Treatment-specific risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms in five-year survivors of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

The introduction of rituximab significantly improved the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), emphasizing the importance of evaluating the long-term consequences of exposure to radiotherapy, alkylating agents and anthracycline-containing (immuno)chemotherapy among DLBCL survivors.

METHODS

Long-term risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) was examined in a multicenter cohort comprising 2373 5-year DLBCL survivors treated at ages 15-61 years in 1989-2012. Observed SMN numbers were compared with expected cancer incidence to estimate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and absolute excess risks (AERs/10 000 person-years). Treatment-specific risks were assessed using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 321 survivors developed one or more SMNs (SIR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.8, AER 51.8). SIRs remained increased for at least 20 years after first-line treatment (SIR ≥20-year follow-up 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2, AER 81.8) and were highest among patients ≤40 years at first DLBCL treatment (SIR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.5). Lung (SIR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7, AER 13.4) and gastrointestinal cancers (SIR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.0, AER 11.8) accounted for the largest excess risks. Treatment with >4500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide/>300 mg/m2 doxorubicin versus ≤2250 mg/m2/≤150 mg/m2, respectively, was associated with increased solid SMN risk (hazard ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2). Survivors who received rituximab had a lower risk of subdiaphragmatic solid SMNs (hazard ratio 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-1.0) compared with survivors who did not receive rituximab.

CONCLUSION

Five-year DLBCL survivors have an increased risk of SMNs. Risks were higher for survivors ≤40 years at first treatment and survivors treated with >4500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide/>300 mg/m2 doxorubicin, and may be lower for survivors treated in the rituximab era, emphasizing the need for studies with longer follow-up for rituximab-treated patients.

Effect of a prediction tool and communication skills training on communication of treatment outcomes: a multicenter stepped wedge clinical trial (the SOURCE trial)

Background

For cancer patients to effectively engage in decision making, they require comprehensive and understandable information regarding treatment options and their associated outcomes. We developed an online prediction tool and supporting communication skills training to assist healthcare providers (HCPs) in this complex task. This study aims to assess the impact of this combined intervention (prediction tool and training) on the communication practices of HCPs when discussing treatment options.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter intervention trial using a pragmatic stepped wedge design (NCT04232735). Standardized Patient Assessments (simulated consultations) using cases of esophageal and gastric cancer patients, were performed before and after the combined intervention (March 2020 to July 2022). Audio recordings were analyzed using an observational coding scale, rating all utterances of treatment outcome information on the primary outcome-precision of provided outcome information-and on secondary outcomes-such as: personalization, tailoring and use of visualizations. Pre vs. post measurements were compared in order to assess the effect of the intervention.

Findings

31 HCPs of 11 different centers in the Netherlands participated. The tool and training significantly affected the precision of the overall communicated treatment outcome information (p = 0.001, median difference 6.93, IQR (-0.32 to 12.44)). In the curative setting, survival information was significantly more precise after the intervention (p = 0.029). In the palliative setting, information about side effects was more precise (p < 0.001).

Interpretation

A prediction tool and communication skills training for HCPs improves the precision of treatment information on outcomes in simulated consultations. The next step is to examine the effect of such interventions on communication in clinical practice and on patient-reported outcomes.

Funding

Financial support for this study was provided entirely by a grant from the Dutch Cancer Society (UVA 2014-7000).

Evaluation of S201086/GLPG1972, an ADAMTS-5 inhibitor, for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in ROCCELLA: a phase 2 randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anti-catabolic ADAMTS-5 inhibitor S201086/GLPG1972 for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

