Early prediction of endocrine responsiveness in ER+/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC): Pilot study with 18F-Fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) CT/PET

BACKGROUND

18F-FES PET/CT is considered an accurate diagnostic tool to determine whole-body endocrine responsiveness. In the ET-FES trial, we evaluated 18F-FES PET/CT as a predictive tool in ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

METHODS

Eligible patients underwent a 18F-FES PET/CT at baseline. Patients with SUV≥2 received single agent ET until PD; patients with SUV<2 were randomized to single agent ET (Arm A) or chemotherapy (CT) (Arm B). Primary objective was to compare the activity of first line ET versus CT in patients with 18F-FES SUV <2.

RESULTS

Overall, 147 patients were enrolled; 117 presented with 18F-FES SUV≥2 and received ET; 30 pts with SUV<2 were randomized to ET or CT. After a median follow up of 62.4 months, 104 patients (73.2%) had disease progression and 53 died (37.3%). Median PFS was 12.4 months (95%CI 3.1-59.6) in patients with SUV <2 randomised to Arm A versus 23.0 months (95%CI 7.7-30.0) in Arm B, (HR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.3 - 1.7); median PFS was 18.0 months (95%CI 11.2-23.1) in patients with SUV≥2 treated with ET. Median OS was 28.2 months (95%CI 14.2-NE) in patients with SUV <2 randomized to ET (Arm A) versus 52.8 months (95%CI 16.2-NE) in Arm B (CT). Median OS was not reached in patients with SUV≥2. 60-month OS rate was 41.6% (95%CI 10.4-71.1%) in Arm A, 42.0% (95%CI 14.0-68.2%) in Arm B and 59.6% (95%CI 48.6-69.0%) in patients with SUV≥2. In patients with SUV≥2, 60-months OS rate was 72.6% if treated with aromatase inhibitors versus 40.6% in case of fulvestrant or tamoxifen (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The ET-FES trial demonstrated that ER+/HER2- MBC patients are a heterogeneous population, with different levels of endocrine responsiveness based on 18F-FES CT/PET SUV.

Consensus conference statement on fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) ESSO course on fluorescence-guided surgery

BACKGROUND

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has emerged as an innovative technique with promising applications in various surgical specialties. However, clinical implementation is hampered by limited availability of evidence-based reference work supporting the translation towards standard-of-care use in surgical practice. Therefore, we developed a consensus statement on current applications of FGS.

METHODS

During an international FGS course, participants anonymously voted on 36 statements. Consensus was defined as agreement ≥70% with participation grade of ≥80%. All participants of the questionnaire were stratified for user and handling experience within five domains of applicability (lymphatics & lymph node imaging; tissue perfusion; biliary anatomy and urinary tracts; tumor imaging in colorectal, HPB, and endocrine surgery, and quantification and (tumor-) targeted imaging). Results were pooled to determine consensus for each statement within the respective sections based on the degree of agreement.

RESULTS

In total 43/52 (81%) course participants were eligible as voting members for consensus, comprising the expert panel (n = 12) and trained users (n = 31). Consensus was achieved in 17 out of 36 (45%) statements with highest level of agreement for application of FGS in tissue perfusion and biliary/urinary tract visualization (71% and 67%, respectively) and lowest within the tumor imaging section (0%).

CONCLUSIONS

FGS is currently established for tissue perfusion and vital structure imaging. Lymphatics & lymph node imaging in breast cancer and melanoma are evolving, and tumor tissue imaging holds promise in early-phase trials. Quantification and (tumor-)targeted imaging are advancing toward clinical validation. Additional research is needed for tumor imaging due to a lack of consensus.

European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) consensus on Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery during open and laparoscopic procedures has exponentially expanded across various clinical settings. The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) initiated a consensus development conference on this topic with the aim of creating evidence-based statements and recommendations for the surgical community.

METHODS

An expert panel of surgeons has been selected and invited to participate to this project. Systematic reviews of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane libraries were performed to identify evidence on potential benefits of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery on clinical practice and patient outcomes. Statements and recommendations were prepared and unanimously agreed by the panel; they were then submitted to all EAES members through a two-rounds online survey and results presented at the EAES annual congress, Barcelona, November 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 18,273 abstracts were screened with 117 articles included. 22 statements and 16 recommendations were generated and approved. In some areas, such as the use of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the perfusion assessment in colorectal surgery and the search for the sentinel lymph nodes in gynaecological malignancies, the large number of evidences in literature has allowed us to strongly recommend the use of ICG for a better anatomical definition and a reduction in post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, from the systematic literature review performed by the experts panel and the survey extended to all EAES members, ICG fluorescence-guided surgery could be considered a safe and effective technology. Future robust clinical research is required to specifically validate multiple organ-specific applications and the potential benefits of this technique on clinical outcomes.

Application of indocyanine green (ICG)-guided surgery in clinical practice: lesson to learn from other organs-an overview on clinical applications and future perspectives

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery is a modality of intra-operative navigation that might support the surgeon with enhanced visualization of anatomical structures in real time. Over the last years, it has emerged as one of the most promising and rapidly developing technical innovations in surgery. The most popular current clinical applications include fluorescence cholangiography, bowel anastomotic perfusion assessment, fluorescence-guided lymphography for sentinel lymph-node identification and guided lymphadenectomy and the possible use in oncological surgery for the identification and localization of tumors and the diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal carcinosis. This paper provides an overview of the multiple fields of applications of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery in visceral and oncological surgery, discussing indications summarizing most recent and significative available literature and giving technical notes of use.

