2023 MASCC and ESMO guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

•Nausea and vomiting are considered amongst the most troublesome adverse events for patients receiving antineoplastics. •The guideline covers emetic risk classification, prevention and management of treatment-induced nausea and vomiting. •The Consensus Committee consisted of 34 multidisciplinary, health care professionals and three patient advocates. •Recommendations are based on evidence-based data (level of evidence) and the authors’ collective expert opinion (grade). •All recommendations are for the first course of antineoplastic therapy; modifications may be needed in subsequent courses.

The spatial structure of the tumor immune microenvironment can explain and predict patient response in high-grade serous carcinoma

Despite ovarian cancer being the deadliest gynecological malignancy, there has been little change to therapeutic options and mortality rates over the last three decades. Recent studies indicate that the composition of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) influences patient outcomes but are limited by a lack of spatial understanding. We performed multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI) on 83 human high-grade serous carcinoma tumors - one of the largest protein-based, spatially-intact, single-cell resolution tumor datasets assembled - and used statistical and machine learning approaches to connect features of the TIME spatial organization to patient outcomes. Along with traditional clinical/immunohistochemical attributes and indicators of TIME composition, we found that several features of TIME spatial organization had significant univariate correlations and/or high relative importance in high-dimensional predictive models. The top performing predictive model for patient progression-free survival (PFS) used a combination of TIME composition and spatial features. Results demonstrate the importance of spatial structure in understanding how the TIME contributes to treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the present study provides a generalizable roadmap for spatial analyses of the TIME in ovarian cancer research.

Use of transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound for targeted delivery of stem cell-derived exosomes to the brain

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a significant challenge for targeted drug delivery. A proposed method to improve drug delivery across the BBB is focused ultrasound (fUS), which delivers ultrasound waves to a targeted location in the brain and is hypothesized to open the BBB. Furthermore, stem cell-derived exosomes have been suggested as a possible anti-inflammatory molecule that may have neural benefits, if able to pass the BBB. In the present study, transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), without the use of intravenous microbubbles, was assessed for both (1) its ability to influence the BBB, as well as (2) its ability to increase the localization of intravenously administered small molecules to a specific region in the brain. In vivo rat studies were conducted with a rodent-customized 2 MHz LIFU probe (peak pressure = 1.5 MPa), and injection of labeled stem cell-derived exosomes. The results suggested that LIFU (without microbubbles) did not appear to open the BBB after exposure times of 20, 40, or 60 min; instead, there appeared to be an increase in transcytosis of the dextran tracer. Furthermore, the imaging results of the exosome study showed an increase in exosome localization in the right hippocampus following 60 min of targeted LIFU.

Off-label despite high-level evidence: a clinical practice review of commonly used off-patent cancer medicines

INTRODUCTION

Off-label use of medicines is generally discouraged. However, several off-patent, low-cost cancer medicines remain off-label for indications in which they are commonly used in daily practice, supported by high-level evidence based on results of phase III clinical trials. This discrepancy may generate prescription and reimbursement obstacles as well as impaired access to established therapies.

METHODS

A list of cancer medicines that remain off-label in specific indications despite the presence of high-level evidence was generated and subjected to European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) expert peer review to assess for accountability of reasonableness. These medicines were then surveyed on approval procedures and workflow impact. The most illustrative examples of these medicines were reviewed by experts from the European Medicines Agency to ascertain the apparent robustness of the supporting phase III trial evidence from a regulatory perspective.

RESULTS

A total of 47 ESMO experts reviewed 17 cancer medicines commonly used off-label in six disease groups. Overall, high levels of agreement were recorded on the off-label status and the high quality of data supporting the efficacy in the off-label indications, often achieving high ESMO-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) scores. When prescribing these medicines, 51% of the reviewers had to implement a time-consuming process associated with additional workload, in the presence of litigation risks and patient anxiety. Finally, the informal regulatory expert review identified only 2 out of 18 (11%) studies with significant limitations that would be difficult to overcome in the context of a potential marketing authorisation application without additional studies.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight the common use of off-patent essential cancer medicines in indications that remain off-label despite solid supporting data as well as generate evidence on the adverse impact on patient access and clinic workflows. In the current regulatory framework, incentives to promote the extension of indications of off-patent cancer medicines are needed for all stakeholders.

Cabozantinib sensitizes microsatellite stable colorectal cancer to immune checkpoint blockade by immune modulation in human immune system mouse models

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been found to be effective in metastatic MSI-high colorectal cancers (CRC), however, have no efficacy in microsatellite stable (MSS) cancers, which comprise the majority of mCRC cases. Cabozantinib is a small molecule multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is FDA approved in advanced renal cell, medullary thyroid, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Using Human Immune System (HIS) mice, we tested the ability of cabozantinib to prime MSS-CRC tumors to enhance the potency of immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab. In four independent experiments, we implanted distinct MSS-CRC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) into the flanks of humanized BALB/c-Rag2nullIl2rγnullSirpαNOD (BRGS) mice that had been engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells at birth. For each PDX, HIS-mice cohorts were treated with vehicle, nivolumab, cabozantinib, or the combination. In three out of the four models, the combination had a lower tumor growth rate compared to vehicle or nivolumab-treated groups. Furthermore, interrogation of the HIS in immune organs and tumors by flow cytometry revealed increased Granzyme B+, TNFα+ and IFNγ+ CD4+ T cells among the human tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) that correlated with reduced tumor growth in the combination-treated HIS-mice. Notably, slower growth correlated with increased expression of the CD4+ T cell ligand, HLA-DR, on the tumor cells themselves. Finally, the cabozantinib/nivolumab combination was tested in comparison to cobimetinib/atezolizumab. Although both combinations showed tumor growth inhibition, cabozantinib/nivolumab had enhanced cytotoxic IFNγ and TNFα+ T cells. This pre-clinical in vivo data warrants testing the combination in clinical trials for patients with MSS-CRC.

ESMO Expert Consensus Statements on Cancer Survivorship: promoting high-quality survivorship care and research in Europe

BACKGROUND

The increased number of cancer survivors and the recognition of physical and psychosocial challenges, present from cancer diagnosis through active treatment and beyond, led to the discipline of cancer survivorship.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Herein, we reflected on the different components of survivorship care, existing models and priorities, in order to facilitate the promotion of high-quality European survivorship care and research.

RESULTS

We identified five main components of survivorship care: (i) physical effects of cancer and chronic medical conditions; (ii) psychological effects of cancer; (iii) social, work and financial effects of cancer; (iv) surveillance for recurrences and second cancers; and (v) cancer prevention and overall health and well-being promotion. Survivorship care can be delivered by structured care models including but not limited to shared models integrating primary care and oncology services. The choice of the care model to be implemented has to be adapted to local realities. High-quality care should be expedited by the generation of: (i) focused and shared European recommendations, (ii) creation of tools to facilitate implementation of coordinated care and (iii) survivorship educational programs for health care teams and patients. The research agenda should be defined with the participation of health care providers, researchers, policy makers, patients and caregivers. The following patient-centered survivorship research areas were highlighted: (i) generation of a big data platform to collect long-term real-world data in survivors and healthy controls to (a) understand the resources, needs and preferences of patients with cancer, and (b) understand biological determinants of survivorship issues, and (ii) develop innovative effective interventions focused on the main components of survivorship care.

