Opposing effects of cannabidiol in patient-derived neuroendocrine tumor, pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma primary cultures

CONTEXT

Treatment options for advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (together PPGLs) are still limited. In recent years, anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids have been reported; however, there are only very limited data available in NETs or PPGLs.

OBJECTIVE

Investigation of the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on patient-derived human NET/PPGL primary cultures and on NET/PPGL cell lines.

METHODS

We established primary cultures derived from 46 different patients with PPGLs (n = 35) or NETs (n = 11) who underwent tumor resection at two centers. Treatment of patient primary cultures with clinically relevant doses (5 µM) and slightly higher doses (10 µM) of CBD was performed.

RESULTS

We found opposing effects of 5 µM CBD: significant anti-tumor effects in 5/35 (14%) and significant tumor-promoting effects in 6/35 (17%) of PPGL primary cultures. In terms of anti-tumor effects, cluster 2-related PPGLs showed significantly stronger responsivity to CBD compared to cluster 1-related PPGLs (p = 0.042). Of the cluster 2-related tumors, NF1 PPGLs showed strongest responsivity (4/5 PPGL primary cultures with a significant decrease in cell viability were NF1-mutated). We also found opposing effects of 10 µM CBD in PPGLs and NETs: significant anti-tumor effects in 9/33 of PPGL (27%) and 3/11 of NET (27%) primary cultures, significant tumor-promoting effects in 6/33 of PPGL (18%) and 2/11 of NET (18%) primary cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest a potential novel treatment option for some NETs/PPGLs, but also provide evidence for caution when applying cannabinoids as supportive therapy for pain or appetite management to cancer patients, and possibly as health supplements.

A long road ahead. A German national survey study on awareness and willingness of surgeons towards the carbon footprint of modern surgical procedures

Background

Climate change may well be the "largest threat" to humankind. Changes to our climate system lead to a decrease in global health. The healthcare sector presents one of the largest carbon footprints across all industries. Since surgical departments have one of the largest carbon footprints within the healthcare sector, they represent an area with vast opportunities for improvement. To drive change, it is vital to create awareness of these issues and encourage engagement in changes among people working in the healthcare industry.

Methods

We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey study to assess awareness among surgeons regarding the impact of healthcare systems on climate change. The questions were designed to investigate surgeons' willingness to accept and promote changes to reduce carbon footprints. Participants included surgical professionals of all ages and levels of expertise.

Results

A total of 210 participants completed the survey in full and were included in the evaluation. Sixty percent emphasized a lack of information and the need for personal education. Over 90 % expressed concern for the environment and a strong desire to gain new insights. Provided that clinical performance remains the same, more than 70 % are willing to embrace carbon-friendly alternatives. In this context, all participants accepted the additional time required for training and initially increased personal efforts to achieve equal performance.

Conclusion

Limited awareness and information about carbon footprints were observed in surgical departments in German hospitals. Nevertheless, the vast majority of surgeons across all age groups are more than willing to acquire new insights and adapt to changes in order to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide production.

Comparative transcriptomic analyses reveal activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program in non-metastasizing low grade pseudomyxoma peritonei

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction are essential for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. Low grade mucinous neoplasia of the appendix (LAMN) and its advanced state low grade pseudomyxoma peritonei (lgPMP) show local aggressiveness with very limited metastatic potential as opposed to CRC. To better understand the underlying processes that foster or impede metastatic spread, we compared LAMN, lgPMP, and CRC with respect to their molecular profile with subsequent pathway analysis. LAMN, lgPMP and (mucinous) CRC cases were subjected to transcriptomic analysis utilizing Poly(A) RNA sequencing. Successfully sequenced cases (LAMN n = 10, 77%, lgPMP n = 13, 100% and CRC n = 8, 100%) were investigated using bioinformatic and statistical tests (differential expression analysis, hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis and gene set enrichment analysis). We identified a gene signature of 28 genes distinguishing LAMN, lgPMP and CRC neoplasias. Ontology analyses revealed that multiple pathways including EMT, ECM interaction and angiogenesis are differentially regulated. Fifty-three significantly differentially regulated gene sets were identified between lgPMP and CRC followed by CRC vs. LAMN (n = 21) and lgPMP vs. LAMN (n = 16). Unexpectedly, a substantial enrichment of the EMT gene set was observed in lgPMP vs. LAMN (FDR=0.011) and CRC (FDR=0.004). Typical EMT markers were significantly upregulated (Vimentin, TWIST1, N-Cadherin) or downregulated (E-Cadherin) in lgPMP. However, MMP1 and MMP3 levels, associated with EMT, ECM and metastasis, were considerably higher in CRC. We show that the different tumor biological behaviour and metastatic spread pattern of midgut malignancies is reflected in a different gene expression profile. We revealed a strong activation of the EMT program in non-metastasizing lgPMP vs. CRC. Hence, although EMT is considered a key step in hematogenous spread, successful EMT does not necessarily lead to hematogenous dissemination. This emphasizes the need for further pathway analyses and forms the basis for mechanistic and therapy-targeting research.

