Systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of severe and life-threatening thromboembolism in cancer patients receiving anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab or panitumumab)

The state of the art in secondary pharmacology and its impact on the safety of new medicines

Secondary pharmacology screening of investigational small-molecule drugs for potentially adverse off-target activities has become standard practice in pharmaceutical research and development, and regulatory agencies are increasingly requesting data on activity against targets with recognized adverse effect relationships. However, the screening strategies and target panels used by pharmaceutical companies may vary substantially. To help identify commonalities and differences, as well as to highlight opportunities for further optimization of secondary pharmacology assessment, we conducted a broad-ranging survey across 18 companies under the auspices of the DruSafe leadership group of the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development. Based on our analysis of this survey and discussions and additional research within the group, we present here an overview of the current state of the art in secondary pharmacology screening. We discuss best practices, including additional safety-associated targets not covered by most current screening panels, and present approaches for interpreting and reporting off-target activities. We also provide an assessment of the safety impact of secondary pharmacology screening, and a perspective on opportunities and challenges in this rapidly developing field.

Oncogenes and cancer associated thrombosis: what can we learn from single cell genomics about risks and mechanisms?

Single cell analysis of cancer cell transcriptome may shed a completely new light on cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). CAT causes morbid, and sometimes lethal complications in certain human cancers known to be associated with high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), pulmonary embolism (PE) or arterial thromboembolism (ATE), all of which worsen patients' prognosis. How active cancers drive these processes has long evaded scrutiny. While "unspecific" microenvironmental effects and consequences of patient care (e.g., chemotherapy) have been implicated in pathogenesis of CAT, it has also been suggested that oncogenic pathways driven by either genetic (mutations), or epigenetic (methylation) events may influence the coagulant phenotype of cancer cells and stroma, and thereby modulate the VTE/PE risk. Consequently, the spectrum of driver events and their downstream effector mechanisms may, to some extent, explain the heterogeneity of CAT manifestations between cancer types, molecular subtypes, and individual cases, with thrombosis-promoting, or -protective mutations. Understanding this molecular causation is important if rationally designed countermeasures were to be deployed to mitigate the clinical impact of CAT in individual cancer patients. In this regard, multi-omic analysis of human cancers, especially at a single cell level, has brought a new meaning to concepts of cellular heterogeneity, plasticity, and multicellular complexity of the tumour microenvironment, with profound and still relatively unexplored implications for the pathogenesis of CAT. Indeed, cancers may contain molecularly distinct cellular subpopulations, or dynamic epigenetic states associated with different profiles of coagulant activity. In this article we discuss some of the relevant lessons from the single cell "omics" and how they could unlock new potential mechanisms through which cancer driving oncogenic lesions may modulate CAT, with possible consequences for patient stratification, care, and outcomes.

Increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism in patients with colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab-based combination chemotherapy: A population-based study in Korea

INTRODUCTION

Limited data exist on the risk of venous and arterial thromboembolisms (VTE and ATE) in patients receiving cetuximab plus chemotherapy. We aimed to determine the thromboembolic risk of patients with recurrent/metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone.

METHODS

This population-based study used nationwide claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of South Korea from 2013 to 2020. Patients with recurrent/metastatic CRC treated with first-line oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based doublets with or without cetuximab and no secondary prevention for VTE and ATE were included. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of any thromboembolic events, VTE, and ATE, which were determined using the cumulative incidence method incorporating death as a competing event.

RESULTS

We identified 19,723 patients (cetuximab plus chemotherapy, N = 7630; chemotherapy alone, N = 12,093). The cumulative incidence of any thromboembolic events in patients with cetuximab plus chemotherapy was significantly higher than in those receiving chemotherapy alone (6-month, 5.62 % vs. 3.58 %, P < 0.0001). The rates of VTE (6-month, 5.11 % vs. 3.28 %, P < 0.0001) and ATE (6-month, 0.53 % vs. 0.32 %, P = 0.0218) were also higher in patients receiving cetuximab plus chemotherapy. In multivariable analysis, cetuximab plus chemotherapy was independently associated with developing any thromboembolic events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.42-1.87), VTE (HR, 1.62; 95 % CI, 1.40-1.87), and ATE (HR, 1.77; 95 % CI, 1.16-2.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Cetuximab with irinotecan- or oxaliplatin-based doublet chemotherapy was associated with an increased risk of any thromboembolic events, VTE, and ATE; further studies are warranted to examine the underlying mechanisms.

