[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 plus enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (ENZA-p): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Enzalutamide and lutetium-177 [177Lu]Lu-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-617 both improve overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Androgen and PSMA receptors have a close intracellular relationship, with data suggesting complementary benefit if targeted concurrently. In this study, we assessed the activity and safety of enzalutamide plus adaptive-dosed [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 versus enzalutamide alone as first-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

METHODS

ENZA-p was an open-label, randomised, controlled phase 2 trial done at 15 hospitals in Australia. Participants were men aged 18 years or older with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer not previously treated with docetaxel or androgen receptor pathway inhibitors for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, gallium-68 [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-PET-CT (PSMA-PET-CT) positive disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, and at least two risk factors for early progression on enzalutamide. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by a centralised, web-based system using minimisation with a random component to stratify for study site, disease burden, use of early docetaxel, and previous treatment with abiraterone acetate. Patients were either given oral enzalutamide 160 mg daily alone or with adaptive-dosed (two or four doses) intravenous 7·5 GBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 every 6-8 weeks dependent on an interim PSMA-PET-CT (week 12). The primary endpoint was prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival, defined as the interval from the date of randomisation to the date of first evidence of PSA progression, commencement of non-protocol anticancer therapy, or death. The analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population, using stratified Cox proportional hazards regression. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04419402, and participant follow-up is ongoing.

FINDINGS

162 participants were randomly assigned between Aug 17, 2020, and July 26, 2022. 83 men were assigned to the enzalutamide plus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 group, and 79 were assigned to the enzalutamide group. Median follow-up in this interim analysis was 20 months (IQR 18-21), with 32 (39%) of 83 patients in the enzalutamide plus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 group and 16 (20%) of 79 patients in the enzalutamide group remaining on treatment at the data cutoff date. Median age was 71 years (IQR 64-76). Median PSA progression-free survival was 13·0 months (95% CI 11·0-17·0) in the enzalutamide plus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 group and 7·8 months (95% CI 4·3-11·0) in the enzalutamide group (hazard ratio 0·43, 95% CI 0·29-0·63, p<0·0001). The most common adverse events (all grades) were fatigue (61 [75%] of 81 patients), nausea (38 [47%]), and dry mouth (32 [40%]) in the enzalutamide plus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 group and fatigue (55 [70%] of 79), nausea (21 [27%]), and constipation (18 [23%]) in the enzalutamide group. Grade 3-5 adverse events occurred in 32 (40%) of 81 patients in the enzalutamide plus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 group and 32 (41%) of 79 patients in the enzalutamide group. Grade 3 events that occurred only in the enzalutamide plus [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 group included anaemia (three [4%] of 81 participants) and decreased platelet count (one [1%] participant). No grade 4 or 5 events were attributed to treatment on central review in either group.

INTERPRETATION

The addition of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 to enzalutamide improved PSA progression-free survival providing evidence of enhanced anticancer activity in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with risk factors for early progression on enzalutamide and warrants further evaluation of the combination more broadly in metastatic prostate cancer.

FUNDING

Prostate Cancer Research Alliance (Movember and Australian Federal Government), St Vincent's Clinic Foundation, GenesisCare, Roy Morgan Research, and Endocyte (a Novartis company).

Patients' perception of the benefits of palliative systemic therapy for advanced cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced cancer who misunderstand their prognosis and chance of cure tend to overestimate the likely benefits of palliative systemic therapy.

AIM

To determine patient perceptions of palliative systemic therapy benefits in advanced cancer.

METHODS

We surveyed 104 outpatients with advanced cancer receiving systemic anticancer therapy and their treating oncologists. Patients recorded their understanding of treatment impact on chance of cure and symptoms. Life expectancy was estimated by patients and oncologists. A visual analogue scale (0-10) was used to record how patients and oncologists valued quality of life (QOL) and length of life (LOL) (<4 QOL most important; 4-7 QOL and LOL equal; >7 LOL most important). Patient-oncologist discordance was defined as a ≥4-point difference.

RESULTS

The main reasons patients selected for receiving treatment were to live longer (54%) and cure their cancer (36%). Most patients reported treatment was very/somewhat likely to prolong life (84%) and improve symptoms (76%), whereas 20% reported treatment was very/somewhat likely to cure their cancer. 42% of patients selected a timeframe for life expectancy (choice of four timeframes between <1 year and ≥5 years); of these, 62% selected a longer timeframe than their oncologist. When making treatment decisions, 71% of patients (52% of oncologists) valued QOL and LOL equally. Patient-oncologist discordance was 21%, mostly because of oncologists valuing QOL more than their patients (70%).

CONCLUSION

At least 20% of patients receiving systemic therapy for advanced cancer reported an expectation of cure. Most patients and oncologists value QOL and LOL equally when making treatment decisions.

Morpho-anatomical characterization and DNA barcoding of Artemesia vulgaris L

Artemisia vulgaris L. belongs to Asteraceae, is a herbal plant that has various benefits in the medical field, so that its use in the medical field can be explored optimally, the plant must be thoroughly identified. This study aims to identify A. vulgaris both in terms of descriptive morpho-anatomy and DNA barcoding using BLAST and phylogenetic tree reconstruction. The morpho-anatomical character was observed on root, stem, and leaf. DNA barcoding analysis was carried out through amplification and alignment of the rbcL and matK genes. All studies were conducted on three samples from Taman Husada (Medicinal Plant Garden) Graha Famili Surabaya, Indonesia. The anatomical slide was prepared by the paraffin method. Morphological studies revealed that the leaves of A. vulgaris both on the lower-middle part and on the upper part of the stem have differences, especially in the character of the stipules, petioles, and incisions they have. Meanwhile, from the study of anatomy, A. vulgaris has an anomocytic type of stomata and its distribution is mostly on the ventral part of the leaves. Through the BLAST process and phylogenetic tree reconstruction, the plant sequences being studied are closely related to several species of the genus Artemisia as indicated by a percentage identity above 98% and branch proximity between taxa in the reconstructed phylogenetic tree.

Timing of prognostic discussions in people with advanced cancer: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Many people with cancer (patients) want to know their prognosis (a quantitative estimate of their life expectancy) but this is often not discussed or poorly communicated. The optimal timing of prognostic discussions with people with advanced cancer is highly personalised and complex. We aimed to find, organise, and summarise research regarding the timing of discussions of prognosis with people with advanced cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of publications from databases, clinical practice guidelines, and grey literature from inception to 2023. We also searched the reference lists of systematic reviews, editorials, and clinical trial registries. Eligibility criteria included publications regarding adults with advanced cancer that reported a timepoint when a discussion of prognosis occurred or should occur.

RESULTS

We included 63 of 798 identified references; most of which were cross-sectional cohort studies with a range of 4-9105 participants. Doctors and patients agreed on several timepoints including at diagnosis of advanced cancer, when the patient asked, upon disease progression, when there were no further anti-cancer treatments, and when recommending palliative care. Most of these timepoints aligned with published guidelines and expert recommendations. Other recommended timepoints depended on the doctor's clinical judgement, such as when the patient 'needed to know' or when the patient 'seemed ready'.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic discussions with people with advanced cancer need to be individualised, and there are several key timepoints when doctors should attempt to initiate these conversations. These recommended timepoints can inform clinical trial design and communication training for doctors to help improve prognostic understanding.

