Evaluating the effect of tumor size and sidedness on prognosis in stage 2 colon cancer: a retrospective population study

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of tumor size and tumor sidedness on prognosis in patients with stage 2 colon cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of 501 patients diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer were evaluated retrospectively. It was evaluated whether the patients' age, gender, tumor differentiation, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, overall survival rate, and disease-free survival rate had any correlation with horizontal tumor diameter and tumor sidedness. In the ROC analysis performed to determine the cut-off value for the tumor diameter, which we think will predict survival, no significant results were obtained with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the median value of the tumor diameter, which is 5 cm, was accepted as the cut-off value.  Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used for survival analysis and determination of prognostic factors.

RESULTS

When the patients were evaluated in terms of tumor localization, 189 (37.7%) patients had right colon tumors and 312 (62.3%) patients had left colon tumors. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival according to tumor localization. When the patients were analyzed by dividing them into two groups according to the horizontal tumor size (<5 cm and ≥5 cm), no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) p=0.085, p=0.699, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the management of patients with stage 2 colon cancer requires a better understanding of tumor biology rather than features such as tumor size and localization.

Pertuzumab, trastuzumab and taxane-based treatment for visceral organ metastatic, trastuzumab-naïve breast cancer: real-life practice outcomes

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to describe the real-life practice outcomes of pertuzumab-trastuzumab-taxane (PTT) combination in visceral organ metastatic, trastuzumab-naive breast cancer (BC) patients.

METHODS

This study was conducted by Turkish Oncology Group and included 317 patients' data from 36 centers.

RESULTS

Median age was 51 (22-82). Median PFS was 28.5 months, while median OS was 40.3 months. Patients with brain metastases (n: 13, 4.1%) had worse PFS (16.8 m vs. 28.5 m; p = 0.002) and OS (26.7 m vs. 40.3 m; p = 0.009). Patients older than 65 years of age (n: 42, 13.2%) had significantly lower OS results (19.8 m vs. 40.3 m; p = 0.01). Two hundred sixty-eight patients (86.7%) received docetaxel while 37 patients (11.7%) received paclitaxel. PFS and OS were similar between taxane groups. In eight patients (2.5%), 5-40% ejection fraction decrement from baseline was detected without any clinical sign of heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our RLP trial included only visceral metastatic, trastuzumab-naïve BC patients including cases with brain involvement who received PTT combination in the first-line treatment. Regardless of negative prognostic characteristics, our results are in parallel with pivotal trial. Further strategies for brain metastasis should be developed to improve outcomes despite encouraging results with PTT treatment. Taxane selection can be personalized and endocrine maintenance may further improve outcomes after taxanes were discontinued. To our knowledge, this is the largest scale real-life clinical practice study of pertuzumab-trastuzumab-taxane therapy to date.

Radiotherapy-induced hypopituitarism in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: the tip of an iceberg

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced hypopituitarism is an important late complication of cranial radiotherapy in children and adults. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy on pituitary function in adult nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

METHODS

Pituitary function was evaluated in 30 patients after cranial radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Somatotroph and corticotroph axes were assessed by insulin tolerance test while gonadotroph and thyroid axes were evaluated by basal pituitary and end organ hormone levels at 10-133 months after radiotherapy.

RESULTS

At least one hormonal disorder was observed in 28 (93%) patients after radiotherapy. 26 (87%) patients had one or more anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. The rates of pituitary hormone deficiencies were 77% for growth hormone, followed by adrenocorticotropic hormone (73%), thyroid-stimulating hormone (27%) and gonadotropins (7%). Hyperprolactinemia was present in 13 (43%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation-induced hypopituitarism is more common than expected in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Primary care and population factors associated with NHS Health Check coverage: a national cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

High and equitable coverage of systematic cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programmes, such as the NHS Health Check programme in England, is essential if they are to effectively reduce the population CVD burden.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 151 English primary care trusts (PCTs) on NHS Health Check coverage during 2011-12. We examined the associations between programme coverage and primary care and population factors, including patient demographics, primary care workforce and cardiovascular health need.

RESULTS

Median coverage of NHS Health Checks was 8.2%, with wide PCT-level variation (range = 0-29.8%). Coverage was significantly higher in PCTs in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived (P = 0.035), adjusting for covariates. Significant negative associations between coverage and a higher proportion of PCT population aged 40-74 years-the eligible Health Check age group, a larger total population size and higher practice staffing levels were found in the unadjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

NHS Health Check coverage during 2011-12 was lower than the government projection of 18% coverage. Coverage must be increased through concerted multi-disciplinary strategies, for the programme to improve cardiovascular health in England. Considerable variation in participation between PCTs warrants attention, with enhanced support for poor performers.

