Body composition and lung cancer-associated cachexia in TRACERx

Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in individuals with non-small cell lung cancer. Key features of CAC include alterations in body composition and body weight. Here, we explore the association between body composition and body weight with survival and delineate potential biological processes and mediators that contribute to the development of CAC. Computed tomography-based body composition analysis of 651 individuals in the TRACERx (TRAcking non-small cell lung Cancer Evolution through therapy (Rx)) study suggested that individuals in the bottom 20th percentile of the distribution of skeletal muscle or adipose tissue area at the time of lung cancer diagnosis, had significantly shorter lung cancer-specific survival and overall survival. This finding was validated in 420 individuals in the independent Boston Lung Cancer Study. Individuals classified as having developed CAC according to one or more features at relapse encompassing loss of adipose or muscle tissue, or body mass index-adjusted weight loss were found to have distinct tumor genomic and transcriptomic profiles compared with individuals who did not develop such features. Primary non-small cell lung cancers from individuals who developed CAC were characterized by enrichment of inflammatory signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transitional pathways, and differentially expressed genes upregulated in these tumors included cancer-testis antigen MAGEA6 and matrix metalloproteinases, such as ADAMTS3. In an exploratory proteomic analysis of circulating putative mediators of cachexia performed in a subset of 110 individuals from TRACERx, a significant association between circulating GDF15 and loss of body weight, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue was identified at relapse, supporting the potential therapeutic relevance of targeting GDF15 in the management of CAC.

Successful Pregnancy and Cancer Outcomes With Ipilimumab and Nivolumab for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Pregnancy and cancer share CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 as some of the immunomodulatory pathways that reshape the immune system from a destructive response to a state of tolerance to the fetus and the tumor, respectively. Ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4 inhibitor) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1 inhibitor) are used in combination for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and their use could theoretically result in an immune response against the fetus. Furthermore, these immune checkpoint inhibitors are immunoglobulin G antibodies that transfer from the mother to the fetus and may cause a direct toxicity. We present the first report of a metastatic renal cell carcinoma patient in which ipilimumab and nivolumab were successfully used starting in her first trimester of pregnancy, with sufficient follow-up to show favorable outcomes for both the mother and the child. We describe our management of this challenging case and we review the available evidence, coming from Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Studies and case reports of metastatic melanoma patients.

Abstract 5818: Features of cancer cachexia in non-small cell lung cancer: Insights from the prospective TRACERx study

Introduction: Cancer cachexia (CC) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is characterized by loss of skeletal muscle (SM) tissue with or without adipose tissue loss. This analysis reports on the characteristics and outcomes of patients recruited into the prospective TRACERx study, who presented with or subsequently developed features of CC during follow-up.

Approach: Using longitudinal CT imaging, total, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (TAT, SAT, VAT) and SM volumes were manually quantified at the 3rd lumbar vertebrae level. Body weight was measured every 3-6 months and grouped according to BMI-adjusted weight loss grades. Multi-region primary tumour tissue was collected at the time of surgical resection and subjected to whole exome and RNA sequencing.

Results: Patients in the TRACERx 421 cohort who presented with low SAT volume at diagnosis, represented by the lower 20% percentile of the cohort, had significantly shorter lung-cancer specific survival (LCSS) and overall survival (OS) compared with patients in the 80% percentile (3-y LCSS 61% vs 81%, p<0.001; 3-y OS 57% vs 69%, p=0.02). Patients presenting with low VAT had a significantly shorter LCSS (3-y-LCSS 66% vs 79%, p=0.01), but not OS (3-y OS 60% vs 69%). Low SM volume was not associated with LCSS or OS. However, loss of SM volume of ≥20% between diagnosis and disease relapse was associated with significantly reduced LCSS and OS (3-y LCSS 30% vs 49%, p=0.02; 3-y OS 26% vs 45%, p=0.03). Based on a multivariable model, low SAT volume at diagnosis and SM loss were independent prognostic factors for LCSS, but not OS. In addition, BMI-adjusted weight loss was associated with shorter OS and LCSS (3-y OS 7% for patients with weight loss grade 4 vs 54% in patients with stable weight, p<0.001 [LCSS 8% vs 61%, p<0.001]). Preliminary genomic data from patients with disease recurrence and with (n=47) or without (n=107) features of CC, defined as SAT or muscle loss >20% or weight loss grade 4, demonstrated distinct copy number alteration and differential gene expression profiles.

Conclusion: In patients with early-stage NSCLC, both altered body composition and weight loss in keeping with CC was associated with poor survival outcomes. In particular, low SAT volume at diagnosis and loss of SM between diagnosis and relapse were independent prognostic factors for LCSS. Ongoing analyses in TRACERx will continue to investigate the potential tumour-intrinsic mediators of CC.

Citation Format: Othman Al-Sawaf, Marcin Skrzypski, Jakob Weiss, Takahiro Karasaki, Nicolai Juul Birkbak, Francisco Zambrana, Alexander Frankell, Thomas B. Watkins, Carlos Martinez Ruiz, Selvaraju Veeriah, Cristina Naceur-Lombardelli, TRACERx Consortium, Nicholas McGranahan, Hugo Aerts, Charles Swanton, Mariam Jamal-Hanjani. Features of cancer cachexia in non-small cell lung cancer: Insights from the prospective TRACERx study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5818.