Variations in patterns of prescribing durvalumab in stage III lung cancer: a survey of Australian Medical Oncologists

BACKGROUND

Local Australian guidelines for the optimal management of stage III unresectable NSCLC are lacking. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines recommend consolidation durvalumab for all patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC irrespective of their PD-L1 expression or driver mutation status. The European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) differs, with consolidation durvalumab only recommended in those patients whose tumours express PD-L1.

METHODS

Due to differing global guidelines we conducted an Australia and New Zealand wide survey of medical oncologists specialising in thoracic cancer to determine the variations in patterns of prescribing durvalumab in stage III unresectable NSCLC. This survey was done electronically and sponsored by the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australia (TOGA).

RESULTS

Thirty-two medical oncologists completed the survey. In patients with EGFR¬-mutated stage III unresectable NSCLC, 6% of respondents stated that they prescribed durvalumab for all patients, whilst an additional 6% strongly recommended treatment. Fourty-four percent suggested little benefit of consolidation durvalumab in this cohort, with an additional 19% advocating for observation only. In patients with PD-L1 negative (0%) stage III unresectable NSCLC, 13% of respondents prescribed durvalumab for all patients, whilst an additional 56% strongly recommended treatment. Interestingly, 18%, 10% and 10% of prescribers discussed self-funded oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in patients with EGFR, ALK or ROS-1 mutated NSCLC respectively as a substitute for consolidation durvalumab.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the clinical practice of Australian and New Zealand Medical Oncologists is variable, but remains consistent with either the ASCO or ESMO guidelines. Local practice guidelines are required to ensure consistency in prescribing patterns across Australia, as well as providing evidence for self-funded treatments outside standard of care.

Unraveling the secrets of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.: a comprehensive study of morpho-anatomy and DNA barcoding

Safety regarding herbal products is very necessary; therefore, routine identification of raw materials should be performed to ensure that the raw materials used in pharmaceutical products are suitable for their intended use. In order for the identification-related data obtained to be accurate, the identification of various kinds of markers is also very necessary. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. based on qualitative morpho-anatomical markers and quantitative DNA coding. The morphology of this plant has herbaceous habit with a taproot and a stem with branches that appear from the middle. Leaves are single type imperfectly arranged oppositely, lanceolatus, finely serrated on the edges, tapered at the base, pointed at the end, and have a pinnate and hairy leaf surface. The flowers consist of ray flowers and tube flowers with a cup shape. Meanwhile, in terms of anatomy, E. alba has aerenchyma, which are scattered in the cortex of the root and stem. In addition, there are anisocytic stomata, glandular trichomes, and non-glandural trichomes with an elongated shape accompanied by ornamentation found on the leaf epidermis. The results of sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction show that the sample plants are closely related to species in the genus Eclipta.

Links between socio-demographic characteristics and body mass index to colorectal cancer in North Borneo, Malaysia: A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

The fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide is colorectal cancer (CRC). Numerous reasons have contributed to the massive rise in CRC cases, for which Asian nations differ significantly in terms of risk incidence rates. The objectives of this study were to, first, identify the socio-demographic characteristics of those of North Borneo ethnicity and body mass index (BMI) and, second, determine the association of these factors with CRC. This research will contribute to preventing this form of cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is an analysis of a matched case-control study with a ratio of 1:2. The case group contained 206 respondents, and the control group contained 412. All CRC cases were confirmed with the histological results. The control group was matched for links between age, sex and ethnicity with CRC. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics (SPSS) IBM version 28.0 was used to conduct descriptive analysis using chi-squared testing and simple logistic regression. The statistical significance was P < 0.05.

RESULT

Overall, 618 respondents took part in this survey, of which 256 (41.4%) were female and 362 (58.6%) were male. The maximum age was 76, with a mean age ± SD of 53.17 ± 11.4. Those of Bajau ethnicity comprised 24.6% (152) of the population, followed by Dusun with 22.8% (141), Kadazan with 17.6% (109%), other North Borneo ethnic groups with 15.5% (96), Bugis with 9.7% (60), Brunei with 4.4% (27) and other predominant races with 5.3% (33). Regression analyses revealed that the incidence of CRC in North Borneo, Malaysia, was substantially correlated with income, occupation, other linked diseases and BMI.

CONCLUSION

Various risk factors are linked to CRC, based on the findings related to socio-demographic characteristics and BMI. Therefore, to lower the nationwide prevalence of CRC, national public health campaigns should include collaboration with the regional authorities to highlight the incidence and risk factors of CRC based on ethnicity.

Novel radionuclide therapy combinations in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer remains the commonest cancer diagnosed in males and a leading cause of cancer-related death. Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have progressed on chemotherapy and androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI) have limited treatment options, significant morbidity, and poor outcomes. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed radionuclide therapy (RNT) is emerging as an efficacious and well-tolerated therapy; however, disease progression is universal. Several ongoing RNT trials focus on combination strategies to improve efficacy and durability of treatment response, including combinations with ARPIs, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Further, efforts are underway to expand the role of PSMA-directed RNT to earlier stages of disease including hormone-sensitive and localized prostate cancer. In this review, we discuss the rationale and ongoing RNT combination therapeutic trials in prostate cancer and summarize the efficacy and toxicity associated with RNT.

Incidence of cerebrovascular accident following head and neck free tissue transfer surgery

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative cerebrovascular accident (CVA) following head and neck free tissue transfer and to identify predictive risk factors. A retrospective audit was performed of patients who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital between 2009 and 2020. The patient records were analysed to identify those who developed CVA within 30 days after surgery. A total of 1109 patients underwent head and neck free tissue transfer surgery, including 1048 neck dissection procedures. Of these, 78.6% had one or more identified risk factors for perioperative stroke. Five patients (0.45%) developed postoperative CVA. The results showed that CVA correlated to patients with hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.007). This study demonstrates the safety of free tissue transfer. Despite underlying co-morbidities and risk factors, the incidence of CVA is low following surgery and manipulation of the major vasculature of the neck.

