Real-world healthcare costs of localized and regionally advanced cutaneous melanoma in the Netherlands

The aim of this study was to provide insight into real-world healthcare costs of patients initially diagnosed with localized or regionally advanced melanoma in three Dutch hospitals between 2003 and 2011. Patients were stratified according to their stage at diagnosis and recurrence status. Costs were calculated by applying unit costs to individual patient resource use and reported for the full disease course, the initial treatment episode, and treatment episodes for disease recurrence (stratified by type of recurrence). We included 198 patients with localized melanoma and 98 patients with regionally advanced melanoma. Total costs were much higher for patients with disease recurrence than for patients without disease recurrence: €20 007 versus €3032 for patients with localized melanoma and €19 519 versus €5951 for patients with regionally advanced melanoma. This was owing to the costs of disease recurrence because the costs of the initial treatment were comparable between patients with and without disease recurrence. Costs of disease recurrence were dependent on the type of recurrence: €4414, €4604, €8129 and €10 393 for a local recurrence, intralymphatic metastases, regional lymph node metastases and distant metastases, respectively. In conclusion, healthcare costs of patients with localized and regionally advanced melanoma were rather low for the initial treatment. Costs became, however, more substantial in case of disease recurrence. In the context of a rapidly changing treatment paradigm, it remains crucial to monitor treatment outcomes as well as healthcare expenditures.

Eponyms of Sir Jonathan Hutchinson

Sir Jonathan Hutchinson was an extraordinary man. He was trained as a surgeon and a pathologist, but was also keenly interested in dermatology, the study of syphilis, ophthalmology, and neurology. His observations with detailed descriptions of skin diseases were remarkable. His medical bibliography staggeringly consists of over 1000 published reports. This description of the eponyms attributed to Hutchinson--illustrated with clinical images, an old plate, and a portrait--demonstrates his important contribution to dermatology.

Limited cardiotoxicity after extensive thoracic surgery and intraoperative hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cisplatin

BACKGROUND

Recently, pleural mesothelioma has been treated by cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cisplatin. The well-established cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin and distressing data from an animal study raised concern about its impact on cardiac function. In the present study, early cardiotoxicity of this treatment modality was prospectively analyzed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 13 pleural mesothelioma patients, cardiotoxicity was monitored by clinical examination, electrocardiography, Troponin levels, cardiac ultrasonography, and estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by radionuclide ventriculography before and during the first 6 months after cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy with doxorubicin (25-54 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (65-120 mg/m(2)).

RESULTS

No clinical cardiac failure or treatment-related death was observed. In two patients transient atrial fibrillation was noted; one associated with pulmonary emboli. Early posttreatment Troponin release was not of predictive value. Ultrasonography did not reveal significant alterations. LVEF decreased significantly (mean 0.07 or 11%, P = .001) during the first 3 months and remained stable thereafter. In univariate analysis, the degree of LVEF reduction was statistically related to maximal intrathoracic doxorubicin concentration (P = .031) and total cisplatin dose (P = .029). Direct exposure of the heart to the drugs as a result of partial pericardectomy was not associated with greater LVEF decrease. On the contrary, partial pericardectomy seemed to be associated with a smaller LVEF decline than when the pericardium remained intact (P = .045). In this small series, no statistically significant correlation between other treatment or pharmacokinetic parameters and LVEF decline was found. Notably, higher doxorubicin plasma concentrations and exposure were not associated with increased LVEF reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Early cardiotoxicity is limited after this treatment modality using substantial doses of doxorubicin and cisplatin. Hence, this study suggests that intrathoracic chemotherapy with doxorubicin and/or cisplatin may be used for primary and secondary pleural malignancies, even immediately after extensive thoracic surgery, without concern of severe early cardiotoxicity.

High risk of colostomy with primary radiotherapy for anal cancer

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy (RT) has become the primary treatment of choice for anal cancer in an effort to avoid colostomy. The current role of surgery appears generally to be underestimated, since diverting colostomy or abdominoperineal resection still often seems to be necessary for complications and local treatment failure after RT.

METHODS

The data of 83 patients primarily treated by RT with curative intent throughout a 20-year period in our institute were analyzed regarding the need for colostomy.

RESULTS

Totally, 28 patients (34%) required creation of a colostomy after primary RT for local failure or treatment-related complications during a mean follow-up period of 39 months. The 3-year actuarial colostomy-free rate was 59% (mean 85 +/- 9 months). Early stage disease, low T-score and absence of infiltration in adjacent organs were associated with a reduced need for colostomy in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis only T-score was an independent variable in predicting prolonged colostomy-free interval. In this study, no statistically significant differences were noted for gender, age, nodal status, total radiation dose, radiation boost and concurrent chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In approximately one-third of the patients treated by anal sphincter saving management with curative aimed primary RT, the creation of a colostomy appeared to be necessary for RT complications and local treatment failure. Therefore, patients should be well informed regarding the considerable risk of need for colostomy after RT for anal cancer.