Testosterone does not affect lower urinary tract symptoms while improving markers of prostatitis in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a result of prostate inflammation, frequently occurring in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Low testosterone is common in MetS. A randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate if 24 weeks of testosterone therapy (TTh) in BPH men with MetS and low testosterone improve urinary symptoms and prostate inflammation.

METHODS

One-hundred-twenty men with MetS waitlisted for BPH surgery were enrolled. They were categorized into normal testosterone (TT ≥ 12 nmol/L and cFT ≥ 225 pmol/L; n = 48) and testosterone deficient (TD) (TT < 12 nmol/L and/or cFT < 225 pmol/L; n = 72) then randomized to testosterone gel 2% (5 g/daily) or placebo for 24 weeks. At baseline and follow-up, questionnaires for urinary symptoms and trans-rectal ultrasound were performed. Prostate tissue was collected for molecular and histopathological analyses.

RESULTS

No differences in the improvement of urinary symptoms were found between TTh and placebo (OR [95% CI] 0.96 [0.39; 2.37]). In TD + TTh, increase in prostate but not adenoma volume was observed (2.64 mL [0.07; 5.20] and 1.82 mL [- 0.46; 0.41], respectively). Ultrasound markers of inflammation were improved. In a subset of 61 men, a hyper-expression of several pro-inflammatory genes was found in TD + placebo when compared with normal testosterone. TTh was able to counteract this effect. For 80 men, the inflammatory infiltrate was higher in TD + placebo than in normal testosterone (0.8 points [0.2; 1.4]) and TD + TTh men (0.9 points [0.2; 1.5]).

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-four weeks of TTh in TD men with BPH and MetS improves ultrasound, molecular and histological proxies of prostate inflammation. This does not result in symptom improvement.

Portomesenteric vein thrombosis following sleeve gastrectomy: Case report focusing on the role of pathogenetic factors

INTRODUCTION

Sleeve gastrectomy has currently become the most commonly performed bariatric. procedure worldwide according to the last IFSO survey, overtaking gastric bypass with. a share of more than 50% of all primary bariatric-metabolic surgery. Gastric leak, intraluminal bleeding, bleeding from the staple-line and strictures are the most common complications. Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT)after sleeve gastrectomy is. another complication that has been increasingly reported in case-series in recent.years, although it remains uncommon. In this case report is described an extended portomesenteric vein thrombosis after. sleeve gastrectomy interesting splenic vein too with a favorable course and an. uneventful follow-up. We try to search in this case for pathogenetic factors involved in. this complication.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year old man, with a body mass index (BMI) of 45 kg/m2, with a medical history of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Sindrome (OSAS) underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Early postoperative course was uneventful. Six days after discharge he complained abdominal pain and was admitted at the Emergency Department. A CT scan with intravenous contrast showed an occlusion of the portal vein, of the intrahepatic major branches and an extension to the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein. The patient received heparin and oral anticoagulation together with intravenous hydration and proton pump inhibitors. Considering the favourable course the patient was discharged after six days with long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. Anticoagulation with acenocumarol was continued for six months after a CT scan showed resolution of the PMVT without cavernoma. He had no recurrence of symptoms.

DISCUSSION

Porto-mesenteric thrombosis after sleeve gastrectomy is a rare complication but it has been increasingly reported over the last 10 years along with the extensive use of sleeve gastrectomy. Because PMVT is closely associated with sleeve gastrectomy in comparison with other bariatric procedures, we need to investigate what pathogenetic factors are involved in sleeve gastrectomy. Thrombophylic state, prolonged duration of surgery, high levels of pneumoperitoneum, thermal injury of the gastroepiploic vessels during greater curvature dissection, high intragastric pressure, inadequate antithrombotic prophylaxis and delayed mobilization of the patient after surgery have been reported as pathogenetic factors of portmesenteric vein thrombosis. Most of the cases presented in the literature such as our clinical case resolve with medical therapy, although portal vein thrombus extends into the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein.

CONCLUSION

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of bariatric surgery, especially associated with sleeve gastrectomy. Diagnosis is based on CT examination with intravenous contrast, and initial therapy is anticoagulation. Etiologic factors reported in the literature include a long duration of surgery, a high degree of pneumoperitoneum, high intragastric pressure after sleeve gastrectomy and thermal injury to the short gastric vessels and gastroepiploic arcade. Limited operative time, controlled values of pneumoperitoneum, careful dissection with energy device of gastric greater curvature, appropriate prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin may be useful tools to prevent and limit this complication. Nonetheless we have to search which factors may condition the evolution of an extended PMVT as that described in this case towards resolution or to a further worsening clinical state. Early diagnosis? Correct treatment? Undiscovered patientrelated factors?

Could fluorescence-guided surgery be an efficient and sustainable option? A SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery) health technology assessment summary

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green fluorescence vision is an upcoming technology in surgery. It can be used in three ways: angiographic and biliary tree visualization and lymphatic spreading studies. The present paper shows the most outstanding results from an health technology assessment study design, conducted on fluorescence-guided compared with standard vision surgery.