DESIGN

ROCCELLA (NCT03595618) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, phase 2 trial in adults (aged 40-75 years) with knee osteoarthritis. Participants had moderate-to-severe pain in the target knee, Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3 and Osteoarthritis Research Society International joint space narrowing (grade 1 or 2). Participants were randomized 1:1:1:1 to once-daily oral S201086/GLPG1972 75, 150 or 300 mg, or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to week 52 in central medial femorotibial compartment cartilage thickness (cMFTC) assessed quantitatively by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline to week 52 in radiographic joint space width, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total and subscores, and pain (visual analogue scale). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were also recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 932 participants were enrolled. No significant differences in cMFTC cartilage loss were observed between placebo and S201086/GLPG1972 therapeutic groups: placebo vs 75 mg, P = 0.165; vs 150 mg, P = 0.939; vs 300 mg, P = 0.682. No significant differences in any of the secondary endpoints were observed between placebo and treatment groups. Similar proportions of participants across treatment groups experienced TEAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite enrolment of participants who experienced substantial cartilage loss over 52 weeks, during the same time period, S201086/GLPG1972 did not significantly reduce rates of cartilage loss or modify symptoms in adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Team dynamics and clinician’s experience influence decision-making during Upper-GI multidisciplinary team meetings: A multiple case study

Background

The probability of undergoing treatment with curative intent for esophagogastric cancer has been shown to vary considerately between hospitals of diagnosis. Little is known about the factors that attribute to this variation. Since clinical decision making (CDM) partially takes place during an MDTM, the aim of this qualitative study was to assess clinician’s perspectives regarding facilitators and barriers associated with CDM during MDTM, and second, to identify factors associated with CDM during an MDTM that may potentially explain differences in hospital practice.

Methods

A multiple case study design was conducted. The thematic content analysis of this qualitative study, focused on 16 MDTM observations, 30 semi-structured interviews with clinicians and seven focus groups with clinicians to complement the collected data. Interviews were transcribed ad verbatim and coded.

Results

Factors regarding team dynamics that were raised as aspects attributing to CDM were clinician’s personal characteristics such as ambition and the intention to be innovative. Clinician’s convictions regarding a certain treatment and its outcomes and previous experiences with treatment outcomes, and team dynamics within the MDTM influenced CDM. In addition, a continuum was illustrated. At one end of the continuum, teams tended to be more conservative, following the guidelines more strictly, versus the opposite in which hospitals tended towards a more invasive approach maximizing the probability of curation.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the awareness that variation in team dynamics influences CDM during an MDTM.

Evaluation of a General Practitioner with Special Interest model: lessons learned from staff experiences

BACKGROUND

The integration of general practitioners into specialist outpatient clinics is associated with improved access to care; however, little is understood about the organisation-level factors that affect successful implementation. We aimed to identify factors that were facilitators or barriers to the implementation of a General Practitioner with Special Interest (GPwSI) model of care across a range of specialties.

METHODS

Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 stakeholders at 13 GPwSI clinics in operation within a Queensland public health service. A deductive content analysis was conducted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

RESULTS

Stakeholders generally supported the GPwSI model and saw advantages to patients and specialist medical practitioners in terms of waiting lists, workload, and improving clinician self-efficacy and knowledge. A number of factors were identified as being crucial to the success of the program, such as adequate support and planning for the implementation, appropriate funding and advocacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our evaluation indicates that a GPwSI model can be a beneficial resource for improving care to patients and reducing wait lists, dependent upon adequate planning, training, and support.

FRI0393 BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDY POPULATION IN ROCCELLA, A PHASE 2 CLINICAL TRIAL EVALUATING THE EFFICACY AND THE SAFETY OF S201086/GLPG1972 IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease involving structural pathology of all joint tissues, and most commonly affecting the knee, hip and hand. Degradation of the cartilage extracellular matrix represents a central feature of OA and is widely thought to be mediated by proteinases that degrade primarily aggrecan and collagen. ADAMTS-5, a Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin-motif-5, is a key aggrecan-cleaving enzyme involved in cartilage degradation. S201086/GLPG1972, a potent and highly selective inhibitor of ADAMTS-5, is an oral Disease-Modifying OsteoArthritis Drug (DMOAD) candidate.

Objectives:

The primary objective of the ROCCELLA phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03595618) is to evaluate the effect of S201086/GLPG1972 over 52 weeks of treatment (3 dose groups compared to placebo) in reducing cartilage loss. Cartilage thickness of the knee is being measured quantitatively by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Here, we describe the baseline characteristics of patients included in the ROCCELLA clinical trial.