CONCLUSIONS

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) can actively contribute in the efforts of the oncology community toward (a) promoting the development of high-quality survivorship care programs, (b) providing educational material and (c) aiding groundbreaking research by reflecting on priorities and by supporting research networking.

A phase I/Ib trial and biological correlate analysis of neoadjuvant SBRT with single-dose durvalumab in HPV-unrelated locally advanced HNSCC

Five-year survival for human papilloma virus-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas remain below 50%. We assessed the safety of administering combination hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy with single-dose durvalumab (anti-PD-L1) neoadjuvantly (n = 21) ( NCT03635164 ). The primary endpoint of the study was safety, which was met. Secondary endpoints included radiographic, pathologic and objective response; locoregional control; progression-free survival; and overall survival. Among evaluable patients at an early median follow-up of 16 months (448 d or 64 weeks), overall survival was 80.1% with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (62.0%, 100.0%), locoregional control and progression-free survival were 75.8% with 95% CI (57.5%, 99.8%), and major pathological response or complete response was 75% with 95% exact CI (51.6%, 100.0%). For patients treated with 24 Gy, 89% with 95% CI (57.1%, 100.0%) had MPR or CR. Using high-dimensional multi-omics and spatial data as well as biological correlatives, we show that responders had: (1) an increase in effector T cells; (2) a decrease in immunosuppressive cells; and (3) an increase in antigen presentation post-treatment.

Abstract CT522: Feasibility and safety of a novel CD19 CAR T cell therapy in adults with R/R B-NHL

Genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have exhibited distinct effectiveness against chemotherapy refractory CD19 expressing B cell malignancies in both adults and children. This phase I clinical trial tests a novel anti-CD19 CAR T cell product in adults with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (B-NHL). The CAR construct is comprised of the short chain variable regions of the anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody FMC63, the TNFRSF19-derived transmembrane domain, the 4-1BB costimulatory domain, and the CD3-zeta signaling domain. CD19 CAR T cells were manufactured utilizing the CliniMACS Prodigy® T Cell Transduction Process (CD3/CD28 TransAct™ reagent) allowing for highly automated production, with IL-7 and IL-15 used for T cell expansion for 8-12 days. To date, 7 patients have been treated with an average dose of 1.2 ± 0.2 x 108 CAR T cells. The histology includes marginal zone lymphoma (n=1), follicular lymphoma Grade IIIA (n=1), transformed lymphoma (n=3), follicular lymphoma low grade (n=2), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n=1). One patient required a second apheresis due to poor cell expansion. Despite heterogeneity in disease subtype and leukapheresis product quality, CAR T production and expansion have been consistent with final transduction efficiencies between 14-45%, cell viability between 88-91%, and an overall average yield of 3.2 ± 0.3 x 109 cells before harvest, allowing for product banking. No safety-related out of specifications (OOS) events have occurred, however, 2 patients had OOS product infused due to low transduction efficiency (both at 14% rather than the ≥ 20% release criteria). Two patients experienced Grade 2 CRS, 1 patient experienced Grade 2 neurotoxicity; otherwise, no new safety signals were detected. Disease response was assessed on Days 90, 180, 270, and 360 post-infusion. The assessments were based on 2014 Lugano criteria. Even with 2 OOS products, Day 90 scans showed a complete metabolic remission (CMR) in 6 evaluable patients to date. Of the 6 patients with CMR, 1 patient progressed at Day 180 and the others remain in remission (median f/u = 12 months). Flow cytometry was utilized to measure CAR T cell peak expansion and persistence in 5 patients. Peak CAR T cell expansion (2.9-44.4% of CD3 cells) ranged from Day 5 to 15. Cell persistence was detected for the 5 patients through at least Day 180. ddPCR is currently in development to perform persistence testing in parallel. Additionally, cytokine concentrations including INFγ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα were evaluated over the first 30 days. Overall, 7 patients diagnosed with 5 different B-NHL subtypes have been treated with the CD19 CAR T cell product. Manufacturing was successful for all patients with no safety related OOS, and no new post-infusion safety signals detected. To date, 6 out of 7 patients are alive, 5 with CMR and with CD19 CAR T cell persistence through at least 180 days.

Citation Format: Manali Kamdar, Cheri Adams, Steven Bair, Boro Dropulic, Jonathon Gutman, Bradley Haverkos, Kimberly Jordan, Rebecca Mallo, Russell Marians, Felicia Mast, Lindsey Murphy, Andrew Roth, Matthew Seefeldt, Andrew Worden, Mike Kadan, Ying Xiong, Dina Schneider, Rimas Orentas, Terry Fry, Michael Verneris. Feasibility and safety of a novel CD19 CAR T cell therapy in adults with R/R B-NHL [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT522.

RARE-32. Phase 0 and feasibility single-institution clinical trial of intravenous tocilizumab for adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma

BACKGROUND: Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a devastating skull-base tumor believed to derive from epithelial remnants of the primordial craniopharyngeal duct (Rathke’s pouch), which gives rise to the anterior pituitary gland. ACP lacks medical antitumor therapies. Current standard therapy with surgery and radiation is associated with poor quality of life. Clinical and preclinical data indicate that IL-6 blockade may contribute to ACP tumor control. METHODS: Children aged 2–21 years with newly diagnosed or previously treated ACP with measurable disease are eligible for the Phase 0/feasibility single-institution clinical trial (NCT03970226) of intravenous (IV) tocilizumab at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The phase I stratum involves IV tocilizumab prior to a standard-of-care surgical resection. The feasibility portion of the trial involves IV tocilizumab every two weeks for up to 13 28-day cycles. Tocilizumab is administered at the established weight-based pediatric dosage of 8 mg/kg for patients who weigh ≥30kg or 12 mg/kg for patients who weigh <30kg. RESULTS: To date, three patients have been enrolled on the Phase 0 component of the trial. These patients demonstrated clinically relevant levels of tocilizumab (≥ 4µg/mL) in serum, cyst fluid, and/or tumor tissue, compared to undetectable levels in control samples. Two patients (1 male and 1 female; median age 10.5 years) have enrolled on the feasibility stratum; one patient had best response of minor response but met definition of progressive disease at cycle 11. One patient with extensive disease required dose reduction for myelosuppression. CONCLUSION: Systemic delivery of tocilizumab at the established pediatric dosage is promising for treatment of ACP based on preclinical work and its demonstrated penetration into cystic and solid portions of ACP tumors. The therapy to date has been well tolerated overall. Further study is planned through a CONNECT consortium international Phase II trial.

Analysis of Complement Gene Expression, Clinical Associations, and Biodistribution of Complement Proteins in the Synovium of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Reveals Unique Pathophysiologic Features

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovial hyperplasia and inflammation. The finding of autoantibodies in seropositive RA suggests that complement system activation might play a pathophysiologic role due to the local presence of immune complexes in the joints. Our first objective was to explore the Pathobiology of Early Arthritis Cohort (PEAC) mRNA sequencing data for correlations between clinical disease severity as measured by DAS28-ESR (disease activity score in 28 joints for erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and complement system gene expression, both in the synovium and in blood. Our second objective was to determine the biodistribution using multiplex immunohistochemical staining of specific complement activation proteins and inhibitors from subjects in the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) RA/SLE study. In the PEAC study, there were significant positive correlations between specific complement gene mRNA expression levels in the synovium and DAS28-ESR for the following complement genes: C2, FCN1, FCN3, CFB, CFP, C3AR1, C5AR1, and CR1 Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between DAS28-ESR and Colec12, C5, C6, MASP-1, CFH, and MCP In the synovium there were also significant positive correlations between DAS28-ESR and FcγR1A, FcγR1B, FcγR2A, and FcγR3A Notably, CFHR4 synovial expression was positively correlated following treatment with the DAS28-ESR at 6 mo, suggesting a role in worse therapeutic responses. The inverse correlation of C5 RNA expression in the synovium may underlie the failure of significant benefit from C5/C5aR inhibitors in clinical trials performed in patients with RA. Multiplex immunohistochemical analyses of early RA synovium reveal significant evidence of regional alterations of activation and inhibitory factors that likely promote local complement activation.

