Clinical recommendations for treatment of localized angiosarcoma: A consensus paper by the Italian Sarcoma Group

Angiosarcoma (AS) represents a rare and aggressive vascular sarcoma, posing distinct challenges in clinical management compared to other sarcomas. While the current European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) clinical practice guidelines for sarcoma treatment are applicable to AS, its unique aggressiveness and diverse tumor presentations necessitate dedicated and detailed clinical recommendations, which are currently lacking. Notably, considerations regarding surgical extent, radiation therapy (RT), and neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy vary significantly in localized disease, depending on each different site of onset. Indeed, AS are one of the sarcoma types most sensitive to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Despite this, uncertainties persist regarding optimal management across different clinical presentations, highlighting the need for further investigation through clinical trials. The Italian Sarcoma Group (ISG) organized a consensus meeting on April 1st, 2023, in Castel San Pietro, Italy, bringing together Italian sarcoma experts from several disciplines and patient representatives from "Sofia nel Cuore Onlus" and the ISG patient advocacy working group. The objective was to develop specific clinical recommendations for managing localized AS within the existing framework of sarcoma clinical practice guidelines, accounting for potential practice variations among ISG institutions. The aim was to try to standardize and harmonize clinical practices, or at least highlight the open questions in the local management of the disease, to define the best evidence-based practice for the optimal approach of localized AS and generate the recommendations presented herein.

Multidisciplinary management of adolescents and young adults (AYA) sarcoma: A successful effort of an adult high-volume cancer center

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of AYA sarcomas and their clinical outcomes at a high-volume single center.

METHODS

Demographic, clinicopathological data on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of all sarcoma patients aged 16-39 years (ys) observed at our Institute between January 2010 and December 2021 were retrospectively collected, including diagnostic (TTD) and treatment delay(TTT), clinical outcomes (OS and PFS), and late-treatment effects.

RESULTS

We identified 228 AYA patients, median age 30 years, 29% ≤ 25 years, 57% males, 88% soft tissue sarcomas (STS), and 12% bone sarcomas (BS). Among STSs, 13% were small round cell tumors (SRCT), 52% intermediate-high-grade, 24% low-grade STSs. Among BS, 32% were high-grade. Median TTD and TTT were 120 (0-8255) and 7 days (0-83), respectively. Surgery was performed in 83%, radiotherapy in 29%, and systemic therapy in 27%. Median follow-up was 72.9 months(1.6-145), 5-year and 10-year OS were 78.5% and 62%, respectively. Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed a significantly better 5-year OS and PFS for patients with >92 days of TTD (OS 85.7% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.001, PFS 50.2% vs. 24.9%, p = 0.009). According to age (≤25 years vs. > 25 years), 5-year OS was 69.8% versus 82.2%, respectively (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis confirmed previous data on sarcoma AYA patients followed in a referral center. Unexpectedly, diagnostic delay was not associated with poor OS and PFS. Patients <25 years showed a poorer prognosis due to the higher incidence of SRCT.

The Janus-faced role of TRPM2-S in retroperitoneal liposarcoma via increasing ROS levels

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) is a specific soft tissue sarcoma with a high recurrence rate. The short isoform of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 2 (TRPM2-S) plays an important role in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the association between TRPM2-S and RPLS and its underlying mechanisms remains unclear.

METHODS

The expression of both TRPM2-S and TRPM2-L in RPLS tissues was verified by kimmunohistochemistry (IHC). The regulation on Ca²⁺ influx by TRPM2-S was evaluated by Fluo-4 AM staining. The effect of TRPM2-S on cell proliferation and apoptosis was tested by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and Flow cytometry respectively. The level of cellular ROS was assessed by the DCFH-DA probe. Different concentrations of H₂O₂ were used to provide oxidative stress on RPLS cells. The underlying mechanisms were further explored by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The IHC assays showed that TRPM2-S, but not TRPM2-L, was prognostic in RPLS. Low TRPM2-S level was associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS). Calcium influx signal intensity was significantly decreased under TRPM2-S overexpression, which resulted in a decrease in the levels of FOXO3a and PTEN. Correspondingly, the levels of pERK, pAKT, pP65, pGSK-3β, Bcl-2, and β-catenin were upregulated, and cellular ROS was gently increased under TRPM2-S overexpression. Moreover, TRPM2-S slightly promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of RPLS cell lines under normoxia, but largely increased apoptosis rates under oxidative stress. The cleaved caspase3 was significantly upregulated by TRPM2-S overexpression under oxidative stress. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a small molecule antioxidant, could largely rescue RPLS cells from the apoptosis induced by H₂O₂.

