Thromboelastography characteristics in critically ill patients with liver disease

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine how thromboelastography (TEG) parameters differ by various clinical conditions that commonly occur in patients with cirrhosis, including sepsis, acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

BACKGROUND

TEG, a whole blood assay, is used to assess several parameters of coagulation and is becoming increasingly used in clinical practice.

STUDY

This study was a retrospective chart review of 155 patients admitted to the ICU with decompensated cirrhosis from 2017 to 2019.

RESULTS

The R time was significantly shorter in patients when they were septic compared to when they were not and longer in patients with vs. without ACLF grade 3. Alpha angle and maximum amplitude was decreased in patients with severe AAH compared to those without severe AAH; and maximum amplitude was increased in patients with acute PVT compared to those with chronic PVT. R time was positively correlated with Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Organ Failure and Chronic Liver Failure Consortium ACLF scores (rho = 0.22, P = 0.020), while alpha angle and maximum amplitude were negatively correlated with MELD-NA.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest TEG parameters vary in several clinical conditions in patients with decompensated cirrhosis who are admitted to the ICU. Prospective research is needed to confirm our findings and to determine how this knowledge can be used to guide clinical practice, as well as blood product transfusions in the setting of bleeding or prior to invasive procedures.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Presentation

Using ursodeoxycholic acid as a standard treatment and for its ability to test for antimitochondrial antibody to accelerate diagnosis, survival of primary biliary cholangitis patients has approached that of the general population, leading to a change in nomenclature from primary biliary cirrhosis to primary biliary cholangitis to more accurately describe the disease.

Geographic and Racial Disparities in Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cells and Bispecific Antibodies Trials Access for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

We investigate the geographical and racial disparities in accessing CAR-T and bispecific antibodies trials for DLBCL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ClinicalTrials.gov was searched, and 75 trials with at least 1 open site in the US were included. 2020 US Census Bureau data was used to obtain data on race and ethnicity. SPSS version 26 was used for analysis.

RESULTS

There were 62 CAR-T and 13 bispecific antibodies trials with 6221 enrolled or expected to enroll patients. Eighty-five percent of the clinical trials were only open in the US, and the majority 64% were pharmaceutical-funded. There were 126 unique study sites distributed over 31 states with 11 (0-51) mean number of trials per state and 4.5 (1-26) and 4.4 (1-24) mean number of CAR-T and bispecific antibodies trials per site, respectively. Southern states had the most number of trials 31%, followed by Midwestern 25%, Northeastern 24%, and Western 20%. The highest number of study locations were in California 13, New York 9, and Pennsylvania 9, while the highest number of open studies were in California 51, Texas 32, and New York 23. Twenty states had no open CAR-T or bispecific antibodies trials. Only 33% of African Americans (AA) lived in a county with a trial, and 7 out of 10 states with the highest proportion of AA residents (18.6%-41.4%) have no or less than 4 trial sites. Of the 62 counties analyzed, 92% were White predominant, while only 8% were AA predominant (P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies should be framed to address the observed disparities and to improve access.

A cancer disparities curriculum in a hematology/oncology fellowship program

BACKGROUND

After George Floyd's murder in 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) called systemic racism a public health crisis. This health crisis is connected to the already-documented racial and socioeconomic disparities in cancer care. Ensuring hematologists and oncologists are aware of these disparities through their medical education can help to address these disparities.

METHODS

The authors implemented a healthcare disparities-focused curriculum in a Hematology/Oncology fellowship program during the 2020-2021 academic year at The Ohio State University Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program. They implemented a pre- and post- survey to evaluate the efficacy of the program.

RESULTS

Fifteen fellows completed the pre-curriculum survey and 14 completed the post-survey. Before the curriculum, 12 fellows (80%) noted a "Fair" or "Good" understanding of healthcare disparities, and 6 (40%) had a "Fair" understanding of disparities in clinical trials and access to novel therapies. Fourteen fellows (93.3%) had not previously participated in a research project focused on identifying or overcoming healthcare disparities. After the curriculum, 12 (85%) fellows strongly agreed or agreed that the information presented in the curriculum was useful for training as a hematologist/oncologist. Twelve fellows (85%) noted "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" that the information presented was relevant to their practice. Eleven fellows (92%) noted that they plan to incorporate healthcare disparities into a future research or clinical project. The majority of fellows, 11 (79%) recommended that the fellowship program continue to have a formal health disparities curriculum in the future.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

There is utility in incorporating cancer disparities education into a hematology/oncology academic curriculum. We recommend further analysis of such curricula to improve fellowship education and patient outcomes with these interventions.

Location, location, location: A mini-review of CEBPA variants in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

CEBPA variants are frequently recurring in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The prognostic significance of CEBPA mutations has recently undergone a major shift in the 5th edition of WHO classification of hematological neoplasms and ELN 2022 classification. Whereas prior iterations did not specify the type of CEBPA mutation, the updated schema specify that only mutations localized to the C-terminal basic zipper (bZIP) domain are considered prognostically favorable. This change is based primarily on three recently published large datasets evaluating the prognostic significance of mutation location in CEBPA mutant AML. Here, we review the evolution of the prognostic classification of CEBPA variants.

Efficacy and tolerability of isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic review of clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy due to anomalous differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells with myeloid blast buildup. Induction chemotherapy is considered the first line of treatment in most patients with AML. However, targeted therapy in the form of FLT-3, IDH, BCL-2, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, can be considered as the first line depending on their molecular profile, resistance to chemotherapy, comorbidities, etc. This review aims to assess the tolerability and efficacy of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors in AML.

METHODS

We searched Medline, WOS, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov. PRISMA guidelines were followed in this systematic review. 3327 articles were screened, and 9 clinical trials (N = 1119) were included.

RESULTS

In randomized clinical trials (RCTs), objective response (OR) was reported in 63-74% of the patients with IDH inhibitors + azacitidine as compared to 19-36 % of the patients with azacitidine monotherapy in newly diagnosed (ND) medically unfit patients. Survival rates were significantly improved with the use of ivosidenib. OR was reported in 39.1-46 % of the patients who relapsed/refractory to chemotherapy. ≥Grade 3 IDH differentiation syndrome and QT prolongation were reported in 3.9-10 % and 2-10 % of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

IDH inhibitors (ivosidenib for IDH-1 and enasidenib for IDH-2) are safe and effective in treating ND medically unfit or relapsed refractory patients with IDH mutation. However, no survival benefit was reported with enasidenib. More randomized multicenter double-blinded clinical studies are needed to confirm these results and compare them with other targeting agents.

