Pilot study of the implementation of G8 screening tool, Cognitive screening assessment and Chemotherapy Toxicity assessment in older adults with cancer in a Tertiary University Hospital in Ireland

BACKGROUND

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is recommended by international guidelines prior to initiation of systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT). In practice, CGA is limited by time constraints, lack of resources and expert interpretation.

AIMS

The primary objective of this pilot study was to establish the prevalence of frailty (assessed by G8), cognitive impairment (assessed by Mini-Cog), and risk of chemotherapy toxicity (assessed by CARG Chemo-Toxicity Calculator) among patients (pts) ≥65 years commencing SACT. We selected these three screening tools due to the ease of conducting them in a busy outpatient setting. In addition, they have been validated to predict frailty and risk of toxicity from SACT among older adults with cancer.

METHODS

Eligible participants were identified from medical oncology clinics. Assessments were conducted in an outpatient setting by treating physicians. Pt records were reviewed to gather demographic and cancer details. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical software.

RESULTS

Sixty-three participants were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 73yrs (range=65-88). Thirty-three (52.4%) were female and 30 (47.6%) were male. The majority (n=38, 60.3%) had metastatic cancer. The mean G8 score was 11.9 (range=6-19). Eighty-three percent had a G8 score ≤14. Mini-Cog was positive in 13 pts (21%). The mean CARG score was 7.5 (range=0-16), and 80% had a risk of at least 50% grade ≥3 toxicity. Of these, 48 (76.2%) received chemotherapy and 15 (23.8%) received non-cytotoxic SACT. In multi-variate analyses, age, cancer type, treatment type, and disease stage did not impact G8, Mini-Cog, or CARG scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has several limitations but suggests that the majority of older adults with cancer would qualify for formal CGA assessment. The risk of high-grade toxicity from SACT is substantial in this cohort. Chronological age was not found to negatively impact pts' frailty, cognition, or risk of toxicity.

Enhancing Nutrition Support for Esophageal Cancer Patients: Understanding Factors Influencing Feeding Tube Utilization

Objective: We sought to identify factors that can predict esophageal cancer (EC) patients at high risk of requiring feeding tube insertion. Methods: A retrospective cohort review was conducted, including all patients diagnosed with EC at our cancer center from 2013 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression was performed comparing the group that required a reactive feeding tube insertion to those who did not require any feeding tube insertion to identify risk factors. Results: A total of 350 patients were included in the study, and 132/350 (38%) patients received a feeding tube. 50 out of 132 (38%) patients had feeding tube inserted reactively. Severe dysphagia (OR 19.9, p < 0.001) at diagnosis and decision to undergo chemotherapy (OR 2.8, p = 0.008) appeared to be predictors for reactive feeding tube insertion. The reactive insertion group had a 7% higher rate of complications relating to feeding tube. Conclusion: Severe dysphagia at diagnosis and undergoing chemotherapy were identified as risk factors for requiring a feeding tube. Ultimately, the aim is to create a predictive tool that utilizes these risks factors to accurate identify high-risk patients who may benefit from prophylactic feeding tube insertion.

Recommended first-line management of asymptomatic brain metastases from EGFR mutant and ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer varies significantly according to specialty: an international survey of clinical practice

Background

The role for radiotherapy or surgery in the upfront management of brain metastases (BrM) in epidermal growth factor receptor mutant (EGFRm) or anaplastic lymphoma kinase translocation positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is uncertain because of a lack of prospective evidence supporting tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) monotherapy. Further understanding of practice heterogeneity is necessary to guide collaborative efforts in establishing guideline recommendations.

Methods

We conducted an international survey among medical (MO), clinical (CO), and radiation oncologists (RO), as well as neurosurgeons (NS), of treatment recommendations for asymptomatic BrM (in non-eloquent regions) EGFRm or ALK+ NSCLC patients according to specific clinical scenarios. We grouped and compared treatment recommendations according to specialty. Responses were summarized using counts and percentages and analyzed using the Fisher exact test.

Results

A total of 449 surveys were included in the final analysis: 48 CO, 85 MO, 60 NS, and 256 RO. MO and CO were significantly more likely than RO and NS to recommend first-line TKI monotherapy, regardless of the number and/or size of asymptomatic BrM (in non-eloquent regions). Radiotherapy in addition to TKI as first-line management was preferred by all specialties for patients with ≥4 BrM. NS recommended surgical resection more often than other specialties for BrM measuring >2 cm.

Conclusions

Recommendations for the management of BrM from EGFRm or ALK+ NSCLC vary significantly according to oncology sub-specialties. Development of multidisciplinary guidelines and further research on establishing optimal treatment strategies is warranted.

Cognitive and neuropsychiatric endophenotypes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

First- and second-degree relatives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis report higher rates of neuropsychiatric disorders, indicating that risk genes may be pleiotropic, causing multiple phenotypes within kindreds. Such phenotypes may constitute a disease endophenotype that associates with disease liability. We have directly investigated cognitive functioning and neuropsychiatric traits among relatives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to identify potential endophenotypes of the disease. In a family-based, cross-sectional study design, first- and second-degree relatives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 149) were compared to controls (n = 60) using an in-depth neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric assessment. Subgroup analyses examined the effect of family history and C9orf72 repeat expansion status (n = 16 positive carriers). Relatives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis had lower scores on executive functioning, language and memory tasks compared to controls, with large effect sizes observed on object naming (d = 0.91, P = 0.00001) and phonemic verbal fluency (d = 0.81, P = 0.0003). Relatives also had higher autism quotient attention to detail traits (d = -0.52, P = 0.005), lower conscientiousness (d = 0.57, P = 0.003) and lower openness to experience personality traits (d = 0.54, P = 0.01) than controls. These effects were typically larger in relatives of people with familial, rather than sporadic, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and were present in both gene carrier and non-carrier relatives of probands with a C9orf72 repeat expansion. Poorer phonemic fluency and object naming, along with autism and personality traits, are more frequent in relatives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Among kindreds carrying the C9orf72 repeat expansion, these traits were identified in relatives regardless of their carrier status, suggesting the presence of a disease-associated endophenotype that is not exclusively mediated by the C9orf72 expansion.

Dyspnea in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer: a population-based analysis of disease burden and patterns of care

Background

Patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) experience significant morbidity with dyspnea being a common symptom with a prevalence of 70%. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with a moderate-to-severe dyspnea score based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), as well as resultant patterns of intervention and factors correlated to intervention receipt.

Methods

Using health services administrative data, we conducted a population-based study of all patients diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC treated from January 2007 to September 2018 in the province of Ontario. The primary outcomes of interest are the prevalence of moderate-to-severe dyspnea scores, and the receipt of dyspnea-directed intervention. Differences in baseline characteristic between moderate-to-severe dyspnea and low dyspnea score cohorts were assessed by comparative statistics. Predictors of intervention receipt for patients with moderate-to-severe dyspnea scores were estimated using multivariable modified Poisson regression.

Results

The initial study cohort included 13,159 patients diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC and of these, 9,434 (71.7%) reported a moderate-to-severe dyspnea score. Compared to patients who did not report moderate-to-severe dyspnea scores, those who reported a moderate-to-severe dyspnea score were more likely to complete a greater number of ESAS surveys, be male, have a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) score, and receive subsequent systemic therapy after diagnosis. Most patients with a moderate-to-severe dyspnea score received intervention (96%), of which the most common were palliative care management (87%), thoracic radiotherapy (56%) and thoracentesis (37%). Multivariable regression identified older patients to be less likely to undergo pleurodesis. Thoracentesis was less common for patients living in rural and non-major urban areas, lower income areas, and earlier year of diagnosis. Receipt of thoracic radiotherapy was less common for older patients, females, those with ECI ≥4, patients living in major urban areas, and those with later year of diagnosis. Finally, palliative care referrals were less frequent for patients with ECI ≥4, age 60-69, residence outside of major urban areas, earlier year of diagnosis, and lower income areas.

Conclusions

Dyspnea is a prevalent symptom amongst patients with metastatic NSCLC. Subpopulations of patients with moderate-to-severe dyspnea scores were in which inequities may exist in access to care that require further attention and evaluation.

OP0228 USE OF NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AND RISK OF COMORBIDITIES IN PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT OSTEOARTHRITIS - A UK PRIMARY CARE DATABASE COHORT STUDY

Background

People with osteoarthritis (OA) are at higher risk of developing a wide array of comorbidities. Whether the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contributes to the increased risk of some incident comorbidities remains unknown.

Objectives

To examine the contribution of NSAIDs in the development of a wide range of comorbidities in people with and without OA.

Methods

This observational cohort study used the UK primary care Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD containing data on 20+ million people covering 937 practices. We identified 259,000 people with incident OA and 259,000 age (±2 years), sex, and practice matched controls at 1:1 ratio. Controls were assigned the same index date (the date of first diagnosis of OA) as cases for the start of follow-up. Both cases and controls were further divided into two groups according to NSAID prescriptions at any time after the index date. This allowed us to examine both the main effect of each exposure and interaction between OA and NSAID exposure after the index date. People with an NSAID prescription before the index date were excluded from the study. NSAID exposure was defined as at least two prescriptions within 90 days. Exposure status of each participant was assessed every six months as yes/no until the end of the study/outcome of interests/death/last data available, whichever came first. Comorbidities were grouped into 9 categories as cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), endocrine, psychological, renal, gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary, hepatic, and neurological conditions. Propensity scores for the prescription of NSAIDs were calculated using a logistic regression model including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), musculoskeletal and pain related conditions covariates. The propensity score adjusted time varying exposure analysis was undertaken using a multivariate COX model and hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Proportional hazard assumption was tested using Schoenfeld test. Smoking, alcohol, ever prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and other comorbidities were included in the adjusted model. The additional contribution of NSAIDs and OA towards the incident comorbidity was estimated using addictive interaction methods. We also investigated the individual risk across non-selective, and COX-2 selective NSAIDs.

Results

The mean age was 59.4±12.8 years in people with OA and 60.2±12.8 years for controls with 57.7% being female. Nearly two thirds of people with OA were prescribed NSAIDs as defined, compared to one third in the control population. People with OA and exposed to NSAIDs had highest risk of developing psychological (1.51; 1.43,1.60), CVD (1.38; 1.33,1.43), cancer (1.34; 1.25,1.44), GI (1.25; 1.16,1.34) and renal (1.17; 1.11,1.24) comorbidities after adjusting for all the covariates and PPI drugs, compared to the non-OA and non-NSAID group. (Figure 1) Interaction between OA and NSAID was significant for cancer, GI, renal, hepatic, and neurological outcomes. Within people with OA, non-selective NSAIDs increased the risk of CVD (1.25; 1.20,1.30), cancer (1.11; 1.04,1.19), endocrine (1.15; 1.10,1.19), renal (1.19; 1.13,1.26) and psychological (1.21; 1.15,1.28) comorbidities, whereas COX-2 selective NSAIDs increased risk of incident CVD (1.34; 1.25,1.44), endocrine (1.13; 1.04,1.21), renal (1.25; 1.14,1.37), and psychological (1.21; 1.09,1.34) comorbidities.

Figure 1.

Hazard ratio of developing different comorbidities (reference group: no OA and no NSAIDs) OA- Osteoarthritis; NSAIDS- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Conclusion

Use of NSAIDs among people with OA is associated with increased risk of a wide variety of comorbidities. Non-selective and COX-2 selective NSAIDs are both associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, renal, and psychological comorbidities.

Acknowledgements

We thank the Patient Research Participants (PRP) members Jenny Cockshull, Stevie Vanhegan, and Irene Pitsillidou for their involvement since the beginning of the project. We would like to thank the FOREUM for financially supporting the research.

Disclosure of Interests

Subhashisa Swain: None declared, Anne Kamps: None declared, Jos Runhaar: None declared, Andrea Dell’Isola: None declared, Aleksandra Turkiewicz: None declared, Danielle E Robinson: None declared, Victoria Y Strauss: None declared, Christian Mallen: None declared, Chang-Fu Kuo: None declared, Carol Coupland: None declared, Michael Doherty Consultant of: Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Grant/research support from: Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Aliya Sarmanova: None declared, Daniel Prieto-Alhambra Speakers bureau: paid speaker services from Amgen and UCB Biopharma., Consultant of: His department has received advisory or consultancy fees from Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Johnson, and Johnson, and UCB Biopharma, Grant/research support from: Prof. Prieto-Alhambra’s research group has received grant support from Amgen, Chesi-Taylor, Novartis, and UCB Biopharma., Martin Englund: None declared, S.M.A. Bierma-Zeinstra: None declared, Weiya Zhang Speakers bureau: Speakers bureau: Bioiberica as an invited speaker for EULAR 2016 satellite symposium, Consultant of: Consultant of: Grunenthal for advice on gout management,

POS1521-HPR UNDERSTANDING AND IDENTIFYING KEY CONTEXTUAL FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE PRACTITIONER-PATIENT ENCOUNTER IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS: A QUALITATIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background

Contextual factors (CFs) related to the patient, healthcare practitioners, and their therapeutic relationship are integral to the overall treatment effect of any given intervention (1). In osteoarthritis (OA), around 75% of the treatment effect is directly attributable to CFs (2). Identifying and understanding the role of CFs may encourage healthcare practitioners to develop and enhance the contextual aspects of care.

