Effects of Hyperthermia and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion on the Peritoneal and Tumor Immune Contexture

Hyperthermia combined with intraperitoneal (IP) drug delivery is increasingly used in the treatment of peritoneal metastases (PM). Hyperthermia enhances tumor perfusion and increases drug penetration after IP delivery. The peritoneum is increasingly recognized as an immune-privileged organ with its own distinct immune microenvironment. Here, we review the immune landscape of the healthy peritoneal cavity and immune contexture of peritoneal metastases. Next, we review the potential benefits and unwanted tumor-promoting effects of hyperthermia and the associated heat shock response on the tumor immune microenvironment. We highlight the potential modulating effect of hyperthermia on the biomechanical properties of tumor tissue and the consequences for immune cell infiltration. Data from translational and clinical studies are reviewed. We conclude that (mild) hyperthermia and HIPEC have the potential to enhance antitumor immunity, but detailed further studies are required to distinguish beneficial from tumor-promoting effects.

Temperature Dependence of Photoluminescence Intensity and Spin Contrast in Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers

We report on measurements of the photoluminescence properties of single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond at temperatures between 4 K and 300 K. We observe a strong reduction of the PL intensity and spin contrast between ca. 10 K and 100 K that recovers to high levels below and above. Further, we find a rich dependence on magnetic bias field and crystal strain. We develop a comprehensive model based on spin mixing and orbital hopping in the electronic excited state that quantitatively explains the observations. Beyond a more complete understanding of the excited-state dynamics, our work provides a novel approach for probing electron-phonon interactions and a predictive tool for optimizing experimental conditions for quantum applications.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in adult congenital heart disease: an international registry study

Background

Life expectancies for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have dramatically increased in recent years, accompanied by a rise in atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence. Data on AF ablation strategy and outcomes are limited in CHD.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the characteristics of CHD patients presenting for AF ablation and their outcomes.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective analysis was performed of CHD patients undergoing AF ablation between 2004 and 2020 at 13 participating centers. The severity of CHD was classified using the 2014 PACES/HRS guidelines. Clinical data were collected including ablation strategy and follow up. One-year procedural success was defined as freedom from AF in the absence of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs, complete) or including previously failed AADs (partial).

Results

Of 240 patients, 127 (53.4%) had persistent AF, 62.5% were male, and mean age was 55.2±0.9 years. CHD complexity categories included 147 (61.3%) simple, 69 (28.8%) intermediate and 25 (10.4%) severe. The most common CHD type was atrial septal defect (n=78). More complex CHD conditions included transposition of the great arteries (n=14), anomalous pulmonary veins (n=13), tetralogy of Fallot (n=8), cor triatriatum (n=7), single ventricle physiology (n=2), among others. The majority (71.3%) of patients had AF despite at least one AAD. 46 patients (22.1%) had a reduced systemic ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and the mean left atrial diameter was 44.1±0.7 mm. PV isolation (PVI) was performed in 227 patients (94.6%); additional ablation strategies included left atrial linear ablations (25.4%), CFAE (19.2%), and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (40.8). One-year complete and partial success rates were 45.0% and 20.5%, respectively, with no significant difference in the rate of complete success between complexity groups. Overall, 38 patients (15.8%) required more than one ablation procedure. There were 3 (1.3%) major and 13 (5.4%) minor procedural complications.