Methods:

The main inclusion criteria were: male or female, aged 40 to 75, with a diagnosis of knee OA according to the clinical and radiological criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. The target knee had to meet a pain score between 40 and 90 mm on a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the following radiographic feature upon central radiographic readings: Kellgren/Lawrence (KL) 2 or 3 and OARSI medial joint space narrowing (JSN) 1 or 2 (for more details see Deckxet al. OARSI 2020). The rationale for these specific radiographic inclusion criteria was to ensure sufficient cartilage loss over 12 months to assess the efficacy of S201086/GLPG1972.

Results:

Across 12 countries, 3319 patients were screened and 932 were finally included in the study. The screen failure of 72% is mainly due to the radiological criteria. The age of the patients was 62.9 ± 7.3 years (mean ± SD) with a majority of women (69.3%). The BMI was 30.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2. The duration of knee OA was 7.2 ± 6.9 years. Five hundred and one (53.8%) patients reported a medical history of musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, mainly osteoarthritis in other sites (20.2%), back pain (13.6%), and arthralgia (9.8%). At inclusion, 97.2% of the patients were taking different types of drug treatments, mainly anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic products (69.4%) and analgesics (42%). At baseline, 11% of the target knees were KL2 and 89% were KL3; 32% were OARSI medial JSN grade 1 and 68% grade 2. Target knees at inclusion had a pain score on the VAS of 63.5 ± 11.4 mm (range 0-100, with 0 for no and 100 for extreme pain) and a total WOMAC (Likert 3.1) score of 48.0 ± 15.0 (range 0-96). The WOMAC subscores for pain, stiffness and physical function were 10.0 ± 3.2 (range 0-20), 4.2 ± 1.6 (range 0-8) and 33.8 ± 11.2 (range 0-68, indicating functional limitation), respectively.

Conclusion:

For this clinical trial, patients were selected to present radiological criteria (i.e.OARSI JSN 1 and 2) to ensure sufficient structural progression (cartilage loss) over 12 months, as well as clinical symptoms. These stringent selection criteria were the main cause for the high screen failure rate. These baseline characteristics should warrant the ability to evaluate the efficacy of S201086/GLPG1972 as a DMOAD candidate. The search for an effective pharmacological treatment that can prevent or cure OA remains a major challenge and unmet medical need.

Disclosure of Interests:

Katy Bernard Employee of: Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Sergey GRANKOV Employee of: Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Marjolijne van der Stoep Employee of: Galapagos, Agnès Lalande Employee of: Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Olivier Imbert Employee of: Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, De Phung Employee of: Galapagos, Damien Chimits Employee of: Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Karine Muller Employee of: Galapagos, Ellen van der Aar Employee of: Galapagos, Henri Deckx Employee of: Galapagos, Maria Pueyo Employee of: Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Felix Eckstein Grant/research support from: Merck, Orthotrphix, Servier, Galapagos, Kolon Tissuegene, Samumed, Novartis, Consultant of: Merck, Bioclinica, Servier, Samumed, Roche, Kolon Tissuegene, Galapagos and Novartis, Employee of: co-owner and employment with Chondrometrics

Long-term trends in HIV care entry: over 15 years of clinical experience from Poland

INTRODUCTION

Delay in HIV diagnosis and consequently late care entry with low CD4 counts remain a major challenge for the control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of characteristics of the HIV epidemic in Poland.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected for 3972 HIV-infected patients followed up in 14 of 17 Polish HIV treatment centres in the years 2000-2015. Clinical data were analysed and factors associated with late presentation (baseline CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or history of AIDS-defining illness) and advanced HIV disease (baseline CD4 count < 200 cells/μL or history of AIDS) were identified.

