Treatment Patterns and Prognosis of Palliative Chemotherapy Combined With Targeting Agents in Patients With Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: CHOICE, A Multicenter Longitudinal Observational Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study investigated the treatment patterns and prognosis of patients with metastatic or unresectable colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with chemotherapy with targeting agents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This longitudinal multicenter study included 963 patients with mCRC who were treated in Korea between 2016 and 2020. Treatment patterns and efficacy were compared according to the mutation status and clinical factors.

RESULTS

As first-line therapy, most of the patients (83.5%) received FOLFOX plus bevacizumab (35.4%), followed by FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (18.8%), FOLFIRI plus cetuximab (17.0%), and FOLFOX plus cetuximab (12.3%). Bevacizumab was the most frequent agent (78.8%) combined with chemotherapy in RAS-mutated CRC, while cetuximab (57.2%) in RAS wild-type CRC. Cetuximab was frequently combined with a doublet regimen in patients with left-sided CRC than in those with right-sided CRC (34.4% vs. 16%). As second-line therapy, most patients (63.4%) also received doublet regimens with bevacizumab, and FOLFIRI plus aflibercept was administered in 15.1%. The objective response rate with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab was significantly higher in patients with left-sided CRC than in those with right-sided CRC (59.2% vs. 30.8%, p=0.008) and marginally higher in patients with RAS wild-type CRC than in those with RAS-mutated CRC (55.6% vs. 0.0%, p=0.092). Progression-free survival (PFS) with FOLFOX plus bevacizumab was significantly shorter than that with FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (p=0.030) in RAS-mutated CRC, whereas there were no significant differences between regimens in RAS wild-type CRC.

CONCLUSION

In patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer, doublet chemotherapy with targeting agents is the most common therapy and efficacy depends on the mutation status as well as clinical factors.

Clinical activity of nivolumab in combination with eribulin in HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: A phase IB/II study (KCSG BR18-16)

AIM

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab and eribulin combination therapy for metastatic breast cancer (BC) in Asian populations.

METHODS

In this parallel phase II study, adult patients with histologically confirmed recurrent/metastatic hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative (HR+HER2-) or triple-negative BC (TNBC) were prospectively enroled from 10 academic hospitals in Korea (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04061863). They received nivolumab (360 mg) on day 1 plus eribulin (1.4 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the investigator-assessed 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate in each subtype. Secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Advanced Solid Tumors version 1.1, disease control rate, overall survival, and treatment toxicity. The association between PD-L1 expression and efficacy was investigated.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients with HR+HER2- BC and 45 with TNBC were enroled. Their median age was 51 (range, 31-71) years, and 74 (82.2%) received one or two prior treatments before enrolment. Six-month PFS was 47.2% and 25.1% in the HR+HER2- and TNBC cohorts, respectively. Median PFS was 5.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3-7.4) and 3.0 (95% CI: 2.1-5.2) months in the HR+HER2- and TNBC groups, respectively. ORRs were 53.3% (complete response [CR]: 0, partial response [PR]: 24) and 28.9% (CR: 1, PR: 12). Patients with PD-L1+ tumours (PD-L1 expression ≥1%) and PD-L1- tumours (ORR 50% versus 53.8% in HR+HER2-, 30.8% versus 29.0% in TNBC) had similar ORRs. Neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 adverse event; the most common immune-related adverse events (AEs) were grades 1/2 hypothyroidism and pruritus. Five patients discontinued therapy because of immune-related AEs.

CONCLUSION

Nivolumab plus eribulin showed promising efficacy and tolerable safety in previously treated HER2- metastatic BC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04061863.

A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial to Compare Efficacy and Safety between Combination Therapy and Monotherapy in Elderly Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer (KCSG ST13-10)

PURPOSE

This study evaluated whether combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy in elderly patients with metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer (MRGC) as first-line chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Elderly (≥ 70 years) chemo-naïve patients with MRGC were allocated to receive either combination therapy (group A: 5-fluorouracil [5-FU]/oxaliplatin, capecitabine/oxaliplatin, capecitabine/cisplatin, or S-1/cisplatin) or monotherapy (group B: 5-FU, capecitabine, or S-1). In group A, starting doses were 80% of standard doses, and they could be escalated to 100% at the discretion of the investigator. Primary endpoint was to confirm superior overall survival (OS) of combination therapy vs. monotherapy.

RESULTS

After 111 of the planned 238 patients were randomized, enrollment was terminated due to poor accrual. In the full-analysis population (group A [n=53] and group B [n=51]), median OS of combination therapy vs. monotherapy was 11.5 vs. 7.5 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 1.30; p=0.231). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.6 vs. 3.7 months (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.83; p=0.005). In subgroup analyses, patients aged 70-74 years tended to have superior OS with combination therapy (15.9 vs. 7.2 months, p=0.056). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred more frequently in group A vs. group B. However, among severe TRAEs (≥ grade 3), there were no TRAEs with a frequency difference of > 5%.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy was associated with numerically improved OS, although statistically insignificant, and a significant PFS benefit compared with monotherapy. Although combination therapy showed more frequent TRAEs, there was no difference in the frequency of severe TRAEs.

Prognostic Implication of Focal Breast Edema on Preoperative Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Breast Cancer Patients

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigated the prognostic implications of focal breast edema on preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

Data of 899 patients with breast cancer at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an edema-positive group (EPG) and an edema-negative group (ENG) based on the presence of peritumoral, prepectoral, or subcutaneous edema. Two radiologists evaluated the presence or absence of focal edema and its subtypes on preoperative breast MRI. Clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups and among the three subtypes using Pearson's χ² test, Kaplan-Meier estimator, and Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

There were 399 (44.4%) and 500 (55.6%) patients in the EPG and ENG, respectively. The EPG showed significantly higher rates of axillary lymph node metastasis (55.6% vs. 19.2%, p < 0.001) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (57.9% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.001) than the ENG. Patients in the EPG showed significantly worse overall survival (OS) rate (log-rank p < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR], 4.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.56-9.11) and recurrence-free survival rate (log-rank p < 0.001; HR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.94-4.63) than those in the ENG. After adjusting for other variables, focal breast edema remained a significant factor affecting the OS rate, regardless of the edema type. Specifically, the presence of subcutaneous edema emerged as the strongest predictor for OS with the highest HR (p < 0.001; HR, 9.10; 95% CI, 3.05-27.15).

CONCLUSION

Focal breast edema on preoperative breast MRI implies a higher possibility of LVI and axillary lymph node metastasis, which can lead to a poor prognosis. A detailed description of focal breast edema, especially subcutaneous edema, on preoperative breast MRI may provide prognostic predictions. More intensive surveillance is required for patients with breast cancer and focal preoperative breast edema.

Prognostic roles of leptin-signaling proteins, PD-L1, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in surgically-resected biliary tract cancers

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers are rare, with a poor patient prognosis. Leptin and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) influence CD8⁺ and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)⁺ lymphocytes, and thus, cancer cell growth. We aimed to define the prognostic implications of these variables and the clinicopathological features of biliary tract cancers.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry for leptin signaling-related proteins (leptin, leptin receptor, pSTAT3, extracellular-regulated kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin), PD-L1, CD8, and FOXP3 and in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNAs were performed in 147 cases of surgically-resected biliary tract cancers.

RESULTS

Immune cell PD-L1-positivity, tumor size < 3 cm, adjuvant chemotherapy, no recurrence, and early-stage tumors were correlated with better 5-year survival in the tumoral PD-L1^(-) and leptin^(-) subgroups, and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma through multivariate analysis (all p < 0.05). Immune cell PD-L1 and adjuvant chemotherapy lost its prognostic significance in the tumoral PD-L1⁺ and leptin⁺ subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic implication of the variables may depend upon tumoral protein expression and the anatomical site. Immune cell PD-L1-positivity and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy may indicate the favorable survival of patients with surgically-resected biliary tract cancers, specifically, in the tumoral PD-L1^(-) or tumor leptin^(-) subgroups and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. PD-L1- or leptin-targeted therapy combined with conventional chemotherapy may benefit the tumoral PD-L1⁺ or leptin⁺ subgroups.

Abstract P3-05-06: Prognostic impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver fibrosis on postoperative long-term outcomes of breast cancer

Background: Obesity, the modern ‘epidemic’, has shared correlation with fatty liver disease and breast cancer. However, previous studies on the relation between fatty liver and breast cancer have shown conflicting results on the impact of fatty liver on the survival and recurrence of breast cancer patients. And there was no attempt to find out the effect of liver fibrosis, which is the consequence of fatty liver disease, on female breast cancer patients. So we attempted to investigate the prognostic value of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)-related liver fibrosis in patients with breast cancer undergoing surgery, using noninvasive tools like liver-to-spleen attenuation(L/S) ratio and Fibrosis-4(FIB-4) score, respectively. Methods: A total of 933 patients diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer and receiving surgery at the university-affiliated referral center between April 2006 and December 2019 were included. After excluding patients who had significant alcohol consumption and hepatitis viral infection,838 patients were divided into two groups according to the L/S ratio of 1 measured by the preoperative low-dose computed tomography: 91 patients(10.9%) with a L/S ratio&lt; 1 vs 747 patients(89.1%) with a L/S ratio≥1. They were also divided into two groups based on the FIB-4 score of 2.67: 804 patients (95.9%) with a FIB-4 score&lt; 2.67 vs 34 patients (4.1%) with a FIB-4 score≥2.67. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Patients with NAFLD were older, had higher BMI, and had a higher proportion of mastectomy and hyper-transaminasemia. They showed worse overall, disease-free, and regional recurrence-free survivals compared to those without NAFLD (p=0.008, 0.043, and 0.017, respectively), but no significant differences in local recurrence-free, systemic recurrence-free, and contralateral breast cancer-free survivals. The survival outcome of breast cancer did not show any relationship with NASH-related liver fibrosis (overall survival; p=0.061, disease-free survival; p=0.557). NAFLD was a significant risk factor for mortality in multivariable analysis (HR, 2.077; 95% CI, 1.052–4.102; p=0.035). After stratifying for subtypes of breast cancer, the L/S ratio remained a significant predictor of overall, disease-free, local recurrence-free, and regional recurrence-free survivals in only the hormone receptor-positive/HER2−negative subtype (p=0.007, 0.005, 0.009, and &lt; 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: NAFLD is significantly associated with decreased overall survival, disease-free survival and increased regional recurrence in patients with breast cancer especially the hormone receptor-positive/HER2−negative subtype. NASH-related fibrosis was not associated with survival. Therefore, NAFLD should be assessed in the preoperative setting for predicting long-term prognoses of breast cancer patients

Citation Format: Hyunsu Yeoh, Siwon Jang, Jong-Ho Cheun, Jin Ah Kwon, Myoung Seok Lee, Bumjo Oh, In Sil Choi, Sohee Oh, Jongjin Kim, Jeong Hwan Park, Won Kim, Ki-Tae Hwang. Prognostic impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver fibrosis on postoperative long-term outcomes of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-06.