The Role of Injectables in the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer-Associated Thrombosis

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a leading cause of death among patients with cancer. CAT can manifest itself as venous thromboembolism (VTE), in the form of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or arterial thromboembolism. The pathophysiology of CAT is complex and depends on cancer-, patient-, treatment- and biomarkers-related factors. Treatment of VTE in patients with cancer is complex and includes three major classes of anticoagulant agents: heparin and its derivatives, e.g., low molecular weight heparins, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and vitamin K inhibitors. Given the tremendous heterogeneity of clinical situations in patients with cancer and the challenges of CAT, there is no single universal treatment option for patients suffering from or at risk of CAT. Initial studies suggested that patients seemed to prefer an anticoagulant that would not interfere with their cancer treatment, suggesting the primacy of cancer over VTE, and favoring efficacy and safety over convenience of route of administration. Recent studies show that when the efficacy and safety aspects are similar, patients prefer the oral route of administration. Despite this, injectables are a valid option for many patients with cancer.

The Role of EGFR Amplification in Deep Venous Thrombosis Occurrence in IDH Wild-Type Glioblastoma

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) patients have a 20-30 incidence of venous thromboembolic events. EGFR is a widely used prognostic marker for many cancers. Recent lung cancer studies have described relationships between EGFR amplification and an increased incidence of thromboembolic complications. We aim to explore this relationship in glioblastoma patients. Methods: Two hundred ninety-three consecutive patients with IDH wild-type GBM were included in the analysis. The amplification status of EGFR was measured using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Centromere 7 (CEP7) expression was recorded to calculate the EGFR-to-CEP7 ratio. All data were collected retrospectively through chart review. Molecular data were obtained through the surgical pathology report at the time of biopsy. Results: There were 112 subjects who were EGFR-amplified (38.2%) and 181 who were non-amplified (61.8%). EGFR amplification status was not significantly correlated with VTE risk overall (p = 0.2001). There was no statistically significant association between VTE and EGFR status after controlling for Bevacizumab therapy (p = 0.1626). EGFR non-amplified status was associated with an increased VTE risk in subjects greater than 60 years of age (p = 0.048). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in occurrence of VTE in patients with glioblastoma, regardless of EGFR amplification status. Patients older than 60 years of age with EGFR amplification experienced a lower rate of VTE, contrary to some reports on non-small-cell lung cancer linking EGFR amplification to VTE risk.

[Prophylaxis and management of cancer-associated thrombosis: Practical issues about anticoagulant use]

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a common complication resulting from various vascular mechanisms related to cancer, antitumoral therapy and patient status, and is associated with a poor prognosis. Anticoagulants recommended for CAT treatment or prevention mainly include low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Regarding thromboprophylaxis, a situation for which LMWH is a preferred option due to a lower risk of hemorrhage especially in patients with unresected gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary malignancies, the identification of patients at risk is a major issue. For patients with established CAT, the main issue is the choice of the most appropriate anticoagulant therapy. Because of the convenience of oral formulation, DOACs are an attractive option, and their efficacy has been shown in randomized trials. However, such studies are limited by selection biases, which make the analyzed population not representative of the real-life setting, as for instance cancers associated with a high risk of hemorrhage, or antitumoral therapies (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors) known to interact with DOACs and then modifying their bioavailability. Caution associated with DOAC use is highlighted by most updated guidelines that recommend a case-by-case-based approach. The aim of the present paper is to help the oncologists make the most appropriate decision regarding the choice of anticoagulant therapy in a context of thromboprophylaxis or established CAT management in a patient with a solid tumor. The main issues are addressed through key practical questions, the answers of which are based on the current guidelines and additional published data or expert opinions.