Evolution: Phase II study of radionuclide 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy versus 177Lu-PSMA-617 in combination with ipilimumab and nivolumab for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC; ANZUP 2001)

TPS271

Background: Combination immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) with ipilimumab and nivolumab has been shown to induce adaptive immune responses in patients with mCRPC, albeit resulting in modest clinical benefit. There is growing evidence that radiation may enhance the activity of ICI by modulating the tumour immune microenvironment. We hypothesize that the radionuclide 177Lu-PSMA-617 may result in immunogenic cell death and therefore synergise with combination ICI to improve long term clinical outcomes. EVOLUTION aims to determine the activity and safety of ipilimumab and nivolumab in combination with 177Lu-PSMA-617 in patients with mCRPC. Methods: This open label, multicentre, phase 2 study will randomly assign 100 participants with mCRPC in a 2:1 ratio stratified by site and prior exposure to docetaxel to either: the experimental combination of 177Lu-PSMA-617 7.5 GBq every 6 weeks for up to 6 doses plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg every 6 weeks x 4 doses and nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks x 8 doses during induction, followed by nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks x 18 doses during maintenance or 177Lu-PSMA-617 alone. Key eligibility criteria include progression on prior androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, no more than one line of prior chemotherapy, significant PSMA avidity on 68GaPSMA-11 PET/CT (SUVmax ≥15 at one disease site and SUVmax ≥10 at measurable sites of disease > 10 mm), no FDG positive/PSMA negative disease and no contraindications to ICI. The primary endpoint is 12-month PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS). Secondary endpoints are PSA response rate, adverse events, radiographic-PFS, overall survival, objective response rate, duration of response and health-related quality of life. Correlative studies will evaluate exploratory biomarkers as potential predictive/prognostic factors. Assessments include clinical reviews and blood tests at baseline, then every 3-4 weeks; CT and bone scan at baseline, then every 12 weeks; 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F FDG PET/CTs at baseline; 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT at week 24 and 177Lu-PSMA-617 SPECT/CT 24 hours after each 177Lu-PSMA-617 dose. Translational bloods include circulating tumour DNA and peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected at baseline, weeks 13 and 25, and at radiological progression. Optional fresh biopsies will be collected at baseline, weeks 3-5 and at progression. A sample size of 100 provides 90% power at the 10% level of significance to reject the null hypothesis (that 1 year PSA-PFS is 20%) if the alternative hypothesis is true (that 1 year PSA-PFS is 35%). Accrual as of the 11th of October 2022 is 23. Clinical trial information: NCT05150236 .

Effectiveness of a remote care program in the management of patients with resistant hypertension or multiple medication intolerances

Background

A remote hypertension (HTN) program, designed and implemented at Mass General Brigham (MGB), has demonstrated improved HTN control, reduced need for in-person visits, and increased access to care. The program excluded patients with resistant HTN or multiple intolerances/allergies to guideline-directed therapies, whose blood pressure (BP) is difficult to manage.

Purpose

To develop a more intensive but still remote program (“HTN-Plus”) for patients with resistant HTN or intolerances/allergies to multiple medications, and to assess its effectiveness for BP control.

Methods

From 10/2020 through 11/2021, we identified a subset of hypertensive patients from the total pool of those enrolled in our remote HTN management program, who required more personalized and intensive therapy than the overall remote management program provided. We developed ancillary management for these patients, who included: 1) patients with apparent resistant HTN (ARH), ie with uncontrolled BP despite maximum tolerated doses of at least three anti-HTN medications including a diuretic, and 2) patients with multiple medication intolerances or allergies that precluded appropriate triple therapy or limited dose-optimization. A nurse practitioner provided education and advice on BP measurement technique, lifestyle modifications, and adherence. Evaluation for primary aldosteronism (PA) was undertaken in those with ARH.

Results

We enrolled 3658 patients with uncontrolled HTN, of whom 117 qualified for the HTN-Plus program. The average BP on entry was 143/80 mmHg. 68% had apparent resistant HTN and 32% had multiple medication intolerances/allergies. Among all patients, 30% had incorrect BP-measurement technique upon interview, 10% who were tested for PA had a positive screening test, 56% had a history suggestive of an unmanaged secondary cause, and only 6% admitted imperfect adherence, but urine testing was not done. 74% of patients completed the program meaning they were reachable through the end and did not drop out. Across the program, 72 new medications were started, and 84 medication titrations were made. 50% of patients who enrolled in HTN-plus achieved BP &lt;130/80 mmHg. 22% achieved BP control with education and coaching alone. For patients who completed the program, the average entry and final BPs were 139/78 mmHg and 126/70 mmHg respectively, with an average BP decrease of 13/8 mmHg.

Conclusions

In patients who remain hypertensive despite maximally tolerated guideline-directed medication utilization, our intensified but still entirely remote HTN management program helped patients reach their BP goal through education, coaching, and medication management. Nearly a quarter were able to achieve BP control with education and coaching alone. These results suggest that a significant value of remote care in patients with resistant HTN or medication intolerances/allergies lies in ongoing education and coaching, for which more cost-effective solutions may be considered.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Mass General Brigham as part of quality improvement initiative

The EAN Brain Health Strategy: One Brain, One Life, One Approach

BACKGROUND

Brain health is essential for health, well-being productivity and creativity across the entire life. Its definition goes beyond the absence of disease embracing all cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social functions which are necessary to cope with life situations.

METHODS

The EAN Brain Health Strategy responds to the high and increasing burden of neurological disorders. It aims to develop a non-disease, non-age centred holistic and positive approach ('one brain, one life, one approach') to prevent neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, stroke, epilepsy, headache/migraine, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, brain cancer) but also to preserve brain health and promote recovery after brain damage.

RESULTS

The pillars of the EAN Brain Health strategy are: 1) Contribute to a global and international Brain Health approach (together with national and subspecialty societies, other medical societies, WHO, WFN, patients' organizations, industry, and other stakeholders); 2) Supporting the 47 European national societies, healthcare and policymakers in the implementation of integrated and people-centred campaigns; 3) Fostering Research (e.g. on prevention of neurological disorders, determinants and assessments of brain health), 4) Promoting Education of students, neurologists, general practitioners, other medical specialists and health professionals, patients, caregivers, and general public; 5) Raising public awareness of neurological disorders and brain health.

CONCLUSIONS

By adopting this 'one brain, one life, one approach' strategy in cooperation with partner societies, international organisations, and policymakers, a significant number of neurological disorders may be prevented while enhancing the overall well-being of individuals by maintaining brain health through the life course.

ENZA-p: A randomized phase II trial using PSMA as a therapeutic agent and prognostic indicator in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide (ANZUP 1901)

TPS205

Background: 177Lu‐PSMA‐617 (LuPSMA) is a novel radionuclide with promising activity and tolerability in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Pre-clinical studies have shown that androgen receptor blockade with enzalutamide upregulates PSMA-receptor expression, and that PSMA-receptor blockade increases treatment response to enzalutamide. We hypothesize that concurrent administration of LuPSMA and enzalutamide will be synergistic in mCRPC. The aims of ENZA-p are to determine the activity and safety of LuPSMA combined with enzalutamide in men with mCRPC at high-risk of early progression on enzalutamide alone; and to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers from imaging, blood, and tissue. Methods: This open-label, randomized, multicentre, phase 2 trial will recruit 160 men with mCRPC. Key eligibility criteria include progression on androgen deprivation therapy, 2 or more risk factors for early cancer progression on enzalutamide (LDH ≥ULN; ALP ≥ULN; albumin < 35 g/L; M1 disease at diagnosis; < 3 years since initial diagnosis; > 5 bone metastases; visceral metastases; PSA doubling time < 3 months; pain requiring opiates > 14 days; for castration-sensitive disease), no prior treatment with an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (except abiraterone), no prior chemotherapy for mCRPC, and PSMA-avid disease on positron emission tomography (PET) with 68Ga-PSMA. Participants are randomly assigned (1:1) to enzalutamide 160 mg daily or enzalutamide 160 mg daily plus LuPSMA 7.5 GBq on days 15 and 57. Two subsequent doses of Lu-PSMA will be administered if the 68Ga-PSMA PET on day 92 shows persistent PSMA expression in the tumour. Imaging assessments include CT and technetium bone scan at baseline, day 99, then every 12 weeks; 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET at baseline, days 15, 92, and first progression; and 18F FDG PET at baseline and first progression. Translational samples including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and biopsies (optional) will be collected at baseline, day 92, and first progression. The primary endpoint is PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS). Secondary endpoints include radiological-PFS, PSA-response rate, pain response and PFS, clinical-PFS, overall survival, health related quality of life, adverse events, and cost-effectiveness. Correlative studies include identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers from 68Ga-PSMA, 18F FDG PET/CT, CTCs, and ctDNA. A sample size of 160 provides 80% power with a 2-sided type 1- error rate of 5% to detect a HR of 0.625 assuming a median PSA-PFS of 5 months with enzalutamide alone. Accrual was 90 on 12 October 2021. Clinical trial information: NCT04419402.