Oxaliplatin (3 months v 6 months) With 6 Months of Fluoropyrimidine as Adjuvant Therapy in Patients With Stage II/III Colon Cancer: KCSG CO09-07

PURPOSE

The combination of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine for 6 months is one of the standard options for adjuvant therapy for high-risk stage II and III colorectal cancers (CRCs). The optimal duration of oxaliplatin to diminish neurotoxicity without compromising efficacy needs to be clarified.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This open-label, randomized, phase III, noninferiority trial randomly assigned patients with high-risk stage II and III CRC to 3 and 6 months of oxaliplatin with 6 months of fluoropyrimidine groups (3- and 6-month arms, respectively). The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS), and the noninferiority margin was a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.25.

RESULTS

In total, 1,788 patients were randomly assigned to the 6-month (n = 895) and 3-month (n = 893) arms, and 83.6% in the 6-month arm and 85.7% in the 3-month arm completed the treatment. The neuropathy rates with any grade were higher in the 6-month arm than in the 3-month arm (69.5% v 58.3%; P < .0001). The 3-year DFS rates were 83.7% and 84.7% in the 6-month and 3-month arms, respectively, with an HR of 0.953 (95% CI, 0.769 to 1.180; test for noninferiority, P = .0065) within the noninferiority margin. Among patients with stage III CRC treated by capecitabine plus oxaliplatin, the 3-year DFS of the 3-month arm was noninferior as compared with that of the 6-month arm with an HR of 0.713 (95% CI, 0.530 to 0.959; P = .0009). However, among patients with high-risk stage II and stage III CRC treated by infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin, the noninferiority of the 3-month arm compared with the 6-month arm was not proven.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that adding 3 months of oxaliplatin to 6 months of capecitabine could be considered an alternative adjuvant treatment for stage III CRC (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01092481).

A phase IB/II study of nivolumab in combination with eribulin in HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (KCSG BR18-16)

1098

Background: Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy has become a promising therapeutic strategy in metastatic breast cancer. Eribulin is a potent microtubule inhibitor and modulates the immune microenvironment of tumor cells. Therefore, combining eribulin to nivolumab may synergize antitumor efficacy in metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Adult patients with histologically confirmed recurrent/metastatic HER2- breast cancer were enrolled prospectively from 10 academic hospitals in Korea (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04061863). Key eligibility criteria included prior treatment with taxanes and/or anthracyclines, ≥1 measurable disease, and ≤2 prior cytotoxic chemotherapies in the metastatic setting. Patients received nivolumab 200 mg intravenously (IV) on day 1 plus eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and 8 of every 3 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The dose level was determined from safety profile of three patients in run-in phase. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1, disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and toxicity profile of the combination treatment. The association between PD-L1 expression by SP142 Ab and efficacy was analyzed. Results: From August 2019 to June 2021, 90 patients (HR+HER2- 45 pts/TNBC 45 pts), with a median age of 51 (range 31–71), were enrolled in the study. With a median study follow-up time of 16.3 months, 68 (75.6%) patients experienced progressive disease. PFS rate at 6-months was 49.6% and 24.1% in patients with HR+HER2- and TNBC group, respectively. Median PFS was 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.3-6.8) and 3.0 months (95% CI: 1.3-4.7) for HR+HER2- and TNBC group, respectively. ORRs were 53.3% (CR:0, PR: 24) for HR+HER2- and 21.8% (CR1, PR: 12) for TNBC. Patients with PD-L1+ tumors (PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% on TC or IC) had similar ORR compared to PD-L1- tumors (ORR 50% vs. 53.8% in HR+HER2-, 30.8% vs. 29.0% in TNBC). The most common grade 3/4 adverse event was neutropenia (15/90, 16.7%), and the most common immune-related adverse events were grade 1/2 hypothyroidism (19/90, 21.1%) and grade 1/2 pruritus (16/90, 17.8%). Five patients had discontinued study treatment due to immune-related adverse events (3 pneumonitis, 1 hepatitis, 1 skin rash). Conclusions: In this parallel phase II clinical trial, the addition of nivolumab to eribulin showed promising efficacy and tolerable safety profile in previously treated HER2- MBC. Further survival and exploratory analyses to find predictive markers will be followed. Clinical trial information: NCT04061863. [Table: see text]

Characteristics of Sweet syndrome in patients with or without malignancy

Sweet syndrome is a neutrophilic dermatosis occasionally associated with malignancies. Due to its rarity, the clinical features of Sweet syndrome are still unclear. Thus, we aimed to analyze clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of these patients according to associated disease. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study from January 2000 to August 2020. We reviewed the medical records of 52 patients with Sweet syndrome. The median age of patients was 57.5 years old (range, 17-84), and 48.1% were female. Of the 52 patients analyzed, 27 patients (51.9%) had malignancy-associated Sweet syndrome. Sweet syndrome was diagnosed concurrently with (N = 8), before (N = 5), and after (N = 14) the diagnosis of malignancy. The idiopathic Sweet syndrome was most common in the non-malignancy group (56.0%). Myelodysplastic syndrome was the most common malignancy associated with Sweet syndrome (47.6%). Leukopenia (p = 0.005), anemia (p < 0.001), and thrombocytopenia (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with malignancy. The majority of patients showed rapid improvement of symptoms after steroid administration. The symptoms of some patients with malignancy did not improve with steroid alone; however, their symptoms often improved when steroids were combined with a treatment for the associated malignancy. Relapse and aggravation of Sweet syndrome were common in the malignancy group. Sweet syndrome showed a broad spectrum of clinical features related to various diseases. Sweet syndrome often occurred as a paraneoplastic feature. Therefore, active systemic evaluation is needed in the first diagnosis of Sweet syndrome without clear etiology.

Randomized phase II study of nalicap (nal-IRI/capecitabine) compared to NAPOLI (nal-IRI/5-FU/LV) in gemcitabine-pretreated advanced pancreatic cancer: Trial-in-progress

TPS621

Background: Liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (LV), called the NAPOLI regimen, improves survival in advanced pancreatic cancer patients who failed gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (Wang-Gillam A et al. 2016). Capecitabine is an oral anti-cancer agent as the prodrug of 5-FU. Capecitabine has proven its efficacy in gastrointestinal cancers like stomach cancer, colon cancer, or pancreatic cancer. Replacing continuous 5-FU infusions with oral capecitabine with equivalent efficacy has been tested and is now widely used. However, in pancreatic cancer, replacing continuous infusion of 5-FU with an oral drug has not yet been tested. Therefore, this trial is being conducted with the aim of improving patient convenience while maintaining efficacy, when the continuous infusion of 5-FU/LV in NAPOLI (nal-IRI/5-FU/LV) regimen are replaced with oral capecitabine. This study is a two-arm, open-label, multicenter, randomized phase 2 trial to assess whether capecitabine plus nal-IRI combination treatment (NaliCap) is non-inferior to NAPOLI regimen in gemcitabine-pretreated patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: Eligible patients have histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have failed to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. This trial is composed of two parts: safety lead-in-part and randomization part. NaliCap regimen consists of administration of capecitabine twice daily for day 1-14 and intravenous administration of nal-IRI for day 1 every 3weeks. To figure out recommended phase 2 dose of the NaliCap combination regimen, the safety lead-in-part is being conducted as a 3+3 design. In the randomization part, patients will be assigned to NAPOLI or NaliCap in a 1:1 ratio. The planned enrollment is 184 patients in the randomization part. Patients allocated to the NaliCap group will receive recommended phase 2 dose of NaliCap determined through the safety lead-in-part. Patients allocated with the NAPOLI group will receive nal-IRI 70mg/m2 intravenously day 1, LV 400mg/m2 IV day 1, and continuous 5-FU 2400mg/m2 infusion over 48hours every 2weeks. Response assessments are performed every 6 weeks using the RECIST criteria version 1.1 (every 2 cycles in the NaliCap group and every 3 cycles in the NAPOLI group). The primary endpoint is progression-free survival, with a non-inferior margin of the hazard ratio of 1.4. Key secondary endpoints are overall response rate, disease control rate, overall survival, safety, and quality of life. This study is prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04371224. Clinical trial information: NCT04371224.

Successful management of severe allergic reactions to platelet transfusion with omalizumab: A case report

RATIONALE

An allergic transfusion reaction is a common side effect of transfusions of red blood cells. Using washed red blood cells is the most effective method for preventing such a reaction. However, the availability of other washed transfusion components, including platelets, is limited.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 69-year-old patient with acute myeloid leukemia progressed from myelodysplastic syndrome and was treated with azacitidine. She experienced a minor reaction to platelet transfusion that initially responded to the administration of corticosteroids and antihistamines. However, she worsened even after subsequent preventive treatments and was referred to the emergency department due to anaphylaxis. The patient developed hypotension, chest pain, and dyspnea 10 minutes after the initiation of platelet transfusion.

DIAGNOSES

She was diagnosed with platelet-induced anaphylaxis.