METHODS

A health technology assessment approach was implemented to investigate the economic, social, ethical, and organizational implications related to the adoption of the innovative fluorescence-guided view, with a focus on minimally invasive approach. With the support of a multidisciplinary team, qualitative and quantitative data were collected, by means of literature evidence, validated questionnaires and self-reported interviews, considering the dimensions resulting from the EUnetHTA Core Model.

RESULTS

From a systematic search of literature, we retrieved the following studies: 6 on hepatic, 1 on pancreatic, 4 on biliary, 2 on bariatric, 4 on endocrine, 2 on thoracic, 11 on colorectal, 7 on urology, 11 on gynecology, 2 on gastric surgery. Fluorescence guide has shown advantages on the length of hospitalization particularly in colorectal surgery, with a reduction of the rate of leakages and re-do anastomoses, in spite of a slight increase in operating time, and is confirmed to be a safe, efficacious, and sustainable vision technology. Clinical applications are still presenting a low evidence in the literature.

CONCLUSION

The present paper, under the patronage of Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery, based on an HTA approach, sustains the use of fluorescence-guided vision in minimally invasive surgery, in the fields of general, gynecologic, urologic, and thoracic surgery, as an efficient and economically sustainable technology.

Thyroid surgery during coronavirus-19 pandemic phases I, II and III: lessons learned in China, South Korea, Iran and Italy

OBJECTIVE

We compared demographic and clinic-pathological variables related to the number of surgeries for thyroid conditions or for cancer, morbidity, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) practices among Covid19 pandemic phases I, II, III and the same seasonal periods in 2019.

METHODS

The prospective database of the Division of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China was used for this study. Covid19 emergency levels were stratified according to the World Health Organization: phase I (January 25-February 25, 2020), phase II (February 26-March 19), phase III (March 20-April 20).

RESULTS

There were fewer outpatient FNAs and surgeries in 2020 than in 2019. There were no thyroid surgeries during phase I. There were also fewer surgeries for cancer with a significant reduction of advanced stage cancer treatments, mainly stage T1b N1a in phase II and T3bN1b in phase III. Operative times and postoperative stays were significantly shorter during the pandemic compared to our institutional baseline. In phase III, vocal cord paralysis (VCP) increased to 4.3% of our baseline numbers (P = 0.001). There were no cases of Covid19-related complications during the perioperative period. No patients required re-admission to the hospital.

CONCLUSION

The Covid19 outbreak reduced thyroid surgery patient volumes. The decrease of Covid19 emergency plans contributed to unexpected outcomes (reduction of early stage cancer treatment, decreased operative times and hospital stays, increased VCP rate).

The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) ultrasound study on healthy, fertile men: Scrotal ultrasound reference ranges and associations with clinical, seminal, and biochemical characteristics

BACKGROUND

Scrotal color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) still suffers from lack of standardization. Hence, the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) has promoted a multicenter study to assess the CDUS characteristics of healthy fertile men (HFM) to obtain normative parameters.

OBJECTIVES

To report and discuss the scrotal organs CDUS reference ranges and characteristics in HFM and their associations with clinical, seminal, and biochemical parameters.

METHODS

A cohort of 248 HFM (35.3 ± 5.9years) was studied, evaluating, on the same day, clinical, biochemical, seminal, and scrotal CDUS following Standard Operating Procedures.

RESULTS

The CDUS reference range and characteristics of the scrotal organs of HFM are reported here. CDUS showed a higher accuracy than physical examination in detecting scrotal abnormalities. Prader orchidometer (PO)- and US-measured testicular volume (TV) were closely related. The US-assessed TV with the ellipsoid formula showed the best correlation with the PO-TV. The mean TV of HFM was ~ 17 ml. The lowest reference limit for right and left testis was 12 and 11 ml, thresholds defining testicular hypotrophy. The highest reference limit for epididymal head, tail, and vas deferens was 12, 6, and 4.5 mm, respectively. Mean TV was associated positively with sperm concentration and total count and negatively with gonadotropins levels and pulse pressure. Subjects with testicular inhomogeneity or calcifications showed lower sperm vitality and concentration, respectively, than the rest of the sample. Sperm normal morphology and progressive motility were positively associated with epididymal head size/vascularization and vas deferens size, respectively. Increased epididymis and vas deferens sizes were associated with MAR test positivity. Decreased epididymal tail homogeneity/vascularization were positively associated with waistline, which was negatively associated with intratesticular vascularization. CDUS varicocele was detected in 37.2% of men and was not associated with seminal or hormonal parameters. Scrotal CDUS parameters were not associated with time to pregnancy, number of children, history of miscarriage.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings will help in better understanding male infertility pathophysiology, improving its management.

Phase II study of eribulin in combination with gemcitabine for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer (ERIGE trial). Clinical and pharmacogenetic results on behalf of the Gruppo Oncologico Italiano di Ricerca Clinica (GOIRC)

Background

The combination of a microtubule inhibitor (eribulin) with a nucleoside analog (gemcitabine) may synergistically induce tumor cell death, particularly in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) characterized by high cell proliferation, aggressive behavior, and chemo-resistance.