Conclusion

AF ablation in this complex population was safe and resulted in AF control in the majority of patients. Future work should address the most appropriate ablation targets in the challenging population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The tumor immune microenvironment in peritoneal carcinomatosis

One in four patients with colorectal cancer, 40% of gastric cancer patients, and 60% of ovarian cancer patients will develop peritoneal metastases (PM) in the course of their disease. The outcome of patients with widespread PM remains poor with currently available treatments. Despite the relatively common occurrence of PM, little is known on the pathophysiology that drives the peritoneal metastatic cascade. It is increasingly recognized that the stromal components of the peritoneal microenvironment play an essential role in tumor progression. However, little is known about the specific interactions and components of the peritoneal tumor microenvironment, particularly with respect the immune cell population. We summarize the current knowledge of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in peritoneal metastases originating from the three most common origins: ovarian, gastric, and colorectal cancer. Clearly, the TIME is highly heterogeneous and its composition and functional activity differ according to tumor type and, within the same patient, according to anatomical location. The TIME in PM remains to be explored in detail, and further elucidation of their immune contexture may allow biology driven design of novel immune modulating or immune targeting therapies.

Telerobotic interventions from a distance: an initial experience in 3D phantom mapping

Introduction

The current COVID-19 pandemic has fostered several accelerations in “remote” patient care such as video and telephone clinics, as well as multidisciplinary collaborations using online platforms with experts consulting the local teams from a distance. The next logical step would be to also offer remote-controlled interventions which the expert operator not on site, but in support of the local team. This is especially valuable for complex interventions when either patient or expert operator can not be present at the same place.

Purpose

We aimed to demonstrate that an expert operator located at far distance (Austria) could directly interact with the remote magnetic navigation system in London (UK) whilst mapping a 3D phantom using an electroanatomical mapping system.

Method

Two experienced operators of the magnetic navigation system were tasked with creating fast anatomic maps (FAM) of the atrial and ventricular chambers of a 3D phantom using remote magnetic navigation in combination with 3D electroanatomical mapping. One was located in the control room of the magnetic catheter lab (UK) and the second one was in Tirol, Austria and connected through a secure remote desktop connection (via high speed fibre optic cable). Using a solid tip magnetic catheter connected to a mechanical drive, all interactions with the system were carried out via the Odyssey platform. Acquisitions for right and left atrium, as well as right and left ventricles plus aorta was compared with regards to mapping duration, map completeness (as judged by the average distance of surface points from 3D CT scan reconstruction), total 3D map volume and need for additional radiation exposure during the mapping process.

Results

Mapping time and map completeness when performed by the distant operator was not inferior to the local operator and both did not require any additional radiation exposure during the mapping process. Table 1 demonstrates the mean parameters for each chamber, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the matched data for chamber completeness as compared for the LA (green= local operator, pink= distant operator) using a contrast CT scan as the gold standard.

Conclusion

Telerobotic 3D mapping of a 3D phantom from a distance was equally fast delivered from the control room as compared to an operator located 1200 km away without compromising on map completeness. This demonstrates the feasibility of telerobotic interventions and stress the need for remote collaboration which is especially valuable when travel of patients and/or physician experts is restricted.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.  

Peripheral vascular access from the arms for invasive cardiac investigation using ultrasound guidance

Introduction

Vascular access for invasive cardiac investigations has traditionally been gained from the femoral vessels, however, a “radial-first” approach has become increasingly popular for coronary interventions [1]. Transradial access has shown lower complication rates, shorter admission times, and reduced healthcare costs for coronary interventions [4]. A “superior” approach via the jugular and subclavian veins have been reported for electrophysiology (EP) studies and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) but is associated with an increased risk of complications such as pneumo- and haemothorax [9].

Purpose

EP procedures often require the use of both venous and arterial catheters, and the potential advantage of non-femoral peripheral access is yet to be investigated. This study was performed to provide comprehensive anatomical evidence that the vessels of the arms are suitable for use during EP procedures, as assessed by vascular ultrasound.

Methods

A portable ultrasound device was used to measure the diameter of the brachial artery, brachial vein, basilic vein & cephalic vein on the left and right upper limbs of 63 healthy adult volunteers. Measurements were also taken of the circumference at the elbow and at the mid-bicep level on both arms. A subgroup of 15 volunteers had additional measurements taken of the same veins and artery on both arms with a tourniquet at the upper bicep level.