INTERVENTIONS

In an attempt to prevent anaphylaxis, 150 mg of omalizumab was prescribed 1 week prior to transfusion. However, she experienced anaphylaxis again and was administered intramuscular epinephrine. For the following transfusion, we treated her with a 300 mg dose of omalizumab 24 hours before the transfusion.

OUTCOMES

She tolerated well and continued to receive further chemotherapy and platelet transfusion with premedication.

LESSONS

This case suggests that omalizumab is a good candidate for the management of severe allergic transfusion reactions.

A randomised phase II study of oxaliplatin/5-FU (mFOLFOX) versus irinotecan/5-FU (mFOLFIRI) chemotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer refractory to first-line gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

In locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC), second-line chemotherapy is challenging after progression from first-line gemcitabine/cisplatin. This study evaluated whether irinotecan/5-fluorouracil (5-FU; mFOLFIRI) was superior to oxaliplatin/5-FU (mFOLFOX) as a second-line treatment in BTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with BTC with disease progression after prior gemcitabine/cisplatin were randomised (1:1) to either mFOLFOX (control arm) or mFOLFIRI (experimental arm). Randomisation was stratified by tumour location (intrahepatic versus extrahepatic versus gallbladder versus ampulla of Vater) and ECOG performance status (0, 1 versus 2). The primary endpoint was the overall survival (OS) rate at 6 months.

RESULTS

In total, 120 patients were enrolled and 118 patients were randomised (mFOLFOX n = 59, mFOLFIRI n = 59). The baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. The tumour location was intrahepatic bile duct in 48 patients (40.7%), extrahepatic bile duct in 29 patients (24.6%), gallbladder in 35 patients (29.7%) and ampulla of Vater in 6 patients (5.1%). At a median follow-up duration of 25.8 months, the 6-month OS rate was 54.1% in mFOLFOX and 44.1% in mFOLFIRI (p = 0.677). The median OS was 6.3 months (95% CI, 4.4-8.2) in mFOLFOX and 5.7 months (95% CI, 4.7-6.7) in mFOLFIRI (p = 0.677). The median progression-free survival was 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.3-3.3) in mFOLFOX and 2.1 months (95% CI, 1.1-3.1) in mFOLFIRI (p = 0.974). Of the 101 evaluable patients, the objective response rate and disease control rate were 5.9% and 66.7% in mFOLFOX and 4.0% and 64.0% in mFOLFIRI (p = 0.663 and p = 0.778, respectively). Peripheral neuropathy (37.5% versus 5.2%) and thrombocytopenia (35.7% versus 15.5%) in mFOLFOX and vomiting (19.0% versus 1.8%) and cholangitis (10.3% versus 0.0%) in mFOLFIRI occurred more frequently. No chemotherapy-related death was reported.

CONCLUSION

In the second-line treatment of BTC, mFOLFIRI was not superior to mFOLFOX. However, mFOLFIRI was tolerable and showed comparable efficacy to mFOLFOX. Adverse events were different between the two arms. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03464968.

Immune response to hepatitis B vaccination and factors associated with poor immune response among healthcare workers

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem, and healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk for HBV infection. Current guidelines strongly recommend immunization and screening for high-risk groups.

Aims

We evaluated immunization and screening for HBV vaccination, assessed post-vaccination immune status of HCW's and characterized potential risk factors associated with poor immune response.

Materials and Methods

From January 2010 to December 2018, we retrospectively analyzed comprehensive health checkup data for a total of 303 HCWs who received an HBV vaccination. After vaccination, HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs) titers were collected and the distribution of immune response types was determined. Risk factors for poor immune responses were identified using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 213 HCWs were analyzed after exclusion based on the exclusion criteria. In total, 28 (13.2%) HCWs had anti-HBs titers <100 mIU/mL (hyporesponsive/nonresponsive groups), and 185 (86.8%) had anti-HBs titers ≥100 mIU/mL (hyperresponsive group). Follow-up observations found that 75% (21/28) of the hyporesponsive/nonresponsive groups did not have increased anti-HBs titers or did not maintain an increased response. A multivariate analysis showed that HBV antibody titers at the time of employment were a significant risk factor (OR, 6.12; CI, 1.34-27.93; P = 0.019).

Conclusions

More attention should be paid to groups that are hyporesponsive/nonresponsive after vaccination and to those with low anti-HBs titers at the beginning of employment. HCWs can be further protected from HBV if their results are discussed at postvaccination follow-ups.

Prognostic effects of cytokine levels on patients treated with taxane and zoledronic acid for metastatic breast cancer in bone (BEAT-ZO) (KCSG BR 10-13)

Advanced breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the skeleton causing major mobility issues and hazards to quality of life. To manage osteolytic bone metastasis, bone-modifying agents and chemotherapy are recommended as the standard of care. Here, we investigated serologic biomarkers that might be associated with prognosis in breast cancer patients treated with zoledronic acid (ZA) and taxane-based chemotherapy. We collected serum samples from breast cancer patients with bone metastasis who received taxane plus ZA as palliative treatment. Fourteen biomarkers of angiogenesis, immunogenicity, and apoptosis were assessed, and the correlation between serum cytokine levels and patient's prognosis was statistically analyzed. Sixty-six patients were enrolled, and samples from 40 patients were analyzed after laboratory quality control. Patients with low baseline PDGF-AA, high IFN-γ, low MCP-2, low TGF-β1, and low TNF-α were significantly associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS). Decreasing VEGF and TNF-α and increasing FGF-2 and PDGF-AA in the early treatment phase indicated longer PFS. In univariate and multivariate analyses, low TGF-β1 and TNF-α and high IFN-γ at baseline were associated with a significantly low hazard ratio for disease progression. Further, we designed a risk score with TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels, which could prognosticate patients for PFS. In conclusion, serum cytokine level, such as TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, could be a potential prognostic biomarker for breast cancer patients with bone metastasis treated with ZA and taxane-based chemotherapy.

The development of numerous radiation-induced cavernous malformations in a germ cell tumor patient: A case report

Radiation-induced cavernous malformations (RICMs) are most commonly reported in young patients who have previously received radiotherapy. Here, we report a case of a patient with a germ cell tumor who was treated with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and then incidentally found to have numerous RICMs. A 31-year-old male visited the hospital for a testicular mass. On examination, he was diagnosed with a mixed germ cell tumor with lung/brain metastases. The patient underwent a left orchiectomy and received 4 cycles of chemotherapy. He was then treated with WBRT for residual lesions in the brain and a wedge resection for the lung metastasis. Four years later, approximately 250-300 RICMs were incidentally observed in a follow-up brain image. Because the patient had not noticed any symptoms and the RICMs were small in size, he was not treated. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of numerous (approximately 250-300) RICMs in a germ cell tumor patient after WBRT. Herein, we report details of this case and discuss the typical clinical features of RICM.

The 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay and Prediction of Chemotherapy Benefit: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the SEER Database

Background: To evaluate the performance of the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) assay in predicting chemotherapy benefit in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population, we aimed to assess breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) by chemotherapy use within each of the RS categories. Methods: Data on breast cancer (BC) cases diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 with available RS results were released. Our analysis included patients with hormone receptor-positive, node-negative early-stage BC (n = 89,402), and three RS groups were defined; RS < 11, low; RS 11–25, intermediate; RS > 25, high. A propensity score matched-analysis was performed to assess and compare BCSM. Results: Chemotherapy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of BC death among patients in the high RS group (hazard ratio = 0.782; 95% CI, 0.618–0.990; p = 0.041). However, in the low and intermediate RS groups, there were no significant differences in BCSM between patients who received chemotherapy and those who did not. Among those with RS 11–25, chemotherapy benefit varied with tumor size (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings provide real-world evidence that the 21-gene RS assay is predictive of chemotherapy benefit among patients in clinical practice. More refined risk estimates would be needed for patients with an intermediate RS.

Identifying Long-Term Survival Candidates among Patients with Isolated Locoregionally Recurrent Breast Cancer: Implications of the Use of Systemic Chemotherapy

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic factors associated with distant metastasis (DM) and post-recurrence overall survival (OS) after salvage treatments for isolated locoregional recurrence (ILRR) of breast cancer and identify long-term surviving patients for providing a more personalized therapy.

Methods

We analyzed 125 patients who underwent salvage local treatments for ILRR after initial curative breast surgery.

Results

Fifty-two (41.6%) patients experienced secondary recurrence or disease progression, of which 20 (38.5%) experienced a secondary locoregional recurrence and 40 (76.9%) experienced DM as the first site of failure. In multivariate analysis of distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) and post-recurrence OS, the initial pN2-3 stage, a disease-free interval of < 36 months, and non-curative resection for recurrent disease were independently poor prognosticators. The score for patients stratified according to the number of risk factors increased from 0 to 3; the corresponding 5-year DMFS rates were 91.4%, 53.0%, 35.9%, and 0% and the 5-year OS rates were 97.3%, 70.4%, 32.7%, and 25.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). Systemic chemotherapy reduced DM in patients with a score of 2-3, but it did not in those with a score of 0-1.

Conclusion

Our collective stratification can help with prognosis prediction for ILRR of breast cancer. Depending on the DM risk of patients, the potential combination of systemic therapy should be discussed further.

Prognostic perspectives of PD-L1 combined with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, Epstein-Barr virus, and microsatellite instability in gastric carcinomas

Background

The prognostic potential of PD-L1 is currently unclear in gastric carcinomas, although the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have produced promising results in clinical trials.

Methods

We explored the prognostic implications of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in 514 consecutive surgically-resected gastric carcinomas. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry for PD-L1, CD8, FOXP3, and PD-1, and molecular grouping by in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNAs and multiplex PCR for microsatellite instability (MSI) markers were performed. Additionally, to explore the function inherent to PD-L1, PD-L1-specific siRNA transfection, cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis assays were conducted in five gastric carcinoma cell lines.