Correlates of benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analytical approach with meta-regression analysis

PURPOSE

Induction chemotherapy before radiotherapy, although inferior to concomitant chemoradiotherapy, is still used in clinical practice, and improves survival compared to radiotherapy alone in unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this setting, we assessed the predictors of benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radiotherapy.

METHODS

Searches were made for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared neoadjuvant chemotherapy with no treatment, administered before definitive radiotherapy. Relative risk (RR) was employed to define the risk of death at 2 and 3 years. Additionally, meta-regression analysis was conducted to explain heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs to date, encompassing 2776 patients, were identified. In this updated meta-analysis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly reduced the risk of death, both at 2 and 3 years (RR = 0.91 and 0.94, respectively, both p < 0.001). Additionally, time to radiotherapy was inversely associated with the benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy at 2 (t = 2.20, p = 0.050) and 3 years (t = 1.84, p = 0.093).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis confirms the importance of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radiotherapy and highlights the importance of shorter time to radiotherapy to maximize NSCLC patients' survival.

The predictors of information needs and different views of patients and relatives on disclosure and treatment participation: A multicentric survey study

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Background: We wanted to explain if the views of patients and their relatives differed on disclosure and treatment participation or not, and if so, to evaluate the predictors of this difference. Methods: The survey aimed to unveil the attitude of patients and their relatives in 3 domains; disclosure of diagnosis, prognosis and participation to treatment. Multinomial logistic regression models with forward selection procedure were constructed for the multivariate analysis to explain the origins of discordance in these domains. Results: A total of 1,052 consecutive cases (526 patients and their 526 relatives) were interviewed. The relatives, when they were asked to imagine themselves with a new diagnosis of cancer, opted for disclosure of diagnosis, prognosis, and participation to treatment in 92.4%, 84.6%, and 86.3% of cases. When patients were asked for their information needs in disclosure of diagnosis, prognosis, and participation to treatment, 83.8%, 70.2%, and 70% wanted disclosure, whereas, their relatives wanted disclosure for their patients in these 3 domains in 32.9%, 40.5%, and 60.3% of cases, respectively. The multivariate predictors of discordance for disclosure of diagnosis between patients and relatives were patient age, social insurance, and oncology centers (P=0.003, 0.007, and <0.001, respectively). The associates of discordance for disclosure of prognosis were again oncology centers and relatives’ relationship with the patients (P<0.001 and 0.012). Likewise, the correlates of discordance for treatment participation were again oncology centers and patient age (P<0.001 and 0.016). Conclusions: Information needs of patients and their relatives, when they imagine themselves as cancer patients, are quite similar. However, relatives are not in favor of disclosure to their patients of diagnosis and prognosis, moreover, in spite of this, they want their patients to actively participate in treatment decisions. We believe this paradox represents a desire of the relatives to escape from responsibility and emotional burden of the care of the cancer patients. This paradox, in addition, is a threat to a healthy patient and physician communication.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

COX-2 expression and clinical outcome in early-stage breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy: A prospective study

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Background: To evaluate the association of cox-2 expression with the outcome after adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer. Methods: This was planned as a prospective study recruiting consecutive patients receiving adjuvant anthracycline based chemotherapy and with available tissue blocks permitting all immunohistochemical analyses. Cox-2 expression, in addition to other classical biological factors, was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Disease and patient related, and biological predictors of both overall survival (OAS) and relapse free survival (RFS) were analyzed by Cox regression analysis. Median and mean survival times were calculated according to the Kaplan Meier method. Results: A total of 88 patients were recruited over a period of 24 months. Median age was 45 (29 to 70), and 60% of subjects were premenapausal. Median tumour diameter and number of axillary lymph nodes involved were 2 cm (1 to 6 cm), and 2 (0 to 15), respectively. Median follow up is 74.2 months. Univariate analysis revealed menopausal status and estrogen receptor expression as predictors of OAS, and menopausal status as the correlate of RFS. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent predictive value of both menopausal status and estrogen receptor expression for OAS (P=0.009, HR=4.18, and P=0.014, HR=0.20, respectively). No multivariate analysis could be performed for RFS. Cox-2 expression was not associated with OAS or RFS (P=0.208, HR=1.92, and P=0.132, HR=1.89, respectively). Interestingly, Cox-2 expression was correlated with Estrogen receptor (ER) and Progesteron receptor (PR) expression (P=0.006, R=-0.303, and P=0.004, R=-0.312, respectively). Conclusions: Cox-2 expression fails to predict clinical outcome of early breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. However, Cox-2 expression seems to negatively correlate with ER and PR expression. It should be tested in this patient population whether Cox-2 may play a part in hormonal resistance.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Impressive survival data with semimetronomic oral chemotherapy with old agents in heavily treated metastatic breast cancer patients

