response rates, prolonged PFS and OS, improved quality of life, and low treatment-related toxicities in patients treated with ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy.

Anti-interleukin-6 therapies for Covid-19: A systematic review, critical appraisal and meta-analysis

Background

. Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has emerged as a pandemic by end-January 2020. Of the infected patients, 10%-15% may develop severe or critical illness. So far, no definite treatment is available for Covid-19. Cytokine release syndrome may underlie the pathogenesis of severe and critical disease. Anti-interleukin (IL)-6 therapies are being tried to improve clinical outcomes.

Methods

. We did a systematic review to identify the available literature on anti-IL-6 therapies in the treatment of Covid-19 and used the GRADE method to assess the quality of evidence.

Results

. Four case series and 10 case reports were identified. On critical assessment, we found that these studies reported some beneficial effect of anti-IL-6 therapy, but all the studies had a high risk of bias. The pooled estimate showed that 42% of patients improved but with a very wide confidence interval (CI) (95% CI 1%-91%) and substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95%). The overall quality of evidence was graded as 'very low'.

Conclusions

. Although promising, anti-IL-6 therapy for Covid-19 needs to be tested in randomized controlled trials to provide robust evidence.

IKZF1 Deletion Subtyping and Outcome Analysis in BCR-ABL1-Negative Pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Single-Institution Experience from North India

BACKGROUND

IKZF1 deletions are associated with adverse outcomes in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We assessed the prevalence and clinical impact of functional subtypes of IKZF1 deletions in pediatric BCR-ABL1-negative B-ALL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study of IKZF1 deletions was done in cases of pediatric BCR-ABL1-negative B-ALL. The genomic DNA of cases, over a 53-month period, was analyzed using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and multiplex fluorescent polymerase chain reaction. The deletions were divided into functional subgroups: (1) loss-of-function/haploinsufficiency, (2) dominant-negative, and (3) a combination of both types of deletion. The post-induction remission status, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were noted.

RESULTS

Out of 320 cases, 47 (14.7%) had IKZF1 deletions. Thirty-six of the 47 (77%) had loss-of-function deletions, 10 (21%) had dominant-negative deletions, and one (2%) had a combination of both types. The post-induction remission rates in cases with loss-of-function deletions (22/30, 73%; P = .060) and dominant-negative deletions (4/5, 80%; P = .517) were lower compared with those without deletions (215/248, 86.7%). These cases also had worse median EFS: 21.1 months (P = .006) for loss-of-function and 15.4 months (P = .156) for dominant-negative deletions, compared with 46.4 months in cases without IKZF1 deletions. They also had worse median OS: 23.4 months (P = .012) for loss-of-function deletions and 15.7 months (P = .233) for dominant-negative deletions, compared with median not reached in cases without IKZF1 deletions.

CONCLUSION

The IKZF1 deletions were seen in 14.7% of BCR-ABL1-negative pediatric B-ALL. Most of these deletions (77%) were loss-of-function type. The cases with loss-of-function deletions had lower remission rates and poor EFS and OS compared with cases without IKZF1 deletions. A similar trend of poor outcome was seen in the few cases with dominant-negative IKZF1 deletions.

Differential effect of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes of patients treated with docetaxel in prostate cancer: An exploratory analysis

129

Background: Docetaxel is a lipophilic drugs with a high affinity for adipose tissue resulting in a higher volume of distribution.There are contradictory data with regards to the differential effect of docetaxel based on BMI in breast cancer patients. However, there are no such data in patients with prostate cancer. A We performed an exploratory analysis to determine if the benefit of docetaxel in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is modified by BMI. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of data retrieved from the phase III ENTHUSE M1C study that assessed the efficacy and safety of additional zibotentan in combination with docetaxel in patients with mCRPC (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00617669). BMI (kg/m2) was categorized as: 18.5 to < 25, lean; 25 to < 30, overweight; and ≥ 30, obese. Cox regression models were constructed to determine the impact of BMI on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after adjusting for baseline characteristics. Results: A total of 466 patients were eligible for current analysis, of whom 34%, 46% and 20% were < 65 years, 65-74 years and > 75 years, respectively. The median total and free baseline PSA were 99.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 33.6 to 237.0) ng/mL and 13.9 (IQR, 5.4 to 37.4) ng/mL, respectively. There were 31% (n = 145), 46% (n = 213) and 23% (n = 108) lean, overweight and obese patients. Visceral metastasis was present in 52% patients, while the number of bone metastases were 1-3 in 15%, 4 in 5%, 5-20 in 58% and ≥ 21 in 23%. The median number of cycles of docetaxel administered were 10 (IQR, 6-10). The median PFS was 7.3, 7.7 and 8.4 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 1.06; P = .26) for lean, overweight and obese patients, respectively. The median OS was 10.3, 10.7 and 12.4 months (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.89; P = .01) for lean, overweight and obese patients, respectively. After adjusting for baseline and tumor related characteristics, there was no association of BMI with PFS (overweight, HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.17; P = .50; obese, HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.18; P = .42) while overweight (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.91; P = .01) and obese (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.88; P = .01) patients had significantly better OS as compared with lean patients. Conclusions: The differential effect of docetaxel based on BMI was not observed in patients with mCRPC. Interestingly, obese patients had a significantly longer OS, which warrants further investigation.

