Preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion and perineural invasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics analysis

AIM

To develop and validate a predictive model based on 2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) radiomics features and clinicopathological parameters to preoperatively identify microvascular invasion (MVI) and perineural invasion (PNI), which are important predictors of poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images and clinicopathological parameters of 170 patients in PDAC were collected retrospectively. The whole tumour and its peritumoural variants (tumour dilated with 3, 5, and 10 mm pixels) were applied to add tumour periphery information. A feature-selection algorithm was employed to mine mono-modality and fused feature subsets, then conducted binary classification using gradient boosted decision trees.

RESULTS

For MVI prediction, the model performed best on a fused subset of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT radiomics features and two clinicopathological parameters, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 83.08%, accuracy of 78.82%, recall of 75.08%, precision of 75.5%, and F1-score of 74.59%. For PNI prediction, the model achieved best prediction results only on the subset of PET/CT radiomics features, with AUC of 94%, accuracy of 89.33%, recall of 90%, precision of 87.81%, and F1 score of 88.35%. In both models, 3 mm dilation on the tumour volume produced the best results.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomics predictors from preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging exhibited instructive predictive efficacy in the identification of MVI and PNI status preoperatively in PDAC. Peritumoural information was shown to assist in MVI and PNI predictions.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study of istiratumab (MM-141) plus nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine versus nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in front-line metastatic pancreatic cancer (CARRIE)

BACKGROUND

Preclinical data suggest that dual blockade of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and HER3 pathways has superior activity to IGF-1R blockade alone in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We tested whether istiratumab, an IGF-1R- and ErbB3-bispecific antibody, can enhance the efficacy of standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy in patients with metastatic PDAC selected for high IGF-1 serum levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CARRIE was an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study for patients with previously untreated metastatic PDAC. In part 1, 10 patients were evaluated for pharmacokinetics and safety. In part 2, patients with high free serum IGF-1 levels were randomized 1 : 1 to receive either istiratumab [2.8 g intravenously (i.v.) every 2 weeks] or placebo combined with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel at approved dose schedule. The co-primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with high IGF-1 levels and PFS in patients with both high serum IGF-1 levels and heregulin (HRG)+ tumors. Key secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v.1.1, and adverse events (AEs) rate.

RESULTS

A total of 317 patients were screened, with 88 patients randomized in part 2 (experimental arm n = 43; control n = 45). In the high IGF-1 cohort, median PFS was 3.6 and 7.3 months in the experimental versus control arms, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.88, P = 0.027]. In the high IGF-1/HRG+ subgroup (n = 44), median PFS was 4.1 and 7.3 months, respectively (HR = 1.39, P = 0.42). Median OS and ORR for the overall population were similar between two arms. No significant difference in serious or grade ≥3 AEs was observed, although low-grade AEs leading to early discontinuation were higher in the experimental (39.5%) versus control arm (24.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Istiratumab failed to improve the efficacy of SOC chemotherapy in this patient setting. High serum IGF-1 levels did not appear to be an adverse prognostic factor when compared with non-biomarker-selected historic controls.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02399137; EUDRA CT: 2014-004572-34.

Associations of serum monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with digital ulcers and skin fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and clinical manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Method: This was a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study comprising 111 female SSc patients recruited from a tertiary care rheumatology centre. We also assessed 222 age-matched female healthy controls. Serum MHR was measured in all study participants. Digital ulcer (DU) was defined as an active or healed ulceration, and the magnitude of skin fibrosis was determined according to the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS).Results: The mean age and median disease duration in patients with SSc were 56.3 years and 98 months, respectively. The MHR in SSc patients was significantly higher than that in controls. DU was found in 35 patients (31.5%) with SSc (active in 12 and healed in 23), and the median mRSS was 8. SSc patients with DU had a significantly higher median MHR than those without (11.43 vs 7.62, p < 0.001), and MHR significantly positively correlated with mRSS (ρ = 0.289, p = 0.002). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that an elevated MHR was independently associated with increased risk of DU (odds ratio = 1.21; 95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.35; p = 0.002). In the multivariable linear regression analysis, higher MHR showed a significant association with increased log-transformed mRSS (unstandardized β = 0.052, p = 0.003).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the MHR could be serve as a potential biomarker of the risk of DU and advanced skin fibrosis in patients with SSc.

Abstract P4-01-05: Cell free DNA analysis identifies actionable ERBB2 amplifications in patients with HER2 equivocal breast cancer

Background:

Determination of ERBB2 (HER2) expression or amplification informs eligibility of HER2-targeted therapies. ASCO and NCCN guidelines recommend evaluation of HER2 status on primary invasive breast cancers and on a metastatic site if stage IV, where possible, as treatment is based on the status of the metastasis. Reassessment of HER2 status should also be considered in patients with disease recurrence as initially HER2-negative tumors may acquire HER2 amplification at progression. HER2 status can be complicated by equivocal results from in situ hybridization (ISH) and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC). Clarification requires reflex testing on the same tissue specimen or repeat testing on a new specimen, however some patients' tissue status remains equivocal. Furthermore, metastases to bone, lung, or brain may be difficult to re-biopsy or of low DNA quality. Rapid and non-invasive blood-based cell-free DNA (cfDNA) NGS may facilitate identification of HER2 targetable disease in advanced breast cancer.