Patients and methods

This is an open-label, multicenter phase II study evaluating the combination of eribulin (0.88 mg/m²) plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m²) on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle as either first- or second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic TNBC. The primary endpoint was the objective response for evaluable patients. A prospective, molecular correlative study was carried out to assess the role of germinal BRCA pathogenic variants and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in predicting efficacy and toxicity of the combination regimen.

Results

From July 2013 to September 2016, 83 evaluable patients were enrolled. They received a median number of six cycles of treatment. An overall response rate (ORR) of 37.3% (31 patients) was observed, with a complete response rate of 2.4% and a partial response rate of 34.9%; the clinical benefit rate was 48.8%. With a median follow-up of 28.8 months, the median response duration was 6.6 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.1 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 14.5 months. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were aminotransferase elevation (in 25% of the patients) and neutropenia (in 23.8%). Women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants were associated with worse ORR, PFS, and OS than BRCA1/2 wild-type carriers. CYP3A4 and FGD4 SNPs were associated with increased risk of liver toxicity. Three different SNPs in CDA∗2, RRM1, and CYP2C8 genes were significantly associated with poorer OS.

Conclusions

The combination of eribulin and gemcitabine showed promising activity and a moderate toxicity profile in metastatic TNBC. BRCA status and pharmacogenetics tests may help identify patients with high probability of response with negligible toxicity.

EudraCT number

2012-003505-10.

•

Eribulin plus gemcitabine showed a remarkable best ORR of 37.3% and a clinical benefit rate of 48.8%.

•

The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were liver toxicity and neutropenia without febrile neutropenia.

•

The study regimen partially lost its efficacy in patients harboring BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants.

•

SNPs in CYP3A4 and FGD4 genes were associated with increased risk of liver toxicity.

•

Three different SNPs in CDA∗2, RRM1, and CYP2C8 genes were significantly associated with poorer OS.

Systematic cutting of selected secondary mitral valve chordae, in association with a shallow myectomy, in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:impact on mitral valve function and patient management

Introduction

Few centers worldwide have large experience with performing an extended septal myectomy in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Therefore, many HCM patients eligible for surgical relief of left ventricular (LV) outflow gradient do not have access to treatment. In a previous study, cutting fibrotic anterior mitral leaflet secondary chordae, in association with only a shallow myectomy, proved highly effective in moving the mitral valve (MV) apparatus away from the LV outflow tract and relieving the outflow gradient in our HCM patients with mild hypertrophy (&lt;19 mm), a surgical approach that simplifies the operation.

Purpose

To assess whether chordal cutting is equally effective in improving MV geometry and relieving LV outflow gradient and heart failure symptoms in HCM patients with more marked hypertrophy.

Methods

Surgical outcome and MV geometry and function were assessed in 226 consecutive HCM patients who underwent systematic cutting of fibrotic anterior mitral leaflet secondary chordae, in association with a shallow myectomy and independently of magnitude of septal thickness, at our center from January 2015 to December 2018.

Results

Of 226 study patients, 1 (0.4%) died perioperatively. None had iatrogenic septal defect. Postoperatively, LV outflow gradient at rest decreased from 70±36 to 10±2 mmHg (P&lt;0.001). In the 77 patients in whom data on the outflow gradient provoked with physiologic maneuvers after surgery were available, the provocable gradient was 16±10 mmHg. NYHA functional class improved significantly (P&lt;0.001), with the number of patients in class III-IV decreasing from 178 (79%) to 2 (0.9%). No patient had residual severe MV regurgitation and only 4 (1.7%) had moderate-to-severe regurgitation. Quality of the echocardiogram allowed assessment of MV geometry in 212 (94%) patients. In the 62 patients with mild hypertrophy, anterior leaflet-annulus ratio increased 27% postoperatively, from 0.43+0.06 to 0.55+0.06 and MV tenting area decreased 34% from 2.9+0.6 to 1.9+0.4 cm2 (P&lt;0.001), indicating repositioning of MV coaptation away from the outflow tract (with increased outflow tract dimension). Similarly, in 150 patients with marked hypertrophy, anterior leaflet-annulus ratio increased 27% from 0.43+0.05 to 0.55+0.06 and tenting area decreased 28% from 2.9+0.6 to 2.1+0.4 cm2 (P&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Our results show that cutting fibrotic anterior mitral leaflet secondary chordae, by moving the MV apparatus away from the LV outflow tract and independently of the magnitude of septal hypertrophy, contributes to improve the results of septal myectomy and reduces the need for a deep septal excision (and associated risk of iatrogenic septal defect) in patients with obstructive HCM. Therefore, chordal cutting could make the myectomy operation more accessible to surgeons, increasing the availability of surgical treatment for HCM patients eligible for invasive abolition of LV outflow obstruction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Palbociclib as single agent or in combination with the endocrine therapy received before disease progression for estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: TREnd trial

Background

The activity of palbociclib as a single agent in advanced breast cancer has not been extensively studied, with the only available clinical data limited to heavily pretreated patients. Preclinical data suggests palbociclib may partially reverse endocrine resistance, though this hypothesis has not been evaluated in previous clinical studies. This phase II, open-label, multicenter study examined the activity of palbociclib monotherapy, as well as palbociclib given in combination with the same endocrine therapy (ET) that was received prior to disease progression, in postmenopausal women with moderately pretreated, estrogen receptor-positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer.

