Defining Practice Readiness in Pediatric Surgery Fellowship: A Qualitative Analysis

INTRODUCTION

While competency-based training is at the forefront of educational innovation in General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery training programs should not wait for downstream changes. There is currently no consensus on what it means for a pediatric surgery fellow to be "practice-ready". In this study, we aimed to provide a framework for better defining competency and practice readiness in a way that can support the Milestones system and allow for improved assessment of pediatric surgery fellows.

METHODS

For this exploratory qualitative study, we developed an interview guide with nine questions focused on how faculty recognize competency and advance autonomy among pediatric surgery fellows. Demographic information was collected using an anonymous online survey platform. We iteratively reviewed data from each interview to ensure adequate information power was achieved to answer the research question. We used inductive reasoning and thematic analysis to determine appropriate codes. Additionally, the Dreyfus model was used as a framework to guide interpretation and contextualize the responses. Through this method, we generated common themes.

RESULTS

A total of 19 pediatric surgeons were interviewed. We identified four major themes from 127 codes that practicing pediatric surgeons associate with practice-readiness of a fellow: skill-based competency, the recognition and benefits of struggle, developing expertise and facilitating autonomy, and difficulties in variability of evaluation. While variability in evaluation is not typically included in the concept of practice readiness, assessment and evaluation were described by study participants as essential aspects of how practicing pediatric surgeons perceive practice readiness and competency in pediatric surgery fellows. Competency was further divided into interpersonal versus technical skills. Sub-themes within struggle included personal and professional struggle, benefits of struggle and how to identify and assist those who are struggling. Autonomy was commonly stated as variable based on the attending.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis yielded several themes associated with practice readiness of pediatric surgery fellows. We aim to further refine our list of themes using the Dreyfus Model as our interpretive framework and establish consensus amongst the community of pediatric surgeons in order to define competency and key elements that make a fellow practice-ready. Further work will then focus on establishing assessment metrics and educational interventions directed at achieving such key elements.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Identification of allele-specific KIV-2 repeats and impact on Lp(a) measurements for cardiovascular disease risk

The abundance of Lp(a) protein holds significant implications for the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is directly impacted by the copy number (CN) of KIV-2, a 5.5 kbp sub-region. KIV-2 is highly polymorphic in the population and accurate analysis is challenging. In this study, we present the DRAGEN KIV-2 CN caller, which utilizes short reads. Data across 166 WGS show that the caller has high accuracy, compared to optical mapping and can further phase ~50% of the samples. We compared KIV-2 CN numbers to 24 previously postulated KIV-2 relevant SNVs, revealing that many are ineffective predictors of KIV-2 copy number. Population studies, including USA-based cohorts, showed distinct KIV-2 CN, distributions for European-, African-, and Hispanic-American populations and further underscored the limitations of SNV predictors. We demonstrate that the CN estimates correlate significantly with the available Lp(a) protein levels and that phasing is highly important.

Abstract 3531: Discrete extracellular matrix-secreting tumor cell subpopulations remodel the Ewing sarcoma tumor microenvironment to promote invasion

Ewing sarcoma (EwS) cells exist along a neuro-mesenchymal transcriptional continuum that is largely determined by transcriptional activity of the EWS::FLI1 fusion oncoprotein. Although EWS::FLI1-low state cells are more metastatic in experimental models, the role of these cells in established EwS tumor ecosystems is unknown. Here we have leveraged multimodal single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and immunohistochemical profiling to characterize EwS cell subpopulations in cell lines, PDX models, and patient tumors. We identify CD73 as a marker of mesenchymal-high state EwS cells and show that CD73+ tumor cells share properties of experimentally-induced EWS::FLI1-low cells including altered cytoskeletons, enhanced migration and invasion, and increased expression of EWS::FLI1-repressed genes. However, CD73+ cells retain proliferative capacity and do not down-regulate the fusion or the EWS::FLI1-activated signature. Instead, CD73+ EwS cells selectively express a gene signature that is enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) genes. Examination of xenograft and EwS patient biopsies confirms the existence of subpopulations of spatially and transcriptionally distinct ECM-producing tumor cells and shows them to be more prevalent in infiltrating regions. Importantly, the local tumor microenvironment (TME) surrounding these cells is rich in tumor-derived TNC, SPARC, and biglycan, ECM proteins that have been widely implicated in cancer metastatic progression. Significantly, CD73+ EwS cells also upregulate expression of ECM-sensing genes, including ITGA5 and ITGB1, suggesting potential to activate autocrine feedback loops. In support of this, interrupting outside-in ECM:integrin signaling cascades, through pharmacologic inhibition of FAK or SRC pathways, strongly reduces the invasive properties of CD73+ tumor spheroids in 3D collagen. Together these studies confirm the presence and functional importance of transcriptionally distinct tumor cell subpopulations in established EwS tumor ecosystems. In particular, our data reveal that highly mesenchymal tumor cells both generate and respond to pro-metastatic ECM proteins to support invasion. Studies are ongoing to determine the role of tumor cell-derived ECM on EwS progression and treatment resistance.