Methods:

We assessed the frequency of ERBB2 amplification detectable by a blood-based cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assay among patients with metastatic breast cancer with equivocal HER2 results in tissue. cfDNA samples were ordered as part of routine clinical care using an assay validated for the detection of copy number amplification in ERBB2 (tests run between 03/2014-04/2017 by Guardant Health, Redwood City, CA). Submitted pathology reports were reviewed for HER2 status which was categorized as positive, negative, or equivocal based on the interpretation issued by the reading pathologist at the time the test was ordered. Patients were included if they had an equivocal result on IHC and/or ISH unless both assays were performed on the same specimen and one provided a definitive negative or positive HER2 result. Additionally, 4 patients with equivocal IHC or ISH results were excluded as biopsy of another tumor site revealed a positive HER2 result around the same time as the equivocal test. For the 349 patients with multiple cfDNA samples, the earliest pathology report was referenced.

Results:

Tissue HER2 status was available for 1,853 unique patients (98.8% female, median age at testing was 58y, range 26-91y). 141 patients (7.6%) had equivocal HER2 results in tissue; 99 by IHC alone, 14 by ISH alone, and 28 were equivocal by both assays. Among these, 126 patients (89.4%) had at least one sample with ctDNA detected. 12/126 (9.5%) had amplification of ERBB2 detected in at least one cfDNA sample. Samples were drawn a median of 267 days after tissue collection (range 4 days – 11.5 years). Frequency of ERBB2 amplification was similar regardless of time between tissue and blood collection but was higher among patients with ISH results alone (4/14, 36.4%) compared to those with IHC alone (6/89, 6.7%) or both assays (6/26, 7.6%; p=0.006).

Conclusion:

cfDNA testing identifies a significant number of patients with HER2-targetable advanced breast cancer whose tissue was HER2 equivocal. cfDNA testing may supplement tissue-based methods to help clarify HER2 status in metastatic disease as well as identify patients who may acquire HER2 amplification subsequent to their initial biopsy.

Citation Format: Rich TA, Raymond VM, Ahn ER, Banks KC, Brufsky A, Lee C, Lippman M, Pluard TJ, Schwab RB, Lanman RB. Cell free DNA analysis identifies actionable ERBB2 amplifications in patients with HER2 equivocal breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-05.

Procedural and obstetric outcomes after embryo reduction vs fetal reduction in multifetal pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the obstetric outcome and incidence of procedure-related adverse events after embryo reduction (ER) vs fetal reduction (FR), in multifetal pregnancies undergoing reduction to twins or singletons.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively data from multifetal pregnancies that underwent transvaginal ER (n = 181) at a mean gestational age of 7.6 weeks or transabdominal FR (n = 115) at a mean gestational age of 12.9 weeks between December 2006 and January 2017. FR was performed after a detailed fetal anomaly scan. The two groups were compared with respect to obstetric outcomes, such as incidence of miscarriage, early or late preterm delivery, maternal complications and fetal loss, and procedure-related adverse events, including incidence of subchorionic hematoma and procedure-related fetal loss.

RESULTS

Compared with pregnancies that underwent ER, the incidence of procedure-related fetal loss was lower in the FR group (7.2% vs 0.9%; P = 0.039; odds ratio (OR), 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.89). Mean gestational age at delivery for twins was 34.2 weeks in the ER group and 35.7 weeks in the FR group (P = 0.014). Compared with the ER group, the FR group had lower miscarriage (8.8% vs 2.6%; P = 0.045; OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08-0.97) and overall fetal loss (13.3% vs 5.2%; P = 0.031; OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.91) rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The FR procedure is, overall, a better and safer approach to reducing morbidity and mortality in multifetal pregnancies. Spontaneous demise of one fetus may occur after ER, and FR has the advantage that chorionic villus sampling and ultrasound screening for increased nuchal translucency and anatomical defects can be conducted before the procedure. The ER approach is still reasonable when a patient's religious or other ethical concerns are of primary importance. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of How Integrative Oncology Services Are Valued between Hematology/Oncology Patients and Hematologists/Oncologists at a Tertiary Care Center

Evidence regarding opinions on integrative modalities by patients and physicians is lacking. Methods. A survey study was conducted assessing how integrative modalities were valued among hematology/oncology patients and hematologists and oncologists at a major tertiary medical center. Results. 1008 patients and 55 physicians were surveyed. With the exception of support groups, patients valued nutrition services, exercise therapy, spiritual/religious counseling, supplement/herbal advice, support groups, music therapy, and other complimentary medicine services significantly more than physicians (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. With the exception of support groups, patients value integrative modalities more than physicians. Perhaps with increasing education, awareness, and acceptance by providers and traditional institutions, integrative modalities could be equally valued between patients and providers. It is possible that increased availability and utilization of integrative oncology modalities at tertiary hospital sites could improve patient satisfaction, quality of life, and other clinical endpoints.

Abstract P2-02-12: Cell free DNA analysis identifies actionable ERBB2 amplifications in patients with HER2 negative breast cancer

Identification of ERBB2 (HER2) overexpression in metastatic breast cancer informs utilization of HER2 targeted therapy. The NCCN recommends HER2 expression re-evaluation at the first disease recurrence in patients with negative or equivocal tissue status given results discrepancies due to inadequate tissue biopsy, tumoral heterogeneity, biopsy technique or fixation as well as discordance in ERBB2 (HER2) expression between primary and metastatic lesions. We examined the incidence of ERBB2 (HER2) negative to positive “flips” (e.g. to ERBB2-amplified in plasma) in a cohort of patients who underwent a blood-based cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assay at a CLIA-certified/CAP-accredited/NYSDOH-approved molecular diagnostic laboratory.