Patients and methods

Eligible women with advanced disease which had progressed on one or two prior ETs were randomized 1 : 1 to receive either palbociclib alone, or palbociclib in combination with the ET as previously received. Primary end point was clinical benefit rate (CBR); secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Between October 2012 and July 2016, a total of 115 patients were randomized. The CBR was 54% [95% confidence interval (CI): 41.5-63.7] for combination therapy, and 60% (95% CI: 47.8-72.9) for monotherapy. Median PFS was 10.8 months (95% CI: 5.6-12.7) for combination therapy, and 6.5 months (95% CI: 5.4-8.5) for monotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) 0.69; 95% CI: 0.4-1.1, exploratory P-value = 0.12]. Exploratory analyses revealed the PFS advantage for combination therapy was seen in the subgroup of patients who received prior ET for >6 months (HR 0.53; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9, exploratory P-value = 0.02), but not in those who received prior ET for ≤6 months.

Conclusion

Palbociclib has clinical activity as a single agent in women with moderately pretreated, oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Palbociclib may have potential to reverse endocrine resistance in patients with a history of previous durable response to ET.

Clinical trial information

NCT02549430.

Multicentre evaluation of case volume in minimally invasive hepatectomy

Background

Surgical outcomes may be associated with hospital volume and the influence of volume on minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) is not known.

Methods

Patients entered into the prospective registry of the Italian Group of MILS from 2014 to 2018 were considered. Only centres with an accrual period of at least 12 months and stable MILS activity during the enrolment period were included. Case volume was defined by the mean number of minimally invasive liver resections performed per month (MILS/month).

Results

A total of 2225 MILS operations were undertaken by 46 centres; nine centres performed more than two MILS/month (1376 patients) and 37 centres carried out two or fewer MILS/month (849 patients). The proportion of resections of anterolateral segments decreased with case volume, whereas that of major hepatectomies increased. Left lateral sectionectomies and resections of anterolateral segments had similar outcome in the two groups. Resections of posterosuperior segments and major hepatectomies had higher overall and severe morbidity rates in centres performing two or fewer MILS/month than in those undertaking a larger number (posterosuperior segments resections: overall morbidity 30·4 versus 18·7 per cent respectively, and severe morbidity 9·9 versus 4·0 per cent; left hepatectomy: 46 versus 22 per cent, and 19 versus 5 per cent; right hepatectomy: 42 versus 34 per cent, and 25 versus 15 per cent).

Conclusion

A volume–outcome association existed for minimally invasive hepatectomy. Complex and major resections may be best managed in high-volume centres.

Impact of age and gender on the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy plus bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer: a pooled analysis of TRIBE and TRIBE2 studies

BACKGROUND

The phase III TRIBE and TRIBE2 studies randomized metastatic colorectal cancer patients to first-line FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab or a doublet (FOLFIRI or FOLFOX)/bevacizumab. The studies demonstrated a significant benefit from the triplet at the price of an increased incidence of chemotherapy-related adverse events (AEs). In both trials, males and females aged between 18 and 70 years with ECOG PS ≤2 and between 71 and 75 years with ECOG PS = 0 were eligible. We investigated the effect of FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab versus doublets/bevacizumab according to age and gender.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Subgroup analyses according to age (<70 versus 70-75 years) and gender were carried out for overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and AE rates.

RESULTS

Of 1187 patients, 1005 (85%) were aged <70 years and 182 (15%) 70-75 years; 693 (58%) were males and 494 (42%) females. There was no evidence of interaction between age or gender and the benefit provided by the intensification of the upfront chemotherapy in terms of ORR and PFS, or the increased risk of experiencing G3/4 AEs. Elderly patients and females experienced higher rates of overall G3/4 AEs (73% versus 60%, P < 0.01 and 69% versus 57%, P < 0.01, respectively). Notably, in the FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab subgroup, G3/4 diarrhea and febrile neutropenia occurred in 27% and 16% of elderly patients, respectively, while females reported high incidences of any grade nausea (67%) and vomiting (50%).

CONCLUSIONS

The improvements in terms of ORR and PFS of FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab versus doublets/bevacizumab are independent of gender and age, with a similar relative increase in AEs among elderly patients and females. Initial dose reductions and possibly primary G-CSF prophylaxis should be recommended for patients between 70 and 75 years old treated with FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab, and a careful management of antiemetic prophylaxis should be considered among females.

Prognostic and predictive role of neutrophil/lymphocytes ratio in metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective analysis of the TRIBE study by GONO

Background

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), defined as absolute neutrophils count divided by absolute lymphocytes count, has been reported as poor prognostic factor in several neoplastic diseases but only a few data are available about unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts). The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of NLR in the TRIBE trial.

Patients and methods

Pts enrolled in TRIBE trial were included. TRIBE is a multicentre phase III trial randomizing unresectable and previously untreated mCRC pts to receive FOLFOXIRI or FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. A cut-off value of 3 was adopted to discriminate pts with low (NLR < 3) versus high (NLR ≥ 3) NLR, as primary analysis. As secondary analysis, NLR was treated as an ordinal variable with three levels based on terciles distribution.