Citation Format: Emma D. Wrenn, April A. Apfelbaum, Shireen Ganapathi, Erin R. Rudzinski, Xuemei Deng, Nicolas Garcia, Katherine Braun, Trisha Lipson, Shruti Bhise, Sami B. Kanaan, Olivia Waltner, Erika Newman, Scott Furlan, Elizabeth R. Lawlor. Discrete extracellular matrix-secreting tumor cell subpopulations remodel the Ewing sarcoma tumor microenvironment to promote invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3531.

Implications of Tumor Characteristics and Treatment Modality on Local Recurrence and Functional Outcomes in Children With Chest Wall Sarcoma: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of tumor characteristics and treatment approach on (1) local recurrence, (2) scoliosis development, and (3) patient-reported quality of life in children with sarcoma of the chest wall.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Children with chest wall sarcoma require multimodal therapy including chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation. Despite aggressive therapy which places them at risk for functional impairment and scoliosis, these patients are also at significant risk for local recurrence.

METHODS

A multi-institutional review of 175 children (median age 13 years) with chest wall sarcoma treated at seventeen Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative institutions between 2008 and 2017 was performed. Patient-reported quality of life was assessed prospectively using PROMIS surveys.

RESULTS

The most common diagnoses were Ewing sarcoma (67%) and osteosarcoma (9%). Surgical resection was performed in 85% and radiation in 55%. A median of 2 ribs were resected (interquartile range = 1-3), and number of ribs resected did not correlate with margin status ( P = 0.36). Local recurrence occurred in 23% and margin status was the only predictive factor(HR 2.24, P = 0.039). With a median follow-up of 5 years, 13% developed scoliosis (median Cobb angle 26) and 5% required corrective spine surgery. Scoliosis was associated with posteriorrib resection (HR 8.43; P= 0.003) and increased number of ribs resected (HR 1.78; P = 0.02). Overall, patient-reported quality of life is not impaired after chest wall tumor resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Local recurrence occurs in one-quarter of children with chest wall sarcoma and is independent of tumor type. Scoliosis occurs in 13% of patients, but patient-reported quality of life is excellent.

Inclusion and representation in the pediatric surgery workforce: Strategies to mitigate bias in the fellowship application process

Diverse perspectives are critical components of effective teams in every industry. Underrepresentation of minorities in medicine leads to worse outcomes for minority patients, and efforts to increase diversity in the health care workforce are critical. Presently, about 70% of the pediatric surgery workforce is white, and pediatric surgeons at large do not reflect the racial or ethnic diversity of the populations they serve. Pediatric surgery fellowship training programs are the gateway to the field, and fellow selection processes should be optimized to support diversity and inclusion. The Association of Pediatric Surgery Training Program Directors (APSTPD) Diversity Equity and Inclusion subcommittee compiled best practices for bias mitigation during fellow selection, drawing from published literature and personal experiences in our own programs. A list of concrete recommendations was compiled, which can be implemented in every phase from applicant screening to rank list creation. We present these as a position statement that has been endorsed by the executive committee of the APSTPD. Pediatric surgery fellowship programs can utilize this focused review of best practices to mitigate bias and support diverse applicants.

Incidence and Management of Pleural Effusions in Patients with Wilms Tumor: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative Study

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignancy in children. Children with favorable histology WT achieve survival rates of over 90%. Twelve percent of patients present with metastatic disease, most commonly to the lungs. The presence of a pleural effusion at the time of diagnosis of WT may be noted on staging imaging; however, minimal data exist regarding the significance and prognostic importance of this finding. The objectives of this study are to identify the incidence of pleural effusions in patients with WT, and to determine the potential impact on oncologic outcomes. A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed from January 2009 to December 2019, including children with WT and a pleural effusion on diagnostic imaging treated at Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative (PSORC) participating institutions. Of 1,259 children with a new WT diagnosis, 94 (7.5%) had a pleural effusion. Patients with a pleural effusion were older than those without (median 4.3 vs 3.5 years; p=0.004), and advanced stages were more common (local stage III 85.9% vs 51.9%; p<0.0001). Only 14 patients underwent a thoracentesis for fluid evaluation; 3 had cytopathologic evidence of malignant cells. Event-free and overall survival of all children with WT and pleural effusions was 86.2% and 91.5%, respectively. The rate and significance of malignant cells present in pleural fluid is unknown due to low incidence of cytopathologic analysis in our cohort; therefore, the presence of an effusion does not appear to necessitate a change in therapy. Excellent survival can be expected with current stage-specific treatment regimens.