Objectives

To explore and understand the experience and perspectives of patients and health practitioners regarding CFs in consultations for OA.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted between March 15 and May 18, 2020, on the following databases: MEDLINE via Ovid, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO and CINAHL. The search for unpublished studies included ProQuest Dissertations and Google Scholar. The search was not limited to any language or publication year. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for quality assessment, study selection, data extraction and synthesis were used. Findings were assessed for credibility, categorised based on similarity in meaning and subjected to a meta-aggregation. The ConQual approach was used to assess the confidence of the synthesised findings (3).

Results

Of 1808 records generated from the systematic search of databases and grey literature, eight studies were included in the meta-aggregation (Figure 1). All included papers were moderate to high quality based on the JBI qualitative critical appraisal tool. Meta-aggregation generated three synthesised findings. According to the ConQual criteria, all the synthesised findings’ level of evidence was rated as moderate (Table 1). The key, potentially modifiable, factors identified were positive communication; clear and relevant information provided by the health practitioner; patient expectation concerning their outcome and the consultation experience; sufficient consultation time; and easy access to consultations.

Table 1.

ConQual summary of findings

Synthesized findingType of researchDependabilityCredibilityConQual scoreI. People with OA will likely experience comprehensive and satisfactory management of their condition if the key contextual enhancers are implemented.QualitativeUnchanged*Downgrade 1 level**ModerateII. Health providers acknowledged that information provision and efficient communication skills are likely to enhance management during consultations for OA.QualitativeUnchanged*Downgrade 1 level**ModerateIII. Effective consultations are affected by an intersection of organizational challenges and patient and provider characteristics. Limited experience with OA of some practitioners, unrealistic patients’ expectations, and short consultation duration are barriers that need to be adjusted for better management.QualitativeUnchanged*Downgrade 1 level**Moderate

* The average score was (4/5) for dependability.

** Downgraded one level due to a mix of unequivocal and credible findings.

Figure 1.

PRISMA flowchart of the study selection and inclusion process

Conclusion

This qualitative systematic review has defined three synthesized findings. Identification of modifiable CFs that are deemed important by both patients and health practitioners can inform the development of a training package for healthcare professional.

References

[1]Di Blasi Z, Harkness E, Ernst E, Georgiou A, Kleijnen J. Influence of context effects on health outcomes: a systematic review. The Lancet. 2001;357(9258):757-762.

[2]Zou K, Wong J, Abdullah N, Chen X, Smith T, Doherty M et al. Examination of overall treatment effect and the proportion attributable to contextual effect in osteoarthritis: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2016;75(11):1964-1970.

[3]Munn, Z., Porritt, K., Lockwood, C., Aromataris, E. & Pearson, A. 2014. Establishing confidence in the output of qualitative research synthesis: the ConQual approach. BMC medical research methodology, 14, 1-7.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Pilot study of the implementation of G8 screening tool, cognitive screening assessment and chemotherapy toxicity assessment in older adults with cancer in a tertiary University Hospital in Ireland

e24019

Background: 11% of Ireland’s population is above the age of 65. This is projected to double to 1.4 million by 2040 corresponding to doubling of cancer cases. Clinical trials often exclude patients (pts) ≥70; therefore, it can be challenging to apply evidence based treatment (tx) to this population. Data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland suggests under tx of older patients (pts). Comprehensive Geriatric assessment (CGA) is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG). In practice, CGA is limited by time constraints, lack of resources and expert interpretation. Geriatric screening tools can help identify frail pts who are most likely to benefit from CGA. The primary objective of this pilot study was to establish the prevalence of frailty (assessed by G8), presence of cognitive impairment (assessed by Mini-Cog), and risk of chemo-toxicity (assessed by Chemo-Toxicity Calculator) among pts ≥ 65 years (yrs) starting systemic anti-cancer tx. Methods: Pts ≥65yrs starting new systemic anticancer tx were identified between 1st of December 2020 to 31ST of September 2021 in St. Vincent’s University Hospital. Verbal consent was obtained. Printed versions of the G8 screening tool and Mini-Cog were used. CARG chemo-toxicity score was conducted online ( www.mycarg.org/tools ). .The assessment was conducted by consultants, specialist registrars and registrars. Data including pts’ age, type of malignancy, stage of cancer, and planned treatment were recorded. Analysis was conducted by SPSS statistical software, V.25(SPSS Institute, IBM Corp., 2017). Results: We identified 56 pts ≥65 years.27 (48.1%) were females and 29 (50.8%) were males. The majority of treated pts, N = 33 (58.1%) had metastatic cancer. The median G8 score was 12 (IQR 9.6-14). 83.9% of pts had a G8 score ≤14. Mini-Cog was found to be positive in 11 pts (19.6%). The median CARG score was 7 (IQR 6-11) and the median risk of toxicity 51% (IQR 44-78%). Of these, 44 (78.2%) received chemotherapy and 12 pts (21.4%) received non-chemotherapy systemic tx. In multi-variate analyses, age, type of cancer, planned treatment, and stage of disease did not impact G8, Min-cog, and CARG scores. Conclusions: In this single center study of elderly pts, more than 80% of pts had a positive G8 score representing a need for formal CGA assessment. The risk of toxicity was substantial with almost 50% risk of grade ≥ 3 toxicity in this cohort. Chronological age was not found to negatively impact patient’s frailty, cognition, or risk of toxicity. Interpretation of this pilot study is limited by small sample size, possible inter-operator variability, and lack of self-reported assessment.

POS1124 EVALUATION OF COMORBIDITY PATTERNS AND IDENTIFICATION OF SUB-GROUPS IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS IN 94,720 PATIENTS FROM SPAIN

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) patients are more likely to have other comorbidities (Swain, Sarmanova et al. 2020). Improving the understanding of comorbidity profiles of OA patients may lead to improvement in their clinical care.

Objectives

To identify sub-groups in patients diagnosed with hip OA using patterns of comorbidity.

Methods

Routinely-collected data of individuals ≥18 years with an incident diagnosis of hip OA (baseline/time of diagnosis), with at least 1 year of follow-up in SIDIAP (Information System for Research in Primary Care, a primary case database from Spain) were collected from January 1st 2006 to June 31st 2020. Those with soft-tissue disorders or other bone/cartilage diseases at the same joint in the year prior/after baseline were excluded. Comorbidities associated with OA in the literature and present in ≥1% of the study population were included. Clusters of comorbidities were identified at baseline using latent class analysis (LCA), a soft clustering method that classifies individuals according to the distribution of their measured items. The number of clusters or sub-groups within the study population was decided by comparing goodness of fit parameters (CAIC, BIC, ABIC) and log-likelihood changes of models from 2 to 8 clusters. The selected model was externally evaluated by a survival analysis assessing 10 years mortality within each cluster, where the weight of the posterior probability was used as a probability of sampling weight.

Results

We identified 94,720 individuals with an incident diagnosis of hip OA, 56.3% women and 43.7% men, with a mean age (SD) of 67.2 (13.1) years. We selected the LCA model with 5 clusters that could be described as: healthier (lower prevalence of all comorbidities than average in the cohort), multimorbidity (higher prevalence of all comorbidities, multiple comorbidities), back/neck pain plus mental health (B/N-mental), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) (Figure 1). Cox regression (HR [95CI%]) showed higher mortality risk for multimorbidity (3.76 [3.70-3.83]), CVD (1.56 [1.53-1.59]) and MetS (4.56 [4.35-4.78]), compared to healthy. No difference was observed for B/N-mental cluster.

Figure 1.

Distribution of comorbidities within each cluster using latent class analysis. Clusters were described as Healthier, Multimorbidity, B/N-mental, CVD and MetS. Black horizontal lines represent the prevalence of the comorbidity before the clusterization. Abbreviations: Healthier, lower prevalence of all comorbidities; Multimorbidity, higher prevalence of all comorbidities; B/N-mental, back/neck pain plus mental health disorders; CVD, cardiovascular disease; Met, metabolic syndrome; Bhp, benign prostate hypertrophy; Chd, chronic heart disease; Chf, chronic heart failure; Ckd, chronic kidney disease; Copd, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Gbs, gall bladder stone; Gerd, gastroesophageal reflux disease; Ibd, inflammatory bowel disease; Ovd, other vessel diseases; Substance, substance abuse.

Conclusion

Clustering of co-morbidities in hip OA patients at the time of diagnosis has the potential to detect sub-groups of hip OA patients who might require additional care.

References

[1]Swain, S., A. Sarmanova, C. Coupland, M. Doherty and W. Zhang (2020). “Comorbidities in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.” Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 72(7): 991-1000.

Acknowledgements

We thank the Patient Research Participants (PRP) members Jenny Cockshull, Stevie Vanhegan, and Irene Pitsillidou for their involvement since the beginning of the project. We would like to thank the FOREUM for financially supporting the research.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Safety Related to the Timing of Radiotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single Institutional Experience

Background: The safety impact of radiotherapy (RT) timing relative to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. We investigated if RT within 14 days (Interval 1) and 90 days (Interval 2) of ICI use is associated with toxicities compared to RT outside these intervals. Methods: Advanced NSCLC patients treated with both RT and ICIs were reviewed. Toxicities were graded as per CTCAE v4.0 and attributed to either ICIs or RT by clinicians. Associations between RT timing and Grade ≥2 toxicities were analyzed using logistic regression models adjusted for patient, disease, and treatment factors (α = 0.05). Results: Sixty-four patients were identified. Twenty received RT within Interval 1 and 40 within Interval 2. There were 20 Grade ≥2 toxicities in 18 (28%) patients; pneumonitis (6) and nausea (2) were most prevalent. One treatment-related death (immune encephalitis) was observed. Rates of patients with Grade ≥2 toxicities were 35%/25% in the group with/without RT within Interval 1 and 30%/25% in the group with/without RT within Interval 2. No significant association between RT timing relative to ICI use period and Grade ≥2 toxicities was observed. Conclusion: Albeit limited by the small sample size, the result suggested that pausing ICIs around RT use may not be necessary.

Different genes may be involved in distal and local sensitisation: a genome-wide gene-based association study and meta-analysis

Background

Neuropathic pain symptoms and signs of increased pain sensitization in osteoarthritis (OA) patients may explain persistent pain after total joint replacement (TJR). Therefore, identifying genetic markers associated with pain sensitization and neuropathic‐like pain phenotypes could be clinically important in identifying targets for early intervention.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide gene‐based association study (GWGAS) using pressure pain detection thresholds (PPTs) from distal pain‐free sites (anterior tibia), a measure of distal sensitization, and from proximal pain‐affected sites (lateral joint line), a measure of local sensitization, in 320 knee OA participants from the Knee Pain and related health in the Community (KPIC) cohort. We next performed gene‐based fixed‐effects meta‐analysis of PPTs and a neuropathic‐like pain phenotype using genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data from KPIC and from an independent cohort of 613 post‐TJR participants, respectively.

Results

The most significant genes associated with distal and local sensitization were OR5B3 and BRDT, respectively. We also found previously identified neuropathic pain‐associated genes—KCNA1, MTOR, ADORA1 and SCN3B—associated with PPT at the anterior tibia and an inflammatory pain gene—PTAFR—associated with PPT at the lateral joint line. Meta‐analysis results of anterior tibia and neuropathic‐like pain phenotypes revealed genes associated with bone morphogenesis, neuro‐inflammation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Overall, our results suggest that different biological processes might be involved in distal and local sensitization, and common genetic mechanisms might be implicated in distal sensitization and neuropathic‐like pain. Future studies are needed to replicate these findings.

Significance

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first GWAS for pain sensitization and the first gene‐based meta‐analysis of pain sensitization and neuropathic‐like pain. Higher pain sensitization and neuropathic pain symptoms are associated with persistent pain after surgery hence, identifying genetic biomarkers and molecular pathways associated with these traits is clinically relevant.

Common and rare variant association analyses in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis identify 15 risk loci with distinct genetic architectures and neuron-specific biology

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a lifetime risk of one in 350 people and an unmet need for disease-modifying therapies. We conducted a cross-ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) including 29,612 patients with ALS and 122,656 controls, which identified 15 risk loci. When combined with 8,953 individuals with whole-genome sequencing (6,538 patients, 2,415 controls) and a large cortex-derived expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) dataset (MetaBrain), analyses revealed locus-specific genetic architectures in which we prioritized genes either through rare variants, short tandem repeats or regulatory effects. ALS-associated risk loci were shared with multiple traits within the neurodegenerative spectrum but with distinct enrichment patterns across brain regions and cell types. Of the environmental and lifestyle risk factors obtained from the literature, Mendelian randomization analyses indicated a causal role for high cholesterol levels. The combination of all ALS-associated signals reveals a role for perturbations in vesicle-mediated transport and autophagy and provides evidence for cell-autonomous disease initiation in glutamatergic neurons.