Venous thromboembolism in cancer and cancer immunotherapy

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a clinical disease that includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Amongst its underlying risk factors, cancer is of great importance. Stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability result in clot formation and VTE. Cancer can affect coagulability by favoring these three factors, resulting in VTE incidence. Immunotherapy is a novel therapeutic approach, targeting cancer by immune system enhancement. VTE is one of the most important adverse effects of immunotherapy, which complicates the administration of immunotherapy in cancer patients. The current review provides a brief overview of VTE epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, biomarkers, the relationship of cancer and cancer immunotherapy to VTE incidence, and managing cancer-associated VTE.

Safety Assessment on Serious Adverse Events of Targeted Therapeutic Agents Prescribed for RAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Despite substantially elevated risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) from targeted therapy in combination with chemotherapy, comprehensive pharmacovigilance research is limited. This study aims to systematically assess SAE risks of commonly prescribed targeted agents (bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab) in patients with rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) wild-type metastatic colon cancer. Keyword searches of Cochrane Library, Clinical Key and MEDLINE were conducted per PRISMA-NMA guidelines. Frequentist network meta-analysis was performed with eight randomized controlled trials to compare relative risk (RR) of 21 SAE profiles. The risks of hematological, gastrointestinal, neurological SAE were insignificant among targeted agents (p > 0.05). The risk of serious hypertension was substantially elevated in bevacizumab-based chemotherapy (p < 0.05), whereas panitumumab-based chemotherapy had markedly elevated risk of serious thromboembolism (RR 3.65; 95% CI 1.30−10.26). Although both cetuximab and panitumumab demonstrated increased risk of serious dermatological and renal toxicities, panitumumab-based chemotherapy has relatively higher risk of skin toxicity (RR 15.22; 95% CI 7.17−32.35), mucositis (RR 3.18; 95% CI 1.52−6.65), hypomagnesemia (RR 20.10; 95% CI 5.92−68.21), and dehydration (RR 2.81; 95% CI 1.03−7.67) than cetuximab-based chemotherapy. Thus, further studies on risk stratification and SAE management are warranted for safe administration of targeted agents.

Risk of Thromboembolic Events in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

 The association between immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and thromboembolic events (TEEs) remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

 The goal of this study was to assess the risk of major TEEs associated with ICIs.

METHODS

 We explored ICI-related TEEs in randomized controlled trials available in ClinicalTrials.gov and electronic databases up to June 30, 2021. Meta-analysis was performed by using Peto odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

 A total of 61 studies were included. Patients treated with ICIs had a similar risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) but a significantly increased risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) (Peto OR: 1.58 [95% CI: 1.21-2.06]) compared with non-ICI regimens. Stratified by different regimens, only PD-L1 (programmed cell death ligand 1) inhibitors showed a significant increase in ATE (Peto OR: 2.07 [95% CI: 1.26-3.38]). The incidence of VTE was higher in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4) inhibitor combination therapies compared with monotherapies (Peto OR: 2.23 [95% CI: 1.47-3.37]). Stratified by tumor, for pulmonary embolism (PE) and cerebral ATE, the statistically significant results were only seen in lung cancer patients (Peto OR: 1.42 [95% CI: 1.02-1.97]; Peto OR: 2.10 [1.07-4.12]), and for myocardial infarction, the statistically significant result was only seen in other tumor types (Peto OR: 2.66 [95% CI: 1.68-4.20], p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

 There was no significant increase in the overall risk of VTE in patients treated with ICIs; however, special attention should be given to the risk of VTE in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and CTLA-4 inhibitor combination therapy and PE in lung cancer patients. PD-L1 inhibitors were associated with a significant increase in ATE.

Genomic profiling identifies somatic mutations predicting thromboembolic risk in patients with solid tumors