Interhospital variability in localization techniques for small pulmonary nodules in children: A pediatric surgical oncology research collaborative study

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary nodules that are deep within lung parenchyma and/or small in size can be challenging to localize for biopsy. This study describes current trends in performance of image-guided localization techniques for pulmonary nodules in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients < 21 years of age undergoing localization of pulmonary nodules at 15 institutions. Localization and resection success, time in interventional radiology (IR), operating room (OR) and total anesthesia time, complications, and technical problems were compared between techniques.

RESULTS

225 patients were included with an average of 1.3 lesions (range 1-5). Median nodule size and depth were 4 mm (range 0-30) and 5.4 mm (0-61), respectively. The most common localization techniques were: wire + methylene blue dye (MBD) (28%), MBD only (25%), wire only (14%), technetium-99 only (11%), coil + MBD (7%) and coil only (5%). Localization technique was associated with institution (p < 0.01); technique and institution were significantly associated with mean IR, OR, and anesthesia time (all p < 0.05). Comparing techniques, there was no difference in successful IR localization (range 92-100%, p = 0.75), successful resection (94-100%, p = 0.98), IR technical problems (p = 0.22), or operative complications (p = 0.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Many IR localization techniques for small pulmonary nodules in children can be successful, but there is wide variability in application by institution and in procedure time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective review, Level 3.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Multi-Institutional Study from the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm of intermediate malignancy. We describe the largest cohort of IMT patients to date, aiming to further characterize this rare, poorly understood tumor. This is a multi-institutional review of IMT patients ≤39 years, from 2000-2018, at 18 hospitals in the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative. 182 patients were identified with median age of 11 years. 33% of tumors were thoracic in origin. Presenting signs/symptoms included pain (29%), respiratory symptoms (25%), and constitutional symptoms (20%). Median tumor size was 3.9 cm. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) overexpression was identified in 53% of patients. 7% of patients had distant disease at diagnosis. 91% of patients underwent resection: 14% received neoadjuvant treatment and 22% adjuvant treatment. 12% of patients received an ALK inhibitor. 66% of surgical patients had complete resection, with 20% positive microscopic margins, and 14% gross residual disease. Approximately 40% had en bloc resection of involved organs. Median follow-up time was 36 months. Overall 5-year survival (OS) was 95% and 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was 80%. Predictors of recurrence included respiratory symptoms, tumor size, and distant disease. Gross or microscopic margins were not associated with recurrence, suggesting that aggressive attempts at resection may not be warranted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Examination of Intersectionality and the Pipeline for Black Academic Surgeons

IMPORTANCE

The lack of underrepresented in medicine physicians within US academic surgery continues, with Black surgeons representing a disproportionately low number.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the trend of general surgery residency application, matriculation, and graduation rates for Black trainees compared with their racial and ethnic counterparts over time.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this nationwide multicenter study, data from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for the general surgery residency match and Graduate Medical Education (GME) surveys of graduating general surgery residents were retrospectively reviewed and stratified by race, ethnicity, and sex. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics, time series plots, and simple linear regression for the rate of change over time. Medical students and general surgery residency trainees of Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino of Spanish origin, White, and other races were included. Data for non-US citizens or nonpermanent residents were excluded. Data were collected from 2005 to 2018, and data were analyzed in March 2021.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes included the rates of application, matriculation, and graduation from general surgery residency programs.

RESULTS

Over the study period, there were 71 687 applicants, 26 237 first-year matriculants, and 24 893 graduates. Of 71 687 applicants, 24 618 (34.3%) were women, 16 602 (23.2%) were Asian, 5968 (8.3%) were Black, 2455 (3.4%) were Latino, and 31 197 (43.5%) were White. Women applicants and graduates increased from 29.4% (1178 of 4003) to 37.1% (2293 of 6181) and 23.5% (463 of 1967) to 33.5% (719 of 2147), respectively. When stratified by race and ethnicity, applications from Black women increased from 2.2% (87 of 4003) to 3.5% (215 of 6181) (P < .001) while applications from Black men remained unchanged (3.7% [150 of 4003] to 4.6% [284 of 6181]). While the matriculation rate for Black women remained unchanged (2.4% [46 of 1919] to 2.3% [52 of 2264]), the matriculation rate for Black men significantly decreased (3.0% [57 of 1919] to 2.4% [54 of 2264]; P = .04). Among Black graduates, there was a significant decline in graduation for men (4.3% [85 of 1967] to 2.7% [57 of 2147]; P = .03) with the rate among women remaining unchanged (1.7% [33 of 1967] to 2.2% [47 of 2147]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings of this study show that the underrepresentation of Black physicians at every stage in surgical training pipeline persists. Black men are especially affected. Identifying factors that address intersectionality and contribute to the successful recruitment and retention of Black trainees in general surgery residency is critical for achieving racial and ethnic as well as gender equity.