Province-Wide Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

In Ontario, Canada, patient-reported outcome (PRO) evaluation through the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) has been integrated into clinical workflow since 2007. As stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with substantial disease and treatment-related morbidity, this province-wide study investigated moderate to severe symptom burden in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ESAS collected from patients with stage IV NSCLC diagnosed between 2007 and 2018 linked to the Ontario provincial health care system database were studied. ESAS acquired within 12 months following diagnosis were analyzed and the proportion reporting moderate to severe scores (ESAS ≥4) in each domain was calculated. Predictors of moderate to severe scores were identified using multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance.

RESULTS

Of 22,799 patients, 13,289 (58.3%) completed ESAS (84,373 assessments) in the year following diagnosis. Patients with older age, with high comorbidity, and not receiving active cancer therapy had lower ESAS completion. The majority (94.4%) reported at least one moderate to severe symptom. The most prevalent were tiredness (84.1%), low well-being (80.7%), low appetite (71.7%), and shortness of breath (67.8%). Most symptoms peaked at diagnosis and, while declining, remained high in the following year. On multivariable analyses, comorbidity, low income, nonimmigrants, and urban residency were associated with moderate to severe symptoms. Moderate to severe scores in all ESAS domains aside from anxiety were associated with radiotherapy within 2 weeks prior, whereas drowsiness, low appetite and well-being, nausea, and tiredness were associated with systemic therapy within 2 weeks prior.

CONCLUSION

This province-wide PRO analysis showed moderate to severe symptoms were prevalent and persistent among patients with metastatic NSCLC, underscoring the need to address supportive measures in this population especially around treatments.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

In this largest study of lung cancer patient-reported outcomes (PROs), stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients had worse moderate-to-severe symptoms than other metastatic malignancies such as breast or gastrointestinal cancers when assessed with similar methodology. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe symptoms peaked early and remained high during the first year of follow-up. Symptom burden was associated with recent radiation and systemic treatments. Early and sustained PRO collection is important to detect actionable symptom progression, especially around treatments. Vulnerable patients (e.g., older, high comorbidity) who face barriers in attending in-person clinic visits had lower PRO completion. Virtual PRO collection may improve completion.

Comparative efficacy and safety of acetaminophen, topical and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for knee osteoarthritis: evidence from a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and real-world data

OBJECTIVE

Current global guidelines regarding the first-line analgesics (acetaminophen, topical or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) for knee osteoarthritis remain controversial and their comparative risk-benefit profiles have yet to be adequately assessed.

DESIGN

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to March 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acetaminophen, topical NSAIDs and oral NSAIDs directly or indirectly in knee osteoarthritis. Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted. A propensity-score matched cohort study was also conducted among patients with knee osteoarthritis in The Health Improvement Network database.

RESULTS

122 RCTs (47,113 participants) were networked. Topical NSAIDs were superior to acetaminophen (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.29, 95% credible interval [CrI]: -0.52 to -0.06) and not statistically different from oral NSAIDs (SMD = 0.03, 95% CrI: -0.16 to 0.22) for function. It had lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects (AEs) than acetaminophen (risk ratio [RR] = 0.52, 95%CrI: 0.35 to 0.76) and oral NSAIDs (RR = 0.46, 95%CrI: 0.34 to 0.61) in RCTs. In real-world data, topical NSAIDs showed lower risks of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52 to 0.68), cardiovascular diseases (HR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.63 to 0.85) and gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.41 to 0.69) than acetaminophen during the one-year follow-up (n = 22,158 participants/group). A better safety profile was also observed for topical than oral NSAIDs (n = 14,218 participants/group).

CONCLUSIONS

Topical NSAIDs are more effective than acetaminophen but not oral NSAIDs for function improvement in people with knee osteoarthritis. Topical NSAIDs are safer than acetaminophen or oral NSAIDs in trials and real-world data.

Synovitis and bone marrow lesions associate with symptoms and radiographic progression in hand osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

AIMS

To systematically review observational studies for the association between features detected on ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, symptoms, signs and radiographic progression of hand osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED were searched from inception to 14^th January 2020 to identify relevant studies. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scales and data were extracted. Odds ratios (OR) and linear regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using the random-effects model (METAN package, Stata v16.1). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies using US and MRI comprising 1,350 and 638 participants respectively were included. While only grey-scale synovitis (GSS) associated with AUSCAN-pain (pooled Regression coefficient (95% CI): 0.46 (0.13-0.79); 0-20 scale for AUSCAN-pain), US-detected osteophytes, GSS and power Doppler (PD) [pooled ORs (95% CI): 2.68(2.16-3.33), 2.38(1.74-3.26) and 2.04 (1.45-2.88)] as well as MRI-detected bone marrow lesions (BMLs), synovitis, osteophytes, and central bone erosions (CBEs) associated with joint tenderness [pooled ORs (95% CI): 2.59(2.12-3.18), 2.17(1.85-2.54), 2.15(1.55-2.99), and 2.41 (1.45-4.02)] respectively. US-detected GSS and PD associated with radiographic progression of CBEs [pooled ORs 5.37, 5.08], osteophytes [pooled ORs 5.17, 6.45], and joint space narrowing (pooled ORs 4.28, 4.36) whilst MRI-detected synovitis and BMLs associated with increasing KL grades with pooled ORs 2.92, 2.54 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

US and MRI-detected structural and inflammatory changes associate with tenderness, whilst articular inflammation and subchondral bone damage associate with radiographic hand OA progression. There was inconsistent relationship between these changes and pain.

OP0302-HPR IDENTIFYING THE CONTEXTUAL FACTORS IN THE PATIENT-PRACTITIONER ENCOUNTER THAT HAVE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background:

Placebo or contextual effect is an integral part of the treatment effect (1). The factors related to this effect are “contextual factors” (CFs) (2). CFs may be categorised into five groups as factors related to practitioner, patient, practitioner-patient interaction, treatment and therapeutic environment (3). Several CFs have demonstrated their therapeutic effect, whereas others not (4). The majority of musculoskeletal pain relief result from CFs (5). Identifying the key CFs may encourage health practitioners to optimize the contextual aspects of care.

Objectives:

To identify the modifiable CFs that can improve clinical outcomes in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods:

A systematic search was carried out, up until April 18th 2019, on the following databases: MEDLINE via Ovid, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO and Cochrane library. RCTs comparing contextual enhanced interventions versus non-enhanced control in adults for any health conditions were searched. The outcomes included both self-reported outcomes and objectively measured outcomes. The effect size and 95%confidence interval were calculated using the standard mean difference. Risk of bias was evaluated using the modified Cochrane tool. The random effects model was used to pool the results.

Results:

Of 3900 records generated from the systematic search, 15 trials (4615 participants) met the inclusion criteria, and 13 were included in this meta-analysis (Figure 1). Conditions studied included musculoskeletal [4], cardiovascular [2], irritable bowel syndrome [1], diabetes [1], asthma [1], GP or hospital patients [6]. Three CFs have been identified from these trials, including empathy, patient involvement and positive communication. All were found to be effective for patient experience i.e. satisfaction. Positive communication was also effective for symptoms but not objective outcomes (Table 1).

Table 1.

Summary of results.

OutcomeInterventionNumber of studies (Number of participants) SMD (95% CI)I2Patient experience outcomes,e.g. satisfactionEmpathy2 (137)0.45 (0.11, 0.79)42.2 %Patient involvement4 (1596)0.31 (0.21, 0.41)93.0 %Positive communication3 (793)0.38 (0.24, 0.52)93.9 %Symptomatic outcomes,e.g. painEmpathy1 (221)-0.18 (-0.45, 0.08)0.0 %Patient involvement1 (314)-0.05 (-0.27, 0.17)0.0 %Positive communication3 (658)0.20 (0.05, 0.35)64.8 %Objective outcomes,e.g. peak expiratory flowPositive communication2 (266)0.10 (-0.14, 0.34)66.6 %

Positive SMD favours intervention group. SMD= Standard mean difference, CI= Confidence interval, I2= heterogeneity.

Figure 1.

Summary of screening process.

Conclusion:

This systematic review has identified three CFs (empathy, patient involvement and positive communication) that have therapeutic effects for different conditions in trials, especially for self-reported outcomes. More research is needed to examine the clinical outcomes of CFs and to understand the influence of health practitioners on disease processes.

References:

[1]Zou K, Wong J, Abdullah N, Chen X, Smith T, Doherty M et al. Examination of overall treatment effect and the proportion attributable to contextual effect in osteoarthritis: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2016;75(11):1964-1970.

[2]Miller F, Kaptchuk T. The power of context: reconceptualizing the placebo effect. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2008;101(5):222-225.

[3]Di Blasi Z, Harkness E, Ernst E, Georgiou A, Kleijnen J. Influence of context effects on health outcomes: a systematic review. The Lancet. 2001;357(9258):757-762.

[4]Howick J, Moscrop A, Mebius A, R Fanshawe T, Lewith G, L Bishop F et al. Effects of empathic and positive communication in healthcare consultations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2018;111(7):240–252.

[5]Rossettini G, Carlino E, Testa M. Clinical relevance of contextual factors as triggers of placebo and nocebo effects in musculoskeletal pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2018;19(1).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS1124 IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA FOR CALCIUM PYROPHOSPHATE DEPOSITION DISEASE (CPPD): RESULTS FROM THE INITIAL PHASES

Background:

Classification criteria for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) will facilitate clinical research on this common crystalline arthritis. ACR/EULAR are jointly sponsoring development of CPPD classification criteria using a multi-phase process.

Objectives:

To report preliminary results from the first two phases of a four-phase process for developing CPPD classification criteria.

Methods:

CPPD classification criteria development is overseen by a 12-member Steering Committee. Item generation (Phase I) included a scoping literature review of five literature databases and contributions from a 35-member Combined Expert Committee and two Patient Research Partners. Item reduction and refinement (Phase II) involved a Combined Expert Committee meeting, discussions among Clinical, Imaging, and Laboratory Advisory Groups, and an item rating exercise to assess the influence of individual items toward classification. The Steering Committee reviewed the modal rating score for each item (range -3 [strongly pushes away from CPPD] to +3 [strongly pushes toward CPPD]) to determine items to retain for future phases of criteria development.

Results:

Item generation yielded 420 items (312 from the literature, 108 from experts/patients). The Advisory Groups eliminated items they agreed were unlikely to distinguish between CPPD and other forms of arthritis, yielding 127 items for the item rating exercise. Fifty-six items, most of which had a modal rating of +/- 2 or 3, were retained for future phases (see Table 1). As numerous imaging items were rated +3, the Steering Committee recommended focusing on imaging of the knee, wrist, and one additional affected joint for calcification suggestive of CPP crystal deposition.

Conclusion:

The ACR/EULAR CPPD classification criteria working group has adopted both data- and expert-driven approaches, leading to 56 candidate items broadly categorized as clinical, imaging, and laboratory features. Remaining steps for criteria development include domain establishment, item weighting through a multi-criteria decision analysis exercise, threshold score determination, and criteria validation.

Table 1.

Categories of items retained for future phases of classification criteria development

Age in decade at symptom onsetAcute inflammatory arthritis (e.g. knee, wrist, 1st MTP joint*)Recurrence and pattern of joint involvement (e.g. 1 self-limited episode, >1 self-limited episode)Physical findings (e.g. palpable subcutaneous tophus*, psoriasis*)Co-morbidities and family history (e.g. Gitelman disease, hemochromatosis, familial CPPD)Osteoarthritis location and features (e.g. 2nd or 3rd MCP joint, wrist)Synovial fluid findings (e.g. CPP crystals present, CPP crystals absent on 1 occasion* or 2 occasions*, monosodium urate crystals present*)Laboratory findings (e.g. hypomagnesemia, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid factor*, anti-CCP*)Plain radiograph: calcification in regions of fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Plain radiograph: calcification of the synovial membrane/capsule/tendon+Conventional CT: calcification in regions of fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Conventional CT: calcification of the synovial membrane/capsule/tendon+Ultrasound: CPP crystal deposition in fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Ultrasound: CPP crystal deposition in synovial membrane/capsule/tendons+Dual-energy CT: CPP crystal deposition in fibro- or hyaline cartilage+Dual-energy CT: CPP crystal deposition in synovial membrane/capsule/tendon+

*Potential negative predictor +Assessed in the knee, wrist, and/or 1 additional affected joint

Disclosure of Interests:

Sara Tedeschi Consultant of: NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Tristan Pascart: None declared, Augustin Latourte Consultant of: Novartis, Cattleya Godsave: None declared, Burak Kundaki: None declared, Raymond Naden: None declared, William Taylor: None declared, Nicola Dalbeth Speakers bureau: Abbvie and Janssen, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Dyve, Selecta, Horizon, Arthrosi, and Cello Health, Tuhina Neogi: None declared, Fernando Perez-Ruiz: None declared, Ann Rosenthal: None declared, Fabio Becce Consultant of: Horizon Therapeutics, Grant/research support from: Siemens Healthineers, Eliseo Pascual: None declared, Mariano Andrés: None declared, Thomas Bardin: None declared, Michael Doherty: None declared, Hang Korng Ea: None declared, Georgios Filippou: None declared, John FitzGerald: None declared, Marwin Gutierrez: None declared, Annamaria Iagnocco: None declared, Tim Jansen Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Grunenthal, Olatec, Sanofi Genzyme, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Grunenthal, Olatec, Sanofi Genzyme, Minna Kohler Speakers bureau: Lilly, Consultant of: Novartis, Frederic Lioté: None declared, Mark Matza: None declared, Geraldine McCarthy Consultant of: PK Med, Roberta Ramonda: None declared, Anthony Reginato: None declared, Pascal Richette: None declared, Jasvinder Singh Speakers bureau: Simply Speaking, Consultant of: Crealta/Horizon, Medisys, Fidia, UBM LLC, Trio health, Medscape, WebMD, Adept Field Solutions, Clinical Care options, Clearview healthcare partners, Putnam associates, Focus forward, Navigant consulting, Spherix, Practice Point communications, Francisca Sivera: None declared, Alexander So: None declared, Lisa Stamp: None declared, Janeth Yinh: None declared, Chio Yokose: None declared, Robert Terkeltaub Consultant of: Sobi, Horizon Therapeutics, Astra-Zeneca, Selecta, Grant/research support from: Astra-Zeneca, Hyon Choi: None declared, Abhishek Abhishek Consultant of: NGM Biopharmaceuticals.