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with cancer (CAT) is a well-described complication of cancer and a leading cause of death in patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess potential associations of molecular signatures with CAT, including tumor-specific mutations and the presence of clonal hematopoiesis. We analyzed deep-coverage targeted DNA-sequencing data of >14 000 solid tumor samples using the Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets platform to identify somatic alterations associated with VTE. End point was defined as the first instance of cancer-associated pulmonary embolism and/or proximal/distal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression was used, adjusting for pertinent clinical covariates. Of 11 695 evaluable individuals, 72% had metastatic disease at time of analysis. Tumor-specific mutations in KRAS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.64; adjusted P = .08), STK11 (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.55-2.89; adjusted P < .001), KEAP1 (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.21-2.79; adjusted P = .07), CTNNB1 (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15-2.60; adjusted P = .09), CDKN2B (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.85; adjusted P = .07), and MET (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.15-2.92; adjusted P = .09) were associated with a significantly increased risk of CAT independent of tumor type. Mutations in SETD2 were associated with a decreased risk of CAT (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.79; adjusted P = .09). The presence of clonal hematopoiesis was not associated with an increased VTE rate. This is the first large-scale analysis to elucidate tumor-specific genomic events associated with CAT. Somatic tumor mutations of STK11, KRAS, CTNNB1, KEAP1, CDKN2B, and MET were associated with an increased risk of VTE in patients with solid tumors. Further analysis is needed to validate these findings and identify additional molecular signatures unique to individual tumor types.

[Predictive factors for mandibular osteoradionecrosis after irradiation of head and neck cancers]

The identification of the different risk factors for mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) must be done before and after the management of patients with head and neck cancer. Various clinical criteria for this severe radiation-induced complication are related to the patient (intrinsic radiosensitivity, malnutrition associated with thin weight loss, active smoking intoxication, microcapillary involvement, precarious oral status, hyposalivation) and/or related to the disease (oral cavity, large tumor size, tumor mandibular invasion). Therapeutic risk factors are also associated with a higher risk of ORN (primary tumor surgery, concomitant radio-chemotherapy, post-irradiation dental avulsion, preventive non-observance with the absence of stomatological follow-up and daily installation of gutters fluoride and, non-observance curative healing treatments). Finally, various dosimetric studies have specified the parameters in order to target the dose values distributed in the mandible, which increases the risk of ORN. An mean mandibular dose greater than 48-54Gy and high percentages of mandibular volume receiving 40 to 60Gy appear to be discriminating in the risk of developing an ORN.

Cancer Therapy-Associated Thrombosis

[Figure: see text].

Cardiovascular Toxicity of Targeted Therapies for Cancer: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Background

Several targeted therapies for cancer have been associated with cardiovascular toxicity. The evidence for this association has not been synthesized systematically nor has the quality of evidence been considered. We synthesized systematic review evidence of cardiovascular toxicity of individual targeted agents.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews with meta-analyses of cardiovascular outcomes for individual agents published to May 2020. We selected reviews according to prespecified eligibility criteria (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42017080014). We classified evidence of cardiovascular toxicity as sufficient, probable, possible, or indeterminate for specific cardiovascular outcomes based on statistical significance, study quality, and size.

Results

From 113 systematic reviews, we found at least probable systematic review evidence of cardiovascular toxicity for 18 agents, including high- and all-grade hypertension for bevacizumab, ramucirumab, axitinib, cediranib, pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, vandetanib, aflibercept, abiraterone, and enzalutamide, and all-grade hypertension for nintedanib; high- and all-grade arterial thromboembolism (includes cardiac and/or cerebral events) for bevacizumab and abiraterone, high-grade arterial thromboembolism for trastuzumab, and all-grade arterial thromboembolism for sorafenib and tamoxifen; high- and all-grade venous thromboembolism (VTE) for lenalidomide and thalidomide, high-grade VTE for cetuximab and panitumumab, and all-grade VTE for bevacizumab; high- and all-grade left ventricular ejection fraction decline or congestive heart failure for bevacizumab and trastuzumab, and all-grade left ventricular ejection fraction decline/congestive heart failure for pazopanib and sunitinib; and all-grade corrected QT interval prolongation for vandetanib.

Conclusions

Our review provides an accessible summary of the cardiovascular toxicity of targeted therapy to assist clinicians and patients when managing cardiovascular health.

A snapshot of cancer-associated thromboembolic disease in 2018-2019: First data from the TESEO prospective registry

BACKGROUND

The ever-growing complexity of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), with new antineoplastic drugs and anticoagulants, distinctive characteristics, and decisions with low levels of evidence, justifies this registry.

METHOD

TESEO is a prospective registry promoted by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology to which 34 centers contribute cases. It seeks to provide an epidemiological description of CAT in Spain.