Analyses of registry data of patients with anti-GBM and antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody-associated (ANCA) vasculitis treated with or without therapeutic apheresis

Therapeutic apheresis (TA) as a treatment for antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) was questioned by the PEXIVAS although the MEPEX study favored TA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TA to improve renal function in patients consecutively included in the WAA-apheresis registry versus patients not treated with TA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Included were 192 patients that suffered from anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (anti-GBM, n = 28) and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis of MPO or PR3 origin. Of these 119 had performed TA and the other 73 had not performed TA for theses diagnoses (CTRL).

RESULTS

Elderly had an increased risk to die within 12 months (p = 0.002). All 28 anti-GBM had renal involvement, 21 dialysis dependent. At 3 month nine (36 %) did not need dialysis. Baseline data regarding renal function of AAV patients, subtype MPO and PR3, were worse in the TA groups than in CTRL. Recovery out of dialysis was better for the PR3-TA group compared with 1) the controls of MEPEX (RR 0.59, CI 0.43-0.80) and 2) the MPO-TA patients (RR 0.28, CI 0.12-0.68). The MPO-TA recovered similarly as the MEPEX-CTRL. Renal function improved most for TA-patients from baseline during the first 3 months (MPO-TA and PR3-TA) and stabilized thereafter and less for MPO-CTRL and PR3-CTRL.

CONCLUSION

PR3-TA patients seem to have best chances to get out of dialysis. PR3-TA and MPO-TA improved residual renal function better than CTRL. The present study recommends reconsiderations to use TA for AAV especially those with PR3-vasculitis with severe renal vasculitis.

APSA 5.0: Saving even more lifetimes the Jay and Margie Grosfeld presidential symposium

In light of APSA's 50th Anniversary, the typical Presidential Address was transformed into a "symposium" consisting of talks on the maturation of our organization to APSA 5.0 and the issues and opportunities related to its internal and external environment, especially as they apply to our pediatric surgical patients. Speakers included the President and experts in the fields of diversity, as well as inequity and poverty in the United States.

Adverse events in apheresis: An update of the WAA registry data

Apheresis with different procedures and devices are used for a variety of indications that may have different adverse events (AEs). The aim of this study was to clarify the extent and possible reasons of various side effects based on data from a multinational registry. The WAA-apheresis registry data focus on adverse events in a total of 50846 procedures in 7142 patients (42% women). AEs were graded as mild, moderate (need for medication), severe (interruption due to the AE) or death (due to AE). More AEs occurred during the first procedures versus subsequent (8.4 and 5.5%, respectively). AEs were mild in 2.4% (due to access 54%, device 7%, hypotension 15%, tingling 8%), moderate in 3% (tingling 58%, urticaria 15%, hypotension 10%, nausea 3%), and severe in 0.4% of procedures (syncope/hypotension 32%, urticaria 17%, chills/fever 8%, arrhythmia/asystole 4.5%, nausea/vomiting 4%). Hypotension was most common if albumin was used as the replacement fluid, and urticaria when plasma was used. Arrhythmia occurred to similar extents when using plasma or albumin as replacement. In 64% of procedures with bronchospasm, plasma was part of the replacement fluid used. Severe AEs are rare. Although most reactions are mild and moderate, several side effects may be critical for the patient. We present side effects in relation to the procedures and suggest that safety is increased by regular vital sign measurements, cardiac monitoring and by having emergency equipment nearby.

Sirolimus-induced pneumonitis complicated by pentamidine-induced phospholipidosis in a renal transplant recipient: a case report

The proliferation signal inhibitors (PSIs)-sirolimus, everolimus, and temsirolimus-have been associated with a noninfectious pneumonitis characterized by lymphocytic alveolitis and bronciolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP). This condition usually occurs within the first year. Herein we presented a case of a deceased donor renal transplant with interstitial pneumonitis developing 6 years after a switch from tacrolimus to sirolimus due to chronic graft dysfunction. After the addition of intravenous pentamidine due to the suspicion of Pneumocystis pneumonia, there was marked clinical deterioration requiring intubation. Open lung biopsy revealed sirolimus-induced pulmonary toxicity (BOOP) with the additional finding of a drug-induced phospholipidosis (DIPL) that we ascribe to pentamidine treatment. After cessation of both drugs and application of corticosteroid therapy, there was only partial improvement. Eight months later the residual interstitial fibrosis demands supplemental home oxygen. We review the literature on PSI-induced pneumonitis and discuss the pathophysiology of a potential interaction with pentamidine. We caution against its use in the setting of PSI-induced pneumonitis. It is currently unknown whether these concerns also apply to prescription of other more commonly used medications associated with DIPL, eg, amiodarone and aminoglycosides.