LEAP-005: A phase 2 multicohort study of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated selected solid tumors—Results from the gastric cancer cohort

4030

Background: Lenvatinib, an anti-angiogenic multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in combination with the anti‒PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity with manageable safety in the first- or second-line in a phase 2 trial of patients with advanced gastric cancer. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is a phase 2, multicohort, nonrandomized, open-label study evaluating efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors; here, we present findings from the gastric cancer cohort of LEAP-005. Methods: Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic and/or unresectable gastric cancer, received at least 2 prior lines of therapy, had measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and provided a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression. Patients received lenvatinib 20 mg once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembrolizumab (approximately 2 years) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 years in patients experiencing clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR; comprising CR, PR, and SD), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 weeks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 31 patients were enrolled in the gastric cancer cohort; 87% were male, 58% were aged < 65 years, and 71% had PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1. Median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 7.0 months (range, 1.9‒11.9); 19 patients (61%) had discontinued treatment. ORR was 10% (95% CI, 2‒26); 1 patient had CR (3%), and 2 had a PR (6%). 12 patients (39%) had SD. Median DOR was not reached (range, 2.1+ to 2.3+ months). DCR was 48% (95% CI, 30‒67). Median PFS was 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.8‒4.2). Median OS was 5.9 months (95% CI, 2.6‒8.7). 28 patients (90%) had treatment-related AEs, including 13 patients (42%) with grade 3‒5 AEs. 1 patient had a treatment-related AE that led to death (hemorrhage). 8 patients (26%) had immune-mediated AEs: hypothyroidism (n = 5), hyperthyroidism (n = 2), and pneumonitis (n = 1). There were no infusion-related reactions. Conclusions: In patients with advanced gastric cancer who received 2 prior lines of therapy, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Based on these data, enrollment in the gastric cancer cohort has been expanded to 100 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326.

LEAP-005: A phase 2 multicohort study of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated selected solid tumors—Results from the colorectal cancer cohort

3564

Background: Pembrolizumab (pembro), an anti-PD-1 antibody, is approved for the treatment of patients (pts) with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair (MMR) deficient colorectal cancer, both as first-line treatment and after progression following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. The combination of lenvatinib, a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and anti-PD-1 treatment showed synergistic antitumor activity in preclinical models. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembro in pts with previously treated advanced solid tumors. We present findings from the colorectal cancer cohort. Methods: In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase 2 study, adult pts (aged ≥18 y) with histologically/cytologically documented metastatic and/or unresectable colorectal cancer, non–MSI-H/pMMR tumor per local determination, previous treatment with oxaliplatin and irinotecan in separate lines of therapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression were eligible. Pts received lenvatinib 20 mg QD plus pembro 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembro (̃2 y) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 y in pts with clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 wks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 32 pts with colorectal cancer received treatment with lenvatinib plus pembro (median age, 56 y [range, 36-77]; male, 81%; 3L, 91%); median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 10.6 mo (range, 5.9-13.1). ORR was 22% (95% CI, 9–40; table). Grade 3–5 treatment-related AEs occurred in 16 (50%) pts. Treatment-related AEs led to treatment discontinuation in 3 pts (grade 2 ischemic stroke [n = 1], grade 3 increased liver transaminases [n = 1], grade 5 intestinal perforation [n = 1]). Conclusions: In pts with previously treated advanced non–MSI-H/pMMR colorectal cancer, lenvatinib plus pembro demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Enrollment in the colorectal cohort was expanded to 100 pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326. [Table: see text]

Province-wide analysis of patient reported outcomes for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer

12092

Background: Stage IV NSCLC patients have significant disease and treatment-related morbidity. In Ontario, Canada, cancer patients complete Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) questionnaires, a tool that elicits patients’ self-reported severity of common cancer-associated symptoms at clinical encounters. ESAS domains are: anxiety, depression, drowsiness, appetite, nausea, pain, shortness of breath, tiredness and well-being. The purpose of this study is to examine moderate-to-severe symptom burden in the 12 months following a diagnosis of stage IV NSCLC. Methods: Using administrative databases and unique encoded identifiers, stage IV NSCLC diagnosed between January 2007 and September 2018 were evaluated for symptom screening with ESAS in the 12 months following diagnosis. Proportion of patients reporting moderate-to-severe score (i.e. ESAS ≥4) in each domain within 12 months were calculated. Patients reporting moderate-to-severe within the different ESAS domains of were plotted over time. Multivariable (MV) Poisson regression models with potential covariates such as age, sex, Elixhauser comorbidity index, income quintiles, and lung cancer treatments received were constructed to identify factors associated with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Results: Of 22,799 stage IV NSCLC patients, 13,289 (58.3%) had completed ESAS (84,373 unique assessments) in the year following diagnosis. Patients with older age, high comorbidity, and not receiving active cancer therapy were less likely to complete ESAS. Most (94.4%) reported at least 1 moderate-to-severe score. Most prevalent moderate-to-severe ESAS symptoms within 12 months after diagnosis were tiredness (84.1%), lack of wellbeing (80.7%), low appetite (71.7%), and shortness of breath (67.8%); nausea was the least prevalent (34.6%). Most symptoms peaked at diagnosis and persisted in the year after diagnosis. On adjusted MV analyses, patients with high comorbidity, low income, and urban residency were associated with increased moderate-to-severe symptoms. Moderate-to-severe scores in all ESAS symptoms were associated with delivery of radiotherapy within 2 weeks prior, while moderate-to-severe nausea, drowsiness, tiredness, low appetite, and lack of wellbeing were associated with delivery of systemic therapy within preceding 2 weeks. Conclusions: In this population-based analysis of stage IV NSCLC PROs in the year following diagnosis, moderate-to-severe symptoms were highly prevalent and persistently high, underscoring the need to address supportive requirements in this at-risk population.

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab for patients with previously treated biliary tract cancers in the multicohort phase 2 LEAP-005 study

4080

Background: Second-line treatment options for patients with biliary tract cancers (BTC) are limited. Lenvatinib, an anti-angiogenic multikinase inhibitor, in combination with the programmed death-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity with a manageable safety profile in patients with select advanced solid tumors. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors; here we present results from the BTC cohort of LEAP-005. Methods: In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase 2 study, eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with histologically or cytologically documented advanced (metastatic and/or unresectable) BTC with disease progression after 1 prior line of therapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression. Patients received lenvatinib 20 mg once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles (approximately 2 years) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 years in patients experiencing clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints were the disease control rate (DCR; comprising CR, PR, and SD), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 weeks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 31 patients were enrolled in the BTC cohort (ECOG PS 1, 55%; 84% ex-US). As of April 10, 2020, median time from first dose to data cutoff (DCO) was 9.5 months (range, 3.1‒11.9), with 8 patients on treatment at DCO. There were 3 (10%) PRs and 18 (58%) SDs. ORR was 10% (95% CI, 2‒26), and DCR was 68% (95% CI, 49‒83). Median DOR was 5.3 months (range, 2.1+ to 6.2). Median PFS was 6.1 months (95% CI, 2.1‒6.4). Median OS was 8.6 months (95% CI, 5.6 to NR). Treatment-related AEs occurred in 30 patients (97%), including 15 (48%) who had grade 3 AEs; there were no grade 4 or 5 treatment-related AEs. 2 (6%) discontinued treatment due to treatment-related AEs (myocarditis, pyrexia; n = 1 each). The most frequent treatment-related AEs were hypertension (42%), dysphonia (39%), diarrhea (32%), fatigue (32%), and nausea (32%). 14 patients (45%) had immune-mediated AEs and 1 patient (3%) had an infusion-related reaction. Conclusions: Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated encouraging efficacy and manageable toxicity in patients with advanced BTC who had received 1 line of prior therapy. Based on these data, enrollment in the BTC cohort has been expanded to 100 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326.

Overall survival comparison in patients with and without brain metastases treated with osimertinib for metastatic EGFR mutation positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

e21216

Background: With the development of Epidermal Growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Osimertinib, the landscape of lung cancer treatment and outcomes has changed. We aimed to describe the outcomes of patients treated with Osimertinib who have brain metastasis compared to those without brain metastases. Methods: This study involved patients diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation, from January 2010 to December 2018, who had treatment with Osimertinib at a dose of 80 mg daily. Retrospective data was collected through the electronic medical records from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the population characteristics. The log rank test was used to compare the survival distributions. Results: A total of 56 patients were included, the mean age at initial diagnosis was 63 years (range 27 – 85 years). Overall, 82.2% of this patient population received Osimertinib in 2nd line setting. A total of 50% (n = 28) had brain metastasis, and14.3% (n = 8) had leptomeningeal metastasis. Of the patients with brain metastasis, 14.3% (n = 4) had brain surgery. All patients with brain metastasis received central nervous system (CNS) radiation. With respect to radiotherapy modalities, 67.9% (n = 19) of patients with brain metastasis received gamma knife radiation, 42.85% (n = 12) were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and whole brain radiation was given to 57.1% (n = 16). Of those with brain metastasis, equal numbers of patients, 46.4% (n = 13), had EGFR mutations with exon 19-deletion and exon 21-L858R, 7.1% (n = 2) had unknown gene location EGFR mutation. The median OS for patients without brain metastasis was 38.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 37.5 – 39.8 months], compared to 35.9 months (95% [CI] 28.3 – 43.5 months] for those with brain metastasis ; log Rank (Mantel-Cox) p = 0.874. The median OS for patients diagnosed with leptomeningeal metastasis was 21 months (95% [CI] 2.9 – 39.0 months); log rank (mantel-cox). When brain metastasis was examined by EGFR mutation sub-groups, the median OS for patients with EGFR-exon 19-deletion was 26.4 months (95% CI [14.3 – 38.4 months], compared to 36.8 months, 95% CI [34.3 – 39.2 months] for those with EGFR-Exon 21-L858R; log Rank (Mantel-Cox) p = 0.49. Conclusions: Although there is an equivalent prevalence of brain metastasis between the two NSCLC EGFR mutation populations, in unadjusted analyses, no difference in OS was seen between patients with brain metastases compared to those without brain metastases. However, in the small number of patients with leptomeningeal disease, survival was shorter and a larger population should be studied to further explore this finding.

Abstract P36: Virtual cancer care in a tertiary care academic centre in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic - An analysis of physician and patient opinion

In an effort to limit physical contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been rapid implementation of virtual cancer care clinics using messaging, audio, and video communication. This model has advantages, particularly in convenience for patients who do not have to travel to a distant centre for specialist care, but has the potential to limit communication and also omits physical examination. The aim of this survey study was to assess whether patients attending the oncology unit at a tertiary care academic cancer centre were satisfied with the virtual clinic model and explore challenges in the delivery of virtual care. We also surveyed medical oncology trainees and consultant oncologists in the centre on the use of virtual care. Methods: All patients attending St Vincent’s University Hospital Oncology, Dublin, Ireland, who had received a virtual oncology clinic appointment were invited by text message to participate in a survey study analysing attitudes towards virtual oncology clinics. Medical oncology trainees and consultants working were also invited to give their opinions. Results: Between April and October 2020, 207 patients (of 600 invited) who had at least one virtual clinic consultation responded to the survey. 95% had their consultation via telephone, and 5% by email. 80% reported satisfaction with the experience. 85% received timely notice of their appointment, but 50% of patients did not receive a telephone call at the scheduled time. 80% of patients thought they had enough time with the doctor. Some patients who were travelling from outside Dublin found virtual clinics more convenient. 50% of patients want to continue virtual consultations post Covid-19; the main criticism was that patients want to receive the call at the appointed time. 14 medical oncology trainees (of 18 invited)and 6 consultants (of 8 invited) responded to the survey. 92% of trainees and 100% of consultants believed virtual care is inferior to face to face care. 85% of junior doctors and 100% of consultants surveyed found clinical assessment more difficult via virtual consultation, but 76% of trainees and 100% of consultants found virtual clinics more time efficient. 62% of trainees reported face to face clinics as better for education from consultants. 80% of consultants believed the education of trainees was inferior in virtual clinics. 62% of trainees and 100% of consultants would like to continue virtual care in some form post Covid -19. Conclusions: Irish patients attending a tertiary academic cancer centre were mostly satisfied with the telephone consultations they had with their oncology team. Satisfaction rates were lower among the doctors than patients, reflecting doctors’ difficulties in clinical assessment and teaching opportunities using virtual care. This survey highlights the need for more advanced technical platforms (including video calling and real time messaging) to provide excellent virtual care, as well as the development of new strategies for medical education through virtual clinics.