Laboratory database was queried for samples from patients with a breast cancer diagnosis. The query was filtered to ensure patients with multiple cfDNA timepoints were counted only once. Patients without a pathology report submitted at any cfDNA collection timepoint or the pathology report did not include ERBB2 (HER2) status, results were inconclusive or quantity not sufficient were excluded. Between March 2014 and April 2017, 1,853 unique patients were identified with reported ERBB2 (HER2) status. For patients with more than one cfDNA timepoint collected (N=349; 18.8%), the earliest pathology report was referenced. 1,386 patient tumor samples were negative for HER2 overexpression (74.8%), 325 (17.5%) were positive, and 142 (7.7%) were equivocal. Twenty-nine of the 1,386 patients with reported tumor negative HER2 status had amplification on subsequent cfDNA analysis (2.1%).

All 29 patients were female. Most patients (N=21) had a single cfDNA timepoint collected. Median age at cfDNA blood draw was 58 years (range 28–68). Median length of time between reported tissue negative status and cfDNA blood draw was 405 days (range 21–4,060). Median plasma ERBB2 copy number was 2.44 (greater than 50th-centile per laboratory data) (range 2.15–16.5).

Clinical follow-up was obtained for 19 patients (65%). Nine patients were lost to follow-up or succumbed to disease prior to initiation of a new therapeutic regimen. One patient was known HER2 positive prior to receipt of the cfDNA results. In the remaining nine patients, six initiated targeted HER2 therapy following receipt of the cfDNA results, with five of six (83%) demonstrating a clinical response. In one patient with known ER/PR positive, HER2 negative disease, progressing through multiple lines of therapy, addition of trastuzumab and pertuzumab to her paclitaxel regimen following identification of the cfDNA ERBB2 amplification resulted in a significant reduction in CEA levels (238 to 37.9 ng/mL) by week five. In a second patient, following identification of the cfDNA ERBB2 amplification, she was treated with trastuzumab and pertuzumab along with docetaxel and had a dramatic response. She continues on trastuzumab and pertuzumab alone.

Although a modest sample size, this is the second cfDNA series demonstrating that ERBB2 (HER2) status may flip from negative to positive upon recurrence or metastasis, and that targeting plasma-detected ERBB2 amplification with anti-HER2 has clinical benefit. cfDNA is a viable alternative to tissue rebiopsy in this patient population.

Citation Format: Raymond VM, Diaz J, Banks KC, Ahn E, Brufsky A, Ellis M, Lippman M, Lee C, Pluard T, Schreeder M, Schwab R, Lanman RB. Cell free DNA analysis identifies actionable ERBB2 amplifications in patients with HER2 negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-12.

Abstract OT1-03-04: A phase II study of neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor with pertuzumab and trastuzumab for patients with ER+HER2+ stage I-II breast cancer (NEOADAPT)

Background. Recent clinical trial results indicate that it is more appropriate than ever to conduct de-escalation clinical trials looking at less chemotherapy for patients with relatively early stage HER2+ breast cancer, particularly those with so called triple positive breast cancer (ER+PR+HER2+, or TPBC). TBCRC 006 showed that if hormone therapy is added to dual-HER2 blockade (lapatinib and trastuzumab) pathological complete response rate (pCR) can increase to 21% with another 22% having low residual disease (&lt;1cm) with only 12 weeks of neoadjuvant therapy. After CLEOPATRA showed unprecedented improvement in OS comparing docetaxel trastuzumab and pertuzumab versus docetaxel and trastuzumab (15.7 mo median OS difference), we designed NEOADAPT to test the hypothesis that a flexible duration of neoadjuvant treatment based on clinical and radiographic response with an aromatase inhibitor coupled with pertuzumab and trastuzumab would have a &gt;40% pCR rate. The potential impact of this trial is to provide more treatment options for women with early stage TPBC in a current environment when more than 40% of such patients are currently getting chemotherapy.

Trial Design. This single arm prospective cohort study is IRB approved and currently enrolling (NCT02689921). Intervention will be neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor +/- LHRH agonist or oophorectomy if premenopausal with trastuzumab and pertuzumab in standard q 3-week dosing schedules. Duration of treatment will be determined by clinical exam, q 3mo dynamic breast MRI but no longer than 1 year maximum before surgery. Study ends upon definitive surgery. Duration of treatment will be 3 months after last radiographic CR seen on MRI barring progression or patient/physician choice.

Eligibility Criteria. Patients with stage I-II biopsy confirmed invasive breast cancer that is ER/PR+ and HER2+ by latest ASCO guidelines. Multifocal breast cancer is allowed on the provision that all lesions are biopsied and confirmed to also be TPBC and felt by the pathologist to be the same tumor. Age &gt;18 yrs, ECOG PS 0-2, LVEF &gt;50% at baseline. Rest of inclusion and exclusion criteria are typical for most studies in this setting.

Specific Aims. The primary endpoint is to document pCR rate. Secondary endpoints are to conduct an exploratory analysis of whether Mammaprint can identify patients who are more likely to obtain pCR or not and to describe sensitivity and specificity of breast MRI in predicting pCR.

Statistical Design. To identify a hypothesized pCR rate of &gt;40% with 80% power, 32 patients will be enrolled. The Fleming two stage design will be implemented with stopping rules with the first stage of interim analysis done when the first 15 evaluable patients have surgical results. Further details will be provided in poster.