A Snap Shot of Complement Gene Expression and Presence of Complement Proteins in Synovial Biopsies from Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. Previous studies of mouse models of RA have strongly implicated the alternative and lectin pathways of the complement system in disease pathogenesis. Here we explored the Pathobiology of Early Arthritis Cohort (PEAC) tissue RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) database and identify correlations among complement gene expression, Fc receptor expression and clinical severity, measured as disease activity score 28 - erythrocyte sendimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), in both blood and synovium. We also evaluated the biodistribution of complement activation pathway proteins and inhibitors using Multispectral ImmunoHistoChemical (MIHC) staining. Ultrasound guided synovial biopsies (n = 23), obtained from Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) studies, were subjected to MIHC for various complement proteins. Our analyses revealed that in the synovium, but not in blood, significant positive correlations existed between complement gene expression and DAS28-ESR for C2, CFB, FCN1, C3AR1, C5AR1, and CR1. Surprisingly, levels of MASP1, Colec12, C5 and C6 RNA inversely correlated with baseline DAS28-ESR. After 6 months therapy, baseline CFHR4 positively correlated with delta DAS28-ESR. In the synovium, there were also significant positive correlations between DAS28-ESR and FcγR1A, FcγR1B, FcγR2A and FcγR3A. In early RA (ERA) synovium, a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher levels of cells expressed CFH compared with CFB and CFHR4. We also found regional imbalance between C3 and CFH in ERA synovial biopsies. ERA synovial biopsies implicate the complement system in early disease and reveal intriguing differences among factors in clinical relevance, outcome and localized tissue dysregulation.

Supported by R01AR51749-16

Alignment of practices for data harmonization across multi-center cell therapy trials: a report from the Consortium for Pediatric Cellular Immunotherapy

Immune effector cell (IEC) therapies have revolutionized our approach to relapsed B-cell malignancies, and interest in the investigational use of IECs is rapidly expanding into other diseases. Current challenges in the analysis of IEC therapies include small sample sizes, limited access to clinical trials and a paucity of predictive biomarkers of efficacy and toxicity associated with IEC therapies. Retrospective and prospective multi-center cell therapy trials can assist in overcoming these barriers through harmonization of clinical endpoints and correlative assays for immune monitoring, allowing additional cross-trial analysis to identify biomarkers of failure and success. The Consortium for Pediatric Cellular Immunotherapy (CPCI) offers a unique platform to address the aforementioned challenges by delivering cutting-edge cell and gene therapies for children through multi-center clinical trials. Here the authors discuss some of the important pre-analytic variables, such as biospecimen collection and initial processing procedures, that affect biomarker assays commonly used in IEC trials across participating CPCI sites. The authors review the recent literature and provide data to support recommendations for alignment and standardization of practices that can affect flow cytometry assays measuring immune effector function as well as interpretation of cytokine/chemokine data. The authors also identify critical gaps that often make parallel comparisons between trials difficult or impossible.

Clinical Response to Anti-CD47 Immunotherapy Is Associated with Rapid Reduction of Exhausted Bystander CD4+ BTLA+ T Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Mycosis Fungoides

Simple Summary

The identification of the events that accompany cancer progression is essential for developing new therapies. We have used mycosis fungoides, the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma, as a model for our study. We have shown that cancer progression is accompanied by the expansion of exhausted immune cells around malignant cells. Those exhausted cells prevent immune activation, blocking cancer clearance by the immune system. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that novel anti-CD47 immunotherapy with mycosis fungoides leads to the reduction of exhausted T cells accompanied by the expansion of NK and CD8⁺ T cells. These therapeutic benefits of CD47 blockade were further facilitated by interferon-α, which stimulates cytotoxic cells. Thus, we showed that CD47 might serve as an effective therapeutic target in treating mycosis fungoides.

Abstract

Cancer progression in mycosis fungoides, the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, occurs in a predictable, sequential pattern that starts from patches and that evolves to plaques and later to tumors. Therefore, unlocking the relationship between the microarchitecture of mycosis fungoides and the clinical counterparts of that microstructure represents important steps for the design of targeted therapies. Using multispectral fluorescent imaging, we show that the progression of mycosis fungoides from plaque to tumor parallels the cutaneous expansion of the malignant CD4⁺ T cells that express TOX. The density of exhausted BTLA⁺ CD4⁺ T cells around malignant CD4⁺TOX⁺ cells was higher in tumors than it was in plaques, suggesting that undesired safeguards are in place within the tumor microenvironment that prevent immune activation and subsequent cancer eradication. Overriding the CD47 checkpoint with an intralesional SIRPαFc fusion decoy receptor induced the resolution of mycosis fungoides in patients that paralleled an amplified expansion of NK and CD8⁺ T cells in addition to a reduction of the exhausted BTLA⁺ CD4⁺ T cells that were engaged in promiscuous intercellular interactions. These therapeutic benefits of the CD47 blockade were further unleashed by adjuvant interferon-α, which stimulates cytotoxic cells, underscoring the importance of an inflamed microenvironment in facilitating the response to immunotherapy. Collectively, these findings support CD47 as a therapeutic target in treating mycosis fungoides and demonstrate a synergistic role of interferon-α in exploiting these clinical benefits.

Comparison of risk factors for coronary event in people with unattributed and non-coronary chest pain: an electronic health record cohort study

Background

Patients presenting to primary care with chest pain are often not given a cause. Patients with such unattributed chest pain have an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to patients with diagnosed non-coronary chest pain. It is unknown whether risk factors for CVD determined in the general population are the same for the population with unattributed or non-coronary chest pain.

Purpose

To determine if key risk factors for a coronary event in patients with unattributed chest pain are similar to those for patients with non-coronary chest pain and previously identified in the general population.

Methods

The study used primary care information from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum linked to hospital inpatient and mortality data. Patients aged ≥18 years with an incident record of unattributed or non-coronary chest pain in 2002–2018 and no diagnosis of CVD were included. We included as potential risk factors those established for CVD in the general population and non-coronary explanations for chest pain. Flexible parametric models estimated hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals (CI)) between factors and incident coronary event (defined as myocardial infarction, angina, coronary heart disease, percutaneous intervention, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery).