Effect of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy on Cytoreductive Surgery in Gastric Cancer With Synchronous Peritoneal Metastases: The Phase III GASTRIPEC-I Trial

PURPOSE

In patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) from gastric cancer (GC), chemotherapy is the treatment of choice. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are still being debated. This randomized, controlled, open-label, multicenter phase III trial (EudraCT 2006-006088-22; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02158988) explored the impact on overall survival (OS) of HIPEC after CRS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adult patients with GC and histologically proven PM were randomly assigned (1:1) to perioperative chemotherapy and CRS alone (CRS-A) or CRS plus HIPEC (CRS + H). HIPEC comprised mitomycin C 15 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 in 5 L of saline perfused for 60 minutes at 42°C. The primary end point was OS; secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), other distant metastasis-free survival (MFS), and safety. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

Between March 2014 and June 2018, 105 patients were randomly assigned (53 patients to CRS-A and 52 patients to CRS + H). The trial stopped prematurely because of slow recruitment. In 55 patients, treatment stopped before CRS mainly due to disease progression/death. Median OS was the same for both groups (CRS + H, 14.9 [97.2% CI, 8.7 to 17.7] months v CRS-A, 14.9 [97.2% CI, 7.0 to 19.4] months; P = .1647). The PFS was 3.5 months (95% CI, 3.0 to 7.0) in the CRS-A group and 7.1 months (95% CI, 3.7 to 10.5; P = .047) in the CRS + H group. The CRS + H group showed better MFS (10.2 months [95% CI, 7.7 to 14.7] v CRS-A, 9.2 months [95% CI, 6.8 to 11.5]; P = .0286). The incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) was similar between groups (CRS-A, 38.1% v CRS + H, 43.6%; P = .79).

CONCLUSION

This study showed no OS difference between CRS + H and CRS-A. PFS and MFS were significantly better in the CRS + H group, which needs further exploration. HIPEC did not increase AEs.

Treatment of Mediastinal Endometrial Carcinoma Developed from Extragenital Endometriosis and Simultaneous Rectal Adenocarcinoma in a 55-year-old Woman

BACKGROUND/AIM

Endometriosis is a common disorder in reproductive-age women leading to a broad range of symptoms and is associated with a higher risk for endometrioid ovarian carcinoma.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 55 year-old woman with previously undiagnosed endometriosis presenting with a large mediastinal cancer of unknown primary (CUP) and synchronous Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) stage II rectal adenocarcinoma. Histopathologically the mediastinal tumor resembled endometrial carcinoma and laparoscopically endometriotic lesions on the patient's peritoneum were detected. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by resection of the mediastinal tumor. After recovery, the patient received neoadjuvant short-course radiation to the rectal adenocarcinoma, which was resected afterwards. No primary endometrial carcinoma was found in the uterus, leading to the most likely conclusion that the mediastinal tumor derived from an extragenital endometriotic lesion.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, cases of degeneration of endometriosis have been described. In this case not only the localization of endometriosis was uncommon, but also its malignant transformation and synchronous diagnosis of a rectal adenocarcinoma, complicating diagnosis, and treatment of the patient. This rare case highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating patients with CUP or multiple malignancies at large interdisciplinary centers to reach the best possible outcome.

[Project: zero emission surgery]

BACKGROUND

Climate neutrality is the major aim of our generation. In order to be able to achieve this a net zero emission should be strived for in operating theaters.

OBJECTIVE

What does zero emission implicate for the operative sector? Which structural approaches already exist? Can zero emission surgery be achieved?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Evaluation of published studies, discussion of fundamental research and expert recommendations.

RESULTS

Studies in England and Germany show that by structural alterations and strict sustainability structures net zero emission surgery seems to be feasible. In Germany the attention and awareness of the topic are greatly increasing and the first projects and studies have been launched.

CONCLUSION

To achieve the aim of net zero emission by 2050 we must rapidly and significantly increase our efforts.

Olfactomedin 4 associates with expression of differentiation markers but not with properties of cancer stemness, EMT nor metastatic spread in colorectal cancer

Tumor stem cells play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis and metastatic spread in colorectal cancer (CRC). Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) is co-expressed with the established stem cell marker leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 at the bottom of intestinal crypts and has been suggested as a surrogate for cancer stemness and a biomarker in gastrointestinal tumors associated with prognosis. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to clarify whether OLFM4 is involved in carcinogenesis and metastatic spread in CRC. We used a combined approach of functional assays using forced OLFM4 overexpression in human CRC cell lines, xenograft mice, and an immunohistochemical approach using patient tissues to investigate the impact of OLFM4 on stemness, canonical Wnt signaling, properties of metastasis and differentiation as well as prognosis. OLFM4 expression correlated weakly with tumor grade in one patient cohort (metastasis collection: p = 0.05; pooled analysis of metastasis collection and survival collection: p = 0.19) and paralleled the expression of differentiation markers (FABP2, MUC2, and CK20) (p = 0.002) but did not correlate with stemness-associated markers. Further analyses in CRC cells lines as well as xenograft mice including forced overexpression of OLFM4 revealed that OLFM4 neither altered the expression of markers of stemness nor epithelial-mesenchymal transition, nor did OLFM4 itself drive proliferation, migration, or colony formation, which are all prerequisites of carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In line with this, we found no significant correlation between OLFM4 expression, metastasis, and patient survival. In summary, expression of OLFM4 in human CRC seems to be characteristic of differentiation marker expression in CRC but is not a driver of carcinogenesis nor metastatic spread.