Present accrual and target accrual. At time of abstract submission 5 of 32 patients have been enrolled and the study is currently available at 2 Cancer Treatment Centers of America sites, Midwestern and Southeastern Regional Medical Center. Plan is to open the study at all 5 CTCA sites before end of 2017.

Contact information for those specifically interested in this trial. Principal investigator Eugene Ahn MD eugene.ahn@ctca-hope.com.

Citation Format: Ahn ER, Alvarez R, Maurie M. A phase II study of neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor with pertuzumab and trastuzumab for patients with ER+HER2+ stage I-II breast cancer (NEOADAPT) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-03-04.

Abstract P1-10-27: Self-reported symptoms and interference issues in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer and its treatments produce multiple symptoms that significantly impact patient quality of life (QOL). Distress and impaired function are the most commonly referred symptoms [Cleeland CS, 2007]. Routine cancer care assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including symptoms, function, and QOL, has been shown to improve symptom management, identification of psychosocial problems, and patient-provider communication. The Symptom Inventory Tool (SIT) is an assessment tool that captures the patients' perceived symptom burden for real-time clinical intervention, taken at the point of no intervention (baseline) and every 21 days or greater. The SIT is comprised of 27 questions utilizing the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory tool (MDASI) [Cleeland CS, Cancer 2013], and validated assessment instrument with 8 questions added and a free text box by Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). CTCA is a national network of five hospitals that specialize in cancer treatment and integrative oncology.

PATIENTS & METHODS: Patients reported symptoms intensity using 19-item MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and 8 additional questions created by CTCA (constipation, swelling, mouth soreness, bleeding, sexual interest, family, hope & QOL). Symptoms were rated "at the worst" on an 11-point numeric scale ranging from 0 ('no present") to 10 ("as bad as you can imagine") in the previous 24 hours. SIT became an integral part of patient care at CTCA beginning in 2012.

RESULTS: From July 2012 to February 2015, a total of 3,740 outpatients with breast cancer were evaluated at CTCA.

A total of 13,852 assessments were analyzed. The assessments consisted of 3,513 completed at baseline, 2,237 completed at the 2nd follow up (FU), and 8,014 completed at 3rd FU or greater. Median age was 50 (range, 17-88), 60% of patients were ER+. Race: White (68%), Black (29%), and other (3%). Disease extension: locoregional (86%) and metastatic (13.6%). The average time since cancer was diagnosed were 35 months, and 50.7% of the patients received prior systemic therapy: chemotherapy (55%), hormone-therapy (41%), and immunotherapy (4%). Mean, standard deviation and inter quartile ranges at baseline assessment are depicted in.

Table 1.Patient Reported SymptomBaseline assessment statisticsPercentage of patients with severe symptoms at baseline and reporting a clinically significant change (2 points) at 2nd SIT assessment Mean +/- STDInterquartile range (IQR)Significant decreaseNo changeDistress3.0 +/- 3.0[0.5]695 (31.3%)594 (26.8%)414 (18.7%)Sadness2.5 +/- 2.9[0.4]622 (28%)718 (32.3%)358 (16.1%)Disturbed Sleep3.3 +/- 3.2[0.6]550 (24.8%)517 (23.3%)642 (28.9%)Mood2.6 +/- 2.7[0.4]549 (24.7%)678 (30.5%)447 (20.1%)Pain2.7 +/- 3.0[0.5]523 (23.9%)675 (30.8%)519 (23.7%)*IQR is a measure of variability, based on dividing a data set into quartiles. Quartiles divide a rank-ordered data set into four equal parts

CONCLUSIONS: The SIT was successful in identifying symptoms burden and interference with life issues in breast cancer patients. Distress, sadness, disturbed sleep, mood and pain were the most common reported symptoms. Early identification of patient burden symptoms allowed immediate intervention and improvement in approximately a quarter of patients.

Citation Format: Alvarez RH, Hartman S, Bosch B, Kendrick D, Cohen L, Fridman J, Ottersen D, Walcott K, Ware S, Castro I, Thomas J, Niu J, Ahn E, Denny D, Markman M. Self-reported symptoms and interference issues in breast cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-27.

Abstract P6-07-06: Clinicopathologic characterization and comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of advanced breast cancer patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations

BACKGROUND: FGFR family members are infrequently mutated but are frequently overexpressed in breast cancer and often accompanied by increased, or altered, expression of FGF ligands. In this retrospective study, we reviewed a large series of FGFR altered breast cancer cases that received comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in the course of clinical care.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: CGP was performed on hybridization-captures, adaptor ligation-based libraries using DNA extracted from 40 μm formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) section cut at 10 μm performed in a CLIA-certified lab (Foundation Medicine, Inc.). The pathologic diagnosis of each case was confirmed on routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides, and all samples forwarded for DNA extraction contained a minimum of 20% of DNA derived from tumor cells. The FoundationOne test sequences the full coding regions of up to 315 cancer-related genes, and up to 28 genes that are frequently altered in cancer to detect all classes of genomic alterations including base substitutions, indels, copy-number alterations (CNA), and fusions/rearrangements. The average depth of coverage is greater than 600X. The genomic profiles of 2,617 patients with diverse advanced malignancies who were evaluated at Cancer Treatment Centers of America between 12/24/12 and 03/11/15 were reviewed. 176 FGFR alterations (7.8%) were detected, of which 76 (43.5%) were found in breast cancer cases out of 434 (16.5%). The study was carried out in accordance with WIRB Institutional Review Board.