RESULTS

The majority (57.6%) of patients entered care late, while 35.6% presented with advanced HIV disease. The odds of being linked to care late or with advanced HIV disease increased consistently across age categories, increasing from 2.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-4.47] for late presentation and 3.13 (95% CI 1.49-6.58) for advanced disease for the 21-30-year-old category to 5.2 (95% CI 1.94-14.04) and 8.15 (95% CI 2.88-23.01), respectively, for individuals > 60 years of age. Increased risks of late entry and advanced HIV disease were also observed for injecting drug users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.74 (95% CI 1.16-2.60) and 1.55 (95% CI 1.05-2.30), respectively], with lower aOR associated with the men who have sex with men transmission route [aOR 0.3 (95% CI 0.31-0.59) and 0.39 (95% CI 0.29-0.53), respectively]. The frequencies of cases in which patients were linked to care late and with advanced HIV disease decreased over time from 67.6% (2000) to 53.5% (2015) (P < 0.0001) and from 43.5% (2000) to 28.4% (2015) (P = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improvements over time, most patients diagnosed with HIV infection entered care late, with a third presenting with advanced HIV disease. Late care entry remains common among people who inject drugs and heterosexual groups.

Real-world outcomes of unrestricted direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in Australia: The South Australian statewide experience

In March 2016, the Australian government offered unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) to the entire population. This included prescription by any medical practitioner in consultation with specialists until sufficient experience was attained. We sought to determine the outcomes and experience over the first twelve months for the entire state of South Australia. We performed a prospective, observational study following outcomes of all treatments associated with the state's four main tertiary centres. A total of 1909 subjects initiating DAA therapy were included, representing an estimated 90% of all treatments in the state. Overall, SVR12 was 80.4% in all subjects intended for treatment and 95.7% in those completing treatment and follow-up. 14.2% were lost to follow-up (LTFU) and did not complete SVR12 testing. LTFU was independently associated with community treatment via remote consultation (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04-2.18, P = .03), prison-based treatment (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08-3.79, P = .03) and younger age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, P = .05). Of the 1534 subjects completing treatment and follow-up, decreased likelihood of SVR12 was associated with genotype 2 (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.74, P = .01) and genotype 3 (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12-0.43, P ≤ .01). A significant decrease in treatment initiation was observed over the twelve-month period in conjunction with a shift from hospital to community-based treatment. Our findings support the high responses observed in clinical trials; however, a significant gap exists in SVR12 in our real-world cohort due to LTFU. A declining treatment initiation rate and shift to community-based treatment highlight the need to explore additional strategies to identify, treat and follow-up remaining patients in order to achieve elimination targets.

Definitive chemoradiation for locoregional recurrences of esophageal cancer after primary curative treatment

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of salvage definitive chemoradiation (dCRT) for a locoregional recurrence after any prior curative treatment outside previously irradiated areas. Thirty-nine patients treated between January 2005 and December 2014 were reviewed for locoregional recurrent esophageal cancer outside previously irradiated areas. All patients received salvage treatment with external beam radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) combined with weekly concurrent paclitaxel and carboplatin. The median follow-up period was 15 months (range 1.7-120). The median overall survival (OS) for all patients after salvage dCRT was 22 months (95% CI 6.2-37.6). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS was 72%, 31%, and 28%, respectively. Median survival after salvage dCRT for a regional lymph node recurrence was 33 months (95% CI 5.8-60.3) versus 14 months (95% CI 6.8-21.6) for a recurrence at the anastomosis (P = 0.022, logrank). Median OS was 35 months for the squamous cell carcinoma group and 19 months for the adenocarcinoma group (P = 0.67). Sixteen of 39 patients developed a locoregional recurrence after salvaged dCRT. The median locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was 24 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year LRFS was 79%, 36%, and 36%, respectively. Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 15 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS was 66%, 27%, and 27%, respectively. Of 16 patients, 8 (50%) with a primary failure at the site of the anastomosis developed a local recurrence after salvaged dCRT compared to 7 of 22 patients (32%) with a primary recurrence in a lymph node. Definitive chemoradiation is a feasible and effective treatment for locoregional recurrent esophageal cancer outside a previously irradiated area, and should be given with a curative intent. This holds true for recurrence of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Lymph node recurrences have a markedly better prognosis than recurrences at the site of the anastomosis.