Pilot study to evaluate safety and efficacy of cabozantinib in aged fragile patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Preliminary results of CABOMAYOR-SOGUG study

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Background: Survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has improved with targeted therapies, but they are rarely curative and often result in therapeutic resistance. Cabozantinib is an oral, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) as well as MET and AXL, known to influence tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Aged fragile patients are not usually included in clinical trials and efficacy and tolerability of available treatments in this population are unknown. The aim of this trial is to evaluate safety and efficacy of cabozantinib in aged patients with mRCC. Methods: Pilot open-label, multicenter study that includes previously untreated fragile (G8 scale < 14 points and one or two reversible deficiencies in ADL-activities in daily life- or CISR-G grade 2 comorbidities or weight loss of 5-10% during the last 3 months) patients > 70 years old with histological or cytological diagnosis of mRCC, ECOG 0-2 and adequate organ function. Patients received cabozantinib 40 mg p.o. once daily until unacceptable toxicity or other reasons for treatment discontinuation. Dose can be escalated to 60 mg if 40 mg is considered tolerated and can be reduced to 20 mg if 40 mg is considered not tolerated. Results: Twenty patients are included in this interim analysis, 9 of them are still under treatment. Median age was 78 years, 70% were men and 68% had ECOG 0 and metastatic disease at diagnosis. None of them received radiotherapy. 55% of pts were vulnerable according to G8 score, 5% had grade 3 comorbidities according to CIRS-G scale, 20% had a score < 3 in mini-COG test, 100% had score < 10 in Gijon's social-familial evaluation scale, 25% were vulnerable according to Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 (score ≥3) and 45% were frail and at risk of disability according to Short Physical Performance Battery (score < 10). Median duration of treatment was 3.3 months (max. 20.4). In none of the patients was the dose escalated to 60 mg/d and in 7 patients was the dose reduced to 20 mg/d. Of the 12 patients evaluable for response, 2 achieved partial response and 7 stable disease, with a clinical benefit rate of 75%. Most frequent toxicities (all grades) were: asthenia (30%), diarrhea (25%), mucosal inflammation (15%), dysgeusia (15%) and hypothyroidism (15%). Reported grade 3 toxicities were thrombocytopenia, pyrexia and hypertension (5%). Two patients stopped study treatment due to toxicity: perforated ischemic colitis and skin toxicity. Conclusions: Safety profile in aged people is similar of that observed in previous studies. The frequency of toxicities is slightly lower than expected in this aged fragile population, probably because the patients received treatment at a dose of 40 mg/d, lower than the approved dose. Clinical trial information: NCT04134390.

Clinical Factors Associated With Long-Term Benefit in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Axitinib: Real-World AXILONG Study

BACKGROUND

Axitinib monotherapy obtained approval in pre-treated mRCC patients and recently in combination with pembrolizumab or avelumab in the first-line setting. However, patient profiles that may obtain increased benefit from this drug and its combinations still need to be identified.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective multicentre analysis describing clinical characteristics associated with axitinib long-responder (LR) population by comparing two extreme-response sub-groups (progression-free survival [PFS] ≥9 months vs. disease progression/refractory patients [RP]). A multivariate logistic-regression model was used to analyse clinical factors. Efficacy and safety were also analysed.

RESULTS

In total, 157 patients who received axitinib in second or subsequent line were evaluated (91 LR and 66 RP). Older age at start of axitinib and haemoglobin levels > LLN were independent predictive factors for LR in multivariate analyses. In LR patients, median (m) PFS was 18.1 months, median overall survival was 36.0 months and objective response rate (ORR) was 45.5%. In 59 LR patients receiving axitinib in second-line, mPFS was 18.7 months, mOS was 44.8 months and ORR was 43.9%. mOS was significantly longer in second line compared to subsequent lines (44.8 vs. 26.5 months; P = .009). In LR vs. RP, mPFS with sunitinib in first-line was correlated with mPFS with axitinib in second-line (27.2 vs. 10.9 months P < .001). The safety profile was manageable and consistent with known data.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the long-term benefits of axitinib in a selected population, helping clinicians to select the best sequential approach and patients who could obtain a greater benefit from axitinib.

Complete response and renal cell carcinoma in the immunotherapy era: The paradox of good news

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor-based therapy has revolutionized the natural history of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) providing better survival outcomes, higher rates of complete responses (CR) and durable remissions. Along with these advances, new challenges have emerged. RECIST and new immune-response criteria may be equivocal identifying complete responses. How to define a durable response and what is the optimal treatment duration remains unclear. Furthermore, the real value of a complete and deep response, whether or not it can be considered curation and whether or not immunotherapy discontinuation should be considered after complete response, are questions that remain open. The present article reviews the current evidence regarding the impact and challenges of managing complete and durable responses in mRCC treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors.