Results

NLR at baseline was available for 413 patients. After multiple imputation at univariate analysis, patients with high NLR had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.27 (95% CI 1.05-1.55), P = 0.017] and overall survival (OS) [HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.25-1.95), P < 0.001] than patients with low NLR. In the multivariable model, NLR retained a significant association with OS [HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.14-1.82), P = 0.014] but not with PFS [HR 1.18 (95% CI 0.95-1.46), P = 0.375]. No interaction effect between treatment arm and NLR was evident in terms of PFS (P for interaction = 0.536) or OS (P for interaction = 0.831). Patients with low [HR 0.84 (95% CI 0.64-1.08)] and high [HR 0.73 (95% CI 0.54-0.97)] NLR achieved similar PFS benefit from the triplet and consistent results were obtained in terms of OS [HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.62-1.12) for low NLR; HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.59-1.12) for high NLR].

Conclusion

This study confirmed the prognostic role of NLR in mCRC pts treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in the first line, showing the worse prognosis of pts with high NLR. The advantage of the triplet is independent of NLR at baseline.

Abstract GS3-01: A randomized placebo controlled phase III trial of low dose tamoxifen for the prevention of recurrence in women with operated hormone sensitive breast ductal or lobular carcinoma in situ

Background: Tamoxifen is an effective drug for breast cancer prevention and treatment, but the risk of endometrial cancer and venous thromboembolism has limited its broader use. We have repeatedly shown in biomarker trials that the minimal effective dose of tamoxifen is lower than 20 mg/day, but a definitive answer on efficacy and safety required a phase III trial. The optimal treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is still controversial.

Methods: We conducted a phase III trial of tamoxifen (T), 5 mg/day versus placebo (P) in women with operated hormone sensitive breast intraepithelial neoplasia (DCIS or LCIS). Women with G3, positive margins or comedo/necrosis DCIS received radiotherapy. Women were seen every 6 months with an annual mammography for at last 5 years after randomization. Initial statistical calculations were revised according to the lower than expected accrual, and the Independent Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended the disclosure of results as 80% of the originally expected events were observed.

Results: Between November 1, 2008 and March 31, 2015 a total of 500 women were randomized to either T, 5 mg/day or P for 3 years. A total of 10 patients are not assessable becuse of consent withdrawal or drop out. The main subject characteristics were well balanced between arms. As of May 31, 2018, after a median follow-up of 5.1 years (interquartile range, 3.9-6.3), there were 14 recurrences in the T arm and 29 in the P arm (hazard ratio=0.48, 95% CI, 0.25-0.89, p=0.02). The incidence rate of events was 11.8/1000 py in the T arm and 24.9/1000 py in the P arm. Most recurrences were invasive breast cancers: 11/14 (78%) in the T arm and 16/29 (55%) in the P arm. There were 8 serious adverse events in the T arm and 12 in the P arm, including 2 arterial events in each arm, 2 superficial phlebitis in the T arm and 1 endometrial cancer (annual rate 0.85/1000 py) in the T arm. There were 6 versus 4 second primary cancers in the T and P arm, respectively, and 2 deaths in the P arm. Menopausal symptoms were more frequent in the T arm and will be reported in details at the conference.

Baseline characteristics  Tamoxifen (n=246)Placebo (n=244)  mean (SD)mean (SD)Age (yrs) 54.0 (9.4)53.7 (9.1)Body Mass Index (kg/m2) 25.7 (4.8)25.3 (4.2)  n (%)n (%)Menopausal statusPre-110 (45)107 (44) Post-136 (55)137 (56)Type of lesionDCIS221 (89)220 (90) LCIS25 (10)24 (10)Type of surgeryConservative (Q/L)206 (84)200 (82) Mastectomy39 (16)44 (18) Axillary dissection1 (0)-SD=standard deviation; DCIS=ductal carcinoma in situ; LCIS=lobular carcinoma in situ; Q=quadrantectomy; L=lumpectomy

Conclusions: Tamoxifen at the dose of 5 mg/day can halve the incidence of recurrence in women with operated hormone sensitive DCIS or LCIS with a limited toxicity, providing a valid treatment option in women with disease. In addition, this study has important implications for the preventive therapy of high risk unaffected women.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01357772; Supported by the Italian Ministry of Health - RFPS-2006-1-339898 and the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) - IG 2008 Grant no. 5611.

Citation Format: DeCensi A, Puntoni M, Guerrieri Gonzaga A, Avino F, Cortesi L, Donadio M, Pacquola M, Falcini F, Gulisano M, Digennaro M, Tienghi A, Cagossi K, Pinotti G, Varicchio C, Caviglia S, Boni L, Bonanni B. A randomized placebo controlled phase III trial of low dose tamoxifen for the prevention of recurrence in women with operated hormone sensitive breast ductal or lobular carcinoma in situ [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 GS3-01.

Abstract P1-14-05: Phase II study of eribulin in combination with gemcitabine for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer (ERIGE Trial). Clinical and pharmacogenetic results on behalf of the Gruppo Oncologico Italiano di Ricerca Clinica (GOIRC)

Background: There are no well-established chemotherapy regimens for metastatic triple negative breast cancer. The combination of a microtubule inhibitor (eribulin) with a nucleoside analog (gemcitabine) may synergistically induce tumor cell death, especially in tumors like triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) characterized by high cell proliferation, aggressive tumor behavior, and chemo-resistance.