Characteristics of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Gastritis: Report from a Major Tertiary Care Center

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have increased our ability to treat an ever-expanding number of cancers. We describe a case series of 25 patients who were diagnosed with gastritis following ICI therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study involving 1712 patients treated for malignancy with immunotherapy at Cleveland Clinic from January 2011 to June 2019 (IRB 18-1225). We searched electronic medical records using ICD-10 codes for gastritis diagnosis confirmed on endoscopy and histology within 3 months of ICI therapy. Patients with upper gastrointestinal tract malignancy or documented Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis were excluded.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were found to meet the criteria for diagnosis of gastritis. Of these 25 patients, most common malignancies were non-small cell lung cancer (52%) and melanoma (24%). Median number of infusions preceding symptoms was 4 (1-30) and time to symptom onset 2 (0.5-12) weeks after last infusion. Symptoms experienced were nausea (80%), vomiting (52%), abdominal pain (72%), and melena (44%). Common endoscopic findings were erythema (88%), edema (52%), and friability (48%). The most common diagnosis of pathology was chronic active gastritis in 24% of patients. Ninety-six percent received acid suppression treatment and 36% of patients also received steroids with an initial median dose of prednisone 75 (20-80) mg. Within 2 months, 64% had documented complete resolution of symptoms and 52% were able to resume immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Patients presenting with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or melena following immunotherapy should be assessed for gastritis and if other causes are excluded, may require treatment as consideration for complication of immunotherapy.

Radical nephroureterectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (RNU-AC) versus observation (RNU-O) in early-stage upper urinary tract cancers with variant histology (UUTC-VH)

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Background: Upper urinary tract cancers (UUTC) are less frequent and associated with poorer stage-for-stage prognosis compared to bladder cancer, with variant histology being an independent predictor of inferior outcomes. The POUT trial included only patients with predominantly urothelial tumors. We aimed to compare outcomes among patients with UUTC-VH who were treated with RNU-AC vs. RNU-O. Methods: We queried the National Cancer Database for adult patients with UUTC-VH diagnosed between 2004 and 2018. Only patients who underwent RNU with node-negative disease on pathological staging (pT2-4N0M0) were included and divided into two groups based on the postoperative treatment strategy - RNU-AC and RNU-O. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded from analyses. Fisher’s exact and Mann Whiney U tests were used to compare frequency distributions. Cox Proportional Hazards regression was employed for multivariate analysis of factors associated with overall survival. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, income, educational level, clinical T stage, insurance status, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: A total of 522 patients were identified – 133 (25.5%) received RNU-AC while 389 (74.5%) underwent RNU-O. Patients in the RNU-AC group were younger (median 69 vs. 76 years, P <0.001). Patients with small cell (15.8% vs 4.9%), micropapillary (9.8% vs 5.9%) and adenocarcinoma (9% vs 6.7%) histologies were more likely while those with squamous histology was less likely to receive AC (38.3% vs 50.6%) (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). A significant majority of patients in each T stage were treated with AC – 87.1% of pT1, 73.2% of pT2, and 68.4% of pT3 (P = 0.009). Overall survival in the RNU-AC and RNU-O groups were comparable (median of 27 vs 24.1 months, log rank-P = 0.63). On multivariable analysis, neither AC nor histological subtype were not independently predictive of OS (HR for AC = 0.96, 95% CI 0.74-1.24, P = 0.75). Conclusions: This is the largest study to date evaluating outcomes with AC after RNU in UUTC-VH since these patients were largely excluded from AC clinical trials. We observed that AC was not associated with improved overall survival after RNU in this population.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical cystectomy (NAC-RC) versus trimodality therapy (TMT) in early-stage small cell bladder cancer: Comparison of outcomes

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Background: Small cell bladder cancer is a rare and aggressive histological variant with a paucity of data to guide the optimal management strategy in non-metastatic disease. NAC-RC and TMT (maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumor + chemoradiation) have been variably employed based on institutional preferences, and we aim to compare outcomes between these two approaches. Methods: We queried the National Cancer Database for adult patients with small cell bladder cancer diagnosed during the years 2004 to 2018. Patients with small cell histology and early-stage clinically node-negative bladder cancer (cT1-4N0M0) were included and divided into two groups based on the treatment strategy employed – NAC-RC or TMT. Patients who did not receive any definitive local therapy and those who received chemotherapy or radiation in the adjuvant setting were excluded. Fisher’s exact and Mann Whiney U tests were used to compare frequency distributions. Cox Proportional Hazards regression was employed for multivariate analysis of factors associated with overall survival. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, income, educational level, clinical T stage, insurance status, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: A total of 1262 patients were identified – 629 (49.8%) underwent NAC-RC while 633 (50.2%) received TMT. Patients in the NAC-RC group were younger (median 67 vs. 74 years, P <0.001) and more frequently Males (81% vs 76%, p = 0.02). Clinical T stage was comparable between the groups (P = 0.38). Patients with private insurance (P < 0.001) and higher income tiers (P = 0.04) were more likely to receive NAC-RC in lieu of TMT. Overall survival in the NAC-RC group was significantly longer than the TMT group (median of 41.3 vs. 25.4 months, log-rank P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, only the type of treatment modality employed was independently predictive of overall survival (Hazard Ratio of 1.22 for TMT, with 95% CI 1.05-1.43, P = 0.01). Conclusions: In early-stage clinically node-negative small cell bladder cancer, NAC-RC was associated with significantly longer overall survival compared to TMT.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) versus adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in patients with clinically node-positive upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU)

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Background: UTUC is less common and associated with poorer stage-for-stage prognosis compared to urothelial bladder cancer. AC is regarded as a standard-of-care in high-risk UTUC based on superior disease-free survival compared to observation in the POUT trial, though fewer than 10% of patients in this trial had lymph node involvement.1 CheckMate 274 revealed lesser magnitude of benefit with adjuvant nivolumab in UTUC compared to bladder cancer on post hoc analysis.2 The preferred sequence of perioperative systemic therapy in node positive UTUC remains unclear. Methods: We queried the National Cancer Database for adult patients with clinically node positive (cTanyN1-3M0) UTUC diagnosed between 2004 and 2018. Patients were divided into two groups based on the perioperative treatment strategy - NAC or AC. Patients who did not undergo RNU were excluded from analyses. Fisher’s exact and Mann Whiney U tests were used to compare frequency distributions. Cox Proportional Hazards regression was employed for multivariate analysis of factors associated with overall survival. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, income, educational level, clinical T stage, insurance status, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: A total of 862 patients were identified - 362 (42%) underwent NAC while 500 (58%) received AC. No significant differences were noted between the groups regarding age, sex, or insurance status. Patients with cT1-2 UTUC more often received NAC (27.9% vs 11.8%, P <0.001) while those with cT3-4 disease more frequently received AC (38.9% vs 57.4%, p<0.001). Rates of NAC vs AC were not significantly different based on clinical N stage (P = 0.35). Overall survival in the NAC group was significantly longer than the AC group (median of 47.1 vs. 20.2 months, log-rank P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, only the sequence of perioperative chemotherapy was independently predictive of overall survival (Hazard Ratio of 1.38 for AC, with 95% CI 1.14-1.68, P = 0.001). Conclusions: In this large retrospective analysis of outcomes among patients with clinically node positive UTUC who underwent RNU, NAC was associated with significantly longer overall survival compared to AC. References: 1) Birtle A, Lancet 2020; 2) Bajorin DF, NEJM 2021.