A multicenter analysis of the outcome of cancer patients with neutropenia and COVID-19 infection optionally treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)

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Background: Infection by SARS-CoV-2 can turn into an acute respiratory infection. Approximately 15% of patients will develop a distress syndrome responsible in most cases of mortality. A host hyperinflammatory response induced by a cytokine storm, is the main cause of this severe complication. Chemotherapy myelosuppression is associated with higher risk of infections and mortality in cancer patients. There have been no previous reports about the clinical management of patients with neutropenia and concomitant COVID-19. Herein, we present a multicenter experience in several hospitals during COVID-19 outbreak in neutropenic cancer patients infected by SARS-Cov-2. Methods: Retrospective clinical data were collected from clinical reports. Protocol was approved by a Clinical Research Ethics Committee (HULP: PI-4194). Inclusion criteria were cancer patients with neutropenia (<1500 cells/mm3) and concomitant COVID-19 infection. Comorbidities, tumor type and stage, treatment, neutropenia severity, filgrastim (G-CSF), COVID-19 parameters and mortality were analyzed. Exploratory analysis included a description of all data collected and bivariate analyses among different pairs of variables, including their impact in mortality in this cohort. In addition, multivariable logistic regression was used to predict respiratory failure and death as a function of multiple variables. Results: Among 943 patients with cancer screened in 14 hospitals in Spain, eighty-three patients (8%) had a febrile neutropenia and COVID-19 infection. Lung (26%), breast (22%), colorectal (13%) and digestive non-colorectal (17%) cancers were the main locations and most patients had advanced disease (67%). Fifty-three (63%) of patients included died because respiratory failure. Neumonia was presented in 76% of patients, bilateral in 47% and 12% of all patients had thrombotic events. The median of neutrophils was 650cls/mm3 and 49% received G-CSF with a median of days on treatment around 4,5 days. Among all variables related with mortality in neutropenic cancer patients with COVID-19 infection, we found that the number of days with G-CSF showed a significant trend toward worse outcome and higher mortality. In particular, a logistic regression model was developed to predict respiratory failure, as a function of the number of days of G-CSF treatment. As adjusting covariates, sex, age, treatment purpose (palliative vs curative, to adjust for patient status), tumor type, and the lowest level of neutrophils in the patient (to adjust for neutropenic status) were used. A significant effect was obtained for the days of G-CSF treatment (OR = 1.4, 95% CI [1.03, 1.92], p-value = 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a prolonged G-CSF treatment could be disadvantageous for these cancer patients with COVID-19, with a higher probability of worse outcome.

Association between BRCA2 alterations and intraductal and cribriform histologies in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Intraductal (IDC) and cribriform (CRIB) histologies in prostate cancer have been associated with germline BRCA2 (gBRCA2) mutations in small retrospective series, leading to the recommendation of genetic testing for patients with IDC in the primary tumour.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To examine the association of gBRCA2 mutations and other tumour molecular features with IDC and/or cribriform (CRIB) histologies, we conducted a case-control study in which primary prostate tumours from 58 gBRCA2 carriers were matched (1:2) by Gleason Grade Group and specimen type to 116 non-carriers. Presence/absence of IDC and CRIB morphologies was established by two expert uropathologists blinded to gBRCA2 status. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to detect BRCA2 alterations, PTEN deletions and TMPRSS2-ERG fusions. Chi-squared tests were used to compare the frequency of IDC and CRIB in gBRCA2 carriers and controls and to assess associations with other variables. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify independent factors associated with both histology patterns.

RESULTS

No significant differences between gBRCA2 carriers and non-carriers were observed in the prevalence of IDC (36% gBRCA2 versus 50% non-carriers, p = 0.085) or CRIB (53% gBRCA2 versus 43% non-carriers p = 0.197) patterns. However, IDC histology was independently associated with bi-allelic BRCA2 alterations (OR 4.3, 95%CI 1.1-16.2) and PTEN homozygous loss (OR 5.2, 95%CI 2.1-13.1). CRIB morphology was also independently associated with bi-allelic BRCA2 alterations (OR 5.6, 95%CI 1.7-19.3).

CONCLUSIONS

While we found no association between gBRCA2 mutations and IDC or CRIB histologies, bi-allelic BRCA2 loss in primary prostate tumours was significantly associated with both variant morphologies, independently of other clinical-pathologic factors.

Effect of intravenous iron on functional outcomes in hip fracture: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

to determine the safety and effect of intravenous iron sucrose on functional outcomes, delirium, nosocomial infections and transfusion requirements in older patients with hip fracture.

DESIGN

single-centre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

orthogeriatric share care service at an academic tertiary care hospital. A total of 253 patients were recruited: 126 patients were assigned to intravenous iron and 127 to placebo.

METHODS

on days 1, 3 and 5 after admission, the iron group received 200 mg Venofer® (iron sucrose) in 100 ml saline and the placebo group 100 ml saline. The primary outcome was absolute functional gain, considered as Barthel index (BI) at discharge minus BI on admission. Secondary outcomes included incidence of postoperative delirium according to the confusion assessment method, proportion of patients recovering prior functional status at 3 months, postoperative transfusion requirements, haemoglobin at 3 months, incidence of nosocomial infections and safety.

RESULTS

the median participant age was 87 (interquartile range, 82.5-91.5) years. Most patients were female (72.7%), and the median previous BI was 81(59-95). No significant effect of intravenous iron was observed for the primary outcome: the median AFG score was 17.1 points (4.8-23.3) in the intravenous iron group and 16 points (6-26) in the placebo group (P = 0.369). No significant treatment effects were observed for other functional outcomes or secondary end points.