Analyses of data of patients with Thrombotic Microangiopathy in the WAA registry

Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA) is a histopathological feature of various diseases including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome and prognostic variables of TMA-patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were consecutively retrieved from the WAA-apheresis registry (www.waa-registry.org) during 2003-2009. Included were all 120 patients (1237 procedures) who suffered from various forms of TMA, as registered by the ICD-10 code M31.1. Besides registry data, more extensive information was retrieved from the latest 64 patients. Adverse events of the TMA patients were compared to those of the other patients in the registry.

RESULTS

The mean age was 46 years (range 11-85 years, 57% women). In 72% therapeutic apheresis was due to an acute indication while a long-term indication was present in 28%. Plasma exchange was performed by centrifugation and filtration technique (95% and 4%, respectively), and immunoadsorption in 1% of the patients. Only fresh frozen plasma was used as replacement fluid in 69% of procedures. Adverse events were more frequent than in the general apheresis population (10% versus 5%, RR 1.9, CI 1.6-2.3). No death occurred due to apheresis treatment. Three percent of the procedures were interrupted. Bronchospasm and/or anaphylactic shock were present in two patients and one patient suffered from TRALI. At admission 26% were bedridden and needed to be fed. The risk of dying during the treatment period was significantly higher if the patient also suffered from a compromising disease, such as cancer. There was an inverse correlation between the ADAMTS13 level and the antibody titer (r=-0.47, p=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TMA have an increased risk for moderate and severe AE compared to the general apheresis population. Many patients were severely ill at admission. The prognosis is worse if the patient also has a severe chronic disease. Even slightly increased ADAMTS13-antibody titers seem to have a negative impact on the ADAMTS13 levels.

Behavioral factors in the placebo response

Given its presence in almost every clinical trial, the placebo is the most frequently studied substance in clinical research. Demonstration of treatment efficacy demands that the target (active) agent must be shown to be statistically significantly superior to an inert substance (placebo) not believed to be a specific therapy for the target condition. In clinical practice, enhancing the non-specific factors that contribute to an enhanced treatment outcome is desirable to maximize the likelihood of therapeutic benefit. Variables affecting the impact of placebo on clinical research and practice remain poorly understood, however, as they have not been systematically studied. The present article will discuss behavioral factors that have been found to be relevant in placebo mechanisms.

Phase II study of sorafenib with gemcitabine and erlotinib (GES) in first-line advanced pancreatic cancer

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Background: Addition of erlotinib (E) to gemcitabine (G) results in improved OS for patients (pts) with advanced pancreatic cancer. Many pancreatic tumors have constitutively activated ras/raf pathways and overexpress VEGF. Sorafenib (S), a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, including VEGR 1-3, PDGFR-α and β and the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, when combined with G and E may synergize, resulting in a more complete blockade of the signal transduction cascade in pancreatic cancer growth and progression, and improved outcome.

Methods: Pts with previously untreated, histologically confirmed, unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, PS 0-1, and adequate organ function were eligible and received G 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 min qw x 3 every 4w. E 150 mg PO daily and S 400 mg PO bid were given continuously. CT scans were performed every 2 cycles (8w). Primary endpoint included PFS at 4 mos and secondary endpoints included safety and tolerability of the novel combination, RR, and OS.

Results: 45 pts enrolled, 44 evaluable for toxicity(1 not treated), and 30 evaluable for response. Median age was 64 (45-84), 32 males (71%), 43 (96%) had metastatic disease, PS was 0 in 26 (58%). Median number of cycles was 2 (0-10). Grade (gr) 3 toxicity included: thrombocytopenia 5; diarrhea 4; vomiting 4; HFS, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperglycemia and SOB each 3 pts; 1 bowel perforation and 1 epistaxis. Gr 4 toxicity included 1 each: bowel perforation, GI bleed, transaminitis, hyperglycemia and sepsis with hypotension. 2 patients only required dose reduction of S for HFS. There were 2 PR (7%), 13 SD (43%), overall RR of 7% and DCR of 50%. Median TTP 111 days (95% CI = 53-175) and median OS 195 days (144-290). PFS at 16 weeks was 49%, just reaching statistical significance.