Outcomes associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma in the era of novel agents

BACKGROUND

Relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R HL) is a challenging disease with limited treatment options beyond brentuximab vedotin and checkpoint inhibitors. Herein we present the time-trend analysis of R/R HL patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) at our center from 2001-2017.

METHODS

The patients were divided into two distinct treatment cohorts: era1 (2001-2010), and era2 (2011-2017). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and cumulative incidence of acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD).

RESULTS

Among the 51 patients included in the study, 29 were in era1, and 22 were in era2. There was decreased use of myeloablative conditioning in era2 (18% vs. 31%) compared to era1 and 95% of patients in era2 previously received brentuximab Vedotin (BV). Haploidentical donors were seen exclusively in era2 (0% vs. 14%) and more patients received alternative donor transplants (7% vs. 32%) in era2. The 4-year OS (34% vs. 83%, p < 0.001) and 4-year PFS (28% vs. 62%, p = 0.001) were significantly inferior in era1 compared to era2. The incidence of 1-year NRM was lower in era2 compared to era1 (5% vs. 34%, p = 0.06). The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD at day 100 was similar in both eras (p = 0.50), but the incidence of chronic GVHD at 1 year was higher in era2 compared to era1 (55% vs. 21%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the advent of novel therapies, allo-HCT remains an important therapeutic option for patients with R/R HL.

Lung Cancer Treatment Advances in 2022

The therapeutic landscape of lung cancer treatment is changing rapidly, and new data was presented at the recently concluded American Society of Clinical Oncology 2022 (ASCO22) meeting. We highlight studies of clinical relevance that represent significant updates in the current management of non-small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We summarize the updates in early-stage NSCLC, mutated and non-mutated advanced NSCLC as well as small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and discuss these advances in the context of the current clinical standard of care.

Outcomes with chimeric antigen receptor t-cell therapy in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate outcomes following chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (RR-AML).

Methods

We performed a literature search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. After screening 677 manuscripts, 13 studies were included. Data was extracted following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled analysis was done using the meta-package by Schwarzer et al. Proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed.

Results

We analyzed 57 patients from 10 clinical trials and 3 case reports. The pooled complete and overall response rates were 49.5% (95% CI 0.18-0.81, I² =65%) and 65.2% (95% CI 0.36-0.91, I² =57%). The pooled incidence of cytokine release syndrome, immune-effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and graft-versus-host disease was estimated as 54.4% (95% CI 0.17-0.90, I² =77%), 3.9% (95% CI 0.00-0.19, I² =22%), and 1.6% (95%CI 0.00-0.21, I² =33%), respectively.

Conclusion

CAR-T therapy has demonstrated modest efficacy in RR-AML. Major challenges include heterogeneous disease biology, lack of a unique targetable antigen, and immune exhaustion.

Abstract A20: Treatment of elderly patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): A single institution experience

Introduction: While standard treatment for younger patients with PTCL is chemotherapy and HD consolidation with stem cell rescue, treatment of o lder patients with PTCL is less defined, due to lack of clinical trial data and comorbidities due to ageing. Here we detail our single center outcomes of patients who were 70 years of age or older. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics, treatment used and outcomes of patients 70 years of age or older who were treated at Roswell Park Cancer Center for PTCL between 1/1/2001 to 12/31/2021. The patients were divided into three groups, group 1 received single agent therapy, group 2 received multiagent chemotherapy and group 3 received palliative radiation or no therapy. The baseline characteristics were described using descriptive statistics and survival were compared using Kaplan Meier method. Results: Forty elderly T cell lymphoma patients were treated at our center. The median age of whole cohort was 77 years, with 24 males and 16 females. Thirty patients had stage 3/4 disease at the time of diagnosis. The most common diagnosis were ALK -ve ALCL (n=14) and AITL (n=14), while ten patients had PTCL-NOS, and one patient had ALK +ve ALCL and PTCL-TFH each. Seven patients received single agent treatment (G1, n=7), of which six received brentuximab while one received lenalidomide. Twenty nine patients received multiagent treatment (G2, n=29), of which 22 patients received CHOP/CHOEP based therapy, 4 reveived HyperCVAD, and 3 received other chemotherapy treatments. Four patients received no treatment or palliative radiation only (G3,n=4). The patients in G1 were older (median age 85 years), compared to G2 (median age 74 years) and G3 (median age 75 years). The median ECOG of G1, G2 and G3 were 2, 0 and 1 respectively. The ORR of patients in G1 and G2 was 6/7 and 18/29 with CR of 4/7 and 14/24 respectively. Three patients in G2 died due to complications related to induction chemotherapy. Only two patients received autologous transplant after multiagent therapy, none of patients in G1 received an autologous transplant. The median overall survival of patients in G1, G2, and G3 was 25 months, 31 months and 2 months respectively, with no statistically significant difference between G1 and G2 (p=0.63). The median progression free survival of G1 and G2 was 27 months and 14 months (p=0.7). Conclusions: Older patients with T-cell lymphoma can be treated with personalized treatment based on comorbidities and performance status. We found that single agent treatment in selected group of patients produced statistically similar PFS and OS as multiagent treatment.

Citation Format: Muhammad Salman Faisal, Gabrielle Hartman, Francisco Hernandez-Ilizaliturri, Sucharita Sundaram, Pallawi Torka, Paola Ghione. Treatment of elderly patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): A single institution experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Meeting: Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application; 2022 Jun 23-26; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2022;3(5_Suppl):Abstract nr A20.

Professional development in a Twitter hematology/oncology network for trainees

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Background: While resources exist to address the needs of graduate medical trainees, online resources to assist trainees with specialty-specific professional development have not been fully developed or described in the past. The Hem-Onc Fellows Network (@HemOncFellows) is an online community for hematology-oncology trainees in all stages of training, including medical students, residents, fellows, and doctoral students. The network's goals are to provide professional development in hematology-oncology, create a community and safe space for hematology-oncology trainees, and amplify the voices and needs of trainees. Methods: The @HemOncFellows Twitter account was created in February of 2021. The hashtag #HOFellows was registered and certified with healthcare Symplur. The network hosts Twitter Spaces (TS) with guests every two weeks and distributes a newsletter. Fifteen TS were held between July 2021 and February 2022. For each TS, a specific topic of professional development was discussed. At least one content expert was invited to each TS to provide additional commentary. Demographics of TS participants and newsletter subscribers were gathered and qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. Results: Since its inception, the Hem-Onc Fellows Network has grown to more than 2200 followers. Symplur has over 500 #HOFellows tweets from November of 2021 to early February of 2022. The network organized 15 TS: 14 in professional development topics and one meet-and-greet for new matched fellows in December. TS had an average of 41 participants per event. Most participants were United States-based but there were participants from 21 countries worldwide. Forty-eight participants attended three or more spaces, including 15 hem-onc fellows and 17 internal medicine residents. The newsletter has 48 subscribers. Conclusions: We demonstrate that implementing a trainee network on Twitter attracted participation and engagement from a diverse pool of trainees worldwide. TS represents a novel educational tool for engaging trainees and facilitating professional development.