Total body topical 5-fluorouracil for extensive non-melanoma skin cancer

Background

Topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream is one of␣the treatment modalities for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). There is a lack of suitable therapies to treat patients with extensive NMSC. In this paper we report two patients with extensive NMSC treated by total body application of topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream.

Observations

Topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream was applied twice daily to the total body, including normal appearing skin. During the treatment, weekly blood samples were taken for measurement of 5-fluorouracil levels. All samples showed a 5-fluorouracil level less than the detection level of 10 µg/l. Total body 5-fluorouracil 5% cream was shown to be an effective treatment in our patients; the majority of lesions cleared in both patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, total body topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream application was successful in two patients with extensive NMSC. No detectable serum level of 5-fluorouracil could be determined. Pain and secondary infections were important side effects in our patients. However, in patients with extensive NMSC this treatment may be considered.

Prognostic factors and evaluation of surgical management of hepatic metastases from colorectal origin: a 10-year single-institute experience

The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors and outcome after liver resection for colorectal metastases in 102 patients over a period of 10 years. A stepwise procedure using proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors. Estimated survival at 2 years was 71%, and at 5 years, 29% (Kaplan-Meier). Of 19 patients with isolated liver recurrence, 6 had a second metastasectomy; 4 of the 6 are still alive. We found that the number of hepatic lesions on computed tomography (P=0.012), the interval between resection of the primary colon tumor and the hepatic metastasectomy (P=0.012), and synchronicity of the primary and the hepatic metastasis (P=0.048) showed evidence of independent prognostic value regarding survival. Resection of hepatic colorectal metastases may result in long-term survival. Patients with recurrence after a first liver resection may benefit from a repeat metastasectomy. Our data suggest there is no strong predictor of survival. Survival seems to decrease with increasing number of metastases found on computed tomography.

Long-term survival of peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer is probably best treated by cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). In The Netherlands Cancer Institute, this treatment has been performed since 1995. The long tradition of this treatment enabled us to study long-term survival in detail.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2003, 117 patients were treated by cytoreduction and HIPEC. The aim of the cytoreduction was to remove all visible tumor. After the cytoreduction, the abdomen was perfused with mitomycin C (35 mg/m2) at 40 degrees C to 41 degrees C for 90 minutes. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival was also analyzed for the following subgroups: no residual tumor, residual tumor < or = 2.5 mm, and more residual tumor. Hazard ratios for each of the seven abdominal regions were calculated to determine the influence on survival.

RESULTS

The median survival was 21.8 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 75%, 28%, and 19%, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curve reached a plateau of 18% at 54 months. In 59 patients a complete cytoreduction was achieved, and in 41 patients there was minimal residual disease. The median survival of these patient groups was 42.9 and 17.4 months, respectively. When gross macroscopic tumor was left behind, as was the case in 17 patients, the median survival was 5 months. Involvement of the small bowel before cytoreduction was associated with poorer outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoreduction followed by HIPEC showed a median survival of 21 months. From 3 years on, a consistent group of 18% of patients stayed alive.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal or appendiceal origin: correlation of preoperative CT with intraoperative findings and evaluation of interobserver agreement

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In patients with colorectal cancer, it is important to diagnose peritoneal carcinomatosis as well as to detect location and size of peritoneal tumor dissemination in view of treatment planning. The aim of this study was to investigate the detection accuracy of computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Preoperative CT-scans from 25 consecutive patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal or appendiceal origin were independently blindly reviewed by 2 radiologists. The presence and diameter of tumor deposits were noted in seven abdominopelvic areas. Intraoperative findings were regarded as the gold standard. Agreement was assessed using the Kappa index and the chi-square test.

RESULTS

The presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis was detected in 60 and 76% of those patients by each of the radiologist. Detection of individual peritoneal implants was poor (kappa = 0.11/0.23) and varied from 9.1%/24.3% for tumor size <1 cm to 59.3%/66.7% for tumor size >5 cm. Overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for tumor involvement per area were 24.5%/37.3%, 94.5%/90.4%, 53.0%/60.0%, 86.2%/84.4%, and 47.3%/50.8%, respectively. Accuracy of tumor detection varied widely per anatomic site. Statistically significant interobserver differences were noted, specifically for tumor size of 1-5 cm (P = 0.007) and localization on mesentery and small bowel (kappa = 0.30, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In colorectal cancer, CT detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis is moderate and of individual peritoneal tumor deposits poor. Interobserver differences are statistically significant. Therefore, preoperative CT seems not to be a reliable tool for detection of presence, size, and location of peritoneal tumor implants in view of treatment planning in patients with colorectal cancer.