Results

PD-L1(+) tumor and immune cells were observed in 101 (20%) and 244 patients (47%), respectively. “Tumoral PD-L1(+)/immune cell PD-L1(-)/CD8^+/low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs),” and more advanced-stage tumors were associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in the entire cohort through multivariate analysis. Furthermore, tumoral PD-L1(+)/FOXP3^+/low TILs were associated with worse clinical outcomes in EBV-positive and MSI-high carcinomas. Tumoral PD-L1(+) alone was an adverse prognostic factor in EBV-positive carcinomas, but not in MSI-high carcinomas, whereas PD-L1(+) immune cells or FOXP3^+/high TILs alone were correlated with a favorable prognosis. PD-L1 knockdown in gastric carcinoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and increased apoptosis, which were all statistically significant in two EBV(+) cell lines, but not all in three EBV(−) cell lines.

Conclusions

The prognostic impact of PD-L1 may depend on the tumor microenvironment, and statuses of EBV and MSI, although PD-L1 innately promotes cancer cell survival in cell-based assays. The combination of “tumoral PD-L1/immune cell PD-L1/CD8⁺ TILs” may serve as an independent prognostic factor. Tumoral PD-L1(+)/immune cell PD-L1(−)/CD8^+/low TILs showing a worse prognosis may be beneficial for combinatorial therapies of anti-PD-L1/PD-1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) that would promote effector T cells, thus attack the tumor.

A randomized phase II study of oxaliplatin/5-FU (mFOLFOX) versus irinotecan/5-FU (mFOLFIRI) chemotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer refractory to first-line gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy

4603

Background: In locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC), second-line chemotherapy is challenging after progression from first-line gemcitabine/cisplatin, although mFOLFOX has been proven to be superior to active symptom control in ABC-06 trial. Irinotecan is an active drug in other gastrointestinal cancers. This study evaluated whether mFOLFIRI was superior to mFOLFOX in second-line treatment of BTC. Methods: Patients diagnosed with BTC with disease progression after prior gemcitabine/cisplatin were randomized (1:1) to either mFOLFOX (oxaliplatin 100mg/m2 over 2 hours, leucovorin 100mg/m2 over 2 hours, 5-fluorouracil 2400mg/m2 over 46 hours, every 2 weeks) or mFOLFIRI (irinotecan 150mg/m2 over 2 hours, leucovorin 100mg/m2 over 2 hours, 5-fluorouracil 2400mg/m2 over 46 hours). Randomization was stratified by tumor location (intrahepatic vs extrahepatic vs gallbladder vs ampulla of vater) and ECOG performance status (0, 1 vs 2). Primary end-point was overall survival (OS) rate at 6 months. Results: In total, 120 patients were enrolled and 114 patients were treated (mFOLFOX:57, mFOLFIRI:57). Median age was 63 years old. Most patients had ECOG 0/1 (89.5%). Tumor location was intrahepatic in 47 patients (41.2%), extrahepatic in 27 (23.7%), gallbladder in 35 (30.7%) and ampulla of vater in 5 (4.4%). At the median follow-up duration of 10.7 months (95% CI, 8.2-13.2), 6-month OS rate was 58.1% in mFOLFOX and 46.0% in mFOLFIRI. Of 102 evaluable patients (mFOLFOX:51, mFOFIRI:51), objective response rate and disease control rate were 5.9% (95% CI, 0-12.4) and 64.7% (95% CI, 51.6-77.8) in mFOLFOX and 3.9% (95% CI, 0-9.2) and 58.8% (95% CI, 45.3-72.3) in mFOLFIRI. Median progression-free survival was 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.3-3.3) in mFOLFOX and 2.1 months (95% CI, 1.3-2.9) in mFOLFIRI (p = 0.682). Median OS was 6.6 months (95% CI, 5.6-7.6) in mFOLFOX and 5.9 months (95% CI, 4.3-7.5) in mFOLFIRI (p = 0.887). The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (26.3%) and AST/ALT elevation (15.8%) in mFOLFOX and neutropenia (24.6%) and anemia (17.5%) in mFOLFIRI. Peripheral neuropathy (36.8%) and thrombocytopenia (35.1%) in mFOLFOX and vomiting (19.3%) and cholangitis (10.5%) in mFOLFIRI occurred more frequently. No chemotherapy-related deaths were reported. Conclusions: In second-line treatment of BTC, mFOLFIRI was tolerable But, mFOLFIRI was not superior to mFOLFOX. Adverse events were different between two groups. Clinical trial information: NCT03464968 .

Validating the ACOSOG Z0011 Trial Result: A Population-Based Study Using the SEER Database

The Z0011 trial demonstrated that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) could be omitted in spite of 1-2 metastatic sentinel lymph nodes. This study aimed to validate the results on a population-based database. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was searched for patients comparable to the Z0011 participants. The type of axillary surgery was estimated using the total number of examined axillary lymph nodes (ALNs). Breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) was compared between patients with ≥10 ALNs (the sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) and ALND group, or "SLND + ALND group") and patients with one or two ALNs (the "SLND group"). During 2010-2015, the SEER database included 7077 and 6620 patients categorized in the SLND group and the SLND + ALND group, respectively. Death was observed for 515 patients (7.3%) in the SLND group and 589 patients (8.9%) in the SLND + ALND group based on a median follow-up of 41 months. After propensity-score matching, the adjusted hazard ratio for BCSM in the SLND group (vs. the SLND + ALND group) was 1.038 (95% confidence interval: 0.798-1.350). Regardless of the SLND criteria, the outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. This retrospective cohort study of Z0011-comparable patients revealed that ALND could be omitted based on the Z0011 strategy, even among patients with ≤2 dissected ALNs.

Metachronous Sporadic Sextuple Primary Malignancies Including Bilateral Breast Cancers

Multiple primary malignancies are defined as the presence of more than one malignant neoplasm with a distinct histology occurring at different sites in the same individual. They are classified as synchronous or metachronous according to the diagnostic time interval of different malignancies. Diagnosis of multiple primary malignancies should avoid misclassification from multifocal/multicentric tumors or recurrent/metastatic lesions. In multiple primary malignancies, with increase in the number of primary tumors, the frequency rapidly decreases. Here, we report an exceptionally rare case of a woman who was diagnosed with metachronous sporadic sextuple primary malignancies including bilateral breast cancers (gastric cancer, ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, left breast cancer, thyroid cancer, right breast cancer, and rectal neuroendocrine tumor). The sextuple primary malignancies in this case involved 5 different organs: the stomach, ovary, thyroid, rectum, and bilateral breasts. Further studies are needed to elucidate the current epidemiologic status of patients with multiple primary malignancies.

Association Between Fatty Liver Index and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked to breast cancer risk, the actual relationship remains unclear. Fatty liver index (FLI) is a noninvasive method for predicting NAFLD. We aimed to assess the association between FLI, a predictor of NAFLD, and breast cancer risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation data, we reviewed 7,046,153 women who underwent biennial evaluations between 2009 and 2010. FLI was calculated using body mass index, waist circumference, triglyceride level, and gamma-glutamyl transferase level. FLI < 30 ruled out hepatic steatosis, while FLI ≥ 60 indicated NAFLD. Cox regression models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the subjects, 51.8% (n = 3,606,079) were premenopausal women. In the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups, 32,145 (0.89%) and 28,103 (0.82%) women developed breast cancer, respectively (median follow-up, 7.02 years; interquartile range, 6.39-7.39 years). Mean FLI and standard deviation were lower in premenopausal women (11.24 ± 14.72 vs. 23.88 ± 19.54, P < .0001). Three groups were formed according to FLI: < 30 (n = 5,693,730, 80.81%), 30-60 (n = 1,031,025, 14.63%), and ≥ 60 (n = 321,398, 4.56%). FLIs of 30-60 and ≥ 60 were significantly associated with increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.11; and hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.17, respectively). No association was found in premenopausal women.

CONCLUSION

High FLI, an indicator of NAFLD, could predict breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Prognostic Role of KRAS mRNA Expression in Breast Cancer

Purpose

We investigated the prognostic role of KRAS mRNA expression in breast cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) databases.

Methods

Clinical and biological data of 1,093 breast cancers from TCGA database and 1,904 breast cancers from METABRIC database were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were determined.

Results

The group with high KRAS mRNA expression showed worse survival than the group with low KRAS mRNA expression regarding both OS (p = 0.012 in TCGA, p < 0.001 in METABRIC) and BCSS (p = 0.001 in METABRIC). According to multivariate analysis, the level of KRAS mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor in both TCGA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.570; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.026–2.403; p = 0.038) and METABRIC (HR, 1.254; 95% CI, 1.087–1.446; p = 0.002) databases. The prognostic impact of mRNA expression was effective only for luminal A subtype (p < 0.001 in METABRIC). Positive correlation was observed between mRNA expression and copy number alteration (CNA) (r = 0.577, p < 0.001 in TCGA; ρ = 0.343, p < 0.001 in METABRIC). Methylation showed negative correlations with both mRNA expression and CNA (r = −0.272, p < 0.001 in TCGA). The expression of mRNA had little association with the mutation status in breast cancers, having a mutation frequency of approximately 0.6%.

Conclusion

KRAS mRNA expression was significantly associated with breast cancer prognosis. It was found to be an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer. Prognostic role of KRAS mRNA expression was effective only in luminal A subtype. Further studies are needed to validate the prognostic role of KRAS mRNA expression in breast cancer, thus paving a way for clinical application of KRAS in practice.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Patient Treated with Letrozole and Palbociclib

Palbociclib, in conjunction with endocrine therapy, has been approved for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer. The common hematological toxicities associated with palbociclib are leukopenia and neutropenia. However, hematological malignancies have not been reported for palbociclib treatment. Here, for the first time, we present a case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia that was diagnosed in a patient undergoing treatment with letrozole and palbociclib for metastatic breast cancer. This case emphasizes the need for long term follow up of patients treated with palbociclib.