Cancer survivorship in gulf countries: A systematic review

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Background: Cancer survivors have been increasing worldwide due to advancements in early cancer detection, chemo-hormonal therapy, and improved supportive care with an estimated four-to-five-fold increase in cancer burden in Gulf countries by the year 2040. Cancer survivorship deals with the host of challenges that cancer leaves in its wake. We seek to explore the experience of Gulf countries' cancer survivors and identify the gaps that need to be addressed. Methods: A systematic review of current evidence regarding cancer survivorship in the 6 Gulf countries (inclusive of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 checklist, without restricting to a starting date. We searched five major online databases: Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science. Twenty-two articles were reviewed for the inclusion of predefined domains of cancer survivorship (Nekhlyudov et al, JNCI 2019). Results: Most of the studies included were published in Saudi Arabia (63.6%), followed by UAE (13.6%), Oman (9.1%), Bahrain (4.5%), Kuwait (4.5%), and Qatar (4.5%). Data within the included studies encompassed 9 domains of survivorship, of which clinical structure was reported most consistently (95.5%), followed by surveillance and management of physical and psychosocial effects (77.3% and 68.2% respectively). The most frequently reported domain, clinical structure, refers to the type of healthcare delivery environment offered, patient education, availability of necessary specialty care and subsequent healthcare professionals, access to care, the functionality of available healthcare information systems (e.g., electronic medical records and telehealth) and whether opportunities for research participation was offered to patients. Comparatively, the three domains health promotion (27%), patient experience (27%), and surveillance and management of chronic medical conditions (13%) were reported least frequently. Conclusions: Cancer survivorship in Gulf countries is currently in its infancy, evidenced by a paucity of literature on the topic. This systematic review assesses domains explored by available studies, finding a significant focus on clinical structure. Gaps in literature particularly within the surveillance and management of chronic medical conditions in cancer survivor patients need to be addressed in future research.[Table: see text]

Rectal Dieulafoy's lesion: a comprehensive review of patient characteristics, presentation patterns, diagnosis, management, and clinical outcomes

Dieulafoy's lesion is an abnormally large, tortuous, submucosal vessel that erodes the overlying mucosa, without primary ulceration or erosion. Although these lesions predominantly involve the stomach and upper small intestine, they are being detected with increasing frequency in the rectum. We conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases for adult rectal Dieulafoy's lesion. After careful review of the search results, a total of 101 cases were identified. The data on patient characteristics, clinical features, colonoscopy findings, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. The mean age of presentation was 66±17 years (range, 18-94 years), with 54% of cases reported in males. Clinical presentation was dominated by acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the form of bright-red blood per rectum 47% and hematochezia 36%, whereas 16% of patients were admitted with symptoms related to other medical conditions. Major underlying disorders were hypertension 29%, diabetes mellitus 21%, and chronic kidney disease 16%. The average number of colonoscopies required for the diagnosis of rectal Dieulafoy's lesion was 1.5±0.7. In regard to treatment, endoscopic therapy was applied in 80%, direct surgical suturing in 12%, angiographic embolization in 4%, and endoscopic therapy followed by surgical ligation was performed in 4% of patients. The endoscopic treatment was a feasible choice for rectal disease, with a primary hemostasis rate of 88%. Although the overall mortality rate was 6%, the causes of death were unrelated to this entity. This review illustrates that patients with rectal Dieulafoy's lesion can have a favorable clinical outcome. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are of paramount importance to prevent serious hemodynamic complications. The best therapeutic modality remains to be determined but the data presented here support the use of mechanical endoscopic methods as safe and effective.

Factors predicting futility of liver transplant in elderly recipients: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

As the population of the United States ages, there has been an increasing number of elderly patients with cirrhosis listed for transplant. Previous studies have shown variable results in terms of the relative survival benefit for elderly liver transplant (LT) recipients. There may be factors that are associated with a poor post-transplant outcome which may help determine which elderly patients should and should not be listed for LT.

AIM

To identify factors associated with futility of transplant in elderly patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all patients above the age of 45 who underwent liver transplantation at our tertiary care center between January 2010 and March 2020 (n = 1019). “Elderly” was defined as all patients aged 65 years and older. Futile outcome was defined as death within 90 d of transplant. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine what variables, if any were associated with futile outcome in elderly patients. Secondary outcomes such as one year mortality and discharge to facility (such as skilled nursing facility or long-term acute care hospital) were analyzed in the entire sample, compared across three age groups (45-54, 55-64, and 65 + years).

RESULTS

There was a total of 260 elderly patients who received LT in the designated time period. A total of 20 patients met the definition of “futile” outcome. The mean Model of End-Stage Liver Disease scores in the futile and non-futile group were not significantly different (21.78 in the futile group vs 19.66 in the “non-futile” group). Of the variables tested, only congestive heart failure was found to have a statistically significant association with futile outcome in LT recipients over the age of 65 (P = 0.001). Of these patients, all had diastolic heart failure with normal ejection fraction and at least grade I diastolic dysfunction as measured on echocardiogram. Patients aged 65 years and older were more likely to have the outcomes of death within 1 year of LT [hazard ratio: 1.937, confidence interval (CI): 1.24-3.02, P = 0.003] and discharge to facility (odds ratio: 1.94, CI: 1.4-2.8, P < 0.001) compared to patients in younger age groups.

CONCLUSION

Diastolic heart failure in the elderly may be a predictor of futility post liver transplant in elderly patients. Elderly LT recipients may have worse outcomes as compared to younger patients.

Advances in viral oncolytics for treatment of multiple myeloma - a focused review

INTRODUCTION

Oncolytic viruses are genetically engineered viruses that target myeloma-affected cells by detecting specific cell surface receptors (CD46, CD138), causing cell death by activating the signaling pathway to induce apoptosis or by immune-mediated cellular destruction.

AREAS COVERED

This article summarizes oncolytic virotherapy advancements such as the therapeutic use of viruses by targeting cell surface proteins of myeloma cells as well as the carriers to deliver viruses to the target tissues safely. The major classes of viruses that have been studied for this include measles, myxoma, adenovirus, reovirus, vaccinia, vesicular-stomatitis virus, coxsackie, and others. The measles virus acts as oncolytic viral therapy by binding to the CD46 receptors on the myeloma cells to utilize its surface H protein. These H-protein and CD46 interactions lead to cellular syncytia formation resulting in cellular apoptosis. Vesicular-stomatitis virus acts by downregulation of anti-apoptotic factors (Mcl-2, BCL-2). Based upon the published literature searches till December 2020, we have summarized the data supporting the advances in viral oncolytic for the treatment of MM.