A case of an upper anterior abdominal wall extra-skeletal Ewing sarcoma- soft tissue reconstruction with medial intercostal artery perforator flap and free anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap with arteriovenous loop graft

INTRODUCTION

Extra-skeletal Ewing sarcoma - a rare clinical entity. After the tumour resection, a huge upper anterior abdominal wall defect poses a challenge in soft tissue reconstruction in a thin individual.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report an anterior abdominal wall Ewing sarcoma in a 22-year-old gentleman, arising from the left rectus abdominis muscle. After wide local excision, the reconstruction was achieved with free anterolateral thigh(ALT) fasciocutaneous flap with arteriovenous(AV) loop graft, right medial intercostal artery perforator(MICAP) flap and split-thickness skin graft(SSG).

DISCUSSION

The goals of anterior abdominal wall reconstruction are to restore the integrity of the abdominal wall, prevent visceral eventration, and provide functional support. In view of the size of the defect, a free ALT flap was harvested and anastomosed to the left deep inferior epigastric bundle with the AV loop graft. Although the current trend is skewed towards the use of biologic mesh, an on-lay prolene mesh was used due to its affordable cost and that the biologic mesh was not available in Malaysia. The options of further reconstruction after the patient developed marginal flap necrosis and surgical site infection were also discussed. Post-operation 3 months, there was denser hair growth on the ALT flap. This finding has never been reported before and warrants further studies.

CONCLUSION

The use of combination of various technique, namely free ALT fasciocutaneous flap with AV loop graft, right MICAP flap and SSG in reconstruction ensures a satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcome in the upper anterior abdominal wall reconstruction.

'Pain-free TRUS B': a phase 3 double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of methoxyflurane with periprostatic local anaesthesia to reduce the discomfort of transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy (ANZUP 1501)

Objective

To determine whether the addition of inhaled methoxyflurane to periprostatic infiltration of local anaesthetic (PILA) during transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsies (TRUSBs) improved pain and other aspects of the experience.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a multicentre, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized phase 3 trial, involving 420 men undergoing their first TRUSB. The intervention was PILA plus a patient‐controlled device containing either 3 mL methoxyflurane, or 3 mL 0.9% saline plus one drop of methoxyflurane to preserve blinding. The primary outcome was the pain score (0–10) reported by the participant after 15 min. Secondary outcomes included ratings of other aspects of the biopsy experience, willingness to undergo future biopsies, urologists’ ratings, biopsy completion, and adverse events.

Results

The mean (SE) pain scores 15 min after TRUSB were 2.51 (0.22) in those assigned methoxyflurane vs 2.82 (0.22) for placebo (difference 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.75 to 0.14; P = 0.18). Methoxyflurane was associated with better scores for discomfort (difference −0.48, 95% CI −0.92 to −0.03; P = 0.035, adjusted [adj.] P = 0.076), whole experience (difference −0.50, 95% CI −0.92 to −0.08; P = 0.021, adj. P = 0.053), and willingness to undergo repeat biopsies (odds ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.49; P = 0.01) than placebo. Methoxyflurane resulted in higher scores for drowsiness (difference +1.64, 95% CI 1.21–2.07; P < 0.001, adj. P < 0.001) and dizziness (difference +1.78, 95% CI 1.31–2.24; P < 0.001, adj. P < 0.001) than placebo. There was no significant difference in the number of ≥ grade 3 adverse events.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that methoxyflurane improved pain scores at 15 min, however, improvements were seen in patient‐reported discomfort, overall experience, and willingness to undergo repeat biopsies.

Applying the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons quality outcomes metrics to a UK oncology and reconstructive surgery service - benchmarking the data

The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is soon to implement the Quality Outcomes in Oral in Maxillofacial Surgery (QOMS) to provide a platform for quality management across the specialty in the UK. The initial oncology and reconstruction audits for QOMS involves data collection on specific procedures and metrics. The aim of this report is to determine their appropriateness using extant audit datasets in our institution that overlap substantially with the QOMS audits. Pre-existing datasets comprising information on patients treated for oral cavity SCC with curative intent were analysed. Data on surgical margins, lymphadenectomy lymph node yield, delay between surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, duration of hospital stay, and complications including flap failures were analysed. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25. Run charts describing longitudinal data were generated using SPC for Excel version 6. Twenty three patients (3.1%) of 701 resections had a positive surgical margin reported. Seventeen (4.3%) of patients had less than 18 LNs in the ND specimen analysed. Mean time to start date of adjuvant therapy was 62 days. Only 9% of patients commenced adjuvant therapy within 6 weeks. The median duration of stay was 18 days. In 1153 free flaps a failure rate of 4.3% was identified. A total of 1349 complications (CD I-V) were recorded in the 1111 patients undergoing major surgery with free flap reconstruction. The QOMS selected metrics for oncology and reconstruction are clinically relevant, readily measurable, and likely to be actionable by the surgical team.

ENZA-p trial protocol: a randomized phase II trial using prostate-specific membrane antigen as a therapeutic target and prognostic indicator in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide (ANZUP 1901)

OBJECTIVES

To determine the activity and safety of lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷ Lu)-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-617 in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) commencing enzalutamide, who are at high risk of early progression, and to identify potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers from imaging, blood and tissue.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

ENZA-p (ANZUP 1901) is an open-label, randomized, two-arm, multicentre, phase 2 trial. Participants are randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment with enzalutamide 160 mg daily alone or enzalutamide plus ¹⁷⁷ Lu-PSMA-617 7.5 GBq on Days 15 and 57. Two additional ¹⁷⁷ Lu-PSMA-617 doses are allowed, informed by Day-92 Gallium-68 (⁶⁸ Ga)-PSMA positron emission tomography (PET; up to four doses in total). The primary endpoint is prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival (PFS). Other major endpoints include radiological PFS, PSA response rate, overall survival, health-related quality of life, adverse events and cost-effectiveness. Key eligibility criteria include: biochemical and/or clinical progression; ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA PET-avid disease; no prior androgen signalling inhibitor, excepting abiraterone; no prior chemotherapy for mCRPC; and ≥2 high-risk features for early enzalutamide failure. Assessments are 4 weekly during study treatment, then 6 weekly until radiographic progression. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) are used to assess imaging conducted every 12 weeks, ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA PET at baseline, Days 15 and 92, and at progression, and ¹⁸ F-fluorine deoxyglucose (¹⁸ F-FDG) PET at baseline and progression. Translational samples include blood (and optional biopsies) at baseline, Day 92, and first progression. Correlative studies include identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers from ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA and ¹⁸ F-FDG PET/CT, circulating tumour cells and circulating tumour DNA. The trial will enrol 160 participants, providing 80% power with a two-sided type-1 error rate of 5% to detect a hazard ratio of 0.625 assuming a median PSA-PFS of 5 months with enzalutamide alone.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The combination of ¹⁷⁷ Lu-PSMA-617 and enzalutamide may be synergistic. ENZA-p will determine the safety and efficacy of the combination in addition to developing predictive and prognostic biomarkers to better guide treatment decisions.