Genomic Profiling of Blood-Derived Circulating Tumor DNA from Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Implications for Response and Resistance to Targeted Therapeutics

Molecular profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising noninvasive tool. Here, next-generation sequencing (NGS) of blood-derived ctDNA was performed in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. We investigated ctDNA-derived genomic alterations, including potential actionability, concordance with tissue NGS, and serial dynamics in 78 patients with colorectal cancer using a clinical-grade NGS assay that detects single nucleotide variants (54-73 genes) and selected copy-number variants, fusions, and indels. Overall, 63 patients [80.8% (63/78)] harbored ctDNA alterations; 59 [75.6% (59/78)], ≥1 characterized alteration (variants of unknown significance excluded). All 59 patients had actionable alterations potentially targetable with FDA-approved drugs [on-label and/or off-label (N = 54) or with experimental drugs in clinical trials (additional five patients); University of California San Diego Molecular Tumor Board assessment]: 45, by OncoKB (http://oncokb.org/#/). The tissue and blood concordance rates for common specific alterations ranged from 62.3% to 86.9% (median = 5 months between tests). In serial samples from patients on anti-EGFR therapy, multiple emerging alterations in genes known to be involved in therapeutic resistance, including KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, and MET were detected. In conclusion, over 80% of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer had detectable ctDNA, and the majority had potentially actionable alterations. Concordance between tissue and blood was between 62% and 87%, despite a median of 5 months between tests. Resistance alterations emerged on anti-EGFR therapy. Therefore, biopsy-free, noninvasive ctDNA analysis provides data relevant to the clinical setting. Importantly, sequential ctDNA analysis detects patterns of emerging resistance allowing for precision planning of future therapy.

Costs and clinical outcomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in first remission: role of PET/CT surveillance

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The role of [18F]-f luorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in first remission is unclear.

METHODS

Medical costs within the first 3 years of treatment completion and clinical outcomes of 118 patients with DLBCL in first remission with and without surveillance PET/CT (PET/CT [+] group [n = 76] and PET/CT [-] group [n = 42], respectively) were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In a propensity matched cohort with adjustment for International Prognostic Index risk and relapse, the PET/CT (+) group was shown to have similar medical costs as the PET/CT (-) group. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were comparable between the two groups (median RFS not reached [NR] for both groups, p = 0.133; median OS NR, p = 0.542). Among 76 patients with surveillance PET/CT, 31 (40.8%) had findings suggestive of recurrence and 16 of these (51.6%) were later confirmed to have recurrent disease. Fifteen patients (48.4%) were confirmed to not have recurrence after follow-up CT or PET/CT evaluation (n = 10) and biopsy (n = 4). None of the patients with negative PET/CT findings had disease recurrence. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET/CT for detection of recurrence were 1, 0.75, 0.52, and 1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Surveillance PET/CT resulted in similar clinical outcomes and medical costs compared to no surveillance PET/CT. Approximately half of patients with PET/CT findings of recurrence had no recurrence after follow-up imaging and biopsy, which would not have been carried out if PET/CT had not been performed in the first place.

Abstract 4903: Identification of immune-related mechanisms of cetuximab induced skin toxicity in colorectal cancer patients

Background: Skin rash is well known predictive marker of response to cetuximab (Cmab) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). But mechanism of skin rash development is not well understood. After EGFR targeted therapies, the association of the IL-8 level changes and the skin rash has been suggested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between skin rash and inflammatory cytokine levels.

Material and Methods: Between 2014 and 2017, we prospectively enrolled a total of thirty-eight mCRC patients treated with chemotherapy with either Cmab or bevacizumab (Bmab) at two hospitals. We performed multiplex cytokine ELISA including twenty inflammatory cytokines including E-selectin, GM-CSF, IFN-alpha, INF-gamma, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, P-selectin, sICAM-1, and TNF-alpha at baseline before cycle 1, 24 hours after cycle 1, before cycle 2 (=14days), and before cycle 3 (=28days). The cytokine levels were compared by ANOVA test after log-transformation.

Results: Depending on the RAS mutational status,thirty and eight patients were treated with Cmab and Bmab-based chemotherapy, respectively. Of thirty patients who received Cmab plus FOLFIRI, skin rash developed in twenty-three patients (76.6%) after the cycle 1. The mean baseline levels of three groups were described in Table. Only IL-8 levels were significantly different: the mean baseline level of IL-8 in patients with skin toxicity was lower (2.84 ± 0.72) than in patients who did not experienced skin toxicity (3.62 ± 0.51) and received Bmab (3.1 ± 0.8) (ANOVA test, p=0.047).

Skin toxicity(n=23)No skin toxicity(n=7)Bmab(n=8)ANOVA p-valueIL-82.84 ± 0.723.62 ± 0.513.1 ± 0.80.047E-selectin9.94 ± 0.559.89 ± 0.399.91 ± 0.540.968GM-CSF3.95 ± 0.954.17 ± 0.533.63 ± 1.360.597IFN-alpha1.38 ± 0.721.55 ± 0.371.42 ± 0.690.846INF-gamma4.13 ± 1.464.55 ± 1.14.48 ± 1.330.701IL-1 alpha2.37 ± 0.552.69 ± 0.412.26 ± 0.720.310IL-1 beta2.06 ± 1.12.33 ± 0.532.22 ± 1.050.803IL-101.83 ± 0.932.24 ± 0.791.66 ± 0.990.465IL-12p703.66 ± 0.793.84 ± 0.593.79 ± 0.690.812IL-132.07 ± 0.812.26 ± 0.222.08 ± 0.450.808IL-17A3.04 ± 0.853.33 ± 0.533.27 ± 0.780.613IL-44.32 ± 1.114.66 ± 0.724.43 ± 0.920.749IL-64.01 ± 14.17 ± 0.543.84 ± 0.830.782IP-105.19 ± 1.785.76 ± 1.085.71 ± 1.330.601MCP-13.8 ± 0.994.55 ± 0.393.95 ± 0.660.146MIP-1 alpha2.04 ± 0.512.25 ± 0.252.22 ± 0.650.510MIP-1 beta4.78 ± 0.555.02 ± 0.364.65 ± 0.570.387P-selectin9.89 ± 0.659.8 ± 0.699.91 ± 0.490.936sICAM-111.99 ± 0.8612.15 ± 0.912.39 ± 0.850.527TNF-alpha3.97 ± 0.574.18 ± 0.284.05 ± 0.650.670

Conclusion: This study suggests that the inflammatory cytokines levels might be affected by Cmab exposure and associated with the development of skin rash in metastatic CRC patients. The skin rash was related to lower baseline level of IL-8. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this interaction in patients who treated with Cmab.

Citation Format: Jin Hyun Park, Mi Young Kim, In Sil Choi, Ji-Won Kim, Jin Won Kim, Keun-Wook Lee, Jin-Soo Kim. Identification of immune-related mechanisms of cetuximab induced skin toxicity in colorectal cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4903.

Abstract P4-08-22: Impact of application of AJCC 8th edition on survival rate of the breast cancer

Background

The AJCC 8 edition has changed much in comparison with the 7 edition. In addition to TNM stage, biologic marker (ER, PR, HER2), Histologic grade and multigene assays (oncotype Dx.) should be considered for staging. and it has been applied since January 1, 2018.

patients were recategorized and analyzed in order to know if this more complex classification helps to predict the real prognosis of the patients,

Method

We review patients who were diagnosed and treated as breast cancer at Konyang Universty Hospital. we studied retrospectively 582 patients who were followed up and were able to review.

Stage was classified according to AJCC 7th edition and AJCC 8th edition. survival rate of each stage were analyzed in both editions.

Result

Mean follow up period was 68.6 months. Total 582 patients were included. There was no change in the stage in 257 patients. In 195 patients, the stage was elevated and in 130 patients, the stage was changed down. When classified as AJCC 7th edition, the 5year-survival rate was 95.9% in stage I, 97.9% in stage II, 93.1% in stage III and 89.9% in stage IV. The survival rate of patients in stage I was lower than that of stage II. However, when the AJCC 8th edition was applied, the 5- year survival rate was 97.9% in stage I, 96.9% in stage II, 92.2% in stage III, and 89.9% in stage IV. In 8th edition, the patients in lower stage has higher survival rate.

Conclusion

The prediction of survival rate by stage was more accurate and the difference in survival rate of each stages was more clearly distinguished when The AJCC 8th edition was applied than AJCC 7th edition. AJCC 8th edition was reliable and useful for prediction of prognosis of breast cancer patient.

Citation Format: Kwon S, Yoon DS, Bae IE, Choi WJ, Choi IS, Lee SE, Moon JI, Sung NS, Park SM. Impact of application of AJCC 8th edition on survival rate of the breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-08-22.

Prognostic influence of Korean public medical insurance system on breast cancer patients

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic influence of Korean public medical insurance system on breast cancer patients.

Methods

Data of 1,068 patients with primary invasive breast cancer were analyzed. Korean public medical insurance status was classified into 2 groups: National Health Insurance and Medical Aid. Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazards model were used for survival analysis.

Results

The Medical Aid group showed worse prognoses compared to the National Health Insurance group both in overall survival (P = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.006). The Medical Aid group showed higher proportion of patients with tumor size > 2 cm (P = 0.022), more advanced stage (P = 0.039), age > 50 years (P = 0.003), and low education level (P = 0.003). The Medical Aid group showed higher proportion of patients who received mastectomy (P < 0.001) and those who received no radiation therapy (P = 0.013). The Medical Aid group showed a higher rate of distant recurrence (P = 0.014) and worse prognosis for the triple negative subtype (P = 0.006). Medical insurance status was a significant independent prognostic factor in both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The Medical Aid group had worse prognosis compared to the National Health Insurance group. Medical insurance status was a strong independent prognostic factor in breast cancer. Unfavorable clinicopathologic features could explain the worse prognosis for the Medical Aid group. Careful consideration should be given to medical insurance status as one of important prognostic factors for breast cancer patients.

Thromboembolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection: Analysis and Literature Review

Background

Tuberculosis is associated with hypercoagulation; however, there are few reports of cases thromboembolism and tuberculosis at the same time in the real world. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence and clinical course of thromboembolism in patients diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were diagnosed with both tuberculosis and thromboembolism including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center from January 2000 through March 2015.