Results

There were 375,240 patients with unattributed chest pain (53% female: mean age 49; 47% male: mean age 47) and 245,329 patients with non-coronary chest pain (58% female: mean age 47; 42% male: mean age 44). Median duration of follow-up was 5 years. In the unattributed chest pain group, there were 111 (95% CI: 109, 112) and 140 (138, 142) coronary events per 10,000 person-years in females and males, respectively. Lower rates of coronary event were observed in the non-coronary chest pain group (females: 73 (72, 75); males: 96 (94, 98)). Within females (Figure), in both chest pain groups the strongest risk factors were type I and type II diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension whereas no associations were observed for migraine and chronic kidney disease. Whilst alternative explanations for non-coronary chest pain also increased the risk of coronary events, associations were less strong than for established general population risk factors. Similar findings were found in males although family history of coronary event was a stronger risk factor in the non-coronary chest pain group compared to the unattributed chest pain group.

Conclusions

The pool of factors found to increase the risk of coronary events in patients presenting with recorded unattributed or non-coronary chest pain are similar but not identical to those identified for the general population. Further research is needed to develop prognostic models to identify patients at the most risk of a coronary event as models developed in the general population are unlikely to be applicable given the increased underlying risk of coronary events in these populations.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Study funded by the British Heart Foundation, reference PG/19/46/34307. KJ also supported by matched funding awarded to the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (West Midlands). Risk factors for coronary event

1263 Does Multimorbidity Influence the Likelihood of Receiving A Total Hip Replacement for Osteoarthritis?

Introduction

Limited data are available on the influence of multimorbidity on the outcomes of total hip replacement for patients with hip osteoarthritis. Thus, patients with multimorbidity and their clinicians across the UK are making decisions on whether or not to proceed with total hip replacement without clear information available on the potential risks and benefits. It is not known how such patients are currently managed. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of multimorbidity on the likelihood of receiving total hip replacement in patients with hip osteoarthritis in the UK.

Method

A cohort study was performed, with cohort comprised of all patients over 65 years with a diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis recorded in Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Severity of multimorbidity burden was measured using four different scores (Charlson Comorbidity Index, Electronic Frailty Index, count of drugs prescribed, count of primary care interactions). The outcome was total hip replacement, evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival and competing-risk analyses.

Results

28,025 patients were included. 10,948 patients underwent total hip replacement. Increased multimorbidity burden was associated with decreased likelihood of undergoing surgery, irrespective of the method of scoring multimorbidity. Electronic Frailty Index had the largest difference between categories. Adjusted hazard ratio (‘severe multimorbidity versus ‘fit’) was 0.34 (95% CI 0.22, 0.51).

Conclusions

Patients with hip osteoarthritis and concurrent multimorbidity were up to two thirds less likely to undergo total hip replacement. Whether this difference in healthcare management is appropriate depends on to what extent multimorbidity influences the outcomes of total hip replacement.

1279 Does Multimorbidity Influence the Outcomes of Total Hip Replacement for Osteoarthritis?

Introduction

Limited data are available on the influence of multimorbidity on the outcomes of total hip replacement for patients with hip osteoarthritis, including the rate of complications and degree of functional benefit. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of multimorbidity on the outcomes of total hip replacement in the UK.

Method

A cohort study was performed, with cohort comprised of all patients over 65 years with a diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis recorded in Clinical Practice Research Datalink and receipt of primary total hip replacement recorded in Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care. Severity of multimorbidity burden was measured using four different scores (Charlson Comorbidity Index, Electronic Frailty Index, count of drugs prescribed, count of primary care interactions). The outcomes were (i) the risks of total hip replacement, assessed by serious post-operative complications within 90 days (analysed with logistic regression), and (ii) the benefits of surgery, assessed by post-operative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and EQ-5D quality of life score (analysed with linear regression).

Results

6,682 patients were included. The rate of complications was 3.2%. Patients with severe multimorbidity burden were at 1.5 to 2.5 times increased risk of complications than patients without multimorbidity. There was no clinically meaningful difference in the benefits of surgery between patients with and without multimorbidity, irrespective of the method of scoring multimorbidity.

Conclusions

Even for patients with severe multimorbidity burden, the potential benefits of total hip replacement for osteoarthritis remain substantial, while the increase in risk is relatively small.

ANÁLISE DO PERFIL EPIDEMIOLOGICO TRANSFUSIONAL DE HEMOCOMPONENTES ANTES E DEPOIS DO INÍCIO DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19 EM UM HOSPITAL TERCIÁRIO DE GRANDE PORTE NA CIDADE DE SÃO PAULO

Introdução

A pandemia trouxe inúmeros desafios aos serviços de saúde e isso não foi diferente nos serviços de hemoterapia. O novo cenário exigiu constantes modificações nas rotinas de trabalho de acordo com o que se descobria a respeito da doença e seus impactos na transfusão de sangue. Novas estratégias de captação de doadores, manejo ainda mais criterioso dos estoques de hemocomponentes e adequação da infraestrutura às medidas sanitárias são alguns exemplos das adaptações que ocorreram. Concomitantemente ocorreu uma importante alteração do perfil de pacientes atendidos nos hospitais em geral com redução significativa de pacientes cirúrgicos e elevação do número de atendimentos clínicos, em especial em ambientes de terapia intensiva.

Objetivo

Avaliar o volume de transfusões por tipo de hemocomponente antes e depois do início do cenário de pandemia de COVID-19 em uma instituição privada da região sul da cidade de São Paulo.

Métodos

Foi realizado estudo descritivo e comparativo através de análise de dados obtidos no sistema informatizado de gerenciamento da agência transfusional. Foram incluídos os dados referentes às transfusões que ocorreram no período abril/2019 a março/2021 classificando-as de acordo com o tipo de hemocomponente diferenciando-se entre componentes eritrocitários, componentes plaquetários e componentes plasmáticos (plasma e crioprecipitado).

Resultados

Nos 12 meses que antecederam o início da pandemia foram realizadas 5.613 transfusões, sendo 2.553 concentrados de hemácias (45%), 1.407 concentrados de plaquetas (25%), 1.453 plasmas frescos congelados (26%) e 200 crioprecipitados (4%). Já no período de abril/2020 a março/2021, foram realizadas 6.091 transfusões, sendo 2.599 concentrados de hemácias (43%), 2.614 concentrados de plaquetas (43%), 598 plasmas frescos congelados (10%)  e 280 crioprecipitado (4%). Observou-se que no período houve um crescimento do número total de transfusões de 8% em relação ao período pré pandemia, além de uma alteração do perfil de consumo dos hemocomponentes, com expressivo crescimento absoluto e relativo do número de transfusões de componentes plaquetários (25% versus 43%).

Conclusões

A pandemia alterou significativamente o perfil de paciente atendido nos hospitais de todo o mundo e isso não foi diferente no hospital estudado. Os pacientes com quadros graves de COVID-19 apresentavam frequentemente quadros de insuficiência respiratória hipoxêmica com necessidade de circulação extracorpórea com membrana de oxigenação (ECMO) além distúrbios de coagulação o que resultou no aumento do consumo de concentrados de plaquetas.