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease in Argentina

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of osteoporosis (OP) in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) in Argentina. GD patients from 28 centers were consecutively included from April 2012 to 2014. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine and the femoral neck or the total proximal femur for patients ≥20 yr of age, and by whole-body scan in the lumbar spine in patients <20 yr of age. In children, mineral density was calculated using the chronological age and Z height. OP diagnosis was determined following adult and pediatric official position of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. A total of 116 patients were included, of which 62 (53.5%) were women. The median age was 25.8 yr. All patients received enzyme replacement therapy, with a median time of 9.4 yr. Normal BMD was found in 89 patients (76.7%), whereas low bone mass (LBM) or osteopenia was found in 15 patients (13%) and OP in 12 patients (10.3%). The analysis of the pediatric population revealed that 4 patients (9.3%) had LBM and 3 (7%) had OP (Z-score ≤ -2 + fractures height-adjusted by Z), whereas in the adult population (n = 73), 11 patients (15%) had LBM or osteopenia and 9 (12.3%) had OP. Bone marrow infiltration and the presence of fractures were significantly correlated with the presence of OP (p = 0.04 and <0.001, respectively). This is the first study in Argentina and in the region describing the frequency of OP or LBM in GD patients treated with imiglucerase using the official position of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.

A comparison of carboplatin and paclitaxel with cisplatinum and 5-fluorouracil in definitive chemoradiation in esophageal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

In esophageal cancer (EC) patients who are not eligible for surgery, definitive chemoradiation (dCRT) with curative intent using cisplatinum with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the standard chemotherapy regimen. Nowadays carboplatin/paclitaxel is also often used. In this study, we compared survival and toxicity rates between both regimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicenter study included 102 patients treated in five centers in the Northeast Netherlands from 1996 till 2008. Forty-seven patients received cisplatinum/5-FU (75 mg/m(2) and 1 g/m(2)) and 55 patients carboplatin/paclitaxel (AUC2 and 50 mg/m(2)).

RESULTS

Overall survival (OS) was not different between the cisplatinum/5-FU and carboplatin/paclitaxel group {[P = 0.879, hazard ratio (HR) 0.97 [confidence interval (CI) 0.62-1.51]}, with a median survival of 16.1 (CI 11.8-20.5) and 13.8 months (CI 10.8-16.9). Median disease-free survival (DFS) was comparable [P = 0.760, HR 0.93 (CI 0.60-1.45)] between the cisplatinum/5-FU group [11.1 months (CI 6.9-15.3)] and the carboplatin/paclitaxel group [9.7 months (CI 5.1-14.4)]. Groups were comparable except clinical T stage was higher in the carboplatin/paclitaxel group (P = 0.008). High clinical T stage (cT4) was not related to OS and DFS in a univariate analysis (P = 0.250 and P = 0.201). A higher percentage of patients completed the carboplatin/paclitaxel regimen (82% versus 57%, P = 0.010). Hematological and nonhematological toxicity (≥grade 3) in the carboplatin/paclitaxel group (4% and 18%) was significantly lower than in the cisplatinum/5-FU (19% and 38%, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we showed comparable outcome, in terms of DFS and OS for carboplatin/paclitaxel compared with cisplatinum/5-FU as dCRT treatment in EC patients. Toxicity rates were lower in the carboplatin/paclitaxel group together with higher treatment compliance. Carboplatin/paclitaxel as an alternative treatment of cisplatinum/5-FU is a good candidate regimen for further evaluation.

Fractional anisotropy distributions in 2- to 6-year-old children with autism

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence suggests that autism is a disorder of distributed neural networks that may exhibit abnormal developmental trajectories. Characterisation of white matter early in the developmental course of the disorder is critical to understanding these aberrant trajectories.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 2- to 6-year-old children with autism was conducted using diffusion tensor imaging combined with a novel statistical approach employing fractional anisotropy distributions. Fifty-eight children aged 18-79 months were imaged: 33 were diagnosed with autism, 8 with general developmental delay, and 17 were typically developing. Fractional anisotropy values within global white matter, cortical lobes and the cerebellum were measured and transformed to random F distributions for each subject. Each distribution of values for a region was summarised by estimating δ, the estimated mean and standard deviation of the approximating F for each distribution.

RESULTS

The estimated δ parameter, , was significantly decreased in individuals with autism compared to the combined control group. This was true in all cortical lobes, as well as in the cerebellum, but differences were most robust in the temporal lobe. Predicted developmental trajectories of across the age range in the sample showed patterns that partially distinguished the groups. Exploratory analyses suggested that the variability, rather than the central tendency, component of was the driving force behind these results.