Results

The basilic vein was found to have the largest diameter with a median of 4.6 mm and 4.5 mm (right and left diameter, respectively), followed by the cephalic (median of 3.1 and 3.0 mm) and the brachial vein (median of 2.8 mm for both arms). 100% of volunteers had at least one vein that was equal to a 3 mm diameter (which would allow for a 8F sheath insertion), with 98% having 2 suitable veins and >80% having 3 suitable venous vessels. More than 90% had a suitable diameter of more than 3 mm for both the right and left brachial artery. There was significant correlation between gender, and basilic vein and brachial artery diameters. There was no correlation between BMI, height, weight and elbow or bicep circumference.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the feasibility of adopting peripheral access in the electrophysiology lab. 100% of volunteers examined had one vein which was at least 3mm in size and would be suitable for 8F sheath insertion. We demonstrate the anatomic evidence that the vessels in the arm are capable of housing the size of sheath and catheters commonly used in the EP lab.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 2. measurementsFigure 3. Vessel diameters

Telerobotic interventions from a distance: an initial experience in 3D phantom mapping

Introduction

The current COVID-19 pandemic has fostered several accelerations in “remote” patient care such as video and telephone clinics, as well as multidisciplinary collaborations using online platforms with experts consulting the local teams from a distance. The next logical step would be to also offer remote-controlled interventions which the expert operator not on site, but in support of the local team. This is especially valuable for complex interventions when either patient or expert operator can not be present at the same place.

Purpose

We aimed to demonstrate that an expert operator located at far distance (Austria) could directly interact with the remote magnetic navigation system in London (UK) whilst mapping a 3D phantom using an electroanatomical mapping system.

Method

Two experienced operators of the magnetic navigation system were tasked with creating fast anatomic maps (FAM) of the atrial and ventricular chambers of a 3D phantom using remote magnetic navigation in combination with 3D electroanatomical mapping. One was located in the control room of the magnetic catheter lab (UK) and the second one was in Tirol, Austria and connected through a secure remote desktop connection (via high speed fibre optic cable). Using a solid tip magnetic catheter connected to a mechanical drive, all interactions with the system were carried out via the Odyssey platform. Acquisitions for right and left atrium, as well as right and left ventricles plus aorta was compared with regards to mapping duration, map completeness (as judged by the average distance of surface points from 3D CT scan reconstruction), total 3D map volume and need for additional radiation exposure during the mapping process.

Results

Mapping time and map completeness when performed by the distant operator was not inferior to the local operator and both did not require any additional radiation exposure during the mapping process. Table 1 demonstrates the mean parameters for each chamber, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the matched data for chamber completeness as compared for the LA (green= local operator, pink= distant operator) using a contrast CT scan as the gold standard.

Conclusion

Telerobotic 3D mapping of a 3D phantom from a distance was equally fast delivered from the control room as compared to an operator located 1200 km away without compromising on map completeness. This demonstrates the feasibility of telerobotic interventions and stress the need for remote collaboration which is especially valuable when travel of patients and/or physician experts is restricted.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Matched data for aorta

Non-invasive mapping reduces procedure duration for catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions using 12 lead ECG information: results from a prospective case-control study

Background

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) result from early depolarisation of myocardial tissue in the ventricles and can ultimately lead to PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. Catheter ablation aims to completely eliminate the PVCs and is usually carried out using sequential activation mapping techniques. We report the results of a prospective case-control trial using the non-invasive, simultaneous 3D mapping system View into Ventricular Onset (VIVO) in combination with a 12 lead Holter ECG recording for catheter ablation of PVC.