The pivotal role of cytotoxic NK cells in mediating the therapeutic effect of anti-CD47 therapy in mycosis fungoides

CD47 is frequently overexpressed on tumor cells and is an attractive therapeutic target. The mechanism by which anti-CD47 immunotherapy eliminates cutaneous lymphoma has not been explored. We utilized CRISPR/Cas-9 CD47 knock-out, depletion of NK cells, and mice genetically deficient in IFN-γ to elucidate the mechanism of anti-CD47 therapy in a murine model of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). CD47 was found to be a crucial factor for tumor progression since CD47 KO CTCL exhibited a delay in tumor growth. The treatment of CD47 WT murine CTCL with anti-CD47 antibodies led to a significant reduction in tumor burden as early as four days after the first treatment and accompanied by an increased percentage of cytotoxic NK cells at the tumor site. The depletion of NK cells resulted in marked attenuation of the anti-tumor effect of anti-CD47. Notably, the treatment of CD47 WT tumors in IFN-γ KO mice with anti-CD47 antibodies was efficient, demonstrating that IFN-γ was not required to mediate anti-CD47 therapy. We were able to potentiate the therapeutic effect of anti-CD47 therapy by IFN-α. That combination resulted in an increased number of cytotoxic CD107a + IFN-γ-NK1.1 cells and intermediate CD62L + NKG2a-NK1.1. Correlative data from a clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02890368) in patients with CTCL utilizing SIRPαFc to block CD47 confirmed our in vivo observations.

POS0293 TRheuMa REGISTRY PROVIDES FIRST EVIDENCE OF DIFFERENT COURSE OF RHEUMATIC IMMUNE-RELATED ADVERSE EVENTS AND TUMOUR RESPONSE RATES DEPENDING ON THE TUMOUR ENTITY

Background:

Rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAE) are associated with a better tumour response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In contrast to other irAEs, their potentially chronic course may require long-term immunosuppressive treatment.

Objectives:

Our registry-based study analyses real-world data on the characteristics and outcome of rheumatic irAEs and underlying malignancy. Herein, we present first evidence that these parameters and the optimal clinical management may differ depending on the tumour entity.

Methods:

The TRheuMa registry is a prospective long-term observational study of a patient cohort suffering from rheumatic side effects of cancer therapies with focus on ICI. It is part of the MalheuR project initiated in July 2018 at the University Hospital Heidelberg to explore interrelations of malignancies and RMDs.

Results:

64 patients were recruited due to a rheumatic irAE under ICI treatment (nivolumab n=30, pembrolizumab n=33, ipilimumab n=12, PD-L1i n=5, ipi/nivo n=10) with a follow-up of up to 30 months. Of these, 47% had NSCLC and 41% melanoma. In local cohorts of patients receiving ICI, 4% of NSCLC (n total=888) and 13% of melanoma (n total=195) developed a rheumatic irAE. 7% of NSCLC and 23% of melanoma patients experienced a flare of a pre-existing RMD. De novo irAE mostly resembled phenotypes of spondyloarthritis both in NSCLC (43%) as well as in melanoma patients (33%). CRP levels were increased in 83% of NSCLC and 71% of melanoma patients. Almost all irAE patients showed autoantibody negativity and signs of inflammation in ultrasound examination (96%). Comparison of best responses to treatment in patients with and without rheumatic irAE in melanoma and without any irAE in NSCLC patients were as following: Complete remission (CR) in 48% vs. 4% of melanoma patients and partial remission (PR) in 68% vs. 41% of NSCLC patients. In accordance with our severity-based treatment algorithm, 25% of the melanoma patients in CR and 16% of the NSCLC patients in PR needed add-on DMARDs for sufficient irAE-treatment. ICI-treatment was discontinued in 7 cases (17% NSCLC, 8% melanoma)

Conclusion:

Prospective real-world data from the TRheuMa-registry provide first evidence that rheumatic irAE have distinct characteristics depending on the underlying malignancy. Oncological outcome was better with rheumatic irAE than in their absence and this effect was more pronounced in melanoma patients despite a larger use of immunosuppressants for irAE-treatment.

Disclosure of Interests:

Leonore Diekmann: None declared, Lea Daniello: None declared, Julia Kunz: None declared, Jan Leipe Consultant of: Pfizer; Novartis; Honoraria (self), Abbvie; Astra Zeneca; BMS; Celgene; Hospira; Janssen-Cilag; Gilead; LEO Pharma; Lilly; MSD; Roche; Sanofi; UCB., Grant/research support from: Research grant/Funding (self): Pfizer; Novartis; Honoraria (self), Hanns-Martin Lorenz Consultant of: Abbvie; BMS; MSD; Pfizer; Celgene; Roche; Chugai; Medac; GSK; Honoraria (self), Novartis; UCB; Janssen-Cilag; Astra Zeneca; Lilly, Grant/research support from: Research grant/Funding (institution): Abbvie; BMS; MSD; Pfizer; Celgene; Roche; Chugai; Medac; GSK; Honoraria (self), Research grant/Funding (institution), Novartis; UCB; Janssen-Cilag; Astra Zeneca; Lilly; Research grant/Funding (institution): Baxter; SOBI; Biogen; Actelion; Mundipharma; Bayer Vital; Octapharm; Sanofi; Hexal; Thermo Fischer; Shire., Jessica Hassel Consultant of: MDS; Honoraria (self): Roche; Novartis; Pierre Fabre., Grant/research support from: BMS; Honoraria (self), Karin Jordan Consultant of: Advisory/Consultancy: Amgen; Merck; MSD; Riemser; Helsinn; Tesaro; Kreussler; Voluntis; Pfizer; Pomme-med; Hexal., Petros Christopoulos Consultant of: advisory board/lecture fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Takeda., Grant/research support from: research funding from AstraZeneca, Novartis, Roche, Takeda, Karolina Benesova Grant/research support from: Foundations and Awards” commission of the University of Heidelberg: University of Heidelberg; AbbVie; Novartis; Rheumaliga Baden-Württemberg e.V

Response to radiotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is enhanced by inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cells using STAT3 anti-sense oligonucleotide

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) comprised of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, regulatory T cells, and myofibroblasts. The precise mechanisms that regulate the composition of the TME and how they contribute to radiotherapy (RT) response remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyze changes in immune cell populations and circulating chemokines in patient samples and animal models of pancreatic cancer to characterize the immune response to radiotherapy. Further, we identify STAT3 as a key mediator of immunosuppression post-RT. We found granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) and neutrophils to be increased in response to RT in murine and human PDAC samples. We also found that RT-induced STAT3 phosphorylation correlated with increased MDSC infiltration and proliferation. Targeting STAT3 using an anti-sense oligonucleotide in combination with RT circumvented RT-induced MDSC infiltration, enhanced the proportion of effector T cells, and improved response to RT. In addition, STAT3 inhibition contributed to the remodeling of the PDAC extracellular matrix when combined with RT, resulting in decreased collagen deposition and fibrotic tissue formation. Collectively, our data provide evidence that targeting STAT3 in combination with RT can mitigate the pro-tumorigenic effects of RT and improve tumor response.

RARE-10. ADAMANTINOMATOUS CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA RESIDES OUTSIDE THE BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER

BACKGROUND

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a devastating skull-base tumor believed to derive from epithelial remnants of the primordial craniopharyngeal duct (Rathke’s pouch), which gives rise to the anterior pituitary gland. Genetically engineered mouse models of ACP demonstrate that perturbation of the fetal anterior pituitary can generate tumors analogous to ACP. Clinical and preclinical data indicate that IL-6 blockade may contribute to ACP tumor control, with the most common agent being the humanized monoclonal antibody, tocilizumab. This agent demonstrated poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration in primates. We present findings from two children enrolled on a phase 0 clinical trial (NCT03970226) of a single dose of preoperative intravenous tocilizumab prior to resection of newly diagnosed ACP.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained at multiple timepoints. Serum was isolated via ficoll separation. Tumor tissue and cyst fluid were obtained 4–6 hours following the single IV dose of tocilizumab. Tissue was snap-frozen. Tumor was homogenized in RIPA buffer. Free tocilizumab in serum, cyst fluid, and tumor tissue was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against a standard curve.