Results

Among the 7905 tuberculosis patients, 49 (0.6%) exhibited PTE, DVT, or both at or after the time of tuberculosis diagnosis. All patients treated for tuberculosis started with isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide. Eight patients were switched to treatment with second-line medication because of resistance or adverse events. About half of the patients (n = 21, 44.7%) had thrombosis at the time of tuberculosis diagnosis. Of 48 patients treated for thromboembolism, 36 received warfarin. A total of 20 patients improved symptom caused by thrombosis, and 10 patients were confirmed cure by image study such as computed tomography or doppler ultrasonography. Eight patients who were treated with warfarin had persistent thrombosis. Five patients (10.2%) experienced major bleeding that required hospitalization. All of these bleeding events were associated with warfarin therapy.

Conclusions

Careful attention to PTE/DVT is needed at the time of diagnosis of tuberculosis and during anti-tuberculosis therapy. Warfarin therapy administered with anti-tuberculosis medication requires frequent monitoring to prevent major bleeding.

A population-based outcomes study of patients with metastatic gastric cancer receiving second-line chemotherapy: A nationwide health insurance database study

PURPOSE

The survival benefit of second-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) has recently been established. We conducted a nationwide population-based outcomes study of patients with MGC receiving second-line chemotherapy to better understand real-world treatment patterns and outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. We identified 509 newly diagnosed patients with MGC in 2010 who received second-line chemotherapy. These patients were divided into three groups for analyses: Group A comprised all patients who received second-line chemotherapy (N = 509); Group B comprised those who received fluoropyrimidine (Fp) plus platinum as first-line treatment, followed by irinotecan-based or taxane-based regimens as second-line chemotherapy (N = 284); and Group C comprised those who received Fp plus cisplatin as first-line treatment, followed by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/oxaliplatin, irinotecan-based, or taxane-based regimens as second-line chemotherapy (N = 184).

RESULTS

Among patients who received first-line chemotherapy, 47.2% (509/1,078) continued to receive second-line chemotherapy. The most commonly used second-line chemotherapy regimens were 5-FU/irinotecan, 5-FU/oxaliplatin, and docetaxel. The median overall survival (OS) of all 509 patients was 5.2 months. The time from the start date of first-line chemotherapy to the start date of second-line chemotherapy > 6.1 months was an independent prognostic factor for improved OS. The type of chemotherapy regimen was not a significant factor affecting OS.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide a better understanding of second-line treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with MGC and will help guide treatment decisions in real-world clinical practice.

Treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with metastatic gastric cancer receiving third-line chemotherapy: A population-based outcomes study

PURPOSE

There is limited data on third-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC). This study was conducted to assess third-line treatment patterns, outcomes, and clinical parameters related to survival outcomes in patients with MGC.

METHODS

Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database, a nationwide population-based outcomes study was conducted. From the HIRA database, patients newly diagnosed in 2010 with MGC were identified (N = 1,871), and of these, 229 patients who had received third-line chemotherapy were finally selected for this study.

RESULTS

Prior to third-line chemotherapy, more than 90% of patients received fluoropyrimidine and platinum, and 43.7% and 40.6% received taxane and irinotecan, respectively. Various third-line chemotherapy regimens containing taxane (docetaxel or paclitaxel), irinotecan, or oxaliplatin were prescribed. The median overall survival (OS) of all patients receiving third-line chemotherapy was 4.4 months. The median time from the start date of first-line chemotherapy to the start date of third-line chemotherapy (TF1T3) was 9.5 months, and a longer TF1T3 was the only factor that was significantly associated with an increased OS. The median OS of patients who had received fluoropyrimidine, platinum, and taxane followed by third-line irinotecan-based therapy was similar to that of patients who had received fluoropyrimidine, platinum, and irinotecan followed by third-line taxane-based therapy (p = 0.894).

CONCLUSION

In patients with MGC receiving third-line chemotherapy, TF1T3 was the only significant factor associated with OS. The sequence of using taxane and irinotecan as subsequent therapy after first-line failure was not shown to impact survival outcome.

Abstract LB-A07: Clinical utility of genomic assessment of blood-derived circulating tumor (ctDNA) in patients with colorectal cancers

Background: Genomic alterations in blood-derived circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients with colorectal cancers (CRC) were correlated with clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes.

Methods: Plasma ctDNA testing (54-73 genes; all non-synonymous alterations are analyzed herein) was performed in 94 patients with CRC (PREDICT-UCSD; NCT02478931).

Results: Ninety-six percent of patients had metastatic or recurrent disease at the time of blood draw. The median number of alterations/patient was 3 (range, 0-30). The most frequent alterations involved TP53 (52.1%), KRAS (34%), and APC (28.7%) genes; no two patients had identical molecular portfolios. Altogether, 74 patients (79%) had ≥ 1 alteration; 69 patients (93% of patients with ≥ 1 detectable ctDNA alteration) had ≥ 1 actionable alteration; 61 patients had an alteration actionable by an FDA-approved drug (on or off-label). Concordance between ctDNA and tissue genomics for the most frequent genes altered in ctDNA ranged from 63% to 86%, depending on the gene (median ~6 months between samples). Improved survival (multivariate) correlated with lung metastasis and with all ctDNA alteration fractions &lt; 5%. To date, 35 patients (median of one prior therapy in the metastatic setting) were treated with matched (N = 18) or unmatched (N = 17) therapy after ctDNA testing. Overall, 67% versus 27% of patients (matched vs unmatched) achieved SD ≥ 6 months/PR/CR (P=0.02); PFS of 6.1 vs 2.3 months (P = 0.08); OS (13.2 vs 5.1 months; not significant) (all multivariable). In serial samples from patients on anti-EGFR therapy, multiple emerging alterations in genes known to be involved in therapeutic resistance, including KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, and MET were detected.

Conclusion: Most patients demonstrated potentially actionable ctDNA alterations. Improved outcomes were associated with lung metastases and low ctDNA percentage. Treatment with matched therapy correlated with significantly higher rates of SD ≥ 6 months/PR/CR (67% vs 27%). Dynamic changes in ctDNA were evident after anti-EGFR treatment, with emergence of resistance mutations, some of which may be druggable. Larger studies in CRC and other malignancies are ongoing.

Citation Format: Maria C. Schwaederle, Shumei Kato, In Sil Choi, Paul T. Fanta, Lawrence Leichman, Scott Lippman, Razelle Kurzrock. Clinical utility of genomic assessment of blood-derived circulating tumor (ctDNA) in patients with colorectal cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-A07.

Adult chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with trisomy 11: a case report

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (cmml) is an indolent disease in the category of myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative neoplasms, which can often evolve into acute leukemic neoplasms. Although cytogenetic abnormalities such as trisomy 8 or absence of chromosome Y are well known, few reports about cmml with trisomy 11 have been published. Here, we report a case of cmml with trisomy 11 as the sole chromosomal abnormality, resulting in a very poor outcome. Based on a bone marrow specimen, cmml-1 with trisomy 11 was diagnosed in a 79-year-old man presenting with anemia and atypical peripheral blood cells. Because of the patient's age, he was followed without receiving anticancer treatment. Two months after his diagnosis, the patient's leucocytosis and anemia rapidly worsened, with increasing numbers of immature peripheral cells, which was strongly suggestive of leukemic transformation. Because of acute kidney injury superimposed on chronic kidney disease that led to poor performance status, cytotoxic chemotherapy was not considered feasible, and the patient was transferred to a hospice care facility.

Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and 5-Fluorouracil as Palliative Treatment for Heavily Pretreated Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) chemotherapy beyond standard treatment for anthracycline- and taxane-pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 158 MBC patients who underwent CMF chemotherapy in a palliative setting at two academic hospitals in Korea between 2002 and 2016.

Results

The median age of the 158 enrolled patients was 51 years (range, 30-77 years). The enrolled patients were treated with a median of 5 lines of systemic treatment (range, 2-11) before CMF therapy, and the median time from diagnosis of MBC to CMF administration was 36.0 months (range, 7.1-146.7 months). The median number of cycles of CMF treatment was 3 (range, 1-19), and the relative dose intensity was 90.4%. The toxicity profile was mild, with an observed 3.1% of grade 2 and 5.0% of grade 3/4 neutropenia. Among 147 patients (93.0%) whose response to CMF was evaluated, the response rate was 10.9% (16/147), with complete response (CR) in one and partial response (PR) in 15. In addition, the disease control rate (calculated as CR+PR+stable disease) was 44.2% (65/147). The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-3.6) and 9.4 months (95% CI, 7.1-11.6), respectively.

Conclusion

CMF therapy is effective and tolerable as salvage treatment for heavily pretreated MBC.

Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Purpose

Currently, there is little information regarding optimal treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in elderly patients. In this retrospective study, we examined a cohort of elderly patients with MBC receiving a range of treatments, in terms of demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes.

Methods

Patients aged 65 years and older, and diagnosed with MBC between 2003 and 2015, were identified from the databases of three academic hospitals in South Korea. A total of 161 cases were eligible for inclusion. We assessed clinicopathologic features, treatment patterns, and outcomes, using the available electronic medical records. Based on age at MBC diagnosis, patients were divided into three groups: 65 to 69, 70 to 74, and ≥75 years.

Results

Most patients had received active treatment according to biologic subtype as in younger patients, although frequent dose modifications were observed during chemotherapy. The median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 30.3 months; age (≥70 years), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) (≥2), triple-negative cancer, and number of metastatic sites (≥2) were significant poor prognostic factors for OS in multivariate analyses. All types of systemic treatments according to biologic subtype conferred more prolonged OS in patients receiving treatment. Patients aged ≥75 years were more likely to have a poor ECOG PS and advanced comorbidity, and tended to receive less intensive treatments compared to the other age groups.

Conclusion

Elderly patients with MBC should not be excluded from receiving standard treatments prescribed for younger patients. Future research plans for elderly patients, especially aged ≥75 years with breast cancer, should include a geriatric assessment for identifying individuals at risk for treatment-related toxicity. Overall, this analysis will provide a better understanding of this population and help guide clinical care in real-world practice.

