Antibiotic prophylaxis for skin toxicity induced by antiepidermal growth factor receptor agents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Topical and systemic prophylactic measures, which are administered before the development of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-related acneiform rash, are appropriate interventions to mitigate the intensity of skin toxicity. We have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether prophylactic antibiotics may reduce the occurrence and severity of anti-EGFR drug-related skin rashes. A systematic review was performed by searching Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library from inception until March 2016 for publications regarding the pre-emptive role of antibiotics for EGFR-induced skin rashes. Fixed- or random-effects meta-analyses, according to heterogeneity, were used to summarize odds ratios of skin toxicity with antibiotic use. Of the 827 citations found in the search, 13 studies comprising 1073 patients were included in the analysis. In 12 studies, patients in the prophylactic antibiotic arms had a lower risk of developing a skin rash (odds ratio 0·53, 95% confidence interval 0·39-0·72, P < 0·01) than patients without antibiotic prophylaxis. In particular, moderate-to-severe toxicities (grades 2-4) were reduced by nearly two-thirds (odds ratio 0·36, 95% confidence interval 0·22-0·60, P < 0·01) in 13 studies. This translated to a 26% absolute difference of high-grade skin rash compared with the control arms (from 50% to 24%). The results of this meta-analysis show that the risk of skin rash after treatment with anti-EGFR agents for solid tumours was significantly lower in patients taking prophylaxis with antibiotics than in those who were not. Therefore, taking pre-emptive tetracyclines for several weeks at the start of anti-EGFR treatment can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of cutaneous acneiform rash.

Tumour Budding and Survival in Stage II Colorectal Cancer: a Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

PURPOSE

Tumour budding is defined as the presence of isolated or small clusters of malignant cells at the invasive edge of the tumour. It is considered a negative prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with a poor outcome and adverse pathological features. Here, we report a meta-analysis of the association of tumour budding and survival in stage II CRC patients.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched for studies that assessed the relationship between tumour budding and 5-year overall survival (OS) in stage II CRC patients. Published data were extracted and used to compute odds ratios (ORs) for death at 5 years and hazard ratios (HRs) for survival amongst patients with respect to the extent of tumour budding, using multivariate analysis. Data were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel random effect model.

RESULTS

We analysed 12 studies that included a total of 1652 patients. High-grade budding was associated with worse OS at 5 years (OR for death, 6.25; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 4.04-9.67; P < 0.00001). The absolute difference in 5-year OS was -25 % (95 % CI, -18- - 33 %, P < 0.00001). It was particularly noteworthy that the presence of high-grade budding was associated with an increased risk of death (HR for death, 3.68; 95 % CI, 2.16-6.28, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour budding is associated with worse survival in stage II CRC, in particular in pT3N0M0 patients. It could therefore potentially be used when deciding whether to administer adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk node negative CRC patients.

Targeted therapies and other agents as first-line maintenance and beyond: particular benefit in pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients

As of today, advanced non-small cell lung cancer is still an incurable disease. However, recent researches on the biology of adenocarcinoma have led to considerable progress in the treatment of this subgroup of patients. The administration of bevacizumab and pemetrexed as first-line therapy, erlotinib in the maintenance phase and erlotinib again combined with vandetanib as second-line therapy, gives patients with lung adenocarcinoma new hope. In particular, in metastatic adenocarcinoma with an EML4-ALK fusion oncogene, crizotinib (a selective, ATP-competitive, small molecule, orally bioavailable inhibitor of the ALK and MET/HGF receptor tyrosine kinases), led to a response rate of 64%, which is similar to the results achieved in chronic myeloid leukemia and GIST with imatinib. Overall, the application of all available active therapies during the natural history of adenocarcinoma may lead to a survival benefit that was unimaginable only a few years ago. This article reviews the main studies on molecular targeted therapies in various lines of treatment of advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

Outcomes of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients treated with second-line chemotherapy (SL): A retrospective analysis of 166 patients

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Background: Patients with SCLC progressed after first-line chemotherapy (FL) have a poor prognosis and the evidence of a benefit of SL is still limited.This retrospective analysis evaluates the clinical outcomes of patients who received a SL treatment after failure of a FL for SCLC Methods: Retrospectively we reviewed 166 consecutive patients who failed a FL and received a second or third-line treatment, between 1993 and 2008 in 17 institutions. We divided patients for analysis in four subgroups, according to the type of SL administered: 1) Platinum-based (P) rechallenge 2) Non-platinum-based polichemotherapy 3) Non-topotecan monochemotherapy 4) topotecan monochemotherapy. Our endpoints were Overall survival (OS), Progression free survival (PFS) and Response Rate. Survival curves were designed with Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model was used for investigating factors which influence survival Results: Median age was 63 (range 25–86). Median OS from the SL was 6.2 months and PFS 2.9. 163 patients received a platinum based chemotherapy as FL, among them 67% obtained a response (CR=14%, PR=53.7%) and 19% had a progressive disease. 74% of patients had a PS 0–1 when started on SL. Moreover, 50 patients underwent also a third-line chemotherapy. Of the 23 CR at FL, 7 patients achieved a response in SL(30%), of the 85 PR only 19 (22%) and of the PD+SD only 6 (16%) (test for trend p=.03). No statistical differences among regimens groups were found; however, patients rechallenged with P went better then others when a long PFS in FL was demonstrated (p=.02) Conclusions: The clinical benefit of SL therapy for SCLC is poor and strictly dependent on response and on duration of response with FL treatment. Our retrospective analysis confirms that median OS for patients receiving SL is about 6 months and median PFS 2.9 months. A rechallenge with platinum should be the best options in patients with a long PFS in FL. Single agent topotecan, the most investigated agent in the literature, did not show evidence of superiority against other chemotherapy regimens