1082

Background: To assess the efficacy of semi-metronomic regimen metronomic cyclophosphomide with oral etoposide in heavily treated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Consecutive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients predominantly refractory to antracyclines, taxanes, and antimetabolites receiving semi-metronomic regimen of metronomic cyclophosphomide with oral etoposide were evaluated for clinical efficacy and toxicity. This novel regimen comprised of continuous oral cyclophosphomide 50 mg/day, and oral etoposide given as 2 x 50 mg/day for 5 days. Results: A total of 42 MBC patients received this treatment in 2.5 years (May 2005-October 2008). The median age was 51.5 (29–81), ER and/or PR receptor status was positive in 67%, and c-erb-B2 overexpression existed in 50%. The biologically favorable group, hormone responsive and c-erb-B2 negative comprised of 36% of cases. The portions of patients with visceral metastases, cranial metastases, and 2 or more organ involvement were 82%, 24%, and 65%, respectively. Subjects had received this treatment in the fourth or more advanced setting in 50% of cases (after a median of 2.5 cycles). The median overall and progression free survival figures were 25 and 10.5 months, respectively. No toxic mortality occurred, and the treatment was well tolerated. Toxicity and response data are being updated currently. Conclusions: Semi-metronomic treatment with metronomic cyclophosphomide and oral etoposide is a novel and effective strategy in heavily pretreated MBC patients. Survival data and low cost may make this regimen a highly preferable option in this difficult patient group.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The impact of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on survival in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs)

1070

Background: Aromatase inhibitors represent a novel hormonal therapy for breast cancer. Aromatase is expressed in the ovaries, brain, bone and, adipose and breast tissue. Elevated WHR, representing a higher abdominal fat distribution, has been associated with both the development of and mortality from breast cancer. Therefore, we aimed to identify whether abdominal fat distribution could affect the outcome in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with AIs. Methods: A total of 46 metastatic breast cancer patients treated with first line hormonal therapy were enrolled in this study. Pretreatment body weight, height, BMI and WHR were measured. Estrogen, progesteron and c- erb-B2 receptor status were also evaluated in analyses. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and Kaplan Meier survival curves subjected to log rank testing were utilized for the survival analyses. Forward likelihood ratio was used for the multivariate selection process. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Median age was 51 years (range 28 - 75). 36 patients were treated with letrozole and 10 patients with anastrozole. Median body weight, height, WHR and BMI were found to be 68.5 kg (range 46 - 115), 156 cm (range 137 - 167), 0.91 (range 0.7 - 1.2), and 28.7 (range 18 - 45), respectively. Factors associated with overall survival in the univariate analysis were age, c-erb-B2 expression intensity (+++ versus others by immunohistochemistry), and WHR, whereas only WHR retained significance in the multivariate analysis. Likewise, predictors of progression free survival were c-erb-B2 expression intensity and WHR. However, none of these factors was significant in the multivariate analysis. Median overall survival figures were 472 days versus unreached for patients with a WHR of <0.92 and =0.92 (Log rank statistic = 9.76, P = 0.002). Similarly, the corresponding progression free survival figures for patients with a WHR of <0.92 and =0.92 were 423 versus 1,004 days (Log rank statistic = 6.37, P = 0.012). Conclusions: This is the first report examining and suggesting the value of abdominal fat distribution in relation with benefit from AIs in metastatic breast cancer. Our results should be validated in larger series.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Severe pulmonary haemorrhage accompanying hepatorenal failure in fulminant leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging spirochetal zoonosis with a worldwide distribution affecting both animals and humans. The clinical syndromes may vary from a subclinical infection to a severe illness. Although it may potentially have a fulminant and fatal course, leptospirosis usually remains as an underdiagnosed cause of multiorgan failure. In this study, we report a patient with leptospirosis who presented with a fulminant course of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and hepatorenal failure. His clinical condition deteriorated, despite appropriate antibiotic therapy and haemodialysis. However, he showed prompt clinical improvement when corticosteroids and plasma exchange were instituted in addition to the original therapy. We conclude that leptospirosis should be considered in any case presenting with pulmonary haemorrhage and hepatorenal failure. Plasma exchange and corticosteroids may be a choice of treatment in selected patients unresponsive to conventional therapy. Potential benefits of plasma exchange and corticosteroids may be based on a toxin- and/or cytokine-mediated pathogenesis of the disease.

Does serum VEGF predict prognosis in metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients treated with XELIRI?