Citation Format: Mary N. O'Reilly, Mark Doherty. Virtual cancer care in a tertiary care academic centre in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic - An analysis of physician and patient opinion [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P36.

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab for patients with previously treated biliary tract cancers in the multicohort phase II LEAP-005 study

321

Background: Second-line treatment options for patients with biliary tract cancers (BTC) are limited. Lenvatinib, an anti-angiogenic multikinase inhibitor, in combination with the programmed death-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity with a manageable safety profile in patients with select advanced solid tumors. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors; here we present results from the BTC cohort of LEAP-005. Methods: In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase II study, eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with histologically or cytologically documented advanced (metastatic and/or unresectable) BTC with disease progression after 1 prior line of therapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression. Patients received lenvatinib 20 mg once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles (approximately 2 years) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 years in patients experiencing clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints were the disease control rate (DCR; comprising CR, PR, and SD), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 weeks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 31 patients were enrolled in the BTC cohort (ECOG PS 1, 55%; 84% ex-US). As of April 10, 2020, median time from first dose to data cutoff (DCO) was 9.5 months (range, 3.1‒11.9), with 16 patients on treatment at DCO. There were 3 (10%) PRs and 18 (58%) SDs. ORR was 10% (95% CI, 2‒26), and DCR was 68% (95% CI, 49‒83). Median DOR was 5.3 months (range, 2.1+ to 6.2). Median PFS was 6.1 months (95% CI, 2.1‒6.4). Median OS was 8.6 months (95% CI, 5.6 to NR). Treatment-related AEs occurred in 30 patients (97%), including 15 (48%) who had grade 3‒4 AEs; there were no treatment-related deaths. 2 (6%) discontinued treatment due to treatment-related AEs (myocarditis, pyrexia; n = 1 each). The most frequent treatment-related AEs were hypertension (42%), dysphonia (39%), diarrhea (32%), fatigue (32%), and nausea (32%). 14 patients (45%) had immune-mediated AEs and 1 patient (3%) had an infusion-related reaction. Conclusions: Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated encouraging efficacy and manageable toxicity in patients with advanced BTC who had received 1 line of prior therapy. Based on these data, enrollment in the BTC cohort has been expanded to 100 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326.

LEAP-005: A phase II multicohort study of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated selected solid tumors—Results from the gastric cancer cohort

230

Background: Lenvatinib, an anti-angiogenic multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in combination with the anti‒PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity with manageable safety in the first- or second-line in a phase 2 trial of patients with advanced gastric cancer. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is a phase 2, multicohort, nonrandomized, open-label study evaluating efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors; here, we present findings from the gastric cancer cohort of LEAP-005. Methods: Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic and/or unresectable gastric cancer, received at least 2 prior lines of therapy, had measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and provided a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression. Patients received lenvatinib 20 mg once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembrolizumab (approximately 2 years) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 years in patients experiencing clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR; comprising CR, PR, and SD), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 weeks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 31 patients were enrolled in the gastric cancer cohort; 87% were male, 58% were aged < 65 years, and 71% had PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1. Median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 7.0 months (range, 1.9‒11.9); 19 patients (61%) had discontinued treatment. ORR was 10% (95% CI, 2‒26); 1 patient had CR (3%), and 2 had a PR (6%). 12 patients (39%) had SD. Median DOR was not reached (range, 2.1+ to 2.3+ months). DCR was 48% (95% CI, 30‒67). Median PFS was 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.8‒4.2). Median OS was 5.9 months (95% CI, 2.6‒8.7). 28 patients (90%) had treatment-related AEs, including 13 patients (42%) with grade 3‒5 AEs. 1 patient had a treatment-related AE that led to death (hemorrhage). 8 patients (26%) had immune-mediated AEs: hypothyroidism (n = 5), hyperthyroidism (n = 2), and pneumonitis (n = 1). There were no infusion-related reactions. Conclusions: In patients with advanced gastric cancer who received 2 prior lines of therapy, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Based on these data, enrollment in the gastric cancer cohort has been expanded to 100 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326.

LEAP-005: A phase II multicohort study of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated selected solid tumors—Results from the colorectal cancer cohort

94

Background: Pembrolizumab (pembro), an anti-PD-1 antibody, is approved for the treatment of patients (pts) with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair (MMR) deficient colorectal cancer, both as first-line treatment and after progression following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. The combination of lenvatinib, a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and anti-PD-1 treatment showed synergistic antitumor activity in preclinical models. LEAP-005 (NCT03797326) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembro in pts with previously treated advanced solid tumors. We present findings from the colorectal cancer cohort. Methods: In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase 2 study, adult pts (aged ≥18 y) with histologically/cytologically documented metastatic and/or unresectable colorectal cancer, non–MSI-H/pMMR tumor per local determination, previous treatment with oxaliplatin and irinotecan in separate lines of therapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS of 0‒1, and a tissue sample evaluable for PD-L1 expression were eligible. Pts received lenvatinib 20 mg QD plus pembro 200 mg Q3W for up to 35 cycles of pembro (~2 y) or until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Treatment with lenvatinib could continue beyond 2 y in pts with clinical benefit. Primary endpoints were ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review) and safety. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), PFS, and OS. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W from treatment initiation for 54 wks, then Q12W to week 102, and Q24W thereafter. Results: 32 pts with colorectal cancer received treatment with lenvatinib plus pembro (median age, 56 y [range, 36-77]; male, 81%; 3L, 91%); median time from first dose to data cutoff (April 10, 2020) was 10.6 mos (range, 5.9-13.1) ORR was 22% (95% CI, 9-40; Table). Grade 3-5 treatment-related AEs occurred in 16 (50%) pts. Treatment-related AEs led to treatment discontinuation in 3 pts (grade 2 ischemic stroke [n = 1], grade 3 increased liver transaminases [n = 1], grade 5 intestinal perforation [n = 1]). Efficacy Results. Clinical trial information: NCT03797326. NR, not reached aConfirmation was not required for best overall response of SD, but a final visit response of SD or better must have occurred ≥6 wks after starting study treatment Conclusions: In pts with previously treated advanced non–MSI-H/pMMR colorectal cancer, lenvatinib plus pembro demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile. Enrollment in the colorectal cohort was expanded to 100 pts. [Table: see text]

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of second-line therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

In patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) following sorafenib failure, it is unclear which treatment is most efficacious, as treatments in the second-line setting have not been directly compared and no standard therapy exists. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (nma) aimed to compare the clinical benefits and toxicities of these treatments.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (rcts) was conducted to identify phase iii rcts in advanced hcc following sorafenib failure. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of placebo were examined for heterogeneity. Primary outcomes of interest were extracted for results, including overall survival (os), progression-free survival (pfs), objective response rate (orr), grade 3/4 toxicities, and subgroups. An nma was conducted to compare both drugs through the intermediate placebo. Comparisons were expressed as hazard ratios (hrs) for os and pfs, and as risk difference (rd) for orr and toxicities. Subgroup analyses for os and pfs were also performed.

Results

Two rcts were identified (1280 patients) and compared through an indirect network; celestial (cabozantinib vs. placebo) and resorce (regorafenib vs. placebo). Baseline characteristics of patients in both trials were similar. Both trials also had similar placebo outcomes. Cabozantinib, compared with regorafenib, showed similar os [hazard ratio (hr): 1.21; 95% confidence interval (ci): 0.90 to 1.62], pfs (hr: 1.02; 95% ci: 0.78 to 1.34) and orr (-3.0%; 95% ci: -7.6% to 1.7%). Both treatments showed similar toxicities, but there were marginally higher risks of grade 3/4 hand-foot syndrome (5%; 95% ci: 0.1% to 9.8%), diarrhea (4.8%; 95% ci: 1.1% to 8.5%), and anorexia (4.4%; 95% ci: 0.8% to 8.0%) for cabozantinib. Subgroup results for os and pfs were consistent with overall results.

Conclusions

Overall, this nma determined that cabozantinib and regorafenib have similar clinical benefits and toxicities for second-line hcc.

Patient-reported symptoms following diagnosis in esophagus cancer patients treated with palliative intent

The majority of patients with esophagus cancer have advanced-stage disease without curative options. For these patients, treatment is focused on improving symptoms and quality of life. Despite this, little work has been done to quantify symptom burden for incurable patients. We describe symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) among esophagus cancer patients treated for incurable disease. This retrospective cohort study linked administrative datasets to prospectively collected ESAS data of non-curatively treated adult esophagus cancer patients diagnosed between January 1, 2009 and September 30, 2016. ESAS measures nine common cancer-related symptoms: anxiety, depression, drowsiness, lack of appetite, nausea, pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, and impaired well-being. Frequency of severe symptoms (score ≥ 7/10) was described by month for the 6 months from diagnosis for all patients and by treatment type (chemotherapy alone, radiotherapy alone, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and best supportive care). A sensitivity analysis limited to patients who survived at least 6 months was performed to assess robustness of the results to proximity to death and resulting variation in follow-up time. Among 2,989 esophagus cancer patients diagnosed during the study period and meeting inclusion criteria, 2,103 reported at least one ESAS assessment in the 6 months following diagnosis and comprised the final cohort. Patients reported a median of three (IQR 2-7) ESAS assessments in the study period. Median survival was 7.6 (IQR 4.1-13.7) months. Severe lack of appetite (53.1%), tiredness (51.1%), and impaired well-being (42.7%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Severe symptoms persisted throughout the 6 months after the diagnosis. Subgroup analysis by treatment showed no worsening of symptoms over time in those treated by either chemotherapy alone, or both chemotherapy and radiation. Results followed a similar pattern on sensitivity analysis. Patients diagnosed with incurable esophagus cancer experience considerable symptom burden in the first 6 months after diagnosis and the frequency of severe symptoms remains high throughout this period. Patients with this disease require early palliative care and psychosocial support upon diagnosis and support throughout the course of their cancer journey.

FRI0637-HPR INDIVIDUALISED EXERCISE INTERVENTION FOR HIP AND KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Currently, exercise is recognised to be one of the core treatments for OA (NICE, 2014). Convincing evidence shows that exercise can have positive effects on pain and function in people with OA (Fransen et al., 2015). However, a standardised exercise regimen may not suit all patients and adherence to exercise is always an issue. Therefore, several international guidelines recommended individualisation of the exercise regimen according to individual patient characteristics (e.g. pain severity, personal goals and co-morbidities), as this may enhance take up and adherence, hence treatment effect of the intervention (Fernandes et al., 2013).

Objectives:

The aims of this systematic review were: (1) to evaluate the current evidence for efficacy in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of individualised exercise (IE) interventions for people with hip or knee OA; and (2) compare this to the efficacy of non-individualised exercise (NIE).

Methods:

A systematic search was carried out, up until March 6th2018, on the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO and EMBASE. RCTs of IE interventions, or with subgroup analysis based on specific patient characteristics, were searched. Standardised mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects model. Risk of bias was evaluated using the modified Cochrane tool. Pain was the primary outcome of interest. Results of IE interventions were then compared to the NIE interventions identified from a previous systematic review (Goh et al., 2019).

Results:

We reviewed titles of 1,766 records in the systematic search. The screening process (Figure) identified 15 studies (1,826 participants) that met the inclusion criteria, of which 7 were included in a meta-analysis. Most included studies had high risk of bias. Blinding was a consistent problem due to the nature of the intervention. Within the trials exercise was individualised according to factors including severity of symptoms, exercise performance, lower limb muscle strength and presence of co-morbidities (e.g. heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2).

The analysis showed that IE significantly improved pain, physical function, performance and quality of life outcomes (Table). When compared to NIE interventions, IE showed greater effect size for all outcomes but their 95% CIs were overlapping.

Figure showing Summary of screening process

Table 1.

Summary of results

OutcomeType of exercise programES95% CINumber of studies (Number of patients)PainIE1.040.32 - 1.777 (991)NIE0.570.44 - 0.6965 (4,723)FunctionIE1.370.50 - 2.247 (991)NIE0.510.38 - 0.6463 (4,829)PerformanceIE2.000.07 - 3.932 (291)NIE0.51038 - 0.6366 (4,889)QoLIE1.30-0.52 - 3.122 (226)NIE0.320.15 - 0.4934 (2,545)

ES= Effect size. CI= Confidence Interval. IE= Individualised Exercise. NIE= Non-Individualised Exercise. QoL= Quality of Life

Conclusion:

The results of this review show that IE may have better outcomes on people with hip or knee OA compared to NIE. However, the small study effect may inflate the estimates of the individualised exercise group, and further head to head comparisons are required.