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mitomycin during intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

During recent years, cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with mitomycin has been used for various malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mitomycin during HIPEC.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients received mitomycin 35 mg/m2 intraperitoneally as a perfusion over 90 minutes. Mitomycin concentrations were determined in both the peritoneal perfusate and plasma. The observed concentration-time profiles were used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model using nonlinear mixed-effect modelling (NONMEM). The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was related to the haematological toxicity.

RESULTS

Concentration-time profiles of mitomycin in perfusate and plasma were adequately described with one- and two-compartment models, respectively. The average volume of distribution of the perfusate compartment (V1) and rate constant from the perfusate to the systemic circulation (k12) were 4.5 +/- 1.1L and 0.014 +/- 0.003 min(-1), respectively (mean +/- SD, n = 47). The average volume of distribution of the central plasma compartment (V2), clearance from the central compartment (CL) and volume of distribution of the peripheral plasma compartment (V3) were 28 +/- 16L, 0.55 +/- 0.18 L/min and 36 +/- 8L, respectively. The relationship between the AUC in plasma and degree of leucopenia was described with a sigmoidal maximum-effect (Emax) model.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacokinetics of mitomycin during HIPEC could be fitted successfully to a multicompartment model. Relationships between plasma exposure and haematological toxicity were quantified. The developed pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model can be used to simulate different dosage schemes in order to optimise mitomycin administration during HIPEC.

Randomized trial of cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy versus systemic chemotherapy and palliative surgery in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To confirm the findings from uncontrolled studies that aggressive cytoreduction in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is superior to standard treatment in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer origin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 1998 and August 2001, 105 patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard treatment consisting of systemic chemotherapy (fluorouracil-leucovorin) with or without palliative surgery, or experimental therapy consisting of aggressive cytoreduction with HIPEC, followed by the same systemic chemotherapy regime. The primary end point was survival.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up period of 21.6 months, the median survival was 12.6 months in the standard therapy arm and 22.3 months in the experimental therapy arm (log-rank test, P =.032). The treatment-related mortality in the aggressive therapy group was 8%. Most complications from HIPEC were related to bowel leakage. Subgroup analysis of the HIPEC group showed that patients with 0 to 5 of the 7 regions of the abdominal cavity involved by tumor at the time of the cytoreduction had a significantly better survival than patients with 6 or 7 affected regions (log-rank test, P <.0001). If the cytoreduction was macroscopically complete (R-1), the median survival was also significantly better than in patients with limited (R-2a), or extensive residual disease (R-2b; log-rank test, P <.0001).

CONCLUSION

Cytoreduction followed by HIPEC improves survival in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin. However, patients with involvement of six or more regions of the abdominal cavity, or grossly incomplete cytoreduction, had still a grave prognosis.

Surgical treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma: a review

Despite many years of clinical research, there is still no effective therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Untreated, the prognosis is poor, with a median survival of < 1 year. Single-agent or combination chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy have not shown persistent improvements in response or survival. In general, MPM is a disease confined to the pleural cavity for a long time before metastasizing. Therefore, focus on local treatment seems rational. Surgical resection has been considered the mainstay of treatment by some. However, surgery alone results in high recurrence rates, and the survival benefit remains questionable. In recent years, the emphasis has been on surgery combined with adjuvant therapies. In this article, the present state of surgical management of MPM will be reviewed.

Cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma or pleural metastases of thymoma

STUDY OBJECTIVES

No established curative treatment is available for pleural thymoma metastases and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Recently, peritoneal malignancies have been treated by cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative hyperthermic intracavitary perfusion chemotherapy (HIPEC). We investigated the feasibility and safety of this multimodality treatment in the thoracic cavity.

DESIGN

Patients with pleural thymoma metastases or early-stage MPM were enrolled in a feasibility study. Morbidity, recurrence, and survival rates were recorded.

SETTING

The Netherlands Cancer Institute.

PATIENTS

Three patients with pleural thymoma metastases and 11 patients with pleural mesothelioma were treated.

INTERVENTIONS

Cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative hyperthermic intrathoracic perfusion chemotherapy (HITHOC) with cisplatin and adriamycin were performed. The mesothelioma patients received adjuvant radiotherapy on the thoracotomy wound and drainage tracts.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Morbidity and mortality rates were 47% and 0%, respectively. Reoperation was necessary in four cases. Severe chemotherapy-related complications were not observed. A solitary mediastinal and a contralateral pleural thymoma recurrence were successfully treated by radiotherapy and a contralateral HITHOC procedure. All thymoma patients were alive and free of disease after a mean follow-up period of 18 months. After a mean follow-up period of 7.4 months, nine mesothelioma patients are alive. Two mesothelioma patients died of contralateral pleural and peritoneal recurrent disease, while one patient is alive with locoregional recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoreductive surgery and HITHOC with cisplatin and adriamycin is feasible in patients with pleural thymoma metastases and early-stage MPM, and is associated with acceptable morbidity rates. Early data on locoregional disease control are encouraging, and a phase II study will be conducted.