CONCLUSION

TRPM2-S exerts Janus-faced effects in RPLS by increasing the ROS levels via inhibition on FOXO3a, which promotes cell proliferation under normoxia but induces apoptosis under oxidative stress. Video abstract.

Prognostic value of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) in sarcoma

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Background: How sarcoma metastasize is unknown. VETC has been described as an epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition independent process of metastasis: endothelium covers neoplastic clusters allowing tumor dissemination. It has also been shown to be a predictive of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) response. The objectives of the present study are: 1) to assess the presence of VETC in sarcoma; 2) to model its prognostic role. Methods: The study was retrospective. We selected 54 cases of sarcomas (6 DDLPS, 10 GIST, 6 retroperitoneal LMS, 9 MLPS, 8 MPNST, 10 SFT, 5 UPS); of them 31 were metastatic (M1 group), 23 were not (M0 group, defined as least 5 years of negative follow-up). High risk GIST and SFT, and grade 3 FNCLCC were considered high grade. VETC was assessed with CD31 immunohistochemistry and defined as a continuous endothelial lining around tumor clusters. We used Bayesian probabilistic modeling to detect small effects and multilevel hierarchical modeling to reduce overfitting. Models were fit using Stan and R. CI were computed with the HPDI method for 89%. The whole posterior probability (PP) was used for calculations. Results: The two groups (M0 & M1) were substantially homogeneous: the CI of the contrast PP (CPP) included 0 in each histology for sex, age, size, and grade; VETC was more expressed in M1 SFT cases with almost all the CPP mass above the 0. Also, UPS and GIST showed VETC to be more present in metastatic diseases with 79% and 78% respectively of the CPP mass above 0 (see table). Metastasis free survival (MFS) analysis showed that VETC in SFT and UPS with a coefficient of 2.42 (CI 0.73 – 4.65) and 1.94 (CI 0.16 – 3.67); for the latter the median was reached with a PP density of median MFS of 65 months (mo) (standard deviation, SD: 74 mo) for VETC- Vs 11 mo (SD: 14 mo) for VETC+. Similarly, disease specific survival analysis showed – in SFT and UPS – that VETC was negatively associated with prognosis with coefficients of 1.24 and 2.34; however the CI covered slightly the 0 (-0.54 – 3.96 and -0.09 – 5.73, respectively). Conclusions: We found VETC in sarcoma and highlighted its prognostic role in SFT and UPS. [Table: see text]

Development of the PERI-Gastric (PEritoneal Recurrence Index) and PERI-Gram (Peritoneal Recurrence Index NomoGRAM) for predicting the risk of metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis after gastrectomy with curative intent for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

A model that quantifies the risk of peritoneal recurrence would be a useful tool for improving decision-making in patients undergoing curative-aim gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

Five Italian centers participated in this study. Two risk scores were created according to the two most widely used pathologic classifications of GC (the Lauren classification and the presence of signet-ring-cell features). The risk scores (the PERI-Gastric 1 and 2) were based on the results of multivariable logistic regressions and presented as nomograms (the PERI-Gram 1 and 2). Discrimination was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating curves. Calibration graphs were constructed by plotting the actual versus the predicted rate of peritoneal recurrence. Internal validation was performed with a bootstrap resampling method (1000 iterations).

RESULTS

The models were developed based on a population of 645 patients (selected from 1580 patients treated from 1998 to 2018). In the PERI-Gastric 1, significant variables were linitis plastica, stump GC, pT3-4, pN2-3 and the Lauren diffuse histotype, while in the PERI-Gastric 2, significant variables were linitis plastica, stump GC, pT3-4, pN2-3 and the presence of signet-ring cells. The AUC was 0,828 (0.778-0.877) for the PERI-Gastric 1 and 0,805 (0.755-0.855) for the PERI-Gastric 2. After bootstrap resampling, the PERI-Gastric 1 had a mean AUC of 0.775 (0.721-0.830) and a 95%CI estimate for the calibration slope of 0.852-1.505 and the PERI-Gastric 2 a mean AUC of 0.749 (0.693-0.805) and a 95%CI estimate for the slope of 0.777-1.351. The models are available at www.perigastric.org .