Molecular Mechanisms of Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury and Regeneration in the Liver-Shock and Surgery-Associated Changes

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a major challenge during liver surgery, liver preservation for transplantation, and can cause hemorrhagic shock with severe hypoxemia and trauma. The reduction of blood supply with a concomitant deficit in oxygen delivery initiates various molecular mechanisms involving the innate and adaptive immune response, alterations in gene transcription, induction of cell death programs, and changes in metabolic state and vascular function. Hepatic IRI is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and is associated with an increased risk for tumor growth and recurrence after oncologic surgery for primary and secondary hepatobiliary malignancies. Therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat hepatic IRI have been investigated in animal models but, for the most part, have failed to provide a protective effect in a clinical setting. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic IRI and regeneration, as well as its clinical implications. A better understanding of this complex and highly dynamic process may allow for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches and optimize patient outcomes.

PET-directed combined modality therapy for gastroesophageal junction cancer: Results of the multicentre prospective MEMORI trial of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)

BACKGROUND

Positron emission tomography (PET) may differentiate responding and non-responding tumours early in the treatment of locally advanced gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas. Early PET non-responders (P-NR) after induction CTX might benefit from changing to chemoradiation (CRT).

METHODS

Patients underwent baseline ¹⁸F-FDG PET followed by 1 cycle of CTX. PET was repeated at day 14-21 and responders (P-R), defined as ≥35% decrease in SUV_mean from baseline, continued with CTX. P-NR switched to CRT (CROSS). Patients underwent surgery 4-6 weeks post-CTX/CRT. The primary objective was an improvement in R0 resection rates in P-NR above a proportion of 70%.

RESULTS

In total, 160 patients with resectable gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas were prospectively investigated by PET scanning. Eighty-five patients (53%) were excluded. Seventy-five eligible patients were enrolled in the study. Based on PET criteria, 50 (67.6%)/24 (32.4%) were P-R and P-NR, respectively. Resection was performed on 46 responders, including one patient who withdrew the ICF, and 22 non-responders (per-protocol population). R0 resection rates were 95.6% (43/45) for P-R and 86.4% (19/22) for P-NR. No treatment related deaths occurred. With a median follow-up time of 24.5 months, estimated 18 months DFS was 75.4%/64.2% for P-R/P-NR, respectively. The estimated 18 months OS was 95.5% for P-R and 68.2% for P-NR.

CONCLUSION

The primary endpoint of the study to increase the R0 resection rate in metabolic NR was not met. PET response after induction CTX is prognostic for outcome with a prolonged OS and DFS in PET responders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00002014-000860-16.

Preservation of the round ligament to accommodate transient portal hypertension after major hepatectomy

Purpose

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a leading cause of death after extensive liver resection. Apart from the size and function of the remaining liver remnant, the development of postresection portal hypertension (pHT) plays a crucial role in the development of PHLF. We hypothesize that the umbilical vein in the preserved round ligament (RL) may recanalize in response to new-onset pHT after extended hepatectomy, thus providing a natural portosystemic shunt.

Methods

In this exploratory study, RL was preserved in 10 consecutive patients undergoing major liver resection. Postoperative imaging was pursued to obtain evidence of reopened umbilical vein in the RL. The postoperative course, including the occurrence of PHLF, as well as the rate of procedure-specific complications were recorded.

Results

None of the 10 cases presented with an adverse event due to preservation of the RL. In 6 cases, postoperative imaging demonstrated reopening of the umbilical vein with hepatofugal flow in the RL. The rates of procedure-related surgical complications were lower than would be expected in this population; in particular, the rate of occurrence of PHLF as defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) was low.

Conclusion

Our results support the theoretical concept of portosystemic pressure relief via a preserved umbilical vein after major liver surgery. As preservation of the RL is easily done, we suggest keeping it intact in extended hepatectomy cases and in patients with preexistent pHT.

Operative Trauma and Blood Loss - Impact on Tumor Growth and Recurrence

ABSTRACT

In cancer patients, surgical removal of the primary tumor is one of the major steps within a multimodal therapy concept toward eliminating the disease and limiting further progression. In this respect, surgical trauma can have potent effects on the patient's immune system. Intraoperative blood loss associated with major surgical trauma leads to reduced blood flow, regional hypoxia, metabolic, and microenvironmental alterations stimulating an inflammatory response characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-6) and acute-phase proteins. The inflammatory state is accompanied by and intertwined with a counter-regulatory anti-inflammatory response reflected in the rise of anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., transforming growth factor-β) and prostaglandins (i.e., prostaglandin E2) which can lead to a depression of cell-mediated immunity and systemic immunosuppression. This results in a highly vulnerable state with concurrent expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines alternately predominating. The immunosuppressive state is characterized by a reduced antigen-presentation capacity of macrophages, alterations in lymphocyte proliferation, and activation as well as a shift of the Th1/Th2 (T helper cells 1 and 2) balance toward Th2 and a decrease in natural killer cell activity. The severity of the immunosuppression thereby correlates with the extent and the duration of the surgical procedure. Growing evidence suggests that the immunosuppressive state following hemorrhage and surgical trauma might not only be a risk factor for postoperative complications but also facilitate tumor proliferation, metastatic growth, and recurrence. This article provides an overview of the cascade of events and underlying mechanisms resulting in immunosuppression and describes the impact of hemorrhage and major surgical trauma on tumor growth and recurrence. Attempts to control for perioperative inflammation thereby reducing the adverse effects of postoperative immunosuppression could have positive effects on tumor growth, metastasis formation, and recurrence.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Plus Regional Hyperthermia on Long-term Outcomes Among Patients With Localized High-Risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma: The EORTC 62961-ESHO 95 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Patients with soft tissue sarcoma are at risk for local recurrence and distant metastases despite optimal local treatment. Preoperative anthracycline plus ifosfamide chemotherapy improves outcome in common histological subtypes.