RESULTS: A total of 76 female breast cancer patients, having a median age 50 (range, 28-69), with FGFR alterations were reviewed. All patients had metastatic/relapsed advanced breast cancer. 54 patients were Estrogen Receptor-positive (70%), and 15 were HER2+ (20%). 6 patients had gBRCA deleterious mutations. 84% of the samples (n=67) tissue block were analyzed, and the anatomic sites represented by the samples were 24 breast primary tumor (31%), 15 liver (19%), 10 lymph nodes (13%), and other sites (37%). The median number of chemotherapies cycles was 4 (range, 1-12), and the median time to metastasis was 31 months (range, 0-175). At the time of this report, 31 patients (40%) were deceased. 79 FGFR gene alterations were identified in 76 patients, including FGFR1 (65), FGFR2 (6), FGFR3 (2), and FGFR4 (4), with all but 7 of these being amplifications. The most co-existent altered gene was TP53 (66%), and other altered genes included PIK3CA (37%), MYC (28%), FGF3/4/19 (17%), CCND1 (17%), and CCNE1 (16%). The subset of co-amplified FGF3/4/19 and FGFR amplified patients were all (7) ER+ except for 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS: FGFR genomic alterations in breast cancer patients are predominantly amplifications and are most commonly observed in ER+ patients. Further review of treatment history will be performed to evaluate the hypothesis that alterations of FGFR is a modifier of response to endocrine therapy, and co-amplified FGF3/4/19 and FGFR breast cancer cases may be a distinct clinic-pathologic entity. Any patients in this series initiated on anti-FGFR targeted therapy will also be reported.

Citation Format: Alvarez RH, Thomas JW, Kramer K, Niu J, Ahn E, McKnight JE, Dhillon N, Pabbathi H, Johnson AT, Wang K, Ross JS, Miller VA, Stephens PJ, Daneker GW, Ali S, Markman M. Clinicopathologic characterization and comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of advanced breast cancer patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-06.

Venous thromboembolism rates in patients undergoing major hip and knee joint surgery at Waitemata District Health Board: a retrospective audit

BACKGROUND/AIM

Symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) complicates approximately 4% of major orthopaedic surgical procedures performed without thromboprophylaxis. Randomised clinical trials demonstrate primary thromboprophylaxis reduces VTE rates to <1%, with low rates of clinically important bleeding, using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), oral FXa inhibitors or thrombin inhibitors. We reviewed the rates of VTE in patients undergoing major hip/knee joint surgery at Waitemata District Health Board (WDHB).

METHODS

Cases of VTE within 90 days of orthopaedic surgery were identified by retrospective audit of data from the haematology VTE database. The number of major hip/knee joint surgeries at WDHB from January 2006 to December 2010 was obtained from clinical coding data.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of VTE within 90 days of surgery was 3.29%. The median time from surgery to diagnosis was 7 days. Deep vein thrombosis comprised 75% of cases, 77.6% distal and 23.2% proximal. Pulmonary embolism comprised 26.5% of VTE; 47.7% had right heart strain on computed tomography/echocardiography. Hip fracture surgery comprised one-third of patients. Of patients developing VTE, 85.5% had chemical thromboprophylaxis - aspirin 73%, LMWH 20 mg 16%, LMWH 40 mg 16%, therapeutic LMWH 3%, unfractionated heparin twice daily 1%, and warfarin 4%; 75.6% received mechanical prophylaxis, while 4% of patients received no prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

VTE incidence after major hip/knee joint surgery at WDHB is high, with pulmonary embolism comprising almost one-third of all VTE in this study, indicating the prophylaxis given is suboptimal. Implementation of appropriate, extended duration prophylaxis as per evidence-based guidelines is required to reduce these rates.

Low albumin-to-globulin ratio associated with cancer incidence and mortality in generally healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation is known to be one of the main steps in carcinogenesis. Identification of those with chronic inflammation may help identify subjects at risk of cancer. Previous studies have reported low albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) to be associated with increased cancer mortality in cancer patients, but there has been no study based on healthy populations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our retrospective cohort study involved 26 974 generally healthy adults aged 30 or older who visited Seoul National University Hospital Health Promotion Center for self-referred health checkup. National medical service claims data were used to determine cancer incidence, and Korean death registry data was used to determine mortality. Median follow-up time for survival was 5.9 years (interquartile range 4.1 years).

RESULTS

Compared with subjects with AGR ≥ 1.5, subjects with 1.1 > AGR ≥ 1.0 and 1.0 > AGR showed adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.69 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.54-4.72) and aHR 6.71 (95% CI 3.56-12.66) for all-cause mortality, aHR 2.95 (95% CI 1.42-6.11) and aHR 4.38 (95% CI 1.57-12.25) for cancer mortality, and aHR 2.07 (95% CI 1.28-3.36) and aHR 3.99 (95% CI 2.10-7.58) for cancer incidence, respectively. When cancer incidence events after 2 years from baseline were separately analyzed, subjects with 1.1 > AGR ≥ 1.0 and 1.0 > AGR were associated with aHR 1.88 (95% CI 1.01-3.48) and aHR 2.55 (95% CI 1.03-7.11) for cancer incidence, respectively. Cancer events were increased in all types of cancer, but especially in liver and hematologic malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Low AGR is a risk factor for cancer incidence and mortality, both short- and long terms, in a generally healthy screened population. The results of this study need to be replicated in larger studies, along with the determination of the sensitivity and other diagnostic values of low AGR.