EXPERT OPINION

Oncolytic virotherapy is an experimental approach in multiple myeloma (MM); many issues need to be addressed for safe viral delivery to the target tissue.

Outcomes of Bone Marrow Compared to Peripheral Blood for Haploidentical Transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) from a haploidentical (haplo) donor has emerged as a suitable alternative in the absence of a matched donor. However, haplo-HCT patients have a higher risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Hence, bone marrow (BM) stem cell source and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) have been routinely used to help mitigate this. Due to ease of collection, peripheral blood (PB) stem cells are increasingly being considered for haplo-HCT. We retrospectively analyzed 74 patients (42 BM and 32 PB) who underwent haplo-HCT at Ohio State University from 2009 to 2018. Median age at transplant was 60 years (yrs) for BM and 54 yrs for PB, (p = 0.45). There was no difference in OS (p = 0.13) and NRM (p = 0.75) as well as PFS (p = 0.10) or GRFS (p = 0.90) between the groups. The BM cohort showed a 3-year OS rate of 63% (95% confidence interval (CI): 46–76), and 3-year PFS of 49% (95% CI: 33–63). For the PB group, 3-year OS and PFS were 78% (95% CI: 59–89) and 68% (95% CI: 49–82), respectively. There were no differences in the incidence of acute GVHD (grade II-IV) (p = 0.31) and chronic GVHD (p = 0.18). Patients receiving BM had a significantly higher risk for relapse with relapse rates by 2 years at 36% (95% CI: 22–50) vs. 16% (95% CI: 6–31) for PB (p = 0.03). The findings from this study suggest that PB is an excellent alternative to BM for haplo-HCT.

Incidence of immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated diarrhea and colitis (imDC) in patients with cancer and preexisting inflammatory bowel disease: a propensity score-matched retrospective study

Background and aims

The risk of use of immune-mediated diarrhea and colitis (imDC) in patients with preexisting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not fully understood. We report the incidence of imDC in these patients, and compare with a matched cohort of patients with cancer and without IBD.

Methods

Patients with IBD from a tertiary center cancer registry who underwent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy from 2011 to 2019 were identified. A 1:5 matched cohort of patients with and without a history of IBD was created, based on age, ICI therapy, and cancer type. Demographic data, clinical history of IBD, cancer, ICI agent, imDC events after ICI therapy, and overall survival were analyzed. Overall survival and time-to-imDC (TTimDC) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results

From a retrospective cohort of 3900 patients who received ICI therapy, 30 patients with IBD were matched with 150 patients without a history of IBD. Most patients received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor monotherapy (154/180, 85.6%). Individuals with preexisting IBD showed significantly shorter TTimDC than those in the non-IBD group (1-year imDC-free rate 67% vs 93%; HR 7.59, 95% CI 3.00 to 19.15, p<0.0001). Eleven (36%) from the IBD cohort experienced imDC events; none led to life-threatening conditions needing surgical interventions or death. Corticosteroids or biologics were needed in 8/11 (73%) patients, and discontinuation of therapy improved imDC in the remaining three. Half of patients required hospitalization. In contrast, no significant difference in overall survival was observed between IBD and non-IBD cohorts (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.48). Both groups had overall comparable rates of other non-imDC immune-related adverse events.

Conclusion

Patients with preexisting IBD had worse time-to-imDC than non-IBD matched controls, yet did not exhibit worse overall survival. While close monitoring of patients with preexisting IBD is warranted while on immunotherapy, this comorbidity should not preclude ICI therapy if clinically required.

A systematic review of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after liver transplant

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Background: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a complication after liver transplantation. This study aims to explore the association of PTLD with the immunosuppression, types of PTLD, clinical presentation, and outcomes. Methods: Following the PRISMA guideline, we searched the literature on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov. 1741 articles were screened and 22 studies were included. Results: Data includes 22,235 total patients who underwent a liver transplant, and 449 (2.0%) patients who developed PTLD were studied. Of the 394 patients where gender was reported, 226 were male and 168 were female. Post-transplant EBV status was positive for 63/115 (56%). 11 studies showed that the median time from transplant to the development of PTLD was 33.4 months. Among the histological types of PTLD, the monomorphic B-cell was the most common type with 127/235 (54%) cases, followed by early lesions 25/235, polymorphic 24/235, Hodgkin lymphoma 8/235, and monomorphic T-cell type 7/235. Treatment of PTLD involved reduction or cessation of the immunosuppressive drugs along with chemotherapy surgery and radiotherapy. Mortality data from 13 studies showed 68/259 (31.3%) patients died either due to PTLD or its complication. Conclusions: PTLD is rare but associated with high mortality after liver transplantation. EBV seropositivity is associated with PTLD in the majority of cases. Monomorphic PTLD is the most common type of PTLD after liver transplantation with DLBCL being the most common subtype. Abdominal symptoms and fever are among the most common symptoms. PTLD after Liver transplant a review of studies. [Table: see text]

A systematic review of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after lung transplant

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Background: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication after solid organ transplantation. This study aims to explore the association of PTLD diagnosed after lung transplant with infectious agents and immunosuppression regimen, explore types of PTLD, and their outcome. Methods: Following the PRISMA guideline, we searched the literature on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov. 1741 articles were screened and included five studies. Results: We analyzed data from five studies, n=13,643 transplant recipients with n=287 (2.10%) developed PTLD. Four studies showed that 32/63 (51%) PTLD patients were male and 31 (49%) were female. Three studies reported 53/55 (96.4%) patients were EBV positive at PTLD diagnosis. Courtwright. et al, reported that 217/224 (97%) PTLD was associated with either EBV positive donor or recipient. Four studies showed that the monomorphic B cell type 48/63 (76%) was the most common histological type of PTLD diagnosed with DLBCL the most common subtype 31/48 (64.6%). Data from 3 studies showed that the onset of PTLD following lung transplant varies with a median duration of 18.3 months (45 days to 20.2 years). Three studies showed that 26/55 (47.3%) patients had early-onset (≤ 1 yr of Tx) and 29/55 (52.7%) patients had late-onset PTLD (> 1 yr of Tx). Management of PTLD included a reduction in immunosuppression including corticosteroids, CNI, purine synthesis inhibitors, Rituximab, and chemotherapeutic agents. Three studies showed a mortality rate of 30/45 (66.7%) and 13/30 (43.3%) deaths were PTLD related. Conclusions: Our review concludes that PTLD is a serious complication, only 2% of lung transplant recipients developed PTLD. EBV seropositivity is the most factor associated with PTLD diagnosis. Monomorphic PTLD was reported as the most common type in the adult population and no association between gender and PTLD was found. The analysis shows that there is a slightly lower incidence of early (≤ 1 yr of Tx) than late-onset (> 1 yr of Tx) PTLD. Table 1 PTLD after a Lung transplant in adults - a review. [Table: see text]