RESULTS

Participants (N=939) with CAT diagnosed between July 2018 and December 2019 were recruited. Most subjects had advanced colon (21.4%), non-small cell lung (19.2%), and breast (11.1%) cancers, treated with dual-agent chemotherapy (28.4%), monochemotherapy (14.4%), or immune checkpoint inhibitors (3.6%). Half (51%) were unsuspected events, albeit only 57.1% were truly asymptomatic. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was recorded in 571 (58.3%); in 120/571 (21.0%), there was a concurrent deep venous thromboembolism (VTE). Most initially received low molecular weight heparin (89.7%). Suspected and unsuspected VTE had an OS rate of 9.9 (95% CI, 7.3-non-computable) and 14.4 months (95% CI, 12.6-non-computable) (p=0.00038). Six-month survival was 80.9%, 55.9%, and 55.5% for unsuspected PE, unsuspected PE admitted for another reason, and suspected PE, respectively (p<0.0001). The 12-month cumulative incidence of venous rethrombosis was 7.1% (95% CI, 4.7-10.2) in stage IV vs 3.0% (95% CI, 0.9-7.1) in stages I-III. The 12-month cumulative incidence of major/clinically relevant bleeding was 9.6% (95% CI, 6.1-14.0) in the presence of risk factors.

CONCLUSION

CAT continues to be a relevant problem in the era of immunotherapy and targeted therapies. The initial TESEO data highlight the evolution of CAT, with new agents and thrombotic risk factors.

Increase in Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 Levels without Tumor Progression after Polaprezinc Administration that Induced Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Colon Cancer Patient

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a well-known tumor marker of adenocarcinoma (reference range, 37 U/mL). It can also be used, together with computed tomography, to monitor responses and resistance to chemotherapy in cancer patients. False elevation of CA 19-9 levels is often seen in conditions such as biliary tract obstruction and cholangitis. However, whether medication might induce false elevation of CA 19-9 levels has not yet been reported. A 74-year-old man was treated with third-line CPT-11 (irinotecan) plus panitumumab for stage IV cancer of the ascending colon. The patient developed chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia and was treated with polaprezinc. After polaprezinc administration, his CA 19-9 levels gradually increased from 18.9 to 1,699.4 U/mL. He developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), although it was not associated with progressive disease or metastasis. Upon discontinuation of polaprezinc, CA 19-9 levels gradually decreased. This case demonstrates that polaprezinc may not only induce false elevation of CA 19-9 levels but also cause development of DVT induced by increased CA 19-9 levels, both of which are very rare events.

Rhein sensitizes human colorectal cancer cells to EGFR inhibitors by inhibiting STAT3 pathway

Background

Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been reported in a variety of cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC), and represents a potential chemotherapeutic drug target. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been increasingly applied in the clinical treatment of CRC, but development of drug resistance during the treatment has greatly limited their application. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its mediated signal transduction pathway play an important role in the occurrence, development and metastasis of CRC, and are related to the development of EGFR-TKI resistance in CRC.

Methods

Cell viability, colony formation and cellular morphology were examined to evaluate the potent antiproliferative effect of the STAT3 inhibitor napabucasin, LY5 and rhein on the human CRC cell lines HCT116, SW620, RKO and DLD-1. Flow cytometry-based analysis was employed to determine whether rhein can affect the cell cycle and apoptosis. The expression level of phosphorylated STAT3 (P-STAT3), and cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins BCL2, CDC2 BAX, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin B1 were detected by Western blot analysis.

Results

This study revealed that rhein can significantly reduce cell viability and stimulate apoptosis in human CRC cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, rhein induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in CRC cells and dose-dependently inhibited the expression of cell cycle-related proteins. Additionally, it was found that napabucasin, LY5 and rhein considerably sensitized cells to the EGFR-TKI erlotinib, thus suppressing CRC cell proliferation. Rhein also inhibited the phosphorylation of its downstream target STAT3. Inhibition of STAT3 and EGFR phosphorylation was also observed after treatment with a combination of rhein and EGFR inhibitors.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the synergistic effect of STAT3 inhibitor and EGFR inhibitor in CRC cell lines. Additionally, we found that rhein sensitizes human CRC cells to EGFR-TKIs by inhibiting STAT3 pathway. When combined with EGFR-TKIs, rhein may be a novel STAT3 inhibitor in CRC.