Abstract P6-09-02: Improved clinical outcomes associated with vitamin D supplementation during adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with HER2+ non-metastatic breast cancer

Background

Vitamin D (VitD) supplementation decreases the risk of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly; however, its extraskeletal benefits, especially in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, are less well-established. Many studies have shown an association of low VitD levels with higher cancer incidence, including breast cancer and poorer outcomes, but whether this association merely reflects a selection bias to healthier lifestyles, remains an area of controversy. We hypothesized that women with more aggressive HER2+ breast cancer would have improved clinical outcomes while on VitD supplements.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all patients (n = 300) given trastuzumab chemotherapy between 2006 and 2012 at UM/SCCC. We identified two groups of patients for comparison - those who received VitD supplementation (VD) during adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 130) or none (NVD) during adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 123). Patients who lacked sufficient records to clarify VitD supplement use, men, patients with de-novo-metastatic breast cancer, bilateral breast cancers, and patients without follow-up were excluded. Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model to evaluate the relationship between VD supplementation and death.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 54 and 50 in the VD and NVD groups. In the VD group, the average VitD dose was 10,890 IU/wk, and the baseline and post-25-H VitD serum level was 35 and 41ng/ml, respectively. Descriptive analysis of the VD and NVD groups were as follows: postmenopausal (55.4%, 43.9%), tumor &lt;2cm (42.3%, 36.6%), no lymph node involvement (42.3%, 36.6%), LVI (46.4%, 33.3%), high nuclear grade (60%, 61.5%), HR+ (66.2%, 54.5%), African American race (4.6%, 9.8%), and BMI&gt;30 at end of chemotherapy (26.2%, 31.7%). At a median follow-up of 31 and 23 months, the estimated five-year DFS (69.4% vs. 44.7%, p = 0.009) and OS (97.5% vs. 85.6%, p = &lt;0.0001) were significantly superior in the VD group versus the NVD group. These differences remained significant after adjustment for age, ethnicity, menopausal state, tumor size, node positivity, LVI, high-grade tumor, HR+, and BMI&gt;30. Analysis showed an interaction between OS and ethnicity (African American = 0.008) and node positivity (p = 0.02) and near-significance for LVI (p = 0.07). Despite those confounding variables, VitD use remained significantly associated with improved OS (p = 0.003) and had a HR or 0.10 with a 95% CI of 0.02-0.45.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that Vitamin D supplementation in non-metastatic HER2 breast cancer patients is associated with improved DFS and OS, and the relationship remains significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors. It is unclear whether vitamin D supplementation might have pre-selected for HER2+ breast cancers with more favorable prognosis or synergized with anti-HER2 therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting improved outcomes associated with relatively high dose Vitamin D supplementation in the HER2+ breast cancer population. Further research is warranted to define the role of Vitamin D in breast cancer treatment.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-09-02.

Abstract P1-12-03: Low-dose capecitabine monotherapy in HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective study

Background: Capecitabine (CAPE) has clinical activity in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at an FDA approved dose of 1,250mg/m2 twice daily for 14 days every 21 days (BID Q14). This schedule has been adopted by many United States oncologists, although the starting dose is often reduced. To determine if lower doses of CAPE have comparable clinical activity as the FDA approved dose, we performed a retrospective analysis.

Methods: A retrospective review of records from a large breast cancer oncology practice and from Sylvester Cancer Center Deerfield Beach from 2000–2008 was performed after approval of the University of Miami IRB. Standard practice was CAPE low dose (CAPE-L) 1,000mg BID Q14. Primary outcome was clinical benefit rate (CBR) defined as complete response (CR), partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) lasting for ≥ 6 months. Response rates (RR) in patients with measurable disease, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) defined as time period between beginning of CAPE and death, and adverse events (AE) defined according to the NCI CTCAE version 3.0 were secondary endpoints. A literature review was performed for comparison.

Results: Data from 296 patients (pts) with HER-2 negative MBC were reviewed. Of those, 73 received CAPE-L at a starting dose between 303 mg/m2 and 965 mg/m2 (median 614 mg/m2) BID Q14. Median number of prior lines of therapy was 1 (range 0–10); 34/73 (46.6%) of pts received CAPE-L as first line therapy. 23.3% of pts required dose reductions because of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) (44%), diarrhea (17%), mucositis (11%) or other (28%). RR in 61 patients with measurable disease was 25%. PR occurred in 16/73 (22%), CR (0%), SD ≥ 6 months 21/73 (29%), and PD 31/73 (43%), with a CBR of 37/73 (51%). Median PFS and OS were 6.2 months (95% CI, 4.4 to 8) and 21.4 months (95% CI, 14.4 to 28.6), respectively. AEs are reported in table 2. We recognized 12 trials that used the FDA approved dose in 1,949 patients. Bidimensionally measurable disease was present in 1,630 patients. CBR was reported as 62% in 1,006 patients and RR as 24% in 398. Weighted averages of median PFS and OS were 5.1 months (95% CI, 4.5 to 5.7) and 12 months (95% CI, 9.6 to 14.4), respectively. Detailed toxicity data were available in 11 trials with 1,883 patients. A comparison of current series with literature review at standard dose follows (table 1).