CONCLUSIONS

While preliminary, our results suggest white matter in young children with autism may be abnormally homogeneous, which may reflect poorly organised or differentiated pathways, particularly in the temporal lobe, which is important for social and emotional cognition.

An investigation of the effect of tailored information on symptoms of anxiety and depression in Head and Neck cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if tailored information provision decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression in late stage Head and Neck (H&N) cancer patients.

METHODS

This non-randomized, controlled trial was conducted with stage III or IV H&N cancer patients. Subjects were recruited at two academic health centers in Montreal. At the test center, subjects received the Multimode Comprehensive Tailored Information Package (MCTIP), while at the control center, they received normal information provision. Participants were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline and 3 and 6 month later. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics then T tests and chi square tests to compare group differences and finally mixed model analysis to test differences in outcome variables.

RESULTS

A total of 103 subjects were recruited and of them 96 (47 tests and 49 controls) participants completed baseline, 3 and 6 month evaluations. The test group experienced lower levels of anxiety (p = 0.001) and depression (p = 0.089) than the control group.

CONCLUSION

The subjects receiving tailored information had lower levels of anxiety than their counterparts. In addition, depression showed a reduction in the expected direction in the test group.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Our results need to be further confirmed using a randomized approach in different samples but they suggest benefits for stage III and IV H&N cancer patients receiving tailored, multi-modal information concerning their cancer.

Pregnancy and IBD treatment: this challenging interplay from a patients' perspective

INTRODUCTION

Current data suggest that exacerbations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) during pregnancy worsen perinatal outcomes. However, patients' perceptions regarding the interaction between pregnancy and IBD management are unexplored.

AIMS

To (1) obtain pregnancy outcome data from local female IBD patients, and (2) to gain insight into patients' understanding of the interaction between IBD and pregnancy, and how this affects medication-taking behaviour.

METHODS

Female IBD subjects aged 18-50 years were surveyed by questionnaire. This large retrospective study sought patient who reported pregnancy outcomes and examined the relationship between major adverse outcomes, IBD activity and treatment. Subjective data regarding patients' perceptions about IBD management and pregnancy were sought.

RESULTS

219 females were surveyed, 143 completing a questionnaire (68.1%). 342 pregnancies occurred, 298 of which outcome data were available. Overall IBD women reported adverse pregnancy outcome rates comparable to the local population. Major adverse outcomes were more frequent in the subgroup with severe disease during pregnancy (5/14 (35.7%)) than those with inactive disease (14/284 (4.9%)), (OR 6.8 (95% CI 1.7-26.3), p=0.006). Adjusting for disease severity, neither corticosteroid, azathioprine nor 5ASA affected pregnancy outcome. Most female patients (84%) reported (unwarranted) concerns about the effect of IBD medications on pregnancy, free text responses indicating that this was of greater concern than any effect of IBD exacerbation.

CONCLUSIONS

Unwarranted fear of adverse medication effect on pregnancy is highly prevalent in women with IBD, yet awareness of the harmful effect of IBD exacerbation during pregnancy is poor. This information gap between patients and their gastroenterologists warrants attention.

Hydroxyapatite nano and microparticles: correlation of particle properties with cytotoxicity and biostability

Synthetic colloid and gel hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) were spray dried to form microparticles (MPs). These are intended for use as slow release vaccine vectors. The physico-chemical properties of gel and colloid NPs and MPs were compared to those of HA obtained commercially. Their cytotoxicity to human monocytes'-derived macrophages (HMMs) was assessed in vitro using a range of techniques. These included the MTT assay, LDH leakage and a confocal based live-dead cell assay. Cytotoxicity differed significantly between preparations, with the suspended gel preparation being the most toxic (31-500 microg/ml). Other preparations were also toxic but only at higher concentrations (>250 microg/ml). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and stereology showed variable cellular uptake and subsequent dissolution of the various forms of HA. We have demonstrated that HA particle toxicity varied considerably and that it was related to their physico-chemical properties. Cell death correlated strongly with particle load. The intracellular dissolution of particles as a function of time in HMM suggests that increased cytoplasmic calcium load is likely to be the cause of cell death. Some HA NPs eluded the phagocytic pathway and a few were even seen to enter the nuclei through nuclear pores.