CONCLUSION

while we found no impact of intravenous iron sucrose on functional recovery, incidence of postoperative delirium, transfusion requirements, haemoglobin at 3 months, mortality and nosocomial infections rates in older patients with hip fracture, we did find that the intervention was safe.

Clinical Characteristics, Frailty, and Mortality of Residents With COVID-19 in Nursing Homes of a Region of Madrid

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics, 30-day mortality, and associated factors of patients living in nursing homes (NH) with COVID-19, from March 20 to June 1, 2020.

Design

This is a retrospective study. A geriatric hospital-based team acted as a consultant and coordinated the care of older people living in NHs from the hospital.

Setting and Participants

A total of 630 patients aged 70 and older with Coronavirus Disease 2019 COVID-19 living in 55 NHs.

Methods

A logistic regression was performed to analyze the factors associated with mortality. In addition, Kaplan-Meier curves were applied according to mortality and its associated factors using the log-rank Mantel-Cox test.

Results

The diagnosis of COVID-19 was mainly made by clinical compatibility (N = 430). Median age was 87 years, 64.6% were women and 45.9% were transferred to be cared for at the hospital. A total of 282 patients died (44.7%) within the 30 days of first attention by the team. A severe form of COVID-19 occurred in 473 patients, and the most frequent symptoms were dyspnea (n = 332) and altered level of consciousness (n = 301). According to multiple logistic regression, male sex (P = .019), the Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) ≥6 (P = .004), dementia (P = .012), dyspnea (P < .001), and having a severe form of COVID-19 (P = .001), were associated with mortality, whereas age and care setting were not.

Conclusions and Implications

Mortality of the residents living in NHs with COVID-19 was almost 45%. The altered level of consciousness as an atypical presentation of COVID-19 should be considered in this population. A severe form of the disease, present in more than three-quarters of patients, was associated with mortality, apart from the male sex, CFS ≥6, dementia, and dyspnea, whereas age and care setting were not. These findings may also help to recognize patients in which the Advance Care Planning process is especially urgent to assist in the decisions about their care.

Association between BRCA2 status and histologic variants (intraductal [IDC] and cribriform [CRIB] histology) in prostate cancer (PC)

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Background: IDC histology in PC has been suggested to associate with germline BRCA2 mutations (gBRCA2) in small series, leading to the potential recommendation of genetic testing for all PC patients with IDC in the primary tumor. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in which primary PC from 58 germline BRCA2 mutation carriers ( gBRCA2) and 116 from non-carriers (NC) were matched 1:2 by Gleason score and specimen type (core biopsy/prostatectomy). Samples were independently reviewed by two expert pathologists blinded to genetic status who established the presence of IDC and/or CRIB morphology with supportive immunohistochemical stains in a subset of cases. Next-generation sequencing, aCGH and/or FISH were used to assess for somatic mono-/bi-allelic BRCA2 alterations. PTEN protein loss was determined by IHC, and TMPRSS2-ERG was detected by FISH/qRT-PCR. Chi-square tests were used to compare the frequency of IDC and cribriform histology in gBRCA2 vs NC, as well as to assess the associations with other variables. Logistic regression models were built to identify independent factors associated with IDC and CRIB histology. Results: gBRCA2 cases were younger at diagnosis (median 61.3 vs 64, p < 0.01) and had T3-4 disease more often than NC cases (31% vs 10.5%, p < 0.01), but the two groups did not differ in any other clinical-pathologic characteristics. After independent histopathological review, 79 cases demonstrated IDC histology and 81 had CRIB histology. No differences in the prevalence of IDC (50% NC vs 36% gBRCA2, p = 0.09) or CRIB (43% NC vs 53% gBRCA2, p = 0.20) patterns were observed. The probability of IDC was higher in PC with bi-allelic BRCA2 alterations (OR 5.1, 95%CI 2.1-12.6), PTEN loss (OR 5.1, 95%CI 1.9-13.5) or both (OR 23.0, 95%CI 4.9-107.2) compared to those without these alterations. Bi-allelic BRCA2 alteration was also associated with higher probability of CRIB histology (OR 7.2, 95%CI 3.1-16.4). TMPRSS2-ERG fusions were not associated with IDC or CRIB histology. MVA confirmed the independent association of bi-allelic BRCA2 alteration (p < 0.01) and PTEN loss (p < 0.01) with IDC histology. Bi-allelic BRCA2 alteration (p < 0.01) and Gleason >8 (p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for CRIB histology. Conclusions: Primary PC with bi-allelic BRCA2 alterations was significantly associated with IDC and CRIB histology, independent of other clinical-pathologic factors (while gBRCA2 status alone was not). PTEN loss in primary PC was also independently associated with IDC, but not CRIB, histology.