Conclusion: Compared with previously published data, CAPE-L appeared more tolerable with comparable clinical efficacy as package insert doses.

Formation of liquid and solid products from liquid phase pyrolysis

The aim of the present work was to improve the C:O ratio in biomass by preserving the lignin macrostructure of lignocellulosic feed. The intention of liquid phase pyrolysis is to liquefy biomass and prepare biomass for further upgrading steps like hydrogenation and deoxygenation. Pyrolysis was carried out in a non-aqueous liquid phase heat carrier. The process was carried out in a semi-batch reaction vessel under isothermal conditions at T=350°C, supported by a quench to stop reactions instantaneously in order to observe formation of solid intermediates. This pyrolysis system enables the observation of liquid and solid product formation. Transformation of biomass into biochar was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Stable lignin structure throughout the whole transformation was confirmed. It was shown that the lignin frame in wood remains without substantial loss, while the major amount of carbohydrates is pyrolyzed during liquid phase pyrolysis at T=350°C.

Characterisation of complementary and alternative medicine use and its impact on medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is common. We characterised CAM utilisation and assessed its impact on medical adherence in the IBD population.

AIM

To characterise CAM utilisation and assess its impact on medical adherence in the IBD population.

METHODS

Inflammatory bowel disease patients recruited from an out-patient clinic at a tertiary centre were asked to complete a questionnaire on CAM utilisation, conventional IBD therapy, demographics and communication with their gastroenterologist. Adherence was measured using the self-reported Morisky scale. Demographics, clinical characteristics and self-reported adherence among CAM and non-CAM users were compared.

RESULTS

We recruited prospectively 380 IBD subjects (57% Crohn's disease; 35% ulcerative colitis, and 8% indeterminate colitis). The prevalence of CAM use was 56% and did not significantly vary by type of IBD. The most common reason cited for using CAM was ineffectiveness of conventional IBD therapy (40%). The most popular form of CAM was probiotics (53%). CAM users were younger than non-CAM users at diagnosis (21.2 vs. 26.2, P < 0.0001) and more likely than non-CAM users to have a University-level education or higher (75% vs. 62% P = 0.006). There was no overall difference in adherence between CAM and non-CAM users (Morisky score: 1.0 vs. 0.9, P = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of complementary and alternative medicine is widely prevalent among IBD patients, and is more frequent among those with experience of adverse effects of conventional medications. From this cross-sectional analysis, complementary and alternative medicine use does not appear to be associated with reduced overall adherence to medical therapy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy: a review

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiac diagnosis that may result as a consequence of a variety of pathologies. The differential diagnosis remains quite broad since many pathologies can present as DCM, and as a result the approach to diagnosis may, at times, be quite difficult. This review article discusses genetic and acquired causes of DCM, pathophysiology of myocardial damage, pathology, and diagnostic criteria. An approach to management is also included, in the hope of informing physicians of a clinical entity that afflicts a substantial number of people worldwide.

Increased procoagulant cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in splenectomized patients with ITP

BACKGROUND

Splenectomy is frequently employed for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in various clinical disorders. However its long-term safety is not well elucidated. Although risk of infection by encapsulated organisms is widely recognized, less well-known are risks of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

We investigated levels of cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in 23 splenectomized ITP (ITP-S) and 53 unsplenectomized ITP patients (ITP-nS). Assay of C-MP derived from platelets (PMP), leukocytes (LMP), red cells (RMP) and endothelial cells (EMP) were performed by flow cytometry. Coagulation parameters included PT, aPTT and activities of FVIII, IX and XI. Results of all measures were compared between the two groups, ITP-S vs ITP-nS.

RESULTS

Levels of all C-MP were higher in ITP-S than ITP-nS but only RMP and LMP reached statistical significance (p = 0.0035 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The aPTT was significantly shorter in ITP-S (p = 0.029). Interestingly, correlation analysis revealed that RMP, but not other C-MP, were associated with shortening of aPTT (p = 0.024) as well as with increased activities of factors VIII (p = 0.023), IX (p = 0.021) and XI (p = 0.0089).

CONCLUSIONS

RMP and LMP were significantly elevated in splenectomized compared to non-splenectomized ITP patients. This suggests that the spleen functions to clear procoagulant C-MP, and that elevation of C-MP might contribute to increased risk of thrombosis, progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease following splenectomy.

Phase II trial of capecitabine and docetaxel as second line therapy for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer

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Background: Docetaxel and Capecitabine in combination are synergistic in preclinical models. The role of second line chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer is palliative and the role under investigation. Methods: Capecitabine 800 mg/m2 PO bid on days 1–14 in combination with docetaxel 30 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle were given to patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer previously treated with Gemcitabine. A 3-stage sequential design phase II trial was used with early stopping rules for efficacy at 13 and 26 enrolled patients Results: Twenty-four patients are evaluable for toxicity and evaluable for response. Thirteen are females and 11 male patients. Median age was 65 years. ECOG PS was as follows: PS 0: 2 patients; PS 1: 15 patients; PS 2: 5 patients. Three patients achieved a PR, with a RR of 12.5%. Stable disease for 2 or more cycles was observed in 70.8% of patients (n=17). 45 % (n=11) of patients had a 50% or more decrease in CA 19–9 levels. Treatment was well tolerated with no toxic deaths. Grade III and IV toxicities consisted of fatigue in 4 pts (17%); hand-foot syndrome in 4 patients (17%); diarrhea, anemia and mucositis in 2 patients (9%) and peripheral neuropathy in one patient (4%) Conclusions: The combination of capecitabine and docetaxel is active and well tolerated in pancreatic cancer previously treated with gemcitabine based-therapy. Enrollment continues.