References:

[1] FERNANDES L., HAGEN K. B., BIJLSMA J. W., ANDREASSEN O., CHRISTENSEN P., CONAGHAN P. G., DOHERTY M., GEENEN R., HAMMOND A. & KJEKEN I. 2013. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis.Annals of the rheumatic diseases,72, 1125-1135.

[2] FRANSEN M., MCCONNELL S., HARMER A. R., VAN DER ESCH M., SIMIC M. & BENNELL K. L. 2015. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee.The Cochrane Library.

[3] GOH S.-L., PERSSON M. S., STOCKS J., HOU Y., WELTON N. J., LIN J., HALL M. C., DOHERTY M. & ZHANG, W. 2019. Relative efficacy of different exercises for pain, function, performance and quality of life in knee and hip osteoarthritis: Systematic review and network meta-analysis.Sports Medicine,49, 743-761.

[4] NICE 2014. Osteoarthritis: care and management in adults.https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg177/chapter/1-Recommendations#non-pharmacological-management-2[Accessed 02/12 2019]

Disclosure of Interests:

Khalid Yaseen: None declared, Burak Kundakci: None declared, Siew Li Goh: None declared, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Weiya Zhang Consultant of: Grunenthal for advice on gout management, Speakers bureau: Bioiberica as an invited speaker for EULAR 2016 satellite symposium, Abhishek Abhishek Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca and OxfordImmunotech, Speakers bureau: Menarini pharmaceuticals, Michelle Hall: None declared

OP0066 IMAGING-DETECTED FEATURES OF HAND OSTEOARTHRITIS ASSOCIATE WITH SYMPTOMS AND RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGE OVER TIME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects joints in the hand. The natural history of hand OA is not well understood, and the local determinants of symptoms and structural changes over time remain unclear.

Objectives:

To investigate, in both cross-sectional and prospective studies, the association between imaging (ultrasound [US] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) features and symptoms of hand OA, and to examine in prospective studies whether imaging-detected features at baseline predict subsequent clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in five databases including Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED in April 2018. The search was designed to capture published observational studies on the use of US and MRI in hand OA with no language restrictions. Odds ratios (OR), risk ratios (RR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) between [1] imaging features and hand OA symptoms at baseline, and [2] baseline-imaging features and follow-up outcomes were extracted and pooled using random effects model. Outcomes were defined as either incidence or progression of pre-existing features. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.

Results:

The search identified 2818 citations, which reduced to 2216 after duplicate removal. Screening of titles and abstracts found 140 articles which met the inclusion criteria. After full text screening, 25 were included for analysis, including 452 participants (87% women) for US and 298 participants (86% women) for MRI with mean ages 60.3 and 62.5, respectively. Imaging-detected structural OA features were preferentially found in distal interphalangeal joints (DIPJs) followed by carpometacarpal (CMCJ) and proximal interphalangeal (PIPJ) joints. Metacarpophalangeal joints were least affected. However, the distribution pattern was different for inflammatory features for which the CMCJ was the most affected, and with no clear difference between DIPJs and PIPJs (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Hand map of grey-scale synovitis derived from pooled estimates of prevalence across studies (%[95% CI])

Of 10 US and 5 MRI studies examining association at baseline, joint tenderness was associated with US osteophytes (pooled ORs 2.30, 95% CI 1.90-2.79), grey-scale synovitis (3.00, 2.33-3.84), synovial effusion (2.92, 2.29-3.72), and power Doppler (PD) (2.30, 1.68-3.15). Similar relationships were observed with MRI features (Figure 2). Six studies did not find any association between imaging features and self-reported outcomes. However, association was observed with US- and MRI-detected synovitis in one study each, and MRI-detected structural features in two. Statistical pooling was not possible for these outcomes due to heterogeneous data.

Figure 2.

Forest plot showing pooled odds ratio between baseline magnetic resonance imaging features of hand osteoarthritis and joint tenderness.

Of the 9 US and 5 MRI studies for prediction, a dose-dependent relationship was observed between baseline PD and radiographic change at follow-up (Figure 3). Similar results were observed for MRI features and Kellgren-Lawrence change. The pooled ORs (95% CI) was 2.66 (1.88, 3.78) for bone marrow lesions, and 2.18 (1.53, 3.10) and 4.7 (3.08, 7.18) for grades 1 and 2 synovitis, respectively. Data to predict change in clinical outcomes however, were lacking.

Figure 3.

Forest plot showing pooled odds ratio between baseline power Doppler and radiographic change over time

Conclusion:

Imaging-detected inflammatory features and osteophytes associate with joint tenderness. In addition, imaging-detected inflammatory changes at baseline predict future development and progression of structural OA changes, indicating that inflammation may precede radiographically-detectable structural changes.

Disclosure of Interests:

Abasiama Obotiba: None declared, Subhashisa Swain: None declared, Jaspreet Kaur: None declared, Khalid Yaseen: None declared, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Weiya Zhang Consultant of: Grunenthal for advice on gout management, Speakers bureau: Bioiberica as an invited speaker for EULAR 2016 satellite symposium, Abhishek Abhishek Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca and OxfordImmunotech, Speakers bureau: Menarini pharmaceuticals

FRI0610-HPR Β-ADRENORECEPTOR BLOCKING DRUGS ASSOCIATE WITH LOWER RISK OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND KNEE PAIN CONSULTATIONS IN PRIMARY CARE: A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHED COHORT STUDY USING THE CLINICAL PRACTICE RESEARCH DATALINK

Background:

The pharmacologic management of OA is centred around optimising pain control but first-line analgesics only have modest efficacy1. Findings from several studies suggest thatβ-adrenoreceptor blocking drugs (β-blockers) have anti-nociceptive effects2 3. However, evidence for the benefits of β-blockers in the context of OA pain is scarce. We recently demonstrated, for the first time, an association between beta-blockers and lower pain severity, and less opioid analgesic use in a secondary analysis of data for community dwelling adults with large-joint lower OA4. This association, however, was not confirmed in a hospital-based study5.

Objectives:

We examined [1] the association betweenβ-blocker prescription and first primary care consultation for knee OA, hip OA, knee pain, and hip pain and [2] the classes ofβ-blocker drugs that reduce the risk of these outcomes.

Methods:

This was a cohort study using data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Participants aged ≥40 years, in receipt of ≥2 β-blocker prescriptions within 60 days were matched by age, sex, and propensity score (PS) for β-blocker prescription to one control using greedy nearest neighbour matching. Participants with chronic painful conditions, contra-indications to β-blockers, maintenance analgesic prescriptions, and with <2-years registration before index or matched follow-up start date were excluded. Cox proportional hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to examine the associations adjusted for other covariates. Analyses were stratified according to β-blocker classes.

Results:

Data for 223,436 PS-matched exposed and un-exposed participants were included. β-blocker prescription associated with a significantly reduced risk of knee OA, knee pain, and hip pain consultations with aHR(95%CI) 0.90(0.83–0.98), 0.88(0.83–0.92), 0.85(0.79–0.90) respectively. The reduction in hip OA lacked statistical significance (aHR 95%CI 0.94; 0.83-1.07) (Table 1). On stratified analysis, propranolol and atenolol had a statistically significant protective effect on knee OA and knee pain consultations with aHRs between 0.78 and 0.91 (Figure 1).

Table 1.

The association between β-blocker prescription and incident osteoarthritis and joint pain

OutcomesExposedEvents (n)Person-timeEvent rate (95% CI)*HR (95% CI)1Knee OANo986262,0033.76 (3.54 – 4.01)1.00Yes1,101307,2313.58(3.38 – 3.80)0.90(0.83 – 0.98)Hip OANo451263,7531.71(1.56– 1.87)1.00Yes530310,0451.71(1.57 – 1.86)0.94(0.83 – 1.07)Knee painNo3,074255,00312.06(11.64 – 12.49)1.00Yes3,560297,02711.99(11.60 – 12.37)0.88(0.83 – 0.92)Hip painNo1,767259,5156.81 (6.50 – 7.13)1.00Yes1,981304,4546.51 (6.23 - 6.80)0.85(0.79 – 0.90)

OA; osteoarthritis, *1,000 person-years,1PS matched and, additionally adjusted for age, number of GP consultations, hospital out-patient referrals, hospital admissions in the 12 month period preceding cohort entry, total number of GP consultations for knee or hip injury prior to cohort entry and non-osteoporotic fractures.

Figure 1.

The association between individual β-adrenoreceptor blocking drugs and incident knee osteoarthritis and knee pain11Comparison group is unexposed to β-blockers; size of the square is proportional to number of events.

Conclusion:

β-blockers appear to reduce consultations for knee OA, and knee or hip pain. Our results imply that, atenolol might be used preferentially for the treatment of people with cardiovascular comorbidities, while, propranolol with its’ anti-anxiety effect may be a suitable analgesic in people with OA and comorbid anxiety.

References:

[1] McAlindon TE, et al. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2014;22(3):363-88.

[2] Harkanen L, et al. Journal of anesthesia 2015;29(6):934-43. doi: 10.1007/s00540-015-2041-9

[3] Light KC, et al. The journal of pain 2009;10(5):542-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.12.006

[4] Valdes AM, et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2017;69(7):1076-81. doi: 10.1002/acr.23091

[5] Zhou L,et al. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2019 doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2019.08.008

Acknowledgments:

This work was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (grant numbers: PB-PG-0816-20025 and NIHR-RP-2014-04-026).

Disclosure of Interests:

Georgina Nakafero: None declared, Matthew Grainge: None declared, Ana Valdes Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Consultant of: Consultant for Heel GmBH, Nick Townsend: None declared, Christian Mallen Grant/research support from: My department has received financial grants from BMS for a cardiology trial., Weiya Zhang Consultant of: Grunenthal for advice on gout management, Speakers bureau: Bioiberica as an invited speaker for EULAR 2016 satellite symposium, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Mamas Mamas: None declared, Abhishek Abhishek Consultant of: Consulting for Inflazome, and Royalties from Uptodate and Springer

THU0461 THE COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR FIBROMYALGIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH BAYESIAN NETWORK META-ANALYSIS

Background:

Non-pharmacological interventions are recommended as first-line treatment options in the management of fibromyalgia (FM)1. However, whether one intervention is more effective than another for specific patient-centred outcomes in FM is unknown.

Objectives:

To compare the relative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on FM impact questionnaire (FIQ), pain, fatigue, sleep and depression in people with FM.

Methods:

A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing any non-pharmacological intervention versus usual care, placebo or active controls in patients with FM aged >16 years were searched for in seven databases. A common comparator was identified between interventions to develop a network (Figure 1). Standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% credible interval (CrI) was estimated between interventions. Direct and indirect evidence were pooled using the random effect model. Modified Cochrane‘s tool was used to assess risk of bias.

Figure 1.

Network map of different interventions evaluating FIQ

Results:

78 studies (n = 5,639 participants) met the inclusion criteria. There was a high risk of bias on blinding and most trials had small sample size (n<50).

While multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) was the best for improving pain [-1.28 (-1.84, -0.72)], sleep [-1.14 (-2.38, 0.07)] and depression [-1.20 (-1.99, -0.46)], balneotherapy and exercise were the most effective treatments for FIQ [-1.06 (1.51, -0.61)] and fatigue [-0.75 (-1.35, -0.25)], respectively (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Standardised mean difference (SMD) versus usual care in descending order for different outcomes

Data from 47 exercise trials (n = 3,271 participants) were analysed to examine comparative efficacy of different exercise types. Strengthening showed the greatest benefits for FIQ [-0.76 (-1.39, -0.15)], pain [-0.94 (-1.58, -0.29)] and depression [-0.83 (-1.53, -0.14)], whereas aerobic exercise was the best for fatigue [-0.98 (-2.33, 0.18)] and sleep [-0.96 (-2.08, 0.13)] (Table 1).

Table 1.

Relative effect size between types of exercises

FIQAerobic-0.58(-1.13, -0.03)-0.09(-0.55, 0.36)0.18(-0.44, 0.80)0.12(-0.36, 0.57)-0.57(-0.95, -0.24)-0.60(-1.36, 0.18)Flexibility0.49(-0.23, 1.20)0.76(-0.07, 1.58)0.70(-0.04, 1.41)0.004(-0.67, 0.64)-0.10(-0.74, 0.53)0.49(-0.50, 1.49)Mind-body0.27(-0.37, 0.91)0.20(-0.24, 0.65)-0.49(-0.85, -0.15)0.05(-0.59, 0.70)0.65(-0.35, 1.63)0.16(-0.53, 0.85)Mixed-0.06(-0.73, 0.59)-0.69(-1.06, -0.34)0.21(-0.42, 0.84)0.80(-0.19, 1.79)0.31(-0.41, 1.02)-0.06(-0.73, 0.59)Strengthening-0.76(-1.39, -0.15)-0.73(-1.16, -0.30)-0.13(-1.02, 0.74)-0.62(-1.15, -0.11)-0.78(-1.31, -0.26)-0.94(-1.58, -0.29)Usual carePain

Data are standard mean difference (95% credible intervel) between exercises, pairwised from the top left to the bottom right. The negative value indicates that the first exercise is more effective than the second exercise. For example, aerobic is better than flexibility for FIQ -0.58 (-1.13, -0.13), but not pain -0.60 (-1.36, 0.18).