Materials and Methods:This is an open-label, national multicenter phase II study evaluating the combination of eribulin (0.88 mg/m2) plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) on day 1 and 8, q21 as either first- or second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic TNBC.The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) for evaluable patients (pts). The study was designed according to the Simon's two stage optimal design. We chose the lower activity (p0) of 0.20 and target activity level (p1) of 0.35. A prospective, molecular correlative study has been being carried out on germinal DNA of study population to assess the role of BRCA mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in predicting efficacy and toxicity of the combination regimen.

Results: From July 2013 to September 2016, 83 evaluable pts (37 in the first stage, 46 in the second one) were enrolled. They received a median number of 6 cycles of treatment (range 1-24). The ORR (CR+PR) was 37.35% (90% CI: 28.47-46.93) and the clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+SD ≥ 24wks) was 48.78% (90% CI: 39.24%-58.39%). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events (&gt; 10% of patients) were neutropenia and liver toxicity. With a median follow-up of 28.8 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5.1 months (95% CI: 4.2-7.0) and 14.7 months (95% CI: 10.2-20.0), respectively. BRCA1/2 deleterious mutations were observed in 15 (22%) out of 68 genotyped pts. Women with BRCA1/2 mutations were associated with worse ORR, PFS and OS than those with BRCA1/2 wild-type. A panel of SNPs in genes of study drug metabolism pathways was evaluated. Among these, CYP3A4 392A &gt;G and FGD4 2044236G&gt;A SNPs were associated with greater liver toxicity by logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, CDA*2 79A&gt;C, RRM1 2455 A&gt;G, and CYP2C8 416G&gt;A SNPs were associated with poorer overall survival by Cox proportional hazards model.

Conclusions:The combination of eribulin and gemcitabine shows promising activity and a moderate toxicity profile in metastatic TNBC. BRCA status and pharmacogenetics tests may help identify pts with high probability of response with negligible toxicity.

Citation Format: Musolino A, Cavanna L, Boggiani D, Zamagni C, Frassoldati A, Caldara A, Rocca A, Gori S, Piacentini F, Berardi R, Brandes AA, Foglietta J, Villa F, Pellegrino B, Todeschini R, Tognetto M, Naldi N, Bortesi B, Boni L, Montemurro F, Ardizzoni A. Phase II study of eribulin in combination with gemcitabine for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer (ERIGE Trial). Clinical and pharmacogenetic results on behalf of the Gruppo Oncologico Italiano di Ricerca Clinica (GOIRC) [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 P1-14-05.

Role of transanal irrigation in the treatment of anterior resection syndrome

BACKGROUND

Transanal irrigation(TAI) has been reported to be an inexpensive and effective treatment for low anterior resection syndrome(LARS). The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the use of TAI in patients with significant LARS symptoms at a single medical center.

METHODS

Patients who had low anterior resection for rectal cancer between April 2015 and May 2016 at the Careggi University Hospital were assessed for LARS using the LARS and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument (MSKCC BFI) questionnaires 30-40 days after  surgery or ileostomy closure (if this was done). Quality of life was evaluated using a visual analog scale and the Short Form-36 Health Survey. All patients with LARS score of 30 or higher were included (early LARS) as were all patients with a LARS score of 30 or higher referred 6 months or longer after surgery performed elsewhere (chronic LARS) in the same study period. Study participants were trained to perform TAI using the Peristeen™ System for 6 months, followed by 3 months of enema therapy following a similar protocol.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were enrolled in the study. Six patients stopped the treatment. The 27 patients (19 early LARS and 8 chronic LARS) who completed the study had a significant decrease in the number of median daily bowel movements [baseline 7 (range 0-14); 6 months 1 (range 0-4); 9 months 4 (range 0-13)]. The median LARS Score fell from 35.1 (range 30-42) (baseline) to 12.2 (range 0-21) after 6 months (p < 0.0001) and then rose to 27 (range 5-39) after 3 months of enema therapy. There was no difference in LARS score decrease at 6 months between the patients with early and chronic LARS (22.5 and 23.9 respectively; p=0.7) and there were no predictors of score decrease. Four components of the SF-36 significantly improved during the TAI period. The MSKCC BFI score significantly improved in several domains. Twenty-three patients (85%) asked to continue the treatment with TAI after the study ended.

CONCLUSIONS

TAI appears to be an effective treatment for LARS and results in a marked improvement of continence and quality of life.  Patients may be assessed and treated for LARS early after surgery since the treatment benefit is similar to that observed in patients with LARS diagnosed  6 months or longer after surgery. The potential rehabilitative role of TAI for LARS is promising and should be further investigated.