Outcomes with CD34 stem cell boost for poor graft function after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies: A systemic review and meta-analysis

e19021

Background: Poor graft function (PGF) is a life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) characterized by severe multilineage cytopenia in the absence of mixed donor chimerism, relapse, or severe graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). We present a systemic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the outcomes with stem cell boost (SCB) for PGF in adult allo-HCT patients. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, 752 articles were screened from 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinical trials.gov) using MeSH terms and keywords for “hematological malignancies”, “hematopoietic stem cell transplantation”, “CD34 antigen(s)” and “treatment outcome(s)” from the date of inception to Jan 2021. After excluding review, duplicate and non-relevant articles, we included 8 studies (1 prospective, 7 retrospective) reporting hematologic complete/overall response rate (CR/ORR), GVHD and overall survival (OS) after SCB for PGF after Allo-HSCT. Quality evaluation was done using the NIH quality assessment tool. Pooled analysis was done using the ‘meta’ package (Schwarzer et al, R programming language) and proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Inter-study variance was calculated using Der Simonian-Laird Estimator. Results: We identified 217 patients who received SCB for PGF after allo-HCT. Median age, time since transplant and SCB dose were 48 (37-54) years, 133 (113-450) days and 3.43 (1.7-4.9) million CD34 cells/kg respectively. CR and ORR were 71% (95%CI 0.63-0.77, I216%) and 80% (95%CI 0.74-0.85, I20%) respectively. After median follow up of 41.5 (5-77) months, actuarial survival rate (ASR) was 54% (95%CI 0.48-0.61, I20%). OS was reported from 80% (1y) to 40% (9y) Acute and chronic GVHD incidence after SCB was 17% (95% CI 0.12-0.23, I2=0%) and 17% (95% CI 0.08-0.32, I2=72%, n=197) respectively, and 25% (95% CI 0.14-0.39, I2=63%, n=163) deaths were due to relapse (Table). Conclusions: CD34 SCB improves outcomes after PGF after allo-HSCT with acceptable toxicity profile. However, current literature lacks high-quality randomized evidence and there remains an unmet need for prospective studies to address optimal dosing and manipulation of SCB. Outcomes with SCB for PGF after allo-HCT (n=217).[Table: see text]

A systematic review of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after renal transplantation

e19577

Background: Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) is a rare but severe complication following renal transplant. This study aims to explore the treatment modalities, histological types, and risk factors related to PTLD. Methods: Following the PRISMA guideline, we searched the literature on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase & clinicaltrials.gov. A total of 1741 articles were screened and 16 studies were included. Results: We reviewed 275915 adult patients who underwent renal transplantation out of which 2484 (0.9%) patients developed PTLD. Data for gender shows that 61.1% were males and 38.9% females. 576/2484 (23%) cases were EBV positive post-transplant. Seven studies showed the median duration from transplant to the development of PTLD was 80 months (5m-22yrs). Monomorphic PTLD was reported in 585 cases as the most common histological type. 5 studies suggested mortality due to PTLD was 41.38%. OS at 5 and 10 years was 55% and 41% respectively. Conclusions: Our study shows that PTLD is a rare complication after renal transplant which was more common in males. EBV did not show association with PTLD. Monomorphic is the most common histological type of PTLD after renal transplant. Our results show that it is associated with significantly high mortality. [Table: see text]

A guide to diagnosing and managing ascites in cirrhosis

Combined serum and ascites fluid measurements point to the cause of ascites. For patients with modest edema, a reduced weight-loss target with diuresis may be acceptable.

Malignancy risk in individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis receiving biologics and immunomodulators

Clinicians may be hesitant to prescribe biologics or immunomodulators to individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and comorbid inflammatory disease (CID) because of increased cancer risk. Our aim was to compare the risk of malignancy in FAP individuals with inflammatory bowel (IBD) and/or rheumatic disease that received biologics/immunomodulators to those who did not. Individuals with FAP and CID were included in the study. We compared the incidence of cancer between individuals exposed to biologics/immunomodulators compared to unexposed from the date of diagnosis of comorbid disease till last follow up or death. Hazard ratio (HR) for cancer was computed using Cox regression model and compared by exposure status to biologic/immunomodulators. 25 individuals with FAP and a comorbid inflammatory disease were identified including 9 (36%) with IBD and 16 (64%) with rheumatic disease. 14 (56%) were exposed to a biologic and or immunomodulator. Median duration of biologic/immunomodulator exposure was 48 (2-180) months. 3 (21.4%) in the exposed group compared to 1 (9.1%) in the unexposed group developed cancer with a HR for exposure of 1.92 (CI 0.2-18.5, p = 0.57). Median duration of follow up after the diagnosis of inflammatory disease was 10 (5.5-17.0) years in the exposed and 6 (3.0-15.0) years in the unexposed group. In the exposed group, 1 patient developed gastric and 2 developed colon cancer. One unexposed patient developed medullary thyroid cancer. There is a possible trend of more cancers in the group that received biologics/immunomodulators-but given the small number of patients and p-value, there may be no difference at all. This preliminary finding warrants study in a larger cohort.

Advances in maintenance strategy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients eligible for autologous transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Multiple myeloma (MM) lacks curative therapy. Therefore, researchers continue to conduct studies in an effort to improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Maintenance therapy (MT) after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) was extensively studied in the last decade and now considered a standard approach.

AREAS COVERED

This review evaluated the evidence and updates on various maintenance agents in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) after ASCT. Articles were searched on PubMed and Embase that were published in last 10 years. Both clinical trials and observational studies were evaluated.

EXPERT OPINION

Maintenance strategy after ASCT has consistent PFS benefit but lacks conclusive OS improvement. Lenalidomide is superior to thalidomide given reduced neurotoxicity. OS advantage is controversial for both due to inconsistent evidence. Lenalidomide may confer a PFS advantage even at lower doses due to toxicity with higher doses. Bortezomib-based maintenance has some evidence for OS benefit in high-risk MM (HRMM) and renal dysfunction. Ixazomib has preliminary promising results. Two or three drug combinations for MT are potentially safe and more effective, particularly in HRMM although data on this subject is still evolving. Efficacy of various MT regimens in terms of minimal residual disease status needs to be further investigated.