[Table: see text]

A phase II trial of capecitabine and docetaxel in patients with previously treated pancreatic cancer

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Background: There is no accepted standard treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who progress after gemcitabine-based therapy. Capecitabine and docetaxel have single-agent activity in pancreatic cancer and have documented synergy in both pre-clinical models and in the treatment of other solid tumors. Methods: A phase II trial with a 3-stage sequential design was planned to assess the efficacy (primary end-point: response rate) and toxicity of capecitabine 800 mg/m2 PO bid on days 1–14 in combination with docetaxel 30 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who failed first-line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. If no responses are observed after 13 patients or less than 3 responses are seen after 26 patients, accrual will stop and the combination deemed ineffective. Results: Eight patients have been enrolled (5 women, 3 men). Median age was 67 years. ECOG PS was as follows: PS 1, three patients; PS 2, five patients. All patients had adequate organ function. A total of 26 cycles have been administered (median: 2 cycles, range 1 to 8). Four patients had stable disease (median duration 9 weeks, range 6 to 24), and 3 had progressed at the time of first evaluation (2 cycles). One patient has not yet completed 2 cycles and is therefore not assessable for radiologic response. Out of 7 patients with an elevated CA 19–9, four had a decrease of 50% or greater while on chemotherapy. Grade 1 or 2 toxicity was seen in 3 patients (diarrhea, 1 patient; fatigue, 2 patients). Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was as follows: fatigue, 2 patients; dehydration, 1 patient; neuropathy, 1 patient. There were no treatment related deaths. Enrollment continues. Efficacy data fulfilling the first stage sequential design should be available at the time of the meeting. Median survival for all patients is currently 13 weeks (range 7–23 weeks) Conclusions: Capecitabine in combination with docetaxel is a well-tolerated regimen in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer who have failed prior gemcitabine-based therapy. Four out of 8 patients have had stable disease. Four of 7 patients have had a decrease of 50% or greater in CA 19.9 levels. Enrollment continues. Median survival of 13 weeks underscores the poor prognosis of this patient population.

[Table: see text]

Validation studies of the Pregnancy Unique-Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scores

The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) is a scoring system to quantify the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). Based on quantification of the 3 physical symptoms of NVP (nausea, vomiting and retching), PUQE closely correlates with the validated but much more complex Rhodes' score. We examined the ability of PUQE to predict four independent aspects of NVP: (a) pregnant women's ability to take multivitamins. (b) rates of emergency room visits and hospitalisation for NVP. (c) health cost of NVP. (d) women's self scores of well-being in NVP. Using large prospective cohorts of women for each end point, severity of NVP measured by PUQE had significant predictive value for all 4 aspects sought. PUQE has been validated through 4 independent clinical outcomes of direct importance and relevance for NVP. The simplicity of PUQE and the ease of its execution make it a practical tool for both clinical follow-up and research.

Endothelial microparticles induce formation of platelet aggregates via a von Willebrand factor/ristocetin dependent pathway, rendering them resistant to dissociation

Endothelial microparticles (EMP) released from activated or apoptotic endothelial cells (EC) are emerging as useful markers for detection of EC dysfunction. Our recent observation that EMP carry von Willebrand factor (vWf) led us to investigate their interaction with platelets. EMP were incubated with normal washed platelets in the presence or absence of ristocetin, then platelet aggregates were measured by flow cytometry. In the absence of ristocetin, negligible EMP conjugated with platelets (< 5%) but in the presence of ristocetin (1 mg mL(-1)), EMP induced up to 95% of platelets to aggregate. EMP-platelet interaction was 80% blocked by anti-CD42b, or by 0.1 microm filtration to remove EMP. Platelet aggregates induced by normal plasma or high molecular weight vWf (Humate-P) dissociated 50% within 15-25 min following 1:20 dilution. In contrast, aggregates formed with EMP persisted two- to threefold longer with the same treatment, indicating greater stability. A similar degree of prolongation of dissociation was observed using plasma from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients compared with normal plasma. Addition of EMP to plasma from severe von Willebrand disease restored his ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation. Multimer analysis of vWf on EMP showed unusually large vWf (ULvWf). In summary, EMP carries ULvWf multimers, promote platelet aggregates, and increase the stability of the aggregates thus formed.

The pattern of glomerular disease in New Caledonia: preliminary findings

Two hundred and two renal biopsies from 181 patients in New Caledonia were classified into either primary glomerulonephritis or glomerulopathy associated with systemic disease. These were then compared with 670 similar biopsies from 634 in-patients at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH). The most prevalent primary glomerular disease among the New Caledonian cases was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, compared with IgA disease among the RPAH cases. Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, post-infectious glomerulonephritis and minimal lesion nephropathy were all relatively commoner among the New Caledonian biopsies, but the numbers were small. The most prevalent systemic glomerulopathy in the New Caledonian cases were amyloidosis. This was the least common among our RPAH group. Diabetes mellitus and lupus nephritis were also slightly more common in the New Caledonian group. Focal necrotizing/crescentic glomerulonephritis was unusual in the New Caledonian samples, while it was the most common systemic glomerulopathy among the RPAH group.