Abstract P6-14-01: The effect trial: A randomized phase II trial evaluating two different doses of weekly (W) NAB-paclitaxel (NP) as first-line chemotherapy in older breast cancer (BC) patients (pts)

Background: W taxanes (T) are commonly used in the treatment of older BC pts, with neurotoxicity (NTX) and fatigue being dose-limiting toxicities with a possible negative impact on function. No prospective data exists on the safety and efficacy of W NP in this population. NP might be of particular value in older pts, due to no need for premedication with steroids and shorter time to recovery from neurotoxicity than conventional T, resulting in a reduced risk of exacerbation of comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, and possibly of functional decline (FD). Methods: Pts aged ≥ 65 years (y) with Her-2 negative or Her-2 positive (+), but contraindicated to anti-Her-2 therapy, advanced BC were randomized to receive NP as first-line chemotherapy at either 100 (Arm A) or 125 mg/m2 (Arm B), days 1, 8, 15 q 28. The primary end-point was event-free survival (EFS). An event was either disease progression (PD), death, or FD - defined as a decrease of at least 1 point from baseline values of activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADL (IADL), deemed by the investigator as treatment-related and confirmed at the subsequent cycle. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR) in pts with measurable disease, and incidence of adverse events (AEs). Results: From January 2013 to September 2016, 160 pts were randomized in 15 Italian centres; all but 2 who never started NP were eligible for final analysis. Pts median age was 72y (range 65-84) in Arm A and 73y (range 65-88) in Arm B. Median ECOG performance status was 0 (range 0-2). Baseline IADL impairment was reported in 20 pts (25%) in both arms. &gt;80% pts had ER+ tumors; 2 pts had HER2+ disease. Visceral disease was present in 71% (Arm A) and 70% (Arm B) of pts. Prior exposure to T in the neo/adjuvant setting was 14% (Arm A) and 13% (Arm B). Median number of delivered cycles of NP was 6 (range 1-28 in Arm A, and 1-22 in Arm B), with 3 pts still on treatment. Dose reductions were similarly reported (72% of pts Arm A, 78% of pts Arm B). At a median follow-up of 21 months (mos) (Interquartile range 14-28.4) 140 events were observed. Arm A/Arm B: PD n=53(67%)/n=52(66%); FD n=13(15%)/n=14(18%), death n=3(4%)n=5(6%). Outcomes data are reported in the following table:

Outcomes Arm AArm BMedian EFS, mos (90% CI)6.2 (5.5-8.4)6.4 (5.8-7.7)Median PFS, mos (95% CI)8.3 (5.9-10.5)8.8 (7.4-10.3)RR (95% CI)37% (25-50)42% (30-54)

Fatigue (Arm A: grade (G)2 29%, G3 11%; Arm B: G2 46%, G3 5%) and NTX (Arm A: G2 15%, G3 4%; Arm B: G2 28%, G3 8%) were the most frequently reported AEs. No G4 AEs were reported with the exception of neutropenia (1 pt in arm A) and leucopenia (3 pts in Arm A, 1 pt in arm B). 1 G5 (sepsis) was recorded in Arm B. NTX was reported as the reason for treatment discontinuation in 21 pts (13%) of whom 16 (21%) in arm B. Conclusion: Looking at classical study endpoints (PFS, RR), both doses of NP are active in older pts. However, 17% of pts had to stop treatment due to FD, assessed according to predefined criteria. Due to similar efficacy and reduced NTX, W NP 100 is the suggested dose to be used in older pts with advanced BC.

Citation Format: Biganzoli L, Berardi R, Pedersini R, Minisini AM, Caremoli ER, Spazzapan S, Lima JS, Baldari D, Orlando L, Magnolfi E, Pistelli M, Brunello A, Zafarana E, Bernardo A, Leo S, Colleoni M, Donati S, De Placido S, Parolin V, Vitale S, Di Leo A, Puglisi F, Boni L, Cinieri S. The effect trial: A randomized phase II trial evaluating two different doses of weekly (W) NAB-paclitaxel (NP) as first-line chemotherapy in older breast cancer (BC) patients (pts) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-14-01.

ECSPECT prospective multicentre registry for single-port laparoscopic colorectal procedures

BACKGROUND

The international multicentre registry ECSPECT (European Consensus of Single Port Expertise in Colorectal Treatment) was established to evaluate the general feasibility and safety of single-port colorectal surgery with regard to preoperative risk assessment.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing single-port colorectal surgery were enrolled from 11 European centres between March 2010 and March 2014. Data were analysed to assess patient-, technique- and procedure-dependent parameters. A validated sex-adjusted risk chart was developed for prediction of single-port colorectal surgery-related conversion and complications.

RESULTS

Some 1769 patients were enrolled, 937 with benign and 832 with malignant conditions. Procedures were completed without additional trocars in 1628 patients (92·0 per cent). Conversion to open surgery was required in 75 patients (4·2 per cent) and was related to male sex and ASA fitness grade exceeding I. Conversions were more frequent in pelvic procedures involving the rectum compared with abdominal procedures (8·1 versus 3·2 per cent; odds ratio 2·69, P < 0·001). Postoperative complications were observed in a total of 224 patients (12·7 per cent). Independent predictors of complications included male sex (P < 0·001), higher ASA grade (P = 0·006) and rectal procedures (P = 0·002). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 0·5 per cent (8 of 1769 patients); three deaths (0·2 per cent; 1 blood loss, 2 leaks) were attributable to surgical causes.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility and safety, conversion and complication profile demonstrated here provides guidance for patient selection.