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Perspective evaluation of emotional state of oncological patients in the waiting rooms

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Background: The waiting room is one of the most emotional place in oncological divisions; indeed, it's presumed that the waiting moment makes increase thoughts most related to the experience of disease and its treatment, making them sometimes unbearable. At present, any evaluation of the emotional states in the waiting room doesn't exist, therefore we analyzed the most prevailing emotions and feelings for patients in this context. The identification of them should address also ways to improve patients well being in these moments. Primary objective was to prospectively evaluate the prevailing emotional state patients and feelings in oncological waiting rooms; secondary endpoint is to develop a questionnaire to be further validated and useful to quantify how changes in the environment, as people and furnishings, could reduce prevailing emotional intensity. Methods: A committee of psychoncologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, volunteers, nurses, past patients, and statisticians identified the emotional states considered most important (relationship with environment, surrounding people and treatment, recurrent thoughts about disease and life, fears and things that could ease the wait and prevailing emotions) and developed a questionnaire. In May 2008 for two consecutive weeks this questionnaire was administered by the same dedicated nurse to all the outpatients afferred to our Oncology Department. The compilation of questionnaire was spontaneous and anonymous and it collected also age, sex, whether the patient was under treatment or in follow up and whether was accompanied. Results: In two consecutive weeks 300 questionnaires have been collected in the waiting rooms. Statistical analysis showed that the most prevailing emotions are sadness (51%), fear (29%), anger (17%) and joy (7%). A positive disposition (Cronbach alpha 0.60) and anxiety (Cronbach alpha 0.64) were also assessed. No differences in answers were revealed among patients waiting for follow up and patients waiting for chemotherapy and among different ages. Conclusions: The level of negative feelings seems higher than in other conditions and suggests that active intervention to improve the waiting in waiting rooms is warranted. A further validated questionnaire is ongoing also to evaluate emotions intensity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The efficacy of second line chemotherapy (CHT) in platinum-sensitive advanced/metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients: Results of an ongoing Italian multicenter survey

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Background: Despite CHT and radiotherapy for SCLC, most patients (pts) die within 2 years. Response rates for second-line CHT are low, with a median survival of 5 months in platinum-refractory pts. Re-challenge with platinum salts or salvage regimens is a standard option for pts with platinum-sensitive disease with a median overall survival (OS) of 6.5–8 months (Chua et al., Cancer Treat Rev. 2004). The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of different second line regimens in this platiunum sensitive population. Methods: Clinical records of 73 platinum sensitive SCLC pts (first line relapse free survival > 6 months) were reviewed from 13 medical oncology departments in Italy from January 1993 to December 2006. Pt. characteristics: 59 males, 14 females, median age 64 years (range 27–93), median ECOG performance status (PS): 1, limited/extended disease: 33/40 pts. Pts received salvage chemotherapy which consisted of monotherapy in 37% and platinum-containing doublets in 55%. Doublets without platinum salts were administered in the remaining 8%. Results: Of 67 evaluable pt, second line CHT produced partial responses (PR) in 58 (79%) and stable disease (SD) in 9 pts (12%) by RECIST criteria. Overall tumor growth control (PR+SD) was 91%. Despite these encouraging results, the median TTP was 3 months and OS for all evaluable pts was 6.5 months. Survival at 1 year was 11%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most important prognostic factor for response was age ( p<0.04) and there was no statistically significant difference between platinum-based regimens and monotherapy. Multivariate analysis showed no impact on survival by prior response to first line treatment, female sex or smoking status. Conclusions: Within the limits of a retrospective study, despite the high rate of responses obtainable in this setting, TTP and OS do not appear significantly improved by salvage regimens. Second line CHT has marginal activity and should be considered only in younger pts with a good PS. On the basis of these results, re-treatment with platinum salts could be avoided in these pts.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Efficacy of FUFOX regimen in the treatment of a selected population with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC)