Thrombotic Risk from Chemotherapy and Other Cancer Therapies

Cancer patients have an increased risk of thrombosis. The development of cancer thrombosis is dependent on a number of factors including cancer type, stage, various biologic markers, and the use of central venous catheters. In addition, cancer treatment itself may increase thrombotic risk. Tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by two- to sevenfold, while an impact on risk of arterial thrombosis is uncertain. Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) such as thalidomide and lenalidomide increase the risk of VTE in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) by about 10-40% when given in combination with glucocorticoids or other chemotherapy agents; the risk of VTE in MM patients treated with IMiD-containing regimens necessitates that such patients receive thromboprophylaxis with aspirin, low-molecular-weight heparin, or warfarin. Among cytotoxic chemotherapy agents, cisplatin, and to a lesser extent fluorouracil, has been described in association with thrombosis. L-asparaginase in treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia is significantly associated with increased thrombosis particularly affecting the CNS, which may be due to acquired antithrombin deficiency; at some centers, plasma infusions or antithrombin replacement is used to mitigate this. Bevacizumab, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor, increases arterial and possibly venous thrombotic risk, although the literature is conflicting about the latter. Supportive care agents in cancer care, such as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, and steroids, also have some impact on thrombosis. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which these and other therapies modulate thrombotic risks and how such risks may be managed.

Management of skin toxicity caused by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: an evidence-based implementation project

BACKGROUND

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) bind to and inhibit epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) in cancer cells, slowing/preventing tumor growth. As a type of "targeted therapy", they have demonstrated therapeutic effects on solid tumors including colorectal, lung, and head and neck cancers. While effective, various skin reactions are associated with EGFRI therapy which can lead to dose modification or discontinuation as well as discomfort, pain and reduced quality of life. With adequate knowledge and skills, EGFRI-induced skin toxicity can be effectively managed collaboratively by clinicians and people affected by cancer.

OBJECTIVES

This project aimed to improve management of skin toxicity caused by EGFRIs by implementing evidence-informed practice within a chemotherapy department.

METHODS

Evidence-informed recommendations for practice and corresponding audit criteria were developed based on a series of literature reviews. Current practice was reviewed against these criteria with 19 nurses and 21 patients within a chemotherapy department. Barriers to adherence to evidence-informed practice were identified and strategies to improve compliance were implemented with clinicians and patients. A follow-up audit against the criteria was used to measure changes in clinical practice.

RESULTS

Multiple strategies for getting research into practice appear to have been successful. The follow-up audit demonstrated large improvements in compliance across all audit criteria in comparison with baseline results with all but one criterion achieving 100% compliance. Low rates of suspected infection meant that clinical practice could not be measured for criterion 7.

CONCLUSIONS

Auditing current practice and implementation of strategies to improve compliance with evidence-informed practice were effective. Sustaining these improvements is vital to ensure clinical practice continues to support better patient outcomes.

Venous thromboembolism with EGFR monoclonal antibody necitumumab in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective cohort analysis

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a recognized risk factor for VTE. Some systemic treatments may increase this risk further. Here, we present the risk of VTE and its prognostic significance for patients treated with chemotherapy (chemo) and the EGFR monoclonal antibody necitumumab (neci) for metastatic NSCLC.

METHODS

Four trials of 1st-line treatment for Stage IV NSCLC were analyzed: two randomized phase 3 studies of cisplatin/gemcitabine ±neci in squamous NSCLC (SQUIRE: N = 1079) and cisplatin/pemetrexed ±neci in non-squamous NSCLC (INSPIRE: N = 616); JFCL (N = 161), a randomized phase 2 trial of carboplatin/paclitaxel ±neci in squamous NSCLC; and JFCK (N = 61), a single arm phase 2 trial of cisplatin/gemcitabine +neci in squamous NSCLC. A Cox proportional hazards model with VTE as a time-dependent covariate was used for overall survival (OS) analyses.