CONCLUSIONS

We developed the PERI-Gastric and the PERI-Gram as instruments to determine the risk of peritoneal recurrence after curative-aim gastrectomy. These models could direct the administration of prophylactic intraperitoneal treatments.

Blended practical learning in compliance with COVID-19 social distancing

COVID-19 pandemic has imposed great changes in everyday life. Starting from January 2020, Humanitas University proposed to students digital instruction for continuing medical education, in particular, concerning practical activities. The latter, defined as Professionalizing activities, were transformed into complete online learning. From September 2020, in accordance to the imposed rules of social distancing, we modified the approach to Professionalizing activities. Despite following the new constrains, we came up with a blend online and face-to-face education program. The Kirkpatrick's evaluation model has been followed for validation of the project. Two ad hoc satisfaction questionnaires have been proposed to evaluate the project. Different approaches to blended learning have been described in literature; however, we propose a new method application, which fits to the post-pandemic era, with the purpose of sharing our experience in the field. Advantages and limitations are described. According to students, the overall satisfaction was rated 6.8, while tutors evaluated it with 7.4. The qualitative analysis of data confirms the advantage of the blended learning activities in order to guarantee a continuation of the clinical curriculum. Although it highlighted the necessity for, an increased technical support and an improvement in organization of the meetings. Blended learning is becoming more accepted among academic communities because it combines “the best of both worlds.” However, its effectiveness depends on several factors. With our approach, we propose a method, specifically designed to make effective this kind of teaching, which can be considered essential in the pandemic era we are facing.

Quality of life and patient satisfaction in outpatient thyroid surgery

In the last three decades surgeons have begun to perform outpatient thyroid surgery (OTS). Important outcome measures of a day-hospital procedure are the patient's quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction, but information on these issues in the OTS setting is scanty. The aim of this pilot study was to explore how early discharge after thyroidectomy affects patients' QoL and satisfaction. Postoperative QoL and satisfaction were assessed retrospectively by giving each patient a self-report questionnaire specifically created in our center for OTS and derived from the post-discharge surgical recovery (PSR) scale to assess physical and mental well-being. Twenty-three of 24 patients (96%), 16 women and 7 men with a median age of 48 years (range 16-72), completed the questionnaire, answering 92% of the questions. QoL based on this scale gave a median score of 81.8% (range 62-98.8%). No major or minor complications occurred in the study group. Regarding QoL eight patients (35%) reported feeling "tired all the time" and six patients (26%) reported mild pain, which in two cases resolved spontaneously. Regarding patient satisfaction two-thirds of patients judged OTS positively while the remaining one-third would not recommend it. Our study showed very good uptake by patients of a new questionnaire dedicated to OTS as a possible aid in the identification of areas for improvement of OTS management. However, to be considered a safe procedure with maximum patient compliance and satisfaction, OTS was found to require considerable effort by hospital staff and patients' caregivers compared to inpatient thyroid surgery.

Morbidity and Outcomes After Distal Pancreatectomy for Primary Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: An Analysis by the Trans-Atlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group

BACKGROUND

Multi-visceral resection often is used in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). The morbidity after distal pancreatectomy for primary pancreatic cancer is well-documented, but the outcomes after distal pancreatectomy for primary RPS are not. This study aimed to evaluate morbidity and oncologic outcomes after distal pancreatectomy for primary RPS.

METHODS

In this study, 26 sarcoma centers that are members of the Trans-Atlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG) retrospectively identified consecutive patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for primary RPS from 2008 to 2017. The outcomes measured were 90-day severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rate, and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2017, 280 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy for primary RPS. The median tumor size was 25 cm, and the median number of organs resected, including the pancreas, was three. In 96% of the operations, R0/R1 resection was achieved. The 90-day severe complication rate was 40 %. The grades B and C POPF complication rates were respectively 19% and 5% and not associated with worse overall survival. Administration of preoperative radiation and factors to mitigate POPF did not have an impact on the risk for the development of a POPF. The RPS invaded the pancreas in 38% of the patients, and local recurrence was doubled for the patients who had a microscopic, positive pancreas margin (hazard ratio, 2.0; p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Distal pancreatectomy for primary RPS has acceptable morbidity and oncologic outcomes and is a reasonable approach to facilitate complete tumor resection.