Temporal mechanisms of myogenic specification in human induced pluripotent stem cells

Understanding the mechanisms of myogenesis in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a prerequisite to achieving patient-specific therapy for diseases of skeletal muscle. hiPSCs of different origin show distinctive kinetics and ability to differentiate into myocytes. To address the unique cellular and temporal context of hiPSC differentiation, we perform a longitudinal comparison of the transcriptomic profiles of three hiPSC lines that display differential myogenic specification, one robust and two blunted. We detail temporal differences in mechanisms that lead to robust myogenic specification. We show gene expression signatures of putative cell subpopulations and extracellular matrix components that may support myogenesis. Furthermore, we show that targeted knockdown of ZIC3 at the outset of differentiation leads to improved myogenic specification in blunted hiPSC lines. Our study suggests that β-catenin transcriptional cofactors mediate cross-talk between multiple cellular processes and exogenous cues to facilitate specification of hiPSCs to mesoderm lineage, leading to robust myogenesis.

ENZA-p: A randomized phase II trial using PSMA as a therapeutic agent and prognostic indicator in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide (ANZUP 1901)

TPS177

Background: 177Lu‐PSMA‐617 (LuPSMA) is a novel radionuclide with promising activity and tolerability in metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Pre-clinical studies have shown that androgen receptor blockade with enzalutamide upregulates PSMA-receptor expression, and that PSMA-receptor blockade increases treatment response to enzalutamide. We hypothesise that concurrent administration of LuPSMA and enzalutamide will be synergistic in mCRPC. The aims of ENZA-p are to determine the activity and safety of LuPSMA and enzalutamide in men with mCRPC at high-risk of early progression on enzalutamide alone; and to identify potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers from imaging, blood, and tissue. Methods: This open-label, randomised, multicentre, phase 2 trial will recruit 160 men with mCRPC. Key eligibility criteria include progression on androgen deprivation therapy, 2 or more high-risk features for early (LDH ≥ULN; ALP ≥ULN; albumin <35 g/L; M1 disease at diagnosis; <3 years from initial diagnosis to randomisation; >5 bone metastases; visceral metastases; PSA doubling time <84 days; pain requiring opiates >14 days; prior abiraterone), no prior treatment with a novel androgen signalling inhibitor (except abiraterone), no prior chemotherapy for mCRPC, and PSMA-avid disease on positron emission tomography (PET) with 68Ga-PSMA. Participants are randomly assigned (1:1) enzalutamide 160 mg daily or enzalutamide 160 mg daily plus LuPSMA 7.5 GBq on days 15 and 57. Two subsequent doses of Lu-PSMA will be administered if the 68Ga-PSMA PET on day 92 shows persistent PSMA expression in the tumour. Imaging assessments include CT and technetium bone scan at baseline, day 99, then every 12 weeks; 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET at baseline, days 15, 92, and first progression; and 18F FDG PET at baseline and first progression. Translational samples including circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and biopsies (optional) will be collected at baseline, day 92, and first progression. The primary endpoint is PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS). Secondary endpoints include radiological-PFS, PSA-response rate, pain response and PFS, clinical-PFS, overall survival, health related quality of life, adverse events, and cost-effectiveness. Correlative studies include identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers from 68Ga-PSMA, 18F FDG PET/CT, CTCs, and ctDNA. A sample size of 160 provides 80% power with a 2-sided type 1-error rate of 5% to detect a HR of 0.625 assuming a median PSA-PFS of 5 months with enzalutamide alone. Accrual was 5 on 13 October 2020. ENZA-p is an investigator-initiated, academic trial led by ANZUP in collaboration with the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney. Clinical trial information: NCT04419402.

P3BEP (ANZUP 1302): An international randomized phase III trial of accelerated versus standard BEP chemotherapy for male and female adults and children with intermediate and poor-risk metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs)

TPS390

Background: Bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) given 3-weekly x 4 is standard first-line chemotherapy for metastatic GCT categorised as intermediate risk or poor risk. Acceleration of standard regimens by shortening the cycle length improved cure rates in other cancers. We aim to determine the superiority of accelerated BEP versus standard BEP in this setting. Methods: This open label, randomised, phase III trial is conducted seamlessly in 2-stages. The primary endpoint for stage I (n=150) is complete response (CR); and for stage II (n=500) is progression free survival at 2 years (PFS2y). These sample sizes provide >80% power with a two-sided type error rate of 5% to detect an absolute improvement of 25% in the CR rate (stage II) and of 7% in the PFS2y (stage II). The target population is males and females aged 11 to 45 with intermediate-risk or poor-risk metastatic GCT of the testis, ovary, retroperitoneum, or mediastinum. Participants are randomised (1:1) to 4 cycles of standard BEP (q3w) or accelerated-BEP (q2w) with cisplatin 20mg/m2 D1-5, etoposide 100mg/m2 D1-5, bleomycin 30 KIU weekly x 12, and pegylated G-CSF D6 or filgrastim daily. Study assessments are 30 days after completing chemotherapy, 6 months from randomisation, and after completion of all post-chemotherapy treatments (e.g. surgery). Tumour tissue and baseline blood samples are collected for translational substudies including assessment of favourable versus unfavourable rates of decline in the novel biomarker miR-371. As of 13 October 2020, 140 participants have been recruited from 25 ANZ sites, 14 UK sites (led by Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit), and 140 USA sites (led by Children’s Oncology Group). The first planned interim analysis for safety (n=76) identified no safety concerns. The stage I analysis is anticipated mid-2021. This international randomised trial of chemotherapy for intermediate and poor-risk metastatic GCT is the first to include adults and children of both sexes. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02582697 Clinical trial information: NCT02582697.