Objective

To analyze whether the previously reported improvement in local progression-free survival by adding regional hyperthermia to neoadjuvant chemotherapy translates into improved survival.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Open-label, phase 3 randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxic effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus regional hyperthermia. Adult patients (age ≥18 years) with localized soft tissue sarcoma (tumor ≥5 cm, French Federation Nationale des Centers de Lutte Contre le Cancer [FNCLCC] grade 2 or 3, deep) were accrued across 9 centers (6, Germany; 1, Norway; 1, Austria; 1, United States) from July 1997 to November 2006. Follow-up ended December 2014.

Interventions

After stratification for tumor presentation and site, patients were randomly assigned to either neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and etoposide alone, or combined with regional hyperthermia.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was local progression-free survival. Secondary end points included treatment safety and survival, with survival defined from date of randomization to death due to disease or treatment. Patients lost to follow-up were censored at the date of their last follow-up.

Results

A total of 341 patients were randomized, and 329 (median [range] age, 51 [18-70] years; 147 women, 182 men) were eligible for the intention-to-treat analysis. By December 2014, 220 patients (67%; 95% CI, 62%-72%) had experienced disease relapse, and 188 (57%; 95% CI, 52%-62%) had died. Median follow-up was 11.3 years. Compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, adding regional hyperthermia improved local progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49-0.86; P = .002). Patients randomized to chemotherapy plus hyperthermia had prolonged survival rates compared with those randomized to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54-0.98; P = .04) with 5-year survival of 62.7% (95% CI, 55.2%-70.1%) vs 51.3% (95% CI, 43.7%-59.0%), respectively, and 10-year survival of 52.6% (95% CI, 44.7%-60.6%) vs 42.7% (95% CI, 35.0%-50.4%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among patients with localized high-risk soft tissue sarcoma the addition of regional hyperthermia to neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in increased survival, as well as local progression-free survival. For patients who are candidates for neoadjuvant treatment, adding regional hyperthermia may be warranted.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00003052.

Treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancer with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stem cells: Results from the phase 1/2 TREAT-ME-1 trial

TREAT-ME-1, a Phase 1/2 open-label multicenter, first-in-human, first-in-class trial, evaluated the safety, tolerability and efficacy of treatment with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), MSC_ apceth_101, in combination with ganciclovir in patients with advanced gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. Immunological and inflammatory markers were also assessed. All patients (3 in Phase 1; 7 in Phase 2) received three treatment cycles of MSC_apceth_101 at one dose level on Day 0, 7, and 14 followed by ganciclovir administration according to the manufacturer's instructions for 48─72 h after MSC_apceth_101 injection. Ten patients were treated with a total dose of 3.0 x 10⁶ cells/kg MSC_apceth_101. 36 adverse events and six serious adverse events were reported. Five patients achieved stable disease (change in target lesions of -2 to +28%). For all patients, the median time to progression was 1.8 months (95% CI: 0.5, 3.9 months). Median overall survival could not be estimated as 8/10 patients were still alive at the end of the study (1 year) and therefore censored. Post-study observation of patients showed a median overall survival of 15.6 months (ranging from 2.2─27.0 months). Treatment with MSC_apceth_101 and ganciclovir did not induce a consistent increase or decrease in levels of any of the tumor markers analyzed. No clear trends in the immunological markers assessed were observed. MSC_apceth_101 in combination with ganciclovir was safe and tolerable in patients with advanced gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, with preliminary signs of efficacy in terms of clinical stabilization of disease.

Immune checkpoint markers in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia

Cancer immunotherapy has evolved major breakthroughs in the last years. The cell-surface receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand, programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), have been detected in various cancer types. However, the analysis on gastroenteropancreatic neoplasia (GEP-NENs) is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize GEP-NENs with regard to PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). On protein level, we examined TILs, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue of 244 GEP-NENs using immunohistochemistry. Expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological parameters including long-term survival in an observational study. In total, 244 patients could be included. Most of the patients had a NEN of the small intestine (52.5%) or the pancreas (29.5%). All tumors could be graded by their morphology and Ki67 index, with 57.8% G1, 34% G2 and 8.2% G3 tumors. High TILs (19.6%) and high PD-1 (16.1%) expression showed a significant correlation with shorter patient survival (P < 0.05) and with a higher grading. Furthermore, expression of PD-L1 (8.7%) showed a trend to shorter patient survival. High TILs and PD-1 expression are significantly associated with shorter patient survival and higher grading in GEP-NENs. PD-L1 expression showed a trend to shorter patient survival. Immunotherapy might be a promising therapeutic approach in GEP-NENs especially in tumors with high TILs.

Clinical outcome of elderly patients (≥ 70 years) with esophageal cancer undergoing definitive or neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy: a retrospective single center analysis

BACKGROUND

To analyse the outcome of elderly patients (≥70 years) with esophageal cancer treated with curative intent radio(chemo)therapy.