RESULTS

Neci + chemo was associated with an increased risk of VTE (Relative Risk [RR]: 1.579; 95% CI: 1.155-2.158). History of VTE (RR: 1.899; 95% CI: 1.142-3.156) and prior cardiac/cardiovascular events (RR: 1.514; 95% CI: 1.102-2.082) were associated with increased risk of VTE. Decreased VTE risk was seen with: male sex (RR: 0.696; 95% CI: 0.502-0.964), eastern European geographic region (RR: 0.387; 95% CI: 0.267-0.562) and squamous cell pathology (RR: 0.653; 95% CI: 0.483-0.883). VTE occurrence showed no association with OS (HR: 1.121; 95% CI: 0.930-1.351).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that certain patient characteristics such as prior history of VTE and non-squamous histology might be associated with an increased risk of on-treatment VTE in NSCLC, although in this study, overall survival was not affected. Further studies to develop measures for identifying high-risk patients are needed to inform treatment decisions as well as VTE management and prophylaxis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via the EGFR pathway and caspase signaling

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (PA-MSHA) has demonstrated efficacy against several solid tumors. In this study, we found that PA-MSHA inhibited the proliferation of PANC-1 and SW1990 pancreatic cancer cells, but had no obvious effects on HPDE6-C7 normal human pancreatic duct epithelial cells. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of apoptotic bodies and intracellular vacuole formation in PA-MSHA-treated pancreatic cancer cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated the rate of apoptosis correlated with the PA-MSHA concentration. We observed a decrease in cell fractions in G0/G1 and G2/M phases, and an increase in the fraction in S phase (p < 0.01). PA-MSHA thus caused cell cycle arrest. Increasing concentrations of PA-MSHA did not alter total levels of EGFR, AKT or ERK, but levels of the corresponding phosphoproteins decreased. PA-MSHA also reduced tumor volume in a xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer (p < 0.01). Furthermore, caspase-3 levels decreased while the levels of cleaved caspase-3 increased (p < 0.01). These data suggest that by blocking cell cycle progression, PA-MSHA induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth. PA-MSHA-mediated inhibition of EGFR signaling and activation of the caspase pathway may play an important role in the induction of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.

Risk of fatigue in cancer patients receiving anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the association between fatigue and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies (anti-EGFR MAbs), we conducted the first meta-analysis to access the incidence and risk of fatigue associated with anti-EGFR MAbs.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 2017. Eligible studies were selected according to PRISMA statement. Incidence rates, risk ratio (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Outcomes of quality were summarized in accordance with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology.

RESULTS

Thirty-five RCTs (including 15,622 patients) were included; median follow-up ranged from 8.1 to 71.4 months, and the fatigue events were recorded and graded according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 2.0 or 3.0 in most of the included trials. For patients receiving anti-EGFR MAbs, the overall incidence of all-grade and high-grade fatigue was 54.1% and 10.5%, respectively. Compared with control, anti-EGFR MAbs significantly increased the risk of all-grade fatigue (RR 1.10, 95% CI, 1.05-1.14, moderate-quality evidence) and high-grade fatigue (RR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.19-1.45, moderate-quality evidence). No significant differences among subgroup analyses (anti-EGFR MAbs, tumor type, and median follow-up) on high-grade fatigue were observed. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that anti-EGFR MAbs may increase the risk of fatigue in cancer patients.

Risk of severe pulmonary embolism in cancer patients receiving bevacizumab: Results from a meta-analysis of published and unpublished data

To evaluate the association between severe pulmonary embolism events and bevacizumab, we conducted the first meta-analysis evaluating the incidence and risk of pulmonary embolism associated with bevacizumab-based therapy. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to September 2016 for randomized controlled trials comparing bevacizumab with no bevacizumab on cancer patients. Incidence rates, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. The primary end point was the association of bevacizumab with pulmonary embolism. Subgroup analyses were performed according to tumor type, dose, and publication status. In total, 23 randomized controlled trials were included. For patients receiving bevacizumab, the overall incidence of severe pulmonary embolism events was 1.76% (95% confidence interval = 1.25%-2.27%). Cancer patients treated with bevacizumab did not increase the risk of pulmonary embolism events (relative risk = 1.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.80-1.25). No significant differences in pulmonary embolism incidence or risk among subgroup analyses were observed. No evidence of publication bias was observed. This study suggested that bevacizumab may not increase the risk of pulmonary embolism in cancer patients.