RESULTS

Both patients in this trial demonstrated clinically relevant levels of tocilizumab (≥ 4µg/mL) in serum, cyst fluid, and tumor tissue, compared to undetectable levels in control samples.

CONCLUSION

ACP resides outside BBB protection. In addition to demonstrating the feasibility of systemic delivery of tocilizumab, these findings indicate that other large molecules, including those known to have poor BBB penetration, may be systemically delivered as part of an antitumor regimen in the treatment of ACP.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and impact on in-hospital cardio-obstetric outcomes

Introduction

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a major cause of maternal morbidity. However, short-term outcomes of HDP subgroups remain unknown.

Methods

Using the United States National Inpatient Sample database, all delivery hospitalizations between 2004 and 2014 with or without HDP (preeclampsia/eclampsia, chronic hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension) were analysed to examine the association between HDP and adverse in-hospital outcomes.

Results

We identified &gt;44 million delivery hospitalizations, within which the prevalence of HDP increased from 8% to 11% over a decade with increasing comorbidity burden. Women with chronic hypertension have higher risks of myocardial infarction, peripartum cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia and stillbirth compared to women with preeclampsia. Out of all HDP subgroups, the superimposed preeclampsia population had the highest risk of stroke (OR 7.83, 95% CI 6.25, 9.80), myocardial infarction (OR 5.20, 95% CI 3.11, 8.69), peripartum cardiomyopathy (OR 4.37, 95% CI 3.64, 5.26), preterm birth (OR 4.65, 95% CI 4.48, 4.83), placental abruption (OR 2.22, 95% CI 2.09, 2.36), and stillbirth (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.66, 1.92) compared to women without HDP. In conclusion, we are the first to evaluate chronic SH without superimposed preeclampsia as a distinct subgroup in HDP and show that women with chronic SH are at even higher risk of some adverse outcomes compared to women with preeclampsia.

Conclusion

The chronic hypertension population, with and without superimposed preeclampsia, is a particularly high risk group and may benefit from increased antenatal surveillance and the use of a prognostic risk assessment model incorporating HDP to stratify intrapartum care.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NIHR

Side-effect management of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells directed against the B-cell marker CD19 are currently changing the landscape for treatment of patients with refractory and/or relapsed B-cell malignancies. Due to the nature of CAR T cells as living drugs, they display a unique toxicity profile. As CAR T-cell therapy is extending towards other diseases and being more broadly employed in hematology and oncology, optimal management strategies of side-effects associated with CAR T-cell therapy are of high relevance. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and cytopenias constitute challenges in the treatment of patients with CAR T cells. This review summarizes the current understanding of CAR T-cell toxicity and its management.

Digital health for optimal supportive care in oncology: benefits, limits, and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Digital health provides solutions that capture patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and allows symptom monitoring and patient management. Digital therapeutics is the provision to patients of evidence-based therapeutic interventions through software applications aimed at prevention, monitoring, management, and treatment of symptoms and diseases or for treatment optimization. The digital health solutions collecting PROs address many unmet needs, including access to care and reassurance, increase in adherence and treatment efficacy, and decrease in hospitalizations. With current developments in oncology including increased availability of oral drugs and reduced availability of healthcare professionals, these solutions offer an innovative approach to optimize healthcare resource utilization.

DESIGN

This scoping review clarifies the role and impact of the digital health solutions in oncology supportive care, with a view of the current segmentation according to their technical features (connection to sensors, PRO collection, remote monitoring, self-management in real time…), and identifies evidence from clinical studies published about their benefits and limitations and drivers and barriers to adoption. A qualitative summary is presented.

RESULTS

Sixty-six studies were identified and included in the qualitative synthesis. Studies supported the use of 38 digital health solutions collecting ePROs and allowing remote monitoring, with benefits to patients regarding symptom reporting and management, reduction in symptom distress, decrease in unplanned hospitalizations and related costs and improved quality of life and survival. Among those 38 solutions 21 provided patient self-management with impactful symptom support, improvement of QoL, usefulness and reassurance. Principal challenges are in developing and implementing digital solutions to suit most patients, while ensuring patient compliance and adaptability for use in different healthcare systems and living environments.

CONCLUSIONS

There is growing evidence that digital health collecting ePROs provide benefits to patients related to clinical and health economic endpoints. These digital solutions can be integrated into routine supportive care in oncology practice to provide improved patient-centered care.

Managing cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: an ESMO multidisciplinary expert consensus

We established an international consortium to review and discuss relevant clinical evidence in order to develop expert consensus statements related to cancer management during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The steering committee prepared 10 working packages addressing significant clinical questions from diagnosis to surgery. During a virtual consensus meeting of 62 global experts and one patient advocate, led by the European Society for Medical Oncology, statements were discussed, amended and voted upon. When consensus could not be reached, the panel revised statements until a consensus was reached. Overall, the expert panel agreed on 28 consensus statements that can be used to overcome many of the clinical and technical areas of uncertainty ranging from diagnosis to therapeutic planning and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAT0578 RHEUMAL REGISTRY PROVIDES FIRST INSIGHTS INTO MUTUAL INTERDEPENDENCIES BETWEEN RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES AND MALIGNANCIES

Background:

Knowledge about interdependencies between rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and malignancies is limited on the clinical and molecular level. Particularly, valid prospective data on the timely association of malignancies in patients with RMDs and treatment of the latter are sparse.

Objectives:

Due to the heterogeneous patient population, a registry-based study has been conducted in order to provide insights into mutual interdependencies and novel evidence for suitable clinical management of patients with concomitant RMD and malignancies.

Methods:

The RheuMal registry is a long-term, open-end observational study designed to address the specific situation of patients suffering from concomitant RMD and concomitant malignancy and/or premalignant conditions. The RheuMal registry is one of the three subregistries of the MalheuR project, a registry-based study initiated in July 2018 at the at the university hospital Heidelberg, Germany.

Results:

Data from the RheuMal registry (n=404) show an earlier onset of gender-specific cancers and malignant melanoma in RMD patients compared to data from the German Cancer Registry Data of the Robert-Koch-Institute: compared to the reference population, in RMD patients breast cancer (n=32) occurred 5.3 years and prostate cancer (n=16) 3.3 years earlier. Onset of malignant melanoma was 2.4 years earlier in females (n=9) and 1.1 years in males (n=7) with concomitant RMD. The mean latency between the initial diagnosis of the RMD and the later occurring malignant condition was 10.2 years. The diagnosis of the malignancy frequently led to a change or interruption of disease-modifying antirheumatic therapy in RMDs.