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Background: FOLFOX is usually employed as first line treatment of MCC. Some patients (pts), for both clinical reasons and poor compliance, are not eligible for CVD insertion. At the moment, it is not clear if FUFOX (with 5-FU bolus) is less active than FOLFOX (with 5-FU infusion). We evaluated the outcome of MCC pts treated, as first line, with FUFOX. Primary end-point is efficacy. Secondary endpoints are time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). Toxicity is also reported. Materials and Methods: We analysed all consecutive MCC patients who referred to our centre, without CVD, treated with the Hochster regimen: Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 days 1, 15; Leucovorin 20 mg/m2 and 5-FU 500 mg/m2 bolus days 1, 8, 15 - every 28 days. Response rate was evaluated with RECIST criteria. TTP and OS were analysed with Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: From July 2003 to October 2006 we treated 25 MCC pts. Main characteristics were: median age 71 years (range 46–79), 12 males, 13 females; PS 0–1; metastatic sites: liver 15 pts; lung 6; abdominal 10. 2 pts are early. A total of 128 courses were administered (5,4 median courses/pt, range 3–9). 5/23 pts (21.7% 90%CI: 9.0%-40.4%) had a PR and 2 achieved a secondary complete surgery. 15/23 pts (65.2%: 90%CI: 46.0%-81.4%) had a SD and 3 pts (13.0%: 90%CI: 3.7%- 30.4%) had a PD. At the moment of analysis 14 pts are still alive with a median follow up of 25 months; the median time to progression is 7.2 months. This combination was well tolerated with no grade 3–4 toxicities observed. G1-G2 peripheral neurotoxicity is reported in 15/25 pts (60%). Other common toxicities are: G1–2 haematological in 10 pts (40%); G1–2 gastrointestinal in 7 pts (28%); asthenia 5 pts (20%). Conclusions: We observed a low response rate, but high number of stable disease. Toxicity was acceptable. Although this is a not controlled study, this regimen seems to be less effective than infusional regimens but, due to the high control rate of disease (86.9%) we can consider it an alternative choice for patients that refuse or cannot receive continuous infusion.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in cancer patients (pts) treated with bisphosphonates (B): Results of a monoinstitutional monitoring program

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Background: B reduce bone metastases complications. ONJ is a serious adverse event during B treatment. Therefore, it's necessary to identify some procedures to reduce ONJ injures in a monitoring program. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed how an active program of prevention based on clinical oral cavity examination, dentists and pts education might improve ONJ outcome in pts receiving pamidronate (P) 90 mg monthly or zoledronate (Z) 4 mg monthly. Results: from October 2003 to October 2006, 154 consecutive pts were treated; 95 females, 59 males; primary tumors: 66 breast, 28 prostate, 26 lung, 9 myeloma, 4 NHL, 21 other. In June 2005 the monitoring program started on all our pts. ONJ was diagnosed in 15/154 (9.7%) pts, 8 before and 7 after June 2005; all pts were treated with Z (total 2,987 courses, range 8–43; median courses/pt 19.4) and 4 pts pretreated also with P (total 124 courses, range 12–43, median courses/pt 31. Tumors: 7 breast, 1 kidney, 2 lung, 1 head-neck, 1 thyroid, 1 NHL, 1 prostate, 1 sarcoma. Concomitant therapies: 14 pts chemotherapy; 7 hormonotherapy; 2 head-neck radiotherapy; 5 steroids. Significant anamnesis: 9 recent dentoalveolar procedures, 4 diabetes. First symptoms: multiple recurrent alveolar abscesses 9, pain 3, dental mobility 1, paresthesia of the lower lip 1, exposed bone 1. Main treatments were: antibiotics and antifungals 11, curettages 3, surgical resections 4 (1 partial maxillectomy, complicated by septic shock and oronasal communication, 2 partial mandibulectomies, 1 segmental mandibular resection). These last 4 pts, that had the worst prognosis, were diagnosed before starting the monitoring program, and they had been treated with aggressive dental procedures at the exordium. 7 new ONJ cases, diagnosed after June 2005 were successfully treated without aggressive dentist interventions, achieving a good control. Conclusions: We remark that ONJ B related is a frequent adverse event (9.7%), especially with Z. A monitoring program based on non- surgical treatment and patients and physicians education may improve its management.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Thrombosis-related complications and mortality in cancer patients with central venous devices: an observational study on the effect of antithrombotic prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Recent guidelines do not recommend antithrombotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients with a central line.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study assessed the management of central lines in cancer patients, current attitude towards AP, catheter-related and systemic venous thromboses, and survival.

RESULTS

Of 1410 patients enrolled, 1390 were seen at least once in the 6-month median follow-up. Continuous AP, mainly low-dose warfarin, was given to 451 (32.4%); they were older, with a more frequent history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and more advanced cancer. There was no difference in catheter-related thrombosis in patients given AP or not (2.8% and 2.2%, odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 0.64-2.6). The median time to first catheter-related complication was 120 days. Systemic VTE including deep and superficial thromboses and pulmonary embolism, were less frequent with AP (4% versus 8.2%, P = 0.005). Mortality was also lower (25% versus 44%, P = 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis found only advanced cancer and no AP significantly associated with mortality. No major bleeding was recorded with AP.

CONCLUSIONS

Current AP schedules do not appear to prevent catheter-related thrombosis. Systemic VTE and mortality, however, appeared lower after prophylaxis.