Methods and results

A total of 16 patients (mean age 52.1±20.8 years, all structurally normal hearts, were enrolled and underwent VIVO mapping as a preparation of their invasive PVC ablation. Pre-ablation PVC burden had a median of 18.7% (IQR; 9.94 – 24.35). All but one patient (with very low PVC burden and epicardial origin) underwent a catheter ablation attempt guided by the 3D non-invasive maps integrated as VTK files in to the EAM. In 13/15 patients, acute elimination of the PVC was achieved which resulted in a PVC burden of <0.1% at 3 months' time. Procedure time amounted to in median 106 minutes (IQR 92.5 – 135.5), whereas in an age- and gender-matched control cohort (2:1) procedure time was significantly longer (145 (123.0 – 190.5).

Conclusion

Ward-based non-invasive 3D mapping (VIVO) of the origin of PVCs in patients with structurally normal hearts successfully guided the invasive ablation procedure and significantly reduced the invasive procedure time, as compared to a contemporary age- and gender-matched control cohort.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Catheter Precision 3D non-invasive mapping concept

Hybrid solid-state SPECT/CT left atrial innervation imaging for identification of left atrial ganglionated plexi: Technique and validation in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Ablating left atrial (LA) ganglionated plexi (GP), identified invasively by high-frequency stimulation (HFS) during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), may reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-mIBG) solid-state SPECT LA innervation imaging (LAII) has the spatial resolution to detect LAGP non-invasively but this has never been demonstrated in clinical practice.

METHODS

20 prospective patients with paroxysmal AF scheduled for PVI underwent 123I-mIBG LAII. High-resolution tomograms, reconstructed where possible using cardiorespiratory gating, were co-registered with pre-PVI cardiac CT. Location and reader confidence (1 [low] to 3 [high]) in discrete 123I-mIBG LA uptake areas (DUAs) were recorded and correlated with HFS.

RESULTS

A total of 73 DUAs were identified, of which 59 (81%) were HFS positive (HFS +). HFS + likelihood increased with reader confidence (92% [score 3]). 64% of HFS-negative DUAs occurred over the lateral and inferior LA. Cardiorespiratory gating reduced the number of DUAs per patient (4 vs 7, P = .001) but improved: HFS + predictive value (76% vs 49%); reader confidence (2 vs 1, P = .02); and inter-observer, intra-observer, and inter-study agreement (κ = 0.84 vs 0.68; 0.82 vs 0.74; 0.64 vs 0.53 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

123I-mIBG SPECT/CT LAII accurately and reproducibly identifies GPs verified by HFS, particularly when reconstructed with cardiorespiratory gating.

Acute neurological care in north-east Germany with telemedicine support (ANNOTeM): protocol of a multi-center, controlled, open-label, two-arm intervention study

Background

Both diagnosis and treatment of neurological emergencies require neurological expertise and are time-sensitive. The lack of fast neurological expertise in regions with underserved infrastructure poses a major barrier for state-of-the-art care of patients with acute neurological diseases and leads to disparity in provision of health care. The main purpose of ANNOTeM (acute neurological care in North East Germany with telemedicine support) is to establish effective and sustainable support structures for evidence based treatments for stroke and other neurological emergencies and to improve outcome for acute neurological diseases in these rural regions.

Methods

A “hub-and-spoke” network structure was implemented connecting three academic neurological centres (“hubs”) and rural hospitals (“spokes”) caring for neurological emergencies. The network structure includes (1) the establishment of a 24/7 telemedicine consultation service, (2) the implementation of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) in the network hospitals, (3) a multiprofessional training scheme, and (4) a quality management program. Data from three major health insurance companies as well as data from the quality management program are being collected and evaluated. Primary outcome is the composite of first time of receiving paid outpatient nursing care, first time of receiving care in a nursing home, or death within 90 days after hospital admission.

Discussion

Beyond stroke only few studies have assessed the effects of telemedically supported networks on diagnosis and outcome of neurological emergencies. ANNOTeM will provide information whether this approach leads to improved outcome. In addition, a health economic analysis will be performed.