METHODS

Fifty five patients (median 75 years) receiving curative intent radio(chemo)therapy for esophageal cancer from 1999 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Most patients showed locally advanced disease (T3/4:78%, N+:58%) with squamous cell histology (74%). Charlson comorbidity score was > 1 in 27%. 48 patients (87%) received definitive treatment while 7 patients were treated neoadjuvantly. RT was carried out as 3D-conformal treatment or IMRT. Concurrent chemotherapy was applied in 85%, mainly cisplatin/5-FU or mitomycin/5-FU. ¹⁸FDG-PET/CT staging was used in 65%.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 11 months (1-68) and 21 months in survivors. 1- and 2-year rates of LRC, DC, FFTF and OS were 60%/45, 81%/72, 55%/41 and 46%/26% for the entire cohort. In univariate analysis, addition of surgery was associated with improved LRC and FFTF, nodal involvement with improved DC and lower T stage, lower Charlson score and use of PET-CT with improved OS. In multivariate analysis, lower T stage and lower Charlson score remained significant for OS. Patients treated after 2008 showed a significantly improved FFTF (1-year FFTF 64% vs 35%) and OS (1-year OS 66% vs 24%). Maximum (chemo)radiation related grade3+ toxicity was observed in 80% including 7 deaths (13%). Grade5 toxicity was significantly associated with Charlson score (CS > 1:33% vs CS ≤ 1:5%) and treatment period (24% before vs 3% after 2008). The patients treated after 2008 included significantly more SCCs, less T4 stages, had a higher percentage of PET-CT staging and were treated with smaller field lengths. Trends were also observed for lower Charlson scores and increased use of IMRT.

CONCLUSION

Curative intent (chemo)radiation of elderly patients with esophageal cancer may result in considerable toxicity and unfavorable outcome. However, a clear improvement over time was observed in our cohort, probably based on improved patient selection. In patients with less advanced stages and lower comorbidity similar results as in younger cohorts seem achievable with modern staging and treatment approaches. Age per se should not be a decisive factor, but careful attention should be paid regarding patient selection including a structured and tight follow-up strategy.

Tropomyosin receptor kinase: a novel target in screened neuroendocrine tumors

Tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) inhibitors are investigated as a novel targeted therapy in various cancers. We investigated the in vitro effects of the pan-Trk inhibitor GNF-5837 in human neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cells. The human neuroendocrine pancreatic BON1, bronchopulmonary NCI-H727 and ileal GOT1 cell lines were treated with GNF-5837 alone and in combination with everolimus. Cell viability decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in GOT1 cells in response to GNF-5837 treatment, while treatment in BON1 and NCI-H727 cells showed no effect on cellular viability. Trk receptor expression determined GNF-5837 sensitivity. GNF-5837 caused downregulation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling, the cell cycle and increased apoptotic cell death. The combinational treatment of GNF-5837 with everolimus showed a significant enhancement in inhibition of cell viability vs single substance treatments, due to a cooperative PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway downregulation, as well as an enhanced cell cycle component downregulation. Immunohistochemical staining for Trk receptors were performed using a tissue microarray containing 107 tumor samples of gastroenteropancreatic NETs. Immunohistochemical staining with TrkA receptor and pan-Trk receptor antibodies revealed a positive staining in pancreatic NETs in 24.2% (8/33) and 33.3% (11/33), respectively. We demonstrated that the pan-Trk inhibitor GNF-5837 has promising anti-tumoral properties in human NET cell lines expressing the TrkA receptor. Immunohistochemical or molecular screening for Trk expression particularly in pancreatic NETs might serve as predictive marker for molecular targeted therapy with Trk inhibitors.

Effect of Intraoperative Single-Shot Application of Vancomycin in Liver Transplant Recipients on Postoperative Infections With Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis

OBJECTIVES

Infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the early postoperative period after liver transplant. We observed a high rate of enterococcal infections at our center. Therefore, we added an intraoperative single shot of vancomycin to the standard regimen of meropenem given over 5 days. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of both Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis infections during the first 28 days after surgery depending on the type of antibiotic prophylaxis and their implications on mortality and morbidity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our retrospective cohort analysis included 179 patients: 93 patients received meropenem only and 86 patients were treated with meropenem plus vancomycin.

RESULTS

During the first 28 days after transplant, microbiological tests showed that 51 patients (28.5%) were positive for Enterococcus faecium and 25 patients (14.0%) were positive for Enterococcus faecalis. Enterococcus faecium infections appeared significantly more often in patients without vancomycin (P = .013). In the second week after transplant, there was a significant reduction in Enterococcus faecium infections in the meropenem plus vancomycin group (P = .015). Enterococcus faecalis infections occurred more often in the patients receiving meropenem alone, but results were not statistically significant (P = .194). There was a trend toward more frequent renal replacement therapy in the meropenem plus vancomycin group. We found no differences between the groups regarding survival after 1 and 2 years, length of hospital stay, or duration in the intensive care unit. Overall 1-year survival was 78.8% (141/179 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Although postoperative Enterococcus species infections can be reduced after liver transplant by adding vancomycin to the intraoperative antibiotic regimen, it does not improve the long-term outcomes.

Benefit in liver transplantation: a survey among medical staff, patients, medical students and non-medical university staff and students

Background

The allocation of any scarce health care resource, especially a lifesaving resource, can create profound ethical and legal challenges. Liver transplant allocation currently is based upon urgency, a sickest-first approach, and does not utilize capacity to benefit. While urgency can be described reasonably well with the MELD system, benefit encompasses multiple dimensions of patients’ well-being. Currently, the balance between both principles is ill-defined.

Methods

This survey with 502 participants examines how urgency and benefit are weighted by different stakeholders (medical staff, patients on the liver transplant list or already transplanted, medical students and non-medical university staff and students).