Role of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation for primary central nervous system lymphoma: A systematic review

2562

Background: High dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has shown to overcome intrinsic chemo-resistance and improve disease control in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL). Our study reviews the treatment outcome in PCNSL with sequential HDCT and ASCT. Methods: 8/34 studies were finalized after systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials.gov for treatment of PCNSL with HDCT followed by ASCT. Results: 251/288 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 55.5 years. 227 underwent HDCT-ASCT. 174 were newly diagnosed (ND) and 77 had relapsed refractory (R/R) PCNSL. ND patients showed superior outcomes in terms of progression free survival and overall survival. Combinations of High dose Rituximab, Busulfan and Cyclophosphamide significantly improved survival outcomes in RR patients. Significant toxicities mainly included pancytopenias and opportunistic. Conclusions: Primary CNS lymphoma treated with HDCT followed by ASCT has shown promising outcomes and has set a benchmark for future studies. [Table: see text]

Intestinal microbiome diversity and clinical outcomes with multiple myeloma: A systematic review

e20542

Background: Human gastrointestinal microbiome (GM) plays a role in food digestion, drug metabolism and protection against infections. We systematically reviewed the outcomes for multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts) and its changes in GM diversity (GMD) with regimen-related toxicities. Methods: After a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials.gov (until 01/12/2020), 9 out of 135 studies met our inclusion criteria. Results: GM changes were studied in 1343 pts. 1070 pts received Autologous (Auto) and 119 pts received Allogeneic (Allo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). 1. Impact of Induction without HCT: Higher levels of Eubacterium hallii and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in 16 (MM) minimal residual disease (MRD) –ive pts and lower levels in 18 (MM) MRD +ive pts were noted (Pianko 2019). 2. Impact of HCT and microbiome: 1142 pts (MM = 1011) were studied; day+15 samples showed reduction of Bacteroidetes in Auto-HCT compared with Allo-HCT pts. Pts with graft versus host disease (GVHD) harbored more Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and less Bacteroidetes than pts without GVHD (Chiusolo 2015). Day+30 fecal samples (FS) revealed increase in Proteobacteria, Clostridium difficile and decrease in Firmicutes, Fusarium in FS while oral samples (OrS) showed increase in Firmicutes and decrease in Proteobacteria and Glomerella. Increased gastrointestinal adverse effects (AEs) (40%) correlated with decreased GMD especially in pts with ulcerative oral mucositis (OM) (Alexa 2019, El-Jurdi 2019, Apewokin 2015). At 3 years, Allo-HCT pts with highest GMD manifested least treatment-related mortality (TRM) (9%) and vice versa (Taur 2014). 3. Impact of Post-HCT Lactobacillus Probiotics (LBP) or Antibiotics: Improvement in AEs with LBP was statistically insignificant (Gorshein 2017, Giammarco 2016). Pts showed better clinical outcomes with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole (Cp-M) (n = 68) than Ciprofloxacin (n = 66) alone; i.e. overall survival (49% vs 42%), increased number of FS without anaerobic bacteria (53% vs 23%), GVHD (25% vs 50%), OM (82% vs 92%) (Beelen 1999). Conclusions: Treatment for MM alters microbiome diversity. Increased diversity was associated with fewer gastrointestinal AEs. Improvement in AEs with LBP was statistically insignificant. Post-HCT use of Cp-M showed better overall survival.

Daratumumab-based three drug regimens for high-risk multiple myeloma: A meta-analysis

e20549

Background: Efficacy of daratumumab (D) based regimens in high risk multiple myeloma (MM) (i.e, ISS stage II/III and t(4;14) or (del17p)) has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of D based 3-drug regimens compared to non-D based regimens in high risk MM. Methods: A systematic review of literature was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported overall response rates (ORR) and progression free survival (PFS) of MM patients (pts) with D based 3-drug regimens. Odds ratios (OR) of ORR were computed and hazard ratios (HR) of PFS (along with 95% confidence intervals; CI) were extracted to compute a pooled HR using RevMan v.5.3 to report the efficacy of D based 3-drug regimens. A random effects model was employed only when there was significant heterogeneity among studies ( > 40%, as assessed by I-squared). Results: Screening of 604 studies yielded 04 RCTs (n = 2,234 pts). D was evaluated with lenalidomide (L), carfilzomib (C), bortezomib (B) and dexamethasone (d). DLd regimen was studied in 649, DCd in 312 and DBd in 240 pts. Total 1201 pts were evaluated with D. D based 3-drug regimens proved to be of improved efficacy versus non-D 2-drug regimens in the pooled analysis i.e., PFS (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.33-0.63; p < 0.00001; I2 = 81%) and ORR (OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.06-3.88; p < 0.00001; I2 = 44%). Relapsed/refractory MM (n = 833) also showed improved ORR (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.78-4.36; p < 0.00001; I2 = 62%). In high risk group, addition of D decreased the risk of progression to 42% (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.85; p = 0.005; I2 = 3%). In standard risk pts, D decreased the risk of progression/death to 66% (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.23-0.51; p < 0.00001; I2 = 74%). D increased the risk of neutropenia (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.54-2.31; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%), respiratory tract infections (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.49-2.35; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and diarrhea (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.46-2.29; p < 0.00001; I2 = 23%) in the study population. Conclusions: Daratumumab based 3-drug regimens appear to abrogate high risk features in MM compared to 2 drug regimens.

Disparities in the treatment of brain metastases from breast cancer: Insights from the National Cancer Database

2037

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women accounting for over 300,000 cases per year. Unfortunately, brain metastases are found in a sub-group of patients with breast cancer even at presentation. Management of brain metastases typically includes radiotherapy with conventional whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) or more focused stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We queried the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to analyze the incidence of brain metastases at diagnosis in breast cancer patients, as well as trends in radiation use/technique. Methods: The NCDB was queried for patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004-2015 and had brain metastasis at presentation (N = 4,491). We excluded patients without brain radiation and inadequate follow up. Odds ratios were calculated to identify factors associated with treatment. Multivariable cox regression was used to determine predictors of survival. Results: Using the eligibility criteria above 1,505 patients were identified in the NCDB. The cohort had a median age of 58 years. A small portion were uninsured (7%) population uninsured and 81% of radiation treatments were delivered in metropolitan areas. Two hundred sixty-one (17.3%) patients received SRS while 1,244 (82.7%) received WBRT. Those patients with private insurance, higher income, metro location, and having care delivered at an academic center were more likely to receive SRS. Conversely, the likelihood of receiving WBRT was significantly higher in those with luminal type cancer, African Americans, the uninsured, and those located in urban areas or treated at a community cancer center. On Cox regression, predictors of worse survival were age > 60 with Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.3 (95% CI 1.17-1.49), a comorbidity score > 2 with HR 1.45 (95% CI 1.1-1.9), and extra cranial metastatic disease with HR 1.33 (95% CI 1.15-1.54). Conclusions: This analysis of the NCDB demonstrates socioeconomic and demographic disparities in the treatment of patients with brain metastases from breast cancer. There is a continued need to reduce these disparities and improve access to care for at-risk populations affected by this highly prevalent malignancy.