Denosumab and pembrolizumab in clear cell renal carcinoma (KEYPAD): A phase II trial (ANZUP1601)

TPS367

Background: Inhibitors of the programmed death-1 pathway (PD-1) are effective in clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC). Preclinical data and case reports suggest that denosumab, an inhibitor of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κ-B Ligand (RANKL) signaling, could potentiate the anti-tumour effects of anti-PD1 inhibitors without overlapping toxicities. We aim to determine the activity and safety of combining denosumab and pembrolizumab in advanced ccRCC. Methods: This single arm, multi-center, phase II trial will recruit 70 participants with metastatic or unresectable ccRCC, progressing during or after treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and with no prior treatment with immunotherapy or denosumab. Participants will receive pembrolizumab 200mg IV every 3 weeks plus denosumab 120mg SC on days 1, 8 and 22 and then every 3 weeks until disease progression, prohibitive toxicity or maximum treatment of 24 months. Response will be assessed at weeks 12, 18, 24, then every 12 weeks until disease progression. Bloods for translational studies are collected at baseline, week 6 and on disease progression. The primary endpoint is objective tumour response rate (OTRR) per RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints include OTRR per iRECIST, progression free survival (PFS), time to OTRR, time to first skeletal related event, adverse events, and frequency of treatment delays/discontinuations. Correlative studies will include identification of prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers relating to immune and RANKL signaling. A sample size of 70 provides 90% power with a 1-sided type 1 error rate of 10% to distinguish the observed OTRR (and PFS at 6 months) from an OTRR of 40% (worthy of pursuit) versus 25% (not worthy of pursuit). 15 sites are open across Australia. As of September 23, 2020, 40 patients have been recruited. Clinical trial information: NCT03280667 .

Operative tactics in floor of mouth and tongue cancer resection - the importance of imaging and planning

Complete tumour resection (R0 margin) is an axiom of surgical oncology. Oral cancer ablation is challenging, due to anatomical, functional, and aesthetic considerations. R0 margin is strongly linked to better survival outcomes with great variation in the R0 % across units. This is commonly attributed to disease biology. Without disputing the importance of biological characteristics, we contend that image-based anatomical surgical planning has an important role to play in achieving complete resection. Here, we present our approach utilising cross-sectional imaging, anatomical characteristics and spatial awareness in planning resections for floor of mouth (FOM) and oral tongue cancers. We highlight the challenge of controlling the deep tumour margin lingual to mandible due to anterior vector constraints and emphasise the importance of resecting the genial muscles in a planned fashion and that any rim resection should be obliquely sagittal. In resecting lateral FOM tumours, assessing extension to the parapharyngeal fat is crucial; and mandibular rim resection at a sagittal plane below the mylohyoid line is often required. Assessing the proximity of the contralateral neurovascular pedicle, pre-epiglottic space and hyoid bone are crucial parameters to determine the extent of tongue tumour resection. Our cohort included 173 patients with FOM SCC and 299 patients with tongue SCC. Six patients (3.5%) from the FOM group and eight patients (3%) from the tongue group had involved (R1) margins following surgery. This was associated with local relapse (p<0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrate that image-based planning can aid achieving R0 resections and reduce disease relapse.

Identification of Botryosphaeriaceae associated with stem-end rot of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Malaysia

AIMS

To identify Botryosphaeriaceae fungal species that are associated with stem-end rot of mango, and to study their pathogenicity on mango fruit.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), TEF1-α and β-tubulin, as well as on the phylogenetic analysis of combined sequences, four species of Lasiodiplodia (L. theobromae,L. pseudotheobromae, L. iranensis, L. mahajangana) and two species of Neofusicoccum (N. ribis, N. parvum) were identified. Pseudofusicoccum violaceum, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and three species of Botryosphaeria (B. scharifii, B. dothidea, B. ramosa) were identified based on sequences of ITS and TEF1-α. Pathogenicity test of selected isolates were tested on Chok Anan, Waterlily and Falan mango cultivars. Generally, all species were observed to be pathogenic on the three tested mango cultivars on wounded fruits, except for N. ribis and N. parvum, which were pathogenic on both wounded and unwounded fruits. However, N. ribis was only pathogenic on cultivar Falan, whereas B. ramosa were pathogenic on cultivars Waterlily and Falan.

CONCLUSIONS

Eleven species of Botryosphaeriaceae were associated with mango stem-end rot in Malaysia. To the best of our knowledge, four species, namely L. mahajangana, B. ramosa, N. ribis and P. violaceum are the first recorded Botryosphaeriaceae fungi associated with stem end rot of mango.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The identification of Botryosphaeriaceae fungi is important to establish suitable control measures and quarantine requirements. Many species have a wide host range, which means that there is a possibility of cross infection from other infected plants.

A phase II trial of durvalumab (MEDI4736) and tremelimumab with chemotherapy in metastatic EGFR mutant non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following progression on EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (ILLUMINATE)

TPS9631

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have proven remarkably effective in the treatment of advanced EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, drug resistance is inevitable and outcomes with subsequent platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy are poor. The role of immune-checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy in EGFR mutant NSCLC remains uncertain with trials demonstrating inferior survival outcomes compared to chemotherapy. However, a recent randomised study with combination checkpoint inhibitor-chemotherapy demonstrated improved survival over chemotherapy alone in this patient population. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combination dual immune-checkpoint blockade, durvalumab and tremelimumab, with platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy in metastatic EGFR mutant NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKIs. Methods: This international phase II cohort study will recruit 100 participants from Australia and Taiwan with advanced EGFR mutant NSCLC following disease progression with EGFR-TKIs [Cohort 1 (n=50): T790M mutation negative on tissue and plasma; Cohort 2 (n=50): T790M mutation positive on tissue and/or plasma, and progression on3rd generation TKIs]. Participants will receive 4 cycles of induction durvalumab 1500mg and tremelimumab 75mg with platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy every 3 weeks, followed by maintenance durvalumab 1500mg and pemetrexed 500mg/m2 every 4 weeks until disease progression. Response will be assessed at 6 and 12 weeks, then 8-weekly during the first year, and 12-weekly thereafter. Major endpoints include objective tumour response rate (OTRR; RECIST1.1; primary), disease control rate, OTRR (iRECIST), progression-free survival, overall survival, and adverse events. Correlative studies include biomarker assessment as potential predictive/prognostic factors. ILLUMINATE is a collaboration between the Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group, National Health Research Institutes (Taiwan) and the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney. As of 6/2/2020, 11 of planned 100 participants have been recruited. Clinical trial information: NCT03994393 .

P3BEP (ANZUP 1302): An international randomized phase III trial of accelerated versus standard BEP chemotherapy for adult and pediatric male and female patients with intermediate and poor-risk metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs)

TPS425

Background: Bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP) given 3-weekly x 4 remains standard 1st line chemotherapy for metastatic GCTs. Acceleration of standard regimen with shorter cycle lengths has improved cure rates in other cancers. This is the first international randomised clinical trial for intermediate and poor-risk metastatic extracranial GCTs involving both adult and paediatric age group males and females. We aim to determine if accelerated BEP is superior to standard BEP. Methods: DESIGN: Open label, randomised, stratified multicentre, 2 stage, phase 3 trial. Primary endpoint for stage I (n = 150) is the achievement of a favourable response, and for entire trial (n = 500) is progression free survival (PFS). SAMPLE SIZE: 150 and 500 patients gives > 80% power to detect a 20% improvement in the favourable response rate and 7% absolute improvement in 2yr PFS, respectively. POPULATION: Males and females aged 11-45 years with intermediate or poor-risk metastatic GCTs of the testis, ovary, retroperitoneum or mediastinum for 1st line chemotherapy. TREATMENT: Randomisation 1:1 to 4 cycles of “standard BEP” or “accelerated BEP”: cisplatin 20mg/m2 IV D1-5; etoposide 100mg/m2 IV D1-5; bleomycin 30000 IU IV weekly; and pegylated G-CSF SC D6 or filgrastim daily; given every 3 weeks or every 2 weeks respectively. Accelerated BEP arm receives 4 additional weekly doses of bleomycin. ASSESSMENTS: Response assessments at 30 day safety assessment, and 6 months from randomisation or after all post-chemotherapy intervention is completed. Regular follow-up up to 5 years, then annually. Archival tumour tissue and baseline blood collected for translational substudies. STATUS: 25 sites open in ANZ, 13 sites open in UK (led by Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit), 67 sites open in the USA (led by Children’s Oncology Group). As of September 2019, 98 patients have been recruited triggering the first formal interim analysis. Clinical trial information: NCT02582697.