Results

Liver transplant patients favored the sickest-first allocation, although all other groups tended to favor benefit. Criteria of a successful transplantation were a minimum survival of at least 1 year and recovery of functional status to being ambulatory and capable of all self-care (ECOG 2). An individual delisting decision was accepted when the 1-year survival probability would fall below 50%. Benefit was found to be a critical variable that may also trigger the willingness to donate organs.

Conclusions

The strong interest of stakeholder for successful liver transplants is inadequately translated into current allocation rules.

Higher retransplantation rate following extended right split-liver transplantation: An analysis from the eurotransplant liver follow-up registry

Split-liver transplantation has been perceived as an important strategy to increase the supply of liver grafts by creating 2 transplants from 1 allograft. The Eurotransplant Liver Allocation System (ELAS) envisages that the extended right lobes (ERLs) after splitting (usually in the pediatric center) are almost exclusively shipped to a second center. Whether the ELAS policy impacts the graft and patient survival of extended right lobe transplantation (ERLT) in comparison to whole liver transplantation (WLT) recipients remains unclear. Data on all liver transplantations performed between 2007 and 2013 were retrieved from the Eurotransplant Liver Follow-up Registry (n = 5351). Of these, 5013 (269 ERL, 4744 whole liver) could be included. The impact of the transplant type on patient and graft survival was evaluated using univariate and multivariate proportional hazard models adjusting for demographics of donors and recipients. Cold ischemia times were significantly prolonged for ERLTs (P < 0.001). Patient survival was not different between ERLT and WLT. In the univariate analysis, ERLT had a significantly higher risk for retransplantation (P = 0.02). For WLT, the risk for death gradually and significantly increased with laboratory Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores of >20. For ERLT, this effect was seen already with laboratory MELD scores of >14. These results mandate a discussion on how to refine the splitting policy to avoid excess retransplant rates in ERL recipients and to further improve transplant outcomes of these otherwise optimal donor organs. Liver Transplantation 24 26-34 2018 AASLD.

Treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancer with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stem cells - TREAT-ME-1 - a phase I, first in human, first in class trial

PURPOSE

This phase I, first in human, first in class clinical study aimed at evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of treatment with genetically modified mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in combination with ganciclovir (GCV). MSC_apceth_101 are genetically modified autologous MSCs used as vehicles for a cell-based gene therapy in patients with advanced gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The study design consisted of a dose-escalation 3 + 3 design. All patients (n = 6) were treated with up to three applications of MSC_apceth_101, followed by GCV infusions given on three consecutive days starting 48 hours after injection of MSC_apceth_101. Three of six patients received a total dose of 1.5 × 106 cells/kg. Two patients received three doses of 1 × 106 cells/kg, while one patient received only two doses of 1 × 106 cells/kg due to a SADR.

RESULTS

Six patients received MSC_apceth_101. No IMP-related serious adverse events occurred. Adverse-events related to IMP-injection were increased creatinine, cough, fever, and night sweat. TNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and sE-Selectin, showed that repeated application is immunologically safe, but induces a switch of the functional properties of monocytes to an inflammatory phenotype. Treatment induced stable disease in 4/6 patients, and progressive disease in 2/6 patients.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with MSC_apceth_101 in combination with GCV demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability in patients with advanced gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.

External-beam radiation therapy combined with limb-sparing surgery in elderly patients (>70 years) with primary soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities : A retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

To report our experience with EBRT combined with limb-sparing surgery in elderly patients (>70 years) with primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS).

METHODS

Retrospectively analyzed were 35 patients (m:f 18:17, median 78 years) who all presented in primary situation without nodal/distant metastases (Charlson score 0/1 in 18 patients; ≥2 in 17 patients). Median tumor size was 10 cm, mainly located in lower limb (83%). Stage at presentation (UICC7th) was Ib:3%, 2a:20%, 2b:20%, and 3:57%. Most lesions were high grade (97%), predominantly leiomyosarcoma (26%) and undifferentiated pleomorphic/malignant fibrous histiocytoma (23%). Limb-sparing surgery was preceded (median 50 Gy) or followed (median 66 Gy) by EBRT.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 37 months (range 1-128 months). Margins were free in 26 patients (74%) and microscopically positive in 9 (26%). Actuarial 3‑ and 5‑year local control rates were 88 and 81% (4 local recurrences). Corresponding rates for distant control, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were 57/52%, 76/60%, and 72/41%. The 30-day mortality was 0%. Severe postoperative complications were scored in 8 patients (23%). Severe acute radiation-related toxicity was observed in 2 patients (6%). Patients with Charlson score ≥2 had a significantly increased risk for severe postoperative complications and acute radiation-related side effects. Severe late toxicities were found in 7 patients (20%), including fractures in 3 (8.6%). Final limb preservation rate was 97%.

CONCLUSION

Combination of EBRT and limb-sparing surgery is feasible in elderly patients with acceptable toxicities and encouraging but slightly inferior outcome compared to younger patients. Comorbidity correlated with postoperative complications and acute toxicities. Late fracture risk seems slightly increased.

De novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies after kidney transplantation are associated with impaired graft outcome independently of their C1q-binding ability

Many aspects of post-transplant monitoring of donor-specific (DSA) and non-donor-specific (nDSA) anti-HLA antibodies on renal allograft survival are still unclear. Differentiating them by their ability to bind C1q may offer a better risk assessment. We retrospectively investigated the clinical relevance of de novo C1q-binding anti-HLA antibodies on graft outcome in 611 renal transplant recipients. Acute rejection (AR), renal function, and graft survival were assessed within a mean follow-up of 6.66 years. Post-transplant 6.5% patients developed de novo DSA and 11.5% de novo nDSA. DSA (60.0%; P < 0.0001) but not nDSA (34.1%, P = 0.4788) increased rate of AR as compared with controls (27.4%). C1q-binding anti-HLA antibodies did not alter rate of AR in both groups. Renal function was only significantly diminished in patients with DSAC1q⁺ . However, DSA significantly impaired 5-year graft survival (65.2%; P < 0.0001) in comparison with nDSA (86.7%; P = 0.0054) and controls (90.7%). While graft survival did not differ between DSAC1q^- and DSAC1q⁺ recipients, 5-year allograft survival was reduced in nDSAC1q⁺ (80.9%) versus nDSAC1q^- (90.7%, P = 0.0251). De novo DSA independently of their ability to bind C1q are associated with diminished graft survival.

Prognosis of mucinous and signet-ring cell colorectal cancer in a population-based cohort

PURPOSE

Besides classical colorectal adenocarcinomas (AC), mucinous adenocarcinomas (MAC) and signet-ring cell carcinomas (SC) occur. Controversy remains regarding their prognostic role. Aim of this study was to define prognostic and histopathological specifications of mucinous and signet-ring cell colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 28,056 patients with AC, MAC, and SC between 1998 and 2012 in the catchment area of the Munich Cancer Registry were analyzed. Time to locoregional recurrence and distant recurrence was calculated by cumulative incidence. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, calculation of relative survival, and Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

AC occurred in 25,172 patients (90 %), MAC in 2724 (9.7 %), and SC in 160 (0.6 %). AC were less frequently localized in the proximal colon (34 %) compared to MAC (57 %, p < 0.001) and SC (76 %, p < 0.001). Both, MAC and SC had higher T, N, and M categories, lymphatic invasion, and worse grading (p < 0.001 for each). There were significant differences regarding the 10-year cumulative incidence of locoregional recurrence (p < 0.001), and distant recurrence (p < 0.001). For AC, the 5-year overall survival was 59 % (95 % confidence interval 58.0; 59.3), for MAC 52 % (50.2; 54.2), and for SC 40 % (32.1; 48.5; p < 0.001). However, MAC or SC did not remain independent prognostic factors for overall survival compared to AC upon multivariable analysis (p = 0.981).

CONCLUSION

This large cohort reveals specific histopathological and recurrence patterns for patients with colorectal AC, MAC, and SC. MAC and SC are diagnosed at more advanced tumor stages and therefore entail reduced survival rates.

Cisplatin and oxaliplatin surface contamination in intensive care units (ICUs) and hospital wards during attendance of HIPEC patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate surface contamination by platinum drugs in the environment of patients in ICUs and wards treated by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

METHODS

The monitoring included 12 HIPEC treatments from four hospitals during the following 3 days after perfusion. A total of 33 urine and 33 drainage fluids from HIPEC patients and 160 wipe samples from several surfaces (urine/drainage bags, floors, gloves) were taken during the study period.

RESULTS

In urine, the highest platinum concentrations were measured on the first day after perfusion. Median platinum concentrations were 1260 ng/ml for patients after cisplatin perfusion and 11,000 ng/ml for oxaliplatin treatment. Concentrations decreased until day three to 413 ng/ml cisplatin and 529 ng/ml oxaliplatin, respectively. In drainage liquids, platinum concentrations were generally lower. Platinum concentrations from surfaces of bags and floors ranged from 0.01 to 439 pg/cm(2) (median: urine bag 2.77 pg/cm(2), drainage bag 0.22 pg/cm(2), floor left 0.14 pg/cm(2), floor right 0.24 pg/cm(2)), with the highest contamination found on the outer surface of the urine bags. Samples from nurses' protective gloves ranged between 0.03 and 12 pg/cm(2) (median: 0.2 pg/cm(2)).

CONCLUSIONS

High platinum-drug concentrations in urine and drainage liquids are the main source of contamination. Therefore, safe handling of these liquids is the best way to avoid cross-contamination on surfaces in wards and ICUs. Our results show that it is possible to take care of HIPEC patients without high contaminations during the first 3 days.

CyberKnife Radiosurgery - Value as an Adjunct to Surgical Treatment of HCC?

INTRODUCTION

CyberKnife radiosurgery (CK) is an effective tool for the treatment of malignancies. Its greatest potential is in high-dose radiosurgery delivered to targets in organs that move with respiration, e.g., liver tumors. For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, surgical treatment (resection, transplantation) is most likely to produce long-term survival; for non-resectable tumors, therapies other than radiosurgery are typically recommended. This study evaluated the long-lasting anti-tumor effects of CK combined with surgery in patients with HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Eighteen patients (three women, 15 men) were included in this prospective observational study. They received 21 single-fraction CK treatments (26 Gy). Patient characteristics, treatment effects, tumor response (according to the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) grading) and survival were measured for a median period of 29 months.

RESULTS

Local tumor control was achieved in 15 patients, with complete and partial remission observed in 10 and five patients, respectively. One patient was treated for two separate lesions in one session, and one received three treatments each separated by two-year intervals; both patients are tumor-free. Two patients showed minimal response, and in one patient local tumor viability could not be excluded by MRI. Nine patients had HCC recurrence, all distant to the treated site. Nine patients died during follow-up, including two with clear relation to tumor progress. Tumor-free survival was 79.4% after one year and 29.8% after three years, and the corresponding overall survival was 84.8% and 66%. CONCLUSION : This study shows the high effectiveness of single-session frameless CyberKnife radiosurgery for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and reconfirms previous results of fractioned radiotherapy of HCC. It also demonstrates the potential of radiosurgery to be combined with surgical concepts.