Conclusions: The combination of G and E plus S in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer is a well tolerated regimen without significant increased toxicity as compared to G alone, except for very manageable cutaneous reactions. While the primary endpoint met our pre-determined criteria (compared with NCIC PA.3), this study does not suggest a major benefit for addition of S to G-E when compared to published data. Supported in part by grants from Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals/Onyx and OSI.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Neoadjuvant therapy of gastric cancer with cetuximab added to both irinotecan and cisplatin, followed by surgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiation

e15552

Background: We previously demonstrated the efficacy of irinotecan (CPT) and cisplatin (Cis) combination therapy as neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer [Newman E et al. J Gastrointest Surg. 2002.]. This trial was designed to add cetuximab (C) to both induction treatment and adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) with bolus 5-FU/LV. Methods: Pts with untreated locally advanced (T3, T4 or N+) gastric/GE cancers were eligible. Neoadjuvant therapy consisted of Cis 25mg/m2 + CPT 75mg/m2 on d1,8 q21d x 4, C 400mg/m2 on d1, then 250mg/m2 qwk. Curative (R0) resection was performed 4–6 wks later. Adjuvant CRT with 5-FU/LV (425/20/m2 qd x 5 on wks 1,14,19; 400/20/m2 qd x 4 on wk 5, x 3 on wk 9) was given with C 250mg/m2 qwk. Results: Since 11/05, 21 pts [median age 59 (32–82); 9 Caucasian, 11 Asian, 1 Hispanic; 15 male, 20 PS 0–1] received neoadjuvant therapy. The most common toxicities were gr 3 neutropenia (38%), gr 2 rash (33%), gr 2 fatigue (29%); gr 4 included 1 pt each of diarrhea, neutropenia, & hypomagnesemia. 3 did not complete neoadjuvant therapy, due to gr 3 rash, diarrhea and GI bleeding (2 had gastrectomy; 1 lost to f/u). All 18 pts who completed neoadjuvant therapy were surgically explored. 4 had occult metastases, and went off study. 14 underwent R0 gastrectomy (see table); 8 were downstaged, 2 had stable disease, 4 were upstaged compared to the preoperative EUS. There was no postoperative mortality. Of 14 resected pts, 2 did not receive adjuvant therapy (prolonged postoperative recovery), 1 too early to assess, and 11 remaining receiving CRT. The most common toxicities for CRT were gr 3 nausea, gr 3 emesis, gr 2 and 3 fatigue, 3 pts each and 1 each of gr 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Among the 18 pts who completed neoadjuvant therapy, 5 died of disease, 1 is alive with disease, 12 remain NED with median f/u of 11.6mos (4.1–27.7mos). Conclusions: The addition of C to CPT/Cis as neoadjuvant therapy and to postoperative adjuvant CRT is well tolerated. The regimen induces a favorable pathologic response on the primary tumor. Ongoing evaluation includes K-ras mutation status on outcome and survival benefit. [Supported in part by a grant from BMS.]

[Table: see text]

Safety and tolerability of combined gemcitabine (G) and erlotinib (E) plus sorafenib (S) in the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer

e15594

Background: The addition of E to G results in improved survival for patients(pts) with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Many pancreatic tumors have constitutively activated ras/raf pathways and overexpress VEGF. Sorafenib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor which targets VEGR 1–3, PDGFR-α and β and the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, when combined with G and E may synergize with these agents resulting in a more complete blockade of the signal transduction cascade in pancreatic cancer growth and progression and therefore improve outcome. Methods: Pts with previously untreated, histologically confirmed, unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ECOG PS 0–1, and adequate organ function were eligible and received G 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 min weekly × 3 every 4 weeks. E 150 mg PO daily and S 400 mg PO bid were given continuously. CT scans were performed every 2 cycles (8 weeks). Endpoints included safety and tolerability of the novel combination, PFS at 4 months, response rate, and OS. Results: Between 9/07–12/08 19 pts were enrolled with a median age 59 (range 45- 75), M/F 13/6, PS (0/1) 14/5. All 19 had metastatic disease. 17 pts are evaluable for toxicity and efficacy. The median number of cycles on treatment was 2 (range 1–10). The most common grade (gr) 3 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (24%), venous thrombosis (12%), and hyperbilirubinemia (12%). The most common gr 4 toxicity was infection (12%). 1 pt each experienced gr 3 HFSR, gr 3 diarrhea, gr 3 bleeding (epistaxis) and 1 had a non-fatal bowel perforation. There was 1 PR and 6 SD for an overall RR of 6% and a DCR of 41%. Conclusions: The combination of G and E plus S in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer is a well tolerated regimen without significant increased toxicity as compared to gemcitabine alone, except for very manageable cutaneous reactions. Further follow up is required to determine the combination's efficacy, though some patients have achieved prolonged disease stabilization. Supported in part by grants from Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals/Onyx and OSI.