Endoscopic Resections in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre European Outcomes Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with estimates ranging 2-18%, depending on the duration of colitis. The management of neoplasia in colitis remains controversial. Current guidelines recommend endoscopic resection if the lesion is clearly visible with distinct margins. Colectomy is recommended if complete endoscopic resection is not guaranteed. We aimed to assess the outcomes of all neoplastic endoscopic resections in inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study of 119 lesions of visible dysplasia in 93 patients, resected endoscopically in inflammatory bowel disease.

RESULTS

A total of 6/65 [9.2%] lesions <20 mm in size were treated by ESD [endoscopic submucosal dissection] compared with 59/65 [90.8%] lesions <20 mm treated by EMR [endoscopic mucosal resection]; 16/51 [31.4%] lesions >20 mm in size were treated by EMR vs 35/51 [68.6%] by ESD. Almost all patients [97%] without fibrosis were treated by EMR, and patients with fibrosis were treated by ESD [87%], p < 0.001. In all, 49/78 [63%] lesions treated by EMR were resected en-bloc and 27/41 [65.9%] of the ESD/KAR [knife-assisted resection] cases were resected en-bloc, compared with 15/41 [36.6%] resected piecemeal. Seven recurrences occurred in the cohort. Seven complications occurred in the cohort; six were managed endoscopically and one patient with a delayed perforation underwent surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger lesions with fibrosis are best treated by ESD, whereas smaller lesions without fibrosis are best managed by EMR. Both EMR and ESD are feasible in the management of endoscopic resections in colitis.

Employment Challenges Faced by Breast Cancer Survivors in an Upper Middle–Income Asian Setting

Background: Cancer survivorship as an area, which focuses on the health and life of an individual following cancer diagnosis and treatment is increasingly being recognized as an important component of the cancer control continuum. Advances in breast cancer detection and treatments have resulted in a growing number of patients experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis at an age when career plays an important role in their lives. Yet, very little is known on how breast cancer affects employment and return to work among survivors, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Aim: This qualitative study aims to gain an in-depth understanding on employment challenges and motivators/barriers in return to work faced by breast cancer survivors in an upper-middle income Asian setting. Methods: Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with breast cancer survivors representing various ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds in Malaysia. Patients diagnosed one to two years prior to the study were recruited from a general public hospital, a public academic hospital and two private hospitals. Data from the FGDs were examined using thematic content analysis from the NVivo software. Results: The major themes relating to impact of cancer diagnosis on employment were “decreased work ability”, “job loss”, “long absenteeism” and “hostile work environment”. Coping strategy themes frequently mentioned to offset income loss from employment changes were “savings”, “part-time work” or financial support from “family/friends” or “social security”. However, participants were quick to highlight the insufficiency and unreliability of these strategies to cope financially in the long run. When describing their decision in choosing to return to work, participants mentioned themes such as “need money”, feeling “more happy” or having a “supportive work environment”. Nonetheless, participants emphasized the “discrimination” they faced in finding a job after active treatment. Specifically, participants' frequent need to take time-off from work for their cancer follow-ups as well as their older age were perceived as disadvantages in seeking employment when compared with younger, healthy applicants. Conclusion: It is evident that a breast cancer diagnosis severely disrupts employment and return to work in middle income settings. Multisectoral interventions are urgently required to improve the employment status of our cancer survivors, including legislative reforms to prevent discrimination. Programs supporting employment and return to work among cancer survivors should be developed and integrated in the provision of a holistic survivorship care.

Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Following a Cancer Diagnosis in Malaysia

Background: Worldwide surveys suggest that the use of CAM is becoming increasingly popular among the general population as well as among cancer patients. Aim: We determined the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in cancer patients, and the associated factors in a multiethnic Asian setting. Methods: Through the Asean CosTs In ONcology (ACTION) prospective cohort study, 1662 newly diagnosed cancer patients were recruited from 12 public and 2 private hospitals in Malaysia. In the current study, we only included 1328 patients who were alive and completed one-year of follow-up. Using questionnaires and cost diaries, patients' sociodemographic factors and disease related factors were measured at baseline, whereas details on CAM use were measured at 12 months. Results: Median age at cancer diagnosis was 53 years. Patients comprised those with breast cancer (33%), gastrointestinal cancers (27%), hematologic malignancies (22%), female reproductive cancers (6%), respiratory cancers (5%), and other types. At one-year, 175 patients reported using CAM (14%), of which 53 comprised patients reporting inability to make necessary household payments (economic hardship) at initial diagnosis. Most CAM users took food or nutritional supplements (75%), spending between RM150 to RM7500 in a year, followed by traditional local medicine (43%), where expenditures ranged between RM50 to RM20,000. A minority practiced homeopathy, and mind-body practices. Fifty-one patients used more than one type of therapy. In CAM users with economic hardship at baseline, median expenditure on CAM was RM1500, with some spending as much as RM10,000. Compared with other cancer types, patients with hematologic malignancies and women with breast cancer were most likely to use CAM. In a multivariable analysis, baseline factors that were associated with CAM use were economic hardship, higher anxiety scores, having female reproductive cancers, or hematologic malignancies, receipt of surgery, and nonreceipt of radiotherapy. Sex, education status, marital status, health insurance status, cancer stage, and systemic cancer therapy do not appear to be associated with CAM use. Conclusion: While the proportion of patients reporting CAM use following a cancer diagnosis appear low in this study, the finding that patients with initial economic hardship were independently more likely to use CAM, warrants attention.

Effect of Sudarshan Kriya Pranayama on periodontal status and human salivary beta-defensin-2: An interventional study

BACKGROUND

Yogic stretching (asana) has been proven to have an effect on salivary human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2) concentration, which is an antimicrobial peptide and is an inflammatory marker in periodontal disease. Sudarshan Kriya Pranayama (SKP) is a part of yoga which involves rhythmic breathing. Hence, we aim to evaluate the periodontal parameters and to estimate the salivary HBD-2 level before and after SKP program in periodontitis individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An interventional study was designed and individuals were divided into three groups: Group I - healthy periodontium, Group II - chronic gingivitis, and Group III - chronic periodontitis. SKP was the interventional tool. The clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and salivary HBD-2 level were analyzed at baseline and 90 days after the SKP practice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate salivary HBD-2. McNemar's Chi-square, Paired samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the results. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Following the SKP intervention, the clinical parameters such as PI and GI improved significantly in all the groups (P < 0.001); however, Group III showed a significant reduction as compared to the other groups. The mean baseline salivary HBD-2 levels of Group I, Group II, and Group III were 91.78 ng/μl, 110.22 ng/μl, and 157.63 ng/μl which was further decreased to 95.22 ng/μl, 98.22 ng/μl, and 132.88 ng/μl, respectively, following SKP intervention (P < 0.001). However, Group III had a higher HBD-2 level at 90 th day as compared to other groups.