Prospective analysis of antinuclear antibodies prevalence in a pan-tumor sample

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Background: Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) constitute a spectrum of autoantibodies targeted to nuclear and cytoplasmic components of the cells considered serological markers for different autoimmune disease. However, ANAs are also presented in different types of cancers. Here, we present an exploratory analysis of ANAs patterns detected in patients with a recent cancer diagnosis. Methods: We carried out a prospective analysis of patients recently diagnosed of cancer in two centers. All were tested for ANAs from January to December 2019. Clinical-pathological features were collected from clinical reports. Results: 190 patients were included with different tumors: Lung(56.3%); colon/rectum(16.3%); head-neck(10.5%); pancreas(3.6%); stomach(3.1%); sarcoma(3.1%); urothelial(2.6%) and others( 3.6%). Most of the patients (pts) had stage IV (65.7%) and III (26.8%). Several histologies were included: adenocarcinoma(55.7%); squamous (32.6%) and others (transitional, clear cells, small cell and mesotelial/sarcoma). Chemotherapy was the main treatment (73.6%pts) followed by immunotherapy (11.5%pts), targeted therapy (6.8%pts) and chemo-inmunotherapy (3.1%pts). Among all pts included, only 13 had autoimmune disease: polymyalgia rheumatica (1pt); psoriasis (4pts), bronchial hyperreactivity (2pts) and hypotiroidism (6pts). In this cohort, we found that 60/190, 31.5%pts, showed positive ANAs (+) titers by immunofluorescence analysis. Different patterns were described according to First International Consensus on Standardized Nomenclature of ANAs. The predominant was a speckled pattern presented in 26% pts; secondly, a nucleolar pattern in 16.6% pts and CENP-F AC14 was presented in 8.3%pts. More minoritary patterns were also described. Patients with advanced lung cancer included 56.6% of ANAs (+) cases followed by colorectal cancer (11.6%). Adenocarcinoma (73,3 % pts) and squamous carcinoma (16,6% pts) were the most common histologies among ANAs (+) cases but none of the small cell carcinoma were ANA(+). The majority of ANAs (+) patients were on chemotherapy (73.3 % pts) followed by immunotherapy (16.6% pts). On the other hand, 4/13 of patients with autoimmune diseases presented ANAs(+) titers (CENT-F, scl70 and AC3 patterns). The only patient who developed a severe inmune-related toxicity was ANA negative. Conclusions: In this study, we describe the prevalence of ANAs and their patterns in a cohort of cancer patients. A complementary description of relevant clinical-pathological features in ANAs(+) subgroup is also reported.

A Research Roadmap: Connected Health as an Enabler of Cancer Patient Support

The evidence that quality of life is a positive variable for the survival of cancer patients has prompted the interest of the health and pharmaceutical industry in considering that variable as a final clinical outcome. Sustained improvements in cancer care in recent years have resulted in increased numbers of people living with and beyond cancer, with increased attention being placed on improving quality of life for those individuals. Connected Health provides the foundations for the transformation of cancer care into a patient-centric model, focused on providing fully connected, personalized support and therapy for the unique needs of each patient. Connected Health creates an opportunity to overcome barriers to health care support among patients diagnosed with chronic conditions. This paper provides an overview of important areas for the foundations of the creation of a new Connected Health paradigm in cancer care. Here we discuss the capabilities of mobile and wearable technologies; we also discuss pervasive and persuasive strategies and device systems to provide multidisciplinary and inclusive approaches for cancer patients for mental well-being, physical activity promotion, and rehabilitation. Several examples already show that there is enthusiasm in strengthening the possibilities offered by Connected Health in persuasive and pervasive technology in cancer care. Developments harnessing the Internet of Things, personalization, patient-centered design, and artificial intelligence help to monitor and assess the health status of cancer patients. Furthermore, this paper analyses the data infrastructure ecosystem for Connected Health and its semantic interoperability with the Connected Health economy ecosystem and its associated barriers. Interoperability is essential when developing Connected Health solutions that integrate with health systems and electronic health records. Given the exponential business growth of the Connected Health economy, there is an urgent need to develop mHealth (mobile health) exponentially, making it both an attractive and challenging market. In conclusion, there is a need for user-centered and multidisciplinary standards of practice to the design, development, evaluation, and implementation of Connected Health interventions in cancer care to ensure their acceptability, practicality, feasibility, effectiveness, affordability, safety, and equity.

Analysis of a profile of lipid metabolism genes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

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Background: Non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the tumors with the highest mortality rate. The underlying metabolic alterations involved in its carcinogenesis are becoming more interesting. According to this, the analysis of the dysregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism (LM) is subject to a growing research. To evaluate a profile of genes involved in lipid metabolism in NSCLC, we analyzed the correlation of this gene expression profile with different clinical-pathological variables. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 22 genes related to LM in samples of NSCLC as well as clinical-pathological features. Advanced NSCLC patients enrolled from 2008 through 2015 were included. Clinical and pathological data were collected from medical reports. This study was approved in our ethical committee and all patients signed the consent inform. Samples were deparaffinated and RNA was extracted using RNeasy FFPE Kit (Qiagen Gmbh, Germany). A Taq-Man Low Density Array (Applied Biosystems) was specifically designed and gene-expression assays were performed in a HT-7900 Fast Real time PCR. RT-StatMiner software (Integromics Inc., Madison, USA) was used to detect and determine the quality control and differential expression analyses of data. Quantification of gene expression was calculated with the 2–ΔCt method. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival probabilities, and the log-rank test was to test differences between subgroups. Results: Ninety patients with advanced NSCLC were included. Median age was 64, 68/90 (75%) were male; 46/90 (51%) were ECOG 1; 68/90 (75%) adenocarcinoma vs 22/90 (24%) squamous; 47/90 (52%) smokers and 34% former smokers; metformine intake was presented in 9/90 (10%) and statins 24/90 (27%). In retrospective RT-PCR analysis including a lipid metabolism gene profile of 22 genes, we obtained an overexpression of 2 genes (an Acyl-CoA sintetase and a adipocine encoding gene). They were significantly correlated with overall poor survival in the multivariate analysis (table). These results were confirmed in an in silico validation using 994 NSCLC patients from TCGA study. Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating a significant relation with a poor survival between a metabolic lipid gene profile expression and survival in advanced non- small cell lung cancer [Table: see text]