Efficacy and tolerability of elotuzumab-based three-drug regimens for high-risk multiple myeloma: A meta-analysis

e20550

Background: Efficacy of elotuzumab (E) based regimens in high risk multiple myeloma (MM) (i.e, ISS stage II/III and t(4;14) or (del17p) has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of E based 3-drug regimens compared to non-E based regimens in high risk MM. Methods: A systematic review of literature was done to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported overall response rates (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of MM patients (pts) with E based 3-drug regimens. Odds ratios (OR) of ORR were computed and hazard ratios (HR) of PFS and OS (along with 95% confidence intervals; CI) were extracted to compute a pooled HR using RevMan v.5.3 to report the efficacy of E based 3-drug regimens. A random effects model was employed only when there was significant heterogeneity among studies ( > 40%, as assessed by I-squared). Results: After screening 604 studies, 04 RCTs were included (n = 986 patients). E was evaluated with lenalidomide (L), pomalidomide (P), bortezomib (B) and dexamethasone (d). ELd regimen was studied in 359, EPd in 60 and EBd in 77 pts. Total 496 pts were evaluated with E. Pooled analysis of E based 3-drug regimens showed improved PFS (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.59-0.81; p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) and ORR (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.33-2.78; p = 0.0005; I2 = 25%) as compared to non-E 2-drug regimens. Relapsed/refractory MM pts (n = 456) also showed improved ORR in E vs non-E groups (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19-2.97; p = 0.007; I2 = 47%). Sub-group analysis showed 30% reduction in progression in high risk MM pts (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.94; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%) and 31% in standard risk pts (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.88; p = 0.003, I2 = 0%). OS showed 25% reduction in risk of death with E based regimens (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62-0.91; p = 0.004, I2 = 0%). E proved to be clinically safe across all patients (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.78-1.57; p = 0.58; I2 = 71%). Conclusions: Elotuzumab based 3-drug regimens appear to abrogate high risk features in MM compared to 2 drug regimens.

Delay in time from diagnosis to treatment in metastatic melanoma, lung, and colon cancer

e23186

Background: Delay in cancer treatment is anxiety provoking both for the patient and clinician. We conducted the study to evaluate the patterns of delay in treatment of patients with metastatic colon cancer, lung cancer and melanoma from diagnosis to the initiation of the treatment, and to identify the causes of delay. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with metastatic colon cancer, lung cancer and melanoma diagnosed between 01/01/2016 to 12/31/2016 in a tertiary care network in the United States were studied. Data was collected from electronic health record (EHR) database, ‘Epic’. Variables such as demographic data, including patient age and gender, and type of cancer, and treatment received were analyzed. The causes of the delay were also evaluated when available. Results: Total number of patients in the study was 288. Mean age was 68.3 years (median 69 years) and 36% were alive at the time of data analysis. Male to female ratio was 1.4:1. 66.7% people had lung cancer, 30% had colon cancer and 3% had melanoma. 67 (23.6%) of total analyzed patients had denied definitive treatment and chose to undergo palliative management. Of the rest, most started treatment with chemotherapy (39.5%), followed by surgery (22.6%) and then radiation (14.6%). With the time of pathological diagnosis of the tumor taken as the date of diagnosis, mean delay from the day of diagnosis to the start of treatment in this study population observed was 27.7 days. 67 patients (23.3%) had a delay of more than 30 days, with the most common reason being systemic factors in 39 patients (58.2%), followed by patient factors in 23 patients (34.3%) and physician factors in 5 patients (7.5%). On logistic regression analysis, time from diagnosis to treatment didn’t predict mortality (OR = 0.99, 95% CI P = 0.10(0.97-1.002). Conclusions: Delay in treatment is common and the system factors one of the common reasons as exhibited by our study. Time from diagnosis to treatment didn’t predict mortality.

Teleoncology: Prospects and challenges for cost effective cancer care

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Background: An estimated 20.3 million cancer survivors are expected to be around by 2026. Estimated national expenditure for cancer care in 2017 were $147.3 billion and expected to increase every year. Cancer treatment is complex and requires management decisions, counselling, psychological support to be made by multidisciplinary teams. For rural and remote patients, these teams may be composed of local clinicians, and experts from distant urban centers using telemedicine (TeleMed). Methods: We used 2 databases to study Teleoncology (TelOnc) since 2002. Results: Scope of TelOnc includes cancer Telegenetics, Telepathology, remote supervision, symptom management, survivorship care, palliative care, and increase access to cancer clinical trials. Mobile applications support symptom management, lifestyle modification, and medication adherence. TeleMed can support the oncologist with interactive tele-education. Future TelOnc models would include web-based tools, mobile technologies and remote chemotherapy supervision. TeleMed had a high patient satisfaction rate. In a survey 82.21% participants were satisfied with their TeleMed experience, only 2.14% was not satisfied. Challenges: Despite an area of growing need, few studies have prospectively evaluated its efficacy in cancer. Even fewer data is available in young adults (group with liking for technology) with cancer. Lack of uniform model for reimbursement and hurdles of interstate practice license for providers are unique challenges. Conclusions: TeleMed / TelOnc can improve access to medical care, reduce healthcare costs, (Table) and reduce geographic health disparities. [Table: see text]

Presentation Patterns, Diagnostic Markers, Management Strategies, and Outcomes of IgD Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review of Literature

Immunoglobulin (Ig) D multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare subtype of MM comprising 2% of all the cases. Malignant plasma cell invasion leads to signs and symptoms similar to other subtypes of MM. The synthesis rate of IgD is lower in IgD MM patients, making it very difficult to diagnose compared to other subtypes. As there is no available diagnostic test with 100% accuracy, the diagnosis of IgD MM is based on multiple factors. Recent advances in the treatment have resulted in a better overall survival for IgD MM patients. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the data on presentation patterns, diagnosis modalities, management strategies, and outcomes in patients with IgD MM.

Cerebral aspergillosis in a patient on ibrutinib therapy-A predisposition not to overlook

Ibrutinib has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies since its approval for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is also used in mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, among others. It is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor that acts on B-cell receptor signaling pathway and predisposes to various infections due to its effects on neutrophils, monocytes and T cells. We present a case of cerebral invasive aspergillosis in a patient being treated with ibrutinib for relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It was hard to associate the condition to ibrutinib versus the chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of voriconazole and micafungin, resulting in complete recovery and no residual deficits. This highlights the importance of recognizing the rare complication in those on ibrutinib and initiating the treatment immediately with appropriate antifungal agents to improve prognosis of this potentially fatal condition.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Neuropathy is a common finding in patients with multiple myeloma. Several different factors can cause neuropathy in these patients, such as the underlying disease itself, medications used for treatment, or immune-mediated processes. Immune-mediated neuropathies (IMN) consist of a heterogeneous spectrum of peripheral nerve disorders. Although IMN is associated with several hematological disorders, it remains a very rare complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). We describe our experiences of 3 patients with multiple myeloma who experienced IMN following autologous HCT (auto-HCT). These 3 patients were felt to have IMN clearly attributable to auto-HCT because of a clear temporal association with auto-HCT and absence of any other obvious causative factor. The variety in their clinical presentations, diagnostic approach, and approaches to management are explained. The pathophysiology of how HCT may predispose to IMN remains poorly understood. Our report helps highlight several potential causes of this phenomenon, such as a paraneoplastic syndrome, immune reconstitution syndrome, or drug toxicity. We emphasize that a comprehensive approach is needed to address this rare entity, and that there should be a low threshold to initiate immune-specific therapy, such as plasmapheresis, if symptoms do not resolve spontaneously.