Associations of education, residence, and travel distance to oncology center on survival outcomes in patients with penile cancer: A tertiary care referral center experience

4

Background: Rural residence, educational status & longer travel distance are variably associated with suboptimal cancer treatment and outcomes. There are limited data on impact of these factors on treatment patterns & survival outcomes in penile cancer. Methods: Patients with a histological diagnosis of carcinoma penis during 2015 to 2019 were identified from the database of a large tertiary care center in India. Chart reviews were performed to retrieve demographic, clinicopathological and treatment details. Educational status was categorized as no formal education and any educational attainment, while travel distance was dichotomized at 500 km. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations with cancer treatments. Relapse free survival (RS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by plotting Kaplan Meir curves and compared using log rank test. Multivariable Cox regression analysis were used to determine the associations of socioeconomic status and residence on survival outcomes. Results: A total of 100 patients were eligible for the current analysis. The median age was 56 (interquartile [IQR]range, 42-65) years. The median duration of symptoms was 6 (IQR, 4-12) months. Ulcero-proliferative growth (65%) was the most common presenting symptom followed by pain (57%) and dysuria (36%). Most patients had grade 2 tumor (60%), while stage was equally distributed from I-IV. Three-fourths of patients had clinically enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, while, 42 % were pathologically involved. Of all patients, 58% were from rural communities, 44% patient didn’t receive any formal education, and 36% had travelling distance of over 500 km from the hospital. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were administered in 53%, 42% and 24%, respectively. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, lower education, rural residence and longer travel distance were not associated with a lower likelihood of receiving any treatment. At a median follow-up of 50.7 months, median RFS and OS were 59.8 (95% CI, 15.8-NR) and 83.9 (95% CI, 29.2–NR) months, respectively. After adjusting for tumor stage, involvement of lymph nodes, PS, and grade, education status, primary residence (urban vs rural), and distance from the treatment center were not associated with RFS and OS. However, advanced stage was the only factor predictive of worse RFS and OS (Table). Conclusions: Rural residence, educational status and travel time were not associated with treatment administration and survival outcomes in patients with penile cancer treated in a publicly funded tertiary care center in India. [Table: see text]

Real-Time Molecular Monitoring in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Circulating Tumor DNA

The clonal evolution of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an oligoclonal hematological malignancy, is driven by a plethora of cytogenetic abnormalities, gene mutations, abnormal epigenetic patterns, and aberrant gene expressions. These alterations in the leukemic blasts promote clinically diverse manifestations with common characteristics of high relapse and drug resistance. Defining and real-time monitoring of a personalized panel of these predictive genetic biomarkers is rapidly being adapted in clinical setting for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic decision-making in AML. A major challenge remains the frequency of invasive biopsy procedures that can be routinely performed for monitoring of AML disease progression. Moreover, a single-site biopsy is not representative of the tumor heterogeneity as it is spatially and temporally constrained and necessitates the understanding of longitudinal and spatial subclonal dynamics in AML. Hematopoietic cells are a major contributor to plasma cell-free DNA, which also contain leukemia-specific aberrations as the circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) fraction. Plasma cell-free DNA analysis holds immense potential as a minimally invasive tool for genomic profiling at diagnosis as well as clonal evolution during AML disease progression. With the technological advances and increasing sensitivity for detection of ctDNA, both genetic and epigenetic aberrations can be qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. However, challenges remain in validating the utility of liquid biopsy tools in clinics, and universal recommendations are still awaited towards reliable diagnostics and prognostics. Here, we provide an overview on the scope of ctDNA analyses for prognosis, assessment of response to treatment and measurable residual disease, prediction of disease relapse, development of acquired resistance and beyond in AML.

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine for the Treatment of COVID-19: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no effective therapy for COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) have been used for its treatment but their safety and efficacy remain uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review to synthesize the available data on the efficacy and safety of CQ and HCQ for the treatment of COVID-19.

METHODS

Two reviewers searched for published and pre-published relevant articles between December 2019 and 8 June 2020. The data from the selected studies were abstracted and analyzed for efficacy and safety outcomes. Critical appraisal of the evidence was done by Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The quality of evidence was graded as per the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

We reviewed 12 observational and 3 randomized trials which included 10,659 patients of whom 5713 received CQ/HCQ and 4966 received only standard of care. The efficacy of CQ/HCQ for COVID-19 was inconsistent across the studies. Meta-analysis of included studies revealed no significant reduction in mortality with HCQ use [RR 0.98 95% CI 0.66-1.46], time to fever resolution (mean difference - 0.54 days (- 1.19-011)) or clinical deterioration/development of ARDS with HCQ [RR 0.90 95% CI 0.47-1.71]. There was a higher risk of ECG abnormalities/arrhythmia with HCQ/CQ [RR 1.46 95% CI 1.04 to 2.06]. The quality of evidence was graded as very low for these outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSION

The available evidence suggests that CQ or HCQ does not improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Well-designed randomized trials are required for assessing the efficacy and safety of HCQ and CQ for COVID-19.