Study registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00013067, date of registration: November 16 th, 2017, URL: http://www.drks.de/DRKS00013068

Canadian cohort expanded-access program of nivolumab plus ipilimumab in advanced melanoma

Background

The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab is approved in several jurisdictions (United States, European Union, Canada) for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced melanoma. CheckMate 218 is a North American expanded-access program (eap) of nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients with advanced melanoma. Here, we report safety and survival outcomes for the Canadian cohort in the eap.

Methods

Eligible patients were those 18 years of age or older with unresectable stage iii or iv melanoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, and no prior anti-PD-1 or anti-ctla-4 therapy. Patients were treated with nivolumab 1 mg/kg and ipilimumab 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 cycles (induction phase); they then continued with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (maintenance phase) until progression, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 48 weeks, whichever occurred first. Safety and overall survival (os) data were collected.

Results

Of 194 patients enrolled, 174 were treated, and 51% continued on nivolumab maintenance. Median follow-up was 12.9 months. All-grade and grades 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 98% and 60% of patients respectively and led to treatment discontinuation in 40% and 28% of patients. Two treatment-related deaths were reported. The 12- and 18-month os rates were 80% [95% confidence interval (ci): 73% to 86%] and 76% (95% ci: 67% to 82%) respectively.

Conclusions

In this Canadian population, nivolumab plus ipilimumab demonstrated a safety profile and survival outcomes consistent with phase ii and iii clinical trial data.

Hepatic PPARα function and lipid metabolic pathways are dysregulated in polymicrobial sepsis

Despite intensive research and constant medical progress, sepsis remains one of the most urgent unmet medical needs of today. Most studies have been focused on the inflammatory component of the disease; however, recent advances support the notion that sepsis is accompanied by extensive metabolic perturbations. During times of limited caloric intake and high energy needs, the liver acts as the central metabolic hub in which PPARα is crucial to coordinate the breakdown of fatty acids. The role of hepatic PPARα in liver dysfunction during sepsis has hardly been explored. We demonstrate that sepsis leads to a starvation response that is hindered by the rapid decline of hepatic PPARα levels, causing excess free fatty acids, leading to lipotoxicity, and glycerol. In addition, treatment of mice with the PPARα agonist pemafibrate protects against bacterial sepsis by improving hepatic PPARα function, reducing lipotoxicity and tissue damage. Since lipolysis is also increased in sepsis patients and pemafibrate protects after the onset of sepsis, these findings may point toward new therapeutic leads in sepsis.

2395LGE CMR predicts sudden death and VT in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot - a prospective study with 3500 patient follow up years

Background

Adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rtoF) are at risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Cross-sectional data suggest association of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with adverse clinical risk factors

Purpose

We sought to determine prognosis related to LGE CMR.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study the primary composite outcome comprised the first of cardiovascular death (SCD or heart failure-related), aborted SCD (successfully resuscitated cardiac arrest or appropriate AICD shock for ventricular fibrillation), and clinical sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT>30 seconds duration).

Results

In 531 rtoF patients (median age 32; 23–42, 296 (56%) male, NYHA≥II 17%) followed up after LGE CMR for median 5 (1.7–8.9) years, there were 39 primary composite outcomes: 10 SCD, 11 heart failure related deaths (2 perioperative RV failure), 2 aborted SCD and 16 clinical sustained VT events. At study end, there were 28 ventricular arrhythmic events in 28 rtoF patients (10 SCD, 16 clinical sustained VT, 2 aborted VF) that were significantly predicted by RV LGE extent (HR 1.45 CI: 1.3–1.6; P<0.001).