Neutrophils Driving Unconventional T Cells Mediate Resistance against Murine Sarcomas and Selected Human Tumors

Neutrophils are a component of the tumor microenvironment and have been predominantly associated with cancer progression. Using a genetic approach complemented by adoptive transfer, we found that neutrophils are essential for resistance against primary 3-methylcholantrene-induced carcinogenesis. Neutrophils were essential for the activation of an interferon-γ-dependent pathway of immune resistance, associated with polarization of a subset of CD4- CD8- unconventional αβ T cells (UTCαβ). Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses unveiled the innate-like features and diversity of UTCαβ associated with neutrophil-dependent anti-sarcoma immunity. In selected human tumors, including undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, CSF3R expression, a neutrophil signature and neutrophil infiltration were associated with a type 1 immune response and better clinical outcome. Thus, neutrophils driving UTCαβ polarization and type 1 immunity are essential for resistance against murine sarcomas and selected human tumors.

Developing an adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer program in an Italian adult high-volume cancer center

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Background: Given the lack of survival improvement and the several unmet clinical/psychosocial issues, programs for AYA (15 to 39 yo) are underway, involving local resources and organizations. Conventionally the healthcare system address inadequately the needs of AYAs. Humanitas Research Hospital is a high volume Cancer Center for adult patients with long lasting expertise in rare cancers based on a multidisciplinary approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of the number of patients followed in our Institute from 2010 to 2017 to assess our potential as an AYA referral center. In February 2017 we started a dedicated program, focused on medical and psychosocial issues of AYA and supported by an interdisciplinary team including medical oncologists, psychologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, fertility experts, cardiologists, genetic consultants, endocrinologist, palliative care providers, social workers, and liason nurses . Results: From 2010 to 2017 more than 6600 AYA pts were seen in Humanitas. The epidemiology reflects the published data. Since the beginning of the program (February 2017), more than 2000 new AYA pts were referred to our dedicated clinic. Based on a patient-focused model of care, the aims of the first access are the comprehension of the complex pathways to diagnosis often delayed, the access to optimal care including clinical trial, the recognition of the unique psychosocial context, the counselling on key issues for AYA (fertility, cardiology, nutrition, smoking, financial). We created a dedicated physical space where pts, families and caregivers can spend time together, reducing the feeling of isolation. They meet also specialists trained to deal with their needs, to reduce the adverse impact of the diagnosis and to improve the adherence to treatment. Daily activities, such as cooking and photography class, professional writing and acting, are also offered. Conclusions: Humanitas AYA project modified the hospital environment making it more comfortable for our pts and improved the awareness of the healthcare providers to AYA unmet needs. Outcome and research program improvement are long-term endpoints to bridge the clinical gap of AYA pts.

Prognostic Indicators in Stage IV Surgically Treated Gastric Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Multi-Institutional Study

INTRODUCTION

The role of gastric resection in treating metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma is controversial. In the present study, we reviewed the short- and long-term outcomes of stage IV patients undergoing surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted that assessed patients undergoing elective surgery for incurable gastric carcinoma. Short- and long-term results were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 122 stage IV gastric cancer patients were assessed. Postoperative mortality was 5.7%, and the overall rate of complications was 35.2%. The overall survival rate at 1 and 3 years was 58 and 19% respectively; the median survival was 14 months. Improved survival was observed for the factors age less than 60 years (p = 0.015), site of metastases (p = 0.022), extended lymph node dissection (p = 0.044), absence of residual disease after surgery (p = 0.001), and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis showed that residual disease and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that surgery combined with systemic chemotherapy in selected patients with stage IV gastric cancer can improve survival.