[Table: see text]

Phase 2 study of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A California Cancer Consortium study

18515

Background: The indolent (follicular, marginal zone and mantle cell) lymphomas tend to recur with decreasing intervals of remission post standard chemotherapy. Vorinostat (SAHA, Zolinza), an orally administered hydroxamic acid histone deacetylase inhibitor with activity against class I and II deactylases, with preclinical and clinical activity against various forms of lymphoma, is being studied in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent lymphoma. Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory follicular, marginal zone, or mantle cell lymphoma are eligible. Vorinostat is dosed at 200 mg po twice daily for 14 consecutive days on a 21 day cycle. CT scanning and marrow biopsy is performed after every three cycles. Patients may have received up to four prior chemotherapy regimens including Zevalin or Bexxar; previous transplant is allowed. Results: 15 patients (9 female, 6 male) have been enrolled thus far. Median age is 64 (40- 78) years One patient was found to have coexisting DLBCL and was removed from study. Four patients were taken off study due to progression, three stopped due to toxicity (fatigue in a 73 yo woman who had stable to improved marginal zone lymphoma after 10 cycles, fatigue and atrial fibrillation in a 65 yo man after 7 cycles, diarrhea in a 78 year old woman after 2 cycles). Complete Response (CR) in a patient with follicular lymphoma was attained after 9 cycles, this CR persists now for eight months at the time of abstract submission off therapy. A partial response (PR) was seen in a 40 yo man with lymphoma progression despite multiple rounds of therapy, with rapidly expanding masses just prior to starting vorinostat, the largest of which was 16x12.3 cm. This lesion currently measures 7.2x4.6 cm, with disappearance of many other sites; patient continues on vorinostat. Three of the patients with continued stable disease beyond 9 cycles have marginal zone lymphoma, while the two responders (CR or PR) have follicular lymphoma. A patient with PET resolution and decreases in two of the involved sites stopping after 10 cycles due to fatigue, developed rapid progression three months after stopping vorinostat. Conclusions: Vorinostat demonstrates preliminary activity against follicular and marginal zone lymphoma.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I/II study of induction oxaliplatin, 5FU chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer

15027

Background: Newly diagnosed locally advanced and unresectable pancreatic cancer has a 5 yr survival rate of less than 5%. Aggressive local therapy may provide the best means of achieving local control and prolonging survival. We administered concomitant chemoRT with Oxaliplatin and continuous infusional (CIV) 5FU to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in the phase I portion. Methods: Pts with histologically proven locally advanced pancreatic cancer were enrolled in standard Phase I 3+3 fashion to determine MTD. ChemoRT included 5FU 200mg/m2 CIV and Oxaliplatin wkly X5 wks. Radiation dose was 4500cGy in 25 fractions (180cGy/fx/d) over 5 wks followed by a conedown to the tumor and margin for an additional 540cGy x3 (total dose 5040 cGy in 28 fractions) Oxaliplatin was escalated from 30mg/m2 in 10mg intervals up to 60mg/m2. Following chemoRT, unresectable pts were treated with mFOLFOX6 x 6. Results: 15 pts enrolled in the phase I portion, all completed neoadjuvant therapy. Most hematologic toxicities were gr 1 and 2. There was 1episode of gr 4 lymphopenia. The most common non-hematologic toxicities were gr1–2 fatigue, anorexia, nausea and vomiting. Gr 3 non-hematologic toxicities included 4 episodes hyperglycemia, 1 diarrhea, 1 anorexia, 3 nausea/vomiting and 2 hypokalemia. The highest planned dose level for weekly Oxaliplatin was tolerable and the RPTD is 60mg/m2/wk. Of the 15 pts: 2 progressed, 2 were explored but were unresectable, 2 await exploration and 9 were deemed still unresectable and proceeded to consolidation. 7/9 completed the planned 6 cycles. 1 pt was removed from protocol due to extended delay of treatment due to gr 3 neuropathy. 1 pt died due to progressive disease. 21% of planned cycles were delayed due to gr2 or 3 myelosuppression. 1 pt required dose reduction due to fever in setting of gr4 neutropenia but was able to complete treatment at the reduced dose. Conclusions: Combined modality treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer with Oxaliplatin, CIV 5FU and radiation is well tolerated at full doses of Oxaliplatin (60mg/m2/wk) and does not produce substantially more toxicity than standard chemoRT to the pancreatic bed. The phase II portion of the trial is ongoing.