Conclusion:

Several non-pharmacological interventions are beneficial for FM. However, the effect size varies between interventions and outcomes. All types of exercises are effective for FIQ and pain apart from flexibility exercise. The results of this study may be used to guide the selection of the most effective non-pharmacological interventions according to the predominant symptom in individual patients.

References:

[1]Macfarlane GJ et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76(2):3-8-28.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

AB1362-HPR COMMON PRACTICE IN DELIVERY OF INTRA-ARTICULAR THERAPIES IN RMDS BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: RESULTS FROM A EUROPEAN SURVEY

Background:

Intra-articular therapies (IAT) are routinely used in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs); however large variability exists regarding current practice of delivery amongst health professionals.

Objectives:

To inquire about common practice aspects to inform the EULAR Taskforce for the IAT of arthropathies.

Methods:

A steering committee prepared a 160-item questionnaire based on the information needs of the Taskforce. The survey was disseminated via EULAR professional associations and social media and it was open to any health professional treating persons with RMDs, regardless of using IAT personally.

Results:

The survey was answered by 186 health professionals from 26 countries, the large majority of whom (77%) were rheumatologists, followed by nurses (12%), general practitioners (2%) and orthopaedic surgeons (2%). The two collectives that perform IAT routinely are rheumatologists (97%) and orthopaedic surgeons (89%), with other professionals <50%. Specific training was compulsory for 32%. The most frequent indication for IAT is inflammatory arthritis (76%), followed by osteoarthritis (74%), crystal arthritis (71%) and bursitis (70%); and all joints are injected, with knee (78%) and shoulder (70%) being the most frequent. When questioned about specific contexts, such as pre-surgical, diabetic or hypertensive patients, variability among respondents was evident, with around 30 to 69% of professionals considering it acceptable to inject glucocorticoids (GC), while in others there was less variability (prosthetic or septic joints, <1%). GCs are the most used compounds, followed by hyaluronic acid and saline/dry puncture. Only 66 (36%) use ultrasound to guide IAT. In their opinion, to be accurately in the joint is moderately to largely important for large joints (80%) and very important in small joints. The maximum number of injections to perform safely in the same joint within one year was “2 to 3” for 65% (2% thought there is “No limit”). The majority reported that they informed patients about side-effects (73%), benefits (72%), and the nature of the procedure (72%), and less frequently about other aspects; with 10% obtaining written consent and 56% oral consent (mandatory only for 32%). Other questions help to understand the setting and procedures followed, including use of local anaesthetics and care after injection.

Conclusion:

Although often performed in clinical practice for RMDs, there is apparent variability in several elements related to delivery of this treatment. This information, together with patient input, will help design current recommendations where research evidence is not available.

Acknowledgments:

Eular Taskforce grant CL109

Disclosure of Interests:

Jenny de la Torre-Aboki: None declared, IRENE Pitsillidou: None declared, Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Lene Terslev: None declared, Mikael Boesen Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paid instructor for: IAG, Image Analysis Group, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB (scientific advisor)., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Esaote, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Hemant Pandit Grant/research support from: Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) for work on Diclofenac Gel, Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb for teaching their employees about hip and knee replacement, Ingrid Möller: None declared, Maria Antonietta D’Agostino Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Willm Uwe Kampen: None declared, Terence O’Neill: None declared, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Francis Berenbaum Grant/research support from: TRB Chemedica (through institution), MSD (through institution), Pfizer (through institution), Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Bone Therapeutics, Regulaxis, Peptinov, 4P Pharma, Paid instructor for: Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Sandoz, Valentina Vardanyan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou: None declared, Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

NUC-1031/cisplatin versus gemcitabine/cisplatin in untreated locally advanced/metastatic biliary tract cancer (NuTide:121)

Gemcitabine/cisplatin is standard of care for first-line treatment of patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC); new treatments are needed. NUC-1031 is designed to overcome key cancer resistance mechanisms associated with gemcitabine. The tolerability/efficacy signal of NUC-1031/cisplatin in the Phase Ib ABC-08 study suggested that this combination may represent a more efficacious therapy than gemcitabine/cisplatin for patients with aBTC, leading to initiation of the global NuTide:121 study which will include 828 patients ≥18 years with untreated histologically/cytologically-confirmed aBTC (including cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder or ampullary cancer); randomized (1:1) to NUC-1031 (725 mg/m2)/cisplatin (25 mg/m2) or gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2)/cisplatin (25 mg/m2), on days 1/8, Q21-days. Primary objectives are overall survival and objective response rate. Secondary objectives: progression-free survival, safety, pharmacokinetics, patient-reported quality of life and correlative studies. (Investigational new drug (IND) number: 139058, European Clinical Trials database: EudraCT Number 2019-001025-28, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04163900).

OP0074 MULTIMORBIDITY CLUSTERS, DETERMINANTS AND TRAJECTORIES IN OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE UK: FINDINGS FROM THE CLINICAL PRACTICE RESEARCH DATALINK

Background:

Multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) escalates the risk of adverse health outcomes. However, its burden in people with osteoarthritis (OA) remains largely unknown.

Objectives:

To identify the clusters of patients with multimorbidity and associated factors in OA and non-OA populations and to estimate the risk of developing multimorbidity clusters after the index date (after diagnosis).

Methods:

The study used the Clinical Practice Research Datalink – a primary care database from the UK. Firstly, age, sex and practice matched OA and non-OA people aged 20+ were identified to explore patterns and associations of clusters of multimorbidity within each group. Non-OA controls were assigned with same index date as that of matched OA cases. Secondly, multimorbidity trajectories for 20 years after the index date were examined in people without any comorbidities at baseline in both OA and non-OA groups. Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters and latent class growth modelling was used for cluster trajectories. The associations between clusters and age, sex, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, smoking habits at baseline were quantified through multinomial logistic regression.

Results:

In total, 47 long-term conditions were studied in 443,822 people (OA- 221922; non-OA- 221900), with a mean age of 62 years (standard deviation ± 13 years), and 58% being women. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 76.6% and 68.9% in the OA and non-OA groups, respectively. In the OA group five clusters were identified including relatively healthy (18%), ‘cardiovascular (CVD) and musculoskeletal (MSK)’ (12.3%), metabolic syndrome (28.2%), ‘pain and psychological (9.1%), and ‘musculoskeletal’ (32.4%). The non-OA group had similar patterns except that the ‘pain+ psychological’ cluster was replaced by ‘thyroid and psychological’. (Figure 1) Among people with OA, ‘CVD+MSK’ and metabolic syndrome clusters were strongly associated with obesity with a relative risk ratio (RRR) of 2.04 (95% CI 1.95-2.13) and 2.10 (95% CI 2.03-2.17), respectively. Women had four times higher risk of being in the ‘pain+ psychological’ cluster than men when compared to the gender ratio in the healthy cluster, (RRR 4.28; 95% CI 4.09-4.48). In the non-OA group, obesity was significantly associated with all the clusters.

Figure 1

: Posterior probability distribution of chronic conditions across the clusters in Osteoarthritis (OA, n=221922) and Non-Osteoarthritis (Non-OA, n=221900) group. COPD- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; CVD- Cardiovascular; MSK- Musculoskeletal

OA (n=24139) and non-OA (n=24144) groups had five and four multimorbidity trajectory clusters, respectively. Among the OA population, 2.7% had rapid onset of multimorbidity, 9.5% had gradual onset and 11.6% had slow onset, whereas among the non-OA population, there was no rapid onset cluster, 4.6% had gradual onset and 14.3% had slow onset of multimorbidity. (Figure 2)

Figure 2

: Clusters of multimorbidity trajectories after index date in OA (n=24139) and Non-OA (n=24144)

Conclusion:

Distinct identified groups in OA and non-OA suggests further research for possible biological linkage within each cluster. The rapid onset of multimorbidity in OA should be considered for chronic disease management.

Supported by:

Acknowledgments:

We would like to thank the University of Nottingham, UK, Beijing Joint Care Foundation, China and Foundation for Research in Rheumatology (FOREUM) for supporting the study.

Disclosure of Interests:

Subhashisa Swain: None declared, Carol Coupland: None declared, Victoria Strauss: None declared, Christian Mallen Grant/research support from: My department has received financial grants from BMS for a cardiology trial., Chang-Fu Kuo: None declared, Aliya Sarmanova: None declared, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Weiya Zhang Consultant of: Grunenthal for advice on gout management, Speakers bureau: Bioiberica as an invited speaker for EULAR 2016 satellite symposium

FRI0628-HPR EVALUATING A COMPLEX PACKAGE OF CARE IN THE EAST-MIDLANDS KNEE PAIN FEASIBILITY COHORT RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:

The role of nurses in managing painful knee OA has been advocated but whether nurses can deliver such interventions as a package of care is unknown.The overall aim of this research is to develop and test a nurse-led complex intervention for knee pain comprising non-pharmacological and pharmacological components. In the first study phase, we report on fidelity and acceptability of a non-pharmacological intervention, to resolve possible challenges to delivery.

Objectives:

To evaluate fidelity of delivery and acceptability of non-pharmacological components of a complex intervention.

Methods:

This was a mixed-methods study. Participants with chronic knee pain were recruited from the community to receive the intervention, delivered in 4-sessions over a 5-week period by a trained research nurse. The intervention consisted of holistic assessment, patient education and advice, aerobic and strengthening exercise and weight-loss advice if required. All sessions were video-recorded. Fidelity checklists were completed by the nurse (nurse-rated) and two researchers from the video-recordings (video-rated). Median fidelity scores (%) and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated for each component and each session. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. These were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed following the framework approach.

Results:

18 participants (34% women), with a mean (SD) age and BMI of 68.7 (9.0) years and 31.2 (8.4) kg/m2, took part in the study. Of these, 14 completed all visits. In total, 62 intervention sessions were assessed for fidelity. Overall fidelity was rated high by both nurse-rated scores (97.7%) and video-rated scores (84.2%). The level of agreement between nurse-rated and video-recorded methods was 73.3% (CI 71.3, 75.3) and the inter-rater agreement was 65.5% (CI 60.3, 70.5). Fidelity of delivery was lower for advice on footwear modification and walking aids in all sessions and moderate for education in session 1 and for exercise in session 4 (Table 1).

Table 1.

Fidelity scores of the components of the intervention for each session,

Intervention componentsSession 1*Session 2*Session 3*Session 4*Education78.1 (74.1, 93.7)87.5 (50, 100)87.5 (50, 100)100 (93.7, 100)Exercise94.4 (88.9, 100)88.9 (75, 94)86.1 (72, 100)75 (67.6, 82.8)Adjunctive treatments50 (45.83, 100)0 (0, 50)50 (0, 100)-

*median (IQR)

17 participants were interviewed. Most found advice supplied straightforward. They were satisfied with the package, which changed their perception of managing knee pain, understanding it can be improved though self-management. However, too much information was provided in a short time-span and it was difficult to fit exercises into their daily routine.

Conclusion:

Delivery of a non-pharmacological intevention by a nurse is feasible within a research setting. Most components of the intervention were delivered as intended, except for advice about the use of adjunctive treatment.

Acknowledgments:

This research was funded by the NIHR Nottingham BRC and Pain Centre Versus Arthritis

Disclosure of Interests:

Polykarpos Angelos Nomikos: None declared, Amy Fuller: None declared, Michelle Hall: None declared, Bonnie Millar: None declared, Reuben Ogollah: None declared, Michael Doherty: None declared, Roshan Nair Speakers bureau: Financial support from pharmaceutical companies (Biogen and Novartis) to present lectures at events related to psychological support for people with multiple sclerosis (Speaker’s bureau)., David Walsh Grant/research support from: 2016: Investigator-led grant from Pfizer Ltd (ICRP) on Pain Phenotypes in RA; non-personal financial disclosure (payment to University)., Consultant of: DAW has undertaken paid consultancy to Pfizer Ltd, Eli Lilly and Company and GSK Consumer Healthcare., Paid instructor for: 2019: Consultancy to Love Productions; consultancy on programme design, contribution to programme content on self-management of chronic pain (payments to University)

2019: Consultancy to AbbVie Ltd; 13.06.19; presentation on RA pain at EULAR, Madrid, and webinar (payments to University).

2019: Consultancy to Eli Lilly and Company Ltd. 06.06.19 Centre for Collaborative Neuroscience, Windlesham, Surrey, UK (payment to University).

2019: Consultancy to Pfizer (payment to University).

2018: Consultancy to Pfizer. 07.12.18. USA. 1 day. Tanezumab (payment to University).

2018: Consultancy to Pfizer. 23.11.18. Manchester UK. 1 day. Tanezumab (payment to University).

2018: Consultancy to Pfizer. 1.11.18. Skype. 4h. Tanezumab (payment to University).

2018: Consultancy to GlaxoSmithKline Plc. 1 day. Pain in RA and anti-GM-CSF (payment to University).

2018: Consultancy to Pfizer Ltd; Presentation at OARSI; non-personal financial disclosure (payment to University)

2018: Consultancy to Pfizer Ltd; Patient preference study; non-personal financial disclosure (payment to University)

2017: Consultancy to Pfizer Ltd; personal financial disclosure

2017: Consultancy to Pfizer Ltd through Nottingham University; non-personal financial disclosure (payment to University).