R0 resection in the treatment of gastric cancer: Room for improvement

Gastric carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignancies in the world and its clinical behavior especially depends on the metastatic potential of the tumor. In particular, lymphatic metastasis is one of the main predictors of tumor recurrence and survival, and current pathological staging systems reflect the concept that lymphatic spread is the most relevant prognostic factor in patients undergoing curative resection. This is compounded by the observation that two-thirds of gastric cancer in the Western world presents at an advanced stage, with lymph node metastasis at diagnosis. All current therapeutic efforts in gastric cancer are directed toward individualization of therapeutic protocols, tailoring the extent of resection and the administration of preoperative and postoperative treatment. The goals of all these strategies are to improve prognosis towards the achievement of a curative resection (R0 resection) with minimal morbidity and mortality, and better postoperative quality of life.

Surgical issues after neoadjuvant treatment for gastric cancer

Gastric carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignancies in the world and its clinical behavior depends on the metastatic potential of the tumour. Particularly, lymphatic metastasis is one of the main predictor of tumour recurrence and survival and current pathologic staging systems reflect the concept that lymphatic spread is the most relevant prognostic factor in patients resected with curative intent. This is deducted by the observation that two thirds of gastric cancers in the western world present at an advanced stage, with nearly 85% of tumors accompanied by lymph node metastasis at diagnosis. To date most therapeutic efforts are directed toward individualization of therapeutic protocols, tailoring the extent of resection integrated by the administration of preoperative and postoperative treatment. The goal of such strategies is to improve prognosis towards the achievement of a curative resection (R0-resection) with minimal morbidity and mortality, with better postoperative quality of life. A brief review of literature about preoperative therapy for gastric carcinoma will be herein illustrated. The rationale and the general drawbacks of preoperative treatments will be both discussed in order to demonstrate its value in terms of safety and efficacy.

Ratio of metastatic lymph nodes: impact on staging and survival of gastric cancer

AIMS

No consensus exists on the level and number of lymph nodes to be dissected and examined for accurate staging of patients with resectable gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value and staging accuracy of the metastatic lymph nodes ratio (NR).

METHODS

The postoperative survival of 247 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy was analyzed. Lymph nodes status was assigned according to three different classifications: 6th UICC/AJCC TNM; JGCA; NR (NR0: 0%; NR1: < or =20%; NR2: >20%). Staging accuracy of the three classifications was compared according to patients survival.

RESULTS

A significant difference in survival was observed in patients with NR1 versus NR2. At multivariate analysis only NR along with pT and grading were found to be independent prognostic factors. Stage migration was present in 84 cases (51%) with JGCA classification, in 30 (19%) with 6th UICC/AJCC TNM classification and in only 18 cases (11%) when NR was applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that NR is a simply reproducible and highly reliable staging system with a strong ability to predict patients' outcome. Compared to other nodal staging classifications, NR is less influenced from the number of the lymph nodes dissected and examined, reducing the stage migration phenomenon.

[Clinical significance and prognostic value of tumor maximum diameter in gastric carcinoma]

Maximum tumor diameter (MTD) is considered by many authors as an important prognostic factor in gastric cancer and, in some series, is reported to be strongly correlated with depth of infiltration. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of tumor diameter in a monoistitutional series of 153 gastric cancer patients. The Spearman correlation coefficient was also calculated between MTD and other known prognostic factors. For statistical analysis, patients were grouped as follows: MTD 1, < or = 40 mm, and MTD2, > 40 mm. In our series, MTD resulted significantly linked to survival at univariate analysis (p = 0.0001), but multivariate analysis did not evidence MTD as an independent prognostic indicator. The Spearman correlation test documented that MTD2 is strongly correlated with tumor depth (pT), nodal status (pN) and p-stage (p < 0.01) and is a good predictor of locally advanced stage. This retrospective study showed that patients with larger tumor are at an increased risk for tumor advancement and, therefore, MTD could represent a useful parameter for choosing the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.

[Incidence of fecal contamination in the samples of gicens and vegetables usually eaten uncooked (author's transl)]

The presence of E. coli has been found in the 48% of the samples of gicens and vegetables usually caten uncooked. The high incidence of fecal contamination suggests the necessity to build sewage plants, to forbid the use of superficial waters for irrigation and sanitary education to avoid alimentary contamination and enteric germ transmission.