Univariable predictors of the primary outcome were RV LGE score; HR: 1.44 (1.31–1.57; p<0.001), (Figure) together with older age; HR: 1.05 (1.02–1.07; P<0.001), late repair; HR: 1.04 (1.02–1.07; p<0.001), lower RV ejection fraction; HR: 0.92 (0.89–0.95; p<0.001), larger RVOT akinetic length; HR: 1.04 (1.02–1.06; p<0.001) larger right atrial area; HR: 1.2 (1.12–1.29; p<0.001); higher BNP levels; HR: 1.01 (1–1.02; p<0.001), lower peak VO2; HR: 0.89 (0.83–0.96; p=0.001), prior atrial arrhythmia; HR: 5.3 (2.8–10.07; p<0.001), and non-sustained VT; HR: 4.1 (2.1–7.7; p<0.001). Inducible VT did not predict the primary outcome; HR: 2.1 (0.57–8; p=0.25)

In multivariable analysis both RV LGE score and indexed right atrial area (RAAi) only, remained predictive of the primary outcome (HR 1.29 CI: 1.12–1.49; p<0.001 and HR 1.1 CI: 1.02–1.12; p=0.01, respectively). Patients could accordingly be stratified such that supramedian RV LGE score (≥5) and RAAi ≥16cm2/m2 had 5-year event free survival 84% vs 94% for supramedian RV LGE score (≥5) and RAAi <16cm2/m2 or 98% for inframedian RV LGE score with RAAI<16cm2/m2. Figure.

Conclusions

For every unit increase in CMR defined RV fibrosis score there is a 44% increased risk of sudden cardiac death and VT. LGE CMR and maximal right atrial area should therefore be incorporated into risk stratification for sudden death in adults with rTOF.

Acknowledgement/Funding

British heart foundation

2398Efficacy of remote controlled catheter ablation for atrial arrhythmias in patients with atrial switch

Introduction

Since arterial switch procedure replaced the Mustard and Senning (M/S) operations for D-transposition of great arteries (TGA) in 1980s, there are many M/S survivors who are now over 30 yrs old. Atrial arrhythmias are common in these patients and catheter ablation is a valid alternative to medical treatment.

Purpose

Assess the efficacy of atrial arrhythmia ablation using remote magnetic navigation (RMN) in M/S patients.

Methods

All ablations performed on patients with M/S by a single operator in a tertiary center over a 10 year period (2008–2019) were reviewed and analyzed. All documented sustained recurrences were recorded.

Results

Twenty-eight patients (57% M, age 41 [33–44] yrs, 2 Senning), underwent 41 procedures, 40 of which consisted of ablation for atrial tachycardia (AT, 36, 91%: 81% in PVA, 8% SVA, 11% in PVA+SVA), atrio-ventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia (1, 1%) or atrial fibrillation (AF 3, 8%). All procedures were carried out using remote navigation, electroanatomical mapping and 3D image integration. Pre-procedure echo showed at least moderately impaired systemic ventricle in 68% and moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation in 58% of patients. Access to pulmonary venous atrium (PVA) was gained retrogradely in all cases while to access systemic venous atrium (SVA) either via femoral, subclavian or jugular veins.

All except one procedure (98%) were acutely successful. At 1 and 3 years, 82% and 74% of patients were free from recurrent arrhythmia. Multiple procedures were required to control arrhythmias in 10 (36%) patients ablated for AT (60% in PVA, 30% in PVA+SVA). After the 2nd ablation 60% of these patients were in sinus rhythm at 3 years. On multivariate Cox analysis, Senning repair was associated with a higher recurrence risk after ablation compared to patients undergone a Mustard procedure (HR 1.47, p=0.01). Overall median procedural duration was 210 [155–265] min with a median fluoroscopy time of 0.9 [0.4–1.5] min and fluoroscopy exposure of 60 [43–120] μGy·m2.

Conclusions

Remote magnetic navigation represents a valid treatment for atrial arrhythmias in patients post M/S operation, with good short and longer-term results. Moreover, it allows the retrograde approach sparing the transbaffle puncture and enables a low fluoroscopy exposure.