Treatment sequence in elderly metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients (pts) in a prospective cohort study

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Background: Abiraterone (Abi), enzalutamide (Enza) and docetaxel (Doc) are all valid first-line (1L) mCRPC treatment options. SIOG guidelines (Droz, Eur Urol 2017) recommend that fit elderly pts should receive the same treatment as younger patients. Evidence of the optimal treatment sequence in this patient subpopulation is lacking. Methods: We evaluated the outcome of elderly (≥ 75 years [yrs]) pts treated in the prospective PROREPAIR-B cohort study (NCT03075735). We assessed the impact of 1L treatment option (Doc vs Abi/Enza) on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) to 1L-therapy following PCWG2criteria. Uni- (UV) and multivariable (MV) cox-regression models were used. MV model covariates included local therapy, Gleason Score, stage IV at diagnosis, visceral metastases, ALP (≥ULN), LDH (≥ULN), haemoglobin (Hb; ≤LNL), albumin (≤LNL) and ECOG PS. Results: 419 pts were included in the study. Of these, 137 (32,7%) had age ≥ 75 yrs. 48 (35%) received docetaxel and 88 (64.2%) had Abi/Enza as first-line therapy. Of the 121 pts that progressed on 1L-therapy, 30 (24.8%) did not receive 2L therapy. Choice of 2L-therapy was: Doc in 37 (30,6%), Abi/Enza in 38 (31.4%), Cabazitaxel in 9 (7.4%) and Radium-223 in 7 (5.8%) pts. Pts treated with 1L-Doc had higher rates of visceral metastases (22.9% vs 5.7%; p=0.003), high ALP (68.8% vs 43.2%; p=0.004) and low Hb (12.5% vs 3.4%). PFS to 1L-therapy was longer for Abi/Enza than for Doc treated pts (9.6 vs 8.3m; HR: 0.52; p=0.001). The pattern of disease progression (PSA, radiographic, clinical) was similar in Doce and Abi/Enza treated pts. No difference between pts treated with initial Abi/Enza vs Doc was observed in OS (28.2 vs 24.8m; HR:1.18; p=0.474). No significant OS differences were observed in the MV model. Conclusions: No differences in OS were observed between treatment sequences starting with Doc vs Abi/Enza in pts ≥ 75 yrs. Pts treated with 1L-Doc had worse baseline prognostic features. Age should not be considered as a factor for treatment choice in elderly mCRPC pts based on treatment outcome.

Observational, multicenter, prospective study to assess the impact on patients' outcome of a systematic screening of oncogenic drivers in advanced cancer: The GETHI XX-16 study

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Background: Identification of “agnostic” genetic drivers in cancer is foreseen as a major step forward in precision medicine.Unfortunately, “off label” use of targeted therapies is not widely available and many oncogenic alteration do not present the same behaviour accross all tumor types.We aimed to analyze the real impact on patients management of the implementation of a systematic screening of genetic alterations in centers of the Spanish Group for Rare Cancer (GETHI). Methods: We designed an observational, prospective and multicenter study to molecularly characterize any adult patient with advanced cancer.Formalin fixed paraffin-embedded samples were studied by TrkA-C,ROS1 and ALK immunohistochemistry followed by RT-PCR when positive to confirm gene fusions. Additonally, the Next Generation Sequencing paltform ArcherFusion Plex (able to detect point mutations and rearrangements in 53 cancer related genes) was implemented.Clinical data regarding treatment administered and outcome, were collected from patients identified as harboring drugable alterations. Results: Up to 26 hospitals all over the country got involved in the study. 341 tumoral tissues, representing 41 different histologies were collected. Molecular studies could be performed in 292 samples that led to the identification of 33 patients as harboring somatic oncogenic mutations. 21 were considered druggable and 5 got targeted therapy directed against the alteration identified (three glioblastoma patients with EGFR mutations received erlotinib, one prostate cancer with a BRAF fusion received trametinib and one lung cancer with ALK translocation, previously deemed as negative by standard screening, received crizotinib). One of the glioblastoma patients achieved a long lasting stabilitation and both the prostate and lung tumors presented dramatic partial responses. Conclusions: Though only few cases harboring drugable alteratons got specif treatment, 50% achieved a meanignful benefit. A wide access to molecular screening and targeted drugs could improve the outcome of cancer patients.