Conclusion:

The RheuMal registry offers first insights into interdependencies between RMDs and malignancies based on demographic data, disease characteristics, clinical management and outcome as well as correlation of specific diagnoses and therapies. The earlier onset of gender-specific cancers and malignant melanoma suggests differences in the epidemiology and course of the malignant disease in RMD patients compared to a healthy reference population, suggesting interdependency between the two disease entities. Future research will focus on further understanding of this interdependency und the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Disclosure of Interests:

Karolina Benesova Grant/research support from: Study grants for SCREENED study by Abbvie, Novartis and Rheumaliga Baden-Württemberg, Consultant of: One-time participation in Novartis advisory board., Leonore Diekmann: None declared, Maria Czaja: None declared, Karin Jordan Consultant of: Consultancy and/or speaker fees: MSD, Merck, Amgen, Hexal, Riemser, Helsinn, Tesaro, Kreussler, Voluntis, Pfizer, Pomme-med., Jan Leipe Grant/research support from: Consultancy and speaker fees: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Hospira, Janssen-Cilag, LEO Pharma, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB. Scientific support: Novartis, Pfizer., Consultant of: Consultancy and speaker fees: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Hospira, Janssen-Cilag, LEO Pharma, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB. Scientific support: Novartis, Pfizer., Speakers bureau: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Hospira, Janssen-Cilag, LEO Pharma, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Hanns-Martin Lorenz Grant/research support from: Consultancy and/or speaker fees and/or travel reimbursements: Abbvie, MSD, BMS, Pfizer, Celgene, Medac, GSK, Roche, Chugai, Novartis, UCB, Janssen-Cilag, Astra-Zeneca, Lilly. Scientific support and/or educational seminars and/or clinical studies: Abbvie, MSD, BMS, Pfizer, Celgene, Medac, GSK, Roche, Chugai, Novartis, UCB, Janssen-Cilag, Astra-Zeneca, Lilly, Baxter, SOBI, Biogen, Actelion, Bayer Vital, Shire, Octapharm, Sanofi, Hexal, Mundipharm, Thermo Fisher., Consultant of: see above

33% hydrogen peroxide as a Neoadjuvant treatment in the surgical excision of non-melanoma skin cancers: a case series

Background

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a product of respiration in mitochondria and an important oxidizing agent in biological systems. Previous investigations have shown the efficacy of H₂O₂ in treating skin conditions such as seborrheic keratosis and actinic keratosis. In an area like the face, reconstruction of excision defects and ultimately aesthetic outcomes are of utmost importance. Hydrogen peroxide may represent a simple yet effective method at shrinking non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) of the head and neck before they are excised.

Methods

Eleven consecutive patients presenting to our cutaneous malignancy clinic had their skin lesions evaluated by the senior author for participation in the study. Lesion length and width was measured. Hydrogen peroxide formulated at a concentration of 33% was rubbed into the lesion until blanching was observed. Lesions were re-measured at follow up. Excisional biopsy was then performed and histopathological diagnosis was obtained. Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-treatment lesion dimensions.

Results

Seventeen biopsy-proven NMSC lesions were included in this investigation. Statistically significant reductions in the length (p < 0.001) and width (p < 0.001) were observed with H₂O₂ treatment. For some lesions, H₂O₂ was the sole treatment required, with post-treatment biopsy demonstrating no evidence of malignancy. Patients endured minimal discomfort during treatment and no long-term side effects were observed. Follow up at 6 months revealed no recurrences.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated a significant reduction in the size of multiple lesions after application of 33% hydrogen peroxide, simplifying definitive excision and reconstruction. Hydrogen peroxide demonstrated an ability to successfully treat non-melanoma skin cancers as well.

FRI0511 THE DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SECULAR TRENDS OF LOWER BACK PAIN PROCEDURES IN ROUTINE UK NHS CARE FROM 2000 TO 2016

Background:

The lifetime prevalence of lower back pain is between 60% and 70%, with surgical treatments spared for those not responding to other options.

Objectives:

To investigate the age, gender and socio-economic status differences in back pain procedures in the UK between 2000, 2008 and 2016.

Methods:

Data was obtained from primary care electronic medical records (CPRD GOLD) linked to English hospital admissions data. Lower back procedures in patients aged 35+ were identified using OPCS-4 codes for Decompression (Dc), Fusion (F), Therapeutic injections (TI) and Denervation (Dn). Standardised incidence rates (IR) of each type of lower back procedures were calculated per 10,000 CPRD registered person years for each age group, gender, region and SES strata in 2000, 2008 and 2016. IR were also calculated for combinations of age and gender. Negative binomial regression calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

The IR of lower back procedures was 21.5 [20.7, 22.3] per 10,000 person years in 2000. This doubled by 2008 (45.5 [44.5, 46.5]) and trebled by 2016 (62.5 [60.8, 64.2]). Number of events and incidence rates of each procedure type are shown in table 1 below. The incidence of Dn has increased 6-fold whilst Dc and F have doubled. Female (IR in 2016 of 73.99 [71.43, 76.61] vs 50.08 [47.90, 52.33] in men, IRR 1.50 [1.41, 1.59]) and age are associated with back procedure rates (figure 1). Large socio-economic differences were observed, with higher procedure rates seen in the most deprived areas. These differences did however narrow over time during the study period (figure 2).

Table 1.

Event numbers and incidence rates of different types of lower back procedure.

FusionDecompressionTherapeutic InjectionDenervationEventsIR (95% CI)EventsIR (95% CI)EventsIR (95% CI)EventsIR (95% CI)20001090.86 (0.71, 1.04)4663.69 (3.36, 4.04)203516.11 (15.42, 16.82)910.72 (0.58, 0.88)20083331.77 (1.58, 1.97)11976.35 (6.00, 6.72)628333.35 (32.53, 34.18)5963.16 (2.91, 3.43)20161591.93 (1.65, 2.26)5256.39 (5.85, 6.96)386547.03 (45.56, 48.54)4875.93 (5.41, 6.48)Figure 1.

Age and Gender stratified incidence rate ratios of all back procedures in 2000, 2008 and 2016

Figure 2.

Deprivation status incidence rate ratios by year

Conclusion:

The incidence of lower back procedures has more than trebled since 2000. Women are more likely to have lower back procedures than men, with patients aged 65-74 the most likely to have a procedure. Procedures in those aged 75+ have become more common over time, potentially increasing the risk of post-operative complications. Socio-economic differences in the incidence of low back procedures are probably related to the known higher prevalence of back pain in deprived areas. Whether the observed narrowing in socio-economic variation over time is explained by a reduced need or by lowered provision needs further research.

Disclosure of Interests:

Danielle E Robinson: None declared, Jennifer Lane: None declared, Richard Craig: None declared, Andrew Judge: None declared, James Bailey: None declared, Dahai Yu: None declared, Kelvin Jordan: None declared, George Peat: None declared, Ross Wilkie: None declared, Alan Silman: None declared, Victoria Y Strauss: None declared, Daniel Prieto-Alhambra Grant/research support from: Professor Prieto-Alhambra has received research Grants from AMGEN, UCB Biopharma and Les Laboratoires Servier, Consultant of: DPA’s department has received fees for consultancy services from UCB Biopharma, Speakers bureau: DPA’s department has received fees for speaker and advisory board membership services from Amgen

OP0270 TRHEUMA REGISTRY EXPLORES CHARACTERISTICS AND SUITABLE DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATIC IMMUNE-RELATED ADVERSE EVENTS (IRAES)

Background:

Reports of rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) have recently attracted new attention to the complex interrelations of malignancies andrheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Since those two entities represent two sides of a dysregulated immune response, further research on rheumatic irAEs and mechanisms underlying the better tumor response rates in irAE-affected patients may contribute to a better understanding of the different pathophysiology characterizing tumor and rheumatic disease.

Objectives:

Given the heterogeneity of the patient population with rheumatic irAEs, a registry-based study has been conducted to provide first evidence regarding characteristics of rheumatic irAEs and further insights into the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management of rheumatic irAEs.