Comparison of efficacy and tolerance between combination therapy and monotherapy as first-line chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The combination of a fluoropyrimidine [5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine, or S-1] with a platinum analog (cisplatin or oxaliplatin) is the most widely accepted first-line chemotherapy regimen for metastatic or recurrent advanced gastric cancer (AGC), based on the results of clinical trials. However, there is little evidence to guide chemotherapy for elderly patients with AGC because of under-representation of this age group in clinical trials. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the optimal chemotherapy regimen for elderly patients with AGC by comparing the efficacies and safeties of combination therapy versus monotherapy as first-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

This study is a randomized, controlled, multicenter, phase III trial. A total of 246 elderly patients (≥70 years old) with metastatic or recurrent AGC who have not received previous palliative chemotherapy will be randomly allocated to a combination therapy group or a monotherapy group. Patients randomized to the combination therapy group will receive fluoropyrimidine plus platinum combination chemotherapy (capecitabine/cisplatin, S-1/cisplatin, capecitabine/oxaliplatin, or 5-FU/oxaliplatin), and those randomized to the monotherapy group will receive fluoropyrimidine monotherapy (capecitabine, S-1, or 5-FU). The primary outcome is the overall survival of patients in each treatment group. The secondary outcomes include progression-free survival, response rate, quality of life, and safety.

DISCUSSION

We are conducting this pragmatic trial to determine whether elderly patients with AGC will obtain the same benefit from chemotherapy as younger patients. We expect that this study will help guide decision-making for the optimal treatment of elderly patients with AGC.

Multicenter, cross-sectional observational study of the impact of neuropathic pain on quality of life in cancer patients

PURPOSE

Neuropathic cancer pain (NCP) is a common and potentially debilitating symptom in cancer patients. We investigated the prevalence of NCP, as well as its management and association with QOL.

METHODS

Cancer patients with pain ≥1 on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were surveyed with the Douleur Neuropathique (DN4) questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), and the EuroQOL five dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. The associations between NCP and pain severity or NCP and QOL, while controlling for variables relevant to QOL, were then analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2003 patients were enrolled in this survey; the prevalence of NCP was 36.0% (n = 722, 95% CI, 32.5-39.5). We found that NCP in cancer patients was closely correlated to a higher pain severity (BPI-SF; 4.96 ± 1.94 versus 4.24 ± 2.02, p < 0.001), and in patients with NCP, pain more severely interfered with daily living, as compared to those without NCP (BPI-SF; 4.86 ± 2.71 versus 4.41 ± 2.87, p < 0.001). Patients with NCP also had worse QOL than those without NCP, as measured by EQ-5D index score (0.47 ± 0.30 vs. 0.51 ± 0.30, p = 0.005), and this was confirmed using multivariate analysis (p < 0.001), even after controlling for other variables such as age, sex, disease stage, cancer duration, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and comorbidities. Importantly, adjuvant analgesics were used in less than half of patients with NCP (n = 358, 46.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that NCP in cancer patients was significantly associated with a worsened QOL, and current management is inadequate. Therefore, future research aimed at developing improved strategies for management of NCP is required.

Genomic Alterations in Circulating Tumor DNA from Diverse Cancer Patients Identified by Next-Generation Sequencing

Noninvasive genomic profiling of tumors may be possible with next-generation sequencing (NGS) of blood-derived circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), but proof of concept in a large cohort of patients with diverse cancers has yet to be reported. Here we report the results of an analysis of plasma-derived ctDNA from 670 patients with diverse cancers. The tumors represented in the patient cohort were mainly gastrointestinal (31.8%), brain (22.7%), or lung (20.7%). ctDNA obtained from most patients [N = 423 (63%)] displayed at least one alteration. The most frequent alterations seen, as characterized mutations or variants of unknown significance, occurred in TP53 (32.5% of patients), EGFR (13%), KRAS (12.5%), and PIK3CA (9.1%); for characterized alterations, 30.7% (TP53), 7.6% (EGFR), 12.2% (KRAS), and 7.7% (PIK3CA). We found that 32% of brain tumors had at least one ctDNA alteration. Head and neck tumors were independently associated with a higher number of alterations in a multivariable analysis (P = 0.019). Notably, 320/670 (48%) of patients displayed potentially actionable alterations, with 241 patients possible candidates for on-label or off-label treatment with an FDA-approved drug. Several illustrations of the clinical utility of the information obtained for improving treatment of specific patients is provided. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and impact of genomic profiling of tumors by ctDNA NGS, greatly encouraging broader investigations of the application of this technology for precision medicine in cancer management. Cancer Res; 77(19); 5419-27. ©2017 AACR.

Pleural Effusion in Multiple Myeloma: Characteristics and Practice Patterns

In many Asian countries battling with the double burden of increasing noninfectious diseases on top of infectious diseases, multiple myeloma (MM) patients presenting with pleural effusion (PE) pose a great diagnostic challenge. Thus, we aimed to analyze the clinical features and practice patterns of such patients. This is a multicenter retrospective study of newly diagnosed MM patients between January 2011 and December 2015. Among 575 MM patients diagnosed during the study period, 80 (13.9%) that were associated with PE were identified and analyzed. The most common cause of PE was parapneumonic (25%), followed by reactive (18.8%). Higher CRP levels and leukocytosis were indicators of parapneumonic PE. There were 7 (8.8%) with myelomatous PE and 2 (2.5%) with tuberculosis. Fifty-six patients underwent additional examinations to determine the exact cause of effusion; 28 patients received computed tomography (CT) of the chest, 5 patients underwent thoracentesis/biopsy, and 23 patients underwent both CT and thoracentesis/biopsy. On the other hand, 24 patients did not undergo additional analyses but were treated empirically. Real-world analyses of practice patterns in MM patients with PE showed the suboptimal use of invasive procedures to determine the exact cause of PE. Since reversible causes and tuberculosis pleurisy are not uncommon, invasive procedures should be actively incorporated as needed.

BCL2 Regulation according to Molecular Subtype of Breast Cancer by Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Database

Purpose

We investigated B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) regulation across DNA, RNA, protein, and methylation status according to molecular subtype of breast cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed clinical and biological data on 1,096 breast cancers from the TCGA database. Biological data included reverse phase protein array (RPPA), mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq), mRNA microarray, methylation, copy number alteration linear, copy number alteration nonlinear, and mutation data.

Results

The luminal A and luminal B subtypes showed upregulated expression of RPPA and mRNAseq and hypomethylation compared to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and triple-negative subtypes (all p < 0.001). No mutations were found in any subjects. High mRNA-seq and high RPPA were strongly associated with positive estrogen receptor, positive progesterone receptor (all p < 0.001), and negative HER2 (p < 0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between protein and mRNA levels and a strong negative correlation between methylation and protein and mRNA levels (all p < 0.001). The high BCL2 group showed superior overall survival compared to the low BCL2 group (p=0.006).

Conclusion

The regulation of BCL2 was mainly associated with methylation across the molecular subtypes of breast cancer, and luminal A and luminal B subtypes showed upregulated expression of BCL2 protein, mRNA, and hypomethylation. Although copy number alteration may have played a minor role, mutation status was not related to BCL2 regulation. Upregulation of BCL2 was associated with superior prognosis than downregulation of BCL2.

CA19-9 or CEA Decline after the First Cycle of Treatment Predicts Survival in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer Patients Treated with S-1 and Cisplatin Chemotherapy

Purpose

While tumor markers (carbohydrate antigen 19-9 [CA 19-9] and carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]) can aid in the diagnosis of biliary tract cancer, their prognostic role has not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic role of tumor markers and tumor marker change in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.

Materials and Methods

Patients with pathologically proven metastatic or relapsed biliary tract cancer who were treated in a phase II trial of first-line S-1 and cisplatin chemotherapy were enrolled. Serum tumor markers were measured at baseline and after the first cycle of chemotherapy.

Results

Among a total of 104 patients, 80 (77%) had elevated baseline tumor markers (69 with CA 19-9 elevation and 40 with CEA). A decline ≥ 30% of the elevated tumor marker level after the first cycle of chemotherapy conferred an improved time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and better chemotherapy response. Multivariate analysis revealed tumor marker decline as an independent positive prognostic factor of TTP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.44; p=0.003) and OS (adjusted HR, 0.37; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed similar results in each group of patients with CA 19-9 elevation and CEA elevation. In addition, elevated baseline CEA was associated with poor survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Tumor marker decline was associated with improved survival in biliary tract cancer. Measuring tumor marker after the first cycle of chemotherapy can be used as an early assessment of treatment outcome.

Effects of β-Glucan on the Release of Nitric Oxide by Macrophages Stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide

This research analyzed the effect of β-glucan that is expected to alleviate the production of the inflammatory mediator in macrophagocytes, which are processed by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia. The incubated layer was used for a nitric oxide (NO) analysis. The DNA-binding activation of the small unit of nuclear factor-κB was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kit. In the RAW264.7 cells that were vitalized by Escherichia coli (E. coli) LPS, the β-glucan inhibited both the combatant and rendering phases of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS)-derived NO. β-Glucan increased the expression of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the cells that were stimulated by E. coli LPS, and the HO-1 activation was inhibited by the tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP). This shows that the NO production induced by LPS is related to the inhibition effect of β-glucan. The phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and the p38 induced by the LPS were not influenced by the β-glucan, and the inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α) decomposition was not influenced either. Instead, β-glucan remarkably inhibited the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) that was induced by the E. coli LPS. Overall, the β-glucan inhibited the production of NO in macrophagocytes that was vitalized by the E .coli LPS through the HO-1 induction and the STAT1 pathways inhibition in this research. As the host immune response control by β-glucan weakens the progress of the inflammatory disease, β-glucan can be used as an effective immunomodulator.

Prognostic Value of Axillary Nodal Ratio after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of Doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide Followed by Docetaxel in Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of lymph node (LN) ratio (LNR) in patients with breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective analysis is based on the data of 814 patientswith stage II/III breast cancer treated with four cycles of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel before surgery. We evaluated the clinical significance of LNR (3 categories: low 0-0.20 vs. intermediate 0.21-0.65 vs. high 0.66-1.00) using a Cox proportional regression model.