2015: Consultancy to GSK Consumer Healthcare; personal financial disclosure., Speakers bureau: 2019: Irish Society of Rheumatology: speaker fees (personal pecuniary), Ana Valdes Grant/research support from: Awarded a grant from Pfizer, Abhishek Abhishek: None declared

PARE0027 PATIENT PERSPECTIVE ON INTRA-ARTICULAR THERAPIES IN RMDS: RESULTS FROM A EUROPEAN SURVEY

Background:

Intra-articular therapy (IAT) is routinely used in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). In order to improve the effectiveness and safety of IAT, it is essential to understand patients’ perceptions and needs.

Objectives:

To assess the perspective of persons who have experienced IAT, including perceptions on benefits and safety.

Methods:

A steering committee (including a patient research partner) prepared a 44-item questionnaire based on the information needs of a Taskforce on IAT in adult patients with RMDs. The questionnaire was translated into 11 languages and disseminated via EULAR PARE associations and social media. Persons who had experienced at least two IAT procedures were eligible for the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise results as well as inductive codification of open-ended questions.

Results:

The survey was answered by 200 individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (66%), osteoarthritis (21%), spondyloarthritis (10%), psoriatic arthritis (9%), and others (16%). The mean number of IATs received was 7 (SD 8), mainly in the knee (66%), shoulder (42%), and wrist (28%), and primarily with corticosteroids (83%) or hyaluronic acid (16%). Twenty-seven percent had not been informed about benefits or potential complications of IAT, and 73% had not been asked whether they wanted local anaesthetic. Consent was deemed necessary by 82 (41%). Most (65%) had never received an ultrasound (US)-guided injection, and of those who had experienced blinded and guided injections, 42 (63%) preferred US-guided because of increased perceived accuracy and confidence in the procedure. Only 50% reported a clear benefit of IAT, mainly in terms of reduced pain and increased joint mobility, but also perceived reduced inflammation, with effect from immediate to 36 hours or even 3 weeks post-injection, and that lasted from as little as less than one week to years. Regarding safety, 40 (20%) had experienced some complications from IAT, including but not limited to increased pain, impaired mobility, rashes, or swelling.

Finally, the respondents suggested improvements in the procedure, including: (1) wider availability; (2) less painful procedures; (3) greater efficacy, faster and longer-lasting; (4) fewer side effects; (5) a clear diagnosis beforehand; (6) better shared decision-making, including better information; (7) follow-up, (8) better accuracy; and (9) more expertise.

Conclusion:

The survey has identified gaps in the IAT procedures, such as a need for clearer information. Patients perceive IAT as relatively safe, though painful, and with varying effect. Suggestions for improving the procedure, including more expertise, should be relayed to professionals and relevant organisations.

Acknowledgments:

Eular Taskforce grant CL109

Disclosure of Interests:

IRENE Pitsillidou: None declared, Jenny de la Torre-Aboki: None declared, Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Lene Terslev: None declared, Mikael Boesen Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paid instructor for: IAG, Image Analysis Group, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB (scientific advisor)., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Esaote, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Hemant Pandit Grant/research support from: Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) for work on Diclofenac Gel, Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb for teaching their employees about hip and knee replacement, Ingrid Möller: None declared, Maria Antonietta D’Agostino Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Willm Uwe Kampen: None declared, Terence O’Neill: None declared, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Francis Berenbaum Grant/research support from: TRB Chemedica (through institution), MSD (through institution), Pfizer (through institution), Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Bone Therapeutics, Regulaxis, Peptinov, 4P Pharma, Paid instructor for: Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Sandoz, Valentina Vardanyan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou: None declared, Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

FRI0427 EULAR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTRA-ARTICULAR TREATMENTS FOR ARTHROPATHIES

Background:

Intra-articular therapies (IAT) are widely used in clinical practice to treat patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Many factors influence their efficacy and safety. There is a wide variation in the way IATs are delivered by health professionals. In an attempt to standardise these procedures, evidence-based recommendations are the right way forward.

Objectives:

To establish evidence-based recommendations to guide health professionals using IAT in adult patients with peripheral arthropathies.

Methods:

At a first face-to-face meeting, the results of an overview of systematic reviews were presented to the multidisciplinary task force of members from 8 countries. The aim, scope and outline of the taskforce were also established at this meeting. Thirty-two clinical questions ranked for priority (relevance for practice plus feasibility) drove the systematic reviews performed by two fellows. In addition, two surveys addressed to physicians, health professionals and patients throughout Europe were agreed to acquire more background information. At the second face-to-face meeting, the evidence for each research question was discussed, and each recommendation shaped and voted in a first Delphi round. Level of agreement was numerically scored 0 to 10 (0 completely disagree, 10 completely agree). All panellists voted anonymously using a sli.do app. Agreement needed to be greater than 80% to be included in a second Delphi round, which also allowed reformulation of statements. Finally, a third Delphi round was sent to the taskforce. The level of evidence was assigned to each recommendation according to the EULAR SOP for establishing recommendations.

Results:

Recommendations focus on practical aspects for daily practice to guide health professionals before, during and after IAT in adult patients with peripheral arthropathies. Five overarching principles were established, together with 11 recommendations that address the following issues: (1) patient information; (2) procedure and setting; (3) accuracy issues; (3) routine and special antiseptic care; (4) safety issues and precautions to be addressed in special populations; (5) efficacy and safety of repeated joint injections; (6) the usage of local anaesthetics; and (7) aftercare. The document includes the supporting evidence and results from the surveys, level of evidence and agreement.

Conclusion:

We have developed the first evidence and expert opinion based recommendations to guide health professionals using IAT.

Acknowledgments:

Eular Taskforce grant CL109

Disclosure of Interests:

Jacqueline Uson Jaeger: None declared, Esperanza Naredo: None declared, Sebastian C Rodriguez-García Speakers bureau: Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Sanofi Aventis, UCB Pharma, Raul Castellanos-Moreira: None declared, Terence O’Neill: None declared, Hemant Pandit Grant/research support from: Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) for work on Diclofenac Gel, Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb for teaching their employees about hip and knee replacement, Michael Doherty Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca funded the Nottingham Sons of Gout study, Consultant of: Advisory borads on gout for Grunenthal and Mallinckrodt, Mikael Boesen Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Paid instructor for: IAG, Image Analysis Group, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, esaote, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB (scientific advisor)., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Esaote, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Ingrid Möller: None declared, Valentina Vardanyan: None declared, Jenny de la Torre-Aboki: None declared, Lene Terslev: None declared, Francis Berenbaum Grant/research support from: TRB Chemedica (through institution), MSD (through institution), Pfizer (through institution), Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Bone Therapeutics, Regulaxis, Peptinov, 4P Pharma, Paid instructor for: Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Sandoz, Maria Antonietta D’Agostino Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Novartis, and Roche, Willm Uwe Kampen: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou: None declared, IRENE Pitsillidou: None declared, Loreto Carmona Grant/research support from: Novartis Farmaceutica, SA, Pfizer, S.L.U., Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A., Roche Farma, S.A, Sanofi Aventis, AbbVie Spain, S.L.U., and Laboratorios Gebro Pharma, SA (All trhough institution)

Trends in incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis in the United Kingdom: findings from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the incidence and prevalence of OA in the UK in 2017 and their trends from 1997 to 2017 using a large nationally representative primary care database.

DESIGN

The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) comprising data on nearly 17.5 million patients was used for the study. The incidence and prevalence of general practitioner diagnosed OA over a 20 years period (1997-2017) were estimated and age-sex and length of data contribution standardized using the 2017 CPRD population structure. Cohort effects were examined through Age-period-cohort analysis.

RESULTS

During 1997-2017, there were 494,716 incident OA cases aged ≥20 years. The standardised incidence of any OA in 2017 was 6.8 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 6.7 to 6.9) and prevalence was 10.7% (95% CI 10.7-10.8%). Both incidence and prevalence were higher in women than men. The incidence of any-OA decreased gradually in the past 20 years at an annual rate of -1.6% (95%CI -2.0 to -1.1%), and the reduction speeded up for people born after 1960. The prevalence of any-OA increased gradually at an annual rate of 1.4% (95% CI 1.3-1.6%). Although the prevalence was highest in Scotland and Northern Ireland, incidence was highest in the East Midlands. Both incidence and prevalence reported highest in the knee followed by hip, wrist/hand and ankle/foot.

CONCLUSION

In the UK approximately one in 10 adults have symptomatic clinically diagnosed OA, the knee being the commonest. While prevalence has increased and become static after 2008, incidence is slowly declining. Further research is required to understand these changes.

Does CNS metastases reduce systemic therapy lines for NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation?

e21558

Background: The latest generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), Osimertinib, targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) despite the T790M mutation status in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In cases where there is a detected EGFR mutation on the exon 19-deletion and on the exon 21-L858R in the NSCLC population, studies have demonstrated that Osimertinib has a positive benefit in overall survival and delayed progression of central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2018, 56 patients with the metastatic NSCLC-EGFR mutation, treated with Osimertinib 80 mg once daily, were included in this analysis. Retrospective data was extracted through the internal administrative databases located at Sunnybrook Hospital. All patients had EGFR mutation positivity by cytology, plasma or tissue sampling. The primary endpoint was to evaluate whether NSCLC patients who were exposed to Osimertinib and had brain metastases underwent fewer systemic therapy lines as compared to those who did not have metastases involving the brain. Results: Eligible patients were analyzed and the median age at the initial diagnosis was 65 years old; 50% (n = 28) of the patients had brain metastases. The median of systemic treatment lines for patients without CNS metastasis was two and for those who have metastases to the brain was three. 82,2% of this cohort received Osimertinib in 2nd line, after development of acquired resistance to first or second TKI generation. Conclusions: Results from this study did not demonstrate that EGFR mutated, NSCLC patients with CNS metastases received less systemic therapy lines to those without metastases involving the brain. A larger cohort for further investigation is warranted.

Severe symptoms persist for Up to one year after diagnosis of stage I-III lung cancer: An analysis of province-wide patient reported outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Lung cancer is associated with significant disease- and treatment-related morbidity. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is a tool developed to elicit patients' own assessment of the severity of common cancer-associated symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine symptom severity in the 12 months following diagnosis of lung cancer, and to identify predictors of high symptom burden.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective population-based cohort study, including patients with stage I-III lung cancer diagnosed between 2007-2016, and who had symptom screening in the 12 months following diagnosis. The proportion of patients reporting severe symptoms (ESAS ≥ 7) in the year following diagnosis was plotted over time. Multivariable regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with severe symptoms.

RESULTS

69,440 unique symptom assessments were reported by 11,075 lung cancer patients. Tiredness was the most prevalent severe symptom (47.3 %), followed by shortness of breath (39.4 %) and poor wellbeing (36.5 %) among all disease stages. Patients diagnosed with higher stage disease reported more severe symptoms, but symptom trajectories were similar for all stages in the year following diagnosis. Disease stage (RR 1.10-2.01), comorbidity burden (RR 1.17-1.51), degree of socioeconomic marginalization (RR1.15-1.45), and female sex (RR 1.15-1.50) were associated with reporting severe symptoms in the year following diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Severe physical and psychological symptoms persist throughout the first year following lung cancer diagnosis, regardless of disease stage. Those at risk of experiencing high symptom burden may benefit from targeted supportive care interventions, including psychosocial support aimed at improving health-related quality of life.

Identification and clinical impact of potentially actionable somatic oncogenic mutations in solid tumor samples

Background

An increasing number of anti-cancer therapeutic agents target specific mutant proteins that are expressed by many different tumor types. Successful use of these therapies is dependent on the presence or absence of somatic mutations within the patient’s tumor that can confer clinical efficacy or drug resistance.

Methods

The aim of our study was to determine the type, frequency, overlap and functional proteomic effects of potentially targetable recurrent somatic hotspot mutations in 47 cancer-related genes in multiple disease sites that could be potential therapeutic targets using currently available agents or agents in clinical development.

Results

Using MassArray technology, of the 1300 patient tumors analysed 571 (43.9%) had at least one somatic mutation. Mutations were identified in 30 different genes. KRAS (16.5%), PIK3CA (13.6%) and BRAF (3.8%) were the most frequently mutated genes. Prostate (10.8%) had the lowest number of somatic mutations identified, while no mutations were identified in sarcoma. Ocular melanoma (90.6%), endometrial (72.4%) and colorectal (66.4%) tumors had the highest number of mutations. We noted high concordance between mutations in different parts of the tumor (94%) and matched primary and metastatic samples (90%). KRAS and BRAF mutations were mutually exclusive. Mutation co-occurrence involved mainly PIK3CA and PTPN11, and PTPN11 and APC. Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) analysis demonstrated that PI3K and MAPK signalling pathways were more altered in tumors with mutations compared to wild type tumors.

Conclusions

Hotspot mutational profiling is a sensitive, high-throughput approach for identifying mutations of clinical relevance to molecular based therapeutics for treatment of cancer, and could potentially be of use in identifying novel opportunities for genotype-driven clinical trials.