Rescue management of early complications after liver transplantation-key for the long-term success

PURPOSE

Postoperative complications may have not only immediate but also long-term effects on the outcomes. Here, we analyzed the effect of postoperative complications requiring a reoperation (grade 3b) within the first 30 days on patients' and graft survival following liver transplantation.

METHODS

Graft and patient survival in relation to donor and recipient variables and the need of reoperation for complications of 277 consecutive liver transplants performed from January 2007 to December 2012 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-seven liver transplants were performed in 252 patients. Overall patient and graft survival at 1, 2, and 3 years were significantly reduced in patients requiring a reoperation. The labMELD score was significantly elevated (p = 0.04) and cold ischemia time was prolonged (p = 0.03) in recipients undergoing reoperations. Kaplan-Meier curves indicate that complications impact the outcome primarily within the first 3 months after transplantation. In multivariate analyses, the actual need of reoperation (p < 0.001), the labMELD score (p = 0.05), cold ischemia time (p = 0.02), and the need for hemodialysis pre-transplant (p = 0.05) were the only variables which correlated with the overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative complications resulting in reoperations have a significant impact on the outcome primarily in the early phase after liver transplantation. Successful management of postoperative complications is key to every successful liver transplant program.

Perioperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in a patient with myocardium at risk undergoing urgent noncardiac surgery

We are presenting the case of a 76-year-old female scheduled for major abdominal surgery. Her past medical history was remarkable for a three-vessel coronary artery disease, with a severely impaired left ventricular function. She had already undergone complex coronary artery bypass surgery. Currently, she presented with the rare constellation of a hemodynamic relevant and interventionally intractable stenosis of the left subclavian artery proximal to a crucial coronary bypass from left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending. To protect this patient from perioperative myocardial infarction, an intra-aortic balloon pump was successfully used.

Automated low flow pump system for the treatment of refractory ascites: a single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

Ascites is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and represents the main cause of hospitalization among patients with cirrhosis. First-line therapy for those patients is the use of diuretics and dietary sodium restriction. However, 10 % of patients per year become therapy refractory to diuretic treatment with the need of repeated high-volume paracentesis or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). For these patients, an automated pump system (Alfapump/Sequana Medical) was developed. Here, we describe our single-center experience of ten consecutively implanted pump systems.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 08/13 and 11/14, ten Alfapump systems were implanted in patients with refractory ascites all suffering from liver cirrhosis. Those patients were treated as a bridge to transplant (4/10) or as an end-stage therapy (6/10). Median follow-up was 165 days (23-379 days).

RESULTS

Postimplant, the need of paracentesis could be markedly reduced to a mean of 0.45 (0-4/month) per month. In eight patients, paracentesis was not needed after implantation of the pump system. The median daily output volume was 1000 ml/day (450-2000 ml/day). Prerenal insufficiency was a recurrent complication in the postoperative period.

DISCUSSION

The Alfapump system is a useful system in the treatment of patients suffering from therapy refractory ascites. However, due to the high level of comorbidities, careful patient selection and postoperative monitoring are required.

Cancer Stem Cell Markers Are Associated With Distant Hematogenous Liver Metastases But Not With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Colorectal Cancer

Although peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) displays advanced stage in colorectal cancer (CRC), most patients present without distant metastases. To analyze the expression of cancer stem cell markers immunohistochemistry for CD133, CD44 and β-catenin was applied to CRC with exclusive PC, exclusive hepatic metastasis and CRC with combined spread. Expression of cancer stem cell markers correlated with hematogeneous metastases to the liver and was absent in patients with exclusive PC. Thus, expression of cancer stem cell markers correlates with different patterns of metastatic spread in CRC. These data indicate that CRC with exclusive PC lack stem cell features needed for distant dissemination.

Intraoperative simulation of remnant liver function during anatomic liver resection with indocyanine green clearance (LiMON) measurements

OBJECTIVE

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is the major cause of death following liver resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an intraoperative simulation of post-resection liver function.

METHODS

Intraoperative liver function was measured by indocyanine green (ICG) clearance using the LiMON technology. In 20 patients undergoing anatomic liver resection, ICG plasma disappearance rate (PDR (%/min) and ICG retention at 15 min (R15 ) (%) were measured immediately after the induction of anaesthesia (t0 ), after selective arterial and portovenous inflow trial clamping (TC) of the resected liver segments (t1 ), after the completion of resection (t2 ) and before the closure of the abdominal cavity (t3 ).

RESULTS

The median baseline (t0 ) PDR was 16.5%/min. Trial clamping of the inflow (t1 ) resulted in a significant reduction in PDR to 10.5%/min. Results under TC were similar to those obtained after resection (t2 ) (median PDR: 10.5%/min). Linear regression modelling showed that post-resection liver volume could be accurately predicted by TC of liver inflow (P < 0.0001), but not by determining the resected liver volume. Simulated post-resection liver function under TC correlated well with PHLF and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative ICG clearance measurements allow real-time monitoring of intraoperative liver function during surgery. Trial clamping of arterial and portovenous inflow accurately predicts immediate post-resection liver function. The intraoperative measurement of liver function and simulation of post-resection liver function may help to avoid PHLF.