Analysis of lipid metabolism genes in advanced small cell lung cancer

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Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although most of the knowledge about metabolic dysregulation in cancer focuses on carbohydrates, the importance of alterations related to lipid metabolism is starting to be recognized. There is increasing data on lipid metabolism and non-small lung cancer, but much less is known about this in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In order to improve our knowledge of these alterations we evaluated a genetic profile related to lipid metabolism and studied clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 22 genes related to lipid metabolism in 37 tumoral tissue samples of SCLC patients and evaluated clinical features and outcomes. Advanced SCLC patients enrolled from November 1, 2008 through December 31, 2015 were included in this analysis. Clinical data were collected from medical records at the time of enrollment. The study was approved by an Ethics Comittee and all patients signed an Informed Consent form. We used formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded tumor tissue. Samples were deparaffinated and total RNA was extracted. A Taq-Man Low Density Array (Applied Biosystems) was specifically designed and gene-expression assays were performed in a HT-7900 Fast Real time PCR. RT-StatMiner software was used to detect and determine the quality control and differential expression analyses of data. Results: We included 37 patients, 73 % males and 27 % women, with a median age of 62. 29 patients (78%) had stage IV tumor and nearly all of them (92%) were treated with platinum- based chemotherapy. 11 % (4/37) received thoracic radiotherapy and 5% (2/37) received whole brain radiotherapy. 6 patients (16%) were on chronic treatment with metformin and 15 (40%) on statins. We performed a multivariable analysis and found that overexpression of two metabolic genes (a mitochondrial enzyme and a lipid metabolism regulator) led to longer overall survival. (HR 0.13 (0.04-0.42), p 0.0019, padjusted 0.04 and HR 0.11 (0.03-0.35) p 0.0006, padjusted 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: These genes contribute to normal functioning and regulation of lipid metabolism and could be considered as potential prognostic biomarkers. There is no previous evidence of association between levels of expression of these genes and overall survival in SCLC. Validation in a larger series of patients is ongoing.

Impact of a patient blood management program within an Orthogeriatric care service

BACKGROUND

Patient blood management (PBM) performs multidisciplinary strategies to optimize red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Orthogeriatric share care models (surgeon and geriatrician manage the patient together from admission) have the goal of improving outcomes in hip fracture patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted. Patients aged ≥70 years undergoing hip fracture (HF) surgery were consecutively included. When admitted on the orthogeriatric service a PBM protocol was applied based on: perioperative antithrombotic management, intravenous iron sucrose administration and restrictive transfusion criteria. Risk factors, clinical and functional effects of transfusion and its requirements were assessed to audit our model.

RESULTS

A total of 383 patients participated (women, 78.8%; median age, 86 (82-90) years). 210 patients (54.8%) were transfused. Age (OR = 1.055, 95% CI 1.017-1.094; p = 0.004) and Hemoglobin (Hb) level on admission (OR = 0.497, 95% CI 0.413-0.597; p < 0.001) were found to be significant risk factors for transfusion. Transfusion increased length of stay (b = 1.37, 95% CI 0.543-2.196; p = 0.001) but did not have an effect on other variables.

DISCUSSION

The PBM program established within an orthogeriatric service showed positive outcomes in terms of clinical complications, mortality, delirium or functional recovery in transfused patients, whereas it did not impact on shorter length of stay. The risk of transfusion on admission was predicted with the lower Hb levels on admission, along with the age of the patients. New measurements as homogenous restrictive transfusion criteria, a single-unit RBC transfusion and the assessment of the intravenous iron efficacy are need to be applied as a result of the high transfusion requirements.

Outcomes of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients with DNA repair germline mutations (gDDR) following first taxane-based treatment

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Background: Germline DDR have been identified in up to 12% of mCRPC patients. Initial results from various retrospective series have reported discordant impact in clinical outcomes associated to these gDDR following conventional treatments. PROREPAIR-B (Castro et al ESMO 2017) is the first prospective study to address this question. In this planned sub-analysis, we report mCRPC treatment outcomes associated to taxanes. Methods: PROREPAIR-B (NCT03075735) is a prospective multicentre observational cohort study. Patients diagnosed with mCRPC, with unknown mutational status at study entry and who were going to start a first-line treatment for mCRPC were eligible. For this sub-analysis patients who received docetaxel or cabazitaxel as first-taxane were selected. The endpoints of this sub-analysis included to assess the impact of BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM and PALB2 and other gDDR on cause-specific survival (CSS), progression free survival (PFS), time to PSA progression (bPFS) and response to the first administered taxane as 1st or 2nd line therapy. Results: 326 (12 BRCA2, 8 ATM and 1 BRCA1 mutation carrier [gMUT]) out of 419 patients were eligible for this analysis. Diagnostic characteristic included Stage IV 51%, G8-10 60%. At the time of taxane initiation median PSA was 30.1 ng/mL, 84%, 48% and 11% of patients had bone, nodal and visceral metastases. CSS from first-taxane were not significantly different between gMUT and non-carriers (NC) (16.9 vs 23.2 m, p > 0.05). However, in BRCA2 carriers was significantly shorter than in NC (13.1 vs 23.3 m, p = 0.026). Despite a trend to higher PSA response rates in gMUT compared to NC (n = 288, 63% vs 42%, p = 0.07, BRCA2 55%, p > 0.05), PFS were not significantly different between both groups (7.2 vs 7.8 m, p > 0.05), with a trend to shorter survival in BRCA2 carriers (4.5 vs 7.4 m, P = 0.11). Conclusions: These results suggest that DDR mutation carriers respond to taxanes with similar time to progression compared to NC, with the exception of BRCA2 carriers, who despite to the initial response to taxanes, presented worse survival outcomes. This highlights the need for close monitoring and novel therapies in this population. Clinical trial information: NCT03075735.