Exploring cumulus-oocyte-complex-oviductal cell interactions: gene profiling in the bovine oviduct

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is present in the bovine oviduct and may play an important role in muscle contraction or as survival factor providing the optimal environment for fertilization and the early embryo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the estrous cycle-dependent changes and local distributions of PGE(2) receptors (EP) and members of the trefoil factor (TFF)-family in the bovine oviduct using real-time RT-PCR. A co-cultivation system of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC) with primary oviductal cells was screened for the mRNA expression pattern of selected factors. An oviductal primary cell culture was used for investigating effects of estradiol on signal transduction pathways. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed significant higher expression of EP2 and EP4 in the pre-ovulatory phase compared with the luteal phase. TFF3 mRNAwas expressed during the estrous cycle with highest level in the post-ovulatory phase showing higher expression levels in the isthmus compared with the ampulla. A different mRNA expression pattern was observed for factors involved in extracellular matrix formation in co-cultured oviductal cells compared to untreated controls. In vitro, NF-kappaB was found activated after estradiol treatment. These results suggest that a fine-tuned PGE(2) signal transduction pathway may support fertilization, early embryonic development and gamete transport in the bovine oviduct.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery versus surgery alone for patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (CROSS)

Background

A surgical resection is currently the preferred treatment for esophageal cancer if the tumor is considered to be resectable without evidence of distant metastases (cT1-3 N0-1 M0). A high percentage of irradical resections is reported in studies using neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone and in trials in which patients are treated with surgery alone. Improvement of locoregional control by using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy might therefore improve the prognosis in these patients. We previously reported that after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with weekly administrations of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel combined with concurrent radiotherapy nearly always a complete R0-resection could be performed. The concept that this neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimen improves overall survival has, however, to be proven in a randomized phase III trial.

Methods/design

The CROSS trial is a multicenter, randomized phase III, clinical trial. The study compares neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with surgery alone in patients with potentially curable esophageal cancer, with inclusion of 175 patients per arm.

The objectives of the CROSS trial are to compare median survival rates and quality of life (before, during and after treatment), pathological responses, progression free survival, the number of R0 resections, treatment toxicity and costs between patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with surgery alone for surgically resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Over a 5 week period concurrent chemoradiotherapy will be applied on an outpatient basis. Paclitaxel (50 mg/m2) and Carboplatin (Area-Under-Curve = 2) are administered by i.v. infusion on days 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. External beam radiation with a total dose of 41.4 Gy is given in 23 fractions of 1.8 Gy, 5 fractions a week. After completion of the protocol, patients will be followed up every 3 months for the first year, every 6 months for the second year, and then at the end of each year until 5 years after treatment. Quality of life questionnaires will be filled out during the first year of follow-up.

Discussion

This study will contribute to the evidence on any benefits of neoadjuvant treatment in esophageal cancer patients using a promising chemoradiotherapy regimen.

Trial registration

ISRCTN80832026

Vacuum-assisted large-core needle biopsy (VLNB) improves the management of patients with breast microcalcifications – Analysis of 1009 cases

AIMS

To evaluate the surgical management of patients who underwent VLNB for breast microcalcifications.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared the histological results and the surgical procedures in two groups of patients, group 1: large-core needle biopsy n=1009, and group 2: surgical biopsy n=270.

RESULTS

After VLNB, 54% patients were not operated on after stereotactic large-core needle biopsy, 42% underwent one operation, 4% underwent two operations and 0.2% underwent three operations. No surgery was performed for 95% of benign lesions. Multiples operations were necessary in 12% of patients with malignant lesions of VLNB group compared to 45% in the surgical biopsy group. The rate of underdiagnosis of borderline lesions and ductal carcinomas in situ was 16% by the large-core biopsy technique.

CONCLUSION

VLNB constitutes an alternative to surgical biopsy. This procedure avoids surgery for most benign lesions and reduces the number of surgical procedures in malignant lesions.