[Table: see text]

Intraperitoneal(IP) 5’-fluoro-2’deoxyuridine(FUDR): Safety and outcome when administered prior to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy(chemoRT) following R0 resection for gastric adenocarcinoma

4627

Background: ChemoRT after surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer improves overall and relapse-free survival (OS and RFS) compared to observation (NEJM 2000,345:725–30). However, loco-regional recurrences (>50%) remain high and we hypothesized that adding IP FUDR would further improve outcome. Methods: Patients (pts) ECOG performance status (PS) 0–2, gastric/gastroesphogeal(GEJ) adenocarcinoma stage Ib-IV (M0) undergoing R0 resection were eligible, and had insertion of IP catheters at surgery. IP FUDR(3gm/dose/day) was given on protocol days 1, 2, 3 and 15, 16, 17 prior to 5-FU/LV and external beam RT (45Gy) as in cited study. Simon 2-stage optimum design was used to demonstrate safety. Endpoints also included were loco-regional recurrence and survival. Results: 28 pts with gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma (25/3) were enrolled from 2002 to 2006 at 2 institutions: median age 59.5 years (range 39–81), M /F (21/7). R0 gastric resection was performed with dissection of median 22 (range 8–102) lymph nodes(LN’s). 22/28 pts were lymph node positive. Full dose IP FUDR was completed in 20/28 pts. 4 pts required dose reduction (1 for grade(gr) 2 hepatic enzyme elevation, 2 gr 2 neutropenia, 1 gr 4 neutropenia), 3 discontinued therapy (1 gr 3 abdominal pain, 1 GI abscess, and 1 bleeding arterial pseudoaneurysm). One pt received no IP treatment due to catheter failure. 24/28 pts completed chemoRT and had toxicity comparable to that previously reported in the Intergroup 0116 trial. At 26 month median follow up (range 2.8–43.4), of the 26 pts evaluable for response, 16 pts are NED, 6 alive with disease, 3 dead of disease, and 1 dead from other cause. 5 recurrences were intra-abdominal, 1 local, 2 distant, and 1 at multiple sites. At present analysis, the median RFS is 32.5 months. Conclusions: IP FUDR prior to chemoRT after R0 gastric cancer resection is well tolerated. A randomized study to test its role in reducing regional recurrence and improving outcome is warranted. (FDA Orphan Products grant# FD-R-2150–04)

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Melanocortin-4 receptor-mediated inhibition of apoptosis in immortalized hypothalamic neurons via mitogen-activated protein kinase

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a seven transmembrane member of the melanocortin receptor family. The GT1-1 cell line exhibits endogenous expression of MC4R. In this study, GT1-1 cells were used to study MC4R signaling pathways and to examine the effects of melanocortin receptor agonist NDP-MSH on apoptosis. MC4R mRNA expression was demonstrated by RT-PCR. Functional melanocortin receptor expression was implied by specific binding of NDP-MSH and cAMP production. NDP-MSH-stimulated GnRH release in a dose-dependent manner. Serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in GT1-1 cells, and the NDP-MSH inhibited this effect. The melanocortin receptor antagonist SHU9119 blocked the antiapoptotic actions of NDP-MSH, and the MAP kinase inhibitor PD98059 significantly attenuated the antiapoptotic effect. NDP-MSH-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. ERK1/2 phosphorylation could be abolished by SHU9119. In GT1-1 cells, melanocortin receptor activation causes ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In these cells, MC4R activation is also associated with antiapoptotic effects.

Phase II study of cetuximab in mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis

14020

Background: Mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis is most commonly associated with primariy tumors of the appendix and colon. Typically, spread remains confined to the abdominal cavity. Imaging assessment of these mucinous lesions is difficult, and tumor markers (CEA and CA19.9) are often used as a surrogate for extent of disease. Patients (pts) often undergo surgical debulking, sometimes coupled with intraperitoneal (IP) drug delivery, but recurrence is common. Since mucin genes are regulated by EGFR, our two institutions initiated this study. Methods: Between Sept 2004 and Dec 2005, weekly cetuximab (loading 400 mg/m2 on first dose, followed by 250 mg/m2/week thereafter) was given to 20 pts (4 men, 16 women): 17 of appendiceal origin were entered a median 3 y (6 m-7 y) after diagnosis; 3 were unknown primaries 24, 23, and 2 m after diagnosis. Prior treatment included surgery (18), systemic (17), and intraoperative (4) or subsequent IP therapy (2). Results: Pts received a median of 12 doses (0–51) of cetuximab. No major objective responses were observed; transient > 25% decreases in CEA and CA19.9 were noted in 4/19 pts; markers were never elevated in 1. Stable disease was best response in 3 of 15 evaluable (5 too early). The most common toxicities, as expected, were skin rash, dryness, and nail fragility. Hypersensitivity reactions in 2 patients did not preclude repeated dosing with premedications. The median time to progression from the start of treatment was 3 m. Conclusions: Brisk accrual by two institutions in this rare clinical entity is noteworthy. In this heavily pretreated population, transient decrease in tumor markers and time on study with stable disease were encouraging, prompting plans for a future study of cetuximab with the addition of systemic irinotecan.

[Table: see text]