Corrigendum: Phylogenetic ctDNA analysis depicts early-stage lung cancer evolution

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/nature22364.

Phylogenetic ctDNA analysis depicts early-stage lung cancer evolution

The early detection of relapse following primary surgery for non-small-cell lung cancer and the characterization of emerging subclones, which seed metastatic sites, might offer new therapeutic approaches for limiting tumour recurrence. The ability to track the evolutionary dynamics of early-stage lung cancer non-invasively in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has not yet been demonstrated. Here we use a tumour-specific phylogenetic approach to profile the ctDNA of the first 100 TRACERx (Tracking Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Evolution Through Therapy (Rx)) study participants, including one patient who was also recruited to the PEACE (Posthumous Evaluation of Advanced Cancer Environment) post-mortem study. We identify independent predictors of ctDNA release and analyse the tumour-volume detection limit. Through blinded profiling of postoperative plasma, we observe evidence of adjuvant chemotherapy resistance and identify patients who are very likely to experience recurrence of their lung cancer. Finally, we show that phylogenetic ctDNA profiling tracks the subclonal nature of lung cancer relapse and metastasis, providing a new approach for ctDNA-driven therapeutic studies.

Lung cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis

Lung cancer is currently one of the most common malignancies in the world and peritoneal involvement is rare in these types of tumors. Clinical manifestations of these metastases are also uncommon and include intestinal perforation and obstruction. The present study reviewed certain aspects of the complication of peritoneal involvement and illustrated it with four cases of patients that were diagnosed with primary lung carcinoma and secondary peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). The outcome of these patients is poor and they rarely respond to chemotherapy. Surgery is successful in the majority of cases.

Upregulation of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) after rectal cancer chemoradiotherapy is an adverse prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target

PURPOSE

Management of locally advanced rectal cancer (RC) consists of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with fluoropyrimidines, followed by total mesorectal excision. We sought to evaluate the expression of selected genes, some of which were derived from a previous undirected SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression)-based approach, before and after CRT, to identify mechanisms of resistance.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 129 consecutive patients. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction of 53 candidate genes was performed on the biopsy specimen before treatment and on the surgical specimen after CRT. A paired-samples t test was performed to determine genes that were significantly changed after CRT. The result was correlated with patients' disease-free survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-two genes were significantly upregulated, and two were significantly downregulated. Several of the upregulated genes have roles in cell cycle control; these include CCNB1IP1, RCC1, EEF2, CDKN1, TFF3, and BCL2. The upregulation of TFF3 was associated with worse disease-free survival on multivariate analyses (hazard ratio, 2.64; P=.027). Patients whose surgical specimens immunohistochemically showed secretion of TFF3 into the lumen of the tumoral microglands had a higher risk of relapse (hazard ratio, 2.51; P=.014). In vitro experiments showed that DLD-1 cells stably transfected with TFF3 were significantly less sensitive to 5-fluorouracil and showed upregulation of genes involved in the transcriptional machinery and in resistance to apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Upregulation of TFF3 after CRT for RC is associated with a higher risk of relapse. The physiological role of TFF3 in restoring the mucosa during CRT could be interfering with treatment efficacy. Our results could reveal not only a novel RC prognostic marker but also a therapeutic target.

Gastric tumours in hereditary cancer syndromes: clinical features, molecular biology and strategies for prevention

Gastric cancer is the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The majority of them are classified as sporadic, whereas the remaining 10% exhibit familial clustering. Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) syndrome is the most important condition that leads to hereditary gastric cancer. However, other hereditary cancer syndromes, such as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, entail a higher risk compared to the general population for developing this kind of neoplasia. In this review, we describe briefly the most important aspects related to clinical features, molecular biology and strategies for prevention in hereditary gastric associated to different cancer syndromes.

Different patterns of toxicity after sequential administration of two anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies

A 40-year-old woman with liver metastasis resulting from colorectal adenocarcinoma suffered from a severe hypersensitivity reaction to cetuximab. She also experienced grade 3 skin toxicity. The administration of cetuximab was suspended, and she was offered panitumumab as an alternative treatment. Whereas she did not experience another infusion reaction, her skin rash worsened with the administration of panitumumab, a fully human anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) monoclonal antibody (MAb).

Primary intracranial malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour responding to chemotherapy

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) are a rare variety of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) arising from major peripheral nerve branches and typically located in the lower extremity, chest wall or the retroperitoneum. It is a biologically aggressive neoplasm for which the treatment of choice is surgery, but usually requires a multimodality approach, having been generally labelled as chemoresistant. We present a case of MPNST located intracranially with a good response to chemotherapy.

Recent advances in systemic therapy: Advances in systemic therapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 over-expression is associated with a shortened disease-free interval and poor survival. Although the addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy in the first-line setting has improved response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival, response rates declined when trastuzumab was used beyond the first-line setting because of multiple mechanisms of resistance. Studies have demonstrated the clinical utility of continuing trastuzumab beyond progression, and further trials to explore this concept are ongoing. New tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) pathway regulators, HER2 antibody-drug conjugates, and inhibitors of heat shock protein-90 are being evaluated to determine whether they may have a role to play in treating trastuzumab-resistant metastatic breast cancer.