13548

Background: Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (sVEGF) levels have been shown to possess prognostic value in different solid tumors. However, there is no solid information on the prognostic use of sVEGF in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC) patients treated with a standard regimen. Methods: 37 consecutive MCRC patients were given XELIRI chemotherapy as the 1st line treatment (irinotecan 250 mg/m2 on day one, and Capecitabine 2000 mg/m2/day, for 14 days starting on day1, repeated in every 3 weeks). Serum VEGF levels prior to the 1st cycle of chemotherapy was measured by ELISA. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analyses to adjust for basic clinical features were used for the survival analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to determine correlates of objective response (CR+PR). Results: Best objective response was CR+PR in 20/33(61%) cases (3 CR; 9% + 17 PR; 52%). In 4 patients, response assessment was not possible. Median sVEGF was 650(107–1865) pg/ml. Median OAS and PFS was 16.2 and 5.9 months, respectively. Increased age turned out to be the only predictor of better OAS with borderline significance (P=0.09). After adjustment for performance status (0, 1 versus 2) and disease extent (single vs. multiple metastatic sites), age was statistically significant (P=0.042, HR=0.95(0.90–0.99)). For PFS, again age (P=0.038) was the only correlate. After controlling for performance status and disease extent, age (P=0.014, HR=0.95(0.92–0.99)) and performance status (P=0.036, HR=3.27(1.08–9.88)) were significant. No factor was associated with the likelihood of objective response. Conclusion: In this study, we failed to determine any prognostic value for sVEGF in MCRC. However, older age and good performance status appear to have a borderline positive prognostic value for MCRC patients treated with XELIRI.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The value of pharmacogenomic analysis of microsatellite instability (MSI) and XPD, XRCC1 genotype polymorphisms to predict clinical outcome in metastatic colorectal carcinoma

13011

Background: Previous work suggests that DNA repair enzyme polymorphism and microsatellite instability (MSI) may bear prognostic value in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC), but this is either retrospective or do not involve irinotecan-based regimens. Methods: We prospectively treated 43 MCRC patients with irinotecan-based regimens (XELIRI or IFL). MSI was measured by PCR at 5 different chromosomal loci: BAT-25, BAT-26, D5S346, D2S123, and D17S250. XPD (Lys751Gln) and XRCC1 (Arg399Gln) polymorphisms were also analysed by PCR-RFLP method. Clinical outcome variables; overall survival (OAS), progression free survival (PFS) and the occurrence of grade 3 or 4 hematological and gastrointestinal (GIS) toxicities were evaluated. Results: MSI subtypes MSS, MSI-L and MSI-H were seen in 23.3%, 43.3% and 33.3% of cases. In the univariate analysis for OAS (n=43) only XPD and XRCC1 polymorphisms were significant (P=0.05 and P=0.04, respectively). After adjustment for performance status (ECOG=0, 1 vs. 2) and disease extent (single vs. multiple metastatic site), XRCC1 genotype and performance status retained significance (P=0.04, HR=2.85, and P=0.02, HR=3.19, respectively). Arg/Gln versus Arg/Arg and Gln/Gln versus Arg/Gln genotypes indicated approximately 3 times increased risk of death for each comparison. Type of presentation (metastatic versus local disease at first presentation) was the only significant predictor of PFS in the univariate analysis (n=40, P=0.003). After adjustment for performance status and disease extent, type of presentation retained its significance (P=0.003, HR=4.35). MSI was not associated with survival. Although absence of “liver only” disease was associated with the occurrence of grade 3–4 GIS toxicity, it lost significance in the multivariate analysis. None of the factors tested correlated with the likelihood of grade 3–4 hematological toxicity. Conclusions: XRCC1 genotype independently predicted overall survival in metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. However, MSI status did not emerge as a prognostic factor in our cohort.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Asymptomatic acute pancreatitis due to tamoxifen-induced severe hypertriglyceridemia in a patient with diabetes mellitus and breast cancer

We report tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia and asymptomatic acute pancreatitis in a 51 year-old women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stage III-b infiltrative ductal carcinoma, admitted to the hospital with weakness, oliguria and glucose dysregulation. On admission, there was no fever, abdominal or back pain, rebound tenderness, nausea, or vomiting. Following 1 year of tamoxifen treatment, triglycerides increased from 400 to 1344 mg/dl (blood urea nitrogen 52 mg/dl, creatinine 2.0 mg/dl, glucose 341 mg/dl). Hypertriglyceridemia was considered to be due to either diabetic dyslipidemia and/or tamoxifen. On computerized tomography, pancreatic enlargement, heterogenity, hypodensity and a pancreatic pseudocyst (5 x 7.5 cm diameter) were found. Acute pancreatitis was suspected, and serum amylase level was found to be increased (273 IU/L). Tamoxifen was discontinued and gemfibrozil was started. Triglycerides decreased to 301 mg/dl and amylase decreased to 66 IU/L a week later and remained normal thereafter. This case indicates that tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia may cause acute pancreatitis without classical symptoms which might be due to autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients. Effects on lipid metabolism should be considered and triglycerides should be closely followed in patients on tamoxifen.