CONCLUSION

There was an improvement in PI and GI with a decrease in salivary HBD-2 in chronic periodontitis patients following SKP. Hence, SKP can be considered as an adjunct to treatment modality in patients with periodontal disease.

A comparison of intraoperative haemostatic techniques during tonsillectomy: Suture vs electrocautery-A study to assess postoperative pain scores and duration to resumption of normal diet

OBJECTIVES

To assess postoperative pain and pattern of recovery to normal diet in children who underwent tonsillectomy.

METHODS

Cold steel tonsillectomy (or adenotonsillectomy) was performed in 61 children. Haemostasis was attained with sutures in Group 1 (n = 30, 8 tonsillectomy and 22 adenotonsillectomy), and electrocautery in Group 2 (n = 31, 6 tonsillectomy and 25 adenotonsillectomy). Information obtained included postoperative pain scores and the number of postoperative days taken to resume normal diet. The pain score was evaluated with the Wong-Baker FACES^® Pain Rating Scale (WBFS).

RESULTS

Pain values in Group 1 (haemostasis with sutures) were significantly lower than those in Group 2 (haemostasis with cauterisation) from the 6th hour to the 7th postoperative day (P < .05). For both liquid and solid food, Group 1 returned to normal diet earlier, compared to Group 2 (P < .05). When comparing patients undergoing tonsillectomy vs adenotonsillectomy, resumption of normal diet was achieved later in the adenotonsillectomy patients (P < .05). In terms of postoperative bleeding, there were 2 significant events in Group 2 (electrocautery group), occurring on the 1st (severe) and 10th day (slight) in 2 children (6.5%). There were no postoperative bleeding events in Group 1.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that suture haemostatis causes less pain and faster resumption of normal diet compared to electrocautery. In view of this, we recommend the use of sutures for achieving intraoperative haemostasis in paediatric patients.

The safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation following endoscopic submucosal dissection for Barrett's neoplasia

The current standard of treating early Barrett's neoplasia is resection of visible lesions using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) followed by ablative therapy to the Barrett's segment. There is increasing evidence to support the use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) where en-bloc resection and lower recurrence rates may be achieved. However, ESD is associated with deep submucosal dissection when compared to EMR. This may increase the risk of complications including stricture formation with subsequent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of RFA following EMR and ESD as well as when RFA was used without prior endoscopic resection. The primary outcome measure was complication rates. Clearance of dysplasia (CRD) and clearance of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) were secondary outcomes. A retrospective analysis of a cohort of 91 patients referred for RFA from a single academic tertiary center was performed. The choice of endoscopic resection method was tailored according to the lesion type and morphology. Focal and circumferential ablation was performed after initial follow up endoscopy postresection. Patients proceeded straight to RFA in the absence of any visible lesions. In this study, the ESD group had a higher proportion of cancers compared to the EMR cohort (74.1% vs. 30.2%, P < 0.01) prior to RFA. All complications post RFA occurred in the groups with previous endoscopic resection. There was no significant difference in the total complication rate (7.4% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.78) and stricture formation rate (3.7% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.38) between the ESD and EMR groups. CRD was achieved in 96.3% in the ESD group, 88.4% in the EMR group, and all patients in the RFA alone group. CRIM rates were similar in the EMR and ESD groups (81.4% vs. 85.2%) but higher in the RFA alone group (90.5%). In conclusion, RFA following ESD is very effective and not associated with an increased risk of complications compared to EMR. This supports the application of RFA in the treatment algorithm of patients undergoing ESD for Barrett's neoplasia.

Dynamics of widespread foot-and-mouth disease virus serotypes A, O and Asia-1 in southern Asia: A Bayesian phylogenetic perspective

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is, arguably, the animal disease with the most devastating global economic impact owing in part, to the severe trade restrictions imposed upon affected countries and regions. South Asia is one of the regions where widespread lineages of the FMDV virus (FMDV) have emerged. Here, we performed an integrative phylogenetic analysis of all FMDV serotypes (A, O and Asia-1) circulating in southern Asia, including viral sequences collected until 2013. Our results describe the occurrence of FMD caused by different serotypes and lineages, focusing in the cycles where a specific lineage predominates within a region for a protracted period and then are rapidly or progressively replaced by an emergent or re-emergent strain that is introduced from an adjacent region. Transmission between the two main regions in southern Asia (the Indian subcontinent and the region comprised by Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan) has been limited. Results of time divergence estimation of lineages that currently circulate in this region indicate that the most recent common ancestor of endemic lineages are: 1992 [1989-1995] for lineage O/PanAsia; 1997 [1995-1999] for PanAsia2; 2001 [1998-2004] for O/Ind2001; 2001 [2000-2002] for A/Iran-05; 1990 [1988-1991] for A/G-18 (G-VII); 2003 [2000-2006] for Asia-1 Sindh08 and 2002 [1999-2004] for Asia-1 G-VIII. We estimated the mean of the overall substitution rate of the VP1 coding region (substitution/site/year) for serotype O (5.95 × 10^-3 ), serotype A (1.19 × 10^-2 ) and serotype Asia-1 (3.08 × 10^-3 ). The potential factors driving the lineage turnover are discussed. Our results provide insights into the ecological and evolutionary factors driving the emergence of FMDV.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus transmission dynamics and persistence in a herd of vaccinated dairy cattle in India

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an important transboundary disease with substantial economic impacts. Although between-herd transmission of the disease has been well studied, studies focusing on within-herd transmission using farm-level outbreak data are rare. The aim of this study was to estimate parameters associated with within-herd transmission, host physiological factors and FMD virus (FMDV) persistence using data collected from an outbreak that occurred at a large, organized dairy farm in India. Of 1,836 regularly vaccinated, adult dairy cattle, 222 had clinical signs of FMD over a 39-day period. Assuming homogenous mixing, a frequency-dependent compartmental model of disease transmission was built. The transmission coefficient and basic reproductive number were estimated to be between 16.2-18.4 and 67-88, respectively. Non-pregnant animals were more likely to manifest clinical signs of FMD as compared to pregnant cattle. Based on oropharyngeal fluid (probang) sampling and FMDV-specific RT-PCR, four of 36 longitudinally sampled animals (14%) were persistently infected carriers 10.5 months post-outbreak. There was no statistical difference between subclinical and clinically infected animals in the duration of the carrier state. However, prevalence of NSP-ELISA antibodies differed significantly between subclinical and clinically infected animals 12 months after the outbreak with 83% seroprevalence amongst clinically infected cattle compared to 69% of subclinical animals. This study further elucidates within-herd FMD transmission dynamics during the acute-phase and characterizes duration of FMDV persistence and seroprevalence of FMD under natural conditions in an endemic setting.