Results

A total of 799 patients underwent breast surgery. Pathologic complete response (pCR, ypT0/isN0) was achieved in 129 patients (16.1%) (hormone receptor [HR] +/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2] –, 34/373 [9.1%]; HER2+, 45/210 [21.4%]; triple negative breast cancer, 50/216 [23.1%]). The mean numbers of involved LN and retrieved LN were 2.70 (range, 0 to 42) and 13.98 (range, 1 to 64), respectively. The mean LNR was 0.17 (low, 574 [71.8%]; intermediate, 170 [21.3%]; high, 55 [6.9%]). In univariate analysis, LNR showed significant association with a worse relapse-free survival (3-year relapse-free survival rate 84.8% in low vs. 66.2% in intermediate vs. 54.3% in high; p < 0.001, log-rank test). In multivariate analysis, LNR did not show significant association with recurrence after adjusting for other clinical factors (age, histologic grade, subtype, ypT stage, ypN stage, lymphatic or vascular invasion, and pCR). In subgroup analysis, the LNR system had good prognostic value in HR+/HER2–subtype.

Conclusion

LNR is not superior to ypN stage in predicting clinical outcome of breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, the prognostic value of the LNR system in HR+/HER2–patients is notable and worthy of further investigation.

Changes in non-invasive liver fibrosis indices during chemotherapy: Potential marker for oxaliplatin-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

515

Background: Oxaliplatin-based regimens are standard treatments for patients with colorectal (CRC) and advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, the use of oxaliplatin sometimes results in hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of non-invasive liver fibrosis indices for monitoring oxaliplatin-induced hepatic SOS. We have reported a preliminary data in ASCO Annual Meeting 2014. Methods: From February 2004 to April 2014, patients with CRC or AGC who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were studied. Possibility of SOS development was evaluated before and after the oxaliplatin exposure with splenic volume index (SVI). Four different non-invasive liver fibrosis indices were used for risk analysis: age-platelet index (API), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), platelet to spleen ratio (PSR), Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4). A prospective observation with serial elastrography is also ongoing. Results: A total of 275 patients were eligible for evaluation: 200 patients had CRC, and 75 patients had AGC. Using a cutoff of SVI increase ≥ 0.3, 113 patients (41.1%) were positive for hepatic SOS. Changes of indices were significantly correlated with SVI increase. Adjusted odds ratios for those indices were as follows: API = 1.16 (95% Confidential Interval [CI], 1.01 - 1.32; P = 0.032); APRI = 2.45 (95% CI, 1.30 - 4.63; P = 0.006); PSR = 0.69 (95% CI, 0.59 - 0.80; P < 0.001); FIB-4 = 1.37 (95% CI, 1.16 - 1.63; P < 0.001). Optimal cutoff-value with statistical significance were calculated and suggested. A total of 20 patients have been enrolled into the prospective observation until now. Comparison of elastographic changes and the indices in these patients will be presented. Conclusions: Changes of non-invasive liver fibrosis indices showed good correlation with SVI increase during oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. These indices might be useful markers for monitoring of oxaliplatin-induced hepatic SOS. Serial monitoring of hepatic elastography could also be used for non-invasive monitoring of hepatic SOS.

Changes in Noninvasive Liver Fibrosis Indices and Spleen Size During Chemotherapy: Potential Markers for Oxaliplatin-Induced Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome

Oxaliplatin-based regimens are standard treatments for the patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, owing to hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), the use of oxaliplatin sometimes results in splenomegaly. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between chemotherapy-associated changes of noninvasive liver fibrosis indices and volumetric changes of the spleen.From February 2004 to April 2014, patients with CRC or AGC receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were studied. The possibility of SOS development was evaluated before and after the oxaliplatin exposure with splenic volume index (SVI). Four different noninvasive liver fibrosis indices were used for risk analysis, namely age-platelet index (API), AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), platelet-to-spleen ratio (PSR), and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4).A total of 275 patients were eligible for evaluation: 200 patients had CRC and 75 patients had AGC. Using the cutoff of SVI increase ≥ 0.3, 113 patients (41.1%) were positive for splenomegaly. The changes of indices significantly correlated with SVI increase. Adjusted odds ratios for those indices were as follows: API = 1.16 (95% confidential interval [CI], 1.01-1.32; P = .03); APRI = 2.45 (95% CI, 1.30-4.63; P = .01); PSR = 0.69 (95% CI, 0.59-0.80; P < .01); and FIB-4 = 1.37 (95% CI, 1.16-1.63; P < .01). Optimal cutoff values with statistical significance were calculated and suggested.The changes of noninvasive liver fibrosis indices showed a good correlation with the increase in the spleen volume during oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Validation of these indices for monitoring of oxaliplatin-induced hepatic SOS is warranted.

Discrepancies of the Values on the Withholding Futile Interventions between Physician and Family Members of Terminal Cancer Patients

PURPOSE

To analyze the controversies surrounding therapeutic decision-making and the withholding of life- sustaining treatments, values held concerning therapeutic interventions of terminal cancer patients are compared between physicians and family members.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

42 advanced or terminal stage cancer patients were enrolled for the study. The questionnaires were administered to the duty doctor and the family of the patients. Questions included whether to use new agents with a 15% partial efficacy and whether to use opioid analgesics, intravenous nutrition, a feeding tube, antibiotics, and hemodialysis. Additionally, we asked about the administration of CPR, ventilator application, and euthanasia. If the family permitted, the same questionnaires were given to the patients.

RESULTS

Of the 42 cases, 5 families refused to answer the questionnaire. Of the available 37 families, only 5 families permitted access to the patients. Of the 5 patients, 2 patients refused the questionnaire. Only 67.6% and 8.1% of families and the patients clearly understood the stage of cancer. The use of a new agent was accepted by 45.2% of the physicians and 45.9% of the families. The rankings of the acceptance of treatment in the physicians and in the families were similar. The concordance rate between the physicians and the families was lowest on ventilator application and CPR. 31% of the physicians and 43.2% of the families agreed on the issue of euthanasia.

CONCLUSION

Values held on issues like therapeutic decision-making and the withholding of life-sustaining treatments in terminal cancer patients are discordant between physicians and family members. In order to resolve controversies on the role of physicians in end-of-life decisions, the values of physicians as well as patients and their family members should be considered in the final decision-making process.

Abstract P6-08-33: Prognostic value of axillary nodal ratio after neoadjuvant chemotherapy of AC followed by docetaxel: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

Background: The ratio of involved to retrieved lymph nodes (LNR) is suggested as a prognostic factor in operable breast cancer. However, there are conflicting results regarding its clinical significance after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We investigated the prognostic value of LNR with a thorough evaluation of potential prognostic factors in a large cohort constructed from Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database of Korea.

Patients and method: This retrospective analysis is based on the data of 814 patients with clinical stage II/III breast cancer treated with four cycles of adriamycin/cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by four cycles of docetaxel (DOC) before surgery. We evaluated the clinical significance of the LNR (3 categories: Low, 0-0.20 vs. Intermediate, 0.21-0.65 vs. High, 0.66 -1.00) using Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Result: A total of 799 patients underwent breast surgery (Median age 45, range 16-74; Mastectomy 369, Lumpectomy 380, and Others 50). Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 704 (88.1%) patients. Pathologic complete response (pCR, pT0/isN0) was achieved in 129 (16.1%) of 799 patients (HR+/HER2-, 34/373 [9.1%]; HER2+, 45/210 [21.4%]; TNBC 50/216 [23.1%]). The mean numbers of involved LN and retrieved LN were 2.70 (range 0-42) and 13.98 (range 1-64), respectively. The mean LNR was 0.17 (Low, 574 [71.8%]; Intermediate, 170 [21.3%]; High, 55 [6.9%]). In univariate analysis, LNR was significantly associated with worse relapse-free survival (3-yr RFS rate 84.8% in low vs. 66.2% in intermediate vs. 54.3% in high; P &lt;0.0001, log-rank test). In multivariate analysis, LNR was not significantly associated with recurrence after adjustment of other clinical factors (Age, histologic grade, intrinsic subtype, ypT-stage, ypN-stage, lymphatic or vascular invasion, and pCR).

Multivariate analysis for relapse-free survival P-valueHR95%CIAGE (&lt;50, ≥50)0.157--ypT-stage&lt;0.0001--ypN-stage0.035--pCR (T0/isN0)0.027--Lymphovascular invasion0.040--Subtype&lt;0.0001--Histologic grade0.001--LNR Low (0-0.20)0.9541.00-LNR Intermediate (0.21-0.65)0.9731.010.55-1.86LNR High (0.66-1.00)0.7971.120.48-2.59

Conclusion: LNR is not superior to ypN-stage in predicting clinical outcome of breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Citation Format: Se Hyun Kim, Jee Hyun Kim, Tae-Yong Kim, In Sil Choi, Yee Soo Chae, Sun Kyung Baek, Seok Yun Kang, In Hae Park, Yoon Ji Choi, Soohyeon Lee, Joo Hyuk Sohn, Yeon-Hee Park, Young-Hyuck Im, Jin-Hee Ahn, Sung-Bae Kim, Kyung Hae Jung. Prognostic value of axillary nodal ratio after neoadjuvant chemotherapy of AC followed by docetaxel: A multicenter retrospective cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-33.

A Unique Case of Erdheim-Chester Disease with Axial Skeleton, Lymph Node, and Bone Marrow Involvement

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare non-Langerhans-cell histiocytosis with bone and organ involvement. A 76-year-old man presented with low back pain and a history of visits for exertional dyspnea. We diagnosed him with anemia of chronic disease, cytopenia related to chronic illness, chronic renal failure due to hypertension, and hypothyroidism. However, we could not determine a definite cause or explanation for the cytopenia. Multiple osteosclerotic axial skeleton lesions and axillary lymph node enlargement were detected by computed tomography. Bone marrow biopsy revealed histiocytic infiltration, which was CD68-positive and CD1a-negative. This report describes an unusual presentation of Erdheim-Chester disease involving the bone marrow, axial skeleton, and lymph nodes.