Current landscape of immunotherapy in the treatment of solid tumours, with future opportunities and challenges

Immunotherapy has emerged as a new standard of care, showing survival benefit for solid tumours in multiple disease sites and indications. The survival improvements seen in diseases that were highly resistant to traditional therapies, with a poor prognosis, are unprecedented. Although the benefits observed in clinical trials are undeniable, not all patients derive those benefits, leading to emerging combination strategies and an ongoing quest for biomarker selection. Here, we summarize the current evidence for immunotherapy in the treatment of solid tumours, and we discuss emerging strategies at the forefront of research. We discuss future challenges that will be encountered as experience and knowledge continue to expand in this rapidly emerging field.

Resource utilization and costs of managing patients with advanced melanoma: a Canadian population-based study

BACKGROUND

The use and detailed costs of services provided for people with advanced melanoma (amel) are not well known. We conducted an analysis to determine the use of health care services and the associated costs delineated by relevant attributable costs, which we defined for subjects in the province of Ontario.

METHODS

Through the Ontario Cancer Data Linkage Project, a cohort of amel patients with diagnoses between 31 August 2005 and 2012 (follow-up to 2013) and with valid International Classification of Diseases (9th revision, Clinical Modification) 172 codes and histology codes was identified. A cohort of individuals with amel having a combination of at least 1 palliative, 1 medical oncology, and 1 hospitalization code was generated. The health system services used by this population were clustered into hospitalization, palliation, physician medical visits, medication, homecare, laboratory, diagnostics, and other resources. Overall rates of use and disaggregated costs were determined by phase of care for the entire cohort.

RESULTS

The mean age for the 2748 individuals in the cohort was 67 years. The greater proportion of the patients were men (65.6%) and were more than 65 years of age (>50%). In this advanced cohort, fewer than 45% of patients were alive 3 years after the malignant melanoma diagnosis. The average annual cost per patient over the time horizon was $6,551. At $15,830, year 1 after diagnosis was the most expensive, followed by year 2, at $8,166.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide a baseline for the costs associated with amel treatment. Future studies will include newer agents and comparative effectiveness research for personalized therapies.

Influence of the pore architecture on the selective conversion of ethene to propene and butenes over medium pore zeolites

Conversion of ethene on selected zeolites structures allowed for high selectivities for propene and butenes.

Population-based estimates of survival and cost for metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

Fewer than half of all patients with metastatic melanoma survive more than 1 year. Standard treatments have had little success, but recent therapeutic advances offer the potential for an improved prognosis. In the present study, we used population-based administrative data to establish real-world baseline estimates of survival outcomes and costs against which new treatments can be compared.

METHODS

Data from administrative databases and patient registries were used to find a cohort of patients with metastatic melanoma in Ontario. To identify individuals most likely to receive new treatments, we focused on patients eligible for second-line treatment. The identified cohort had two characteristics: no surgical resection beyond primary skin excision, and receipt of first-line systemic therapy.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and mean costs are reported. Of the 33,585 patients diagnosed with melanoma in Ontario from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 2010, 278 met the study inclusion criteria. Average age was 63 years, and 62% of the patients were men. Overall survival was estimated to be 19%, 12%, and 6% at 12, 24, and 60 months respectively. Mean survival time was 11.5 months, and mean cost was $30,685.

CONCLUSIONS

Our baseline estimates indicate that survival outcomes are poor and costs are high for patients receiving standard treatment. Understanding the relative improvement accruing from any new treatment requires a comparison with the existing standard of care.

A randomized, controlled phase III trial of nab-Paclitaxel versus dacarbazine in chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic melanoma