Methods:

The TRheuMa registry is a long-term, open-end observational study of a patient cohort suffering from rheumatic symptoms as a result of ICPi or other cancer therapies. The TRheuMa registry is one of the three subregistries of the MalheuR project, a registry-based study initiated in July 2018 at the at the university hospital Heidelberg to explore interrelations of malignancies and RMDs.

Results:

Over 18 months, 52 of 63 patients in the TRheuMa registry were recruited with a rheumatic irAE under ICPi treatment (pembrolizumab n=21, nivolumab n=28, ipilimumab n=11, durvalumab n=1, atezolizumab n=2, avelumab n=1, history of >1 ICPi n=11). Of the 52 patients, 22 (42.3%) had non-small cell lung cancer and 23 (44.2%) had a melanoma. Eight (15.3%) patients experienced a flare of a preexisting RMD under ICPi treatment. The remaining 44 patients withde novoirAEs were characterized by rheumatoid arthritis-like (20.5%) or polymyalgia rheumatica-like (18.1%) and psoriatic or other spondyloarthritis-like phenotypes (50.0%). However, laboratory findings differed from classical RMDs with elevated CRP-levels in 73.1% particularly in psoriatic arthritis-like, but not necessarily in polymyalgia rheumatica-like irAEs. On the contrary, autoantibody positivity was very rare. The majority of patients (78.8%) showed signs of inflammation upon ultrasound examination.

Based on the severity of signs and symptoms as well as treatment response, we developed a therapeutic algorithm for rheumatic irAEs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or low dosed glucocorticoids (≤10mg prednisone equivalent) as first treatment step were sufficient for 75% patients, whereas 17.3% required higher dosed glucocorticoids and 11.5% patients required further treatment with a cs- or bDMARD. In two cases ICPi-treatment was discontinued on patients’ request due to the pain and functional impairment caused by the rheumatic irAE, although a satisfactory symptom control was reached in the further course.

Complete remission of cancer was observed in 43.5% of melanoma patients, 66.7% experienced additional severe irAEs in other organ systems.

Conclusion:

Overall, data from the TRheuMa-registry show that rheumatic irAEs mostly resemble classical RMDs, however show distinct characteristics. Our diagnostic and therapeutic management of rheumatic irAEs demonstrated efficacy in the majority of patients. These findings contribute to the further understanding of rheumatic irAEs and malignancies. Future research agenda includes a correlation of irAE severity with tumor response.

Disclosure of Interests:

Karolina Benesova Grant/research support from: Study grants for SCREENED study by Abbvie, Novartis and Rheumaliga Baden-Württemberg, Consultant of: One-time participation in Novartis advisory board., Leonore Diekmann: None declared, Hanns-Martin Lorenz Grant/research support from: Consultancy and/or speaker fees and/or travel reimbursements: Abbvie, MSD, BMS, Pfizer, Celgene, Medac, GSK, Roche, Chugai, Novartis, UCB, Janssen-Cilag, Astra-Zeneca, Lilly. Scientific support and/or educational seminars and/or clinical studies: Abbvie, MSD, BMS, Pfizer, Celgene, Medac, GSK, Roche, Chugai, Novartis, UCB, Janssen-Cilag, Astra-Zeneca, Lilly, Baxter, SOBI, Biogen, Actelion, Bayer Vital, Shire, Octapharm, Sanofi, Hexal, Mundipharm, Thermo Fisher., Consultant of: see above, Karin Jordan Consultant of: Consultancy and/or speaker fees: MSD, Merck, Amgen, Hexal, Riemser, Helsinn, Tesaro, Kreussler, Voluntis, Pfizer, Pomme-med., Jan Leipe Grant/research support from: Consultancy and speaker fees: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Hospira, Janssen-Cilag, LEO Pharma, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB. Scientific support: Novartis, Pfizer., Consultant of: Consultancy and speaker fees: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Hospira, Janssen-Cilag, LEO Pharma, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB. Scientific support: Novartis, Pfizer., Speakers bureau: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Hospira, Janssen-Cilag, LEO Pharma, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB

0658 The Effect of Text Message Reminders on Positive Airway Pressure Adherence in Veterans With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

Adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy continues to be a challenge. The main objective of this study was to determine whether mobile text-message reminders increased PAP adherence in veterans with obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 25 patients with poor adherence to PAP therapy who used the Veterans Affairs ANNIE app to receive nightly mobile text message reminders. PAP adherence was measured at baseline, 1,and 3 months. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the effect of time on PAP adherence, specifically the percentage of overall days used and percentage use &gt;4 hours. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA without replication was used to determine the effects of AHI severity and time on PAP adherence.

Results

Our sample demographics included a mean age of 59 ±12 years, mean BMI of 33.5% ±5.4, and mean AHI of 26.3 ±25.4. The mean PAP overall percentage use and mean use &gt;4 hours respectively were 32% ± 27 and 18% ± 19 at baseline, 66% ± 27 and 45% ± 30 at 1 month, and 54% ±32 and 37% ± 30 at 3 months. After three months of receiving nightly text-message reminders, there was a statistically significant effect of time on percentage overall PAP use, F (2, 48)=21.54, p=2.10E-07, as well as in the percentage PAP use &gt;4 hours, F (2, 48)=22.05, p=1.61E-07. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA without replication yielded a main effect of the interaction of time with PAP adherence, F (2, 48)=22, p=&lt;0.0001. AHI severity was not a significant factor.

Conclusion

Nightly text message reminders significantly improved PAP adherence from baseline to 3 months. Though PAP adherence was not optimal, it doubled initially in our sample. Further studies are warranted to determine how text-messages can be used long term to improve adherence.

Support

Nil

Management of cardiac disease in cancer patients throughout oncological treatment: ESMO consensus recommendations

Cancer and cardiovascular (CV) disease are the most prevalent diseases in the developed world. Evidence increasingly shows that these conditions are interlinked through common risk factors, coincident in an ageing population, and are connected biologically through some deleterious effects of anticancer treatment on CV health. Anticancer therapies can cause a wide spectrum of short- and long-term cardiotoxic effects. An explosion of novel cancer therapies has revolutionised this field and dramatically altered cancer prognosis. Nevertheless, these new therapies have introduced unexpected CV complications beyond heart failure. Common CV toxicities related to cancer therapy are defined, along with suggested strategies for prevention, detection and treatment. This ESMO consensus article proposes to define CV toxicities related to cancer or its therapies and provide guidance regarding prevention, screening, monitoring and treatment of CV toxicity. The majority of anticancer therapies are associated with some CV toxicity, ranging from asymptomatic and transient to more clinically significant and long-lasting cardiac events. It is critical however, that concerns about potential CV damage resulting from anticancer therapies should be weighed against the potential benefits of cancer therapy, including benefits in overall survival. CV disease in patients with cancer is complex and treatment needs to be individualised. The scope of cardio-oncology is wide and includes prevention, detection, monitoring and treatment of CV toxicity related to cancer therapy, and also ensuring the safe development of future novel cancer treatments that minimise the impact on CV health. It is anticipated that the management strategies discussed herein will be suitable for the majority of patients. Nonetheless, the clinical judgment of physicians remains extremely important; hence, when using these best clinical practices to inform treatment options and decisions, practitioners should also consider the individual circumstances of their patients on a case-by-case basis.