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel versus dacarbazine in patients with metastatic melanoma was evaluated in a phase III randomized, controlled trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IV melanoma received nab-paclitaxel 150 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks or dacarbazine 1000 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) by independent radiologic review; the secondary end point was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 529 patients were randomized to nab-paclitaxel (n = 264) or dacarbazine (n = 265). Baseline characteristics were well balanced. The majority of patients were men (66%), had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status of 0 (71%), and had M1c stage disease (65%). The median PFS (primary end point) was 4.8 months with nab-paclitaxel and 2.5 months with dacarbazine [hazard ratio (HR), 0.792; 95.1% confidence interval (CI) 0.631-0.992; P = 0.044]. The median OS was 12.6 months with nab-paclitaxel and 10.5 months with dacarbazine (HR, 0.897; 95.1% CI 0.738-1.089; P = 0.271). Independently assessed overall response rate was 15% versus 11% (P = 0.239), and disease control rate (DCR) was 39% versus 27% (P = 0.004) for nab-paclitaxel versus dacarbazine, respectively. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were neuropathy (nab-paclitaxel, 25% versus dacarbazine, 0%; P < 0.001), and neutropenia (nab-paclitaxel, 20% versus dacarbazine, 10%; P = 0.004). There was no correlation between secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) status and PFS in either treatment arm.

CONCLUSIONS

nab-Paclitaxel significantly improved PFS and DCR compared with dacarbazine, with a manageable safety profile.

The epidemic of human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal cancer in a Canadian population

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infection with the human papillomavirus (hpv) is responsible for a significant burden of human cancers involving the cervix, anogenital tract, and oropharynx. Studies in the United States and Europe have demonstrated an alarming increase in the frequency of hpv-positive oropharyngeal cancer, but the same direct evidence does not exist in Canada.

METHODS

Using the London Health Sciences Centre pathology database, we identified tonsillar cancers diagnosed between 1993 and 2011. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was then used on pre-treatment primary-site biopsy samples to test for dna from the high-risk hpv types 16 and 18. The study cohort was divided into three time periods: 1993-1999, 2000-2005, and 2006-2011.

RESULTS

Of 160 tumour samples identified, 91 (57%) were positive for hpv 16. The total number of tonsillar cancers significantly increased from 1993-1999 to 2006-2011 (32 vs. 68), and the proportion of cases that were hpv-positive substantially increased (25% vs. 62%, p < 0.002). Those changes were associated with a marked improvement in 5-year overall survival (39% in 1993-1999 vs. 84% in 2006-2011, p < 0.001). When all factors were included in a multivariable model, only hpv status predicted treatment outcome.

INTERPRETATION

The present study is the first to provide direct evidence that hpv-related oropharyngeal cancer is increasing in incidence in a Canadian population. Given the long lag time between hpv infection and clinically apparent malignancy, oropharyngeal cancer will be a significant clinical problem for the foreseeable future despite vaccination efforts.

["DIabetes Versorgungs-Evaluation" (DIVE)--a national quality assurance initiative at physicians providing care for patients with diabetes]

BACKGROUND

Due to the variety of affected organ systems, necessitating a multidisciplinary and interconnected approach in deciding on individual diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, a structured documentation of data for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus is steadily gaining importance. Towards this purpose, multiple quality initiatives (e. g. SWEET, QS-DPV, EUBIROD etc.) as well as several software systems (e. g. [DPV2] DIAMAX, DPV, EMIL, Qmax etc.) have been developed to capture patient-related data. This is further complicated by the necessity to exchange data with a large variety of doctor's office administration systems.

METHODS

To address this complex of issues, DiabetesDE in cooperation with several societies, doctor's associations and prospective end users launched a national register platform. DIVE (Diabetes Care Evaluation) is aimed at establishing a national diabetes register to centrally capture data from diabetes patients being treated by diabetology specialists in Germany, thus making them available for quality assurance and health services research.

RESULTS

Since September 2011, 142 so far participating doctors have documented data for 84,774 patients. Compared to patients treated by general practitioners, persons under specialist care show a more advanced clinical picture with substantial co-morbidity.

CONCLUSION

DIVE provides a national platform which will address essential fields of activity with regard to the development of a national diabetes strategy--epidemiology, diabetes registry, health care research, quality assurance--based on usual office administration systems, thus contributing to the improvement of care and treatment for patients suffering from diabetes.